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A pop music riff that sounds like a mashup of Déjà Vu and Long Dream swells for a moment and then goes faint as SHIKI MISAKI’s voice sounds over it and a Gatto Nero logo appears on the screen.
Shiki: Welcome, watchers! I’m Shiki Misaki, co-creator of Gatto Nero and you’re watching the most fabulous streaming show in Shibuya, um, ‘F Everything On Air’. Heh, uh, featuring your usual hosts, Eiji Oji (also known as ‘the Prince’), who was a bit a fashion inspiration of mine, to be honest! Oh, and Eiru, a rising pop star sensation with an iconic voice! Check out his upcoming album: Utilize! Today, they’ll be discussing their background in video games, Eiru's new album, and peerhaps whatever else you suggest to them, while playing The Planet Starts With Me, uh, Final Remix. How was th–?
The music volume rises for a few seconds as the voice recording ends, and then it fades out, along with the logo, as EIJI OJI and EIRU appear side by side, each in their own gaming chair and wearing headsets.
Eiji: Thank you and welcome watchers for tuning in! And a big thank you to Shiki Misaki for recording the intro for today’s stream for us! She did an excellent job, didn’t she, Eiru?
Eiru: She sure did!
Eiji: Yes, Shibuya is a city of trends and few people navigate them so well at her age. We were really fortunate that she was available to make a little intro for us like that. Be sure to show her your appreciation in the chat! How’s chat looking, Eiru?
Eiru: A lot of love for Mr Mew, looking at the emojis!
Eiji: No surprise there! That cat is an adorable mascot!
Eiru: (Reading) Lots of folks really liked getting to hear from her. Some are asking about who we’re getting n–CATastrophe, thanks for the ten pins! Uhh, oh, someone is asking about the game we’re playing; they’ve never heard of it. I’ve actually never heard of it either, RiverBoy. This one was Eiji’s choice.
Eiji: Yes, I admit, it’s an obscure one, and I’m looking forward to introducing you to it! But first, we should do our introductions and run through the purpose of our stream for those who don’t know us.
Eiru: There can’t be many of those!
Eiji: Hey now, let’s not get too big for our boots. After all, the trends in Shibuya can make you and break you–
Eiru: (overlapping)–in Shibuya can make you and break you.
Eiji: –You remembered!
Eiru: What can I say? It’s good advice. Got a lot of “Jinx!” in the chat!
Eiji: Well, chat, I hope that harmonious introduction gives you a good idea of who we are if you didn’t already know. As Miss Misaki said in the introduction, I’m Eiji Oji, sometimes known as ‘Prince’, and this is Eiru, my fabulous co-streamer.
Eiru: This is our stream, ‘F Everything On Air’, where we play games, discuss trends and sometimes have guests on to talk whatever’s coming up in the city of Shibuya.
Eiji: And if there’s a particularly showstopping moment, then we’ll call for some ‘Fs’ in the chat. F…for FABULOUS!
Eiru plays an SFX of applause and brief party music.
Eiji: That about sums it up! Any questions from our fans to kick us off, Eiru?
Eiru: Uh, PixiePrincess is asking if we’re aware how that sounds.
Eiji: How what sounds?
Eiru: Uhh, yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask about this as well. I didn’t want to object back when the idea was novel and all, but…
Eiji: What is it?
Eiru: …You know what? It doesn’t matter! Let’s just move on to–
Eiji: No no no, Eiru, please. Don’t hold back, it’s alright. What are you referring to? Is there an issue with the letter ‘F’?
Eiru: Ahh… Chat’s arguing over whether I should tell you or not…
Eiji: I’m not asking the chat. I’m asking you. You can be honest with me, Eiru. That’s part of being partners. Trust me!
Eiru: …Alright. So, about the whole ‘F in the chat’ thing, and the title, ‘F Everything On Air’? You know that in both cases, there are some existing associations with those expressions that are really…not positive?
Eiji: …WHAAAT?? HOW DARE YOU!
Eiru: I! You! But I was just–!
Eiji: (laughing) Don’t worry, Eiru, I’m only joking! Didn’t mean to startle you, sorry!
Eiru: Oh! Phew. So you already knew?
Eiji: Somewhat. I’ve heard some things, but I’ve never looked into it.
Eiru: You haven’t? Why not?
