Revue of Pride
After school had ended, and the glow of the sunset was cast upon the school, Umi had taken Honoka to the field.
“You heard about the auditions, right?”
Raising her eyebrows in surprise before lowering them to the ground, Honoka spoke in a hesitant voice. “Well, Maki said they’re revues by the chosen school idols.”
“That’s right. So you should drop out, Honoka.”
“Huh?”
“You weren’t chosen because you don’t have enough glimmer.” Umi said, her voice steadily raising. “Someone like that shouldn’t be disrupting our auditions.”
Afterwards she turned to walk away, but was stopped in her tracks when the abrupt voice of Honoka rang out.
“No way!” Taking a deep breath, she continued. “I’m not dropping out of the auditions! I mean… my heart was racing!” She gave Umi a pleading look.
“If, just if… on the stage we promised that we’d stand on together, someone else was already standing there… if I can’t surpass them, then we won’t be able to stand on the same stage!”
“Honoka...”
“Ever since you came back, I’ve been feeling like I’ve finally woken up from a daze.” Clutching the bow in her hair, the wind quietly shook the trees and blew through Honoka’s hair.
“Becoming stars together… In order to make that dream come true, I guess. Anyways, Umi-chan, I want to Starlight with you!”
The mention of the very song that started their love of music made Umi go wide eyed at Honoka’s declaration, her eyes twinkling in the sunset.
RING RING
____________________________________________________
During lunch, students usually liked loitering around hallways. Every hallway and classroom you looked in, there’d usually be any kind of group of students eating lunch, and this wasn’t even counting the amount of students who ate outside. Yes, there was regular student activity happening throughout the entire school.
Except for one lonely hallway, with one empty doorway, sandwiched between two inconspicuous bulletin boards.
Within that empty doorway, stood the newest transfer student to Otonokizaka, Sonoda Umi. All alone, she had come to this hallway. It seemed unless you were a part of the auditions, the existence of this hallway was moot. She was sure that Honoka would be looking for her right about now, but what she was about to do wasn’t for her ears. Stepping forward into the darkened space, she lightly touched the metal elevator doors, the cool metal sending shivers through her arm.
“So it seems you can’t get in until the performance starts.”
Pressing her hand fully against the metal, she continued. “You can hear me, right?”
“Remove Honoka from the auditions. She shouldn’t be there. She’s a nuisance.”
“I understand.” The floaty echoes of the alpaca’s voice made its way up from down below. Whatever it was doing down below all day, it was ready and willing to answer the girl’s questions. The sound of a small clamor reached Umi’s ears. “I made a promise with Umi-chan!”
A recording? Umi thought to herself as she gasped to herself.
“I will—no, we will… definitely become stars together!”
“She’s already a participant.”
Umi responded to the alpaca’s answer by slamming her hand against the elevator doors in a small fit of anger, before retracting her hand. Her eyebrows scrunched up in worry for the other girl before whispering to herself.
“Idiot… Honobaka!”
“Well, who do we have here?” A voice came from behind, interrupting her train of thought.
Frantically turning out of surprise, Umi came face to face with Nozomi. In her hand was a lunch box covered in a light purple cloth. She tried quickly hiding her surprised face.
What was she doing here? She had overheard earlier that she hadn’t come to school, but now she was standing in front of Umi like nothing was wrong?
“Sonoda-san, or can I call you Umi-chan? We are a part of the same group after all. You can call me Nozomi too.”
“Nozomi...san.”
“Ahah, well we can work on it I suppose.” Nozomi answered with an easy going grin.
The third year was an incredibly laid back girl, always going with the flow from what she had observed, but she could tell there was more beneath that surface. She likely knew more than she let on.
“Are you looking for something?”
Quickly, she answered. “I got lost. That’s it.”
“I see then. Oh yeah,” Nozomi said, bringing her lunch up. “Let’s go eat lunch together. I’m sure Honoka-chan’s been looking everywhere for you anyways.”
Not one to be rude to a senior, Umi took a deep breath and nodded instead of refusing. “Alright.”
Letting herself be led out of the hallway, they walked in relative silence with Nozomi talking the lead. It was an awkward situation, but the older girl seemed to take Umi’s silence in stride. Umi on the other hand, only following from behind, answering only when addressed.
