BanG Dream! Collab Performance Initial/Story

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

***"..."***

***"It's your turn next."***

***"Thank you very much. Senpai, I'm borrowing your Random Star."***

***"Please listen to... 'Initial'."***

 **Karen:**Everyone, thanks for coming to the exchange program meeting!

 **Tamao:**Thank you Aijo-san, Kagura-san.

 **Aruru:**Feels like the play this time will turn out interesting too! I can't wait for the performance.

 **Karen:**A story of a girl who watches a band's live performance with her childhood friend and then gathers friends to form her own band out of admiration.

 **Karen:**The scene where the reunited main character and childhood friend fulfill their promise of standing on their dream stage is the best!

 **Hikari:**I like that scene too.

 **Aruru:**I know! And also the part where the five members gather for the first time at the cultural festival!

 **Akira:**That's enough chit-chat.

 **Akira:**We have to decide on our direction as soon as possible.

 **Karen:**Is this about what I mentioned during the meeting...?

 **Karen:**Yes! Since the story is based on a band, I want us to play instruments on stage too!

***To put it simply, do you have the time to prepare and practice the instruments well enough for the performance?***

***And that's not all. You'll need teachers to help you with instrument practice.***

 **Karen:**Instrument practice and finding teachers... I know that it'll be tough!

 **Karen:**But leave it to me! I know we can do it! We'll make the best performance!

 **Karen:**Ah... About that. Well, I think it'd definitely be way better that way!

 **Aruru:**Yeah! I think so too! Heh heh, it'd be so exciting to actually play instruments on stage!

 **Hikari:**Yes... I thought it was very like you to come up with that idea.

 **Akira:**For a piece that's based on a band, it would definitely look better for the actors to actually be playing the instruments.

 **Tamao:**Also, the characters actually learn how to play the instruments as beginners in the play. In which case—

 **Hikari:**In order for us to understand their feelings, experiencing it ourselves is the best way.

 **Aruru:**Yes, exactly!

 **Karen:**So everyone feels the same way!

 **Karen:**The theme for the play is a story about meeting new people and instruments.

 **Karen:**So of course it'd be a waste to not act out the most important live performance scene.

 **Karen:**Of course, I know it'll be difficult.

 **Karen:**And if we aren't able to improve in time for the performance, it could also affect its outcome.

 **Karen:**But...

 **Karen:**If there's a way to make an even better performance, I want us to challenge that and make it a huge success!

 **Aruru:**Yeah! I also think that'd be the most fun even if it'll be difficult! We can't give up before even trying.

 **Tamao:**Growth only comes after overcoming hardships.

 **Akira:**Heh... Looks like we all feel the same way.

 **Tamao:**Then without further ado, Aijo-san, could you introduce us to the people who can teach us how to play?

 **Karen:**Huh? ...I don't know anyone.

 **Tamao:**...What?

**All:**Whaaat!?

 **Aruru:**Karen-chan, you told us so confidently to leave it to you, didn't you?

 **Tamao:**Yes, she did. And I felt reassured by that...

 **Karen:**Well I'd figured that with there being five of us, there's gotta be at least one of us who would know people who can teach us how to play... Could it be that none of us do?

