Hello everyone and welcome to Wild Stars Anthologies, a series that look into the lives of the characters beyond the main story.

Also, as the first update of the year, this chapter is dedicated to Hanayo, wishing a Happy (Belated) Birthday to the rice goddess. (Because timing a chapter for a special month is a challenge of its own for me)

Well then, let's get started.

I do not own Love Live.


Winter in the Country of Mori can be best described as quiet and serene, but also harsh and unforgiving at the same time.

The new year brought relentless snowfall that covered the entire country, making travel and transport of goods between towns difficult.

Even with the clear skies and overbearing sun, the land looked like a frozen wonderland.

For the members of µ's, it was not much of an issue due to their headquarters being high enough to avoid the surplus of snow.

Nevertheless, the girls were not immune to the winter blues the season brings along with the cold.

Seriously, I can't wait until spring is here, Nico said exasperatedly. Nico can only be cooped up inside for so long.

So… sleepy, Honoka said as she lay her head on a kotasu with a sleepy expression while reaching listlessly for an orange from a basket.

Honoka, Either you sleep or eat. You can't do both, Umi said.

…Is that a challenge? Honoka said with a smirk before opening her mouth widely for a yawn.

Well, this is perfect weather for lazing around, Nozomi said, who was sitting inside the kotasu with Honoka, Rin, and Nico. Let's enjoy it while there is nothing else to do.

Even so, we should at least stay awake if there is a call for our help, Nozomi, Eli said in a stern, but endearing tone.

That aside, I have not seen Hanayo today, Maki said.

Maybe she's just sleeping in, Nico said. Not that I blame her.

But, Kayo-chin usually wakes up early, Rin said. And she hasn't come down for breakfast, which she always does, nya.

As the girls talk about the Shika…..

Every…One

Hearing the soft but strained voice of the young girl coming from the entrance, Kotori turn and answers with a smile.

Hanayo-chan? Go—KYYAAAAHHHH!

The scream from the Tori attracts the attention of the girls, who look at where she was looking, their faces paled and express feelings of horror.

NYAAAA!

WAHHH?!

T-This is…..

At the doorway was Hanayo. Her body was slouching and leaning against the wall, breathing shallowly. But the most disturbing sight was the blood coming from her head, dripping on the floor and dying her hair a rust color.

The next few minutes was chaotic. Maki and Rin ran to the younger girl while the others stared in shock before taking action.

Nico and Rin settled Hanayo onto a spare futon in the living room with Maki checking on the Shika's condition.

Honoka and Umi went to get the first aid kit while Kotori go get some towels and water from the kitchen.

Eli and Nozomi left the room to check the headquarters.

Oi, Hanayo! Stay with us, Nico said with a solemn look.

Are you ok, Kayo-chin! Who did this to you?! Rin said loudly.

The lack of response from the Shika only makes them the girls more anxious.


Eventually, things calm down with Hanayo resting peacefully on the futon.

Maki, do you know what is happening to Kayo-chin, nya? Rin said with a worried look.

The Hyou shook her head.

The bleeding has gone down and she is breathing normally, Maki said with frustrated look. Her condition is not serious enough to bring her to the hospital, but I don't know what is happening to Hanayo. This is the first time I have seen something like this, so I am not sure what to do.

Do you think that she was attacked? Umi said with a serious look.

I don't think so, Eli said, who came back to the room with Nozomi. When we checked Hanayo's room, there was blood on her bed and a trail that leads to here, but there were signs of intruders or foul play.

If they were here, I would have sense them, Nozomi said.

Maybe… it is something else? Nico said vaguely, who was looking down with her hands on her face in a thinking position.

What's wrong, Nico-chan? Maki said, who notices the Ookami being quiet amidst the crisis, which was unusual for the petite girl.

I'm not sure why, but this is something I heard of, something about the Shika's body, Nico said, placing her hand on her head.

Could it have something to do with what's going on with Hanayo-chan? Nozomi said.

Please tell us, Nico-chan! Rin said, whose hands were on the petite girls' shoulder in the midst of shaking the older girl.

Hey! Knock it off! Nico said, frowning her eyebrows as she shoves the Neko away from her. All I know is that Shirou was the one who told me, but I don't remember exactly what he said.

In that case, let's contact him, Eli said.


A few hours later, Shirou came to the µ's headquarter. However, the Ookami did not come alone. Beside him was a man and a woman, both with horns on their heads.

Hanayo's mom and dad, what are you doing here? Honoka said.

When I heard from Nico about Hanayo, I thought it was best if I brought them here as well, Shirou said.

We heard from Shirou-san, so we came as soon as we could, Mamoru said as the three of them went to the living room where Hanayo was.

As to how they were able to get to the headquarters so quickly, Nico asked Izumo to go and bring them here.

Their conversation causes Hanayo to regain consciousness.

