Scenario:Lilele - What It Means to Sparkle

What It Means to Sparkle

Lilele receives an invitation to hold a grand concert in Auguste. Moved, she accepts and throws herself into practice and preparations with help from the crew.

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One day, a flustered Lilele visits the crew aboard the Grandcypher.

Lilele: (Captain)! Take a look at this—an amazing request just came in!

Lilele (Fire) not in crew

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Lilele devotes herself to her dream of shining as the number one idol in the skies.

When Lilele was a child, she once heard the song "Our Future" performed by a four-member idol group. It stirred her heart and awakened her dream of becoming an idol herself.

However, through a mysterious incident entwined with a primal beast, she came to learn that the very group she had so admired hailed from another world altogether.

Accepting this truth and vowing to one day find them, Lilele sets forth with renewed resolve—pursuing her path as an idol with a heart alight in hope.

Lilele: See? Just take a look at this!

Lilele places a letter in front of (Captain) and the others.

Vyrn: Let's see... An invitation to hold a grand concert in Auguste?

Lilele: Yes! It's from the person who organized the summer fest I got to perform at before.

Lilele once performed at a summer festival held in Auguste.

Although she faced sabotage from industry rivals, Lilele managed to thrill the audience with an amazing show.

Lilele: They were so moved by my performance that they want to see if I'll do a solo concert!

Lyria: That's amazing! They must really adore you as an idol, Lilele!

Vyrn: No doubt this is huge, but are you sure it's the real deal? Fingers crossed that it's not gonna turn out to be some secret ramen event again...

Lilele: Oh, come on—I promise it's fine this time! Just read the rest of the letter, okay?

The letter is full of heartfelt words from the organizer to Lilele.

Organizer: "Lilele, you brought so much energy to Auguste's summer; I was truly moved."

Organizer: "That's why I'd like to offer you a chance to hold your own solo concert at those same festival grounds!"

Lilele: See, it's incredible! They're trusting a venue as big as the summer fest to me alone!

Vyrn: No kidding... You're in the major leagues, Lilele!

1. Don't push yourself too hard.
2. Let's go to Auguste right now!

Choose: Don't push yourself too hard.

Lilele: Oh, (Captain)! You don't actually think I'm secretly freaking out over this invite, do you?

Lilele: It's true—filling such a huge venue all by myself is a big challenge.

Lilele: But the organizer believes in me enough to send this letter, so there's no way I can turn him down!

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Let's go to Auguste right now!

Lilele: Haha, sounds like you're just as fired up as I am, (Captain)!

Lilele: For a concert this big, we could never have enough time to prepare.

Lilele: Just working out the stage plan will be tough, and I'll need to focus on my rehearsals more than ever.

Lilele: I can't let down the organizer and the fans who are looking forward to the show!

Continue 1

???: Heh... That's our Lilele. After hearing your resolve, there's no way we're sitting this one out.

???: As the Grandcypher branch of the Lilele Fan Club, we'll be sure to lend a hand too!

Lilele: Ah... I know those voices!

Lilele: Rackam! Eugen!

Eugen: So a grand solo concert, huh? Looks like your time's come at last. If there's anything we can do, just say the word.

Rackam: Leave the promotion to me! I'll fly all over the skies plastering posters everywhere!

Lyria: Of course we'll help too! Let's make sure Lilele's big concert is a huge success!

Lilele: Thanks! Your support will help make the stage sparkle brighter than ever!

And so, Lilele and company set out for Auguste to meet with the organizer.

Lilele: Good morning!

Organizer: Lilele! Thank you so much for accepting our offer!

Lilele: The pleasure's all mine! So has the schedule leading up to the concert been worked out yet?

Organizer: Yes, and it's all written up. Given the scale of the event, we've left plenty of time for preparation.

Organizer: We've also asked Sierokarte to assist with stage setup. If possible, I'd like to meet soon to go over the details.

Lilele: I see... okay! We'll need to decide some of the setlist before we can work out the stage plan.

Lilele: Also, is there a room I can borrow for rehearsals?

Lilele: It looks like we'll have a lot of meetings, and if possible, I'd like to stay in Auguste until the day of the show...

Organizer: Of course! We'll reserve a hotel near the beach and a training room for you—please use them as much as you need.

Organizer: If there's anything else you might need or any additional spaces required, just let us know and we'll see what we can do!

