Dream of a Thousand Nights/Story

* Part 1
* Part 2
* Part 3
* Part 4
* Part 5
* Part 6

Aladdin and the Genie of the Lamp

 **Maya:**...Checkmate.

 **Claudine:**J'ai perdu! Ah, I lost!

 **Maya:**That's three games to two, my favor. Do you still want to play?

 **Claudine:**Bien sur! Of course!

 **Claudine:**I won't lose to you!

 **Claudine:**Huff... Huff... Check...mate. How do you like that, Maya Tendo!?

 **Maya:**Your knight's positioning was absolutely magnificent.

 **Maya:**That's five games to five. Now for the next ga--

 **Claudine:**Zzz...

 **Maya:**Oh...

 **Maya:**Saijo-san, that's enough chess for today. Now, if you're going to sleep, do it in your own room.

 **Claudine:**Mm... Okay... But let me rest just a little...

 **Claudine:**Zzz...

 **Maya:**Heh heh...

 **Maya:**(To fall asleep right in front of me like this... You must really be tired.

 **Maya:**(You played with all your heart, even if it was just chess.)

 **Maya:**(And you didn't lose, heh.)

 **Maya:**(But what should I do? I can't just leave you sleeping here.)

 **Maya:**(I'll watch videos on my tablet so I don't wake you.)

 **Maya:**(Okay, my earbuds are on. Now to tap play...)

***\*ta-dah\****

 **Claudine:**Dis donc! Wh-What was that?!

 **Maya:**Oh, I'm sorry. My earbuds weren't all the way in.

 **Claudine:**Don't startle me like that. ...Oh, that video...

 **Maya:**It's a preview for "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp," the musical I've been wanting to see.

 **Maya:**I'm going to opening night tomorrow. And I got really good seats, so I can't wait.

 **Claudine:**Oh, so you're going to see it opening night? I am, too. I'm interesting because the lead actor is really good.

 **Maya:**What a coincidence. Why don't we go to the theater together tomorrow?

 **Claudine:**Huh? Well, I suppose we could.

 **Maya:**It's settled, then. See you tomorrow.

 **Maya:**I'll do my daily yoga, then go to bed early.

 **Claudine:**Me, too. I'll do some stretching before bed.

 **Claudine:**Well then... Bonne nuit.

 **Maya:**Yes, good night.

The next day...

 **Claudine:**Bonjour, Maya Tendo.

 **Maya:**Good morning, Claudine Saijo.

 **Claudine:**Sorry to keep you waiting. I couldn't decide what to wear.

 **Maya:**Heh heh... Well, shall we go?

 **Nana:**Are you two going somewhere, too?

 **Claudine:**Oh, Nana and Junna. We're just going to see "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp."

 **Nana:**What a coincidence! We were just going to see it, too!

 **Junna:**"Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" is the show everyone is talking about this year. As Stage Girls, it's definitely one we can't miss!

 **Nana:**I know! Since we're all here, why don't we go together?

 **Claudine:**Oui. It's fun to have more people to talk about it later.

 **Karen:**Were you all just talking about "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"!?

 **Claudine:**Oh, Karen. Yes we were, but...

 **Karen:**Don't tell me... Are you all going to see it together!?

 **Maya:**Yes, that's right.

 **Karen:**We are, too! Hikari-chan, Mahiru-chan, and I have been planning to go see it!

 **Karen:**Wait one second! I'll go get Hikari-chan and Mahiru-chan!

 **Kaoruko:**\*yawn\* Imagine that.

 **Kaoruko:**We're all going to see the same show on opening night.

 **Claudine:**Oh, Futaba and Kaoruko, you're going, too?

 **Futaba:**Of course. We can't miss a show that everyone's talking about. You could at least show some appreciation, Kaoruko.

