The bands are growing suspicious of Ave Mujica newest addition, who seems to have prominent ties to Jiro. Trouble will soon arise during one of their shows.

Live House RiNG
Jiro POV

It was a rather gloomy day. Myself, Yomi, Tae, and Rokka found ourselves working at RiNG while Circle is under renovation. We all assumed our usual daily tasks and carried on with our day. Since I was here, I decided to help Taki-chan with her customer service skills. As I sat at a table, we practiced customer interaction.

Taki: What do you want?

Jiro: Maybe instead, try saying, "Welcome to RiNG, may I take your order?"

Taki: I'm not good at talking to people.

Jiro: Yet here you are in the hospitality environments.

Taki: Well, I needed a job, so...

Jiro: Also, can you drop the scary look on your face?

Taki: This is how my face looks!

Jiro: I know, but I remember you have a nice smile.

Taki: Heh, thank you, Senpai.

Some customers walked into the cafe and found a spot they wanted to sit in. As they were browsing through the menu, I decided to leave Taki alone to do her job.

Jiro: Remember what we talked about? You've got this.

Taki: Okay... welcome, may I take your order?

I made my way back to the front desk, where I saw Roselia browsing through the various merchandise we sold. As I approached, the devoted musicians greeted me with smiles and pleasantries.

Yukina: Hello, Jiro. It's good to see you.

Jiro: Likewise, it's anything I can you find in particular?

Yukina: I see, RiNG is now selling Ave Mujica merchandise.

Jiro: Oh, you know this place. They like to market their top talent.

Sayo: I will admit, those girls are a talented group.

Lisa: Did you attend their show the other night?

Jiro: I did, actually.

Sayo: You did? We did not see you there.

Jiro: I was in a different seat, Nebula is a large venue, after all.

Ako: Did you see the Dollmaker?!

Jiro: I did. They're so mysterious, are they?

Ako: I know, right?! they are the living embodiment of shrouded darkness!

Rinko: Ako-chan seemed to be a big fan of not only Amoris but their new member.

Jiro: That's cool. However, I wasn't able to meet them yet.

Sayo: I figured you would, since they are your favorite band.

Jiro: Maybe you're still sleepy, Sayo. I have no favorites

Lisa: Well, expect for Tomori-chan. How is MyGO, by the way?

Jiro: Not so good. They're still separated, and at first, I wanted to stay out of it, but...

Yukina: But?

Jiro: It's not right to leave things the way they are. When I first met them, I promised to support it no matter what.

Sayo: Typical Jiro, always there to lend a hand.

Yukina: That is very noble ot you, I hope they can get back together.

Jiro: Me too...

While Sayo was inspecting the masked band's poster, she noticed something about the figure in the middle. She looked at her childhood friend and then back to the poster.

Sayo: You know, this person has the same eye color as you, Jiro-kun.

Jiro: What?

Sayo. You share the same cerulean eyes as the Dollmaker.

Lisa: Yeah, and hair style under the hat.

Jiro: I'm not only one with this haircut and eye color...

Lisa: This person looks like you, shares your features, and is close with Ave Mujica...

Jiro: What are you insinuating?

Yukina: We think that the Dollmaker is you, Jiro.

Jiro: Really...?

Lisa: We're just saying it's seems related given the facts presented.

Jiro: Well, I'm not him. I never want to be in a band anyway.

Yukina: Don't say that. Our offer still stands. We can find you people.

Jiro: Like I said, I'm fine... also, to be honest, I like you girls, but... I didn't appreciate you telling my life story to Sakiko and the others without my permission...

Sayo: That was my fault, Jiro-kun. It's just that you went off, and they wanted to know... and it just slipped out.

Jiro: Still, all of that should have come from me.

Yukina: We know, and we apologize.

Jiro: Come on... lift your heads. I'm not that mad.

Lisa: You're not?

Jiro: Not really, so smile!

Rinko: You sound like Tsurumaki-san.

