Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 9 - Part 4: The Awakened Playwright

Disclaimer: While translations have already existed for this story from both official and unofficial sources, I am writing this as a complete clean-room implementation, ie I am writing this translation/novelistion with absolutely no knowledge of existing translations. This is purely only for completeness as I feel that it is not right to leave an existing translation incomplete. Once the series translation is complete, I will return to other ideas such as my unwarranted opinions on random stuff that I encounter. 

This story continues from Part 3: The Former Idol

Part 4A

Yet another day for Rui. Today's lessons were perfect for Rui and she had enough time for revision as well, but then she remembers that there is no more practice at Theatre Performance. It's been a long time since the rest of Theatre Performance have met up. The door opens, and Ukaji-sensei enters the room. Ukaji-sensei asks if there is anyone free after class. The rest of the class reply that they either have club activities or some other practice session scheduled, so Ukaji-sensei asks Rui instead. Rui was flustered (as she always is), and is led out of the classroom by Ukaji-sensei.

Out at the courtyard Rui finished up the pruning work on the trees. Ukaji-sensei thanks Rui for the help, commenting that it is nice to be tall. Rui expresses surprise that there is a Paulownia tree right here in the courtyard. Ukaji-sensei answers that every year, as the new students arrive in school, they plant a Paulownia sapling in the courtyard. Though it has been getting difficult to get new saplings to plant recently, it's a tradition Rinmeikan would like to keep, what with being the symbolic tree for the school. They have been keeping up that tradition for a century after all.

Rui muses about the traditions that Rinmeikan had, and Ukaji-sensei goes silent. After a while, Ukaji-sensei laments that all the members of Theatre Performance must be hating her right now and the decision handed down by the school board. As Rui is suprised by that sudden admission by Ukaji-sensei, Ukaji-sensei apologise and brushes it off. She then asks if everyone in Theatre Performance are doing well right now. Rui admits that she has not been seeing the rest of Theatre Performance ever since the department was shut down. Ukaji-sensei expresses her apologies, and then asks about Yuyuko. Rui perks up, only to realise she hasn't actually heard from Yuyuko either.

Meanwhile in class, Yuyuko is sleeping. This is not lost on her classmates, who comment about how she has been sleeping in class since breaktime started. What a strange girl, they were thinking. Completely unlike Rui. But better not talk too loud because she might hear them both. Or not. Turns out even though Yuyuko is sleeping, she can hear all of them talking about her. Without Theatre Performance, she is basically taking her time studying the classics and sleeping in class. Probably a good change of pace, but she is starting to get bored. She wonders if this has how she has always been without the power of theatre performance. Was she really that boring before being a Stage Girl?

Over in the archive room of Theatre Performance, Fumi enters the room after her obligatory introduction, followed by Ichie, only for Fumi to scold her for being too loud. Sure, traditions have to be followed, but there is still a need to be subtle about this before the teachers get wind of this. Then Tamao enters the room with her introduction, which surprises Fumi because Tamao is equally loud as well. Tamao replies by saying that it's better to try to act normal instead of trying hard to be sneaky. When asked what they are going to do if they were found out by the teachers, Tamao replies that they are just going to say that they were cleaning up the room anyway. Besides, that was the assignment they were originally given.

And so they begin the meeting to write the script for the Rinmei Chronicles. They don't have much time: in only a few days they will have to hand over the classroom whether they are done or not. Fumi wonders if they have enough time for this. Not like they have a choice in the matter: it's complete the Rinmei Chronicles or never. Ichie is exhilarated by the prospect of running against the clock, and starts off by asking which era they would like to set this script in: Heian, Kamakura, Sengoku, or maybe even Bakumatsu? Tamao has not decided on the era setting, but she knows it has to be something that expresses their dynanism. It's a concept that Fumi wonders about. Tamao continues that it has to be a play that will test everything they are. She laments that they have been through easy times, and they have never had the need to give their all. Now they have lost it all, and that's where they find what's important to them. All that foolishness, optimism, and naivete, all that they were has died, and from the ashes they will be reborn. That is the play Tamao wants to produce. Ichie agrees, saying that this is perfectly the atmosphere that the Rinmei Chronicles has always been. Fumi then draws up a basic plot and asks if this would work. Tamao agrees with the plot, saying that even though it would take time, this can work out. Ichie sighs and says that it would have been great if Yuyuko was here. Fumi agrees, saying that Yuyuko has always had the gift for hitting the important points in scripting, but Tamao reminds Fumi that they are not to drag Yuyuko into this unnecessarily. Besides, Tamao has faith that they can still work something out with just the three of them. Ichie agrees with this, and they start working on the script.

Hours pass, and the sky darkens. Unfortunately they are not much closer to completing the script. Fumi points out that if they put an element in the script they will conflict with an earlier part of the script, but Tamao points out that earlier part has elements they cannot remove either. Fumi asks how they are going to keep that consistency, but Tamao replies that they cannot make things perfect anyway and it is going to be ad-libbed anyway. Fumi then points out that the transition Tamao put in is not going to be very convincing when paired with the measure that is already there. Tamao then replies that this part will be balanced out by the rest of the script, only for Fumi to counter which part of the script specifically. Such roughness can only be accepted if the rest of the script really is much better in comparison, and it doesn't look like the script is in good shape in the first place. The three people are at their wit's end. They have been running in circles trying to catch bugs in the script, and Ichie's head is starting to smoke from that. Fumi takes the chance to burn Ichie even more by saying that is because Ichie hasn't been using her head in the first place. Since this is not going to be resolved in any time soon, Fumi suggests adjourning for now, while Ichie uses her horoscope ("Do not push yourself too hard") to support that statement. Tamao disagrees, saying that they just have no time, but Fumi counters by saying that it's not like they have unlimited stamina, and clearly burning themselves right now is not going to get themselves any further than where they are right now. After thinking for a while, Tamao relents, and adjourns the meeting for the next day.

After they leave, Tamao opens the screen door to the practice room. Tamao apologises to Fumi and Ichie. Even if it might really burn her out, she really doesn not want to waste time on this project. She has to get that play done, no matter what. 

Part 4B

It's middle of the night in the Theatre Performance practice room, and Tamao is practicing her lines.

"Ha!"

"This is my resolve! With this sword, I will regain my freedom and my honour!"

"And we will achieve our ideals-"

...that was way too clichéd, thinks Tamao.

Yuyuko then speaks up.

"'Can't communicate your resolve'...you mean?"

Yuyuko instantly recognises that this is a new Rinmei Chronicles production.

Tamao is surprised by Yuyuko's sudden appearance.

"Didn't you say that 'Your own body is an important asset'? Then what are you doing here alone... Fumi-senpai and Ichie-senpai are going to be mad at you."

It is clear Yuyuko has been watching Tamao from the beginning, but with Tamao being so into things, Yuyuko has been thinking it was inappropriate to interrupt. Yet, it almost seems nostalgic now. Now the performers and the audience have switched places. Though much has happened since and it seemed so far back, it was hard to believe that barely a year has passed.

Anyway, Yuyuko does have something quite important to talk to Tamao about, even if time is of the essence here. And with that, she declares that she wants to help in writing the Rinmei Chronicles with the rest of the team. She is not going to stand by as Tamao pours her heart out for this play. Tamao thinks for a while, but rejects the offer. Yuyuko is enraged by this rejection, but Tamao tells her that for this production, she has to sacrifice herself and be reborn once again. To throw away the foolishness of the past, to thrust herself against the school's decision, no matter the potential punishments of doing so. She doesn't want to drag the first years with her on this possibly disastrous journey. But Yuyuko insists. The decision for Yuyuko to stay away from the stage is not for Tamao to make lightly, and besides, Tamao has been supporting Yuyuko all this time. Tamao and Fumi have helped cultivate Yuyuko's love for stage performance, and now with the disbandment of Theatre Performance, she is not going to stand by and let Tamao stop her from helping with the Rinmei Chronicles.

The screen door opens, and Ichie speaks out: "So here you are!"

Fumi is with Ichie as well, and she is equally disappointed at Tamao for ignoring her own words. Ichie mentions that Fumi had the intuition that Tamao would turn back and stay at the school, only to notice Yuyuko and be surprised at her presence. Fumi is also surprised at Yuyuko's presence (though we do know Yuyuko is a night owl so it's not that surprising). Turns out Yuyuko already knows that they have been trying to produce the Rinmei Chronicles behind Ukaji-sensei's back, and that's why she has already written the script for the Rinmei Chronicles based on the other three's requirements. This was the least she could do for the team. Tamao is surprised that Yuyuko did this all by herself. Yuyuko replies that this was not completely a solo job: she talked to her colleagues and audience at the rakugo hall she works at and found out about the Rinmei Chronicles. It was with their guidance that she was able to write the script for the Rinmei Chronicles.

