I've enjoyed the theories I've seen about this story so far~ Wonder if anyone is right...

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

Chapter 2. Anomaly

For the next several days, the girls work hard in preparation for their play, which will be performed in about three weeks' time.

By now everyone is used to their roles and knows exactly how to fulfill their expectations, so collectively they work like a well-oiled machine. The outfits come together, the lines in the script are adjusted, the scenes are altered and perfected.

Maya and Claudine stay late after-hours in the studio, not only to go over their lines for the play, but also to keep sharp with their dance moves and other stretches and techniques.

It's just how things occur before any play, at any point in the school year. If there's any slight difference at all, it's that Maya believes Claudine to be even more radiant than she usually is. And she's already typically quite radiant as it is.

But there's just something about her now that has her seeming even more vibrant and full of life than ever.

Perhaps it's because spring has arrived, and the favorable weather has put everyone into a better mood.

Perhaps it's because this play is one they'll get to do with all of their closest friends, so everyone is feeling even more motivated.

Perhaps it's because Claudine in particular has been continuing to push herself extra hard in hopes of one day surpassing Maya, and her efforts are really paying off now.

Or perhaps it's because Maya has fallen even more deeply in love with her as each day has progressed, so of course Saijou Claudine looks more stunning than ever in her eyes.

Maya enjoys her days to the fullest, putting all of her energy into classes and rehearsal, then spending much of her late afternoons and early evenings privately reviewing things with Claudine before dinner. They wind down in the showers, oftentimes still going over their lines back and forth past the hiss of the water, and even afterward as they dry their hair and get ready for bed.

And even then, when they curl up together in one room or the other - as Claudine has given up trying to fend Maya off at this point - they sometimes whisper their lines until they fall asleep together.

Typically, if they were around other people, Claudine would always be the last one awake, or perhaps tie with Nana. But when it's only she and Maya, Claudine often falls asleep first, especially as of late due to how hard she's been working as the lead actress.

Maya watches over her as she drifts off again tonight, still halfway through murmuring one of her lines. Maya smiles fondly, stroking the backs of her nails through her partner's bangs before leaning down to leave a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Rest well, Saijou-san. You've done well again today. Thank you for your hard work."

With this, Maya closes her eyes and pulls Claudine into her arms, letting her gentle pulse lull her to sleep as well.

The following day, the nine actress for the Snow White performance head to the auditorium together to practice their scenes onstage. The lighting and stage crew are currently elsewhere, so the girls go through their scenes without worrying about the spotlights or sound effects.

Nana stands in as the warlock for the time being, since they don't have the shadow effects prepared just yet. Claudine and Maya are just making their escape from his clutches to seek shelter in the forest.

"This is awful," Claudine cries. "All this time, he was only keeping me locked in that castle so he could one day marry me himself."

"It's disgraceful," Maya growls. "Of any man, but particularly of one who claims to be the ruler of this kingdom." She takes Claudine's hand to reassure her. "I promise I won't let him have you. You should choose your own destiny as you see fit."

"Then stay with me," Claudine replies. "It's you I want to be with. You, and no one else."

The two of them stare into each other's eyes for a moment to convey the emotion of the exchange as the scene draws to a close.

"End scene!" Junna calls out. "Nicely done, you two."

"Uwaaah! Snow White and the Princess love each other so much!"

"Easy there, Dopey," Futaba laughs, poking Karen. It's become a bit of a friendly prank recently for those playing the Dwarfettes to call each other by their character names.

"I love their relationship in this version!" Mahiru sighs. "Kuro-chan and Tendo-san are perfect!"

"Yes, they're very skilled," Kaoruko waves her hand dismissively. "Now can we please move along to the next scene? I've been practicing my lines all day."

"Someone sure is Grumpy~" Karen coos.

"Sounds like we need a dose of Happy!" Nana throws her arms around Kaoruko in a hug, effectively ruffling her hair and making her blush.

"B-Banana-han!"

The room fills with the cheerful echoes of laughter as the girls get ready to begin the next scene.

"All right," Junna calls out. "Next scene, Snow White and Princess Charming meet the Dwarfettes. Ready? And-"

But before she can finish, the stage suddenly begins to rumble beneath their shoes. Without warning, the lights flicker as the girls cry out in alarm. There's a slight panic as the sensation of falling crashes over them. The lights fail, and the entire building seems as though it's been engulfed by a massive earthquake.

