The battle for merch rages like a ferocious storm. The prize: Gabriel’s latest photobook, made all the more alluring with the offer of limited bonus content featuring the idol angel available. That irresistible photobook urges the desperate and selfish to shove, trample, and fight wildly amongst one another.
“Love can, at times, be ruthless. Even so, we continue to strive to have it within our grasp.” Hati was moving around quickly among the group of crazy fans like it was a breeze. A fan went to grab at him but he disappeared in a mist.
“Nice try! I’m over here!” Hati uses the power of his Sacred Artifact to brush past the other fans, who desperately try to knock him down. When all is said and done, Hati leaves the bustling merchandise area with no less than three photobooks in hand.
“Well fought, chum! I knew I could pick’em! You may gaze up at the moon with pride. From today, you’re a tried and tested Gabriel fan!” Hati slapped a hand on my back and I stumbled a bit on my feet. I was aching in different parts of my body and I was breathing hard but I was holding a photobook tightly in my hands.
“S-So this is the excitement of a live concert! It's so awesome!” Even though I felt like I was going to die it was such a fun experience that I wanted to do it again! I even managed to get a merch from the concert!
“Concerts are a monster born of feverish excitement! Reason is lost as everyone’s hearts become one. For the duration of this show, you and I are one and the same! Oh, I forgot to ask. What’s your name? Do you have a username or somethin’?” Hati asked for my name and I realized I didn’t give him my name when I was being dragged into a crowd of wild fans.
“It nice to meet you Hati! I am Masato, a second-year student from Shinjuku Academy. I hope we will become great friends.” I gave him a polite bow as I finally introduced myself to him.
“Huh. Masato, eh? That’s a good name. Very fitting for my chum. And… I can see something in those eyes. Haha, I like you! Here. This is for you, chum.” Hati tosses something at me and I caught it by instinct.
“...? What’s this?” I looked at the thing he threw at me with questioning eyes. It was rather small in my hand.
“It’s a special item only distributed to members of Gabriel’s fan club.” The item in question is a cute little pin shaped like angel wings. “It’s our proof of camaraderie! Be sure to wear it near your heart at every concert!”
I feel warmth goes through me as this gift I received. I put the pin on my uniform jacket and smiled at how cute it made my jacket look. I feel like I should probably collect more pins for my jacket.
“Though I’m actually not qualified to give these out… Haha, whoops!” Hati rubs a hand behind his head as he laughs at his mistake but he didn’t ask for the pin back so I knew he was going to let me keep it.
“Hey, Maria, over here! I found Masato!” As I was talking with Hati I could hear Ryota voice from behind me and I looked to see that he was walking towards me with Maria at his side.
“I’m so glad we found you, Masato!” Maria gave me a gentle smile as she stops in front of me alongside Ryota. I realize that I was gone for a rather long time but I really couldn’t control it with the situation I was in before.
“Oh, hi Maria! Nice to see our acting Guild Master here. You guys know each other?” Hati spoke in a familiar tone with Maria making me realize that he was probably a part of the guild as well or he was just a close friend of her.
“Oh, Hati! I wasn’t aware you were present.” Maria looked over to Hati with a surprised look on her face, probably just realizing he was with me as well.
“Don’t mind me. Seems like you two have business with each other.” Hait waved off Maria surprised with a smile on his face.
“I apologize for the rudeness. We are in a bit of a rush. We have just been informed that preparations for the second half of the show are running late. Since Gabriel has a little time to spare, she wishes to speak with you all while she waits.” I felt excited about being able to meet with Gabriel again. I wanted to leave with Maria right away but I knew that I had to wait for the other two.
“Shiro and Kengo seem to have disappeared. I tried to find them, but they must be caught up somewhere. Can just the two of us go? It’d be a waste to pass up this chance!” Ryota looked at Maria with begging eyes and she gave a nod to his request.
“I believe Gabriel would be pleased. Shall we? Excuse us, Hati.” Maria gave Hati a bow before she started to lead us to the place Gabriel was located. I gave a wave to Hati who currently had a totally shocked look on his face.
Back With Hati
“Wh-What?! G-G-Gabriel wants to see him?! My moon! Bright and luminous in the night sky! To think you would bless this chum of mine with your brilliant presence… Just who are you, Masato?!” Hati fists were clenched as he looked at the back of Masato as he left with Maria and some other male student he didn’t know the name of.
