The rules state that whoever wins the finals of this contest will earn the opportunity for their school to perform on the main stage at the School Idol Festival.
It really is all or nothing. It's a relief that we have nine solo acts representing our school. But at the end of the day it's quality of quantity.
That doesn't apply to Nijigasaki. Because I believe that any one of our members could win this.
I gave them the standard pep talk beforehand, the order of performances are...
1. Emma Verde
2. Shizuku Osaka
3. Rina Tennoji
4. Ai Miyashita
5. Setsuna Yuki
6. Karin Asaka
7. Kanata Konoe
8. Kasumi Nakasu
9. Ayumu Uehara
Our school unfortunately...have to perform first. Lady Luck is not on our side. But we need to stay strong.
I'm standing at the sidelines, ready to cheer on everyone. The feeling of anticipation in my chest won't stop, this is the rush of School Idols!
EMMA: "Is it time?"
AKI: "Almost, the host must announce your name."
EMMA: "R-Right, I knew that haha."
AKI: "Nervous?"
EMMA: "A little."
AKI: "That's okay. If you get nervous, then remember to think of home. Or that picnic us, Shizuku and Kanata had."
EMMA: "You're right, just thinking about happy moments like that is enough to calm me."
AKI: "Great!"
HOST: "Please welcome to the stage for our opening performance... From Nijigasaki High School, Emma Verde!"
AKI: "Good luck, show this crowd what a European School Idol can do!"
*CROWD CHEERS*
That was beautiful, a song written by Emma about her homeland. The faraway place that she holds so dear to her heart, and she made sure to let the crowd experience the vast plains of green and sunny days from her song.
To be the opening act of this contest is a disadvantage of course, but Emma turned that upside down and made it her own strength. To set the bar high for those to follow.
EMMA: "Did I do good?"
AKI: "You did great Emma, your family back at home will be so proud of you."
EMMA: "I hope so, I want to bring the experience of School Idols all the way to Switzerland!"
AKI: "And together, we are going to make that dream a reality."
SHIZUKU: "I'm ready Senpai, Emma that was amazing!"
EMMA: "Thank you so much! I know that you'll do great too Shizuku."
AKI: "She's right, y'know? I've heard that you wrote a new song for this Shizuku. That's really impressive."
SHIZUKU: "Thank you Senpai, when I'm writing I always think about how I can convey my feelings through the words I say."
AKI: "Just like the amazing actress you are."
HOST: "Please welcome next to the stage... You may remember her from the finals at a show in Shibuya recently. From Nijigasaki High School, Shizuku Osaka!"
SHIZUKU: "Huh?!"
AKI: "See, they remembered you. Now it's time to make sure that they never forget you."
*CROWD CHEERS*
One day I'll reach my Audrey... To reference Shakespeare in a song, coming from Nijigasaki's Juliet.
Audrey... A character from Shakespeare's As You Like It. Someone who is not regarded as being pretty, but is loyal, honest and kind-hearted.
A character that Shizuku must idolize. Although I would say that she has already reached her Audrey. Because Shizuku is loyal, honest and kind-hearted. Not to forget that she is very pretty too.
SHIZUKU: "My feelings Senpai... They understood."
AKI: "Take it as you like it. I felt the true passion behind your words Shizuku. I'm so proud of you."
SHIZUKU: "Thank you Senpai."
RINA: "Rina-chan Board says 'Ready'."
AKI: "Rina! I see that you've fully updated your Rina-chan Board for this performance."
SHIZUKU: "As an actress I'm no stranger to wearing masks, but Rina's is unlike anything I've ever seen before. I know you'll steal the show."
RINA: "Shizuko, love you."
HOST: "Next we have a performer that you could never forget about. Please welcome from Nijigasaki... Rina Tennoji!"
SHIZUKU: "Good luck, Rina!"
AKI: "Show the crowd the emotions you want to convey, show them the power of your Rina-chan Board!"
RINA: "Rina-chan Board says...'Showtime'!"
*CROWD CHEERS*
A song about the Rina-chan Board. No... It was a song about Rina's own emotions that she wants to show everyone.
Even if the board wasn't there, I could still tell that Rina was having fun. That she was happy.
RINA: *huff* *pant* "What did you think?"
AKI: "I think you've shown exactly what emotions you feel. And judging by that crowd's reaction... They knew exactly what you felt out there. EMOTION."
RINA: "Rina-chan Board...'Emotion'!"
They're taking a short interval, so I should really see how the others are reacting to these amazing performances.
I hope everyone's okay...