shionstear | IDOLiSH7 PART 4 CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4 – Gazing at the heart

4.1. Definitely

In Nagi’s empty room.

Mitsuki:

…

…Nagi’s room… It was so filled with things and now it’s empty…

The thing you were crying about; not wanting to throw it away… it was about us, right…

… A prince huh…

It’s hard to believe. I mean, in front of us, he was just our friend and loved anime.

He was our member…

Hey, Nagi… If I meet you now, I’d probably tell you to come back. Tell you that I’d be troubled if you don’t. That I don’t like it when you’re not here. I just really don’t…

I wonder, would that become more of a bother for you…?

…I… don’t care if I don’t meet Zero. I don’t care if I never become popular. …but…

…I don’t want to give up on you… on us seven as IDOLiSH7…

…I just can’t give up…

Cut to living room.

Tamaki:

…

Riku:

Tamaki, what’s wrong? It got late yesterday, so didn’t you want to nap before dinner?

Tamaki:

…I had a scary dream… Nagicchi was being eaten by a whale. I tried to save him but…

Nagicchi said, give up on me… …and then he was swallowed while looking troubled.

Riku:

Tamaki…

Tamaki:

I… couldn’t save him…

Riku:

… We can save him.

Tamaki:

Rikkun…

Riku:

We’ll… definitely save him! I mean, we can’t give up, right?

Cut to park at night.

Yamato:

…I don’t want to give up on Nagi.

Tsumugi:

Yamato-san…

Yamato:

I know I’m being reckless. I don’t know much about the other party, and they’re royals. And, like, a country. And we idols are just… commoners.

But until we can talk directly with Nagi I can’t give up.

Neither can I, nor can they. We definitely won’t give up.

Tsumugi:

…

Yamato:

That guy may be smart sometimes, but he’s basically just a kid. He’s definitely really lonely right now.

He probably wants to see us. He wanted to talk to us about it. He trusts us. He probably wanted to stay with us.

That is why, I just cannot give up…

Tsumugi:

…me too… I feel the same.

I don’t want to give up on IDOLiSH7.

Cut back to living room.

Iori:

Indeed. We will not give up.

Tamaki:

Iorin, Sou-chan…

Sougo:

I’m sorry, we heard what you said.

I don’t want to force Nagi-kun to make difficult decisions. Because he is an important friend. But…

Because you all told me to not give up, because you pushed my back… That’s why I’m here.

Iori:

Didn’t I say so when we took that picture together? There’s always a way to solve things.

Riku:

Iori…

Iori:

Let’s take a picture of all seven… no, of all eight together again.

A picture of a smiling Rokuya-san. Standing by our side. As often as needed.

Cut to Nagi’s room.

Mitsuki:

…right. When I said to leave me alone, you persistently tried to listen to me.

Didn’t you yourself also say to not give up!? You did, right Nagi…

So just wait. I will definitely go and see you… I’ll definitely go meet you.

Even if you feel like giving up, I will definitely never give up, got it?

Forever… all my life… Until I die!

Even if I’m not a magician, I’ll show you something even greater than magic!

Cut to park.

Yamato:

‘Kay… Guess we go on board with Tama’s proposal.

Tsumugi:

Eh?

Yamato:

If Nagi won’t come back home, we’ll just go and save him.

Tsumugi:

…

Yamato:

Our opponent may be a country. It may be a prince. I don’t know what’ll happen, but…

But on the other hand, if we don’t do it like this, we might as well break up, right?

Isn’t that awesome?

Tsumugi:

… …yes…

Yamato:

Right? It’s amazing. Out of the ordinary. I’ve met guys I can trust this much, with which I feel really comfortable.

We are amazing.

Nagi, Riku, Ichi, Mitsu, Sou, Tama. They’re all irreplaceable friends.

Tsumugi:

…it is amazing… Everyone in IDOLiSH7 is amazing, they’re all wonderful people…

Yamato:

Haha… Well, we’re IDOLiSH7 after all.

