Chapter Text
Futaba and Mahiru are having lunch with a defeated looking Karen, nothing remains of the energetic airhead they have grown to love, all there is in front of them is an empty husk of a woman barely capable of eating her lunch.
Mahiru- Are you ok?
Karen- ah? I don’t know…
Futaba- Did it go that bad with Kagura-san?
Karen- Yeah, no matter what I try to do she just shoots me down immediately, I've been thinking about what to do next all day, I’m exhausted.
Mahiru- Maybe you should give it a rest for now.
Karen- But I can’t, I need to get through to her, I’m sure that… that we can do it, together we can finally do starlight together, I just don’t understand why she won’t talk to me.
Futaba- Is that your promise?
Karen- Yeah.
Karen takes her hair clip off and holds her in her hand, she looks at it fondly and her spirits seem to lift up if even just a little.
Karen- When we were kids, we went to see starlight together, it was in that stage that we found our passion, our dream, that day we promised we would one day stand on the stage and perform it together, “Starlight”
Mahiru- I see.
Karen- These hairclips represent that promise.
Futaba- That’s kind of romantic, promising to meet each other on the stage like that, I would have never thought you to be the romantic type Karen-chan, I will have to ask you for some tips.
Karen- What!? No, no, no is nothing like that, I don’t have those kinds of feelings for Hikari-chan she is like my best friend or my sister, besides I mmm…
Mahiru- You like someone else, don’t you?
Karen’s face turns red, the image of Maya on her leotard smiling down at her as she extends her hand invades her mind, she could never forget that night of her first year after all that was the day she fell in love for the first time.
Karen- I… ah… no?
Futaba- I’m not convinced.
Karen- Look that’s not the point right now, I need to figure out what to do about Hikari-chan.
Futaba- Well I say you should first focus on regaining your energy, no way you will be able to come up with something like that.
Futaba takes one egg roll of her plate and puts in on Karen’s
Futaba- Why don’t you try a different approach this time?
Karen- A different approach… I think I got it, thanks you two!
Mahiru- You are welcome, now hurry up and finish, recess is almost over.
Back in the classroom Futaba’s words echo on Karen’s head “try a different approach”, Karen thinks hard on what she is done until now to try and get Hikari’s attention, scenes of her following close behind Hikari calling her name and Hikari’s cold eyes looking back at her silently come to mind, after a lot of thought Karen comes to a conclusion “I will show her with my actions “words are cheap” or something like that as Junna may put it! And if she still won’t talk back to me then I’ll just… I’ll just have to figure something else, but I am never giving up” with her determination renewed she heads to their afternoon practice.
Once in the practice hall the teacher calls for everyone to pair up, Karen walks up to Hikari and extends her hand to her, no words are exchanged, Hikari looks at Karen’s eyes and sees a fierce determination in them, she won’t back down this time, Hikari somewhat reluctant takes her hand, on the other corner of the room Maya’s eyes are fixated on the two childhood friends.
Claudine- Are we dancing, or are you going to just stand there staring at Aijo-san all day long?
Maya- I’m not staring.
Maya takes Claudine’s hand, and they start dancing to the beat.
Claudine- Of course you are not, you know it wouldn’t hurt you to be honest for once in your life.
Maya- I don’t know what you are talking about, I’m always honest.
Claudine- If you say so, just don’t go faltering on your performance because you are too worried about Kagura-san getting her hands all over your woman, I don’t want to look bad because of you.
Maya twirls Claudine around and gracefully dips her in a perfect fashion before replying in her usual smug tone.
Maya- I never falter.
Claudine- You are such an annoying woman.
After practice is over the teacher dismisses the class for the day, Hikari is the first one out the door, Karen follows close behind her, she is determined to break the silence between them once and for all, as the two of them make their way out once again Maya’s eyes find themselves fixated on Karen.
Claudine- Hate to say it, but looks like I missed judged you again Tendo Maya, you did better than ever as expected from the top of the class, nothing gets to you.
