Frontier School of Arts/School Story

* Part 1
* Part 2
* Part 3
* Part 4
* Part 5
* Part 6
* Part 7
* Part 8
* Part 9
* Part 10

 **Aruru:**Ahh, another sunny day! And the breeze feels nice, too!

 **Aruru:**Oh!

 **Aruru:**Misora! Look! See the contrails in the sky? They're sooo long! Don't see that every day, huh?

 **Misora:**Aruru, you really don't have a care in the world, do you? \*sigh\*

 **Aruru:**Why are you sighing? Is it the post-vacation blues everyone talks about?

 **Misora:**Why do you sound so happy about that? It's not. And it's been a while since our last vacation anyway.

 **Aruru:**In that case... I bet you don't know what to do during summer vacation!

 **Aruru:**In that case, you can join me! On a trip to the shopping mall!

 **Misora:**You're wrong again... And anyway, your big plan for the summer vacation is going to the mall?

 **Aruru:**What's wrong with that? It's fun. There's the movie theater, food court, and candy shops.

 **Aruru:**There's lots of the food places you like!

 **Misora:**Yeah, that's true. I'll start saving up my pocket money for it.

 **Aruru:**Good, good! Glad we solved your problem!

 **Misora:**You didn't! That's so not what was on my mind.

 **Misora:**I was thinking that rehearsals have gotten so hard lately.

 **Aruru:**They have?

 **Misora:**Yeah. I heard that the Stage Expression Course is the hardest one at Frontier School of Arts...

 **Misora:**But I didn't expect it to be this demanding.

 **Aruru:**It must be pretty bad for you to talk like this...

 **Misora:**How about you? Isn't it tough for you? You mess up and get scolded pretty much every day.

 **Aruru:**Yeah, well... They point out my mistakes so I know what to work on, so that's cool, I guess?

 **Misora:**Wow, that's a great attitude. I wish I could think of it that way, too.

 **Aruru:**Hey, this is the school of our dreams! So we've got to make the most out of every day!

 **Aruru:**You remember the S-Con we saw together last year, right? It was so short, but everyone was wowed by it.

 **Aruru:**It put everyone in a happy mood, and the program just kept going and going...

 **Aruru:**I got swept up into the world of acting even though I didn't really have any interest in it until then!

 **Aruru:**I can't wait to be able to perform in shows like that myself.

 **Misora:**I guess you just really fit in here, Aruru.

 **Misora:**With you it's emotion over reason...

 **Misora:**And you got in despite having no previous acting experience. Everyone's puzzled by that.

 **Misora:**It's one of the Seven Wonders of Frontier.

 **Aruru:**Were there only six wonders until I showed up? Or did I overwrite one?

 **Misora:**That's a good-- No, wait, that's not the point.

 **Aruru:**You mean, how a beginner like me got in? Maybe they liked my positive attitude and bright smile!

 **Aruru:**And besides, I'm really lucky!

 **Aruru:**I haven't had to wait for a single red light this morning.

 **Misora:**You're always so positive...

 **Aruru:**Yeah?

 **Misora:**Anyway, I'm honestly impressed by how proactive and determined you are, even though you're a total beginner.

 **Aruru:**Hey, I'm not a total beginner. I used to go watch your parents' troupe perform all the time.

 **Aruru:**I also liked watching TV and going to the theater, so I knew a thing or two.

 **Misora:**I meant no experience as a performer. Spectating doesn't count.

 **Misora:**Besides, you were so stiff and inflexible until recently, and your voice was all hoarse, too.

 **Aruru:**Haha! Yeah, I know! But now I'm sort of doing all right.

 **Misora:**Nothing ever gets you down, does it?

 **Aruru:**Huh? Wait a minute, Misora.

 **Misora:**Hm? Something wrong?

 **Aruru:**See that girl? She's not looking where she's going...

 **Misora:**I don't think she sees that car! Huh? Aruru!?

 **Aruru:**Yaaah!

 **Misora:**Aruru!?

 **Aruru:**.......

 **Aruru:**I'm all right. Um... Huh?

 **Lalafin:**What are you doing? You could've been hit by that car!

 **Aruru:**What? Why am I getting a lecture? It was you who nearly got hit!

 **Lalafin:**Oh... I was thinking about something, so maybe I looked out of it...

 **Lalafin:**But I was aware of my surroundings!

 **Misora:**Are you okay, Aruru?

 **Aruru:**Yeah. As you can see, we're both unhurt!

 **Lalafin:**Wait, were you trying to save me?

 **Aruru:**Yeah! But I guess you didn't need any saving. You should look where you're going, though, so you don't get in trouble.