It’s the name you gave us. It’s no good to leave someone out. We gotta be perfect as seven.

We can’t give up on being seven.

Short fade-out and fade-in.

Tamaki:

Manager! Ah, Yama-san!

Yamato:

Tama, Riku… And Mitsu too.

Mitsuki:

We were looking for you! I don’t like Nagi not being here!

Riku:

We talked about it too! No matter what happens, we don’t want to give up on IDOLiSH7!

Sougo:

Let us look for a way. So that we can sing together with Nagi-kun once more.

Iori:

Ending IDOLiSH7, or becoming a six member IDOLiSH7, I refuse both of those. So we have to take action.

Tsumugi:

…everyone…

Thank you very much…

Riku:

Manager?

Tsumugi, thinking:

Because everyone is walking forward, I have to think about the worst case… Believing that we can continue lets me think about what if everything will end.

Tsumugi:

…I too, will not give up.

Let us bring Nagi-san back and win at Black or White as seven!

Everyone:

Yes!

Cut to night sky.

Tsumugi:

Definitely not giving up.

No one wants to give up. Not Nagi-san, nor everyone else, nor the fans.

I won’t make IDOLiSH7 into a shooting star.

Even if they become a tiny light, I want them to keep on shining forever, never vanishing.

Next day, cut to Otoharu’s office.

Knock knock.

Tsumugi:

Please excuse me.

Otoharu:

Come in.

Door opens.

Tsumugi:

I have thought about how Takanashi Production will handle the worst case of Nagi-san not coming back.

4.2. Limit

Knock knock.

Tsumugi:

Please excuse me.

Otoharu:

Come in.

Door opens.

Tsumugi:

I have thought about how Takanashi Production will handle the worst case of Nagi-san not coming back.

Black or White is the limit for how long we can hide that Nagi-san is missing. If the prospects don’t look brighter until then, we’ll have to officially announce it.

The Black or White is a wonderful stage made by people that love music and one with history. It’s our duty to face it with all our honesty.

Otoharu:

Indeed.

Tsumugi:

Also, these are…

Otoharu:

…oh, what an amazing amount of papers. What are these documents for?

Tsumugi:

Takanashi Production’s and IDOLiSH7’s schedule to bring back Nagi-san!

Cut to office room.

Tsumugi:

Everyone, could you please gather?

Riku:

Manager… What’s with this schedule…

Mitsuki:

Amazing how complex this is… Various interviews and plans of appearing in TV shows have been switched around…

Tsugumi:

The schedules have been readjusted! After various negotiations, all the locations for shooting the new song’s MV, recording the album, special programs of TV shows…

They will all be done in Noth Meir!

Mitsuki:

In Noth Meir!?

Tamaki:

Can we go meet Nagicchi!?

Tsumugi:

Yes! We’ll go meet him!

But, we can stay there at most for seven days. There will also be a lot work in that time.

So those seven days will be the time of battle! So let’s make an appointment with Nagi-san in that week. Not minding the country, not minding the princes, let’s do it somehow!

Iori:

Somehow, you say… Can this be done just somehow?

Tsumugi:

We will!

Iori:

…

Tsumugi:

IDOLiSH7 will do it! No matter the country, or princes, or codes, or hostages, there’s a lot going on, but everything will be okay!

Riku:

…Manager…

Tsumugi:

A lot of things have happened so far, but when you seven have put your strengths together, you have always been able to solve it.

This time will be the same. As long as you’re all feeling the same, everything will be okay. We will definitely bring Nagi-san back.

The things he loves can be found here. All of the members, the anime he loves so much, Sakura Haruki-san’s songs…

Nagi-san was really sad when he missed three minutes of his favourite anime. So being apart from you all must make him even sadder now.

Mitsuki:

You’re right… He’s definitely waiting to see us again!

He probably still wants to sing with us, right!?

Tsumugi:

Yes!

Nagi-san may be a prince of Noth Meir, but he is also an idol of Takanashi Production. Protecting our idols is my job.

