Live 4 Act 1
JayF
The Idol Producer
I Wanna Be An Idol!
Live 4-Act 1
/x/
Utahime did a final costume check while she stood at the entrance from the second floor to the lobby of the PRT building, before she went down to meet the new girls. She adjusted the hat strap that held her black, miniature fedora that glittered from the studs inserted into the black material, while the golden trim on her shimmering white blouse glowed to her satisfaction. Her knee length boots with red trim over white leather formed a swirling vision as she tested a few rudimentary moves, while her black shorts formed a pleasing contrast with the rest of her uniform. Peering into the mirror, the cape nodded before she turned her gaze to the oncoming commotion outside the building.
Utahime watched nervously as the reinforced one-sided glass doors of the PRT lobby slid open with a hiss and a deafening roar shook the building before two idols and Producer dashed into safety. Armsmaster and a line of PRT troops in full riot gear formed a shield wall as they held back the horde of journalists yelling questions, along with the throng of fans who had heard about Spotlight's appearance at the PRT building. More PRT troopers filed out of the lobby as they rushed to hold the line, and Utahime considered joining in for she feared that they horde will break through.
Spotlight's arms will break from all those autographs, Utahime thought. Relief flooded her heart as the doors finally shut after the PRT finally managed to push the human wave beyond the door, but her relief was short-lived as she saw Spotlight and her new colleague turn on one another.
"What the hell is your problem," Spotlight bit out as she glared at the blonde idol. "You outed yourself in front of the press!"
Oh shit, this is bad, Utahime thought as she raced down the stairs as Lisa started to lay into Spotlight.
"I just figured if I'm going into showbiz, might as well go the whole hog," Lisa said. "Unlike being a normal cape, being a celeb means you want everyone to know who you are."
"But.."
"Of course," Lisa continued. "It helps I am actually good looking."
Spotlight narrowed her eyes at the barely implied dig as she snarled.
"It'd probably also help a lot," Spotlight said, "if Producer won't need to get Dragon, Armsmaster and the rest of the Tinker population in the world so you can carry an auto-tune with the aid of a bucket."
"Girls!"
Both idols clapped their hands onto their ears and fell to their knees as Utahime yelled at them. Their gaze turned to the senior cape, who left a trail of floating neon musical notes as she glided down the stairs on a cloud of disappearing song sheets. Spotlight's face lit up in recognition as she saw the heroine approach, but found herself silenced by a look of disapproval from Utahime.
"Honestly," Utahime huffed as she placed her hands on her hips, "is there anything you girls won't fight about when there isn't any adult supervision?"
"Adult supervision?" Spotlight frowned before she turned to where Producer was standing only a few minutes ago. "Damn it."
"He's probably out somewhere trying to trap another young lady into pop-servitude," Lisa said with a shrug. "He's a total menace, and he's stuck me with a unmarketable twig as my unit partner."
"Hey! Producer's not a menace," Taylor said," and I'm not a twig!"
"Of course you're not," Lisa said. "You're a twig who is into older and pudgy men."
Swarms of cockroaches, flies and bees swarmed out of the corners of the lobby, as Spotlight glared coldly at Lisa.
"You will not imply any such thing about Producer or me," Taylor hissed, "I know for damn sure I don't feel that way regarding Producer."
Lisa's face hardened even as the insects buzzed closer.
"Take it back," Taylor said, "now."
Glowing musical notes shot towards the swarms and the insects scattered or burned as they burst into fireworks that rippled across the air. Utahime slid towards the remaining swarms like a ballerina, each jerk and snap of her arms and legs leaving a trail of light and sound as she cleared the bugs. Job done, the older cape landed in front of the two fighting idols, her eyes hard as she bore into them.
"Seriously, stop."
Both idols glared at each other and Utahime, but nodded their heads as they saw the glowing notes with the ripples in the air. Utahime's expression softened in response and hugged both teenagers.
"You girls are going to a lot of work, especially once Shadow Stalker gets involved."
