Prelude to the Battle of the Titan Bands

They don’t like it. Once again, Isao and Mai would have to be forced to tour together.

“It can’t be that bad,” her manager said. “You might not see each other that much.” Mai gave him the side-eye. He went quiet. Mai shook her head.

Backing out wasn’t an option. They needed this gig. This could make them bigger. Both sides know this. Doesn’t mean they have to like it. The festival would be in three weeks.

Meanwhile, Raja had his own plans.

He waited in the hotel restaurant. The man looked at his phone. Close to noon now. He should be here any moment. The waitress came by with his coffee.

“Thank you,” Raja said. The waitress bowed and walked off.

“Nehru-san?” someone asked. Raja looked up. A man in a black business suit walked over to his table. Raja stood up.

“Watanabe-san,” he said. “So nice to meet you.”

“Same to you too,” Watanabe-san said. The men bowed and took a seat.

“Shall we get started?” Watanabe-san asked.

“Yes, please,” Raja said. The men sat down at the table.

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-Day Before the Music Festival-

The first stop would be in Sapporo. They would be in Hokkaido for a couple of weeks before heading south. Mai and Isao would have to tour together. The band and equipment were already there one day before. The managers tried to keep the vocalists away from each other. Shouldn’t be hard to do. They were in separate hotels after all. Charm Inu and Lady Dragon would only be together on stage. Other than that, it should be easy right?

The managers held their breath. This wasn’t going to go well, was it?

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-Festival: Day One-

Fans waited in the dark morning. Booths were getting set up. The talent had just gotten up. Already, there was a problem.

“What?!” Kaz asked. “Oh no! No! No!” His face turned pale.

“But can’t you make an exception?” Kaz asked. The manager frowned.

“Can’t you be serious,” he said. “Can’t you help me? Please? No, no, don’t—” They already hung up. Kaz stared at his phone. His stomach dropped.

“Oh no…” Kaz muttered. He turned back to the elevator. He could see where this was heading, and it wasn’t good. Kaz better think of a way to soften the blow and fast.

Though, that might be too late…