Maya- Hmph.
Claudine- But you know, I don’t think it is a good thing to let things go on like this, if you don’t do anything you may just end up regretting it.
Maya- Thank you.
Maya’s tone is so surprisingly sincere that Claudine is confused about what’s happening.
Claudine- Ah?
Maya- I won’t give up on Aijo-san and I won’t lose to Kagura-san either, I will show her the extent of my determination and my pride.
Claudine- What does that even mean?
Maya- It means I will do things my own way, I will show her I’m the one she should pick.
Claudine- What? Just confessing to her already, is not that hard…
Maya blushes slightly, a rare sight to say the least, she moves her head away to try and hide it from her rival, but it is too late, Claudine got a good look at her.
Maya- That’s not my style… anyway, thanks for helping me with this, I will be going now I have things to do.
Claudine- “She is such a kid, she is clearly too embarrassed to make the first move and wants Aijo-san to do it, well at least she is admitting her feelings now, I guess that’s progress”
As the embarrassed Maya leaves the room Claudine feels someone grabbing her hand, she turns her head to see Junna.
Junna- You two are very good friends.
Claudine- I don’t know if I would go that far.
Junna- Come on, I heard the whole thing, you really worry about her, don’t you?
Claudine- Damn, you busted me. I really can’t keep anything from you, but I can’t have this going around. It would tarnish my reputation if people knew I actually care for that idiot, so how about I buy your silence with some ice-cream?
Junna- Chocomint will do.
Claudine- You got it, let’s go!
While that was happening, Karen has caught up to Hikari in the locker rooms and in keeping with her idea of showing her just how much she has changed and improved since thy last saw echo other she just stares at her intently waiting for her to recognize her, it seems to pay off.
Hikari- Good work today.
Karen- Hikari-chan!? Does… does this mean we are in talking terms again?
Hikari closes the door of her locker and looks back at Karen whose whole determination façade has come down and is now looking at her with the energy of an over excited puppy.
Hikari- No.
Karen crumbles onto a nearby bench as Hikari quietly leaves the locker room.
Karen- I guess this kind of worked, she at least said something to me this time... but that was too rough being all serious like that is just not me, time for plan B then.
Later that afternoon Claudine is by herself in the living room reading some magazine when she is approached by a nervous looking Kaoruko.
Kaoruko- Hi, there.
Claudine- Hello…?
Kaoruko stares at Claudine nervously, it is clear to Claudine that she wants to say something, but she is having trouble getting it out.
Claudine- What’s with the funny look, do you need something?
Kaoruko- Actually… I would like to request your help… you see, I… ah… I want to, ah…
Claudine sights as she closes her magazine.
Claudine- Is it about Daiba-san?
Kaoruko- Yes, I… I think I do want to be more than just friends, but I don’t know how to start.
Claudine- I knew it, anyway, why ask me and not Futaba-chan? You guys are way closer anyways.
Kaoruko- Look if I told Futaba-han she would get too worried about me and knowing her, she may just end up confessing for me that’s just how overprotective of me she can be, and if things don’t work out, she may just come to have ill feelings towards Nana-han.
Claudine- I see…
Kaoruko- And besides you already know so it saves me a lot of explaining.
Claudine- Sounds to me like you are just too shy to speak with her… why are all my friends such cowards?
Kaoruko- Hey! I’m no coward, I’m swallowing my pride here. This is very difficult for me! So please just give me an answer.
Claudine- Swallowing your pride huh, I wish she would take a note or two from you, ok I’ll help you.
Kaoruko- You will!? Thank you so much, so what do I do?
Claudine- Ask her out on a date.
Kaoruko- What!? Isn’t that a little too bold…?
Claudine- Trust me, with how close you two already are that is the only choice you got, go on the offensive and make your intentions clear.
Kaoruko- Can… I really do that…?
