Episode 35 - Star of Tears

Star of Tears (涙の星) is the 35th episode of Aikatsu! TV anime series and the 35th episode of its "1st Season". The episode aired on June 13, 2013.

Synopsis
''In the wake of the final audition, Ichigo, Aoi, and Ran decide to spend their time without any communication together after remembering that one of them will be chosen to join Tristar. ''

Summary
Everyone is in the assembly hall watching an update video regarding the Tristar auditions. As it ends, Ichigo, Aoi, and Ran are feeling anxious as they suddenly noticed everyone else in the crowd is staring right at them; seemingly aware of their own growing concerns.

Meanwhile, Orihime has Mizuki and Honoka in her office. She brings up how Tristar is already being booked for work despite not even being born yet, so Mizuki must choose someone. Mizuki agrees and claims she will be choosing the following day.

Ichigo, Aoi, and Ran prepare to leave when Yurika remarks how calm they seem despite knowing what will be approaching. As Sakura wonders where they are being taken, it is revealed that the trio will be taking up temporary residence in a large abandoned mansion on campus grounds. They are surprised by it and Naoto points out that Johnny is waiting for them, explaining how they were given permission to stay here for the special occasion. While the girls are unimpressed by his flashy moves, Ran asks to be informed of what their final audition will entail. He claims he can't though, causing them to wonder if he might not even know what it is. As it turns out they're not wrong, and he recalls Orihime refusing to tell him because of his inability to keep a secret.

After snapping out of this, he summons three maids and asks them to lead the girls to their rooms. They are surprised to learn they must go on their own, and before they go Johnny takes their phones, saying they can have them back after the auditions.

With that each girl heads off, amazed by their rooms. Inside they manage to find a message for them, including rare cards for their following performance. Feeling dedication flare up, each girl promises she will do her best.

Later that day Ichigo heads out on her balcony to do some thinking. She feels lonely, bringing up how being unable to find the other rooms before heading back inside. She is sure Ran and Aoi are busy training, unlike her, but suddenly someone knocks on the door. Ichigo is ecstatic, believing it may be the girls- but she is depressed upon realizing it's a maid with dinner.

A bit later she sneaks out of her room and heads into the lobby to find nobody there. She is saddened to find that nobody has come out like she has, and that evening she heads back out onto the balcony. Aoi and Ran are shown doing the same, and unknowingly they all share the same thoughts.

The following day, the trio of girls are asked one-by-one to come on stage to personally speak to Mizuki. As this is going on, the chat is being broadcasted all over.

Ichigo sits, somewhat anxiously with the large light surrounding her and several cameras. Mizuki asks her about her thoughts regarding being in the final three for Tristar. She initially panics until she thinks about Ran and Aoi, and she calms down enough to answer that after everything they have done, she is going to do everything she can to make them proud. Mizuki goes on to ask her if it was because of Aoi that she became an Idol, although she is sure she had been asked. Ichigo confirms this to be true and explains how they attended Mizuki's concert together, followed by Mizuki asking how she began a friendship with Ran. Ichigo admits that she was scared until she began to learn a lot from her.

Mizuki compliments her friendships, but points out how they must now fight for the final spot. Ichigo isn't deterred though, saying that Mizuki is everyone's idol and how they all dream to become a member of Tristar, so their friendship allows them to give it their all. Mizuki then asks a final question, asking what sort of radiance Ichigo would add to the unit. Ichigo gives it though and thinks back to her previous conversation with Mizuki. She announces that she will become Tristar's sun- an answer that surprises Mizuki, but she finds amusement in it.

As this is going on, Orihime and Honoka chat from behind the scenes.

With this, Aoi takes her turn on stage. In comparison to Ichigo she appears more confident and answers similiar questions. She is very happy to have made it this far with her beloved friends, and she compares it to being a hamster caught between a snake and mongoose. Mizuki is pleased by this answer before bringing up Aoi's reputation as an "Idol Professor", she asks her what she thinks of Ichigo and Ran's abilities as idols, and she answers confidently. She explains how Ichigo is able to excite everyone with her "leap before you look" personality, while Ran is able to portray a perfect, charismatic person but still capable of being cute and soft is what wants fans wanting to learn more about her. Mizuki then asks her what she could bring to Tristar, and Aoi answers regarding her knowledge of idols and the industry from multiple perspectives.

A while later, Mizuki asks Ran for her last answer. Ran already predicted the question though, as Mizuki remarks on how familiar with the entertainment industry she is. She explains that she belongs on stage, and no matter who she may be partnered with, or if she stands alone, she will not change. Mizuki thanks her and the announcer reveals that the public interview segment is over.

As Ran leaves the room she is quickly embraced by the girls. While they have a while before they will have to perform, they remind one-another that they can't really relax now. They sit down to find a brand new commercial, with the man explaining how busy Tristar will be. The girls lament knowing this, even bringing up how it could be years before they reunite again.

Suddenly, Ichigo's stomach growls and she mentions being hungry- which calms the mood. Initially the girls are unsure if they really should go out for cake, until Ichigo brings up how they might not have a chance in a really long time. They agree and rush to the cafeteria, but after finding none left Ichigo decides to make pancakes instead.

Eventually Ichigo finishes- but in the end she made a giant cake. She explains that it was the smallest pan they had, and how they didn't have any syrup but she put a lot of sugar in it. They share a laugh as Ichigo brings up how she could probably eat several of these, causing them to claim she is unable to get nervous. However Ichigo claims they are wrong; since she was really nervous during the interview until she remembered how they would respond to her in such a situation.

Together they eat, finishing the pancake until they are called to head to the waiting room to change for their performances. The girls grow depressed again and get up to leave, but to their surprise they find everyone there to cheer them on.

Running to the changing area, the girls choose their coords and appear on stage to perform "Take Me Higher" a final time.

Afterwards, it is revealed that Ran is the chosen winner. Mizuki explains that she is sure with her high professionalism was what won for her in the end. She has had enough history to back up her talents, and she knows she has the strength to shine when alone. As this is going on, Aoi and Ichigo stand from behind the stage, proud of Ran for winnng.

With the auditions finally over, Mizuki, Kaede, and Ran prepare to leave the school for some press work. Ran is disappointed that Ichigo and Aoi hadn't shown up and calls for them before she starts to cry- surprising them as she explains how it has been the second time she had to leave them. These words cause Ichigo and Aoi to start crying as well. Together they exchange words to try to encourage her, with everyone watching them leave about to cry as well.

Character Appearances

 * Ichigo Hoshimiya
 * Mizuki Kanzaki
 * Aoi Kiriya
 * Ran Shibuki
 * Otome Arisugawa
 * Yurika Tōdō
 * Sakura Kitaōji
 * Kaede Ichinose
 * Ringo Hoshimiya
 * Raichi Hoshimiya
 * Naoto Suzukawa
 * Honoka Tsukikage
 * Hikari Minowa