Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

RIIIIIIIIIIING!

Kamiyama High School was as busy as ever as soon as the bell rang. All the students immediately began packing up their things as class ended, excited that school was over for the day.

Among them was a young lady with long navy-black hair and shining icy blue eyes, saying goodbye to her classmates as she packed everything up. When suddenly...

“Ichiiiiiii!!”

A squealing voice was her only warning before someone ran up and hugged her from behind, startling her.

“Huh? Whoa! Saki! You scared me!” She laughed out loud.

Ichika Hoshino laughed as her friend, a girl with blonde pigtails with pink ends and matching pink eyes, hugged her happily. This was one of her childhood friends, Saki Tenma.

“You seem to be in a good mood today.” Ichika commented as she removed Saki from her back to finish packing.

Saki nodded. “Of course I am! We're finally gonna hang out for the first time in forever after school, the four of us!”

“Haha, Saki. It's only been a month since our last one.”

“That's too long, Ichi!!”

Two girls walking down the hallway together caught Ichika's attention. “Honami! Shiho!”

The two turned towards her and waved back with a smile.

“See you guys in a bit!” Ichika called.

The brown-haired girl with the ponytail, Honami Mochizuki, nodded. “Yes, see you!” With that, the two continued down the hallway.

Saki was leaning on a desk waiting for Ichika to finish packing. “Shiho and Hona seem to be in better moods lately! Hanging out with them seems to be bringing us closer together again!”

“Haven't we always been close?” Ichika asked.

Saki frowned at her. “Ichi, don't act like you didn't notice. Ever since that incident, they've been more distant lately! Shiho is always more cautious, while Honami looks like some secret keeps bothering her.”

“I guess you're right. They might be taking the incident pretty hard. We haven't had a single concert since... You know.” Ichika frowned as well as the memories came flooding back to 2 years ago.

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Flashback to 2 years prior...

“Alright, who's ready for another big night hit!” Saki cheered.

Honami giggled and put her free hand forward in a peace sign. “Shall we?”

The others did the same, forming a four-pointed star in the middle of their group, and they chanted together as they raised their hands.

“Goooooooo Leo/Need!”

A door opened to the backstage area they were in, only to see a blond male standing there excitedly.

“Hi, Tsukasa!” Saki greeted.

“Time for your places, ladies! You ready?” Tsukasa asked.

“Ready!” The girls promised, stepping out onto the stage and grabbing their instruments.

As the curtains opened, they began their first song, “Roki”, the entire audience going wild.

That's right. Ichika and her childhood friends were Leo/Need, an up-and-coming talented band named after the Leonids, the star shower they watched as children. This was their very first solo concert.

As soon as they finished the song, the entire audience cheered louder than ever.

Saki turned to her brother Tsukasa, who was in the wings giving her a thumbs up and a wink.

Happy for her brother's support, Saki waved at him cheerfully. He smiled and waved back...

...Before he suddenly disappeared.

“Huh?” Were Saki's eyes playing tricks on her?

“What's going on?!” Ichika's voice made her jump as the venue suddenly grew darker despite all the lights being on.

Shiho Hinomori looked around. “Could something be shorting out?”

Honami squinted at the audience and pointed with her drumsticks as the applause suddenly became concerned whispers. “Look!”

The crowd, which was once packed with people, was now growing thinner. People were disappearing in a puff of smoke right before their eyes!

As the equipment managed by the staff crashed now that no one was controlling it, the four girls clustered together. “What the heck?! Where's Tsukasa?!” Saki blurted.

Honami turned to her. “He's gone too?!”

“Guys... I feel like something is watching me...!” Ichika shuddered as the venue completely emptied in minutes.

Shiho noticed a strange shadow moving towards them and hugged her bandmates defensively. “Look out!”

As the shadow went to consume them, the girls hugged each other close, not sure what else to do... Before a mysterious light dispersed the shadows moments before it consumed them.

“...Huh? We're okay?” Ichika realized, opening her eyes.

They looked around. The venue was silent.

“Tsukasa?” Saki's voice echoed. “Tsukasa?!”

“Hello?!” Ichika called. “Anyone here?!”

Their only answer was dead silence and their calls echoing back eerily.

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Present day...

“And to think that this was on the news after that. I know we wanted to make it big, but not like that!” Saki complained as her and Ichika stepped out of the classroom.

Ichika frowned deeply. “Why do you think we were spared that night?”

“I dunno! I just hope Tsukasa's okay, wherever he is...” Saki answered, worried.

“Aren't the police still searching for him?”

“Nope. They gave up a year and a half ago. After six months of no clues, they decided everyone who disappeared that night was a lost cause.” Saki complained, before determination shot in her face. “But I haven't lost hope! He always loved watching me perform with you and the others, so I have a feeling that getting Leo/Need back off the ground will be the key to finding him!”

“But I thought we still were Leo/Need?”

“Yes, but...” Saki's face fell. “It hasn't really felt that way. Hona and Shiho haven't had the time for any gigs ever since the Mass Disappearance.”

Ichika, trying to cheer her up, smiled. “Maybe they're just busy. How about we ask them today when we hang out at Diatama today?”

“Really?! Oh, yes!” Saki cheered, grabbing Ichika's arm and running. “Come on!”

“Whoa, okay! I'm coming, I'm coming!”

Chapter Text

Diatama was crowded today. And Ichika soon realized why when she finally caught up with Saki again.

She had gone to get some ice cream and was just now weaving her way back through the crowd. She then noticed a poster up on the walls that had a picture of a girl holding a microphone.

“One in Millennium Idol Contest? Guess they must be scouting new talent.” Ichika guessed before her phone rang. “Oh, Shiho.”

She hit talk and raised her phone to her ear. “Hello?”

“Hey, Ichi.”

“Hey Shiho, what's up?” Ichika asked.

Shiho's voice spoke on the other side. “I'm guessing you're at Diatama right now?”

“Yeah, I'm just meeting back up with Saki.” Ichika answered.

“Could you tell her that Honami and I are gonna be running late?”

“Not again!”

“Yeah, something's come up, so we're gonna need a minute. But we'll be there within half an hour, okay?”

“Okay, then! Don't be late, okay? You know how Saki hates waiting.”

“Alright, alright. See you then.”

“Bye!”

She hung up and took a breath before hunting down her blonde friend in the crowd, eventually catching sight of her.

“Hey, Saki!”

Saki turned around. “Oh, Ichi!”

Ichika ran up to her, handing her an ice cream cone. “Order up!”

“Heehee, thanks!” Saki laughed and took a lick. “I wonder where Shiho and Hona are?”

“Shiho just called and told me they'd be running late. She said they'd be here in about 30 minutes.” Ichika told her.

“Not again!” Saki whined. “By the way... Have you heard of the One in Millennium contest? It sure is drawing a lot of people!”

“I know.” Ichika nodded. “It's kinda overwhelming, honestly.”

“I heard that famous idols our age often end up starting their careers with competitions like this! Like Haruka Kiritani! It's hard to believe she attends the same school as us!”

“Right? I wonder how she gets any sleep...”

As the two girls chatted away, they luckily managed to finish their ice cream before it melted. Not long after they finished eating, an announcement was heard on the PA system.

“Attention! All contestants for the One in Millennium Idol Contest report to the reception area!”

Ichika noticed people pouring into the area in front of the stage. “Looks like the competition is about to start. Should we go watch?”

“Uhh...! I gotta use the bathroom first! Go on in, I'll catch up!” Saki insisted.

“Alright, I'll save you a spot.” Ichika promised as her friend ran off. She then turned to join the crowd into the audience.

If Ichika had looked in the nearby mirror as she went in, she would've noticed a mysterious hooded shadow following her...

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Ichika practically had to stand on her toes in order to see over the crowd. By the time she had made it into the audience area in front of the stage, the entire front of the area had been filled, so she couldn't get up close.

As the curtains opened, Teru Gojuin, the famous host in Diatama, greeted the audience loudly. He was a man with a large build and wore colorful clothes, had dark hair, and carried a microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Your finalists for the One in Millennium Idol Discovery Audition! And I'm your host, Teru Gojuin! Which talented contestant will get the glory of victory and a shot at stardom?! Are... You... READY?!!”

The audience was so loud, Ichika had to cover her ears. She went to the back of the crowd to take a seat on a bench. She hadn't enjoyed crowds since the Mass Disappearance two years ago.

While waiting for Saki to come back from the bathroom and for Honami and Shiho to get there, she listened to the four contestant finalists getting interviewed while scrolling on her phone. She even put her guitar case down next to her.

Despite Leo/Need's lack of activity, Ichika still dreamed of continuing their band, and thus continued to practice playing her guitar. It was also because she enjoyed music.

As she scrolled through her phone, she stopped at an ad playing with a familiar blue-haired virtual idol and a group of other colorful idols: A male with blue hair and a long scarf, a lady with short brown hair, a girl with long pink hair, and a male and female twin duo with sunny yellow hair. Along with them was a little girl with pointed ears and green hair in a ponytail.

The ad said “Tiki and the Virtual Singers”.

“They're doing another song... I can't wait.” Ichika said under her breath with a smile. She had loved the blue-haired girl singer, Hatsune Miku, since her youth, and had inspired her to become a musician. Her and her friends used to play Miku and her fellow Virtual Singers' songs before they started writing their own.

Suddenly, her trip down memory lane was rudely interrupted when a familiar name was announced on the stage.

“Next up, number four: Saki Tenma!”

“Huh?” Ichika's head shot up, and she stood from her seat. Looking over the crowd as best she could, her eyes widened. “Saki?!”

Her friend was standing on the stage, looking both nervous and giddy with excitement at the same time. It was probably taking all her composure just to stand up straight. When she locked eyes with Ichika, her smile grew wider and she waved, which people seemed to take as her waving to the audience.

“What's Saki doing there? So that's where she's been...” Ichika realized.

Saki greeted the audience with a bow. “Hello there! My name is Saki Tenma, I'm pleased to meet you!”

“Hear that? She sounds super friendly and fun!” An audience member said.

Their friend nodded. “Yeah! Judging from her uniform, she goes to Kamiyama High School, right?”

Ichika couldn't help but give a timid wave back to her friend as the applause died down. But then she suddenly frowned. “Huh?”

For a second, Ichika could've sworn that she saw a black shadow in a red hooded cloak behind Saki. But it disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

“What was that...? Did I imagine it?” Ichika wondered.

Teru Gojuin immediately started interviewing her, and Saki took it with a smile. If she was nervous at all, she wasn't showing a single bit of it.

“So tell us, Miss Saki! What kind of star do you want to be?”

“My answer is simple!” Saki responded. “I want to be the kind of performer that can touch people's hearts, and lift their spirits!”

“Whoa...” Several spectators were in awe of her response.

“Wooow. And just what motivated you to become that kind of star, Miss Saki?” Teru continued.

“Well, in truth, I've dealt with a lot of negativity in my life.” Saki answered. “There were several phases of my life where I was really depressed and people were worried about me. The most common of those phases are when I would get sick easily as a little girl and have to be hospitalized for periods of time.”

“But whenever I found myself in despair, it was my childhood friends that I've known since preschool that would always come to my rescue! They would talk to me like everything's normal, and find ways to lift my spirits! Eventually, we formed a band!”

“But, due to some circumstances, we haven't been working on our status in the spotlight for a short while. I thought, that if I could be the first to get into the music industry, I can get my group off the ground and fulfill our dream of going pro in the music world!”

“We all share the desire to become professional performers that can touch people's hearts through music, just as we've touched each other's hearts and found each other through music! I want to help make that dream a reality! I want us all to be able to do this together, because I don't think I'd be standing here right now if I never had them in my life!”

Ichika smiled. “Saki... So that's why you entered... You just wanted Leo/Need to get back on its feet...”

The host continued. “By the way... What was the last thing that made you so depressed?”

“Oh, that? Umm...” Saki suddenly seemed uneasy.

Ichika knew why, her smile fading, but Teru said it first.

“Is it, maybe... Something to do with your brother?”

Saki practically jumped. “Eh?! How'd you know?!”

“Well, he's the up and coming performer Tsukasa Tenma, isn't he? He's made a name for himself at Phoenix Wonderland after all!”

Saki blinked. “Oh, right. Well, yes, that's true. He disappeared during my band's first concert, and that's when we started losing steam.”

Her sadness reformed into determination. “But he wouldn't want to give up on me! In fact, we're each the motivation each other needed to enter the performing arts world! He became a performer in hopes of becoming a star that could make everyone smile, just like how he made me smile while I was sick or hospitalized!”

“In a way, I was his motivation to become a star, and he's the one who encouraged me to follow my own dream that I shared with my friends! He wouldn't want me to allow Leo/Need to fall to the wayside because of his disappearance, so I want to get our band off the ground!”

People in the crowd started whispering in response to these questions and information.

“Leo/Need? That band of teenagers that was performing at the Mass Disappearance?”

“I didn't know she was part of Leo/Need, I loved their music...”

“Hey, these questions are getting a little weird, aren't they?”

“Isn't the Mass Disappearance where all the staff and audience members in a venue just disappeared?”

Ichika frowned deeply. Wasn't the host being a little... Nosy?

“A girl whose heart cries out for her missing brother. Oh, so tragic! So beautiful! Oh, my heartstrings! But here, now, HERE... We come to the most important question of all.” Teru continued.

“For your incredible talent, I could let you see your brother once again... How about it?”

Saki was immediately confused. “Huh?”

Teru smirked. “The truth is... I have called Tsukasa Tenma to be our special guest today!”

“Huh?!” Ichika blurted in the back of the crowd.

Saki was shocked. “Wait! He's here?!”

Suddenly, the room turned completely dark, and the shadowy cloaked figures burst from the crowd. Before Ichika could figure out what was going on, multiple people were falling unconscious and screaming.

“W-what's going on?! Noooo! Ugh... Gah...”

Ichika's gaze shot towards the stage again, where she saw a hooded shadow grabbing Saki from behind. The one she had seen before.

The host, who was now a strange gray color and emitting black mist, was calling out to the shadows around the room. “Get to it, lads! I want all the Performa these humans got!”

“Let me go! Ichiiiii!” Saki screamed, struggling against the shadow when she saw two more grabbing Ichika from behind.

Ichika struggled against the ones holding her. “Ow, let me go!”

“Don't let her escape, now! That little girlie's gonna make a fine vessel for her!” Teru ordered as the figure dragged Saki towards a tall crystal that wasn't there before.

“Eeeeeeeek!” Saki shrieked.

Ichika managed to get her arm free and reached toward her friend. “Saki!!”

“Ichi!!! Help me!” Saki yelled before she disappeared through the crystal.

Ichika pulled against the force holding her back as hard as she could. With her eyes squinted shut, she didn't notice a light erupt from her body until it suddenly erupted from her, releasing her from the mysterious grip.

“Whoa...!” When she looked down at herself, the light was fading from her body. “What in the... Ugh, forget it! I've gotta go get Saki!”

Remembering what happened, she stepped over the unconscious crowd, careful not to step on anyone, until she approached the crystal on the stage.

“They took Saki through here... I wonder if...” She reached out and touched it, only for a flash of light to blind her.

“Gah!”

When her vision cleared, the surroundings around her were completely different. “...What in the... Huh?! Where am I?! Am I even in Diatama anymore?!”

She looked around at the spooky scene around her. The area seemed like a dark futuristic city, the area ahead a path of straight walkways. When she turned around, she saw the crystal she touched before right behind her, which she was quick to realize was actually some kind of portal.

“Whoa... Wait, where'd they take Saki?”

“You must hurry...”

She jumped. “What was that?!”

Out of nowhere, a girl materialized in front of her, which she was quick to realize was the green-haired singer with the Virtual Singers.

“You have to hurry...”

“Huh? Who are you?” Ichika asked.

The girl, who floated in the air, didn't answer, but said, “She's in danger... You must hurry...” She gestured to the path forward before fading away.

“She must mean Saki... Who was that girl? Ugh, forget it, she can wait. I need to find Saki!” With that, Ichika broke into a run, but slowed into a jog as she went further down the path. She eventually slowed to a walk as she navigated her new surroundings.

As she made her way down the road, she stopped to peer over the fence into the bottomless pit below. “Whoa...”

After stepping away from the fence, her phone suddenly chimed. “Huh?”

She opened her text messages. It was in her Leo/Need chat, from Shiho.

Ichika has entered Leo/Need's Chat Board

Shiho: Ichika! Saki! Where the heck are you?!

Honami: Diatama's a mess! Ichi, your guitar's still here! Are you alright?!

Ichika: I'm fine. I'm still in Diatama, I think. I went through this gate thing and ended up in a place I've never seen before...

Honami: WHAT?! And why isn't Saki answering our texts?! That's not like her!

Shiho: Oh, crap. That's not good...

Ichika: You two know this place?

Shiho: We can't explain it right now, Ichika! Right now you need to get the HECK outta there! FAST!

Ichika: I don't get what's going on, but I can't. These weird monsters kidnapped Saki, and that's probably why she's not answering her phone. I'm not going to leave her here!

Honami: Ichi, please! You should listen to Shiho!

Shiho: Ichika! Come on! ICHIKA!

Ichika has left Leo/Need's Chat Board

Instead of arguing with her friends, Ichika just put her phone back in her pocket, deciding to explain everything after she found Saki.

“AAAAAAAAHHH!” A scream startled Ichika nearby.

“What the heck?!” Ichika wondered. Realizing it came from down below, she found an elevator floor and took it downwards before stepping off.

When she heard footsteps running, she leaned over the fence again. On a path down below was one of the other contestants, running from the host from before. Then, more hooded shadows stopped her.

Ichika watched, horrified, as one of the shadows seemed to fuse with the girl, causing her to gain a dark gray appearance like the host. Her eyes widened. “What...?”

“That's another one down! And Saki will be next soon! Hahahaha!” The host laughed in a strange voice, before the shadows all disappeared into the ground.

Ichika's eyes widened in terror. “No!” Upon realizing she may have cried a little too loudly given the way her voice echoed slightly, she slapped her hands over her mouth.

When nothing happened right away, she took a sigh of relief. “Phew... That was close...”

“Give it to me...”

She jumped. “Huh?! Who's there?!”

“Give me... Your power...”

Ichika looked around, trying to find the source of the voice that sounded like a man.

She suddenly felt someone watching her from behind, and slowly turned around to see another red cloaked figure behind her. “Gah!!”

The figure reached towards her. “Your power... It is mine...”

“AAAH!” Frightened, Ichika broke into a run, sprinting down the path before making a turn.

Panting hard, she looked behind her to see the figure chasing after her... Before she suddenly lost her footing and fell. “GAAAH! OOF!”

Luckily, the ledge she fell off wasn't too high from the path below.

Upon recovering, Ichika checked herself over for injuries. When she found none, she got back on her feet and noticed that the path she'd landed on led to a building.

Seeing no other way around, Ichika approached the door and grasped the handle. However, when she tried to pull it open, it wouldn't budge.

“Ugh... It's stuck...!”

Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice behind the door. “No... Stop...!”

Ichika's eyes widened. “...! Saki!”

The man's voice sent shivers up her spine again. “Give me... Your power... It is mine... Your power is mine...!”

Ichika swiftly turned around to see the figure from before hovering right behind her. “Gah!”

Panicked, Ichika rammed against the door with her side, flinging it open (turns out it was a push door, not a pull door), and stumbling into the building before falling over again.

“Ow... Huh?”

When Ichika looked up, her eyes widened. One of the hooded shadows was choking Saki with a telekinetic black force, holding her in the air.

“Saki!!” Ichika yelled before she felt a presence behind her and turned around.

The red cloaked shadow had caught up to her! With a gesture, it grabbed onto her with the same force as the one holding Saki, pinning Ichika's arms to her body and lifting her off the ground.

“AH!” Ichika cried out upon being lifted up, but struggled as hard as she could.

Glaring at the shadow, Ichika hardened her resolve, all traces of fear disappearing from her face. “I don't care what you do to me... But you leave Saki alone! GAH!”

A burst of light released from her body, releasing her and allowing her to land on her feet again, stunning the figure that came after her.

Ichika looked down in amazement as a ball of light materialized in front of her chest, which she gripped with her hand. Seeing that the light repelled her attacker, she raised the ball of light forward. “HAAAAH!”

At her command, the ball became a blast of light that consumed the black chains around the cloaked figure. With the chains gone, the figure screamed in pain as the red cloak was burned away, revealing its true form.

It looked much like a human, but it wore armor and clothing like she'd never seen before. While it still had a slightly supernatural appearance, it was much less intimidating now.

The being clutched a hand at its head, speaking in a man's voice as Ichika marveled at its new appearance.

“Gods...! What was I just doing?!”

Ichika suddenly flinched back at something behind the spirit. “Crap...!”

The transformed shadow turned around. More red cloaked figures had arrived.

The shadow man unsheathed a sword at his side and pointed it at them. “Go! I'll take care of them!”

“Huh?” Ichika was puzzled at this change of behavior. “What are you...?”

“No time to talk! Go and rescue that girl!”

Remembering her original mission, Ichika turned back to Saki. “Oh, right! Saki!”

“Huh...?” Saki glanced over at the sound of Ichika's voice.

“Saki, it's me! Ichika!”

“Ich... Ichi...?” Saki managed. Seeing her friend there when she needed her seemed to set something off in Saki, as the same light that Ichika experienced erupted from Saki, stunning Saki's captor into dropping her.

Ichika caught Saki and sat her down. “Saki! Are you alright?”

“Thanks to you, Ichi.” Saki said, before realizing what was happening. “What the... What's going on with me?”

Just like before with Ichika, a ball of light condensed at Saki's chest. When Saki took it, it shone in her hand.

Remembering her earlier action, Ichika helped Saki stand up. “Saki, quick! Aim that orb at the shadow!”

Trusting Ichika, Saki mimicked Ichika's earlier action and fired the orb in the form of a blast at the one who had choked her before.

The shadow cried out in a woman's voice as the same purifying phenomenon happened to her, before she fell to the ground with a lance in her hand.

Worried, Saki ran to her side and bent down now that the intimidating darkness was gone. “Are you okay?!”

Ichika's “Tch!” caused both girls to turn their gazes upward again. The shadow man from before had joined Ichika's side, and the four were now surrounded by cloaked shadows.

The two human girls exchanged glances with the shadow people they each rescued, before the two girls raised their hands. Somehow, they knew what to do.

“Carnage Form!!!!”

In a flash, the shadows disappeared, seeming to fuse with their rescuers, who took on new outfits and hairstyles in a flash of light.

(Author's Note: These are in game outfits. Can you guess what they are?)

Ichika's hair was cut down into a short pixie-like cut, her bangs swept sideways, and she wore blue earrings. She wore a white top underneath a black vest and wore white shorts. A coat was over her arms that was white, had shoulder pads with tassel, hints of orange, and was embellished with chains. There was a second layer beneath her coat that reached her knees and went around her back and sides, matching her shorts. She had on black tights and knee-length white boots. She wore small black gloves and carried a gleaming sword.

Saki's hair had grown past her knees, two locks framing her face and her bangs longer and swept sideways, and she wore a white headband with elegant white horn decorations on it. She had on a sleeveless white dress with pale colored skirt layers, and had mismatched detached sleeves, one being small and round and the other longer and flaring out. There were bracelets around her wrists and matching leglets on her leg. Her shoes were white flats with thin ribbons tying around her ankles.

As soon as the two girls were transformed, they raised their weapons back-to-back and took battle positions.

“What in the name of...?” Ichika realized what just happened as the monsters surrounded her and Saki.

“Incredible...!”

Ichika jumped, nearly dropping her sword in shock. “Gah! A talking sword?! ...Wait a second, I know that voice. Aren't you that... Blue ghost from before?”

“Yes.” The voice answered. “It seems like I... Became a blade.”

“This can't be real...” Ichika managed.

A monster growled to intimidate Saki, causing Saki to jump and scream. “GAAH!”

“Be careful!” The ghostly woman's voice was heard from Saki's spear.

Saki realized what happened. “What? You too?”

“Ggh...!” Ichika was nervous.

The ghostly man's voice reassured her. “I'm at your side. Now, let's go!”

“Right!” Ichika nodded, before one of the creatures made a move toward her.

Reflexively, Ichika swung her blade at it, sending it back. In response to this, the hooded figures transformed into four-legged blob monsters to charge at her and Saki.

When two of them moved toward Saki, she followed Ichika's lead and gave her new lance a swing, repelling them. Spinning the lance like a professional, Saki cut through them with a line of precise strikes, ending with a fierce jab to finish them off.

When Saki was allowed to breathe and stand up straight again, she realized what she just did. “Whoa! Since when could I do that?!”

Ichika blocked two more strikes with her sword before sending the remaining three backwards. When they attempted to rush at her again, she jumped right over them, landed behind them, and attacked with a rushing combo of strikes, ending with a single elegant swing.

When Ichika caught her breath, she also realized what she just did. “What in the...? I didn't know I could even jump like that!”

As the monsters vanished into smoke, Saki and Ichika reunited.

“Wow, Ichi! You were amazing!”

“So were you!”

In a flash, their new outfits disappeared, leaving only their weapons.

“Looks like we managed to take them out...” The man's voice spoke from the sword.

In a flash, the weapons dematerialized and reappeared in the form of the blue and pink ghosts from earlier in front of them.

“And it seems we can revert to these forms as well.” The woman added.

The girls just gaped at them, too stunned for words.

Taking their silence as a need to continue, the man took a step towards Ichika. “Much of all this is still unclear. But my name is Chrom. I can remember that much...”

Ichika stood up straight again, out of her defensive position when she realized they weren't going to hurt her or Saki. “Oh! Uhh... Chrom. Right...”

Not knowing what else to say, she simply spoke her mind nervously. “Well, um... Thank you, for earlier. I don't think I could've saved Saki without your help. And it was because of you that I was able to fight like that, I think. My name is Ichika, by the way. Ichika Hoshino.”

“Ichika Hoshino, huh...” Chrom then held his hand out to her.

Ichika blinked. “Huh?”

“I should be the one thanking you.” Chrom explained. “It was that light within you that freed me from that darkness. You have my gratitude, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Ichika.”

Ichika smiled. “Of course, Chrom! Likewise!”

She accepted his hand, and the two shook hands politely.

Saki giggled. “Heeheehee! You're like two peas in a pod, Ichi!”

The ghostly woman turned to Saki. “My name is Caeda. Yours was... Saki, wasn't it?”

“Oh, yeah! Right!” Saki realized that she still needed to introduce herself and gave a smiling wave. “I'm Saki Tenma, it's a pleasure to meet you!”

Caeda didn't seem to have a way to express herself facially, but her posture and voice became somewhat regretful. “I'm really sorry, Saki... I must have scared you quite a bit before, didn't I?”

“Yeah, that was admittedly kinda scary...” Saki admitted before lightening up. “But now I know you didn't mean to! You probably just didn't know what you were doing, that's all! I don't mind! You wouldn't be apologizing if you did it on purpose after all!”

“Besides! It's thanks to you that I was able to help Ichi fight off those creatures! Who knows what could've happened if you didn't, so thank you Miss Caeda!”

Caeda giggled. “Hehe, just Caeda is fine. You're a kindhearted girl, Saki.”

“Teehee!” Saki grinned, blushing a little.

Ichika frowned a little, confused. “Sorry, but what... What exactly are you guys? I mean no offense, but I've never seen anything like you before. I mean, one second you're attacking us and the next minute you're helping us.”

Chrom's hand went to his head. “Apologies, but... I'm afraid I can't seem to remember why I'm here in the first place.”

Seeing this, Saki asked, “Caeda, is your memory gone, too?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I've been trying to recall, but...” Caeda trailed off.

“Oh... Ichi, isn't there something we can do?” Saki asked.

Ichika turned to her. “Well... We should probably start by making our way to safety. There could be more of those things on the way.”

“She's right. If we linger too long, we may find ourselves with unwanted company.” Chrom agreed.

Ichika turned towards the second door in the room, the one she didn't come in through. “The way I came is a dead end, so... Let's start going through there.”

-------------------------------------------------------

As soon as they exited the building, they were ambushed by more monsters. Luckily, with Chrom and Caeda's help, they fought them off easily.

They managed to return to the elevator that Ichika used to get to Saki, and took it to the upper floor. That was when a song started playing from her pocket.

“Uhh, Ichi? Your phone's ringing.” Saki pointed out.

She took her phone out and hit talk, putting it on speaker. “Hello?”

“Ichika! Are you alright?!” A voice yelled over the phone.

“Hey, Honami! You and Shiho good?” Ichika asked.

“We're fine, but you haven't answered since we heard that you wandered into a gateway to find Saki!” Honami exclaimed.

Ichika checked her notifications, realizing there was a bunch of “Where are you” messages that she hadn't checked. “Oh.”

Shiho's voice was heard. “Listen Ichi, I know you really care about your friends, but what you're doing is dangerous! Are you hurt?! Where are you?!”

It wasn't like Shiho to sound so worried, so Ichika tried to reassure them. “No worries, I'm fine. In fact, I managed to find Saki, she's right here with me.”

“Hi, guys!” Saki sang.

“Oh, thank goodness!” Honami breathed a sigh of relief. “Um, where exactly are you guys right now?”

“Uh, to be honest, we're still trying to figure that out.” Saki admitted.

“Yeah, we're trying to find our way to the exit, but our navigation apps have been a bit unreliable.” Ichika explained.

“Uuuuugh... No offense, but you can be a REAL idiot sometimes, Ichika.” Shiho scolded. “Though I guess I should've expected this from you, you always were more instincts than rational.”

“Listen, you guys have GOT to find an exit. There should be a round pink building south of you guys if I'm guessing your location correctly, the exit is just past there. Make your way there, first. Down the path, take a left, down the elevator, take two rights, run straight, and you'll hit it. So get moving!”

Honami's voice begged them. “And please, I beg of you, be careful! Don't die on us, okay?! We'll try to meet you there!”

“Okay, we're on the way now.” Ichika nodded. “See you then!” With that, she hung up.

Caeda spoke up. “Were those friends of yours?”

“Yep! Shiho and Honami, they're our childhood friends!” Saki told her. “I've never heard Shiho so worried before.”

“They definitely know more than they're letting on. The fact that Shiho knows where we are really says something.” Ichika said, suspicious. “Let's get a move on.”

Following Shiho's instructions, they made their way to the pink building after fighting off more monsters.

As they were about to enter, Ichika stopped.

“What's wrong, Ichi?” Saki asked.

“There's something dangerous behind this door.” Ichika managed. “I... I can feel it.”

Chrom nodded. “Indeed. Let's be careful as we enter.”

With that, Ichika pushed open the door and led the way inside.

When they entered, the large inside was eerily quiet and empty.

“Ichi, Chrom, are you sure you sensed something dangerous in here?” Saki asked as they stopped to look around.

Caeda appeared behind Saki. “Hold on, I can feel it too.”

Suddenly, a familiar voiced yelled out loudly. “Hold it right there, Sakiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!”

BOOM!

Down came a large armored creature, but the head perched on the giant helmet was familiar.

“Wait, that's Mr Gojuin!” Saki blurted. “Uh... What the heck? Where'd the rest of him go?!”

Ichika was on alert. “The host from the audition...! What on Earth...?”

His voice sounded slightly different, but still there. “Caeda, ya darn traitor! Just HAD to switch sides, huh? I'll show you what happens to turncoats!”

“Don't talk to Caeda like that!” Saki yelled back. “You creepy liar!”

Ichika held Saki's hand. “I'm at your side, Saki.”

“Yeah!” Saki nodded.

Teru's head turned towards Ichika, who glared at him sharply. “Eh? Hey Missy, you're someone's Master now? I can feel your Performa from here.”

“You hurt my friend. You don't seriously expect me to forgive you, do you?” Ichika asked. “I don't know who you think you are... But I won't ever let you get away with hurting my friends like that!”

Chrom materialized next to Ichika. “Be careful... This one's different from the other enemies we've fought! Keep your guard up!”

“Right!” Ichika nodded at him.

“Chrom?!” The host exclaimed before laughing like a maniac. “Haha... Gwahahahahahahahahaha! I found it... Not only Caeda, but I got a vessel for Chrom himself!”

“Um... Caeda? What does he mean by that?” Saki asked.

Caeda shook her head. “I don't know.”

“We have to get rid of him before Shiho and Honami arrive, fast!” Ichika insisted.

As the creature lifted an axe-like arm, Ichika and Saki transformed to brace themselves.

“STOP!”

A voice called, before a barrage of light knocked the heavy arm aside. Then, a person dropped right in front of the two girls, between them and Teru.

“I won't allow it!” The person said.

Saki's eyes widened. “That voice... Hona?!”

The girl turned around, revealing the familiar face of their friend. “Oh! Saki, Ichi, you're Masters now?”

Honami looked completely different from normal. She had her hair braided, and the braids were circled into a bun on her head, with a cluster of white roses at the side of her head. Her shoes were a pair of white pumps with a low heel, and she wore lacey white gloves. A silver necklace was around her neck.

She wore a long white dress with different patterned folds making up her skirt, with the back of the dress looking like a giant white rose. It had puffed sleeves that covered her shoulders, and the top layer of the skirt was dotted with the same roses as in her hair. The rest were patterned like the front of her dress, which was darker at the front, or had floral patterns.

She carried a staff that was silver with the same white rose motif at the top, the rose sitting in a cluster of leaves.

The sound of a motorcycle got their attention, and a familiar figure sped in on a green and black motorcycle with black and white checked patterns on it. The driver stopped right next to Honami, summoned a spear out of thin air, and stepped off, the bike vanishing behind her.

“This explains all the girls disappearing, it was all your doing. This ends now!” The person declared.

Saki and Ichika knew who that was. “Shiho?!”

She turned to them, smiling a little. “Hey, everybody still in one piece?”

Shiho's hair had grown longer, down to her shoulders, and her bangs were clipped to one side by a group of green hair clips, and some of it was braided behind her ear, giving it a sideswept appearance. A pair of lime green earrings were hanging from her ears.

She wore a pale blue top beneath a shiny black jacket with lime green chains embellishing the sides, and a silver keychain holding a hedgehog plush was hanging from the bottom. A black choker was around her neck, with a chain hanging from it connecting to the neck of her jacket. The end of the jacket sleeves had white and black check patterns.

Her shorts had the same green chains and check patterns, and she wore thigh-high black boots with lime green stripes on the top of one and the other had a lime green zipper at the top, and a fishnet sock was peeking over the zipped boot. The boots had platform soles that had lime green lining.

Her spear had a black handle and a silver tip with lime green chains embellishing it.

Honami turned to Shiho. “Shiho! Ichika and Saki are Masters now!”

“Sure looks that way, doesn't it?” A female voice spoke from her staff.

“Gwahahahahahahahahahaha!” Teru laughed loudly again.

Shiho gave him a look. “What the bloody heck?”

“Perfect! Even more Mirages! You sheepies are coming with me!” Teru announced.

“I don't think so!” Ichika yelled, her and Saki running up to join their friends.

Shiho was serious. “You talk big for a dented oversized tin can. Honami, let's knock out that Mirage!”

“Hm!” Honami nodded.

Shiho turned to Saki and Ichika. “Alright, you two. Since you're new to this, follow me and Honami's lead. Every enemy has a weakness, and the big lumbering types like this one have more strength than coordination. Follow me, keep dodging until Honami finds a weak point.”

“I'll keep it at bay using my magic! If any of you get injured, let me know and I'll use my magic to heal you!” Honami insisted.

The two nodded in agreement, before the group narrowly dodged an axe arm brought down on them.

Ichika got an idea. “Keep moving! Go in a circle!”

With that, the girls started sprinting around the monster, cutting through the weaker ones as they went. Honami struck the various parts of the leader's armor, until she finally got a painful reaction out of him.

“It's the head!” She told them before raising her arm. “Take... This!”

A small cloud formed over its head, and ice crystals rained down from it. Teru flailed in response to the pain, and knocked Saki into Ichika, sending them both to the ground.

“Ow!” “Ugh!”

When two more monsters surrounded them in their moment of weakness, Shiho jumped over and cut them down with her lance, just as Honami rushed over.

“Hang on! I've got you!” She promised, bending down and pointing her staff at them. A spark of light emitted and seemed to wash away all signs of pain or injuries.

“You good?” Honami asked.

Ichika nodded. “Yeah, thanks.”

“Thanks a bunch, Hona!” Saki thanked.

Shiho turned to Saki. “Saki! You're a Pegasus Knight! Try summoning your mount and attack that head!”

Somehow, Saki knew what to do, and raised her weapon over her head. “Caeda!”

In a spark, a pegasus appeared out of nowhere and swooped towards her. However, this pegasus was mechanical, and in place of feathers on its wings, it had rocket boosters instead.

Saki took a flying leap into the air, landing safely on the saddle. “Whoa! Can't believe that worked!” She managed before drawing her lance again.

With her friends keeping it busy on the ground, Shiho and Ichika taking out the minions while Honami confounded it with her magic, Saki dashed towards the head and pierced it with incredible speed.

“GWAAAAAAAHHHH!” Teru screeched in pain, before falling forwards slightly.

With the girls all pointing weapons at him, he suddenly turned into smoke. “Hahahaha, you're strong... Forgive me if I get a little broken up!”

When the smoke cleared, he had turned into three smaller enemies, each with the host's head on top of it. “BAHAHAHAHAHA! Try to guess which is me! If you get it wrong... Well, you won't like the outcome!”

Saki landed on the ground and dismounted. “How can we tell which is which?!”

“Hmm...” Ichika was observing carefully. She knew that in situations like this, there was always some manner of way of telling them apart. Shiho was good with logical puzzles like this, and Ichika had learned quite a bit from her.

That's when something caught her eye. “Wait, of course! One of them is different! Even magic mirrors can't lie! Hyah!”

Without warning, she dashed forward and cut her sword through one of the clones before jumping back. Sure enough, all the monsters vanished, forcing him back into his armored form.

“GWAAAAH! How... How did you know which one was me?!”

Shiho and the others were surprised as well, so Ichika explained. “It's simple, in situations like this, the one that stands out even a little bit is the right one. The real you was the one whose head wasn't covered in smoke, because you obviously can't produce perfect mimics of your weak point! That's why they were covered in smoke on the fakes!”

“Way to go, Ichi!” Saki cheered.

Shiho laughed. “Haha! You're stealing my moves, Ichi!”

“Hurry! While he's stunned!” Honami insisted, the end of her staff lighting up. “Let's all attack it together!”

Pincering it in by four corners, all four girls performed a strike all at once, causing the creature to screech in pain and vanish in a puff of smoke.

When the smoke cleared, all that was left was Teru in his human form, back to his natural appearance. He was laying face down on the floor.

Saki pointed her lance at him, but Caeda spoke. “Wait, I think it's alright.”

“Whew! That was close!” Honami sighed.

Shiho approached the unconscious body, frowning. “Um... Cain, this guy's not dead or anything, is he? He's supposed to go back to normal like everyone else.”

