Purely Purple/Band Story 1 (Steps to Glory)

Chapter 1 - If it Shines

''Emika, a student at Tsukinomori, decides that she’s done just “existing”. She wants a purpose. However, she can’t find a suitable one.''

Tsukinomori Girls' Academy - Corridor

Emika: Excuse me! Sorry! Can I get through, please?

Emika (narration): Hi. My name is Kirasaki Emika. I’ve been going to this school for a while, and the only real friends I have are the ones I’ve had for years.

Emika (narration): Yes, I’ve been at this school for a whole year and I’ve only made 3 friends. Well, today’s the first day of my second year of high school, and I’m ready to change that.

???: Oh, Emika? What are you doing on the floor?

Emika: Oh, hey, Surien. Y’know, just getting trampled by the popular kids!

Surien: Sigh..of course. You really need me on speed dial, don’t you?

Emika: I could use all three of you on speed dial, knowing me.

They laugh

Emika: Anyway, any idea when Mao’s going to perfect that peanut butter pie recipe? I’m really ready to sink my teeth into one of her desserts.

Surien: Dunno. Sometime this week, I hope. You’re not the only one who loves Mao’s sweets!

Emika (narration): That’s Yamishiro Surien. She’s part of my ridiculously small inner circle. She used to be pretty shy, but she’s got more friends now.

Cafeteria

Emika: I’m starving! Jeez, school really takes a toll on my stomach!

???: Well, do I have the thing for you! I’ve been trying out a new recipe!

Emika & Surien: Mao!

Mao: We’ll just wait for Lillie, and dig in!

Lillie: Sorry I’m late! Satou Lillie, always getting caught up in some way or another. That’s just me for you..

Emika: Lillie, how much do you need to do in 5 minutes?? In all the years I’ve known you, you’ve never been so busy!

Surien: You know, good people are always busy.

Lillie: Really? I’ve never thought of that, Surien-chan.

Surien: I mean, I’d tell you why, but I’m busy right now.

Tsukinomori Girls' Academy - Courtyard

Emika: Sigh..I wish I had something to do after school. If I clicked enough with other people, I definitely would join a club.

Emika: Hey..is that a dragonfly?

Emika: That means there’s a new beginning coming..!

Emika: I think I’ve found my purpose! Since I play guitar, I think I want to start a band! It’s purely a matter of a dream I’ve had for years!

Emika: It’s settled then. I’m starting a band. And I’m going to ask my friends to be my bandmates!

Chapter 2 - The Plan

''Emika decides to keep her ambition to start a band and the dragonfly a secret from her friends for the time being. She starts to create a plan for her new goal.''

The next morning

Tsukinomori Girls' Academy - Class 2-A

Teacher: And open your books to page..

Emika: (Alright. I need a game plan. Should I tell my friends now, or..?)

Emika: *Sigh* (I don’t know what to do! I think I’ll keep it a secret until I get a band name and stuff.)

Mao: Emika! Earth to Kirasaki!

Emika: Huh?

Mao: Group project. Me, you, Lillie, and Surien?

Emika: Sure! I’ll be right there.

Emika: (This band..I want it to be purely based off of my dreams. And that dragonfly was purple. Hey..Purely Purple!)

After school

Park

Lillie: So, Emika-chan, how was school?

Emika: Meh.

Lillie: Ah, so nothing’s changed?

Emika: ‘Course not. It’s me, after all~

Lillie: Come on. There’s got to be something different.

Emika: Well..I saw a dragonfly. And I got an idea.

Lillie: Really?! Tell me! I’m your best friend!

Emika: *Sigh* Well..I want to start a band! And you’re going to be my bassist!

Lillie: Really?! Thank you! This is the best day ever!

Emika: Woah, I wouldn’t go that far. And, you’re not going to tell Surien and Mao that they’re going to be in the band, either, okay?

Lillie: My lips are sealed, Emika-chan.

Chapter 3 - Time for a Keyboardist!

''Lillie and Emika are ready to enlist Surien to be in the band. The problem? She’s always got something to do. Will they be able to recruit her?''