Claudine- Yes “truth be told I’m 99.99% Nana likes her back, to be honest it is pretty obvious I don’t know how she doesn’t get it… They could just keep going like they are and they would end up together but I want to have some fun with this, besides Nana can be kind of an airhead so this is not a bad approach either.”
Kaoruko- Ok, I think I can do it.
Claudine- Good, do it tonight.
Kaoruko- What!?
Almost as if Claudine had planned it, Nana walks into the living room just in perfect time to hear Kaoruko scream as she is getting visibly flustered.
Nana- Is everything ok?
Kaoruko freezes up, Claudine deviously smiles as she sees the perfect opportunity to have some fun and help her flustered friend with her love problems all at the same time.
Claudine- Yes, actually perfect timing Daiba-san, Kaoruko-chan here was just telling me about how she wanted to help you make dinner but is too embarrassed to ask.
Nana- For real!?I would love it if you help me Kaoruko-chan!
Nana’s eyes light up as she speaks her smile melting Kaoruko’s heart in an instant, Kaoruko looks down at Claudine who is giving her this weirdly devilish look and a thumbs up before focusing back on Nana’s eyes and trying her best not to sound awkward she answers:
Kaoruko- Ye…yeah, I’m a little self-conscious of my skills but I try to be of help.
Nana- Great, I’ll go get you an apron!
Kaoruko- Th... thank you.
Claudine- Well, I gotta get going now I have things to do, was good seeing you two.
Nana- Ok, see you later Kuro-chan.
Nana runs back to her room to get an apron for Kaoruko, meanwhile Claudine stands up and whispers to Kaoruko’s ear “You can thank me later, a box of macaroons will do, go get her” before leaving the dorm.
Kaoruko- “Damn her, I feel like she just played me… I will get her back for this!”
A few moments later and Kaoruko now finds herself in the kitchen alone with Nana cutting some vegetables, her back turned to Nana who is tending to 2 big pots.
Kaoruko- “This is nice, just the two of us like this, I don’t know why it feels so relaxing, even nostalgic… anyway how should I do this, I can’t just scream go on a date with me…”
Nana- Water is almost boiling, how are the vegetables coming along?
Kaoruko- Good, I already chopped up the carrots and I’m working on the onions.
Nana- Great, thank you this is a big help.
Kaoruko- Ah, no problem, is the least I can do after all you do so much for me.
Nana finishes stirring the contents of one of the pots and puts its lit on before turning around to watch Kaoruko, she can’t help but to smile as she reminisces of the times, they spend together that one loop, memories of Kaoruko’s prideful smile as she cooked the simplest of dishes and tasting her “mistakes” together come to Nana, she remembers the apron she got her one time they went shopping together.
Nana- That apron looks great on you.
Kaoruko blushes a bit and looks down at the smiling frog in the center of the clearly oversized apron.
Kaoruko- Thank you, I rock it pretty good even if it is a little oversized, I’m surprised you lend me this one, it is your favorite no?
Nana- It is, but it looks way better on you and besides it's been a while since I used the banana pattern one, I was thinking, maybe we should get you an apron your size one day.
Kaoruko turns her head around to answer back to Nana.
Kaoruko- That would be nice, I could go for some shopping, but…
Kaoruko moves her eyes away from Nana and looks down, her expression changing ever so slightly, a hint of sadness slips in as she starts to doubt herself.
Kaoruko- Would you really be ok with such a useless cooking partner?
Nana picks up on Kaoruko’s gestures, she knows that face and that tone all too well, Kaoruko does it all the time when she puts herself down or she starts doubting herself and even though she tried to hide it by looking to the cutting board one small glance was enough for Nana to get a good idea of what was going on trough Kaoruko’s mind in that moment.
Nana- “I’d recognize that look anytime”
Caught in the moment Nana acts without thinking putting her ladle down by the pots and approaching Kaoruko from behind, gently embracing her, memory of how they used to be taking over as Nana whispers to Kaoruko’s ear in a soft but resurging tone:
Nana- You are not useless at all, you are the perfect partner for me, Kaoruko-chan.
