Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

 “Okay! Let's all introduce ourselves! My name is Emu Ootori, Emu means smile! You next, uhhh… green girl!”

 “My name is Nene Kusanagi.”

 “I'm Rui Kamishiro, I'm friends with Nene. I'm sorry, she isn't the type to talk much.”

 “Well, my first name is written with the character for ruling, and second with the character for pegasus. I am Tsukasa Tenma, the soaring pegasus born for success!”

 “Hehe, now that we all know each other, let's go look around!~☆”

 One day, Emu finds herself roaming alone in the streets. She isn't sure of what she's doing, but she knows she needs to find someone. After walking, walking, walking some more and a bit of questioning, Emu finds herself in front of a hospital. She has already went to many places, a hospital is just another one~

 “You can't get what you want until you kill the Wicked Witch of the West!”

 It was with this single line that Emu knew something: I need him. She decided to stay by the door until the play ended. No security worker would make her leave!

 She watched that play like it was the most important thing in her life right now. Every movement that nameless boy did, she would watch. She watched everything until the last second, focusing on the way the kids would react and how the actors played their role. It was the Wizard of Oz, a story she was more than familiar with.

 By the end of the play, she knew everything she needed. The boy's name was Tsukasa. He was an actor volunteering at the hospital his little sister was staying at. She needed to talk to him– but toning down her excitement in a hospital was hard.

 “You're Tsukasa, yes? I want you to work with me!!”

 “Ah! A fan, I see. But what is that about ‘work’?”

 “Hehehe, well… I want to make everyone smile, and you'll help me!☆ I heard you're here to make your sister happier. What if you could make many, many, people happy?”

 “I guess my performance really left you speechless, huh? Guess I'll have to accept this deal.”

 “Wonderhoy!!!☆ I'll explain you everything you want later~”

 Emu managed to successfully recruit that guy! She decided to talk to him for a while, and here's everything she found out about him:

• He's in his first year of high school (a year older than her!!!)
• His sister is the same age as Emu. They're technically in the same school, but she doesn't go to school
• He's helping at the hospital so he can have a bigger chance of becoming a big shot
• He's very self-centered and loves his sister a lot (he didn't say, but Emu noticed it)

 He's perfect! Emu finally found the perfect guy to begin her plan: Make the whole world smile.

 Emu has been trying to get this dream of hers to work since her grandpa took her to a play in her family's theme park. She needs to keep that stage going, but she doesn't want to begin it half assed. It will be perfect. Amazing even. The Niccori Survey Team! That's the first step of her plan. She'll get a group of people with the same passion for shows as her and look all around the world for what people like. Kids and adults. Chinese and Brazilian. It doesn't matter who or what, everyone will be happy!

 And that boy, Tsukasa Tenma was the first one to accept her idea. Maybe Emu could ask his sister what she likes. She was sure that someone who grew up with a dramatic theatre kid (in a positive way) has a vast vocabulary of plays, movies and ideas.

 “I'll need your help, Tsukasa. Let's make the whole world smile! Wonderhoy!~☆”

 “Eh?!- Won- Wonderhoy?”

 “Eh? You said it! My heart feels badum-badum and sparkly! I'll show you around the park!”

 Her plan was going to be a success. She was sure of it. It was everything she loves– talking to others and her grandpa's stage. Only a few more people and her team would be complete~☆

Chapter Text

 The day was nice. It wasn't a sunset. It wasn't early morning. It wasn't any of those things. It was after class and Emu had been waiting for God knows how long outside of Kamiyama High. 

 There were students running back and forth, teachers screaming at those, the bells rang and all of those people together made the area warm. Tsukasa had a very busy day– he cried over physics, went to the faculty office twice for being too loud and had a pop quiz. After all that, all he needed was to go home and watch some musicals. That was his plan and I would've worked, if it wasn't for that one girl waiting outside.

 “Emu?! What are you doing here???”

 “Hehe, I thought I'd meet you today! This school is very nice!”

 “How did you even figure out where I study? That's not the point; what are-”

 “Let's go interview people! Lead the way, Tsukasa!”

 There weren't many normal students at school besides those for after-school activities. Theatre kids, art kids and the student council were walking around, doing their things while Tsukasa tried hiding Emu as she talked to everyone she saw.

 “Are there no archery clubs here? We have it at Miya.”

 “I thought clubs had academic purposes.”

 “Asahina and Hinomori are great students and they're members!”

 “You're friends with Shizuku?”

 “Eeehh? You're friends with her?!”

 “Well, Saki is friends with Shiho and-”

 “That's amazing! Let's go talk to that girl with the painting! She looks troubled!”

 “Oh, Shinonome? Wait! Don't just say that about strangers!”

 “Heeey!!! Shinononome!!!”

 Emu didn't care. Being shy was not something she was familiar with, and shame would be thrown out the window for her to achieve something. It wasn't a bad thing, it was just impressive. And despite being consistently loud and dramatic and whatnot, Tsukasa didn't want a random girl screaming and running in the halls.

 She was troublesome, but so was Tsukasa, and his curiosity allowed him to just let Emu be.