Eiji: That’s always been the core point of my old blog, Eiru. ‘Ennui’ – I don’t give a damn. And I don’t say that to be rude; it’s just the honest truth. I do things my way, no matter how others regard it, which is a respectable approach. That authenticity has always been what made me stand out and develop the understanding of being an individual in a world of shifting trends. I’m not going to let other people’s perceptions change who I am, even when I go online.
Eiru: Wow… Okay, yeah, that was a really good speech.
Eiji: Thank you!
Eiru: …But the name does sound kind of dirty…
Eiji: Alright, alright, if it bothers you, Eiru, we’ll workshop it after this broadcast. For now, let’s get on with the show. What are chat doing over there?
Eiru: Huh? Oh. (laughs) They’re all putting ‘Fs’ in the chat!
Eiji: (laughs) Excellent! F…
Both: For FABULOUS!!
Eiru: Yeah, some others are gushing about you, Prince. Some are–Sweet-Bunny-Stan, thanks for the 30 pins! Oh, UndergroundWorker, thanks for the seven gift subs! To answer your question, NoBurgers_NoLife, my new album Utilize will be coming out in a couple of weeks, on the 10th.
Eiji: Ooh! We need to discuss that at some point!
Eiru: (chuckles) Later. First, I wanna hear about this game we’re playing today, and the chat are buzzing for it as well!
Eiji: Right you are. Alright, let’s get the game started up and I’ll explain the background of it while it loads. As mentioned, it’s not a very well-known game.
Eiru: Which makes it remarkable that you’re so familiar with it. I wouldn’t have had you pegged as a gamer.
Eiji: Ordinarily, I’m not, but this charming classic caught my eye a couple of years ago when it made its mobile phone debut. At first, I was just intrigued by the character designs – and you’ll soon see why – but when the deeper themes of the game became clear to me…Well, I can’t deny it, I became a bit obsessed for a couple of weeks!
Eiru: Did you post it on your blog.
Eiji: I didn’t. I F’ed it! F…
Both: For FABULOUS!!
Eiru: Got it, got it! Looking at the chat, KeyToTheSky is very excited, saying they’ve played all the games by this developer…Oh! These are the same people who made FanGO?
Eiji: Ah! FanGO, what a charming game that was! Yes and no – same company; different branch. You’ll see the odd reference to it in this game, actually. I’m not an expert, but I think it’s part of their larger universe?
Eiru: Aw, that’s cute! I love it when studios make connections like that! So wait, you said you played this on mobile?
Eiji: Yes, that was called “Solo Mix” and was itself a rerelease of the original on some handheld – I forget the name of it. But this is another rerelease with lots of bonus content, including a long-awaited teaser for a long-awaited sequel!
Eiru: Ooh, exciting!
Eiji: So this one is called “Final Remix” and my goodness, look at these updated visuals! Very high definition!
Eiru: I see what you mean already about the character designs, that’s a really unique art style (in a good way!), but personally, my ear is more drawn to that soundtrack! We’re ten seconds into this game and I want to start dancing already!
Eiji: Oh my goodness, yes! This music alone brings back memories! I’d leave the game unattended for ages sometimes just to listen to these beats!
Eiru: Oh, Eiji! We’re getting requests in the chat already!
Eiji: For the music?
Eiru: Yep! Shall we?
Eiji: Definitely! Well Eiru, let’s kick off our playthrough by F’ing this soundtrack. In fact, let’s F it to high heaven!
Eiru: Ooh! We’ve got a high heaven hitter, guys! Chat is lighting up with the custom emojis!
Eiji: F this soundtrack to high heaven, chat! F…
Both: For FABULOUS!!
They both laugh and then sit quietly for a minute, just listening to the music.
Eiru: …So what’s this game about, anyway?
Eiji: In a sentence, exploring your world, in many a sense.
Eiru: Huh?
Eiji: Oh, I could go on for ages about it, but I don’t want to spoil the plot! Let’s just started!
Eiru: Yeah, no better way to find out! Alright, let’s see… I don’t see a co-op option in the main menu?
Eiji: Strange, I’m sure I saw one advertised. The previous versions didn’t have that feature, so it is a new addition. Maybe we’ll find it after we start up the game?
Eiru: Alright, let’s fire it up. While it loads, thanks a ton to Board_Breaker for the 50 pins! To answer your question, SkullRhythm, pins are our streamer currency, like our other streamers would say ‘bits’. And thanks for the 10 gift subs, 7774LYFE (great name, by the way, those guys were an early inspiration of mine)! Same here, I’m looking forward to seeing what this game’s about!
