Arise All You Sons - Healing Hearts/Story

* Part 1
* Part 2
* Part 3
* Part 4
* Part 5
* Final Part

A Stage That Heals the Heart

 **Akira:**Shinobu Kiryuin, a representative of contemporary theater directors.

 **Akira:**She's worked with a wide rage of genres, from contemporary theater, such as Shakespeare and Chekov, to classic drama, like Greek tragedy.

 **Akira:**In particular, her self-interpreted Greek tragedies have received high praise overseas leading her to be known as "The World's Kiryuin" today... I see.

 **Yachiyo:**Good morning.

 **Akira:**Oh, Yachiyo. You're early.

 **Yachiyo:**You too. Hm? What are you reading?

 **Akira:**A feature from the theater magazine

 **Yachiyo:**A feature on Shinobu Kiryuin. As expected of the representing director of Japan. And at the beginning of the magazine too.

 **Akira:**Yes.

 **Yachiyo:**To be able to perform on the stage of such an amazing person... Akira-senpai aside, I'm shocked to even be chosen.

 **Akira:**You don't need to be modest. It's not strange for any one of the Edels to be chosen.

 **Akira:**Eight Stage Girls were chosen from the audition that day.

 **Yachiyo:**At the venue we were at, you and I from Siegfeld, Karen-san and Maya-san from Seisho Music Academy were chosen.

 **Akira:**Then at an audition held at a different venue, Tomoe and Otonashi from Rinmeikan, and Otsuki and Ebisu from Frontier.

 **Yachiyo:**Do you think there's a reason why the eight of us were chosen?

 **Akira:**It's most likely because we fit the image for Kiryuin-sensei's casting.

 **Yachiyo:**I feel honored to be acknowledged by the representative of directors in Japan.

 **Yachiyo:**Have you watched Kiryuin-sensei's plays before? I couldn't get tickets and have never watched any of them live before.

 **Akira:**Yes. I've lined up early in the morning to buy tickets at the door before.

 **Akira:**Detailed production, dramatic and bold interpretation, vivid performance, usage of sharp sounds and lights—

 **Akira:**A play so crazy and intense, it captures your soul.

 **Akira:**A stage made by her could change the world... That's how it made me feel.

 **Yachiyo:**A stage that changes the world—

 **Ichie:**What do we do?! What do we do!? Tamao—!

 **Tamao:**Ichie, calm down.

 **Ichie:**It's Kiryuin-sensei! She's famous for being really strict during rehearsals!

 **Ichie:**There have been performers who have had nervous breakdowns from the pressure and some who have quit performing entirely!

 **Tamao:**Those are just rumors. You might find her to be surprisingly kind after the rehearsals.

 **Ichie:**And if the rumors are true?

 **Tamao:**Uh...

 **Ichie:**Yes...?

 **Tamao:**Endure it...?

 **Ichie:**Ugh! I'm happy to have been chosen, but I'm not sure I'll be able to survive the rehearsals!

 **Tamao:**Don't worry. I'll be there with you.

 **Tamao:**Plus, it's not every day you get to be taught by the representative of directors in Japan. This will be a valuable experience for you too.

 **Ichie:**......

 **Tamao:**We were chosen as representatives of the Rinmeikan Performance Association, so we have to do our best for everyone's sake.

 **Ichie:**Yes. Of course I'll try hard but...aren't you scared?

 **Tamao:**I'm scared, but maybe I'm even more excited about it.

 **Aruru:**The World's Kiryuin...

 **Tsukasa:**Hey! She's your superior, so address her as such.

 **Aruru:**Oh, right! Shinobu Kiryuin-sensei. Tsukasa-chan, you've watched Kiryuin-sensei's plays before, right?

 **Tsukasa:**Yeah.

 **Aruru:**I've heard of her name often, but I haven't watched any before. What kind of play was it?

 **Tsukasa:**It was amazing. The performers acted with their entire being— or rather, the characters on stage were so alive that you couldn't even tell that it was acting.

 **Aruru:**That amazing? I wish I could've seen it.

 **Tsukasa:**Just what kind of rehearsals and role development was done in order to be able to do that kind of acting? It was a stage that felt so far that it's beyond my imagination.

 **Aruru:**Yes! Kiryuin-sensei is famous for having rigorous rehearsals, but I'm sure if we can survive that, we'll be able to reach that kind of stage!

 **Tsukasa:**Yes... You may be right.

 **Aruru:**Hm? What's wrong?

 **Tsukasa:**It's nothing. There's just something bugging me.

 **Aruru:**What is it?

 **Tsukasa:**It's about the performance venue.

 **Karen:**The venue is a hospital. The audience will be sick children.

 **Karen:**The theme is a stage that heals the hearts of the children. Hmm.

 **Maya:**Aijo-san, good morning.

 **Karen:**Oh, Tendo-san, morning!

 **Maya:**That's from Kiryuin-sensei—

 **Karen:**Yes. I was reading the proposal for the next performance.

 **Maya:**The venue is a hall in the Children's Hospital. We have to perform in a unique space and not a theater.

 **Karen:**Yes, that's true too...

 **Maya:**A story of eight young girls putting their everything into cheerleading is written in the proposal.

 **Maya:**The theme is a stage that heals the hearts of the children... What kind of stage can we make that will heal them—?

 **Karen:**Yes, that! That's what I'm struggling over. Just what kind of stage should we make that will heal their hearts?

