Chapter Eight: We Grew Up Together

The rest of the journey to Summerstar was uneventful. DES's scouts observed the Katyusha from a distance before melting away into the void. After protracted negotiations with the planetary authorities, AKB finally received permission to land on the strict understanding that they wouldn't perform or hold handshake events with their fans. It was a convenient lie for both sides. They set down on a private spaceport controlled by Zodiac and moved towards Cornfields, the coastal capital of Summerstar. Blessed by a temperate climate similar to earth's conditions in ancient times, Summerstar was a tourist planet and so was spared the intensive development that often accompanied Zodiac control. Cornfields itself was beautiful, filled with great glass towers alongside smaller white buildings and numerous parks. Acres of white beach edged the city beneath a blue sky.

Yukirin looked around as they left the spaceport. "This place doesn't change," she said. She adjusted the brim of her white summer hat.

"Your family lives in Cornfields, right?" Yuko said. "Gonna drop in?"

"We'll see," Yukirin said. She glanced at Tsubasa. "We're here for work, after all."

"We can make some time," Takamina said. She frowned as the journalists waiting outside the space port began to move towards them. "Brace for impact, girls."

Plain clothes members of WOTA's regulars helped shield the group as they made their way towards the waiting cars. AKB was surrounded by flashing lights as dozens of photographers fought to take pictures. Others bombarded the group with questions and talked over each other.

"What's the relationship between 00 and Zodiac?"

"Why has Chieri Sono been promoted to Center Nova? Are there political considerations at work?"

"If Chieri Sono didn't kill her father, who did?"

"00 hasn't performed on Summerstar for over fifty years. Why are you returning now?"

"Is it true that an attempt was made on Chieri Sono's life on Akibastar?"

"No comment," Tsubasa said, her voice rising above the hubbub. "We've already made a statement about Kazuhiro Sono's death and the assassination attempt. We have nothing to add at this time."

The members were bundled inside the waiting cars as WOTA struggled to keep the journalists off them. Atsuko sat down next to Chieri and sighed. "That was tiring. Why are there so many of them?"

"Summerstar's media is relatively independent," Chieri said. "And it seems they've taken an interest in us."

"They've taken an interest in you," Mikako said. She slid into the car and sat opposite them. "Now you see what Tsubasa has to deal with every day."

"I'm happy to talk to them, but the media never takes no for an answer," Chieri said. "I don't have anything to say about my father."

"You'll have to talk to them eventually," Mikako said. "The most we can do is try to control when and how they approach you. The rest is up to you."

"That sounds tough. I feel sorry for Chieri," Atsuko said.

"They're after you as well, you know," Chieri said.

"Really?" Atsuko said. She scratched her face and smiled as Chieri scolded her.

They drove to a private estate at the edge of Cornfields. The venerable house and sculpted garden were isolated by high white walls that trailed ivy. The members spilled out of the cars and chatted to each other under the searing sunlight. Tsubasa moved into the centre of the group and clapped her hands. "We've made some contacts with the local media, so this morning is focused on photo-shoots. Atsuko, Chieri, Yukirin and Mayuyu are participating in a shoot and interview for Fresh! in the house. Takamina, Kanata and Mariko are doing the same thing for Galacticana in the garden."

Kanata blinked. "I am?" She tried not to laugh as Mariko hugged her from behind.

"You are, indeed." Tsubasa looked over the others. "Everyone else will be doing a bikini shoot for our website on the beach for now. There'll be a reshuffle after lunch."

"I knew it," Makoto said. She buried her head in her hands. "Not more glamour photography. This is the worst day of my life."

"You said that yesterday," Yuka said.

"And the day before that, and the day before that, and the day before that-" Suzuko said, counting off on her fingers.

"Don't remind me!" Makoto said. "I was trying to forget."

"Stop grumbling," Sonata said. "We get to play on the beach!"

"It's just so sad that you look better than me in a bikini," Makoto said. She turned hopefully to Suzuko. "Can't you do the usual again?"

"I refuse," Suzuko said. "Your fans will want you to stay true to yourself."

"What does being flabby have to do with that?" Makoto said. "I just want to look like Mariko."

"I think that's impossible for you," Yuka said.

Yukirin moved to join Atsuko and Chieri as 00 meandered towards the house. "This is the first time we've worked together outside stage performances, isn't it, Atsuko?"

"I suppose so. I'll try not to get in your way," Atsuko said.

"Don't worry. Given it's a photo-shoot, there's no chance of that," Mayuyu said. She stayed close to Yukirin and slid her hands in the pocket of her jacket.

"Thanks, I think," Atsuko said.

"Well, this is my speciality. If you need any help, just say the word," Yukirin said.

Chieri laughed. "I remember what happened the last time you helped us, you know."

"Are you angry?" Yukirin asked.

"Of course not. I was trending even before the assassination attempt thanks to you," Chieri said.

Mikako fell in with them and grinned. "I saw that blog post. You're a woman after my own heart, Yukirin."

"I just like cute things," Yukirin said. "I'm a pure maiden, unlike you."

"Pure black is a kind of purity," Mayuyu said.

"Don't say hurtful things," Yukirin said.

"It's not an insult. You're dear to me because you're an unfair woman," Mayuyu said.

Yukirin sighed. "I can never keep up with your backhanded compliments."

Mikako laughed. "I know you two could banter like this all day in variety shows, but I never knew you did it in your own time."

"Mayuyu's just like this," Yukirin said. "She's a really cheeky girl."

"In my experience, she's worse when we're not recording something," Chieri said. "People always say I have no sense of humour, so I'm studying from her."

"Please don't imitate her. I don't think I'd be able to handle it," Atsuko said. She waited for Sayaka and Sae to move out of the lobby, then stepped into the house and knelt to take off her shoes.

"Don't worry. Dogs chew on the things they love, but Chieri is a cat person," Mayuyu said. She kicked off her shoes and added them to the growing pile. "Yukirin too, come to that."

"Is that a compliment?" Chieri asked.

"I doubt it. So what does that make me?" Mikako said. She waited a moment for Chieri to catch up, then led them towards the lounge.

"You also chew on the things you love," Mayuyu said. "But that's because you're a goat."

"I'm Akiko Kinjo, with Fresh!" Akiko pulled out her phone. "I'll send you my card."

"Thanks." Mikako imitated the gesture.

"We could have sent one of our photographers, but several of the agents we negotiated with strongly recommended we use you," Akiko said. "I look forwards to seeing your skills."

"I'll try not to disappoint you. But I'm mostly just a familiar face for the young ones," Mikako said.

Akiko smiled and stepped forwards to greet the girls. "Thanks for coming. I never thought I'd ever meet you all in the flesh."

"It's a pleasure to be here," Mayuyu said. She shook the young woman's hand and blinded Akiko with her smile. "Today should be fun. Yukirin's told me so much about Cornfields, so I've been looking forwards to it."

Atsuko stifled her laughter and tried to approximate an adult face. "Mm. It's a beautiful city."

"Of course," Yukirin said.

"I'm glad you agree. EPS citizens don't always appreciate that," Akiko said.

"Mayuyu aside, we're all from Zodiac planets," Chieri said. "I like to think we have a balanced point of view."

"I would imagine so. That's why we find you all so intriguing," Akiko said. She turned to Yukirin and smiled. "And of course, there are many people who quietly support our home-town star. How does it feel to be back here for the first time since you were a child?"

"It's exciting. I have many fond memories of this city, but I thought I'd never be able to return until I graduated from 00. I'm glad for a chance to be here as Yuki Kashiwagi," Yukirin said.

"Do you have any regrets about running away from home?" Akiko asked.

"We can do the interviews later, but for now we need to get to work on the photo-shoot," Mikako said.

"Of course," Akiko said. She pulled her holopad from under her arm. "We've brought a variety of clothes to measure-"

"I have regrets," Yukirin said. She held her head high as Akiko glanced at her. "But that's fine. I will never apologise for following my dream."

00 had already seized the first floor of the house. Snatches of chatter echoed through the thin doors and into the landing as Mikako guided them to the master bedroom. Several of her assistants had already made themselves at home and laid out the clothes provided on the bed.

Yukirin hummed to herself as she fell on them. "These are really cute." She pressed a sleek blouse against her curvy body and turned to Mayuyu. "What do you think?"

"Don't ask me," Mayuyu said. "You know what I'm like."

Yukirin sighed. "You're no use at all. Chieri, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure that style flatters you," Chieri said. She sorted through the clothes on the bed.

"Give me a hand as well," Atsuko said. "Besides, shouldn't Yukirin be the one helping us here?"

