Oshino Yuki: Undercover Idol 2

By Gabriel Miller

After finding her band-mate Imari strung up in the hold of the cruise ship, Yuki's problems continue to pile up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326396893

Book preview

Oshino Yuki

Undercover Idol

2

Gabriel Miller

1

Dedicated to Terada Tsunku Mitsuo, whose music is directly responsible for the

existence of Yuki and her story

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination, or used in a fictitious manner.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Special thanks to:

K. Kallen-Autio for medical advice

K. Footes for story critique

Imgur and its users for providing me with a window to stare out of when the real one got dull.

M. Fanale for keeping me working

ISBN: 978-1-326-39689-3

2

Chapter 1

23rd of September, 2204

18:45

Sea of Japan, near Toshima .

After finding the corpse of her group member, Daishi Imari, strung up inside the cruise ship's cargo hold, S-Now leader, and undercover agent, Oshino Yuki, was making her way to the ship's restaurant. She was still slightly wobbly on her feet, making sure to not come near any mirrors to avoid seeing how pale she was. She stumbled into the packed restaurant, drawing some looks from the dining guests, then joined her family at the dinner table, almost falling off her chair.

Are you okay, Snowflake?

Fine, mom... Yuki mumbled.

I'm your father.

..Are you? Right, you are. What's for dinner, mom?

You're in a restaurant, honey, Mrs Oshino said, I think you need some rest.

Yuki looked up at her mother, not registering her face, then slowly nodded. However, she didn't do as told. She took a bun from a basket at the centre of the table and listlessly started nibbling on it.

I'm taking Yuki to bed, Mrs Oshino said resolutely, stood up and took her daughter's hand to help her to her feet and lead her to her room.

Yuki, she pressed, What's on your mind.

Spring, Yuki said, clutching the bun she still had in her hand tightly, Spring is coming."

It's September. Spring won't come for half a year.

Is it?...Huh.

Mrs Oshino tutted and kept leading her daughter through the ship's halls until they were back in Yuki's luxury suit. She ordered her daughter into the shower, then habitually started to pick up the discarded clothes around the bedroom.

After fifteen minutes, she pulled Yuki from the show and quickly groomed her before finally putting her in bed, taking the time to tuck her in.

She gently stroked her hair, then stood up, I'm going to go get some food, then I'll be back. I won't be long.

Mom...

Yes, honey?

Don't go.

Mrs Oshino sighed, then stroked Yuki's hair again, Just ten minutes, dear. I'll have them make me a sandwich, Just sit tight, alright?

Yuki pulled her blankets over her head for a few minutes, then left her bed to stumble over to the ever growing pile of dirty laundry in the bathroom. She took a few minutes to get her gun, then returned to her bed and hid the weapon under her pillow before pulling the blankets over her head again. She tried to catch some sleep, but every time she closed her eyes, she saw Imari's mutilated body dangle in front of her. She closed them tighter, hoping the image would disappear if she willed it hard enough. Quietly she wished that her roommate, Haru, had come on the trip with her. Haru would have had some 'nid that would have helped Yuki relax. A few moments later, she realized that she had the drug in her combat pouch. It was the concentrated poison, but if she took just a little, she assumed she should be fine.

Again, she left her bed and found the brown leather packing in her purse. She unrolled it and tried 3

to remember which was which.

She decided on green and took out the vial from the pouch, then also took a needler from it. A ring designed to carry a small dose of poison in case she needed to protect herself.

While she worked on filling the ring's reservoir with the concentrated poison, she didn't notice the door to her room open.

Yuki! What are you doing?

Shocked at being interrupted, Yuki dropped the ring and the vial to the floor, leaving a dark market in the carpet. She looked up to see who had interrupted her.

Oh, Akiha, she said, addressing her little sister, Where's mom?

Eating, her sister replied, then took a bite of a sandwich, I'm going to keep you company. You seem pretty out of it. What happened?

Spring is coming, Yuki said tonelessly, then zoned out again until Akiha waved her hand in front of her older sister's eyes.

Stay with me, sis. Here, have a bite.

Yuki shook her head and pushed Akiha's hand away, I'm just going to get some sleep.

After getting under the covers again, Yuki pulled the covers well over her head and pretended Akiha wasn't there.

Unsure what to do, the younger girl sat down on the bed and gently stroked her sister's shoulder through the blanket's fabric.

25th of September, 2204

09:15

Somewhere off the coast of Okinawa.

Yuki sighed when her alarm went off, then got out of bed for the first time since her mother had brought her there two days ago. She had eaten whatever her family and fellow group members family had brought her, but she felt like it was time to leave her bed and get her own now.

