Devil Kaoruko Hanayagi/Bond Story

*"I offer my soul. So please save the Hanged Man." Having accepted the Magician's plea, the Devil makes the contract. The Devil was also curious about someone who'd denied God and challenged difficulties. From "Performance Festival" Play - Act 1.*

*(Part 1 and Part 2 of Arcana Arcadia Stage Girl bond stories are viewable in the Gallery under Arcana Arcadia - Intermission.)*

* Part 1
* Part 2
* Bond Level 15 Talk
* Bond Level 30 Talk

What's in the Devil's Right Hand Part 1

 **Kaoruko:**Stupid.

 **Futaba:**Urk...

 **Kaoruko:**So stupid.

 **Futaba:**Ngh...

 **Kaoruko:**So stupid!

 **Futaba:**Stop being so mean already!

 **Kaoruko:**I'm not being mean. I'm just calling a stupid girl, stupid.

 **Kaoruko:**\*sigh\* I thought you seemed kind of down recently... I can't believe you've been eliminated in the Revues already.

 **Futaba:**Ugh...

 **Kaoruko:**I was trying to figure out what the "blue oni" was about... Now it all makes sense.

 **Kaoruko:**"I want to be right there to see her become the 'Unknown Lead'."

 **Kaoruko:**"I will pave the way and clear this path that she's going down."

 **Kaoruko:**"Those who try to block our path – This blue oni will take them down!"

 **Kaoruko:**That's what you were thinking, right?

 **Futaba:**...You were watching?

 **Kaoruko:**I don't need to watch to know.

 **Futaba:**\*sigh\* Yes, you're absolutely right.

 **Futaba:**...I just want to see you become the "Unknown Lead".

 **Futaba:**I can't help it... if that's what I want to see.

 **Kaoruko:**...You're really stupid to get fooled by those words. "Timeless Play"... "Unknown Lead"...

 **Kaoruko:**I suppose you're right in that it's a fitting role for me. I can understand why you'd want to see it.

 **Kaoruko:**However... It doesn't concern you.

 **Futaba:**Ugh...

 **Kaoruko:**I don't need anyone to make me the lead. I'll become the lead with my own strength.

 **Futaba:**......

 **Kaoruko:**I think the red oni and blue oni... is a beautiful story. But the ending leaves me wondering.

 **Kaoruko:**The blue oni sacrifices himself for his dear friend. But then that robs him of his chance to become something himself.

 **Kaoruko:**On top of that, he didn't even discuss it with his friend... The blue oni was simply meddling in other people's affairs for his own satisfaction.

 **Futaba:**...Tomoe pretty much told me the same thing.

 **Kaoruko:**Oh, really now... So you were talking about these things with her.

 **Futaba:**Oh, um...

 **Kaoruko:**Well... I guess the way she is right now, she would be able to say something like that at least.

 **Kaoruko:**Tamao Tomoe... You saw her look, yeah?

 **Futaba:**...Yeah.

 **Kaoruko:**Every year at the New Year Dance Performance between all schools nationwide... She'd always play second fiddle to me. Yet now, she has that look in her eyes.

 **Kaoruko:**She's determined and understands the meaning behind challenging this stage... She's risking her life for the lead role... She has the true eyes of "Death".

 **Kaoruko:**...I remember Hoshimi-han saying it before.

 **Futaba:**Hm?

 **Kaoruko:**Something about going amiss and then becoming amiss...?

 **Futaba:**Amiss? Oh...

 **Futaba:**Do you mean... "If you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you"?

 **Kaoruko:**Yeah, that!

 **Futaba:**Gimme a minute, I'll look it up.

 **Futaba:**Let's see... Here we go. "Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster."

 **Futaba:**"If you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you"... A quote by Nietzche.

 **Kaoruko:**Yes, it's just as Nietzche-han said. What we're about to take on is a stage where all hell has broken loose and evil spirits fight.

 **Kaoruko:**A demon for a monster... The "Devil" for "Death".

 **Kaoruko:**Yet you're saying things like "for my sake" and "blue oni"... Doing it for someone else's sake instead of your own... Really... You're so stupid.

