Author's Note

This chapter turns out to be longer than I expected. Not too much about Ako as that was done quite a bit in the last chapter. The song this time is a pretty well known Love live song, Meccha Going! Reason? it fits and Ako's VA is the same person.

Also, 30 chapters now... I have never written anything with this many chapters before. If anyone has anything to say about my work, please let me know. I would love to talk to my readers.

Chapter 30: Truth and Secret, Matthiola Floral Idol

When Ako goes back to the academy, she goes to her room and starts working on her lyrics. She starts writing and slowly progressing. After a while, her Aikatsu Mobile rings with a message.

Ako "Jees, who is it? I'm at the good part."

Ako reads the message and screams "We found the reason why Yume left? Okay, so we are meeting at 8 pm today in the garden."

Ako checks the time and it is currently 3 pm.

Ako "Uwaa, it's already this late? I need to get going!"

About an hour before the supposed meeting time. Hime, Elza, Rei, Rora, Subaru, and Hibiki and others gathered together.

Hime starts the early meeting "Everyone knows about procure and our enemy. This is something we should keep to ourselves and not let Ako, Koharu, and anyone else to know. Also, this confirms who the spy that Gyaku speaks of is."

Rola "Wait, are you saying it is the spy's fault that that Yume joined them?"

Elza "Not quite, but it is mainly because of the spy's clever plan."

Hibiki asks "Clever plan? What did the spy do?"

Hime takes out her phone and is ready to play an audio file "Listen to this. This was extracted from a computer in the school. Luckily, Elza's technology team manage to recover most of it."

Hime then plays the file that Suzu made and had Yume listened to. After the playback is over, no one could say anything.

Elza then breaks the silence "I don't know what the original conversation is like but this is what Yume heard."

Subaru "Seriously, Yume. You would believe this over the friendship you build up over the past two years?"

Hibiki "They must have done something to twist her heart. It's the same with Ellen and Mephisto."

Ako nods "But the question is, who is the spy?"

When Hime is about to answer, she looks at the doorway of the S4 Garden "Looks like the spy is here."

Everyone turns around and sees Suzu.

Suzu "Spy?"

Kanade looks at Suzu, then back at Hime "No way, are you saying Suzu is the spy?"

Suzu asks "Uhmm, what is going on?"

Elza stares at Suzu "Stop the act, we know you are the spy."

Ellen nods "With half-hearted acting like that, it's not hard to see through."

Hibiki asks "Wait, really? I couldn't tell she is acting at all."

Ellen says "Eh? But her facial expression was off. Also, she stiffened up a moment when we call her out as the spy."

Hime looks at Ellen and smiles "As expected from one of the top students in the Bird Theatre Class." She then looks at Suzu "You tried to delete the data and erase your computer usage record. However, you didn't make sure they become unrecoverable. That's how we found out."

Kanade "Suzu, are you really a spy?"

Suzu is still trying to deny it "Usage record? Ah, could it be that time when I lost my ID? Someone must have used my ID."

Kanade turns around "See? Suzu is getting confused. Also, I know about Suzu losing her ID."

Hibiki "Oh! I remember that."

Rei "Well, if that is the case. Then Suzu is a victim here."

Rola "But…"

Before Rola says anymore, Elza stops her "Enough, what we have isn't enough to say Suzu definitely is the spy. This whole Yume leaving the S4 is making us jump to the conclusion. I'm sorry for this premature conclusion."

Suzu "Eh? Ah, no it's okay. But a spy that took Yume away, that's unforgivable!"

Hime nods "Yes, Yume isn't walking on the right path right now and we can't even find a way to get in touch with her. If we find the spy, we should be able to find a chance to meet Yume."

Suzu looks down "I see…"

Hime smiles "Okay, now this is resolved for now. I'm sorry for asking you to come and accused you of being the spy."

Suzu "Okay, then…"

Kanade grabs Suzu's hand "Let's go, this conversation is over."

Kanade then leads Suzu out while everyone else watches them leave. After the two of them leave, Rei and Elza look at Hime and they nod.

Elza "That confirms it, Suzu is the spy."

