#saotome design was definitely a choice

[polariod240]

Does Kotetsu Shin Jeeg have a fandom? If not, I'll start with "oh my god I'm at episode 2 and I want Kenji and Saotome to be endgame somehow"

[merryfortune]

Goody Two-Shoes

Written for @5daysofygofemslash

Day 1: Beach | Snow

Title: Goody Two-Shoes

Ship: Maidenshipping | Momoe/Rei 

Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

Rating: T

Word Count: 1,601

Tags: Mid-Canon, Developing Relationship, Fluff

   “I’m bad,” Momoe muttered to herself over and over again, “I’m so bad.”

   Her mantra was fortified by the fact that she had something to prove but weakened by the fact her knees were knocking. Her skin was crawling. Her stomach was churning. Her palms were sweating and oh golly! Her nigh perfect record of attendance, which had been forgiven due to the unusual nature of the one incident which had caused her (and Junko, and Asuka, as well as some slackers from Osiris Red) to skip school.

   But this?

   This was different.

Momoe was doing it completely of her own free will because she had something to prove - and something to prove to none other than Junko, Asuka, and worst of all: those slackers from Osiris Red.

   “Aw, you're such a goody two-shoes, Momoe, it's really cute.” Momoe recalled Junko teasing her over a picnic lunch on the greens with a weird mix of all their friends from across all three dorms.

   “Am not.” Momoe had pouted in response, crossing her arms in front of her.

   “You are too,” Asuka chided her, feeling bad to do so but agreeing with the overwhelming sentiment that Momoe was a goody two-shoes, “it's what makes you so cute.”

   “I’m not cute.” Momoe huffed.

   “Are too.” Literally everyone in the group - Junko, Asuka, Judai, Sho, Jun, Tyranno, and even Jim - echoed back at her with a chorus of mismatched laughter to boot.

   So now, Momoe had a mission.

   Before the end of the school year, before she and the other third years graduated, before she went to university and majored in clothing design, Hamaguchi Momoe was going to do something naughty. She was going to do the unthinkable, the unbelievable, and she decided that what that unthinkable, unbelievable thing she would do is… She was going to skip school.

   Think about it, she had excellent grades and a near unblemished record of attendance. She never got sick, she never got kidnapped or caught up in the wild stories that the others in her class seemed to so it was perfect. It wouldn’t jeopardise her chances of getting into her university of preference but it would still prove to the others that Momoe was bad. That she was so bad, in fact.

   Taking one look around the island in which their beloved and insane Duel Academia was situated, it was super obvious that there was only one place for Momoe to go on her quest: the beach.

   The beach was a perfect place for a would-be delinquent to go hang out. It was wide and vast, the entire island was ringed with golden sands and azure waters, it would be, like, so totally hard for the teachers to find just one student playing hooky out here. Hitting the sand, adding up some rays for a tan, the beach was great. 

   Not to mention, it was relatively safe, too. 

   So long as she stayed out of the way of rips and jellyfish, it was definitely safer than anywhere near the active volcano or various secret laboratories. So yes, the beach was a perfect place for Momoe to prove she was bad. That she was so bad, even.

   Except, as it would turn out, Momoe was not the only one to have this thought.

   She had been fully expecting to be the only student out here truanting in this particular stretch of the beach but nope. There was another girl here. Someone she recognised even and was recognised in turn by.

   “Oh, hey, Momoe, you wanna hang out?”

   Saotome Rei reached out to her, jumping up and down, waving at her and flagging her down. Momoe sighed. She had no choice but to say yes. Social obligations and all that. It would be awkward to turn her down and already, just coming out what? A mile or so from the main hub of the school, her feet were killing her. She was burning sunlight so Momoe didn’t really want to keep creeping along too far.

   So hanging out with Rei it was.

   Momoe knew a little bit about Rei. She’d never hung out one on one with her. They were in different dorms, different years. That made it a little bit hard, even with their big group of mutual friends. But she still knew a little bit about her. She was a hopeless romantic and allegedly a genius duellist. She was younger than everyone and had gotten in on a mix of talent, skill, and smarts. That she was bit of a tomboy, too, at the same time. 

   Honestly, Momoe didn’t know whether or not she would get along with Rei. At least not without Asuka or Judai or a couple other people in the mix. No hard feelings or anything, she just didn’t know Rei all that well. It was probably going to be weird. And awkward.

   Except it wasn’t.

   The conversation ensued quite naturally, all things considered. Whilst Rei skipped rocks on the ocean and Momoe watched.

   “So what brings you out here?” Rei asked.

   “Um. A dare. I’ve been dared to skip classes.” Momoe said. “I want to prove I’m not a goody two-shoes.”

   “I see.” Rei said. “Are you a goody two-shoes?”

   “I, uh, think I am.” Momoe said and she buckled.

   She sank down to her knees and sat in the sand. Rei laughed at Momoe’s expense and Momoe held herself. Her stomach was still churning, after all. She blushed.

   “I hate it.” Momoe confessed. “I’m really not good at this hooky thing.”

   “That’s cute.” Rei laughed.

