act45side

You're a Nyamu-chan fan, huh?

Yeah... I got into drums in the first place because of her videos.

Sometimes I watch the old uploads when I'm feeling like giving up.

I wonder if she can still make music with joy these days. Like she did in <i>The Drummer Girl</i>.

Uh! Sorry, I got carried away talking.

The most important thing is to keep Sora safe! Let's get back to work and keep our eyes sharp.

Easy there, ain't all <i>that</i> much stress. I got some new toys here. These babies can automatically identify unauthorized visitors—

You're kiddin' me...

Two suspicious figures in Area A! Drones out!

Two figures run through the narrow corridor, their frantic sprint enforced by the dozens of armed drones chasing.

I should never... have trusted you!!

I'm just as lost as you! This never happened to anyone I sneaked in before!

When'd they get all this surveillance and dronepower?!

Shoot, the drones are catching up! Run! Runnn!

(Strange sound)

Heheheh-heh-heh.... hah-hahahahah!!

Suddenly, the man who was accompanying Sakiko is nowhere to be seen. In his place, she finds a familiar face.

Hahahahah-hah! This is so much fun!!

(Joyful cry)

Well? Are you enjoying this girl's sweet dream?

She seems SMITTEN with all the love being showered on her. I don't think she eeeever wants to leave!

You're responsible for all this?!

I thought I made it clear when you challenged me—this was never going to be easy.

I demand you let me see her!

Well, that's not hard. Just go straight down the corridor, aaaaall the way down, and you'll find her!

If I were you, though, I'd want to see about losing these things behind you first!

(Chirping in agreement)

She's runnin' towards the set! Sora's in danger! Stop her!

...Dammit!

Sakiko feels the floor grow soft beneath her feet. The door ahead of her falls away for each step she makes. There seems to be no end to this nightmarish run.

Yūtenji, I want you to wake up!!

Track her motions, zoom in—

Good, a little closer, focus her face, pan over those pale lips.

'What is the meaning of a doll's existence?'

'To stand in a shop window, imitating the motions of those outside.'

'To bring laughter to people with clumsy imitation.'

'When the doll is happy, everyone smiles.'

'Even when the doll is sad, everyone smiles.'

'Now, we bid you enjoy this doll's show—'

...Perfect.

A-Amazing...

I can't believe it! You were born to act!!

Heheh. I only really got a hang of this one recently.

I practiced in front of a mirror night after night, trying to understand the thoughts of a doll.

Understanding a doll? Wow, now that sounds pretty out there, haha...

It must have taken so much hard work to nail the performance, Miss Nyamu!

...Well, I always think I've still got a long way to go.

Everyone around me is blessed with these incredible abilities.

There's famous child actors who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

There's people who fall into the deepest pits and still carry on shining bright.

I run until I can't run anymore, just to barely catch up to them...

I have a trick or two up my sleeve, but in front of their talent, really, I have nothing.

So when so many people love me, love someone so mediocre and ordinary like me, I have to work ten times harder just to answer their appreciation.

Miss Nyamu... you're incredible as is.

I'm sure everyone here will agree with me when I say—we all love you.

Yeah... thank you, everybody.

What an emotional scene, folks. It's been wonderful having our two incredible guests on set this evening.

Say, while we're in the mood, I just had a little idea—

Will the two of you do us the honor of reenacting that classic scene from <i>The Drummer Girl</i>?

Sure!

Nyamu and Sora take positions, following the instructions from their earpieces.

The skies are blue. The summer breeze carries the scent of afar.

The cry of the fowlbeasts.

The sound of breathing.

—Come down from the roof!

No! These are my dreams! I'll shout them at the top of my voice from the highest point around!

It is the job of an idol to be the picture of perfection.

Even if it takes a little lying at times.

But—but—you only just decided to buy a drum set!

What if you end up giving up on drums? People will laugh at you!

I've made up my mind! I'll play drums the rest of my life! I'll play until my hands won't move anymore!

But I gave up on drums.

My dream's to be the best drummer in Lungmen—

I did it. I became who everyone loves me for being.

No, in all of Terra!

This is fine. I'm fine. This is the recognition I wanted, the status I wanted—

Is it? This? Is this really what I wanted?

The cry of the fowlbeasts.

The sound of breathing.

The sound of glass breaking.

A sound that shouldn't have been heard during filming.

The night's breeze is cold and indifferent, yet the mind is still murky as to all that is happening.

...Huh?

W-What happened?

Miss Nyamu??

Y'all guard Sora! Someone's kidnapped Nyamu! I'm after them!

The sounds of chaos from behind grow more distant by the second.

When Nyamu finally snaps out of it, she finds herself and Sakiko together in freefall.

What kind of 'sweet dream' is this?

You lost your drums, you lost your friends, you lost yourself. Even if countless people adore you now, can you still call this <i>your</i> dream?

Where is my sharp-witted, silver-tongued Yūtenji-san?

But—but...

Nyamu. It's time to wake up.

<i>The rain falls like tears, and I am but a single drop within this endless sea.</i>

<i>In this lonely night, I am no longer lost.</i>

<i>I do not fear being afraid.</i>

Prisoner 48038, step forward.

Sir! Your orders?

Did you forget anything when going over your personal effects?

No, sir, I made sure to check everything!