Thanks again for reading everyone! I know you’re all curious about what Jane did and it will be revealed eventually along with other things
ENJOY CHAPTER 4!
Replies:bunny_rabbit: Lol, that’s definitely a possibility of what Atsuko would do if that were to happen
And yes nothing revealed yet
& thank you, I’ll need luck!
cisda83: Wish I could answer all your questions now lol. Sadly though the answers will be given as the chapters go by
& yah, even though they’re both ‘Minami’ they grew up under different circumstances.
sakura_drop_: Lol we’ll see if Jane can pull off her moments of being an idol, but idol Takamina is one of a kind
As for Minami’s crimes, we’ll see if she’s guilty or not!
Chichay12: Lol you’re welcome. Glad you’re engaged into the story
Dieyg48: Thanks for always waiting for an update ^^ Our Takamina is tough so you’ll see how she handles things! As for Jane, she’s still a mystery so we’ll find out more about her later on ^_^
X_Last-Cross_X: Well who doesn’t dream of these sorts of things when they’re younger
& lol, Yuko will have to remember to never cross paths with you
kenjoy12: Glad you find it thrilling
lol and yes Jane is not idol like Minami so the dance routines won’t come easy to her.
Shinoki: Lol glad you like Sasshi because she’ll be making more appearances!
Haruko: Yeah, it’d be tough to be in a place where no one takes what you say seriously. We’ll see how Minami deals!
RJay: Indeed people should feel bad for Minami, it aint fun to have no idea what’s going on :p & glad you also like the Jane Doe nickname, makes it easier to differentiate the Takamina’s
FlameHazeKatsu: There def will be an explanation of Jane’s past with AKB so no worries
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Chapter 4 – The Verdict (Original World) “Graduated. What do you mean? She isn’t dead or anything is she!?” I yelled.
Yuko threw a towel at my head. “Of course not you idiot. We mean she’s no longer part of the group. Being in AKB isn’t a permanent gig. You graduate when you’re ready to move on and follow your own dreams” she explained.
I was both shocked and fascinated to hear this.
Most of the members who were at practice gathered in the change room, and we began to talk. The practice had gone by fairly well. At least enough to fool the managers and camera crew. I was stiff with the singing and dancing, but Oshima figured that was at least a good way to start the whole ‘Minami isn’t feeling well’ excuse.
“That’s pretty amazing.” I commented honestly in regards to the graduation process. Of course there were no graduations back in my world from AKB. The only thing that’d make someone leave AKB was death or certain circumstances. “So... what’s Atsuko’s dream? Is she happy” I eagerly asked, wanting to know more.
Minegishi raised a finger and waved it back and forth. “Nu uh. Information for information remember. We told you this, so you have to answer our previous question. How come you keep referring to Atsuko by her first name but not us?”
“Yah, spill!” Sashihara yelled.
I sighed. “It’s...complicated...” they all waited for me to continue. “I really don’t know where to begin...I’m just no longer used to calling you all by your first names. I kind of lost that privilege, and to respect the wishes of the AKB members, I wasn’t allowed to formally call out to you anymore.”
Everyone looked confused and I knew they wanted to ask more about the situation. “Did you get into a fight with all the members or something?” Kashiwagi asked.
I let out a bitter smile. “...Yah, something like that. I’d rather not talk about it yet.”
Seeing my mood and expression, they all decided to drop the subject. “Okay then, so why still refer to Atsuko by her first name?”
A blush appeared on my face and I lowered my head. “...It’s just...I’ve always been close to Atsuko I guess. I couldn’t get used to referring to her by her last name”
“Hey, are you blushing! Why are you blushing?” Oshima said out loud.
“I’m not!” I looked up defensively and glared.
“You totally are” Watanabe quipped.
“Wait, how close exactly are you to Atsuko?” Itano questioned.
At that question my face grew redder and Oshima grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me back and forth, “hey come on, answer us!”
“Ah! Geez. She was my partner alright!” I said, releasing myself from Oshima’s grip.
“By partner...you mean...GIRLFRIEND!” Kawaei yelled out as everyone began to talk at once.
I should’ve kept my mouth shut. The all kept asking me if that’s what it meant and I finally answered. “Yes, yes. She was my girlfriend I guess. Man you’re all noisy.”
“Woah, no way” Minegishi said.
“Well, I mean since their AKB isn’t an idol group, they obviously don’t have a rule against dating.” Yokoyama said.
“...So no one minds that you two are dating?” Iwata asked curiously.