Yukirin coughed. "I don't know if that would end well."

"I don't know, you're original, if nothing else," Mikako said. "But either way, I'd better take a look around the house. Akiko, do you want to tag along?"

The journalist blinked at her. "No, I'll stay here for now."

After a certain amount of back and forth between Chieri and Mayuyu, they changed into the clothes provided for them. Yukirin spun on her feet and beamed as Mayuyu quietly complimented her. Then they took turns in front of the ebony dressing table while Mikako's assistants reshaped their hair and applied make-up. Atsuko finished first and folded origami on the bed while the staff slowly lost their battle with Chieri's wavy mantle of hair.

The click of a camera was the first indication that Mikako had returned. She lowered the camera and returned Atsuko's irritated gaze with a cat's smirk. "Looking good. How are we doing?"

"Just a moment," her assistant said.

"Just let me do this," Chieri said. She tied her distinctive braid into her hair. "Okay."

Yukirin studied her reflection in her hand mirror for a moment longer, then snapped it shut and slipped it back into her bag. "I'm ready too."

Mayuyu sighed. "Not before time."

"You took just as long as me, you know," Yukirin said.

In the end, they'd all found ways to reflect their own styles. Yukirin expressed her charm through daring clothes and irrepressible confidence, while Mayuyu was cute and poised in a long-sleeved dress. Chieri dressed more formally than the others in the certainty she had the style and grace to soften the look. Atsuko felt thoroughly out-gunned by them all, but she was still proud of her boyish outfit. Just as she stood out from the others, the contrast helped accentuate their virtues. That was the kind of thing she did best.

The photo-shoot served as a tour of the house as Mikako dragged them from room to room while her assistants scurried after her and struggled to carry her screens and equipment. As ever, Mikako demanded all their attention. The minimalist rooms blurred together as Atsuko posed by herself and with the others. It wasn't something that came naturally to her, but Chieri and Yukirin made glamour photography look easy, and she did her best to imitate them. There was a thin line between glamour and absurdity, but doing things half-heartedly was the surest way to look ridiculous. Mikako wouldn't forgive that in her subjects, so Atsuko lived on her nerves and did her best to convince herself she was the most beautiful girl in the world.

They stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the sea for the final part of their photoshoot. "We'll lead off with Acchie here," Mikako said. "The serious work is done, so let's use this to establish Chieri's favourite thing isn't her own reflection."

"Yes, I know what you want," Chieri said. She stepped out into the middle of the balcony and beckoned Atsuko closer.

Atsuko followed her and leaned against the marble frame of the balcony. "Be gentle with me, okay?"

Chieri put a hand over her mouth and stifled her laughter. They held hands and leaned against each other as they faced the camera. After a few shots, Chieri took Atsuko's hands and stepped closer. They held each other's gaze with the poise of a dance's final movement. Her lips were close and Atsuko felt her cool breath on her cheeks. Their flirtation was far more conscious than before; they understood their roles and knew the gentle power they had over each other. It was a strangely erotic experience to look without touching and make a playful vignette out of their bond.

After a few more moments, Chieri looked away and smiled. "I assume we're leaving this here?"

Atsuko leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

Chieri blushed and stuttered as the camera clicked again. She pressed a hand against her cheek as Atsuko stepped back. "What happened to being gentle?"

"Nice work, Atsuko," Mikako said. "It's pretty rare to see Cherry looking embarrassed."

"I do my best," Atsuko said. She giggled as Chieri rounded on Mikako.

Mikako waved Chieri off and tried not to laugh. "Okay, you kids take a break, then head to the lounge for the interview. Akiko, you have an hour with them, then an hour with the other two."

"Good to know," Akiko said.

Atsuko washed her face in the bathroom then stepped out into the entrance hall. It was almost comical to see dozens of shoes piled up on the slate-grey tiles by the door.

Chieri pushed herself up from the wall and smiled. "Ready?"

"I'm nervous, but yeah," Atsuko said.

"She works for a fashion magazine," Chieri said. "We'll be lucky if she asks us anything more hard-hitting than our favourite colour."

"I suppose so," Atsuko said.

Chieri stepped into the lounge and frowned. "But still, I wonder who owns this house. It's not furnished like a studio."

"You have a point," Atsuko said. She sat down on one of the two black leather sofas and frowned. "There aren't any pictures, either." Even Chieri's mansion had more character, since that at least groaned with the vision of her late father, softened here and there by Chieri's feminine touch. By way of contrast, this house was a blank mask, beautiful and vacuous, speaking of no one and nothing at all. In a sense, it was the ideal canvas for them, but the strangeness of it crept up on Atsuko.

"It's like someone's holiday home, and a large one at that. It has a private beach, for heaven's sake," Chieri said. She sat down next to Atsuko and frowned. "But it's not like just anyone would be willing to let their house out to 00."

"If you've realised that much, you're no fool." Akiko walked into the lounge from the other side of the house and waved. "I couldn't find out who owns this place. The only thing we know is they're an off-worlder with real money."

"I'm surprised you've investigated at all," Chieri said.

"Well, I am a sort of journalist," Akiko said. She sat down on the sofa opposite the two girls and placed her phone on the table between them. "Do you mind if we begin?"

The two girls nodded their assent.

"Then let's start from the beginning," Akiko said. "Is it true you two met on Lancastar long before you became 00 members?"

"Of course. That was four years ago now," Chieri said.

"How did you meet?" Akiko asked.

"Chieri was lost," Atsuko said. A girl in a frilly dress crying in the middle of the park. She was alone, so they'd approached her. She'd looked at them as if they were ghosts, then told her story in a halting voice. Never mind the clothes, the way she said simple words was strange to them, and when they discovered she'd come from another planet, they'd looked at her with her wide eyes and asked her about everything in the universe.

"I remember now. I'd snuck out to explore the town, but I had no idea what I was doing," Chieri said.

"You'd come a long way. It took us forever to walk you back, even though we knew the way," Atsuko said.

"And we talked the whole time," Chieri said. "I remember now."

"Yeah," Atsuko said. They'd overwhelmed her with their familiarity with each other and the way they'd interrogated her. Chieri was well-spoken, even then, but so shy that she only dared speak when they demanded it of her. In the end, they'd blundered into introducing themselves, and she'd replied in kind with a doleful stress on 'Sono'. But they'd carried chatting to her with the grace of ignorance and she'd stared at them with a quiet awe so intense Atsuko noticed it even at the time. "You were really surprised, weren't you? That we didn't know who you were."

"Was I? I don't remember that," Chieri said.

"You definitely were. I'm sure of it," Atsuko said. "But in the end, all we ever worked out was that you were rich."

"Maybe I was surprised. It was different on Sagittariusstar," Chieri said.

"So you were aware of your father's status, even as a young child?" Akiko said.

"A little. When I went to primary school for a while, the other children were remarkably aware of it. I was driven to school, and so on," Chieri said. "It was hard to fit in."

"After that you were home-schooled, weren't you. Was that why?" Akiko said.

"That was because of my brother," Chieri said. She trailed off. "But on Lancastar, my father was very busy, and Yasunaga- my butler- gave me a long leash." Chieri ran a finger through her hair and smiled. "When I have to say things like that, it reminds me how different my childhood was."

"But we always thought you were just a normal girl," Atsuko said. They'd agreed to meet the next day, and in the end, they'd spent their whole summer with her. Chieri imitated them carefully, to the point they laughed at her, but she still liked sweets and hid bitter vegetables under her plate. She loved games and hated to lose and puffed herself up like a balloon while they asked her about Sagittariusstar.

"What made you all decide to go see AKB0048 when they performed on Lancastar?" Akiko asked.

"That was all Chieri's idea," Atsuko said. "She was so excited, even though she was normally a quiet girl."

"Oh? Why did you take an interest?" Akiko asked Chieri.

"My father-" Chieri broke off for a moment, but Akiko's unyielding silence demanded an answer. "I overheard my father talking about the concert, but I'd looked them up even before that point. He did occasionally speak about 00."

"That's surprising," Akiko said.

"Not really. He took an interest because his business depended on them in many ways, but I never really had the sense he hated 00. Of course, he still tried to stop me when I said I wanted to join them," Chieri said. She sighed. "Sorry, this is besides the point."

"No, this is all very interesting," Akiko said. "In the end, both of you ran away from home to join 00. What drove you both to make such an extreme decision?"

