Episode 14 - Mahiru's Battle!

Mahiru's Battle! (真昼の決闘！) is the fourteenth episode of the Aikatsu Stars! Anime Series. It aired on July 7, 2016.

Summary
S4's Yozora Kasumi's program has an idea of recruiting a Stage Dress. Having heard that there will be a special live for whoever has the best dress, Yume and the others are motivated to attempt this as they overflow with determination. Mahiru Kasumi from the first year Beauty Class hears this and for reason has a stern look on her face--.

Plot
With Tanabata approaching the girls observe several stalks of bamboo decorations. Anna suggests that they should leave a wish paper behind and they agree, with both Yume and Laura writing down that they want to make it into S4. They find Koharu's to see that she wishes to become like Yozora, and as they step back to observe everything they notice the clouds beginning to clear up. A mysterious girl Yume doesn't recognize is approaching, so Laura and Koharu introduce her as Mahiru as Yume offers her some wish paper. They introduce her to Yume and she rejects the offer, because she doesn't need wishes. She heads away, with Koharu amazed by her cool attitude. Yume wonders what her dream is.

Later, in the Cafeteria the girls enjoy a break while watching Yozora's fashion show. Mahiru sits by herself, barely listening as Yozora gives advice on how to improve ones inspiration creatively with fashion. She goes on to reveal an upcoming performance for whoever can create an inspiring theme design to match the "Asian Heroine" theme of Romance Kiss. The choice will be made solely based on the coords quality, but she will be one of the judges. Inspired, the trio decide to give it their best shot.

Together, Yume, Laura, and Koharu head into town for some inspiration, only to realize how hungry Yume is, so they decide to stop by a nearby Muffin Cafe. But to their surprise they find Mahiru and decide to spy on her when a blonde-haired boy is nearby, doing the same thing. He wonders what she could be up to, but he's revealed to know Mahiru very well, saying she'll get a chocolate muffin and to their amazement he's correct. Asahi states that as "Detective Pinky Cat" it was easy for him to figure it out. Koharu is delighted to meet Asahi and recalls how he participating in the film they did recently. Asahi takes a moment to introduce himself and Yume is surprised he seems to know her already- until he points out that Subaru speaks of her pretty often. Yume quickly asks why he knows Mahiru so well, and to her surprise, she learns that he is her brother, along with being Yozora's younger brother.

Mahiru exits the cafe to find them, and while the girls aren't surprised, Asahi brings up how much he and his siblings love muffins. It's rare for them to be together though, and they watch as Yozora quickly tries to hug Mahiru, but she shoves her away and claims that they shouldn't in public. Yozora suggests they have tea but she refuses, an she storms off after grabbing a stack of tiles to smash. Asahi explains this as Mahiru's way of venting anger, then he goes on to remind Yozora that they need to get to work and hands over a muffin he picked up already. Before she goes, the girls bring up how they plan on entering the upcoming fashion event.

Koharu goes through a magazine featuring the Kasumi family, from there, they learn that Mr. Kasumi is a CEO of an apparel company, Mrs. Kasumi is a world-renowned super model. They remark on how amazing the family is, but Koharu remarks that Mahiru isn't happy. They both attend the Beauty Class but everyone always flocks to Yozora, while Mahiru intentionally avoids her. As the girls wonder what could be wrong, Koharu admits to wanting to ask, but because of how awkward it is, she hasn't been able to yet.

Later, the girls are watching an episode of Yozora's Fashion Time, where she and Miss Romance go over the various entries they got. They compliment how wonderful they all are and will be announcing the results; the best dress was submitted by Lunch-chan, for its sensual and bright colors, accenting the Lotus flower chosen for the theme. The trio are disappointed for a moment but Mahiru seems excited, and as they recall that she watches the program Koharu deduces that Mahiru must be this "Lunch" person. Her name sounds like the word when pronounced in English. Mahiru admits they are correct and the girls compliment her job, much to her surprise. They ask why she hid her identity and she explains how as Yozora's little sister, she wanted to make sure she wasn't chosen due to that. This is also a personal challenge against Yozora, who everyone sees as perfect, friendly, graceful; everything. She is unable to match Yozora, which is why she must keep going in order to surpass her. Yume tries to tell her that she doesn't need to be rivals like this, but Mahiru doesn't care to listen, heading off to train.

Eventually the day of performance arrives, and Yozora is surprised to discover that she is the mysterious entrant. This makes her recall when they were younger, how they would come up with nicknames for each other. Asahi was morning, Mahiru was lunch, and she was dinner. Mahiru does not warmly greet Yozora as she makes her way to the waiting area. It's then the trio show up to wish her luck, revealing they got her a present. They baked a chocolate cake knowing she would like something as a refreshment, but because of Yume's running it became messy. Yume apologizes but Laura and Koharu claim it's fine since her family runs a confectionery shop, so it will still taste good. Mahiru finds this amusing and Yume remarks that she should smile more often because it looks a lot nicer on her. A sudden thought dons on Mahiru and she realizes lately she's been forgetting to smile. In a better mood, she tries a bite of the cake and compliments it a Yozora starts the program.

After being announced Mahiru observes her brand new coord and she changes, appearing on stage to perform Summer Tears Diary.

Mahiru receives many compliments afterwards, including praises from Yozora who wishes her sister a bright and shining road before her. Mahiru joins the other girls and she states that for as much as she chases Yozora to surpass her, she was always smiling to her. Yume claims this is something that makes her amazing, because while her performance was outstanding, her lofty goal leaves her feeling less-then satisfied with the results. She puts more effort with everything she does, so they will continue encouraging her. Mahiru requests one of the wish papers, but not because she wants to make a wish- she wants to write her goal on it. Yume agrees and they share a smile.

S4 are in the middle of tea when Yozora decides to leave early to get some training in. She's very excited to sit still, and the girls remark on how energetic she appears to be. Yozora changes clothes and heads out for a jog, where she spots the paper written by Mahiru. While observing it she starts to smile, deciding that she will put in more effort too.

Characters

 * Mahiru Kasumi
 * Yozora Kasumi
 * Yume Nijino
 * Laura Sakuraba
 * Koharu Nanakura
 * Asahi Kasumi
 * Hime Shiratori
 * Tsubasa Kisaragi
 * Yuzu Nikaidō

Trivia

 * The Four Star Academy Summer Uniform makes its debut.
 * This episode premiered on Mikuru Natsuki's birthday from original Aikatsu! series.
 * The Blaze Lotus Coord makes its debut in this episode.
 * Summer Tears Diary makes its debut as an insert song.