“Were” I corrected. “And it wasn’t really dating. We were just together. And why would anyone mind?” I raised an eyebrow. “No one cared about what we did. The last thing on people’s minds is to worry over others relationships” I answered with calm. “Being with Atsuko just made sense then” I shrugged.
“...Wow. Well, if you two are anything like the Minami and Atsuko we know, then you were meant to be” Kojima smiled.
I smiled back sadly, “You guys seriously keep forgetting the past tense sentences I said. We aren’t together anymore.”
“Is it regarding that fight you had with the whole group” Minegishi worriedly asked.
“...Yah. It’s not their faults though. It’s mine.”
Shinoda spoke up seriously, “You mentioned before that Minami wouldn’t be safe with AKB. Why not?”
I kept silent, but she shouted the question, “why not!?”
“Hey Mariko, calm done” Kitahara tried to calm her but she was ignored.
“I can’t calm down. We still don’t know where Minami is or what her situation is. If the AKB there won’t help her, then who will. I can’t trust her if she doesn’t tell us everything.”
“...You’re right. I’m sorry. Since this involves your friend, since I’m the one who put her at risk, you all at least deserve to know. The members are more than just mad at me. It wasn’t just a simple argument that split us up. I did used to be their leader...but then something happened and that changed everything. If your Minami is caught by them, and can’t convince them she’s not me...there’s a strong chance that they may kill her...”
Everyone taken back by shock, then started shouting and panicking at the same time. Confusion and worry evident in their expressions.
“They wouldn’t really do that would they?”
“What the heck are we sitting around here for, shouldn’t we be doing something.”
“Minami must be super confused wherever she is. This is more serious than we thought”
“You have to go get her!”
“Quiet!” Oshima yelled. Everyone quieted down and she glared at me. “You should’ve started your explanation with that. If anything happens to Minami...” she gripped her fists.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t want you all to panic. I told you I’d take responsibility for this and figure out a way to fix things.”
“How can you be so calm when mentioning that Minami could be killed by the only people she’d think she could trust?! Especially when you don’t even know how to get back yet!” Minegishi said with much concern.
“Because, the girls from AKB aren’t monsters. They’re kind and caring. They wouldn’t hurt your friend in the state she’s in now. I have faith that they wouldn’t do anything to harm her until they are 100% convinced she is me. They wouldn’t be satisfied unless she herself admitted to being the person they think she is. They won’t kill her...I’m sure of it.” I said with much confidence, which seemed to ease most members.
“Then the question remains...If the members are as kind hearted as you say, what is it that prompts them to want to kill you. What did you do?” Shinoda asked.
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(Alternate World) Shock couldn’t even begin to describe how I felt. If I thought I was confused and shocked before, then that feeling just grew ten-fold at what Atsuko just accused me of. I still didn’t comprehend what was going on or where I was, but there was one thing I knew without a doubt...Before anyone else could say anything, I found my voice and spoke up, “...I’d never...Even the thought of...I won’t let you accuse me of such a thing! Honestly, I still have no idea what’s going on or what this is but...I can tell you right now that not in a million years would I ever, EVER betray or intentionally bring harm to the members. Whether this is a dream, or the past or present or future it doesn’t matter! I’d never hurt my family!” I spat out while attempting to maintain my cool. I hadn’t realized how hard I’d been clenching my fists until I uncurled my fingers and felt some blood trickle down my palms.
Everyone remained silent, and for the first time they were the ones sporting confused looks. Sasshi slowly raised her hand and said, “I don’t know about you guys, but that gave me chills” Yuki was about to smack her again but then stopped and said,
“...I’m as lost as everyone else here, but, I don’t think she’s faking. She has no reason to”
Everyone seemed like they had an opinion to express, whether it was bad or good. Although Mariko spoke up first. “Atsuko, your thoughts”
Atsuko shrugged, “Like I said before, she seems to really believe what she’s saying”
Mariko sighed and rested her forehead on her hands. It appeared she was thinking, and everyone, including me, waited. After a few minutes, she raised her head. “Alright. No matter what is happening, right now all that’s clear is that Minami has no recollection of...her memories here. Therefore....punishment for her crimes will be put on hold”
“What!?” Yuko shouted as she stood up. A few other members seemed to want to protest as well but Mariko gave them no chance.