Hibiki "Wait, what do you mean?"

Ako "She tried to end the conversation as soon as possible. Also, she is acting the whole time, isn't it?"

Ellen "Yeah, but right now I'm worried about Kanade."

Hibiki turns around while still look at them "I'll go. If Suzu is our enemy, I can't leave Kanade alone."

Hime "Go, there is still plenty of time until everyone else shows up."

Elza "Then let's go over all the information and make a plan on how we going to explain everything without exposing ourselves and Yume's situation."

About half an hour before the meeting time, Ako finished her work early is already walking towards the garden. Before she enters, she sees Koharu and Mahiru.

Ako "Mahiru, Koharu…"

Both of them look at Ako "Ako…"

Soon after, Yurina shows up as well.

Yurina "Eh? Everyone…"

Mahiru "We are early, but maybe…"

Mahiru and Koharu are the closest to the entry and she takes a peek inside.

Mahiru "Looks like almost everyone is already here."

Koharu looks "Oh! We might even be the last one."

Yurina "Then let's hurry up! I want to know what happened!"

Ako "Yeah, let's not waste any more time."

As they enter, Hime and everyone look at them.

Hime then asks "You girls are here early. Well, we all got here early."

Rola "Sorry, I just couldn't wait. I'm sure everyone here is the same."

Ellen nods "Hibiki and Kanade are doing something else and can't make it. Is this everyone?"

Elza looks around "I believe so, Hime?"

Hime nods "This is everyone. To be honest, Ellen and Ako, I didn't want to involve you two but since the two of you became an idol because of Yume, I'm sure you two want some answers."

Little Ako "It's weird that Yume suddenly left. What exactly happened?"

S4 Ako then adds "If it is because of a stupid reason, I'll drag Yume back by force."

Hime "Alright, Yume had been scouted before. However, instead of doing it a normal way, that agency sent someone to create a reason for Yume to leave."

Mahiru "Hold on, is that why Yume thinks she got betrayed?"

Rei "Yes, we believe that is the case. Judging from an audio clip we found."

S4 Ako "What kind of clip could it be? I don't think there is anyone that would speak ill of Yume."

Hime looks sad "As we get popular, there are bound to have a situation that even harmless words can end up being a weapon."

Koharu "A weapon…"

Hime "It's better to listen for yourselves."

Hime then plays the audio file again. As they listen to the audio, they begin to realize what happening.

Mahiru "Are you for real? That conversation got turned into this…"

Koharu "So it's because of this… Yume…"

Koharu says while on the verge of crying.

S4 Ako then shouts "Unforgivable! Who did it?"

Elza "Right now, the primary suspect is Suzu."

Koharu "Eh? Then Kanade…"

Ellen tries to keep Koharu calm by saying "Koharu, I'll explain it to Kanade. We are close friends, it'll be okay. Kanade will understand."

Koharu nods after a few seconds "Okay, then I'll leave it to you."

Rola notices Mahiru is being really quiet "Mahiru, what's wrong?"

Mahiru looks back "Ah, it's just is that all the reason for Yume's change? To be honest, there is something I didn't tell everyone. But that's because I wasn't sure about it."

S4 Ako "Just say it, any bits of information are important."

Mahiru thinks for a moment and nods "Alright, then I'll be blunt. I think that Negadols are connected with Yume. If my hunches are correct, then Yume is the new enemy of the precure, Cure Shine."

Everyone looks surprised. However, everyone except Koharu, Ako, and Yurina is surprised due to Mahiru able to come to that conclusion.

Yurina "Wait, isn't there a Cure missing as well? Cure Diva, right? The timing fits too…"

Koharu "Then does that mean the precures are students of this academy?"

S4 Ako "If that's the case, then let me go through my database…"

Ako thinks for a while "Binpon! Ellen and little Ako! There is a very high chance the two of you are precures."

Ellen and Ako "Eh?"

Hime "Even if that's the case, it's our job to bring Yume back."

S4 Ako smiles "That's... true. She is our friend, it's our job to do it, not the precure."

Mahiru "Right, sorry. That was unnecessary."