Vyrn: Wow, they're really rollin' out the red carpet for ya...

Lyria: Lilele, you're handling all of this so efficiently! It's so cool to watch!

Lilele: All right, I've decided! No ramen for me until the big day—I'm dedicating myself fully to rehearsals!

Rackam: There's still a while until showtime... You're going to give up ramen for that whole period? It's your favorite food...

Eugen: Love the gung-ho attitude, but don't push yourself so hard you burn out before the concert, all right?

Lilele: No need to worry—I'll pace myself! I want to be healthy and full of energy for the show!

Lilele: By keeping myself disciplined, I'll be able to give a performance worthy of such a big stage!

Lilele: It'd make me happy if you'd all watch my determination in action!

Rackam & Eugen: Lilele!

Lilele soon gets to work, preparing for her solo concert.

Sierokarte: Hmm, I see... So you want the back rows of the spectator seats to be higher than at summer fest?

Lilele: Yes. It might make safety a little harder to manage, but I think everyone will have a better view.

Lilele: I want everyone who comes to be able to see my smile, no matter where they're sitting!

Sierokarte: Then let's set it up like an amphitheater, with the seats rising in tiers like a bowl.

Lilele: Wow, thank you so much!

Sierokarte: Oh, and this is just an idea, but...

Sierokarte: What if, apart from the main stage, we set up a small stage in the center of the audience?

Lilele: That's a great idea! That way, everyone can see my smile up close!

Sierokarte: Since it's a special performance, it's only fair the spotlight is right in the center—allowing you to steal the show from center stage, so to speak!

Sierokarte: Tee-hee-hee...

Lilele: Yes! I'll capture everyone's attention and keep all eyes on me!

Lilele: As for stage lighting...

Lilele spends her days in rehearsals for singing and dancing from morning until night, while also staying on top of stage setup meetings.

Meanwhile, (Captain) and the others venture across various islands to drum up support for the concert.

What It Means to Sparkle: Scene 2

While preparing for the concert, she discovers the cheer captains of her fans clubs quarreling. Learning it stemmed from one of them supporting another idol, she worries she's at the root of the issue.

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After roughly a dozen days of concert prep in Auguste...

Lilele gets a surprise visit from the crew, who come bearing gifts.

Lyria: Hello, Lilele! We brought you something—why not take a little break?

Vyrn: (Captain) found these amazing smoothies at a street stall! They're supposed to be great for fightin' off fatigue!

Lilele: Wow, thank you so much! I'll gladly take you up on that and have a little break!

Lilele: Mmm, it's so tart and yummy! I feel completely recharged after all that practice!

Vyrn: You've been practicin' all morning again today. How's it coming along?

Lilele: Things are going smoothly! There's still plenty of room for improvement, but I'll be ready to sparkle when the time comes!

Lilele: I heard tickets are selling really well, thanks to all your efforts with the publicity!

Lilele: I really appreciate it! I'll make sure not to let anyone down—I promise!

Just then, some rowdy voices are heard from outside the window.

Lyria: Huh? There's some commotion coming from outside... What could it be about?

Vyrn: Sounds like people yellin' at each other... What's goin' on? Tipsy folks pickin' a fight this early in the day?

Lilele: Wait, hang on! I recognize those voices!

Lilele: They're the people who always come out to cheer for me!

Lyria: Ah! Wait, Lilele!

Vyrn: Could be dicey to go alone! Let's go after her, (Captain)!

When (Captain) and company arrive at the scene of the commotion, they find men facing off, voices raised in anger.

Fanboy 1: How many times do I have to spell it out? You're nothing but a lousy, two-timing jerk! You don't deserve to call yourself a captain!

Fanboy 2: You're such a mess—I honestly pity the members who follow you!

Fanboy 3: Shut it! You're just another fanboy—don't act like you know it all!

Rackam: Hey, guys, take it down a notch! Keep this up, and security's gonna show up!

Eugen: Looks like we might need to be a little rough to get these guys to cool off—

Lilele: Please, no more squabbling! It's time for a special Lilele song to cheer everyone up!

Lilele: Please listen to... "Dream-Colored Miracle"!

With a singing voice as bright as dawn, Lilele stifles the turmoil.

The men's anger instantly melts away, and all hearts turn toward her.

Fanbois: L! O! V! E! That's our lovely Lilele!

The men, forgetting all about their quarrel, erupt into fervent cheers for Lilele.