Lisa made a face at the mention of the Ward.
"Oh yeah, she's involved with us too huh."
"Yeah, speaking of her," Spotlight said, "where is she?"
"It's her day off, actually so I don't think she appreciates having Spotlight here drag her into that impromptu live at Downtown." Utahime said while looking at Spotlight, "Plus Producer's probably got some plans to finalise her status."
"Status?" Both girls echoed.
"Yep, both of you are now under contract to Pro Talent Agency," Utahime said brightly. "Welcome to the team!"
Both girls stumbled as Utahime gave an unexpected pat on their backs, before she turned towards Spotlight, her gaze accusing.
"So, what's this I've heard about an unauthorised sing-off with Shadow Stalker."
/x/
Sophia walked towards her mother's house at Stonemast Avenue, her new glamourous look a stark contrast to the unkempt lawns and strewn garbage of the neighbourhood homes. The downbeat tempo of the background music amplified the dreary feel of her town, something Sophia had managed to learn to tune out, only for the sudden clarity afforded by her new powers to drive home how bad things have gotten.
"Fucking idol bullshit powers," Sophia muttered while the mournful double bass and the tinkle of the piano played in her head as she observed the urban decay.
Still, having her throw a fit when she saw my outfit was almost worth getting Mastered by the fat fuck, Sophia thought. It's been so long since she expressed any kind of emotion other than general lethargy and being a complete nag.
The door to her mother's house opened, and Sophia wished she had her crossbow with her while she heard the record scratch.
"Hello Sophia," her mother said as she raised her pen from the paper. "Just in time to meet your new legal guardian."
Sophia's eyes turned to Producer who sat across the table from her mother, his face more sombre than usual as he countersigned the document her mother had inked not long ago.
"It's over, Sophia," her mother said gravely. "Between your anger issues, your...extra curricular activities and raising your brothers I cannot take more of this."
Producer's phone flashed as he took a photo of the document, while her mother stood up and faced her. Sophia noted her mother seemed both more lifeless and relieved than she had ever seen her since she could walk.
"I've given you up for adoption. I sincerely hope you find a better home with Producer and the PR-"
The thin walls of the house shook as Sophia slammed the door shut. Producer stared at the doorway before he took placed his copy of the documents into his briefcase and shook the hand of Sophia's former mother.
"Thank you, Mrs Hess."
"Please, Producer," Mrs Hess said as she kept her eyes on the door,"try to give her the home I wasn't able to."
"I will, Mrs Hess."
The woman turned to face the new guardian of her only daughter, only to meet an empty seat.
/x/
Finding his charge wasn't difficult, given the capabilities of his Vision. Producer saw Sophia, seated next to the rusted swing in an once thriving playground with her head buried between her knees. Producer approached slowly, careful to not set off his violate idol and came to a stop ten paces behind her.
"Fuck off," Sophia growled in a hoarse voice, "fuck off and die, you fat fuck."
"After I'm done making sure you're alright." Producer dodged a piece of broken pavement, as he stood rooted behind Sophia. A comfortable silence settled in, broken only by the occasional shout and doors closing in the distance to remind them of their surroundings.
"I can hear you, you know."
Producer blinked, as he walked closer to his idol.
"Pardon?"
"Your theme song," Sophia said. " You, and almost everyone else of significance has a goddamned theme song." Sophia's eyes twinkled as she zoomed in on him and stood up, her skirt fluttered as she brushed off the dust.
"Any idea how it works?" Sophia said. "This whole having background music playing in your head, the urge to dance and sing. How do you deal with it?"
"I don't," Producer said. "I'm not an idol, so I cannot hear the tunes."
"Lucky you," Sophia snorted. "So, why me?"
"Because you have a beautiful scowl."
"I'll show you a beautiful scowl you fat-"
"I speak the truth, Sophia," Producer held out his hands. "My Vision tells me when to approach the ones who's time is ready, who's Song has matured."