Ichie was surprised, considering they only decided on the Rinmei Chronicles only a short while ago, and Yuyuko has already completed the script in that amount of time, but Yuyuko replies that it was not that impressive an accomplishment considering she had to pull a lot of all-nighters to get the script done (just like the times I stay late to get this translation completed). That being said, this was still completed with all her effort. With that, Yuyuko requests once again that she would like to be part of the production together with the rest of them. Whether it is in scriptwriting, or acting, she wants to give her all, and stand on stage with all of them.

Ichie and Fumi were moved by this. Yuyuko then continues that she loves rakugo and classic stage arts, and even if few today can appreciate them, this was the reason she went into Theatre Performance. Tamao has complimented the rakugo that she has conducted. Through the compliments and criticisms, and the times she stood on stage, she felt that she had grown in experience. And this is why she wants to perform, yet again, on Rinmeikan's stage. Even if she sleeps in class and likes unconventional things like the classics, and is all around unimpressive, the stage which her seniors have built is where she shone on. And this is what she will defend, with all her effort.

Tamao listened intently, and realises this is Yuyuko's resolve. To appear on stage, no matter in what way. Ichie agrees as well, understanding well that Yuyuko is indeed a Theatre Performance girl after all. Tamao asks if this is fine with Yuyuko, since this is going to be against school direction. But Yuyuko is not going to stand by, because Rinmeikan without theatre is like a rakugo without a punchline: there's just no point to it. And with that Yuyuko makes her proclamation:

ひとつ　人には秘めたる思いも
ふたつ　舞台が結わえてくれた
みっつ　未来の戯曲のために
魅せます　古典の心意気！
凛名館女学校　演劇科 田中ゆゆこ！
命かけたる正念場　いざご覧あれ！

First, are the thoughts hidden within us
Second, are the ties that bind us on stage
Third, are the duties we hold for the future of our performances
And thus they shall enchant, the spirit of the classics!
Rinmeikan Girls School Theatre Performance - Tanaka Yuyuko!
And so we shall show them - the performance of our lives!

...and then she falls asleep. She's reached her limit, and it's time for her to rest. Fumi comments that she really has pushed herself too far, but Tamao comments that she has finally understood Yuyuko's resolve. Ichie also weighs in that this has to be the first time she has seen Yuyuko work that hard before, though as Fumi notes, she's still her usual self when she is asleep. Yuyuko has heard it all, and is welcome for any more compliments. A weird way to talk in her sleep, Fumi comments, and Tamao thanks Yuyuko for all the effort she has put in. She quietly tells the rest of them that they will start the production with Yuyuko's script as the base. They cheer, and Yuyuko joins them as best as she can.

The next day, they are at the Theatre Performance classroom discussing about their roles. Tamao directs Fumi to start off her line from a lower position, since this will give a stronger presence for the impactful lines that will be coming up in the later half of that line. Yuyuko's notes have really helped with making the direction easier, and Yuyuko is definitely basking in all the compliments. Tamao then asks about the outfits, and with the clear direction the script has given them, she has a better idea on what to do with the outfit designs and would be able to make it for the performance. Fumi is also able to work on the backgrounds with the script. Tamao is now able to properly direct the process, but she is still missing something.

Then Ukaji-sensei enters the room, which surprises Ichie. Ukaji-sensei is here to check on the cleanup work. Tamao reports that they will be able to vacate the room in due time. Ukaji-sensei then notices the script for the Rinmei Chronicles and questions what it is doing here, and as the rest of the team panics, Tamao explains that this was just something that appeared during the cleanup work, and she explained that she was surprised that it was there considering all records of it were removed according to the seniors. Ukaji-sensei notes that this particular copy looks awfully new, but Tamao explains that this is a copy and that the original is already somewhere safe. Regarding the rest of the information scattered around the room, those were just some things that was left behind and were worth treasuring. And with that, Ukaji-sensei takes her leave. The team breathe a sigh of relief. That was way too close for comfort, but it was impressive that Tamao was able to talk her way out of this. Then again, they are actors after all, no?

It's time to continue work, and when the sun rises the next day, they shall show the world their Rinmei Chronicles. 

Continue on to Part 5: The Wildcard

Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 9 - Part 3: The Former Idol

Disclaimer: While translations have already existed for this story from both official and unofficial sources, I am writing this as a complete clean-room implementation, ie I am writing this translation/novelistion with absolutely no knowledge of existing translations. This is purely only for completeness as I feel that it is not right to leave an existing translation incomplete. Once the series translation is complete, I will return to other ideas such as my unwarranted opinions on random stuff that I encounter. 

This story continues from Part 2: The Exiled Knight

Part 3A

Another day passes in 1st year General Education. Rui is slowly getting used to it, but she still worries about her beloved Tamao-senpai. The doors open and the second year basketballers are here to talk to Rui. Since she no longer has theatre activities, that means Rui is free to join their club, right? Rui flusters as the basketballer pitch their club to her. The basketballers are interrupted by a tennis club member, who are in turn interrupted by a ballet club member, and then a fine arts club member, and then a lacrosse member (this is getting ridiculous), who take turns pulling Rui's arms in the hopes that she will join their club. Rui runs away, saying that she needs to join Tamao.

Meanwhile at the 2nd years, Fumi and Tamao are preparing to practice for the Rinmei Chronicles after class. Rui comes barrelling down, wanting Tamao's help, but Tamao tells Rui to not come to her any more. Rui couldn't stand this anymore, not being in Theatre Performance with Tamao. Just thinking of the days that they are no longer together is too difficult for her. Tamao agrees, saying that those were carefree days, but still, she doesn't want Rui to put her on a pedestal and saddle her with such, and walks away from Rui with Fumi.

Fumi and Tamao arrive at the theatre resource room, which they have coopted as their practice place under the guise of cleaning it up for the inevitable eviction. Tamao tells Fumi not to look at her as if to see if she is happy at what she has done, and Fumi replies that maybe that might not be the best way to reject involvement in superficial things. Yet, Fumi notes that this is still hard on both Rui and Tamao. Tamao continues that even though she said she didn't want Rui to put her on a pedestal, she really wanted to trust Rui with what they are doing, and that Rui did seem to be having quite a bit of trouble. Even so, this has to be done, and Fumi agrees, saying that they should continue with what they are supposed to do.

Over at the rooftop, Ichie sets up her camera equipment for a new program she is filming: Otonashi Ichie's Ichi-ichi-channel. This episode that she is filming is about starting up Rinmeikan's Theatre Performance on her own. In this program, she states that she still doesn't recognise Theatre Performance's shutdown, and so even if everyone says it no longer exists, she will still acknowledge its existence, and that's why she needs her viewers' help to keep it alive, even if she no longer has any performance programs or practice locations. She continues and opens a letter from a certain "Cuisine Maiden":

"Dear Ichie-san, this is the first letter I am sending to you."

After greeting this mysterious "Cuisine Maiden", she continues...

"I found out about your 'Self-officiated Rinmeikan Theatre Performance Start-up Project' from your earlier video. I find it awesome that even though the department has shut down you are still performing on stage."

Ichie thanks the viewer, and explains that this has always been something she wanted to do since leaving the idol industry, and even if her department shuts down it's not like her passion is going anywhere.

"So I have been suggesting... Sorry for making you wait, Ichie [1]. Let's perform together. Rinmeikan's lost theatre play -- The Rinmei Chronicles --..."

