Chapter Text
Aofie's POV
"You did amazing, Ee-Chan!" Yuko cheered, nearly tackling me with a hug.
"Th-Thank you! That was so amazing it's unreal!" I laugh in response, kirara still shinning bright!
"Your glow was really unique too." Acchan smiled.
"She's right, I've never seen anything like it." Yuiyui chuckled.
"Wait, really? You think so?" I asked, hopefully.
"Uh, yeah! And you performed just like a successor! You're gonna be an amazing rival, I just know it!" Yuko grinned.
"Uh.. Rival?"
"Oh don't mind her, she just gets excited." Acchan nervously responds, as Yuko starts ranting to herself about Center Nova.
"Everyone prepare for landing, we've made it back home."
After everyone gives me variations of shoulder pats and arm punches of affection, we strap in for landing and continue to excitedly chatter about the concert! When we finally make our way back home, everyone comes back together into one big group! Since the successors travel separately, I ended up riding with them so I didn't get to see my team until we all made it back!
Immediately I get absolutely bombarded with questions from the rest of my generation from what performing the main show was like, to dancing in a guerrilla concert, to dancing with the successors. I answers as best I could before finally flipping it on them to ask what their shows we're like!
"It was amazing! We danced and sang from the trees and rooftops, only to escape the nets and gunfire with help from the locals! Everyone did so great and we ended up doing several concerts in varying groups all over the town back to back! Not to mention Clarita's kirara came to life and shone the whole time!" Evelyn explained excitedly.
"I was just so happy, he came out to shine!" Clarita smiled energetically.
We talked all through getting ready for bed and even after laying down for a while! We we're just so excited we couldn't get to sleep!
"Oh hey, how is the sous chief competition going?" Hoshika asked out of the blue.
"They are in the final stages now. I've been keeping up online, turns out it inspired the photographer to do a small competition for an apprentice too! She's probably gonna wait until this one is over though." Palak responded.
"Wow, this year is just chock full of competitions huh?" I asked.
"I guess so. It's kind of fun though!" Hoshika winked.
It took another hour or so, but we finally managed to calm down enough to get some sleep for the night, ready for tomorrow's day of training!
~~
I got up early as usual, feeling extra rested from not staying up to practice like I had been. I feel so pumped to keep practicing! As usual I take a moment to address Jurina's picture above the door before going to practice when Tsubasa startles me from the living room doorway.
"Admiring your senior, I see."
"Tsubasa!" I accidentally shouted.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." She chuckles.
"Heh, it's okay. I've been meaning to ask though, why is her picture right there? All of the Center Nova's are over on the other end of the hall so I don't really get it."
"Well, as I said she was your senior, and not just as a member. She was 00's first Seer, and until you the only Seer in our history."
"What exactly does that mean? What does it mean to be a seer?"
"Don't worry about that for now, when you're ready and fully equipped I'll tell you everything there is to know. For now, just know it's something very rare and very special."
I watched her smile nostalgically at Jurina's photo and I felt a swell of emotions roll in my chest. Maybe I'm even closer to my dream than I thought I was! Maybe there really is a chance that I can succeed her!
"By the way, get all your dancing in now. Today we're going on a field trip, so you trainees won't be having your normal lessons."
I turned to see her walking away with a small wave, only able to get out a small 'okay' before she was gone. I wonder where we're going. I turn back to the picture and feel the swell of emotions return as determination takes over my mind, and a smile my face. Time to practice!
~~
After breakfast everyone confusedly dressed in their normal clothes before following the managers out towards down town. Eventually we make it to a building with a big neon sign reading 'Akibastar School of the Arts' where Suzuko lead us inside. We passed by dozens of large rooms buzzing with activity! Some of them had dance lessons, some of them we're full of instruments! We heard people singing, people making music on computers, and even people rehearsing plays! I was so excited to see more and more forms of art happening in every room we passed, but was slightly confused at the attendants.