Sophia cast a questioning scowl at Producer, but beckoned for him to continue.
"You took my card without question, then you began your first Live. You're ready to take the stage-"
"Don't want it," Sophia cut in. "Release me from the Master effect now."
"You misunderstand, Sophia," Producer said as he shook his head. "I didn't Master you. I only unlocked your talent when the time was right."
Sophia stood straight and defiant as she met Producer's gaze.
"Do you really want to go back to how you were before, Sophia?" Sophia clicked her tongue, as Producer studied her expression. "When you could not hear the music and the unending chorus of creation?"
Sophia choked as she stifled a laugh, but failed as she witnessed Producer's baffled expression.
"God! And they call me a chew knee!" Sophia raised her fingers into quotation marks,"Chorus of creation! God that's so corny! Gah!"
"You should laugh more often, Sophia. Not the sneering kind I've seen you do," Producer said, "but something more natural, joyful."
Sophia's face darkened as she closed in on Producer, grabbing him by the front of his shirt.
"Are you implying anything? Because if you imply I'm anything like that beanpole Hebert I'll-"
"You are strong, Sophia. But you're also damaged," Producer said even as his idol's scowl deepened, "and it's a shame that someone had to be forced to become strong at your age."
"The fuck do you care, Chambers," Sophia shoved Producer away. "Worried that the audience won't like it if I call them a bunch of losers?"
"A producer cares for every aspect of his idols, Sophia. And I've cared about every parahuman that ever approached me for a makeover," Sophia scoffed as she remembered her first meeting,"even if I had to consider the needs of the PRT as well."
"Sophia, it's the fault of us adults that children and the youth are traumatised enough to trigger," Producer said, "and one major reasons we producers exist to create and scout idols is to change that."
"Wow," Sophia said flatly. "Changing the world one manufactured, by the numbers pop song at a time."
"It's only natural, Sophia for us producers and idols to make things right and set the rules straight again."
"Rules of nature, huh?" Sophia stumbled as she felt a sudden jolt to her senses, before she bared her teeth in a predatory grin.
"You know something, Producer? I think I've found my song for the sing-off."
Sophia turned and walked back towards her former home, while Producer followed close behind.
"You will need help moving your luggage to your new home," Producer said as he fished out his phone, "I'll call for the movers."
"No need," Sophia snorted, "it's not as if I've got a lot of stuff I wanna keep. But I'll be needing an increase in my allowance though."
Producer blinked in confusion at his idol's greedy smile.
"Yeah," Sophia grabbed onto her new outfit," this threads don't come cheap. I'll be in your care."
"Not an issue," Producer said calmly as he jotted in his notebook," will there be anything else."
"Sure do, Producer," Sophia said. "What the hell's a Chew Knee Bureau anyway? Sounds like something Bonesaw would think off, not that girl scout Vista and Clockblocker."
Producer told idol, and lo did the idol rage. While the skies did not bleed nor did fire rain down from the clouds, more than a few curious neighbours poked their heads out of their windows before being pulled back in to avoid becoming like the proverbial cat.
"Vista! I'm gonna kill you!"
/x/
Taylor panted while she kept her eyes on the devil incarnate, who performed her devlish deeds by running her new "teammate" Lisa ragged. Her faded t-shirt and tights clung to her sweaty frame, while she struggled for air as her body screamed for rest. A dance studio in the Protectorate Rig was something Taylor had never expected them to have, but she wasn't about to complain about having well constructed facilities to train in. The mirrored walls, the handlebars, the smooth wooden floors and the bright lights in a well air-conditioned room was far more than she could have hoped for in Winslow.
The coach on the other hand...
"Lisa's a complete bitch," Taylor muttered between gasps of air, "but even she doesn't deserve this."
"You call that a mezzo-soprano, Lisa?" Utahime said as she pressed down on the stomach of the rookie idol, "It sounded more like a cat being mangled by a pit bull!"