 **Hikari:**...BaKaren.

 **Akira:**...This isn't going anywhere. First we have to find people with band experience who can be our teachers.

 **Aruru:**Anyone know anyone? Someone in a band?

 **Akira:**Well, I do know violin and cello players, but...

 **Tamao:**I also know a few who could help with Japanese musical instruments, but... It's not the same, is it?

 **Karen:**Where can we find someone with band experience...?

***\*swoosh\****

***Bang!***

 **Karen:**\*smack\* W-what hit my face!?

 **Hikari:**Some kind of...flyer?

 **Karen:**What? A band is performing in the shopping district?

 **Aruru:**Huh!? What!?

 **Tamao:**Looks like their performance is starting soon.

 **Hikari:**A high school girl band... This could be useful for us.

 **Karen:**Yes, let's go take a peek!

 **Karen:**Ah, it's starting now.

***We're Poppin'Party!***

 **Karen:**Ooh, they're more legit that I'd thought they'd be!!

 **Aruru:**Their costume are adorable!

 **Kasumi:**Please listen to... "Initial".

 **Karen:**......!

 **Hikari:**......!

 **Tamao:**......!

 **Aruru:**Whoaaa—!

 **Akira:**......!

 **Akira:**...I see, we've found something good.

 **Hikari:**Yes, this is more useful than I'd thought.

 **Aruru:**That "Initial" song – the lyrics match the play's story perfectly.

 **Aruru:**It'd be so exciting if we could perform that song during the climax!

 **Tamao:**Huh? Where did Aijo-san go...?

 **Hikari:**...No way.

 **Tae:**A lot of people came.

 **Kasumi:**Yeah!

 **Arisa:**Hey, Kasumi. You were off in one of the parts.

 **Kasumi:**Arisa! Sorry, I'll be more careful next time.

 **Arisa:**Hey—! You, get off me!

 **Karen:**...Uh, excuse me!

 **Saya:**Uh... Arisa, someone you know?

 **Arisa:**Nope, not me.

 **Rimi:**Me neither. Probably.

 **Karen:**Please...let us be your apprentices!

**Everyone:**...

**Everyone:**Whaaat!?

 **Karen:**Please...let us be your apprentices!

**Everyone:**Whaaat!?

 **Aruru:**Everyone! Karen-chan is over there – where Poppin'Party is!!

 **Karen:**The song earlier... Um, "Initial"! I felt a shock run through me when I heard it!

 **Karen:**It's got the perfect image for our play's climax!

 **Kasumi:**Play?

 **Tamao:**Aijo-san, you're troubling them by asking for a favor all of a sudden...

 **Hikari:**Karen, you're always acting without thinking.

 **Arisa:**Oh, a bunch of people are here...

 **Karen:**Oh... you're right. I'm sorry for surprising you.

 **Kasumi:**Don't worry about it. So you mentioned a play earlier...

 **Akira:**Yes, let's explain everything one by one.

 **Kasumi:**Ohh! So you're all Stage Girls who perform! And...

 **Saya:**You want us to teach you how to play instruments for the live performance scene in a play about a band.

 **Aruru:**Yes, we got so excited watching your performance so we'd really like you to teach us.

 **Tamao:**Yes, we apologize for asking you all for a favor so bluntly.

 **Akira:**Would you please teach us?

 **Kasumi:**Us as teachers...! Yeah, sure! You're all fine with it too, right?

 **Tae:**I'm all for it! Teaching someone else helps you notice things you otherwise wouldn't.

 **Kasumi:**How about you, Rimi-rin?

 **Rimi:**I want to help too. But...

 **Saya:**That's right... We have another performance coming up so the schedule might be tight, right?

 **Arisa:**Kasumi, now's not the time to be teaching others. We have things we need to get done first.

 **Kasumi:**Oh... I see, you're right.

 **Aruru:**Things you need to do?

 **Saya:**We've actually been refraining from doing big events in order to practice for it.

 **Arisa:**Not just practice, we also have to advertise it. ...I'm sorry, but we don't have the capability to be teaching people.

 **Tamao:**I see...

 **Rimi:**You're right. We have our hands full with our own things.

 **Tae:**I see...

 **Karen:**B-but...

 **Akira:**Aijo, that's enough.

 **Karen:**...Yukishiro-san.

 **Hikari:**Karen, you shouldn't force them.

 **Saya:**I'm sorry we got your hopes up.

 **Akira:**No, we should be the ones to apologize. We'll ask other people.

 **Karen:**......

 **Karen:**I'm sorry, everyone. But I just can't give up.

 **Karen:**After hearing Poppin'Party's song, I could feel the same brilliance as the stage!

 **Kasumi:**Brilliance...?

 **Karen:**Yes! An exciting and thrilling feeling! I just can't let this go.

 **Kasumi:**...!

 **Karen:**Our stage NEEDS Poppin'Party's music.

 **Karen:**That's why—

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"I'm finally here... The stage that senpai stood on."

 **Arisa:**H-hey, what's happening? What's she doing?

 **Kasumi:**Is she...performing?

 **Hikari:**......

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"In the beginning, I was the only member, but...I wasn't worried at all. Because I knew that I'd definitely make it."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"The excitement I'd felt the day I watched senpai's performance... It was sparkling."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"...Right?"

 **Hikari:****(Initial)**
"...Yeah. The concert we watched together. From that day on, my feelings never changed."

 **Rimi:**A-another one!?

 **Aruru:****(Initial)**
"Of course I'll join too! It's thanks to everyone inviting me that I'm able to be here!"

 **Akira:****(Initial)**
"I didn't forget. The place beyond our promise... You'll show it to me, won't you?"

 **Tamao:****(Initial)**
"I was there too. The five of us are in one team."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"Everyone..."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"Here we go! Let's bring our music to everyone!"

 **Karen:**......

 **Kasumi:**Huh, the end!? Um, what happens next!?

 **Karen:**Sorry, this is as far as we can go right now.

 **Arisa:**W-wow, I got sucked into it without noticing...

 **Rimi:**So powerful...

 **Karen:**So I'm begging you! Please help us so we can make this the best stage!

 **Karen:**We definitely need your performance and song!

 **Kasumi:**Everyone... On second thought, I still want to help Karen-chan and the others. I want to watch the continuation!

