Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for O.C's.

The stadium was alive with energy, its walls pulsing with neon lights that flickered in sync with the rhythmic beats echoing from the speakers. The crowd's excitement hummed like an electric current, building with each passing second. Then, the lights dimmed, and a soft, ethereal glow bathed the entire arena in an oceanic hue.

From the center of the stage, a colossal holographic wave began to rise, cascading with a deep blue sheen. The air seemed to shift as the familiar tropical aroma of saltwater and sand filled the space. There was no mistaking it- this was not just a concert. It was a journey into the depths of the ocean, a spectacle where the lines between reality and fantasy blurred into something extraordinary.

And then she appeared.

On a sleek, shimmering platform that hovered above the stage, the young idol, Oribe Tsubasa, stood like a vision of ethereal beauty. She wore a flowing gown made of iridescent fabric that shimmered with every movement, reflecting the hues of the surrounding holograms. Her dark blue hair cascaded like a waterfall, glowing under the spotlight as her delicate voice filled the air.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo

Aoi Itsuki watched Tsubasa's live performance on TV with Sumire in the living room. Itsuki turned up the volume as Tsubasa began her song to the crowd, he had promised to Tsubasa that he would watch her concert on TV when she was on her tour overseas. Sumire joined him to see Tsubasa on TV. She was stunned by how beautiful she looked, and with one quick glance at her hero, he was intrigued before turning her gaze to the TV.

Sumire eyes lowered as she placed her finger on her lips, thinking about her kissing her hero last time. She flushed at the memory of what would have followed next… it was meet to be her defining moment last night, and she screwed up. Forcing herself to brush that aside, her eyes gazed up at the screen, seeing Tsubasa singing to a crowd, she continued to surprise Sumire.

Tsubasa's voice, sweet and haunting, resonated with a delicate power that seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of the ocean itself. As she sang, the holograms began to take life-whales, vast and majestic, swam gracefully across the giant digital screens that enveloped the arena. They were followed by schools of tropical fish in brilliant hues of neon pink, electric blue, and shimmering gold, darting through coral reefs made of light.

Bubbles of light rose from the floor, swirling like soft currents, and the stage seemed to come alive, transforming into an underwater paradise. The walls were no longer solid-they melted into the expansive depths of the ocean, where translucent jellyfish floated serenely, and anemones swayed in the current. Every note Tsubasa sang was met with a ripple in the water, as if her voice summoned the very sea creatures to dance to her tune.

The atmosphere felt dreamlike—alien, yet familiar. The crowd was spellbound, swept away by the delicate blend of futuristic technology and the timeless allure of the topics. Tsubasa was the siren of the digital version of paradise.

Her eyes closed for a moment, lost in the music, and the holographic whales rose higher into the air, as if swimming above her, harmonizing with the ethereal notes. The audience gasped, as if the very breath of the ocean had been trapped in the music, filling the space with a tangible sense of wonder.

And then, as the song reached its crescendo, the holograms burst into a spectacle of colors, with a swarm of glowing fish surrounding her. She raised her arms, and the oceanic creatures responded, their forms expanding and contracting with each wave of her hand.

In this world, Tsubasa was not just an Idol-she was the ocean's voice, a protector of the world, a Mirage Master. And as the last note faded into the echo of the crowd's applause.

Tsubasa bowed and waved at the crowed with a bright and beautiful smile.

Backstage
Dressing Room

"Another job well done," Mermaid clapped.

"Thanks," Tsubasa smiled, "It was such a remarkable experience out there, I know I've been rehearsing it, but still."

"I wonder if Itsuki watched your performance?" The lime-haired Mermaid Demon wondered aloud.

"I'm sure that he is," Oribe Tsubasa said brightly, "Speaking of which, I should send him a Topic Message." The Rookie Idol went to the dresser and picked up her phone.

[Topic Messaged]

Tsubasa: Itsuki-kun! Did you see me on live TV?

Itsuki: Yea, I did, you were great!

