“Everything’s looking good, Arisugawa-san!” Her personal assistant for the cert, a somewhat older, steady woman ie thirties, Ehara-san, advised. She was bright-eyed and eager, being a retively unimportant member of the staff at TBS. She was a little pin, with mousy brown hair in a bun, and a slender figure, though Arisu found that no issue. Too often in this business, the beautiful have rge egos, and a temper to match. Though I daresay White would tease me and say I am no different…

  “Sound check seems good, the cameras are in position, and the iional partners and local affiliates… oh… sorry.” Her face suddenly fell. “I know you have had issues with FujiTV retly, and that… you doly love us here at TBS… uh… sorry, I’m babbling. Dive me.”

  Holding in a pointed sigh, Arisu nodded. “Of course. The ce of my sdal here was unkind, sacious and wholly untrue. But unfortunately, business is business. There is little room for se. Although… rest assured, I have not fotten any slight or betrayal.” At her cold, dark gaze Ehara-san shivered, and Arisu made an effort to soften her expression. “That had nothing to do with you, Ehara-san. So I will not bme you for it. This cert, it is important for a number of reasons, and I set aside my pride for now to make it a success.”

  “Professional as ever!” Ehara-san perked up. “It’s an honour to work with you on your eback, Arisugawa-san, it really is. You’re looking utterly captivating! We should give our support staff a raise, your makeup and dress are geous. No, I suppose it’s all down to your beauty. I mean, you were the oor hotly tipped to break into Hollywood, before the…” She trailed off again. “Oh. Sorry.”

  “Again, that is the past. I have not fotten, and those who accused me falsely will suffer, just as my foolish ex-fiand his whore paramour are now. But I am a pragmatist. In fact, only those who be rational will survive.” Objectively yes, I know I am beautiful, and this dress is elegant, rather than sensual, but far from prudish. I am a woman who is pure yet powerful, that is the image I wish to project, to overwrite the allegations of my iy, bullying and more. Laughable. As if I o lie, cheat and steal to get ahead. But perhaps…

  Arisu wasn’t one for dwelling on the past beyond her need for vengeance. Done was done, and nothing could rewrite the past. But it was impossible not to think that without the cruel experience, driving her into isotion and her hobbies, studying the sces and reading many, many books, the Favour she received may have passed her by and ended elsewhere. And then… money and fame is no guarantee of further safety. Any powerful Chosen who desires a woman… or indeed a man… take them, and who could stop them? Sometimes I feel a little pity for the idols and stars of today. Fame makes oarget at the best of times, and this is far from the best world right now. It has already happened, and if not for Akio-san’s intervention…

  “You’ve had it tough.” Ehara-san iserated, but she was still excited. Being a lowly staffer who had few prospects, to be scouted by Arisu was a dream for her, especially as it was allowio make her mark in ahat not only was going to be watched by a huge viewership in Japan, but also iionally. Even though she’d likely not get much airtime, if any, just having her name promily in the credits, aing a shoutout from Arisu, would boost her status. Of course, she’s also intuitive. She’s aware I picked her because she had no influence, and thus no involvement in any of the ce of my past.

  “Maybe so, but I shall grin and bear it. TBS won the bid so that is that. And they at least chose co-hosts for me who did not publicly ent on my affairs. Now…” Arisu g her watch. “…we should che the early performers, to make sure nothing has gone awry.”

  “Oh, yes, that’s a good idea. The first one is…” Ehara-san sulted her clipboard. “Suzumebachi. Uh… I’ve never heard of her and her group, but apparently… she’s a friend of yours?”

  At the troubled look on her face, Arisu shook her head, a cold smile tugging at her lips. “She is more of… someone I am looking out for, though fortunately I have passed on a great deal of that responsibility to Akio-san. If you are ed about ism, especially with my past reputation… I admit, there is a degree of favouritism here. Though it is not my doing. She appealed to Akio-san, who is very well ected. But there are reasons she should be included, so my sce is clear. Though I fess to some small trepidation. Suzanne-san is rather… exuberant.”

