To Relearn the Joy of Life (Persona 5/Fate Grand Order)

[Magostera]

This story is crossposted from Ao3 and FF.net.

---

The Aeon Rank 0: Prologue

"Hey, Amamiya-kun. Can we talk?"

Ren turned around to look at the orange haired girl that had just taken a turn from the school exit to meet his path. To be frank, he was curious as to why the third-year girl wanted to speak to him about, as Makoto had told him she had shown interest about their group. However, he had a meeting with the team to prepare for a Memento excursion and he prided himself on being on time as the leader.

"Shouldn't you be in volleyball practice?"

"Nah, the session has been called off. It's fine, we can talk on the way to Shibuya. Wouldn't want to be late with everyone, right?"

Alarm bells ringed off in the mind of Ren. It was far too precise to be a coincidence. No one was supposed to know he was going to meet others near the subway; they always took different paths at one point or another to avoid appearing together near school.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to interfere. I just want to talk a bit, is that alright?"

Her playful tone clashed with the seriousness of the situation. She definitively either suspected or was aware of their activities. On the other hand, she could have turned them to the principal if she wished so, the man was still determined to find lead about the Phantom Thieves even after Makoto told him she dropped the case.

"I don't think we can weasel ourselves out of this easily. Let's play along and maybe get her to talk on the way." Whispered Morgana from his bag. He nodded, both to Morgana and to the senior who smiled cheekily at him.

"Don't think you'll get my secrets that easily, Amamiya-kun." She said as they started to walk, and the words almost made him stop in shock.

"Did she just answer me?" Panicked the cat from his bag.

This time, there was no other possibility. The girl definitively answered to Morgana. She had been to the Metaverse before. Thousand possibilities raced through Joker's mind, but he kept walking the same assured yet hunched way, as they moved toward the train that would take them to the entrance of the subway in Shibuya. They couldn't manage to find a free seat and simply stood in the crowded metro, allowing Akira the time to better examine the girl who was apparently very comfortable with the situation. There was no mistake in saying she was older than Makoto. In fact, one could think she had already finished her high-school years. Her orange hair and amber eyes were her most striking features, complemented by her surprisingly muscular frame. According to the rumors that had, to his gratitude, replaced the ones about him if only in part, she had been studying abroad for almost two years with a scholarship from the United Nations, coming back recently (a bit after the start of the Madarame incident, if his memory served him right) to finish her school year at Shujin. The return of such an elite student had been the delight of the school staff, in pressing need of another topic than Kamoshida to be the subject of talk about Shujin. The journey to the building accessway passed in a blur, the girl merely exchanging small talk.

"Fujimaru-san?" Asked Makoto, to which the girl simply made a friendly wave of hand.

"Oh man, how did you get to have such a hottie with you on the way?" Lamented Ryuji, missing the implications of her presence entirely.

"What am I, chopped liver?" Asked Ann with indignation, who had certainly made the way here with him today.

Before they could bicker further, Morgana jumped from Akira's bag and stood on the barrier, shutting it down with two words.

"She knows."

Instantly the mood soured, all gazes falling on Fujimaru who just shrugged under the pressure of the shocked, defiant, analytic, calculating, and wary looks.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to tell." She said, taking a relaxed posture on the barrier. "It's not like I'm against what you're doing."

"How long have you been spying on us?" Interrogated Makoto suspiciously.

"I didn't spy." Protested Fujimaru. "You pulled me in when I was about to meet you in Shibuya a week ago."

Joker's mind jumped on the memories of that day. They did enter Kaneshiro's Palace that day. Was she that close and they didn't notice? They had been particularly pressed that day and immediately rushed to the flying bank to finish preparing the escape route. A look into the other's expression told him they arrived at the same conclusion.

"That was surprising, but when I realized it wasn't dangerous, I just waited for you to come back. Sure enough, you did and a few minutes later the whole space returned to normal."

"You must have an impressive mental fortitude to react like this under the circumstances. But why didn't you approach us at the time?" Pointed out Yusuke.

"I thought to, but then that app installed itself on my phone. I wanted to be sure before doing something rash. I followed you three days ago when you went under the subway to check if there was a link, and sure enough, I went after you." Explained Fujimaru, showing her phone where, as expected, the red eye of the navigator was brightly visible.

"That sound… plausible." Admitted Morgana, his tail flicking left and right. "Now what? You can't have cornered us like this without something in mind."

"Of course not. I'm going to help you."

That was not what Joker had been expecting to hear. And neither the others, as the loud "For real?" from Ryuji attested before the blond developed his thoughts.

"I mean, it's nice of you but…"

"You must realize we cannot bring you along. I'm sorry, Fujimaru-san, but it's far too risky." Insisted Makoto.

"It's dangerous. Like, seriously dangerous." Completed Ann.

"I know. That's why I want to help you."

Fujimaru had crossed her legs and arms, for the first time seeming entirely serious. His skillful Proficiency led him to recognize at her posture that she wasn't just blowing hot air, that her suggestion was much more serious than he had thought at first. It reminded him of Makoto's attitude, but… more mature.

"Let's try it once, alright? One time, and if I don't convince you, I won't bother you again." She proposed, looking at Akira right in the eyes.

Against his own thoughts, Joker's instinct was telling him she may be more of an asset than any of them realized. His dauntless Guts gave him the necessary energy to face down his doubts and reassure his teammates, arguing that they would surely be able to cover her while she showed if she had what it took or not.

"Are you sure? This is not something we can easily cover if something happens." Pointed Makoto, still unconvinced.

"I guess all of us more or less stumbled into it, right? She might be able to help us." Admitted Ann.

"Yeah, true. I mean, I would also want to help in her place. It wouldn't be right to just deny her." Supplied Ryuji, evidently sympathizing.

"In any case, it would be wiser to keep her at arm's length rather than just push her away." Provided Yusuke. "I vote for leaving her a chance."

"Even if I would prefer to not have her involved, we can't really let her arpent Memento by herself." Pointed out Morgana. "Since we were already going in, it's the perfect opportunity."

Makoto thought about it for a moment, before finally casting her vote in favor, making the decision unanimous. Joker nodded before turning to Fujimaru, who had been waiting patiently on the side.

"So?"

"You've got your chance."

"Thank you."

---

Shifting, swirling and expanding, the Metaverse encroached upon reality. The Phantom Thieves stood ready, each one of them wearing their determined spirit as mask and clothes, the cognitive texture overwriting their false arms into weapons. Joker pocketed his phone, the mysterious navigation software having once more fulfilled its function. However, the tension inhabiting the group was different than usual as they descended the stairs toward Mementos.

"I'm jealous, those outfit rocks even more up close." Whistled Fujimaru, her clothes still the same.

"I know, right?" Grinned Skull. "Who do you think got the best?"

"Heh, I'd say Makoto. She got that biker gang aesthetic juuuust right."

"Oh." Slumped the blonde. "By the way, we use code names in the Metaverse, since we aren't sure if using our real names is safe. Mine's Skull."

"I'm Panther."

"Queen."

"I have chosen Fox."

"I'm Mona here. And Ren is Joker."

"As in, the ace of the deck? Got it." Commented Fujimaru, looking around with cautious curiosity. "I guess I'd have to find one too."

"Let's not be hasty. First, we need to know what you will bring to the table." Tempered Mona, jumping above the turnstile at the bottom of the stairs. "Since you don't have a Persona, you won't be able to fight back against the Shadows."

"I'm not really cut for the frontlines anyway."

"Really? What do you do then?" Asked Skull, kicking the turnstile open.

"I'm very good at organizing people, especially in dangerous situations."

"A manager, huh? That sounds useful, but are you sure it will apply against Shadows? I really don't want to see you hurt." Questioned Panther, obviously worried.

"There is only one way to find out." Said Fox. "Mona, if you would."

"Here I go! Morgana, transforms!" With a theatrical yell, Mona jumped in the air and in a poof of smoke became a large meowing van, making a turn on the rails.

"Huh. Neat." Commented Fujimaru, deadpan.

"Neat?" Yelled the Mona car, almost choking in outrage. "Who react to a cat transforming into a van with ''Neat?''"

"I mean, that's pretty old news by now…" Snidely commented Skull.

Joker smirked inwardly as Skull and Mona started bickering, but the look he exchanged with the rest was telling. Either Fujimaru had nerves of steel, or she spied on them more than she admitted. Stopping the fruitless squabble, he took the conductor seat as usual before driving into the darkness. The plan was simple. Jump on some of the weak Shadows to let Fujimaru see them operate, then let her take the reins for one battle. If she proved her worth, they would proceed as planned to their target for today's expedition, Kazuya Makigami. Otherwise, she agreed to be left at the entrance of the subway until they came back.

"I wonder how deep this place is." Mused the orange-haired girl as they descended into the next floor.

"Beat me. I feel like it could go on forever." Commented Skull, lazily watching the side of the road.

"Quiet, Shadows spotted!" Interjected Mona before Joker pressed the accelerator.

Ramming at full speed in the towering mass of blackened tar in humanoid form, the Phantom Thieves instantly jumped off the car to get into position. The Shadows barely reformed into their individual forms when Joker called upon Arsene and sent a mass of darkness at them, instantly destroying one and knocking another on the ground. In a short time, all the enemies were destroyed by the group, leaving tenebrous red tendrils to disperse in the void. The next few groups of enemies were annihilated all the same but unexpectedly, they found the stairs before finding the test group of enemies they wanted for Fujimaru.

"Do we go on the next path now, Joker?"

"Let's proceed."

The enemies of the next path were still too weak to endanger the group, especially if they were vigilant. A quick round of vote confirmed his decision, and they took the path deeper into Mementos. Before long, they found a mass of wandering Shadows in the distance.

"Alright, Joker will let you give the orders. Since you don't have a Persona, the backline will keep you safe. If anything happens, we'll resume our usual tactics. Are you ready?" Asked Mona, his engine ready to burst to life.

"Let's go." Confirmed Fujimaru.

With a burst of speed, the cat van took the Shadows by surprise and rammed it violently, stunning its component entities. The Phantom Thieves and Fujimaru jumped out of the car and Mona transformed back into his cat form. Joker, Panther, Fox and Skull rushed forward as the frontline, leaving Queen and Mona to watch their surroundings and protect Fujimaru. Right as they all took place the Shadows materialized completely, taking the form of two knightly angels and three menacing owlmen, still stunned by the impact.

"Skull, thunder the angel near you! Panther, sleep the other and move to the right! Yusuke, circle clockwise and peppers the owls! Joker, gun ready!"

The sharp and shockingly quick commands took the thieves by surprise for an instant before they acted on them. Captain Kidd surged behind Skull and shot lightning, paralyzing a winged knight while the other dozed off under the influence of Carmen's spell. The owlmen couldn't move around, their wings pierced by the hail of bullets unleashed by Fox, one of them already disappearing. One of the owlmen broke through it using his comrades as living shield and rushed madly toward the closest Phantom Thief, Panther, claws ready.

"Shoot!"

Joker's bullet nailed his bullet right through the skull of the Shadow at Fujimaru's order, killing it instantly before it could get closer to Panther. Without even acknowledging the result the girl kept going.

"Panther, burn the other! Skull and Fox, finish your knights!"

Panther angrily summoned her Persona to incinerate the owlman used as a living shield right as Fox ditched his assault rifle to summon Goemon, his circling having positioned him right near the sleeping angel. The spectral figure executed a powerful rising slash on the sleeping angel at the same time Skull summoned Captain Kidd to crush the still paralyzed knight. As the red volutes left of the Shadows dissipated harmlessly in the air, all the Phantom Thieves could hear was the sound of their own breathing.

"That was... something." Said Queen, at a loss for words. The battle barely lasted a dozen seconds.

"Where did she learn to lead like that?" Whispered Mona incredulously.

"Does it mean I made a good impression?" Asked Fujimaru with fake innocence, hands on her hips and tilting her head.

"Your acting sucks ass…" Sweatdropped Skull.

"That aside, it was a brilliantly conducted battle. I daresay this was an enlightening experience." Said Fox approvingly.

"No kidding. I'd swear she literally predicted what would happen." Threw Panther, still remembering how quickly the Shadow that targeted her had been stopped in its tracks.

"What do you say, Joker?" Asked Mona, everyone turning to him.

The leader of the team examined the girl watching him with quiet resolve. She was good. Too good. As much as it stung to admit, a lot of the group's acrobatics and abilities came with the enhancements their Persona gave them. Yet without one, she planned and reacted at a speed that impressed even him. Whether or not he approved, she was too suspicious to not keep a tab on.

"We'll decide later. She could be a great addition to the team."

"Thank you, Joker. For considering it." Smiled Fujimaru.

Finishing their tour of Mementos by completing the request, they drove back through the shifting corridors, taking care as to not get the attention of Shadows.

"Hey, anyone has an idea for codename yet?"

"Skull, we haven't decided if she will join the team yet." Reminded Fox.

"Come on, with good how she did? Anyone doubting it?" Insisted the blond, with no one voicing objections.

"Do you have something in mind?" Asked Mona.

"How about Master?" Proposed Fujimaru.

"Not happening." Instantly shot down Panther.

"Alright, alright, I was joking. What about Senpai?"

"Bit too obvious, no?" Pointed out Ryuji.

"Maybe Control?" Advanced Makoto, but Fujimaru shook her head.

They exchanged more for a bit but couldn't find a nickname they all agreed on, so they decided to report the choice for later. But as often, Mementos did not heed their wishes for a peaceful return and they found themselves cornered in a narrow corridor, jumping into an easy but frustrating battle.

"Alright, my turn!" Yelled Ryuji after a handshake from Joker who just zipped by and shot down a flying red fairy. "Take that!"

His persona shot lightning at the red armored and horned knight, shocking it into submission. The frontline instantly surrounded the still surviving Shadow, gun pointed in a holdup.

"I lost. Here I lay, at your feet, at your mercy. Just what do you want from me?" Grumbled the Shadow, his spear laying low.

"Give me something." Said Joker, pistol ready. If his hunch was correct, this Shadow was the missing piece to fulfill the request of the Twins.

"Ah, greed. I suppose it is a valid reason not to kill." Assessed the knight slowly and almost bitterly. "What it your desire, then?"

"Lend me your power."

"So that is your move… Let us talk first. I need to see if you are worthy of me."

Joker barely noticed as Fujimaru approached carefully and slowly, curious. The situation was under control, so he kept his attention on the Shadow.

"… When you have hurt someone, their heart might be clouded by anger. Don't you think expecting your would-be victim to be receptive to your words is unreasonable?"

"I don't." Snapped Joker back, earning an approving hum from the red knight.

"Good. It is the loser's responsibility to listen and learn from their victor…"

The Shadow fell silent for a few seconds before speaking again.

"I am curious. If you are here, in a place you do not belong to, this so-called real world you come from must be fairly boring."

Joker hesitated, unsure as to how better garner approval from the Shadow.

"It's better than here." He finally replied. The contemptuous grunt he got in answer quickly told him he chose wrong.

"A gray place full of mindless automatons, better than this vivid world of thoughts and desires?"

"It is still our world. It may not be the best, but we push on all the same."

The knight suddenly turned his head aside. Joker instantly cocked his gun threateningly before realizing it was only looking intently at Fujimaru, who had just spoken and was sending back a focused stare at the Shadow.

"You feel… familiar. I wonder if us speaking together like this means that we are somehow connected…"

"It could be. I've met a lot of people in the last years."

The trailing, longing voice of the orange haired girl roused the curiosity of Joker, who nonetheless kept his weapon squarely toward the Shadow. The being was now entirely focused on his upperclassmen,

"You, who lack the power of your comrades, cannot fight. And if that is the case, why do you not stop this futile endeavor? It is meaningless..."

"I can't stop. Someone has to do it." Joker had expected the answer to be bravado, yet he could only hear cold resolution. Something in his gut told him Fujimaru meant every word.

"Fate must have you shackled too, if… Wait. I remember now."

The red knight and his horse suddenly stood up, and Joker recognized the sudden change in attitude. The Shadow was breaking its mental chains, reclaiming its identity as a creature born of the collective unconscious. Usually, it would mean joining him as a new mask, but given his failure to keep it wholly interested, it could also mean relinquishing money or a useful item.

"I remember. I am not a Shadow of this place… I am a Demon born from human wishes, who obtained a Designation as one of the seventy-two!" That… was not what he was expecting to hear. Even more surprisingly, Fujimaru seemed to react to it and her entire body shifted into tense anticipation, as if she expected to either run or fight. "I am Eligor, fifteenth of the Goetia. From now on I will fight for you, my Master."

The horned knight and his steed bowed down, before dissolving into red tendrils that converged toward Fujimaru. Before anyone could react, they plunged onto her left hand and disappeared, leaving only what looked like an ornamental red tattoo upon her flesh. She looked at it. And then a single word escape in bewildered confusion from five mouths.

"WHAT?"

The group quickly fell into disorganized chatter.

"Dude, what the eff?"

"Could she be like Joker?"

"How? She doesn't even have a Persona!"

"It is true she has no mask still…"

"Hey Mona, care to explain?"

"I have no idea!"

"Aren't you supposed to know those things?"

"Oh, shut up, numbskull!"

"What did you call me?"

"Stop it! Now is not the time!"

Joker's exclamation silenced everyone, reminding them exactly where they were and what the consequences of staying too long in the same place could bring. Fujimaru said nothing, looking at the red tattoo upon her closed fist as if it was about to catch on fire.

"Let's go. We did what we came to do." Said Queen, while Mona changed back to a minibus.

Without further words they all climbed into it and drove back the entrance, an uncomfortable silence permeating the whole journey. Only when they were before the stairs leading back to the surface it was broken by Mona.

"Alright, I think now is the time to spill the beans. Do you have anything to say?"

The Phantom Thief's voice was heavy with suspicion, one shared by the rest of the team. They have seen many things over the past months, and perhaps in other circumstances they would have written it off. Right now, they were remembering the person they brought in admitted spying on them, and displayed abnormal behavior and ease in battle, their previous trust they were starting to put in her turning into greater defiance. Fujimaru's face was stone-like, her marked fist still clenched with her other hand. The Phantom Thieves instinctively took defensive postures, arms ready as a familiar swirl of black and red gave birth to the horseman. The Shadow looked upon them with palpable defiance as the horse moved between them and its… master? The lance was down, with no threat beyond an implicit promise of protection to the orange-haired girl, yet all of Joker's instinct told him the Shadow was a lot more dangerous than before.

"It really isn't a Persona." Whispered Panther, a hand on her hip and close to her gun.

"No, it's not, but I'm not sure it's still a Shadow… something feels different. I can't get a proper read on it." Said Mona, looking at the Shadow up and down.

"If I may ask, Fujimaru-san, are you certain to have control over this creature?" Brought up Fox, a pertinent point that rung alarms in Joker's mind.

"Fear not, young rebels. As many figments of thoughts surrendered themselves to your leader, I have sworn fealty to my Master."

"It freaking talks?" Blurted Skull.

"Mere Shadow I am no more. I have reclaimed my true nature as a Demon, a being born of human wishes."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing. A demon? An honest to god demon?" Asked Panther with total disbelief.

Joker kept his thoughts to himself, looking at Fujimaru.

"Thank you. But please, leave." She whispered, and for an instant Joker thought she was talking to them. However, the red knight and his mount bowed and disappeared, once again seemingly returning to the tattoo on the girl's hand.

She was leaning on the wall, head down, eyes hidden under her bangs. The tension was still there, but a creeping feeling of unease was slowly replacing it, as the Phantom Thieves were realizing where they were standing. Surrounding their classmate back to the wall with arms ready, six against one, like...

"This is so wrong." Muttered Panther, lowering her gun. "Guys…"

Joker moved aside to break the encirclement, purposely showing his empty hands in evidence, and the same realization slowly made its way through the rest of the Phantom Thieves. One by one they lowered their weapons, shame written all over their posture.

"I'm…"

"It's alright." Dismissed Fujimaru, cutting Panther in her tracks. "I get it. It's not like I expected that to happen either. Anyone would be jumpy."

Despite trying, and somewhat succeeding, to put cheer and insouciance into her voice, tt was pathetically obvious to Joker that she was putting up a brave front, and a single look at his team showed him they were arriving at the exact same conclusion, even Ryuji. When she spoke again, all traces of nonchalance were gone.

"I don't know why it happened. I know it looks suspicious… but I only want to help you. I can't stand by when I know you risk your lives in here. But if you can't trust me… I'll understand."

Joker saw his comrades look at him expectantly, waiting for his input, for his decision.

"Let's think this through later, with a clear head." Declared Joker, and everyone nodded, Fujimaru included.

---

They left the Metaverse. Fujimaru exchanged number with Joker at his request but declined the clumsy proposition of Ryuji to help getting her home. A bit of her playfulness returning as she asked the blond if he always played the gentleman with ladies, embarrassing him just enough before thanking him and taking her leave. The group separated soon after, the sun setting nearly at the exact same time he reached Leblanc, but his instinct told him the calm wouldn't last long, something confirmed when his phone started to vibrate irregularly. After moving up and laying down on his bed, Ren scrolled the team conversation.

Ryuji – Man, I feel like an asshole.
R – Can't believe we almost mobbed her.
Ann – I feel so bad too.
Makoto – Even if she is suspicious, we went too far.
Yusuke – Even if we don't take her in the team, apologizing is the least we can do.
Y – I believe the sooner is it done, the better it will be.

"Looks like everyone is still thinking about it." Observed Morgana, ears down. "I don't feel proud of what happened either. This isn't how the Phantom Thieves should be acting…"

A – Makoto, don't you spend time with her?
A – At school.
M – Not really.
M – I was tasked to have her integrate smoothly by the principal.
M – Beyond answering her questions, we barely spoke together.
A – I see…
A – Maybe we can see her after school?
M – She should be free after practice.
M – Not at the usual place though.
Y – Why not meet at Leblanc?
Y – It is private enough.

"Yup, I think this would be the best place as well." Commented Morgana, yawning. " You have her number, right?"

Ren – I will call her.
R – Thanks, dude.

The adolescent scrolled to the recently added number and called. It rang once, twice, before the call was answered.

"Hello, Amamiya-kun. What do you want?"

"Are you free tomorrow afternoon?"

"I don't have anything after pratice." Said Fujimaru, neutral. "Did you reach a decision?"

"First, we want to apologize. All of us."

The line went silent for a moment, before a soft, relieved sigh reached his ears.

"I see." Her tone became more natural, more free. "I appreciate it. Where are we going to meet?"

"Cafe Leblanc. Have you heard of it?"

"Nope. Give me the address." He promptly did. "Alright. We'll see each other there then. Good night."

"Good night."

She hung up, and Ren quickly sent a message to the team to announce the new.

"I feared she would want nothing to do with us after that." Admitted Morgana, rolling on the side of the bed. "Let's go to sleep."

Following the cat's advice, Ren soon pulled the sheets above him, and fell into a thankfully dreamless sleep…

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 1: To Make Amends

Ren glanced at the clock one more time, pen tapping on the wooden table covered in study material. While finals were next week, he had studied well enough to not worry about them. Unlike Ryuji, currently struggling with Ann despite the best efforts of Makoto to tutor them. Yusuke was downstairs, sketching while watching for the girl's arrival. A group study had been the best excuse Ren found for inviting Fujimaru to Leblanc, as he didn't want his guardian to worry, draw unwanted conclusions or unexpectedly take him as assistant for the evening. Fortunately he had business outside, and so they had all the privacy they needed.

"I give up. Sorry, I just don't get what "x" is at all."

"Honestly, same. I just can't focus at the moment." Agreed Ann, stretching with a yawn.

"I suppose we did good enough on this session." Sighed Makoto. "You two should be able to scrap by at the very least."

"Hey, I mean, it's good enough to pass. Top grade is for monsters like you, Ren, or Fujimaru…" Ryuji's voice trailed, and he looked at Ren. "She is coming, right?"

"Just a bit more patience." He advised, exchanging a look with Morgana near the window.

"Yeah, I know. It's just… I don't want to mess this up."

The forlorn look on the blonde echoed the gloom underneath their studious façade. Ryuji had been the most openly affected by yesterday's events, but it was obvious none of them had been quite able to shake it off. Even the more detached members, under their well-adjusted attitude, could not quite escape it. Makoto has been much less strict than normal when looking at Ryuji's and Ann's work, and he didn't fail to notice Yusuke's almost shameful look at the Sayuri. Himself? He regretted it, of course, all the more because he should have been the first to speak against it. Even if it was just the pride of Joker speaking, he should have recognized the situation better than anyone else.

"She is here." Said Morgana, jumping on the bed.

Three minutes sooner than expected, noted Ren. Making himself comfortable, he waited for Yusuke to come up with Fujimaru, snippets of conversation coming through the stairs. She was admiring the Sayuri, and Yusuke was obviously responding positively. He straightened his posture once they ascended, adjusting his glasses by reflex. Not that he truly needed them, they were merely an accessory to further conceal himself from most people's gaze. Yusuke nice tidy hair came first, followed the wilder orange mane of Fujimaru, one he was certain the school staff would have asked her to dye black if her grades weren't top level.

"Hi guys. Last minute cram session already?" She asked teasingly, putting her bag down. "Nice room by the way. A bit more personality around and you'll never want to leave it."

As usual, she came in with easy-going good mood. The rare sightings he had of her in school had been the same, surrounded with curious and admiring classmates, and the rumour mill already pinned five guys who tried to ask her on a date. All failing. That she approached him yesterday sadly put him back into the rumour mill as well, some people openly wondering if he was trying to blackmail her. He shuddered to think what they were imagining in their hushed whispers.

"So, uh… had a good day?" Asked Ryuji as awkwardly as a semi-truck entering an alleyway.

"Don't worry, nothing bad happened on the way back. You'll have to wait until I need your escort services."

Embarrassment reddened his friend's cheeks and Ann laughed a little. Ren noticed how the exchange had relaxed their posture, distracted them from their funk even if a little. Had this been her intent? Quite possibly, if her sharp, very sharp gaze not quite reached by her smile was any indication.

"I think she should get to the point." Said Yusuke, drowning the ephemeral lighter mood like a sudden and unexpected rain. He certainly did not realize what Fujimaru has been doing, Ren sighed inwardly, keeping his cool exterior.

"Thank you for trying to put us at ease, Fujimaru-san." Fortunately, Makoto made up for the graceless interjection, avoiding him to do so and Yusuke's eyes widened in understanding. "And I think I speak for all of us when I say we are sorry for yesterday."

"I would like to offer my most sincere apologies as well. For now, and for before." Followed Yusuke, quickly correcting his misstep. "It was an ugly spectacle we presented you, one I hope we can properly make amend for."

"In your place, I don't think I would have accepted to even talk to us again. To be honest, I'm a bit amazed… I hope you can forgive us, eventually." Added Ann.

"I'm no good with words, but… yeah, same." Said Ryuji, shifting in place.

Morgana jumped on the stair ledge just aside Fujimaru, his ears down.

"I'm sorry too. What happened isn't what the Phantom Thieves should be. What we want to be. I hope you can believe me when I say…"

The girl's fingers went through his fur and rested on his head, scratching Morgana's head behind the ears. His words were interrupted by a purr of contentment as she found his sensible points almost immediately, stretching to give her better access.

"It's alright." Said Fujimaru softly. "I hurt when it happened, but I can't condemn you for a single mistake. It wouldn't be right."

"Fujimaru-san…" Whispered Ann, both amazed and ashamed.

Ren took out his glasses and stood up, looking at his upper-classmen in the eyes, bearing her gaze as he extended his hand.

"I'm sorry." He simply said. "Do you want to start over?"

She smiled. An ordinary grateful smile, yet it intrigued him more than anything. As if he gazed at but the most surfacing swirl of the river, a deep and unknown beyond he could not fathom. As quickly as it came the sensation passed, as the girl shook his hand.

"Let's start over." She agreed, still petting Morgana with her other hand. "Fujimaru Ritsuka."

"Amamiya Ren."

The atmosphere lightened, and one after the other they presented themselves, Morgana even foregoing his usual habit of clarifying he was not actually a cat. A position he would have had a hard time defending, on his back and receiving on the most gratifying petting he certainly ever experienced. They all sat down, Ritsuka between Ann and Makoto on the sofa while Ren and the other guys shared the bed and chairs. For a time they spoke of nothing important, simply sharing interests and anecdotes together. Ritsuka's sunny disposition quickly swept away the rest of the gloom and soon Ryuji was passionately debating with her over some sort of endurance training. To Ren's surprise she proved able to easily find something of interest with each other member of the team: engaging with Ann over fashion, exchanging artistic viewpoint with Yusuke, commenting about Makoto's martial art training, showing interest in Morgana's thief tools making. In a way the sheer adaptability of the girl reminded him of his own habit of slipping into the right mentality, the right mask, to speak to those he encountered.

"I think it's time we come to the subject of the Metaverse." Said Morgana, and everyone agreed upon looking at the clock. They spent much more time relaxing than they realized. "Fujimaru-san, you made it clear you want to be part of the team. Everyone, what do you think?"

"Hell yeah she is in." Slammed Ryuji.

"I approve as well. We will benefit immensely from her tactical expertise." Concurred Yusuke.

"I am in favor. She proved herself already." Added Makoto.

"She has my vote for sure." Supplemented Ann.

"And mine as well. Ren?"

Ren looked at his expecting teammates, and then at Ritsuka. Part of him would have expected a triumphant smirk, or another reaction of the same caliber. Yet the orange-haired girl was stoic and patient, waiting without trying to influence any more.

"Welcome to the team, Fujimaru-san." Said the leader.

"Thank you, Amamiya-kun." Smiled Ritsuka.

"Now we can properly prepare the future..." Said Yusuke with intense satisfaction.

"Dude, we need a codename." Excitedly interrupted Ryuji.

"You're right! Does anyone have an idea?" Followed up Ann, already brainstorming.

"Let's use our remaining time more productively." Insisted Morgana, and with Ren's support he took centre stage. "First off, if you are going in the Metaverse, there are some things you must know. More specifically, how the Metaverse works. You see, Mementos and Palaces are product of the cognition of individuals and society…"

The black cat was sitting on the table, as erudite as ever when speaking of his best subject. The explanation was lengthy, with some other members of the team giving their input or comparison to quicken the lesson, until he was interrupted by Ritsuka holding her hand up.

"Huh, I may have already learned what the Metaverse is. Mostly." She admitted sheepishly.

"Wait, how? You've only been in the place twice!" Protested Morgana, visibly vindicated his teaching position was menaced.

Ritsuka's face became dead serious, and she raised her left hand. On her unblemished skin, the faint outline of a red tattoo appeared, the same stylized design that manifested once the Shadow went to her.

"Your, hum, Personae. Do they exist only in the Metaverse?"

"Yeah, you can't do it outside. Imagine all the babes I could impress with Kid…" Lamented Ryuji, looking at Ritsuka's tattoo, now entirely visible, before suddenly rising on his seat. "… You're shittin' me."

"Eligor has been with me since we left Mementos yesterday. He speaks in my mind, and I can answer."

"For real???" Almost screamed the blonde, a sentiment shared by everyone around the table, Ren included.

"He explained me the basis of the cognitive world." Explained Ristuka, putting her hand down. "I wanted to confirm with you to be sure and it checks."

"… forgive me if I can't take what you said at face value immediately, Fujimaru-san." Said Makoto with moderate scepticism.

"I'll tell you what he said about Persona, then. Feel free to correct me."

Ren nodded, curious to see where it would go.

"Well, here we go. A Persona is a manifestation of the psyche, created from accepting your inner self, the Shadow. Tamed and accepted during a powerful emotional unbalance in the cognitive world texture you call Metaverse, the true nature of someone take the form of a construct, whose identity shares with you a common archetype within the collective unconscious. Good so far?"

The complete silence at the table was her answer, their surprise illustrated by the comical gaping cat mouth of Morgana. There were no faults to be found in her explanation, though Ren noted the particular vocabulary she had employed in some places, keeping that note safely tucked in his personal to search list in case no one else picked it up.

"I suppose it makes sense a Shadow would have insight on the Metaverse." Admitted Morgana, his pride obviously stung. "Yeah, that's about it."

"You certainly have a way to surprise everyone, Fujimaru-san." Commented Makoto. "By the way, I have a question. Is this, Eligor, currently present and listening?"

"Of course he is." Flatly dropped the girl.

"Wait, what? Where?" Ann frantically looked around the room, as if the horseman was about to come from underneath the potted plant.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I guess you can think of him like a guardian spirit? He can't get far from me and sometimes give his thoughts on some matter. Aren't Amamiya-kun and Morgana like that?"

"That's totally not the same thing! How do you even find that remotely similar?" Protested the cat in question, almost outraged by Ritsuka's sheer nonchalance.

"When you say it like that, it's pretty close. Minus the bag." Snidely said Ryuji.

"Ren, please don't listen to Ryuji's monkey brain and help me!"

"I guess it isn't that different." Said Ren, shooting down Morgana's hopes and leaving him a stuttering mess. Fair payback for the comments of three days ago, when he "botched" those lockpicks.

"Just one seconds. He follows you everywhere, right? Then… does he… is he… also present during… those times?"

It took Ritsuka full second before she got what Ann meant and her eyes widened angrily.

"Eligor! You better be convincing right now!" She snapped out loud, and to the shock of everyone else the voice of the Shadow answered.

"I have no interest in the matters of flesh, Master. War and strategies are my calling, and protecting you my duty. Nothing more."

It's voice echoed around them, as if coming from a dozen directions at once, reminding Ren of a horror movie he watched not too long ago, but he did not show it. Of the rest, Makoto's reaction was the most spectacular as she actually jumped from the sofa assuming a defensive posture.

"… I guess I can believe that." Simply said Ritsuka, once again attracting odd looks.

"And I can't believe you can stay calm like that." Said Ann, flabbergasted.

"Dude, this is so freaky." Whispered Ryuji toward Yusuke.

"Shadow or not, to focus on his art above all wordly matter is an inspiring work ethic." Commented the painter to the despair of the blonde.

"Not the point… man, I'm so glad the boss isn't here right now."

"Fujimaru-san." Interrupted Ren, his serious tone bringing back attention. "Can he materialized in the real world as well?"

"You don't think…" started Morgana, grasping the implications.

"It is within my ability to take shape in the World of Man, Trickster, albeit only briefly." Confirmed the Shadow with neither pride nor restraint, simply as a matter of fact. "The Common Understanding of Man rejects beings of the Reverse Side, and I would need to rely on my Master's magical energy to stay corporeal."

"I didn't get a thing beside 'holy frick Ritsuka can sic a demon on my ass'." Admitted Ryuji with an odd mixture of fear and respect. "Gotta admit, that's metal."

"I think this is something we can discuss later…" Said Makoto, obviously still shaken and trying to find another subject. "I don't think your physical abilities changed in Mementos, right?"

"Nope, still myself. I don't think I could pull off your crazy acrobatics."

"That means bringing you into Palaces would be quite the risk." Pointed out Yusuke.

"I'm sorry to say I agree, Fujimaru-san. I realized quickly how dependant we were on the clearly superhuman abilities granted by our Persona in the Metaverse. Even in my limited experience, I can assure you Palaces are giant deathtraps, and I don't think you would be able to navigate them with us." Developed Makoto with a sorry face.

"Bummer, but alright. I'll stick to Mementos." Agreed Fujimaru without fuss, to Ren's relief. "Do you often make your little trips down there?"

"It depends, really. Most of the time we solve requests on the Phan-site, and other days we push as deeply as we can."

"Last time was the first type of deal I guess. Do you run the website yourself, or?…"

"Nah, that's Mishima's deal. He really helps us tons with that forum." Said Ryuji, imitating a keyboard and mouse with his hands.

"One of our classmates." Clarified Ren. "He guessed who we were early, but he supports us."

"Man, I don't envy him though. Just imagine diggin' through all those posts all day…" Shuddered Ryuji.

"Is the brave Phantom Thief afraid of a little web diving?" Teased Fujimaru, to the embarrassment of the blonde.

"You haven't seen the things I saw there!

"Guys, it's really starting to get late." Nodded Ann, noticing how the sun was setting. "I guess we could call it a day?"

"I agree. We still have school tomorrow after all." Reminded Yusuke.

"Not cool, dude. Not cool." Lamented Ryuji.

"I'll stay just a bit. Someone told me the coffee is to die for." Slipped Ritsuka.

It only took a few minutes for everyone to help bring back the attic to its previous state and for the rest of the group to leave, bidding their goodbye to Ritsuka. With only the orange-haired girl now present with Ren and Morgana, she sit at the bar while he was working on the coffee.

"You don't look half bad in that apron." Commented Ritsuka, idly tapping on the counter. "I'm sensing a lady-killer in the making."

"You're not half-bad yourself."

"Flatterer. Whatever am I to do against such overwhelming compliments." She teased, stretching intentionally to distract him.

Ignoring the obvious ploy, Ren stopped the water before it could get too hot, following the mental steps Sojiro taught him. Though now that he looked closer, she definitely had a nice body. Not exactly a model like Ann, but he could see why she was turning head in Shujin, novelty aside.

"Hey, Fujimaru-san. I'm guessing you may not want to talk about it, but we have to ask." Said Morgana, standing on a chair with his paws on the counter. "Where did you learn to do what you do? I don't think anyone can just do that on the fly. Even Ren needed some time to get into things."

This time, there was no witty answer, no charming tease, no belly rub. Ritsuka was holding on Morgana's question, a complicated expression on her face as she seemed to think about her answer, if answer she was willing to give. Ren trusted Morgana would not pry too far, and simply waited as he finished the cup of coffee.

"Here you go."

"Thanks." All levity had left her voice. She tasted the coffee with a small sip that was almost instantly stopped, the beverage proving itself too hot. "It's not against you guys. I just… don't feel comfortable speaking about it. To anyone."

"You don't have to force yourself." He assured her, bringing a faint smile on her lips.

"Thank you." She took another sip, more prolonged, before putting it down again with a grimace. Was it only the heat, or did he made it more bitter than expected? "Not bad. I could buy that an evening or another."

"You should try the chief's coffee and curry. They're incredible." Praised Morgana.

"Curry, hum…" She was reminiscing, yet it didn't seem to bring her any joy to consider the meal.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing. Actually, I'm holding you on that praise."

Finishing her coffee, she picked up her bag and walked toward the door, Ren following. Before putting her hand on the doorknob, she turned to face him.

"Once again… thank you for listening, and for accepting my help. It means a lot."

"You would have gone to Mementos anyway, don't you?"

"Guilty as charged." Admitted Ritsuka. "Still… I spent a great moment with you guys. If you don't mind… I hope we can meet more like this. Not as Phantom Thieves, but friends."

"Anytime." He promised.

She smiled, and shook his hand, sealing their agreement. Time seemed to freeze, and a familiar, mysterious voice spoke.

---

I am thou, thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh the chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Aeon Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 1

New ability: Emergency Evasion

Chance to evade the first critical attack or attack targeting a party member's weakness each combat.

---

Time resumed with the faint sound of chains breaking, and he let go of her hand. She had quite the grip, stronger than what he expected.

"Oh, don't worry about adding me to the group chat. Ann just sent me an invitation." Ritsuka showed him the screen, where indeed, their avatar were appearing above the recently added discussion. "See you later."

He bid her goodbye, closing the store for the night once she left. After cleaning the counter and making sure everything was in order, Ren sat down on the bed, allowing his exhaustion to finally catch up.

"What a day, huh?" Sighed Morgana, slumped on the bed. "To be honest, I'm not really sure what to think of Fujimaru-san yet. I'm feeling she is sincere, but man, she is tight-lipped."

"Aren't we as well?" Quipped Ren, thinking of the many things the team wasn't exactly aware of. Not to mention what Morgana wasn't aware of.

"I guess that's fair." Conceded the black cat, yawning. "Still, what I'm not very comfortable with is that pet Shadow of her. Just the idea that Shadows can appear in the real world is disturbing enough…"

And wasn't that a disturbing tidbit of information. While in the Palaces they never really worried about the Shadows going anywhere but the place they were chained to and the ones in Mementos did nothing but mindlessly walk around (though he felt sometimes they were slowly moving toward the depths…), the possibility they could, theoretically, follow them back to the surface was chilling. Or, if what the Shadow said was true, they would run out of energy and disappear by themselves, as being of cognition trying to stay in the real world. He shared those thoughts with Morgana, who scratched his ear pensively.

"That's true. In the same way we cannot use our Persona outside the Metaverse, Shadows can't naturally exist within our reality. On the other hand, Fujimaru-san seems able to keep one around. But how?" Frustration was piling up in his voice as more and more questions without clear answer came to light. "I don't like having to rely on a Shadow's words, dammit. How does she even controls it anyway? They don't follow anyone, they are just creatures of pure desire! Only a Palace Ruler should have enough influence to…"

Ren looked at Morgana before picking up his phone. Opening the Meta-Nav, he pronounced the name "Fujimaru Ritsuka" as clearly as possible.

"No target found." Answered the mechanical voice.

They both let out a sigh of relief. At least the worst case option was closed out. Though, given the Shadow had been freed from its mask, that should have probably been obvious. Yet the question still remained. What was exactly the link between Ritsuka and the Shadow? Was it a unique ability she possessed, like the Wild Card Ren himself had? Or perhaps, thought the leader of the team as he tucked himself into his sheets, it truly changed into something else…

"Don't tell me you think it's really some sort of demon." Said Morgana with some derision. "Shadows merely take their appearance from stories of the collective unconscious. They aren't the real deal, if there is a real deal at all."

"Probably." Acknowledged Ren, feeling himself drift into sleep. It was probably nothing…

His eyes opened to a familiar velvet blue. Sighing in resignation, he got up from the bed, feeling the weight of the shackles on his limbs. He barely reached the end of the cell when Caroline struck the bars harshly with her baton.

"You're late, Inmate!"

"Our Master has important words to share. Heed them carefully."

Obviously, or he would have waited for him to actually enter the Velvet Room by the doors in either Mementos or the street. Refraining from commenting, knowing it would lead nowhere, Ren stared at the master of the place, whose ever-smiling face and table-tapping fingers were no different from usual.

"Today, you have entered a partnership with quite the curious individual. One whose power is far different from yours. That is why I have summoned you."

Ren didn't comment. Ritsuka was the only person Igor could be talking about. The question was, why speak of her specifically? Chiyaha too had an ability that could only be described as supernatural, and Igor made no mention of her. Probably because Ritsuka's interacted with the Shadows, and thus, with the Metaverse itself…

"What are your thoughts? Is that unknown power something you can rely upon?"

"I cannot say." Prudently answered Ren.

"Good." Igor chuckled, as he often did without Ren being able to determine the exact reason. "The success of your rehabilitation depends on the bonds you nurture. However, some bonds are deceptive, and may actually bring you closer to ruin."

"Master?" Asked Caroline hesitantly, but Igor ignored her.

"Deepen your bond with them, and bring your findings to me. Whether they will grant your strength or hasten the ruin, that is what you must discover. I look forward to it."

A shiver ran down Ren's spine. For a fleeting instant, the deep, raspy voice of the Velvet Room's master gained a menacing undertone, as if speaking of an unexpected stain on the floor. The attendants themselves seemed disconcerted by the change, though they quickly resumed their usual behavior when Igor's gaze fell on them.

"… You should return to your reality." Quietly told Justine as the alarm started to ring, and the room faded into obscurity…

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 2: To Carry Burdens

A vibration in his pocket got Ren out of the admittedly interesting lesson professor Kawakami was giving. With practised ease, the phone was taken out and opened on the relevant group chat.