"Hey Tsubasa?" I asked.
"Yes?"
"Why are there only boys here?"
"Oh, this is a men only school. There are schools for women or both men and women all over the place but for a long time men faced a lot of stigma about it. In response, this school was made. The men and boys who have schooled here often form their own groups of performers not only here but on other planets. The other artists have had a good bit of work across planets as well, but they have a special program just for us, which is one of the two reasons we're here." She answered, leading us into the elevator.
"What's the program? And what's the other reason?" Hoshika asked.
"Well, AKB has always had a handful of songs with male backup dancers, but not enough to warrant us actually hiring any full time. So we created a contract with this school, anyone going here willing to learn the self defense tactics we need for our shows can be considered when we need boys. The other reason we're here, is to fulfill chapter 17 of the handbook."
"Chapter 17.. you mean we're finally gonna get to pick and learn an instrument? Why here instead of another school meant to teach girls?" Palak asked.
"Correct, it is imperative each member can play an instrument as we have plenty of songs that require you to play them live. And since we already have the one contract, we simply chose to hit two birds with one stone. Why go to a whole other location when we can do it all together?"
"Good point. But, does that mean we're gonna need backup dancers soon?" I asked.
"Yes we will."
My team and I confusedly looked between one another before we finally made it to a large room filled with instruments and a few important looking men. As Tsubasa spoke with them, I noticed the successors we're already here! When and how did they get here before us?
I watch them in the room beside us through the glass wall and wonder how often they come here to practice. I smile when I see Yukirin practicing the same instrument I wanna learn, the drums! I watch her finish off her song and then smile and laugh with the young man next to her before taking a break to watch Acchan play the flute. She looks so lovely and calm while playing! And of course Yuiyui is happily listening to her, and swaying about.
Yuko suddenly blows so hard into one of the horns even we can feel it shake the floor! I can't help but burst out laughing at her mischievous face, everyone else shortly joining in. Eventually we get lead into the same room and are each assigned a student to teach us after we all pick our instruments! The same young man who was teaching Yukirin, Chester, is gonna be teaching me as well!
"Careful about him, Aofie, he's a flirt!" Yuko winks dramatically.
"What?" I blurt out in confusion.
"What? Didn't you know? Many of the members end up finding their husbands here, once they officially graduate! So some of them can be flirts. Who knows, maybe you'll meet your soulmate here!" She sings suggestively at me.
"Oh, ew no! I don't have any interest in dating! I just wanna focus on being the best idol I can be, I don't wanna think about that!" I shout back, completely flustered.
"Yuko!" Takamina sighs.
"Okay, fine! Sorry, sorry!"
After the successors get back to their own practice, myself and the other trainees start getting into our lessons! I spend a lot of time going over everything he teaches me, big or small, so I can get a strong start on my basics! Though, I can't help but wonder if the other trainees practice on a different day, since I don't see them anywhere.
Regardless, we're to spend the whole first half of the day rehearsing with the guys before going back home for lunch. Afterwards we'll get to practice another new thing to make the day even more exciting, how to actually pilot our LAS! I can't wait!
~~
"I see, well we do have a few young men I'd like you to consider. They are very hard working, talented boys and it would be a good start for their reputations to dance with 00." Mr. Glenn nodded.
"Bring them in, please." Tsubasa responded, Suzuko quietly observing beside her.
A few moments later a handfull of young men entered the office, each politely greeting the managers as they entered. As they introduced themselves, explaining their strengths and weaknesses Tsubasa turned to Suzuko, indicating she wanted her to make the decision. After briefly consulting her newly written notes, the boys anxiously waiting for her decision, she adjusted her glasses and looked each of them over. She pointed out half of the group one by one, each stepping forward slightly before announcing that half would be given the one week performance contract. As they excitedly celebrated thanking the managers repeatedly, Tsubasa smiled in approval at her parter in training.
"You made a good choice. I'm sure all of the members will be happy to work with them, especially the returning members."
