#it's a special event for sure which is why i wrote it for senpai's b-day! ;D

[britishchick09]

Hello, Sanford: A Wadlow Sibling Fic (part 1/2)

it's time for a new fic! this doesn't have to do with senpai's b-day, but it's a very special turning point for the fic series. it took 8 days to write (february 13th to the 21st with a v-day break!) and it was a lot of fun, especially the research! enjoy! ;)

the wadlows are saying farewell to brown street and hello to sanford avenue? will they like their new home?

 Robert Wadlow carefully went down the stairs of his house, a box nearly hidden behind his hands. He looked up once his feet hit the floor.

“This is the last of it.” he told his dad.

“Good,” Harold replied with a smile. “Get it on the truck.”

Robert ducked outside alongside Harold. A brown truck was waiting at the end of the driveway. A big white arrow with ‘STORAGE’ written inside was below the ‘Jackson Storage and Van Co.’ on the van’s side. Robert set the box on top of a pile in the back of the truck.

“She’s all set.” Harold told the driver, who closed the back’s door.

As he started up the truck’s engine, Harold Jr. ran down the driveway.

“Wait!” he called. “You can’t leave yet!”

“What’s wrong, Junior?” Robert asked his baby brother. “All your things will be safe inside the truck.” “But without the truck, we won’t be able to get to the new house. The arrow tells us where to go.”

Robert gave a soft chuckle. “Dad knows the way just fine.”

Harold Jr. watched with an uncertain look on his face as the van drove off. Robert felt unsure as well, but it wasn’t because of directions.

After eight years of living at 3204 Brown Street, The Wadlows were moving out. Harold had been looking for a new house for quite some time. He and Robert had plans to build an abode that would accommodate his size, but that was tucked away for the future. Buying a bigger house was the most affordable option.

(…For now!)

While the Wadlow siblings were haunted by a phantom at the movies, Harold had closed a deal with Charley Yancy and was now the owner of a house on Sanford Avenue. Plans to move the next day had been halted due to a storm, but no one minded much. They liked being able to spend one last day in their beloved home.

But now that day was over. It was October twentieth… the dreaded moving day.

“How about we go see where the others are?” Robert asked his baby brother.

Harold Jr. smiled. “Yeah! Let’s go!”

Robert bent down to take his hand. They went up the brick steps together as they had many times over the years. Robert swiftly opened the door and they went inside. Betty, Eugene and Helen were wandering through the empty living room.

“Remember when Mike the chicken flew around here?” Betty giggled. “I bet he’d love it now!”

“Over there is where I broke Mom’s vase.” Eugene said as he pointed at a corner.

Helen chuckled as she ran out from the hallway. “And I just found where I hid Robert’s shoes that one time!”

“Having fun reminiscing?” Robert asked them.

Betty nodded. “I wish we could do this forever.”

“Yeah, I never want to leave,” Helen agreed. “Although I know we have to.”

“Isn’t that Rudolph guy stopping by soon?” Eugene asked.

“Who, Rudolph Valentino?” Betty asked.

“No, I mean Oscar Rudolph. You know, that guy who bought the house from Dad.”

Harold Jr. gasped. “Maybe we can stay here so we can get it from Rudy!”

Betty crouched down and put a hand on her little brother’s shoulder. “Sorry, Junior. I tried it already and I don’t think he’ll budge.”

“What do you mean by that?” Robert asked.

“I gave him a call.”

“How did you get his number?” Eugene asked.

Helen crossed her arms and gave him a squint as she said, “Phone books exist, you know.”

Eugene squinted back.

“So… we’ll have to leave?” Harold Jr. asked, his voice flooding with sadness.

Betty nodded. “Yep. We’ll have to leave.”

Harold Jr. started to cry. Betty picked him up a bit so Robert could hold him. He hugged his baby brother while soothing him.

“Shh… It’ll be okay. This is like an adventure for us!” he said with a smile. “A new, exciting adventure.”

Harold Jr. sniffled and buried his head in Robert’s shirt.

“It’s time to go, kids!” Addie told the siblings as she opened the front door.

They looked at each other. The rain from yesterday was gone and only puddles remained, yet a stormy cloud was over their heads. They wanted to escape it for sunnier pastures, but another part didn’t want to leave.

“Let’s walk around one last time.” Robert suggested, to which the siblings agreed.

Addie smiled. “That’s a wonderful idea, sweetie.”

Together, the Wadlows walked around the house. They silently took in memories of the home they loved so much.

All too soon, it was time to say farewell. Robert squeezed himself into the car and the siblings piled in after him. Betty was about to get in when she heard a sound across the street. She looked up and gasped.

“Gunter!” she exclaimed.

The dog of their neighbor barked again, his tail wagging enthusiastically.

Betty turned to Addie and asked, “Can- I mean, may I say goodbye?”

“Yes, you may.” Addie replied with a smile.

Betty looked both ways before crossing the street. Gunter met her by the sidewalk and she crouched down to give him a pet.

“We’re going away for a while, buddy. I think it’s just for the winter, but Dad says if no one buys our new house-” Betty stopped, feeling her voice choke up slightly. “I’ll miss you a lot no matter what happens.”

Gunter leaned his head into Betty’s soft hair as she wept softly.

A few moments later, she heard someone say, “We will miss you as well.”

Betty looked up. She could see Mr. Schmidt past her tears. He walked down the driveway with a glass container in his hand.

“I have a housewarming gift for you all,” he said. “I hope you’ll enjoy it.”

Betty stood up and took a peek inside. “Chocolate chip cookies!” she called to the siblings, who cheered. Robert rolled down his window to say, “Danke dir, Mr. Schmidt!”

Mr. Schmidt smiled. “Gern geschehen.”

“We’ll definitely be enjoying these.” Betty said, trying to manage a smile of her own.