Tsubasa: Ahhh! You saw it live on TV!? I'm so happy that you did. Thank you so much! It means a lot! ^_^

Itsuki: Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world. My residence was practically vibrating with your energy! ^^;

Tsubasa: Haha! Seriously, so pumped! I'm still buzzing. Just chilling now, finally. How was your day? Is anything exciting happening?

Sumire observes Itsuki texting to Tsubasa via Topic Message. She could not believe that Tsubasa looked so astonishing on TV and that she could sing so beautifully to boot. She felt that Tsubasa had reached new heights than ever before in the public eye and as a Mirage Master. Not only that, but she could not help but feel a little jealous. A former popular gymnast in high school and daughter of a TV Director couldn't compare to Kiria, Tsubasa, Mamori, or Eleanora.

The Red Head looked the other way. It's silly to think this way; after all, Tsubasa and Itsuki are friends. At least that's what her Hero told her. Right?

She traced her two fingers on her lips without thinking, recalling her and the prom dress she wore that night and forcing her lips onto Itsuki. She had never imagined that she would become more entangled with him after that.

To the point of making a fool of herself.

She wanted someone she could love, someone she could feel, someone who was in common with her, and someone that she could spend the rest of her life with. Itsuki, being who he is, was everything she had always wanted before she became a Phantom Thief.

"Tsubasa is doing fine," Itsuki's voice said, causing her to snap back to reality. She turned to him with a cheerful expression and was about to say something.

"I'm glad to hear, and with her newfound powers too."

Hearing Chrom's voice, Sumire was reminded that she wasn't alone in this living room. She guess that was a transaction fee she paid for sleepwalking into Itsuki's room, naked.

"Yeah, I'm actually surprised that Tsubasa had that power, but then again, we are trying to save the world."

"Something about that name, Lucina does ring a bell to me."

"Do you think that your daughter, who's helping her out?"

"I would hope not, as it would entail that Lucina is a Mirage as well, or perhaps an omnipresent force that is aiding your friend."

"Like with Marth," Itsuki said.

"That's right, she is the decedent of the Hero King, which means that she had grown up to be a great warrior and, if memory serves correctly, she had fought the Fell Dragon Grima and won."

Itsuki's and Sumire's eyes widen.

"Forgive me; I'm not sure how I came to this revelation. My memory of Marth led to the memory of my eldest daughter, Lucina."

"But that's good. Which means that you're starting to remember about your past, like with Tharja and Cain."

"Indeed, I am concerned that it may evoke unpleasant memories; however, the fog is gradually dissipating and no sign of danger has emerged from it."

"That's good," Itsuki smiled.

Sumire coughed in one hand, "I'm going to make you something in the kitchen; I happen to have found a new dinner recipe."

"Huh? Oh, sure."

The redhead girl rose from her seat and walked to the kitchen, not before giving him a wink.

"I'd be careful around her, Itsuki."

"Yeah, she's more concerned about her sleepwalking inacent than she was about her kissing me."

"To be fair, you haven't resisted her when she did that."

Itsuki's face was red, "Well- She was- I was-" he groaned as he facepalmed.

"Your prediction seems to have predicted that moment, but why this moment, I wonder?"

"I don't know, but I am worried about Sumi... and about Tiki."

"Have faith, Itsuki."

"Thanks Chrom."

The aroma of ginger and soy sauce swirled through the kitchen and living room, a fragrant tapestry woven from Sumire's evening. In the living room, Itsuki was sitting on the couch, watching TV. Sumire, her brow slightly furrowed in concentration, carefully arranged the last sprigs of scallion atop the steaming bowl of noodles. It was a new recipe, a fish, and noddle dish she'd found in a cookbook she'd been devouring lately. Tonight, it was her culinary experiment, and Itsuki was the first guinea pig.