  “I see. Well, you’d know best, Arisugawa-san, and holy, with some of the groups perf here, nobody is going to mind some filler to warm the crowds up. I hear tickets have been ging hands on the bck market for ludicrous prices.”

  “I hope those who tout have a sd at least doo the fundraiser.” Arisu’s expression was cold. “I uand wishing to be here, as either fans of the groups involved, or simply as it is an historic event… but this also serves a purpose. While the gover has implemented disaster relief funds and pensation, Kyoto, and now the vilges destroyed by the Nasu eruptions, are certainly worthy of public support. We always care more about causes we have aided ourselves.”

  “A bad busihat.” Ehara-san agreed. “Do you believe the stories, that the killing stone was responsible for it, and that Tamamo-no-Mae, the legendary Yōkai was esg?”

  “That is ly accurate.” Arisu couldn’t help but shake her head. “Though you would most likely be amazed were you to know the truth.”

  “You ’t leave me in the dark after saying that, Arisugawa-san!” Ehara-san pleaded. “I really want to… oh, excuse me.” Her phone had started t, and on answering it she had a quick versation, before hanging up. “It seems some VIP backstage guests are here. Mori-san, Kim-san and Zhao-san. Quite the iional mix of names. But I’m more excited to meet the fabled Shaeu-san! You would bar-bar my way?” Ehara-san giggled like a younger girl.

  “Be sure to show them adequate respect when we greet them.” Arisu-san warned. “Mori-san and the ese girl are also fiancées of Akio-san, and Kim Eui is one of the survivors of the atrocities at useon. They are to be afforded all due courtesy.”

  “Oh, yes, of course.” She giggled again, and Arisu spoke up, exasperated.

  “What is that look for? If you have something to say, do say it. I prefer hoy.”

  “I was just w… you seem quite close to him. I know you de during the talk show, but… are you sure there’s nothing going on? I’m n to spread gossip, but…”

  “This again?” Arisu sighed. “I do assure you, we are simply rades. No, I go so far as to call us friends. He is eo my other friend, White, and I also have no i in roma the moment. A w retionship of trust suits me better.”

  “At the moment? Okay. Sorry to have asked.”

  “I do not mind. Again, I prefer an ho question than a fool that spreads gossip, now… there they are.” On seeing the newers, Arisu gestured for them to approach, and as always, Shaeu bounded over without any care for her royal dignity, wearing a very luxurious yukata, and her hair was bundled up into side buns with ornate hairpins filled with diamonds and moonstohat looks like a set.

  “Arisu, we have-have e to see Daiyu’s disciples. But-but before that, who is this? And why are you staring?” Shaeu addressed Ehara-san, who hastily apologised.

  “Sorry, I’m just happy to meet a celebrity, and not of the usual sort. W at a TV station, I’m used to idols, actors, singers… but you, you’re a hero!”

  “I am indeed-indeed, you are shrewd!” Shaeu puffed out her chest, delighted by the praise. “Now, we are here to see-see our friends. We have these VIP passes…” She tapped the badge pio her yukata. “…so we go-go as we please.”

  “Yes, though you need an escort, to prevent any issues with the performances.” Arisu expined patiently. “For now, I am going to see Suzanne-san. Would you care to apany me?”

  “That’s fine.” Mori-san spoke for them, and after taking a good look at the group, Ehara-san nodded happily.

  “Oh my, you’re all so adorable. The two of you could be idols, if you sing and dance! You’d be very popur.” She then paused, realising she had overlooked the Korean girl, who was still rather too thin. “Oh, sorry, you’re… pretty too. It’s just…”

  “She doesn’t speak much Japanese.” Mori-san expined, before transting. In English, Kim Eui mao agree that she uood, and wasn’t cute anyway.

