A/N: This chapter has been done for a few days, but I wanted to make sure of some stuff but also aim for a weekend release. A lot has happened, however. We got a P3 Remake coming, Persona 5 will never end sadly, and all sorts of games got announced. Fun times. But back to this, I have an important question for you all. Would you mind if I skip the rest of this? I have one chapter that is taking place during the events of the game, but Chapter 21 is the end of it. As in the ending scenes, and the original stuff I wanna put in, and continue on from there. There are aspects of P4DAN I do wanna cover, but I think making progress is for the best. If you DO want that stuff to be shown, I can always add it in the non-chronological ARL: Substories project. I mentioned it before, but it's a side fic where I put stories that wouldn't fit here, scrapped ideas I want to implement, giving minor characters some more screen time, things of that nature. The P4DAN stuff would be the only thing that could count as scrapped ideas for the main story. Lemme know what you think, but those stories would be out of order since it's more for me writing lighter stuff. Anyway, here's Chapter 19. We're Dancing all Night!

Chapter 19

09/12

A month of training has passed and it's almost time for the main event. On Sunday, the Love Meets Bonds Festival will officially kick off. And after many hours of rehearsals, training, costume design, and many other little things… they were just about in ideal shape for the big day. At least… so they were told.

In Takura Production's main Tokyo building, the city dwelling members of the Investigation Team were in one of the practice rooms, but someone was missing.

"...Rise-chan's very late. It's past time for our lesson already." Naoto Shirogane, the Detective Prodigy pondered what reason the Idol in question could be doing that might hold her up.

"No text or missed calls from her, here. Either of you have any luck?" Souji was just putting away his phone again after giving the main screen a quick look.

"No. I wonder if something happened…" Naoto continues to scour the possibilities. "But if something did come up, I'd think you or Masato-San would be the first ones she'd contact." Her gaze shifts to the Impostor.

"Well, I've got nothing from her, either. It's getting closer to the big day, so it's probably something related to that." Masato shrugged. Masato Yoshida, the more recent member to the team was also invited to take part in this, as Rise wanted him to bond with the rest of the older members who in her mind, didn't seem like they trusted him the way she did. "Should I call her?"

"No, we can wait a little longer. Our work schedule is tight to begin with. It's us who are imposing on her time… Or rather, it's me." Masato had his hand in his pocket, but Naoto's insistence led to the decision to let go of his phone and leave it there. "This is all still hard to believe. For me, of all people, to be standing in a production studio awaiting dance lessons…"

"I couldn't have pictured it either, if it wasn't for Rise's comeback performance." Souji comments, eyes looking back to the clock.

"Ballroom dancing I could deal with, but I'm completely useless with this…!" Naoto complained, but this was just her lack of confidence at work. Before Souji could speak up, they all heard the door open and quickly turned to see the woman of the hour.

"Oh, man, I'm so sorry for being super late!"

"Rise-chan! Thank goodness you're all right."

"My last meeting just wouldn't end! Were you three waiting long?" Rise pouts before looking to see their reactions.

"It wasn't that long, don't worry." Masato shook his head, assuring Rise all is well. This is nothing to be mad over. All of them are busy, and as a main player in this series of performances, of course Rise would be busy.

"Really!? Whew… I was pretty late, so I figured you'd be mad."

"We don't hold it against you. The preparations for the Festival must be getting overwhelming, after all. It's not just us you've been supervising… You're also making time to give the others lessons back in Inaba." Naoto assures Rise that there is no reason they should be upset over this.

"Well, I've got you all helping me out, so I gotta return the favor! I want all of us to be our absolute best on stage, so I'll do whatever I can to help achieve that! But man, the Producer has been really stiff about it! Just a minute ago, she was going on and on about 'throwing our money away on amateurs'. It was like I wasn't in the room! I was seriously seeing red!" Rise definitely sounded more tilted compared to when she first started talking. "We'll show her! We're gonna pull this off no matter what it takes, and then she'll see how amazing all of you are!"

"Well said, Rise. We won't let you down." Masato gleefully throws his support behind her. She really did want to believe in them and their efforts. It meant a lot given the hostility and severely high expectations of the Idol industry.

"How professional. My hat's off to you, Rise-chan."

"You know it! Now, no slacking off, both of you! C'mon, let's get this rehearsal started!" As she says that, a polite knock on the door is heard before said door begins to open, a man all too familiar at this point emerges.

"Oh, good. All four of you are here." He starts to pass the door, gesturing for someone else to emerge.

"Inoue-san, what's up?" Rise asks as someone else follows in after him. "Wait, is that you, Nozomi? Oh my gosh! Hey girls! It's been forever!"

Now there was one girl, and suddenly, three more!

"I'm sorry to interrupt your practice, Souji-kun, Masato-kun, and Naoto-kun. Could you spare a moment of your time? There are some people I'd like to introduce you all to. They're another idol group with Takura Productions. They'll be performing at LMB too." The girls all line up on cue, as if used to this kind of introduction. "Allow me to introduce Nozomi Nakahara, Tamami Uesugi, Sumomo Ujima, and Tomoe Sayama. These are the next generation of idols, following in Rise-chan's footsteps."

Rise is their Senpai. And yet it doesn't seem like they perform alone like she does. It seems the four work together in some group, given the similar costume motifs. Both Masato and Souji found themselves puzzled at their identities. They're not Yosuke, after all. He would most definitely know who these girls are. But Naoto, having done her research, is able to recognize them.

"I've seen them on TV before. As I recall, they're members of Kanamin kitchen."

"That's right, Naoto-kun. You sure do your homework on this stuff!

"But… it's just you four? Where's Kanami?"