So… even if a country, a prince or the military should be my enemy, I will protect Nagi-san and everyone!

Yamato:

Amazing! So cool!

Tamaki:

I will protect them too! Let’s do it!

Sougo:

You’re right… Let’s take it back, our IDOLiSH7 with seven people.

Riku:

Let’s believe in Nagi! In the Nagi that told us he loves us and wanted to talk to us!

Everything will be solved in those seven days and what lies beyond is a happy end!

Tamaki:

Yeah!

Riku:

Manager, thank you! For readjusting our schedule… For creating a future in which we can go meet Nagi!

We’ll definitely won’t waste these seven days that you worked hard to get for us!

Mitsuki:

Yeah! We might go there as six, but we’ll be seven on the way back!

Yamato:

Exactly. Let’s go back as seven!

Sougo:

Yes! Together with Nagi-kun!

Tamaki:

Ahaha! I’m really happy! It won’t be like my dream. I can save Nagicchi!

Iori:

Dream? What are you talking about? …wah! Don’t just hug me!

Tamaki:

It means, if we’re seven we can even beat a whale!

Short fade-out and fade-in.

Tsumugi, thinking:

And thus started busy days.

Tsumugi:

We will be able to head to Noth Meir starting on the 20^th. According to the schedule, we’ll split up in two planes.

Banri:

I’ll take MEZZO” and Riku-kun with me and we’ll fly over there first. And then Iori-kun, Mitsuki-kun, Yamato-kun, you’ll go with the manager.

Tsumugi:

It’ll be a flight one day later. Until then, please do your work as usual.

Sougo:

Noth Meir is cold, so it’s probably better if you go talk to your family doctor once before leaving, Riku-kun.

Riku:

Understood.

Tamaki:

Let’s go all warmed up!

Iori:

What’ll we do about the information regarding Rokuya-san?

Banri:

It’ll probably make the fans worry, but we decided to announce that his influenza aggravated.

We’re not going to state it officially. We’ll just directly tell someone if they need to be informed of it.

Yamato:

Be careful to not leak anything. We don’t know what TSUKUMO will do, having a thing for scandals and whatnot. An article about a member leaving would make the fans the saddest.

Riku:

Yes. Even if it’s a lie, I don’t want them to see it.

Sougo:

Let’s look up things about Noth Meir too. We heard a few things from Nagi-kun, but it should help to know more about its politics, public order and culture…

Tsumugi:

We hired an interpreter to accompany us to Noth Meir. That person will be telling us more about the country then!

Mitsuki:

It’s reassuring to have someone with us that understand that language! And that way we’ll get to know more about Noth Meir too.

Tsumugi:

Let us share everything we find out! And do your best on today’s work as well!

Everyone:

Yeah!

4.3. Double lead role

In a radio recording room.

Riku:

Good evening! I’m IDOLiSH7’s Nanase Riku!

Thank you for the messages to Nagi! There were a lot! He’s really loved huh…

Nagi’s off today, so I thought I’d be talking on my own, but we got an amazing guest!

The amazing guest is tapping his watch though, like he wants to lead us… What? You wanna say something already?

Iori:

Good evening. I’m IDOLiSH7’s Izumi Iori.

Riku:

Wait until I introduce you!

Iori:

That’s because you’re already late! As long as I’m here we’re doing this excellently. Alright then, our first corner is…

Riku:

Wait! I’m the one leading!!

Cut to TV show.

Mitsuki:

Today’s correspondent! It was planned to be Nagi and me, but since he’s not available, I had this person come!

Yamato:

Good evening! My angel! It’s everyone’s Onii-san!

Audience:

*scream*

Mitsuki:

Don’t weirdly change your character.

Yamato:

But, I heard this is that kind of corner.

Mitsuki:

What corner is that supposed to be! Oh well, let’s just go with that then!

Audience:

Nagi-kun, I wanna see youuu!

Mitsuki:

Me toooo!

Yamato:

Onii-san toooo!

Audience:

Ahahahaha!

Cut to dressing room.