To be honest, Umi didn’t know what to make of Nozomi. Out of everyone, she seemed the most elusive. And she seeked her out in that hallway. Did she have a goal here? Umi thought to herself.
Eventually reaching the outside of the school, they reached a shaded bench underneath a tree. Quickly making herself at home, Nozomi sat herself onto the bench as if crashing onto her bed, breathing a sigh before patting the spot next to her to which Umi made sure to seat herself a sizable distance away from.
“So, how are you adjusting to school Umi-chan?”
“Yes, I’ve been doing alright.”
“And being a school idol?”
“That as well.”
“That’s good to hear,” Nozomi smiled, pulling her lunchbox out of its cloth. Quickly saying her prayers, she began to eat. “You’re so good at singing and dancing after all! You must really want to be a school idol. You even said yes on the spot when Honoka-chan asked you!”
Umi only narrowed her eyes at her insinuation before asking what was on her mind. “Why are you doing this?”
She should be the last person to seek out at school. What about the other members of the group, they were much better friends with each other, especially the other 3rd years, unless...
“Eh? What are you talking about, Umi-chan? I can’t want to socialize with my underclassmen?” Letting out a small laugh, she took another bite of her lunch.
“Don’t be so cold, I’ve got no ulterior motive—”
“Nozomi-san, why didn’t you show up to school this morning?” Nozomi only quirked her eyebrow before quickly relapsing into one of neutrality, if a little mischievous.
“Haha, I guess you could say I had a case of third year laziness,“ Nozomi explained in between bites of her lunch. “Hey, I’m here now aren’t I? Ah, do you maybe want some of my lunch Umi-chan?”
Ignoring her question, she sighed before standing up, her long hair obscuring her facial expressions. “...You mustn’t skip classes, Nozomi-san. You are the vice president of the student council, correct? It doesn’t look good if you get caught in a lie.”
A look of genuine surprise flashed on Nozomi’s face, her eyes widening. Turning to walk away, Umi stopped to take out a small object out of her pocket, placing it beside Nozomi before walking away. However, she only got a few yards before being stopped by the sound of laughter bursting through the air.
“Hahaha!” Turning back around, she was greeted by the sight of Nozomi doubled over in laughter and responded with her own look of surprise. “I get why Honoka-chan likes you so much now!” Regaining her composure, she wiped a small tear away.”You know, you’re not such a good liar either Umi-chan. I really think you should be honest with your feelings.”
Seeing what happened after brought surprise to Nozomi. Umi’s face had contorted in embarrassment and astonishment. Eyebrows scrunched together as she was left agape, her face had turned the shade of Maki’s hair and she was left stuttering as she spun on her heel to walk away.
“M-Make sure to recoup your strength properly Nozomi-san. Goodbye.”
Seeing her walk away, a small smile graced the older girl’s features. Looking to her side, was a finely wrapped piece of sweets. Recognizing the logo on the wrapper as the Japanese sweets shop Honoka’s family owns, she picked it up, quickly popping the tasty treat into her mouth.
“What a cute girl...”
“Nozomi?”
Suddenly on alert, Nozomi whipped her head around towards a head of blonde hair that came into view as Eli came to meet her.
“Where have you been all day?” Eli asked, concern in her voice. “It’s not like you to miss school.”
“Ah,” Nozomi blurted out a little too quickly before regaining her cool demeanor. “I can’t believe I’d oversleep like this! Sorry.” Nozomi said, putting her hands together and sticking a tongue out.
“You don’t have to apologize, you know. Last night was tough.”
“Last night, huh...” Nozomi muttered to herself, recalling the events of prior.
It ended all at once for Nozomi. Her button flying high into the air, her jacket sliding off her body and dropping to the floor. The ends of her purple hair hung in the air as she was suspended in a low dip. The bombastic ending of their revue song. Eli’s face, barely breaking a sweat as her arms strongly held her waist.
“Well, you sure put me in my place Eli-chi,” Nozomi jested.
“You don’t have to put it like that...” Eli exasperated, her eyebrows drawing together with a small smile.
“But, you know...” Nozomi murmured lowly.