Elza shakes her head "No, it's important to know what is around us. However, the most important thing right now is for everyone to catch up to Yume."

Yurina "Floral Idol…"

Koharu "Oh, isn't Ako going to do her challenge soon?"

Ako nods in response "Yep! Also, if everyone has time, please come to the park. I'm sure it'll be fun."

Rei "Sounds interesting, Kirara is going to open the park with you, right? Elza, why don't we get Aria and go check it out."

Elza nods "Sure, it's good to let go and enjoy ourselves once in a while. I'll give everyone in the Neo Venus Ark a time off on that day."

Rola stares at Elza with surprise.

Elza then asks Rola "What is it?"

Rola "Ah, nothing. It's just you changed a bit."

Elza smiles "Well, it's thanks to Yume. Losing to her really woke me up. And that's why I will do everything to bring her back."

Hime then claps her hands together "Alright, I think that's everything. Why don't we call it a night today?"

Little Ako "Then I'll go back first, later."

Ellen then goes after her "Ah, wait! Sorry, we'll leave first, bye."

Everyone else looks at them, then at each other. Soon one by one, they say their parting and rests for the night.

On the day of the park opening, Ako and Kirara are standing in front the of main gate. There are already a few hundreds of people gathered around it. Ako and Kirara look at each other and get ready to open the park.

Kirara "Ako, are we ready?"

Ako smiles "Of course! Is everyone ready to enjoy the park?"

Ako asks the crowd and a cheer, mostly from younger children, can be cleared heard by everyone.

Kirara "Then let's go!"

Ako "Then everyone, let's enjoy to our heart's content!"

The gates open with everyone entering. Ako and Kirara then go separate ways and while leading different groups. Everyone is enjoying the amusement park. Then suddenly, a little girl pulls on Ako's skirt.

Ako squad down and asks "What's wrong?"

The girls hesitate for a moment before asking "My mom said there is a stage. Is Ako going to sing?"

Ako nod and makes a bright smile "Yes, I will."

Then a boy run over "Ako will go on stage? When?"

Ako "It will be at 1. So make sure to eat a nice lunch. Cause my stage will be a really exciting one! You guys will need all the energy you can get!"

The boys and girls answer in unison "Yes!"

Afterward, occasionally Ako talks to the kids while enjoys herself with them until it is lunchtime.

Ako "Alright everyone, go eat your lunch. After everyone is done, I will be ready to make my performance for everyone!"

The kids answers in their own word and runs off to their parent and start having their lunch together. Ako walks away silently to gather attention and disturb anyone's meal. As she enters the small stadium building, she runs into Kirara.

Ako "Kirara, you are still here?"

Kirara "Yep, I wanted to wish you luck."

Ako looks happy but complains "Seriously, how about your job?"

Kirara "Hahaha, it's okay if I just run for it… probably."

Ako "What are you doing? Then hurry up!"

Kirara "Roger!"

As Kirara begins to run off, Ako says "Thanks."

Ako holds up the premium rare dress Kirara designed for her.

Kirara turns around with joy and jumps forward at Ako for a hug "Ako!"

While surprised, Ako let Kirara hug her but starts pushing her away after a few seconds.

Ako "Kirara! Your job!"

Kirara "Ah! That's right, I got to go. Sorry, I'm just so happy."

Ako sighs "If you are already this happy, what are you going to when I design your dress?"

Kirara thinks for a second "I'll give you a kiss!"

Ako turns red and points her the way out "Just hurry up and go!"

Kirara "Okay!"

This time, Kirara runs off without stopping.

Ako then looks at her dress. It is a yellow dress that is slightly more appealing than her usual dresses. However, the cloths in a few areas have a puffy design and the whole dress retains the cute design of Fuwafuwa Dream.

Ako "Pop'n Rush Coord, what a bold design that challenges the brand. But this definitely feels like it will make me a Floral Idol!"

Ako glitters with confidence and quickly begins to prepare for her performance.

Ako spends the next 50 minutes preparing. She is now in the changing room.

Ako "Alright, Saotome Ako, making a new dazzling entrance!"

