Tokyo's skyline pulsed with life. Neon lights bled into the darkening sky, while the spring breeze carried the sweet scent of cherry blossoms drifting across a quiet, fenced-off park. A circular fountain murmured at its centre, water glinting under the pale glow of streetlamps.

On its edge stood a girl, no older than Kira herself, seventeen, perhaps eighteen, with long crimson hair tied into uneven twin tails, the tips dipped in a subtle green that shimmered like wet paint under the lights. A slender yet mature figure framed by her loose jacket and thigh-high boots. Beside her lay a weathered black bag that hummed faintly with weight… And purpose.

From the rooftops of the surrounding multi-story shops, Cradle's strike team watched. The buildings' upper levels were off-limits to civilians, but for Kira, Milly, and the other operatives pressed low against the cold metal, it was the perfect vantage point. Their mission was simple: Stand by and, if seen, neutralise the newest Alberline.

Siren.

"…She's just standing there," Milly whispered, her breath tickling Kira's ear as they both lay flat, rifles cradled and eyes sharp. "Wonder what she'll play… Bet it's something good."

Kira didn't respond. Her gaze was locked on the girl below, who now crouched, pulling a mic stand and compact speaker from her bag. She gave the soundbox a light tap, pop static crackling through the still night. Then, softly, she began to sing. A voice so gentle it almost sounded human.

But before Kira could let herself focus on the melody, movement in the corner of her eye froze her blood. Down at the park's left entrance, emerging through the glow of Tokyo's restless streets, came a figure she'd know anywhere.

"Kentaro…?" She muttered, unable to hide her surprise.

It wasn't just him. Tenka walked beside him, calm but alert. Behind them were Yura and Serica, the sealed Alberlines, and a man Kira swore she'd seen before, his steps deliberate, protective.

Milly followed her gaze, brows raised, then grinned slyly. "Hmm? That look… Don't tell me… Do you like him?"

Kira's head turned toward her like a turret, expression flat, tone mechanical. "Not like. More like Husband."

Milly blinked. "Wh–huh?! That's… That's a bold thing to say at your age…"

"Nope," Kira said without a blink. "We're past that stage. After this mission, I'll take him to a love hotel. We'll be connected. Forever."

Milly's face flamed red, hands covering her cheeks as she wriggled like a flustered child. "Y-you're actually serious?! Kira!"

But before Kira could respond, the park's calm was shattered.

BOOM!

An explosion ripped through the plaza, rattling every rooftop. Screams erupted from civilians below as the ground cracked, throwing dust and debris into the air. Kira's body jolted, hands gripping the rooftop edge as her eyes darted, then froze on a nightmare sight.

Kentaro slammed into the side of a building with bone-jarring force, a crater forming around his body. Blood smeared the wall as he struggled to move.

"KEN!" Kira's scream was drowned by the chaos.

Where Siren had been standing moments before, only scorched stone and smoke remained. Figures emerged from that haze, tall, armoured, their suits glowing faintly even through the ash. Spire operatives. A half-dozen of them, rifles and blades catching the light.

Kira's instincts ignited. She didn't think; she moved, only to feel a crushing force on the back of her head, slamming her face into the cold rooftop.

"LISTEN, KIRA!"

Commander Isak's voice thundered, every word vibrating through her skull as his iron grip pinned her down. "I KNOW YOU! I KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! BUT WE DO NOT ENGAGE SPIRE! NOT UNLESS THE TARGET, THE ALBERLINE, COMES TO US! THAT'S A DIRECT ORDER!"

Kira thrashed, boots scraping the rooftop as frustration welled in her chest like a scream trapped in her lungs. Isak's strength was absolute; any harder and she feared her skull would crack under his palm.

"BUT THEY'RE ATTACKING HIM, OUT IN THE OPEN!" Her voice ripped raw, pain and rage tangled together. She could feel her pulse hammering in her throat. "WE CAN'T JUST!"

Isak didn't shout this time. His voice, still powerful, carried something heavier than anger: command. "Orders are orders. Something's off here… I don't know why Spire's after that boy. But if we intervene now, Kira, we're not just risking our team, we're risking every civilian in this city."

Kira's resistance faltered. Her body trembled, a violent mix of fear, anger, and helplessness. Her nails dug into the metal roof until her gloves nearly tore.

Finally, Isak released her. She didn't move at first, forehead pressed against the rooftop, breaths coming out in sharp, uneven bursts. Then slowly, shaking, she lifted her head, just enough to see over the edge again.

Below, Kentaro was alive, barely. Shogo, Yura, and Serica had formed a protective circle around him and then started carrying. Then she watched Tenka smash her foot onto the ground, creating another smoke screen, before they escaped the way they came.

Kira's lips parted, her voice too faint for anyone to hear.

"Ken…"

And she could do nothing but watch...

Ten minutes earlier…

The soft glow of lampposts glimmered across the park's cherry blossom petals as Kentaro's steps slowed to a halt. His breath caught the moment his eyes locked on her.

"Aria…" He whispered, amazed at the sight he was seeing.

