@kano-chan I love all those pairings so let's see what my brain decides. It will probably depend on how I feel the day that I'm writing.
@rokun Screw the flashback.
The title of this fic is Dreams. That picture of Tsunku...
Still stuck in my head. Get it out.
I might or might not be able to lure Estrea in here one day. We'll see what happens when MM actually starts playing bigger roles in the story.
@ayase Was that "hidoi na" directed at me getting rid of MiyaRii?
I like Fujimoto too. We'll see how much she shows up in this fic. I'm not even sure myself.
Btw, RiiSaki
@abok Don't you just love how Maimi seems totally clueless sometimes? I mean in real life.
Her airheadedness makes me love her.
@rnd Because I'm sadistic when it comes to my favorites?
This chapter is the longest chapter I've written so far. Partly because I'm not doing daily updates anymore due to school but mostly because I needed to get all this out of my brain. It was taking up space in there and I tend to change things too much unless it's already posted. Let's see... *rereads rant* blah blah blah... Alright, just to make sure you guys know. The
italicized sentences are always Saki's thoughts in this chapter. Sorry about the first and last part of this chapter. The first part moves a little slow and my brain started to die a little near the end of writing this chapter. I wonder if anybody can figure out who the hell that is at the end of this chapter. Alright that's enough ranting for now, here's the next chapter.
Chapter 7Momoko and Risako were asleep on the bed while the rest of the members, excluding Saki, were sitting around a table that was next to the window. Yurina and Maasa were sitting next to each other and listening to Maasa’s mp3 player while chatting quietly with each other. Chinami was looking out the window and scanning the streets for Saki every couple minutes. Miyabi had been staring out the window with a smile on her face that had remained the whole time they had been confined in Saki’s room. Chinami sighed in disappointment and turned her head. She noticed Miyabi and wondered why she was smiling.
“Hey, what’s with the stupid smile?” Chinami asked.
“What do you think Captain will bring with her when she gets back? I bet she went to go pick up a cake or a birthday present for me. She sure is taking a long time though.” Miyabi thought for a moment before shrugging and continuing to stare out the window.
Chinami became even more worried about Saki’s disappearance after remembering that Miyabi’s birthday was coming up in a couple of days. Satsuki-san, Saki’s manager, had told them that Ai had taken Saki and that they should all wait for her return here but had not told them any specific details. Chinami was worried that Miyabi might be right about what Saki was doing at the moment. What if she really was getting a cake or a present for Miyabi? Chinami thought that she should be with her if Saki happened to become saddened from thinking about Miyabi too much. She decided that she would ask Satsuki-san to at least tell her something about Saki’s whereabouts if she wasn’t allowed to go to Saki. She got up and started walking towards Satsuki-san, but stopped when she saw Satsuki-san check her phone. Satsuki-san got up from the chair she had placed at the entrance of the room. She carried the chair past Chinami and placed it next to the window. Maasa and Yurina removed their earphones when they saw Satsuki-san’s movement. Miyabi turned her attention from the window to Satsuki-san.
“It seems Takahashi-san and Shimizu-san are stuck in a bit of traffic so they have told me to relay their message to you. Shimizu-san says that you guys should probably just return to your rooms and shouldn’t wait up for her” Satsuki explained.
“But what about the surprise that you said Captain had for us?” Miyabi asked as her smile turned into a frown. The rest of the conscious girls looked at Miyabi for a second before staring questioningly at Satsuki.
“What surprise? I simply told you that Shimizu-san was in the company of Takahashi-san this evening. You were the ones that insisted on staying in here.”
“Then why were you preventing us from leaving by sitting at the door?” Maasa asked, trying to point out the obviousness of Satsuki-san’s lie.
“Just because I’m Shimizu-san’s manager doesn’t mean that I don’t care for the rest of you. I wanted to make sure nothing bad would happen to this group of pretty, young girls. Now wake the two on the bed and return to your rooms for the night.” Satsuki said as she exited the room.
Maasa was about to go after Satsuki-san to question her more, but Yurina pulled her back down to her chair and shook her head. Miyabi got up from her seat and walked towards the door.
