Upon Our Fated Stage (ch1)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY $30+ PATRONS!

Finally! I've been waiting months to start posting this!

Unlike my other stories, this one is going to get down and dirty (seriously) and very deep into their relationship from the very beginning! I did take a few liberties with a few things (like Claudine living in France, which I know isn't the way canon has it), but I twisted it up a bit for the sake of this story.

I really enjoyed writing this story, so I think you'll enjoy reading it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.

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														Upon Our Fated Stage

												    Chapter 1. A Fated Encounter

As the taxi rumbles down the crowded street, the girl in the back seat peers out the window with mild intrigue.

She'd been born in Japan and lived here until she was eight, and even at that young age had been an exceptional actress. She'd starred in commercials, acted in rather sizable plays, and even gotten a few minor children's roles in popular movies.

But at that point, her family had packed up and taken her to their homeland in France. She'd lived there for several years now, more than enough to have her get accustomed to the culture, language, and the people.

But though France was in her hair and her complexion, Japan was in her blood. She always knew she'd be back here one day.

Her plane had just landed on Saturday, and to see her birthplace now, nearly ten years later, had certainly made her emotional.

It had been rather nerve-wracking to return here on her own, but her hard-earned acting skills had allowed her to conceal her nerves, even upon her first day back in the culture all alone. Her native-born knowledge and vernacular competence had resurfaced when behaving and speaking as though she'd never left.

She'd made it through the initial difficulties so that by this point nothing is intimidating any longer.

Certainly not the new school she is heading to at present.

Seisho Academy. Arguably one of the best schools for the arts and theater in Japan, and perhaps the entire world.

Of course she'd been enrolled in only the best of the best back in France as well, but over the years the classes had become dull. She'd been top of her class, and there'd been no competition, no one to challenge her or motivate her to improve.

It was her fear that without proper rivalry, her skills would become rusty and inadequate. Hence her decision to move back to Japan for the sole purpose of attending Seisho Academy one day.

And that day has finally arrived.

Yesterday she'd rested up from the flight, spoken with her parents last night, and been told that her rooming arrangements have already been taken care of. All she needs to do is meet briefly with the principal this morning, and she can get started in classes as early as today.

She'd been lost in thought for a while now, and the buildings and scenery have passed by outside the window in a blur. But when the car finally rumbles to a halt, she blinks and looks up.

Seisho Academy and all its uncanny challenges wait before her.

She unbuckles herself and opens her door instantly, not even waiting for the driver to assist her with her luggage. She tips him handsomely, taking a suitcase in each hand and the other bags on her shoulders, a bit of a contrasting image of labor in spite of her flowing pink sundress and dainty heeled shoes. And last, she takes her first step onto that fated campus.

A thrill tingles up her spine as she enters this new territory, these new training grounds. She'll become the top student here as well, just like in France. She'll conquer one country at a time, until she's taken the whole world by surprise.

The campus is quiet at the moment, as she'd clearly arrived after morning classes had already begun.

But there is one woman who has been waiting at the top of the steps; the woman she knows to be the principal. She welcomes her newest student, helps with the luggage, and brings her into the main office briefly to discuss her dormitory arrangements and class schedule.

And though the girl is eager to get started, she puts on her most polite expression and her most respectful posture, honing her self-control.

That self-control almost breaks when the principal hands her her new school uniform, so fresh it's still in ziplock bags, but she just barely manages to refrain from squealing.

Even when she is finally dismissed and begins strutting down the hallway with her bags, she never steps a pace too quickly or too slowly; the former would indicate impatience, but the latter would indicate hesitance. She harbors neither when facing this place.

The hallways are vacant as she follows the directions toward the dorms, and then locates her own room. She pauses outside and fishes out the key she'd been given before pushing inside.

It's about what she'd been expecting, considering she'd paid for a one-person room. Spacious, but not too large: a dresser, a desk area, a shelf, a bed, and a bathroom. She deposits her luggage on the floor, but doesn't bother turning on the lights. She'll set up and unpack later. For now she is determined to make it to her first class.

