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DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR THE SONGS USED
*Heart Relation by anime: Dog Days, character: Millhiore (Yui Horie)

Momo's POV
I stood in front of the Starlight Academy entrance gates with my suitcase by my side. I brushed the ends of the skirt of my new uniform. Starting today I was officially a first year student at Starlight academy. "How nostalgic. It makes me remember about Aoi-chan and I's first day. That's right!" She brought a camera from her purse. "Let's take a picture."

She linked our arms together posing for the camera. We both gave a peace sign and smile. She pressed the button down hearing the shutter. She showed us the picture giving an approving noise. I saw that my mom's smile spread from ear to ear while mine was more casual. You can tell that we weren't alike in anyway. She continued to cling to my arm resting her head on mine. "You really are an idol now. I'm so proud of you." I felt her shift a little beside me to remove something from her pocket.

"One last present from me." She held a card out in front of me. I stood in awe. I took the card as my own, marveling at the way it shined. The Starlight Tiara accessory card. The tiara was lined with a blue gems as the base with a multi-colored star gem in the center. This matched the gold stud earrings with a star hanging piece. To finalize it all together, blue, pink, and white mixed pastel wings. I knew this card as the one grandma gave to mom during her idol days, not to mention it being the main piece for the Star Festival Coord. I looked at her once to make sure she was sure. She nodded.

"Thank you mom. I'll make sure to treasure it." I gave her one hug goodbye then placed the card in my pocket. I took my first step through the gates. Already from the distance I could see my fellow new students taking pictures and exploring the scenery. I leaned against the wall near the entrance to wait for Shouta to come too. He didn't make me wait long when i saw a car pull up with him inside. He gave his parents a hug goodbye before coming through the gates. He hesitantly walked through the crowd, careful not to bump into anyone. I jump scared him a little when I tapped on his shoulder.

"Hey. Nice uniform." I circled him while he squirmed under my gaze. Similar to the girl uniform it had the colors of white and blue. He wore white dress pants with a dark blue, closed, blazer and a red tie all being neatly kept along with his guitar case hanging off his shoulder.

"T-thanks. Yours's looks nice on you." He whispered.

"You should watch what you say, Higawari." I looked behind me to find dad in his work uniform, holding a small binder behind his head. He gave me a small rub on my head. Shouta was still as stone looking at my dad.

"Don't worry Shouta-kun, dad is basically harmless." I wrapped my arm around his shoulder showing dad how close we were.

Dad gave a small sigh. "Just wanted to make sure you guys weren't late. Your student guides will be here soon. Momo, you might learn something new from your guide."

I tilted my head a little when dad left us alone. Shouta got shocked back into reality quickly bowing in dad's direction. "I don't think I made a good impression."

"I wouldn't worry about that. Dad already knows about you or at least he should after I spoke about you almost every day. You've already met mom before so that's something." He blushed until he was red to the ears making me pet his head. He shook his head in a crazy manner trying to shake me off. I retracted my hand giving a little smile.

"You guys seem really close." I felt myself stunned from the presence beside me. I spun quickly taking a step back from the mystery voice. She stood in perfect posture a bit below my height with her Starlight uniform wrinkle free. Her long light blue hair and white tipped ends flowed in the wind only having a violet flower hair clip to keep it out of her pale face and matching paled turquoise eyes.

"Suzukawa Momo?" She took one step forward then held her hand out in front of her. "I'm Takahashi Charlotte. I'll be your student guide today." Takahashi Charlotte. Of course I knew that name. A second year student, cute idol, and above all the current Starlight Queen.

I hesitated in taking her hand. It was hard to believe that someone could have such an intimidating presence. She looked at me with unwavering, sharp eyes not faltering for a second as she shook my hand. I gave a nervous smile when she let go of my hand. "Today is orientation day so we can focus on making sure you're well prepared for your first day. Shall we start with a tour?" I paused before following behind her. Shouta gave me a nervous thumbs up for encouragement when his student guide caught him off guard.

