As I'm releasing this chapter there is a lot going on the world. I'm sure you are all aware of what's currently going on. Make sure to take this issue seriously but don't panic. Be responsible and smart! Stay indoors, avoid large groups, and keep things clean. Keep yourself safe and healthy and look out for others!

DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR THE SONGS USED

*Red Flash Revolution by Pripara

Momo's POV

"I want a favour though." Kikyo tauntingly waved the binder in front of me. "In a few days I have a small showcase. The MC we got suddenly had a conflict that they can't make it. Fill in the spot for me."

"Deal."

A week ago I had made a deal with Inoue Kikyo to fill in as an mc for her special showcase. With all the Starlight anniversary work behind me it was onto the next item on my list to do.

Inoue Kikyo. There was a lot that could be said about her. The only word that stuck to me though was that she was incredibly stubborn. The more I look into her background, the more I find that she really enjoys going at her own pace. It could be seen through her interview to Dream Academy that she trained to be an idol for a long time. Its because of that training specifically that she was already soaring to the tops of the Aikatsu rankings. She truly lived up to her title of Ace of Spades.

There was only one first year from Starlight that was above her in rankings and that was none other than the Eternal Laugh. Watanabe Fumiko. Not only was she gaining attention from her association with Char, her work at the gaming company was well acknowledged and received by others. When it mattered the most, Fumiko had the personality that people looked for in idols that it wasn't a surprise to me that she was so high up.

That didn't mean that I gave up to either of them. Close behind her was Shouta and I at a back and forth tie. Shouta had been placed in a different ranking for boys but it didn't change that he was already making his impact on everyone. Meanwhile I was acknowledged by people as the idol that met all their expectations with the unusual twist.

That applied to today as well as being an mc for a showcase wasn't something that was announced beforehand. I had received what I would be doing a few days in advance that I was well aware that I was only here to bring out more in Inoue. An mc's job was to speak with the performer and announce things so that the audience is able to follow along. After all the planning that I had to do for the Starlight Anniversary, this was way less stressful on me.

I stepped out of the car bidding the driver a farewell and thanks closing the door behind me. I looked up at the wide building that was going to be the venue for today. It was smaller than the one for Char's but was still relatively large. Especially for a first year showcase.

"Suzukawa Momo, I presume?" I turned to face who I assumed to be a worker by the lanyard around their neck.

"That'll be me. Please take care of me today." I bowed to them which they copied.

"Likewise. If you'll follow me." The worker walked ahead of me into the building. "I'm sure that you must have gotten the information for today so we're not too concerned of any mishaps. Did you have any questions yourself though?"

"None at the moment I believe." I kept walking beside them as they were showing me around the building. They briefly went over the plan for today and what I would be in charge of first.

"We'll be doing your mic check right now. Please wait here while I get your microphone." I nodded to the worker as I was left alone backstage.

I was watching all the other people do their jobs. Though people were still screaming and running around, it could be seen that all of them knew what was happening. I have to admit that it was a bit strange that I wasn't taking part the planning. Everything was pretty much done beside the last minute checks that were needed. It almost made me paranoid that something terrible was going to happen. But I guess even me taking on so many planning roles was a big stretch for me to be doing in the first place. This was a nice change of pace.

I was watching two workers pushing around carts full of equipment when I felt a breeze flow past my ear with a flash of pink catching my eye. I quickly tried to find that spark of pink not seeing anything. I lift my hand up to my ear brushing my hair. 'How strange. I thought I saw something.'

All around me I just saw people coming and going. There was nothing that I saw that stood out. "Suzukawa-san?"

I snapped out of it looking back at the worker who returned. "Everything okay?"

"Yes absolutely I just got a bit surprised."

"By?"

"I'm not too sure myself. Perhaps it was all in my mind. Don't mind me much." I looked down at the microphone two microphones in hand. One was black while the other white meaning that they were meant for two people. It was strange that there were two as I assumed that Inoue would be using the Aikatsu system to project her voice. I pointed to the black microphone. "Is that for me?"

