Side Story: Steel Heart

When Side Story is available, Mamori will send a Topic. The conversation is as follows:

Mamori: Itsuki! Um... Maiko and Uncle have started to fight because of me... Mamori: I'm in Daitama right now. Please help!

If the player takes too long to initiate Side Story, Mamori will send another Topic.

Mamori: Itsuki! Please come to Daitama!

Daitama Observatory

To initiate Side Story, speak to Mamori.

Mamori: Oh... Itsuki...

Itsuki: You mentioned something about Barry and Ms. Maiko having an argument...

Mamori: Well, about that...

The player is given the choice whether to accept the Side Story or not.

If the player chooses "no":

Itsuki: Sorry. I forgot some urgent business.

Mamori: Aw...

Conversation ends, Side Story unaccepted.

If the player chooses "yes":

Itsuki: What's wrong? Oh. Sorry, Mamori. There's a Topic from Ms. Maiko.

Maiko sends Itsuki a Topic. The conversation is as follows:

Maiko: I'm sorry, Itsuki! Can you go to Daitama right now!? I accidentally left Mamori there. Itsuki: I'm already here. What in the world happened? Maiko: Barry suddenly began voicing his opinion against Mamori's work on "Microwavin' with Mamorin." Maiko: Well, if you're with Mamori, great timing. Can you help her out a bit? Itsuki: What? Maiko: I need to go after Barry! I feel bad for dragging you into this, but I'm counting on you! Maiko:

Itsuki: I see now... She said Barry started objecting to you doing "Microwavin' with Mamorin." But he loved the show so much, so why the sudden change of heart...?

Mamori: That's... um... because I briefly mentioned that I want to do some singing gigs...

Itsuki: And that comment got him fired up. So what do you want to do, Mamori?

Mamori: ... Well... um... it is true that I want to sing... but that doesn't mean I want to stop being Mamorin. I'm where I am today thanks to that role. At first... I only played that part because the other adults told me to... But as I kept at it... my fans, the staff... and, most of all, Uncle Barry praised me for my work... That's why I started to feel that being Mamorin is quite nice too.

Itsuki: Then, does that mean this is just Barry jumping to conclusions?

Mamori: N-No, that's not it! He did it because he was trying to protect me. I never had confidence in myself, and I can't speak my mind... That's why Uncle did it for me...

Itsuki: I understand...

Mamori: I'm always being protected by him... And that's why... Itsuki! I want to become stronger! I don't want to always be protected by someone... I want the strength--the confidence--to say what's on my mind!

Itsuki: Confidence, huh... How would be do that...?

Draug's Voice: I have an idea.

Mamori: Mr. Draug!?

Draug's Voice: Mamori, please come to the Bloom Palace. We shall speak more there.

Mamori: What do you mean?

Draug's Voice: I may ask for your aid as well, Sir Itsuki.

Itsuki: Got it. I'll help however I can.

Mamori: All right then, I'll be off to the Bloom Palace.

Mamori leaves. As Itsuki is about to leave Daitama, Mamori sends him a Topic. The conversation is as follows:

Mamori: I spoke with Mr. Draug, Itsuki. Mamori: A powerful Mirage supposedly appears in Illusory Daitou TV Station. Mamori: Mr. Draug says that he respects this person and that he may be able to give me some advice. Mamori: However, that Mirage has been cursed... Itsuki: So, you want to help regain his senses. Mamori: Can you please come with me? Itsuki: All right. Mamori: Thank you so much! Mamori:

Illusory Daitou TV Station

Itsuki: Is this where the Mirage you mentioned appears?

Draug: Indeed. He is a powerful general whom I highly respect... His name is Sir Lorenz. When we were investigating this area the other day, I sensed his presence here. A general of his stature may be able to give Mamori effective advice of some kind.

Itsuki: You remember him...?

Draug: Indeed... though my recollection is rather faint. It seemed the greater an impression someone leaves on one's memory, the slower it is to fade...

Itsuki: I see.

Draug: However, Sir Lorenz has been cursed... and has fallen into enemy hands.

Itsuki: Inother words, we need to go rescue him.

Mamori: Itsuki...

Itsuki: You can do this, Mamori. Don't worry, we're here with you.

Mamori: Okay!

Once gameplay is resumed, Tiki will send a Topic. The conversation is as follows:

Tiki: Hmm... it's coming from between two sets... I sense a presence from a stage that connects sets! Tiki: Lorenz is a sturdy Mirage, so make sure you go fully prepared!

Go to where the mid-boss of Chapter 3 was fought.

Draug: So it was you...

Lorenz: ...

Draug: Sir Lorenz, I implore you! Please come to your senses!

Lorenz: ...

Draug: You were once a great man who thought of naught but his country and its people! What has become of you...!?