Not quite hearing what she had said, a small questioned sound was all that left Eli’s throat before Nozomi’s hand came up to her cheek. Giving it a quick caress before moving to brush her hair away from her face, Nozomi moved closer, their faces only centimeters apart before moving to whisper in her ear.
“I haven’t lost.”
“Right.” Eli said right back at her, with equal fervor, a confirmation of their challenge.
____________________________________________________
“Alright, we’ve got plans for this year’s school festival from the Student Council.” Eli announced at practice. A chorus of oohs went around the group as Eli passed out papers to the group. It was the end of practice for today. It was a short day for the most part, and the sun had not set yet.
“Make sure to read them carefully, our time slots and everything are on here.” Nozomi added.
“They sure are prepared this year.” Nico said, scanning the paper for their group’s times with a scrutinizing eye before passing the paper off the Maki.
“Well, I’m not surprised. After all, the school still needs to do everything they can to. impress parents.” Maki remarked.
“Pfft— I knew that!” Nico insisted, trying to save face.
“No you didn’t, nya!” Rin snickered beside Hanayo, who smiled beside her.
“I’m sure Nico-chan is just as excited as the rest of us right?” Hanayo said sweetly.
“Here, Umi-chan!” Honoka said enthusiastically, holding out the piece of paper to the other girl, who calmly took the paper from her.
“Oh yeah, along with the first years, this’ll be your first school festival at Otonokizaka, right? U-Umi-chan.” Kotori said, trailing off at the end. In an attempt to bring the group closer, the third years had strongly encouraged the usage of first names with the members of the group. The group had gotten used to it eventually, but with the addition of Umi, it had been like starting over for some of the shyer members.
“Yes.”
“Well what I wanted to talk about this practice was the Drama Club’s showing of Starlight happening at the festival.” Eli explained in an attempt at getting the group back on track. “As you know, they want us to perform a rendition of the song Starlight for their ending.”
Everyone immediately perked up at the mention of the song. A sort of determined silence fell over the group, except for Rin, who only held a puzzled look on her face.
“What’s Starlight again, nya?”
While everyone else only showed slight confusion at Rin’s lack of knowledge, Hanayo seemed the most aggrieved. Honoka was the first to speak up.
“You don’t know a—”
“You don’t know about Starlight!?” Hanayo said frantically, cutting off Honoka. “Well, it’s gotta be one of the most well known songs in the idol industry ever! It’s a classic!”
Grabbing Rin’s hands, she continued her rant, all the while slowly getting closer to Rin and increasing in volume.
“It was originally adapted from a play of the same name, and was first sung by a super famous idol duo! It took off from there, and more and more idol groups began to cover it!”
The rest of the group could only watch as Hanayo continued her enthusiastic tirade.
“—And then, an eight membered version of the song was popularized in the early 2000s by this school idol club in Osaka that was more true to the story of the play! And there was even this super radicalized version done more recently by a school idol named Asaka Karin over in Odaiba as well—”
“Kayo-chin, I get it! I remember now!” Rin finally whined, which quickly shut Hanayo up, who had retreated in embarrassment.
“Haha, Hanayo-chan. Don’t be embarrassed, you’ve got some really interested listeners,” Nozomi pointed out, putting a reassuring hand on the embarrassed girl’s shoulder and glancing over at Honoka, who had lights in her eyes over the history of Starlight. Apart from her, Nico was trying to feign interest, but was having a hard time doing so, purposely looking away from Nozomi.
“And hey, while you’re on the topic, why don’t you tell them your announcement? We were just getting to that anyways.” Nozomi proposed reassuringly.
“Ah, okay! Everyone,” Hanayo took a deep breath as everyone listened intently. “I’ll be working with the Drama Club on the script writing for Starlight!”
Questions and congratulations erupted throughout the rooftop for Hanayo, save from Umi who sat there quietly.
“Hanayo-chan, do you think the Drama Club’ll let me take a peek at their costumes?” Kotori wondered. “It’ll be great for our performance too.”
“Since Hanayo will be on script-writing, she can help us communicate to the Drama Club, as well let us in on any details we should be adding into our performance. I’m sure the Drama Club will be able to fill any requests we have.” Eli concluded.
“Well, since the festival is so far away, we shouldn’t stress about it too much. We need the approval of the Drama Club anyways.” Nico added.
