Provided by Happy Elements, あんスタチャンネル on Youtube

Ensemble Stars Memories Selection: Checkmate 『チェックメイト』 Adapted from Ensemble Stars! Story: Checkmate Written by: 日日日 (Akira) English Translation: Freiya

*All copyrights of the stories, scene pictures and writings, all belong to Happy Elements. I only translated the scenes into English to help overseas fans understand the dialogues. I do not own any copyrights other than the English Translation*

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—In Yumenosaki Academy’s garden terrace, Izumi and Eichi are playing chess together, during Eichi and Izumi’s third year—

Eichi: Checkmate.

Izumi: …Haa? What is this joke? This is just the beginning–so what are you playing on winning already?

Eichi: Chess is my specialty. I have fairly good talent on it. (pours tea for himself)

Ever since my childhood, I have never lost to any adults, not to anyone. (picks up the cup)

Izumi: Hmm..

Eichi: A draw–or to be exact, a match that couldn’t be concluded, it has only been achieved with Tsukinaga-kun.

Izumi: If such an average guy could result in a draw with you, then I should be able to win against you easily, right? That brat–he could not do anything else other than composing songs.

Eichi: …Is that so? Isn’t that only what you want to think of him? (drinks his tea, then put the cup)

Let’s end the playing time now, and delve into the business. 

It’s a negotiation. I want you, Knights, to be a united party with us, the Student Council– In next week’s DDD that will be held, to crush Trickstar.

Izumi: …Didn’t I tell you that I’m still considering it? Don’t rush me, can you..! I don’t give a care about DDD, though.

Eichi: (drinks tea) 

Izumi: The current Knights is an empty shell–no seats nor domination. Can you believe this?

The Knights now, even already including the newbie, only barely made up 4 members.

Eichi: (arranges the chess anew) Ah.. The Suou household’s family heir, Tsukasa-kun, has just newly joined, huh?

…But, if my memory is correct… Knights consists of 5 members, right?

(puts his fingers on his chin) Tsukinaga-kun too… he still hasn't quitted school yet, correct?

Izumi: …That guy…(looks away) he can’t fight anymore.

Eichi: Hmm. So even now, it’s still like that, huh...

Previously, I also visited him once. (puts his hands on his chin) 

Really, unexpectedly geniuses are so frail. That was not the Tsukinaga-kun that I liked…

Izumi: (grits his teeth)

Eichi: Hey, Sena-kun… I really can not comprehend it. Everyone says that it’s all my fault, and I do believe that is one side of the truth... But I honestly did not have such intentions. 

I liked Tsukinaga-kun. It was fun when I played with him, and I was happy. That’s all there is to it…

Hey, Sena-kun. What is the reason that Tsukinaga-kun breaks? (looks at the Sakura tree on his left)

…Just who was it that killed the Cock Robin? [1]

***

—One year ago—

Izumi: (in the middle of calling Leo’s phone)…Geez, what is he doing!? …I can’t even get in contact with him.

Leo: (pushes the door open) Sorry…! I made you wait, Sena…!

Izumi: (raises his voice) You’re late! What are you…–

Huh!? Leo-kun, what the hell is with your condition!? (helps Leo that nearly collapses)

Leo: (collapses) Ow, it hurts…

–Izumi takes Leo to hospital–

Izumi: You… are you an idiot? The body is an idol’s foundation. Have a bit of awareness, okay!?

Leo: Aahh.. you’re so noisy! This is just a bit of a scratch because I fell over. Once I lick it with spit, it will recover immediately!

Tsumugi: (about to exit the hospital) …Huh? Just as I thought I heard some noises, it turns out to be Sena-kun? (walks outside) Hello. We meet here in such an unusual place!

Izumi: Oh…

Leo: (raised his eyebrows) Who are you?

Izumi: Oh, Leo-kun doesn’t know, huh? This is my classmate, Aoba.

What about you? What are you doing in a hospital?

Tsumugi: I am visiting a person– Eichi-kun.

Izumi: Eichi…? Oh, the rumoured conglomerate heir. I heard he collapsed in the nearby underground live house, and now he’s being treated in a hospital?

Tsumugi: Yes. I was asked by others to give him some prints. What about Sena-kun?

Izumi: Uh… I am just an aide. He doesn’t speak about the details at all… but he got injured and his arm’s bone was broken.

Tsumugi: Eh!?

Izumi: So, that is how I brought him to the hospital like this.

Leo: (pouts) I don’t like hospitals…! It smells strongly of medicine, boring, and I’m bad with it! There are people bringing needles with them to forcely pour strange substances in!

Eichi: (reading a book) Hmm? What is it, it seems noisy outside?

Eichi: (walks and looks down the window)

Tsumugi: Um… who is this? I don’t really remember…

Leo: Ahaha, right, right? I’m the genius who doesn’t really go to school often…–

Eichi (OS): Tsumugi and… Sena-kun from the same class? There’s another person there…

…Who is that little one?

***

–Inside the hospital’s lift–

Leo: Evil being! Demon!! Why am I being admitted to hospital!?