But it's all over in a matter of seconds.

The next thing they know, when they open their eyes, they find themselves on a different stage - one that has no true audience.

"What's this?!" Karen yelps. "A revue?"

"Or a ReLive?" Mahiru wonders.

"Indeed, a battle is imminent." The giraffe answers from one of his usual spots, a viewing point at the edge of one of the higher seating levels. The girls, now dressed in revue attire, turn to face him.

"Figures," Futaba sighs. "Cuz we were right in the middle of something."

"And having quite a nice time too, I should say," Kaoruko pouts. "Leave it to the Korosu to have to start destroying a play when we're busy preparing for one."

"If it's a ReLive," Mahiru says. "Then where's Elle-san?"

The giraffe is quiet for a moment as he ponders a response.

"Let us say she is currently occupied elsewhere."

"The hell is that supposed to mean? Sounds sketchy."

"Not at all." The giraffe replies calmly in response to Futaba's accusing tone. "If you recall, the girl you know as Elle-san is, in fact, yet too young to stand upon this stage. She will only appear to you here in the version of herself she dreams of. Being that it is still daytime, Elle-san is not able to visit here as she normally might. I understand."

"So we get you instead," Junna sighs. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with."

"Yes," Maya says. "Let us try to finish this quickly so we may resume practice."

"Agreed," Claudine nods. She turns back to glance at the stage, where the red curtain has begun to ruffle. The sounds of the Korosu are already leaking out from the other side.

"So which play is it this time?" Hikari asks.

The giraffe flicks an ear.

"That would be one you all know quite well at the moment."

"Wait-" Junna gasps. "You don't mean-?"

"Snow White?!" Nana finishes. "How could such a classic and well-known play be in danger of disappearing?"

"Precisely because it is so classic and well-known," the giraffe says. "You see, due to its fame, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves has been re-written in many different versions across various cultures around the world. But it would appear that these newer, more modern versions have gained more attention than the original. Just as you are all aware of right now, yes?"

The nine Stage Girls look to each other as they comprehend his meaning.

"So, in other words…" Junna says. "There have come to be so many spin-off versions and changes to the original story that some people are beginning to forget the original source altogether?"

"Indeed," he says. "As such, if the original were to disappear-"

"Then so will our version!" Karen gasps.

"And every other version that was ever written," Hikari adds.

"You understand." The giraffe dips his head. "With this in mind, please show me a dazzling performance today."

Just as he finishes speaking, the curtains are forced aside as an army of black shadows clambers forth onto the stage. The nine Stage Girls turn to face their opponents with weapons at the ready.

"Well then," Claudine says. "It would make sense if we all just acted out the roles we've been cast in our version, right?"

"I agree," Maya says. "I shall play the Prince here."

"I'll be the witch," Nana decides. "Karen-chan, can you play both Dopey and Happy this time?"

"Leave it to me!"

And so the nine Stage Girls rush forward to fight and perform the original story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Fortunately, they had all recently read over the original story not too long ago in order to help them better understand the newer version they would be portraying, so it's fresh in their minds.

They are able to say their lines as needed as they cut down the Korosu one by one.

It's almost a laughably simply battle, considering all nine of them are present and so efficient at fighting alongside one another. The spotlights follow them, different colors merging together as each girl stands beside her companions, shining rainbow light down over the dark shadows.

Claudine keeps a silent kill-count in her head for both herself and Maya, adamantly trying to keep her score higher. It's a simple battle, and the girls even let themselves get a bit lax as the Korosu's numbers dwindle.

"Heh," Futaba laughs. "Is this all? I haven't even broken a sweat."

"Futaba-han, let's not complain about an easy fight, shall we?"

"It was actually kind of nice!" Karen calls out. "This battle really woke me up! Right Sleepy Hikari-chan?"

"Bakaren. Let's just finish them off."

By this point, there are only a few dozen Korosu remaining. Claudine and Maya are currently tied, so they both charge forward to sneak in a few more kills. Claudine hacks one into dust, twirling in perfect sync with Maya to cover each other's blind sides.

"That's two more for me," Claudine announces.

"Oh?" Maya smirks. "I believe I've just gotten three."

"Ch." Claudine turns sharply to seek out more opponents-

It's something small and blue and white that she isn't expecting to see in the mass of blackness.