“Oh, my glorious Moon! My Gabriel! Why must you be such a distant light?” Hati's expression grew depressed as he looked down at the photo books that were in his hands and let out a heavy sigh.
Back With Masato And Friends
“Oh my gosh, I can’t contain myself! It feels so special to be backstage! I can’t believe we’re visiting the green room during a concert… Isn’t this exciting, Masato?” Ryota looked at me with excited eyes and I couldn’t hold back the smile that appeared on my face.
“I feel like I’m in the biz. This is such a once in a lifetime experience!” I couldn’t help but move from one foot to another as I couldn’t contain the excitement at the thought of going backstage.
“What do you guys say… Let’s turn up?” At what Ryota said I couldn’t help but let out a short laugh. Ryota ended up laughing with me as well. Maria looked at us with a happy smile on her face.
“Hehe, you two seem very close. Just watching you makes me smile.” Maria let out a chuckle as she told us that and I felt a pleasing tingle go through my body when she said that. I am close with Ryota, aren't I?
“Yeah, we’re total pals! We didn’t meet under such weird circumstances for nothin’!” Ryota put his arm over my shoulder and since I was kind of taller than him I was brought down a few inches but that didn’t get rid of the excited smile on my face.
“I understand how you feel. A backstage tour is not an everyday occurrence, unless you’re in the industry. But please don’t get carried away. Please stay close behind me. They will kick you out if you do not have a staff pass like mine.” Maria gestures to the staff pass that was hanging from her neck.
“Roger that! We’ll stick to you like glue!” Ryota took his arm from my shoulder and gave Maria a thumb up. I gave her a thumb up as well in agreement.
Suddenly, dizziness takes over me, a buzzing sensation like white noise fills my head. I close my eyes as I try to gain hold of myself again and when I come to, I realize that I have lost sight of both Maria and Ryota who were just walking in front of me just a moment before.
“Um… Huh? Where are Ryota and Maria? Did we get separated?” I looked around confused in an area I wasn’t familiar with. As I was trying to understand what just happened a Transient appears before me out of nowhere.
The Transient looked like he was probably a wolf but his ears seem rather huge for one… He also had a bunch of… HANDS for tails?! Also, the light green mohawk he had made him seem like a rather hyper person. He kind of gave off a feeling of some nightclub DJ.
Around his neck is the same staff pass Maria wore. I presume he must be a crew member or something along that line. Seeing as I was lost and needed direction this guy seemed like my best hope in finding my friends again.
“Oh, good. Here’s someone I can ask! Excuse me, I need directions. Are you a crew member?” I called out to the strange-looking wolf Transient and he looked at me with a rather… intense look in his eyes.
“How do you do baby? Nice to make your acquaintance. We’re one big happy family here! Hashtag squad goals!” The man has an odd expression on his face that warps into a grin when he greets me. He offers no further words, simply observing me silently from behind his smile. I felt conflicted with how I should react to this strange man…
“...Actually, I’m not a crew member. I’m just lost. Could you tell me where Gabriel’s green room is?” I use context clues to guess that he probably assumed I was also a crew member or something along that line. I really couldn't tell with that odd expression on his face.
“How unfortunate! But that’s how it goes, baby. Many people get lost back here like stray sheep.” He gracefully points a finger in the opposite direction. I turn to look in the direction he’s pointing, then…
“Bon voyage! I hope you find yourself. Later!” As my head was turned the Transient said goodbye to me in his rather odd speaking tone
“Thank you very mu… Huh?” And once I turned back to look in the direction he was in he was gone and I was left by myself once again. I scratched my head at that and decided to just hurry back to Maria and Ryota.
As I walked in the direction the strange wolf Transient pointed in I immediately spotted both Maria and Ryota who were looking around with concerned frowns on their faces. Ryota was the first to spot me and he quickly ran up to me.
“Heeeey! There you are! Where did you run off to?! One second you were there, the next you were gone! You’ll get left behind if you keep wandering around like that!” Ryota was scolding me with a concerned expression on his face.
I rub behind my head with an embarrassed look on my face but I wasn’t really fully paying attention to what Ryota was saying. I still was thinking about that strange Transient who helped me out. He was really weird… Like a wild card.