"Hey, how did you know of what Bitch's dogs did-okay! Okay!" Lisa winced as Utahime's gaze hardened. "No more snark! Just don't screech again!"
"So long as you stop suggesting lip-synching," Utahime said while she checked her watch. Taylor shuddered as the older cape looked at her, and felt a tinge of disappointment when Utahime sighed while she observed her skipping practice. She clapped her hands and motioned for the two idols to stand in front of her, before she glanced at her watch again.
"We actually have another forty-five minutes of practice time scheduled," Utahime frowned at the collective groan and silenced any complaints with a cold glare." But you girls are obviously too raw for the normal training, so I'll be devising something new for you. Lisa, report to Producer for processing for your new cape ID."
"No snarky remarks on how he got here," Lisa said,"too tired to care."
"Good," Utahime said before she turned to Taylor. "Taylor, grab a fresh towel and some water on our way towards my office."
As Lisa trudged out of the studio into the waiting arms of Miss Militia, Taylor followed Utahime and gulped directly from the flask, before she coughed a fit when she choked on the warm water.
"Slowly, sip the water and let it wet your lips," Utahime said as she rubbed Taylor's back. "Don't rush it."
Taylor nodded as she settled down, before she followed the older cape into her office. Taylor's eyes widened as she saw the walls painted in soft pink and blue, the posters of several singers, some whom she recognised and the colourful bean bag cushions strewn in several corners of the room. The only sign of an office was the singular desk with two chairs facing each other, and even then the table was covered in a frilly, rainbow coloured mat. Utahime hummed a tune while she slid over to the a corner stuffed with bean bags and pillows and plonked herself with a satisfied sigh onto the largest one in the middle, before she waved Taylor over with a wide smile.
"So, Taylor," Utahime said, "guess I was correct to speculate that you had triggered when I rescued you from the locker."
Taylor's face stiffened as she recalled the incident, as she studied the face of the older cape.
"You rescued me? But it was Ms Jougosaki who..." Taylor squinted her eyes, "you're Ms Mika Jougosaki! That means you're a-"
"Correct! I'm an idol, just like you. Don't you just love our inbuilt Stranger effect?"
Taylor slumped into her bean bag, while she visibly unwound and stared at the ceiling with its painted stars.
"Wow," Taylor said with a smile," guess I'm part of something great here."
"You don't know the half of it, Taylor. So," Mika grinned as she rolled over the lined up cushions to one next to the younger idol, "you decided on a song yet? For the sing-off I mean."
"Nope, I'm stumped," Taylor admitted. "Don't wanna rehash the song I've performed earlier today, so I have to get something new."
"Yeah, that'd be a problem, won't it?" Mika scratched her chin, before her eyes lit up as she turned towards Taylor.
"Say, you've heard of Bloom?"
"Yeah," Taylor nodded. "Big thing back in the eighties and resurfaced for a disaster relief concert during Kyushu. Mom was a big fan and said she was breaking records before Canary could walk!"
"Your mom must love her," Mika said with a gentle smile.
"Yep," Taylor's face fell slightly," Mom used to sing a lot of her songs when she was alive, even had a whole book with Bloom's music inside. Read it once, then it got lost a few months ago."
"Oh," Mika placed a hand over her mouth," I'm sorry Taylor. Didn't know your mother has passed away."
"Nah, it's....not okay," Taylor said," because it's still kinda raw but I'm learning to get over it."
Taylor yelped slightly as Mika grabbed her into a hug and pressed her head on her shoulder.
"Your mother would be proud of you."
"Hey quit it," Taylor said while she blinked away the forming tears, "you sound like you know her."
"Just because I'm not old enough to have a kid doesn't mean I'm don't have a mother," Mika huffed before she broke into a giggle. "So, you open for a suggestion?"
"Sure," Taylor's face regained some cheer," what do you suggest?"
"Bloom's debut for her first Live and single," Mika said.
"Which is?"
Mika leaped to her feet and pulled out a mic.
"Idol flash!"
