(In the school literature clubroom…)

Monika: “Natsuki, shouldn’t you be resting?! You’re 9 months pregnant AND on your due date!”

Natsuki: “I know, I know, but I just couldn’t stay away from the literature club. Besides, sitting at home all day feels boring!”

Yuri: “Natsuki, I understand your enthusiasm for the club, but it’s important to prioritize your health and the well-being of your baby. Maybe it would be best if you took some time off until after the baby arrives.”

Natsuki: “I appreciate your concern, Yuri, but I feel perfectly fine. Plus, spending time with all of you brings me joy and distracts me from the discomfort.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, I’m worried too. Your safety and the baby’s safety are our top priority. Just think about how relieved we would all be if you took it easy until the baby comes.”

Natsuki: (pauses and looks down) “Alright, alright, you guys win. I’ll at least go home and rest today. But no promises about tomorrow!”

Monika: (smiles) “That’s the spirit, Natsuki. Taking care of yourself and your baby is the most important thing right now. We’ll definitely miss you, but we’ll be waiting here for you when you’re ready to come back.”

Natsuki: (grumbles) “Fine, I’ll take a break, but only because you all care so much. Don’t think you’ve won just y-” (looks down at her belly) “…oh no…”

Monika: “Natsuki, what’s wrong? Is something happening?”

Natsuki: “I think my water just broke…I…I think the baby is coming!”

Yuri: “Oh my goodness! We need to get you to the hospital right away!”

Sayori: “Quick, someone call an ambulance! Natsuki, try to stay calm, everything will be okay!”

(As they await an ambulance…)

Monika: “Natsuki, just focus on your breathing and try to stay as relaxed as possible. We’re all here for you, supporting you.”

Natsuki: (panting as the contractions start to get closer together) “I…I can’t believe this is happening now…”

Yuri: “It’s alright, Natsuki. Just take deep breaths and remember that you’re strong. We’re here to support you through this.”

Sayori: “You’re doing great, Natsuki! Just keep breathing and stay strong. The ambulance will be here soon to take you to the hospital.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “I…I can’t believe I didn’t listen to you all earlier. I should have taken better care of myself.”

Monika: “Natsuki, don’t blame yourself right now. The most important thing is that you and the baby are safe. We’ll figure out everything else later.”

Natsuki: (straining) “OWWWWWWWW!!!”

Monika: “Hang in there, Natsuki! The ambulance will be here any minute now.”

Natsuki: (gasping for breath) “But…the baby…it’s starting to come out!”

Monika: (panicking) “Oh no! We need to help Natsuki deliver the baby right here, right now!”

Yuri: “I’ll try to find some clean towels or blankets to lay down. We need to create a safe and comfortable space for the delivery.”

Sayori: “I remember reading about emergency childbirth. We need to support Natsuki as much as we can. Let’s gather around her and offer words of encouragement.”

Natsuki: (in a mix of fear and determination) “I-I can do this! Just…just tell me what to do!”

Monika: “First, try to find a comfortable position, Natsuki. You can lean against me for support. Breathe deeply and focus on staying calm.”

Yuri: “We should time the contractions, so we know how close they are. That way, we can provide updates to the emergency services when they arrive.”

Sayori: “I’ve got my phone on me! I could time the contractions that way!”

(As they support Natsuki, the girls work together to time the contractions and offer guidance throughout the delivery process.)

Monika: “Okay, Natsuki, let’s start with some deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Try to focus on relaxing your body as much as possible.”

Yuri: “Remember, Natsuki, your body knows what to do. Just trust in its natural process. We’re here to help you every step of the way.”

Sayori: “I’ll keep track of the contractions, Natsuki. Just let me know when you feel one starting, and I’ll start the timer. We’ll be able to see how close they are together.”

Natsuki: (gritting her teeth) “Okay, okay, I’ll try to relax. Just…just tell me when to push!”

Monika: “Not yet, Natsuki. We’ll wait for the contractions to become more intense and closer together. Just breathe through them for now.”

Yuri: “Natsuki, try to envision a safe and peaceful place in your mind. Imagine yourself surrounded by warmth and support. It’ll help you stay focused and relaxed.”