“Hey, what’s up with you? Does your tummy hurt? You need to go potty?” Ryota noticed I wasn’t fully listening to me and he gave me an even more concerned look. I just gave him a bit of a strained smile. I feel like I should forget about that strange Transient, I mean he wasn’t giving off a feeling he wanted to kill me or anything so he must be someone who is harmless but has a rather eccentric personality.
“What a relief. Please do not stray from us again, Masato… Is something wrong? You look dazed.” Maria also noticed I wasn’t fully here at the moment. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hide anything from Maria once I saw that concerned frown on her cute face.
“Sorry. I’m okay. Let’s get moving. Just still feeling off from the dizzy spell I experienced for a second there.” I wave off her concern and gave her a huge smirk that hides how off I still felt at the moment.
“Indeed. Gabriel awaits. Let’s be on our way. The intermission will not last much longer.” Maria gave me a look that showed she didn’t fully believe me but decided to respect my choice not to go too deep with what was bothering me.
“Gimme your hand, Masato!” I extend my hand as instructed, and Ryota takes it in his. I tried and failed to hide the blush that appeared on my face. Ryota is being so bold at the moment!
“Hehe, this will keep you from getting lost! Off we go!” Ryota pumped the hand that wasn’t holding mine in the air and followed closely behind Maria, dragging me by the hand. I was busy forcing myself not to get a nosebleed over how warm Ryota's hand felt in mine.
After a few minutes of walking, we made it to the room Gabriel was in. Maria knocked on the door first and opened it when she got an okay from the inside of the room. When we entered the room we saw Gabriel sitting near the makeup station of the room.
“Pardon me, Gabriel. I’ve brought our visitors.” Maria spoke in a polite tone towards Gabriel as she gave a little bow. She is rather polite even towards me she is close friends with. What a cute trait that she has.
“You’re finally here! Seriously, Maria! I’m nearly outta time!” Gabriel pouts her lips which end up puffing out her cheeks which causes many different arrows to hit my heart in under a second. Idols are really dangerous….
“My apologies, Gabriel.” Maria didn’t even look fazed by Gabriel's actions and I assume it must be related to the fact she probably saw that from her many times.
“It’s my fault. I got lost along the way. But luckily I was saved by a good Samaritan.” Even if that Transient was super weird he was rather helpful… with that weird way of speaking.
“Who could it be? Maybe one of my band members? Or my bodyguard? No, he would yell at me not to bring strangers to the green room. Hey, what did they look like? Was it a tiger Therian with red hair? Or…” I instantly thought of Nomad when she mentioned a tiger with red hair. I guess he helps her out sometimes as a side job as well...
“No, he was no tiger. He was kind of like a wolf but with bigger ears than most wolves. He also had dark blue fur with light green hair. He also had on a leather jacket and had hands for a tail. He talks really weird as well!” I was struggling to describe the man I saw since it was kind of hard to get across his character since it was rather strange.
“Oh, that’s Nyarlathotep. He recently joined the Aoyama Guild.” Maria nodded her head in understanding, fully knowing who I was talking about.
“Nyarl is a celebrity DJ from Shibuya. He’s been helping produce my albums and music videos. He can mix together two totally different tunes and create something completely new! It’s amazing!” Gabriel's eyes were sparkling as she praised Nyarlathotep.
“He is jovial, and very kind… but I rarely understand what he’s talking about.” Maria had a troubled smile on her face as she mentioned his weird speaking habit. I feel better that I wasn’t the only one who felt it was kind of hard to understand him.
“Really? I dunno, there’s a lot of folks like him in the biz.” Gabriel didn’t seem to find the way Nyarlathotep talks to be weird so I assume it is because I haven’t been around people like him enough times so I just have to force myself to understand his way of speaking!
“Is that so…? My, what an unorthodox industry!” Maria had a hand to her cheek as she thought deeply about Gabriel just said. I guess the entertainment world is just filled with strange and unique people.
“Anyway, that’s that. Thanks for escorting them here, Maria!” Gabriel thanked Maria with a super cute idol smile and I was worried my legs would give out from how beautiful it was.