Live 4-Act 1
/x/
Utahime did a final costume check while she stood at the entrance from the second floor to the lobby of the PRT building, before she went down to meet the new girls. She adjusted the hat strap that held her black, miniature fedora that glittered from the studs inserted into the black material, while the golden trim on her shimmering white blouse glowed to her satisfaction. Her knee length boots with red trim over white leather formed a swirling vision as she tested a few rudimentary moves, while her black shorts formed a pleasing contrast with the rest of her uniform. Peering into the mirror, the cape nodded before she turned her gaze to the oncoming commotion outside the building.
Utahime watched nervously as the reinforced one-sided glass doors of the PRT lobby slid open with a hiss and a deafening roar shook the building before two idols and Producer dashed into safety. Armsmaster and a line of PRT troops in full riot gear formed a shield wall as they held back the horde of journalists yelling questions, along with the throng of fans who had heard about Spotlight's appearance at the PRT building. More PRT troopers filed out of the lobby as they rushed to hold the line, and Utahime considered joining in for she feared that they horde will break through.
Spotlight's arms will break from all those autographs, Utahime thought. Relief flooded her heart as the doors finally shut after the PRT finally managed to push the human wave beyond the door, but her relief was short-lived as she saw Spotlight and her new colleague turn on one another.
"What the hell is your problem," Spotlight bit out as she glared at the blonde idol. "You outed yourself in front of the press!"
Oh shit, this is bad, Utahime thought as she raced down the stairs as Lisa started to lay into Spotlight.
"I just figured if I'm going into showbiz, might as well go the whole hog," Lisa said. "Unlike being a normal cape, being a celeb means you want everyone to know who you are."
"But.."
"Of course," Lisa continued. "It helps I am actually good looking."
Spotlight narrowed her eyes at the barely implied dig as she snarled.
"It'd probably also help a lot," Spotlight said, "if Producer won't need to get Dragon, Armsmaster and the rest of the Tinker population in the world so you can carry an auto-tune with the aid of a bucket."
"Girls!"
Both idols clapped their hands onto their ears and fell to their knees as Utahime yelled at them. Their gaze turned to the senior cape, who left a trail of floating neon musical notes as she glided down the stairs on a cloud of disappearing song sheets. Spotlight's face lit up in recognition as she saw the heroine approach, but found herself silenced by a look of disapproval from Utahime.
"Honestly," Utahime huffed as she placed her hands on her hips, "is there anything you girls won't fight about when there isn't any adult supervision?"
"Adult supervision?" Spotlight frowned before she turned to where Producer was standing only a few minutes ago. "Damn it."
"He's probably out somewhere trying to trap another young lady into pop-servitude," Lisa said with a shrug. "He's a total menace, and he's stuck me with a unmarketable twig as my unit partner."
"Hey! Producer's not a menace," Taylor said," and I'm not a twig!"
"Of course you're not," Lisa said. "You're a twig who is into older and pudgy men."
Swarms of cockroaches, flies and bees swarmed out of the corners of the lobby, as Spotlight glared coldly at Lisa.
"You will not imply any such thing about Producer or me," Taylor hissed, "I know for damn sure I don't feel that way regarding Producer."
Lisa's face hardened even as the insects buzzed closer.
"Take it back," Taylor said, "now."
Glowing musical notes shot towards the swarms and the insects scattered or burned as they burst into fireworks that rippled across the air. Utahime slid towards the remaining swarms like a ballerina, each jerk and snap of her arms and legs leaving a trail of light and sound as she cleared the bugs. Job done, the older cape landed in front of the two fighting idols, her eyes hard as she bore into them.
"Seriously, stop."
Both idols glared at each other and Utahime, but nodded their heads as they saw the glowing notes with the ripples in the air. Utahime's expression softened in response and hugged both teenagers.
"You girls are going to a lot of work, especially once Shadow Stalker gets involved."
Lisa made a face at the mention of the Ward.
"Oh yeah, she's involved with us too huh."
