Chapter 26
"You both were chosen by the stage and you have persevered through many hardships. You have finally earned the right to learn about the legendary great maneuver. You must only attempt this maneuver if you have unshakeable confidence, now I will tell you all I know." Informed Fool
Suddenly a light breeze came through the room which happened to baffle the others. "What's going on?" wondered Anna
"The spirit of the stage is here…He's instructing them." Told Jennifer
"You must be right…Anyone wishing to attempt the legendary great maneuver must have great confidence. Once they tell the spirit they have no fear of failure, no fear of death he begins to instruct them." Said Karlos
"Oh…But what would happen if they said they were afraid of dying?" asked Sara
"Then the spirit of the stage would have disappeared and we'd be forced to cancel unless they decided to perform anyway." Said Jennifer
Soon the light breeze disappeared from the room at the time Layla and Sora began to smile. "So that's the legendary great maneuver." Said Layla "It's amazing!" said Sora
"It's even better than I'd imagined!"
Sora looked at her partner "I think the best thing would be for you to rest your shoulder and for me to rehearse for it. That way both of us will be ready for tomorrow!"
"That's sounds perfect."
Layla then turned to Mia "Mia!"
"Yes?"
"I'd like to talk to you about the set we'll be on tomorrow…Could you pass these suggestions to the director?"
"Sure!"
Karlos smiled at the turn out "Everything is in motion…"
Later that day everyone at Kaleido Stage was hard at work, doing some finishing touches to the show and their routines. Currently Sora was practicing in the trapeze practice room, while working on the legendary great maneuver Marion, Jonathan and Jennifer were there watching her. As the Japanese girl jumped from the swing, pressing hard on the mat set up on the railing and back to the swing again, both Marion and Jonathan began clapping.
"Yay! That was wonderful!" cheered Marion
Sora looked down and smiled at them "Hi Marion, hi Jonathan, hi Jennifer!"
"Come see! Everybody has come back!"
"What?"
"She's right Sora…Everyone from Freedom is here, even the people who quit Kaleido Stage came back just to see this Sora!" told Jennifer
"R-Really?"
"Kaleido Stage is just the way it used to be!"
Sora's smile grew big and she began to giggle in happiness "We did it!"
Jennifer smiled a bit as she watch the Japanese girl swing back and forth happily giggling, she then turned to Marion and patted her head "I'm gonna head over to the hospital, I'll be back ok?"
"Ok Jennifer, take care!"
By the time the Harrington reached the hospital the sun was beginning to set, she walked into Kate's office to find the doctor at her desk and her best friend sitting in a hospital bed.
"Hey I'm back." announced Jennifer
"Hey there Jennifer." Greeted Kate
Jennifer took a seat right next to her best friend's bed "So…How's the pain in your shoulder?"
"Better…I should be able to perform tomorrow after all…You know it's funny…I'm usually nervous before opening a new production but…I haven't felt this calm in years, I can't wait to step onto that stage tomorrow."
"I figured you would say that."
"As your doctor I want to remind you again that performing with that shoulder is a terrible idea, but I know that you're going to do it anyway so I promise I'll do everything I can to get you through that show tomorrow." Told Kate
Layla smiled at the female doctor "Yeah that's great, thanks Kate."
The Hamilton then looked at her friend "And what about you Jennifer? Are you ready for the show tomorrow?"
Jennifer smiled and winked at her best friend while giving her a thumbs up "You know that I'm always ready for any show and I have absolute confidence that you and Sora will pull off this maneuver with no problems!"
An hour later Layla and Jennifer returned to Kaleido Stage after Kate had discharged the Hamilton from the hospital. Upon entering the building and the stage, the two women found the whole Kaleido Stage cast there waiting. Each and every member all had smiles upon their faces that cause Jennifer and Layla to smile too. Soon the director began explaining to the big group just how tomorrow is going to work.
"And then when we finish that routine, the rest of the cast is going to clear the stage then it's time to do the maneuver this'll be your set." Said the director
Everyone directed their gazes to the roof as it began to open up and all were amazed once setting eyes upon the set.
Right outside Kaleido Stage, Karlos was casually leaning against the walkway railing looking up at the sky. He soon took his gaze away from it to look at Yuri who had approached him at this time.
"Now I know how you must have felt when my Father went onstage for the last time…The performers chosen by the spirit have to attempt the legendary great maneuver…Nothing can keep them from it." Said Yuri
"No…" said Karlos
"I wanted to make Kaleido Stage a place where no performer was injured or killed every again…I never meant to destroy this place…Knowing how much this place means to everyone especially Jennifer…With all the things I've done I may have lost her already…"
"You haven't lost Kaleido Stage yet…Nor have you completely lost Jennifer; things could still look up for you."