Riku:

…a drama with Iori and me as double leads?

Tsumugi:

Yes! Apparently for a drama directed at teens, broadcasted in the morning!

Iori:

What are the details?

Tsumugi:

Not much has been decides yet, but it’s supposed to become a popular entertainment drama that can be watched by the whole family…

About a wolf boy and a boy detective solving cases!

Riku:

A wolf boy and boy detective! I wonder who’s gonna play whom.

Iori:

I’ll obviously be the detective.

Tsumugi:

That part is not yet decided!

Iori:

How about we send them some advice about the casting? If this person were a detective the cases wouldn’t get solved.

Riku:

Hey, I can do that much! But it’d be fun with either role!

Tsumugi:

Are you okay with being a drama’s lead? If I remember correctly, you had declined previous drama offers…

Riku:

It’s not like I’m not nervous, but if it’s a lead role together with Iori, the nervousness and pressure gets cut in half!

Iori:

Don’t just decide that by yourself. But, well, I guess I can look after you. This is a big chance after all.

Will IDOLiSH7 sing the main theme?

Tsumugi:

I was told that, if possible, they’d like a duet song by you two, like when we recorded the album. That way it’ll become more of a news hook, they said.

Also… There’s the thing with Nagi-san too. I cannot promise anyone a new IDOLiSH7 song at the moment, but if it’s just a unit song with you two, I can fit that into the schedule easily.

Riku:

Right… Until Nagi comes back we can’t sing a new song.

Iori:

We’re going to Noth Meir to record that new song’s MV. It’ll probably be a handful for Rokuya-san, but he’ll have to remember it as fast as possible.

Riku:

Ahaha… yes! I’m sure Nagi will be surprised, but also very happy.

Let’s sing our new song in Noth Meir.

Tsumugi:

So should I accept the drama offer?

Iori:

I don’t mind. Right, Nanase-san?

Riku:

Yup! Iori, let’s bet on who’ll be the detective!

Iori:

Of course it’ll be me.

Cut to dorm.

Iori:

Awoo, woof woof!

Riku:

OK! Stay! And now just leave it to me, the great detective…!!

Mitsuki:

I’m back! Oh, what are you two doing?

Riku:

We’re reading the book for the drama we’ll be starring in.

Iori:

I really thought I’d be the detective…

Recently, Oosaka-san always stays out late, doesn’t he? Where does he go after work ends?

Mitsuki:

Ah. I can’t say clearly, but it seems as if he’s been going to a studio somewhere.

Iori:

A studio?

Riku:

He must be composing a song! I’m looking forward to his song!

I want to show it to Nagi soon too…

Cut to a studio.

Sougo:

…

…would it be better if I make a melody with the guitar first and then add the nuances of the piano… I feel like that would work.

…let’s make a song. I want to write one. No matter how crude it’ll be…

When I talked about my uncle, Nagi-kun said that music is magic to make people happy…

That it’s something very wonderful and beautiful. That I have inherited my uncle’s feelings. That it was a heart-warming and kind story.

I want to tell you that it’s the same with you and Sakura-san.

…even though I’m scared, have no self-confidence and am ashamed, I have to be brave and expose the important things that I’m wavering to show.

I mean, we’re going to save a prince. I’ll have to be heroic, right?

4.4. Song

In Sougo’s room.

Sougo:

… Done… I… think…

I should show it to everyo--- but hm.

I’ll take some more time and check the weird parts first. Tomorrow… No, the day after tomorrow…

Door opens.

Tamaki:

Hey, Sou-chan… Hm? What’re you doing?

Sougo:

Ta-tamaki-kun… Knock at least before you enter…

Tamaki:

What’s this on the PC screen? It looks like the thing in the recording studio.

Sougo:

Tha---

Tamaki:

You made a song?

Sougo:

… …y-yes…

Tamaki:

Awesome! Completed already?

Sougo:

Yes… No! I’m still…

…with Nagi-kun gone, I kinda…

I wondered if I could do anything… Though composing doesn’t have anything to do with it, but…

Tamaki:

I get it. I too uhh, I can’t explain it, but like, in my belly, it’s fidgety.