Takahashi first brought me back to my new dorm to drop off my suitcase and bags. Unfortunately I couldn't to meet my roommate for the time being. Bags were already placed on one of the beds so at least I knew I had one.

Takahashi then brought me around the school grounds, keeping a short distance in front of me. She spoke with a dominating voice over me. Her explanations were short and concise. Never straying off topic nor creating conversation based on my life. It was clear that she ruled over Starlight with an iron fist. It made sense though. She was the only one since Kanzaki Mizuki's time, to win Starlight Queen in their first year. Many people are keeping their eyes on her progress to see if she could live up to that standard. That or people would run away from her in fear.

When she finished her tour off at the auditorium she asked me, "Is there anything you need now?"

"Actually, there is one place I would like to go. Can you show me to the Hall of Stars?" She looked to scowl at me but didn't say anything against it as she turned on her heel. The Hall of Stars. The main attraction of Starlight Academy was off the main hall but one of the first things that dad showed me years ago. Statues of those who once held the top idol status stood in forever memory. Only three of them caught my eye.

First was the statue on the far left, legendary duo unit group, Masquerade. Covering their faces with masks, Miya and Hime shook the world. Singing their top song Wake up my Music, to dancing Johnny Bepp's original choreography to even acting in movies like Stylish Thief Swallowtail. At their peak of popularity they both decided that it was time to hang up their masks. Hime became the previous Headmistress of Starlight while Miya created her own bento shop soon becoming my grandma. A few years ago they performed as a short reunion not missing a single beat proving why their music continued to live in their lives. Even after their retirement their legacy remained in hearts of everyone including the statue across them.

Kanzaki Mizuki. The three time Starlight Queen was inspired by Masquerade's efforts that she become an idol after a one year hiatus from modelling. Since her break never once did she stop rising. She became the leader, and most of the time creator, of groups Tristar, Star-Anis, WM and Aikatsu 8. She officially became a legend when she broke the Aikatsu system. Special appeals, the main course of many performances, requires the stamina of the performer to be impossibly high. Even then the maximum was 3 appeals which she bluntly disregarded by performing 4 all while giving a perfect performance.

I've only met her two or three times in my life. From her gait to the way she spoke, everything about her radiated with professionalism. She spoke without any hesitation, yet still careful of her words. She always knew how to take over the atmosphere just by walking in. What people didn't know was that she was even the reason that Aunt Tiara was able to create Dream Academy. Nowadays, she continues to be a mystery when she gave a sudden retirement announcement before disappearing. With her reputation people thought she would forever remain on top. Only one idol stood on top of her.

The statue on the very end stood was the current top idol, whose spot did not change for more than 20 years. The Great Star-Miya festival, the Lilac Fairy Coord, Etude of Radiance everything was made for her on that day to take over Mizuki's spot. My hand brushed over the plaque reading the name, 星宮 いちご. Hoshimiya Ichigo. A genuine idol from the start with the natural ability to attract those around her. On the day of the Great Star-Miya festival, mom officially took over Mizuki's spot in the Aikatsu ranking and has not moved an inch to this day.

Many tried to beat her including her successor Oozara Akari, or Sena Akari as she refers to by now. Though she was able to become Starlight Queen, a title mom never got, it still wasn't enough. Their unit group, Cosmos, was short lived after work began to pile up that their disbandment was not surprising. When her idol days came to an end she continues to work as a weather girl with her past experience. Last I heard she is expecting her third child soon.

Of course, mom had been removed from the current Aikatsu ranking after her retirement yet no one could beat the records that she made. I could probably go on for hours of all that she accomplished. I probably wouldn't even name half of them. I looked up to the statue as it was reaching out to the audience.

'An idol's smile might not be able to fill your stomach but I hope that seeing me on stage today brings at least a tinge of warmth to your heart and that, both today and tomorrow, your lives become just a touch more wonderful.' I re-watched that tape a thousand times. The words of my mom were etched into my mind. Hoshimiya Ichigo was my goal.

