bakemonoremy

Antique Legend - Dreams on a Garbage Heap 7

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 02:22:02 GMT

Collab with Soup

Location: Antique Market Venue

Nagisa: ……Have a look around you, children.

Mika: ………?

Nagisa: ……Right this moment, at this Antique Market, there are two separate events taking place.

……The first is the dealing of antiques, at its heart being the inheritance of my father’s self-proclaimed confidante — the man known as GFK.

Kohaku: Are you callin’ GFK a wannabe…? Well, considerin’ he called himself “God’s successor”, he sure was a real weakling.

Nagisa: ……He may have been telling the truth, although I have no recollection of ever meeting that man.

……In all likelihood GFK was a man of no importance, one considered so negligible that he went entirely overlooked as he ran off with a large amount of my father’s inheritance.

……But there’s also the possibility of the man known as GFK having been a scapegoat who was being manipulated by my father’s true confidante.

Mika: His true confidante…?

Nagisa: ……Such a man did exist. A frightening man. It seems that he is overseas these days and, uncharacteristically, keeping his head down. If anyone is worthy of the title of my father’s confidante, it is this man.

……He keeps his lineage a secret from the world, but those close to my father are all aware of it.

…...My father’s legitimate successor — or at least, the one who has the rights to his inheritance, is neither me nor Ibara. It is that man.

……GFK may have been that man’s puppet.

……Ibara often employs similar methods. Letting someone else take the fall for him, and allowing all the ill will and animosity to befall that person instead. In the meantime, he can do as he pleases with no difficulty.

……That’s also why he never aimed to become the agency president, instead opting to play second fiddle as the vice president. That way he can escape the consequences of anything that may happen.

……Back in my days in fine, Tsumugi-kun was trying to turn himself into the scapegoat by his own will. He truly was a peculiar and strange one.

Kohaku: To think that someone like that is the representative alongside Bon in NewDi…

Nah, in a way I should see that as a good thing, since he’ll be willin’ to become Bon’s scapegoat if it ever comes ta that.

Nagisa: ……In case the world comes crashing down, Tsumugi-kun won’t hesitate to do that. But if possible, I’d like to avoid having him take those miserable actions again.

……We’ve gotten off track. At this Antique Market, there is another event casually unfolding besides the sale of antiques.

……Based inside the ES building, there are all kinds of exhibitions and talk shows taking place, which aim to lecture the general public on the history of idols.

……It seems that Hidaka-sensei, whom I caught a glimpse of earlier, as well as his son, Hockey Mask-kun, have been called here for that purpose.

……After all, the father is the last active super idol, and as such a living dictionary, and the son is the overall victor of the SS that was held at the end of last year, and as such an idol who is enjoying the very peak of popularity.

……I can’t think of more fitting people to speak on the history of idols.

……Since he used to be a top idol in his own right, Sagami-sensei is holding a speech as well. It only makes sense that I was also asked to speak, seeing as I’m a living witness of my father’s era.

……Additionally, a large part of the items for sale at the Antique Market originated from the idol industry. Items of that nature make up the majority of GFK’s inheritance from my father, after all.

……And so, one can learn about the history of idols just by walking through the Antique Market and keeping their eyes and ears open.

……It’s a bit like a museum with lecturers on staff. If you ask me, it’s a matter of great interest.

Mika: But that kinda talkin’ makes lil’ kids n’ the like bored, don’t it?

Nagisa: ……Naturally, they came up with ways to make it interesting for younger children as well. But there’s probably a limit to just how interesting they can make it for them.

……One could say that this is precisely your role, as the crowd-pullers.

Kohaku: Well, that’s what we came ‘ere for.

Mika: Yeah… I’ve got the feelin’ Mikejima-senpai n’ Oshi-san’ve got some secret plans, but…

I guess ya could say we’re— I’m here purely t’sing on stage and be the entertainment.

Nagisa: ……How admirable, you’re exemplary idols.

…...No, let me rephrase. It is thanks to idols like you that the curse that’s been cast on the rest of us may be lifted one day.

Kohaku: ………?

Nagisa: ……Although at first I planned to ask only you to do this alone, Oukawa Kohaku-kun. That’s why I started off by saying all those threatening things to you — in order to make you swallow our demands more easily.

……But then I came to remember that you’re that kind of person too, Kagehira Mika-kun.

Mika: E-eh? What kinda person’s that? I’m just some dim-witted, ordinary guy, yeah…?

Nagisa: ……Take it as a compliment when I say this, but you’re like an animal. You have no interest in the greater flow of history; all that matters to you is protecting yourself and the treasures and family you’ve gathered.

……Because of you two, because of you being as you are — you may be able to become the shining light for fools such as I, Shu-kun and Madara-kun; the weary adults whose gazes are fixed on a distant past, clouded to the present in front of our eyes.

Mika & Kohaku: ………?

comments

Antique Legend - Dreams on a Garbage Heap 6

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 02:20:28 GMT

Collab with Soup

Location: Antique Market Venue

Mika: What’s the matter, Kohaku-kun? Ya look like yer enjoyin’ yerself, ain’tcha? Ah, d’ya like how sweet the light bulb juice tastes? I can buy ya another, if ya want?

Kohaku: Why’re you actin’ like yer my big brother…

I mean, I like things that taste sweet, but if I drink too much right now I’ll feel the call of nature later when I’m on stage. An’ idols never have ta use the toilet, right?

Mika: Ahaha, why’re ya talkin’ all old-fashioned?

Nagisa: ……That was from the era when idols were practically considered half-gods.

Mika: Wah, ya startled me! What’re ya doin’ all’o a sudden?

Ah! Uhm, yer Eden’s Ran-senpai, right? I-is there anything you need us for?

Nagisa: ……You’re awkward around me.

……But that’s inevitable. You’re part of Valkyrie after all, and as such you have the right to hate us.

Mika: Ngah~, but even without that right, I’d still hate ya.

And I reckon, unlike Oshi-san, I ain’t human enough t’say it was all a “good experience,” and use it as nourishment fer my growth.

Nagisa: ……I think that’s just fine. There are some things one simply can’t digest. In this era of gluttony, I’d be mistreating you if I forced you to swallow it.

Mika: Waah! Kohaku-ku~n! Another person who only talks ‘bout complicated things just showed up!

Kohaku: This is very much par fer the course with ES folks.

Erm, Ran…-senpai, what’re you doin’ in a place like this? I can’t imagine that you’ve got the time ta dawdle around, do ya?

Nagisa: ……That is true. But I have an interest in antiques — that is to say, in the history that has been etched into them.

……Half of the reason I am at this Antique Market is out of personal interest, and the other half is related to work.

……Ibara said, “Your Excellency is probably just going to buy up a bunch of dirt cheap clutter with this!”

……And didn’t give me much of an allowance, so getting everything I want from here is proving to be quite the challenge.

……Still, it was a fruitful harvest. Look at this, for example. Isn’t it fascinating?

Mika: Ngah~? What’s that? I like the design, but does it have any archeological-like value or whatever?

Nagisa: ……Who knows. I am not an artist like the two of you, so I don’t place a lot of importance on whether or not something has value.

……I’m simply interested in it because it bears a pattern resembling that on the ethnic-looking clothes that Amagi Rinne-kun’s younger brother sometimes wears around the dorm.

……I thought it might help me find out something about their enigmatic hometown, so I had reached out to it before I knew it.

……Although it’s not a rare pattern by any means, so the chances that this is simply a coincidence are rather high.

Kohaku: Does the esteemed Sire of Eden have an interest in our Rinne-han, perchance?

Nagisa: ……I would say it’s not an interest in him in the way you seem to suspect.

……I do think he is an interesting human, but he doesn’t differ much from the countless sore losers that existed in my father’s time.

Kohaku: — Who’re you callin’ a sore loser?

Nagisa: ……I can’t come up with a different expression that fits him. He is a descendant of the many people who were defeated and buried in the shadows of the history written by the winners.

……It’s a rare feat for someone like that to survive and appear on the stage of history once more, but not so rare that it has historically never happened before.

……That said, for closed-off countries like ours, it’s foreign enemies that pose the largest threat. As a result, the presence of such ghosts from the past arising from within is quite weak.

……Yet Amagi Rinne-kun proved that this doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

……The world we live in is made of countless corpses of the defeated.

……In that sense he is interesting, and I believe there is value to his continued existence.

……He is one of many components necessary for the composition of this imperfect world whose gods have died.

Kohaku: The stuff you’re sayin’ is gettin’ up my nose, pal.

Mika: Eh, Kohaku-kun, ya can actually understand what this guy’s sayin’? In a way, it’s a disaster or somethin’ t’be smart, right?

Nagisa: ……Yes. There is no point in using sarcasm to reprimand a dog or a pig; it’s much faster to teach them manners by hitting them with a stick.

……Although ideally one would spend a lot of time and loving efforts on teaching them the logic and reason of human society, of course.

……You have been exploiting our kindness in order to get away with doing as you please a little too much for our liking.

…...If your actions become any more intolerable than this, as the ruler of Cosmic Productions — I will be your judge, jury and executioner.

Kohaku: (glares) ………

Nagisa: ……Well, these sorts of threats will hardly work on you.

……After all, it seems Mika-kun is bound hand and foot by Shu-kun as always, while Kohaku-kun is currently doing activities as part of Double Face.

……In order to make you understand, it’s the puppetmaster Shu-kun whom we should be giving this warning, and as for Double Face, we should be exerting pressure on NewDi, since you’re signed with them.

Mika: I think we’re bein’ lectured or somethin’... this weird aura around Ran-senpai is real scary...

Nagisa: ……You didn’t even realize that much?

……I’m sorry. My way of speaking is abstruse and circuitous; I am often told how difficult it is to make sense of my words. It’s best to leave these kinds of matters to the professionals, so if it were up to me, I’d leave this to Ibara.

……But as you can see, the one standing before you is myself. Lately I’ve started believing that I shouldn’t be imposing every little thing on Ibara anymore.

……The world and society aren’t light enough to be carried by one man alone. Burdens should be shared whenever possible, so no one will be crushed under them.

……However, there are exceptions such as my father, and I’m in the process of aiming for those very heights myself.

Kohaku: So in other words, what’s the deal? I may be speakin’ outta turn here, but, with all due respect, if you’ve got something to say ta us, could ya do us a favor an’ kindly spit it out?

Nagisa: ……You can dispense with the formal turns of phrase. For one thing, you probably don’t have any respect for me anyhow, and in any case, this is my private time.

comments

Antique Legend - Dreams on a Garbage Heap 5

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 02:18:26 GMT

Collab with Soup

Location: Antique Market Venue

- A short while later -

Mika: So, that’s when Oshi-san—

Kohaku: (Aw man~... How’d it come ta this? Things took a weird turn somewhere.)

(I reckoned it’d be bad manners ta shake ‘im off an’ make my getaway, so I let Kagehira-han wear me down an’ get me ta walk around the Antique Market with ‘im fer a bit under the premise that neither of us has got anythin’ to do until our performance later anyway.)

(He said that there ain’t no reason fer us to split up… I can’t very well say no to Kagehira-han when he wants ta spend time with me fer such innocent reasons.)

(The stellar comeback that there ain’t no real reason fer us to spend time together either didn’t cross my mind at the time.)

(Oh well. Usually it’d be unthinkable fer one of our targets ta survive an’ fer us to be able to spend time together with ‘em, anyway…)

(But since this has never happened before, I’ve got no clue how to act in an unfamiliar situation like this.)

(Although I did do some research since that incident the other day, an’ it became clear ta me that Kagehira-han truly doesn’t seem t’have done anything bad…)

(But that don’t mean that he’s entirely cleared from suspicion just yet.)

(Some fraudulent, questionable money transfers did take place — with vice prez Saegusa-han at the center of ‘em…)

(As long as Valkyrie’s involvement with those transfers exists, we’ll be wise ta keep this connection intact.)

(That said, I’m basically just Madara-han’s helper, merely here to balance the numbers — which means there ain’t no need fer me to think all that deeply about the whole affair.)

(I’ve effectively been rather roped into alla this against my will this time.)

(Feels like gettin’ roped into stuff is all I’ve been doin’ lately, though… This won’t do, I ain’t got a speck of autonomy.)

(Still, I can’t help it after havin’ been born into a family like mine. I was raised to believe that this is the “right answer”, that it’s my duty ta work in service of those above me an’ follow their orders.)

Mika: ? Kohaku-kun — what’s with that gloomy face? Ya alright?

Ah, yer probably bored cause I just keep goin’ on and on about Oshi-san, aren’t ya...?

People say that a lot. Though, I don’t have anythin’ else t’talk about...

Kohaku: ...Nah, you’re not to blame, Kagehira-han. ‘Sides, I reckon you’re probably just a victim who’s unfortunately been wrapped up in this whole affair, anyhow.

Mika: Ahaha, “Nushi-han”? Did ya mean “Anta”*? We both have the same kinda Kansai dialect, but it’s different; where’re ya from, Kohaku-kun?

Kohaku: Whaddaya mean where I’m from? I’m from around here. It’s just that my family’s origin apparently lies over in Heian-kyo** or somethin’, so outta tradition I was made ta use this manner of speakin’.

I find it quite the overly nostalgic — or rather ridiculous — tradition, though. But it ain’t worth stubbornly rejectin’.

Mika: Heian-kyo, huh? Haha, wow yer family’s real old.

Kohaku: I can’t say fer sure if it’s true or not, though. They probably just convinced themselves that it is, an’ then built their whole identity around it. That’s generally how traditions work.

It’s like when ya trace yer ancestry back all the way, we’re all originally descended from God, so we’ve gotta be mighty eminent, or something…

It’s just some lie someone made up way back when to make themself look prestigious, but generations later it’s turned into a widely accepted truth.

Whatever the lie may be, if no one catches on to it bein’ one, it’ll become the truth. It’s better to be a liar, ‘cause honesty doesn’t pay —

Mika: ~......♪

Kohaku: What’s so funny, birdbrain? The way you’re lookin’ at me with that stupid grin on yer face is givin’ me the creeps.

Mika: Ngah, m’sorry? I’m just happy yer talkin’ so much, y’know?

It may be just cause we sorta speak the same, but yer real easy t’talk to... Even if I can’t understand half of whatcha say.

Kohaku: Ko ko ko ♪ If ya understood half of it, you’re doin’ better than most people. Humans usually understand not even a tenth of what anyone is sayin’ at any given point, y’know?

Mika: Yeah, everyone says things that’re so hard t’understand...

I might’ve just gone and dropped my brains somewhere, but I always feel like I’m spendin’ every day knowin’ nothing.

I thought that things Oshi-san said were right, so he became a guide fer me—

But recently I’ve been real useless cause I’ve had to use my own empty head to guide me, and ’cause of that I’ve felt real anxious, and like I’ve had no one t’look to.

But still, I can’t just keep relyin’ on Oshi-san...

Kohaku: (? What do we got here? Oh, could this be a chance ta get information straight from Kagehira-han’s mouth?)

(This guy seems like he’ll carelessly spill everythin’ if I just prod him the right way…)

(T’tell the truth, investigation ain’t my forte. It’s like the younger of my sisters said, the most crucial part of an interrogation is gettin’ the guy to speak.)

(The most dreadful scenario is when the person you’re interrogatin’ doesn’t open their mouth at all. Much better ta hear a bunch of lies, since you’ll still be able ta pick some information outta that, is what she said.)

(It’s annoying how overprotective my sisters are, but ta make up fer that, they’ll hear me out on any topic, no matter how foolish it may be.)

(Alright then — I’ll put on the best friend act with this guy, create a warm and friendly atmosphere, an’ get his tongue ta loosen up a lil’.)

(If this guy’s got skeletons in his closet, this is how I’ll drag them outta there in one fell swoop. An’ even if he doesn’t, then I’m at least blessed by the idol gods ta get to spend a fun time with ‘im. Ko ko ko ♪)

------------------

* As Mika says, Kohaku makes use of the second person pronoun “nushi-han” while Mika uses the infinitely more common “anta”.

** Heian-kyo is a former name of the current Kyoto, back when it was the political capital where the emperor resided, and is also the namesake for the Heian-period (794-1185) in Japan. Its status as capital was lost in 1868, and the city was renamed to Kyoto back in the 11th century, so Kohaku hints at a staggeringly long family history with roots in the Heian-period.

comments

Antique Legend - Dreams on a Garbage Heap 4

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 02:15:06 GMT

Collab with Soup

Location: Antique Market Venue

Nearly one hour later.

Kohaku: Phew, I’m plum tuckered out…

(After that first kid, a whole buncha other folks started crowdin’ around me as well, to the point that there’d be no end to it if I signed autographs for every single one of ‘em. An’ I wasn’t even gettin’ paid for it either, so it’s like I did all that work fer nothin’.)

(Fine by me, though. Crazy:B an’ Double Face don’t usually mingle with ordinary-like fans such as the ones around here, after all.)

(‘Course, we hang out with the ruffians from Beehive an’ the like…)

(But we haven’t really had chances ta meet yer run-of-the-mill moms, dads, an’ children from regular households so far…)

(If I may say so myself, I reckon I’m turnin’ into a weird kinda idol here.)

(But since I wasn’t raised in an ordinary household myself, this may just suit me fine.)

(Maybe I’ve even gotten a step closer ta becomin’ the kinda idol Rabu-han told me about on the internet — way, way back when.)

Mika: Ahaha, good work, Kohaku-kun♪

Kohaku: Since when were we on a first-name basis… Well, folks can call me whatever they like, I don’t mind.

Mika: Hn? I saw ya chattin’ with a bunch o’ fans and figured ya were thirsty, so I bought some drinks from the food stall here for us t’drink♪ Here, I got us some light bulb juices!

