The Only Sister

Summary: I stiffen when coming to realize something before turning away from my sister to look back down at the paper of what I was looking into for a singing career... I had come to a conclusion that for once in my life, I was actually scared of moving on into the new world without my sister.

Kyoko/Ren with Sho/OC or a Ren/OC with Kyoko/Sho pairing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Skip Beat or the characters, only Youko and different new plots! Also I don't own any of the songs and lyrics in the story!

HOS: Just remember that this story is based on the beginning of the manga, not the anime!

FYI, I changed the audition scene a little, please no hate!

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Chapter Four: Pass or Fail?

It wasn't long until the trying of auditions arrived as I arrived with my sister who was looking around in awe at the many auditioners with many talents. No doubt that Kyoko was admiring the women wearing makeup and wearing their best clothes and costumes for whatever they're going to do later when it was their turn to take the stage. Honestly I don't really like makeup in the first place since it enhances your outside beauty to impress the unknown around you; you may say that it's a good thing but in my own opinion, I believe that people are beautiful just the way they are, turning into something just to impress others. If their plain face doesn't impress them for just being themselves when presenting their own talent then how would you know how they really are if they're not comfortable in their own skin?

I blinked and looked down at Kyoko with a raised brow as she was covered in frustration and gloom while muttering to herself about how Sho cursed them for 'not having enough time to prepare for this' since we didn't have the money to have any girly things. I sweat drop as she takes out a sewing kit that she had politely asked for and borrowed from our female boss from the restaurant then proceeded to make a voodoo doll; my guess it would be Sho. The only thing fancy that I have is a semi-large bag filled with my needed things for my performance with Kanji of "勇気", meaning courage, bravery etc.

I sigh as I closed my eyes and held my strap while attempting to give myself some peace and that bit of courage to face my fears of stagefright. I took a few deep breaths and released it slowly as the nerves in me began to lesson a bit but it was quickly broken by outraged yelling from a young woman who was pulling a little girl with a familiar hairstyle by the wrist with a not so gentle grasp. This caused me to go still with a narrowed gaze and frown as the pose was so familiar with my childhood of a certain woman who gave birth to my sister and I; a woman harshly scolding her child while not being quiet enough while doing her work as she dragged her through the Inn.

I almost snapped when the woman threw the familiar child at my sister's lap as the little girl attempted to curl up against her to hide from the yelling young woman. My protective inner demon was attempting to burst out as the calm angel was trying to hold it back with a bit of struggle.

"Since when potter moderne girls with needles and thread around?! Are you a housewife or what?!" the young woman raged as I twitched at that since we were taught how to do those things at a young age by the Inn couple on how to be the perfect housewife for their only son. "I hate that! This smells like middle-class! Stop it! Stop it immediately!" Did she just growl? "In this place, the air has to burn. So, spare me your ordinary atmosphere! You're damn annoying and you make me mad!" She angrily halfway turned and pointed at the two on the floor, "You and that kid! Get out of my sight! You're in the wrong place!" I then snapped as a dark aura of rage and protectiveness surrounded me while the angel of calm was frantically trying to reign them back with a small bit of effort. No one reacted considering I knew how to keep myself in check around strangers when I was feeling such rage. My wide yet sharp narrowed gaze watched the woman quickly walk away.

I calmly yet quickly followed her, leaving without gaining any attention to myself since it was mainly on Kyoko and the young child, who I realized was Maria, and women that surrounded them when they saw her crying.

