Tomorrow's Tender Melody
Scene 1
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Scene 12
Scene 1
Audience
Wooooo!
Idol
～♪～♪
Idol
Hey, you there! Watching this
commercial!
commercial!
Idol
Wouldn't you like to sing and dance
on stage?
on stage?
Idol
Whoever submits the winning original
song will get to perform it with me!
song will get to perform it with me!
Idol
Our performance will be shown
worldwide! I'm so excited to meet you!
worldwide! I'm so excited to meet you!
Antares
Wow... what an amazing offer!
Antares
You could win a chance to perform next
to the Mirai Narukami!
to the Mirai Narukami!
Antares
Hm hmm, hmm hmm hmmm ♪♪
Firm Classmate
Sorry to interrupt your daydreams, but
I can't concentrate with you humming.
I can't concentrate with you humming.
Cheery Classmate
You know there's like no chance you'll
get picked, right?
get picked, right?
Firm Classmate
Mirai's super-famous. I bet she's
getting songs from all over the world.
getting songs from all over the world.
Cheery Classmate
It's not like she'll be able to listen to
all of them, you know?
all of them, you know?
Firm Classmate
I bet the songs have nothing to do
with it. They'll just pick a pretty girl.
with it. They'll just pick a pretty girl.
Antares
N-no, they won't!
Antares
All of Mirai's songs have so much heart
and feeling!
and feeling!
Antares
I'm sure she'll pick something just as
warm and gentle as she is!
warm and gentle as she is!
Firm Classmate
Ah, here comes the fangirling.
Antares
Oh... but I guess it wouldn't be bad if she
went with something slower...
went with something slower...
Firm Classmate
That's not what I mean. 'Sides, since
when are you a composer, huh?
when are you a composer, huh?
Antares
Um... I can play the guitar a little?
Antares
But I only just started writing songs
recently. I mean...
recently. I mean...
Antares
Just two weeks ago, I was busy with
rehearsal for Saya—
rehearsal for Saya—
Antares
......
Saya...
Saya...
Saya
...here.
Antares
Wah! Um... a towel?
Saya
Use it. You can cover the kitten up
or something.
or something.
Antares
T-thank you!
Antares
I still... can't really believe it. That she's
a Vessel...
a Vessel...
Cheery Classmate
Antares...
Firm Classmate
Hey... let's give her some space.
I doubt anything we can say will help.
I doubt anything we can say will help.
Cheery Classmate
Yeah...
Sorry, Antares.
Sorry, Antares.
Antares
It's okay. Sorry for acting weird again.
Firm Classmate
Don't worry about it. See you later, okay?
Antares
...sigh. Now I won't be able to focus
on anything but my memories...
on anything but my memories...
Antares
I need a change of pace. Some fresh air.
Antares
I guess I'll go up to the roof.
Scene 2
Antares
What a pretty sky...
Antares
So clear... It feels like nothing bad
could happen under a sky like this.
could happen under a sky like this.
Antares
Even all the fires, the famines, the
disasters... they don't feel real.
disasters... they don't feel real.
Antares
...I need to cheer up. Get these dark
thoughts out of my head.
thoughts out of my head.
Antares
After all, Mirai would never lose hope,
no matter what!
no matter what!
Antares
Um... where's my notebook?
Antares
Here we go! Okay, where was I...
Antares
"Keep on looking forward
toward the horizon..."
toward the horizon..."
Antares
I need something happy, something
positive... like Mirai...
positive... like Mirai...
Antares
It needs to be fun and peppy, if Mirai's
really going to sing it!
really going to sing it!
Antares
Um, hmm. "Let my light shine out
all across the world..."
all across the world..."
Antares
"Like a warm breeze rubbing your
cheek..."
cheek..."
Antares
...rubbing?
Antares
No, no, that doesn't sound right at all.
It needs to be more poetic...
It needs to be more poetic...
Antares
...
Antares
This show, Requiem, is a new
production, so allow me to explain.
production, so allow me to explain.
Antares
Every 100 years, the Goddess of our
world is reborn into human flesh.
world is reborn into human flesh.
Antares
100 shards of her power fall from the
heavens, and inhabit 100 Vessels.
heavens, and inhabit 100 Vessels.
Antares
Her kindness, wisdom, courage, love,
nobility, decisiveness, refinement...
nobility, decisiveness, refinement...
Antares
Each of us represent one of her 100
Gifts.
Gifts.
Antares
...yes, the story is pretty much the
same as how things really work.
same as how things really work.
Antares
The big difference is that our Vessels
tend to die fulfilled and content.
tend to die fulfilled and content.
Antares
There's no way it goes that smoothly
in real life, I'm sure...
in real life, I'm sure...
Antares
You have to go to a school for Vessels...?
Saya
Yeah... so they can all be in one place.
For the Requiem, I mean.
For the Requiem, I mean.
Saya
I need to go today, apparently...
Saya
It's ironic, isn't it? I was the lead in
Requiem. Now I'm a Vessel too.
Requiem. Now I'm a Vessel too.
Antares
...
Saya
...I wish I'd gotten to dance it, though.
Now I won't get any applause.
Now I won't get any applause.
Antares
...sigh. I just can't stop remembering.
Antares
I'll stop for today, I guess. I won't write
anything happy with Saya on my mind.
anything happy with Saya on my mind.
Antares
Saya... I wonder how she's doing now.
Antares
She wanted to be a first-rate ballerina,
an étoile.
an étoile.
Antares
But now she's stuck in the Requiem,
and she has to fight...
and she has to fight...
Antares
Not only does she not get her wish,
her life's in danger, too.
her life's in danger, too.
Antares
That's so sad... but I know she'll keep
on shining, even so.
on shining, even so.
Antares
Like the étoile she's always been
destined to be.
destined to be.
Antares
Étoile... a star. A light shining
in the darkness...
in the darkness...
Antares
"Shouldering an uncertain future...
Tears, binding her like a curse..."
Tears, binding her like a curse..."
Antares
How strange. It's like the words are
flowing out of my pen.
flowing out of my pen.
Antares
And the melody... I can almost...
Aargh! I need to get home, right now!
Aargh! I need to get home, right now!
Antares
Phew... okay. I got them both recorded!
Antares
A bright, cheery song for Mirai.
Smiley Happy Sunshine. And...
Smiley Happy Sunshine. And...
Antares
This song I wrote for Saya,
Shining Star...
Shining Star...
Antares
...I think that one feels more genuine.
Antares
But I really ought to send the one that
suits Mirai better, right...?
suits Mirai better, right...?
Antares's Mom
Antares! Dinner's ready!
Antares
Ah, be right there!
Antares
...if I overthink it too much, I'll end up
not sending either of them.
not sending either of them.
Antares
Right, it has to be the cheery one!
Go for it, "Smiley Happy Sunshine!"
Go for it, "Smiley Happy Sunshine!"
Antares's Mom
Antares! Did you hear me? Your food's
getting cold!
getting cold!
Antares
Y-yeah, I heard you! I'll be right down,
just a sec!
just a sec!
Patter, patter, patter...
Computer Screen
Mail successfully sent.
Attachment: shiningstar.zip
Attachment: shiningstar.zip
Scene 3
Speaker
♪～
Mirai
Hmm... it's cute, but it doesn't have very
much substance to it...
much substance to it...
Mirai
What do you think, Crowley?
Crowley
It's not bad. Her choreography is rough,
but it would film well.
but it would film well.
Crowley
Not bad for an amateur, mind. She
wouldn't make it a year as an idol.
wouldn't make it a year as an idol.
Crowley
Still, it's your job to make up for any
lack of talent on your guest's part.
lack of talent on your guest's part.
Mirai
Right...
Producer
You don't sound convinced. Not really
feeling this one?
feeling this one?
Mirai
No, no, I don't mean to seem that way.
She's really cute. They all have been.
She's really cute. They all have been.
Mirai
They're all so talented, and I'm really
glad they wrote their songs for me.
glad they wrote their songs for me.
Mirai
It's just... If you asked me if I really
wanted to sing any of them...
wanted to sing any of them...
Mirai
I don't know how to put it. They've all
written songs like my previous ones.
written songs like my previous ones.
Mirai
It sounds mean to say, but I don't want
to just look for a copy of myself.
to just look for a copy of myself.
Crowley
That said, you will have to choose a
winner at some point.
winner at some point.
Mirai
Yes, I know, but...
Crowley
We're days behind schedule. This delay
is holding up our next performance.
is holding up our next performance.
Mirai
I'm sorry for being so selfish. I just
want to see a few more. Please?
want to see a few more. Please?
Crowley
...fine. Here's the next submission.
Producer
Ah, she looks good. Nice sharp eyes,
and a slender build.
and a slender build.
Producer
She looks pretty different from Mirai,
but that could make for good contrast!
but that could make for good contrast!
Crowley
Different from Mirai? In other words,
ill-refined and homely?
ill-refined and homely?
Crowley
We can't put just any plain Jane up on
stage. Skip to the next—
stage. Skip to the next—
Mirai
Wait, I want to hear her song.
Crowley
What? Why?
Mirai
Looking at her face, I just...
One song couldn't hurt, right?
One song couldn't hurt, right?