…Mom? Dad? Why are you here? Hanayo said, her eyes were watery.

Hanayo. Don't move too much. You lost a bit of blood, Futaba said, who came and held her daughter's hand with a small smile.

Etto, Can you tell us what's wrong with Hanayo? Kotori said as the girls look at the couple.

I want to first thank you all for helping our daughter. I can assure you that there is nothing wrong with her and that she will be fine. Our daughter is just going through 'metamorphosis', something that every Shika goes through as we become adults, Mamoru explained to the girls.

What do you mean? Maki said.

As you all know, our daughter just turned 16 this year, Futaba said.

The girls nodded their heads as they remember celebrating the Shika's birthday, complete with a huge mochi cake prepared by Honoka and Kotori.

Hanayo, dear. Did you experience a headache before the bleeding started, Futaba continued.

I did, it was the worst headache I have ever had, Hanayo said as she places her hands on her head with her eyes closed. Even now, it feels like my head is going to split in half.

What is happening to her are the common signs that she are becoming an adult, Mamoru said. The bleeding occurs because her horns are trying to grow faster than what the body could handle.

I did know about how Shika become 'adults' from dad, Hanayo said. But I never thought it was so…

Intense and messy? It is and I can understand your confusion since you never witnessed it with other Shika before, Futaba said.

It is similar to how the Ookami 'become an adult' with their first reaction to the full moon, Shirou said.

Is there such a thing? Umi said, tilting her head.

Oh yeah, Nico said with a grimace. That definitely brings back memories. When it happened to me the first time, I felt like my body was on fire, my heart was racing so fast, I thought it was going to burst out of my chest. The worst part was that the night when the full moon came was an all blur to me. When I woke up, I was on top of the roof of Ookami leader's headquarters in torn pajamas. I didn't remember a damn thing. Luckily, mama was not upset and was even happy that I did well for my first full moon phase.

That was well? Maki said.

So it's different for each tribe, Nozomi said. Ma, we Tanuki also go through something like that although it's more mental than physical.

For now, Hanayo just needs to rest. Her symptoms will go away after a few days, Mamoru said with assurance. She should be fine in time for the ceremony.

I'm so relieved, nya, Rin said with a thankful smile.

What ceremony? Eli said.

We of the Shika tribe hold a coming of age ceremony for those who are going through this every year. It is usually done in the spring, Mamoru said. It is there that Hanayo will have to go through a 'trial' before she could be recognized as an adult.

Can we come and cheer for her, nya? Rin said.

Of course, Mamoru said. It's open to anyone and families of the maturing Shika will be there as well.

So what does Hanayo-chan have to do? Nozomi said with curiosity.

It's based on a long standing legend of our tribe since ancient times, Mamoru said.

Oh! Story time! Honoka said. Tell us about it.

The girls gather around the couple as they relay the story behind the ceremony.

A long time ago, there was once a Shika monk who was traveling around as part of her training. While walking through a dense forest during a stormy weather, the monk came across a flock of butterflies clinging onto a tree. The monk was familiar with the flora and fauna of the forest through her studies, so she know about them.

During that time, those butterflies normally migrate back to their birthplace where they lay their eggs. Unfortunately, their journey was met with the unforgiving weather. Although they were barely hanging on to the trees, they didn't have the strength or energy to continue their voyage. Wanting to help, the monk approach the flock and offer to provide passage. As if understanding her intentions, the flock gather around her, mostly on her horns. After securing them and casting an aura barrier to protect them, the monk continue on her travels, enduring the weather with the butterflies on toll. Eventually, the skies cleared up and the monk reaches their birthplace, an open field covered by flowers, whose nectar was their main food sources.

Anyway, the ceremony was created to commemorate the efforts and kindness of the monk in the story, Mamoru said.

That sounds kind of cheesy, Maki said.

Well, it is a honored tradition that has been passed down through generations over centuries, so it is pretty important for our tribe, Futaba said.

After giving the girls instructions for taking care of Hanayo, the couple left along with Shirou.


Days after the incident, the headaches were gone and Hanayo returned back to normal much to the relief of her friends. Interestingly enough, Hanayo's horns start to grow rapidly from the normally tiny stumps. According to the Shika, the structure of the horns were similar to hair and nails, meaning it would grow back after getting cut.

Because of how long and sharp the horns can get if left alone, Hanayo routinely trims them using a nail file and cutters.

The horns could also be broken off if enough force is used, as they found out later when Honoka and Rin tried pulling on them. The two were met with relentless scolding from both Umi and Eli although Hanayo didn't mind.


Finally the day of the ceremony arrived. By the time spring came around, each of the maturing Shika bear an impressive rack of antlers that branches out like a tree.

Are you ready, Hanayo-chan? Nozomi said.

I'm a little nervous, Hanayo said. The Shika was wearing a simple light green-brown dress and boots. She was carrying a tan-colored bag.