“Yuko, even you must realize that she is not putting up an act. When she is tried, she should be tried based on the crimes she knew she committed. She herself has to admit to her crimes...That is the only way we’d be satisfied and serve justice, correct? We gain nothing by killing her as she is now. Therefore, in the meantime, Takahashi Minami will be on...parole; I suppose you can call it. I want a member to always be by her side to keep an eye on her, get her updated on what’s happening. Rie, Asuka, inform all the rebels of this. And as for you Minami” she said, finally addressing me directly. “I hope you realize how big of a deal this is, so I do encourage you to follow orders and behave.” Mariko then stood up from her desk and stretched. “Welcome to the AKB rebel camp Minami.”
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After that fun meeting, everyone left except for Atsuko, Mariko and me. “For now, Atsuko will show you around the place and explain a few things for you. Atsuko, if you don’t mind”
“It’s fine by me. But you’ll have to let Yuko take my patrol shift then.” Atsuko said as Mariko nodded. She then looked to me. “Come on, let’s go.” I followed her out into the hallway.
We walked in silence for a bit side by side as she led me through many halls. “...So, Mariko sama called this place a rebel camp...What exactly are you all rebelling against?” I asked, figuring I may as well try to learn what’s going on.
“...The government. A bunch of power hungry freaks that think they can control everyone.”
“Wait...The government as in the government. Why would they do something like that? And shouldn’t you all be letting the police or army handle this”
“There isn’t exactly a police or army. There are soldiers who serve the government though, and the government is made up many people, not exactly our world leaders. No one fights for us, so we decided to take things into our own hands and fight for ourselves. That’s how AKB was born.” Atsuko explained.
“That’s...terrible. I mean, you all shouldn’t have to go through that. This is dangerous”
She shrugged. “It’s what we’ve known our whole lives. We each accepted this knowing what we were getting into. Our entire lives this is how it’s been. This is the world we grew up in. ... ...AKB actually saved us. Gave us a reason to fight. Gave us a family, people to protect. Anyways, enough about that. We’ll continue your history lesson later, let me show you around.”
Atsuko showed me the training room, weapons room, the sleeping area, cafeteria, and common room. “Wow, this place is huge” I observed as I tried to remember everything Atsuko was showing me.
“Well it does have to fit over 300 members. Anyways, I’d take you to the main lobby on the north side of the building but that’s where most member are right now, and the others are most likely still explaining the situation so it’s best not to see anyone for today. It’s getting late though; I’ll lead you to your quarters”
It turned out ‘my quarters’ was the prison cell I awoke in. Atsuko guided me in then locked the doors. “It’s procedure” she explained. “Part of the parole. You’ll have to put up with it for now, and honestly at the moment you’re probably safer behind bars. We’ll go over more things tomorrow; another member will be in charge of escorting you tomorrow though.”
“Right...” I said. Atsuko turned to leave but then I shouted, “Wait!” She stopped and turned around. I wanted to ask her not to go. To stay with me. I was trying to keep it together but the truth was I was scared and freaked out by all this. “Um...Thanks...for putting up with me, I mean” I instead said.
She just nodded then turned back around to leave, before she left however, I heard her quietly say, “good night”
I let a small smile play across my face, “good night Acchan”
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I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope to wake up the next morning to realize everything that’s happened was just a dream. But when I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the same poor lighting and uncomfortable mattress of the prison cell. Sure it was terrible, but I figured for someone who was practically put on a trial yesterday for a death sentence, I had nothing to complain about, and at least they hadn’t cuffed me this time.
I had tried not to think about what they’d do if I supposedly got ‘my memories’ back of this place, but I knew that wasn’t possible since I definitely don’t belong here. But they believe I do, and indeed I’m Takahashi Minami, but there’s no way I’m the one they’re referring to... Geez, what the heck am I even suggesting. I shook my head in order to stop thinking about this. I didn’t know what to do, so I decided to stretch and work on some choreography until someone would come to fetch me.
I’d started off with practicing Sayanora Crawl, river and now was working on Kaze wa Fuiteiru. Still in the middle of practicing, I hadn’t heard someone approach but stopped my practice when someone tapped on the cell bars. Turning around, I saw Yui unlocking the cell. “Ah, Yui!” I smiled, “good morning”
She was surprised, but kept a straight face as she said, “morning.” Opening the door, she gestured for me to come out. As I did, we began to walk upstairs. “So everyone knows of your situation and of Mariko sama’s orders. I can’t promise you everyone will treat you kindly though, but I can guarantee your life will be safe.” She notified me.
“Great” I said sarcastically. “Because having most members have to be ordered in order not to want to kill me would make this all better” I sighed. “Thanks for letting me know though,” I said honestly as she just nodded.