The bag with her uniform is still on her elbow. She takes only that, her schedule, and the black leotard she'd been asked to purchase as a first-year. Glancing down at her class schedule, she regrets to have missed her homeroom lecture. However, she'll still have plenty of time if she hurries to her second block; dance studio.

With her clothes in her arms, she hurries out the door, catches herself, and slows her pace a bit as she makes her way toward the studio.

She hadn't come here unprepared, and had been certain to study the maps and layouts of the building. She stalks through the halls as if she owns the place, as if she'd been here all her life, and arrives at the changing rooms without a hitch.

Now she can hear the chitter of girls on the other side; excited, nervous conversation.

She's just about to make her entrance when another woman emerges from the studio and greets her. Judging by her enthusiasm, this woman is her teacher.

They discuss things for a few moments, and by the time they are done and the woman leaves her to change, the other girls have already finished up in the changing rooms.

So she enters the empty room now and chooses an untouched cubby and clean area. She removes the pink sundress and heels, and instead pulls on the dance shoes and black leotard. Due to the traveling, it's been a few days since she'd worn one. She'd missed the feeling of the stretchy material clinging to her skin, showing off her figure and amplifying her flexibility.

She leaves the dress and uniform in her cubby, adjusts her headband, and checks herself in one of the mirrors before turning to the doors that lead to the studio. The muffled sounds of talking seep through from the other side. She draws in a sharp, deep breath and slides the door open.

There must be three dozen other girls sitting there on the floor, dressed the same way she is, listening to their instructor speak. But all heads turn to her now.

She almost feels as though she's onstage with an audience looking up at her. Her stomach flips slightly, until the woman's voice speaks up to nullify the confusion.

"Ah, ladies? Allow me to introduce you to your new classmate. She's only just arrived from France a few days ago, and thus she's missed our homeroom this morning, but we're very glad she's here now. Please come to the front." The woman waves her over.

The girl begins to walk as instructed, in spite of the knot in her stomach, in spite of the whispers shooting across the room.

"Is that-?"

"No way!"

"But it's gotta be!"

She's already heard several murmurs of her name by the time she gets to the front of the studio and stands beside her professor. Like any good audience, her classmates quiet down as she stops.

She bows, fully and deeply, her curly hair falling charmingly around her shoulders, but righting itself naturally as she straightens back up. She gazes out at all the unfamiliar faces, all the eyes twinkling with wonder and excitement. She confirms with her own proud voice what most of them already know.

"Good morning. My name is Saijou Claudine. Though I was born in Japan and did some acting here for awhile when I was younger, my family moved to France several years ago. However, I have elected to return on my own in order to continue studying dance at this prestigious academy."

She bows once again as the excited whispers begin bubbling up.

"I'll be in your care. Let's have a successful year together, shall we?"

The clapping starts even before she's righted her posture. It had been a perfect introductory speech; not too long nor too short, not too vague and not too informative. Saying anything more than that would have made her seem like she were bragging.

But there's no need for her to. Everyone already knows exactly who she is.

"Saijou Claudine!"

"That young actress? She was in all those movies!"

"And the commercials!"

"She really came back?"

"And now she's our competition? Isn't she like, top of her class in everything?"

"It's gonna be a rough year..."

"I'll say. We're totally doomed..."

As Claudine makes her way to the sitting area, several girls move out of her way and clear a spot for her. She huffs softly but doesn't say anything as she takes a seat. The girls seem to both crowd around her, but also keep their distance.

"Hey. Are you really Saijou Claudine? That famous child actress?"

"You lived in France? What was it like?"

"Which theater school did you go to? What plays did you do?"

Claudine doesn't let their childish excitement affect her. She crosses her legs and maintains her posture proudly.

But before she can respond to any of them, another girl speaks up first.

"All right, all right! That's enough, people! Sheesh, you're like vultures. Give her some space, will ya? She just got here."

Claudine blinks in surprise at the girl who had spoken out on her behalf – not that she'd needed her to. She's dressed in the same black leotard and is rather petite, though Claudine can tell she has muscle. Her hair is short and exotic, and her manner of speaking is gruff. But when she turns to look at Claudine, her teeth flash in a charming smile.

"Sorry to butt in. Just seemed like you could use a little help."

Claudine narrows her eyes.