They were confused by me but continued on. "Yes, it is."

I was handed the microphone and was directed the main stage. This venue could fit easy about a thousand people. The stage was wide that I couldn't believe that this was going to be for a soloist. Why she needed an mc made sense now. I looked down at the floor seeing familiar gray taped x's in place to show where we were going to be standing for the most part. As common protocol I went to the one that was less centered.

The worker didn't say anything nodding that I knew what to do without straight direction. "May I ask where Inoue-san is?"

"I believe that Inoue-san is still practicing. This is just a simple sound check though so it won't impact much if I fill in the spot for now. Should I call for her?" I shook my head looking at the white microphone that they were still holding.

"It's fine. Though I was wondering why you have a second microphone if Inoue-san can use the Aikatsu system?"

"You didn't hear? Inoue-san is using a hand mic for all her performances."

"Excuse me?" I was completely shocked. "Isn't the song she's performing tonight Red Flash Revolution?"

The worker chuckled a bit at me. "We were surprised by her choice as well. Her rehearses all went fine so we aren't worried about it further."

Amazing. I knew that Inoue was confident in her skills but this way was extraordinary to witness. Red Flash Revolution wasn't a hard song in particular but it required a clear pronunciation and accented notes to sound as powerful as intended. Especially for the chorus it had nice short notes that could be easy to mess up. Not to mention that for most of those cluster of notes was often followed by a one that prolonged and attached ending.

One would know to avoid these kind of technicalities with a hand mic and choreography. A hand mic is able to pick up a lot more sounds and unlike the Aikatsu system, is unfiltered. All the elements of the stage together I couldn't believe that she was going to make such a big bang.

"Shall we begin the soundcheck?" I nodded. "We'll start on lower volumes and work our way up and repeat if necessary."

The worker moved to x that was assuming was going to be used for Inoue. I turned on the microphone preparing to start when I felt chill run down my spine. It was different than the feeling I had early. This one was colder but just as powerful. I didn't bother turning around knowing exactly who had appeared. "I apologize for the delay. I got held up more than I thought."

"It's no problem Inoue-san. Suzukawa-san and I were going to start the soundcheck now." The worker handed her the microphone. When she stood on the x the professional smile dropped as she was forced to face me.

"It's nice to see you too Inoue-san." I said almost sarcastically. I was well aware of Inoue's attitude to me. I had no clue as to why but I have no intention of finding out. It must have manifested even before recording with Shouta and I knew that I have zero interactions with her prior that her hatred towards me was on a more personal level.

She took a deep breath then pushed her glasses back up. "I look forward to working with you Suzukawa Momo."

Inoue pulled the most fake smile that she could make and made sure that I could tell. I chuckled at how childish she was acting behind her idol image. Unlike her I had no negative intentions on her. In fact it was quite amusing to watch her fume over me. It's not everyday that someone can openly state that they dislike me towards my face with such confidence. A fellow idol too nonetheless. I made sure to smile with my true emotions towards her.

"Please treat me well today, Inoue Kikyo-san."

I sighed watching Inoue doing the last minute checks before we opened the doors. Everything was going according to her plan. Was that a part of her idea to invite me here? To show me how a real showcase was suppose to go without any hitches?

"You know an idol is suppose to be smiling." I raised my head seeing a worker talking to me. She wore a white mouth mask, a pair of fake black glasses and had tied up her hair in a ponytail under a cap.

I pulled the corners of my mouth upwards. "Can I help you?"

"I was hoping to help you actually. Are you bored?"

"Am I that obvious to read?" She moved to stand beside me. There was something completely mysterious about this worker that I was more interested in than Inoue.

"Let's just say that I'm good at reading people. Would it be alright if ask why you feel this way?" I hmm'd in thought.

