Theater

My Lord! Over here!

Yeah, what do you think?

It's roomy.

Isn't this the most wondrous place for a drink?

Practice violin?

Conductor?

Hey... behold who is here!

Our musical girl!

Oh... it's you, the wanderer on the surface.

Thanks a lot for what you did before.

Yes. I was almost killed last time on the surface,

and she saved me by landing a hit with the shining moon light.

Hehe, don't praise me liketh that.

Your performance warmed my soul.

Death wast upon you,

but thou hast shown no fear and never stopped playing. It was the epitome of grace.

So, to make sure thy performance could go on, I cleaned up those Raptures.

So, what brings you here?

I just did want to go out on a walk, feel the breeze in my face, and watch the clouds.

Besides, the weather is good so I asketh my Lord to come out and have a little drink.

I see.

You are here to have a drink.

Hehe, saying such a brief sentence is not thy style...

How can you drink without music?

Would you perform for us?

Of course.

Just like what I said before,

I will repay you with my music some day.

... Hehe.

Your music as appetizers must be surprisingly delicious.

What's your favorite music?

Well...

Which kind of music should I like?

Something like me?

Something like a wanderer?

So the music must be something graceful yet sharp,

with a sense of spirituality and tranquility.

That sounded complex.

Am I really like that?

Yes, it might be quite challenging for me.

But that makes it more meaningful as well.

So, could you please settle down on the stage already?

Now, please relax and enjoy my music.

Ah.

This feels so nice.

Over here, Commander.

I was so excited about seeing the movie, I woke up early.

I thought I might lose the USB, so I've been gripping it super tight.

It's called The Ferocious Feline.

I've wanted to see it for ages, and it's finally available for rental.

Do you like cats, Commander?

So do I!

Apparently this movie is a real hidden gem.

It's filled with lots of cute cats, too.

I certainly hope so!

Oh... well, dogs are cute too.

...

Uh... Then do you want to watch something else?

Phew, that's a relief. I heard this movie's filled with a lot of cute cats.

Hopefully you'll like it.

Should we head in?

This way we can really focus on the movie.

I'm telling you, there's someone else in this house!

You have to trust me! Please!

I thought I'd picked The Ferocious Feline...

Is this a different movie?

Who knows, maybe a cat is behind everything.

It could be hiding and toying with them.

Cats are always causing trouble on the sly like that...

Maybe the cat will show up later on?

Kind of a slow reveal...

Anyway, we can keep watching.

What was that, Commander?

Huh? Didn't you just whisper something in my ear?

Oh... it must have been something from the movie. Sorry.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh-!

...!

Thanks, Commander. If you hadn't given me a heads up,

that part would have made me scream for sure.

Didn't you just tell me a jump scare was coming up?

Th-then what did I hear?

I-I don't think so... it sounded like it was right next to me...

Then again, maybe it was just the movie. Sorry.

No! She has to stay awake!

Uh, C-Commander...

Why are you...

I didn't say anything...

What is happening?

What is that?

C-Commander...

... I think we should get out of here.

Hi, Commander.

Never thought I'd run into you here of all places.

Why are you so surprised?

I can appreciate the finer things in life too, y'know?

Well... some of the time, anyhow.

I suppose that's true.

...

No, not really.

But for whatever reason, this movie pops into my head every year.

So I always come see it. Kind of an annual event if you will.

It's the story of these poor young gangsters.

A rival gang called The Plutocrats are about to kill the protagonist,

when his friend...

Oh, he just killed one of them.

Nah, this is still just the intro.

They run away, and live a life on the run.

The second act of a down-and-out criminal's life.

That's what this movie is all about.

Not sure. I've never really given it much thought.

I guess it gives me... a sense of hope.

This was filmed before the Rapture invasion.

It's a window into a better world, a world before the Outer Rim.

There aren't any walled-off cities in this movie.

And it shows there's always the possibility of escape.

Not to mention the bond they share.

Outlaws today would have just shot each other over some petty squabble.

Nothing heroic like the protagonist running away with his best friend who saved him.

See, even now.