Kohaku: Light bulb…?

Mika: *Gulp gulp*... It’s been gettin’ chilly recently, but today the weather’s real nice. I’ve been talkin’ a lot today too, so I’m all hot n’ sweaty.

Kohaku: So even someone like you sweats sometimes, eh. Ya don’t seem the type fer it.

Mika: Ehh~? I sweat just like any other human, see~? Look look, it’s all sticky♪

Kohaku: Off with ya, don’t go touchin’ me! Just how close do ya think we are?!

Mika: Ahaha, m’ sorry, m’ sorry, I’m just gettin’ a bit excited... but I’m usually only ever like this up on stage.

Besides, I’ve also been interactin’ with all the kids today. Makes me remember way back when— rather, back when I was a lil’ kid myself.

Kohaku: What the heck. You’re not at all the cool type that people say you are — Well, I already knew that since we’re in the same agency, but still.

So even you were an innocent lil’ kid once, huh.

Mika: Ehh~? I’m just a plain ol’ nimrod— an animal, I say! But Kohaku-kun, even though yer just a lil’ guy, yer all reliable n’ sophisticated♪

Kohaku: Ya may call me little, but we ain’t that far apart in age, I’ll have ya know.

Mika: Still, yer doin’ better compared to when I was around yer age. I didn’t really think about anythin’ when I first started goin’ to Yumenosaki.

Well, if ya were to ask me if I’m thinkin’ of anythin’ now, I couldn’t say fer sure—

Kohaku: What’s that s’pposed ta mean… People don’t think as much as they like ta believe, y’know.

What we believe to be the process of thought is nothin’ but a mechanism fer the body to confirm physical stimuli an’ keep track of ‘em chronologically.

Mika: ???

Kohaku: Right. I’m sorry fer talkin’ about something so complicated. If ya don’t get what I’m sayin’ you can just say so. ‘Sides, I’m only babblin’ off knowledge I got from the internet, anyhow.

Mika: Really~, Kohaku-kun even uses things like the internet? That’s surprising, cause fer some reason ya feel all old-fashioned.

Kohaku: I do come from a family with a long history, fer what it’s worth.

Mika: Hehh~... I can’t really wrap my head around that ancestry kinda stuff, since I don’t remember who my parents were.

Kohaku: (Right… This fella’s an orphan, ain’t he? That’s why he’s payin’ outta pocket ta help the orphanage he grew up in while they’re in trouble. Reckon that’s what I heard.)

Mika: That’s so cooool, what’s it like? Can you feel the souls of yer ancestors? Do ya pray to em’ on holidays?

Kohaku: Why’s that the one thing ya zero in on… We’re not livin’ in the kinda era where bloodlines an’ ancestry carry weight anymore. Those times are behind us — or at least people like ta pretend they are.

Mika: Uh-huh. I get that, but my Oshi-san seems t’ come from a family with a lotta prestigious people, and their mansion’s so cool—

Well, I want to understand what that sorta thing’s like. It might be hard cause I was born and raised way different, but I want to get closer to Oshi-san, even just a bit...

Kohaku: Ya seem awfully attached ta this “Oshi-san” of yours — this Shu-han.

Mika: Yup. He’s my everythin’.

Kohaku: ...An’ ya don’t mind havin’ a cordial conversation with me, even though I embarrassed yer oh-so-very precious Shu-han on stage the other day? Yer actions contradict yer words, kid.

Mika: Ngah~? Mikejima-senpai was the only one who was mean t’ Oshi-san the other day— ya didn’t really do anything at the time, Kohaku-kun.

Kohaku: Nah, I did. I was threatenin’ ya from the shadows the whole time.

Mika: Yeaaah, ya did pull me away from em’, but it would’ve just gotten worse if I did anythin’...

It was better that ya helped me back there by makin’ me stop, so thank ya kindly~♪

Kohaku: ………

Mika: Besides, somethin’ as small as that wouldn’t even leave a scratch on Oshi-san now. He’s dealt with way, way worse, havin’ crawled outta the depths of despair.

Anyway, those kinds o’ conflicts were everyday occurrences at Yumenosaki... but cause we’ve had peace for a while now, I forgot bout’ em.

And well, if ya just gave up at that stage, ya wouldn’t be able to keep goin’.

Kohaku: I’ve had my suspicions fer a while, but really, what kinda lawless land is this Yumenosaki?

comments

Antique Legend - Dreams on a Garbage Heap 3

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 02:12:31 GMT

Collab with Soup

Location: Antique Market Venue

A short while later.

Kohaku: (Hmm. What’s goin’ on here? Looks like there’s a strange crowd formin’.)

(And just earlier, Trickstar’s… Uh, what was his name again? Hidaka Hokuto-han? — He was on stage singin’ with his father like they’re the best of pals.)

(Looks like a whole buncha idols were hired ta liven up the Antique Market a lil’. But even though it seems like a dull event, the lineup they’ve got goin’ on is of the highest caliber fer some reason.)

(That figures. The sponsor fer the Antique Market is the Producer Association after all, an’ I heard they’ll temporarily be takin’ all the proceeds from it as administration fees.)

(Which means this is a chance fer the four agencies ta get on the Producer Association’s good side by puttin’ their best foot forward.)

(Politics, eh. There’s always a reason behind everything. Well, I reckon that’s just my bad habit of only lookin’ at the dark side of things talkin’, though.)

(This time I really only got dragged into this against my will.)

(Madara-han’s pullin’ a mighty grim face ‘bout all this, though I don’t know what his connection is with this Shu-han from Valkyrie.)

(Nah, that ain’t it. Something must’ve happened between those two way back when, before my time.)

(I’m only in Double Face so we can meet the member requirement to form a unit, anyhow. As an idol, I’m just a rookie who’s only recently started activities at all.)

(Better keep my head down an’ stay outta trouble.)

Mika: Ngah~? Ah, uhm, are ya Oukawa-kun, from Double Face?

Hey~ m’over here~! Can’t ya hear me? It’s good to see ya♪

Kohaku: ...Why would ya just call out to me like that, kid.

Mika: Eh, is that bad? We’re performin’ together on the closing stage for the Antique Market today, though.

It’s common sense in this show biz that ya gotta greet yer co-workers properly, isn’t it~?

Heheh, well I guess it makes sense ya don’t know that, cause yer a newbie n’all...♪

Kohaku: ………

Mika: Wha-? M’sorry everyone, I didn’t forget about all y’all!

Lookie here, I’m signin’ these real nice for ya, mkay? Thank ya kindly fer always supportin’ Valkyrie, please make sure t’ continue goin’ forward too~♪

Kohaku: (? What’s he doing? Valkyrie’s Kagehira-han is surrounded by lil’ children… Reckon it’s ‘cause o’ him that this crowd’s formed.)

(Looks like he’s signin’ autographs for ‘em. Wow, he looks all idol-like...)

(That said, Kagehira-han’s so clumsy that the autographs are takin’ him a good while, which caused a line ta form, an’ now people are bein’ held up by it.)

Mika: Hm? Ah, yer right! Let’s all move over there then, so we don’t get in people’s way on the road — thank ya fer tellin’ me♪

M’not really the attentive type...♪

Kohaku: (Haha. One of ‘em lil’ kids scolded him, an’ now he’s movin’ the whole procession elsewhere in a fluster. Kagehira-han comes off as an average guy at a glance, but somehow he tends ta draw negative attention to himself.)

(But ya could say that attractin’ attention, regardless of whether it’s good or bad, is an idol-like trait to have — meaning my habit of concealin’ my presence puts me at a disadvantage as an idol.)

Mika: ~……♪

Kohaku: (In any case, he looks happy as a pig in mud. Reckon he loves to put a smile on children’s faces like this.)

(Though I doubt these kiddos even get what the noble art yadda yadda that Valkyrie boasts of is all about.)

(Nah, actually children got mighty flexible thinking compared to adults, so they’re probably adaptin’ to it just fine.)

(But if those things — the direction the unit’s takin’ and Kagehira-han’s personal disposition an’ nature — are at odds with each other, I’d feel kinda bad for the fella.)

(It’d mean he could only keep livin’ by killing his “self”.)

(Alright, enough of that. Analyzin’ other people is another bad habit of mine.)

(‘Sides, the folks at ES all don’t fit the mould anyway — The more I think about ‘em, the more I feel like I’m gettin’ lost in a labyrinth.)

(An’ in any case, I don’t have the right to worry about a member of Valkyrie to begin with. Not after how we hurt an’ mistreated ‘em the other day.)

Mika: Hey~ Oukawa-kun♪

Kohaku: …What's the matter with ya? Can’t'cha see the position you guys’re in? Or are you the kinda person who can’t read the mood?

Mika: Ngah~? Guess I don’t know myself♪

Anywho, Oukawa-kun, it looks like this lil’ kid here’s a fan of Crazy:B, and they want yer autograph.

The kid’s askin’ me to introduce ya to ’em, cause it looks like I know ya.

Ehehe, the kid looks kinda embarrassed, they’re fidgetin’ a whole bunch.

Kohaku: A Crazy:B fan? I had no idea that some of our fans were lil’ kids...

Mika: I think there are lots of Crazy:B fans who’re kids. It’s unexpected, but kids like things that’re extreme. They don’t really think too deeply ‘bout things ’cause if it looks cool, then they don’t really care ‘bout anythin’ else.

Well, I’m also real popular with kids, so is that how it is for me? Is it cause Valkyrie’s the coolest...?

Kohaku: ...Ya really don’t seem ta know yerself at all, Kagehira-han.

Mika: Ngah? Whaddya mean?

Kohaku: I’m under no obligation ta spell that out fer you. Well, fine by me though. All I gotta do is give that kid an autograph, right?

I don’t really have any experience givin’ autographs though, so I beg yer pardon if my signature’s not to yer likin’, ‘kay?

Mika: It’s alright, it’s the thought that counts~ ♪ If yer feelin’ anxious, I’ll be nearby to watch over ya!

Kohaku: (I don’t know what it is about this guy, but everything Kagehira-han says gets right up my nose...)

(From what I heard he’s always been the youngest member in Valkyrie, so maybe he’s happy that he gets to act like a big brother to me, who’s a younger member from the same agency?)

comments

Antique Legend - Dreams on a Garbage Heap 2

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 02:01:57 GMT

Location: Antique Market Venue

Seiya: So, in any case, the vast collection of antiques and such that GFK had been hoarding has now been seized.

Selling it all off and turning it into cash — that is the basic principle behind this Antique Market.

The proceeds will be temporarily collected and managed by us, the Producer Association, and then primarily be distributed to idols and agencies that are struggling financially, such as NewDi, at opportune times. So goes the plan.

The Producer Association may have a position akin to the leading powers of the United Nations, but in reality, seeing as they don’t employ idols, they don’t really have ways to make income.

For what it’s worth, I’m affiliated with them as their watchdog, but I don’t have the slightest desire for my hard work to end up as money in their pockets.

Hokuto: Why not? The Producer Association takes the role of mediators, so isn’t it better the more money and influence they have to work with?

You don’t feel like furthering the cause of contributing to peaceful relations?

Seiya: I really don’t! Political stuff like that doesn’t interest me. As long as the people I love and I are happy, that’s all I need!

It’s really of no concern to me whether complete strangers are suffering and dying.

Hokuto: Even if you mean it, that’s still not something you should say in front of a child. Makes me doubt your sensibilities.

Seiya: Having sensibilities is nothing but a nuisance. If you want to become a real idol like me, go ahead and get rid of yours as soon as possible and become a machine whose only function is “being an idol”.

Hokuto: No thanks. I’ll never become like you, no matter what.

Seiya: Ahaha. Well, that’s fine by me. If all of humanity became like me, that’d be a boring state of affairs anyhow.

In such a world, the idol occupation would disappear for sure.

Hokuto: I’d also hate for the world to become a sci-fi-like place where humanity has fallen to ruin and only machines are left. How rare for us to share an opinion.

Seiya: Yet opinions are the extent of what we share. Fufufu.

In any case, the point is… As an impartial arbitral institution, the Producer Association is trying to get their hands on the weapon known as economic clout through the holding of this Antique Market.

No one listens to a referee who doesn’t hold any power, after all. It’s only because they have the power to send people off the field with a red card that everyone obeys their instructions.

There’s no use in a system that banks on the innate goodness of man to function. And why? Because even now, humans have yet to become beings that possess complete innate goodness.

If you think it over logically, this much should be obvious, but for some reason people prefer to dream instead.

Hokuto: That’s because other people aren’t robots like you, who couldn’t dream even if he wanted to.

Seiya: How cheeky of you, Robot #2~. My mother-in-law may have installed a conscience circuit in you, but if you ask me, that’s a rather cruel thing to do to someone.

Hokuto: Don’t badmouth Grandma. I’ll kill you.

Seiya: I can’t believe you’d say that to your own parent~! This is what they call the darkness of modern society, hm? Oh, how very deplorable.

Hokuto: Yet it’s alright with you to call your own child a robot? And I’m late with this retort, but what on earth is a conscience circuit.

Seiya: Oh, I guess young people these days wouldn’t know that, huh? A looong time ago, there was a superhero character with that kind of gimmick*.

That really was a first-rate gimmick. Since tokusatsu shows are primarily aimed at children, the logic in them has to be exceedingly simple to understand.

Monsters who have a flame sac as an internal organ can breathe fire**, robots with a conscience circuit installed can act according to a good conscience.

What a crystal clear explanation that is.

And people use this expectation of someone having a conscience as a foundation for their contrivances — Perhaps it’s like placing salt on your doorstep to ward off evil spirits.

(chuckles) In other words, it’s good for a laugh, but effectively useless.

Hokuto: Your sense of humor is beyond me.

Seiya: Of course it is. That’s because when you were a baby, I never smiled back at you. I wasn’t on stage, after all.

Children learn to laugh by observing their parents’ laughter. But since you never learned this from me, the timing of your laughter is different from mine. That’s all there is to it.

Hokuto: Why do you always have to analyze and explain every little thing like this? It’s irritating.

Seiya: Fufu. That’s because everyone only ever tilts their heads in confusion, saying they don’t understand a thing, even though I explain my logic to them from A to Z.

If they still don’t understand it after that, it must be because they don’t want to understand, right?

Maybe they want their hearts and souls to not just be simple physical reactions to stimuli, but something more mystical than that.

There are plenty of trades in this world that make use of such people’s faith and expectations.

The antiques set up at this market surely also carry their high price tags based on these very same unstable foundations.

These tattered old lumps of earth and ink-stained scraps of paper, being sold at higher prices than convenient machines that are actually good for something…

It’s all because the vendors are exploiting a bug in the brain’s functionality that is peculiar to humans in order to rake in the cash. How is that, do you understand this Antique Market now?

Hokuto: Yeah, I definitely understand now that it was a mistake to ask you for an explanation. You’re an idol, so how come you have to say things that are so utterly devoid of hopes and dreams?

Seiya: That’s because I’m off the clock right now.

My manner of speaking always has to shine brightly while I’m at work — so at least on my days off, when I speak to my son, I’d like to choose different conversational topics.

Hokuto: Hmph. If you only called me here for this “reverse famservice***”, then I don’t feel any obligation to stick around. See you.

Seiya: Now, now, hold on just a second. Truth be told, there is something I’d like to ask you to do for me. A request.

Well, I may call it a “request” for politeness’s sake, but since you don’t actually have the right to refuse it, it’d be more apt to call it an “order”.

Hokuto: What is this all about…? What is this order? Are you going to make me kill someone?

Seiya: Just what kind of person do you think I am?

Hokuto: The worst kind of parent, why?

Seiya: Very well, as long as you think of me as your parent in one way or another, it’s all fine and dandy. Because I require you to function as “Hidaka Seiya’s son” in this matter.

Hokuto: ………?

—————————

* Referring to the tokusatsu character “Kikaider” from the year 1972.

** This time he is referencing a loot item from Monster Hunter that drops from fire-breathing monsters.

*** The opposite of fan service, directed at your family. Family disservice.

comments

Antique Legend - Dreams on a Garbage Heap 1

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:55:14 GMT

Location: Antique Market Venue

- Reminiscing. One week after Valkyrie and Double Face clashed, on the day of the Antique Market -

Seiya: Hoccha~n! Your Papa’s here~♪

Hokuto: — Hello, is this the police? I was just approached by a suspicious person claiming to be my father.

Seiya: Ahaha. This would be quite the hilarious joke coming from anyone else, but since it’s you, I bet you’re actually reporting me to the authorities, so it’s not funny.

Alright, I’ll be confiscating that phone now ♪

Hokuto: Hey, give it back! You thief!

Seiya: As your father, your belongings are my belongings. Also — and this applies to your earlier statement as well — you really shouldn’t go around treating other people like they’re criminals at the drop of a hat.

Of course, seeing as my team of lawyers is excellent, I’ll be completely fine, but it’s you that I’m worried about. What if my fans take you to court for character assassination?

Hokuto: If I get sued, just lend me your team of lawyers. As your son, your belongings are my belongings, after all.

Seiya: Ah, hey, Honey? Just now, Hocchan finally acknowledged me as his father! We’re poppin’ bottles tonight!

How’s that! I bet you’re green with envy, hm? But even when you’re vexed, you’re still the most charming person in the whole universe! I love you!

Hokuto: Don’t have such disgusting conversations with your wife on the phone that you stole from your own son!

Seiya: Hocchan! Your mom has been wanting a younger brother or sister for you; do you happen to have any requests regarding their date of birth or name?