 **Futaba:**I mean, it was pretty hard getting tickets. The site's server even crashed.

 **Kaoruko:**Server? I don't know what that is, but thanks! You always come through, Futaba-han.

 **Futaba:**\*sigh\*

 **Claudine:**Heh heh. We've got quite a crowd going to see the show now.

 **Maya:**This sort of thing isn't so bad once in a while.

 **Junna:**Karen, what're you doing? We'll be late for the show!

 **Karen:**Okay okay, Jun-Jun, I'm coming!

 **Mahiru:**Come on, Hikari-chan, get up! Wake up already!

 **Mahiru:**Aah... Your shirt's inside out!

 **Claudine:**It's not easy getting her out of the house.

 **Maya:**This sort of thing isn't so bad once in a while.

 **Karen:**I can't wait to see Aladdin and the genie!

 **Junna:**I hear the show is using cutting-edge video technology unlike anything before.

 **Karen:**Oh, I'm even more excited now!

 **Kaoruko:**Ah, that store has some cute clothes. I'll just be a minute.

 **Futaba:**Kaoruko, you can go clothes shopping AFTER the musical! The show will be starting soon!

 **Hikari:**Ah! I bet they have Mr. White products here!

 **Mahiru:**Hikari-chan, control yourself! After the musical, okay?

 **Hikari:**They have Suzudaru Cat plushies, too!

 **Mahiru:**Huh!? Wh-What should we do?

 **Karen:**Control yourself, Mahiru-chan!

 **Claudine:**What a commotion we cause when we all go out together.

 **Maya:**I guess you could say friendship is beautiful.

 **Nana:**Okay, everyone, we're here!

***Wow!***

 **Junna:**Being able to see the opening night performance of a popular show with everyone... This is a rare experience.

 **Junna:**Everybody! Let's enjoy the opening night vibe, and really soak in the "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" experience!