"Kanami's doing PR right now for her solo photo book that's coming out soon." Souji recalled that name Rise and Inoue just spoke of. Kanamin… that name took over the void that Rise left behind when she disappeared from the idol world. It's no surprise to hear of her again, but Souji did not expect to hear that name in this situation.

"You know, Inoue-san, you've been pushing Kanami too much lately. I don't think having her take on every job she's offered is a good thing."

"Haha, you don't mince words, do you, Tomoe-chan."

"Well, I have to be direct. LMB is just around the corner. Do you understand that even now we're behind on rehearsing?" The long dark blue haired idol does not pull her punches.

"I do. Trust me, I know how big this event is gonna be for your group."

The smallest of the four speaks up about wanting more photoshoot opportunities, but the one in white approaches the guys, a furrowed expression on her face much different than Tomoe's.

"Hm, so this guy is Souji-san? Huh…" She starts to check him out; no, more like sizing him up. What he senses from her… is some aggressiveness.

"I'm Souji Seta. It's nice to meet you." Best play it safe and disarm the situation.

"Whoa, listen to this guy. Aren't you a tad too composed? You seem way too cool! I don't like it one bit." That didn't work at all. It might have made it worse. "And, you!"

"M-Me?" Masato flinches back, the weakness Tamami was hoping to see.

"You're too on edge! Complete opposite of this guy! You're Masato-san, ain't that right?"

"I am… Can I help you?"

"Geez… there she goes again." Rise shrugs, instantly recognizing the daggers in her voice. "I'm sorry, guys. She's always quick to pick fights with anyone and everyone."

"Just you wait, you two! The next time we meet, I'll have a herd of boys with me, all of them dreamier than you and not such pushovers like you." She takes shots at both Souji and Masato respectively. It'll be a boy trail that goes so far back you can't see the end, like a gold fish's you-know-what!"

The air in the room goes frigid from her outright bizarre response.

"Uh…" Masato has nothing in mind that would feel right to say back to her. At least, nothing polite.

"I'm sorry! Tamami-chan isn't very good at metaphors." Tomoe tried to ease up the tension from the unnecessary aggression. The other girls chime in and just start bickering with one another. Even chasing each other. Nozomi approached Naoto and… did she just… make an advance on her…? Kanji better watch out, he might have competition.

"Alright, that's enough, everyone. They're just amateurs, so try not to bother them too much." Inoue raises and lowers his hands, gesturing them to tone it down a notch and to gather them in.

"Oh, it's no bother! We're fine… right?"

"Yeah, it's no trouble." Souji immediately replies to Naoto's flustered attempt at easing the situation.

"Yeah, I don't mind them either." Masato also assures that all is well with them and the girls.

"Such mature responses… I like what I'm seeing." Tomoe gives a flirty wink towards the guys, Masato flinching once again. Obviously it's nothing serious, but… it's something he still overreacts to. Old habits die hard.

"Okay, that's enough!" Rise catches on, and steps on, feeling the need to remind the girl what's her's. "You three gotta know when to put the brakes on these girls. If you don't, you'll never hear the end of it."

"Who are these people exactly, Rise-senpai? And there's more coming, right? I-I heard they're your friends, but… they're not your boyfriends, are they?" Tamami was afraid Rise was committing taboo. The one thing no idol can ever do while they're still an idol.

"Of course not… I mean, how would that even be possible!?" Well… it's not possible right now but… there is one in mind. "But they are all important to me. They're my friends, more precious to me than anything." Rise spoke in earnest, and yet all four had been put at a loss for words. Why are they so surprised?

"...Friends, huh?" Nozomi mutters to herself.

"Ahaha… that sounds so nice." Tomoe's tone sounds so whimsical as she stares at the boys, a somewhat interested smile emerges on her face. Rise spots it and realizes she does need to stake her claim. It's not like Souji is in any danger. Those girls are the ones in danger if they tried to make a move on him… for if she found out… hoo boy. But the currently on edge Masato, no doubt still a bit starstruck now that the fact they are celebrities has sunk in… was being checked out by one and seen as a threat by another. It was time for Rise to claim some territory.

"Then again…! You could say Masato-kun is special to me!" She spoke with such a glow as she clung onto Masato's arm, the young man's face burning up instantly.

"Ooh, is that so!? That's a big no-no, Rise-senpai! You're in trouble, heeheehee!"

"Aw, phooey!"

"Oh my…" so many opinions and reactions were going off at once.

Souji couldn't help but sigh; it wasn't his problem anymore, but seeing it from the other side just generated more empathy for Masato's conundrum. Naoto… saw it as her just being playful.

"N-No! It's not like that at all…! Rise–What are you saying!?"

"That reaction is so adorable!" Tomoe remarks, laughing as she sees Masato struggle with his free arm, like trying to paddle himself out of deep waters; but Rise is the anchor pulling him down under.

The fact she's doing this in front of other people… is both concerning given her restored status, but also scary given the fact she doesn't care what these girls think. But regardless, she put the line across the sand. Masato was her target.

"Rise-chan…" Naoto groaned, but when she saw Inoue, it grew more concerning as she quickly realized the taboo implocation.

"Oh, dear… Well, I guess if anyone can get away with it, it's you, Rise-chan."

"That reminds me, Inoue-san. You're finished introducing everyone, right? We need to get started on our lesson." Rise realizes, since now they're way behind at this point.

"That's right. In that case…" He clears his throat before speaking up to get the girls' attention. "Everyone, let's break until the evening interview. Could you stay in your dressing room so I can come get you later?" All four bow and concur in unison before promptly and smoothly file out of the room.

"Please excuse us!" All four say farewell and head off.

