Moon: Hi everyone! Sorry if it's sudden but this is the last chapter. I'm also sorry for not writing the entire play in. I might put it in as an extra chapter one day, but for right now, I just put in the beginning and the end. Anyways, I hope that you'll enjoy this chapter. I'm sorry if it's rushed. I don't own FushigiBoshi No FutagoHime.
Rein's POV
I looked at the ballet outfit. The top was pure white with blue ribbon straps, while the skirt was a mixture of blue and white strands of cloth. "Wah! Can I really wear something this beautiful?" I asked turning towards Sumizone-sensei. "Are you really sure?"
"Would I be handing it to you if you couldn't wear it? Now hurry up and get dressed, the play's in 20 minutes, and you need your hair to be up too," Sumizone-sensei said. "Hey, are the props ready yet?" This is a really big deal isn't it... What should I do? I'm getting nervous, what if I forget about my steps, or my lines and I mess up the entire play?
"Rein, you look like you're freaking out," Altezza said suddenly appearing in her costume. A spring green ballet dress with large silver wings on her back. "Just take a deep breath, count backwards from 10 and act like it's one of our practices."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. 10...9..8..7..6..5..4- 1. "I feel much better now, thanks Altezza."
"Good, now hurry up and change. Sophie still needs to put your hair up in a bun." I nodded and went into the empty changing room. I sighed. I can do this. I've practiced a lot. Remember Rein, you're a marionette that fell in love with a human right now. It'll be alright.
"That dress suits you perfectly Rein!" Sophie said, smiling at me. "Come over here and I'll do your hair." I sat down on the stool that was in front of Sophie. Quickly, she put my hair up into a tight and elegant bun. "Well, what do you think?"
"It's perfect Sophie. Thank you." Then I saw Altezza and Bright-san. He was wearing a prince like outfit...it really suits him... Suddenly I felt my face heating up. "Wow, as expected of Bright-san, the prince image really suits you."
"Thank you, Rein. You look very cute as well," he said smiling at me. Then my face got even hotter. But I'm so happy that Bright-can called me cute~! I wonder if it's okay for me to say that he likes me back? He was even more nicer than normal that time he tutored me and he said that my smile was beautiful. Is it okay for me to try to confess now?
"Bright-kun! Sumizone-sensei's been calling you for a while now," Tachibana-san said. "Hurry up, she's already stressed out. We shouldn't try to make her more stressed."
"I got it. See you guys later," he said, running off with Tachibana-san. That's right... he and Tachibana-san have been really close lately because of the play. They won't even tell me anything about the ending either, so I guess it's going to be that the man falls in love with the prima dona. Well, I guess that's only to be expected, since the man first loved the prima dona in the story.
"Rein, what are you spacing out for?" Eh? "The play's already starting." The light was shining on the narrator and she began to recite her lines.
The narrator spoke out first. "Shall I tell you a story? This is the true story of a prima dona. Tachibana-san danced in using the pas de bourrée. As she elegantly danced, the narrator continued. She was a wonderful dancer that everyone fell in love with. One man in particular caught her eye. The only one who could dance on the same level as her. Then Bright-san danced onto the stage in a similar way. Wow... They really do look good together, even better than last time, while I'm just...
"Taiyou-san! If you have time to space out, then you should be able to run out on stage!"
"Eh? Sumizone-sensei?" How long have I been spacing out again?
"It's already your cue. Hurry!" The curtains were closed and I ran out on stage and dropped to the floor like a doll would. You're a puppet right now, Rein. The only thing that's causing you to live is your desire to be with the one that you love most.
"However there was another, who fell in love with the man." The light was bright on me as the narrator continued to talk. "You see, there was a doll maker who was captured by the prima dona's beautiful dance and as thanks for showing him a wonderful dance, he gave her this lovely marionette. The marionette had grown feelings for the man, but could not talk or move according to her own will. That is, until someone heard her pleads to be with the man."