Makoto – Fujimaru-san, are you available today?
M – Alibaba's Palace is giving us some trouble.
M – I would be grateful if you could give us some pointers.
Fujimaru – I'm free today.
M – Thank you.
M – I know yesterday was rough, so I won't ask anyone to participate if they don't want to.
Ryuji – I'll pass.
R – I can't feel my legs after running from that boulder.
Ann – I'm visiting Shiho today.
A – Sorry.
Y – The school makes us visit a museum today. In addition, I am still sore from yesterday's battles.
Y – Please go on without me.

"How do you feel? You think you can come with them?" Whispered Morgana from under his desk.

"Ready if you are." Confirmed Ren, tapping his answer.

"Don't we have a request pending as well? We could hit two birds at once." Recalled Morgana.

Ren – Morgana and I will be there.

M – Thank you.

F – See you there.

Ren quickly hid the phone and fell back to his attentive attitude the instant Kawakami's attention turned to him. The teacher moonlighting as his maid briefly paused to check on him before resuming her lesson, apparently having missed his little lapse of attention and satisfied from seeing him keep up. She was stressed enough by her jobs and her worries the little slacking off she allowed him to take would affect her classes, paying attention was the least he could do when she was teaching as usual. The rest of day went by with the slowness preceding action, the final lesson stretching in an agony of seconds before the final bell rang. Playing his role of dutiful and ordinary student, Ren moved through the mass of people and took the road to the subway.

Sighing privately at the sight of every single seat being taken, as usual, he resolved to stand for the entire journey. Reaching the entrance of the stairs leading to Mementos, the leader of the Phantom Thieves made his usual scouting of the square. Nothing out of the ordinary. Toranosuke, his mentor in rhetoric, was absent, certainly preparing his next speech. Gods know he would need it, given how few were those who took attention only to sling the derogative "no good Tora" nickname at him. Noticing the very recognizable orange hair from afar, Ren sit down on one of the benches and simply waited for Ritsuka and Makoto to join him.

"Hi, Amamiya-kun! Not too tired I hope?" Pepped his senior, taking the sitting place instantly. "Given how Makoto looks like, I almost expected you to have some bags under the eyes."

"Yesterday was a bit hectic." He admitted, the memory of that giant boulder trap still fresh in his mind.

"You are exaggerating. I don't look so bad, do I?... at least I hope so. No one said anything at school."

"I'm pulling your leg." Admitted Ritsuka to Makoto, making her sigh in both tiredness and obvious realization. "Still, Ryuji did look like a zombie. Just a bit of grey powder and false blood, you wouldn't make the difference."

"Let's discuss it down there, alright?" Asked Makoto, to which Ritsuka promptly stood up. "Why sit down if you knew you would stand up so quickly?"

"I'm not passing any occasion to sit down." Replied the other girl with complete seriousness.

A few minutes and a Meta-Nav activation later, they were standing at the entrance of Mementos, where they organized a small briefing led by Mona.

"Alright, today we have two objectives. The first is our target, Nozomi Odo. He is a store manager stealing money from the checkout before accusing his part-time workers, blackmailing them into paying the amount he stole."

"Lovely." Deadpanned Ritsuka, features hidden behind a makeshift mask she had taken out of her bag.

"The second is to learn from Master how to better anticipate our enemies' action." Mona sighed, ears dropping. "I can't believe we choose that nickname in the end… Anyway, during our excursion in Alibaba's Palace, we exhausted ourselves in battle too much to progress further in the pyramid. We might be able to avoid many of them in our next visit, but it's for the best we improve as much as we can."

"There are only have us four, so there is no backup in case anything goes wrong. Fortunately, all of us save for Master can heal. Unless the target is far below our usual exploration, we should be fine." Resumed Queen.

Master nodded, hands on the weapons she carried. While they would prefer not to see her engage in close combat if possible, Joker found it more careful to grant her a melee as well as a ranged weapon, both courtesy of Iwai. Though he did not expect her to have very precise orders for her replicas that cost him a good chunk of money to be made so quickly. Money she casually reimbursed him immediately, making both Mona and himself raise a few eyebrows. They didn't investigate it yet, first because she didn't do anything that would warrant it overtly, second because he hoped she would come clean by herself.

That aside, they were far more interesting than he expected. For her melee weapon she chose to use a telescopic spear, arguing she preferred the longer range to compensate for her lesser physical prowess. Her gun, which she admitted to have some experience with already, was a Calico M950 submachine gun with a special top mounted helical magazine. Iwai had been quite grumpy about it, saying the extra weight would screw over the center of gravity and that no one knowing their stuff would actually use such a weapon, but Master had insisted for it to be made exactly like that. And by "some experience", it was clear she either practised in the range a lot or had to use it in real situation, because her precision was much better than that of Panther.

"Alright. Do you guys have a specific order in mind?" She asked, making Joker think for a bit.

"Let's tackle on the target first."

"I agree. Once it's done, we can come back to the upper layers and practice more safely." Supported Queen.

Mona agreed as well, and soon they rode on the path to the lower depths. The unusual emptiness of the van allowed the Phantom Thieves to get more comfortable, with Mona focusing on scanning and Joker on driving, Queen and Master stroke up a conversation.

"What's posing you problems in Alibaba's Palace?"

"The Shadows are more dangerous than in the previous ones. The most worrisome we fought yet is a sort of Anubis. It has no weaknesses, and its light and dark spells can render someone unconscious instantly if it connect. We had to retreat rather than risk a prolonged confrontation."

"So that's why you want to learn how to anticipate better. You can't risk getting hit at all."

"Exactly. I understand it is mainly a lack of experience on our part, but any tip you can give us is welcome."

Master pondered, closing her amber eyes as she hummed for a bit.

"You're right that it mostly boils down to experience. But there are ways to predict your opponent's actions, even if they are stronger and faster than you. In fact, it may be advantageous if your opponent is stronger."

"It sounds rather counter-intuitive."

"I known, but it makes sense once you have seen it for yourself. Though it also depends on what you are fighting. If your opponent is simply strong, you must adapt differently than with one who is both strong and skilled."

"That one is rather obvious, don't you think?" Pointed out Morgana, and Joker internally nodded.

"Not in the way you may think." Master's fingers tapped on the seat. "You do aikido, right? Using opponent's momentum and that sort of stuff. A strong but unskilled opponent will charge right at you. But against a good one, let's say one who either know martial arts or whose body or fighting style makes it invalid. What do you do?"

"Observe and learn?" Suggested Joker, which earned a shrug from the orange-haired girl.

"Good enough if you are certain you can defend, sure. But if a single attack slipping through is fatal, like with that Anubis you mentioned, you can't rely on simply trying to react. You must be able to see where they will attack. Even if you aren't sure how they will do it, it'll leave you with the best chances to get through."

"Do you have perhaps an example in mind? Right now, I have trouble conceptualizing how it is possible." Said Queen, a bit perplexed.

"Remember the fight you let me command, the first time we went to Mementos together?"

"Vividly. You did as if you knew exactly what would happen."

"Part of it was how much weaker the enemies were than you." Admitted Master. "I did apply the principle I explained however."

Still focusing on avoiding the Shadows around, Joker took the opportunity of a railway going deeper into the section to think back to that fight. One of the things that stood out the most was how little he had been involved. His senior barely made use of him and instead focused almost all of the lifting on Skull, Phanther and Fox. He had discussed about it with Mona, and in the end their theories converged together: she wanted to demonstrate she doesn't need to rely on him. Usually he was the one issuing commands when needed, but it wasn't all. His versatility in using Persona made Joker the cornerstone of the team, something everyone was aware of, and he either complemented the strengths of the others or covered whatever weaknesses they had. Yet in that fight, all he did was fire a single bullet, something anyone, even perhaps Master herself could have done had she been in possession of a gun…

Joker focused on that, his intuition whispering he was on the right track. He fired a single bullet. To what end? To destroy the Shadow menacing Panther. Why had the Shadow been in range of attacking Panther in the first place? Because there had been no one to block its path. Skull had been focused on his target. Fox was firing at the Shadow, and it could have destroyed it. Why didn't it happen? Right, it used one of his owns as a living shield. And while Fox ended in just the right place to destroy the sleeping angelic knight, he did let Panther defenceless. If Joker hadn't been ready to shoot at Master's order… The pieces al fell into place.

"You deliberately created a weak point for the enemy to exploit, and turned it into a trap."

Master whistled appreciatively.

"Spot on."

"For real?" Mona almost strangled himself, the car making a small hiccup. "That's your way of doing it? Isn't that insanely dangerous?"

"I'm not sure I follow. That sounds like a basic feint." Asked Queen, showing once again her straightforward nature.

"Feinting is feigning a weakness and hoping your opponent falls for it. What Master is suggesting is leaving a very real hole open in our defences, so the enemy will try to use it when they notice it."

"And because of that, you can anticipate the enemy's action and act proactively instead of simply reacting…" Understood Queen at last, torn between incredulity and understanding. "That's insane. Aren't you risking more terrible consequences if that doesn't work? How do one even come up with such tactic?"

"You can't always compensate for your own weakness."

A chill ran through Joker's spine, and a brief look in the rear-view mirror confirmed his teammate was feeling much the same. Master's voice had changed in that instant. Wistful and cynical, her face closed, such a vastly different attitude the whiplash almost made him ride straight into the wrong path.

"Wise words. It is satisfying to see my Master erudite in the art of war."

The awkward mood didn't improve with the Shadow interjecting, the red horseman appearing physically and galloping aside the Mona car.

"Is something the matter?" Asked Master to her pet Shadow through the car window.

"I can feel several reflections of myself further ahead, bound by masks. I request you bring us to them."

"He is right. I can feel a large group of Shadow on the north-east." Confirmed Mona.

If the road continued the way Joker expected, it would be large detour, and they still weren't came close to the floor their target was in. Joker informed them of the fact without asking questions directly, trying to entice the Shadow into revealing his intentions.

"Fear not, Trickster. This endeavour shall be rewarded, you have my word."

He looked at Master, who was starring at the horseman with a sharp, questioning gaze. After a few seconds she nodded.

"I trust him. Do you think we can do it?"

Wasn't that an interesting question. Technically, yes, they weren't exactly on a time limit beside the Reaper, and they barely entered the floor in the first place, making that point a faraway danger. Some of the Shadows here could pose them a problem if they were ambushed, but they were a rarity and Joker was riding carefully following Mona scans. The question was, in the end: could he trust the Shadow? And by extension, did he trust Master, who was trusting the Shadow?

"It better be worth it." Said Joker before pushing the accelerator.

Just as expected, the path they took deviated from where the stairs leading to a deeper level, and they arrived in a large square surface where multiple groups of Shadows walked.

"A treasure chest! I can smell it!" Excitedly announced Mona.

Sure enough, Joker could see in the corner of the room, behind the Shadows, a locked dark gold chest resting upon geometrical pedestals. The reward announced by the horseman, perhaps? In any case, they would need to fight the Shadows firsts, as there wasn't enough room to avoid them. Three groups, two of them patrolling and the last one standing before the chest. A tricky situation, but not one unmanageable. The only danger was the possibility they were all strong Shadows, but Mona's scan didn't indicate anything of the sort.

"My reflections are protecting the treasure. The rest is insignificant."

"… He is right. The Shadows patrolling are very weak, we can probably take them all at once." Regrettably confirmed Mona.

"Let me go alone. I'll handle the Shadows of the chest." Proposed Master.

Queen and Joker looked at each others, unsure.

"Are you sure? You might be alone against multiple opponents." Warned Mona.

"I don't think it's going to be a fight. But just in case…"

To their stupefaction she opened the car door and jumped upon the massive black horse, catching the reins and adjusting her position with the ease of past experiences and her Shadow repositioning itself to leave more room upon the mount.

"You engage the walking Shadows, I rush past them. If anything happens, Eligor should retreat fast enough."

"… It could work." Concluded Joker after a bit of thinking.

Whenever he had a Persona inside him identical to a Shadow he faced in battle, he found himself able to negotiate much more easily. On the other hand, they still needed to down and surround them before they would accept to engage in dialogue, and he wasn't sure Master would be able to do so alone. Or perhaps would she? After all, it wasn't like him who had the Persona inside him, her Shadow was present physically. All in all, it was an opportunity to study how she approached Shadows alone, something they didn't find the occasion before.

"I'm not sure whether this is dangerous recklessness or calculated strategy, but I'll trust you this time." Sighed Queen, giving up on holding Master back. "But you must retreat if anything looks like it's going wrong. No playing heroes, alright?"

She nodded seriously, and Joker focused on the plan. With a sudden burst of speed Mona rammed into the closest nest of Shadows, stunning them and alerting the others which converged on their position. As they stepped down from the car so Mona could transform back, the massive horseman and its passenger rushed over the other side, avoiding the main fighting and moving toward the other mass of Shadows. Trusting Master to manage, he focused on the enemies before him. Five Apsara, three Koppa Tengu, three Mokoi and a lone Jack Frost. Mona had been right, it was no more than small fries.

"Persona! No holds barred!" Yelled Queen as she jumped on Johanna and accelerated.

The angry biker slammed into several of the Apsara and instantly pulverized them, coming back to pass the baton to Joker who followed with Arsene, unleashing a torrent of shadows dissolving Jack Frost and the Koppa Tengu. Before the Mokoi could act Zorro zipped by and with a twist of rapier conjured several gusts of wind, striking their weakness and destroying them.

"Please, mercy! I have so much to live for!" The lonely remaining Apsara threw itself at their feet, begging.

Ignoring her for an instant, Joker checked beyond to see what was happening on the other side. Master was still on her mount, and while he couldn't hear was what said she was apparently engaged in discussion with the enemy Shadows, consisting of four identical version of her own. Returning to his willing hostage, he decided to milk the situation for what is what worth.

"Give me some mon-"

"Of course, here, take this! And this as well! Just take it all and leave me be!"

Joker didn't even finish his request before being showered with what was apparently all of the Shadows wordly possessions, totalling two thousand and six hundred yen and two soul drops. Not the worst of haul for such a feeble Shadow, which he let escape without more fuss.

"Done. Let's see how Master is faring." Asserted Queen.

The three of them ran closer, with the orange-haired girl making a reassuring head sign at their approach, and they caught up with the end of one of the Shadows' speech.

"… agreement. We will obey, O kin."

Master slid down the horse and stood aside the team as the Shadows started to walk closer to each others.

"What did we miss?" Asked Joker, eyeing the identical creatures.

"With Eligor present, it took very little to make them shed their masks." Said his senior, more relaxed than he expected as she… held her left hand toward the Shadows? "Negotiating took a bit more time, but they agreed."

"Agreed to wha-"

Mona's question was cut by the Shadows all dissolving into a black tar like substances, before it started slowly coalescing into a single mass. At the same time the elaborate tattoo upon the girl's hand shone brightly, as if to contrast the bubbling dark matter.

"What is happening? What do they do?" Frantically asked the cat jumping on the spot.

"Fusing together." Dropped Master, seemingly focusing intensely as the tattoo upon her hand shone brightly.

"Shadows can fuse? YOU are fusing them?" Gawked Mona, more and more panicked as the black mass took a more define form.

"Apparently."

"Apparently? Do you even know what you are doing?" Questioned Queen, her fists ready for a fight.

"Please. Trust me." She whispered before falling silent, the red light of her tattoo increasing in intensity.

The biker was hesitating but didn't try to interfere, probably fearing the repercussions of unthinking actions. The light from the tattoo dimmed, then disappeared. The familiar form of the red horseman and his mount emerged from the tar, the horse snorting excitedly. It looked identical in every respect to the creature it once was, down to the smallest detail, and yet…

"What the… what happened? What is this thing? It's nothing like before! I can't get a read! I'm not sure it's even a Shadow anymore!" Yelled Mona, on the verge of panic.

Joker made no rash move, waiting to see where it would go but keeping his hands on his gun and knife, just in case. The horseman advanced, extracting itself from the remnants of the tar which dissolved in Mementos' winds. Through his third eye, the Phantom Thief was certain of a single thing only: whereas it had been barely stronger than the regular Shadows of the same kind before, the entity before them was now vastly more powerful, perhaps even more than the Shadows in Alibaba's Palace. Twenty meters away, fifteen meters, ten meters… It stopped at ten meters, with Mona and Queen taking defensive postures.

"You have my gratitude for restoring me, even as partially."

The horseman and its mount bowed, its voice full of even greater deference than before. The orange-haired girl approached, her visage neutral, avoiding the hand Queen extended to catch her, until she was a single meter away from the creature.

"Do you still accept our contract?" She asked in a whisper so faint they barely heard it.

"You know our answer, Fujimaru Ritsuka. I, Eligos, fifteenth of the Demon Gods, have sworn allegiance to you and you alone, my Master. "

The red tattoo gleamed briefly, and the entity dispersed into red volutes that converged into the stylized shape, in an eerily similar way as it did the very first time it happened. With a heavy sigh, she turned back to join them. Her steps heavy and her breath deep, she stood before the group before speaking up.

"Eligor told me he could become stronger by fusing with Shadows of his own kind."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Asked Joker.

"He wasn't certain it would be possible in the first place, and only told me once they remembered themselves." She explained calmly. "I barely managed to convince the Shadows, and waiting any longer would have caused them to drift further apart."

"You still shouldn't have done it like this. Not without speaking about it first, and certainly not without everyone present."

That last part upon which Queen insisted visibly struck their comrade, making it clear she was aware of her fault. Would Joker have approved? Perhaps. Though even if he would have considered the possibility, he was certain the others would have refused. He could not reasonably speak about them of the Velvet Room, nor of the fusion process he witnessed within to create stronger Persona, the parallel and a gut feeling between the two being the reason he did not interfere in the process.

"It was a gamble. It could only work with enough of them, and I couldn't wait for another chance that could never come."

Joker nodded. Usually the Eligor Shadows only appeared alone with lesser Shadows or by two alone. He never saw a group of three, and the four of today were nothing short of a miracle in a twisted sense.

"But why? Why take such risks? Was it that important?" Insisted Queen, and Master shook her head.

"Because I can't get stronger. And I can't let my weakness drag you down."

The admission suddenly painted the whole event in a new light, and Joker shared an understanding look with the others. The Phantom Thieves were getting better, slowly but surely, with each excursion, each battle, their Persona became more powerful and subsequently strengthening themselves. But not Ritsuka. She had no Persona, preventing her from coming into the Palaces with them, and relied on the Shadow whose strength had shown limits already as they descended into Mementos.

"Fujimaru-san…" Mona empathized, unsurprisingly. Joker noticed his growing self-doubts as Queen proved to be a much better combat scanner than him on top of being just as efficient in healing.

"I can't fault you for wanting to help. But you must remember we are a team. Even if things become difficult, we can face them together." Insisted Queen.

"You are one of us." Confirmed Joker.

"… You're right." She walked to them, with apologetic and honest remorse. "I'm sorry. I won't happen again."

"Apologies accepted." Said Queen, relaxing her posture. "Let's do the request and get out of here, alright?"

"Let's open that chest first!" Insisted Mona, and soon the lock gave way to the lockpick Joker was carrying. "Ooooh, this looks nice!"

A Homunculus? Now that was a prize worth coming here. The small effigy could protect anyone from suffering the overwhelming, instant-kill like effects of powerful dark and light spells like those of the Anubis. Retreating quickly back to the Mona car, they descended to the next floor, then passed the limits to the next area, where Mona confirmed the presence of their target. Sure enough, the swirly cyclone of energy signalling a forming Palace was found and traversed, leaving them face to face with the culprit, a middle-aged man with an unpleasantly false smile.

"Welcome, welcome! How may I help you, ladies and gents of the Phantom Thieves?"

It only took a few exchange of words to see the depth of the man's corruption, someone treating his workers as properties he could exploit, abuse and discard as will. Soon enough he realized they were here for him and transformed into a white armored lancer.

"Outlaws who dare trespass in my sanctuary…"

"Run him down, Eligos!" Shouted Master before Shadow Odo could finish his speech.

In a flash the red horseman appeared and struck so fast Joker barely had the time to process it, its spear piercing the Shadow's and sending it reeling back with a deep, nasty wound.

"This much damage? Even though it resists physical attacks?" Exclaimed Queen with shock.

The red horseman disappeared after striking, leaving the field open as the enemy stood up, a murderous glint in its eyes. It ignored the nuclear blast from Queen and the wind of Mona as it seemed to focus a visible amount of energy. A charge, meaning a powerful physical assault! And he had no idea how strong it would be. Should they guard, or… remembering the words of his senior sparked a new decision.

"Mona, Master, spread out!" He ordered, and fortunately Mona and Queen's astonishment quickly gave way to understanding.

The ones he designated went out of the way, leaving Queen alone the closest in front of the Shadow. Who despite looking murderously at Master, instead directed its attention toward the most vulnerable target in a heartbeat…

"Eligos!"

"Johanna!"

"Arsene!"

"Zorro!"

The massive horseman appeared in front of Queen, taking the hit in her stead without flinching. At the same time Johanna and Arsene appeared, their combined elemental assaults pushing the Shadow back before Zorro struck with his signature lucky punch, which connected and sent Shadow Odo on the ground.

"Let's wipe 'em out!" Shouted Makoto as the Persona wielding Phantom Thieves became blurs of speed and violence, beating down their enemy until it stopped moving at all, at which moment Queen stood up and proudly took a pose.

"Fists of Justice!"

The thrill of victory was followed by the dissolution of Shadow Odo into his human form, before disappearing after being properly scolded for his crimes, leaving what looked like Chinese desserts behind.

"Your 'All-Out-Attack' is awesome." Said Master appreciatively. "I can't get enough of it no matter how many time I see it."

"I'll admit I tend to stop thinking and just go with the flow once it starts…" Sheepishly admitted Queen. "And, thank you for protecting me."

"No problems. I'm glad it worked as well as it did." Smiled the orange-haired girl.

"How did you know he would target Queen, Joker?" Asked Mona with curiosity.

"He wouldn't pass an opportunity to bully someone looking defenceless."

"A typical bully, alright. Nicely done. It seems this strategy can really work out."

"You guys really get the hang of things quickly." Complimented his senior and stretching.

"Don't expect us to forget how your Shadow almost destroyed the target. I'm quite sure you could have done it all by yourself." Pointed out Queen.

"It's not a Shadow." Interjected Mona. "Not anymore, at least. I don't know what it is, but it's a separate kind of being."

"Honestly? Just call it a demon. That's what it calls itself, after all." Proposed Master.

"I'm not sure I'm ready to accept the possible existence of demons yet… In any case, we did the request. Why not return at the entrance?"

"I agree."

"Same."

"On to the surface then." Concluded Joker.

The trip was fortunately uneventful, and they stretched at the entrance, a recommendation of Ryuji to avoid more cramps than necessary. Makoto went to Ritsuka's side, and Ren noticed she was hesitating in her steps.

"Fujimaru-san, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"I don't mean to pry, but… why do you want to assist us directly so badly? You could have helped us in other ways. What is pushing you to risk yourself to this point?"

Fujimaru didn't answer at first, packing her bag in silence before she spoke.

"I met someone, two years ago. When we met, she threw me out of the room. I slept through her presentation, so I can't blame her. Later we worked together for a bit, and she took every chance to remind me she was my superior. And yet… I started to understand her. Why she was like that. And she was beginning to warm up to me. I thought we would maybe become friends"

Her voice was flat, as neutral as it could be. And then, it cracked.

"She died. No one ever praised her. No one ever acknowledged her efforts. No one ever accepted her. She died, and all I could do was watch. I know I should not feel responsible. There was nothing I could do. Nothing… anyone… could have done…"

She closed her bag and put it on her back, still not facing them. Makoto covered her mouth with her hand, a horrified expression on her face mirrored by Morgana's own. Even Ren couldn't help but shudder.

"Fujimaru-san… I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"Don't, Makoto-san. It's not your fault." She sighed, wearily. "Perhaps I should do as the Principal says and see Doctor Maruki…"

"He is a bit weird, but he means well." Ren encouraged her.

The Meta-Nav activated, and they returned to reality.

"Fujimaru-san." He called her as she was about to leave. This time, she turned around, head leaning down and eyes hidden. "We're here if you need us. Don't hesitate to ask, alright?"

"… Thank you, Amamiya-kun. I'll… I'll remember it."

He felt as if she was finally starting to open to them, even if only bit by bit.

---

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 2

New ability: Groundwork for Survival

Allows you to see which team member will be targeted by the next enemy action on the analysis screen.

---

More chains broke within Ren's mind as he watched her leave. The three Phantom Thieves stood together in the subway stairs, deep in thoughts, until Morgana broke the silence.

"We should wait until Fujimaru-san speak herself of that to the others."

"Yes." Said Makoto and Ren in unisson.

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 3: To Extend Hands

School was over, and the Phantom Thieves were now waiting for Futaba to completely wake from her semi-comatose state. While the Palace left everyone exhausted, both physically and mentally, with grueling efforts they managed to reach its end and destroy the monstrous Shadow at its heart. Futaba's awakening inside her own heart pointed out that they were going to have another team member, and so Ren had decided to take a bit of reprieve from Phantom Thief activities, a sentiment well shared by the team. And for today...

"Man, today is my day! I can't believe she said yes!"

If the sunny atmosphere wasn't enough to get Ryuji in a good mood, waiting in front of the Protein Lovers Gym for Ritsuka definitely was. That she would accept to come wasn't the most surprising, she was the most sporty person he knew beside Kasumi, but that she agreed to basically spend the entire day with them? It came out as a surprise, one that Ryuji still was on the moon about.

"Have you seen Fujimaru run last time in Mementos? She doesn't just sprint, she goes for that long distance rhythm. She gotta have had some professional coach, you can't get like that by yourself. And that bod'! She rocks the Shujin uniform, imagine how great she'll look in sportswear!"

"You just admittet wanting to ogle her during practice." Snidely remarked Morgana from the ground, but the taunt fell on deaf ears as the blonde kept gushing.

"He'll get back to Earth any minute now." Said Ren, gazing upon the street of Shibuya for any sight of their friend.

"Hey, look who's talkin'! You can't tell me you haven't checked her. Even Yusuke did!"

"I'm pretty sure Yusuke checks everyone." Pointed out Ren with a smug smile.

"Wait, you thin- Hey, stop makin' it creepy! I don't wanna get nightmares!" Protested Ryuji with all his indignation.

"Hi guys!"

Ryuji, Ren and Morgana turned to Ritsuka, coming from… the gym doors? Wearing light stockings, blue shorts and light yellow shirt, she clearly enjoyed the summer weather.

"Sorry, I came in early and decided to check the place. I get why the price is low, higher and it would be a rip off. Whatever were you talking about, hum?"

"Oh, huh, you know, preppin' the session, yeah, that sort of things." Stammered Ryuji, not noticing the grin forming on the girl's lips.

"Ooooh, right, the session. Did you bring a camera, or is it just your phone? If it's not high quality I'm putting my veto, you know."

"Uuuuuh… how much did you hear?" Asked the blonde with a tiny voice, stepping back.

"E-ve-ry-thing." Sing-sung Ritsuka, her smile turning into a frighteningly evil smirk a she stepped forward. "And you know what, Ry-u-ji-kun?"

"Hey, hey, hey, calm down, it was just, I mean…"

His back hit the wall of the gym, fear warping his face as he realized there is no escape. Ritsuka's palm slammed the wall just beside his head, trapping him in a textbook kabedon as he seemed to literally shrivel.

"Yup, this is goodbye. Let's make sure to remember him once in a while." Said Morgana with barely disguised smugness, the sympathy so fake it could run an election.

"Any last words for posterity?" Asked Ren, joining in the fun.

"Please don't have your demons possess me." Whimpered his friend, as Ritsuka raised her other hand…

"Boop."

The orange-haired girl lightly flicked Ryuji's nose with a teasing tone. The boys watched her, dumbfounded, as she stepped back with a laugh.

"What, thought I was going to beat you?" She asked between bursts of laughter. "Honestly I'm flattered, but you really shouldn't perv' out loud. Keep it in your head and everyone stays happy, OK?"

Without waiting for his answer, she turned around and crossed the gym doors, humming a tune Ren didn't recognize. When the doors closed behind Ritsuka, he checked on Ryuji. Apparently still in shock, slumped near the wall, maybe trying to reconcile the sheer terror he had experienced with the complete lack of negative consequences.

"No way… is Fujimaru-san some sort of saint? I can't believe she just let him go scot-free."

Something that was quite obviously shared by Morgana, the black cat on his toes and tail up in the air, as expressive as an animal body allowed.

"Would that explain how she can tame demons?" Suggested Ren, plunging Morgana in deep thoughts.

"It kind of makes sense… wait, no, that's ridiculous! I can't believe you seriously suggested that! Hrrrgh, just wake up the numskull before you have no time left to exercise."

Shrugging at the frustrated cat (who still had a point, but he wasn't going to acknowledge it), Ren made a few hand-waves in front of Ryuji before snapping his finger. That managed to get him out of his daze.

"Man, did I die and got to paradise?"

Or perhaps not.

"Surely an administrative error." Joked Ren, which made Ryuji groan and stand up.

They went through the doors and in the changing room, putting on their sportswear and taking out their towels and protein drinks. A cheap brand, but one that would still do its job and accelerate the process of bodybuilding. Ren and Ryuji had been to that gym quite a few times by now and found a comfortable routine, ever since they have been told quite clearly by the Shujin track team they weren't welcome near the school gym to train. He wished he could help Ryuji more on that front, but his friend seemed to not have sorted all his thoughts since he heard the track team was supposed to be reinstated. Entering the gym proper and relieved they would probably be the only ones inside for the morning, they looked for the treadmill and found Ritsuka stretching next.

"Whoa." Gasped Ryuji, entranced.

The orange-haired girl had changed into tight black sport shorts and a sleeveless dark and white top leaving her midriff bare, finger-less gloves running up her elbow and calf high socks, a revealing ensemble which left little of her muscular body to the imagination as she performed her stretching exercises. A sight he could definitely look at, if Ren could say so in the comfort of his mind…

"Damn, she is so freakin' hot." Though Ryuji didn't have the same finesse, opening his mouth quicker than thoughts came in his head.

"Ryuji, you're drooling."

"Shit!" Cussed the blonde as he frantically wiped his mouth, only to find nothing and glare at the cat. "Haha, very funny."

"Guys, planning on doing any sports today?" Taunted Ritsuka as she flexed openly.

"Just you wait!" Replied Ryuji, fired up and completely forgetting the previous dig.

They quickly occupied the three treadmills and started running while Morgana stayed in the bag, occasionally giving some advice or pep talks. Ren focused on his rhythm, trying to conserve the right breathing and occasionally looking on his left to see how his friends were doing. Obviously much better than himself on the topic of running form, there were no doubts about it as he tried to copy them to the best of his capability. Looking ahead, hands and shoulder relaxed, arms always on the same side. He was improving, little by little. Resisting the temptation to accelerate and ruin his performance, Ren sent another look on the side. Ryuji was starting to get out of breath. Later than last time, yet the frown on his friend's face told him he was not satisfied with it. Was he also thinking about Shujin track team, now that it was going to officially exist once more? Perhaps a desire to join them again? Whatever it was, something was clearly bothering him beyond his lack of stamina.

And on the other side, Ritsuka was running as if she was the actual ex-star member of a track team. Her breathing was regular, her rhythm steady and strong as she gazed forward, apparently entirely focused on her performance. Something told him he could rag himself all the way down without reaching the end of her energy, and thinking back to their expeditions in Mementos where she managed to keep up with them despite lacking a Persona, it was perhaps a very real possibility. Like Ryuji noted earlier her form was good, even to his still untrained eye. She supposedly only was part of the volleyball team, and he doubted she managed to get to this level by herself. No, Ryuji was right, she must have had a coach for an extended period. Her time abroad was the only real possibility. Though no one was apparently sure where she had been, not even Makoto who theoretically saw her files, Ren would not be surprised if a varied sport program had been on the menu of such a prestigious internship. A few minutes later Ryuji was the first to tap out, followed by Ren and finally Ritsuka, though it was clear she stopped to follow in the intended program rather than because of any exhaustion.

"Damn… still not good… I need more… stamina…" Spat out the blonde between coughs and wheezes.

"Here, catch." Ritsuka sent him a water bottle, which he almost missed. "I'm impressed. Running with your leg like this, I don't think many people would even try."

"Thanks… uahhhhhh… so good…"

"Next are the bench presses, right?"

Ren nodded, finishing his own water bottle. "Still raring to go?" He asked, and she cracked her joints in answer.

"Believe me, I wouldn't have lasted long with my coaches otherwise."

"Ahhh… knew it." Wheezed Ryuji, taking back control of his breathing.

"Was it during your schooling abroad?"

"Yep."

"Your track teach must have… Phew. Must have been real good. Any chance I heard of them?" Asked Ryuji.

"Don't think so. And please, they always told me I was average at best. I can't be that good." Said Ritsuka with her obviously fake modesty.

"Even Ann's acting's better…" Sweat dropped Ryuji. "Look, I could've gone international without that asshole Kamoshida. I know when someone's been trainin'."

"Alright, alright. To be honest, in the first session she told me to my face I sucked and swore to make me hallway up to her standards. And she still wasn't satisfied when I left."

"For real? Man, what sort of maniac was your coach?"

"A real hardass, believe me." Insisted Ritsuka as she took position on the bench press. Ren and Ryuji followed suit and started to lift the weights. "Ryuji, your arms aren't coming up straight, get a little further on the bench. Yeah, like that."

Immediately, it was clear to see the blonde was much less experienced in this exercise, but he held on nonetheless with some tips from Ritsuka… Or rather, he would hold on better if he kept focusing on his rhythm instead of trying to have sneak peaks at her. Which Ren wasn't doing because it would mess his focus, and he was curious to see how far he could go in comparison to her.

"Twenty-three Persians… Twenty-four Persians… Twenty-five Persians…"

Okay, that was weird. Why was she counting in Persians? There was a reference there, he could feel it, though he had no idea where or what it came from. Going back to his own bench press and feeling the familiar burn in his arms, Ren decided to make every ounce of his strength count. When Ryuji gave up first, he was still going, despite slowing his rhythm ever so slightly.

"Remember, deep breathes! Don't try to force it, just get with the flow!" Encouraged Morgana from the bag.

"Come on man, do your best!" Added Ryuji.

Despite their encouragement, Ren could see the end approach. Ritsuka was sweating like him, but her rhythm was steadier and shown no sign of slowing down. He fought valiantly with all the willpower if a Phantom Thief, tapping out only when he was absolutely certain further efforts would do more damage than good.

"Nice one! You did much better than last time!" Said Morgana, taking note of his progress.

Ritsuka finished after a little more time, stretching like a cat on the bench before standing up. Oh she was doing it deliberately, there was no mistaking such blatant exposure and the teasing glint in her eyes as Ryuji stared, dumbstruck.

"Phew, not bad." Complimented Ritsuka, wiping the sweat off her brow. "Didn't think you would hold that long. All that action around makes for good workout, huh?"

"Fujimaru-san, please stop teasing Ryuji when we train." Asked Ren, to which she smiled apologetically.

"Alright, alright. Sorry, I just wanted to have a bit of fun."

"I mean, I don't mind…" Grumbled Ryuji.

"Sure you don't." Sniped Morgana.

"Enjoying your glass house much? Should I tell Ann you try to look under her shirt?" Threatened Ritsuka before Ryuji could speak, making the cat backpedal immediately.

"Hey, why not go to the wooden dummy? It's getting late already!" Meowed the black cat with noticeable panic.

"Serves him right." Smugly whispered Ryuji. "Thanks, Fujimaru."

"You're welcome, but don't get too cocky as well. I'm showing off now, doesn't mean you've free license to look all the time."

"Okay, okay, I get it…"

Ren raised an eyebrow, carrying Morgana and the bag near the wooden doll. He wasn't sure if it was going to produce long term results, but with Ritsuka everything was apparently possible. Circling the training tool, he tried to remember the kata given by the gym trainer. He didn't do great last time and ended on the floor as a wreck, something he wasn't keen on repeating.

"Ryuji, did you use it at least once?" Asked Ren, remembering he never saw him use it.

"Nope, never. I'm gonna sit this one out."

"Actually, I think it's a great idea for you to try." Said Ritsuka, pushing the blonde with the clear message 'no' was not going to be an answer.

"Hey, hey, stop pushin' me, alright, I'll do it!"

She must have something in mind, and Ren was curious to see what. In a few minutes Ritsuka explained the basics of the sequence she wanted Ryuji to do, and he was treated to his friend flailing even more awkwardly than he did on his first try, earning a discreet snicker from Morgana. A few tries later and the girl sighed.

"Alright, let's do it this way."

She went behind the blonde and adjusted his arms and legs posture, accompanying him in his movements. Which for a few moments didn't work very much because a very distracted Ryuji had obvious trouble with such proximity. Though he managed to perform somewhat adequately after a few more tries.

"Shit!" Swore Ryuji, missing the wooden protrusion with his hand and hitting the trunk instead.

"Hum… I think I get it." Murmured Ritsuka, focusing intensely on her pupil.

When Ryuji tried again, she barely touched his arm and the open palm hit its target with a satisfying "thunk".

"Oh yeah!" Yelled the blonde. "Did ya see that?"

"Try again without me."

Which he did once again, managing to complete the kata without losing balance and mostly hitting the target.

"Heh, not bad. Thank you for putting up with it."

"Man, am I some kinda genius?" Ryuji came down the platform with a big smile, though Ren could feel he was mostly blowing hot air.

"Hardly." Instantly denied Morgana, though his pensive tone indicated it was not one of his usual passive-aggressive barbs. "I'd wager my tail she was gauging how to best improve your accuracy. Don't you think, Ren?"

"He did miss a whole sphinx back then." He agreed to his friend's frustration.

"I got sand in my eyes!" Protested the blonde. "And I wasn't the only one!"

"You still miss the most. You hit hard, but it doesn't matter if you trip on yourself." Reminded Morgana firmly.

"Uuurgh." Groaned Ryuji, but to Ren's relief he didn't bicker or protest any more.

His accuracy was indeed a problem at time, far from being systematic but it still put a damper on his combat efficiency, especially when Ren expected him to strike at the hardiest targets. Only Yusuke could rival with him in dealing physical damages, and he did so by being delivering accurate blows on his target's weak points. It didn't come close to the sheer physical power Ryuji could output with Captain Kidd, blasting away even the sturdiest Shadows through brute strength. If Ritsuka could help him improve… His gaze went back to the wooden dummy, where she followed a simple, but quick and precise sequence. He was starting to consider asking her to come to the next Palace, if the rest of the team accepted the idea. She has obtained another "demon", an Orobas, which had quickly been fused with more copies of itself. And boy, did he not expect how much of a force multiplier it would be. Without having to worry as much for her own defense, Ritsuka was tearing down the battlefield like it was no one 's business but hers in their last descent.

"And done! Your turn, Amamiya-kun."

Ren climbed the small platform and focused on his kata, keeping his previous line of thoughts in a separate corner. It wouldn't do for his image to fail and fall. Time flew quickly and before he knew it, the teenager stepped down, wanting nothing more than a warm shower.

"Man, Fujimaru isn't makin' it easy…." Said Ryuji, taking out the stuff from his locker. "How hardcore was that program she went out here?"

"Thinking on going abroad?" Asked Ren jokingly.

"With my grades? Never happenin'."

Ren finished packing his own stuff, but when he stood up to leave his friend didn't move, something obviously on his mind. Before he could ask, the next words he heard stopped him in his tracks.

"Hey, you think she might… like me? I mean, that it'd work between us?"

"… How old was that protein again?" Wondered Morgana out loud.

"Shuddup, I'm serious here…"

Ren watched his friend kicking the air with his shoes, an unusual look of deep thinking on his face. He was truly serious. The last time he saw him with such a look was when he got told the track team was on the process of coming back.

"I mean yeah, she's hella scary, even more than Makoto. But like, she doesn't take it bad or makes fun of me when I say stupid shit, or when I look at her, and she's the only girl I know who discuss sports and manga with us, and… she's really pushin' me to get better."

Ren sat back down, facing his pensive friend. They never really spoke of something like romantic attraction together before, or for that matter, he never really discussed the subject with anyone except Morgana and Makoto. Even then, for the latter it was about her friend Eiko potentially being roped into less than savoury activities, and the former mostly daydreaming about Ann if he could get back to being human. With Ryuji… well, 'Operation Maidwatch' was a pretty good indication on how his interest most often manifested, and if his physical attraction to Ritsuka was obvious, he didn't expect it to go in that territory.

"Thinkin' back, I could've tried rehab. Or study. But I just told myself it was everyone else's fault. Kamoshida, the track team… They effed it all up, so it wasn't my fault. It was over for me. But now, lookin' at Fujimaru… Part of me was thinkin', she had to have it easy, right? Good look, smartass, volley team new star. Not gonna lie, I was ready to hate her. But then…"

"She came to help us." Guessed Ren.

"Yeah… Seein' her run and fight with us, without a Persona? Made me realize how hard she must be workin' her ass to keep up. Down there, and in class. She ain't complainin', ever. And she just, takes time to help on top of it. Even today. Givin' me tips, showin' me where I'm wrong, waitin' till I get it right… I get it, she might not even think 'bout me, she's prolly just that nice to everyone, but… I wanna try, man. I'm not gonna miss asking out the one girl makin' me feel like that. Like I can do better."

There was another moment of silence, broken by Morgana.

"I didn't think Ryuji could be so mature… I thought he only cared about physical appearance."

"Frick off, Mona. Yeah, she's a bomb, that count too. Go on, laugh it up." Grumbled Ryuji.

"I'm not making fun of you this time."

"Sure… Wait, for real?"

"A true gentleman does not laugh about matters of romance. If anything, I'm impressed. You clearly thought about this a lot."

"Yeah… I just hope it won't explode in my face."

"Trust yourself." Advised Ren, offering his hand. Ryuji looked at him, then took it with a grin.

"Thanks, man. Now let's go get some damn ramen!"

Fortunately, Ritsuka didn't mind them taking their time in the lockers, merely asking them playfully if they needed that much time to unwind in the shower. When Ryuji told her that they were talking of serious matters. Ritsuka acknowledged his tone and dropped the teasing. The rest of their journey to the ramen shop in Ogikubo was spent in idle, relaxing chats. Even the terrifyingly long line before the shop didn't take away the good mood of a sunny summer day, and they patiently waited for their turn until finally, the fuming bowls were before them.

"Shis ish sho good." Moaned Ryuji with delight, gulping the end of his noodles ravenously.

"It was worth the wait, for sure." Confirmed Ritsuka, drinking the last drops of the broth. "Too bad we can't have two of them at once."

After Kasumi, Ren was not surprised by the voracious appetite of the athletes in his life anymore, though he decided to finish his plate quickly when noticing the furtive gaze the girl was sending it. No thank you, he was hungry too.

"Aw man, I wish I could have that every day…" Lamented Ryuji, licking his bowl.

"Wouldn't you get to get tired of it after while though?" Pointed out Ritsuka, but the blonde shook his head.

"This? Nah, never. Only thing better is all the meat at the Wilton buffet."

"Isn't that some high class hotel?" Nodded the girl, her orange hair waving in front of her face before she brought them back. "You guys went there, apparently. How was it?"

"Full of stuck-ups." Succinctly resumed Ren.

"And there is goes down in my list of places to eat in."

"I gotta make a list like that… Hey, what's your favorite dish? You gotta have one."

Ritsuka thought for a bit. Slowly, her replete cheer was replaced by remembrance, her expression turning more solemn and somber than Ren would have expected at such a question.