No, maybe not that. Kinda like, I have to do something, or wish for something, like a prayer.

Like wishing to become stronger or that everything goes well. Like holding something strongly in your palm.

Sougo:

…you’re right.

Tamaki:

It’s amazing that you can make that into a song. I’m jealous.

Sougo:

…r-really?

Tamaki:

Yeah.

Sougo:

But you can’t call it a song yet. I just put sounds together that I like and--- Hey, Tamaki-kun…!

Tamaki:

Your preface is too long. Can I listen? With these headphones?

Sougo:

Wai---!

Tamaki:

…

Sougo:

…

… s-so…?

Tamaki:

Great! I like it.

Sougo:

Really…?

Tamaki:

I don’t lie! Is this sound my part?

Sougo:

Yes… That’s what I imagined…

Tamaki:

Great!!

Sougo:

…I’m glad…

Tamaki:

Nagicchi will be happy when he hears it too. When you said that you wanted to write a song, he said that’s good news!

I’m sure he’ll say it’s good news again.

Sougo:

Yes… I’d be happy if he did…

It may be like you said, Tamaki-kun. This feeling is like a prayer, and so is this song. Like you’re wishing something upon the first star of the evening…

I never did that as a child, but I suddenly feel like doing it for the first time.

Tamaki:

…

…can I sing?

Sougo:

There… are no lyrics yet.

Tamaki:

It’s okay. You sing too.

Sougo:

Okay. …hah…

Tamaki:

What? Don’t wanna?

Sougo:

No… I’m nervous…

So nervous that my chest feels tight, like I’m about to cry, wanting to just run away…

Tamaki:

Then that means you like this song. When you’re in front of TRIGGER or Re:vale or Douglas, you get like this too.

Sougo:

…

Tamaki:

I’m glad you made a song that you like. ---now, let’s sing!

Cut to dorm living room.

Mitsuki:

...oh. Sougo and Tamaki are singing.

Riku:

MEZZO”’s new song? I never heard it before.

Yamato:

It’s a nice song. It has this heartrending uneasy feeling, as if you’re running while yearning for something…

Iori:

Indeed. As if you keep on hoping as to not lose something important. It’s like ourselves right now…

Riku:

Like it’s telling us that we’re not alone…

I wanna go see Nagi soon…

Cut to Sougo’s room.

Tamaki:

…yes. It’s really cool. I wanna sing the completed one soon.

Sougo:

Thank you… I’ll do my best. Me too… I love this song.

Even if it’s crooked or made poorly, I’m glad that I turned something I like into shape.

Tamaki:

You did your best, Sou-chan! Well done!

Sougo:

Thank you! It’s gotten cold already huh… I wonder if it’s even colder in Noth Meir.

I hope Nagi-kun is surrounded by things he likes, even if just a bit…

Cut to a snowy market place.

Noth Meirian:

<It’s warm today huh.>

[TL note: From now on, everything that is in <> brackets will be in Noth Meirian language. Also I just decided to call the people and language this. I’m open to other/better suggestions.]

Aya:

4.5. Welcome home

Aya:

Noth Meirian:

Aya:

<Uhm…>

Ah… the poster over there… A ceremony…?

Noth Meirian:

<Ah. The Holy Celebration of Valsinor.>

<It’s a ritual performed by Noth Meir’s royal family since time immemorial. Music is offered to the gods of Noth Meir in Valsinor Castle.>

Aya:

<…uhm…>

Noth Meirian:

Aya:

<Ah… I am sorry. I don’t speak much Noth Meirian.>

Noth Meirian:

<It’s okay, don’t worry. Your order?>

Aya:

Noth Meirian:

<Alright.>

Aya:

… Valsinor Castle… A ceremony… Did we come to see that?

Ah! Kujou-san, I’m sorry for making you wait.

Kujou:

Did you buy it?