Chieri glanced at Atsuko for a heart-beat, then replied first. "That summer really was the beginning of everything. Acchan and Yuko were inspirations to me, and the more I learned about 00, the more interested I was. I admired everything, the way they sang, their beauty, their courage, the ideals they stood for. Years passed for me, trapped in that mansion, but I never gave up on my dream. Actually escaping was hard. I was frightened of so many things, especially of failing, but I still wanted to try. And I'd prepared myself for a long time, mentally and physically."

"So in your case, you'd decided to run away from the start," Akiko said.

"That's right. Certainly by the time I applied for the 76th Generation auditions," Chieri said. "I was too young, though, so they rejected me out of hand."

Atsuko blinked. "That's the first I've heard of that."

"Mm. I assume you applied too?" Chieri said.

"We didn't. I mean, it said on the form applicants should be at least thirteen," Atsuko said. "Didn't you read that?"

Chieri coughed. "I believe I did, but I was too excited, so I applied anyway."

Atsuko giggled. "Well, I'm glad you didn't do a Sonata. It would have been sad if we weren't in the same generation."

"I'm nowhere near that brave. I just sulked when I was rejected the first time," Chieri said.

"What about you, Atsuko?" Akiko asked. "I'm told you also ran away from home when you first joined 00."

Atsuko twisted her hands in her lap. "Well, it's complicated. But something like that." She fell silent in the hope that she'd said enough, but Akiko just waited. "My father was a DGTO official, so I caused him a lot of trouble by leaving. But still, we'd all promised to join 00 that summer. In the end, I couldn't forget about that, and my mother wanted to support me in her own way. So when the time came, I took the chance. I didn't want to let Chieri and the others down."

"Some people criticise 00 for accepting runaways like you two," Akiko said. "What do you two think about that?"

"The Entertainment Ban means we're more or less the only kind of people who will come from DGTO space. I personally think it's important that 00 includes girls like us, because we understand what it really means to live on a planet without entertainment," Chieri said.

"Still, you could argue that children like you aren't mature enough to make that kind of decision," Akiko said.

"There are many adults who are extremely immature, and there are girls around my age in 00 who are far more mature than I am," Chieri said. "I think it depends on the person. I'm still childish in many ways, but I think I've grown a lot as a result of my time in 00."

"I'm the same, I think. It's been really hard, but we've always been free to walk away. We're here because we want to be," Atsuko said.

Akiko smiled. "I see. But do you agree that would place a lot of stress on the families involved? Especially as 00 end up in battles on a regular basis."

By now Chieri was her warrior self as she leaned forwards with sharp eyes and calculated how best to decapitate the challenger before her. "Don't blame 00 for the fact that DES uses violence to oppose us. Of course, I don't think there's any parent who wants their child to be shot at, but that's exactly why our work is important. We want to change DES."

"Still, it's nicer when our parents agree. I was happy to eventually come to an understanding with my father," Atsuko said. "And Chieri tried as well, but, well, you know."

"I see. Of course," Akiko said. "On another note, what were your first experiences of the group like? Was it what you'd expected?"

They spent the better part of an hour in that vein. Chieri rode hard on her quick wits and competitive spirit, while Akiko alternated polite, open questions with the equivocal barbs of the devil's advocate without ever exposing her true thoughts. Their battle tired Atsuko out, but she was happy to focus on the colourful, emotional memories that really mattered to her. She remembered sweat, the tears, the jagged arguments and the gushing joy of triumph, all the things Chieri found strange and embarrassing even though she'd been right there and felt then more keenly than anyone else. Atsuko wanted to translate Chieri. She was too beautiful to be misunderstood.

Yukirin swanned in with a white jacket over her arm. She was wearing a black bikini and a delicate shell necklace. "Are you all done here?"

Mayuyu flanked her in a frilled bikini and waved at the younger girls.

"Yes, just about," Akiko said.

"We're changing in the same room as before, I assume?" Chieri said.

"That's right. Mikako's already at work on the beach," Yukirin said. She slung her jacket over her shoulders and took Atsuko's place on the sofa. "Do you mind if we do the interview like this? If we change, that'll waste some time."

"That's fine," Akiko said.

"Don't be fooled. She just likes showing off," Mayuyu said. She sat down and rubbed the sole of her left foot. "Sand is the worst, seriously."

Atsuko giggled. "You two look very nice."

"Thank you. That's very kind of you," Yukirin said. She folded her hands together above her chest and beamed. "I'll look forwards to seeing you two on the beach after this."

Atsuko waved her off. "Don't expect too much. I still can't match you two."

"Don't put yourself down. I'm also looking forwards to it," Chieri said.

They changed into their bikinis with their backs to each other. Atsuko zipped up her jacket and sighed. "Those two make it look easy, but I just can't get used to this."

"Everything comes with practice," Chieri said.

Atsuko looked at her and smiled. "That's easy for someone like you to say."

Chieri put a hand on her hip and smiled back. "Just what does that mean?"

"It means you look good in a bikini," Atsuko said.

"So do you." Chieri stepped forward and unzipped Atsuko's jacket. "Just be proud and stick your chest out."

Beyond her usual search for reassurance was that novel desire, wanting to be wanted. Her bashful dignity warred with the pleasure she felt when Chieri exposed more of her body. She groped for clever words, a way to lengthen the moment. "Mikako's leading the shoot, right? This is only going to end one way."

"Is that a problem?" Chieri said. She let go of Atsuko's jacket.

"I'm looking forwards to it." Atsuko pressed herself against the taller girl and kissed Chieri on the lips.

Chieri hugged her tightly for a moment, then pulled away with burning cheeks. "You're being really bold today. What'll we do if someone comes?"

"They won't. They're all outside," Atsuko said. She took Chieri's hand. "Shall we join them?"

"Yes, we'd better get to work," Chieri said. "Otherwise someone really will be sent to find us."

The beach was a line of shimmering sand beyond the garden. 00 was already scattered across it, posing for the various photographers and talking to each other in small groups when they weren't at work. Sayaka, Sae, Yuko and Kojiharu were playing a chaotic game of beach volleyball while cameras rolled. Kojiharu in particular pouted and flounced as she struggled to keep up with the physical strength of the other members, then quietly tried to sneak away while they weren't looking. Yuko jumped on her and they wrestled each other down to the sand.

"They're hard at work," Atsuko said.

"So it seems," Chieri said. "There are worse jobs."

They reported to Tsubasa at her command post, a large parasol that cast several large blue towels into the shade. "How was this morning?" Tsubasa asked.

"Just fine. The photo-shoot went well, and the interview was tough but constructive," Chieri said.

Atsuko nodded. "She did criticise us in some ways, but she let us talk. I don't think she's a bad person."

"Well, you two know better than most that DGTO planets have different values," Tsubasa said. "Even if she was critical, her magazine is taking a real risk just being here. We should be grateful for that."

Both girls nodded.

"We'll try to wrap up the shoot before lunch," Tsubasa said. She beckoned Mikako over and stood up from her chair. "We're rehearsing for the concert this afternoon, so keep yourselves hydrated."

She stalked off as Mikako approached. "Looking good, girls," Mikako said. "I like the pendant, Chieri. Draws attention to your eavageclay."

"She's wearing a bikini. I think her fans would get there either way," Atsuko said.

"I guess so, but it never hurts to be sure," Mikako said. She passed Atsuko a bottle of sunscreen. "We can't let you get sunburned. And this is also a popular scenario."

Atsuko blinked. "Sorry?"

Chieri shrugged off her white jacket and laid down on the sun lounger. "She wants us to put it on each other."

"I see. Well, I'm fine with that, I guess," Atsuko said. She knelt by Chieri parted her hair to expose her back. To be fair to Akiko, being an idol was strange. When you lived on the Flying Get, it was easy to forget that.


The understudies sweltered under the unrelenting sun. Yuka was getting by in her own way, but Orine was stiff and awkward. The pink-haired girl looked down at her feet and covered her upper body with her arms as the photographer berated her.

Yuka snapped and stepped forwards. She knew it was a bad idea, but she felt a rush of fire suffuse her when she saw Orine's head hung limply. But a long-fingered hand seized her wrist before she said a word.

Tomochin smiled at her, then looked past her and met the photographer's gaze. "Is there some kind of problem?"

"I'm sorry. We're just not progressing here, no matter what I try," the photographer said.

"I see. Shall I call Mikako?" Tomochin said.

"That shouldn't be necessary," the photographer said. "I just need a little more time."

Yuka scowled and turned her head away. It was amazing how fast people's tone changed when the Successors were involved.

"Very well. Do you have enough material for Yuka?" Tomochin asked.