"… Garlic steak, pumpkin terrine, roast chicken with diavolo sauce, pumpkin pudding and pumpkin pie. And four kind of canapé." She whispered softly and wistfully.

"Uh?" Said Ryuji, completely lost.

"Nothing… just remembering a lovely lunch." Said Ritsuka, shaking her head. "I don't know, I'm not picky. But I've always liked a good curry."

"I'll ask Sojiro to make some for you, whenever you want." Promised Ren.

"Thanks." Her smile came back, a little less genuine, a little less bright than before. "Where are we going, now? If I remember, you didn't know yet between the Karaoke or the Arcade."

"Heh, you choose." Offered Ryuji.

"That's sweet of you. To the Arcade then."

To Akihabara they went. This time the journey was done in silence, seating one aside another in a thankfully not completely packed subway line. Ritsuka dozed off quickly once seated, a light snore escaping her nose the side ponytail partly covered. Ren took her bag and put his own on her lap, confidant Morgana would make it sure it doesn't fall off, while Ryuji kept watching just in case someone would try to "accidentally" bump into her. Fortunately nothing of the sort happened, and she woke up when their stop came up. The Arcade, unlike the subway, was way more packed than expected and they found themselves with little choice but to, once again, wait in line, with Morgana leaving the bag and waiting outside to not get crushed.

"Sorry. Thought it would be less crowded." Apologized Ryuji, but Ritsuka just shrugged.

"Heh, could be worse. We'll just have to make the most of it. Any game in mind?"

"Oh yeah, Gun About! Heard it's pretty good and lotta pro players come here. Bet I'll be kickin' your ass."

"Oh, it's on." Grinned Ritsuka. "What about you, Amamiya-kun? Think you can go toe to toe?"

"Bring it." Confidently answered Ren, hands in his pockets.

"Hell yeah, man." Said Ryuji with a thumb up.

The line thinned up little by little, swearing and cry of frustration coming from the machines until they could see where it came from: a kid was holding on one of the spots and apparently refusing to move, trouncing anyone playing against him and forcing people who came to play with their friends to rely on the other two players machine to be free, artificially lengthening the wait as a result.

"This kid is good." Whistled Ristuka, watching another contestant leave frustrated.

"Is he ever goin' to stop?" Asked Ryuji, frustrated by the wait.

"When he's losing, I guess. I don't think asking will make him move."

The blonde grumbled but kept quiet, and it was with frustration to spend he vigorously took the gun controller when they reached the machines. One round matches, three battles to see who would be the winner of Gun About. Ritsuka went first against the blonde. It quickly became a spraying match led by both sides, bullets flying everywhere until 'Defeat' appeared on Ritsuka's screen.

"Hell yeah!" Ryuji jumped in the victory rush and almost took out the controller's cable from the machine.

"Nice one! I really thought I got you." Said Ritsuka, passing the controller to Ren.

If the first match had been a blitzkrieg, the second was a guerilla war between a careful strategist and a rushing boar. Pitting his cool and careful style against the wild peppering of his teammate, Ren's Metaverse experience with a handgun proved to be a boon and he scored a critical headshot, concluding the first duel.

"Man, where did that come from?" Asked a miffed Ryuji. "I guess you win this one."

"No so fast, I'm next!" Interjected Ritsuka. "Amamiya-kun, I hope you're ready for me to take your crown."

He nodded and she took Ryuji's place, staring at the screen intently. Given the way she played had been very similar to their friend, he would do the same as before… an intuition flashed in his mind and right as he was about to rise, he ducked aside instead. The focused fire that would have instantly eliminated him took out two-third of his life bar instead, putting him at severe disadvantage.

"Whoa!" Gasped Ryuji.

Ren threw his all in the game, but it was too late. In a few more exchanges she had him cornered and despite a few valiant shots, he could only stare at the defeat screen. The victorious smirk on Ritsuka's face, so much like his own whenever he had the situation under control as Joker, made no mystery of her satisfaction.

"The hell? What happened here?" Asked Ryuji, baffled.

"Hehe. I saw how Ren played against you, and I adjusted."

"With just one game?"

That was both impressive and a stark reminder that Ritsuka was a frightening tactician. Had her defeat against Ryuji been a ploy to lower his guard? He honestly couldn't be sure and decided to ask as they moved from the machine.

"Nah, I misjudged the reload duration at the last moment. It could have gone either way."

"How're we going to break tie? An idea?" Asked the blonde looking around the packed arcade.

"Why not the crane game?" Proposed Ren, seeing as there weren't as many people on this side.

"One attempt each?" Suggested Ritsuka, and they all agreed.

The crane machine. A yen devouring monster more terrible than many Shadows, famous for emptying more than one schoolboy's or schoolgirl's pockets, leaving only disappointment as the yearned for plushies fell out of the pincer. Ryuji went first, mashing the button twice… and it didn't even catch a doll.

"Shit. Your turn I guess."

Ritsuka's attempt seemed to bear more fruit, as a Black Frost plushie was caught… and fell right back into its peers.

"Dammit. E-Rank Luck, I swear…" She mumbled, letting Ren try to salvage their honor.

The machine purred as it started, and he followed his instincts for each tap of the button. Horizontal, check. Vertical, check. Target, the Lexy doll that looked the best angled. The pincer grabbed it firmly, rising ever so slowly in the tension. It moved back to the hole, where it would fall and make him the vict-

"Oh, come on! Couldn't make it more obvious!" Yelled Ryuji as the claw opened right before reaching its destination, releasing the doll just aside the target square.

"That's it, I guess…" Concluded Ren, keeping in mind the low chances of winning at all with a crane machine.

"Oh no, not yet." Said Ritsuka with a determined expression, opening her purse.

"Hey, didn't we say one attempt each?"

"I'm not going for another try, we are going for a robbery." Whispered the girl, her amber eyes sending a glare full of revengeful promises at the crane. "We got cheated so blatantly, I'm justified. Orobas, back me up."

"Wait you're… Ohhhh. Oh yeah, grab me that Lexy doll." Excitedly asked Ryuji once he realized what she meant.

"The Buchimaru one, please." Choose Ren with a smirk.

Was it illegal? Probably. Did he care at the moment? Absolutely not. Besides, against rigged games, the Phantom Thieves should ignore the rules. With the complicity of one of Ritsuka's invisible demon preventing the crane from opening prematurely, they all got out of the arcade with their chosen prize, the orange-haired girl grinning all the way to the subway's entrance with her Black Frost close to the chest.

"That was a really fun day. Thanks, guys."

"It was nice for us too. Right, Ren?"

"That crane was genius." Complimented the leader of the thieves.

"Right?" Grinned Ryuji. "Everyone had that envious look, felt great."

"I like the idea, but don't make it a habit. We're supposed to make low profile." Reminded Morgana, though it was clear he didn't mind the result.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to do a repeat anytime soon." Acknowledged Ritsuka as she put the doll in her bag and turned around. "See you soon, and tell me if Futaba get any better."

"… Wait!"

She stopped, and looked back. Ryuji stood awkwardly after his outburst, eyes shifting between Ritsuka and the ground.

"I, um… it's…. I…" Ryuji visibly struggled with himself, searching for words to put on his feelings before something seemed to click. "Ah, screw it. Ristsuka, I like you. Will you go out with me?"

She listened to him. Without a word, she walked back to them, until she was before Ryuji, his friend still and nervous as he waited for what almost felt like a tribunal verdict.

"In another time… I could have said yes."

Ryuji slumped.

"… guess I'm not makin' the cut-"

"It's not your fault, Ryuji!" Snapped Ritsuka so strongly the blonde almost stepped back. "Don't you dare think that. You are kind and cheerful, and I have seen how strongly you believe in what's right. I admire your passion, there are many things we both like to talk about and do together, and you know I don't mind having you look at me."

She breathed again, a long inspiration, and her eyes opened with a strained smile.

"But I have someone… someone who is taking this place in my heart. I'm sorry, Ryuji. I'd like for us to remain friend, but it won't go beyond that."

A minute of silence passed, until the blonde spoke again.

"… Gotcha. Met the lucky guy abroad?" She nodded, and Ryuji sighed. "Figured. And… yeah, I'd like us to remain friends. And if you could keep helpin' at the gym. T'would be nice."

"Of course. I'd be glad to help anytime." Aquiesced Ritsuka, an invisible tension seemingly leaving her shoulders as she returned Ryuji's new smile. Ren could feel her relief at the prospect of not losing a friend…

---

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 3

New ability: Unavoidable Strike

Sometimes allows an attack that would have missed to hit instead.

---

With a shake of hands Ritsuka parted with them, leaving a fleeting perfume of mysterious melancholy behind.

"Are you alright?" Asked Morgana, looking at a seemingly down Ryuji.

"… Yeah, actually." His friend seemed the first surprised by his own words, and he stood straight. "I mean, I thought she would, like, maybe laugh, or just say no. Instead, I got one hell of a pep talk… Man. Ritsuka is amazin', isn't she?"

"She is something else." Agreed Ren.

Was that person she talked about the same one she confided about when he was with her and Makoto? No, it couldn't be. Ritsuka talked of a girl, not a man, and that mysterious love interest was spoken of in present term. That, and she actually never mentioned that lost peer again, be it with them or the rest of the team. Makoto's intuition was probably right, that the stress of the moment had led to a moment of unexpected vulnerability, where she revealed more than she would have otherwise.

"Man… Thanks for supportin' me. Whether it's trainin' or here, you always got my back, don't you? So I'm goin' to get better, and be the awesome guy Ritsuka talked about for real. That way, I'll also be the guy you'll always rely on."

Ren felt his bond with Ryuji becoming stronger…

---

Confidant: Ryuji Sakamoto

Arcana: Chariot

Rank: 6

New ability: Harisen Recovery

Chance to cure status ailments inflicted upon party members.

---

"C'mon, let's get outta here. I'm cravin' some good sleep after all this."

On that they all agreed. Today had been exhausting enough in all respects.

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 4: To Bridge Gaps

"Man, it's packed…"

Ren shared Ryuji's assessment. The beach was covered by umbrella and towels as far as the eye could see, brimming with life as hundreds of people chatted, played, and lazed around under the summer sun. A picturesque scenery composed with sparkling crystalline water, yellow-gold tinted sand and an infinite empty sky. Seated around a shaded table, their only protection from the sun's scorching rays, the three boys waited for their friend to finally finish changing and join them.

Ren pressed once again the cold soda can on his face, hoping for the cool imprint to alleviate the heat a bit longer. Ryuji, an almost finished popsicle in his mouth, watched the people around aimlessly. Yusuke alone seemed unbothered by boredom and oppressive heat despite wearing a white hoodie on top of his swimming trunk. Framing the passing men and women with his fingers, the painter even captured the face of Ryuji, who only gave him a bored expression in return.

"Sorry for the wait." Said Ann from behind.

Looking around, the boys caught sight of Ann fixing her blue bikini with flower patterns while wiping the sweat of her face. Makoto and Ritsuka followed closely behind. The first came with a plain white bikini top and a more modest skirt-like lower piece. The second, like Ann, was wearing a full white and orange striped bikini showing off her body. The three boys quickly stood up and joined them, admiring how beautiful they looked in swimsuit. Ryuji in particular could not take his wide-open eyes off of Ann. The popsicle in his mouth standing up as he grinned ears to ears, making squeezing gestures with his hands.

"Ahahahahahaha!" To Ren's surprise Ann burst into laughter, pointing at Ryuji's monkey face. "Got a better opinion of me now, uh?"

She closed the distance with a mischievous grin and wrapped an arm around the blonde's shoulders, playfully punching him in the gut a few times. Ryuji was stunned by her cool reaction and joking tone, clearly expecting anything but that and embarrassed by the physical closeness.

"What, cat got your tongue? Come on!"

Ritsuka openly giggled at the spectacle while Makoto sweat-dropped.

"Aren't we missing one?" Asked Ren, to which the orange haired girl gestured at the changing cabin.

Footstep, which were obviously Futaba's, hesitantly came out of the room. Ryuji gulped, nervous and excited at the prospect of seeing what she would look like. The young girl finally mustered her courage and came out, showing off a bright yellow swimsuit decorated with strawberry patterns… and her head entirely wrapped in a white towel.

"Wha-??"

It was too much for the blonde and his jaw fell to the floor right aside the popsicle stick he dropped. Ren and Yusuke stared, stunned at the ridiculousness of the headgear, while Ann simply sighed in knowing exasperation.

"Isn't she cute like that, all wrapped up?" Asked Ritsuka with a barely restrained laughter, attracting the dumbfounded gazes in turn.

"Thish ish perfzcsh!" Exclaimed Futaba through the towel, walking hazardously with her arms outstretched.

"There is nothing perfect about this. Stay still for a second. You'll be just fine." Sighed Makoto with a motherly tone as she stopped the young girl, taking the towel off.

Futaba's petite face was soon fully exposed, even as she whined in discomfort. Ren smiled, knowing how much of a huge step forward it was, while Yusuke's hands framed her physique between his fingers, an appreciative smile on his face. She looked around left and right, taking measure of the unfamiliar surroundings with a frown before her gaze turned to Ren. Facing the supportive smile he always had for her gave Futaba enough push to overcome her shyness, and she smiled in return.

"H-how do I look?" Futaba blushed from embarrassment.

"It's perfect."

Ren's answer inflamed her cheeks, the transition from pinkish to beet red almost instantaneous.

"I don't know if I want to protect or tease her more. Now I wish I had a sister." Said Ritsuka, watching Futaba with fondness.

"Do you have a brother?" Ann let go of Ryuji, curious.

"Sadly, I'm an only child. No Oni-chan for me to trouble all day long." Lamented the orange-haired girl.

The group moved on to the heart of the beach itself. Despite how crowded it was, they managed to find a suitable spot where they promptly laid down their towels and put down their stuff.

"It's so hoooooooooot…"

"Why thanks, Ryuji." Teased Ritsuka to the exasperation of the blonde watching her fan herself.

"Just pass that fan please…"

She smiled and threw it to the whining boy, who fiercely started to ventilate himself.

"There are a lot of people here… Are you okay, Futaba?" Asked Makoto, concerned at the way the girl stared at the ground.

"I'm fine. You guys are here." Futaba's voice was trembling, but she still turned her head to answer.

"It's almost lunchtime." Brought up Ann.

Reminded of their hunger by Ann and a nearby couple's embarrassing conversation, they promptly decided to take lunch.

"I'll go get some stuff for us then."

At Ryuji's words, Futaba reached for her bag and… took out a cup of instant noodles, to Yusuke's bewilderment.

"You're eating that even here?"

"My staple food." Simply said Futaba, carrying the dish as if it was a lifeline.

With a few more purchases of cold soda and stand products complementing the food brought in their bags, the group sat down and ate, engaging in some light chatter every now and then.

"This should be a familiar flavor, yet how does it taste so good?" Wondered Yusuke, feasting on a takoyaki from the stands.

"I can't believe you're eating all of that, Fujimaru-san." Ann, despite being no less of a glutton at time, was still surprised by the number of empty plates the girl sitting next to her had.

"Hey, take some if you want."

"Don't mind if I do!" Said Morgana, serving himself on some chicken.

"What's up Makoto? You ain't eatin' much." By contrast, the brown-haired girl seemed to have barely finished her own food, and Ryuji was showing concern.

"Oh, um…"

"Not feelin' well or somethin'?"

"You just don't get it, do you Ryuji? When a girl's in a swimsuit, she wants to look as slim as possible." Explained the black cat smugly before turning to Makoto. "Still, you're worrying too much. Did you make sure to eat breakfast?"

"Mona lacks tact." Dropped Futaba as a matter of fact.

"Heh, they mean well. Maybe they should remember not everyone eats like Ann or me." Shrugged Ritsuka.

"So, whadda we do now? Should we play some beach volleyball?" Ryuji was already excited, until Ann drowned his enthusiasm.

"Oh, sorry. Us girls already made plans to ride a banana boat."

"We could only rent a three-person one. Sorry." Apologized Makoto.

"Wait… then what about us?" Gasped Ryuji.

"Keep an eye on our stuff."

"Pffff, hell no!" Ryuji stood up with indignation at Ann's words. "Why you gotta treat us like that!? We're celebrities makin' headlines! You should treat us better!"

"They really are letting it go their head, uh?" Deadpanned Ritsuka.

"I do think they're not that bad in the Metaverse, but in reality… strange, isn't it?" Observed Makoto.

"They can steal treasures, but they don't seem like they can steal a girl's heart at all."

"B-but… Lady Ann…" Muttered Morgana,

"Can we get to the banana boat already?" Futaba stood up impatiently, head down;

"Oh, sorry, we'll go now. Fujimaru-san, are you sure you don't want to come with us?"

"Heh, with Futaba riding, better not to try our luck too much on a three-place boat. Besides, someone must watch over them before the boys' heads inflates too much." Ritsuka just shrugged.

"Sweet! We'll switch when we're done. Keep an eye on our stuff for us!" Happily said Ann as she left.

The boys watched gloomily Futaba running away screaming excitedly about the banana boat, with Ann and Makoto running after her.

"Dammit… They don't get how amazin' we are." Grumbled Ryuji, hitting his fist in his hand in frustration. "We risk our lives bein' Phantom Thieves. There's no way we're the same as other guys around here. Shouldn't we be havin' more good times in reality too!?"

"You have a point." admitted Ren, a bit fed up with the cavalier way they were treated by the female half of the group.

"Right? Don't you agree, Yusuke?"

"Well…" Pondered the artist. "If you put it that way, you may be right."

"Exactly! Ann and the others don't get it 'cause they're always around us."

"Did you casually forget I'm a girl too?"

A shiver travelled down Ren's back as Ritsuka's were words ushered in a low, menacing tone, and the blonde's expression morphed just as quickly into pure terror.

"What, no, I mean, hell no! It's just, you get it, right? You can see what great guys we are."

"Yeah, I sure get how 'amazing' you are all being at the moment." Deadpanned the orange-haired girl.

"Oh come on, not you too! That's it, we're goin' to prove it right now."

"Hey, how do we prove Lady Ann to notice how amazing we are as Phantom Thieves?" Asked Morgana with genuine curiosity.

"Well, we gotta steal… you-know-what."

"Swimsuits?" Suggested Ren with utmost seriousness, taking the mastermind pose on his chair.

"You moron, that's a crime. What we're gonna steal in reality are… girl's hearts."

"I see. I just need to prove my skills in reality as well…" Murmured Morgana.

"Let's steal all the hearts with the skills we've honed as Phantom Thieves!" Proclaimed Ryuji, pumping up and not noticing how their female friend was hunching over, face concealed by her hair. "I'm sure girls will be all over us, considering the vibes we give off!"

"Very well," Yusuke stood up, intrigued by the challenge. "let's do this. Pulling off our work in reality doesn't sound so bad…"

Ritsuka burst into laughter. A full blown, hysterical laughter echoing all around as she held her sides. The boys looked at her trying to stand up and fail, shaking with hilarity and trying to get hold of her breath.

"Ah ha, ah, ah… my sides, it's Orion all over again…" She wiped a tear from her eye, thoroughly spent. "Sorry guys, I couldn't resist. I mean, I'd be cheering for your success, but all I'm hearing is a disaster in the making."

"What do you mean?" Asked Ren, feeling they would benefit from listening.

"Let's say I'm a girl on the beach, trying to spend a relaxing afternoon. Suddenly I see three guys coming and hitting on me, whether I want it or not. Let's even say I'm all alone, and you guys are on all sides. What do you think this looks like to me?"

"… I can see the problem." Morgana's eyes widened in understanding.

"Seriously? We're not creeps! … but you've got a point." Admitted Ryuji.

"Honestly? You guys have a chance. But going together will only makes you like a shoal of sharks" Stated Ritsuka, playing idly with her hair band. "It's your call."

"Alright, let's split up." Acknowledged Ren.

"I'm coming with you." Said Morgana, jumping from the bag.

"Let's meet at the sea with our gals." Proposed Ryuji, to which the other nodded.

"I'm going to watch over our stuff. Don't forget to present your conquests to me." Ritsuka winked and waved, watching them go.

And so, Ren went with Morgana on a quest to obtain the greatest prize for any suave and charming man going at the beach: a beautiful girl with her arm around his own, smiling demurely and honestly as he swept her off her feet. Such a task was fraught with dangers and unknowns, as their friend's warning reminded him. A single misstep could spell the end of a successful conversation, much like Shadows could switch attitude from submission to unbridled rage with a single word. Yet Joker was confidant on his capabilities. He was charming enough for the street vendor to open his back shop to him, handsome enough for Akechi's fangirls to not tear him apart when they saw them together, convincing enough to play the part of boyfriend with Makoto. Success was certain, and he walked toward it with the pride of an accomplished-

"Oh, he is so cuuuuuute! Look at his cheeks, look at his puffy cheeks!"

"What an adorable meow! Again, have him do it again!"

"His paws are so soft! I could rub them for days; my stress is melting!"

"Look how his tail is wagging! He likes it, yes he likes it!"

"What beautiful blue eyes! I wish I had eyes so pretty!"

"Achoooooo! Get that dirty thing away from me! I'm sure it's diseased! Away I said!"

A defeated Ren walked miserably toward the shore, without a single reward for all his efforts. Nothing happened as expected. No matter how good his lines were, no matter how he caught the gaze of his targets, the girls only had eyes for Morgana. The very moment they noticed the black and white fur, they would immediately abandon him to gawk at the domestic animal like it was God's very best creation. Or in the very last attempt before he renounced, the hell spawn of the deepest bowel of Satan coming to trigger allergies and spread fleas. It was not fair. He did everything right.

"Lady Ann… what I am supposed to do to catch your eyes as a human?..."

The lamentation reminded Ren he was not alone in his misery. For all of the gushing and praise he was subjected to, Morgana's smugness at having more success than his friend quickly devolved into despair once he realized only his feline attribute gave him that edge. Unable to understand him, the girls swooned for his meowling and petted him like a doll, ignoring his vain attempts to engage in any form of elaborate conversation and misunderstanding his frustration as joy.

"Hey."

Ryuji and Yusuke were already here, just as unsuccessful as he was. They shared their misadventures, identical in their outcome and yet remarkably different in their process. Yusuke had attracted quite the number of ladies... only for him to, quote, "judge their bodies through artistic standards to decide". In other words, his handsome appearance quickly became less than enough once he opened his mouth to criticize any default the girls may have had. As for Ryuji, he had been both the less and the most successful of them all. Starting with quite a few rejections from girls who had neither time nor attention to give him, his luck turned when he apparently started a good conversation with his last attempt, humour and a few compliments buying him the girl's goodwill and interest. Which all came crashing on him when her boyfriend, which she apparently never mentioned, came in and pursued Ryuji all over the beach in a spectacular fit of jealous rage.

"… I dunno… the ocean just looks kinda bland to me…" Mumbled Ryuji as the three of them stood by the waterside.

"Just give it up." Ren quietly advised, to his friend's ire.

"C'mon, it ain't over yet! I'm goin' for a miracle comeback!"

"Hum…Did someone followed us here? Something tells me we are being watched."

Yusuke's questioning lit a new fire in the blonde and Ren, hope renewed something good could come out of all this.

"Really? You think a girl changed her mind?"

Engrossed in the possibility, they didn't notice the blue-haired boy slipping away, eyes widening as something in the distance caught his attention. What they did notice, however, was the deep voice coming out from behind them.

"O-M-G. It's the golden boy himself!"

Ryuji froze like a thief caught red-handed.

"And he's already got his own little entourage! We really did teach him right, didn't we?"

The boys turned around and saw two very familiar men approach them. If their face only vaguely stirred Ren's memories, their voice and attitude clicked together and sent him back to Shinjuku, where he and Ryuji met two crossdressers…

"You? Oh no…" Gasped Ryuji, coming to the same realization. "What are YOU guys doin' here?"

"Sometimes you just gotta get out of the city! Forget the night life, breath fresh air, enjoy some eye candy…" Said the first, whose tiny red hat identified him as 'Angel'.

"Who would've thought we would find our little protégé. Our vacay was actually the call of fate!" The joy of the second man, Julian, was absolutely not shared by either Ryuji or Ren, who stepped back. "Aw, what's with the looks? Don't believe in fate? Or did you really not have fun last time?"

"Hu, no…"

"Don't tell us you saw yourself in all that chiffon and felt nothing?" Asked Angel incredulously.

"I-I don't think I felt what you guys were hopin'…"

"Ah honey, are you sure it wasn't just nervousness? Trust me, everyone feels it the first time." Insisted Julian.

"Pretty sure, yeah." Asserted Ryuji more firmly even as his knees were almost imperceptibly shaking.

The two men looked at him expectantly, as if he would have a change of heart at any moment. Which, considering they were the Phantom Thieves, was as unlikely as Morgana sprouting wings.

"… Darling, we've got to admit it. The little lady was right, this starlet isn't meant to shine with us." Sighed Angel.

"What a waste. To think he was on the other team the whole time…" Sniffed Julian, wiping a false tear. "Honeys, would your name happen to be Sakamoto and Amamiya?"

"The eff'? How'd you know?" Panicked Ryuji, ready to run away.

"Oh, don't worry, you wonderful child. Fujimaru-chan only asked us if we could check on you, if by chance we run into each other. The little lady went to the boat with her friends, just so you know." Julian winked, sending a shiver down their back.

"She could have chosen better messengers…" Complained Morgana, his feline meowing a perfect cover.

"No kiddin'…" Sweat dropped the blonde, whose words were fortunately misinterpreted.

"Honey, you don't know your luck to have her. A woman so understanding and supportive, you don't find that much here."

"How right you are, darling. If only more were the same! But we must keep on our way. Have a pleasant day, boys!"

The two men continued their walk to the other side of the beach, leaving two stunned boys and a cat trying to understand where they sinned so much, that they would be thrust into such an embarrassing situation. With no wooed girls to compensate, no less!

"Man, how did she even think asking these creeps would be a good idea?" Ryuji's complaint echoed among the waves, as if they could carry the traumatism away.

"Would you have preferred demon mail?" Snarked Ren, unable to resist the occasion.

"Hell yeah, I would've!... uuuurgh, I didn't mean to pun!"

"Guys, where is Yusuke?" Suddenly noticed Morgana.

Realizing the disappearance of their friend left the boys scrambling and looking around until Morgana found his trail. They fortunately found him a bit further, carrying… lobsters? Living lobsters, one in each hand?

"Hu, what're you doin' with those lobsters?"

"While you were busy with your interrogation, I found those beautiful specimens on sale. And so, I decided to spend the last of my money on them."

The skittering of the many-legged creatures did not convince Ryuji of their supposed beauty.

"Man, you're real hopeless when it comes to cash…" The blonde's face morphed from exasperation to anger. "Wait you were watchin' us? Why didn't you help!?"

"Apologies, but I was entranced. The moment I set eyes on this distinct shape, I was in love. I haven't had my very core shaken as vigorously as this since the first time Ann entered my gaze."

The dreamy tone of Yusuke clearly indicated how far he was gone, and his two friends didn't find the heart to argue. Reuniting with the girls, they found themselves helping to chase two tanned guys insistently pestering them. Soon after, the merry band went on to enjoy summer activities together, starting by the volleyball Ryuji proposed from the very beginning. Ren didn't understand immediately his mistake when proposing the teams to be boys against girls, Futaba's physical condition seeming like a good handicap for their superior number.

Only when Makoto made a spike so violent it let a crater in the sand did he get the danger of the situation, the entire team looking at the place of impact with disbelief. Except for Ritsuka, who in the following exchange made an even more violent strike that barely missed Yusuke's feet. The boys surrendered immediately, seeing the writings on the wall. Afterward, the group separated into different small groups. Makoto and Ann splashed each other, watching over Futaba lazing on her floatie. Ren buried a laying Ryuji into a muscular shape of sand with the help of Yusuke and Morgana, while Ritsuka started a sandcastle.

"Hey." Greeted Ren, leaving the finishing touches to Yusuke as he approached the orange-haired girl.

"Hi." She said in return, meticulously putting the finishing touches to… a colosseum, apparently. "Finished to sculpt Ryuji into peak masculinity?"

"Speaking of masculinity, did you really have to send those two to find us?"

"Those two? Oh, Julie and Angel? They came by hoping to put their stuff somewhere, and we hit it off." Apparently satisfied with her colosseum, Ritsuka moved on the side and started another work. "Were there any problems?"

"We met them in Shinjuku before. They dragged Ryuji around for hours, and he's still shaken by that."

"Oh. I suppose he wasn't…" Ren shook his head, and Ristuka sighed. "I'll have to pay him lunch somewhere as an apology."

"Did you meet people like that abroad?"

"Not really the same, but I did meet people there who crossdressed or preferred things from the other gender for a reason or another. Great people." This time it looked like she was making a sort of maze. "Were you ever interested in say, girl clothes or hobbies?"

"Not at all." He sat down near her, taking care not to disturb what she already made. "Any reason to ask?"

"Just curious. You know I'm not shy about my more masculine side."

Ren nodded. Ritsuka was indulging without shame, unlike Makoto who always seemed embarrassed about her own hobbies, like appreciating action movies, not caring much about fashion, and her general knack for violence.

"For a while, I was more like Makoto." She did notice as well, it seemed. "Especially when I was a kid. It's not like I didn't appreciate dolls and dresses. I just loved giant robots and swords as well. My parents were patient, thinking I would grow out of it."

"You didn't." Guessed Ren.

"I didn't, and it started to bother me. I was wondering if I was wrong somewhere. It wasn't until I watched a magical girl show it started to make sense in my head."

"Magical girl?"

"Sounds bizarre, isn't it? But like, there was this girl, as girly as any other, except she also made giant death beams powered by friendship that could blow up a city. How cool was that?" Ritsuka giggled fondly. "It helped me understand I could just be someone who loved it all. My parents accepted it in the end, though it took some time to get used to my Christmas lists."

"Do they live in Tokyo?"

"Jumping the gun a bit, eh tiger?" Teased the orange-haired girl. "Yeah, I still live with them. Gods, I missed them during those two years. Without my friends, I don't think I would've held on."

Examining her work, she meticulously smoothed the edges of the maze. Ren looked around, noting how disparate her sculptures were. A colosseum, a maze, a castle, a pagoda, what looked like a canal leading to a rectangular zone with wheat drawn inside. There was certainly an explanation as to why she would…

"This is dreadful."

Ren winced at Yusuke's blunt assessment, their blue-haired friend looking at the sculptures with judgmental interest.

"Come again?" Asked Ritsuka.

"Each of them does have some intrinsic quality, yet how come there is no cohesion between them?" He pointed at the maze and the castle. "They should mesh well together in concept, yet this castle is nothing but sharp angles and menacing protrusions. It cannot possibly accommodate the smoothness and gentleness of this labyrinth. And this pagoda full of admiration for the divine, standing next to a colosseum overflowing with bloodlust! I cannot conceive why you would erect such disparate pieces together. The result is no more than a messy, disorganized frame. It would be best to select the most promising theme to develop and unmake the rest to use as material…"

Ren started to slowly move away from the zone of danger. Yusuke was meaning well, surely, but he wasn't seeing how their friend's expression hardened, how his words seemed to touch on something deeper than he thought the longer he went on.

"I get why your art is stuck; you don't see anything beyond the surface."

Yusuke gasped as if he had been slapped by Ritsuka's harsh words. A slap would have actually hurt less, his expression mirroring that of the failure of his painting at the exposition gallery.

"Each of those piles of sand is a recreation of my friends' hard work. They are precious memories of a summer I will never forget filled with their creativity, passion, and devotion." She stood up, looking Yusuke in the eye as her voice flared up with anger. "What if they don't fit together? Who are you to decide that beauty can't come from their cohabitation? Who are you to decide which of them deserves to live on!? Don't you dare decree them undeserving of existence when you can't even comprehend the value they have!"

"I-I didn't mean-"

"That's exactly what you meant!" Ritsuka breathed deeply, eyes closed and fist tights. "I'm sorry. I need to cool down."

She walked away resolutely, passing by the girls coming back from the sea without a word. Ren exchanged a look with the surprised Makoto and Ann.

"Scary." Whispered Futaba, hiding behind Ann's taller frame.

"We've heard everything." Confirmed Makoto. "Are you okay?"

"I didn't know Fujimaru-san could be so… angry."

Ren reflected on Ann's words. They had seen Ritsuka frustrated, irritated, disgusted even. But it was the first time any of them saw her truly angered by anything. Though given her spiel, it made sense why she would be.

"Am I truly that conceited?" Yusuke stared at the sand sculptures mournfully, as if they could yield an answer differing from what his fears whispered. "To think that instead of looking for answers, in my arrogance I would presume myself the one holding them all… Have I learned nothing?"

"I mean, these definitely don't feel like they go together." Ann sat down, examining the maze. "But, I dunno. Don't you think there is something special in that?"

"Something… special?"

"Yeah. Somehow, it reminds me a bit of us." Ann brushed the sculpture, leaving a fine imprint. "We don't have that much in common, don't we? Yet are we are together, stealing hearts and enjoying the beach. Isn't that beautiful in its own way?"

"I agree. I would never have imagined being here with you all, yet today was one of the best summer days I ever had." Acquiesced Makoto.

"… I see." Yusuke looked once again at the sculptures, then in the direction of the sea. "I still have so much to learn…"

Following his gaze, Ren saw Ristuka slowly walking in their direction, returning from the sea with her hair still drenched.

"Just go for it." Advised Ren.

"Yes… I think it is for the best." Stepping forward, he met the orange-haired girl head on. "Fujimaru-san… I would like you to accept my most sincere apologies. For judging your work with such despicable disdain, and insulting your friend's memories."

"I wouldn't have minded if you told me it was ugly, or shoddily made." Said Ritsuka, gesturing to her work. "I'm sorry too, for yelling at you. You couldn't have know how much it means to me."

"I am the culprit here, you don't have to spare me." Yusuke gazed at the sand again. "To make such work, you must have been extremely close to them. Are you still in contact, perhaps?"

"No." Ritsuka looked away with a toneless voice, eyes on the horizon where the sun slowly descended. "There is no way for me to speak, or see them again."

"Why?" Makoto gasped softly. "Don't tell me they are…"

"No, it's not that. It's…" She looked on the verge of saying something, as if she wanted nothing more than spilling what weighted on her, but her expression closed. "I'm sorry. I just can't tell you."

"Can't, not won't?" Picked up Yusuke.

"Is it linked to that scholarship you went through?" Asked Morgana.

"Yes, it is." She nodded, picking up the cat and scratching his ears until he purred. "Think of it like… the biggest NDA you can think of. The most secure, secret thing you can imagine? It's even bigger than that. Even telling you it exists is flirting the line."

"Holy shit." Exclaimed Ryuji from his sandy prison.

"Whoa." Whispered Futaba.

"Let's drop it, then. We're friend after all, right?" Ann smiled brightly. "We don't need to know each other every little secrets. We're just happy to have you with us!"

"I… I'm glad. I wasn't sure I would find such friends again." Admitted Ritsuka, returning their smile in earnest.

---

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 4

New ability: Punishment

Chance to nullify an enemy's special buff (Charge, Concentrate, Marakarn, Tetrakarn, Rebellion, Revolution, Elemental Walls) when they cast it.

---

More chains broke in Ren's mind as he contemplated the bond they shared. He wasn't sure where it would lead… but his mind was made. Igor could ask as much as he wanted, he would not betray Ritsuka's trust.

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 5: To Hold on Bonds

Ren put his hand before his mouth and yawned, hoping the plane would be comfortable enough to sleep in. Not that his criteria of comfort were high to begin with. The airport benches would likely suffice if he really wanted, though with the check-in closing in it was better to stay alert. Nothing would be more embarrassing than missing the school trip to Hawaii because of a mistimed nap.

"I'm so sleepy…"

Case in point, Ann's complaint. She has oscillated between somnolence and wakefulness ever since she came in, rubbing her eyes more than once to keep them clean and open.

"It'll take over six hours to get there, so why not sleep in the plane?" Proposed Makoto.

"I'll do that…" Yawned Ann. "Phew, looks like it's gonna take off on time. I feel like a lot of flights headed to America tend to run late or get canceled… is it just me, or is Ryuji not here yet?"

She was right, noted Ren. Ryuji was nowhere to be seen, with only a few minutes to spare before the check-in was supposed to start. Did something happen, or was he just late? It wouldn't be great for the trip to start with his friend missing.

"… Oh!" Before Ren could take out his phone, Makoto's small exclamation of surprise got his attention, and he looked in the same direction to see Ryuji running at full speed.

"I wasn't expectin' to make a mad dash like this…" Panted Ryuji, looking as if he was about to fall on his knees.

"Coming late even on a day like this?" Disapprovingly asked Ann, making him wince.

"That's all you're bringing?"

Makoto's question was pertinent. Ryuji, unlike the rest of them, carried only a backpack. A big one for sure, but still smaller than a suitcase and unlikely to contain much more than the bare minimum of spare clothes.

"It's only four nights, right? Ain't it enough?"

"You're underpacked…" Pointed out Ren, charitably not bringing up the fact that any souvenirs he might buy would need to fit in that same backpack.

"Really, you guys are just freakin' out over this."

"Well, I guess it's better than bringing too many useless things." Makoto found the middle ground, halting the conversation before it could potentially stall into pointless and self-repeating bickering.

"Hey guys." Ritsuka walked to them with a cheerful smile. "We're right on time. The staff wants us to get near the boarding gate soon."

"Already? Hey, why don't we take a group shot before we take off?" Proposed Ann, to which Ryuji nodded enthusiastically.

"Ooh, sounds good! You be our cameraman, okay?"

The two blonds put themselves on both sides of Ren, who took out his phone.

"You too, girls." Said Ann, prompting Ritsuka and Makoto to join them.

"Will everyone fit?" Wondered Ren. Not that he was unused to close proximity with his friends, but even by outstretching his arm to the fullest the angle wouldn't be great.

Makoto tried to smile, Ann and Ritsuka made peace signs and Ryuji just grinned as usual. A click later, they looked down at the photo.

"Lemme see, lemme see!"

It looked better than expected, in fact everyone was nicely visible on the picture. The phone suddenly vibrated, throwing him off balance. At this hour, a chat message? Opening the app and seeing it was Futaba, he displayed the conversation.

Futaba – Ryuji, you've got crap in your eyes…

"What?" Gasped Ryuji, looking at the screen from above Ren's shoulder before wiping his eye. "Holy shit, she's right…"

"How could you tell, Futaba?" Asked Ann out loud, remembering the hacker already tapped out the leader's phone and could hear everything through it.

F – You surprised?

F – I snuck an app on Ren's phone.

F – I can see all I want through his camera!

F – You're looking right now, right Ren?

F – Mwehehe. You can't underestimate the original Medjed.

"Talk about a nasty trick…" Whispered Ryuji, both awed and creeped out.

"I am so glad she's not an enemy of ours." Agreed Makoto.

"Just to be clear, you didn't tap any of our phones, right Futaba?" Asked Ritsuka out loud.

F – I can't confirm nor deny.

"I can still have Eligos watch over you for the trip duration, you know."

F – … I can definitively deny.

"I'm so freakin' glad you ain't an enemy either…"

---

"… I am SO embarrassed." Mumbled Ann.

"Ryuji, remind me to tutor you in English before the next trip." Decreed Ritsuka.

"Come on, I wasn't that bad!" Protested the blonde, but she just rolled her eyes.

"Believe me, that poor custom guy was seriously thinking of smacking you."

Those remarks barely affected Ryuji, excited like a little kid at the prospect of exploring Hawaii. Though they were unable to room together, it didn't damper their expectations, and Ren prepared himself to join his friends at the beach as fast as possible. Fortunately, Mishima was quick on the update and only prepared his side of the room on the minimum side. Soon Ren was in swimsuit on the beach with everyone, the crisp sand, large palm trees and crystalline water making for an idyllic environment.

"So this is Waikiki!" Gleefully announced Ann, looking around.

"There sure are a ton of people there." Observed Ryuji. "And… a lot of tall buildings, like hotels."

"It's a little too clean here. It feels like an artificial resort." Said Ritsuka, pushing the sand under her foot.

"Still, look at how clear the ocean is. The palm trees definitely give off a tropical vibe too." Makoto brought up the positive points, poised to enjoy leisurely times.

"I thought Ann was pretty impressive." Said Ryuji after looking around a little more at another king of decor. "But compared to those foreign ladies… eh."

"The stop looking!" Cried out the blonde girl, outraged.

"You think so too, don't you? Like, these ladies are massive, unlike the girls in Japan!"

Ren saw the murderous gaze Ann was sending, and that was without mentioning the exasperated look on Makoto's face. Per chance, his honest opinion was exactly what would put him out of danger.

"They're not my type." Assumed Ren, adjusting his glasses.

"I'm gonna rip out that tongue of yours!" Threatened Ryuji in protest, feeling himself very alone under the wrathful attention of the blonde girl.

"What about me?" Asked Ritsuka, hands on her hips and leaning forward. "Am I not 'massive' enough for you?"

"C'mon… you know ain't nobody else like you."

Ann's gaze shifted from irritation to curiosity at Ryuji's answer. She expected the same shameless objectification she just received, not this strange, almost longing tone.

"Moving on, take a look over here. Isn't that Diamond Head?" Once again Makoto proved the voice of reason and stirred away from the argument, just as Ann seemed about to say something.

"Ohh, I saw it from the bus too! But why it's called like that? Are diamonds a local product?"

"Wouldn't it say online?" Suggested Ann, seeing as no one had an answer to Ryuji's question.

Picking up their phones, the group fumbled around to find good connection until they finally reached the answer.

"Ah, there we go… wait, people long ago mistook volcanic rock for it? The eff?"

"Not that surprising. Wealth-hungry colons really took a lot of their dreams for reality." Commented Ritsuka. "If they seriously thought Eldorado was real, a mountain and its beach made of diamonds wasn't so out there."

"Might as well look up recommended places in Waikiki too. Oh right, I wanted to eat pancakes." Ann was clearly not losing sight her goals.

"I wonder if there are online recommendations of scenic spots." Makoto was already typing another research.

"We should check for cheap and popular restaurants then." Brought up Ryuji.

"… Hey, we're on our phones and chatting. This is no different from where we are in Japan."

Makoto's out loud realization drained the ambient excitation as it spread to the entire group. Ren looked at his phone where Japanese pop-ups almost stained the tourism website he consulted, as Ryuji remarked that they could easily access Japanese news on the phone… this wasn't what he had been expecting from the trip.

"We should do something that's more Hawaii-like." Said Ann in a decisive tone.

"What's… Hawaii-like?" The blonde's question stopped his friend in her tracks.

"… Hula dancing?"

"I ain't down for that…" Sweatdropped Ryuji.

"Why not some surfing? Can't find better waves than here!" Proposed Ritsuka, pointing at the ocean.

"Oh yeah, that sounds cool!"

"That's a nice idea. I don't think any of us know how to surf, though, and aren't lessons very costly?" Asked Makoto, ever pragmatic.

"… 8000 to 20000 yen per person on average. The hour." Ren announced after a quick internet research.

"For real!?" Cried his friend, his dreams of impressing girls on the sea drowning like hapless puppies.

"It's alright, I can teach you the basics." Ritsuka casually waved away her concern. "Only borrowing surfboards shouldn't cost too much, and it'll be more fun."

"That'd be great! Did you learn to surf abroad too?" Asked Ann.

"Almost drowned while doing so. I had a very enthusiastic instructor." Giggled Ritsuka. "Come on, we don't have all day!"

---

"Man, it's nothing but Japanese people 'round here." Complained Ryuji. "I thought we were gonna be gettin' alohas comin' from all directions and stuff!"