She was the leader of a wildly successful idol group, a special agent of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and she was going to act like it. She had seen dead bodies before. Generally nobody she knew or that gruesome, but semantics wouldn't stop her today. After checking the weather on her phone, she decided to wear only a bikini top and a long skirt under which she could hide her gun.

She left her room and almost immediately ran into one of the girls from her group. Sakuraba Kayami. Kayami, commonly known as Kami by her friends, was a few years younger than Yuki and generally served as the common sense for the group. The girl now held Yuki levelly in her gaze and pushed her dyed brown hair from her auburn eyes before speaking.

Aren't you looking....alive, she stated, Are you going to tell us where Imari is before we go on stage tonight?

Imari is... Yuki started, then saw Umeka leave her cabin. Umeka was the youngest of the four S-Now girls. Chipper, bright and forever changing the colour of her hair to suit some whim. It was periwinkle now and framed her big, brown doe-eyes. The girl had recently lost her younger sister and as such, Yuki decided to not tell the whole truth.

Imari is still on Tanegashima, Yuki said, going for the technical truth, She had reasons for not being able to join us.

What about the show tonight? Umeka asked, offering Yuki the familiar puppy eyes.

We'll have to do it without her. We'll cut it short for medical reasons.

Couldn't you have told us this on Monday? Kayami asked, I've been worried sick.

No, I couldn't, Yuki snapped.

What's gotten under your skin anyway?

Just, Yuki mumbled, looking for a believable lie, Just a little flu.

4

The two S-Now girls clearly didn't believe Yuki, giving her candid looks as they walked down the ship's hall.

Now if you'll excuse me, Yuki said, picking up her pace, It's my little sister's birthday.

As she had expected, Yuki found her family in the ship's restaurant and waved to them.

Glad to see you 're out of bed, Mrs Oshino said, But isn't that outfit a bit...non-existent?

Yuki ignored her mother and hugged Akiha instead, "Happy Birthday. That makes you, what?

Twelve?"

Fifteen and you know it, Akiha giggled, So what did you get me?

Akiha looked more like their mother than Yuki did, but had inherited her father's auburn hair, which led to the excitable girl's nickname, 'The Red Tornado'.

Not telling yet, Yuki said with a smile, then took her seat and stared at the menu, I think I'll have the ostrich omelette.

Are you going to tell us what on earth has been going on with you for the last two days, Dai, her father, asked, You've had us worried sick.

Yuki looked up at her father. A big man, who was generally tan from working outside.

Later, Yuki said simply, and drummed the table while waiting for her food, then took a sandwich from her brother's plate.

Her brother, Taiyou, was a historian and looked every bit the part hiding behind his glass and a constant thoughtful expression plastered on his face.

Are you going to let her do that, Kana said, obviously offended. Kana was Taiyou's girlfriend who looked an eerie lot like Mrs Oshino, even more so than Yuki.

Well, yes, Taiyou replied calmly, If you want to fight about it with Yuki, go right ahead.

Wimp.

Yuki chuckled and put the sandwich down, Honeymoon over already? All because of this? Want it back Taiyou?

Well, she's back to her old self, Dai said with a smirk, Now that we're all here...Akiha, here's your first present for today.

He took a large package from under the table and handed it to Akiha who tore into the purple wrapping paper with a vengeance. She took a plush doll from the wrapping. A giant brown spider, which made Kana scream and hide behind her chair. The Oshino family, sans Taiyou who was comforting his girlfriend behind the chair, laughed and listened to what their patriarch had to say.

I know you wanted to start breeding pet spiders, he said, But I only know about dogs, so you'll have to make do with this one for now.

Thanks, dad, Akiha said, hugging the plush tightly, "I love it.

I don't! Kana screamed, drawing some looks from other diners, Put it away.

Looks like somebody won't be doing drugs, Yuki smirked, then looked up and was relieved to see the waitier bring her her food.

Put it away, Mrs Oshino echoed Kana with a sigh, Somebody is causing a scene and it won't stop until it's gone.

Fine, mom, Akiha pouted, shoving the spider under her chair.

Yuki leaned in to her sister and whispered in her ear, You should put it in her bed.

Akiha giggled, while their mother just gave them a disapproving look.

Much to Yuki's relief, the rest of the meal was pleasant enough and was devoid of any screaming.

I'm afraid, she said, putting her fork down, I have to get to practice. You'll get your present later, Akiha.

Without another word, she got to her feet and swept out of the room

5

11:15

I don't care for this at all, Umeka said, It's wrong to go on stage without Imari. She's one of us.