As she read up to this point, she figures out something is up. At this point Tamao and Fumi arrive at the rooftop, which shocks Ichie. Fumi asks Ichie what she is doing recording a program on the rooftop, and Ichie replies that recording outside would fit this kind of grandiose program much better. Also, now that they have gone and went into the frame she can't use the footage any more. Fumi then tells Ichie that she won't need to record any more videos. When Ichie asks why, Tamao replies that they will be doing what they have written in that letter. To bring back the lost theatre play -- The Rinmei Chronicles --, they need to enlist Ichie's help. Ichie asks if it is the same Rinmei Chronicles as she was thinking, which Tamao and Fumi are surprised that she knew. Ichie then asks what happened to suddenly make Tamao change her mind, considering she decided to give up when the first announcement was made. Besides, as Ukaji-sensei said, it's not like producing another theatre play is going to stop the shutdown. Tamao agrees, but this is not what she wants. What she wants is not a sound argument, but rather what is the true answer. The failure to stop the shutdown of Theatre Performance may be on the teachers, but the failure to continue the memories of Theatre Performance is on them. Therefore, this isn't just standing on stage, it is a performance that will bring out the most of them, a piercing drama that they will stake their lives on. They will bring back the Rinmei Chronicles. Even through defeat, reluctance, or worries, this is more important than any of them. Tamao implores Ichie to accede to her selfish request. Ichie then wonders if Tamao bought Fumi over with ponzu, to which Fumi replies that it's a bit more than that. Tamao expands on that by saying that it is still a selfish request from herself anyway. Fumi then tells Ichie that it isn't the time for idle talk, which flusters Ichie, who asks why they are performing a play that their seniors have removed over ten years ago. Tamao replies that this is no ordinary re-production of the play. This will be a play that they will bring back, with their passion. This will no longer be any old classic, but a modern, living play that truly belongs to them. Ichie asks how they will achieve that, considering that the original outline has to remain unchanged, and the tale seems a bit too ordinary to keep the audience engaged. Tamao replies that they will design new outfits for this performance, and after the main performance they can even have a singing performance depending on the cast. Of course that includes Ichie's own songs, costume designs and choreography. It is all very surprsing to Ichie, considering that the Rinmei Chronicles ends with all the characters dead, and that is not what the audience want any more. Tamao then replies this is exactly why they need to bring it back. To bring their own rendition to a format considered outmoded. To put their passion and everything on the line to bring back what has been lost. To reach out for something that doesn't appear twice. To shine brightly for this moment, as Stage Girls. For this, there is no performance that show this other than the Rinmei Chronicles.

Ichie then asks where it will be performed, what the script is like, and who will be directing, to which Tamao replies that they will be playing this by ear. Ichie then asks if it is alright doing something on their own without any official approval. Tamao then asks if there is no point in a Rinmeikan without Theatre Performance, if she is going to leave this school if anything happens after this. Fumi adds that besides, Ichie was already trying to bring back Theatre Performance by herself. Tamao then says that this performance would be worth it, even if the price is expulsion. At this point, Tamao does a dogeza, while asking Ichie for her help. This shocks both Fumi and Ichie.

Part 3B

As Tamao keeps her stance, Ichie gets flustered. She wasn't expecting Tamao to go this far with the pleading, or that she was willing to put everything on the line for the final theatre play of Theatre Performance. Ichie asks if her songs and stages are why Tamao have asked for Ichie's help for this case. Though that was the initial idea, Tamao replies, she really was looking for anything that could help in theatre production. Ichie admits that she was initially really puzzled at Tamao's behaviour, but agrees to help with Tamao's plan, and make this theatre production more interesting than they have planned.

As Fumi agrees with Ichie, Ichie then continues that she was harbouring regrets all this while, that maybe there was something more that they could be doing ever since she was moved to General Education. Fumi wonders if this is why Ichie hasn't been putting up her livestreams regularly. Ichie continues by saying that it feels like there is something she still has to do. Fumi and Tamao are surprised by this, but Ichie reassures them saying that they are all in this together anyway. And with this, she makes her proclamation:

探して求めた　唯一無二も
選んだ舞台は　断崖絶壁!?
だけどここから　一発逆転
一期一会の　晴れ舞台！
凛明館女学校演劇科　音無いちえ！
聞かせて魅せます　命の響き！

This one and only Stage that I longed for
Turns out to be a steep cliff!?
But from here I turn the tables
And create a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle!
Rinmeikan Girls School Theatre Performance - Otonashi Ichie!
So it shall charm everyone - the music of life!

With this, Ichie accepts Tamao's offer to produce the Rinmei Chronicles together. Fumi and Tamao thank Ichie for accepting the offer.

Later on in the evening, after practice, Ichie is still fired up with this new development, but Fumi reminds Ichie that she still has to keep all this a secret from Ukaji-sensei. Ichie assures them that this secret is safe with her. Tamao remains impressed that Ichie did actually know about the Rinmei Chronicles, especially considering that Rinmeikan hasn't been performing this for a decade and a half at least. She asks where Ichie has heard of it from, and she replies that she was a pop idol in a 110-member group called Sweets Pleats. Fumi interjects saying that it really is a huge group, to which Ichie agrees, and she complains that it was not the stage she was looking for, where she could shine on her own. There is not much room for individuality in that group, and because of the sheer number of people she was basically reduced to being called "the girl with the idiot hair". In addition, all the songs were actually lip-synced when performing on stage. Though Fumi suggests that lip-syncing was quite common when it comes to songs with difficult choreography, Ichie clarifies by saying that all songs were lip-synced. AKB48 these guys definitely are not. Even though everyone has put all their effort in the dance choreography and there is definitely no shortage of performers who can sing while dancing. Unfortunately, while Ichie has voiced out her concerns, many of her colleagues didn't. Instead, they basically just stopped coming to practice sessions. The people in charge also stopped caring, and practice sessions were basically luck of the draw as to whether you get a good practice session or not. When she straight up asked to have everyone sing on stage for their last performance, her final request was rebuffed, and in the end that last performance, like every other, was lip synced. Probably should have just switched on the microphones anyway without even asking the management's permission just to stick it to them, Ichie thought.

Anyway, during an intermission an upperclassman showed her a really old stage performance. Though it is a tragedy where all the main characters eventually meet their end, they truly embodied the value of living in the moment. It was then that Ichie saw the radiance she has been missing. It did not matter that an actor's role had many or few lines, in that moment, under the spotlight, everyone put in their best effort, in their roles and their performance. Yet these performers were not that much different in age to them. Though she did, and still does, enjoy her time as an idol, she was absolutely bedazzled by that performance. She then asked that upperclassman what play this is, and that is how she knew about the Rinmei Chronicles. That upperclassman was a graduate of Rinmeikan Theatre Performance, and that's why she had such a classical video. That is why, when Ichie got to high school she chose Rinmeikan Theatre Performance, but then she found out that the Rinmei Chronicles were no longer in production, she was surprised. But through this she met everyone else in Theatre Performance, and that was fine with her.

Tamao listens intently, and muses that though Ichie was a pop idol, she was guided to theatre performance by an upperclassman who has been through the world of theatre performance. Fumi continues by saying it has got to be fate. Ichie then tells the rest that she doesn't want Theatre Performance to go away, and besides, she has always wanted to perform the Rinmei Chronicles anyway. Tamao laments that they have never known that side of Ichie, and never let Ichie know that deeply about them either. Ichie then replies chirpily that they will bring back Theatre Performance as they laugh together.

Ichie then asks what about Rui and Yuyuko, and Tamao replies that it's not like she can call them in just yet. They still have to be careful about their participation, and as Fumi continues, if they get punished for that, they would rather not drag Rui and Yuyuko down as well. Ichie got the idea, and for now they will begin as a Theatre Performance trio. And with that they will start script writing the next day.

Back at the practice room, the lights are still on, and Yuyuko is in.

Continue on to Part 4: The Awakened Playwright.

[1] Honorific omitted in the original text as well.

Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 9 - Part 2: The Exiled Knight

This story continues from Part 1: The Decline of Prestige

Part 2A

After another day at General Education, Rui thinks back at what Tamao said to her. That Tamao without the stage that everyone built together is merely Tamao, not the Stage Girl that Rui looked up to, and to spend time with Rui now just makes her feel guitly. As she continues thinking about Tamao, a girl from her class tries to get her attention. Finally after getting Rui's attention, the girl tries to invite Rui to go out with her group to a cafe near the station. Besides, as another girl said, there is a special jumbo pancake set there that everyone should absolutely try. They were absolutely enamoured by her height, her propriety and her beautiful voice and wanted to be friends with her. And without any input from Rui, the girls basically drag her along all the way to the cafe as Rui tries to call out for Tamao to help her.

Meanwhile at the cafe, things are not looking great. The cafe is closing down due to a general recession and a poorly thought-out summer menu item that has resulted in an operating loss. Apparently selling the jumbo pancake set for only 500 yen isn't a good idea as the management thought, even if it was popular with the customers. After a very cold joke that they have been eaten by the pancakes instead of eating the pancakes (Sind Sie das Essen? Nein, wir sind die Jäger!) the manager thanks Fumi for the hard work and assures her that she will still get her salary at the end of this month.

Fumi exits the cafe and wonders about the shops closing down at the shopping district. From bakeries to pizza shops and general eateries. No matter what they have been selling, whether gyudon, chicken cutlet, hamburgers, Italian, Mexican, Mongolian, all the places that have meals provided for their workers are closing down. Not just Theatre Performance, even her workplace is shutting down. Fumi wonders if she is fated to arrive at places that end up dying. Well, time to drown her sorrows with a ponzu party...

Or not, considering the ponzu is sold out. Fumi arrives at the shop to find out that her favourite brand of ponzu "Hanamaru brand natural yuzu ponzu" has not only sold out, it is possible that there may no longer be any more shipments of that brand of ponzu since the manufacturer went bankrupt.