Mr. Schmidt wiped away her tears. “Don’t be sad for long. You will visit, won’t you?”

“Yeah, we’re only five minutes away,” Eugene reminded her. “You’re acting like it’s five hours.”

Betty looked at him, then at Mr. Schmidt. “He’s right! We will be able to visit you!” She crouched down to pet Gunter. “I’ll see you soon, buddy.”

Gunter barked and gave Betty’s face a lick, making her giggle.

“I’ll see you again, too, Mr. Schmidt!” she added to the old neighbor.

She took the cookies to the car and got inside, where everyone was waiting.

“And we’re ready!” Harold declared.

He started up the car engine and slowly drove off.

“Schönen tag!” Mr. Schmidt called. “Bis bald, Wadlows!”

Harold Jr. turned to Robert and asked, “Why does he want us to be bald?” Robert chuckled. “He told us ‘see you soon’. And we definitely will.”

He looked out the window, seeing their now old house get smaller.

Bis Bald, Brown Street. he thought with a twinge of sadness.

The siblings silently said goodbye to the houses they had grown up around. A little over halfway down Brown Street, the car turned onto Main Street, passing by United Methodist Church.

Sunday’s ride will be just a bit farther now, Robert realized. We won’t just be going down the road anymore.

A minute later, the car turned right onto Sanford Avenue. The Baptist Church was on the left side.

“Will we be going to that church from now on?” Eugene asked.

“No, we’re already at United, silly,” Helen told him. “Besides, we’re not Baptists.”

“I’ll probably still sneak over there for the free wine and bread.”

Helen rolled her eyes and looked out the window. Numerous white houses surrounded them.

“I wonder what the house will look like.” Betty said.

“I can guess at the color…” Eugene replied.

Harold Jr. gasped. “Maybe it’s that one!” He was looking at a white and blue two story house that looked like it came from the Victorian era.

“That has an odd number,” Helen told her little brother. “Ours will be on the right.”

Harold Jr. turned his attention to the right side of the street along with the other siblings. They wondered what house they’d be at.

“Here we are!” Harold announced, pulling up behind the moving van.

The siblings gasped. Their new house was made of brick. It was rectangular with a slanted gray tiled awning. Two big windows were above the awning and a column with ‘2416’ was below it. Instead of having a pointed roof like all the others, this house ended in a squared point, where another window was. A chimney topped off the abode.

“Wow, it’s so nice!” Robert exclaimed.

“Very modern.” Helen added.

“The previous owner said it was built in 1906.” Harold replied.

“It sure doesn’t look like it.” Eugene remarked.

“I know. I almost didn’t believe him at first! It’s certainly a beaut.”

Addie smiled. “Yes, it’s a lovely house. Is everyone ready to look through it?”

The siblings nodded and eagerly got out of the car. They walked up the four steps leading to the yard, which was covered with orange leaves. Harold Jr. and Betty kicked them around while Helen and Eugene went up the four steps in front of the house. Robert held onto the railing and was about to carefully go up himself when he felt something hit his legs. He looked down, seeing leaves fall to the ground.

“Gotcha!” Betty exclaimed.

Harold Jr. grabbed a small pile of leaves and made a move to throw them at Robert, but he tossed them to Betty instead!

“Nice one, Junior!” Eugene complimented his little brother. “Looks like we have another sneak in the family.” Helen said approvingly.

Robert chuckled. “Let’s play out here later. We have a house to explore!”

Betty and Harold Jr. followed their brother to the porch, which was behind a screen door. The middle of the door had swirls that looked like upside down hearts.

“I like this house already.” Betty remarked with a smile.

Helen strolled around the porch as she said, “This would be a perfect space for viola practice.”

“And for relaxing after a long day.” Addie added.

The family waited for Harold, who had been talking with the moving van driver. Now he ran up the last set of steps and stopped at the porch.

“The moving guys are busy in there, so be careful,” he said as he reached for the door handle. “But be sure to have fun!”

He opened the door and the siblings rushed inside, running through the entry hall. They eagerly explored the house, which had a cozy living room with a fireplace, a dining room, a large kitchen (that was now home to Mr. Schmidt’s cookies) and a half bathroom. The mint green walls of the living room had a pretty flower pattern that complimented the large flowers on the carpet. A mirror above the fireplace reflected the staircase. Upstairs was a master bedroom with a dressing room, two bedrooms and a bathroom. There were a few walk in closets throughout the house.

“Which rooms do you kids want?” Harold asked the siblings after their tour.

“I’ll take the biggest one.” Robert replied.

“Naturally.” Eugene commented.

“We’ll share a room.” Helen said, wrapping an arm around Betty.

“And I can share with you, Big Brother!” Harold Jr. told Robert.

Betty frowned. “But now Gene doesn’t have a room!”

Eugene smirked, a twinkle in his eye as he pointed out, “We still haven’t checked out the attic.”

“The attic? But you can’t sleep in there. It would be too small!”

To Betty’s surprise, it was a full walk up attic, which was far bigger than she expected.

“I’d say this could fit a bed and some stuff,” Eugene said. “I’ll take it!”

“Guess you’ll have to make room for storage, too.” Helen told him.

“Nah, I’ll stick that in the basement,” Eugene smiled at her. “Might as well stick you in there, too!” “Ooh, a room all to myself!” Betty exclaimed with a grin as Helen gave Eugene a glare.

“Not if I stick you in there first!” she said.

“We should probably help stick boxes in here.” Robert advised the siblings.

They went downstairs, where moving men were already placing boxes everywhere. One of them went over to the siblings.

“This box here says ‘Helen’s things- don’t touch’,” he said. “Are any of you Helen?”

Helen stepped up as she responded with, “I am.” “You put ‘don’t touch’ on it… and he’s touching it!” Harold Jr. realized.

