First Brilliance of the Year - Takamagahara Priestesses/Story

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

Takamagahara Priestesses

**Hifumi:**"O gods in the sky, please listen to my wish."

**Hifumi:**"The land you have created is currently in great turmoil."

**Hifumi:**"The sun hides behind the clouds, rain won't stop falling and the crops are ruined... The people are scared and desperate."

**Hifumi:**"At this rate, this land will fall."

**Hifumi:**"O Amenominakanushi, please show me the way!"

**Hifumi:**"...I beg of you."

**Hitsuki:**"Hifumi... That is enough."

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki..."

**Hitsuki:**"You have been praying at the Amenominakanushi shrine for a month now..."

**Hitsuki:**"You haven't even stopped to sleep, and yet the gods haven't replied to your calls."

**Hitsuki:**"The gods have forsaken us."

**Hifumi:**"You mustn't give up, Hitsuki."

**Hifumi:**"We are priestesses of Takamagahara. Our role is to pray to the gods and receive their guidance."

**Hifumi:**"The future of this land is on our shoulders."

**Hifumi:**"No matter the weight, we cannot lose hope."

**Hitsuki:**"...You're right. I'm sorry. I had just lost faith for a moment."

**Hitsuki:**"(...Hifumi is admirable. She doesn't give up no matter what.)"

**Hitsuki:**"(And look at me...)"

**Amenominakanushi:**"...Priestesses of Takamagahara"

***"!"***

**Hifumi:**"This light...!"

**Amenominakanushi:**"I am Amenominakanushi. I have protected this land since the birth of Heaven and Earth."

**Amenominakanushi:**"I have heard your wish, and descended upon you."

**Hitsuki:**"O Amenominakanushi, please save this land!"

**Amenominakanushi:**"....."

**Amenominakanushi:**"...I have used all my power to create this universe. None remains to drive away this calamity."

**Hitsuki:**"That can't be! What will happen to this land - to its people...?"

**Amenominakanushi:**"Despair not, priestesses. There is still hope."

**Hifumi:**"...Hope?"

**Amenominakanushi:**"I have given my power to three gods that rule this land: Amaterasu, Susanowo and Tsukuyomi."

**Amenominakanushi:**"Visit their shrines and harness the power of the three divine treasures. Only then you will be able to avoid this disaster."

**Hitsuki:**"...!"

**Amenominakanushi:**"Priestess Hifumi."

**Hifumi:**"Yes!"

**Amenominakanushi:**"Priestess Hitsuki,"

**Hitsuki:**"Huh? ...Y-yes!"

**Amenominakanushi:**"I entrust you with the future of this land. Visit the three shrines, and come back to me once you have the three treasures."

**Hifumi:**"Thank you for your guidance, Amenominakanushi. We will not fail you."

**Hitsuki:**"(...Why did she include me!?)"

 **Ichie:**Ichie Otonashi, second year student at the Rinmeikan Girls School Performance Department!

 **Ichie:**I'm honored that I was given the chance to participate in the Seisho Music Academy's performance of "Takamagahara Priestesses"!

 **Ichie:**I may be a guest performer, but I will give my all!

 **Maya:**Welcome to Seisho Music Academy, Otonashi-san.

 **Mahiru:**Tendo-san told me you used to be an idol, right?

 **Hikari:**Whoa...

 **Claudine:**You must be really good at dancing and singing then.

 **Ichie:**It's nothing like that... I was just part of a big group, that's all...

 **Ichie:**I love singing, but I don't know if I'm good or not... Anyway, it's not a big deal...

 **Maya:**You don't need to be modest. You are here because they recommended you, so you must have the talent to back it up.

 **Ichie:**Huh!? I didn't know I was recommended!

 **Ichie:**...Well, in that case I can't let them down.

 **Ichie:**I'll show everyone what a Stage Girl from Rinmeikan Girls School can do!

 **Claudine:**Heh heh. We're counting on you.

 **Ichie:**And I'm going to learn a lot while I train with you all!

 **Claudine:**...Yes.

 **Claudine:**...I suppose that goes for all of us.

 **Maya:**.....

 **Ichie:**Oh, I went over the script already!

 **Ichie:**"Takamagahara Priestesses" - Seisho Music Academy's New Year's performance!

 **Ichie:**A story about two priestesses who worship the gods of the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. It's based on the "Ama-no-lwato" myth.