“Wow, how eloquently said! For you anyways Nico-chan.” Maki teased.
“Hey what’s that supposed to mean!?” Nico demanded.
The conversation eventually devolved into the regular banter seen every practice. Laughter resonated throughout the rooftop and everyone was having the fun they did everyday. Except for one person.
____________________________________________________
“Umi-chan?” Honoka asked confusingly. Right now she was sitting down in one of the gym storage units out on the field. Her hands were tied behind her back with zip ties that dug into her wrists. At the door stood Umi, a crowbar in her hand.
“What’s happening? What’s this? Did I do something to make you mad?”
Umi looked at Honoka’s pleading face, her lip quivering the tiniest bit before quickly turning her face out of view.
“WaitwaitwaitUmi-cha—” The loud slam of the door reverberated in the small room, the shock blowing Honoka’s hair back. After a second, she let out a great sigh.
“Umi-channnn!” She pleaded one last time. “What about dinner?”
____________________________________________________
Kotori was packed up and ready to head home for the day. She had a decent amount of homework she wanted to finish tonight, alongside a mountain of dress designs she wanted to finish. Pricking up her bag, she looked around the rooftop.
“Honoka-chan?”
To her surprise however, the rooftop was empty. Honoka was nowhere to be seen. She remembered everybody else leaving, but Honoka’s familiar slowness to pack up wasn’t found on the rooftop. How odd, she was always begging Kotori to wait for her, so where was she now?
“So it seems you’ve been left behind too huh?”
Pulled out of her thoughts, she turned to face the familiar voice.
“Nico-chan? What are you still doing here?” Kotori asked. Usually she’d already be walking home with the other third years or Maki.
“Same thing as you Kotori-chan.” Nico huffed. “Eli and Nozomi already left together and Maki-chan said Rin-chan wanted to talk to her or something.”
“Ah.” Kotori said.
“Well, since we’re already together, I’ll let you have the pleasure of walking home with me,” Nico said in her usual grandeur.
Kotori just smiled at her antics. “Yeah,” she responded easily.
It wasn’t as if she didn’t want to walk home with Nico or anything, Nico was always a fun girl to talk to, not to mention they could always go over more costume designs too, she was just a bit worried about Honoka was all.
“Kotori-chan, you shouldn’t be worried about Honoka-chan.” Nico said, sensing the other girl’s tension. “She may be an idiot, but you don’t need to worry about her so much.”
“Well, I guess I should be worrying more about you.” Nico muttered under her breath, to which Kotori didn’t hear.
“Eh?” After a quick second of pause where she looked like she was deliberating something, Nico suddenly pointed at the younger girl.
“C’mon Kotori-chan! Let’s go hit the mall real quick, I wanna check out some stuff for our perfor—”
RING RING
____________________________________________________
RING RING
Sitting outside the door of the gym storage, Umi sat solemnly. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. The small jingle repeated over and over until Umi pulled it out of her pocket. The slowly spinning logo of the audition’s orchestrator struck a feeling of uneasiness in her. Scrolling down, the text below read NO PARTICIPATION TODAY.
She was free today to what she needed then.
“Careful, careful...”
Umi closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath.
“Tiptoes, tiptoes...”
Quickly getting up, Umi walked around to the back to check the noise. What she found was an open window, and a hastily tied together rope hanging from the opening. Looking forward, Honoka was dashing forward towards the school grounds, each crunch of grass becoming softer and softer as she ran into the distance.
Umi shook herself out of the stupor before sprinting after her to try and catch up.
“Honoka! Stop! HONOKA!”
“Sorry Umi, I gotta go!” Honoka shouted behind her as she slid into the hallway, barely toppling over before reaching the elevator button, and slamming the button.
“I’ll be back once I win!” The familiar alarm sounded and the light above the doorway turned red in caution.
Just as Umi had caught up however, the elevator quickly sped away, only to be replaced by another identical doorway. Quickly catching her breath, she grit her teeth and furrowed her eyebrows in determination before running back to the field to retrieve her crowbar.
____________________________________________________
“On a stage overflowing with stardust, a flower of love blooms gracefully.”