   Momoe groaned. “I don’t want to be cute! I want to be pretty and sexy and hot!”

   “You’re all those things too-” Rei said and then stopped stone still when she realised she had implied she thought Momoe was sexy. Not just pretty. Or hot. Okay, hot was probably an awkward thing to also imply.

   But just as Rei was embarrassed, Momoe was mortified. She hid her face in her hands and changed how she sat. She sat like an egg, knees under her chin and groaned.

   “Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to put my foot in my mouth and make things worse but…” Rei’s voice trailed off sheepishly, whatever she had cued up on her mind, Momoe could sense it would be both genuine and sincere. “But I really do think you’re all those things. Cute, pretty, and, erm, you know hot. I know the Ra Yellow Boys think that way.”

   “You're sweet, Rei.” Momoe miserated.

   “Still no good?” Rei laughed.

   “A little.” Momoe replied. “But, um, what about you? Why are you skipping school?”

   “Felt like it.” Rei shrugged.

   “Oh.” Momoe mumbled.

   “Yeah.” Rei said.

   She threw out another stone and Momoe watched with rapt attention. She lifted herself up just to watch how Rei’s wrist flicked and how that resulted in the stone bouncing across the ever moving and ever constant waves. One, two, three ripples! Momoe gasped, impressed.

   “You're pretty good at that.” she said.

   “Aw, thanks. Cute, pretty, and sweet! You’ll make someone very happy one day.” Rei said and then sighed enviously. 

   “You flatterer, you.” Momoe teased Rei.

   “No, really, I mean it.” Rei said. “I come on way too strong but I think it's important to be yourself. You’ll find someone eventually. And I will too, I’m sure. So please don’t worry about being a goody two-shoes. If that’s what makes you, well, you then screw everyone else. Keep being you and you’ll find your kindred spirit, your destined love. I’m sure of it!”

   Momoe’s heart skipped a beat and she laughed to herself. “Not only are you a good duellist Rei, and a good stone skipper,” she said, “but you have a good heart.”

   “Aw, your too kind.” Rei said. “I mean, I haven’t even landed one of these so-called kindred spirits just yet but I just gotta wait and be me. Same as you.”

   “Same as me.” Momoe agreed and she looked up at Rei.

   Huh. Their chemistry was surprisingly natural. It was mere moments ago now but Momoe felt silly for ever thinking she couldn’t get along with Rei. She smiled to herself.

   “So, um, Rei…” Momoe said. “Before I give up and go back to classes… Do you mind if you show me how to skip stones? I think I’ve tried once or twice but they just go plonk and sink down to the bottom.”

   “Sure, I’d love to.” Rei said and she turned around to face Momoe, she flashed the biggest, widest smile and Momoe felt her heart skip a beat once more.

   She was a short, youthful girl but her eyes were warm and kind, like burnt umber. Rei was quite pretty underneath her spiky fringe and curtain of dark hair. Yup. Momoe could feel it begin. 

   The beginnings of a crush.

   Rei extended out her hand and Momoe accepted it. Rei’s hand was small but it was firm. All by herself, with just a tug, she pulled Momoe to her feet and a spray of sand went up around her because of the inertia. She laughed at it, and her sandy bum, but was looking forward to being taught the 101 of skipping stones from Rei. It sounded like a lot of fun, to be honest, with her especially.

   Momoe wasn’t sure if she had proven whether or not she was a goody two-shoes through and through. She had tried to be bad - so bad - but what she did know was that she was kind of maybe just a little bit down bad for Rei after spending some one-on-one time with her.

[elcall]

Neon - Aikatsu Stars Oneshot

Title: Neon

Summary: Ako gets a brand. ‘Nuff said!

Characters: Ako, OC (Original Character), Kanata, Kirara, Yume, Mahiru, Laura, Koharu

Pairing: Slight KanAko/AkoKana

This was... uh, someone’s fault for triggering me about Ako not getting a brand. I am very clear about my distaste in FuwaFuwa Dream and the double muse Ako got herself into, so here’s my fix to that. Enjoy! I do not own Aikatsu Stars!

"Mita koto mo nai keshiki mi ni ikou! Bōken ga hajimaru yo It's just new world!"

Her dance finished, and Ako posed for the end of the song. She waved cheerfully to her crowd, before going back to the tent that was set up for her.

Ako was doing an event for a local children's carnival with a huge turn out. It was a great opportunity for her.

After changing back into her S4 uniform, she returned to the middle of the tent to take a quick break and relax. When she stepped in, however, she spotted a woman standing in the center. She had dark colored roots and bright green hair in a single braid over her shoulder, a dark pair of cat eye sunglasses over her eyes, an orange button down dress, and a red shoulder bag.

"Excuse me," Ako said to the stranger, "people aren't allowed in here."

"Saotome Ako," the woman said, pointing at her suddenly.

Ako raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I want you to be my muse."

Ako blinked. The words processed in her head. Her face turned red, "What?" she cried.

The woman nodded, crossing an arm and using the other to push her sunglasses up to rest on her head and reveal sparkling brown eyes, "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kimura Sachiko. My brand is Neon Neko. I want you to be my muse."

