Christmas Carol - Blue Storm in the Holy Night/Story

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

Seiran General Art Institute

 **Suzu:**La lala♪

 **Hisame:**La lala♪

 **Suzu:**Looks like Christmas has taken over the world.

 **Hisame:**Whenever I start to hear Christmas songs around the city, it feels like the end of the year.

 **Suzu:**This year's Christmas feels like it's gonna be unforgettable!

 **Hisame:**Yes. We have the exchange program with Seisho Music Academy this Christmas.

 **Suzu:**I can't wait to see Mahiru!

 **Hisame:**I also can't wait to see Nana-san.

 **Koharu:**You two are getting ahead of yourselves. The exchange program is the best opportunity to learn from the other schools' students' acting. The three of us are going as representatives of Seiran, so exercise some self-control...

 **Suzu:**You say that, but aren't you also excited about getting to stand on the same stage as Tenten?

 **Koharu:**Ahem. Don't call Tendo-san that in front of her.

 **Suzu:**But, why? It's cute! Tenten. Maya Tendo sounds like someone who is hard to get close to. But Tenten just makes you want to pat her on her head.

 **Koharu:**You're not allowed to pat Tendo-san on her head nor to call her Tenten.

 **Suzu:**Whaaat? Why?

 **Koharu:**All right, let's go.

 **Hisame:**You're being overly excited, Suzu-san.

 **Suzu:**But so are you... Ah! Wait for me!

 **Nana:**When is everyone from Seiran getting here?

 **Maya:**I think they should be here anytime...

 **Mahiru:**I'm excited for the exchange program with Seiran.

 **Nana:**I actually couldn't sleep at all last night.

 **Mahiru:**Me neither! Even after I got into bed, I was still so excited I couldn't fall asleep... Tendo-san, were you able to sleep?

 **Maya:**Yes. I slept like a rock... For two hours.

 **Mahiru:**Two hours?! Tendo-san, are you okay?

 **Maya:**Sleep quality is more important than the length. Two hours of deep sleep is plenty.

 **Nana:**Maya-chan, you're also looking forward to see Koharu-chan.

 **Maya:**...Uh.

 **Mahiru:**I bet Karen-chan and the others must've wanted to meet the girls from Seiran too.

 **Nana:**Yeah. Everyone had been looking forward to seeing them again.

 **Maya:**We all broke up into teams to go learn from the different schools. Aijo-san and Kagura-san went to Siegfeld. Hanayagi-san and Isurugi-san went to Rinmeikan. And Saijo-san and Hoshimi-san went to Frontier.

 **Maya:**We'll also be gaining a lot from our exchange with Seiran. We have to make sure to carry our weight for Aijo-san and the others' sakes.

 **Mahiru:**Yeah! We have to work hard so as to not lose to the girls who've gone to the other schools!

**Maya & Nana:**Yes. Yeah!

 **Suzu:**Mahiru—!

 **Mahiru:**Oh! Suzu-chan!

 **Suzu:**Mahiru—! I've missed you!

 **Mahiru:**Me too!

 **Suzu:**I'm so lucky to be able to perform together with you! I'm so grateful for Christmas! Thank you, Santa!

 **Hisame:**Suzu-san. You were just told to not get ahead of yourself.

 **Nana:**Hisame-chan♪

 **Hisame:**Nana-san. Hello.

 **Nana:**I've been looking forward to seeing you.

 **Hisame:**Me too.

 **Maya:**Yanagi-san, welcome to Seisho Music Academy. We've also been looking forward to this exchange program with Seiran General Art Institute.

 **Koharu:**Thank you for coming out to meet us. We will also do our best to make this exchange program beneficial for both schools.

 **Suzu:**Now that's enough with the formalities. Let's go!

 **Koharu:**Suzu!!

 **Suzu:**Hisame, Koharu got angry.

 **Hisame:**Of course. Show some self-restraint as a student from Seiran.

 **Suzu:**\*sniffle\* Surrounded by hostels.

 **Hisame:**Hostels?

 **Suzu:**When you're surrounded by enemies and don't have anyone on your side. Huh? Isn't it hostels?

 **Mahiru:**Do you mean you're surrounded by hostiles?

 **Suzu:**Oh, yes, that! You're so smart, Mahiru!

**Koharu & Hisame:**\*sigh\*

 **Maya:**Heh heh. We'll show you the way to the rehearsal room.

 **Masai:**I'm Masai from production. Nice to meet you.

 **Amemiya:**Amemiya from the script team. Nice to meet you.

 **Masai:**Let's begin the exchange program between Seiran General Art Institute and Seisho Music Academy.

**All:**Yes!

 **Amemiya:**First, please look over the script I've passed around. The play we'll be performing this time is Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol".

 **Maya:**"Christmas Carol" is a famous piece that numerous theater troupes in Japan have performed in the past.

 **Suzu:**"Christmas Carol"? I've heard of the name before, but what is it about?

 **Mahiru:**To put it simply... Three spirits appear on Christmas Eve in front of a miserly, old man who only cares about making money.