Izumi: You know what… it looks like you also hit your head too, so you need to be examined properly, for safety!

Tsumugi: You should also call your home and contact them with this.

Leo: Hmppphh.! (pouts)

(searching his belongings) …Huh? Hey, Sena… do you know where my smartphone is?

Izumi: Ergh… you must have dropped it again somewhere, right!? You should contact the smartphone company office…

Leo: Hmm..? (confused) I don’t really get it! (chuckles) Sena, can you do it for me? (puts his hand on Sena’s shoulder)

Tsumugi: Uhh.. (chuckles)

Izumi: (sighs burdenedly) I am… not your servant, you know…!?

Leo: Isn’t it okay? You like taking care of people, right? You can do things 100 times better than me. I can have a peaceful mind if I leave it to you! (raises his thumb)

Izumi: Honestly, it’s such~ a burden!

Leo: Don’t say it like that! I’m counting on you! (Shakes his head) No, I am owed to you!

If Sena is not there, I would have welled up quickly and quit being an idol.

Tsumugi: Hey, you two… (the lift opens) 

Oh, we have arrived… look, Tsukinaga-kun. 

Leo: Hmph… (pouts, walks out the lift)

Tsumugi: (walks out the lift, following Leo)

Izumi: Hey, Aoba… I’m sorry, but can I leave it to you? I have another matter to take care of… 

Tsumugi, Leo: Eh?

Izumi: (closes the lift and waves his hand)

Leo: …!? (puts a surprised look)

(throw his belongings away, Tsumugi catches it. Leo walks to the closed lift) Senaaa~!! You heartless being!!! (bangs on the lift)

Tsumugi: Eh? Eeehh~!?

***

–Leo opens the hospital’s room. Eichi observes him–

Eichi (OS): It’s the boy… from earlier, right?

(Leo immediately enters the room and looks out the window)

Leo: Sena~!! Don’t abandon me! Even though you can hear it… You bully!!!

Tsumugi: I-I’m sorry, Eichi-kun!

Eichi: Tsumugi…

Tsumugi: Um… where should I begin to explain?

Leo: (picks up a fruit)

Leo: (screaming) Idiot, Sena you idiot~!! (picks up another fruit)

Stuuupid, stuupid! Just die!! (picks another fruit)

Eichi: Hey, you… (walks to Leo)

Leo: Uh…

EIchi: You can’t just play with food. Don’t you feel bad for the farmers?

Leo: I… I feel bad! 

What a hideous thing I’ve done! (bows)

I’m sorry, farmers! (puts back the fruit)

But… but… what should I do with this sadness that Sena has carved in me? (points at his broken arm) My arm is broken… And there is no instrument, so I can’t do a performance too!

(looks at the bed and climbs up) I don’t have any other choice but to sing!

Eichi: Huh?

Leo: Listen to my song! This is the song of “I hope that the mean Sena will die, suffering from mould on his front legs!” 

Leo: Composer and lyricist, Tsukinaga Leo! (begins to sing) I hope that the mean Sena will die, suffering from mold on his front legs~!

Eichi (OS): (smiles) Tsukinaga Leo…hmm. So that is his name. What is it with him? He’s so unique.

***

–In Yumenosaki Academy–

Madara: (attempting to catch a cat stuck on a tree branch) Look, there is nothing to be afraid of~ Come, come~

Izumi: (walks on another side of the road) Aah~ It makes me so mad! 

Izumi (OS): But, why is it–That I can’t leave his side?

Izumi (OS): If it’s the usual, I would have long lost my patience and part away…

–Izumi sees another person peeking at the school gate–

Izumi: Hey, you damned glasses over there!

Arashi: (Startled) Hey, what is with that “damned glasses”? I am hurt, you know~?

Izumi: I told you to stop with that way of talking! 

Why should you enter the same school, anyway~? And without even me knowing it, you had a change of character in a disgusting way!

Arashi: (smiles) Hmm… (shakes his head) Do not worry~! I do not have any interest in you at all, Izumi-chan~

Izumi: Not Izumi-chan, but Sena-senpai, right! I have told you since our first meeting to use formal language with your elder, correct?

(sighs) Haa~... Well, the timing is perfect. I am now going to practise our new song, if you’re free, then tag along… as a fellow member of the unit, okay~.

Arashi: No, no, no~ (raises his hand) I’m not particularly free, okay? And honestly I’m only filling a seat, and I don’t really have any interest in the unit activities, okay?

I don’t even clearly remember the unit’s name, you know~? Othello, is it?

Izumi: …Until last year, yeah. Since we changed leaders this year, it’s changed to the name Backgammon.

Arashi: It keeps changing indefinitely from time to time, huh? If I remember correctly, the first name was, Chess… is that right?

Izumi: Right, right. In this rotten Yumenosaki Academy, we have become the second-oldest unit now.

Izumi: Leo-kun in particular, has some kind of attachment to the Chess name, you see?. When the name was going to be changed, only he had a big objection to it.

***

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Translator’s Note:

[1]: “Who killed the Cock Robin?” Is a dark English Nursery rhyme, about the bird Cock Robin which was killed. In this Checkmate story, the poor bird who was killed refers to Leo.