Lyria: Wow... Lilele's singing is as amazing as ever!

Vyrn: Sheesh... So what were you guys fighting about anyway? And who even are you?

Lilele: Vyrn, these are the captains who always support me.

Vyrn: Captains? Wait, you mean these guys are skyfarers or somethin'?

Rackam: No, Vyrn. They're "captains" in the sense that they're the heads of Lilele's fan clubs.

Eugen: Lilele's got fan clubs in each region, complete with cheering squads.

Eugen: There are three main clubs based around Port Breeze—east, west, and south.

Eugen: And within those clubs, the captains share concert info and lead the cheers at her shows.

Vyrn: "Lead the cheers"? That's a thing? I figured people just rolled up to any concert and went wild on their own.

Lilele: Of course, everyone is free to come and have as much fun as they want at my shows!

Lilele: But it does make me happy when people remember the chants and dances for certain songs.

Lilele: The cheer captains help teach those things to new fans who join in.

Lilele: And lately, since I've been performing all over so many islands, it must be tough to keep up with all the info.

Lilele: The captains also act as coordinators, sharing my concert updates with the rest of the fans.

Lilele: I'm really grateful for your efforts! Thank you all so much!

East Captain: Hehe... When you put it that way, it's kinda embarrassing...

West Captain: We just chase after you because you're so adorable—it's nothing special, honestly.

East Captain: Right. But I still want to always do my best as a fan rep—that won't change.

East Captain: Never thought someone who didn't deserve that role would show up though!

East Captain glares at South Captain.

Rackam: Aw, come on! Quit it already!

Lilele: I almost forgot! I ran all the way here to get you to stop fighting!

Lilele: Could you tell me why you were arguing in the first place?

South Captain: Well...

Rather than South Captain, it is East Captain who speaks up, his words laced with disdain.

East Captain: It all started when West Captain and I heard about Lilele's concert and came to Auguste for a look-see.

East Captain: This time, we came to check things out beforehand. I wanted to see the size of the venue and figure out how we'd cheer.

East Captain: After giving the place a once-over, we were planning to do a bit of sightseeing and head home. But then...

Blossoming Idol: You came again today? That makes me so happy!

South Captain: Ehehe... Hey, your performance was great today.

South Captain: I'll be around Auguste for a while, so... is it all right if I stop by again?

Blossoming Idol: Of course! I'm still inexperienced, but I'll do my best to reach you with my music!

South Captain: Great! See you again, then...

South Captain: Man, what a cutie she is...

East Captain: Hey, you! No wonder we couldn't get ahold of you—you were in Auguste all along.

South Captain: Wha... Why are you two here?

West Captain: We're scoping out the venue for Lilele's concert. We're covering for you, so it was extra tough coming up with a cheer routine...

East Captain: But I never thought... you'd be fawning over some other idol...

South Captain: Sh-shut up! I never said I dropped Lilele! I just want to cheer this girl on too, is all!

East Captain: What are you saying! Lilele's got a huge concert coming up!

East Captain: Don't you think you should be setting a good example for all the other fans as a captain?

South Captain: I'm not a fan out of obligation! I might be a captain, but I've still got my freedom!

East Captain: What did you say?

Rackam: So, that's when Eugen and I happened by and tried to step in—then you all showed up.

Lilele: Um, so...

Lilele: Does that mean you all started fighting because of me?

What It Means to Sparkle: Scene 3

Though the quarrel ends, West Captain admits he plans to stop supporting Lilele after her next concert, believing she won't be an idol forever. Lilele is forced to face the reality that her career has limits.

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Lilele: I can't believe everyone was fighting because of me...

South Captain: N-no, that's not it! Lilele, you didn't do anything wrong!

East Captain: Humph, of course she didn't! The one at fault is this traitor right here!

South Captain: Stop calling me a traitor! My devotion to Lilele hasn't changed in the least!

South Captain: It's just that... well... Lately, there haven't been as many Lilele concerts...

South Captain: It's been a long time since I could see her, and I guess my passion just started to cool off a little.

Lilele: (It's true—I've cut back on my usual activities to focus on preparing for this grand solo concert...)

Lilele: (Maybe my fans have been feeling a bit lonely as a result...)

South Captain: But once I heard you're putting on a grand concert for people from all over the skies, it kind of felt like you were going somewhere far away.

South Captain: Around that time, I caught an up-and-coming idol's show and thought she was really giving it her all.