I heard a magical giggling. "Nee, stand up and tell me what you desire." Altezza came out as though she was floating on air. Wow... pointe shoes are amazing. "Please stand and tell me what you desire." Slowly, as though hesitating, I stood up and walked towards Altezza with the steps that Tachibana-san first went in on stage with. "Yes, you're doing very good."
I crooked my head a little. "What do you want from me?"
"I heard it, your pleads to be with that man. You must really love him, to be able to have a conscious." I acted shocked. "Shall I grant your wish to become human?"
"Then what do you want in return from me?'
"Ah, smart child." Altezza stroked her chin with a thoughtful expression. "Let's see... Show me a dance more beautiful than that prima dona's. If you can do that, then that means that you deserve to be a human and live alongside that person that you love so much."
"Really? Will you really let me be a human if I met that condition?"
"Yes. If you can dance something more beautifully than the prima dona that you were made in the image of, I will grant you the right to be human. That is enough to prove that you were meant to be a human instead of a marionette."
"How long will I have?"
"I'll let you know when that time comes. Enjoy your time while it lasts," she said blowing glitter from her hands. Ah, it got in my eyes! Even though I told Altezza not to have so much in the first place. "Don't forget our deal."
The curtains closed again. Need to go backstage and wait for my cue again. This time, I'll actually be dancing in front of a crowd with pointe shoes. It's okay, I'm not scared. Even if people are still comparing me to Fine during this, I will show them that I'm not my sister. Taiyou-san. It's time for you to dance."
"Got it. I'll do my best." I took a deep breath. The music changed and I danced out onto the stage. To love someone, that is the purpose of this dance. Love doesn't only have elegance and beauty, it has many hardships and can sometimes become corrupted. But its a very precious thing. I can feel the marionette's feelings as I'm dancing this, even though this isn't a true story, I can still feel it, someone had once put their heart into this dance before and it still lives on.
The music stopped and I heard people on stage complimenting my dance. Then Bright-san walked out to me. "That was very beautiful," he said taking my hands. Don't act so nervous!
"Really? Do you really think so?"
"Yes. You're a wonderful dancer," Bright-san said smiling at me. I smiled back at him. Just relax and remember the lines.
When I went backstage again, I sat on a stool, slightly tired. Just a little longer. "Now there will be a short break. Take this time to stretch and wake up your legs," Sumizone-sensei said. "We'll be starting again in 20 minutes." Let's see, since I have 20 minutes, I could go rehearse my lines... but I still need to figure out what the ending's going to be. Yosh, I'll go ask Tachibana-san and Bright-san!
I started looking around the stage and finally found them but... they were hugging each other, like a couple. "So have you told her yet?"
"Not yet. I've been putting it off for a bit. I wanted to surprise her with the ending. She doesn't need to know just yet," Bright-san said. I don't really know why, but I just ran away from the scene. Somehow...when Bright-san said that, it made me feel unnecessary, like I didn't need to be there. Just like before with Fine. No one wanted me there...
Fine's POV
"Rein was really good, wasn't she Shade?"
"Yeah, but don't forget that there's still more to the play. Make sure that you pay attention until the end for Rein's sake."
"Of course." Rein was a really pretty marionette and this story seems like something that she would fall in love I saw something rush pass me. Was that...Rein? Why would she be running though? She was crying too... "Shade, I'll be right back, I have to go do something."
"I got it. Use this chance wisely," Shade said, patting me on my head. I smiled at him in thanks then ran off. Where would I go if I was Rein? Ah, the backyard garden! I ran there as fast as I could, and saw Rein into ball formation.
"Rein?" I got on my knees and poked her. "Rein? Come on, Rein? What's wrong?"
"Go away."
"You know that I won't until you tell me. Come on, tell me what's wrong. To be depressed and out here on a day like this, something has to be wrong." I sighed a little. "Does it have something to do with Hotori-kun?" She twitched a little. Looks like I'm right. "He's really a nice person, so he wouldn't reject you without telling you a reason."
"That's not it! Fine, you're so annoying, just leave me alone!"
"But it does have to do with Hotori-kun doesn't it?"
"What does any of this have to do with you?" Accidentally hit a nerve again...