"Yeah, speaking of her," Spotlight said, "where is she?"
"It's her day off, actually so I don't think she appreciates having Spotlight here drag her into that impromptu live at Downtown." Utahime said while looking at Spotlight, "Plus Producer's probably got some plans to finalise her status."
"Status?" Both girls echoed.
"Yep, both of you are now under contract to Pro Talent Agency," Utahime said brightly. "Welcome to the team!"
Both girls stumbled as Utahime gave an unexpected pat on their backs, before she turned towards Spotlight, her gaze accusing.
"So, what's this I've heard about an unauthorised sing-off with Shadow Stalker."
/x/
Sophia walked towards her mother's house at Stonemast Avenue, her new glamourous look a stark contrast to the unkempt lawns and strewn garbage of the neighbourhood homes. The downbeat tempo of the background music amplified the dreary feel of her town, something Sophia had managed to learn to tune out, only for the sudden clarity afforded by her new powers to drive home how bad things have gotten.
"Fucking idol bullshit powers," Sophia muttered while the mournful double bass and the tinkle of the piano played in her head as she observed the urban decay.
Still, having her throw a fit when she saw my outfit was almost worth getting Mastered by the fat fuck, Sophia thought. It's been so long since she expressed any kind of emotion other than general lethargy and being a complete nag.
The door to her mother's house opened, and Sophia wished she had her crossbow with her while she heard the record scratch.
"Hello Sophia," her mother said as she raised her pen from the paper. "Just in time to meet your new legal guardian."
Sophia's eyes turned to Producer who sat across the table from her mother, his face more sombre than usual as he countersigned the document her mother had inked not long ago.
"It's over, Sophia," her mother said gravely. "Between your anger issues, your...extra curricular activities and raising your brothers I cannot take more of this."
Producer's phone flashed as he took a photo of the document, while her mother stood up and faced her. Sophia noted her mother seemed both more lifeless and relieved than she had ever seen her since she could walk.
"I've given you up for adoption. I sincerely hope you find a better home with Producer and the PR-"
The thin walls of the house shook as Sophia slammed the door shut. Producer stared at the doorway before he took placed his copy of the documents into his briefcase and shook the hand of Sophia's former mother.
"Thank you, Mrs Hess."
"Please, Producer," Mrs Hess said as she kept her eyes on the door,"try to give her the home I wasn't able to."
"I will, Mrs Hess."
The woman turned to face the new guardian of her only daughter, only to meet an empty seat.
/x/
Finding his charge wasn't difficult, given the capabilities of his Vision. Producer saw Sophia, seated next to the rusted swing in an once thriving playground with her head buried between her knees. Producer approached slowly, careful to not set off his violate idol and came to a stop ten paces behind her.
"Fuck off," Sophia growled in a hoarse voice, "fuck off and die, you fat fuck."
"After I'm done making sure you're alright." Producer dodged a piece of broken pavement, as he stood rooted behind Sophia. A comfortable silence settled in, broken only by the occasional shout and doors closing in the distance to remind them of their surroundings.
"I can hear you, you know."
Producer blinked, as he walked closer to his idol.
"Pardon?"
"Your theme song," Sophia said. " You, and almost everyone else of significance has a goddamned theme song." Sophia's eyes twinkled as she zoomed in on him and stood up, her skirt fluttered as she brushed off the dust.
"Any idea how it works?" Sophia said. "This whole having background music playing in your head, the urge to dance and sing. How do you deal with it?"
"I don't," Producer said. "I'm not an idol, so I cannot hear the tunes."
"Lucky you," Sophia snorted. "So, why me?"
"Because you have a beautiful scowl."
"I'll show you a beautiful scowl you fat-"
"I speak the truth, Sophia," Producer held out his hands. "My Vision tells me when to approach the ones who's time is ready, who's Song has matured."
Sophia cast a questioning scowl at Producer, but beckoned for him to continue.