Attached to her horns was a total of 8 butterflies, 4 on each horn. There was not a limit in how many butterflies can mount a Shika's horns, but the insects would choose to whom they go with.

Wah. You look so beautiful, Kayo-chan, Kotori said with an envious look.

The illuminating green wings of the butterflies gave the Shika an almost transcendent glow.

Stop. It's embarrassing, Hanayo said as her body fidgets from the looks from her friends.

Did you bring everything you need? Eli said.

I think so, Hanayo said.

Kayo-chan, don't forget to take this!

The Shika heard Honoka behind her, but when she turned around, her eyes widen out of shock.

There was a giant white riceball nearly half the height of the Shika, held by Umi and Nico.

Ta-Da! Well, are you surprised? Honoka said, presenting the riceball.

… Is that for me? Hanayo said when she finally spoke with a slight drop in her jaw.

We thought you could use some extra energy. Everyone prepared the riceball for your ceremony, Nico said.

We molded the shape of the rice and added some of your favorite fillings, Umi said.

Since we can't help you directly, we wanted to do something to show our support, Maki said.

What do you think, nya? Rin said.

….Thank you, Hanayo said with a blissful expression as she puts the large treat into her bag. I will do my best.

The event starts with an opening session to welcome everyone as well as explain the ceremony. The participating Shika would enter and navigate through the forest, making their way to the opposite side of the forest. After exiting, they go up a hill, all the way to a wide flower garden that acts as the finishing line for the participants. Each of them will carry with them a 'batch' of the butterflies resembling to the legend on their horns, where they will release them when they cross the finish line. At the signal from the official, the participants enter the forest at differing paces, with Hanayo hearing cheers from her family and friends behind her.


This is a lot harder than I thought.

It has been an hour since Hanayo went into the forest, but it felt as if she has not made any progress in finding the way out of the place. The trails were irregular and uneven, making it hard to get a solid footing. Moreover, Hanayo found it eerie that she haven't seen other Shika around as she walk through the woods. As she moves across an overpass with slopes on both sides, overwhelmed by her worries, a loud crashing sound coming from her right startles her enough to make her face the direction of the sound. Unfortunately, the abrupt motion also swung her bag forcefully, causing the big riceball to plummet out of the bag. When the Shika realizes what happened, it's was too late.

W-Waitttt! Hanayo yelled as she ran after the riceball tumbling down a slope. As she reaches to the bottom of the slope, her heart drops.

The riceball landed onto the ground, its round shape now a muddled pile, its grains soiled by dirt.

Even though everyone worked so hard to make it, Hanayo said in a soft voice, who fell into depression. I wonder if I could just….

Just as she thought about how to salvage the riceball, she heard rusting sounds coming from the bushes, making her body tense up.

She sees an animal come out into the open, a wild boar with brown fur that covered its legs. A set of black stripes ran parallel to its back, a pair of short tusks close to its snout.

While Hanayo stood still like a deer at the headlights, the boar's attention was on the ground, particularly where the riceball landed.

The boar cautiously sniffs the scene with its snout before indulging in the treat, the muffing sounds of munching from its mouth.

Before Hanayo could make sense of the situation, three smaller piglets came from behind the larger boar and help themselves to the riceball.

Oh. So you're a mother, Hanayo said, who thought they were kinda cute with their small, round bodies. Well, at least it didn't go to waste.

Hanayo let out a sigh, watching the riceball slowly gobbled up before turning her attention to the sky as she looks up.

The atmosphere of the forest seem to disorient her senses, making it hard to tell which way is the finish line. The place was called Meiro Forest, which was famous for its 'labyrinth' terrain, filled with diverging paths as well as dead ends. While not as dark as night, the tall trees block much of the sunlight, making it hard to see clearly if not for the light coming butterflies.

What should I do?

As Hanayo was thinking of asking Nara for advice, she was approached by the boar, who looks at her with its black, beady eyes and bits of rice near its mouth.

W-What is it? Hanayo said, seeing that the animal was not hostile, but rather concern about her, at least from her point of view.

Buu. A low grunt come from the creature.

When she shyly held out her palm, the boar press her snout as it made a brief grunt. The three piglets went and rub against the Shika's legs.

Hey, stop. That tickles, Hanayo said. I guess you are worried about me.

Buu.

I am fine, although I don't supposed you know where I can find the way to these guys' birthplace, Hanayo said as she points at the butterflies resting on her horns. Despite the turbulences she faced just a moment ago, the butterfly didn't seem phased.

Buu! Buu!

Could it be.. you want to help me? Hanayo said with a surprised look.

Buu! Buu! Buu! Buu!

The mother and the kids answered with multiple grunts.

…..Well, I supposed it wouldn't hurt, Hanayo said with a calm smile. It's not much, but it was a start, hopefully in the right direction.