"Because you're my sister. I want you to be happy." Rein didn't say anything. I guess I can continue. "You know Rein, you're a very necessary existence. Altezza-san, Sophie-san, Hotori-kun, Shade, Mom, Dad, and I all need your existence. I'm really sorry that I couldn't do anything to stop what other people said about you, but I knew that what they said wasn't true."
"Why are you saying this now?"
"All this time I've wanted to apologize, but there's never been a good chance. You've... always ignored me for a long time, so I thought that you would actually listen this time. Also, you looked down, so I thought that you needed to hear this. Hotori-kun is a good person, that's why he definitely wouldn't hurt you."
"You don't know. Anything could happen."
"But when you two were onstage, I could tell. He really seems to like you. His movements were much gentler when he was embracing you compared to everyone else. It really made me think that you two were an actual couple." I smiled. "If you like him, then don't just think about what it would be like to be with him, confess your feelings and I'm sure it'll go well."
Rein stood up. "I need to go back on stage before I get yelled at by my teacher. As thanks... I'll make you an outfit, but you have to model it for my class."
"It's a deal."
"And, I'm sorry for ignoring you," she said with an apologetic smile. "Thank you for coming to support me for my play." Then she ran off. I smiled even bigger. I'm so happy that I've finally gotten things straightened out with Rein.
"You look happy." I turn towards Shade and nodded. "Then let's hurry, we still need to watch Rein's final dance."
Rein's POV
Almost there- "Where were you?" SUMIZONE-SENSEI! "I told you not to wander around and yet you wandered around! That guy really should have just told you what the ending was to begin with. Sheesh... You need a touch up, hold still." Then within seconds, my hair was pinned the exact way Sophie did it and light make up decorated my face.
"Thank you very much." Wait, the ending? She should know how it ends, Bright-san and Tachibana-san needed her approval for the ending after all. "Sumizone-sensei, what is the ending for the play anyways? No one told me yet."
"The ending is that the prima dona gives up on the man. The man gives his humanity to the fairy to give to the marionette and the fairy was so touched, that she allowed the two lovers to be together. Hotori-san said that it had to be this ending no matter what...but now I see why." Did he really say that this was the ending? "Hurry up and go. Altezza-san's going to explain what you're going to do."
"Ah... yes!"
"Rein, where were you? We were worried," Altezza said as soon as I saw her.
"I'm sorry. But I did find someone who would be my model for class. I can finally start making my design," I said cheerfully. "But first things first, what do I do for the ending? I already heard what it was going to be about."
"Oh well, you just improvise for the lines. Then as for the dance, Onii-san wants you to use the same dance that you did for our pointe shoes test." Eh? I know that technically it's a pas au deux, meaning it's for couples, but I danced alone for that! I have no idea how to dance with a partner for that, what is Bright-san thinking? "Just try to think what a girl in love would do. You are a girl in love aren't you?"
I slowly nodded as I said, "Yes, yes I am."
"Good luck on confessing, try not to do anything stupid." I actually don't even know when I plan on- "Oh, there's your cue. Hurry and go out."
I nodded and took a deep breath. I gracefully walked out onto the stage. I don't think Bright-san will speak first, so I will. "I heard about what you done for me. Thank you very much for that."
Bright-san stepped closer to me. "Then does that mean that you know what I said?" I nodded. "So? Will you accept my feelings for you?"
"No. Not until I heard it from your own mouth," I said, somewhat playfully. "What were they again?"
"I am in love with you and only you, ever since the first time that I saw your dance. A dance only someone like you could do. It was beautiful, and full of life. I really am in love with you; is there any way that you can return my feelings?" These lines... they can be applied to the play, but at the same time, it can also relate to the first time that
"I am still a small child, despite my appearance. I don't understand emotion very well, but there is only one way that I know how to express my feelings, even if I don't know them that well myself." I twirled my hands over my head and then held them out in front of Bright-san. "Will you dance with me?"