 **Mahiru:**The spirits are from the past, present and future and they each show the main character his past, present, and future self.

 **Maya:**After seeing painful memories and learning of the future where he has a miserable death, he has a change of heart and treats all the people whom he's treated poorly with kindness and becomes loved by everyone...

 **Nana:**A story of a miracle that happens on Christmas. A play that's perfect for this season♪

 **Suzu:**That's amazing! Everyone in Seisho knows the story! Hey, Koharu, Hisame, did you two know?

 **Koharu:**Yes, of course.

 **Hisame:**It's a famous piece.

 **Suzu:**What? So I'm the only one who didn't know?

 **Hisame:**You need to study harder.

 **Suzu:**...I'm shocked.

 **Mahiru:**I have the original novel. I'll lend it to you next time.

 **Suzu:**Thank you, Mahiru!

 **Masai:**All right, everyone! Listen up!

 **Amemiya:**The "Christmas Carol" script I've handed out is an adaptation where all the characters have been changed into females. The lines have changed a lot from the original, so make sure to read over it properly.

**All:**Understood!

 **Maya:**And the casting?

 **Masai:**It's already been decided. I've checked the acting of everyone from Seiran by watching the DVDs I borrowed with their past performances.

 **Amemiya:**I used that as reference to decide the cast this time.

 **Masai:**I'll announce it now. The lead role, Emma Scrooge, goes to— Koharu Yanagi-san.

 **Koharu:**Yes! Thank you!

 **Masai:**Emma's sister-in-law, Isabella Scrooge, will be Suzu Minase-san.

 **Suzu:**Me? Oh, yes! I'll do my best!

 **Masai:**The employee in Emma's accounting firm, Scarlet Cratchit, will be Nana Daiba-san.

 **Nana:**Yes!

 **Masai:**The Sprit of Christmas Past will be Maya Tendo-san. The Spirit of Christmas Present will be Mahiru Tsuyuzaki-san. And the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come will be Hisame Honami-san.

**Mahiru & Maya & Hosami:**Yes!

 **Masai:**We'll do a read through in 15 minutes. If there's anything unclear in the script, you can ask me or Amemiya-san.

**All:**Yes! Thank you!

 **Koharu:**(Standing on the same stage as the girls in Seisho – and Tendo-san... Of course I feel pressured, but I know I can do it.)

 **Koharu:**(For Seiran's sake― No, for my own sake too. I'll put on a perfect "Christmas Carol"!)

Perfect Performance

 **Suzu:**Mahiru, how do you read this kanji?

 **Mahiru:**This is mercy.

 **Suzu:**Mercy? What's that?

 **Mahiru:**Um, when you're considerate of others... I think?

 **Suzu:**Hmm. You don't normally use these words in daily conversation so I can never read them.

 **Koharu:**Suzu. Why don't you look up the kanji used in the script by yourself?

 **Suzu:**Oops. You saw me.

 **Koharu:**We're here as representatives of Seiran. You need to be more aware of how you're carrying yourself.

 **Suzu:**Okay.

 **Nana:**Hisame-chan, Hisame-chan♪

 **Hisame:**What is it?

 **Nana:**I drew a sketch of the spirits' costumes. What do you think?

 **Hisame:**Wow! So cute! This is wonderful, Nana-san!

 **Nana:**It's a rehearsal recital this time, so there are no costumes, but I figured this kind of costume would be nice when we perform in the theater.

 **Hisame:**I think it's perfect for "Christmas Carol"!

 **Nana:**If we add a flair skirt with frills here...

 **Hisame:**Cute!

 **Suzu:**Let's see? Whoa! Cute! I would totally wear these costumes!

 **Koharu:**\*sigh\*

 **Maya:**Yanagi-san? What's the matter?

 **Koharu:**Oh, it's nothing. It's a little different than what I had imagined.

 **Maya:**Different?

 **Koharu:**Yes. I'm disappointed or...

 **Koharu:**I just feel like they should each carry a strong sense of purpose toward this exchange program.

 **Maya:**Carry a strong sense of purpose... I agree with that thinking. But I also think it's important to maintain a balance when it comes to rehearsals. If you strain yourself too much, you'll just lose focus.

 **Maya:**It's fine to spend the breaks peacefully and then put your heart fully into it during rehearsals, don't you think?

 **Koharu:**If you think so, Tendo-san, I suppose...

 **Masai:**All right, let's do the read through. We'll start with the scene on page three where Emma's sister-in-law, Isabella, visits Emma's accounting firm.