Kaoruko is so confused and flustered that she can’t begin to process what’s happening and just blurs out the first thing that comes to her mind.
Kaoruko- What… What are you doing?
Nana snaps out of it quickly realizing what is happening and let’s go of Kaoruko, baking away quite embarrassed.
Nana- “Oh no, I kinda just went for it without thinking… I need to say something” Sorry, I just… got a little caught up in the moment I guess, haha “that’s such a bad excuse…”
Kaoruko- That’s ok, I… I didn’t hate it or anything and… I also didn’t ask you to stop…
Nana- Oh, I… “Oh no, this is dangerous if I go for it. Who is to say I will stop at just a hug…”
Nana awkwardly approaches Kaoruko again, not sure of what she should do when she is saved by the sound of the water on the pot boiling over the lit and hitting the fire below.
Kaoruko- Ah, the pot!
Nana- I’m on it! “Thank god, I truly don’t know if I would have been able to restrain myself”
Kaoruko turns her attention back to the vegetables, letting out a sight as she takes the next onion on to the chopping board.
Kaoruko- “Why did I even said anything I could have been hugged a bit longer if I just stayed silent, I could feel her heartbeat up against my back and she was so warm… that was great, anyway this is as good as time as ever no way things can get more embarrassing, I’ll go for it now”
Kaoruko takes a few deep breaths to prepare herself mentally.
Kaoruko- Hey, I was thinking, would you like to do something together? You know… just the two of us.
Nana turns her eyes to Kaoruko, her face is bright red, and she looks quite nervous but also somewhat determined. Nana also knows that look, this feeling all too well.
Nana- Yeah, have anything in mind?
Kaoruko- I was thinking maybe we could go look at the frogs this weekend.
Nana- I would love to, but are you sure you want to do that? I don’t know if you will be ok with the petting zoo section.
Kaoruko- Are you kidding, I… I love frogs, they are so… colorful and slimy, what’s not to love about that, can’t wait to touch the little critters.
Nana- “She called them slimy and her tone sounds so nervous, but I can tell she is trying really hard, she is so cute” Ok then, let’s go this weekend.
Kaoruko- Great, then it is a… a… da…
Nana can’t help but to smile as she sees Kaoruko trying to get the words out of her mouth, Nana had promised herself never to go out with Kaoruko again, she knew it would be next to impossible to leave her again when it came time for the next loop but now she feels like this could be it, the change she was waiting for.
Nana- Yeah, it is a date.
Kaoruko- Thank you.
Kaoruko is so happy she can’t believe this is real, she is going out on a date with Nana and in just a few days, what should she wear? And what kind of training does she need in order to survive an encounter with the frogs? All those questions and more go through her head as she carelessly cuts away at the last onion when:
Kaoruko- Ouch!!
Nana- Are you ok?
Kaoruko- Yeah, I was just so happy I got distracted and cut myself.
Kaoruko shows her finger to Nana, it does not look too bad, just a small cut near the tip.
Nana- Ah, thank god it is not deep, just cleaning it and a band-aid should do the trick, let me do it. I keep some here just in case.
Nana gives some basic first aid to Kaoruko.
Nana- There all good, should be like new in 2 days or so.
Kaoruko- Thanks, cooking can be dangerous.
Nana- Yeah, be very careful, don’t want anything to happen to you before our date.
Kaoruko gets flustered once more.
Kaoruko- Yeah, that would suck, anyway let’s get back to work.
Nana- Oh wait, I forgot one thing.
Nana takes Kaoruko’s hand again and kisses her finger.
Nana- There, that should do the trick.
Kaoruko is now way too flustered to speak or even look at Nana directly; she just whispers, “Thank you” to the best of her abilities and turns back around to finish her cutting duties.
Nana- “Yeah, I’m a lost cause… I just can’t resist her at all, no turning back now, I will do it I will make sure things change this time so that we can be together again, that’s what I have to do, I will trust you Hikari-chan”
Later that same night, Kaoruko is laying in bed exhausted, hugging tight to one of her pillows.