 **Ichie:**It was so interesting that I read it in one go!

 **Ichie:**I really enjoyed the last scene where Amaterasu is lured out of the cave with a beautiful song.

 **Mahiru:**That bit is based on the myth of the goddess Amenouzume. I had a lot of fun playing that scene.

 **Ichie:**Fun music is definitely the best when you're down!

 **Ichie:**There's just one thing I wasn't sure about...

 **Claudine:**Oh, what is it?

 **Ichie:**I have to play Hitsuki, the younger of two sisters who are priestesses, right?

 **Mahiru:**Yes, I'll play Hifumi - the older sister, and you'll be Hitsuki - the younger.

 **Ichie:**Yeah, that's what I thought...

 **Hikari:**Huh...?

 **Ichie:**Well, Hitsuki doesn't come up in the script...

 **Mahiru:**...What!? That can't be—

 **Maya:**Wait, don't tell me—

 **Claudine:**...This is the script from the last performance.

 **Ichie:**Wh-What!?

 **Mahiru:**I'm sorry, Otonashi-san! It looks like they sent you the wrong script!

 **Ichie:**D-Does that mean I wasted time reading it!?

 **Hikari:**No, not all of it. The gist of the story is the same...

 **Ichie:**Huh? What do you mean?

 **Mahiru:**Well, this play is performed at a shrine near our school...

 **Mahiru:**The overall plot stays the same, but we slightly change the script for the sake of returning viewers.

 **Ichie:**I see! That's why the gist stays the same!

 **Maya:**But this time we decided to call over a guest performer, which is something new and challenging...

 **Maya:**That's why we added a new character - Hitsuki, the other priestess.

 **Maya:**And that who you'll have to play, Otonashi-san.

 **Ichie:**Oh, now I get! Whoa, it sounds like I have a huge responsibility!

 **Ichie:**I'll work hard so that I don't drag you all behind!

 **Maya:**Let's go over the script together.

 **Mahiru:**I'll call Masai-san and Amemiya-san from Group B.

**Mahiru (Hifumi):**"Thank you. I put my trust in you, Hitsuki..."

 **Maya:**...Phew, this should be good for now.

 **Ichie:**Good work everyone!

 **Ichie:**Hmm...

 **Claudine:**What's the matter, Ichie...?

 **Ichie:**Ah, it's nothing...

 **Maya:**If there's anything you want to ask, don't hold back. You and Tsuyuzaki-san are the main leads after all.

 **Ichie:**Roger! I'll read the script more for now!

 **Ichie:**(Still...)

 **Ichie:**(Something bothers me... What should I do?)

 **Maya:**Well, until next time, make sure you all go over the script by yourselves.

 **Ichie:**Ah, Mahiru-chan, can I have a word?

 **Mahiru:**Sure. What it is?

 **Ichie:**There's something I want to talk to you about.

 **Mahiru:**Huh?

Hitsuki's Worries

**Storyteller:**"Hifumi and Hitsuki started their journey following the orders of Amenominakanushi."

**Storyteller:**"On their way, they get to a field covered in a thick fog."

**Hitsuki:**"\*huff\* \*pant\*"

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki, are you okay? Let's take a small break."

**Hitsuki:**"N-No, I'm fine."

**Hifumi:**"...Don't push yourself too hard."

**Hitsuki:**"It's okay! We're still a long way from Tsukuyomi's shrine. We don't have time to take a break— Aah!"

***\*thud\****

**Hitsuki:**"Ngh... Ouch..."

**Hifumi:**"That's exactly I was trying to say. Let's that a break now - the fog is too thick."

**Hitsuki:**"S-Sorry..."

**Hitsuki:**"...Why did you take me along with you on this trip?"

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki... What's wrong, all of a sudden?"

**Hitsuki:**"I understand why Amenominakanushi chose you."

**Hitsuki:**"You're kind, and you can sing and dance well. Our people and our kind trust you."

**Hifumi:**"....."

**Hitsuki:**"But I'm immature as a priestess..."

**Hitsuki:**"I don't think I'll be of much use during this trip..."

**Hifumi:**"I don't agree with you. Bringing you along has already helped me."

**Hitsuki:**"I don't need your pity! I know I'm just dragging you down..."

**Hitsuki:**"You're more than capable of undertaking this task alone... I'm in your way."

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki, stop putting yourself down."

**Hitsuki:**"Then answer this, Hifumi."

**Hitsuki:**"Why did Amenominakanushi tell me to go with you?"

**Hifumi:**"--That's..."

 **Mahiru:**What is it that you want to talk about?

 **Ichie:**It might just be that I haven't completely understood the script, but...I'm not sure how to perform Hitsuki's role.

 **Mahiru:**What do you mean exactly?

 **Ichie:**How should I say this... I feel that Hitsuki could have a bigger role...

 **Mahiru:**Do you feel that she's a wasted character the way she's portrayed now?

 **Ichie:**Exactly! I tried coming up with ways to make her more appealing, but I got stuck...

 **Ichie:**She feels inferior because her sister is more talented and well-rounded, right?

 **Ichie:**I'd like to show that side more in my performance, but right now she's just a younger sister who adores her older sister...