 **Nana:**Junna-chan's like a teacher on a field trip!

 **Claudine:**Heh heh. Okay, everyone, let's enjoy "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"!

***Yeah!***

A Productive Day Off

**Aladdin:**"I'm trapped in this cave because of that sorcerer. \*sigh\* What am I going to do?"

 **Karen:**Oh, no, what will happen to Aladdin!?

 **Nana:**Karen-chan, shush...

**Aladdin:**"\*sigh\* If only someone would come and save me."

 **Maya:**...

 **Claudine:**(Hmm, this lead actor...)

**Aladdin:**"What's this!? Something came out of the lamp when I rubbed it!"

**Genie in the Lamp:**"I am the Genie of the Lamp. Now, Master, I will grant you anything you wish."

**Princess:**"Oh, no, Aladdin! The lamp was stolen by the evil sorcerer!"

**Aladdin:**"What!? That fiend intends to use the genie's power to destroy our country."

**Aladdin:**"But not if I can help it! I'm going to take back the lamp!"

**Sorcerer:**"Me, defeated!? This can't be! You'll pay for this, Aladdin!"

**Princess:**"It's all over now. I love you, Aladdin!"

**Aladdin:**"I love you, too!"

 **Karen:**Ooh, I'm so glad Aladdin and the princess lived happily ever after. \*sniff\*

 **Kaoruko:**How can you cry like that? It seemed like a plain vanilla storyline to me.

 **Mahiru:**Here, Karen-chan, use my handkerchief.

 **Karen:**Thank you, Mahiru-chan! \*sniffle\*

 **Maya:**That was a really interesting show.

 **Maya:**It followed the traditional Aladdin story while incorporating new staging and other unique elements.

 **Claudine:**Yes, I agree.

 **Karen:**I know! Let's get together to share our impressions. I want to know what everyone thought about it!

 **Kaoruko:**It's not a class at school, it was just a fun show. Can't we leave it at that?

 **Junna:**No, I think that's a wonderful idea, Karen.

 **Junna:**We all saw the same musical together, so let's make it a learning experience.

 **Kaoruko:**You're sure raring to go, Hoshimi-han.

 **Kaoruko:**Futaba-han, I still want to check out that clothes store.

 **Futaba:**AFTER we discuss the show, okay?

 **Kaoruko:**I knew you'd say that. Fine, I'll join you, I guess.

 **Nana:**Okay, there's a nice café nearby that serves yummy pancakes. Let's head over there.

 **Karen:**Mmmm! Delicious!

 **Karen:**Banana, these pancakes are so good!

 **Nana:**Hee hee, I know, right?

 **Karen:**Wow, Tendo-san, that looks super yummy, too!

 **Maya:**Yes it's delicious. Let's share.

 **Claudine:**What a big stack of pancakes.

 **Maya:**Watching that show took a lot out of me.

 **Junna:**Now that our brains are recharged with sugar, shall we start discussing the show?

 **Junna:**What did you think about "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"?

 **Karen:**Oh, there was so much going on, I don't know where to start!

 **Karen:**But if I had to mention just one thing, it would have to be the action scenes!

 **Karen:**Aladdin was so cool the way he defeated so many enemies like it was nothing!

 **Futaba:**Yeah, I learned a lot from those fight scenes. Now I gotta train hard so I can move like that, too!

 **Hikari:**The effects for the genie were great, too.

 **Karen:**Yeah, that whatchamacallit... pro...pro...duction...?

 **Mahiru:**You mean projection mapping, Karen-chan.

 **Karen:**Yes! I've never seen that before!

 **Junna:**The combination of smoke and projection mapping... And the fusion of video images and wire work...

 **Junna:**Incorporating new techniques in a production that could only be done on stage resulted in something totally new in my opinion.

