Side One Hundred And Eighty-One – Suzanne Castor / Adam White, Director Of The NSA, Paranormal Branch
“And I am your host, Arisugawa Arisu. So, Aoki-san, Konno-san, you know why we are here, I presu?” Arisu-chan’s clipped, elegant voice didn’t disguise the steel within it. Suzu couldn’t help but shiver a little as she heard it. I love Arisu-chan, she’s aweso, and she’s always looked out for , but… she’s definitely enough to give anyone nightmares. The boss is scary too, sotis, especially when she’s in her persona that Arisu-chan calls Red, but there’s sothing a little chilling about Arisu-chan that shines through. But… I get it.
“Because you’re trying to forget about your deadbeat ex?” the codian Aoki-san quipped, and Suzu held her breath for a mont, half-expecting Arisu-chan to open up her Room and squish him like a bug. No, she wouldn’t do that. Arisu-chan has a short temper, but… she’s also a professional. Acting and being an idol is very similar, and image is everything!
“Now Ken-kun, you shouldn’t tease Arisu-chan like that.” Konno-chan giggled charmingly. “Who hasn’t made bad romantic choices in their lives?”
“Should you be admitting to that, Fumie-chan? Back in the day, you were on posters in a lot of boys’ bedrooms. If they heard you were in a romantic relationship…”
“I admit to nothing!” she laughed, and beside Suzu, Tamami-chan, the centre from the idol group Red and White, spoke up in concern.
“You have a strange look on your face. Nervous?”
Suzu noticed her face was cramping and smoothed it into a calm mask. “? Nervous? Of performing? No way!” She struck a pose, her idol outfit worn perfectly, as if she was born to it. Which I am. I always was. That’s why Ebisu chose . It just confirms what I’ve always known! I’m Japanese, I always have been!
While Ebisu seed a strange God for her, and also for her Karakuri puppets, Suzu hadn’t been idle during her overnight stays sleeping in manga and internet cafes. Apparently, the so of the first true puppeteers were called the Ebisukaki, using their puppet shows to increase respect and veneration for their God. More to the point, Ebisu was also a God of luck and fortune. And I’ve always been lucky. My family didn’t care about , which is far better than what so kids have to endure. And even here in Japan, the boss, Arisu-chan, now Akio-kun… people look after . So… I want to repay them and follow my dreams. I have the good fortune to do that now…
“Everyone’s ready.” She glanced at her backup dancers. They were strong, and fearless, and more than capable of handling the rather ugly creatures in the Boundary. But they were more than just puppets to her, they were her forces, her dancers. “I’m ready!”
“We are not here to debate my poor choices.” Arisu-chan replied to the jokes of her co-hosts. “It is hardly unusual to adopt a useless pet that bites and makes a ss of the ho. The only rcy is to have it put down.”
“Ouch!” Aoki-san whistled between his teeth. “Comparing Ryusei-kun to a biting dog. His legion of fans… oh. Well, his fanbase blew up quicker than the Nasu volcanoes, didn’t it? i-chan’s posters and rchandise can all be auctioned off to buy a cup of coffee for one of the holess, that’s all it’s worth nowadays.”
“I can’t say I ever ward to i-chan.” Konno-chan teased. “She always ca across as false to . Guess I was right!”
“You’re just jealous her poster was on more walls than yours, Fumie-chan!” Aoki-san retorted, and Arisu-chan sighed, going along with their skit, but also trying to get back on topic.
