Chapter 3: The Next Generation

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Chapter 3: The Next Generation

Fortuna Office

>Itsuki, Mamori, and Barry are seen in Fortuna Office.

Barry: Mamori, did you make sure you didn't forget anything?

Mamori: Oh, yes, I have everything.. but I hope you remembered to bring your phone charger this time, Uncle Barry.

Barry: Ohhh nooo! Gah, I'm so dumb! Guess I forgot to bring it today too!

Mamori: *Sigh* Not again. I don't need mine for the rest of the day... Here, you can borrow it.

Barry: Oh, thank you, Mamori! You truly are a real live 3D angel from the heavens!

Mamori: An angel? I don't know about that.

>Maiko walks up to the three.

Maiko: Mamori, isn't it time for you to head back to the studio? Ayaha's waiting for you.

Mamori: Oh, I almost forgot!

Itsuki: Come on, Itsuki, send her off with a good word.

Itsuki: Good luck with the recording. I'll see you later.

Mamori: Thank you. I'll do my best! Goodbye then.

>Mamori walks away.

Maiko: Did you take that girl's charger again?

Barry: You don't have to say it like that!

Maiko: Can you believe him, Itsuki? Barry keeps "forgetting" his charger on purpose so he can borrow Mamori's.

Barry: Wh-What's wrong about that!? I'm the founding member of the Mamori Minamoto unofficial fan club!

Itsuki: I'm pretty sure a fan club doesn't really have anything to do with this...

Barry: That pure innocence, that heartwarming smile, and that cuteness that just makes you want to protect her...! Mamori is too good--too pure--for this world, and her unofficial fan club will shield her from the world's corruption!

Itsuki: ...

Maiko: Itsuki, do you know Mamorin...? As in, "Microwavin' with Mamorin"?

Itsuki: Oh, I just heard about that recently. It's the show that Mamori's on, right?

Maiko: Mhm. It's really doing fantastic in the ratings.

Barry: It's all thanks to Mamori. She's the most popular child star on the air!

Maiko: As you can see, she's getting a lot of fans like... this. What I'd LIKE to do is use her popularity to give her a chance to sing, but...

Itsuki: Now that you mention it... I remember Mamori saying that she wanted to work jobs in which she can sing.

Maiko: She's a good girl and a hard worker. She does like the job she has... but I'd like to get her some singing gigs.

Barry: Mamori makes a great hostess, but she really loves to sing... I can't wait to see her shine onstage as a singer! Which is why, as the head of the unofficial fan club, I swear I'll find something I can do to help her!

>Barry walks off.

Maiko: Barry... kinda gets even crazier than usual it comes to anything involving Mamori.

Itsuki: Yeah, I noticed...

Maiko: You'd never believe he used to be that incredible guitarist... You know, he even used to be a Mirage Master.

Itsuki: Wh- Really!?

Maiko: Yes. But during a battle with a powerful Mirage, he ended up sacrificing all the power he had... And he lost his Mirage. Barry felt responsible, and he fell into an awful depression... That was about when he quit the band. And then... well, a lot has happened in between, but now he's ended up our instructor.

Itsuki: I never knew Barry had a past like that... So... since Mamori works with this company, does that mean she's a Mirage Master too?

Maiko: Mamori's not a Master. She has the potential to be one, however.

Itsuki: Potential? Then does she also know about the Mirages?

Maiko: No. I haven't told her anything yet. She does have the aptitude... but I don't know if I want someone that young mixed into this fight. So, Itsuki... if the worst happens, I want you to be there for her. Okay?

Itsuki: Understood.

Maiko: Oh... it's about time I head out, too. See you later, Itsuki.

A few days later...

>The scene is still Fortuna Office. Itsuki is seen on his phone, and Tsubasa and Eleonora are talking together.

Eleonora: Hey, Tsubasa, have you heard? Sounds like our feature issue of "Nan-No" is selling pretty well.

Tsubasa: O-Oh, no... Now I'm getting all nervous thinking about how many people actually saw me in it...

Eleonora: What're you so anxious for...? You're in show business. The whole point is to get everyone's eyes on you.