Eiji: Ooh! Ooh! It’s starting! Ahh, that nostalgic voice acting…
Ten minutes later.
Eiru: …Oh wow, remember when main protagonists with amnesia was in every game?
Eiji: They were?
Eiru: Oh right, you didn’t game much outside of this! Yeah, it was a typical way for RPGs to introduce players to their worlds and stories in a way that felt natural to the world. You don’t see it much anymore, but it was always a charming plot device, especially when you found out why they had amnesia in the first place!
Eiji: You have a good insight for this kind of thing! Do you think about stories like this often?
Eiru: Well, you know. I think it’s what got me up to song-writing, thinking about the layers and little meanings. Whether it’s songs or video games, it’s cool that they’re all telling stories with little themes and messages, whether they’re subtle or obvious – some good and others not so good!
Eiji: No joke! How’s this old classic measuring up so far?
Eiru: Well even though we’ve only just started, I already really like how they’re layering the theme of exploration with both the mechanics and the protagonists’ need to step outside of his own bubble! It’s a great use of the science fiction setting as well.
Eiji: I’m glad you’re enjoying it! And since we’ve passed the opening tutorial and have a lull to mull about in, I was thinking we might stroll back to the subject of your songs right now and discuss your new album?
Eiru: Oh! Well I’ll give you points for the segue, but are you sure people are all that interested?
Eiji: I do pay attention to the chat too, you know. Come on, Eiru. Everyone’s getting wild at just the mention of it!
Eiru: Heh, okay, I suppose you–CopyPasteRepeat, thanks for the 40 pins–I suppose you have a point.
Eiji: Oh, and heads up, when I said “discuss”, I really meant “demo”!
Eiji reaches over, presses something, and starts up a J-Pop-Rock instrumental.
Eiru: What!? How did you…?
Eiji: Go on, Eiru! We’re dying to hear it!
Eiru: (shaking his head with a smirk) Alright, alright!
Eiru clears his throat and leans into the microphone while Eiji bobs his head.
Eiru:
Sometimes bein’ one-of-a-kind
Means livin’ in a lifelong bind
You can’t quit bein’ you
Don’t wanna hide what’s true
But you don’t fit in, so what do you do?
Hey, everybody’s got their quirks
And we’re responsible to make ‘em work
Meant to be unique
Use your voice to speak
And keep on climbin’ ‘till you hit your peak!
What you have is what you were given
Make the most of it and start livin’
Let your doubts and fears be forgiven!
You’ve got a gift you’ve got to set free
Do it for you and for the world to see
Realise! Utilize!
Light up the world with the power inside
Clear out the darkness; there’s no need to hide
Equalize! Utilize!
Utilize.
Eiji plays an uproarious audience applause sound effect and applauds Eiru himself as the music fades out.
Eiji: Bravo!! Incredible stuff, Eiru!
Eiru: How was that? You guys enjoy it?
Eiji: I can see the chat going gaga for it from here!
Eiru: Heh, thanks! Very much appreciating the love, DayDreamer, OnceARegular, MiniCatMama, MusicFan, GirlRejected, BlurryEyes, MMOGamer, EyesOnTheSky and HalcyonHighSchooler!
Eiji: That was an extract from the titular song of your new album, “Utilize”, which is right around the corner! While I'm a little more partial to some of the other tracks, such as My Weapon and No More Worrying, I can see why this song is the heavy-hitting headliner! Do tell, what was the inspiration for that song?
Eiru: Aw, it’s not exactly a secret. I’d been wrestling with my insecurity over my voice sounding like a woman’s, which I’d get a lot of teasing about and people mistaking me for a girl. It was driving me mad, wishing I didn’t sound like that, until I had this epiphany. It was like I got struck by lightning! All at once, I realised that at the end of the day, it was my voice and it was up to me to make the most of it. I was looking at the curses of it that came from my perception. Once I changed my point of view, I saw the blessings! And I intend to, well, utilize them!
Eiji: Oh, Eiru! Beautifully said! I couldn’t be more happy for you, my friend!
Eiru: Aw shucks, Eiji.
Eiji: Chat, I think you know exactly what comes next! Don’t you?
Eiru: Ha ha, here we go again, chat!
Eiji: F everything! F this new song! F this new album! And F Eiru most of all to high heaven!
Eiru: (muttering aside) Need to remind myself this is his biggest compliment, sometimes…
Eiji: F…for…
Both: FABULOUS!!