Kaoruko- Cooking is so much hard work, every muscle in my arms hurts now I should have asked for a massage or two… maybe three.
Kaoruko lifts her hands up and looks at the bad aid in her finger, she smiles.
Kaoruko- Well, I guess working hard does have its perks.
A moment later Futaba arrives back at the room to see a smiling Kaoruko hugging away at the pillow.
Futaba- I’m back, you look happy.
Kaoruko- Welcome back.
Futaba- I take it something good happen today?
Kaoruko- Mmm, perhaps.
Futaba- Como on, just tell me what happened.
Kaoruko- It will cost you one, no two massages if you want the information.
Futaba- Ok, ok, now would you tell me?
Kaoruko- I’m going out on a date this weekend!
Futaba- What!? With whom?
Kaoruko- Nana-han, we are going to the aquarium.
Futaba- Nana… okay I guess if it is her it is fine; she is a good girl I can trust her not to try anything funny.
Kaoruko- You are so overprotective Futaba-han, and just so you know I was the one who invited her out.
Futaba- You did? I find that one hard to believe… and why didn't you tell me you liked her?
Kaoruko- I don’t know, I was just a little embarrassed that’s all, anyway, don’t tell anyone, not even Mahiru.
Futaba- Ok, I’ll keep it a secret, but you have to let me help you get ready for your first date, that is not negotiable.
Kaoruko- If you insist, oh and Kuro-han knows too so I guess you can talk to her about it if you want.
Futaba- Wait, why did she know before I did?
Kaoruko- Is a long story, I tell while you give me those massages, my shoulders are a mess so get to work, oh and this may be the last time you get to do it in a long time, Nana-han may just take your place soon, so enjoy it while you can hahaha.
Futaba- I kind of feel bad for Nana-chan now…
Kaoruko- Hey!
The next day, during practice Karen walks toward Hikari ready to ask her to partner up once again but this time Maya cuts her off midway and extending her hand to her says:
Maya- Aijo-san, would you mind being my partner today?
Karen- Ah! Yes, I would love to.
Maya- Thank you.
Karen takes Maya’s hand and the two move to do their warmups, Karen taking one last look at Hikari before they do, she sees her partnering up with Nana and candidly speaking to her.
Karen- “Since when did they become friends and if she speaks to Nana-chan why is she ignoring me?”
Maya- Ready to start.
Karen- Oh, yeah “No use thinking about it I will just have to keep trying, besides this is a special chance, practicing with Maya-chan is always the best, like a dream came true.”
Karen is thrilled to get to spend time like this with Maya, this is a very rare occasion as aside from the few times the teacher has formed the teams Maya would usually partner with Claudine.
However today Karen could barely enjoy herself as she was too worried about the whole situation with Hikari, she kept looking at her all during rehearsal at times even missing the timing of even the most basic of steps because of it.
Karen- Sorry I keep messing up…
Maya- Is it because of Kagura-san? you keep looking at her.
Karen- Yeah, is it just I… I don’t know why she won’t talk to me, I’I just don’t know what to do anymore.
Karen’s usual carefree and bright smile quickly turns into a concerned frown, Maya looks over her partner’s shoulder in the direction of Hikari.
Maya- “Kagura-san I will never forgive you for hurting Karen like this, no matter what happens I promise I will not lose to you”
Maya turns her eyes to Karen once more, she truly can’t stand to see her like that, not one bit, for Karen to smile again she is even willing to throw her pride away even if only for a moment.
Maya- Aij… Karen-san, I don’t know what’s happening between the two of you, but you have something you want to say to Kagura-san, right?
Karen- Yes.
Maya- Then say it to her, if she won't talk back then you just have to do all the talking yourself, I’m sure you will get through to her and…
Maya hesitates for a second.
Karen- And?
Maya- Nothing, forget it, just don’t give up and speak your mind to her “in the end I could not bring myself to say it.”