And sometimes she isn't Kayami said shortly, I'm sure she has a very good reason for not being here."

But we need four for most of our dance formations.

And that, ladies, Yuki said, entering the theatre , Is why we have rehearsals. Places please.

Somebody's feeling herself again, Kayami mumbled.

Leader?

Yes, Umeka?

I might know where to get a fourth.

Who?

"Robo Kiss's Misomi. She's a big fan of Imari and claims to know all her lines and moves.

Yuki thought about it for a moment, then nodded, Know where to find her?

I'll go get her right away. She'll be so excited.

At least somebody will be, Yuki said, watching Umeka run out of the theatre.

Lying not sitting well, Yuki? Kayami asked when she was sure Umeka was out of earshot.

What?

There's something you're not telling us.

Yuki sighed, I'll tell you girls after the show.

Why not now?

Because for me this is a mission, for you two it's a career and you don't want it to go down the crapper, do you?

Very selfless...

Kami, please. Not now.

An out of breath Uemka returned a few minutes later, She'll be with us in a bit.

Great, Yuki mumbled.

Hey, Leader?

Call me Yuki, Umeka. You know that.

Fine, Yuki. It's Akiha's birthday, right?

Yeah, so?

Maybe we should sing for her in our show?

Wouldn't that annoy the fans, Kayami wondered out loud, mostly for her own benefit.

The fans? Yuki smirked, We could spend the entire show making jelly sculptures and they'd still stay.

Of course they would. They'd see us covered in jelly. They'd love that.

Who's covered in jelly? Misomi, whose hair was still wet from dying it brown, asked, That's not what I signed up for.

Misomi was member of the group Robo Kiss, which consisted of girls with augmentations that compensated for their handicaps. Misomi had a bionic eye and a mostly mechanical right arm.

Which was only betrayed by the constant whirring of servos that could be heard when she moved it.

She wasn't the prettiest of girls, but compensated it with an arrogant self confidence that Yuki had always felt to be very forced.

Oh, Nobody. Miss.... Yuki closed her eyes, thinking hard on what the girl's name was, ...Goto?

Misomi is fine, Miss Oshino, the newcomer informed her, "So, what do I call you? Yuki? Leader?

The nose?"

The what? Yuki or leader is fine. Let's get to work.

After several hours of practice, Yuki was glad to see that Misomi hadn't just been talking big and could easily keep up with them.

Looks like we can go on this afternoon, Yuki said, "We can't put you in the MC's, Miso soup.

6

That okay with you?"

Misomi blinked her real eye a few times at what Yuki called her, then laughed, Miso soup. That's good. I like it. But yeah, that's okay.

What about the costume? Kayami asked, Do we have time to get them altered?

I think we're and luck and they wear about the same size, I think, Umeka said.

Well, we're fine here, Yuki mumbled, "Umeka. Look into that. I will go edit the announcement.

Back and ready in sixty. Move!"

15:00

Ship Theatre.

Yuki stood on the dark stage by herself, looking at the gaps in the audience where Imari's fans would have been. She sighed, knowing that gap would be there forever unless they found some way to pull them back. A moment later, she wondered why she even cared.

She signalled the crew on the lights to give her a spotlight, then waved to the audience, forcing a smile.

For the people who haven't heard yet, she said, Our lovely Imari is missing today for um, medical reasons.

There was some stirring in the audience before Yuki continued talking, However. Robo Kiss's Goto Misomi has been so kind to join us on stage today to take Imari's place...

There was a mixed reaction of soft cheers and boos from the stands while Yuki slowly walked backwards to the curtain.

Please treat her with the same kindness you would show Imari, she said, before bowing, straightening up and finally returning backstage.

Yuki looks nervous, Akiha said from the balcony, clutching her spider plush tightly, I hope for her Imari's back soon.

I thought they didn't like each other? Dai asked, but never got an answer as the music started and the show began.

It went mostly the same as the last time they had watched it, but it was lacking Imari's sharp and flawless movement. On the other hand, Misomi's relaxed dancing complemented the others.

Another major difference was Yuki requesting Akiha to come down on stage with them.

Mrs Oshino took the plush spider from her daughter, then watched her walk down to the podium..

Yuki helped her on the stage and with some effort, got her to stand centre stage.

The four singers on stage started singing 'Happy Birthday' for her and the audience and had the audience join in almost immediately.

When they were done, Akiha gestured Yuki closed, then whispered in her ear.

I'm going to kill you for this.

Yuki giggled, patted her sister on the back and sent her back down, You can try after show.