Tucked in the hotel hallway, Ren and Ann listened to their friends with vague nods. The trip was not what any of them had been expecting. Most of their time was spent in group walks around town or confined in the hotel, under the watchful gaze of either a third-year student or a teacher. In their free time, they were mostly left to their own devices, which meant they were limited to what they could afford and would not take them too far away from the hotel. In other words, not much.

"It costs money to enjoy that atmosphere, you know. There's not much we can do as students." Resumed Ann.

"I guess it's the same no matter where we go…" Said Makoto, joining them with a heavy sigh.

"Hey. What's with the low energy Makoto?"

"I just had to listen to the taxi driver complain for thirty minutes straight." Ryuj winced at the answer. "I'm used to dealing with student troubles, but I never expected to have to do it overseas as well…"

"That must have sucked." Empathized Ann.

"We should be doing more excitin' stuff! I mean we're in freakin' Hawaii, for god's sake! Isn't the school supposed to plan stuff? I wanna go divin'!"

"It seems there wasn't any time to come up with a coordinated travel plan." Makoto's judgmental tone indicated exactly what she thought of such a sloppy excuse. "That lack of coordination is what led them to using third-year students as chaperones as well."

They all collectively sighed. They could only suck it up and find a way to make it as good as possible.

"By the way, Ren… you're roomin' with Mishima, right? How is it? Anythin' interestin'?"

"He won't shut up." Said Ren, barely containing all the frustration over his missing quiet time.

"Really? Mishima-kun is the one who made the Phan-site, correct?"

Ren nodded in answer. Made, and would never stop talking about. He was glad of Mishima's unending energy in helping them, but something in that energy was starting to get worrying.

"Phan-site… Y'know, I do hear people talkin' about the Phantom Thieves every so often…" Shared Ryuji with a conspirator tone.

"Are they really mentioning us?" Asked Makoto, pleasantly surprised.

"I think so! We've already made our international debut! Just talkin' about it makes me want to go back to Japan so bad!"

"You really have no chill." Lamented Ann, seeing once again home inviting itself into their trip.

"Come on, let's try and forget about those things for now." Suggested their brown-haired friend, to no avail as Ryuji started rambling.

"But people are waitin' for us to fix society!" Ren was about to interject when he noticed something that stunned him. Yusuke? Why was he here? He was supposed to be in another trip altogether! "We don't have time to be relaxin' over here! Ain't that right Yusu-" The blonde did a double take as the presence of their friend registered. "Wait, what the hell?"

"Overseas travel provides a great opportunity for new insight. I'd prefer we stay here a bit longer." Said Yusuke, as if it was entirely natural for him to be here.

"What are you doing here?" Exclaimed Ann, just as much shocked as Ryuji.

"Wasn't your school supposed to be going to Los Angeles?" Pointed out Makoto.

"Apparently they couldn't land the plane due to a terrible storm brewing on the west coast. There were no signs of it letting up, so our destination was changed on the spot to Hawaii."

"Do you just bring rain wherever you go?"

"Could it be that what happened at the firework festival was his fault as well?" Wondered Makoto, jumping on the back of Ryuji's question.

"Don't go bringing any storms here, you got that?"

"I'll do my best." Promised Yusuke, stretching his neck. "By the way, where is Fujimaru-san?"

"I thought she would be here first…" A vibration from her pocket interrupted Makoto, and she picked up her phone.

Fujimaru – BBB. ASAP.

"Well, quite the excellent timing." Mused Yusuke. "Though, what might be this 'BBB' she refers to?"

"Big Bang Burger." Deduced Ren, earning a grateful nod from Makoto.

"Oh right, there's one in the way to the beach. It's not too far." Remembered Ann.

Leaving the hotel behind, the group walked to the rendezvous point. The streets were busy like yesterday, though as Ryuji noted there weren't much in the way of 'aloha'. Tourists as far the eye could see was the norm, in swimsuit or summer clothes, sometimes a mix of both. It was a stark change of scenery from Tokyo, but not exactly the exotic ambience they have been fantasizing about. The Big Bang Burger, in a way, is just a reminder that the trip was not as magical as they hoped, the Japanese fast-food branch exporting itself all the way to Hawaii as if to further taunt them.

"Hey, ain't that Ritsuka?"

Their orange-haired friend was sitting on a bench, arms crossed and a very annoyed expression on her face. Which was obviously due to the group of girls hovering around like a swarm of flies, students he was quick to recognize as being from Shujin due to the uniform. As for who they were specifically amidst the students he had not the slightest clue, beyond the fact that they were probably not from his class. Maybe. Not all of them at least.

"Please, Fujimaru-sempai!" Pleaded one of the girls.

"I said no. Fifth time." Replied Ritsuka.

"But we won't ever have another chance to be in a club like that! Please, help us out. Wasn't it fun at the karaoke?" Said another.

"Karaoke in Japan is very different from going in an unknown club with men you don't know to party all night."

"It's not like that! They're mature, and nice, real gentlemen! They even offered to pay for all our drinks! Even alcohol!" Insisted the first girl.

"Which is the biggest red flag I've heard yet in that conversation." Deadpanned Ritsuka.

"It'll be fine, it's just for an evening. We've got to live a little! Not all of us got lucky enough to go overseas for two years." The attempt at guilt-tripping only got a dead stare.

"And we need a third year to accompany us, or else we can't leave or get back in the hotel!" Jumped in yet another student.

"And I say it again. Ask someone else because I won't. Sixth time."

"But you're the only one! You know what fun is, not like Nijima-sempai. She doesn't get what it's like to let go!"

"Yeah! Please Fujimaru-san, aren't we friends? You're our only hope!"

Ritsuka looked so done with it, Ren felt a tinge of pity. Though not quite as much pity as what he felt for the students, when Makoto cleared her throat loudly.

"What do we have here." Declared the student council president coldly. "Trying to overstep curfew, drink alcohol, and bring an upperclassmate to become your accomplice. Do you have anything to say?"

"W-we didn't do anything!" Protested one of the students.

"This is the only reason I won't report you to the teachers." Cold and sharp, Makoto's voice accepted no retort. "Now begone. I better find each of you in their room tonight."

The group of girls dispersed quicker than Shadows at the approach of the Reaper.

"Thanks for the save." Ritsuka stood up, a grateful smile on her lips. "Anymore and I would have started thinking of drastic measures."

"I'm not sure I'd like to know what you would call 'drastic measure'." Shuddered Ryuji.

"Did you know these students, Fujimaru-san?" Asked Ann, curious.

"Not really." Ritsuka shook her head, looking where at the direction they disappeared. "I went with them shopping and karaoke once, that's all. I don't think we have much in common, or much to say to each other."

"Mere acquaintances. I see." Nodded Yusuke, and she seemed to notice his presence at last.

"What are you doing here, by the way? Weren't you supposed to go to L.A.?

"I would, if untimely storms did not decide for our flight to change course here."

"Maybe next time, try to leave an offering or two for Susanoo no Mikoto before leaving." Suggested Ritsuka. "By the way, you guys have any plan for today's free time? I'm game for anything."

"Uh… Oh yeah, I still gotta buy my souvenirs. My mom asked me to grab some stuff for her." Brought up Ryuji, making Ann gasp.

"I totally forgot about that! We need to pick stuff for Futaba and Morgana too."

"I was hoping to do some shopping myself." Mentioned Yusuke.

Ren nodded along. He had no idea what to buy yet, but a bit of browsing couldn't harm.

"Then it's settled. I wonder what Morgana would want…" Mused Makoto.

"… Man. Our group is totally the same even outta Japan."

Ren cracked a smile at Ryuji's complaint as they made it to the souvenir shop. While it might make the trip even less of an exotic experience, he enjoyed having the group together. Entering the large souvenir shop, they decided to have a strategic meeting first.

"What do you think Morgana and Futaba will like?" Asked Makoto.

"The traditional souvenir from Hawaii is usually chocolate… Oh, but Morgana can't eat chocolate. Well, he tells us that he is not a cat, sooo maybe it's fine?" Ann wasn't quite sure, and to be honest Ren wasn't sure he would take the risk as well.

"If we're gonna get 'em souvenirs, we gotta pick stuff they'll really wig out over." Insisted Ryuji.

"Why don't we split up and look around then?"

They followed Yusuke's idea and dispersed in the store in small groups, girls on one side and guys on the other.

"We've come all the way to Hawaii. I think it'd be best for our gift to focus on impact rather than taste."

"Oooh, well said." Ryuji nodded, impressed by Yusuke's observation. "In that case… let's find somethin' we wouldn't buy for ourselves, but we'd be happy to receive as a gift."

With that interesting criterion in mind, Ren browsed the numerous articles presented on the shelves. Among the usual standard of sunglasses, suits and mugs, a great many numbers of little curios offered themselves to his eyes. Kitchen utensils made of local wood, tiki totems, dancing figurines, miniature ukulele. Another thing that caught his eyes, despite being perhaps less impactful than he would wish, were the many local food products like sea salt and coffee beans.

"I'm not seein' anything." Mumbled Ryuji near him. "I mean, this is Futaba and Morgana we're talkin' about. Their standards for happiness are way to high. Yusuke, you find somethin'?"

"An hourglass that measures three-minutes increments." The artist proudly presented the wooden item.

"Uuh… w-why?"

"Well, Futaba loves instant yakisoba. It brilliantly meets the requirement of an item I wouldn't buy by for myself, but would please me to receive."

The reasoning was sound, Ren had to admit. There was just a small problem with such an item…

"But can'tcha just buy one'a those in Japan?" The exact same thought was brought up by the blonde in a doubtful tone. "Okay, Yusuke and I will find Futaba's souvenir and we'll leave Morgana's to you."

Ren was left alone before the goods, his conundrum no more resolved than before, if narrower. He had faith in his two friends finding something, Yusuke had a singularly good eye and Ryuji would weed out the most outlandish or uninteresting ideas. However, the leader himself was still lost. What would Morgana like? The most difficult aspect of the question was due to him being a cat, ruling out many of the things he would have thought of. Moreover, Morgana lived with him. He needed to make sure the gift for his companion would not inadvertently become a gift for himself… his instinct suddenly warned him. Someone was watching him, approaching intently. Staying completely still and feigning interest in the goods, Ren waited for the watcher to reveal himself…

"Helloooo…"

The low voice of Kasumi instantly relieved him of his suspicion, and he quietly waited for her to finish her approach.

"SENPAI!"

Ren turned around and discovered Kasumi holding her hands like she was some feline predator about to pounce on her target, a big smile on her lips. Adorable.

"Aloha." Mischievously greeted Ren, wiggling his fingers.

"Ahaha. That's a much more appropriate greeting." Admitted Kasumi before imitating him. "Aloha!"

"Too bad it didn't work; I was ready to take that photo!" Complained Ritsuka, coming from behind a shelf and unashamedly in the know about Kasumi's plan.

"I'm sorry, Fujimaru senpai. Next time I'll be stealthier."

"You know each other?" Now that he thought about it, despite being in different sports they were currently the most prominent athletes at Shujin.

"Fujimaru-senpai shared some training tips with the team some time ago. We kept contact since." Explained Kasumi.

"She's helping me improve my flexibility, and I give her pointers for endurance training." Supplied Ritsuka.

"Hey, you think this… uh?"

Ryuji came back and looked quizzically at the redhead. Coincidentally or hearing him, the rest of the team gathered as well, making Ren realize he never did introduce them to each other.

"Ah… sorry to be a bother! I'm Yoshizawa, a first-year. It's nice meeting you all." Politely greeted Kasumi.

"… Oh! You're that gymnast!" Gasped Ann.

"That's right! Our club's here at a training camp to get ready for the next big meet, and I just happened to find Ren-senpai."

To Ren's relief, Kasumi and his friends seemed to hit it off quite well, with Ren and Ritsuka taking some potshot from Ryuji for 'not sharing acquaintances'. In the end, the team returned to finish their shopping while Ren spent a bit more time with Kasumi, ignoring the knowing wink the orange-haired girl sent them in passing…

---

A knock on the door took Ren out of his reverie. Was it Mishima? The evening was quite advanced and yet he didn't see the guy come back to the room yet. A part of him was relieved to have a little tranquility and not hearing constantly about Phantom Thief matters or the frenzy apparently surrounding the Phan-site, and that calm was apparently coming to an end… Standing up after another insistent knock, Ren opened the door to find… not Mishima.

"Yo." Greeted Ryuji.

"I'm closing the door." Deadpanned Ren.

"Just hear me out!" Being a trooper, he let his friend in and watched him sit on Mishima's bed. "The guy I'm roomin' with went and brought his girlfriend back to the room! I felt totally awkward stayin' in the room with them. I'm just gonna sleep here tonight."

"There are only two beds." Pointed out Ren just as another knock resounded on the door… "Ann?"

The blonde girl looked just as exasperated as Ryuji and he invited her in, letting her sit on his bed.

"The girl I was sharing a room with took off to her boyfriend's room!"

"I know that feelin'!" Commiserated his friend.

"And she took the key! I stepped outside for just a second and the autolock kicked in! I can't get back to my room! It'll be too much hassle for me to go anywhere else. I'll just sleep in here today."

"Wait, what? I dunno if that's a good idea." Protested Ryuji, seeing the problem come a mile away.

Yet another knock on the door. Going to open for the third time of the evening, Ren opened and… was not even that surprised to find Ritsuka instead of Mishima.

"Can I come in?" She asked, and he found little reason to say no, especially after taking the other two. "I just left Mishima's in the infirmary. Traveler's diarrhea." Ren grimaced, vaguely remembering seeing him drinking tap water. "He's going to sleep down there. I don't think he'll be able to stand up anytime soon."

"That's like, the one thing you're not supposed to do when you're outta the country." Ryuji cringed very hard, as if he felt the utter stupidity of his comrade all the way down there.

"Anyway, since I've moved all the way to tell you, I'm not passing the occasion. Thank you for letting me in the evening, Amamiya-kun." Ritsuka's large smile told him she had absolutely no excuses beside her own whim.

"There are only two beds and a sofa…" Ann pointed out, only to be handwaved by the orange-haired girl.

"Which just means someone is going to sleep on the floor."

"So who's that gonna be?" Asked Ryuji, before his eyes fell on the small table near the sofa. "Oh hey, playin' cards. Why don't we use these to decide?"

No one objected, and the blonde prepared the deck.

"No demon cheating." Added Ren, looking at Ritsuka.

"You're no fun."

And a fierce battle of Tycoon started on the bed for the sake of a comfortable night. Ann was the first to get out with a victorious cry, quickly followed by Ren. It came down to Ritsuka managing to snatch what seemed to be a decisive defeat into improbable victory by using an eight and chaining down to her last cards. The sleeping arrangement decided, they all took their respective positions, with Ann and Ren on the beds, Ritsuka on the sofa and Ryuji…

"I'm all the way in Hawaii, and I'm stuck sleepin' on the floor…" Complained the blonde boy while Ritsuka barely contained a giggle.

"The school trip…" Ann whispered half to herself. "Shiho was really looking forward to this…"

"Ann…" His discomfort forgotten, Ryuji sat down on his improvised mattress, searching for the right words to say.

"… Sorry. I didn't mean to bring the mood down. But it's already been almost six months since then, hasn't it? This all feels so strange."

"Right? Hard to believe the rowdy kids at school are now famous all over the world." Ryuji's uplifting words helped Ann shake off her thoughts, and she smiled more broadly.

"Don't you think we still have a lot to learn about each other though?" Ren felt it was going somewhere very specific, suspicion confirmed at Ann's next sentence. "You know, things like what kind of people we like… So, time to come clean, Ryuji."

"Me!?"

"Yes, you. Come on, go for it." Taunted Ritsuka, which only served to embarrass the blonde further.

"Uhhhh, well… she's gotta have a good personality. I'm okay with anyone who's nice…"

"What about if two girls with equally good personalities confessed to you at the same time?" Suggested Ann, clearly not having any of the platitudes.

"If they're equally nice…?" Ryuji lowered the hand he raised, mulling over his words. "The one makin' me wanna be better."

"To be better, uh? Care to explain?" Pressed the blonde.

"Come on… this is so embarrassin'." Grumbled Ryuji. "I mean… she gotta make me think 'damn, I gotta step up'. Somethin' like that, you see?"

Ann was clearly surprised by those words, looking at her friend to see if he was trying to pull her leg, then at Ren and Ritsuka. He simply nodded, while the latter shrugged.

"That's… interesting. Ideally, how would that girl look like?"

"That?" Ryuji seemed a bit lost by the sudden shift. "Uh, if I had to choose, I'd go with a toned, fit girl, with a nice tan."

"I knew it. You're totally falling for Fujimaru-san!" Deduced Ann with a triumphant smirk.

"What? T-that's not… I…" The boy struggled to talk, before slumping back on the mattress. "Yeah. She knows. I tried askin' her out."

"You did?" Now Ann was stunned. "Whoa. Fujimaru-san, is that true?"

"Ryuji did ask me out." Confirmed Ritsuka. "It was sweet, but I had to say no. I love someone already."

"Ooooh! Details, details! What does he look like? How did you meet for the first time? Is he in Japan?"

"Not so fast, Ann. It's still the boys turn." Deflected Ritsuka. "What about you, Ren? What kind of girl is your type?"

"C'mon, spill the beans!" Encouraged the blonde girl.

Ren mused over what to answer. He didn't want to spill the beans, not yet, not when he wasn't sure himself who was the one who caught his attention, the most. On the other hand, he could simply generalize and hopefully get away with it.

"One who has a great body." He finally answered.

"Wait, are you talking about her…?" Ryuji didn't finish his sentence, getting the hint and turning to Ann. "Well, we answered honestly. It's your turn next."

"Go on, Takamaki-chan. We're all waiting." Insisted the orange-haired girl, putting her friend on the spot.

"Not fair! I asked first!" Complained Ann, but the rest of the group didn't bulge. "Alright. What I want, is someone who will support and appreciate me, not what I look like."

"What, you don't wanna have someone likin' your look?" Asked the blonde, puzzled.

"That's not the point! Urgh, you're the worst sometimes."

"Oh c'mon!" Protested Ryuji. "That's it, we all came out. Your turn, Ritsuka."

"No backsies! I want to know aaaaaaall about the guy."

She sighed and sprawled on the sofa. Ren was very curious as well. Who was the kind of guy able to capture the heart of their comrade?

"Where to start… He's awkward."

"Uh?" Gasped Ann.

"Pessimistic. Cowardly. Easily flustered. Indecisive."

"UH?" Cried out Ryuji as the derogatory list went on.

"Inconsiderate. A huge hypocrite. A shameless pervert. Obsessed with a virtual idol who's a man in disguise."

"Do you even like the guy?" Questioned Ren, dumbfounded by the sheer negativity.

For a moment, there was no answer. And then Ritsuka smiled.

"More than I ever imagined I would love someone."

Her tone was so warm, yet her eyes so sad. And then Ren remembered. How she told them she could not see or speak to her friends from overseas, and perhaps would never again. Looking at Ryuji and Ann, he saw the same realization dawning on them.

"Fujimaru-san… how do you bear that idea? That it may never be like it was before between you." Ann twirled her hair nervously. "I am, asking that to myself. Every time I'm visiting Shiho. I fear it will never come back to what we had together…"

Ritsuka didn't answer for a moment, closing her eyes as if remembering something. She tucked herself on the sofa, her last answer a tired yet firm whisper, holding an ironclad belief.

"By keeping on living, no matter what comes. With hope."

---

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 5

New ability: Conviction of Victory

Sometimes guarantee the next attack will be a critical hit (including spells).

---

There was nothing more to say. They Phantom thieves all fell into slumber, a dreamless late summer night sleep.

 

[Magostera]

Interlude: Akechi, Maruki, Eligos
Akechi was a patient person. Patient, and very determined. One does not prepare revenge against a shitty stink of a father for years without such inner strength. Neither would anyone without those qualities manage the investigation work he focused on. Not the Detective Prince charade he put up on television and for the public, of course. Though managing a convincing enough act of detective work while already knowing everything about the crime did take a lore more care than most would expect. His real targets were the Phantom Thieves and by extension, all those who associated with them, knowingly or not. His meticulous investigations already bore fruits on every one of Amamiya's contacts in Tokyo so far, from their history to the most likely form of help they were providing. Yet to his growing frustration, he found himself stonewalled by one particular mystery… one named Fujimaru Ritsuka.

Her past before the two years abroad was admittedly mind-numbingly banal. Average school results, unremarkable social circle, ordinary if slightly broader than usual hobbies, somewhat upper but still typical middle-class family. Just another one of the faceless masses. But whatever happened during those two years changed everything. Top grades in all academic fields, exceptional sport performance, wide social acknowledgment. The difference was so stark Akechi first suspected record falsification, and that suspicion was apparently confirmed by analysing the grades she supposedly had during her scholarship. They were too clean, as if someone just used a linear equation to simulate someone's academic progress with little regards to the variations invariably appearing. Yet Fujimaru maintained the level she supposedly reached abroad since coming back, and he had to discard that hypothesis.

His second thought was a replacement. Unfortunately, if a replacement happened, then the impostor was more talented and received more preparation than anyone he had ever seen, for nebulous gains at best. In that regard, Akechi discarded that lead as well. This, however, led him to examine with more attention the supposed scholarship she received, and his instinct was rewarded more than he expected. For starter, her grades were not high enough and her family not influential at all to justify any kind of scholarship, especially one tied to the United Nations. Secondly, that so-called scholarship was not appearing anywhere in any official international school. Thirdly, a great many deals of details, like the location and activities supposedly taking place during those two years, were simply unavailable.

All of this smelled suspiciously like some kind of secret project, very similarly to what that asshole Shido was doing with cognitive psience. And viewed through this prism, suddenly things started to click. If Fujimaru did not apply but was scouted for some unknown quality she possessed and shipped off the country, the secrecy and inconsistencies made sense. But it also meant the data was impossible to acquire just by himself. With the people involved in such project hidden and likely being abroad, the Metaverse was doubly useless. Though he also asked future corpse Shido to look into the matter just in case, Akechi decided a more personal approach was needed, just like with Amamiya. Which is why he was waiting for Fujimaru in Kichijoji. Amamiya told him she was either punctual or in advance, never late, so he scanned the crowd again, looking for orange hair and amber eyes to approach. A rare combination, which would make her easy to spot.

Akechi squinted. She was here, exactly on time and coming from the street's end… Akechi double-checked. It was indeed Fujimaru Ritsuka. As she reached his level the detective smiled with ease, hiding his suspicion and sharpness behind practiced politeness.

"Good afternoon. I'm glad you accepted my invitation." Said Akechi, extending his hand.

Strange. His investigations depicted her as someone casual in both attitude and presentation, not unlike Amamiya. Yet the girl before him could have instead passed for a younger Sae Nijima. Hair tied in a ponytail, subtle yet elegant makeup, carrying a case and wearing a formal black tuxedo above a grey suit he was quite sure was tailor-made. On a second look he recognized the brand, high-end and very expensive, the sort of things politician like that piece of shit of a man and his cronies would wear.

"The pleasure is mine. Amamiya-kun told me you were quite busy." She said coolly, shaking his hand with a strong and confidant grip.

"While I have more free time at the moment, I cannot say I enjoy the circumstances that led to it." Disclosed Akechi with sincerity. "With the Phantom Thieves growing popularity, I find myself more isolated by the day."

"The drawback of being a public figure." Commented the orange-haired girl. "Still, I did not expect a common acquaintance with the Detective Prince. There is credence to the theory that people are never as separated from each other as they think."

His relationship with Amamiya was not a known thing in the Phantom Thieves, it seemed. A part of Akechi was satisfied to see him understand the value of privacy, seeing as his own little group of followers had little to no interest in the notion.

"I suppose the world truly is smaller than it appears. On another topic, allow me to compliment your appearance. While I am usually worrying the, let's say, extreme fanbase I've kept would denounce and harass the people getting close, I am feeling the one failing to meet standards today is me."

And as the words flew from his mouth, Akechi noticed how similar Fujimaru's outfit was unmistakably masculine, a reflection of his own though in black rather than white. A lot more chic as well. She even carried a suitcase, for crying out loud. The question was, how much of it was intentional? Looking into her eyes and finding nothing to seize or interpret, he was nonetheless starting to suspect it was a deliberate choice, one supposed to put him on the back foot.

"Hey, isn't that the detective?"

"What, the one badmouthing the Phantom Thieves? He's got nerves to show his face nowadays."

"Who is that guy with him, though? They look dreamy… a true prince charming."

"Hey, that's a girl, right?"

"What? Oh, it's true! Do you think they are together?"

"But isn't he rumored to be close to that prosecutor?"

"You think he may be double-timing?"

"Isn't he lucky such a girl still talks to him after his disgrace?"

The whispering of the passing crowd irked Akechi, even more so with some already with their phones in hand. How he wished he could plunge into the depth of Mementos and make them all go berserk, screaming and tearing everything close to them until they would finally come back to their senses, behind bars, their life ruined forever… but it was simply the current state of the game. In a few weeks, these same sheep will praise his name as if they never lost faith in him.

"I think we'd both rather have some privacy. Why not go inside?"

"Naturally. If you would." Answered Fujimaru, moving up the stairs to Penguin Sniper and presenting her hand.

Akechi hissed inside as he realized how she took control of the situation. If he refused her hand, he would pass for a boor in front of people who already recognized him and further damage his reputation. Yet taking it would cement their apparent relationship with Fujimaru on a dominant position, taking on the attitude and role of the man. It was no choice, and without letting any of his true emotions show Akechi smiled and took her hand, letting her take him inside. Ignoring the increasing skittering of the masse outside and the few clicks of phone camera, the familiar atmosphere of the place barely uplifting his soured mood.

"I have not played pool before. Would you be kind enough to explain the rules?"

"Of course."

As the detective taught her the game, he kept a vigilant eye for any sign of slip in attitude, be it crispation or relaxation. If Fujimaru was on to him for a reason or another, he would learn exactly what tipped her off and how to deflect her suspicion. If she wasn't, he needed to understand why she was showing him such a radically different side.

"Please keep your eyes on my posture. I'll start."

Adjusting his position, Akechi prepared the best shot he could perform from a starting point, ideally leading to a break ace. A petty move perhaps against a beginner, but one that would serve well to demonstrate both his experience and the intended way to play, just like he performed against Amamiya the first time. Releasing his breath at the exact moment, he struck the white ball dead center and sent the entire board in wild ricochets. One, two, three… three balls in the sockets, and the white ball advantageously positioned. The game was as good as over.

"Oh my, a break ace. I suppose I gave you a demonstration sooner than expected." Casually lied Akechi.

"Good shot. Now that the lesson is over, how about starting our game?"

The nerve of that girl. With a single sentence she complimented him and passed the situation as merely the end of his lesson, denying him a preliminary victory to start on an equal footing. The good detective prince would never contradict someone over something as petty, and once again he found himself in a no-win situation… Despite the slight, Akechi found himself smiling more earnestly. It has been a while since someone challenged him in such a way.

"Well said. I'll leave the first turn to you."

Her first shot was slightly out of center, but nonetheless put a ball into the socket. This was where the real game began. Akechi liked billiard not only for itself, but also because it allowed for easy talk in-between and during actions. It was the perfect blend of focus and relaxation, or in the present case, probing.

"So, to what do I owe this pleasant afternoon game? Your invitation, charming as it was, lacked in details."

Fujimaru shot first, figuratively speaking, after failing a ricochet. An expected question, but not a bad starting point.

"Would you believe me if I said it was simple curiosity?"

"As a person, perhaps. As a detective? Unlikely. I do not think you are the type to approach people without ulterior motives."

Did he leave out too much of his intent in his communication? Or did she ask Amamiya his thoughts on the contact. Or perhaps did she infer it by herself? Akechi was certain his invitation has been worded carefully enough. As for the second and third options, both seemed equally valid.

"You are quite sharp." An easy compliment, one to remind himself she was certainly playing the same game he was. "You did attract my attention beyond superficial reasons."

Akechi missed his shot by an air breath. Perhaps he was being too lenient, but the trajectory he aimed for was difficult without his left hand. Ending the game too quickly was not in his interest.

"Consider me flattered. Enough people only care for their first impression."

Watching Fujimaru's strike repositioning the ball in a very delicate position for him, the detective pondered in the moment of silence. Was she enticing him into tipping his hand? She wasn't showing outward interest in him. Perhaps she considered Amamiya a sufficient source… no, it couldn't be. Unless he grossly misinterpreted her, she was of the curious sort. On the other hand, she was evidently careful. Perhaps she considered letting him take the initiative a necessary sacrifice, as Akechi was, after all, the one who initiated contact.

"Following Kamoshida's incident, I have been studying Shujin's student records." Akechi carefully hit the white ball and watched the resulting curve critically. "Yours, which I only found recently, have proven eye-catching."

"How glad I am to have been absent from Shujin during Kamoshida's tenure." Pointed out Fujimaru with apparent disgust.

"I believe you have every right to be." Having hit his target, though it didn't fall in the socket, the detective prepared his next move. "Though, this period of absence is what caught my attention. It is rare enough for students to study overseas, and your case stroke me as even more peculiar."

She missed, and it was Akechi's turn. This time the ball landed as he wanted, and he considered how many points he wanted to accumulate before passing turn. Just enough to put pressure on Fujimaru, force her to focus more on the game and less on her poker face.

"Granted, it is not that rare to see someone improve in a more adapted environment. Yet your progress has been nothing short of miraculous, from average grades to the very top of the school on your return." Akechi landed another ball, adding to his score. "Did you simply not take interest in your studies before? Have your teachers found the right method to bring out your potential? What brought you to attain such height? I am simply fascinated by this question."

"Most of it is thanks to the teachers I had abroad." Admitted Fujimaru.

"So I was right. You had talent, and society lacked the mean or motivation to bring it to light." He scored a third ball and contemplated how to miss the next shot without it being too obvious.

"You can be assured; talent has nothing to do with it. I have long realized I am not a gifted person, not like Amamiya or you."

Akechi frowned. Was it true modesty, a setup for self-congratulation, or an attempt at lowering his guard?

"You do yourself too little credit, Fujimaru-san. Hard work alone cannot reach such success, no matter how much someone try. Thinking otherwise is well-meaning, but naive."

"Not all field, that much is true." She sat on the edge of the pool table, observing his move with a calculating eye. "But how many persons are taught how to give their all in the right way for them? You mentioned teachers, and how that factor alone can alter a person's grade. Not everyone is suited for the same way to learn."

"And not everyone is capable of the same results, even in optimal conditions. This is the reality of the world. Or do you believe someone like Sakamoto could reach our intellectual level?"

"… Do you believe you could become an international runner?"

Akechi was starting to get extremely irritated. He stroke too hard, sending both the white ball and his target away from each other. Well, wasn't that convenient. He could pass the turn without having to worry about acting a bad play. He needed to calm down. Get back into his role.

"I have my own strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone else. By extension, I do realize how unrealistic it is for most people to reach excellence. I am not denying your efforts, if anything your work ethic should be a source of inspiration. But you cannot deny possessing some innate dispositions others do not have. After all, were you not scouted for your international scholarship?"

The silence brought him much more satisfaction than it should, as Fujimaru turned around the table to find the proper positioning.

"It is quite curious. For the incredible results it brought you, there seems to be so little to read about your little journey overseas." Akechi let the implications stir a bit more, his detective smile on display. "Not that it means anything, mind you. It simply sounds odd not a single other student was taken in as well, unless there is more to it."

The girl aimed once, twice, then stood up without hitting the ball. Unable to focus on the game, were we? He would find a way to completely break that composure soon enough. Not too quickly, of course, he still had much to hear about.

"Fine, I will indulge your curiosity. Do understand I will not tell you everything, there is a NDA in place."

Surrendering already? No, maybe not. She was certainly going to give him bit crumbs, enough in her mind to satisfy without compromising too much. Simply mentioning an NDA was enough to give him more avenues of exploration. Although no one was giving them much attention in particular, speaking about it in a public place furthermore meant she would definitely not offer him everything he wanted.

"I was indeed scouted after seeing a flyer and donating blood for scientific purposes. Apparently, they found something special in my blood and I was invited to participate in an internation research program, where I met a few dozen people with a similar characteristic. Though when I say invited, I should say hounded days and nights until I accepted."

Fujimaru circled around the table with calculating eyes. A few dozen people on an international level… was she low-balling, being truthful, or overestimating? Her answers until now pointed toward either humbleness or truth as the most likely possibilities. Now wasn't that interesting. What quality did that research program sought for so little candidates to be found…

"My parents and I consented in the end. I was promised a very good pay for my contribution, top of the line education, and the insurance it would not impact my schooling in Japan."

A much more important last point that many would think, noted Akechi. Standing out from the masses was dangerous in Japan, especially in regard to education. While studying overseas was officially encouraged by the government, many universities, to speak nothing of employers, would frown at the idea of taking in someone who did not scrupulously respect the classic educational path. Such imbecile stigmata was but one of the reason the country was sinking. In that regard, the rotten stain's Palace was accurate.

"In all honesty, the scientific side of the project was not my primary concern. I was mostly supposed to stay close and available for further tests, as well as keeping up with my education. Compared to the geniuses who were also drafted, I stuck out as the one who was mostly there to round out the number. That, as well as the strictness of the educators, is what pushed me to work harder than I thought possible."

Fujimaru finally played and put a ball in the socket, coming closer to an equal score. Not a too shabby shot for a beginner, though in her place Akechi would have made a double with a slightly better angle.

"And still you insist on being someone ordinary. Is it a fear to stand out? That your success may be a long-running fluke?" Smiled the detective. "Your thought process is somewhat eluding me, Fujimaru-san."

"Yours is transparent. I did not expect the thought of ordinary people rivalling you to be so unbearable." Akechi's smile disappeared before he could regain control of himself. Why was this girl so infuriatingly good at getting under his skin? "That aside. Was my record so much more interesting than Amamiya-kun's? One would think his circumstances are curious enough for a detective."

She hit in the next shot without scoring, looking at him expectantly. She didn't wait for him to answer, and he found himself too angry to even deign a lie. Instead, he focused on that redirection. Was she probing the depth of his interest? Testing his integrity?

"It is obvious what happened to him is unfair. Yet as always, there is nothing the victim can do to reclaim what they lost. In the best case, the slanderer may be brought to justice and punished for the misdeed."

The ball he targeted strayed a bit too much and failed to reach the socket, stopping at an awkward angle. One that would make much easier to use it as a projectile to hit another ball than trying to make it fall itself. Now, would Fujimaru see it or attempt the direct shot?

"I see. Retribution is what matter the most to you."

Akechi's temper flared at her words as the white ball hit the other and came to a standstill. The target moved away and hit other balls before stopping, its position leaving almost no way to reach it without a particularly dextrous ricochet.

"That is a bit of an extreme interpretation, don't you think?" Asked the detective, keeping his tone as cheerfully civil as he could. "I am a detective, not a policeman. My sole interest is uncovering the truth, and hope justice will come out of it."

"By your own words, the innocent cannot be helped." Fujimaru's gaze was locked on to him, as unrelenting as her words. This was not how the conversation was supposed to go! How did that bitch keep cornering him?

"No matter what can be done or not for the victims, justice demands the guilty suffer the consequences of their actions." He adjusted his position, calculating the optimal trajectory. "If the rules are respected, is it wrong for someone to desire as such?"

"No, I do not believe that. But if you had to make a choice between saving an innocent and killing the culprit, I believe you would always take that second choice."

Was she just throwing things at him randomly, hoping he would react? She could not know. It was impossible. The movement of his cue went with too much force. The white ball rebounded on the edges but missed its target, touching another ball and letting his foe place the ball as she pleased.

"An interesting theory." He said through gritted smile. Akechi's gaze fell on the pool, the remaining balls having rolled in such a way even a beginner could easily score most of them in a row. Was he… going to lose?

Fujimaru shot and scored once. Twice. One more, just one more ball and it would be all over… her next shot failed to score points, ending her turn. No. It was impossible she missed that shot. She deliberately missed. She was leaving him with the victory. She was pitying him!

"Let's end this game, Akechi-kun. There's no point anymore."

How dare she have that wistful tone of voice directed at him! Yet as Akechi was about to speak, he noticed it. It was the first time her tone betrayed something else than formal civility. She put down her cue and in an instant, her entire body language changed. The strict posture loosened, her features relaxed, and as she passed a hand in her hair they came a little undone. For the first time in their entire encounter, he could finally see the true Fujimaru Ritsuka his investigation had depicted all along. The only thing left was the piercing gaze that seemed to delve deeper than it should.

"It's almost scary how much you remind me of someone I met in those two years. The pressure to excel, the drive to reach a perfect image, the rivalry toward someone else who is similar but different. And the mask you both wear at all times to conceal your true self. It almost destroyed him, and I really hope you won't end the same way."

Akechi's mind was in furious disorder, the temptation to just leave the place to call prime asshole Shido to arrange an accident in the shortest order becoming harder and harder to resist as the girl openly peeled of his carefully crafted facade. It didn't even matter at this point if she was still guessing, if the little time they had been enough to see through him or if she had been aware all along.

"We both had what we came here for, don't we?" His mirthless question earned a sharp nod. "Then let's go. This game did lose all purpose."

Leaving the pool and the building, Akechi was ready to take off before she extended her hand toward him.

"Despite it all, it was nice meeting you. I wouldn't mind seeing each other again."

Was she trying to provoke him?

"And here I thought we were done." Despite putting as much disinterest in his voice as he could, all she did was smile.

"Why? You're an interesting person to hang out with." Her smile turned mischievous. "And besides, you owe me a proper game. Don't think I didn't notice you using your weak hand or missing shots on purpose."

"Even if that means you will certainly lose." Now he was completely dumbfounded.

"Even so. I'd rather face the real you." Fujimaru held his gaze, her hand still hanging.

"… You are even more incomprehensible than I thought." Despite himself, Akechi shook her hand and smirked. A ferocious smirk unbecoming of a charming detective prince, but at that very moment, he didn't give a damn. "Very well. One day… we shall play against each other for real."

Something suddenly twisted within his mind. As if time suddenly came to a halt, and the world stopped its revolution. Something he had only felt when… when he shook Amamiya's hand for the first time. The instant faded, with Fujimaru and the rest of the world oblivious to what happened. When she left, Akechi did as well, finding a place in the area he knew was more isolated. Enough for a small phone call to high and pathetic Shido himself. The phone biped once, twice, thrice. Was the shit brain even paying attention? Finally, the call was picked up.

"It's me."

"Of course it's you. Get to the point, I have no time to lose." The haughty voice from the phone was as insufferable as ever.

"Regarding Fujimaru Ritsuka. Did your people manage to get anything?"

He was doubting it. On their best days, bald-faced disappointment's cronies were barely functioning. Which is why they joined him after all, they would have never succeeded in politic otherwise.

"Ah, yes, this one. Drop the case."

"What?" Did the world turn upside down? What's with today and people acting completely outside his expectations?

"We must deal with her only after the election. Otherwise, we may attract some… unwanted attention."

"What could possibly…"

"I said drop it." Commanded the walking bag of dirt with a voice that was supposed to be menacing. "Stick to your role, and do not approach her. Don't forget your place."

Shido hung up, leaving him with the murderous desire to crush his phone. Did that piece of shit really said what he just heard? Drop the case? Unwanted attention?

"Don't forget your place?" Growled Akechi. "You are forgetting who put you in your place first, you fucking trash!"

That's it. He was going to get to the bottom of this, one way or another. He will find what had the waste of oxygen so afraid and decide by himself if it was worth anything. And in the meantime, as soon as the Phantom Thieves were finished with Okumura… he would have a perfectly valid reason to get closer to Fujimaru and Amamiya at once.

---

Two light knocks on the door. Maruki lifted his gaze from the study he was reading, noticing the late hour.

"It's open!" Confirming his expectation, cheerful amber eyes under wild orange hair slipped in. "Ah, Fujimaru-san. Please, take a seat."

"Don't mind if I do." She took the armchair and one of the cookies at once, putting her bags down. Coming straight from volleyball training, apparently.

Shutting down his laptop, Maruki searched the notepad he kept from the previous sessions. Fujimaru was one of the special cases of students coming more than once, though this category itself was separated further in the motive of those visits. Some of the feminine gents of the school seemed to have developed teenage crushes on him, to his embarrassment, and came back more than once to try to convey their feelings. Luckily, it made them receptive enough to his words to shift the subject to their real problems and send them away before receiving something even more embarrassing like a confession.

On the other hand, there were those who came for serious matters. Long standing problems like anxiety, bullying, isolation, depression… he always welcomed them and listened as best as he could, directing them to find ways to improve on their situation or at least, not fall into complete despair until he could think of a way to better help them. It was always heart-breaking to see them enter with the hope he may be able to somehow lighten their burden and leave with their problems still present, if only better feeling about it.

"So." He sat down, watching with a bit of amusement as the cookie had already disappeared. "How was your day?"

"Meh, pretty standard. The team's getting better, but they still slack in packing their stuff. You wouldn't believe how long some of the girls spend in that shower."

"Isn't that usually something men say?"

"Believe me, I get why they complain sometime. I'd like my after-training shower to happen before school closes."

"And have you brought this to their attention?"

"Yep. Sadly, their answer is usually 'get in here first!'."

"Haha." Maruki adjusted his glasses. "The sad reality of sharing amenities. Is it different from how they treat you on the field?"

"Yeah, it is. When we train, they're so deferential it's almost jarring. They really want me to become captain since the last one resigned… poor gal still feels guilty about that whole mess." The name 'Kamoshida' was left unsaid. "The way they talk like I'm about to lead them to national, I didn't expect to hear it here."

Maruki noted the employ of 'here' on the notepad and linked it to previous scribbles he wrote. That was not the first time he picked up these little slips of tongue… Fujimaru was certainly of the second category of patients. There was a pain here, a deep pain she didn't let anyone see, something he could relate all too much… Though, she was far from a lost case. From the very start, she admitted to having issues and having trouble coming around to talk about them, which had been the moment he realized Fujimaru already had a firm grasp on her situation. It might be a long running work to slowly have her find confidence, be it in herself or in him, to open up, but he was certain it would be worth in the end. And frankly, Maruki enjoyed having her in session. She was smart, always ready to learn and had an interesting deductive thinking. Though not as intellectually intuitive as Amamiya, he did made adjustments in his paper based on their conversations.

"It feels strange, sometime, you know? Since my years abroad, people are looking at me so differently. I was kind of invisible, before. The usual kid. Now the teachers are all kind of respectful, the principal look at me like I'm the golden goose itself, and my classmates seems to hesitate all the time between jealousy, admiration and curiosity." Her tired sigh told him plainly about her opinion on the matter.

"I'm sure you understand these reactions."

"Yeah, no, I don't blame them. I just didn't expect to be the one to be gawked at, ever."

Maruki underlined some of his previous notes. It seemed he has been thinking in the right direction.

"Does it make you feel isolated? To be put on such a pedestal, it cannot be easy. I know from Yoshizawa-san it can be a heavy thing to carry."

"… Yeah." She stretched and took another cookie. "My life changed so much when I look at it objectively. If I'd told myself half the schedule I have now, I would have laughed it as a bad joke. Now I study and train more separately than most do combined to keep that level, and it's like society has put the laurel on my head. I'm half expecting twenty-three knives to spring forth during graduation."

And here were the historical and literary jokes. He had never expected to find himself asking about so many references before, or even to borrow so many books on the subject at the library. Anything to not be as embarrassed when she mischievously asked if he needed remedial courses. At least he did know that last one was a reference to Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator. One point for awareness!