**All:**Yes!

 **Masai:**It's our first read through, so don't be afraid of mistakes and go all out!

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Merry Christmas! What a refreshing day today! Merry Christmas, Scarlet."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"Merry Christmas, Isabella."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"\*sigh\* Here comes trouble."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Tomorrow's Christmas. It's such a waste to work indoors with the curtains closed shut on such a lovely day."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"..."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Merry Christmas, Sis!"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Hmph. Ridiculous."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Ridiculous?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Only stupid people celebrate Christmas. Even though they've got no money, they get all excited and drink and cause a ruckus. Even couples who exchange words of love with each other will forget it the next day."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Those kinds of people should just freeze and die."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Sis..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Just leave me be. I'm busy with work. If you want to celebrate, suit yourself."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"There are so many wonderful things in this world that have nothing to do with making money. You see, Christmas is the season when everyone becomes kind... mer―"

 **Suzu:**Mahiru, how do you read this again?

 **Mahiru:**It's merciful.

 **Suzu:**That's right. Thanks!

**All:**(\*laughter\*)

 **Koharu:**......

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"A splendid season that's merciful and filled with love!"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Why don't you come over and have dinner at my place tomorrow? I'm sure even you would feel lonely spending Christmas by yourself."

 **Koharu:**(If this scene drags on any longer, it'll be boring. I should be the one to end it as the lead...)

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I'd rather go to hell than to spend it with your family! Go home!"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"What...? I... I just want to get along with you."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I told you, go home!"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"I won't! Not until you come with me..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Go home! I'm sick of you! You're a nuisance!"

 **Suzu:**......

 **Masai:**Okay! Stop! Yanagi-san, that was wonderful. I was surprised.

 **Nana:**Yes, that was amazing. The atmosphere changed in an instant.

 **Mahiru:**Like, the acting was so real...

 **Maya:**That was brilliant, Yanagi-san.

 **Koharu:**Thank you.

 **Hisame:**......

 **Koharu:**(The "Christmas Carol", written by Charles Dickens, was based on 19th century London when the urban environment was worsening and the city was covered in smog, hence it being coined as the city of fog.)

 **Koharu:**(Social inequality was widening and people were living desperately day by day. People weren't able to celebrate Christmas and had lost their compassion for others...)

 **Koharu:**(The social conditions at the time might have been what caused Emma to become so arrogant and stubborn.)

 **Hisame:**Koharu-san, can I have a moment?

 **Koharu:**Sure.

 **Hisame:**About the read through just now... Well...

 **Koharu:**What is it? Just tell me.

 **Hisame:**It looked like you were irritated for real. And it also felt like you weren't used to Seisho's rehearsal room.

 **Koharu:**......

 **Hisame:**If there's something bothering you, you can talk to me about it, you know?

 **Koharu:**Then have more self-awareness.

 **Hisame:**Huh?

 **Koharu:**We're not here to play. We're here to learn different directing and acting that we can't learn at our own school. You need to keep that in mind.

 **Hisame:**That's my intention. I've been taking things seriously...

 **Koharu:**I'm only saying this because you don't look like you are.

 **Koharu:**I can understand being happy to see Daiba-san, but at this rate, we'll never be able to surpass Seisho.

 **Hisame:**But this time, the goal is to participate in an exchange with a different school to create a stage together.

 **Koharu:**There's no need to be all chummy.

 **Hisame:**We're not...

 **Koharu:**Even though you were chatting so happily about things that had nothing to do with the rehearsal?

 **Hisame:**...! Well, you're the lead, so you should be trying harder to communicate with everyone from Seisho.

 **Koharu:**I am.

 **Hisame:**It didn't look like it to me.

 **Koharu:**That's enough. Voicing our own opinions and clashing with each other is just a waste of time.

 **Hisame:**I can see why you were casted as Emma Scrooge.

 **Koharu:**Huh?

 **Hisame:**You're just like Emma.

 **Koharu:**What do you mean by that?

 **Hisame:**I meant exactly what I said. Goodbye.

 **Koharu:**......

Progress and Retreat

 **Mahiru:**This is our classroom.

 **Suzu:**Ooh. So this is where you and everyone studies. Where do you sit, Mahiru?

 **Mahiru:**I sit here.

 **Suzu:**So this is where you always sit in class, looking at the blackboard and occasionally out the window to daydream.

 **Mahiru:**I concentrate in class.

 **Suzu:**Mahiru, sit next to me.

 **Mahiru:**Sure. Sitting together with you like this reminds me of our junior high days.

 **Suzu:**Right? It feels nostalgic and also kinda strange.

 **Mahiru:**Hey, where do you want to go next?

 **Suzu:**Hm, let's see. Next...

 **Suzu:**Whoa! Seisho's theater is huge! Can I go take a look at the stage?

 **Mahiru:**Of course. We got approval to be here already, so it's fine.

 **Suzu:**The stage is so wide and it's quite deep too. The ceiling looks high enough to set up a two story backdrop.

 **Suzu:**You have all the lighting equipment and it's all well taken cared of. Wow! You guys even have moving lights! I'm so jealous!

 **Mahiru:**Suzu-chan, you know a lot about this stuff.

 **Suzu:**We learn about the stagehands' tasks too, so we know the equipment. That's why I can do this too. Hup.

 **Mahiru:**Wow!

 **Suzu:**Whenever I see cables, I can't help but coil them. Look – when you coil it like this, it doesn't get tangled.

 **Mahiru:**I had no idea. I didn't know there was a method to coiling cables.

 **Suzu:**Study anything that's related to the stage! That's what Seiran's all about! Just kidding.

 **Hisame:**Hmmhmmm♪ Hmhmhm♪

 **Hisame:**Whew... Guess I'll finish here today.

***\*clap clap clap\****

 **Hisame:**Oh, Nana-san.

 **Nana:**Hisame-chan, you're so good at singing♪

 **Hisame:**Were you eavesdropping?

 **Nana:**I didn't want to interrupt you, so I was listening outside.

 **Hisame:**Um... What do you think?

 **Nana:**You're the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come who shows Emma her cruel future and guides her to the correct path, right?