Even before Akiha had properly left the stage, Yuki turned to the audience and the girls on stage continued their show.

18:05

After the show was over, the four found themselves back in the dressing room, where they thanked Misomi for jumping in in their hour of need.

7

I'm sorry, Yuki said, Misomi. Could you leave us alone? I have to break some news to these two.

"Misomi looked from Yuki, to Kayami, to Umeka and back to Yuki. It slowly dawned on her there was a certain gravity to the situation and left with a nod.

I'll buy you something nice later, Yuki called after, Really sorry!

So we're finally getting answers, Kayami asked, folding her arms.

Kami, Umeka. Please sit down, Yuki said with a sigh, closing the door to the dressing room,

About Imari. She's not sick, she's...

Yuki was interrupted by her phone.

Sorry, girls, she mumbled, picking up the phone, Yes. This is she. What do you mean? It's not her? Then whose cor...Yes....Yes....No?....I see.

Yuki switched off her phone, then angrily threw it to the ground.

Something wrong? Kayami asked, cocking her head and arching her brows.

It's complicated, Yuki said, starting to get back in her streets, I'll explain later. Umeka, gun.

Hiroshi, Yuki said, talking to her breast, drawing two very confused gazes from the other girls, who weren't aware of the wire Yuki was wearing, Meet me outside the dressing room.

Kayami blocked Yuki's path at the door when she attempted to rush out the door.

I'm not moving, she said firmly, Until you give us some answers.

Yuki responded by simply grabbing the other girl by the should her and pulling her aside.

You can follow if you want, but stay the hell out of my way.

Hiroshi had already made his way to the dressing room, frowning at the scuffle he heard behind the door. He arched a brow when Yuki stormed through the door, leaving Umeka and Kayami behind.

Like Yuki, Hiroshi was a police officer and like Yuki, he absolutely did not look the part. He habitually dressed in overly expensive suits and dyed his spiked hair bright blonde. To match the whole look, he had a cocky grin and insisted people call him 'Hero'.

Yukes? he said when he saw Yuki, What's up? Something about Miss Daishi?

It is, Yuki said, not breaking stride and just flat out assuming Hiroshi would follow her,

Remember the body we found?

Yeah?

It wasn't Imari.

What do you mean? Hiroshi asked, falling into step with Yuki, It looked exactly like her.

Well, you're a cop, aren't you? Have you ever of the company 'Heart's Desire'?

Sure, Hiroshi said with a nod, Prostitution pretending to be massage parlours, hostess clubs, karaoke bars and a dozen other legal businesses. So?

They habitually pick up girls, and boys, from poorer countries, force them to undergo plastic surgery and then offer them as famous people lookalikes.

Slowly, Hiroshi nodded again, So the girl we found?

Then where's Miss Daishi?

Probably where we last saw her.

You're not making any sense, Yukes.

Just cover my back, okay?

The two police officers entered the cargo hold where only two days before they thought they had found the body of Daishi Imari.

Now what? Hiroshi asked, flicking on the lights.

Open everything. Especially coolers. What are you waiting for? Get to it.

The two spent thirty minutes opening crates, finding mostly food and technical supplies for the ship. One small box filled with cocaine was discreetly ignored by the two of the them. They both knew full well they should report it, but there were more important things at stake.

8

This box is locked, Hiroshi informed Yuki, Want me to pick it?

No I want you to paint a picture...Of course I want you to pick it!

Yuki continued opening crates, finding nothing of interest, then joined Hiroshi when he opened the locked container to find nothing more than a very varied collection of melons.

Why would you keep fruit behind lock and key? Yuki asked, looking at Hiroshi for a sign that he had even an inkling of what was going on.

He shook his head, just as confused as her, Maybe they're really good melons?

Leaning down into the crate, Hiroshi took out one of the melons and carefully studied. Yuki did the same, but both soon concluded that they were nothing more than common melons which you could buy in any grocery store.

They discarded the things, then both just stared blankly for a moment. If Imari had been there, she wasn't now.

Hiroshi. Go over the security tapes. I have to go talk to my girls.

Yes, Ma'am.

Yuki found Umeka and Kayami leaning over the side of ship, then sighed and told them what had happened over the last few days.

Umeka stared at Yuki. The colour had drained from the girl's face and her mouth hung wide open.

Kayami just seemed lost in thought.

So, where's Imari? she finally asked.

Yuki shook her head, Hell if I know. I have somebody checking the tapes.

She scanned a group of people walking down the gangway, hardly having noticed that the ship had docked. Where are they going?

Venus is singing in the city tonight, Kayami answered, Probably there.

Then that's where I'm going. Take care of Uemka.