I caught up to the woman and suddenly got into her face as I stepped out from behind a large pillar. I was mere inches from her with a dark polite smile on my face as I backed her up against the wall. The woman tried to move away but was somehow held in place in fear and angry confusion as she squinted her eyes a little, "Wait, aren't you that housewife gi- no, you look different than the other but still plain! Are you the sa-"

"Quiet please." The woman snapped her mouth closed when feeling the atmosphere turn dark and threatening but held the cold politeness upon my face. "You're done talking and yelling for the time being; it's time for you to shut up and listen very closely." I said lightly with seriousness before my smile turned into a frown. "You sure like to judge others by their mere appearance and actions before actually knowing anything about them just because they don't dress and wear makeup like everyone else. I'm sure that many people have different hobbies to pass time as they wait, but you just so happen to catch my sister in the middle of one." My head tilted as my eyes narrowed with a half closed look, looking superior, "It may not be any of your business be most of us didn't have a choice on how being brought up and taught certain things that you greatly dislike that somehow reminds you what you left behind considering how you were reacting." I seemed to have hit a nerve when her brow twitched in annoyance when reading her actions well.

With watching her a bit longer in a bit of silence, I continued, "I also may not know you or you not knowing us or who that child is but you didn't seem to realize the might-be repercussions of your actions." She stared back in an angry confusion, "I'm sure you're just strung out or just plain excited on your audition, to prove yourself like everyone else but to take it out on a simple child who didn't belong in a negative way is just disgusting." The young woman stared at me with wide fearful eyes as I slowly smiled at her. "You or anyone else probably don't realize who that child belongs to; she could be related to someone famous or an employee that works here that has free access to let the child roam around the area for all we know. Or perhaps maybe related to one of the judges… I wonder if the child would report you about your harshness upon her; that grip of yours might have left a bruise to how annoyed and angry you were."

The woman began to pale at each comment I was giving and didn't realize how her actions might ruin her chance of auditioning but soon narrowed her own eyes at her, "How would you know?! For all I know, you could be bluffing just to scare me off the competition!" she then looked smug and proud of herself, "Well, it's not working! I am not scared nor will I give up because of your failed attempt on-" I began to chuckle lowly when interrupting her.

"You think I'm lying? I've met her a handful of times outside of this place and she has friends in VERY high places and I met a few." I leaned in with her leaning back fearfully, "...and for the record, the words you said about my sister about being ordinary and plain, I would have to disagree with you." I narrowed my eyes in calm anger, "She's beyond ordinary, she's more unique and special apart from everyone else in the world. I may be biased since she's my sibling but she's more beautiful compared to your ugliness of a personality." I said with a sneer.

I suddenly blinked and leaned back while I gave an eye closed smile as I was going too far into my hatred and protectiveness as I reeled the demons and angel back, "Oh my, I seemed to have gotten away with my emotions, my apologies." The young woman was sweating a little at the sudden change of my facial expression and personality but flinched as I narrowed my eyes at her again, "Know this, if you manhandle any child again, I'll make sure you get reported upon your actions. I hope, for your sake, that the child doesn't report you herself; it wouldn't look good for your up-coming career." I then beamed with a head tilt with a flowery aura surrounding me, "I wish you well on your audition and hope you have a nice rest of your day~!" I turned and began to walk away as the dark atmosphere disappeared while the young woman stared at me in disbelief and fearful confusion.

"A-Are you bipolar or something?! What was that sudden change of emotion?!" she yelled out as I blinked and stared back at her before placing a finger against my chin as if thinking about it then chuckled lightly.

"I don't know, perhaps I am. I'm just overly protective of my little sister and children alike; I just let my emotion get to me when seeing my sister get disrespected in such a way or children being mistreated for no reason." My eyes softened a little as I stared passed the female, whose eyes widened at the sudden gentleness in my gaze, "No child should be treated that way, no matter who the person is…" There was silence between us before I spoke some more, "Think before handling a child or randomly judging someone, your future co-workers would most-likely complain and get you reprimanded or fired." I looked over my shoulder as Kyoko was calling my name then back at the female before me, "Just think about it." I gave a small bow and wandered back to my sister while leaving the female to her thoughts.

Kyoko perked up when seeing, "Hey, there you are. Where did you go; you suddenly disappeared?" I gave a smile as I looked a little sheepish.