>Mamori comes rushing into the office.

Mamori: E-Everyone! You have to listen!

Eleonora: Wha-!?

Tsubasa: Mamori?

Eleonora: What's gotten into you all of a sudden?

>Itsuki walks over to the three girls.

Mamori: L-Live on TV! Special feature! I've been chosen to be on "Serenade"! It's been my dream to get to perform on it!

Itsuki: Uh... "Serenade"?

Mamori: "Soulful Serenade"! Um, most people just call it "Serenade." It's an hour-long show on Daitou TV for traditional Japanese ballads, but they want to do a special two-hour show. Oh, "Serenade" is so amazing! All my favorite artists are going to be performing!

Itsuki: So... you're saying you'll get to perform in this show you really like?

Mamori: Yes! And Uncle Barry was the one who recommended me to the producers!

Itsuki: ... Barry did?

Mamori: He said he was friends with someone on the show. Apparently his friend watches "Microwavin' with Mamorin," too!

Itsuki: That's great that you get to be on such a big show... Congratulations, Mamori.

Mamori: Thank you! Oh, I'm so excited! I have to go to rehearsal now. I'll do my best!

>Mamori walks away. Some time has passed by; Itsuki, Tsubasa, Kiria, Touma, and Maiko are in the office, waiting for Serenade to start.

Tsubasa: Ohh... When is "Serenade" starting? I hope Mamori's not too nervous...

Maiko: Barry's with her, so she should be fine. I'm sure she's relaxed and enjoying being on the show. Putting that side... Itsuki.

Itsuki: Yes?

Maiko: There's... actually something that we were able to find out during that whole Horinozawa incident. Apparently he started acting differently when he took a job from Daiba TV to shoot some promotional photos.

Tsubasa: Daiba TV... That's where I had my audition...

Itsuki: So that network was involved in both cases: Tsubasa's audition, and the incident with Mr. Horinozawa... That's a little suspicious. Do you think Daiba TV is involved in some way...?

Kiria: Seems plausible. I think there's a good chance the one behind all this is someone within the company.

Maiko: You think so too, huh? I don't want to jump to conclusions... but we don't exactly have any other leads.

Tsubasa: Why would it be a bad thing?

Maiko: People go in and out of those stations all the time.

Tsubasa: Oh, right... That is true...

Maiko: Then again, we may have our winning ticket here. I'll just have to make sure all our numbers line up first. Well, there's still some time until Mamori's show starts, so I think I'll go out for a bit.

>Maiko leaves the office and gameplay is resumed.

>The player will receive a new Topic from Maiko:

Maiko: Currently working hard! Maiko: Maiko: I should be able to make it back before Mamori's part starts... but just in case could you record it for me?

>Itsuki moves away from the door and an event occurs.

Yashiro: So... this is it.

Itsuki: Huh? Y-Yashiro!?

Kiria: What exactly are you doing here...?

Yashiro: Hm. No sign of her.

The screen transitions to Yashiro appearing on the screen.

Yashiro: Where's Tiki?

Itsuki: Tiki!? Ah---you mean... the Uta-loid Tiki...?

Yashiro: No. Not the Uta-loid Tiki---the Mirage Tiki. I know Fortuna is hiding her here somewhere.

Yashiro: ...What do you want with her?

Yashiro: It's not your concern, and I doubt you'd understand. Explaining myself to the incompetent is a luxury I do not have.

Itsuki: I'm not going to take someone to see my friend if they won't tell me their intentions.

Yashiro: "Friend," is it...? Ludicrous. Hand over Tiki. That is my one demand.

Itsuki: Sorry, but I can't do that.

Yashiro: I see... Then I hardly need waste any more time on you. There...

>The screen transitions to Yashiro approaching the blue door.

Itsuki: Stop!

Bloom Palace

Yashiro: Tiki, where are you? I must speak with you.

Itsuki: ...What do you plan on doing to Tiki!?

Yashiro: I warn you: do not try to stop me. I can't afford to waste any more of my time on your delusions. If you mean to stand in my way, you shall suffer the consequences.

>A battle initiates.