Ako runs forward and changing into her dress. As she enters the stage, she converses with her audiences first while waving mainly towards younger kids.

Ako "Is everyone having fun?"

The audience shouts in excitement while kids answer "Yes!"

Ako "Alright, here I go!"

As the music begins playing, Ako makes light dance while clapping her hands to the beat.

Ako "It's nice to meet everyone. I love you and for love, everybody, are you ready?"

Ako then stops clapping and proper dance and sing "There's seriously no way I can stand every day being boring. If feeling boring, can't we just do something fun? If you are looking down, you can only see the floor. So let's face forward and look up at the sky. With our tension high, being positive, there is no point in worrying. Let's go searching for fun things together!"

As Ako sings the next part, her aura begins to glow and it is brighter than ever "Going forward! We're going and going and raring to go! The excitement in our hearts is coming out!

Ako continues to sing her song with lyrics that carry a very positive message. During a short moment of the song with no lyrics, Ako's aura begins to change with her dress gaining yellow Matthiola petal-like pattern in the few areas as her frills. Every movement also spreads petal aura around her.

Ako then follows up on the momentum and makes her special appeal. Ako jumps up and rides a roller coaster and it get launch into the sky. Ako jumps out and stretches her arms and legs out, looking as she is welcoming her audience. Afterward, Ako's Swift Appeal connects. Ako gets covered in small green leaves. As it clears up, it shows a yellow Matthiola branch, blooming in full. Ako then dashes out of the flowers while striking a V pose with her fingers excitingly.

Ako then continues her live performance, engaging with her fans from time to time, and ended with a big success.

As Ako gets off the stage and walking back to her room, she runs into Yume.

Yume slaps her hand "Congratulation, Ako!"

Ako looks at Yume and runs over "Yume! What are you doing? Where have you been?"

Yume answers "Busy with my live performances and I was in Russia."

Ako looks confused "Russia? Why? No, that's not important. Yume, about the betraying stuff, that's not real! The audio file you heard is not real!"

Yume "I know. I thought that would be the case, but you see, I want to climb higher. I want to become a shinier star!"

Ako looks even more confused "Eh? But then… Is S4 not good enough for you to do that?"

Yume makes a wry smile "About that, I figured it out afterward. But you know, having Absolute Idol Agency helping me is great. I get to sing all around the world! So I have no plan on returning."

Ako stares at Yume with hostility "Yume! We will definitely win the Floral Idol Tournament and show you that you are on the wrong path!"

Yume "Okay! But first, we need to have all 16 Floral Idols gathered. We don't even know who the next one would be."

Ako smiles "The next one is Kirara. She will be the next Floral Idol!"

Yume "I see. So it goes from Mahiru to you and you to Kirara. However, Kirara… Alright, since I just came back, I'll have some fun."

Ako blinks a few times "Fun? What do you by that?"

Yume turns around "You will see soon, it'll be interesting." Yume starts walking away.

Ako "Yume wait! Hold on, what do you plan on doing?"

Yume ignores Ako and leaves the stadium.

Ako "Yume, just what are you thinking in that head of yours. Ahhh! This is frustrating!"

When Ako returns to her room, her phone rings. As she looks at the caller, it is Kirara. Ako picks it up and Kirara immediately talks before Ako does.

Ako takes the phone off her ear for a moment as Kirara says "Ako! Congratulation! Also, you can't believe what just happened!"

Ako "Thanks and what happened? You are more excited than usual."

Kirara "That's because good things are happening one after another. You know, Yume just send me a message, inviting me to do a live with her!"

Ako couldn't say anything and Kirara asks "Ako?

Ako then warns Kirara "Kirara, are you sure it's Yume? Something feels wrong here."

Kirara "Don't worry don't worry, this is a chance to get Yume back. Ah, I need to go, later!"

Kirara hangs up as Ako shouts into her phone "Wait! Kirara!"

Ako sits down on a sofa. Leaning back, feeling more exhausted than even after her performance.

Ako places her arm over her eyes and mutters "Yume and Kirara… Just what is happening?"