“Of course. It would be mayhem if you tried to come out to the hall to see them! It would be much too dangerous, what with that episode the other day…” Maria was giving Gabriel a worried look and Gabriel just waved it off with a carefree smile. “I know, I know. I’m well aware of the situation.”
“If I may be honest, I don’t quite trust your instincts on this issue.” Maria didn’t look better due to the way Gabriel was acting but Gabriel kept on smiling.
“That’s absurd! I’m always very responsible!” Gabriel was moving her hands around quickly as she tried to defend herself from Maria's doubts.
“Wow, they seem like such good friends! Is this what girl convos sound like? They’re both acting a bit different from usual, too… I can’t put my foot on it… Like… besties? Aww, man… That makes me kinda jealous!” Ryota said that with a smile on his face but I noticed he kind of looks lonely. I wanted to ask him if he was okay but it didn’t seem like a good time with a group of people so I decided it would be something I would bring up when we are alone together.
“What did you mean when you mentioned an… episode? Was there some kind of incident?” I was rather curious about this episode they were mentioning. Was it something bad or embarrassing?
“There was a bit of a tussle with a fan the other day.” As Gabriel struggled to say something, Maria told us what happened with a straightforward tone.
“I get the feeling that life as an idol can be pretty rough! Your aura is pretty powerful.” Ryota was nodding his head to himself as he said that and I agreed with him. Being an idol is something I wouldn’t be able to handle at all.
“Oh my… How rude of me! Sorry to keep you waiting! Well then, I have other matters to tend to, so I shall take my leave. I will see you soon. We’ll reconvene at our seats.” Giving a polite bow as a goodbye, Maria left us in the room with Gabriel whose attention was now fully on us.
“Now then, I hope it was worth the wait… Gabriel, at your service!” Gabriel introduced herself to us and gave us a wink that nearly caused me to double over. She is too beautiful for me to handle!
“Aaaaaah! Oh my god! The real Gabriel, right here in the flesh! We saw you on stage just moments ago, but your celeb aura is still radiating! The impact is really somethin’ else, all up close and personal! Your hair is so fluffy and, like, floral! I have no idea what to talk about now that Maria’s gone! Should we call you Lady Gabriel?” Ryota wasn’t doing any better than me as he stumbled around with his words as he was looking in places that weren’t directly Gabriel's beautiful face.
“Ugh, why does everyone want to call me Lady Gabriel?! Gabriel is so much cuter!” Gabriel pouted once again and it felt like the air surrounding her became a starry background. I felt like I shouldn’t be allowed to see something this perfect with my unclean eyes.
“Whoa!! What the heck?! Your pouty face is just as cute as every other expression!” Ryota's face was getting red as he looked at Maria's pouty face. I was worried he was going to pass out from looking too long.
“Now that… is a true idol!” I force out those words as I struggle not to become a babbling mess in front of her. It is taking so much willpower at the moment not to drop to one knee and propose marriage to her.
“Seeing a real idol up close… Her aura is so bright, I think my corneas might catch fire!” I nodded my head in agreement with Ryota's statement. My eyes feel like they are going to burn up right now.
“Well, it’s not an errand per se. Maria told me a little bit about you guys…” Gabriel got up from the seat she was in and then gracefully bows with a slight nod of her petite head. “I wanted to tell the others, as well, but I’ll relay this to you two to share. You’ve protected Maria twice already. Thank you so much. As Maria’s friend, I wanted to thank you properly.”
“Gabriel, are you best friends with Maria?” Ryota had a curious look on his face as he asked her this.
“Yes! We’re very close! I find Maria to be very dependable and kind. She motivates me when I’m feeling low. She’s a very important friend who’s been instrumental in helping me fulfill my dreams.” Gabriel had a gentle look on her face as she talked about Maria.
“When you’re feeling low?” I am surprised that Gabriel would have a moment like that. She just looks like a person who is always so happy.
“Since you helped Maria, I’ve decided to trust you, so… What I’m about to say is a secret. You promise not to tell anyone?” Gabriel gave us a serious look and we just silently nodded our head at her request.
“Maria told you a little about my Rule, right? What did she tell you?” At Gabriel's question, I tried to remember what she told us. It was probably related to making people believe her words?
“Um, she said you had the ability to get people to believe what you say, or something like that.” Ryota had a finger to his head as he tried to remember what Maria told us.