 **Futaba:**......

 **Kaoruko:**But... thank you.

 **Futaba:**Huh?

 **Kaoruko:**Well... I know I said it doesn't concern you, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me happy.

 **Kaoruko:**Thank you for putting me before yourself.

 **Futaba:**Kaoruko...

 **Kaoruko:**You've got it tough. You've been charmed by this devil-like girl.

 **Futaba:**S-Shut up. That's not something for you to say!

 **Kaoruko:**There's that too, but...

 **Kaoruko:**Just like you've been charmed by the Devil... The Devil is also watching Strength – watching you.

 **Futaba:**Huh?

 **Kaoruko:**"If you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."

 **Kaoruko:**I'd like to see it. See you... become the "Unknown Lead".

 **Futaba:**...!

 **Kaoruko:**You said before you want to be right there to watch me become a star.

 **Futaba:**...Yeah.

 **Kaoruko:**But you know... a star is an existence that gives off brilliance stronger than anyone else. Position Zero is right in the center of all that brilliance.

 **Kaoruko:**If you want to watch me from up close, you've also got to aim for it too.

 **Kaoruko:**Aim for the center of the brilliance... Aim for Position Zero.

 **Kaoruko:**If you're going to chase after me on this chaotic stage of evil spirits, then you must also become a monster yourself. Be greedy and continue to go after the lead role... Become a monster covered in brilliance.

 **Kaoruko:**Be more greedy and selfish than anyone. Being kind and thinking about others isn't going to cut it.

 **Futaba:**Kaoruko...

 **Kaoruko:**You're lacking in both competence and height, yet you go and try to meddle in other people's affairs... You're so stupid.

 **Futaba:**Don't call me short! But I suppose you're right.

 **Kaoruko:**I told you. If you understand now, then as punishment you have to buy me the most expensive Japanese sweets.

 **Futaba:**What?! Punishment for what?

 **Kaoruko:**Punishment for losing.

 **Futaba:**...And if I'd won?

 **Kaoruko:**Then I would've bought you the most expensive Japanese sweets as a reward. With your wallet.

 **Futaba:**Then I'd still be paying for it.

 **Kaoruko:**Let's not worry about the details. Come, let's go buy some sweets!

 **Futaba:**All right, let's go.

 **Kaoruko:**Hmm... Japanese sweets...

 **Kaoruko:**Hm? What's this?

 **Futaba:**Huh? Japanese sweets, I guess.

 **Kaoruko:**These are Japanese sweets but... What do you call this? The ones that come from a round container.

 **Futaba:**You're talking about capsule toys. Let's see? "Super Vivid Model Masterpiece"...?

 **Futaba:**"A master artist creates perfect replicas of the famous Japanese sweets from long-established sweets shops!"

 **Kaoruko:**Decorative Japanese sweets, I see. Such an odd thing to have.

 **Futaba:**Who would even want such a thing... What?!

 **Kaoruko:**What is it? You sound so... Whaaat?! This is...

 **Kaoruko:**This is "Yoikinu", the exquisite warabimochi from Kyoto's long-established shop "Honke Masamochi"...!

 **Futaba:**The edible gem crafted the traditional way with the hands of a master chef... "Sasazen's" "Hana Kanoko"!

 **Kaoruko:**"Gojo Tanbaan's" masterpiece, "baked chestnut", that's only available for a fleeting moment in autumn and always has a year-long waitlist!

 **Futaba:**"Gojo Tanbaan's baked chestnut" is your favorite! What's with this lineup?

 **Kaoruko:**They're all famous sweets you can never get your hands on!

 **Kaoruko:**I know you can't eat these, but... They look so real I feel like I could eat them!

 **Futaba:**Yes, the detail... It's miniature size, but it looks more like Japanese sweets than the real thing!

 **Futaba:**This lineup and this art... It's legit...!

 **Kaoruko:**...Yes, legit! Futaba-han, this...!

 **Futaba:**Yes, this...!

**Kaoruko & Futaba:**I have to have this!!

 **Kaoruko:**Let's do this, Futaba-han! Give me your coins!

 **Futaba:**Yeah, let's do this, Kaoruko! Where are my coins...

**????:**You two over there! Wait, don't insert the coin in yet!

 **Kaoruko:**...?!

 **Mei Fan:**This series is known as the "Devil's Capsule Toy"... It means business!

 **Futaba:**Y-You're—!

 **Kaoruko:**Siegfeld's Mei-han!

What's in the Devil's Right Hand Part 2

 **Futaba:**Y-You're—!

 **Kaoruko:**Siegfeld's Mei-han!

 **Mei Fan:**Huh? Oh, Seisho's Hanayagi-san and Isurugi-san! Sorry for barging in!

 **Mei Fan:**Good work at the "Performance Festival" script reading the other day. I learned a lot from your acting!

 **Futaba:**That's very kind of you to say. Your acting is also improving every time—

 **Kaoruko:**We can talk about that at another time. Mei-han. Why can't we try this capsule toy?

 **Mei Fan:**Oh, right! This series is known as the "Devil's Capsule Toy"... You mustn't touch it!

 **Futaba:**Devil's...

 **Kaoruko:**Capsule Toy? What do you mean?

 **Mei Fan:**Actually... The quality of this capsule toy series "Super Vivid Model Masterpiece" is incredible...

 **Mei Fan:**Even though it's based on such niche themes, all the capsule toy collectors have their eyes on it and every release has been really popular. It's a hot series!