“That was meant for other people.” Helen told him, giving Eugene a sly glance.

Along with Harold and Addie, the siblings helped the moving men put their boxes in the right rooms. The last things to enter the house were a big chair and an even bigger bed… both belonging to Robert!

“I sure hope my room will be big enough,” he said. “Otherwise, we’ll have to move again!”

Luckily, there was just enough room for Robert’s bed. He decorated his and Harold Jr.’s room along with the rest of the family, who took care of their respective rooms. By the end of the day, nearly everything was unpacked. To celebrate, they had Mr. Schmidt’s cookies after dinner. The air was happy and light after such a long day.

…And then darkness fell.

[theatricks]

New Year’s Greetings! Great Fortune Operation 2019

Videos: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

Full translation below the cut!

A New Year's Greeting

[New Year's Morning, Siegfeld Lesson Room] Shiori: Huff...huff... Now, a pique turn...! Shiori: (Good... Now, a chaîné turn! Chaîné, chaîné, pique, pique...) Shiori: Pose! Huff, huff... One more time... Akira: Individual practice on New Year's morning, you're working hard. Shiori: Yukishiro-senpai!? I thought you returned home yesterday... Akira: I had some free time before greeting my relatives. There's work I want to complete without delay, so I came to the Institute, but... Akira: It looked like someone was in the lesson room and when I came to check, here you were. Akira: Those turns just now were quite good. You've developed the awareness to keep your pivot leg steady at the pelvis. Shiro: Th-Thank you very much...! Akira: However, I think it'd be best to rest a bit more in between. All your preparation will be meaningless if you're fatigued. Shiro: Yes! Michiru: Ah, there you are~! Happy New Year♪ Shiori: Michiru-senpai was here, too, I see. Happy New Year. Your furisode really suits you! Michiru: Thanks, Shiori♪ It's my favorite! Akira: Michiru, why are you here? Shiori: (Huh? Did Michiru-senpai not come here with Yukishiro-senpai?) Michiru: My mom drove me here. More importantly, you didn't compliment my furisode, Akira. Akira: ...Right. It's splendid. Michiru: Is that really what you think~? Well, whatever. Let's go make our first shrine visit of the year, you two. Shiori: A shrine visit? Michiru: I just heard this from my mom yesterday, but there's a shrine that favors the performing arts and there's interesting omikuji there. Michiru: Well, it's not so much the omikuji itself that's interesting, but what you do based on the result. Akira: Sakurazaka Shrine, is it. Akira: There are many shrines that favor the performing arts, but as for characteristic omikuji, it must be that one. Michiru: Correct, Akira! Shiori: Sakurazaka Shrine... So there's a place like that. What kind of omikuji are they? Michiru: Fufufu ♪ You'll see if you come along! My mom will drive us there, so let's hurry and go! Shiori: Ah... She's leaving. Will Mei Fan-senpai and Yachiyo-senpai be coming along, too? Akira: No, Mei Fan's on her way home. Yachiyo also said she'd be busy at home when the new year began. Michiru: Hurry up and get changed, you two♪ It'll start getting crowded soon! Akira: Honestly... So boisterous on New Year's day.

Michiru: We're here~♪ Shiori: There sure are a lot of people. Also--- Student A: "Is that true!? If so, then name it without calling it good fortune!" Student B: "It's a lie! The proof is in the fact that you came here to Sakurazaka Shrine!" Shiori: What exactly are they doing...? Akira: An improvisation, huh. Michiru: That's this shrine's omikuji♪ Shiori: This is an omikuji...? Michiru: On the omikuji, something like 'there's good luck in doing such and such' is written, you see? Michiru: So everyone who comes here on New Year's day will do what's written on the omikuji to increase their luck in the performing arts. Shiori: ? So you're saying 'there's good luck in doing an improvisation' was written on their omikuji? Michiru: Right! Surprising, isn't it~ Apparently, they were originally regular omikuji, but... Michiru: Looong ago, a nearby school would come to the shrine and perform prayers associated with the omikuji's contents. Michiru: They began to gain fame little by little and gradually the contents of the omikuji changed as well... Michiru: Nowadays it's exclusively the performing arts column where things like doing an improvisation is written. It seems the school in question that started it doesn't do it anymore, though. Shiori: I see... So it has that kind of history. Shizuha: Oh? Lalafin: Ah! It's Siegfeld's...! Michiru: Shizuha-chan, Tsukasa-chan, Lalafin-chan! Happy New Year~! Michiru: Tsukasa-chan, your furisode's so cute! I was considering wearing a fluffly shawl, too~♪ Tsukasa: Happy New Year. Thanks, it is New Year's day, after all. Michiru: I know right! The color and pattern really suit you, and that attractive hairstyle is nice, too♪ Tsukasa: Yours is really vibrant, too. A yellow furisode is perfect for the cute Otori-san. Michiru: Ehehehe, thanks~♪ Michiru: Also, I'm glad to see you! I've been thinking I needed to properly apologize sometime. Tsukasa: Apologize...? Michiru: Last year you went through the trouble of writing us an invitation to see "Captain Twins", but we couldn't, I'm sorry! Lalafin: Eh... You remembered!? Even the name! Michiru: Of course~♪ Michiru: The truth is, Akira decided to reply to the invite herself before I could even see it~ Tsukasa: Then the one who wrote "We have no time for the likes of Frontier" was... Michiru: It was all Akira's doing! Geez~ So troublesome~ Akira: ............ Michiru: So, would it be okay for us to see it this year? The play you made! Shiori, you want to see it, too, right? Shiori: Yes! I've heard Frontier's plays are really creative, so I'm looking forward to it. Tsukasa: We'd gladly welcome everyone from Siegfeld. I'll send another invitation, then. Michiru: Yeah, we'll be waiting! Michiru: Well then, we should get going now. Lalafin: Okay! See you later~! Shizuha: Yukishiro-san, let's have another great year. Akira: ...Right.