She returns home, laughing at herself at the absurdity of what happened. Maybe she really does herald decline and ruin after all. From her workplace, to her ponzu, to Theatre Performance, which is now scattered. Looks like her hotpot will have to make do with bean sprouts, enoki mushrooms and eggplants in plain water only. What a sad state of affairs without any ponzu to liven up this hotpot. It makes her laugh, and cry at the same time. Just then, the door bell rings. Fumi wonders who it would be to ring the door bell so late at night. She invites the mystery visitor in only to find that it's Tamao. She is surprised at the turn of events, but Tamao leads with her knowing about Fumi's cafe closing down, and that Fumi's favourite brand of ponzu has sold out. Fumi impatiently asks if Tamao is just here for some schadenfreude, but Tamao counters that she is here to scout Fumi to be part of the main cast of a new production of the Rinmei Chronicles, and explains the history of the Rinmei Chronicles to Fumi. Fumi is surprised that she had never heard of such a storied production before, and Tamao continues, saying that she joined Rinmeikan to be part of the production of the Rinmei Chronicles. This is not a production for General Education; this has to be done by Theatre Performance. Tamao then asks if that particular brand of ponzu is so important for Fumi that she will die if she cannot get some, to which Fumi replies that it is not exactly the case. Tamao continues that with the closure of Theatre Performance she has come to realise that while she has been spending a carefree life there with her friends, she never quite performed like her life depended on it. With the production of the Rinmei Chronicles, this is a do or die moment. She will not accept Theatre Production closing down, not without having first performed the Rinmei Chronicles. That's why Tamao needs Fumi's help. Fumi asks why Tamao didn't ask the other girls first, especially considering Rui has always been so close to her, and Tamao replies that she doesn't want girls who just fawn over her, and Fumi is her only choice. Fumi asks if it's so that she will be doing the saikang unpleasant roles [1]. Tamao replies that since Fumi came from Siegfeld, she would have some level of performative rigour that comes with the level of prestige she came from. Fumi counters that doing so would be undermining Ukaji-sensei's authority, but Tamao replies and says that it is not a question of whether it can or cannot be done, but more a question of whether they want to do it.


Part 2B

Of course, this isn't just some vague platitude, Tamao continues, and she passes a small bottle to Fumi. Tamao asks her to open the bottle, and Fumi finds out that it is ponzu. Fumi, thinking that it is a setup, guesses that it is not just any random sort of ponzu. And yet, she still cannot resist its allure, even if she only recognises Hanamaru brand natural yuzu ponzu as the ponzu for her. Tamao understands Fumi's feelings, and asks Fumi to taste it if she still doesn't trust Tamao, and Fumi gives it a try.

With one taste, Fumi tastes the soy sauce, delicately fermented to perfection, the gradually expanding sourness of citrus, topped with the exquisiteness of katsuoboshi. This is some very good ponzu. Fumi quickly puts up her guard again as Tamao tells her not to worry about her. With this, Fumi acquiesces to Tamao's offer and adds it to her hotpot, which no doubt has been stewing for quite some time, and brings back life to her hotpot. Tamao is happy at seeing Fumi being brought back to life, and Fumi demands where Tamao got this from. Tamao replies that it is a special blend from "Tomoe Cuisine" [2], and it is a recipe that has been passed down generations of master chefs. It is said to be formulated with a breed of Jabara citrus from the historic Kinokuni region [3]. Fumi asks what the "Tomoe" name means, wondering if it is related to Tamao, to which Tamao replies that a vacancy has just opened up there. Tamao continues, telling Fumi about the meals provided, shift scheduling, and the hourly pay, leaving the offer on the table, while reiterating that this is neither a bribe, nor an attempt to win over Fumi. What she only needs out of this is Fumi's help as a professional cast member. With that, everything she has to say has been said. Fumi replies that since Tamao asked so nicely anyway, this is the least she could do. Yet, Fumi still harbours doubts, considering everything she touches apparently turns into dust. Tamao tells Fumi to perish that thought and bring back what is rightfully theirs, togther. Fumi notices the fire in Tamao's eyes, and knows that this is an Avengers' level threat Tamao really wants to do this. With that, Fumi agrees to be in Tamao's production, to bring back Tamao's passion for stage acting again, and the deal is done.

They go to the nearby park to begin practice for the new Rinmei Chronicles. It's not much, but it is still a start. Tamao knew that Fumi would return to the stage, to protect Starlight, and now, to bring back the Rinmei Chronicles, and thanks Fumi for agreeing to help out. Fumi refuses, saying that she should be the one thanking Tamao, and begins her story...

A long time ago, in a certain kingdom, there lived a knight. He was strong with the lance, and his rode far and wide on his horse. Not only was he adept in battle, he was also well-versed in poetry...

The knight was recognised for his talents by the King, and was bestowed the Jade as a recognition for his power. His future was smooth-sailing... and many people said that he could be the successor to the King.

With all this surrounding him, the knight grew haughty.

At the same time, the knight had a younger brother. No one pampered the brother more than the knight. The younger brother had a weak constitution, but he admired his older brother, and continuously trained. Many people thought that the younger brother might one day surpass the knight.

...This dismayed the knight to no end. The fear that he may lose his hard-earned status to his younger brother caused him to make mistake after mistake on the battlefield. Eventually he couldn't hold his lance nor ride his horse. The other knights he previously beat back with his pride now laughed at how hard he had fallen.

The now weakened knight had no one to save him, and it was all his own fault.  No one... except his brother. It was then, he made a prayer. That his own brother would be struck by an arrow.

"Is this how ugly I have become? Is this how weak I have become?" In despair, the knight exiled himself from the kingdom, throwing the Jade aside. He then crossed the seas to arrive at an ancient, but declining, kingdom. There he encountered a people who accepted him, and a pure-hearted lord. For this lord, he will serve with his life. The knight, now healed, returned his stride and became this lord's warrior.

The end

With that, Fumi ends her story, telling Tamao this is something she had seen before. Fumi ends off by saying that she likes Tamao, and how she carries herself on stage. That just maybe, with her, she can return to the stage. The stage that she ran away from. And because of this, she will help Tamao reclaim her status as a Stage Girl, and makes her proclamation:

『心を妬かれて　逃げ堕ちし身が
再びのぼるは　滅びの舞台
過ぎたあの日に　栞を挟み
新たなこの日を　果てなき舞台に
凛明館女学校演劇科　夢大路文
謳い上げます　命の夢を！！』

"From jealousy and flight
To a rebirth on a stage of ruin
From a mark [4] in the days past
To a stage that may not see another day
Rinmeikan Girls School Theatre Performance - Yumeoji Fumi
The dreams of life will be extolled!!"

With that, Fumi declares that she will help Tamao achieve her dreams, for the Rinmei Chronicles. Tamao thanks her for being such a loyal warrior, and Fumi returns the thanks. Tamao then gives a reminder to Fumi that tomorrow's job will start at 5, and she will be rewarded with lots of ponzu for lunch later on. For such an early start time, just ponzu is not enough, and Fumi would like to have some daikon skin as well for that, to which Tamao replies that this will be up for negotiation later. Anyway, she will help with producing the Rinmei Chronicles with Tamao as thanks for the new job and the ponzu anyway.


Continue on to Part 3: The Former Idol

[1] saikang: Hokkien for 屎工, literally "shit job". Means any unpleasant jobs or busywork.
[2] "Tomoe Cuisine" is stylised with a ゑ hiragana in place of an え as would be written in modern times.
[3] The Kinokuni region was a historic Japanese region that covers what is now most of Wakayama Prefecture and the southern part of Mie Prefecture.
[4] The word is the same word as that for Shiori's name: 栞

Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 9 - Part 1: The Decline of Prestige

Part 1A

Tamao is faced with a sudden announcement that the Theatre Performance department is closing down. In front of her is Ukaji-sensei, who is explaining to her that due to reducing enrolment numbers, it has become very difficult for Theatre Performance to justify its continued existence. For this reason, the principal has announced that Theatre Performance will close down starting this academic year and all existing Theatre Performance track students will be transferred to the General Education track. Even though it was what Eru and the Fight Club Revue Stage has promised, in the end all that promise of keeping Theatre Performance alive in Rinmeikan has resulted in nought. The continued maintenance of the Theatre Performance department has started to become a drag on the budget of Rinmeikan, and the principal has decided that it was best to shut down the department. Furthermore, even though many students have signed up to enter Rinmeikan in general, given Rinmeikan's reputation among the high schools, the number of students who have expressed interest in joining Theatre Performance was zero.

Zero.

Given the declining trends in the previous years, the decision was painful, but necessary. It's not like the remaining students of Theatre Performance are going to reverse this by just putting up a play. To the school executive committee, there is no value in maintaining Theatre Performance. Since the decision is already set, the final directives from the exco are to notify the parents and to clear the Theatre Performance classroom by next week.

