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The Portal of Zeta: iDOLM@STER Neo Vision

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ZetaFlare:
Sorry if the updates are slow. I've been a little under the weather these past few days.

Mitsurugi Jun's Route, cont.

One day after the unit gets its confidence back, Jun calls Kenji over while she’s browsing the Internet. Apparently, she has gotten so popular that people have been drawing fanart of her. Her favorite is one where she’s dressed like a samurai. What’s funny about it is that one time she saw a thread on an online bulletin board talking about how she could have been descended from a famous samurai who sought a powerful cursed sword long ago. Jun and Kenji laugh. It almost sounds like something out of a video game. Then Jun begins to wonder. To her, her idol career has been very similar to the games she plays. Lessons are like going around the field battling random enemies to level up and boost their skills. Promotions are like quests taken by mercenaries at the local pub—rewards are offered for completing them, mainly in the form of fans and extra money. Festivals are like the boss fights at the end of the level. Kenji can really understand her logic, even though he hasn’t played a lot of video games himself. Still, Jun loves being an idol. Even if it isn’t a game, it’s still a lot of fun for her.

A week after ZetaPro’s showdown with 961Pro or Ryuuguu Komachi, Jun arrives looking a little worried, much to the concern of Kenji, her partners, and the President. She does not even have her games with her today. Earlier in the week, Jun received some startling news from her teachers. Her grades were beginning to slip. Normally she fares very well in her classes, but her homework and exam scores saw a significant drop over the past few months. Her parents, believing she’s paying more attention to her leisurely hobbies than her schoolwork, revoked her video games and all her anime memorabilia until she can bump her grades back up. Jun does not understand. Usually her memorization skills are enough to help her succeed with no problems. Kenji may have found the problem. Jun relies too much on her quick memory rather than her actual talents. Recently she had to juggle time between schoolwork, leisure time, and idol work. With all that stuff to remember, it may have been too much for her memory to take. It has become apparent in her recent performances too. It’s almost as if she’s trying to imitate the routine she saw rather than letting her mind and body do the work. By focusing more on her natural abilities, she can be a much better performer on stage and at school. Jun is not quite sure if she can make the adjustment. Kenji assures her that he and her partners have got her back and will do whatever it takes to help her bring out her true potential. Jun thanks everyone as they head back to work.

The news soon spreads too far. Gossip panels soon release articles claiming Jun is nothing more than an otaku, a talentless hack, and a slacker. She would rather waste time playing video games and watching anime than take lessons and promote her music for her fans’ sake. Some even go as far as saying she’s a delinquent with a long list of truancies. School is nothing more than a waste of time and energy for her. Jun sees the magazine articles and is not happy at all. In the name of justice, she will prove those panels are only telling lies…because justice always prevails!

As soon as the IU preliminary auditions roll around, Jun feels more than ready. Ever since making adjustments to her training approach, Kenji, the other idols, and even Jun herself feel like she has improved quite a bit. As NAZO arrives, Maya approaches Jun. After watching one of her most recent performances, Maya can tell Jun has become a better performer since they last met and is eager to find out what new things she will bring to the table. With ZetaPro and NAZO competing in the same block and with all three of NAZO’s members participating, Jun’s new skills will really be put to the test. Kagura is a little upset that Maya is being so nice to Jun. She’s a total slacker and does not deserve to be an idol! Otaku like her are filthy hikikkomori who waste their time on anime, video games, collectables, and the latest idols with high “moe” factors. Jun, slightly offended by Kagura’s prejudgment, interferes with a loud “OBJECTION!” She’s not like that at all! Sure she does spend a bit of time on video games, but that doesn’t mean she has no life. Kagura then retorts, “Why don’t you say that to your recent report card?” Jun is scared speechless and overdramatically faints like a cornered witness in Phoenix Wright, causing the other competitors to laugh. Kagura is convinced that Jun is not serious about this competition at all. ZetaPro should just drop out while they have the chance. As Kagura and Himeko get set to perform, Maya tells Kenji and Jun to just ignore Kagura’s trash-talk and perform with the best of their ability. After the audition, everyone is shocked to discover ZetaPro passed with second place. Maya catches up with Jun, impressed with ZetaPro’s score. She still has a ways to go before catching up to NAZO, but as long as she keeps honing her talents she’ll really be able to go places. If this keeps up, Maya might be able to find a rival worthy of her skill. Kagura and Himeko still cannot believe someone as unfocused as her could be so popular and score high enough to advance in the IU. Maya looks forward to their next encounter as NAZO exits the venue. Jun is pretty proud of the unit’s performance—not just because they passed but because it really showed just how much Jun was improving. Perhaps she could be a big inspiration for otaku everywhere.

(to be continued)

ZetaFlare:
Wow! 2000 views! I never thought my idol project would get this popular so soon! Thanks for all the support guys!