Michiru: You're the same as ever, huh~ It's New Year's day, you should be more festive. Akira: You're festive enough for us both. Michiru: I'm not so sure about that~ Michiru: But, I wonder if there's no ill feelings from last year now? Michiru: I don't know how much it mattered to them, but if we're going to be standing on the same stage at the Performance Festival, it's good to clear the air. Shiori: Ah...! Michiru: Hm? What's wrong, Shiori? Ichie: Huh? Tamao: You are... Rui: Siegfeld's...!

Carrying Out a Tradition

[New Year's Morning, Tokaso Dormitory] Rui: Tamao-senpai... Is this okay? Tamao: A little tighter is fine. ...There, like that. Tamao: Rui-chan, thank you for helping me put on my furisode. ...How does it look? Rui: I-I-I-It looks really nice on you! No other Stage Girl looks as good in a furisode! Tamao: I think that's a bit of an exaggeration... Rui-chan? Rui: (To think I'd be helping Tamao-senpai change so soon into the new year, it's like a dream come true! Her waist is as slim as ever~) Tamao: Rui-chaaan? Rui: Ah, I'm sorry. I was just thinking how your waist is--... Tamao: M-My waist? Did I gain weight over the holidays, perhaps? Rui: Nonono! If anything it decreased about 5 millimeters! N-No, I mean! I-It's slim like normal, don't worry! Tamao: R-Really? I guess that's fine, then... *ringtone* Tamao: Oh? It's from Ichie... Hello? Ichie: "Tamao, mooornin'!" Tamao: Ichie, Happy New Year. Ichie: "Ah, that's right! Happy New Year and stuff~☆ What are you doing right now?" Tamao: Rui-chan was helping me put on my furisode. We'll be making our first shrine visit of the year after this. Ichie: "A shrine visit!? That'll be nice~ Which one!?" Tamao: You might've heard of it. It's called Sakurazaka Shrine, a god of the performing arts is enshrined there... Ichie: "Oh, I saw it on a TV special yesterday! Apparently, people are going crazy for its weird omikuji right now!" Tamao: It seems that's what it's become famous for nowadays. But, originally, it was the site of an event for the Rinmeikan Performance Department. Ichie: "Eh, really? They mentioned on TV that it had a long history, but Rinmeikan was never mentioned?" Tamao: Apparently, the "Sakurazaka Pilgrimage" was an important event that everyone participated in during my grandmother's time at Rinmeikan, but... Tamao: With the decrease in the number of students, they stopped going, it seems. Tamao: But it's an event with valuable history to it. Ichie: "So, then, you're going to go do that...Sakurazaka pilgrimage or whatever!?" Tamao: Yes. I finished changing quickly thanks to Rui-chan, so I was thinking we should get going soon. Ichie: "Then, I'll go, too!" Ichie: "Mama~! I'm going to visit an interesting shrine for a bit with my friends! I'll go right to grandma's place and meet up with you all after!" Tamao: Eh? Ichie, if you're gathering with your relatives, you don't have to--- *click* Tamao: Ah... She's her usual self right from the new year. Rui: So Ichie-senpai's coming, too. With everyone returning home, I held back inviting them, but... Rui: Should we call Yukko and Fumi-senpai, too? Although, I think Yukko probably won't come. Tamao: Yes, I'm sure Yuyuko-chan's fully enjoying the New Year's holidays at home... Fumi's house is far, so I don't know if she could make it. Let's go with them another time. Tamao: By the way, Rui-chan. Are you really okay with not wearing a furisode? Rui: Y-Yes! It'll take time, too, so my uniform is fine! Rui: (As long as I get to see Tamao-senpai all dressed up, I'm good! Even just spending time changing is a waste!)

[A Few Hours Later] Ichie: Huh? Tamao: You are... Rui: Siegfeld's...! Michiru: Wow! It's Tamao-chan, Ichie-chan, and Rui-chan! Happy New Year♪ Tamao: Happy New Year. Let's have another great year. Michiru: Such a wonderful furisode, it really fits you. Exactly like a Yamato nadeshiko♪ Tamao: Yours is a fitting color for New Year's day, it suits you well. Akira: ............ Tamao: Yukishiro-san, thank you for that time. I'd like for us to both use this year to cultivate ourselves. Akira: ...I see. Rui: ...We're not who we were before. Ichie: Rui, clam down, whoa there☆ Rui: But, Tamao-senpai went out of her way to greet her... Michiru: Ahahaha, sorry about that~ This is basically how Akira always is. Tamao: It's fine. I'll interpret it as Akira-san's way of cheering us on. Akira: ...Let's go. Michiru: Ah, wait up, Akira. Well, then, let's have another great year~ Shiori: Ah... Umm... Uh... Shiori: No, it's nothing. Excuse me! Ichie: ...? What was that about? Rui: It seemed like she wanted to say something. Tamao: (That girl... She's Fumi's little sister, I believe...?) Tamao: ...She must have been nervous. I'm pretty sure she's still in middle school, right? And being surrounded by high schoolers...you see? Ichie: Ah, I see, gotcha. Okay, next time we meet, she'll get a dose of Ichie-senpai's kindness☆ Rui: Well, should we go draw an omikuji for the Sakurazaka pilgrimage? Tamao: Before that, let's pray at the shrine. It's over here.

Rui: At any rate, it sure is crowded. Tamao: Even reaching the shrine is difficult, to say nothing of the omikuji... Ichie: Tamao~! Rui~! Let's go! Tamao: Ichie, it's risky to go alone~! Rui: Let's chase after her!