“I am not here to talk about my bad choices. If we were, perhaps I would have learned sothing, but… now I am presenting for TBS, it seems I am quite the fool. No, we are here to talk about fundraising…”
Fifty-five thousand people around the Tokyo Do were waving their glowsticks, a muted buzz passing around, as Arisu-chan began her impassioned speech, her talents on full display. You go girl, knock them dead! The best thing about the way the world has changed is that those of us who were wronged get the chance to strike back. I never believed in God, in fact I found dad’s lectures on it so tedious… I’d much rather listen to so j-pop or read manga, but… turns out he was right. Or was he? Suzu tilted her head cutely, considering. He claid there was only one God, and that foreign stories like manga were blasphemous and would lead to Hell. If so… at least it’ll be warm! I don’t like the cold… winter is going to suck. At least I don’t have to spend it sleeping in cafes…
“…the tragedy of Kyoto was an unprovoked act of violence. Yes, it was not an official act of war, but it is undeniable that our shores were invaded, and a thousand innocents perished. But the effect is not just that.” Arisu-chan’s every word and pose were calculated to draw attention to her ssage. “…for each person killed, a dozen more suffer. Family, friends, and those around them. Businesses fold, communities are sundered. Worse, it spread unrest and fear throughout Japan. As have the recent eruptions. I hear tell people say that it is the work of the legendary Tamamo-no-Mae. I can assure you it was not.” Arisu-chan pronounced dryly, and Suzu smiled as Arisu-chan continued, her two co-hosts respectfully silent.
“…well, it’s a full house. Of course it is.” Tamami-chan giggled. She was already in her outfit, a shrine-maiden style mini-dress in red and white. “You’ve got a difficult task, Suzu-chan. Warm the crowd up good for us, okay?” Her two companions laughed too, and Suzu nodded happily.
“I’ve got this! I’m sure it won’t turn out like the first Kyoto disaster, where we t, your encore ruined. I’ll get the crowd going, Suzubachi is going to sting them through their hearts!”
“I think you might need a different taphor.” Tamami-chan teased. “But yes, I’m definitely hoping for a smoother performance.” Her smile was wry. “We’re not in the sa league as AKB0048 or so of the other acts, though we do have a dedicated and loyal fanbase. So… we can’t disappoint them. And the world is watching. Everyone here knows it’s a battle!” As her fellow idols nodded their agreent, Arisu-chan was still talking, but Suzu knew she would be onstage shortly.
“…so in conclusion, everyone who bought a ticket for this event today is contributing greatly to offering succour for the victims of Kyoto and the Nasu eruptions, as well as establishing a fund for such future catastrophes.”
“You think there will be more?” Aoki-san asked. “I had hoped the only catastrophe today was discovering that Fumie-chan is jealous of your dress, Arisu-chan!”
“? Jealous?” Konno-chan laughed. “I am a bit. Arisu-chan’s back in the spotlight at last! Though I do wonder… just what’s your relationship with Oshiro-kun? Spill, spill!”
“Best stick to the script, Fumie-chan!” Aoki-san chortled. “As it looks to that the only spilling will be your blood, Arisu-chan looks positively murderous! Honestly though, I’m desperate to know myself. If I was twenty years younger, I’d make a play for you, Arisu-chan!”
“You would need to be rather more than just twenty years younger. I have high standards, very high standards. And I am in no mood to rush into another relationship. Once burned, one fears the flas. And now… I do not believe I could hold back my anger at betrayal again, and I fear I now have the power to crush my enemies. Were Ryusei to fra and defa now… all that awaits him would be his destruction.”
“Scary words!” Aoki-san shivered. “It seems you’d need a man with strength like his to handle you!”
“But he’s a notorious playboy. Though… I get it!” Konno-chan pointed out. “His life’s like a story, so manga. It’s hard not to be excited to be a part of it. If you’re watching, Akio-kun, ask Arisu-chan for my number, I won’t block your call!”
Suzu burst out laughing at that. Seeing the strange looks from the idols of Red and White, she shrugged. “I was just thinking that Konno-chan has a rather overinflated sense of ego if she thinks she can compete with Shaeula and the others. I know she’s joking, but… Arisu-chan isn’t amused.”
“Are you sure there’s nothing going on?” Kanako-chan asked, and Tsuba-chan echoed her.