"Oh, yes!" Inoue sparked with recollection as something of note was approaching. "The TV spot for LMB is gonna start airing today. You should let everyone know. It'll be broadcast throughout all of Japan, so the residents in Inaba should be able to see it too!"

"Nice! Thanks, Inoue-san!" Rise smiles, now realizing she should message some of them to check their TVs ASAP. Inoue is the last to leave and now everyone can finally begin their training.

"That's the commercial we all filmed the other day, right…? Are we really going to be on TV…?" Naoto mutters, the utter silence makes it easy for the others to hear it.

"Is it finally hitting you? That's right, all our smiling faces are going to be seen all over Japan! So there's no backing out of this now, okay, Naoto-kun?"

"C-Come now, you needn't say it like that."

"I'll message everyone about it in a bit. For now, let's get practicing."

"I'm sure they'll be watching even if we don't tell them about it." Souji speaks with a dry tone.

"Oh yeah, Yosuke-san probably knew before we did." Masato shakes his head playfully.

"Ha… on that point, we agree." Naoto nods quietly. "I doubt they'd ever miss festivities like this."

With all that said, they were to finally begin, but across the land in Inaba, everyone had already witnessed the first airing of the advertisement Inoue alerted the city members about. When Rise was touted as a special guest, she was in front of all her friends. From left to right: Kanji, Yosuke, Naoto, Teddie, then Rise was up front, Chie, Yukiko, Souji, and Masato to round it out. A clean four and four on each side. Once the ad finished, those who remained in Inaba all spotted themselves off in the corner. Yosuke gives Souji a call moments later, as the Leader was out in the hall to take it. The girls and Masato remained, Naoto sighing and immediately seeking out the nearest chair to slump in to rest her legs. The three had to wait until Souji returned before they could continue. His lesson was next.

"I guess Yosuke-san saw the ad already. I wonder if the others did." Masato pondered as he too took a seat.

"Knowing him, it's very likely he did. I bet he told the others too." Rise took a seat beside him. "Naoto-kun, you better thank him tomorrow then for getting you a surprise break!" She jests as Naoto ignores her words, savoring the bottle of water she has.

"Hah… I might have to thank him too. I'm still reeling from those girls. That bratty one was such a hassle."

"Tamami-chan? It looked like you and Senpai handled her well since you didn't try to say anything to provoke her."

"Yeah, I just wanted to be nice. If I'm being honest, I wanted to tell her to lighten up, but telling an easy to provoke person to calm down is like trying to tell a cynic to smile. It's not gonna work."

"Well, I think they'll learn to get along. At least until the Festival is over." Rise sighs.

"Hope so. I wonder what Kanami is like… they're so out there I can only imagine what she's like."

"Aww, am I not interesting enough for you anymore?" Rise gives a totally fake frown to bait Masato, but he isn't falling for it this time.

"You know that's not what I mean." His eyelids sink a bit when he hears her attempt to ensnare him with her words.

"You two sure get along well." Naoto comments as her head leans back.

"Well, duh, we're friends, after all! And I hope by the end of this, you all feel the same." Rise retorts, wanting to change her opinion the most of all given how wary Naoto was of Masato initially.

"Rise-chan… "

"Rise, thanks."

"It's nothing. We all need to get along, and struggling together is a great way to grow together."

"You make a valid point." Naoto nods. "Battling last year and solving the case helped us all form close bonds with one another. Dancing and finding Sho will also help us grow closer." Naoto seems to be coming around. At least, slowly.

"Heehee, that's right. For now, we have Dancing to focus on."

"Say, Masato-san, how is your training with your Persona coming along? If I recall, you mentioned you were still working at it while we've been dancing."

"Yeah, I'm still trying to, but since we've gotten close to the Festival, I've put it on hold until we finish this. It's been straining my body doing both at once."

"Oh, please rest when you can, Masato-kun! It would be pretty bad for you to collapse or hurt yourself from all that." Rise spoke with genuine concern, her body at attention from this news.

"Thanks, but I'll be fine. I already put all that on the backburner, but I hope to get to sleep in just a little bit for tonight. Sleep has never felt so good lately." He chuckles at his own remark.

"I hope you mean that. I really do…"

"I agree with Rise-chan. It's important you rest when you can. Especially since we're so close to the event." Naoto nods, resting her bottle of water beside her.

"I will, don't worry." He calmly assures the girls that all will be well. Rise pulled up her phone, realizing she needed to check the site if the interview was up. "Say, there's something I've been meaning to ask. Why do I have a Yasogami outfit…? I'm not a student, so…"

"Hm, well, most of the outfits you suggested looked too similar to branded stuff and that's a copyright concern, so I suggested an outfit similar to Souji-senpai and Yosuke-senpai's." His costume was closer to Souji's, but with purple headphones. Otherwise he wore the traditional uniform with its style touch-ups. Namely both sleeves rolled up and the yellow piece tied around his wrist like Rise's unlike Souji who had it around his upper arm.

The door behind Masato would start to open, the slight creak catching all their attention as Souji stepped back inside.

"Welcome back!"

"Hey, there you are, Senpai!" Naoto and then Rise greeted Souji back, as he calmly entered. "Ah, here it is! 'The LMB Report'! They already uploaded the video!" Rise beckons the boys to come closer as they all see the four Kanamin Kitchen members there, answering questions and revealing their gimmick of… edible meats? Such a strange thing baffled Masato and Naoto, but Rise assured them that these gimmicks were more common these days. But the main member, Kanami Mashita, also had her appearance, and she definitely stood out. Rise remarks that she definitely had a boob job compared to the last time she saw her. Her chest blew Rise and Naoto's out of the water. Yeah, even Naoto looked small compared to her. But wait… isn't she actually fifteen? And if they did that between now and when Rise went on break….