 **Kaoruko:**I can understand that. I can tell it's well made just by looking at it.

 **Futaba:**If even Kaoruko says so, then it must be pretty amazing.

 **Mei Fan:**Yes, exactly!

 **Mei Fan:**But because of the high quality and popularity, everyone's been fighting to get their hands on it... The resale prices are ridiculous and it's become a bit of a social issue.

 **Futaba:**Whoa...

 **Kaoruko:**It's a tough world.

 **Mei Fan:**So ever since "Super Vivid Model Masterpiece" part 3, "Deluxe Japanese Sweets Series", a trap was set.

 **Kaoruko:**A trap?

 **Mei Fan:**Yes! And that's "Taiyaki Time's" taiyaki!

 **Futaba:**"Taiyaki Time"... The franchise that used to be everywhere?

 **Kaoruko:**The one that disappeared from around town all of a sudden?

 **Mei Fan:**Yes, that "Taiyaki Time"! Here, have a look.

 **Kaoruko:**Oh, what an adorable tiny taiyaki.

 **Futaba:**So this what a capsule toy prize looks like. But this... The batter at the edges and how the red bean paste filling overflows... It's so real.

 **Kaoruko:**Oh, yeah... It really looks like one of those taiyakis from "Taiyaki Time".

 **Kaoruko:**But it's not exactly a "masterpiece"... I wouldn't be that happy if I got this.

 **Mei Fan:**Yes, you're absolutely right. This series has been packed with this taiyaki, so if you spend money on this without thinking...

 **Mei Fan:**You end up like this!

 **Futaba:**Whoa! You have so many taiyakis in your bag!

 **Kaoruko:**Just how much do you love taiyaki?!

 **Mei Fan:**No, that's not it! I didn't choose to get these... They were given to me!

 **Kaoruko:**...?!

 **Futaba:**Do you mean... This capsule toy barely has any of the big prizes and is pretty much all taiyaki...?

 **Mei Fan:**Yes, that's what I'm saying!

 **Mei Fan:**No matter how many times I turn the crank, all that comes out is taiyaki... Hanayagi-san, Isurugi-san... This is the "Devil's Capsule Toy"... Do you understand now?

 **Futaba:**I see. The taiyaki you don't even want gets in the way and the prize you want doesn't appear.

 **Kaoruko:**It's a tough world.

 **Kaoruko:**But then... Why did you play this capsule toy so many times? Are you a fan of Japanese sweets or something?

 **Mei Fan:**Oh... Uh... The thing is... I love capsule toys...

 **Mei Fan:**It's one of my new year's resolution to limit myself to try for a capsule toy only once a week, but.... the "Performance Festival"...

**Futaba & Kaoruko:**"Performance Festival"?

 **Mei Fan:**Yes... Everyone's acting at every script reading has been so incredible...

 **Mei Fan:**Tomoe-san's acting was so chilling... And the exchange with Fumi-san really impressed Akira-san.

 **Mei Fan:**That scene seemed to have inspired Shiori too... Her acting has been improving so much lately.

 **Kaoruko:**What about us?

 **Mei Fan:**Huh? Oh, of course it goes without mention that both of your acting was spectacular.

 **Kaoruko:**Hm, naturally.

 **Futaba:**You forced her to say that.

 **Mei Fan:**So during that script reading... was my "Empress" able to keep up...

 **Mei Fan:**Was I able to give a performance that's worthy of Siegfeld's "Frau Rubin"...? That's all I end up thinking about...

 **Futaba:**And you got so stressed out you kept buying capsule toys...

 **Mei Fan:**Exactly!

 **Mei Fan:**That was when... I learned the "Super Vivid Model Masterpiece" was coming out with a new series!

 **Mei Fan:**Japanese sweets that encompass the best of Japanese culture turned into the finest capsule toys! I had to get my hands on it...!