Jiro: Maybe Kokoro rubbed off on me. Anyway, are you all heading attending the Ave Mujica play tonight?

Yukina: We are. Will they play their instruments?

Jiro: From what Sakiko told me, no. The live tonight will tell the lore of their band. A glorified play if you will.

Lisa: Mixed with Uika-chan's vocals.

Jiro: You got it.

Yukina: Anyway, we are going to head to practice. Is there a room available?

Jiro: Yeah, pick any room. I'll handle the paperwork. Just sign it on your way out.

Yukina: Thank you as always, Jiro.

Jiro: My pleasure, Yuki-chan.

Roselia entered studio room 3 and began to practice for their next live. A girl with black sunglasses entered RiNG and approached the desk.

Uika: Good morning, Spei.

Jiro: Can't you just call me Senpai or even Jiro is fine...

Uika: Aww, why? It's the codename we bestowed upon you.

Jiro: Even now, I'm still not used to it.

Uika: You will eventually. Anyway, Saki-chan has asked all of us to show up four hours earlier to rehearse the entire play.

Jiro: Guess she really wants it to be perfect, eh?

Uika: Absolutely! So message delivered, I shall withdraw.

Jiro: Wait, you sure I should really be on stage tonight?

Uika: What's wrong?

Jiro: You know, all of the other bands are attending... what happens if they find out?

Uika: You'll be fine.

Jiro: How do you know? My voice can probably be recognized...

Uika: You're overthinking it. I really have to go, don't be late, remember to be there by at least 5 pm.

As Uika left in a hurry, I couldn't help but worry about my appearance. The other girls seem very perceptive. However, my biggest fear is that Tomori's attendance in the crowd and finding out it's me under the mask. Let's be honest, though: she is gonna be there.

Later that afternoon...
Kawasakicho Theater House

A few hours later, all of us in costume rehearsed onstage. Sakiko wanted to do a more comprehensive lore about Ave Mujica. You see, the whole concept of discarded dolls was an interesting concept. Therefore, Sakiko wanted to expand on it. We devised a story where Uika will rebel and act as if she became self-aware... if that makes any sense. After all preparations have been made, we made our way back to the dressing room where the stylists were fixing our costumes. As I rested on the couch, Mustumi sat down beside me and started a conversation.

Mutsumi: Jiro-senpai?

Jiro: What's up?

Mutsumi: We never had a long conversation in a while, I wanted to talk to you about anything.

Jiro: Why the sudden change? You're normally a very reserved girl.

Mutsumi: I know... but you're my trusted friend. I am here to support you.

Jiro: I appreciate that. However, I don't have anything to really talk about.

Mutsumi: I got one.

Jiro: Oh yeah? Go for it.

Mutsumi: You seem to be a hit with some of the girls.

Jiro: We're gonna go there?

Mutsumi: Why not? We can be honest with each other.

Jiro: Fine... honestly, I don't really see the appeal about me... I have decent face, but I'm no supermodel...

Mutsumi: I think you have a lovely face, and you're also a genuine person.

Jiro: Is that what you think of me?

Mutsumi: I do... but ever since you got together with Takamatsu-san... I've given up...

Jiro: What do you mean by given up?

Mutsumi: My chances with you...

Jiro: You've had feelings for me?

Mutsumi: For a while... you always saw the good in others. You went as far as forgiving Minato-senpai after she ruined your first relationship... and now trying to get Soyo-san back into MyGO. Your actions really moved me.

Jiro: You look really sad.

Mutsumi: I was never good at expressing my emotions. From time to time... I always think how lucky Takamatsu-san is... to have someone like you.

Jiro: Mutsumi-chan...

Mutsumi: Mhmmm...

Jiro: Tell you what. One of these days, you can have me all to yourself. We can do whatever you want together.

Mutsumi: Do you mean that?

Jiro: One hundred percent!

Mutsumi: Thank you... that makes me so happy.

*Mutsumi sat there with a gentle smile on her face*

+1000 Kindness
Level up! Kindness Rank 8!