"I never once asked for assistance."

"Guess you didn't. Just seemed to me like you were gettin' annoyed with the crowd." The girl offers her hand in a friendly gesture. "You just got here so you missed my intro. Name's Isurugi. Isurugi Futaba."

Claudine eyes the offered hand with suspicion and indifference. She doesn't reach out for it.

"It's a pleasure."

"Heh. You're a funny one, that's for sure." Before she can say anymore, another girl with thick blue hair throws herself onto Futaba's back with a wail.

"Futaba-haaaan!"

"Geh! Geez, Kaoruko! The heck's your problem?"

"We've been sitting here for half an hour. My legs are falling asleep. Massage them?"

"Geez, you're hopeless. I talk to someone else for three seconds and you're already gettin' jealous, huh?"

"Jealousy is such an ugly word, Futaba-han. I wouldn't have to be if you paid more attention to me."

"If I pay any more attention to you I might lose my mind..."

As the two of them turn away to converse together, Claudine looks on for a moment, then turns away with another huff. She might've been enjoying the one-on-one attention from Futaba, just a little. She doesn't care for the stifling crowds, but just one person hadn't been so bad...

She shakes herself off sternly. She didn't come here to make friends. She came here to perfect her skills.

A few claps from their instructor brings everyone's attention back to the front of the room.

"All right, quiet down, ladies. We still have one more classmate to introduce."

Seemingly out of nowhere, most of the girls around Claudine suddenly turn hostile.

"Not that she needs introducing..."

"Seriously! Everyone already knows who she is..."

Claudine feels another twist in her stomach at the hatred in their voices. At the very least, when she steals a glance back at Futaba, not she nor her friend are uttering such things.

A girl stands up from the crowd, drawing everyone's attention. Claudine knows nothing about her officially yet, but she already has an inkling as to who she might be and why the other girls are speaking about her like this.

Her figure is even better than Claudine's; she's got all the right muscle in all the right places, perfect curves, strong calves, quick feet. Her hair is long and luscious, brunette cascades falling all down her back, tied at the back by a violet ribbon.

The confidence wafting off of her is palpable throughout the room; it's enough to effectively combat the animosity of the dozens of girls who are glaring.

She stops beside their instructor and bows even more deeply than Claudine had, which irks her ever so slightly. Claudine takes it personally.

When the other girl lifts her head again, her lips are curved upward into a smirk, and her lavender eyes bear a challenge to everyone in the room.

"Greetings. Unopposed top student of both Crimson and Iroha Academies before this, I plan to maintain my status as head of this class as well."

She lays one arm across her stomach and folds the other behind her back, leaning forward into an expert half-bow.

"This is Tendo Maya."

Her introduction earns an array of responses.

There are some girls who applaud out of politeness if nothing else. There are some who squeal and giggle and sigh. And there are some who mutter and refuse to put their hands together even once.

Claudine isn't exactly sure which group she falls into.

She is stunned into complete silence by this girl. She's got some nerve, stealing Claudine's thunder like that. Moments ago the entire room had been focused on her, but now everyone seems to have forgotten about Claudine's impressive accomplishments in favor of cowering in this girl's shadow or groveling at her feet.

Now that she's heard the name again, she does recalling having heard it before.

Tendo Maya.

Even before she'd left for France, she can remember hearing that name even when she was in elementary school.

She'd been that skilled even at such a young age, like Claudine, though they had never crossed paths. Not until now.

Unopposed top student of her class in both of her previous schools for three years apiece was no laughing matter. And with such assurance, she'd promised to do the same here and come out on top.

Claudine feels a small flame flicker to life in her chest. They'll see about that.

As Tendo Maya returns to her seat on the floor, more girls shift away from her than they had for Claudine. At least in Claudine's case they had moved out of respect and maybe a little uncertainty.

But she can tell right away it isn't the same with Tendo Maya. Those girls move and speak with disdain, ruefulness. They're intimidated by her, and yet disappointed in themselves.

Those are the pathetic kinds of people Claudine despises most of all; those who blame their own failures on others' success. They irk her even more than Tendo Maya herself.

But unlike those girls whom Claudine has no interest in whatsoever, she can't keep her eyes off of Maya.