“That should be the case...” A man's voice spoke from her spear. “But I've never seen a human possessed by a Mirage change so drastically.”

“You're right. Hona, your healing spells!” Shiho ordered.

Honami knelt down next to the host and activated the healing spell she used on her friends before.

“There... He should be okay now. He's probably just unconscious, though maybe that's for the best.” Honami said, and she used her magic again. In a flash of light, he vanished.

Ichika and Saki's eyes widened with a gasp as Shiho and Honami stood and turned to them again. Finally, Ichika couldn't take it anymore as her and Saki reverted to normal with their partners at their sides.

“Okay! What is going on?! What were those things attacking us?! And how did we do... Whatever all that was?!”

Honami and Shiho reverted to their civilian forms, back in their school uniforms the way they were at school.

Next to Shiho was an armored figure in red and gold, while while a staff-holding gold and white figure in a long dress and a veil in place of hair stood next to Honami.

“And what are those?!” Ichika added to her list of questions.

A girl's voice came from the staff holder. “So! You must be the friends that Honami and Shiho keep talking about?”

“Yes, that's right! This is Ichika and Saki, our other two band members.” Honami explained to her.

“We came here to answer all of your questions.” Shiho promised. “But first thing's first...” She turned a glare at Ichika. “Ichi, you are officially a complete idiot! Honestly, you gave us a heart attack when we found out you had wandered into an Idolasphere of all things!”

Honami grew angry too. “Yeah! Even Shiho seemed panicked, and you and I both know that anything that can freak out Shiho is a real emergency!”

“I know what I did was stupid, okay?” Ichika admitted. “But I couldn't just abandon Saki.”

Shiho sighed. “Hah, that's what I figured you'd say. But in a way, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.”

“Yeah... With their Performa, I guess it was only a matter of time.” Honami agreed.

Saki blinked. “Um... Performa? What's that? And what's an Idolasphere?”

“That's this place, the world we're in right now.” Shiho explained. “They're basically little alternate worlds that occasionally get connected to ours, and the beings that dwell here are called Mirages.”

Ichika frowned thoughtfully. “Mirages... You mean beings like Chrom and Caeda?”

“Oh, so those are your partners' names?” Honami realized. “Hello, there! My name's Honami, and this is Shiho.”

Saki turned to Caeda. “These are the people you heard talking on the phone with us earlier! The four of us form a band, called Leo/Need!”

“I see! Well, we owe Saki and Ichika a great debt, so any friends of theirs are friends of ours.” Caeda spoke.

Ichika was curious. “Those two with you... Are they Mirages too?”

“Yes, this red one is a Cavalier Mirage named Cain, he's my partner.” Shiho explained.

“And my partner, Lissa, is a Priestess Mirage, so that's how I'm able to use healing magic and such.” Honami added.

Saki was curious. “But our partners look different now than they did before... Back before, they were really scary, wearing these creepy red cloaks and they kept trying to hurt us! But after this strange light that came from us blasted those cloaks off, they started helping us!”

“So you two purified them with your Performa? That explains the bond you guys have now.” Shiho said.

“Performa?” Ichika repeated.

Honami explained. “That light that came from your bodies that you used to purify your partners? That's Performa, an energy that emits from humans. It's created in response to a person's passion, usually for performing arts and the like. For Mirages, it acts as a form of sustenance and an energy source.”

“Yes, and that unfortunately causes powerful Mirages like that one to make their way into our world, creating gateways between our world and their Idolaspheres. They let out hostile Mirages to harvest Performa from humans.” Shiho added. “Conventional weapons have no effect on them, so only a Mirage can combat another Mirage, but only certain people, like people with especially strong Performa, can see or interact with Mirages. People with strong Performa, such as this host, are also common targets by powerful Mirages like the one we just fought.”

Honami nodded. “Yeah. Most Mirages are hostile towards humans. We think it's because of whatever corrupting power that has control over them, and it's also what compels them to steal Performa from humans. However, people that can see and interact with Mirages can also use their Performa to purify these Mirages from that influence, which binds them together as partners and allows them to fight together.”

“Yes, and this power lent by Mirages allows people to combat other Mirages. We call the people that fight alongside them Mirage Masters, like you two.” Shiho finished. “And given how well you did during that battle, you two could be thumping good ones with enough practice.”

Saki's eyes were wide in fascination. “Whoa, so you're saying all four of us have some sort of rare natural ability?! That's amazing!”

“So Mirages are drawn towards people with strong Performa? And the more powerful ones can possess people and use them to open gateways between our world and their Idolaspheres?” Ichika guessed.

“That's right.” Shiho answered. “Mirage attacks are more common than you might think, but not all of them are made public. All four of us know a perfect example of one that was made public, of course.”

“What?” Saki asked, oblivious.

Honami grew sad. “Saki... The Mass Disappearance two years ago? The one where Tsukasa disappeared?”

“Wait... That was caused by Mirages, too?!” Ichika realized.

“Yes. We think whatever happened to all those people had something to do with the Idolaspheres.” Shiho explained. “It's been shown that Tsukasa had very strong Performa too, so it's possible that he was a target of the Mirages too. So we have no idea why the four of us were spared despite having strong Performa.”

Saki had a sad expression on her face, and she asked her next question. “Why didn't you guys say anything about this?”

“Well... To be honest, it was because we didn't want to worry you.” Honami answered. “On the night of the Mass Disappearance, that was when we met Lissa and Cain. They dragged us into an Idolasphere, where we purified them after a scuffle, and we've been fighting the Mirages ever since.”

“Yeah, we also didn't want you two to get involved in our mess.” Shiho added. “You're our friends after all. Even if you always had the potential to become Masters, Honami and I didn't like the idea of dragging you guys into this, especially since Saki's brother could be involved.”

“We're really sorry, you two...” Honami finished.

Saki smiled, understanding. “So that's why you seemed to become so distant. But it's okay, Girls. Because now we can all fight together, the eight of us!”

“Eight?” Ichika repeated.

“The four of us and the Mirages, of course!” Saki giggled.

Honami grinned. “Heehee! I think that's a great idea!”

“Yay! We're super close to reuniting Leo/Need!” Saki cheered.

Shiho blinked. “Huh?”

“Saki wants the four of us to become a band and perform again, since we haven't done anything since the Mass Disappearance.” Ichika told her. “That's why Saki auditioned to become a singer, she hoped that it could help bring the band back together.”

Lissa responded enthusiastically. “I know that these two would love that!”

“You really wanted that since the Mass Disappearance?” Shiho asked.

“Yeah! You guys seemed to become distant, and Ichika and I thought it was because of the Mass Disappearance, and that's why we never suggested any more gigs we could do.” Saki explained. “We thought it affected you guys in an awful way.”

“Glad to know it was just because of your new double-life, though.” Ichika added. “What say that we reform Leo/Need and get back to going pro? Besides, it might even help us in the long run if Mirages generally attack those with high Performa. If Performa is generated by a passion for performing arts, being in the entertainment industry could really help us monitor things.”

“I think it's perfect!” Honami agreed.

Shiho was smiling. “As it happens, someone has wanted to put me and Honami in the spotlight since we started working with her on the Mirage cases. With the four of us together, I think we can make it work with her help.”

“That's great! I can hardly wait!” Saki clapped her hands.

“Can we talk about those Mirages of yours, though? They're very strong!” Honami said.

Shiho nodded, observing them carefully. “A Lord Mirage and a Pegasus Knight Mirage, huh? I think it suits them perfectly.”

“Pegasus Knight?” Saki repeated.

“There are different kinds of Mirages with different appearances and abilities. We call these variants 'Classes'.” Shiho explained. “My partner Cain is able to generate a mount for me, AKA my motorcycle, and grant me the skill to fight while riding it because he's a Cavalier Mirage.”

“And my white magic and healing powers comes from Lissa's power as a Priestess Mirage!” Honami added. “Saki's partner Caeda is a Pegasus Knight Mirage, so she can provide that pegasus and the skills you need to ride on it while fighting.”

“While Ichika, your partner Chrom is a Lord Mirage, which are skilled all-rounders that can master just about any melee weapon. They're very rare, and strong.” Shiho pointed out.

“Hmmm... I feel like I've met Chrom somewhere before.” Lissa said.

Honami turned to her. “Really? Maybe you guys met before you lost your memories, then. You might even have a special connection.”

“You mean these two can't remember anything either?” Ichika asked.

Shiho shook her head. “I'm afraid not. Even any natural information aside from their names is a mystery to them.”

“So many mysteries...” Saki said.

Shiho nodded. “Well, as much as I'd like to stay and chat, I'd rather not do it in an Idolasphere.”

Ichika nodded. “Yeah, Shiho's right. We should probably make our way out of here first before we discuss anything else.”

“The exit is out this way.” Honami pointed at a door on the other side of the room, where her and Shiho came in, prompting everyone to head out.

-------------------------------------------------------

“Phew! We made it!” Honami sighed in relief as they approached the gateway.

“That's the way I came in.” Ichika remembered.

“Yep, and it should take us back to Diatama.” Shiho confirmed before Cain materialized right in front of her.

“Look out!” He warned.

His warning came just in time as a swarm of enemy Mirages flew out of the floor and surrounded them.

“Crap! It's an ambush!” Ichika realized as the other three Mirage partners materialized defensively.

Honami looked around, worried. “No way can we take on this many! Ichi and Saki are still beginners!”

“We got a little disaster on our hands here! What do we do?!” Saki panicked.

“We have no choice but to fight back! There's nowhere left to run!” Shiho told them.

But before they could take Carnage Form again, a female voice called out to them. “Hey girls, hold still!”

“Huh? GAH!”

The entire Leo/Need group startled as something or someone cut through the enemies in a flash, and all of them vanished upon defeat. The only thing that remained was a girl kneeling in front of them with a katana in her hands.

She stood and turned to them. “You guys okay?”

“Yes! Thank you, Haruka!” Honami nodded.

Saki's eyes widened. “Haruka?! As in... Haruka Kiritani?! The former lead singer of ASRUN?!”

The girl nodded. “That's me!”

Haruka was a girl their age with blue hair and blue eyes. Her hair went down to past her shoulders down her back, two locks going around the back of her head and tying into a ponytail by a white ribbon. She wore a gold pin decorated with red, gold, white, and teal on her head.

She wore a short pale kimono dress with long billowing sleeves that had red lining at the ends. The skirt was in layers of pale and red fabrics with black and white patterning on the ends. The waistband on her body was green with ropes that were red and white striped and green and white striped going around it, connecting to a bell on the front side of her waist.

The red and white striped rope tied into a bow on her back, with a second bow made of red fabric lying underneath, with a red skirt layer flowing beneath it down back that was knee-length. She wore thigh-high white boots with indigo platform soles. She carried a magnificent red-hilted katana sword with a gold blade that was edged a blue-white color.

“W...Wow!!” Saki gasped. “So Haruka's a Mirage Master too?!”

“Yes, that's right! She works with us!” Honami answered.

Ichika was stunned. “Whoa...”

That's when Haruka reverted to her normal form, wearing the same school uniform as Leo/Need, and her blue hair was cut into a bob style. Behind her was a Mirage with elegant Japanese samurai attire in red and gold.

“Thanks for the save, Haruka. You going in to look around?” Shiho asked.

“Yes. I heard you guys took out their leader, so the rest are probably not gonna come out of here anytime soon.” Haruka answered. “You guys should probably head out, though.”

Honami nodded. “Yeah, thanks again.”

Haruka walked away with the samurai Mirage with her, allowing Leo/Need to make their way through the gateway.

After that same light sensation of passing through the gateway, they were back in Diatama, which had regained its colorful appearance now that the Mirages had left.

“We're back!” Saki realized.

“Thank goodness...” Ichika sighed.

Shiho smiled at them. “Nicely done, you two. You did quite well for a couple of beginners.”

“I can't believe all that happened... But I'm glad we're safe!” Saki admitted.

Ichika nodded. “You can say that again. I'm beat, I don't know about you guys.”

“I take it the operation was successful, Shiho?”

A woman's voice got their attention, and a lady with dark hair and wearing glasses approached them with a smile on her face.

“It did, though Haruka had to bail us out at the end there.” Shiho reported, a little embarrassed.

Ichika was curious. “Shiho, who's this?”

“This is Maiko Shimazaki, the president of Sekai Entertainment.” Shiho answered her. “She also helps command Mirage investigations for us.”

Honami nodded. “Miss Maiko, these are me and Shiho's friends, the ones that survived the Mass Disappearance with us.”

Maiko smiled at them. “I see! And your names were... Ichika and Saki, correct?”

“Yes, I'm Ichika Hoshino. Nice to meet you.” Ichika introduced herself politely.

Saki greeted her merrily. “And I'm Saki Tenma! Great to meet ya!”

“Miss Maiko, there's something we need to talk to you about.” Shiho said seriously. “Remember when you offered to have me and Honami officially join the agency as a music duo?”

Maiko grew excited. “Oh? Are you two finally ready to accept?! Ah, I can't wait!”

“Yes, but on one condition.” Honami interrupted. “We want Ichika and Saki to be part of our group, so we can reform Leo/Need again.”

“Oh? It sounds like a wonderful idea, but... Are you sure they have what it takes?” Maiko asked.

Shiho nodded. “Both in the ways of entertainment AND investigations. Them and Honami proved to me they had the passion and drive to follow that dream together.”

“Plus, in the middle of all this chaos, they somehow gained Mirage partners. A Pegasus Knight and a Lord.” Honami reported. “They apparently purified them using their own Performa.”

“Really! This must be fate, then...”

Ichika grew curious. “Wait. Isn't Sekai Entertainment the agency that Haruka is contracted to? After ASRUN disbanded?”

“Yes, Haruka went solo with Sekai Entertainment after ASRUN split. She's been performing by herself since when she's not working as a Mirage Master with us.” Shiho answered. “Honami and I are temporary members of the group. We didn't want to officially join in without you two, or Leo/Need would be incomplete, and that just didn't feel right.”

“Yeah, we wanted to ask if you wanted to join Sekai Entertainment with us, but the right time never came.” Honami added.

Maiko gained a proud smile. “But while we're an entertainment industry, we are also a group of Mirage Masters that work on investigating these incidents, such as the Mass Disappearance.”

“Right. Shiho and Hona mentioned that the Mass Disappearance was caused by Mirages.” Ichika recalled.

“Yes. Unfortunately, it's a big job, and the people who have the ability to purify and partner with Mirages, let alone interact with them, are very rare.” Maiko admitted.

“Yes, Maiko doesn't have the potential to become a Master herself, so she helps us from the sidelines using her intelligence network.” Honami explained.

“That's one reason it'd be great if we all joined Sekai Entertainment together. If you're willing, we could pursue our dream as a band together while rescuing people from Mirage attacks at the same time.” Shiho explained.

Saki grinned. “Well, why didn't you say so?! If we really do have some rare ability, then let's use it! We want to touch people's hearts with our music, so why not do the same as Mirage Masters?”

“I agree with Saki. I won't let you guys face this without me, so I'm in.” Ichika insisted. “Besides, I have a feeling that if we get involved in this, we may even be able to find clues about Tsukasa.”

“That's what we thought, too.” Honami nodded. “So Miss Maiko! Do we have a deal?”

“Well! With such passionate kids like you, how can I say no?” Maiko laughed. “And perhaps you two may be able to help us find other people that have the potential to become Mirage Masters, or already are Masters? We need as much help we can get.”

“Not sure how we can help with that, but we'll do our best.” Ichika promised.

Maiko was excited. “I'll get things arranged right away for you! I'll even ask Ken to help organize a time and place for you girls to rehearse at his cafe.”

“Ken?” Ichika repeated. The name sounded familiar.

“You'll see.” Shiho promised. “In the meantime, meet us at this address tomorrow, there's some people you need to meet.”

She handed them a slip of paper with some writing on it. “In the meantime, why not get some rest? After that ordeal, I think you guys could use it.”

“Thanks, Shiho! I think I might also get in some practice on my keyboard as well, so my skills are sharpened back up!” Saki announced.

Honami was surprised. “Um, are you sure, Saki? I mean, you should probably rest after your first fights today.”

“Thanks, but I'll be fine! I'll get in some time for both!” Saki promised. “Now that Leo/Need is coming back together! I feel like I can take on anything!”

Ichika smiled and nodded. “You know what? Me too!”

Chapter Text

Ichika and Saki met their friends at the address the next day, which was a large building that Shiho and Honami guided them through.

Finally, they reached a floor that looked like some sort of office.

“This is it!” Shiho announced.

Ichika looked around the slightly messy room. It had several TVs set up on the walls, and one had several lounge couches sitting in front of it. Several posters were up on the walls, the wall next to the large desk in front of the big window had shelves of trophies on it. The shelf on the other side of the desk was stacked full of documents and assorted items.

“Is this an office?” Ichika asked.

“This is the office Miss Maiko works in, the top office for Sekai Entertainment.” Honami revealed.

Saki's eyes widened. “So we're in the Sekai Entertainment building?! Epic!”

“You haven't seen anything yet.” Shiho smirked, turning to a door on the other side of the room and opening it.

When they stepped through, the girls were blinded by a bright light, before coming to their senses. What they saw next stunned them.

“Whoa...”

They were inside what looked like a ruin overgrown with colorful plants and flowers, with a sunlight beaming down from above and giving it an ethereal feel.

“What is this place? Weren't we just in an office?” Saki asked.

Honami smiled. “It's called the Bloom Palace, it's basically a kind of Idolasphere. But this one's not inhabited by hostile Mirages like most.”

“This energy... What is so special about this place...”

Ichika jumped and turned around in response to the familiar voice. “Gah! Chrom!”

Chrom and Caeda were now standing behind Saki and Ichika, having materialized out of thin air again.

“Caeda?! Where have you been?!” Saki blurted. “You disappeared after we left the Idolasphere!”

Shiho crossed her arms as Lissa and Cain, who had been inside the Palace when they came in, approached them. “They were always with you, since we left. They just weren't visible to you, that's all. It takes a lot of a Mirage's energy to materialize outside of an Idolasphere, which is why stronger Mirages have to create portals for them to pass through to enter our world freely.”

“Oh. So they were with us since yesterday.” Ichika realized.

“Oh! You're here!” A sweet voice called.

Footsteps approached, making the girls turn again. Ichika's eyes widened from shock. “Huh?!”

A smiling girl had walked up to them, with long blue pigtails and wearing futuristic clothes.

“Hatsune Miku?!” Ichika blurted in disbelief.

The girl, Miku, turned to her with a smiling wave. “Hello, there! You must be Ichika, right? Shiho and Honami mentioned you!”

Saki was shocked. “Hatsune Miku?! Is that really you?! You're real!”

“I thought Miku was a Virtual Singer!” Ichika insisted.

Honami nodded. “That's what the public calls her, yes. But in reality, Miku and the other Virtual Singers are Mirages too. But they're a special case, as they are capable of moving between the Bloom Palace and the real world at will for certain periods of time, so they can help us with investigations.”

“You mean...” Ichika looked around as more footsteps were heard.

“Ah, Shiho! I see you brought some friends with you?” A male voice asked.

Ichika faced the blue-haired man with the oversized scarf. “Kaito?!”

The rest of the familiar Virtual Singers appeared as well, walking over to greet them.

“Kagamine Len?! Kagamine Rin?! Meiko?! Megurine Luka?!”

Saki's eyes sparkled. “Woooow! I can't believe it, you're all real!”

“Yep! You'd never guess that we're Mirages, right?” Len asked.

Rin was curious. “So, these must be the friends you keep talking about?”

“Yep. This is Ichika Hoshino and Saki Tenma.” Shiho introduced.

Luka noticed Chrom and Caeda. “Oh, and they have Mirage partners too, I see! Well, more company for Tiki then!”

“That's Chrom and Caeda, their new partners.” Honami told her. “Um, speaking of which, where is Tiki?”

“Tiki the Utaloid? She's real too?” Ichika asked.

Saki jumped. “Wait, don't tell me! She's a Mirage too!”

“Yep, though she's also a little different from other Mirages. Unlike others, Tiki cannot leave the Bloom Palace.” Shiho explained before noticing some movement behind a pillar. She grinned. “Right, Tiki?”

A girl floating in the air peeked out from behind it. “Oh! So you found me, Big Sister!”

“Didn't I tell you not to call me that?” Shiho deadpanned as the girl hovered over.

Ichika's eyes widened. “Wait, I know you! You're the girl that told me Saki was in danger back in the Idolasphere!”

“Tiki must have projected herself into the Idolasphere to speak to you.” Honami guessed. “She can't leave the Palace due to being bound to it, but she can watch over the worlds outside as well as manipulate Performa.”

The little girl, Tiki, nodded sorrowfully. “Yes, so unfortunately, I can't fight... All I can do here is pray for everyone to return safely.”

“I see...” Ichika said. “So if you're all Mirages, what inspired you to become singers in our world?”

“Two reasons. One is that Performa generated by people's love for our performances helps power the Bloom Palace. Tiki especially needs this energy to stay well and materialized.” Meiko explained.

Rin grinned. “But the main reason is because we love doing it! It makes others happy, which makes us happy too! Win-win!”

Something occurred to Tiki. “By the way, Big Sister, do these two have their memories?”

Shiho groaned. “Tiki, please stop calling me that.”

“Oh... Okay.” Tiki seemed sad, before turning to Ichika. “You're... Ichika, right? Who are you and Saki's Mirages?”

“Mine is Chrom, and Saki's is Caeda.” Ichika answered. “To answer your earlier question... No, they don't. They said that they don't remember anything beyond their names.”

“I see...” Tiki sighed.

Saki's head tilted sideways. “Wait... Are your memories gone too, Tiki?”

“Yes, and that includes Miku and the others. They don't remember anything outside of their lives as Singers, and they seem to have been singers as long as Mirages have been attacking.” Tiki answered.

Miku nodded, worried. “Yeah, somehow Mirages are unable to recall their past lives or how they came into this world. We think it's because of the corrupting effect that spurs them to steal Performa, but we're not entirely sure.”

“That... Must be scary for all of you.” Saki admitted, feeling sorry for them.

“Thanks for your concern Saki, but we're alright. After all, you and Ichika seem like really nice people!” Rin guessed.

That's when Ichika noticed someone in the background. “Huh? Hey, who's that?”

Tiki turned to the shape on the other side of the Bloom Palace. “Oh! That's Haruka's Mirage, Ryoma.”

“Oh, right! I remember seeing him with Haruka at the Idolasphere!” Saki recalled.

Ryoma seemed to notice the conversation, because the Mirage stood up and walked over to join them. “Ah, I remember you. You two were the new Mirage Masters that were with Honami and Shiho back in the Idolasphere, correct?”

“Yes! I'm Ichika, and this is Saki. You're... Ryoma, right?” Ichika politely answered.

Tiki grinned. “Ryoma's a Samurai Mirage. Although he looks a little intimidating, he's actually super nice!”

“Nice to meet you, Ryoma!” Saki greeted. “This is Caeda and Chrom, me and Ichika's partners!”

As the conversation continued, Ichika even allowed Tiki to call her “Big Sister” instead, mostly so she would stop referring to Shiho as such. At one point, Shiho's phone buzzed and she checked her messages.

“Looks like Miss Maiko's back. She wants to speak to us about something.” Shiho reported.

Tiki seemed sad. “You're leaving already?”

“Yeah, but we'll be back. Right, Girls?” Honami said.

Ichika nodded. “Of course!”

“Alright, then! See you soon, Big Sister! Bye bye!” Tiki and the others bid them farewell, with Chrom and Caeda staying in the Bloom Palace.

“You think it's alright for Chrom and the others to stay in the Palace? What if we need them?” Saki asked.

Shiho smiled. “Relax, they can rematerialize nearby us whenever they want to, and they're still connected to us, even from a distance. They just can't materialize and become visible in our world too often, that's all.”

“Let's go see what Miss Maiko wants.” Honami insisted, leading the way back into the office.

There, an excited Maiko greeted them. “Hello, Girls! Guess what? I got your request processed, so we're officially putting the four of you into band training!”

“Really?! I can't wait! What's our first gig?!” Saki immediately blurted.

Maiko laughed. “Haha, that enthusiasm is golden, Saki, but you're going to need to hold your horses. Since you four haven't done much activity in the past two years, we need to resharpen your skills first.”

“Ohhhh, good point.” Saki realized.

Shiho crossed her arms. “I take it this means you've booked a lesson for us or something?”

“Yep! Your lesson is at Weekend Garage, a cafe on Vivid Street. It's run by a musician you might all recognize.” Maiko explained. “He's expecting you, so make sure to grab your instruments.”

Ichika's eyes widened. “Wait, right now?!”

“You'd better get used to it. It's how Miss Maiko likes to run things here.” Honami admitted. “Speaking of, what theme should we use for Leo/Need?”

“Hm... I'd say the same theme we picked when we first formed the band.” Shiho decided.

“Straightforward yet powerful?” Honami asked.

Maiko smiled. “You four definitely exude determination together, so I agreed you should at least include a determined and strong theme for your music.”

“Determined and strong? Sounds great!” Saki agreed. “Come on, let's head to that Cafe!”

-------------------------------------------------------

Along the way, Shiho told them why every Mirage Master in Sekai Entertainment was also a performer.

“A person's abilities as a Mirage Master are dependent on their performing capabilities, due to Performa being their main power source, so it's worth the time to train up as musicians as well as honing combat skills. Honing your performing skills is also known to train your spiritual invocation, which is why old records often show dancing as part of sacred religious rituals.”

Ichika nodded. “That makes some sense. So performing in order to summon spiritual powers are kind of like drawing on a Mirage's power, right?”

“That's right. That's why in order to be strong Mirage Masters, we have to be skilled performers.” Honami finished before they arrived at their destination. “Here we are.”

A bell rung as they stepped into the cafe, and the smell of coffee hit their noses.

“Wow... So this is Weekend Garage?” Ichika asked, before a pair of singing voices caught their ears.

They turned to find a girl singing along to some speakers on a makeshift stage. She had gold eyes and dark hair dotted with stars.

Saki's eyes widened. “Oh, wow! Is she a performer?”

“Seems like it. Street performers are quite common around here.” Honami nodded as the performer finished.

The girl noticed them and walked over. “Hey, I've seen you guys around school! Are you guys new here?”

“Actually, we're here for music training.” Honami explained. “We've recently started working as a band for Sekai Entertainment and she had us come here for training.”

“Oh! So you're the girls my dad was expecting!” The girl realized. “No prob, I'll get him.”

Before any of the girls could comprehend her words, the singer had parkour-ed her way over the serving counter and into the back.

“Uhh... Wait. Her dad? Who's her dad exactly?” Saki asked.

“You'll see.” Shiho winked. “Her name's An, An Shiraishi. She grew up on Vivid Street.”

Ichika frowned in thought. “Shiraishi? Hmm... Where have I heard that name before?”

Soon, An re-emerged from the back, an older man hot on her heels. “Dad! Dad! Here they are!”

The man smiled at them. “Ah, there you are. Maiko told me to be expecting you. Come on in.”

Shiho greeted him casually. “Oh, Ken! I should've guessed you'd be our teacher after Miss Maiko sent us here.”

“Hahaha, good to see you, Shiho. I trust you enjoyed my daughter's performance?” The man laughed.

Saki was in disbelief. “Wait... An's dad... Her dad is Ken Shiraishi?! The lead singer of RADer?! One of the people that put on RAD Weekend, that famous event?!”

“What?!” Ichika was shocked, too. “He's a legend!”

Ken laughed. “Hahaha, you have to be dead to be a legend, young ladies.”

“Hehe, enjoy it while it lasts, Dad!” An laughed. “Because one day, I'm going to put on a show even better than RAD Weekend!”

Ken ruffled his daughter's hair. “Haha, I'm sure you will, An.”

An hopped back onstage and raised a microphone. “Hey DJ! One more song!”

Meanwhile, Ken led them to a back room to start practice, where another man was there waiting for them.

“Ah, there you are, Shiho.” He greeted.

“Hello, Mr Taiga!” Honami greeted.

Ichika was stunned again. “Taiga? As in... Taiga Kotaki, one of the members of RADer? He's still popular as a solo performer!”

“That's me, young lady.” The man, Taiga, answered with a smile. “You two must be the friends Shiho and Honami talk about.”

“This is Saki and Ichika.” Shiho told him. “They're going to be forming a band with us.”

“I see! Well, then maybe we should crank up the difficulty. You two have a ways to go before catching up with Honami and Shiho.” Taiga laughed.

Saki put her hand to her forehead in a salute. “Ready for anything, Master Taiga!”

“I think we should've expected her to do that.” Ichika noted.

Ken gestured forward. “Well, girls? Let's get set up!”

“Right!” All four immediately rushed to unpack their instruments. Saki volunteered to perform for them first.

She immediately began, with Taiga and Ken listening seriously to her performance. But halfway through, Taiga stopped her.

“That's enough. Are you sure you're putting your best foot forward, Saki?” He asked.

Saki blinked, confused. “What do you mean? I'm doing my best, this is a song I've practiced a ton with.”

“Your sound and rhythm are good, but that's not the issue.” Taiga told her seriously. “Your performance feels empty. You're not projecting anything with it.”

“Huh? Empty?” Saki was baffled. She thought she'd been doing so well!

Shiho frowned, troubled. “Actually, Taiga's right. When Honami and I perform, the first thing that people notice is the feelings we put into our songs. I'm not getting any sort of feeling in Saki's playing or singing. It's lacking depth.”

Ken was frowning too. “Precisely. I can't hear even an ounce of soul in your performance. You can't move anyone performing like that, Saki.”

“Oh...” Saki seemed to understand, looking down sadly.

Taiga sighed. “You're a professional now, Saki. People will pay money to see you perform. Do you really think that performing like that will make them think it was worth it? In a band, everyone has to pull equally in weight, which means you and Ichika need to sing with as much depth as your partners, or you're having Honami and Shiho do all the work.”

“You need to understand what it means to be a professional entertainer. Right now, the only one you're singing for is yourself, you're not putting any message into your performance.”

Saki was curious. “Really? So... How do I put a message in my performance?”

“You'll have to figure that out yourself.” Ken told her. “The answer is different for everyone.” He turned to Ichika. “That goes for you too, Ichika. If you can't put any message or depth into your performance, you're better off just not getting up on stage.”

Ichika nodded. “Y-yes, sir!”

Taiga clapped his hands. “Alright Saki, let's take it from the top again.”

“Right!” Saki nodded, ready to start over.

-------------------------------------------------------

Needless to say, practice didn't fare very well for Saki. No matter how often Taiga made her retry, he was still unsatisfied with her performance.

When it was Ichika's turn, she also got frowns and criticism from their teachers.

“I can sense some sort of depth, but... It's mild. Hesitant.” Taiga said.

Ichika frowned. “Hesitant? Am I playing too quietly or something?”

“There's not enough soul in your performing, Ichi.” Honami told her. “Yours is more obvious than with Saki, but it's still mild. It's like you want to say something in your music, but you're too afraid, so you only slip in subtle hints.”

Taiga nodded. “You cannot be afraid to speak your mind when onstage, Ichika. Surely, you know this.”

“You're right... I'm sorry.” Ichika sighed.

When practice was over, Taiga gave one last word of advice before he left. Saki looked exhausted.

“Saki? Are you okay?” Ichika asked.

She nodded, her smile sad. “Yeah, I just realize what kind of harsh world my brother was living in. I didn't think it would be so hard to earn my teachers' approval.”

“But they are right, Saki. You're not pouring your soul into your singing.” Shiho insisted. “What is it you want to say to people when you perform? That's what you need to consider. Ichika seems to have an idea what she wants to project, but she doesn't have the courage to do so.”

“I don't understand... I do street performances all the time, so I thought I should be able to do it, but...” Ichika trailed off.

Honami was thoughtful. “Well, we're all performing as a band now. You seem to know what you want to project as yourself, but if people in a band all project different messages, it becomes a clashing mess. Maybe Ichika isn't sure if her message does Leo/Need justice, and that's why she's so hesitant.”

“That might be it.” Shiho agreed. “Saki might have a similar issue, she doesn't know what message she wants to put in her performance.”

Saki sighed. “I guess so. I tried performing like An did, but that didn't really work out.”

“Trying to mimic another person's style isn't going to work.” Shiho corrected seriously. “Every person is different, and has their own soul. A harmonized band knows how to combine their traits into a single harmonic message in a song, but mimicking another person's style is like trying to plagiarize another person's artwork, or copy someone else's handwriting. It's not your own message, therefore you can't project it the same way the original singer can.”

Footsteps alerted them to someone coming in, and the girls turned to find a familiar face at the doorway.

“Hm... Now that didn't seem to go very well.”

Honami's eyes widened. “Oh! Haruka!”

Haruka Kiritani stood there, greeting them kindly. “I heard you girls were practicing here with Ken and Taiga, so I decided to see how you were doing.”

“You saw our performances?! I guess you must have seen what a mess we made of it, huh?” Saki asked.

“I don't think it's a mess, you're just a work in progress.” Haruka told them. “It can be hard to turn a hobby into a career after all, like how to make dreams become a reality.”

Ichika was troubled. “Haruka, do you have any advice for us? We could use some from a pro singer like you.”

“I can do even better than that. Take these.” Haruka handed them some tickets. “They're tickets to a concert I'm doing in Shibuya along with Nightcord at 25:00. If you come, you might learn a thing or two.”

“Really?!” Saki blurted, excited.

“Thank you so much, Haruka!” Honami thanked.

Ichika blinked. “But who's Nightcord at 25:00?”

Shiho pulled up an image of a poster on her phone. There were four girls on it with their faces concealed by differently colored opera masks, and they had a very mysterious vibe.

“They're a sensational group popular for their unique style, and also their mysterious theme. They go by their stage names, so no one knows who they are behind the masks, because they always conceal their faces when out on stage or doing any show business.”

Saki's eyes glittered. “Wait, you're co-starring with Nightcord at 25:00, Haruka?! Wicked cool!”

“Yes, they emailed me an invitation for a collaboration, and I said yes. They do most of their work at 1 AM over an app called Nightcord from what they've told the public, so that's where their group name comes from. It's also why Nightcord has become such a popular app, because the group uses it.” Haruka explained. “They also do streams, and conceal their identities when streaming as well. They're not contracted to anybody, so streams and the like are how they earn money for their shows. Their streams are especially popular for those who like to stay up late.”

“Wow, they're so independent.” Ichika marveled.

Haruka nodded. “And very skilled, too. They can rival even top class artists, so I'm sure that their performing skills can inspire you to be better Mirage Masters.”

“And a better band!” Saki added.

Honami grinned. “Guess we're going, then!”

“I can't wait!” Saki cheered.

Shiho patted her head. “Haha. Well, you're going to have to.”

“Thanks a lot, Haruka.” Ichika said.

Haruka smiled. “No problem! I'm always willing to help out talent in training. Anyways, I gotta get to practice, so I'll see you all later! Keep at it, okay?”

“We will, thank you.” Ichika promised.

As Haruka left, Saki could barely stay still. “Eeeeeeee! If Haruka thinks that Leo/Need has a chance, then we HAVE to keep at it!”

“I agree. After all, Haruka is a skilled Mirage Master as well as a performer.” Shiho said.

Ichika was smiling too. “In that case, let's practice every day until the concert!”

“Yeah!” The other three agreed.

-------------------------------------------------------

The day of the concert...

The entire area in front of the stage set up in front of Shibuya 106 was so crowded, Ichika and the other girls had to hold hands as they arrived to avoid getting lost in the crowd.

Luckily, they managed to get front row views of the stage, where Ichika finally found the time to look around.

“Wow... Everyone's so excited.”

Saki grinned. “Of course they are! After all, Haruka and Nightcord at 25:00 will be performing!”

“I've been doing my research on Nightcord at 25:00, recently. They're songs are pretty good, but are they really that popular?” Ichika asked.

Honami giggled. “Hehe, you have no idea!”

“With an event this big, Yatsufusa must be in charge.” Shiho guessed, looking around.

Ichika blinked. “Yatsufusa? Who's that?”

“Yatsufusa Hatanaka, an ace producer in the performing world.” Shiho explained. “He's said to be the cornerstone of any successful production, so a lot of people like to work with him. Even Sekai Entertainment has worked with him on a few occasions.”

Suddenly, the sound of equipment clicking on is heard, making the audience go wild.

“It's starting!” Saki realized as the lighting dimmed.

The spotlights turned on, revealing Haruka on the outdoor stage holding a microphone. She was dressed in a green and white outfit with her hair done up, and wore a matching hat and white heeled boots.

She winked at the audience before beginning her solo song “Float Planner”.

“Three, two, one, I am standing on my toes.”

“I want to fly the spectacular tomorrow planner.”

“I know that I want to JUMP alongside you.”

“With an abrupt quick speed boost~”

“Float float planner! Lalala planner! Lalalalalalala float-float plan, nananana! Float-float planner! Lalala planner! Lalalalalalala float-float plan! Float-float plan!”

“The stable and relaxed beat is a little bit stiff in certain places~ I wonder if it's okay for this to continue.”

“The growing impatient nearby BPM... I want to connect to it, and deliver it again. But if it's gone too far away, I'm a little too low for that.”

“Try and try, I want to quietly be there during the hope that you will find. If I send out what is in me... These pure white feeling that are like snow. Even the sun will surely melt away!”

“So resound the floating melody! That floating melody! I overlook the scenery with my new float planner!”

“To a new world we go and head for. Say! Now come and jump, we're floating in the air!”

“Alright, that melody! That floating melody! I want to fly some more, so come on float planner!”

“My heart it feel-feels so light! It makes me yearn for what comes~”

“Float float planner! Lalala planner! Lalalalalalala float-float plan! Float-float plan na na ner~!”

“I want to spread out, but I drift away. This wall seems a bit too high for me to climb myself.”

“Step and step, be sure that I stay close, enough that I can look and see you there supporting me!”

“There are the times, when I feel insecure. Once I take a turn I step and never look back.”

“Even this place is becoming tomorrow, it's now becoming sentimental~”

“Come and connect it to me! Deliver it to me! Mo-o-ore high-igher! More more high-igher!”

“If we could see what tomorrow lookd like, I'm sure that it'd be wonderful~”

“Come now, that floating melody! That floating melody! I look across the scenery with my dear float planner!”

“To a new world that we all go! One two come on jump! We float up in the air!”

“I meet that melody! That floating melody! I want to fly some more, so come on float planner!”

“My heart it feel-feels so light! It makes me yearn for what comes~”

“Float float planner! Lalala planner! Lalalalalalala float-float plan! Lalalala! Float-float planner! Lalalala planner! Lalalalalalala float-float plan! Float-float plan! Float float plan-nan-ner~!”

“Float float planner! Lalala planner! Lalalalalalala float-float plan! Lalalala! Float-float planner! Lalalala planner! Lalalalalalala float-float plan! Float-float plan! Float float plan-nan-ner~!”

Saki was practically ready to leap twelve feet in the air from how she couldn't sit still. “Eeeeeeeee! Haruka's AMAZING!”