"Wh-"

At first, she almost doesn't believe her eyes. But as the seconds rush by, her heart slams to a halt as she realizes what she's seeing is real.

A small girl has wandered onto the stage, wide-eyed with terror.

"Mama…?" The young Elle blinks, tears already forming in her eyes as the monsters clamber toward her. She cries out, staggering backward, only to collapse due to how hard her knees are shaking. Clutching her blue dress tightly, she lets out a thin wail. "Mama? Wh-Where are you-?"

Claudine doesn't have time to think. All she can do is charge forward with a shout to alert the others.

"Hey-!"

Several Korosu are already closing in on the defenseless little girl. Claudine is still too far away, so she throws her sword like a javelin at the one that's nearest to reaching the child. The Korosu screeches and disappears.

Elle begins to cry louder, her little voice breaking with terror.

By now the other girls have noticed.

"What the-?"

"Elle-chan?!"

"Giraffe! What's happening?!"

"My, my…" he utters. "How peculiar. I understand."

"Elle-chan!"

"Oh no-"

"Get her out of here!"

Claudine has almost reached her, and thankfully a few of the other Korosu are skillfully taken out by Junna's arrows, and both of Nana's swords.

But no one else can get proper aim at the last one quickly enough. The monster raises its blade high above the trembling little girl with a guttural hiss.

Claudine kicks off frantically at the last second, skidding and crashing to her knees as she throws her arms around Elle.

"No-!"

She grabs her just in time, shielding the girl with her own body.

At the same instant, the Korosu's blade heaves downward, cutting from the top of her left shoulder all the way across her back to her opposite hip. Claudine screams as searing pain erupts across her body, as though her spine has been severed.

All around her, her friends shriek in horror.

"Kuro-chan-!"

"Saijou-san-!"

"Kuro-!"

Above her, the orange spotlight flickers spastically before going out.

Claudine watches blotches of blackness explode across her vision, but she still keeps Elle close to her chest protectively. The little girl is sobbing and clinging to her for dear life. Claudine tries to speak to reassure her, but no words come. A second later, darkness takes hold, and her senses fade away from her…

Maya watches it all happen. In just seconds, the fight had taken an unimaginable turn for the worse. She watches Claudine throw herself in the path of the Korosu's blade and cover Elle, watches as she takes a direct blow at close-range.

Maya screams, something halfway between a yelp of dismay and a battle cry of outrage. A feral, boiling anger blazes through her as she races to her partner's side, killing the Korosu with a violent stab of her rapier before it can move another inch. Instantly, she drops her weapon and drops to Claudine's side, catching her just as she sways and loses consciousness.

"Saijou-san!"

In Claudine's limp arms, Elle is crying so hard her voice is starting to break. Maya frantically puts one arm around her, trying to inspect her. But Claudine had done her job, and the little girl is physically unharmed.

Maya hardly spares a second to be relieved about that before she gives her full attention back to her partner.

"Saijou-san! Saijou-san!"

Maya's arms are shaking as she tries to support her weight, keeping her slouched against her side. She can't see or smell any blood, and as she moves her hand across Claudine's back, she doesn't feel any wounds either.

By this point her allies have defeated the last of the Korosu and are now hurriedly making their way over to them.

"Kuro-han!"

"Kuro!"

"Kuro-chan!"

Nana makes it there first, dropping down beside them to help Maya support Claudine.

"Is she okay-?"

"I'm not sure-"

Maya presses her palm to Claudine's collar. It's faint, but after a few seconds she can make out a heartbeat and feel a slight rise and fall to her chest.

"She's breathing," Maya reports.

"Thank goodness."

Little Elle's cries wobble up weakly past the sounds of their panicked voices. Mahiru kneels down to gather the girl into her arms, fighting back tears herself.

"I-It's all right. Onee-chan is going to be just fine-"

"Giraffe!" Nana rounds on him with fury in her eyes. "Why is Elle-chan here?! Why did you let her in?!"

"It was not my doing," he replies. "It would appear the young Elle-san was within range of the stage, likely eager to pass by the school where she would soon be coming to see a certain play. The ReLive stage must have recognized her presence and drawn her in on its own. Yet another anomaly associated with this school. I understand."

"What about Kuro-chan?" Karen cries. "What did that Korosu do to her?!"

"All this time," Hikari murmurs. "No one's ever actually been struck by one before…"

"This is bad-" Futaba chokes. "This could be really bad…"

"But she isn't bleeding," Kaoruko says cautiously. "Perhaps she only passed out from the shock?"

