Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Ra)

Hajime: Ahaha. You said “That’s right!” even though I didn’t even say anything yet… Mitsuru-kun, I can’t catch up with you when you’re always answering your own questions.

But I’ll do my best to keep up, because I want to walk by your side.

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

Come on, Tomoya-kun, join us...♪

Tomoya: I know, I know. Sheesh, lately it feels like I’m the one being left in the dust by you guys.

This sucks! I’ve gotta do better if I’m gonna be your leader from now!



Tomoya: I’ll do my best! Even if I’m “normal”! I’ll just have to do it so well that people will be like, “Wow, the bar must be pretty high if that’s what’s considered ‘normal’”!

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

Nazuna: (Fufu. You guys have really grown so much. Though it may look like you’re just playing around and doing whatever you want... Everything’s coming together into one coherent performance.)

(This is it. This is Ra*bits’ performance.)

(I feel like I’m watching my dear children perform in their school festival for the first time, going back and forth between worrying and rejoicing over them with every word and move they make… And before I know it, I’ve perked up, and feel a smile come to my face.)

(And my worn-out heart begins to heal.)

(Aah… Now I get it…)

(Hey, Tomo-chin, Hajime-chin, Mitsuru-chin… When we first met, you implored me to join, saying “Help us!”)

(You were driven into a corner, with tears streaming down your faces.)

(And I didn’t have anything else to do at the time. It was like I was just slowly dying, breaking a little more with every passing day...)

(I just couldn’t leave you like that, so, on a whim, I decided to lend you a hand.)

(But, as the unremarkable days piled up, they became so precious to me. It’s like a miracle… Thank you, God in Heaven.)

(I love all of you like family.)

(Aah… It’s me who was saved by you.)

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

Shu: (…Fufu. Their performance is just as adorable and relaxing as usual. It’s cleansing for the heart.)

(Nito’s looking fine as well. Lovely Nito... I’ll be sincere and give you a round of applause. I’m sure you must’ve found your salvation.)

(There were nights when I cursed the unreasonable ways of this world and resented God. And yet, this world and the humans that inhabit it were thoughtfully created.)

(O Lord, how I envy you. Will I ever be able reach such heights before I take my final breath?)

Mika: Oshi-san... Sorry t’bother ya while yer all absorbed in watchin’ the Ra*bits kids perform, but I’d like ya t’change before it’s our turn to go on again, if it’s alright with ya. 

Shu: …...

Mika: Ah, so ya don’t wanna do it after all? Were the outfits I made no good? Guess I’m no match for yer pair o’ perceivin’ eyeglasses, Oshi-san…

Shu: I don’t require glasses. Don’t put me together with that third-rate writer. 

He’s the type to indirectly sing praises to himself by over-applauding that which boosts his own ego. That kind of behavior is utterly shameless. 

Though, it’s hard to accept the fact that I said this myself... It wasn’t that clever of a jest.

Mika: Uhm... so what d’ya mean, exactly? 

Shu: Don’t bother thinking. You’re too foolish for it.

...I simply didn’t reply because I wasn’t sure how to respond to your calling me “Oshi-san” when we’re to be close friends and equals as artists from now on.

Mika: Ngah, but Oshi-san’ll always be Oshi-san to me. 

You’re my ideal, a mentor I’ll admire forever.

But if ya don’t want me t’call ya that, then uhm… all right. It’s a lil' embarassin’, but I guess I can... c-call ya by yer name... ♪

Shu: Eugh. Don’t make this weird. Forget it; I said something ridiculous.

Mika: O-Okay... It feels off to me too ’cause I ain’t used to it. If you’re fine with me callin’ ya Oshi-san then I’ll stick with that, since it’s way more comfy.

Shu: ...I’ve been thinking this for a while now, but that “Oshi-san” nickname doesn’t have that beautiful of a ring to it. It’s much too close to “Oji-san”. 

Though it does have more favorable instances, like “Ashinaga Oji-san”, or “My Daddy Long Legs”.

But why did Nito start calling me that? That’s who you’ve been imitating this whole time, yes? 