 **Nana:**I agree about the production, but the actors were really top notch, too.

 **Nana:**During that scene where they were eating at the palace, I was shocked by how delicious they made the food seem!

 **Karen:**I know! Their acting made it look like they'd never eaten something so yummy before!

 **Hikari:**It made me hungry just watching it.

 **Futaba:**And they weren't actually eating anything. I guess that's what they mean by acting skill.

 **Mahiru:**Oh, maybe that's why the performer who played Aladdin reminded me of Tehdo-san.

 **Junna:**Really, Tsuyuzaki-san? I thought so, too.

 **Junna:**That powerful singing voice, gorgeous dancing, and convincing acting...

 **Claudine:**Well, I suppose there might be a resemblance.

 **Claudine:**Even that absolute self-confidence was just like her.

 **Claudine:**That's why the performer didn't nail Aladdin's role. At least, that's how I see it.

 **Junna:**Wait, what do you mean?

 **Karen:**Even though it was the kind of performer who could do anything like Tendo-san?

 **Claudine:**There are roles that are difficult to perform simply BECAUSE you can do anything.

 **Karen:**Um, I'm not sure I follow.

 **Claudine:**Try figuring it out yourself... Well, I'll give you a hint.

 **Claudine:**What sort of role is Aladdin?

 **Karen:**The action's amazing! And you have to eat like the food is yummy!

 **Claudine:**Those are up to the actor's skill. They're not the true essence of Aladdin.

 **Hikari:**Aladdin doesn't make his wishes come true by himself. He has the genie do it.

 **Claudine:**Right. Aladdin is pathetic in one respect--he relies on the Genie of the Lamp for important things.

 **Claudine:**Playing Aladdin requires a performer to be vulnerable.

 **Claudine:**But the performer we saw was perfect in all respects. None of Aladdin's vulnerability was there.

 **Claudine:**That's why--

 **Maya:**You're saying that's why I wouldn't be able to play Aladdin?

 **Claudine:**Probably not.

 **Maya:**Heh heh...

 **Maya:**You underestimate me...considerably.

 **Claudine:**Ah!

 **Maya:**I can play any role, no matter what it is.

 **Maya:**Vulnerable or strong, I can do it all...perfectly.

 **Claudine:**Hmph, I wonder.

 **Claudine:**If "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" were performed at Seisho...

 **Claudine:**I would take the leading role--Aladdin!

 **Karen:**So Clau-chan, you're saying you're more pathetic and vulnerable than Tendo-san?

 **Claudine:**N-No!

 **Futaba:**Haha, are we having fun or what?

 **Kaoruko:**How'd we get so worked up about a show we've no plans to stage? You two sure have active imaginations.

 **Futaba:**Why not? I mean, we DID get together to share our impressions.

 **Kaoruko:**So, what was YOUR impression, Futaba-han?

 **Futaba:**Mine? Oh, umm... I...

 **Kaoruko:**Other than the fight scenes.

 **Futaba:**Uhh... Umm... Oh, yeah, the music!

 **Futaba:**It was a musical, after all. The music stuck in my head even after the show was over!

 **Kaoruko:**I suppose you're right. The music really did make a big impression, but...

 **Kaoruko:**Hey, I wonder if there's a CD of the show's music. Want to go see?

 **Futaba:**Yeah, I'd like to hear it again. Well, I think we'll get going.

 **Junna:**Yes, it's about time to wrap up our discussion, don't you think?

 **Nana:**So I guess we'll all be going our separate ways.

 **Junna:**Don't forget about the dorm's curfew, everyone!

 **Karen:**Got it! Okay, Hikari-chan, Mahiru-chan, let's go check out that store with the Mr. White and Suzudaru Cat stuff!