 **Lalafin:**Yeah, you're right. Thanks for trying to help me!

 **Aruru:**By the way... How did you manage to get out of the way?

 **Lalafin:**I jumped over here from that crosswalk and did a few flips.

 **Misora:**You have incredible athletic ability.

 **Misora:**Well, I'm glad no one got hurt. Come on, Aruru, we've got to go or we won't make it.

 **Aruru:**Yup. Got to hurry. See you, bye-bye!

 **Lalafin:**Bye-bye!

 **Aruru:**Hello! Huh? What's everyone looking at?

 **Misora:**A notice was put up on the information board this morning about the Short Stage Contest!

 **Aruru:**That's the S-Con, right?

 **Misora:**Just like before, people from outside the school can come watch this year, too.

 **Misora:**Let's see, this year's rules...

 **Misora:**Each performance must be no more than 15 minutes long, and be an original work.

 **Aruru:**Original works this year too, huh?

 **Misora:**Yup. And this one isn't a rule, but...

 **Misora:**They're hoping to see new forms of entertainment and things on the leading edge of new trends.

 **Misora:**That's so like our school. Sounds like it will be an exciting contest this year, too.

 **Aruru:**We can't pass this up!

 **Misora:**Thought you'd say that. So you're going to take part?

 **Aruru:**Of course! This is what I came to this school for. Didn't you?

 **Misora:**I was considering a lot of schools, but you practically forced me to enroll here with you.

 **Aruru:**I was super happy we both got in!

 **Misora:**Well, it's okay, I guess. Good luck, I'll be rooting for you.

 **Aruru:**What are you talking about? You're participating, too!

 **Misora:**What? Why? I'm happy learning from watching the older students' performances.

 **Aruru:**No way, you'll definitely learn more by taking part.

 **Misora:**...Well, that might be true, I guess.

 **Aruru:**Oh! There's a QR code in the corner of the poster. Lemme scan it... Here's the entry sign-up page...

 **Misora:**Huh? What are you doing?

 **Aruru:**And now... Aruru Otsuki and Misora Kano... Register...

 **Aruru:**There, done! Registration complete!

 **Misora:**You did what!? Who told you to register me!?

 **Aruru:**Come on, you always say it's better to regret eating something than regret not having tried it.

 **Misora:**This is about a contest, not food! Besides, how does it always ends for me when I say that?

 **Aruru:**Ahaha, with you moaning in pain from overeating?

 **Misora:**This isn't a laughing matter!

 **Misora:**You're such a dummy, Aruru. Is there a way to cancel it?

 **Aruru:**Next is the play title. Misora, I know what we've got to do!

 **Misora:**Listen to what I'm saying!

 **Aruru:**Remember the play we wrote in junior high? "Captain Twins"!

 **Misora:**Watch where you're walking, Aruru! Huh?

 **Tsukasa:**Whoa, that was a close one. I get that you're having fun talking, but pay attention to where you're going.

 **Misora:**S-Sorry. She gets lost in her own world when she's excited about something.

 **Tsukasa:**Well, be careful.

 **Aruru:**So it's decided, we're doing "Captain Twins"!

 **Misora:**Did you not notice anything?

 **Aruru:**Notice what?

 **Misora:**You almost bumped into someone. She dodged you really gracefully, though.

 **Aruru:**R-Really? I had no idea.

 **Misora:**I haven't seen that girl before.

 **Misora:**Maybe she's in the Entertainment Course... She was really pretty.

 **Aruru:**Want me to run after her and ask?

 **Misora:**No, there's no need...

 **Aruru:**Misora, wasn't our next class in a different room? We've got to hurry!

 **Misora:**Ugh! You drive me crazy sometimes!

 **Misora:**Aruru, so about the S-Con...

 **Aruru:**Here, eat this and cheer up! One corn dog coming right up!

 **Aruru:**You take it with two packets of ketchup and one mustard, right?

 **Misora:**Whose fault do you think it is that I'm sulking? I've even lost my appetite because of it... \*munch munch\*

 **Aruru:**And yet you're gobbling it up!

 **Shizuha:**Mind if I sit here?

 **Aruru:**Not at all, feel free to join us!

 **Shizuha:**Heh, thank you. Sorry to interrupt. Are you the first-year students taking part in the S-Con?

 **Misora:**Yeah, that's us. How did you know?

 **Shizuha:**I'm on the S-Con committee. I got curious when I heard that first-years signed up.

 **Shizuha:**I should've introduced myself. I'm Shizuha Kocho, second year. It's a pleasure to meet you.

 **Aruru:**I'm Aruru Otsuki, and this here is Misora Kano. Nice to meet you, too!

 **Misora:**Shizuha Kocho... Then you're the person who's been winning all sorts of contests?

 **Shizuha:**Oh dear, I don't know what you've heard about me, but I'm just a regular student like you. No need to look at me so wide-eyed.