I jumped a little when Takahasi's phone started to ring. "Sorry about that." She held one hand up then placed her Aikatsu phone next to her ear. "Hello?... Yes, I have her right here... I understand. We'll be there soon. Bye."

She pocketed her phone. "Headmistress wants to talk to you." She said monotonously.

Takahashi knocked waiting for Headmistress Aoi to give her permission. "Come in!" She yelled from the closed door.

Takahashi held the door open for me to enter. When I entered I already found Shouta waiting in front of Aoi's desk. He gave me a small wave. Takahashi closed the door behind us while I walked over. "Suzukawa Momo. Higawari Shouta. I want to, first, congratulate both of you. Both of your auditions were exceptional. Your interviews were defiantly the highlight to see."

She spun a bit in her chair then slid two trays onto the table. We both took a few steps forward looking curiously at the cards inside. "These are the cards that you guys used during your audition. Momo-chan had picked the Aegean- Blue Torte Coord. Higawari-kun the Forest Checkered Gentlemen Coord. Cards are an idol's life so make sure to treasure these."

"Yes!" We both said at the same time. We scooped up our cards into our hands admiring the way they sparkled. Headmistress Aoi retrieved another tray with two Aikatsu phones and two Starlight cards. We both picked up our respected items.

"Along with those are your Aikatsu phones and student ID. Your phones can help you stay in touch, store your cards' data, help sign up or inform you on auditions and much more. Your Aikatsu is just starting from this point out."

"Yes!" I took out mom's Starlight Tiara card sliding it into my Aikatsu phone followed by the Torte cards. The phone quickly scanned the information before releasing the cards back out. I would have to get a binder for these soon. Shouta saw what I was doing and copied. He carefully played around with a few of the buttons.

"Now that that business is dealt with." Aoi pushed her chair out then stood up. "It's time for the welcoming ceremony. Are you ready Char-chan?" I looked behind us to see Takahashi's head down. She slowly brought her head back up. She opened her eyes but instead of the pale turquoise eyes that I've been seeing all day, they turned to a dark navy like blue. She smiled brightly which gave me a shock.

"Yes! I'm going to put my heart on the line for the audience!" She winked taking my breath away. Takahashi happily skipped her way out of the office leaving me dumbfound. I've only heard rumors about Takahashi but I never thought it was to this extent. Off stage, Takahashi was intimating and chilling girl that I spent the day with. On stage, with the name "Char", Takahashi became the top cute idol that caused even the toughest people to coo under her. An idol with a split-personality disorder on the opposite sides of the spectrum.

Shouta and I found some empty seats in the concert hall among our fellow first year students along with the male population that were a part of all three years. It took a while for everyone to get seated but once that was done, Headmistress Aoi stood in front of the podium. She cleared her throat once to silence the hall. "Welcome everyone to Starlight Academy, I'm the Headmistress Kiriya Aoi. Though I've said this many times already, I congratulate everyone for passing their auditions. As of today your Aikatsu is just starting. Starlight Academy has been founded for years now shaping the minds of many to become idols that many look up to. Even though I am new I will try my best to meet the requirements you need to excel. With the help of our experienced staff I hope that everyone can become a wonderful idol."

She received a round of applause. "Now to welcome you even further, the current Starlight Queen, Takahashi Charlotte." The crowd screamed in joy as Headmistress Aoi stepped off the stage. The stage shifted into Angel Neon stage. One of my eyebrows raised when I noticed that it was different than I remembered. Instead of the usual octagonal stage it was changed to include a runway with the main stage at the end. The lighting was even darker than usual giving the standing mic a spotlight. That was the strangest part. If the stage was changed to a runway then why would there be a standing mic?

I recalled back to when I first found about her. Her voice was soft for the most part, fitting for the heart-filled love songs about teenage girls in love. Takahashi emerged from the floor in an Angely Sugar's Twinkle Angel Coord's with the Twinkle Angel Corsage replacing her earlier flower hair clip. She waved using her entire arm before closing her eyes. The audience became quiet as the soft music came on.