As Ukaji-sensei takes her leave, the members of Theatre Performance take stock of what happened. This is especially jarring for Fumi, who has just returned to stage acting only for the entire department to shut down. Ichie also takes this news very badly and she tries to ask everyone if there is something anyone can do. With Theatre Performance gone, everyone will be scattered. Ichie continues to be worked up, and she storms out of the door. With nothing left that they can do, the remaining students start to clean up the classroom.

The cleaning continues until sunset. As Rui helps with the cleaning, she gets worked up as well. Clearly Eru has betrayed them, by not holding up her end of the bargain. The deal which was if the Rinmeikan girls manage to stay on the Revue Stage their department will not shut down. To try to calm down the situation, Tamao tells everyone to stop work and return back to the hostel first. Rui's attempt to stay behind to help Tamao is rebuffed by Fumi, who knows that Tamao needs time to be alone in these trying times.

As they return to the hostel, Yuyuko asks Fumi what the General Education track is like, considering Fumi was in General Education for a short while before joining Theatre Performance. It's not a bad place, Fumi says. The teaching quality is high, and everyone had fun during the lesson with teachers who are passionate in teaching. Just as Yuyuko was about to ask Fumi how she did in General Education, they spot Ichie. Rui asks what they just saw and Fumi quickly brushes her off by saying that she left her water bottle in the classroom and tells everyone to return to the hostel first. Yuyuko notes that it is very rare for Fumi to just forget something in the classroom, but doesn't press the issue.

Meanwhile, Fumi tries to figure out what Ichie is doing on her own and decides to catch up to her. Ichie tells Fumi that maybe she is a bit too hasty by running away immediately after the announcement. If only she could help Tamao bring back Theatre Performance. Though Fumi understands the sentiment, it is still better to not pester Tamao about it. Sure, the mood might have lightened up again, bringing up the matter will only dampen moods again. Still, Ichie wants to wait for Tamao to return so that she can greet Tamao in her own way. "As long as it doesn't break any school rules," Fumi reminds Ichie. Ichie wonders if it's supposed to be some kind of snide comment and Fumi immediately tells her to just keep that in mind. Finally, before Fumi returns, Ichie tells Fumi that even Theatre Performance shuts down and everyone goes to General Education, they all will still be friends. Fumi pushes back on Ichie by asking what she mean by that, which immediately knocks Ichie off-base.

Part 1B

The sun has set, but back in the classroom, Tamao is still by herself, clearing the classroom. There aren't enough boxes for the things they need to bring out of the classroom, and Tamao takes note of that. As she stacks up the items, Tamao discovers the script to the Ghost Squad play. And from there the scripts to Yoshitsune, the Seven Lucky Gods, Onikurenai and Urashima Tarou. Producing all of them was fun, she thought. Everyone working together to write the script, produce the costumes, build the sets, to the final production on stage. As she reminisces on the plays that they have done, she feels agitation against Eru, who she viewed as breaking their promise. Was her, and her friends' participation in the Fight Club Revue Stage all based on a lie? Tamao demands an answer from Eru, and finds herself on the Revue Stage with Andrew, who has started to become annoyed at Tamao's griping. Tamao wonders what Andrew is. An oversized plush toy, or a costumed person, or snowman? Andrew corrects Tamao by saying that he is a cute mole. Eru catches up to Andrew and tells him off for running off on his own, and Andrew explains that he was getting annoyed with Tamao's griping and went there to figure things out himself.

With Eru on scene, Tamao tells Eru off for not holding her end of the bargain, but Andrew corrects her by reminding her that Eru's deal was only that if she gets the Top Star she can stand on any stage she wishes. And besides, it wasn't the Revue Stage's fault that Theatre Performance is shutting down. Eru builds on that by saying that a stage production is something that is started from zero to one. A manifestation of the Stage Girls' resolve and passion, not something that can be forced upon anyone. Therefore, even with Theatre Performance shutting down, Tamao should fight through the pain and shine, even off-stage. Andrew then continues by saying that all this talk of stopping the shutdown of Theatre Performance without really figuring out how to do so, just relying on others, would all just amount to that, idle talk. Eru tells Andrew to calm down and he apologises, saying that it just annoys him that someone would call Eru a liar. Eru finishes the meeting by saying that while merely appearing on stage isn't a condition to be a Stage Girl, it is not necessary to stand on stage to be a Stage Girl, and implores Tamao to figure out where she stands.

Tamao wakes up in the classroom, wondering what that earlier meeting meant.

The next day, during lunch break, Tamao prepares to have lunch. Modern Literature, Mathematics, Classical Literature, Japanese History... While she is getting a hand on all of this, the assignments are realling piling up over at General Education. Still, she is doing her best to get along in General Education. Rui runs to Tamao, just as she always does, wanting to have lunch with her. Tamao refuses, saying that since needs to do her revision for the later classes, she will be having lunch at the classroom. Rui is a bit disappointed at this, and Tamao tells her that maybe it is best for Rui to also focus on what she needs to do right now in General Education. Besides, Fumi, Ichie and Yuyuko are also busy doing what they need to do in General Education. Rui is shocked at this level of depression and asks what she means by that. Tamao answers that without any theatre productions to look forward to, taking up Rui's time just makes her feel guilty, which makes Rui very confused. Tamao continues that she's just an ordinary girl now. An ordinary girl who cannot stand on stage, or create a stage production. Whatever image of Tamao that Rui had all this while, is dead. This completely devastates Rui, but Tamao continues that she is sorry that she cannot continue the days when they shone on stage together. Rui, dejected, takes her leave, with complete formality[1]. After Rui leaves, a second year ballet club member asks Tamao if that was Rui. The ballet club member tells Tamao that she has her eye on Rui, considering that she is tall and has the physical capability for ballet. A basketball club member interjects by saying that Rui has quite a lot of fans despite being a freshman, and she should join basketball instead.

Tamao returns to the hostel, wondering if that's what she will need to get used to, everyday in General Education. Tamao realises that she will need to bring all these books back home. These records of Theatre Performances past: the sketches of the costumes made, the rough drawings of the background artwork. All these were brought in from Tamao's home. Most importantly, the script for "The Rinmei Chronicles".

The Paulownia tree has a lifespan of around 30 years. The Chronicles trace a life that starts together with a newly planted Paulownia, and its growth parallels a human life that grows and declines along with it. This is the stage production, steeped in tradition, that has become emblematic of Rinmeikan. A protagonist, fighting against the tides of change, and the like-minded compatriots that follow them. A tale of passion, sacrifice, and the beauty of ruin. In the end, even as the Paulownia dies, a new one sprouts, and the flapping of the butterfly's wings herald a new beginning as the curtains fall.

While the basic outline of the Rinmei Chronicles has remained unchanged, what the students of Theatre Production have done to fill the outline changed throughout the generations. "The sorrows and joys of the White Tiger ~The Rinmei Chronicles 1963~", "The Flames of Goryōkaku ~The Rinmei Chronicles 1971~", "The Tale of Gikei ~The Rinmei Chronicles 1985~", "The Mystery of Bakumatsu ~The Rinmei Chronicles 1995~" (They don't use the Imperial year notation? That's surprising). These were all performed in Rinmeikan's Grand Hall, a stage only for Rinmeikan. These were the tales that Tamao's mother and grandmother have regaled her with since young. The Rinmei Chronicles that have kept Tamao in wonderment. But recently, Rinmeikan has stopped performing the Rinmei Chronicles. Some time before Tamao was born, there was some pushback from the student community regarding The Rinmei Chronicles due to the fact that the basic outline is over a century old. Complaints that such an old theatre production is not up to the times and would only weigh down on Rinmeikan's future. A call to reinvent Rinmeikan by rejecting tradition (maybe call it a cultural revolution? >.> [2]). With that, they seal away the Rinmei Chronicles and tried to make a clean sheet production. Yet, while this new production aspired to look forward, they failed to capture what Rinmeikan represented, and with the continuing productions that rejected the traditions and history of Rinmeikan, the loss of this core aspect of Rinmeikan meant that prospective students gradually declined in number. What was once a top school, started its slow decline into oblivion.

"Surrender...? You're quite the character for saying that the person who was called the devil deputy, the person who visits doom on their enemies. If that day ever happens, I will never be able to face Isami-san and the General, who crossed the Sanzu River before me. If I shall live such a ungainly life, then I shall carve out a meaning of my own with these hands!"

