#i deleted the rui post so we are gonna have an attempt number 2 of being normal about imperfect art later

[murmurmurl]

I am in a Hating My Art phase, so. going back to my roots of putting tsukasa in a silly outfit with some silly colors. enjoy

[aarunomura]

MARGINAL#4 Index 1st Stage ~REVOLUTION!~ Chapter 7 - Revolutionary★Stars (Translation)

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8

                 ＼Happy 4th debut anniversary to MARGINAL#4!!!!／

The contents of this chapter were performed as Reader’s Theater by the seiyuu cast of MARGINAL#4 at Rejet Fes. 2013, the event Universe FES is based on.

★ Please DO NOT re-translate or post this translation anywhere.

CHAPTER 7: Revolutionary★Stars

──MARGINAL#4′s dressing room is filled with a slight air of nervousness on the day of the FES.

“‘At long last... the day has come! My... best stage... If you’re my Star Cluster... then you better watch! ...I’ll be stirring up a revolution today...!’ Alright, and sent!”

Twitter addict Atom is engrossed in Twitter while skilfully operating his smartphone with one hand. To be on it on the very day of FES, and right before the performance no less is quite amazing... thought Rui, who is sitting next to him in silence. Even as he is impressed by the speed at which Atom’s fingers are moving, he says the following with an unimpressed expression.

“Hah... Tweeting even at a time like this? You best get your act together. My goodness.” “You be quiet. This makes me the most relaxed. And besides, this is fan service. Manager said it’s important for an idol, y’know? Oh, I got some replies! I sure am getting a lot more coming in today... Uh, let’s see... err......”

Atom responds to every reply despite being overwhelmed by the large number of them. As a Twitter addict, for him to ignore replies is preposterous. While peering into the screen of Atom’s smartphone, Eru puts a word in.

“If we didn’t get any replies on the actual day of FES, it’d be the end for us, wouldn’t it? Right, Aru?” “Y-Yeah...” “Hm? What’s up, Aru? Somehow, you look really worried. What? Perhaps you’re... scared?” “N-No! That’s not it... Um...”

Although he denies it, Aru’s voice is trembling that it can be regarded as a positive sign that he is scared. Atom, who has finished replying, gets up from his seat and pats Aru on the shoulder.

“It’s gonna be okay! You’re our leader, right? Have more confidence in yourself!” “Exactly. Aru-kun, with you being that anxious, we will become anxious as well.”

In order to back up Atom’s remark, Rui also whispers in a voice that is gentler than usual. Eru nods in agreement as he opens his mouth to speak.

“Right? Ah, but I guess there are lots of people among your fans who think that’s cute... Like, ‘Even though he comes off as unreliable, the truth is he’s the leader!’” “THAT’S NOT IT!!!”

Aru, whose face is now bright red, cries. With wide eyes, everyone turns their attention to his way.

“Uwah?!”

What’s more, Eru lets out a voice without thinking. Several times a year, his older brother will yell out this loudly... And that’s because it happens whenever he encounters a PK1 in his online games...

“Geez, that’s not it. I’m just... I’m just a bit...”

Aru catches his breath and, as if feeling slightly embarrassed for uncharacteristically shouting like that, clears his throat with a small cough. When he does so, Atom for some reason speaks without a moment’s hesitation.

“Toilet?” “!! That’s even more wrong!! Geez, really... Do I look like that kind of character... Honestly... The reason I’m fidgety is... how do I put this... the feeling of trembling with excitement before a boss battle? Like a ‘Here goes!!’ kind of feeling.”

Desperately finding the words, Aru speaks of his own enthusiasm. As soon as he finally understands, Eru pats his shoulder once again as he wears a satisfied smile.

“I see, that’s our leader! Reliable, aren’t you!” “Hehe... After all... This PT’s leader is me... If the vanguard doesn’t get it together, the rear guards will be troubled... But... the feeling is just like before attempting a limited quest... Because of that... I feel somewhat restless...”

For Aru, who spins words which people who aren’t familiar with online games would kind of understand but at the same time wouldn’t understand at all, his side profile is brimming with determination.

“Again with the cryptic words... How about you stop using online gaming language, Aru-kun?”