 **Aruru:**Yeah, that'd be rude! Oh, I saw you at last year's S-Con!

 **Shizuha:**Heh, you two seem to be quite the characters.

 **Shizuha:**Since I'm on the committee, you can ask me for help if you need it.

 **Shizuha:**You're in your first year, so there are probably things you' re not sure how to deal with. You can ask me anything.

 **Aruru:**Oh, okay! So, I've got this original play in mind for the contest.

 **Aruru:**The trouble is, I can't find anyone suitable for some of the roles.

 **Shizuha:**I see, you're looking for the right cast. What sort of roles do you want to fill?

 **Aruru:**It's a cast of five, and the ones I'm currently missing are...

 **Aruru:**A petite pirate with lots of acrobatic scenes.

 **Aruru:**A pirate who's a little dark and edgy but loves to talk.

 **Aruru:**A calm pirate with a distinctive presence. Those three roles.

 **Shizuha:**I'll make a list and see if I can find you someone. Can you show me the script later?

 **Misora:**Sure, but are you okay doing all this?

 **Shizuha:**Don't worry, it's part of my job. Besides, I want to see you do well.

 **Aruru:**Really? That's super kind of you! We'll make the S-Con a success, it's a promise!

 **Shizuha:**It was nice to have lunch together. Maybe we can do it again some time.

 **Aruru:**Sure! Anytime!

 **Aruru:**Misora? You all right? Do you need some air?

 **Misora:**Wheeew... Huff, huff... No, I was just really nervous.

 **Aruru:**Really? I thought she was easy to talk to.

 **Misora:**Easy to talk to? You're probably the only first-year who'd talk to her so casually!

 **Misora:**What do I do now? If she's being this supportive, I can't say I want to quit!

 **Aruru:**Yeah, you absolutely can't say that!

 **Misora:**Do I have no choice...? This is all your fault, Aruru...

 **Aruru:**So, according to Shizuha-chan's memo, her suggestion for the petite, agile pirate role is...

 **Aruru:**Lalafin Nonomiya-san? A half-German second-year student.

 **Misora:**I wonder what she's like. Dainty like a doll, maybe? Where do we find her?

 **Aruru:**The note says she's usually in the rehearsal room after classes, practicing on her own.

 **Misora:**Sounds like she's the serious type, maybe?

 **Lalafin:**\*sigh\* Got kicked out again.

 **Lalafin:**How many times has it been now?

 **Lalafin:**I don't think that's good enough. This is supposed to be a highlight, but it's too plain and simple!

**Girl:**Well, yes, but we don't need to spend so much time on this...

 **Lalafin:**Why? This is the best part, so why not go all out?

**Girl:**Because we perform as a team. You can't just do what you want.

 **Lalafin:**It's the best part, so I think we should all work together to make it the best.

 **Lalafin:**And why has my backflip scene been cut out?

**Girl:**Due to health and safety concerns. We can't risk you getting hurt. It's a 2 meter drop, after all.

 **Lalafin:**But I practice it all the time to make sure I can do it without problems!

**Girl:**Nonomiya-san, if you're not going to listen...

 **Lalafin:**Can't we talk about it, though?

**Girl:**Nonomiya-san, it seems you're just not a good fit for our play. I'm sorry, but you should find another group to join.