“That’s about the gist of it. People tend to trust what I tell them without a second thought. I’m from a family of messengers who deliver heavenly gospel throughout the world. I tried my best! But… my message didn’t quite get across. Everyone had their own interpretations of my words. They created theories and began fighting over whose were correct. People kept taking my messages too literally. They fought amongst themselves and hurt each other, breeding new sadness… Over and over, it kept happening. Why? Why must people fight? No… Perhaps it was the opposite. Those who already disliked each other may have been using my messages as ammunition for their arguments. I don’t really understand it, but… no matter what I said or how I said it, it always ended up the same. One day, I got fed up. I told them I didn’t like that work anymore, and I quit! I ran away from home. That was when I met her.” Gabriel's expression that was upset for a while slowly got a small smile on her face again.
Gabriel Flashback
“Please don’t cry, Gabriel. Your words may have hurt some people, but I am sure they have also helped many others. It cannot be avoided. For brilliant light to exist, so must deep darkness. But… I will walk beside you in shadow, so that I can help those your light can’t reach. Please, hold on to your brilliance. I will never be able to radiate light the way you do. If this world were to lose your glow, it would be overcome by darkness. So many more would be sentenced to suffer in shadow. That is why…”
End Of Flashback
“Justice… is adorable.” Gabriel let out a soft chuckle after she finished repeating what Maria told her. Ryota had a sad look on his face as he listened to this but quickly snapped out of it after what Gabriel just said.
“I learned about that here in Tokyo. You see, being an idol is the perfect occupation for me! An idol built on a platform of ultimate adorable loveliness… I realized that this is the kind of justice I wished to achieve! There’s no point in micromanaging. Do this! Do that! ...Phooey! Times change, and trends change with them. Above all else… I must be lovely and adorable. That’s all people need to know. I’m going to sing, and sing, and sing some more, until people have no time to focus on anything besides how cute I am! Singing, dancing cuteness! Fun and vibrant happiness! And the reason I continue to sing … is because I have Maria. I believe she can reach areas of darkness that even my light cannot illuminate. It’s not an easy thing to do. I’ve placed a heavy burden on her. Even so, she told me that my light saved her, too. I believed in Maria. That’s the least I can do for her. I consider Maria to be a very, very important friend. So I wanted to formally ask you: Please keep watching over Maria.” Gabriel had a sincere look in her eyes as she requested this.
“...Of course.” I kind of felt jealous of how close Maria and Gabriel's relationship was. I keep on wondering if I had someone like that who is looking for me… Having no memories is such a troublesome thing.
“Thank you. I’m sure Maria will be delighted, too. So, from now on, I’m your friend too! High five!” Gabriel grabbed each of our hands one at a time and gave us a high five. The air still felt a bit depressing but it slowly went away with Gabriel's bright smile.
“Whelp, it’s time to put my Idol Angel Gabriel face on and go sing my heart out for the second half of my concert! Sorry to talk your ears off. Stay away from scandal now, okay?” Gabriel gave us a cute smile and went to look at her phone for the time and her eyes grew wide.
“What?! The show’s just about to start! Ugh! What’s going on? What are my staff doing?!” Gabriel hurriedly exits the green room. Before the door swings shut, she pokes her face back in. “I’m glad we got to chat today! I hope I make your hearts thump in the second half of my concert, too! Catch ya later! Bye!” Giving us a wink she finally left the room.
Me and Ryota left the room as well and we headed back to the area where the concert was happening. As we were walking I noticed that Ryota was rather quiet during the walk back.
“What’s wrong, Ryota?” I couldn’t help back my concern anymore and I called out to the zone out Ryota who was walking next to me.
“Huh, what?! Sorry, I just got caught up in my own thoughts.” Ryota looked surprised to hear my voice and looked over to me with wide eyes.
“Are you okay Ryota? You were out of it for a while there.” I was really worried about Ryota. He was rather strange this whole day and I didn’t know why. It was rather concerning for me.
“Nah, it’s nothing important… Oh, you wanna know? Um, okay… You saw how close Maria and Gabriel are, right? I guess I’m kinda jealous of that.” Ryota looked embarrassed as he told me this and didn’t make eye contact with me.