Staff
If you insist, Mirai. What's the harm, right?
Sir?
Sir?
Crowley
Well, I suppose...
Speaker
♪～
Speaker
Looking for you, up in the sky ♪
A light further away than before ♪
A light further away than before ♪
Speaker
Waiting for the day when your light ♪
Returns to me, in the dark... ♪
Returns to me, in the dark... ♪
Producer
I don't think this girl got the memo...
That's way too mopey for Mirai.
That's way too mopey for Mirai.
Mirai
No, it's not.
Producer
Huh? Wait, what?
Mirai
She wants to shine, even in a world full
of darkness and trouble.
of darkness and trouble.
Mirai
I... know that feeling, really well...
Crowley
...hmph.
Crowley
Seeing her in motion, I guess she's not
that plain. The song's fine, too.
that plain. The song's fine, too.
Crowley
But it doesn't fit the image we've built
for you, Mirai.
for you, Mirai.
Crowley
Besides, she looks gloomy. There's no way
we could—
we could—
Mirai
W-wait! Don't delete it!
Crowley
Mirai?
Mirai
Sorry, I didn't mean to shout. But I've
made up my mind.
made up my mind.
Mirai
She's the winner. I pick her.
Crowley
What are you saying? It isn't like you
to be so rash.
to be so rash.
Mirai
None of the songs I've heard had any
heart to them. But this one...
heart to them. But this one...
Crowley
I know what you mean, but be realistic.
Substance isn't the point here.
Substance isn't the point here.
Crowley
There's no way your fans will accept
a sad little song like this one.
a sad little song like this one.
Mirai
You just said it was my job to make up
for my guest's weaknesses, though!
for my guest's weaknesses, though!
Mirai
Whatever she's lacking, I'll make up
for it! I'll practice every day!
for it! I'll practice every day!
Producer
Mm... I hate to argue with you, Mirai,
but I think I'm with Crowley here.
but I think I'm with Crowley here.
Producer
I can't see your fans going for this
kind of sound.
kind of sound.
Producer
Don't let it get to you, okay? I'm sure
there will be a better one next—
there will be a better one next—
Mirai
No, don't erase it! She's the winner...
Antares is the winner!
Antares is the winner!
Producer
...!
Producer
Oh... you're right. This song's got power!
Good call, Mirai!
Good call, Mirai!
Staff
It's stripped-down, accessible, and raw.
I got goosebumps listening to it.
I got goosebumps listening to it.
Crowley
...
Producer
Alright, then! We have our winner!
Antares, was it?
Antares, was it?
Staff
We finally have a winner! I'll set up
the paperwork before we call her.
the paperwork before we call her.
Crowley
...alright. We'll go ahead with her, then.
Mirai
Thank you...
Producer
Great work today, everyone! We'll see you
again soon, Mirai!
again soon, Mirai!
Mirai
U-um... I should go, too...
Crowley
Wait.
Mirai
Aah...
L-let me go, Crowley.
L-let me go, Crowley.
Crowley
What are you playing at, using your
Vessel power for this farce?
Vessel power for this farce?
Mirai
...
Crowley
We set this up for you to blow off steam,
nothing more.
nothing more.
Crowley
Or have you forgotten why you became
an idol in the first place?
an idol in the first place?
Mirai
I haven't forgotten! I...
Mirai
If I...
Crowley
Would you prefer to go back to the
Academy and wait for your death?
Academy and wait for your death?
Mirai
...
Crowley
...hmph. Well, there's no taking it back
now.
now.
Crowley
You used your Voice, and the Goddess's
commands must be respected.
commands must be respected.
Crowley
But don't get full of yourself.
Crowley
All you did was compel some weak-willed
fools, nothing more.
fools, nothing more.
Crowley
Don't forget who holds the real power
here.
here.
Mirai
...why do you listen to them, then?
Mirai
If you really had power, you'd be giving
them orders, not—
them orders, not—
Crowley
...
Mirai
Aah!
Crowley
Don't get so caught up in your little
game you forget what you're here for.
game you forget what you're here for.
Crowley
Your freedom is a privilege, not a right.
Don't forget that.
Don't forget that.
Mirai
Crowley...
Mirai
Ah, my nose... I'm bleeding...
Mirai
My head's spinning, too... I guess I'll go
to bed early today.
to bed early today.
Mirai
...sigh...
Scene 4
Antares
Yaaawn... I sure slept well.
Antares
Ah... the contest results should be
announced sometime today, I guess.
announced sometime today, I guess.
Antares
I know I didn't win, but I hope Mirai
got to listen to my song...
got to listen to my song...
Ding-dong!
Antares
Ah, Hikari must be here to get me. She's
a little early today.
a little early today.
Antares
Hi! Sorry to keep you waiting!
Mirai
Good morning!
Antares
.........
SLAM!
Antares
Am I still dreaming?!
Antares
Okay. Okay, hang on. I'm still dreaming.
That has to be it.
That has to be it.
Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong.
Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding—
Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding—
Antares
O-okay, okay, I'm coming! Don't hammer
the doorbell!
the doorbell!
Mirai
Good morning!
Antares
Hya?!
Mirai
W-wait! Don't close the door again!
Antares
B-b-b-b-b-b-but! Y-y-y-y-you, you're, you...
Antares
S-sorry! So sorry! I shouldn't dare
to address you! Sorry!
to address you! Sorry!
Mirai
N-no, it's okay! Really! Let's just talk
on equal footing.
on equal footing.
Antares
Equal?! B-but that's... we're not—
Mirai
Of course we are. After all, your song,
Shining Star, won my contest!
Shining Star, won my contest!
Antares
Huh... Huh?! "Shining Star?!" Not
"Smiley Happy Sunshine?!"
"Smiley Happy Sunshine?!"
Mirai
Your song was amazing. It tugged at
my heart in all the right ways.
my heart in all the right ways.
Mirai
So, Antares... I'd be honored if you
would join me on stage.
would join me on stage.
Antares
......
Mirai
Antares?
Antares
Nnh...
Wobble, wobble... thunk!
Mirai
Antares?! H-hey...!
Antares
Nnh... huh...?
Antares
I feel... so relaxed... and comfy...
Mirai
Ah, you're awake.
Antares
Hyaaaaa?! M-Mi-Mira... I mean, uh...
Mirai
It's okay. You can call me Mirai.
Antares
W-well, if you insist...
Um... I'm sorry about earlier.
Um... I'm sorry about earlier.
Mirai
Huh? What for?
Antares
For passing out! For being so rude to you!
All of it!
All of it!
Antares
You came all the way to my house, and
I ended up acting like such a weirdo.
I ended up acting like such a weirdo.
Mirai
Not at all. It's only natural you were
surprised.
surprised.
Mirai
It's actually kind of flattering you were
that surprised, honestly.
that surprised, honestly.
Antares
R-really?
Mirai
Well, it was because you were so happy
to see me, right?
to see me, right?
Antares
Y-yeah... heh.
Mirai
You should be proud, you know. Like I
said, your song is amazing.
said, your song is amazing.
Mirai
You've really got talent. If anything,
I should be honored to meet you.
I should be honored to meet you.
Antares
Talent? No, I mean... I'm nothing compared
to you.
to you.
Mirai
No, you're a much better composer than
I am. I can say that for sure.
I am. I can say that for sure.
Antares
B-but how? All your songs—
Mirai
All my songs are written for me by people
I don't even know.
I don't even know.
Antares
Huh... huh?! Really?! I thought for sure
you wrote them all...
you wrote them all...
Mirai
No... my own songs are awful. I could
never let anyone hear them.
never let anyone hear them.
Antares
I'm sure that's not true.
Antares
(But I guess I shouldn't press too hard.)
Mirai
...haha.
Mirai
Ah, we're here.
Antares
Wow, what a big building.
Mirai
Right this way.
Actress
Mirai! Good morning.
Mirai
Good morning! You too, Antares. Say hi!
Antares
H-hello!
Antares
...she was really pretty. Is she a model
or something?
or something?
Antares
Actually, everyone here is really pretty.
Or stylish? Fashionable? Gorgeous...?
Or stylish? Fashionable? Gorgeous...?
Antares
Mm...
Mirai
Come on, don't hide behind me.
Antares
B-but...
Mirai
You belong to our agency now, too.
You'll be living here for a few weeks.
You'll be living here for a few weeks.
Antares
An agency... I belong to an agency...!!
Mirai
Here we are! You can use this room
while you're living here.
while you're living here.
Antares
W-wow...
Mirai
Do you like it? I'm glad! Now, the concert
is in about a month.
is in about a month.
Antares
I'll be living here for a whole month...
Mirai
Right. We take lessons online, so don't
worry about missing school.
worry about missing school.
Mirai
But... there is a chance you might only
be here for two weeks.
be here for two weeks.
Antares
Two weeks? Why?
Mirai
The agency will hold a test for you two
weeks from today.
weeks from today.
Mirai
If you pass, we'll have the concert, and
after that, you'll be an idol.
after that, you'll be an idol.
Antares
I-I'll be an idol? Just like that...?
Mirai
But if you don't pass...
Antares
If I don't pass? What then?