Ako calmed down and slowly approached the woman. "How come I have never heard of Neon Neko?"

Sachiko smiled, "Well, my dear, that would be because my brand hasn't launched yet. I want your help with my release."

Ako paused.

She continued, reaching into her bag and pulling out a device. "Here are some samples of my designs."

Ako took the small tablet and inspected it. She was faced with a normal dress design. Bright colors with softer ones bounced together in the outfit. It was nice for a normal coord, but nothing stood out to her.

"There's more," Sachiko said, swiping the screen to the side and reveal a new design.

The next few were rare designs, carrying the same bright colors theme with hints of "Neko."

Her stomach churned at the sight of all of them. A deep part inside of her said that she wanted to wear those dresses.

Ako pushed the tablet away, handing it back to Sachiko, "They're nice, but I still… I still want FuwaFuwa Dream."

Sachiko's eyebrows dipped into a frown, "Why? FuwaFuwa Dream have gotten their muse already, Hanazono Kirara. If you are still striving for them, the most you will get would probably be double muses. No offense to that but, do you really want that? Plus, with her idol image, the brand would become a pop-cute type. While you are pop you are definitely not cute. You are more pop-cool. That's the image I am trying to send with my brand. That's why I want you, Saotome-san."

Ako stuttered for a response, she was right. Was she going to deny a clear offer right in front of her? "I, uh… can I have a few days to think about it?"

Sachiko smiled, "Of course, dear." She handed Ako a card, "Give me a call whenever." She stepped to the exit but turned back briefly, "I designed Neon Neko specifically for you."

Ako gasped and stared at the empty space. She didn't know what to say.

"Saotome-san! You're out again in five!" someone called into the tent.

Ako jumped out of her thoughts, "Oh, okay! Thank you!"

She would have to think about this later.

Ako carried her notebook to the S4 gardens, where the other girls were.

"Hey Ako-chan!" Yume greeted.

Ako waved, taking her seat beside Mahiru.

"What's that?" Mahiru questioned the notebook.

Ako took a deep breath. "I got an offer for a brand."

She was met with a moment of silence, before getting surprised reactions.

"For real?" Yume gasped.

"That's great!" Laura cheered.

"What's the brand?" Mahiru asked.

"Neon Neko." Ako replied.

Koharu hummed, "I haven't heard of that."

"The brand designer told me that it was new," Ako informed. "But… I am unsure if I want to join or not."

"Why not?" Yume blinked.

Mahiru cut off her answer, "How about we look at some of the designs first?"

Ako nodded, pulling open her notebook to where Kimura-san had sent her more copies of her designs. She pushed it over to Mahiru, who began inspecting them.

Laura, Koharu, and Yume crowded around the beauty as they flipped through the designs and commented on them. Ako, however, wasn't paying any attention. Her mind was whirling with decision making factors.

"This… really looks like you," Mahiru said, catching Ako's attention.

Ako blinked at her in confusion.

"I mean," she continued, "it suits you. It really seems like your style."

Laura nodded, "I agree. The colors, the style. It's perfect for you, Ako!"

Ako ducked her head.

Koharu glanced at her, "You don't think so?"

"It's not that," Ako muttered. "I really like it. I would love to wear it. But…"

"But?" Yume blinked.

A cheery voice popped into the garden, "Heyo everyone!"

Lily trailed behind the bubbly blonde, "Hello."

"Yuzu-senpao, Lily-senpai, hey!" Yume greeted.

Yuzu took a seat at her chair. "Shiny Smile is getting ready to release a summer line of clothes! Yuzu has to get ready for a new pop brand too, FuwaFuwa Dream won't top Yuzu!"

Ako looked down sadly.

"FuwaFuwa Dream?" Yume repeated, looking at Ako.

Lily looked over them, "What seems to be the matter?"

Laura pulled up and crossed her arms casually, "Ako got a brand offer."

Lily's eyes widened a fraction, she smiled, "I see. That is good news."

"Eh?" Yuzu gasped, "Then why do you look so sad, Ako-chan?"

"I can't make a decision," Ako admitted to all of them, "between FuwaFuwa Dream or Neon Neko."

Lily passed the notebook that Mahiru had handed to her back down to the table, having looked over the designs, "Plato once said, "A good decision is based on knowledge, not numbers." In short, you should base your decision on what you know and not on calculations."

"Don't worry, Ako," Yume smiled, "we'll help you decide!"

Ako returned the smile, "Thank you, everyone."

Laura opened the notebook, grabbing the pen, "Okay! Let's start with pros and cons!"

Together, they made a list that would help Ako make a decision.

A script sat untouched in front of her, because a notebook sat on top of it. The page was divided in half, with two lists, one labeled "pros" and the other labeled "cons." The list under pros was much longer than cons. It was the list that the girls had helped her create. And, while very helpful, she still had to make her choice.

Ako muttered angrily to herself over the sound of the water surrounding the gazebo. "It's clear that joining Neon Neko would be the wisest choice for me but what about FuwaFuwa Dream? I still loved the designs I saw from them. But Kimura-san is right… Kirara's image isn't mine…" Ako buried her face in her hands, letting out a groan then lifting her face again. "Okay! Time to check my brain database! Tick tick tick..." The ticking went on, as Ako couldn't decide.