 **Arisa:**...Kasumi. B-but—

 **Rimi:**I also want to see the continuation of this play.

 **Kasumi:**Rimi-rin!

 **Tae:**It'd be so awesome for our music to be played during the climax.

 **Saya:**Yeah! I'm also curious about what happens next in the story!

 **Arisa:**Wait... Everyone, are you sure? We have a performance next week! Can you really do it?

 **Kasumi:**Don't you want to help them, Arisa?

 **Arisa:**It's not that I don't...

 **Arisa:**...Ugh, okay, I got it. I'm the only one here against it anyway.

 **Arisa:**A-and...I also want to see the continuation of the play.

 **Kasumi:**Then it's decided! Let's introduce ourselves first.

 **Kasumi:**Guitar and vocals, Kasumi Toyama!

 **Tae:**Also guitarist, Tae Hanazono!

 **Rimi:**Bass, Rimi Ushigome.

 **Saya:**Drums, Saya Yamabuki!

 **Arisa:**K-keyboard, Arisa Ichigaya...

 **Kasumi:**Let's work hard together!!

 **Kasumi:**Ooh! So this is Seisho Music Academy where Karen-chan and everyone are!

 **Arisa:**Ugh, I'm getting kinda nervous.

 **Tae:**Huh? Why?

 **Arisa:**We're teaching people we don't really know how to play instruments in a school that we don't know... It's impossible to not be nervous.

 **Kasumi:**Haha! It's been a while since I've seen you like this.

 **Arisa:**S-shut up!

 **Karen:**Kasumi-chan! Thanks for coming!

 **Kasumi:**Karen-chan! No problem!

 **Karen:**This is the rehearsal room.

 **Kasumi:**Wow, amazing! A rehearsal room... Which means it's a room specifically for rehearsals?

 **Arisa:**Obviously. It's a rehearsal room.

 **Karen:**We usually have rehearsals for our plays here.

 **Rimi:**As expected of a theater high school to have a separate building specifically for rehearsals.

 **Arisa:**This certainly isn't something you'd find in a regular high school.

 **Karen:**Huh? Then what do you do for your band practices?

 **Rimi:**Other bands often rent studios or use clubrooms for practices.

 **Saya:**Poppin'Party's practices are basically in the basement.

 **Hikari:**...Basement?

 **Saya:**Arisa's house has a basement and we use it as a studio.

 **Hikari:**...That sounds kind of fun.

 **Tae:**Yeah! It's really fun. We don't just do band practice but we'll also do our homework or eat snacks.

 **Karen:**That's like a secret base! I'm so jealous. I want to go there too.

 **Kasumi:**Of course you're all welcome to visit!

 **Tae:**Welcome to Poppin'Party's secret base – the basement.

 **Arisa:**Wait a minute! Don't just go and invite people over to MY house by yourselves!

 **Aruru:**Hello! Oh, everyone's here already!

 **Akira:**Now that everyone's here, let's start practice. But how do we start—?

 **Akira:**Sorry to get right down to business, but as the experienced ones, could you guide us?

 **Saya:**Let's see. Everyone's a beginner with instruments so I think it'd be better to start off with one-on-one practices first.

 **Saya:**Then once you've all gotten to a certain level, we can gather for group practices. What do you think?

**Okay! We'll do our best:**Okay! We'll do our best!

 **Saya:**Let's start with guitar vocals. Kasumi will be teaching...

 **Karen:**Me! I'm Karen Aijo! Kasumi-chan, please take care of me!

 **Kasumi:**Of course. Let's work hard together, Karen-chan!

 **Karen:**I noticed this before, but Kasumi-chan's guitar looks like a star and it's so cool!

 **Kasumi:**Heheh, thanks! It's called Random Star!

 **Karen:**Random Star! Whoa! Even the name is cool! Just like a star!

 **Karen:**It's also sparkly and just looking at me makes me excited!

 **Kasumi:**Right?! A shock ran through me and my heart was racing when I first saw this guitar!

 **Karen:**I get you! When I first saw it, my heart skipped a beat!

 **Arisa:**...Wow, those two have become friends already.

 **Rimi:**It's like there are two Kasumi-chans.

 **Arisa:**Ugh! I don't think I can handle double Kasumis.

 **Tae:**Then next is me. The other guitarist is—

 **Hikari:**...Me.

 **Tae:**Um... Hikari-chan, right?

 **Hikari:**...Yeah.

 **Tae:**......

 **Hikari:**......?

 **Hikari:**...Yes?

 **Tae:**Okay, I got it. That's just how you are. Leave it to me, Hikari-chan.

 **Hikari:**...? Thank you.

 **Arisa:**...O-Tae, you're definitely taking this too lightly.

 **Saya:**Um, I'm in charge of drums so I'm with—

 **Aruru:**Hiya! Me! Aruru Otsuki from Frontier School of Arts! Thanks for coming!

 **Saya:**You're welcome, Otsuki-san.

 **Aruru:**Aruru is fine, Saya-chan.

 **Tamao:**Otsuki-san, Yamabuki-san is your senior.

 **Saya:**Heh heh, Saya is fine with me too.

 **Aruru:**Then... Saya-chan! Let's do this!

 **Arisa:**It's so peaceful here.

 **Rimi:**Eek!

 **Arisa:**Wh-What's wrong, Rimi?!

 **Akira:**I'm Akira Yukishiro from Siegfeld Institute of Music. Thank you for your help.

 **Rimi:**Erm, um...

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

 **Rimi:**No, well, this hand is for...?

 **Akira:**When I was researching about bands, it often came up that the members would greet each other by bumping fists... Am I wrong?