“Wow... I can see why you were recommending her songs all the time.” Ichika admitted. If she were in a chair, she'd be on the edge of her seat.

Saki nodded. “See?! Just by singing, Haruka gives people hope and energy!”

“Yahoooooooo! Haruka!!!!”

A girl's cheering nearby drew their attention, making the girls turn. A girl with light brown shoulder length hair stood nearby, practically standing on her toes trying to get Haruka's attention. When Haruka noticed her, she gave the girl a smile and a wave.

The girl had light gray eyes and light brown hair that was shoulder length, the right side of her hair braided and clipped back with an orange and white flower pin.

She wore a pastel yellow button-up top under a pink knitted sweater and a pleated light brown plaid skirt with a belt.

“That girl...” Ichika managed.

Shiho turned to her. “You know her?”

“Not really. I've seen her at school a few times, but that's about it.” Ichika answered. “She seems to have a special connection to Haruka, with the way they're interacting. What do you think, Saki?”

“...” Saki wasn't listening. She had a hand to her heart and was listening intently to Haruka.

Ichika blinked. “Um... Saki?”

“...”

“Saki? You okay?”

Shiho tapped her shoulder. “Earth to Saki, do you read me?” She droned.

“I...” Saki finally managed to get some words out. “I want to be able to give people that energy too. We all agreed we want to touch people's hearts through our music. So we have to do it in a way that only we can!”

Honami smiled. “Looks like Haruka's singing really inspired you, Saki!”

“Yeah! I think I understand what Ken and Taiga were telling me now!” Saki agreed.

Ichika giggled. “There's the Saki we know and love! Remember, we're all doing this together!”

“Right! With all of us together, I feel like I can take on anything!” Saki agreed, before a flash of light emitted from her body. “Whoa!”

The girls were in shock as Saki's body lit up, and Saki felt warm all over. “What... Is this?”

“Looks like you found your answer, Saki.”

The girls turned and saw some familiar faces approaching them.

“Ken and Miss Maiko!” Ichika realized.

The two adults approached casually. “I knew you could do it. What you're feeling now is what Haruka wants to convey through her song.” Ken told her. “Your Performa reacting like this means that you've found that answer within you, Saki.”

Shiho blinked. “Hang on... Only certain people can see Performa or anything related to Mirages... Ken, are you a Master too?”

“I was once, but I've retired from that since then.” Ken answered. “I find that guiding the next generation of Masters has worked out much better than being on the field for me. Taiga was one as well.”

“RADer really is amazing... Even I didn't know this.” Shiho admitted.

Honami turned to her. “I wonder if this means the third member of RADer was a Mirage Master too?”

“The third member?” Saki asked.

Ken nodded. “Taiga's sister, Nagi. Yes, she was a Master too.”

“Was? Is she not anymore either?” Ichika asked.

When Ken turned sorrowful, Ichika immediately knew she'd hit somewhere sensitive. “Uh! You don't have to answer! Sorry, that was insensitive of me.”

“It's alright, that's just a story for another time.” Ken smiled again. “I've told An the story, but even she doesn't know the complete truth for her own safety.”

Honami was curious. “Does An have Mirage powers too?”

“No, but she does have the potential to be one. I've seen her perform, and she has the capabilities.” Maiko answered. “But she's still Ken's daughter, so we don't like the idea of getting her involved in something so dangerous.”

“Right, that makes sense...” Ichika agreed. “An must be Ken's most precious treasure after all.”

“Yep. She's more valuable to me than anything.” Ken agreed. “Which is why I want to see her succeed, even if her dream is to surpass my event. I know she has the potential for it.”

Maiko turned to the brown-haired girl nearby. “I wonder...” Then she shook her head. “Anyway! Now it's time for Nightcord's performance... *gasp*”

“What is it? What the?!” Ichika looked up and was stunned.

A strange black hole was opening up in the sky over the stage, and the entire area was growing dark. Strange holes of light were popping up all over, too.

“What's going on?!” Saki asked, the light from her body still active.

Shiho looked around. “Is no one else seeing this?”

“It must be some kind of Mirage attack!” Honami realized. “Look! They're all over the crowd!”

“I've never seen anything like this...” Ken managed as people in the crowd suddenly became tired and pale.

Haruka was looking around in horror, realizing what was happening. She bent down towards the girl in the audience, who was frightened. “Minori! Get away from here, now!”

“What about you, Haruka?!” The girl asked.

“I'll be fine, go!”

Nodding, the girl bolted away, just as a large four-legged shape came crashing down onto the stage, knocking Haruka off her feet.

It had a human body in place of its head, and the human and horse part both had wings on their backs. There was a large golden horn on her head, and the tail had armored spikes instead of hair. The entire body seemed to be made of dark purple armor.

“What the heck is THAT?!” Saki blurted.

Honami's eyes were wide. “Is it a Mirage?!”

“I've never seen one like that...” Shiho managed, before remembering something. “Wait, Saki! That light, turn it off!”

“How?!” Saki asked.

But the figure, revealed to be a woman by her voice, had already taken notice. “Your Performa... It's mine! MINE!”

An arm went straight towards her, looking ready to pierce right through Saki, who gasped before the sounds of a motor rang through the crowd.

When Saki covered her eyes with her arms, she heard a loud CLANG!

When the group looked up again, they realized what was up. A human figure was blocking the arm with a lance.

The figure had orange and blond hair swept sideways, the bangs pinned by a blue and silver pin. The lance was of similar patterns, with a tip of red and gold.

They had on a white and gold patterned top with dark blue cuffs, and a blue and gold cape that had a gold shoulder plate. There was a red embroidered rose and a black strand connected to the shoulder plate on it as well, and they wore small black gloves.

A red sash went around the person's shoulder also connecting to the shoulder plate. They wore dark pants and black boots embroidered gold and white. Despite the elegant clothes, they were somewhat disheveled and were covered in dirt.

With a loud call, the person deflected the arm with a swing before striking with a series of slashes

When finished, he gestured a hand towards the creature. “That's enough, Adversa!”

“You don't quit, do you?! You're exhausted, so why not give in already?!” The creature demanded.

“I don't care what you do to me, but these attacks have got to stop!” He ordered as the shape flew away. “Ey! This is your mess, get back here! Ferdinand, Adversa's on the run again, help me catch her!”

Saki's eyes widened. She knew that voice anywhere.

The person turned to them. “I got here just in time, everyone still in one piece?”

“Tsukasa...?” Saki managed.

The boy flinched backwards, orange eyes wide in shock. “Huh? How do you...”

“Is... Is that really you?” Saki asked, stepping towards him.

He furrowed his eyes. “Who are you?”

“It's me! Saki!” She exclaimed.

“Saki...?”

She nodded at him, earning a wide-eyed look of shock. “Saki...! Saki!”

“Tsukasa!!” Saki yelled as the two siblings hugged.

Ichika was stunned. “Wait... That's Tsukasa?”

“He looks different.” Honami managed.

Shiho realized what was up. “He's a Mirage Master!”

“Tsukasa!!!” Saki was so happy that she was sobbing into his shoulder. “I missed you! I missed you so much!!”

Tsukasa hugged her close, on the verge of crying himself. “I'm so sorry... It's okay now, though... I'm here.”

Saki finally dried her tears as she looked her brother in the eyes for the first time in two years. “Tsukasa... Where have you been...?”

“I'm just glad you're safe...” Tsukasa managed. “Honestly, that Adversa. She's got a lot of nerve to target my little sister right in front of me.”

“Tsukasa...” Ichika managed, approaching him. “You look... Different.”

“Oh, Ichika! Hello, girls!” He greeted. “It has been a while now, after all.”

Saki turned to him and started scolding him. “Bad brother, very bad brother! You scared me to death, don't ever stay away that long again!”

“Haha, sorry Sis! I just couldn't find a way back home!” Tsukasa admitted.

Maiko and Ken walked over with Haruka. “So this is your brother, huh?” Maiko asked.

“It's been so long, Tsukasa...!” Saki managed, trying not to cry again. “I have so many questions! Where have you been? How did you find me?!”

Tsukasa held her by the shoulders. “I'm so sorry, Saki... I was held captive for a while before I purified Ferdinand... I've been trying to find a way back to you ever since...”

“Wait... Tsukasa, you're a Mirage Master!” Ichika guessed correctly.

He looked up, stunned. “How did you...? Oh, wait. I get it now, you guys are Masters too, huh?”

“Y-yeah... It's a long story, Tsukasa.” Saki admitted before something dawned on her. “Wait a minute! You mean you've been fighting the Mirages... All alone... For the past two years?!”

“It's okay Saki, I wasn't alone...” Tsukasa assured her. “Ferdinand was with me.”

“Ferdinand?” Saki repeated, before an armored centaur-like creature appeared next to Tsukasa.

“Oh! So this is the little sister you never shut up about.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.” Tsukasa said sarcastically.

Ichika was puzzled. “But we're not in an Idolasphere... How come this Ferdinand Mirage is visible right now so easily?”

“I think it's all the Mirage activity happening here.” Honami guessed.

Haruka suddenly collapsed to her knees with a gasp.

“Haruka!” Maiko exclaimed, running to check on her. She realized there was an injury on her, Haruka's outfit having been damaged. “That Mirage...!”

Tsukasa growled. “The nerve...! I'm the one she wants, so the fact that she'd pull a stunt like this...! Ferdinand!”

The Mirage vanished, and a motorcycle appeared at Tsukasa's side, this one shaped similarly to a horse with the wheels between the horse's hooves.

“Tsukasa, where are you going?!” Saki blurted.

“I'm going after her. Ichika, everyone, get Saki and Haruka to safety!” Tsukasa ordered.

“Tsukasa, wait!” Saki yelled, but he was already driving off towards the 106, disappearing into a portal that formed there.

Haruka spoke up. “Saki...! You must... You must go after him!”

The girls all turned to her, listening carefully. “You've looked for him... For two years... With no clues, and no way of helping him... Don't turn down the chance to do so now that you have the power...”

“You're Mirage Masters now. Like it or not... You're already involved in all this... Tsukasa's been fighting the enemy alone... All this time... He doesn't need just anyone right now, Saki... He needs you.”

Saki took these words to heart. “Right!”

“Something's going to happen...” Haruka continued. “If we don't act now, who knows what could happen...! Ngh!”

“Haruka!” Shiho cried, worried.

Ken turned to them. “Maiko and I will take care of Haruka, you girls go find Tsukasa.”

“Right!” All four girls nodded and raced towards the portal at the 106 stairs. They each exchanged a nod before touching it and entering the other side.

-------------------------------------------------------

Upon emerging into the Idolasphere, they noticed various differences between this one and the one at Diatama.

“Wow... It feels like each Idolasphere is somewhat based on where the entrances are located in the real world.” Ichika commented as their Mirage partners appeared next to them.

The place was a maze of hallways and floors, with several windows displaying naked mannequins in different poses. There was no elevator or stairs between the floors.

As the girls looked around, Honami peeked inside the sleeve of a giant dress mannequin. “Hey! The inside of the dresses are hollow!”

Curious, Saki climbed into the sleeves and crawled through the fabric. When she emerged at the other side, she realized she had gone out through the opposite sleeve.

“Oh! I think we found our ticket between the floors!” Saki realized. “But where's Tsukasa? I need to find him!”

The others caught up with her, Shiho talking. “Easy, Saki. I'm sure that he's-”

“DAAAAAAAAHHH!”

The girls jumped when a scream was heard above them.

“What the heck was that?!” Ichika blurted.

Honami looked around. “That sounded like Tsukasa! It came from upstairs!”

“And he's in trouble! We got to get up there!” Shiho insisted.

“But how?” Ichika asked.

Saki noticed there was a light over one of the displayed mannequins, and the one in the light was doing the same pose as the dress. She walked to a booth next to the display and found a switch there.

“Hey guys, I think the dress changes poses depending on the mannequin in the spotlight!” She demonstrated by switching the light to a differently posed mannequin. With a creaking sound, the dress mannequin's arms repositioned to match the newly lit booth mannequin.

The girls used this to make their way around, fighting off Mirages as they went. As they continued, a man's voice caught their ears.

“Heeeelllp! Somebody! Anybody!”

Running ahead, girls spotted a man in flashy clothes, hiding behind a wall and cornered by several Mirages.

Honami pinned the Mirages down with an ice spell, allowing her friends to cut through them with their blades. After dispersing their weapons, the man approached them.

“That was close... Sir, are you okay?” Ichika asked, turning to him.

“Yes... Thank you, young ladies.” He answered.

Shiho blinked. “Huh? Wait a second, aren't you...”

“You know this guy, Shiho?” Saki asked.

She nodded. “This is Yatsufusa Hatanaka, the famous producer I mentioned earlier. He's the one that set up the concert we were at for Haruka.”

“Wait, what?!” Saki blurted.

Honami curtsied politely. “It's nice to meet you, Sir!”

Yatsufusa crossed his arms. “Haha, well... Rumors tend to blow my reputation out of proportion. I don't know if I'm THAT great.”

“Oh please, do you know how many people would pay their life savings to work with you?” Shiho huffed.

He suddenly became confused. “But... Just what is going on? There was some commotion in the 106, and suddenly I was running for my life.”

“Uhhh... How should we explain that...?” Saki wondered, given that most people were oblivious to Mirage existence for a reason.

Ichika huffed. “I'll tell you how to get out...”

-------------------------------------------------------

“You should be able to get out of here if you follow those directions.” Ichika finished.

“A-alright... Understood.” With that, the producer walked away.

Honami frowned deeply. “That's odd... It's pretty tough to accidentally wander into an Idolasphere if you can't see it. How did Mr. Hatanaka get in here?”

“We should probably report this to Miss Maiko when we have a chance...” Shiho agreed, before a loud thumping sound was heard over their heads.

THUNK!

“AAAAAGGGHHH...!”

Honami jumped in place. “What was that?”

“It's Tsukasa! I just know it is!” Saki yelled, rushing towards the nearby door and heading upstairs.

Ichika yelled as the others raced to catch up with her. “Saki, wait up!”

When they caught up to her, she was in front of the door to the 4th floor. She was about to open it when Ichika stopped her.

“Saki, hold on!”

“Why?! We're so close!” Saki exclaimed.

Shiho raised her voice. “Calm down!”

When Saki silenced herself in response to this, Shiho continued.

“I know you're anxious, but that's a powerful Mirage we're dealing with. Tsukasa could be in danger, and we can't help him if we just dive recklessly into danger ourselves.”

Saki took a deep breath. “You're right... I'm sorry...”

“Let's do this together, just like always, okay?” Honami asked.

Saki nodded, and the four stepped into the room together.

When inside, Saki looked around. “Uhhh... This room seems pretty different from the mazes that we've dealt with on our way up here.”

“Yeah... Is Tsukasa here?” Honami wondered.

Shiho crossed her arms. “Jackpot. Right over there!”

Saki gasped loudly. “Tsukasa?!”

A strange void was hanging out nearby him, and Tsukasa's complexion and outfit had dramatically darkened into a gray theme. Ferdinand was nearby, severely weakened.

“He's... He's lost his connection to Ferdinand!” Honami realized. “That other Mirage is controlling him!”

“That's a pretty powerful one if it managed to cut off Tsukasa from his Mirage partner...” Shiho agreed.

Saki ran closer to him. “Tsukasa! It's me! Saki!”

His orange eyes, now a deep red, turned to her, and his expression immediately shifted to a painful one. “AUGH!”

“Tsukasa!” Saki yelled.

“What...? W-who...? You seem familiar...”

The evil Mirage from before spoke up from the void behind him. “Oh? Had I known we'd be entertaining such adorable guests, I would've dressed for the occasion.”

“What did you do to him?!” Ichika demanded. “You're possessing Tsukasa, aren't you?!”

“My, so quick to point fingers? You know, men don't like girls who shift the blame like that. Me, controlling Tsukasa? I think not. After all, we were partners before.”

Saki blinked. “Huh?”

Honami ran to help Ferdinand up while her friends confronted Adversa.

“S...Saki...!” Tsukasa's voice got their attention. “Don't... Don't look at me like that... I can't take it...! Stop... Stop encouraging me... To be something I can't...!”

Ichika frowned. “Are these... Tsukasa's true feelings?”

“No! My brother would never say something like that!” Saki yelled. “He always worked so hard and practiced late into the night to put on the best shows possible! Even for minor performances, he would pour his heart and soul into them!”

“Poor, naive little girl...” Adversa's voice echoed. “You think hard work is the same as success? All it's good for is false comfort. It just relieves some of the pressure, nothing more. Ask him yourself.”

Tsukasa's voice continued to shudder, as he continued to suffer some sort of headache. “I practiced late into the night... Because I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep... Better looking people dropping out... Better singers being cut...”

“It was a matter of time before I realized... I was just a joke. There was no way I could become a star... But I couldn't let everyone down after I promised... It was all just too much! I couldn't take it anymore...!”

“Please... Just stop telling me that I'm something I'm not... I never had any talent to begin with...”

Saki's voice raised shrilly. “That's not true!”

“When you were onstage, you were the brightest star ever! I felt your passion for performing, and the emotion you poured into your performances! That's what inspired me to chase a dream too, the same way you chased yours! No matter what, you never gave in! Ever!”

“Even if you never chased stardom, or became a performer... I'll always be your biggest fan! You'll always be my star!”

Something seemed to set something off in Tsukasa. “I hear something... Saki...?”

Honami was helping Ferdinand up. Ferdinand realized what was going on. “Astounding... She's coming through to him!”

“What does he mean he can 'hear something'...?” Ichika wondered, something clicking inside her head.

“Well, that's problematic.” Adversa said. “But I won't stop... I've got so much to do, now that I finally have my vessel back!”

With that, the Mirage disappeared with Tsukasa somewhere.

“Tsukasa!!!” Saki screamed.

Ferdinand was able to stand on his own now. “They're at the roof. I can sense it...”

“She can run but she can't hide... I'll get my brother back, no matter what!” Saki declared.

Ichika spoke up. “Hang on a second, Saki.”

“Eh?” Saki turned to her friend. “What is it?”

“There was something about Tsukasa's behavior...” Ichika said. “It almost seemed like... He couldn't hear you.”

Shiho nodded. “I have to agree. That Mirage's grip on him is extremely powerful. He must have been possessed by her in the past at least once before if she knows how to control him to the point where he can't hear anyone else, let alone cut off his connection to Ferdinand.”

“But if he can't hear Saki's words... How are we going to get through to him?” Honami wondered.

They pondered for a few minutes, before a memory hit Saki's mind.

“I remember since we were kids, the two of us would sing together whenever we were feeling down.” Saki recalled. “That's what inspired me to try to become a pro musician. When he and I performed, we forgot about everything else, and by the time we finished, whatever was making us upset would feel like nothing at all.”

An idea clicked in Honami's mind. “Of course! It was performing that brought you two into the entertainment world! What if instead of talking to him, you reached out to him through song?”

“You mean... The solo song that I was supposed to perform at the concert?” Saki asked. “The one I wrote for him?”

Ichika's eyes widened. “That's a great idea! Saki, you want to reach out to him, right? Then channel those feelings into that song!”

“You mean... I should... Sing for him?” Saki asked.

Shiho nodded. “You both always loved each other's singing. If there's anyone here who can do this, it's you.”

Saki pondered this for a moment, before hardening her resolve. “You're right...! I need to get Tsukasa to understand...! We have to do this!”

“Ferdinand said he's on the roof. Let's go.” Ichika insisted.

-------------------------------------------------------

After a long walk through the upstairs maze of hallways and giant costumes, they finally reached the door marked with a big red R. The rooftop stairs.

After checking to make sure everyone was ready, they headed up the last flight of stairs. There, they found Tsukasa and Adversa.

“Tsukasa!” Saki called.

He didn't react.

“Tsukasa...?”

Still nothing.

Ferdinand was with them. He spoke. “Something's not right... He's unresponsive, even to her!”

“What does that mean?” Caeda asked.

Adversa spoke behind him. “I must say, I wasn't expecting you to come all this way for him... Too bad it was all for nothing in the end.”

“What...?” Saki asked.

Ichika raised her voice. “What did you do to him?!”

“All I did was close his ears.” Adversa responded. “Sweet nothings are better than painful truths, right? Hehe... And now he doesn't have to hear them. Right, Tsukasa?”

He didn't respond at all, his blank gaze still downward.

“So... We were too late...? He can't hear anyone...?” Saki asked, horrified.

Shiho turned to her. “Don't give in, Saki. We still have a chance.”

“Right! Take all that happiness Tsukasa gave you, and return it through song!” Honami added.

“...Right!” Saki hardened her resolve again and stepped forward. “Caeda, my keyboard!”

Rather than transforming into weapons like normal, the Mirages shifted into the instruments that the girls played as a band, a little trick they had been honing while awaiting the concert.

“I want Tsukasa to remember how performing was fun... To remember how happy we were when we'd perform...! Why he wanted to become a star in the first place! I'll make him understand!”

Ichika nodded. “Attagirl Saki! Now, sing!”

Honami started them off with a tapping of her drumsticks before they began, with Saki taking role as the singer for “Show Off”.

What they didn't notice was the song not only reached Tsukasa's ears, but it reached the rest of Shibuya 106 as well, outside the Idolasphere, making more than one person rejuvenate.

“I go along with the over,used words I, go along with the words that, I stole. For me to sync up the words that-I kept locked-up, would-mean los,ing-sight, of-where, to-go.”

“You-see, I've always been un,stea,dy, stepping out-of-line so ma,ny-times. And every-single-one-of, them my-messed-up brain would-freeze-up for you-know-that, I-don't-want, to be disliked!”

“And-then I finally got myself-back and I'm-loving the land of this freedom. I love it so-much, that-in-fact, forgotten just how-to doubt. What say you of-my-life?”

“I'm gone gone gone! I can't find me anywhere! I can't find it, do you hear me? Hey, from-a, place-so, so-high, igh-up, I can only dream a dream that I-can't-make-out! What do you say about that?”

“I go along with the over,used words I, go along with the words that, I stole. Still-you shouldn't-speak-of the-dreams all around like-you're-rat,ing-them, on-some, website!”

“I go along with-only superfluous things, and-I-don't want-or-need just-an,y,thing-else! For if, I-were-to-try-and, sync, up, my-things, my-heart would-lose, sight-of, its-goal, in-time. A-ah!”

“If-I were to step out of-this rug,ged line, it-would be-the-end for me. I've been running-all-around with only one single life left, after-this-there's, no-second, chance-for-me right?!”

“Well, with such a crazy, way of thinking, I've found it to be loving! So much that, in fact that, my entire self had been bound down. My, i,den,tity is doomed!”

“I do, not, want, to-begin to-start hating, myself-or those-in the world around me. I'm wait,ing for, my hope, to shine, and-so for-now should, we just wait it out? And let our sounds resonate?”

“If we all went along with only cliches, could we ever hope we can cross this stratosphere? For the concept of justice is ruled by nostalgia, doesn't that, make it, seem sus,picious?”

“Would it ever count as derivative? If that's so, then I don't need all of that stuff! If I can't be my original self, then I'd ra,ther be, a sim,ple old, nothing!”

“If you want to be loved, then step out of the line. Whoa oh, whoa oh oh oh! And let us sing somewhere where no one else can see! Whoa oh, oh oh oh!”

“How about we take this seemingly correct world, and mix it up just a bit notch, and chip, the per,fect po,lish off! And use it to decorate my own place! A place so-o high up?!”

“I go along with the over,used words I, go along with the words that, I stole. Within this empty place that they reside in, was I ev,en a,ble-to-find, anything?”

“I go along with-only superfluous things, and-I-don't want-or-need just-an,y,thing-else! For if, I-were-to-try-and, sync, up, my-things, my-heart would-lose, sight-of, its-goal, in-time. A-ah!”

Tsukasa's eyes widened, and he blinked, his gaze slowly turning upwards towards her.

When the song finished, he spoke in a soft voice. “That voice... Saki...?”

He blinked, his eye color momentarily returning to normal. “Saki? Is that you?”

“Tsukasa!!” Saki yelled, overjoyed. “You can hear me! You heard my voice!!”

He smiled a little. “I'd recognize that voice anywhere...! It's Saki!”

The others exchanged glances, smiling. “It worked!” Ichika announced.

The sound of something shattering rang out from behind Tsukasa, who looked ready to pass out again.

“How did that break my curse...? What an irritating little tune!” Adversa growled. “But this is far from over... He is mine, and I will not allow you to take what's mine!”

With that, Adversa materialized behind Tsukasa again, causing him to cry out in pain. “GAH!”

Adversa spoke to him. “Tsukasa... You don't need to listen to what anyone else says. You only need do as I command. No more anguish, regret, anxiety... You'll have nothing at all to worry about anymore.”

“I'll... Have nothing...”

“Yes... Nothing. Just leave everything to me, and I'll take care of you.”

Saki raised her voice once more, her keyboard vanishing. “ENOUGH! You can't listen to someone like that, Tsukasa! Now come on, wake up! You can do it, I know you can! If you listen to her, you'll never accomplish your dream! That's what you want, isn't it?!”

Tsukasa clutched his head again. “Ah... Augh...!”

Adversa kept talking to him. “Oh, but you don't need to pay attention to a sniveling little girl like her.”

“S... Shut up... That's my little sister you're talking about... That's Saki...!” Tsukasa shook his head a little.

Adversa was annoyed. “Ugh. If you can sway him that much, you're more of a nuisance than I thought. Tsukasa... Let's kill her.”

“W-what...? K-kill...?”

Alarms went off in the other girls' heads. “Saki, get back!” Honami yelled. “It's dangerous!”

“I'll be fine!” Saki argued. “He's my dear brother! He won't hurt me!”

Adversa, determined, hardened her tone. “Now. Kill her.”

“AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!”

Tsukasa fell to his knees, in pain. “S-Saki...! No, Saki...!”

“Well? Be a good boy now and kill.” Adversa ordered.

“I... I...!” Tsukasa shot to his feet, his hair and eyes returning completely to normal. “I would NEVER!”

Saki beamed. “Tsukasa!”

He turned to face Adversa. “I remember you now... You said the same awful things the last time you tried this! Insulting my sister to my face like that! And now you want me to hurt her?! If you, or anyone else, hurt my sister, I'll chase you to hell and back to get my vengeance if I have to! Now get the heck out of my head, Adversa! I mean NOW!”

In a burst of light, the black links between Tsukasa and Adversa became visible.

“That must be the weak point!” Ichika realized. “Chrom!”

Quickly, Ichika took Carnage Form and dashed forward. With a swing of her sword, she shattered the black links.

SMASH!

“GYAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHH!” Adversa screeched

Tsukasa fell over backwards, but luckily changed back to his citizen attire, and Saki caught him in a hug.

“Tsukasa! Are you okay?” Saki asked.

He sat up. “Yeah... Thanks, Saki.”

Ferdinand approached. “Glad to see you in one piece.”

“Yeah... Thanks, Dude.” He accepted Ferdinand's hand up, re-establishing his connection to the Mirage.

Adversa was furious. “Guuh... I can't stop here... I have to find... Another vessel...!”

With that, she did a nosedive down the building into the abyss below, back to Shibuya.

“Dang it, she's getting away!” Shiho yelled.

Saki turned to her brother, who gave her a confident nod.

“She won't get away... Not after what she did to Tsukasa!” Saki insisted, leaping off the building and changing into Carnage Form in midair.

As she fell, her pegasus appeared and she rode it after Adversa, who landed on the stage in the city. Saki landed right in front of her, her friends arriving as well via Shiho's motorcycle.

“I won't let you escape!” Saki announced, challenging the Mirage.

Shiho drew her spear, ready to kick some butt. “Saki, you keep her from flying away, cover us from the air. We'll take her from down here.”

“Right!” Saki nodded, spurring her mount upwards. “Hiyah!”

When Adversa went after her, Honami used her staff to rain crystals down on her, sending Adversa to the ground again. As Ichika raced up her back, Adversa tossed Ichika off and slashed her with her wing.

With a stomp, Adversa retaliated with reinforcements, which Honami took care of using her magic.

Ichika called out. “Girls! Keep moving! Go in a circle!”

Shiho and Saki circled her the fastest thanks to their mounts, while Honami and Ichika circled her closer, doing most of the combat up close.

In response, Adversa performed a spin, unleashing waves of dark power in every direction, knocking the girls away. However, Saki recovered the fastest and was back in the sky in a flash, where she cut Adversa down again when the Mirage tried to fly away again.

Maiko and Ken watched the whole thing go down as Tsukasa arrived on the scene, still too tired to fight.

“Are you Tsukasa?!” Maiko asked.

“Yes, and you?”

“I'm Miss Maiko Shimazaki, I run Sekai Entertainment. I'm working with your sister and her friends as part of an investigation group of Mirage Masters.”

“I see...”

Adversa crashing onto the ground got their attention.

“I need to help!” Tsukasa insisted, though Ferdinand appeared and stopped him.

Ferdinand was firm. “You are too weak to fight right now. I think they can handle it.”

Ken nodded. “Those girls have a lot of potential, I have a feeling they can handle this from what I heard in Saki's music.”

“You guys heard her song from here?” Tsukasa was shocked.

As the adults moved Tsukasa away from the battle, the girls had to stop for a breath. Adversa was powerful and kept summoning reinforcements.

Saki, however, wasn't ready to give up, clutching her spear like a lifeline. It was the same determination and hope she had displayed in her music.

Ichika got the hint. “Saki!”

She turned to her friends.

Ichika continued. “Hona and I can take care of her wings.”

“I'll take care of the legs.” Shiho promised.

Saki smiled. “And I'll deal with the rest.”

With that, the girls sprang into action.

Honami used an area of effect spell to take out Adversa's reinforcements. When Adversa raised her wings to summon more, Shiho used her spear to launch Honami and Ichika into the air, both pinning down Adversa's wings using their weapons.

As soon as the two landed, Shiho drove between Adversa's legs and cut her spear through both pairs, disabling her movements and forcing the Mirage to kneel.

As Adversa cried out in pain, she looked up and saw Saki flying straight toward her with her spear forward.

“Good riddance!!!!” Saki yelled, piercing right through her.

“AUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!”

As Adversa faded away into smoke, she spoke her last words in a rage. “You think this changes anything...? You think you've won...?”

Saki pointed her spear at her face in response, her friends joining her.

“More and more of my kind... Will come to invade your world... The battle has only just begun... And when the dust finally settles... Victory will be OURS!”

“Save it!” Saki furiously cut her down one more time.

“AAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUGGGHHH...!!!”

With a loud anguished scream, Adversa vanished.

When the Mirage finally vanished, Honami asked, “Saki, were you holding a grudge?”

Saki calmed down, embarrassed. “Ehehe...! Guess I need to work on that.”

“No, that was cool. It did me good to see you lose your temper for once.” Shiho shook her head. “Honestly, I'd be more concerned if you hadn't.”

That was when they noticed their surroundings beginning to change. The girls looked up and around as the sky returned to normal and all traces of Mirage activity began to vanish.

“That's better!” Saki cheered as her and her friends returned to their civilian forms.

Shiho nodded. “Well done, everyone!”

Ichika's smile fell, her mind lingering on Adversa's words. “Invade our world...? What does she mean by that...”

“Saki?”

A familiar voice made Saki jump and turn around. Tsukasa had approached with Maiko, Ken, and Haruka behind him.

“Tsukasa!” Saki blurted.

He was smiling. “I heard your song earlier. I think that's why I didn't give in to her. I heard my precious little sister singing her amazing song to me... Truly, thank you.”

“Tsukasa...” Saki was in tears. “Tsukasaaaaaa!” She ran over and hugged him tight, with Tsukasa running his fingers through her hair in a comforting gesture.

As Haruka approached, Ichika turned to her. “Are you okay, Haruka?”

“I'll be fine, thanks to you. But more importantly... Thank you, Ichika, for saving Tsukasa.” Haruka responded, grateful.

Ichika blushed. “I think Saki deserves to hear that more than me. It was her song after all.”

“Hehe, I guess so.”

-------------------------------------------------------

Later, at Sekai Entertainment...

“Whaaaaaaaat? Tsukasa, you're joining Sekai Entertainment?!” Saki blurted.

Tsukasa nodded. “Yep! I'll be back in the entertainment industry eventually, but I'll be doing some light rehab first. After the way you guys solved that crisis, working with you guys sounds like the BOMB! Sekai Entertainment works alongside Phoenix Wonderland, the place I used to work, so it's a win-win for me.”

“I also intend to work with you guys in these investigations.” Haruka revealed.

Honami's eyes sparkled. “Oh, wow! Thank you, Haruka!”

Miss Maiko raised her hands in celebration. “Phew! I think drinks will taste much better tonight! I'd expect nothing less from you girls!”

The only one not smiling was Ichika, and Shiho took notice.

“You still thinking about what Adversa said?”

“Yeah... I just can't get it out of my head.” Ichika admitted.

Maiko grew serious. “True, we learned some important info from this incident.”

“Right. All the Mirages are working together.” Ichika revealed. “It's like they're some sort of otherworldly organization that's intent on invading our world.”

“Then they must have a leader somewhere, right?” Honami asked.

Maiko nodded. “Most likely.”

“Huh... I was in the Idolaspheres for a while, and I don't think I met anyone that matches the description of being the leader of the whole force. But at the same time, given the Mirages' behavior, it does make sense.” Tsukasa admitted. “And Ferdinand didn't mention anyone like that either.”

Saki frowned. “Are Ferdinand's memories gone too? Like Caeda and the others?”

“I'm afraid so.” Tsukasa confirmed. “Anything from before I purified him are a mystery to him.”

“Maybe that mysterious power controlling the Mirages is the cause of their memory loss too.” Honami guessed.

Ichika sighed. “We can only guess for now.”

Haruka nodded. “Right. But that's why I think we should leave leading the group into combat to Ichika.”

“What?! M-me?!” This caught poor Ichika off guard.

Shiho smiled. “I agree. Ichika's a perfect leader.”

“Yeah! She's already good with helping command Leo/Need!” Honami added.

Saki grinned. “Whaddya say, Ichi?”

“I... I guess so...” Ichika didn't know how to say no. “Alright, I'll do my best!”

-------------------------------------------------------

Sometime after that...

It was time for Leo/Need's debut concert. Each girl did an individual solo song for their introduction at the concert.

Ichika came last, and her song no longer had the hesitation she had before. This time, she sang her song “Teo” with her head held high.

“I'm wondering, just how long I'll be able to, keep up the act I'm putting on.”

“Will I be able to eventually say 'goodbye' and, make my way home?”

“Even if the signs that I had overlooked that day, melt away a little over time.”

“I'm sure it'll be fine because just like this, we will surely meet again~”

“I'm closing off my eyes, I'm wondering if it's too late, to leave the smallest wish behind.”

“Will I be able to announce that I am home when I go back, when the light returns?”

“I know that I must go, if it's as beautiful, as the whole world says it is.”

“There's one thing left to do and that's to go take back, all that has been stolen from us!”

“And more! Make me dizzy go around and round and round and round and other way round!”

“Show me swaying left and right and back and forth and then back again.”

“Glimmer glisten bright and brilliant shimmering and shine. Whoa oh whoa oh!”

“Softly, I summon up the wounded night with all of my might.”

“On it I then cast a single spell that I've made.”

“And just like that with magic we are able to fly! Whoa oh whoa oh!”

“Do not ever avert away your gaze! Nothing will be able to stop us at this rate! Until the magic wears off, until then!”

“Hang onto me tight by my hand! Let's go! Let's go!”

“I won't leave a single one behind! Reclaim everything and it's simple as that! Until the magic wears off, until then!”

“Hang onto me tight by my hand! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go~!”

“There's one thing left to do and that's to go take back, all that has been stolen from us!”

“Softly, I summon up the wounded night with all of my might.”

“On it I then cast a single spell that I've made.”

“And just like that with magic we are able to fly! Whoa oh whoa oh!”

“And more! Make me dizzy go around and round and round and round and other way round!”

“Show me swaying left and right and back and forth and then back again.”

“Glimmer glisten bright and brilliant shimmering and shine. Whoa oh whoa oh!”

“Do not ever avert away your gaze! Nothing will be able to stop us at this rate! Until the magic wears off, until then!”

“Hang onto me tight by my hand! Let's go! Let's go!”

“I won't leave a single one behind! Reclaim everything and it's simple as that! Until the magic wears off, until then!”

“Hang onto me tight by my hand! Let's go! Let's go! Let's go~!”

With an epic finish, the entire crowd applauded. After a few words to the audience, the girls played the song they had wanted to play two years ago: Story

Ichika: "The number, of times that you go, and apologize to, yourself continues to grow time and again."

Saki: "The score of, regret that is tears falling down, is overflowing over and on."

Honami: "I'm carrying everything alone on my back, supported by only things that make me smile."

Shiho: "Out of everyone I'm the only one who has yet, give anything back and for that I'm sorry."

Ichika: "If the sight of someone shining bright in the sky, is a little too bright to face it right now, is it okay to look down and feel depressed?"

All: "By the way is it fine, if even I cry? I don't think I can keep this inside, I feel bad for feeling like I am on top of you."

Ichika: "But if it is okay with you."

Ichika and Saki: "What I am wanting to hold, what I want to achieve!"

Shiho and Honami: "Things that I want to leave, things that I want to lose!"

Ichika and Saki: "If things do not go the way that you want them to, it's okay to leave things as they are."

Shiho and Honami: "Do not be afraid, do not dare to be scared, at all!"

Ichika and Saki: "Things that I can't forget, things that I can't just forgive~"

All: "You'll have to, you must now!"

Ichika and Saki: "Come tell me yours"

All: "Come here now, I'll tell you!"

Shiho and Honami: "Tell you my own!"

All: "I love me, for my bad self is making~ This brand new story!"

...

Ichika and Shiho: "Let your guard down with fashion, don't hide your fading passion. Patch stitching with a motivation needle."

Saki and Honami: "Every time I take a single step forward, it continues to get heavier as it absorbs the tears that fall."

Saki: "Even if you feel you're about to be crushed, you have to keep going at your unique pace."

Ichika: "That means that you continue getting stronger, something that nobody can deny!"

Saki and Shiho: "Things I want to grasp, things that I want to hold!"

Ichika and Honami: "Things I'll give up, things that I want to indulge!"

Saki and Shiho: "I'm also sad because of the same reasons as you, so I know that you will be fine just like me."

Ichika and Honami: "What I want to give on out, what I want to deliver to everyone!"

Saki and Shiho: "Things I want to destroy, things I want to just rip away!"

All: "You'll have to! You must now!"

Saki and Honami: "Come tell me yours"

All: "Come here now, I'll tell you!"

Ichika and Shiho: "Tell you my own!"

All: "I love me, for my bad self is making~ This brand new story! Whoa~"

(Na na, na na, na na, na na)

(Na na, na na, na na, na na)

Shiho: "If you're bound by determination and don't seem, to be able to recover and unable to breathe, why don't you take a side road detour for distracting yourself?"