 **Maya:**......

 **Karen:**Um... I'm not sure how to put it but... Simply being entertaining isn't going to cut it. It needs to be able to give the children watching it a push on their backs.

 **Karen:**It has to be a stage that changes the world for them.

 **Maya:**......

 **Karen:**But will we be able to accomplish that?

 **Maya:**In ancient times, performances were used for rain-making rituals, to criticize the king, as propaganda to convey thoughts to the people.

 **Maya:**A brilliant stage has the power to move people's hearts and to change the world. Produced by the representative of directors in Japan and performed by the eight Stage Girls chosen by that director—

 **Maya:**I believe in it. I believe that this will be a miraculous stage that heals people's hearts.

Cheerleading!

 **Maya:**I believe in it. I believe that this will be a miraculous stage that heals people's hearts.

 **Karen:**...!

 **Maya:**It's not about whether we can or can not. I believe in us. I believe that we can do it.

 **Maya:**The audience is waiting for our stage.

 **Karen:**Yes, you're right! If we hesitate here, we won't be able to touch anyone's hearts!

 **Karen:**If there are people suffering out there, I want to help them! If our stage can give hope to others, then I'd like us to give it our best shot!

 **Karen:**Tendo-san, thank you! My feelings of uncertainty have vanished!

 **Maya:**Heh heh. That's more like you.

***♪~♪~♪~***

 **Karen:**Oh, it's from Yukishiro-san. ...Hello?

 **Akira:**Aijo? I want to talk about the play.

 **Karen:**About the play?

Several days later...

 **Akira:**I'm sure you've all read over the script from Kiryuin-sensei. We'll be doing a cheerleading musical this time.

 **Akira:**It's a musical that combines cheerleading, singing, and dancing. The final cheerleading scene is probably the biggest highlight of the show.

 **Akira:**Is there anyone with experience in cheerleading?

***............***

 **Maya:**I've taken some basic lessons in dance class before, but it was nothing major.

 **Akira:**I see. Doesn't seem like there's anyone else.

 **Akira:**I've done a cheerleading performance when I was learning formation dance, but that's it. I can't say I'm confident at it.

 **Akira:**By the way, the cheerleading dance won't be including any of the acrobatic components.

 **Akira:**It's a combination of pom dance, hip hop, jazz, and line dance. We have to act according to the changing melody, choreography, and expressions based on the genres.

 **Maya:**Smiling for hip hop. Charming expressions for the jazz part. Raising our voices while lifting our legs for line dance.

 **Maya:**Consider it a dance that requires individual creativity, uniformity in the choreography, and a sense of team unity.

 **Akira:**Yes. We must perfect cheerleading in a short amount of time.

 **Akira:**I've decided that we should take down the barriers between our schools and actively gather for extra practices. Today will be the first one.

 **Karen:**I was surprised to get a call from you, Yukishiro-san, but I agree! Good, good!

 **Aruru:**No objections! It's more fun to rehearse together!

 **Maya:**Yes. We'll probably need to do extra practice outside of our lessons with Kiryuin-sensei.

 **Tamao:**We're grateful to be able to practice with you two, Tendo-san, Yukishiro-san. You both have experience.

 **Ichie:**Yeah! I feel like I'll be able to learn a lot by watching everyone's dance!

 **Yachiyo:**Akira-senpai should've already told you, but we'll be using our rehearsal room for the extra practices.

 **Yachiyo:**It's been arranged so that we have priority.

 **Karen:**Whoa, that's so cool!

 **Aruru:**Yeah! Thank you, Yachiyo-chan!

 **Tsukasa:**......

 **Yachiyo:**...?

 **Akira:**Let's get started with our dance practice right away. First is the warm-up. Let's pair up.

 **Yachiyo:**I'm going to slowly lean down now. Let me know if it hurts.

 **Tsukasa:**Okay.

 **Tsukasa:**(Starting with Tsuruhime-san, everyone here is a true Stage Girl with a burning passion for the stage. And then, the play is produced by the representative of directors in Japan...)

 **Tsukasa:**(It's amazing for a stage to be able to heal people's hearts. It must be a happy thing to be able to influence someone's life with your performance.)

 **Tsukasa:**(But what is this feeling? Something feels off... It's bugging me.)

 **Yachiyo:**Something troubling you?

 **Tsukasa:**Whoa!

 **Yachiyo:**Your body is tense. Breathe out and relax.

 **Tsukasa:**Phew.

 **Yachiyo:**And slowly reach forward.

 **Tsukasa:**Ngh... Ugh! I can't reach further!

 **Yachiyo:**Okay. Good job.

 **Tsukasa:**Huff, huff...

 **Akira:**That's all for stretching. Next, we'll move on to the choreography.

 **Yachiyo:**It's fine to be thinking about things, but I'm warning you – if you don't concentrate, you'll get an earful from our scary senpai.

 **Tsukasa:**Huh?

 **Akira:**Form is the most important when it comes to raising our legs in a row for line dance.

 **Tsukasa:**(This is tough. I'm only raising my legs. I didn't think it'd be this tough.)

 **Akira:**Pay attention to the toes of your raised leg and lock your knees.

 **Tsukasa:**(My foot's gonna cramp!)

 **Akira:**Cheerleading is for giving the audience courage and support! Keep smiling no matter how hard it is!

**All:**Yes!

 **Tsukasa:**(Support... The sick children are suffering more than anyone and trying their best. For us to tell them to try even harder...)