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!Warning! Please refrain from reposting the translation to other platforms; abide to link back to this post for reference. Thank you.

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Navigation:

Memories Selection: Checkmate Directory Chapters Episode 1 - The Broken Branch Tip (You are here now) Episode 4 - Rusting Heart Episode 5 - The Lonely Throne Episode 6 - The Shine of the Crown

End notes:

Provided by Happy Elements, あんスタチャンネル on Youtube

Ensemble Stars Memories Selection: Checkmate 『チェックメイト』 Adapted from Ensemble Stars! Story: Checkmate Written by: 日日日 (Akira) English Translation: Freiya

*All copyrights of the stories, scene pictures and writings, all belong to Happy Elements. I only translated the scenes into English to help overseas fans understand the dialogues. I do not own any copyrights other than the English Translation*

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Leo: I’ll make your dream come true. As Knights, with me, together.

Izumi: …Why? You don’t have that much obligation, do you!?

We just happened to enter the same school, sliding together in this connection, that’s all. I can do it by myself, with no need of relying to other people– I don’t need to depend on you–!

Leo: –I know. But, sometimes having someone to entrust your back with is good, right?

Izumi: … *still a bit confused*

Leo: *smiles* If you don’t mind that, I’ll be exactly that. I will become the throne on which you, ‘The King’, can sit on.

Izumi: ….

The King… is you, right?

Leo: Well, true, I’m called that, but… it doesn’t really suit me, honestly!

…I love everyone. It will end up in no good if I just give out everything that I have in mind. I understand that clearly in this previous case. Sena is the one more suited. You are a hated person because you always talk about hateful things, but if anyone gets along with you properly, they will end up loving you.

Leo: These guys too, they gather in here because of you.

Arashi: …Hm..? Are you referring to me and Ritsu-chan?

Ritsu: *Rubs his eyes* …Don’t lump me in together…

Leo: You two, if possible, please always get along with Sena forever. *Leo holds out his hand*

For me… I’m already pretty exhausted, see? I don’t know how long I can continue my activities of being an idol, you know?

Izumi: ….! *a bit surprised*

Leo: It seems… like I’m being forced to move along in the path according to someone’s predicted, planned scenario; I continue to destroy the things that I love one after another.

*Eichi and Tsumugi has gathered in the audience seats*

Leo: However… I really want to continue protecting the precious things that I truly love. Sena… Just watching you from the sides, my songs and compositions can’t stop overflowing! Just from that, I feel happy. Composing songs is my life, see! 

Izumi: Leo-kun…

Leo: From meeting you, my dream has already been fulfilled. That’s why, now it’s my turn! What do you want to do? Just tell me about it! I will fulfil it together with you!

Izumi: …I…

Leo: What’s the matter? Even if it’s a dingy desire– Anything, just show me! I’ll turn it out all to be the best masterpieces, and expose it to the all-entire world; “It’s all beautiful,” I’ll praise it like that! If it can fulfill you with that, I’ll give it my all for that!

…I don’t care even if I’m being hated… or disliked by whoever it is. Even if I was made an enemy to the entire world; if I’m with you… I’m jubilant.

Izumi: …!? …Why to that extent…? I don’t get it at all… Leo-kun…!

(I… I’m not that much of a marvellous person, to be dedicated for and fully give your best for. I have too-high pride; I’m always unsatisfied… I’m not a genius like you. Yet… I just want to be approved by everyone; being praised that I’m the number one in the world. I’m just a boring guy, like that. But… with this person… Can I fulfil such greedy desires? Leo-kun is an extraordinary genius, after all).

***

–Knights walked to the stage–

Leo: …Hmm? What’s the matter, Sena? You’re being quiet all this time… Are you feeling unwell?

Izumi: *sighs softly*…No… You said such incomprehensible things, that I just got a little bewildered. *Izumi smiles* 

For the next things, we can set it aside for later, right? For now, let’s make a feast of the things in front of us.

Leo: *a bit surprised, then smiles* …Yeah, let’s do it!

Izumi: Naru-kun and Kuma-kun too, just think about being deceived, and follow me.

Arashi: Hmm… well, I guess that’s okay. I will go along with you.

Ritsu: I will fulfil this one duty… but don’t expect beyond that, alright? …Well… I’m a little happy when you reach out to me because I’m ‘me’... not because I’m Sakuma Rei’s little brother.

*Everyone smiles*

Izumi: …Let’s go, everyone!

***

–We’ll be “Knights” Performance–

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–Back to the current situation, where Izumi was playing Chess and chatted with Eichi–

Eichi: With that day’s expense as the culmination, you Knights, followed the thread of decline. It’s moving as per my strategy; you confronted your former relatives, defeated then left them alone, and cut them off. The more you win, the more the elephants was fed[1]. The people nearby you become your enemies all around; and it’s connecting on how the Drefes’ scoring system takes shape in reality–

Izumi: —…Hey, Tenshouin. 

Eichi: …?