The strongest guy from the gang is taking care of the protagonist.

If that was now, he'd be turning him in for the bounty.

Depends on who you're talking about.

My squad? Or Heavenly Ascension?

Jackal is a special case.

I could kill someone today, and she'd come running to save me.

But Viper...

She'd stab me in the back the moment she had a chance.

Just like any other outlaw.

They all worship me.

As long as I rule them with an iron fist, they'll fall in line.

If I allowed any cracks to appear,

they'd tear me limb from limb and sell the parts to the highest bidder.

I can't even blame them.

I'd do the same thing.

What is?

Hm?

... Oh, haha.

You've got it all wrong.

I'm not holding a pity party here.

Movies aren't real life.

You can't expect the values of one to be like the other.

Imagine a movie where these innocent little kids

are running around giggling and gleefully planting bombs.

I'd be the first one to give the director a piece of my mind.

I'd tell him why the hell did he waste my time with such a ludicrous plot.

But if you take the same activity and make it my job, then I think it's fantastic.

...

Take a guess.

Just picturing that imaginary director in my head.

Anyway, that's not what I wanted to say.

Some people are weirdos. They're naturally drawn to characters

that are diametrically opposite to them.

...

Come to think of it, it's kinda rude for us to be talking so much in a theater.

We should keep quiet

and just

enjoy the movie.

Try it again.

My→love→you↗have→been↗far→away↗

My↘love↗you→have↘been→far↗away↘

...

How's that? I think I've got this down.

I think Soline is going to clean your clock.

Your high notes need some work. Let's try it again.

My→love→you↗have→been↗far→away↗

My↗love↗you↗have↗been↗far↗away↗↗↗

...

Ssh!

Sit down.

Don't you know proper concert-going etiquette? Keep your voice down.

Can't you see? I'm enjoying the music.

The→everlasting→love↘

The↗everlasting↘love↗

Much better than before. One more time.

The→everlasting→ love↘

I came to see a proper show, but then I saw the two of them practicing singing.

They're so wrapped up in it that they haven't noticed me, so I've just been sitting here quietly.

Whenever→you→are↗sad↗

Whenever↗you↘are↘sad↗

Hmm...

What do you think?

What do you mean?

I'm doing nothing of the sort!

If anything, you're the one who's belittling them.

When you look up there, what do you see?

Someone is helping another overcome her personal flaws.

Would you say that's inherently comedic,

or tragic?

It's rude to answer a question with another question.

...

I'm just a bystander.

It doesn't matter to me whether it's a comedy or a tragedy.

I'm just sitting in the audience and watching.

So I can't answer your question.

But I do know one thing though.

I can't do what those two do.

Let's go over it one more time.

My→love→you↗have→been↗far→away↗

My→love→you↗have→been↗far→away↗

Well done! You did it!

Really? Let's keep going!

Okay.

... Haha.

No, definitely not for me.

For I am as unfettered as the wind.

The confinements of this world cannot contain me,

nor can its cruel tendrils constrain me. I am a thief, as free as the wind.

...

A thief being free?

The words free and thief don't go with each other.

All the criminals in the Ark are incarcerated in the Rehabilitation Center.

And I've never heard of a criminal who escaped from that place.

What makes you think no one has ever escaped that place?

You have no imagination.

Who is it?

Who do you think?

A thief, as free as the wind, who can never be caught!

Maestro, do you know who that is?

Escape artist?

I never did like that nickname.

A free spirit?

That has a nice ring to it.

Who said I was hiding?

I was just trying to locate one of my escape routes.

She has?

Hi, nice to meet ya.

The pleasure is all mine. I'm Aria.

I know who you are. You're a famous opera singer.

I heard that a ticket to one of your shows costs an arm and a leg.

And to think, here I was getting a sneak preview for free, hehe!

Must be my lucky day.

Did you really escape from the Rehabilitation Center?

I sure did. That's why I'm here before you today.

But once I'm done sorting out my affairs, I'll head back.

You make it sound like you're heading back home after running errands...

They feed me and put a roof over my head, so it is kinda like my home.