The Idol Industry is a terrifying presence. This is what Masato concluded. And taking one look at Souji's expression, he might have come to the same realization. Once everything concluded with the interview, Souji realized something rather obvious.

"Kanami-san wasn't with the rest of the group when we saw them this afternoon."

"Inoue-san mentioned she was doing PR for her solo photobook." Naoto recalls.

"To be honest, Kanami sells much more than the other four. I mean, the group's named after her." Rise points out an obvious stat. The way it was set up. It's like the four under Kanami were just trying to use Kanami as a platform to bounce off of when the time comes for them to head off on their own.

"I've been feeling this way since filming the commercial, but… All those appearing on stage for the Festival will be industry professionals, no? Maybe amateurs like us shouldn't participate in this after all." Naoto sounded ready to eject herself from the situation.

"There you go with that again. Don't worry about it. When it comes to outsized personalities, we're a match for Kanami's group."

"I'm not sure that's something to be proud of."

"Me neither." Souji shows a rare doubtful expression.

"Uh… no." Masato shakes his head against the mere notion of being outlandish as those girls.

"I-I said we'll be fine!" Rise answers back as fast as she could. "Anyway, it's getting late. Why don't we get in one last runthrough before calling it a night?"

"It's that late, already? Yosuke-senpai and the others will be here tomorrow… We'll want to be as ready as we can for the joint rehearsal. With that being said… I'm absolutely spent. Please let me sit out of this one."

"Whaaat, seriously!? Okay then, go ahead and kick back then Naoto-kun." Rise frowned, then turned to see Souji, but Masato was in her crosshairs first. And then… an idea emerged.

"You've still got some juice left though, right Masato-kun?" It was supposed to be Souji's turn, but… she wanted to seize the opportunity against Masato.

It's time to strike back as thanks for what happened before.

"Hm… Well, if that's what you want, maybe I could find my second wind… Maybe."

"What are you hinting at, Masato-kun?" Rise giggles between sentences, surprised he even made such a remark in the first place. "It's kinda cute to hear you say that." She pondered for a second before deciding to go along with it. "Well, fine, since you asked for it… Please, Masato-kun… Will you do this one last time? For me?"

Masato was surprised she actually did it. In front of her friends no less. Looks like that strategy won't work in situations like this.

"Yeah, let's do it." Yukiko would probably be rolling on the floor from this if she was here. Masato underestimated Rise and paid for it here. Now he has no choice but to practice dancing.

"Alright, Masato-kun. Let me know when you're ready to start."

In a different part of Tokyo, inside a certain building; a man in a white coat was observing a large screen with another man in a suit.

"You see this? This just happened not too long ago; a spike in Shadow activity inside of Tokyo, but then, one minute later…" The man in white is explaining something to the other.

"Go on."

"Yes, so, look and see." All of a sudden, the meter drops as if nothing ever happened.

"What? That's…"

"Yes. It's strange, isn't it Kurosawa? I've never seen such a thing. And it happens at midnight too… but at random spots. I can't get a pattern on it. Yet I wonder if it is all connected."

"Fukui-san, you are aware all our Operatives are out of the area, yes?" Kurosawa looks down to the seated member.

"Yes. I don't believe we should call for aid yet. It's just something I want to make a note of with you." He shook his head. "I'm merely one who keeps track of Shadow activity and relays it to Kirijo-san and anyone in the group… Although; there is someone in the area actually. He is our newest Persona user." Fukui's role is now clear; he is one of the staff who studies and researches Shadows and any activity worth jotting down. And since he's not a Persona user, it's imperative he keeps any and all possibly useful information on hand just in case for an immediate relay to the others.

"We added a member?" This is the first Kurosawa has heard of someone else joining their ranks. It's not like Persona users grow on trees.

"Oh, he's not new. I believe you saw him back during the Labrys incident. Agent H-A0905."

"Oh, him. He's Yoshida, I believe. So he finally got one?"

"Yes. Akihiko-san and Yamagishi-san witnessed it personally. I believe he's helping some Idol with that big Festival coming up."

"Huh… I see. Well, that's interesting. Should we call him in?"

"Let's hold off on it. For now… we'll see if this shows any signs of getting worse."

"Very well, sir…"

Back inside Takura productions, Masato just finished his dance practice, striking the final pose as the music finishes. Rise offers a light clap to signify her approval.

"Good job! You're a lot better than where you were last week! It's good to see, Masato-kun!"

"Impressive; most impressive." Souji offers his own approval alongside a towel for Masato to wipe off any sweat that forms on his brow.

"You're shaping up well. I'll need to keep improving too." Naoto adds with her own realization. Rise's clapping stopped, but… they could hear more by the door. And they sounded a bit… arrogant.

"Huh…? Ms. Ochimizu." That English honorific sounded intentionally placed.

This woman already sent a chill down Masato's back. More cold than the sweat that he wiped off. Her aura… reminds him of a certain Empress. But, something's different. Her eyes have a sharp edge to them, like she wants you to know and submit to her will. Those are not like Mitsuru's at all. Whoever she is… she's no ordinary person, that's for sure.

"Indeed. It was most impressive… I even left my meeting early just to see for myself how things were going." Rise took one look at her, and then at the others, already seeing Masato on edge from her.

"Do you need something? We're in the middle of rehearsal." Rise didn't look like she wanted to ask that, like the answer was already clear to her.

"I wouldn't have come if I had no business here. …How low Takura Productions has fallen. I only permitted this farce because Inoue begged me." She scoffs at the mere mention of his name. "Rise Kujikawa. Don't tell me that you intend to put these children on a stage. They're barely at the level of a school performance."