Honami: "Listening to all of my failures, from the first episode to the very last, I'll keep at it until you're better once more, since it will save my life as well in the end."

Ichika: "What I want to grasp"

Saki: "What I want to dream"

Honami: "What I want to lose"

Shiho: "What I want to indulge"

Saki, Shiho, and Honami: "I'm also sad because of the same reasons as you,"

Ichika: "So I know that you will be fine just like me."

Ichika and Saki: "What I am wanting to hold, what I want to achieve!"

Shiho and Honami: "Things that I want to leave, things that I want to lose!"

Ichika and Saki: "If things do not go the way that you want them to, it's okay to leave things as they are."

Shiho and Honami: "Do not be afraid, do not dare to be scared, at all!"

Ichika and Saki: "Things that I can't forget, things that I can't just forgive~"

All: "You'll have to, you must now!"

Ichika and Saki: "Come tell me yours"

All: "Come here now, I'll tell you!"

Shiho and Honami: "Tell you my own!"

All: "I love me, for my bad self is making~ This brand new story! Whoa~!"

Another round of applause. They had made their debut.

"Do you think we reached them?" Saki asked her friends, catching her breath.

Ichika smiled. "I'm sure we did."

Chapter Text

Since Haruka and Tsukasa started helping to train Leo/Need, the band had begun to regain its popularity. Much of their previous fan base had not given up on them and supported them throughout their new career.

Saki and Ichika showed fast improvements, and even received various jobs to perform for certain events. They actually really enjoyed it despite being busy.

The girls eventually found the time to perform Kageharu Daze for Tiki and the Virtual Singers in the Bloom Palace. Needless to say, Tiki really enjoyed it.

“You guys are amazing! I love the way you all sing, Big Sister!” Tiki commented.

Ichika smiled. “I'm glad you liked it, Tiki!”

“Yes, your skills are pretty good.” Meiko agreed. “You really do have the potential to become true performers.”

“That's high praise coming from you guys, Meiko.” Shiho noted.

Kaito applauded them. “I'm impressed, too! You have an amazing synergy, Girls.”

Saki turned to their Mirage partners. “What did you guys think, Caeda?”

“You girls are quite skilled with your performing. Honestly, I'm still understanding all this song and dance stuff.” Caeda admitted. “It's certainly interesting to watch.”

Ryoma was nearby as well. “Yes, but I'd say your skills are enough to rival even Haruka.”

“I don't know about that...” Honami shook her head modestly.

“Speaking of Haruka, where is she?” Tsukasa asked. “I haven't seen her today.”

“I heard that she was invited to a film premiere. She should be back soon, though.” Shiho answered.

That was when Haruka entered the Bloom Palace in a flash of light.

“Oh, there she is!” Miku grinned.

“Hello, Haruka!” Tiki greeted.

Haruka nodded in greeting. “Hello, everyone! And girls, congratulations on your debut, and for saving Tsukasa before.”

“Glad to see you're feeling better too, Haruka.” Tsukasa nodded. “That said, you took a while to get here. Anything up?”

Haruka tried to stay smiling. “Ah, that... Well, I was trying to mediate an argument in the office. Miss Maiko is having an argument with Ken about something, I'm just not sure what.”

“An argument? That's not like them.” Shiho noted.

“Maybe we should check on them?” Saki suggested.

Haruka shook her head. “No, Miss Maiko asked me to tell you guys to stay in here until they get things sorted out.”

“Well, that's just being secretive.” Len noted. “Seriously, what the heck are they bickering about?”

Luka smirked. “Maybe I can project myself through Miss Maiko's phone and eavesdrop?”

“We should probably let them be...” Rin insisted.

But Shiho was already walking out.

“And there she goes.” Luka said.

Saki raised her voice and ran after her friend. “Shiho! Hey, wait for me!”

Ichika sighed. “That's Shiho for ya. She can't stand being in the dark.”

“Well, let's go check it out.” Honami said, turning to Tiki. “We'll be back, okay?”

Tiki nodded. “O-Okay!”

Tsukasa and Haruka joined them back into the office. As soon as the teens returned, they heard Maiko and Ken talking.

“I have already told you, I have no intention of letting her into this.” Ken argued firmly.

Maiko sat in her office chair. “Even though we desperately need more hands? We can't pass up this opportunity, I've told you this before.”

“And I'm telling you again, I will NOT have my daughter involved in this! Taiga and I both agreed that it's too risky.”

“I understand your reservations, but the situation is desperate! That last attack was bigger than anything we've ever seen!”

Ichika, unable to stand this, raised her voice. “Miss Maiko, WHAT is going on?!”

The adults startled at this, turning to the teens. “Ah, everyone... Apologies, I didn't mean to worry you.”

“Don't go changing your tunes. You were clearly having a serious conversation.” Shiho firmly told her.

Honami nodded. “What are you arguing about? If there's anything we can do to help you, we want to.”

“I'm afraid this is nothing you can help with.” Ken shook his head before glaring at Maiko. “We've had this conversation several times, Maiko. I'm not going to allow it.”

“...” Maiko frowned deeply, frustrated.

Tsukasa sighed. “Okay, now I'm dying of curiosity. What the heck's going on?”

Maiko sighed. “You guys know Ken's daughter An, right?”

“Oh, you mean that girl that was performing at Weekend Garage, right?” Saki remembered. “She introduced herself to us! She's got an amazing voice!”

“You guys mentioned she has the potential to be a Mirage Master, right?” Honami remembered. “But I thought you didn't want her involved?”

Maiko grew serious. “Yes, but after what happened recently with Tsukasa, I feel that we need more hands on deck to handle the coming events. Thus, I wanted Ken to help her get started. But as you can see, I'm not getting through to him.”

“Because she is my daughter.” Ken argued. “I will not send my daughter into such danger unless she absolutely has to!”

Honami sighed. “Miss Maiko, Ken's reason is understanding. Maybe we can find other people to recruit?”

“I don't know, Hona... Need I remind you that the people with the power to become Mirage Masters are very rare?” Shiho said.

Ichika realized what was happening. “So Miss Maiko wants to recruit An, but Ken doesn't?”

Haruka frowned, getting a feeling what was up. “Does it have to do with RAD Weekend or RADer?”

“...” Ken huffed. “...Yes. An doesn't know the full truth behind that event, and everyone on Vivid Street prefers to keep it that way, including Taiga.”

Shiho figured something out. “Hmm... Is it related to Nagi's death?”

Ichika and Saki froze. “HUH?”

“Nagi...? The third member of RADer is... Dead?” Saki asked.

Honami blinked. “Huh? You guys didn't know? She passed away three weeks after RAD Weekend.”

“Oh... What happened to her?” Ichika asked.

“The news said that Nagi passed away to terminal pancreatic cancer. But I get the feeling that's not the case.” Shiho frowned.

Ken sighed again. “...You're right. The truth has been kept secret from the public, Taiga and Maiko are some of the few that know the truth.”

“Was it Mirage related?” Saki asked.

Maiko nodded. “Correct. Nagi's death to cancer was a cover up. In reality, she had her Performa stolen.”

“Her Performa was stolen?” Tsukasa asked.

Haruka nodded. “Maiko told me the truth a little while ago. If a person's Performa is drained completely, it will kill them. It's the same as having your soul pulled out of your body. That's what happened with Nagi.”

“What??” Ichika was stunned.

Ken nodded. “Yes, Taiga and I were with her when it happened. A rogue Mirage had been on the loose and we went to deal with it. It lured Nagi into a trap where she defeated it, but lost her connection to her partner, who was corrupted. It was Nagi's Mirage that drained her Performa dry and revived the enemy Mirage using it. That was the last we saw the both of those Mirages. Nagi's last words before that incident was that if something happened to her, An should not know about it.”

“That's... Awful...” Saki managed. “But why wouldn't she want An to know?”

“That's what we wondered. She told us that she didn't want An to lose spirit over her death, but did request that we tell An if she became strong enough to handle it.” Ken revealed.

Ichika was shocked. “That's...! But...! An deserves to know! She has to hear this!”

“Calm down, Ichika!” Shiho ordered. “An believes her own version of this. How would she feel if she was told that her close family friend was murdered by her non-human partner?”

“...Fair point.”

Ken glared at Maiko. “Taiga and I lost Nagi to this already. I will not get my daughter involved unless she absolutely has to.”

With that, he walked out, shutting the door to the office behind him.

-------------------------------------------------------

Vivid Street...

Ken returned to Weekend Garage with a heavy heart, thinking about the incident.

“Nagi...”

“Heeeyyy, Dad!”

Ken startled out of his trance when he heard the cheerful voice of his daughter and he smiled. “Hello, An.”

“Hehe, I've got good news!” An sang, before noticing something. “Hey, are you okay? You look kinda... Down.”

“It's nothing, I just had a fight with Miss Maiko. It's nothing you need to worry about.” He shook his head. “What is it that you wanted to tell me?”

Her smile returned. “Hehe! I just got booked to perform at Crawl Green with Gurney Flap, EVER, and possibly BAD DOGS! It'd be nice if you and Uncle Taiga could come watch!”

“Hah, I'll be there. I'll let Taiga know as well.” Ken promised.

An was giddy with excitement. “Woo! Thanks, Dad!”

As An left, Ken's frown returned when he saw An's reflection in a nearby window. He could've sworn that he saw a familiar Mirage reflection in the mirror following his daughter to the other room.

He hoped it was just his imagination.

-------------------------------------------------------

Bloom Palace, the next day...

“Wow... So that's what they were bickering about?” Len asked.

Tiki was thoughtful. “I remember Nagi well... Her partner was a Warrior Mirage. Since Nagi's death though, Ken hasn't been on the field, neither has Taiga.”

“Ken's worries are understanding in my opinion. After such a tragic loss, it makes sense why he's so worried over his daughter's safety. Maybe Taiga feels the same way.” Ichika commented.

“Yeah, you're right. Miss Maiko's correct that we need more Mirage Masters on our side, but at the same time, we shouldn't try to force it.” Saki agreed.

Shiho frowned deeply. “Hmm...”

“Shiho? What is it?” Honami asked.

“Even so, we should probably try to keep an eye on An for the time being. If she has the potential to be a Mirage Master, that means her Performa must be quite strong. That might make her a target of Mirages.” Shiho explained. “We should probably at least keep her on our radar for her own safety.”

“But how do we do that?” Ichika asked.

Haruka got an idea. “Tiki and the Mirages have been working on tracking devices that can work even in Idolaspheres. It's basically a little device that emits signals that only purified Mirages and their partners can pick up on when it's turned on.”

“Yes, but they still have to be tested.” Meiko pointed out.

“Then why not test them by putting one on An?” Miku suggested.

Rin frowned. “I don't think we should do something like that without permission from Ken...”

“Why not visit Weekend Garage and ask him?” Honami pointed out.

“Good point. Why not?” Ichika shrugged.

With that, Leo/Need headed out.

-------------------------------------------------------

Upon arriving at Weekend Garage, the sound of music hit their ears. The group turned to the little stage, and saw An singing her heart out.

“She's good!” Ichika managed.

“Good?! She's astounding!” Saki insisted.

As soon as her performance ended, An skipped over upon seeing the girls standing there.

“Hey, guys! I saw your debut on TV! You're really good!” An greeted. “Back for more music lessons?”

Shiho shook her head. “No, we just need to talk to him about something, An.”

“Oh, so you guys know my name already?” An asked.

Honami smiled big. “Well, of course! Your dad and Taiga are practically legends in the music world! I'm Honami, these are my friends and bandmates Ichika, Saki, and Shiho.”

“Hehe, the only one of my Dad's group that's really a legend is Aunt Nagi.” An giggled before blinking. “Oh wait... Do you know about Nagi?”

“Yes, we know about her death. We're really sorry for your loss, An.” Ichika sighed.

An shook her head. “Thanks, but no worries. In fact, Nagi has still inspired me to continue trying to surpass RAD Weekend!”

“Why do you want to surpass RAD Weekend anyway?” Shiho asked curiously.

“Well, part of the reason is because people believe that RAD Weekend is peak, and there's no surpassing it.” An explained. “I want to show that Vivid Street is always changing and growing, and that anything is possible when you put your mind to it!”

“So you want to show your resolve...” Saki realized.

“Another reason is that I want to make Nagi, Taiga, and everyone around me proud by matching and surpassing what they did!” An finished. “They inspired so many people through RAD Weekend. I want to do the same and then step it up a notch so nobody forgets it!”

“That's kind of like what we want to do as Leo/Need. We want to touch others through our music.” Honami compared.

Ichika frowned. “Are you doing it by yourself?”

“Right now I am. Problem is, every time I mention my goal to surpass RAD Weekend, any potential collaborators are all like, 'Nope, nevermind! Not gonna happen!' and they back the heck out!” An complained.

Shiho shrugged with a smile. “Well, it IS a pretty big goal.”

“But that's the point, isn't it?” Saki argued.

That's when An remembered something. “By the way, you guys said you work for Sekai Entertainment, right? Do you know what my dad was fighting with Miss Maiko about? It's not like them to fight.”

“Ah, well...” Ichika exchanged nervous glances with her friends. They couldn't tell her the truth, could they? “It's complicated adult stuff, you wouldn't understand.”

Saki huffed. “Come on guys, doesn't she deserve to know the truth the most out of everyone?”

“I think they keep the truth from her for a reason, Saki. We should keep our mouths shut.” Honami insisted.

An was curious. “Huh? What?”

“Oh, it's... It's nothing.” Ichika shook her head.

“Hmmmm...” An frowned deeply in thought. “Does it have something to do with Aunt Nagi by any chance?”

Shiho's eyes widened. “How did you...” She couldn't help saying.

“Well, the anniversary of Aunt Nagi's death is coming up. I'll be singing in a show with a few other groups at Crawl Green that day to, you know... Honor her.” An explained. “This time of year tends to be a little sensitive for him and Uncle Taiga.”

“Ah, makes sense.” Ichika nodded.

“That, and something funny happened to me the other day.” An continued. “I was passing by the old venue where RAD Weekend took place, when I heard the sound of singing coming from it. I looked at the stage, and I could've sworn that I saw Aunt Nagi singing on there.”

Saki's eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yeah! It was only for a brief moment, though. I blinked a little and she was gone just like that.” An insisted. “I told my dad and uncle about it, but they didn't believe me, which I guess I don't blame them for... I'm normally terrified of ghosts, but when it came to Aunt Nagi, I wasn't afraid at all!”

All four members of Leo/Need had warning bells going off in their heads. Could this be related to Mirages?

“Well, it could be possible your eyes and ears were playing tricks on you.” Ichika managed.

Saki nodded. “Yeah! After all, Nagi passed away, didn't she?”

“I know, but still... I just can't get it outta my head.” An admitted. “Hah... I should probably try to stop thinking about it though, shouldn't I? I can't let this distract me from my event.”

Honami smiled. “Well, we're looking forward to it. Maybe we'll come watch.”

“In that case!” An pulled something out of her pocket and handed it to Ichika. “Here! These are tickets to the event I'm performing at! You know, in case you feel like going.”

“Thanks!” Ichika smiled, taking the tickets.

The girls headed back out not long after that. On their way out, Ichika stopped and slapped herself in the face.

“AUGH.”

“What?” Shiho asked.

Ichika sighed. “Forgot about the reason we came to Weekend Garage in the first place.”

“...Oh yeah.”

-------------------------------------------------------

When the day of the event rolled around, Leo/Need was in attendance in the live house's audience, watching the other groups perform.

“These other groups are really good... I especially like this duo of boys right here.” Shiho commented as the group BAD DOGS took the stage and started singing.

Honami nodded with a smile. “I think they're called BAD DOGS?”

“Their voices really compliment each other, don't you think?” Saki asked. “That guy with the orange hair has a deeper voice, but it perfectly blends with the more gentle tone of his partner!”

Ichika was fascinated. “Yeah... Do you think An knows them?”

“I've seen them around Vivid Street a few times doing street performances, so I'm sure she does.” Shiho guessed.

As the girls watched the performance, Ichika noticed something in the shadows: A woman she had never seen before slinking around in the darkness before disappearing.

“Huh...?”

Saki turned to her. “What's up, Ichi?”

“Augh, it's... It's nothing.” Ichika shook her head as BAD DOGS finished their song.

As soon as they finished, the boys struck a pose, causing applause to erupt from the audience. The boys then left the stage and An appeared on the stage, the MC addressing the crowd.

Ichika, however, wasn't paying attention. She could've sworn that the same unfamiliar woman from before was standing behind An on the stage... Before the woman turned into a corrupted Mirage.

“!!” Ichika gasped, before the shadow faded away.

“You see that too?” Saki asked.

Ichika was shocked. “You saw her? That woman?”

“That wasn't just any woman either... That was Nagi, years ago.” Honami revealed.

“That wasn't Nagi.” Shiho frowned. “That was a Mirage.”

“Is that why no one else sees this??” Ichika asked.

Suddenly, the sound of something creaking out of place startled everyone, including the MC. The girls all looked at the lights above An, who was looking over her head as well.

The lights strung above her were falling out of place! Without warning, they broke with a loud CLANK and fell towards her.

“AH!” An was frightened, so she jumped off the stage to dodge the falling equipment, landing in the crowd.

Naturally, people started freaking out, scrambling, and screaming in response to this.

Acting quickly, the girls pushed their way through the crowd to find where An had landed. But no matter where they looked, the girl was nowhere in sight.

“An?! Where's An?!” Ichika panicked.

“Girls!”

Someone was making their way through the crowd towards them.

“Taiga!” Shiho shouted, getting his attention.

Quickly, he guided the girls backstage and away from the crowds, soon leading them outside.

“What the heck?!” Saki blurted.

The sky had gone dark, and ghostly lights were haunting the street.

“This is just like what happened at the 106!” Honami realized. “It must be another Mirage attack!”

Maiko and Ken ran onto the scene with Tsukasa and Haruka.

“Where's An?!” Ken asked.

Taiga was frustrated. “I don't know. I saw her in the crowd last, but now I don't see her.”

“What?! An's not here?!” Ichika blurted.

“She must have disappeared into the crowd!” Saki guessed.

Shiho spotted something. “Not quite. Look, over there!”

She pointed across the street a ways away from them. There, they could see familiar dark long hair dotted with stars running through the darkened streets. Although she was running, the figure she was chasing was always one step ahead of her despite only walking.

“An!” Maiko yelled after her first, the entire group running after her, pushing past the people there that were now seeming exhausted.

After a few minutes of running, they arrived at a stage where they saw An disappearing into a gateway.

“An!!!” Ken yelled a moment too late.

The entire group ran to the familiar looking gate.

“It's just like the one at Diatama and the 106!” Saki realized.

Shiho was worried. “Oh dear... She must have just wandered into an Idolasphere.”

“Do you think that Mirage pretending to be Nagi did this?” Tsukasa asked.

Haruka nodded. “It's possible. The Mirages are likely using Nagi's stolen Performa to trick An. She might be walking into a trap.”

Ken was worried sick. “I need to get to her!”

“Wait, Ken!” Maiko stopped him. “You don't have any Mirage partners, going in after her without one is dangerous!”

He glared at her. “I will not leave my daughter in there alone!”

“Then we're going with you.” Ichika decided.

Taiga was surprised. “Are you certain?”

“We're Mirage Masters! Besides, we can't leave An in there by herself either!” Saki insisted. “Ken, Taiga, if you're going in there, take us with you!”

The two men thought for a moment and finally gave in.

“Alright.” Taiga sighed. “Let's go, all of you.”

With that, they stepped into the Idolasphere.

-------------------------------------------------------

This particular Idolasphere was a maze of streets and buildings. Many of the buildings were lopsided or upside down, and most had creepy neon lights on them.

The Mirage Masters had taken Carnage Form upon entering, ready for anything.

“Chrom, can you sense An yet?” Ichika asked.

Chrom's voice responded. “Yes... She should be a little further ahead.”

Saki was worried. “I just hope she's okay...”

“Wait.” Chrom suddenly managed. “I'm sensing a powerful Performa here... Very similar to An's Performa.”

“What? Who is it?” Shiho asked.

Ken and Taiga seemed to have a hunch what was up. “...Zephia.” Taiga managed.

Honami blinked curiously. “Huh? Zephia? Who's that?”

“The evil Mirage that corrupted Nagi's partner. The one behind Nagi's death by taking her Performa.” Ken revealed. “That kind of Performa that Chrom is sensing, there's only one kind of Performa that is anything like An's yet is so powerful, and that was Nagi's.”

He then turned to glare behind him. “Right, Zephia?”

“Hmm, you're quite good. You're still as sharp as a tack, I see.”

The group jumped in response to a sly feminine voice speaking up. In a spark, a draconic Mirage appeared with a vicious appearance.

“What the heck?!” Tsukasa blurted.

Haruka had her hand on her sword. “That must be Zephia!”

“I remember you two, Ken. Even without a Mirage partner, your perception is still pretty good. A pity that it's never helped you beyond that.” Zephia said.

Taiga was furious. “Where's An.”

“Oh? The girl? Is that what you're worried about?” Zephia asked sarcastically. “Rest assured, that young lady is in capable hands.”

“That girl you speak of is my daughter, Zephia. You have no right to do as you want with her!” Ken argued.

Zephia seemed amused. “Oh? I already use Nagi's Performa for my own. What's the matter with having another added to the pile?”

“Don't talk about Nagi that way!” Ichika ordered.

“Oh, why bother? They're bound to die eventually. Why delay the inevitable?”

Shiho glared. “You have no right to make that decision. Now where's An?”

“I already said she's in capable hands, didn't I?” Zephia repeated. “Isn't that enough of an answer for you?”

“Stop playing around!” Saki demanded. “Give An back!”

“I would... But I don't want to.” Zephia refused. “Ahahaha, you even look adorable when you're angry, Ken. See you later~”

With that, Zephia flew away.

“We have to go!” Honami insisted. “Saki! Fly up and see if you can find the quickest route!”

-------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile...

An was making her way through the maze of weird streets, trying to find any sign of her aunt.

“Naaaaaaagiiiiii!” An called. “Helloooooooo! Naaaaaaaagiiiiii!”

After rounding a corner, she heard Nagi's singing again. Following it, she made her way around a little more before crossing a bridge and finally finding the silhouette she was looking for.

“Nagi!”

The woman was standing in the open square waiting for her, so An ran up to her.

“Aunt Nagi!” An was at a loss for words. “I really wanted to see you...”

However, Nagi didn't say a word. She just stood there staring at An.

“Aunt Nagi? What's the matter? Wait...” Something was clicking inside An's head. “Why does she look like how she did when I was a kid?”

When Nagi reached and patted An on the head, An shuddered. Her hand wasn't warm at all.

“Whoa... Why is it so cold all of a sudden?” An wondered, moving a step backwards. “Hang on... You can't really be Aunt Nagi, can you? Ghosts can't touch things...”

“Performa...”

A strange womanly voice was heard from Nagi, though Nagi's mouth didn't move.

“Your Performa... Give me your... Performa...”

An stepped back some more, warning bells going off in her head. “Huh...?”

Suddenly, the illusion of Nagi disappeared, in its place being a Mirage covered in armor and having a flowing ponytail flowing behind it with a cape. Its face was covered by armor.

“GAH!” An was so startled she fell over backwards. “W-what are you?!”

The figure pointed a large axe at An. “Your Performa! Give it!”

“My what?! What's going on?!!”

“AN!!!”

An turned around in response to her name being called out, shocked to see her father and uncle running up to her with the Mirage Masters.

“Dad?!”

Ken ran to his daughter's side and helped her up, holding her close. The corrupted Mirage raised her axe to strike them again, to their horror.

Just in time, Ichika ran in and parried the attack, allowing An, Taiga, and Ken to move away and allow the Masters to take on the Mirage.

While they fought the Mirage, Ken checked on his daughter. “An, are you hurt?”

“Nah, I'm fine. But more importantly, WHAT is going on?!” An asked. “I saw and heard Aunt Nagi again and followed her here!”

Taiga sighed. “That Mirage...”

“If that Mirage can mimic Nagi's appearance and voice so flawlessly, then that means it's...” Ken realized what was up.

It was not an easy fight, but the Mirage Masters managed to tire their opponent out with precise timing and agility.

“Alright, let's kill this thing!” Saki insisted. “We'll teach you to mess with our friend!”

“Performa...!” The Mirage managed. “I need... That Performa...! Nagi's Performa...!”

An, picking up something, stood and rushed between the Masters and the Mirage. “Wait a minute!”

“An, out of the way!” Haruka insisted.

Instead of listening, An turned and bent down in front of the Mirage. “You knew Aunt Nagi?”

“Na... Gi...!” The Mirage turned her head upwards slightly. “Nagi... I'm sorry... I...!”

An was curious. “Huh?”

“An, get out of the way!” Taiga ordered.

“No, wait! It knew Aunt Nagi!” An insisted before turning to the Mirage. “How do you know Aunt Nagi? Come on, tell me!”

Ichika froze. “Ken... Does this Mirage have some sort of connection with Nagi?”

“...” Ken sighed. “...Yes. This is Saphir, Nagi's former partner. The one I mentioned earlier.”

An stood. “Huh?! Dad, you guys never mentioned anyone named Saphir!”

“Naturally, we didn't. As you can see, Saphir is not a human. She's a Mirage.” Taiga told her.

An was confused before realizing something was not right. “Huh? Hey wait... You guys... Are you hiding something from me?”

“An...” Ken couldn't find the right words.

An grew frustrated. “Dad! If there's something about Aunt Nagi I need to know, just say it! I'm not a kid! Now what is it?! And more importantly, what the heck's a Mirage?! I wanna know!”

“...” Shiho turned to the adults. “I think the cat's out of the bag.”

“Yeah, she needs to know.” Saki agreed.

Seeing that the adults weren't able to find their words, Honami decided to start. “An... In truth, the full story isn't what you really think. Really, Nagi didn't actually die to cancer.”

“What...?” An was stunned. “But then... What happened to her?”

“She was a Mirage Master, like us.” Haruka explained. “As were Ken and Taiga. Her partner here, Saphir, was corrupted and turned on her. Her Performa was completely drained dry, and as a result... She died.”

“But, what's a Mirage Master? I don't understand!” An complained.

Shiho sighed. “Let me break it down for you.”

-------------------------------------------------------

“I see... So Aunt Nagi, Dad, and Uncle Taiga all fought these evil Mirages with Mirages of their own?” An realized.

“Yes. Ken and Taiga retired after using up all their strength trying to defeat the Mirage with Nagi's Performa.” Tsukasa finished.

An was in disbelief. “So she didn't die to cancer... She died to... These things?”

“Yes... But Saphir isn't to be blamed. Blame Zephia for corrupting her.” Saki insisted.

An was on the verge of tears as she confronted her family members. “Dad! Uncle Taiga! Is this true?!”

“...Yes, An.” Taiga finally nodded.

“But... Why didn't you tell me...?” An was upset. “Why...?”

Ken seemed to feel guilty. “...Nagi requested that if something happened to her, she didn't tell you. She knew you would be disheartened if you knew of her death, she didn't want you involved in this mess.”

“...” An didn't respond. Her words were locked in her throat. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore.

“WAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!”

An burst into tears, sobbing on the spot. “Aunt Nagi...! Aunt Nagiiiii!!!”

A moment of quiet, even from Saphir, who was too exhausted to act. The silence was only broken by An's sobbing as she fell to her knees.

Finally, Saphir spoke up. “Nagi...? No... Nagi's... Gone... How...”

The Mirage stood and approached An, bending down in front of her.

Shiho readied her weapon, but Ichika stopped her. “Hold on.”

“You're not Nagi... That voice... That cry... You're...”

An's sobbing stopped, and she looked up, surprised.

“You're... An...”

An was shocked. “Huh?”

“She knows An...!” Taiga couldn't believe it. “Saphir, she's waking up...! She's trying to fight back!”

That's when Ken got an idea. “An! Remember that song Nagi taught you? Sing it!”

“O-okay!” Wiping away her tears, An opened her mouth and began to sing.

“~~~~~~~~~~~~~”

Everyone froze as An sang, her voice powerful. Far more powerful than it ever was.

It was as she sang that a light burst from An's body, igniting the area around her and blinding Saphir. An didn't notice this until she finished her song.

“Whoa...! What the?!” An was stunned. “Hey, is this...?”

“An's Performa! It's incredible!” Haruka was in disbelief.

Ken realized something. “So Saphir was drawn in by An's Performa... Perhaps it reminded her of Nagi's.”

“An, maybe you can use your Performa to purify Saphir!” Ichika suggested.

As the light condensed into an orb in An's hands, An turned to Saphir, who was still stunned. Upon hearing Ichika's suggestion, she pressed the sphere against Saphir's chest armor.

“AUGH!” Saphir cried out.

Just like with Chrom and Caeda, the black chains and the signs of darkness vanished, giving Saphir a more light and colorful appearance, covered in gleaming silver armor with hints of red and black.

When Saphir came to, An couldn't believe what she just did.

“Whoa! So this is what Performa can do! Sweet!” An managed.

When Saphir looked at her, she froze. “Nagi...?”

An shook her head. “My name's An Shiraishi. See, Nagi was like an aunt to me.”

“An... Yes... I remember you.” Saphir realized. “Yeah, you're that niece of hers she never stopped talking about! Your voice is amazing!”

Ken smiled. “It's been a long time, Saphir.”

“Ah, Ken! And Taiga!” Saphir seemed quite surprised to see them. “Um... What happened? An was still pretty young last I checked...”

An explained. “It's been a couple years since you were with Aunt Nagi... An evil Mirage turned you on her and... Now she's gone.”

“Oh... I see... It's coming back now.” Saphir realized. “I'm so sorry...”

“It isn't your fault, Saphir.” Taiga assured. “Zephia is to blame. You seemed to recognize An through her Performa even in your controlled state, however. That's how she purified you.”

“I see...” The Mirage turned to An and did a bow.

An was confused. “Huh?”

“I owe you one, An. And... I'm sorry I couldn't protect Nagi for you.” Saphir managed.

An sighed. “It's okay... I already know you wouldn't have done that if you had a choice.”

“Zephia still has Nagi's Performa. Even though we cannot save her, the least we can do is take back her Performa so the Mirages can't use it anymore.” Tsukasa decided. “And if you ask me, that Performa rightfully belongs to An and her family.”

An made up her mind. “I'm gonna help you!”

“An, are you serious?” Saki asked.

“That monster turned Aunt Nagi's partner on her! Then forced her partner to kill her! I won't forgive that!” An insisted. “Mark my words, I'll make her pay!”

Saphir laughed. “Hahahaha! I like your spirit!”

“An, understand that being a Mirage Master is dangerous work. You can't let yourself be motivated by revenge alone.” Ken warned.

“I want to do it anyway.” An decided. “I have to protect my home! So that no one else has to go through what I did! Or what Aunt Nagi did!”

Saphir spoke up. “If it helps... I can stay with her.”

“Saphir?” An turned to her.

“Like I said, I owe you.”

Ichika smiled. “Plus, An purified Saphir using her Performa, so they have a connection now. An can be Saphir's new Master.”

“...” Ken finally gave in. “Alright. Be safe, okay An? If anyone can match Zephia using Nagi's Performa, it's you.”

An took a deep breath to harden her resolve. “Right. Saphir? Will you help me?”

“Oh please, you don't need to ask!” With that, Saphir vanished and took the form of a battle axe with a handle taller than An was.

As soon as An took the handle, her entire appearance changed.

Her hair became longer, straighter and darker, with red hues on the inside, her bangs straight. She wore a black and dark red top with a black and red jacket over it, a black uneven skirt with a white belt that had chains embellished on it, a garter around one leg, dark gray tights, and black boots. She wore rings on her fingers, and her nails were painted red. A silver earring hung from one ear.

An was impressed. “Oh, this is cool!”

“Whoa, An!” Ichika was amazed at her friend's new appearance.

Haruka smiled. “It's suitable, An.”

That's when Nagi's voice was heard nearby.

“Aunt Nagi's voice?” An asked.

Taiga shook his head. “No... It's Zephia replicating her voice using Nagi's Performa.”

“Then we need to follow the voice and we'll find Zephia, right?” Saki asked.

An nodded. “Sounds like it! Come on!”

-------------------------------------------------------

After making their way through the streets, they managed to get to another square. Finally, they found their target.

An wasn't scared at all, surprisingly. Even when they faced multiple Mirages on the way over, she handled it with ease.

“An's a natural at this, isn't she?” Tsukasa noted.

Haruka nodded. “Yeah, she's amazing.”

An stopped at the square. “Look!”

Everyone caught up with her. Sure enough, there was an angry Zephia, pulsing a dark aura.

“Zephia.” Ken glared at her.

Saphir spoke up. “Careful, Zephia's no pushover!”

“Well, well, well. If it isn't the rodents scurrying about my Idolasphere.” Zephia turned to them. “Drawn in by my voice perhaps?”

“That isn't your voice! You stole it from Nagi!” Saki accused.

Zephia turned to An. “Oh? I knew your Performa was strong, but to think you could make it break my curse on Saphir... You have more potential than I gave you credit for.”

An didn't respond.

“Hahaha! You're trembling!” Zephia pointed out. “Is it cold, or cowardice?”

An clutched her axe with both hands. “It's only cowardice if you run away, in my opinion. Fear and cowardice are two different things.”

“You talk a good game, but you can't even match the event you've claimed you'll surpass... You'll never surpass me and your aunt's precious Performa.” Zephia mocked. “You're just a child, after all. How can you surpass a legend?”

Ken spoke up. “With time.”

“Right, An is the next generation, and the next generation is an improvement from the last one. If anyone can surpass RAD Weekend, An will!” Ichika insisted. “Because nothing is impossible with hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude!”

“Really? Prove it then.” With that, Zephia sang using Nagi's voice.

As she sang, she released black waves of power that almost knocked everyone off their feet.

“Nagi's Performa is so strong...!” Honami managed. “How can we surpass that?!”

“I don't care!” An decided. “She's not Nagi! She can't outperform the real Nagi!”

Zephia was enraged at this. “I have Nagi's Performa! I AM the legend! I'm Nagi!”

Without another word, An turned to her father. “Dad! Play that song I wrote! Retainer Supplanting His Lord!”

Nodding, Ken took out his phone and played a recording that An sang along to, vanishing her axe to perform even in the gusts of black magic.

“Don't categorize every single life, of those cast aside so easily by the white outline.”

“Having misplaced my textbooks somehow out there somewhere, with my knees all scraped I clasp my hands together!”

“Humans made to a narrow average, maintain a status quo of a buffer somehow or another.”

“A life of pure convenience is equivalent to death, into the backstreets I reach out my hands!”

“How many times is it that I've conceded? I want to be correct but I know that I am in the wrong...”

“Spit out that quivering voice within you. Can I break apart? Will I break apart? Will it be alright to allow things to change?”

“I really, hate it! Hate it! It's aw,fully, hated! Hate it! Hate it! I mean it every word I say!”

“I'll crawl back onto my feet once again! Licking my wounds without a thought, so come on and bring it on!”

“Hate it! Hate it! It's aw,fully, hated! Hate it, hate it, are you at all convinced just yet?!”

“Cross out all of those days full of regrets, now wield that vivid bad favor that's now in your hands!”

“Charging ahead I'm not bowing down nor will I kneel or dream of surrendering, the inside of my body is in your care in the unknown past and future.”

“This dog crouching on all fours, doesn't know when to give it up.”

“Hey, this is not how it should go on. Don't just laugh and settle for failure! I'm flipping the record! And my heart is burning brighter.”

“...How many times have you lied throughout your life? I want to be true to me, but I can't be honest through the lies.”

“The unbelievable is coming closer to be... Can I break apart? Will I break apart? It'll be alright if things are to change!”

“I really, hate it! Hate it! It's aw,fully, hated! Hate it! Hate it! I mean it every word I say!”

“I'll crawl back onto my feet once again! Licking my wounds without a thought, so come on and bring it on!”

“Hate it! Hate it! It's aw,fully, hated! Hate it! Hate it! Are you at all convinced just yet?!”

“Cross out all of those days full of regrets, now wield that vivid bad favor that's now in your hands!”

Zephia was shocked. An's singing was clearing away the darkness, illuminating the area with her own Performa. An smiled and finished her song.

“Immersed in my, stunning rich colors until this incomplete life, scatters and dies into these pieces of lies! Unstopping light, from this BPM light that's what has been waiting out there for me!”

The entire group that accompanied An applauded her, amazed at her performance.

“Way to go, An!” Ichika cheered.

Zephia was in utter shock. “What...? How can this be...?!”

“Top THAT, Zephia! Now give me Aunt Nagi's Performa!” An ordered, summoning her axe again. “Let's go, gang!”

Everyone banded together to fight Zephia. While the others immobilized her and kept her from fleeing, An did most of the hard work. Zephia's defense was not very good, so a full frontal assault was all it took from An to have her on the ground.

“Tch...! Little scum...!” Zephia was furious as An stood over her.

“Save it!” With that, An cut her blade through the Mirage one more time.

With a loud “AAAUUUUGHH!” Zephia vanished into nothing, leaving only a glowing sphere on the ground which An picked up.

“Nagi's Performa!” Tsukasa realized.

An hugged the sphere close. “You can rest easy now... Aunt Nagi...”

In a flash, the sphere vanished, disappearing into An's body, to her surprise.

“I suppose with Nagi gone, Nagi's Performa belongs to An now that An is commanding Saphir.” Ken guessed. “Don't abuse it, okay An?”

“You bet I won't.” An promised. “Thanks, Aunt Nagi... I'll make sure to put on the best event possible!”

-------------------------------------------------------

After Zephia was taken care of, the entire area back in Vivid Street returned to normal. Now that An was a Mirage Master, Ken allowed Maiko permission to take An into Sekai Entertainment.

“Just understand that if you plan to surpass RAD Weekend, you'll need help.” Maiko insisted. “So let me know if you find a good partner, okay?”

“Nah, I'm not giving up on finding a partner!” An promised. “And when I do find them, I'll know it, just like with Saphir!”

Saphir's voice spoke up from nearby. “Right, and make sure they've got your back like I do, okay?”

“Hehe, got it!” An laughed.

Ichika smiled. “It'll be hard work, but every life we save from Nagi's fate is a victory for us, right?”

“Yeah! And when all this Mirage drama ends, I'll put on the coolest event possible to celebrate! I'll promise you that!” An assured. “Man, I can hardly wait!”

Maiko spoke up. “That aside, I have another announcement to make.”

“What's up, Miss Maiko?” Saki asked.

Tsukasa grinned. “You guys remember how I used to perform at Phoenix Wonderland, right? Starting soon, I'll be resuming my post as a performer!”

…

“WHAAAAAAAT?”

Chapter Text

Saki was pumped. “Tsukasa, you're going back on the Wonder Stage?!”

“Yep! I'd like it if you girls joined me in heading back into show business in PXL in a few days!” Tsukasa announced.