“You have lots of friends too, Ryota.” I am pretty sure Ryota had a relationship like that as well with how nice his personality is after all. I mean he became friends with me when I appeared out of nowhere in the forest with no memories.
“Yeah, you’re right… But I feel like their bond is really somethin’ special. Shiro and Kengo have something like that too, but… I don’t have anyone that close to me. Don’t get me wrong! I’ve got plenty of friends. It’s fun being with other people, and I don’t like being alone, but… Everyone so often, I feel like I’ll never be anyone’s number one. I like to be friends with everyone. I’m kind of a people pleaser. But… Say my friends got into an argument. I wouldn’t be able to take sides. So in the end, I wouldn’t be anyone’s number one.” Ryota had a lonely expression on his face as he spoke to me.
“Hahaha, sorry. I’m being weird! What am I even saying? I’m Ryota, the ever-hungry, happy-go-lucky life of the party! That’s all I need to be! I’m not putting on an act or anything. That’s just who I am! Sometimes I just get a bit emotional. I have those days, too! It’s all part of being human!” Ryota quickly gave rid of the lonely expression on his face and gave me his usual big smile but I could tell it wasn’t genuine.
“Hey, uh, please don’t talk about this to everyone. I wouldn’t want to worry them. No more bummer convos, okay? We’d better hurry! We’ve gotta get back to see Gabriel!” Trying to seem as carefree as possible, Ryota saunters toward the main hall, when…
“Wait, Ryota.” I grabbed Ryota's arm and I was looking at my feet. I felt rather weird in my chest and I didn’t know if I was sad or something like that. It was confusing.
“Hmm? What’s up, Masato?” Ryota gave me a curious look as he looked at the hand that was grabbing his arm.
“You’re the first special friend that I’ve made here, Ryota.” I looked at him seriously as I told him that. He was the first person I met and risked his life to save a total stranger. He didn’t have to do that but he did it just because he wanted to.
“S-special?! You can’t just say stuff like that out of nowhere! Haha... Wh-what’s with you all of a sudden?!” Ryota looked nervous as I continued to look at him with serious eyes. I told my hand off his arm and put both my hands on his shoulders.
“Am I not good enough? I thought we have a special bond… I mean I can remember the feeling of that soft belly of yours…” One of my hands came off his shoulder and felt up his belly. I couldn’t help myself but I was being serious with what I was saying.
“Why would you say something like that at a time like this?! You really know how to kill a mood! What a lousy habit. Then again, I don’t mind if you wanna touch it, I wouldn’t mind! It’s not like I’ll deflate!” Ryota allowed me to continue to feel his soft belly for a while before he finally stopped me.
“I feel the same way about you too, Masato. Thank you, Masato. That makes me really happy.” Ryota's expression didn’t look like he was forcing it anymore and I couldn’t hold back the happy emotions I was currently feeling. So I end up hugging him and I nuzzle into his cheek.
“Huh…? Uh, wait… Masato?! Hang on, why am I so embarrassed? It’s normal for friends to hug, isn’t it?” Ryota awkwardly hugged me back and we continued to hug until he grew embarrassed and broke away from the hug.
After we got that out of the way we headed back to the place where the concert was being held. But after a while of walking, I realize that we are lost once again. I can’t believe that this happens once more in one day!
“Are we lost again?! What’s with this concert hall? Is it just a giant labyrinth?! The second half of the show must’ve started already! We need to get back to our seats! I mean, what even is this place? It looks like a backstage area, but… We should get outta here. If we hang around too long, we might mar Gabriel’s angelic reputation. Okay! Courage, charm, and guts! Let’s pick a room at random and ask someone for directions. I’m counting on you, Masato!” Ryota looked at me with serious eyes and I looked back at him confused.
“How come I gotta do it?” I didn’t want to get in trouble if I opened a door and behind it was an angry bodyguard who would probably kick us out!
“Huh? Why don’t I do it? I’ll be responsible for the charm. I’m counting on you for the courage and the guts! Let’s head in the direction the music is coming from for now. That must be the concert hall. The soundproofing is pretty impressive, but if we listen really carefully, we should be able to follow the sound.” Ryota led the way as we followed the sound from where we thought the music was coming from.
“Hey, there's someone! Let’s go, Masato!” Me and Ryota see a Transient fumbling with some sound equipment. When we got closer I realized it was the guy who helped me out before.