"I'm glad you think so. And I know exactly which of them would work perfect for Akai Pin Heel." Suzuko smiled back.
"I can't wait to see it come together."
~~
"Ooh girls!"
"Huh?" I questioned, turning to see the photographer skipping up to them.
"Can you all do me a quick favor?" She asked, pulling out a set of 17 pictures.
Confused, we all moved to the side of the kicthen door and nodded quietly.
"Great! I've narrowed this down a LOT but I need some help in this stage! Can you girls tell me which four of these pictures you think is the best?" She asked, handing each of us a picture or two.
I looked at the two in my hand, one a picture of the oceans on Atamistar, and one of the constellations at the edge of colonized space. They're both so amazing! The one of the constellations is taken at an angle that reminds me of my friends back home, they always had a fun way of finding unique angles for pictures.
"Aofie, let us see yours too! They're all so crazy good it's hard to pick!" Evelyn smiled, nudging my arm.
"Oh, yeah of course." I chuckled awkwardly.
Lowering the pictures for everyone to see, I finally glimpse the other 15 pictures and am equally amazed by how amazing they look! We spend nearly ten minutes all debating which pictures are the best until we narrow it down to five! The edge of known space I had, an action shot of Acchan and Yuiyui from the last concert, one of a beautiful wedding, one of a sunrise over a forest and one of the oldest building that's still standing on any planet! We still have to take one out but it's so hard!
"I think we should take out the one of the successors. Not to be mean! But there are already a lot o good pictures of them and the lighting and setting of all the others is just so much more unique!" I end up blurting out.
I can feel my nerves rising up as everyone stares at me before finally all deciding that was the bets plan. I sigh in relief as Mii-chan thanks us and disappears with the pictures. I wonder if that has anything to do with her competition. Before we can discuss it more, Yuka comes by and starts leading us to the MEC room. The last time we went down there was to learn how to use our LAS pod stages and we spent half the time down there falling off of them, before finally getting the hang of it!
After a long lecture about LAS safety we spent another long while going through the computer system and how to get to each program or command. From shifting into stage mode, to self eject, to how to play music was gone over multiple time before we were allowed to sit in the suits ourselves. One at a time we learned to turn them on and off before literally moving them one step at a time. It was terrifyingly invigorating to be in control of machinery that size and weight! I could barely get myself to move forward a full step half the time, much to Yuka's entertainment. Eventually though, we made it through the lesson and back up to our dorms to wash up before dinner.
Halfway through dinner Tsubasa and Suzuko come by, quickly grabbing everyone's attention.
"We have a couple of announcements," Suzuko began,"First of all, the weekly Saturday show is all setup for next weekend. So everyone's practice for the week will focus on whatever song, or songs you will be performing per usual. This time, the 78th generation trainees will also be performing a song."
Everyone excitedly nodded and squealed in understanding. Not only did we just have our first live performances ever but now we get to perform our first home show ever! This is impossibly exciting!
"Second, the monthly results for our request hour show has been finalized. So once we have the songs organized into a proper set list we'll let you all know which members will be participating in each song." She finished.
Once again nodding in agreement, our team smiled and shrugged knowing that we probably won't be part of it. After all, we haven't been here long enough for people to really know if they want to support us yet!
"Don't discount yourselves yet girls," Tsubasa smiled at us,"You never know when a flood of votes might come in for hard working trainees. For that matter, when the general elections come up, you should all be just as prepared as the successors. You never know who will win the hearts of the fans."
"Uh..yes maam." We responded, still unconvinced.
It's hard to believe any of us could be selected for the monthly request hour much less the elections. Then again, the elections are much later in the year, so I supposed it could happen. As management left Hoshika sighed loudly, slumping down into her chair.
"As if we'd ever get elected as trainees. People probably send in multiple votes anyways, which would make it kind of impossible for anyone but the super popular to win anyways." She groaned.