 **Hisame:**Yes.

 **Nana:**Your singing voice sounds cold, but behind it is a kindness that tries to show Emma the way. I love it♪

 **Hisame:**Phew... I'm glad it came across. That's what I had wanted to express.

 **Nana:**I thought you were wonderful in the chorus team, but I like you more on stage.

 **Hisame:**It's embarrassing to hear you say that.

 **Hisame:**After standing on the stage at Seiran so many times, I understand the fun of singing on stage that I wasn't able to understand in junior high.

 **Nana:**You've made some great friends.

 **Hisame:**...Yes.

 **Nana:**Hisame-chan?

 **Hisame:**If your friend is troubled, should you help even if you know you'll be rejected?

 **Nana:**Yes! Even if it's annoying, you help them as many times as they need! Even if they push you away, you still hold out your hand! Isn't that what friends are for?

 **Hisame:**Yes... You're right.

 **Nana:**Hisame-chan. If something's troubling you, you can talk to me about it. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.

 **Hisame:**Actually...

Exchange Program – Day 3

 **Masai:**Rehearsals will be starting today. You can have the script with you, so just trying moving around freely with it.

 **Maya:**Masai-san, which scene are we starting with?

 **Masai:**Let's see. Let's start with the scene where the Spirit of Christmas Past makes her appearance since it's a highlight in the beginning of the story. Tendo-san and Yanagi-san, please.

**Koharu & Maya:**Yes!

 **Koharu:**......

 **Hisame:**I can see why you were casted as Emma Scrooge.

 **Koharu:**Huh?

 **Hisame:**You're just like Emma.

 **Koharu:**(I'm like Emma? Is she saying I'm similar to such an arrogant, stubborn, and miserly person?)

 **Koharu:**(Why did Hisame say such a thing?)

 **Maya:**Yanagi-san, are you alright!?

 **Koharu:**Oh, I'm sorry. I'm fine.

 **Koharu:**(I should be focusing on the acting in front of me right now instead of thinking about unnecessary things...)

 **Koharu:**(I'll perform the perfect Emma Scrooge!)

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"Emma Scrooge... Emma Scrooge..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"...Who is it? Who's there?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Aaah! W-Who are you...?"

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"I'm the Spirit of Christmas Past. I've come to remind you of the past you're trying to forget."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"...Spirit? Ohh, I'm just imagining things. That must be it."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"You mustn't turn your back to reality. You still have a chance of redemption."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Chance of redemption?"

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"This is the wish of an old friend of yours, Lily Marley."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Marley? Marley died seven years ago..."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"Lily Marley was both your friend and business partner. Marley thought of you as her friend; yet, you let go of her hand."

 **Koharu:**(I can tell after facing her... Tendo-san's fierce acting skills. Every single word she utters carries weight. I feel like if I lose focus, I'll get swept along.)

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"Seeing you like this, the deceased Marley is mourning for you. Her grief turned into a wish and I was summoned."

 **Koharu:**(Impeccable acting... Compared to that, my acting...)

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"It is my duty to lead you down the right path before you go past the point of no return. Let's go."

 **Masai:**Okay! Stop!

 **Masai:**Yanagi-san. Your acting is a little stiff, please try to relax.

 **Koharu:**I'm sorry.

 **Masai:**Try moving around more freely. Let's try again from the same scene.

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"I'm the Spirit of Christmas Past. I've come to remind you of the past you're trying to forget."

 **Koharu:**......

 **Maya:**Yanagi-san?

 **Koharu:**I'm sorry. I just can't seem to move well...

 **Maya:**You might just be overthinking it.

 **Koharu:**Huh?

 **Maya:**Masai-san, how about we move this scene to later? I'm also having difficulty grasping my part.

 **Masai:**I understand. Then let's do Isabella and Scarlet's scene on page 5. Daiba-san and Minase-san, please.

**Nana & Suzu:**Yes!

 **Koharu:**......

 **Maya:**Are you okay? You don't look so well.

 **Koharu:**I'm fine. I'm sorry for causing trouble.

 **Maya:**Not at all. If you're having trouble with preparing for your role, I can lend an ear.

 **Koharu:**That's very kind of you, but it's a problem that I have to solve myself.

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

 **Koharu:**(I can't lose because of this. I have to shine even brighter than Tendo-san...)

 **Koharu:**(I have to put on a perfect performance... An impeccable performance...)

Friends

Exchange Program – Day 4

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"I feel sorry for Sis. Even though she has money, she's all alone and has no one."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"All right, everybody! Let's thank Emma Scrooge! It's thanks to her that we're able to survive this winter."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"You've lost many important things in exchange for the money you've gained."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Nowadays in London, you're lucky to even have a job. The people are suffering from poverty."