“That’s the guy from before!” When Nyarlathotep saw me he gave me a smirk as he stopped fumbling around with the sound equipment.
“How’s it going, fam? Did you find what you wanted?” Nyarlathotep addresses us warmly like we were old friends.
“Thank you for the directions earlier, Nyarlathotep.” I gave him a bow in thanks. I didn’t get to say that before because he left so quickly before.
“You gave Masato directions? Um… your name was DJ Nyarl, or… something. What was it?” Ryota was having trouble remembering Nyarlathotep's name but I don’t blame him since his name is pretty long and strange.
“Yeah, baby! The Nyarlathoteps are at your service, yeah? But you can call us Nyarl, if you say it with la-la-la-love!” Nyarl gave us a wink as he introduced himself to us. He was kind of growing on me with his personality. I am just loving this energy of his.
“That voice! I knew it! You were in Gabriel’s show earlier…” After Ryota mentioned that I do remember hearing a voice that sounded just like him appearing during the show.
“You said it! We’re your super loveable MC and DJ too!” Nyarl gave a rather excited thumb up to it as the smirk on his face increased even wider. I am surprised someone could smirk that wide.
“Excuse me, Nyarlathotep. It seems we’ve gotten ourselves lost again, and…” Ryota looked a bit overwhelmed by Nyarl personality and kind of looked nervous speaking to him.
“Hey baby, no harm no foul! You’re always welcome up on our stage, fam!” Nyarl waves off Ryota nervousness with a carefree smile on his face. I mean I think he is carefree. He is kind of hard to read so if he was angry I couldn’t tell.
“I see what Maria meant about his personality… But doesn’t seem like he’s angry… That’s good, right?” Ryota still looked a bit overwhelmed by Nyarl personality but I decided to help him out by talking to Nyarl.
“Gimme some sugar, bros!” I held up a fist towards Nyarl and gave him a smirk. Nyarl's weird hands tail started to shake happily as he looked at me with even more intense eyes. “Yeah, that’s it! I’m getting all the feels, baby! All the feels!”
“Sorry to bother you while you’re working.” Ryota looked apologetic as he looked at Nyarl who didn’t seem to mind being bothered at the moment.
“Don’t mention it, baby! We’re just workaholics, is all!” Even as he chatters on, Nyarlathotep’s fingers work the sound desk as if they have separate brains of their own. He continuously brings all varieties of sounds together to create vibrant new beats, one after another.
“Wow. Wasn’t the original version of that performed onstage earlier? Each individual tune sounds familiar, yet they’ve been transformed into something completely different. So this is how new albums and music videos are made!” Ryota eyes looked bright as he watched as Nyarl continue to make different sounds in front of us,
“We’re so glad you like it, baby! Because we are absolutely crazy about our work!” Nyarl looked pleased with the praise Ryota gave him and that weird tail of his wagged behind him happily.
“Oh! Look, sorry to run but, uh, we need to get back to our seats! Where’s the exit?” Nyarlathotep answers Ryota’s question by pointing. I turn to face in the direction he indicated.
“Oh, there it is! How did we not notice? Thanks so much, Nyarlathotep!” After thanking Nyarl, we hurry off toward the exit, both of us unaware that Nyarlathotep has already disappeared.
In The Area With Nyarlathotep
The audio equipment continues to operate on its own, producing one song after another as if he was still there working it himself. It’s almost as if… no one was ever there, to begin with.
Back With Masato
“Wow, we’re pretty late. The concert must’ve already started a while ago, don’t you think? But why don’t I hear any music? I can hear people cheering… Huh. Maybe she’s giving a speech.” I followed behind Ryota as he headed into the room where the concert was being held.
When we entered we heard countless people screaming and everything looked like it was in chaos. I looked around confused not understanding what was happening.
“Hey, you two! I’m glad you’re okay.” When Shiro noticed us as he ran toward us with a concerned look on his face. He was being followed behind by Kengo who was glaring at us but I did notice a bit of relief on his face.
“Where’ve you been? It’s chaos in there!” Kengo looked tense as if he was getting ready to fight at any moment which gave me a clue something really bad is going down at the moment.