  “Nonsense.” Zhao Daiyu insisted. “No disciple of the Incorruptible Jade is so self-effag. Be proud. You are still rec. Your body is fine, but eveher Healing ot restore the effects months of malnutrition and stress have caused. But a thousand-year-old ginseng still matures but a day at a time. You work hard. That is praiseworthy. And while I hardly believe looks are integral to Cultivation, I allow o speak ill of my disciples, not even themselves!”

  “So fiery!” Ehara-san was rather taken aback by her passion. Soon they had arrived at Suzanne-san’s dressing room, and with a brisk knock, Arisu waited for a response. When bidden to e in, she opehe door, to reveal Suzanne-san and her dancers. A member of staff was toug up the makeup of her backup dancers, though she looked unfortable, as if something was wrong she couldn’t quite uand. Of course. Those dancers are not alive in the ventional sense, merely Suzanne-san’s uppets. Karakuri, she called them.

  “Arisu-, here to check up on me? As you see, I’m raring to go!” She pirouetted, bending her arms as if to show off her muscles. “Oh, hi Eri-, Daiyu-, Eui-! Here to wish me luck? I don’t , I’m Suzu, the up-and-ing superstar idol, but I sure do appreciate your support! I’d offer you some autographs, but… you e ahem any time you want, I do live with you all.” She giggled, and Ehara-san seemed a little overwhelmed by the force of Suzanne-san’s unique personality.

  “I only wish the boss was here, but… she’ll be in the audience, right?”

  “I should say so.” Arisu nodded. “So, how were the stage checks?”

  “Fihe stage lights are good, and the fetti ons are loaded properly. It’s really cool you and Akio-kun pulled some strings. Ordinarily, first up wouldn’t get many stage props.”

  Ehara-san smiled knowingly, but Arisu ignored her. “Thank Akio-san, not me. He is rather a soft touch, and he feels a sense of responsibility for you. Now…” Arisu’s eyes narrowed, and she was suddenly serious. Everyoheir breaths, only Shaeu unmoved by the aura of pressure she was giving off. “…your set time is strict, and there be no overruns, else it affects the smooth running of everyone else’s performances.”

  “You t on me, Arisu-! Say what you like about me, but I know how to be professional! A great idol makes every moment t and leaves the fans wanting more!”

  “In that case… you should be aware you have a short window to address the crowd and say something about Kyoto and the volic eruptions. Or you speak on London and Kyoto. But I trust you have had what you wish to say vetted?”

  “I may be young, geous and talented, but I’m not green as grass!” Suzanne-san promised. “Yep, it’s been looked over by the staffers.”

  Arisu g Ehara-san, who flipped a few pages on her clipboard, before nodding. “Yes, seems it’s been cleared. Though there’s a note saying that ‘some of it’s a little… hard to uand.’?”

  On hearing that, Shaeu snickered, while Mori-san shook her head, exasperated. As Arisu narrowed her eyes dangerously, Suzanne-san jumped, waving her hands.

  “It’s fine, I promise I wouldn’t cause trouble for you and the boss or Akio-kun! You know me, Arisu-! I’m not a troublemaker like Daizen-kun was. o squash me! I’m too beautiful and taleo die. It’s just… the staff here aren’t Chosen, are they? They don’t uand anything. Look…” Arisu listened carefully as Suzanne-san expined what she was going to say to the crowd and watg viewers.

  I see. “It passes. But… there is one issue. Suzanne-san, have you sidered what will happen if your parents are watg?”

  At that, her face became a still mask, expressionless. “Why would they? They don’t care about me. Sure, I tried my hardest to evade their notice when I came to Japan, but… dad’s wealthy. If he wao track me down, he could. Making me go back’s a different matter, but… finding me shouldn’t be impossible. Besides…” Suzanne-san’s face sprang back to her usual expressive, over-the-top charm she felt an idol should always radiate. “…Akio-kun made the arras. I’ve got a Ministry passport, so Japan reises my citizenship. Hell, I am Japanese. I always have been!” she insisted, her usual anti full force. “…and Akio-kun’s my other boss, I pledged to him. He won’t let my parents kick up a fuss. As if they would. My brother is all they care about, that and money.”

