Author's Note

Okay, this chapter took a little longer than I wanted to. Today is actually my birthday but I only had a bit left. I really want to get this chapter out this week so... here it is. Also, with how I'm doing with this fanfic so far, I should be able to get another chapter out by the end of the month. I have starting to get really attached to this crossover fanfic of mine. Hopefully, this chapter is also just as enjoyable, peace!

Update

Few dialogue fixes

Minor grammar fixes

Chapter 8: Stage and Trouble, Fight on!

In the morning, Hibiki wakes up on her desk. She is alone in the room with a blanket over her. She looks at the blanket and the room for a few seconds. Afterward, Hibiki checks the completed song and smiles.

Hibiki mutters "Kanade, thanks. You helped me after all. I'll definitely make sure this live is amazing."

Hibiki steels her resolve and starts her preparation for training.

While Hibiki is on her way to practice, a girl takes notice of Hibiki running.

She takes out her notebook and writes while saying "Hojo Hibiki, just what did you do to make Nijino sama giving you so much attention?"

She then follows Hibiki. She studies what Hibiki does during her practice and keeping notes as well. The new dance does impress her, but she still cannot find the reason why Hibiki is close to Yume. She keeps following Hibiki throughout the day.

While Hibiki is practicing singing alone, she keeps getting a feeling of being watched. She looks at the door into the practice room several times and couldn't find anyone.

Hibiki then ponders "Hmm? I swear someone is looking at me."

Hibiki then resumes her practice. After about an hour, she takes a break and starts thinking up the choreography.

Hibiki sits on the ground and says "This here… then maybe like this? Hmm… This is hard! Why do we have to do everything ourselves?" Hibiki then lay down on the ground flat.

At this moment, Ako knocks on the wall to get Hibiki's attention "Hibiki, how is it going?"

Hibiki sits back up and answers "Just fine, but I'm not sure what to do with the choreography."

Ako then says "If it is about your dance, maybe I can help."

Hibiki slowly gets up and responds "Okay! Just give me a minute. By the way, do you know where Hummy has been? I haven't seen her for a while"

Ako makes a wry smile "Actually, Hummy has been playing in the garden at the back lately. It seems like she made friends with someone. Probably just some local animals though."

Hibiki grabs a quick drink and says "Hmm, alright. I'm ready, I only got a bit done and there are still a few parts I can't get it right."

Hibiki then gets ready while Ako nods. Hibiki then starts dancing but suddenly stops after a while. Hibiki then backtracks a few steps and tries again.

Hibiki then complains "Ahhh, seriously. I thought it would be good but I just can't get it right."

Ako nods as if she understood what happened "I see, you lose balance there. Hibiki, why don't you try it like this instead?"

Ako tries the same move. She changes the footstep a little and leans slightly forward.

After a short pause, Ako looks at Hibiki "What do you think? Hibiki."

Hibiki blinks and did not answer for a moment "Ehhh, Ako? When did you become so good at dancing?"

Ako's face turns sour. She starts to remember bad memories "That's… all because of a monster."

Hibiki looks curious "Monster? What do you mean by monster?"

Ako sighs and reluctantly lets Hibiki know "Then let me tell you…"

Ako starts explaining her few days in the Wind Dance Class. Starting from day one, the energy of Ruka keeps everyone moving until near collapsing. Day two, the previous S4 member, Yuzu, randomly jumps into the class and started a dance contest with everyone. She defeated not only Ruka but every single class student one by one none stop. Yuzu shows up from time to time and earned the name dance monster from the newer students.

Hibiki then questions "Are you serious? That is quite the monster."

Ako then replies "She is! To defeat everyone, she danced for three hours none stop! Is she really human?"

Hibiki then says "Well, I'm sure she is at her limit there."

Ako shakes her head and says "I don't think so. Some say Yuzu can dance from dawn to dusk without a break."

Hibiki then looks back seriously "Really?"

Ako nods "Really."

Then suddenly someone jumps into the conversation "Really? About what?"

Hibiki and Ako look at the person. Hibiki doesn't know while Ako starts getting cold sweat.

The unknown girl looks at Ako and says "Oh! I remember you. Even though you didn't have much experience, you could keep up pretty well even though you are so young. Yuzu really likes you."