 **Ichie:**Every time I dwell on this problem I can't come up with a solution.

 **Ichie:**That's why I'd like your opinion on it, considering you play her older sister.

 **Mahiru:**Hmm... That's a tough problem.

 **Mahiru:**...Ah, I can tell you how Hifumi feels about Hitsuki.

 **Ichie:**Really!?

 **Mahiru:**I'm sure she feels relieved that Hitsuki is traveling with her.

 **Ichie:**What!? I feel that Hitsuki is dragging her down all the time.

 **Mahiru:**Nobody would think that about her own younger siblings. I'm sure of it...

 **Ichie:**Is that how it feels to have siblings?

 **Mahiru:**Yeah. I have a younger sister myself, so I can tell you I feel stronger knowing she's by my side.

 **Ichie:**Hmmm...

 **Mahiru:**That's why I'm trying to reflect how I feel toward my younger sister in the way I portray Hifumi as well.

 **Ichie:**I see!

 **Ichie:**Okay, let go over Hitsuki's part again then!

 **Mahiru:**That's the spirit!

 **Mahiru:**...Hmmm?

 **Mahiru:**I just realized something!

 **Ichie:**What is it, Mahiru-chan?

 **Mahiru:**Well, Tsukuyomi is the younger sister of Amaterasu, right?

 **Ichie:**Yup. There's a theory that sees Tsukuyomi is a male god, but this script didn't go with that.

 **Mahiru:**So she's also playing a younger sister...

 **Mahiru:**Why don't you try asking Clau-chan for advice? She's playing Tsukuyomi.

 **Ichie:**Oh, that's not a bad idea!

 **Mahiru:**She told me earlier she was going to the rehearsal room, so I'll ask her for you.

 **Ichie:**Really!? Thank you so much! You really are a big sister, heh heh!

 **Mahiru:**Heh heh. Don't worry about it.

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki, why did Amenominakanushi tell you to come with me?"

**Hifumi:**"I don't understand either."

**Hitsuki:**"....."

**Hifumi:**"However, I know how I feel..."

**Hitsuki:**"...Huh?"

**Hifumi:**"All I need to be happy is to have you by my side."

**Hitsuki:**"Hifumi..."

**Hifumi:**"Isn't that enough of a reason?"

**Hitsuki:**"....."

**Hitsuki:**...I'm sorry. I still don't understand what you're saying...

**Hifumi:**"....."

**Hitsuki:**"Tell me what I can do, Hifumi. I want to know what my duty is."

**Hifumi:**"...Hitsuki."

Thoughtful Tsukuyomi

 **Claudine:**Huh? You want to know how I see Tsukuyomi?

 **Mahiru:**Exactly. Otonashi-san is having trouble with aspects of Hitsuki.

 **Mahiru:**And considering you play Tsukuyomi, who's the younger sister of Amaterasu, she wanted to get some advice from you.

 **Claudine:**Oh, I get it now.

 **Claudine:**...Well, I do have an overall picture of Tsukuyomi.

 **Ichie:**Really!?

 **Ichie:**I know I'm just a guest performer, so I shouldn't ask this, but...

 **Ichie:**Please, Clau-chan! Any small advice would really help me!

 **Claudine:**.....

 **Claudine:**...I won't tell you directly. But I'll perform Tsukuyomi for you.

 **Ichie:**That's fantastic! Thank you so much, Clau-chan!

 **Claudine:**Well, then...

 **Claudine:**.....

**Claudine (Tsukuyomi):**"...I am Tsukuyomi - the goddess of night and tranquility. "

**Tsukuyomi:**"I am Tsukuyomi - the goddess of night and tranquility. What brings you to my sacred place, humans?"

**Hitsuki:**"Er, umm..."

**Hifumi:**"We are priestesses of Amenominakanushi. I am Hifumi, and this is Hitsuki."

**Hitsuki:**"...I-I am Hitsuki."

**Hifumi:**"We have come here to ask for your help."

**Tsukuyomi:**"I see. You are the ones that Amenominakanushi told me about."

**Tsukuyomi:**"The land is in grave peril. Let me give you my help."

**Tsukuyomi:**"Take this magatama. Save this land, priestesses of Takamagahara."

**Hifumi:**"...Thank you so much."

**Hifumi:**"....."

**Hitsuki:**"(Hifumi is amazing. She doesn't flinch even in front of a goddess.)"

**Tsukuyomi:**"Why are you shivering behind your sister, little one?"

**Hitsuki:**"...!"

**Tsukuyomi:**"Are you so afraid of me?"

**Hitsuki:**"Not at all...! I-I mean—! Sorry!"

**Tsukuyomi:**"There is no need to apologize. Gods and goddess are meant to be feared and worshipped."

**Hitsuki:**"Y-Yes..."

**Tsukuyomi:**"Heh heh. Still, you remind me of myself."

**Hitsuki:**"...I do?"

**Tsukuyomi:**"I also have an older sister..."

**Tsukuyomi:**"She's bright as the Sun. Her name is Amaterasu. Compared to her..."

**Tsukuyomi:**"I'm cold as the Moon. I was always made fun of for that..."

**Hitsuki:**"...That's just like me."

**Hitsuki:**"Please, Tsukuyomi! Show me the way!"

**Hitsuki:**"I-I want to know my role - what my duty is!"

**Tsukuyomi:**"...The Moon watches over the world in tranquility. I'm afraid I cannot show you the way."

**Hitsuki:**"Oh, no..."

**Tsukuyomi:**"Hitsuki, I will only tell you this: Your duty is not something given to you, but something you have to realize by yourself."