Rui chides Aru with a half-smile for his unique online game jargon.

“I will no longer be myself then...!”

Aru droops his imaginary puppy ears and mumbles.

“No, no, that won’t happen. Well, I know how you feel though. We don’t have much of a choice now but to kick and struggle. We gotta get through this while being prepared to go up in flames!”

Atom, who says that as he’s fiddling with his smartphone, is fired up. Aru immediately inserts a retort over the words “prepared to go up in flames”.

“Eh, going up in flames is a little... Since we’ve made it all the way here at Universe FES, I think I want to be spared from being banned...” “Well, on top of Aru-kun’s personality, being worried is something that is inevitable. We did everything we could to the best of our abilities yet it is also true that the days we had leading up to today’s Universe FES were few.”

Rui says in a soothing manner as he calmly takes in the worried Aru’s remark.

“...Yeah. As I thought... We’re... Our PT will be disbanded today, won’t it...”

Aru, while agreeing with Rui’s remark, voices even more uneasy words. Atom slaps Rui’s back in panic.

“Oi, oi! What are we gonna do with that timid attitude?! You too, Rui, those words are unnecessary! Don’t say stuff that will fuel his anxiety!” “Even if I cover up the truth and coat it with a lie, it will not be a fundamental solution. It is meaningful to properly understand the facts.”

Rui directs his intellectual, calm gaze at all of the members.

“If that’s how it is... then it’s true that we didn’t have much time... but we also worked hard with everything we had... That is also an unmistakable fact, right?”

Eru comments in support of Rui’s words. Rui nods as he sends Eru an appreciative gaze.

“Yes, that is exactly right. That is why we should have confidence in ourselves. That was what I was trying to say.”

“Rui-kun...!”

Seemingly deeply impressed by Rui’s words, Aru becomes misty-eyed.

“Ah, damn it! Rui, your words are confusing as ever! You should just say it straight! Like, ‘We worked hard so we’ll definitely be okay!’”

Atom impatiently says to Rui. Rui sends Atom, who is rattling on, a cold gaze.

“That would be fine if I was simple-minded like Atom-kun.” “Wha-! What was that?! Simple-minded?!”

Atom stands there speechless, unable to say a word back.

“It is the truth, is it not? Or what is it? Are you going to complicate things, and say something such as, ‘I am the owner of a simple mind.’?”

Rui pushes further in a joking tone.

“...Who are you calling a simple-minded, meat-headed idiot of an idol?” “No one went that far to say that though...”

Although Rui is unimpressed, he also seems to be enjoying himself in his own way. Eru intervenes.

“Now, now! Don’t fight even at a time like this! Our important performance is up soon, you know? I get that you two don’t see things eye-to-eye though... I mean, remember? Like when we had that training camp in the beginning...”

“I know right. Rui back then just seriously kept on confining himself to his private account! Because of that, no matter how much I wanted to retweet him, I couldn’t!!”

Atom says, giving Rui a teasing look.

“‘Private account,’ you say... But well, I understand what you want to say. He had a thick wall up against all of us.”

Eru voices his agreement. Atom carries on.

“Especially towards me. Before he followed me, I was fiercely blocked!!” “Now that you mention it, that did happen. However... That is now a story of the past. But it is true that I was not easily influenced into going along with Atom-kun's whims.”

When Rui, the person in question, says that, Atom hugs his shoulder with one arm and voices with content.

“But, you know, how do I put it? Things are different from that time. Rui ended up being my follower anyway. Like we were able understand each other? We came to a mutual understanding, you could say.” “No, that is wrong. Please do not misunderstand.”

Rui bluntly states while shaking off Atom’s arm.

“EEEEH?! I’m wrong?! Say what?!” “But Atom-kun’s and Manager’s... everyone’s words at that time... I indeed felt a possibility... that there was an equation I was not aware of within this group.”

It is Eru who follows up right after.

“Right? ...Yup, that’s right. I feel the same way. I... believe in everyone... in MG#42!” “Eru...”

Aru murmurs Eru’s name, sounding deeply moved. Eru adds on.

“At that time... when I was set up by our seniors from the agency... everyone and Manager believed in me unconditionally... That is why I also believe in everyone...” “Now that you brought it up, that kind of thing did happen.”