Mika: Huh? So callin’ ya Oshi-san was all Nazuna-nii’s idea too? He left a surprisin’ amount of stuff behind in our hearts... 

Shu: Much like the way he named Valkyrie, his intentions remain a mystery. But this isn’t the time to start asking ourselves about this or that.

As you can see, Nito is charming and full of happiness.

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Shu: ~.....♪

Fufu. This is the first time I’ve ever felt this tranquil stepping upon the stage. Perhaps it’s thanks to Ra*bits.

Well, I wasn’t the one who created this performance from scratch, so maybe that contributes to the comfort I feel.

Mika: Oshi-san. Umm, I’ve been meanin' to ask ya somethin’...

Is yer grandfather doin’ alright? Ya said he’s hospitalized an’ in pretty critical condition right now…

Shu: Right… Well, it’s too soon for my mind to be at ease regarding his condition. Although, when I went to visit him with Kiryuu, I carelessly let slip our current state of affairs, and he gave me hell.

“There are people out there waiting for your performance! You should be grateful to them! Quit dawdling your time away in a place like this!”

“No one would miss me if I died, so if that’s what it takes to sever your ties to me, I swear I’ll jump out the window this instant!”

It took my entire family to restrain my raging grandfather.

It’s been awhile since he last flew off the handle like that… I feel like an idiot for worrying about him. That man will indubitably live to see his 300s.

Mika: I see… I’m real glad to hear he’s doin’ well, but it’s still a concernin’ situation. Wanna go visit him when all of this is over?

Shu: Yes. It’ll be reassuring to have you with me. I’m embarrassed to say this, but I fear that if I go by myself, it may break me...

It’s astonishing just how much I treasure that senile old fool.

No matter how much one may wish to live forever, human lifespans are finite… But that is the way of the world.

I empathize with our ancestors, who attempted to leave behind works of art that would never fade and disappear.

Kagehira. Let us also leave behind, at the very least, one such work of art... Before we die and turn to ashes.

Let us create a precious performance that will never decay, one that will only increase in value as the years pass.

“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust”…

That may be God’s design, but let us preserve all that is precious and worthy, and deliver them to the beautiful new world we are heading for.

If that is a sin… You will fall to hell with me, won’t you?

Mika: Yeah, I’d follow ya to the very bottom. Even if we sank to the muddiest depths, even if the whole world forgot ‘bout us an’ left us behind…

I’ll always be with ya. That’s why we… No, that's why Valkyrie, is eternal.

Shu: Does that mean you’ll inherit the Valkyrie name?

In that case, I can be at ease… Even if every single one of my fingers were to break, even if I were to die, you will preserve my artwork for the generations to come.

No, I’m sure that even if I should fail to reach my ideals, you will succeed in my place.

And even if they’re beyond our reach, those who have been inspired by us will get there eventually… I have no doubts about that.

They will reach Heaven; God’s domain that humanity has been dreaming of since the dawn of history.

Mika: Yeah. We'll carry those who are beautiful an’ worthy to Heaven… ‘Cause we’re Valkyrie.

I always thought the name “Valkyrie” had some deep, personal significance to ya, Oshi-san…

That’s why I had qualms ’bout inheritin’ it — it felt like I’d be stealin’ a part o' yer soul.

But apparently the name wasn’t chosen for any significant reason, so that puts me a lil’ more at ease… ‘Course, that don’t mean I’ll treat it roughly.

Shu: That goes without saying. Excellent; that’s a weight off my shoulders… You really caused me some anxiety there, Kagehira.

Allow me to confess something. When I told you to go back to your hometown and pushed you away, I believed the chances of it stirring you were about 50/50.

It was a heartbreaking thought… No, it was the gamble of a lifetime for me.

You were going to be ruined if things kept going as they were. I believed that you were going to spend the rest of your life simply doing chores for me.

And while you may laugh and say you’re happy with just that…

I, for one, couldn’t stand that. Because I am in enormous debt to you, and because you mean so much to me…

While these are my own selfish feelings, I also believe that it’d be a great loss to the philistines this world is composed of.

The reason why Valkyrie is so popular right now…

It’s because of your deep empathy towards unloved children; because of your passionate, persistent desire to save them.