Itsuki: Yashiro's a Mirage Master too!?

Yashiro: ...You will stand down.

Itsuki: No... I refuse to!

>When a hit strikes Yashiro:

Yashiro: You understand the basics... but you are no match for me.

>When Yashiro wipes the party:

Yashiro: Do you simply not understand the difference in our strength? Hand Tiki over. Immediately.

>The screen fades back into Bloom Palace where the four are kneeling on the ground.

Itsuki: Guh... Everyone all right...?

Tsubasa: S-Somehow...

Touma: H-He's tough...

Yashiro: Hm. Insufficient, even with Kurono.

Kiria: Guh...

>Yashiro walks away and heads toward Tiki's spot.

Yashiro: It's been five years... I've finally found you, Tiki...

Tiki: Who... Who are you? How do you know who I am?

Yashiro: It's me---Yashiro Tsurugi. ...You don't recognize me? We met that day... five years ago!

Tiki: I-I'm sorry... I... don't remember... anything.

Yashiro: Nngh...

Itsuki: Stop it, Yashiro! You're scaring her!

Tiki: Big brother!

>Yashiro walks away from Tiki.

Itsuki: ...!

Yashiro: So... Tiki truly has lost all her memories?

Itsuki: Y-Yeah...

Yashiro: ... I see... Then... I supposed it was all for nothing.

Itsuki: For nothing? What do you mean?

Yashiro: ...

>Yashiro leaves the area.

Tiki: It sounded like... that person knew who I was. But I don't know him...

Itsuki: How did he know about Tiki...?

Tiki: ...

Kiria: He was involved in the disappearance five years ago as well. Although I'm not too clear on the details...

Itsuki: What?

Kiria: HIs father, Chikaomi Tsurugi... disappeared onstage. That trauma might be why he only fights alone... Are our strengths... really that far apart? How humiliating. I thought I'd be evenly matched against Yashiro... but I didn't stand a chance. If I only were stronger...

Itsuki: We just have to do it our way. We'll get stronger together, Kiria, and we'll win next time.

Kiria: Yeah... Guess you're right. There's no point getting depressed over it.

>Eleonora runs over to the group.

Eleonora: I finally found you guys! Something awful's happened! The "Serenade" studio is being attacked by Mirages!

Touma: What the hell!? Itsuki, what do we do?

Itsuki: ...Let's head back to the office.

Fortuna Office

>A large man is shown on screen in a sinister area looking like a rockstar playing a guitar. Then the screen shows Barry playing in front of an audience that looks dazed.

Maiko: The Internet already got ahold of this broadcast, and it's spreading fast. The recording studio for "Serenade" was Daitou TV...

Itsuki: So a Mirage incident occured somewhere other than Daiba TV...

Maiko: Yeah. Looks like we probably shouldn't focus on them after all.

Tsubasa: ...Huh!? That person playing the guitar onstage... Isn't that Barry...?

Itsuki: Yeah. There's no mistaking it...

Touma: Barry's not a Master anymore... so he must have not been able to stop the Mirage, and it took him over.

Itsuki: This isn't good... Wait, that means that Mamori's also---

Maiko: She's in danger... She's still at the "Serenade" studio.

Itsuki: I'm worried about them. Let's head to the TV station!

Touma: Sounds like a plan!

Eleonora: I'm going too.

Itsuki: You too, Ellie?

Eleonora: I'm a Master as well. Or did you forget?

Itsuki: Oh, right... You are...

Eleonora: Wha--- Don't tell me you ACTUALLY forgot!? Anyway, if our friend's in danger, we save them, even if it means punching out the president---THAT's Hollywood! And who knows? Maybe Virion and I will get to show you some flashy sharpshooting archery, too.

Itsuki: I'll be counting on it.

Eleonora: All right, onward to Daitou TV! We're rescuing Mamori!

>Eleonora joined the team.

>The player will receive the following Topic from Tiki:

Tiki: I feel something really bad and... heavy... Yeah, it feels really heavy. Tiki: I think this is all coming from that place you were all looking at on TV. I think it's called Daitou TV Station? Tiki: It's going to be your first time going there, right? Make sure to be careful.