  “Yes, you are not-not going anywhere, Suzu.” Shaeu agreed. “Akio does not-not turn his ba those he has chosen.”

  Mori-san oo. “That’s right. Though… maybe your parents have ged? People . I did, after all. They might be missing you. If you want to see them…”

  “ we ge the subject? My parents won’t be watg, my brother her. They hate anything that isn’t good old-fashioned Ameri, be it cars, eai, sport or money.”

  “Fine. In that case…” Arisu checked her watch again. “I o visit the other performers before I take my own position. Take care, Suzanne-san.”

  “You too, Arisu-! Knock them dead, okay? Just a shame you ’t co-host with Akio-kun and the boss. That’d drive the ratings through the roof…”

  ***

  After visiting several other acts who were early on the bill, it was time to che on one of the most famous idol groups in Japan, the ever-popur AKB0048. Oering, they were greeted by the exuberant Keiko-san, who Arisu was now somewhat familiar with.

  “Arisu-! Good to see you!” she gushed, and Ehara-san was a little shocked at the familiarity. Behind her came Ema-san and Asuka-san, the other two that Akio-san had saved from the crazed Chosen fan that day, and they were followed by another member.

  “Greetings, Matriarch!” The three of them bowed to Daiyu, earning giggles and curious stares from the other AKB0048 idols and the staffers doing makeup checks, touch-ups on es and so forth. The three of them then turo Mori-san and Kim Eui. “And greetings to you, fellow Daoists!”

  “You’ve been looking things up, I see.” Mori-san remarked dryly. “I don’t know if we should be called Daoists, we’re barely even Cultivators. I don’t mind being fellow students or disciples though.”

  Before anyone else could speak, the other woman there, somewhat older but still tall and pretty, bowed before Shaeu, tears in her eyes. “You came. I… wao thank you again. For saving my career, givihe ce to finally perform my song!”

  “It is of no-no moment, Juria.” Shaeu waved a hand dismissively, though her face ink from the praise, and she seemed well satisfied. “I do most-most enjoy Japanese musid I admire females who know what they want. Besides, it was no-no great effort for me.” She puffed out her chest pridefully. “I do hope you support Daiyu and her ambitions, though. She has much-much to teach.” Shaeu addressed the other idols.

  “Juu- has been so overwhelmed retly.” Keiko-san fided loudly, earning ughs from around her. “But she’s finally ba the biggest stage.”

  “Yeah, Matsui- is hyped, and so are we, right girls?” Ema-san, the you, cried, and the other idols who weren’t undergoing makeup let out a cry of ‘fight on, fight on!’, pumping their fists.

  “And our song…” Asuka-san smirked. “You’d better be watg, Shaeu, or we won’t five you!”

  “I only wish Akio-kun could be here…” Keiko-san sighed, before blushing a ripe crimson. “Oh, sorry. I guess that’s rather rude of me in front of you three.” She bowed in apology to Mori-san and the others.

  “It’s fine. I uand. We wish he was too. Although…” Mori-san smiled provocatively. “He’s always with me.”

  “You look different today, Eri-san!” Ema-san observed, narrowing her eyes as she peered at Mori-san. “You look… mysterious? Cool, somehow? Prettier even? Not that you weren’t before. Say, why not e up and dah us?”

  “There shall be no ges to the pns.” Arisu shook her head firmly. “This event must go off without any hitches!”

  “I know.” Ema-san stuck out her tongue, red-faced. “I was only teasing. I bet you could though. During our Cultivation training you pick things up so quickly and are s and graceful.”