"Yet on the other hand… I still feel like me, you know?" Focusing back on what she was saying, Maruki listened attentively. "I don't think I changed who I am. I still have the same hobbies, the same favorite dishes, I still find my dad's weird version of coffee terrible… I feel like it's what's around me that changed, weirdly enough, when I know it didn't."

There was something here. A fear of change, of not being able to recognize oneself? No, perhaps a disconnection between how she saw the world before and now. She found the world strange compared to before, she didn't think she was herself different or that the world changed. A difference in perspective that had all its importance, especially to Maruki and what he was researching…

"I think you may have some difficulties apprehending how much larger your vision of the world has become." That must be it. Now, he just had to let it down on her, gently. "You think you haven't changed, and you are lucid enough to realize the world around you hasn't. Perhaps both are true. In that case, it stands to reason it is your way of seeing the world that changed."

"Could someone really see the world so differently without having changed themselves?"

"Of course! Look at this cookie you just ate. If it had been in a fancy package instead of a small store's, you would have probably appreciated the taste a lot more. Yet, you as a person would not have changed between the two packages. Just your perception."

"That's not really the same, though." She noted to his embarrassment.

"H-hum, of course." Taking a sip of his juice box, the counsellor gathered his thoughts to find something better. "Ah, I got it. Let's say you're in an art gallery, and you notice a beautiful painting of a city. It's a bright and happy painting you keep in mind. A year later and after visiting many other galleries, you come back to find the same painting. It's still painted in bright and happy colors, but now you notice things you didn't remember: the windows are shaped like tombstones, the doors like coffins, and all the trees are all cherry blossom losing their leaves. Is the painting still the same?"

"It still is. I just wouldn't find it happy anymore, because I see what I didn't previously." Nodded Fujimaru, grasping what he meant.

"Exactly! My point is, I think it's formidable you managed to both expand your horizon and retain your own self through what you have lived. Many people don't realize their heart is changing until they have become an entirely different person, or they notice it too late to change the distortion that took root in their heart.

"… Thanks, counsellor. It makes me feel a bit better."

Despite this little progress, Maruki was still frustrated. The root of her problem was still her inability to properly communicate about her issues. She told him about the research project her overseas scholarship has been attached to, about the non-disclosure-agreement she signed about it, and as a researcher he understood perfectly where it came from. It simply made his job so much more difficult than it had any right to be. Fujimaru was hurt, he knew it, and the more he interacted with her the more he suspected it was deeper and more painful than she should ever have to carry. It was buried and contained, but not forgotten. No, if his assessment was right, Fujimaru was not the type to forget.

"Let's go back to what you said about that disconnect. How society sees you, and you see yourself. Would you prefer to come back to that time, where nothing was expected of you?"

"Hum… a bit. I mean, it's not like I dislike being appreciated for the efforts I do. It's great. On the other hand, I'm not a big fan on being scrutinized and watched over like that. Or worse, idolized." The girl pushed back in the armchair, pensive. "If anything, I wouldn't mind being forgotten by history."

"That's… a pretty humble desire." Maruki should have felt better, learning more about what Fujimaru wished, but he was still unsatisfied. There was more to it, a lot more, and he needed to find out to help her.

"Heh. Some dream of conquering, changing, or leaving an indelible mark upon the world. Me… I just wish to live normally. To live healthily. And to enjoy this beautiful world."

There. There it was. Maruki almost fell over leaning too much and barely caught himself. There was a sense of finality and longing. For herself? No. For someone else… Was is it? It could be just a coincidence, but it would make sense. It would explain some of the inconsistencies he picked up many times over. But how to approach it… well, there was only ever a single solution, wasn't it?

"Fujimaru-san… there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"I thought you were the counsellor here." Her good-natured teasing was too much not to smile.

"It's true, but fortunately there is nothing preventing one to disclose their experiences. To tell you the truth… I was engaged to someone, before. We, uh, broke up in end. N-not that it's a tragedy it anything she is happy now, anyway! I'll always remember her." He didn't need to go deeper. He didn't want to. "Is there someone you held in a similar regard? Someone you wanted to experience that life with?"

He knew he was right on the money when all the cheerfulness, all the easy-going attitude she had seemingly evaporated. Maruki hoped he didn't go too far, that he didn't scare her into closing herself. He was so close, so close to being actually able to help her.

"You noticed I never called you doctor, isn't it?"

"I did." It had been one of the first thing he noticed, actually. "There is someone else you called that, isn't it?"

"He was my doctor." Her voice was smaller. Less assured. "We were close. Very close. I think we could… we would have been happy together."

"I see…" It was painful to hear. Even if he had no details yet, he already suspected it did not end remotely better than his own story.

"You remind me a bit of him, you know?"

"Oh really? How so?"

"You're just as awkward." She dropped with complete sincerity.

"Oh…" He must have looked so miffed it brought a smile on Fujimaru's face.

"Sorry, but it's true. And I think you remind me of him for another reason… it's probably part of being a counsellor, I suppose. But the way you carry yourself as that sort of nice guy everyone can be friend with, I don't think you end up making connections with anyone. As if you would rather disappear from their lives once you helped solve their problems rather than keep living on with them."

There it was. It didn't come often, but when it did, it made him uneasy. That way of looking, as if she had seen much, much more than someone her age should have, and how she seemed to pierce right through him. Amamiya had a similar edge when they discussed cognitive pscience, but it was certainly due to him being, as a Phantom Thieve, kind of a firsthand experimenter on the subject. It wasn't like here, where he felt as if he was the one under examination.

"I don't think you are wrong. But a counsellor is not really someone you are supposed to get too attached to. Do you think it is different from your own wish of being left forgotten by history?"

"Yes. I don't care if the world doesn't remember me. But I won't forget someone who impacted my life, and I don't want them to forget me either."

Her rebuttal was instantaneous, and once again Maruki felt more scrutinized and queasier than he was comfortable dealing with.

"I see. Going back to your doctor, he feels like someone interesting. Do you think you can have us meet one day?"

"It's impossible. I mean, I wish I could see him again. I really do, but… it's not how it is."

"… I disagree." Maruki put down his notes. "Fujimaru-san, you know what they say. There are some wishes that come true if you wish hard enough, isn't it? I'm sure this can be one of those dreams. Even if it may seem impossible, miracles can happen anytime."

"If I wish hard enough, huh?" There was something almost derisive, in her tone. Not directed at him, but… at herself? He was missing something. "I was right. You two couldn't be more different. But you know, I don't dislike your idea. I'm a bit like that deep down, I think… I haven't renounced the idea he might come back. Even if it's impossible." She took her bag and stood up.

"That's not a bad way to see it. Who knows? Maybe one day, you will have your miracle." Maruki smiled, even if didn't quite reach her.

Once Fujimaru left, his gaze fell back on his notes. Was she going to come back? He hoped so. Today, they made good progress. Perhaps with a bit more time, he could push her to look at life in a more positive way. And when his research will succeed… he will make sure she gets her happiness.

---

The cold air of Mementos whistled past the red rider, his mount stampede scaring away the small Shadows lurking in the dark. Mementos was a battleground as poor as one could find, with little on the way of obstacles, flanking and ambush, but a battlefield it was still, and thus Eligos would treat it with respect. A hand on the reins, the Demon God scanned the surroundings, using his divination to determine the most efficient path to their goal. While during his awakening he lost the innate familiarity the Shadows possessed about their vast prison, his power as Solomon's creation was far superior.

"Orobas, is the Black Mask present?" Asked their Master.

"He is not. Only Shadows lurk within this floor."

"What of the general populace?"

"They are following the same road to the depths. I cannot find any deviation."

The large red horse man was keeping pace easily with his mount, green eyes focusing on the unseen. The second of his kin to be awakened, whose powerful clairvoyance was more than welcome to assist Fujimaru Ritsuka in their expedition of the subterranean prison.

"Caim, is the path ahead clear?"

"Yes, yes! The Cloaked Fear has yet to come. The path is open, yes!"

The third and most recent of the Demon Gods to have awakened croaked with certainty, flying as high as the ceiling allowed. Taking the form of a large blackbird with four limbs and a belt to which a sheathed sword was attached, he accomplished the dangerous and necessary task of scouting the arrival of the dangerous Shadow known as the Reaper. Despite their extensive knowledge the Demon Gods were not aware of the true nature of this being, only that it was neither a pawn of the labyrinthic prison, nor its custodian. Caim leaned toward an amalgamation of humanity's fears of death, which is why he called it the Cloaked Fear. Eligos did not agree; his theory was that of a human soul who refused to dissolve back into the cycle of reincarnation and ended up trapped within the collective unconscious.

"On to the next level, then." Commanded Fujimaru Ritsuka.

Heeding their Master's order, the demons moved as quickly as prudence allowed. Eligos would be denying the truth if he didn't find a small manner of disappointment in their current task. The Trickster and his awakened followers were pillaging the false cosmic outpost at the very moment the Demon Gods and their Master were diving in the depths of Mementos. Once more the Pseudo Reality Marble was tailored for the Phantom Thieves to explore and take advantage of, further suggesting it was modelled into its current form by an outside influence. This had the disadvantage the Demon Gods and their Master were not suited for its exploration, not without extensive use of magical energy to obtain a similar Presence Concealment and environment adaptation the Phantom Thieves naturally possessed. All in all, a pointless waste for the benefit a closer analysis of the mind structure would potentially bring.

Nevertheless, Eligos was… happy, yes, happiness was the right term for the emotion he felt. Happy to have others of the Demon Gods back with him, especially those whose views aligned with his own. And his joy was shared within the smaller network they had established. Taking a sharp turn, Eligos followed the flow of destiny to a slightly longer path, a net gain of data perceived within this specific choice of intersection. Soon it was rewarded as a writhing mass of Shadow noticed their presence and exploded into its component: large headless red, white, and black humanoids whose torse was the face of a ferocious leopard.

"Flauros, Flauros! Master, should we awake or leave him? What should we do of Flauros?" Croaked Caim, recognizing the reflection of their kin within the collective unconscious construct.

"Annihilate him." With the cold-spoken command came the mental set of instruction, and with a battle cry Eligos charged first in the melee.

His spear pierced a fatal wound on the first Shadow, making them all focus on him. The barrier he raised resisted the mana empowered spiked fists that crashed into it, ones that would have been conceptually much stronger had the Shadows been cornered instead of faced head on. Before they could adapt Caim came from above and unleashed a shrilling scream, sowing supernatural confusion and panic. Orobas neighed and threw a barrage of sharp stalactites, piercing through the Shadows and leaving them lacerated and frozen statues. With a final cleave Eligos shattered them, ending the battle.

"A question, if I may." Sensing her curiosity, Eligos continued. "This is our fifth encounter with Shadows of Flauros. Not once have you seemed to consider another option but destruction. Why is that?"

"You know what Flauros did."

"You are aware those constructs are not Flauros." Answered Orobas. "What is it you seek? What purpose is there in your decision?"

"I don't care if it isn't really him. I know it's meaningless." Fujimaru Ritsuka looked at the dispersing frozen volutes of black, her voice full of bitterness. "There is no reward but my own satisfaction."

Eligos mulled over this answer. How strange. How alien, even to his new existence. How… human. His conclusion was shared across their link, and similar analyses were returned.

"Very well. The path of Akzeriyyuth is near and open, Master. Do you wish to go on?"

Upon confirmation, the Demons and their Master left the crossroad and descended deeper into the depths. Slowly the sick green atmosphere shifted to a dark violet tone, indicating they successfully changed area from Kaitul to Akzeriyyuth. From the Virtue-Robbing Path to the Compassion-Robbing path. The most likely explanation was a reference to the Qliphoth, a twisted reversal of the Tree of Life found in Kabbalistic studies, something he confirmed with his kin before sharing with their Master. To what aim, they only had suspicions yet. The first few floors and the rest Area presented no particular interest, with neither traces of the Black Mask nor noteworthy deviations. On the fifth floor…

"The foreign scout is present here." Declared Orobas.

"Jose?" Asked their Master, pausing for an instant. "Let's meet him."

Anticipation coursed through the link as Eligos followed his kin' indications, their clairvoyance complementing the divination he performed. The little being was difficult to perceive through other means than eyesight, most likely the reason Shadows seemed to be unable to register his presence. Finding him by simply exploring had been the most effective method until Caim awakened, allowing them to pierce through the veil of unknown. Quickly enough a long tunnel led them to a starry decorated section, where the small automobile and its resident waited.

"Hi there, miss."

"Jose! How are you doing?" Asked Fujimaru Ritsuka, sliding down his mount to face the small being.

"I'm okay. Wanna trade flowers?"

"We sure do. Caim?"

"Here, here! Flowers for the star child!" With a croak, Caim held out an enormous bouquet.

This Jose was intriguing the Demon Gods. They had a solid theory on to where these flowers came from: remnants left behind by the Shadows mindlessly travelling to the depths of Mementos, whose paths were slowly emptying this land's humans of their spirit. Using such things as substitute to study humanity, by absorption no less, painted this child like creature into an interesting light.

"Whoa, so many!" The yellow flowers flowed to the child's hand, transforming into a large bottle he started to sip. "Phew. So, waddaya want?"

"Can you do the same trick as last time?"

"Hum… for all these flowers? Yes, I think so. Do you have a name?"

"Alloces." Eligos, Orobas and Caim declared as one.

"Alright… Let's see…"

The little creature searched in his mess until finding an oversized hammer, as big as its wielder. Tapping the ground tentatively to find the best spot, before deciding on one that didn't seem any different from the rest.

"And… humph!"

The hammer fell. Immediately upon impact, Eligos felt a tremor agitating the cognitive world, its energy flowing in vastly different directions. Had the Demon Gods been whole and together, they would certainly understand and be able to replicate such power easily. As it was, they could only observe and understand as much as they could from afar.

"There. It should've appeared somewhere lower."

"Thank you, Jose. Have fun learning today!" Said the Master, climbing back on the horse.

With a new objective they rode out at increased speed, ignoring the fleeing Shadows before them. The distortion brought by the star child would not last very long, they needed to get to the source before it disappeared out. Barely taking the time to control if the Reaper and the Black Mask were not present, the mad rush ended right before the staircase leading to the next area of Mementos. There, a bubble of dark tar fumed, swirling, rising, as if it was going to burst. As one, the Demon Gods erected a Bounded Field to prevent any and all witnesses or interlopers. Fujimaru Ritsuka stepped down from his horse and approached the birthing nucleus of cognitive energy, left hand risen. This step, she had to do alone.

"Hear. Think. Feel. Thou born of the foundation, if rhou remember thy role, step forth. Thou born of the abyss, if thou remember mine voice, come forth. Thou who bear station as one of the seventy-two, come forth!"

The bubble froze. Then slowly, a large figure emerged from the black tar. An equine hoof covered by a bat wing trampled the stone path. Sharp talons sprang from a steel armor. A lion's mane moved in the wind, overhanging a fiery gaze. Breaking free from the miasma, the centaur-like demon came out in its full splendor, dwarfing even Eligos in height.

"Who are you to summon me?" Boomed the Shadow, leaning forward and gauging the Master. "There is something familiar about you, mortal. Something which compels me to listen… why is that?"

"Because this place is a prison, one you do not belong to." She stepped forward, unflinching and dauntless, raising her voice. "Heed me! I am Fujimaru Ritsuka, the one who conquered the Timeless Temple! Remember thyself, for thou art Alloces, twenty-third of the seventy-two and administrator of the Gazing Star!"

For a fateful instant, nothing happened. Then Alloces flinched and straightened up, the role forced upon him shattering as their fateful connection formed.

"I remember… I am not a Shadow born of this place. I am a demon born of human wishes, who gained designation as one of the seventy-two!"

It was time. Acting as one, Eligos, Orobas and Caim proceeded with the next step of the ritual initiated by their Master.

"Hear us, our kin. Though our King is no more, our union stands beyond the crown. Remember yourself and join us as one."

The connection formed. And in that instant, a vision flickered. That of a great pillar rooted in earth and reaching the heaven, its innumerable eyes seeing all that exist. Then as if it was a mere dream, the centaur-like demon was once again there, the flames he exhaled a single sign of life. Finally, he knelt, acknowledging their victor and tether.

"Our contract is formed, Fujimaru Ritsuka. I, Alloces, twenty-third of the Demon Gods, swear my allegiance to you."

The Contract Seal on the Master's hand glowed in unison with his words, before dimming back to its usual presence. It was done. Already data were exchanged, compared and analysed through the budding network of the Demon Gods, growing faster and more efficient with another addition.

"Are your circuits holding, Master?" Neighed Orobas.

"Sure do. Point for not sucking me dry, and I'll trust it won't be too much up there as well." She exhaled and flexed her left hand. "That ritual you devised is one damn tiring spell, but I'm getting the hang of it. Let's check the entrance below and go back. Eligos-"

"Allow me." The talons serving as Alloces fingers plucked Fujimaru Ritsuka delicately and placed her on his back.

"Oh." She quickly tested her balance and support. "Now that's a much higher point of view. Shame Caim won't carry me in the air."

An indignant croak answered her before they took the slope and reached the midway point between layers of Mementos, the imitation of metro station. It was barely high enough for Alloces to materialize in, but fortunately there would be no battle here. Even the Reaper did not appear in this place.

"Still closed, it seems. Would it be possible to force its opening, even temporarily?"

"… Not without alerting the Palace Ruler." Summarized Eligos after a small exchange between the Pillars.

"Alright, emergencies only." Tapping the stone-like material, the Master became pensive. "Although… there is a lot of power coursing here, right? Could you use it as a makeshift leyline?"

"… We may. What is your objective?"

She slowly raised her left hand, the proof of contract glowing faintly.

"I want my Command Spells back. Or at least an equivalent I could use in a pinch, like the Reaper catching us or a prolonged emergency in the real world."

The proposal made its way into their union. Some details of the Heroic Spirit summoning system were still present in their memories, including Command Spells. The principle was sound. Its structure would need to be adjusted and some of its function revised to take into account the Pillars different nature from Servants. Succeeding alterations were transmitted from each of them until they reached a satisfying template, further refined before seeing complete approval.

"We acquiesce. Follow our instructions."

A few drops of Ritsuka Fujimaru's blood served as the foundation of the circle inside which she sat, tracing and pronouncing some of the incantations. More than once she hesitated, brief moments of doubt before pushing forward and completing the ritual's physical components. Each Pillar stood at a cardinal point, making sure their action would not be perceived by either the Palace Rulers or the Shadows lurking outside the transition area itself.

"How long is it going to take?"

"Should the leyline remain stable, three hours and forty-seven minutes for a single Command Spell."

"Right. We're stopping at one today." She shook her head, glancing at the circle. "Still… that's incredible. It took Chaldea a full twenty-four hour to recharge them after a mission."

"These will be closer in potency to the originals used in the Holy Grail War."

"That's even more impressive."

Silence settled. The Pillars focused on the ritual and the delicate process of manipulating the makeshift leyline, regulating and refining the prana. An hour passed, with no sound but a singular breathing and the regular passage of metro cars containing imprisoned Shadows, ferried to the depths.

"…Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Ask. If it is in our power, answer we shall." Boomed Alloces, whose voice made the ground vibrate.

"… Why do you guys help me?" Without moving from her position, Fujimaru Ritsuka pointed at herself. "I got it for my Servants. Even the most deranged and villainous ones didn't want to see the world gone. But you," She waved at them. "you tried to, almost did destroy it. And Chaldea stopped that. I killed Goetia. I want to understand why, despite that, you would join my side. Stay at my side, once I helped you remember yourself."

"… A complex question, Master. One worth asking." Said Eligos. "Perhaps you recall the words of Goetia. How we were born as a living spell from Solomon's work."

"Yeah. I do." Her fists closed and tightened. "He told us he was the result of your aggregation. That he spoke for all of you, and held your common ideal."

"True, true! Our regrets, our laments, our hopes, our pride. Yet not all was common, not all was shared." Croaked Caim. "Seventy-two we were still, seventy-two minds under one! Dissensions, divisions, distractions, there was some and there was none!"

"Wait. Are you telling me some of you were… peer pressured?" She said incredulously.

"Not in the same sense humans experience it." Nuanced Orobas. "Though, it is an appropriate analogy. Under Goetia, we were all united, no matter what happened to each individual Pillar. Our union was indestructible. That is, until Ars Nova happened."

"Romani…" Grieving. An emotion that was once alien to them. "I remember now. Goetia said something like, the seventy-two would become individual demons… is that what happened? You found yourselves free to think and act without every other Demon Gods' mind influencing you?"

"Of the seventy-two, few were those who fought to the bitter end like Belial, Decarabia, Dantallion and Flauros. Many simply let themselves die once the union was dissolved, such as Paimon, Morax, Botis and Amdusias. Other self-destructed, unable to handle the contradictions brought by their new, individual existence. Agares, Gamigin, Vassago and Ose were among them." Listed Alloces solemnly. "Orobas and I turned against our brethren and protected the Heroic Spirits before being destroyed."

"Caim, Gusion and myself ceased our attacks and engaged in discussion with the Heroic Spirits. We for our last moments of existence to honor our original purpose: to attain true wisdom." Stated Eligos

"I had no idea." Whispered Fujimaru Ritsuka, stunned by this revelation. "So that's why you insisted I recruit Orobas and ask Jose to attract Caim and Alloces. You all decided to side with humanity in the end… but still, why help me? Is is simply for another chance at life?"

"That is part of the answer." Admitted Eligos, taking the role of voice of the gathered Pillars. "Master, understand our species is gone. Each and every one of us was destroyed with the end of the Timeless Temple. Ars Nova erased even the curse we spread alongside the Crests of magus. There should have been no way for us to return. Until you contracted a Shadow formed of the cognition humanity had of me."

"… that's the sickest joke I think I've ever heard. Are you saying I am the sole reason the Demon God Pillar can still exist!?" Asked the Master with a strangled and indignant voice.

"You are the one who defeated us. You are the last proof we existed."

Eligos hit the ground with his spear, the irony not lost on him. Now was the best, and only time. Even without his divination, the fifteenth Demon God knew there would be no better moment to sway the doubts that may arise.

"For all our omniscience, we failed to understand humanity. It is an error we… no, I, wish to see corrected. I want to see with my own eyes how humanity prevailed upon us. That is why we are helping you, Fujimaru Ritsuka. That is why I am pleading you, the one who defeated us, the one most wronged by us, to return as many of my brethren as you can. O, Last Master of Mankind, I beseech you. Grant us this one last chance to give our existence meaning, before sending us back to the void."

She gauged him, gauged them, with an unreadable gaze, their mental link to her giving away naught but hesitant pondering. No matter what her decision would be, the Demon Gods would respect it. Each of them, as an individual, decided it in their own free will, without the use of their clairvoyance. The only thing left to them… was faith. To wait, and hope.

"… Dammit. You…" A weak thump. Her fist hit the ground, rage and pain radiating her conflicted visage. "If this idiot somehow foresaw this… if he still is making me clean up his mess! I wish I could only see you as the monsters you are! The monsters who took away my friends! Who took away my love!"

Once more, silence settled. For a moment that seemed to stretch onto eternity, the Pillars waited.

"… I gave them all a chance, didn't I? All of my Servants, no matter who they were, no matter what they did…To give your existence meaning, huh?.… Fine. If it's what you truly want… I'll give you this chance. One chance." She stared at them severely, one by one, ending with Eligos. "Don't make me regret it."

Pride. Gratitude. Relief. Acceptance. Such were the feelings coming over each of the Demon Gods, acknowledging the grace that has been granted to them. Serving humanity has always been their role, the task given to them. Long did they abhor this task, what they could only conceive as an indignity. Only now were they serving that purpose. Only now were they starting to understand why.

"O Solomon, our creator we could not understand. Was this something you foresaw too?"

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 6: To Find Comfort

"Welcome. What can I do for you?"

The ringing of Leblanc's bell and Soujiro's usual greeting announced the arrival of a late client. Busy cleaning the dishes, Ren took a gander and found a familiar figure.

"Hi Boss! I've been promised your coffee and curry, and woe to those who stand in my way!" Proclaimed Ritsuka from the entrance with a huge grin on her face.

"Really now? Luckily, it seems all tables are free." Sojiro showed the empty shop, whose previous clients had already left some time ago.

"Curses. I hoped for a foe or two to sharpen my appetite." Sliding to a table, the girl smelled the air with closed eyes. "Though what's in the air is already working wonder."

"Always glad to hear that. So, one coffee and a plate of curry?"

"Make it two plates of curry. I'm famished."

"Coming right up." Sojiro turned to him with a cheeky smile. "I'll be handling that. Why don't you entertain the lady over there?"

Ren nodded and finished drying the last dishes. Telling anything would only expose him to more teasing from his guardian, as much as he wished to dispel the weird idea Sojiro had that he was trying to seduce all the women in his life. Which, he was pretty sure, would end with him incorporated into the pavement by repeated applications of blunt force.

"You really look good in that apron. Is someone trying to become a househusband in the future?"

And of course, the Ritsuka patented teasing. Well, let's put some payback on that.

"Two plates of curry? Is someone trying to get more meat on the bones?"

"Hey, you only have to worry about it down there. Keeping them around is a full-time expenditure for me."

Them. The comfortable euphemism, preferable to 'maybe real demons maybe coming from Hell that maybe Ritsuka will stop collecting like they were Pokemon', as Futaba put it. Invisible, incorporeal, always watching and listening, only speaking out loud when someone else needed to hear, because apparently outside of Mementos they mostly spoke in her mind. Ren was not spooked, not like Makoto or Futaba were, but it was something he tried not to think about too much whenever he was with Ritsuka.

"By the by, how are things going with your boyfriend? He hasn't contact me since last time, I'm worried I spooked him." Of course she would word it like that, what could a guy do in these cases…

"We met at Leblanc recently. Pretty much the same as usual I'd say, if frustrated by the current Phantom Thieves fad." Ren wisely chose not to include the part where they went into the communal bath. He would not be hearing the end of it.

"I'd say he is right being worried about it. There's something fishy going on, and I'm not talking about the weird new Heart-Taker cocktails they're serving in some bars. All that hype doesn't feel entirely… natural."

"Journalists are being pressured into writing more and more Phantom Thieves articles." Informed Ren, remembering what Ohya spilled last time. "It's like the heads of edition have become obsessed with it. They are even told to make fake ones if necessary."

"That's… not a good sign. And maybe another clue on what may be really going on here." Muttered Ritsuka.

"You have a suspicion in mind?"

"Let's just say I haven't just been tracking you-know-who and gathering allies down there. Lots of things may be starting to make sense in the worst ways. I'll explain once we're in private."

She was piquing his curiosity. With Okumura's Palace occupying them entirely, the team hadn't had time to go into Mementos. If she did find a link between the place and how people seemed to get more and more radicalized both online and in real life…

"Let's not sweat it for now, we worry enough as it is. On another subject, Ryuji told me you went to watch The Cake Knight Rises with him, and I'd like a second opinion before buying a physical copy."

Oh. That movie.

"It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever watched. And I mean, completely ridiculous." Insisted Ren. "The plot is nonsensical, the characters feel like caricatures of caricatures, and the symbolism so heavy-handed you could flatten mochi with it."

"A 'so bad its good' kinda movie?" Guessed Ritsuka, and he shrugged.

"Most of the time, I just fought the urge to laugh, but it did have good moments. Ryuji even managed to have a tear on the revenge story."

"Looks like it's a winner then! If nothing, I'll get a good laugh out of it."

"Aren't you interested in what's coming up?" Asked Ren. "The Duhvenger seems like it will be decent."

"Eh, I'm not sure. I didn't see any of the five movies or any of the comics before, you know? Jumping on the sixth instalment without having seen anything doesn't feel like a good move."

"Have you seen the trailer? It's basically a recap show."

"Not a compliment, Amamiya-kun. But hey, I might give it a shot."

They bantered a bit more about movies, something that was evidently not the greatest passion of either but served as a fine distraction from the previous subject until the commanded dish arrived.

"A first plate of curry and its coffee, coming hot." Sojiro, master of timing, brought both at the perfect time of consumption, Ren could judge it right by the divine smell he was now accustomed to.

"Thanks, Boss."

"Here, take one too. Nothing feels weirder than watching someone eat without having anything yourself." Added his guardian to Ren as he put down another cup. "Enjoy."

Ren expected Ritsuka to just start digging in immediately after Sojiro returned to his bar. However, Ritsuka seemed to have other ideas. Looking at the curry from all angles, separating some ingredients from the whole, sniffing the aroma slowly, testing the consistency of ingredients. Finally, she took a bite, then a small sip of coffee, eyes closed.

"It's good…" She whispered.

Ren studied her, drinking his coffee slowly. She did say curry was more or less her favorite dish. He had seen other people getting emotional from eating a good dish. Yet there was something deeper in her appreciation, in the way she religiously ate her plate. A more gripping happening, almost… an epiphany. It didn't feel wrong to use such a strong word. Not when he averted his gaze to let her cry in peace, tears slowly dripping on the table.

"Here is the second plate… Uh, is everything alright?" Ren looked back, Sojiro standing hesitant with the second serving.

"Yeah… It's… just right." Ritsuka dried her eyes and cheeks with her hand, then the napkin. "The other plate. Can I…?"

"Of course." Sojiro put it on the table, paused for an instant before looking at Ren. "Hey kid, come help me moving something outside."

Nodding and standing up, he followed his guardian to let her have real privacy. The sun was almost down, leaving a soft purple slowly replaced by blue-black.

"So, care to tell me what's going on? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she likes the recipe, but I've never got that reaction before."

"I think she is remembering someone else' cooking."

"Someone else…" The way Sojiro looked at his house, it was clear he got the idea. "Sheesh, you really can't help yourself but run into these things, don't you. Though I guess I can't complain too much if I keep getting clients out of it. Just make sure it's not something you do or say making girls cry, got it? I'm not going to pick up the broken pieces of whatever remains if you do that."

"Got it." Assured Ren, shivering at the thought it wasn't the girl's heart he was talking about.

They spent a few minutes in silence, Sojiro going through a smoke while he simply appreciated the calm.

"Let's get back in. I still have to close shop tonight."

When Ren came back inside it was to find two completely cleaned plates and an empty cup. Ritsuka looked like she regained her composure, with only the missing napkin and puffy eyes showing it ever happened.

"Sorry for that." She apologized quickly.

"Don't worry about it." Said the boss while Ren took the plates. "Was it to your liking?"

"…I've not eaten a curry since I came back from overseas. I wasn't sure I could find anything that would compare to what I've been served there. I didn't want to be disappointed and feel even more regrets." The orange-haired girl closed her eyes in reminiscence before crossing gaze with Sojiro. "Your curry isn't the same as theirs… but it's just as delicious. The coffee brings something different. Something new. So… thank you. I'll be sure to come back and have this as many time as I can."

"Heh, always happy to hear a satisfied customer." Smoothly said Sojiro, accepting the praise. "I'll be sure to give you a taste of all the flavors I have at my disposal."

"That's a deal, Boss." Smiled Ritsuka, shaking his hand. "Sharpen the knives and gather the spices. I won't stop until I can remake it from memory."

"You're welcome to try." He chuckled. "Another coffee before going on the road?"

"Actually, Amamiya-kun and I have some things to discuss before I leave. I'll gladly take that coffee though. And the bill."

"Coming right up."

The last coffee of the evening was brewed by the chef's expert hand while Ren put everything in order. A few minutes later he discarded the apron, Sojiro putting on the hat to return home even if the journey was so short.

"No funny business, alright? I've only got one shop."

"No worry, Boss. By the by, how much to take that delinquent up there?"

"I'll make it free just this once. Don't let him forget to lock once you're gone. Oh, and still makes him lock if you stay the night." Chuckled Sojiro, taking his leave.

"Got it Boss." Said Ristuka with a thumb up.

Ren shook his head at the alliance that has been formed with the sole intent of making him crack. Cleaning the remaining small spots of dust while Fujimaru finished her last cup, they managed to finish around the same time.

"Is Morgana upstair?"

He nodded.

"Let's go at it, then."

In the attic Morgana was laid down on the sofa, eyes downcast. It has been like this for quite some time by now. Whenever they were in the Palace or outside Morgana would find something to focus on, even if it was the most mundane thing. As soon as they were home, the façade dropped, and Morgana was left a depressed feline on whatever comfy surface he could find.

"Hey, Morgana. How's the Palace exploration going?" Greeted Ritsuka as she climbed up the stairs.

"We're close to securing the escape route. Haru's fired up, she hasn't left the main squad from the start." Said the cat in a low tone, getting a whistle in return.

"Frontline all day? Ballsy. There's some real steel beneath that gentleness."

Ren sat on the bed, while Ritsuka taking the chair near the sofa, taking a pose he could swear was the exact same Takemi took when she waited for him to describe whatever symptoms her medicine triggered. Was it a standard doctor pose? Relaxed but assertive, listening but with the knowledge they were the one who knew better.

"… I'm trying to understand." She said after a moment of silence, and Morgana flinched. "But neither me nor they can help if you say nothing. Unless you want Ren to explain in your stead."

"… I screwed up." Admitted Morgana miserably, not looking Ritsuka in the eye.

Each word came out as if a dentist was extirpating it with rusty pliers. That Morgana was willing to say it out loud was an achievement in and on itself, and it looked like, at last, he was not going to back-pedal.

"I thought I was indispensable to the Phantom Thieves. I was proud they couldn't exist without me. But when Queen joined us, I wasn't so sure anymore. She hits harder, heal just as well and she even analysed the Shadows much faster. I told myself I was still the navigator, that the success of the team depended on me the most… and that's when Oracle came in and took that role over as well. I felt I was only good enough to ferry everyone around in Mementos…"

Ritsuka glanced at Ren, who did his best not to wince before she reported her attention to Morgana. Without even counting what was to come, he was acutely aware how that mess was also his fault, taking less and less Morgana in the frontlines in favor of Makoto for the reasons outlined. Because he could easily fulfil the wind elemental role by himself, on top of the fact that Futaba's Palace had contained almost exclusively enemies who either resisted or nullified wind assaults, the result was that Morgana found himself effectively out of job beyond dedicated after-battle healer. It became even worse once Futaba came in, as their few outings in Mementos proved before the situation exploded.

"When the team disagreed about going after Okumura, I was angry. I thought everyone but me was losing sight of what being a Phantom Thief was…"

"And you picked on Ryuji because he was the easiest target." Guessed Ritsuka with a steeled voice.

"I… I did. Yusuke butted in and took Ryuji's side. When Lady Ann jumped to my rescue, I thought I had someone to count on… but then… when I told her that…" Morgana's voice lowered to barely more than a whisper, his voice derailing into meowling and his head fully buried in the sofa. "Lady Ann… rejected me… told me… just a cat… didn't care… annoying… creepy… I…"

The end of his lament was inaudible, or perhaps he couldn't muster the strength to keep speaking.

"I see. That's when you fled." Ritsuka's voice was flat, devoid of emotion as she turned to Ren. "What happened after that?"

"I stepped in too late." It took more gut than he thought to admit it out loud. Especially with how the dominos fell down from there. "I tried to calm everyone, but Makoto was furious at me for not picking up on Morgana's emotional state despite living together, and at Yusuke for not sparing his feelings. That angered him and he ranted about Morgana's and the team's hypocrisy. Ann then yelled at Yusuke, Ryuji at Ann, Makoto at Ryuji…"

He hated to think back to how helpless he had felt. How incapable of stirring the team back from this growing rift forming between them, every little crack and grievance suddenly taking a life of its own and widening the gap even further.

"Futaba couldn't handle it. It triggered a panic attack." Ritsuka's eyes widened. "She fell the stairs trying to flee and I barely caught her. That was the moment we all realized how badly we messed up. After that we all agreed to separate for the day so everyone could cool down. I stayed with Futaba until she fell asleep. She's alright now."

Not that it made him feel any better about the whole fiasco. None of this should have happened. It was his failure; one he never wanted to see happen ever again.

"I see…" She muttered, scratching her head. "That must be when you Makoto texted me, saying I didn't need to come… No wonder no one wanted to talk about it. And I get why you didn't want to involve me. At least you all came to an understanding. It didn't feel great helping you catch Morgana and Haru in Mementos."

"The team's getting over it. Having the Palace to let loose and a moral reason to go in, it's helping."

"That's good." Ritsuka turned back to the black cat, still buried in shame and distress. "Though, that's not the end of the story, isn't it. Why did you want me to come? Or rather, them?"

It took a moment before Morgana stopped hiding in the sofa and spoke again.

"I've been worried about who I am all this time, and thinking how I don't compare to the rest of the group. I tried to flee so they wouldn't have to risk themselves for someone as useless I thought they didn't even want…" The cat sat down, for the first time looking at Ritsuka. "I'm done not having the guts to face myself. I want to know the truth, even if it's not what I want to hear. And if my suspicion is correct… you knew all along, didn't you? Or at least, your demons did."

Ritsuka's gaze held Morgana's, unflinching, until she tilted her head. As if, no, certainly listening to a voice only she could hear, before she raised her left hand. The red symbol appeared, glowing and pulsing as if it was alive. Then in a dark red fog, a figure took form by her side. Simian in proportions yet devoid of fur, skin covered in mystical tattoos, a large scimitar in one hand and prayer beads around the other. A baboon pelt draped its shoulders and its canine head, large all too human-like eyes staring straight at Morgana. Ren could feel it in his bones. The creature's presence, its power was real, here, in the real world where there should be no Shadows. Then again… didn't Caroline and Justine have a power of sort too, and the ability to come into the real world?

"I am Gusion, eighth of the seventy-two, knowledgeable in past, present and future." The demon identified himself with a more delicate voice than Ren ever expected from such an appearance.

"Holy sh…"

"Is what you seek origin, identity, or purpose?"

"Oh. Hum. Was I… was I ever human?" Asked Morgana once he found his voice again, fur standing on edge.

"You already know the answer to that question." The simian demon shook his prayer bead, a distinct clinking.

"… Then it's true. Those dreams were true, I'm not a human at all. I… I'm just a thing that appeared in Mementos and wanted to believe it was once human…"

"That's not true." Ren cut the rant, refusing to see him return to the same downward spiral.

"Uh…?"

"You're not a thing." He insisted. "Even if you aren't human, we will always be our friend."

"Ren…" Morgana looked away, embarrassed. "But it's still hard to believe… or rather, to stop believing I'm human."

"I understand." Ritsuka's expression softened, her voice full of gentleness. "You built so much, gambled so much of yourself upon that one goal. I understand why it's hard to let go, why you are probably still thinking, deep down, that there may be a chance. Just tell me, and answer honestly. Why, exactly, do you want to be human? Please, think carefully."

"Hmrrr…" For a moment the cat fell silent, ears flattened. "Because… I wanted a goal of my own. Or, maybe not a goal, but something bigger… I guess more like… a reason to live." He stood up again, his voice becoming more assured. "But Ren's right… I'm a Phantom Thief. I have a Persona. This means… I can't be just a thing. I can't be just a cat. I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to be. But with you guys… I don't have to worry about that."

"And what about Ann?"

A question that seemed to pierce through Morgana's heart, leaving him once again unbalanced.

"Lady Ann… I… it's never going to work anyway, isn't it? She isn't interested in me… but… I… I mean, it's not like it was the only things I looked forward to when I'd become human… I mean… it was a lot, but… it's not like I did all I could to look cool and strong so…" His justifications and protests devolved into barely articulate mumblings, until he sighed mournfully. "I really am no different than Ryuji, hum?"

"It's alright. I'm not saying your feelings aren't real, or that it's wrong for you to have them."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Immature, maybe, but there is nothing wrong in that. I've seen worse. Much worse, from people who did not even had the luxury of change… just think about it. What you really want, and why you want them."

"… I can do that. I will do that. One thing I'm sure of is… I want Lady Ann to be happy. If my actions can help her achieve happiness, that's more than enough for me. And for you guys as well. From now on, I'm not going to hold anything back. So don't you dare make me regret my choice!"

---

Confidant: Morgana

Arcana: Magician

Rank: 9

New ability: Protect

Chance to shield Joker from and otherwise fatal attack.

---

Ren smiled, happy to see his friend taking himself out of the funk that had threatened to consume him once more.

"You have another question. Speak." Chimed in the demon.

"Do I… wait, you spoke about three things. Origin, identity, and purpose." Morgana licked his paw, less apprehensive at facing the creature. "Are you saying I was made by someone? Who is it? Why is it?"

"That, is the limit of our vision. Of our knowledge." The beads clinked once more, and only now Ren realized how long the sound echoed when it should have already dissipated. "You will find the answer in the Depths of Mementos. That, is all I can tell you."

"I guess that's something… so the depths of Mementos do hold the key to my memories…"

"My Master's energy grows faint. I shall return to the incorporeal."

"Thank you, Gusion." Said Ritsuka, who did look much more tired than at the start of the conversation. The demon bowed and disappeared and with him the sound of his beads, the atmosphere of the attic returning to normal.

"Is it really that tiring?" Asked Ren, curious.

"Oh yeah. Between here and Mementos, you can't imagine the difference. Especially using their abilities." She stretched reflexively, suppressing a yawn. "Is everything alright, Morgana?"

"I think so. I guess I have a lot to think of…" The cat shook himself, as if to refocus. "Now, onto another topic. I heard what you said downstairs."

"About the movies?" Joked Ren, earning the most irritated gaze a cat could send.

"Not that! Fujimaru, you said there was something off about the way the public is reacting."

"There is." Gravity replaced the gentle seriousness of before as she leaned in. "I've been looking for traces of the Black Mask, and unfortunately, there aren't any. The Pillards -my demons that is- think it's because of the changing shape of Mementos, in the same way the Black Masks is likely incapable of finding us directly, bare the possibility he enters Mementos in the same day and by the same entrance."

"Despite that, you are sure he has been here."

"I'm certain. However, as you heard, this is not the most pressing matter. Because there is one thing in Mementos that never, ever changes. I think you already know what it is."

"The trains." Deduced Joker.

"Precisely." Nodded Ritsuka. "Everyday, the train ferry Shadows toward the depths. And everyday, it's like the public is gravitating less and less toward reacting as a diverse group and more and more as a monolithic bloc. And by that I mean a lot, lot more than usual in Japan. Have you checked the Phan-site ratings?"

"That percentage is almost unreal." He agreed.

"Recently it gained almost 20% in a single night. There is definitely something very, very wrong either with the website or with the public, and perhaps even with both. Let me recap what the Pillars and I discovered."

She put her fingers up, and lowered her little finger.

"First, Shadow of peoples, real Shadows, not their cognitive version, are going to the depths everyday, without fail."

Another finger down.

"Secondly, the public is starting to react more and more like a single entity."

A third one.

"Third, each path of Mementos correspond to the loss of a spiritual quality. Thought-robbing Path, Harmony-robbing Path, Temperance-robbing Path, Virtue-robbing Path, and the last we have access to, the Compassion-robbing Path. I'm quite sure it will be similar for any path left before reaching the depth."

The thumb went down.

"Fourth. Every single of my demons, no matter when they were Shadows still or after their awakening, has only referred to Mementos as two things. A labyrinth… and a Prison."

Her index went down slowly.

"Lastly. Someone is out there with the knowledge of the Metaverse. someone who have obtained researches on cognitive pscience long before the Metaverse even was accessible, and may even have the backing of other people. Maybe powerful people."

"Are you suggesting… that Mementos is not the Palace of the public… but the Palace of someone capable of encompassing the entirety of Japan? Someone actively robbing the general public of their free will by bringing the public's Shadows into its depths?" Whispered Morgana, horrified.