This girl doesn't seem to care for her enemies nor those indifferent towards her. Her eyes are clear and focused, and her heart is set on one goal above all else. She harbors that determination, that same passion that has driven Claudine all her life.

At last she's found her.

Her match. Her rival.

The reason she'd come to this academy was to be pushed beyond her limits by the competition, to find that person who would challenge and oppose her.

Tendo Maya.

Claudine likes the sound of that name as much as she likes the look in her eyes.

The reason she'd left France and returned to Japan.

The person she'd been searching for.

/It's you./

Claudine has never been surer of anything in her entire life. She can feel the flame in her chest growing, spreading until it becomes a full-fledged blaze.

As the teacher calls for attention again, the chatter dies down.

"Very good, ladies. Now we'll be moving onto some physical activity. I know it's been a long summer, but I expect to see you're all in tip-top shape and prepared for the semester ahead! We have an even number, so find a partner and get stretching!"

As everyone gets to their feet and starts chatting once again, Claudine's eyes never stray from her target. She doesn't look back for Futaba or pay attention to anyone else.

Only her.

As she weaves her way through the crowds, she notices that Maya has turned her back on the rest of the class and already begun to stretch by herself. Claudine feels a flare of anger boil up.

/What's this? Think you're too good to need a partner? We're all just too far beneath you, aren't we?/

She'll show her a thing or two.

When Claudine finally reaches her she sends a searing glare through her back, hoping she can feel it.

"Ahem."

If the burning in her eyes wasn't enough to get Maya's attention, the pointed grunt is. She turns around slowly, one arm locked across the opposite elbow as she stretches out her shoulder. Claudine meets her gaze without wavering.

"I believe we were told to find partners for stretching. You didn't happen to miss that instruction, did you?"

She doesn't know or care for how the others treat this girl or act around her. Claudine isn't scared of her, and she's going to prove as much right from the very beginning. She offers her hand expectantly.

"Well? Care to accompany me?"

She chooses the words carefully. She does not ask permission to join Tendo Maya; she gives Tendo Maya the privilege of joining her.

She watches the other girl, the top student, with calculating eyes. And she is surprised at what she sees.

She does not find defiance or hostility in her eyes at the notion of dancing with someone she assumes to be not of her level. Claudine had expected to be shot down flat-out, or at the very least challenged.

But to her astonishment, Tendo Maya seems... genuinely confused. It's as though no one has ever made the offer to stretch with her before in her entire life.

But in only seconds her lips curve up back into that smug smile.

"Saijou... Claudine, was it?"

Her voice is suave and smooth. It makes Claudine's heart skip, but only partially out of nervousness. The other part is something she can't identify.

The way Maya drawls her name as though she'd just barely put forth enough effort to remember it.

It pisses her off.

But it also invites her.

Claudine feels the tight, confident grip on her hand as Maya takes it hard enough to make a sound of contact. Claudine doesn't falter. Not for a second.

"I'm honored you remembered my name. I'll make sure you don't soon forget it. Tendo Maya."

The other girl's lips curve higher when Claudine speaks her name back to her.

"I look forward to it, Saijou-san."

There's something about the way Maya says her name.

It isn't entirely taunting, nor is it entirely smug. It isn't dismissive, and though it might be the slightest bit passive-aggressive, there's still something else Claudine senses in it.

It's just ever so slightly genuine.

She's certain to return the grip on her hand with equal force.

As they begin stretching together, Claudine learns right away that she's put herself in somewhat of a catch-22.

She makes the first move in having Maya sit and stretch out her legs, while Claudine applies pressure at the small of her back. As she does so, Maya coaches her in just how to push, and just how hard.

Claudine huffs under her breath and does as she's told, both to allow the other girl to stretch as is best for her, and to show she isn't scared to follow her orders.

And yet when it's time to reverse their roles, she still finds herself in the supporting position.

Even when Claudine is the one stretching, Maya is offering advice as she presses her down to the floor, recommending how she should breathe and things of that nature.

She even does something Claudine never expected. She compliments her.

"My, Saijou-san. You're quite flexible. It's very impressive."

