Side Story: The Hero Awakens

When the Side Story is available, Touma wil send Itsuki a Topic. The conversation is as follows:

Touma: something i want to tell you. i'll be waiting at the office. come by soon Touma:

If kept waiting, Touma will send another Topic.

Touma: itsuki, there's something i want to tell you. come to the office!

Fortuna Office

To initiate the Side Story, speak to Touma.

Touma: Hey, Itsuki. Do you have time right now?

The choice whether to accept the side story is given.

If the player chooses "no:"

Itsuki: I'm actually a little busy.

Touma: Can you come talk to me later then? There's something I want to discuss with you.

Conversation ends, side story unaccepted.

If the player chooses "yes:"

Itsuki: Yeah, I do.

Touma: Have you heard the news? It's pretty great...! I finally get to audition for a new TV show, man! It's for the newest installment of "Masqueraider"--a 35th anniversary show called Ouga! For the lead role!

Itsuki: It's about time.

Touma: Yeah! I'll be a real hero soon--a real Saturday-morning-show hero.

Itsuki: Don't forget that you haven't gotten the part yet, though...

Maiko: Touma, Itsuki! This looks bad. Come check the TV. This might be another Mirage incident!

The camera focuses on the TV. A mugshot of the young boy from Touma's earlier side stories is seen on the TV.

Announcer: Once again, an 11-year-old boy has gone missing. He was last spotted around Dougenzaka in Shibuya. The police are continuing their investigation since the child may have been in an accident or an incident.

Touma: Hey... Isn't this... that kid?

Itsuki: Yeah... It's him all right. Dougenzaka would be near the 106...

Touma: ... The Idolasphere's there. He might have wandered in... What do you think, Cain?

Cain's Voice: It is a possibility. From what I saw, that boy's Perfoma was remarkably strong.

Touma: Rgh!

>Touma runs away.

Itsuki: Hey! Touma! Sorry about this, Ms. Maiko! I'm heading out too!

Maiko: Be careful out there...!

>Itsuki runs off. As he is about to leave the office, Maiko sends him a Topic. The conversation is as follows:

Maiko: Itsuki, Touma. The police came to us a moment ago and made a top-secret investigation request with our agency. Maiko: Just as we feared, it looks like there's no mistake that the missing boy wandered into the Idolasphere. Maiko: His name is Riku Suzumoto. Maiko: It's the Idolasphere at the 106. Be careful!

Illusory 106

A lone trainer is seen on the floor next to the exit of Illusory 106.

Touma: This definitely belongs to that kid...!

Itsuki: So he did wander in here, just like we feared.

Touma: Dammit, we gotta hurry!

Cain: Calm yourself, Touma. Impatience on the battlefield will cost you your life. Do not lose sight of your true goal.

Touma: Y-You're right... It wouldn't do any good if I go down when I'm trying to save him.

Cain: Indeed. Now, let us proceed, Touma.

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

Touma: TIKI! DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUES ON RIKU!? IT CAN BE ANYTHING!!!! Tiki: You need to calm down, Touma! It's weak, but I sense a Perfoma at the very top of the building... Touma: SO THAT'S WHERE HE'S AT!? Tiki: I don't know for sure, but the Perfoma's really weak! I sense a Mirage near it too, so be careful! Touma: GOT IT! THANKS, TIKI!

Seventh Floor

As Itsuki nears the entrance to the stairs that leads to the roof, Cain suddenly appears in front of him and Touma.

Cain: Halt!

Touma: Whoa! What's up all of a sudden!?

Cain: This presence--it can't be... Is it... him...?

Touma: "Him"?

Cain: Ah, I apologize... We cannot hesitate. Let us press onward.

Gameplay is resumed. As Itsuki nears the roof, he stops and thinks to himself.

Itsuki: (I feel an ominous presence ahead... Could the enemy that kidnapped the kid be waiting for us...?)

The player is given two options on how to respond:

• Let's proceed.
• Never mind.

If the player chooses option 2:

Itsuki: (We should prepare ourselves first.)

Gameplay is resumed. The side story will not progress unless the other option is chosen.

If the player chooses option 1:

Itsuki: Hold on a sec. There's a message from Ms. Maiko.

Touma: Oh... You don't really need to check that right now, yeah?

Itsuki: I can't just ignore it. Maybe something happened...

Itsuki checks the Topic.