 **Hikari:**I want a notebook, phone strap, and T-shirt.

 **Mahiru:**If you don't keep them organized and put away, I'm confiscating them, okay?

 **Hikari:**...Okay.

 **Junna:**I think I'll head to the libarry. I have lots of questions about the story Aladdin is based on.

 **Nana:**Do you mind if I join you, Junna-chan? I want to find a recipe book for sweets.

 **Nana:**Clau-chan, Maya-chan, what are you going to do?

 **Claudine:**Hmm... I think I'll go to the library, too, and look for a fashion magazine or something.

 **Maya:**I think I'll head back to school and practice.

 **Claudine:**Huh!?

 **Maya:**I thought I'd go over those moves we saw Aladdin do.

 **Maya:**Well, I'll see you--

 **Claudine:**Ahhh! I almost forgot! I reserved the rehearsal room!

 **Claudine:**I have to get back to school, too. Sorry, Junna, Nana, maybe next time!

 **Junna:**Ah, Saijo-san!?

 **Junna:**Is it even possible to reserve the school's rehearsal room?

 **Nana:**Hee hee, Clau-chan and Maya-chan really are close, aren't they?

 **Maya:**Heh heh...

 **Maya:**(That was a productive day off. I can't wait to go see another show with everyone.)

If Wishes Could Come True

 **Kaoruko:**Ooh, I'm so sleepy...

 **Futaba:**Wake up, Kaoruko. We have to practice.

 **Kaoruko:**No can do. You practice on your own, Futaba-han.

 **Futaba:**I don't think so. Tsk, here, try some of these eye drops. They'll wake you right up.

 **Kaoruko:**Ummm... Would you put them in for me, Futaba-han?

 **Futaba:**You're hopeless. Come on, get over here. You can rest your head on my lap.

 **Kaoruko:**Ooh, Futaba-han's thighs...

 **Futaba:**I don't even know what that means. Now here goes, open wide.

 **Kaoruko:**Aah! These eye drops sting!

 **Futaba:**That's because they're the most eye-opening kind the drugstore has.

 **Futaba:**Are you awake now?

 **Kaoruko:**Yes, but I prefer to be woken up more gently.

 **Futaba:**You'd never wake up if I were gentle.

 **Futaba:**Now, let's begin.

 **Kaoruko:**Okay okay... Ugh, I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head.

 **Kaoruko:**Huff... Huff... I'm exhausted.

 **Futaba:**Whew, it's about time for a break.

 **Kaoruko:**\*sigh\* I envy how you're all about stamina and nothing else, Futaba-han.

 **Futaba:**What do you mean, nothing else? Anyway, you get worn out way too quick, Kaoruko.

 **Futaba:**Still, that theme park dance you just did was pretty good.

 **Kaoruko:**Nice try, but flattery will get you nowhere.

 **Futaba:**No, I just thought it wasn't bad.

 **Futaba:**And maybe you'd do a good job with that dance from the musical we saw.

 **Kaoruko:**Oh, the dance from "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"? That's a piece of cake.

 **Futaba:**Then go ahead, show me.

 **Kaoruko:**What...? You dance first, Futaba-han, and I'll think about it.

 **Kaoruko:**Plus, I don't show off my dancing for nothing.

 **Futaba:**That dance was kind of unique and difficult, though... K-Kind of like this?

 **Futaba:**And then like this... what do you think, Kaoruko?

 **Kaoruko:**Yeah, you really do dance well.

 **Kaoruko:**I had no idea you were so good at the Bon Festival dance.

 **Futaba:**That wasn't a Bon Festival dance!

 **Futaba:**Ugh, I'm done!

 **Kaoruko:**That's so bad, I was having so much fun. But whatever. Thanks for the show.

 **Kaoruko:**I'll pay you back by showing you something special.

 **Kaoruko:**Don't blink, okay, Futaba-han? All right, here goes.

 **Kaoruko:**First, I twirl on my right leg, then paying close attention to my arms all the way to my fingertips, I flutter them like butterfly wings.