"Huh?"
"You've actually did a pretty good job…You know…Before your father died I considered making him our business manager."
"Really? I guess he'd probably would have had the sense to let you keep Kaleido Stage. No one can spot a talent like you, Sora is a testament to that."
"I can't take credit for her, she dashed into this thing all by herself. Also don't give up on Jennifer, I know for a fact she's not the kind of person who holds a grudge besides I know it's not easy to let go of someone you have deep feelings for."
"So true…Thanks Karlos…"
The day of the performance finally came, as it was nearing the show time people who had brought the tickets to see the show, began making their way to Kaleido Stage. All the guests ranged from are all the people Sora had met during her time at Kaleido Stage and of course the loyal fans. At this time while people were filing into the building, a sleek black car pulled up and inside turned out to be Yuri and one of the businessmen that was selling the stage.
"You're pushy you know that?" questioned the businessman
"Say what you want about me but please keep an open mind." Said Yuri
The handsome performer quickly got out of the car and opened the door for the businessman, who reluctantly stepped out.
"Just watch the show tonight and tell me, if you still want to sell Kaleido Stage." Told Yuri
"Look kid it's already sold." Said the businessman
The two then heard chuckling and looked to find Mr. Kenneth stand a foot away from them. The businessman frowned at the sight of the elderly man "Mr. Kenneth…"
"Then maybe I should consider buying it back again." Said Mr. Kenneth
"By yourself? That's ridiculous, you take a bath on it!" scoffed the businessman
"A bit of advice, people who don't take chances won't reap the greatest rewards of this life, chump!"
And with that said the elderly man walked away, still chuckling while the businessman angrily huffed.
Inside the building, backstage Sora was already in her costume and is currently in Layla's dressing along with Jennifer. The Harrington was also in her costume and Kate happened to be in the room at the time, tending to Layla's shoulder.
"Just keep Layla's shoulder nice and still Sora." Instructed Kate
"Right! Once we do the legendary great maneuver I think the audiences will start coming back here."
Layla nodded in agreement "I think so too…"
"And when they come back, we'll have to have a new production for them. Something that kids and adults can enjoy just like the old days!"
Sora looked at Layla to find her smiling and then to Jennifer who also was smiling but when she looked away, the Japanese girl the look Jennifer and Layla exchanged with each other.
Minutes later the show started and the production was going great, the stage was once again filled the audience's applause and cheer. Jennifer soon came out in her beautiful and flowing light blue gown, the audience cheered as she began performing tricks on the trampoline. Her time was soon up and she ended the routine by throwing down a smoke bomb. Smoke filled the entire stage area and the trampoline set was immediately removed. Once the smoke cleared the roof of Kaleido Stage began to open up.
The night sky was soon revealed to the audience and two pillars began rising up high, with Sora and Layla on one of the two. The pillars rose up very high and soon stopped, the trapeze swings were then set for the girls. From backstage, all the cast members watched anxiously while Jennifer was looking up at her best friend and Sora, Yuri approached her at this time "Jennifer…"
She took her gaze off her two close friends to look at the Killian "Yuri…What are you doing here?"
"I'm came to you to apologize for what I've done…I'm so sorry for trying to take your happiness away from you and tried to change it. I just wanted to make a Kaleido Stage where you or any other performer wouldn't get hurt or possibly killed, a stage where everyone is safe from harm…I've realized all the things I've done were wrong and it really didn't bring happiness to anyone especially to you…Can you ever forgive me?"
Jennifer couldn't help but stare at him in shock but it soon wore off and she gave him a smile "I think you already know this by now that I'm not one to hold grudges…And what you said right now means a whole lot to me…I forgive you Yuri…."
The Killian smiled in relief, Jennifer then walked over to him and gently kissed him on the cheek. Once pulling back she looked at Yuri straight in the eye "Besides…You were only doing what you thought was right."
Yuri lightly blushed at the sudden kiss he was given but then smiled "You…You don't mind me staying here with you to watch Layla and Sora pull off this maneuver?"
"Not at all…"
With Layla and Sora, both of the girls grabbed their and readied themselves for the maneuver. Just before they could do anything Fool floated up right in the middle and held up a fortune card "The final card is the Fool, foretelling almost all the unlimited possibilities. The door to great things will open for those foolish enough not to be afraid."
After his declaration both Sora and Layla jumped off their platforms and began swinging up high. Everyone watched on feeling anxious and nervous for the partners, soon Layla and Sora launched themselves from their swings, heading towards the other. The two soon clasped hands hard and the most amazing thing happened.
Slowly the two began to ascend the sky, hands still clasped together slowly twirling around, gold stars began emitting from the two. The whole audience watched in awe as this happened, Jennifer smiled and tears of joy began running down her face "They did! They're really flying!"