“Huh? Chaos? What’s going on?” Ryota was still confused about what was happening at the moment. It feels like there are more questions than answers currently.
“Just now… Gabriel was abducted by some ruffian!” At Shiro's words, I felt a shock go through me. Gabriel got kidnapped?! We were speaking just a few minutes ago! How did this happen?
“It happened right as the second half of the show was about to begin. Suddenly, a man from the first row… He just barged onstage, grabbed Gabriel, and fled the hall.” Shiro had a frown on his face as he told us what happened as we were gone.
“He looked unusual, even from a distance. His movements were very unique. Almost like… a wild beast.” Kengo had a serious look on his face as he talked about the person who kidnaps Gabriel off the stage.
“Where is Maria?! She should be here already!” When Ryota said that I realized I couldn’t see Maria anywhere in the hall. I thought she would be here before us.
“I thought she was with you? Hmm, I smell something fishy!” I really didn’t like what Kengo was hinting at but that wasn’t the current problem at the moment we needed to focus on.
“Let’s pursue the kidnapper! If we can make our way through the hall, we might be able to catch up!” After Shiro said that he started to lead us in the direction the kidnapper took off with Gabriel.
We exit the concert hall only to find a brutal scene before us. Angels lay strewn about, injured, and writhing in pain. They must be Gabriel’s bodyguard. It seems like the kidnapper did some serious damage to them.
“The angels were attacked?! That means the enemy must still be nearby! They probably just passed through!” Shiro looked at the injured angels with a serious expression on his face.
“Don’t just stand there, Shiro! Incoming!” When I heard Kengo's voice I quickly looked in the direction of Shiro to see what was happening. Shiro also looked surprised at Kengo saying that to him.
A sharp object shoots through the air Shiro had occupied just seconds ago, missing him by a hair. From it appears Gabriel, captured and bound. Beside her is a familiar face.
“Hati?! Why would you do such a thing?!” I was so shocked to learn that the kidnapper was my new friend. How did this happen?! He was totally normal before!
“Masato… I… I… I shouldn’t have to hold back. She is my moon! My… My beloved moon! It was bliss just watching her from afar. Hearing her voice was enough to satisfy me… But I was lying to myself! I couldn’t resist baring my fangs! After all, I am a wolf, and she is the moon. A wolf that has seen the moon… is destined for lunacy. I wished I’d never awakened to her presence. I never wanted to. The closer I get… The deeper I’ll drag her into my lunacy.” Hati cradles his head. His lunatic instincts threaten to take over, abandoning all logic.
“I was born from filth… I could never be united with Gabriel… It hurts every time I hear her sing. It feels as if the sadness… might claw its way out of my chest… That’s why this is the only solution. That’s what they made me realize. These are my true feelings! This is what I’ve wanted to do all along!” I was curious about who Hati just mentioned. Did they say something to him to make him act like this? He was a nice guy, a super fan, but a really nice fan!
“My songs… made you… into this…” Gabriel's expression was sad as she listened to Hati speak and I could see that she wanted to cry. I had a feeling she was thinking about her past and how her words caused fighting. This situation is really not good at all!
“Ah! Aroooooooooo!” Hati let out a howl as he was surrounded by a bright light for a second. I realize he was getting ready to use his Sacred Artifact against us.
“Finally the wolf has come to claim the moon he’s yearned for so long. Yeah! We all gotta live our best lives, baby! It’s delightful! Crazy! Live your truth to the max! Now, allow us to add a lil pinch of chaos to spice up this loony love and peace! Viva la Tokyo! You won’t find a better toy box anywhere in the world, baby! Ahahahaha!” Nyarlathotep appeared out of nowhere with a crazed look in his eyes. Nyarlathotep appears to multiply, his laughter looping and doubling. One becomes two, two becomes four, and four… eight. I could feel my eyes getting wide at the scene of this craziness.
“It’s that time again! Time for your daily dose of feel-good tunes! Stick with us, raver fam, and let the swinging rhythm take you! Put your hands up, baby! Dance!!” Nyarlathotep let out a laugh that echoes through the copies of himself. Seeing as this situation was getting bad really quick, I summoned my sword and got ready to face off against Nyarlathotep and Hati.
I really didn’t see my day going like this at all. This is way too crazy for me to be dealing with right now at the moment.