"I think I explained before, but we have the organizers' approval for my friends to come onstage with me. My fans are cheering for us, and my agency made the call that this will be a good way to push my name!" Rise sounded prepared for her. She had points ready that flowed so well. It's as if she anticipated this very moment would happen."

"Yes… I'm sure your fans would say that." And like a master strategist, it sounds like Ochimizu had many other plans to back up anything that threatened her. "Though I'm curious to know what the fans of the other idols, who have no interest in Rise Kujikawa, would think of it."

"That's…"

"My apologies. I retract the question." That was the plan anyway. The question served its purpose of pushing Rise onto her heels. Now Ochimizu aimed for the crushing blow. "It's useless asking you anyway, as you're nothing but a pretty face."

"Nothing, but…!? That's just rude!" Rise was agitated now. As were the others.

"What good can come of complaining to a plastic, dress-up doll? Your puppet masters are the ones who should know their place. That would be Inoue and the rest of Takura Productions as a whole."

"Wha-!?" Now Rise's set off. The pin has been pulled off and she's ready to go. But someone else needs to diffuse this situation. Someone like Souji. As long as no one else tries to provoke her…

"...You take that back."

"Hm?"

"M-Masato-kun!?" Rise speaks his name in surprise as he takes a step between them and the towering menace that was Ochimizu and her dreadful demeanor.

"Did I hear that right? I can tell you're afraid, so why act that way?"

"You did. Shall I say it again?" His face showed no fear, but she long noticed it the moment she took over the room.

"I'd like that." She had a small grin on her face. She saw this as an opportunity for further enjoyment.

"I said take it back. You of all people shouldn't call Rise plastic."

"And why is that?"

The comment from Rise's interview came to his mind. "Hm… well, I find it ironic that you call her that yet you're managing a girl you injected plastic into. I don't know about you, but I think you're the last person who should be talking about what is artificial and what is genuine."

"Hmhm… what's your name, boy?"

"Yoshida. Masato Yoshida."

"I see... It's a shame. If only someone scouted you sooner, you could have made for a fine actor. But alas, you waste yourself here."

"Funny, I had some praise for you myself. You reminded me of someone." He scoffs at her words, head cocking to the side.

"Is that so?"

"You're right, though. I was afraid. But not anymore. For a second, I thought you would be the scariest person I'd run into. But now… you're merely the third scariest."

"Third? I'm the Bronze Medal?" Her arks remained crossed as she never averted her gaze.

"My former Boss and current Boss are the strongest, most fearless women I've ever met. You… don't come close to them."

"I see. Do you believe them to be the most respectful? Unless that woman is Mitsuru Kirijo, I doubt they're that impressive." The three behind him have their eyes widened from the absolute irony of that.

"Masato-kun… I think that's enough."

"Hah… why don't you ask her then? Her company is your biggest sponsor after all."

"Maybe when it's time to discuss new deals, I shall." She took it as a joke. "I like you. You have an attitude no one ever thinks of showing me. I respect that. If not for you amusing me, I would have thrown you out the second you took that first step. So consider it a warning not to act this way again." She sounded so amused, as all who met her bent the knee or were broken. But he, like Rise, would stand up to her and fight. How long has it been…? "If you can channel this energy you have against me into the performance and meet my standards, then I'll forgive this. No event that I produce will feature any perfunctory performances. Practice until you drop. You're free to make a fool of yourself in here, but no mistakes will be tolerated on stage." Her tone was curt, and her gaze was sharper than a blade. Masato was ready to assure her that all will be well, but Ochimizu spoke up once more. "Then again… it could be that your moment in the spotlight will be removed entirely." She then steps around Masato to make direct eye contact with the Idol. "Rise Kujikawa. Depending on what happens, I may have to pair you up with Kanami at LMB. The new set list will be released tomorrow. Once it's settled which way we'll go, I'll contact Inoue about our decision.

"Huh? Wait, what–!? I don't understand what you're talking about!"

"You don't need to understand. Just do what you're told. I've already discussed this with Takura Productions. If we go that direction, then your friends' presence won't be required."

"Excuse me! But our friends will be here tomorrow!" Naoto blurts out, not wanting to stay silent any more. "They're traveling quite a distance just to perform at this festival!"

"My sincerest apologies for that. We'll have some seats reserved so that they may enjoy the concert." And with no further remarks, she simply walks away and exits with no fuss. And yet she left nothing but devastation in her wake. An emotional hurricane that left everyone in a negative mood.

"What was that about…!? I'm gonna have a talk with Inoue-san about this!" What she was going to do first was scold Masato for speaking up to Ochimizu, but this took more precedence.

"Rise…!" And just like that, she's gone.

"What's going on here?"

"All we can do is wait and see for now…" Souji shakes his head, not seeing the value in pursuing her now that she's set off.

"Masato-san, in the meanwhile… you should not have-" Naoto is cut off by abrupt knocking on the door. A plain looking girl meekly sticks her head inside to ask a question.

"Um, excuse me… but is Miss Ochimizu…"

"Ochimizu… Oh, she left a moment ago." Naoto answers the rather timid sounding girl.

"Ohh… okay. Hahaha, oh man, what am I gonna do…?"

"Excuse me, but you are…?"

"Senpai, you're not gonna-Huh?" Rise burst in through the open door, spotting the new person quickly. "Kanami!? What're you doing here?"

"Whoa! It's Rise-senpai! Way too long time no see!"

The others found this hard to believe. This is Kanami? Her hair, her demeanor… it all completely different from what they saw earlier!

"Sorry Rise, but can you explain to us what's going on here?" Souji asks, feeling out of the loop and hit with a case of situational whiplash.

"Oh, right. Lemme introduce you guys. This is Kanami Mashita, lead member of Kamanin Kitchen."