 **Arisa:**We don't do that! That reference material is definitely biased!

 **Karen:**So cool! Me too!

 **Rimi:**Huh!?

 **Aruru:**Yeah! Me too!

 **Rimi:**Whaat!?

 **Arisa:**Oh, quit it!

 **Arisa:**Man, people who do plays are all weirdos.

 **Tamao:**Heh heh, it's true that we're a little odd, but we're all good people.

 **Arisa:**Tomoe-san, right?

 **Tamao:**Yes, I'm Tamao Tomoe from Rinmeikan Girls School. I play the keyboard in the play.

 **Arisa:**Then I'll be teaching you...

 **Tamao:**Yes. We really appreciate you helping us this time. Thank you very much, Ichigaya-san.

 **Arisa:**Uh, well... Not at all... Don't worry about it.

 **Kasumi:**Arisa, you're so tense! Just relax, relax!

 **Arisa:**S-shut up!

 **Saya:**With this, the pairings have been decided! Let's start our practice!

**All:**Yeah!

 **Karen:**We practice with Poppin'Party every day, day in and day out.

 **Karen:**Uh.. C chord is... Index finger on the second string, middle finger on the fourth string, ring finger on the fifth string... Oww! Finger cramp!

 **Kasumi:**Haha, that happens. I was like that in the beginning too.

 **Tae:**Hikari-chan, it sounds a little strained. You're putting too much pressure.

 **Hikari:**...Okay.

 **Akira:**Hm... Bass is tricky. Sensei, one more time please.

 **Rimi:**Haha. Yukishiro-san, stop calling me sensei. It's embarrassing... It's not good to push yourself too hard. Let's take a break.

 **Aruru:**Oh no, I made the same mistake again...

 **Saya:**Aruru-chan, calm down. Don't worry, you're getting it little by little.

 **Tamao:**I'm sorry, Ichigaya-san. You're going out of your way to teach me yet I'm not improving.

 **Arisa:**You only just started. Don't rush. It's okay to take your time.

 **Karen:**We Stage Girls are getting better day by day—

Several days later...

 **Akira:**...What do you think?

 **Rimi:**Wow! I think it's perfect.

 **Arisa:**Wow, nice! That was your best one so far.

 **Tamao:**Thank you... Heh heh, it's thanks to you for being such a good teacher.

 **Arisa:**N-not at all... But, t-thanks...

 **Aruru:**Tadah! ...And what do you think, Saya-chan? How was it?

 **Saya:**You've gotten really good! In this case, it's almost time...

 **Karen:**...H-how was that?

 **Kasumi:**Yeah! That was great!

 **Karen:**Really? Yay!

 **Kasumi:**Karen-chan is improving so much that I feel so proud as her teacher.

 **Tae:**Wow, you're really putting on airs now.

 **Kasumi:**Hmm. Well, it's true that I'm her teacher right now!

 **Tae:**Then act like one and show us an example.

 **Kasumi:**Heh heh, leave it to me!

 **Hikari:**...Wow.

 **Karen:**Kasumi-chan is amazing. When you play, it looks like you're having so much fun!

 **Tae:**Ohh, then maybe I'll join in too!

 **Kasumi:**Nice! O-Tae, let's have a jam session!

 **Karen:**Whoa! Kasumi-chan and Tae-chan's jam session! Nice, this is so good.

 **Hikari:**It's like they're talking through their guitars.

 **Karen:**Yeah! It's like a synchronized act!

 **Kasumi:**Ah, that was fun! Jam sessions with O-Tae are always great.

 **Karen:**I'm jealous. I want to try performing together with everyone too.

 **Kasumi:**Then why don't you?

 **Karen:**Huh? Really?

 **Kasumi:**I think it's about time. O-Tae, what about you?

 **Tae:**Yeah, with how Hikari-chan is right now, I don't think it'd be a problem at all.

 **Hikari:**...Leave it to me.

 **Kasumi:**Then it's decided. I'll go let everyone know!

 **Kasumi:**...As such, I think it's about time to gather and practice together!

 **Rimi:**Yes, I also think it's good timing.

 **Akira:**The moment has come for me to reveal the results of my practices with sensei. Don't worry, I won't embarrass you