 **Kaoruko:**So desperate.

 **Futaba:**Very.

 **Mei Fan:**I kept turning the crank without thinking and when I noticed...

 **Kaoruko:**You had a mountain of unwanted taiyaki.

 **Mei Fan:**Ugh! I can't believe I'm so weak...!

 **Futaba:**I see now. Everyone has their own struggles...

 **Kaoruko:**...Heh heh. Looks like your role preparations are going well.

 **Mei Fan:**Huh? Role preparations?

 **Kaoruko:**You were worrying whether your "Empress" would be able to keep up, but the reverse position of the "Empress" Arcana means "spending".

 **Mei Fan:**Oh...

 **Kaoruko:**The "Empress" continuously spends out of boredom... It's the perfect role for you since you continued to get taiyakis out of stress.

 **Mei Fan:**...!

 **Kaoruko:**The "Performance Festival's" production team knew what they were doing when they did the casting. That's why you should be more confident in your acting.

 **Mei Fan:**H-Hanayagi-san!

 **Futaba:**Kaoruko... You...

 **Kaoruko:**...Casting, huh. I see...

 **Kaoruko:**Futaba-han, turn the crank on this capsule toy.

 **Futaba:**What?

 **Kaoruko:**Get my favorite "Gojo Tanbaan's baked chestnut" for me.

 **Futaba:**Get it for you... But this is filled with taiyaki, no?

 **Kaoruko:**Come on. Do it for me.

 **Futaba:**...Okay, all right.

 **Mei Fan:**What, you're going to try the "Devil's Capsule Toy"...?

 **Futaba:**Only because Kaoruko told me to.

 **Futaba:**Okay, let's do this... "Gojo Tanbaan's baked chestnut", come to me! Come on, baked chestnut...! Haaaah!

***\*clonk\****

 **Mei Fan:**Here it is!

 **Futaba:**Come on baked chestnut...!

 **Mei Fan:**What is it?

 **Futaba:**......

 **Futaba:**It's taiyaki!

 **Mei Fan:**I knew it!

 **Futaba:**Ngh... One more time!

 **Kaoruko:**It'll be the same no matter how many times you do it. Futaba-han, coin please.

 **Futaba:**What? You're gonna try?

 **Kaoruko:**Yes, watch closely. The "Devil" Arcana... Upright position means "attachment", "corruption", and "wickedness"...

 **Kaoruko:**Yes, you heard me... "attachment". I'll show you the "Devil's" attachment!

***\*clonk\****

 **Kaoruko:**Phew... Futaba-han, have a look.

 **Futaba:**Huh? Me? Don't you want to see what you got yourself?

 **Kaoruko:**I don't need to see it to know.

 **Futaba:**What......

 **Futaba:**Oh my god! It's... "Gojo Tanbaan's baked chestnut"!

 **Mei Fan:**Whaaaat?! I can't believe you got the prize you wanted on your first try!

 **Futaba:**Kaoruko... How?!

 **Kaoruko:**How? What a silly question. Obviously it's because I wanted it.

 **Futaba:**Oh...

 **Kaoruko:**Mei-han, you were turning the crank while you were doubting yourself. So of course you wouldn't get it.

 **Mei Fan:**...!

 **Kaoruko:**Futaba-han, you were trying it for me. So neither would you.

 **Futaba:**...!

 **Kaoruko:**I'm not giving up this stage to anybody. This lead role is mine.

 **Kaoruko:**I don't need someone to give it to me. I will pour my heart and soul into fighting for what I want for myself.

 **Kaoruko:**As long as I have the will, failure is out of the question. That's right... Our attachment is what's being tested here.

**Futaba & Mei Fan:**Huh...?

 **Kaoruko:**I don't believe in it and I don't know how long it's going to last for... but Tamao Tomoe's attachment – her attachment is stronger than anyone else's and will shine brilliantly on the "Performance Festival" stage.

 **Futaba:**...!

 **Kaoruko:**...But I'm not going to lose. I'll take down "Death" and become the lead.

 **Kaoruko:**With the "Devil's" attachment.

 **Mei Fan:**...!

 **Futaba:**Kaoruko... You never fail to amaze me.

 **Futaba:**I thought I was fine with just being the blue oni... But that's not my own attachment.

 **Futaba:**I won't be able to release my own attachment... my brilliance... by standing on somebody else's stage.

 **Futaba:**I need to aim for it myself... The center of the brilliance... Position Zero.

 **Futaba:**I need to be greedy and continue to go after the lead role... To become a monster covered in brilliance.

 **Futaba:**Be more greedy and selfish than anyone... As far as my "Strength" will take me.

 **Kaoruko:**...Looks like you've got it now. The big prize.

 **Kaoruko:**Come on, Futaba-han. Let's go buy some delicious Japanese sweets and go home.

 **Futaba:**...Okay.

 **Mei Fan:**Please wait!

 **Kaoruko:**Hm?

 **Mei Fan:**I underestimated you, Kaoruko Hanayagi-san!

 **Mei Fan:**You were able to manipulate the "Devil's Capsule Toy" I had spent so much on so easily...

 **Mei Fan:**You showed me how you got it in one go... No, you showed me a stage girl's way of life!

 **Mei Fan:**You can't get the prize when you're in doubt... It's just like you said!

 **Mei Fan:**Spending without thinking and then agonizing over the failed attempts! You've given me a strong push in the direction of the "Empress" I must play!