 **Hisame:****(Spirit of Xmas Yet to Come)**
"The past can't be changed. But if you can change the present, so will the future. It all depends on you, Emma Scrooge."

 **Koharu:**(Suzu, Hisame, and everyone else have grasped their roles and are moving freely... I have to hurry...)

 **Koharu:**(Emma Scrooge is arrogant, stubborn, miserly, and cold-hearted... No one would like such a person... I see. I just have to act like someone I don't like.)

 **Koharu:**(An obnoxious person who everyone avoids...)

 **Hisame:**You're just like Emma.

 **Koharu:**(Ngh! At a time like this, why...)

 **Hisame:**Yanagi-san?

 **Koharu:**...!

 **Hisame:**Are you okay? You're sweating a lot.

 **Koharu:**Yeah, I'm fine. I was just focusing hard.

 **Hisame:**Um, about what I'd said to you before...

 **Koharu:**It doesn't bother me anymore. I'd also said too much.

 **Hisame:**No, that's not what...

 **Koharu:**We're in the middle of rehearsals right now. Let's just focus on what's in front of us first.

 **Hisame:**......

 **Koharu:**\*sigh\*

 **Maya:**Yanagi-san, can I have a minute?

 **Koharu:**Yes?

 **Maya:**I'm going to be straight about it. Is it painful for you to play Emma Scrooge?

 **Koharu:**Does it...look that way?

 **Maya:**Yes. It looks really tough on you.

 **Koharu:**It's only natural for a Stage Girl to be able to play any role. If my acting looks painful, that just means I lack practice. I apologize.

 **Maya:**No, I don't mean to blame you...

 **Koharu:**I'll have my role all planned out by tomorrow's rehearsals. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

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

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Please! I'll change my way of living! So give me one more chance! I beg of you!"

 **Koharu:**(I have my lines memorized perfectly. I've thought about my character's emotions over and over again. I've also gone over the movements...)

 **Koharu:**(But my movements look unnatural. My expressions are stiff. My character feels dead.)

 **Koharu:**(Both Suzu and Hisame's characters are alive... Why is it only me...?)

 **Koharu:**(I have to delve even deeper... I'll have it perfect by tomorrow... I have to make it perfect...)

 **Koharu:**Huh...? Why...are there tears...?

 **Koharu:**"\*sniffle\*... \*sobs\*"

 **Koharu:**As the representative of Seiran... \*sobs\* ...I can't afford to be hung up here... Ngh.

 **Suzu:**Koharu? Sorry, we're coming in.

 **Hisame:**Excuse us.

 **Koharu:**...! What are both of you doing here at this time?

 **Suzu:**The lights were still on in the rehearsal room, so we thought you might be here.

 **Hisame:**Koharu-san. There's something I'd like to say to you.

 **Koharu:**......

 **Hisame:**"Christmas Carol" is a story where the arrogant and stubborn Emma Scrooge turns over a new leaf after meeting the three Spirits.

 **Hisame:**So this is what I think. Emma doesn't turn over a new leaf because of her difficult past and fear of a cruel future. She has a change of heart after she learns the importance of confiding in others, don't you think?

 **Koharu:**......

 **Hisame:**I said you were like Emma because you had closed the door to your heart. With only the thought of surpassing Seisho in mind, you were performing all by yourself.

 **Hisame:**Theater is an integrated art. That's what you taught us in the past. So why are you destroying it by yourself?

 **Koharu:**I'm sorry...

 **Hisame:**We don't want you to apologize. We just want you to rely on us. As friends.

 **Koharu:**......

 **Suzu:**Hisame's already said everything I wanted to say. The stage is supposed to be fun. If we're not enjoying it ourselves, we won't be able to bring joy to the audience!

 **Hisame:**That's true, but Suzu-san you're having a little too much fun.

 **Suzu:**What?! I just tried my best to say something good!

 **Hisame:**Didn't you put in a random adlib all of a sudden during rehearsals today?

 **Suzu:**But I just felt like saying it...

 **Hisame:**That's what I mean by you horsing around too much.

 **Koharu:**Pfft... Haha.

 **Suzu:**Oh! Koharu's laughing!

 **Koharu:**Thank you. My heart feels lighter after talking to you two.

 **Koharu:**Just like you said, Hisame, I should be communicating more with everyone in Seisho. I should've opened up more.

 **Suzu:**Yeah. Right now you're many times more charming than when you're on your best behavior. You should show this side of you to everyone in Seisho.