The red curtains of the revue drew back to reveal a darkened stage, where one lone girl’s voice rang out into the distance. At the start of her voice, the multitude of lights traveled the stage in precise movements to Honoka’s intro. Ominous sounding strings repeatedly went up the scale while the low tones of a piano played a two note riff, a certain gravity filling the stage. The wall lights behind her pulsated as she announced herself.
“99th generation, Kousaka Honoka!”
With a swing of her sword, the floor lights all pointed upwards to the ceiling, lighting her path forward.
“I’ll starlight you all!”
Two spotlights reached down upon her only for a second, before traveling upwards. Following the light’s path, she looked upwards to see her opponent.
“The radiance of the moon, the love of the stars.”
The spotlights now followed the descending path of Ayase Eli, resting on a beautiful display of a swan. Her outstretched rapier glittered in the spotlight and her hair swayed gently in the wind. The strings had all quieted down now, leaving a single drawn out note, it too waiting for Eli’s descent.
“Having gathered a multitude of lights, I will now deliver them to your heart.”
Gracefully jumping onto stage, the strings came back in, a bombastic piano sounded throughout the stage.
“Head of the 98th generation, Ayase Eli.”
A circle of spotlights formed on the outer ring of the stage, and circled in a counterclockwise manner in order to converge onto the center, where the third year girl stood.
“On this night, I will deliver brilliance unto you!”
Honoka readied herself, smiling while gripping the handle of her sword tightly. “Eli-chan!”
While the battle was just beginning, outside stood Umi, still at the elevator’s entrance. Having gotten her crowbar, she was repeatedly striking at the doors, desperately hoping they would open. The door however, would not budge.
Taking a deep breath, she evaluated her options before looking up at the light. Taking a step back, she put her whole force into her swing, smashing the lightbulb completely. Shattered glass clang to the floor while the light above turned an emergency red. Soon a buzzer went off, and the elevator doors slid open smoothly. A long staircase descended downwards, seeming endless. Quickly entering, she descended the stairs where she could hear the sounds of the revue starting.
“Now then, today marks the third day of auditions,” the low rumblings of the alpaca said. “The Revue of Pride is starting.”
A golden chandelier held upon a chain slowly lowered down onto the stage, setting the scene for the two girls; it’s flame a deep pink. Their scene was one of elegance. A wooden backdrop was painted with an elegant staircase, the very tops painted a curtain of red with a large golden emblem of a swan. Swords at the ready, a lone piano took the melody as the girls stood across from one another.
“I should be able to see,”
Both girl’s eyes were closed as Honoka started the first verse; long stretches of notes bringing a feeling of tension alongside a haunting piano as Honoka sang to a slower tempo. As soon as her line was done, Eli cut in to respond.
“No, you should not see,”
As if fighting for the lines, they came together to sing in unison.
“ The view from the top of that tower. ”
Bringing their hands out, they crossed paths before turning to face each other once more with their eyes open. The music came to a rest as both girls readied themselves. Suddenly a timpani roll marked a transition into a faster tempo as Honoka struck first, closing the distance between the two as she sang.
“ What lies in your heart?
What do your twinkling eyes seek? ”
Honoka repeatedly struck at Eli, only for her sword to be deflected. Eli only kept a serious look on her face while defending, not even breaking a sweat. There was no trace of struggle on her part as they crossed swords, even her grunts seemed controlled against Honoka’s, which were louder by comparison. The strikes of their blade lit up the room as sparks flew. As Honoka executed a downward slash, her sword was only met by nothing as Eli gracefully twirled away from her, and countered with her own slash.
Spinning herself, Honoka attempted to put all of her strength into one slash, hoping to turn the tide, only to be met with Eli’s overwhelming force.
“ I still can't reach that star, but
For the sake of that promise, ”
The sheer knockback of the clash caused both girls to jump back. This only slightly deterred them as Honoka quickly continued her advance. The chandelier now stood directly in their path, but both girls had no qualms, trying to strike their opponent through the candle’s lights. Dodging one of Eli’s pokes, Honoka quickly returned the favor by slashing through the chain which held the chandelier.
“ I'll keep on charging ahead! ”
As the chandelier dropped to the floor, the deep pink of the light turned a bright blue. Honoka’s swing was once more deflected, neither girl willing to pull back. The music calmed down once more, this time to let them speak.
