XII - The 2nd Day and a Very Close Call

Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch - Training Room

May 13, 2021 - Thursday - 5:30 A.M.

Riku POV

(This is what happened in Stockholm before Yuyuko revealed everything to the girls)

The 2nd day of the Future World Fes starts today.....well not actually right now; we got at least 4 hours more before it starts. A lot happened yesterday, after the meeting with the other band leaders, me, Johan and Ammar made some final adjustments on what we're going to perform today, it took a while but we finished nonetheless.

Right now, I'm at the hotel's training room with Youmu. As to why, it's because she asked me to be her sparring partner as she said that she was getting a bit rusty.

Youmu: HAAAAA!

Youmu dashed towards me in an iai stance. I waited at the right moment she draws her shinai and.....I parried her shinai upward with mine.

Youmu: How did- ugh!

Before Youmu even got the chance to react, I hit her in the gut with the edge of the hilt of my shinai and knocked her down.

Riku: I think that will do it for now. Guess that you got a long way to go.....but there is progress.

Youmu: Y-yeah.....*cough*! That last attack hurt Riku-kun.

Riku: Sorry, that was the first thing that comes to mind when I parried your attack.

Youmu: I see....at least I learned something from it.

Riku: Good. You can go ahead without me. I'm staying here for a while.

Youmu: Then I'll be going on ahead then. Do you want me to make breakfast for you and the boys?

Riku: If you can please do. And I want something that is light for the throat.

Youmu: Very well then.

Youmu left and went to wash herself as I was left alone in the training room. As I was about to resume my usual daily work-out, my phone rang. I looked at it and it was an unknown number.

Riku: Hmmmmm.....wonder who could be calling me at this time. Hello?

???: Riku. Good thing you answered.

Riku: Chisato is that you? Why are you using a different number?

It was Chisato who is calling me right now. If I remember correctly....the time in Japan now is currently 12:30, it means she's calling me during her lunch break. But why is she calling me in a different number?

Chisato: This is my private number. The number that you have is the one I use for Pastel*Pallettes. Sorry that I forgot to tell you.

Riku: I'll keep that in mind. But enough of that, what brings you to call me?

Chisato went quiet for a while and I can hear through the phone that she let out sigh.

Chisato: I talked to Aya-chan and the others regarding to what we talked about a few weeks ago...and....

Riku: And?

Chisato: You were right. Aya-chan and the others didn't looked at me differently, but they wanted to help me on what I lacked.....I guess this is what it means to be in a band.

Riku: I'm glad that you opened up to your band mates, have you practiced Yura Yura with them yet?

Chisato: We did practice Yura Yura yesterday, after you and your band performed.

Riku: Oh~ I guess you figured out what you need to do.

Chisato: All thanks to you....onii-sama. After watching you perform, I now know what to do.

Riku: That's my girl. Quick question before I hang up. Have you girls have gotten your passports yet?

Chisato: No, not yet.....

Riku: Thought so. I'll ask Yuyuko-san about it later to see if she already got it covered. What you girls need will be your photos for your passports.

Chisato: I-I see. Well I gotta go back to class. Kanon-chan is already calling me back. And....good luck....onii-sama.

Riku: Thanks.....I'll be seeing you girls here soon.

I ended the call and I returned to my work-out. And after a few minutes I just thought of something. I went to my bag and took the Spell Cards that Reimu sent me.

Riku: Some of the Spell Cards that she sent me are blank and some of them has the spells that the Nagae family usually use. Hmmmmmmm....let's try something.

If Reimu sent me these blank Spell Cards, it means that I can make some original spells. Lightning starts to spread throughout my body and I gave a small smile.

(A/N: Similar to Izuku using One for All: Full Cowling)

Riku: Good thing that the staff told me that this room is soundproof. Hopefully it's also lightning resistant.

~BZZZZZZT~

I scattered my lightning a bit and see that the room is still intact.

Riku: Hmmmm....guess it can take my lightning to an extent and I just used at least 40%.....now then, let's begin.

1 and a half hour later

Hakugyoku Hotel Stockholm Branch - Dining Hall

7:00 A.M.

An hour and a half passed, I finally finished creating my Spell Cards. Unfortunately, I only manage to make 2. One for offense and one for defense. I can't wait to use it in a danmaku battle when I get back in Japan.

After creating my own spells, I took a quick shower and made my way to the dining hall where I see all of the bands are having their breakfast. Taiga was calling for me as he saved me a seat.

Taiga: Where were you man? We went to your room earlier and you weren't there.

Riku: Forgot to tell you that I always wake up at 5 in the morning for my morning work-out.

bzm: You work-out?

Riku: How do you expect that I can carry the keytar that I have right now? It's heavier than most keytars. Anyways, how's your sleep boys. You guys ready for day 2?

The boys nod and I can see in their eyes that they are more than ready.

Youmu: Riku-kun, here is your breakfast.

Youmu showed up with a tray and it has sliced apples drizzled in honey, green tea and some french toast.

Riku: Looks good. Thank you Youmu.

Yuragi: Ain't the food you have are those types that is good for your voice?