The photographer nodded. "There's no problem there. It's just-"

"Then I'll do a film or two with Orine," Tomochin said. "That should work well."

"I'm sorry. I'd just hold you back," Orine said.

Tomochin took her hands and smiled. "Don't be silly. You're a beautiful girl."

Orine fled her gaze and bit her lip.

Yuka sighed. "I've been telling her over and over that she has the best body in our generation, but she won't listen."

"I can understand that. Idols should be self-confident, but you can't just fall in love with yourself straight away, any more than you can force yourself to love someone else," Tomochin said. She squeezed Orine's hands. "Let's just treat this as a game. If you hate what we've done, I'll make sure they're not published. But for now, just follow my lead and copy me exactly. Is that okay?"

Orine met her gaze. "You mean that, right?"

"Of course. You can trust me," Tomochin said.

Orine nodded and faced the camera again.

Tomochin walked Orine through the entire photo-shoot, starting from the simplest poses and building towards more involved positions. She gently corrected Orine's mistakes and lavished her with praise for managing the simplest things. By degrees, Orine's attention moved from the camera glaring at her to the older girl and her tight shoulders loosened. In a safe place, she could unfold her peacock feathers. Tomochin stepped into the sea and put a hand on her hip. "Next we'll-"

Orine was already facing her with a hand in her hair as the sea wind buffeted both of them. She smiled and looked to the older girl for approval.

Tomochin nodded. "That's also just fine."

Yuka drank bottled water from behind the photographer and watched as Orine struck pose after another. Her friend had always been easy to read; she'd been the kind of child who'd apologise tearfully when she broke someone's pencil. And right now, despite everything, she was having fun. Whatever black clouds had been choking her and dripping poison into her blood had dispersed and left her to be herself.

Tomochin slapped Orine on the back. "You're shining right now. Let's do some solo shots."

Orine blanched. "That's impossible. I definitely couldn't-"

Tomochin put a finger on Orine's lips. "You can do it. Just keep looking straight at me." She padded across the sand to join Yuka and turned to face Orine.

Orine's eyes sought her and for a moment she was on the brink of falling inside herself again.

Tomochin smiled radiantly and made a peace sign over her left eye.

Orine smiled and imitated her. The camera clicked and she blinked in surprise. "That wasn't a pose, you know," she mumbled. But her four-leaf kirara took flight as she continued to pose and shone beneath the bright noon sun.

"You're kind of amazing," Yuka said to Tomochin.

"Not at all. I just gave her a hand," Tomochin said.

In a way, she was right. Orine had always been beautiful in a way that Yuka wasn't. Confidence could always be built up, step by step, but that kind of treasure couldn't be so easily obtained. Yuka slapped herself on the cheek and breathed out. If her friend was fallow, ready to spring to life, jealousy was so much barren soil. Nothing would come of her envying the qualities that other people had.

Tomochin stepped forwards as the other members broke off for lunch. "That's enough for now, Orine. Let's eat."

Orine shook out her long hair. "I can carry on if you like," she said.

"Thank you. But eating properly when the time comes is another part of being an idol," Tomochin said. "I'll talk to Tsubasa and see if you can pick this up again after lunch." She waved and walked back towards the Successors.

"Um, thank you very much," Orine said. "You were a great help."

"You're welcome. I'll look forwards to the next time we work together," Tomochin said.

Yuka stepped forwards and laughed as Orine walked ashore and shook off the salt water like a damp sheep. "Honestly, I never thought I'd see you asking to do extra during a photoshoot."

"Was I being pushy? I guess that was vulgar," Orine said.

"No, I'm praising you," Yuka said. "You reminded me of Chieri." They walked towards the others as the support staff brought out lunch-boxes and more bottles of water.

Makoto buried her face in her hands while Sonata wrapped her arms around the older girl and tugged at her belly. Suzuko watched them tussle and waved as Yuka and Orine approached. "How did it go?"

"Well, we made it through. Tomochin dropped by to lend us a hand," Yuka said.

"She's taken quite the shine to you two," Suzuko said.

"I don't know about that," Yuka said.

"You wait here. I'll get the lunches," Orine said.

Yuka tried to stop her but Orine had already trotted away. She sat down on a towel opposite the other three and crossed her legs. "How about you three?"

"Don't even ask," Makoto said. "I give up. I want to go home."

"It was fun," Sonata said.

They made small talk until Orine returned. Yuka drank deeply from her fresh bottle of water, then leaned back and looked across at where Atsuko and Chieri ate with a small knot of other Successors. "Still, those two really are inseparable right now. Atsuko and Chieri, I mean."

"Jealous?" Orine said.

"Not really," Yuka said. "Just, you know, they're working together a lot. I'm wondering if this is something Tsubasa is pushing."

"When members are known to have a strong bond, they're often promoted together," Suzuko said. "In this generation, Yukirin and Mayuyu are the most prominent example of that. Atsuko and Cherry are similar, and since they knew each other as children and they became Successors at the same time, it's an exciting narrative."

"I go back further with Nagisa than Chieri does, you know," Yuka said. "Orine too."

"You are jealous," Orine said.

"Leave me alone," Yuka said.

"I'm talking about the business, not personal relationships," Suzuko said. "When you two become Successors, they'll talk about your past in Lancastar in the same way."

"If we become Successors," Yuka said.

"Be positive," Orine said. "If you frown like that, you'll worry Mamoru."

"He's up at the house, isn't he?" Yuka said.

"No, he's over there," Orine said. She nodded her head slightly towards where he stood at the far side of the beach. "I thought you'd noticed him."

Yuka looked down and fiddled with her fringe. "Why are they here anyway? It's not like anyone's going to attack us."

"Ah, that boy. So he stayed with WOTA, after all," Suzuko said. She pushed her glasses up her nose and peered at Yuka.

"I think it's stupid, but he just did this by himself," Yuka said. She stuffed her mouth with a rice ball before Suzuko could respond and chewed furiously.

As the 00 members finished eating, Tsubasa stood up and faced them all. "In ten minutes, we'll split up for the afternoon's activities. Until then, we'll have Yukirin practice the special solo a few times."

Yuko slapped Yukirin on the back. "Nice. Let's hear it."

Yukirin stood and walked forwards. She glanced briefly back at Mayuyu. The blue-haired girl nodded at her.

"I didn't know they were rehearsing a solo," Yuka whispered.

"It's a tradition when Successors perform on their homeworld," Suzuko said. "But that tradition had lapsed in recent years."

They fell silent as Yukirin performed 'Shortcake.' She sang alone with her back to the sea and the other members behind her. Her soft and warm words barely rose above the heartbeat of the tides as she sang of a fragile love. "Even though my heart didn't beat fast, as if somehow suddenly relieved, I noticed my affection for you," she finished. She paused for a moment with her eyes closed and then she looked at Tsubasa and Ushiyama. "How was it?"

"Well, I'd give it a passing grade," Ushiyama said. "But you're holding yourself back. Your voice is stronger than that."

"Sorry," Yukirin said. "I'm not used to performing solo."

"One more time," Tsubasa instructed.

Yukirin nodded.

Tsubasa nodded shortly when Yukirin finished for the second time. "Thank you."

Chieri approached Yukirin. "It's a beautiful song. Is this the encore for tomorrow?"

"It's not settled yet," Yukirin said. "It probably makes more sense to end with everyone performing."

"I'll be the one to decide that," Tsubasa said.

"I think a solo's a great idea," Chieri said. "I'd like to hear it live."

"This is your first tour as Center Nova," Yukirin said. "I feel like you should be peforming the encore."

"She'll upstage everyone at Sagittariusstar," Atsuko said. "This is your home, so it's fine to stand out."

Chieri nodded. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

Yukirin pinched Chieri's cheek. "You're always so cheeky. I'm jealous of your confidence."

Tsubasa coughed. "In any case, let's get to work. The Successors will be recording a special episode of AKBing00 at a few selected locations in the city. The theme is a tour of Yukirin's home-town, so she'll be presenting along with Mikako. The Understudies will be rehearsing here for now. Dismissed."

Yuka frowned as she watched Atsuko and Chieri walk back with Yukirin to rejoin the Successors. "They're a long way away," she said.

"We promised we'd perform on the same stage," Orine said. "She hasn't forgotten, I'm sure. So we have to do our part too."

Yuka nodded.


They finished work when night fell and returned to the white house above the beach. Tsubasa clapped her hands as the girls sat on every available surface in the lounge. "We're finished for the day, so you're free to take a break. Just remember you're making an early start tomorrow."

Yuko raised a hand. "Can we go out to town?"