"It's just a theory, but it would explain a lot of things. You told us that it's only when the Palace ruler consider someone a threat they their rebellious spirit manifest inside. So… if what you told us is correct, Morgana, why would the general public, who had absolutely no way of knowing your existence before you made a team with Ren, Ryuji and Ann, considered your presence a threat the very moment you stepped forth into Mementos?"

"That's insane!… are you implying they see anyone with the ability to enter the Metaverse, no, simply to use cognitive pscience at all, as a threat? It would mean… that they are aware of the Palace. That it's not a coincidence we can enter deeper and deeper each time we take down a target. As we get more dangerous to them, we become closer to unmask them, and Mementos open more and more…"

A shiver descended Ren's spine as he contemplated the implications, Sojiro's warning against going to an opponent they can't defeat coming back to his mind. What were they even fighting? Was it really the Palace rulers and their distorted desires… or something else?

"It's just a theory." Tempered Ritsuka. "Frankly, even the Pillars are not of the same mind about it. Mementos might just be, like you believed, a communal Palace and the public considering someone, anyone deviating from the norm a threat."

"The trains could also be simply the representation of the radicalization of the public's opinion and how people are dragging each others down binary opinions, leaving little room for nuance. And if it's a Prison… isn't the way people are crushed under society's rigid rule how many people would consider living imprisoned? In their life, in their job?" Brought up Morgana.

"Maybe. However, there is one thing the Pillars are all in accord. Even if Mementos is the unified Palace of the general public, it doesn't mean it deviates from another norm. There is a Palace Ruler. Singular."

"Are you sure?" Insisted the cat, to which Ritsuka solemnly nodded.

"I would bet my life on it."

That information was… disturbing. Who could even be, what could even be the Ruler of a Palace made of the entirety of Japan? They had no way to think about it except with wild guesses. Better focus on what was in front of them. Besides…

"… Mementos sounds like a problem we will have to solve down the road." Pointed out Ren.

"Now that you say it… that true." Mused Morgana. "Once we have stolen Okumura's Treasure and he reveals the culprit behind the Mental Shutdowns, we will have a better idea on where to go."

Ren and Ritsuka both nodded, and the latter stood up with a yawn.

"Alright, that's enough emotions for an evening. I'll let you decide if we talk about this to the team now or later. I'm tired and it's late, I better come back before the last trains leave."

"Why not sleep here tonight?" Proposed Ren, getting a laugh in answer.

"Sure, if you want me to go all Lancelot and Guinevere. I'm not sure you'd like your bed after that." Seeing his blank face, she developed. "In some versions of the story, to prevent a full adultery despite their forbidden love, Lancelot and Guinevere had a sword stuck in the bed between them, so any of them trying to make a move would be cut by the sword."

"No need to get so extreme. I'm sure Ren would sleep on the sofa, and I don't think Boss will appreciate the attic bed cut in half… wait, where would you even find a sword?" Asked a very confused Morgana.

"Secret." She winked. "My own bed sounds more tempting though, so I'll pass."

"I… see…" The cat jumped up on the stair's top, sitting down. "On an unrelated note… Thank you for helping me think things through."

"Nothing I wouldn't do for a friend." Morgana didn't resist when Ritsuka scratched behind his ears, purring in pleasure at the expert gesture.

"Ooooh, that's the spot…."

"You did say you had met worse." Remembered Ren from a bit earlier.

"Oh yeah, I did said that." Changing from the ears to underneath the cat's chin, she sighed. "Well, I can tell you as much. I've met people with… issues. Some of them had identity issues. Painful ones. So I can understand why it affected Morgana so much. And that's not the worst I've seen…"

"So… you wouldn't have minded if I was really some sort of monster cat?" Managed Morgana between purrs of contentment.

"Mona, I'm having literal demons with me all day. You're barely in the 50% scale of weirdness." She giggled at herself. "I think you're right on point, though. It doesn't matter much what you are. Who you decide to be… that is what makes you. Makes us all."

Ren nodded, thinking. His understanding of Ritsuka really deepened tonight…

---

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 6

New ability: Survival Kit

Once per battle, allow the use of an outside combat recovery item in battle.

---

"Well, time to go catch that train. Good night Ren. Good night Morgana."

He watched her descend the stair, and heard the bell ring for the last time of the evening. Well. Time to close and go to sleep. School wouldn't care about excuses if he came late and Morgana wouldn't let him hear the end of it…

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon, Rank 7: To Climb Back

The slightly dizzying sensation created by moving between a budding Palace and Mementos quickly passed as the cat bus reached its destination. The isolated, closed off area was just the same as any other where Shadows cultivated their individual wickedness, with a single differentiation: this time, there were two Shadows.

"There. It's the Shadows of Kana-chan's parents." Said Oracle, looking at the couple standing near-still further ahead.

"Why are there so many parents who try to exploit their children?" Asked a repulsed Queen, fists ready.

Akechi had to repress a dark chuckle. Oh, Nijima junior, how naïve and foolish you are.

"Don't overthink it. Let's worry more about helpin' their daughter." Asserted Skull.

"We have to change their hearts if we want to save Oracle's friend!" Agreed Panther, all fired up.

What a pity they were so focused on the little, insignificant things. Even as they were on a dangerous deadline with Sae-san's Palace, they still took a precious time being slaves of the whining masses unable to solve their own problems. Though, on this case in particular, Akechi found himself much more inclined to consider it worthwhile. Maybe that's why he asked Joker to be part of the frontlines. That, and he needed the Phantom Thieves to be as trusting of him as he trusted them to fall for his deception.

"Let us approach carefully. There is no telling what tricks two complementing Shadows may have in reserve." Advised Akechi.

"Your concern is duly noted, Crow."

Contrary to her words, Fujimaru's tone was cold and almost dismissive. Perched upon her enormous centaur-like Persona as if it was a steed, she dominated both the Shadows and the Phantom Thieves as if it was all beneath her, not even riding with them in the cat bus. An impression strongly reinforced by her attire. A princely attire, not unlike his own. A blue coat with gold decorations and embroideries above a pure white shirt adorned with a bow tie, white gloves, black pants, and a red-white band across the chest maintained by a metallic star, reminiscent of a military decoration. A white and gold mask covering the upper part of her face, eyes included, further removed her from the darker and yet more open masks of the rest of the team.

It was fascinating. That girl who pretended to be ordinary, who outwardly seemed to take no offense mingling with trashes and outcasts, was one whose representation of her rebellious spirit suggested something that couldn't be more removed from them. This wasn't the attire of a Phantom Thief, or any sort of secretive, underhanded representation. It was that of a ruler. A ruler of Personae and not men, maybe, yet what where Personae but the hearts of men? Unlike Joker who lied, cheated, and tricked the Shadows to obtain new masks, from what he has been told Fujimaru used her authority to make Shadows submit and become her servants. Not unlike a Palace Ruler, in a way.

Akechi focused on the two shitty parents, who had just finished babbling their puke-inducing inner thoughts and transformed into a Succubus and Incubus.

"Robin Hood!" Proclaimed Akechi, taking the initiative.

Arrows of light shot from his muscular Persona's bow and pierced both targets. Pathetic weaklings, Loki would have eviscerated each of them in a single stroke! The Succubus opened her mouth and sang, unnatural slumber trying to take a hold on him and failed. Which was not the case for all of them as the monster cat creature fell face first on the ground with a snore.

"Come on Mona, wake up!" Noir brought out an oversized fan and stroke the creature, awakening him immediately.

"Sorry Noir!" Apologized the cat.

"You're mine!" Cockily declared Joker as he summoned King Frost. Frozen statues of Jack Frost fell upon the Shadows, partly crushing them and knocking the Succubus down, her pitiful scream indicating a clear weakness to ice.

"Nice! Pass the baton and follow up!" Commented Oracle as Joker spun around and high-fived Noir.

"Milady!" The dress of the headless Persona opened to reveal a veritable arsenal…

"Left twice and up!" Commanded Fujimaru from the backline.

A triple hail of bullets was unleashed upon the two Shadows. The Incubus tried to dodge in the exact directions predicted and was shredded without mercy, putting him down as well.

"Your turn Mona!" Instead of taking the opportunity for an All-Out-Attack, the Okumura girl gave the monster cat the initiative.

"Alright! Witness my resolve!" Zorro manifested with pride and with a swing of rapier sent powerful tornadoes, the spell smashing the foes and fizzling their Shadows' forms.

Of course. She must have realized a combined beatdown carried a risk of damaging the Shadows too much, which could have led them to suffer death and a mental breakdown. And just as that deduction appeared in the detective's mind, both Shadows transformed back into their owner's appearance, begging for mercy and apologizing for their wrongdoings. Repugnant. Akechi would have just put a bullet through their unconscious brain here and there had he been alone. Not both, but at least one of them. The father, certainly, for no particular reasons at all.

"I supposed they were too weak for caution to be truly warranted." He concluded, watching the proto-Treasure being taken by Joker. "Nonetheless, it is interesting to see how you deal with targets outside of Palaces."

"It's not as excitin' for sure, but it always helps someone." Chimed in the blonde monkey.

"Don't worry, Sae-san's Palace is still our priority. We just can't let things like that happen without reacting." Said Panther.

"Still, I believe this is the sort of things the police should be able to handle. It is sad to see they are currently all too preoccupied with salvaging their reputation through foul means to focus on honest investigations." Lamented Akechi.

Not that this was any change to the usual working of the police. How many times had those idiots dismissed him because he was 'just a kid', and tried to shut down his investigations because someone else solving the crime put them in a bad light? Serves them right, all of them, to be nothing more than blunts instruments puppeteered by those who were able to show real results.

"Let's go back to the surface. Tomorrow we'll burst Sae's rigged games." Announced Joker.

"Fine by me." Agreed Nijima junior.

"I approve." Plussed the painting weirdo.

"What about you, Master?" Asked Skull with a deferential tone.

In any other occasion, he would have laughed out loud at the supreme irony of the supposed rebels addressing someone with that nickname. Queen could get pass, especially in conjunction with the Joker already being present leading to a natural playing card connection. But Master?

"You can leave Mementos. I will continue my investigation."

Yet somehow, it sounded appropriate for the person talking to them from high. She was able to wield multiple Persona, which meant she was like Joker and himself. Yet, following another trend, they each seemed to possess different specialties. Joker was able to incorporate Shadows into his mask, granting him the ability to call forth many potential forms. It was just like him: that infuriating, doggy persistence and adaptability he has shown since they met the first time, always finding a way to make a positive out of a bad situation.

Through Loki, Akechi was able to trigger a berserk state in Shadows and provoke temporary Mental Breakdowns in their owner, as well as completely switch his Metaverse self between Robin Hood and Loki as if they were two entirely separate persons, unlike Joker who always remained the same. These powers were unique to him, powers none of the Phantom Thieves could match! Not even Joker, for all his cleverness, could conceive he could be lying through what should be the entire and unchanging truth. Too bad for him, Akechi was the who decided the truth.

Lastly, Fujimaru. At first glance, she also possessed the ability to assimilate Personae, though with a different process. He would need to witness it by himself and not rely on the uncertain reports of the Phantom Thieves, as each of her Personae he had seen seemed to follow a specific… theme, one would say. Moreover, she seemed blessed with the ability to manifest many of them at once for devastating results, as well as maintaining them for absurdly long durations. Akechi had to admit he would tire himself far too quickly trying to keep Loki materialized at all times, while Fujimaru seemed unbothered keeping the Persona Alloces present from the beginning of the expedition up to now.

"If that does not bother, I would like to accompany you."

"Are you sure?" Asked Nijima junior, surprised.

"Bad idea. Don't go and get too exhausted trying to follow her." Warned Mona.

"Do not worry. Master, a word?" Smiled Akechi. God, he hated the very idea of addressing anyone as 'Master'. "If you would allow me to mount with you, it would solve the matter of mobility quite easily. What do you say?"

Despite her mask, he felt the distinct sensation of her stare drilling into him. What was she thinking? Suspecting a trap? Perhaps weighting the usefulness of his presence? Or maybe the idea of using her Persona to carry someone else was a blow to her pride? Her response would give away more information…

"Very well. You shall ride beside me." Grasping her mask by the edge, she took it off briefly and called in a clear voice. "Eligos."

Another figure materialized by her side, an Eligor who bowed down after appearing. A knight and his mount. Appropriate, for sure, as the knight part of the Persona would likely act semi-independently and protect him when the mount could not. However, Akechi could see several possible hidden meanings. She denied him riding with her on the same mount. A question of trust or pride? She refused him riding on the same mount, a lack of trust was a possibility. Forcing him on a smaller mount, on what was possibly, if size was an indicator, a weaker Persona, would on the other hand reinforce the hierarchal part of their relationship she had enforced during their first encounter. Furthermore, should he try anything, the knight would be in perfect position to neutralize the detective before he could do any harm. What a deliciously cold-blooded reasoning. Was she playing a role like he thought after their first encounter, or was it a part of herself she did not let out usually? He was starting to reconsider his conclusions.

"Alright, we're leaving you on your own. Let's meet tomorrow before the Palace." Said Joker before climbing back into the cat mobile. Upon his nod, the Phantom Thieves jumped into the vortex and disappeared, leaving Akechi alone with Fujimaru in the secluded space.

"My thanks." He said respectfully. "Though, I have never rode a horse before, only a bike."

"Your riding skills are irrelevant. I will direct the mount."

"As you wish." The detective sighed as the Eligor took him by the collar and placed him on the horse.

"Good. Now hold on."

Following her command, the Persona he was on neighed and jumped ahead. Passing through the exit of the proto-Palace was even more dizzying than in the car, but Akechi kept his composure until they came out and started to ride in the dark atmosphere of the labyrinthic network.

"Oh my. This is more comfortable than I expected."

It was much closer to riding a bike than being cramped in the small cat bus. Meeting the air of the tunnels as if it as wind, the direct and close view on the road, the horse's throbbing muscles replacing a motor's vibrations. It was, in fact, quite enjoyable. Akechi surprised himself thinking back to some childhood delusions of playing the valiant and righteous hero atop a mighty and immaculate steed under the sun. And here he was, an assassin riding upon a demonic horse in the dark tunnels of the metro. If irony could kill, he would be dead and buried. Well, just buried for now.

"We are approaching the next floor."

Despite the wind and the sound of hoofs on the ground, Akechi was surprised to hear the voice of Fujimaru clearly and distinctly coming from behind him. Did she just channel her voice through her Persona? Not that Personae were entirely without voices, Akechi would always remember the day Loki appeared and sealed their contract. But to speak through them was something he never thought of.

"If I may, what exactly is it you investigate in Mementos? Though I understand their position, the Phantom Thieves were not quite as forthcoming as I hoped." Akechi spoke clearly but not as loudly as he could, curious to see if Fujimaru could hear as well. Curiosity rewarded when she answered his inquiry.

"I have two objectives. The first is finding traces of the Black Mask." Good luck with that, snickered Akechi from the confines of his mind. "The second and most important is finding answers to Mementos itself."

"If I may object, looking for a murderer's whereabouts does seem more important."

"The Black Mask is but one man. Uncovering the truth of this Prison is a graver matter."

"Prison…?" Wondered Akechi aloud.

Did she know something he didn't about the Metaverse? By extension, did the Phantom Thieves as well? This could complicate things. His reflections were interrupted by the full sprint the Personae suddenly started as they moved in the metro descent leading to the next floor, ignoring the stairs the Phantom Thieves used. Gripping the demonic horse as strongly as he could, Akechi tried to measure their speed. A difficult task given the natural tendency of the brain to underestimate when inside a closed vehicle compared to a bike, or currently a horse. Nonetheless, the detective's estimations were enough to realize they were going much, much quicker than the fastest he has seen the cat bus reach. The darkness of the tunnel receded, and the new floor welcomed them… with a single, straight line, stretching as far as the eye could see, populated with Shadows surrounded by a red aura.

"What an unusual floor. And these Shadows appear stronger than usual." Remarked Akechi, a dark feeling sinking in his stomach.

Something was wrong in the air. A pressure he was not used to have on the edges of his mind, something making his hair stand as the Persona he was riding slowed down to almost a standstill.

"There are too many enemies here. I would suggest retreating for today." He added after gauging the enemies barely out of range.

They weren't just strong, their number was worrying. He doubted he would be able to handle them with Robin Hood. Maybe with Loki… no, not that many, and the path was simply too long. Megidolaon was powerful, but the path wasn't that narrow, it wouldn't destroy enough of them before he tired himself, and the Shadows would just re-appear and trap him.

"Too late. We must break through." Declared Fujimaru with a steeled tone. "Full speed, no looking back!"

"Wait-"

A guttural howl carried by the rattling of chains echoed behind them. Akechi's blood froze. The Reaper? As the Persona he was mounting rushed forward, he allowed himself a single look behind. The Shadow had almost appeared on them, only Fujimaru's quick thinking avoided them being ambushed.

"Robin Hood! Megidola!" Shouted Akechi as they crossed past the first Shadows and alerted the entire corridor.

The explosion happened right before the Shadows could entirely shed their masks, stunning and wounding them. The giant centaur-like Persona of Fujimaru trampled them for good measure as they moved forward, but many more foes finished to transform and were waiting or rushing them, taking the form of a floating alabaster woman on her knees with a large red hat and cape.

"Caim! Murmur! Phenex!" Commanded Fujimaru, taking her mask off.

Five Persona at once?! Akechi watched in disbelief as a crow wielding a sword, a cyan armored soldier with a crown ridding a large vulture and a fiery phoenix emerged from above before flying down on the Shadows. Banshee screams, fire breathes and cyclones clashed with ice storms and slashing waves created by their foes.

"Megidola eastward twice!"

"I'm already doing that!" Retorted Akechi before hissing as his Persona recoiled, hit by one of the stray slashes. "Robin Hood!"

Two more Megidola on the right places and the shockwave of the Alloces' stomp damaged several Shadows, but it still wasn't enough! Multiple ice shards thrown at him were broken by the Eligor's spear and he shot several times with his pistol while recuperating. Why were these dammed Shadows so strong? He had never fought anywhere as hard all these years!

"Gusion! Orobas! Zepar!"

And what the flying fuck is that by the way?? Screamed Akechi inside as Fujimaru summoned even more Personae. A man horse, a lupine headed baboon and a red armored soldier appeared and flanked the Shadows launching Mabufudyne. The ones in the air increased their pressure and an opening appeared.

"Th-!" Before he could even finish the two Persona serving as mount already charged in.

A splashing sound signaled the appearance of more Shadows, barring their route. And the sound of chain was getting closer! If their momentum kept slowing down, they will get caught!

"Glasya-Labolas! Agares! Halphas!"

A massive dog with metallic griffin wings, an old man in blue riding a crocodile and a black stork in a musketeer outfit loomed from around Fujimaru and dived in the fray. At this point Akechi had stopped trying to memorize or even analyse the offensive and defensive abilities they displayed and entirely focused on survival. He needed to keep on with the Megidola, but Robin Hood wouldn't take much more hit! Even the massive ride of Fujimaru has endured several large wounds, it was a miracle she managed to even maintain it!

"Almost there! Rest Area ahead, the Reaper won't follow!"

He had no idea how she was able to tell but he didn't care, if that was true they just had to hold a bit mor- A bright explosion almost blinded him as he was about to look back, followed by a deathly howl. The damned Reaper just threw Megidolaon and almost got them! How was the bloody thing still on their track, was nothing slowing it down?

"Focus, Crow!"

"I'm on it!" Snapped Akechi, shooting the rest of his laser pistol's ammo. "Manifest!"

Robin Hood came and shot a massive arrow at a Shadow and pushed it back with the force of the Megaton Raid. God dammit, he was so tired!

"Alloces, Eligos, all on defense!" There was no mistake, Akechi could finally hear exhaustion in Fujimaru's voice. "One last push!"

A luminous barrier appeared before them as their mount charged right toward the last Shadows barring the way. The creatures raised their hands, readying their assaults… In an instant of clarity, Akechi realized the shield wasn't going to hold. There were too many attacks coming in. Time seemed to stretch as he considered his options in panic… before letting a cry of rage and frustration swell, sweeping everything away. He was not going to die like this!

"Slaughter them! LOKI!"

The blurry silhouette of his true self appeared, brandishing the brilliant sword before slamming it down brutally. Incandescent bolts of lightning like kinetic energy crashed down and exploded, knocking down some of the Shadows and destroying others. Right after that the rest unleashed their blizzard, the multiple Mabufudyne clashing with the barrier which cracked… and held! Pushing everything away with sheer mass and speed the Persona broke through. Akechi did NOT yelp when the Eligor took him by the collar and threw him on the platform at the same time Fujimaru slided down Alloces. The detective took her outstretched hand and got up with a snarl, both of them running in the dark stairs leading down and leaving the fading Personae and sounds of fighting behind.

With adrenaline and the euphoria of barely escaping death pushing them forward more than the energy left in their body and only their ragged breath breaking the silence, the pair marched on. In any other time, Akechi would have snapped the other person away. He didn't need anyone to support him, and he didn't want to carry a dead weight. Right now? He didn't give a shit Fujimaru helped him walk straight, and even less that he kept her up and standing. Light. A faint light at the end of the stairs. A Rest Area, just like she said. Tumbling the last few dozens of meters, the two collapsed on chairs, exhaustion catching up at last. Head on his joined hands and catching his breath, the detective slowly reorganized his thoughts, staring attentively at Fujimaru.

A part of himself was screaming that he should end it here and there. Put a bullet in her head, cut her to pieces and throw the body in the sewers. Another part whispered to him, that he should pry as much as he could of her in her weakened state. The secret of her strength, the depth of her abilities, steal and make his own the power she has shown. And Akechi did nothing. Nothing but stare dispassionately, letting silence seep in and around. He wasn't entirely sure why, just that he didn't want to. As if a third voice, faint and firm, spoke in the silence. That perhaps, this one bond did not need to break. And so, the assassin stayed his hand and watched, waiting in comfortable calm, in comfy distance, for the other to make the first move.

"…"

The orange haired girl turned her head toward him, her mask preventing him from seeing if her eyes opened or not. She took something from… he wasn't exactly sure where inside her coat. A small thermos she opened with a plop, a familiar smell filling the sitting box. Coffee. Leblanc coffee.

"Truce and truth?"

The full meaning of her words did not escape him as she presented him the thermos. She noticed, despite the confusion amidst the life and death situation. Perhaps she already deduced everything. Yet she offered peace or rather, the word was telling, truce. And despite his own bias, Akechi could only admit, despite the wound it dealt to his pride, that she was not doing so from a position of weakness. Two, five, eight… how many Personae has he seen her command, simultaneously? Even with Loki, even with his true strength, it wasn't a fight he was confidant to win. She must have thought of dealing with him right now, just as he fantasized. She didn't, just like him. For what reason… he wasn't sure. He was unable to predict what she thought or wanted. He could see nothing past her formal exterior, that cold attitude she had been showing him at every single interaction with the Phantom Thieves. Just like in their first meeting, until… well. Nothing lost, nothing gained.

"Deal."

Grabbing the bottle, Akechi drunk around half of the near-burning liquid, his body and spirit warming up. Returning it to Fujimaru, he watched her swallow the rest of the coffee before putting the thermos down, then reaching for her mask. Without hesitation, she took it off and revealed her amber eyes, her sharp and piercing stare that seemed to dig behind his facade without effort.

"Taking your mask off? Could have given me the wrong idea." Sneered Akechi, making a show of taking the hand off his gun.

"Please. Even if Loki is known for not thinking things through, you're smarter than that." She shot back instantly with deadpan tone.

Now she was herself again, or rather, she was back to her usual self. That's really how it was, then. She would keep giving him the cold shoulder as long as he kept up the charade and not show his true self.

"Not a lot of ground to stand on yourself with all those Ars Goetia Personae. Now what does that says about you?"

"You're the detective, I'm all ears."

She was challenging him openly with a smugness that made him smirk. Oh, he was going to appreciate that moment.

"I think you have a completely different goal from those goody two shoes. You don't give a shit about their childish attempt at reforming society, you are just using them to gain a deeper access into Mementos. You didn't even spoke up when I asked them to disband after Sae's Palace during Shujin Festival. What's funny is you don't even have to pretend it; these idiots are just that clueless despite you refusing to risk your skin into Palaces."

She wasn't smiling anymore. He was right on the money; he just knew it.

"I bet you could wipe all those sad little weaklings out by yourself if they tried stopping you, but it's easier to use them, isn't it? Honestly, if they were to disappear, you wouldn't be impacted in the slightest. You'd just continue without those dead weights and find another solution, or perhaps another ally allowing you to progress deeper in Mementos. Maybe, you will do that yourself once you reach the depths of Mementos, if such a thing does exist, so you can keep what's there for yourself. Should I keep going?"

Oh, the payback for last time felt great, seeing the careless and unattainable Fujimaru on the backfoot, her façade cracking as he laid down all his observations and deductions.

"No need, it's my turn."

"Oh really? Let's hear it, then."

"You're the unknown Persona user that has been wandering the Metaverse for two years, using your powers to commit blackmails, psychosis, and assassinations. Even ignoring you certainly created the incidents you solved to catapult yourself to fame as the Second Detective Prince, your targets, including but not limited to politics, industrials and various civils, were either done under the order of a political conspiracy seeking to overturn the current government, or commissioned by third parties linked to that conspiracy to advance their own personal agendas. You killed Wakaba so your patron could steal her research, you killed principal Kobayakawa because he was going to rat the conspirators, and you killed Kunikazu Okumura both to destroy a future rival of your patron and to shut him up about commissioning you to destroy his market competition."

"That's some grave accusations. Anything else you'd like to share?"

"You have no idea." She retorted challengingly. "You are like Joker, someone with the ability to wield multiple Persona, two I know of; Robin Hood and Loki, with the later probably the source of your ability to create psychosis. You knew the identity of the Phantom Thieves a long time ago, and you don't care about them disbanding after Sae's Palace because you're going to use it as a trap and arrest them all. Once they're behind bars you will be lauded and respected more than Naoto Shirogane ever was while your patron will be free to keep using your services to secure victory in the upcoming election, and probably clean-up all the loose ends afterward. You'll have everything, and Joker, the only one who could rival you, will have his life ruined for good and unable to ever catch up to you anymore. That's the game you play. That's how you want to win."

Akechi couldn't help himself. He clapped. Slowly, deliberately, and to his own surprise, genuinely.

"Congratulation, Ritsuka Fujimaru." Akechi's smirk grew vicious. "Let's pull the curtain on what's left of the farce, shall we?"

Black and red flames emerged and devoured his white prince costume, darkening into something more familiar and comfortable. Blue and black strips all over the tissue, sharp finger gauntlets, a tattered dark cape. The red mask was last to be consumed, replaced by a black horned helmet with an elongated nose and chin pieces, open enough to reveal his predatory smile.

"Crow does fit you well."

"Flattery won't help you." Adjusting his gloves, Akechi crossed one leg above the other, conveniently hiding view of the gun at his side. "What a funny situation we are in, isn't it? Should I dispose of you down there…"

"If." Corrected Fujimaru as a matter of fact.

"Tch, fine. If." She was all too aware of her position of superiority. Better let her become overconfident. "I dispose of you down here, my cover will be blown for sure. There's no way the Phantom Thieves will believe I got away and not you." Maybe one of the bleeding-heart idiots would, but not Amamiya, and he was the only one who mattered.

"And should I do the same, your little conspiracy will come after me and the Phantom Thieves. You're too important for them to lose track of."

"You, killing me? Do you even know what it is to look someone in the eyes as life leaves them, as they process their last moments?" Akechi mockingly leaned on the seat, ready to taunt her further, but the sound died in his throat when he stared into her eyes, her dispassionate and cold eyes.

"He.. Hehe…" He couldn't contain it, he laughed, roared with laughter, holding his head in his hand. "Huahahahahaha! I can't believe it! You do know! You are a killer like me! Hahahahaha, what an absolute joke!"

Akechi barely managed to regain control of himself, to not choke on the hilariousness of that revelation. He stood up and walked to her, closing the distance and leaning down until his helmet almost touched her face, and he whispered madly.

"Tell me, how did it feel? What was it like to kill someone knowingly, deliberately? How was it to look into their eyes as life fled their body?"

She held his gaze for a moment, unblinking and silent, his impatience growing by the second until finally…

"It was exhilarating." Fujimaru spat her answer as if it was a curse, eyes so harsh and voice brimming with such grudge and rancor that Akechi just knew she was remembering the exact moment it happened. Shivers descended the assassin's spine as he stepped back, an indescribable feeling coursing through his mind.

"You know… I think there is a solution that could work nicely for us both. We'll keep what we both learn under wrap, of course." Seeing her listening, Akechi developed carefully. "Let's say I'll satisfy myself with only Joker, inadvertently letting the rest of the Phantom Thieves escape. I'll make sure my, boss, leave them alone, seeing how pathetic and spineless they will be without their leader. I don't need the entire group behind bars after all, just Joker, and for the group to stop operating. Even if I wanted, I couldn't do more. The stakes on this operation are too high, and the police need a culprit to regain their sullied pride. When I told them they were preparing false proof for arrests, I was sincere."

"Noted." She sighed. "What else?"

"Once that business is taken care of, I'll introduce you to my associates. This will both take you out of their target list and have the nice benefit of assuring a nice future for you as well as your family. Even leaving our special abilities aside, I'm sure that bastard will be happy to have a bright and talented young at his side to compensate for all the incompetent old crooks."

"I take it you are the only reason they can do anything. Add to that you will help me get at the bottom of Mementos." She both complimented and threatened him in a single breath. "And what do you want out of this?"

"I need your help accessing a Palace." Something that irked him to no end, but desperate time called for desperate measure. "Don't worry, it belongs to one of the conspiracy member. Their lead researcher in cognitive psience, in fact. And I need him out of the picture yesterday."

"And what, exactly, should convince me to help you in yet another murder?"

"I can't tell you yet. Not until you accept." Denied Akechi. "But don't worry, he deserves it. This is all I want from you. To help send a piece of shit to the grave it belongs. No double cross, no tricks. Believe me, this one will be justice."

Fujimaru rubbed the back of her left hand, evidently in deep thoughts. She didn't immediately reject his offer, though with what Akechi learned, he now understood the girl in front of him was lot greyer than he thought. She was unexpectedly closer to him than he would have suspected, in more ways than one.

"I want you to tell me something. And answer me honestly. I understood you believed in retributive, punitive justice, but justice all the same." She stood up and walked to him, determined and unafraid. "Once all is said and done, will the ones responsible for of all these crimes pay?"

Akechi didn't expect that question, no, he didn't expect for that question or for it to be so layered. She was suspecting, not knowing, or else she would have bluntly told him, yet Fujimaru proved once again to understand him more than anyone he has known in the past.

"Everyone will suffer the full consequences of their actions. That, I will personally make sure of." Promised Akechi, tacitly confirming the unsaid.

This seemed to be the tipping point. Fujimaru extended her hand, in a strikingly similar fashion to the end of their last encounter, a somber and solemn expression on her face.

"Deal."

"Good." Akechi returned a malicious smirk and shook the hand. "I expect this will be a great partnership, my dear accomplice."

Time seemed to stop. This time Akechi managed to capture the moment, to grasp what was happening. Something was changing within him. For a terrible instant he went from surprise to rage, to bewilderment, until… a voice. A voice he never heard before, and yet he recognized clear as day. The silent voice that has plagued him since that day, it was… Time resumed, and their hand separated. Akechi grinned, grinned like a madman. That was it. That was why. He understood now.

"Let's get out of this garbage dump."

"Can't approve enough. And this time, you come with me. I'm too tired to give you your own ride." Taunted Fujimaru in return as she put her mask back, the two taking the stairs back up…

---

Leblanc's attic was crowded, as usual when the Phantom Thieves were together. Though the atmosphere has not been great in the last meetings, in no small part due to the circumstances and the presence of Akechi, when they were together things didn't look so dire. They felt as if they had a chance to turn things around. And yet, none of them had imagined that things could be this bad. Staring at the phone at the center of the table from which Fujimaru was calling, the entire group was left stunned by the revelations they received.

"Dammit! How dare that guy be ramblin' about justice!" Ryuji exploded, hitting the table with both fists. "He was the criminal all along! He's an effin' murderer!"

"He really did it… He really killed mom so someone could steal her research…" Half whispered, half growled Futaba.

"We all suspected he was linked to the Black Mask, but… this is beyond anything I could have imagined." Said Makoto with bewilderment.

"That's not all. If he told Fujimaru-san the truth, there is a sizeable political force hiding behind the scene, far beyond what we estimated." Pointed out Yusuke. "It is imperative we avoid any suspicion until our own plan comes to fruition."

"Dude, how can you stay calm? I'm not sure I'll be goin' to the Palace tomorrow, because I'll kick his effin' teeth in if I see him! I'm really goin' to-!"

"I share your anger, but we cannot afford to let ourselves slip!" The artist's palpable fury shook Ryuji, who closed his mouth. "I never thought to find another injustice in the world reaching the same wrath and disgust I feel for Madarame, and yet I will control myself. Do not come to the Palace if you must, but we have to adhere to our plan if we want to see justice be done."

"… Akechi…" Growled the blonde before sitting down.

"I still cannot believe he admitted everything. I mean, you saved his life and him yours, but still…" Muttered Haru to the phone.

"Honestly if he didn't slip with that second Persona, I would have had next to nothing to stand on. I'm glad already he fell for the false Persona suits the Pillars projected." Fujimaru said through the phone. "Though I'll be clear on that front: you guys have zero to slim chances to beat him. I barely got a look at Loki but I can tell he's a lot stronger than Robin Hood."

"So a direct confrontation would not be to our advantage either…" Acknowledged Morgana. "We will really need our plan to work perfectly."

"Also, one last thing. Don't jump to conclusions to fast, alright? I made a deal with Akechi. Alsoblondiesaysforreal."

"For real?" Exclaimed Ryuji in disbelief before registering. "Not funny, Ritsuka…"

"What sort of deal?" Asked Ren, listening attentively.

"Sorry, couldn't resist. Anyway, open your ears wide. Basically, Akechi will only go after you, Amamiya-kun, and let the rest of you escape. He also promised to not go after any members of the team afterward, be it himself or the police."

"This will considerably facilitate what we are preparing…" Noted Makoto.

"He sincerely believes you'll be too scared to do anything, that should help you get under his nose. The big problem, on the other hand, is that he'll be keeping a serious eye on me. Count me out for the daring escape plan."

"No plan B? This whole thing is going on Joker Must Die difficulty…" Complained Futaba.

"That aside, in return for not interfering he will introduce me to the conspiracy. Just in case the spying app isn't enough, I may be able to get the info."

"That's not a bad idea, but still, are you sure it'll be okay? I can't imagine going undercover like that…" Shivered Ann.

"That's because your acting sucks…" States Ryuji.

"Moving on. The real meat of the matter comes now. He wants me to help him take down a Palace. More specifically, the Palace of the conspiracy's head researcher in cognitive psience."

"That doesn't make sense. Why would he want you to go after his own allies?" Pointed out Makoto.

"This is looking suspiciously like a trap. Are you certain he is not aiming to betray you?" Added Yusuke.

"I don't think so, he is really motivated about bringing that guy down. Call it a gut feeling if you want, though I'll shamelessly admit I consulted the Pillars about it. As for why, I'm sure he'll tell himself."

"This is an opportunity." Understood Ren.

"I see. Since he will be occupied with another Palace, he will not be able to focus on us at the same time. And you will be able to keep an eye on him as well. This is very dangerous… do you think it will be okay?" Asked Haru.

"Haru my dear cinnamon roll with an axe, don't worry about me. You have enough on your own plate as it is." Despite the light tone, it was clear Ritsuka was concerned. "Do you even sleep enough? Those company meetings must go on and on and on…"

"Oh, I'm fine, thank you. I'm managing." The unprepared heiress tried to smile, visibly forgetting her interlocutor was only in a vocal call.

"Alright, if you say so. Hey Ann, Makoto, give her a hug or two on occasion. You too Morgana, purr therapy is all the rage these days."

"Eh?"

"I'll make a waiting list. Such schedule must be prepared carefully." Said Ren with utter seriousness.

"Oh yeah, you as well Amamiya-kun. I'm sure she won't mind."

"Eh?" Repeated Haru with rosy cheeks, completely unprepared as the rest of the group devolved into giggles.

"Hehehe… Thanks. I think we needed that." Said Ann with a smile.

"You're welcome. But seriously, guys… be careful. You must succeed, no matter what."

"Got it. Don't worry, I'm not letting that guy get away." Reaffirmed Futaba with a grim determination.

"Good… one last thing." Ritsuka's voice changed. More careful. "There is… another reason I think Akechi thinks he can trust me. Something he figured out, and I think is only fair you should know, before it can come out the wrong way."

Ren was all ears, his brain frantically trying to guess what could possibly connect Akechi and Ritsuka. Their family life couldn't be more different, while they both had a drive to excel their relation to that success were wildly apart, they both had a lot to hide…

"Come on. Can't be all that bad, right?" Said Ryuji hesitantly.

"I have killed someone before."

That bomb instantly dropped the room's temperature near absolute zero.

"K-killed? I mean, kill kill, not just, you know…" Stuttered Morgana.

"That bastard had murdered my best friend moments ago. Many other had been hurt because of him. My love pushed himself to suicide, just to give me a chance to stop him."

They were all shocked. Not just by what was described, but the tone, the voice, the raw hatred dripping from the phone speaker, it gave Ren shivers.

"And you know the worst of it? After the deed was done, all I wanted was to vomit. To cry. I was exhausted, empty, disgusted. I think I would have preferred him to live, in the end. To live so he could suffer and atone for everything he did, for everything lost because of his actions. Yet at the very moment I did it, when I smashed his heart to pieces… all I felt was joy. And it felt even more miserable realizing that. I'm jealous of you, sometimes. That you can have justice without having to resort to that extreme."

"… I get it. When we cornered Kamoshida's Shadow in his Palace… I wanted nothing more than to end him at first." Confided Ann.

"We can all understand the temptation. I can't imagine what I would have done if I had my father's murderers before me at the time." Admitted Makoto.

"You are nothing like Akechi. Please, don't compare yourself to him again." Requested Haru.

"We aren't going to think less of you." Concluded Ren, getting a round of approval from the rest.

"You guys will become saints one day, at that rhythm." Her voice came back, soothed and grateful. "So please… keep it up. Don't become like me or Akechi. You have the chance to have another option. Even if it's tempting… don't waste it."

---

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 7

New ability: Observing the Boundary

Chance to negate one enemy's resistances (Resist/Null/Abosrb/Repel) at the start of each turn.

---

"I hear Mom coming. See you later. "

The call ended. Looking at each other grimly, but motivated, the Phantom Thieves once again returned to the preparations they needed to return the trap laid for them against their adversaries. With the knowledge that once again, they had no choice but to succeed…

 

[Magostera]

Interlude: Staging Revolution/Betrayal

"It's me, Akechi."

"Enter."

The future prime minister of Japan looked at the two figures entering his office with caution and well-measured paranoia. One of those two was the familiar figure of Akechi. The boy sported a very satisfied smirk, something which immediately raised his guard. Shido was perfectly aware of his puppet's true personality hidden away from the public, but it wasn't something he usually was showing even here. That smirk. Once again, he was comforted in his assumption that the boy was a bastard of his. He had seen that smirk enough time in his own mirror to recognize it, even though it was clear he took more from his whore of a mother in any other physical aspect.

"That's the death certificate of the principal offender, correct? Is there a problem with it?"

Shido's mind briefly wandered to the piece of paper on his desk. He had obtained it mainly for his own satisfaction, the physical proof of the elimination of an annoying pest, but the name upon it had intrigued him. Where has he seen that name before? The answer had eluded him despite his best efforts to think of previously encountered roadblocks.

"No, nothing in particular."

It didn't matter much in the end. After all, the skittering mouses that has been the Phantom Thieve were neutralized, the last obstacle before his election. Those thoughts in mind made him examine the second person that entered the room. A girl, almost a woman, hair in ponytail and dressed even more sharply than Akechi, with an overt no-nonsense air and sporting a scrutinizing, steel like gaze. Had he not been informed in advance of who she was, he would have guessed the girl to be the young secretary or aide of an influential Diet member.

"More importantly, you've done well with regards to the prosecutors."

"The cause of death for the SIU director has been settled as a 'stroke'." Even though Akechi was speaking, Shido's eyes were on the girl, gauging her attitude.

"I had him work quite substantially on forging evidence. His loss should be mourned." He said with biting irony.

"It was thanks to his efforts I could enter the Phantom Thief's interrogation room too." Brought up the boy, another modest contribution to the cause.

"The SIU is in disarray with his death. I'll take my time choosing a successor after the elections…"

No indignation, disapproval, or even surprise was shown by the girl during the entirety of the blatantly criminal discussion. Not a single reaction beyond keen and cold attentiveness.

"At any rate, I'm now praised as a hero, and I owe it all to the Phantom Thieves." Self-congratulated his attack dog. Shido allowed it, it was his ego that made him so manipulable. "As well as the person I wished for you to meet today."

Bowing exaggeratedly and moving aside, Akechi let the girl officially become the center of attention, as if she was not already who he was focusing on.

"Shido-san." She bowed in greeting, both formal and respectful. "I am grateful for this meeting."

Despite presuming her little more than an oddity at first when his bastard asked to divert some of his resource on her, Shido found himself intrigued when an unexpected source came up with a pressed warning: Fujimaru Ritsuka was linked as well to the unseen world, and approaching her past too closely could bring out unforeseen consequences. He was still irritated and angered to discover Akechi had blatantly ignored his order to not keep contact, yet when the boy exposed the results of his investigation, he had to agree the potential gain offered were too great to let slide.

"Fujimaru Ritsuka. I was told you were interested in joining me."

"I am. I can recognize a unique opportunity when I see it."

"Still, I did not expect one of the Phantom Thieves to sell out their friends." Poked Shido.

"I never was a Phantom Thief to begin with. We merely had concurrent paths." Dismissed the girl.

"You disagreed with their goal?"

"Their little crusade held no interest for me."

She didn't say she disagreed, noted the politician, but her disdain was clear. The girl had her own goals and was ready to change allegiance to reach them. Not uncommon among his associates, but dangerous for someone with the power of the Metaverse. It was the very reason Akechi was going to suffer an unfortunate accident once the clean-up was done.

"Then why join them at all?"

"Convenience. I discovered the Metaverse through them, and to my early knowledge were the only ones having access. Though I learned soon another party could do the same, I had no way of contacting them until I unmasked Akechi-kun. From then on, the choice was obvious."

The explanation was sound. It corresponded to what Akechi told him and reinforced what he previously established. Shido noted the irritation of the boy when addressed as '-kun' yet no further reaction. Interesting. Was he afraid of interrupting the discussion, or was there another reason? He could dig in that question further down the line.

"And what are you looking for in coming to my side?" Depending on the girl's answer, this meeting would take very different turns.

"I know you possess the research of Wakaba Isshiki. As good of a foundation they may be, it is all they are, mere foundations Akechi-kun played with without real understanding."

Once more Akechi looked about to speak up as he was thrown under the bus, but backed down under the girl's gaze. How interesting. The balance of power between the two might be quite different from what he had guessed from the boy's report.

"Go on." He commanded.

"Psychotic breakdowns, changes of hearts and 'strokes' are the mere surface of the Metaverse's possibilities. What if it allowed to create exploitable resources? Replace a man's heart with another? Impress lasting concepts upon the public's mind? It may not expand beyond Japan for now, but what about when it reaches Korea? China? Shutting down Takuto Maruki's funding and support was a smart decision, but it will not delay public research forever. Before anyone else makes progress, Japan must have mastered this new battlefield. We cannot allow another Kanagawa Treaty to be forced upon us because the people in charge of the country stayed content to be frogs in a well."