"Ah, sorry, I got caught up in a conversation that I didn't agree with but hopefully we worked it out and everything is fine; it's up to them now to take the advice or not." My sister gives a small hum and head tilt as if believing me.

It wasn't long after my conversation with the woman as a professional employee came out and directed us to get into two lines by our numbers. I entered the audition before Kyoko had so I was placed in front of her. Everyone had placed their things in the waiting room lockers and moved out. Movement caught my gaze as I saw Maria peek out from behind a pillar. She grinned at my sister then gave a bigger one when seeing me. I winked at her as I followed the other girls in line. My nerves were slowly coming back when seeing and getting on stage before the judges.

I fidget a little, feeling a bit uncomfortable as I stood behind Kyoko. I then began to rub the top of my hands nervously and bite my lip as the male announcer was introducing the judges. Taking a few breaths as I steadied the nerves with small struggle for it to stay down as I was shaking. The calm began to settle in but it was once again interrupted but a very loud noise that made all the girls scream in fright while covering their ears; I was only very startled as I flinched at the loud booming noise. It wasn't long as the noise revealed themselves as dancers and drum beaters came out through the doors. Every one of the women had a blank disturbed look on their faces toward the performance that was going on before them. Then a look of disbelief and shock appeared on their faces as the President of L.M.E introduced himself to us after his dramatic entrance; his name was Rory Takarada. The performance didn't really faze me since the dancing and the music was amazing but a little too over the top; but I knew he just wanted to impress us with his appearance.

After the President sat himself at the empty seat in the middle, the male announcer began to give us instructions to introduce ourselves and why we wanted to be here. It went down the line as the women did as instructed. I closed my eyes as I was now calm and relaxed while telling myself the reason why I was doing this and what this was really for. If you're thinking of getting revenge on Shotaro and beating him at his own game for hurting Kyoko's feelings then… well, you're only half right. I didn't want to move forward and leave my sister with that fool and have her be neglected by him. Though it still happened, at least she wasn't alone to deal with the heartbreak and betrayal without the comfort of her only sister to guide her along with the revenge she deserved. The mic was soon handed to me as I closed my eyes to center myself then opened them with determination; I knew exactly what I wanted to say.

"My name is Youko Mogami and I want to move forward and give my sister and I a better chance at life than the one we were dealt with in the past and show them that the plain can become beautiful." I then gently handed the mic to my sister who was staring at me in awe and adoration. Everyone else was giving me curious looks as if trying to get the meaning of my words. I then gave a sisterly smile before gesturing my imouto to go next.

I smiled and didn't at all react to Kyoko's pledge on catching up to Sho since this was her chance to get her revenge and had to play the Showbiz game to reach for the top. Soon we were escorted from the stage for the first auditioner of the Talento section to begin. The few of us and Kyoko who didn't go on until later watched what the girl could do.

One by one we watched the women with the talent showcases go on. I crossed my arms and watched quietly as the woman I had conversed with before was named, Kanae Kotami was up next; seemed like she wanted to be an actress by the way she quickly memorized a scene from a script and recited it. It was quite impressive but I won't admit that outloud to raise her ego that she seems to have developed when hearing the other women talk about her.

Then I heard them talking about my sister's reason and began to laugh about it, "That's what she said, right?"

"What an idiot. She will definitely flunk."

My protective demons were acting up again, struggling against the calm angels' grips from the women's words but didn't react to it since I wanted to keep it professional and not make a scene. It was my sister's turn after a girl doing ballet walked off stage. I smiled and walked over as I held her shoulders, "You're going to be great, ignore what others would think and just do your best, trust yourself; I'm proud of you no matter what happens." I said and held her cheek briefly as she nodded in determination and made her way on stage with the boss' special yet professional sharp knife and a daikon. Her sleeves were up as she was barefooted while standing in a confident pose.