 **Futaba:**Oh... You really are good.

 **Kaoruko:**Of course I am. ...And that should be enough.

 **Futaba:**Seeing you dance reminds me of that show.

 **Futaba:**And after that dance, Aladdin had the Genie of the Lamp grant him a wish, right?

 **Kaoruko:**Oh, did he?

 **Futaba:**I wish I had a magic lamp.

 **Futaba:**Kaoruko, if you could wish for anything, what would it be?

 **Kaoruko:**Hmm... I'd wish for...

 **Futaba:**And don't say something like, "I'd wish for as many wishes as I wanted."

 **Kaoruko:**Argh...

 **Kaoruko:**Fine, then I'd wish to conquer the world.

 **Futaba:**\*sigh\* You don't change, do you?

 **Kaoruko:**Oh, stop, you're going to make me blush.

 **Kaoruko:**Just so you know, it's not like I want to conquer the world for the attention.

 **Kaoruko:**I want everyone to know Kaoruko Hanayagi for their sake, not mine.

 **Kaoruko:**How sad would it be to go through life without knowing about a Stage Girl of my caliber?

 **Futaba:**I don't know if I'd say it was sad, but at least now I understand why you want to conquer the world.

 **Kaoruko:**Once I achieve world domination, I'll have lots of work for you to do, so be ready.

 **Futaba:**It would be an honor.

 **Kaoruko:**So, what would you wish for, Futaba-han?

 **Futaba:**Now that I think about it, nothing really comes to mind.

 **Futaba:**Maybe a new bike, or... Wait, I know.

 **Futaba:**I'd wish you wouldn't be able to conquer the world, Kaoruko.

 **Kaoruko:**What!? Why?

 **Futaba:**If you ruled the world, I bet you'd skip PE, homemaking, and fight scene classes.

 **Kaoruko:**You have so little faith in me!? How rude!

 **Kaoruko:**If you're gonna be like that, I won't show you my dancing that you love so much.

 **Futaba:**Oh, look at the time.

 **Futaba:**That's enough of a break. Let's get back to practice.

 **Kaoruko:**Hey! You should listen to the ruler of the world when she's talking to you!

Like a Stage Girl

 **Karen:**Okay, let's get going, Hikari-chan!

 **Hikari:**Okay.

 **Mahiru:**Where are you two off to?

 **Karen:**The prop room! We're going to get swords to practice a fight scene!

 **Mahiru:**I see. Well, I don't make a mess in there, okay?

 **Mahiru:**And make sure to put any props you borrow back where they belong.

 **Hikari:**Don't worry.

 **Karen:**Yeah, we're not little kids, after all! We'll be right back!

 **Mahiru:**I hope they'll be all right... No, I'm just being a worrywart.

***\*clatter\* \*clank\****

 **Karen:**Where are they? Any luck, Hikari-chan?

 **Hikari:**Nope.

***\*clatter\* \*clank\****

 **Karen:**Nothing here, either.

 **Hikari:**No luck here.

 **Hikari:**Ah...

 **Karen:**What, did you find the swords?

 **Hikari:**No, but I did find scarves.

 **Karen:**You're right! And they're so beautiful, too.

 **Karen:**Hey, doesn't this look like the one the princess was wearing in that musical we saw?

 **Hikari:**Now that you mention it...

 **Hikari:**Karen, do you know where the Aladdin story was originally set?

 **Karen:**Umm... The Middle East?

 **Hikari:**A lot of people think that because the musical and other versions left such a strong impression.

 **Hikari:**But actually, it was originally set in China.

 **Karen:**What? Really?

 **Hikari:**Yeah, and Aladdin didn't work. He just played around all the time.

 **Karen:**You mean he was totally useless!? Clau-chan said something like that, too, but I didn't know he was that bad.

 **Hikari:**Plus, Aladdin makes the princess poison the evil sorcerer.

 **Karen:**That's totally different from the Aladdin I know!

 **Hikari:**You're right, Karen, the old Aladdin story is different from what we think of it today.

 **Hikari:**The tale of "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" changes with the times.

 **Karen:**I see... That's why everyone loves it so much!

 **Karen:**Aladdin's just like us Stage Girls!

 **Hikari:**Yeah, I guess you're right.

 **Karen:**Let's keep evolving each and every day like Aladdin!

 **Karen:**Anyway, I think that scarf would definitely look good on you, Hikari-chan.

 **Hikari:**Really?

 **Karen:**Yeah! Try it on!

 **Hikari:**Like this?

 **Karen:**Yep, I knew it. It looks great!

 **Karen:**I'm glad we came to the prop room, because I got to see you looking so good!

 **Karen:**Well, let's head back!

 **Hikari:**I feel like we're forgetting something.

 **Karen:**Really? We put the scarves back. Was there anything else left to do?

 **Mahiru:**I should've known why it was taking you two so long. The room's a mess.

 **Hikari:**N-No, this isn't--

 **Mahiru:**So, did you find the swords you were looking for?

 **Karen:**Ah, the swords! That's what we were looking for!

 **Hikari:**They were nowhere to be found.

 **Mahiru:**Seriously? Look, they're right over there.

 **Karen:**You're right! You're amazing, Mahiru-chan!

 **Mahiru:**I'll straighten up here, Karen-chan, so you and Hikari-chan go practice, okay?

 **Karen:**No, we'll help you clean up!

 **Hikari:**Yeah, we'll help.

 **Mahiru:**No, you'll just make more of a mess. Now go.

 **Karen:**We got thrown out. Mahiru-chan's like a mom.

 **Hikari:**Mamahiru...

 **Karen:**It's not right that she's always cleaning up after us, so let's clean the dorm room later!

 **Hikari:**Let's do that.

Several hours later...

 **Mahiru:**So, you cleaned the room for me!

 **Mahiru:**But then why is such a mess?

 **Karen:**Heh heh... Try as we might to clean it up...

 **Hikari:**We have zero cleaning skills.

 **Mahiru:**Karen-chan, Hikari-chan, sit down this instant!

 **Karen:**Mahiru-chan's mad at us!? She really is like a mom.

 **Hikari:**She really is Mamahiru.

 **Mahiru:**Are you two even listening to me!?

***Sorry!***

The Magic Script

 **Karen:**Hmm... Where could it be?

 **Maya:**Oh, Aijo-san. I don't see you in the library too often.

 **Karen:**Ah, Tendo-san!

 **Maya:**Are you looking for something?

 **Karen:**Yeah, the script for "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" that our Seisho senpais performed.

 **Maya:**The script for "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"?

 **Karen:**I heard something interesting from Jun-Jun!

 **Karen:**Rumor has it that if you find the "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" script our senpais wrote, you can wish for anything you want, and it will come true!

