Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 3 (Abridged)

Amduscias: You guys!
MC: Whatcha looking at? / Wasn't he...? / (greet)
---
(A) Amduscias: UHHHH NOTHING
Leanan Sidhe: You know my classmate?
(BC) Leanan: Oh I know him! I'll introduce you guys.
---
Leanan: He's a demon that can make unearthly sounds. He also...actually, never mind. But he's a great songwriter!
Amduscias: Hey, you're a great producer too.
Leanan sees the music video and changes the subject.
Leanan: Oh, Apollo. He's so popular, Amduscias keeps picking up his new albums even though he says he isn't into him.
Amduscias: Uhhh, yeah.
Leanan: He's a top idol alongside Gabriel. Pretty much everyone stans them.
Amduscias: Huh. I TOTALLY DON'T know much about idol music, but that's important info I guess.
Amduscias relaxes thinking he hasn't been found out.
Solomon: Hmmmm, sus. But maybe we don't need to poke at him?
MC: You hate idols? / What's so different about pop idol music? / YOU LIKE IDOLS?
(A) Amduscias: Not...really? Just good reference for writing. Stop looking at me like that.
(B) Amduscias: Idol music is so much deeper! So many factors to think about making a smash banger! Uhhhh, that's what school says at least!
(C) Amduscias: What, you don't believe me? I just listen to what's popular for studying.

Amduscias is distracted, wondering what passing randos are looking at even if it isn't supposed to be him.
MC: So...wanna be an idol? We need help.
Amduscias: WHAT
Amduscias looks excited. MC and Leanan Sidhe notice.
Amduscias: ...there's no way I can be one.
Amduscias shoves his hopes and dreams back into the closet.
Amduscias: I just said I don't care about idols! I'm better as a songwriter than a performer! Leanan just said Apollo and Gabriel are the top idols right now, so even if I became a temp idol I can't get any fans to come, so why bother? Why would you even want a big lunk like me!?
MC: Joke's on you, I'm into that shit! / Why not make a new kind of idol? / hmmmm, you sure know a lot about idols
(A) Amduscias: You trying to make me a dancing bear or something!?
(B) Amduscias: Sounds nice, but it ain't realistic. I don't wanna be a joke!
(C) Amduscias: UHHHH NO I DON'T

Leanan Sidhe: (stares)
Amduscias doesn't seem into this. He's into idols, yeah, but he worries too much about if people would like him to try. Leanan sees through him.
Leanan: Sorry Amduscias, we didn't want to push you. MC believes in you, but you have a musicality no one else has. I can see it.
Amduscias hesitates.
Leanan: I won't judge MC's choices, but you know how good a producer I am, right?
Amduscias: Yeah, the whole school knows.
Leanan: I believe in what I saw in MC. What about you?
Amduscias has no response.
MC: I think you can make it and not be some gimmick, but I have no proof.

Amduscias: ...geez. Fine, I'm doing this for you Leanan Sidhe. Not because I want to.
Leanan: Hehe, I know how it is. Thanks for hearing MC out!
MC and Leanan promise to call with details later and leave.
Amduscias: (frown)
Amduscias has mixed feelings about going for his dream and his feelings on the impossibility of it.
Amduscias: Can I really make it?
Amduscias's legs shake.
Amduscias: Does MC really believe in me?
Later, at Shinjuku Station
Leanan: Thanks MC! I think this group of four will work! I think you convinced them, so cheer them on! Training comes after this!
MC: Yeah! / so it begins / welp, it's all them now
---
(A) Leanan: Good energy!
(B) Leanan: Yeah, everyone's going to grow.
(C) Leanan: Hmm, really? How they turn out depends on your direction.
---
Leanan: School's set up the dates, place, and mentor. We'll start after we get ready and let everyone know. Good work today, MC!