Izumi: …It’s not all because of your fault. Leo became broken… Basically, it is because of me. I may seem pompous, but the one who initiated inspiration to him, is me after all. 

Izumi: …He’s such a green, stupid kid… I was always unsatisfied, and my evil intention of directly destroying all those unlikeable guys… is what injured his innocent, pure soul.

Izumi: Even though I named myself Knights[2a]… even though I became a Knight[2b]... I couldn't manage to protect him.

Eichi: …*drinks his tea quietly with a complicated expression*

Izumi: Even though he discarded everything… being hated by everyone else… Even though he protected me… he protected my dream! But… time couldn’t be reversed. We embraced our desires, we saw dreams in the future, continued to push forward… we fought until we were bathed in blood; and we managed to reach this point. We can’t go back to the past… and we don’t have the time to regret things all over.

***

Tsukasa: *From afar* Sena-senpai~!! I searched you all over, you know~? Yet you were spending your time leisurely in this place? 

I have managed to perfect the assignment song you instructed to me! 

Izumi: Kasa-kun…

Tsukasa: *excitedly* Now, officially I will be admitted as one of Knights’ members, right? 

You promised me this, right!?

Eichi: *chuckles* You’re very lively, aren’t you, Tsukasa-kun? If you raise your voice too loudly… it’s vulgar, you know? *Eichi says with a smile*

Tsukasa: *Tsukasa looks surprised* …!? …Ehh, um…!? Um… Sena-senpai, you’re acquainted with this individual…? What is your relationship with him…?

Izumi: *shakes his head* He’s just an ordinary classmate. 

Anyway, I get it, so just go back to the lesson room and wait. I’m having an important discussion right now, alright?

Eichi: *chuckles, while waving his hand at Tsukasa*

Tsukasa: *smiles back awkwardly at Eichi* …Uh… I understand. Then I’ll be waiting. Make sure to definitely come, please, Sena-senpai? *Tsukasa walks away*

Eichi: Hey, Sena-kun… Tsukinaga-kun… do you think he will come back some day?

Izumi: …I can’t predict the future. But… I do hope that it will be good, if he does come back.

***

–Meanwhile back in to the current Knights’ stage, the audiences are cheering for their appearance on the stage–

Tsukasa: Aah… This gleeful cheer of waiting excitedly for us… No matter how many times I hear this, it always makes my heart beat high!

Arashi: That’s right. They waited for us gladfully, and desired to see us.

Izumi: We’re standing on this stage as Knights with high pride, so do it right, okay?

Tsukasa: *looks back to Izumi and smiles* Yes, of course!

Leo: Ahahahaha! No need to get nervous now, okay? It’s not like you’re standing on stage alone!

Ritsu: It’s because our King supports us together… That's why we should go forward with our faces[3] high, and show them all.

Tsukasa: *smiles at Ritsu* Now, let’s go… Everyone! 

Knights: *while putting their hands together* Yeah! 

***

–Luminous Crown's performance–

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Translator’s notes:

[1]: Eichi uses phrase-idioms as always. In here, it's referring to how no one's there anymore; all gone and the what's left is just resentments.

[2a]: Izumi said ‘Knights’, while on [2b]: Izumi said ‘Kishi’ (騎士) which means knight.

[3]: Ritsu actually says ‘with our chest high’ which means they should stand on the stage with full confidence. I thought that might sound weird in the passage so I added the note here.

Note: The songs are sooooo great and beautiful, oh how I love Knights and Checkmate story so much!💖💖💖

——————————————

!Warning! Please refrain from reposting the translation to other platforms; abide to link back to this post for reference. Thank you.

——————————————

Navigation:

Memories Selection: Checkmate Directory Chapters Episode 1 - The Broken Branch Tip Episode 4 - Rusting Heart Episode 5 - The Lonely Throne Episode 6 - The Shine of the Crown (You are here now)

End notes:

Provided by Happy Elements, あんスタチャンネル on Youtube

Ensemble Stars Memories Selection: Checkmate 『チェックメイト』 Adapted from Ensemble Stars! Story: Checkmate Written by: 日日日 (Akira) English Translation: Freiya

*All copyrights of the stories, scene pictures and writings, all belong to Happy Elements. I only translated the scenes into English to help overseas fans understand the dialogues. I do not own any copyrights other than the English Translation*

——————————————

Izumi: You’re late, Leo-kun!

Izumi: It's basic to be on time, right? Don’t you lack the sense of being the leader?

Leo: Ahaha~! Sorry, sorry. You know… in truth, just now I was negotiating a bit with the unit we’re supposed to be facing off.

Eichi: Negotiate…?

Izumi: *Izumi takes a walk forward* …Now that I think about it, not even one of them has shown up yet, have they? Well, they don’t even have the will to do their activities from the start. So I thought they don’t intend to participate in the rehearsal, and will just go straight directly in the real live, though?

Leo: Hm. They’re really like that, huh? Recently, I have finally understood. Everyone, all of them, I thought they’re my lovely friends. But I wonder what they think? I was thinking; do they also think of me as a precious being, like Sena do? I was very curious about this as of late. That’s why the other day, I had Mama[1] help me negotiate, and I directly faced the former member of Chess regarding this one-on-one. I’m also a boy, so I’m worthless if I am always just being protected by Sena, right? 