Everyone that was watching stared at her in disbelief and began to laugh and make fun of her on why she held said items. I frowned and crossed my arms and stared at the group of women. "You all should be ashamed of yourselves," I say as they stopped their laughter and looked at me, "Just because she is different from all of you, you seem to see yourselves as superior beings." I scoffed, "All I see is a bunch of high school bullies instead of young-middle-aged adults trying to get into a professional business career." I gave a disappointed shake of my head with a sigh, "I pity whoever takes any of you on if you pass this; so quick to judge and so very unprofessional." The women around me began to look sheepish and mildly angry at my words but I could care less as I gave a certain woman an eye closed, head tilted smile, "Isn't that right, Kotami-san~?" the said woman began to sweat with a comical fearful stare before quickly looking away to watch Kyoko's talent.

I watched her as she took in a breath and centered herself, announced her name and number while slicing both ends of the daikon and held it out in front of her.

"I will make a rose… out of this daikon.'' The judges stared once more in disbelief when she announced this but it quickly changed when she quickly yet professionally began to peel the vegetable.

"This… this is… the Katsura Technic, the Katsura Technic!" said Shinji, the singer judge, in surprise while the women backstage also watched in awe at something being done so professional-like as if watching a chef make art out of food.

I smirked smugly when Kyoko finished as I crossed my arms, "This is why you shouldn't judge someone so quickly despite their looks, personality and hobbies." The ladies reluctantly agreed but said nothing else when seeing the President compliment the girls' work.

Kyoko picked up her small mess and walked off stage, I stood back and let her bask in her own glory of growing confidence as she cleaned the knife carefully and wrapped it back up then placing it in her tote bag. I glanced up when the male announcer was calling up the singers toward the stage who were up next. I made my way to my imouto as I watched Kotami seem to be talking crap once more as I stood behind her, listening to her 'prediction' about both of us failing and her passing as the rising star; like hell she was. I reached out and gripped the woman's shoulder as an evil dark aura surrounded me with a bright smile on my face.

"My my, are we making assumptions, Kotami-san~?" I asked with a threatening tone that made her tense and flinch with a comically horrified look on her face as her eyes moved to the side toward me without turning her head, "Your ego is stinking up the atmosphere, I suggest you stop while you're ahead in my presence." My voice was friendly but threatening as I gently yet forcibly moved her to the side as if dismissing her before giving a genuine smile to my twin sister who was in awe but also not sure if she should be scared or not of my sudden smile and change of personality. "I've come to let you know that I'm going to get ready early just so you don't get worried about not seeing me around." We were separating for the time being since the acting and talent sections were together while the singing parts were separate.

"O-Okay, Nee-san, good luck!" she said happily as I excused myself to get ready.

The music director told us that we were going to be singing in a sound booth with our own personal songs that we had to bring with us. Once our name is called we'll give our CD to them and prepare ourselves in the sound booth. Once our singing is finished, he'll give us his advice and critique it silently on his info sheet. When everyone is finished, we will get a half hour waiting time before announcing who made it through on the pass and fail board with the acting and talento.

It was a small group as we all sat in the sound studio, waiting for our turn.

I released a sigh before reaching into my jacket pocket to pull out a closed CD. It was the song that I wrote with the help of a few ex-co-workers from the music store who were musicians that I had worked with over a year or so ago. I explained what was going on as they had helped me put the song together with the record short time that they had. I promised them if I do make it pass this audition, they'll be the first ones I would suggest to have them as my bandmates. They had been trying really hard to get into the music industry but didn't have a good vocalist since their first one left them and went solo. I held the CD against my chest as the song inside held so much meaning since I was thinking of my sister when I wrote this; I really hope this goes well for the director.

The outfit that I wore was a black and white long sleeved striped top with a black under skirt and a see-through white over skirt. I wore comfortable ballet black flats to go with my look that I had gotten cheap over at the thrift store on clearance. It was almost my turn as I ran my fingers through the back of my hair into a spiky pixie style (think of the thirteen year old Sasuke Uchiha's hairstyle but more short and feminine) and took a few even breaths while rubbing my hands to calm myself.