"Probably the most preponderate elucidation I can offer is-" I stopped seeing that she was quite obviously was confused, "The best way that I can explain it is that she isn't showing me how she as an idol is different."

Surprisingly, and disappointingly, Inoue met all my expectations except one. She didn't stand out like I thought that she would. Yes, all her work was incredible to see up close. As we went through the dry run of everything, she never missed a step in anything. I predicted all of that. I, also, knew that she would never act unprofessional in front of the other workers. Even if she hated me there was a fine line of not getting others involved that she respected. It was the same at Char's concert as well. Though she was reluctant to give me her cards, she knew that if she didn't then everyone that worked for the concert and everyone in the audience would be disappointed.

Nothing more than a few scoffs and eye rolls towards me from the side. But she brought me here for a reason. Having me host her showcase was a chance for her to prove something to me. To do something that would make me see her. If she was just using me as a host that would be boring. And that wasn't really her style from what I could see. So far nothing screamed for her to be some amazing idol. Musical talent, absolutely. But the idols that I was with were the ones that were always surprising me.

I was hoping that the girl who straightforward told me that I wasn't fit to be an idol would be the one to show me what she defined one to be. Alas, she only remained petty that everything was completely boring. Out of all the expectations that I wanted her to meet that was the only one that I really wanted her to complete.

"Different to stand out or different from you?" I smirked at her question. This worker peeked my interest in how she spoke. It was confident, almost cocky, but genuinely invested in my answers.

"I would say yes to both."

"Then wouldn't it be too early to judge her. An idol shines the most on their stage." I tried to see if I could see more of her features behind her mask when someone yelled out that the doors were now opened and for everyone to get into positions. When I turned back to the worker, she was gone from my sight with zero trace.

I stood up with my microphone in hand going over to Inoue. She took one look at me. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm just looking forward to your stage is all. Don't disappoint me now."

"I'm not looking for your approval out of everyone." The workers around us seemed to have tensed up at her tone. I reassured them with a smile that I was unaffected by her crudeness.

"So whose are you looking for?" I said the same way that the worker had said to me. She glared at me then looked around. When she couldn't find what she was looking for she just grumbled under her breath. From what I could hear it was like she was complaining about someone. "While we have some time may I ask you a question?"

"Depends on what it is." She crossed her arms over her chest. No matter what it was that I did to her it just seemed like I was the problem.

"Why do you want to be an idol? What kind of idol do you want to be?"

"What? Why are you asking me that?" I took a step closer.

"Why do you want to be an idol? What kind of idol do you want to be?" I repeated myself. I knew the answer. I saw her Dream academy's audition long ago and her answer was still fresh in my mind. I remembered how clearly she told her answer to the interviewers. I wanted to hear it from her right now while I still had some interest in her.

When she saw that I didn't back down she straightened herself. It was a simple question at first glance but to an idol it was their ultimate motivator. It was like asking a writer how one would write or a doctor why they would go through all the training they do. To idols just the same. We had hard times that tell us to quit, why do we continue to go forward? Why should I pay attention to someone who hates me? Will the eyes of the public stay on her? That would only be answered if she strives for that.

"It's sparkling. The world of idols. That's all."

Just like in the video, her eyes were sparkling. Almost like she was reflecting her thoughts through them. There was a lot more than what she was saying. It stuck out to me because of exactly that. She had a purpose that she fully believed in that didn't need anyone to verify. A lot of people had a similar reason for pursuing idol work. Our world truly is sparkling in so many eyes. A straightforward, simple, confident answer that promoted more questions for everyone to look into themselves. That's the type of idol that Inoue Kikyo was.

"In your master plan, do I play a part? Is that why you invited me today?"

"You, Suzukawa Momo, do play a role." I could see her eyes go past me. I followed the gaze to the monitors that had people slowly filling in the venue's seats. "You are but the obstacle that I have to overcome."

