Ranma Half Moon chapter 104 "Idol Challenge" part 4
Author's note: This episode happens during the Sailor Moon episode 40 "The Legendary Lake Monster, Usagi's Family Ties".
Author's note: Bang Bang Kiss Kiss is a song from Ayaka Komatsu performing as Aino Minako. Ayaka played Sailor Venus in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon and wanted her music to be the music that Minako never got to do in the original series. Translated lyrics appropriated from Sarah Henshaw of Ryuusei Fansubs.
Author's note: Kirari*Sailor Dream! was the opening theme of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon and Alisa, who played Mio Kuroki on the show, performed it at the PGSM concert. Translated lyrics appropriated by Kurozuki.
"What is your report?"
Kunzite bows. "My queen, I cannot say with certainty if Endymion's memory is completely erased. He seemed visibly shaken when he heard a child's music box. He also seemed visibly shaken when he heard some old legendary story. And, when the monster was refreshed into a human, Endymion seemed to be friendly with it."
Queen Beryl rubs her forehead. "This is most troubling. However, this evidence is not really conclusive."
"I know. It is not known for sure if Endymion is starting to regain his memories. However, when he transforms into Tuxedo Kamen he seems to do many things that he normally would not do."
Queen Beryl nods. "Sometimes the body will remember things that the mind does not."
"My queen, would erased memories then be in danger of being seen in dreams?"
"Kunzite, that is an interesting idea. However, I don't know if Endymion has been having nightmares."
"Well then, let us hope that his memories do not return before we have the Silver Crystal."
"Don't worry, Kunzite, Endymion has told me that he is working on a promising new strategy. You'll be pleasantly surprised."
"I am looking forward to it, my queen."
...
Mio looks around her makeshift dressing room. Her fan club had nearly filled it with flowers, to where it was hard to move.
Mio checks herself out in the mirror. I hid this concert from my manager. If my manager knew I was better, then they would take me away from this high school and my stupid body would go along with it. Then I would miss my chance to convince Haruka to kill herself.
Mio pouts. Why are things always so complicated?
"Five minutes!"
Mio looks in the mirror. Would the fans out there cheer her if they knew who she really was?
Still, the feeling her body was feeling was very nostalgic. Mio remembers back to her first audition with her new body. I cheated by brainwashing the judges to make sure that I won, but when I performed I had sounded good and I got a pleasant reaction from the judges even before I had brainwashed them.
After that I realized that I didn't need to brainwash my audiences because they were ready to accept me, anyway. Now I can just perform, and the audience is willing to give me their energy. It wasn't a lot, but it would certainly make me that much closer to being whole.
"It's time."
Mio gathers herself. Time to deliver.
Members of Mio's fan club guide her through a maze of underground tunnels to the stage entrance.
"Thanks, guys."
"Knock them dead, Mio."
All in good time...
Mio walks out on stage blowing kisses to her fans. Her fan club had stacked the deck for her by bussing in legions of her fans.
The fan reaction is touching this body, but on the inside I am nauseated. But, the show must go on.
"Everyone, everyone, EVERYONE!" Mio pauses for effect. "Many weeks ago everything that I hold near and dear to my heart was taken away from me when I had a heart attack. While I was lying in my hospital bed all I could think of was that I would never be able to do this again." Mio play hits herself in the head. "What was Mio-chan thinking? As long as there people out there who want me to perform for them then their energy will give me the power to come back!"
The crowd cheers.
"So, tonight I get to perform for you," Mio points to a random audience member, "and you, and you," dramatic pause, "and you too. And, for everyone in this audience!"
More cheers.
"So tonight, all of you will be the lucky first people to hear a song that I was working on before my troubles started. It's a song that is not released, but might be my first single when I come back. It's call Bang, Bang, Kiss, Kiss."
Mio smirks to herself. Actually, it was one of the songs that I was going to give to Minako if my primary plan had fallen through.
Mio signals to a stagehand to start the backing track. A loud rock beat blares forth softened my a churning organ riff.
"Don't look at me with a face that says 'I'm sorry'. Sadness can even make a person forget how she walks. On nights when I don't see you, who are you with? Kiss! Kiss! It's love's fault, I know. Bang! Bang! A hole opened in my heart."
Haruka Tenou relaxes in her dressing room by herself. She had ordered all of her fans to enjoy the concert and not to worry on her behalf.
"I want a romance not just about smiles. I'll overcome my pain and protect you. Just thinking about you makes me feel warm. And, that is what I put my faith in. I'll be here."
Mio bows to a fanatical reaction from the Furinkan High School students and her fan club members.
"Thank you all so much! Mio-chan is so happy! But, this is a challenge match, so I will do one more song and then bring on my challenger. This song has many precious memories for me and I hope it will warm all of your hearts!"
"My eyes are always jewels. My body clad in lamé and charms. Going through life is to 'Try get a chance!' Because I have it here, I have strong dreams."
Ranma-kun watches from the back of the audience. Mio's voice has always made him feel uneasy, and today was no different. Maybe I just don't like idol singers? But, I didn't get that reaction from Minako's song.
"Make up, at that moment, the sparkle I give to you. A sailor soldier that is everlasting love. A sailor soldier, that is a moonlight real girl."
"Thank all of you. With your energy Mio-chan will be back at full force before you know it."
Mio waits for the applause to die down. "And, now for my challenger. I hope that she's really good because I would love to have a rival who would motivate me to succeed. So, here is Tenou Haruka!"
Haruka calmly walks onstage in a tuxedo and pants. The male audience doesn't quite know what to think of this but the girls in attendance oh and ah in anticipation.
"Everyone, I must confess that I'm not a singer. But, you people came to hear some music, and I have vowed not to disappoint anyone. Now, I might not be much of an idol, but I do know someone who is."
Ranma-kun starts panicking. Oh, no! Don't tell me she's going to bring in Minako? That would probably destabilize her for sure!
Suddenly a buzz goes through the audience as a shadowed figure walks down the side aisle. When the figure gets on stage Ranma-kun immediately recognizes her. It's Kaiou Michiru!
Haruka pulls out a stand up piano and the Michiru pulls out a violin.
"We might not be able to play like idols, but I hope this will do."
Haruka and Michiru give a ten-minute concert that has the fans in the audience mesmerized.
Mio comes back onstage. "Haruka, congratulations. Obviously, not only will you be keeping your fans but also you might be stealing some of mine as well. Your pride as a woman is safe."
Haruka shakes Mio's hand. "I think the winners here are the audience. How many other high schools get to see a spectacle like this?"
"But, Haruka, who is your friend?"
Michiru smiles and winks at Mio. "You'll find out Monday."
The crowd immediately breaks out in a frenzy of speculative whispers.
Mio notices that Michiru's forehead glows with the symbol of Neptune.
Next up: Part three of the Season Two preview