Mirai
We'll do the concert as planned, but
then you'll go back to your normal life.
then you'll go back to your normal life.
Antares
Ah...
Mirai
How are you feeling about all of this?
Antares
...um... Sorry...
Antares
This is all a lot to take in... can I have
some time to settle my thoughts?
some time to settle my thoughts?
Mirai
Of course. Get some rest, okay?
Antares
......
Ah...
Ah...
Antares
Aaaaaaaaaaaa?! What the... what the
heck?!
heck?!
Antares
I... how did... how did this happen?!
This is the biggest mistake of my life!
This is the biggest mistake of my life!
Antares
Me, an idol?! An idol career?!
Antares
I just wanted to meet and maybe sing
with Mirai!
with Mirai!
Antares
I've never given a single thought to
being an idol...!
being an idol...!
Antares
...I have to do something. Otherwise,
I'll embarrass myself on worldwide TV!
I'll embarrass myself on worldwide TV!
Antares
Aaaaargh! What can I do?! My dream
came true, but...!
came true, but...!
Antares
...my dream?
Saya
It's ironic, isn't it? I was the lead in
Requiem. Now I'm a Vessel too.
Requiem. Now I'm a Vessel too.
Antares
...
Saya
...I wish I'd gotten to dance it, though.
Now I don't get any applause.
Now I don't get any applause.
Antares
Ah...
Antares
Get it together, Antares. You have a
chance to make your dream come true.
chance to make your dream come true.
Antares
This is nothing compared to what Saya's
dealing with right now.
dealing with right now.
Antares
Nothing at all, compared to what the
poor Vessels will go through...
poor Vessels will go through...
Antares
...I won't get anything done just sitting
here feeling sorry for myself.
here feeling sorry for myself.
Antares
Standing on stage with Mirai was my
dream. It's time to act like it!
dream. It's time to act like it!
Scene 5
Antares
Dear Saya...
How are you settling in at school?
How are you settling in at school?
Antares
Something's happend on my end. I can't
say too much, but I'll be...
say too much, but I'll be...
Antares
...hm?
Antares
I thought I saw a red light outside.
Antares
The paparazzi? Already?!
Antares
...no, of course not. Get a grip, Antares.
Antares
Where was I...
???
...
Antares
Huh? A girl... with horns? Right outside
my window?
my window?
Antares
...wait, this is the 12th floor!
Antares
U-um, excuse me! Are you okay?!
???
Yeah.
Antares
Yeah...? What do you mean, yeah?!
H-hey, you're floating!
H-hey, you're floating!
Antares
Are you a Vessel? Is this some kind of
Vessel power?!
Vessel power?!
???
Ding, ding, ding! Good, you're quick on
the uptake.
the uptake.
???
The world's in a bad place right now.
I'm gonna need your help.
I'm gonna need your help.
Antares
Wait, what? What do you mean?
Antares
I know things are bad, but... how could
I help?! I'm just a student!
I help?! I'm just a student!
Antares
And I'm really kind of struggling to handle
my own problems right now, so—
my own problems right now, so—
???
The world is in danger. Are you gonna
help me or not?
help me or not?
Antares
Wha...
Is this a dream?
Is this a dream?
Antares
I wondered the same thing earlier, and
that wasn't a dream...
that wasn't a dream...
Antares
...so this is real? You really need my help?
???
...
Antares
Um... are you... in trouble?
Antares
I don't know who you are, but if there's
anything I can do...
anything I can do...
Antares
If I can save someone who's suffering...
Antares
Then I'll take your hand!
???
...thank you.
Antares
Aah! W-where am I?!
Antares
Huh? There are people here...
Antares
Uh-oh. I hope they don't think I'm
an intruder...
an intruder...
Antares
(...I'll just try to blend in, for now.)
Antares
(I'll run if I see a chance, so... sorry to
intrude! I'll leave soon, promise!)
intrude! I'll leave soon, promise!)
???
Thank you all for gathering here tonight.
Antares
Aah! Something's happening...
???
Your devotion surely brings joy to
Lord Elysian, as well.
Lord Elysian, as well.
???
This is the first step to putting an end
to the suffering of your daily lives.
to the suffering of your daily lives.
Antares
Huh? She looks kind of like Mirai...
Antares
I-I'll try to get a little bit closer.
Antares
E-excuse me! I just want to—
Aah!
Aah!
Hunched Man
I've worked the fields all my life. But
that tsunami destroyed my home.
that tsunami destroyed my home.
Hunched Man
We had to move to the city, but...
Hunched Man
Nobody's hiring. I can't make enough
money to feed my children...
money to feed my children...
Antares
Wha...
Crying Woman
I was chosen in the population density
reduction lottery.
reduction lottery.
Crying Woman
I was sent far away from my family.
What do I have to live for without them?
What do I have to live for without them?
Despairing Woman
My son... he was so sick, and we couldn't
afford the treatment...
afford the treatment...
Despairing Woman
If the Goddess is real, why would she
make him suffer like that?
make him suffer like that?
Despairing Woman
If she is real... I... I hate her...!
???
Yes, as you should. The Goddess is real,
but she doesn't care about us.
but she doesn't care about us.
???
If she truly loved us, would she send
such calamities to harm and kill us?
such calamities to harm and kill us?
???
The Goddess does send her blessings
to this world...
to this world...
???
100 fragments of herself, the Gifts,
she sends to the 100 Vessels.
she sends to the 100 Vessels.
???
One Vessel will slaughter the other 99,
and be reborn again as the Goddess...
and be reborn again as the Goddess...
???
Would a truly merciful being have devised
such a system as this?
such a system as this?
Antares
(The Vessels... Saya...)
???
If these sacrifices are necessary to give
her power, then she is weak.
her power, then she is weak.
???
And if they are not necessary...
???
Then she is cold, and cruel.
???
Either answer is reason enough to hate
the Goddess and rebel against her.
the Goddess and rebel against her.
All
You're right! Yeah!
Antares
(Things are getting kind of weird
in here...)
in here...)
Antares
(Is this a cult meeting?! What am I
doing here?!)
doing here?!)
???
You there.
Antares
......huh?
Antares
Uh, uhhh, m-me?!
???
Yes. Share your suffering with those
gathered here tonight.
gathered here tonight.
Antares
Suffering...?
Antares
(What should I do?! I have to say
something, or I'll look suspicious!)
something, or I'll look suspicious!)
Antares
Um, well...
Recently, my friend...
Recently, my friend...
???
Your friend?
Antares
She... she was discovered to be the 99th
Vessel, and taken away...
Vessel, and taken away...
Hunched Man
What?! A Vessel?
Despairing Woman
Poor thing, to know your friend is
doomed to die...
doomed to die...
Antares
So, um, I made up my mind to work
twice as hard, for her sake, but...
twice as hard, for her sake, but...
Antares
But even with a big opportunity right
in front of me, I'm too scared to act...
in front of me, I'm too scared to act...
???
I see. That must have been hard.
???
The Vessels are not gifted, but cursed
by their Goddess to die.
by their Goddess to die.
???
She condemns young and innocent
lives to pain and death, and for what?
lives to pain and death, and for what?
???
This is her true face, everyone. That
of a tormentor and torturer.
of a tormentor and torturer.
Haggard Man
But...
???
Yes?
Haggard Man
Don't get me wrong, I hate her too.
Haggard Man
But she's a god. What can we humans
hope to do against a god?
hope to do against a god?
???
It is only natural to harbor doubts.
But have no fear.
But have no fear.
???
Simply close your eyes.
Antares
Close our eyes?
???
Close your eyes, and I will relieve your
pain, here and now.
pain, here and now.
Hunched Man
Oh... I see! We can share strength
with each other!
with each other!
Antares
Relieve our suffering? That's not...
Antares
Hmm. This is getting weird. It might
be dangerous to stay here.
be dangerous to stay here.
Antares
It looks like everyone's focused on
that girl. I should leave while I can.
that girl. I should leave while I can.
Whump!
Antares
Oof! S-sorry!
Antares
...huh? There's no one in front of me?
Antares
But I'm sure I ran into something!
What did I...
What did I...
Antares reaches out her hand, until
it suddenly stops in midair.
it suddenly stops in midair.
Antares
A wall... there's an invisible wall here.
???
Where do you think you're going?
Antares
Eep...
???
Everyone else has their eyes closed.
You're the only one who hasn't.
You're the only one who hasn't.
Antares
W-wait, please! I, um—!
-
-
Whoosh!
Antares
Kyaa!
Antares
Oh no, my eyes! I can't... keep them...
open...
open...
Audience
Wooooooo!
Antares
Huh? Wait, where...
Mirai
Antares!
Antares
Mirai? Who are all these people?
Are they... fans?
Are they... fans?
Mirai
What are you spacing out for? We did it!
You were amazing!
You were amazing!
Antares
Did it? Did what?
Mirai
I guess it doesn't feel real yet, huh?
Mirai
Our concert! We did it! You did so well!
I was really impressed.
I was really impressed.
Antares
The concert?! Did we sing the song
I wrote?
I wrote?
Mirai
Yeah! Look, see? Everyone in the
audience was really moved.
audience was really moved.
Antares
You're right... I never thought my song
would have so much power.
would have so much power.