"Amazing…And I thought I had the power to stand in the way of this…" admitted Yuri
Up there with Layla and Sora, the Hamilton took notice of her surroundings and said "Sora! It's time to go back!"
"Right!"
"It looks like the wind is pushing the swings a little further out, we'll have to push harder!"
"I'm ready!"
"One…Two…Three!"
The partners pushed hard against their hands and launched themselves back to their swings, unfortunately the force of the push made Layla cried out in pain. Though to everyone's relief the girls made it to their swings safely. Once back on their platforms, Layla was panting heavily and said to herself in relief "It's…It's over now…"
Soon the lights went off and immediately Layla leaned against the pillar, gripping her shoulder in pain. Down below in the audience, one by one people began standing up and started clapping for them. The clapping soon turned into roars of happiness which made Layla smile at this "How strange…It still feels like I'm flying…"
The pillars then began descending back down, Jennifer soon happen to notice Layla's condition and immediately left Yuri's side "Excuse me Yuri, I need to go check on Layla!"
Underneath the stage Layla got off the platform still gripping her shoulder, she didn't even notice her best friend quickly approaching her "Layla!"
The Hamilton looked up and smiled at her "Jennifer…"
The Harrington stopped in front of her best friend "Your shoulder…"
"Don't worry I'll be fine…"
"You and Sora were amazing up there…It brought tears to my eyes."
"You don't say?"
"Layla…Jennifer…"
The two women turned around and were completely surprised to find Mr. Hamilton standing a few feet in front of them.
"Father?" wondered Layla
"That was a wonderful show!" told Mr. Hamilton
This made the two women gasp in surprise "You were watching?"
Mr. Hamilton gave a nod "Yes…And now I understand what Yuri meant…"
The two best friends looked at each other then back at Mr. Hamilton "Yuri?"
He smiled at the two "You two really can fly and you don't need my help to do it, the two of you have become remarkably, strong young women Layla…Jennifer…"
"Father thank you!" said Layla, feeling tremendously happy at what Mr. Hamilton said who then noticed how his daughter was gripping her shoulder.
"Did you hurt your shoulder up there?"
"Yeah…"
"Is it bad?"
"I think it is…There's no way I'll be able to perform at Kaleido Stage again…"
"What?"
Layla, Jennifer and Mr. Hamilton looked to find Sora standing there with a look of disbelief on her face.
"Do you really mean that Layla?" asked Sora
Layla hesitated for a bit then answered "Yes I do…"
"It can't…It can't be…"
"Kate told me and Jennifer this would probably happen…But I had to do this…We've achieved the impossible and got the best applause…But if this has to be my last show ever I couldn't have wished for a better performance…Or a better partner…"
Tears filled Sora's eyes which soon began falling down her face "But you can't…I….It can't be!"
The Japanese girl soon ran off crying, having Layla and Jennifer call after her "Sora!"
The two women quickly followed after the heartbroken girl, they soon found her leaning against the wall crying out her sorrow.
"Sora…" called Layla
The Japanese girl just only shook her head and kept crying.
"Sora you have to be strong." Told Jennifer
"But I can't, I can't!" exclaimed Sora
"When I decided to attempt the legendary great maneuver with you I knew there would be a price but I was willing to try this with you no matter what the risk might be! Sora…Today before the show you told me you never doubted you'd be able to perform the maneuver. I need you to have that kind of faith now, you need to stand up Sora!" said Layla
Slowly Sora's cries quieted and she slowly stood up straight, making Layla smile a bit "Sora…I want you to be my dream."
The Japanese girl looked at her idol with tears still in her eyes, not believing what she said. The Hamilton's smile grew as she looked at her partner "I'm putting all my faith in you Sora."
Sora wiped away her tears and once they were gone she asked "You want me to be your dream Layla?"
"I do."
Jennifer grabbed her friend's other shoulder while smiling at Sora "Actually we do, I want you to be my dream too Sora. Because we know that you have what it takes to be a true Kaleido star."
"A true Kaleido star…."
Weeks have since that day, Jennifer left with Layla to make sure everything was working out all right with her best friend. This left Sora to deal with the upcoming production at Kaleido stage and is currently doing a dress rehearsal of the production.
"Sora!" called Ken
"Hurry up Sora!" said Mia
"Hey Sora!" exclaimed Anna
All dressed up in her costume, the Japanese girl gave a smile and began running towards the stage "Coming!"
While running there Sora happily thought to herself "Layla, Jennifer I'm gonna become a true Kaleido star no matter what it takes! I will, I will!"
And being the little klutz she is, Sora tripped and fell to the floor letting out an embarrassing giggle "Oh! Hehe…Looks I still got a long way to go!"