 **Rimi:**Y-Yukishiro-san! I said don't call me sensei...

 **Kasumi:**Rimi-rin, you get called sensei!?

 **Rimi:**Huh, it's just Yukishiro-san on her own accord...

 **Akira:**It's only natural for me to be respectful.

 **Rimi:**Oh, this is so embarrassing.

 **Aruru:**Heh heh, when it comes to being a good teacher, it's Saya-chan!

 **Aruru:**She can immediately tell what I'm having trouble with.

 **Saya:**I was only lucky. And your improvement is all thanks to your own hard work.

 **Aruru:**Heheh. You think so? Thanks!

 **Tamao:**Heh heh, everyone's getting along so well.

 **Kasumi:**Tamao-chan, you don't have anything to say about Arisa?

 **Tamao:**Let's see. If I had to say, it'd be how Ichigaya-san tried out acting the other day.

 **Arisa:**Hey, that was supposed to be a secret...!

 **Kasumi:**Huh? Arisa acting!? How did it go?

 **Tamao:**Well, of course she tried her very best and it makes you want to cheer her on...

 **Arisa:**I said. Quit it!

 **Saya:**Haha. Let's stop the chit-chat here. Let's have our jam session!

**All:**Okaaay!

 **Karen:**All right, I didn't mess up... I think!

 **Hikari:**...I did everything that I could.

 **Aruru:**Saya-chan, how was it?

 **Saya:**Let's see... There weren't any obvious mistakes and I think it was really good, but...

 **Aruru:**...?

 **Akira:**It's fine even if it's nothing big. If you thought of something, I'd definitely like to hear it.

 **Rimi:**The performance itself was really good, but... I'm not sure how to put it but like, each sound had a really strong presence...

 **Akira:**Presence?

 **Arisa:**Oh! Do you mean...?

 **Arisa:**Kind of like...a difference in values?

 **Saya:**What do you mean?

 **Arisa:**I heard about it from Tomoe-san the other day. On the theater stage, there's only one main character and roles never change.

 **Saya:**Oh, I see. A different set of values.

 **Kasumi:**Yeah, I got it! It might be better to listen to us perform first!

 **Tae:**You're right. That's a good idea.

 **Kasumi:**...And that's it. Do you get it?

 **Karen:**...Could it be that each instrument has its own part where it becomes the lead?

 **Saya:**Yeah, in a band performance, each part has its own scene where it becomes the lead. You alternate between being the lead role and the supporting role.

 **Tae:**If you perform without keeping that in mind, the different sounds end up fighting.

 **Aruru:**Amazing! Karen-chan, good job on picking it up.

 **Karen:**I remembered the part where Kasumi-chan and Tae-chan both led the performance together.

 **Akira:**I see. It's as if all of us were saying we're the lead role and only focused on our own performance.

 **Aruru:**But then the sounds clash and it's not a jam session anymore.

 **Hikari:**The lead flows and changes in the performance.

 **Tamao:**Which means we need to understand the flow and be aware of who the lead is for each part.

 **Akira:**Each role is the lead and also the supporting role at times...

 **Karen:**All right! Then let's keep that in mind and try again!

**All:**Yeah!

 **Saya:**With this, the performance will be perfect too!

 **Aruru:**Perfect!? Yay!

 **Karen:**Now we just have to wait for the day of the performance!

 **Karen:**That's right. Actually, we have a favor we'd like to ask Kasumi-chan and the others in regards to our performance.

 **Kasumi:**A favor?

 **Karen:**...So, what do you think?

 **Kasumi:**Of course! There's no reason for us to refuse!

 **Tae:**Yeah, I agree. It'll definitely be great!

 **Rimi:**I'm...happy to know you feel that way.

 **Arisa:**Why not. It'll be good promotion for Poppin'Party too.

 **Saya:**I agree. If anything, it's actually a big help for Poppin'Party.

 **Karen:**Thank you. Let's start the preparations.

Several days later...