Saya
Antares! I never expected I'd get to
dance to one of your songs.
dance to one of your songs.
Antares
Saya?! You mean... you danced ballet
to my song?
to my song?
Saya
Of course. What else? It was my greatest
dance ever.
dance ever.
Saya
Don't you agree? You got to sing next
to Mirai, too. Wasn't it wonderful?
to Mirai, too. Wasn't it wonderful?
Antares
Yeah... it really would have been great...
Antares
Having you come back, and all of us
performing together...
performing together...
Antares
All my dearest wishes coming true, just
like that.
like that.
Antares
But I can't recall a thing about
the performance at all.
the performance at all.
Antares
What I do remember is that floating
girl, and what she said.
girl, and what she said.
Antares
The world is in danger. So why are you
here, Saya?
here, Saya?
Antares
...you're a Vessel, right? You have to fight
the other Vessels to the death.
the other Vessels to the death.
Antares
Aren't you afraid?
Saya
...Vessel? What are you talking about?
Antares
Huh?
Saya
Sorry, I'm just a little confused.
Mirai
Should we really be talking right now?
Come on, the fans are waiting for us!
Come on, the fans are waiting for us!
Antares
...haha.
Antares
I see. Yeah...
There's just no way, huh.
There's just no way, huh.
Saya
Antares?
Antares
This is a dream, isn't it? A real dream,
this time.
this time.
Antares
I'm sorry. I'd love to stay here and enjoy
it, but I have to wake up now.
it, but I have to wake up now.
Antares
I've made up my mind. I'll stand next
to Mirai on stage.
to Mirai on stage.
Antares
I'll write letters to Saya, and practice
hard. I'll make my own dream real.
hard. I'll make my own dream real.
Saya
What are you saying, Antares?
I don't understand.
I don't understand.
Antares
I'm sorry!
Mirai
Antares?! Look out! That's the edge of the
stage, you're going to fall!
stage, you're going to fall!
Antares
Haaaaaa!
Antares
...aaaah?!
Antares
I'm back here...
Hunched Man
Ah...
Antares
They're all connected by beams of
light?! And at the other end...
light?! And at the other end...
???
...you're awake.
Antares
It's you! What is this light? Magic?
Antares
If you can use magic, does that make
you a Vessel, too?
you a Vessel, too?
???
...
???
I tried my best to give you a happy
dream. Why did you refuse it?
dream. Why did you refuse it?
Antares
That's my question. Why are you doing
this at all?
this at all?
Antares
No matter how happy a dream is, it's
still just a dream, not reality.
still just a dream, not reality.
Antares
I'm sure they all feel the same! I know
they've all suffered so much...
they've all suffered so much...
Antares
But what good does this do?! It doesn't
make things any better for them!
make things any better for them!
Antares
You talked about fighting the Goddess.
But how does this help anyone?!
But how does this help anyone?!
???
...so angry, for one who understands
so little.
so little.
???
Seize her.
Despairing Woman
Uugh...
Antares
You're not just brainwashing them...
You can control them, too?!
You can control them, too?!
Hunched Man
Uuurgh!
Antares
Hyaa?!
???
You can't run. You know that, right?
Antares
Right, the invisible wall...!
Antares
What should I do?! How do I escape?!
Antares
I don't even know where I am! How am
I gonna get out of this?!
I gonna get out of this?!
???
Grab her! Bring her here!
Hunched Man
Grrrgh...!
Antares
Noooo!
???
...what...?
Antares
I'm... I'm going home! I'm going home,
right now!
right now!
???
Damn...!
Antares
Let... me... goooo!
Antares
Aaaaah!!
Antares
...h-huh? This is... my room at the agency...
Antares
Everything seems okay... I feel like I
just got a full night's rest.
just got a full night's rest.
Mirai
Antares? I'm coming in!
Antares
Mirai?!
Mirai
What? It's almost time for practice.
Mirai
I know you asked to be alone, but I
was worried you might oversleep.
was worried you might oversleep.
Antares
Ah... oh! It's morning! S-sorry! I'll get
ready!
ready!
Mirai
Okay. I'll be waiting for you in the
studio.
studio.
Antares
Okay!
Antares
...was that really a dream?
Antares
I still feel so strange. Who was that person,
anyway?
anyway?
Antares
Sigh...
Reality's been so weird lately...
Reality's been so weird lately...
Scene 6
Antares
Pheeew...
Mirai
Good work on your test! Here, have a
little treat.
little treat.
Antares
Water and a snack! Thanks!
Mirai
You've done dancing, singing, and
interviewing, the idol basics.
interviewing, the idol basics.
Mirai
How are you feeling? Do you think you
did well?
did well?
Antares
Um, well... I-I did my best, of course.
Antares
But I think I disappointed them pretty
hard on pretty much everything.
hard on pretty much everything.
Antares
All the judges looked really unimpressed...
Antares
Especially Mr. Crowley.
Mirai
Ah, don't worry about that. Crowley
doesn't like anyone.
doesn't like anyone.
Antares
Really? Well, if you say so...
Antares
Um, what do you think? Did I do okay?
Mirai
You definitely didn't do badly.
Antares
Really?
Mirai
Yeah. I'd say you've definitely got some
talent for dancing.
talent for dancing.
Mirai
You had a good sense of presence
onstage, too.
onstage, too.
Antares
Really? You're not just saying that?
Mirai
Why would I lie? You still need practice,
of course.
of course.
Mirai
But that's true for everyone. I wasn't
perfect from the start either.
perfect from the start either.
Antares
I don't think I believe that. You've
always seemed like the perfect idol.
always seemed like the perfect idol.
Mirai
It's just a question of experience. I
started practicing when I was only 10.
started practicing when I was only 10.
Antares
That long ago? Didn't your parents
object?
object?
Mirai
Ah, um... I don't really have... parents.
I don't know much about my family.
I don't know much about my family.
Antares
You don't?
Mirai
I don't have any relatives or anything
like that.
like that.
Mirai
As far back as I can remember, I was
living at Shinano Academy.
living at Shinano Academy.
Antares
Shinano...? Wait, the school for Vessels?
Mirai
That's right. I used to live there with
the others.
the others.
Mirai
I've always loved singing and dancing,
and I practiced all I could at school.
and I practiced all I could at school.
Mirai
Then one day, Crowley came to me.
He asked me if I wanted to be a star.
He asked me if I wanted to be a star.
Mirai
Isn't that something? In this day and
age... but it made me really happy.
age... but it made me really happy.
Mirai
It felt like all my hard work was finally
starting to pay off.
starting to pay off.
Mirai
I was so excited to take my first steps
along this road...
along this road...
Mirai
...I had no idea how hard it would end up
being, back then.
being, back then.
Antares
Mirai... I'm sorry.
Mirai
What for?
Antares
You just looked so sad. I feel like I
asked something I shouldn't have.
asked something I shouldn't have.
Mirai
Don't be silly. I wouldn't talk about it if
I didn't want to.
I didn't want to.
Antares
Really...?
Mirai
Really. Ah, but that's enough of my
complaining. Let's change the subject.
complaining. Let's change the subject.
Mirai
Hmm... so, your song. What was your
creative process?
creative process?
Antares
You mean, for the one I submitted?
Mirai
That's right. "Shining Star."
Mirai
I really love it. The second I heard it,
I knew I wanted you to be the winner.
I knew I wanted you to be the winner.
Antares
Ah... stop it. You're gonna make me
blush.
blush.
Antares
Um... the truth is, I wrote it for a friend.
Mirai
A friend? From school?
Antares
Yeah... it turned out she's a Vessel, so she
was taken away a few weeks ago.
was taken away a few weeks ago.
Mirai
I... I see.
Antares
My friend— Saya, she wanted to be
a ballerina.
a ballerina.
Antares
And not just any ballerina. She wanted
to be an étoile, the best kind.
to be an étoile, the best kind.
Antares
And she was really amazing, too. She
could have made it for sure.
could have made it for sure.
Antares
But they found out she was a Vessel
before she got the chance.
before she got the chance.
Antares
I was so sad. I wanted to cheer her up,
but I couldn't even do that...
but I couldn't even do that...
Antares
But if my song could reach her, then
maybe that would do it... I thought.
maybe that would do it... I thought.
Mirai
I see...
Mirai
Saya's lucky to have a friend who would
go so far for her.
go so far for her.
Antares
Y-you think so?
Mirai
I do! Hey, would you sing "Shining Star"
for me now?
for me now?
Antares
Huh? Right now?
Mirai
I've only heard the recording. I'd really
like to hear it live. Please?
like to hear it live. Please?
Antares
I-i-if you insist...!! C-can I use this guitar?
Mirai
Of course. Here, your applause!
Antares
Aaah... O-okay, here I go...
Antares
"A gentle heart, burdened by wounds
In the growing dark, you..." Um...
In the growing dark, you..." Um...
Antares
"C-chasing an uncertain future, you..."
Um, uh... You...
Um, uh... You...
Antares
S-sorry, I keep forgetting what comes
next... I'm so nervous.
next... I'm so nervous.
Mirai
Haha, I bet. You're shaking like a leaf.