"Not true, actually." I pipe up,"After the first election the 77th generation was part of, they changed the voting system so that each person can only make one vote, privately linking their identity to the vote. The rule was specifically put into place so people who had a ton of extra money couldn't just buy the winner they wanted, making it much more fair for everyone. That's why first and second place haven't been the same people every year."
"Wait really?" She asked, jumping up in her seat.
"Yeah! I think it's really cool that they made sure it would really be fair for all of us. Who knows! One of us could blow up in popularity by then." I laughed.
"That would be a dream!" Clarita responded,"But honestly I just want to be part of request hour first!"
We all smile in agreement before finishing up and heading off to bed for the night. Falling back into our normal routine we spend the week practicing as much as we can, all while I continue to have those strange dreams and hear that otherworldly voice. Thankfully I've started to adjust to experiencing them, though it can result in me waking up tired. Just as the weekend rolls around I have a strange dream about one of the successors walking backwards through the image of herself the kiraras of succession refect, almost as if reversing a video. Though by the time I wake up, I'm much to distracted by my excitement to think to much about it.
When the it's finally time for the show the 77th performs Train of Rainbows and Aitakata, finally leading into our first time on our home stage! We take position while the lights are low, and Palak takes center for Koisuru Fortune Cookie! As much as I didn't like the song before we came here, I've grown to enjoy it much more since learning the routine for it!
As the music plays and we start the fun little dance, I'm surprised that a solid half of the crowd is excited and cheering for us! I don't know if it's remaining energy from the last generation's performance or if they're excited for new faces but it's exhilarating! As we move through the dance, mine and Clarita's kirara shining bright I can even hear some of the audience members shouting in excited disbelief about them! Thankfully making it through the song without any of us making any big mistakes, the intro for the full concert starts to play signaling for us to run backstage! Acchan and Yui even gave Clarita and I high fives while passing by!
When the lights came up, and the successor's gold costumes shined bright Flying Get started to play sending the crowd into a frenzy of cheers! Song after song the successors shine bright, and song after song the audience continues to meet their light with cheers love! Finally as Yuiyui steps forward to ask if the audience wants one last encore song Yukirin abruptly cuts in. My strange dream suddenly at the forefront of my mind.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I have something I need to say."
The crowd suddenly fell completely silent, something about the emotion in her voice made everyone anxious in anticipation. I held my breath at the sudden realization of what my dream could have ment.
"For the past several months I've been thinking about my life here in 00, and how much I love it! But for the first time ever, I've been wondering about where my life will go afterwards. What I could make of myself, other talents I could explore, even new kinds of relationships.."
I felt Evelyn grab my hand when some of the other trainees gasped in realization, the audience also seeming to begin to understand.
"Because of this, last week, I finally made one of the hardest decisions of my life. So now.. I, Yuki Kashiwagi the 6th, am announcing my graduation from AKB0048."
Tears ran down her face as the audience began crying and shouting in intense sadness, while somehow also cheering her on for her new future. I watched in silent awe at the rush of emotions rolling through the uproarious crowd, as Yukirin and the other crying members tried to get ahold of themselves. When she finally grasped her voice she lifted her mic, slightly quieting the crowd once more.
"Because this year is special in our history my graduation will be held until the later half of the year, so I want you all to promise me we can spend the rest of my time with AKB having fun and making memories! I promise I will keep giving my best for every performance, so you can all proudly see me off when the time finally comes. Can you all do that for me!?" She yells out, half excited and half still in tears.
The crowd roars in agreement as the final encore song finally starts up, the successors trying to get their emotions together enough to sing again. I feel a few tears run down my face as everyone starts leaning on my back and arms for support as they cry their hearts out. I can't believe Yukirin is going to graduate soon. I hold up my teammates as we cry together, knowing we officially have a limited time left with the sweet and silly Yukirin the 6th.
I can't help but wonder if being in AKB is always so full of constant new events and changes. So much has happened since we've arrived, and we've only just begun.