There she stood in the middle of the quiet fountain plaza, a single spotlight of moonlight haloing her figure. From her bag, she pulled a guitar so polished it seemed unreal, its chrome edges catching every fragment of light, shimmering like stars clinging to its strings. The moment it left the case, Kentaro swore faint sparkles floated in the air, almost magical.

Serica, peeking over his shoulder, pressed herself against Kentaro's back, craning for a better look. "Woooah…" She whispered in awe, in a dreamlike voice.

Normally, Kentaro would've gone beet-red with Serica's chest pressing against him or Yura's soft grip tightening on his arm, but this moment felt… Different. A strange, blissful warmth crept into his chest. Without even realising it, he smiled. Serica smiled. Yura's bow trembled, her face brightening with joy.

And it wasn't just them. Tenka's lips curled into an uncharacteristic grin, Shogo's boisterous laugh echoed lightly… Even the entire crowd gathering near the fountain seemed overcome with bubbling laughter and light-hearted chuckles.

Then, music.

Aria's fingers danced on the strings, releasing notes that floated like stardust. A haunting, beautiful rhythm coated the air, weaving through every breath and heartbeat. The world became dazzlingly bright, as though every sound carried its own glittering light.

Kentaro's chest heaved as an alien feeling seized his body. The warmth twisted into uncontrollable laughter, spilling from his throat despite the weight pressing on his ribs.

"This isn't-" He choked between pained chuckles.

Beside him, Serica doubled over, tears running down her cheeks as she laughed so hard she could barely breathe. Yura clung desperately to his arm, face flushed crimson as manic giggles escaped her lips. Tenka, usually unshakable, leaned on a tree for balance, shoulders shaking violently. The crowd around them wasn't laughing because they wanted to.

It was because they couldn't stop.

Kentaro's stomach cramped, his cheeks ached, and his lungs strained against the suffocating command that flowed from Aria's song.

"Stop… Laughing…" He gasped to himself.

His body wouldn't obey. It felt like invisible strings were tied to every limb, forcing happiness into his expression, his voice.

"STOP!" He roared.

BOOOOM!

The park erupted. A deafening explosion swallowed the plaza, blasting petals, stone, and screams into the sky. The ground shook violently, throwing Kentaro to his knees.

The laughter snapped like shattered glass. People staggered in confusion, clutching their throats and faces as the invisible mirth finally released them. Kentaro sucked in a ragged breath, heart pounding like a war drum.

Through the dissipating smoke, dark silhouettes emerged: Spire operatives, clad in blackened armour with glowing orange visors. Their rifles hummed with lethal energy, forming a half-circle around Aria's position.

But she was still there.

Kentaro blinked hard. She hadn't moved an inch. Through the fading haze, a fiery red barrier pulsed around her body like a heartbeat, fragments of burning light swirling across its surface. And her appearance.

Her jacket had unravelled into a sweeping crimson dress with intricate golden filigree coiling around her chest and waist. The hem fluttered like flickering flames as her song refused to stop, echoing mournfully through the chaos. Her hair, once mostly red, now shimmered green halfway down, glowing faintly under the moonlight.

Kentaro's breath hitched. This was no ordinary girl.

Tenka's hand grabbed his sleeve, her voice trembling, breathing heavy as she was still out of breath; it was a rare sight. "T-t-that's… Her. That's Siren."

Kentaro's eyes widened "No way…" He muttered slowly. Serica and Yura stood frozen, wide-eyed, their bodies trembling as they witnessed Siren's Sublimation Frame for the first time. Even Shogo's usual quips died in his throat.

Spire's rifles blazed, raining bullets and energy fire at her barrier. Sparks erupted as the crimson shield rippled under the onslaught. But even Kentaro could see it wouldn't hold forever.

He turned sharply to his allies, resolve hardening. "We need to save her. Now!"

Shogo gave a firm nod. Yura hesitated, doubt clouding her expression. She glanced down at her hands, trembling.

"My powers… They're sealed… I can't do anything-"

Kentaro gripped her shoulders, forcing her eyes to meet his. "You can. I know you can. Think of what's most important. Find that feeling, and don't let it go. You've got this, Yura. I believe in you."

Yura's breath caught. Her mind spun, searching desperately for something, until it landed on him.

Kentaro's warmth.

The hand that reached out and saved her from despair.

His voice promising he'd protect her, no matter the danger.

His smile was gentle, unshaken, even when the world threatened to collapse.

Her heart thundered. Tears prickled her eyes as something deep inside her chest snapped free.

"DOMAIN!"

Purple energy erupted from her palm like wildfire, swirling violently as it expanded into a massive sphere. The air thickened, crackling with raw force, as the barrier surged outward, just barely enveloping Siren's figure.

The strain hit Yura immediately. Her body trembled violently, sweat running down her temple. Blood trickled faintly from the corner of her lips as the sealed power clawed against its restraints.

"Just… A little more…" She gasped, voice shaking.

Her knees buckled, but she forced her will to hold, the image of Kentaro's safety anchoring her mind.

"SWITCH!"