I’ll do everything within my power to aim for the season you’d like them to be born in! I’m an idol, after all ♪

Hokuto: Don’t do it! Don’t bring any more victims into this world to suffer like I have!

Really, what’s the matter with you…? You just seem to be getting more and more unpleasant every time I see you, shouldn’t you have hit rock bottom by now?

Seiya: Ahaha ♪ Who do you take me for? I’m the one and only active duty super idol in the whole world, you know? Also, I’m your father!

Hokuto: And if it wasn’t for that last part, I might’ve had a shot at going through life with a slightly more tranquil heart.

Anyway, that’s hardly the matter at hand here. More importantly, Dad — Why did you ask me to meet you all of a sudden? Why aren’t you dead?

Seiya: Of course, that’s because my wife and fans want me to live.

Hokuto: No one asked!

Seiya: You just did. You sure take after your mother, what with how you forget the things you said yourself mere seconds after saying them~.

Recognizing traces of my beloved wife within you has deepened my affection towards you. Congratulations.

Hokuto: Thanks, I don’t need it. If you have nothing worthwhile to say to me, I’ll be taking my leave now; I’ve got my own matters to attend to.

Seiya: The poor can’t afford rest, as they say.

…You guys have seemed a bit spiritless lately, is everything okay? Want Papa to throw some work your way?

Hokuto: I don’t need that either. There’s not a single thing I’d accept from your hands whatsoever.

Seiya: I don’t mind. Even if you don’t accept them, I’ll keep pouring them on you anyway. That’s what people mean when they say the love of a parent knows no reward; I’ll keep delivering it to you unsolicitedly no matter how many times it is returned to sender.

Hokuto: Ugh, can someone please come assassinate this guy—

Seiya: Fufu. In any case, I’ve had enough of messing with my little Hocchan, so let me explain the situation.

You see, I didn’t ask you to meet me on a mere whim this time around.

Have a look around you, Hocchan. Right now, there’s an Antique Market taking place on this green area around ES.

Hokuto: Hmm. Indeed, that’s what the banners around here say. “Autumn Antique Market”, huh — Although I don’t recall there having been one in spring or summer.

Seiya: Of course you don’t. Apparently, this is ES’s first time taking this venture.

But, well, their ulterior motive is probably that if the publicity turns out well they’ll stage these in irregular intervals from now on.

Hokuto: I see. So they want to establish this as a seasonal event, like SakuraFes.

Seiya: Well, if you ask me, that’s not going to happen~. The clientele is too different; young idol-loving people these days aren’t going to be interested in things like antiques.

Hokuto: I wouldn’t be so sure of that. I, for one, like them quite a bit; things like traditionally handcrafted items that have endured time.

Seiya: In your case, that must be due to my mother-in-law’s influence… Or actually, Hocchan, I think it’d do you some good to be a little more self-aware about being an exceptional person.

Hokuto: Thanks to two certain someones, I get to realize that over and over again every day of my life.

No, that’s not right. It’s the opposite, actually. Because of you two, it’s as if I can’t see myself as someone special in the slightest.

Seiya: Ahaha! What a burden it is to have such outstanding parents! I can sympathize with that, and I appreciate the praise — Hocchan ♪

Hokuto: I wasn’t praising you. Get to the point, and skip the unnecessary remarks.

Seiya: Fiiine. The principal goal of this Antique Market is the disposal of GFK’s inheritance — That certain industry heavyweight who went missing the other day.

It appears that he hoarded an impressive stockpile through quite unscrupulous means, so his inheritance must make up a vast share of the market.

Hokuto: GFK… I feel like I hear that name from time to time, but who exactly is he?

Seiya: Who knows? I have no interest in him. In order to avoid getting tangled up in something unsavoury like “Akehoshi-kun” did, I always made sure not to get involved with anything in the vicinity of that “God”*.

You could say that’s how I’ve survived this long.

———————-

* For new readers who missed out on ! lore: when Seiya says “Akehoshi-kun” he means Subaru’s deceased father, not Subaru. The “God” he mentions is the person Nagisa calls “father”, and who’s otherwise known as “the Godfather” of idols.

comments

Antique Legend - Spectators 3

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:51:20 GMT

Guest translation by Soup

Akiomi: It all started with Kagehira Mika-kun. As you already know, he is an orphan who lived in an orphanage in Kansai during his early childhood.

In the orphanage he grew up in, he is looked up to as a kind of hero for his illustrious work as an idol.

All of the children in the facility admire that kid— Kagehira Mika-kun.

They want to be like him.

If that were all, it’d be a good story, filled with idol-like hopes and dreams.

But of course, reality is so much more— we don’t live in a fairytale, you know.

First of all, there was an outburst of people who admired Kagehira-kun that wished to move into the facility he grew up in.

Kagehira-kun seems to frequently return with fanfare to his hometown’s orphanage to assist in caring for the kids who move in there.

With that in mind, the amount of people coming to live in the orphanage has increased because they want to meet Kagehira-kun.

He’s truly a local celebrity in his hometown, like a hero—so much so that the number of people who applied to move into the orphanage was a tad surprising.

Kagehira-kun himself seems to be unaware of his influence.

That’s precisely why that kid advertised his orphanage without concern on TV programs and such, talking about where he was raised as if it was a paradise.

Naturally, Kagehira-kun meant no ill intent, but the orphanage can only hold so many people.

That type of facility has no adequate arrangements to make money in the first place.

The more children they have, the more the management suffers from pressure.

The faculty didn’t have enough hands to go around, and the interested applicants began to complain that “it wasn’t like the paradise we expected,” so the orphanage’s reputation has taken a nosedive.

To make matters worse, something akin to a cram school for idols was built in the neighborhood of the orphanage for the children who want to become idols like Kagehira Mika-kun.

The orphanage was seemingly pressured by the voices of those aspiring children and the public, so they forged a business partnership with the training cram school. It seems that they’ve invested quite a fortune into it.

However, that training cram school in itself is the product of underhanded fraud, and as a result the orphanage has been scammed out of a large sum of money— they appear to have fallen into a great amount of debt.

Kagehira-kun needed money to save the orphanage, the place he called home.

For that reason, that child became active in the sort of vulgar work that is so unlike Valkyrie’s.

What? Yes, as I said, Kagehira-kun has done nothing wrong.

He never wanted to harrow his home facility, nor deceive the children who admire him so much.

Besides, none of the jobs he’s been doing are questionable— it’s honest work.

He is not actually involving himself in any crime, even if his work seems nothing like what Valkyrie would do.

However, there have been sort of half-truths circling the public, made by the fraud who deceived Kagehira-kun’s orphanage to escape the investigation.

As a result of that, it appears that a strange skepticism has befallen Kagehira-kun.

Of course, he was proven innocent and wasn’t accused of any crimes.

But Double Face, in the first stage of their investigation, had no way of knowing that.

So because Double Face didn’t have any knowledge on the matter, they suspected Valkyrie, and played this absurd game to wring information out of them. This absurd game would result in Double Face and Valkyrie fighting in the future.

I'm sure you saw it yourself, but on the day of the Antique Market, those two units clashed upon the stage.

It seems the public considered this development an enigma, wondering “why are these two units fighting?”, but for those involved, that course of events was simply inevitable.

Valkyrie had done nothing wrong, and yet they were still beaten down— it’s only natural they’d hit back.

As a teacher, it’s my job to tell them to stop their fighting.

But I unfortunately understand how they feel. Because I, too, was an idol.

Things have been more peaceful nowadays, so it seems everyone forgets this, but...

Originally, being an idol was basically all about kicking down your rivals, and a single winner seizing all of the glory.

They used to be such wild creatures, a herd of barbarians who’d take everything they wanted with brute force.

That’s why I wanted to become the "barrier" to protect the lovable people from being attacked by such barbarians.

Ah, I got carried away; all in all, that’s why Kagehira-kun had been earning money: to help the orphanage.

Itsuki-kun noticed that child’s hometown was suffering and couldn’t let it go unnoticed, so he made his move.

Itsuki-kun had done something troublesome.

Kagehira seemed to have no hand in the situation, and I believe Itsuki-kun likely acted on his own.

Itsuki-kun hung his head low even to Saegusa-kun, who he has quite the contempt for, and began to make suspicious movements.

Doing so stirred up trouble— he caught the eye of Double Face, who had then misunderstood him to be involved in fraud, and was targeted as a result.

So it was an accident.

I suppose it’s possible to say that Valkyrie had done wrong for acting suspiciously, but Double Face, too, would also be in the wrong for attacking Valkyrie when they had only seemed suspicious.

Thoughtless children that have acted as rash idiots... That’s how I see this particular case.

It’s certainly a stupid situation to laugh at, but by no means was it an “evil” criminal act to be punished for.

Being an idiot is neither evil nor a sin.

comments

Antique Legend - Spectators 2

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:49:00 GMT

Guest translation by Soup

Location: Meeting Room

Early October. Immediately following the Antique Market, after an interview with Hidaka Hokuto and Ran Nagisa.

Akiomi: ...I would presume it was similar to a traffic accident.

Even if they’re insistent on putting up a front, in the end they’re still children.

Both Double Face and Valkyrie are inexperienced here — Double Face are not expert investigators, and Valkyrie have devoted themselves towards artistic expression.

To put it crudely, they come off as geeks with no real world experience.

Even if those inexperienced kids try their best to pretend to be adults, I know it won’t go well for them.

And of course, it ended up in an accident... That’s basically what happened in the incident involving the Antique Market.

Really, it’s so stupid, isn’t it? I wish those children would just stay quiet and do as the adults tell them.

Even though we adults spend all of our time and effort fixing and setting the stage so those children can live comfortably and peacefully...

They disregard it, and our kindness goes to waste.

This is something for you to hear too, Anzu-san.

I don’t know if you’re just killing time or something, but can you really be spending your time playing detective like this?

You also have your regular work to do, yes?

If you’re flawlessly completing all your work, then you’re free to do whatever you want in your spare time — but, frankly, the way you are currently working does not warrant praise.

Even so, compared to last year, you’re doing much better.

But please, don’t forget this—

You’re an amateur who gained not even two full years of experience; you’re still early in assuming your role as a Producer.

Idols may put you on a pedestal, but make sure you don’t get cocky.

In the idol industry, where one must keep their wits about them, if you are careless you will be crushed.

Pardon? “You’ll be misunderstood if you aren't more careful about what you’re saying”?

I’m a teacher, Anzu-san. Our job isn’t to make friends with our students; it’s to help them learn and grow, even if they resent us for it.

The reality is that it’s right to fear me, or even to hate me.

Hm? “Mikejima-kun said something similar”?

How cheeky... He’s still a child who needs to be protected too.

Well, it’s fine. I don’t have much spare time either, and I’d like you to return to your duties soon, so I'll keep it brief.

The Antique Market was planned and held by the Producer Association and the four idol agencies.

You needed to come in contact with someone who is looking over the operation, and I'm guessing I'm the only one you could contact.

It wouldn't do to perform a personal inspection, as the agencies would take it as a hostile action. As a member of the Producer Association, I’m really the only one you can ask.

“You’re not the enemy at all,”... I’m glad you have that much faith in me.

Anyhow, various conspiracies and misinformation about the happenings surrounding the Antique Market are spreading around.

The testimonies of those involved may very well be mixed with lies, and that issue tends to lead to confusion.

There’s no such thing as an omniscient orchestrator who understands everything that's happening. In actuality, that’s how it is for all of reality; it’s just the way life works.

Nevertheless, people are inclined to pursue the existence of God, of a creator that knows all.

People can’t just accept an ambiguous reality so immediately. What they wish for is a clear, black and white color-coded explanation.

Even though the likes of who is just and who is evil will be decided by the one who writes the script, but even that author is not a god who asserts control over all.

Oh? “I don’t want to hear that kind of philosophical talk”?

I intended to teach you how the “life of an adult” works, how it’s easier to understand if you don’t think about it too deeply.

That would save you an explanation, after all.

Anyhow, Mikejima-kun and Kagehira-kun were my associates in Ba-Barrier, which I led during the Saga project.

Since I am somewhat involved in this problem, let’s talk about what we need to discuss to protect their honor.

To begin, as a premise, neither Valkyrie nor Double Face are “evil” in this series of events.

To be precise, neither of them have committed any crimes. The police cannot conduct an investigation, arrest them, or prosecute them, at least.

They haven’t done anything wrong.

However, even people who have done nothing wrong can be involved in a crime, either accidentally dragged into the incident, or targeted as a victim.

For now, they're all victims—well, Double Face is questionable, but Valkyrie definitely are. They've simply run into trouble this time around.

comments

Antique Legend - Artists and Assassins 6

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:45:27 GMT

Collab with Soup

Madara: I’m truly disappointed in you — Shu-san.

Shu: ………

Madara: You haven’t grown in the slightest since the time you suffered that lethal defeat two years ago. You’re overly confident, conceited, and easily provoked by challenges.

You’re still just a toy that the truly strong play around with for fun — Someone for them to bully.

Shu: ………

Madara: Beating you two was easier than twisting a child’s arm.

Back when everything still revolved around Yumenosaki, you “stuck to your own personal policies”, which may sound good on paper, but in reality you were just shutting yourselves away in your own world, never getting involved with the mainstream.

As a result, you’re still as inexperienced in war as ever compared to the other units that participated in the fierce battles that unfolded at Yumenosaki — and you’ve persisted like that to this day.

The fact of the matter is, your winning percentage in live showdowns is exceedingly low. During the period of conflict you immediately got wasted with a single blow, and even during the Tanabata Festival, where you expected to experience a revival, you ultimately lost.

The only reason someone as easy to defeat and with a war record as miserable as yours hadn’t been targeted by anyone until today was because they felt bad for you.

They thought it’d be too pitiful to once again trample all over people who’ve experienced tragedy like you guys have — They all went easy on you to be considerate, you know.

You’ve been protected because you’re weak. But, not realizing this, you mistook yourselves as strong and convinced yourselves you were special — when you’re actually nothing but a couple of brats with chuunibyou.

Shu: You bastard…!

Madara: See, it’s that easy to rile you up ♪ That’s exactly why I’m calling you easy opponents, Valkyrie — How about being a bit more cautious next time?

Because the next time you lose something important to you, it’ll be too late no matter how much you’ll regret it.

Shu: You say that, and yet you did nothing.

While we were made to suffer, you didn’t do a thing. Now you’re here to preach to me like some sort of know-it-all?

You must have it so easy, I’m jealous.

Madara: ………

Shu: Anyhow, I suppose I should thank you—for your valued feedback, I mean. In actuality, I feel I was stung precisely where the I’d been partially pretending not to see what was going on.

I’d forgotten about this pain for a while now. It’s true, we were weak. That weakness exposed, and us vanquished as we were, I wasted a great deal of time recovering myself.

I swore to myself nothing like that would ever happen again, but I’ve ended up surviving to today by pushing aside my problems, not compensating for my weakness.

The comfort of life in Paris and Kagehira’s growth have made me very happy, you see... I’d dreamed it would stay that way until I die.

But, because of you, I have remembered how cruel reality truly is. This world, a world which I cannot yet fully illuminate as I have yet to achieve sanctity, is brimming with darkness.

I am always far too slow to realize these things. Yes— In both the past and the present, Valkyrie’s weak point has been me.

At first glance, one would assume it would be that unstable, frail Kagehira, but it is this Itsuki Shu that is Valkyrie’s cancer.

Mika: What’re ya sayin’, Oshi-san? Ya lost just now cause I went an’ left, right?

It’s my fault! There’s nothin’ wrong with ya, Oshi-san!

Shu: In other words, essentially, you are needed for us to win.

You may not have noticed, but most of the visitors who came to view our stage today were your fans.

I’m not quite certain I could’ve won, even if the audience hadn’t been switched out.

Mika: ………

Madara: Hahaha. In the first place, you’re not suited to live showdowns — DreamFes’ — and you never were.

And that’s because the DreamFes back in Yumenosaki’s era was a ceremony made to execute you guys.

It’s full of conditions and rules that put you at a disadvantage.

Shu: Fufu. How foolish of me to have attempted expressing myself in such a hideous ritual. Ahh, I now realize how painfully stupid it was of me.

So, false hero, what is it you gain from kicking down the victims you’ve already failed to once save?

Have you resigned yourself to the fact that you will never become a real hero of justice, planning to rebel and become the villain you really are?

Madara: As a matter of unpleasant necessity, that is exactly the way things are going right now. So, y’know, I’d really like to get this dirty job over with sooner rather than later…

Not that I think I’ll be able to return back to the frontstage without any shame at this point, though.

Still, for as long as humanly possible, I want to keep singing for those commendable people who love my public face that puts on a gentle big brother act. Even if it’s just for a single second longer.

As long as there’s even just a single person who wishes for it, I want to keep being the MaM that people look up to.

After all, if you’re gonna have to live your whole life in darkness and solitude, there’s no point in having been born in the first place.

That’s why I’m wrapping this Double Face job up quickly. Besides, I feel bad for forcing poor Kohaku-san to keep me company against his will.

Kohaku: ………

Madara: Therefore, and also since you made a promise, I’m gonna need you to spit it out as soon as possible — Shu-san. Otherwise I’ll have to put you through even more torment, unwilling as I am to do that.

Shu: Unwilling as you are, hm? Rather than looking uncomfortable like you usually do, you seem quite happy.

Madara: ………

Shu: Well, moving on. Since I have lost, I shouldn't speak; it would be unsightly of me to go on and talk like some sore loser. I’ll do as you wish and give you the information you want.

However, I would prefer it not be in this place. People’s eyes are on us, though more importantly, I don’t want us to talk in front of Kagehira.

Madara: Hm? So you’re saying Mika-san has nothing to do with the illegal money transfers — or any of the accusations that have been raised against you two?