Rui: We were able to visit the shrine somehow... Ichie: That was tiresome even for me~... Tamao: Let's rest over there a bit. Rui: Let's! Ichie: Ah! Look, it says omikuji here! Come on, let's go☆ Rui: Eeh! Ichie-senpai! We'll be separated! Please wa~it! Tamao: Th-They're so energetic...

Three Sets of Three

[New Year's Morning, Frontier Main Gate] Shizuha: Lalafin, thank you for helping with the "Mochi Pounders VS Badminton Players New Year's Party". Lalafin: Yeah! I ate a bunch of mochi at home, so I wanted to move around! Shizuha: We finished quickly thanks to you. Shizuha: By the way, Lalafin. Do you have anything planned after this? Lalafin: Nope~ Tomorrow's when we all gather together at grandma's. Is there somewhere you wanted to go!? Shizuha: Well, would you like to make our first shrine visit of the year together? I heard there's a shrine that favors the performing arts. Lalafin: A shrine? Shizuha: I saw it on TV yesterday---

Lalafin: Yaaay! Omikuji, omikuji~ Shizuha: Fufu. Such high spirits. Tsukasa: At any rate, I never thought Siegfeld would come here. They don't seem like the type to ask anything of the gods, I was surprised~ Lalafin: You're the one I was surprised to see~ Shizuha: That's right, I didn't expect we'd meet up with you here. Tsukasa: I thought you'd all returned home, so I came here by myself... Tsukasa: Now that I think about it, you're wearing your uniforms--did you pay a visit to the school? Lalafin: To prepare for the "Mochi Pounders VS Badminton Players New Year's Party"! Tsukasa: So they're doing it this year, too~! Last year's was super exciting. Shizuha: Yes. Lalafin helped out a lot, so the preparations were completed perfectly ♪ Lalafin: It'd be nice to invite Aruru and Misora to visit the shrine, too~ Shizuha: It's a bit too late to have them come now, so let's do our best with the omikuji for them as well. Tsukasa: Let's. ...Oh, it's says the omikuji are this way. Lalafin: Omikuji, omikuji~

Lalafin: Arrival! And before my very eyes, the omikuji...! Tsukasa: They might be right in front of us, but this is no small crowd... Tamao: Oh? Ebisu-san? Everyone else, too. Tsukasa: Oh, it's Tomoe-san. Lalafin: Ichie~! Ichie: Lala-cha~n! Both: Happy New Year and stuff~! Shizuha: Fufu. Perfect sync. Tamao: They must be on the same wavelength. Tsukasa: Aren't they a little too similiar... It's kind of dizzying... Shizuha: Oh, that's right. The truth is we're holding an event we call the "Mochi Pounders VS Badminton Players New Year's Party", if you'd like, do you want to join us? Ichie: Mochi pounders and badminton players!? What kinda event is it!? Lalafin: Everyone separates into the 'mochi pounders' or 'badminton players' team, kinda like a sports event, I guess! I'm sure you'd like it, too! Ichie: That's Frontier for you! It sounds pretty amazing! I wanna hear more about it, but for now...the omikuji is before our eyes! Tsukasa: Oh, so you're goal in coming here was the omikuji, too. Tamao: That's right. We'll need courage to face that crowd of people, but we should go soon. Shizuha: Yes. I'll text you the details about the event, in case you're interested. Ichie: I wanna meet up with Aruru-chan and Misora-chan, too, so I'll go! Even if no one else does, I will~☆ Lalafin: You definitely should! It'll be fun!

Tamao: Phew... I'm glad I managed to draw it... Rui: Tamao-senpai! Ichie: Tamao~! Tamao: Good, you're both--... *crowd noises* Tamao: Kya!? Ichie: Hyaah!? Did something just start or what!? Wawah, it's...it's a wave of people~~! Tamao: Kya~! Rui: Tamao-senpai's being swept away...!? I'll save you right away! Ichie: Ruiii, Ichie-senpai's being swept away, too, y'know~!? Eeek, save me~☆ *loud crowd noises* All: Hyaaaaah!?

Rui: Ouch! Shiori: Kya! Rui: E-Excuse me--...! Shiori: ! Rinmeikan's...! Tsukasa: Oh, you two are---

Rui: I wonder if Tamao-senpai is okay... Shiori: What should I do... Getting separated in a place like this... Tsukasa: (These two seem really helpless... They were separated from their senpai, I guess it's understandable.) *ringtone* Tsukasa: (Oh, it's Shizuha.) Tsukasa: Hello? Tsukasa: We were swept away by the crowd, too, all the way to the center of the shrine... Tsukasa: It might be hard to meet up again like this... Tsukasa: And, you're... I see. Okay, go it. I'll see you later, best of luck. Bye bye. Rui: U-Um... Do you know where the others are? Tsukasa: Yeah. It seems Shizuha, Tomoe-san, and Yukishiro-san are together. That leaves--- *ringtone* Tsukasa: Oh, a text from Lalafin. ...Look, she took a fun photo together with Otori-san and Otonashi-san. Shiori: Michiru-senpai... I'm glad she's safe. Tsukasa: It seems everyone's okay for the time being. Tsukasa: Oh, is there anything you want to say to Otori-san? You'll have to rely on Lalafin to tell her, though. Shiori: N-No... I'm fine... Tsukasa: Then, Akikaze-san, is there anything you want to tell--- Rui: I-I'm fine, too...! Rui: More importantly, we should go meet up with the others...! Tsukasa: (Huh~? It kind of seems like they're avoiding eye contact with me?) Tsukasa: (...It couldn't be that they're scared of me, right?)

Ichie: Lala-chan, Michiru-chan! They're selling takoyaki over there! It smells sooo good. Michiru: Oh, you're right~! I'm pretty hungry, I want a bite♪ Lalafin: I'm starving, too! Ah! I propose we buy takoyaki! Ichie: Totally agreed~ Let's buy it and take another commemorative photo! Michiru: Ah, just a second. Before that, I need to send Akira a text.