A voice spoke, surprising her, "What's this?"

Ako jumped and spun around, spotting the teen in his tracksuit, "Kanata-senpai!"

Kanata looked over her at her page, "Can't find an answer in you database?"

Ako turned red and pushed the notebook away from his gaze, "Y-yeah…"

Kanata swiftly took a seat at the bench parallel to her. "Your decision seems pretty clear."

Ako ducked her head, "Maybe, but… I still can't choose." She paused, letting a silence fall over them. She began to explain to Kanata her situation.

Kanata listened to her, before responding, "It seems like you have a clear decision."

Ako clutched her chest, "Yes but… I feel like if I choose Neon Neko then I'll betray FuwaFuwa Dream."

"Remember, FuwaFuwa Dream has Hanazono Kirara," Kanata said. "The only one you will betray is yourself. Think of what you want. If you still want to try to get FuwaFuwa Dream then do it. If you want to try Neon Neko then do that."

Ako slowly lifted her head, "What do you think?"

Kanata stood up, tapping his shoe back, "I think… that whatever you choose, I'll support you." With that he resumed his jog, calling back a quick farewell.

Ako's face burned red. She held her fists in front of her, nodding to herself. Okay, she would be making her decision soon.

Ako raised her fist to knock on the door she was directed to.

"Come in," a voice called from the opposite side.

Ako pushed the door open and slipped inside, "Good morning, Kimura-san."

Sachiko was sitting at a desk at the center of the room, one with bookshelves lining the back walls and tables and models dressed in clothes and fabric sprawled all over. She stood up at the sight of Ako. "Saotome-san! What a surprise! Please, come take a seat."

"Thank you," Ako said, sitting down, "I'm sorry to come in suddenly like this."

Sachiko pushed some of her papers to the side, and Ako spotted designs drawn on them. "It's no problem." She settled down, "So what can I do for you?"

Ako took a deep breath and said, "I have made a decision."

Sachiko's face lit up, but she managed to stay calm, "Is that so? What have you decided?"

Ako smiled at Sachiko, "I would like to become the muse of Neon Neko."

Sachiko grinned brightly and she jumped up, "Yes! Thank you, Saotome-san! We'll be great together, I promise!"

Ako laughed, and shook Sachiko's hand tightly.

"We'll have to get the press release set, then get the premium rare dress out, and then we can start with everything else, and- oh! It's going to be a lot of work!" Sachiko rambled. "Are you still in?"

"I wouldn't be the theater class member of S4 if I wasn't ready to do all the work," Ako said proudly.

Sachiko brightened, "Of course! Let's organize everything, shall we?"

Ako nodded, "Alright."

A panel was set in a medium sized room, news reporters filling the room to capacity. Ako peeked through the curtain momentarily, then turned back to face Sachiko.

"Okay, we can do this. This is our first step, Saotome-chan!" she said.

Ako smiled and nodded, "It is. We will surely do well from here."

Sachiko raised her hand to give Ako a high five, "Okay! Good luck!"

Ako returned the five just as one of the crew members called for her. It was time. Ako stepped up to the long table and took a seat at the single chair in the center. The large screen behind her played simple patterns around the Four Star Academy logo. Cameras were already clicking and Ako was sure some videos were recording as well.

"Welcome, everyone," Ako greeted. "I, Saotome Ako, have made an important decision for my future as an idol. I am here to announce my new position as muse to a brand, Neon Neko!" Ako raised her hands as the logo appeared on the screen behind her.

Cameras clicked diligently. "I have joined the top designer, Kimura Sachiko-san in order to produce a new line of pop type attire."

"Saotome-san! What about FuwaFuwa Dream? Didn't you want to be their muse?" A reporter asked.

Ako nodded, "Yes, that is true. However, as everyone is well aware of, Hanazono Kirara was given the position of muse of FuwaFuwa Dream. I have already tried my hand at becoming the muse, but was not successful. I am very glad to have met Kimura-san and join Neon Neko. In the end, I believe that I made the right choice. I cannot wait to share the wonderful designs of the brand with everyone."

"When does your first premium rare dress drop?" Another voice called.

"Thank you for the question," Ako replied, "I will be performing in the first premium rare dress of Neon Neko next Friday at the Silver Center Hall. Everyone is welcome to join!"

After answering a few more questions, Ako made it backstage again to meet with Sachiko. Sachiko grinned, "Great job out there, Saotome-chan!"

"But of course," Ako retorted with a smile.

"Here's to the start of our journey," Sachiko said, passing Ako a glass of water and holding her own.

Ako nodded, "Yeah!"

When Ako returned to Four Star that evening, she was confronted by an upset person.

"Ako-chan!" Kirara whined as she jumped in front of Ako, "What have you done?"

Ako stepped back in surprise, "Kirara? What are you doing here?"

"I came to find you after I saw your press release!" Kirara explained quickly. "Why did you do it, Ako-chan? You could've joined me in FuwaFuwa Dream! We would be great together!" Tears streamed down her face exaggeratedly.