 **Akira:**Ebisu!

 **Tsukasa:**Y-Yes!

 **Akira:**What are you hesitating about?

 **Tsukasa:**Huh?

 **Akira:**Your dance is showing hesitation. It's disturbing the team's harmony.

 **Akira:**In cheerleading, if even one person's choreography is off, it ruins everything.

 **Tsukasa:**......

 **Akira:**Ebisu, what are you thinking about?

 **Tsukasa:**......

 **Akira:**Is it something you can't talk about here? Then go home. You're in the way.

 **Karen:**Yukishiro-san! That's too much!

 **Akira:**The theme from Kiryuin-sensei is a stage that heals the children's hearts. Do you think watching a hesitating actor will heal them?

 **Karen:**But—!

 **Akira:**An actor who brings in their personal feelings into practice is only a hindrance.

 **Tsukasa:**You're right. I'm sorry, it's my bad. I'll go clear my head.

 **Aruru:**Tsukasa-chan!

 **Yachiyo:**Oh my. Just like I said.

 **Aruru:**Akira-chan! Aren't rehearsals supposed to be a place for you to move forward through uncertainty, step by step? A stage is created from repeated failures, no?

 **Akira:**Correct.

 **Aruru:**In that case, just because Tsukasa-chan made a small mistake, you didn't need to say that!

 **Akira:**It's fine to fail. The stage is made through trial and error. But what Ebisu was troubled over was most likely not about the stage.

 **Aruru:**Huh?

 **Akira:**Alright, let's get back to practice!

 **Yachiyo:**......

 **Tsukasa:**This is no good... I don't even know anymore.

Professional Initiation

 **Tsukasa:**(The title is "Arise All You Sons". Translated, it means "All Stand Up".)

 **Tsukasa:**(The story is about the main character, Sachi Honjo, joining the cheerleading team to cheer up her younger brother who's been hospitalized for a long time. She aims for the U.S. championships while clashing with her friends.)

 **Tsukasa:**(It's a cheesy story but since it describes a down-to-earth high school girl, it leaves behind a young and fresh impression.)

 **Tsukasa:**(Just like the title, it's a play with a strong, positive message.)

 **Tsukasa:**(But not everyone wants to see an optimistic story. That's how I felt after reading the script.)

 **Aruru:**Tsukasa-chan? Tsukasa-chan!

 **Tsukasa:**...!

 **Aruru:**Everything okay?

 **Tsukasa:**Y-yeah. I'm fine.

 **Aruru:**You can always talk to me if something's troubling you!

 **Tsukasa:**Thanks. I just wasn't feeling so well last time... Oh! Kiryuin-sensei will be here soon.

 **Aruru:**That's right! I wonder what kind of person she is! I'm really excited.

***\*clatter\****

 **Aruru:**She's here!

**Kiryuin:**............

 **Karen:**(Wow! It's the same person who I saw on the theater magazine!)

 **Maya:**(As expected of the representative of directors in Japan. The whole atmosphere in the room changed when she came in...)

 **Yachiyo:**(She looks scary.)

 **Ichie:**Tamao... Tamao.

 **Tamao:**What is it?

 **Ichie:**Doesn't it look like Kiryuin-sensei is glaring at me?

 **Tamao:**She's just looking at us.

 **Ichie:**You're lying! She's definitely glaring at me!

 **Tamao:**Shh, be quiet.

 **Akira:**Kiryuin-sensei, thank you for coming all the way to Siegfeld Institute of Music today.

**Kiryuin:**There seem to be people here in this rehearsal room who aren't actors.

 **Akira:**The teachers heard that you were coming to our school and wanted to observe—

**Kiryuin:**They're in the way of rehearsals! Get out!

 **Akira:**...!

**Kiryuin:**Now, I'm saying this upfront – I won't be treating you as students but as professional actors.

**Kiryuin:**Those who aren't at a level to be able to stand on the stage will be dropped with no mercy. Keep that in mind.

**All:**Yes!

**Kiryuin:**You've memorized all the lines, right?

**All:**Yes!

**Kiryuin:**"Arise All You Sons" is a piece that paints the emotional conflict of a down-to-earth high school girl. It's a play that you can only perform now.

**Kiryuin:**The venue is a hall at the hospital and the audience are sick children. I want to heal the children's hearts with this play.

**Kiryuin:**I will put my heart and soul into directing you all. All of you should also face me with your heart and soul! Got it?

**All:**Yes!

 **Aruru:**Oh, I'm getting chills up my spine!

 **Karen:**Yeah! There's so much pressure!

**Kiryuin:**Okay, page 35 of the script – the scene where Sachi Honjo confides in her friend, Sonoko Yuki.

 **Maya:**Um, Kiryuin-sensei, what about script reading?

**Kiryuin:**You've memorized all the lines, right? In that case, script reading won't be necessary.

**Kiryuin:**First, let's start with... Karen Aijo as Sachi and Aruru Otsuki as Sonoko.

**Aruru & Karen:**Yes!

 **Karen:**To go straight into rehearsals all of a sudden... I'm so nervous!

 **Aruru:**Karen-chan, are you okay?

 **Karen:**Yeah, probably. Let's do this!

 **Aruru:**Let's go! \*breathes\*

 **Aruru:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Wait! Sachi, wait!"

 **Karen:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Let go of me... I've made up my mind."

 **Aruru:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Are you really quitting Sparks?"

 **Karen:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"...Yes."

 **Aruru:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Why!? Didn't you start cheerleading to cheer on your younger brother?"

