Day 2

"That's the stadium...?" Relon questions to himself as the trio can be seen sliding down the ramp they once rode.

Stopping at the bottom, they slowly walk to the large hole up ahead.

"Why would they do this...? Was making that cruel law not enough?" You asks, her voice mixed with anger and pain evident.

"Don't know, You. All I can guess is it's most likely the reason for the tape. That and simply wanting to keep the civilians out."

With every step, this feeling of dread begins to overshadow the three more and more until it... it stops.

Looming down the hile, they see it. Below laying in ruin... lies Numazu Stadium. The last happy memory they had before that very same emotion from the connection they all shared was stripped away in an instant.

All they can see is the roof somewhat in a one piece aside from a few dents.

None utter a word at the spectacle. When did this happen? Why would they do this? What was their cause to go to such lengths? These and many more went through the teens' minds.

But to find any answer to their questions, there was only one thing to do. Head inside. Through an unspoken agreement, both Relon and You slide down the sinkhole.

"They have the same reaction I did. Glad it's easy to climb back out." Miguel mutters sliding down after them.

Reaching the bottom, they gaze at the tattered structure. Its tall glass windows and doors completely broken.

Glancing to You, Relon places a comforting hand on her shoulder. One she gratefully accepting placing her atop his giving the boy a sad smile before they head inside.

The once neat and lively reception area now ravaged with debris from the very Earth mixed with knocked over, if not destroyed furniture, and tiles or light bulbs from the ceiling.

Looking to a reception desk, Relon can see their past selves giving the reception lady their tickets.

Slowly closing his eyes, he shakes away the memory. Watching their step, they traverse across the room to the large dark hallway.

"It's pitch black up ahead." Relon comments, the three knowingly pulling out their phones to turn their flashlights on.

"Great minds think alike." Miguel responds, the three resuming their trek.

Along the floor, the tiny multi-colored lightbulbs that once illuminated the hall.

"How many times have we've gone down this hall?" Miguel wonders aloud.

"Dozens if not a hundred." Relon answers.

A moment later, they reach the end. Shining their lights, they take sight of the empty auditorium as far as their lights will shine.

"Sit tight for a sec." Miguel calls running off along the edge of the seats, up the few stairs to the stage, and disappearing behind the curtain.

After a minute, a light draws the two's attention. A single normal light turns on followed by the rest as the whole area becomes illuminated giving full exposure to their childhood experience.

"Just as I remember..." You mutters.

"Just like you remember, right guys?" Miguel shouts revealing himself on stage in a grand gesture.

Awing with their mouth slightly agape, both look around the large room. The feeling of nostalgia stronger than ever before as they take their time walking down the isle to the stage.

Hopping down from the stage, Miguel peers back at it along with the two now having reached the front.

"How on Earth are the lights on?" Relon asks.

"Before you start blasting with questions, let's have a seat." He gestures to three seats in the middle of the front row.

"That's where..."

"Mhmm."

Walking over, the two look at the seats where they once sat. Slowly, the fall into them until their butts make contact with the cushions.

Memory lane is hitting harder than I expected.

"I never thought I would sit here again..." You mutters in disbelief.

"That makes two of us." Relon responds before looking to Miguel. "Alright, explain Aniki."

"They kept a generator inside." He flatly says, Relon taken aback for a moment before replying.

"That doesn't explain how the lights are working considering the stadium is, oh I don't know, nearly 50 feet into the ground."

"So I may have done a little tinkering here and there to get the place up and running."

"That's a terrible front and you know it."

"You as in me or You-chan? It's really hard to tell without honorifics."

"Miguel." Relon gives him a look.

"Fine. Fine. They put the black tape up about a month after you returned to the states and two weeks in, I snuck in to Sector Destroyed to see how things were only to see the stadium as we see it now. Went inside, saw what you guys saw and wanted to at least get the power running. So I got some cords as you saw back at my place, disconnected all the broken stuff and fixed some others every now and then. Three months later, power was once again on."

"And not once did you get caught."