Tamao: ---So, I wanted to try what was written in the performing arts column of the omikuji, but... Shizuha: I'll participate, if you don't mind. Yukishiro-san, do you not have much interest in this sort of thing? Akira: Right. Sorry, but--- *ringtone* Akira: A text? Who...? Nn. Michiru: "Frontier's representative Shizuha-chan and Tamao-chan who brought Fumi back to the stage..." Michiru: "We've been interested in them for a while, right?" Michiru: "This is a rare chance, so spend some time with them and ascertain with your own eyes what kind of people they are." Michiru: "If you decide to return to me on your own...I'll be angry, okay?" Shizuha: Yukishiro-san, is something wrong? Akira: No, it's nothing. ...I'll participate, too. Tamao: Eh, but--... Akira: Let's finish this quickly. Tamao: Sorry to bother you two with this... Akira: It's not a bother. Our interests aligned just now. Shizuha: Tomoe-san, don't worry. I also came here for the omikuji. Akira: So, what's the task? You have the omikuji there, correct? Tomoe. Tamao: Yes. I haven't opened it yet, I'll look now!

Tsukasa-senpai's Gyaru-ific Counseling Center

Tsukasa: Umm, since we're here I thought we could try what's written on the omikuji, but... Tsukasa: Akikaze-san, Shiori-san, what do you two think? Both: ............ Tsukasa: ...I'm just curious, are you two afraid of me or something? Rui: I-I-I'm not afraid! Rui: I've meet you a few times at the Performance Festival preparatory meetings... Rui: It's just...I've never really mentioned it, but I'm pretty shy around strangers... Shiori: So am I, a bit. I'm fine with people I'm familiar with, though... Tsukasa: I-I see, then it can't be helped. You don't have to push yourselves, okay? Rui: Um, Ebisu-san!! Tsukasa: Wah!? Wh-What is it? Rui: S-Sorry for speaking loudly all of a sudden. Rui: Before you said Tamao-senpai and the others she met up with were doing the sakurazaka pilgrimage...Ah, I mean, completing the omikuji's task. Tsukasa: Yeah, seems that way. Rui: Then, I think I'd like to...do what's written on the omikuji here, too... Rui: Oh! Only if you're okay with it, though, of course! Tsukasa: I'm glad, but, you really don't have to push yourself, okay? Rui: I'm not! Rui: I'm sure if Tamao-senpai were here she'd cooperate with you. Rui: So, I'd like to, also...! Shiori: Please let me participate, as well. Michiru-senpai's text said to help you out. Tsukasa: I see. Thanks, you two. Tsukasa: Then, let's all do our best!

Tsukasa: Actually, I've already opened the omikuji, so I know what the task is. It's not that hard, so don't worry! Rui: Is that so...! Shiori: Can even I do it? Tsukasa: Yep, you definitely can! Here's what was written in the performing arts column... Tsukasa: "There's good luck in making friends with someone on the grounds today"! Rui and Shiori: "There's good luck in making friends with someone on the grounds today"...? Tsukasa: Meaning, if we become friends here, we've cleared the task. Easy enough, right? Tsukasa: Please be friends with me♪ Rui: I can't! Tsukasa: Eh!? Rui: Being friends with more than one senpai... It's far too much! Tsukasa: No, I mean, we don't even go to the same school and we're only a year apart in age. Hey, Shiori-san, you agree with me, right? Shiori: Umm... Tsukasa: (She averted her eyes...!) Tsukasa: Look, everyone else from Siegfeld is older than you, right? It's not surprising anymore, is it? Shiori: I suppose...that's true. Tsukasa: Right? Besides, Shiori-san. ...Umm, your sister and I are the same age, so it's not like you're not used to handling people older than you, right? Shiori: Um, I haven't seen Onee-chan recently... Tsukasa: Oh, I see... Tsukasa: ...Well, I don't know the details, but if there's anything troubling you, I'll listen. Shiori: Eh... Tsukasa: Ah, well, it's like how if you don't know the other person very well, sometimes it's easier to open up, right? Shiori: ............ Shiori: Um, it's not exactly troubling. I've just been wondering how to get close to Onee-chan again. Shiori: I...was scared and didn't return home this year. Because she might hate me... Rui: ...Um, I... I don't think that's true! Tsukasa: Akikaze-san? Rui: When Fumi-senpai talked about returning home, she seemed a bit sad. Rui: Just like...you do now. Shiori: R-Really? Rui: Yes. That's the limits of what I know, but I think Fumi-senpai really treasures you. Rui: When she's talking about your family or recollecting the past... During those times she always has a really warm expression. Shiori: ...Onee-chan. Tsukasa: I haven't heard your sister's circumstances, so I can't say for certain, but... Tsukasa: The two of you are both Stage Girls, so I'm sure you'll be able to understand each other, one day. Shiori: I think that'd be nice. Tsukasa: Yeah. This is only my opinion, but I don't think bonds are broken that easily. Rui: Bonds... Tsukasa: To be honest, there was a time when I left the stage... But, I was able to return. Tsukasa: I'm sure it was because I had a bond with the stage, and friends there who strengthened it. Tsukasa: In Shiori-san's case, the bond of sisters is very, very strong. And I'm sure the stage will strengthen it. Shiori: The stage will... Tsukasa: The stage has amazing power. Maybe it's easier to imagine if I call it energy? Tsukasa: Fiction and reality mix together to create a whimsical but very real world that can only exist on the stage. Tsukasa: The tales woven there, comedy and tragedy alike, so lifelike you could touch them, spread out as a wave of emotion in the audience's heart. Tsukasa: You two may be standng on different stages, but that world is connected. Don't you think that's an amazing thing? Shiori: ...I do. Tsukasa: Yeah. That's why I think you should continue to improve as a Stage Girl. Tsukasa: If you polish your technique until it shines, then every time you stand on another stage, your connection to your sister will grow stronger. Shiori: Yes...! Rui: Uuu...Ebisu-san! Tsukasa: Wh-What's wrong? Rui: I'm so moved! Please listen to my worries as well! Tsukasa: Eeh!? Sure, but all I can really do is listen, you know...!? Rui: That's fine! I'd like to hear your opinion in your words...in your expressions! Tsukasa: Fufu, if you're going to say that much, then I guess I'll have to. Rui: Thank you very much! Shiori-san, would you like to listen, as well? Shiori: If you're okay with me, I'd be glad to! Tsukasa: (Hehe. I kind of feel like I've suddenly gotten two little sisters.) Tsukasa: (It's a different feeling than with Lalafin and Shizuha, or Aruru and Misora. I wonder why... But--) Tsukasa: (Would it be okay to call this friendship? ...I'm sure it's fine, right?)