Perplexed by her behavior, Claudine says nothing. Though it was a compliment, it was also a challenge in its own regard.

Tendo Maya is trying to get a reaction from her. Complimenting Claudine implies that Maya is the person of higher status and is able to provide the feedback.

Claudine won't be outdone.

"I suppose you're not half bad yourself."

"Why, thank you."

Claudine huffs again as another point goes in Maya's favor. She'd fallen right into her trap. She'd responded to Maya's compliment with only silence and felt obligated to offer one back. But in acknowledging Claudine's praise and thanking her for it, Maya had demonstrated that she'd been expecting that praise back.

In other words, she'd more or less forced Claudine to recognize the difference in their roles. And Maya's is clearly higher.

This is how Claudine realizes she's trapped. If Maya is the one being stretched she is offering instructions for Claudine to follow, and if Claudine is the one being stretched Maya is offering advice and guidance for her to continue improving.

In either case, Maya is in control.

It's infuriating.

Claudine is certain she's never met a more insufferable person in all her life.

After finishing up their sitting stretches, both girls rise to their feet. They go back-to-back and lock arms. Claudine is sure to pull forward first. Holding Maya on her back, she feels a crack, but it comes from her own body.

"You've got some nerve," she grunts. "Showing me up like that during introductions. It seems to me you won't be satisfied unless you're one-upping someone else."

She lets her down, then feels Maya's arms lock more tightly around hers. Without warning Maya leans herself forward, pulling Claudine up onto her back with gusto, enough to make her gasp.

"I could say the same for you, Saijou-san." Maya holds her in place, demonstrating she has control. "Coming over to ask me to stretch after hearing who I was. I'd call that nerve as well."

Claudine winces as the tightness in her back increases, but she refuses to request being let down. She toughs it out until Maya straightens up and her shoes touch the floor once again. As they loosen their grip on one another, Claudine doesn't let her slight breathlessness be audible.

"That wasn't nerve," she says. "I simply wanted everyone to know I'm not afraid of you. Even if you are the top student, you won't be for long. Not now that I'm here."

They release one another and Maya turns to face her. She's still wearing that same smirk.

"Then I look forward to your efforts at dethroning me, Saijou-san."

Claudine curls her lip back in a faint snarl. Maya isn't affected. She gives a wave of her hand rather flippantly.

"Oh, and on that note, it wasn't my intention to one-up you. It was simply my turn for introductions."

And the fact that her response is so casual, implying she hadn't even intended to outdo Claudine, but simply had been presented the perfect opportunity to do so, and had gladly taken it...

It's absolutely infuriating.

She's already one step ahead. Perhaps even two.

A few claps ring out across the room, and everyone turns to their instructor.

"All right, now that we've all warmed up, let's get to the real deal. Line up alphabetically for a brief assessment. You'll each be giving a short performance for the rest of the class. Choose whatever you'd like – song, dance, acting – so long as it captures your full potential. Let's start with Aijou."

"Ehhhh? Why am I always first?!"

"Because your last name starts with "A", Karen-chan."

Everyone moves to line up alphabetically, meaning Claudine doesn't move all that far away from Maya. If they're following this last-name alphabet, she'll be performing right before her. She isn't worried about it.

For now she watches this girl – Aijou Karen – fumble through a dance routine. Claudine winces to observe her, but at the very least she can tell the girl's heart is in the right place.

A lot of the others though, she turns her nose up at. There's a significant difference between flawed technique and flawed motives behind those techniques.

She can tell right away which girls are just here for the fun and ease of an arts-centered curriculum. Those are the ones who won't last.

But there is a good amount of others whom she can tell are here for the right reasons.

She takes note of the names of the girls who catch her eye; Aijou Karen, Daiba Nana, Hanayagi Kaoruko, Hoshimi Junna, Isurugi Futaba, Tsuyuzaki Mahiru. The latter girl should have gone last, based off her name, but she'd requested to go right after Karen.

For now, Claudine has taken a mild interest in those six girls.

And of course, one other.

She doesn't glance at Maya even once as they watch their classmates perform. Claudine knows that she'll be seeing plenty of her soon enough.

"All right, very good," their teacher claps. "Next up, Saijou Claudine."