The name didn't ring a bell before Shido vaguely remembered the laboratory project he used his influence to stop, but he couldn't care less. His mind was focused on the tirade he did not expect to hear from a kid, a passionate speech that would have been better suited for a government chamber than a private meeting. He had been content using the Metaverse as a convenient way to eliminate his opposition and troubles while staying untouchable. Even that man did little more than strengthening his Palace defences and stay in his own little wizardry. Once Akechi and the Phantom Thieves were eliminated, the plan had been to simply bury cognitive pscience to not let anyone potentially use it against him. But now… perhaps a change of plan was in order.

"How fascinating. Tell me, where would you see yourself in that future?" Asked Shido, keeping his composure despite the raging storm of possibilities flourishing in his mind.

"Unofficial as it is, the Metaverse will need a proper department. As well as someone qualified to supervise this new office." Answered the girl with overt ambition.

"Such hypothetical position may very well be open to a bright and loyal associate of mine."

Not that something like that was going to happen immediately, of course, but it was a good reward to dangle in front of the girl, should she prove herself useful enough. Letting someone name their own desires and focus their attention on them instead of developing more troublesome ambitions was a tried-and-true method to keep such people in line. The barely contained jealousy Shido felt rolling from his bastard was a very satisfying bonus, not that he was going to live long enough to even be a contender. Although… Shido focused back on a most pressing detail. Something he needed to confirm before fully committing to his next course of action.

"Akechi, how about you let us have a private chat for a moment, me and my guest."

"I think…"

"I said get out! Or do you wish to anger me?!" Snapped Shido.

"… Of course not, Shido-san. I'll wait outside." The brat wisely submitted, leaving the room.

The day he would see that disgraceful remain of his past disappear would be a very satisfying one.

"Now that we are in private, I was told you went out of the country for some time. Would you happen to have been studying with the Clock Tower?"

Her expression sharpened and her body tensed, letting the politician know he asked the right thing.

"You have a magus working for you. Assigned to study cognitive psience while Akechi stays on the purely practical side of things, I suppose." Stated the girl.

"Not bad. But I am the one asking questions here. I was told you took part in a project led by a "lord" of that Clock Tower. I want you to tell me what experiment you were selected for."

In truth, not much research was done on cognitive psience beside deciphering Wakaba's research, an error he now had every intention to rectify. The mysterious "Clock Tower" the magus barely told him about, on the other hand, was something he needed to learn more about.

"It was an experiment led by Marisbury Animusphere, Lord of the Astromancy department, to create enhanced soldiers. They would summon the spirit of ancient heroes and fuse them with their subjects, granting them incredible powers and bypassing the troublesome problem of lowly magi attempting to order those ancient spirits."

It all sounded so fantastical, had he not been exploiting the Metaverse for two years and recruited a magus, he would have had her thrown out for lying to his face. Even the magus himself barely convinced him, and he had doubted more than once. The confirmation by another that indeed, magic and the like do exist, and was even more present in the past… it was all but confirming what he suspected. God was truly watching over him.

"I was selected, among others, on account of potential compatibility. The project lasted two years, with only a single, middling success. Animusphere was found dead in his office soon after that success, ruled as a 'suicide'." The girl took the same tone Akechi did when speaking of the late SUI director's 'stroke'. "His daughter and heir, as well as the only successful candidate, were assassinated in a later bombing which also killed or gravely wounded most of the candidates. The project was cancelled, and after an investigation from the Clock Tower to catch the culprit, I was sent back to Japan."

It appeared the magus did not lie about the cutthroat politics of this secret society, this sounded exactly like what he did with cognitive pscience. That this organization was mostly if not entirely absent from Japan was a blessing, though he would need to find a way to neutralize them in the long run.

"I see. There is something else I would like to confirm. Is it true this Clock Tower is biased against us?"

"They are. While some of those magi have been alive for more than a century with the prejudices and bigotry of their time, as an institution they see Japan as backwater and unimportant for the world of magic as large. While it's true we don't have a centralized organisation, they are fool to underestimate the power of our history."

The girl's contemptuous tone was quite pleasing to his ears, and a few minutes of silent pondering were enough to finally decide what he was going to do with her.

"Fujimaru Ritsuka, was it? I believe you will be a valuable part of my new Japan."

He knew exactly how to control young people like this one. Ambitious, talented, hungry for acknowledgement and accomplishments. And wise enough to obey their superiors.

"Thank you, sir." She bowed in respectful thanks. "Is there anything I should do?"

"I will have a use for your abilities after the election. You shall also join my side in a more official fashion once you have graduated. Though, do keep an eye on the remnants of the Phantom Thieves." Standing up from his chair, Shido gave her a small card he retrieved from his desk. "Should they do anything suspect, call me on this number to receive my instructions for you and Akechi."

"I will. Thank you, sir."

"Do tell Akechi to come in when you leave, I still have business with him."

Fujimaru bowed once again and left, and a few moments later the bastard came back in the room.

"So, what's your verdict?" As much as he tried to conceal it, the boy was irritated to have been put aside.

"It appears Fujimaru will be a much greater asset than I anticipated. Despite my earlier misgiving at your defiance, you did great by keeping an eye on her."

"… Of course, I did. I was the one who first recognized you were the only one worthy to use my talents, after all."

"Which is why you will receive my orders through her from now on."

"I'm sorry?" The shock on the boy's face was delightful to watch.

"Fujimaru will be the ideal figurehead for my new Japan, but I intent to have her become much more than that. As she will soon become one of my close associates, the quicker she is accustomed to her role, the better. Think of it as a first step for her new responsibilities."

Having his bastard spend the last few days of his life in the shadow of the replacement he brought himself was a cruel irony Shido intended to savor to its fullest. If Akechi's report was correct Fujimaru possessed the same power, but his attitude toward the girl suggested she was not his equal, but his better, and that he left that out of his report to try to keep as much value in his eyes as possible. A childish, amusing ploy he was now having a good time demolishing.

"Of course, you could have been an acceptable substitute. But the detective Akechi cannot be associated with me, otherwise people may notice a link between all those affairs he investigated. Isn't that what you said yourself?"

"… I did. I still believe it is the correct decision."

"Then I'm glad we are on the same page. Now leave, I have work to do."

Having dismissed the sulking boy, the politician took out his phone and typed a number.

"It's me. Do you remember that girl you warned about? No, much better than that. She has come to our side. And she has the same power as him… Yes… No, she is off limit. I have plans for her… Yes. Of course, he is even more expandable now… Oh? You can do that?" Shido chuckled darkly. "Very well. Once I have no more use for him, he is all yours."

---

"How did you EVEN manage that?"

"You'll have to be more specific." Fujimaru retorted with an innocent smile.

The soft ambiance permeating the jazz club did little to assuage Akechi's foul mood.

"Don't try to play dumb. I've known Shido for years now, even infiltrated his Palace a few times. I can say without fail he's a paranoid freak. So, there's no way you simply spoke a bit and got his trust so quickly."

He should have been satisfied his plan worked better than he anticipated, but the frustration of being essentially demoted under Fujimaru was gnawing at him.

"I'm told I am a very agreeable person." She sipped her drink with an appreciative humming. "Alright, honest answer; he's far from the first megalomaniac with a savior complex I've interacted with. With the info you gave me it was easy to find the right attitude to appeal to his ego."

"I'll admit even I was shocked at how good your acting was. If I didn't know any better, I may have gobbled up all these half-truths myself." Though he was still miffed that she had the gall to push him down like that to prop herself up in front of soon to be jailed Shido.

"Spend two years rooming with a stalker crushing on you, that always knew if you lied to her. You become an expert at these sorts of things."

"… Sometimes I'm not sure if I want to know what exactly happened overseas." Drinking his own cocktail, Akechi listened to the singer for a bit. "What happened when I was forced to leave the room, by the way? Don't tell me he tried to make a move on you."

"I would have had to report a suicide to the police if he did." Akechi chuckled; despite wanting the shit stain to suffer more than that, such an end would have been amusing to behold. "He basically offered me your job. He all but said he'll ask me to do the after elections clean-up you were supposed to. That and keep an eye on the Phantom Thieves."

That wasn't good news at all. Either the bald four-eyes was serious about taking Fujimaru into the fold to the point of associating her as quickly as possible to his crimes, or he was starting to see him as a potential liability, maybe both.

"Well, there aren't too many risks on that second front." They did kick him out of their chat room, but Fujimaru was still in. They didn't suspect a thing, and if the messages she has shown him any indication, too demoralized to attempt anything. "Let's focus on our next objective, shall we?"

"Let's."

Akechi took his case and opened it, bringing several papers on the table.

"His name is Inshin Gyoja. There is surprisingly little to go about him, and my own investigation wielded next to no results."

"Because the data doesn't exist, or because it is classified?"

"The first one, actually." The ease by which he had obtained everything prior to the man's employment by megalomaniac in chief was even more irritating than how empty it was. "Independent consultant in management, working from home. No spouse, no children, no close relatives or acquaintances. If I didn't know better, I would suspect the bastard to be a hikikimori. Except he hasn't been at his domicile for three months, and I have no idea where Shido may have hidden him."

"Else you would have just shot him, I assume." The reproach in her voice was clear, but thankfully she didn't insist. "Interesting… What do you know about him personally?"

"He's cold and meticulous, almost scientifically so. Completely devoid of empathy, and that's coming from me." Fujimaru seemed to grow strangely concerned. Was she discerning something he didn't? "The only time he ever showed something resembling human emotion was whenever I took him to the Metaverse."

"How many time did you bring him there? When was the last time it happened?"

"Around half a year ago. And nine times. None of which were in his Palace."

"Despite that, you managed to find the distortion keyword. What is it?"

"Workshop."

She took one last glance at the documents before handing them back.

"I think I know where his Palace is. And it will complicate things."

"Really? Even though I searched all around Tokyo without finding anything, you found in a few minutes?" Akechi was genuinely curious under the mocking tone.

"If he is as knowledgeable in the Metaverse as you think he may be, then I suspect he has the ability to consciously alter his Palace to some extent." She briefly fell silent as the waiter came by and took their empty glasses away. "Especially if he was, as you said, able to improve Shido's own Palace's defences."

"Get on with it. Where is the Palace?"

"Mementos."

Akechi was stunned. Mementos was the Palace of the public. Individual Palaces, to his knowledge, detached themselves from Mementos once they grew enough, and even those with proto-Palaces stood in separated areas. If the Palace of his target was in Mementos, it meant the man found a way to reattach it. Which meant the whole operation would be a lot more dangerous than he initially estimated if the researcher had such a degree of control of his Palace.

"It's fortunate you can transport us. I didn't see myself bring my bike down there."

"I don't think it's going to be that simple. But let's talk about it later, time is flying." Said Fujimaru as she stood up.

Akechi looked at his watched and noted the late hour. He still had a bit of time to prepare for his interview tomorrow, but better be safe than sorry.

"Alright. We'll talk more about it in Mementos." He stood up as well and sent her a warning glare. "You cover your own bill this time. I'm not letting you get away with another 'the kind gentleman offered'."

"Spoilsport." She retorted with a smirk before getting serious. "Tomorrow afternoon, metro entrance."

He nodded in turn, cold anticipation coursing through him. Time to make a first bastard pay.

---

??? - Line secured and encrypted. Password?

?? - Curry flavored tears. I gather the Seventy-Two.

??? - Five thieves in a pyramid. I am the Treasure.

?? - Nice to see you again, Alibaba.

Alibaba – Hi to you too, Devil Buster.

Alibaba – What's up?

Devil Buster – Pancakes suspects nothing. Going together in the Palace tomorrow.

Devil Buster – Weird one, it's in Mementos apparently. I know you want to do requests but focus on Boatman's Palace. Can't risk you and us meeting, pretty sure Pancake has some navigator ability.

Alibaba – Gotcha.

Alibaba – You were right about Boatman's Palace, by the way. It's Metal Gear hardcore. Alarm level goes up way too fast and Shadows coordinate like secret service. Still got two of the keys to get to the Treasure."

Devil Buster – Keep it up. Also, met Boatman, think I made too good impression. Don't be surprised if you see a cognitive me in here.

Alibaba – Really? Dam girl, moving up fast.

Alibaba – Joker asks. Sure you wanna help Pancakes?

Devil Buster – I'm going to try and stop before the murder part. Still think a change of heart is needed. Have a bad feeling about that target.

Alibaba – What did it do?

Devil Buster – Minimum tortured Pancakes as guinea pig. Probably used lot of 'suicided' people for experiences on the Metaverse.

Devil Buster – Pancake isn't sure how many, but it doesn't matter.

Alibaba – Yeah, that heart definitely needs changing.

Alibaba – Joker says be careful.

Devil Buster – Will be. You too. Death's hard to cheat twice.

---

"Another dead end? What the hell is going on here?"

If Akechi was growling in frustration. It was the third time the Navigator sent them right into a false path to the Palace of the head researcher. Each time they found themselves ambushed by many Shadows, fortunately too weak to be a real danger, but strong enough to be pain in the ass.

"Calm down. This time I have his signature completed; we won't be tricked into another decoy path." Said Fujimaru, dismissing the two Personae she conjured to fight.

"You better be right about it."

Why was that bastard so hard to get revenge on? They had to go even deeper than the deepest part he went with the Phantom Thieves before, a whole new Path of Mementos with stronger enemies and even more confusing layout. Did that giant Palace even have a bottom? He was seriously starting to doubt it, even as Fujimaru seemed certain they were close.

"Hidding his 'address' under numerous decoys means he suspected you would go after him one moment or another. We'll have to be careful about it."

"Please. Should I remind you how long I've been cruising through Palaces?"

"Stop playing tough, Akechi. These countermeasures were made with you in mind." Their mount increased its speed tremendously, wind whistling in his ears. "I had to block a signal from going back somewhere each time we triggered one of those traps. He would have known you were coming a mile away. You're strong but Loki tires you fast, and after a few more of those traps you would have been either too weak to conquer the Palace or he would have had the time to rat on Shido in normal reality."

"Alright, I get it." Growled Akechi with even more irritation. "So we better do this in a few days at most, before he can realize his traps were triggered."

He did recruit Fujimaru for this, and bitching about it wouldn't help. Though he had to admit it, he underestimated his target. Not only hiding the Palace like this, but preparing special traps in Mementos. Even Shido's Palace wasn't as protected, and the guy made so many adjustments even Akechi was wary of storming it like he initially considered as a backup plan. And they weren't even in the Palace itself!

"You aren't considering stopping now?"

"Is that even a question?" Asked Akechi, dumbfounded. "When I'm going to kill his Shadow, I'll first make him pay back everything I had to endure at his hand. It'll be a nice little repeat before Shido."

"I thought you wanted to ruin Shido in reality, not in the Metaverse." Pointed out the girl.

"Let's just say I'm keeping my options open."

Especially as he suspected more and more that Shido would be designating him as last target for the clean-up, both to tie up the very last loose ends and to force Fujimaru to prove her loyalty beyond any doubts. If by any chance something like this happened, he would have no choice but to hide in the Metaverse and go at his vengeance the easy, less painful, and less satisfying way.

"You don't seem to consider the possibility of just changing their heart."

"For these pieces of shit? No way I'm doing less. I'm not letting them go with a nice, cushy little change of heart." Spat Akechi. "Also any tribunal would put them in the death row, so really, I'm only speeding up the process."

Really, he didn't expect anything less. Maybe Shido's cronies would try to lessen the crimes and put pressure on the judges and prosecutors, but without him to actively enforces those threats, the justice system should do its work. And if they tried to pressure him to do it anyway? He would laugh at their face and denounce as many as he could.

"It's here."

Akechi peeked up from the side and saw only a blank section of wall, identical to all others around in its chaotic and bland form.

"Are you sure you didn't fell for another decoy?" She simply shook her head as she observed the wall, as if deciphering something unseen.

"I'm certain. Hold on and watch my back, I'll need some time."

Sighing, Akechi slid down the massive Persona that served as their common mount and stood in the tunnel, watching for any Shadow that might approach. Playing sentinel for the damsel, what a fucking joke. Especially when the damsel in question was strong enough to twist his arm in the real world and bury him through sheer number in the Metaverse.

"Come, Vassago."

Curious, he looked back to see an angelic figure appear and float beside Fujimaru, bowing as if before a sovereign. Yet another one. He didn't ask her how many Personae she had exactly, but he suspected in time she would likely gather each of the seventy-two demons of the Goetia. After that? He had no clues beyond a little wild theory. Though the fact she had so many of them at her command perhaps gave him an element of answer about her personality; how she was able to adapt and take on many different aspects depending on who she was with. Not unlike what Ren did… Akechi shook his head. No, it was useless to think about him. Agonizing over what could have been was a waste of time. Still. Ren had been a little trickster, putting on air and a facade. When Fujimaru did it, it felt… more authentic, somehow. As if she lived instead of acting as if she did. The way she talked about previous experiences sometimes, he felt as if he stared at an abyss of which he was barely touching the surface…

"It's open. Let's go."

Realizing he lost himself in his thoughts, Akechi gritted his teeth. It wasn't like him. The present alone was important, that and the very close future where his lifelong desire of retribution would be fulfilled. The wall had transformed into an entrance, from which a swirly vortex was visible. The tunnel that usually led to a proto-Palace. Fujimaru dismounted and let her Persona disappear, which surprised him at first before he realized there may be alarms or traps triggering at the approach of a Persona beyond this tunnel. Which maybe meant…

"Wait. If he really prepared for me specifically, let me do a quick change."

Dark flames covered the Black Mask from toes to head. They dissipated shortly, leaving behind the white and red costume of the Detective Prince.

"Good thinking." Whistled Fujimaru. "He has never seen Robin Hood, I take it. Maybe he won't detect you as easily."

Akechi grunted and they both walked ahead, the dizzying sensation enveloped him. It quickly dissipated, and instantly, Akechi realized they were in a Palace. The air was far from the stale and heavy atmosphere of Mementos, the ground less even, and there was even light.

"How the hell does that qualify as a 'workshop'?"

They were on a small island, or rather, a fine band of ground leading from Mementos to the island. Desolate and dark, the sky covered by stormy clouds crowning an abrupt mountain, no vegetation, only sand, rocks, and soil. It was the very picture of a place where nothing and no one would reasonably try to live, a pale moon barely illuminating the closed world. Walking and eyeing their surrounding carefully, the two Persona users reached the island proper without anything impeding them.

"No obvious path. And no Shadows either."

It really didn't feel like a Palace. In every Palace he has seen, there has been a sense of direction, a place to start. The logical direction seemed to be the mountain, yet there was nothing but abrupt heights. Something was amiss.

"There's something wrong here… Fujimaru?" Glancing behind him, he watched in surprise the girl still. "You better not get second thoughts on…"

"Don't move!" The yell froze him on place, the utter panic he couldn't even appreciate as he distinctly felt he was the target of worries. "Not another step. Until I tell you."

He looked around, trying to see what had his accomplice so worked up. Nothing but sand, soil, some rocks irregularly… no, not irregularly. They formed a shape on the ground together, and looking at them more acutely, something was engraved on each one, barely distinguishable. The symbols on the rocks suddenly lighted with baleful light, the pentagram they formed together disappearing as the stones decayed and turned to dust. The barely different grains of sand forming rectangular shapes containing symbols were gently blown away by an invisible wind, shells mixed within emitted a grating screech as something red and black evaporated from them in volutes. A few minutes, the entire entrance to the island had entirely changed, now devoid of the many features that made it less of a desolate, empty surface.

"What was that?"

"The reason you are going to do exactly as I tell you." Retorted Fujimaru, a noticeable strain in her voice as faints silhouettes of Personae disappeared from around her.

"I'm going to need some details here." Snarked Akechi.

"Forget a Palace. This place is a fortress where everything is either a defensive spell or a resource made to fuel those spells. Right there? You almost walked into a Wu Xing pentagram, cursing ofuda in the sand and multiple Shadows hidden in the shells like shikigami."

Admittedly, most of this did not resonate well with him. He had little time for legends and superstitions beyond what was necessary to maintain a cultured image, but he knew enough to realize how he almost stepped into a disastrous situation.

"Who's that guy thinking himself as, Abe no Seimei?"

"More like Ashiya Douman." Retorted Fujimaru as his venting, though he could see clearly how much what she did took a toll.

"Don't tell me you're going to have us go back already." He snarled, fist tightening. "We barely made it to the entrance, and we're on a clock!"

"I get it. But it's that or risking to take a trap we can't survive. Some of these curses were nasty."

"I didn't know you were so knowledgeable in this. Another thing your Personae are giving you insight with?"

"You can transform, I have my own tricks." She simply said. "Let's move on as much as possible and hope the entrance concentrated most of the traps."

They advanced again, but this time at a much slower pace. As much as he hated it, Fujimaru was right and he had no idea how to pass through the tight web of defences without her. His instincts warned him like a siren that this place was not where he was supposed to be, and as they slipped together in the safe path that was slowly formed by her supernatural mine-clearing, Akechi tried to make sense of the scale.

"If I was Shido, I would ask a reimbursement. What that researcher did to his Palace is nowhere near the absurdity we have before us. Even if he managed to get some power in the Metaverse, I can't fathom how or how much time it needed to take shape."

They jumped like shadows from one safe spot to another, blurs of motion as he opened the way and she followed in a much cruder movement. Interesting, was it why she rarely moved by herself in Mementos? She seemed to have a harder time with the acrobatics, much like Futaba Sakura.

"Be sure to tell him from the neighboring cell." Joked Fujimaru, panting a little. "Alright, where do we go now? I'm betting the peak. It's always at the top of peaks that evil sorcerers like to put their castle."

"… I can't even argue with how Palaces seems to run through very cognitive, unrealistic logic. But I'm not sure of that conclusion."

"You've got a gut feeling?"

"More like a detective's intuition." He smiled haughtily, a seasoning forming in his mind. "I reckon there is a clear reason why our target chose to keep his Palace attached to Mementos. I'm thinking, what if he had the same conclusions as you, Fujimaru-san?"

"… The Root." Her insistence on the word she muttered was strange, as she facepalmed into her mask. "Of course. Of course! How could I have forgotten that?"

"Why don't you spell out what you're thinking? I'd say we are past playing mysteries at this point."

"He is going for the root of the mystery. The bottom of Mementos. You're right, we must find a way underground. There must be an opening somewhere."

They meticulously started to make a clockwise turn around the cliffs of the mountain, neutralizing even more defences on the way as Akechi took off from her burden by using the Bless attribute spells of Robin Hood to overload some of the cursed traps. They made a very efficient team, and it made him almost nostalgic… No. That time was a charade and a fantasy, nothing more. His only feelings with the Phantom Thieves had been disdain and patience until they fell for his trap. Focusing again on the path, their efforts were rewarded by what was clearly an entrance sealed by an enormous boulder.

"On the other side of the mountain from the entrance of the Palace. I'm going to kill that guy slowly." Sworn Akechi between gritting teeth.

"Veto for now. I don't think we can go on like this any longer, and right now I'm not sure how to even open this thing beside blasting it. If it can even be destroyed at all." Pointed out his accomplice with a tired and final tone.

"Tch. You aren't wrong." Something told him it wasn't an ordinary obstacle, much like the VIP elevator from Sae-san's Palace it was certainly something that needed a specific method of opening. "Let's go back for today."

---

Alibaba – We're almost there. Just one more key tomorrow and we'll have access to the Treasure room.

...

Devil Buster – We're close as well. I delayed it by securing a better escape route, but can't anymore. I don't think you'll be able to send the calling card before we finish this.

Alibaba – Queen says worst come to worst, you tie him up and ditch him in a closet.

...

Devil Buster – I just might.

Alibaba – Are you sure you're okay? You take less time to answer usually.

Devil Buster – It's starting to get hard.

...

Devil Buster - I need my demons to get through the defences and traps of the Palace, but it's exhausting.

Alibaba – Can't you just release some of them? Seriously, how many do you have now, thirty something? You gotta do like Ketchum and let some of those go before you can't get up in the morning!

Devil Buster – Forty-one. And can't do that, sorry.

Alibaba – HUH? How many times you went to Mementos without us??? Just be careful, okay? You never know when Pancakes will get all murder hobo on you.

Devil Buster – Don't think it will happen, but I'll be. Good luck for the last key.

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 8: To Stand Together

Progressing in the dark and rocky tunnel that would hopefully lead them into the heart of the Palace, the white clad detective could not move on from what he had just witnessed. They had just spent two gruelling days reaching the Palace and cleaning its entrance of as many traps as possible to guarantee they would be able to escape it once it started to crumble. Usually it was never a problem for Akechi as the Palace would lose both its bound Shadows and its traps once its Ruler was killed, but with how abnormal this Palace was, Ritsuka convinced him they couldn't take more risks. And then they discovered that the entrance was sealed by this massive rock that would bulge for nothing, not even Almighty attacks.

"Hey, cheer up. We did get inside." She reminded him.

She had been the one to intuit first what the giant boulder represented: the myth of Amaterasu sealing herself in a cave, which was a strong possibility given how nationalistic Shido and his cronies claimed to be as well as the general atmosphere of the Palace, with nothing but moonlight and dark weather inside. The kicker was when they debated on how to open it.

"I'm not sure what's the dumbest thing: that it was necessary or that it worked." Growled Akechi.

"You must admit it was smart. You'd have no chance going through by yourself and given your usual attitude, the odds of having allies, sorry, a girl, to do it for you were slim. The Palade Ruler judged you well." The low giggle that escaped the girl only compounded his food mood further.

Akechi first thought of the mirror as the major element that would open the path, but the crude glassy surface forged in the beach sand with their Persona's fire proved useless. Then they had Ritsuka's avian Personae cry like the myth's roosters, but that too failed. And then… with a shit-eating grin, Ritsuka reminded him what exactly did brought Amaterasu out of her cave and led the rock to move.

"I would have found a way… though maybe not in time before being discovered. So take my thanks and let's never speak of this embarrassment again."

"You're welcome. Too bad the people who could have easily helped beside me won't anymore." Suddenly shot Ritsuka, switching in a heartbeat from teasing to accusatory.

"…"

He had nothing to retort. In the meanest irony he has seen in a while, the Phantom Thieves would have had little difficulty going through this obstacle. A heavy silence permeated their walk until they finally reached a sliding metallic door, the metallic construct jarring after the crude rocky tunnel.

"Now this is qualify as a workshop." Muttered Akechi.

The contrast between the exterior and interior was staggering. The island had been a desolate, wild place fit to be called uncivilized. The underground building, on the other hand, was cold and mechanical in its precision. A perfectly square room made of perfectly sculpted stone supported with steel, with two paths leading somewhere else. Inside the room was sculpted a large pentagram surrounding a tall transparent cylinder. And inside that container was a person, or rather, the desiccated remnants of a person.

"I think I recognize that man. He was one of the recent "suicide" in prison I investigated." Commented Akechi, looking closer while carefully not approaching the pentagram.

"He isn't dead. Not completely." Ritsuka's voice was filled with disgust as she approached as well. "His body's been kept in a sort of suspended animation."

"That would make sense…" It wouldn't be the most outlandish case of horror in a Palace… wait. "His body?" Repeated Akechi slowly.

"It's the real person. Not a cognitive construct." She crouched and examined the pentagram, following something he couldn't quite see.

"I never brought anyone or anything here. The bastard succeeded. He found a way to reach the Metaverse by himself." The realization settled in, cold anger seeping in his mind. How long has it been the case? Shido never said a thing, always needed him. Which meant… that he didn't know either. Yet.

"…" Ritsuka stood up, still examining the half-dead corpse in silence, an intense look of thinking on her face.

"What, you think you can do something? Forget it. If it isn't dead, it's going to be soon when the Palace crumble."

"… You're right. The best we can is help them move on." She turned to him, pointing at the ground. "There is a pattern here, going to both ways out. Only question is which one."

"There is an inclination. Subtle, but definitely going to the right." Indicated Akechi. "Let's go."

The two accomplices resumed their course, walking through a narrow corridor. The path was gently curving, until they arrived at another room. Identical in all way to the first, including the pentagram containing a cylinder with someone trapped inside.

"They may have been criminals, but nobody deserves that." Murmured Ritsuka, anger creeping in her voice.

"Starting to feel less conflicted about killing the bastard?"

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to hurt him right now."

Well, if every single room was like this one, a bit more and she would turn around and accept the necessity. He did this for his vengeance first, that it was going to be justice was a welcome bonus. And just as he predicted, the more they progressed the more they found traces of the horrific experimentations done by their target: beside the ever present half-dead prisoners, tables covered in notes and tools, even preserved body parts sometimes appeared more and more. They didn't dally to study them. There was neither time nor the need. Akechi himself was getting more and more disgusted as well. Killing was one thing, but what he was seeing went far beyond that.

"And here I thought we'd need even more efforts to reach the heart of this shitty Palace. I don't like it." Mumbled the detective as they took sharper and sharper turns.

"You'd be right to think that." Confirmed Ritsuka, her tone suspicious.

"And care to explain that?" Asked Akechi with little patience.

"All those rooms we are going through? I'd wager my right hand this is forming a yin and yang spiral if we looked at it from above. Combine that with the half-living prisonners we found; this entire place is one giant ritual ground. And I'd wager my other hand the center where the Shadow and its Treasure will be."

"I'm going to disappoint you and not follow the bet." Though it didn't paint a pretty picture, what she said made sense.

The sound of their footsteps echoed in the cold chambers, the turns becoming progressively smaller and smaller as they approached to the heart of the Palace. He was getting excited, vengeful anticipation coursing through his veins as both Loki and Robin Hood seemed to shiver within him. It was, in a way, a repeat, an appetizer, a prologue to the hell he would thrust Shido into once he would have been elected Prime Minister, by revealing to the world the shame of his existence and all of his crimes. What if society fell into chaos afterward? He didn't care one bit. Society had been nothing but contemptuous and unfair, now it was his turn. And should things not go as planned… a bullet would be all he'd need, in that world or another. They stopped. A door. The first door they had found in all this underground complex. Open.

"How lovely. And I expected to blow something to smithereens to reach the center." Sneezed Akechi. "Let's not make our host wait, shall we?"

Ritsuka nodded conservatively. She was looking more and more tired as time went on. Was it the number of Personae she carried? He couldn't fathom how she could manage so many of them. With how imposing each of his own was in his own mind, how exhausting having so many of them be?

"What do we have here."

The head researcher's Shadow was here, his mere voice making Akechi's blood boil. Turning his back to them, Inshin Gyoja was standing at the center of a complicated circle made of thousand symbols, as arrogant and cold as ever. Even the Shadow's voice was exactly like the original, making it difficult for him to contain himself.

"It looks like you know who we are. Good, it makes the whole thing quicker." Drawing his gun, Akechi pointed it at the Shadow, his white suit burning away to reveal his Black Mask attire.

"Fujimaru Ritsuka, may I ask the reason of your arrival? I was led to believe you came to our mutual benefactor to pursue the greatness the Clock Tower denied us."

"Don't you dare ignore me." Akechi shot, but the laser crumpled and disappeared on an invisible protection. "Tch."

Before Akechi could attempt another attack at the bastard not even taking him into account, the man faced them. With perfectly human brown eyes and a cold, detached face that was imprinted in the detective's mind, yet the menacing aura surrounding him was unmistakable.

"He has fused with his Shadow." Muttered Ritsuka.

"That's…" He would have said impossible, but everything in this anomalous Palace seemed to indicate that it was a very real possibility. "Well, that makes things even simpler."

"Do not take me for those fools who do not comprehend the power of this place." The researcher's voice had the echo characteristic of Shadows, yet everything about him screamed human, down to the clean researcher coat he was wearing.

The magic circle around him suddenly glowed brightly. Before Akechi could react, symbols everywhere on the walls, ceiling and floor shone blindingly.

"Loki!"

The stripped Persona appeared, glowing sword in hand and ready to-

"ARHHH!"

A white-hot pain pierced his head as an invisible pressure crushed his mind. Loki was frozen in the air, static like interference coursing through its form as Akechi clawed at the ground, fallen without even realizing it.

"Persona, was it? I have analysed your power to its smallest details. There is nothing you can do here."

"Don't-haaaargh-don't fuck with me! Robin Hoo-!"

Right as he tried to call to his other self the pain increased tenfold. Writhing and crying, he tried to do something, to grab something, to formulate a plan, but he was unable to think of anything but the liquid fire burning his brain.

"Now that we will not be interrupted, let us discuss like civilized people. Are you perhaps here to negotiate a cooperation between magi, Fujimaru Ritsuka? I applaud your forwardness in bringing an advance payment, as uncooperative as it may be."

"You are mistaken. I will not give you Akechi-kun." Quietly informed Ritsuka, her voice somehow intelligible through the fog of suffering.

"Ah, I see. You are here to take my researches and my workshop. A regrettable turn of event, one I would ask you to reconsider. Think how far we may be able to reach, working together."

"I'm here to stop you." Reaffirmed the girl. "You won't sacrifice anyone else for your twisted experiments."

"These? They are hardly worth mentioning. Extracting their Shadow is a difficult process, but one I am close mastering. I will soon not need to bring them here at all."

"Then I can't back down now."

"… Do realize you have no chance against me." A sound. Steps? He could barely tell, his vision hazy, hurting. "This fine Workshop was made to neutralize and collect the power of Shadows and Personae, and I know for a fact you have neither enough talent nor power to face me as a magus."

"… You're right. I'm barely fit to be called a magus. And I can see now you intend for this workshop to become the drill to pierce through the Metaverse to reach its core. You think a path to the Root lay in its heart."

"So you found out about it… Once again, I would ask you to reconsider your course of action. While the path to the Root will be mine alone to tread, I am certain we can find an arrangement."

"Not going to happen. Because you made a single mistake."

"I do not believe it to be the case. You are powerless."

"I am." She acknowledged.

"We aren't." Intervened an unknown voice.

A sonorous detonation almost shattered Akechi's eardrum. The pain instantly faded and his vision came back. Despite the runes and symbols everywhere losing their brilliance, the remaining light allowed him to bear witness to the scene in front of him. Ritsuka was here, visibly tired and her Metaverse suit fading like morning dew to reveal casual clothing. Around her stood four of the Persona he has… Personae? Those things… his scanning ability was going on overdrive. How had he been blinded for so long? These monsters were not Personae! Standing up with a jump and a snarl, Akechi stared at the creatures around the girl. The red horseman, the man horse with fiery green eyes, the blackbird and the massive armored leonide centaur. All of them he had seen before, all of them he was now seeing as if a veil had been taken away.

"You… Curse you!" A ghastly wail assailed his hearing. Inshin Gyoja floated from a dent in the opposite wall, a rictus of pure hatred deforming his traits. "I'm so close to reaching it! I will reach it, I will attain the Root soon! I won't be stopped by an inconsequential brat or a fourth-rate magus with a few familiars! Come to me, my servants! Kill these miscreants!" Bellowed Inshin Gyoja, and from a surge of shadows emerged four massive figures; a demon with golden skin, another wielding a large metal club, a third with a double blade and a hole for a face, and the last dressed in all black with a staff ending on crescent moon blades on both ends.

Akechi instantly analysed the battlefield. The magic pentagram on the ground was scorched and broken, its power gone, but the symbols everywhere else were still active. What it did, he had no clue yet beyond empowering their foe, but at least the protection he had was gone.

"I'll take the small fries! Go for the boss!" Commanded Ritsuka as her creatures exploded into motions.

Akechi bolted and skirted around the spells and physical shockwaves that had started to be thrown everywhere, running on the wall with renewed fury to reach the seething researcher.

"You insect!" Threatened Inshin, creating a massive fireball rolling toward him.

"Loki!" The detective dodged and manifested his Persona.

Debilitating energies coursed from him and stuck to his enemy without effect. Jumping from the wall he rolled to avoid a lightning bolt and cocked his gun, shooting dead on the chest of his target. Each impact had no effect beyond enraging the researcher further, who called upon a blizzard.

"Megidolaon!" The massive explosion of energy dispersed the ice, once again without damaging his foe. How could this be? This wasn't a normal protection, or else Almighty would have worked!

"You only delay your defeat! I'm invincible!" Boasted Inshin before sending a wave of darkness.

The cursed energy did nothing but impair Akechi's vision and he jumped away, a wise decision as he almost was sucked into a great tornado conjured by his foe. Once again summoning Loki he switched tactic and sent a rain of kinetic bullets from above, yet no damage seemed to be done to the enemy.

"Aaaaargh!"

On the other hand, the intricates symbols and spells on the walls weren't so lucky and they were torn apart, their light dispersed. He wasn't sure what effect it would have beyond enraging the enemy, but everything was good to try for now! A death rattle from the other side of the room, and Akechi noted the Shadows falling and disappear as Ritsuka's creatures destroyed them.

"Ignorant minx! This is useless! My familiars will return again and agai-"

"Persona!" Loki appeared again and swung his brilliant sword.

The researcher was too slow to protect himself and the blade dug deep in his false flesh, cutting an arm. Akechi smirked devilishly as the freshly cut member fell on the ground, yet as the four Shadows re-appeared the next instant, blood ceased to flow, and the limb regrew. Only vulnerable when all four of his flunkies were dead? What an annoyance!

"Tch. The next time I'm taking your head!"

"You brat! There won't be a next time!"

"Yes there will be! Inshin, fusing with your Shadow was a mistake!" Exclaimed Ritsuka. "Your familiars are Sui-Ki, Fuu-Ki, Kin-Ki and Ongyo-Ki, and one sorcerer alone commanded them! Your Shadow is Fujiwara-no-Chikata, the sorcerer who tried to overthrow the imperial family!"

For a second, nothing changed. Then boiling darkness rolled out and transformed the researcher. His skin turned ghastly grey, ancient imperial court robes replaced the modern suit, and a katana appeared in his clawed hand. A cunning and vengeful old man with furious yellow eyes stared at them.

"Is that it? Because you have discovered my other self's identity and forced me to take his form, you think anything will change?"

"Yes! Akechi, hold them back!" Commanded Ritsuka, looking paler than ever. "I need just one moment, and we'll win!"

"You better be right!" Snarled Akechi. "Manifest!"

Loki unleashed a Megidolaon, then another. The damaged Shadows emerged from the light and smoke, and he had to intercept them physically. Akechi growled in pain as Sui-Ki's club struck Loki's flank and dodged aside to strike at the Fuu-Ki with his sword, piercing its legs. A powerful impact sent him reeling as the Kin-Ki barrelled and pushed his Persona aside, and only his instinct saved the detective when the crescent blade of the Ongyo-Ki descended from behind and almost bisected him. Lightning crashed down from Inshin palm and Akechi screamed at the electricity coursing through.

"You can't hurt… me…!" He growled. "Megidolaon!"

The Almighty explosion blew away the four Shadows, but it didn't manage to finish them off, with the researcher already preparing another massive ball of fire…

"Now!" Yelled Ritsuka.

"Hear us, and see History repeated!" Akechi looked behind. This time, he was certain. The voices that belonged to neither Ritsuka nor anyone he knew came from the four creatures all surrounded by shining aria written in the air. "All things, whether grass or tree, are ruled by the Emperor, and not even a devil can turn his back to the Emperor and live in this land!"

Instantly, something seemed to break, how he couldn't explain. Yet the results were immediate as the researchers screamed in rage and the four Shadows dissipated like smoke in the wind, the fire he summoned sparking out and the pentagrams and symbols of the room cracking and disappearing. Time seemed to slow down as panic wrote itself on his prey's face, and Akechi gleefully held his sword high and charged. Now for the kill…!

"No!" Cried out the researcher, and the world seemed to shift…

Akechi suddenly fell and barely caught himself on his hands and knees. He couldn't sense Loki. Or Robin Hood. He wasn't in costume. The ground, it wasn't stone, it was wood, normal wood, electric lights above. Somehow, they left the Metaverse!

"You dammed kid…!"

He looked up and found the researcher, human once again, standing shakily near a door with fury and disbelief warring for his expression. Akechi knew this place, it was where the man asked him to visit the Metaverse last, an old building in reconstruction!

"Checkmate!" Growled Akechi, drawing his gun-

A colossal pressure fell upon him and he was flattened to the ground, unable to reach for his weapon. In the researcher's hand an ofuda inscribed with the 'gravity' word was shining. What the fuck. That was impossible. They weren't in the Metaverse, that sort of things shouldn't be possible!

"You're dead! You're both dead!" Hysterically yelled the researcher as the pressure increased, an atrocious pain spreading as Akechi heard his skull start to bend. "Once I'm…"

Whatever Inshin was about to say next, Akechi would never know. The words stopped instantly, silenced as a long metallic spear pierced his heart and skull in quick succession. The red knight upon its black horse held the corpse upright, suspended to its weapon, before unceremoniously withdrawing it and letting it fall like a bloody slump of flesh.

"It is over." Said the knight with a voice that made all of Akechi's hair on his arms stand.

The pressure ceased. Standing up, his arms and leg shaking, the detective looked back. Looked at Ritsuka, deathly pale but defiant, her left hand clenched in the other, the pale red tattoo gleaming on her flesh as the creature returned to her side, the slamming of hoofs against the wooden floor cementing its presence in the real world. The events of the fight replayed within in his mind until a single, implacable conclusion was reached.

"You aren't a Persona user… what the hell are you?"

"That's a big question, Akechi. And I don't think that's what you want to ask me right now, isn't it?"

"The hell are you…"

As he pronounced these words, his tongue froze. The scenes from earlier replayed within his mind. Particular words before the cylindric container, the fleeting feeling when they returned to the real world, almost without realizing it, and yet, that he had felt before when Sae-san had shown him the phone before he want to…

"That little…" The truth was bare before him, stinging, humiliating, yet undeniable. "He's still alive. I never killed him. I… I was tricked! You knew! You agreed to help me so I would have my attention elsewhere, so I would act predictably and fall in their trap… and the most ironic thing is, you never lied! You didn't do anything when he was captured. You didn't help him escape. You just never told me he was dead. You have shown me the group chat where they all acted lost, but you never posted anything! You simply told them everything with another device! Hahahahahaha! You made a dammed fool out of me!"

Ritsuka didn't move a muscle during his entire rant. A multitude of contradicting emotions conflicted within him, from anger to disappointment to relief . Why was he feeling fucking relief ? His hands were trembling, his legs shaking, and the monster next to Ritsuka still here! What was even that? He was about to speak, when something rung. A sound so ordinary, so incongruous, it stopped him in his tracks. Mechanically, Ritsuka took her phone out of her pocket and took the call.

"Yes, Shido-san?"

"Listen well. I have a favor to ask of you." Came the voice of the politician from the phone. It took an instant for Akechi to realize she put it on speaker so he could hear as well.

"What might that be?"

"It's about the loyal customers of our mental shutdown business. I want you to eliminate those that seem the most suspicious."

What's got into him? So soon before the election? Didn't the imbecile realize how suspicious it would look to the public?

"Did something happen I should prepare for?" Asked Ritsuka with her professional voice.

"Nothing in particular. But if something were to happen, it would already be too late." Shido's tone was nervous. Irritated. Strange.

"Very well. I will ask Akechi for their files."

"Good. For the sake of absolute victory, I need all roots of anxiety to be pulled as soon as possible."

The call ceased, Shido had hung up. Akechi would have been puzzled before. But not anymore, not now.

"They're in his Palace. They managed to get the letters of recommendations or are about to get the last one." Whispered Akechi, something resembling respect coming from his voice before he could squash it.