  “Of course. I swing my axe and fight, and Akio blesses me, even when he’s not here.” Mori-san decred proudly.

  “Not just you…” Another AKB0048 idol said, this oh a wilder look, wearing long bck ce gloves and stogs in addition to the usual skirt, shirt and waistcoat. “…Kanzaki-, Yoshino- and little Ema- have been perf like they are possessed in practice. Even our dance coaches and chraphers are wowed.”

  “That’s because we’re super special, super human!” Ema-san giggled. “But hang on, why are they Kanzaki- and Yoshino-, but I’m Ema-?”

  “It’s because you’re so cute…” Another member came and ruffled her hair, causio protest that she’d o have it styled again. As the idols bantered pyfully, another addressed Shaeu.

  “So… ah, we’ve seen just what a differehis Chirurgery makes. Holy, we’re all jealous, and we ’t keep up with those three now. So… I know ma has been asking, but… to be the best we be, we hat too.” Several others echoed her, and Shaeu looked smug, before casting a g Daiyu.

  “Our aid is not easily given. They accepted the honour and the responsibility of being my disciples. Of course I shall traio the best of my abilities. Should you wish to bey disciples as well, then you will be adjusted to be better able to process Qi aher and taught both martial arts and the skills of Cultivation. Your improvement will be like giving wings to a tiger.”

  “Of course-course, there is also another option.” Shaeu grinned predatorially, and Mori-san rolled her eyes, while Kim Eui simply watched on, alert aless. “Though the requirements are great-great loyalty, the rewards are beyond most-most imagine.”

  “The hats are cool too…” Ema-san piped up.

  “But…” the wild-looking idol frowned. “We’re AKB0048, we’re idols! We have our training, our rehearsals, our performances, our dreams…”

  “Yes, as do my disciples. And you shall see them shine on this stage. As members of the Incorruptible Jade now, I shall tolerate no less. For jade is perfed beautiful, and never breaks.” Daiyu insisted. “Cultivation is a way of life, but each must follow their own Dao. But any Cultivator of worth shall find such tasks as dang a mere trifle, pared to the rigours of the path to immortality.”

  “She’s right.” Keiko-san agreed. “Holy, we spend a fra of the time we used to learning and memorising. We usually get it in one or two repetitions now. As for the itments and promises… Akio-kun saved our lives. So we uand. You don’t, Kae-…” she addressed her senior respectfully. “And that’s fine. But… I don’t see it as being at odds with our idol work.” She flushed faintly then, and Mori-san muttered something under her breath, about ‘Hinata and Shaeu being naive, Akio will never prey on those girls indiscriminately…’

  “In fact, it is most-most opportuhis cert is an example. Akio is a firm-firm believer in winning over the masses with spectacle and joy, rather than force-force of arms and threats. Wherever possible.” she amended. “But you do not-not have to decide noele beautiful, loyal hard workers. I do hope Tamami and her friends agree as well. They were fine-fine females.”

  As the talk turo their small Akiba rival group, Arisu checked her watch again. It is nearly time. Before she could speak, Matsui Juria-san whispered something to her, face pink with embarrassment.

  “When I graduate from AKB0048… I’ve always wao be an actress. Like you. I… I always believed you were i, Arisugawa-sama. Now… I’m happy the world knows it. I… just wao say, like you, I got a sed ce. And… I’m not going to squa. And I know you woher. So… look at me on stage, and… I’ll look at you too.” She giggled, embarrassed. “And… I don’t mind any harsh training or itments, if one day I get to share a stage with you!”

  Well, this is a surprise. As Matsui-sareated, blushing, Arisu shook her head. Share a stage with me, she says? The stage I walk on now is not the backstabbing, treacherous world of ag, but the more ho, but no less bloody field of battle. But… I do suspect that White would be happy to have another idol in her clutches. What was it Suzanne-san said? Oh yes… White feels pride when he shows he is desired by other women. A strange cept, but then… this Fae that fool the Raven loathed is the same as well, it seems. She g Mori-san, and almost felt relief. At least there is one person whose thoughts I uand. Though… who am I to judge? He has given me no cause to doubt him, and I am not oo a what might be. I take people as they are, as they have treated me and those I sider my friends.