The door bursts open behind them and Makoto Miki runs in.
Makoto: FABULOUS!!
Eiru: Whoa! Who the heck is this?
Eiji: Mick!?
Makoto: Sorry I’m late, Prince! I know you said you’d have me on–
Eiji: I said we’d talk about it!
Makoto: –today?
Eiji: Next Thursday, Mick! Next Thursday!
Makoto: Wait, but… Oh… Oh no. Darn it! Great job, Makoto…
Eiru: Uh, so…
Makoto: Oh, hey! You’re Eiru!
Eiru: Huh? Uh, yeah, I…
Makoto: It’s so great to meet you! I’m such a huge fan of your work!
Eiji: (Clearing throat and standing up) Uh, Mick? I’m sorry to do this to you, but, do you mind?
Makoto: What? Oh! Right, sorry guys, I’m gatecrashing your show, aren’t I? My bad! I really like what you guys do, it’s awesome to catch up with you every week, and I’m still here. Sorry! I’ll leave. I’ll, uh, I’ll catch up with you when–hey wait, is that The Planet Starts With Me?
Eiji: (Ushering Makoto out) Goodbye for now, Mick!
Makoto: Oh, sorry! Goodb–
The door shuts. Eiji comes and sits back down.
Eiji: Sorry about that.
Eiru: No worries! Friend of yours?
Eiji: Yes, I may tell the full story another time, with his blessing, but suffice to say he’s an at-times-overenthusiastic old friend.
Eiru: I see! So you’re thinking of having him on the show?
Eiji: Eh…we’ll talk about it.
Eiru: Were you thinking he’d join us for another gaming session?
Eiji: We’ll talk about that too. How’s chat doing after that interruption?
Eiru: Uhh, let’s see. Well ‘MrBoldBriefs’ was a fan of Makoto, loved his enthusiasm! But SpainHillBFF thought…uh, nevermind. CurryDon said…some constructive things! But ‘Ryoji’ says…oh come on guys, keep it respectful, please! Ryoji, you’re getting a one week ban for that.
Eiji: His username was just ‘Ryoji’?
Eiru: Yeah. I can’t fault him for that. I mean, with my brand, I’d be a bit hypocritical! Say, where did the whole ‘Prince’ name come from anyway?
Eiji: Ah, that’s a bit of an anti-climax, but what do you say I tell it to you as we get back to the game?
Eiru: Oh yeah! Good call, I’m eager to see these mechanics at play. I should have known from the title that we’d be building things across a whole planet!
Eiji: Planets.
Eiru: Huh?
Eiji: AH! That’s a spoiler! Ignore that, forget I said anything! So, as for the whole Prince thing…
Forty minutes later.
Eiru: …Ooh, that’s an ominous line! What do you say we end the stream here and pick up on that cliffhanger next week?
Eiji: Ahh, part of me really wants to keep going now that I’m starting to remember all of this! But you’re right, we should hold off and carry on later. Still, I’m really enjoying getting to share this old classic with you and all of our fabulous viewers!
Eiru: I’m really enjoying getting into it! Chat also seems to be following along really well. Yeah, sorry CATphones, but we really enjoyed your insights, so hopefully we’ll see you all next week for more of the story!
Eiji: There sadly won’t be another demo from Eiru’s new album...
Eiru: But perhaps we’ll spend some time talking about a new Elegant Strategy update?
Eiji: Eiru, shush!
Eiru: Hee hee, that’s set off the chat! Oop, I summoned back xXFaithfulSubjectOfLordTomonamiNowAndHereAfterXx again. Aaand she’s typing in all caps again.
Eiji: I have to admire her passion, if nothing else.
Eiru: Apart from the all caps, her grammar is impressive! But I’m afraid we need to call things here, chat! Thanks so much for tuning in!
Eiji: We really enjoyed being here and we’re looking forward to sparing another hour next week!
Eiru: Eiji, as always, it’s been fantastic.
Eiji: Don’t you mean fabulous?
Eiru: That too!
Eiji: Yes, Eiru, it’s been a lot of fun! We’d better go now but thank you everyone once again for joining us as we ‘F Everything On Air’!
They stand up, cropping their heads from view, and take off their headsets.
Eiji: …Okay, that time, I did hear it.
Eiru: Oh, thank–!!
The stream cuts to a chibi image of Eiji and Eiru while the Déjà vu and Long Dream mashup abruptly cuts back in.