With a brilliant flash of violet light, Siren vanished from the centre of Spire's assault, reappearing right beside Kentaro, still strumming her guitar as if nothing had happened.

Yura collapsed, breathing raggedly, but her lips curved into a faint, exhausted smile.

Kentaro dropped to his knees beside her, catching her before she hit the ground. "Yura… You did it." His voice was soft, reverent.

Through her laboured breaths, she whispered back, "No problem… Ken…"

Her eyes fluttered for a second, safe in his arms, before getting up, crimson sparks flickered in the corner of his vision, Aria's guitar still crying its haunting melody into the night.

"Hey! What's the big idea, and how did you even do that?!" Aria's voice cracked, panic and confusion twisting her words as she stumbled backwards.

Kentaro stepped toward her, hands raised, trying to sound calm despite the chaos swirling around them. "We'll explain everything later, but Aria, we're here to save you. Please… I know this is a bit sudden, but. Just come with us."

Her boots scuffed against the stone path as she backed away another step, eyes darting between Kentaro and the crimson haze of her own barrier. Distrust burned in her gaze like a cornered animal.

"Save me? Don't make me laugh!" She shouted, voice trembling. "Who even are you? What do you want from me?! Wasn't humiliating me with that… Flash enough for you people?" Her words wavered, but her stance remained defiant, like she'd fight tooth and nail to keep anyone from getting close.

Tenka's eyes narrowed, her tone sharp and commanding. "Listen carefully! Those men down there," she jabbed a finger toward the Spire operatives flanking the park, "They want you dead. Or worse… They'll drag you off and use you for something far beyond your worst nightmares. We're not them. We're trying to get you out. This is your only chance, make it now!"

But it was already too late. The Spire soldiers closed in formation and raised their rifles in unison. The shrill whine of charging barrels pierced the air as they prepared to fire. Shogo moved first, a blur of motion, but there were too many shots to catch; not even his speed could deflect them all.

Kentaro's chest tightened. In that instant, instinct drowned out fear.

"I won't let her die." He said to himself.

He lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Aria just as the air erupted in gunfire.

And the bullets slammed into a sudden crystalline wall of ice.

"GET AWAY NOW!" Serica's voice rang out like a bell, echoing with raw power. Shards of frost spiralled in the moonlight, the hastily formed barrier cracking under the relentless hail of rounds, but holding just long enough.

Kentaro turned, grabbing Aria's trembling hand, urgency blazing in his voice. "Come on! We can't stay here!"

"No!" she snapped, yanking her arm free, tears welling in her fierce green eyes. "Leave me alone! Why would you help me? I know how this goes, you're just like the rest! You'll use me, you'll throw me away, just like they did! LEAVE ME ALONE!!" Her voice echoed throughout the plaza.

Kentaro froze mid-step. Her voice carried years of betrayal, of pain carved too deep to heal overnight.

But before he could answer, a shadow blurred in behind her, one of the Spire operatives, closing fast. Their long sword shimmered in the park lights as it came down in a deadly arc.

Aria's breath hitched. Time seemed to slow. The hiss of steel was deafening. She couldn't move, couldn't think. She stopped strumming her guitar; her barrier was down. Not again… Not like this…

She shut her eyes, bracing for the inevitable…

"ARIA!!!"

Kentaro's voice shattered through the night.

And then, pain.

Not hers, his.

The blade slammed into Kentaro's side with a sickening force, flinging him across the plaza like a rag doll. His body hit the stone wall hard enough to crater it, blood streaking the ground where he landed.

"KEN!" Serica and Yura screamed in unison, rage surging through their sealed powers, blue and violet energy sparking violently around them.

Shogo was already moving, intercepting the Spire operative with inhuman precision. His strikes were sharp and merciless, dodging every counter and slamming a boot into the attacker's stomach with bone-cracking force, sending them flying into the trees.

Tenka dashed past, grabbing Serica and Yura by the shoulders before their fury could boil over into something catastrophic. "We MOVE, NOW! Fighting's suicide, we get him out first!"

Serica's teeth clenched. Yura's aura flared like wildfire. But at Tenka's command, they swallowed their rage and rushed to Kentaro's limp figure. Together, they lifted him, each girl taking a shoulder, his blood dripping down their arms as they ran.

Tenka slammed her boot into the ground.

BOOM.

A massive smoke screen engulfed the entire plaza, masking their retreat.

Aria stood frozen, chest heaving. Through the swirling smoke, she glimpsed Kentaro's face. Broken, bleeding… And smiling at her.

"Why?" She muttered softly.

Why would someone she barely knew, someone who should've feared her like the rest, risk everything to protect her?

"It has to be a trick," she told herself, nails digging into her palms. No one is like that. Not for me. Not ever.

But deep inside, a flicker of something foreign… Something fragile… Whispered otherwise.

Could he be different?

Before the thought could take root, the cover of smoke thinned, and the Spire agents were already advancing. Heart pounding, Aria gritted her teeth, turned on her heel, and bolted into the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, vanishing into the night crowd like a ghost.

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