**Hitsuki:**"...Something I have to realize by myself..."

**Claudine (Tsukuyomi):**"The answer is in your heart. Listen to what you feel inside."

 **Claudine:**.....

 **Claudine:**Phew... What did you think of my Tsukuyomi? Did you feel anything?

 **Ichie:**.....

 **Ichie:**...I-I was shocked. I imagined her in a completely different way.

 **Ichie:**I thought she would be more quiet...

 **Mahiru:**She didn't have a major role in the last script. She didn't exactly stand out.

 **Claudine:**I felt the same too. But this time, Hitsuki is in the script.

 **Claudine:**That's why I've decided to change how she is portrayed.

 **Ichie:**Huh? What do you mean?

 **Claudine:**Tsukuyomi has the role of showing Hitsuki her way.

 **Claudine:**That's why I've decided to add that she feels inferior toward her older sister.

 **Mahiru:**I see. It makes sense to make her similar to Hitsuki. That was so she has a reason to give her advice.

 **Claudine:**Heh heh. Exactly!

 **Claudine:**The story changed, so I changed the performance too. That's how I approached the script.

 **Ichie:**I see...

 **Claudine:**...So we need you to take the lead more.

 **Ichie:**...Me?

 **Ichie:**I'm just a guest performer... I couldn't possibly...

 **Claudine:**.....

 **Claudine:**You really don't get it, do you?

 **Ichie:**Huh?

 **Claudine:**You don't even try to understand how Hitsuki feels!

 **Ichie:**I-I... I tried thinking about it, but...

 **Claudine:**If you say you have, then why haven't you come up with a deeper performance?

 **Ichie:**Well... I'm just a guest performer, so I thought it'd be better if I just helped rather than stand out...

 **Claudine:**There it is! That's exactly what you're doing wrong!

 **Ichie:**...Huh?

 **Claudine:**...Ichie Otonashi!

 **Ichie:**Y-Yes!

 **Claudine:**Do you think staying out of everyone's way is the right choice?

 **Ichie:**....!

 **Claudine:**You're worried about how you can be of help as a guest? That's nonsense!

 **Claudine:**Why are you mulling over being a guest performer? Stop worrying about stupid stuff like that!

 **Ichie:**.....

 **Claudine:**Stage Girls are supposed to shine on stage! Show some determination!

 **Ichie:**.....

 **Claudine:**And don't worry about surpassing me - I'll shine more than you.

 **Ichie:**Clau-chan...

 **Ichie:**...You...You're right.

 **Ichie:**I was running away from Hitsuki... That's why I couldn't understand her feelings.

 **Ichie:**Thank you, Clau-chan! I know what to do now!

 **Claudine:**That's the spirit. I'm looking forward to seeing your determination!

 **Ichie:**Leave it to me! I'll show you a brand new Hitsuki!

 **Mahiru:**I'm so glad, Otonashi-san!

 **Ichie:**Thank you, Mahiru-chan!

 **Mahiru:**Let's go over Hitsuki once more!

 **Ichie:**Yes! I'll focus on adapting my performance following the changes in the story.

 **Ichie:**That should also change how I perform the role of Hitsuki...

Free-spirited Susanowo

**Maya (Susanowo):**"Your journey has taken you this far, priestesses. How about a drink?"

**Maya (Susanowo):**"Huh!? This is not the time to drink? Don't fret. Nothing good comes when one hurries."

**Maya (Susanowo):**"Why am I so different from Tsukuyomi? Well, I don't like being around my sisters. They're too serious."

**Maya (Susanowo):**"Besides, I'm not who I used to be. I would go berserk when I faced humans or even other gods."

**Maya (Susanowo):**"I really went overboard in my younger years... That's why Amaterasu-- No, enough of that, it'll ruin the mood."

 **Maya:**...Whew.

 **Maya:**That was just a sample of my lines. Did you find it useful?

 **Ichie:**Absolutely! Thank you, Maya-chan!

 **Maya:**Always happy to help.

 **Mahiru:**...Heh heh.

 **Ichie:**What is it, Mahiru-chan?

 **Mahiru:**Oh, it's nothing. Tendo-san's lines just reminded me of my younger brother.

 **Ichie:**Huh!? Is he also that free-spirited?

 **Mahiru:**Maybe not that much, but he's a bit on the wild side...

 **Mahiru:**I know he loves both me and my brother, but...he's not the type to admit it.

 **Mahiru:**You just reminded me of him, Tendo-san.

 **Maya:**I'm honored. I worked hard on getting this role down.

 **Ichie:**It also reminded me of someone - Fumi.

 **Maya:**Yumeoji-san?

 **Ichie:**Well, Fumi is...a bit tactless.

 **Ichie:**She's very strict toward herself and others. She gets angry at me quite often!

 **Mahiru:**I never pictured her to be so aggressive...

 **Ichie:**She can be! But deep down, it's just her way of showing she cares.

 **Ichie:**When I asked her to help me practice for the Performance Festival, she did even though she's in the General Education Department.

