Section 2: Glittering Revolution

And the winner is...AxXxS!

Meow-hah!

AxXxS wins!

Well of course.

Yeehaw! That was some fine performin' by AxXxS!

Congratulations, AxXxS! You just made it through the Grail Concert's prelims!

I did it. Yay. (V-sign)

It's getting a little cramped running our operation out of Ex's apartment, so I think we should look into moving to a proper office now that we're in the finals.

...Look, I found the perfect place: a brand-new, high-rise office building.

Oh wow, this place is gorgeous. It's also directly connected to a train station, AND it even has a drink bar, sweets bar, and recording studio.

Hotties of Dark R.O.U.N.D.S., are you crying tears of envy from beyond your graves? I see.

I really am living the dream!

Um, Miss Crane? This is what it'll cost in QP every month if we move our operations here...

Know what? I've changed my mind.

Huh?

From now on, we can use my atelier as Chaldea Productions' new office.

Huh, you're a lot tighter with the purse strings than I thought. Oh well, at least this room is nice enough.

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Please, make yourselves at home. Oh, just make sure you don't open the closet in the back. Hehehe...

So this is it. We're on our way to the finals.

That's right. I just received a notice from management.

Our first opponent will be the idol group Saint Mahatma Operatic.

...!

I can't believe we're going up against MahaOp right off the bat...

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Their theme is fantastic chivalric romance, and their leader is Helena Blavatsky.

Their other members include Jeanne, Altera, and Ushiwakamaru.

It's quite a sight to see those three valiant knights vying for Princess Helena's affections even as they serve her faithfully.

S-so they're all romantic competitors!? That sounds...amazing...!

Oh Mash, it's not real. That's just their conceit. You know, a theme. It's all an act.

I-I see... I had no idea.

As for what their shows are like...I think the quickest way to learn that is to experience one for yourselves!

I thought this sort of thing might happen, so I went ahead and got tickets to their next show. Now, let's go scope out the cutiesI mean, competition!

These cheers are deafening... It looks like the show is about to start.

I'm starting to get really excited myself!

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...Think back. Remember a time when the world was filled with all manner of fantastical things.

Once, there was a land far, far away, across a hundred oceans and a thousand mountains, where the souls of all living things gathered. Its name: the Holy Kingdom of Mahatma!

Whoa! This fantasy world looks so real.

Princess! Princess Helena! I, your loyal knight Ushiwaka, come bearing a gift: the head of the evil dragon I just defeated!

Thank you for your service, Lady Ushiwaka. But I cannot condone bringing such a grisly trophy into the palace.

My apologies, Lady Jeanne. I didn't realize a few splatters of dragon blood on my armor would be enough to frighten you.

It seems you're still drunk on battle, Lady Ushiwaka. You conduct yourself in a manner unbefitting a knight of Mahatma.

Oh? Care to say that again, Lady Jeanne?

Quiet, you two.

Lady Altera!

Princess Helena is about to grace us with her presence. Come, let us sing her praises together.

Welcome home, Ushiwaka, my knight! I commend your victory! Your latest accomplishment is so

Mahatma!

Mahatma!

Yes... Mahatma!

Mahatmaaa!

No way. This song is

Yes. It's Princess Helena's number one hit: "That's So Mahatma☆"!!!

So, they're starting big! I would expect no less from MahaOp! Mahatmaaa!

Go on, everyone, you too!

O-okay! Mahatmaaa.

Khh! To think that evil dragon was no more than a harbinger of the disaster yet to come!

The enemy army grows by the hour. It seems twilight has come for the world itself...

Whatever else happens, Princess, you must escape with your life. I WILL make a path for you, even if I must paint the trail with the enemy's blood.

No, my faithful Jeanne. My place is here, with my people.

Then until that fateful time comes, Princess Helena, my place is here by your side!

Eee! Please don't die, Princess! Hang in there, Lady Jeanne!

...Yeah. Fight, dammit! Don't let the forces of darkness win!

Listen, they're starting the next song! Come on! We need to wave our glowsticks like our lives depend on it!

It seems this is where we shall make our last stand, Lady Altera!

Indeed, Lady Ushiwaka. Then let us sing loud and clear!

Though a thousand soldiers surround us, we shall not take a single backward step!

Ushiwakaaa! Best Heroic Spirit eveeer!

Lady Alll! I want to die upon your blaaade!

I can't believe this! If I could just crash their show, my toe beans would take care of those stupid forces of darkness in no time!

Now is the time!

For our hearts!

To become one!

Ahh... I can see Mahatma!