Michiru's Calculations

Ichie: Phew~ Amazake's so tasty~☆ Michiru: Really? Let me have a sip, too♪ Ichie: Here, take a swig~ Michiru: Yay! *Gulp*...*gulp*... Mmm♪ It tastes and smells like rice, but it has a nice texture~ Lalafin: Sounds good! I want a sip, too~! Ichie: Go on, drink up~ Lalafin: *Gulp*...*gulp*... Ooh, a mature taste. Michiru: Lalafin-chan, amazake is made from malted rice, so there's no alchohol, you know? Lalafin: Eh! Really!? I always thought it was sake! Ichie: I know, right~☆ It makes you think, 'I can put formalities aside for New Year's and drink this, right?' Michiru: Even putting formalities aside, you shouldn't drink sake. Save the alchohol for when you're twenty, okay?♪ Lalafin: I promise~ Wait...huh? Ichie: Hm? Lala-chan, what's up? Lalafin: Promise, promise... Ah! I told Shizuha we'd all do the omikuji's task together. Ichie: Ah! Now that you mention it, I told Tamao the same! Michiru: Well... Michiru: Ta-daah♪ Lalafin: Ah, an omikuji! Ichie: So you had one. Michiru: I drew it before I was separated from Akira and Shiori. Since the three of us are getting along, let's take a look at it♪ Lalafin: Yay! Can I open it? Michiru: Go ahead~♪ Ichie: Then I'll give the drum roll. Announce it when I say, "clang!"☆ Lalafin: Roger! Ichie: Darararara... Michiru: Dararararara... Ichie: Darararara... Clang! Lalafin: Announcement! Our chosen mission is... "The person you are waiting for will not arrive!" Ichie: That ain't right! Michiru: Ahahahaha! Not the 'person you're waiting for' column, the 'performing arts' column! Lalafin: Ahahaha! Ummm... Performing arts, performing arts... There it is! Lalafin: "There's good luck in forming an idol group today"! Michiru: An idol group? That's quite the theme. Ichie: Idol... Uu, it aches, my right arm! Lalafin: An awakening!? Ichie, are you awakening!? Michiru: Ichie-chan, you were an idol in the past, right? Ichie: Eh!? Michiru-chan, you knew? Michiru: Of course~ Don't underestimate my research abilities♪ Lalafin: So that means? Eh, Ichie, you were an idol!? Ichie: In the past♪ Lalafin: Amazing! Michiru: I know a bit about Lalafin-chan, too. You were a sought-after child actress and kid's model while affiliated with an agency. Michiru: Your full intoduction to the stage was in middle school, and since that time your model work appears to have decreased. Lalafin: Wow! You researched me!? Michiru: Ahahaha, it's not a big deal~ It's just a second-hand account from a magazine♪ Michiru: But... This could work, the three of us as idols! Maybe I'll produce us♪ Lalafin: P-Produce...! Ichie: This is getting interesting...! Michiru: By the way, if we're going to do it, we'll be seriously aiming to be Top Idols♪ Ichie: Wait...! If I'm aiming to be a Top Idol, will I have to quit Rinmeikan!? Michiru: No worries! Michiru: These days, idols who excel at specific things are strong! So we'll be aiming to be idols who can sing, dance, and act! Lalafin: That seems pretty cool! Michiru: Is there anything you two want to try after becoming idols? Ichie: Oh, me, me, me! There was something I wanted to do while I was an idol, bur couldn't! Michiru: Go ahead, Ichie-chan. Ichie: A tie-in with a horror movie! I want to sing the theme song and play one of the roles! Michiru: Nice~ What about you, Lalafin-chan? Lalafin: I think it'd be good if I was given each of the catchphrases! Michiru: Catchphrases are part of acting, too--nice, nice~♪ That sort of thing's important! Ichie: Michiru-chan, what are we going to do about our group's name? Lalafin: Ah, that's important! Michiru: Something unique to the three of us would be nice. Let's take a bit and share our opinions. Ichie: Leave it to me! This sort of meeting is so exciting! Lalafin: Yeah, yeah! Unique to us, unique to us~♪

Michiru: Well, everyone, here we go~♪ One, two, three! All: We are "Mirai☆Resume"! Lalafin: "Mirai☆Resume"! It's easy to say and pleasing to hear! Michiru: The 'mi' from Michiru, 'ra' from Lalafin, and 'i' from Ichie--Mirai. And resume can mean summary... Michiru: The charm of three Stage Girls who express themselves through song, dance, and acting--an idol group of the future! Ichie: And that's why we are--- All: "Mirai☆Resume"! Michiru: We've yet to begin our activites, but our formation is complete! Our task was achieved♪ Lalafin: If we could start our activites on a day off or something, that'd be nice! Ichie: Fufufu. My day to shine again as an idol draws near~☆ Michiru: The three of us should go shopping or something this year. We can invite the Seisho girls eventually, too♪ Ichie and Lalafin: Sounds good~♪ Michiru: ...Fufu♪