Riku: Remember the plan we made last night? The songs that we're going to do today will require me to sing in a high pitch like yesterday but with additional screaming. That's why I asked Youmu to prepare this for me.

They boys just looked at me as I took the toast and ate it. While I was eating in peace, I can feel someone was behind me. I waited for the perfect time until....I grabbed the arm of that said person coming from behind.

Riku: You gotta do better than that Rin.

The one I grabbed was a girl with red eyes, with fiery red hair styled into twin braids and adorned by black ribbons at the top and bottom of the braids. She wears a black decorated dress with green frills. She's Kaenbyou Rin, a member of the Komeiji Family and one of Satori-san's attendants.

???: I told you Riku-sama won't fall for that Orin.

Rin: I thought I got him nya~

Riku: Utsuho you're here too? Thanks for patrolling the hotel last night.

The other girl has has long dark brown hair. She wears a white short-sleeved shirt, a green skirt and a green hair-ribbon. She's Reiuji Utsuho, also a member of the Komeiji Family and she's Koishi's attendant.

Utsuho: No problem Riku-sama! We do as Satori-sama orders us to do! Right Orin?

Rin: Yup. Now I gotta go. I have to wake Satori-sama up nya~

Riku: Well good luck with that.

Utsuho: Oh yeah, after you finish your breakfast, come to the lobby. Someone is waiting for you there.

Someone's waiting for me? But who? Could it be the one that Satori-san said last night?

I finished my breakfast as I head to the lobby and I saw two familiar faces.

Riku: Ran-san, Meiling-san! What are you two doing here in Stockholm?

Y. Ran: Nee-sama asked me to come here as soon as possible; she already knew that this will happen.

Meiling: Oujo-sama kind of predicted that something is going to happen here, so she sent me here to help you.

So Remilia-san and Yukari-san knew.

Riku: I'll take you to the organizers to discuss everything that is needed later. But for now, you two check-in while I get everything ready.

I left the two as he check-in while I went to my room to prepare for the upcoming day. Johan asked me who those two were and I said that those two are the help that Satori-san mentioned last night.

2 and a half hours later

(This is one hour before Yuyuko revealed everything)

Liquid Studios – Western Europe Branch

9:30 A.M.

I and the other participants made it to the venue where the 2nd day of the Future World Fes Group Stage will be held.

Liquid Studios is a public Live House that is owned by Team Liquid here in Sweden, which produces local talent that if they can be exposed to the pros, they can be scouted by other orgs in the future. This place can hold at least 1,200 people if sold out and have 20 waiting rooms for the bands that are going here. With that many rooms, the bands in Group B can have their time here with not us leaving.

I noticed that the security has increased. The issue in Russia and China were bad enough, but adding assassins trying to screw this tournament is one thing that they don't want to add to their problems.

I brought Meiling-san and Ran-san to the organizers and explained them on how much help the can offer. Then one of the staff pointed at Meiling-san while a bit scared.

Staff: A-a-aren't you the "Immovable Demon Gate"!?

All of them looked at Meiling-san aside from me and Ran-san and one of the security team asked the staff that said it.

Guard: "Immovable Demon Gate"?

Staff: Well the reason why she's called that is there was one time ESL held an event in Paris, she volunteered to take care of the security and one day, there were some issues in the entrance where a group of gangsters trying to get inside the venue. But she beat the gangsters up so bad and threw them out without remorse. Then the following day, those gangsters came back but they came with more numbers, but none of them manage to get through the gate as she was beating them the moment they got close to the gate. And several witnesses said that the way she guards the gate while beating those gangsters, it's like they were looking at a demon guarding the gates of hell without moving from her spot. On that day, she was given the name of the "Immovable Demon Gate".

Everyone was shocked from the staff's story on Meiling-san even I was surprised. I know Meiling-san is the gatekeeper of the Scarlet Family but still.

Riku: Meiling-san....did that really happen back then?

Meiling-san just scratched the back of her head in embarrassment.

Meiling: Sadly yes.....

The CEO of ESL heard all of this as he goes to Meiling-san's direction.

CEO: If what the staff said is true, then we'll be expecting much from you. The tournament would've been cancelled in the first place, but Iku convinced me to continue.

Meiling: I'll do my absolute best. As Riku-sama's teacher, I will not fail.

Meiling-san cupped her hands as showing her resolve.

CEO: How about you young lady?

Y. Ran: I may not fight like Meiling, but I can provide assistance behind the scenes. I am Yakumo Ran, sister of Yakumo Yukari.

The CEO narrowed his eyes a bit when he heard the name "Yakumo".

CEO: So you're her sister. Then things will go smoothly. Iku, you can go ahead and go to your band. Take Iku to the room where his band is assigned.

Staff: Yes sir. Iku, I'll be taking you to where your band is now.

I left Ran-san and Meiling-san as I can hear the CEO giving them instructions while I follow the staff to OG's waiting room.

30 minutes later

Liquid Studios – OG's Waiting Room

10:00 A.M.

The staff took me to OG's waiting room and I bowed to the staff as thanks. I opened the door and I see the boys are relaxing themselves as the 2nd day is about to begin in a few minutes.

Johan: Riku, you made it. Now that we're all here, let's recap on what we'll be performing today. But first, here are the order of the bands that will perform for day 2.