Izumi: *Izumi puts a confused expression while looking at Madara*

…What do you mean?

Madara: Hmm… let’s hear it directly from Leo himself, okay?

Izumi: …

*Everyone is silent and hear Leo’s explanation deeply*

Leo: …I went all around and asked everyone. I asked them, “What do you think of me? What am I to you?” They gave me various answers. But there is not much meaning in words. “A friend. A comrade, I love you”, you can say anything with your mouth, right? 

That’s why I narrowed it to choices. 

Izumi: …Choices?

Leo: Yup. Me, or the songs I composed. I made them choose. If they like me, regard me as a friend, and still want to be friends with me, I won’t let them use my songs anymore. But if they choose to be my enemies, I will let them use my songs just like always up to now. When I presented them with those choices, Sena, what do you think happened there? 

Leo: Everyone, without any hint of hesitation, with smiling expression on their faces, they directly choose to be my enemies! Ahahahahahaha! Laughable, right, Sena? What they love isn’t me, but my songs! Well, that’s obvious though, because I’m a genius! The songs I made are great masterpieces! Ahahahaha, ahahaha! Hey, Sena, Tenshi, it was steeped in my mind that I was loved. I thought I had spent my youth well happily with these friendful comrades.

Leo: But, it was just me being mistaken by myself! Ahahahahaha, ahahahahahaha, ahahahaha, ahaha! 

Izumi: Leo-kun, well…!

Leo: No, wait a moment, Sena! Hear me out! *Leo holds out his hand to Izumi* Starting this point is the climax masterpiece! I said just now that I was negotiating, right? I don’t want them to ruin and make a mess of the live that Sena and everyone else has been preparing well for, so I thought it would be best for them to just back off if they don’t want to do it!

***

–Flashback to the scene of Leo negotiating before–

Chess’ former member A: Don’t stand on today’s checkmate stage?

Leo: Yup. You would still get the pay. Not a bad deal, right?

Chess’ former member B: Okay~! I’ll ride that big negotiation deal.

Leo: …I see…

Chess’ former member C: Yeah. Even if we face off, we can’t win against you guys.

Chess’ former member D: If we don’t need to stand on stage but still get paid, that way definitely would be better for us too.

Chess’ former members: Ahahahahahaha. 

Leo: …In truth, I was hoping that they would reject this negotiation. I wanted to explode, “Don’t be ridiculous!”, I wanted to beat and mess them up!

…Hey. what’s up with those guys? Are they really idols? For what purpose do they live? Isn’t it to do their best in things they like in their life?

Izumi: Leo-kun… *Izumi reaches out for Leo’s shoulders*

Leo: …Sena, this is your fault, you know!

Izumi: …Huh?

Leo: You’re the first person I met in this school. You’re the guy that I got close to and you always do your best. That’s why I thought everyone else was like that too…! Idols are amazing, and if it’s here I can definitely make friends. It made me believe that it would be like that, I was made to believe that things were like that. That’s why! Everything, all of it is your fault, Sena!

Izumi: …Why…*Izumi backs off* …Why is it my fault, Leo-kun…?

Madara: …. *Madara looks quietly at them*

***

–Madara calls Izumi out to the archery club’s practice field to talk–

Izumi: …Mikejima, what is it that you need to talk about? It’s about time for the stage to start, I need to do my makeup, change my clothes… I’m busy, though.

Madara: Hm. I thought that you needed to know, see. So I thought of telling you quietly, you know?

Izumi: …Haa? 

Madara: On that day, I was passing by this archery club’s practice field. And I heard the voice of a cat crying inside, as if asking for help. I entered here, and I witnessed that appearance of Leo-san. 

*Little John meows*

Leo: Hm~♪ Hm~♪ Hm~♪ Hm~♪ *Leo sings a melody*

Madara: …! *Madara was surprised and hurried to rush inside, but stop in the middle of the way, while gritting his teeth*

With the flowing blood from his broken right hand as a writing tool, Leo-san was writing music scores, and composing a song with his blood. While crying, he was saying this:

Leo: I’m happy…! This is the first time I’m feeling such pain! What a fortunate moment, ahahaha! Ah, it’s flowing, it’s flowing here…! Inspiration! Ahahahaha…!

Madara: I rushed to the infirmary to call for help, but when I came back, Leo-san was gone.

Izumi: I see. 

(So after that, he came to my place, in the practice room…)

Madara: I investigated, and finally I got it. This place has become a kind of hanging out place for delinquents and those bad guys with no ethic, you see?That day too, they played and did bad things to the cat that got lost here. It’s a very disgusting, bad story, though. They used lighters to burn it, used arrows to hurt it. That was how it came to Leo-san trying to stop them using his body. And the result of it, was like that. The delinquents got scared and they ran off, apparently. Then that’s how I found out. When I saw that appearance of Leo-san, I was too shocked. I thought, perhaps because of the unbearable pain, something has gone off in Leo-san’s head. But the truth, it was not like that.