Aya:

Somehow! It got across when I followed the guide book. Here, your coffee.

Kujou:

Thank you.

Aya:

You said you wanted to see something in Noth Meir… Is it about the ceremony on that poster?

Kujou:

The Holy Celebration of Valsinor? No. I came to watch the aurora.

Aya:

Wah! The aurora! I want to see it too! So this time it’s not for lessons or studying, but a sightseeing trip, right!?

Being able to travel with you makes me very happy… If there’s a kitchen I’ll make us something to eat!

Kujou:

Do you like the aurora?

Aya:

I do!

Kujou:

Why?

Aya:

Why… Because they’re pretty but vanish instantly so you don’t see it often…?

Kujou:

…I see…

Aya:

Kujou-san…?

Kujou:

Long ago, Zero wanted to see it too. I’ve come to wanting to see them as well…

Aya:

…are you okay? You haven’t been looking well for a while…

Kujou:

…

Aya:

Is this a sentimental journey…?

Kujou:

…that may be it…

Aya:

…d-did someone reject you…?

Kujou:

No… Women aren’t involved in it…

Aya:

…l-leave it to me please. We’ll watch the aurora, fully enjoy our trip and have a lot of fun so that you’re happy again!

I am an idol in the making after all!

Kujou:

Haha… Thank you, Aya.

Something pretty that vanishes instantly… Knowing that we started dreaming and wanted to make dream-like promises.

For eternity.

For eternity, I have been dreaming about you, Zero.

Cut to a bedroom.

Maid:

Nagi:

[TL note: Okay two things. First, the text box doesn’t say “Rokuya Nagi” as it normally always did, but “Nagi Valhart von Noth Meir”. Second, since he’s talking Noth Meirian, he has no accent at all. This is… fine.]

Maid:

[TL note: The maid says “Nagi-sama”, but I feel like using “-sama” in this context, as it’s supposed to be in Norther Europe, wouldn’t quite fit, so I replaced it with “lord”.]

Nagi:

Door opens.

Thorvald:

Maid:

<Ah… Well then, if you would excuse myself.>

Nagi:

<…>

Thorvald:

Nagi:

Thorvald:

<…>

Nagi:

Thorvald:

<… I think it would be advisable to meet with His Highness Ranvalt soon. Based on His personality, I do not believe he would invite You Himself.>

Nagi:

<Also, why do you still call me Your Highness? I am no longer one of the royal family.>

Thorvald:

Nagi:

Thorvald:

Nagi:

<…>

<…vanishing from Japan without saying anything… …even though I wanted to tell them everything…>

<…they probably hate me all now…>

Thorvald:

Nagi:

Thorvald:

<Well… That may be so, but be happy.>

Nagi:

<…I am not hated by anyone, and now immediately leave my room.>

Thorvald:

Nagi:

Thorvald:

Nagi:

<…it doesn’t matter. Shut your mouth! I beg of you, just leave the room. The door is over there. If you please!>

Thorvald:

<…Your Highness…>

Nagi:

<… ugh… Even though the distribution of the random coasters of the short period limited collaboration café started this week… Even though there were rare characters that weren’t appearing in normal ways…>

Thorvald:

<… Please reconsider meeting His Highness Ranvalt. If You make Him wait any more, You will displease Him even more greatly.>

Nagi:

<…I have a wish of a lifetime.>

Thorvald:

Nagi:

Thorvald:

Nagi:

<Why!?>

Thorvald:

Nagi:

<Thorvald.>

Thorvald:

<Yes.>

Nagi:

Thorvald:

Nagi:

Cut to a big, fancy looking study room.

Nagi:

Set:

Nagi:

Set:

Nagi:

<…>

Set:

Nagi:

<Brother…>

Set:

Nagi:

Set:

Nagi:

<…>

Set:

<But I do not like if the ones I supported start straying from my hands as they please, and even forget their gratitude towards me.

Nagi:

<…I am grateful to you, Brother. It is all thanks to you that I am who I am today. From now on too, please…>

Set:

To be continued…