Your life’s tragic circumstances… That is to say, the experience of being discarded by your parents, is perhaps what made you cultivate these traits.

Of course, you also acquired extensive knowledge and the finest of skills by virtue of being my assistant.

However, I was born into a family of fairly good standing, and growing up, I wanted for nothing…

And while I am fond of children for their features and purity, I loathe this vulgar world that makes people hurt each other like foolish animals.

Your love for children, on the other hand, is on an entirely different level.

The way you enthusiastically speak about the children from your hometown always reveals that your love for them is so deep and rich that it could flood the oceans.

Enough to make every pitiful, unloved child in the world happy, without leaving a single one behind…

It is because the children can feel that passion of yours that Valkyrie is so popular with them.

In that respect, I haven’t done much to contribute to it.

In fact, all I ever did was point out your faults… At the same time, I slowly noticed the rare qualities, talents and artistic style you possess.

I knew I had no choice but to raise you. And the moment I realized this, I could no longer think of you as a doll.

You have what it takes to become an even greater artist than me… That’s why I can’t allow you to remain my assistant for the rest of your life.

Oh, how future generations would sneer at me for it. “What a waste… That Itsuki Shu must be an utter fool”, is what they’d say.

Mika: Ahaha. I’m sure that’d be unbearable for ya, Oshi-san.

Ngah~. Y’know, I don’t really get it myself…

Back in my hometown, I was always a quiet, plain 'n good lil’ kid. I was the oldest of the bunch, their “Mika-nii”.

I took care of all the lil’ ones, an’ never complained one bit.

I gave all the best stuffs to other kids, and was content with the damaged stuffs I kept for myself. I never fought with no one, an’ I always behaved myself.

‘Cause I was convinced that if I didn’t, I’d be thrown away again...

But to tell ya the truth, I dunno how many times I buried my face in my pillow an’ cried my heart out. I kept thinkin’, “Why? Why’s it gotta be me?”

“Is it ‘cause my eyes are different colors? Did they throw me away ‘cause they were creeped out by that?”

“Still… I got it pretty good compared to other kids, who ran away from home to escape all the awful abuse they endured there.”

“I ain’t the most unfortunate, pitiful child on Earth.”

Thinkin’ that, I endured… An’ endured, an’ endured… An’ kept on living.

Location: Repayment Festival Stage (Va)

Nazuna: Ooh… They transformed the stage in no time at all. No matter how many times I see this, it’s always like magic to me.

Hajime: It’s great craftsmanship, isn’t it… The Yumenosaki staff always does impressive work.

Tomoya: Ahaha. But let’s retreat to the stage wings, otherwise we’ll get in the way of the professionals.

Mitsuru: Yeah, let’s go, let’s go! For the rest of the show, we’ll be part of the audience~♪

Shu: ...Woah there. Careful.

Mitsuru: Uwah, I’m sorry! Running without looking ahead is a real bad habit of mine, y’know~?

Shu: Well, it’s a good thing you’re aware of it. ...You’re not hurt, are you?

Mitsuru: Yeah, I’m always in tip top shape~☆

Nazuna: ...Itsuki. Aah, so you guys are up next, huh.

I’ve gotta admit I was a bit concerned about you, but I see you’ve safely won your way through the first half of RepayFes~.

Shu: But of course. Our popularity has been on the rise lately, and Kagehira did a satisfactory job today, too.

Simply performing the way we are accustomed to was more than enough to vanquish those small fries.

In any case, I cannot say whether the fate that binds us is a desirable one... But one way or another, it appears our turn comes right after yours.

Heh. The audience must be quite fed up after having to witness your quaint little playtime. Allow us to show them what the fine arts are truly about ♪

Nazuna: What did you just say~? You must’ve had your eyes elsewhere, Itsuki, ‘cause these guys have grown so much!

It wasn’t some kind of playtime, they’ve really become the greatest idols on earth…!

Shu: I’m aware. My words were nothing but a joke, albeit a somewhat cruel one ♪

Nazuna: ...You’re in an awfully good mood, huh, Itsuki? Gross.

Shu: How harsh. ...Even my feelings get hurt sometimes, you know?