Karen- But what if she won’t hear me out?
Maya- Then you try again and again, show her the Karen-san we know, the girl that will never give up no matter how hard things get and faces all challenges head on with a smile in her face and if she still won’t acknowledge your words then you will just have to show her with your actions.
Karen- Yeah you are right, there is no use in worrying now, I will show Hikari-chan, once I set my eyes on something I won’t ever back down.
Maya- That’s more like it.
Karen- Thank you Maya-chan, you have fantastic timing. It is like you are always there to lift me up when I’m down, ever since that night.
Maya- Is nothing, I think I just really like your smile, so I can’t stand to see you down, that’s all.
Karen blushes quite a bit.
Karen- I see, I will make sure to smile more, anyway I feel refreshed, time to nail this rehearsal.
Maya- Good, then for the rest of class eyes on me, we have to make up for all those mistakes.
Karen- Yes!
After practice Karen says her goodbye thanking Maya once more for the help and the practice and loudly proclaiming to her that she will get through to Hikari today for sure before running off, Maya has a bittersweet smile on her face as she waves Karen goodbye.
Claudine- Bold move there, encouraging her to go talk to Kagura-san, can’t say I saw that one coming from you Tendo-san.
Maya- Hmph, I just don’t like her looking sad like that and I don’t want her to regret anything.
Claudine- Oh, so you really are capable of caring for others, color me surprised.
Maya- Besides it makes no difference to me, I will beat Kagura-san all the same.
Claudine- Yeah, that sounds more like you.
Outside the school building Karen has caught up to Hikari in the garden near the shed.
Karen- Hikari-chan!
Hikari- …
Karen- Is ok, you don’t have to talk, just hear me out.
Hikari stops to look back at her childhood friend and seeing the determined look on her face she decides to turn around to face her.
Karen- Hikari-chan, I don’t know why you won’t talk to me, but it doesn’t matter. I just want you to know that I still remember our promise…
Hikari’s eyes widen a bit as she hears Karen mention their promise, memories of her childhood flooding her mind, she clutches her fist to help restrain herself from saying something.
Karen- I have been working tirelessly so that we can make it come true, you may have forgotten our promise, but I will never back down on it. I will show you Hikari-chan, these auditions I will win them and I will make our dream come true.
Hikari keeps clutching her fist ever tighter but she can’t restrain herself anymore and screams at Karen
Hikari- Ba… Bakaren!!
Karen- Ah?
Hikari walks to the confused Karen and slaps her.
Hikari- You really think I would forget our promise?
Karen- Ouch, that really hurt Hikari-chan, wait you mean you did not forget?
Hikari- Of course I didn’t, is what kept me going all this time.
Karen- I knew it, I knew you still remembered.
Karen runs to hug Hikari, but she stops her short, grabbing her by the shoulders.
Hikari- Karen, you have to back down.
Karen- Back down?
Hikari- From the giraffe’s auditions.
Karen takes a steep back.
Karen- I won’t back down.
Hikari- You don’t have a clue about what will happen if you lose, so please just back down
Karen- What do you mean? If we win, we can do it, our own starlight together.
Hikari- …
Karen- Hikari-chan?
Karen’s phone rings, the next revue has been decided, Hikari looks back at Karen and asks one more time.
Hikari- Please Karen, back down.
Karen- Why won’t you just talk straight to me… I won’t back down and I won’t lose, I will show you that I’m no longer the crybaby you left behind.
Hikari- …
Karen turns around and runs towards the school building ready to take on the challenge ahead of her face on, Hikari is left standing silent by herself, her own phone now begins to ring.
Hikari- Damn it.
Down on the underground theater Karen stands face to face with Maya who is looking down at her defiantly from up high, a gigantic set of stairs separating the two of them, Maya looking like far cry from the gentle girl who just had practice with her a few minutes ago but her fierce gaze does not intimidate Karen it instead makes her feel sad, sad at the girl standing by all alone at the top of that lonely staircase.