I’d say he’s at the very center of these suspicions, though?

Mika: I dunno what it is, but maybe the problem is how, nowadays, I’ve been doin’ lots of suspicious lookin’ activity. S’that what it is, Double Face?

Kohaku: Yeah, at least from what I’ve heard. To be more precise, we’re tryna unravel the wrongdoings our vice prez committed as a follow-up to yours.

Well, I also reckoned Shu-han doesn’t feel any goodwill towards the vice prez, so if anyone’s involved in dishonest dealings with the guy, it’d be you, Kagehira-han.

Shu: No. Kagehira could not have done anything bad; he doesn’t have the brain for that kind of sinister conspiring.

Kohaku: Hrm~? So, what’s this all about then? Neither Shu-han nor Kagehira-han’s givin’ off the rotten stench of a villain.

Hey, Madara-han, was there really any need ta beat up Valkyrie? Their resistance is somehow weirdly feeble —

comments

Antique Legend - Artists and Assassins 5

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:41:09 GMT

Location: ES Underground Live Stage

Kohaku: (Ngh~... He’s as nasty as ever, that Madara-han.)

(Like givin’ a sword to a something-or-other*, huh. That’s what ya get when ya give power to someone who lacks all regard fer consequences an’ keepin’ the peace with his surroundings — someone who’s got nothing to lose.)

(Seems like stories about children who’re given immense power are popular in this country, fer example in manga an’ such.)

(But in reality, if ya were ta give a child who has no control over their emotions such power, they’d start killin’ any parent, teacher, an’ classmate they find even the slightest bit odious in cold blood.)

(With strong power comes strong responsibility.*2 Ya can’t give weapons to a child who hasn’t learned this lesson yet.)

(Nah, Madara-han must’ve learned this thoroughly from a young age, an’ yet he still wields his power however the hell he likes. That’s what makes him so much trouble.)

(He’s actually the kinda person we*3 oughta have subdued right from the start.)

(Yet here I am, havin’ joined forces with someone like that, wearin’ matching clothes an’ actin’ all buddy-buddy with him. Life sure is strange that way.)

(Whatever. At least our investigation’s gonna progress a lil’ like this.)

(We followed the thread that’ll lead us to our real target, the vice prez — an’ that thread is Valkyrie, who seem t’have had some shady dealings with him.)

(Madara-han was real meticulous an’ got all our ducks in a row. Immediately after Valkyrie’s live, when they were already exhausted, he hit ‘em with a challenge to a bout right in front of their fans.)

(Valkyrie couldn’t refuse it. Even if they were at their limit, an’ in no shape to do another live.)

(Prideful an’ conceited as Valkyrie is… they musta felt that, once they got challenged like that, they didn’t wanna disappoint their fans by showin’ ‘em the disgraceful sight of ‘em takin’ to their heels in shame.)

(Or rather, that’s the situation Madara-han set up ta induce ‘em to act the way he wanted.)

(He stirred ‘em up plenty, an’ even abused idol techniques like callin’ out to the audience from the stage to rile ‘em up.)

(He trapped Valkyrie in a situation they couldn’t escape from, an’ forced ‘em into a bout — a live showdown with favorable conditions fer us.)

(It seems as if quarrel-like bouts between idols like this one are outta fashion these days. But when it’s all said an’ done, violence is the quickest way ta resolve things.)

(“Violence doesn’t solve anything” is just a wild tale that the people in power tell the subjects they secretly control through violent authority and other means in order to keep ‘em in check so they won’t try an’ turn the tables on ‘em.)

(It’s nothin’ but the squeals of the pigs who fatten ‘emselves up by slurpin’ up the lifeblood of the kiddos who believe this nonsense.)

(The oh-so-mighty humans domesticated all other beasts or turned ‘em into fodder, an’ traded their own fangs and claws fer systems of violence*4.)

(By mobilizing forces like language, money, laws, gods, and many others — we trampled over all those other beasts an’ became the lords of creation, the rulers of this planet.)

(And mere animals who are unaware of this simply become food for the mighty humans.)

Madara: Could it be that you don’t even understand why you lost — Shu-san?

Shu: ………

Madara: There are many reasons for your defeat. First of all, you shouldn’t have accepted our challenge to a match you had nothing to gain from.

I bet wanting to show off in front of your fans played a part in that, but it’s also just not in your nature to laugh it off when someone picks a fight with you, so this outcome was, well, inevitable.

But you know, even a professional martial artist can suffer an embarrassing defeat against a mere layman if he’s completely unprepared, both mentally and physically. All the more so if his opponent is armed with a knife… a weapon.

Kohaku: (Ah, looks like Madara-han was thinkin’ roughly the same thing as me. So he was fully aware that he was swingin’ his sword at an unarmed person —)

(A far cry from how someone who fights fer justice is s’pposed to act.)

(Well, we ain’t on the side of justice, though. The first time we stood on stage together as Double Face, we established that we’re just the “slightly lesser evil”.)

(So, like the villains we are, we’ll do anything to win.)

(Right after Valkyrie accepted our challenge, I went an’ abducted Kagehira Mika-han in secret, ta put some distance between the two. Although he probably doesn’t even realize himself that he was abducted —)

(Before our bout, on the pretense of wantin’ ta touch up my make-up, I asked ‘im to show me the way to the dressing room, actin’ like I didn’t know the layout of the place since I’m new at this.)

(Kagehira-han, bein’ the soft soul he is, intended to be kind to a junior from his agency — An’ so he nonchalantly left the stage.)

(At that time — an’ it really was just a moment — Madara-han shot down Shu-han.)

(While me an’ Kagehira-han were away, he started the bout an’ brought it to a quick end. He exchanged the audience members under the pretense of wantin’ a fair match —)

(And instead filled the arena with fans who favored him, before startin’ a 1-on-1 fight with Shu-han.)

(‘Course, Shu-han couldn’t back out of it at that point, since his pride would never let him pull out of a challenge he’d declared accepted.)

(He can’t even argue that he didn’t agree to the audience members being exchanged, since it was his own blunder not to ask about the details of the match before acceptin’ it.)

(Furthermore, compared to Madara-han who’s been solo all this time, Shu-han ain’t used to carryin’ a performance by himself.)

(On top o’ that, it’s usually a characteristic of Valkyrie to construct elaborate stages ta perform on, but the battle called fer ‘im ta improvise a song right off the bat instead —)

(Despite all of this, it seems like he put up quite the fight.)

(Still, in the end, as is customary fer DreamFes’, the audience votes decided the outcome, an’ they declared Madara-han — an’ by association, Double Face — the winner.)

(But that’s only natural. There was no way in hell Shu-han was gonna win, what with how ‘is strong points all got crushed an’ he was forced inta this situation against his will.)

(No matter how mighty Valkyrie are as idols, there’s just no way they’re so overwhelmingly strong as ta be undefeatable come rain or come shine.)

(Couldn’t say if it’s ‘cause ya’ll were intoxicated by all yer past success or what, but y’all forgot about this simple fact, an’ that’s the reason ya lost.)

-----------------------------

* Kohaku uses the saying “like giving a sword to [a madman]” which can be considered a sensitive expression, so he avoids saying the “madman” part. To a JP reader it would be obvious that this is the expression he’s avoiding to say directly, though.

*2 Kohaku elegantly sidesteps Spiderman copyright by ever-so-slightly misquoting the famous “with great power comes great responsibility”.

*3 Kohaku is using “we” to mean “we, the Oukawas” again, I reckon.

*4 Kohaku uses a polsci/sociology term, 暴力装置 (lit. violent device) which refers to “a form of violence that is organized and institutionalized by state power”. This refers to the military and police, as well as in a broader sense all public authorities with coercive power such as the government itself.

comments

Antique Legend - Artists and Assassins 4

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:34:01 GMT

Collab with Soup

Location: ES Underground Live Stage

Reminiscence, an hour shortly after contact between Valkyrie and Double Face had been made.

Shu: This is, just absurd—

(Is this… real? Double Face suddenly emerged like a nightmare... they had one-sidedly challenged us, Valkyrie, to a bout.)

(Calling for us to partake in an old-fashioned battle of the bands, they had proposed a game in that abhorrent DreamFes method, but—)

(We fell for their persuading words, and took the challenge.)

Madara: — There we go. Now that we’ve made short work of you two…

I’ve gotta say, you’re as weak as ever, Valkyrie… Nah, I think this time it’s you alone who deserves to be criticized, Shu-san.

You haven’t grown in the slightest since that period of conflict two years ago. The moment one pokes you with the tip of their finger, you crumble without even putting up a fight — you’re a castle of sand.

Shu: ………

Madara: Anyhow, it’s only common sense that the losers have to obey the winners. In fact, those were the conditions for our bout, so I don’t wanna hear any whining now.

As promised, I’m gonna have you spill the beans about Valkyrie and the CosPro higher-ups — specifically, those nebulous money transfers that took place between you and the vice president, Ibara-san. And don’t be skimpy with the details.

You see, that information is all we’re really after, Shu-san. We don’t particularly want to hurt you, or Valkyrie’s honor.

However, if you were to break your promise and sully our honorable fight between men… Then I’ll bare this current disgraceful sight of yours to the whole world.

Right now, the entire audience that witnessed this has been paid into silence, and of course, we also don’t intend to let the video recordings of this ever see the light of day.

And just like that, this battle between Double Face and Valkyrie never happened… We can assert this with confidence.

But if you don’t give us the information we want, we’ll make the whole thing go public in retaliation.

Your foothold is unsteady even at the best of times, so that’d probably spell the end of Valkyrie for good.

Shu: ………

Madara: Still, I’d prefer if you didn’t force me to do something as cruel as kicking over a sand castle made for fun by children.

Unlike Eichi-san, I don’t derive any pleasure from doing things like that, you see.

Giant-killing just sends a shiver down my spine, ‘cause I’m convinced that I’ll be taken down next.

Shu: ………

Madara: ? Hellooo, anyone home?

Pretending to have poor hearing isn’t gonna help you, y’know. It’s a Mama’s duty to clearly tell the children even the things they don’t want to hear ♪

Even if you clog your ears, I’ll always find a way to force them open and push my way in.

Mika: O-Oshi-sa—

Kohaku: — Stay right where you are.

Mika: …!?

Kohaku: Reckon you’re on pins an’ needles since it looks like yer beloved partner is bein’ picked on.

But this is the result of a fair match, an’ we absolutely won’t loosen our grip ‘til we get what we want.*

Tryna be lenient on yer prey will just make it suffer more than necessary. Doin’ that ain’t kindness… So I’ll end his life mercilessly and swiftly instead.

Mika: (What? I dunno this kid at all, but he’s real scary!)

(I dunno why, but even though I get the jitters real bad from standin’ so close t’ him, when I turn ‘round right quick t’ look at his face it’s like he’s not even there!)

(It’s like a ghost’s been talkin’ t’ me… )

(But this weird pressure I feel from him’s real strong, n’all I get is if I don’t do what this guy’s tellin’ me t’do, somethin’ bad’ll happen—what’s goin’ on? S’just downright frightenin’!)

Kohaku: (Hmm~... Maybe I overdid it, seein’ as he’s a layman. Poor fella, he’s gone white as a sheet.)

(Still, I heard he’d do anything fer his “Oshi-san”, so I can’t exactly let him take any careless actions. Better keep this one in check.)

(But when it comes down ta it, our target here is Vice Prez Saegusa, not these Valkyrie fellas.)

(They’re nothing but a steppin’ stone, the thread that’ll connect us to the root of all evil — There ain’t no need to torment ‘em pointlessly, is there?)

(We’re not here to take yer lives, so quit throwin’ a tantrum an’ spit it out already.)

Shu: As per usual, you’re willing to do anything to complete your objective.

Why not follow the example of Ryuseitai? Their methods are much more peaceful.

Madara: You can’t save anyone like that.

Lip service like that only works in the peaceful world of coddled children, but those guys were thrown into the world of adults without ever having that experience first-hand.

They’re strong when it comes down to it, so I’m sure they’ll be fine anyway, though. And as for the dirt those kids shouldn’t get in contact with, I’m right here to plunge my hand into it in their stead.

Maybe I’m pampering them too much by doing that. But it’s my duty as Mama to act on behalf of my beloved children, even if they may resent me for it.

Shu: “Mamas” are meant to be gentle and embracing beings, are they not?

Madara: A completely normal and respectable human parent would be like that, yeah.

But I was born in the world of beasts, where the law of the jungle rules.

A peaceful and happy life and living environment is, globally and historically speaking, an exceedingly rare and special thing —

Your parents and teachers never taught you that growing up, and just look how weak you two turned out.

Shu: ………

---------------------

* This expression (“absolutely won’t loosen our grip”) is taken directly from the beginning of the =EYE= chorus lyrics.

comments

Antique Legend - Spectators 1

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:25:59 GMT

Location: Meeting Room

- Early October. Following the holding of the Antique Market, right after the interview with Hidaka Hokuto -

Hokuto: Hm. Well, I guess this is the extent of what I can tell you.

I’m sorry that it was nothing but stuff everyone already knows.

But since you’re relying on me here, I’d like to be more helpful than this. If you’re investigating the Antique Market, let me lend you a hand—

Nagisa: ……Wouldn’t you only get in her way? Even more so since your words are always so gaudy and crass.

……You’re not well suited to an investigation, are you, Hockey Mask-kun?

Hokuto: Ran Nagisa—

— -senpai. I’ve said this time and time again: don’t call me “Hockey Mask”.

Nagisa: ……A mask is not that easy to tear off once it’s been donned.

……I’m sure you of all people understand that all too well, seeing as you’re that delightful clown’s favorite pupil.

Hokuto: ………

Nagisa: ……Well, no matter. Ibara has crammed my schedule full of work recently, saying, “Nothing good ever comes of giving His Excellency excessive free time”.

……I’m a busy man, so let’s get this conversation over with quickly.

Hokuto: Hmm. First you spoke to me, and now it’s Ran… -senpai’s turn, Anzu? Now that I think of it, I do recall seeing him at the Antique Market.

Nagisa: ……Yes. Some things happened regarding Father’s inheritance, so I felt it necessary to be there in person.

……Besides, I’ve always loved enigmatic things such as ancient relics and antiques.

……They’re filled with mystery, history, and value. I don’t intend to become a collector, but since I know so little about them, they never fail to catch my interest.

……In any case, what I am about to say isn’t meant for just anyone’s ears, so remove yourself from the premises at once, “Hokuto-kun”. And don’t even think about trying to eavesdrop.

Hokuto: ……… (Looks imploringly at Anzu)

Nagisa: ……Making those eyes won’t work either. Why don’t you grow up a little, Hokuto-kun? Well, I suppose this childishness is Trickstar’s charm point, in a way.

Hokuto: Hrgh, just remember that I’ll be on stand-by just out of earshot of this conversation the whole time!

If this guy tries anything, just shout as loud as you can, Anzu! I’ll come and save you, no matter what!

(Hokuto leaves.)

Nagisa: ……I wasn’t even going to do anything.

……He’s quite overprotective. Maybe Trickstar sees you as their “Ohii-san”, Anzu-san?

……Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter. In any case, I already know what you want me to tell you, Anzu-san.

……To be honest, I thought as hard as I could to surmise it.

……Let me get straight to the point: I can tell you almost nothing. There are too many details that you are not to know, and it’d be contrary to my intentions if I were to put you at risk by disclosing them to you.

……If you were to receive even a single scratch, Hokuto-kun would curse my lineage for generations to come.

……Indeed. And that’s why I don’t believe I will be of much help to you.

……The reason why I came in spite of this is that I’m here in someone’s defense.

……That someone is the origin of this case, Ibara. He, who is my companion, has become the target of Double Face.

……And that was the beginning of everything. Do you have an understanding of why Ibara was targeted?

……Yes. In the course of adorably and happily playing the villain, Ibara has incurred the wrath and fear of an unspecified yet large number of people.

……Due to this, someone out there has begun trying to eliminate him.

—That’s basically, the premise here.

……It’s a proven fact that this is his surroundings’ reaction to him, and I don’t intend to revise it either. I am merely stating it as the premise for what I am about to say.

……I’m sure you’re already aware, but the ones who were tasked with Ibara’s disposal were Double Face.

……The janitors, assassins, secret police of the idol industry. Well, people are free to define them as they like.

……People of their kind already existed back in Father’s day, but it’s rare for them to do it as a side business alongside being an idol.

……I don’t know whose idea this was, but I find them intriguing.

……During these recent events, they were driven by their need to emphasize this “face they show the public”. Makes one curious as to what their next move will be, doesn’t it?

……Well, let’s leave that aside for now. In order to hunt Ibara, Double Face tried to make use of a certain problem that has been plaguing him recently.

……They tried to strike his weak point. And this weak point in question was… Valkyrie.

……As mighty as they are, they’re difficult to handle. They’re quite a peculiar weapon in our — CosPro’s — arsenal.

…...But now that I say it, I am reminded that Crazy:B and 2wink are just as peculiar. I suppose Ibara is fond of weapons like that.

……Perhaps he is under the impression that frontal attacks won’t lead to victory.

……In any case. Valkyrie has, until recently, been suffering from a great problem.

……To be more specific, it appears as though Kagehira Mika-kun found himself in need of a large amount of money.

……I don’t know whether it was because he couldn’t bear to see Mika-kun like that, or because Mika-kun asked him to do so, but Ibara assigned him a great number of jobs.

……I believe Ibara’s desire to have Valkyrie, who usually focus only on their artistry, do a lot of work, must have played a part in it too.

……Also, we are idols, not artists. Being willing to do anything is the foundation of our trade.