...

I know! It was absolutely wonderful! The whole thing felt like a beautiful dream!

Me too! Their whole world was like a music box filled with sparkling jewels!

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Oh, right. I wasn't sure about that, either.

Not bad, I guess. I think I picked up a new trick or two we can use in our own shows.

That's playing it awfully cool considering how wildly you were waving those glowsticks earlier.

Oh, that? That was just a show of support for my fellow idols. I totally ship Heleanne, though. They're the best.

Heleanne? Are you kidding? How could you see the bond between Princess Helena and Lady Altera and not cry buckets?

Huh? Are you nuts? Were you even watching the same show? Of COURSE Princess Helena's heart belongs to Jeanne.

Pipe down, lasses! Haven't you heard the expression "Jeaushi is the best"?

Jeaushi? Seriously? Now you're just being delusional. They barely even interacted today.

They were right there in the same scene! Are you trying to come between them, you little cat burglar!?

Aah! Now the idols are all arguing! Oh, but I ship Alushi all the way!

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Oh no you don't! You're not wrapping this up in a bow by pretending to be all understanding! Who do YOU ship!?

Normally I'd never let anyone stan the same idols as me, but I'm willing to make an exception for you.

Wow. Arrogant much? It's not like MahaOp belongs to you, you know.

That's it! I can't take this anymore! This group is officially broken up!

Huh!?

A breakup over shipping differences, huh. That might not be a bad reason for Heroic Spirits as particular as us to go our separate ways!

I used to think we were friends. Now, we're fighting over love. ...Ooh, that sounds like the makings of a new song.

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...

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...Nnn! I-it's okay. I'm back now. E-everyone, please, let's just take it easy!

Don't you see? The fact that we're all arguing so passionately just goes to show how strong that group's relationships and storytelling sensibilities are.

Their shows play out like musicals, sucking the whole audience into their world!

Talk about appealing directly to fans. No wonder they're on top of the idol world. They're just too strong.

Indeed. And the fact that our group is on the verge of breakup after a single show of theirs is the proof of just how good they are.

Ghh...

Ouch. Now I feel lower than the Mariana Trench.

"Everyone's different, and that's okay." That's the whole basis for society. How could I have forgotten that?

Um, everyone? I know we all have our own preferences, but

I know, Mash. You're right. I got a little carried away.

Ugh! This is sooo frustrating! How can they be so good!?

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Yeah. You're right, Master. Ensnaring the masses with incredible charm is OUR thing!

All right, our first order of business for this strategy meeting is to go over how AxXxS compares to Saint Mahatma Operatic.

Our singing and dancing is just as good as theirs, if not better. That much, I'm absolutely sure of.

I agree. You're both truly exceptional performers.

However...we also have to admit that MahaOp's performances leave a stronger impression on the audience.

And it's all because of the way they immerse you in their world.

Exactly. They excel at drawing their audience in by building a story around their song and dance numbers.

And that story isn't limited to the stage. They have all their other media bases covered as well, from fancy lore books to all kinds of merchandise. In fact, I've already reserved my copy of the next book in their series.

So, if we're going to beat them, does this mean we should incorporate story elements into our show, too?

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Well said, Master. I couldn't agree more.

It doesn't take a genius to know what will happen if someone who's barely fired an arrow before challenges a seasoned bowman to an archery duel.

It's way better to hone your skills with your own weapon of choice and fight them with that instead.

I-I see. That does make a lot of sense.

Adding themes that weren't originally there just to chase the latest trend can easily ruin your group's core identity. I've seen it all too often.

Then let's remind ourselves: What are AxXxS's strengths? Our weapons of choice, as Medb put it.

Personally, I believe that the root of an idol's strength lies in hopethe wish she carries in her heart.

So tell me, what is the wish that drove all of you to become idols?

I want to rule the world with my beauty, of course. I'm going to shine so bright that everyone will want me for their lover.

I've always lived my life by dominating others, and I'm not about to change for the entertainment world!

Ahh... You never fail to impress, my beautiful Medb. That unwavering confidence is seriously making me fall for you... Eee!

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(Gasp!)

G-goodness, that won't do. I really must be more careful.

This cat's wish is simple! I just wanna make every fan in this world happy as a clam!

That's why I pour my heart into singing sweet songs for them. The only question is, should they be sweet like a parfait or a sundae? Decisions, decisions...

How beautiful! What a pure and innocent wish. Such warmth... Such kind maternal instincts... M-Mamaaan!

Aww, there, there. You're totally cray-cray, aren't you? Like, more than a Berserker.