 “Eh? Um? Shinononome? Tenma! Do you know this girl?”

 “I'm Emu! Me and Tsukasa are investigating people! Do you like shows and plays?”

 “I guess they're nice… I have a friend who's more into that than I am.”

 “What's their name? School?”

 “Let me handle this, Emu. Shinonome, what's their name and school?”

 “Look, I need to get this painting delivered, I'll just send it to you.”

 Ena ran away like her life was at risk. There was an unspoken agreement at Kamiyama: Tsukasa. It wasn't anything specific, just Tsukasa. And she had witnessed it first hand. Not only Tsukasa, but some bright girl who said her name wrong. 

 The sun was now setting. Emu and Tsukasa had an exciting day walking through school, interviewing people, and lots of back and forth. They weren't used to working with others– they were lonely, but would rather die than admit it. 

 At the end of the day, Emu walked Tsukasa through the park up until the ferris wheel. The park really was beautiful at any point and time. A beautiful sunset and a private place. It was perfect to talk things out.

 “Hey, Tsukasa, I never asked you this, but why do you want to become a star?”

 “Eh? I… Well, I was born for this!”

 “Hehe, that's the spirit! Maybe that person Shinonomeme mentioned could tell us something! Try asking Hinomori too! Let's make everyone happy, Tsukasa!”

 “Of course, my dear Emu! A star like me should do that! Maybe I could ask Toya and Saki…”

 “Then I'll ask my brothers, my sister, Azusawa, Momoi, Hinomori, the other Hinomori, Hoshino, Mochizuki and Asahina!”

 “T- That's a lot of people!”

 “The more the merrier, they say! I know this will be amazing! Shinononome messaged you, right? We'll look for that person tommorow! Wonderhoy!~☆”

 As the sun set, Emu decided to go one final time on the ferris wheel. Tsukasa was already dizzy, but he needed to show how strong and amazing he was! 

 Even though Tsukasa still wasn't fully aware of it, he knew he just wanted to make people happy too. Being famous would be nice, of course, but how much of a star is he truly if he can't manage to be like those that inspired him? Like those that made him and his sister smile a long time ago? Was he really useful being a failure? Not that any of this mattered right now, along with Emu, they would make others happy and put successful shows for all!

Chapter Text

Tsukasa ran to meet Emu as fast as he could. When did the Miya classes end? Either that or Emu was just really fast. It didn't really matter. After Ena gave Tsukasa their friend's number, he and Emu decided to go meet them at their school.

 Ena didn't know them in real life. She knew their name– Mizuki Akiyama– and their school– she didn't remember the name. They didn't have much information on them, at all. All they knew was: boys uniform and pink, short hair. Good. Vague.

 Emu had been waiting there for a while now, even infiltrating the school looking for said Akiyama. After looking in every classroom and possible rooms, she waited at the rooftop. There was a small problem though; Tsukasa didn't know how to infiltrate a school. Was it common knowledge? Who knew! But after multiple failed attempts, he managed to get in there just as Akiyama came through the door.

 “There it is!” Emu said, way too exitedly. “Look, Tsukasa! Our target!”

 “It's not “it”, Emu! It's a person! Come, let's go talk with them.”

 “Who are you two?” Questioned what appeared to be Akiyama, noticing their uniforms. “And why are you here?”

 “I am Emu Ootori! We came here because Ms. Shinonomeme said you liked shows!”

 “Ena? Why did she-”

 “I know! Let's talk at a café. Akiyama, follow me!” Emu was already grabbing their hand, leaving Tsukasa and Mizuki confused. “Tsukasa will pay!”

 “EH???”

 “Okay…”

 Emu lead the way to a very nice café in a rich neighbourhood. It was close to Tsukasa's house, but he wouldn't dare to open his mouth– what if Emu began showing up? After everyone settled down and ordered, interrogation began.

 “Okay, so your best friend liked making shows with robots. Were they good?”

 “He always made sure everything was perfect, with sound effects, explosions and what else. He's a good director and his narrations were nice. I liked his voice.”

 “Why are you asking me this? Y'all trying to make a troupe?

 “Yes!” Exclamed both, excitedly.

 “Uh… I'll write down his school and name. Be nice with him and tell him you two talked to me. I think he'll enjoy something like this.” Mizuki said in a warm tone, smiling. This gave Emu and Tsukasa a confidence boost.

 “That's the school Toya goes to!”

 “Eeehhhh??? Nice!”

 “I'll leave then. Tell me how it goes, if it's fine with you.”

 Mizuki left, a lot more welcoming than Ena. That made the duo happy, and less confused. They enjoyed their meal before deciding to meet him tomorrow. Emu loves solving things quickly. And despite complaining, Tsukasa followed Emu's ideas with curiosity.

 “Tsukasa, weren't you supposed to visit your sister today? My brothers could give you a ride!”

 “I promised Saki I would help her with homework today! Emu! Where are your brothers?!”

 “Let me help her! And don't worry about time, the car goes fwoosh!!”

 “You don't look smart…”

 “Hey! Mind you, mister Tsukasa Tenma, I am very, very smart! You see-”

 “It doesn't matter! Let's go!”