……Which is exactly why Ibara gave Mika-kun a lot of jobs that Valkyrie usually wouldn’t do. Indecent and vulgar jobs… the type meant to cajole the public.

…...And because Mika-kun was doing these jobs he wasn’t used to doing, he became fatigued.

……Then, due to his worrying about his partner who was off his game, Shu-kun’s condition was thrown into disarray as well.

……Not that he himself would ever admit this, but Shu-kun really has been acting strange lately, hasn’t he? He’s been taking actions that are uncharacteristic for him.

……This confused their fans, which in turn led to Valkyrie losing its foothold entirely.

…...And that is where Double Face aimed their attack.

……Hm? You want to know why Double Face would do such a thing?

……I’m not them, so I don’t know what the truth is. But there have been suspicious transfers of money between Ibara and Valkyrie as of late.

……Ibara must have been giving Mika-kun, who was hurting for money, personal loans.

……Having caught the scent of something illegal, something evil — the hounds made their move.

……That’s how I would explain the events. Ibara is usually so well prepared that using a roundabout method like this one is the only way to cause his downfall.

……And there were, in fact, transfers that were illegal, or at the very least suspicious.

……At the Antique Market held to dispose of GFK’s inheritance, Shu-kun put his family’s cherished antiques up for sale.

……Money laundering… is unlikely to be his goal in this, though.

……But it appears that some trouble arose on the occasion of these trades. The situation seems to have gone so far that the police were on the verge of intervening.

……There was something suspicious about this. Thus, Double Face sniffed out the exact source of this dubious scent, and that’s where they struck.

……Thanks to them carelessly striking Valkyrie, the darkness from the depths of society that everyone had been trying to keep hidden suddenly gushed forth.

……That’s what this case is about. But since Ibara is involved, I am sure people are going to simply blame it all on him and call him the mastermind behind all of this.

……But he didn’t cause any mischief this time around. He only tried to help his fellow idols from the same agency as him, Valkyrie. All he did was facilitate jobs and lend them funds for this reason.

……I would like you to keep this in mind, because I am saying it in defense of him:

……Ibara may have been Double Face’s target, but he is not the “evil” in this incident by any means.

comments

Antique Legend - Artists and Assassins 3

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:22:01 GMT

Collab with Soup

Location: ES Underground Live Stage

Nearly one hour later. In an intermission during one of Valkyrie’s rare performances.

Shu: Non! Useless thing! Just what in the world have you done, Kagehira!? No motivation, no energy, no spirit and, above all else, no love and beauty!

If I was as arrogant as I was in the past, I surely would have immediately stripped you of your Valkyrie outfit! You are unfit to wear that!

Mika: …

… Ngah~? Ehehe, did ya say somethin’, Oshi-san?

Sorry, I was thinkin’ a lil’ ‘bout somethin’ an’ didn’t hear ya ♪

Shu: Y-you! Honestly! Shall I strip you naked like a newborn?! Incorrigible!

Mika: Mn? “Incorrigible!”? Is that yer imitation o’ the dormitory supervisor? Ahaha, even Oshi-san’ll say those kinds o’ funny things~♪

Shu: (What is this child smiling so strangely for… He seems to be in a good mood; is his mental state not what causes him grief?)

(I’ve only seen Kagehira doing this badly very rarely in recent years.)

(It is entirely as if he had returned to when I had unfairly called him such things as “failure” and “good-for-nothing”, to when his movements were nothing but stiff.)

(So, do you really find it so unpleasant to create art with me…?)

(I had been wondering if he had held resentment towards me for what happened in Neverland, when I had thrown out his personal belongings without permission.)

(Concerning that matter, when I gave him my earnest apology, I believe he forgave me.)

(I understood that my blunder in forcibly throwing out his belongings was cruel, as that is something Kagehira excessively fears being done to him.)

(Since then, I’ve been careful to not set him off again.)

(It would be troubling if he were to declare he would throw out Mademoiselle like before, even if he was bluffing back then.)

(But if what happened then is not the issue, then what is the reason for his strange lack of liveliness?)

(It can’t be that he’s fallen into poor health again like back then.)

(Rei’s little brother is Kagehira’s dormmate, so I requested for Rei to check up on Kagehira whilst he looked after his little brother.)

(Since Rei, who has never denied a request from anyone, accepted, he should have been able to handle it perfectly, right?)

(However it’s possible his brother, who detests him, drove him out and prevented him from doing much.)

(But still, since Kagehira lives in the dormitory with everyone else, someone would have noticed and made him rest if he were in poor health.)

(I would have had to be contacted, as his guardian.)

(But why? Why are this child’s gears malfunctioning now, of all times?)

(I don’t know… In the past I was able to understand him thoroughly like a suit I’d tailored by hand myself.)

… … … (Gazing at Mika, pondering.)

Mika: … … … (Happily returning his gaze.)

Shu: Don’t stare at me, it’s disturbing!

Mika: Wha!? But Oshi-san, ya were the one starin’ at me~!

But… Ehehe…Oshi-san still looks real pretty whenever I look at him ♪

Shu: Hmph. Of course, it’s only natural. From the second I was born up to this moment, I have continuously strived to be beautiful.

You should be doing the same; observe me and learn. Lately, you’ve been showing off such disgraceful behavior, and I believe that to be unbefitting of my partner.

Mika: Aah… I’ve just been feelin’ real poorly as o’ late.

Shu: I can tell that just by looking at you. Recently, while I’d been abroad, it seems you’d taken an awfully proactive approach to taking personal job offers.

Like those vulgar gravure photoshoots intended to arouse the lust of others, and those absurd variety show programs…

However, it is intolerable to see you taking up that kind of tasteless work without even thinking about it. Didn’t you think that even my dignity would be brought down with you since you’re my partner?

Mika: Ngah~... Yeah, I know, an’ I’m mighty sorry bout’ that, but I needed the money—

Besides, Valkyrie, as it is, is Oshi-san’s — it has been from way back when t’ now.

I thought that if I only did a bunch o’ work by myself, it wouldn’t’ve dirtied Valkyrie’s name as much.

Shu: Your self-awareness is as feeble as ever, hm? You need to reflect on how your presence is interpreted by the world.

Your name is quite popular here in Japan compared to my own, since I mostly work overseas now.

Mika: Maybe… Yeaaaah that is true, recently fans have been callin’ out to me way more often than before when I’d go walkin’ out in the city.

Even though I’ve been wearin’ a cap an' stuff as a disguise.

Shu: Your eyes are a very distinct characteristic of yours. Apart from them, you’re quite ordinary, but because your eyes are emphasized, people are likely to stop at them.

The times have not changed, and so those kinds of peculiar physical characteristics have easily become the subject of discrimination.

Be careful. As an idol, you need to make a name for yourself, however, in the case that you find yourself in bad light, you will become the target of witch hunts.

This is how this country has been from the past to the present, the never-faltering and nauseating nature of this country.

Mika: Yeah… Naru-chan, Oshi-san an’ all y’all’re so kind, so I kinda forget. Yer right, it’s always been like that, but I’ll be careful.

Shu: Of course; I don’t want to push that blame onto you. Don’t misunderstand, I’m not blaming you. Your condition recently has just been especially peculiar.

I don’t believe you’re simply overworked, your performance is suffering from your exhaustion. There must be something else troubling you, no?

Mika: Ngah~? Ahaha, Oshi-san bein’ so kind feels outta place, I can’t help but laugh fer some reason ♪

Shu: …!? I’ve really been wasting my precious time and brain cells to worry about you!

Mika: I didn’t ask ya to worry bout’ me, Oshi-san, but thank ya!
Though m’ really just fine and dandy. I’ll try not t’ bother ya too much, Oshi-san.

Even if I do have a problem, it’s somethin’ I gotta deal with on my own. No, it’s to settle “that” that is the reason I became an idol.

Shu: …?

Madara: Excuuuuuse uuuuus!

Kohaku: Good evening~, Double Face’s here fer a lil’ visit ♪

Shu: …? Is there something you two want? You’re being noisy!

Madara: Hahaha! Phew, what a relief! Looks like we made it in time, huh?

We’d have been in a real pinch if you’d had a chance to hide the evidence of your wrongdoings, so I really wanted to get in contact with you guys while you were still helpless and in the middle of a live ♪

Mika: Wrongdoin’s? What’re ya talkin’ bout’, Mikejima-senpai?

Shu: Don’t tell me you’re involved in some sort of criminal activity, Kagehira?! Is that why Double Face has appeared before us…?

Madara: Who knows, that part is still shrouded in mystery! But in fact, that’s exactly what we’re here to investigate, so let’s talk it out with our fists ♪

Shu: How barbaric. Leave this stage of ours at once, and take your vulgarity and crudeness with you!

I won’t say it again, Mikejima Madara. …You're but a counterfeit of a hero who's always too late in the most crucial times.

Madara: Yep! But that’s why, in order to become the real thing this time, I’ve donned this mask of justice that doesn’t even suit me and go around exterminating villains! Hahahahaha!

— Come, Valkyrie. It’s time for you to lay out your sins.

comments

Antique Legend - Artists and Assassins 2

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:07:16 GMT

Location: Inside the Night Club

Kohaku: Oh well. I know you ain’t got nothing to do, but that’s no good reason ta try an’ do Double Face activities just ta kill some time.

Not sure I should be sayin’ this myself, but Double Face’s a potent poison. When we spring inta action, there’ll definitely be victims. Nah, in fact there wouldn’t even be a point ta it if there weren’t any.

Ya don’t seriously believe that our unit could partake in the same kinda sparkly idol activities as other units, do ya?

Madara: Of course not. A bomb can’t do anything but explode violently — That’s the kind of unit we are.

It goes without saying that I didn’t come here just to kill some time.

The only time Double Face takes action is when there’s an unforgivable evil in this world and we’re entrusted with its execution.

Kohaku: So what yer tellin’ me is, our vice prez or someone of his caliber’s sent us another commission, tellin’ us to erase a certain someone — Not that we’re a handy-dandy eraser straight outta some pencil case, though.

Madara: Nah, our client this time isn’t Ibara-san.

For one thing, Double Face isn’t signed with CosPro, but with NewDi, and for another, we should consider the Marble Cast affair an exception rather than the rule.

We’ll take commissions from any client. I don’t want us to turn into something like Ibara-san’s private army — and in fact, that’s exactly why this commission is worth accepting.

Kohaku: ? Whaddaya tryna say?

Madara: I can’t tell you our client’s identity, but our target this time is our old friend Ibara-san, you see.

Kohaku: So we’re gonna kill him, huh. Well, I already reckoned we’d hafta off that guy sooner or later anyhow.

Madara: Nah, taking his life is only the last resort. For now, we’ve gotta investigate and figure out what to charge Ibara-san with — We’ve gotta determine whether he’s evil or not.

Kohaku: That’s what this is all about? That fella’s obviously evil, case closed.

Madara: Hahaha. Kohaku-san, could it be that you hate Ibara-san? I actually like him pretty well. And as long as someone like him is playing the bad guy, the heroes can put their best foot forward, too ♪

Kohaku: I’d prefer if there weren’t any bad guys around, then the two of us could take it easy.

But I reckon as long as human nature remains less than virtuous, we won’t run outta jobs ta do. Ugh, what a pain it is ta live in such a crapsack world.

Madara: Hahaha! Double Face, going into overtime…!

Kohaku: I don’t wannaaa. There’s corrupt business every which where — Maybe that’s what they call “inheritin’ yer parents’ sins”, although that’s probably our own fault for havin’ such crappy everyday behaviour.*

Location: Saison Avenue (Night)

Madara: Mhmhmh~mh ♪ We’ll expose it~ with our unclouded~, mhmhmhhh ♪**

Kohaku: ...Didn’t expect ya to get such a kick outta doin’ Double Face activities.

Madara: Doing fun stuff is always a good time! It may have been voluntary, but I still spent sooo long doing activities all by myself, right? That’s why I’m simply happy to get to do stuff together with someone else for once!

Kohaku: ‘S that so? Ya went an’ chose a thorny path fer yourself there — humans are herd animals after all.

Well, whatever. Ya said there was a need for us ta head to the scene of the crime on the double, so, left with no other choice, I went an’ got on the back of yer bike with you.

But I’ve gotta say, I still don’t have the slightest idea what all this is about.

I’m not askin’ ya to tell me absolutely all that ya know without keepin’ any secrets, but the least ya could do is give me a summary here. I’m not gonna run off anymore, promise.

Madara: Sure. The premise is as follows — We, as Double Face, are a scandal disposal service. Like the Producer Association, we’re here to resolve conflicts across all agencies.

I guess you could say that the Producer Association deals with what’s on the surface, and Double Face is the other side of the same coin.

Kohaku: Yeah, at least that’s the public stance on why our unit was formed. Reckon our role’s something in the vein of an internal audit or secret police.

Madara: Uh-huh. But as of right now, we’ve only shown ourselves at Marble Cast so far.

And it seems like, based on only that single case, people are starting to think of us as Ibara-san’s chess pieces to use as he sees fit.

Kohaku: Back then that guy basically had Crazy:B under his thumb, after all…

So the deal at the time was, if I did as I was told by Ibara-han just that once, he was gonna help us break outta the dilemma we were in.

Madara: From an impartial observer’s perspective, all we did was get rid of GFK on Ibara-san’s orders because he was a thorn in his side.

And since we aren’t about to leak the actual details of our activities to the public, there’s no way for us to dispel this misunderstanding.

Anyway. Due to how far this interpretation of the events spread, Ibara-san is actually being watched rather carefully from all sides himself right now —

And there are credible-sounding rumors making their rounds that hint at Ibara-san trying to use Double Face to establish a reign of terror.

Kohaku: What bullcrap. He ain’t got what it takes fer that.

Madara: You’re so harsh towards Ibara-san… In any case, it’s not hatred or ambition that starts wars.

It’s terror. The fear of being assaulted, of being killed. Once in the clutches of this fear, humans will abandon all reason and become mere animals that kill before they’re killed.

And right now, the source of this fear in the industry is Double Face — and by extension, Ibara-san, who is believed to be the one controlling us.

Of course we know what he’s really like, so it’s obvious to us that this is all complete crock.

But there seem to be many people in the industry, especially outside of ES, who are beside themselves with fear and vigilance right now.

Kohaku: So what yer sayin’ is, one of ‘em folks who’re shakin’ in fear wants Ibara-han obliterated?

Madara: That’s not entirely accurate, but you get the general gist of the situation.

There are people who want to somehow cause the fall and elimination of Ibara-san for wielding the tyrannical, lethal weapon that is Double Face.

Kohaku: No need to hire a pro fer that, I reckon if ya leave that fella to his own devices he’s gonna self-destruct in due time anyway.

Didn’tcha see how disgraceful he was durin’ Bogie Time? I just about split my sides watchin’ that go down.

Madara: Hahaha. Actually, I was more worried that incident might’ve caused Ibara-san to develop radically.

The moment one is stripped of their armor, and one’s flesh and blood is exposed to the world for the first time — that’s when one’s true worth and strength comes to light.

And judging from what I saw, Ibara-san is probably much stronger than we thought.

That said, Kohaku-san’s impression is the one shared by the majority of the public. And thanks to that, people currently think of Ibara-san as a small fry that’s easy to overthrow.

And that’s why they’re going after him now. That’s what all this is about.

Kohaku: Hmm. Well, it’s normal for those who’ve shown weakness to find themselves at the receivin’ end of harassment.

No matter how much we pride ourselves on developin’ civilization an’ enlightenment as mankind, we haven’t actually evolved that much since back when we were animals.

Madara: Yup. Anyhow, Ibara-san’s only being targeted because people think this is a good chance to bring him down. And unfortunately for him, he has his own little problem to deal with right now, too.

And that’s where we’re gonna strike. Because it’s our duty as Double Face to get rid of evil, no matter what despicable measures we have to resort to to accomplish that.

Kohaku: So, what’s this problem of his all about? I had the impression that Ibara-han was the type to skillfully deal with anything that may get in his way, y’know —

He managed ta push all the blame fer the turmoil back in summer on us Crazy:B too, leavin’ us ta deal with the fall-out on our own.

Madara: True. But there’s something even Ibara-san can’t handle. And it erupted at the worst possible time for him.

The problem itself is a singularity from Ibara-san’s CosPro — the personified, difficult-to-handle work of art that is Valkyrie.

—————————

* Kohaku is using a phrase he used before in the Double Face unit event. This is only my personal guess, but it could be that this is a line he heard from his parents a lot and now he’s parroting it: “(X is your own fault because) you always misbehave.”

** Madara is humming =EYE=.

comments

Antique Legend - Artists and Assassins 1

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 01:02:39 GMT

Location: Inside the Night Club

- Reminiscing. One week before the opening of the Antique Market, in Crazy:B’s new gathering spot, the night club “Beehive” -

Kohaku: Ahh, it’s been so nice an’ peaceful lately...♪

(Oops, I went an’ spoke aloud.)

(It may have been fine when I was by my lonesome in my zashikirou*, but here on the outside I shouldn’t be mutterin’ ta myself unless I want folks to eye me suspiciously — An’ here I was tryna be careful, too.)

(But that just goes ta show that I’m finally able ta let down my guard an’ live free of care. An’ that’s a good thing too, since I can’t go bein’ on edge day in an’ out.)

(Well, in any case, this is the “peaceful everyday life” I’d been wishing fer from the bottom of my heart. Better enjoy it while it lasts.)

(My lil’ peabrains — Crazy:B — have also somewhat fixed their reputation with Hot Limit, an’ we’ve been steadily gettin’ jobs since then.)