 **Kaoruko:**Heh... It's fine if you understand now.

 **Futaba:**...Did you actually think that far ahead?

 **Mei Fan:**Actually... Seeing your attachment as the "Devil"... I have a big favor to ask.

 **Kaoruko:**A favor?

 **Mei Fan:**Yes. Part 2 of the "Super Vivid Model Masterpiece" series next to the "Deluxe Japanese Sweets Series"... The "Distant Seas – World's Shark Series" capsule toy.

 **Kaoruko:**Huh, sharks.

 **Mei Fan:**I just can't seem to get the "megamouth" from this series.

 **Mei Fan:**There aren't very many left in Japan... so the chances of getting it asre closer to zero...

 **Mei Fan:**You could say it even surpasses the "Devil's Capsule Toy"... It's "Death's Capsule Toy"!

 **Futaba:**Death...?!

 **Kaoruko:**Hm...

 **Mei Fan:**Please, Hanayagi-san! Please help me defeat this formidable opponent... Would you get "megamouth" for me, please?

 **Kaoruko:**......

 **Futaba:**...Did you hear what Kaoruko said earlier? You don't get someone else to help you get what you want, but...

 **Mei Fan:**I-I understand that, but... when I look at the number of taiyakis I have...

 **Kaoruko:**...Fine. I'll do it.

 **Mei Fan:**R-Really?!

 **Kaoruko:**There's no way I would back down from the "Death's Capsule Toy".

 **Mei Fan:**Oh... Thank you so much! However, there's probably only one megamouth left.

 **Kaoruko:**Hmph... Bring it on. I'm going to show you... "Death's Capsule Toy"!

 **Kaoruko:**This is my—the "Devil's" attachment!

***\*clonk\****

 **Mei Fan:**Here it is...!

 **Kaoruko:**Let's have a look... Hm? What is this? What an ugly shark...

 **Mei Fan:**T-That... That's the one!! You did it! You actually did it!

 **Mei Fan:**Part 2 of the "Super Vivid Model Masterpiece" series! The "Distant Seas – World's Shark Series'" megamouth!!

 **Futaba:**I can't believe it...! You're amazing, Kaoruko!

 **Kaoruko:**Hmph... So this is Megamouth-han. It's ugly but well made. It's still ugly, though.

 **Mei Fan:**With this, I finally... I finally have the whole set! Thank you so much, Hanayagi-san!

 **Kaoruko:**Hmph... This is nothing.

 **Kaoruko:**Let's go home, Futaba-han.

 **Mei Fan:**...Wait, huh? Hanayagi-san? Um, where are you off to? Hanayagi-san!

 **Kaoruko:**I got my capsule toy, so we're going home.

 **Mei Fan:**Huh? Um... But... Megamouth...

 **Kaoruko:**This? I'm the one who got it, so it belongs to me, no?

 **Mei Fan:**What!?

 **Kaoruko:**One should fight for the thing they want with their own hands. See you at the "Performance Festival" practice.

 **Kaoruko:**We're leaving, Futaba-han.

 **Futaba:**O-okay.

 **Mei Fan:**Oh, but, wait!

 **Mei Fan:**That's... How could she just... walk away like that... with the megamouth I wanted.

 **Mei Fan:**A devil... Hanayagi-san, you're a true devil!

 **Futaba:**...That's what she called you.

 **Kaoruko:**Why, thank you♪

 **Kaoruko:**It's an outstanding role that appears at the perfect timing and takes control of the floor. But it'd be even better if the "Devil" were to be given even more scenes.

 **Kaoruko:**People might not have a good impression of the "Devil", but it's not like he does anything bad. It's the humans who are using that power for evil means.

 **Kaoruko:**No matter how much he's hated, he remains focused on what he must do within the shadows... That's the image I have for my "Devil".

 **Kaoruko:**Cold and dim – humans can't help but be attracted to it... Why don't you offer your soul to my "Devil" too?