Episode 1: The Wish I Made On A Star

**Synopsis: Budding idols Victoria Nakamura and Emily Takahashi matriculate into Four Star Academy and meet S4. As they have high hopes for their Aikatsu, a new radiance appears at the harbor...? How will the new idol school affect their Aikatsu?**

*The stars are beautiful tonight.* I thought, smiling even as I ran. *I wonder what it'd be like to be so special and admired.* I almost flew across the town, panting as buildings and streets turned to soft grass. *Ahh, but I'm late...*

When I saw Emily's bright blue hair almost glowing under the moonlight, I raised my hand and shouted, "Emily!" She turned and lit up. "It's you!"

My feet were going fast, so fast I could barely control them. The endless ocean glittered before me. It was Emily who caught me before I fell in, shaking with laughter and the evening wind. "Victoria-*san."* she chastised. "You're late*.*"

I smiled. "Usually, I'd be the one saying that to you! You're only complaining because your mom dropped you off too early." I could only imagine Mrs. Takahashi saying, *Better too early than too late!* "Seems like you're always early when your mom drops you off."

Emily pouted. "Ahh, it's not my fault! Something always comes up." Eager to change the subject, she commented, "It looks like we're good for tonight."

I looked up. "You're right. There's only a few minutes left until it's supposed to begin." This was the first year that we'd get to see the January meteor showers. Every year before this one, Emily's curfew had kept us from getting to see a meteor shower together. For me, curfew was never a problem. But I shook away that thought and focused on the beautiful sky.

Emily turned to me then. "Well, we'll be off for Japan tomorrow."

A wide smile stretched across my face. "I hope we'll make it as top idols. I want to be a star...like at the top of a Christmas tree. The top star, brighter than every other star. It brings every Christmas to life. That's why...I, Victoria Nakamura...will strive to become...the top-star idol!" Emily clapped for me.

"Your dream sounds *sugoi*, Victoria-san." she said, smiling. "I still don't know how to put my dream into words. It just never comes out that way." Looking down, she whispered, "I want to be a top idol, too...but do I really have the skills for it?"

I didn't know what to tell her. Here was an honest question. Before I could try to comfort her, I saw the sky light up behind us. Grabbing her hand, I whispered, "Look." and she turned.

Her eyes lit up as a meteor whooshed across the horizon. Then another one. I wondered if she was wishing for anything. I was wishing, and I was wishing hard. With every wish, I let my hopes soar and take to the skies. It was so calming and elegant. I'd never been happier in my entire life.

I hadn't even noticed our parents arriving until I blinked and saw their cars waiting. Emily clasped my hands confidently. "*Arigato,* Victoria-san." she said, smiling. "I finally realized it. Just like those meteors...just like the radiant lights...I'm going to shine bright!" I could see confidence and joy pouring out of her words, and I smiled. *Good, Emily. That's the first step, for real. You realized a dream. Now, let's take the next steps to fulfill our dreams.*

I climbed into my mother's car. A sleeping Amy was already in the backseat. My little sister had probably insisted on coming, and not had the energy to stay awake in the car. For a second, I paused. *If only...how peaceful it looks.*

Then I shook it off, smiling sadly, and sat down as the car sped off.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*OP: Aikatsu New World\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Emily twirled in her Four Star uniform. "Ahh! Victoria-san, it's so cute! I feel like a real idol!"

I closed my eyes. "We *are* idols. This is the beginning for us!" To tell the truth, I was worried for Emily's Aikatsu. She wasn't used to working hard. Her parents believed in giving her things she wanted, and she'd never worked very hard for anything. If she didn't learn a work ethic soon, her Aikatsu would never be successful.

Emily shook my arm. "Look, it's Ako-senpai!"

I opened my eyes with a jolt. "Wait, where? Where?" She pointed and I saw Ako Saotome standing before us...in a first-year's uniform! I stood before her with my mouth wide open. *How is this possible?*

Emily gasped. "We traveled into the past!" She said dramatically. Ako rolled her eyes at me. I smiled sheepishly and whispered, "*Emily..."* She snapped out of it fast.