The director began giving his advice to the singer that finished for a few moments through the mic before asking her to go to the waiting room as he made his personal notes for ten minutes.

"Next participant." I gave a nod and gave them the CD as I made my way to the sound booth. I walked in and closed the door before placing the headphones on as I stood in front of the microphone, "Please state your name and the song you wrote, please."

I nervously wrang my hands together as my nerves were kicking in again as the dizziness was creeping up, "M-My name is Youko Mogami and the song I wrote is called, "Fix You", dedicated to my little sister."

Shinji nodded and thanked me as the sound guy working the controls entered my CD.

I closed my eyes as I ignored the stares of everyone through the looking glass as the music soon began to play in a gentle manner in both my headphones and sound booth that caused me to lightly hug myself and parted my lips.

"When you try your best but you don't succee~d," I sang in a comforting but gentle manner but looked down as I continued on in confidence. "When you get what you want but not what you ne~ed," I glanced up as I was in my own story as I watched my own memory on how Kyoko was with Sho in the beginning on how he asked her to leave with him that made my sisters love for him stronger but I knew that it was what she wanted but not what she truly needed from him since it was completely one-sided.

"When you feel so tired but you can't sleep

Stuck in rever~se…" I watched how tired and overworked my sister became when working two jobs just to support the one she loved as she never moved forward, only backwards everyday.

My eyes turned sad as I was getting lost in the memories.

"When the tears come streaming down your face,

'cause you lose something you can't replace,

when you love someone but it goes to waste…"

I watched as Kyoko was reduced to tears when they were finally alone in that expensive, lonely apartment after the confrontation with Sho at his Agency, that she had lost her heart but had gone to waste with someone who didn't deserve it.

"What could it be wor~se?"

I gave a soft gentle smile as I held my arms open as if waiting to hug someone close to me as I sung the next bit, "Lights will guide you home," I closed my eyes as if I was hugging my sister in a comforting manner, "And ignite your bones," giving the warmth that my twin truly deserved before pulling away to gently hold each side of her face as if to wipe the tears away, "And I will tr~y to fix you~" My hands slowly lowered as the gentle beat of the music plays on with my eyes closing, preparing myself for the next lyrics.

"But high up above or down below

When you are too in love to let it show,"

I rubbed my arm while glancing down with a soft eye closed look, remembering when my sister and I were young our mother would be there for us but were always let down on how she treated us. We were afraid to show our love to our mother and didn't know how to act around her anymore.

"Oh but if you never try you'll never know

Just what you're worth,"

It was then when she degraded us for the last time when I stepped up, growing up faster to be responsible for my sister, protect her and give her what she needed; someone to rely on and tell her that she will always be something and that she will always be worth it; especially to me.

"Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones,"

I close my eyes and hug myself while I begin to sway side to side.

And I will tr~y to fix you

A warm sisterly smile spreads on my face as my eyes turn glassy with unshed tears while the memories continue on, watching my sister grow up to the beautiful young woman that never gave up from what she believed in with her head held up high.

"Tears come streaming down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

oh and tears come streaming down your face

And I~"

No matter what, I will always be here for her when things get rough or too hard and just needs a shoulder to cry on or just needs a tight hug from a loved one that everything will get better and not to give up.

"Tears streaming down your face

I promise you I will learn from all my mistakes

oh and the tears streaming down your face

And I~"

I sang the words with actual tears running down my face from all the mistakes I made for not being there for my sister sooner with our mother and Sho predicaments that I could have done something to save her from the heartbreak and betrayal. Though someday I know that there would come a time that she would have to learn how to do things on her own and fight her own battles now that we're starting a new chapter in our lives.

"Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones,"

The smile I put on was heartbreaking with tears rolling down my face as I slowly spread my arms out as if waiting to welcome a loving warm hug for someone that no matter the circumstance, I will always be there to comfort and chase away the worries and give the warmth that they'll need.