Jiro: May I be honest with you, Mutsumi-chan?

Mutsumi: Of course. What is on your mind?

Jiro: I shouldn't be here in this band.

Mutsumi: Why not?

Jiro: It just seems wrong... this might come back to bite me later...

Mutsumi: If you want to quit, why don't you?

Jiro: What is Sakiko gonna say? Or Uika-chan? Or you... you're the one who made that costume for me.

Mutsumi: I can't stop you for doing what's best for yourself.

Jiro: Is that how you really feel?

Mutsumi: I don't want you to leave, but I won't stop you if that's your decision.

Jiro: Hmm.

My conversation with Mutsumi abruptly ended as one of the stylist approached me and stated they altered the coat on my costume to be at upper thigh length to offer better looks and freedom of movement or whatever. I didn't take long for the theater to start filling up with people in anticipation of the upcoming Ave Mujica play. The other bands made their way here to see us, including Tomori, Anon, and Taki. With only 30 mins until showtime, we all got changed and placed our black masks upon our faces. We then gathered behind the stage to fo our ritual.

Oblivionis: Remember who we are...

Everyone: Ave Mujica...

The stage glowing in an amber light that covers the stage... in this story, the moon has yet to rise... and in the light, some of the dolls begin to talk amongst themselves about how they got discarded.

Doloris: Once I was held... she forgot me when she came of age...

Amoris: I was but a pin cushion to my human... all those needles... I can still feel them.

After the lights begin to dim on stage and the moon starts to shine down. The play continued to go as normal as any Ave Mujica live. Nearing the final act, Doloris waltzed over to the throne and took her seat, angering one of the dolls.

Oblivionis: How dare you sit on Father's throne!

Doloris: Father isn't here... why would he waste time maintaining junk like us?!

Mortis: We are not junk... just forgotten.

Timoris: You would do well to remember that.

Spei: Enough...

Doloris: You said it yourself, Father... this loft moon rises every so often. We dolls may feel alive because of it.

As I sat on the hard throne, Doloris began to argue with Oblivionis about the idea of herself becoming human.

Doloris: If Pinocchio came to life, why can't I?!

Oblivionis: You stand here only by the grace of Father... your cruel human tossed you away!

The closing was next, and we all prepared to act... However, Suddenly Sakiko flew off the script and slowly walked over to me and sat sideways on my lap, which took me and the other members by surprise. I try to remain as emotionless as possible and to improvise what Sakiko is planning to do. As the spotlight shines on both of us, Sakiko slowly removed my mask, covering my mouth, and for a moment, every one of my friends could see my identity.

Yukina: Is that...

Ran: I don't believe it...

Kasumi: No way...

Aya: What...

Kokoro: Oh....

Rei: I knew it...

Mashiro: I didn't think it would be....

Tomori: Senpai...?

Once she stared into my eyes... Sakiko gave me a long and gentle kiss that the audience reacted by standing up and giving an ovation, all the while Tomori was watching in absolute horror...

As the curtains began to close, Sakiko was still kissing me, only separating when the audience was out of view. While the crowd dispersed from the auditorium we gathered on the stage, we all began to question Sakiko's actions.

Jiro: What the hell was that?!

Uika: That wasn't part of the script.

Nyamu: I thought you no improvising during show?

Umiri: What happened to order?

Sakiko: All of our friends were in attendance, I was making a point...

Jiro: Tomori was here... you did it on purpose to spite her!

Sakiko: You don't have to get so angry...

Mutsumi: Senpai, please calm down.

As the curtains opened once again, the bands were all there, most likely overhearing our argument. All eyes were on me as I tried to walk away.

Yukina: Not so fast... Dollmaker... or should I say Jiro Chisaka.

Ran: If there is one thing you're not good at, it's lying.

Chiyu: Why don't you show us your true self!

Jiro: Fine... you caught me.

I turned around and removed my hat and my mask. The looks on all my friends' faces told the entire story. Most were taken aback by the revelation....while one person was absolutely heartbroken...