"Kanami-san…? Wait, the same one who was in that video…!?" That one? The one Masato just mentioned against Ochimizu? This is ironic.

Rise giggles after getting a good look at their baffled expressions. "Surprised? Kanami's like this whenever she's not on camera. She's all reserved and boring-looking. It's a lot different from her image when she's on the job."

"And that's simply how it works!? But she seems like a completely different person!" Naoto sounded dumbfounded, as this made no sense to her! How does one shift character that much at the turn of a hat?

"Ahaha, I get that a lot." Kanami smiles it off with sincerity. Rise's mind jumped back to why she rushed back here in the first place.

"Oh, um, I couldn't find Inoue-san, but I overheard something weird."

Rise goes on to describe what she heard; how the members of Kanamin Kitchen have gone missing. Now Ochimizu's words held greater context. But they saw those girls earlier. And this is why Kanami came here. Naoto was upset by how dismissive Ochimizu was in regards to replacing the missing girls like it's no big deal. Rise also found some disdain from that point as well. Naoto suggested filing a missing person's report, but Souji stopped that thought from moving forward. Souji suggested calmness, as the girls were only missing for a few hours. If they were found after… it would put them and the event organizers in a bad position. The idea now is to keep searching but if they are not found by tomorrow, then it will be appropriate to file a missing person's report. Dojima will be coming tomorrow. No doubt he can be a great bit of help if it comes down to it. The Investigation Team, Masato, and now Kanami were all working together to find the missing idols.

"...I'm sure Naoto-kun wants to freshen up too, so… Senpai, you and Masato-kun are gonna need to stay in the room next door for a little while!" Kanami remarks that she needs to rest for tomorrow, as she has work early in the morning. The two young men take their leave so the girls can go about their business, the night was only just beginning, even as they got closer to the late hours.

It wasn't long until midnight would arrive, merely some odd minutes away. The boys pass by to see the door slightly ajar and Souji takes a peek. The girls are chatting away, dressed up with their belongings near them. Perhaps they were waiting for the guys to show up? The two enter now that it seems that way, now picking up something Rise is discussing with Naoto.

"-But as much as I hate to admit it, once she became the producer, Kanami immediately took off."

"Sorry for the wait. Are you both done? Oh… were you talking about Ms. Ochimizu?" Souji speaks up to get Rise's attention.

"Ah, Senpai. Are you and Masato-kun ready to go? Yep, we're talking about her. She's always been like that. Even if she's legit, people call her corrupt. They say she's the worst producer ever-she overworks her idols and makes shameless cash grabs from the fans. Some go so far as to call her a demon or a money-grubber… including fans of idols she's produced. When she started with Kanamin Kitchen, she had footage shown on TV of her forcing impossible demands on those girls."

"Hm… looks like my doubts about her weren't too far off the mark, then." Masato remarks, Rise now looking at him.

"Masato-kun… about earlier. You probably shouldn't try that again. She thrives off of criticism like that. And she's right. She can cut you or all of us on a whim." Rise didn't sound like she was scolding him, as her tone had more worry strewn about. But, she didn't want him to do that again. That much is definitely clear.

"I just couldn't stand there and let her demean you and everyone else like that. It's uncalled for." Masato didn't sound so apologetic.

"Masato. I understand your anger, but she's got a point. If it affected all of us… well, you could see what the problem would be. You need to consider your actions before committing to them. Especially when the consequences can be severe." Souji's tone was far more rational, but he clearly understood the reasons behind Masato's words.

"...Yeah, I didn't think of that. Sorry. I'll try to keep that in mind."

"Thanks, Masato-kun. I do appreciate you standing up for us. If I got to say things to her, it might have ended up far worse. I think she was hoping for it." Rise speculates as Naoto wishes to bring up something else.

"By the by… there's something I'd like to mention that may or may not have any bearing on this case. I heard an odd rumor regarding the festival.

"An odd rumor?" Souji requests elaboration.

"Yes. If you go to the Festival website at midnight, it plays an unusual video. The video shows an idol known to be dead dancing in it… Those who watch the video to the end are taken away to the "other side" and never awaken… or so the rumor goes."

"Wh-Whoa, Naoto-kun! Where is this coming from?" Rise jumped back from the creepy rumor.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to scare you." Naoto quickly shifts tone. "O-Of course, I don't believe this tall tale about some dead idol… not one bit!"

Rise spots Naoto's fear and starts smiling; the Detective wincing now that Rise caught onto her emotions.

"Naoto-kun… you're scared, huh?"

"...Yes. But that isn't important! I didn't bring this up to talk about that!"

"...Wasn't Rise scared too just now?" Masato comments, baffled by Rise's sudden shift to teasing.

"...Go on, Naoto." Souji urged her to continue, wanting to see where this train of thought finishes.

"Yes, a-anyway… There's something that disturbs me about this rumor."

"What's that?"

"Well… doesn't it seem a bit similar to our prior experiences…?"

Souji sighs, before recanting the rumor that ran rampant last year. "When you look at a switched-off TV at midnight on a rainy day, you'll see your soulmate… You think it's just like the Midnight channel?" That whole rumor led to them stopping the Murders that haunted Inaba last year. The scars were still fresh, even though so much time had passed at this point. If this was anything like that…

"Of course, it's hard to say how much we can trust these sorts of rumors. On the other hand… this particular rumor has some troubling aspects to it."

"S-Such as…?" There's the Timid Rise again.

"There have been genuine victims. And their numbers have been rapidly increasing. Though naturally, there's no proven correlation between the victims and the rumor. It's quite possible the rumor sprung up in reaction to the victims… But it's a fact that a good handful of people are in a comatose state right now."