Maiko: Sorry to bother at a time like this! Touma's there with you, right!? I can't get in contact with him at all! Itsuki: Yes, he is. Maiko: His audition is today! I got a call from the director a moment ago! And it's happening now! Maiko: Can you tell him to hurry and head there!? I'm counting on you!

Itsuki: You can still make it.

Touma: Huh? Make what? Well, anyway. Let's hurry and keep going, Itsuki.

Itsuki: We can save the kid. You should go to your audition.

Touma: *Sigh* I knew you'd say that. That's why I kept quiet about it...

Itsuki: Of course I would.

Touma: It's okay, really. Luck just wasn't on my side this time. And besides... I wanna save that kid myself. I promised him, after all.

Itsuki: ... Let's go then. We have to save Riku.

Touma: Right!

The two walk up the last few steps and bear witness to a green Mirage holding Riku.

Touma: Dammit! His Perfoma's being drained!

??? Heh heh heh... It appears you have noticed my message, Cain. I expected no less from the Bull himself... my old rival.

Cain: So it was you... Abel!

Touma: You remember him, Cain?

Cain: Indeed. No matter what happens to the world, I could never forget him!

Chrom: That Mirage... he's cursed...!

>Abel readies his lance.

Abel: ...

Cain: Stop this, Abel! You must come to your senses! I have no wish to fight you!

Abel: You may not... but I surely do. With all that I am, I despise you...

Chrom: The curse is amplifying all his rivalry and competitive nature--he's out of control!

Abel: I shall kill you myself, and prove once and for all that I am your better in all things.

Cain: Abel!

Abel: Ready your lance, Cain! Lest I run mine through this child!

Riku: Nnngh... It hurts... I'm scared... Save me... Raiga...

Touma: ... Hey now, so you do love the show. ... Get ready, Cain. If your friend's gonna be unreasonable, then we'll just have to beat the crap out of him.

Cain: Touma... Abel is a force to be reckoned with.

Touma: So what? When a hero is fighting for someone else's sake, he's invincible!

Cain: Heh... Of course. Consider my objections withdrawn.

Touma: Plus, I have friends I can trust. You've got my back, right, Itsuki?

Itsuki: Don't I always?

Touma: Hang in there, Riku! We WILL save you! Lightning Energy, full charge! Boost... up!

>Battle begins.

Abel: Taste the blade of my lance... And all the hatred within it!

After Abel is beaten, Itsuki and Touma run up to Riku, who is lying on the floor.

Touma: Hey, Riku! Are you okay!? Hey!

Riku: Raiga? Oh... it's you...

Touma: I'm so glad...

Riku: Wh-What, are you crying? ... Ahaha, so lame.

Touma: Can it, you little brat... Itsuki... I completely get it now. A hero isn't just a role someone plays. It's a way of life, where one fights for the happiness of others...

>A light envelops Touma. Touma gains a new Perfoma: Fight for My Friends.

Touma: Haha... I wasn't wrong after all.

Itsuki: Well done, hero.

Touma: Yeah!

Abel: Nnh... Forgive me, Cain... Even if I was controlled, I earnestly tried to-

Cain: If our roles were reserved, I surely would have done the same. Please, do not dwell on it. After all, we are the Bull and Panther. Rivals, and friends.

Abel: Haha... Indeed.

Chrom: Abel, right? If you'd like to join us, we'd be happy to count you among our allies.

Abel: I am truly grateful for the offer, but...

>Abel's eyes focus on Riku, who is now on his feet.

Chrom: Ah... Fair enough.

Touma: Well... that's one case settled.

Cain: No, Touma, it is far from over. Come. We must make haste.

Touma: Huh? What's the rush?

Cain: The audition.

Touma: C'mon, man, form here? There's no way I'd make it on tome.

Cain: Touma. Don't tell me you've forgotten how fast I am?

>Cain's motorcycle appears.

Touma: Cain...

Cain: ... Together, we ride! Full throttle!

Shibuya

>Itsuki leaves the Idolasphere.

Itsuki: I hope he makes it on time...

Chrom's Voice: I'd say there's no need to worry. Cain knows what he is doing.

Itsuki receives a Topic from Touma. The conversation is as follows:

Touma: itsuki, about the audition Itsuki: Yeah? Touma: I SOMEHOW MADE IT! WOULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT CAIN! Itsuki: I see. Glad to hear that. Touma: sorry i worried you all that's left is to wait for the results

Itsuki: It looks like Touma made it.