 **Karen:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Yes! I started cheerleading for my brother! So he'd feel encouraged, even if it's just a little...!"

 **Aruru:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Then do your best!"

**Kiryuin:**Stop! Aijo, why did you say your line so energetically?

 **Karen:**Ah um... It just kind of felt that way somehow—

**Kiryuin:**Don't give me such half-baked acting. Your line just now didn't match up with Sonoko's next line at all.

**Kiryuin:**Lines are spoken to others. Be more aware of them.

 **Karen:**Yes!

**Kiryuin:**Next! Tamao Tomoe and Ichie Otonashi!

 **Ichie:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Why!? Didn't you start cheerleading to cheer on your younger brother?"

 **Tamao:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Yes... I started cheerleading for my brother. So he'd feel encouraged, even if it's just a little..."

 **Ichie:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Then try harder!"

 **Tamao:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"He is trying! More than me! \*sniffle\* My brother has always been battling pain... Ngh... I can't—"

**Kiryuin:**Stop. It's too early to cry there.

 **Tamao:**I'm sorry.

**Kiryuin:**You're both acting while knowing what happens next. You're simply reading the script. There's no spark or emotion. Next! Akira Yukishiro and Maya Tendo!

 **Akira:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Why!? Didn't you start cheerleading to cheer on your younger brother?"

 **Maya:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Yes... I started cheerleading for my brother. So he'd feel encouraged, even if it's just a little..."

 **Akira:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Then try harder!"

 **Maya:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"He is trying! More than me! My brother has always been battling pain. I can't tell him to try even harder."

 **Tsukasa:**(Both of them are amazing... We haven't even gone over the script together, but they've got their lines down pat and their movements and expressions are all calculated.)

 **Tsukasa:**(They know exactly how to show themselves to the audience in the best way.)

 **Maya:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Sorry, Sonoko. Just let me be."

 **Tamao:**They finished the whole scene... That's Tendo-san and Yukishiro-san for you.

 **Ichie:**Amazing! If you added in the lighting, they'd be ready for the stage!

**Kiryuin:**......

 **Maya:**Kiryuin-sensei, what do you think?

**Kiryuin:**You two must think you're so good, right?

**Akira & Maya:**...!!

**Kiryuin:**You know what the audience sees when you make certain facial expressions and raise your voices.

**Kiryuin:**To be perfectly honest, your acting was the most boring. Your performance is dead and your lines aren't even conversation-worthy.

**Kiryuin:**A conversation is had when you are affected by the other person's words and then you react based on the effect.

**Kiryuin:**Neither of you were affected by each other and were simply having a conversation with yourself. You need to realize that.

 **Akira:**I apologize. I'll be better.

**Kiryuin:**Next! Tsukasa Ebisu and Yachiyo Tsuruhime!

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Wait! Sachi, wait!"

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Let go of me... I've made up my mind."

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Are you really quitting Sparks?"

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"...Yes."

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Why!? Didn't you start cheerleading to cheer on your younger brother?"

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Yes... I started cheerleading for my brother. So he'd feel encouraged, even if it's just a little..."

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Then try harder!"

 **Tsukasa:**...!

 **Tsukasa:**(I see... This feeling of uncertainty of mine is the same as what Sachi is feeling.)

 **Tsukasa:**(There's a child who often gets sick at the kindergarten I volunteer at. That child is always trying hard to get better.)

 **Yachiyo:**Tsukasa-san?

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"He is trying... He's trying even harder than me. My brother has always been battling pain. I can't tell him to try even harder."

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"My brother was born with nerve damage and can't move his legs. Even after over ten hours of surgery, he couldn't be cured."

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Even though his body is connected to all these tubes, he's still trying his best to stay alive! He's fighting!"

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"There are people who can work harder if you tell them to but...my brother, he's... I want to tell him that he doesn't need to try so hard..."

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Sachi..."

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Sorry, Sonoko. Just let me be... Ngh... \*sniffle\* \*sob\*"

 **Tsukasa:**\*sniffle\*... I'm sorry.

 **Yachiyo:**Tsukasa-san, here's a handkerchief.

 **Tsukasa:**Sorry... Thanks.

**Kiryuin:**Tsukasa Ebisu.

 **Tsukasa:**...Yes.

**Kiryuin:**You hate this play, don't you? You can be honest about it.

 **Tsukasa:**...You're right. I can't get myself to like it.

**Kiryuin:**Yes. I understand your feelings very well.

 **Tsukasa:**......

**Kiryuin:**I'll announce the cast now. The lead, Sachi Hongo, will go to—

**Kiryuin:**Tsukasa Ebisu!

 **Tsukasa:**Huh?

After the Storm

**Kiryuin:**The lead, Sachi Honjo, will go to...Tsukasa Ebisu!

 **Tsukasa:**...Huh?

 **Tsukasa:**(Why...me?)

**Kiryuin:**The second lead, Sonoko Yuki, will go to Yachiyo Tsuruhime!

 **Yachiyo:**...Yes, Ma'am!

**Kiryuin:**Kaede Sakuraba, captain of the cheerleading team "Sparks", is Akira Yukishiro! Kikyo Uesugi, assistant captain, is Maya Tendo!