Nazuna: ...My bad. But you really do come off like some kind of freak sometimes, so watch out for that.

People are gonna get the wrong idea about you, y’know~, especially overseas, where it’s gonna be even harder for you to get your point across.

Shu: Heh. “Freak” is a compliment. At least, that’s what I’ve come to believe from observing a certain friend of mine.

Tomoya: Umm, Itsuki-senpai!

Shu: Hmm? Aah, I didn’t intend to ridicule your senior, whom you hold in such high regard.

Wataru is one of the few people in this world that I can call my friend and equal… Think of what I just said as a frivolous, lighthearted jest.

Tomoya: No, I really couldn’t care less about that guy right now…

Itsuki-senpai, would you accept this bouquet from us?

Here… Happy White Day ♪

Shu: Oh? I’m happy to receive this, but why me…? Could you be handing these out to every senior that looked after you?

Although I did my utmost to keep my distance from you…?

Tomoya: Ah, actually this bouquet is a bit of a bribe.

You see, we finished our earlier performance just before using up all the time we were given.

Would you let us make use of that extra bit of time after Valkyrie’s performance?

Shu: Hmm? Well, we procrastinated on deciding whether or not to join RepayFes, and consequently, the repertoire we prepared is somewhat insufficient...

We’ll hardly make use of our allocated time, so it wouldn’t pose a problem for us to give up a part of it.

If anything, your proposal is more than welcome. The longer I get to appreciate the fine arts, the better.

And while all of you are exceedingly lovely by yourselves, it is on the stage where your mannerisms are the most mesmerizing.

If it means that I will get to see you perform once more, I cannot think of a single reason to refuse you.

Tomoya: Um, actually… If possible, we want Valkyrie to sing together with us.

Shu: ? I cannot fathom why you would want that.

Tomoya: We want all of us to give Nii~chan our blessings together, as he sets out into the world… Of course, this is just for our sake, so if you don’t want to do it I won’t insist.

Back then, Nii~chan suddenly transferred units without even giving you any notice, right?

There are people who still unfairly hold suspicions against him because of that.

They call him irresponsible and insincere because he quit Valkyrie for his own personal reasons, without explaining a thing…

We’ve been gaining popularity, but as our number of fans increases, so does the amount of weirdos like that.

Some long-time Valkyrie fans even come to our handshake events just to kick up a fuss there.

Shu: ...That is, well, inexcusable really. For better and for worse, there are many eccentrics among our devotees.

I understand. In other words, you want us to formally declare that we acknowledge Nito’s withdrawal from Valkyrie and give him our blessings, correct?

“We gave our approval, so quit whining already, outsiders”.

That’s what you’re asking us to assert, am I wrong? I see. Indeed, this is entirely for your own sake.

Tomoya: Yes. That’s why there’s nothing we can do except bow our heads to you and beg.

Shu: ...I don’t have any objections, though. You gave me such beautiful flowers, and I don’t desire people to speak ill of Nito, either.

In fact, I consider such foolish undertakings to be on par with scrawling all over a breathtaking painting.

But what are your thoughts on this, Kagehira? If you say you’re against it, I will abide by that.

From hereafter, you will be the heart of Valkyrie both in name and substance… The right to decide lies with you.

Mika: ……..

Shu: ...Nito. This is unrelated to the matter at hand, but why did you name us Valkyrie?

Nazuna: That sure is unrelated. Is this really the time to be talking about that…?

Umm. Itsuki, do you still remember the time we first met?

That day, you jumped from the second floor of the school building for some reason, remember?

You must’ve been working on an outfit, because your entire body was enveloped in some kind of lustrous, sparkling cloth.

And you said, “We meet at last! My soulmate! Aah, how lovely you are!”…

The way you spoke and acted was so strange that I didn’t think you were human.

I dashed away and managed to escape you then, and I was seriously terrified of you for a while…

While looking up information on ghosts, demons, and the like, I found an illustrated book that talked about the gods of foreign countries as well.

And what came closest to my impression of you were the shield-maidens of Norse mythology… the Valkyries.

When we were trying to choose a name for our unit, this memory just somehow came to my mind again.