 **Maya:**I never heard that. It sounds like a magic lamp.

 **Maya:**But if you're looking for a script from the Seisho Festival, wouldn't it be in the school's archive?

 **Karen:**About that... It was written as part of a lesson, and there's only one copy of it somewhere.

 **Maya:**Oh...

 **Karen:**I've been looking forever but can't find it anywhere. I wonder if it really exists.

 **Maya:**If it's not in the school archive... Who knows?

 **Karen:**I'm not giving up! "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp," come out, come out, wherever you are!

 **Karen:**Ouch.

 **Karen:**Something just hit me in the head.

 **Maya:**Oh, is this... a script?

 **Karen:**Huh? Hey, you're right. But it looks really old.

 **Karen:**Look, Tendo-san! It says "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"!

 **Maya:**So is this the script that's said to grant wishes?

 **Karen:**Wow, it really does exist! Well, here goes...!

 **Karen:**Genie of the Script, I want a jellyfish aquarium for Hikari-chan!

 **Maya:**Jellyfish?

 **Karen:**That's right! Hikari-chan is running low on jellyfish energy! She needs a refill on the double!

 **Maya:**Jellyfish...

 **Karen:**Please, Genie of the Script!

***...***

 **Karen:**...

 **Maya:**...

 **Karen:**Jellyfish...

***...***

 **Karen:**\*sigh\* Oh, well...

 **Maya:**A rumor's just a rumor, after all. It seems the script didn't really have the power to grant wishes.

 **Karen:**Oh... That's too bad.

 **Maya:**Or maybe you used up your wish by wishing you could find the script.

 **Karen:**Ah, I like that theory. Let's go with that!

 **Karen:**As for Hikari-chan's jellyfish energy, I'll take her to the aquarium this weekend to replenish her supply!

 **Maya:**Heh heh, that sounds like a good idea.

 **Karen:**Okay, I'll just put the script back where it was.

 **Maya:**Ah, one moment. Could I check it out if you're not going to read it?

 **Claudine:**The script for "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"? The one everyone is talking about?

 **Maya:**Yes, but it doesn't even have the power to grant wishes.

 **Maya:**Our Seisho Music Academy senpais really are amazing. It may be old, but it's a really solid script.

 **Maya:**As long as we have it right here, won't you do a read-through with me? Just the two of us?

 **Claudine:**Sure, sounds like fun. Let's head over to the rehearsal room.

 **Claudine:**So, which one of us will be Aladdin?

 **Maya:**After we watch each other's performances, it should become clear which one deserves the role.

 **Claudine:**Sure, let's do that.

 **Claudine:**You can go first, Maya Tendo.

 **Maya:**All right then...

 **Maya:**"I'm trapped in this cave because of that sorcerer. \*sigh\* What am I going to do?"

 **Maya:**"\*sigh\* If only someone would come and save me."

 **Claudine:**(Oh, she's good. She's really nailing Aladdin's role.)

 **Claudine:**(Her voice and expressiveness are flawless.)

 **Claudine:**(But still...)

 **Maya:**...And that is my Aladdin. But what about that observation of yours, Saijo-san?

 **Maya:**You told me I can't really and truly play the role of Aladdin because I lack vulnerability.

 **Maya:**Now that you've seen me, do you still think I don't have it in me?

 **Claudine:**To be honest, you surprised me. You really nailed Aladdin's vulnerability. Even the pros weren't that expressive.