"Correction. Not once did I see a cop. Like I said, it's like ever since putting up the black tape, the police are afraid stepping foot inside."

"Still. Why?"

"Still. No idea." Miguel shrugs.

Both lean back perturbed by it all. As such, they fail to notice You stand until the sound of her chair reclining grabs their attention.

"You?"

"I never would have expected the government to go to such lengths...!" She begins to tremble before quickly stopping looking to the stage. "I never thought... I would get the chance to be here again."

"Well, here you are. So what's stopping you from getting on stage. You've always wanted to do that, right?" Miguel inquires.

"I... Yeah."

"Then go." She looks to Relon. "No one is here to stop you. Go on. It's waiting for a certain idol." He winks.

"Relon..." Looking back ahead, she hesitates for a moment before walking forward.

Placing a hand gently on the cool wood, an odd feeling overtakes You. One which doesn't hinders the blue-eyed girl as with both hands flat on the stage, she jumps pulling herself on up.

The sound of her feet landing on the wooded floor echoes throughout the silent room. Her action registering as she turns temporarily shielding her eyes from the blinding lights.

Quickly adjusting, she lowers them to stare at the countless rows of chairs in the empty auditorium. Relon and Miguel her only witnesses as You Closes her eyes.

So this is it. This is how it feels... How it felt.

"You-saaaaaaaaan!" A voice hollers snapping her eyes wide open.

Looking down, she sees both cheering her on.

"I'm your #1 fan!" Miguel shouts.

"You can do it!" Relon adds, both boys grinning at her.

"You guys..." Seeing and hearing her two 'fans' support, a smile makes its way on her face as a new confidence overtakes her once somber expression.

Looking up to the dazzling lights, she readies herself. Both boys soon quieting themselves.

Taking two steps into the limelight, You inhales a large breath before gently exhaling.

What comes next is literal music to the boys' ears as she gently signs a melody. Listening to the lyrics, both could tell it was a song about longing for something one could never have. Along with her wonderful voice is her subtle dance choreography. Going perfectly in sync with the rhythm of her song.

"It's been forever since we heard her sing." Miguel whispers bobbing his head to the the song.

"Yeah. She's even better than when we were kids."

By the time You is done, both shower her in applause. Slowly, her panting stops as she looks to her audience. Their smiling faces the first sight she sees. Soon, realization dawns on her.

"I did it..."

"This is Relon reporting in. Ms. Watanabe, how'd it feel to have your first performance?" Relon calls, both boys walking towards the stage as he raises his pretend microphone to the girl.

"How did...?" A smile forms as she realizes what's happening. "It was every bit as amazing as I thought it would be. I couldn't have done it without my fans. Two in particular. Plenty more shows will be on their way so stay tuned!"

"You heard it here, folks. This Relon, signing out." He laughs holding out a hand helping You down.

"Miguel. Relon. You two are honestly the best friends a girl could ask for."

"Consider this your welcoming gift." Miguel says.

"I doubt anything could top this." Relon comments.

"Yeah..." She looks around.

"You-chan? You okay?"

"Yeah... Just taking it all in. We were rushed out of here back then I never had the chance to before."

"That's right..." Relon and Miguel follow in her action.

"Not a day has passed without thinking of that day." She reveals, both boys looking to her. "I can't help but wonder now. If idols weren't banned, could that faraway dream, a dream no longer reachable, have come true? It makes me want to believe what we're in right now is a bad dream. One that shows no sign of us waking up soon."

Neither can answer to her somber question. All they can do is eye the stadium.

If this is a dream, how can we awaken from such a nightmare? Relon thinks.

After of few minutes of silence, Miguel is the one to break.

"We should get going. We'll be back sooner or later."

"Miguel, it's risky being here. Even if there haven't been any police seen, that doesn't mean they're not in this district somewhere."

"... I hate when you have a point."

"If we get caught, who knows what could happen to us."

"Damn it. Let's cut the power and get going then." Miguel suggests, Relon nodding while You is unresponsive still eyeing auditorium.