Daitou TV Station

>The stage is shown with an empty audience and stage. Then Mamori shows up walking toward the group.

Itsuki: Mamori!

Mamori: Oh, Itsuki...

Eleonora: Thank goodness... You're all right.

Mamori: There was a... big... shadowy monster that attacked me, but Uncle Barry shielded me and---

Eleonora: Where is he now?

Mamori: Over there...

>The camera spans to the stage and then an Idolasphere entrance to the left.

Mamori: You're going to go save him, right...? Can I come with you...?

Itsuki: Wait for us back at the office. Don't worry, we'll get Barry back safe.

Mamori: Okay...

>The player will receive the following Topic:

Touma: no doubt about it, ms. maiko. looks like the station was just attacked Touma: we found mamori! can you send someone to pick her up? we're heading into the illusory daitou tv station Touma:

Illusory Daitou TV

>Upon entering the Idolasphere:

Eleonora: First, we need to find Barry.

Virion: Ah, my cue! The time has come for me to grace the stage... My noble flair and fury alike are yours to command.

Eleonora: I'll be counting on you, partner! Now let's show them how it's done in Hollywood.

>Gameplay is resumed.

>Inside "W" door

Mirage: Are you the new assistant directors!? Come on, ADs, let's get to work! Chop chop! The real show is starting soon! First job: get the stage nice and ready. Turn on all 4 of the lanterns outside! Report to me when you finish! Then we'll go to the set inside and I'll give you your next assignment.

The player is given two options on how to respond:

• I-I understannd!
• Sorry, I'm in a hurry...

If the player chooses option 1:

???

If the player chooses option 2:

Mirage: Huh? What are you trying to pull? If you want to go to the next set, you'll have to get this place ready first!

Itsuki: (I guess he'll lead us inside if we finish our tasks... It seems simple enough. We might as well humor him.)

>When Itsuki finishes lighting all the lanterns:

Mirage: Seems like you finished! All right, on to the next set! Don't be late!

>It seems that a path leading to the next area has opened.

Mirage: I'll be on the floor above! Don't get lost now!

>On 2F

Mirage: All right, yo're here! Your next t ask is to help another AD! The AD's waiting close to the small room to the north, so go get your new instructions!

Itsuki: ...He rules with an iron fist...

Mirage: ...You say something, guy?

Itsuki: N-No! Nothing!

>Gameplay is resumed.

>When Itsuki reaches past the door on the north:

Mirage: ...And you all would be...?

Itsuki: The director asked us to come help the AD... Is that you?

Mirage: Oh, much obliged! I need you to adjust the lighting in the cast members' waiting rooms. I was in a rush, and got them wrong... Find out what each cast member wants to figure out how many paper lanterns they want on, and fix them accordingly. After you adjust the lighting, make sure you confirm with each cast member before you come back.

>Obtained (Key Item) Light Essence x2.

Mirage: You can turn the paper lanterns on with these, so good luck! ...First, check with the room right here!

>North Lantern Room

Mirage: Ah... You're the substitute AD? I want to get my makeup done first, so could yuo make the room a bit brighter?

>After lighting up one paper lantern:

Mirage: Oh... This is the perfect brightness. You did a good job... thank you.

>West Lantern Room

Mirage: Hey! You're the substitute AD? It's so bright I just can't relax, bruh! Make it a little darker for me!

>After turning off one paper lantern:

Mirage: You are a total bruh, bruh. Peace!

>South Lantern Room

Mirage: Ah, you're the substitute AD< right? Could you bring some light over to the Master in the room deeper inside? That person likes his room bright... but I don't need it to be THAT bright.

>After turning off one paper lantern:

Mirage: This brightness is enough for me to feel comfortable in. I'm satisfied.

>East Lantern Room

Mirage: Hmm, you're the substitute AD, right? Don't you think this room is somewhat dark? This is bad... you should know. Yo know, some call me the Master. You'll have to make this room brighter for me, or else...

>After turning on three paper lanterns:

Mirage: You should know... you finally did it. This is the brightness level that I absolutely need.

