4-11: Even though we're not by your side, our feelings are with you

Fran’s Point of View

“...I won?”

My surprise was indescribable. I was so surprised that I forgot my violin was totally burned on the ground.

“...My parents are gonna kill me…”

Trying to see if it was possible to repair it, I crawled towards the violin, but found only a few pieces and ash...I don't think that can be fixed...

“...This seems bad…”

I grabbed all the pieces while the other team helped Amelie to move. While I was doing my thing, I remembered what I just sang.

“...Huh…”

My cheeks turned red and my temperature increased a lot…I really sang that…? I admit I was in some kind of flow state and everything felt amazing. But now without adrenaline I feel really embarrassed.

“Why did I use those words…?”

I know it was necessary to improvise something quickly to win, but that doesn't mean I couldn't have chosen something better...The words I ended up using were a little too...honest.

“Fran! Here!”

Not moving would make everything too obvious, so I got up with difficulty and walked over to where Kazu and Cloe were, trying not to look them in the eyes.

“That was awesome!”

“...Thanks…”

“Let’s fight some time, I wanna see you doing that again!”

“Yeah…”

“...Are you okay…?”

“Huh?! Y-Yes!”

“You received some attacks, are you hurt?”

“No, she didn’t attack me with everything…And my instruments blocked the most dangerous ones.”

“Thank god…”

Aside from the emotional pain, the biggest damage I suffered was the attack I blocked with my microphone. The impact was so strong that I think it damaged my wrist.

"The instruments ended up worst than me."

“How much does it cost?”

Cloe was holding a pencil and paper as she said this, probably to see if the violin was easy to replace. I guess even she has her gentle moments.

“I can send a letter to my parents and tell them that it broke during a fight practice, they will send me another one.”

“Hmm…”

“Is something wrong Kazu?”

“I thought musicians had a strong bond with their instruments.”

“Perhaps my parents would be devastated if one of their instruments broke. But for me, that instrument is just a tool I received to perform in recitals. I don't have an instrument that I truly consider irreplaceable.”

“That’s a little depressing.”

“Don’t worry, maybe things start changing from now on.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing in particular…”

“Okay…By the way, when did you make that song?”

“Y-You heard it?”

“It was very loud. So, when did you make it?”

That was the last question I wanted to hear…But not saying anything would make everything even more uncomfortable.

“I did the first parts during our meetings, it was longer but I was forced to change to another song.”

“I see.”

“The last parts were improvised.”

“And that was the strongest.”

“I still don’t understand how it works…But I think I was casting spells in a very different way…”

“By the way, what inspired your lyrics? It was like you were singing for someone.”

“Umm…A book I read once.”

“Let me borrow that book some day.”

“...I will.”

We could continue our conversation for a while, but Leonard was walking to the stadium.

“I guess it’s my turn.”

Kazu started to walk away…And I, by pure instinct, said something to him.

“Kazu!”

“Yes?”

“...Give us a great show.”

“I will.”

Cloe didn’t want to be left behind, so she also talked.

“Show to everyone the great show you’ve been preparing!”

“That’s the idea. This show will be great.”

His smile shone as brightly as ever. I'm glad he hasn't lost it.

“Let’s go.”

“I still have energy to cheer him up.”

As he walked away, we sat and prepared for the final battle of this challenge.

We may not be literally by his side, but our enthusiasm and faith will reach him, after all, we trust our friend.