 **Lalafin:**......

 **Lalafin:**...Fine. Goodbye!

 **Misora:**Maybe it's that sad-looking girl over there?

 **Aruru:**Let's talk to her! Wait, isn't that...?

 **Aruru:**Hello! Are you Lalafin Nonomiya-san?

 **Lalafin:**Ah, it's you guys.

 **Aruru:**Yep! Nice to see you again!

 **Misora:**I didn't realize you were our senior...

 **Lalafin:**So, what's up?

 **Misora:**Is something wrong? You were moping around in the rehearsal room...

 **Lalafin:**I tried to discuss the action scenes with my group, but it didn't go too well.

 **Lalafin:**In the end, they gave me the boot. That's why I'm a little down in the dumps.

 **Lalafin:**So, what did you want to talk about?

 **Aruru:**Join us for the S-Con!

 **Misora:**You suck at explaining... You need to start from the beginning.

 **Lalafin:**Aha, so Shizuha recommended me.

 **Aruru:**Yeah, and I think you'd be perfect for the role! Please join us, er...

 **Lalafin:**Oh, just call me Lalafin. So, what's the play?

 **Misora:**Here's the script. You'd be a petite pirate with lots of acrobatic scenes.

 **Lalafin:**Cool, these moves could be interesting!

 **Lalafin:**Can I like, suggest some moves as well?

 **Aruru:**Sure! If anything, I'd love you to help us with the action scenes!

 **Lalafin:**It won't be a bother?

 **Aruru:**Nuh uh! It's for the sake of making the play better, right?

 **Lalafin:**Yeah!

 **Lalafin:**(Maybe I can make a really awesome show with these two...)

 **Aruru:**Okay, so lemme formally ask you... Will you join our team for the S-Con, Lalafin?

 **Lalafin:**....

 **Lalafin:**Yes. I will!

 **Aruru:**Yay! Thanks!

 **Misora:**We've got three people now—one step closer to what we need.

 **Aruru:**Yep, let's keep it up!

 **Aruru:**Lalafin, that was a good practice session! We're getting pretty good, aren't we?

 **Lalafin:**Nah, it's still underwhelming. We need to make our moves more dynamic.

 **Aruru:**How do I do that? Help me, Lalaemon!

 **Lalafin:**In that case... Here, check out these shoes!

 **Lalafin:**They grant you the power to do cool jumps and awesome landings, just like a superhero!

 **Lalafin:**Here, let me show you... Hah! Transformation!

 **Misora:**...What are you doing?

 **Aruru:**Having a strategy meeting with Lalafin!

 **Misora:**Looked to me like you were playing around. Here, another note from Shizuha-senpai.

 **Aruru:**Oh, is this about our next member? Let's read it together, Lalafin!

 **Lalafin:**Sure! So her name is... Tsukasa Ebisu? Mmmgh...

 **Misora:**Lalafin-senpai, what's wrong? Got a tummy ache?

 **Lalafin:**No! This is my concerned thinking face!

 **Aruru:**But why?

 **Lalafin:**Shizuha picked another maverick for our team.

 **Misora:**If YOU call her that... What's she like?

 **Lalafin:**Yeah, well... She used to be really serious and a hard worker.

 **Lalafin:**She had no experience when she enrolled here, but learned quickly and before you knew it, she got all kinds of major roles.

 **Aruru:**Wow, that's inspiring!

 **Lalafin:**So she was doing great, and she was even Shizuha's rival for a while.

 **Lalafin:**Then she landed her first lead role in a play for a contest, and everyone was sure they'd win an award...

 **Lalafin:**But she got hurt just before the contest.

 **Misora:**That's so sad...

 **Lalafin:**It took the wind out of her sails, and she hasn't really been into performing since then.

 **Aruru:**She hasn't recovered from her injury?

 **Lalafin:**I heard she should've healed up by now, but she says she's not ready yet.

 **Lalafin:**I heard rumors that she spends her free time just chilling in town, so she doesn't have the best rep.

 **Aruru:**But then she'd be perfect as the dark, edgy pirate!

 **Misora:**Aruru, that's not a nice thing to say...

 **Lalafin:**But she might be just who we need. She's got the skills...

 **Aruru:**All right! Let's go and convince her to join us!

 **Lalafin:**She'll be a tough one. This is a job for your senpai Lalafin! We've got a special bond as second-year students, you know!