That's definitely the reaction idols like us are going for, though. Let's just leave her be for now.

Your goals sound very different, but they align where it counts. You both really want to charm your fans.

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Me? Well...

Hmmm...

I'm not sure. Nothing really comes to mind. Like I told you before, I kind of started on a whim.

Huh? Come on, that can't be right. It's not like a friend signed you up for an audition without asking, did she?

And even if that were the case, you must have something driving you, or you'd never have lasted this long.

Yes... I guess so. But, all the same...

...I'm sorry. My mind is all in a jumble.

I think I need a little time to think. Then I should be able to come up with something...probably...

Poor thing. She looked really shaken up.

Well, this is a surprise. I didn't think she'd have trouble answering that.

I hope she's okay...

(Sigh) My wish... What is my wish, anyway...?

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Yes, it is. I don't even want sweewell, okay, it's not THAT bad, but I definitely don't feel like myself.

... ...

Um, Master? Do you have a minute?

There's, um...something I'd like to talk to you about.

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...Up until I ran into you and Mash, I was stuck at the bottom of the idol charts and going nowhere fast.

And if an idol's strength comes from the wish driving her...that's no real surprise. I don't seem to have one.

Like I told you before, I really just started doing this on a whim.

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I was? ...Yes, I guess I was. Even though I couldn't make any money from it, and no one listened when I sang.

I even did my best to turn my thoughts into lyrics and set them to original melodies, despite knowing they were terrible.

...I wonder why I did all that.

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Yes, I do. At least, I think so.

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...You're really pressing me today, aren't you, Master. Is that because you're my producer now?

I guess the reason I like singing...is because people listen to you?

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These days, it's our fans.

But before, it was the person who used to sit next to me at karaoke...

... ...

Oh!

I might have just realized part of my motivation!

I think it's because there's someone specific I want to hear my songs... Maybe.

She and I have been separated for a while now due to...extenuating circumstances, so I don't know what's going on with her now...

But given what I do know about her, I'd bet she's out there getting into some fun space trouble somewhere.

So, you know. I'm trying to cheer her on.

Though it's really just to make myself feel better, since I'm sure she can't hear me singing out here.

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...I don't know if I'd go that far, but we were definitely more than just acquaintances.

I do always end up picturing her face whenever I sing, though. I'll never forget what she was like, either, even if I never see her again.

...Aha. Now I get it.

I think my idol wish...

...is for her to hear me sing.

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Huh? You want me to turn these feelings into lyrics?

Why would you... Wait. Y-you don't mean

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You want me to write the lyrics for AxXxS's new song, and share these private feelings with the whole world!?

W-well, even if I agreed, it's not all up to me. We have to see what everyone else thinks, too.

Oooh, that's so touchiiing, Ex! I can feel the emotions behind every word!

You want a friend of yours to hear you sing? Talk about trite. But, such a common theme should resonate with the common masses.

My intuition is telling me this song is going to be one of AxXxS's most powerful weapons!

Seriously? We're doing this? We're actually doing this, huh.

Great job, Master! I knew I could count on Chaldea Productions' producer.

All right, let's get to work on this new song! Alter, you write the lyrics! Cat, you write the music like usual!

Aye, aye, partner! This cat's already got music notes on the brain! Go on, Alter, tell us more!

Er, well, it's really not that big a deal, so...

Not! Your! Call! Tell us what we want to know, and we'll decide if it's worth singing about or not!

Now come on. We need to lay this track down in a studio, stat!

Ooh, your first group collaboration! This is great... Don't worry, I won't peek at your creative process!

All right folks, it's the moment y'all been waitin' for: the Grail Concert! I'm your host, Billy the Kid...

And I'm your other host, Calamity Jane! Boy, you can really feel the energy in the air, can't you?

Sure can, Jane. Everyone here's rarin' ta see some magnificent idols!

That's right, Billy. This event is all about bringing the world's best idols together to see who comes out on top!

Which idol will shine brightest for all time? I know I can't wait to find out!

Now then, who do we have for today's matchup?

First up, we got Saint Mahatma Operatic, known for their immersive storytelling!

WOOOOOO!

MahaOp will be going up against the rising new stars of the idol world, AxXxS, known as ∞QUEEN before the addition of their latest member!

Whooooooa!

Stick around to find out which of these here idol groups is quick enough on the draw to reach the next round!

This is it. I'm so glad we were able to finish the new song in time.

Me too... Though I'm so burned out my head is smoking. First I had to push myself like a Spartan to come up with the lyrics, then we had to rehearse the song as soon as I was done...