(‘Course, some people still frown on us, but at least our idol activities’ve become stable.)

(Whenever we don’t have anything goin’ on Rinne-han brings in new work fer us, an’ HiMERU-han recently seems ta have turned that into a competition, seein’ how even he’s been more proactive about work himself.)

(Niki-han’s the only one actin’ his usual self: eat, sleep, rinse, repeat. But I reckon that’s fine in its own way, ‘cause life ain’t only about keepin’ yerself busy with nothing but work.)

(An’ so we work enough on the daily fer it ta be fulfilling, an’ spend our time in leisure on our days off.)

(Reckon that’s the kinda regular everyman happiness anyone should be granted. Ko ko ko ♪)

(If at all possible, I’d like fer this peaceful time to continue on an’ on fore—)

Madara: Kohaku-saaaaan!

Kohaku: ………

Madara: Peel those eyes and ears, and turn that frown upside down! Here to knock your socks, shoes, hat, and tie off, it’s your dearest partner Mikejima Madaraaaaa! HOW ARE WE FEELING TODAAAY?!

Kohaku: ………

Madara: Now, now, it’s too late to try and crawl under a table to hide from me! My Mikejima ears hear the hellish screams! My Mikejima chop will blow you to smithereens!**

Kohaku: ...Sheesh. Alright, what is it.

Ain’tcha just happy as a clam, Madara-han. Did somethin’ good come about, or what?

Madara: Hahaha! The jury is still out on whether this is gonna be a good thing or not, actually!

We’ve been given a new mission of yet-unknown classificatiooon! Double Face, reporting for duty...☆

Kohaku: Double Face, reporting out of duty.

Madara: Now, now, now! I really wish you wouldn’t try to run away from me! If we got into a serious game of catch here, the people in the vicinity would likely become collateral damage in the ensuing carnage.

And then you’d end up getting banned from this place, which you seem to have taken such a liking to!

Kohaku: Here comes the coercion again. Why’re all the folks I get involved with always like this… Either way, this place happens ta be indebted ta me, so I reckon they’re not gonna issue a house ban fer me if I go an’ cause a lil’ fuss.

But alright then. I didn’t get the dessert I ordered yet, so I’ll at least hear ya out fer as long as it takes me ta dig inta that. ‘S not like yer a stranger to me or anything.

Really, though, what’s this all about…

Didn’t we have a deal that we’d generally give precedence to activities in our respective units, Crazy:B and MaM?

We were forced inta this unit against our will by the bigwigs from our agencies an’ all.

Reckon they really want us — well, mostly you, since yer usually so insistent on doin’ solo activities — to work as a duo.

Even more so since ya said something like… wantin’ ta increase yer activities as MaM ‘cause it peeves ya havin’ ta follow orders from the higher-ups.

I wouldn’t piss off the bigwigs so much if I were you. They’ll crush ya like a bug, y’know.

Madara: Hahaha! Sure, that’s what they’d do to you guys, but I’m different! In my case, I figure they’ll just move me out of the way somewhere when I’m being too much of a nuisance.

To tell you the truth, they’re already treating me like an outcast right now anyway.

Our wicked Double Face deeds must’ve given the people lurking on the dark side of the industry a good fright, ‘cause no one’s touching me with a ten-foot-pole anymore.

Kohaku: Well, no one’s gonna go outta their way ta purposely work with someone who’s gonna cut their head off while they sleep if things go south at any point.

And anyone who’s been in the industry long enough has likely done some questionable stuff at some point or another.

Madara: Yup, and as a result, I’m more incapable of doing any MaM activities than I ever expected. It’s a real pinch, I tell you.

At least Anzu-san is kind enough to throw me the odd job every once in a while, but that’s all I’ve got going for me.

But I’ve gotta say I’d prefer if someone as kind as her didn’t get too involved with me now that I’ve dirtied my hands this much, I guess.

Kohaku: Hmm. Well, considerin’ yer origins an’ disposition, ya must’ve known you were gonna find yerself in deep shit sooner or later. The formation of Double Face was nothing more than an impetus for that.

When it comes down ta it, we’re both filthy creatures who can’t live anywhere but the back alleys. We live in a different world than the sparkly frontstage that good citizens inhabit.

In fact, it’d be fer the best if we faded away an’ cut off all our connections with those innocent folks before we get our mud on ‘em.

Madara: Hahaha. You’re a strict one, Kohaku-san. Or rather, you’re not one to mince words—

But that’s exactly why I like you, and why I so strongly feel that we can grow even closer ♪

Kohaku: I refuse. I’ve got my share of troublesome friends-slash-acquaintances in Crazy:B already.

—————

* Time for your regularly scheduled zashikirou TL note:
Zashikirou is a word for a tatami-matted room (used in the Edo period) that was turned into a cage by the use of wooden bars in place of sliding doors for the purpose of domestic confinement of criminals and lunatics, usually when they were considered a danger to the community or family itself. Kohaku often refers to this concept when talking about his life back home.

** Madara is referencing the Devilman theme song (Devilman no uta), where the lyrics talk about “Devil ears” and “Devil chop” instead of the Mikejima powers he speaks of.

comments

Human Comedy - Humanity 7

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:53:46 GMT

Collaboration with Mandy

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Ra)

Hajime: Ahaha. You said “That’s right!” even though I didn’t even say anything yet… Mitsuru-kun, I can’t catch up with you when you’re always answering your own questions.

But I’ll do my best to keep up, because I want to walk by your side.

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

Come on, Tomoya-kun, join us...♪

Tomoya: I know, I know. Sheesh, lately it feels like I’m the one being left in the dust by you guys.

This sucks! I’ve gotta do better if I’m gonna be your leader from now!

Tomoya: I’ll do my best! Even if I’m “normal”! I’ll just have to do it so well that people will be like, “Wow, the bar must be pretty high if that’s what’s considered ‘normal’”!

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

Nazuna: (Fufu. You guys have really grown so much. Though it may look like you’re just playing around and doing whatever you want... Everything’s coming together into one coherent performance.)

(This is it. This is Ra*bits’ performance.)

(I feel like I’m watching my dear children perform in their school festival for the first time, going back and forth between worrying and rejoicing over them with every word and move they make… And before I know it, I’ve perked up, and feel a smile come to my face.)

(And my worn-out heart begins to heal.)

(Aah… Now I get it…)

(Hey, Tomo-chin, Hajime-chin, Mitsuru-chin… When we first met, you implored me to join, saying “Help us!”)

(You were driven into a corner, with tears streaming down your faces.)

(And I didn’t have anything else to do at the time. It was like I was just slowly dying, breaking a little more with every passing day...)

(I just couldn’t leave you like that, so, on a whim, I decided to lend you a hand.)

(But, as the unremarkable days piled up, they became so precious to me. It’s like a miracle… Thank you, God in Heaven.)

(I love all of you like family.)

(Aah… It’s me who was saved by you.)

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

Shu: (…Fufu. Their performance is just as adorable and relaxing as usual. It’s cleansing for the heart.)

(Nito’s looking fine as well. Lovely Nito... I’ll be sincere and give you a round of applause. I’m sure you must’ve found your salvation.)

(There were nights when I cursed the unreasonable ways of this world and resented God. And yet, this world and the humans that inhabit it were thoughtfully created.)

(O Lord, how I envy you. Will I ever be able reach such heights before I take my final breath?)

Mika: Oshi-san... Sorry t’bother ya while yer all absorbed in watchin’ the Ra*bits kids perform, but I’d like ya t’change before it’s our turn to go on again, if it’s alright with ya.

Shu: …...

Mika: Ah, so ya don’t wanna do it after all? Were the outfits I made no good? Guess I’m no match for yer pair o’ perceivin’ eyeglasses, Oshi-san…

Shu: I don’t require glasses. Don’t put me together with that third-rate writer.

He’s the type to indirectly sing praises to himself by over-applauding that which boosts his own ego. That kind of behavior is utterly shameless.

Though, it’s hard to accept the fact that I said this myself... It wasn’t that clever of a jest.

Mika: Uhm... so what d’ya mean, exactly?

Shu: Don’t bother thinking. You’re too foolish for it.

...I simply didn’t reply because I wasn’t sure how to respond to your calling me “Oshi-san” when we’re to be close friends and equals as artists from now on.

Mika: Ngah, but Oshi-san’ll always be Oshi-san to me.

You’re my ideal, a mentor I’ll admire forever.

But if ya don’t want me t’call ya that, then uhm… all right. It’s a lil' embarassin’, but I guess I can... c-call ya by yer name... ♪

Shu: Eugh. Don’t make this weird. Forget it; I said something ridiculous.

Mika: O-Okay... It feels off to me too ’cause I ain’t used to it. If you’re fine with me callin’ ya Oshi-san then I’ll stick with that, since it’s way more comfy.

Shu: ...I’ve been thinking this for a while now, but that “Oshi-san” nickname doesn’t have that beautiful of a ring to it. It’s much too close to “Oji-san”.

Though it does have more favorable instances, like “Ashinaga Oji-san”, or “My Daddy Long Legs”.

But why did Nito start calling me that? That’s who you’ve been imitating this whole time, yes?

Mika: Huh? So callin’ ya Oshi-san was all Nazuna-nii’s idea too? He left a surprisin’ amount of stuff behind in our hearts...

Shu: Much like the way he named Valkyrie, his intentions remain a mystery. But this isn’t the time to start asking ourselves about this or that.

As you can see, Nito is charming and full of happiness.

We shouldn’t darken that joy with a discussion of ourselves — of Valkyrie.

comments

Antique Legend - Prologue

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:46:54 GMT

Guest translation by Soup

Location: Meeting Room

Early October. In the ES Building Meeting Room, immediately following the holding of the Antique Market.

Hokuto: What did you want to ask me, Anzu?

In all honesty, I’m exhausted, so could you keep it brief? Really, I’d love to talk with you till the night starts to lighten up, but as I am right now, I can’t. How frustrating.

The other day, I performed at an event called Antique Market with my father, but even before and after that, I ran into all sorts of issues that just chipped away at my spirit—

I know I’m not exactly in the best of moods right now, and I’m afraid I’ll lash out at you, so I wanted you to avoid approaching me if possible.

Right now, I feel like I’ll explode like a bomb if I’m given even a little bit of provocation.

“No, you’re always like that,” hm? Is that so?

Well then there’s no problem, I can still talk to you as “my usual self.”

I feel like you’ve been distant lately, so a conversation would be very welcome right now.

Fufu… Hmm, the thing you wanted to ask me about was related to the Antique Market I mentioned just now, right?

”There’s something I absolutely need to know, so I’ve been asking everyone involved,”?

I see…so I’m not the only one… But I’m happy you came to ask me about it first. Mm.

Well, nevermind that. We, Trickstar, are willing to do anything for our precious friend. Ask me anything, I won’t hide any answers.

Fufu, yes. It’s always been my duty to explain these sorts of things to you.

That said, I only have a small connection to the Antique Market. My father forced me to go and help him there without telling me why.

Mm. “I want you to tell me about the things your father told you, no matter how unimportant”? You’re not usually this frantic, Anzu.

...Did something happen?

Please feel free to talk to me if you have any sort of worries. Even if I have to cooperate with that annoying father of mine and Tenshouin-senpai, I’ll still put in the effort for you.

Mhm. “I’m the one asking you questions,” hm?

That’s right, but please don’t forget that we’ll always be on your side.

Huh? “That’s why I didn’t want you to get too involved this time around,” hm?

I don’t really understand, but in any case, we should just talk about the Antique Market for the time being, right?

I thought it’d be me who’d be acting strangely, so it worries me that you’re the one acting like this instead.

First, I’m sure you know this already, but I’ll summarize what it was. The Antique Market was an event held the other day in the outdoor space near ES .

To be more precise, it seems like some parts of the ES building were opened to the public, and you could go in to look at merchandise sales or theatrical performances.

I haven’t been there myself, so I don’t know too much.

The basic foundation for the Antique Market was selling antiques, as its name suggested.

Apparently, a certain industry leader has disappeared, and a vast amount of his inheritance — or something like that — seems to have circulated around in the market.

I don’t think his death has been confirmed, but perhaps the inheritance was taken as collateral for a debt?

Aren’t those circumstances something you’re more familiar with than me? You’re kind of like that industry leader, being a Producer.

It’s the same type of job, and in the same kind of place too, so I expected that you would have heard more about it.

Mm. Is that so? I’ll omit the circumstances around that, then.

How should I say it... I don’t really know much about the leader who seems to be known as GFK, so I can’t say much about that matter in the first place.

Anyway, as the name suggests, many people came to buy, sell, and preview— or rather, scope out, the antiques in the preliminary exhibition.

Thus, a variety of performances were prepared to entertain every last one of them.

For us idols, the role of “entertainer”, so to speak, is as familiar as everyday business.

Numerous units were invited to stand onstage to delight the eyes of the people with displays of all sorts of skills.

Naturally, we average idols don’t know much about antiques, so we leave the marketing and explanations all to the specialized staff instead.

But because of that, we do our best to entertain the guests to the fullest.

Well, that’s just what an idol does.

Mhm. Among those idols, Valkyrie is the one that stood out.

They didn’t just take the stage, they also assisted in the marketing for the antiques as well.

Antiques are works of art that dilettantes pursue, something that suits a unit like Valkyrie.

As a matter of fact, they seemed quite popular, and I hear they only gained more new fans from Antique Market.

If they hadn’t gotten tangled up with that strange unit Double Face, Antique Market would have certainly held many wonderful memories for Valkyrie.

comments

Human Comedy - Epilogue 2

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:33:59 GMT

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Mika: I loved my hometown, an’ I was the one who worked hardest to support those kids, so it wasn’t an easy thing t’ just up and leave…

I never even really tried to find foster parents for myself, ‘cause I worried that’d be the same as abandonin’ the other kids there.

No matter what, I never wanna throw no one or nothin' away… ‘Cause I know just how terrible that feels.

Even when my stuff got all worn out, I’d always just fix it up an’ keep usin’ it anyway.

But one day, after endurin’ for so long, I just couldn’t take it anymore...

That night, I ran away. I had no idea what I was doin’, and just kept walkin’ on and on like I was in a right trance.

That’s when I met ya, Oshi-san.

I thought my eyes went funny or somethin’. The clothes ya wore were so beautiful, I couldn’t think of ya as the same kinda creature as me, in my shabby rags…

Ya know what? I even suspected ya might be some kinda god ♪

Shu: ...You’ve told me this story countless times, so I’ve tried my best to recall what happened, but… Dare I say this was around the time both of us were in primary school?

I’ve always had a proclivity for being a recluse, but there was just one time Kiryu and I took a train to nowhere, like complete morons…

By the time we got caught, we had already left the prefecture.

That must’ve been when we met, probably. Come to think of it, I do remember talking to some kind of ominous, ghost-like thing back then.

Although I was under the impression that it was a hallucination caused by all the anxiety and exhaustion I felt.

So that was you, Kagehira. I’d forgotten all about it…

Everyone was tremendously angry with me for all the trouble I caused them at the time, so this story had become a shameful memory for me. That’s why I had sealed it deep within the depths of my mind.

Mika: Ahaha. That's real mean of ya, even though I recognized ya right away.

Oshi-san, once ya started high school, ya became famous enough t’appear on TV a couple o' times, right? When I saw that, I thought, “Ooh, it’s the god from back then…”.

So I came to meet ya. To tell ya the truth, I never even planned t'be an idol at first. I really just wanted t’see yer beauty up close one more time.

Just like a child reachin’ out his hand towards the sky while gazin' at the stars.

And now, just like that, I’m at the point where I’ve got heaps o’ fans who’re all rootin’ for me… Life sure is funny like that, ain’t it, Oshi-san?

Shu: Indeed. And as delightful as it is at times, it can be just as difficult at others.

Just thinking about how it will continue on like this until we die makes me feel fed up with it already… But, well, since we’ve been given these lives, we have a duty to live them.

Fortunately, we were born as humans, and as such we possess the ability to create art.

So let us take all of God’s malevolence, and all the absurdities of this world, and turn them into artworks to be admired.

Mika: Yeah. ‘M sure there’re folks whose souls can be saved by ‘em, just like mine was.

Oshi-san. Actually, I did take that order from ya at face value and returned t’my hometown, intendin’ never to come back here…

I couldn’t figure out yer real intentions. I left my brains on the ground somewhere, after all.

But when I returned there, all the kids were overjoyed. They were gatherin’ around me and praisin’ me to the high heavens, beamin' from ear to ear as they clung to me.

All of them were chatterin’ at me like lil’ birds, even though I never even asked ‘em nothin’ yet.

They told me how they’re always watchin’ me on TV, and secretly saved up their pocket money t’come to one of our lives…

How they’re buyin’ up our popular outfits, accessories, and toys together.

And they said they always brag t’folks, like, “That super popular idol from Valkyrie, Kagehira Mika? That's our Mika-nii!”.

They kept going on 'n on like that, with that sparkle in their eyes…

So how could I tell ‘em that my partner got fed up with me an’ threw me away, an’ that it made me so sad that I couldn’t take the pain anymore an’ just ran away?

That’s why, after talkin’ and playin’ and singin’ with ‘em for a lil’ while, I jumped right on the next bullet train back.

I even bought lotsa souvenirs at the station on the way home.

An’ then, while the train tossed me ‘round, I thought about all kindsa stuff.

I came up with what coulda been yer real intentions… An’ I figured out what I wanted to do.

Just like that, the pitch-black curtain before my eyes lifted all at once, an’ I could finally see in front of me. Before I knew it, I was holdin’ a needle in my hand an’ sewin’ away.

I was filled right up with a sudden urge t’create, and my head was chock-full o' ideas.