Group A

Tundra

T1

OG

beastcoast

BOOM RIVALRY

BetBoom

Group B

Fnatic

Gaimin Gladiators

Team Spirit

TSM

Team Liquid

Thunder Awaken

Ammar: At least we didn't take last this time.

Riku: True. With us being third, this gives up some options to choose. Depending on how will Tundra and T1 perform today.

As we begin to recap on what to do we heard the door knocking, the door opened and it was one of the staff.

Staff: Is Iku here? He needs to sign this so we could start.

Riku: Oh right, I totally forgot about that.

What I just signed was the approval where the organizing staff can place and remove our instruments in the stage with our full consent, as well as doing daily maintenance and tuning for each instrument we have but we need to be there in person for the latter.

Riku: Here you go.

Staff: Thank you and good luck to you.

When the staff member left, we resumed our planning.

Johan: Now let's get back to it. I was about to say, me, Riku and Ammar discussed last night, we'll be going to do "that" today.

Everyone was surprised except for me and Ammar when Johan said we'll be using "that". It's been 2 years since I've done it.

Taiga: Are you sure? You did tell us that we'll be using "that" in the main stage right?

Riku: If we want to clinch an upper bracket spot, we have to use it today to make sure we go to the upper bracket and secure the top spot. If that isn't going to convince you guys, look at the TV.

When I pointed at the TV, the boys watched Tundra perform. But when the moment they watched them perform, they couldn't believed what they saw.

Tsutae ni kita yo kizuato tadatte

Sekai ni oshitsubusarete shimau mae ni

Oboeteru kana namida no sora wo

Ano itami ga kimi no koto wa mamotte kureta

Sono itami ga itsumo kimi wo mamotterun da

bzm: No way...they're doing Japanese too?

Riku: I guess Tundra did their homework. I mean Sneyking called me up a few months ago asking me to give him some Japanese modules. I didn't expect him to use it for this.

Taiga: Then what are we gonna do then?

John: Like I told you earlier, we're going to use "that". I know that it's gonna be risky but sometimes we have to take risks and what better time to do it than right now. As for the songs....Riku.

Riku: For today we'll be performing "Sacrifice" for the first and "Reincarnation" for the second. These two songs in particular are the reason why we're going to use "that". Both songs will require me mostly focusing on the vocals, I can do fine if I play rhythm guitar but with keyboard, no can do. And I didn't teach you the basis of other instruments for two straight weeks just for nothing right? If you want your name to be known, now is the time.

Taiga: So who will be playing which instrument?

Riku: I have to take the rhythm guitar role for this. Ammar, you'll be playing the drums. Didn't SabeRLight-(TSM) dared you to play drums a few months ago?

Ammar: He did say that. And I'm all for it.

Riku: Bozhidar will take the keyboard. We'll ask the staff to tune my keyboards to your style later.

bzm: Okay.

Riku: Tommy will be the lead guitar. Boxi(Team Liquid) and M1cke(Team Liquid) taught you how to play when you were still in Liquid right? Show them that you can play guitar too.

Taiga clapped his face to hype himself up.

Riku: And lastly, Artem will play bass. Just go like I taught you and you'll do fine.

Yuragi just nods and the door opened and we see a staff member showed up.

Staff: OG, prepare to stand by. T1 is coming up next.

Johan: That's our cue. Check your instruments and prepare anything you'll need out there.

The boys got the things they need as they leave the room; I fixed my scarf and left the room with Youmu. As we were making our way to the back stage, Tundra passed by us and shared a few words with them.

Riku: Aui was the one who planned that right?

Sneyking: You have no idea. He said that if we can't beat OG in our way, then we have to beat the in their own game.

Everyone chuckled as we know that Aui is one of the smartest coaches out there and known for his competitiveness.

Riku: Tell him that he did a great job. Watch our performance and you'll get n answer.

After talking with Sneyking, I went to where our instruments are, and we started to double check along with the staff in charge. While we were doing our thing, I got a message from Yuyuko-san and she said that all of the girls arrived at CiRCLE along with Chiyu and her band, she invited Remilia-san and her sister alongside Sakuya-san which I don't mind. I gave her the green light to tell them everything and I reminded her of their passports which she already finished it early.

As we just finished double checking and adjusting our instruments. T1 already finished performing and the stage staff told us to stand by as it's our turn in a few minutes. We see the stage darkened and the staff began to swap T1's instruments with ours.

Looking at the boys behind me getting a little nervous, I gave them a few words to lessen their nervousness.

Riku: Alright boys, today is the 2nd day and like Johan said yesterday, this day is a very important day as this will either determine we either go to the upper bracket or lower bracket in 3 days. Loosen up, get your nervousness out and let our music do the talking. I know that this is the first time that you guys will be doing "that". But I assure you boys that you will get used to it once you've started playing. I gave you guys the blueprints and now it's up to you on how to use it.

The stage light has turned on and the stage staff shows up to tell us that it's our turn.

Stage Staff: OG, you're up.

The stage staff gave us the signal and the boys followed my lead.