Sumire had spent the better part of the afternoon meticulously following the instructions, simmering dashi stock, carefully searing the fish, and artfully combining the noodles. Now, with the final touches complete, she stepped back to admire her handiwork. The vibrant colors of the dish, the deep brown of the broth, the glistening noodles—all seemed to promise a delightful meal.

Taking a deep breath, Sumi wiped her hands on the apron she had worn, and then called out, "Sempai! Dinner's ready!"

Itsuki blinked in surprise, "Um, coming!" He emerged from the living room, his eyes widening a fraction as he took in the sight of the table. Two bowls, overflowing with the fragrant concoction, sat ready and waiting.

"Surprise," Sumire exclaimed.

"Whoa, what's all this?" he asked, his voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.

Sumire's heart did a little flip. "it's a special dish that I made," she explained, trying to keep her voice casual. "I found the recipe in a cookbook I've been reading."

Itsuki eyed the unfamiliar dish skeptically, then cautiously took a seat at the table. He picked up his chopsticks, hesitantly stirring the noodles before finally bringing a mouthful to his lips. Sumire, perched opposite him, watched with a mix of anxiety and hope, her fingers fidgeting with her napkin.

For a moment, the only sound was the soft clinking of chopsticks against ceramic bowls. Sumire watched Itsuki's face intently, trying to decipher his reaction. His brow was slightly furrowed, as if he were contemplating the flavors, which made her heart sink a bit.

Then, his expression changed. His eyes widened slightly, a flicker of genuine surprise illuminating his features. He took another bite, and then another, his initial hesitation replaced by a more enthusiastic consumption.

Finally, he put his chopsticks down and looked at Sumire, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Wow, Sumire," he siad, his voice filled with suprise. "This is actually... superb!"

Relief washed over Sumire like a warm wave. She'd been so worried that Itsuki wouldn't like it. "Really?" She asked, a hopeful smile tugging at her lips.

"Yeah, really!" he confirmed, reaching for another mouthful. "I wasn't sure at first, you know, with the fish and all, but this is incredible. What's in it?"

Sumire beamed, her anxiety replaced with a surge of pride. Kronya's suggestion for the dish really paid off. "Well, there's dashi broth, of course, and the fish is seared cod, and there's soy sauce, ginger, and some other stuff," she explained, her voice gaining confidence. She happily rattled off the ingredients, her enthusiasm growing with each bite Itsuki took.

"You're becoming a natural at this, Sumi," He complemented.

The redhead girl blinked, "W-well, I... I'm not sure if I deserved that praise."

"What do you mean?"

"You already know about my backstory and how I was in a time freeze for five years. Also, I don't think your Mirage Partner trusts me. Then again, my Mirage Partner did some bad stuff. Occasionally I wonder if I am a burden to everyone?"

"You and Kronya deserved a second chance. You may have different opinions about your group, but you haven't to turn away what's right."

"But what about Chrom? What is his opinion?"

"Chrom has is suspicion about you, but it's only natural to him, he can be overprotective. He is very cool with you and Kronya."

Sumire giggled.

"Do messiahs talk ever so similar? Because that's something Joker would say."

Itsuki laughed heartily, him as a Mirage Master sure, being a leader okay, having Chrom at his side great, being able to wield Marth's powers also great. However, being regarded as the new messiah, according to those white-haired triplets, is not something that he would image himself as.

Hold up!

"Um, Hero Sempai, is there something wrong?"

He had something to say to her, but his answer deflated the moment she looked at him like that. He rubs the back of his neck.

"You and Joker used to have something going on, when you mentioned him, right?"

Sumrie's eyes were like saucers (like Ayna's from spy family). Her eyes were shifting left and right.

"Why would you bring that up?" She twiddled her fingers.

Itsuki sighed as he crossed his arms. "Just to clarify, I don't mean to ask that question in a really weird way. I like to be your friend, Chrom, and I am worried that you are trying to cheat on someone. By using me as a scapegoat…" he muttered that last part.

"No, of course not. When I brought my old mentor, I was thinking that you reminded me of that. You are intelligent, very thoughtful and very kind, just like him. But my initial thoughts did not bring the best of terms with the group. Also, he likes to go out with other girls."