Honami felt thrilled. “I'm so happy for you! So many people have been missing your shows, so this will be exciting for them!”

“Yeah! Especially Emu!” Saki remembered.

Shiho smiled at this memory. “Ah, yes. I can imagine her face even now.”

“Wonder Stage? Emu? What?” Ichika, however, was completely oblivious.

An was surprised. “You don't know what the Wonder Stage is? It's a stage set up in Phoenix Wonderland that puts on very intricate shows of all sorts!”

“Sorry... I don't usually go to Phoenix Wonderland.” Ichika admitted.

Honami blinked. “Ohhhh, right... You don't like thrill rides, right?”

“Not really.” Ichika answered.

Chrom's confused voice was heard. “Thrill rides...?”

“You know! Roller coasters and stuff like that.” Ichika explained. “That stuff gives me motion sickness...”

Saki smirked. “Fine, but we're living in a colliding world, Ichi! You're probably gonna have to face your fears sooner or later!”

“Fair point. The Idolaspheres we've been dealing with are very... Assorted.” Ichika admitted. “Many of them seem to be based on places in our world, in a very... Distorted way.”

Maiko was happy about Tsukasa's news. “I've been meaning to get him back in the industry for a bit, but I didn't expect him to rejoin us so soon. Sekai Entertainment and Phoenix Wonderland have been working together for some time, and that's how I got to know Tsukasa before he disappeared.”

“But, who's Emu?” Ichika asked, that name stuck in her head.

“She's a girl our age and attends our school!” Saki answered. “She's from the Otori family that owns Phoenix Wonderland and performs on the Wonder Stage!”

Tsukasa nodded. “Right! And since I also perform on the Wonder Stage, that makes her my co-star!”

“I see... I'm looking forward to seeing you on stage again, Tsukasa.” Ichika commented.

Tsukasa got an idea. “Hey! Would you guys like to join me when I head over to Phoenix Wonderland in a few days?”

“Heck yes! I can't wait to see Emu again, too!” Saki agreed immediately.

Shiho smiled. “Why not?”

“I can't wait!” Honami giggled.

-------------------------------------------------------

A few days later, Tsukasa took the entire gang through Phoenix Wonderland. They came across a path surrounded by greenery and they followed it, eventually coming to a stage with colorful backdrops.

“Ha! It hasn't changed! Emu and the mascots must have taken good care of it.” Tsukasa acknowledged.

“It's so isolated compared to the other stages here, but the plants are actually a good background.” Ichika noted. “Hm... Though it looks like no one's here.”

“Well, the park just opened, it'll be a bit before people start pouring in for the day.” An pointed out.

A mascot came and greeted them with a bow. “Welcome back, Tsukasa.”

“It's been a while!” Tsukasa greeted. “Um, where's Emu at?”

In response, the mascot gestured to the roof of the stage. There was a girl sitting on the roof.

“Emu!!” Tsukasa called, waving up at her.

A big smile appeared on her face, and the girl made one giant leap from the rooftop and landed right in front of the gang.

“WHEEEEEEEEEEE!”

Gracefully, she landed on her feet before pouncing on Tsukasa in a hug. “Tsukasaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

“Whoa! Emu!!” Tsukasa startled, falling over backwards with her still attached to him.

The girls burst out laughing as he managed to get back up.

Still, Emu continued to cling to Tsukasa. “You're back, I'm so happy! This is absolutely wonderhoy!”

Emu was shorter than Tsukasa, with short pink hair in a bob and matching pink eyes. She wore a colorful outfit with mostly pink and white.

Saki went to greet her. “Hi, Emu!”

Emu turned to Saki. “Saki! Hi hiiii!”

“Enthusiastic as ever I see.” Shiho noticed.

Emu let go of Tsukasa to meet the others. “I've seen you guys around school sometimes!”

“Right! My name's An, nice to meet you!” An introduced herself.

Saki nodded and gestured to Ichika. “You already know Honami, right? This is Ichika! The four of us make Leo/Need!”

“I remember! You're on TV now!” Emu commented. “I'm so glad things are getting better for you guys, and I'm also pumped that Tsukasa's back! I can't wait!”

That's when two older males appeared nearby.

“Emu, there you are.” One greeted. “I see you're enjoying having Tsukasa back.”

Emu was surprised. “You two knew he was coming?!”

“Yes, we didn't tell you because we wanted to surprise you.” The other revealed. “We have a few things to discuss with Tsukasa, why don't you and the mascots get the Wonder Stage ready and start figuring out your performance schedule?”

“You got it!” With that, Emu and her mascot bodyguard headed around the stage.

Tsukasa greeted the two males. “Shousuke, Keisuke! It's been a while.”

“Welcome back, Tsukasa.” Shousuke greeted.

Ichika was curious. “Um, who are you?”

“These are Emu's older brothers. That one is Shousuke, and that's Keisuke.” Tsukasa answered for them. “She has an older sister named Hinata too, Emu's the youngest.”

Keisuke greeted them. “I've seen you ladies on TV. You're Leo/Need, right? And that would make you...?”

“I'm An Shiraishi!” An greeted.

“I see... Are you all with Sekai Entertainment too?” Shousuke guessed.

Saki grinned. “Yep! An is our most recent member!”

“Does that mean... Tsukasa, are these girls Mirage Masters as well?” Keisuke asked.

Tsukasa nodded. “Yep! My sister and her friends saved me from a tight spot, so they have a lot of potential.”

“Wait, how do you know about that?” Shiho asked.

“Maiko often works with our family and certain staff in Phoenix Wonderland on Mirage-related matters.” Shousuke explained. “She let us in on the secret when Tsukasa disappeared, since losing him was a major loss to us as one of the stars of the Wonder Stage, the other one being Emu.”

Honami was surprised. “Oh! Does your whole family know about the Mirages?”

“Not quite. Emu's the only one that's still in the dark.” Keisuke answered.

“But... Why?” Saki asked.

Tsukasa turned to his sister. “Isn't it obvious? Emu's very childlike and innocent. We don't think someone like that should be let into something so dangerous. But, she does have the potential to be a Mirage Master, so she's part of Sekai Entertainment through Phoenix Wonderland so we can keep tabs on her.”

“Yep, she gets that from our grandfather. He had Performa a lot like hers.” Shousuke chuckled.

Keisuke nodded. “Yes, but she's more perceptive than she looks. I think she's become suspicious over time that something's up... Especially recently.”

“Recently? What's going on?” Ichika asked.

“Our father has been acting a little weird recently. He's been especially hostile towards Emu, and we can't figure out why.” Shousuke explained. “We're worried that Mirages are involved...”

“That's worrisome...” Tsukasa agreed. “She may not look it, but Emu is very sensitive when it comes to criticism.”

“It's not so much criticism anymore. It's more like... Complete disregard for her in general.” Keisuke explained. “So when she heard that Tsukasa is coming back to the Wonder Stage, it cheered her up quite a bit.”

“You don't think Mirages are involved, do you?” Saki asked.

“I hope not...” Shousuke admitted. “If one is behind Father's changes, we may not be able to keep this a secret from Emu.”

“That's understandable... How would Emu react to such a thing?” Honami agreed.

Shiho rolled her eyes. “Eh, she'd probably believe it immediately. She's a little... Too imaginative for her own good. She has the mind of an eight year old sometimes.”

“Everyone!!!”

Emu's voice interrupted the serious conversation and everyone turned as she ran over to them... Holding someone's hand on the way.

Keisuke recognized the man Emu was escorting. “Ah, Mr. Hatanaka.”

“Hello, you're Emu's brothers, right?” The man greeted before noticing the Leo/Need girls. “Oh, I remember you ladies. You were at the 106, right?”

“Uh, yeah! How are you, Mr. Hatanaka?” Ichika greeted.

“Perfectly well, thank you. Are you here for the Wonder Stage's shows? They are magnificent.” Yatsufusa Hatanaka answered.

Tsukasa spoke up. “These girls are performers from Sekai Entertainment, who are affiliated with Phoenix Wonderland. They decided to accompany me back here to the Wonder Stage now that I'm returning to performing.” He glanced at Emu and the mascot with her. “So Emu, what's on the schedule?”

“We have a show at around 10:30 AM today! How about we make that your return debut show?!” Emu announced. “We can even do that song and play you wrote! The one we didn't get to do before?”

Tsukasa grinned big. “Sounds like a plan! Let's get started!”

“Can we help?” Saki asked.

Emu's eyes sparkled. “Really?! You'll help with the setup?!”

“Why not?” An shrugged.

Emu was ecstatic. “Wonderhoy! Thank you!”

“Wonder what?” Shiho blinked.

Tsukasa was amused. “It's the catchphrase for the Wonder Stage! We use it as a greeting, as well as a term for excitement, or to say yes. It's basically a positive term Emu came up with for us.”

“Sweet! Lemme try! Ahem... Wonderhoy!” Saki called as loud as she could.

Ichika cringed. “Saki, tone it down!”

-------------------------------------------------------

The girls finished helping with the setup meant that everything was ready by the time 10:30 rolled around, so the girls decided to take their seats in the audience early to watch Tsukasa's performance.

Their favorite part was when Tsukasa, acting as the protagonist, performed a song he had written, “Tondemo Wonders”. Emu acted as his backup dancer, and the two were incredibly in sync.

“Everybody scatter! You remember me now? (Oh yeah!) Flying high, soaring high? I can't say yes to that yet.”

“All the sweets are disappearing from everyone's view! 'Do this and do that there!' That sounds like you don't you think, huh?”

“In this sort of magic era, we still continue to believe in wonders, you know, know, know, no? The adult's money making memories, they make us worry too much! I'm cross-eyed from my confusion~!”

“Dance, dance, that is just fine! Isn't that right?! This plot's purpose is to make everyone laugh! Rival, monster, call it what you want I don't care! We live in a wild, big and amazing wo-orld!”

“There are things that you can't do, and that is okay! I'll pose as if I will save everybody! Take a look at this smile! It will not crumble! No matter how much I fall, I'm a Phoenix that will fly!”

“Too quick for now one two three four it is showtime!”

“Come on now teacher! This exam is too tough! Agh! Are we done, finally? Getting no points is still okay!”

“Rain some arrows, on that silly true or false quiz! Right and wrong answers, are both important memories!”

“There are days when I fail, too! But still I just believe in wonders you know, know, know, no? Before I am torn into pieces, wait one sec! Society's too on edge here! So charge and leap in one more time~!”

“I love all successes and fails, that's alright, right? Should I sprinkle pepper everywhere to prank?”

“And that will make you laugh some more! Isn't that right? We're a wild, and totally awesome bu-unch!”

“Don't erase it yet? Come on! The future is now! I'll strike a pose that shows I'm with everybody! Take a look at this big smile! It's not gonna break down! Once I go and fly away I'll reach the other side!”

“Too quick for words now one two three four it is showtime!”

“...Charge in fly away now pick it up just one more time!”

“...Charge in fly away now pick it up just one more time! Three! Two! One! A mistake! Three! Two! One! Gah!”

“Ten more seconds until explosion?! Hold on one sec! Can we still stay together like the plan?”

“I'll borrow this final precious memory of mine. I won't erase happiness or failures after all!”

“I totes love this entire uni,verse around me! In this world I'll make everybody's gonna smile! Rival, monster, whatevs! We'll all be just fine! It's awesome, and wild is that not right?!”

“A hundred million more times, I'm gonna have fun! I strike a pose that's bound to make everyone laugh! Take a look at this great big smile! It'll never go out! No matter how much I fall, I'm a Phoenix and I'll fly!”

“Too quick for words now one two three four it is showtime! Too quick for words now one two three four it is showtime! Too quick for words now one two three four it is showtime!!!”

When the song ended, the entire audience went wild before intermission started.

“That was amazing!” Ichika gasped.

Saki smiled. “Right? Tsukasa's great! I've always loved his performing! Hehe!”

“His acting prowess isn't bad either. I'd say he might even rival Nightcord at 25:00.” Shiho figured.

An laughed. “Hehehe! Anyone that can rival them has to be a big deal!”

Soon, the stage lights came back on, and Honami turned to them. “Guys, it's continuing! Ssh!”

-------------------------------------------------------

The entire performance, the girls were engrossed in Tsukasa and Emu's acting. It was as if the story was happening right before their eyes.

When the play was over, the girls discussed in the audience about the play.

“Those two are amazing together!” Saki cheered. “I'm so glad Emu's still performing, she's amazing at it!”

“I agree. It's little wonder that Sekai Entertainment has its eye on her.” Shiho nodded.

Ichika smiled softly. “It'd be interesting if they were part of a theater troupe, wouldn't it?”

“A theater troupe? That'd be interesting, especially if it was a theater troupe specifically for the Wonder Stage like they do with some of the bigger stages here.” Honami agreed.

An was intrigued. “True, most of the stages in Phoenix Wonderland made their big hits with more formal plays and stuff, but the Wonder Stage is gaining popularity by putting on unique and surprising performances, sometimes even bringing the audience into the play. If they had a whole theater troupe, who knows what they could do?”

“Hehe, I know, right? That'd be sweet!”

A girl's voice startled them from nearby, turning to see a girl their age standing there with a mischievous grin. She wore cute clothes in pastel colors and had soft pink hair in a side ponytail with matching pink eyes.

“Hey... I think I've seen you around school before.” Ichika remembered.

The girl nodded. “Yep! I'm Mizuki Akiyama, nice to meet you! You're Leo/Need, right? I saw you on TV!”

“That's right! I'm Saki Tenma, this is Ichika, Shiho, and Honami! And this is our friend An!” Saki nodded.

Mizuki giggled. “Hehe, so you're Tsukasa's sister, huh? Performing must run in your family, eh?”

“Hmmm...” An was curiously staring at Mizuki. “Are you a performer too?”

“Eh, not really. But I am a major performer enthusiast.” Mizuki answered. “Why do you ask?”

“Oh, nothing. It's just that you look a little like a performer I know.” An explained.

“I get that a lot. I'd actually looooove to buy one of those professionally made costumes from that shop that big shots like Haruka go to for their outfits, I think I'd look like an actual celebrity if I wore something like that!” Mizuki commented. “They're very well made, but lemme tell you, that place is NOT cheap.”

Shiho nodded. “I know what you mean.”

That's when Emu called out. “Hi hiiii!”

The group turned to her to see her waving at them from behind the Wonder Stage.

“We gotta go, Emu's trying to get our attention.” Ichika told Mizuki.

“Okay, then! See you girls around!” Mizuki winked before skipping away.

Saki giggled. “Hehe, she's friendly!”

“Agreed... Even I thought she was a performer at first. Her Performa feels pretty strong.” Shiho agreed.

Honami blinked. “Huh... Now that you mention it, you're right. Why doesn't it feel dormant like Emu's though?”

Deciding not to worry about it, the girls went to meet Emu.

-------------------------------------------------------

Tsukasa's return made the news on TV when they returned to Sekai Entertainment with Haruka. Tsukasa still had some work to do at Phoenix Wonderland, so the girls returned ahead of him to see the news report.

“I'm so glad that only certain people can see Mirages. Though I heard some people at school thinking that they're actually terrorist attacks.” Haruka admitted.

An nodded. “Hah, I know, right? But given the situation, they're not far off.”

“Hmm...” Ichika was frowning.

“What's wrong, Ichi?” Saki asked.

“I'm worried about something. Emu's brothers told us that the owner of Phoenix Wonderland has been acting very critical of Emu.” Ichika said. “I did a little research, and apparently, several employees of the park have disappeared after receiving such criticism from the owner.”

An nodded. “I helped look into it too, and apparently, the owner didn't do stuff like this before. But as soon as he started personally criticizing people, those people would vanish. Sheesh, I hope that those people just quit their jobs instead of getting Mirage attacked...”

“Right, what if it happens to Emu?” Ichika nodded.

Saki sighed. “Yeah, let's hope it's just people quitting, but I doubt Emu would quit her passion because of that. She's a little stubborn that way.”

“...” Haruka sighed. “Maybe we'll have to tell Miss Maiko about this when she gets back. Actually, where's Honami? Anyone seen her?”

“She's in the Bloom Palace practicing. Emu asked her to perform a song for the Wonder Stage's next performance.” Saki explained.

“Why not go in and visit her?” Ichika asked.

The girls nodded in agreement and headed into the Bloom Palace to see Honami performing for the Vocaloids, a voice recorder on nearby as she played and sang to a music player.

The Leo/Need girls recognized the tune immediately. It was her song “Awaiting Clear Skies”.

“The breeze is clear, again, so-you must know, I'm a,waiting, clear-skies. Even though the self, that I, have found, breaks apart each-time, we se,parate.”

“I'm not get,ting sick, of this morning, I've-wait,ed-for, faintly. I'm-laughing-while cry,ing my, sad-tears, wanting very bad,ly-to, forget. Because-there-is no-end, to-this, eter,nal-curse, of sleepless painful nights.”

“I'm singing in, the mor,ning-glow, I-just-wish-to-leave, behind, the-past. There is one thing that I cannot, ever give-up, even without knowing”

“Why I am here... Even no-ow~ow~!”

“Since I do not have a dream, that I, will guard, for life, there are days, with no, answer. But that is just a kind,ness in, this life, correct? Ah-ah...”

“Since absolutely no,thing hurts, it's right, I think. I say, that so, someday, whe-en you'll be gone, away, from by, my side, ah-ah...”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

“Because-there-is no-end, to-this, eter,nal-curse, of sleepless painful nights. I'm singing in, the mor,ning-glow, I-just-wish-to-leave, behind, the-past.”

“There is one thing that I cannot, ever give-up, even without knowing”

“Why I am here... Even now-ow~ow~!”

“Still even lack,ing in, those use,less dreams, there are days, when I, would still, be waiting for you but, that is, a kind,ness right? Ah-ah...”

“Since absolutely no,thing hurts, at all, it's fine. I'll be, alright, I say. Someday when you'll be, away, from by, my side, ah-ah...”

“Since I do not have a dream, that I, will guard, for life, there are days, with no, answer. But that is just a kind,ness in, this life, correct? Ah-ah...”

“Since absolutely no,thing hurts, it's right, I think. I say, that so, someday, whe-en you'll be gone, away, from by, my side, ah-ah...”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

“Will I be living alone~ Oh-oh~”

When Honami finished her song recording, she was startled by her friends coming over to applaud her.

“Way to go, Hona!” Ichika cheered.

Honami blushed. “Thanks, everyone. I hope Emu likes it.”

Shiho nodded. “I agree... Though I also worry about Emu's mental health, given her father's behavior towards her.”

“Oh yeah... Good point. Even if Emu doesn't quit, she'll still take it all pretty hard.” Ichika agreed. “Tsukasa said Emu is sensitive about criticism.”

Honami blinked. “What's this about Emu quitting?”

-------------------------------------------------------

After telling Honami their suspicions, even the Mirages in the palace seemed worried.

“I've seen Emu in action before thanks to Miku and the others, and I can tell she's really talented...” Tiki agreed. “It'd be a shame if she quit because of her father. I'd love to meet her!”

Len frowned. “Yeah... But why'd her dad change so suddenly? This sounds like Mirage drama to me.”

Rin nodded. “Yeah! Especially since Emu and Tsukasa saved the Wonder Stage!”

“They saved it? What do you mean?” Haruka asked.

Luka explained. “Emu's grandfather was the founder of the Wonder Stage, you see. When he died, the Wonder Stage started losing steam. When Emu found out it would be torn down because maintenance costs were too high, she started looking for people to perform with her there to have the stage make a profit so it wouldn't get torn down. Around the same time, Tsukasa had been preparing to audition for a role as a performer at the park.”

“Oh, I know this story! Tsukasa told me about it!” Saki remembered. “Tsukasa failed his initial audition, but Emu noticed him and personally requested that he be assigned to the Wonder Stage in spite of that! They've been working together ever since to keep the Wonder Stage going by putting on unique performances!”

Ichika was surprised. “Tsukasa was let in despite failing his audition? And Emu's dad was willing to give the stage a second chance despite the maintenance costs being high?”

“This... Definitely doesn't match with the more recent info we've gotten about Emu's dad.” An admitted. “Are we really talking about the same person?”

A moment of silence, before Tiki turned to Ichika with a worried look. “Big Sister, can I ask you something?”

“What's up, Tiki?”

“Do you think you could head back to Phoenix Wonderland and check on Emu? Something about all this just makes me feel off, and I'm worried about her and Tsukasa.”

Honami checked her watch. “If we hurry over, we might catch another one of their performances, too.”

Haruka smiled. “We can deliver your recording, too. It's a win-win.”

“Then it's settled! Come on!” Saki insisted.

-------------------------------------------------------

When the girls returned to the Wonder Stage, they immediately spotted Tsukasa sitting among the audience.

“Tsukasa!” Saki called, getting his attention.

He turned. “Ah, girls! Here, come sit with me!”

The girls took seats next to him and Tsukasa immediately asked, “What are you guys doing back here?”

“We wanted to check in and see how you're doing and deliver my song recording.” Honami answered for them. “That said, what are you doing in the audience?”

“Oh, I don't have a part in this show, so I'm just watching.” Tsukasa answered. “Sometimes, it's interesting to see things from an audience's perspective.”

An looked around. “Is Emu here?”

“She's in the show with the mascots, though it seems the performance is... A little delayed.” Tsukasa realized, checking the time. “Seriously, how long does he plan on keeping her?”

“Who?” Ichika asked.

Tsukasa frowned. “Emu's dad showed up and started lecturing Emu on her lack of maturity and stuff, trying to get her and I to quit the Wonder Stage and move to one of the larger stages instead.”

“That's not good... Will Emu be alright in there?” Shiho asked.

“Yeah, she can deal with it. She's too attached to the Wonder Stage to give it up.” Tsukasa assured. “But that said, I can't help but worry about her...”

“We were worried too. Tiki asked us to come check up on things.” Ichika explained. “We heard about the various employees in the park disappearing after receiving harsh criticism from the owner, so we came out of fear of Emu doing the same.”

“I already know about that. It's the reason I came back here so early in the first place.” Tsukasa revealed. “I was thinking resuming my post would help in my investigation.”

“Oh, so that's how it is.” Saki noted. “Did you find anything yet?”

“Well... Ferdinand apparently sensed a disturbance in the owner's Performa. My best guess is it's a Mirage's work.” Tsukasa explained. “so I've been trying to find a good time to expose and defeat it, but I haven't had the opportunity. I'm worried that the Mirages' true target is Emu...”

Haruka immediately felt worried. “And Emu doesn't know about the Mirages, right? That's bad news if the Mirages are after her.”

Suddenly, the lights on stage started turning on.

“Oh, Emu's about to sing.” Tsukasa realized. “Sshh!”

Sure enough, Emu walked out onstage, dressed in a cybernetic-style outfit, starting an energetic dance as the music began.

“What song is this?” Ichika asked.

“I think it's called 'Dance Robot Dance'. Emu wrote it.” Tsukasa answered.

Just then, Emu began to sing.

“Dance! The smooth and flexible stepping is initiated by the new program! You! Are you out of breath yet, are you? That is so very inefficient of you! To robot dance!”

“Lock! Exchanging looks eye to eye now, now that we are in a hyperspace battlefield! Ai! My thoughts are all confused now, my heart is racing too fast for words that are already input now!”

“Up! Side! Upside down! Up side down side up and down! Left! Side! Left side right! Left side up down you and me!”

“My heart soaring high in a huge mo-otion! Never stops resonating with your own heartbeat!”

“I want to know more than what is programmed into me! About this! About that! Spend more time with me, please!”

“(Dance, robot now dance!) Are you here? (Dance, robot now dance!) Not yet you say? (Dance, robot now dance!) Are you here? (Dance, robot now dance!) Wait a sec!”

“One! A robot cannot harm a human being. Two! A robot must obey the human's words! Three! A robot must protect its existence! Four! A robot cannot excite any human!”

“Punk! My unsteady motions are beyond the power of any program! Ai! My vision gets blurred now, can I recover my sight I'm thinking now!”

“Up! Side! Upside down! Up side down side up and down! Left! Side! Left side right! Left side up down you and me!”

“My heart soaring high in a huge mo-otion! Never reaching out no matter how I try! I don't know this nor do I ever really need! What breathing! Or warmth means! Could you teach me, I plead!”

“Love is like a program bugging in my heart! But I want my heart to connect with, with you-ours! This is the single thing that you and I share within us, sorry to! Bother you! But teach me more I beg you!”

“(Dance, robot now dance!) Are you here? (Dance, robot now dance!) Not yet you say? (Dance, robot now dance!) Are you here? (Dance, robot now dance!) I'm here now!”

As the song ended, everyone in the audience applauded, the curtains shutting.

“Emu's voice is sooooooo good!” Saki giggled.

Ichika nodded. “No kidding!”

The only one that wasn't clapping was Tsukasa. In fact, he was frowning deeply.

“Something isn't right.” With that, he stood up and raced behind the stage, the girls trailing behind.

They got behind the stage just in time to see a shadowy figure entering without opening the doors.

“A Mirage?!” Ichika realized.

Tsukasa pointed nearby. “There!”

A man stood among the trees, with the same appearance as others possessed by Mirages, before darkness started covering the area.

“The sky!” Saki realized. “Is the park under attack?!”

“Seems like it!” Haruka realized. “How come we didn't notice earlier?!”

“Emu's Performa must have repelled it while she was performing onstage.” Tsukasa explained. “Some Performa does that, it can repel and purify dark forces just through performing arts. Emu's must be one of them.”

“That's amazing!” An exclaimed.

“EEEEEEEEEEKKK!”

Emu's scream startled them before the door to the backstage area of the Wonder Stage exploded open and Emu ran out, the Mirage from before hot on her heels.

Tsukasa, acting quickly, raised his hand. “Ferdinand!”

Sure enough, his partner teleported into his hand in the form of a lance and Tsukasa sped forward, hitting the Mirage away.

Emu was shocked. “Eh? Tsukasa?!”

“Are you okay, Emu?” Ichika asked, in her own Carnage Form.

Emu blinked. “Ichika? You changed your hair?”

“Oh, uhh... Sort of?”

Haruka's voice got their attention. “Save it, girls!” She was in her Carnage Form fighting off several other Mirages along with Shiho, Honami, and Saki.

“What's going on?!” Emu blurted as the man came into view. “Dad?!”

It was Emu's father.

“That's not your dad, Emu! That's someone that's been possessed by a Mirage!” Saki blurted.

Emu looked like a confused dog. “Eh???”

Emu's dad spoke, though a womanly voice was heard over his. “Pesky Performa... You never submit!”

“Who are you?” Ichika asked defensively.

In response, a Mirage appeared behind Emu's father, a red humanoid Mirage that was perched on an armored dragon shape, carrying an axe.

“A Dragon Tamer Mirage...” Shiho realized.

“A Dragon Tamer?” Saki repeated.

Shiho nodded. “Yes, it's a flying class of Mirage that's extremely dangerous. They're not as agile as Pegasus or Falcon Knights, but they hit harder.”

“And that one's possessing Emu's dad!” Tsukasa realized.

“Stop it! Stop iiiiit!!!” Emu stood up and raised her voice. “DAD!”

The Mirage and Emu's dad turned in her direction.

“Not sure that was the best idea...!” An said to her.

Emu glared. “I don't care! I have to save Dad!”

The Mirage spoke. “Huh?”

Emu took a few steps closer and the Mirage spoke again. “Rakunosuke?”

Emu stopped, surprised. “Eh?”

“No... No... I must... Do... My mission!”

With that, the Mirage flew herself and Emu's dad away from the Wonder Stage.

“Hey! Wait!” Emu yelled, running after them as fast as she could.

Tsukasa yelled at her. “Emu, wait!”

“Come on!” Ichika insisted, leading the group after her.

They arrived just in time to see Emu's father disappear through another portal that wasn't there before, just outside the path to the Wonder Stage. Seeing Emu about to enter, Shiho summoned her motorcycle and drove up to Emu, stopping her just in time.

“Whoa there, where do you think you're going?!” Shiho asked.

Emu was startled. “Shiho, what are you doing?! I gotta get to my dad!”

“Emu, hold up!” Tsukasa yelled, running up to her. “You shouldn't run into an Idolasphere on your own!”

Emu turned to him. “Idolasphere?”

That's when Emu's brothers arrived.

“What happened?!” Keisuke asked.

“A Mirage possessed the owner, they went into this Idolasphere!” Ichika reported. “Emu's trying to follow him.”

Honami caught her breath. “Emu, please! Let us handle this...”

“No! I need to save Dad!” Emu insisted. “I don't know what's going on, but I gotta do something!”

“Emu...” Shousuke sighed.

Emu quickly grew confused again. “Hey wait... How come you two aren't freaked out at Tsukasa and the others looking different? Do you know what's going on?”

“...” Nobody answered her.

An sighed. “Guess the cat's out of the bag.”

“You think we should tell her?” Honami asked.

Haruka huffed. “Well, it's Emu's dad that's involved. Also, that Mirage seemed to have a connection to Emu's family.”

“Why's that?” Saki asked. “Do you mean that name she mentioned? Rakunosuke?”

“The Mirage mentioned our grandfather?” Keisuke asked.

Ichika blinked. “Your grandfather?”

Emu nodded. “Yeah! Rakunosuke was my grandpa's name! So how did that thing know him?”

“We don't know...” Shousuke admitted. “Unless...”

Tsukasa realized what they were thinking. “You don't think... Your grandfather was a Mirage Master too?”

“Mirage Master?” Emu asked. “What's all this about Mirages? They look real to me.”

“Not... That kind of Mirage, Emu.” An corrected. “Come on guys, we should just tell her.”

“Alright, alright... Emu, this will be a shocker, so bear with me.” Tsukasa decided.

-------------------------------------------------------

After telling Emu about the Mirages, she took a moment to process everything.

“So you guys are performers... But also protectors of humanity?” Emu asked. “Sounds like something out of a play...”

“Yes, it's weird... But it's the truth.” Haruka insisted. “You have to believe us!”

Emu beamed. “Oh, don't worry! I believe you guys!”

“...You do?!” Ichika asked, surprised. “Just like that?!”

Shiho smiled, exasperated. “Haha, that's Emu alright.”

“I mean... I saw a Mirage take my dad, so...” Emu pointed out. “Your story actually explains a lot of things. Plus, I'm not one to doubt an unusual story!”

Keisuke sighed. “Unfortunately, we can't figure out why that Mirage mistook you for our grandfather.”

“Um... Maybe that Mirage had some sort of connection to Grandpa?” Emu guessed.

“True... My dad was a Mirage Master once along with Aunt Nagi and Uncle Taiga. Mirages have been popping in for a long time now, so I wouldn't be surprised if your grandpa was a Mirage Master too.” An agreed. “Maybe he lost his Mirage partner somehow and that Mirage is his partner?”

“That would actually make a lot of sense. Mirages don't seem to sense things in the traditional sense, they track people through their Performa.” Tsukasa explained. “Keisuke and Shousuke mentioned that Emu's Performa is very similar to their grandfather's, so if that Mirage is mistaking Emu for him, then the Mirage must have had a connection to him.”

Saki got an idea. “There's only one way to find out! Emu, would you mind coming with us into the Idolasphere and help us save your dad?”

“Saki!” Ichika blurted, alarmed. “We can't take her with us, it's too dangerous!”

Emu raised her voice. “Of course I'll go!”

Everyone turned to Emu, seeing the seriousness on her face.

“I may not have a Mirage partner... But this is my dad! I gotta help him! Plus, maybe that Mirage was forced to be someone they don't wanna be! If that's the case, then that Mirage is someone that's in trouble too, and needs help!”

A moment of quiet, before Shiho sighed. “Not like we can stop her. Once Emu decides on something, she'll do whatever she wants.”

“Good point.” Honami realized. “Alright Emu, you can come. But you have to make sure you don't wander off, okay?”

“Hai!” Emu promised, doing a salute.

-------------------------------------------------------

Upon entering the Idolasphere, Tsukasa held Emu's hand while they navigated their new surroundings, which looked like a haunted fair ground.

“Where do you guys think we should look?” Saki asked. “This place is huge...”

Emu spoke up. “Why not start at the ferris wheel ahead? We can ride it and get a good view from the top.”

“Fair point.” Ichika agreed before pausing. “Wait a minute.”

“What's the matter?” Haruka asked.

Chrom appeared next to Ichika. “I sense it too. That Mirage.”

“The one possessing Emu's dad?” Tsukasa asked.

“Dad!” Emu let go of Tsukasa in response and started running towards the ferris wheel.

“Emu, wait!” Saki yelled as they ran after her.

They arrived just in time to see Emu confronting her possessed father, the Mirage flying over him.

“Dad!” Emu yelled, trying to get her father's attention. “Dad, it's me! Emu! Come on, wake up!”

“Emu!” Ichika called as the others caught up. “Don't run off like that!”

The Dragon Tamer Mirage was staring at Emu. “Who... Why...”

“Hey... Who are you?” Tsukasa asked the Mirage, suspicious.

The Mirage didn't answer, instead opting to attack them. Flying at top speeds, it raised its axe and flew down towards Emu.

Frightened, Emu braced herself by raising her arms, before a burst of light erupted from her body, repelling the attacker. Emu's Performa.

That light caused Emu's father to blink.

“Emu?”

“Dad!!!” Emu yelled.

The Mirage was backing away. “Rakunosuke? No, can't be... That voice isn't his...”

An idea hit Tsukasa. “Emu, sing! Try to get your dad and the Mirage's attention!”

Emu nodded and sang her heart out. She sang the same song she did at the Wonder Stage before.

This served as the perfect distraction for the others, allowing Ichika to sever the bonds between the Mirage and Emu's father. While Honami was treating Emu's dad and returning him to the real world, the others battled the Mirage.

Ichika and Haruka kept the Mirage's attention on themselves, while Saki kept their foe from flying away. Tsukasa and Shiho's speed allowed them to combat their foe from close up, and An's strength kept Emu safe.

It was a tough battle, but they won.

When it was safe to approach, Emu walked up to the tired Mirage and touched it, still glowing.

In response, the light from her body consumed the Mirage, purifying it.

“Whoa...! So that's what Performa can do!” Emu giggled.

Shiho smiled. “Pretty impressive, huh?”

“What... Happened...”

Emu leaned over as the Mirage looked up at her. “Hey! Are you alright?”

“Rakunosuke...? No wait... You're a girl.” The Mirage realized.

Emu shook her head. “Actually, my name's Emu. See, Rakunosuke was my grandfather!”

“I see...” The Mirage started to get back up. “That light in you is much like his. It amazes me.”

“You knew my grandpa?” Emu asked.

“Of course. He and I worked together, before he retired.” The Mirage responded, looking down. “I do apologize. I didn't think I could become corrupted again after my release from duty. I regret any distress I have caused.”

Tsukasa smiled. “The point is you're okay now.”

“Yeah! Any friend of Grandpa is a friend of mine.” Emu assured.

The Mirage nodded. “Thank you. That said, is he here? It's been some time.”

Emu's smile fell. “...No. Grandpa... He died a while ago.”

“I see... Apologies. I didn't mean to hurt you.” The Mirage sighed. “But you remind me very much of him.”

“Well... Grandpa taught me a lot of things. In a way, I'm who I am now because of him.” Emu pointed out. “If you're Grandpa's friend, then maybe you and I could be friends too?”

“You could do one better, Emu. Since you purified this Mirage, you two have a connection now, so the Mirage can become your partner and allow you to be a Mirage Master.” Tsukasa pointed out.

Emu's eyes widened. “You mean... I could fight alongside you guys?”

“Yep!” Saki nodded.

Emu grew excited. “That... That'd be great! What do you say?!”

The Mirage seemed to be considering it, when a voice interrupted.

“MINERVA!!!”

The Dragon Tamer froze, startled.

“Minerva?” Emu repeated, confused.

The Mirage turned to her. “That's my name, Minerva.”

Sure enough, a creepy new Mirage appeared nearby behind Minerva, to everyone's surprise. It was an armored Mirage that had bad written all over him.

“Who are you?!” Honami asked.

Minerva sounded serious. “Joil. He's the one leading this attack.”

“Minerva, you traitor. You'd betray your own kind for this pathetic little girl?!” Joil asked, furious.

Emu didn't take this well. “Hey! We're serious!”

Irritated, Joil threw a lance at Emu, though Minerva swung her axe and deflected it.

“I have no intention of causing further harm.”

When Joil tried to attack Minerva, that's when Emu merged with her.

As soon as Emu changed, her hair grew past her shoulders and was straighter. She had fuchsia hair clips with a mechanical halo over her head. Her outfit was a cybernetic dark colored coat with fuchsia touches, a holster was on her leg, and she wore tall socks over her boots. She rode a mechanical dragon that had rockets on the wings instead of flapping them, flying like a jet, and her weapon was a hammer bigger than her head.

“Hiyah!” Emu spurred on her mount into the air before jumping off and hammering her foe on the head and then flipping back onto her mount.

Saki joined Emu in the air and the group got ready to fight back.

-------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to Emu's incredible power, they won against Joil. Emu's hammer turned out to be VERY powerful against heavy armor, so he posed little threat with Emu's help.

Emu dealt the final blow by bashing his head with her hammer.

“BAM!” Emu yelled before landing back on her mount again and flying away.

As the Mirage collapsed with a loud “AAAAAUUUUGGGHHH”, the entire group caught their breath, Emu and Saki returning to the ground.

As soon as the coast was clear, Saki pounced on Emu. “EMUUUU!”

Emu accepted the hug, laughing out loud. “That was so cool!”

“You're a natural, Emu!” Ichika cheered.

When Minerva reappeared next to Emu, the pink-haired girl turned to her. “So this is what you helped Grandpa do?! He must have been super strong!”

“He was, but I find that I enjoy fighting with you even more.” Minerva commented. “You take after him quite a bit.”

“Well, he did have a pretty big impact on Emu's life.” Tsukasa noted. “It's not surprising.”

Emu turned to Minerva. “Minerva, I know we just met, but would you mind helping me fight alongside Tsukasa and the others from now on?”

Ichika blinked in surprise. “Emu, are you sure?”

“I'm sure! If you guys are gonna get into danger, I wanna help!” Emu insisted. “Plus, there might be others out there willing to help us, too! I wanna see if I can find them!”

Tsukasa thought for a moment. Finally, he smiled. “Well, Emu does have an eye for people's talents, and that's coming from me. If we had her perspective, we could definitely find some other performers willing to help us both on stage and on the battlefield.”

“Really?! I can help?!” Emu asked.

“I'll talk to everyone about it, okay?” Tsukasa assured.

“Wonderhoy!!!” Emu shouted, excited.

Saki giggled and finally said, “Okay, everyone! Let's all go home!”

Chapter Text

After the incident in Phoenix Wonderland, all the people that vanished returned. Minerva's help allowed them to find all the missing staff in the Idolasphere.

A few days later, Maiko told them that everyone they rescued were recovering nicely, including Emu's father.

“That's a relief... They must not have been imprisoned for that long.” Tsukasa realized.