Ako answers slowly "Thank you… Yuzu senpai."

Hibiki looks at the girl "Yuzu? The dance monster?"

Yuzu looks at Hibiki "Dance monster? Hmmm, I see. So that's what happened."

Ako then yells at Hibiki "Hibiki!"

Hibiki then apologizes "Ah, sorry. My bad…"

Yuzu then quickly answers "Don't worry about it. Yuzu the dance monster. I like it. Ah! I should let Lilienne know! Later!" Yuzu then dashes off. Hibiki and Ako turn to each other, unsure of what to say.

Only about a second has passed, Yuzu pops her head back in by the door "Oh almost forgot. Good luck with your live. Yume told me about you and Yurina, I'll be cheering on both of you, Later!" Yuzu then dashes off for real this time.

Hibiki and Ako look at each other again. Hibiki then says "She is quite… something."

Ako sigh once again "Yeah, anyways Hibiki, you can't slack off now."

Hibiki nods "Yeah, I'll make sure to get it down perfectly."

Ako then smiles "Then I'll be expecting too. Especially the part I just showed you." Ako then starts walking out of the room.

Hibiki then talks to herself "Hahaha, harsh as always. But I need to do my best."

Hibiki then starts training as hard as she can.

When Ako walks out, Ellen and Kanade are just right outside, a few steps away. Ako stops and looks at both of them. There is a girl behind them which Ellen is holding onto her shirt, not letting her go.

Ako questions them "What is going on?"

Ellen and Kanade notice Ako and immediately look around. Ellen then pushes the unknown girl into a nearby room and goes in while waving her hand, signaling them to follow. Ako stands there, stunned by the bizarre moment. Kanade then pulls Ako into the room and closes it.

Ako looks at Ellen and Kanade then questions "What is going on?"

Ellen slowly answers "Ah well… This girl, she was stalking Hibiki and taking notes."

Ako is surprised by that and starts mumbling "Why? Is there a point to spy on Hibiki? Or maybe… no, she doesn't look like that kind of girl."

Kanade then lets Ako know she is thinking out loud "Uhmm, Ako…"

Ako then realizes it "Ah, sorry." She then looks at the girl "So, what were you doing?"

The girl then looks at the three of them and asks "I know I'm suspicious, but I just want to gather some information."

Ellen questions "Information? If this is about the Live, then stop. Don't you release information about her new song."

Kanade then tries to calm down Ellen "Ellen, I don't think she means any harm."

Ellen the reflects a little "Well, I guess that was a little too much. Sorry." Ellen apologizes to the girl.

The girl, however, asks a question "New Song? Should I be bothered with that?"

Kanade, Ellen, and Ako all together "Eh? What do you mean?"

The girl answers "I don't care about her new song. Also that Live, I don't care that much."

Kanade can't help but ask "Then why were you taking notes on Hibiki?"

The girl refuses to answer at first, but the stares from the three of them make her talk "I… I just want to know how she gets so close to Yume Sama!"

Kanade then questions "Is that it? Just that?" The girl nods.

Ellen then says "Have you tried talking to Yume?"

The girl slowly answers "Well…"

Ako sighs "Seriously, you should just talk to her. If you really look up to her, then you should know she is the type that can be friends with easy."

Kanade follows up "Yeah, Yume is really friendly. If you just try to talk to her, I'm sure you can be friends with her as well."

The girl slowly agrees. At the same time, a face can be seen on the door window into the room. Hibiki is sticking her face on the window, looking at the four of them. All of them looks at Hibiki with a sweat drop going through their head.

When Hibiki sees them notices her, she opens the door and asks "What are you three doing here? And who is that?" Hibiki then walks closer to them.

Kanade, Ellen, and Ako aren't sure how to responds. Silence runs through the room. The girl eventually breaks the silence.

She says "I… I think I'll skip seeing Yume sama for now."

Hibiki then says "See Yume? Great, I'm thinking of going over and ask for some advice. Let's go!" Hibiki then grabs her hand and starts walking away.

The girl tries to stop Hibiki "Wa, wait a second. I can't just go."

Hibiki says "It's okay, It's okay. Don't worry about it. If she is busy, then we'll just apologize."

Hibiki then drags the girl along, with Kanade and others chasing after them.