Madara: Leo-san was trying his best desperately in telling himself: “It’s no one’s fault. This is not a tragedy. If else, I’m feeling happy. Using this experience, I can write out a great masterpiece!” That’s what he must have thought in his head.

Izumi: …That guy… Leo-kun is… an idiot with a good heart of a person, so something like hating other people– he can’t truly hate anyone from the bottom of his heart. And that’s why in Chess, he’s being used delightly by other people. 

Madara: Hm. If you have comprehended that much, then I would like for you to watch for Leo-san carefully, closely by his side. That child is fragile. I am trying my best as his friend, but I can’t always remain by his side to watch him. But you, you’re his comrade and his equivalent, aren’t you? So I’m begging you. Please don’t make that good child unhappy.

Izumi: …Even if you told me that…! I am just a fellow unit member… not his family, or even a friend. I’m busy with myself already and have other things to fulfil. I can’t take care of each and every one of his problems.

***

–Back in the auditorium, audiences have begun to gather to watch the stage–

Leo: Aah Sena~! Se~na, just where have you gone off to? The audiences have entered and gathered here, you know!

Arashi: Hey, hey, Izumi-chan. All the members of our opposing units have surrendered, right? Then, you don’t need extra helping members, right? *Arashi looks at Ritsu*

Ritsu: Um. *Ritsu nods his head at Arashi*

Izumi: *Izumi looks around*…Where are Tenshouin and Aoba?

Leo: They have gone back! I asked them to. I’m the leader, you see. I have that much of an authority, right?

Ritsu: Well, us too…

Arashi: Can go back home, right?

Leo: No! You guys should go sing. From what I’ve seen you guys are pretty good. I’m also curious and want to see how your singing voice sounds!

Arashi: Oh my…

Ritsu: …Eehh?

Leo: It’s time to take off! Let’s go, Sena! *Leo stands up and approaches Izumi* What should I do?

Izumi: …even if you tell me what…?

Leo: I’m stupid, so I can’t figure it out by myself. You’re smart, so you should think it out, and tell me what I should do. I will make your dream come true. 

Leo: As Knights, together with me.

——————————————

Translator’s notes:

[1] Leo calls Madara with his unique abbreviated name, “Mama” from MikejiMA MAdara.

Note: This episode made me sob so much omg it hurts, Leo-kun!😭

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!Warning! Please refrain from reposting the translation to other platforms; abide to link back to this post for reference. Thank you.

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Navigation:

Memories Selection: Checkmate Directory Chapters Episode 1 - The Broken Branch Tip Episode 4 - Rusting Heart Episode 5 - The Lonely Throne (You are here now) Episode 6 - The Shine of the Crown

End notes:

Ensemble Stars Memories Selection: Checkmate 『チェックメイト』

Provided by Happy Elements, あんスタチャンネル on Youtube

Adapted from Ensemble Stars! Story: Checkmate - Written by: 日日日 (Akira)

English Translation: Freiya *All copyrights of the stories, scene pictures and writings, all belong to Happy Elements. I only translated the scenes into English to help overseas fans understand the dialogues. I do not own any copyrights other than the English Translation*

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Izumi: Do it right! We need to accumulate new songs even if it’s only one more! The student council has moved and taken action on a new system- and that’s why we need to win this so-called Drefes!

———————————

Leo: Drefes, huh? …Hmm, I like doing lives; but, well…*Leo holds up Little John* The ones we had recently were different from what I thought, you know…?

Izumi: …Haa?

Leo: Those live fights, win or lose to decide their grades.. Why do we need to fight with our fellow members of Chess?

Izumi: It can’t be helped, can it? Following the Drefes' system, the student council has announced and made rules to limit the number of members of each unit.

Leo: Hmm…*Leo tilts his head*

Izumi: With chess’ current state, there are too many members and not all can participate in Drefes… And that’s why everyone begins to divide into three members here, four members there, according to the rule number of members for each unit… It’s the flow change of an era.

Leo: Yes, it’s just as you said, Sena. I can comprehend your logic. But you know, are idol activities like such? It is supposed to be more like… “Ahaha!”, laughing with everyone! *Leo plays with Little John* Can we make 100 friends~? Haha, wooh~! *Little John keeps meowing*

Izumi: Hey! Don’t play at your own pace and blurt things out at the same time! Poor her [1], if you hugged her with such force! (Izumi gets up from his seat, stretches out his arm to Leo to hold Little John) Here. 

Leo: Oh? Does Sena want to carry Little John too? *Little John tries to push Leo away*

Izumi: Not really. You treated her roughly, and that’s why I want to evacuate her here. *Leo gives Little John to Izumi* She’s a stray cat right? She’s dirty, too. And it looks like dirt will stick on you, soo~ annoying!

Leo: *Leo laughs* Ahaha, surprisingly you like animals, don’t you, Sena?

Izumi: Hmph. *Izumi smiles faintly*

Leo: Waahh! *Leo smiles cheerfully* It’s here, it’s flowing here, Inspiration! *Leo takes up his notebook and pen, thus begins writing* It’s been a while, this feeling! Recently, my head feels heavy, you see, I’ve been in a slump, and that’s why I’m happy!!