 **Claudine:**And yet you also made it your own.

 **Claudine:**But still...

 **Claudine:**I still think you failed to live up to the role.

 **Claudine:**You'll understand what I mean once you see MY Aladdin.

 **Maya:**All right, I'm looking forward to seeing it.

 **Claudine:**"I'm trapped in this cave because of that sorcerer. \*sigh\* What am I going to do?"

 **Claudine:**"\*sigh\* If only someone would come and save me."

 **Maya:**(Hmm...)

 **Claudine:**Huff, huff...

 **Claudine:**Well? That was my Aladdin.

 **Maya:**I see what you mean now, Saijo-san.

 **Maya:**Your Aladdin is slightly pathetic, yet likeable. Plus, it's not perfect.

 **Maya:**I tried for a perfect performance because it is the lead role.

 **Claudine:**No matter how much you put into your acting, your intent comes through in your movements.

 **Claudine:**...The better an actor you are, that is.

 **Maya:**...

 **Claudine:**But in "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp," the genie is an important role.

 **Claudine:**Aladdin is the lead, but the genie's flashy action scenes and singing are also not to be missed, right?

 **Maya:**Kagura-san was the only one to mention the Genie of the Lamp when we were sharing our impressions of the show.

 **Claudine:**That's probably because the genie was overshadowed by the lead actor dominating the show.

 **Claudine:**Likewise, with your Aladdin, the true charm of the genie's role couldn't shine through.

 **Maya:**To play Aladdin, you need a familiar and likeable aura along with the impact of the lead role.

 **Claudine:**However, an Aladdin that doesn't stand out will be overshadowed by the genie.

 **Maya:**In other words, a show lives or dies by the lead role.

 **Maya:**...I understand now.

 **Maya:**At this point, there's no denying you understand Aladdin better than me, Saijo-san.

 **Claudine:**Well, it's nothing to brag about, since we're not using this material as an audition or anything.

 **Maya:**I think I'll let you play the lead just this once, Saijo-san. I'll be the Genie of the Lamp.

 **Claudine:**Like I said, we're not auditioning for--

 **Maya:**But if we ever have the chance to perform "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp"...

 **Maya:**...I'll be the one taking the stage as Aladdin.

 **Claudine:**Oh, but I will have deepened my understanding of the role even more by then.

 **Maya:**Heh heh, I'm looking forward to it.

 **Claudine:**Then shall we go through our version of "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" one more time, so we're ready when the time comes?

 **Maya:**Yes, let's do that.

A Show for Two

 **Claudine:**"...And Aladdin and the princess lived happily ever after."

 **Maya:**"The end."
Well done, Claudine Saijo.

 **Claudine:**You, too, Maya Tendo. That read-through was pretty fun.

 **Claudine:**Still, the script is pretty dated. The wording and so forth could use some refining.

 **Maya:**That's true. And I feel like the pacing could be sped up a bit.

 **Claudine:**Unfortunately, we won't be able to do a show for modern audiences with this script.

 **Maya:**So then, this "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp" is just for us.

 **Claudine:**Heh heh, exactly.

 **Claudine:**But I'm surprised how the genie's role fits you to a T.

 **Maya:**This sort of role is fun sometimes.

 **Claudine:**It's perfect for you, don't you think?

 **Maya:**What do you mean?

 **Claudine:**Maybe it's because you remind me of the Genie of the Lamp.

 **Maya:**I remind you of the genie?

 **Claudine:**That's right. The genie's whole raison d'etre is to make the protagonist dream of bigger things.

 **Claudine:**You, too, take joy in making people dream big.

 **Maya:**That's true.

 **Maya:**We might have something in common.

 **Maya:**This was a great experience.

 **Maya:**I'm like the Genie of the Lamp... That's something new.

 **Maya:**Thank you, Claudine Saijo.

 **Maya:**To return the favor, I shall grant you one wish.

 **Claudine:**Heh, what're you talking about?

 **Claudine:**But since you asked...

 **Claudine:**...

 **Claudine:**Hm, I can't think of anything.

 **Maya:**Really?

 **Claudine:**Well, I'm only interested in things that I accomplish myself.

 **Claudine:**Of course, it's not always quick and it's not always easy, but...

 **Claudine:**That's just who I am right now.

 **Maya:**I see...

 **Claudine:**There's no shortcut or finish line in becoming the kind of star who can deliver sorrow as well as hopes and dreams to the audience.

 **Claudine:**That's why-- Ah.

 **Claudine:**I just thought of a wish.

 **Maya:**And what would that be?

 **Claudine:**Well, Maya Tendo, I wish that you and I can continue to...