Do they ever try and stop you from leaving?

All the time. The guards are constantly blocking up my routes.

I'm constantly creating new ones so that I can come out.

Like, for example, hiding in this theater while you were rehearsing.

You're so certain that you'll be able to escape day after day.

I admire your confidence.

Have you ever thought you might fail?

Never.

Not even once?

Not even once.

... I see.

I feel like I have a sense of who you are.

Someone bursting with confidence, someone who is certain

that they'll never be caught, and the freedom that comes with that.

Do you, perchance, have a moment to spare?

Sure, I've got lots of time.

Why?

If you're interested, would you care to listen to one of my songs?

Sure!

Very well, I'll begin.

For I am as unfettered as the wind.

The confinements of this world cannot contain me,

nor can its cruel tendrils constrain me. I am a thief, as free as the wind.

Bravo! I can't quite put my finger on it, but it somehow sounds better than before.

How to describe it... Hearing it makes me feel... refreshed! Like a cool breeze on my face.

I'm glad that you got something out of it.

Since you were kind enough to give me a private performance,

I feel like I should give you something in return.

Here.

A bottle cap?

Yeah, a super special one too!

... Thanks.

It's certainly not what I expected, but I appreciate it.

I'm just happy you like it.

I thought someone as famous as you would hate getting something like this.

I can tell by your voice

that this cap means a lot to you,

!!

Is that right?

Very much so.

I thought an opera singer like you would be all hoity-toity, but you're actually really nice.

I'll try and use this route more often in the future.

You're always welcome to stop by.

However, I would like to hear more of your stories next time.

As someone who spends most of her life on the stage, I don't have many opportunities to hear stories like yours.

Sure thing!

If you're that interested,

I'll bring two bottle caps next time.

I can't wait.

Pit Boss!

Over here!

Y-you actually came?

Hmm...

Why do you think?

Take a guess.

Oh my!

Sis, I think Pit Boss was looking forward to a private show.

We'll have to keep that in mind for next time.

No doubt!

We've come up with a concept for our new dance.

We're pretty happy with it, but

something feels a bit off.

Would you...

take a look?

Have a seat in the front row.

Noir, now!

Got it!

Pit Boss,

give us your hand.

Phew, that was hard!

You killed it, Blanc.

You too.

So,

what'd you think, Pit Boss?

We want a performance where we can involve the audience.

They want to meet us so badly, but they're always so far below the stage.

We thought this would make a nice memory for a lucky fan.

Of course, there are limits to what we'll do for our fans, but

I think they'll enjoy it.

Did you not like it?

We couldn't actually do it in real life so we kept practicing on ourselves.

We thought it'd work really well...

Was it not good?

Really? You think so?

What is it?

A chair?

Ah, were you uncomfortable from all the standing?

Or was it hard to keep your balance because we were holding onto you?

Yeah, that must be it!

Was there something else that made you uncomfortable?

Please, be honest with us!

Really?

I think I understand.

So you think the audience members will appreciate it?

You think they'd feel awkward without it?

V-very...?!

Do you think it'd be bad enough that we shouldn't do it on stage?

What if we take out all the touching?

Maybe that will make them feel slightly less agitated.

Ha!

Are you sure you won't find it too disagreeable?

I-I see...

Well, at any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Then let's make this a private show, for your eyes only!

Yeah!

That's a good idea.

In that case, should we practice a bit more?

Yes, let's continue.

Do you have time to keep helping us, Pit Boss?

Thanks!

I'll go find a chair.

Graul!

Hey, Zoo Keeper.

Nothing, we are just hanging around.

I can't take Timi to any concerts or theatrical performances back in the Ark.

So, whenever we want to experience a bit of culture,

we come over to the Outpost.

Even though there aren't any shows being put on,

it's still a nice change of scenery.

You don't need to feel sorry for us.

Sure, it's a shame we don't get to see an actual performance,

but we've got the entire Theater to ourselves!

We're happy.

What?

How?

Hmm?

I didn't know you'd bring friends,

Conductor.

Graul?