Tamao's Pride

Shizuha: ---"There's good luck in taking a vow on the shrine ground's stage". Shizuha: That's what's written. How interesting. Tamao: Something we would vow... If it needs to involve all three of us, then it'd be to succeed at the Performance Festival, I guess. Akira: Success at the Performance Festival is a given. There's no need to take a vow. Shizuha: But, while you may say it's a given, I think declaring it before the gods has meaning. Akira: ...I have a vow of my own. Shizuha: Then... How does this sound? Shizuha: First, we'll all vow to succeed at the Performance Festival. And, in addition to that, we'll each make a vow of our own. Shizuha: I'm sure we all have a hidden desire, as well. Our individual vows should be from the heart. Tamao: My... ~flashback~ Tamao: ...They've invited all of us to take part in the Performance Festival! Tamao: Congratulations, everyone! Yuyuko: Whaaat? You serious!? Ichie: We did it! We've cleared the first hurdle on the way to our dream! Rui: This is wonderful! We're going to the Performance Festival together! Fumi: Tamao's dream-- No, the whole group's dream... Now it's mine, too. ~end flashback~ Akira: Very well. Tamao: ...Understood. Shizuha: It's decided, then.

Tamao: So this is the shrine ground's stage... Clerk: ---The stage is ready for whoever is next. Shizuha: Are you both ready? Akira: ............ Tamao: ...I'm fine. Shizuha: Let's go. Student A: Look! The person who just stood on stage, isn't that Siegfeld's Yukishiro Akira!? Student B: And Frontier's Kocho Shizuha! Student C: But, that other girl in the furisode, who is she again? I think she's from Rinmeikan... Tamao: ............ ~flashback~ Tamao: Part of me started hoping that maybe Ichie was right, and qualifying for the Performance Festival would miraculously save our department. Tamao: That was a mistake. Eveything was going so well, and I got too greedy. Tamao: Reality isn't so forgiving. Tamao: But that place filled with dreams and hope, a place where a miracle just might happen... Tamao: I loved that place. ~end flashback~ Tamao: Rinmeikan Girl's School, Performance Department Second-Year, Tomoe Tamao. Shizuha: Frontier School of Arts, Stage Expression Course Second-Year, Kocho Shizuha. Akira: Siegfeld Institute of Music, Acting Department Second-Year, Frau Platin... Yukishiro Akira. Shizuha: We say this now. Shizuha: To succeed in this year's Performance Festival--- Tamao: I vow. Shizuha: I vow. Akira: I vow. Crowd: Waaaaaah! Tamao: ...... Shizuha: Now for our individual vows... Akira: Everything is to demonstrate the pride of the Ruler! For the proof of Siegfeld's superiority! Tamao: ! Akira: Yukishiro Akira will push forward to the center! Walk trembling through the path I clear! Akira: We will display what makes us Siegfeld at the Performance Festival! Shizuha: Even though I said the vow should be from the heart... Are you perhaps saying...the stage is all there is? Shizuha: The path of the absolute Ruler, standing above all. That is not our ideal. Shizuha: I will create the greatest stage, together with the reassuring strength of 23 comrades. Shizuha: Yukishiro-san, your acting ability is truly a magnificent thing, but you don't have to shine alone. Shizuha: ...These are actually Aruru-chan's words, but today I'll vow in her place. Shizuha: A radiant stage with all 24 of us... That's the stage we at Frontier aim for. Shizuha: That's what we'll show you at the Performance Festival. Tamao: ...... Shizuha: Tomoe-san, how about you? Akira: ...What do you vow? You, who couldn't even reach my feet, what do you desire? Tamao: I-- My desire is--- ~flashback~ Tamao: We must stay in the show. We can't let it end here... Akira: Save your speeches for when you're on stage. The curtain has already come down. ~end flashback~ Tamao: I... Rinmeikan's tradition, Rinmeikan's radiance... Tamao: All that is the Rinmeikan Performance Department! I will carve it into this Performance Festival! Tamao: Rinmeikan's tradition, history, radiance. Tamao: Before I even entered Rinmeikan, I inherited them from my mother and my grandmother before her. Tamao: ...I want to make that eternal. So! I will show it to you all! Tamao: On stage at the Performance Festival, Rinmeikan's resolution! Tamao: That is all! Shizuha: ...It seems the desire we all hold for the Performance Festival is genuine. I won't lose either. Akira: Hmph... Rui: Uuu~ Tamao-senpai~! I'll follow you for life! In all ways! Tamao: Rui-chan... To think you were all watching... Ichie: We heard your wish loud and clear☆ Shiori: My body became tense when I heard your words, Yukishiro-senpai. Please join me for our winter vacation practice, too! Akira: Very well. I'll put my all into accompanying you. Michiru: Hehe♪ Both Akira and Shiori are motivated, I'm glad we came. Tsukasa: Siegfeld's pride and Rinmeikan's tradition were both amazing, but our Frontier spirit didn't lose. Lalafin: Shizuha, Frontier spirit~! Shizuha: Fufu. We'll cultivate ourselves together and show everyone a new sight. Tsukasa: Hey! This is a rare opportunity, so let's take a commemorative photo together! It's too bad we can't do it with all the participants, though... Michiru: We'll just have to take that one when we make the Performance Festival a success♪ Ichie: Oookay, "Mirai Resume", assemble~☆ Lalafin: Heeere♪ Shiori: Yukishiro-senpai, is it okay...to take a photo with everyone? Akira: ...... Rui: Tamao-senpai, do you know how to use the self-timer? Tamao: Yes, I'm good. Press this button and... Tamao: Everyone, here we go! What do mice eat~? All: Cheeeese!