"Oh, like with Touma?" Itsuki wondered aloud.

"Um, yeah," Sumire exclaimed, "although I don't think Touma is that kind of person." She hasn't gotten to know her Hero's friends yet, but at least she has some ideas.

"Yeah, both Touma and Makoto-San have been going out."

"I am happy for them. As for me, I don't have a past relationship, I did want one, but it didn't work out. And I'm still a virgin. You would think a pretty girl like me would be able to get a good deal. Then again, I was a certified nutcase."

"So, no past relationships?"

Sumire shook her head.

Itsuki made a sigh of relief. "As for the 'certified nut' case part, you did grow out of those things."

Sumire made a determined expression as she slapped the table and stood up from the chair. "That right! And I got Cendrillon and Kronya at my side. I'll definitely become more than a Phantom Thief after I finish my training."

Itsuki nodded in agreement.

Sumire then lanced her finger behind her back as she walked over to him. She leans down to look at him in the eyes with a blush on the cheeks and a bright smile.

"And maybe I can win over my hero this time."

Itsuki made a nervous smile as he looked away.

Itsuki Aoi's Bedroom

He laid on his bed after taking a shower. He started texting his friends on his phone.

[Topic Messaged]

Kiria: Is that so?

Itsuki: Yea, she wanted to come over to a restaurant called the Silver Spoon.

Touma: Whoa, man, I just heard about that place; it's a maid restaurant. Sumi must have signed up to be a maid in a restaurant. Maybe to impress you or something...

Eleonora: First time I heard of about the 'Silver Spoon'… But you won't find me working there as I am a famous HollyWood Actress. Besides who in their right mind would call it the Silver Spoon? Very shady if you ask me.

Futaba: Since you put it that way… I don't think you should go there Mr. Hero Man.

Touma: I wasn't thinking about going there.

Futaba: I was talking to Itsuki-kun.

Itsuki:So now I'm Mr. Hero Man.

Kiria: It's the highest honor you can get from Futaba.

Itsuki: Oh, um, not that I like the nickname or anything. ^_^

Futaba: No probs! Lol

Itsuki: Anyway, I'm still going to the Sliver Spoon tomorrow, just to make sure that Sumire isn't caught up in something. But Chrom and I don't expect a Mirage attack.

Touma: Alright buddy! Putting that aside, any plans on how we deal with the next dungeon craw?

Futaba: Stocking up on the right materials and Fusions. Duh.

Tiki=Waifu: Nowi and I have that covered, which includes refreshments.

Futaba: Really? I would expect Barry-Sama would be responsible for the reserves.

Tiki=Waifu: Your in the right. Barry has been inspecting the supplies before we head into the next dungeon.

Haru: It seems typical for Barry-San.

Ann: Yea, Anime Weeb in by day, military dancing instructor by night.

Futaba: He's still a fun guy to hang out with. Lol.

Kiria: Anyway, we should talk about this more, tomorrow.

Futaba: Early bird gets the worm.

Everyone in the chat agreed and said their goodbyes.

[Topic Message End]

"Kiss me again Sempai..."

Itsuki bolted out of his bed and looked around. After a few minutes... nothing. He must be hearing things, it couldn't be Sumire's voice again. Right?

He sighed and relented and laid back down. This time he made sure the door is locked she woun't get in this time. He brushed it all aside, even is she did manage to come in It is not likely that Sumi will engage in inappropriate behavior towards him in bed, or anything like that.

The Next Day

{Play SENKO NO RONDE Dis-United Order OST - CUCU (Cuilan Phase 4)}

Cain's Palace

The Fire Dungeon is a volcanic labyrinth, steeped in both danger and mystery. The entire dungeon is engulfed in an eerie, oppressive atmosphere, with a sky perpetually choked by thick, black volcanic ash. As dusk falls, the dim glow of stone torches flicker against the backdrop of a fiery landscape. Lava flows through the labyrinth in winding rivers, casting an orange glow that reflects off the sharp, jagged edges of the stone wall.