"Yes, ma'am!" Claudine struts forward without hesitation, ignoring the tightness in her stomach. All eyes are upon her once again. She remembers her breathing, how arduously she'd trained herself over the years to try and combat the stage fright.

/This isn't a stage anyway,/ she reminds herself. /We're in a studio, for class.../

The pressure alleviates when she remembers this isn't an actual performance.

She's decided to reenact a scene from a play, a character she'd gotten the role of in the past and knows by heart. She projects her voice flawlessly, annunciates every word, articulates every syllable. All the while she throws her arms out dramatically in relation to the words of the monologue, painting images with her words, eliciting emotion with her expressions.

Everyone becomes instantly and humbly aware of her theatrical prowess. She hears the murmurs and sees the shock on their faces.

But she doesn't let any of it go to her head.

She isn't here to step on them in order to push herself higher.

She isn't trying to look down on anyone else.

She's only looking up.

Once she's finished, a sturdy applause follows. Even the instructor can't stay neutral.

"That was very impressive Saijou. I have high expectations for you."

"Thank you, ma'am. I'll be doing my best."

"Very good. Next: Tendo Maya."

And just like that, the words of praise for Claudine turn into squeals of anticipation for Maya. Once again she is brushed aside after her few seconds in the spotlight, made to move over and make room as the top student takes her place.

Claudine crosses her arms as she returns to her spot, but she doesn't take her eyes off her adversary for a second.

Maya moves with even more confidence and prestige than the rest of them combined, and then some. There's plenty of distance between her and the onlookers, but still some of them take a few steps back, as if oppressed by her powerful aura.

Claudine doesn't budge.

Maya takes her place at the center of the room and begins with an opening pose, suggesting she will be performing a brief dance.

Claudine wears a neutral expression. She's curious to see what Seisho Academy's top student has up her sleeve, and based on the others' reactions, it's going to be worth her coming back to Japan to witness.

The girls who don't step back look on with either reservations or innocent enjoyment. Only Claudine looks upon Tendo Maya without any pre-established expectations.

The room falls silent as she begins.

And Claudine had been expecting something spectacular. But not of this calibre.

Maya moves like a tigress; with power, poise, and grace. She twirls, extends her arms, lifts her legs, bending every joint at the perfect angle, maintaining her balance with practiced precision. Her posture is pristine, her movements are impeccable, and her confidence is unparalleled.

Claudine gets lost in her performance, unable to draw her eyes away for a single second. The alluring haughtiness of Maya's dance captivates her, puts her under a spell. Claudine can feel her heart pumping faster by the second just from watching her go through the motions.

Never a mis-step. Never a hitched breath. Never so much as a shadow of a flaw.

She finishes it all with an impossible leap, extending her legs into a midair front-split effortlessly, surmounting the best of the best Claudine had ever seen. She sticks the landing and doesn't even break a sweat.

The room is stunned into silence for a moment afterward until the first timid claps begin to echo. Before long, nearly everyone is applauding and cheering and singing compliments. Those who aren't turn away in disgust and shame.

Claudine is one of the few who doesn't clap.

But it isn't because she's been disheartened.

Not at all. Just the opposite.

Her heart is racing. Her soul is on fire.

At last she's found her.

The person she'd been searching for for years.

The person who will push Claudine to be the best she can possibly be.

Her rival.

Tendo Maya.

Maya dips her head politely as the applause comes to an end, and the instructor calls up someone else who whimpers about having such a tough act to follow.

As Maya returns to her spot on the sidelines, Claudine stiffens as she makes direct eye contact. It isn't a coincidence either. Maya had definitely sought her out specifically.

Claudine tries not to look too shocked. She purses her lips, and raises her chin, letting her eyes say 'not bad' over anything else.

Of course it's much more than 'not bad' she's thinking, but she won't let it show. She's floored by Maya's performance, absolutely flabbergasted. She'd invited this girl to stretch for the sole purpose of scoping out her most-likely competition, assuming she wouldn't be that good. And of course it had blown up in her face.

But she won't let that be a setback.

Instead, it's fueling her. It's exciting. It's thrilling.

She has someone to match, someone to reach, someone to strive for.