Ako frowned, "No. FuwaFuwa Dream is perfect for you, Kirara. Perhaps if Neon Neko had not shown up, then I might have joined you… but now I won't. I have Kimura-san and together we will succeed to become better than any other pop type brand, even FuwaFuwa Dream!" She began to move around Kirara and continue to her dorm.

Kirara angrily pointed her finger at Ako, "You said you loved FuwaFuwa Dream! How can you betray them like this?"

Ako froze. She betrayed them? The words sent her back a few days, to when she was at the gazebo with Kanata. "The only one you will betray is yourself. Think of what you want."

Ako spun around, "No, Kirara. The only one I would betray is myself, if I hadn't chosen Neon Neko. I am working for my fans and for myself."

"B-But, I am your fan!" Kirara gasped.

"Not. Like. This." Ako hissed. She pointed to the exit gate, "Go home, Kirara! Don't bother me with FuwaFuwa Dream like this again!"

Kirara's eyes watered, this time with real tears, Ako could tell.

Ako flinched, then lowered her arm to her side. She sighed, "Kirara… FuwaFuwa Dream and Neon Neko are now rivaling pop brands. That makes you my rival now, more so than before. I can't lose to you."

Kirara sniffed, straightening up, "Y-You're right, Ako-chan. I-I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry, too," Ako admitted.

Kirara stuck out her hand, "Then, let's be rivals."

A smile grew on Ako's face, "Deal."

With that, the two parted ways, Kirara skipping over to her ride parked outside, "Goodnight, Ako-chan! Don't slack off on your aikatsu! I'll beat you!"

"No you won't!" Ako called back with a laugh. She returned to her walk to the S4 dorms. On her way down the lit path, a voice called out to her.

"Congratulations," Kanata said.

Ako spun around, "Oh! Y-You saw?"

He nodded as he strolled towards her.

"What are you doing out so late?" Ako asked.

"Late recording for our album," Kanata replied.

Ako nodded. A comfortable silence fell over them.

Kanata glanced at her, "I imagine you'll be more busy now."

Ako shrugged, "Yes, but it's nothing that I cannot handle."

He stuffed his hands into his pockets and opened his mouth and closed it again.

Ako raised an eyebrow in confusion. What was he doing?

"So um," Kanata stuttered and Ako's eyebrows raised to her hairline in shock. Kanata never stuttered. And why did his face seem darker, despite their dark setting? "When things settle down for you again, we should coordinate a day off together."

Ako blinked, "A day off… you mean- oh!" Her face burned red in realization. H-He was asking her out?! What was he thinking? Did she want this? Well, yes, maybe she did. Or maybe she was over thinking it like usual and he just wanted to practice or something. But would he stutter? Why did he stutter? And he was blushing! Even if it was to rehearse or talk idol business… Ako decided that she wanted to spend time with him.

She realized that she was quiet for too long when Kanata let out a sigh and took a small step back.

"It's-"

"No!" Ako cried suddenly. Shock plastered over his face and Ako scolded her word choice, "No! I mean, wait! Yes, yes we can uh, hang out one day." She ducked her head and played with her fingers nervously.

A silence fell over them again.

"My premium dress reveal day is Friday," Ako said, even though she was sure he already knew, "you should... come, if you can."

Kanata nodded, "I was planning on it."

Ako smiled, her cheeks tinting pink, "Then, I'll see you there."

He agreed, and with a goodnight they split ways, Ako mentally preparing herself to give one of her best performances yet.

Silver Center Hall, KiraKira City. A huge crowd had gathered for the unveiling of the new brand's premium rare dress.

Ako took in deep breaths as she steadied herself in her dressing room. A knock came from her door, and she called out an "enter."

Yume, Laura, Mahiru, and Koharu filed inside.

"Ako-chan! It's the big day!" Yume cheered, carrying a box and placing it on a table.

"How are you feeling?" Laura asked.

"Nervous," Ako admitted.

"Don't be," Mahiru said. "You have nothing to worry about."

Koharu nodded, "I bet your stage is going to be spectacular."

Ako placed a hand over her coord cards on the table, nodding, "Yeah…"

Yume opened up the box she brought, revealing a black frosted cake with a cartoon like doodle of her face on the top with the message "Good luck Ako-chan!"

Ako smiled, but blinked at it, "A black cake?"

"Ah," Yume held up a finger and pulled out the cake. Quickly, she cut a slice and presented it to Ako.

Ako's eyes widened in surprise. The inside of the cake was layered with colors of the rainbow and white frosting. "Wow! I don't know what to say."

Yume grinned, "Don't say anything, eat up!"

Koharu came up beside Yume, "We wanted it to be neon, like Neon Neko."

Ako nodded through a mouthful. "It certainly achieves it."

A knock interrupted the girls as they shared the cake. "Enter," Ako called again.

The door opened and Sachiko peeked in, "Heyo, Saotome-chan!"

"Kimura-san," Ako greeted. "Oh," she looked around as Sachiko entered the room fully, "these are my friends," she introduced them all.