I'm really worried about Kayo-chin, nya, Rin said.

The eight of them was watching from the top of the hill where the final destination was. They went around the forest shortly after the participating Shika entered the forest.

Within the first few hours since the start of the event, the number of Shika start to trickle out of the forest, making their way up, where they disperse their respective batch of butterflies on their horns. It has been eight hours since then and most of the Shika have already arrived. However, Hanayo has yet to emerge from the forest.

It didn't help that a light rain shower passed by the area during the event, forcing them to seek shelter from the rain as they wait for their friend.

Hanayo-chan will be fine. She has been though way harder situations than this, Nozomi said.

But, that was when Kayo-chan fought along with us. Right now, she is in there all by herself, so I can't help but worry, Kotori said.

Then all the more that we should believe in her, Nico said. Besides, I'm sure she knows by now that she is not alone.

Nico's right. Let's make sure to give her a big welcome when crosses the finish line, Eli said.

Oh! I think I see her, Honoka said with an excited expression.

The other girls quickly look at the Kuma's direction, who then showed confused and surprised expressions on their faces.

…What is that? Maki said.

Is she… riding a boar? Umi said.

A medium-size beast emerges from the forest with Hanayo on its back, accompanied by three small piglets. The Shika's clothes was slightly dirtied, her hair was frazzled, but she held a smile.

What in the world happened in the forest? Nico said.

Is that even allowed? Eli said.

The rules of the ceremony forbid outside help to the Shika while the event took place.

That is true, but there is nothing that said they can use their own strength or get help from the forest itself. Most likely the animal lives in the forest, so there should be no issue, Mamoru said.

All right, everyone! Let's cheer on Hanayo-chan, Honoka said, whose boundless energy was spreading to the other girls.

A few meters before the hill, the Shika gets the boar to stop and dismount its back.

Thank you mother boar, Hanayo said. But I have to finish this on my own.

Buu.

As the Shika walks up the hill while the animals calmly watch, she could hear familiar voices from the top.

You can do it Kayo-chin!

Fighto, Kayo-chan!

Just a little more.

Hanayo eventually reaches to the top and passes the finishing line, resulting in cheers of joy from the girls. As she walks towards her friends….

Ah! Hanayo let a yelp as her legs gave out, causing her to trip.

As she prepares for a fall, she was suddenly caught by two pairs of arms. When she looks around she saw Maki and Rin on either side, supporting her.

We got you, Kayo-chin, Rin said.

You did it good, Hanayo, Maki said.

Let's hear it for Kayo-chan! Honoka said, as all of them lift the Shika up into the air.

Waa! Hanayo said out of surprised when she felt her feet off the ground.

The butterflies resting on her horns took flight and headed to where the flowers were.

Everybody! Look! Kotori said as she points at the sky.

The girls look up to see all of the butterflies flying above them and the Shika, emitting a lime colored light that rises up into the air, creating an breathtaking aurora.

OOOHHHHHHH! The girls let out a lasting shout that emulates their amazement.

With the safe passage of the butterflies, the coming of age ceremony came to a closed.


I'm glad that everything went well, Nozomi said.

The girls were walking on a dirt road after saying goodbye to Hanayo's parents. The sun was starting to set, so they had to get to their headquarters before nightfall. Hanayo was carrying a wooden cylinder containing a paper certificate that validate her as an adult in the tribe.

Ne, when we get back, why don't we celebrate Hanayo's victory? Honoka said.

That sound like a great idea, Kotori said.

Nico knows that Hanayo must be hungry from losing her lunch, so tonight will be an all you can eat by yours truly, Nico said with wide grin. You definitely earn it today.

So what are we going to do with them? Maki said, who looks over her shoulder.

For whether reason, the mother boar and kids were following them from behind at a cautious distance.

Hanayo told the others about the riceball's fate and her run-in with the boar family.

Maybe they would like to stay with us, nya? Rin said.

Oh! Does that mean we can have companions at the headquarters? Honoka said, her eyes shining of mischief and interest.

They are wild animals, so I am not sure if it's a good idea to keep them, Umi said, who looks at the Kuma with doubt.

Well, we are keeping Honoka and Maki-chan around, so it shouldn't be hard to do, Nico said.

Ha? What do you mean by that, Nico-chan? Maki said with an annoyed look.

Umi does have a good point, Eli said. Also, there are the [Kizuna] living with us.

….I guess come what may? Nozomi said with a calm smile listening her friends' banter.

While the others were talking, Hanayo couldn't help but smile, grateful for her friends and wishing that this would last forever.

On the other hand, the discussion about companions among them will later bring new adventures and new friends for µ's, but those are stories for another time.


When picturing the boars, think of swinub.

Stay tuned for the next update. Thank you to everyone.

Reviews, suggestions for chapters, and comments are welcomed.