"And I will tr~y to fix you~"

After the song slowly came to an end, my face crumbled and began to cry into my hands openly that showed my vulnerability on how much this song meant to me. The director was kind enough to let me calm myself down before wiping away my tears and composing myself while apologizing. The man behind the glass watched me silently for a few moments before snapping out of himself and began to speak through the mic, "Firstly, I would have to say that this song was beautiful and well put, music wise." he complimented as I began to rub my arm nervously as I began to sweat. "You started off shaky in the beginning but did really well as you continued on. However, your nerves are still a main issue that can be worked with if you're given a chance to go through." I gave a shy sheepish yet nervous smile at his words, "Thank you very much, Mogami-san, please proceed to the waiting room with everyone else as we deliberate."

I put the headphones back and bowed politely before leaving the room after grabbing my jacket on the way. It wasn't hard to find Kyoko as she was standing nervously by the pillar, not far to where the results were going to be posted.

"Kyoko-chan…What's wrong?"

Said girl jumped a little but relaxed slightly but didn't release her nervousness as she explained what happened with her 'reaction' test that made me saddened a little, realizing what happened. I put on a hesitant smile and lightly hugged her, rubbing her arm a bit, "Don't worry, I'm sure there'll be a second chance…"

It was silence between us as we silently held each other in comfort, not knowing what our future would turn up to be. We could hear some of the women quietly muttering to each other and giving one another hope; there was barely any mention of my sister's 'incident' as I was thankful since they were nervous if they passed or failed.

Everyone tensed when the numbers of the ones who passed were shown up or crossed out. My sister and I held back from the crowd, some crying out of happiness or sadness on making the cut or not. Kyoko and I held hands and stepped up to the board and searched for our number. I paled when her number box was crossed out and mine wasn't.

I turned and looked at my sibling, "L-Listen-" I began but was cut off.

"You will continue further." My eyes widened as I began to sweat and tear up a bit.

"W-What? No, Kyoko-chan, I don't think I-"

"You can and you will, Nee-chan."

"But… but this is your revenge, I don't want to seem like I'm forgetting about-" I paused when she took both my hands and gave a semi-forced but sisterly smile.

"You've always been there for me for every step of the way when we were little, taking care of me, making sure that I ate everyday, praising me on things when I did something good…" hands tighten a little, "It's time for you to live your own dream and beat Sho at his own game; it's your turn to get praised." her smile was a little more genuine, "Don't worry, Nee-chan, I will find another way and figure this out," a male attendant was standing in front of the opened double doors and were calling for the people who passed to move into the room for further instructions, "Go on, I promise I'll be fine." she gave the eye closed head tilted smile that I liked so much, "Good luck, Youko-chan, I love you!" I responded to the sentiment as we tightened our hold for a few more seconds before releasing as I slowly headed toward the other room. I paused a moment as I looked back at her with the smile still on her face as she waved at me. I gave a hesitant smile in return as I lightly yet nervously waved back before walking into the room while trying not to cry.

From here on, it's going to be difficult without my sister by my side.

I never felt so alone and scared before in my life.

But I had to endure...

...and do my best.

For me, my sister and our guardians that would be cheering me on.

I took in a long breath and slowly released it with nervous determination filling my gaze as I walked further into the room, not at all seeing the depressed yet confused frown toward the passing board, wondering what she did wrong to not pass as the door closed behind me.

I just truly hope that I won't screw up.

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HOS: There you have it! The new and improved fourth chapter! I would have to say that this one was better and had made a lot more sense as I had forgotten the old one was a bit off and needed to be redone. Also I'm sorry if I made Youko too overprotective, I'll tone it down a bit if you don't like it!

Anyways, for Youko's future songs and music videos, what songs do you think would be good for her personality? I was thinking kind of like the bands of Nightwish, Within Temptation, Evanescence… let me know of your choices; can't wait to see what you think!

Chapter Four Song Choice: "Fix You" by Coldplay

Thank you for reading!

Ja ne~!

b^o^d

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