A/N: Like I said in the synopsis, this is an entire re-haul of the old version. I'll be putting this out here and only here.
Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania
October 17, 2020
The International 10 Grand Finals
The arena trembled beneath the roar of tens of thousands of voices. Every seat was filled, every screen around the world tuned in, as the lights of the International 10 Grand Finals bore down on the stage. What no one realized in that moment was that they were not only witnessing a beginning, but also the end — the closing chapter of one of the greatest dynasties in competitive music history.
The hosts stood at center stage, their voices straining to rise above the deafening chants of the crowd.
"Two years ago, they created a miracle!" the first host cried, voice shaking with excitement. "Last year, they silenced every doubter who thought it was luck! And now — now we can say it without hesitation! They are the band! They are the greatest of all time in competitive music history! Ladies and gentlemen — OG!! Your TI10 champions!"
The eruption of cheers nearly tore the roof off the stadium. Flags waved, fans wept, and chants of "O-G! O-G!" pulsed like thunder.
On stage, five men stood together in tears, clutching one another as the realization sank in. Against every odd, through countless trials, they had secured their third Aegis of Champions. Their lineup — unchanged for three years — was proof that bonds forged in fire could not be broken.
The second host added his voice, hammering the point home. "From day one, OG gave their all in this tournament! In the group stage, they gave no quarter! In the main stage, they crushed Team Secret 2–0! Invictus, 2–0! PSG.LGD, 2–0! And just now, they swept Team Spirit 3–0 — without dropping a single song! History has been made tonight, ladies and gentlemen — a perfect record! A feat never before seen in a TI!"
The first host's voice cracked with emotion as he raised his hand toward the band. "N0tail. Ceb. Topson. SumaiL. And Iku. Five brothers who defied every odd, silenced every critic, and carved their names into eternity! The only band in history to claim three Aegises in five years! Once again — your TI10 champions, OG!!!"
The five men lifted the golden Aegis above their heads together. Confetti rained down like a storm, and the crowd's roar became a wall of sound. It was a scene destined to live forever in the annals of music and esports history — the TI where a stand-in, a producer, a king, a prodigy, and the betrayed brother stood side by side to claim their third and final crown.
Three Months Later
January 17, 2021 - Sunday - 10:00 A.M.
Riku's POV
The hum of the engines was a low, steady lullaby as I opened my eyes. Morning sunlight spilled through the oval window of the private jet, painting streaks of gold across the cabin. Stretching, I glanced at the time on my phone: 10 a.m.
It still felt surreal, sitting here with the men I had once only admired from afar. My name is Nagae Riku, and at this moment, I was flying home to Japan — with the rest of the now-retired OG at my side.
Two weeks ago, Johan — N0tail, our captain and the heart of OG — had made the announcement: after their historic third victory, the roster would step away from competition. Not forever, but for long enough to rest, to breathe, to celebrate a dynasty that no one could deny.
When discussions turned to where we'd go, I had spoken without thinking. "Come to Japan with me." Perhaps it was selfish. Perhaps it was fate. But to my surprise, everyone agreed.
The cabin was quiet. SumaiL and Topson were still asleep, lost in dreams. Across from me, Johan and Ceb sat with tablets in hand, scanning through files, their faces lit with the same focus they once wore under stage lights. Beside me, Ayabe — my ever-dutiful retainer — placed a warm cup of coffee in my hands.
"Good morning, Riku-sama. Did you sleep well?"
I took the cup with a grateful nod. "Better than I have in weeks. Thank you."
Ceb looked up and smiled faintly. "Morning, Riku. Finally decided to wake up, huh?"
"Morning," I replied, eyeing the tablets. "What are you two scheming about this early?"
Johan grinned and slid his tablet toward me. "Just a little project we'll start after the vacation."
The words on the screen caught me off guard. "The Monkey Business Show... A podcast?"
"Exactly," Johan said, leaning back in his seat. "Every week we bring in guests — other bands, performers, old rivals — and just talk. Our beginnings, how we adapt, the madness of the lifestyle. Fans deserve to hear the stories behind the curtain."
I chuckled, handing the tablet back. "Honestly, that's brilliant. I'll be your first listener. Just promise me a seat as a guest someday."
Johan smirked. "Deal."
Before the conversation could drift further, Ayabe leaned forward. "Riku-sama, we're about to land at Haneda. Please prepare yourself."
"Alright. Wake Sumail and Topias — let them know it's almost time."
She bowed lightly and moved to rouse the others. I stood, stretching once more as the jet began its slow descent toward the land I had not set foot on in eight years.
Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Thirty Minutes Later
The wheels kissed the runway, and the jet slowed to a smooth stop. By the time the cabin doors opened, we were refreshed, dressed, and ready to face the day.
The crisp winter air of Tokyo greeted us the moment we stepped out. I inhaled deeply. "Home at last..." My voice came out softer than I intended. "It's been eight years, hasn't it, Ayabe?"