Leanan leaves, and MC heads home.
Back at the dorm
Mononobe: Did you say you'll be out a while for idol training?
Giving the parental unit stand in notice of the event plot!
Mononobe: Oh, you'll be a producer? Weird. And a form from Nakano Performing Arts? Around this time, the admins always--never mind. They did call earlier. Anyways, go on, don't worry about school stuff.
Solomon: Yay, good for you Master! Thank you!
Mononobe: Good luck, this is all I can do for you.
And on the day of idol training camp...
Party: WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT'S IN ANOTHER WORLD???
End of Episode 

Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 2 (Abridged)

Leanan Sidhe: Let's look for people this weekend!
Time skip to the weekend! Now it's time to pick somewhere to find idols...
MC: (check Shibuya) / (check Akihabara) / (check Shinjuku)
1st location picked
Leanan: So why here first?
MC: Idol scouting happens in Shibuya! / The idol holy land / big crowds
(A) Leanan: So true, bestie.
(B) Leanan: Oh yeah, huh?
(C) Leanan: Makes sense.

Shibuya Section
Welp, time to start scouting! Leanan Sidhe rejects the randos busking nearby, so she and MC start walking around to see who's around.
Solomon: Oh my god so many people! Look at that poor girl being pushed over!
MC: Echo? / Hey, wanna be an idol? / Whatcha doin'?
---
(A) Echo: Um, hello MC.
(B) Leanan: Wait MC, start off by being nice!
(C) Echo: (gasp!) Oh, MC? Funny coincidence seeing you here.
---
Echo: Um, I was trying how to figure out how to get past the crowds.
Leanan: Hi I'm Leanan Sidhe. How about we go with? We can show you how to get through together
MC: Sure / OUTTA THE GODDAMN WAY, PEOPLE
(AB) Echo: Okay, thank you!
Leanan: Sure, so glad to meet you!
(C) Solomon: Master, you'll freak out your friends like that!

And so MC and Leanan Sidhe walk Echo to where she wants to go: Cafe Asterism. Lots of people in, especially this time of year. Meaning lots of people hitting on Shinya! But Kalki and Taromaiti politely make them behave.
Echo: Wow...
Echo sighs over Taromaiti.
MC: Always so busy / Wow, her customer service / Did you want to talk to her?
---
(A) Echo: Yeah. Good thing we conveniently got seats today.
(B) Echo: Yeah!
(C) Echo: UM...not really.
---
Echo: I sort of worked on my issues and now I can initiate conversations, but I'm still too scared to talk to people I've never talked to before. Makes me wish I was like Taromaiti...
Leanan: The first step is always hardest...
Leanan knows how she feels. Echo went through Valentine Timeslip, but she still wishes she were more proactive this time of year. Anyways, Echo attempts to change the subject!
Echo: Hey, the cafe workers kind of remind me of idols, heh.
Leanan: They soooo are for their stans.
MC: Wanna be an idol?

Leanan Sidhe: Yeah we want to talk to you about that!
Leanan explains this is all her doing.
Echo: For your exams? Really? I don't think I can help...
Leanan: Hmmmm... but doing it could help you be braver! Pleeeease?
Leanan Sidhe has already used Talent Scout's Eyes on Echo!
Echo: Well, I like singing, but...can I really be an idol?
MC: I'll get you the top spot! Together! / (look away)
---
(C) Solomon: I get the feeling, but you're supposed to reassure her and sell the dream, Master! Okay, I'll talk you through it!
And then Solomon helps MC relax Echo.
---
Echo: O-oka-ack! I bit myself...can I really do this?
And then MC and Leanan give Echo the schedule before leaving.
Leanan: Good job MC. We'll produce her until she's far away with the stars.
Time to pick somewhere else!

2nd location picked
Leanan Sidhe: Okay, why here?
MC: I have someone in mind / I think I know someone here / I hope they accept...
(A) Leanan: Really? Wow!
(B) Leanan: Wow, you're like famous!
(C) Leanan: Your social web is SO big! Nice!
Akihabara Section
So many idols and idol nerds, but the goal is someone who ISN'T an idol. Someone is waddling slowly this way!
MC: Hi Vapula. You look sad. / S'up, nerd!
(AB) Vapula: Oh, MC. What vabrings you around here?
(C) Vapula: Vaput a sock in it, MC! You're a nerd too, not a jock like Akiha!