“Hey, I ship them, no question.” Suzu giggled. “Arisu-chan actually likes him quite a lot, as a person. But since the boss is his girl, that’s a hard hurdle to cross. But Akio-kun is a fundantally honest man.” She quirked her lips into a smile. “I know everyone says I’m an idiot, and honestly, I’m not that smart. I hated school, never saw the point.” Best case dad would marry off to the son of one of his friends in business. It’s not like I’d ever need to work… “He would never push Arisu-chan if she wasn’t comfortable, but I know he likes her too. He likes smart beauties. Eri-chan’s a lot like that, and the noble girls are all quite intelligent and refined. But… right now there’s a lot going on, and Akio-kun has more issues to settle. Like those foxes.”
“…anyway, enough about . It is inevitable that I am going to draw attention, but not every one of you watching at ho is doing it just for . Perhaps just ninety percent.” Arisu-chan’s lips quirked into a smile, and Suzu was happy that she could make jokes now, even if it was part of her role here as host. We’ve all changed a lot. Even Bunta-kun, now he has a strong backing, soone to shield him. I guess Daizen-kun and Master Raven were the ones that couldn’t change. And if you can’t change, then… you get crushed by the world. Only the flexible survive.
“…so, our first act is an unknown to .” Konno-chan was saying. “But sohow that’s exciting, isn’t it?”
“Suzubachi? It’s an odd na, who wants to be nad after a hornet?” Aoki-san chuckled. “Will they co out in yellow and black stripes? I’d like to see that!”
“No, you most certainly would not.” Arisu-chan sighed, rembering. “The concept is quite hideous, and at odds with the idea of hornets. Their colouration is to warn off, whereas idols are entertainers, supposed to attract. Fortunately, she listened to , and her costu is now more… orthodox.”
“I see.” Aoki-san smirked. “So, she’s an acquaintance of yours, is she? She must be sothing special then. Perhaps a protégé of the great actor Arisu-chan?”
“Padding the bill with your friends, huh?” Konno-chan also was smirking. “I suppose I can’t bla you, showbusiness is all about who you know… oh, bad choice of words there. I know you certainly didn’t do any backroom deals or casting couches! Seeing how you’ve taken your ti to let Ryusei-kun and i-chan grow bold and complacent, only to stick the knife in with lethal precision, ruining them, who’d dare force you, Arisu-chan?”
“You’d be surprised. A lot of n would probably risk their life and reputation for Arisu-chan! If I was twenty years younger…” Aoki-san repeated, bringing a light laugh from the watching crowd, though clear impatience was starting to spread through them.
“Which you are not. Even Chirurgery cannot reduce your age.” Arisu-chan sniffed, playing along professionally, though Suzu knew that these jokes, while amusing for the crowd, who loved scandals and coback stories, were not sitting well with Arisu-chan. Don’t worry, I’ll soon have the crowd distracted!
“…as for being my protégé, she is more an unruly younger sister, I suppose. But if you go so far as to make that implication… I feel sorry for her. As now what she does will reflect on . And I never tolerate failure. You hear that Suzanne-san? Akio-san and I made efforts to help you grasp your dream. But I have no pity for those who fumble when the stage is set. No stage-fright, you hear?”
“Now I’m no longer sure you did her a favour.” Aoki-san shuddered theatrically. “Talk about pressure! And just before she’s due to co on. Suzanne-chan, was it? That’s… an unusual na. Don’t mind Arisu-chan, you just do your best!”
As Konno-chan also offered her support, and the crowd started to get curious, Tamami-chan patted Suzu on the back reassuringly. “Looks like you’re up.” Her two comrades Kanako-chan and Tsuba-chan were offering words of support to her backup dancers, which had rather limited automatic responses, so their replies were terse and lacking emotion, but fortunately the idols took it for nerves. It’s all right, they’re ideal for being idols, as performing a reginted routine is exactly what they are good for! That and battle, but I doubt very much we’re going to be attacked on stage, and if we are, Arisu-chan is there! Co to think of it, the boss will be watching too, Shaeula and Kana-chan and all the others are here too. Anyone who tries to attack the Tokyo Do today is screwed!