"Nice to meet you all," Sachiko said, "I know that you are all talented designers."

Ako smiled, as Yume and Koharu became embarrassed while Mahiru and Laura looked proud, "Yes they are."

"That reminds me, Ako," Mahiru said, "what is your dress like?"

Ako smirked, "It's a surprise, obviously."

Yume whined, "Not even a hint?"

Ako shook her head, "Nope!"

Laura laughed, "I guess it's fair."

Sachiko smiled, "Well, you should wrap up in here. You're going up in just a few minutes."

Ako nodded seriously, "You're right."

"You'll do great," Sachiko said meaningfully.

"Thank you," Ako smiled.

As Sachiko stepped towards the door to leave, the door slammed open suddenly, a bright blue and pink haired girl panting against the frame.

"Kirara?" Ako gasped.

Kirara raised a finger as she regained steady breathing, "Sorry, I'm late…"

Ako shook her head, "It's okay. I'm glad you were able to make it."

Kirara leaped forward, "You better do good! Your dress better look great!"

Ako crossed her arms and huffed, "Of course it does."

The girls laughed, and Koharu offered Kirara cake as Ako collected herself. With the support of her friends she felt a lot more calm.

A crew member came by to tell her that it was her time. The girls separated with quick farewells and good luck calls, and Ako took her stage.

"Hello everyone! Thank you for making it out to my premium dress unveiling performance!" Ako cried out, waving happily. "I am so excited to share it with everyone! Before I take my stage, however, I would like to thank some people. First of all, my fellow members of S4 and my friends at Four Star Academy. My rivals who urge me to continue working harder. Those who have supported me for a long time since my rising as an idol. And finally, Kimura Sachiko-san, Neon Neko's designer!" Ako grinned, hugging her hands close. "I would like all of my supporters to know that you can make it to where you want to be if you keep trying and working hard for it. Now watch as I dazzle you with my performance!"

Readying herself to run through the aikatsu system, Ako glanced down at her coord. The Neon Yarn Coord. The top was a bright yellow bodice with a patch of rainbow at the stomach and rainbows on the chest, accented with black divisions to make it pop more, with a puffy left sleeve and a yarn like fluff at the end, along with a left hand fingerless glove and many wristbands on the right hand. The bottom was a pair of rainbow bubble pants with a green skirt and long ribbons hanging off of it, each connected by a black piece on three parts. The shoes were lace up boots in the same green as the skirt, open to the skin in the front and a black toe. The accessory was a cat ear shaped headband, covered in rainbow yarn and black pompom earrings.

With a deep breath, she said, "Saotome Ako, making a dazzling entrance!"

Ako panted as she raised her hands into the air, the music of her performance resonating through the hall.

A great cheer erupted, and Ako waved happily to all of her audience. After the event came to an end, Ako went back to her dressing room to celebrate with her friends. She and Sachiko then exchanged many thanks and congratulations with each other. It was late by the time Ako was able to get to bed.

She lay back, on her mobile, checking her schedule for the next day quickly, when a message came to her directly. Curious about who was contacting her at such a late hour, Ako opened it.

"You had a spectacular performance. Congratulations."

Ako smiled as she read the sender's name. With a warm face, she finally put her mobile down and turned to her side, closing her eyes with a wide smile. Things were wonderful.

Ugh, I really wanted to bach Kirara in this but then I went and tried to be nice to her cuz I felt bad... woe is I. TnT Ending sucks, sorry

Read Part 2 here! Striking

[jackaval]