"Yes," she answered with the faintest smile. "Indeed it has, Riku-sama."
Our reunion with the country was brief, interrupted by the arrival of a sleek black limousine. The driver stepped out, bowing low.
"Welcome back to Japan, Young Master."
I blinked, then recognition struck. "Aizawa...?"
He looked up with a smile. "It pleases me that you remember. Your grandfather has assigned me to bring you directly to the estate."
As attendants hurried to gather our luggage, I motioned for my companions to join me in the car. Johan, Ceb, SumaiL, and Topson were still taking in the sight of Tokyo with childlike wonder. To them, this was an adventure. To me, it was a return.
The limousine glided through the city, neon signs and bustling streets blurring past. My friends pressed against the windows, marveling at the sheer density of life. I, however, found my gaze drawn to something else.
Live houses. Countless of them.
Ayabe noticed my stare. "It seems your influence has grown more than you realize. After OG's victory at TI8, the rise of live houses and bands accelerated across Japan. At present, there are more than seven hundred."
"Seven hundred...?" I echoed, stunned.
He only nodded, leaving me to mull over the impact of our journey.
Then — a glimpse.
On a street corner, a girl walked with her friends, her long black hair swaying behind her, her pale skin glowing against the winter sun. Slanted violet eyes locked with mine through the glass, just for a moment. Recognition struck me like lightning.
"...Rinko," I whispered.
Ayabe tilted her head. "Riku-sama? Is something wrong?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, though my voice betrayed me. "Just... someone I used to know. A friend. From long ago."
SumaiL leaned forward, curious. "A girl, huh? Someone special, my guy?"
"She was a close friend. A pianist." My gaze lingered on the fading silhouette outside the rear window.
Ayabe's eyes softened. "Shall I stop the car?"
I shook my head. "No. My gut tells me we'll meet again. And when we do, it will be the right time."
I leaned back in my seat, forcing myself to breathe. Eight years had passed. Yet that fleeting look was enough to stir memories I thought I had buried.
???'s POV
The limousine passed, its glossy black frame cutting through the street like an arrow. For a second, I thought nothing of it. Then I saw him.
Short, dark violet-blue hair that brushed the nape of his neck. Eyes — one red, one gold — gleaming even through the tinted glass.
My heart stopped. Those eyes... that hair...
"It's him," I whispered. "After so long... he's back."
"Rinko?" Yukina Minato's voice pulled me back to reality. My bandmates in Roselia had stopped walking, their eyes fixed on me.
"Eh? Yukina-san?"
"You were staring at that car for a long time," she said softly, concern in her tone. "Do you know the person inside?"
I swallowed hard. "...Yes. I used to. When we were children."
Lisa grinned mischievously. "Ooh, so who's this mystery boy, Rinko?"
My cheeks heated. "He... he's the reason I started playing piano. The reason I didn't give up."
The others blinked, intrigued. Ako tilted her head. "So, is he any good, Rin-Rin?"
I hesitated, then whispered, "Good doesn't begin to cover it. He was... a prodigy. Back when I was winning competitions, he was winning three times as many. We once competed side by side, and he—"
"And he?" Yukina pressed.
"He won. Effortlessly. His music... it was divine. Like listening to a god perform."
Silence fell over the group. Even Sayo, who rarely praised, looked surprised.
Lisa finally broke it. "Wow. That good, huh? Honestly, I'd have quit piano right there."
"I almost did," I admitted quietly. "But he came to me after, told me my music was different. He taught me techniques, spent time with me, became my closest friend. Until... he left."
The others leaned closer.
"He went overseas," I continued. "To grow. To become more. I was nine, he was eleven. Before he left, we made a promise."
Their eyes widened as I pulled out a small necklace from beneath my collar. The chain glinted faintly under the sun.
"He gave me this. Told me to hold it until I surpassed myself as a pianist. That one day, when he returned as a professional, I would give it back to him."
I held the necklace close to my chest. "Eight years I've carried it. If what I saw was truly him, then... it's time. Time to prove how far I've come."
The fire in my voice surprised even me. For once, I wasn't timid, wasn't hiding. My bandmates saw it too — a confidence I rarely showed.
Yukina's hand came to rest gently on my shoulder. "Then show him. At Future World Fes, you'll have the stage. As your leader, and your friend, I'll support you."
Lisa winked. "Count me in. Who knows? Maybe he'll join Roselia once he hears us."
Sayo sighed, but smiled faintly. "Unlikely. Still, I'll help however I can."
Ako beamed. "We've got your back, Rin-Rin! Promise!"
The warmth of their words overwhelmed me. Tears welled in my eyes as I whispered, "Thank you... all of you..."
We embraced, a circle of trust and friendship binding tighter than ever.
When Lisa finally pulled back, she asked the question they all wanted to know. "So, what's his name?"
I smiled, brighter than I had in years. "Nagae Riku."