When we made our way to the stage and to our respective instruments, the crowd expects that it's going to be the usual line up but little did they know....I can already hear the hosts going nuts right now. Wonder how the girl will react to this?

At the same time in Japan

Live House CiRCLE

Yuyuko POV

After calling Yukari regarding her investigation on the Black Fang, I made my way back to where the girls are and I can see the wall that was destroyed by Flandre-chan was already fixed thanks to Sakuya by reversing time and returning the wall to its normal condition.

Yuyuko: Ara~ have I missed Riku-kun?

S. Aya: Ah Yuyuko-san you're back. Not yet, boss and his band are up next so you came in time.

Yuyuko: I see but.....why are the girls so quiet?

Hatate: Well the first band to perform which is Tundra performed a Japanese song from out of nowhere and it was all perfect and it felt like there were no accents on their singing. And T1 as well but not as good as Tundra but they delivered nonetheless.

Yuyuko: Hmmmmmm....if that's the case, then Riku-kun might resort to using "that".

The girls noticed me and asked me what I meant by that.

Arisa: Yuyuko-san, what do you mean Riku-san is going to use "that"?

Yuyuko: ufufufufufu~ only one way to find out.

I pointed at the TV as they see that Riku-kun's band is about to show up on stage.

Sheever: Let's bring it to the boys on stage with ODPixel and Fogged.

ODPixel: Thank you Sheever and yes ladies and gentlemen, Tundra and T1 are done for today and now, its OG's turn to take the stage.

Fogged: OG, they gave a huge first impression on the first day guns blazing. They were not playing games as they were dead set on winning this, even though they had a stand-in with them.

ODPixel: And let's not forget that this is not your ordinary stand-in, this is Iku we're talking about, 3 time TI champion, 4 time Future World Fes champion, and probably the youngest to ever do it. He has returned here to finish the job, nothing more, nothing less.

Fogged: We've seen what he can do throughout the years, and one thing is on our minds right now....what is Iku going to show us this time?

ODPixel: As unpredictable as he is, we only one way to find out Fogged and let's just wait and see. Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for OG!!

Riku-kun and his band came out from the back and unlike yesterday they were waving to the crowd but this time, they were just quiet not noticing the crowd in front of them.

Kokoro: Why is onii-chan not waving at them? Did something happen to him?

Misaki: I don't know Kokoro but his face looks kinda serious...a little too serious.

Sayo: Wait, why are they looking at each other?

Lisa: Is there an issue?

Rinko: I don't know.

Ran: Nii-san...

When some of the girls were starting to get worried, we saw something unthinkable and the hosts' remarks represented all of us.

ODPixel: No! No! No way! No Way! NO WAY! Don't tell me that they are doing it right here!?

Fogged: I think they are doing it OD! It's been 2 years since that day, and it's coming back!

As we watched Riku-kun and his band swapping places, Chu²-chan started laughing.

Chiyu: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! TO THINK THAT HE WILL DO THAT EARLY!! IKU YOU MAD LAD!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Rei: Chu², is that a bad thing or a good thing?

Chiyu: It's even better LAYER. Iku and OG have already won.

Everyone was shocked to Chu²-chan's declaration. Saying that Riku-kun already won is a bold claim.

Yukina: Isn't that a little bit too early to say it?

Chiyu: You do remember that Iku can read the atmosphere right?

Sayo: So that's how it is. To hype up the crowd even more, he planned this to maximize the votes that OG will get after this.

Chiyu: And not just that. He's doing this to show that even the new generation of OG can do what they do in the past. Iku wants to make a statement right here and now.

Hina: Wow.....that's boppin' cool....and terrifying...

Maya: Sasuga Riku-san....huhehehehehehe....

Flandre: Onii-san is so cool....

Remilia: Flan, don't go too near the TV, your eyes will hurt.

Flandre: Okay~

Sakuya: Everybody quiet now, they're about to start.

As Sakuya said that, Riku-kun had the mic in his hand while holding his guitar and his eyes closed.

Riku: It cannot be done easily, because it was created...."Sacrifice".

Sacrifice

(By: mafumafu – To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts Opening)