  “Ehara-san, it is time for me to head for the main stage. Do esy friends around until it is time for final preparations and be sure to find them a rept by then. In fact, we will need several, as between acts, when I am hosting, there will be others ing. Akio-san has been quite profligate with his backstage passes.”

  As Ehara-san checked if Arisu would be all right, fussing over her, all she could think about was her uping performance, as professional as ever, her expression being crisp and professional. Very well. My st public appearance was ruined by that treacherous snake Miyauchi. But this time, I shall tolerate no further meddling. Not that anyone would dare, the gover wishes this to go smoothly as well…

  ***

  So, here we go then. Her co-hosts were both from TBS, though in a sop to her wounded feelings, her of them had been involved in the press ce against her back during her sdal, st sotion though that was. Her male co-host was a famous edian, Aoki Ken-san, who was in his fifties and running to fat a little, his head shaved after he started going bald, though he was still rather handsome for his age. He was known for witty entary on current affairs and was a regur on the media circuit and had admitted to being a fan of idol groups in the past. He also made ion of my supposed sdals. He avoided the more troversial topics, it is how he retained his popurity.

  He was dressed in a sharp blue suit and red shirt with a white tie, as if he was trying to look like a fg of another try. The bination was odd, certainly, but he carried it off quite charmingly, as if he was an out of toucle at a wedding. I suppose that he is a edian, a little… edy is to be expected.

  The sed host was a woman in her early thirties, who used to be a popur idol herself, though her group was hardly parable to AKB0048 or the like. But she did sire on a sihat made number one on the Japanese music charts, so she was certainly famous. She was looking a little pouty, her face set coldly, and Arisu held in a snort. Always the same. I hardly help it if I am attractive. It is good geid I take care of myself. Faulting me for that is simply nonsensical. It is why sce is so appealing. Unlike humaions, it usually makes sense.

  The woman, Konno Fumie-san, was wearing a daringly cut pink dress, showing off her cleavage, and her hair was dyed a light broulled bato a sporty ponytail, making her look younger. On seeing Arisu’s gaze, she smiled, as if her hidden hostility was only an illusion.

  “You ready, Arisugawa-? It’s an honour to be hosting this event with yht Ken-kun?”

  Her voice was sweet and charming, and rather false, but so long as she did her job, Arisu wouldn’t care. Though I hardly like her using su informal honorific with me. But… I am a professional. Such things are meaningless right now.

  “That’s it, yeah.” Aoki-san agreed, straightening his tie. “This is a big deal. I’m a touervous. But… I always say, if you ’t ugh, what you do? The events of Kyoto were a tragedy, but… it’s heartwarming to see Japan responding! These idols have doheir time and energy to fundraising, it’s great. As a former idol yourself, you must be proud, Fumie-?”

  “I am!” she agreed. “It’s why I’m so happy to be here, doing my part even though I’m more of an actress now.”

  True, though your roles are usually supp o best. “Yes, we must do our utmost to host well.” Arisu agreed. “Though you are wrong. It is not just the Japanese.”

  “Oh yes, our special guests.” Aoki-san smiled. “The crowd is going to go wild. Anyway… five minutes. We ready? Everyone have water? Talking is thirsty work.”

  “You’re su old woman, Ken-kun…” Konno-san started teasing him, but Arisu tu out, focused, getting in the zohree minutes left. All right then. Taking a deep breath, she smiled, and it was ohat would stop the hearts of most men, and many women. This is certainly easier than fighting in life-or-death battles or weathering a storm of snder and iive. But… no less important, in it’s own way. So… White, Akio-san, I shall do you both proud…

  ShipTeaser