"Let's hope that's all it is," Junna agrees.

Maya is still quivering with fury and despair, keeping Claudine close as she looks her over once more. Her face has gone pale with sweat beading her forehead, and her expression is slightly pained. But other than that, she appears as though she'd just had a terrible nightmare, and nothing more. There is no blood at all, even though Maya is certain she'd watched the blade slice cleanly through her.

Either way, she isn't about to start questioning it.

By now, the others have calmed down just a bit, relieved to see that both Elle and Claudine were both physically all right. Mahiru is still cradling the little girl against her shoulder.

Elle has stopped crying, but she's still too frightened to lift her face. It's probably for the better too; the less she knows about this place when she's awake, the better.

Maya gently passes her hand across Claudine's forehead, bringing her closer to kiss the crown of her head.

"So," Junna glowers up at the giraffe. "What happens to Saijou-san now? What exactly does a Korosu's blade do when it makes contact with a Stage Girl?"

At this, the giraffe moves his head slowly from side to side.

"That, even I do not understand. For you see, as you have mentioned, this is the first time it has ever happened that I am aware of."

"Seriously?!" Karen blurts out. "Even when you were back in England? They had ReLives in other parts of the world too, right? And no one ever got hit before?"

"It makes sense though," Hikari says. "After all, only the most skilled Stage Girls are summoned to the giraffe's stage. None of them would be careless enough to let themselves get hit."

"Not to say that Kuro-chan was careless!" Mahiru adds in quickly. Hikari nods her agreement right away to ensure she meant no offense.

"Right. This is probably the first time anything like this has happened… Where an outsider was pulled onto the stage by accident…"

"Kuro…" Futaba bites her lip. "She was just trying to protect Elle-chan…"

"We didn't even know the poor little thing had ended up here until the last second," Kaoruko murmurs. "Kuro-han was the closest and the quickest to react."

"And it's a good thing she was," Junna says. "If she hadn't protected Elle-chan… who knows what could've happened to her."

"She's so little," Nana says. "A trained Stage Girl like Kuro-chan would be able to handle a blow like that better than a child could."

"I agree," Maya nods. "But even so, I'm very worried…" She looks back down at Claudine again, finding she is still just as quiet and still. The other girls voice their agreement.

"Yeah. We should get her out of here."

"She needs to rest."

"Maybe we can bring her to the nurse and just say she collapsed suddenly during rehearsal."

"That might be best."

"Giraffe," Nana says to him with a hint of warning. "We've completed the ReLive. Take all of us and Elle-chan back now. Make sure she gets back to her mother."

"Indeed," he says. "I understand."

A few seconds later, there's a familiar rumbling beneath their shoes. Maya pulls Claudine across her lap, determined to keep her close. And just as the spotlights begin to flicker, she hears a soft moan.

"Saijou-san?"

Meekly, Claudine's eyelashes flutter open.

"Huh…?"

Maya sighs in the utmost relief.

"Thank goodness."

Their friends smile and express their relief as well.

"She's awake."

"Hang on, Kuro-chan."

"We're going back now."

Claudine doesn't seem to fully understand what's going on just yet, so Maya just pulls her close and hugs her. The colored spotlights rattle, and eventually, even the orange one returns.

When the shaking finally stops, Maya and the others open their eyes and find themselves back on Seishou's main stage. The girls exhale in unison.

"We're back."
Mahiru's arms are empty, proof that Elle had been sent back to her mother.

Maya finds herself still kneeling with Claudine in her arms. As she carefully clears her bangs away, Claudine opens her eyes once more. Maya smiles.

"Saijou-san? How are you feeling?"

For a brief moment, Maya is fearful she might see only confusion in her eyes, that perhaps she had been robbed of her memories. But when Claudine next blinks, a spark of recognition lights in her gaze.

"Like I was hit by a truck."

Maya's eyes soften.

"That is understandable. You took quite a serious hit when you threw yourself in harm's way to protect the Ojou-sama."

Claudine gasps softly.

"Elle-chan? Where is she?"

"She's safe!" Karen reports. "Thanks to you, Kuro-chan! She's back with her Maman now!"

Claudine exhales.

"Thank goodness."

"What about you, Kuro-chan?" Nana frets. "Can you get up? Are you in pain?"

