Aikatsu Crescent!

「Phase 43」Two Lights

The final day of the Celestial Trial had come around sooner than Mai would have liked. Today, it was her turn to go on stage... along with the reigning Celestial Star and princess of the academy, Aino Rina.

Amamiya Mai was a cute-type idol, best known for her bright smile and endless positivity. An almost infectiously adorable idol, who could brighten up the atmosphere within an instan. She used the brand Pastel Macaron.

Aino Rina was also a cute-type idol, along with being elegant and... well, perfect! Always composed in the public eye and professional, Rina was an idol who clearly took her position as top very seriously. She used her self-created brand, Crystal Ribbon.

Both idols would be standing side by side, competing with everything they had.

"Aikatsu! Aikatsu! Aikatsu!"

As usual, Mai was on her morning run. She had planned to run twice as much today since it was so important! Everything was on the line today. If she could win, maybe, just. maybe, her feelings would be able to reach Sachiko once again! This was her reason for becoming an idol in the first place... she didn't want to lose that chance for an entire year.

I hope that one day it'll find it's way

I hope that one day I'll find my way

In truth there's a flower bud in each of our hearts

One day it'll bloom!

Mai paused. That song... Blossom~LanLan. Her first image song. She followed the voice, and there... a familiar figure was standing.

"Kotone-chan?"

The brunette turned around, turning around, and making eye-contact with Mai.

It felt somewhat nostalgic.

Except, this time, Kotone gave a small smile, and her eyes had just the smallest glint of hope in them.

"Mai-chan."

"Kotone-chan...!" Mai ran forward, hugging the android, "It's so good to see you again!"

"It is pleasant to see you again, too," Kotone said as Mai pulled away, "You're performing today, right?"

Mai nodded. "I'm nervous but... hopefully I can do it."

Kotone cocked her head to the side. "Why would you be nervous?"

Mai gave a sheepish smile. "If I managed to win today, it'd be a huge step towards my dream. But I don't think I stand much of a chance."

"Do you not? I have every reason to believe you would," Kotone rebutted, "You're Mai, after all. You... shine. With a warm light."

"Thank you."

"I'll be giving you my wholehearted support," Kotone said, her smile growing bigger, "In return, I request that you put on your most passionate stage."

"You will? That makes me happy~."

"Oh, and-"

Not having heard, Mai patted her own cheeks. "Alright! Time to run some more! Thank you, Kotone-chan! I'll see you again soon!!"

Then, she was gone. Kotone looked to the sky. Maybe, it wasn't her place to tell her about Rosebud... she would find out before long, after all. Kotone reached into her pocket, putting out the neatly folded flier. After unfolding it, she scanned the paper once again, despite already having it memorised.