 **Ichie:**She might be strict from time to time, but she still supports all of us.

 **Ichie:**Your Susanowo reminded me of her.

 **Ichie:**Deep down he cares about his sisters, but he just doesn't say it out loud.

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

 **Ichie:**Maya-chan, what's wrong?

 **Maya:**...You spotted the exact point I was trying to get across through my performance.

 **Ichie:**Heh heh. I'm on a roll today!

 **Mahiru:**It seems that what Clau-chan told you is already changing the way you saw the problem.

 **Ichie:**Well, I couldn't just stay the same after everything she told me.

 **Maya:**What happened with Saijo-san?

 **Ichie:**Let's just say she started a fire under me.

 **Ichie:**She told me to stop reading the room and using the excuse I'm a guest performer to hesitate.

 **Maya:**Heh heh. That does sound like something Saijo-san would say.

 **Maya:**Well, like you said I'm trying to portray Susanowo as a younger brother.

 **Maya:**He would like to apologize directly to Amaterasu, but at the same time he won't do it.

 **Maya:**That's why he'll lend a hand to her priestesses.

 **Maya:**He loves his sisters, but at the same time he's also too awkward to admit it.

 **Mahiru:**Heh heh. Do you think this could help you in playing Hitsuki?

 **Ichie:**Hmm... Hitsuki isn't really good at admitting she loves her sister either.

 **Ichie:**But I already knew that about her, so it doesn't help me showing a different side of her in the play.

 **Mahiru:**Hmm... You have a point...

 **Maya:**...

 **Maya:**...I'm not sure it'll help you, but I have an idea.

 **Ichie:**Maya-chan, did you come up with something?

 **Maya:**Yes. To portray Susanowo as a free-spirited character, I always try to think what he would like to do.

 **Maya:**Maybe you could do the same with Hitsuki.

 **Maya:**I'm sure it'd help you get a fresh look on her character.

 **Ichie:**Hmm... What she would like to do...

 **Ichie:**I guess that she would like to know what her duty is.

 **Mahiru:**...Huh? I don't think that's what she wants.

 **Ichie:**Huh? What do you mean?

 **Mahiru:**A duty is something others give you - not what Hitsuki herself desires.

 **Ichie:**Ah! Now that you mention it...

 **Ichie:**What she desires...

 **Ichie:**Hmm... I'm not sure what she wants...

**Susanowo:**"Priestesses. Give up this mission and go back to your land. I will not hold it against you."

**Hitsuki:**"What!? Why!?"

**Susanowo:**"Amaterasu - the goddess who holds the last divine treasure - has shut herself away in Ama-no-Iwato."

**Susanowo:**"That cave cannot be accessed even with the powers of a god."

**Hitsuki:**"...That can't be. What are we supposed to?"

**Hifumi:**"....."

**Hifumi:**"...Thank you for your advice, Susanowo. However, I'm a priestess of Takamagahara - my duty is to save this land."

**Susanowo:**"Your determination is praiseworthy, priestess. However, how do you plan in healing a goddess' heart?"

**Hifumi:**"We Takamagahara priestesses can heal the gods with a dance that has been passed down for generations."

**Hitsuki:**"H-Hifumi! If we perform that dance..."

**Susanowo:**"That dance possesses the powers of the gods. Your human bodies cannot withstand that power."

**Hifumi:**"...That is fine. It's the only way to avoid this calamity and save the land."

**Susanowo:**"So you would go to such lengths... I like you. Take this divine treasure."

**Hifumi:**"Thank you so much."

**Susanowo:**"....."

**Susanowo:**"Another thing, priestesses. I have a favor to ask you."

**Hifumi:**"What is it, Susanowo?"

**Susanowo:**"If you can access Ama-no-Iwato..."

**Susanowo:**"Please tell Amaterasu— Tell my sister that I am sorry."

**Hitsuki:**"...You're sorry?"

**Susanowo:**"...I am the reason she hid herself in that cave. We had a fight..."

**Susanowo:**"We are too stubborn to apologize...and that led to her shutting herself in there."

**Susanowo:**"I only ask you that you pass on my message to her."

**Hifumi:**"We will definitely do it."

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki, there's no time. Let's hurry to the cave."