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m going back to my room and nobody better disturb me for the remainder of the night.” Miyabi said and gave Chinami a warning glance before walking out the door.
“I guess we’ll go back to our room, too. Nee, Maasa?” Yurina said as she rose.
“I guess so. Let’s just go get some sleep.” Maasa said as she stood up and started walking with Yurina towards the door.
“WAIT! What am I supposed to do about these two?” Chinami asked as she pointed at the sleeping Risako and Momoko.
“Have fun dealing with them. Oyasumi.” Maasa called before Yurina closed the door.
Chinami scrunched up her face a bit and pouted as she turned to look at the two sleeping on the bed. She jumped on the bed, causing Momoko to awaken.
“You can go back to your room now, Momo.” Chinami said.
“Thanks a lot, Toku-san… I was having the best dream about Momo-hime just now.” Momoko grumbled before pouting.
“Great, then go back to your room and continue dreaming about being a princess”
Momoko shuffled her way out the room and back to her room. Chinami had only one more to deal with. She jumped up and down on the bed several more times before kneeling on the bed. Risako seemed sound asleep. Her breathing was slow and even her mouth was left slightly open.
“Rii-chan, I know you’re a heavy sleeper and all but this is just ridiculous. I know you’re awake so just sit up.” Chinami said as she stared at the girl.
A minute passed before Chinami’s intense stare became unbearable to Risako. Risako opened her eyes and sat up on the bed. “How did you know I was awake?”
“I saw you open your eyes when I jumped on the bed the first time. “Chinami asked curiously.
“I thought Momo would drag me out with her if I had woken up at the same time as her. I want to wait for Captain.” Risako explained.
“It’s fine. I’ll wait up for Captain. This is my room too anyways.”
“I’m not leaving.” Risako pouted.
Chinami thought about it for a second. Would she never get to have Saki for herself? She sighed and gave in. “Whatever. I’m tired so let’s just go to sleep. We’ll hear if Captain comes back or else we’ll wake up and call her if she’s not back in a couple hours.”
Risako nodded and almost immediately fell asleep. Chinami laughed at how fast Risako fell asleep and lay down next to the girl. “I hope you’re safe, Captain.” she mumbled as she drifted off to sleep as well.
A disappointed Miyabi was opening the door as she thought about Saki forgetting her birthday. She entered the room and tried to flip a light switch without realizing the lights were already on. She jumped at the sight of a person sitting in the middle of her bed. Miyabi calmed down when she realized it was only Saki. “I thought you were with Takahashi-san. Why are you here? Wait… How did you get in my room?” Miyabi questioned.
“I’m captain. I have access to the rooms of all the members.” Saki grinned. In one breathe, Saki explained, “And before you ask more questions, I don’t really want to deal with giving any explanations about what I’ve been doing tonight. So please don’t ask. I want to sleep in here tonight. You’ll let me right? After all, you owe me for waking me up yesterday.”
Miyabi stood at the foot of the bed, processing what Saki had just said. She took a closer look at Saki and realized that her eyes were red. Miyabi wanted to know why Saki had been crying. She wanted to find out who had made Saki cry and hunt them down for making her little captain cry. Even so, she knew it was best not to question Saki when she was like this. Saki would only refuse to explain or change the subject.
“I’ll just take that as a yes.” Saki said as she plopped down onto the bed and made herself comfortable.
Miyabi decided to believe that the older girl would tell her about her problem when she felt better. She smiled and jumped onto the bed. She rolled onto her side and faced Saki. “I’m tired but I’m kind of afraid to go to sleep.”
Miyabi did not notice Saki’s expression sadden at the thought of Miyabi’s dream. “It’s alright, Miya. It was just a dream. I’m sure nothing bad will happen. Besides, I’ll be here to protect you.” Saki forced a smile.
Miyabi could not help but be comforted by the smile. At the sight of Saki’s smile, Miyabi let herself feel the full effects of fatigue and immediately fell asleep.
Seeing that Miyabi had fallen asleep, Saki took hold of Miyabi’s hand and closed her eyes to begin Navigating.