 **Karen:**Tadah! What do you think?

 **Kasumi:**Whoa! It's our costumes! Nice – they're really cute!

 **Karen:**Thanks! I'll let the girls in Group B from the Stage Production Department who made the costumes know!

 **Arisa:**But... I-It's a little embarrassing to see people wearing Poppin'Party's costumes.

 **Saya:**You're right.

 **Aruru:**Well, we had these costumes made as a way to express our thanks for your teaching us.

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

 **Tamao:**You are currently preparing for a big event, so we were thinking of what we could do to help with promotion.

 **Saya:**I see, hence the same costumes... Thank you, this'll help a lot!

 **Akira:**However, this also means we're representing our teachers. Let's brace ourselves as we step on stage.

 **Rimi:**Y-Yukishiro-san... Okay, I'll be looking forward to it!

 **Kasumi:**Yeah, I'm getting more and more excited! I definitely want to come with everyone to cheer you girls on!

 **Karen:**Thanks! We'll also try our very best so as to not disappoint you all!

 **Arisa:**...Huh? Which way's the stage? I thought it was over here.

 **Arisa:**Oh, good timing. Let's try asking that person.

 **Arisa:**Uh, um... Excuse me...

 **Kaoruko:**Hm? What is it?

 **Arisa:**Um, could you tell me how to get to the stage...?

 **Kaoruko:**The stage... Hm? Are you—?

 **Karen:**Arisa-chan!

 **Saya:**It was taking you so long so I came looking for you.

 **Kaoruko:**Arisa... I knew it. You're from Poppin'Party, aren't you?

 **Kaoruko:**I saw your name and picture in the pamphlet. It seems you've helped out with the play.

 **Karen:**That's right. These are Poppin'Party's Saya-chan and Arisa-chan who taught us how to play instruments for the performance.

 **Saya:**Nice to meet you, I'm Saya Yamabuki.

 **Arisa:**I-I'm Arisa Ichigaya.

 **Kaoruko:**I'm Kaoruko Hanayagi. Nice to meet you.

 **Arisa:**...Hm?

 **Arisa:**......

 **Saya:**Arisa? What's the matter?

 **Arisa:**Ah, no... This might sound strange, but, Hanayagi-san, have we met somewhere before?

 **Arisa:**It doesn't feel like this is our first time meeting...

 **Kaoruko:**Oh, what a coincidence. I also felt the same way.

 **Karen:**Ah! Don't tell me... You knew each other from your previous life?

**That's absurd! That is absurd:**That's absurd! That is absurd!

 **Karen:**Aw don't get mad at me.

 **Kaoruko:**...Well, in any case, it must be fate that we met here today. Let's keep in touch.

 **Saya:**It's almost time to prepare for the performance, let's head toward the stage.

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

 **Karen:**What's wrong, everyone?

 **Aruru:**Oh, Karen-chan...

 **Akira:**Aijo, there's a small problem.

 **Tamao:**We've just been informed that our instruments got damaged during the move...

 **Karen:**What!? B-but, they'll make it in time for the play, won't they!?

 **Aruru:**...That doesn't seem likely either.

 **Kasumi:**T-then...is the play being canceled?

 **Akira:**No, we were able to get our hands on instrument props from a different play.

 **Akira:**If we can match the music from the recording, then we should be able to look the part for the play.

 **Akira:**We talked to the directing team earlier and they're currently considering to move ahead like that.

 **Kasumi:**T-Thank goodness it's not canceled.

 **Karen:**Huh, but... Then that means the live performance in the climax will be gone, right?

 **Akira:**...Yeah.

 **Karen:**That's... We were finally able to show everyone.

 **Aruru:**Karen-chan, I feel the same way... We practiced so hard and for us to not be able to show everyone...

 **Akira:**Even for professional plays, there will always be sudden accidents. It won't always go exactly as planned.

 **Akira:**But even then, you do your best with the situation at hand. That's what being a professional is all about.

 **Akira:**...Even if it's against your will.

 **Karen:**...Yukishiro-san.

 **Kasumi:**......!

 **Kasumi:**We DO have instruments!

 **Karen:**Huh?

 **Kasumi:**Look, right here!

 **Karen:**Is this Kasumi-chan's Random Star...?

 **Tae:**That's right, you could use our instruments!

 **Akira:**I see. That's one way.

 **Aruru:**Right, as long as you can come back in time before the final scene, we can bring the instruments on stage!

 **Arisa:**If we go to the basement now to bring the drums and keyboard, we may or may not make it back in time for the concert scene...

 **Karen:**But... If there's a chance, I'd like to try.

 **Karen:**To begin with, we weren't even sure if we'd be able to do this live performance.

 **Karen:**At the time, we thought that we might fail or it could make it even worse.

 **Karen:**But I still want to try. I want do whatever I can so I don't have regrets!

 **Hikari:**I agree with Karen. Taking the challenge to aim for the top... That's what Stage Girls are about.

 **Aruru:**That's right. If there's a chance, I don't want to give up either!

 **Akira:**...I understand. Let's talk to the directing team to have them wait until the very last minute.

 **Saya:**Then we'll head to the basement and make preparations for the move!

 **Akira:**I'm grateful for your help. I'll make the necessary arrangements for the move.

 **Kasumi:**Thanks! All right. Let's go, everyone!

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"...Everyone sure is late. I'd told them to meet in front of the instrument shop at 12."