"A coma…" Souji and Masato mutter simultaneously.

"Seriously…? I never heard about that. Hey, is something like before happening again…? Wait, you don't think Sho Minazuki is doing this?"

"Hm… I don't think so." Souji answers after a moment's worth of thinking.

"Didn't he say he would let us know when he was going to strike again?" Masato recalls that impromptu Midnight Channel that happened before they left Inaba.

"Yes. He's the showboating type, so there's no way he would be doing all this silently without telling someone. This might be a separate issue."

"Actually, I was going to look into it, and if it did turn out to be connected to that case… I thought it might be necessary for me to consult everyone about it." Naoto was all over this rumor, despite her fears.

"I can always check with the S.O. about it for any Shadow activity. Although… if there was something, they would have called by now." Masato comments, taking a look up at the clock on the wall.

"It's almost midnight. Why don't we take a look for ourselves?" Souji speaks as he already noticed the time, causing Naoto to wince.

"I knew you'd say that. In all honesty, I highly doubt this rumor has anything to do with the disappearances. But all the same, it might be faster to get to the bottom of this rumor ourselves."

"W-Wait, you want us all to look at it right here, right now!?" Rise was getting cold feet from the mere suggestion.

"Don't be afraid now, Rise. We'll keep you safe from any ghosts." Masato jokes half-heartedly.

Rise growls softly before caving in, bothered by him not taking this seriously enough. "Fine! But we're all gonna look at it together!" Now she starts organizing everybody. "Masato-kun, you get over here, close to me. Senpai, you're next to him. Naoto-kun, you're on the other side of me." She's keeping everyone close, as if she's hoping they get scared just like her, or maybe she's hiding her own fears by being closest to those she finds comforting. "And whatever happens, no running away, okay!?" She types out the website on her smartphone and there is the homepage. Nothing unusual so far.

"The site seems to be operating normally." Naoto observes.

"See? Nothing's coming up. That rumor has to be fake." Rise sounds like she's trying to put herself at ease more than everyone else. It was about to be midnight, the clock was ticking down one second at a time. "Wait–What is this!?" Everyone's eyes were focused on the screen, crackling static, distorting imagery, and flickering lights are eerily displayed. Something was starting to take shape on the abruptly placed video.

Now, four barely visible silhouettes of girls fill the background with one more in the foreground, this one having longer hair than all the others, are now on display.

"They do look like human silhouettes! They seem to be dancing, don't they?" Naoto comments as the video plays on.

"It's real…? No way…" Despite Masato's protests, his eyes are not deceiving him. Nor is anyone else's…. Now they all fade away, only for one to appear so close to the camera suddenly, as if lunging towards the viewers. "Shit…!" That was an off putting attempt at a jumpscare.

"That's it." Naoto abruptly states, wanting to calm down from the creepy video they all just witnessed.

"Th-This has to be just a prank! I'm gonna check with the admins about this. Oh, or it's just part of Ms. Ochimizu's PR! I bet she spread that weird rumor to get Kanami's group to sell more…!" Rise was saying whatever she can to justify the video that shook her core. Seems the girls aren't one for horror.

"Rise, that's–." Masato stops speaking as he starts to hear something. And it sounds faint, yet chilling as the Imposter was on high alert. Souji is shifting his head, scanning all around the room, he too also is picking up on that strange noise.

"What's the matter, Masato-san?"

"Do you all… hear something?"

"I…" Naoto perked up her ears as a chilling echo seeped into the room, causing her body to straighten up from the surprise. "...I think I did hear something just now."

"I heard something too." Souji affirms, trying to assess the source of the noise.

"No way… so it wasn't just me…?"

"Ahaha…" A distorted and disjointed laugh rang through the room.

"A voice…!?" Souji was on high alert now.

"The lights-it… it's looking dimmer in here!" Masato was turning around and to different corners, now completely on edge.

A light from above swirls above with cloud-like shapes forming a whirlpool pattern.

"What… is that…?" Naoto was completely stricken by fear.

"Come, Rise Kujikawa… I've prepared a place just for you…"

"Wh-Who're you!? How do you know me–!?"

"Rise, look out!" Masato calls out to warn her, but it's too late; too late for all of them as yellow ribbons launch all around their limbs, torso, and restrain them. The girls scream as they and the boys are pulled into the light, losing consciousness from the brightness.

Who knows how much time passes as the last of the ones who passed out was being encouraged to wake up.

"...Masato-kun… Masato-kun!" A feminine voice calls out as the man in question's eyes slowly begin to open.

"Oh, you're up! Thank goodness…!" Rise smiles as he finds himself looking up at her. Her face over him. He felt himself laying down, but what was his head resting upon? It felt… a bit soft.

"What's…" his head feels like it's spinning a bit. "Is everyone okay?"

"Mhm! You wouldn't wake up at all, Masato-kun."

"I'm glad to see you conscious as well. Though… our situation isn't very good." Naoto comments, she was standing fine and well.

"It's hard to see in here. I think we're in the 'other world' where those who see the video get taken to." Now Souji came into frame, hand reaching out. "Need a hand?"

"Thanks… hng!" Masato grabbed onto his hand and was helped up to stand, turning around after dusting his pants, seeing Rise was… sitting down. Was she… using her thighs to rest his head? The fans would kill him if they saw this. But now… was not the time to worry about such trivial matters.

"It seems the rumor was true. You really do get dragged somewhere for watching that video." Naoto settles on the rumor now being authentic as the rest realize this, a chill fills the air.

"Hahaha…"

"It's that voice!" Naoto calls out, still unsure on the direction of its origin.

"Welcome, Rise Kujikawa, to our Midnight Stage."