 **Aruru:**Awesome! I knew I could count on you! I guess we can we leave this one to you!

 **Misora:**First of all, does it say in the note where to find her?

 **Misora:**Is she always at apparel stores, game arcades, and other cool hangouts?

 **Aruru:**It says here she frequents a candy shop in the shopping district.

 **Misora:**Huh?

 **Misora:**What's Lalafin-senpai talking about with the candy shop lady?

 **Aruru:**The candy shop with its old shopkeeper and Lalafin looks so picture-worthy! Should I take a photo?

 **Misora:**Please try listening to me...

 **Lalafin:**I'm back! So, according to the shopkeeper, she should come here soon. Here, I bought you some candy!

 **Lalafin:**Ten-yen chocolate for Aruru and puffed rice for Misora!

 **Misora:**Thank you.

 **Aruru:**Yay, thanks! Yum!

 **Lalafin:**Shush! Be quiet, here she comes!

 **Aruru:**That's her? She doesn't look like the type that shops at cheap candy stores. But...haven't I seen her before?

 **Misora:**Aruru! That's the really pretty girl you nearly bumped into!

 **Aruru:**Oh yeah! I thought she looked familiar from behind!

 **Lalafin:**We can chat later, now we've got to catch her! Let's all pounce on her from behind!

 **Misora:**That's just going to make her suspicious of us! Ugh, too late!

 **Tsukasa:**Huh? Whoa! What's going on!? Are you a kid from the neighborhood?

 **Tsukasa:**That's no way to— Wait a minute, that's Frontier's uniform!

 **Lalafin:**Got you! We need to talk to you, Tsukasa!

 **Tsukasa:**Oh, it's you, Lalafin. What are you doing here?

 **Aruru:**Tsukasa-chan! Perform with us at the S-Con!

 **Tsukasa:**Whoa! Another one? And we' re crowding the shop entrance!

 **Tsukasa:**I'm really sorry about all the noise! Let's go talk over there.

***Oh, okay.***

 **Tsukasa:**You ambushed me just for that?

 **Aruru:**It's super important to us.

 **Tsukasa:**Lalafin, you know I can't perform due to a foot injury, right?

 **Lalafin:**What? That's totally healed by now, isn't it?

 **Tsukasa:**No, it's still far from healed. Now, if you'll excuse me. Oww, my poor foot...

 **Misora:**Are you sure Tsukasa-senpai is a good actress? She's not convincing at all at feigning that injury.

 **Lalafin:**Tsukasa is good at acting, but she sucks at lying.

 **Aruru:**But maybe it really does hurt... Tsukasa-chan, wait up!

 **Tsukasa:**What is it?

 **Aruru:**Please join us for the S-Con! We need you!

 **Tsukasa:**Didn't you hear what I said? I can't dance or perform on stage properly due to my foot injury.

 **Aruru:**We'll make adjustments to the script for you, so please! Do the play with us!

 **Tsukasa:**That's not the point. Anyway, I don't get why you insist on having me perform at the S-Con.

 **Aruru:**It's not just about the S-Con. I want you to make a comeback to the stage!

 **Aruru:**I mean, you made it from zero experience to getting main roles, right?

 **Tsukasa:**!?

 **Misora:**I heard about that, too!

 **Misora:**Aruru and I don't have much experience either, compared to the others. So your story meant a lot to us!

 **Misora:**I would really love to perform together with you, too! So please, join us!

 **Tsukasa:**Look, that has nothing to do with me...

 **Misora:**It's not just about you!

 **Misora:**You're an inspiration to Stage Girls everywhere!

 **Misora:**Girls like Aruru, who only realized recently that they wanted to perform!

 **Misora:**You give us hope that even with no experience, it's possible to work hard and earn lead roles.

 **Tsukasa:**But if you get hurt, you lose everything.

 **Misora:**Then you get better, and get the lead role again!

 **Misora:**You'll give even more Stage Girls hope!

 **Tsukasa:**Okay, fine, I get it... Not like I want to be a role model for any Stage Girls, though.

 **Tsukasa:**But why do you care so much about me anyway?

 **Misora:**I remembered where I've seen you before. I watched you perform at last year's S-Con and thought you were amazing.