 **Aruru:**...Well?

 **Tamao:**Not yet...

 **Aruru:**What do we do? The final scene is next...

 **Rimi:**Are we gonna make it?

 **Saya:**...No idea. But we have to try.

 **Kasumi:**That's right, everyone's waiting!

 **Kasumi:**Everyone! Sorry to keep you...waiting...

 **Akira:**......

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

 **Arisa:**...You're kidding me.

 **Saya:**...The curtain's rising.

 **Rimi:**B-but...

 **Tae:**...We didn't make it.

 **Kasumi:**......

 **Kasumi:**(No... Is there nothing we can do? How do we pass them the instruments onto the stage...)

 **Kasumi:**(...That's right! Maybe if I can...)

 **Kasumi:**Hey, everyone! I have an idea.

 **Akira:**...Hm, I see. It might work. I got it. I'll let the directing team know right away.

 **Tamao:**That's surprising. I thought you would've stopped it.

 **Akira:**This play started from an impossible challenge to begin with. We've made this far – there's no turning back. Right?

***Yes! Yeah!***

 **Saya:**But will Aijo-san be okay with the story changing all of a sudden? She won't get surprised and forget her lines, will she?

 **Hikari:**Karen will be fine.

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"I've made it here at last..."

 **Karen:**(They didn't make it in the end... Sorry, Kasumi-chan.)

 **Karen:**......!

 **Kasumi:**"H-hey, it's been a while."

 **Karen:**(Kasumi-chan!?)

 **Karen:**(Kasumi-chan? What are you doing on stage?)

**Spectator A:**Hey, that's Poppin'Party's Toyama-san, isn't it?

**Spectator B:**No way! But Poppin'Party wasn't named on the cast list.

**Spectator A:**Maybe as a surprise guest? It's in the pamphlet that they helped with the music and costumes...

 **Kasumi:**"H-hey. It's me. The legendary senior guitarist."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"S-Senpai... But why are you here?"

 **Kasumi:**"Well, that's because, um..."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"Oh, are you here to watch our concert?"

 **Kasumi:**"Yes, that! Exactly! When I heard that you'd be standing on this stage, I came to show my support."

 **Kasumi:**"And also...to give you this!"

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"T-This is...your Random Star!?"

 **Kasumi:**"This is a special stage tonight. I figured it would call for a special guitar."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"Kasumi-senpai... Thank you so much."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"T-The sound of this guitar..."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"...You're senpai's partner. The other guitarist..."

 **Tae:**"I'm Tae Hanazono. Poppin'Party's lead guitarist."

 **Hikari:**......

 **Tae:**"...Just kidding. No, I'm the legendary guitarist."

 **Hikari:****(Initial)**
"...I'm shocked. I never thought I'd see the fated guitarist we had invited to our band that day on this very same stage again."

 **Tae:**"It's so that I can pass this guitar on to you."

 **Tae:**"For the best performance, you need the best instrument, right?"

 **Hikari:****(Initial)**
"...Yes, exactly."

 **Akira:**Hm, it's a bit forced, but Hanazono and Kagura have also appeared on stage without breaking the rhythm.

 **Aruru:**Kasumi-chan, nice idea!

 **Aruru:**For the legendary band members who had originally planned on watching in the audience to join the story by bringing in the instruments...

 **Tamao:**It's very like Toyama-san to come up with an idea where the main characters appear by switching in.

 **Aruru:**Just like how she said the lead flows and changes in the performance, right? It's like we're watching an introduction of the members!

 **Akira:**We're up next – Ushigome and Yukishiro's bass duo's entrance. After that is Ichigaya and Tomoe's keyboard duo. Last is followed by Yamabuki and Otsuki's drum duo.

 **Aruru:**Okay, leave it to us!

 **Akira:**Sensei, are you ready?

 **Rimi:**Y-yes. I'll try my best! ...Oh, but—

 **Akira:**What's wrong?

 **Rimi:**Yukishiro-san should be the teacher when it comes to acting... No?

 **Akira:**Heh... I see.

 **Rimi:**Let's do this...Yukishiro-sensei!

 **Akira:**Yeah, leave it to me.

 **Aruru:**Saya-chan, you okay?

 **Saya:**Yes... Is what I'd like to say, but to be honest, to adlib in the actual performance... Obviously I'm nervous.

 **Aruru:**Saya-chan, give me your hand. \*squeeeeze\*

 **Saya:**Aruru-chan!?

 **Aruru:**Don't worry. No matter what lines you say, I'll be able to return them. So just be yourself!

 **Saya:**Aruru-chan... Thank you. Heh heh, you are so reliable on stage.

 **Arisa:**H-hey. Am I doing it too? Do I have to?

 **Tamao:**Don't worry, Ichigaya-san. You did great when you did the Kyoto accent acting last time during practice. Just do the same thing, and you'll be fine.

 **Arisa:**Ack, don't bring up my trauma!

 **Rimi:**"I'll be expecting a wonderful performance from you."

 **Akira:****(Initial)**
"Thank you, senpai."

 **Rimi:**"Listen up, the bass is the band's mental support. No matter what happens, the bassist must never lose composure."