Hateshi nai hiai no kanjousen ubaiai no rensa

Shuumaku wa doko de mirareru darou

Inochi wo azuketa tenbin wa suitei muzai wo youshite

Sono seigi mo takeru yuushi mo

Fuyouhin to natte shimatta

Doushite, doushite, doushite

Kono te ja sonna chiisana kokoro ni umaku sawarenai

Yuganda unmei wa ikutsumo no kinki no tsubasa

Nozomare kazashita yaiba ga

Tenohira wo kaeshite tsumi to naru

Sore wa tsujitsuma ga kami ni somukidasu karuma

Tatoe kurui nai mirai to shite mo seikoku ni ikakeru

Doushite boku no namae wo yonde yo

Mada nouri ni yakitsuku shoukei

Kudaranai yume no tsuzuki ya ano oka mezashite

Bokura wa waraeta hazu datta no ni

Utagai utagawarete wa kagi kakeru kyou da

Bakudan de shika to wo tatakezu ni

Dokoka de machigaetеitan da

Doushite, doushite, doushite

Kono tе wa ubau koto bakari de

Ayase mo shinai

Sora wa ao yori haiiro to kioku shita tsubasa

Tatarime ubatta daishou ni

Mou boku wa boku de irarenai

Sore wa katsute na wo motta shokuzai to rinne

Igo ikanaru shiawase demo kono te de wa sawarenai

Doushite kimi to atte shimatta no

Nodomoto ni yakitsuku shouen

Kore dake no kutsuu wo kakaekonde

Umareta imi nado wa nai to shitta

Chi nurareta kyoubi wo chi de aratte

Umareta imi nado wa nai to shitta

Nani hitotsu mo sukuenai kuse shite

Juujika bakari wo seotte ikou to

Nanimono ni mo narenai to shitta

Shokeidai ga warai temaneiteiru

Yuganda unmei ni hai shita karisome no tsubasa

Nozomare kazashita yaiba ga

Tenohira wo kaeshite tsumi to naru

Sore wa tsujitsuma ga kami ni somukidasu karuma

Tatoe kurui nai mirai to shite mo seikoku ni ikakeru

Doushite boku no namae wo yonde yo

Mada nouri ni yakitsuku shoukei

The entire room was quiet. The band girls were just quiet as they couldn't believe what they just watched. Youmu gave me a message yesterday where the entire crowd was just dead silent as well as the hosts from Riku's singing. I guess that this is what she meant by that. Ufufufufu~ as expected from Riku-kun.

Sayo: It's even higher than yesterday...how high can Riku-san's voice go?

Chisato: And the others played their instruments as if they've been playing it for years....

Kaoru: And the song itself...such darkness...

Tomoe: And the scream at the last sound hardcore....

Tsugumi: Hopefully his throat is okay after that.

Yukina: Is this...how pros really perform?

Yuyuko: Not all of them Yukina-chan. On how you and your band will perform in front of the crowd when you become a pro is entirely up to you. You don't need to imitate on what other bands do on stage completely, do something that defines you and your band.

Ako: Then do you know how can we perform like Riku-nii?

S. Aya: You just play like you usually do. Don't change anything that could break your band apart, just play things your way. That's how Riku and OG have been on top for the past 3 years.

Kasumi: Then if we do that, we can perform in a stage like Riku-senpai is right?

Chiyu: That is if you commit to it Toyama Kasumi.

The band girls all looked at Chu²-chan.

Saaya: Commit?

Chiyu: Exactly. Iku can perform at that level it's because he was fully committed to music. And he's been doing it for the most of his life. Now the question is....how committed are you girls to it? I will tell you this right now, once I graduate from high school, I will fully commit myself on joining the pros, as I told Iku years ago that I will take RaS to the place where he is standing right now. PAREO already made her decision.

Reona: Hai. Wherever Chu²-sama goes, I will follow.

Masuki: Don't forget me Chu². If ya want to reach the top, then ya need a drummer like me for it! Facin' against someone on Riku-san's level makes my blood boil! How about ya Rokka?

Rokka: Eh? Me? Ummm...I know I just joined RaS but...I want us to be together till we reach the top so.....I'll do it.

Tae: Rei, what about you?

Chu²-chan and the other members looked at Rei as they were waiting for her answer.

Rei: I'll do it. Chu² gave me a place where I can be myself. If Chu² plans to reach where Riku-san is, then I will help her as much as I can.

The girls looked at RaS on how committed they are on becoming pros. I looked at Yukina-chan as I asked her the same question.

Yuyuko: How about you Yukina-chan? You did say that you are planning to become a pro once you graduated right?

Yukina: Yes, I did say that.

Yuyuko: Then how about your band mates? Will they follow you?

Yukina-chan looked at her band members as she started to think that if her goal to become a pro might hinder the girl's future. Lisa-chan held her hand to comfort her.

Lisa: Don't worry Yukina. We'll always be together through thick and thin like we always do.

Sayo: I'll be joining you two as well. I as well want to see it, the stage where Riku-san is standing; I want to see it with my own eyes.

Ako: I'LL DO IT AS WELL!

Tomoe: Ako!? Are you sure you want to do it? I did say that I'll support any decision you'll make.

Ako: I want to do it onee-chan! I want to do it so I can be one of the greatest drummers in the world! What about you Rin-Rin?

Rinko: I've already decided that I will do it a long time ago. To reach Riku and to fulfill my promise I made to him all those years ago. I-

Rinko-chan covered her mouth almost immediately as she said that she had a promise with Riku-kun and she was close to say that she was going to confess to Riku. That alone gained the attention with the other girls.

Hina: Heh~ so you and Riku-kun had a promise when you were kids? Is that a marriage proposal I'm hearing?

Rinko: M-m-marriage!? It's not what it looks like!!

Kokoro: Ne Rinko. What did you promise to onii-chan?

Ran: Yes, I want to know more about this promise.

Kasumi: Tell us Rinko-senpai!

Rinko-chan is already on the verge of fainting, but I think that this is enough.

Yuyuko: Alright girls, try not to force Rinko-chan. Let her do it in her own pace and let's not forget that Riku-kun is not finished yet.

