The Fire Goddess lives near a volcano. Like flame, she flares up in anger and glows gently with love. This duality surprised the Celestial Goddess.- From "Elysion"
Blissful Time
Mei Fan:That elegant picnic was so delightful...
Mei Fan:I went on a picnic with Akira-san and the others a few days ago.
Mei Fan:At first I wasn't sure what the point was.
Mei Fan:High school girls going on a picnic together? What would we do?
Mei Fan:But Michiru-san explained her idea, and I realized we absolutely had to go!
Mei Fan:Michiru-san is really amazing!
Mei Fan:She cares so much about everyone. I was very impressed!
Mei Fan:So anyway, the picnic was terrific.
Mei Fan:I got to interact with Akira-san so informally compared to meeting her at school!
Mei Fan:She said she wanted to learn how to express changing emotions with more depth, to prepare for our next play.
Mei Fan:She gives me feedback at school, but I never get to hear her thoughts like that. It was an amazing experience!
Mei Fan:I think the relaxed atmosphere of the picnic made it possible.
Mei Fan:Thanks to hearing her thoughts, we were able to talk more in depth than usual.
Mei Fan:I don't want to hold Akira-san back with a poor performance, so I told the others about my concerns about expressing anger on stage.
Mei Fan:Thanks to that, I'm getting a clearer idea of how to play the Fire Goddess!
Mei Fan:Thanks to Michiru-san's picnic idea, Akira-san seems just a little bit more approachable.
Mei Fan:Even Akira-san's most minute gestures and mannerisms are all very useful for reference.
Mei Fan:I am so glad I had a whole day to observe her so I can try to be more like her!
Mei Fan:The tea Shiori brought was delicious, too. I wish we could have another picnic! Tomorrow, even! Hehe.
Mei Fan:...That's it! How about we make it a monthly thing?
Mei Fan:It'd be great for socializing and getting to know each other better.
Mei Fan:I've got to discuss this idea with Michiru-san at once. I'll go find her! See you!
Mei Fan:Michiru-san!
Showing Feelings is Hard!
Mei Fan:Thank you for practicing with me, Akira-san. Let's continue after the break.
Akira:Yes, of course. I will see you again shortly.
Mei Fan:Whew... Let's have a short break.
Mei Fan:I'm learning a lot from today's practice.
Mei Fan:About interacting with the Celestial Goddess played by Akira-san, about expressing emotions...
Mei Fan:But is my portrayal of my character's passion getting through to Akira-san?
Mei Fan:Maybe I need to be more...intense, and also make sure it carries my style as an Edel...
Mei Fan:Exploding with rage like an erupting volcano... Ugh... I'm not sure how to express it...
Yachiyo:Hey there! I heard some groaning over here. Are you okay?
Mei Fan:Hi, Yachiyo. I was practicing for the play.
Mei Fan:I'm struggling with finding my character, as you can see.
Yachiyo:Ah, so that's what it was. And here I was thinking that Akira got mad at you for something.
Mei Fan:No way! Hell would freeze over before Akira-san got angry for no good reason!
Yachiyo:I didn't say she didn't have a reason... So, what's the problem with your character?
Mei Fan:I find it very difficult to show my emotions outwardly.
Mei Fan:Usually I do it unconsciously when acting, but this is "Elysion". Not only that, I need to give a performance only I can give as an Edel.
Mei Fan:And I can't get it to seem natural.
Yachiyo:Yeah, that's a tricky one. This play tests your ability to express emotions more than most.
Mei Fan:I'm playing the Fire Goddess. She's exhaustingly intense, full of fury and passion.
Mei Fan:...No, forget about me calling her exhausting. That won't do.
Mei Fan:Lately I've been practicing acting angry in front of a mirror.
Yachiyo:Whoa, I'd love to see that!
Mei Fan:This isn't the time for jokes!
Mei Fan:...When I try to express anger the way I have for past performances, it feels like it's not good enough for the Fire Goddess of "Elysion".
Yachiyo:You can try showing divine fury, but it's not like you've ever met a goddess in real life.
Yachiyo:You need to make sure the audience can sense your fury, showcase top-notch acting, and inject some originality into it.
Mei Fan:That's pretty much what Akira-san told me, too. There's so much depth to acting.
Mei Fan:It will probably take a very long time for an inexperienced person like me to master it.
Mei Fan:But I can't afford to learn over the years. Time is a limited resource.
Mei Fan:Soon enough I'll have to perform in front of an audience.
Mei Fan:No matter how desperately I may wish for it, I won't be able to go back in time.
Mei Fan:That's why it's essential I master expressing emotions now.
Mei Fan:It may be a difficult path, but I have to do this in order for the play to be a success!
Mei Fan:I'll be performing with Akira-san, after all! It deserves a place on the pages of Siegfeld's history!
Mei Fan:I'll do my best, driven by an indomitable spirit!
Yachiyo:*sigh* I see you've got all the motivation you need. I was worried for nothing.
Mei Fan:Oh? How unusual for you to be worried about others!
Yachiyo:Say what? That's mean! You hurt my feelings!
Mei Fan:Oh, I'm so sorry... Teehee!
Mei Fan:Thanks, Yachiyo. I've got to get back to practice!
Yachiyo:Yeah, you go, girl. Heh, did I let down my guard too much?
Mei Fan:The character I'll be playing this time gets angry a lot, and often wears a frown... I hope I don't get nasty lines on my forehead from that!
Mei Fan:The Fire Goddess inadvertently hurts those who get close to her with her flames... She's a tragic character.
Mei Fan:But one day she meets a friend who can withstand her fire and accepts her, and she begins to learn and grow.
Mei Fan:I want to make lots of friends like that, too!