Kakegurui Episode 1 review. I found kakegurui from Gigguk’s video titled “5 manga that deserve more attention” and I was instantly taken with it’s premise. The idea of suspense-driven game based anime has always been exciting to me, as I grew up a big fan of yugioh and death note. So a collaborative number of those approaches sounded like a great experience. I'll make no secret that I am not a big fan of the anime school setting.  However, the idea of a school attended by the children of elites where gambling determines your fate? Where you could be driven to debt and turned into a slave or climb to the top on the back of your competitors? Sounds pretty sick. And also like edgy yugioh gx. Besides my genuine interest in the premise, I must admit the show’s more fanservice-ey elements are really to my liking. Scary women trying to dominate each other? I mean I wanna stay professional here but uh, that’s my stuff. So, from the premise, to the art, to the tone conveyed from the trailers, to the slightly classier than usual but still sleazy fanservice…. This show was made for me to love.  To an almost absurd degree. The plot of the episode is pretty simple. Our narrator, Suzui, suffers a terrible defeat and is forced to be a slave under the system of Hyakkou academy.  Our “main character?” Jabami transfers in, and our Narrator shows her around. Once she hears that the school gambles a lot she decides to join in. However from her attitude it’s pretty clear that she came here to do just that in the first place. I’m not quite sure how much she’s playing dumb, but it is to some degree or another. Her first game is against Mary Saotome, the girl that beat Suzui in the opening scene, and they play a version of rock paper scissors where they draw a “hand” of RPS cards from a deck composed of secretly “voted” choices by the spectators. Jabami is able to figure out that Mary, has been cheating by having certain options be voted for by the other students present, and then she uses that to her advantage to win.  It is revealed that our narrator Suzui was the one helping Mary pull off her cheat, but Jabami decides to give him a stack of money- Perhaps enough to get him out of debt? out of actual gratitude that he was there to make things “more interesting”. Now this is pretty stupid, but in a badass, kind of exciting way. Cons: It feels like a pilot in the strictest sense. There is a vague fear that if i pushed any of the characters or set pieces they would fall over, revealed to be cardboard cutouts.  The show has this sense of darkness and deprativty that I just dont really see yet. That might not be my brain talking but I would definitely hope that it gets fucked up enough to warrant the kind of creepy faces the pretty girls get when they go nuts. Pros: The opening battle was cool, but not super impressive or unique compared to what I’ve seen. It was engaging, and interesting, and it reminded me of the D’arby arc of Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure: Stardust Crusaders just a bit. I’m a tiny bit worried that they might not have that many places to take it. You tend to put at least one of your best feet forward unless you’re really confident... And while that game was interesting it didn't show me anything I hadn't seen before or otherwise blow me away. The character designs are interesting, and frankly pretty sexy. I don’t have any complaints about the visuals but I’m not really that knowledgable on animation anyways so take that as you will. The music was pretty good. I love jazz. It felt kinetic and frantic and pulled me into the moment more. For an episode 1 I would give it a strong 6, with a strong belief that the series’ premise will allow for it to climb much higher for me if it’s executed to it’s potential. I can’t recommend it as being absolutely worth watching to absolutely anyone from the first episode alone, but I know that because of my tastes and uh.. "Tastes" that I will probably be watching for the remainder of the summer season. If all goes well, I’ll take home another favorite. It has a lot of potential, but I have minor complaints and doubts on its ability to execute those beyond being just “good”. I’ll be back with another review around midseason. Or whenever something truly great or truly stupid happens in between.

[geekysweetie]

UtaPri Utano Princesama Shining Live English Version Coming in Early 2018

KLab sent me yet another new game announcement to share with all of you. This time, I think the game really fits in with my audience here as it is similar in many ways to various other mobile idol games I’ve reviewed such as Ensemble Stars, Idolish, IdolM@ster Theater Days, Aikatsu Photo on Stage, and of course Love Live School Idol Festival.

The new game is yet another rhythm idol collecting card game.  The game is based on the hit visual novel and anime series, UtaPri, Utano Princesama. It will feature advanced Augmented Reality features that let you take pictures with your favorite idols, as well as story modes and rhythm game modes that you can play on various difficulties. You can interact with the idols in 2D Live, an exciting technology that brings anime games to life. No more static images. It even says their facial expressions and behaivors change as you get closer to them. I also see mention of different stage outfits, so it may also have some type of dressup element as well.

Klab is currently running several pre-launch events across Twitter and Facebook – by following either of their accounts you get an Ultra Rare card of your choice once the game starts, so it’s definitely worthwhile to check out the events before the game launches in early 2018.

This game looks so cute! I hope we see more Global releases of anime and idol games soon!

Check out the full press release from KLab below:

“Utano☆Princesama Shining Live”

Global Version Coming Soon!

Social Media Campaign Featuring Poster Giveaway Contest, In-Game Rewards and More!

KLab Inc.

(TSE1: 3656)

Tokyo, Japan – January 10, 2018 – KLab Inc., a leader in online mobile games, together with BROCCOLI Co., Ltd., announced plans for the worldwide release of smartphone rhythm game Utano☆Princesama Shining Live in early 2018. The announcement was followed by the launch of the official Facebook and Twitter accounts for the global version of the game.

  Utano Princesama Shining Live

Building on the success of the Japanese release, the global version of the game will be fully localized into English and Traditional Chinese, with a Simplified Chinese version planned for simultaneous release in Mainland China.

About Utano☆Princesama Shining Live

Utano☆Princesama Shining Live is a rhythm game for Android™ and iOS mobile devices based on BROCCOLI’s Utano☆Princesama series. With over 2 million downloads* in the domestic market, the Japanese version of the game has found success with fans across the country since launching on August 28, 2017.

 Utano☆Princesama is a visual novel series that began as a portable console game. The series now spans multiple anime seasons, manga, drama CDs, live concerts, and much more.

Utano☆Princesama Shining Live features 11 idols from the groups ST☆RISH and QUARTET NIGHT. Players can set their favorite idol to appear on their home screen and tap him to see his various reactions and watch his affection go up, as well as form personalized teams to play songs in a rhythm game. The rhythm game component allows players to train their own original unit of idols as they play a suite of songs from the Utano☆Princesama series at multiple difficulty levels. Players can also unlock stories starring the characters. The game transcends the boundaries of traditional gaming with a special Camera Mode that takes advantage of AR technology, giving players the chance to take photos with their favorite pop stars whenever, wherever.

* Total includes players who have downloaded the game more than once.