Chrom's Voice: I see... That really is a relief. He's ready now. All we have to do is believe in him and await the good news.

Itsuki: Yeah, you're right.

Tiki sends a Topic to Itsuki. The conversation is as follows:

Tiki: Looks like Touma gained a new Perfoma! I was surprised because it's so strong! Tiki: I'm ready to perform a Unity, so come to the Bloom Palance whenever you have time! Tiki:

Bloom Palace

Touma unlocks the Radiant Unity skill: Door of Heroes.

Cain: Your audition was impressive. It seemed your hero's passion was made clear to the director as well.

Touma: Whoa, Cain, where's this comin' from? You're starting to get it too, huh?

Cain: Well, you have shown me what it truly means through this incident, after all. Though their appearances may differ, the heroes of this world are no different from those of mine.

Touma: I see.

Cain: You have become a true hero, Touma. I am honored to serve as the Mirage of someone of your valor.

Touma: Well, that's rare. I don't think I've ever heard you honestly praise me like that.

Cain: I merely thought it was best to mention it now.

Touma: So tell me more about how awesome I am! I'm the kind of guy that gets better fast the more you praise me.

Cain: Less arrogance, thank you. And most of all, do not forget that you made it this far because of Sir Itsuki's aid.

Touma: Yeah, I know. He's my best friend. I'm sure you get what I mean, right?

Cain: Indeed. Finding a true friend with whom you can better yourself is no easy feat.

Touma: Of course, you're my best friend too, Cain.

Cain: ...! ... Indeed!

Touma: All right, let's head out, Cain. This is my first job as a new hero!

A cutscene plays which shows Raiga fighting a Genome. He appears to be down and losing. As the Genome closes in, a surprise is shown: a red Masqueraider leaps into the battle--Ouga!

Fortuna Office 2

The scene shows Itsuki and Touma watching the new Masqueraider show.

Touma: Oh man, that is so awesome! Ouga... Flame Thrust!

Itsuki: That's you on screen though... Are you praising yourself?

Touma: Ahahah, I know, I know. But seriously, man, don't you think it's pretty impressive?

Itsuki: Yeah. And the theme song sounds great too. I didn't know you could sing.

Touma: Well, we have tons of singing specialists at this agency, after all.

Itsuki: Oh, right.

Touma: Kiria's training especially... Just remembering it makes me... Uuugh.

Maiko's Voice: Touma, you have a little visitor!

Riku's Voice: E-Excuse me...

Touma: ...!

Riku appears on screen.

Touma: Hey! Riku! Are you all better now?

Riku: Yeah, I'm fine... Anyway, Touma... Um... ... Abel, you say it instead.

Abel's Voice: That will not do. You must tell him in your own words.

Riku: ... Teach me how to become... a hero too.

Abel's Voice: "Please"?

Riku: ... Please.

Touma: Riku...! I see... I see!

Abel's Voice: My apologies, Touma, but would you mind? It seems he has come to admire you since the rescue. Riku wishes to become a hero as well.

Riku: You keep butting in too much, Abel.

Abel's Voice: I could never "butt in" too much. I vowed from the depths of my heart to watch over you, and-

Riku: All right, all right! I'll be waiting on the roof of the department store! You better show up, Touma!

>Riku leaves.

Touma: Man, was I surprised when Abel said he'd be Riku's Mirage. I mean, it's just as an apprentice, but still.

Itsuki: Same here.

Touma: By the way, Itsuki...

Itsuki: Hm?

Touma: Um, this is a good turning point in my life, and I feel like I'm gonna miss my chance again if I don't say it now...

Itsuki: Huh?

Touma: ... Ahem! I only made it this far because you were there with me. So... thank you.

Itsuki: Hearing you say that so formally feels pretty weird.

Touma: Say what!? Oh! Lemme guess... Are you embarrassed?

Itsuki: ... Yeah, actually.

Touma: W-Well, this is a turning point though. Yep. A turning point.

Itsuki: What do you mean?

Touma: My dream pretty much came true. Still, even though I'm Ouga, there are evil Mirages in this world that are making people suffer. And there are tons more kids still left that need a hero! That's why my battle has just begun!

Itsuki: You mean "our" battle, right? I hear that every hero needs a partner.

Touma: You heard right, Itsuki! I won't lose to anyone if I have you at my side!

Job Complete!