 **Tsukasa:**Oh... You saw that?

 **Misora:**I'd like to see more of your performances and share the stage with you!

 **Tsukasa:**You're making too much of me.

 **Misora:**I'm not! You were brilliant when I saw you on stage!

 **Tsukasa:**All right... But don't get your expectations up too high. I haven't done this in a while.

 **Misora:**You mean...

 **Tsukasa:**I can't say no to all that... I'll join you for the S-Con.

 **Misora:**Thank you!

 **Misora:**Our rehearsals are getting better now that we have Tsukasa-senpai with us, too.

 **Aruru:**I know, right? Just like I always say, I've got amazing luck!

 **Misora:**I'd wait to say that until we get a full cast.

 **Aruru:**Always so down to earth...

 **Misora:**Did you hear anything from Shizuha-senpai?

 **Aruru:**She said she's having trouble finding us the last member.

 **Misora:**At this point there aren't many students who aren't already on a team.

 **Aruru:**But there's someone I think would be just ideal.

 **Misora:**Don't tell me it's--

 **Shizuha:**Oh, we meet again. Mind if I join you?

 **Aruru:**Not at all! Oh, Shizuha-chan's having curry udon today!

 **Misora:**Aruru, you can't call everyone "chan"!

 **Misora:**I'm sorry about her, Shizuha-senpai.

 **Shizuha:**Heh, don't worry about it. So how's it going with preparations for the S-Con?

 **Misora:**They're going well, apart from the fact we're missing one more member.

 **Shizuha:**I'm sorry. I thought of Tsukasa and Lalafin right away, but...

 **Shizuha:**I'm struggling to find you one more person.

 **Tsukasa:**You're having lunch together? And Shizuha's here, too!

 **Lalafin:**You're right! Do you guys eat together a lot?

 **Shizuha:**Maybe not a lot.

 **Tsukasa:**It's good you're here, actually.

 **Tsukasa:**I was meaning to ask you why you decided to recommend me and Lalafin to these guys.

 **Shizuha:**Well, that's just because you seemed to be the perfect fit for the roles.

 **Lalafin:**I don't believe you! If that was only thing, you wouldn't have picked Tsukasa!

 **Tsukasa:**What's that supposed to mean, huh?

 **Lalafin:**Aargh, stop it with your iron claw attack! My head! It hurts!

 **Aruru:**Wow, that's a cool move!

 **Tsukasa:**Well, that's typical Shizuha, playing innocent.

 **Aruru:**Speaking of roles, I have a request, Shizuha-chan.

 **Shizuha:**What is it?

 **Aruru:**Can you play the last role? I think you'd be the best choice!

 **Lalafin:**Huh, great minds think alike!

 **Misora:**You had the same idea?

 **Tsukasa:**Well, I did some asking around, and found out Shizuha wasn't on any team.

 **Aruru:**What do you say, Shizuha-chan?

 **Shizuha:**It's really nice of you to invite me, but I'm on the S-Con committee.

 **Aruru:**Committee members can't take part?

 **Shizuha:**There's no rule against that, but it would affect my impartiality.

 **Aruru:**Oh yeah, I guess. But I think you'd be able to balance things.

 **Shizuha:**I'm sorry, but I can't do this. I will support you any way I can as a committee member, though.

 **Shizuha:**Now, if you'll excuse me.

 **Misora:**She turned us down...

 **Lalafin:**But to me it looked like something was on her mind. Maybe she has some other reason...

 **Aruru:**Hmm... If only we could convince her.

 **Aruru:**Thank you for coming, Shizuha-chan!

 **Shizuha:**What's the matter? You've never called me before.

 **Aruru:**I need to talk to you about something.

 **Aruru:**I thought about it, and I really want to do "Captain Twins" with you.

 **Shizuha:**Otsuki-san, my answer won't change.

 **Aruru:**Do you not want to be in "Captain Twins"? Or is it that you don't want to take part in the S-Con?

 **Shizuha:**The S-Con. I'm a committee member, so I can't.

 **Aruru:**Why did you join the committee to begin with? To help students like us?

 **Shizuha:**That's right. I wanted to help everyone shine at the S-Con.

 **Aruru:**And thanks to you, we're on the right track now.

 **Aruru:**Although we're still missing one member.

 **Shizuha:**I'm sorry I haven't found anyone yet.

 **Aruru:**Can you tell me about last year's S-Con? And your performance?

 **Tsukasa:**Shizuha-chan's team won that one. I remember it well.

 **Lalafin:**I think everyone at school remembers that!

 **Misora:**Did something that unusual happen?

 **Lalafin:**Yeah. There are other awards besides the main prize at the S-Con...

 **Lalafin:**But Shizuha's team won the majority of them.

 **Tsukasa:**I kinda think the judges should've left some for the others, but since it's an arts school I guess they had to be honest about who did the best.

 **Tsukasa:**It was the last S-Con for the third-years, and they tried really hard, but that was the result.

 **Lalafin:**A lot of students were really dispirited because of that.

 **Lalafin:**Some even made some nasty remarks like, "Got to have Shizuha on the team if I want to win next year."

 **Misora:**Maybe that's why Shizuha-senpai doesn't want to participate this year?

 **Aruru:**Wow... That's really something.

 **Aruru:**But I didn't even realize her team won everything.

 **Aruru:**I do remember how great all the teams were. They were brilliant on stage and seemed to enjoy it.

 **Aruru:**I don't think anyone else looked bad just because she was there.

 **Aruru:**If anything, everyone enjoyed the show all the more because Shizuha-chan's team was there! Especially the audience!

 **Aruru:**I'm, I guess my point is, you should take part in the S-Con, Shizuha-chan!

 **Shizuha:**Otsuki-san...

 **Aruru:**Sooo...

 **Misora:**Shizuha-senpai, please perform "Captain Twins" with us! You're the best fit for the role!

 **Tsukasa:**It's not fair to just make us do this, you know. And you really don't need to worry about upsetting anyone!

 **Lalafin:**I'm at least as good as you at action scenes, you know!

 **Aruru:**Shizuha-chan, let's do this play together!

 **Shizuha:**Aruru-chan... Everyone... Thank you.

 **Shizuha:**I'll accept the role. Thanks for having me!

 **Shizuha:**I'm sorry... Do you mind if I make just a few more changes to the script?

 **Lalafin:**I don't mind, but are you sure you want to? You seem really tired lately.

 **Tsukasa:**I get that Aruru's script really needs some edits to work, but aren't you pushing yourself too hard?

 **Tsukasa:**You didn't sleep much last night, did you?

 **Shizuha:**Heh, I appreciate your concern, but now's not the time to take it easy.

 **Shizuha:**I want to make the play as good as it can be, and I want Aruru-chan and Misora-chan to be able to focus on rehearsals.

 **Tsukasa:**Oh yeah, these two have been making lots of progress with dancing and singing lately.

 **Lalafin:**It feels great to teach them!

 **Lalafin:**You seem like you're back in form, Tsukasa. You're not getting tired anymore, right?

 **Tsukasa:**Yeah, I won't be bested by any first-years! Or even you, Shizuha and Lalafin!

 **Shizuha:**Oh my, I better hurry and catch up to you.

 **Lalafin:**Yup, or else we'll keep improving and leave you behind!

 **Aruru:**Ah, that's where you were! Let's get started with today's rehearsal!

 **Misora:**Aruru, didn't the teachers yell at you for walking around school in your practice outfit?

 **Misora:**We have to sneak back so nobody sees us!

 **Aruru:**Okay! Don't keep us waiting long, everyone!

 **Aruru:**Whew!

 **Aruru:**Shizuha-chan, how did we do?

 **Shizuha:**You were all great. And I had fun, too.

 **Aruru:**Thought so!

 **Lalafin:**But Aruru, you looked like you were about to pass out when you did that last fortissimo. I got kind of worried.