 The ride to the hospital wasn't supposed to be something entertaining. They exchanged jokes, Emu showed off her grades and her brothers talked with Tsukasa. The last time Emu went to a hospital was for her grandpa, and for Tsukasa, he was mostly alone, sometimes accompanied by Ichika. This was a nice change, and could possibly make going to such a place something not so dreadful.

 The hospital room Saki stayed in was not what any child should go through. No one enjoyed that in the slightest, but seeing Tsukasa or Ichika made her day. Today was a different day. Instead of just her and Tsukasa doing homework in silence, Emu's loud energy that had contaminated Tsukasa earlier was able to bring those two siblings some joy. It wouldn't solve things, of course not, but were bad visits mandatory?

 “Saki's hair is so pretty and fluffy! And she's smart too! Is she really your sister, Tsukasa?”

 “Hey! My brother is amazing!”

 “Yes, Emu! I'm amazing!”

 “Sakiiii, let's be classmates next year! And go to our shows tooooo! And Phoenix Wonderland! And to my house! And-”

 “Emu!”

 “Hey, Tsukasa! Can Emu visit our house? Please?”

 “Don't make me fall for your words! We came here for homework!”

 “Dear brother…”

 “Tsukasa…”

 “I- I'll think about it. But after homework!”

 Tommorow's checklist:

• Visit this Rui!!!☆
• Check if he's a worthy director

Chapter Text

Rui is a genius kid, but his weird personality wouldn't let that side shine. But ever since he began high school, his “senses got back in place”, as the counselor would say.

 Through middle school, he accidentally became Mizuki's friend. Prior to that, he was Nene's friend. That was all he had. That and his robots. He liked making shows, but he had no friends. The solution? Robots! 

 His life was mundane and lonely, following a pattern since he was born. Was this cycle going to follow him until death? No one really knew. Having the same routine for the rest of your life was something you would get used to.

 It was just another normal day at school. As he was getting ready to leave, a boy with two colored hair and, based on his uniform, a middle schooler, went up to Rui.

 “Are you Kamishiro? I would like to discuss something with you. Would you follow me home?”

 “You're Aoyagi, correct? Let's get going then.”

 If Rui wasn't familiar with who this boy was, he was sure he would be murdered. Toya was a smart kid from a rich family, but he was also very kind. He was someone anyone could trust.

The way home was calm. Rui didn't think anything weird, but he thought it was weird. What possibly could Aoyagi want with him? Well, he only found out after Toya suddenly left.

 When arriving home, he found two people sitting at a couch, a boy and a girl. They immediately pay attention to Rui.

 “Here he is. Thank you for asking me this, Tsukasa.”

 “No problem, Toya! Thank you!”

 “He's just like Mizuki said he looked! He looks promising. Let's keep him, Tsukasa! Please!” Emu screamed excitedly.

 “Let's talk to him first! We mustn't let anyone join!” Tsukasa said proudly.

 “Eh?”

 After that, all that Rui remembered was being carried to a weirdly designed room and being tied to something chair-like.

 “Let's begin the interrogation then. Name?”

 “Rui Kamishiro”

 “Grade?”

 “First year of high school.”

 “Do you like making shows?”

 “Yes?”

 “Do you know Mizuki Akiyama?”

 “Yes.”

 “He's the one! You make a good evil cop, Tsukasa!”

 “What exactly is going on?” Asked Rui, confused.

 “We want you to join our group! I want to make loooots of shows and so does that guy, so we're hunting!”

 “Shows, huh?” This idea intrigued Rui. "I'll think of it on two conditions then: I would like to see you two improvise something right now. If I like it, I'd like to know a friend of mine."

 “Right now?! Emu!” Tsukasa panicked. “Which ones do you know?” 

 “My lord, I came to see your father's funeral.” Emu quickly got in character, it was almost scary.

 “Ah, Hamlet, a good choice.”

 “I prithee, do not mock me, fellow student.” He quickly got in character too. “I think it was to my mother’s wedding.”

 “Indeed, my lord, it followed hard upon.”

 “Thrift, thrift, Horatio. The funeral baked meats. Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables. Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven. Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio! My father—methinks I see my father.”

 “Where, my lord?”

 “In my mind's eye, Horatio.”

 “Hehe, what you think, Rui? Tsukasa was pretty good ☆”

 “Of course I was! But why me and not us?”

 “I decided that you're the leader!”

 “EH?” His ‘composed’ persona quickly fell off. “I mean– Of course it should be me! I'll be an amazing leader!” And quickly came back.

 “You two are good, for something improvised too. Very well, I believe I'll join you two.”

 “Wonderhoy!!! And bring that friend of yours tommorow! Let's meet at the wonder stage at Phoenix Wonderland!”

 “Untie him, Tsukasa!”

 Rui wouldn't have imagined his day would've gone this way. He would've never expected to meet such a group of people. Emu and Tsukasa would've never expected to meet such an interesting person. Tsukasa never thought he would tie someone to his two-legged chair. And Nene would never dream she would step on a stage again in a few days.