Realising she was starting to lose her composure, Suzu took a deep breath, and as Tamami-chan and the others said their final well-wishes, and Arisu-chan was calling her to the stage, Suzu pumped her fist, a little aether leaving her, activating her dancers. Striding out of the waiting room, she stepped out into the Tokyo Do, onto the stage that had been set up for the performances. The roof was out, and it had been draped with light-blocking cloth, so the inside of the venue was dark, except for the sea of fifty-five thousand glowsticks, and the brilliant spotlights that suddenly shone down upon her and her puppets.
This is it. The mont my whole life has been a preparation for. I don’t care about saving the world, or anything like that. I an, I’ll help out the boss, Akio-kun and Arisu-chan, of course I will. They’re my friends, but… this is the life I wanted, that I ran away from ho for. Her brilliant gold and crimson skirt fluttered, and her waistcoat, the colours reversed, crimson with golden sparkling sequins, was glowing under the lights, her pristine white shirt seeming almost luminous as well. Her dancers shimred too, and as Suzu blinked at the crowd, who were waiting to see just what she could do, what sort of an idol group Suzubachi was, Arisu-chan’s comntary echoed through the stadium, and to the watching Japan and the world.
Oh yeah, there’s caras everywhere. Glancing over she could see the sides of the stage thronged with cara crews.
“Our opening act, Suzubachi, is as you have heard, led by a friend of mine. My… little sister, you could say. So… it is fair to have expectations for them, though… her understanding of our culture is a little skewed, so please do excuse any oddities.”
She admitted it. She sees as her sister. I’m touched. Arisu-chan’s actually soft-hearted, despite her quick to anger nature and cold detachnt when threatened or betrayed. It’s their fault she’s ended up this way, so icy and unwilling to open her heart to others easily. That Ryusei prick… and that i bitch… and everyone who wronged her. I’d love to find them and turn them into Karakuri. Akio-kun’s not keen on acts of cruelty, but… he’s kind to those he likes. Maybe he’d help… if not, the boss, or the Devil inside her, they definitely would… oh, no, no, focus! Focus!
“…in any case.” Arisu-chan was continuing, as Suzu got her head back in the ga, cursing herself for being easily distracted. “…I would hope that if you appreciate her performance, you can donate generously. You can do it by mobile app, or via bank transfer. We also take international donations, of course, and… there are a number of prizes donated generously by our participating idols, as well as myself. And there are also so special rewards. But we’ll talk about them later. Every donation gets a chance to win… for Suzanne-san, we have her first ever rchandise run. It is small, but if she makes it big, as she dreams of, having such limited-edition rchandise should be sothing to brag of, as an idol fan, and also… well, that is for later. There are also limited quantities in the gift shop, so after her act, in the intermission before the next group, feel free to browse. And without further ado, I present, Suzanne-san, and her idol group. Suzubachi!”
As the audience applauded, waved their glowsticks and let out a cheer, which was quieter than Suzu would have liked, but that was understandable, as she was an unknown, the colours of the spotlights changed, becoming a golden yellow. Grinning, she waved cheerfully, before speaking to the crowd. “Yeah, there’s posters, cd’s, and there’s even a gacha figure of in the special idol gacha set up in the stadium’s rchandise area. I’m a super rare pull!” She winked then, excitent bubbling. “Of course, the two ultra rare pulls are Arisu-chan, and also soone who couldn’t be here today, but… I’ve got a song about him! Anyway, sorry but my posters and figure aren’t lewd, I’m an idol, we’re pure and untouchable! Oh… I got distracted!” She stuck her tongue out cheerfully.
“I’m Suzu-chan, and these are my fellow mbers of Suzubachi! It’s a real honour to be here, but… less talking, more… singing! This is our debut song, and it’s called Love Stings!”
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