Maya- Don’t think I will take it easy on you Aijo-san, I will show why I am the one who belongs in the center of the stage.
Karen- Why must there only be one? Why can’t we stand there together?
Maya- With that flimsy resolve you will never reach the top.
Karen- Non, non my resolve is the real thing, I won’t lose Maya-chan, we will reach the top together.
Karen points her sword up at Maya who smirks as she points her back at Karen.
Maya- Then come at me with all you got.
The revue begins with Karen quickly running up towards Maya, not a moment later a clash of both their swords takes place in the center of the staircase with Maya quickly taking the upper hand on Karen as every one of her swings pushes her back towards the edge.
Maya- You are not half bad, but you are just a hopeless idealist, if you keep going on like this you will only hurt yourself, you are not fit for the top.
With Karen up against the edge Maya moves in with a powerful trust ready to end this but to her surprise Karen blocks her and pushes her back to the middle of the platform.
Karen- You are wrong, we will reach the top together, Hikari-chan and I, we will do starlight together!
Maya- Kagura-san…
Karen rushes at Maya once more and for the first time she is forced to take a step back herself as Karen’s strikes seem to be different from before, her movements and her whole mentality seem to have sharpened in an instant.
Karen- Not only us, we will all do, we will reach it together, the top does not have to be a lonely place Maya-chan.
Karen continues her barrage of strikes pushing maya up the second set of stairs towards the top.
Maya- The center of the stage is for one person.
Karen- And who said it has to be so?
Maya- Who…
Maya blocks one big swing form Karen and the two of them are left facing each other at the last step before the top, Karen is smiling at Maya, she has been this whole time.
Karen- Isn’t this more fun? You don’t need to be alone.
Maya- I really can’t resist that smile, but I won’t falter. I will fight with all I have till the end so give me more, that fire in your eyes that passion, give me all of it.
Karen- I will give you all I got so you better be ready to go down.
Maya and Karen ready themselves for one last strike, Maya smiling for the first time since these revues started as she is fully enjoying herself for the first time, “giving her all to this performance with Karen is this what she really wants?” The thought crossed Maya’s mind for a moment right before the two girls took a step forward and thrust their swords with all of their might aiming at the bright gold button on their shoulders.
Both their swords hang above the others shoulder for a second before the voice of the giraffe declares the revue over, “Winer Tendo Maya”, Karen’s cape hits the ground and the staircase starts to descent as the curtain drops on her, Maya is now standing on top the highest platform, she looks down to see Karen looking up at her with a smile, she then takes a look at her shoulder the gold button deformed beyond recognition by the edge of Karen’s sword.
Maya- I don’t need to be alone…
After the revue Karen stands alone in the rain in front the school entrance reflecting on her fight with Maya, she promise Hikari she would not lose and yet that was the first thing she did right after it and yet something felt off to Karen she was frustrated about her losing to Maya but she was somewhat more motivated to try harder now, after a few minutes a figure emerges from the shadows of the entrance, its Maya.
Karen- Maya-chan!
Maya- Karen-san, what are you doing? You will catch a cold.
Maya opens her umbrella and walks towards Karen.
Karen- I was just… I guess I’m a little frustrated that I lost
Maya- I see, will you give up now?
Maya covers Karen under her umbrella.
Karen- No, I am going to keep going. I have a promise to keep, and I never give up after I set my sights on something.
Maya- You don’t sound that frustrated to me.
Karen- Well there is no use crying over it, I will just have to work harder, so you don’t have to stand alone at the top anymore, next time I won’t lose.
Maya- Maybe we could… work together?
Karen- For real? I would love to!
Maya and Karen walk back to the dorms together, her feelings for each other seem to have taken a step towards coming to the surface, in the shadows of the school building Hikari looks at the two of them as they walk away.
Hikari- Karen-chan… you have some good friends and you have grown so much stronger; I am glad, I will save you all from this audition, Daiba-san… I think I can thrust her.
The end.