On the way to the garden, Hibiki talks about what she wants to talk about with Yume. After a while, Hibiki looks at the girl as slowly stops walking. The girl then breaks out of Hibiki's hand.

She then shouts "Enough! Why? Why can you be so carefree? How can you just be friends with Yume sama so easily? Yume sama is, she is a god-like idol to everyone. How come someone like you, who can't even sing, dance, or self produce get so close?"

Hibiki blinks a few times and looks away while answers "I… I'm not sure."

The girl then turns around and runs off. Hibiki and others look at her, couldn't do anything. However, Kanade, Ellen, and Ako then look at Hibiki with a cold stare.

Hibiki hesitantly says "Well… Let's bring her over next time. Once she calms down. It'll be fine, don't worry. Hahaha…."

Hibiki tries to convince herself that everything is alright. While the others shake their heads.

Off in a great distance, Gyaku sees the girl runs off.

He happily says "She hates that pink cure. Cure Melody was it? Perfect, since she can't purify the Negadol aura, I'll target her first."

When Gyaku is about to shoot his dark energy at the girl, a flyer flew onto his face.

Gyaku is slightly surprised by it "Gya! What is this? Special event? Flower Song Class first inner practice live? Featuring… Oh, this will be good. This time around, I'll wait until tomorrow."

He looks at the direction of the Flower Song Class building and smiles with a scheme.

The next day, Yurina and Hibiki in a room together chatting.

Yurina asks Hibiki "So what kind of Aikatsu did you do?"

Hibiki grins "Hehe, a lot of stuff. I manage to finish a new song too."

Yurina jealously says "That's so nice, you got your own song already."

Hibiki then asks "How about you? I'm sure you also trained a lot."

Yurina cheerfully answers "Of course, I did a lot of training for the special appeal. I believe I have mastered my appeal. Even if you got your new song, I won't lose."

Then someone knocks on the door and Kanade with others, along with S4 members, walks in.

Yume walks up to both of them first and asks "Are you two ready? It is almost time for the live."

Yurina and Hibiki look at each other for a second and answer "Yes!"

Miharu then looks at Kanade "See? There is nothing to worry about. Yume and Hibiki are very similar in some areas."

Kanade questions "Similar?" She then looks at Yume, Hibiki, and Yurina talking with each other.

Ellen looks at them as well and says "Now that you mentioned it, they are."

Everyone besides the three of them, they look at each other and smiles while agreeing. A moment after, a staff knocks on the door and opens.

Staff says "Utaume Yurina, please get ready in 10 minutes."

Yurina answers "Yes!" Then the staff leaves.

Yume looks at Yurina and says "So you are first, do your best! Don't forget to have fun while on stage."

Yurina looks at Yume with excitement "Yes, I'll do my best!"

Yurina finishes changing and jumps onto the stage.

Yurina "Dreams aren't meant to be just seen, they're meant to be fulfilled…"

Yurina stands on her stage and makes her performance. For her special appeal, she used one similar to Star Heartful World. During the end of the appeal, she extends both hands and the hearts nearby are stars instead.

This special appeal impresses several people, even Yume is impressed by it.

Yume says "Oh! She really did it! Yurina, amazing!"

Ellen comments "To change an existing special appeal and even perfect it. That's not as easy to do as making a new one."

The cat Ako agrees "Yeah, Yurina is something else."

Ruka then makes an unnecessary comment "Not as amazing as Ruka though. Ruka could have done it even better!"

Cat Ako then grabs Ruka and complains "Why don't you shut up. That was not necessary!"

Soon after, Yurina's performance ends. She goes back to the changing room and Hibiki stands in front of her.

Hibiki says "Yurina, nice! However, I won't lose!"

Yurina nods "I'll be watching. I wonder, is this what having a rival feels like?"

Hibiki thinks for a second and nods "Yeah, I think so. In that case…"

Hibiki raises her fist soon after. Yurina caught on and they fist bump.

Hibiki smiles and walks forward "It's my turn next. I'll be going then."

Yurina nod and say "Yes!"

The second Hibiki raises onto the stage, the doors into the concert room was blown open. A figure of a girl in a black dress stands there.

Hibiki mutters "That's… Really? They here to reck stage again?"

