Author's Note

The song for this chapter is honestly almost impossible to choose. Only Elza's VA got a few songs remotely similar to her style. However, none of them are really close to it. Instead, I went with a song that contains lyrics that would fit the best. In the end, it somehow ends up with an AoT song... Weird. The song is "Starting Line" By Hikasa Yoko

Chapter 49: New Perfection, Camellia Floral Idol

Within Neo Venus Ark, Elza just finishes her training by herself.

As the music ends, Elza nods with a smile "Finally, it's perfect! This new perfection will definitely shock everyone!"

Then a knock on the training room door is heard.

Without Elza looking, she says "Rei, did something happen?"

Rei "As I thought, you knew it is me."

Elza wipes off her sweat as she responds "Of course, so? What is it?"

Rei "That project is done. We can have them start the official update now."

Elza faces Rei with confidence "Perfect timing, I just finished my new song."

Rei "You actually did it? That style is quite different. I'm surprised you went with that."

Elza smiles "Everything needs a change. To be the perfect idol, I can't just sit around in one style. A little bit of change will be nice."

Rei chuckles "Hehe, I guess there is still so much more we got to do. But are you sure about the name? Even if Hime is okay with it, won't it upset her fan?"

Elza nods "I'm expecting some negativity too. However, with this new system ready, it is a new starting line. I'm going to make Aikatsu even more challenging than before."

Rei "The Floral Idols are mostly collected too. There are only so many spots left."

Elza then looks at Rei seriously "What about you? Both Kirara and Aria already become one."

Rei shakes her head "I don't plan on becoming one. I haven't managed to think of a flower that'll fit me as well. I don't want to do this half-hearted and stain the name of Neo Venus Ark."

Elza smiles "Alright, then I won't press on this thing. Go ahead and tell the engineer to cooperate. I'll make sure to use the new system to the fullest."

Rei nods "I got it, I'll also inform others and reserve seats for them."

Elza "Just reserve the seats, I'll tell them myself."

Rei blinks with surprise "That's unusual…"

Elza starts walking out "Prepare the car, I'm going to the Four Star Academy."

Rei "Oh, that's right. It seems like Hummy has something to give everyone. It's probably those balls that she got from ABC."

Elza thinks for a moment "This is sudden. However, if it can help us fight off the enemy, then I'll use it."

Rei looks worried "But will you be alright?"

Elza "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Anyways, let's get going."

Rei nods "Alright."

When Elza reaches Four Star Academy and meets up with everyone involved, Hummy starts the meeting.

Hummy "Uhmm, so I called everyone here for this-nya!"

Hummy takes out all of the remaining spheres.

Hibiki "Wow, so many. Does that mean we all get a chance to get that transformation Yume did?"

Hime "But we are short…"

Ellen and Rola look at each other and nod.

Rola "Actually…"

The two of them explain the situation.

Suzu "Ru-nii…"

Yume "That's kind of similar to what happened to me. I also see another me."

Elza "I see, it must be trying to make you feel guilty or gives up. However, if that is the case, I don't think there is much to worry about."

Kanade "What do you mean? Isn't it dangerous? If we get consumed, doesn't that mean we'll fall under the enemy control?"

Ako "That's a possibility. However…"

Rola "Without that power, fighting the new enemies will be too hard."

Hummy nods "That's why, I'll give these to everyone-nya. When you think you are ready, use it-nya."

Leon "Hold on, I suggest you girls not doing it by yourself. Doing it together should help. Every single one of you is quite competitive. So if you girls use it with someone next to you, I think it should help you mentally."

Ellen "Ah, that's true. Even though I was mostly fine, I think having Rola next to me helped me get out of it faster."

Rola makes a wry smile "Actually, me too. I didn't want to lose to you there. In the end, we got out at the same time."

Elza then grabs one "I see, then who wants to try it with me?"

Everyone also grabs one of the spheres. However, they look at each other and no one answers Elza.

Yume "Well, I would like to but…"

Hime nods "You already got it."

Hime then looks at Elza "I would like to do it as soon as possible too, but I'm not sure if I'm ready."