Climbing out of the hole, they see the sun setting. Turning back, the trio gives one last glance at the ruined stadium before heading out. This time, they traverse the alleyways staying out of sight. By the time the reach the black tape, it's dark out and lucky for them, no eyes at the exit. More walking later and they return to the neighborhood.

"Bro."

"I know." Relon whispers back, the two glancing to You having been silent since they left the stadium.

Soon after, they reach the open beach. Though they do not stop, they eye the glistening sky reflected off the night sea. A sight Relon hasn't seen in forever.

Sure is beautiful... Relon glances to You too distracted by the sight to notice his gaze.

Stopping before Miguel's place, said boy steps onto his porch lookin to the now duo.

"Thanks for today, Miguel." You thanks, to both the boys' surprises though they don't show it.

"Good to have you both back."

"It's good to be back." Relon responds.

"See you guys later." He waves. As he turns, he gives Relon a side glance before disappearing behind the door.

"Ready?" You asks smiling.

"Yeah." With that, they head home. "Hey..."

"Yeah?"

"... Sorry about today... I didn't mean to bring up bad memories." He apologies to see the girl shake her head.

"You didn't do anything, honest. I'm beyond happy to have had the chance at going back. It felt like I was a kid again. That special feeling from simply being there felt even greater when I got on stage. If anything, I should be the one thanking you for today. If it wasn't for you, we never would have gone." She gives a smile.

Looking to her, he thinks to the smile during her performance compared to now and he immediately notes the difference.

That's a fake smile.

Reaching the Asuka residence, both greet Ms. Asuka before both head to their rooms changing into their night attires.

"Let's see what the forums are saying about idols today..." Relon mutters taking a seat at his desk and turning on his PC.

At the thought, his mind goes back to You. Clicking on the saved bookmark, he logs in ad leans back in thought as the page loads.

What's the best way to cheer her up? There has to be something...

Hearing a notification, he leans back up and read the news.

News Theory has a new vid... Some stuff on the government closing down some spots once associated with idols... There's still a ton more out there. I'm not surprised after all these years. Let's see... There's one about the QQ's?!

Just as he's about to click the link, a knock at the door comes.

"Who is it?" He calls.

"It's me." The voice of You sounds from the other side.

Looking at the forums, he quickly saves the link before closing it opening up the Crunchyroll app.

"You can come in now." He calls once more, the door opening and closing with You in her night attire consisting of a light blue T-shirt and shorts. Her contacts gone as she's back to wearing glasses. "What are you up to?" She asks walking and peering over his shoulder.

"Nothing much. Thinking of what anime I want to start next. Demon Slayer just finished and I already finished the manga so maybe I should get started on Jojo's like Miguel. That anime is basically the grandfather of anime memes."

"A few friends back at one of the schools I went to talked a lot about it. It must be popular after all."

"Yeah, season five recently came out so I'm wondering if I should or not."

"Relon! You-chan! Come here! Hurry!" The voice of Relon's mother calls.

Both looking to the other wastes no time rushing down the steps.

"Hey mom, what's wro- Relon widens as he takes focus of what's on the television.

Soon, You stops next to him seeing what the commotion is about to copy Relon's gesture.

"Hello everyone, this is Sam reporting live outside of the esteemed penthouse known to belong to the once famous Quintessential Quintuplets otherwise known as the QQ's. Just recently, the group of sisters have been charged with allegedly performing illegal idol acts. It seems that ever since early last year, they have been performing in both secluded areas as well as in other home estates their family owns. As for how they were caught, the one time they performed live, authorities sprung into action"

"You people don't get it do you!" A female's voice shouts, the camera turning to the source revealing it to be Nino alongside her sisters handcuffed glaring at the enforcements. "You people took away the literal joy of Japan and you expect people to grovel, roll over, and simply accept it? We sure as hell won't! There's plenty more idols just like us rebelling against this bullshit system. We didn't do this just to break this stupid law but for the sakes of everyone that loves idols!" Nino speaks up towards the cameras.