The whole party, including, Nah, Raidou, Patty and Surf, looked around as they were led by Tiki, Fae and Ninian. Mamori and Paravati felt unsettled about this place, Druag appeared beside them and stayed close. Kira and her Demon Nekomata looked at the walls, with Tharja looking on. Touma, Makoto, Cain joined in observance with Kiria and Nekomata on the walls.

The walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting a heroic warrior clad in vibrant red armor, standing defiantly against a horde of bandits. The warrior is shown emerging victorious, a testament to courage and strength. These carvings serve both as a historical account of the dungeon's origins and as a thematic reminder of the battles that await within.

"Is that who I think it is," Touma asked, awestruck.

"Yup, that's me. When I was a human," Mirage Cain said.

"I have to say, this depicting suits you well, my friend," Mirage Durag remarked.

"Indeed, my perpous in life is to fight to protect my brothers in arms."

"Brothers in arms..." Mirage Chrom mused, "I wonder what my own 'Palace' would look like?"

Stone pillars rise high throughout the dungeon, adorned with glowing orange neon lights that pulse with the heat of the fiery environment. The floors are covered in intricate tilework, each stone marked with symbols and runes that seem to glow faintly with an otherworldly energy.

Tiki, "Me and my sisters have traveled around this dungeon's lobby over there. There are four rooms. From what we gather, there are a total of four keys in each room, once you collect all four keys, you will be able to open the main door to the Grima Mirage."

Fae smile, "Fae and her sisters are doing rehearsals and would be able to help you out, but Fae knows that you will do great."

Ninian smiled and waved her hand, "Good luck to you brave warriors. Lady Tiki, Fae and myself will return to the Sky Garden Palace and will await your return."

"Take care of my big brother Nah-onii-chan," Tiki exclaimed. Both Nah and Raidou and their black cat bowed their heads. The three Mirage Utaloids head to the exit.

...

Main Lobby

"Okay, where to?" Ryuji asked around.

Yusuke, "I think we should split into groups."

"Why do I get the feeling that you would say that?"

Cain, "I would advise such suggestions. These challenges maybe too much—Est?!"

A Shadowy ghost figure of a young woman he meets back in his home world. The Pink-haired Pegasus Knight stared blankly at Cain and the others.

The group starts to notice the color of the shadow figure's eyes, Nah was the first to speak up.

"Those eyes... Is that a-" The Half-blooded Manakete asked, with worried in her voice.

"Shadow," Cain gritted his teeth, "Its appearance is a replica of the terrible memories that made Abel turn. I was forced to fight him because he will do anything to save her."

Shadow Est turned around and walked slowly to the large double doors.

"Wait!" Cain shouted.

{Switch to PERSONA Q SHADOW OF THE LABYRINTH OST - Light the Fire Up in the Night -Dark Hour-}

Five black, slimy Shadows emerged from the floor, blocking the party from going after Est. Nah gasped at the site of those monsters, it had been a while since she had seen these horrible masked creatures, ever since she had been on a journey with Raidou and Gouto.

Touma thumbed his nose at the masked slime monsters, "Cain and I will handle these guys."

The blonde-haired actress rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms, "And here we go again."

Touma in his Carnage Form, conjured his spear and started charging at the Shadows. The flames of his spear lit up as he made his first strike at one of the Shadows. In one blow, the Shadow burst into flames.

That's four down.

A Shadow immediately responded, by casting an Ice spell at Touma. But he did roll out the way before it could get him.

Touma then cast fire at the Shadow, causing it to stagger. Another Shadow started charging at Touma but was forced back when Touma used a wind spell.

Eleonora then jumped in the fry and aimed her bow at the two Shadows and fired. The two Shadows were taken out with ease. The female Mirage Master landed on her feet with style. Touma sweat-dropped as she cast a glare at him.