Tendo Maya.

She isn't aware of just how frequently she'll be hearing and saying that name over the next several years.

After a few more minutes, their dance period draws to an end. Claudine files back out into the changing room with the others, keeping an eye on Maya, but eventually loses her in the crowds.

As Claudine returns to her cubby and pulls out her brand new uniform, she isn't aware someone is speaking to her until she feels a light tap on her shoulder.

"Saijou-san... was it?"

Claudine turns around to find two girls smiling back at her. She recalls they'd been some of the ones she'd made note of earlier.

"Daiba Nana-san and Hoshimi Junna-san, if memory serves?"

The two girls share a surprised look with one another.

"That's right," Junna says.

"Can I help you girls?" Claudine inquires, taking her uniform out of its bag. Junna seems a little put-off, but Nana doesn't seem to mind.

"Not really! We'd just wanted to give you a warm welcome to Seisho Academy!"

Something she can't explain compels Claudine to turn back around and face the taller blonde girl. Nana's lips smile, but her eyes seem almost dangerous.

"I've taken a liking to you, Saijou-san. You're very talented. I think we could be good friends."

Claudine's mouth is dry. She turns away and continues unfolding her blazer and skirt.

"Thank you. But I'm not in the market for friendship at the moment."

"Aw, but everyone needs friends!" Nana insists. But Junna holds her back.

"Give it a rest. You're gonna creep her out."

"Junna-chan, just what do you think I am? Some kind of witch?"

"Sometimes I wonder." Junna sighs and eases Nana back a pace. "In any case, Saijou-san, if you need help adjusting or anything, feel free to ask us."

Claudine dips her head.

"Thank you very much."

The pair leaves her for the time being, but Claudine has the feeling she'll be seeing them again.

She changes out of her leotard, then steps into the gray skirt and pulls the blazer over her arms. She has a few qualms with the lack of color, but she appreciates the style.

Glancing at her schedule, she takes off down the hallways to her next class – theatrical history and scriptwriting. She introduces herself to the teacher in the hallway, who regretfully informs her she doesn't have an extra textbook for her yet.

"There is an empty desk though. Right next to Tendo. Please help yourself."

Claudine peers into the room to find that she recognizes a few of these faces.

Including hers.

Sure enough, Tendo Maya – also now dressed in her uniform – is seated on the far side of the room, two aisles from the back. She's mulling over a small book, drowning out the chatter of the girls around her. Claudine sucks in a sharp breath and makes her way over. She sits down as though she hadn't even noticed Maya, and only turns to her after she's settled.

"Oh, what a surprise," Claudine hums. "I suppose these names of ours are going to warrant our being near each other quite often."

Maya looks up from her book, as though recognizing this voice in particular and understanding it is addressing her alone. When she meets Claudine's eyes a small smirk forms on her lips again.

"It would appear so. I hope that won't be a problem."

"Not in the slightest." Claudine gives her a smirk of equal interest.

The bell rings and the teacher calls for attention, going over the basics for the first day of classes.

"I trust you all have your textbooks already? Ah, Saijou? Just look on with Tendo for today. I'll get you a book tomorrow. Page 12."

Claudine clicks her tongue softly as she pushes her desk together with Maya's. Maya opens the book and lies it between them, but says nothing. Claudine doesn't either.

As she follows along the passage the teacher is reading, her mind drifts just a little. As do her eyes.

Tendo Maya sits rigidly beside her, and she can tell it's not just proper posture. She seems tense. She won't look at her. Claudine can't read her, but she takes a stab at it anyway.

"Nervous?" she whispers.

"Eh?" Maya blinks and looks at her properly now. Claudine puffs out her chest.

"You're nervous, aren't you? That I'll overtake you as head of the class? Well, you should be, because I will."

Maya blinks again as if in confusion. Claudine assumes she'd guessed wrong, but doesn't relent.

"You just keep doing what you do. I'll surpass you soon enough."

She watches the surprise on Maya's face melt into amusement.

"I look forward to it, Saijou-san. Give it your all, and just see if you can best me."

"It isn't a possibility. It's an inevitability."

"I'll believe it when I see it."

"Why you... you're awfully full of yourself, aren't you?"