Vapula: Oh hey Leanan Sidhe. Nice seeing you, even if I can't vaput a smile on my face.
Leanan: Is it the exams?
Vapula: DO NOT VABRING UP THE FORBIDDEN--wait, are you getting MC to help you!? NOOO I MISSED OUT!
MC: Wow you knew, Leanan? / Model figures are hard, man / I'll help!
---
(A) Leanan: Creation is so deep, no matter the form.
(BC) Vapula: Oh no I already made something. I can't be vaproud of being a model maker if I can't handle that! I'm just having vaproblems with something related...
---
Vapula sighs. Then his stomach rumbles.
Solomon: Hmm, maybe you should hear him out. Hey Master, ask him out to lunch or something.
MC suggests going to the community workspace.
Leanan: I'm up for that too!

Akihabara Comm Workspace
Hey the other Creators are here too
Vapula: (munch) So we're doing this classmate collab vaproduction now. Except we have to hand out tickets for vapublicity and I suck at that.
Akiha Gongen: But we need to advertise the collab or nobody will come.
Hecate: Think of the commission clients who might show up!
Appealing to various people is hard, man.
Vapula: I knoooow, but I just wanna create things. Now I gotta vaput myself out there and ask vapeople to come? Yeah yeah, price of fame and all, but what if randos ignore you??? Akiha, vaplease go advertise instead of me!
Hecate: You can't. You'll be alone when you try some new genre.
Akiha: I mean I would, but she has a point...

Vapula: Man, why can't I be a self-vapromoter like Bael or Bathym?
Solomon: Quick, Master! There's your in!
MC: Well I know a way if you don't mind jumping in the deep end.
Leanan Sidhe: Become an idol!
Vapula: WHAT
Hecate, Catoblepas, and Kuniyoshi: I'D SUPPORT YOU
Vapula: WHAT
Kuniyoshi: A furry idol? BEST IDOL!
Hecate: Oooh, the inspiration for shipping doujins! Rivals to lovers, or boss and employee forbidden romance?
Catoblepas: It's almost like a magical girl plot!
Hmm, Vapula doesn't seem totally against the idea.
Vapula: ...y'all just setting me up for vaproduction inspo.
Akiha Gongen: I think you can do it! ...whatever idol work is!
Vapula: You're just saying that! But, hmm...
Thinking Vapula.
Vapula: Maybe I actually will go for it if everyone vaputs so much faith in me!
MC: Thanks! / You've got a long road before your debut...
---
(C) Leanan: That's where you work hard!
---
Vapula: I'M IN
MC gives Vapula the schedule and heads off.
Solomon: ...is he gonna be okay?
Leanan: Vapula can be the friendly type of idol that everyone loves. I believe in you, MC!
Time to pick somewhere else!

3rd location picked
Leanan Sidhe: Okay. Why here?
MC: (shrug) / Fate told me / Gurren Lagann reference!
(A) Leanan: Instinct, huh? Cool.
(B) Leanan: Good idea!
(C) Leanan: Optimism!
Shinjuku Section
Solomon: Oh yeeeah, Shinjuku, our home turf! We can find an idol easy-peasy! Hey, you wanna--oh no they're already gone!
Everyone's moving fast and not interested in talking to strangers.
MC: Too many people. Maybe we should get out of the station?
Leanan: People on guard. Maybe because of crimes. Or just rudeness. Well, let's look around.
Solomon: We're not out yet, right Master!?

Lots of people around outside.
???: Hi, you lost? Maybe I can--
Hmm, a wild fusser appears!
MC: Tomte! Going home? / Good timing!
---
(AB) Tomte: Oh hi MC, haven't seen you since Christmas!
Leanan Sidhe: You know like literally everyone! Though I guess this could just be normal school stuff?
(C) Tomte: Oh my god you need me to take care of you!? YES!
Leanan: He's weird, but I know that feeling.
---
Leanan: Hi I'm Leanan Sidhe...you're from Tir na Nog too, aren't you?
Tomte: Yeah! I go to Santa School but I do farm work when it's not Christmas. Setagaya farm work, then sauna, then home! What brings you to Shinjuku?
MC: Stuff / (uhh...)
Tomte: Actually how about we talk over cafe drinks? I'm happy to help if possible!
Solomon: Yeeep, that's Tomte alright. Wait, don't leave me!