I still dunno who I am, or what I’m thinkin’, ‘cause I’m a dummy, see. All this time I was in a trance, doing nothin’ but clingin’ to Oshi-san, who I love so much.

But I think… I am capable of changin’, even if it’s just a lil’ bit. ‘Cause right now, I got an ambition; a dream to strive for.

I’ve finally found what it is I wanna express; the question I wanna ask the world.

That’s why, just like you, I’m capable of creatin’ art. I can become an artist, I can even become human… And that way, I can stay by yer side, Oshi-san.

Ain’t that amazing? The moment I realized that, I brightened right up!

Shu: ...What is that dream you speak of? What is it that you want to express?

When a person has an eye for beauty, it’s common courtesy for them to analyze an artist's work in order to discern these things without asking directly.

But since the person in question is standing right in front of me, I shall disregard manners and inquire for my own amusement.

Mika: Okay. Umm, it’s still kinda abstract, though.

When I saw the kids from my hometown, I noticed how they were all kinda imitatin’ me.

Even though yer superior t’me in every way, so much cooler an’ all charmin’... They only imitated me.

Maybe they feel closer to me, an’ find it easier to relate t’me.

Could be they reckon they can become just like their "Mika-nii," 'cause we grew up in the same place an' all, while someone like Oshi-san's too far off for 'em to reach.

They all said that they’ll become idols, too… That they’ll be just like Mika-nii.

Hearin’ that made me so happy… I thought, “Aah, I really have become an idol, huh…”.

Oh, how their eyes sparkled with aspiration an’ admiration, overflowin’ with love…!

I want those eyes to keep watchin' me even more! Those very eyes…!

Hey Oshi-san, d'ya understand my feelings? D'ya understand my dream?

I’ll shine for those kids! Just like Oshi-san’s my light, I’ll become theirs!

I’ll become the light for all the hurtin’ children who’re just tryin’ to endure their lives, day after day after day!

Mika: I’ll become their star! That’s what inheritin’ Valkyrie means to me! It’s probably what yer hopin’ for, and it’s my wish an’ my dream!

I’ll make it come true, no matter how long it takes!

Happy times can last forever 'n ever, an’ humans can reach the stars in the night sky!

Just like how I met ya, Oshi-san! Just like how I get to stand beside ya right now!

Dreams come true and stars are within reach! That’s what I wanna prove to all those kids cowerin’ in the darkness!

That’s the reason for my existence! The value of my life...!

...Whaddaya think, Oshi-san? Maybe I’m sayin’ somethin’ weird?

Shu: Not at all? You’ve done an admirable job thinking that up with that dim-witted head of yours. Except… I’m not the one you should be asking that.

Pose that question not to me, but to all the people in the whole world… Using the opus you’ve created, of course.

If no one else, you’ll be able to show the vulgar masses a piece of art they can comprehend, won’t you?

Come, Kagehira! Or do you intend to keep on chattering idly? But how could you, when the most priceless, exceptional, blissful time of our lives is right in front of us!

Let us sing with everything we’ve got! Let us captivate each and every person here, using our performance that we’ve devoted our irreplaceable adolescence to creating!

Let us present to them a supreme work of art! Valkyrie’s ensemble; the ensemble of you and I… Let it resound forevermore!

comments

Human Comedy - Epilogue 1

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:30:31 GMT

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Shu: ~.....♪

Fufu. This is the first time I’ve ever felt this tranquil stepping upon the stage. Perhaps it’s thanks to Ra*bits.

Well, I wasn’t the one who created this performance from scratch, so maybe that contributes to the comfort I feel.

Mika: Oshi-san. Umm, I’ve been meanin' to ask ya somethin’...

Is yer grandfather doin’ alright? Ya said he’s hospitalized an’ in pretty critical condition right now…

Shu: Right… Well, it’s too soon for my mind to be at ease regarding his condition. Although, when I went to visit him with Kiryuu, I carelessly let slip our current state of affairs, and he gave me hell.

“There are people out there waiting for your performance! You should be grateful to them! Quit dawdling your time away in a place like this!”

“No one would miss me if I died, so if that’s what it takes to sever your ties to me, I swear I’ll jump out the window this instant!”

It took my entire family to restrain my raging grandfather.

It’s been awhile since he last flew off the handle like that… I feel like an idiot for worrying about him. That man will indubitably live to see his 300s.

Mika: I see… I’m real glad to hear he’s doin’ well, but it’s still a concernin’ situation. Wanna go visit him when all of this is over?

Shu: Yes. It’ll be reassuring to have you with me. I’m embarrassed to say this, but I fear that if I go by myself, it may break me...

It’s astonishing just how much I treasure that senile old fool.

No matter how much one may wish to live forever, human lifespans are finite… But that is the way of the world.

I empathize with our ancestors, who attempted to leave behind works of art that would never fade and disappear.

Kagehira. Let us also leave behind, at the very least, one such work of art... Before we die and turn to ashes.

Let us create a precious performance that will never decay, one that will only increase in value as the years pass.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”…

That may be God’s design, but let us preserve all that is precious and worthy, and deliver them to the beautiful new world we are heading for.

If that is a sin… You will fall to hell with me, won’t you?

Mika: Yeah, I’d follow ya to the very bottom. Even if we sank to the muddiest depths, even if the whole world forgot ‘bout us an’ left us behind…

I’ll always be with ya. That’s why we… No, that's why Valkyrie, is eternal.

Shu: Does that mean you’ll inherit the Valkyrie name?

In that case, I can be at ease… Even if every single one of my fingers were to break, even if I were to die, you will preserve my artwork for the generations to come.

No, I’m sure that even if I should fail to reach my ideals, you will succeed in my place.

And even if they’re beyond our reach, those who have been inspired by us will get there eventually… I have no doubts about that.

They will reach Heaven; God’s domain that humanity has been dreaming of since the dawn of history.

Mika: Yeah. We'll carry those who are beautiful an’ worthy to Heaven… ‘Cause we’re Valkyrie.

I always thought the name “Valkyrie” had some deep, personal significance to ya, Oshi-san…

That’s why I had qualms ’bout inheritin’ it — it felt like I’d be stealin’ a part o' yer soul.

But apparently the name wasn’t chosen for any significant reason, so that puts me a lil’ more at ease… ‘Course, that don’t mean I’ll treat it roughly.

Shu: That goes without saying. Excellent; that’s a weight off my shoulders… You really caused me some anxiety there, Kagehira.

Allow me to confess something. When I told you to go back to your hometown and pushed you away, I believed the chances of it stirring you were about 50/50.

It was a heartbreaking thought… No, it was the gamble of a lifetime for me.

You were going to be ruined if things kept going as they were. I believed that you were going to spend the rest of your life simply doing chores for me.

And while you may laugh and say you’re happy with just that…

I, for one, couldn’t stand that. Because I am in enormous debt to you, and because you mean so much to me…

While these are my own selfish feelings, I also believe that it’d be a great loss to the philistines this world is composed of.

The reason why Valkyrie is so popular right now…

It’s because of your deep empathy towards unloved children; because of your passionate, persistent desire to save them.

Your life’s tragic circumstances… That is to say, the experience of being discarded by your parents, is perhaps what made you cultivate these traits.

Of course, you also acquired extensive knowledge and the finest of skills by virtue of being my assistant.

However, I was born into a family of fairly good standing, and growing up, I wanted for nothing…

And while I am fond of children for their features and purity, I loathe this vulgar world that makes people hurt each other like foolish animals.

Your love for children, on the other hand, is on an entirely different level.

The way you enthusiastically speak about the children from your hometown always reveals that your love for them is so deep and rich that it could flood the oceans.

Enough to make every pitiful, unloved child in the world happy, without leaving a single one behind…

It is because the children can feel that passion of yours that Valkyrie is so popular with them.

In that respect, I haven’t done much to contribute to it.

In fact, all I ever did was point out your faults… At the same time, I slowly noticed the rare qualities, talents and artistic style you possess.

I knew I had no choice but to raise you. And the moment I realized this, I could no longer think of you as a doll.

You have what it takes to become an even greater artist than me… That’s why I can’t allow you to remain my assistant for the rest of your life.

Oh, how future generations would sneer at me for it. “What a waste… That Itsuki Shu must be an utter fool”, is what they’d say.

Mika: Ahaha. I’m sure that’d be unbearable for ya, Oshi-san.

Ngah~. Y’know, I don’t really get it myself…

Back in my hometown, I was always a quiet, plain 'n good lil’ kid. I was the oldest of the bunch, their “Mika-nii”.

I took care of all the lil’ ones, an’ never complained one bit.

I gave all the best stuffs to other kids, and was content with the damaged stuffs I kept for myself. I never fought with no one, an’ I always behaved myself.

‘Cause I was convinced that if I didn’t, I’d be thrown away again...

But to tell ya the truth, I dunno how many times I buried my face in my pillow an’ cried my heart out. I kept thinkin’, “Why? Why’s it gotta be me?”

“Is it ‘cause my eyes are different colors? Did they throw me away ‘cause they were creeped out by that?”

“Still… I got it pretty good compared to other kids, who ran away from home to escape all the awful abuse they endured there.”

“I ain’t the most unfortunate, pitiful child on Earth.”

Thinkin’ that, I endured… An’ endured, an’ endured… An’ kept on living.

comments

Human Comedy - Humanity 11

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:29:12 GMT

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Shu: Aah, that was the height of my youthful impetuosity… How embarrassing.

Although, at the time, I also thought of you as something otherworldly, something akin to a fairy. I feared that if I took my eyes off you for even a second, you might vanish.

That’s why I couldn’t possibly restrain myself, and leapt from the second floor window. I absolutely couldn’t allow you to escape me...♪

Nazuna: You’re actually a really smart guy, so how come you turn into an idiot every so often?

Mika: ...Haha.

Does that mean there was a chance that, dependin’ on how Oshi-san was lookin’ back then, the unit name coulda been “Zombie” or “Vampire” instead?

Shu: I suppose. Though I probably would have made some adjustments to it in order to make it sound more beautiful.

Mika: I see… Here I was thinkin’ it had some kinda profound meanin’, but it’s actually surprisingly random.

So there’s no deeper meanin’ behind the name “Oshi-san”, either?

Nazuna: Ah~... This guy’s name is “Shu”, right? So “Shu-san” turned into “Shii-san”, which then became “Oshi-san”.

Mika: What the heck, so there ain’t no point to it at all… Oshi-san an’ Nazuna-nii just assigned value and significance to somethin’ meaningless.

But to me, inheritin’ that is an honor.

Tomoya-kun. I also don’t like the idea of partin’ with Nazuna-nii without havin’ made things right…

So do as ya like, if that’ll give ya peace of mind.

When I think back on the things Oshi-san did these past few days…

I ki~nda get how Nazuna-nii must’ve been feelin’ when he decided to bow outta Valkyrie.

But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s a traitor, an’ even now, I still resent him for that…

An’ I think there must’ve been a better way to go about what he did. But Nazuna-nii has always been the awkward type, huh?

Despite all that, I still don’t want those clueless people to throw stones at Nazuna-nii an’ shout abuse at him…

I really do think of Nazuna-nii as my older brother, after all.

But that’s exactly why his betrayal made me so miserable that I couldn’t even stand it…

Thinkin’, “Aah, someone I love is throwin’ me away yet again”... It made me so bitter.

I’m sorry, Nazuna-nii… All of this must’ve been so hard on ya, an’ yet, all I did was take my own anger out on ya.

Nazuna: It’s okay, really. I’m the one who should be apologizing.

Back then, my heart just couldn’t take it anymore… But I don’t even have the right to make excuses like that. Feel free to resent me for the rest of my life, I deserve it.

...But what do you mean, “yet again”?

Mika: ...Nnh. I was abandoned in the past, an’ raised in somethin’ like an orphanage.

So to me, havin’ a family is a very special, distant thing; somethin’ that’ll never be within my reach, or so I thought.

But the people from my hometown, an’ my seniors in Valkyrie… They were kind enough t’become my family.

I’d been discarded for bein’ worthless before, but ya treated me like I amounted to somethin’, even if it wasn’t much.

Ya made me the happiest guy in all of Japan. But even though ya gave me so much, I had nothin’ to give back to ya…

So that’s why ya can count me in for this. Do what ya think is best for Nazuna-nii and the rest of ya.

I can’t say no to ya. An’ this time it’s not ‘cause I’m so worthless that I don’t have the right to speak... It’s because I feel the same way ya do.

Tomoya: ...Thank you, Kagehira-senpai.

Ahaha. But even though I talked so big back at the mall, in the end, we couldn’t win against Valkyrie even once…

And now we’re at your mercy, so it’s kind of pathetic in hindsight.

I was hoping we’d win, so we could act all high and mighty and force you to cooperate with us.

Mika: Ngah? Oh right, you did say stuff like that, didn’t ya?

Tomoya: I did. But ultimately, you were the ones who won the first half of RepayFes.

The more matches you win, the later your performance is in the second half of the program… Which means we lost to Valkyrie by a narrow margin.

How vexing. But we’ll have plenty of chances for rematches next year, won’t we?

I want to make you admit complete defeat, at least once! Otherwise, I’ll just be whining like a sore loser forever!

Mika: Ahaha… No matter how many times ya challenge us, Valkyrie won’t lose! We’re unrivaled, the absolute strongest!

Shu: Heh. The format for the first half of RepayFes requires you to run all over campus, so I’ll take it you have yet to see Valkyrie’s performance in full, correct?

It’s not like you had the time for it before.

So pay close attention, and you’ll surely be astonished. We shall give you the opportunity to appreciate true art.

Nazuna: You’re brimming with confidence, huh~. As usual.

But the one who thought up the program for Valkyrie this time was Mika-chi-... Kagehira, right? At least, that’s what I’ve heard~. Are you gonna be okay?

Mika: …”Mika-chin”’s fine, Nazuna-nii.

T’be honest, I’m not that confident in it either… The audience responded real well to it in the first half, though.

Well, I think that was just ‘cause Valkyrie is super popular right now...

Shu: Indeed, that probably played a part in it. But there is no need for self-deprecation, Kagehira.

While I personally may not agree with it…

At Yumenosaki Academy, you are evaluated by the amount of audience members you can satisfy, and the amount of smiles you can bring to people’s faces.

And in that aspect, you have already surpassed me, Kagehira.

Mika: Huuuh? No way, someone like me could never compare to Oshi-san, even if I was reborn a hundred times over~!

I’m completely hopeless, an’ I’m never happy with anythin’ I make.

Shu: That’s just how it should be. Complacency kills the artist… You’d better cultivate an urge to create that’s strong enough so as to be inexhaustible.

As long as you don’t give up on your studies, I will always be by your side.

Now, then… The curtains are being raised once more. Outsiders, go make yourselves scarce.

The time has come for you to bear humble witness to the tragicomedy that Kagehira and I -- Valkyrie — will weave before your very eyes...♪

comments

Human Comedy - Humanity 10

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:28:13 GMT

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Nazuna: Ooh… They transformed the stage in no time at all. No matter how many times I see this, it’s always like magic to me.

Hajime: It’s great craftsmanship, isn’t it… The Yumenosaki staff always does impressive work.

Tomoya: Ahaha. But let’s retreat to the stage wings, otherwise we’ll get in the way of the professionals.

Mitsuru: Yeah, let’s go, let’s go! For the rest of the show, we’ll be part of the audience~♪

Shu: ...Woah there. Careful.

Mitsuru: Uwah, I’m sorry! Running without looking ahead is a real bad habit of mine, y’know~?

Shu: Well, it’s a good thing you’re aware of it. ...You’re not hurt, are you?

Mitsuru: Yeah, I’m always in tip top shape~☆

Nazuna: ...Itsuki. Aah, so you guys are up next, huh.

I’ve gotta admit I was a bit concerned about you, but I see you’ve safely won your way through the first half of RepayFes~.

Shu: But of course. Our popularity has been on the rise lately, and Kagehira did a satisfactory job today, too.

Simply performing the way we are accustomed to was more than enough to vanquish those small fries.

In any case, I cannot say whether the fate that binds us is a desirable one... But one way or another, it appears our turn comes right after yours.

Heh. The audience must be quite fed up after having to witness your quaint little playtime. Allow us to show them what the fine arts are truly about ♪

Nazuna: What did you just say~? You must’ve had your eyes elsewhere, Itsuki, ‘cause these guys have grown so much!

It wasn’t some kind of playtime, they’ve really become the greatest idols on earth…!

Shu: I’m aware. My words were nothing but a joke, albeit a somewhat cruel one ♪

Nazuna: ...You’re in an awfully good mood, huh, Itsuki? Gross.

Shu: How harsh. ...Even my feelings get hurt sometimes, you know?

Nazuna: ...My bad. But you really do come off like some kind of freak sometimes, so watch out for that.

People are gonna get the wrong idea about you, y’know~, especially overseas, where it’s gonna be even harder for you to get your point across.

Shu: Heh. “Freak” is a compliment. At least, that’s what I’ve come to believe from observing a certain friend of mine.

Tomoya: Umm, Itsuki-senpai!

Shu: Hmm? Aah, I didn’t intend to ridicule your senior, whom you hold in such high regard.

Wataru is one of the few people in this world that I can call my friend and equal… Think of what I just said as a frivolous, lighthearted jest.

Tomoya: No, I really couldn’t care less about that guy right now…

Itsuki-senpai, would you accept this bouquet from us?

Here… Happy White Day ♪

Shu: Oh? I’m happy to receive this, but why me…? Could you be handing these out to every senior that looked after you?

Although I did my utmost to keep my distance from you…?

Tomoya: Ah, actually this bouquet is a bit of a bribe.