Before I finish off Jun's story, I made a bit of an update. After hearing the news about Leon, I changed Chiyo's VA to Yuu Asakawa (provided the voice for Luka Megurine among others...she was my second choice anyway)

Mitsurugi Jun's Route, conclusion

After the IU finals introduction ceremony, Jun decides to take a break and study a bit for her upcoming exams next week to make sure she has all her notes memorized. She suddenly overhears a conversation between Maya and Yamato. Maya claims that she has seen a significant improvement in Jun’s skill since the IU preliminaries and looks forward to facing her in the final stretch of the tournament. She shouldn’t be underestimated. Yamato is angered by her statement. Being around Jun has made her soft. ZetaPro is the enemy. They hire low-lives like Jun into the idol industry. If Maya really wants to master her dancing styles, she has to have the drive to be the very best…to win by any means necessary…to destroy all enemies. He really doesn’t want to have to fire her after she was able to use her earnings to settle in a nice quiet home away from her old crime-infested slum of a neighborhood full of sorrowful memories. Maya, starting to cry, apologizes and promises him she will win the IU. As she walks away, she suddenly runs into Jun. She’s a little embarrassed to run into her rival with tears in her eyes. Jun says she is glad that Maya accepts Jun’s abilities. She goes on to say that the dancing queen makes an excellent idol too. Both of them have really grown since they became idols. Maya would make a great final boss for Jun. Jokingly, Jun warns Maya to be careful of any “evil red-haired guy wearing a black gi” that might get in her way. Maya cheers up and slightly giggles at Jun’s little joke (despite the fact that she doesn’t get it). She then leaves, not to worry Yamato and the others. Maya says she is proud to call Jun her rival.

On the following week, Jun arrives to work having completed her final exams. According to Jun, they seemed easy after all that studying. During certain questions, she would recall her study time with Kenji and the other two idols. She thanks everyone for all the help before heading off to work. That night, however, Yamato decides to hatch another plan. In order to sabotage ZetaPro and make them easy pickings in the IU finals, Yamato’s spies intercept Jun’s test sheets and replace them with sheets with more than two-thirds of the answers wrong. Jun will wind up failing her classes and getting kicked out of the idol industry.

After the IU semifinals and Kenji’s chat with Ryuuguu Komachi, Jun’s unit returns to Kaito’s van only to discover one of her teachers and her parents standing in front of the van anticipating her arrival. Jun is in for shocking news: due to her utterly poor performance in her final exams, she has failed three of her classes and will be held back. Furthermore, her contract with ZetaPro has been revoked. If she can’t perform in school, she will not perform on stage. Everyone in ZetaPro is devastated, especially Jun. Jun was confident she did very well after finishing them. She recalled every note she took to the point. She put in a lot of time and effort studying for this moment. Unfortunately, it was all for naught according to her teacher. Jun is beyond frustrated, claiming she did not get proper justice. She is later taken home by her parents. Kenji and the other two idols cannot believe it. They do not want to lose Jun after all she has done for the unit. Unfortunately, it cannot be helped now. It looks like the other two idols will have to perform as a duet in the final match against NAZO.

Yamato overhears the conversation and laughs triumphantly. His plan succeeded. NAZO’s victory is all but guaranteed now. Maya, however, cannot believe her producer would sink so low. A dishonest victory like that will not satisfy her in the least. In order to have a fair final showdown, she decides to counterattack. A couple of nights later while Yamato is out of the office, Maya sneaks in and takes Jun’s original exam sheets. She later comes into Jun’s school and delivers the sheets with a note attached to them: “Mitsurugi-san was sabotaged. Her final exams were falsely turned in under her name. Her real final exams are attached to this note. I believe in Mitsurugi-san’s abilities and want justice to be done. Signed, a concerned friend.”

On the day of the IU finals, the President has a surprise for everyone. Jun is back and has been cleared to perform! He got an email from one of her teachers stating her exams were rescored. Thankfully, a couple of her teachers are very familiar with her handwriting (especially the way she writes her name). She scored excellently in her exams and has acquired passing grades in all her classes. Her contract with ZetaPro has been restored! Jun is pumped up to the max and can’t wait to head back to Tokyo Dome.

Later that afternoon, Yamato comes to check in on ZetaPro when he is shocked to discover Jun with them. He thought Jun was kicked out of the idol industry for good because of her bad exam scores. Maya appears. She informs Jun and Kenji that Yamato had his agents sabotage Jun’s test scores. Maya, wishing to face ZetaPro at their full potential, took back Jun’s original exams from under Yamato’s nose and turned them in to Jun’s school for re-grading. Besides, knowing Jun, she really wanted justice to be served. Jun high-fives Maya. “Way to score one for justice!” Kenji is angry at Yamato. He cannot believe his biggest and most respected rival would sink so low. The rest of the tournament goes on from there. Jun will prove once and for all that effort defeats genius! Rise to the challenge of the final boss! Super Idol Jun-chan, battle mode ready!