Only now when it's mentioned does Claudine seem to recall the hit she'd taken. When she tries to move she winces, so Maya keeps her steady.

"Please don't push yourself."

"I'll be fine. Just give me a minute."

"What?" Kaoruko scoffs. "Do you really think we're gonna keep rehearsing after all that?"

"Like hell," Futaba says. "Kuro, you should go to the nurse. We'll tell her you fainted and see if she can help."

"Hold on," Claudine protests, trying to push herself up on her own. "There's no need for that. I can-"

"Kuro-chan!"

"Nope!"

"Denied!"

With all eight of them looking back at her sternly, Claudine relents.

"All right. But we've all got to wake up even earlier tomorrow to make up for this lost time."

"Ehh?" Kaoruko whines. "But tomorrow is Saturday!"

"You heard her!" Futaba says. "We're gonna work our butts off tomorrow."

With their schedule now decided, Nana helps Maya bring Claudine to her feet. She staggers a bit, and it's clear that she's suddenly very sore, so they keep close to her as the girls gradually makes their way toward the infirmary.

They tell the nurse Claudine had fainted suddenly during rehearsal, and the nurse checks her over. But as they expected, she finds nothing out of the ordinary - especially not any wounds or scars. The nurse decides it must have been dehydration and overexertion, and recommends Claudine get plenty of rest tonight before excusing her. The girls are reassured at the very least that Claudine isn't physically injured.

As they exit the main building on their way back to the dorms, Maya catches sight of a certain little girl and her mother walking on the other side of the street with grocery bags in-hand.

Once they return to Starlight Hall, the girls retreat to the showers first. Maya keeps an eye on Claudine, and listens for any sounds of distress from the stall next to hers. But other than being a bit stiff and suffering a few pangs here and there, Claudine is all right.

They all dry off and dress for bed, then Nana, Junna, and Mahiru begin preparing dinner. As they eat, Claudine has a normal appetite, and Maya finds the last of her fears for her drifting away.

The only thing that's different is that Claudine gets very tired right after dinner, but given today's events, Maya thinks it's very understandable.

So the girls refrain from staying up chatting or playing games tonight, and they all wish each other goodnight before retiring early.

Maya sticks by Claudine's side all the way back to their rooms. They pass Claudine's door and end up at Maya's. Maya realizes Claudine was probably too tired to notice. She takes her hand and teases her playfully.

"My, does this mean you would like to stay with me tonight, Saijou-san?"

Claudine blinks, shaking her head to rouse herself from her sleepy trance.

"What? I-" She cuts off when she realizes where they are. "Th-That's not-"

"Calm down," Maya chuckles. "I was only teasing."

Claudine huffs.

"I have half a mind to leave you here and go back to my own room. I'm just too tired to walk back, that's all."

"Then stay with me," Maya says in a slightly more dramatic tone. She recites some of Claudine's lines from the play. "It's you I want to be with. You, and no one else."

She smiles charmingly as she says it. But to her surprise, Claudine just blinks back in total confusion.

"What on earth was that?"

Maya tilts her head.

"Your lines?" she prompts her. "From Snow White?"

Claudine blinks again, then shakes her head.

"Oh. Of course. Gosh, I must be really tired…"

Maya steps close, putting an arm across her back.

"That is very understandable. Then let's get you to bed now, shall we?"

Claudine mumbles under her breath, but leans into Maya's side nonetheless.

Maya brings her inside and guides her to the bed. She pulls down the covers and has Claudine lie down. Maya finds that, by the time she has gotten herself situation, Claudine is already fast asleep. Maya can't help but still feel a little bit worried.

Hopefully a good night's rest is all she needs.

Maya reaches out for her, gently gliding her fingertips across Claudine's cheek. She smiles fondly, leaning down to kiss her forehead. Maya lies beside her, covering Claudine as much as she can before curling her fingers with hers.

As she sleeps, she dreams of a stage where the bright spotlights are every color of the rainbow, even white.

Only, for some reason, the orange light keeps flickering on and off.

A/N: I don't play the mobile game, nor am I completely caught up with all the ReLives and stories, but I don't think I know of a case of any of the girls being seriously struck/injured by a Korosu before, so this is all going off of the notion that none of them have.

I imagine it's possible little Elle could've been pulled in by the stage's energy and summoned to it by accident if she was in range during an unexpected Korosu battle.

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