I’m sorry about this, Miyabi……
Saki opened her eyes to find herself standing on the stage of Saitama Super Arena. Apparently, all the members of Berryz Koubou dreamed of this stage. It was a momentous concert for them after all. As Saki scanned Miyabi’s dream world for the Sea of Dreams, she noticed something that resembled giant storm cloud. It was Miyabi’s subconscious trying to shroud the repressed memory.
Saki ran off the stage and stopped when she reached a blank part of Miyabi’s world. She remembered that she had to forge her own path to get around. Unfortunately, Ai had told her how to exactly do that. Saki closed her eyes and tried to imagine a path to the storm cloud. She opened them to find that there was no bridge but, nonetheless, decided to take her chances and step into the white. She lowered one foot into the whiteness and was mildly surprised to feel something that was concrete solid. She gathered all her courage and completely stepped out into the whiteness.
Saki’s heart beat faster with each step she took towards the shroud of darkness. She stopped when she was just one step away from entering the darkness. Saki reached out and touched the cloud made of turmoil. She felt chills run down her spine and started shaking uncontrollably. She decided she would have to deal with the unimaginable horror of proceeding through the cloud. She then backed up a couple steps and ran straight into the foul matter.
Saki was forced to slow down her pace as she continued through the darkness. She felt as if her heart would implode and the pain seemed to become more severe as she proceeded deeper into the darkness. She felt as if all the pain and sadness she had ever experienced was being built up within her. The part that scared Saki the most was the fact that she could also feel anger building up in her. She felt all the dark pent-up emotions being released from within her. It was as if Miyabi’s cloud of turmoil was forcing out Saki’s own feelings of turmoil.
Just as she began feeling that enduring the mix of dark emotions was becoming unbearable, Saki reached the memory. She collapsed onto the ground of the Sea of Dreams. Saki felt completely exhausted, physically and mentally, from what she had just went through. She was able to become unconscious when the sound of laughter re-energized her. She suddenly remembered the reason for her going through that unspeakable horror. She picked herself up and walked to the tree on the hill that overlooked the Sea of Dreams. From there, she could see her past self and Miyabi laughing next to the sunflower. Saki watched as her past self took Miyabi’s hand and led her over to sit under the tree.
We were so happy, so why forget all this?“Miya… Close your eyes, I want to give you your present.” Saki smiled.
“Do I have to close my eyes?” Miyabi chuckled.
“Yes, now close them.”
“Aye aye, Captain” Miyabi said as she closed her eyes.
After a few moments of hesitation, Saki lifted Miyabi’s hand and kissed the back of it.
“That’s it?” Miyabi opened her eyes and pouted.
“Shhh. Just keep your eyes closed.” Saki laughed and covered Miyabi’s eyes with her hand.
Miyabi complied with Saki’s order.
“A kiss on the hand to remind you that I will always be your knight in shining armor, Miyabi-hime.”
Miyabi giggled at the cheesiness of Saki’s comment, but felt herself blush nonetheless.
Saki then placed her hand on Miyabi’s cheek and placed a kiss on her forehead.
“A kiss on the forehead to bless you with sweet dreams.”
Saki took a breath to gather her courage and closed her eyes as she leaned forward to place her lips lightly on Miyabi’s. Saki was about to pull away when she felt Miyabi place her hand on her cheek and deepen the kiss.Saki watched her past self and Miyabi kiss for what seemed like ages. She remembered that she didn’t want to let it end. After all, it was supposed to be the last time she would ever allow herself love Miyabi as anything more than a friend. She didn’t remember Miyabi being so reluctant to let the kiss end though.
The two finally parted when they ran out of air. They were both breathing heavily and Miyabi’s eyes were still closed.
“A special kiss to say 'Happy Birthday, Miya.'” Saki said as a gentle smile appeared on her face.
Miyabi finally opened her eyes and looked into Saki’s eyes.
Miyabi lowered her head to hide her blushing face. “Thank you”
They held hands and sat there in silence as they admired the sunflower that they had grown together. Saki was the one to break the silence after noticing that the sun was beginning to set.
“It’s getting late. I’ll walk you to the train station.” Saki said.