 **Misora:**Yeah, I thought she might die... I sure hope it doesn't happen on stage.

 **Misora:**But as long as Aruru and I don't make any mistakes, we might actually win!

 **Aruru:**Say, what do we get if we win?

 **Misora:**You signed up for the contest without knowing that?

 **Aruru:**It's not like I signed up just because I wanted to win.

 **Lalafin:**If you win, you get recommended for the Performance Festival. It's just a recommendation though, so it doesn't guarantee anything.

 **Misora:**But it would be amazing to win the contest and then get to take part in the festival.

 **Shizuha:**Yes, the top Stage Girls for that year all gather at the Performance Festival, after all.

 **Aruru:**Sounds great! Let's win this contest and go on to the Performance Festival!

 **Aruru:**We'll be performing here tomorrow, huh?

 **Tsukasa:**Even you're getting a little anxious, aren't you?

 **Aruru:**I guess. When you think about it, tomorrow will decide whether all our hard work amounts to anything.

 **Misora:**Hey, don't say things that'll make me even more nervous!

 **Tsukasa:**Do you want some pickled squid to snack on, Misora? It'll make you forget all about your stage fright.

 **Shizuha:**No food or drinks on stage, remember?

 **Tsukasa:**Oh, right.

 **Lalafin:**Ahahaha!

 **Aruru:**Let's put all we've got into it tomorrow, and make our performance the best ever!

 **Shizuha:**We can do it, girls. Aruru, how about a little pep talk?

 **Aruru:**Huh? You sure you want me to do it?

 **Misora:**It all started with you.

 **Aruru:**All right, then! Listen up, everyone! Tomorrow, we're going to put on our best performance ever!

***Yeah!***

The day of the performance...

 **Aruru:**(It's over... Our first big performance.)

 **Aruru:**(Ah... Everyone's smiling...)

**Announcer:**We will now announce the results for the best team.

**Announcer:**The winning team is... The team led by Otsuki-san, first-year Stage Expression Course student!

 **Aruru:**To victory!

***To victory!***

 **Misora:**We did it, girls! Who'd have thought a group with first-year students could win the contest?

 **Misora:**This calls for a big celebration!

 **Tsukasa:**You're in really high spirits today, Misora.

 **Lalafin:**She was stressing out all week long, so no wonder.

 **Misora:**Tsukasa-senpai! Don't just nibble on candy in the corner, come over here!

 **Misora:**I bought lots of my favorite mince cutlets, so have some!

 **Tsukasa:**Um, okay. You really did buy a lot.

 **Shizuha:**Misora-chan, that must've cost you a lot. Want us to chip in?

 **Misora:**No, it's fine! I felt like treating you guys today!

 **Shizuha:**Aruru-chan is strangely quiet.

 **Lalafin:**She had a brain meltdown from all the applause.

 **Aruru:**I was so happy... Everyone was happy, and I was, too...

 **Aruru:**Shizuha-chan, Tsukasa-chan, Lalafin... I had no idea performing on stage could be this fun.

 **Shizuha:**Once you experience it, you get hooked on it.

 **Shizuha:**And the more you keep performing, the more people you'll delight.

 **Aruru:**Yeah! Teehee!

 **Misora:**Shizuha-senpai, I'll never forget this day! I'll never give up acting.

 **Misora:**I love acting sooo much!

 **Lalafin:**Misora's starting to lose it.

Several days later...