I do things Connacht-style, not Spartan. Actually, make that Medb-style.

Whatever it is, it worked! The lyrics AND the music are the cat's pajamas, and I know cat's pajamas, woof!

I didn't know you were such a good composer, Cat. I especially like how you use pawprints for all the musical notes.

Let's just say writing songs was the perfect way to get back at all those cats who thought they could literally walk all over me.

...I knew I was right to team up with you two. I could never have done this on my own.

This is the joy of being in a group! It's the greatest advantage of forming an agency.

It lets you and your groupmates support one another in the hope that tomorrow will be even better than today.

Yes. I see what you mean.

Knock knock! We thought we'd say hi to our opponents before the show!

Eee, it's MahaOp in the flesh... I mean, ahem! Thank you. That's very kind of you.

We've heard all about your concerts and street performances, and we know you're a tough group!

Hehe. We're a lot more than just "tough."

Wonderful. The better the opponent, the more valuable their head.

The moral of Saint Mahatma Operatic's stories is simple. All who oppose our kingdom shall be destroyed without mercy.

Okay, that's enough! No more trash talk!

Anyway, we hope you'll enjoy the story of the Mahatma Kingdom today just as much as you always do, AxXxS!

...You bet we will.

Just as much as we always do, huh...

Man, that's some serious charisma they're rocking.

I almost forgot I was an idol myself, and not just another spectator.

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You're right. It's going to be a tall order...but with this outfit and this new song, I'm sure I can do it. I think.

Okay, everyone, good luck out there. I'll be cheering you on backstage.

So this is the stage for the Grail Concert...

Indeed, it is! But it is not only a stage. It is also the field where light and darkness shall do battle!

Oh, and you're sooo sure you guys are on the light side, huh? Now I really want to bully you into submission!

It's all right, Lady Medb. Let them be light if they want.

Oh? You don't mind being lumped in with the forces of darkness, Lady Alter?

Everyone knows the dark side is cooler. Plus, giving into darkness makes you way stronger. That's just science.

And it's as true for idols as it is for anyone else.

So let's show the denizens of the Mahatma Kingdom how brightly our dark Idol☆Glo truly shines!

Playing up the alluring femme fatale angle, huh? I like it!

People of Mahatma! Soon, thou shalt know that Jeaushi is the OTPthe one true pair, pair, pair! (Echoing her own words)

Ahh, these forces of darkness are dreadful indeed! It's all right, Princess Helena. Leave these interlopers to us!

I will. Go forth, my beloved knights!

Meow-hah!

Khh! Well done! Well done, indeed!

Ahh, this is terrible! My dear knights are falling left and right!

Worry not, Princess. We can still fight, and we will not let your love be in vain!

Our kingdom faces an unprecedented crisis... So it is only right that I join the battle myself!

Princess Helena is joining the fray! Let us fight and sing in her honor!

It's time to settle this, AxXxS!

I agree. Sing at us with everything you've got, and we'll do the same!

This is it, Senpai!

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Fans, wave your glowsticks! Let your cheers fill the hall! Beat fast and true, my Altereactor!

And the winner is...AxXxS!

Um, this next song is a story about... Huh?

It's okay, Alter. It's over. I'm not sure how, but we won.

I see. I was so focused on performing, I didn't even notice.

Still, a victory is a victory. And with three members, we have enough fingers for six victory signs. Hurray.

(Sniff) Your Idol☆Glo was just so bright...we could never hope to match up.

...You beat us fair and square. That was a beautiful song.

Khh! Now that things have come to this, I shall have to sacrifice my life so that I may sing the ultimate

Now, now, my dear Lady Ushiwaka. We may have lost this battle, but we haven't lost the kingdom in our hearts.

Wh-what do you mean?

I mean the bonds we've forged as part of Saint Mahatma Operatic. That kingdom lies in our hearts, and I would never trade it for anything.

One day, we will come back to this world. To the stage where our fans await.

So for now, let's give these lovely winners the praise they deserve.

...Very well, Princess!

Even in defeat, you're still damn charming. I have to admit, I'm impressed.

You were wonderful, AxXxS! That new song of yours really moved me.

Thank you. ...I wrote the lyrics.

You did? Wow, Ex, you've really got talent! I can't wait to hear what you come up with next!

Don't worry folks, we'll be putting it on all the streaming services as soon as the concert is over. Bye meow!

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I hope we can perform on the same stage again someday, whether in competition or collaboration.

For I have no doubt you'll wow us with a new song even more beautiful than the one you sang today.

...I'd love that!