“It’s alright. I want to stay for a bit longer.” Miyabi responded, which made the Saki's smile widen.Saki recalled the vow she had made. She had promised herself that she would love Miyabi with all her heart that day. She had promised that, once the sun set that day, she would forget about her love for Miyabi and let her go. Saki braced herself for what she knew would happen next.
Once the sun had set, Saki’s face saddened. Her eyes lost the glint of happiness that had just overwhelmed her minutes ago. She turned to look Miyabi in the eyes.
“Miya, thank you for everything. Thank you for being my first kiss. Thank you for letting me be selfish and taking your first kiss. Now I have something to tell you.” Saki said in a loving manner.
Miyabi was speechless for several seconds and was interuppted by Saki before she could respond.
“The reason that I asked you to spend today, the day before your birthday, with me is because I want you to spend your birthday with Airi.” Saki said while keeping as much emotion out of her voice as possible.
“Why Airin?” Miyabi asked curiously.
“I guess you still haven’t realized how much you love her. I see it in your eyes when you look at her, Miya. I notice the things you’re willing to do just to make her smile. The great thing is that I’m sure she loves you back. I want her to be happy and, more importantly, I want you to be happy. Since you two love each other, you should work hard to be with each other.” Saki said as she freed her hand from Miyabi’s.
“Ganbare! I’ll be supporting your love from the sidelines.” Saki made a fist and raised it up.
“I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to walk you to the station. My mom will get angry with me if I’m not home in like 10 minutes. I’ll see you soon, Miya.” Saki hugged Miyabi before running away. Saki watched as her past self ran away with tears flowing down her cheeks, tears that went unnoticed by Miyabi. Saki turned back to observe Miyabi. It was time to find out why Miyabi wanted to forget this memory so badly.
A still speechless Miyabi rose and walked down the hill to the stand beside the sunflower. Saki followed and stood on the other side of the sunflower.
“Saki is right. I love Airi. She has to be right. She’s my captain after all so I should listen to her.”
Tears began to fall on the sunflower.
She’s crying?Miyabi wiped the tears from her face. “I’m crying?… Why?… Why am I crying?... Why?” she sobbed.
Saki watched Miyabi cry for several minutes before she couldn’t bear the sight anymore. She decided she would leave. Saki thought she had gotten the answer to her question.
The reason that Miyabi wanted to forget was because she wanted to love Airi with all her heart. After Saki left, a tiger walked up to the sunflower. The figure that had observed Saki’s Navigation lesson walked up to stand beside the tiger. The tiger was unlike anything that would be seen in a zoo. The tiger’s fur was completely black from head to tail. Its round, blue eyes had been watching Saki during her observation of this memory.
Suddenly, the black tiger spoke. The voice sounded like that of a human female, but had an animalistic quality to it. “So a new Navigator has appeared and, as expected, it happens to be Shimizu Saki.”
“What should we do now, senpai? Should we convince her to join us?” the girl standing beside the tiger asked.
“I doubt she’ll want to join us. After all, she’s already the captain of Berryz Koubou. After witnessing this though, who knows? The little captain’s wisdom and ability to read situations seems to fail when it comes to dealing with Miyabi-chan.”
The girl stared at Miyabi while trying to figure out what the tiger meant. After a couple seconds, a question that had been nagging the girl the whole night distracted her.
“Ummm, senpai…I’ve been wondering about why Takahashi-san make Tsugunaga-san’s memory crumble.” the girl asked.
“You’ve told me that she’s been training herself to handle it so that she won’t accidentally destroy any more important memories or dreams. Even so, I guess she still can’t completely control it. She lacks experience. So far, she’s only used it once to serve her own purposes. Just because you have power, doesn’t mean you know how to use it correctly,” the black tiger explained.
The girl adopted a look that made it seem like she did not understand a word the tiger had just spoken but nodded in comprehension nonetheless. “I see.”
“You’re too cute.” The black tiger purred.
The girl's face became red, which was accentuated by her fair skin.
The black tiger changed its tone and spoke with authority. “I want to find out what Saki-chan’s specialty is so mainly observe her for now while keeping tabs on Takahashi’s actions. It’s probably almost time for us to make our move.”
Topic: Dreams [Chapter Nine] (Read 15581 times)