Long time no see, Conductor.

You're as charming as ever.

And who is your friend here with the bestial voice?

Hey there, my name's Leona.

This big fella over here is Timi.

Graul.

My my, what a bold and sonorous voice you have.

Greetings,

I am Julia.

Are you here to listen to me bare my soul, like Conductor?

I don't know about souls and all that. We're just here to appreciate the Theater.

I see. Then I believe our encounter today was predestined.

Maybe so.

How wonderful!

I shall take this joy I am feeling and give it a voice through my music.

Your music?

Are you a musician?

Yes. I give voice to my soul through the violin.

Wow, cool!

Actually,

Timi has never seen a recital or anything before.

Would it be possible for you to play a song for us?

Of course.

I would be honored to play for an intrepid lion such as him.

Do you have any preference?

Anything will do.

What about you, Conductor?

Very well. I hope my pleasure of meeting you all shines through in my melody.

A concerto...

for the intrepid lion.

Graul!

Graul!

Looks like Timi enjoyed it.

And that makes two of us. I've never heard such a powerful piece of music!

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

How about another?

Graul!

Sure!

Can you take Timi to the Theater today, Zoo Keeper?

A movie starring Timi has been released.

But I can't take him there as I got something urgent to take care of.

Is that ok?

Graul!

Graul?

Graul!

... Huh?

Please keep quiet in the Theater.

Watching movies helps improve my acting skills.

Besides, I should be the one who's surprised.

For one, I didn't know you were a fan of this kind of movie.

Graul!

...!!

Behind you...

!!

If it's okay...

... Sure.

...

Graul!

Graul!

...!!

Graul...

... Yeah.

...

... I like cats.

...

Please keep it a secret from K. I didn't want to get caught, so I even disguised myself.

Also, this was what I wanted to say before the movie started...

... If it's all right, can Timi leave a footprint on my poster?

Manager, are they the ones you mentioned before?

Rewind, was it?

Nice to meet you.

I'm Bay, the leader of Rewind.

And I'm Clay!

You probably already know, but I'm Volume.

Okay. Before we start practicing, let me give you a quick rundown.

You two are going to be my opening act.

Your job is to fire up the crowd with a killer cheerleading routine.

And then...

BAMMM!!

Gah!

That's when I make my grand entrance.

Doesn't that sound perfect?

Did you get all that?

Y-yep!

Leave it to us.

Okay then, let's get started. Drop the beat!

*Clap clap clap clap*

C'mon, everyone, put your hands together!

*Clap clap clap clap*

Let's go! Turn up the volume!

Say it with me now: Go, Volume!

V-O-L-U-M... Whooooa!

What the...?!

Stop!

Hey, what the heck was that?

Sorry, I messed up the routine...

Sorry won't cut it.

This isn't some kids' talent show.

What?

Manager, didn't you say these two were professionals?

Then how do you explain this?

This is the furthest thing possible from professional.

You, what was your name again... Clay?

Yes?

Get out.

Wh-what?

Did I stutter? I said get out.

Hey, that's enough.

Oh, don't think I forgot about you. What's your problem?

You call yourself a leader? You can't even handle your one and only teammate.

... What?

She doesn't have what it takes to hang with the professionals.

Watch it. You shouldn't underestimate Clay.

Please, just give me one more chance!

!!

...

I made a mistake, that's all.

If you give me one more chance, I won't mess up, promise!

Clay...

Why would I waste my time gi...

What?

... Fine. If you insist.

But this is your last shot. No more second chances after this.

I understand, thank you!

*Clap clap clap clap*

Everyone, clap your hands!

*Clap clap clap clap*

Let's go! Turn up the volume!

Say it with me now: Go, Volume!

V-O-L-U-M...!

...!

...

... E!

When I say "Volume", you say "Let's go"!

Volume!

Let's go!

Volume!

Let's go!

All right, it's my turn.

Are y'all ready to go wild and scream like crazy?

Manager, can you get me some water?

Yeah, that was awesome!

Thanks, Coach.

Hey, Clay!

Yes?

Your steps were still unsteady during the climax.