Don't you want any backup?

You'd just get in the way, Yuki called over her shoulder, then tried to blend into the crowd.

18:37

Yuki had quickly found some die-hard fans of Venus, who were trying to get a chant of her name started. She tailed them until they made it to the venue, where she pushed through them and walked into the building.

The building's security made an attempt to stop her from entering, but were easily deterred by a flash of her gun and a glare.

Changing rooms? she snapped at the closest of the goons.

With a shaking hand, the security officer pointed Yuki in the right direction. Without another word, Yuki continued towards her destination

When she found the door with Venus's name on it, she knocked twice, then proceeded to kick it in without waiting for a response.

She stepped into the room, drawing her gun from under her skirt as she went and aimed it at the hairdresser who was working on Venus Arashi's hair.

Out! she yelled, Now!

Screaming, the hairdresser dropped the brush she had been using on Venus's hair and ran out the 9

room

Oh hello, Miss Oshino. What's t his about then? Venus asked, picking up the discarded lipstick and continuing with her makeup.

Venus Arashi, a former pop idol trying to make a comeback, was an exceptionally beautiful woman with raven black hair. She was also the organizer of the cruise Yuki found herself on and as far as Yuki knew, the source of all her troubles.

After taking the safety of her gun, Yuki shot a hole in the floor, making sure it was loaded, unlike the last time she had cornered Arashi.

Venus looked down at the hole, then slowly rose to her feet. Every motion with an elegance that came from years of practice. You look terrible, Yuki. Want me to do your make-up?

Get on your knees, Yuki growled, taking another shot which whizzed past Venus to embed into the dressing room's wall.

Venus casually observed the gun aimed, then moved to look at Yuki and gave her a sneer, No.

On. Your. Knees!

Venus stepped closer, trying to push the gun down. Yuki let her, then responded by shooting a bullet into the woman's foot.

Arashi stumbled, but remained on her feet. The dressing room carpet under her slowly staining red.

Yuki grabbed Venus by the throat, then pushed the gun into her face, Where's Imari?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Where, Yuki demanded, resisting the urge to shoot the woman now that she had the chance.

On the ship, Venus said calmly, never losing her smile.

Yuki rammed her weapon into Arashi's head, Not good enough. Where?

Forcing her smile through the pain now, Venus leaned into Yuki and whispered, In the cargo hold. I gave her some nicer...

Yuki kicked the woman in the knees, collapsing her to the floor, then proceeded to kick her in the ribs.

You think you're very clever, don't you? she asked asked, aiming her weapon at Venus's s head.

Drop the weapon! a woman behind them yelled, Drop the weapon and get on your knees.

Yuki looked over her shoulder to see Shibata Sakura, the leader of Robo-Kiss, aiming a weapon at her.

Get out Shibata, Yuki ordered, This doesn't concern you.

Sakura dug through her pocket and showed Yuki a badge, Okayama Erina. Interpol. This is my arrest.

Yuki flashed her badge in return, Toyko Metropolitan Police. This one's mine.

Miss Oshino, I outrank you. Just give me the woman and I won't report your countless infractions of international law.

Yuki sighed, studied the interpol agent for a moment and noted the subtle differences with the real Shibata Sakura who she had met less than a handful of times.

"Do you have a moment, Miss Okayama?

Yuki holstered her gun, then stamped down hard on Venus's chest.

All yours, she said, leaving the dressing room and heading back to the ship.

19:17

Yuki found Umeka and Kayami where she had left them. She passed by them without greeting either.

Kayami fell into step with her, Why are people returning to the ship already? They look disappointed.

10

Arashi's show has been cancelled, Yuki said simply, not bothering to explain herself. She took a few steps and returned to the storage room for the third time in as many days.

Didn't you already search here?

Yes I did And now I'm not stopping until have turned the room upside down. If you want to stay, help me.

The two girls set to work, again rummaging through crates and cooles.

Hey, Yuki? Do you think they'd miss one of these melons?

Yuki shrugged, If you must take one. See if I care.

Rummaging through the melons, Kayami tried to find a good one, taking break from the search for Imari.

Hey, Yuki?

What? Yuki sighed, annoyed at being interrupted, I don't have a knife.

"No, not that. You may want to see this.

Yuki slammed the lid of the crate she had been searching through and joined Kayami at the box of melons.

Yeah, fruit? And?

It's obvious you're not in forensics. Look under it.

Kayami started to throw out melons when she was done talking, splattering some of the overripe ones on the ship's hard, metal floors. Finally, she pointed at a handle at the bottom of the chest of melons.

"How did