Chapter 1: Call and Refusal

"…In other news today, the creators of 'Maschera: Lament of the Fallen Beast' has issued a casting call to the region of Chiba. They are looking for talented voice actors, ages fifteen to twenty one. All those interested are to contact Nichiri Television within the next few days…"

"Oho, this is a most interesting development," said Kuroneko as she watched the announcement on TV, "I wonder which poor soul will become contracted to this eternal damnation"

Saori chuckled, "Definitely, this is a rare occurrence; a once-in-a -lifetime opportunity, I might add."

"Eh? Why is that?" Kyousuke asked.

"Baka, don't you know anything?" His sister said scornfully. "Most Seiyuus are already well established in the entertainment industry. They're usually models, actors, idols, and so on."

Saori nodded. "She's right," she said, "Casting calls are a rare occurrence in anime, and few lucky ones get the chance for a breakthrough."

Kyousuke nodded thoughtfully. Honestly, he had no idea how complicated the anime world was like.

He, Kirino, Saori, and Kuroneko were enjoying lunch after a whole morning shopping in Akihabara. While normally the party hung out at Justeen Café. The place was closed due to some bizarre plumbing issue. Thus, it was Saori who elected to visit Cure Maid Café.

"Hai, Sorry for the wait."

The pretty waitress arrived, interrupting his thoughts. She was carrying a round tray with everything they had ordered. Kyousuke couldn't help but admire her good looks. She had raven-black hair tied into two pigtails and adorned with a purple bow; and her eyes were of rich chocolate brown full of joy and blithe. This one was one of the regular staff, and she looked happy working here. Kyousuke sighed, if only he could go through life without so much of a worry.

"Oi, Aniki! Quit checking out the waitress," Kirino suddenly shouted, "I know you're desperate, but please, not here!"

Kyousuke sighed. "I am not her out," He cried.

His sister sneered. "You so were, you perverted dog. I should put you on a leash!"

Kyousuke bristled.

"Just shut up," he snapped, "Besides, is it any of your business who I like?"

"Humph!" Kirino turned her nose away in contempt, "Like I care, I just don't want my image tarnished by the likes of you."

Kyousuke growled. Really! What had he done to deserve this!

Meanwhile, said waitress sighed quietly, setting out their ordered food. Arguments like this were a regular occurrence: a minor inconvenience to something she loved. Thankfully, she knew these people were harmless. Suddenly, she felt a hand tugging at her sleeve. Saori leaned in and whispered into her ear.

"Ne Kirara-shi," she said, "What do you make of that earlier announcement?"

Saori nodded to the monitor.

The waitress smirked. "I wouldn't be surprised if that girl pulled some strings on this one."

"Ho?" Saori mused, "Are you interested?"

Kirara laugh quietly and shook her head. "As much as I love Kanakana-chan, I don't think it's a right job for me."

"No?" said Saori, "Your sister seems to be fine, though."

Kirara smiled. "That's Kura-nee for you, always enjoying the limelight," she said, "But me? I really don't want to work in such a competitive world. I'm happy where I am."

Saori nodded understandingly, and let the waitress off to attend to her duties. Her attention turned towards her present company. Kuroneko exchanged a wordless smile with her, indicating that she'd heard every word. Then, the black-haired girl's eyes shifted as she watched the arguing siblings with keen interest.

"So, Ni-san," she said suddenly, silencing the pair, "Are you interested?"

"At what?" He asked.

"You know, that!" She jerked her head towards the TV, "Don't you want to try out as seiyuu?"

Kyousuke stared at her in shock. She really thought he had a chance? That he could actually do this—the most ordinary, average person of their group? Certainly, he wasn't the sort to partake in such an adventure. He wasn't someone so bold or so worthy to do something like that right? Besides, he preferred the mundane, right? After all, a peaceful life was a good life.

He made to protest against her, but just as he opened his mouth, his sister burst into fits of laughter.

"Ha, y-you think brother can become a seiyuu? Oh, please stop with the jokes, I'm dying with laughter!"

Kuroneko smirked. "Certainly, he has a very slim chance—nearly zero percent," she said, "Nevertheless, I think this is a rare opportunity for him to gain some experience in life other than school. And who knows, he may get lucky."

Kirino guffawed. "Yeah right! There is no way my older brother could become that awesome!"

A/N: This is not a sequel to "Seiyuu". I'm writing something completely different. However elements from my previous story may pop up.

For now, Please enjoy Chapter 1.

Bye for now.