I... I'm sorry.

Don't let it happen during the actual concert.

Okay?

...!

I won't! Thank you!

All right, that's enough practice for today.

You all can leave.

I'll be staying to double-check the lighting and stage setup some more.

I want to stay and practice a bit more!

Me too.

That won't be necessary. We've still got quite a bit of time until the concert.

You can take the rest of the day off. It's fine.

No, I want to keep practicing until I master that part I was having trouble with.

Ah, I see... So that's what's going on.

Hmm?

All right then, let's wind it back and do it one more time!

!!

Okay!

Got it, let's go!

I heard that

the main antagonist is a phantom thief.

How could I possibly let such an opportunity slip by?

Sssshhh!

The movie's starting.

...

Pretty... pretty...

Pretty good.

How did you find it?

I knew you'd say that.

Even though he wasn't able to steal the pirate's treasure in the end,

the phantom thief always held fast to his convictions and his pride.

The filmmakers did a wonderful job conveying that to the audience.

Nice!

Another splendid victory for Jack.

Wasn't that a great ending, Morgan?

??

How about that climax?

The phantom thief was about to get their grubby mitts on the treasure, but Jack already had his hand on his gun.

"Don't you move a muscle, phantom thief!"

Oh boy, the sight of that dastardly villain frozen in fear! Hehe!

Ahem.

Hmm?

Captain? Phantom?

You guys saw the movie too?

Did you get caught up in all the pirate romance and adventure, too?

I bet your heart was racing, wasn't it?

It was indeed a good movie,

but I have something I wish to ask you.

Huh? Me?

Yes. Do you really feel that the phantom thief lost?

Of course!

The treasure ended up in Jack's hands in the end, didn't it?

That means nothing.

The phantom thief let him get the treasure, and showed him mercy so that Jack could come to his own realization later on.

?

So...

Are you saying that the thief went easy on Jack?

That's precisely what I'm saying.

What is this slander?!

You take that back!

If anyone here deserves an apology, it's me.

Why would you side with a thief?

They abscond with other people's possessions.

They're no different from a common criminal!

...!!

They only steal from wrongdoers!

If you ask me, pirates are far worse.

Don't they do plenty of their own plundering and harming of innocents?

Captain Jack isn't like that!

Well the phantom thief isn't like that either!

...

...

Fine, how about we have Monsieur come in as a neutral third party?

He can tell us who in the movie came out on top.

Fine!

Go on, Captain.

Tell her that the great pirate Captain Jack was victorious.

Haha! You see?

Wha...?! Are you serious?

...!

I... I guess that's true.

Their own dreams...

... Indeed.

...

Hmm...

I'm sorry, Phantom.

I guess I got a bit excited and didn't consider anyone else's opinion.

I should apologize as well.

I was too worked up and said some harsh things.

Heh, I think so. You opened up my eyes. Thanks, Monsieur.

... But I do have something to ask you, Phantom.

Go ahead.

Do you want to become a thief?

...!?

Wh-wha...

What do you mean?

This entire time, you've been arguing in favor of the phantom thief.

So, much like I dream of being a pirate, I was wondering if you...

I want nothing to do with being a phantom thief!

?

D-don't get me wrong!

Of course, I do like phantom thieves,

but to accuse me of wanting to be one myself?

However, if a phantom thief did actually exist, I would love to see them in person, at least once!

Phantom!

?!

You don't need to try to hide it from me!

Re-really?

Can I trust you with this secret?

Of course, you can!

Didn't the Captain just say that pirates and phantom thieves are alike?

Just like Jack and the phantom thief, both of us are striving to accomplish our dreams.

Haha.

Hello, everyone!

I'm Crust, your host of the Crunchy Cooking Class!!

Whoa there, Mr. Gourmand.

You don't have to respond to every single thing, you know. Hehe.

Hehe, Commander, have you already forgotten?

This is just a rehearsal.

You know, standing up here on the stage like this really makes it feel like the real thing.

I never thought I'd be able to see the whole audience so clearly.