An nodded. “Yeah, that Mirage didn't seem very smart. I wouldn't be surprised if he just acted on a whim.”

Maiko nodded. “Yes, but it was a strong one. If it weren't for Emu, your battle might have been harder.”

“True, we need to recruit more members and get stronger.” Ichika agreed.

“Right, we gotta take these threats seriously.” Honami agreed.

Maiko smiled. “Which is exactly why I've recruited a new ally that can help you guys improve your skills in combat.”

“Really? Who?” Saki asked.

“You might recognize her, Saki. She's in the Bloom Palace right now.” Maiko promised, winking.

Emu's eyes widened. “Come on, I wanna see her!”

“Let's go.” Shiho agreed, leading the way into the Bloom Palace.

Upon entering, they were immediately greeted by the sound of a voice singing a song.

“What a voice...” Honami managed. “I wonder who that is. It doesn't sound like Tiki or the Vocaloids.”

Right on cue, Tiki flew up. “Big Sister!”

“Tiki!” Ichika greeted. “Who is that singing? It's amazing!”

“We were told a new coach was waiting for us in here!” Saki added.

Tiki nodded. “She is! You'll love her, trust me. Follow me!” She gestured them to follow her into the Palace.

Further ahead, they found a girl singing to the Mirages ahead. Like Emu, she had bold pink hair and pink eyes. Her hair was darker colored and longer than Emu's, mostly straight and messy with a pair of pigtails on either side of her head. She was wearing a sweater over her school uniform.

“Airi! Look who's here!” Tiki called.

The girl stopped singing and turned to Tiki and the others. “Oh! I was waiting for you guys!”

Saki froze. “W-w-w-w-whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!”

“Saki, what's up?” Ichika asked.

Saki could hardly believe it. “No way... Are you... Airi?! Airi Momoi?!”

“That's me!” The girl nodded. “You know me?”

“Yes! I used to watch your reality shows all the time!” Saki blurted.

Ichika was confused. “Airi Momoi?”

“She's from the former idol group QT, but they disbanded after she quit.” Shiho explained. “But... Is she returning as an idol?”

“I sure have!” Airi answered. “I recently joined Sekai Entertainment as an upcoming idol, you see. I even had a concert!”

“Woooooow! I remember seeing you on TV!” Emu exclaimed. “I didn't think that I'd be seeing you back in show business again!”

Airi smirked. “Heh, you must be Emu, right? I've seen you at the Wonder Stage!”

Haruka was overjoyed. “So you know all of us? It's been a while, Airi.”

“You've worked with her before?” Honami asked Haruka.

Airi nodded. “Yeah, we met a while ago and have kept in touch since. She's the one that introduced me to Miss Maiko, you see!”

Saki was excited. “You're amazing, Airi! I missed you so much when you quit!”

“Ah, you heard of that?” Airi asked.

“Yeah! Your reason for leaving was never made public, so I've always wanted to know!”

Airi sighed. “Ah, of course you'd want to know.”

“Miss Maiko told us you were going to be our instructor.” Shiho spoke, deciding to change the subject.

Airi nodded. “Yep!”

“Does that mean you're a Mirage Master too, Airi?” Ichika asked.

“Yep! Hey Edelgard, come over here!” Airi called out.

An elegantly armored Mirage walked over and spoke in a female voice. “So you are also members of Sekai Entertainment? So that means you'll be working with Airi.”

“Um, are you Airi's Mirage?” Ichika asked.

Tsukasa was examining the Mirage carefully. “That's a tough looking Mirage there. What class is she?”

“This is Edelgard, she's an Emperor Mirage.” Airi explained. “I met her after I quit QT.”

Edelgard performed a bow in response.

“Whoa...! So cool!” Emu's eyes sparkled. “Nice to meet you, Edelgard!”

“It's an honor. I hope you can work well with Airi, unlike her previous helpers.”

Saki blinked. “Eh?”

“I'll tell you it all later. If you do well during training, I'll show and tell you some cool things!” Airi promised. “Tiki, care to open the training area?”

“Of course!” Tiki nodded, opening a new gateway in the Bloom Palace.

Airi led the way in, with the others following her.

As soon as they were in, Airi turned around to face them. “Alright, lesson one! Edelgard!”

As soon as her axe was in her hand, Airi changed form.

Airi's Carnage Form was a dark colored dress with rose patterns on the lower layer of the skirt, puffed sleeves, gloves with cuffs, black boots, and raspberry colored tights. Her hair was up in a short style pinned to her head and partially done in a braid around the back of her head, and she wore a small bowler hat on the side of her head.

“Okay, I hope you're ready! Because I won't go easy on you guys!”

-------------------------------------------------------

A few hours of training later...

The group stopped to take a breath after Airi's training regimen in the Bloom Palace.

“Phew! That was exhausting!” Saki sighed. “But way worth it, right?”

“No kidding. The fact that Airi can work so well with that axe really says something about Edelgard's power.” Ichika sighed.

Airi smirked. “I'm impressed! Not a lot of folks can keep up with me like that.”

“That was fruitful training alright...” Honami agreed.

Shiho nodded. “I agree.”

After catching their breath, Airi took her phone out and started looking something up.

“What are you doing?” An asked.

“I promised that I'd show and tell you some cool things if you did well in training, right?” Airi reminded. “Aha, found it! The video of my concert performance!”

Saki remembered something. “So Airi, why'd you quit QT? Was it Mirage related?”

“Oh, no no no no no! I didn't even know Mirages were a thing when I quit QT!” Airi laughed. “I only learned about that after I met Edelgard and purified her, you can thank Haruka for that.”

Honami was curious. “So why'd you quit?”

“Well...” Airi's expression fell. “I initially joined QT because of my dream of being an idol that can spread hope to people. But my agency had different plans, you see. I started getting requests to go on reality shows and the like early on, and I accepted only to try to spread the word about QT and such. But over time, people started putting me in more and more reality shows and less idol activity like I wanted.”

“One day, I happened to overhear my agency saying they wanted me to switch completely to being a TV star instead of being an idol. They didn't listen to me at all... I tried switching agencies after that, but they did the same thing. So... I quit and gave up.”

Saki felt awful. “Oh...”

“So they completely disregarded your dream for the sake of money? That's horrible!” An complained.

Airi nodded. “Yeah, but Haruka introduced me to Miss Maiko, who acknowledged my dream and decided to debut me as a separate idol. Though... She said that if we get any more idols contracted with Sekai Entertainment, we might, just might, form an idol group with Haruka and me.”

“Really?! That sounds cool!” Tsukasa said. “So what are you showing us?”

Airi smirked. “My debut concert video! Watch!” She pressed play.

Immediately, it showed Airi appearing on stage, dancing to the music in an adorable outfit. The entire audience was going nuts, so it was a miracle they could hear the music.

“What song is this?” An asked.

Haruka smiled. “It's Airi's debut song, 'Icedrop'.”

Airi shushed them as her video self started to sing.

“Since when ha-ave I, felt unsatisfied? I get hurt all the time because the days are like this. I can't step forward right away, I still can't see who I really am.”

“Even memories of the past, are merely just thousand-old tales. I take a deep breath, as I dive into the deep blue sea. The season full ambiguity, is leaving along with me. I need to see the cool scenery, that I saw from the great distance.”

“Ooh! That cool voice of yours! Drenches itself all over my heart! Tangled up and, captivated! We sing, our unchanging love once more! You, not letting go of, my hands becomes a rule of mine!”

“It's a heart that will melt away. Passing through that last page. That one and only magic that will turn this big world around!”

“I just, wanted to run away, for there's no point in comparison. I dive deeper in, passing in the darkness of night. I will be here, waiting... Inside my blooming dream... I go and reach out my hand...”

“This is not far from a delusion, because you're here right next to me. To this im,pulsive clinging I say, no thank you I just don't need that.”

“Ooh. If it is with you, I can reach the end without falling down. You laughed at me, even-though our hands, still hold...”

“Ooh! Upon this planet! I fall in love without sleeping! I longed for this, hesitated. To do, but from now on, I'll go on!”

“You! If it is for you, I'll dive in without hesitating! It's a, start to something ne-ew... Will light up any dark path... Turning the world 'round every day, I once longed for you each day. I know the one only magic that can change the whole world!”

A final moment of music and dancing, and the crowd went wild as the video finished. The entire group applauded.

“Not bad! I like it!” Tsukasa cheered.

Airi grinned. “Thanks, guys!”

The only one not clapping was Shiho, and Saki took notice.

“Shiho? What's up?”

Shiho was staring at her phone, frowning at something.

Ichika raised her voice a little bit after noticing. “Shiho? Shiho!”

“Earth to Shiho, do you read me?” Airi droned in the same way Shiho would.

“Huh? Oh, sorry guys.” Shiho finally snapped out of her trance and looked up.

“What's the matter? You look more serious than usual.” Haruka asked.

Shiho wordlessly turned her phone screen for everyone to see the news article she had been reading. The front headline said this:

“Famous Lead Singer of Cheerful*Days Drops Out of Show Business!”

Saki's eyes widened. “Whaaaaaaaat?!”

“Isn't Cheerful*Days that famous idol group that your older sister is in?” Honami asked.

Shiho nodded. “Yes. In fact, she's the lead singer.”

“Huh? You have a sister?” Airi asked.

Haruka was curious. “This is the first I've heard of it. Though now that I think about it, the lead singer of Cheerful*Days has the same surname as Shiho. I just thought it was a coincidence though.”

“Yes, my older sister's name is Shizuku.” Shiho explained. “I don't talk about her that much because she dotes on me a lot, but also because she's in the idol business, and I want to build up retinue by myself, without feeding off my sister's status.”

Airi smiled. “Hey, I know Shizuku! Shizuku Hinomori, right?”

“You met her?” Ichika asked.

“Yeah, QT did a collaboration with Cheerful*Days one time, that's how we met!” Airi said. “We've kept in touch ever since! She told me she has the most adorable little sister, but I didn't think she was talking about you!”

Shiho was embarrassed. “Well... She's honestly the only person I know that refers to me as 'cute' or 'adorable'.”

Haruka nodded. “She said the same to me as well, when Cheerful*Days did a collaboration with ASRUN when I was still in the group.”

Emu's eyes sparkled. “That's so cool, Shiho! Your sister's a big time idol?!”

“But then... Why'd she quit?” Tsukasa asked. “Shizuku Hinomori is famous for being a skilled idol and model, so why would she just drop out of show business like that?”

Ichika grew worried. “You don't think Mirages are behind this, do you?”

“I'm not sure. The article doesn't give an exact answer why she quit.” Shiho admitted. “It just says that she's retiring due to some issues within her group.”

“Issues?” Saki repeated. “Like what?”

“I'm not sure. I don't get to see my sister that much due to her tight schedule, so I never noticed anything off about her.” Shiho answered.

Airi frowned at her phone. “Weird. She never told me anything like this. Why wouldn't she tell me she's dropping out?”

“Maybe she thinks you'll think bad of her if you found out she quit?” Emu suggested. “I heard lots of people don't quit their jobs for fear of disappointing others.”

“Emu may be right...” An agreed. “But still, the fact that Shizuku would drop out just like that has me worried. What if Mirages are behind it?”

“An's right.” Honami agreed. “Shiho, when does the article say that Shizuku will be stopping?”

“The day after tomorrow, she's probably coming home then if she's quitting.” Shiho guessed.

Haruka grew serious. “In that case, could you talk to Shizuku when she gets home? See if you can wring some answers out of her? We need to see if Mirages really are the reason behind her quitting.”

Shiho was worried. “I don't know... I doubt she'll want to talk about it.”

“But she adores you, Shiho! If anyone can get some answers out of her, it's you!” Saki insisted.

After a moment of contemplation, Shiho gave in. “Alright... I'll talk to her.”

-------------------------------------------------------

A few days later, Shiho was practicing in her living room with her bass when the door to the house swung open.

“I'm home!”

In stepped a beautiful young lady who had long soft blue hair and matching eyes along with a mole on her face, slightly older than Shiho. It was Shizuku.

“Oh, Shiho! How's my beloved sister doing? I heard you and your friends joined Sekai Entertainment as a band!” Shizuku greeted.

Shiho stood up and left her bass on the couch. “Shizuku.”

“Oh come on, where's that smile?” Shizuku asked.

Shiho rolled her eyes in response. “Glad you're home. Can we talk?”

“Hm? About what?”

Instead of answering, Shiho grabbed her sister's arm and guided her to Shiho's room, shutting the door.

“What's the matter, Shiho? You look serious.” Shizuku asked.

“Of course I'm serious.” Shiho rolled her eyes. “But I need to talk to you because of some recent development.”

“Okay...?” Shizuku asked.

Shiho took a deep breath before talking. “I heard you quit being an idol. Is that true?”

Shizuku's eyes widened. “How did you...?”

“Found a news article on it. Everyone at Sekai Entertainment was pretty shocked.” Shiho answered. “Haruka and Airi are especially worried about you.”

Shizuku grew nervous. “I was hoping they wouldn't find out...”

“Shizuku, you're famous now. Your every move is on the media.” Shiho reminded. “They were, of course, going to find out eventually. They asked me to talk to you about it.”

“Why?” Shizuku asked.

Shiho sighed. “Because they're worried. You were doing really well as a member of Cheerful*Days, but out of nowhere you decided to quit. Why is that?”

“Is... Is that all?” Shizuku asked. “I guess I... Simply wanted to try experiencing life as a normal girl for a change.”

Shiho crossed her arms. “That can't be all.”

“Well...” Shizuku was clearly uncomfortable.

Shiho took notice. “Ugh... Fine. If you don't want to talk, then don't talk. Just understand that I'm trying to understand what's going on. I'm here to help you, not to hurt you.”

“...” Shizuku struggled to smile. “Thanks, Shiho...”

-------------------------------------------------------

Next day, at Sekai Entertainment...

“...And that's all I could find out.” Shiho finished.

Haruka frowned. “That's odd. Shizuku was already going to school like a normal girl while she was with Cheerful*Days. How could that not be enough for her?”

“Yeah... Though come to think of it, I did notice something about her when I would see her at school. I even asked some of her classmates about her and they noticed she seemed relatively sad whenever she would have to report to show business.” Airi commented.

“Why's that?” Ichika asked.

“Not sure. Maybe the real reason has something to do with Cheerful*Days itself?” Airi guessed. “Ugh... Too bad I can't just ask them.”

Maiko was listening from her desk. “I see... Shiho, did you notice anything off about Shizuku or her Performa while you were with her, though?”

“No... I even had a discussion with Cain, and he only noticed that it's very strong, like that of a Mirage Master. But neither of us noticed anything wrong with it.” Shiho answered, shaking her head.

Saki's eyes widened. “Wait, what? You mean Shizuku has the potential to be a Mirage Master?”

“Seems like it. But she probably doesn't know about Mirages yet.” Shiho agreed. “That aside, what's going on with Cheerful*Days now that Shizuku quit?”

“Emu and I heard that they have a new lead singer. The girls in the group don't really seem to miss Shizuku, if I'm being honest.” Tsukasa revealed. “They'll be doing a show in Phoenix Wonderland soon along with Nightcord at 25, so maybe we can take that time to conduct an investigation.”

Honami nodded. “Good idea.”

“Wow. That was fast. How'd they get a new lead singer so fast?” An asked.

“Apparently, this particular singer stepped forward after Shizuku retired. She auditioned and instantly got the part because Shizuku quitting caused a lot of schedule mess-ups.” Ichika answered.

Maiko frowned. “That so? Who's the singer?”

“I believe her name is Tsuki Akabayashi.” Airi answered.

Maiko immediately seemed concerned. “Hmm...”

“Miss Maiko?” Haruka asked.

Maiko turned to them with a serious look. “I've heard of Tsuki before, and I honestly haven't heard very good things about her. Apparently, she auditioned multiple times before and never passed, yet suddenly shot up the rankings after a producer noticed her. She also drastically changed in personality after this as well. Before, she was very serious, but nowadays she's surprisingly cheerful.”

“Really?” Shiho asked.

“Yes, I suggest we keep a good eye on her. I'm worried she might be involved in Mirages.” Maiko insisted. “Since she's the new lead singer of Cheerful*Days, their event at Phoenix Wonderland will be a good way to investigate.”

“Gotcha.” Saki nodded.

-------------------------------------------------------

The day of the event rolled around quickly, and the entire group went to Phoenix Wonderland to watch the show.

“Wow... This place is crowded.” An admitted. “But I guess that's to be expected.”

Shiho shook her head. “No, this is kinda less than average.”

“How do you know that?” Tsukasa asked.

“I've been to Cheerful*Days concerts before, they're usually more packed than this.” Shiho explained. “I guess much of their fan base left along with Shizuku.”

Honami blinked. “You mean... Much of Cheerful*Days' fame came from Shizuku?”

“Yes, she was widely known for her maturity, beauty, and mysteriousness, most of that being the facade that she would put up under orders from the management.” Shiho explained.

Ichika frowned. “How do you know that, Shiho?”

“Shizuku talked about her idol life a bit, and I think I might have figured out a few things.” Shiho answered. “I think I can understand some reasons why she left... But I can't confirm anything yet.”

“Too bad Mirage Masters can't just read minds, right?” Emu commented.

“Did you notice anything else?” Airi asked.

Shiho sighed. “Actually, yeah. Shizuku has seemed kind of... Sad... Ever since she quit. Like she lost her spark.”

“That's... Awful...” Haruka sighed. “I saw her at school a few times too, and she does look rather sad.”

Airi was worried. “Maybe she misses being an idol, but can't get herself to go back? It must be something in Cheerful*Days that made her quit.”

“That's so sad, we gotta do something to make her feel better!” Saki insisted.

“Airi and I have tried talking to her, but she doesn't seem to want to talk about it.” Haruka revealed.

An idea hit Tsukasa like a lightning bolt. “What if... Hey, Saki's music reached out to me, right? What if Shiho tried the same with her sister?”

“You want me to... Perform for my sister?” Shiho asked.

Saki's eyes sparkled. “That's a perfect idea! Come on, Shiho! She adores you, she listens to you! Just try! She's your sister, you still care about her, right?”

Shiho was quiet for a moment. Finally, she spoke. “...Alright. Can I count on you guys to help?”

Everyone nodded, before the stage lights started to dim.

“Oh hey, it's starting!” An realized.

Soon enough, the crowd went wild as Cheerful*Days took the stage. Leading the group was a mature looking girl with amber hair.

“That's Cheerful*Days alright.” Haruka said. “And that girl at the front is Tsuki Akabayashi.”

Saki shuddered as they started to sing. “She... Doesn't seem friendly to me.”

They watched the entire group dance and sing for a few minutes. When the song finally ended, Tsuki started yelling to the crowd.

“How is everyone?!”

The crowd cheered loudly.

“Thank you!” Tsuki called. “I'm Tsuki Akabayashi, the new lead singer for Cheerful*Days! Are you ready to join us?!”

The crowd cheered again.

“Great! Now before we get started, I'd like to ask...” Tsuki grinned. “Would Shizuku Hinomori happen to be in the audience today?”

No response.

“Oh? Very well then! Let's get started without her!”

Some of the other girls in the group started whispering among themselves.

“Why's she talking about HER?”

“Hey, this wasn't in the script...”

Emu suddenly looked behind Cheerful*Days and pointed. “Guys, look!”

Out of nowhere, Mirages shot out of the stage and started grabbing the performers, causing panic among the crowd momentarily before the sky became dark again.

“Not again!” Tsukasa realized. “It's a Mirage attack!”

“Look at Tsuki!” An pointed.

The lead singer's appearance had turned gray with red eyes, just like others that are possessed. “Find that girl! FIND HER!! I WILL have that Performa!” A man's voice called along with hers.

Shiho realized what was about to happen. “Cain! Quick!”

Instantly, her motorcycle appeared at her side and Shiho drove off.

“Wait! Shiho, where are you going?!” Emu yelled.

Saki was worried. “She must have gone back home to where Shizuku is! We gotta help!”

Tsukasa summoned his own motorcycle, while Saki and Emu summoned their flying mounts to chase after her. “You guys stay here and fight off those Mirages and rescue the rest of Cheerful*Days, we'll go help Shiho!”

“Right! Let's go, Chrom!” Ichika yelled, taking Carnage Form upon grabbing her sword.

-------------------------------------------------------

Back at Shiho's house...

Shizuku was busy making herself a snack and was about to sit down to watch some TV when she heard a voice outside the front door.

“SHIZUKUUUUUUUUUU!”

She startled at this. “Oh my! What was that?”

Curious, Shizuku walked toward the door and looked through the peephole. “Huh? Tsuki?”

Confused and nervous, Shizuku opened the door a crack. “Hello? Wha- Miss Tsuki!”

She was shocked at Tsuki's appearance, only for a strange four-armed shape to appear behind her.

“Huh?!” Shizuku was shocked. “What on Earth...?!”

Suddenly, another Mirage appeared behind Shizuku and grabbed onto her from behind. “Ah! Let go of me!”

“That Performa is so strong... It'd be a shame to let it go to waste, wouldn't it?” The male voice said from the shape behind the singer.

Shizuku struggled against the grip holding her. “Let me go! Hey!”

“Shizuku!”

Shizuku turned to see a motorcycle rolling up with a familiar face on it, taking on a new outfit and hairstyle.

“Let my sister go!” It was Shiho in her Carnage Form.

“Shi-Chan?” Shizuku asked. “What...?”

Tsukasa, Saki, and Emu arrived as well, ready to fight back.

“Put her down!” Tsukasa ordered.

Tsuki aimed her hand at Shizuku in response. “Take another step closer, and I'll remove every trace of Performa from her body.” Both voices insisted.

The Mirage Masters took one step back.

“Oh my, confounded by such a simple threat? You're all bark and no bite, hmm?”

Shizuku turned to Shiho. “Shiho... What's going on...?”

Before Shiho could answer, the Mirages vanished in a puff of smoke.

“Where'd they go?!” Emu asked.

“We have to find the others, quick!” Tsukasa insisted.

-------------------------------------------------------

Ichika's group had just finished evacuating the rest of the group, though they were all exhausted and down due to the Mirage influence.

“That was close... Everyone okay?” Ichika asked.

An nodded. “Yeah, but what's going on? Was that Mirage possessing Tsuki behind this?”

Haruka nodded. “They must be.”

Ryoma's voice spoke from Haruka's sword. “That was Iago.”

“Iago?” Honami repeated.

“He must be from the same world as Ryoma if Ryoma knows him. It seems Mirages that know each other must have some sort of connection, possibly being from the same world.” Haruka suggested.

Edelgard spoke as well. “We have indeed theorized that some Mirages weren't always like this, perhaps we used to have a physical human form like yourselves.”

“It's only a theory, though. We can't really confirm it due to you guys' memory loss.” Airi nodded.

“AAAAAAHHHH!”

A scream alerted them to nearby, where another Idolasphere entrance was appearing. Tsuki was in front of it, with Shizuku in tow.

“Shizuku!” Haruka yelled as they dragged Shizuku inside.

The others arrived on the scene. “What happened?!” Saki asked.

“That Mirage dragged Shizuku in!” Ichika pointed. “Ryoma said his name was Iago.”

Without a word, Shiho jumped in after them.

“Shiho, wait!” Honami yelled as the others ran after her.

The inside of the Idolasphere was a series of stage sets and spooky spotlights. As soon as they stepped in, Cain appeared at Shiho's side.

“Cain, can you find Shizuku?” Shiho asked.

“I believe I can. She's deeper in across a bridge.” Cain reported.

Haruka noticed Ryoma appear at her side as well. “Ryoma, what is it?”

“Iago is not the only familiar presence I can sense here. The Mirage that grabbed Shizuku felt familiar as well...” Ryoma responded.

Saki was firm. “Only one way to find out.”

-------------------------------------------------------

As they approached the area where Shizuku was, Shiho seemed to grow more and more tense.

“Are you okay, Shiho?” Saki asked.

“I'm just worried.” Shiho responded. “What if Shizuku's in trouble?”

Ichika smiled a little. “Heh. It's not like you to worry that much about your sister. Normally, you gripe about how she behaves towards you.”

“I may find her annoying at times, but that doesn't mean I hate her.” Shiho insisted.

Saki giggled. “Hehehe!”

Airi was frowning. “Shizuku said that she just wanted to give living a normal life a chance, right? I have a feeling that's not entirely the case.”

“Me too. Maybe when we rescue her, we can wring some answers out of her.” Haruka agreed.

Emu flew back over on her ride. “I found her! She's this way!”

“Great job, Emu!” Tsukasa gave her a thumbs up and the group followed Emu up a flight of stairs, arriving at a catwalk area.

When they arrived, the entire group stopped to see various Mirages floating over Shizuku and various other models, who couldn't seem to be able to move. In front of them was a four-legged Mirage creature with legs connected to a camera for a body.

“What the heck?” An exclaimed.

Shiho spotted her sister. “Shizuku!!”

Shizuku's eyes turned to them. “S-Shi-chan?”

“Looks like Shizuku's not the only one that Cheerful*Days considered a threat to them. The Mirages must have been using that as an excuse to target them!” Ichika realized.

The group took Carnage Form and aimed their weapons at the monster.

“Let's take this monster down!” Shiho insisted.

Haruka, Tsukasa, An, Airi, Ichika and Shiho acted as the main fighters of this battle. The fliers were keeping the camera face focused on them, and Honami used her magic to immobilize the thing.

They started by having Honami emit beams of light from her staff to blind the camera lens, allowing the fliers to take flight and start circling around it. Shiho, Haruka, Tsukasa, and An, under Ichika's command, each targeted a leg to cut open.

They didn't make much progress until they attacked at the base connected to the camera. In the time they were figuring that out, the camera flashed at her and seemingly shut down her Mirage powers and sent her tumbling to the ground. Emu caught her.

“Don't get caught in the flash!” Ichika warned. “Honami, take out that lens!”

Honami nodded and aimed carefully at the lens, before firing a blast of light at the lens, cracking it open and shutting off the flash for the moment. That was when Tsukasa cut off one of the legs.

Haruka, An, and Shiho cut off the remaining legs, sending the camera to the ground. Shiho then approached the sparking camera head and slashed at it, destroying it.

“You good, Saki?” Shiho asked.

Saki nodded. “Yeah, I think the camera has the power to temporarily disable Mirage powers.”

“Good thing we got rid of it then.” An agreed, thumping her axe on the ground.

“Shi-Chan?”

Shiho whipped around to see Shizuku standing on the catwalk, no longer frozen. The other girls were free as well, and were passed out on the spot.

“Shizuku!” Airi yelled as Shizuku made her way off the catwalk and made her way toward them.

“What happened to all of you? I really don't know what's going on...” Shizuku questioned. “Was that Tsuki I saw before?”

Shiho sighed. “Let me explain.

-------------------------------------------------------

Shizuku seemed surprised as Shiho finished her explanation.

“...And that about covers it.” Shiho finished. “I didn't mean for you to get dragged into this.”

“...” Shizuku's wide eyes turned to Airi and Haruka. “Why didn't anybody tell me about this?”

“Most of us only learned about this recently...” Airi admitted. “Plus, you were almost always busy, so...”

Shizuku blinked. “...Fair point.”

Honami quickly used her magic to send the other captives safely back to the real world, before approaching Shizuku. “Before I use my magic to get you out of here, I think Shiho and the others have something to ask you.”

“And what's that?” Shizuku asked.

Airi grew serious. “Shiho told us your response to why you quit being an idol, but we got the feeling that's not entirely the case.”

“So why did you really quit? There's no point in hiding it anymore.” Shiho insisted.

Shizuku, realizing they weren't letting her off the hook, sighed. “In truth... I've been meaning to quit for a while now.”

“Why? Are you unhappy about something?” Ichika asked.

“In a way... Yes.” Shizuku answered. “As you know, I was a model along with my role as an idol. But the thing is, the other girls... Weren't really accepting of me anymore.”

“Shizuku, be direct, won't you? No one is here to judge.” Shiho ordered.

Shizuku gulped and then continued. “The reason I quit is because a lot of the other girls were very rude to me and getting jealous and judgmental. They would say that I get more attention just because of my good looks... That they're better at their idol work than I am... Eventually, I just couldn't stand the coldness I was being shown anymore and I quit.”

“So it was the girls in Cheerful*Days that made you quit...” Saki realized.

Shiho was sorrowful... For a second. “But is that really what you want?”

“Huh?” Shizuku turned to her.

Airi's eyes widened. “Shiho?!”

“Sshh.” Haruka shushed her.

Shiho kept talking. “You let those people walk all over you before! But you're letting them walk all over you again? Why are you letting people like that tell you what to do?!”

“I-I...” Shizuku had no words.

“I've seen how hard you work as an idol, Shizuku. You're not perfect, but you try very hard to seem that way. But you've always seemed so happy whenever you receive a compliment and give hope to people in the form of being an idol... But ever since you quit, you've seemed sadder than normal.”

“You may be escaping from the pain, but you're also running away from what you obviously love to do. Is that really what you want?”

When Shizuku didn't respond, Shiho sighed. “...Sorry. I tend to make more sense like this.”

With that, Cain turned into a bass guitar in her hand and Shiho played a few notes to warm up.

Shizuku's eyes widened. “How do you do that?”

“Music is often simpler than words. And that's why I have a song for you.” Shiho answered, nodding at her bandmates.

Sure enough, the other girls summoned their instruments and began playing Shiho's song “1”.

“Just staring up ahead at the illusions right before me. I feel like I can just touch them by reaching on out.”

“Because I don't know the answer of the questions I have. Those two fragments turning into these falling colors.”

“Even if there is no... If there's no way up ahead. Even if I'm forced to take a walking detour~”

“I laughed hard to stop my falling tears! I walked onward to stop my own fall! I don't dare to say the words that I've been hiding in my heart~”

“Because we only have our one future! Because we only get one chance at life! Shall we try to do this step toge~ther~”

“What if there was an answer to that we could find for ourselves? Comparing that wish to what we have before us now.”

“For the sight that I saw long ago was just the same thing as that. Yet it was alone and held no meaning at all.”

“For preparations we made can't be returned... And this proof that we have before us right now...”

“They're flowers that bloom somewhere far faraway... Where no one else knows~”

“That's said to just be a mere mountain of junk, and surrounded by a dirty sea made of tin. Even if they were ridiculed by everybody else...”

“Here we see the other side of this land, as if it is reaching outwards towards our hand, these sounds that are still not done resounding 'round us!”

“I laughed hard to stop my falling tears! I walked onward to stop my own fall! I don't dare to say the words that I've been hiding in my heart~”

“Because we only have our one future! Because we only get one chance at life! Shall we try to do this step toge~ther~”

“Let's journey into the unknown world!”

As Shiho's song finished, Shizuku was left breathless.

When Shizuku finally found the words to speak again, she was trying not to cry. “I... Had no idea you thought that way...”

“I'm not the best with expressing myself, as you know.” Shiho admitted, changing back into her civilian form and Cain appearing next to her. “But do you understand now?”

“Yes... Those other lyrics hit me especially well.” Shizuku admitted, reciting them. “Because we only have our one future... Because we only get one chance at life...”

“She's not wrong there. You get one life, Shizuku. So you gotta live it up while you can.” Airi agreed. “Or before you know it, you'll be a little old lady regretting what you couldn't do with your life.”

Shizuku smiled a little. “Yeah... You're right. I may have gotten into being an idol purely unintentionally... But I guess sooner or later, it became a part of me. Leaving it now... Is like leaving behind a piece of who I am...”

“And that's why I was so concerned when you left, Shizuku.” Shiho said. “I knew that.”

“I'm so sorry for worrying you, Shiho...” Shizuku managed, holding her arms out. “Hugs?”

Shiho sighed. “Fiiine... Just this once.”

The two sisters shared a hug at that moment, happy to have figured things out. When the two finally separated, Haruka got an idea.

“Shizuku... If you want to go back to being an idol... Maybe you could join Sekai Entertainment?”

Shizuku turned to her. “Oh! That's the entertainment agency you guys work for, right?”

“Yes, we're also a team of Mirage Masters on the side.” Tsukasa answered. “But Miss Maiko is always happy to support upcoming talent, and you wouldn't need to worry about Cheerful*Days anymore.”

“You'd all do that for me?” Shizuku asked.

Airi nodded. “Yeah! Actually, I got an even better idea. Why don't we try forming an idol group of our own?!”

“Our own idol group?” Haruka asked.

“Yeah! We'll have three idols with us, so why not?” Airi asked.

Edelgard's voice came from nearby. “I don't see that as a bad idea.”

“You mean you, me, and Haruka?” Shizuku guessed.

Airi nodded. “Exactly! Or if we get another idol, we could be a group of four!”

“As it happens... I know someone who would be perfect for us.” Haruka grinned. “I'll introduce her sometime!”

“Wonderful! An idol group with my friends, and working in the same agency as my dear little sister... It's a dream come true for me!” Shizuku grinned.

Without warning, a flash of light emitted from Shizuku's body, shocking everyone there.

“Wow...!” An was speechless.

Saki knew what this was. “It's Shizuku's Performa!”

“So this is what Performa feels like...?” Shizuku managed. “It's so... Warm...”

Airi smiled. “I think Shizuku figured herself out again. That Performa unlocking is proof.”

“It's really strong, too... She could be a Mirage Master!” Haruka realized.

Emu's eyes sparkled like glitter. “Yippee yay!”

Suddenly, a barrage of shadowy arrows rained down on the group, startling everyone with how they barely missed.

“What was that?!” Shizuku asked.

Honami pointed at something with her staff. “Look!”

A Mirage was floating just nearby over them, seeming ready to shoot.

Ryoma's voice was heard. “I know that Mirage... That's Takumi.”

“Takumi?” Haruka asked.

Ichika frowned. “Must be someone he has a connection to if he remembers that Mirage's name.”

“It must have been drawn here by Shiho's song!” Tsukasa realized. “It's the same Mirage that was holding Shizuku hostage!”

When the Mirage dove downwards towards Shiho, Shizuku jumped in front of it and hugged her sister, intending to take her place instead. The Mirage stopped right before it would hit her.

“It's not attacking Shizuku?” Saki realized.

Tsukasa turned to the aggressive Mirage. “It's probably because that leading Mirage wants Shizuku in one piece...”

Shizuku let go of Shiho to turn to the Mirage, thinking about something.

“Shizuku, I can handle this, get out of the way!” Shiho requested.

Shizuku wasn't listening, thinking to herself, “From what Shiho told me, these Mirages aren't exactly in their right minds right now... Maybe this Mirage was also turned into something he doesn't want to be? If that's the case, then he's someone who's in trouble too, and needs help.”

Her Performa flashed even brighter, much to Shizuku's surprise, and the light consumed the Mirage completely until the traces of darkness on it were gone.

“What just happened...?” Shizuku asked, marveling at the Mirage, Takumi's, new appearance.

Takumi looked like it had a crossbow attached to his arm, and his other arm was sharp like an arrow. He seemed to be wearing traditional Japanese archer attire for men, giving him an ethereal appearance.

“Looks like Takumi is an Archer Mirage...” Shiho realized. “Interesting.”

Emu grinned. “Wowee! Shizuku purified him!”

“So that's why he looks different now?” Shizuku asked.

Haruka nodded. “Yes, and thanks to you purifying him, you two have a connection now. He can be your Mirage partner and you can be a Mirage Master with his help.”

Slowly, Shizuku walked over and bent down in front of Takumi to check on him. “Hey... Are you alright?”

“Ugh...” The Mirage seemed to look up. “What happened...? Who are you?”

“My name is Shizuku. You're... Takumi, yes?” Shizuku introduced herself.

As Takumi stood up, he looked around. “Shoot, it's coming back to me now...”

Ryoma appeared by Haruka's side. “It isn't your fault, Takumi. It was whatever... Curse corrupts us Mirages that did it.”

“Ryoma!” Takumi exclaimed, remembering him.

After the group quickly introduced themselves and told Takumi what happened, he turned to Shizuku. “Guess I have to thank you for your help, Shizuku.”

“It's no trouble at all, really.” Shizuku shook her head. “But if you really feel like you have to make it up to me... Would you mind helping me with something?”

“Anything, sure.” Takumi answered. “I owe you big time.”

Shizuku grew serious. “I'd like you to be my partner and help me stop that Mirage possessing Tsuki.”

“Shizuku, are you sure?” Airi asked.

Shizuku nodded. “Yes. Even if Cheerful*Days hates me so much, I can't just stand by and do nothing.”

“Well, I certainly won't turn down working with a person with Performa like yours.” Takumi decided. “But... Are you sure you're up for this?”

“I'm sure. Besides, I want to help my sister and friends.” Shizuku decided.

Airi smiled. “Fine with me!”

With that, Shizuku held out her hand, allowing Takumi to place his own on hers. Then she commanded, “Carnage Form.”

In a flash, Shizuku transformed. Her hair grew slightly longer and was styled to mostly cover her right eye. She wore a dark green sleeveless dress with multiple layers for the skirt that were black and dark green with keyboard key patterns on it.

She wore black stockings that were attached underneath her dress by straps, ankle boots the same color as her dress, and black gloves that had bracelets on the wrists and had a longer lace layer beneath that went up to her shoulders. A small hat was perched on the side of her head.

In her hands was an elegant yumi with a transparent string, colored the same color as her outfit.

Shizuku was stunned. “Oh my...! Who knew being a Mirage Master had a dress code?”

“Pretty cool, huh?” Airi asked. “Now come on! Let's do this!”

-------------------------------------------------------

As they approached the farthest area in the Idolasphere, An had to ask a question.

“So... How exactly do we plan on getting Tsuki back?”

Ichika frowned. “I'm not sure... We need to find a way to separate her from that Mirage.”

The group thought hard, before Shizuku got an idea. “I might have an idea. Cheerful*Days thinks that I'm not really capable as an idol... I want to find a way to show them what I can do, even without the support of the agency.”

“You want to beat them at their own game?” Haruka guessed.

“Sounds good, but are you sure you can do it?” Tsukasa asked.

Shizuku nodded. “Yes. I need to do this my way. Luckily, I know just the song. Shiho, remember that recording I sent you of 'Color of Drops'? I need you to play that for me.”

“Got it.” Shiho nodded, pulling it up on her phone as they crossed over the catwalk to get to the stage area where Tsuki was.

When they arrived, they could see Tsuki standing there with a microphone on the stage.

“There's Tsuki...” Saki realized. “Now we just need to separate her from Iago.”

Tsuki's gaze turned to Shizuku. “I was wondering what was up when I felt my connection to Takumi sever. So it was you, Shizuku.”

“Yes. My sister showed me what I need to do. I'm here to face you.” Shizuku insisted.

“Please. You're the one that quit the group, that's the only reason I got this position. I've hated you long before that.” Tsuki argued. “You have your looks... Your pretty face. But do you have anything else going for you? Anything that you can speak of at all? The only reason you got that far is because of the people that adored your appearance.”