**Hitsuki:**"Yes, Hifumi!"

**Hitsuki:**"...I admire you, Hifumi. You didn't even flinch when you had to put your life on the line..."

**Hifumi:**"....."

**Hitsuki:**"(Huh?)"

**Hitsuki:**"...!"

**Hitsuki:**"(Are her hands...shaking?)"

**Hitsuki:**"(...I see. She is afraid after all.)"

**Hitsuki:**"(She is afraid in light of all the peril, and yet she does her best to stand strong and face it.)"

**Hitsuki:**"(I couldn't even see that. All I did was rely on her...)"

**Hitsuki:**"(...What do I want? What did I think when I saw her trembling?)"

**Hitsuki:**"(...I know. The answer is within me. Tsukuyomi told me so.)"

**Hitsuki:**"(The voice within me... What do I want?)"

The Cave of Sadness

**Storyteller:**"Hifumi and Hitsuki visited Tsukuyomi and Susanowo's shrines. All they needed now was the last divine treasure - Amaterasu's mirror."

**Storyteller:**"However, Amaterasu was deeply scarred and hid herself away in Ama-no-Iwato."

**Storyteller:**"Will Hifumi's sacred dance reach the goddess?"

**Hifumi:**"That's the cave... Amaterasu is hidden inside there..."

**Hitsuki:**"...Hifumi."

**Hifumi:**"What's the matter?"

**Hitsuki:**"...Nothing, never mind."

**Hitsuki:**"...I know you can do this. I believe in you."

**Hifumi:**"...Thank you, Hitsuki. This is my duty. I have to fulfill it."

**Hitsuki:**"....."

**Hifumi:**"...That's right. I can do it. I have to do it."

**Hitsuki:**"...Hifumi."

**Hifumi:**"...Let's save Amaterasu. Let's perform the dance!"

**Hitsuki:**"....."

**Hitsuki:**"Hifumi... What should I do..."

 **Hikari:**Mahiru, do you have a minute?

 **Mahiru:**What's wrong, Hikari-chan?

 **Hikari:**There's something I want to ask you about Amaterasu.

 **Mahiru:**Oh, is it about—

 **Hikari:**That and also I'd like Hitsuki's opinion.

 **Ichie:**Sure! We're playing the priestesses of Takamagahara. Their role is to find a solution to Amaterasu's problems!

 **Mahiru:**What is it that you want to talk about?

 **Hikari:**Something has been bothering me since the last time.

 **Hikari:**I don't really understand why Amaterasu feels the way she does when she opens the cave.

 **Mahiru:**...The dance scene with Hifumi. You didn't sound convinced the last time either.

 **Ichie:**That's the scene where Hitsuki comes to Hifumi's aid and they sing together, right?

 **Ichie:**She finally comes through and shines. I love that scene!

 **Hikari:**Yes, that... Well, I can't resonate with song.

 **Ichie:**Huh!? I think it's a really cool song.

 **Hikari:**I don't mind the song, but I don't think it fits Amaterasu's position well.

 **Ichie:**What do you mean?

 **Hikari:**Try picturing yourself in bed in the morning. You still feel sleepy...

 **Ichie:**Okay.

 **Hikari:**You're sleeping again...and then you're woken up by loud music. How would you feel?

 **Ichie:**...Ah... Well, I wouldn't like it one bit.

 **Ichie:**I would get angry actually. And I'm usually someone that likes loud noises!

 **Mahiru:**...It's not exactly what she was talking about, but I agree with you.

 **Mahiru:**In other words, a loud song would have a negative effect.

 **Hikari:**Exactly.

 **Ichie:**But the song in our script is still very lively, right?

 **Mahiru:**Yes. The script is based on the "Ama-no-Iwato" myth, so the song is very lively.

 **Hikari:**It's not strange, considering the model for Hifumi is Ame-no-Uzume. She tried to lure out Amaterasu.

 **Hikari:**But...

 **Ichie:**You're still not fully convinced, right?

 **Hikari:**...I'm not. Isn't there something we can do?

 **Ichie:**Well, there's only one thing we can do! Let's try another song!

 **Hikari:**.....

 **Ichie:**What's wrong, Hikari-chan?

 **Hikari:**...Did you change?

 **Ichie:**Huh? Me?

 **Hikari:**You're...proactive.

 **Mahiru:**Heh heh. You're quite reliable today, Hitsuki.

 **Ichie:**I must be getting closer to how I pictured her!

 **Mahiru:**Shall we go on and try the dance scene then?

 **Ichie:**Let's! Hikari-chan, can you take care of the narration?

 **Hikari:**Okay. No problem.

 **Ichie:**Let's take it from where Hitsuki runs to help Hifumi... Action!

 **Hikari:**.....

**Hikari (Storyteller):**"Hifumi danced and sang to heal Amaterasu's heart."

**Hikari (Storyteller):**"But her determination didn't reach Amaterasu, and exhausted from her task Hifumi collapses."

**Ichie (Hitsuki):**"Hifumi!"

**Mahiru (Hifumi):**"Why won't it reach the goddess...?"

**Ichie (Hitsuki):**"Hifumi, stop... If you keep going..."

**Mahiru (Hifumi):**"N-No... I can't give up yet..."

**Mahiru (Hifumi):**"I...I need to be strong... I'm a priestess of Takamagahara. Everyone's relying for me."

**Ichie (Hitsuki):**"....."

 **Ichie:**(What can Hitsuki do now? How can she heal Amaterasu's heart?)

 **Ichie:**(What can I do now?)

 **Ichie:**(A lively song would cheer her up, but that way she would only be following her role...)

 **Ichie:**(Isn't there anything she can do? I need to dig deeper...)

**Hitsuki:**"Hifumi, let me help you."

**Hifumi:**"No, you would also..."

**Hitsuki:**"If we sing and dance together, ever if one of us collapsed, the other one would continue the ritual."

**Hitsuki:**"I'm also a priestess of Takamagahara, just like you, Hifumi. Let me carry the burden too..."

**Hifumi:**"...!"

**Hitsuki:**"I thought about my duty - about why I'm here."

**Hifumi:**"...Hitsuki."

**Hitsuki:**"I think I finally understand."

 **Ichie:**...!

 **Ichie:**Ah!

 **Mahiru:**Wh-Wh-What's wrong, Otonashi-san!?

 **Ichie:**I see! I get it now!

 **Mahiru:**Get it...?

 **Ichie:**Hitsuki's role - a way to lure Amaterasu out of her cave!

After the Feast

**Storyteller:**"The two priestesses stand in front of Ama-no-Iwato. Will they be able to lure Amaterasu out?"

**Hifumi:**"I see. I didn't think of that song in this situation."

**Hitsuki:**"I think it might help her heal. Do you find it strange?"

**Hifumi:**"No. I think it's something only you could have come up with."

**Hitsuki:**"...Hifumi."

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki, are you ready?"

**Hitsuki:**"Yes!"

**Hifumi:**"Let's start our dance... Let's put our souls into it!"

**Amaterasu:**"...It's quiet outside. They must have finally given up."

**Amaterasu:**"...It's all for nothing. No dance will be able to heal my heart."

**Amaterasu:**"...I will never leave this cave."

***~♪***

***This is always the beginning. The farthest depths of sadness. Do not be afraid. Take a step.***

***Do not forget. You are still caught in the wheels of destiny. Beyond the pouring sadness. The shining Sun is waiting for you.***

***Your heart is filled with tears. They will melt in the calm ocean lit up by the Moon. Do not fret. You will surely have it back.***

***Good night for now. Heal your broken heart. The wheels of destiny will eventually bring you. Your beautiful smile back.***