I snorted when she didn't even look at me. That was it. I wasn't the final goal to her. I took a step to the side to block her view. Her eyebrows scrunched up as I did so. "Don't think that I'll be that easy to win against. I'll be watching your stage. Prove yourself the idol way."

Her face twitched annoyance. "I already said that I don't need your approval."

"And yet you never answered my previous answer. There's someone out there. Someone that you want to acknowledge you and that showed the beauty hidden in the idol's world. I can tell. There's a reason that I'm that obstacle in your way."

"What do you know about me?!" Inoue was seething in anger. I nodded.

"Granted, I'm not great at reading moods like Fumiko. I can tell this much though. You told Shouta that you don't see me as an idol. That means that I don't sparkle, correct? Neither do you I. Your talent is undoubted; your confidence is fresh but you as a person are boring to me. All is too predictable and quite repetitive overall. You don't shine yet."

She bit her lip. Should could have screamed profanities at me but didn't. If she did it would only enforce what I said. I slowly raised my hand and patted her shoulder. With a smile I told her once more, "I look forward to your stage. Please show me that there's more."

I had no harsh feelings towards her but her personality needed this to push her further. A challenge to get her blood boiling. I want to see Inoue Kikyo sparkle like the idol she wants to be.

The showcase was going off without any bugs. On stage we forgot about our little squabble and acted as if nothing had happened. We, as idols, put our own wants aside for a little while to put on a good show. That's our little world. Having to meet her eyes all the time, I could clearly see everything that she wanted to say. That was fine.

Now it was time for her stage. I was standing off in the wings watching her stand center in her Chameleon's Skin outfit. "Everybody I want to thank you all again for coming to see my first showcase!"

Cheers and applause rang out. "Today I came here in front of you to show just exactly what I'm capable of. Did everyone have fun today?!"

She released a content sigh at all the screams of affirmation. "There is one more thing that I want to mention. It's about the mc that you saw tonight, Suzukawa Momo. I would like to say something in front of everyone and towards her in particular."

Her idol smile dropped looking at me. The first time that she's shown her real face in front of cameras. She's starting her move. "I'm going to shine brightly. Nothing will get in my way."

The audience was silent. No one understood what was happening except for me. She needed no one's approval for what she truly wanted. It was then that I understood why she wanted to invite me here. My heart rate increased in excitement. A formal declaration to win against me.

Inoue turned around, the lights going down. The spotlights were thrown on her when the music started.

Sā, torikago nante Breakout kakumei no Red Flash! (Flash!). When she turned around her idol aura pouted out of her and everyone had forgotten what had happened mere moments before. Black spades and pink lighting bolts, and white sparkles. No, wait. White reflections almost like mirror shards.

Son'na semai sekai de habatakeru to omotteru no? All of her hits were on the beat.

"Ashita kara honki" tte...dame ne, toberu sora ga nai wa

Uchū wo tsukuru Big Bang wo okosu kurai

Atsui omoi wo hora, moyashite Red Flash! I paid extra close attention as the chorus was coming up.

Get ready?

So feel, so feel, so feel, so feel

free to free, girls!

Kaihō shichainasai! (Red Flash!)

Amai kūsō, sore ja No No! Kotori chan tachi!

Akai shōdō no mi ga (Red Flash!) dōkasen'na no yo

Kuchibiru ni fureta shunkan ni Red Flash! (Liberation Rouge!)

Sā, torikago nante Breakout kakumei no Red Flash! (Flash!)

Chameleon's Skin's special appeal. Multiple patches of different designed patterns covered our view. Stripped, dotted, zig-zag, it represented how the top designer was always trying something new. Inoue broke through the patches giving a wink, in the background a faint outline of a Chameleon could be seen. Break through the standard but hide in the plain sight until it mattered. That was the motto for the top designer.

Kaihō shichae! Her vocals were no joke

Sā, jiyū ni natte Breakout kakumei no Red Flash! (Flash!)

Inoue on stage breathed heavily trying to catch her breath for her final messages.