The Negadol screams and puts everyone unconscious. The stage microphone was able to pick up the sound and put those who hear it behind the stage unconscious as well. Negadol then jumps onto the stage and lands in front of Hibiki.

Hibiki looks at the Negadol "Seriously, do you have to show up at the worst time possible every single time?" Hibiki takes a deep breath then transforms "Precure, Live Modulation!"

Hibiki and the Negadol look at each other. It was then, Kanade and others arrive nearby.

Ellen says "As we thought, it's the Negadol."

Kanade shouts "Cure Melody, we are coming!"

The remaining four the says together "Precure, Live Modulation!"

When they finish transforms and tries to jump onto the stage to help Melody, a dark spherical envelops Melody and Negadol. The girls try to punch their way through but were bounced back.

Gyaku then teleports in front of them while tossing and playing with a ball. He then says "Useless useless, there is nothing you can do about."

Muse looks at him and asks "Who are you?"

Gyaku stops and looks at Muse "Hmm? Oh, I guess I haven't introduced myself yet. You may call me Gyaku, one of the top employees of the ABC."

Diva then questions "ABC? Like English ABC? I didn't know villains teaches English."

Gyaku tips over and almost drop the ball in his hand. He quickly catches it and shouts back "NO! It means Absolute Business Corporation! We are a business that helps everyone in the world the ensure a stable lifestyle. Well, I should say everyone in multiple different worlds."

Diva apologizes "Ah, sorry. So that's what it means."

Beat then says "Now we know our enemy, we don't need to talk anymore! Beat Sonic!"

Beat sonic forms and flys at Gyaku. However, Gyaku puts the ball in front of him and a black circular shield forms. The shield completely stops the attack and Gyaku laughs.

He then says "Didn't I say it's useless? Ha!" Gyaku then shoots out a black lance at the cures but they quickly dodge it.

As they dodge Gyaku's attacks, Rhythm asks Muse and Diva "Can you two break that thing? We can't let Melody fight the Negadol alone."

Diva answers "I'll try."

Diva lands slightly further away but Gyaku fires one at her anyways. Beat then lands in front of Diva and use Beat Barrier.

Muse then says "Too hard, this guy just keeps on attacking. Even if we change form, we won't be able to perform."

Rhythm looks at the black sphere and says "Melody…"

Diva then says "Don't worry, I think Melody will be okay. She just made her new song too!"

Rhythm, Beat, and Muse realizes something. Last time, Muse got a new song and manages to gain her Aikatsu Mode. The three of them look at each other and believe Melody will be able to do the same.

Rhythm then says "You are right, Melody will be fine. While Melody takes care of the Negadol, we'll take care of this guy."

Beat, Muse, and Diva all agree "Yeah!"

Inside, Negadol is on the offense. Melody tries to escape whenever the Negadol attack loosens up. However, the black wall also bounces Melody back, preventing her escape.

Melody then says "Seriously, what is with this wall?"

Negadol then pulls out a black notebook and a mechanical pencil.

Melody questions "Eh? What is she…"

Negadol then says "Why… Not worth... why!" Then she shoots several mechanical pencil's leads at Melody.

Melody deflects and dodges them while questioning "Not worth? What do you mean?"

Negadol answers "You! So close to Yume sama! How?"

Melody realizes who was turned into Negadol "Eh? Are you, ah!"

Melody stop for a moment and the Negadol takes advantage. It bashes the notebook against Melody as if it were a shield. Melody was sent flying and crash against the black wall. Negadol then fires several leads again and pins down Melody.

While pinned on the wall, Melody says "If you want to befriend Yume that much, just do it!"

Negadol answers "No way, I'm nowhere near her level. I can't just do that!" Negadol then mega-size the pencil and fires an extra-large lead. Melody breaks off some lead that pins her right arm and stops it.

While holding the lead, melody says "You don't need to worry about that! Everyone starts somewhere and may even be bad. As long as you are having fun and can be a real idol. Yume isn't the type to reject you. As her fan, you should know that better than anyone!"

Melody then sent the lead back at the Negadol. What Melody said makes the Negadol remember how Yume is like. It doesn't move and the lead lands a clean hit. Melody then breaks off the rest of the lead on her.