That... was my grandmother, Tamao thought. Young, beautiful, and so radiant on stage. She remembered when that video played back then. "Look, Tamao... This is the Rinmei Chronicles... The stage that your grandmother staked her life on." Tamao wonders what it meant to stake her life for a stage production, and became sad. She couldn't protect the institution that her mother, grandmother, and seniors, have fought to preserve. Maybe Theatre Performance deserved to shut down, what with all their hopes that an outsider would save them. If only she had a stage where she could stake their lives on, to protect the institution of Rinmeikan. Then she could have protected Theatre Performance, her dreams, and maybe continued the tradition her seniors have set before her. And with that she cries (Again? After Frau Jade?). What will Rinmeikan become, without Theatre Performance?

"Youngster--are you really going to die here?"

Tamao jolts.

"Are you satisfied? Is this how your life is going to end? Have you truly fought? On that battlefield of life--?"

Tamao realises that is her grandmother returning to give some wisdom. No, it is not the end, she realises. It is not the end of her dreams, nor of the stage. Not until she produces the Rinmei Chronicles for this year. So much for telling Rui that the Tamao she looked up to was dead. No, she hasn't died yet. She is not yet satisfied, and her life as a Stage Girl isn't ending just like that, and she will fight for a proper resolution. She will bring everyone's power together, no, use everyone's power, to produce the Rinmei Chronicles of her own.


Continue on to Part 2: The Exiled Knight

[1] If you don't understand why I mentioned this, formal language is used in opposition to familiarity.
[2] Cultural Revolution. One aspect of the Cultural Revolution in China's history is the attempt to wipe away the cultural history that China had in favour of new ideas, whatever they may be.

Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 6: Epilogue

This story continues from Part 5: The Chancellor's Sapphire.


Part 6A

They two walk to the end of the Northern ice fields - Valhalla. The King comes to terms with his death. He realises that during his reign he has forgotten the passion he had for his kingdom, the love he had for his subjects. Obsessed with tradition, he neglected the youth and rejected the knowledge of the learned. He ruled the kingdom with an iron fist, while taxing them heavily. This was why the revolt started, starting from the knights and the peasants. With the crown jewels retrieved, he remembered everything. That day when the throne was engulfed in fire; that day when he was stabbed. He laments his foolishness. Though he still feels nothing but gratitude for the people who have once again entrusted him with the crown jewels, it was too little, too late. The Chancellor consoles him, telling him that even so, he still came to his senses and retrieved the crown jewels. The King thanks the Chancellor for guiding him even in the beyond, and remembers the reason he was here in the first place.

With that, Akira remembers why she put up this play. Even though Seisho put up their ReLive with a changed ending, their ReLive remains unchanged from the original script. For this, Akira is determined to end this play as they have always done, in true Siegfeld tradition. With all the members of Edel assembled, Akira leads the charge and skewers the Chorus boss.

『ポジション・ゼロ！
神なき舞台に　王者の光を！』

"Position Zero!
The King's radiance, for the mortal Stage!"

The king arrives at the gates of Valhalla. It's time to bid goodbye to this world. Before he continues into Valhalla, he makes his final request to the Chancellor: to pass the crown, now complete, to the Knight. The Knight who killed him, not out of lust for the throne, but for righteousness. To end a tyranny and to seek salvation for the father he never knew. The King also tells the Chancellor to tell the Knight to seek out his own crown jewels; trusted advisors who will work with him to rule benevolently. And that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end. The Chancellor acknowledges the order, only for the King to reply that he is no longer the King, and is asking the Chancellor, no longer as a subordinate, but as Johann Saphir, his friend. The Chancellor returns this last moment of familiarity, no longer to the King, but to Franz Platin, his friend.

As Franz crosses into Valhalla, he reflects on how he can no longer bring his title nor his crown with him in death, and in death, he is but a man. With everything he has done complete, and his last requests fulfilled, he crosses into Valhalla, satisfied for he has met his King, as the curtains close on the Revue Stage.

"Today's performance has come to a close. Take care when leaving the theatre and ensure that you have not left anything behind. We hope to see you again." Eru delivers the closing speech.


Part 6B

Michiru welcomes everyone back, before correcting herself and congratulating everyone on a performance well done. Shiori thanks Akira and Michiru for saving them from the stage. Meifan wonders how they ended up trapped in the performance. Yachiyo also wonders, since it just felt like they have always been performing in that stage, to which Akira quips that it's just how being a Stage Girl is.

With the missing role revue complete and the Choruses defeated, Elysion is also saved from destruction. Meifan realises Eru was there, while Shiori is surprised by Andrew, thinking that Andrew is just a costume. Andrew tries to charm Shiori with his introduction, while Meifan asks Michiru where she has seen Andrew before [can we reserve an F for Andrew?], to which Michiru replies that he was in the shop that they always go to. Meifan then asks why Andrew is here in the Revue Stage, to which Michiru shrugs. Even she has no idea what Andrew is doing here. Akira then wonders if the Choruses absorbing all the stage plays is the same issue as what happened at Seisho, and if left unchecked, would also end up absorbing Elysion. Michiru becomes angry as she notes that the Choruses have nearly absorbed Elysion--Monarch as well. Akira then asks Eru if she has any idea why this is happening, to which Eru replies that she still cannot explain where the Choruses came from or why they are coming for the stage plays. Meifan scolds Eru for letting this happen, but unfortunately Eru is not a Stage Girl herself and cannot stand on stage. Therefore she needed to enlist the most radiant Stage Girls so that they can defeat the Choruses. Michiru wonders, considering Eru knows so much about the Revue Stage, to which Andrew interjects that even though Eru can't stand on stage, she does learn quickly anyway. This interruption irritates Michiru, who asks Andrew what he meant by "learning fast", and what kind of role he plays on the Revue Stage. Merely a store mascot, or purely for comic relief? Andrew replies with a non-answer by calling himself cute and immediately gets shot down by Meifan who critisises him for being dull, unsettling and having dead eyes. That level of impunity is picked up by Akira, who immediately chastises her for it, which Meifan apologises for. Andrew then critises the entire group for being stiff and not understanding what cute means in an attempt to reverse the sledgehammer blow Meifan gave him, which results in Michiru saying that she does know what cute means, mentioning Shiori as an example to Shiori's surprise. And besides, as Stage Girls they live for the stage and they don't need to focus that much on what is cute, to Yachiyo's agreement, and Andrew's irritation. It appears that he is still bearing a grudge after what that Kyoto girl did to him. Akira then reassures Andrew that it's not like she was going to refuse to help them, since if Elysion disappears, then Edel will too. As a member of Edel, this is their duty. Shiori confirms that any Stage Girl would help too, including her sister. Eru lets out a sigh, and thanks everyone. With that, Andrew then asks that if this happens again he will ask them for help too, to which Michiru tells Andrew that this is not the way to ask for help, and to remember to say "Please", which ticks off Andrew again. Andrew and Eru leave the stage.

As Yachiyo thanks Akira and Michiru for putting up this play, Akira replies that with their help, she was able to reflect on why Elysion is the King of Stages. Elysion is the product of the hopes of the entire school community, all distilled onto this stage of the four horsemen and their King, who gives the Stage its radiance. Therefore, as the King of their Stage, she has to embody the values of passion and mercy, while keeping in mind the endless possibilities of the Stage as she is grounded in the knowledge bestowed upon her. With this, the King will shine on the Stage, brighter than even the gods. Michiru agrees, but acts coy when she is pressed about it by Akira. Michiru then tells Akira that she will pass the mantle of Frau Platin when she reaches senior year next year, just as Michiru will have to pass the mantle of Frau Saphir. This means that they will no longer be playing Elysion--Monarch with the current Edel team, which also means that their performance of Elysion--Monarch earlier will be their only performance as the current Edel team. Yachiyo wonders who is the audience for their previous performance is, to which Meifan replies in alarm that maybe the Choruses were their audience [that would be awfully impolite of the Choruses, no?]. Michiru then reassures Meifan that it was just a thought she had in mind. Shiori also wonders who was their audience for their performance [what? Stage Hands need to sit back and watch sometimes.], to which Akira then figures that it would be very confusing if they thought it was an actual performance of Elysion--Monarch. After all, this performance was to save the rest of Edel anyway. This is when Akira declares that the next Frau Platin would have to step up her game to perform Elysion--Monarch perfectly, which no doubt puts a lot of pressure on Yachiyo, while motivating Shiori and Meifan to give their best performance in the revues to come. Akira then says that while she is looking forward to the next Elysion performance, she still wants to perform with the current team for a bit longer. With that, it's time for everyone to return, for the Student Council tasks aren't going to complete themselves.