“Honoka, why are you participating in this revue?” Eli asked, her sword still as stone as Honoka sword struggled against hers.
“Why? Because, together with Umi—”
“Together?” Eli questioned. “If you pluck a small star, you will gain a small amount of happiness. If you pluck a large star, you will obtain a great wealth.”
Instantly, Honoka recognized that line. “That’s from Starlight!”
“In exchange...” Eli whispered ominously as the strings picked up a frantic pace. Quickly changing the direction of her sword, the older girl was able to catch Honoka off guard. Stumbling, Honoka yelped, only narrowly being able to dodge Eli’s strike, which went directly through the flames and extinguishing them. The stage now was bathed in darkness, aside from the far away star of the crown.
“What have you offered?” came Eli’s voice, but she was no longer in front of her. She had disappeared? Frantically searching around, she couldn’t find the older girl. The music slowed down pace once more.
Little did she know, Eli had disappeared to the back of the set, waiting for the real show to begin. Turning her sword around, she kissed the gem on her rapier’s pummel, watching as the faint blue glow emitted marked the beginning of a new act. The piano returned, its low notes creating an arpeggio of forbidding wonder.
Behind Honoka, the fake set had come apart and was being replaced, with pillars of seemingly very real marble. The thrum of machines working overtime filled Honoka’s ears and shook her body. Very real staircases began to rise, with meticulously crafted swans all carved onto them. At the top rose a platform with the only source of light, and Eli atop it as she sang, her arm raised above her.
“ The call of the goddesses, the heavenly throne,
The star soaring down is but one. ”
Bringing her arm down slowly in a show of performance, suddenly a heavy brass punctuated the score. Moving her arm to the beat, as if she was a conductor, the tempo quickly picked up once more as the strings came back in at a hectic pace. Fireworks blasted from behind her, changing colors from blue to red; Eli was completely unfazed. Spotlights shone down upon her as a giant golden statue of a swan appeared behind her.
Honoka could only gasp at the change in sets. Before, their stage was relatively flat, but Eli had managed to turn the tides so much that the stage bent to her will entirely! She stood atop a grand staircase, where she lay at the base.
A heavy drum set kicked in alongside an electric bass and guitar, the curtains for the real show were now opening.
The entire time, Umi could hear the battle go on, but could only run across scaffolding in an attempt to reach them and stop it. Don’t do it Honoka! She thought desperately.
“ Come climb up here, if you have the resolve.
Try to tear me down, show me your fury.
Do not be at the mercy of the beast that lies within you! ”
Eli’s voice resounded throughout the theater. The feeling of the song changed the second she started singing. As Honoka climbed up the stairs to meet her, Eli had descended with a terrifying jump, her body language and expressions in control while Honoka sweated. The stage was filled with light as they clashed swords once more, but this time with a crucial difference.
With Eli taking the offensive, Honoka was getting pushed down the stairs. Every attack she made only concluded with it getting blocked. As the frantic girl took a swing at Eli, in an upset move, she took her free hand and pushed Honoka away, using it as an opportunity to try and strike her down. Narrowly avoiding her button, Honoka lost even more ground against the girl. Continuing to descend the stairs, in a potent strike, Eli knocked the sword out of her hand as she flew backwards.
“I have no need for those who lack willpower,
I want you to show you are fighting with your pride on the line! ”
Quickly catching herself, Honoka grabbed hold of her sword and came back with a swing, only to be met with a shifting stage. Now the stage’s working for her? Honoka thought exasperatingly.
The entire staircase had split into different parts; Eli’s side moving upwards as Honoka descended. The now split sections of white staircase moved disorientingly, and in multiple directions. A single spotlight continued to shine on Eli as her piece of staircase rose ever higher, leaving Honoka at the bottom. the piece transitioned into a new section of piano solo.
“There is but one star on the stage. Desire it, starve for it, thirst for it, fight for it.” As Eli monologued from above, pieces of staircase began to align with hers, leading her to the golden statue at the top. Marble pillars rose ever higher. “She made a sacrifice. She cast it away!”
As Honoka climbed the stairs, flipping over gaps, she came closer to her destination, and so did Umi.
Finally getting close enough to the stage, Umi cast aside her crowbar, running past a multitude of costumes. Both the brass and the strings played a flurry of notes, staccatoed to match the intensity of the batte.