**Kiryuin:**Yua Shinohara, the life and soul of "Sparks", is Ichie Otonashi! Kaname Ryuzaki, the problem child of "Sparks", is Karen Aijo!

**Kiryuin:**Kana Miyazawa, the peacemaker of "Sparks," is Aruru Otsuki! Reika Jinguji, the sheltered girl of "Sparks", is Tamao Tomoe!

**Kiryuin:**Each of you should practice before the next rehearsal. Got it?

**All:**Yes!

**Kiryuin:**We'll end here today.

 **Tsukasa:**Wait. Why am I the lead? Tell me—!

**Kiryuin:**The reason why you were chosen to be the lead? Think about it yourself.

 **Tsukasa:**......

 **Akira:**Phew. We got some tough criticism.

 **Maya:**Yes, we did.

 **Akira:**I might have become proud of my own acting without being aware of it.

 **Maya:**You're right. After standing on stage for a few times, I might have grown arrogant.

 **Akira:**As a top director in Japan, she sure is fierce.

 **Maya:**Yes – a wall that we must surpass.

 **Akira:**With our heart and soul...

 **Maya:**Head on.

 **Akira:**Tendo, I want to talk to you about our roles. Would you like to go get food together at Siegfeld afterwards?

 **Maya:**Sounds good. I'd also like to talk to you about our roles.

 **Akira:**There's also one more thing I'd like to ask you about.

 **Maya:**About Ebisu-san?

 **Akira:**Yes.

 **Ichie:**Ahh! I was so scared!

 **Karen:**When Kiryuin-sensei glares at me with those eyes, I get so nervous my mind blanks.

 **Ichie:**Me too! Her eyes are so sharp, it feels like you'd get swallowed whole!

 **Karen:**But both Tamao-chan and Ichie-chan were bold and confident when acting in front of her.

 **Ichie:**Not at all. Right, Tamao?

 **Tamao:**Yes. I was so nervous that I had to force my hands to stop shaking.

 **Karen:**Really? You didn't look nervous to me. That said, Kiryuin-sensei's criticism is so direct!

 **Tamao:**Yeah. She reads the actors and gives sound advice.

 **Ichie:**You might be right! I acted while knowing what happens next. I'd already prepared my next line inside my head before Tamao had even said hers.

 **Karen:**Kiryuin-sensei really is an amazing director!

 **Tamao:**This will be a great challenge for us. If we can overcome this, we'll be able to reach new heights.

 **Ichie:**Yes! If Tamao will overcome it, then I'll overcome it too☆

 **Karen:**Alright! Everyone, let's do our best!

 **Ichie:**Yeah!

 **Tamao:**However...

 **Ichie:**...?

 **Tamao:**I'm worried about Ebisu-san.

 **Ichie:**That's right. It looks like she's carrying the burden all by herself.

 **Karen:**I wish we could help...

 **Aruru:**Tsukasa-chan!

 **Karen:**Ah... Aruru-chan!

 **Aruru:**Oh! Karen-chan? Ah! Tamao-chan and Ichie-chan too!

 **Karen:**What's the matter? Why are you so flustered?

 **Aruru:**Have you seen Tsukasa-chan? I was with her until earlier and then she disappeared all of a sudden.

 **Karen:**What!?

 **Aruru:**I have a bad feeling about this... If you see Tsukasa-chan, can you give me a call?

 **Karen:**Yes, of course!

 **Aruru:**Thanks! Tsukasa-chan!!

 **Ichie:**Tsukasa-chan... Where has she gone off to?

 **Tamao:**This won't do. Aijo-san, we should help too.

 **Karen:**You're right! The curtains can't rise without our lead! Let's go look too!

 **Tsukasa:**......

**Kiryuin:**You hate this play, don't you? You can be honest about it.

 **Tsukasa:**...You're right. I can't get myself to like it.

 **Tsukasa:**Oh no! Why did I say such a thing! And right in front of everyone too.

 **Tsukasa:**I...fail as a Stage Girl.

 **Yachiyo:**Tsukasa-san♪

 **Tsukasa:**Tsuruhime-san?

 **Yachiyo:**Can I sit next to you?

 **Tsukasa:**S-sure.

 **Yachiyo:**We were both chosen for difficult roles.

 **Tsukasa:**...Yes.

 **Yachiyo:**In the story, Sonoko Yuki joins the cheerleading team together with Sachi, right? Her reasoning was because the cheerleading uniforms are cute.

 **Yachiyo:**I also like fashion so I can understand her feeling. Is there anything you share the same feelings for with Sachi?

 **Tsukasa:**......

 **Yachiyo:**We're friends, aren't we? Well, we only started rehearsals recently, but I can lend you an ear if you'd like.

 **Tsukasa:**I...

 **Yachiyo:**Yes?

 **Tsukasa:**I don't agree with performing this play in front of sick children.

 **Tsukasa:**Of course, I want to encourage them, but the children suffer more, have it tougher, and work harder than anyone else—

 **Tsukasa:**I can't say something as irresponsible as "try harder" to these suffering children...

 **Yachiyo:**That's why...

 **Tsukasa:**Huh?

 **Yachiyo:**There was no lie in your line. At that time, I felt like I was talking to the real Sachi and not you.

 **Tsukasa:**......

 **Yachiyo:**You think the same way as Sachi and Kiryuin-sensei saw through that. Isn't that why you were casted for Sachi?