 **Akira:****(Initial)**
"Yes. Your words are always engraved in my heart."

 **Akira:****(Initial)**
"...Heh, I hadn't expected anything less from someone I admire. That calm and confident manner... But now it's time for me to show you my progress."

 **Arisa:**Rimi's amazing. She was so calm.

 **Tamao:**Haha, you can do it too.

 **Arisa:**No, no way! That level is impossible for me!

 **Tamao:**Once you're on stage, you'll be fine... Go!

 **Arisa:**Huh? Whoa!

 **Arisa:**Ouch... Damn it, you're being too rough...

 **Arisa:**..!!!!

 **Arisa:**(Eek! Everyone's watching! I can't do this! I can't act!)

 **Tamao:****(Initial)**
"Senpai! I can't believe you'd be willing to lend me your keyboard! ...I feel so honored!"

 **Arisa:**"...Y-yeah."

 **Tamao:****(Initial)**
"Because 'yeah' is always the only thing you say, I was so worried when we first met."

 **Tamao:****(Initial)**
"I thought that maybe you hated me... But—"

 **Arisa:**"..."

 **Tamao:****(Initial)**
"That wasn't it. You were always watching me closely. It wasn't until a little later that I realized you're actually really shy."

 **Arisa:**"..."

 **Tamao:****(Initial)**
"Right, senpai?"

 **Arisa:**"...Yeah."

 **Tamao:****(Initial)**
"Heh heh, I feel relieved after talking to you. So don't you worry either and just watch my performance."

 **Aruru:**Tamao-chan and Arisa-chan have a great relationship. Let's go, Saya-chan! It's our turn last!

 **Saya:**"Wait a minute, I'm almost finished."

 **Saya:**"..."

 **Saya:**(...Setting up the drums is taking longer than I'd expected... I gotta hurry up.)

 **Aruru:****(Initial)**
"I love watching senpai setting up the drums! You're always so gentle and careful with them..."

 **Aruru:****(Initial)**
"I'd honestly love to watch you forever, but I'll be drumming with them today!"

 **Aruru:****(Initial)**
"So please let me help!"

 **Saya:**"...Huh?"

 **Saya:**"...Heh heh. Then can you lend me a hand?"

 **Aruru:****(Initial)**
"Yeah, of course!"

 **Saya:**(...Thanks, Aruru-chan.)

 **Saya:**"...All right, it's done."

 **Saya:**"Enjoy to your hearts content, okay?"

 **Aruru:****(Initial)**
"Yes!"

 **Kasumi:**"That's right. It's been a long time since we've all gathered together. Shall we play a song together?"

 **Arisa:**What!? Hey, what are you saying—?

 **Kasumi:**"Who wants to hear?"

***Yeaaaaaahh!!!***

 **Arisa:**(Hey, we were supposed to leave once we'd handed over the instruments. Why are you adding in an adlib!?)

***Yeaaaaaahh!!!***

 **Arisa:**(...W-well, guess I've got no other choice but to play along.)

 **Kasumi:**"It's your turn next."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"Thank you very much. Senpai, I'm borrowing your Random Star."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"I've had to overcome so many obstacles to get to this stage. But I met so many friends who helped me up time and time again."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"I'm thankful for everyone I've met."

 **Karen:****(Initial)**
"Please listen to... 'Initial'."

 **Kasumi:**...Okay.

 **Tae:**......

 **Rimi:**......

 **Saya:**......

 **Arisa:**......

 **Karen:**That was "Initial"! Everyone!

***Thank you so much—!***

 **Karen:**...Phew. It's over.

 **Hikari:**We did our best.

 **Aruru:**It was such a fun play. Heh heh, it still feels like I'm hitting the drums.

 **Akira:**New skills and new values – I've learned a lot.

 **Tamao:**And more importantly, we made new friends too...

 **Kasumi:**Great job, everyone!

 **Kasumi:**Thanks to everyone, we were able to experience something that we never would have otherwise.

 **Karen:**No, we're the ones who should be thanking you all.

 **Karen:**If we hadn't met Poppin'Party back then, we wouldn't have been able to get this far with the play.

 **Kasumi:**Get so far... I see. Yeah, then that's wonderful!! In that case, it looks like we'll be able to have a fun celebration!

**Karen & Aruru:**Celebration!?

 **Kasumi:**I'd been planning a party to celebrate the end of the play in the basement! Everyone mentioned wanting to check out the basement anyway!

 **Tae:**We have a lot of snacks too.

 **Saya:**I'll bring a lot of bread from my family's bakery too.

 **Rimi:**Lots of chocolate cornets too!

 **Arisa:**Hold up, no one ever told me about celebrating in my basement!

 **Karen:**Is that okay!? I definitely want to go! Everyone too, right?

 **Akira:**Yeah.

 **Aruru:**Of course!

 **Hikari:**...Yes, I'll go.

 **Tamao:**If it's not too much trouble, me too.

 **Arisa:**Someone listen to me!