Magical Marathon

[very_goodman]

Who: Barry Goodman and Sheryl Nome, with special guest appearances by Hiyoko Tosaka and possibly some random bears
What: An all-night magical girl marathon
When: May 11
Where: Mielikki's Lodge, living room
Warnings: A grown man in his thirties getting way too into magical girls

[The fated day has arrived. The day Barry has waited for. The day that he will truly bare his soul and express his deepest feelings to one of his beloved goddesses.

Today is the day that the two of them watch an entire magical girl show together.

Barry's clearly excited, decked out in his best weeaboo finery. Several plushies, ostensibly from the show he's about to put on, are lined up along the couch like an audience.]

Hope ya brought lots of tissues, Sheryl!  You're gonna need 'em by the time we're through!

[Grinning as he points the remote at the DVD player, he dramatically lifts his finger into the air before bringing it down on the play button.]

Switch... ON!

[The title screen comes up: Magische Mädchen Makino. Let the marathon begin.]

Comments

[galactically]

That's what you think. You're the one who's going to need tissues after this!

[Sheryl releases a small puff of breath, an amused air out of her while she remains seated on the couch with a bunch of plushies surrounding her, one leg crossing over the other. It's a new experience for an idol singer to stick around in a weeaboo's room, especially when said weeaboo is her shinki and she's watching what she deems to be a kid's show for a bet, of all things.

It's baffling in her eyes, darting her gaze from all the merchandise to the DVD player and finally the title screen. She arches an eyebrow, looking utterly confused.]

"Magische Mädchen Makino"? What's that about?

[very_goodman]

It's German for 'magical girl.' It's a pretty popular trend these days, using foreign words in the titles.

[Not really an explanation, but he's not done just yet.]

But anyway, it's the story of a young girl finding her courage. Anything more than that is spoiler territory. You'll just have to watch and find out.

[galactically]

[She just regards Barry with an unimpressed look, tucking both of her hands under her chin, elbows resting on her knees.]

But that describes every coming of age story with a female protagonist!

[Don't mind her as she glances around the room, mentally critiquing it because gosh, too much otaku aura in this room. Sheryl feels way out of place.]

Doesn't it get cluttered?

[very_goodman]

Hey, I told ya, anything else'd be spoilers! You don't wanna know all the twists before they happen.

[Although so far it's relatively standard stuff.]

Nah, this stuff's all a part of me. A true fan can never get enough!

[galactically]

I find it very difficult to believe.

[Rising to her feet, the rest of Barry's room gets her attention a lot more than the cartoon, so she walks along to inspect it, hands on her hips. Time to stop at wherever the figurines are located...]

How long did you collect all of these?

[very_goodman]

Hey, c'mon, you're missin' important character stuff!

[How can she possibly be expected to get invested if she won't even sit through the intro episode?]

Well, I've only been here a few months, so... a few months. You just gotta know where to look for good deals. And the online trading community is pretty great, too!

[galactically]

I can't imagine owning this many things. Well... except if it's to collect shoes and trendy accessories. They're useful for everyday fashion.

[Easy for her to say since clothing is different from anime merchandise, in any case. Sheryl tilts her head to one side, folding her arms across her chest.]

I don't recognize any of these...

[very_goodman]

Every one of them is like a badge of pride!

[Clearly Barry has an odd definition of the word pride. But on the other hand, it takes a certain kind of confidence to parade your embarrassing otaku fandoms around as openly as he does. So in an odd, backward sort of way, he might be right.]

[galactically]

Even those? [An eyebrow raise.] My, you're really... ah, dedicated to cartoons.

[To put it politely, even reining in the usual straight to the point tone that she sometimes uses. She points at the figurines, tapping gently at the glass that protects them from dust before her gaze darts around the room as she traipses past the stuffed animals.

At least there are no body pillows or doujinshi! ... Right?]

[very_goodman]

Especially those!

[Barry flashes a confident grin, giving a big thumbs up. And yeah, no body pillows or doujins. His adoration is more pure than that.]

Awright, c'mon back, second episode's about to start.

[He pats the couch, moving the plushies and sliding over for her.]

[galactically]

— Oh! That's right, we're supposed to be watching that kid's show together! Sorry, I'm so distracted.

[To say the least, Barry's collection gets a large bulk of Sheryl's attention... for better or worse. Either way she laughs, looking rather sheepish at almost forgetting the promise she made to her own shinki. Sheryl Nome is supposed to be a woman of her word, after all!

And after noticing that she missed about half of the first episode, she looks rather owlish at the scenes before her, sitting down next to Barry while she gathers her knees to her chest. Gotta make herself comfortable, somehow.]

Hey, what just happened?

[very_goodman]

The main character just met the fluffy mascot creature that offered her magical girl powers. She's tryin' to decide what to do.

[Oddly, she didn't take the powers right away like most of these shows.]

[galactically]

And that's only on the second episode?

[She squints in disbelief at the scenes before her, arching an eyebrow a little before she sighs. Her hands are propping her chin and the corners of her lips twist.]