 **Tsukasa:**But...I don't think I'll be able to be Sachi.

 **Tsukasa:**Just like Yukishiro-san said, no one will be moved by a play done by an actor who has hesitations.

 **Tsukasa:**It's rude to all the other performers and staff. Moreover, to the children in the audience...

 **Yachiyo:**In that case, step down from the role immediately.

 **Tsukasa:**......

Let's Work Hard Together

 **Yachiyo:**In that case, step down from the role immediately.

 **Tsukasa:**...

 **Yachiyo:**Everyone did the audition because they wanted to play the lead and stand at Position Zero. The chosen cast members are facing the rehearsals knowing that they could get yelled at.

 **Yachiyo:**Everyone is prepared to get hurt for this performance! If you're not up for it, then don't stand on the stage!

 **Tsukasa:**...!

 **Tsukasa:**You're completely right. I could never be the lead. I don't have the right to stand on the stage.

 **Tsukasa:**I'll go see Kiryuin-sensei tomorrow and ask to be dropped—!

 **Yachiyo:**Are you okay with that?

 **Tsukasa:**...

 **Yachiyo:**It's easy to tell someone to do their best. But it takes courage to be able to say that you'll work hard too so that you can work hard together.

 **Tsukasa:**Huh...?

 **Yachiyo:**It might be irresponsible to encourage the children fighting illnesses by telling them to do their best.

 **Yachiyo:**But if you support them with the cheerleading you've practiced frantically for – wouldn't that get through to them?

 **Yachiyo:**I think what Kiryuin-sensei wants to deliver to the sick children is us doing the cheerleading dance desperately but with smiles on our faces.

 **Yachiyo:**The moment a cheerleading amateur works a miracle – that is what the stage that heals the heart is. This is the message of "Arise All You Sons".

 **Yachiyo:**Akira-senpai probably understood it right from the beginning.

 **Akira:**It's a musical that combines cheerleading, singing, and dancing. The final cheerleading scene is probably the biggest highlight of the show.

 **Akira:**Cheerleading is for giving the audience courage and to cheer them on! Keep smiling no matter how hard it is!

 **Tsukasa:**......

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Let's work hard together, Sachi."

 **Tsukasa:**That's...

 **Yachiyo:**The first thing that Sonoko says to Sachi after her return to Sparks. It's simple, but it's my favorite line.

 **Yachiyo:**It's not an irresponsible "do your best" or "try harder". If you put your heart into it and say you'll work hard together, it'll definitely reach them.

 **Tsukasa:**Pff... Hahaha.

 **Yachiyo:**Tsukasa-san?

 **Tsukasa:**I'm so pathetic... To have a junior point out such important things to me twice.

 **Yachiyo:**Huh?

 **Tsukasa:**Thank you, Tsuruhime-san. I will play Sachi Honjo. I'm sorry. I won't hesitate anymore.

 **Yachiyo:**I should be the one to say sorry for speaking to you so rudely.

 **Tsukasa:**Not at all. It's thanks to you that I've now realized— That's right! Wasn't there a scene in the play where Sachi gets scolded by Sonoko and rethinks her decision?

 **Yachiyo:**Right. The scene where Sonoko convinces Sachi to stay in Sparks.

 **Tsukasa:**Heh heh. Looks like we might be able to use these feelings in our acting.

 **Aruru:**Tsukasa-chan!!

 **Tsukasa:**Aruru?

 **Aruru:**Oh! There you are, Tsukasa-chan! I'm so glad you're alive!

 **Tsukasa:**Why!? Don't just go and kill me off!

 **Aruru:**Huh? Tsukasa-chan...?

 **Tsukasa:**What? Is there something on my face?

 **Aruru:**No. You're the usual Tsukasa-chan.

 **Karen:**Ah! It's Tsukasa-chan!

 **Tsukasa:**Huh!? Aijo-san and everyone too?

 **Karen:**Thank goodness you're all right!

 **Tsukasa:**Aruru, what's this about?

 **Aruru:**Well... You disappeared all of a sudden so I got worried.

 **Tsukasa:**Oh, don't go and cause a fuss about nothing.

 **Karen:**I was talking to Tamao-chan and the others earlier. We said we'd all support you!

 **Tsukasa:**Me?

 **Tamao:**You're the lead so of course we have to support you.

 **Ichie:**Since you're the lead, we have to back you up as our leader! Hey! Leader Tsukasa! I'll follow you everywhere☆

 **Tamao:**Oh, Ichie...

 **Ichie:**It's fine! Now's the time to get hyped up☆ I'm "Yua Shinohara" – life and soul of the team, after all!

 **Aruru:**Haha. Isn't that great, Tsukasa-chan?

 **Tsukasa:**...

 **Yachiyo:**You're the lead, so be confident.

 **Tsukasa:**Yeah!

The next day...