Antares
I-I've never performed this in front
of anyone before!
of anyone before!
Mirai
Then, how about this? I'll sing it for you,
so you can just focus on the guitar part.
so you can just focus on the guitar part.
Antares
R-really? You'll sing it?
Antares
Ah, then let me get you the lyrics! Huh?
Wait, where's my notepad...
Wait, where's my notepad...
Mirai
It's okay. I have the lyrics memorized.
Mirai
Let's take it from the top.
"A gentle heart, burdened by wounds..."
"A gentle heart, burdened by wounds..."
Antares
A-ah, I'll match you!
Antares
(Wow... The Mirai is singing
my song...)
my song...)
Mirai
"Looking for you, up in the sky ♪
A light further away than before ♪"
A light further away than before ♪"
Mirai
"Waiting for the day when your light ♪
Returns to me, in the dark... ♪"
Returns to me, in the dark... ♪"
Mirai
...I really do love this song.
Antares
T-thank you so much! Maybe we should
have done this from the start.
have done this from the start.
Mirai
Done what?
Antares
Had you sing, and me play guitar.
That's good enough for me, really.
That's good enough for me, really.
Mirai
No, that won't do. I want you to sing
alongside me.
alongside me.
Antares
But you have the better voice, and you
have more practice...
have more practice...
Mirai
You can make up for that by working
hard in rehearsals.
hard in rehearsals.
Mirai
What's important is the feeling. The
heart. That's what really matters.
heart. That's what really matters.
Antares
The heart...
Mirai
It's rare to find people as sincere as you
in this business...
in this business...
Mirai
But that's why, if you can get polished
up, you'll definitely touch people's hearts.
up, you'll definitely touch people's hearts.
Mirai
You'll show us all something that no
one's ever seen before. I'm sure of it.
one's ever seen before. I'm sure of it.
Antares
Mirai... You really believe in me that much?
Antares
Thank you. I think I would still be
totally useless without you.
totally useless without you.
Antares
I'll work hard. So... thank you. From the
bottom of my heart.
bottom of my heart.
Mirai
I'm the one who should be thanking
you.
you.
Antares
What for? I haven't done anything...
Mirai
Your song expresses exactly how I feel.
Mirai
I want to shine in the darkness. You put
that feeling into words for me.
that feeling into words for me.
Mirai
Now, I can share that feeling with my fans
across the world.
across the world.
Mirai
So, thank you.
Antares
Oh, um...!
Crowley
Mirai!
Mirai
Crowley?! What's going on?
Crowley
You have a concert in Akise tonight.
Get ready.
Get ready.
Antares
Right now?! Is it a surprise concert?
Antares
Akise? Wait, haven't they been having
a typhoon for months?!
a typhoon for months?!
Mirai
We were there just last month, too.
Oh well...
Oh well...
Crowley
Back to your room, Antares.
Antares
...yes, sir...
Mirai
No, I'd like her to come too.
Crowley
What?!
Mirai
I want her to come too! It'll be good
for her to see a concert up close!
for her to see a concert up close!
Crowley
...what are you planning?
Mirai
...
Crowley
...fine, then. Get ready.
Antares
Huh... O-okay!
Mirai
...
Antares
Mirai...?
Scene 7
Antares
W-we're going there by helicopter?! Oh,
wow! This is my first time—
wow! This is my first time—
Crowley
Stop talking.
Antares
Oh... okay...
Antares
(This rain is something else... and it's
been going on like this for months?)
been going on like this for months?)
Antares
(This place isn't flooded, it's actually
totally underwater...)
totally underwater...)
Mirai
I see people are still gathered up on
the high ground.
the high ground.
Crowley
Indeed, but it seems like the aid from
the government is starting to run out.
the government is starting to run out.
Crowley
Too many people, and not enough food.
The numbers don't lie.
The numbers don't lie.
Crowley
There have been protests here for
the past two days. Riots, more like.
the past two days. Riots, more like.
Antares
Riots?! And you brought Mirai here
on purpose?!
on purpose?!
Antares
Shouldn't we send them more food,
instead of just a concert...?
instead of just a concert...?
Crowley
Shut up. Be grateful you get to come
along at all.
along at all.
Antares
...s-sorry, sir.
Mirai
...
Antares
(Mr. Crowley seems more on edge than
usual... and so does Mirai.)
usual... and so does Mirai.)
Antares
(They feel almost... cold. I wonder what's
going on?)
going on?)
Antares
...there really are riots going on, huh?
Mirai
Hey, Antares. Are you ready to get up on
stage?
stage?
Antares
Up on... huh?! Is that what you meant
by up close?!
by up close?!
Antares
I-I kind of thought I'd be watching
from backstage, or something...
from backstage, or something...
Mirai
I see. Alright, then. I'll do it by myself
today.
today.
Antares
...Mirai?
Mirai
Consider this part of your training.
Make sure you watch closely.
Make sure you watch closely.
Staff
Crowley! We're out of time. The riot's
boiling over! We need that concert!
boiling over! We need that concert!
Crowley
I know. Mirai, are you ready?
Mirai
I'm good to go.
Mirai
...
Mirai
Hey there, everyone! How about you
all listen to me for a little bit?
all listen to me for a little bit?
Antares
It's... it's Mirai. The Mirai I've always
looked up to.
looked up to.
Antares
Is she really going to be okay, though?
Drawing their attention like that?!
Drawing their attention like that?!
Crowley
Don't worry.
Antares
Mr. Crowley...
Crowley
This is her job. She's been doing this
for years.
for years.
Antares
I... I guess so.
Antares
(...she said my song expressed how she
feels inside.)
feels inside.)
Antares
(I always thought she was a bright,
shining, smiling person...)
shining, smiling person...)
Antares
(But maybe she's just as deeply hurt
as any of us, deep inside.)
as any of us, deep inside.)
Antares
(All those times I watched her sing,
I had no idea...)
I had no idea...)
Antares
Um, Mr. Crowley? Can I ask one thing?
Antares
Why is Mirai holding a concert in such
a dangerous place, anyway?
a dangerous place, anyway?
Crowley
I told you to be quiet.
Antares
B-but I'll be on stage with her soon!
This is part of my training too, isn't it?
This is part of my training too, isn't it?
Crowley
......hm. Fine, then. If you want to know
so badly—
so badly—
Staff
Crowley! We've got intruders in the
plaza!
plaza!
Crowley
Understood. Antares, get down and stay
down.
down.
Antares
Huh?! Um, uh, okay!
Antares
...he's gone. But what about Mirai?!
Over the pounding rain, peppy pop
music swells in volume.
music swells in volume.
Mirai's Voice
"Sparkling, shining, today's a new day ♪
With a wave and a smile... ♪"
With a wave and a smile... ♪"
Antares
Ah, I love Mirai's songs...
Antares
...huh?!
???
...
Antares
Hey, that's the girl who was floating!
There she is, in the audience!
There she is, in the audience!
Antares
So I didn't dream her, after all.
???
...
Antares
Huh? She's looking this way?
???
...
Antares
Does she... want me to follow her?
Rioter
Give us food! We need food and water!
Police
Down on the ground! Get down!
Antares
Huh? Wait, where did she go?
Crowley's Voice
Hurry it up! We need the concert feed
on as many screens as possible!
on as many screens as possible!
Antares
Mr. Crowley? He's giving orders to the
police...?
police...?
Antares
But why would the police care about
Mirai's concert?
Mirai's concert?
Mirai's Voice
Okay! Looks like I'm connected to you
all now! ♪
all now! ♪
Mirai's Voice
I know it's hard, but don't give up!
Remember, I'll always be here for you!
Remember, I'll always be here for you!
Rioter
W-what the? My phone just started
playing music?
playing music?
Antares
Wow! The billboards, the monitors,
even people's phones...!
even people's phones...!
Mirai's Voice
"Let's all smile, let's all laugh ♪
Tomorrow will be a brighter day! ♪"
Tomorrow will be a brighter day! ♪"
Rioter
Ah... huh...?
Antares
The fighting is stopping...?
Rioter
Mirai... Mirai...
Antares
Everyone's just watching Mirai now?!
Antares
I can't believe it. The riot settled down
so quickly...
so quickly...
Antares
Wait. Does this have something to do
with Mirai's Vessel power?
with Mirai's Vessel power?
Mirai's Voice
"The sun's in the sky, good morning! ♪
What a wonderful day for a walk! ♪"
What a wonderful day for a walk! ♪"
Antares
Mirai...
???
Now! Fall into a dream!
Antares
Ah, I know that voice!
Rioter
M-my eyes are so... heavy...
???
This is for the best. Sleep, little one.
Sleep, for Mirai's sake...
Sleep, for Mirai's sake...
Antares
W-what are you doing?!
???
Ah... it's you. From the other night.
Antares
So you weren't a dream either.
Rioter
Gh...
Antares
H-hey! Are you okay?! Get a hold of
yourself! Wake up!
yourself! Wake up!
Rioter
Stop... it...
Antares
Kyaa?!
???
Good. Capture her.
Antares
L-let me go! Why are you doing this?!
What good does this do anyone?!
What good does this do anyone?!
???
If you had only kept dreaming, you
would have been happy...
would have been happy...