"This planet is under the Entertainment Ban. The Successors are permitted to visit the city if they move discreetly in small groups," Tsubasa said. "And it should go without saying, but no street performances."

"What about us?" Kanata asked.

"The Understudies are to remain on standby here," Tsubasa said.

Yuka pouted. "Why? We're strong enough to look after ourselves."

"You're acting as the reserve," Tsubasa said.

"Understood," Kanata said.

Atsuko leaned towards Chieri as they squeezed onto a sofa between Yuko and Sayaka. "What will you do?"

"First I'm taking a shower," Chieri said. "I don't mind after that. I've been to Cornfields before."

"Oh, yeah, don't you own this city now?" Yuko said.

"Zodiac is technically a company, not a country," Chieri said. "The shareholders might get angry if AKB's thirteen year-old centre was appointed CEO."

"Still, your name has to be good for a free meal or something, right?" Yuko said.

"You shouldn't be cheap," Atsuko said. "We have money."

"I guess, but free is free," Yuko said.

Chieri looked sidelong at Yuka, then turned her head away and shrugged. "I might stay in, actually. I want to be fresh for tomorrow."

Atsuko nodded her agreement. They could probably hang out with the understudies, as well.

"Suit yourself," Yuko said. "Sayaka, Takamina, you two are going out, right?"

The Successors bounced plans back and forth and ended up splitting into two groups at Tsubasa's insistence. Yukirin excused herself and left. Mayuyu watched her go in silence. The understudies chatted amongst themselves while Sonata sat on Kanata's lap and sulked. They eventually dispersed to their shared rooms within the airy house. Atsuko showered and changed into her usual comfortable clothes. Mikako and Chieri had done their best to put her at her ease, but she still preferred dressing demurely. Atsuko lay back on her bed and wrote a blog post about her day while she waited for Chieri.

Yuka and Orine ducked inside. "Is Chieri still not ready?" Yuka said.

"She always takes her time," Atsuko said. She tried not to laugh as snatches of song floated from the bathroom.

"Apparently," Yuka said. She sat on Chieri's bed. "How was the tour of the city? You guys get all the fun."

"Tiring. We were getting so much attention, it was an ordeal just to get from place to place," Atsuko said. "And Mikako was at her most sarcastic, too."

"That sounds tough," Orine said.

"Still, at least you get to put your faces out there," Yuka said.

"How was practice?" Atsuko asked.

"The usual," Yuka said. "It was too damn hot, though."

"I know," Atsuko said. "The photoshoot was bad enough."

"It's still better than practising inside the Flying Get all day," Orine said.

"True," Yuka said. "But given we're just hanging out here and wandering around the city, I'm surprised DES haven't attacked."

"Mikako says she still has contacts in Zodiac," Atsuko said. "So I guess they're protecting us."

Chieri left the bathroom with a towel over her head. "Good evening," she said. She sat down next to Atsuko and began to dry her long hair.

"Hey," Yuka said. "Why would Zodiac be protecting us? They're the enemy."

"My guess is they're demonstrating their independence from DES after the assassination," Chieri said. "We don't matter to them except as a way to score points by defying the DGTO's authority."

"That sounds complicated," Yuka said.

"I'm sure there are real fans here as well," Atsuko said. "Otherwise we wouldn't be here."

Orine nodded. "According to Suzuko, there are a lot of new fans from Zodiac planets visiting the usual sites."

"That's true," Chieri said. "And I'm simplifying things. Zodiac doesn't have a CEO right now, so there's probably a power struggle going on. I'm out of the loop, so I have no idea of the details. All I can do is trust Mikako and Tsubasa."

"I'm glad we don't have to deal with the politics," Yuka said.

Atsuko nodded. "All we can do is put on the best performance we can for our fans."

"I hope that will be enough," Chieri said.

"I know your dad was a big shot and all, but you're just another teenage girl," Yuka said. "Even you can't do anything about Zodiac and DES."

"Except sing. I know." Chieri put her hand over her chest and pressed her palm against the key underneath her blouse. "I'm just worried-" She broke off when someone knocked on the door. "Yes?"

The door opened and Mayuyu stuck her head in. She looked at them with a serious expression. "I need your power. Yukirin is in danger."

Chieri leapt up, followed by the other girls. "What's the situation? Is it a DES attack?"

"No, this is far worse," Mayuyu said. "If it was DES, I'd just blow them up." She lifted up two bags she'd lugged to the door and stepped inside.

"Well, yes, I suppose so," Chieri said. "Can you give me more details?"

"There's no time to waste," Mayuyu said. She passed the first bag to Chieri and the second to Atsuko. "Change into these and meet me at the front gates in ten minutes."

Chieri took the bag and nodded. "Can you-"

"I'm counting on you." Mayuyu walked past her, opened the window and jumped out.

The four girls crowded about the window and stared down at the stone steps a floor below them. Mayuyu was already running away. "I think she's okay, at least," Atsuko said.

"Is she, like, a robot?" Yuka said. "Do you two know that now?"

"I have no idea what she's thinking, much less what she is," Chieri said. She sat on the bed again and rooted through the bag. She pulled out a long white T-shirt printed a garish heart logo and the words 'Love and Peace'. "Isn't this one of Takamina's shirts?"

"I think so," Atsuko said. "I can't think of anyone else who'd wear that."

"Well, quite," Chieri said. She held it against her. "It's far too big for me."

"What do you have, Atsuko?" Orine asked.

Atsuko opened her bag and unfolded a white one-piece dress. The neckline and sleeves had been artfully decorated with fine white lace. "It's so pretty. Is this also from a Successor?"

"I've seen it before somewhere. Kojiharu, I think?" Chieri said. "If Suzuko was here, we could ask her."

"I can get her if you like," Yuka said. "But is the dress really what's important here?"

Chieri kept going through the bag she'd been given. "There are shorts as well. But you're right, I guess. I can't imagine the situation is that serious."

"What should we do?" Atsuko said. "Shall we talk to Miss Tsubasa or Mikako?"

"No. If that was necessary, Mayuyu would have done it," Chieri said. She sighed. "Since it's Mayuyu, I'm going to assume there's some significance to all this, so I'll play along. Atsuko, you can stay behind if you like."

"No, I'll go with you," Atsuko said. She smiled apologetically at Yuka and Orine.

Yuka shrugged. "I wish we could tag along, but I know how it is."

"If by some chance there is a real problem, you'll be the ones flying in to rescue us," Chieri said. She looked at the shirt. "That's probably more important than this."

"I think you're right," Yuka said.

Chieri nodded. "Atsuko, let's swap clothes."

"What? Why?" Atsuko said. She hugged the white dress protectively.

"I'm willing to do a lot for Mayuyu, but this shirt is unacceptable," Chieri said.

"So it's okay for me to wear but not you?" Atsuko said.

"Well, you're more of a girl-next-door character," Chieri said. "It'd be endearing on you."

"Let's not say things we can't take back," Yuka said.

"Weren't you the one who said there's probably some significance to this?" Atsuko said to Chieri. "She must have given us these bags for a reason."

"You could phone her and ask," Orine suggested. "Maybe she'd be able to give you more information."

"I think if I knew what was really going on, I'd go to bed," Chieri said. She took a long look at the shirt and then glanced at Atsuko. "Pretty please?"

"No," Atsuko said.

"Just give up, already," Yuka said to Chieri.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Chieri said. She pulled off her blouse and changed. She struggled to pull the white shirt over her head. "I wish it at least fit."

Yuka laughed. "It could be worse. It looks endearing on you, too."

"No, it doesn't. I have my image to consider, you know," Chieri said. She tugged at the sleeve. "She's seven years older than me, for pity's sake. How is she shorter than me?"

"You're just tall, I think," Orine said.

Atsuko struggled with the dress. "Chieri, can you give me a hand?"

Chieri sighed. "In a minute."

They changed in a hurry but Chieri delayed for as long as possible, rooting through her case to find her sunglasses and hat. She threw her white jacket over the billowing T-shirt and zipped it up tightly. Then she retreated into a bathroom and pinned up her hair.

"Chieri, hurry up," Atsuko said. She shifted uncomfortably as Orine laced up the back of the dress for her. "This doesn't fit."

"Of course it doesn't," Chieri said. She returned to the bedroom and crammed her hair into her puffy yellow hat. "Do I look like me?"

"Not really. In the dark you should be fine," Yuka said.

"I have clothes for this, but they're on the Flying Get," Chieri said.

"Chieri, help us," Atsuko said.