"I believe you are the one who decided to instigate this conversation, were you not?"

Claudine feels heat in her cheeks. She tears her gaze away from Maya and looks back to the book.

"Cette femme! Tres ennuyant!" She hisses to herself under her breath, furious that this girl had made her blush. It irks her even further when Maya interrupts her.

"French?" she guesses.

"It's none of your business!"

Claudine says nothing else to her for the remainder of the class, just glares at her more when Maya is called upon to read a passage out loud, and does so with such feeling it makes Claudine a little envious.

She only speaks to her again at the end of the class as the lunch bell rings. Claudine pushes her desk back to its proper spot before turning back to her infuriating classmate with a sigh.

"Thank you."

Maya is packing her textbook into her handbag and says nothing. Claudine fumes.

"How dare you ignore me? You've got some nerve!"

"Eh?" Maya looks up at her again with honest confusion written on her face. "My apologies. I didn't know you were talking to me."

"Pardon? Who else would I be talking to? Are you quite daft?"

Maya chuckles.

"You're welcome, Saijou-san." She picks up her bag and stands, then heads straight for the door.

Claudine is left in a stupor. She has no idea what to make of this girl.

"You'd think no one's ever told her 'thank you' for sharing a textbook before..."

Claudine picks up her own bag and heads toward the dining hall.

Most of the tables are already full. Groups of friends that had moved up the school years together have formed tight-knit packs by now. Claudine has no such relationships, but she doesn't let it bother her.

She acquires a tray and gets on line, ordering herself a salad and picking up a side order of mashed potatoes with a bottle of water. As she searches the room for an empty seat, she spots the pair that had spoken with her in the changing room, as well as Futaba and her clingy companion.

But Claudine isn't so bold as to assume they'd let her sit with them.

She is much bolder than that.

She is the only one bold enough to approach the table where Tendo Maya is sitting alone with her own salad and a bowl of soup.

Claudine stalks her way over and places her tray down across from Maya rather noisily to announce her presence. She sits down as if this spot's had her name on it for years.

Maya blinks up, but doesn't seem all that surprised to see her this time.

"Saijou-san, again? To what do I owe the honor?"

"There were no other seats," Claudine fibs. "Besides, I think it's pathetic how everyone avoids you like the plague. You're good, that much is for certain, but you aren't unbeatable. I'll prove that myself."

"Now who's the one sounding full of themselves?"

"Why you..." Claudine grabs a fork-full of mashed potatoes and stuffs it into her mouth while still being as ladylike as possible. "Do your worst. You won't scare me off. You won't even annoy me off, though I have a feeling you might get close..."

Maya chuckles again, and Claudine feels her cheeks heating up, so she covers her face with her napkin.

"Believe me," Maya says. "I truly do look forward to it, Saijou-san. More than anything else."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Is that what you'd like it to be?"

"What kind of insufferable answer is that?"

Their lunch break consists of bickering and teasing as they pick at their food.

Claudine isn't surprised to find that Maya shares her exact schedule in the afternoons as well. She sees her in their choir class as well as their gymnastics and physical education class. And at the end of the day she even finds that Tendo Maya chooses the shower next to hers in the bathroom, and the cubby next to hers in the changing room.

And of course as she walks back to her dorm room that evening, Claudine finds her suite is right next to Maya's door.

She just can't seem to get away from her.

Not that she wants to.

After all, if she's going to become the top student here at Seisho Academy, she's going to have to keep a close eye on the girl she's going to surpass.

Presently, she pauses as she opens her door, gazing at the room right next to hers, the one where Tendo Maya will rise every morning and retire every night.

Claudine won't miss a beat, won't miss a step, won't falter for a second until she's left that girl in the dust.

"I'm looking forward to it as well, Tendo Maya."

She enters her bedroom, unpacks her things, and curls up for bed.

Thus begins her new chapter at Seisho Academy.

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A/N: Phew! So this was a lot! There was so much I wanted to be sure to cover about their first meeting, including the ups and downs of being in a theater/arts school. It was really fun to write everyone as their objective canon characters.

The next chapter will be from Maya's perspective, also their first meeting, but with some new information and events~