Antares
N-no...!
???
Goodbye.
Antares
(No... am I really going to die here,
in this freezing rain?)
in this freezing rain?)
Antares
(Without accomplishing anything...
Without saving a single person?!)
Without saving a single person?!)
Mirai
I want to shine in the darkness.
You put that feeling into words for me.
You put that feeling into words for me.
Mirai
Now, I can share that feeling with
my fans across the world.
my fans across the world.
Mirai
So, thank you.
Antares
(No... no! I won't let it end here!)
Antares
(My chest feels... warm. I can feel a
strange power welling up inside me.)
strange power welling up inside me.)
Antares
(Wait... could it be...)
Antares
(Am I...?!)
???
What?!
Antares
I'm... not done yet! There's still so much
I want to do!
I want to do!
Antares
Haaaa!
Vwoosh!
???
Wah?!
Antares
(That was like an explosion...
Did I do that?!)
Did I do that?!)
???
You negated my magic...?! This isn't
over!
over!
Antares
You're not getting away! Hey! Get back
here!
here!
Rioter
H-huh...? What was I...
Antares
All the people who were knocked out!
They're awake!
They're awake!
???
...
Antares
...she got away.
Man
Hey, what's going on? Some kind of
movie shoot?
movie shoot?
Woman
Was that a sword? Isn't that a little too
cheesy?
cheesy?
Antares
Huh?! All the people listening to the
concert are awake again, too!
concert are awake again, too!
Antares
...t-the screens! All the screens are
broken!
broken!
Antares
Did I do that?!
Man
Whatever. Guess I'll take a photo!
Woman
Sure. If she's an actress, we can show
the others later.
the others later.
Antares
Ah... n-no pictures, please! I, um, I...
Antares
S-sorry, I have to go!
Man
Ah, she ran away!
Antares
M-Mirai... gotta get to Mirai...
Crowley
Antares.
Antares
Mr. Crowley...
Crowley
The concert has been canceled.
Antares
Huh? But why?
Crowley
There was an explosion outside the
venue. Mirai will be evacuated.
venue. Mirai will be evacuated.
Antares
An explosion? Could it be...
Crowley
...it sounds like you know what I'm
talking about.
talking about.
Antares
W-well...
Crowley
Where did you go? I believe I told you
to stay here!
to stay here!
Mirai
Wait, Crowley.
Antares
Mirai!
Mirai
Antares, you're soaked. You ought to
dry off, before—
dry off, before—
Mirai
Cough! Cough, cough!
Kah-thump...
Antares
M-Mirai! Mirai?!
Antares
What happened?! Quick! Call an
ambulance!
ambulance!
Crowley
They're already on their way.
EMT
Excuse me! We're here for Mirai!
Crowley
...we'll talk back at the agency. Don't try
and run away.
and run away.
Antares
Run...? O-okay... I understand.
Scene 8
Crowley
Now, Antares. What did you do during
the concert?
the concert?
Antares
I... well...
Crowley
Not feeling up to answering? Then how
about this?
about this?
Antares
Is this... a video? It's smartphone footage...
Antares
(Ah... it's a video of me using that power
to drive back the cult leader.)
to drive back the cult leader.)
Crowley
Did you set up the explosion outside
the venue?
the venue?
Antares
Huh?! Why would you think that?!
Mirai
Stop it, Crowley.
Antares
Mirai? Are you okay?
Antares
...ah.
Antares
(She's in a wheelchair. I guess she's not
okay after all.)
okay after all.)
Mirai
Are you really going to blame Antares
over some stranger's shakycam?
over some stranger's shakycam?
Mirai
What gives you the right to talk to her
like that?
like that?
Crowley
You know what gives me the right.
Crowley
I will let no threat to this world's safety
pass, no matter how small.
pass, no matter how small.
Crowley
In that, I speak for the Church.
Antares
Church...?
Mirai
...Crowley. Let me speak with Antares.
Alone.
Alone.
Crowley
What? But—
Mirai
I wasn't asking!
Crowley
...!
Gh...
Gh...
Crowley
F-fine, then... But don't think this
clears you of suspicion, Antares.
clears you of suspicion, Antares.
Mirai
Nngh...
Antares
Mirai?! You're bleeding! Are you okay?!
Mirai
I'm fine! Don't touch me!
Antares
Mirai...
Mirai
You must know by now what my Gift is.
Antares
The power given to you by the Goddess...
Antares
Everyone who heard you sing looked
like they were being hypnotized.
like they were being hypnotized.
Mirai
That's right. That's my Gift.
The Goddess's Voice.
The Goddess's Voice.
Mirai
Using her Voice, I can command people
to do what I want them to.
to do what I want them to.
Antares
Ah... Then, Mr. Crowley...
Mirai
That's not the only way my Gift can
be used, though.
be used, though.
Mirai
The Goddess's absence has caused so
many disasters, and so much suffering.
many disasters, and so much suffering.
Mirai
People are scared, desperate. It's my job
to reassure them.
to reassure them.
Mirai
That's why I'm allowed out of the
Academy. Why I can be an i— ugh!
Academy. Why I can be an i— ugh!
Antares
Mirai!
Mirai
...I'm fine.
Antares
They're making you sing like this,
aren't they? When you're so sick?
aren't they? When you're so sick?
Antares
You can tell them no! This isn't right!
They shouldn't be using you like this!
They shouldn't be using you like this!
Antares
You need treatment. You're a Vessel,
after all, and... with the Requiem...
after all, and... with the Requiem...
Mirai
Are you worried for me?
Antares
Of course I am!
Mirai
Haha. It's fine, don't worry. I'm not sick.
Antares
You liar. You're clearly in pain!
Mirai
You have it backwards. I'm not being
made to sing in my condition.
made to sing in my condition.
Mirai
I'm like this because I sing. Like the
others, I've already lived too long.
others, I've already lived too long.
Mirai
The Requiem was supposed to have
started already, you know?
started already, you know?
Mirai
But with the 100th Vessel missing,
we've all been kept waiting...
we've all been kept waiting...
Mirai
And I've used too much power. That's all
it is.
it is.
Antares
Too much...?
Mirai
Humans aren't made to contain the
power of the Goddess.
power of the Goddess.
Mirai
The more we use it, the more we break
apart. I've already used too much.
apart. I've already used too much.
Mirai
I don't stand a chance in the Requiem.
Not anymore.
Not anymore.
Antares
...can't you run away?
Mirai
If I did, the world would end, sooner or
later.
later.
Mirai
I'd like to retire, sure, but my face is
too well-known. There's no point.
too well-known. There's no point.
Mirai
What would you do? If it were you?
Mirai
Could you just sit by and watch as the
world tears itself apart?
world tears itself apart?
Mirai
If you had the same power I do...
I bet you'd do the very same thing.
I bet you'd do the very same thing.
Antares
...
Antares
(I understand what she means... but isn't
it just the same as that cult?)
it just the same as that cult?)
Antares
(It's like brainwashing. Changing how
they think. Isn't that wrong...?)
they think. Isn't that wrong...?)
Antares
(But if the alternative is people losing
their lives...)
their lives...)
Antares
(Maybe it's not so bad? Maybe...)
Antares
You know... it sounds like you don't think
there's any other way.
there's any other way.
Antares
But I don't think we can give up hope
that easily.
that easily.
Antares
For the world, or for you. There still has
to be a way, right?
to be a way, right?
Mirai
Hope, huh...
I wish I still had any hope left.
I wish I still had any hope left.
Mirai
But Vessels don't have that luxury.
We carry the world on our shoulders.
We carry the world on our shoulders.
Mirai
Turning away from reality and saying
there must be another way...
there must be another way...
Mirai
I don't think that's having hope.
I think that's just being naïve.
I think that's just being naïve.
Antares
...
Antares
(I... don't know what to say.)
Mirai
...Antares.
Mirai
When you left the concert venue,
where did you go, really?
where did you go, really?
Antares
Well, I...
Mirai
Did you really set up that explosion?
Antares
N-no! Absolutely not.
Antares
But...
Antares
(Can I really tell her?)
Antares
(About that silver-haired girl... The
one who controls people like she does.)
one who controls people like she does.)
Antares
(She must be a Vessel too, right? Was
she also trying to stop the violence?)
she also trying to stop the violence?)
Antares
(But she almost killed me... Can I really
say they're the same?)
say they're the same?)
Antares
(And she said something else...)
Mirai
You can't tell me?
Antares
Um...
Antares
...
Mirai
I understand. It was a mistake to bring
you with us.
you with us.
Antares
Mirai...
Mirai
After all this, there's no way Crowley
will let you perform in the concert.
will let you perform in the concert.
Mirai
I can make sure you won't be arrested,
at least... but that's the most I can do.
at least... but that's the most I can do.
Mirai
It's over, Antares. Go home.
Antares
But... But!
Mirai
...
Antares
(...even with Mirai's recommendation,
it's Mr. Crowley who decides this.)
it's Mr. Crowley who decides this.)
Antares
(It really is... all over.)
Antares
I'm sorry. Thank you for everything...
Mirai.
Mirai.
Mirai
...
Mirai
...goodbye, Antares.
Scene 9
Antares
Mm... where am I?