Rui says with nostalgic eyes.

“Well, I thought that there was no way Eru would delete his account without saying anything. He would have a reason and just temporarily deactivate it.”

Aru continues.

“Yeah. Eru, what happened that time... was tough, wasn’t it. You had no idea that your guild members would give you false information...”

Eru gives Aru’s unique online game expression an immediate retort.

“‘Guild members,’ you say... But well, when I look back at it now, it’s exactly because of what happened that time... that I was able to get to where I am now, I think.”

A trial which Eru overcame. It was something he had in common with Aru.

“...Able to get to where you are now... huh... Certainly... when I think about it, it might’ve been the start for me too... When I got involved with members from another guild and was told many terrible things, Manager and all of you acknowledged me.”

Eru instinctively scowls.

“Aahh... Just thinking about it now gets me really irritated. Guys who can’t understand Aru’s talent, I want to turn all of them into marimo and roll them around!”

Eru sounds annoyed, but they can sense sadness rather than anger from his words.

“‘Turn into marimo’... You’d be the only one to benefit from that!”

Atom says jokingly, but his eyes too seem sad from the memory of that time.

It wasn’t just Aru himself who was hurt by the treatment he had received. All of the members were too. Aru’s existence. His presence is special and isn’t just simply a matter of his position “as the leader”. The ones who realised that more than anyone else were none other than all of the members.

Their faith allowed Aru to grow into a genuine leader.

“Because I didn’t think everyone thought of me in that way... I was super happy. I’m glad to be a part of MG#4... At that time, I was finally able to think that.”

Rui declares with eyes filled with conviction.

“Aru-kun... You exist as an essential factor to the equation to make this group successful... Please have more confidence in yourself.” “Thank you... Rui-kun!”

Aru thanks him upfront and shows them his brightest smile. Atom desperately tries to hide something faintly shining in his eyes.

“W-What’s with you! Don’t make me cry before we get on stage! What are you even trying to confirm now after all this time... Geez... Y’know, I... I knew... I especially knew that already!”

Atom mutters with his head up high and his eyes closed.

“That was why... I turned the offer down that time...!”

In that moment, Aru begins to speak in an unusually resolute tone of voice.

“When I heard about it, I... I thought that if Atom-kun really did withdraw from the group, if it was something you had decided for yourself, then there was nothing I could do about it. But... how I truly felt was different. If Atom-kun leaves... No, if anyone leaves, MG#4 will not exist... Above all, I wanted to continue working with you, Atom-kun.”

Aru normally takes the back seat, but for a moment there, he shows a leader-like attitude. His twin, Eru, replies without a moment’s delay.

“As expected of Aru! You took the words right out of my mouth just now!”

Atom responds to the two’s opinions with confidence.

“MG#4 consists of us four as well as Manager... It won’t hold with even one person short. We, including Manager, are a group as well as comrades... Isn’t that right?”

Rui instantly agrees.

“Yes, that is exactly right.”

Eru and Aru follow after.

“Yup!” “Mhm...! Ah... it’s almost time...”

Atom gulps.

“At last, huh...”

Rui slowly rises from his chair and speaks.

“Yes. Manager is waiting for us. Let us go...”

──Prior to the curtain raising, an announcement plays throughout the venue.

Rui calls out to their Manager, who has been waiting at the wing of the stage with a nervous look on her face.

“Manager, what is going to happen if you look that worried? Come now, pull yourself together... For you, who have been watching over us closer than anyone... what is about to happen next is something that you have painted. Or do you not have faith in us? Come now, please look straight towards me. You... will ruin your lovely face, looking like that.”

Atom speaks in a cheerful voice in an attempt to ease their Manager of her nervousness.

“That guy Rui says some complicated things but... the reason I was able to make it this far... was seriously... thanks to you. If it weren’t for you being there, we would’ve fallen apart in the blink of an eye. Your official RTs... I’m super grateful for them. Now witness our revolution with your own eyes!”

Eru continues with an expression full of confidence.

“Manager, watch over us, okay? We’ll show you the best stage yet...! Look forward to it...! We definitely won’t let you down. Just like you believe in me, I will also believe in myself, as well as in all of MG#4, and sing... It’s a promise.”