"So how was it? Inoue Kikyo's stage?" The strange worker was by my side again. It was thrilling to watch Inoue in her most comfortable place. She wasn't sparkling just yet though. There was something missing that I couldn't put my finger on.

"She's good. She knows how to keep eyes on her in her own special way. Like she's demanding all attention to her and no one else. She fits the mold of Chameleon's Skin to the T."

"Oh?" The worker cocked her head.

I looked away from Inoue to her dress. The red skirt with a black thick hem, appeared almost inflated like they did in the older times for royalty. Except one would never see the length to be above the knees. And they would absolutely would not be wearing a pair of gray laced leggings underneath. The top was the regular bodice with red camellias on the top and a tie but the non attached sleeves that took on the puff similar to the skirt in black with white dots.

A head band with a camellia on the end and a black shirt collar alone. A pair of high heeled bright red boots with yellow laces. A mixture of older renaissance and today's most common fashion looks.

"Almost like the dress was made specifically for her. An outfit made for a queen that was willing to do things her own way. Not the Queen of Hearts that only commanded others nor the Ace of Spades title that she had gained as an idol but in fact the-"

"Queen of Spades." We said at the same time. Under the mask the worker smiled at me.

"That's the name of the coord you know? You were able to pick that up right away. I'm impressed." The worker told me. I chuckled in response.

"It must feel nice that the muse delivered the message so clearly then. Though I'm sure you must have evaluated Inoue-san stage yourself. Seeing as you're an idol as well." She didn't even seem surprised when I figured it out.

"How did you know?"

"Before you talked to me, I felt your aura earlier. It can be quite hard to hide for someone of your caliber. Though I have to say its because of how Inoue-san tried looking for you when I imitated your way of questioning that gave away who you really were."

She sighed shaking her head. "And here I thought I would be a mysterious worker that would linger in your mind. So you've this far, who am I?"

I turned to her giving her a bow. "It's an honour to meet you Inoue Ayano-senpai."

Inoue Ayano, a third year at Dream Academy. Originally when she started out she was also in the idol course. But when her clothing line started taking off she switched to full time designer courses with her own brand Chameleon's Skin. And then recruited her own younger sister to be her top muse. That didn't mean she abandoned her idol ways as she was still a model and performer in her spare time. The top designer in charge of trying to change the fashion world with her unique ideas. The Boundless Beauty, Inoue Ayano.

Ayano removed the mask and hanged her fake glasses on her shirt. She took off the cap, letting her long light brown hair free running a hand through all the knots. Without all the constraints her aura was fully exposed to me. A bright pink thread and a sewing needle moved in a wave motion around her. Pale yellow and light green streaks circled her like spring wind bringing in the new.

"I'm kinda glad you figured it out since this was so stuffy. As expected of the Genius Wildcard to find me out."

"That title is still something I'm getting use to."

"It suits you. Its like I can never really pin you down to one thing. I want to hear more of what you have to say. Are you free tomorrow? I would like to learn more about your insight into things and why my sister is so set on you." Of course, I wanted this chance. Ayano, unlike her sister, was someone that I feel that I would get along with. In every way she was absolutely the type of person I wanted to see in an idol.

"I'm afraid I'll have to take a rain check as I am busy tomorrow."

"A job?" I shook my head.

"Nope. A date."

Aipom4: I SAW THAT TOO! I WAS REALLY SURPRISED AT IT BUT IT REALLY IS AMAZING TO SEE!

Trivia: So if you've been reading my story for a while then you may have noticed that I had called Kikyo's sister Akari. I only realized recently that I totally forgot about Oozora Akari heh. It was strange since I had written about Oozora Akari already as well but for some reason the fact that I was writing about another Akari completely slipped my mind. So I changed her name to be Ayano so don't mind me if you notice the change in earlier chapters.

Honestly staying indoors has given me writer's block sorta. Hopefully the next chapter will be better as I've been looking forward to writing for a long time. Till next time stay safe!