Opening Act Social Media Campaign

A series of special events leading up to the launch of the game were unveiled along with the announcement. Players are encouraged to follow either the official Twitter or Facebook account (or both!) to participate in these events, as well as receive the latest updates on the upcoming title. The Opening Act Social Media Campaign is now being held worldwide, except in Japan where the game is already available and in Mainland China, where a separate series of events will be held. All players will receive increasingly extravagant gifts when the game is released based on the number of people who follow the game’s official accounts.

Details can be found below, as well as on the official website which opened earlier today.

Event Campaign Schedule

Starts on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 and lasts until the game’s release (UTC+9)

How to Sign Up

To participate in the pre-launch festivities for Utano☆Princesama Shining Live, players are simply asked to follow the official Twitter or Facebook account.

All players will receive a special ticket that guarantees them a UR character of their choice when the game is launched. Players will be able to obtain up to 300 Prisms by clearing the following pre-launch missions.

* Prisms are a type of in-game currency used in Utano☆Princesama Shining Live to acquire new characters, unlock new content, and more.

Shining Live Pre-Launch Missions

In addition to the choose your UR ticket prize, all players have the chance to receive up to 300 extra Prisms depending on the number of people who follow the game’s official accounts before launch.

– Step 1: 100 Prisms (achieved at a total of 5,000 followers across Twitter and Facebook)

– Step 2: 100 Prisms (achieved at a total of 10,000 followers across Twitter and Facebook)

– Step 3: 100 Prisms (achieved at a total of 25,000 followers across Twitter and Facebook)

Poster Giveaway Contest

As part of the excitement leading up to the global release of the game, fans will be given the opportunity to enter a contest to win one of 11 commemorative posters from the Utano☆Princesama Shining Countdown Live 2017-2018 campaign. To enter, fans are simply asked to follow the official Twitter and retweet the contest tweet. Each of the 11 posters will feature one idol, and the 11 lucky winners will receive one of these at random.

Features of Utano☆Princesama Shining Live

Multiple hits from the Utapri series! Turn your smartphone into a star-studded stage whenever you want!

Utano☆Princesama Shining Live is a rhythm game featuring simple, intuitive controls that gives players the chance to enjoy the greatest hits from the popular series. Create your own personalized idol unit and utilize their unique skills to rack up points and rewards

Watch stories and scenes starring your idols and their daily routines unfold before your eyes in vivid detail!

Check up on your idols and their idol lives via new stories and scenes updated regularly! Players can check up on the members of their group, or even transcend group boundaries to mix and mingle with the stars, as well as enjoy a variety of stage outfits that are sure to catch the eye of any watchful fashionista.

Interact and communicate with fully animated idols!

Meet your favorite idols whenever you want! The realistic appeal of these idols extends beyond simple scripts–a variety of facial expressions turns these idols into realistic communication partners. When you get close enough, you may start to notice certain changes in their behavior and what they say!

The game stars the original cast from the games and anime series, with fully voiced unlockable side stories and more aural surprises in store.

ST☆RISH

Otoya Ittoki (Voice: Takuma Terashima) Masato Hijirikawa (Voice: Kenichi Suzumura) Natsuki Shinomiya (Voice: Kisho Taniyama) Tokiya Ichinose (Voice: Mamoru Miyano) Ren Jinguji (Voice: Junichi Suwabe) Syo Kurusu (Voice: Hiro Shimono) Cecil Aijima (Voice: Kohsuke Toriumi) QUARTET NIGHT

Reiji Kotobuki (Voice: Showtaro Morikubo) Ranmaru Kurosaki (Voice: Tatsuhisa Suzuki) Ai Mikaze (Voice: Shouta Aoi) Camus (Voice: Tomoaki Maeno)

  Utano☆Princesama Shining Live Overview

Title:                                                      Utano☆Princesama Shining Live

Supported OSes:            Android™ 4.4+, iOS 9.0+

* Not available on some devices.

Genre:                                                  Rhythm game

Price:                                                    Free-to-play (In-app purchases available)

Supported Regions:                     Global (Excludes Japan)

Supported Languages:                 English and Traditional Chinese

Simplified Chinese (Mainland China)

Official Website:                                 https://www.utapri-shining-live.com/

Official Twitter Account:               @shininglive_en

Official Facebook Page:               https://www.facebook.com/ShiningLiveEN

Copyright:                                             ©SAOTOME GAKUEN © KLabGames

About BROCCOLI Co., Ltd.

Headquartered in Tokyo and led by CEO Tomoharu Morita, BROCCOLI is one of Japan’s leading designers and producers of content based on the vast subculture stemming from the world of Japanese pop culture. BROCCOLI’s business covers a wide range of fields, including console games, trading card games, videos, and music. The company’s sphere of influence reaches beyond its own original content, extending into the design, production, and sale of character merchandise.

Official Website: http://www.broccoli.co.jp/ (Only available in Japanese)

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are registered trademarks of Google LLC. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

For further information, please contact:

Global PR Team@KLab Inc.

TEL: (+81) 3-5771-1326

EMAIL: info@klab.com

UtaPri Utano Princesama Shining Live English Version Coming in Early 2018 was originally published on GeekySweetie.com - Geeky & Kawaii Anime, Tech, Toys, & Game Reviews & News