And last of all, Aru declares with a smile.

“Yeah. I’ll also do my best... In this venue... we’ll sing and dance to the best of our abilities to make it rain of stars like STARMATE did! We’ll be okay if we work together. Of course, Manager, our PT member includes you. Thank you so much. And... Please continue to take care of us...”

The four, who were once disconnected, shared the same feelings for their Manager, who always continued to support them close by.

For the sake of making this stage a success. For the sake of repaying everyone who has supported them. For the sake of their own future as MARGINAL#4.

“... ...Alright, then, let’s get going, shall we?”

They feel the atmosphere change from their leader’s announcement. MARGINAL#4′s first ever stage is about to begin.

“Yes, let’s...! Our equation has already been solved. Success... is the assured answer.”

“Alright, it’s our turn! Let’s do our best with a stack of marimo!” “Aright... Then, stack your hands on top of each other’s!!”

Rui and Eru cheerfully reply back to Atom’s enthusiastic shout.

“Alright!” “Okay!”

Leader-like when it counts, Aru shouts.

“My heart’s beating with excitement... Now, let’s encounter everyone who’s waiting in this venue!” “You got it! LET’S DRIVEEEEEEEEE!!!”

Atom responds to Aru’s words in the loudest voice he can make.

──The buzzer sound of the curtains opening went off.

Lighting falls inside the venue, and the noise completely changes to silence. In that moment, Atom holds back the staff, who are trying to lead them into their standby positions.

“Alright, we’re gonna do what I had been planning for this very daaaaaayyy!!”

Surprised, Rui asks for a repeated explanation.

“Eh, what is it?” “Listen up, you guys, we’re forming a circle! Put your arms around each other’s shoulders.”

Saying that, Atom puts an arm around Aru’s shoulder.

“Geez, you’re being too rough... Geez!!”

Eru, who has his arms around Aru’s and Rui’s shoulders, speaks in a cheerful manner.

“I’m getting all excited!”

In the end, they get their Manager and the staff who are present there involved, and a gigantic circle is completed. Atom gazes at each and every person’s face in order, even as they are standing in the dim light used for standby.

“We’ll go with this!! ......MG#4! To the ends of the galaxy, one kiss... With pleasure!” “Eh?”

Atom, feeling disappointed that his point isn’t getting across, impatiently shouts at Rui.

“Argh! It’s a greeting to fire ourselves up!! Listen to what I say just for today! One kiss, with pleasureeee! We go with that!!”

Everyone who happens to be present at the scene sighs at his sudden suggestion, but not one of them objects.

“......Good grief.”

Rui sighs, but he looks happy. Atom calls out to the one person he can entrust this task to... their leader.

“Leader, I’m counting on ya!!”

Aru looks surprised for a moment there, but he immediately pulls himself together and raises his voice.

“Alright, then here I go! Everyone! We’re going to say it all at once~~~~!! When I say, ‘One kiss,’ reply with, ‘With pleasure!’ okay! Are you ready? Now theeen... Here I gooooo!”

“MG#4! To the ends of the galaxy... ONE KISS...!!!!!!!!!”

Everyone who makes up MARGINAL#4 responds in unison.

“WITH PLEASURE!!!!”

☆★☆

The song’s intro begins to play.

The stage instantly turns to bright colours. The audience gets excited. Their cheers and enthusiasm are to a remarkable degree. Four people run off into the dazzling light. Tears spill from their Manager’s eyes as she watches their backs while desperately refraining herself from squinting because of that brilliant sight.

Their very first live goes by in the blink of an eye and at last, they’ve made it to their last song. Even as the stage darkens, the cheers don’t stop. In fact, their vigour is increasing in hopes that the members will come back on stage. Atom, who rushes backstage, says with excitement as he accepts a towel.

“Haa, haa... Awesome... This feels amazing... That was the best!”

Even the always calm and collected Rui, who is holding mineral water in one hand, is excited.

“Ah... I feel like my soul is about to leave my body... Like I have discovered an unknown equation... For me to be wrapped up in that state of excitement... It is hard to believe...” “Everyone is really amazing... I didn’t think that we could put on such an amazing performance... It’s as if we... have become eternal engines powered by the audience...”