"Midnight Stage…?" Souji speaks its name aloud, realizing how similar it sounds to the Midnight Channel.

"That's right… an ideal world where no one hurts or gets hurt. I only intended to invite Rise-san here… but oh well. I've prepared a stage for you all. Here… take a look."

On cue, the lights turn on instantly. Bright stage lights with Rise's name being the centerpiece. Naoto gasps at the sight. This design was exaggerated to hell and back.

"Just who the heck are you!?" Rise calls out, demanding an immediate answer. "Not only did you drag us here, you put this thing together…! What are you trying to accomplish!?"

"Ahahaha, never mind that. I just want to connect with all of you.

Look… see how many have been waiting for your comeback."

From the ground, dozens of shadows rise up, tied by ribbons, groan and rumble in place.

"Shadows… they're here!?" Souji realizes, also now aware he has no weapon for himself.

"Come now… won't you sing? Dance for them. It'll make everyone happy."

All of them start growling an eerie cheer. How did no one sense them? Rise especially? Were they hidden? No way. They didn't sound like they sneaked in, as everyone else seemed surprised to see them here. Were they… just dormant until now?

"I-I've had enough of this…! You kidnap us to who-knows-where, and now you want us to dance for these Shadows!? To hell with that! Send us back home, NOW!" Rise snaps at everything here. The set, the shadows, the mysterious feminine voice. And now… all go limp.

"The Shadows… they stopped…?" Masato observes as he stays close to everyone.

"Send you back…? No… you're all going to dance. That's what everyone is here for, after all." After that forced proclamation, the shadows resume dancing to this chilling tune, moving in time to it. As the audio grows stronger… all of their bodies feel weaker. It suddenly feels difficult to stand.

"What is this …? I feel… weak…!" Rise claims as her body feels like it's giving out on her.

"Haha… isn't it wonderful? This song is my gift to everyone. Don't you feel it…? How they all desire to connect with you…?"

"So that song and the Shadows' dance is what's affecting us…?" Souji puts two and two together, as does Naoto and Masato.

"Souji-senpai! Masato-san!"

"Right!"

"Let's do it…!" All three were ready to go, as Naoto quickly drew her gun to shoot the card before her. Masato and Souji would crush their cards. The trio summoned in unison.

"Persona!" Izanagi, Yamato Sumeragi, and Amatsu Mikaboshi all appear and attack the Shadows with their swords… only for the attacks to be negated. Naoto fired her gun at a Shadow… only for it to disappear.

"Hahaha…"

"All of our attacks… is this your doing!?" Naoto calls out the voice.

"Hahaha, don't accuse me of something I didn't do. I told you earlier… no one gets hurt here." All their Personas disappear as it reminds them of this rule. The distorted song was also weakening them further.

"Nngh! What do you… want from us!?" Rise speaks up, still struggling to stand.

"Hahaha, nothing, really. We're just asking you to accept us. Come on… let's connect with these eternal bonds."

The voice continues to laugh with a condescending and arrogant tone before continuing.

"Won't you be good children? It's all right… don't be frightened. Let's dance together. Won't you join us, Rise Kujikawa?"

Rise steps back, almost falling as Naoto catches her.

"Careful!"

Souji and Masato are not finding it any easier, as their skulls were throbbing from within due to this auditory torture. The Shadows.

"Damn… what do we do…!?" Masato turns to see Rise, now collapsing to her knees.

"N-No… I can't… ugh…!" She wearily spoke as her music player slips and slides away.

"Rise-chan!"

"Rise...!" Both Naoto and Masato call her name, the sound of her music player going off and causing the Shadows to stop their dancing and start resisting.

"I-I can't… lose…!" Rise groans as she struggles reaching out for her MP3 player.

"What the…?" Naoto spots the Shadows bodies' shift differently.

"I can move again? But how…?" While Souji felt limber again.

Masato backsteps with his feet sliding against the floor, the shadows reacting positively. "Hold up… Wait a sec–!"

"We need to move! The Shadows are affected by our music and movements!" Naoto realized the solution already.

"Let me try… this!" Masato strikes a pose, the Shadows close to him slowly imitate him. "It works!"

"It's just as I thought… That eerie song we're hearing is forcing the Shadows to dance! If we can interrupt that song and the Shadows' dance, we might get through this…!"

"But… how…?" Rise was uncertain, still feeling weak from the other song.

"What if we made them dance to our songs… maybe we can stun them and that will give us a chance to get out of here!" Masato suggested trying more simple dance moves.

"Maybe it can work–"

"What Chatty Children!" The Voice calls them both out, ribbons reaching out to pull Masato by his arm and then leg once he falls, and Naoto by both her legs.

"No!"

"Shit!"

"Naoto-kun! Masato-kun!"

"You're connected with us… Now you can become the you everyone wants you to be…!"

"Rise-chan! Senpai! Please stop their… their dance…"

"Naoto!"

"Souji… Rise… it's up to you both…!" Masato's eyes slowly close. All he hears is the feminine voice of Rise call out to him… barely.

"Masato-kun….!"

A/C: Just to ask again, do you mind if we skip past the events of P4DAN after the next chapter? It's already almost done, so I just wanna know now before that chapter goes up. We need a certain dad's reaction to Souji being involved in the idol industry for five minutes. You're gonna love that exchange. It's gonna be crazy.

Today's musical reference is a personal favorite of mine. One I've been wanting to use since I started plotting this out. "Limelight" by Rush. I have this album actually. Moving Pictures is a banger and I implore you to listen to it. It's got Tom Sawyer as well, so there's another reason to hear it.

Next time, we got more stuff to get through in P4DAN before we fast forward to the end. Do let me know if you want to see more of it for the Substories fic!