He took my hand. "I would be honored to." Then we starting dancing. It was just like Ahiru's dance with the Prince. This pas au deux... I can feel so much emotion from it. But it's not just my feelings alone. Somehow, I can feel Bright-san's emotions too. The feeling of wanted to support and watch over someone... wanting to be by their side and close. This is how Bright-san feels right now? Soon the dance ended and everyone was clapping. Looks like everyone manged to figure out the the marionette said yes.
Sumizone-sensei came out and thanked everyone for coming. "Now we'll have everyone come out for one last bow." After the bow, everyone heading to the dressing room.
I was about to go but a voice stopped me. "Taiyou-san." I turned to see Tachibana-san. "That was a beautiful dance."
"Thank you. I liked your dance as well...Is there anything else?"
"I just thought that you would like to know that Bright-kun really tried hard for that last dance. And that earlier, we were talking about the ending, then I tripped. I have no romantic feelings towards him whatsoever though. I'm sorry if I caused any confusion," she said with an apologetic smile.
So that's what that was... "Um... no problem. It wasn't on purpose and it didn't bother me at all."
"You two are a good match." She just smiled at me then walked out.
I sighed a little. Looks like everyone's expecting me to confess soon. I know that I like Bright-san, and there's a good chance that he likes me back, but I'm just scared. It's not definite that he likes me and- "Rein, would you like you walk home together?"
"Sure, if I'm not too much of a bother." We walked in silence. Should I just take a chance and go for it, or should I just wait until he confesses first, or...what am I suppose to do now?
"Rein. You know, what I said in that last part of the play, I meant it." Which part is he talking about? "The part where I said I'm in love with you. I said that, because it seemed to fit the play better than I think I like you." Eh? Does that mean...
"Bright-san, is that true." He nodded at me. "I'm so happy! I like you too." Ah...WHY DID I JUST SAY THAT OUT LOUD? REIN, AM I STUPID? Wait... there is no point for me to be yelling at myself right now. "Bright-san, by that-"
"More than a friend?" I nodded, with my face getting warmer by the second. "Good, because that's exactly what I meant to say to you," he said kissing my forehead. I blushed even more. "Can we can start going out? As in boyfriend and girlfriend?"
I slowly nodded. "Yeah... we can." I feel... like dancing. My heart wants me to do something. "Hey Bright-san, can you come with me for a second? I have something that I want to show you. Let's go." I took his hand and lead him to a nearby park where no one was. I set down my bag, then took a deep breath. I started to dance.
All of my feelings felt like they came out. All of them, the happy and the sad. For this semester, a lot happened. I made new friends, I found someone that I like, and I made up with my sister. I've changed a lot too, not only with my dance and design skills, but I feel like I have more confidence. I want to show everyone something beautiful. A dance that only I could show them. Bright-san clapped his hands. "That was really beautiful Rein."
"Thank you. It's because of you, Altezza, Sophie, and Fine, that I could dance like this. One day, I'll show you all something even more beautiful. As thanks for everything."
"I'm already getting excited for it. What will you call that dance?"
"A name?" Since I just started thinking about it, I don't really know. What would be a good name...? "Hm...for now I'll just call it the dance of myself. I'll think of a better name when it's done"
"It'll be a good name for now. I'm sure that Altezza, Sophie, and your sister will be excited to hear about it."
"I hope so," I said smiling. "Thank you for finding me that day Bright-san." That day, everything started and everything has become so much brighter to me. "I'm really glad that I met you."
Bright-san came closer to me. I thought that he was going to kiss my forehead again, but this time he kissed me on the lips! It was sweet, and sudden. Who knew Bright-san was like this? I went in a faze, but then came back when he started talking. "Me too. I'm glad that I met you, Rein." Then I smiled at him. I'm glad that he found me.
Moon: So that's the end. Wasn't it cute?
Bright: What are you making me do?
Moon: Eh? I thought this was what you wanted. I distinctly remember you asking me for this type of ending. But the version you wanted was so much more mature, and you keep insisting that there would be that and this and even that!
Bright: I don't remember having that conversation! Stop giving readers the wrong idea!
Moon: No. Anyways, thanks for all of your support. Look forward to my next story.
Bright: This conversation is not over.
Moon: Too bad, now it is! Later everyone!