His way of expressing his words is as per usual through online gaming terms, but just like them, Aru also feels the unknown energy surrounding this stage. In that moment, Eru, who has taken a quick look at the audience, suddenly lets out a surprised sound.

“...?! Ah...!!” “Hm? What’s up?”

Atom asks. Eru then shouts while choking on his words.

“Have a look... See...?! The audience...!”

Atom peers in on the audience from the wing of the stage.

“What?! Where?!” “Like I said! The audience! Look at the entire thing...!!”

Rui, who sees that, gasps with surprise.

“...The stars... Could this be...”

In that moment, not one of them can speak from the shock. Over there is without a doubt the galaxy itself, where shooting stars are glistening. Atom says with a hoarse voice.

“You’re joking, right?! The stars... They’re falling...!”

Aru opens his large eyes even wider.

“Don’t tell me, what Director meant... was this?” “The legendary idol group, STARMATE, brought a shower of stars at every one of their stages... I had thought that that kind of unscientific thing was implausible but... I see now... This was what happened...!”

Rui is so deeply moved that his voice is shaking.

“MG#4 Cluster’s penlights... they are light... practically like stars...!”

Atom is left awestruck.

The venue is completely illuminated. The penlights from the audience, who are eagerly waiting for the members’ reappearance on stage, glisten as if they are thousands of stars.

Eru and Aru lean out from backstage and cry out.

“Amazing...! The dazzling lights... look just like the Milky Way galaxy...!”

“Everyone, this is amazing...! Everyone truly looks like stars!!” “...What should I say... I cannot form the words. ...I cannot explain it well...”

Rui is deeply moved that he is at a loss for words. Aru murmurs with a look of disbelief.

“I wonder if this is what is meant by shooting stars falling...!”

Atom keeps and watches the view for a while but unable to contain himself, he runs off onto the stage.

“...More! Make it rain of more and more stars! More. You heard me... More! For us...!”

Rui continues.

“Please make it rain of stars! Come now, everyone...!”

Eru and Aru naturally follow.

“More and more!” “More... Grant us energy... Hey, everyone, please! Give it to MG#4... your energy!!”

They moment they shout that, along with the most cheers they have had today, a view they have never seen until now stretches out right before their very eyes.

“Awesome... Awesome, this is awesome, seriously awesome! We... also have the power to make it rain of stars...!”

With his eyes on Atom, who is repeatedly calling out words filled with deep emotion, and the audience, Rui speaks.

“This is Ai, REVOLUTION...!” “If everyone’s and our feelings connect, we can even bring to life new stars.” “Yeah... That’s true. What do I do, I’m so moved I could die...”

Aru’s eyes well up with tears. Eru hugs Aru’s shoulder and urges him.

“...Aru! Come on, don’t stand there stunned. Our final song... Let’s go.” “Yeah. You’re right. For those who have gathered today. For the users in this venue...”

After making sure that Aru’s smile has returned, Atom shouts to the audience.

“MG#4 CLUSTER! HERE WE GO, ONE LAST SONG!!!!”

Rui continues.

“For everyone...” “And for the person who has watched over us the closest...”

Atom adds on without the use of his microphone.

“Our very first Cluster... Manager...”

When their Manager, who is just as moved as the boys backstage, looks surprised by this sudden happening, Eru secretly sends a wink her way.

“It’s all thanks to you... that we were able to make this revolution happen...”

Similarly, Aru declares.

“Without you... this revolution wouldn’t have been successful... That’s... exactly what makes us MG#4.”

In contrast to their Manager, who is shaking, in the next moment, there stood four people, whose expressions have reverted to ones befitting of the idol group, MARGINAL#4. Their voices overlap.

“For you... we will sing! Until our voices die out and our lives come to an end...!” “For only you... we are stars who will burn love...” “...And continue to shine!”

After enthusiastically singing their final song, their stage, which was like a dream, has now come to an end. All of the four call out to the fans, sounding reluctant to part, but their expressions are filled with a sense of accomplishment.