"You took my card without question, then you began your first Live. You're ready to take the stage-"
"Don't want it," Sophia cut in. "Release me from the Master effect now."
"You misunderstand, Sophia," Producer said as he shook his head. "I didn't Master you. I only unlocked your talent when the time was right."
Sophia stood straight and defiant as she met Producer's gaze.
"Do you really want to go back to how you were before, Sophia?" Sophia clicked her tongue, as Producer studied her expression. "When you could not hear the music and the unending chorus of creation?"
Sophia choked as she stifled a laugh, but failed as she witnessed Producer's baffled expression.
"God! And they call me a chew knee!" Sophia raised her fingers into quotation marks,"Chorus of creation! God that's so corny! Gah!"
"You should laugh more often, Sophia. Not the sneering kind I've seen you do," Producer said, "but something more natural, joyful."
Sophia's face darkened as she closed in on Producer, grabbing him by the front of his shirt.
"Are you implying anything? Because if you imply I'm anything like that beanpole Hebert I'll-"
"You are strong, Sophia. But you're also damaged," Producer said even as his idol's scowl deepened, "and it's a shame that someone had to be forced to become strong at your age."
"The fuck do you care, Chambers," Sophia shoved Producer away. "Worried that the audience won't like it if I call them a bunch of losers?"
"A producer cares for every aspect of his idols, Sophia. And I've cared about every parahuman that ever approached me for a makeover," Sophia scoffed as she remembered her first meeting,"even if I had to consider the needs of the PRT as well."
"Sophia, it's the fault of us adults that children and the youth are traumatised enough to trigger," Producer said, "and one major reasons we producers exist to create and scout idols is to change that."
"Wow," Sophia said flatly. "Changing the world one manufactured, by the numbers pop song at a time."
"It's only natural, Sophia for us producers and idols to make things right and set the rules straight again."
"Rules of nature, huh?" Sophia stumbled as she felt a sudden jolt to her senses, before she bared her teeth in a predatory grin.
"You know something, Producer? I think I've found my song for the sing-off."
Sophia turned and walked back towards her former home, while Producer followed close behind.
"You will need help moving your luggage to your new home," Producer said as he fished out his phone, "I'll call for the movers."
"No need," Sophia snorted, "it's not as if I've got a lot of stuff I wanna keep. But I'll be needing an increase in my allowance though."
Producer blinked in confusion at his idol's greedy smile.
"Yeah," Sophia grabbed onto her new outfit," this threads don't come cheap. I'll be in your care."
"Not an issue," Producer said calmly as he jotted in his notebook," will there be anything else."
"Sure do, Producer," Sophia said. "What the hell's a Chew Knee Bureau anyway? Sounds like something Bonesaw would think off, not that girl scout Vista and Clockblocker."
Producer told idol, and lo did the idol rage. While the skies did not bleed nor did fire rain down from the clouds, more than a few curious neighbours poked their heads out of their windows before being pulled back in to avoid becoming like the proverbial cat.
"Vista! I'm gonna kill you!"
/x/
Taylor panted while she kept her eyes on the devil incarnate, who performed her devlish deeds by running her new "teammate" Lisa ragged. Her faded t-shirt and tights clung to her sweaty frame, while she struggled for air as her body screamed for rest. A dance studio in the Protectorate Rig was something Taylor had never expected them to have, but she wasn't about to complain about having well constructed facilities to train in. The mirrored walls, the handlebars, the smooth wooden floors and the bright lights in a well air-conditioned room was far more than she could have hoped for in Winslow.
The coach on the other hand...
"Lisa's a complete bitch," Taylor muttered between gasps of air, "but even she doesn't deserve this."
"You call that a mezzo-soprano, Lisa?" Utahime said as she pressed down on the stomach of the rookie idol, "It sounded more like a cat being mangled by a pit bull!"
"Hey, how did you know of what Bitch's dogs did-okay! Okay!" Lisa winced as Utahime's gaze hardened. "No more snark! Just don't screech again!"