 **Shizuha:**Is everyone here? Great, because I have big news for you!

 **Tsukasa:**Big news? Is it... Is it THAT!?

 **Lalafin:**You mean the Performance Festival? Someone qualified?

 **Shizuha:**Yes, I just heard from a teacher in the staff room.

 **Shizuha:**I'm going to read the letter now. The first one on the list is...me, Shizuha Kocho!

 **Aruru:**Wow! I knew you'd make it!

 **Shizuha:**Heh, thanks.

 **Tsukasa:**You said "the first one," so there's more?

 **Shizuha:**Oh, so much for the suspense. Yes, it wasn't only me.

 **Lalafin:**What, really?

 **Shizuha:**Are you ready for some really good news?

 **Shizuha:**Lalafin, Tsukasa, Misora-chan, and Aruru-chan...

 **Shizuha:**You all qualified!

 **Misora:**No way, we're all going to the Performance Festival!?

 **Aruru:**Misora, it's for real!

 **Aruru:**We'll get to perform together again, in front of a bigger audience than ever!

 **Tsukasa:**Morning! We're making the headlines!

 **Shizuha:**You saw it, too?

 **Tsukasa:**It's a small world. If you're on social media, there's no way you'd miss it.

 **Tsukasa:**"How Did Five Frontier Girls Qualify?" The article is all conjecture with no foundation in reality.

 **Shizuha:**But you have to agree it is unusual for five girls from our school to qualify, including two first-years.

 **Shizuha:**Our school's reputation is working against us.

 **Tsukasa:**"Not serious," "showy stuff for ditzy girls," "too mainstream, low quality"...

 **Tsukasa:**Maybe Aruru and Misora don't know all the stuff people say about Frontier.

 **Tsukasa:**Some people write reviews saying a show isn't worth seeing, even though they haven't seen it!

 **Shizuha:**I didn't know you were the type to let that bother you.

 **Tsukasa:**I'm not, but I was bored when resting my foot and read those comments.

 **Tsukasa:**But now we've got what it takes to change everyone's opinion about us, don't we?

 **Tsukasa:**We can make the general public and other schools revise their opinion of Frontier. It's a rare chance for us to meet girls from other schools.

 **Lalafin:**I'm with you on that! I really want all sorts of people to see us perform!

 **Tsukasa:**Whoa, when did you get here?

 **Shizuha:**You're both taking this in stride, aren't you? I'm a little surprised, to be honest.

 **Tsukasa:**Well, it's not like these rumors about our school are anything new.

 **Shizuha:**...That's true.

 **Lalafin:**An audition notification?

 **Lalafin:**Whoa, what's going on?

 **Aruru:**Is everyone okay?

 **Tsukasa:**Huh? Why are you here, Aruru? And...where are we?

 **Aruru:**Um, I have no idea.

 **Aruru:**Anyway, did you hear we're being accused of bribing the judges to qualify for the Performance Festival!?

 **Misora:**Do you think this is the time to talk about that?

 **Aruru:**But if it's true, that would be terrible!

 **Shizuha:**They're just groundless rumors, don't worry.

 **Aruru:**Oh, that's good. But then why would people say that?

 **Elle:**Welcome, Stage Girls of the Frontier School of Arts Stage Expression Course.

 **Aruru:**Do people hate our school that much? Hmm...

 **Elle:**...I am Elle.

 **Aruru:**Huh? Who?

 **Elle:**Do you have what it takes to pass the auditions, become top stars, and stand on the stage of destiny?

 **Aruru:**Audition? Stage of destiny? What? And who are you?

 **Misora:**She just told us her name's Elle.

 **Elle:**What is the stage you dream of?

 **Misora:**You mean, like one that would put an end to the bad rumors about Frontier?

 **Elle:**If that is the stage you desire.

 **Misora:**So...

 **Aruru:**Um, can we wish for other stuff? Like, anything?

 **Aruru:**Can we, like, have a pteranodon appear on stage with us!?

 **Elle:**.......

 **Misora:**Aruru, you're weird.

 **Aruru:**Okay, then...

 **Aruru:**Can we wish for our play to be seen by everyone in the world?

 **Elle:**...Excuse me?

 **Aruru:**Can you make it so everyone in the world knows about us, our play, and how much fun we have doing this?

 **Aruru:**I want to bring happiness to everyone all over the world who sees our play.

 **Elle:**If that is the stage you wish for.

 **Aruru:**Yeah! That's what I want!

 **Lalafin:**I'd rather have the pteranodon.

 **Shizuha:**Elle-san, you said this would be an audition. Who are we competing against?

 **Elle:**Seisho Music Academy, Siegfeld Institute of Music, Rinmeikan Girls School... Each school will be competing with their pride on the line.

 **Shizuha:**Aren't these all the other schools performing at the Performance Festival?

 **Lalafin:**Really?

 **Lalafin:**Then refusing to participate in this audition would be like running away. And I don't like that.

 **Aruru:**Let's do this! It's just like when we entered the contest!

 **Aruru:**I'm sure amazing people and things are waiting for us here, too!

 **Elle:**I will spare no effort to make sure the auditions do not disappoint you.

 **Aruru:**Shizuha-chan, is it okay with you if we participate in the audition?

 **Shizuha:**Yes, I'm quite interested myself.

 **Misora:**Even you, Shizuha-senpai?

 **Aruru:**Misora, let's do it! Just like the S-Con!

 **Misora:**Oh, all right... You'd sign me up anyway, even if I said no.

 **Aruru:**You know me too well!

 **Elle:**Have you decided?

 **Aruru:**We'll win these auditions, become top stars, and show our play to everyone in the world!

 **Aruru:**We'll win the auditions and bring happiness to everyone in the world!

 **Elle:**Thank you for signing up for the auditions.