South Captain: And, well, I guess I just wanted to cheer her on almost as much as I do you...

East Captain: Hah—excuses, excuses. Stanning another idol is an insult to Lilele!

East Captain: To think someone like that could still call himself "Captain" and stand beside me cheering—you make me sick!

Lilele: U-um... I appreciate how strongly you all feel, but you don't have to put it like that...

Lilele: I'm grateful for any bit of support you can give...

East Captain: No way—we swore to dedicate our lives to supporting you! For a captain to go back on that is a disgrace!

East Captain turns around to face West Captain.

East Captain: Hey, you agree with me, right? Tell him: Once a stan, always a stan!

West Captain: Y-yeah... I guess you're right... Changing your fave isn't good, yeah...

Lilele: ...?

Eugen: All right, that's enough—cool your heads already. Keep this up, and you'll only make things harder for Lilele.

Eugen: And think about it—if a particular idol's fans start making a scene, what does that say about the idol herself?

East Captain: Ugh... You're right. If we end up causing problems for Lilele, that'd defeat the whole purpose...

East Captain: Guess I'll grab a bite at the beach house and try to cool off a bit.

West Captain: Sorry, Lilele. I'll step away too and take a moment to clear my head.

Lilele: No, really, it's fine—I'm just glad you all stopped fighting!

Lilele: Auguste is a wonderful place, so maybe you could have some fun sightseeing until the concert!

West Captain: Y-yeah... I'll do that...

As Lilele waves goodbye, the cheer captains wander off in different directions...

Lilele: To be honest, I'm still worried... (Captain), would you mind coming with me for a moment?

Lilele: Um, Captain! Do you have a moment?

West Captain: L-Lilele! Why are you here?

Lilele: I'm sorry... I didn't mean to be nosy, but...

Lilele: I couldn't help noticing you seemed a bit down earlier.

Lilele: Has something been weighing on you? Maybe something you couldn't bring up in front of everyone?

Lilele: If it's hard to tell me, you could always talk to (Captain) and the others instead.

Lilele: (Captain) is a top-notch skyfarer who's great at helping with all kinds of worries!

Vyrn: Wait, you really expect (Captain) to solve the worries of a complete stranger?

Lilele: Well, I just can't ignore the troubles of my precious fans!

West Captain: ...

Moved by Lilele's earnestness, West Captain thinks it over for a while, then forces a wry smile.

West Captain: You really are amazing, Lilele... just like we expect from our idol.

West Captain: Even though I'm not much of a fan compared to the others...

Lilele: Wh-what do you mean?

West Captain: I... I've been thinking that maybe, after this concert, I'll stop following you so closely.

Lilele: Huh?

West Captain: Ah, it's not because I don't like you anymore or because I want to stan someone else!

West Captain: The truth is, I'm thinking of getting married soon.

West Captain: I don't know if my wife would understand my idol fandom, and if I have kids, traveling for concerts would be really hard.

West Captain: To be honest, up until recently, I still prioritized being a fan over settling down—and it even made me hesitate about marriage.

West Captain: But when I heard about your big solo concert, I thought maybe now's the right time to step back.

Vyrn: How come though? This next show's a huge deal for Lilele...

West Captain: When I first heard about this concert, for just a moment I wondered if you were planning to go out with a grand farewell performance.

Lilele: B-but I'm not retiring! I have no intention of that at all!

West Captain: Of course, I know that. There weren't any announcements about a retirement concert. But at that moment, it hit me...

West Captain: Even if you don't retire now, it's not like you'll be an idol forever.

West Captain: That made me wonder if maybe I should start focusing on the person I'll spend my life with.

Lilele: ...

Hearing West Captain's words, Lilele is left speechless and falls silent.

With an uncomfortable look, West Captain quietly apologizes to Lilele before walking away.

What It Means to Sparkle: Scene 4

Realizing her fans' worries, Lilele reflects on the path she should take as an idol. Remembering the idols from the song "Our Future" who once inspired her, she resolves to face her own future.

---

After mediating the quarrel between the cheer captains, (Captain) and the others return to the rehearsal room.

But Lilele does not resume practice. She sits down in a chair and lets out a long sigh.

Lilele: ...

Lyria: Lilele...

Vyrn: Wow... Pretty rare to see ya so down in the dumps, Lilele.

Vyrn: I mean, sure, nobody wants to see their fans leave 'em...