Elza then looks at Hibiki and others.

Hibiki "No no no, there is no way I can do it. I'm not even a Floral Idol yet."

Elza then focuses her gaze on Kanade.

Kanade "Me? Wait, but I…"

Elza "Since Hime said she is not ready, the only one left is you. Do you think you can do it?"

Kanade faces down and looks at her hand "I'm… not sure. I don't even know what my challenge could be."

Hibiki "Kanade's challenge huh? Maybe it's being rejected by Ouji."

Kanade "Hibiki!"

Hibiki "Hahaha, but maybe that's what would hurt you the most."

Kanade stares at Kanade "That's hurt but… I feel like that's not it."

Yume then asks "Ouji?"

Ellen then explains "It's the boy Kanade likes back in our world."

Rola "I see, but if that's not it…"

Hime then guess "Could it be Hibiki?"

Hibiki "Me?"

Kanade "Hibiki?"

Rola "Since the two of you are so close, perhaps that's it."

Ellen "Ah…"

Kanade "But…"

Elza then sighs "Alright, that's enough for now. Once you think you are ready, let me know."

Kanade slowly nods "Okay..."

Elza nods "You are one of the more promising idols in this school. I'll be expecting you soon."

Rei "Elza…"

Elza smiles "I know, also everyone, I'm going to do the Floral Idol Challenge soon."

Elza then looks at Yume and Hime "That system is ready too. I'm going to show the world what the new system we came up with can do."

Yume "Oh, if it is Elza, then it's definitely going to be amazing."

Hime "Elza, the song, I'm sure you can start something new."

Elza smirks "Of course! After all, I am perfect!"

Rola then asks "What is going on?"

Hibiki "Sounds like they got something ready. Elza's challenge will be interesting for sure!"

Kanade "Elza is so strong… How am I going to match her for this?"

Kanade looks at the sphere in her hand.

Ako "You know, I think you'll be fine. I think Hibiki and Elza are also similar."

Ellen then notices "Oh! Both of them have the charisma to pull people together. Now that I think about it, isn't Yume the same?"

Rola nods "Definitely."

The three girls look at each other for a moment.

Hime then says "Either way, since Elza is going to perform, let's all go see it together. I'm sure it'll be a performance we don't want to miss."

Suzu "Elza's stage with surprise. That does sound quite exciting."

Hibiki "Then we'll go for sure! Oh, let's invite Kari and Nina as well!"

Elza "Kari and Nina, ah those two? Sure, I'll make sure to reserve seats for them as well. How many more people?"

Yume then counts "Uhmm, at least 4 or 5 more. I want to invite Yuzu and Lily too. It has been a while since we last met."

Hibiki then raises her hand "Uhmm, how about Yurina and others?"

Elza looks at Rei and Rei answers "In that case, let's reserve 10 more seats. That should be enough for everyone"

Everyone nods and Elza says "I can't wait to show all of you what the new system can do."

Several days later, Kari and Nina are walking towards a large stadium with another woman.

Kari "Nina! Ringo! Hurry up!"

Nina "Kari, can you calm down?"

Ringo nods "You are not a little kid anymore, control yourself."

Kari "But it's supposed to be a stage with a new system! How can I remain calm? After all, they went through the trouble of inviting us!"

Nina sighs "Well, considering that it is Elza performing using the newly updated system… it can't be helped."

Kari "Ahh! I forgot my ticket in the car, I'll go get it! Go ahead without me!"

Ringo "Really? It's starting soon. You are still forgetful as always."

Nina laughs a bit "That's Kari alright, if Kari isn't forgetful, there'll be a storm."

Ringo nods "True, should we just go on in?"

Nina nods back "Yeah. That reminds me, you haven't met the current idols, right? They are quite a promising bunch."

Ringo covers her mouth with one hand while amazed "For you to praise them like that, now I'm curious."

Nina smiles "I'm sure you'll like them too. Oh, your daughter is with them too."

Ringo thinks for a moment "Hmm, if Kisuna is there… Alright, we'll see. Let's go."