 **Hisame:**You look wonderful right now.

 **Koharu:**......

 **Maya:**Excuse us.

 **Koharu:**Tendo-san?! Daiba-san and Tsuyuzaki-san too!

 **Maya:**Do you mind if we join?

 **Koharu:**Sure, come in.

 **Maya:**Don't worry, we've already received permission from the school.

 **Nana:**Whoa, so this is Seiran's rehearsal room.

 **Mahiru:**You have lighting and audio equipment, and even a stage set here!

 **Koharu:**Um, so what brought you all the way here to Seiran?

 **Maya:**Yanagi-san, would you like to do some extra practice?

 **Koharu:**Huh?

 **Maya:**You're always coming to our school, so we figured it'd be nice to rehearse in Seiran sometimes.

 **Nana:**You might be more at ease this way.

 **Mahiru:**It's more comfortable to be in the rehearsal room you're used to.

 **Koharu:**Everyone...

 **Mahiru:**Yanagi-san, you're the lead. It's okay to be more selfish.

 **Maya:**That's right. You should express yourself the way you want.

 **Nana:**Yeah. If there's something you want to say, just say it. There's no need to hold back.

 **Suzu:**Isn't that great, Koharu?

 **Koharu:**...Yes.

 **Koharu:**Thank you, everyone. I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm fine now.

 **Koharu:**I, Koharu Yanagi, will say this here as the lead. I'll definitely make "Christmas Carol" a success... So! Please lend me your strength!

**All:**Yeah! Yes!

Christmas Carol

Day of the Rehearsal Recital

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"Ugh, it's so cold. Emma, I'm back."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Scarlet, you're late."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"Sorry. It's Christmas Eve, so all the shops are closed early. I had to go to the neighboring town just to buy ink."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"That's enough chit-chat. If you don't want to get fired, get back to work."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"...Yes, right away."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"And remember to not give any donations even if charity organizations come knocking. Whenever it comes to this time of the year, those people are always eyeing other people's wallets."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Merry Christmas! What a refreshing day today! Merry Christmas, Scarlet."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"Merry Christmas, Isabella."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"\*sigh\* Here comes trouble."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Tomorrow's Christmas. It's such a waste to work indoors with the curtains closed shut on such a lovely day."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Merry Christmas, Sis!"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Hmph. Ridiculous."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Ridiculous?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Only stupid people celebrate Christmas. Even though they've got no money, they get all excited and drink and cause a ruckus. Even couples who exchange words of love with each other will forget it the next day."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Those kinds of people should just freeze and die."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Sis..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Just leave me be. I'm busy with work. If you want to celebrate, suit yourself."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"There are so many wonderful things in this world that have nothing to do with making money. You see, Christmas is the season when everyone becomes kind and merciful. A splendid season filled with love."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Why don't you come over and have dinner at my place tomorrow? I'm sure even you would feel lonely spending Christmas by yourself."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I'd rather go to hell than to spend it with your family! Now, go home!"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"I just want to get along with you."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I told you. Go home."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"I won't. Not until you come with me..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Go home! I'm sick of you! You're a nuisance!"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"I just..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Go!"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"...I understand. I'll go. If you ever change your mind... No, no matter what I say, it's no use. Take care of yourself, Sis."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"\*sigh\* I'm going to leave too. Scarlet, lock up afterwards please. And even if tomorrow is Christmas, don't be late. If you're late, I'm taking it out of your paycheck. See you tomorrow."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"Emma, Merry Christmas."

Emma's House – Bedroom

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Hmph. What Merry Christmas? Nonsense. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ won't even earn you a single penny."

***\*clang\* \*clang\****

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Huh? Who is ringing a bell so late at night...?"

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"Emma Scrooge... Emma Scrooge..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"...Who is it? Who's there?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Aaah! W-Who are you...?"

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"I'm the Spirit of Christmas Past. I've come to remind you of the past you're trying to forget."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"...Spirit? Ohh, I'm just imagining things. That must be it."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"You mustn't turn your back to reality. You still have a chance of redemption."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Chance of redemption?"

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"This is the wish of an old friend of yours, Lily Marley."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Marley? Marley died seven years ago..."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"Lily Marley was both your friend and business partner. Marley thought of you as her friend; yet, you let go of her hand."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"Seeing you like this, the deceased Marley is mourning for you. Her grief turned into a wish and I was summoned."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"It is my duty to lead you down the right path before you go past the point of no return. Let's go."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"And then the Spirit of Christmas Past guided me to my memory of being abandoned by my parents when I was young. And then I was reminded of being absorbed in my work and then abandoned by my lover."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"People will leave you one day, but money won't betray me. I'm reminded of how I came to think that way..."

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"Your lover left you because you were too obsessed with money. You outlived your friend and business partner and are all alone. What do people think of you now?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Shut up! Leave me alone!"

 **Maya:****(Spirit of Xmas Past)**
"You've lost many important things in exchange for the money you've gained."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Go away!"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Huff... Huff... What a terrible illusion... I'm tired... I want to sleep..."

***\*clang\* \*clang\****

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"What?! Sound of bells again...? What now?"

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Hello, Emma Scrooge."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"You are...?"

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"I'm the Spirit of Christmas Present. I've come to tell you of your present."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Oh? What a lovely looking spirit."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Oh, stop. Now, touch my wings. I will show you something wonderful."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Really, now. I won't forgive you if you show me an illusion like the spirit before."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Don't worry. Let's go."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Hm? So bright! Where are we...?"