Lilele: That's not it, Vyrn. I'll admit fans straying from me is upsetting...

Lilele: But that's an unavoidable part of being an idol. So in the end, that's not what really worries me.

Lilele: What is hard for me is when supporting me ends up causing pain for my fans...

Lilele: I was just trying to remember what being an idol means to me...

1. Looking for a change in direction?
2. Don't tell me... you're really retiring?

Choose: Looking for a change in direction?

Lilele: Hmm, a change in direction... Like starting over as a group or something?

Lilele: To be honest, I'm always on the lookout for an opportunity to debut as a group with Lyria and the others...

Lilele: Maybe we can even do one song as a group during this next concert...

Lyria: Wha—whaaat! You can't just spring it on me like that!

Lilele: Haha, just kidding! I wouldn't do that.

Lilele: Still, even if it's not that extreme, I feel like I should rethink my goals in a big way.

Lilele: See, until now, I always chased my dream of being like the four who sang "Our Future."

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Don't tell me... you're really retiring?

Lilele: Yeah, I suppose...

Lilele: On the biggest stage of my life, before an audience full of the most devoted fans who've supported me all this way...

Lilele: With tears in my eyes, I'll announce that...

Lilele: "I'm going back to being a normal girl!"

Lilele: Except, no, (Captain)! I'm not planning anything even remotely like that!

Vyrn: You sounded like you were gettin' really into it though...

Lilele: That's what being an idol's all about: going with the flow and giving the perfect reaction!

Lilele: Seriously though... Up until now, I always strove to be like the four who sang "Our Future."

Continue 1

Lilele: But I feel like I've reached a turning point with that goal now.

Vyrn: You mean that dream you always bring up? Where you saw Lyria and others as idols on some fancy stage?

Lilele: (That's right. On that day, I met Djeeta and the others in a parallel world...)

Djeeta: We were able to reach out to each other across universes. You, I, and the rest of the girls... We made a miracle happen.

Djeeta: Whatever you do, don't give up. We'll be rooting for you on our journey.

Lilele: And I'll be rooting for you girls too!

Lilele: But now that I think about it, where did "Our Future" come from in the first place?

Lilele: I heard it first from Djeeta and the others... who supposedly learned it from me...

Lilele never did learn where the song she longed for truly came from, nor did she ever find her idols in this world.

But Lilele doesn't let that deter her—she chooses to stay positive and keep moving forward.

Lilele: Oh well. Thinking about it isn't going to solve anything! But I have a feeling I'll get my answer as my journey continues!

Lilele: From now on I will live for the future!

Lilele: That's right... I have to keep moving forward toward the future...

Lilele: Because that's what it means to be Lilele the idol...

Lilele: (If I let myself stay down like this, Djeeta from that day would just laugh at me!)

Lilele: Okay, that's enough moping! Switching gears is part of being an idol!

Lilele: I want to do a thorough job of reassessing myself, so please, give me some ideas!

Eugen: Thinking it through and picking yourself back up all alone... That's damn admirable.

Eugen: If you're tryin' to look inward... how about listening to what others have to say about you?

Eugen: There's gotta be at least one person in the crew who's connected with the idol world, right?

Lilele: Hmm, I see... Good point!

Rackam: Or maybe now's a good time to take a real break and refresh yourself.

Rackam: Taking some time away from your idol work might help you see things from a new angle.

Rackam: Knowing you, Lilele, I bet your rehearsals are going pretty well, yeah?

Lilele: That's true... There actually is a little wiggle room in the schedule, so that sounds great!

Sierokarte: Another idea might be to have a talk with the cheer captains again too.

Vyrn: Ack! Where the heck did you pop out of?

Sierokarte: Teehee, sorry to startle you.

Sierokarte: I just came to tell you that construction on the stage has started, but it looked like you were all having an important conversation.

Lilele: Nice timing, Sierokarte!

Lilele: If the stage is under construction, we won't need as many meetings anymore.

Lilele: That means even if I walk all over the place, I won't be in anyone's way.

Lilele: Once I've sorted myself out, I'll have plenty of time to talk to the cheer captains too!

Sierokarte: Teehee, you're all fired up—go fan out your fans' worries!

Lilele: Okay!

Lilele jots down the advice of Sierokarte and the others in her notebook, nodding in satisfaction.

Then in order to reflect on herself, she dashes out of the rehearsal hall.