The girls remembered immediately that Riku-kun has only performed the first song. They put their attention to the TV again as they saw the crowd was cheering loudly. Riku-kun and his band waited a bit till the crowd calmed down and once the crowd quieted down, he took the mic as he begins his second song.

Riku: Good that all of you calmed down. Now for the next one....Let all be destroyed....for everything will be reborn again...."Reincarnation".

Reincarnation

(By: mafumafu)

Moshimo boku ga kamisama dattara

Jinsei toka iu na no buga warui bakuchi

Tou ni Tokkuni haishi shite

Moerugomi no hi ni matomete poi dda

Onaji aho demo odoranya son son

Kao ukagatteiru bakka de tsurezure kou shite

Ensa Rensa De michi mo se ni

Dare ni mo narenai Dare demonai mama

Kitto isshou shitto Shitto shite Mata tonari no shiba

Ari kitari mo yoku ieba taishuusei

Migi naratte koneko ga naita

"Tsubasa ga nakerya, Sora o furashite kurerya ii."

Sekaijuu Dare mo kami danomi de

Mirai mo nani mo miidasenai

Ara nawa de tsureru you na

Inochi ni kotae wa nai

Kono yo ni tebayaku owakare shite

Denpa ni notte yume no yume

Boku wa Boku wa Umare kaware

Rinne tensei

Ano yotte yatsu wa igokochi ii you da

Dare mo koko ni wa kaeranai monna

Kare no kotoba o kariru nara kouda

Donna egao de boku o te maneiteirundai

Kashokushou Futoukou Jishou heki

Kodomo no koro no yume

Baita HISU PARANOIA wa two - five

Shokeidai Satsujin no seitousei

Mou nani mo kamo mimi o fusaide shimaitai na

Oshiete okure

Kyoubi no yo no kami-sama no tsukuri kata o

Oshiete okure

Hito wa hito o sabaite ii no darou?

Dore dake doro ga doro o konetatte

Doro igai tsukure yashinai

Kimi mo Kimi mo Umare kaware

Rinne tensei

Haita Haita asatte mo saijou

Sutta monda de ai no ketsuboushou

Kono mirai ni Kotae mo seikai mo

Sonna mon wa nozonjainai tten da

Aa Mou yameta

Subete nakushite shimaeba ii

Sekaijuu Dare mo kami danomi de

Mirai mo nan mo miidasenai

Hitoshii shiawase nado

Yume yume negai yashinai

Kono yo ni owari o tsukete oite

Oeru na nante nani sama da

Subete Subete Umare kaware

Rinne tensei

After the song ended, I see Riku-kun catching his breath hard. I guess that 2 high pitched songs took a lot out of him. And the crowd started cheering for them very loud, louder compared to the 2 bands that performed before them. Riku-kun and the others bowed and made their way backstage.

Arisa: The pacing of this song is faster than the first.....

Sayo: And to top of that high pitch vocals.....how come Riku-san's vocal cords aren't broken yet?

Hatate: (whispering)Let's take Riku to Kutaka-san to get his throat checked if needed be.

S. Aya: *nods*

Kaoru: To think that ani-sama would make such lyrics....sad...yet dark...it's like...he's in pain.....hakanai.....

Hagumi: You understood Rikkun's song Kaoru-kun?

Kaoru: More or less Hagumi. I feel like whenever ani-sama sings a song like this, it feels like he is screaming out my pain for me. If you take a closer look at ani-sama's eyes at the last part of the song, you will see this. If you may.....

Hatate understood what Kaoru-chan said and she put it to the last part of the song and we took a closer look at Riku-kun's eyes and the girls reaction was.....

Yukina: His eyes...they're so.....dead....it's like there's no life in them left.

Kaoru: At that part he said "I don't care even if I lose everything" It goes to show at that part of the song, he gave up on everything.

Kokoro: But why would onii-chan would sing a song like this?

Misaki: Only Riku-san knows that answer Kokoro. How about we ask him that once we get there?

Kokoro: That's a good idea Misaki!

Yukina: I think what Tamade-san declared earlier is going to be true.

Ako: How can you be sure of that Yukina-san?

Yukina: Take a look at the crowd to find out.

Ako-chan and the others who heard the conversation looked at the TV and the crowd was still cheering for OG even though they're not at the stage anymore.

Ako: They're still cheering for them.

Masuki: Your cousin is sure somethin' Chu². Singin' at a high pitch like that on top of that scream, I can see now that ya look up ta him.

Chiyu: More the reason why we need to improve before we make our debut. Shameimaru Aya! We'll be using one of the studios now!

S. Aya: Eh? Now?

Chiyu: Iku already finished performing and me and my band can't afford to slack off.

S. Aya: Uh...ok. Then follow me.

Chiyu: Alright girls, we're doing our practice here in CiRCLE.

RaS: Hai.

Chiyu: Oh and before I forget, make sure that you girls get your passports ready. Me and my band will leave Japan this weekend.

Chisato: Now that you mentioned that, Riku told me about this earlier.

Yuyuko: Don't worry about your passports as I've already got that covered.

Sayo: Seriously?

Yuyuko: Well Kokoro-chan's father got his hand on this issue and let's just say...it went very smoothly. All you girls will need are your photos. Hatate-chan will help you get your photos.