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Scarlet Cratchit's home. It looks like her and her family have gathered to celebrate Christmas."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"Lord, we thank you for the food before us and for this wonderful day. Amen. Let's eat."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"...What a meager meal."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"This is already the best for this family."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Can they see us?"

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"No. They can neither see nor hear us."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"All right, everybody! Let's thank Emma Scrooge! It's thanks to her that we're able to survive this winter."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"What? Why? Shouldn't they despise me...?"

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Have you done something that would make them despise you?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I'm always so harsh on Scarlet..."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Nowadays in London, you're lucky to even have a job. The people are suffering from poverty."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"So even if you pay her a low salary, she's grateful to be able to provide for her family."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"..."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"Let's move on."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Where...? Yes, that's right. I know this place. This is Isabella's home."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"I feel sorry for Sis. Even though she has money, she's all alone and has no one."

 **Nana:****(Isabella's Husband)**
"You reap what you sow. I'm sure no one would want to celebrate Christmas with Emma Scrooge. You don't need to think of that woman as your sister either."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Hmph. I should be the one to refuse. There's no need to invite me to such a shabby party."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Yes, everyone hates her. But we're family, aren't we? Christmas should be spent with family."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"I'll continue to invite Sis to our Christmas party next year, the year after that, and onwards. I want her to be happy."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Isabella..."

 **Mahiru:****(Spirit of Xmas Present)**
"This is as far as I will take you. I'll pass you on to the final Spirit now."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"The final Spirit...? Ngh, too bright!"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"This is...the cemetery? It's the public cemetery on the outskirts of town."

 **Hisame:****(Spirit of Xmas Yet to Come)**
"I'm the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come – the one to show you the fate you're destined with."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"The future... This can't be..."

 **Hisame:****(Spirit of Xmas Yet to Come)**
"That over there is your future. They're the ones mourning for your death."

 **Maya:****(Mourner A)**
"Even her family had given up on this woman. With no one to nurse her in her remaining days, she just takes all the money she's earned with her to her grave."

 **Mahiru:****(Mourner B)**
"There's no way you can take money with you to the other side. What a stupid woman."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Oh! That's―!"

 **Hisame:****(Spirit of Xmas Yet to Come)**
"This is the future you'll be met with."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Don't show me such things!"

 **Hisame:****(Spirit of Xmas Yet to Come)**
"This is your final stop. The end you wished for."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Stop! Yes... That's right. The first Spirit said that I still have a chance."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Please! I'll change my way of living! So give me one more chance! I beg of you!"

 **Hisame:****(Spirit of Xmas Yet to Come)**
"The past can't be changed. But if you can change the present, so will the future. It all depends on you, Emma Scrooge."

Emma's House – Bedroom

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"...! I'm...alive. I'm alive!!"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"It's bright out... Morning has come, I see. Hey, you over there!"

 **Mahiru:****(Passerby)**
"Huh? Are you talking to me?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"What day is it today?"

 **Mahiru:****(Passerby)**
"Today? It's Christmas."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Christmas... Then in one night, all the Spirits... I have no time. I have to make the preparations right away!"

Emma's Firm

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"...I knew it. Scarlet's not here yet."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"I'm sorry, I'm late!"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Scarlet, what time is it right now?"

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"I'm sorry... I was late by 18 minutes."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I can't put up with you anymore."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"I won't be late ever again! Please don't fire me..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I'll double your pay."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"What...? Not halve, but double?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Correct. You've worked hard. Thank you, Scarlet."

 **Nana:****(Scarlet)**
"...Emma? Did something happen?"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Heh heh. Oh, and when charity organizations come, be sure to donate. You can write them as many checks as you'd like. Well, as long as it doesn't bankrupt the company."

Isabella's Home

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Isabella. May I come in?"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Sis! I didn't think you'd come..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I've come to apologize today. I'm sorry."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"..."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"I was wrong. Can I still be your sister?"

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Of course. We're family."

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Thank you. It's because you hadn't given up on me that I was able to change."

 **Suzu:****(Isabella)**
"Merry Christmas! A warm welcome to you, Sis!"

 **Koharu:****(Emma)**
"Merry Christmas. Now it's my turn to bring happiness to you, Isabella."

 **Hisame:****(Narrator)**
"And just like that, Emma Scrooge uses all the money she's saved up until now for the sake of others. She becomes a good employer, good sister, and good person."

 **Hisame:****(Narrator)**
"And so the rumor begins. The one who knows the true joy of Christmas is Emma Scrooge..."

To a New Stage

 **Suzu:**Um... Are you sure I should be the one to do it?

 **Hisame:**I think you're the most suitable for such things.

 **Maya:**Minase-san, if you will.

 **Suzu:**Please allow me to say a few words... The exchange program between Seiran General Art Institute and Seisho Music Academy... Uh, the rehearsal recital for... Um... "Christmas Carol"...