That, two down and two more to go. The Shadow then targets Eleonora and starts to charge at her. The female Mirage Master archer was ready to defend herself, unfortunately that obnoxious idiot cut between her and her target.

Ryuji, acting all heroic, rushes to Ellie's aide, "No worries, I'll take care of this guy!"

"What do you think you were doing, idiot?"

"For you, Ellie, I'll take on an army of demons!" Ryuji fired his shotgun at the hostile. The bullets hit the left side of the enemy's mask. Its head and body were forced back but for a moment. The white mask regenerated.

Yumizuru gave Sakamoto the look. He flinched at her stare and made a nervous laugh.

"Guest it takes more than one shot, huh?" He reloaded his shotgun and fired at the charging enemy. He fired, and the bullets hit the forehead of the enemy's mask. Its head and body were forced back, but for a moment. The white mask regenerated.

Ellie huffed.

"Hey, I think I almost got em! Just one more—awe snap! Its jammed!"

"Move," Ellie said firmly as she stepped forward and shoved Ryuji out of the way. As she aimed her bow, she closed her eyes and exhaled deeply, releasing the arrow.

The arrow hit the Shadow right in its eye socket. It froze in place as ice covered its demon form. It then burst into red particles; its remains evaporated into nothingness.

That's one down and one to go.

But it didn't take long for Touma to strike a final blow to the last slime Shadow.

{Stop PERSONA Q SHADOW OF THE LABYRINTH OST - Light the Fire Up in the Night -Dark Hour-}

Ryuji rubbed the back of his head while he made an apologetic smile to Ellie.

"Um, nice one, Ellie-chan. Thanks." He said it with blush cheeks.

Yumizuru narrowed her eyes at him as she crossed her arms. Akira, Morgana and Ann came in as they walked up to the pair.

"Seriously Ryuji?" Ann said, annoyed as she glared at him.

"Hey, I was just trying to impress Ellie-chan, you know." He raised his hands up in defense of his actions.

"Only for your shotgun to get jammed," Morgana commented.

"It's totally fixable!"

"You sure about that?" Akira asked.

Ryuji, "Well, um—Hey, um, Nowi-chan!"

Utaloid Nowi appeared in a cheery mood as usual. She has an unlimited inventory of modern weapons that she can summon for the Phantom Thieves. For example; Sumire had borrowed a rocket launcher from Nowi's stock before. Not only that, Nowi also has dresses.

With a wave of the Utaloid's hand, she levitated Ryuji's broken shotgun, and with a snap of her fingers, the shotgun disappeared in a puff of smoke. And with another snap of her fingers, a new replica of Ryuji's shotgun appeared. It levitated down for him to grab.

"Thanks, I appreciated," Ryui said with an akwared smile.

"Your welcome! I will be sure to fix your old shotgun after we complete this dungeon," The Utaloid exclaimed.

"That was a close one, though," Mamori sighed.

"Those Shadows are pretty, though," Futaba remarked.

"Does this have anything to do with Grima?" Makoto asked. Eleonora, Akria, Touma, Ann, Morgana and Ryuji rejoined the group after the battle.

"Pretty much so," Futaba sighed, "It's weird, we freed Ayaha, but it feels like nothing changed."

The Joker lowered his gaze as he tightened his fist, refusing to allow Ayaha to be taken again.

"Everything will be alright as long as we help Lady Tiki, Lady Fae, and Lady Ninian complete the ritual," Nah said.

"You mean the Concert?" Morgana asked.

Nah huffed, "Concert, ritual, whatever! Anyway, no time to doodle, let's just find what we're looking for and be done with it!"

"Right!" Touma turned to his Mirage Partner, "Cain have you spotted Est anyway?"

"She went right through that main door," Mirage Cain pointed to the double doors, all chained up with four keyholes.

"Looks like we have to get all four of those keys if we want to go after her," Makoto said.

"No problem, this is going to be a piece of cake," Touma said.