"So long as you stop suggesting lip-synching," Utahime said while she checked her watch. Taylor shuddered as the older cape looked at her, and felt a tinge of disappointment when Utahime sighed while she observed her skipping practice. She clapped her hands and motioned for the two idols to stand in front of her, before she glanced at her watch again.
"We actually have another forty-five minutes of practice time scheduled," Utahime frowned at the collective groan and silenced any complaints with a cold glare." But you girls are obviously too raw for the normal training, so I'll be devising something new for you. Lisa, report to Producer for processing for your new cape ID."
"No snarky remarks on how he got here," Lisa said,"too tired to care."
"Good," Utahime said before she turned to Taylor. "Taylor, grab a fresh towel and some water on our way towards my office."
As Lisa trudged out of the studio into the waiting arms of Miss Militia, Taylor followed Utahime and gulped directly from the flask, before she coughed a fit when she choked on the warm water.
"Slowly, sip the water and let it wet your lips," Utahime said as she rubbed Taylor's back. "Don't rush it."
Taylor nodded as she settled down, before she followed the older cape into her office. Taylor's eyes widened as she saw the walls painted in soft pink and blue, the posters of several singers, some whom she recognised and the colourful bean bag cushions strewn in several corners of the room. The only sign of an office was the singular desk with two chairs facing each other, and even then the table was covered in a frilly, rainbow coloured mat. Utahime hummed a tune while she slid over to the a corner stuffed with bean bags and pillows and plonked herself with a satisfied sigh onto the largest one in the middle, before she waved Taylor over with a wide smile.
"So, Taylor," Utahime said, "guess I was correct to speculate that you had triggered when I rescued you from the locker."
Taylor's face stiffened as she recalled the incident, as she studied the face of the older cape.
"You rescued me? But it was Ms Jougosaki who..." Taylor squinted her eyes, "you're Ms Mika Jougosaki! That means you're a-"
"Correct! I'm an idol, just like you. Don't you just love our inbuilt Stranger effect?"
Taylor slumped into her bean bag, while she visibly unwound and stared at the ceiling with its painted stars.
"Wow," Taylor said with a smile," guess I'm part of something great here."
"You don't know the half of it, Taylor. So," Mika grinned as she rolled over the lined up cushions to one next to the younger idol, "you decided on a song yet? For the sing-off I mean."
"Nope, I'm stumped," Taylor admitted. "Don't wanna rehash the song I've performed earlier today, so I have to get something new."
"Yeah, that'd be a problem, won't it?" Mika scratched her chin, before her eyes lit up as she turned towards Taylor.
"Say, you've heard of Bloom?"
"Yeah," Taylor nodded. "Big thing back in the eighties and resurfaced for a disaster relief concert during Kyushu. Mom was a big fan and said she was breaking records before Canary could walk!"
"Your mom must love her," Mika said with a gentle smile.
"Yep," Taylor's face fell slightly," Mom used to sing a lot of her songs when she was alive, even had a whole book with Bloom's music inside. Read it once, then it got lost a few months ago."
"Oh," Mika placed a hand over her mouth," I'm sorry Taylor. Didn't know your mother has passed away."
"Nah, it's....not okay," Taylor said," because it's still kinda raw but I'm learning to get over it."
Taylor yelped slightly as Mika grabbed her into a hug and pressed her head on her shoulder.
"Your mother would be proud of you."
"Hey quit it," Taylor said while she blinked away the forming tears, "you sound like you know her."
"Just because I'm not old enough to have a kid doesn't mean I'm don't have a mother," Mika huffed before she broke into a giggle. "So, you open for a suggestion?"
"Sure," Taylor's face regained some cheer," what do you suggest?"
"Bloom's debut for her first Live and single," Mika said.
"Which is?"
Mika leaped to her feet and pulled out a mic.
"Idol flash!"
No one can escape the charisma of an Idol. Not a Dragon, not a hero, not an entity and certainly not a couple of stupid Neo-Nazi.