"However hard we try, we can't make an adult's dress fit you. She's much taller than you, too," Chieri said. She fiddled with her hat. "Well, let's see. We're going to have to stuff your bra. I'll see what I can dig up. And Mariko has a sash you could wear. Yuka, go and borrow it from her. She should be with Kanata."

Yuka nodded. "Well, I'm having too much fun to say no."

Chieri looked down at Atsuko's shoes. "Don't tell me you're planning to wear those."

"What's wrong with them?" Atsuko said. "They're comfortable, you know."

"If you were wearing the T-shirt, they'd be fine," Chieri said. She rooted through her case. "Our feet are about the same size, so we'll just have to swap."

They eventually managed to put together workable clothes and headed downstairs, bickering as they meant. "You can't wear sunglasses at night," Atsuko said. "Even I know that's ridiculous."

"I have no choice," Chieri said. "I can't afford to be discovered." She reached the lounge then reflexively stepped back again.

Atsuko bumped into her and nearly fell over. "What?" She glanced over Chieri's shoulder.

Mikako sat opposite Tsubasa as the two older woman ate in the lounge and looked over files. She looked up and waved. "Ah, it's Acchie. Heading out?" She looked the girls up and down. "Just what are you wearing?"

"It's complicated," Chieri said.

"Mayuyu told us to wear these," Atsuko said.

"Mayuyu did? I see," Mikako said. "Well, do your best."

"Good luck," Tsubasa said.

"Mikako, those glasses are fake, right?" Chieri said. She took off her sunglasses. "Lend me them."

"Okay. But I'm only doing this because you're cute," Mikako said. She approached and slid the glasses onto Chieri's nose before stepping back to inspect her handiwork. "Yeah, glasses are good. We could do something with a bookworm theme. You know, the transformation of a dowdy girl into a princess."

"Finish selecting these photos before you start planning the next photo-shoot, for heaven's sake," Tsubasa said. "We'll be here all night."

"I know," Mikako said. She waved at the two girls. "Be careful out there."

The girls waved and left. They looked around outside the front door of the house, but there was no one but two members of WOTA on sentry duty. Chieri hid behind Atsuko and waved as they turned around. "Good evening."

Before they could reply, Mayuyu jumped down from above and landed in front of the two girls. "You're late," she said. She was wearing black trousers and a long-sleeved white shirt. Her long hair was tied back into a severe ponytail. "But your attire is appropriate. Let's go." She set off at a brisk walking pace.

Chieri struggled to keep up. "Where are we going? What's going on? And why are these clothes necessary?"

"This is a covert mission, so a disguise is a necessity," Mayuyu said.

"Who do you think I am? I have a disguise already," Chieri said. "If you'd just said that from the start, I'd have had it fetched from the Flying Get."

"A disguise you've worn once before isn't a disguise at all," Mayuyu said.

"That sounds profound but I don't think it means anything," Chieri said.

"Besides, couldn't we have borrowed clothes from the understudies? At least they'd fit," Atsuko said.

"Ah. I overlooked that possibility," Mayuyu said.

Chieri's nails bit into her palms. "Let's just go."

Mayuyu led them away from the house and off the road into the front garden. She stopped when they reached the high white wall surrounding the building and turned to face them. "I will lift you two up."

Chieri breathed out and nodded. She let Mayuyu hoist her up and groped blindly for the top of the wall. "I want you, I need you, I love you!" she hummed. Her kirara floated above her and radiated green light. She grasped the top of the wall with both hands and hauled herself up then straddled the wall and leaned down. "I'll lend a hand, Atsuko."

Atsuko sighed and nodded. "Thanks." With help from the two of them, she managed to pull herself up the wall and drop down the other side into the darkness.

Chieri offered Mayuyu her hand. "Come on."

"Don't worry." Mayuyu jumped over the wall from a standing start, her hair whipping past Chieri's face as she flipped in mid-air. She landed with her arms by her side.

"That's scary," Chieri said. She jumped down after the two of them and rolled across the grass.

"You're more scary," Mayuyu said.

Atsuko helped Chieri up. "Where are we going?"

"Into the city," Mayuyu said. She walked away without another word.

Atsuko and Chieri looked at each other then followed her.

Cornfields was even more crowded in the evening than it was during the day. Mayuyu led them out of the privileged belt of vacation homes above the beach and down the bay. Families crowded the beaches and wandered back and forth across the streets above. The three girls managed to move through the crowd without drawing any unwanted attention. Glittering holograms shone around them and depicted restaurants and hotels. Young men and women in a bewildering variety of costumes moved through the crowds to advertise bars and shops.

Finally, they turned off the bay and walked up into a quieter street. Small, cheap hotels and private homes were side-by-side along the road above the beach. Mayuyu put her finger on her lips as they approached a small hotel fronted with a bed of roses. She stopped abruptly and took cover behind a lamppost.

Atsuko craned her neck to see past Mayuyu. She could just make out Yukirin standing outside the hotel with a large, neat bag in her hands. Her kirara drifted forwards and she beckoned it back.

A family left the hotel and walked past Yukirin without a backwards glance. The Successor remained frozen in place with her shoulders slumped.

Atsuko glanced at Mayuyu, but the blue-haired girl ignored her completely. Mayuyu frowned as she stared at Yukirin's back.

"Should we talk to her?" Chieri asked, her voice barely audible over the busy sounds of the bay below them.

Mayuyu shook her head.

Yukirin lifted her head up and walked into the hotel.

Mayuyu smiled.

"If I'm any judge, this isn't something we should get involved with," Chieri said.

"That's right. But I'm still going," Mayuyu said. "What will you do, Chieri?"

Atsuko smiled when her friend glanced at her. "Even if it's clumsy, I want to be there for my friends when they need me."

Chieri smiled back. "That sounds like you. Let's go, then."

"Not yet," Mayuyu said. "This is a covert operation, remember? No dramatic speeches."

"I'm not stupid, you know," Chieri said.

"An interesting theory," Mayuyu said.

"I can go back, you know," Chieri said. "I don't have to be here."

Atsuko put her hand on Chieri's shoulder. "There, there."

They waited outside for a few minutes. Then Mayuyu took off without a word and walked inside the hotel with the other two girls trailing after her. She walked up to the reception desk and placed her phone on the table in front of her. "I want a single and a twin room for the night. We'll need dinner as well."

"I'll see if we have anything available," the receptionist said. She stared hard at Mayuyu before turning her attention to the console in front of her.

Atsuko stared at the young woman in silence as her fingers danced over the holographic display and opened several new windows. Her long brown hair was tied back and her face was plainer, but she was still blatantly related to Yukirin.

The young woman looked up. "We have two rooms for-"

"Money is no object," Mayuyu said. She slid her phone forwards.

"Very well," the young woman said. She looked Mayuyu up and down before picking up the phone and pressing it against a scanner mounted on the desk. "Thank you very much. Shall I send you all three keys?"

"That will be fine," Mayuyu said. "Send the floor plan, as well."

"Of course."

Mayuyu picked up her phone and nodded. "Thank you. That will do." She turned to Atsuko and Chieri and held her phone out. The two girls pulled out their own phones and downloaded the keys to their room. Mayuyu led them through the pastel hotel and gestured for them to unlock their room.

Chieri raised her phone and stepped inside. "So what now?"

Mayuyu followed Atsuko inside and closed the door behind her. "I've compromised the system so I have administrator access to the whole building. We can go where we please."

"I'm impressed," Chieri said. "You really aren't to be underestimated."

"Isn't that illegal?" Atsuko said.

"We break laws all the time," Mayuyu said. "They're more like suggestions."

"I suppose," Atsuko said.

"In any case, we need to locate Yukirin without being recognised," Mayuyu said. "Hide your kirara."

They drifted through the corridors and passed groups of tourists in the process. Each time they did, Atsuko's breath caught in her throat, but no one recognised them. She was almost disappointed.

Then they ran into another of Yukirin's relatives, a teenage girl pushing a trolley. She glanced at them and smiled then stopped abruptly just before they passed each other. "Um, aren't you Mayuyu?"

"I'm not Mayuyu," Mayuyu said. "I'm, um, Mayu Watanabe."

Chieri winced while Atsuko laughed.

"You don't have to hide it. You're here to see Ayako, aren't you? I'm her sister, Ren," the girl said. She circled the trolley and stopped in front of the three girls. "Don't worry, I'm a fan. You're... Atsuko, right? And Chieri. What are you doing here?"

"We're on a secret mission," Mayuyu said. "Forget you ever saw us."

"Okay, I will," Ren said. "But Ayako's going to owe me for this. I wanted your autographs."