“That is the noble spirit of one who challenges the stars. That’s precisely why I will...”
But as Eli spoke, the brass dropped out to leave the driving strings that climbed ever higher before dropping out completely.
“Karen!” Umi screamed out.
“ Going higher, shining brighter.
I will illuminate the horizon!”
As the entire orchestra came back in, the sound seemed almost overwhelming. It dripped of power, of might, herculean almost. A choir alongside blasting trumpets came in as Eli sang, her voice powerful enough to shake the walls. The staircase beneath them lit her way as she readied her sword; a burst of flames emitting from the swan statue’s wings.
Stage lights now filled the entire stage, the climactic battle needing to be seen by everyone. Jumping down the stairs, Eli now only played with Honoka, deflecting and parrying strikes with ease, much to Honoka’s struggle. Getting closer to her, Eli took her free hand to caress Honoka’s face before pulling back.
“A single step forward is a step closer to my dream,
That is pride! ”
Jumping onto the railing in an attempt to gain an advantage, Honoka found the action proved useless as Eli herself climbed onto the railing, and thrust her sword forward in a powerful attack.
“ Going higher, shining brighter
Towards unreachable heights, ”
Losing balance, Honoka fell onto the stairs, but instead of gaining her footing on the steps, she felt herself sliding downwards at an increasing rate with a yelp.
The steps of the stairs had disappeared! What was left was a smooth ramp downwards, and as Honoka began to try and center herself, she felt herself suddenly stopped by the feathered body of a swan; the same one Eli had arrived on. Two lights attached to the railings of the stairs shone on her.
“ That is my pride! ”
The top idol, Honoka thought. I can’t reach her! She lay helpless at the bottom of the stage, the lights attached to the railings all pointed upwards, flashes of hot light catching in her eyes and feathers raining down upon her.
As Umi approached the theatre door, she spent no time waiting in front of the door, pushing the doors open quickly. But as Umi opened the doors, instead of the bright lights of the stage she was greeted with, she was instead greeted by the darkness of the outside world. She was at the front of the school! But why? Rain beat down upon the building as Umi stared in shock, her breathing feeling erratic and her legs feeling as if they would drop at any second. Umi could only stare in disbelief as she became drenched in rain.
Back on stage, Honoka had picked herself back up. She needed to make one final push! The stairs had reformed, allowing her to make her attempt. An electric guitar soloed loudly over the staccatos the rest of the orchestra was playing while Eli stood at the top menacingly. The two clashed swords for what Eli knew would be the final time judging by the look on her face, and once more Honoka was pushed down the staircase. The lighting turned red as Eli made her final attack.
“Even alone, I am a star!”
In one final attack, a powerful downward slash took the button off of Honoka’s jacket completely; the gold metal flying high into the air while the frayed string of the aiguillette fell to the floor. Sparks from the clash flashed before Honoka’s eyes as she fell backwards.
The center position marker, now appearing in front of her, Eli gracefully planted her sword as the other girl’s jacket slipped off completely to the bombastic final notes of the song.
“Center position. This is Ayase Eli!”
The curtains closed behind Eli, leaving Honoka in a state of shock as another layer of curtain came down behind Eli. Immediately after a larger than life spotlight shone on Eli, blowing up her silhouette on the red background to proportions larger than Honoka had ever seen.
“There is only one star that shines at the top. Harasho.”
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Outside the school doors, Honoka came face to face with Umi.
“Umi-chan. I lost,” Honoka said. There wasn’t any kind of overwhelming sadness to her voice or anything. She now was last in the rankings. It was almost as if it still hadn’t processed in her mind that she had even lost at all. Umi stayed completely silent, her bangs shielding her eyes as she looked to the floor. They stood outside the school door; the sound of rain pounding at the ceiling filling their ears.
“Rather, I wouldn’t even call it a fight. I thought I sang and danced with all I had but— I don’t really know how to describe it. My head was spinning.” After a short pause, she continued.
“Umi-chan, I...”
SLAP
Before she could continue her sentence, Honoka was interrupted by the loud ringing of Umi’s hand against her cheek. Her eyes widened in shock, Honoka had nothing to say.
“Idiot!” was the only thing Umi could think to tell her.