Later
Leanan Sidhe: Okay so no biggie, but we're idol scouting.
Exposition!
MC: No go so far. You interested? Or know anyone?
Tomte: Hmm...OKAY!
MC: WHAT / you wanna be an idol? / do you even know what idols are
(A) Tomte: Well apparently you'll have a ton of work to do, so me being an idol would make things easier! If you're okay with that.
(B) Tomte: Oh, was I supposed to ask for stuff? Don't you have a ton of work to do by Valentines?
(C) Tomte: Just a little! Some kid asked me to sing and dance with them over Christmas.

Leanan Sidhe: I never heard of someone being an idol because they wanted to help before, but I support him! What do you think, MC?
MC: He'll be popular / I know that feeling / boy we'll take anyone, huh
---
(A) Leanan: Okay!
(B) Leanan: I'll help too!
(C) Leanan: You'll make it work!
---
MC: Well thanks for joining, Tomte! / I'mma whip you into shape!
---
(AB) Tomte: Thanks for having me!
(C) Tomte: Interesting. I can take it!
---
Leanan: I've got great hopes for you!
Tomte goes back to Santa School once everything's done.
Solomon: Welp, that was random. But you can do it, Master!
(Still other places to check) Leanan: So, where next?
(All three places checked) Leanan: How about we head back to the Shibuya train station?

Moving on!
Shibuya train station
Amduscias: (stares)
Amduscias is watching an idol music video on the Crossing big screen and bopping to the music.
Amduscias: I got the whole song and dance memorized, but just copying isn't good enough to be an idol...I still wish I could be one.
Oh, that sweet summer child.
Amduscias: Huh?
Amduscias notices MC and Leanan Sidhe!
End of Episode part 

Valentine Idol Live Prologue Part 1 (Abridged)

Staff A: Five minutes until showtime! Where's the damn star!?
Tensions rising backstage!
Staff B: Uhh, I'll check the green room!
Staff C: No, they'll sue if anyone besides the manager goes! Oh right you're new. Well he'll be here soon. Not like even rising star Apollo would cancel last minute.
Green Room
Apollo: Meeeeh, go away! I got five more minutes, don't I!?
Agent A: Sir yes sir!
Agent B: You're so hot, Apollo!
Agent C: I'll lick your shoes Apollo!
Apollo's off being a little brat on the floor while the agents prep him up for the show.

Agent D: Look Apollo, fancy chocolate!
Apollo: Ooooh, nice. More!
Agent D: Oh yes sir, plenty more!
Apollo: We got a party later today right? I'm not feeling the usual place.
Agent E: It's cool, I guessed as much already and booked a new place!
Apollo: Aww, thanks babysitter manager! Okay I think I can go sing!
The agents look relieved.
Agent F: Thank you, Sir! I'll walk you to the backstage!
Stage face on!
Apollo: Cool, gonna kill it for my fans out there! Thanks managers!
Agents: Break a leg!
Apollo leaves.
Agent A: ...okay finally he's out there. Good job guys.
Agent C: Apollo was being a bigger baby than usual, huh?
Agent D: Aww, this your first time? Nice.
Agent E: At least he's cute. And when he switches on he appreciates us.
Agent C: Haven't you guys tried telling him to stop being a bitch before?
Agent E: SHUT UP HE'LL HEAR
Agent A: Break's over, back to work now. Hype team, audience industry plants! Prep team, clean up and set up for after the show! Go! 

Stage Area
Apollo: Hey you guuuuys! Having fun yet!?
Huge cheering crowd! Big fancy show and special effects just blowing the audience members' minds!
Randos: OH MY GOD APOLLO
Soooo much screaming over a pop idol that has surprisingly few media appearances and a private enough private life that no one knows what he does on his off time. Magical Tokyo security be next level, yo. So of course there's tons of stans for a mystery idol having a religious experience as Apollo sings!
Some music studio
Amduscias: Apollo is SO COOL!
Amduscias is glued to his screen.