Antares
Oh, right. I'm back home.
Antares
(Maybe it was all a dream. The contest,
the agency, Mirai...)
the agency, Mirai...)
Antares
(The concert, that girl, the magic...
All of it.)
All of it.)
Antares
(That makes the most sense. There's no
way any of that was real...)
way any of that was real...)
Antares's phone alarm goes off,
startling her.
startling her.
Antares
Ah, right. Um, I guess... let's check today's
news.
news.
Smartphone
"Waiting for the day when your light ♪
Returns to me, in the dark... ♪"
Returns to me, in the dark... ♪"
Antares
Ah...
Smartphone
My next big concert's almost here!
I hope you're all as excited as I am!
I hope you're all as excited as I am!
Antares
It... wasn't a dream.
Antares
I really did want to sing with her...
But I ruined everything...
But I ruined everything...
Antares
Sniff...
Sniffle...
Sniffle...
Antares
Waaah...
Producer
Um, Mr. Crowley? Isn't Mirai giving more
performances than normal lately?
performances than normal lately?
Crowley
She's fine. We keep close tabs on her
health.
health.
Crowley
Now, about the concert. The old winner
bowed out due to the stress.
bowed out due to the stress.
Producer
W-what?! Then what are we going to do
now?
now?
Crowley
Just grab some idol with a pretty face
and put her up on stage instead.
and put her up on stage instead.
Crowley
We own the rights to the song now, so
Mirai can sing it on her own.
Mirai can sing it on her own.
Crowley
You can do that, right Mirai?
Mirai
...yes.
Producer
Well, alright then.
Producer
Has there been any progress on the
100th Vessel, by the way?
100th Vessel, by the way?
Crowley
No, unfortunately. Nothing at all.
Crowley
She should have been found already.
Where is she...?
Where is she...?
Antares
......
Cheery Classmate
Antares looks pretty down...
Firm Classmate
She was out for a whole week. Maybe
she's sick or something.
she's sick or something.
Cheery Classmate
Someone should say something...
You know, help cheer her up.
You know, help cheer her up.
Firm Classmate
Um, well...
H-hey! Antares!
H-hey! Antares!
Antares
Huh?
Firm Classmate
Hey, so, you're going to Mirai's concert
on Saturday, right?
on Saturday, right?
Antares
......no.
Firm Classmate
Huh?
Antares
I'm not going to the concert.
Firm Classmate
Huh?! Seriously, what happened to you?!
This is Mirai we're talking about!
This is Mirai we're talking about!
Cheery Classmate
Did something happen? Are you sick?
Antares
No, it's...
...sorry.
...sorry.
Antares
I need some air.
Cheery Classmate
That's weird. She never misses those
concerts.
concerts.
Firm Classmate
Maybe she's bummed she lost the
contest? That would do it.
contest? That would do it.
Cheery Classmate
Yeah... I hope she feels better soon.
Antares
Mirai...
Antares
(What she's doing is wrong. Controlling
other people like that is wrong.)
other people like that is wrong.)
Antares
(But is it right to stop her? Things were
getting violent back there...)
getting violent back there...)
Antares
(And who is that silver-haired girl?
What's with that cult?)
What's with that cult?)
Antares
(She must be a Vessel, so why isn't she
at the Academy with the others?)
at the Academy with the others?)
Antares
(And... what was that thing I did when
we fought?)
we fought?)
Antares
(Am I... could I be... a Vessel, too...?)
Antares
Ah...
???
...
Antares
She wants me to follow her again?
Antares
...no. Nothing good has ever come of
getting involved with you!
getting involved with you!
Antares
Just... just leave me alone already!
Go find someone else to bother!
Go find someone else to bother!
Antares
...
Antares
Why are you looking at me like that?
Do you have something to say to me?
Do you have something to say to me?
Antares
Or... are you saying I don't have the
right to refuse?
right to refuse?
Antares
(What would happen if I just closed
my eyes and went home?)
my eyes and went home?)
Antares
(Nothing, I'm sure. I'd lead a normal
life as a normal student.)
life as a normal student.)
Antares
(Mirai has Mr. Crowley, so I'm sure
they can handle that cult girl...)
they can handle that cult girl...)
Antares
(I won't gain anything at all from
getting involved. Not a thing.)
getting involved. Not a thing.)
Antares
(But...)
Rioter
Give us food! We need food and water!
Police
Down on the ground! Get down!
Antares
(The floods, the famines... those are
happening all over the world.)
happening all over the world.)
Antares
(Without the Goddess, the world is
tearing itself apart.)
tearing itself apart.)
Antares
(And it'll keep on happening until the
Requiem is finished.)
Requiem is finished.)
Antares
(If the Requiem never starts, and this
goes on...)
goes on...)
Antares
(...if I run away, knowing what will
happen if I do...)
happen if I do...)
Antares
Darn it...
Darn it, darn it, darn it!!
Darn it, darn it, darn it!!
Antares
Okay, fine! I'm coming, okay?!
???
...
Male Fan
Finally, the day we've all been waiting
for!
for!
Female Fan
I'm so excited! Did you see Mirai's new
costume? It's so pretty!...
costume? It's so pretty!...
???
...report.
Cultist
No problems here. The route is already
secured.
secured.
???
Good. Be ready.
???
Our target is Mirai. Her Voice is more
powerful than my magic.
powerful than my magic.
???
If we subdue her, the rest will be easy.
Prioritize her at all costs.
Prioritize her at all costs.
Cultist
Understood!
???
Mirai...
Scene 10
A knock sounds on the dressing room
door.
door.
Mirai
It's open. Hey, so, about this eyeshadow—
Antares
Mirai!
Mirai
Antares?! How did you...
Antares
I just slipped in... or, uh, a strange oni
girl kind of let me in, I guess.
girl kind of let me in, I guess.
Antares
Look, there's something I need to tell
you.
you.
Mirai
What? A strange girl?
Antares
That's not important! I have a favor to
ask of you.
ask of you.
Antares
I want you to... to stop the concert!
Mirai
W-what?! There's no way...
Antares
Please, just listen to me! You're being
targeted!
targeted!
Mirai
Targeted? You mean, for my Voice?
Antares
Yeah, I think so. There's this cult-like
group of people after you.
group of people after you.
Antares
I happened to stumble into one of their
meetings...
meetings...
Antares
And then in Akise, they were saying
your name, brainwashing people!
your name, brainwashing people!
Mirai
Antares...
Antares
Huh? W-why are you looking at me like
that?
that?
Mirai
You're lying, aren't you? You're angry that
you won't be on stage with me.
you won't be on stage with me.
Antares
N-no! Of course not! I would never lie
to you!
to you!
Antares
I know it doesn't make sense. Even I
thought it was a dream, at first.
thought it was a dream, at first.
Antares
You don't have to believe me about
the cult, just stop the concert!
the cult, just stop the concert!
Mirai
Why? If there's no cult, then there's
no reason to stop the concert.
no reason to stop the concert.
Antares
What about your condition?! Isn't that
reason enough?!
reason enough?!
Mirai
...you're worried about me?
Antares
Of course I am! Even if you weren't
being targeted, I'd want you to stop!
being targeted, I'd want you to stop!
Antares
You're already breaking down, aren't
you? If you keep this up, you'll die!
you? If you keep this up, you'll die!
Antares
You need to value yourself more.
Think about your future...
Think about your future...
Mirai
Think about the Requiem, you mean?
Antares
Huh...?
Mirai
You're worried that it can't start without
100 healthy Vessels, right?
100 healthy Vessels, right?
Antares
No, that's not...
Mirai
Because that's my "future," Antares.
The Requiem. That's it.
The Requiem. That's it.
Antares
...you're saying you'll die either way?
Mirai
That's right. I don't have a future.
Antares
That's not true! You do have one!
One worth fighting, worth winning—
One worth fighting, worth winning—
Mirai
Get out.
Antares
Wait! Please, just cancel the—
Mirai
Get out or I'll call security. I'm giving
you a chance here. Otherwise...
you a chance here. Otherwise...
Antares
Ah, wait, wait! Don't use your Voice!
Antares
I'll go. Okay? I'm going.
Mirai
...
I'm sorry...
I'm sorry...
Antares
...that horned girl is nowhere to be seen.
Antares
But I know she wanted me to warn
Mirai... to protect her.
Mirai... to protect her.
Antares
...okay. There's only one thing left I can
do.
do.
Antares
If I can't stop Mirai...
Then I'll stop that silver-haired girl!
Then I'll stop that silver-haired girl!
The crowd roars, a wall of sound that
fills up the concert venue.
fills up the concert venue.
Antares
E-excuse me! Let me through!
Excuse me!
Excuse me!
Male Fan
Quit moving around! I'm gonna miss
seeing Mirai!
seeing Mirai!
Antares
S-sorry! Really sorry!
Antares
There are too many people... How am
I ever going to find her in this?!
I ever going to find her in this?!
Mirai
Hello, everyone! Thank you so much
for coming!
for coming!
Mirai
"The sun's in the sky, good morning! ♪
What a wonderful day for a walk! ♪"
What a wonderful day for a walk! ♪"
Antares
Wow... she looks just as peppy as ever.