ENDING

Jun has really become an inspiring figure for otaku everywhere, but she especially has Kenji to thank for helping her grow as a person. Sure, every hero grows and changes significantly during his/her journey, but witnessing it firsthand was special for her. While her memorization skills are still as sharp as ever, she does not rely entirely on it anymore. As it has shown, all that practice and extra effort (or, in her mind, side quests and level grinding) she exerted can really pay off, just like in the video games she plays. “Congratulations! You have achieved the true ending!” Jun then decides to play with Kenji a little. Normally during the true ending, the girl confesses her love for the main guy. After acting a little flirty, even blushing a little, it almost looks as if she’s going to confess to Kenji, but she just laughs and hugs him tightly. Jun later offers Kenji a chance to get together and play some video games. Kenji laughs and accepts her offer.

Amazing_Grace:

--- Quote from: ZetaFlare on May 09, 2014, 01:59:33 am ---Wow! 2000 views! I never thought my idol project would get this popular so soon! Thanks for all the support guys!

Before I finish off Jun's story, I made a bit of an update. After hearing the news about Leon, I changed Chiyo's VA to Yuu Asakawa (provided the voice for Luka Megurine among others...she was my second choice anyway)

--- End quote ---

You're welcome. :3

Yuu Asakawa has a wonderful voice. I'm excited for her.

Anyhow, Jun's story!
Once again, the love and care for your characters shone through. You could see Jun's strengths and weaknesses and watch her develop from a gaming slacker otaku to a gaming IDOL otaku!
I liked Jun. She's cute. And it was really sweet of Maya to look after her!

ZetaFlare:

--- Quote from: Amazing_Grace on May 10, 2014, 06:50:23 pm ---You're welcome. :3

Yuu Asakawa has a wonderful voice. I'm excited for her.

Anyhow, Jun's story!
Once again, the love and care for your characters shone through. You could see Jun's strengths and weaknesses and watch her develop from a gaming slacker otaku to a gaming IDOL otaku!
I liked Jun. She's cute. And it was really sweet of Maya to look after her!

--- End quote ---

Yeah. Had to change Chiyo's VA due to Minori Chihara being cast as an official idol, but I like Asakawa's mature singing voice just as well. I think she'd be perfect for someone like Chiyo.

Thanks. I'll be honest, Jun's story took a bit of time to think about. Sure I wanted a die-hard otaku with an acute sense of memory, but I wanted her memorization skills to be challenged so that she doesn't rely on them so much anymore (i.e. to become a better performer and to improve her slipping grades). As for Maya, you know how I said she was the most respectable member of NAZO (compared to the agonizing, overly serious Kagura and the bratty Himeko)? You know how she's kind of like Ryu (from Street Fighter) in a way that she wants to master her dancing skills and travel across Japan to seek out and compete against strong opponents? It shows, especially in routes where Maya is the ZetaPro leader's main rival.

I think I'll go through Miku's route next seeing how she's a pretty important character. I know Liza likes her as well as Jun, so that helps.

However, I do want to work on a couple of other projects as well for my artist page on Facebook. Neo Vision is one of them (including a couple of skits), but I also want to work on some Powerpoint animations involving outside references I make to Pokemon attacks (it's been a habit of mine since Gen III). I'll be able to juggle some time.

Amazing_Grace:

--- Quote from: ZetaFlare on May 11, 2014, 12:04:54 am ---Thanks. I'll be honest, Jun's story took a bit of time to think about. Sure I wanted a die-hard otaku with an acute sense of memory, but I wanted her memorization skills to be challenged so that she doesn't rely on them so much anymore (i.e. to become a better performer and to improve her slipping grades). As for Maya, you know how I said she was the most respectable member of NAZO (compared to the agonizing, overly serious Kagura and the bratty Himeko)? You know how she's kind of like Ryu (from Street Fighter) in a way that she wants to master her dancing skills and travel across Japan to seek out and compete against strong opponents? It shows, especially in routes where Maya is the ZetaPro leader's main rival.

However, I do want to work on a couple of other projects as well for my artist page on Facebook. Neo Vision is one of them (including a couple of skits), but I also want to work on some Powerpoint animations involving outside references I make to Pokemon attacks (it's been a habit of mine since Gen III). I'll be able to juggle some time.

--- End quote ---

I can understand that. The best kinds of characters are dynamic characters. I love seeing them develop. :D You did a great job with it in the end and you're getting me excited, so be proud!
Yeah, that definitely came through in Jun's route. The contrast between Maya being a polite rival and Kagura being...well, Kagura...is easily noticeable.
Not that Kagura's not cool too.
She has her reasons.
I like her.
I like all of them.

If I had a Facebook I'd find you over there and keep up with those because that sounds cool.
But I don't.
Ha. Haha.
...everything needs Facebook nowadays... *sniff*

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