**Amaterasu:**"What is this sound...?"

**Amaterasu:**"This melody is sad and calm."

**Amaterasu:**"...So sad, and yet filled with kindness. It's like it's enveloping my heart..."

**Amaterasu:**"Am I...healing? Am I being healed?"

**Amaterasu:**"My heart is filled with calm... Anger and sadness are slowly dissipating."

**Hifumi:**"Amaterasu is coming outside!"

**Hitsuki:**"We did it, Hifumi! We really did it!"

**Amaterasu:**"Were you the ones singing outside my cave?"

'***Yes."***

**Amaterasu:**"I see."

**Amaterasu:**"I am grateful to you. You have finally freed me from my shackles of sadness."

**Amaterasu:**"Take this mirror and go back to Amenominakanushi."

**Amaterasu:**"Use our powers and save this land from the calamity."

**Hifumi:**"Yes!"

**Hitsuki:**"Oh... Susanowo wanted to tell you something."

**Amaterasu:**"...Susanowo?"

**Hitsuki:**"He said he would like to apologize when he sees you."

**Amaterasu:**"...I see."

**Amaterasu:**"...I will forgive him for the sake of harmony."

**Hifumi:**"Amenominakanushi! We're back!"

**Amenominakanushi:**"So you are, priestesses. It looks like your journey went well."

**Amenominakanushi:**"Now, place the three divine treasures on the altar, and start the prayers."

***"Yes!"***

**Hifumi:**"Heaven and Earth! Powers of creation! On behalf of the gods, we order you!"

**Hitsuki:**"Take the power of the gods in these three vessels and erase the calamity destroying our land!"

**Hifumi:**"...!"

**Hifumi:**"Hitsuki, look! The sky is growing bright. The sun is rising..."

**Hitsuki:**"It's been years since we last saw a sky so beautiful..."

**Hifumi:**...This is beautiful."

**Hitsuki:**"Yeah..."

**Hifumi:**"...Hitsuki."

**Hitsuki:**"What is it, Hifumi?"

**Hifumi:**"...Thank you. Had you not been with me, I would have lost my life."

**Hitsuki:**"I only followed what I felt in my heart. I wanted to help you."

**Hifumi:**"You've grown a lot during this journey. You're not someone that I have to protect anymore."

**Hitsuki:**"There's something else you're forgetting..."

**Hifumi:**"Huh? What is it?"

**Histuki:**"You push yourself too hard. You should respect yourself as well!"

**Hifumi:**"Heh heh. You're right. I have a reliable sister by my side now."

**Hitsuki:**"...Hifumi!"

**Hifumi:**"Thank you, Hitsuki. I was able to finish this hard trip thanks to you."

**Hitsuki:**"I should be the one thanking you. You made me realize what my duty was."

**Hifumi:**"Your duties as a priestess are grievous. You will encounter harder trials from now on."

**Hifumi:**"Even knowing that, will you still walk by my side?"

**Hitsuki:**"Yes! Of course! They are my duties after all!"

**Hifumi:**"Thank you. I put my trust in you, Hitsuki..."

***Good work, Otonashi-san!***

 **Ichie:**Thank you, everyone!

 **Maya:**The way you changed the song into a ballad really shocked me. What an idea!

 **Claudine:**Me, too. Who would have thought it would fit the situation so well?

 **Hikari:**It really helped me play Amaterasu. Thank you.

 **Mahiru:**How did you come up with such an idea?

 **Ichie:**It was something that came up when I thought of what Hitsuki would have wanted to do.

 **Ichie:**Hitsuki is someone that always worries about what about people think and how they see her, right?

 **Ichie:**I flipped this on its head, and realized that it means she's always conscious of her surroundings.

 **Ichie:**And in that case, what would she do to heal Amaterasu's heart?

 **Ichie:**I realized she would know that a sad song would resonate more with her because of how she was feeling.

 **Maya:**I see... It's something only Hitsuki would notice.

 **Claudine:**You took a weakness and turned it into a strength. What a great move Ichie!

 **Ichie:**Heh heh... It's only thanks to your advice. I wouldn't have noticed it without all of your help.

 **Ichie:**Thank you, everyone! Next time, let's have a joint performance at Rinmeikan!

 **Ichie:**Thank you for seeing me off, Mahiru-chan!

 **Mahiru:**Heh heh. Don't worry about it, Hitsuki.

 **Mahiru:**Walking side by side feels like we're back in the play...

 **Ichie:**...Back in the play?

 **Ichie:**...Heh heh. I guess you're right.

 **Mahiru:**Otonashi-san?

 **Ichie:**Oh, it's nothing. I just thought that we looked like sisters during rehearsals as well.

 **Mahiru:**Huh? What do you mean?

 **Ichie:**Well, you remember I asked for your advice, right?

 **Mahiru:**Oh, yeah.

 **Ichie:**It feels like when Hifumi and Hitsuki started their journey together.

 **Mahiru:**Ah! Now that you mention it..

 **Ichie:**And after that, we visited Tsukuyomi - Clau-chan and asked for advice.

 **Ichie:**And then it was Susanowo - Maya-chan. And finally, Amaterasu - Hikari-chan.

 **Mahiru:**...Ah! It's just like the story!

 **Ichie:**And at last, we're back here at Amenominakanushi's shrine.

 **Mahiru:**...

 **Ichie:**...

**Mahiru (Hifumi):**"Thank you, Hitsuki. I was able to finish this hard trip thanks to you."

**Ichie (Hitsuki):**"I should be the one thanking you. You made me realize what my duty was."

 **Mahiru:**...Heh heh!

 **Ichie:**Heh heh... Ahahaha!

**Mahiru (Hifumi):**"Take care now, Hitsuki..."

**Ichie (Hitsuki):**"Let's meet again, Hifumi!"

 **Ichie:**I'm back - all leveled up from the performance at Seisho Music Academy!

 **Tamao:**Welcome back, Ichie. Heh heh... You look like you've learned a few things over there.

 **Ichie:**...It was hard at first, but it was really worth it!

 **Tamao:**Heh heh, I'm glad I recommended you for guest performer then.

 **Ichie:**Yes, yes...

 **Ichie:**...Huh?

 **Ichie:**Whaaaaaat?!

 **Ichie:**Are you telling me it was you!?

 **Tamao:**Yeah... Huh? I thought you had realized.

 **Ichie:**Not at all! Wait, why me?

 **Tamao:**Well, I wanted to see you grow more.

 **Ichie:**Grow more?

 **Tamao:**Well, you are quite sensible, you know? You know how to read the room and all.

 **Ichie:**Really? Oh... I guess I do, don't I?

 **Tamao:**I wanted you to cast out that shell, and act without restraints...

**Tamao (Amenominakanushi):**"Hitsuki, you did well. I knew that you would fulfill your role as guest performer to the end."

 **Ichie:**...!? Amenominakanushi!? Were you his voice?

 **Tamao:**Heh heh. I was. I was actually watching over you the whole time.

 **Ichie:**I had no idea! Tamao, you're one scary girl...