Up and Down

Everything buzzed around in circles both insides and outside. Mai and Isao faced each other begrudgingly. Did they know?

Their fanbases were at war. Both sides wanted blood. Cham Inu and Lady Dragon battled to stay o top. Did the bands even like each other? And don’ forget the other bands trying to dethrone them.

Raija had to jump slam on the pile. He just had to be the matches to the mountain of gasoline. The waitress wrote down the table’s orders.

“Okay,” she said. “I will be back with your food in a few minutes.” She turned and walked away. Raija turned and smiled.

“So,” he said. “How are we liking lunch so far?”

“This sucks,” Mai said.

“Now, now,” he said through gritted teeth. “That’s not very ladylike of you.” His niece gritted her teeth. Isao rolled his eyes.

“I want to go home,” he muttered.

“What did you say?” his stepfather asked. The vocalist clicked his tongue.

“This is bullshit,” he said.

“Watch your language,” Raija hissed. Isao glared at him.

“No, I will not,” he said. The men looked ready to kill each other. Mai just rolled her eyes.

Please kill me. I’m in hell.

---------

The internet can be a cruel place. Fanatics can be the worst. Look at the comments. Worst than poison, yeah? But who has the worst fans? Lady Dragon fans are quite perverted. Same with Charm Inu. Both sides always troll and fight. Some on the outside love to fan the flames. The sane fans hide in shame. But what is this really about? Sex? Music? Pride? Or is it something more complex?

Probably not.

But don’t tell the fans that.

--------

Meanwhile, Subaru checked Twitter on her phone. She frowned and puffed up her cheeks.

“How rude!” she shouted.

“What is it?” Yoko asked. Subaru frowned and showed her her phone.

“Just ignore the negative comments,” she said.

“Yeah, but…” Subaru said.

“It’s not worth it,” Yoko said. “You’ll just be giving the trolls the attention they want.” Subaru frowned. Yoko gave her a kind smile as she patted her on the shoulder.

“There, there,” the drummer said. “You’re better than idiots online. Remember that.” The guitarist smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” she said. “When’s Mai getting here?” Yoko shrugged.

“She has lunch with her uncle,” she said.

“Oh…” Subaru said. Both women cringed.

----------

Raija needed to change tactics. Nice was dying on the table. Time to get tougher. The businessman cleared his throat.

“I have a proposal for the both of you,” Raija said in a commanding voice. The two vocalists looked up.

“What?” Isao asked.