Hehe, don't be nervous! Just do it like you always do, and everything will be fine!

Hmm... but is it really okay for someone like me to be on this show?

I always thought only skilled pros came on this show.

Nah, that's not always the case!

Anyone who loves cooking

can appear on the Crunchy Cooking Class!

Hehe, I'm glad to hear that!

Now then, what recipe will we be making today?

I found this soup recipe in a cookbook.

What do you think? Does it sound good?

Oh, that's a great choice!

Emma, why don't you get started with the recipe?

I'll help you out as we go!

Hehe. All right then, I'll be counting on you.

First, we chop up all the ingredients...

Then stir fry everything on low heat for... 10 minutes?

Hmm... Now that I think about it, we might be a little short on time.

Maybe it's okay to just stir-fry on high heat for 3 minutes?

Huh? What was that...?

W-wait a second!

Oh my gosh, I'm such a scatterbrain!

I can't believe I forgot the salt.

Let's see...

Since soy sauce's salty, it could be a good substitute.

Ah! W-wait!

I-I've got salt right here!

*Gasp gasp*

And last but not least, we drizzle some sauce on top and let it simmer...

Phew...

I-it's finally almost over...

Hehe, a professional's guidance really does make all the difference.

I've never seen soup look this good.

And to think I made it! I'm really proud of myself.

Hehe, I'm so glad you said that, Emma. It makes me feel proud too.

I'll remember everything you taught me.

Someday, I want to make it myself for the Commander.

Yes?

Huh? Why are you saying that all of a sudden...

Gah! Mr. Gourmand!

M-my soup's boiling over!

Phew, that was close!

Good thing it didn't overflow too much.

Hehe, I think the food's mostly done now.

So shall we start serving it up?

Okay, sounds good!

So first...

... Huh?

How... how can this be?

M-Mr. Gourmand,

I'm not seeing things, am I?

Only a few moments ago...

Hmm? What's everyone up to?

Hehe, the food's gonna get cold. Let's hurry and serve it up.

Uh, Emma... What's going on?

Isn't there something a bit... different about your dish?

Oh, right!

Since it's a cream-based soup, I thought it might be a bit too rich.

So I tried adding a smidgen of red and black pepper.

O-only a smidgen?

Hehe, come on, let's move on to the next part!

Huh? Ne-next part?

Yes, that's right!

The part where the guest shares their dish with the audience...

This is the part I've been looking forward to the most!

Urp... bleeeeech!

Dang, there are so many new movies out. It takes ages to choose one.

I recommend "In Search of Light and Hope!"

It just came out recently and is about a pop star and her personal growth.

The audience reviews have been really good.

Apparently by the end, there's never a dry eye in the theater.

Hmm...

Maybe we go with that one, then.

You cool with that, Commander?

All right, I'll go get the tickets.

"In Search of Light and Hope!"... There we go.

We've got about thirty minutes until it starts.

Let's go get some snacks to eat during the movie.

Since you bought the tickets, I'll get the snacks.

I'd feel bad not doing my part.

C'mon, you don't need to worry about that when you're with friends.

Friends...

Anis and I are friends...

As for the snacks...

I'm sure the Commander is cool enough to buy them for us, right?

Really...?

Yeah. He's even cool enough to say something like, "Buy whatever you want!"

I knew it!

We'll go pick up the food. You just wait here.

We're back!

Here's your card.

I still feel bad for getting treated to everything...

but thank you for the food, Person of Interest.

Yeah, thanks!

Some soda, strawberry-mayonnaise candy, and some soy-coffee-flavored popcorn!

Doesn't hearing those flavors make you curious, though?

I couldn't help myself. I just had to try them.

What'd you get, Avistar?

We paid at the same time, but we chose separately.

I got a popcorn, coffee, and a hot dog.

I added enough chocolate syrup to make the popcorn nice and soggy, and added seven pumps of vanilla syrup to the coffee.

For the hot dog, I asked them to swap the ketchup and mustard for honey, maple syrup, whipped cream and ice cream instead.

I think I know.

Popcorn and hot dogs are inherently salty, so you need something sweet to go along with them.