Tomori: Senpai... why?

Jiro: Tomori, I-I can explain.

The MyGO vocalist suddenly ran off into the hallway. As I gave ran after her, Sakiko looked at me with a disappointed expression. I caught up to Tomori in the empty main lobby, where she stopped and turned around to look at me with tears rolling down her face.

Jiro: Tomori... please.

Tomori: I thought you promised me that we would be together for life. Was that a lie?

Jiro: No, of course it wasn't.

Tomori: Look what you're wearing... and Saki-chan kissed you in front of everyone...

Jiro: Please... it's not like that...

Tomori: Don't touch me...

Jiro: Tomori, please don't leave... don't leave me...

Tomori: I think Soyo-chan was right about you...

Jiro: Don't say that... please...

Tomori: You made me a promise... I thought you loved me...

Jiro: I still do. Tomori... please don't go.

Tomori: I wish I could believe you... goodbye, Senpai...

Jiro: No! N-no, please, Tomori! Don't leave me! Don't go! Tomori!!!

Tomori slowly walked away, exiting the theater. On my knees, I was there crying my heart out... sadness soon was overtaken by anger... I was angry at myself... I shouted at myself while hitting the floor with a closed fist.

Jiro: WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG ME?! WHY CAN'T I DO ANYTHING RIGHT?! Why... why, must I be such a fucking screw up...?

My word echoed through the halls as the girls overheard my cries. As Lisa began to walk over to me, Yukina and Sayo gently held back their bassist sadly, shaking their heads. No dared go near Jiro... even Kokoro, who hid her sadness under a broken smile. On the balcony overlooking the lobby, the rest of Ave Mujica looked down as Jiro continued to cry quietly. Umiri and Uika then question Sakiko about her actions.

Umiri: What's wrong with you? Is this what you wanted?!

Uika: What's your angle?

Sakiko: I love Jiro-senpai more than anything... I won't anyone else have him, even if it means slightly ruining his life.

Mutsumi: Your... a montser... how could you...?

Sakiko: I guess Soyo and I are both sinners...

Sakiko walked away, leaving her band members on shock as she revealed her true intentions. Mutsumi looked back down at Jiro and felt as though she needed to make things right.

One hour later...
Jiro's House

When I entered my home, I immediately noticed Tomori's shoes were gone. Entering my bedroom, I noticed a medium sized box with a blue ribbon with the MyGO logo decorating each side of the box.

Opening the box, there was a picture of Tomori, under that I saw a blue and white bomber jacket, white shirt, grey pants, pale yellow belt, and pale white shoes. At the bottom of the box, there was a letter addressed to me. It reads:

Dear Jiro-senpai

Inside this box is a new costumes MyGO is planning to wear for the next few concerts, they were personality designed by Ano-chan. You probably noticed that we made you a costume as well, Ano-chan insisted that she makes one so you and I could match. All she did was replace the skirt with matching pants, I was hoping one day we would perform your favorite MyGO song at a school festival or a small concert for our friends. It was a nice dream... Senpai, if you truly still care about me. Please leave alone for a little bit... don't blame yourself for anything that happens to me, and please don't try to hurt yourself or get into any trouble... please take care of yourself.

- Tomori Takamatsu

As I placed down the letter, I lifted the jacket and saw the inscription inside one of the sides... a message from Anon. It says, "Thank you for loving Tomorin. Please take care of her." As I gently placed down the jacket, I made my way to the kitchen and opened a specific cabinet. I wasn't getting Tomori back... my one true love of my life, gone... in my sorrow, I reached for a bottle.

To be continued...

Author Notes:

I wanted the Ave Mujica anime coming early next year to release so I can have more context for my story. Therefore, I wanted to hold off on updates for now. Focusing my attention on my planned D4DJ reboot, I'm close to releasing.

Unfortunately, this chapter ends on a depression note. However, drama could lead to situations like that. Some fans see Soyo as awful, and some see Sakiko as just evil. What do you think?

As always, thank you for reading this far into the story.