The Rapper, Groove, Appears!

<Sharp>

I’d been having dreams almost every night. In those dreams, my sister kept telling me to kill Forte—because Forte was the one who killed her.

But I knew it was all brainwashing by the organization. I must never dance to their tune. No matter what happens, I have to keep my sense of self intact.

Even so, having those nightmares every single night was wearing me down. If something shocking blindsided me right now, I might fall straight into their hands.

I have to creep into the organization like a parasite and tear them apart from the inside out.

“‘So this is Lyric—no, Sharp, is it?’”

I hear someone mumble, the clinking of chains accompanying their words.

So they already know I’m not Lyric, my sister. Have they just been letting me move around freely in the organization? Or did they figure it out the moment I challenged Rabbid?

I look up. A boy my age, wearing huge baggy pants slung down past his hips, stares down at me. He’s dressed exactly like a rapper.

He spins a record player brought over from another world and speaks to me in a lively rap:

(“Yo, how you livin’, Sharp? The name is Groove!
Let’s form a band—show me your move!
Me, you, and Largo on drums makes three:
Drums and bass plus rap, that’s synergy!
I’m fresh, I’m slick, got that rhythmic vibe—
C’mon and join me, Sharp, let’s keep it alive!”)

Apparently, he’s trying to recruit me for some kind of mysterious band.

“I don’t have time for that right now…”

(“Take down Forte, we both want that score!
Your sister’s revenge—ain’t that what it’s for?
Knock ’em out, that’s rightful payback!
Remember your goal, keep your mind on track!
They’re your classmate, gave you the side-eye—
Now it’s time to rise up, no reason to lie!”)

His flow is so catchy, I can’t help getting pulled along.

(“Forte’s the enemy? Man, that’s a twisted show!
He’s good in my book—he let me in, you know!
You’re trying to spin me, but I ain’t the fool—
He welcomed me in, made me part of his crew!”)

(“You don’t know? That fool’s a dude!
Frontin’ as female, you’ve been subdued!
His ‘princess factor’s’ high—camouflage so fine,
He’s sneakin’ in the girls’ dorm, way over the line!
He’s livin’ like a chick, but it’s all a con—
Playin’ your friend, but your trust is gone!
He’s doin’ it all just to keep you low—
Wake up, Sharp, or you’ll never know!”)

(“Quit spittin’ lies! You say she’s a man?
She’s obviously a girl—been one since she began!
Body and soul, she’s female, all right!
No way she’s a dude—get outta my sight!”)

(“Then ask her yourself—tomorrow’s the day!
Get to school, see the truth on display!
Use your own eyes, find out what’s real—
Check it, Sharp, that’s the deal!”)

With that, he strides off, leather shoes tapping sharply on the stone floor.

N-no way. Forte, a guy? Someone so girly? That can’t be true. Still, I feel my sense of certainty starting to waver.

Even though I’m going through all this—shut out by this female-dominated society—he alone is fitting in just by pretending to be a girl. He’s living his own yuri-yuri paradise, leaving me out in the cold. If it were true, I’d be burning up with jealousy. Damn it.

B-but I can’t waste time worrying over something like this. What I really want is revenge. I have to avenge my sister. Sure, yuri matters, but if it’s fueling the darkness in my heart, I mustn’t let it swallow me.

“Graaahhh... F-Forte! I—I’m gonna…!”

I can see a red aura pulsing off my body. And I know that’s exactly what they’re after.

“Karma Points are rising nicely. The boss will be pleased.”

I hear a whisper, nearly in my ear. No way I’m bowing to their wishes. I—I won’t!