 **Tsukasa:**Yukishiro-san.

 **Akira:**What is it?

 **Tsukasa:**I'm sorry. I lacked the awareness of a Stage Girl. But I'm okay now! I won't hesitate anymore!

 **Akira:**You have a different look in your eyes.

 **Tsukasa:**Yes. It's thanks to everyone.

 **Akira:**I see.

 **Tsukasa:**And about our dance practice later, I'm actually good at hip hop so could I dance in the center?

 **Maya:**That would be really helpful. If someone good at dancing is in the center, the overall quality goes up.

 **Akira:**That's right. Then let's start practice with Ebisu at the center.

 **Tsukasa:**Now when I think back, the time I spent with Aijo-san, Tendo-san, Tomoe-san, Otonashi-san, Yukishiro-san, Tsuruhime-san, and Aruru, was really intense.

 **Tsukasa:**Mornings were extra practice, afternoon till evening was enduring Kiryuin-sensei's spartan directing, and evenings were cheerleading practice.

 **Tsukasa:**After always being with the members of the cheerleading team "Sparks" for practices, I'm no longer certain if the me right now is Sachi Honjo or Tsukasa Ebisu.

 **Akira:**5, 6, 7, 8, 1! Double turn to toe-touch!

 **Yachiyo:**Ow!

 **Tsukasa:**Sonoko!?

 **Yachiyo:**I'm okay. I only twisted it a little bit on the landing.

 **Akira:**Go get it iced just in case.

 **Yachiyo:**Okay.

 **Tsukasa:**Are you okay? I'll help you ice it.

 **Yachiyo:**Thank you very much.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks is coming together well. It feels like all the good parts from each of the four schools – acting, dancing, and singing, have been condensed together.

 **Yachiyo:**You're right. But don't you get confused from spending so much time together. Like, is this my role or is this me...

 **Tsukasa:**Yeah. I also called you Sonoko earlier.

 **Yachiyo:**I also sometimes get confused if you're Tsukasa-san or Sachi. Take a look around you, everyone else is too.

 **Maya:**Captain, how was the double turn just now—? Ah. Sorry, I meant Yukishiro-san.

 **Akira:**Pff, it's fine. Right now, I'm Sparks' captain.

 **Karen:**Lately, I've been having trouble shaking off Kaname Ryuzaki's way of speaking.

 **Ichie:**Really?

 **Karen:**Yeah. It's like my way of speaking has gotten rougher...

 **Ichie:**For example?

 **Karen:**Shut up! Go away, maggot!

 **Ichie:**V-very powerful.

 **Tamao:**Kana-chan. Please do my homework for me!

 **Aruru:**Huh? I do Tamao-chan's homework!? Wait, these are notes on everyone's dancing...?

 **Tamao:**Heh heh. My position is at the back so I compiled notes on everyone.

 **Aruru:**Amazing! You watch everyone so closely, just like Reika-chan.

 **Yachiyo:**Making actors dive into their roles – isn't this Kiryuin's magic?

 **Tsukasa:**Heh, you might be right.

 **Tsukasa:**Now I have friends who will work hard with me, who will support me. I want to deliver these emotions and feelings across to the children.

The Day of the Performance

 **Tsukasa:**Today's the day. We've endured tough rehearsals, supported each other, and lived as members of Sparks, just for this single show.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks' captain, Kaede Sakuraba.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks' assistant captain, Kikyo Uesugi.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks' life and soul, Yua Shinohara.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks' problem child, Kaname Ryuzaki.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks' peacemaker, Kana Miyazawa.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks' sheltered girl, Reika Jinguji.

 **Tsukasa:**Sparks' fashionista, Sonoko Yuki.

 **Yachiyo:**And Sparks' center, Sachi Honjo.

 **Tsukasa:**I will never forget the time I spent with these members. Let's deliver the best performance ever. Huddle!!

**All:**Energetically and beautifully with smiles! Let's go, Sparks!

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Sachi, it's time."

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Yes! Let's give it our all."

Arise All You Sons

 **Tsukasa:**(The story begins with the scene where Sachi Honjo joins the cheerleading team "Sparks". The amateur Sachi joins to cheer up her sick younger brother and throws herself into the practices.)

 **Tsukasa:**(Rigorous training continues under the captain, Kaede Sakura, who is aiming for the U.S. championships. Each member grows as they face their own dreams and troubles while occasionally butting heads.)

 **Tsukasa:**(In the second half of the story, they place second in the national high school cheerleading championships and the dream of going to the U.S. championships is broken.)

 **Tsukasa:**(We cry for real and raise our voices out of frustration on stage. I believe that this isn't because we are acting, but because the characters are alive.)

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"It's not over yet... It's not over yet! I still have someone that I want to cheer on!"

 **Tsukasa:**It's finally the last scene.

 **Yachiyo:**Yeah. We've been practicing all along for this final scene. We can't fail.

 **Tsukasa:**Is your foot okay?

 **Yachiyo:**I'm fine. It's doesn't hurt anymore. No matter what happens, I'll dance until the very end.

 **Tsukasa:**I understand how you feel, but you can't overdo it.

 **Yachiyo:**Yes. I know.

 **Yachiyo:**\*breathes\* It's almost time. I'm starting to get nervous.

 **Tsukasa:**You're only nervous because you want to show something even greater than yourself. Just act like how we've been practicing.

 **Tsukasa:**This is what we've all been preparing for.

 **Yachiyo:**Teehee. You're right.

 **Tsukasa:**You've finally said something senior-like.

 **Yachiyo:**...\*inhale\*

 **Yachiyo:****(as Sonoko Yuki)**
"Sachi, are you ready?"

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Yeah! Bright smiles!"