Izumi: Haa? Slump? Give me a break! At our side at these times, we can’t stop working, you know? As a result of Chess’ divided accumulating mountain of members, we are back to only our duo member unit. 

Even with you and me only, we can take care of those small fries without any difficulties normally, but for them, their amounts are too many!

If it’s not for those songs called weapons of yours, we don’t even stand a chance to counter them.

Leo: Weapons?

Izumi: What? You have a problem with my wording?

Leo: No! *Leo shakes his head* More like, it’s strange! *Leo smiles* As always, Sena’s word way of describing is amazing! I understand. If that’s the case, then I can’t complain in the near future, can I? *Leo closes his music notebook* Sena is smarter than me. So I’m counting on you!

Izumi: Hm. *Izumi smiles, then nods his head lightly. Little John runs away from their seat*

Now thinking about it, by the way, following Drefes’ rule, to participate in Drefes lives, we need to come up with a unit name.

Leo: Eh? If it’s a unit name, then it’s Chess, isn’t it?

Izumi: No, that can’t be used. It’s already been taken by those divided members. So that’s why we need to think of a different name.

Leo: EEHH!? I don’t want that!

Izumi: It’s too late, geez. Don’t be selfish.

Leo: Hmmmph. *Leo sulks, then propped his hand on his cheek*

Izumi: By the way, *Izumi takes out his phone* It looks like it’s becoming a trend for the divided members of Chess to use the name of the chess’ pieces for their unit, and they have been using those recently. 

Leo: …Chess’ pieces? Like, King, or Queen?

Izumi: Yup. But those two have been used already too. The rest are… pawn, or bishop, or rook, or knight… Uh, sorry, those have been registered already too. Looks like not using the chess’ pieces name directly, if we modify the name a bit, it can be used with no problem, though.

Leo: Hmm…*Leo gives time to think* Then, let’s make it plural, and come up with Knights?

Izumi: Knights… *Izumi checks with his handphone* Oh, looks like we can register with this name. Then let’s just go with this name, is that alright?

Leo: *Leo nods cheerfully* Yup. Okay!

Izumi: Starting from today, we are “Knights”. Let’s fight through it… Through this changing era!

***

Izumi: (We, Knights, start getting through the wave of Drefes battles.)

Announcer: Then, let’s announce the final winners of the live. The winners are…

Knights!!

*The audience cheers loudly*

*Leo and Izumi smiles at each other*

Leo: Yosh!

*They wave at the audience*

Leo: Ahaha! Thank you!

*The other party looks dejected*

Leo: Um…*Leo halts them* Let’s not worry about wins or loses, we are friends after all-

Divided chess members: Let’s go already. We lost, huh. Now we can’t increase our grades.

Izumi: (Chess. The fight we’ve been through with our former members. But, I had fun!

It’s different from the times with Chess and Backgammon, these times are full of passion and freshness! Fighting, going wild, crushing directly those people I don’t like. Exciting, isn’t it!

Leo-kun, begins to be called “Ou-sama” by the fans at sometime. And that, also motivates me to do more and more. We, Knights, will get the top throne of the emperor[2]. This is that sole big chance. We will fight to the highest of heights to our best extent!) 

***

Eichi: Today’s Drefes’ checkmate, has been brought by Knights, the unit Tsukinaga-kun participated in, which has directly and respectively made the Chess’ divided units to be more and more shambled inside. 

Tsumugi: It’s becoming just as you thought, Eichi-kun. The announcement of the rule limiting the number of unit members, is made purposely to separate and divide the numerous members of Chess, right?

Eichi: Yes. To continue making actions more clearly in this academy, they are practically becoming hinders. They are like unknown accumulating members becoming a giant guild. Even though I can’t make a move on them. Idiots, aren’t they? They just make it more to be easily eaten by gathering together.

*Eichi and Tsumugi comes out from Eichi’s car*

Eichi: Then, I arranged for the divided members of Chess to fight with Tsukinaga-kun’s Knights. I thought that if he fought then lost in the middle of it, then that would be all, but as expected, Tsukinaga-kun is very much a genius. Up to now, he has never lost a fight, he even kept a perfect striking respective win. But… as expected, even for him, today’s checkmate is like hard mud for him. Tsukinaga-kun even told me and you to help his activities by acting as extra helping members.

Tsumugi: It surprised me, as it’s a sudden announcement. As for now, I will try my best to practise and absorb Knight’s choreography moves to my body.

Eichi: Yes. If there’s a problem, we can talk to Tsukinaga-kun about it in the rehearsal. *A notification comes up from Eichi’s phone, and he looks through it*

…Hm. It seems like Sena-kun has also registered some extra members in his own way. *Eichi sees the Knights’ members name, including Ritsu’s name* Oh? This name…

***

-Meanwhile, Madara is taking a walk, then sees Little John on the bench- 

Madara: Hmm? You… Well, it’s a rare encounter to see you here, isn’t it? *Madara picks up Little John, then hears Leo’s voice echoes from a distance away* 

Leo: I understand how you think of me. It’s not a bad deal, isn’t it? 