『命の炎は一瞬なれど
煌めき絶えぬは　真白の白金（プラチナ）
人の舞台は一瞬なれど
永遠（とわ）に継がるは　王者の舞台
我ら、シークフェルト音楽学院！　
神なき舞台に　王者の光を！
エーデル・フォン・シークフェルト！
我らの全ては、王の舞台のために！』

"Though the fires of destiny burn fleetingly
The platinum's pure white shines unceasingly
Though the stage of men lasts momentarily
The stage of kings will continue successively
We, Siegfeld Institute of Music
The light of the king, for the mortal stage!
Edel von Siegfeld!
All of us, for the King of Stages!"


"Neither the crown nor the throne follows man in death. As he walks through the gates, leaving this world, he is merely but a man. With his responsibilities fulfilled, the story ends here. He... was the King."


End of Series 8.

Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 5: The Chancellor's Sapphire

This story continues from Part 4: The Knight's Pearl. 

Part 5A

"I lied," the Chancellor laments. "Though I never lied on that day at the Valley of the Heavens, today I had to lie to my Lord. My Lord who I considered an old friend." Many years after that promise at that valley, and many days spent with the Monarch, the Chancellor finds himself in a small boat on a voyage to the ice fields. He feels the passion, the mercy, and the hope that the Monarch now possesses. But to get all that hinged on a lie that he made. The lie that will become undone in due time, once the Chancellor finds the Sapphire that he has hidden in the ice fields.

The timeline moves all the way to 8 years ago.

Michiru and Akira play at the fields. They are locked in an intense battle to see who is faster to the goal. When they finish, Michiru (who Akira calls "Micchi") calls out that she is first, but Akira (who Michiru calls "Akki") manages to close it down to a tie.

They later sit at the nearby swingset, where Michiru comments that the grand pas de chat that Akira did was very beautiful, and Akira replies that Michiru's (jeté) entrelacé was beautiful as well, and that was because they ran together. Akira expresses her enthusiasm for the continuing lessons, new ballet moves like the grande fête, and piano lessons, to which Michiru expresses enthusiasm for her singing lessons. So much to learn, so little time. And yet, if they don't learn quickly, they wouldn't be able to enter Siegfeld Institute of Music. Michiru then asks if Akira remembered the time when they watched Elysion together, which Akira never forgot. An epic, mysterious tale, but at some times tragic. It would almost make you cry with how beautiful it is. Michiru was especially impressed by how the entire school came together to do this one production. Since this year's production was "Era of the Monarchs", the next year's would be "Era of Rebirth", which Michiru promises that they will watch together. Akira then promises that she will stand on the stage, just as she watched Siegfeld's students stand on stage. Michiru then makes a solemn expression. Akira, concerned, asks Michiru what was going on. Michiru replies that she feels a bit afraid that since Siegfeld is a famous school after all, everyone from all over Japan would want to go there, and so even if Michiru works hard she may still not enter Siegfeld. Michiru assures Akira that she is already working hard, but it is still a bit scary trying to compete with everyone else. Akira then tells Michiru that she, too, is working hard herself because she wants to stand on the stage of Elysion with Michiru, so Michiru has to enter Siegfeld with her. Michiru is reassured by that, and Akira doesn't even want to entertain the possibility of Michiru not entering Siegfeld with her [ooooh that Main Character energy there].

Akira jumps off the swingset, to Michiru's surprise...


Part 5B

...and climbs to the top of the jungle gym, to Michiru's alarm. That's when Akira makes her declaration:

"It's over Michiru! I have the high ground!"
"I will enter Siegfeld Institute of Music, and stand on the 'King of Stages' --Elysion-- as 'Frau Platin'! Not 'want to', but 'will'!"

Akira then continues her entrance scene, no longer as a hopeful, but as Frau Platin:

『命の炎は一瞬なれど
煌めき絶えぬは　真白の白金プラチナ
人の舞台は一瞬なれど
永遠とわに継がるは　王者の舞台
「フラウ・プラティーン」　雪代晶！　
神なき舞台に　王者の光を！』

"Though the fires of destiny burn fleetingly
The platinum's pure white shines unceasingly
Though the stage of men lasts momentarily
The stage of kings will continue successively
--Frau Platin-- Yukishiro Akira!
The light of the king, for the mortal stage!"

Michiru, surprised, asks what Akira is doing. Akira expresses that this is her declaration, that she will enter Siegfeld, and asks Michiru what she is going to do. Michiru laughs and says that Akira is not just the Stage Idiot, but also the Siegfeld Idiot (this is new to Akira) for being so confident that she will enter Siegfeld that she already thought of her entrance scene as Frau Platin, but with that, Michiru knows what to do. First, starting with calling Akira properly, and asking Akira to call her properly as Michiru. Next, supporting Akira so that she will stand on the Stage of Kings as the headliner for Elysion. Even if Michiru won't be able to stand on the Stage with Akira, she will support Akira in her pursuit for Position Zero. Akira expresses surprise that Michiru would be satisfied even if she won't be able to stand with Akira in the end, but Michiru assures her that even if this happens, Akira will be the Monarch to everyone in Siegfeld. Michiru will put in all her effort so that Akira would be the Monarch; that is the stage which Michiru has chosen to be.

Michiru then makes her own declaration:

『煌めくゆえに　陰りを知らず
無垢なるゆえに　痛みを知らず
なれば照らさん　蒼き灯火
玉座の白金　王者の舞台を
「フラウ・ザフィーア」　凰ミチル
わが宿命は、王と共に！』

"For radiance knows not of darkness
For purity knows not of distress
The blue sparks illuminate the way
To the throne of platinum; to the Stage of Kings
--Frau Saphir-- Ootori Michiru
My destiny -- to serve alongside the King!"

Michiru then reiterates that if Akira was to become a King, then she would have to address Michiru properly. Akira asks again if Michiru is really fine with not being the main role of Elysion. If Akira can become the King, then Michiru is fine with it.

"It was at this moment that I lied. Even if... I didn't regret doing it. It wasn't as if I didn't want Position Zero as Frau Platin. But as I saw Akira climb up and call herself 'Frau Platin', I knew that more than just being the headliner for Elysion, I wanted to make Akira shine. Because of this, I lied. I knew, this is the stage we wanted to be connected by," Michiru reminisces.

Akira, after hearing Michiru, promises Michiru that she will become the Monarch of Siegfeld, and Michiru makes her promise at that. From her coronation, to her death, she will keep supporting Akira.

With the sapphire recovered, it was as if the Monarch saw that day in the Valley of the Heavens once again. He remembers the promise he made to the Chancellor. For the Chancellor to throw away his aspirations and serve the Monarch instead is selfless indeed.

The platinum crown, inlaid with the jewels of ruby, jade, pearl and sapphire, signifying the Monarch's throne, the General's passion, the Marquis's mercy, the Knight's hope, and the Chancellor's wisdom, is now complete. As the Monarch wears the crown, he tells the Chancellor that even if he can return to the capital, he has no de facto power, and yet he feels nothing but gratitude to the people who have handed him the crown jewels. His final task would be to return to the capital and pass the Crown to the Knight, for he will be the successor to the throne. Once it is all over, they will retire to the Valley of the Heavens.

That is the point where the Chancellor drops all pretense and delivers the mother of all bombshells. To ensure that the Monarch still has the motivation to recover the crown jewels, the Chancellor had to lie. When pressed about it, the Chancellor replies that on the day the revolt started, the Monarch was stabbed by the Knight's sword and died where he stood.

He was dead all along. Betrayed by the one person he anointed to be his successor.

[WTF??!!!????]

Continue on to Part 6: Epilogue.

Deleted scenes
Disclaimer: these series are not actually official, but rather from the mind of Moonstone. 

Chancellor: ...I'm sorry my Lord, I'm afraid this cannot happen...

Dying King: ...What?

Chancellor: My Lord... the truth is... I lied. I did so to keep your hopes up so that we could reclaim the crown jewels...

Dying King: What's there to lie about? My friend, what were you planning behind my back?

Chancellor: I'm afraid to say... my Lord, but on the day the revolt started...

Chancellor: You were stabbed in the heart by the Knight's sword... you died back then.

Dying King:

Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight ReLive Main Story Series 8 - Part 4: The Knight's Pearl

This story continues from Part 3: The Marquis's Jade. 

Part 4A

Before the Monarch ascended the throne, he never quite understood the idea that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end [1]. For this reason he ignored the warnings that there were factions plotting against him. And as he now stands at the path to death...

The Monarch collapses, and the Chancellor helps him up. They are running out of water, and they are nearing the end of the line. Yet, the Chancellor tells him their task is not done. Surely if the crown jewels were not found before the Monarch dies, the Crown will crumble, and with it the Kingdom.

They approach a Chorus attacking Yachiyo. With that, the Monarch draws his strength and slices the weird bird monster into tiny little shreds. That's when Akira remembers -- Tsuruhime Yachiyo.