 **Tsukasa:**(The final scene takes place in the hall of a hospital. The audience is sick children. Yes, this is the scene where the play and reality cross paths.)

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"I joined the cheerleading team as a dance amateur because I wanted to encourage my sick younger brother."

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"There were many times when my heart almost broke from the rigorous training, but I'm able to stand here today because of my friends who worked hard with me and supported me."

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"Neither you, nor I, are alone!"

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
(Kiryuin-sensei added this line after watching our rehearsals.)

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"We dedicate our cheerleading performance to my brother here in the audience and everyone else fighting their own illnesses!"

 **Tsukasa:****(as Sachi Honjo)**
"5, 6, 7, 8, 1. Sparks!!"

Several days later...

 **Karen:**It feels like it's been so long since we last got together!

 **Ichie:**But it's only been a few days since the performance.

 **Tamao:**It's definitely because we were together all the time.

 **Karen:**Yeah, cheerleading was fun.

 **Aruru:**I can still hear the applause we got from the children.

 **Tsukasa:**There were also children who stood up and clapped.

 **Yachiyo:**The entire venue felt united during curtain call.

 **Akira:**Sorry to have kept you all waiting.

 **Maya:**The letter from Kiryuin-sensei is here.

 **Ichie:**Eek!

 **Tamao:**Ichie, what's wrong?

 **Ichie:**I got shivers down my spine just from hearing Kiryuin-sensei's name...

 **Akira:**She's in London right now.

 **Ichie:**Huh?

 **Akira:**She's doing Macbeth in the National Theater with British actors. It's a first for a Japanese female director.

 **Aruru:**That's awesome! We were directed by such an amazing person!

 **Tamao:**Tendo-san, what does the letter say?

 **Maya:**Yes. I'll read it out loud.

 **Maya:**Dear Stage Girls.

 **Maya:**I'd heard the rumors before I met you all. About there being Stage Girls who put on great performances comparable to professionals despite them still being students...

 **Maya:**It's true that you've surpassed the student level. But there are still many things you lack.

 **Maya:**I've scolded you all many times over. I'm sure there were girls who wanted to drop out, but not a single one of you lost spirit. Instead, you stood up and faced the challenges.

 **Maya:**The stage and reality crossed paths in the last cheerleading scene. I watched the fictional world spread over the audience.

 **Maya:**You all heard the thunderous applause too, right? The children gave you a standing ovation even when it's difficult for them to stand.

 **Maya:**Your feelings healed their hearts. You created a miraculous stage.

 **Maya:**I pay my heartfelt respects and gratitude to you, Stage Girls. Sincerely, Shinobu Kiryuin.

 **Karen:**Our feelings did reach her.

 **Aruru:**It's so amazing for a play to be able to heal people's hearts!

 **Ichie:**Tamao! \*sniffle\* It made me cry.

 **Tamao:**With her letter, it feels like all of our hard work has been rewarded.

 **Maya:**All the harsh words and exhausting rehearsals were to help us grow... She's a wonderful director.

 **Akira:**Let's remember what she's taught us and bring it to the next stage.

 **Karen:**So this is good bye, isn't it?

 **Aruru:**What's wrong, Karen-chan?

 **Karen:**Thinking that this is good bye with Kaname Ryuzaki, I started feeling lonely.

 **Tsukasa:**Yeah. These roles have been with us for a long time.

 **Yachiyo:**Even more so when we've been so into these roles to the point of mixing up each other's names.

 **Maya:**Parting from our roles – from here on, we'll have to face this feeling many times over.

 **Akira:**But we have to let go in order to meet new roles.

***............***

 **Tsukasa:**That's right! How about we do a final huddle?

 **Yachiyo:**Huddle?

 **Tsukasa:**Yeah! A huddle to say good bye to our roles!

 **Karen:**Kaname-chan, you are awkward and rude, but you care deeply for your friends! I had fun playing you! Thank you!

 **Aruru:**You worked harder than anyone else – you looked cool when you try your very best! I'll also try practicing my smile in front of the mirror! Thank you, Kana-chan!

 **Tamao:**You're a princess who can't do anything without your childhood friend, Kana-chan, but I got courage from seeing you grow. Thank you, Reika.

 **Akira:**You who aimed for the cheerleading U.S. championships and were always striving for perfection – you are worthy of respect. Kaede Sakura, I give you my thanks.

 **Maya:**I was able to empathize more or less with your troubles over your inability to match others due to your high dance skills.

 **Maya:**Kikyo Uesugi who aimed for the U.S. championships with the captain, I feel honored to have been able to play you.

 **Ichie:**You love to play pranks and often anger you friends, Yua-chan. You and I are quite similar☆

 **Ichie:**I feel like you still exist within me but for now...let's say good bye today! Thanks, Yua-chan!

 **Yachiyo:**Sonoko, you were always on Sachi's side and stayed as her friend no matter what. To aim for the U.S. cheerleading championships for Sachi was really amazing.

 **Yachiyo:**I had a lot of fun playing you. See you, Sonoko.

 **Tsukasa:**In the beginning, I empathized with you so much that it was painful to play you. But now I don't want to lose this connection to that role, more than any other one I've done before.

 **Tsukasa:**I love all the members of Sparks! Thank you, Sachi!

 **Tsukasa:**Ready!

**All:**Energetically and beautifully with smiles! Let's go, Sparks!