You see, we finished our earlier performance just before using up all the time we were given.

Would you let us make use of that extra bit of time after Valkyrie’s performance?

Shu: Hmm? Well, we procrastinated on deciding whether or not to join RepayFes, and consequently, the repertoire we prepared is somewhat insufficient...

We’ll hardly make use of our allocated time, so it wouldn’t pose a problem for us to give up a part of it.

If anything, your proposal is more than welcome. The longer I get to appreciate the fine arts, the better.

And while all of you are exceedingly lovely by yourselves, it is on the stage where your mannerisms are the most mesmerizing.

If it means that I will get to see you perform once more, I cannot think of a single reason to refuse you.

Tomoya: Um, actually… If possible, we want Valkyrie to sing together with us.

Shu: ? I cannot fathom why you would want that.

Tomoya: We want all of us to give Nii~chan our blessings together, as he sets out into the world… Of course, this is just for our sake, so if you don’t want to do it I won’t insist.

Back then, Nii~chan suddenly transferred units without even giving you any notice, right?

There are people who still unfairly hold suspicions against him because of that.

They call him irresponsible and insincere because he quit Valkyrie for his own personal reasons, without explaining a thing…

We’ve been gaining popularity, but as our number of fans increases, so does the amount of weirdos like that.

Some long-time Valkyrie fans even come to our handshake events just to kick up a fuss there.

Shu: ...That is, well, inexcusable really. For better and for worse, there are many eccentrics among our devotees.

I understand. In other words, you want us to formally declare that we acknowledge Nito’s withdrawal from Valkyrie and give him our blessings, correct?

“We gave our approval, so quit whining already, outsiders”.

That’s what you’re asking us to assert, am I wrong? I see. Indeed, this is entirely for your own sake.

Tomoya: Yes. That’s why there’s nothing we can do except bow our heads to you and beg.

Shu: ...I don’t have any objections, though. You gave me such beautiful flowers, and I don’t desire people to speak ill of Nito, either.

In fact, I consider such foolish undertakings to be on par with scrawling all over a breathtaking painting.

But what are your thoughts on this, Kagehira? If you say you’re against it, I will abide by that.

From hereafter, you will be the heart of Valkyrie both in name and substance… The right to decide lies with you.

Mika: ……..

Shu: ...Nito. This is unrelated to the matter at hand, but why did you name us Valkyrie?

Nazuna: That sure is unrelated. Is this really the time to be talking about that…?

Umm. Itsuki, do you still remember the time we first met?

That day, you jumped from the second floor of the school building for some reason, remember?

You must’ve been working on an outfit, because your entire body was enveloped in some kind of lustrous, sparkling cloth.

And you said, “We meet at last! My soulmate! Aah, how lovely you are!”…

The way you spoke and acted was so strange that I didn’t think you were human.

I dashed away and managed to escape you then, and I was seriously terrified of you for a while…

While looking up information on ghosts, demons, and the like, I found an illustrated book that talked about the gods of foreign countries as well.

And what came closest to my impression of you were the shield-maidens of Norse mythology… the Valkyries.

When we were trying to choose a name for our unit, this memory just somehow came to my mind again.

comments

Sora Harukawa - Idol Story 1

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:19:53 GMT

Guest translation by Sean

Sora: HaHa~♪ HiHi~♪ HuHu~♪

HeHe~... Ah! Is Sora's laughter bothering you? Sorry! When you're warned, you apologize!

HoHo~, but Sora just can't stay calm when he's quiet, you know~?

If he didn't constantly emit sound waves, like bats and dolphins, he'd feel like he’s losing his grip on a world overflowing with "color".

Shisho~ is always saying stuff like that! Sora doesn't really get it though, because Sora has been this way ever since he was a kid!

Anyway! How was it, Producer? Was the SSVRS comfortable to use?

This is the first time we've had someone not involved in its development touch it, so Sora is really eager to hear your impressions~!

Ahem. "SSVRS" is an abbreviation of "Switch Super Virtual Reality System"~.

Just like you’d guess from its name, it's super cool ☆

The SSVRS is a groundbreaking VR device, developed by the "Information Room", which is also planned to supervise ES's digital sphere!

HaHa~, the development itself had been going on for a really long time though~. Owing to a lack of budget, among many other things, we hadn’t been able to finish it until just now!

However! Shisho~ and Yuuki-sensei negotiated with the ES management and prepared a budget and some staff, and thanks to that…

We finally finished a prototype that even ordinary people can try out! Hard work always prevails~♪

Also, we took on the development and administration of the social media network "WholeHands", and it's been such a success that it looks like the higher-ups have recognised our achievements~. That’s what you call give-and-take!

HiHi~, but if you told Sora to focus on his idol activities rather than system development, he wouldn't have anything to say in his defense.

Hm? You say you know that Sora and the others have also been working hard with our idol activities?

Thank you! Sora is so happy that you’re keeping an eye on us~! When you're happy, you show gratitude!

The Producer is so kind, but it's still okay to scold Sora a little more harshly sometimes~.

Sora has felt like Switch has been able to get together and do idol activities with all three of us less and less lately....

Shisho~ always says stuff like, "Now is the time for preparaTION", and only stops by to work on the SSVRS every now and then…

He seems obsessed with strengthening his status in Yumenosaki Academy, and not ES.

On the other hand, Senpai is always cooped up at ES... Even though he's an idol, all he seems to do is office work— or rather administrative work…

Sora doesn't know which one he should help~. Sora loves both Shisho~ and Senpai, so he wants to be helpful to them, but…

Neither of them tell Sora what to do or how he can help.

Of course, Sora is grateful that they let him do as he likes~...

But both of them are so wrapped up in their own things that they don't even look at Sora... It's like they've forgotten about him. They just leave him alone and make him sad.

HuHu~ Ah! You don't need to look so worried~! Smile, smile! Smiles are the magic that anybody can use~☆

... Really, Sora is okay. Right now, Shisho~ and Senpai are just up to their ears in work because their surroundings have changed.

Before long, we three of Switch will definitely stand on stage together again!

A magical stage befitting of Switch...♪

Anyway! Sora is going to be a good boy, and work hard for a future that is even just a little happier! Firstly, the SSVRS test run~♪

It's a revolutionary tool that enables you to virtually experience idol activities from the viewpoints of us idols!

That's the real charm of VR, but being able to move around in someone else's shoes is already fun by itself~♪

Like, so this is what the world looks like to everyone else!

You can so easily experience things you'd ordinarily have to die and be reborn to do! This is a kind of magic too~♪

You might already know this, Producer, but Sora has synesthesia. Sora apparently thinks and feels things differently from other people.

So, with the SSVRS, Sora will be able to experience and understand the senses of ordinary people... Sora thinks he'll be able to put this to good use in his performances as an idol.

It's sad that people avoid things just because they're different, that they refuse to associate with things just because they're unusual…

That they live separately from others just because they're strangers…

Since we were already so lucky to be able to meet in the same reality like this…

Sora wants to live alongside everyone else! HaHiHuHeHo~☆

comments

Glitter of the Prism - Chapter 8

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:07:58 GMT

Location: Prism Show Stage

- During the Prism Show Live -

Subaru: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Adonis: ♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Subaru: The venue… No, the audience is glittering and sparkling…!

Now, everyone join your strength together to return the academy back to how it was! It’s going to be fine! As long as we all work together, there’s nothing we can’t do!

Shinshin and Tora-san and Kakerun and Hirocchi-san, and even Lec-san is cooperating with us! ☆

Taiga: Don’t act like you’ve got the time to spare to chatter durin’ the live.

Subaru: Ahaha! ☆ I had so much fun, I couldn’t help it. ♪ But you’re right! I’ve gotta focus!

♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪

Hiro: Prism Stars and idols alike have to provide dreams to those who come to watch them.☆

Leo: Uchuu~☆ Everyone! Share more and more of your strength and energy with us~!

Ooh!? Those’re some amazing cheers…! The power is swelling more and more! Thanks, everyone! I love you...♪

Tori: Time for our Prism Jump, Kakeru-san!

Kakeru: ‘Course! Leave it to me, Tori-kyun! ♪

Tori & Kakeru: “Party Night Bubble Shower”!

Tori: We’ll take you all to pa - ra - dise! ♪

Kakeru: Lights are gathering…!? This is…

Tori: Thanks to our jump, there are quartz-like crystals appearing like scattered petals…?

Koga: Hey, you ready for this? Don’t fall behind now!

Taiga: Just who do you think you’re talkin’ to! It’s you who should try ta keep up! Let’s go!

Koga & Taiga: “Throughout heaven and earth! Vainglory!”*

Koga: Fall prey to our pair of fangs!

Leo: Wahahaha! ☆ Everyone’s sparkling, this is the best!

Honestly, I want to turn this moment into a song… But right now, there’s something else I must do!

Hiro: I’ll join forces with you, Leo! Let’s go!

Leo & Hiro: “Passion! Hot Breeze! Starlight Kiss”!

Leo: We’ll play the notes of your rising heartbeats...☆

Adonis: More and more flower petals of everyone’s wishes are being born…!

Alexander: Adonis, don’t zone out.

Adonis: Sorry. It’s our turn next. Let’s go.

Adonis & Alexander: “Pillage Heart Countdown”!

Adonis: Three… Two… One. Now there’s no escaping from us anymore.

Subaru: Shinshin! Let’s go~! ☆

Shin: Yes, Subaru-san! Let’s perform the best combination jump together!

Subaru & Shin: “Sparkling Smile Shower”!

Subaru: Bathe yourselves to your heart’s content in our unequalled sparkle…! ☆

Adonis: The flower petals are gathering into one big blossom…! This must be the Dream Blossom Crystal!

Subaru: I implore you, Dream Blossom Crystal! Return our academy to the way it was before!

Tori: Ah!? The flower-shaped gemstone is breaking into pieces...!

D-Did it fail…!? Can it not grant our wish?

Koga: Doesn’t look like that’s it. See, the broken fragments are scatterin’, and the room is filled with a sparkle like I’ve never seen before!

Adonis: Yeah. The sparkles are covering the academy and slowly repairing it…

Leo: What a view! Is this Sukhavati or Utopia!? Or even Shangri-La!?

Wahahaha! My inspiration is welling up~!

Who would have thought I’d find an impetus like this!? After this once in a lifetime encounter, I might just die tomorrow!?

Subaru: Uwah…! ☆ What an amazing sparkle… I could gaze at this my whole life and never get tired of it…! Thank you, it’s all thanks to Shinshin and the others!

Shin: I’m glad I got to see this sparkle with you, Subaru-san!

Location: Road to school

Subaru: Yaaawn….

Aah~... Geez… Because of the dream I had, I feel tired even though I slept all night~…

That was really a strange dream… When I woke up this morning, I was so exhausted. Seriously, it’s so weird.

(But for some reason, I can’t remember any details… Though I do have some vague memories of it.)

(I get the feeling I had an amazingly fun encounter…)

(Who was it that was jumping with me then…?)

Shin: ……….

Subaru: (Ah! The person who just walked by, I think I’ve… seen him…before!)

Wait! You there! ...Er, huh? He’s gone?

I lost sight of him… Maybe he disappeared into the crowd?

Hrm~m…

...Well, whatever! I might meet him again somewhere!

Location: Repaired School Gates

Subaru: I was so caught up in thinking about that person I passed by earlier, I ended up at the academy before I knew it.

Hm? Huh? Hrmmm...? These gates…

Koga: Yo, Akehoshi.

Adonis: Good morning, Akehoshi.

Subaru: Ah. Gami-san, Occhan, good morning~! ☆

Koga: What are you havin’ a starin’ contest with the school gates for so early in the morning?

Subaru: Hey, don’t you get the feeling that the school gates and like, the neighbourhood, look a lot prettier today than they did yesterday...? They’re like, sparkling…?

Koga: Hah? Ya think?

Adonis: Hrm. Now that you say it, it does feel that way, but at the same time I think it’s always been like this.

Subaru: I see~. I just feel like it looked more shabby before… Or maybe I’m imagining things?

Koga: Isn’t it fine, if you think it’s gotten prettier.

Subaru: I see… That’s true!

Koga: That aside, if we don’t get a move on we’ll be late to class.

Subaru: Ah! Don’t leave me behind, Gami-san, Occhan~!

By the way you guys, listen to this~. Last night, I had a really weird but fun dream~.

Koga: What the hell?

Adonis: That’s nice. Please tell me all about that dream you had.

Subaru: So, you see~...☆

---------------

* The word vainglory/self-conceit here is usually written as 唯我独尊, but they replace the second Kanji (我/ga) with the one for fang (牙/ga) that also appears in Koga’s name. Neither the pronunciation nor the meaning changes, but it’s a bit of wordplay.

comments

Glitter of the Prism - Chapter 7

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:06:14 GMT

Location: Outdoor Stage (Unrest)

Alexander: ...What? Something you have that I don’t…?

Enough with the bluffing. There’s no such thing!

Anything beyond this would just be a waste of time! I’ll devour you, and obtain the Dream Blossom Crystal!

Shin: Alexander-san is gonna-! Subaru-san, watch out!

Subaru: No worries~☆

We have it. A chance at victory that you don’t have! And that is [friendship]!

As inherited from Shinshin, [Shin, Infinite Hug]!

Alexander: What the…!? Guah!

Kakeru: Alexander’s clothes are getting damaged..!

Koga: Hah! You’re spot on, Akehoshi! Take that, [It’s a festival! Wasshoi! Flowers for the Fortune Boy!]

Alexander: Gahaa…!

Tori: Knowing that I’m borrowing this technique from that nasty scion is pissing me off, but I suppose he has my gratitude!

[All-Out Date! En - Ter - Tain - Ment, an Invitation to First Class!]

Alexander: Guhuah!

Leo: Ucchu~! [Passion! Hot Breeze! Starlight Ki-chu]! I love you! ☆

Alexander: Guaaah! T-This can’t be…!

Hiro: Yamato-kun’s clothes are being torn off! That means… His defense power is being weakened! Adonis, it’s your chance!

Adonis: Got it. I can’t let this opportunity my [friends] created for me slip away…! This is my final stand!

[Absolute Idol ☆ Love - N - G]!

Alexander: GuhaaaaaAAAAAAAAH!

Location: Outdoor Stage

Adonis: Haa… Haa…

Taiga: What’s the result!? What’s the reading on them devices!?

Kakeru: Alexander’s hit zero. Adonis-kun’s is five… It’s Adonis-kun’s win!

Shin: Hooraaay! We did it! Everyone!

Alexander: ...How could this happen…

Shit…! But I need the Dream Blossom Crystal!

Adonis: Yamato, it was a good match. The outcome could have gone either way. You are strong…

Alexander: A handshake…? Tch…! To think that I lost to a softie like that… But a loss is a loss.

Adonis: By the way, what do you need the Dream Blossom Crystal for, anyway..?

Alexander: The Dream Blossom Crystal is a gem that can grant wishes, right?

I need it because there’s a guy I want to fight one more time.

And right now, I’ve got no idea where he is.

Adonis: I see… In that case, I need to apologize to you.

The truth is, we don’t have the Dream Blossom Crystal.

We lied to you in order to lure you here. I am sorry.

Alexander: What…?

No, nevermind. At any rate, losing against you means I’ve still got a long way to go. I’ll have to start over from my ascetic practices.

Adonis: I still felt it necessary to apologize for lying to you.

Alexander: Hmph. With that we’re even. After all, I did destroy your academy.

Tori: Aah! That’s right, the academy!

What are we gonna do… How are we gonna explain the situation…? Prez is going to be so sad about this…

Shin: In any case, how about we all return to the academy for now?

Maybe we can figure something out! We’ll overcome this adversity together. I’m sure there’s still hope!

Subaru: ……..

Shin: ? What’s wrong, Subaru-san? You’re staring at me so intently?

Subaru: Somehow, just for a moment, it looked like the area around Shinshin was sparkling…? Maybe it was just my imagination?

Shin: Fufu, what’s with that?

Hiro: Anyway. Just like Shin said, let’s return to your Yumenosaki Academy for now.

Location: In front of the destroyed school gates

Adonis: ...As expected, it’s still destroyed.

Hiro: Let’s see, what can we do…?

Koga: I’ve got it. Hey, bourgeois and the brat. Put your assets to use and fix this.

Tori: Don’t ask the impossible! There’s no way I can freely access the kind of money we’d need for this!

And in the first place, how do you plan to explain this situation!?

Kakeru: Exactly~! This is tyranny! Boo~, boo~!

Subaru: Hrm~m…

Adonis: ? Akehoshi, what’s wrong? You look like you’re brooding.

Subaru: Hey, everyone. What if we used the Dream Blossom Crystal...? That way, we should be able to repair the academy, right?

Koga: Aaahn? Akehoshi, are you still half asleep? As I said, that thing’s nothin’ but a fairy-tale.

Subaru: I mean a Prism Show!

Taiga: Haa? We already put on one hell of a show, though.

Subaru: No, no! I mean, if we put on a really amazing Prism Show, it could summon the Dream Blossom Crystal, couldn't it?

Because Prism Shows can make miracles happen, right!?

Shin: I get it..! I think it’s worth a try!

The strength of our wishes… I think it’s going to be better the more people we can gather.

Leo: Hrm~m… Gather a lot of people, huh~… In that case, there might be a perfect method to do that for all of us here.

Alexander: For the lineup we got..?

Leo: Yeah! Together, we’ll put on a live called “Prism Show”...☆

----------

* The original Prism Jump by Hiro is “Starlight Kiss”, but Leo changed this to “Ki-chu” for some reason, possibly to mirror his "uchuu" catchphrase

comments