“I admit, I was jealous. So when you dropped everything and quit, I saw it as an opportunity to take my rightful place on stage! Everyone welcomed me where they hated you. But even then, they were just waiting for me to screw up to remind themselves of how perfect they were. They only agreed to my position once I proved I was better than all of them!”

Shizuku was firm. “Being an idol isn't about competition. It's about giving hope to those who need it. It's about hard work and a positive attitude.”

“Really? Then prove it. Prove that you're worth something!” Tsuki challenged.

Bravely, Shizuku stepped onto the stage. Takumi changed into a microphone and she nodded to her sister to start the music.

Shiho, getting the signal, played the song at full volume and Shizuku started.

“Wearing, the co,lors that someone else had picked on-out for me, I've pretend,ed-to, be someone that I'm not~”

“Putting, my hands, onto my chest as I sing on out loud, 'This is myself', I say out loud for me~”

“I-was-too-far, from what I so longed for! And-then-I-was, left disappointed every day. Standing there with, my eyes fallen closed, the tears, they fall... Catching the light~ of the sun.”

“If I was, rebirthed a thousand times! No matter how many times that I was reborn! If, I, did,n't take that step, I would not be 'me' again...”

“I'll pour all my! True colorful drops! Into my singing without any more lies! This monochrome world will be painted with these, colors! These real colors~ Of drops!”

“Trying, to find, the colors that someone else chosen for me, it was like walk,ing in, an endless gray circle~”

“I found, that I, didn't even know where I wished to go. In truth I was, completely utterly lost~”

“Forcing myself, to put on a smile. Continuously, telling myself all of those lies. Falling from the blue sky up above, the tears, they fall... Now catching the light~ Of the sun!”

“Even if I, was showered over! With brilliant lights over a thousand times! With, these, fake, colors that I bore, I'd never ever shi-ine~ I'll hug all me! True colorful drops! Without any more lies separating myself!”

“And look out for the rainbow that comes after the, rainfall~ These pretty colors~ Of drops~!”

“I'm clumsy and bold, sensitive and AWOL, unre~li,able! But I'll, accept all of these, traits of mine... As my own true colors~”

“If I was, rebirthed a thousand times! No matter how many times that I was reborn! If, I, did,n't take that step, I would not be 'me' again...”

“I'll keep on, believing in my! True colors inside without any more lies! It will reach out to others to lift them up someday~a-ay!”

“And so I~ Take those, steps into raindrops! And sing out my heart to this monochrome, world~ And co,lor, the world, in vi~vid colors~!”

“With my true colors~ Of drops~!”

When the song ended, Tsuki was at a loss for words. Finally, she spoke. “That was... That was amazing...”

Shizuku smiled. “I always knew the others were able to grasp idol skills easier than I... But that's why I worked super hard to keep up. Because I'm not perfect.”

“I... I didn't realize...” Tsuki looked down, seeming to settle down a little.

That's when a strange shadow appeared behind Tsuki, talking in a man's voice. “Really? You're that impressed with this girl's pathetic performance?”

“Her performances have heart. That's something I realize I never really paid attention to.” Tsuki argued calmly.

Takumi's voice was heard. “Iago...”

“So that's him?” Shizuku realized.

“Look at her. She has everything that you wanted, despite being less capable than you. Why do you not embrace that anger and take back what's yours? Then the spotlight can be yours alone!” Iago continued.

Tsuki finally turned to look at him. “The spotlight doesn't 'belong' to anyone. The spotlight is a prize, you have to earn it with hard work and dedication! That's something Shizuku has, and that's something I admire! Now get out of my head!”

The link between Tsuki and Iago appeared, signaling Ichika to sever it.

“Chrom, now!” Ichika yelled, calling Chrom to her side in his sword form. She thus raced forward and slashed at the link, destroying it.

“GAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!” Iago screamed, before turning to Shizuku. “You... I WILL have your life for this!”

Shizuku fired an arrow at him in response. “I've had enough of you!”

“Come on, let's take this guy down!” Airi insisted, leading the charge.

Airi and Ichika attempted to slash at the Mirage's body, only to be distracted by reinforcements. Luckily, An was able to help take down the reinforcements.

Honami was busy countering Iago's spells, with Saki and Emu flying around fighting off incoming enemies. Tsukasa was also preoccupied with Haruka, leaving the Hinomori sisters to fight Iago personally.

While Shiho kept Iago's attention on her and dodged the attacks on her motorcycle, Shizuku used her new Archer abilities to launch strike at his weak points. She started by taking out the arms, before her and Shiho landed the killing blow on the head.

As soon as Iago vanished, Shiho took the moment to catch her breath... Before Shizuku pounced on her in a hug.

“SHI-CHAN!!”

“Whoa!” Shiho fell over from the force of the pounce, her friends bursting out laughing.

Shizuku hugged her sister tightly. “That was incredible, we work so well together! Thank you!”

“Shizuku... What are you thanking me for? You outshone Iago all on your own.” Shiho managed.

“Maybe so, but that song you performed for me gave me my spark back!” Shizuku explained, separating from her. “I was so close to resigning myself to quitting idol business for good... But you gave me the courage to show my true colors and get back to doing what I love!”

Seeing everyone's confusion, Shizuku explained. “You see... The people I worked with wanted me to show myself as a 'proper idol'. They always made sure I followed a script and composed myself properly so I can keep up their image of a perfect idol. After a while, pretending to be someone I'm not just became the norm.”

“But Shiho, your song reminded me that we all only get one life, and I don't want to spend it living up to others expectations at the cost of my real self. That's why... I want to be an idol that can give hope in my own way! And I used that feeling to stand up to Tsuki and Iago!”

Airi grinned. “Well, I'm just glad to see you back, Shizuku! And you're a Mirage Master now!”

“We should probably let Miss Maiko know about Shizuku's decision. If anyone can help get Shizuku back into idol business, it's her!” Haruka figured.

“Right! I'm never going back to Cheerful*Days, mark my words! I'll be an idol they'll all wish they could be!” Shizuku vowed.

Shiho smiled. “As long as you be yourself, Shizuku.”

“I will! I promise!”

Chapter Text

A few days after the incident with Cheerful*Days, Shizuku had become an idol again in Sekai Entertainment, and she had been in a much better mood.

About two weeks after her debut concert, Miss Maiko called everyone to the office for some news.

“I wonder what Miss Maiko has to report?” Saki wondered.

Shiho shrugged. “Beats me. Let's hope it's important.”

“Why's that? So you can get back to practice?” Honami asked.

“Yep.”

Ichika smiled. “Heh.”

The Leo/Need girls arrived last in the office.

“Looks like everyone's here!” Miss Maiko said.

Shizuku was curious to see An next to Miss Maiko behind the desk. “What is it, Miss Maiko? And An, you look excited. What gives?”

“We have some good news: We have a new entertainer joining our happy group today!” Miss Maiko announced. “She's An's new singing partner!”

“An has a new singing partner?” Tsukasa realized.

Emu's eyes widened, sparkling. “Really?! Who is it?!”

An winked and turned behind her. “Come on out, Kohane! No need to be scared!”

“O-okay...”

A timid voice was heard behind An before a girl stepped out from behind her. The girl wore street attire with long blonde pigtails, brown hair, and she wore glasses.

An put her hands on the girl's shoulders. “Everyone, meet my new partner: Kohane Azusawa!”

“H-hi...” The new girl, Kohane, greeted nervously.

Ichika smiled. “Hello there, it's nice to meet you. I'm Ichika Hoshino.”

One by one, the others introduced themselves.

“My name's Saki! Saki Tenma!”

“I'm Shiho.”

“My name's Honami!”

“I'm Haruka Kiritani.”

“My name's Airi Momoi!”

“I'm Shizuku!”

“And I'm Tsukasa!”

“I'm Emu!”

Kohane seemed a little more at ease now. “I-It's nice to meet all of you... So you're with Sekai Entertainment too?”

“Yup! They're gonna be our colleagues from now on, Kohane!” An announced. “They'll also support us while we're working to surpass RAD Weekend!”

Kohane giggled slightly. “Ehehe... I'm not sure I'm cut out for this whole singing thing, but... I'll do my best.”

“You must have some sort of talent if An picked you as her partner.” Shiho insisted. “Tell me, where have you performed before?”

“Only ever in music class.” Kohane answered.

Haruka blinked, surprised. “Really! I'm surprised, An. You picked a complete newbie as your partner?”

“Surprised me, too.” Honami admitted.

An grinned. “Hehe, I just happened to hear her sing at Weekend Garage the other day, and I knew it was meant to be!”

-------------------------------------------------------

(Flashback to two nights ago)

Kohane wandered around Vivid Street in her school uniform, unsure where she was going. She was nervous, having never gone this way before, and now she was completely lost.

But then the sound of music hit her ears. “Huh?”

Turning, she realized it was coming from the cafe nearby. Deciding to ask for directions, she entered and was stunned.

An was on the stage singing as loud as she could to a song playing on the speakers again, captivating everyone in the cafe.

“!!” Kohane was dazzled.

When An finished and hopped off the stage, Kohane nervously approached her. “Um... Excuse me?”

“Hm?” An turned around. “Yes?”

“I-I just... Um... I wanted to say... That was an amazing performance you did...!” Kohane stuttered.

An grinned. “Thanks! You wanna try?”

“M-me?! Uhh...!” Kohane instantly felt nervous.

“Come on, I'll sing with you! It'll be fun!” An encouraged. “I want everyone to get their chance to shine on stage!”

“O-Okay... I'll try.” Kohane agreed.

An pulled her over to the speakers and played the song from before, handing Kohane a microphone. With that, the two started singing.

As they sang, An was in disbelief at Kohane's singing. Although she was off the rhythm and her pitch could use some work, An was left completely captivated!

When the song was over, Kohane was embarrassed at her performance. “...”

What she didn't expect was for An to do this:

“That! Was! AMAZING!”

Kohane yelped as An grabbed her in a hug. “Ah!”

An was excited. “Your voice is incredible! With the right teachings, you could be a brilliant performer!”

“Um... T-thank you...”

An idea popped into An's head. “That's it! What's your name?”

“Kohane? Kohane Azusawa?”

An nodded. “Kohane, got it!” Then she grasped Kohane's hands. “Kohane, would you mind forming a music duo with me?!”

“...What?!” Kohane gasped, stunned.

An nodded again. “See, my dream is to surpass the event RAD Weekend! With someone like you by my side, I think I can do it! Come on, please?”

Not sure how to refuse, Kohane agreed. “O-okay... I'll try it. Can't say I won't cause issues, though.”

“Don't worry about that! I'll help you through it every step of the way!” An promised.

That's when the bell to the front door rang as two other teens stepped into the cafe.

“Oh, Akito! And Toya!” An realized. Seeing Kohane's confusion, she explained. “They're a duo called BAD DOGS, often performing around here.”

“I see...” Kohane realized.

As the two boys took a seat and An served them their drinks, Akito spoke. “So An, have you picked a partner yet? If you're really serious about surpassing RAD Weekend...”

“Funny you asked! Because I found her right here!” An announced, grasping Kohane's shoulders. “Meet Kohane!”

Toya nodded. “It's nice to meet you.”

“Where have you performed before?” Akito asked.

Kohane answered honestly. “Only ever in music class...”

“Ah.” Akito nodded, still politely smiling.

(End of flashback)

-------------------------------------------------------

Shizuku smiled. “Well, if An thinks you have potential, then so do I, Kohane!”

“I agree! I'll support you guys every step of the way!” Saki promised.

Ichika frowned. “Sounds like you've known BAD DOGS for some time now, An.”

“Yeah, you could consider us rivals.” An answered. “I've known Akito since I was a kid, so...”

Tsukasa smiled. “So, what's your group name gonna be?”

“I already thought of one. The Vivids! How's that?” An asked.

Kohane smiled. “I like it...!”

“Why don't we hear you sing right now, Kohane?” Saki asked, highly curious.

Kohane flinched. “Uhhh...! R-right now?”

“Yeah!”

Kohane seemed like she just saw a ghost, horrified.

Realizing Kohane was shy, Ichika spoke up. “Oh, sorry. Saki's just very excited, you don't have to right now if you don't want to.”

Shiho frowned. “An... Are you sure she has what it takes to be in show business, let alone surpass RAD Weekend? If she's that nervous about performing in front of people...”

“That's what I'm here to help her for, Shiho! I'm sure she'll be fine!” An assured.

Kohane turned to her. “If you say so...”

“What? A little practice and you'll be amazing!” An told her. “In fact, the two of us already have a performance scheduled!”

Airi grinned. “Oh, really? I look forward to seeing it!”

“Thanks!” An nodded. “Kohane, wanna start practice now that you've met everyone?”

“R-right!” Kohane nodded, letting An drag her out the door.

After An and Kohane had left, Shiho turned to Miss Maiko. “Miss Maiko, I noticed something about Kohane's Performa. It appears to be very strong, even if it's dormant. Is she a Mirage Master?”

“Actually, I noticed that too...” Honami noted.

Maiko answered. “Not as far as we know, but she does have the potential to be one.”

“Maybe that's why An picked Kohane as her partner?” Haruka guessed. “But then again... An's story says otherwise.”

Shizuku smiled cheerfully. “Still, Kohane seems like a good kid! If An believes in her, I'd say we should too!”

“Right. Why don't we go see their performance?” Ichika suggested.

Saki nodded. “Yeah! I wanna hear her sing!”

-------------------------------------------------------

The day rolled by, and the team went to the live house An pointed them to.

“Boy is it crowded here!” Airi admitted.

Shizuku nodded. “Yeah, no kidding!”

“An and Kohane are first, right? We get to see them right away!” Saki added.

Ichika was looking around. “...”

“Ichi?” Honami asked. “You okay?”

Ichika smiled nervously. “Oh, I'm... Just trying to make sure no Mirages interrupt this time.”

“Heh, can't say I blame you.” Saki admitted.

After a while of waiting, the lights dimmed and the stage lights turned on, and the PA system guy was heard.

“Alright! Our first performance of night is... The Vivids!”

As cheering broke out, Shiho said, “Here it comes.”

Out stepped Kohane and An, microphones in hand. Kohane seemed nervous compared to An, who was extremely confident. But as the music started and they started singing, Kohane gradually grew more comfortable.

“Wonderhoy! They're amazing!!” Emu exclaimed over the applause.

Tsukasa nodded. “I agree! She's really got talent!”

The two girls were enjoying themselves on stage, singing their hearts out... Suddenly, the lights went out with a click.

CLICK.

“What the?” Ichika asked. “A power outage?”

Shizuku was surprised. “Huh?”

On stage, Kohane and An looked around in confusion as well, before turning back to the crowd. That's when An surprised everyone by continuing her song without the music.

“She's still singing!” Honami realized. “But wait... What's with Kohane?”

Kohane, unlike An, was standing frozen on the stage, shivering.

Haruka realized what was happening. “Oh dear... Looks like Kohane's got stage fright.”

“Come on, let's check the power plug!” Shiho insisted, leading the way through the crowd.

When they found the right area, they found three boys standing in the area, who instantly turned around and froze upon realizing they were found.

“What is going on back here?!” Tsukasa asked.

“Wait, you're...” Ichika recognized two of the boys. “Aren't you BAD DOGS?”

The boy with the orange hair and green eyes frowned. “Ugh... Yes.”

“Just plug it back in!” Shiho ordered, irritated.

After plugging the cord back in, Airi grabbed the brown-haired boy and the orange head by their hoods and dragged them out the door. The last one, who had two shades of blue in his hair, followed them.

-------------------------------------------------------

Airi practically tossed the boys outside. “You idiots! You unplugged the cord and interrupted their song, didn't you?!”

The blue haired boy stepped in. “Hang on, Akito's not involved in this! We were just-”

“What in the world is going on out here?!” An's voice suddenly yelled nearby.

Everyone turned around to see An approaching them with her hands on her hips, Kohane trailing behind her.

Airi pointed an accusing finger at the boys. “These punks were by the power plug when it was removed!”

An's glare turned to the boys. “The orange haired guy is Akito Shinonome, and the blue haired dude is Toya Aoyagi. Together, they form BAD DOGS.”

“Oh, no wonder they look so familiar... We saw them perform before.” Ichika remembered.

Saki frowned at the brunette guy. “And who's this?”

“That's Mita Koutarou, he's a musician and fan of my dad.” An answered. “Boys, what were you doing by the plug? Did you guys sabotage our performance?!”

Akito Shinonome stepped forward. “Yes, I did it.”

“Akito!” Toya Aoyagi yelled at his partner.

Shizuku was surprisingly furious. “But why?!”

“Because I refuse to let anyone without the proper resolve mouth off about surpassing RAD Weekend.” He answered.

Shiho frowned. “So you two want to surpass RAD Weekend too, huh?”

“Yes. And if this little girl here gets tripped up and can't sing after something as simple as this, that just proves she doesn't have what it takes.” Akito pointed at Kohane. “The music world isn't some walk in the park, you know. If something as meager as this can trip you up, then you don't belong here.”

Highly upset, Kohane turned around and ran off.

“Kohane, wait!” An yelled, but the blonde was already out of sight. Upset, she turned to the boys. “I seriously misjudged you!”

Haruka stepped between them. “That's enough! Akito, was it? Kohane may be shy, but that doesn't mean she lacks resolve. It takes a lot of nerve for someone like her to get on stage and sing, can you blame her for her reaction?”

“...Whatever. We're on stage next. Come on, Toya.” Akito rolled his eyes and went back inside, Toya following him.

Honami was confused. “Poor Kohane... But was Akito really behind this?”

“Actually...” Mita spoke up. “It was me.”

“What?!” Airi exclaimed.

An blinked in surprise. “But... Wait... So Akito was covering you? Why would you do that?!”

“Akito said he was going to crush you guys! I only cut the power to help them!” Mita argued.

Tsukasa was enraged. “That's not an excuse!”

“Yeah! You screwed up the whole event!” Emu added.

An nodded. “Exactly! Akito never asked you to do that, did he?”

“...No?” Mita realized.

An crossed her arms. “That's what I thought. He likes to play fair.”

“Man, now what do we do? Kohane looked pretty upset.” Airi asked.

Ichika turned to An. “Hey An, do you have her number? Maybe you could try contacting her?”

-------------------------------------------------------

Kohane kept running through the streets until she was completely out of breath. When she finally ran out of stamina, she ducked into a dark alleyway.

She couldn't get Akito's words out of her head as she caught her breath while leaning against a wall.

Was he right? Was she really not cut out for this?

As she tried to hold back tears, she failed to notice a strange presence in the alleyway she was in. That is, until a strange feeling ran down her spine.

“Am I being watched?”

She turned and looked around, nervous. That's when she saw a strange shadow coming towards her.

“AAH!” Kohane screamed and fell over backwards, terrified. But to her surprise, an odd hand extended towards her to help her up.

As the moonlight made the figure clear, Kohane got a good look at the figure in front of her. It was a tall centaur-shaped figure, with the upper body shape of a human in place of a horse's head and neck. It seemed to be made entirely out of ghostly wisps of wind and green armor, a pointed hat shape on its head with feathers, a ghostly face covered by a flowing white scarf. There was a bow attached to its arm, there was a long flowing green ponytail on its head that matched the horse body's tail.

“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.” A woman's light voice said from the figure. “I noticed you running, and I followed you.”

“I... Can't believe it!” Kohane exclaimed, recalling something.

She'd seen this odd shape before. Back when she first met An, she had gotten lost in Vivid Street after getting ambushed by this figure. She had also seen it watching her while she was singing with An for the first time that day. Back then, it was much darker colored and covered in ghostly chains.

“Ah, so you recognize me? I'm sorry for scaring you before. I wasn't exactly... In control that time.”

Kohane tried to relax a little. “Are... You a ghost? Do you live here?”

“A ghost... I don't think so.” The being answered.

“You're not? So... Why did you follow me?”

“Because... Well...” The creature seemed embarrassed. “Actually, it's because your Performa is so interesting. My kind is easily drawn towards Performa like yours.”

Kohane was confused. “Performa?”

“It's an energy generated by your kind.” The voice explained. “It's a result of your passion for the performing arts. You have a lot of it, you would have to if you're able to see and hear me. Most of your people don't know I exist.”

Kohane was surprised. “Really...?”

“Yes. It was that same power in you that allowed me to regain control of myself when you did that song.” The being told her. “I've been keeping my eye out for you ever since so I could thank you.”

Kohane looked away. “I... Didn't do it on purpose. But you're welcome.”

“You seemed like you were running for your life before. Is something the matter?” The creature asked.

Kohane sighed. “Well, you see...”

After Kohane told the stranger what happened, the being seemed understanding. “I see...”

“Is he right...? Do I really not belong in the music world?” Kohane asked.

The being shook her head. “I don't think that's the case. You only just started out. It's normal to be bad at something before you're good at it.”

“But...” Kohane stuttered. “After An shared her dream with me, I decided to sing as best I could. But I just wasn't serious enough about it...”

“...”

“After all that, I haven't been able to change one bit.”

“That isn't true at all. Look at how much this is bothering you.”

Kohane looked up. “Huh?”

“The fact that you're worrying so much about this is proof that you want things to change. That you're desperately trying to open the next door.”

Kohane's brown eyes widened as she remembered when she would sing. Not just because it healed this being, but she enjoyed it.

“Whether you're going to stop here or step through is entirely up to you.” The being finished. “What do you think your true feelings are?”

Kohane recalled these memories and felt the tension in her body relax. “The first time I sang at the cafe was so much fun. My heart was racing. I just can't get that feeling out of my head, that's why I was so excited when An invited me to team up with her. I couldn't help but wonder how great it would be to chase after a dream with her. So... I guess my true feelings...”

The centaur stepped closer to her. “No matter what happens or what anyone says to you, there is no need to change those feelings you already have. They are yours and nobody else's. They're precious and worth cherishing.”

These words hardened Kohane's resolve. “I... I want to sing with An! And together, we'll put on an event that will surpass RAD Weekend!”

“I think it sounds wonderful.” The being nodded.

“I need to go tell An! Thank you so much, Miss!” Kohane nodded. “Oh yeah! My name's Kohane! What's your name?”

“My name's Lyn. It's nice to meet you, Kohane.” The creature answered.

Kohane was about to leave before she suddenly turned back to Lyn. “Oh, Lyn... By the way, how is it that you're able to find me?”

“Well, part of it is your Performa.” Lyn answered. “But I've felt some kind of... Connection to you since you saved me with your song.”

“Really?” Kohane asked.

Lyn nodded. “Yes! I should be able to use it to find you whenever, so if you're ever in any physical danger, don't hesitate to call on me. I'll hear you anywhere, anytime.”

“Thanks, Lyn. And I don't mind you watching over me, I owe you big time.” Kohane said, bowing. With that, she headed home, Lyn watching her from the shadows.

-------------------------------------------------------

The next day, An kept spacing out while helping out at Weekend Garage. And Ken noticed. “An, you're spacing out again.”

“Ah, sorry...” An shook her head, before the entrance bell rang.

It was Ichika and the others.

“Hey, An!” Saki greeted as the group took seats.

Shiho frowned. “Are you okay? ...Is it it about Kohane?”

“Yeah... It says she read my messages, but... She still hasn't answered.” An responded.

Haruka sighed. “That's worrying. Do you think she's okay?”

“I hope so...” Shizuku said.

Emu was worried. “Do you think we should go find her?”

“Do we even know where she lives?” Tsukasa asked.

“She gave me her address.” An answered, still upset. “Dang it... I was looking forward to taking her to events and helping her with her singing. I promised to watch her back...”

“Everyone messes up sometimes, An. Don't take it too hard, and it wasn't your fault.” Ichika responded.

An's anger returned. “I just... I can't believe Akito would do this.”

“Actually... It wasn't him.” Airi managed, deciding not to keep it secret any longer. “Mita admitted he did it.”

“Seriously? I know the guy always thought I was just using my dad's popularity, but...” An shook her head. “Ugh... Sorry Dad, I gotta find Kohane and-”

DING-A-LING.

The entrance doorbell rang again, and a familiar voice was heard. “An...”

Everyone turned to see...

“Kohane...?” An asked, surprised. “You look... Different!”

It was Kohane, having cut her hair down to shorter pigtails. She was also wearing a cap, as well as contact lenses in place of her glasses.

“I want to sing together with you!” Kohane declared. “I know I still have a lot to learn, but... Even so, I want to aim to put on the best show ever with you! Which is why I won't run away anymore!”

An was stunned. “Kohane...! Thank you! What changed your mind like this?”

“Well... A friend I met... Helped me.” Kohane answered. “She helped me realize my real feelings! I want others to feel what I feel when I sing with you!”

Ichika stood up. “That's great!”

“So, where are you guys performing next?” Saki asked.

An grinned. “It's gotta be where BAD DOGS are. We'll show them who's boss!”

“But where would that be?” Shiho asked, before the cafe entrance bell rang again.

An glared at the people entering. “Oh. It's you.”

“Oye. Is that how you greet your customers?”

It was Akito and Toya.

“Airi told me you jerks lied to me the other day about the power getting sabotaged.” An told them.

Kohane stepped forward. “Akito, right? You're right that I wasn't being as serious as you were... But I want to put on an event with An that can be the best it can be. I've made up my mind!”

Toya seemed surprised. “Really? You're serious?”

“Yes!”

Akito seemed surprised as well. “What changed your mind?”

“A friend I met... She believed in me.” Kohane answered mysteriously.

Akito rolled his eyes. “If you say so. You really think you can stand up to us?”

“...Next Saturday.” Toya spoke up. “We're singing at Mossy Stone. There should still be some slots open.”

“Great! We'll do this fair and square this time!” An assured.

As the boys left, Ichika said, “We'll be there too!”

-------------------------------------------------------

Once again, the day arrived, and the Vivids were among the first to take the stage.

“Alright! Please welcome... The Vivids!”

The audience applauded as Kohane and An took the stage.

“Look at that! Kohane doesn't seem bothered by the attention anymore!” Shizuku realized.

As the music started, Kohane exchanged a nod with An before the two began their song.

Akito and Toya, who were also in the back of the crowd, were stunned. “They're... Amazing...!” Akito admitted.

The entire crowd was going wild by the time the end of the song.

“Phew...” Kohane caught her breath, still exhilarated.

Then, it was time for Kohane to sing her own song. A solo.

Before she could start, however, she suddenly noticed something slinking around behind Akito and Toya. “!!”

Before anyone could react, however, the entire space darkened, signaling a familiar phenomenon.

“Mirage attack!” Shiho realized as people started growing tired.

“Not good! Kohane and An are still up there!” Ichika realized.

Kohane was horrified as the Mirages started slinking through the building before noticing her. Not sure what to do, she remembered something and raised her voice.

“Lyn! Help!”

Right before the Mirages could attack her, several ghostly arrows flew out of the shadows and shot them down. Kohane swiftly turned around and gasped.

It was Lyn!

Lyn suddenly pounced on Kohane and knocked her to the side, just in time to save her from the stage lights falling on her. While Kohane got up, Lyn turned to her. “Kohane! Sing if you want to survive!”

“W-what?!” Kohane asked. “What's happening?!”

“Trust me!” Lyn ordered.

An had also dodged thanks to Saphir, who was helping her up. “Saphir, where's Kohane?!” An asked.

Saphir saw Lyn. “Look!”

An turned around to see Kohane being helped up by Lyn, before singing a high note into her microphone. “~~~~~~~~~!”

Kohane's voice repelled the Mirages and sent them scattering outside.

“Did... Did I just do that?” Kohane asked.

Lyn nodded. “You sure did!”

“LYN!!!!!!!”

A loud voice startled everyone, including An's fellow Mirage Masters that were evacuating BAD DOGS and the other survivors.

Lyn was startled. “What...?”

“Lyn, what's happening?!” Kohane asked.

Suddenly, another centaur Mirage with a sword arm appeared where the crowd was and pointed a sword arm at her.

“Lyn, you traitor! You dare associate with this pathetic girl?!”

“She's NOT pathetic!” Lyn yelled.

An was shocked. “That Mirage...! She's protecting Kohane!”

Kohane was stunned. “Lyn, who is that?”

“That's my friend Eliwood. He's not himself right now, though.” Lyn answered.

Kohane gasped. “What?!”

Lyn stood strong. “Eliwood! You're not yourself right now! Please, snap out of it!”

Instead of answering, Eliwood swiped a sword at the air in front of him, sending several ghostly chains in Lyn's direction, wrapping around her body and dragging her away from Kohane.

“Lyn! No!” Kohane yelled as the two Mirages disappeared outside, quickly bursting out the door and running after them.

“Kohane, wait!” An yelled, taking Carnage Form and following her along with her friends.

They managed to catch up to Kohane just in time to stop her from entering an Idolasphere just outside.

“Kohane, stop!” An grabbed her wrist and stopped her.

Kohane turned to her. “I have to save Lyn!”

“You don't know what you're doing! That's dangerous!” An yelled.

Ichika stepped in front of Kohane. “Kohane, calm down!”

“But...!” Kohane was desperate, before realizing what they all looked like. “Huh? You guys look... Different.”

Haruka blinked, realizing they were in their Carnage Forms. “Oh...”

“What... Happened to you guys? When did you change clothes?” Kohane asked, stopping her tug on her arm.

An was instantly embarrassed. “Uh... This is a bit of a long story, Kohane.”

“We're magic warriors called Mirage Masters protecting Japan from evil Mirages!” Emu blurted.

“That's not how I would've put it...” Honami said.

Kohane blinked. “...What?”

“Kohane... Who's Lyn? Is she that centaur-like Mirage?” Ichika asked.

Kohane frowned. “Well... Yes, she is that centaur thing, but... What's a Mirage?”

“Otherworldly beings. They tend to attack us, but certain people like you and us have the power to purify and team up with them to fight them. People that team up with purified Mirages are called Mirage Masters, like us!” An explained.

Kohane was stunned. “Oh... So that's what Lyn is... She seemed to not know what she was, so...”

“This Lyn... Is she the friend that helped you before?” Shiho asked.

“She is. Apparently...” Kohane started.

After she recalled everything that Lyn told her, her friends were shocked.

“Wait... So if Lyn's a Mirage and Kohane purified her... Doesn't that mean Kohane's a Mirage Master now?!” An realized.

Ichika nodded. “Yeah... That's true!”

“She always did have the potential to be one, given her Performa.” Shiho agreed.

Kohane's eyes widened. “You mean... With Lyn, I could do something you guys do?”

“It's not an easy job. In fact, it's pretty dangerous work.” Tsukasa said. “That's why we stopped you. An Idolasphere, which is where Mirages dwell, is no place for a regular person.”

Kohane's resolve hardened. “Even so... Lyn helped me! I can't let anything happen to her!”

“Guys... If Kohane purified Lyn by accident using her voice, she might be able to do the same thing to save Lyn again.” Haruka realized.

Airi realized she was right. “Holy smokes, you're right! In that case, we should bring Kohane with us!”

“You sure you're up for this, Kohane? This'll be way different from singing on stage.” An warned.

Kohane nodded. “Hm!”

“In that case, let's go.” Ichika decided, leading the way inside the Idolasphere.

When they entered, they were greeted by what looked like a town of spooky live houses.

“There's so many live houses! They must have taken Lyn to one of them.” Shizuku pointed out.

Airi nodded. “Yeah... But the question is which one? It'll take forever to visit each one thoroughly.”

“Wait! Kohane purified Lyn with her Performa and forged a connection with her, right?” Honami remembered.

Kohane nodded. “Yes, that's now Lyn heard me when I called for her during the attack before.”

“Maybe you can use the same thing to track her down!” Saki pointed at Kohane.

Kohane, realizing she was right, took a few steps forward into the Idolasphere and said, “Okay, Lyn... Tell me... Where are you?”

Immediately, images flashed through her mind. All of them led to Lyn.

“She's this way!” Kohane pointed, taking lead.

-------------------------------------------------------

After a while of following Kohane through the Idolasphere, defeating any Mirages in the way, they reached a large live house with spotlights on it that shone on the gang while they walked by it.

“This is it, Lyn's in here.” Kohane pointed at the door.

Ichika took Carnage Form and cut open the chains on the door, letting everyone in. When they got inside, they immediately spotted Lyn on the stage, imprisoned in ghostly chains.

“Lyn!” Kohane yelled, getting her attention.

“K-Kohane...!” Lyn looked up. “It's not safe here...!”

Before Kohane could get any closer, Eliwood appeared in front of her, trying to stomp on her.

Quickly, Shiho yelled, “Cain, quick!”

Quick as a flash, Cain materialized in his motorcycle and drove up and grabbed Kohane to move her out of the way just in the nick of time.

“Thank you...” Kohane said as Cain put her down.

Ichika turned to her sword, “Chrom, any tips on how to beat this guy?”

“That's Lord Eliwood...!” Lyn explained. “He's under a spell!”

Chrom's voice was heard. “He must be a powerful Mirage if he's able to materialize in your world without the need of a host... Lyn is likely the same way.”

“How can we stop him?” Honami asked.

Kohane shook her head fiercely, as if trying to shake off her fears. “I... I don't care! I have to save Lyn! That hex is trying to corrupt her, I can feel it!”

“There's gotta be a way...” An growled, before an idea hit her. “Kohane! You purified Lyn using your voice, right? You should do it again!”

“You want me to sing?! Right now?!” Kohane asked.

An nodded. “You can do it!”

Kohane sighed and shook her head again. “I've got to do this... An, gimme a beat! That song I was going to sing at Mossy Stone!”

“Gotcha! 'One Sheep' coming up!” An pulled out her phone and played a soundtrack while Kohane got into position in front of Eliwood between him and her friends, ready to dance along.

Almost as soon as the music started, she leapt into action.

“If it's misery at, it's personal best, I pretend that I can't hear a thing. It's a scapegoat that's nothing to do with, me wrestling life all on my own.”

“Acting pretentious and desperado, there's no way that I'll stop my self-loathe. It's a scapegoat this kind of lou-oud howl, it's a curse that sticks around no matter what.”

“As things are there is a hundred of sheep, over here waiting to sink into the mud. It'll come some day when the sun goes down, they escaped from here in three two one.”

“You say whatever comes from your mouth, am I right? Talking while acting like an idiot. You're just a lonely one sheep without a flock so let me hear your voice once again.”

“There's this one sheep racing through the crowd, cutting right on through the darkness! If this wondrous night will not end sometime soon, why not try counting yourself to sleep?”

“When you become the only one sheep left around, what do you plan to do afterwards? I'm just a lonely little one sheep left around, so can you leave me alone like always?”

“You're just a one sheep left still wandering around, now you go above and beyond.”

“If it's misery at its personal best, it's a curse if you named it at its worst. It's not the first time that I've been hurt by something, bigger than what I can normally handle.”

“Hasn't it been said to you 'I love you'? I can't stay forever I told you so. A two-day night trip sounds like a nightmare, yet we flourish in the pool of heresy, you see.”

“...You see.”

“...You see.”

“...You see.”

“There's this one sheep racing through the crowd, cutting right on through the darkness! If this wondrous night will not end sometime soon, why not try counting yourself to sleep?”

“When you become the only one sheep left around, what do you plan to do afterwards? You're a still one sheep still lost in the crowd, will you continue to laugh at my face?”

“Na nana nanananana na nana nanananana, na nana nanananana na nana nanananana, na nana nanananana na nana nanananana, na nana nanananana na nana na...”

“There's this one sheep racing through the crowd, cutting right on through the darkness! If this wondrous night will not end sometime soon, why not try counting yourself to sleep?”

“When you become the only one sheep left around, what do you plan to do afterwards? You're just a still one sheep stick within this flock, so why don't you just stay cursed for your life?”

“You're just a one sheep left still wandering around, now you go above and beyond.”

When Kohane finished, all traces of fear were gone from her, even when Eliwood shook off the shock and stood in front of her. Kohane instead kept her gaze on him.

Furious, Eliwood raised his blade again, intending to cut her down.

“Kohane!” An yelled, taking Carnage Form in an attempt to protect her.

CLANG!

A projectile hit Eliwood's blade before he could bring it down, knocking away his aim. Everyone turned to the one who had fired it.

“Lyn!” Kohane yelled.

Lyn was free! Swifter than wind, she blazed towards Kohane and Eliwood and reared up to kick Eliwood away with her front hooves.

“Whoa, that's fast!” Saki gasped. “Lyn's incredible!”

Shiho was examining her. “Lyn appears to be a Bow Knight Mirage.”

“So she must use bows like Takumi and I do, right?” Shizuku asked.

“That's right.” Shiho nodded.

Kohane was ecstatic. “Lyn! You heard my voice! You're okay!”

“Of course I heard you! Kinda hard NOT to hear such an amazing voice.” Lyn giggled.

An went up to them, still in Carnage Form and holding her axe. “That's why I picked her as a partner!”

“Oh, and you are...?” Lyn asked.

Kohane smiled. “Lyn, this is An, my partner.”

“Thanks for helping Kohane, Lyn.” An said, holding her hand out to do a handshake. Lyn returned it by placing her own hand in An's.

Suddenly, they realized Eliwood was getting up again, more Mirages showing up to help him.

As the Mirage Masters rushed into battle, Kohane turned to Lyn. “Lyn, can you help me?”

“Of course. Let's do this together!”

Kohane nodded and took Lyn's hand, where Lyn turned into a bow in her hand. In a flash of light, Kohane had her own Carnage Form.

Her hair was cut shorter, except for the longer locks around the back and sides of her neck. She wore multicolored sunglasses, and a black beret hat. A choker was around her neck, and a black and pink sleeveless dress with straps and a pink belt.

She wore a thick jacket with fur lining the hood exposing her shoulders, as well as a pair of fingerless gloves. A single stocking with holes in it was covering one leg, her other mostly bare except a lace sock peeking under her boot going up her lower leg. Her boots were black with pink laces.

“Wow!” Kohane gasped. “Alright... Let's see what I can do!”

“My power is yours, Kohane!” Lyn's voice was heard from the bow in Kohane's hand before a high-tech mechanical horse that was colored black and pink appeared next to Kohane.

Grinning, Kohane jumped onto the horse and readied her bow. “Hiyah!”

Galloping into the fray, Kohane aimed and fired an arrow at Eliwood's face, getting his attention. When he tried to attack her, she swiftly dodged.

Every time Kohane dodged, she would fire an arrow at his weak points. She kept this up until he was pinned down by her allies, where she fired a final arrow into his heart.

Her allies didn't release him until the chains on his body dissipated and he stopped struggling against the others holding him down. When Kohane gestured to them to let him go, Lyn materialized next to Kohane again as Eliwood got up.

“Are you okay, Eliwood?” Lyn asked.

“...I think so. What happened?” Eliwood asked.

Kohane stepped forward. “You were under some kind of spell, but you're okay now.”

“Yeah! Kohane and Lyn led the charge to get you back to normal!” An added, swinging her arm around Kohane's shoulders.

“Ehe! But you guys helped!” Kohane said.

Ichika smiled. “Still, it was very brave of you to jump in like that, even though this entire thing is completely new to you.”