I thought that was supposed to happen in the first!

[very_goodman]

Hey, I told ya magical girl shows've come a long way!

[Barry grins knowingly. He can already see her getting drawn in.]

Just keep watchin', you'll see how it all unfolds.

[galactically]

Ugh, fine! Fine!

[She rolls her eyes with a huff. So far Sheryl is making some attempt at paying close attention. Not quite invested as she'd be in, say, a soap opera that she once watched back in Galaxy, but hey, she tries.]

[very_goodman]

Hey, a bet's a bet, princess. You're in this for the long haul.

[Barry's enjoying this a little too much. But he remains confident that he'll win this one in the end.]

Need anything to get more comfy while ya watch?

[It's not all teasing, though. He figures she's more likely to pay attention and enjoy herself if she can relax.]

[galactically]

You mean Sheryl. [The only acceptable "princess" is a certain crossdressing pilot that she knows.] If I'm going to be stuck watching this corny show, at least let's watch something else afterwards.

[She flicks her hair in a haughty manner, confident that there won't be any tears shed on her end. Now that Barry is offering to make her comfortable, though... of course she can't refuse. There's a firm nod with a grin.]

Hey, get me some snacks! Popcorn, maybe?

[very_goodman]

Sheryl! That's what I said!

[It's not, but hey.]

Sure thing. It's only right I sit through whatever you want after it's over. And after you've dried your eyes.

[That hair flick is met with Barry's best confident grin. He's not backing down either.]

One bowl of popcorn, coming right up!

[He makes sure to time it so he's out of the room during that part of episode three. You know the part. He wants to see the look on her face when he comes back right after it's over.]

[galactically]

You mean after you've dried your eyes, Barry. The pain of defeat will be glorious!

[She curls her hands near her eyes to mimic tear wiping, then points at him with a laugh. While she waits for Barry to get the power of popcorn, her gaze is riveted to a certain scene near the end of the third episode. The bored expression upon her face slowly fades away as she lifts her head up, eyes opening wide like saucers, mouth agape.

And suddenly, a sharp gasp.]

Did... did she just got her head chopped off?!

[very_goodman]

[Barry walks back in, munching on popcorn and acting like he didn't totally time his return this way on purpose.]

...Yeah. She sure did. I told ya, this ain't your garden variety magical girl show.

[He hands over the bowl of popcorn.]

[galactically]

[Sheryl is totally thinking that Barry just timed his arrival on purpose, but either way she scowls, taking the bowl of popcorn to munch on the snack. Angrily.

She looks kinda pissed.]

She's the only character I liked from that show!

[very_goodman]

Just keep watchin'. This show's got layers.

[He relinquishes the popcorn bowl, not wanting to push things too far and frustrate her into quitting entirely.]

[galactically]

She didn't deserve to die like this! She was only trying to help her protégés while remaining fabulous...

[Is Sheryl salty about a fictional character's untimely death? You betcha. She folds her arms across her chest and sulks, leaning against the cushions.]

[very_goodman]

That's the harsh world these girls are learning to survive in.

[Barry folds his arms, nodding sagely.]

[galactically]

I guess.

[A reluctant admittance. It's only when she exhales and shrugs her shoulders that she succumbs to a realization: that there's another thing to like about the show. Sheryl admits it just as grudgingly as earlier.]

The soundtrack is good. [A pause.] Particularly the ending theme song by those three women.

[very_goodman]

Yeah! Good enough to sing at a concert, don'cha think?

[Even if he loses the bet, getting her to admit just that much feels like a victory to Barry.]

[galactically]

[With a pointed look, Sheryl lifts up a few fingers to begin listing.]

The arrangement will need to be tweaked, maybe the key as well, then switch a few of the chords around to accommodate my voice. Since it's originally a song by multiple singers, the harmonization will have to be changed.

[And this is the pro coming out... Sheryl, pls]

[very_goodman]

...Well, it's a start. Sounds like you might be comin' around.

[He'll win this yet!]

[galactically]

How many episodes does this show have, anyway?

[The sooner she can finish this, the faster she can watch something else.]

[very_goodman]

Twelve episodes. It's a short season, but it's jam-packed with drama!

[galactically]

That's not so bad. I think I can handle a few more.

[With a determined expression, she nods, keeping her gaze fixed onto the TV.]

Next episode!

[very_goodman]

You're in this for the long haul. But don't worry, I'll be here the whole way!

[Barry nods confidently, switching to the next episode.]

Awright, next!

[galactically]

[Time to fast-forward to a few episodes later! Unlike how she felt a while ago, Sheryl appears to be less bored and more— well, not quite into the show as Barry, but she seems interested now, finally getting over her annoyance from earlier. Currently her gaze is focused on the ponytailed girl that appears on-screen. Said character is talking to another magical girl, revealing her past life as a homeless girl in artistic black and white flashbacks.