Mirage: Hey, you guys! You seem to have finished your task. Thanks---it's a big help! I'll let the director know! Oh, and ask the director about your next task!

>Returning to the director Mirage:

Mirage: Oh, good work! The next task is at the set across the bridge!

>It seems that a path leading to the next area has opened.

Mirage: You probably won't get lost... but don't stop and smell the roses, or you'll be late!

>Crossing the bridge, Itsuki is stopped by a prompt.

Itsuki: (I sense a dangerous presence beyond the bridge... What should I do?) Recommended Level: 27

The player is given two options on how to respond:

• Proceed
• Do Not Proceed

If the player chooses option 1:

>The scene walks toward the center.

Touma: Dammit! Where the hell is he?

Eleonora: It looks like we don't really have much chice... Just have to keep moving.

Kiria: Hold it! Something's coming this way!

Itsuki: !

>A flying Mirage hovers over the party.

Mirage: Haaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Itsuki: Careful, everyone! Here it comes!

>Battle initiates.

>After the battle ends:

Itsuki: Looks like... we managed to beat it... Is everyone all right?

The group turns around and Yashiro is shown.

Itsuki: ...Why are you here?

Yashiro: I'm under no obligation to tell you. Besides which, it's hardly your concern.

>Yashiro walks past Itsuki.

Itsuki: Wait! We want to save our friend. If you know something... please tell us!

Yashiro: Again with this "friend" business... If you intend to continue with your little games, you will need to be stronger. As you are now, you are weak. I advise you to train further before you concern yourself with anyone else's welfare.

Itsuki: I... don't think that's right. That can't be the only way to strength... There has to be a way we can all become stronger, together!

Yashiro: ... ...Pathetic.

>Yashiro starts to leave.

Kiria: So. Why now? That was some timing, showing up just after we finished them off.

Yashiro: ...Watch your tone. I don't have much patience for sheep who are helpless without their herd.

Kiria: Having friends doesn't make you a "sheep." But, I can't expect you to understand the difference.

Yashiro: ...You're right. I don't understand. Very well. Keep playing with your so-called friend, and let him drag you down. I imagine it's only fitting.

Kira: Him? What, Itsuki? What do you have against him?

Yashiro: ...

>Yashiro leaves.

>Gameplay resumes.

>After crossing the bridge, in next area:

Mirage: Oh, there you are! Where've you been? We've hit a snag---big trouble, big problem! We had a singer lined up. All squared away. Set to sing a certain song for us. But now? Canceled? No replacements! No understudies! Too last minute...! I think some of you kids might have the chops for it. I want one of you to fill in! Could you give it a shot? Now the song, right... the main theme for "Dia Witch Iroha"!

Eleonora: What!? After all that running around, yuo want us to sing some anime songs!?

Touma: You can't be serious... We gotta sing here?

The player is given two options on how to respond:

• An anime theme?
• Who knows this song...?
• This is too much.

If the player chooses option 2:

???

If the player chooses option 3:

???

If the player chooses option 1:

Itsuki: Not a traditional ballad... but an anime song...?

Touma: Daitou TV always sticks to their show schedules, even in emergencies. But really, man? Anime? HERE? ...What do we do? WHen it comes to singing, I'd hand it off to Kiria or Tsubasa, but...

Kiria: ...I don't know that song at all.

Tsubasa: Oh, but I remember Barry making a big deal about the limited-edition box set for this anime! I think...

The player is given two options on how to respond:

• We need to learn it...
• Now, Touma! Sing!

If the player chooses option 2:

???

If the player chooses option 1:

Itsuki: Looks like we've just got to buckle down and learn the song... Let's head back. We've got two professional singers with us... I'm sure we can do this.

Mirage: What? You guys need a meeting first? Fine. Let's take five. But we're on the clock here! Got it!?

When gameplay resumes, the player will receive the following Topic:

Eleonora: Hey, Barry would probably have CDs and DVDs of "Dia Witch Iroha"! Eleonora: *Sigh* Why do I have to do all this research on a theme for an anime that I've never watched before? Eleonora:

==

To be added...