Song 26

Brushing the dust from Tenma's shoulders, Meloria stepped back, admiring her handiwork. For the grade second opening, she wanted everyone to look the part. She herself was dressed in a circus-themed outfit, adorned with gold patterns against a backdrop of blue and red, and wore a white top hat decorated with gold lace. Lucan was dressed in a much more elaborate suit, an off-white colour with red and white accents, and then there was Tenma. Meloria wanted him to be the star of the show, and she made sure he at least looked the part. The ringmaster of a circus inspired his outfit, and even though she had just said so herself, Meloria was proud of how all of this was coming together. The white suit with golden trim, paired with an open-buttoned red shirt, made him look the part, ready to lead the show. “Think you can remember everything I taught you?” Meloria teased with a wink, making Tenma blush deeply. He nodded, worried that if he were to open his mouth, his voice would betray him. “Good,” Meloria nodded, stepping back, picking up the baton that was stuck up in the ground beside her. “Right, boys, this is our big moment as well as my first performance since we left home, so I am very, very nervous.”

Lucan walked up to her, slapping his hands on each cheek, making Meloria jump. With a smirk, he put his forehead against hers, feeling Tenma’s glare digging a hole in his back, but his attention was on Meloria. “You can absolutely do this,” he encouraged. “You. Are. An. Idol. You live for this type of thing, go out there and sing your heart out.”

Meloria put her hands over Lucan’s as she nodded, taking deep breaths. “Stay by my side?” She giggled.

“You know it,” Lucan nodded, pulling away. “Now, how about we do this before I change my mind?”

Meloria nodded, holding her hand out, palm facing downwards. Lucan nodded, placing his hand on top; Tenma followed his lead, putting his hand on top of the pile. “For Uki Uki Theme Park,” The three of them cheered, raising their hands high up in the sky.

The three of them made their way to the starting point, the city square. Meloria jumped up onto the platform in the middle, and Lucan and Tenma stood on either side.

“One,” Meloria called out, getting the attention of the people in the square.

“Two,” Lucan counted.

“Three,” Tenma yelled out nervously.

Okay, let's go, Umculo!

The band from the food market appeared from behind the trees, playing their instruments with a bouncy tune.

Everybody come and feel the beat

Lucan and Tenma: One, Two

Feel the groove and let it move your feet

Lucan and Tenma: Step along and follow us

Come with us, we’ll show you something truly special

You won’t believe your eyes

You won’t be able to look away

But just let your body feel the rhythm and the beat

As Meloria sang, Lucan and Tenma held out their hands to guide her off the platform. Tenma looked up at the sky, noting colourful balloons and shapes floating in the air, moving towards the direction of the theme park. He looked behind Meloria, trying to see where they were coming from, but there were no trap doors or boxes; they all seemed to be coming from Meloria.

The children reached out, some of them hitting the ones that floated towards them, laughing with joy. Parents and other adults around felt uneasy, watching and listening to Meloria sing. Still, when they saw the children laughing and enjoying the show, they started to let their guards down, some even dancing to the music.

Let your spirits be high.

Share in the fun and don’t be shy

Come on and go forth another day

Let me show you

Just how amazing it can feel

When you’re living in a dream

Twirling the baton, Meloria started to march towards the theme park, having memorised the route she and Tenma had planned out. The children grabbed their parents’ hands, pulling them along. Tenma couldn’t believe it; the plan was working.

So come on,

Let’s chase our dreams

Don’t they go

Keep them tight

And see where they can lead

In your dream, anything can happen

All you have to do is believe

Acting as if she were the piped piper, Meloria was able to lead everyone who listened to her to the theme park. The music remained upbeat as the staff at the front entrance opened the gates, beckoning the new patrons in. The staff inside the park handed out balloons and free samples of the new strawberry popcorn, designed by Lucan.

Tenma’s heart swelled and ached as he stood watching. He couldn’t believe it; people were here. They were seeing the Uki Uki theme park for all the amazement it was. He could feel the tears begin to well up. Meloria smiled, wandering over to him and placing her top hat on his head. “You led the rest of the way,” she whispered, pulling back as she started to sing again.

Welcome all to a place where dreams are made

Hope you all have a wonderful time

Please enjoy your stay

Tenma wiped a tear from his cheek and stepped forward. “Welcome all,” he began to sing softly. “I’m so happy that you came. Share the fun with me, and for a day or two, live out your dreams. But most of all... Do it with a smile on your face.”

Meloria let a tear run down her cheek as she heard Tenma finish the song. She had never expected to hear anyone outside of her tiny farm town home to sing, though out of key, it showed she was finally making a change in this songless world. “Tenma,” Lucan called up from the stage, waving his arm to beckon him over. “Come make your grand opening speech.”

“Go on, Tenma,” Meloria encouraged, gesturing to the crowd. “They are all waiting to hear what you have to say.”

Tenma gulped, his movements static as he made his way up to the stage, taking the microphone from Lucan and positioning himself at the front of the stage. He took a couple of breaths, glancing at Meloria one last time before addressing the crowd. “Thank you all for coming today,” he began, speaking proudly. “This park has been in the works for many decades, a project started by my grandfather. A dream once shared by him and me. However, today I share that dream with all of you. So please, everyone, enjoy today, enjoy my dream come true, and I hope one day, your dreams can come true also.”

The crowd erupted into applause as Tenma stepped down from the stage, striding through the crowd. His lips curved into a goofy smile as he knelt before Meloria, presenting his hand. “I believe I promised you a ride on the Ferris wheel,” he proclaimed, standing up with his hand outstretched. “I want you to be the first one to ride it, Meloria.”

Meloria nodded, her cheeks a deep pink as she held onto his hand, squeezing it. Some members of the crowd squealed as Tenma guided Meloria through the crowd and onto the Ferris wheel. The way he moved with Meloria was like a prince whisking away a princess to her happily ever after. Meloria took her seat beside the window, not daring to let go of Tenma’s hand as the Ferris Wheel began to move.

She stared down in awe as the sun began to set, the lights of the rides illuminating the theme park, making the happy faces of all its new patrons even brighter. “I’m so glad it worked,” she sighed happily, turning her attention to Tenma.

Nodding, Tenma leant forward, his lips pursed as he placed a gentle kiss on the corner of Meloria’s mouth.