Madara: …Hm? Leo-san?

***

-Knights’ members are practising the choreography in auditorium-

*After dancing for a while*

Izumi: Ergh. Stop the song! *Izumi walks, takes a towel and wipes away his sweat*

Sighs. Will it be alright with these members? Soo~ worrisome.

Arashi: Hey, what’s with that attitude? You don’t need to worry, as we, the helping members, are practising our best to the song. Right, Ritsu-chan?

Ritsu: Don’t call my name casually. I just came here to make up for the care the other day or something… Just because of returning the favour, alright? *Ritsu yawns*

***

*Eichi and Tsumugi enters the auditorium*

Eichi: Hmm. As expected of brothers, your faces are similar. You… perhaps are you Sakuma-senpai’s little brother?

I’m surprised when I saw your name on the list.

Ritsu: …Who are you? …Anyway, we don’t look alike, me and that being. 

….We don’t have any connections, he’s just an outsider.

Arashi: *Arashi is surprised* Wait… Sakuma-senpai, is it that Sakuma-senpai? Ritsu-chan, are you siblings with him?

Izumi: …. *Izumi just looks quietly at him*

Eichi: *Eichi chuckles* Sakuma Ritsu-kun, is it? *Eichi and Tsumugi walks closer to them* It looks like you don’t like talking about your brother… but if it’s not talking about Sakuma Rei, what else is left in you?

*Ritsu seems a bit surprised*

Tsumugi: Sena-kun, where is Tsukinaga-kun?

Izumi: Aah~, well, about him… he still lost his phone, and I can’t get through to him. I wonder where and what he's doing right now?

*Leo barges in through the door with Madara*

Leo: Ahahaha~! Sorry to keep you waiting! *Leo waves his hand at everyone*

*Everyone in the auditorium looks surprised*

Izumi: Huh…? …Mikejima? Why’s he here together with Leo-kun…?

——————————————

Translator’s notes:

[1] Little John is a female, check the Ensemble Stars! Story: “Robin Hood”.

[2] Izumi literally says “We will take the top seat!” but I think it will make sense to use the throne of the emperor as it seems more relevant to the story.

Note: There might be slightly different translations for some parts, hence I’m also open to suggestions/corrections.

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!Warning! Please refrain from reposting the translation to other platforms; abide to link back to this post for reference. Thank you.

——————————————

Navigation:

Memories Selection: Checkmate Directory Chapters Episode 1 - The Broken Branch Tip Episode 4 - Rusting Heart (You are here now) Episode 5 - The Lonely Throne Episode 6 - The Shine of the Crown

End notes:

Note that I'm unofficially translating Japanese to English and Chinese to English to help overseas fans to further understand and spread love of the series. *All copyrights of the stories, scene pictures and writings, all belong to the original authors. I only translated the scenes into English and I do not own any copyrights other than the English Translation* Feel free to reach out to me and I’m always open to any critics and recommendations. Check my Carrd for more information.

Songs Translation (Danmei):

Thousand Autumns (千秋/Qianqiu)

Audio Drama Season 1 Ending Song: "I Read You Three Thousand Times" 《我读三千遍你/Wo Du San Qian Bian Ni》 by Xiao Hun

Audio Drama Season 2 Ending Song: "The Grass and Trees Remain Eternal" 《草木不朽/Cao Mu Bu Xiu》 by Chen Yiming

Faraway Wanderers (天涯客/Tian Ya Ke):

Audio Drama Season 1 Ending Song: "Faraway Wanderers" 《天涯客/Tian Ya Ke》 by Ke Muqing

Audio Drama Season 2 Ending Song: "Wandering for Spring Faraway" 《天涯寻春/Tian Ya Xun Chun》 by Ke Muqing

Erha/The Husky and His White Cat Shizun (二哈和他的白猫师尊/Èrhā Hé Tā de Bái Māo Shīzūn):

Novel Promotional Song: "As Begonia Falls Again in the Drizzle" 《海棠又落微雨時/Haitang You Luo Wei Shi》 by O Lou & Chen Yiming

Audio Drama Song: "Light Rain and Peace" 《微雨共寧/Wei Yu Gong Ning》 by Xuan Xiao & Liu Xiaohan

Married Thrice to Salted Fish (三嫁鹹魚/San Jia Xian Yu)

Audio Drama Season 2 Theme Song: San Yuan (Three Wishes)

Heaven Official’s Blessing (天官赐福/Tian Guan Ci Fu)

Audio Drama Season 2 Theme Song:

Bu Wu (Unenlightened)

Gu (Guilt)

Coins of Destiny (六爻/Liu Yao)

Audio Drama Theme Song:

Fuyao (扶摇)

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Stories (JP->EN):

Ensemble Stars:

Memories Selection: Checkmate

Episode 1 - The Broken Branch Tip

Episode 4 - Rusting Heart

Episode 5 - The Lonely Throne

Episode 6 - The Shine of the Crown