Sheryl may be gazing into it a little hard, forcing herself to look down on her lap, watching her fingers curl inward. That scene of the ponytailed girl — what was her name, Kyouka? — rummaging through garbage may hit a little close to home.

Her expression softens as she listens to the scene.]

... How depressing.

[very_goodman]

[Barry knows they're in the thick of the emotional drama of this show, and he also knows it's not going to stop until the very last moment, so he's stopped with the jokes and the slightly cocky attitude by this point. As he watches Sheryl's reaction, he reaches over to gently place a hand atop hers, giving her a silent nod.]

[galactically]

[She lifts her head up a bit, watching Barry place his hand atop hers before she casts her gaze higher. There's a firm nod on her end as well, reining in the somber look across her face in favor of watching the rest of the show.

And eventually, Sheryl gets to the part with all the over the top twists. Mouth agape, she gasps incredulously at the scenes unfolding before her eyes.]

[very_goodman]

Three more to go.

[Somehow. The show is exactly at the point where everyone who watches it for the first time thinks to themselves 'oh my god, how much more can they stab me in my feelings?']

[galactically]

[Sheryl is both that person and at the same time, not that person.

Yes, certain scenes are very gut-wrenching, she must admit, like the part where Kyouka died for Sadako's sake, or Sadako's unrequited love, or Mima trying to mercy kill her comrades, or Hanami's obsession with Makino... even the soundtrack has taken a sharp uphill of improvement. The songs are very good, so is the animation.

But Sheryl can't help the nagging feeling in her head: this reminds her of some of the soap operas she watched. Well, minus the evil mascot, the magic, or the age of the girls.]

Why couldn't this be in live action?

[She's thinking out loud, reaching for the popcorn to munch on it with a thoughtful expression.]

[very_goodman]

There's just some things that look better in the world of 2D.

[Regardless of her feelings on the matter, though, it looks like Sheryl is enjoying it. Or, at the very least, she's finally engaged with the material. Either way, Barry seems pretty happy.]

Ready for the big finale?

[galactically]

My world's technology is so advanced that a live action version of this show would surely look amazing. They could even turn it into a three-part movie if they wanted to.

[Such boastful words, Sheryl. That's how much faith she has in the production values in her world. At his question, she hums in the back of her throat.]

I'm interested in seeing if Makino will finally become a proper magical girl and save Hanami.

[very_goodman]

If you like it that much, maybe you could star in it!

[Barry pls.]

Heheh... you'll see.

[galactically]

No, thanks! I'll stick with music for now.

[Maybe someday she can try her hand at acting, but for now she focuses on watching the final episode of Barry's favorite magical girl show — one of his favorites, she assumes.]

— Barry! This scene!

[very_goodman]

Yup. This is where we came in.

[Makino is about to make her fateful choice. If this scene and all the lead up to the finale don't get the waterworks going, nothing will.]

Get ready for a roller coaster ride of emotions.

[galactically]

[If Barry wants a roller coaster of emotions, he can look no further than Sheryl's excited face upon watching Makino finally transform into a proper magical girl, doing her damnest to save Hanami against their enemy. The flashy animation, the music swelling into a dramatic crescendo, it all culminated into beautiful scenes on screen.

And then her expression shifts into one of sadness at watching Hanami and Makino part their ways. Definitely soap opera-esque. Don't mind Sheryl as she reaches for her purse, procures a notebook and pen, and starts scribbling a few notes furiously.

Many emotions are going through her head, but is she crying?]

Reach for me, take my hand and I'll take you to paradise...

[Nope. She's jotting down potential lyrics. Thanks Barry, your show has inspired her.]

[very_goodman]

[Barry, on the other hand, is wailing and screaming at the dramatic conclusion to the show. He's the emotional sort, after all, and nothing hits him in the heart quite like a good magical girl ending. Especially one so bittersweet as this. When he finally collects himself, he looks over at Sheryl, defeated.]

Awright, you win... I know when I'm beat. No more magical girl stuff, I promise.

[After a moment, though, he glances a bit closer.]

...Sheryl? What're ya writin'?

[galactically]

[Sheryl is in the middle of writing when she jolts in surprise at the sounds of wailing and screaming. Her pen flies out of her hands as she clutches her ears, the notebook slipping out of her lap and landing on the floor.]

Don't scare me like that! You're ruining my concentration!

[She huffs, the lightest tinge of pink dusting her cheeks. Time to pick up her notebook and pen off the floor. Her response contains a matter of fact sort of tone.]

Geez... and now it's lost. I was writing down potential lyrics.

[very_goodman]

...Lyrics, huh?

[Barry sniffles, a smile quickly spreading across his face.]

Guess it really did strike a chord with you!

[galactically]

Don't get too excited. These lyrics might not even become a real song.

[Knitting her brows, she taps on a page filled with random phrases all over, some in French, but almost all of it are in English. Several words are crossed out.]

I can't force it. Inspiration must flow freely.

[very_goodman]

Guess I'll leave you to it, then. Lemme know if ya need anything.

[Barry smiles, standing up and letting her have some space.]