URock

CHAPTER 1: Daylight Breakout

Sigh, good morning to wonderful me. I can't believe it's raining today of all days; it's such a hassle to carry around a guitar and an umbrella at the same time. I probably should have gone with pants instead of a skirt...my legs are freezing, man. The rain better clear up by the time the music festival starts or else we're all screwed to the bones since it's an outdoor stage. The old geezers in charge of the festival must be fussing over about what they gonna do if the rain keeps up. Heh. Rain or shine, I'm still going to perform no matter what they say. If they decide to take the mic from me, I'd sing as loud as I can without it! I'm not going to let this weather put me down! I'll probably be the only performer who'd perform in this weather though. Oh well, more eyes and ears on me then; it's a perfect chance to publicize myself more for free. Heh.

Hah? An intersection? This isn't on the map the organizers gave me. I probably took a wrong turn somewhere but since I'm in the right area, I shouldn't be too far from the place. I'm not too familiar with this side of the town but I got nothing to fear as long as I have my guitar and there're people to ask directions from.

"S'cuse me. Yeah you, which way goes to the Shining MuFest?" Wait, did I come off too strong with my words?

"Y-Yes! U-Um..." the guy seems stiff and keeps looking from side to side.

Crap. I think I scared this guy or something. He better not run from me without telling me the directions. Do I really sound angry or scary most of the time? Urgh, it's probably the weather getting to me and that doesn't matter right now! I don't wanna be late darn it and I don't fancy the idea of getting soaked in the rain.

"So which way is it?" Answer me darn it.

Unintentionally, my voice came out louder and angrier than I thought. It doesn't help that my eyebrows are furrowed down and I unconsciously got a scowl on my face. This guy's getting more nervous by the second. C'mon just answer me before I lose my patience here, patience for you and for myself.

"T-Take the street on the left and j-just keep going straight until you see the b-big purple penguin."

"Purple penguin?"

"It's a m-mascot for the event."

Purple penguin? You gotta be kidding me. I'm already spending cash on Piyo-chan and now there's a purple penguin from Shining? I'm never gonna save money with all these cute things popping out of nowhere.

I find the guy staring at me in fear and confusion. I was lost in thought for a moment there.

"Hey."

"Y-Yes?!"

I find myself pausing for a moment before suddenly relaxing my expression, "...Thanks." I said in a calm voice.

I went on my way immediately and thank god I found the place. The purple penguin mascot was the first thing that greeted me and that sure made my day. I was so happy that I took a picture with it; this is definitely my new wallpaper.

I casually enter one of the tents found at the relief area that was labelled 'Performers'.

"Yo, Nakahara Koemi here at your ser—"

"NAKAHARA!"

"What the?! What the hell's your problem, lady?! Why'd you shout at me right in the ears for?! You want to make me lose my hearing?! Who are you anyway?"

The lady wearing corporate attire fixes her glasses a little and looks at me right in the eyes. Man, she's cold. You can feel an icicle hit you in an instant when she looks at you like that.

"My name is Rukawa Madoka, an agent or a manager from Shining Agency. I'm in charge of handling the outside performers like you so please do look for me if you have any concerns."