Outdoor Mall

Surien: And a one! And a two! And a three, four, five!

Lillie: Hello, Surien-chan!

Surien: Hey, you two! Want to dance?

Emika: Nah, we actually came here for a different reason.

Emika pulls Lillie aside

Emika: So, are we gonna ask her?

Lillie: Well..I don’t know. She’s always busy, you know?

Emika: I’m sure she can make time for the band if she says yes.

Lillie: But..Emika-chan! What if she doesn’t?

Emika: Come on, Lillie! Stop worrying!

Surien: So, you wanted to ask me to join a band?

Emika: How’d you know..?

Surien: I could hear you. I’d love to join your band! If you don’t have a keyboardist, I’m your gal!

Lillie: Great! It’s settled then! All we need is a drummer, and our lineup is complete!

Surien: Perfect! Band on three! One, two, three..

Emika, Lillie, and Surien: Band!~

Chapter 4 - To the Future

A Few Days Later

CiRCLE

Marina: Oh, it’s you three! Here for your rehearsal?

Emika: Yep! It should be under Kirasaki.

Marina: Okay! Have fun~

Studio

Lillie: As fun as this is..for the future of the band, we need a drummer.

Emika: Yeah, you’re right. Mao plays the drums, right?

Surien: Yes, but she’s got the restaurant too. I’m worried she won’t have enough time to be our drummer.

Lillie: Well, we had the same worry with you.

Surien: Really? Maybe we shouldn’t worry about Mao having enough free time then.

Emika: Let’s focus on this practice. We’ll try our best, right?

Lillie: Yes, but isn’t it best to focus on the future, too?

Surien: She’s not wrong, Emika.

Lillie: What’s wrong? You’re always thinking about the future. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you talk about how awesome the present is.

Emika: Nothing. Just..what if this doesn’t work?

Surien: It’s going to be fine. Promise. I can lock in the promise at Promise Bridge, if you want.

Lillie: It is technically warm enough to swim. If we jumped off as third graders, we can do it again as eleventh graders.

Emika: Alright. We’re going to Promise Bridge, gang!

Chapter 5 - “Childish” Promises

''Promise Bridge is where the girls met, and they’re back to make another vow. One that they promise to keep for as long as the last one.''

Promise Bridge

Emika: Looks like we’re here.

Lillie: Finally. You guys really had to stop for snacks?

Surien: Yes. Yes we did.

Lillie: And do we really need to jump off the bridge..?

Emika: You can just walk down the side and wade into the water if you’d like.

Lillie: What? No! I’m going to jump too.

Surien: A shocking change of heart!

Lillie: I want to face my fears. Come on guys! Let’s jump!

Emika: Alright!

Emika: 3, 2, 1..

Emika, Lillie, and Surien: We promise that this band will reflect our friendship! Forever!

River

Surien: It’s so nice!

Lillie: You said it!

Emika: You guys are right, but..maybe it’s best to go and ask Mao now?

Surien: Emika, we need to stay for a little longer! Seriously, you don’t think our customs are childish, right?

Emika: No, no, of course not! It’s just..I want to complete the band.

Lillie: Come on, Emika-chan. We’re fine with just the three of us now, yeah?

Emika: You guys, we need a drummer. How are we supposed to be a band without one?! Do we just have a rhythmless style?! What kind of band is that?!

Lillie and Surien: ...!

Emika: I’m..sorry. That was really jerky of me. Let’s...let’s go ask Mao.

Mao’s Restaurant

Surien: (What she said in the river...I’ve never seen her yell like that. She’s always been so fun-loving and carefree...being mad just doesn’t seem like her.)

Mao: Hey, guys!

Emika, Lillie, and Surien: Hi, Mao!

Mao: What brings you all here?

Lillie: We’d like to ask you something.

Emika: Would you want to join our band? Drum for us?

Mao: Er..no. I’m too busy with the restaurant, you guys know that!

Lillie: (I..knew she’d say that.)

Emika: I-I understand. I..need to go, anyway.