Exactly! And no matter how much sweet stuff you put in, it's never enough.

I bet it's not as weird as it sounds...

Mind if I have a bite, Avistar?

Of my hot dog?

Since the Commander still isn't convinced, I'll have a bite to prove to him that it's perfectly fine.

Okay, sure.

I'll feed it to you so you don't get your hands dirty.

This is my first time having a sweet hot dog, and it's pretty good.

You should have some of my stuff, Avistar.

Here, try some of the strawberry-mayonnaise candy.

Okay, just a bite.

...!

It's much better than I thought it'd be.

The flavor really sticks with you.

If I had any criticisms,

I would say they could lean more into the strawberry mayonnaise.

I couldn't agree more!

We're more compatible than I thought.

W-well, we are friends, after all...

True, true.

Friends who share the same tastes.

... Hehe.

Wait, now's not the time for that.

We shouldn't be hogging this all to ourselves. Let's share some with the Commander.

You're right.

It wouldn't be good manners to keep something so good to ourselves.

Here, Commander, try some of this strawberry-mayonnaise candy.

And my hot dog as well!

Oh, don't be like that!

You're gonna make me feel all sad and rejected.

You know what they say: share and share alike!

No need to hold back. Go ahead and have a taste.

Here we came out to see a movie, and neither of you were focusing on it at all. What was the problem?

Sorry Anis.

I kept thinking of how you called me your friend, so my mind was elsewhere...

Again?! How many times is that?!

So...

She'll be here soon, right?

I see... Got it.

But was what you said earlier really true?

She seriously didn't improve at all, even after taking lessons from Prima Donna?

Just how bad is she?

Seriously?

Hmm... maybe it's just hard to listen to?

Or maybe there's something really off about it?

Don't stress too much, Muse.

Sure, this is our first time coaching, and yeah, we're not on Prima Donna's level musically...

But we still picked up a lot while training to become pop stars.

Exactly!

I'm sure we'll be able to help.

Oh, you're all here already?

Commander! So these are the guests you brought with you...

Aren't you Mint and Prika from T.T. STAR?

Wow, I used to dream about becoming a pop star when I was younger.

Thank you so much for taking the time to come here!

Wait... she's actually really delicate-looking? She looks nothing like I imagined.

And her skin is amazing.

Looks like we worried for nothing.

With a voice like that, she's gotta be at least decent.

... You're Diesel, right?

Would you mind singing something for us?

Oh, of course!

Just gimme a sec!

Test, test! Sounds good. I'll turn the volume all the way up, okay?

Muse... seriously?

That's pretty disrespectful to singers.

That's right, wouldn't that hurt her feelings?

What does that even—

Okay then... Here I go!

Caaandy...

!

!

Strawberry caaandy... for you!

Lost kids... and sleepy grown-ups both love... strawberry caaandy...

Unforgettable... strawberry caaandy...

Could you look this way for me, Diesel?

Nice!

The framing looks perfect. Could you make a heart with your hands like this?

Uh... like this?

Perfect! Let's go with that!

What, did you pass out while she was singing? Finally back with us?

I'm in the middle of mixing Diesel's vocals, and Mint's off filming right now.

It's just a jingle contest, so Diesel doesn't really need to improve her singing that much.

If I refine it a bit, I can produce something with commercial value.

Don't sweat it. It's a favor from you, after all.

Prika, we're almost done with the shoot!

Okay, let's try syncing the video and audio.

Well? Not bad, right?

Surely you haven't forgotten who coached her, Kitten?

Honestly, the outcome was pretty obvious from the start, hehe.

Wow...

If you don't mind me asking... what made you decide to enter the contest?

Well...

I mentioned it half jokingly earlier, but...

becoming a pop star really was my dream when I was little.

I just loved singing so much and wanted people to hear my songs, I guess...

But now...

It feels like your dream's coming true, doesn't it?

Yes, that's right...

Thank you both, truly.

No need to thank us.

Hehe, you can save the tears for after you win the contest.

Still, seeing you this moved does make me a little proud.