"Thank you," Chieri said. "We're looking for Yukirin right now, actually. Where can we find her?"

"I think she's in the back rooms. Take the second right and it's straight ahead," Ren said. "You should be careful, though. Mom would probably get really mad if she found you."

"Don't worry. As you can see, we are masters of disguise," Mayuyu said.

"Well, mom doesn't know much about 00, so maybe it'll be okay," Ren said. She stepped aside and waved. "Good luck with your mission."

They followed Ren's instructions. Mayuyu opened several locked doors with idle gestures and led them through several dark storerooms. They moved towards the sound of raised voices and stopped before a closed white door. Light poured through the cracks in the door and faintly illuminated the room around them.

"Just why did you come here? I don't have anything to say to you." A strange voice, high and harsh.

"I just wanted to see everyone. Is that really so wrong? I wanted to see you as well." Yukirin's voice.

Mayuyu placed her back against the wall by the door and frowned.

Atsuko glanced at Chieri. Her friend shrugged.

"You're the one who abandoned us," the first voice said. "I told you not to come back."

"Even if you hate me, I'll see my siblings," Yukirin said. "You can't stop me from doing that."

"What gives you the right? Do you have any idea how hard these past six years have been? They've been struggling every day. We've worked together to make it somehow, but you ran away. Don't think you can come back now."

"I've sent money. I've done everything I could," Yukirin said.

"I told you to stop. You aren't my daughter any more."

Mayuyu glowered at the door. Atsuko approached her and tugged her arm. "We should go," she whispered. Mayuyu ignored her.

"Why are you always like this?" Yukirin asked. Her voice cracked. "In the end, you're the one who is abandoning me."

"I told you not to go. You were the one who walked away. You still haven't apologised for that."

"I'm sorry for the pain I caused everyone," Yukirin said. "But I won't apologise for chasing my dream."

"See? In the end, you only care about yourself."

"Everyone else understands. You're the only one," Yukirin said. "Just because dad-"

"Don't you dare say another word!"

"I'll say what I please, since you're already being horrible! Dad abandoned you and you're just punishing me because of that, even though I've never-"

"Get out, you whore. I have good children and a good life. I don't need a strumpet like you who prostitutes herself for the entertainment of others because she was bored with her family!"

Mayuyu surged towards the door. Atsuko caught her with both hands and managed to hold her back. "Don't," she hissed. Her cheeks were flushed and she was shaking, but she still gripped Mayuyu's stomach tightly.

Chieri took off her glasses and unzipped her white jacket to reveal the T-shirt underneath.

"I've never abandoned you and this is how you treat me! You're just a control freak who is too scared to let anyone-"

"Get out right now! I won't hear another word-"

Chieri stepped past Atsuko before her friend could react and opened the door. Light poured into the storeroom as she stepped through and struck a pose. "I look like a thug, but my heart's made of glass! I'm Minami 'Takamina' Takahashi!"

Yukirin stared at Chieri with tearful eyes and burst out laughing despite herself. She gripped her shoulders tightly with her arms as her body shook from half-sobs. "What the heck are you doing?"

Yukirin's mother stared at Chieri. "Who the hell are you?" Her long hair was streaked with white and her bright eyes were moist with hot tears.

Atsuko stared at Chieri's back for a moment. Then she let go of Mayuyu and jumped after her friend. "I'm from Uwarastar and my name's Haruna 'Kojiharu' Kojima. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance!"

"Mayuyu is Mayuyu," Mayuyu said.

"You're from 00, aren't you?" Yukirin's mother said. "Get out of here. I'll call the police."

"If you insist, we'll leave," Chieri said. She stared at Yukirin's mother with flushed cheeks and pulled off her hat. Her blue hair spilled down towards the ground and her kirara flew out from under her hat to circle around her. "But whatever grudge you're bearing, it isn't worth it. Life's too short for family to fight each other like this."

"You don't know anything about us!" Yukirin's mother said. "Don't you dare lecture me!"

"No one here is your enemy," Chieri said. "We're all your daughter's friends."

"That's enough, Chieri," Yukirin said. She faced her mother with tearful eyes. "I said too much. I'm sorry. I'll leave these here." She placed her bag of presents on the coffee table and led the other girls out without another word.

Her mother stood still and said nothing as she watched her daughter leave.

Ren was waiting for them by the door to the hotel proper. "How did it go?" she asked Yukirin. Her face fell when Yukirin shook her head.

Atsuko choked back tears.

"I'm sorry," Chieri said.

"I'm too tired to be angry with you," Yukirin said. "And if you hadn't showed up what you did, things would have been a lot worse."

"I'll talk to Sakiko," Ren said.

"Don't worry about it," Yukirin said. "It doesn't matter. Shall we go back?"

"I refuse," Mayuyu said. "I haven't eaten yet."

Yukirin stared at Mayuyu. "If you must. I'll go on ahead."

Mayuyu put a hand on Yukirin's shoulder. "Don't run away."

"You can be cruel to me sometimes," Yukirin said. "And besides, this is all your doing, isn't it? You dragged Atsuko and Chieri into this and stalked me and eavesdropped on me. Any excuses?"

"You shouldn't have to fight alone," Mayuyu said.

Yukirin sighed and turned her head away. "Ren, can you lend some clothes to Atsuko and Chieri? I feel sorry for them right now."

"Of course," Ren said. "Count on me, sis."

Yukirin rubbed her eyes. "I'm going to wash my face." She swept away.

Mayuyu waved at the others then followed Yukirin.

"We'll be in room seventeen," Chieri said to Ren. "Sorry for the trouble."

"Don't worry about it," Ren said. She looked at her older sister's retreating back before heading in the opposite direction.

Chieri and Atsuko slipped through the hotel and tried to avoid attention. Atsuko choked back tears as she walked. Her orange kirara bumped repeatedly into her head.

"Yukirin was so composed," Chieri said. "She's amazing."

"She won't cry in front of us, I think," Atsuko said.

"So you're crying for her," Chieri said. She squeezed Atsuko's hand.

"It's just sad," Atsuko said.

"I'm angry for her," Chieri said. She stopped in front of their room and waved her phone at the door. It clicked open and she stepped inside.

Atsuko slumped onto one of twin beds and looked up at the ceiling. "You didn't show it."

Chieri opened the curtains and looked out towards the swarm of lights clustering above the beach. "I held back, since screaming and shouting rarely helps. But I still went too far. In the end, we shouldn't be here."

"At least you stopped them from fighting," Atsuko said.

"I know. But Yukirin is probably angry with us," Chieri said.

"Maybe we shouldn't be here, but Yukirin is one of us," Atsuko said. "I want to do something for her, even if it means being rude. She deserves better than this."

"I know. They both deserve better than this," Chieri said.

"Then we'll have to do our best for a little longer," Atsuko said.

Chieri nodded. "You're right. But we'll do it with a smile."

Atsuko wiped the tears from her eyes. "Of course. I have to get it together, as well."

Ten minutes later, Ren slipped into their room and dropped a plastic bag full of clothes on Atsuko's bed. She was carrying a large book under her other arm. "Here. I managed to sneak in and get these without mom noticing."

"Thank you," Chieri said. She sat down on the bed and began to go through them.

"Is this really that important, though?" Ren asked.

"It's a matter of life and death," Chieri said.

"Don't worry, she's always like this," Atsuko said.

"I see." Ren hesitated for a moment before thrusting her copy of AKB's latest photobook at them, along with a pen. "Could you both sign this, please?"

"Of course," Atsuko said. She took the book from Ren and flicked through it. She stopped at a spread of her and Chieri on the beach, pressed against each other. "This takes me back. Shall we sign here?"

"That will be fine," Ren said. "Thank you."

"You really are a fan," Chieri said. She put the clothes aside and watched as Atsuko signed slowly and carefully. "Yukirin's your favourite member, I assume?"

"Of course," Ren said. "My sister's the best. I voted for her three times in the election."

"I'm jealous," Atsuko said. "I wish I had a sister." She passed Chieri the book.

"I agree," Chieri said. She signed with a flourish. "Will you be at the concert tomorrow?"

"I wonder," Ren said. "Mom told us not to go and she's in a really bad mood right now."

"That's too bad," Chieri said. "Try and watch the stream, at least. It's Yukirin's home-planet live."

"I'll go if I can," Ren said. "I'm not as brave as Ayako, but it's the least I can do."

"I promise we'll put on a great show," Chieri said. She closed the photobook. "If you like, I can hold onto this and send it back to you when everyone's signed it."