Even though she must be in pain...
Even though she must be in pain...
Antares
...huh?
???
...
Antares
There she is! Above the stage!
Antares
What is she planning?
Mirai's Voice
Thank you all!
Antares
(Mirai...)
Antares
(If that power I used really is the
power of a Vessel...)
power of a Vessel...)
Antares
(Someday soon, Mirai and I will have
to kill each other, won't we?)
to kill each other, won't we?)
Antares
(To stop the disasters, she or I, or maybe
both of us, will die...)
both of us, will die...)
Antares
(...no. That's just wrong. This whole thing
is just wrong.)
is just wrong.)
Antares
(If I am a Vessel, I'll stop the Requiem,
and save the world, too!)
and save the world, too!)
Antares
(Without sacrificing anyone...!)
Antares
Haaaaa!
Antares
Wait, please!
???
You again...!
Antares
Stop all this scheming! I won't let you
hurt Mirai!
hurt Mirai!
???
...which one of us is really hurting her?
Antares
Huh?
???
Fine. Before I secure Mirai, I'll take you
down too.
down too.
Antares
Um... yeah! If you want Mirai, you'll have
to go through me!
to go through me!
Antares
Bring it on!
Scene 11
Antares
Haaaaaa!
???
Ngh...! She's even stronger than last
time?!
time?!
Antares
Take your friends and get out of here!
If you don't...!
If you don't...!
???
...I won't back down.
???
Now I've seen what you're capable of.
All I need to do...
All I need to do...
Monster
Graaaagh!
Antares
Waaah! A-a monster?!
???
Go!
Monster
Grrrrgh!
Antares
Hya! I-it's strong...!
Antares
But I won't lose! If I don't stop you...
Then Mirai...!
Then Mirai...!
Monster
Grraaagh!
Antares
Waaah?!
???
Done already? Go. Focus on capturing
Mirai.
Mirai.
Monster
Grrrr...
Antares
Those light beams are going for Mirai.
The ones she brainwashes people with!
The ones she brainwashes people with!
Antares
I... won't let you!!
Antares
I won't let you lay a finger on Mirai!
Not in a million years!!
Not in a million years!!
Antares
Haaaaa!
Kabooooom!
Monster
Gggh...grraaaagh!
Mirai
A-an explosion?!
With a thump, Antares falls from the
rigging onto the stage.
rigging onto the stage.
Mirai
A-Antares?! Did you do this...?
Antares
W-where's the monster?!
Mirai
Monster?
Antares
It looked really strong, but...
Antares
I don't see it... thank goodness...
Mirai
H-hey, Antares! What's this all about?!
What have you done?!
What have you done?!
Mirai
...those clothes. And... that sword...
Mirai
Antares... did you cause that explosion?
Antares
...yeah.
Antares
I ended up fighting with that girl who's
after you, up there, and...
after you, up there, and...
Antares
...I'm just glad I was able to protect you.
Mirai
...you're so badly hurt.
Mirai
So... you're a Vessel too.
Antares
Y-yeah. Probably...
Mirai
Then why? Why sacrifice yourself for
someone you might kill someday?
someone you might kill someday?
Antares
...I don't want to kill anyone.
Mirai
Even though you're a Vessel?
Antares
Yeah. Everyone thinks we have to
sacrifice for a brighter future...
sacrifice for a brighter future...
Antares
The agency people are sacrificing you
to maintain the peace.
to maintain the peace.
Antares
The cult people sacrifice people's free
will for their own goals...
will for their own goals...
Antares
Even the Goddess sacrifices the Vessels
in the Requiem she made.
in the Requiem she made.
Antares
I'm sick of all the sacrificing. There...
there must be another way.
there must be another way.
Mirai
A way to make a better future...
Without any sacrifices at all?
Without any sacrifices at all?
Antares
Yeah. If I don't hold onto that hope...
I feel like I'll miss the only path forward.
I feel like I'll miss the only path forward.
Mirai
Antares...
With a loud pop, the stage lights
snap back on.
snap back on.
Antares
Huh? The lights are back?
Female Fan
Hey, who is that? Why is she on stage
with Mirai?
with Mirai?
Antares
Uh-oh! Everyone's getting riled up!
Mirai
Ah... mm. Hey, everyone! Sorry if our
little performance there scared you.
little performance there scared you.
Antares
Performance?
Mirai
Play along with it! Come on, smile!
Antares
R-right!
Mirai
I hope you've all had fun! Now it's time
to introduce my surprise guest.
to introduce my surprise guest.
Mirai
The winner of the contest: Antares!
Antares
Aah! Um...
H-hello there!
H-hello there!
Mirai
This will be our last song for the night!
The winning song, "Shining Star!"
The winning song, "Shining Star!"
The crowd goes wild.
Antares
W-we're doing it right now?! Won't
Mr. Crowley stop us?
Mr. Crowley stop us?
Mirai
Don't worry. If nothing else, he never
interrupts a show in progress!
interrupts a show in progress!
Mirai
Here's the guitar. You can play it, right?
Antares
Y-yeah!
Mirai
Okay, let's go! Match my tempo!
Mirai
"A gentle heart, burdened by wounds ♪
In the growing dark, you can't see ♪"
In the growing dark, you can't see ♪"
Mirai
"Chasing an uncertain future ♪
Bound by tears, like a curse ♪"
Bound by tears, like a curse ♪"
Antares
(Mirai...)
Antares
(She's singing it with such heart...
She's singing my song...)
She's singing my song...)
Mirai
No, that won't do. I want you to sing
alongside me.
alongside me.
Antares
But you have the better voice, and
you have more practice, too...
you have more practice, too...
Mirai
You can make up for that by working
hard in rehearsals.
hard in rehearsals.
Mirai
What's important is the feeling. The
heart. That's what really matters.
heart. That's what really matters.
Antares
The heart...
Antares
(...I'm still so nervous, but...
I want to sing with her.)
I want to sing with her.)
Antares
(I just said I'd save the world. How can I
back down now?!)
back down now?!)
Antares
"Looking for you, up in the sky ♪
A light further away than before ♪"
A light further away than before ♪"
Mirai
Antares...
Mirai
...haha!
Antares
"Waiting for the day when your light ♪
Returns to me in the dark ♪"
Returns to me in the dark ♪"
Mirai
"A crumbling world, the path ahead ♪
Lies waiting for a spark ♪"
Lies waiting for a spark ♪"
Antares
"Let's chase it there, to the horizon ♪
Let's follow the shining star ♪"
Let's follow the shining star ♪"
Scene 12
The crowd's thunderous applause
and cheering fills the venue.
and cheering fills the venue.
Antares
Wow... I can still hear them even
backstage.
backstage.
Mirai
No time to rest on our laurels. You need
to run.
to run.
Antares
O-oh, right! If Mr. Crowley finds us,
I'll get a real scolding.
I'll get a real scolding.
Mirai
You'd be lucky to get away with just
a real scolding.
a real scolding.
Mirai
Crowley isn't just my manager. He's
part of the Goddess's Church.
part of the Goddess's Church.
Antares
That makes sense. He'd have to know
you were a Vessel to manage you, huh.
you were a Vessel to manage you, huh.
Mirai
Right. And now the entire Church is
going to be looking for you.
going to be looking for you.
Mirai
I'll hold them off as long as I can, but
you really need to get out of here.
you really need to get out of here.
Antares
B-but I can't just leave you here...
Mirai
Thanks for worrying, but go. For my sake.
Mirai
If you're serious about this new path,
don't let them take you to the Academy.
don't let them take you to the Academy.
Mirai
You're the 100th Vessel. If they get you,
the Requiem will begin.
the Requiem will begin.
Mirai
Don't worry about me. You've rekindled
my hope.
my hope.
Antares
Hope...?
Mirai
I want to keep singing, with or without
my power.
my power.
Mirai
I want that future, and I'm willing to
fight for it.
fight for it.
Mirai
You showed me that when you gave me
a chance to sing for myself.
a chance to sing for myself.
Mirai
Thank you, Antares. I'm really glad I
met you.
met you.
Antares
Mirai...!
Mirai
Now, get going.
Antares
I will... ah! But don't use your Voice
anymore! Take care of yourself...
anymore! Take care of yourself...
Mirai
I know that! You're such a worrywart.
Antares
And once this is all over, I'll introduce
you to Saya, okay?
you to Saya, okay?
Antares
We can just... have a normal life, the three
of us.
of us.
Antares
As friends!
Mirai
Yes. I believe that day will come!
Antares
Huff, huff, huff...
That should be far enough.
That should be far enough.
Antares
Ugh, I'm so exhausted... I really ran
myself ragged tonight.
myself ragged tonight.
Antares
...I guess I can't go home anymore.
Or to school.
Or to school.
Antares
I'm sure my family and friends will
worry about me...
worry about me...
Antares
...but this is the path I've chosen.
Antares
And... I feel like I can do it. I can change
the world, without sacrificing anyone.
the world, without sacrificing anyone.
Antares
I can change the world...
I believe that.
I believe that.
Antares
I think I know what the Goddess gave
me... what my Gift is.
me... what my Gift is.
Antares
The Goddess's Hope...