Lorenz: Country? And people? Hmph. What inane things. I wonder why my past self ever troubled with such matters. Now, I feel only joy--the joy of wielding my unshackled might to my heart's content! I shall take your Perfoma! And with that power, I shall destroy everything: this world's country, and it's people!

Itsuki: There's no other way...! Mamori, you have to bring him back to his senses!

Mamori: Nnnh...

Itsuki: You can do this! You just have to be confident in yourself. You'll be fine. We're here with you!

Mamori: Itsuki... You're right! Let's do this!

Battle initiates.

Lorenz: All... meaningless...

After the battle:

Mamori: Please snap out of it!

Lorenz: Graaaaaah!

The curse that was controlling Lorenz breaks.

Lorenz: What was I...?

Draug: Sir Lorenz! Thank goodness... Are you well?

Lorenz: I see... So this child broke my curse... I apologize for causing trouble for you all, as well.

Itsuki: Um, Lorenz... sir. We would appreciate it if you could give this girl some advice. She's troubled because she isn't confident in herself. We thought you may be of help since you're a general.

Lorenz: Young lady... what is your name?

Mamori: H-Hello, sir! My name is Mamori Minamoto!

Lorenz: Mamori... You emerged victorious over me, one by far your better in strength. Your small frame overflows with more than enough courage. You need no advice from an old fool such as I... But if I were to give some parting knowledge, it seems you are overly sensitive to what others may think.

Mamori: Huh?

Lorenz: Do as you will--as your heart commands. That is the privilege of the young, after all.

Mamori: ... I understand! Thank you for your words, Sir Lorenz!

Itsuki: You did it, Mamori.

Mamori: I didn't know I could do this too! I feel like I've figured it out!

Mamori gains a new Perfoma: Honest Opinion.

Draug: You have done well, Mamori.

Mamori: I couldn't have done it without you! Thank you so much!

Lorenz collapses.

Lorenz: Nngh...! It seems I have used too much of my powers. I will remain in this land for a while longer and watch over you all... Farewell... little warrior.

Lorenz dissipates.

Mamori: Itsuki... I'm going to go speak with Uncle... with my own words.

Itsuki: Yeah. I'm sure you'll be able to tell Barry how you feel now.

Mamori: Yes!

Gameplay is resumed. Tiki sends a Topic. The conversation is as follows:

Tiki: Big brother! It looks like a new Perfoma was born from Mamori! Tiki: I can't wait to see what Radiant Skill it makes! I'll prep a Unity, so come to the Bloom Palace. Tiki:

Bloom Palace

Mamori unlocks Radiant Unity Skill: Door of Courage.

Draug: It seems you have successfully told Barry how you feel, Mamori.

Mamori: Uh-huh! Uncle was happy that I was able to tell him what I thought with my own words too.

Draug: I heard he was so delighted that it moved him to tears. Then again, his affection for you runs quite deep.

Mamori: Ahaha... Still, I was able to do all this thanks to you and Itsuki! I finally have confidence in myself!

DRaug: That strength was already there, Mamori, hidden within. I am certain that you shall be able to perform as Mamorin far better now.

Mamori: Uh-huh! Thanks again, Mr. Draug!

A cinematic of Microwavin' with Mamorin plays.

Barry: She's changed... This is the best Mamorin I've ever seen She seems so full of life. And all that time, I was just holdin' her back form her potential...

Itsuki: Barry...

Barry: I'm leavin' the rest up to you.

Barry turns around and is about to leave when Mamori, dressed up in her Microwavin' with Mamorin outfit, enters the room.

Mamori: I'm back! Huh? Where are you going, Uncle?

Barry: U-Uh...

Mamori: You promised that we'd leave together! I don't want to leave without you!

Itsuki: It's okay, Barry.

Mamori: Uh-huh! I don't really know what you're talking about, but I think it's okay too!

Barry: Mamori truly is an angel... If an angel exists, that means God exists as well. Yep. Got your proof right here.

Itsuki: What?

Barry: I'll be waiting outside.

Barry leaves.

Mamori: That was kind of strange...

Itsuki: Well, welcome back. How'd it go?

Mamori: Great! I feel like that was my best take ever... or so I hope.

Itsuki: I see...

Mamori: It's thanks to you lending me your strength, Itsuki... That's why I was able to believe in myself. Still... doesn't that mean I had to rely on you for it...?

Itsuki: It's not a bad thing. Relying on and being relied on, protecting and being protected--that's what friends are for.

Mamori: Itsuki...

Itsuki: Also, it's a fact that you returned Sir Lorenz to his senses. You should be more confident in yourself.

Mamori: You're right! I'll keep doing my best! I still have much to learn, but I hope you'll continue to watch over me!

Itsuki: Well then, shall we get going? Barry's waiting, after all.

Mamori: Uh-huh!

Job complete!