"Thanks, but this is fine," Ren said. "It'd cause an argument if mom found it in the post."

"I see," Chieri said. "That's a shame." She handed the book back.

"Thank you," Ren said. She hugged it tightly. "But she's not a bad person, you know. My mom, I mean. She just doesn't like 00."

"You're right," Chieri said.

Atsuko nodded. "She raised you and Yukirin. She can't be a bad person."

"Yes. I love them both, so this is really miserable," Ren said. She forced a smile. "Well, I'd better get back to work."

"Thank you for everything," Chieri said. "We'll be sure to return the clothes." The moment Ren left, she stood up and began to undress. Once they'd both finished changing into Ren's worn clothes, Chieri vanished into the bathroom to comb her hair. Atsuko sat on the bed and fiddled with her phone as she waited for her friend. She understood, of course. Idols lived by their appearance and to Chieri in particular, good clothes were a way of life. She'd still gone along with Mayuyu's plan, even if she'd made a fuss every step of the way.

Mayuyu knocked on the door and nodded at Atsuko when she opened it. "Let's have dinner."

Chieri stuck her head out of the bathroom. "Just checking, but do you have a plan?"

"We await developments," Mayuyu said.

"I see," Chieri said. "Then you can wait for me, as well."

"Where's Yukirin?" Atsuko asked.

"She's working," Mayuyu said. She returned Atsuko's gaze without smiling.

The restaurant was half-full when they entered. It was neatly furnished in a traditional style. A few couples sat opposite each on small tables, interspersed with a dozen families. A table for twelve was filled with young men and a couple of women chatting with each other. Atsuko smiled as she glanced at them. Several of the T-shirts had 00 motifs.

Another of Yukirin's family greeted them. "You're the, uh, special guests, right? I'm Izumi. Come this way."

She didn't get far before one of the young men noticed them and leaned forwards. "Wait, isn't that Mayuyu?"

The entire table turned to stare at them. Within moments, the fans stood up and approached them.

Atsuko gripped the bag of clothes tightly and faced the fans. "Good evening. I'm Atsuko Maeda." Even at a time like this, their fans came first. She'd smile and greet them.

They shook hands and chatted with their fans for fifteen minutes. A few of the families approached them as well. Children asked for autographs and took photos with them while the adults nervously made conversation. Above all, they reassured Chieri. They knew DES were lying to them. They believed in her. They mourned her father and they wanted her to be strong. Chieri smiled and thanked them each time. To them, Kazuhiro Sono had been a distant but reassuring existence. His control had protected Summerstar from the excesses of DES's anti-entertainment policy, even if only for his own reasons. She didn't have the heart to puncture that illusion or speak of the other planets he'd exploited.

The three girls eventually managed to sit down together. Mayuyu sat aloof and studied the menu closely while Atsuko chatted with Chieri.

Yukirin approached them. She was dressed in a waitress's uniform and moved with sinuous grace, feigning ignorance of the fans as they stared and took photographs. "May I take your order?"

Chieri smiled. "What are you doing?"

"Just a little summer work," Yukirin said. Her face was clear and smooth again. "What will you have to drink?"

"Just an orange juice, please," Atsuko said.

"I'll have mineral water, please," Chieri said.

"Lemonade," Mayuyu said.

"Very well." Yukirin noted them down on her pad. "Thank you very much."

They'd just began to eat their starters when another group of fans entered the restaurant, looked around and bore down on them. Atsuko leaned back once their attention shifted to Chieri and Mayuyu and briefly checked her phone. Just as she'd suspected, someone had already uploaded their location to the usual sites. Yuko and Takamina's group had been spotted as well. She put her phone away as another group of fans greeted them and smiled at them.

Chieri and Mayuyu held court from their table with smooth grace. Atsuko chatted with her fans for so long she barely had time to eat her food as it slowly cooled. As time passed, the newcomers filled every available table in the restaurant as they ate and talked to each other while watching the idols. Their evening meal had become a spectator sport, while Yukirin struggled to maintain even a pretence of acting as a waitress in-between the constant requests from her fans. A queue started to form outside the restaurant.

The receptionist from before strode into the chaos, neatly dressed in a waitress's uniform. She tied her long brown hair back into a ponytail. "Izumi, get some rest."

"I'm still fine," Izumi said.

"You have school tomorrow," she said. "Leave the rest to me." She nodded at Yukirin then swept across the room and stopped before Mayuyu. "I can never understand how you people think."

"We'll leave if you insist," Chieri said. "But right now, we just want to eat."

"You're precious customers, for better or for worse," the young woman said. She glanced at Chieri. "I'm Sakiko Kuroki. If I recall, you defended my sister at the trial. I'm grateful for that."

"You're exaggerating. I only made them more angry," Chieri said.

"Perhaps," Sakiko said. "In any case, just stay put and don't cause me too much trouble."

Mayuyu put her third plate of food on top of the others. "Can I order a steak, please? Rare, with peppercorn sauce."

"I'm impressed you can eat so much and maintain that figure," Sakiko said. "Coming right up."

"I don't get fat," Mayuyu said. "Because I'm an idol."

"It doesn't work that way for me, you know," Atsuko said.

"No comment," Chieri said. She smiled and waved as more fans approached them.

At the end of a very long evening, they helped wash up in the kitchen. Chieri fiddled with a glass. "What do we do now? Are we heading back tonight or staying here?"

"We should stay here," Mayuyu said. "I've already contacted Tsubasa. She said it was okay."

"I see," Chieri said. "Thanks for handling that."

"She also said she'd kill me if anything happened to you two," Mayuyu said. "But don't worry. I'm stronger than DES."

"That much is true," Yukirin said.

"You people are remarkably casual about this," Sakiko said. "I imagined your movements were more controlled."

"Normally they are. I think Mayuyu's a special case," Atsuko said. She took the glass from Chieri and began to dry it.

"I see," Sakiko said.

"Is it okay for us to stay here?" Chieri said. "I don't want to make things worse."

"You've paid for the rooms," Sakiko said. "We won't kick you out unless you do something stupid."

"Thank you," Chieri said.

"Mom wants to forgive you," Sakiko said to Yukirin. "If you just apologised to her, everything would work out."

"I know," Yukirin said. "But if I apologised for leaving now, I'd be saying I'd wasted these last six years. I can't do that."

"You're both so stubborn," Sakiko said. "It causes me no end of trouble."

Mayuyu looked up from where she sat at one of the tables in the kitchen. "She should be the one apologising to you," she said to Yukirin. "You have nothing to be ashamed of." Having said her piece, she returned to eating leftovers.

"She said hurtful things, I know," Yukirin said. "But I've hurt her as well."

"I've talked to her. It sounds like you both said things you shouldn't have," Sakiko said.

"It doesn't matter now," Yukirin said. "I've seen everyone, at least. You're all doing fine. That's the important thing."

An awkward silence fell. Atsuko stared down at the plate she was drying and frowned. "Maybe we shouldn't have stopped you. You two might have needed to let everything out there."

"I'm glad you did," Yukirin said. "I wasn't being myself."

"Yeah. It's good that you stopped fighting," Atsuko said. "But I don't want it to end like this."

"You're a kind girl," Yukirin said.

"I'm doing what I can, believe me," Sakiko said. "No one wants things to be this way."

"And yet it is," Mayuyu said. "People are a lot of trouble."

"If you come to resent someone, it's too easy for that to become part of who you are," Chieri said. "Not that I know enough about this to judge, of course."

"No, I think you have a point," Yukirin said. She glanced back at Chieri and Atsuko. "If you're interested, I can tell you two who I am. It's a boring story, though."

Atsuko glanced at Chieri. She was sure her friend was going to say they shouldn't pry. She almost said that herself. But she was more interested in doing the right thing than doing the correct thing. "I'd be interested."

Chieri nodded. "If you don't mind, then I'd like to hear it."

Yukirin looked down at the sink and talked while she scrubbed plates. "I was eight when our father left, never to return. That was the beginning of everything for me."


Author's Notes

00's Successors are often somewhat different from the original members- which makes sense given they're inspired by the previous girls, not reincarnations. Mayuyu and Yukirin are particularly different in that sense, but they're still enjoyable characters, and it's good to give them their moment in the sun. On the other hand, it is apparently a truth universally acknowledged that Takamina must be really short. Perhaps Kanata would be able to break that curse in other circumstances?

I named Yukirin's eldest sister before I knew there was an AKB member called Sakiko, so that will stand as one of life's little coincidences. Of course, given the number of AKB girls out there, I'll be lucky if that's the last time I do that.