Melody lands on the ground and looks at the Negadol that is down on the ground "To be honest, I never thought of being an idol. I only wanted to be a musician. However, right now, I have a chance to be an idol like Yume. I won't waste away this rare and exciting chance!"

At this moment, her Live Module glows. Just like Diva and Muse, it gives her a dress as well. Melody's dress like an add on to her current outfit. Her top has a slightly tropical and energetic frill style to it. The skirt isn't as widespread but gains a few music note accessories on it. Her leggings and shoes were replaced with white vacation style heels.

Melody looks at the cards and immediately slots in the cards and change form "Precure, Aikatsu Mode!" The module then changes Melody's outfit into the one identical to the cards.

Melody then points her finger at the Negadol and says "The joy of music, the excitement of a live, and the fun everyone can experience. Watch me, Negadol! My song, Smile Link!"

Melody then starts singing her song "Smiling smile link!" As her song goes on, the Negadol's aura is slowly purified.

The girl remembers the time she found out Yume. Her research on Yume and every moment she listens to her song. Becoming her close friend was her dream and she wants to understand everything about Yume. Memories in bubbles make her remember her important feelings.

At the same time, the fight outside against Gyaku is ongoing.

Gyaku is getting annoyed "Seriously, just give it up already!"

Diva looks at Gyaku with sad eyes "Why, why are you against us that much?"

Beat then says "Diva, he won't listen. If you want him to listen, we'll need to defeat him first. Beat sonic!"

Beat's attack flys at Gyaku and he blocks it. Muse and Rhythm jumps and attacks together from the other side. Gyaku turns around and uses the black shield to block again.

Gyaku says "Annoying, don't you girls get tired?"

While Gyaku is saying that, a single beat sonic flew by and shatters the ball in his hand.

Surprise by the attack, he shouts "What?"

Beat the says "You probably don't know but it's possible to delay my note. Don't expect all to attack at once."

Slowly, the black spherical wall that encloses Melody and Negadol comes down.

Melody's performance also happens to come to an end and the Negadol's aura is gone as well.

Rhythm is happy to see Melody is alright "Melody you are okay! That form, you got your Aikatsu mode!"

Melody looks back with a grin and a thumbs up "Yep!"

Muse then jumps ahead and says "Let's finish this."

Gyaku notices Muse a bit too late "Crap!"

Muse then says "The note's shinning melody! Pretty Cure, Sparkling Shower!"

Her finisher hits the Negadol and Gyaku gives up "Tsu, that's it huh? Fine, but this is already the third time. Miracle won't happen every single time!" He then teleports away.

Muse finishes up "3/4 beat! 1...2...3! Finale!"

Along with the explosion, everything returns to normal. Everyone runs off the stage as everyone is waking up. They also carried the unconscious girl with them.

Hibiki then says "That was close."

Ellen, however, is worried about Hibiki's performance "The Negadol is gone but… What about Hibiki's live?"

Yume confidently says "Don't worry. Everyone might be a little confused right now but once Hibiki goes on stage, the staff should know what to do."

They turn to Hibiki with Kanade saying "Hibiki, good luck!"

Hibiki nods "Thanks! Off I go!" Hibiki then runs off and enters the changing room again.

Hibiki uses her precure cards this time and enters the stage once again. Soon after, lights dim down and everything is ready to go as Yume said.

Hibiki takes a deep breath and her performance starts "Smiling smile link, the harmony of smiles. The smiles start now with you and me."

She then dances nicely, using the steps Ako showed her. Hibiki also sings with the warmth she received from everyone that helped her. From morning till night, everyone helped her. She sings with those feeling and wants to show everyone that this is her song.

Hibiki continues "The perfect pitch that is deep within me, it will never go wrong no matter what. Even if every day starts in the morning with a bad mood, but let's shout out our feeling of love."

Hibiki's performance makes everyone speechless. While her special appeal is the same, the song was great and her performance is well above standard.

When her performance ends, Kanade and others congratulate Hibiki with her amazing performance.

Yurina in the waiting room, looking at Hibiki's performance through the monitor while feeling frustrated yet happy.

Yurina says "Hibiki, you really are amazing. To be able to make such amazing performance so soon. As I thought, you are definitely my rival."