"Enough!" An officers orders pushing them into the van.

"No matter what, idols will return!" She shouts resisting with all her might before they are loaded into a police van and driven off.

"One day." Sam begins. "Now it is a matter of when that day will come? When will this society return to the days it once held? As we know, only time will tell. Thank you all for joining. This has been Sam and I'll see you all next time." With those last words, the news cuts to a commercial.

"..."

"... I'm going to bed." You mutters leaving back up the staircase.

That's the third group this month. Mé thinks with a sigh. Not to mention those two's last idol group before the law went into effect.

The QQ's have been rebelling this whole time just like others?

Immediately, he's snaps to his right no longer seeing You. Sighing, he looks back to the television.

Before we can question the when, we need to figure out how to change this society back to what it once was. But before I can start thinking on that, I have to think of how to help You-chan.

Later on, dinner would only be between Relon an his mom. You having opted to not eat. To say that was a mellow dinner would be an understatement.

Reaching the second floor, he stops between their rooms looking to hers. Turning fully, he raises a hand about to knock but stops.

Maybe leaving her alone is for the best. He turns taking one step into his room before turning back. No, after today, I need to talk to her! He goes back to her door raising a hand. Why do I feel nervous? Come on! With that boost of confidence, he knocks.

"You-chan? You awake?"

No response.

"I'm sorry if I'm waking you up but I was wondering if we could talk for a sec..."

Still no response.

"You-chan?" Thinking it over, he places his hand on the door knob. "I'm coming in so excuse me..." He closes his eyes slowly opening the door.

Once he's fully inside, he slowly opens them to take in the site of the feminine room missing one You Watanabe. The one clue being the open door to the balcony.

The roof...

Walking out onto the balcony, he walks a few steps hopping onto the slanted roof. Looking to the top, he see's the back of the girl.

"Mind if I sit here?" His question jumping the girl before she relaxes hugging her legs.

"Oh, Relon. Sure..." She answers in a low tone nodding.

"I forgot how great the city looks from here." The lights off in the distance giving the duo a photographic view.

"Yeah..."

Minutes of silence follows before Relon asks the big question.

"What's on your mind?" His attention not leaving the city in the distance.

One minute. Then three. Soon, fifteen minutes pass, nothing being said.

"Don't they realize they're only bringing more harm than good?" You mutters, Relon momentarily looking to her before back ahead. "We've lived for six years without idols and people are resorting to having to go behind the law to do something so harmless as singing and dancing for the pure love of it!" She hugs herself tighter, tears beginning to form at the corners. "Why did the stupid government have to tear our city apart? The once lively and happy city reduced to a portion destroyed and riots happening everyday! The laughter, the smiles. I haven't seen them not once over the years I came to Japan. All I see now are people yelling and scowls on their faces. I hate it..."

Finally taking the chance to eye the upset girl, he takes in her body seeming calm compared to how tangled her mind must be. Sniffles escaping her nose along with the suppressed sound of hiccups. Returning once more to the sight of the city, Relon closes his eyes going into thought.

"I'm pretty sure everyone does." His sudden voice gaining her attention. "Earlier you mentioned thinking of what happened back then everyday. I'm pretty sure Miguel has and I certainly have as well. That day changed our lives, after all. I've constantly thought to myself 'Why? What was the reason to do such a thing? What cause was so horrid that they would ban idols in the city they originated in?' I ask myself that now and I still have no clue. No one does."

She remains quiet simply wiping her eyes.

"But I think it's about time we stop wondering why. I've read probably hundreds of conspiracy theories on the cause and the odds of even one being correct is slim. So instead of trying to find an answer, maybe it's time we simply start wondering what we can do to show the government their this big mistake they've made." You's eyes widen as he continues. I'm not saying we join the rioting or anything, but right now, what can we do? Currently, not much which I hate admitting, but still." She looks back to him. "Everything happens for a reason and it's the people's job, our job to show the government how wrong they are."

"But nothing's been working." She speaks up.