“All the members who aren’t on duty now are either in the training room or having breakfast, so I suggest we grab something to eat first” Yui led me into the cafeteria, and once we stepped in, the entire room got quiet. I noticed everyone stare, each person giving me a different look. Some shock, some sadness, anger, hate, curiosity, fear? It seriously made me feel terrible and guilty...even if I knew I’d done nothing wrong...but they all believed I did. I stood there awkwardly at the entrance until Yui sighed and pulled me over to some machines at the side of the room. “I’d say not to draw too much attention but I guess that’s impossible. Just ignore it. Come on, pick what you want to eat” she handed me a tray but I just stood there.
I looked around the room to try to see where the food was being served and noticed most members were still watching my every move. Yui looked at me questioningly and asked, “What are you waiting for?”
“Um...I really don’t see where the food being served is”
“Eh...You seriously even forgot how to use our machinery” Yui said surprised. I just shrugged, not knowing what she meant. She turned around to face the machines we were beside. “You can pick any food you want from the selections that appear here.” Yui pushed a button on the machine and suddenly pictures of food with their descriptions all popped out like holograms around us.
“Woah!” I shouted in surprise not expecting that, catching most people’s attention in the room. The images of different foods kept floating around us. “This is insane! Hey Yui, do you see this! It’s so cool!” I yelled excitedly while Yui had her mouth slightly agape at my behaviour.
“Ta...Takamina san please calm down, it’s not that big of a deal”
“Are you kidding? This is insanely cool! So do I just click on the image I want or something?”
Yui nodded in slight amazement.
I looked at all the pictures but one caught my eye instantly. “Ah! Katsudon! I’ll have that” I reached over and clicked the image, and then from the side of the machine, my katusdon began to materialize. This is amazing!
“Katsudon for breakfast. Some things never change” Yui commented. I peeled my eyes away from my katsudon and saw that Yui was actually smiling, as though reminiscing about something.
“No matter the time or occasion, it’s always appropriate to eat katsudon. Besides, I’m sure any Takahashi Minami would have the same taste” I said as I grabbed the bowl.
Yui grabbed her food then directed me to an empty table, “Any Takahashi Minami?” she asked as she placed her food down and sat. I also took a seat across her.
“I know it sounds stupid, but it’s honestly the only thing that makes sense to me. I’m clearly not the Takahashi Minami you all think I am, but it remains evident that you do know a Takahashi Minami.” I said matter-of-factly as I began to eat.
“So you’re saying there’s two yous” Yui asked astonished.
“That’d make sense!” someone said loudly. I turned and saw Sasshi approaching as she took a seat beside me. “I mean think of all the possibilities. What if Takamina has a twin! Or maybe she was cloned! Perhaps even abducted by aliens!”
Yui and I just stared blankly at her. “I’m pretty sure I don’t have a twin or wasn’t cloned or abducted.”
“That’s what they want you to think! She said enthusiastically.
“Look, what I mean is that it’s not just the fact that theirs two Minami’s. I’m telling you all I don’t belong here.”
“Oh yah, you did mention something about another AKB that’s an idol group. Man I just can’t imagine that....Am I popular!?” Sasshi suddenly asked. Yui just sighed at the question and I was taken back. “Come on tell me, I can take it. You said we perform for fans and everything right? What am I like...I mean what’s the Sashihara you know like?”
I smiled and answered, “Actually you are really popular. You have a big fanbase and honestly you’re the exact same as the Sashihara Rino I know. Loud, energetic, confident, curious, friendly”
“Aw, come on stop, you’re making me blush” Sasshi said as she playfully shoved me. Yui threw her bread at Sasshi.
“Yes Takamina san, please stop, we don’t need her ego to get any bigger” she teased.
I laughed as the two bickered back and forth after that. Once we finished eating, Sasshi energetically spoke up again, “Hey Yui, let’s show Takamina our training center next!”
Yui shrugged, “I suppose it's fine”
I walked with the two of them and we all spoke animatedly. I was very glad for both their presence, because they made me feel like I was back at home. Before we entered the door of the training room, I saw Yuko, Haruna and Sae about to go in. Yuko stopped to look at me; “joining us for practice huh, I guess it’ll be interesting to see what you remember” she then walked in with the others.
I looked nervously back and forth between Yui and Sasshi, “Um, I won’t have to fight or anything will I?”
Sasshi smile, “who knows, it could be interesting!”
END OF CHAPTER 4
Topic: Travel To A Distant World: The Recruitment (Mayuki) [side story] (Dec 29 2013) (Read 105516 times)