The timeline moves to 2 months ago. Michiru reports a note she found to Akira. In the notebook it reads:

"After Yukishiro Akira became Frau Platin, the status quo has started to fall into place. As ordered by the Chairman, I have been tasked with not only keeping an eye on 'Edel', but also to infiltrate their operations. However, this task never seems to end.

...

What am I to do?"

Akira asks if this is all that was written, and Michiru replies that this fell out of Yachiyo's notebook, and given that Yachiyo came back to look for it, there is no doubt it was really Yachiyo's. Akira wonders how Michiru managed to recover the note without being detected, but Michiru asks Akira what is her next move. Akira has noticed that Yachiyo has stepped up with the weird behaviour, and wonders if this note Michiru found has any connection with that behaviour. Michiru wonders if there really is a spy in Edel working for an as-of-yet-unknown Internal Affairs department. Maybe that would be the reason why she is being so secretive. Akira tries to figure out what the student council needs an Internal Affairs department for and Michiru turns up a blank. Nevertheless, Akira decides to put a stop to this.

The next day, Yachiyo sums up the materials needed for the props (500 deci of leather, 4×50m bolts of cloth, 20 pieces of plywood, nails, glue gun and other consumables) and sends the report to Michiru. She leaves afterwards, and as she walks down the hallway she sums up the day's happenings:

"After lessons today, I continued my duties as the treasurer. No changes from yesterday. Everyone in the student council seems to be getting along well. Clearly with Yukishiro Akira at the helm the status quo has solidified..."

"My task to surveil Edel and infiltrate their operations is about to be coming to an uneventful end," 

Akira cuts in as the jazz music stops. She pushes Yachiyo to the wall and questions her on what she was doing. As Yachiyo tries to push the blame on Akira for peeking into her notes, Akira counters that she has already been noticing suspicious behaviour from Yachiyo, and she wants to know what is happening. Yachiyo then asks how she knew, considering it's not like Akira has been watching her every move, to which Akira replies that there is nothing that slips from the eyes of the Student Council Chairman --Frau Platin--. Knowing that she has been caught red-handed, Yachiyo spills the beans that everything she wrote in her notebook was...

"...all true," 

Akira completes the sentence, just as Yachiyo was about to say it was all out of her imagination.

What?

Akira continues that she has found out that Yachiyo has been sent from the Internal Affairs department to spy on Edel. Yachiyo is puzzled at this turn of events. Akira then continues that she has noticed that there has been quite the web of intrigue within Edel. At this point Yachiyo senses what is happening and compliments Akira on how she has managed to find out everything. Yachiyo then questions Akira if she knew about the "thirteenth basement stage". This is new to Akira, and she now knows she has an interesting source in her hands. Akira continues that she also knows the past that Yachiyo thought she has expunged long ago.

Being a spy for Internal Affairs was just a cover: the truth behind Yachiyo's activities was that Yachiyo is the sister of the 58th Student Council Chairman, who mysteriously disappeared, and Yachiyo has arrived to find the truth behind her sister's disappearance. Yachiyo confirms that she is the sister of Siegfeld's 58th Student Council Chairman, Tsuruhime Chitose. She infiltrated Siegfeld to find out the truth behind Chitose's disappearance during a performance of Elysion. Her infiltration into Internal Affairs was the way to enter the Student Council and gather information about the disappearance of her sister. Akira knows that Yachiyo knows too much and issues an ultimatum to Yachiyo: Either help Akira and double-cross Internal Affairs, or die for her crimes. Yachiyo mocks Akira for wanting to destroy Internal Affairs despite the trust they have for her, and if she were burned Akira may also see the same fate under Internal Affairs. Akira continues, saying that she has no worries about being burned, for only she knows what has happened, and the Student Council will surely continue as normal without Yachiyo. In this time of grave danger, Akira reiterates her ultimatum. Before she can give her answer...



Part 4B

...Michiru bursts in. She's had enough with these two girls. From Michiru's point of view, what was supposed to be a basic wellness check turned into an extended improv drama. Yachiyo confirms that was what happened, and Akira explains that she thought Yachiyo wanted a drama scene. Yachiyo continues that she basically got dragged further into it by Akira. Michiru wonders how long Yachiyo has been playing the role of a spy for Internal Affairs, and Akira expresses her admiration that Yachiyo was able to weave that role into her daily life, while Yachiyo returns the compliment by saying how Akira managed to make up such an intriguing thriller out of what is basically an improv. Michiru then explains that Akira does these kinds of improvs all the time, and deduced that whatever Yachiyo has written on her notebook was nothing but imagination from Yachiyo's overactive mind. Yachiyo then mentions that she has always had an active imagination from young, and always thinks up of scenarios where she is someone else, somewhere else. This has always met with puzzlement from the people around her. Basically, as Akira summarises, to Yachiyo, the entire world is a stage for her. Yachiyo wanted to see if she can play the role as a member of a shadowy faction without anyone noticing. Akira figures that playing this role can actually be quite thrilling, to which Yachiyo wholeheartedly agrees. Yachiyo thought she played her role well enough and wonders where she has left the cracks open. Akira explains that there is really an Internal Affairs department, and it is chaired by...

Michiru.

What?

Yachiyo, in her confusion, asks if Internal Affairs really exists, and if Michiru really chairs it. Michiru tries to play along, saying that discovering Yachiyo's notes has made her nervous. Michiru then scolds Akira for revealing it to Yachiyo. Yachiyo then asks what kind of organisation Internal Affairs is and what they do. Michiru replies and says that the head of the department is the school principal, Viktoria Siegfeld, and that is already written in the Student Handbook. It is also a large organisation composed of 108 students [Press X to doubt: that's already 16% of my high school's population. Stasi, one of the largest secret police departments by percentage of population, only comprised 1.6% of East Germany's population.]. Yachiyo then apologises for acting out her delusions right in front of the actual organisation. Akira then concludes that acting out different roles, whether real or imagined, is the essence of being a Stage Girl. The world of imagination and possibilities is the world that the Stage Girl lives for. As Shakespeare put it in As You Like It, "All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Clearly something Akira learnt from Junna over at Seisho. Therefore there is no shame in acting out any delusions that one holds over here in Siegfeld. This is met with relief by Yachiyo, who notes that this is the first time anyone understood what she was doing, or even tried to play along with the scenes she thinks of. It's something only the Stage Idiot can understand, as Michiru interjects to Akira's displeasure. Maybe she could be the successor to the role of Frau Platin, Akira thinks, to Yachiyo's surprise. Akira then continues with the possibilities Yachiyo can build up once she becomes Frau Platin, with Shiori and Meifan alongside her. When Yachiyo expresses her concern that Akira would no longer be Frau Platin if the helm passes to her, Akira replies that this is the essence of the quote, that the start of the reign is a curse that only turns into a blessing at the end. Akira then tells Yachiyo that until then, she shall fulfill her duties as Frau Perle.

『千代に八千代に　独演かさね
磨き上げたる　孤独の真珠
舞台の境界　芝居の彼岸
そこで光るは　真実の白金プラチナ
「フラウ・ペルレ」　鶴姫やちよ
この世は舞台　王すらも役者――ですよ？』

"A solitary performance spanning aeons
A lone pearl, continuously polishing
The platinum shines absolutely
From the frontiers of the stage, to the dramatic finish
--Frau Perle-- Tsuruhime Yachiyo
This world is the stage, and the King -- its actor."

As they walk home together, Akira comments that Michiru might have made the organisation a bit too large. Michiru complains that it was Akira's idea to suddenly drag Michiru into the improv and make her the Internal Affairs chairman, to which Akira replies that it's an improv after all. Michiru then comments that Yachiyo was impressive to play such different roles in her daily life, and Akira replies that this is the essence of a Stage Girl. This is the first time that Michiru has seen such a girl in real life [Maybe she hasn't seen chuunibyous before]. Akira concludes that this constant playing of such roles has had its results, which Michiru connects that this was why Yachiyo was chosen to be the Goddess of the Earth.

As the Monarch walks along after pearl is recovered, a spring overflows from the ground. The Chancellor figures that this is the guiding path of the pearl. The Monarch feels rejuvenated with the courage for the future. The courage for the future that the Knight holds. A perfect successor to the Crown. Such a sudden decision for the Monarch to make, but the Monarch continues, saying that the Knight isn't just some random person, but rather the product of a one night stand [?] between the Monarch and a girl he knew in his travels [??]. If he can find the last crown jewel, return to the capital and pass it to the Knight, there is still hope for the Kingdom.

The Chancellor is taken aback by this development, but remains cordial. They then set the course for the ice fields in the North, where the Sapphire lies.

[1]『生きる王の開演は呪縛なり・死せる王の終幕は祝福なり』

Continue on to Part 5: The Chancellor's Sapphire