When Kari returns to the parking lot and searches for her ticket as everyone else is entering the stadium. After searching for a while, Ruen walks up behind her.

Ruen "Hoo? If it isn't Kari, one of the top idols back in the days. No, perhaps you are still one."

Kari back up and look at Ruen "Oh, thank you! I didn't think anyone would recognize me. You must have been a huge fan of mine."

Ruen's eye twitches before he replies "Well, kind of. However, it's still disappointing."

Kari "Disappointing?"

Ruen smiles "Yeah. If it wasn't because of that person, you probably would have been still being an idol."

Kari looks at Ruen then makes a sad smile "I don't know why you know so much but I guess you see right through me."

Ruen walks up close to Kari "How about I say you still have a chance?"

Kari "Eh? I still have a chance?"

Ruen nods as he pushes an egg inside Kari "A wonderful chance…"

Kari feels the egg entering her and is soon covered in darkness. While deep within her conscious, she sees her younger self just like Nina.

Kari "That's… where am I?"

Young Kari "Your dream."

Kari "My dream? It's kind of dark here. Since it's a dream, let's light it up!"

Kari snaps her fingers and an image of an amusement park show up.

Kari "Oh! I remember that place, it's kind of sad that it got shut down."

Then Kari snaps her fingers a few more times, going through her memories one by one.

Meanwhile, Ruen notices Kari is hanging on just fine "This is going to take a while… Why must a straightforward idiot be so hard to deal with sometimes…"

He shakes his head but then forces more darkness into the dark egg Kari is in.

While in the changing room, Elza looks at her new dress.

Elza "It's time for this dress to shine with a flower that suits me, Camellia Blossom Coord."

Elza then readies herself and says "I am perfect Elza. I'll bring the perfect starting line to all idols!"

Elza then changes into her dress and jumps onto the stage. A rock and fast pace song start playing. Elza's aura immediately shows up as she dances.

Elza then starts singing "I turned around and saw the road should be on all along. There were hills and muddy places. I looked down and saw my toes. They're covered in mud, but they're shining!"

Elza starts dancing forward "It's something I've decided because I love it! The cold rain is the beginning of a rainbow!"

Then as Elza waves her hands apart, the stage disappears. Elza then starts floating and continues her performance while flying around on top of an illuminated transparent platform.

Elza "Starting line, I'll engrave it in my heart. I raise my head again and what beckons me is a strong wind that blows from the future! In the middle of my dream, I stumble and fall. Even with my hand in the dirt, a new beginning starts with the next step!"

Elza then starts her Special Appeal and jumps high up into the air. Elza then grabs hold onto a few sparkling stars and gathers them into her hands closed together. As she opens them again, an image of Neo Venus Ark pops out with all of her students while striking a pose. Without losing any momentum, Elza continues into her Swift Appeal. The students on the Neo Venus Ark become lights once again. It envelopes Elza and forms a red camellia bud. Elza then pops out as it blooms. Her dress now also has the Camellia petals around her skirt and her gloves also become a few big pieces of the petal instead.

After the appeal, the special effect does not disappear. Elza continues her performance as the audience slowly floats as well. Everyone is confused at first but they can slowly move around as they like. The audience has become capable of viewing her performance from all angles as if gravity no longer exists. Elza then continues her strong and perfect performance.

When everyone starts the float, Hibiki says "Wha… this is… almost like when we were shooting that movie."

Kanade "Eh? But…"

Rola "This is amazing. The Aikatsu System can now affect the whole stadium of this size?"

Yume nods "Yep! This is actually what Elza and I try to create for a while."

S4 Ako "But this is… To make the system do this, it has to be a super major upgrade. The money you need for this kind of thing… how?"

Yume then looks away "Ah, I uhmm… used some of the money I got while I was with the agency."

Yurina "Eh? Could it be that Yume joined that agency for all these? Not only starting the Floral Idol Event but upgrade the Aikatsu System as well? Amazing."

Yurina's friends also nod as Suzu makes a dry laugh.

Hime then stops them "Well, that's enough. With this new system, Aikatsu has just opened up to another level."

Everyone nods as they continue to watch Elza's performance.