“I had to jump in! I couldn't just sit back and do nothing.” Kohane argued.

“And it was awesome!” Saki yelled. “Thank you!”

Eliwood turned to Kohane. “I see... I owe you a great debt, Kohane.”

“It was nothing! Really!” Kohane shook her head before turning to Lyn. “And Lyn, thank you for sharing your strength with me.”

“It's the least I can do for you! You've saved me twice!” Lyn insisted. “And you helped save Eliwood!”

Haruka smiled. “I take it you know him from somewhere?”

“I do. He's one of my friends.” Lyn nodded.

Eliwood bowed to Kohane. “If there is anything I can do for you in return, Kohane, please tell me. I owe you greatly, and I deeply regret any harm I caused.”

“You don't need to do that! What happened isn't your fault.” Kohane assured.

Shizuku was overjoyed. “I'm just so happy that we have you on our side now, Kohane! Tiki and the others will be so happy to meet you!”

“Tiki the Utaloid?” Kohane asked.

Honami grinned. “She's actually a Mirage! So are Miku and the Vocaloids! We'll introduce you sometime!”

“That is, so long as you're willing to keep fighting with us.” Airi pointed out.

Kohane's eyes shimmered with excitement. “You mean it?!”

“Yeah!” Emu nodded.

Kohane pounced on An in a hug. “Absolutely!”

“Heh! We're partners for sure now, am I right?” An asked.

Kohane nodded. “Yeah!”

“Lyn, make sure to take good care of this girl, okay?” Eliwood asked.

Lyn giggled. “Hehe! You should know me better than that! I'll protect her with everything I have!”

“Thanks, Lyn!” Kohane nodded.

Tsukasa smiled. “Things back at Mossy Stone should be back to normal now. Let's head back!”

“Yeah! Let's go!” Kohane agreed.

Chapter Text

A few days after Kohane received her powers as a Mirage Master, Airi brought her to meet Miku and the others and start her training.

Needless to say Kohane turned out to be a natural at combat as well as singing. Lyn's power made her especially swift and agile, so she was able to both dodge and attack at relatively the same time.

“Phew! Gotta say Kohane, you're pretty skilled!” Airi said. “It's as if you've been training for a long time now!”

“Ehe! That's the thing about Lyn! She has a lot of skills.” Kohane giggled.

Shizuku smiled. “It's not just Lyn! You have to be pretty gifted to be able to use Lyn's power so masterfully after just a few days.”

Kaito nodded. “I'm impressed. An really lucked out with meeting Kohane.”

“Thanks! I knew she had potential from the beginning!” An bragged.

Saki grinned. “Hehe! I can't wait to see how far you'll go, Kohane!”

Ichika paused her guitar practice and looked around before turning to the Mirages. “Um, Ryoma? Have you seen Haruka today?”

“I believe she's been busy working with Maiko on something.” Ryoma answered. “She should be back soon.”

“Really? I wonder what that is.” Honami wondered.

Caeda nodded. “I agree, I'm very curious. What's Haruka up to?”

“Oh! Did she not tell you guys?” Airi asked. “Haruka found someone to complete our idol group!”

Tsukasa's eyes widened. “Really! Who's the new person?”

“She said she was going to introduce us soon!” Shizuku answered. “She even told us that the new girl is the one that helped her figure out our group name: More More Jump!”

Kohane blinked curiously. “More More Jump?”

“Yep! It's apparently supposed to sound like us jumping up towards the stars and our dreams.” Airi explained. “She got the idea from something the new girl has a habit of saying.”

Emu was excited. “That's great! I love it!”

“Hey Emu, if you and I were in a theater troupe, what do you think our name would be?” Tsukasa asked.

Emu thought for a moment. Then she smiled wide. “What about... Wonderlands x Showtime?!”

“You totally just made that up.” Airi laughed. “But it also sounds perfect!”

Emu smirked. “Right?!”

“Hehe!” Saki giggled before someone entered the Bloom Palace.

“Haruka! We were just talking about you!” Shizuku exclaimed.

Haruka smiled. “Hey, guys!”

“We told them about our new member! Is that what Ryoma said you've been working on?” Airi asked.

Haruka nodded. “Actually, yes! I was getting our newest member up to speed and working out a few things with her.”

“Can we meet her sometime?” Ichika asked.

“You can meet her right now if you want! She's in Maiko's office!” Haruka answered. “She's very nice, you'll love her! I was actually about to ask Airi to help be her instructor, she's a little rusty.”

“Sure thing!” Airi nodded. “Come on, guys! Let's go meet her!”

Tiki was excited too. “Ooh! Do tell us about her when you get back!”

“We will, Tiki!” Kohane promised before following after everyone else.

When the group emerged in the office, they were greeted by Maiko and a familiar looking girl.

“Hey, Minori!” Haruka called.

“WHOA! Oof!”

The new girl fell over upon being startled, having been practicing a dance step.

“Are you okay?” Haruka asked, helping her up.

“Yeah, I'm fine! Thanks for asking!” The girl assured before turning to everyone else. “Oh! Are you Haruka's colleagues? I've seen a lot of you at school!”

The girl had shoulder-length light brown hair and silver eyes. Her hair was worn loose with blunt bangs, the right side braided and clipped back by an orange and white flower pin. She was wearing the female Kamiyama High School uniform.

“Wait! You're that girl that was at Haruka's concert with N25 back at the Shibuya 106!” Ichika realized. “I saw you in the crowd before!”

The girl's eyes widened. “Really? I didn't notice you before! Then again, I get pretty absorbed into Haruka's performing when she's on stage.”

Saki smiled. “So you're the new girl, huh? What's your name?”

“I'm Minori Hanasato! Class 1-A, student number 21! My favorite hobby is imitating dance choreography, and my special skill is coming up with catchphrases!”

Everyone stared at her. “Huh...?”

Haruka giggled like a hysterical chipmunk, making Minori realize what she did. “Oops! I introduced myself the way I did at auditions, didn't I?”

“Hold up, THAT'S how you introduce yourself? That's not professional at all!” Airi blurted.

Minori looked sheepish. “Ehe! Yeah, Haruka's been helping me with that!”

Haruka recovered from her laughter and took a breath. “Hah... Anyway, like she said, this is Minori Hanasato, she's one of my oldest and dearest fans and our new member.”

“Well... She looks nice.” Kohane said, smiling to hide her nerves. “I'm Kohane! It's nice to meet you.”

“Hello, Minori. I'm Ichika!” Ichika introduced.

Saki waved. “And I'm Saki!”

“My name's Shiho.” Shiho introduced.

Honami bowed. “And I'm Honami!”

“I'm An! An Shiraishi!”

Tsukasa grinned. “And my name's Tsukasa!”

“I'm Emu!” Emu greeted.

Minori's gaze turned to Airi and Shizuku. “You guys are Airi Momoi and Shizuku Hinomori, right? Haruka told me we'll be in an idol group together!”

“Oh, you know us?” Airi asked.

Minori nodded. “Yep!”

“It's nice to meet you, Minori!” Shizuku greeted back. “I can't wait to work with you!”

Minori grinned. “Me neither! I'm already excited to work with Haruka, but you guys are gonna make it even better! This is the best day of my life!”

“Well, pull yourself together, Minori! I'm not gonna go easy on you!” Airi warned. “Haruka asked me to be your teacher, and I'll have you know that I'm pretty strict!”

“I can handle it!” Minori promised.

Maiko grinned. “Looks to me like you'll all get along fine! Ken's waiting for you girls at Weekend Garage if you want to start right away.”

“Really?! We can start now?!” Minori asked, pumped.

Shizuku giggled. “Wow! You've got a lot of energy!”

“Alright, let's head over!” Airi decided. “Come on, Ladies!”

As the newly formed More More Jump left, Shiho frowned. “Miss Maiko... Is Minori new to the idol industry?”

“Yes, but she's been working to enter for some time. After Haruka told me about her, I've been keeping tabs on her.” Maiko answered. “She's apparently done at least fifty auditions but only got past the first phase about three times. She hasn't gotten any further than that.”

Tsukasa's eyes widened in shock. “Wait, WHAT?”

“So... She's a complete amateur?” An asked.

Kohane was surprised too. “She DID fall over when she heard us come in...”

“So if she's failed over fifty auditions, why'd you agree to take her in?” Ichika asked.

Maiko was smiling assuredly. “For one thing, her Performa is pretty strong, strong enough for a Mirage Master. Also, she's never given up her dream of being an idol like Haruka, despite all her failures. Such hard work and dedication makes me think she has major potential.”

“After all those failures, she STILL hasn't quit? She's certainly persistent...” Honami agreed. “But why does she want to be an idol so bad?”

“Apparently, it's because of Haruka.” Answered Maiko. “She's been a huge fan of Haruka since a young age, and aspires to be like her. Albeit, I'm not sure of the details.”

Ichika smiled. “In that case, why don't we go watch them train?”

“Good idea! Maybe we can lend them a hand!” Saki agreed. “Or we'll learn a thing or two!”

Shiho nodded. “Not a bad idea. Shall we?”

-------------------------------------------------------

The group arrived in Weekend Garage and Ken led them to the practice room where More More Jump was.

“Hi guys!” Shizuku greeted.

Ichika waved. “How are things going, Girls?”

“Well, Minori's got a lot of stamina, I'll give her that.” Airi admitted before turning to Haruka and Minori, who were still dancing. “Hey guys, we got spectators!”

“What? WHOA!” Minori lost her balance and hit the floor again. “I'm okay!”

Haruka helped her up. “How many times have you done that now?”

“Um... I dunno.” Minori shrugged.

Shiho broke a sweat. “Um... Is she okay?”

“Yeah! She's just a little clumsy, that's all!” Shizuku assured.

Airi glared at her. “A LITTLE? That's the third time this practice that she's fallen over! I'm amazed she doesn't have any bruises.”

“What? It's not that hard a fall, I've been through worse.” Minori said.

Saki spoke up. “We came here to watch you guys practice! Is that okay?”

“Fine by me.” Haruka said.

Minori nodded. “Yep! I don't mind!”

As the group took seats, Airi sighed. “Alright, let's take it from the top again. Positions!”

The girls quickly got into starting poses, and launched into action when Airi shouted, “Action!”

Even though there was no music playing, the girls danced the best they could, with Airi facing the other three, who copied her movements the best they could.

Airi kept encouraging and guiding them with commands and words. “Up, down! Left, right! One, two! Three, four! Spin!”

“Eek!” Minori wobbled mid spin and nearly fell down again, though she luckily managed to regain her balance and get back to dancing in the blink of an eye.

“Minori?” Airi asked, stopping. “You wobbled again.”

“Sorry! I'm just having trouble with those movements. Spinning right after those moves is hard!” Minori admitted.

Shizuku smiled. “Don't worry! It took me a while to master, too!”

“You just have to practice a lot, that's all. The key is to keep your head forward until the very last minute! Like this! Up, down! Left, right! One, two! Three, four! Spin!” Airi demonstrated the routine.

Minori attempted the routine again, but right as she was about to spin, her foot got caught on her other ankle and she fell over again. “Oof! Almost had it!”

“Maybe we should take a break and try a different part of the routine? Like the jump steps we'll do for our group song?” Haruka suggested.

Tsukasa asked, “Wait, do you guys already have a concert planned?”

“Yeah, Minori was nice enough to spoil the surprise and tell us before Maiko did.” Airi revealed. “That's why we've been working so hard. We want to make a good impression!”

“Not to mention that Minori will be singing a solo to kick things off.” Shizuku added. “That's why this routine is so important. Minori actually wrote out the dance routine for the solo herself!”

Kohane was surprised. “You made this dance routine? That's cool!”

“Yeah... But who has trouble with their own routine they wrote themselves?” An asked.

Minori answered, “I got most of it from routines I've seen Haruka do! I've always wanted to do moves like this, so I included them!”

“Even though you're struggling that much?” Ichika added.

“Yep! As long as I keep trying more and more, I'll handle it!” Minori assured.

Shiho crossed her arms. “Things don't happen just because you want them to, you know.”

“I know that, but it's worth a try!” Minori argued. “I can't give up now that Miss Maiko has given me the opportunity I've worked so hard for!”

Honami smiled assuredly. “I'm sorry, Shiho's just worried about you.”

“More like I'm worried that she's not up for this.” Shiho argued honestly.

Saki shot a glare at her friend. “Shiho!”

Minori shook her head. “I get that a lot. I know I'm super clumsy and stuff, but I was taught that tomorrow is always a better day! As long as you keep trying and never give up, anything can happen!”

A flash of light emitted from Minori's body, much to everyone's surprise.

“Whoa!” Minori exclaimed, shocked. “Again?!”

Haruka was stunned. “That was Minori's Performa!”

“Eh?” Minori was confused as the light fizzled away. “Do you guys know something?”

Shizuku blinked. “Oh, right... You probably don't know yet, do you?”

“Hold on. You said 'again', Minori. How long has this been happening?” Ichika asked.

Minori answered, “For a little while now. Every time I do something idol related, something weird happens! Objects move on their own, I see weird things in mirrors, and there's that whole light thing that just happened.”

“That must be Performa!” An agreed.

Haruka decided not to hide it. “You see, Performa is an energy generated from humans created by passion towards performing arts and the like. Only certain people can pick up on it, and those that can usually tend to have powerful Performa.”

“Really? I didn't know that!” Minori said. “And you think my Performa is causing this weird stuff to happen?”

“Probably!” Airi agreed. “You'll need to learn how to control that if you want to sing without triggering some weird effect. We can help you with that!”

Seeing this, Shiho said, “Well... With Performa like that, I guess even I can give her a chance.”

“That's better, Shiho!” Saki said. “You've got this, Minori!”

Minori grinned. “Thanks, guys!”

-------------------------------------------------------

While Minori was walking home after her practice, she was in a good mood. “Phew! I finally managed to do that routine without tripping! Though I admit that it was interesting to learn about this Performa thing. I'm just happy that now I can sing and dance without something weird happening!”

With that, she started to sing the song she was going to perform at the concert. “Ya-ho! Preparation's okay! Today, just how far will we plan... To walk...”

She was blissfully unaware of a shadow following her from nearby as she sang.

“If I, push-myself past the limit! Perhaps, I can get even closer to-it~ I summon up my-courage, but even if I-try that first-step. I ram into, another wall, again day after day.”

CLUNK.

Minori stopped her song and stopped walking, startled. “Huh? Is someone there?”

She turned to the alleyway the noise came from curiously. Squinting, she could make out an odd humanoid shape inside. Confused, she took out her phone and turned on the flashlight feature.

“Hello?” With the light on, she could see what looked like a humanoid figure. The head and body were made entirely from flowing white fabrics, the arms being empty flowing sleeves, and its head was hidden by a hood except for its face, which looked like a mask. The legs had no feet and were rounded at the bottom, being completely white.

The figure was sitting on a crate with its head down, so Minori approached slowly. “Hey... Are you okay?”

When she was in front of the figure, it looked up at her. Minori easily recognized it. “Hey... You're that shadow that I see following me around when I sing or dance!”

“O-oh! You... Noticed that?” A voice that sounded like a young boy said from the figure.

Minori flinched. “Oh! You can talk!”

“I was hoping you wouldn't notice me...” The boy voice managed.

Minori shook her head. “Well, of course I noticed! You were following me practically everywhere after all!”

“That's true... I'm sorry. It's just... Your energy...”

“You mean... My Performa? You know about that? What are you?”

The being shook his head. “I'm not sure. I can't even remember why I'm here in the first place. My memories before encountering you for the first time are blurry. Your energy seemed to snap me out of some kind of trance, but I've been rather weak since then... So I've been following you around. Your energy is... Strong. I feel myself getting my strength back just by being around you when you perform.”

“Wow, really? So this is what Performa can do?” Minori wondered. “Is that why you're back here? You look awfully weak.”

A nod. “Y-yes... I didn't mean to scare you.”

“You didn't scare me! You just surprised me, that's all.” Minori assured. “If my singing helps you, I can sing for you if you like.”

Without waiting for an answer, Minori sang a few notes from her song, letting her Performa light up. When she finished, an orb of golden light was in front of her.

“Ooh!” Minori realized this was her Performa. Remembering the being's actions before, she held the orb out to him. “Do you want some?”

“You mean it?” The being asked, holding out an arm towards it.

“Yeah! I was taught to share your spares!” Minori assured, handing him the orb, which the being absorbed into its form.

“Whoa...” The being seemed surprised.

Minori felt different. “Huh? Why do I feel a little... Funny?”

“Your Performa... By sharing it with me, we seem to have a connection now.” The being explained. “It's much stronger now than it was when you saved me...”

Minori was stunned. “Wow! That's... Amazing!”

“Augh...!” The being suddenly seemed to be in pain.

“What's the matter?” Minori asked.

The being turned back to her. “Sorry... Just remembered a few things with my strength back. Part of the reason I've been so exhausted is because more of my kind have been drawn to your power, and not in a good way. I've been... Fighting them off.”

“Really? If they come for me every time I perform...” Minori's eyes widened. “What about the concert?!”

The answer was obvious in the silence, before Minori turned to her new friend. “What's your name?”

“My name's... Rune.” The figure answered. “And you?”

“I'm Minori! Minori Hanasato!” Minori introduced. “Rune... Since you've protected me from the shadows like this for so long, do you think you could help me out at the concert?”

“You want me to go to your performance?” Rune asked.

Minori nodded. “Mhm!”

“...Okay, I will. I'd like to see how others react to your talent too.” Rune admitted. “You're... Pretty talented.”

“Thanks, Rune!” Minori grinned. “I've still got a lot of work to do, but tomorrow's always a better day!”

Rune nodded. “I... Guess you're right.”

Minori stood up straight. “Wanna come home with me? You'll have to stay hidden.”

“I can do that.” Rune promised, standing up to follow her.

-------------------------------------------------------

The day of the concert rolled around in the blink of an eye, and Minori had improved dramatically by then. So much that tripping and falling became a rare occurrence.

When the concert rolled around, Ichika and the others decided to visit their friends in More More Jump backstage before the show.

“You guys sure she's got this? This will be Minori's first time on stage.” Shiho asked them.

Airi nodded. “Yeah! She's got this, I promise!”

“I can't wait to dance with her!” Shizuku added.

Haruka looked around in confusion. “Where is she, anyway?”

“Is she still in the dressing rooms?” Ichika asked.

“Let's go find out.” Airi decided, leading the way to the dressing rooms.

Haruka knocked on the door. “Minori! Are you in there?”

“Sorry, coming!” Minori yelled from inside. “Just rehearsing last minute!”

Inside the dressing room, Minori had been talking to Rune when Haruka knocked.

“Do I need to stay hidden during the show?” Rune asked.

Minori nodded. “Yeah... Sorry, Rune.”

“I don't mind. But... I got to let you know, I've been sensing a lot of others in my kind nearby this area. I'm worried they'll interrupt the performance.” Rune warned.

“In that case... Can I count on you to keep them at bay?” Minori asked.

“I'll try...” Rune promised.

Minori nodded. “That's the important thing, to try.”

Haruka's voice was heard outside. “Minori, is someone in there with you?”

“Oh, uhh...! It's just my phone!” Minori lied before turning to Rune. “Stay hidden, don't let them see you. I gotta go!”

Rune quickly turned invisible as Minori answered the door and headed out.

-------------------------------------------------------

The group returned to the backstage area in a hurry. There, they encountered a familiar group of faces.

“Oh, our opening act is here.” Airi realized.

Saki's eyes widened. “W-whaaaaaaaaat?”

Four girls with dark colored clothes on and wearing fancy masks turned to them.

“Oh! There they are! More More Jump!” The pink-haired girl realized.

The girl with purple hair in a ponytail smiled at them politely. “Hello, there! You must be Minori, right?”

Minori nodded, nervous. “Uhh... Yeah! It's a pleasure to meet you!”

Ichika was surprised. “Hey, I've seen you guys before...”

“Ichi! That's Nightcord at 25!” Saki exclaimed.

The white-haired girl bowed politely. “You must be Leo/Need, right?”

“You know us?!” Saki blurted.

The brunette girl nodded. “Yeah! We saw your music videos, you're really skilled.”

“A compliment from the four of you is high praise.” Shiho said. “I'm Shiho, and my bandmates are Saki, Ichika, and Honami.”

Haruka smiled. “Thank you for agreeing to be our opening act. It's quite an honor!”

“It's nothing, really. Thank you for inviting us! We're always happy to support new talent.” The purple-haired girl assured. “I'm Yuki, by the way. The one with white hair is K, the brunette is Enanan, and the pink-haired girl is Amia.”

An frowned. “I feel like I've seen you before, Amia...”

“Hehe!” The girl laughed mysteriously. “Anyway, we gotta get in some practice, see you in a bit!”

As the four left, Haruka's eyes darted to a mirror standing nearby... And her eyes widened.

“Minori! Behind you!” Without thinking, she summoned Ryoma. “Ryoma, Carnage Form!”

Minori was shocked as Haruka took Carnage Form and summoned her sword at... “Wait, Haruka! That's just Rune!”

Out of self defense, Rune reappeared and fired a blast of magic at Haruka to knock her back.

“Hey!” Haruka exclaimed, landing on her feet.

Minori rushed between Haruka and Rune. “Haruka, hang on!”

“Minori! Out of the way!” Haruka yelled.

“No! Rune's my friend, he won't hurt you!” Minori yelled.

Haruka stopped. “Wait, what?”

Rune peeked out from behind Minori. “You're... Minori's idol, right? She told me lots about you.”

“Haruka, detransform before someone else sees you!” Ichika ordered, prompting Haruka to return to normal.

Haruka took a breath. “Minori... Did you... Befriend him?”

“Yes! His name is Rune.” Minori said, gesturing Rune to come out of hiding. “Apparently, he was drawn to my... What'd you call it, Performa? It healed him, in a way.”

Saki seemed to understand. “Ohhh, so he's your Mirage partner?”

“Saki, be quiet!” Honami said.

Minori blinked in curiosity. “Mirage?”

Deciding not to beat around the bush, Shiho decided to explain. “Mirages are beings that exist beyond our world, they are usually hostile towards humans and steal their Performa. That's why Haruka was concerned at first.”

“But... Rune looks like a purified Mirage. Minori must have purified him!” Saki realized.

After explaining what they knew about Mirages, Minori seemed to understand. “Ohhhhhhh, that makes a lot more sense! So... Rune's from another world?”

“Correct.” Shiho nodded.

Rune looked rather guilty. “I'm sorry, Minori... I didn't mention that before because I didn't want to scare you.”

“It's okay, Rune! Plus, you've already been protecting me. It's fine!” Minori assured.

Haruka was surprised. “Rune's been protecting you?”

“Yep! Apparently, others of his kind have been looking for me. Rune offered to keep them away during the concert!” Minori said.

Airi nodded. “That makes sense! If you purified Rune, you must have a connection with him now, right?”

“Sorry for the misunderstanding, Rune.” Honami apologized to him.

Suddenly, a sound outside got their attention.

“What was that?” Tsukasa asked. “And where'd Emu go?”

Just then, Emu ran back into the area, panicked. “Guys, bad news! It's a Mirage attack!”

“Now?!” Ichika blurted. “Minori, stay here! We'll take care of this!”

“But-!” Minori didn't get any words in before they darted outside. She exchanged glances with Rune before the two decided to follow them.

Outside, the sky had darkened and there were Mirages flocking from the other side of the stage.

“There's so many!” Shizuku realized. “And right as the show starts too!”

As the Mirages noticed Minori, they came at her like bullets, but were blocked by Kohane and Shizuku transforming and shooting them down.

“Whoa!” Minori yelped at this.

Seeing the Mirages retreating in response, Ichika turned to Minori. “Stay here, we'll be right back!”

“I'll stay here and help watch Minori and Rune.” Haruka decided.

Airi nodded. “Gotcha. We'll go tackle the seat of the problem!”

As the other Mirage Masters ran off towards the Idolasphere that opened nearby, Minori turned to Rune, “I didn't think your kind was so aggressive, Rune!”

“They must have been drawn here by Performa. You have a lot of it, after all.” Haruka guessed. “You must if you're able to see and hear Rune and the other Mirages.”

Minori sighed, worried. “I hope the others are gonna be okay...”

“They can handle it.” Haruka assured.

That's when they heard cheering nearby coming from the crowd.

“Huh? Is the opening starting?” Minori asked.

Haruka frowned. “That's odd. The Mirage influence is still active.”

The girls quickly moved outside to the back of the crowd, where nobody noticed them. The stage lights came on and shone on the shadows of the Nightcord at 25:00 girls. As soon as they did, the crowd went wild and the girls began to sing their song “The Light That Dwells Here”.

Enanan: “Just, just, a little more... It's, still, not easy.”

Yuki: “Even when I cry and give up, my heart still keeps on breathing.”

Amia: “Just, need, a little more... It, still, wasn't any good.”

K: “When I wanted to vanish, I found I wanted my wish to come true.”

Enanan and Amia: “When you lose your way that's through the dark remember this melody, oh please, oh please I want it to reach out to you.”

K and Yuki: “Because, I want to find a way, to have all the empty spaces filled, it shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells down here.”

Yuki and Enanan: “When I, strike a dream into a my heart that feels ready to fall away”

K and Enanan: “More more, more more, I want you to stay here close to me.”

Enanan and Amia: “Because, I want to find a way, to have all the empty spaces filled”

All: “It shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells here. Light, light light light, it's shining. Light, light light I love you most.”

Enanan and Amia: “It's okay”

All: “Light, light light light, because we are light, light, it's just like this. E,ven, the worst, it's like what you said, surely... Because of this we met.”

K and Yuki: “It's okay”

All: “It's, not, lost! As it's before us! Surely... Because of this we met.”

K and Yuki: “It shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells down here.”

…

Amia: “No, matter what I can't my heart so for the echo I do apologize. Then, it occurred to me if I didn't disappear then I, should just go and point it out now.”

Enanan: “So, that the black crack up above would just disappear then so you couldn't see the tears running down my face as I cry out for, I wanted to hide away, I thought I could hide all of myself”

Yuki: “I should've forgotten I know I should've, it looks so easy to open up like that. Why”

Amia: “Why”

Enanan: “Why”

K: “Why”

Yuki: “After it has disappeared the answer won't return then.”

K: “A new game ever constant weakness, a punishing game that will surely continue. From now on what should I do I wonder? Since when was I a little bit broken?”

Yuki and Enanan: “For when your mood, is, a little low, we'll mix it with the light. But why? But why? Although we're still a little weak.”

K and Amia: “So we, can definitely meet! So that, we won't ever be apart. It shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells down here.”

All: “After, the tears that we shed we found when we met eye to eye, we know, we know, it's because we're a little weak. So that, we have no reason not to lose each other, it shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells down here! When you lose your way that's through the dark remember this melody, oh please, oh please, I want it to reach out to you.”

K and Yuki: “It's fine”

All: “Of all, the places that were gone that have nowadays been filled. It shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells down here. When I, strike a dream into my heart that feels ready to fall away, more more, more more, I want you to stay here close to me.”

Enanan and Amia: “It's fine”

All: “Of all the places, that are filled! It shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells down here!”

K and Enanan: “It shines, it shines, sleepless light that dwells down here.”

The audience went wild in response to their graceful performance. As the girls stepped off the stage, the audience crowded around them to greet them, excited.

“But... Wasn't everyone tired just a little bit ago?” Minori asked.

Haruka smiled. “That's the power of true performers. They can invigorate people no matter the situation.”

Minori thought about this as she watched the music group greet the fans. Finally, she grew determined and turned around to walk away.

“Minori? Where are you going?” Rune asked.

Minori was determined. “We're gonna go help our friends, Rune!”

Haruka looked ready to argue, but seeing the look on Minori's face stopped her. Instead, she decided, “I'm going with you. I'll teach you your powers along the way.”

“Thanks, Haruka.” Minori nodded, the group heading into the Idolasphere.

-------------------------------------------------------

Inside the Idolasphere, Ichika's group wasn't doing so well. After making their way into the Idolasphere, they wound up getting stuck in a moving maze where only Ichika, Saki, Shiho, and Honami managed to make it to the middle.

So while the others were trying to make their way around, Leo/Need was trying to fight the powerful Mirage in the center.

“We... Could... REALLY use Haruka right about now!” Honami panted mid-fight before deflecting another fireball.

Baldr, the Mirage in the center, hovered above them. “Did you honestly think defeating me was that simple?”

“We could do this all day.” Ichika bickered, even though she was at her limit as well.

Before they could clash again, the maze grounds began to shake, a signal that it was rearranging again.

“Will this ever end?!” Saki asked.

Suddenly, the ground abruptly stopped.

“Huh?” Shiho looked around, before the maze walls crumbled, revealing the others.

Tsukasa and the others jogged up. “What just happened?!”

“Huh?!” Baldr seemed confused as well, until they spotted a white light coming towards them.

“It's Rune!” Emu realized.

Rune arrived with Minori, Haruka, and Ryoma with him.

“We've been trying to get to you!” Haruka yelled. “Rune tapped into the maze and deactivated it!”

Minori hugged Rune. “Good job, Rune!!”

“Rune's amazing...!” Airi admitted.

Baldr seemed furious. “Rune... You turncoat! Return to me!”

“No!” Rune refused, staying with Minori.

Minori's eyes widened. “That must be the one controlling the maze!”

“Yeah, that's Baldr. My spell won't last, so we have to take her down!” Rune warned.

Haruka transformed as well. “With Rune with you, you can help, Minori.”

“Right...” Minori stretched out her hand. “Carnage Form!”

In a flash, Rune disappeared and reappeared in the form of a staff shaped like a lily at the top in Minori's outstretched hand. Minori's hair was longer, and she wore a white dress with detached sleeves, gloves, and tall shoes decorated with lilies. A green strand with a lily on it was woven in her hair.

“Whoa!” Ichika gasped.

Shiho realized what this was. “Minori's Carnage Form...!”

“And it's with Rune!” Saki's eyes sparkled with excitement. “Shiho, do you know what kind of Mirage Rune is?”

“He looks like a Mage Mirage.” Shiho answered. “Like Honami, Minori can use magic in this form because of Rune.”

Baldr tried to fire a projectile at Minori, so Minori quickly generated a force field to deflect it, before retaliating with a fireball spell.

“Wow! Haruka, your teachings are super handy!” Minori gasped.

Haruka grinned. “If you want to learn more, talk to Honami! She's a Priestess Mirage Master, so she'll know a lot more about magic skills than me.”

“Hehe!” Minori giggled before turning back towards Baldr.

Baldr charged towards her and Minori dove out of the way, hitting her back with the staff before summoning a magic glyph to launch Baldr back in the air, where Haruka landed a few quick slashes with her blade.

Needless to say, Minori mastered her magic quickly, countering and attacking with all sorts of spells. Thanks to her working with Haruka, Baldr was down in minutes.

Baldr didn't give up easily, though. So when she tried to get up again, Minori froze her in place before finishing her off with a blast of light and lily petals.

After knowing for sure that Baldr wouldn't keep fighting them, Minori released her and asked, “Are you okay?”

“...Yes... Thank you.” Baldr answered. “It's been a while since I was beaten so thoroughly.”

Minori grinned. “Teehee! It's only because of Rune that I managed it! Plus, I got to battle you with Haruka! This is the best day of my life!”

Haruka giggled. “Minori, you're fangirling again.”

Baldr got up. “Your skills are impressive. I apologize if I caused any harm.”

“It's not your fault.” Rune's voice was heard. “Whatever power has hold over us is to blame.”

Minori nodded. “Rune's right! You didn't know what you were doing, that's all. If you really wanna make up for it, could I ask you for advice?”

“Of course.” Baldr agreed.

Minori detransformed and allowed Rune to return to normal as well before asking her question. “You see, I'm going to be performing a stage show with Haruka, who's basically my idol. I wanna be just like her one day, and I want to know... How do you think I can be worthy of standing on the stage as her? How can I become someone as amazing as Haruka when just becoming an idol is tough?”

Shizuku was surprised. “Where's this coming from, Minori?”

“It's just... I felt something when I saw N25 perform before.” Minori explained. “N25 is on par with Haruka when it comes to being an idol. Combined with the things I've gone through to become an idol, and I now realize just how hard it is to be an idol... I saw the gap between Haruka and me, and I want to close it. I want to be worthy of standing on the same stage as someone like her. I want to be her, but... How can I do that?”

“I think you're doubting yourself too much.” Baldr said. “You are to do a performance with her you said, right?”

“Yeah?” Minori nodded.

Baldr nodded back. “If you are doing the show with her, then I think you are already worthy.”

“I am?” Minori asked.

Rune turned to her. “I agree with her... They wouldn't have put you in the same idol group as her if you weren't worth it.”

“And even if you're really not worthy, you can prove them wrong the same way you always have.” Ichika butted in. “Hard work and a positive attitude.”

Taking this advice to heart, Minori smiled. “Yeah... I guess everyone is right. I shouldn't doubt myself! I should just do more more more!”

“That's the spirit!” Airi said.

Haruka nodded. “Now, let's head back. I doubt N25 will be able to occupy the audience for much longer. The show must go on!”

“Allow me.” Baldr said, taking control of the maze again just as Rune's spell wore off, creating a straight path through.

“Yahoo! Let's go!” Minori led the way.

-------------------------------------------------------

With the Mirages gone, More More Jump was to make their stage appearance after returning, so Ichika and the others took their seats just as the stage lights began to flicker.

Haruka, Shizuku, and Airi stepped out first, causing the audience to applaud, before Minori stepped out last with a microphone in hand to address the crowd.

“Evening everyone! I'm Minori Hanasato! Our group is More More Jump!” Minori called into the microphone. “This is my own first concert, too! Let's thank Nightcord at 25:00 for that amazing opening, and allow me to get this started!”

The audience applauded, before Haruka handed the headset microphone to Minori and traded it for the handheld one before leaving the stage with Airi and Shizuku.

The music started almost as soon as Minori put on the microphone, got into position, and announced her song. “This is... Angel's Clover!”

“Ya-ho! Preparation's okay! Today, just how far will we plan... To walk... If I, push-myself past the limit! Perhaps, I can get even closer to-it~”

“I summon up my-courage, but even if I-try that first-step, I ram into, another wall, again day after day.”

“Despite being unreliable, even if it's awkward love, I want it to reach someone~!”

“Even if these two wings, are broken apart. If you're there then I can, and will try on again! A hundred years later, these feelings won't have changed! I flew with flames of-passion, engulfing me to the stage that I will reach~!”

...

“Ya-ho! My smile is so cute! Today, I'm filled with energy~ As well~ If you, hold tight onto your dreams, surely, you will reach the place where you'll shine~!”

“'I wish that I could do that.' Kick those evil thoughts away. Those kinds of, feelings are, beyond even sky and space. Even if there's no 'for sure', we will surely take-hold of-them! The realization of our dreams~”

“So even if I lose sight, of the way forward or ahead. When I am here with you, the song still continues on! We are always enveloped, by the sparkling colors! Our 'trump card' is there, on the stage that we have always dreamed!”

“More-more! Wave on your arms at me! More-more! Come-ans,wer-me! With all the power you have, get it across over to me! More-more! Show me all your love! Tightly, I grab and hold firmly~”

“The angel's clover~!”

…

“Even if these two wings, are broken apart. If you're there then I can, and will try on again! A hundred years later, these feelings won't have changed! I flew with flames of-passion, engulfing me to the stage that I will reach!”

“More-more! Wave on your arms at me! More-more! Come-ans,wer-me! With all that we've poured as-one, let's all go get it all across! More-more! Show me all your love! Tightly, I grab and hold firmly~”

“The angel's clover~! Heart and soul in! More More Jump!”

…

“Because we'll push-on forward~!”

After the final note, the entire audience applauded again, getting even louder when the rest of More More Jump took the stage as well.

“Okay! Who's ready for fun?!” Airi yelled, getting a positive response.

Minori exchanged nods with her group and yelled, “Music, please!”

Getting the signal, they launched into their group song: “Fun”

Minori and Haruka: “Ring it out fun fun fun come on one more jump! Even if you fail, it isn't that bad.”

All: “Is this good?”

Airi and Shizuku: “The latest version of your own deep down dream I'll install it for you even more~”

…

Shizuku: “There have been ma,ny, times, when you al,so, thought, 'This is too tough for me' isn't that right? Let your feel,ings, out, and take, a, break, for a bit.”

Airi: “When you're struggling for quite a long bit, if I could shine even for just a little moment. I wish I could give you just what it is that you lost.”

Haruka: “I'm sure, that it will happen, so let's all run off together on as far as we can~”

Minori: “I'm sure, that it will come true, so whenever I'm feeling happy or sad I will share it with you.”

Minori and Haruka: “Let's ring it fun fun fun come on one more jump! Even if you fail, it isn't that bad.”

All: “Is this good?”

Airi and Shizuku: “The latest version of your own deep down dream I'll install it for you even more~ Let's ring it fun fun fun come on one more jump! Restarting isn't that bad either~”

All: “Is this good?”

Minori and Haruka: “Even we're back at square or make mistakes, I'll always be right by your side.”

Minori and Shizuku: “Say yay!”

All: “Yay!”

Minori and Shizuku: “I love you're one of a kind, it's unbelievable and it's amazing!”

All: “Let's ring it fun fun fun come on one more jump! Even if you fail, it isn't that bad.”

…

Haruka: “There have been many times where I felt that this, whole quest was just too exhausting. 'It's okay' you said to lift me back up, it was you.”

Minori: “The reason I'm here is thanks to the words you gave me, so I'm here to be by you because it's my turn to support you through your hardest of times.”

Airi: “I can't wait to see what kind of face that you'll make, when it eventually comes true in front of you!”

Shizuku: “I want to be right by your side, whether through laughter or through your tears.”

All: “I want you to laugh.”

Minori and Haruka: “Ring it now fun fun fun come on one more jump! I'll start with this little failure!”

Airi and Shizuku: “The chapter that I wrote for my dream with you, I know we'll reach the best ever ending~”

Haruka and Airi: “Let's ring it fun fun fun come on one more jump! Restarting isn't that bad either~”

All: “Is this good?”

Minori and Shizuku: “Even we're back at square one or make mistakes, I'll always be right by your side.”

Minori, Haruka, and Airi: “Say yay!”

All: “Yay!”

Minori, Haruka, and Shizuku: “I love you're one of a kind, it's unbelievable and it's amazing!”

All: “Ooh hai hai hai!”

Airi and Shizuku: “We can seem so weak and in one and two three we get discouraged!”

Minori and Haruka: “But I get back up again is because of! Of you there!”

Airi and Shizuku: “Of you there!”

All: Of you there! Alright hai hai hai!”

Minori and Shizuku: “We are strong strong strong! Even after it all we still continue to dream!”

Haruka and Airi: “Thank you so so much for always supporting each other through it all!”

All: “Let's ring it fun fun fun come on one more jump! Restarting isn't that bad either~”

The audience cheered.