Itsu demo soba ni ita

Anata no sono tonari

Onnaji negaigoto

Dakishimete irareta

The corners of her mouth pointed up a little with confidence. She opened her new navy eyes causing the audience to scream once more when the back screen came on plastering her performance for all to see properly. The next part caught my attention. She kicked the base with enough force to make it roll down the runway. The music picked up in both tempo and volume.

Kono te wo nobashite

Anata ni furetai

Hajimari no kodou wo kiite

She reached out to the audience releasing her aura of multicolored ribbons, white sparkles and violet flowers. She started dancing the runway making sure to wave at the audience.

Kitto tsunagaru Relation

Sora ni egakidasu

Motto yuuki wo atsumete

Tsuyoku tsuyoku kokoro tsunagareru you ni

Aozora no shita

Hibiku kane no ne She raised her hand up to her ear, closing her eyes.

Mimi wo sumasete Walking backwards she inched closer to the edge of the stage.

Hajimari wa sugu soko

At the last moment she turned around. With the short break that she had she perform a Quick Cute Appeal. Landing elegantly back on the stage she made her way to the end of the runway. She grabbed hold of the mic stand from earlier.

Kitto tsunagaru Relation

Sora ni hibikasete

Motto yuuki wo atsumete

Tsuyoku tsuyoku kokoro hanarenai you ni

After the music ended, she gave a bow. The audience went crazy with applause and whistles for her. She removed the mic from the stand holding one hand up. "Hello everyone, I'm Takahashi Charlotte. I'm only a second year idol here but I wish to be a senpai that you can look up to."

Shouta and I sat in the cafeteria for dinner. We set down our trays at a table for ourselves. I sat for a while playing with my food thinking about Takahasi's performance realizing what dad meant by me learning something from her. "Something on your mind?" Shouta asked.

"Takahashi-senpai's performance is non-sequitur to my credence." I stabbed a tomato down. "My quondam conjecture was that she was bagatelle idol that uses a phantasm to annex a voluminous concourse." I looked up from the tomato to Shouta signaling with his arms crossed over his chest making an x. A signal he made up to tell me when he didn't understand my language. "She's not what I expected. I thought she was just a cute idol that boosted the image to her fan-base."

"Oh, but she is a cute idol, is she not?"

"It's not just that. Everything about her performance was planned out to the smallest detail. First was the mic. In performances they choose between the Aikatsu system and a mic. Since the Aikatsu system can automatically increase sound most people ditch mics so that they can include their hands in the dance. Her first part of the song was meant to be quiet. By kicking the stand away then switching over to the Aikatsu system people would expect the sound quality to decrease but in contrast the song got louder. Giving the illusion of her having being able to scream to the audience. Finally she got her mic back for the climax of the song making her sound more powerful even without an actual change."

"I didn't think about that. Now that you mention it, the sound didn't really change from her original soundtrack."

"Right. Then was her dance and appeal. She made sure to pay attention to her fans to hype up the audience. In the middle of the song she moved closer to the edge with her eyes closed just to turn away at the last second. Not only does that show her crazy amount of practice to trust being sightless, it was also to put everyone on the edge of their seats. Then when everyone was in shock, she performed her special appeal. A Quick Cute Appeal, the fastest type of appeal. If she were to have performed a bigger appeal in that short amount of time, it would have thrown the whole song and dance off. Everything was planned out."

I mixed the tomato in the salad. Takahashi Charlotte was truly worthy of owning the title of Starlight Queen. "I want to pass my mom's status. Both of my parents know that that's my goal. Right now Takahashi-senpai is the top dog here. If I want to get close to who my mom was then I have to get though Takahashi-senpai. Before that there are many other idols that are below her. The idol world is vast so I have to be prepared for the others to come. My dad was trying to warn me about that."