Some of the girls were getting excited as soon as they discovered that they can go to Stockholm with no problems, I just giggled while covering my mouth with my fan.

Remilia: Sakuya?

Sakuya: All preparations have been made oujo-sama.

Remilia: Excellent.

Aya: Wait. You're going to Stockholm too?

Remilia: Why of course. Flan was begging me to let her watch Riku-boy in person so I just gave her what she wanted.

Yuyuko: Ara Remilia, you and your sister along with Sakuya have only attended Hanasakigawa today and you're having plans like this? I wonder what I will tell to your father about this.

Remilia: Oh can it old hag.

And the moment she said that....something snapped.

3rd POV

When Remilia told Yuyuko that she was an "Old Hag", the room temperature dropped instantly and the girl are starting to get cold.

Kasumi: W-why does it feel cold all of a sudden?

Hagumi: I don't know Ka-kun! If Michelle were here she would keep us warm from the cold!

Moca: I think the room got cold when Remilia said that Yuyuko-san was an ol-

Chiyu covered Moca's mouth before she said it.

Chiyu: Don't you even think about finishing that sentence.

Himari: Is it that bad?

Chiyu: Take a good look.

Chiyu pointed to where Yuyuko and Remilia are about to face-off. And Yuyuko was just there smiling. And both of them were letting out menacing auras.

Yuyuko: Ara ara~ It looks like your father hasn't taught you how to respect someone older than you~

Remilia: Then you admit that you are old?

Remilia added more fuel to the fire and Yuyuko just smiled, and that's not an ordinary smile, that smile is that one that spells bloody fucking murder.

Yuyuko: ufufufufufufu~ I'm going to have a fun time playing with you.

Remilia: You took the words right out of my mouth! I always wanted to face off against you!

Yuyuko: Ara~ then I won't hold back.

The moment they finished talking, magic circles appeared behind the both of them. Both of them turned into their true forms and Yuyuko started glowing in a sakura pink color and Remilia is glowing scarlet red.

Aya: W-w-w-what's going on!?

Maya: I don't know Aya-san but I think that if this continues, CiRCLE might crash down on us!

And before the battle even began, Hatate and Aya went in between them to stop the fight.

S. Aya: Hold it hold it hold it! No way that you two are going to duke it out here! We're indoors!

Hatate: And don't just start a danmaku battle while there are regular humans here!

Yuyuko and Remilia stopped for a moment and they saw the girls shivering from the cold. The magic circles behind them disappeared, both of them returned to their usual forms and the room temperature went back to normal.

Yuyuko: Ara~ seems like I forgot about you girls. Sorry about that~

Flandre: Onee-sama! I'm hungry!

Remilia looked at her sister who is now hungry.

Remilia: Goodness Flan. Sakuya, we're leaving. Flan, with me.

Sakuya: Understood oujo-sama.

Misaki: Wait you're leaving now?

Remilia: Iku finished his performance and the cafe here is closed, and as you can see, Flan is getting hungry. And I have matters to attend.

Remilia left the room along with Flandre and Sakuya to get some food for her sister. The girls noticed Aya and Hatate were having a huge sigh of relief that Yuyuko and Remilia's fight didn't continue.

Hatate: Talk about a close call.

S. Aya: No kidding. If they continued that fight, CiRCLE will be filled with bullet holes and Riku will be pissed.

Yukina: Himekaidou-san, can I ask you a question?

Hatate: Sure go ahead.

Yukina: What is a danmaku battle?

Yuyuko: That will be a story for another time Yukina-chan. But for the meantime...

Then out of nowhere a purple gap that has several eyes appeared beside Yuyuko which surprised the other girls.

Arisa: What in the!?

Yuyuko: Ara~ seems like Yukari have finished it early.

Lisa: Is this Yukari a youkai as well?

Hatate: Yakumo Yukari is also a youkai. A gap youkai to be precise.

Everyone: Gap youkai?

Hatate: Basically a youkai that can manipulate gaps. She's the strongest of the youkai and the head of the seven sages.

S. Aya: But why would she put out a gap right here in the first place?

And right on cue a briefcase came out from the gap and the gap closed after.

Misaki: A briefcase? What's inside?

Yuyuko took the briefcase and opened it. And what's inside are 25 passports. But the difference is that these 25 passports are in 5 different colors.

Yuyuko: Looks like your passports have arrived. I gotta thank Yukari for this one.

Yuyuko with the help of Aya and Hatate gave the girls' passports. Poppin'Party's passports were pink with a star logo at the back of the passport, Afterglow's passport were dark red with a padlock logo with a letter A in it, Pastel*Pallettes passports were light green with a 6 petaled flower logo, Roselia's passports were dark violet with a blue rose logo and Hello, Happy World! has a yellow passport with a ball with a flag on top.

Kasumi: Look at mine Arisa! It has a star on it!

Arisa: I can see that.

Tomoe: Not bad. The color kinda fits us, right Ran?

Ran:...

Chisato: So this is what Riku told me earlier.

Hina: Onee-chan look! I got mine!

Sayo: I know Hina, I know.

Lisa: Not bad, I like the color.

Misaki:....