Amduscias: He's a big a star as Gabriel with his boyish charms in mature outfits. Not like me...oh, video's done. And now I'm back on Earth again, sad.
Amduscias puts his laptop down and hooks it up to a sound panel. He checks to make sure his new song file is fine, then unplugs. Still thinking about the skill level difference between Apollo and himself, but not jealous.
Amduscias: Well, lots of people like my songs too. But no one wants a big beefy idol...
Japan's business numbers show no mercy on the demand. Oh well, time to go. Anyways, New Years just passed and Amduscias is at Nakano Performing Arts Academy at winter break. No holidays for show business!
Amduscias: Cold.
The chill of winter, or the chill of dissatisfaction? Again, who would ever want a big guy like him to sing and dance on stage?
Amduscias: Well, I guess I should focus on writing my next song. At least my newest one should fit the subject.
Everyone at Nakano is busy.

Elsewhere
Leanan Sidhe: MC, please help me with my end of term tests!
MC: WHAT / Not the T word! / Performance rolls, got it
---
(AB) Leanan: Oh it's okay, it's not actually academic stuff.
(C) Leanan: Oh thank you! But it's not singing or dancing I need help with.
---
Diner meeting with Leanan!
Leanan: So Nakano's tests are more practicals for your study specialization. And as a producer...
Flashback!
Important Teacher: Okay Leanan, you're almost perfect if you weren't so casual to your teachers! So I'mma give you a special test and make you a producer of producers. Go find a new rockstar!

Present
MC: what / oh I see now
---
(C) Leanan Sidhe: Wow you get it already?
---
Leanan: Okay so everyone I've ever produced for turned into stars, so now my teacher wants me to make a star producer. Weird, right? But he's right that I never did anything like this before since I don't think I can be a star myself. My power's the power to find talented other people, and a producer has to discover new talents. I had to think about it, and I think I know how to make this work now!
Fascinating Leanan Sidhe.
Leanan: I used my artifact to figure out who could be a star producer and you were the only result for some reason.
Leanan grabs MC's hand with both of hers.
Leanan: Pleeeease help me?
MC: NO??? / Not sensing any faith in me here! / Me, a producer?
(A) Leanan: I know you don't believe me, but I'm sure you have the chops!
(B) Leanan: I believe you'd say yes. You know you can do this!
(C) Leanan: Too sudden? I believe in you!

MC: I'm in! / okay I guess / I take no responsibility if this blows up
Leanan Sidhe: Yay, thanks MC!
Relieved Leanan.
Leanan: Okay, the assignment. We have three months for you to train and showcase some idols. Don't worry, I'm not throwing you into the deep end without any clues. I can handle the planning and business side of things. I even have a plan already.
MC: You do!? / such initiative / cool, show me
Presentation time!
Leanan: So in Japan, idols don't just perform. They inspire hope! Which means marketing! Since Valentines is soon, let's do a seasonal idol group to market some chocolate! With a diverse lineup for maximum appeal! What do you think?
MC: ooh, cool idea! / do we have any business leads? / is anyone gonna join...?
(A) Leanan: Thanks, I'm glad you like it!
(B) Leanan: I've already checked with school, they found someone who agreed.
(C) Leanan: I found a business through the school. We just need to get fans in.

Leanan Sidhe: Welp, it's up to you now. I wonder what diamonds in the rough you'll find?
MC: what now / scouting time! / guess I should ask people I know
---
(A) Leanan: Idols!
(B) Leanan: Good luck with that!
(C) Leanan: Well you do know like half the metropolitan area. But maybe you should check who's around town first?
---
Leanan: See you again this weekend! You decide where we'll go looking for people.
And that's how MC started up as an apprentice producer.
On the way home...
Solomon: Hey Master! Soooo, you looking for new idols hint hint?
MC: Talent spotted! / but people can't see you / I'm stuck with shenanigans again
---
(A) Solomon: Yup, that's me! New rock star!
(B) Solomon: And it SUCKS! I can totally be a rock star!
(C) Solomon: Oh you. But I'll be there with you!
---
Solomon: Idol training was part of my Running Gag Rank 3 Cert in Extremely Specific Tasks, so I can advise you! Can't wait to see who you come up with!
MC: Thanks! / this cannot end well
And so began MC's unprecedented producer life.
End of Episode part