“Let’s meet again! You were awesome!! Cluster of mine!” “I had the time of my life there. This is the first time in my life I have felt this way.” “It really is a shame... for it to end. But because there is an end, that’s what makes things fun.” “Let’s definitely meet again, okay... Without fail. I... will always be waiting for you.”

The curtains to their first dream stage closes up, and excitement still lingers in four people backstage. Atom says, trying to catch his breath.

“It ended just like that... I feel like favouriting it... That was the best.”

When he does so, Rui, who has draped a towel over his shoulders and looks downward, suddenly mutters something.

“...glad... you all.”

Atom asks a question in return.

“Huh? Did you say something, Rui?”

Rui then exclaims in a loud voice that they have not heard from him until now.

“I am glad to be a part of MARGINAL#4 with you all!!!!”

Eru and Aru are surprised. Just like them, Atom looks taken aback.

“Owah, what the heck was that just now?!”

Rui then murmurs with a somewhat refreshed expression on his face.

“Somehow, my heart was filled with the desire to express that in a very loud voice.”

Seeing that, Atom returns an embarrassed yet very refreshing grin.

“Geez, what a hopeless guy. What, did you only just realise that.”

Overcome with emotion, Aru speaks.

“Rui-kun...!!” “Hey, hey, it’s a good thing it ended without any problems but does this mean... we can take this as a success?”

There is no need for him to ask for an answer, but Eru asks anyway for confirmation. Atom responds immediately.

“Yeah, for sure...” “Hmm... But you know, before our last song... I feel like we might have put in a little too much of our personal feelings...”

Eru says with a wink. Atom smiles and replies.

“Aahh... Well, you’re right about that.” “Does that make us failures as idols? But at that moment, we couldn’t help but express our personal feelings... The reason for that is that she... is the fifth member of MG#4.”

In response to Rui’s words, Aru mumbles as if he has been struck with an idea.

“MARGINAL#5, right.”

Hearing that, Eru speaks without a moment’s delay.

“So in short, MG#5? Pupupu. That might actually be a good idea.”

They all laugh together. Atom says half-jokingly.

“Yeah, not bad at all. How about we continue our activities but as MG#5?!”

One would think Rui would make a retort to that just like always, but wearing a serious expression, he is actually quite on board with it.

“That also sounds like a good idea. Shall we propose this to the person in question as well as to Director at once?” “What?! Are you serious?!”

Atom is surprised by that. Rui continues further.

“Bringing greater showers of stars with everyone’s strengths does not sound so bad either.” “Who would’ve thought I'd hear the word ‘everyone’ coming from Rui. You’ve sure grown, huh.” “......I shall let you off for today for saying that.”

Rui takes in Atom’s teasing in stride. Before he realised it, Rui had also accepted the significance of being a part of the group called MARGINAL#4, leading to his personal growth. While closing his eyes and remembering the incredible sight he witnessed just now, Aru speaks.

“To bring more and more showers of stars... How nice... It sounds really wonderful.” “Isn’t this what you call ‘MG#4, written as ‘serious’, read as ‘really’’?!”

When Eru says that while snapping his fingers, Atom laughs.

“...Eru, was that a bad pun just now? Talk about lame!!”

Eru retaliates, pretending to be angry, while smiling.

“Ehhh. I don’t want to be told that by you, Atom-kun. I’m offended!!”

Rui stares at the two with a smile.

“In any case, let us hurry... to go and meet that person as well as tell them.”

Alone, a star may give off just a tiny light. But when gathered together, these small lights amount to the starry heavens that illuminate the night sky. They cannot send a shower of stars with even one person short. They cannot.

“Today’s stage...!!”

“Those songs!”

“Our feelings!”

“Everything!”

“......We offer them to you.”

“It doesn’t end here.”

“Because this.”

“Is where our story...”

“Begins!!”

To be continued. ➤ Chapter 8

NOTES:

1 player killer

2 Throughout the index, they’ve been pronouncing their group name in full aka. “Marginal Number Four”. Starting from this sentence here, they begin to pronounce it as the shortened “Majifo”, hence the official abbreviation “MG#4” and not the usual “MARGINAL#4”.

According to the CD collection book, they formed some time in January of 2013. They debuted on the 13th of February, which would mean that they had roughly only a month to prepare.

Thank you for reading!!