Kaoru: Is something wrong Misaki?

Misaki: Ah Kaoru-san. It's just.....how did they get all of these without us knowing?

The moment Misaki said that, it made the others think as well. How did Yuyuko manage to get all of these ready without anyone of them knowing. They looked at Yuyuko as they're waiting for her answer, only for her to chuckle while covering her mouth with her fan.

Yuyuko: ufufufufufufu~ that's a secret. And don't worry, the passports are all verified and deemed legal.

This gave the girls a huge sigh of relief; they don't want to get in trouble because of a fake passport. That is one thing that they don't want.

Yuyuko: Now that you girls have your passports, you can now go to Stockholm to watch Riku-kun perform.

Sayo: Yuyuko-san. I want to ask something.

Yuyuko: What is it Sayo-chan?

Sayo: Is there someone who's going to be our guardian during our time there?

Yuyuko: Of course there is someone. And that would be me.

The girls were shocked that Yuyuko will come along with them.

Rinko: But what about Hanasakigawa? You're the principal and leaving so sudden is.....

Yuyuko: Don't worry Rinko-chan, the vice-principal can take care of it. And I've been doing this ever since Riku-kun started his career. And besides, with me around, you girls are safe from any threat that might come.

Yukina: Threats?

Yuyuko: I mean, you saw what Riku-kun did on the video I showed you girls right?

The girls remembered that someone was trying to kill Riku and that did not sit well for them.

Yuyuko: And let's not forget, Riku-kun and Youmu are not the only ones there. Satori-chan and her sister are also there. Remilia sent her guard Meiling to help him as well. And Yukari told me that her sister is also there. With 4 Celestial Family members there, no way that those assailants will move recklessly.

The girls were relieved that they got some sort of protection once they got there.

Yuyuko: And I've already booked our flight. We leave this Saturday at 10 A.M. so get what you need tomorrow after school.

Everyone: Hai!

Yuyuko: Aya, Hatate. We'll leave CiRCLE to you two.

S. Aya: Leave it to us! And don't worry about the set on Roselia's live, we'll take care of it.

Yukina: Thank you very much for the help, Shameimaru-san.

After Yuyuko told the girls that they are leaving Japan in the weekend, they began to plan on what to buy and bring with them to Stockholm.

Back in Stockholm

A few hours later

6:00 P.M.

Riku POV

The 2nd day of the group stage has ended and no attacks were reported and only a few apprehensions have occurred with Meiling-san and Ran-san took credit where they caught several men that were planning to rig the votes to prevent the Western Europe bands from making it to the next round.

The organizers don't know who was planning this but we decided to leave this case to Satori-san and she said that she'll get some results by tomorrow.

All the bands have entered the hotel leaving me and Youmu along with Meiling-san and Ran-san went ahead to check the surveillance of the place.

Meiling: That's all of them Riku-sama. Sorry for letting you and Youmu-san stay behind.

Riku: It's okay Meiling-san. I mean I would've stayed last even if you didn't tell me to.

Meiling: That so.....but still, it sucks that I didn't get to watch you perform, from what I heard from the staff; you literally rocked the place down.

Riku: That's kinda our plan. Go guns blazing in day 2 then we take it easy in day 3 and 4. I'm having a wild guess that OG will get over a million votes come tomorrow.

Meiling: Isn't that a bit of a stretch?

Youmu: Riku-kun's predictions were never off for the last 5 years, wonder when your streak will end? We better get inside. I get the feeling that something is going to happen here.

Youmu said that as she held Roukanken tight. But I ran my mouth and on the inside, I curse my luck.

Riku: I mean what could go wrong at this point Youmu? It's not like that a shady person in a black cloak shows up and shoots some bullets at u-

And before I finished my sentence, I grabbed Roukanken from Youmu and deflected the bullets coming right at us.

Youmu: Riku-kun! Are you okay!? And the bullets that he shot at us....

Riku: Yeah, no mistaking it. The bullets he shot was danmaku and a "Heavy Bullet" at that. That bullet was a hard one to deflect.

Meling: Danmaku? But how? Only we natives of Gensokyo and some others can use danmaku!

The man started approaching us slowly, Youmu and Meiling-san got in front of me and apparently, I was the target since the bullet was aimed at me.

Meiling: Riku-san! We leave the field to you!

At Meiling-san's request, a magic circle appeared below me and I lightly tapped it with my foot. The circle started to expand and a barrier appeared before turning invisible.

Riku: With this barrier you two can go crazy. But keep him alive at all costs; we will get some answers from whoever that is. Ran-san and the others might've noticed this so make it quick and minimize the property damage.

Meiling/Youmu: HAI!

I gave Roukanken back to Youmu as she gets into her stance; a white floating formless phantom appeared beside her. That is her ghost half that Youmu called "Myon". Meiling gets ready as she lets out her qi. And all of a sudden, the hood of the man who attacked us dropped and the moment we saw his face, me Youmu and Meiling-san can't believe who we saw.

Youmu: N-no way...

Meiling: Impossible....Riku-san.....he is...

I clenched my hands as I said the man's name with disgust.

Riku: No mistaking it. The man we're facing now is

Riku: Shinomiya Oko.