 **Koharu:**Suzu, that's too long.

 **Suzu:**I knew I shouldn't be the one to do this! Hisame!

 **Hisame:**Let's toast to a successful performance!

 **Suzu:**You stole my moment!

**All:**Cheers!

 **Mahiru:**Now that the exchange program has ended, it feels a little lonely.

 **Suzu:**Not just a little! I'm feeling super lonely! Mahiru!

 **Maya:**Your Emma Scrooge – I liked the Emma during the actual performance the most.

 **Koharu:**Thank you very much. It's all thanks to everyone doing extra practices with me.

 **Koharu:**I felt many things when I played Emma, but the thing her role taught me is the importance of opening up to people.

 **Suzu:**Isabella taught me the strength to not give up on trying to save those who are dear to me.

 **Hisame:**I learned through the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come that to change someone, you need to be strict sometimes and not only kind.

 **Nana:**I had fun playing Scarlet who was always at Emma's beck and call.

 **Mahiru:**The Spirit of Christmas Present reminded me of Puck in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", so I tried to portray a cute spirit, but...

 **Suzu:**It was cute! So cute that I can't even put it into words!

 **Maya:**Heh heh. Sounds like everyone was able to gain something.

 **Koharu:**Seisho really is amazing. Each stage girl has their own strong personality and you continue to make stages that are overflowing with brilliance.

 **Koharu:**And instead of canceling out each other's brilliance, you unify to release an even stronger brilliance... I've learned a lot.

 **Maya:**No, we should be the ones to say we've learned a lot from Seiran.

**Koharu & Hisame & Suzu:**Huh?

 **Maya:**Yanagi-san, Minase-san, Honami-san. The three of you support one another to create one stage together. A stage that's only possible by you confronting one another and talking things out again and again.

 **Maya:**It made me realize once again that having friends whom you can confront is something wonderful and irreplaceable.

 **Koharu:**Tendo-san...

 **Maya:**I should also treasure those who make me give it my all...

 **Nana:**All right. Everyone, thanks for waiting! Food is ready♪

 **Suzu:**Mahiru, is this the rumored...?

 **Mahiru:**Banana-chan's cooking.

 **Hisame:**Nana-san made all of this?

 **Nana:**Yeah♪ Koharu-chan loves glass noodles, so I made mapo glass noodles. And I used Mahiru's potatoes for Suzu-chan's favorite french fries.

 **Nana:**And for Hisame-chan, I kneaded her favorite buckwheat to make buckwheat dumpling.

 **Hisame:**How did you know our favorite foods?

 **Nana:**Suzu-chan told me.

 **Suzu:**She asked me what kind of food we wanted to eat for the party. Huh? Was I not supposed to?

 **Hisame:**No, good job, Suzu-san.

 **Koharu:**The quality is amazing.

 **Nana:**Heh heh. I made a lot, so dig in.

**All:**Let's eat!

 **Mahiru:**I can't believe the exchange program is over.

 **Suzu:**Yeah, it went by so fast.

 **Mahiru:**It was filled with only fun memories.

 **Suzu:**Me too! I came here to learn, but I only remember the fun we had!

 **Mahiru:**Suzu-chan, let's stand on the same stage in the theater next time.

 **Suzu:**Yeah! Definitely!

 **Nana:**...My dreams from junior high finally came true.

 **Hisame:**Dreams?

 **Nana:**Yeah♪ To stand on the same stage as you, Hisame-chan, and to have you sing on stage. Both of my dreams came true at once♪

 **Hisame:**Yes, my dream came true too. I was able to create a stage together with you, Nana-san.

 **Nana:**Yeah♪ Let's work on more stages together from now on♪

 **Hisame:**Yes!

 **Koharu:**Tendo-san. Thank you very much for everything.

 **Maya:**I'm the one who should be saying thank you. I was able to see the true talent of stage girl Koharu Yanagi through this exchange program. And Seiran's strength too.

 **Koharu:**It was shown to me too – Seiran's strength and also the high wall, namely, you.

 **Maya:**Heh heh. Let's continue to compete and improve together as rivals.

 **Koharu:**Yes. As good friends.

 **Hisame:**Koharu-san, it's time.

 **Koharu:**Everyone, let's meet again on the next stage.

 **Hisame:**Seisho really is wonderful. They don't have a single weakness.

 **Koharu:**Yes. There were many things for us to learn from. Seisho is a wall that we must overcome. We must create a strong Seiran.

 **Suzu:**A strong Seiran... Well, for today at least, we can get away without thinking about such difficult topics, no?

 **Suzu:**Do you know what day today is?

 **Hisame:**It's Christmas.

 **Koharu:**Yes, it's Christmas. So?

 **Suzu:**So? What are you even saying?! It's Christmas! It's the day when the world gets all hyped up!

**Koharu & Hisame:**Huh?

 **Suzu:**This is useless... Whether it's our students or Seisho's people, don't you think stage girls should be able to enjoy Christmas?

 **Koharu:**I'm enjoying it. Spending time thinking about the stage makes me the happiest.

 **Suzu:**That's true too.

 **Hisame:**We do live for the stage...

 **Koharu:**The next stage is waiting for us. Now, let's begin.

**Hisame & Suzu:**Yeah! Yes!