Sayori: “Natsuki, the contractions seem to be getting closer. Just believe in yourself and take it one step at a time. We’re all here cheering you on.”

(As the contractions intensify, Natsuki feels the urge to push.)

Natsuki: “I can’t hold it in anymore! I need to push!”

Monika: “Alright, Natsuki, it’s time. Take a deep breath and bear down with each contraction. We’re right here with you.”

Yuri: “Remember to listen to your body, Natsuki. Push with all your strength when you feel the urge, and try to relax in between contractions.”

Sayori: “You’re doing amazing, Natsuki! Just a little bit more, and you’ll get to meet your baby.”

(With each push, the intensity increases, and Natsuki’s determination grows.)

Natsuki: (grunting) “I can do this! I won’t give up until my baby arrives safely!”

Monika: “That’s the spirit, Natsuki! Keep pushing, you’re doing great!”

Yuri: “You’re so brave, Natsuki. We’re all here supporting you. Just a little bit more.”

Sayori: “You’re almost there, Natsuki! Just a few more pushes and you’ll be able to hold your baby in your arms.”

(Natsuki continues to push with all her strength, determined to bring her baby into the world.)

Monika: “I can see the head! You’re doing amazing, Natsuki! Keep going!”

Yuri: “You’re so strong, Natsuki. Just a little bit more and your baby will be here.”

Sayori: “I’m so proud of you, Natsuki! You’re almost there. Just one more push!”

(With one final push, Natsuki brings her baby into the world, and the room is filled with relief and joy.)

Monika: (teary-eyed) “It’s a girl! Congratulations, Natsuki! You did it! You’re a mom now!”

Natsuki: (breathing heavily) “Oh my gosh…I did it. I…I can’t believe it.”

Yuri: (wiping away tears) “Natsuki, you were amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

Sayori: (sniffling) “You did it, Natsuki! You brought a beautiful baby girl into the world.”

Natsuki: (overwhelmed with emotion) “Thank you…thank you all so much. I couldn’t have done it without your support.”

(Moments later, the sound of sirens can be heard as the ambulance arrives. The paramedics quickly rush into the literature clubroom, taking over to ensure Natsuki and the baby receive the necessary medical attention.)

Paramedic: “Congratulations, Mom! You did a great job delivering your baby. We’ll take it from here and ensure both of you are in good hands.”

Natsuki: (weakly) “Thank you…thank you all so much.”

Monika: “Natsuki, you’re going to be an amazing mother. We’ll be here for you every step of the way.”

Yuri: “You’ve shown incredible strength and courage, Natsuki. Your baby is lucky to have you as her mom.”

Sayori: “We’re a family here, Natsuki. We’ll support you through this new chapter of your life.”

(The paramedics help Natsuki onto a stretcher, carefully cradling the newborn baby girl in their arms. Natsuki is taken to the hospital, surrounded by the love and support of her friends.)

(Meanwhile, the literature clubroom is left in a state of awe and amazement. The girls exchange glances, their hearts filled with joy and gratitude for the miracle they just witnessed.)

Monika: “I can’t believe we just helped deliver a baby in our literature clubroom…”

Yuri: “It was an intense and incredible experience. Natsuki showed such determination and resilience.”

Sayori: “I’m so glad we convinced her to take a break. It all worked out in the end.”

(The girls clean up the literature clubroom, reflecting on the unexpected twist of events and feeling even closer as a club.)

Monika: “Life truly is full of surprises, isn’t it? Let’s cherish the moments we have together, as they can be truly extraordinary.”

Yuri: “Absolutely, Monika. We never know what may come our way, but as long as we have each other, we can face anything.”

Sayori: “And now, we have a new little club member to welcome into the world. This is a journey we’ll all make together.”

(With renewed bonds and a newfound appreciation for the joys and challenges of life, the literature club moves forward, forever changed by the extraordinary day they shared. However, outside the school, a strange girl watches from a distance.)

Illustrious: “So those are the literature club girls I’ve been told about. I should inform my fellow shipgirls.”