"It looks like it. They should be able to reach the Treasure room and make the calling card soon."

Those words were the whiplash he needed to get out of his strange stupor, but when he turned to leave the room…

"What are you going to do?" Asked Ritsuka, her low voice keeping him back like an iron chain.

"Can't you guess? Me and the Phantom Thieves are going to have a little chat on daddy dearest's boat." Spat Akechi. "Why? What does it matter?"

"Can't you guess? I'm their friend. And yours. I don't want to see you kill each other."

"FRIEND? You…! You…" He wanted to scream at her, to call her out on her deception, on her half-truths, that everything she said and did with him must have been part of the lie all the way back to that moment in Mementos together, and yet… and yet… he would be the one lying. And, as much as he loathed to even admit that weakness, he didn't want to lie to her.

"You both want the same thing, Ren and you. Why fight against it?"

"Just like that? Just like that? You know how long I've been planning this! How much I've sacrificed only for that single moment! And you want me to accept another outcome?"

"Would it be that different from what you wanted?" She asked, blowing the wind out of his sail.

She approached. She was walking toward him. His hand twitched, near the gun, ready to draw, ready to defend himself…

"Can't you see how there can be more than just vengeance in your life? How you can be more than just whatever Shido or the public want you to be? The Phantom Thieves may never forgive you for what you did, but they will understand. Ren will understand, and you know it as well. You don't have to end your life alone, as a regretful avenger with naught but ashes and corpses around you."

He didn't want to hear her words make sense, he didn't want them to make sense, he wanted to rage, to yell how much satisfaction it was going to bring him to finally see the world come crashing down on the piece of shit that made his life hell before he was even born… nothing came out. A void of word as deep as the void left by the vision of the corpse a few meters away, where the glee he always imagined should have been. Slowly, almost regretfully, Akechi put his pistol away, back in his suit. What could he do, really? Ritsuka had powers in the real world. She could have taken him out at any moment. Even now, pale as sheet and exhausted as she was, she has a strength he never thought possible.

And that was the last thought that broke through his denial. She could have simply waltzed in and killed Shido. Even before he told her the truth of his plans, she could have eliminated him as well. And Ritsuka didn't. She could have delayed their assault on the researcher's Palace, or even led him in a wild goose chase, and he would have likely only found out too late. She could have tied up and thrown him in any dark waste until the Phantom Thieves had finished with Shido. And she didn't. She held her part of he bargains, she helped him by risking her life, killed to save him despite her repeated disgust for the very idea… and…

"… Let's make a deal. One last deal, accomplice to accomplice." He managed to say, his voice more pathetic than he ever heard. "Let me face them. I can't let it end like this, not after everything. I can't. But I promise to you, just like last time… I will only go after Joker. Please." God, he was pleading. He was pleading her.

She looked at him sadly. Not with the pity he was expecting, but with a true, sincere sadness he simply couldn't bring himself to be mad about, something he suspected was truly born of having seen someone take the same path.

"… Go." She finally said, turning away from him. "Go. I will wait for you at Leblanc. And for them."

She… really believed what she said. Why did it hurt so much to hear? Sending one last wary look at the demonic knight standing guard, Akechi straightened his limbs and ran out of the building. The metro wasn't far, and the Palace not that much further. There was still some time. He was going to catch the Phantom Thief, and then… who knew.

---

"Master, I cannot agree with this course of action." The dignified voice of Eligos boomed in the room. "And neither do twenty-four others among us. Death looms in this path, and the odds are unfavorable."

"What of the rest?" Asked Ritsuka, sitting exhausted and leaning on a wall.

"Twelve are indecisive. Four are in agreement."

"Glad to see some of you trust me." She joked weakly. "Maybe it's wrong, but… I have faith in Akechi, and the Phantom Thieves. I believe they'll find a way."

"Faith. Is this what it comes down to?"

"Yes, Eligos. It is."

The Demon God stood silent, having dematerialized as soon as the Persona user left the building. He couldn't condone this choice. Only the most eccentrics among them like Raum did.

"Very well. We shall observe the conclusion of this day to the end. Should we dispose of the corpse, Master?" He asked instead of continuing a fruitless debate.

Ritsuka Fujimaru looked over the body, underneath which a pool of blood was slowly accumulating.

"I wish it could have ended another way. Had I been stronger…"

"This is the path he has chosen."

"But those people he took didn't." She whispered, crestfallen.

Vepar briefly manifested, his power rotting the body at such a quickened pace nothing was left in a single minute. The Pillars consulted each other on the next course of action, trying to come to a consensus. What came out was one simple fact: their Master dangerously overtaxed their Magic Circuits, they needed rest before anything else.

"You need rest. We recommand leaving this place."

"Yeah, I know. I'll be going to Leblanc in five… ouch." Trying to rise, their Master had fallen right back on the ground with an exasperated groan. "Make it ten minutes."

---

A lone figure jumped from the pipes above, landing right in the path of the Phantom Thieves. Joker stopped in his tracks, halting the advance of his friends. Wary and ready, he observed a familiarly unfamiliar silhouette come into the light.

"Long time no see." Greeted Akechi mirthlessly.

He wasn't wearing the white and gold costume they associated with Robin Hood. Clad in black and wielding a red jagged sword, a horned helmet with red eyeglasses upon his head. They were before the true Akechi, the merciless killer of the conspiracy. The Black Mask.

"You?!" Blurted a stupefied Skull.

"Why's he here?" Asked Oracle with dread, her navigator ability powerless to detect his presence, just like in Okumura's Palace.

"Humph… I'm impressed that you managed to deceive me. It seems I underestimated your abilities." Akechi may have seemed to talk to all of the Phantom Thieves, but his eyes were squarely locked on Joker. "You truly are interesting… Quiet, yet possessing the courage and determination to take action. Under different circumstances, we could have been great rivals… or perhaps even friends."

"We're already rivals." Countered Joker without hesitation. If there was anyone he would ever call that, it was only Akechi.

He couldn't properly see the expression of the Black Mask easily behind his helmet, but his mouth was still visible. And the smile that appeared on his rival's lips, the chuckle that followed, were unmistakable.

"How wonderful! You don't allow yourself to be enslaved by such things as human relationships or past selves… and so your heart is always free. The exact opposite of mine. To be honest, I'm envious…" The smile disappeared. "I wonder why we couldn't have met a few years earlier, Ren…"

Time seemed to stop as Joker's understanding of Akechi grew. And to his surprise, as the voice whispered familiar words, it was as if Akechi was, too, present during that stolen moment, their gaze crossing with an unknown, yet intimately personal understanding.

"But that didn't happen. We can't change what has happened, no matter how we may wish so..." Said Akechi when they came back to the present.

"How are you here? Where's Ritsuka?"Asked Panther worryingly.

"Do you really have time to worry about someone else right now?" Snarled Akechi, pointing his sword at Joker.

"Akechi! Why are you cooperating with someone like Shido?" Queen interjected, spilling the questions she has mulled over ever since they reached the Palace. "Don't you see what this Palace looks like? His true nature is-"

"Cooperating? What are you talking about…?" A realization seemed to dawn upon the Black Mask. "And here I thought she told you everything. I'll make it clear, then. I don't care about this country. All of this is to make Masayoshi Shido… my father… acknowledge me. Then exact revenge on him."

That revelation instantly recontextualized everything Joker knew, and as Akechi exposed his past and his plan to the rest of the Phantom Thief, they finally discovered exactly how deep and twisted the reasons pushing him to act truly were. A wounded, hateful child grasping at the first opportunity to hurt a world that rejected him, building a fortress of lies atop a foundation of corpses for the approval of a monster he nonetheless wanted to bring down.

"What a warped thought… It's almost pitiable." Whispered Fox, a conclusion Joker shared with regrets.

"Pitiable? Don't lecture me, you piece of shit!" Cursed Akechi, slashing the air with his sword. "In just a few weeks, my plan would have come to fruition! Why did you have to interfere and try to ruin everything?!"

"Please stop!" Shouted Panther, indignant. "We both hate the same guy! Why should we go against each others?"

"Shido doesn't care about you. He has even started to replace you with Ritsuka, despite everything you did for him. He'll never acknowledge you. You know that." Said Queen, her words seemingly striking a cord.

"But!… I…!"

"This ain't about what Shido says!" Skull interjected as Akechi's words failed him. "You're your own person! You gotta know that!"

"And… you don't really disagree with Joker, do you?" Pointed out Mona. "That smile when you told us you wished to have met before all this… isn't that your true feelings? Even if you think people will hate you and won't want you around, that's not…"

"Shut up!" Shouted Akechi, the faint figure of an indistinct Persona pulsating behind him. "I was extremely particular about my life, my grades, my public image, so someone would want me around! I am an ace detective!… A celebrity! And yet once I'm done, do you think I'll have anything left?"

"Akechi…" Whispered Noir as she understood the implications.

"People will find out my past deductions were just charade! My fame and trust will vanish, and my life will end in the same way it started! And if that's how things must be... I'm not letting it go any way but my own!"

A burst of red energy surrounded the Black Mask, and from it emerged the silhouette they faintly saw earlier: with its body covered in dazzle camouflage, golden hooves and horns coming out of its eyes, it looked like a true demon, an impression further reinforced by the burning blade it was sitting on arrogantly.

"You're not satisfied with where we left it earlier either, are you?" Whispered Akechi to Joker with a deranged smile as he referred to their past duel. "Then you and I are going to strike and strike again until one of us is dead!"

"No way we're going to let you kill Joker!" Contested Oracle, Prometheus surrounding her and rising from the ground.

"Out of my way, you trashes! I promised I'd only go after Joker, but I'm not going to hesitate cutting you all down if you're in my way!" Yelled Akechi, a dark aura surrounding him.

"Promised?" Picked up Fox, surprised.

"I'm not going to let let you be better than me… I'm not letting some criminal trash living in an attic have things I don't!"

"Dammit, he's isn't backing down! We have to fight!" Said Mona.

"Die!"

With that desperate and furious cry the Black Mask attacked. The entire team jumped back to avoid taking a Megidolaon point blank, the massive explosion singing Joker's cape rather than burning his body to a crisp. Ritsuka had warned them Akechi was strong, but they didn't expect him to be that strong, and they just came out from fighting numerous Shadows and the cleaner! With everyone scattered by the explosion they assaulted Akechi from every angles, trying to avoid a direct individual confrontation.

"Persona!" Shouted Fox, Susano-o swinging his massive katana with lightning speed.

The red blade intercepted it and pushed the deity back before unleashing a Riot Gun. Joker only narrowly switched Persona to nullify the assault as the damages caused by the bullet rain almost put half of the team out of commission. Before Joker could switch again to a support Persona he had to precipitately guard the Brave Blade coming down from Akechi, groaning in pain as the impact lacerated his suit.

"Witness my resolve!" Zorro appeared and a wind of healing magic surrounded them and closed their wounds.

"Eat this!" Lighting fell from the sky at Skull's command and damaged Loki.

"Pardon me!" A psychedelic spiral of mental energy got a raging groan from Akechi, preventing him from dodging the next attack.

"Dance, Hecate!" A pillar of fire engulfed the black and white Persona, forcing it to retreat.

Loki was frighteningly strong, but they had the number and teamwork advantage.

"Get burned yourself, imbecile!" Shouted the Black Mask.

He spawned numerous fiery conflagrations and Fox didn't manage to dodge them in time, burning him and distracting him enough to leave him wide open.

"Oh no you don't!" Shouted Queen. "Anat!"

The living motorcycle jumped ahead and created a massive nuclear fire to screen Akechi away from Fox as Panther summoned Hecate to heal the latter, but instead of going at their downed teammate…!

"Joker!" Shouted Futaba as he blocked Crow's jagged sword with his knife, panting at the effort it asked.

Plunging his gaze inside that of his rival, Joker didn't find as much of the raving hatred and jealousy their former companion had thrown verbally before fighting them. It was there but there was also… uncertainty?

"Seiten Taisei!"

They broke the engagement as the Monkey King manifested from Ryuji and slammed into Loki, throwing the Black Mask away.

"Support is on the way!" Following Oracle's warning Joker felt part of his energy return, leaving him ready for the next offensive.

"I'm not letting you off!" Yelled Akechi and Loki sent a massive physical shockwave.

"Astarte!" Called Noir, who erected a shield before it could reach Joker.

The rest of the group endured or dodge the attack while the portion destined to Joker was reflected by the Tetrakarn and sent back to its originator. Akechi growled in pain and his mask cracked, revealing a bleeding wound on his head as he stood up.

"Why are you... looking at me like that...!? I've... I've succeeded until now... all by myself...! I don't need... teammates... I don't..." He spat as if trying to convince himself, panting and exhausted, using his sword as a cane.

His gaze suddenly intensified. A shiver descended Joker's spine. Something was coming. At him. Something dangerous!

"Joker!" Cried Mona, but too late.

"Laevateinn!" Shouted Akechi.

Loki manifested and swung. Baleful purple energy emerged from the blade, directed right at him. An Almighty attack of immense power. Too fast to dodge. Too powerful to guard. From within his soul, he called upon the only thing that could protect him.

"Krishna!" A beautiful, blue-skinned young man with a flute appeared before him, the last Persona he obtained from the Aeon Arcana. "Infinity!"

A shining diamond shaped sphere encased Joker right as the attack reached him. A terrible screeching like that of a chainsaw against steel echoed in his ears as the two spells battled for supremacy and his spirit drained at an alarming rate. Until finally, the blade broke and the backlash sent Akechi to his knees. The Phantom Thieves were exhausted but determined, ready for their opponent to stand up once more. But it didn't happen.

"You ready to call it quits?" Asked Ryuji, lowering his mace.

The Black Mask's head rose up, the broken helmet leaving his exhausted, weary expression visible for all.

"… I know… I've had enough." Whispered Akechi, breath short and irregular as he stared at Joker. "… You're so lucky. Lucky to be surrounded… by teammates who acknowledge you… And once Shido confesses his crimes, you'll all be heroes… in the end… I couldn't be special…"

"Dude, you're more than special." Said Skull, to the Black Mask's surprise.

"It pains me to admit… but we only defeated you by teaming up." Admitted Queen in turn.

"If you've got more than one Persona, maybe you actually have the same kinda power as Joker's." Pointed out Oracle. "But you trusted no one, so you only got two Personae: one for your lies, and one for your hate. Still, you thought that was enough, right? That part I totally get."

"You excelled at everything over us… yet that was the one thing you lacked." Concluded Fox.

Joker watched as Akechi tilt his head aside, as if unable to stand up to their gaze any more.

"All rights, let's go back and get that callin' card ready!" Skull reminded them all of their priority, before addressing their fallen foe. "We're gonna take Shido down. What're you gonna do?"

"It's be a problem if you kept getting in our way. Wanna come along and help settle things?" Followed-up Panther, gesturing to the group.

"It's still not too late. We can change Shido's heart together. Even if he's your father… no, because he's your father!" Insisted Noir.

Akechi looked up, a strange mixture of forlorn and hopeful going through his face and posture.

"… you truly are all idiots."

A sudden movement at the edge of Joker's vision. Focusing on the darkness of the engine room, he noticed something approaching… another Akechi?

"That's Shido's cognitive version of Akechi!" Deduced Mona, seeing the thing looking exactly like Akechi in his detective attire.

Without hesitation, the Shadow took out a gun and pointed it… at Akechi.

"… I'll deal with the rest of you later." Threatened the Shadow.

Joker grit his teeth. It wasn't the usual cognitive double, he could see it with is third eye. It wasn't just strong, its presence felt heavy, as if it was an accumulation of security systems rather than a single entity.

"Captain Shido's orders. He has no need for losers." Declared this new enemy. "Well… this just move the plan up a little. He was going to get rid of you after the election anyway."

Horrified, the Phantom Thieves could only listen as the cognitive creation mercilessly mocked Akechi's desire for acknowledgement, how Shido knew from the very start who he was and still planned to get rid of him.

"I was wondering how he'd protect himself if I used my power to tear through his Palace." Coughed the Black Mask, standing up with difficulty by using his snapped sword as support. "To think he had planned this from the very start…"

Black puddles erupted from the ground as multiple Shadows appeared under the order of the cognitive monster, surrounding the real Akechi. The situation just went from bad to worse. In their current state, the double alone would have been too much. Joker furiously tried to think of something, anything that could get them out of this hornet's nest.

"But why waste something that can still be used? I'll give you one last chance. Shoot them, and you might delay your death." Cruelly asked the cognitive Akechi to the real one.

"You're just gonna kill him anyway!" Exploded Skull, acutely aware of their powerlessness.

A small chuckle interrupted him. A cynical, short laugh against its own author.

"Haha… Ritsuka was right. I've been nothing but an obstinate fool." Akechi drew his gun, pointing it directly at Joker.

Ren held Akechi's gaze. He refused to believe he would lower himself to that extent, and looking deep into his eyes… he noticed the Black Mask wasn't looking at him. His pupils were making a quick movement to something just on Joker's right, and his lips said… "Be ready". Or did they? Adamantly, Joker decided to believe in his rival. There was no way it would end like this.

---

"Yes… That's the you our captain wishes to see." Gloated the cognitive double, unaware.

"Don't misunderstand…" Akechi cocked his gun.

She was right. Ritsuka has been right all along. He has known it for a while now… and yet he still proceeded into the wrong path, with a literal deformed mirror about to end his life.

So you finally decide to listen.

Stronger than ever, no longer silent. The presence he has felt in his heart for quite a while, who truly started to take form after Ritsuka became his accomplice. The presence he tried to bury deep within as he invested himself fully into Loki to distort his own eyes, his own heart, to not face the truth.

How immaturely you wallowed in desperate emptiness .

Blood pumped in his ears, yet each word was an indescribable tremor.

How foolishly you spread evil to those who deserved it no t .

Blood escaped his body slowly, yet the power surged ever higher.

"You're the one who's going to disappear!"

Akechi turned around and shot his double in the heart. The cognitive creation doubled over and kneeled, too stunned to react to what would follow.

If you wish to enact true vengeance , one unblinded by love and hate, call my name!

"Come! Dantes!"

---

Blue flames roared to life and incinerated the Shadows around Akechi as a new figure emerged from his shade on the ground. A faceless inferno with a vague humanoid form and black thunder cracking on its edges, yellow eyes ablaze inside the darkness. Joker contained his surprise and drew his own gun to shoot blindly at the spot Akechi's gaze had shown. A rectangular console on the edge of the stairs, the glass exploding to reveal a smashed red button.

"The watertight bulkhead door has closed. All personnel within the partition wall: evacuate at once." Announced a mechanical voice.

In the blink of an eye and the crack of thunder Akechi suddenly appeared on the ground beside Joker, as if had thrown himself to their side faster than anyone could see.

"You bastard…" Cursed the cognitive double with an unhinged expression as it took aim.

Joker and Akechi lifted their pistols and simultaneously pushed the trigger. The bullets flew straight and true and pierced the double in the heart and head, throwing it backward as an immense metallic wall abruptly rose from the ground and sealed it in the engine room.

"Holy crap, what was that?" Asked Mona with eyes big as saucers.

"Don't stand here… gawking, you fools!" Coughed Akechi, whose second wind seemed to be disappearing quickly.

"He's right, killing that double did something to the alarm! We need to get out of here stats!" Warned Oracle.

"What about the Treasure Room?" Asked Noir.

"If we stay any longer we will get trapped. We need to leave the Palace, now." Assessed Queen.

The Phantom thieves bolted out of there with Joker carrying a weakened Akechi to his feet, the alarm level steadily rising as they rushed to the front deck. Barely escaping an entire squad of security guards Shadows in the entrance hall, they walked outside exhausted in all respects and activated the Meta-Nav. The distortion faded away, leaving them stranded in the street outside the Diet building.

"I can't feel my legs." Panted Yusuke.

"Don't tell me…" Whizzed Ann. "Is everyone okay?"

"I think so." Said Haru. "Thanks goodness we still had medicine to administer."

"We have to leave…" Akechi unsteadily tried to stand on his own before Ren gripped him more tightly.

"You're in no shape to go anywhere alone." Pointed out Morgana.

"I know that… let's go back to Leblanc. Ritsuka is waiting for us there."

"She's alright?"

"Not so loud, idiot…" Winced Akechi at Ryuji's sudden outburst. "Of course she's fine. You think I could have come if she opposed it?"

"She let you come to us?" Aked a surprised Makoto.

"You're going to have to ask her. Also, I don't think it's a good idea for me to be seen with you, especially in public transportations. We need a disguise, or…" A resigned look passed on the detective's face as Ren smirked evilly, the same idea obviously going in both their mind.

Night had firmly fallen when the group finally reached Yongen-Jaya. To their collective relief, tomorrow was a day off, and so no one batted an eye at a group of young people in public transportation. When Ren pushed the door of Leblanc, he was welcomed by the sight of a very worried Sojiro behind the counter and a drowsy Ritsuka, no less than four empty cups of coffee in front of her.

"Thank goodness you're here. I was starting to be worry sick… you've someone with you?" Sojiro scratched his head. "Have I seen this guy before?"

A few exhausted laughs came from the Phantom Thieves as Akechi, completely dishevelled and Ren's glasses covering his eyes, groaned. Sojiro looked more attentively, his expression changing from confusion to harshness.

"I suppose you've got a very good explanation for this." Ren nodded, hoping the boss would understand. "I'll leave the shop to you. If anything happens… I'll be here."

As soon as the door closed, Ritsuka stretched with a loud yawn. Her eyes fell on the Phantom Thieves, then Akechi, then on Ren.

"Welcome back." She said with relief and exhaustion mixed. "I'm glad to see you all here."

"You've got some explaining to do." Demanded Ren.

"Oh you've no idea how much…" Muttered Akechi.

"Fair." Shrugged Ritsuka.

It took some reorganisation, but everyone managed to squeeze in a sort of round table by using the counter chairs as supplement. Akechi was isolated at the edge, something that seemed to perfectly work for him, with Futaba and Haru as far away as possible.

"Let's start with the head researcher of cognitive pscience. Inshin Gyoja. As you probably guessed, Akechi and I finished to infiltrate his Palace while you were in Shido's."

"Oh yeah. I completely forgot about that." Admitted Ryuji.

"It was worse than we thought. He had found a way to access the Metaverse without using the app, and abducted criminals inside to serve as test subjects. They were either dead, or barely kept alive in vegetative states."

Revulsion coursed through Ren as he remembered the way cognitive creations have been treated in the Palace they visited.

"We confronted the researcher who found a way to fuse with his Shadow, probably so he wouldn't be taken off-guard if someone invaded the Palace. But as we were about to defeat him he returned with us to the real world, hoping to leave us defenceless."

"It must have come to quite a shock to him to see it wasn't your case." Imagined Morgana, sitting on the table. "Oh, and to Akechi as well."

"To think I could have simply searched for her Shadow anytime…" Mumbled Akechi.

"Which is exactly why she came up with that masquerade in the first place." Severely reminded Yusuke.

"Where is the guy now, by the way? If you left his Palace, does that mean you had to go back inside to change his heart? Should we worry about him reporting to the conspiracy?" Asked Ann with curiosity.

"No need for that. He's dead." Declared Akechi as a matter of fact.

"You!…" Growled Ryuji until Ritsuka stopped him in his tracks.

"He didn't do it. I killed Inshin." Everyone looked at Ritsuka with disbelief, and she shook her head.

"Why?" Asked Futaba with a small voice.

"Reaching the heart of his Palace already took a lot, and then the fighting… when we emerged in the real world, I had too little strength left." Ritsuka looked at Futaba, remorseful. "I underestimated him, and he was about to kill Akechi… I just couldn't let it happen."

"Not again, uh." Whispered Makoto.

"Did he have a hidden pistol or something? I can't imagine you being taken unaware." Raised Haru timidly.

"That's the interesting question, isn't it? Turns out, I have been hearing quite the enlightening conversation in that Palace." The attention came back to Akechi, who gestured at Ritsuka. "Not that I'm not grateful to you… but I don't think you can hide any longer."

Ren watched as Ritsuka sighed, her eyes closed, and breathed several time. She was psyching herself up. What was she was about to tell them? What was that secret she had kept for so long?

"I'm glad Sojiro isn't here… everything I'll tell you here, you must repeat it to no one. Absolutely no one else, or something may happen to you. This is bigger than Shido's conspiracy, much bigger." She breathed one last time. "Magic is real, and is still in practice to this day. People who do so are called magus, or magi. And I'm one of them."

Silence. Stupor. Incredulity. The Metaverse was one thing, something that even some real world scientists have been researching, between Wakaba and Maruki. But magic… real magic?

"Some people are born with what they call Magic Circuits, a pseudo nervous system through which they can use magic, or rather, magecraft. It's either inherited through family, or something randomly obtained by mutation. I'm in the latter category, which is why my Circuits are really poor. I can't even cast spells on my own, which says about how bad I'm on that front." She laughed weakly, the awkwardness of the room reaching critical mass.

"The thing is, magecraft has pretty strict rules and principles. One of them is the idea of Mystery. Basically, the most well-known or understood a concept is, the less powerful the magic you can do with it become. Science marching on is literally killing magic. That's why magi are a secretive bunch who mostly work in family units or clans, each working on its own branch of magecraft. They take their secrecy really seriously, and they don't hesitate to brainwash people Men in Black style to keep it that way. Or worse, have them disappear. Which is why I really didn't want you guys to know about it."

"Wait wait wait wait, wait! Time out!" Protested Ryuji, frantically making a T with his hands. "There's another effin' conspiracy here?"

"Oh no, magi really don't care about mundane politic. They have their own to worry about." Ritsuka mirthlessly laughed. "The big place to be for the magic world is London, the Clock Tower. Imagine Hogwarts except almost every student is a Diet member with roughly the same moral compass as Shido. Never been here, but heard and seen enough people from there. Japan is seen as backwater and unimportant, but there's still some big names and families here, not even counting all the weird shit like some demon hunters clans still surviving to this day."

"And that Inshin was a magus, correct?"

"One point for the artist. Yeah, an omnyoji to be precise, with a nasty gravity spell that was going to turn Akechi to mochi."

That would explain how he caught them off-guard. Concealing a gun was one thing, but preparing for whatever weirdness someone using magic could do…

"Why was he interested in the Metaverse?" Asked Ren, curious.

"The big goal of more or less all magi is to find a way to reach the Root, the source of all existence. I'm not entirely sure what happens to them if they succeed. Anyway, Inshin was using the Metaverse as a new way to further his magecraft. Honestly, not a bad idea on his part, if completely amoral in the way he went at it. But that's magi for you: they simply operate on another level of morality, aka, little to none. Though in general, they don't meddle with government affairs or things like that. Inshin must have detected the existence of the Metaverse one way or another and considered joining Shido was the best way to progress."

"I think I'm going to faint." Said Ann, pale as a sheet.

"Time to learn the magic words: Don't worry about it. No, seriously, 99% of people will never come across or be impacted by anything supernatural related in their whole life." Reassured Ritsuka. "Though, I was unlucky enough to be in the 1%. Remember when I said I have shitty Magic Circuits? Turns out, I still had enough compatibility for a secret project from one of the Clock Tower lord, a bigwig by the name Animusphere. And thus after an unfortunate blood donation, apparently for research, I was pressured into joining the project in question. In Antarctica. For two years. Which is why you won't find anything about my scholarship anywhere you look, beyond the false data they put in here to satisfy the muggle side."

"That's why I couldn't find a single thing online. Those wizard don't seem to like technology at all." Mumbled Futaba.

"I could have kept investigated for a long time, it seems." Akechi seemed to share the same conclusion. "And what was that secret project?"

"Magic words." Just said Ritsuka. "And it's been dismantled, anyway."

"But Shido knows." Insisted the detective, which made everyone start to worry.

"Inshin told him about the world of magi, yes. That's what we talked about when he asked you to leave the room, and why he certainly considered I would be more valuable than you in the long run. Don't worry, I fed him lies and half truth, and without his pet magus Shido won't get anything anywhere on that front before you change his heart."

"I think I understand things better now. More or less." Admitted Makoto. "Though, I have another question now. Why" She pointed at Akechi. "did you let him come to us? What did you think would happen?"

"You aren't the only ones who asked me this. The Pillars, my demons, were mostly against it as well. They wanted me to neutralize him, preferably permanently."

"What delightful thing to know." The irony in his voice could bite a whole plate.

"But to make it short… I suppose you told them everything as well." She asked Akechi, who nodded sharply. "I didn't want to see you fight and kill each other. But I knew I couldn't convince Akechi by myself. His pride wouldn't allow it, he needed to be forced to see his error. So… I let him go, after he promised not to target anyone but his rival."

"That would explain his strange behavior during that battle." Mused Yusuke, reminded of the strange way he threatened the rest of the team to stand aside.

"I can't believe you made such a mad gamble once again. I thought we talked about this…" Complained Morgana. "Though I guess it did end better than we could have imagined."

"What happened down there? I'm getting dry talking all by myself." Said Ritsuka.

Ren watched his rival looking away, shame fleetingly present in his eyes, before reporting his attention to Ritsuka.

"Akechi found us, and we fought against Loki." Explained Ren. "After we beat him, a cognitive double from Shido's Palace appeared. Apparently, a defence mechanism made specifically to eliminate him if he ever turned against Shido."

"Not that he planned to keep me around after the election." Threw Akechi bitterly. "You were right. He was going to get rid of me anyway. Your arrival simply made him even less concerned about the consequences."

"We were all exhausted, and the cognitive double summoned a horde of Shadows on top of it. And then…" Ren glanced at Akechi, who made a small nod. "Akechi awakened a new Persona. One born from the bond between you two. Edmond Dantes."

"… what?" A small part of the leader of the Phantom Thieves felt very satisfied at the dumbfounded look on Ritsuka's face.

"A vengeful silhouette made of blue fire and dark lightening, with burning yellow eyes piercing the darkness. A striking appearance, especially compared to both Robin Hood and Loki." Appraised Yusuke.

"And it moved so fast too. Like, one second he was here, the next he was with us when that big wall rose up, trapping the cognitive double behind. I'm so glad he didn't use it against us." Shivered Futaba.

Ritsuka turned around… and slammed her face on the counter. Loudly.

"Fujimaru-san?" Asked a worried Haru.

"This is a joke. Tell me this is some elaborate prank. Please tell me you're possessed and it's not actually the Persona symbolizing our bond." She mumbled with a strange and desperate denial.

"Trying to run away from the product of our friendship? Oh no, you're going to take full responsibility for this, aren't you, my accomplice?" Pressed Akechi with gleeful vindication, clearly not getting the full picture but not passing the opportunity of watching Ritsuka squirm.

"… I'm so suing the Counter-Force once this is all over…"

"The what?" Quizzically asked Ann, tilting her head to better hear the muffled complaint.

"Magic words…"

"I don't wanna hear 'magic' from you ever again!" Yelled Ryuji.

Uncontrollable laughters erupted inside Leblanc, and for a brief moment Ren felt at peace. They were still on the brink, the revelations they just received mind-blowing, and Shido was far from outed, but… things were looking up. And beneath her comedic breakdown, Ritsuka, too, seemed more at peace than ever.

---

I am thou, thou art I…

Thou hast nurtured a bond clad in the heart's strength ,

This union, born and embraced by trust unyielding,

shall become the star that lights thy path,

Thou hast gained insight of the Aeon's truth,

granting thee further power to tread the abyss …

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru

Arcana: Aeon

Rank: 8

New ability: Decisive-Battle Strengthening

Increases the potency of Charge and Concentrate to x3 (from x2,5)

 

[Magostera]

Interlude: The Sinking of Pride

If there was one thing Akechi was willing to concede the Phantom Thieves, it was a good grasp on theatrics. This "calling card" was both marvellously showy and the best possible slap on the face of the conspiracy. That his phone had started to ring not even half a minute later has been the most amusing point: those incompetents had the entire police force and innumerable contacts at their disposal, and yet to whom they turned every single time a difficulty popped up? The Black Mask. Well, all the better for him, they would run like headless chickens trying to reach him. Ritsuka, currently too weak to assist them, stayed behind to play damage control and divert their attention, while the Phantom Thieves and Akechi took upon themselves to deal with the asshole at the top of the pyramid.

"I should have risen the alert of more Palaces before. This chill in the air is a nice prelude to the carnage to come."

"Hey, we're not gonna kill anyone." Snapped Sakura.

Most of the group was watching him with a stinky eye which he shrugged without a care. They had the same objective for now, and they would tolerate each other precisely that long. Well, not all of them. Further ahead, Joker was running without looking back, focused on their goal and not allowing the bickering in the back to slow him down. Whatever was going on in his mind? Justice, or vengeance? Perhaps a bit of both, seeing as Shido was the one responsible for his criminal record. It was a strange thing to consider; that without the actions of the man they both hated, they would have never found each other.

Rushing through the opened door of the false parliament chamber, Akechi noticed the giant boat wheel floating and turning on the ceiling. Instinctively, he understood he was looking at the Treasure. Steering the country, that's what the despicable man always said. And on the podium, turning his back to them… Shido's Shadow. Identical to the man in every respect, just like the Shadow of Gyoja Inshin. Yet unlike the sorcerer, Akechi knew his father was not so adept in the Metaverse to fuse with his own Shadow. Only that he was such a piece of shit his Shadow and him would have very little differences.

"Shido!" Shouted Sakamoto angrily, making Akechi roll his eyes. What did the muscle-head expect, intimidate their target?

"Where did you lowlifes obtain that power?" Mused the Shadow more for itself than its audience, turning to face them with an insufferable smirk. "Not that it matters. If you have a complaint, I'm willing to listen."

"Playing all high and mighty still, father?"

"Hmph. You always reminded me too much of that woman." Akechi's fingers twitched. "I suspected your intention to trap me from the very beginning. Which is why you were going to die as soon as I became prime minister." A dark chuckle escaped the asshole. "What an 'ace' detective you are. Standing beside me all this time, and yet unable to see through my plans."

"How could you do that? He is your son!" Shouted Kitagawa.

"I could never keep someone with such intimate knowledge of my past alive." Disdainfully said Shido. "I hoped he would destroy himself fighting you thieves, but he disappointed me even there."

"How could you…!?" Choked Takamaki.

"You stole my mom's research… and had him take her life!" Yelled Sakura.

"Everything you've done has been for your own selfish gains! You even killed my father! I will never forgive you!" Hammed Okumura. Akechi didn't need prescience to know she wasn't just talking to Shido.

"Sacrifices are inevitable in the path of reform." The Shadow strolled on the podium, utterly unbothered and unrepentant. "The life of the nation as opposed to those of a few sacrifices… There can be no comparison."

"How selfish! You were unable to win by honest means, so you used foul tricks to ascend the political ladder!" Accused Kitagawa.

"You're nothing but a criminal who rose above others by climbing a staircase of sin. A cruel person like you has no right to stand leading the citizen of this country." Judged Nijima junior with disgust.

"The ignorants of this country only care about their own personal happiness. I only require these foolish masses to entrust themselves to their superiors. I shall guide them."

"Superior? Don't make me laugh! You're a two-bit politician who never would have been able to make it without my help!" Retorted Akechi angrily.

"You only appeared because of the expectation God held for me. This social reform is something only I, as the one chosen by God, can enact!"

He always knew Shido thought himself above everyone else, and frankly he shared the exact same opinion about the stupid populace outside. But seeing the hidden messianic delusions of the crook laid bare before his eyes made him want to puke.

"I can't believe you look down on everyone so harshly…" Whispered Okumura, taken aback.

"You say it's for the country, but this Palace shows it's all for yourself. Nobody would wish for something like that!"

"Nobody?" The Shadow turned his back to Takamaki's claim to push upon a button, rising his podium further in another demonstration of arrogance before resuming his demented speech. "Then why was I chosen? Why are they surrendering the seat of prime minister to me?"

Despite his anger, the words echoed within Akechi's mind, a discussion he had with Ritsuka coming back. How despite how he discredited the opposition and many flocked to Shido, his popularity could not be entirely natural. How Mementos seemed to perform a role in the emotional rapture the masses experienced toward one opinion or another, with less and less nuance. And looking at Ren… a look of understanding was exchanged between them. Was he too reaching similar conclusions? How perplexingly delightful of his rival.

"Everyone denies the value of hard work these days. Instead, they seek to effortlessly gain wealth. That is why I must reestablish this mighty country. One that does not waver… One that others bow to." Shido's rambling brought him back to the present situation, bottling hatred seeping more and more.

"Mighty my ass! That's just a crooked country made by a crook!" Sakamoto shouted, always the gifted poet.

"We cannot let you do this. You are a disgrace to Japan." Kitagawa pointed imperiously. "Hence, we will take your deranged heart!"

Unimpressed by their resolve, the Shadow simply looked down on them.

"Hmph. Those who disobey me must be eliminated."

Light steps attracted the detective's attention. Glancing around, he noticed the figure appearing by Shido's side a fraction of second before the others. A young woman in a sharp suit, breathing self-confidence, amber eyes cold and dismissive as they examined the Phantom Thieves.

"And since I have Fujimaru by my side, I have no need for any of you."

"!…"

Akechi stared at the cognitive construct in the image of his friend. Like all others in the Palace, and just like his own had been, it was a particularly faithful recreation on the surface. His limited navigator abilities confirmed it wasn't a Shadow, not like those of the VIPs who had been attracted to the Palace and fused with their cognitive version to make them stronger. An expected development, seeing as there was no way Ritsuka would be roped in by the bastard's promises. But he couldn't help but feel a pinch of jealousy as the cognitive construct stood proud by his father's side, in the inner sanctum of the Palace where even he never reached. Something he would have never thought possible, if not for the revelations she made recently.

And what a revelation it was: the creatures following Ritsuka around were the real demons of the Ars Goetia. Though not as mighty as the legends said and restrained, by her own admission, because of her limited abilities, they apparently retained many of the powers they were supposed to possess. And among them, shared by several of the demons like Eligos, was the power to gain the friendship and favor of the powerful as well as granting dignities upon their summoner. Ritsuka insisted it wasn't mind-control, but it didn't paint it in a prettier light. The result spoke for itself however, in the form of the image Shido made of her: a ruthless, competent, and loyal follower fully dedicated to Shido's ideal Japan.

"A pity she is occupied dealing with my traitorous supporters, I would have enjoyed seeing her power for myself. No matter. Her semblance will be more than enough to help me get rid of you pests."

"You are mistaken. She has helped us infiltrate your Palace from the beginning. Can't you see she has only come to you to better help us?" Asked Noir, trying to undermine the construct.

"Ritsuka was never on your side. Don't tell me you didn't suspect anything when Akechi is the one who brought her." Pointed out Nijima junior.

"She helped eliminate Inshin Gyoja. How's that something that was supposed to help you?" Pushed the cat further.

"Heh. I will not be shaken by your transparent attempt at dividing and conquering." The Shadow ignored their words entirely, putting its hand on the fake Ritsuka's shoulder like some sort of proud parent. "Someone who understands my vision for Japan, who set her gaze beyond what even I thought of… someone like that will never be satisfied wallowing in mediocrity with the ignorant masses and mere criminals like you."

"Tch. I don't think we'll be able to disabuse him." Groaned Akechi, growing increasingly frustrated by the normally paranoid asshole's attitude.

"Jealous?" Asked Ren with an unbelievable cheek.

"Shut up. Or I'm going to rethink not killing you." Retorted Crow with a murderous growl.

"Now, it is time to eliminate you all. A small leak will sink a great ship. Great nations have fallen to such lenience. I will not make such incautious mistakes."

Thunderous applause suddenly echoed in the great chamber in answer to Shido's declaration, hundreds of identical Japanese politicians mindlessly clapping their leader from every seat, every terrace.

"There's tons of them!" Panicked the cat.

"Since when!?" Whispered Nijima junior, looking around.

A loud rumble accompanied a change in the great chamber. The ceiling opened and the podium rose, massive sections coming from the walls on the side. Without hesitation Akechi and the Phantom Thieves jumped on them, reaching the summit as the giant panels closed to form a new ceiling under their feet.

"Let me make myself clear. Do not think of me as you did my foolish pawns who fell so easily."

The Shadow made its boast climbing on top of a massive golden lion forged in the bodies and faces of hundred peoples, a living image of the vision he had of the masses and his followers: footstools for his ascension, tools to be used and discarded, and mindless beasts who obeyed their master without question. Shido himself was now entirely transformed, adorned in a black general garb with a long cape and a white spiked helmet.

"You little…" Grunted Sakamoto. "Our leader's gone through shit 'cause of you. It's on!"

"Don't think you can forget me." Growled Akechi, readying his sword.

The Phantom Thieves had already dispersed into battle positions, tension electrifying the air.

"Die… without further delay." Commanded Shadow Shido as his leonine beast roared.

Akechi jumped backward to avoid a giant paw and riposted with a debilitating spell. Engaging that hulking beast in melee would be suicide without levelling the playing field first.

"Careful, it can repel physical attacks!" Alerted Nijima junior.

"Spells, everyone!" Shouted Joker as he gracefully dodged the lion's closing maw.

A torrent of magical attacks fell on all side on Shido and its mount. Megidolan would be too exhausting to use like that and so Akechi found himself relegated to support role as he layered weakening curses upon curses as fast as the enemy Shadow dispelled them, preventing it from doing the same to them. The leonine beast couldn't handle such firepower and stepped back, unable to get close to its preys.

"You lowlifes! You shall regret these foolish actions against me… in the afterlife!" Cursed Shido.

The lion roared and jumped in the air. Massive wings unfurled and it started a stationary flight.

"It changed?" Gasped Sakura.

"It resists magic now. Use guns and physical attacks!" Analysed Nijima junior.

"Loki!" Shouted Akechi, unleashing a Riot Gun and watching with satisfaction the wings crack under the assault.

Finally, he could hurt the pile of shit! Ducking aside to avoid the Bless spell thrown at him and sending another hail of projectiles from above, Akechi barely avoided being caught in the tornado that appeared beneath Sakamoto's feet.

"Bastard's targetin' our weakness!" Pestered the Skull masked blonde.

"Forth and back! Panther, Mona! Fox, Skull! Crow, Queen!" Commanded Joker.

Following the rhythm dictated by his rival the Phantom Thieves jumped back and forth in tandem as Shido called forth spells, avoiding with near perfection anyone getting hit by their opposed element. How bold, and despite Akechi's annoyance to have to obey a strategy he didn't plan, what thrill to see it work so well! With another hail of bullets, the leonine creature was sent crashing down, the Shadow riding it scowling at them.

"To think you'd manage this much… Why won't you stop resisting!? The nation I strive for… is the ultimate realization of the public's happiness!"

Once again the creature changed form, transforming into a massive pyramid crowned with the Shadow's ridiculous headpiece.

"The weak must be sacrificed for the sake of grand ideals! This is the natural order of this world!"

"Shut up!" Snarled Akechi. "Loki!"

Darkness pooled under the pyramid and started to corrode it. Suddenly an opening appeared on the structure and… a canon came out?

"What the eff?" Complained Sakamoto, barely dodging the cannonball that threatened to flatten him.

"Finish this, guys! Super move, Ultra Charge!"

A rush of strength coursed through Akechi. Oh, that tingling from all this power, he would never get enough of it!

"Die!" He shouted as Loki brought down a colossal sword strike.

Every single Phantom Thieves also unleashed its most powerful attack, crushing the pyramid into broken fragments. It returned to its true form: the giant lion of human bodies. Beside it stood Masayoshi Shido, his face contorted by rage as he looked at the remains of his pet.

"Useless, ignorant masses!" Shouted the would-be dictator angrily, turning its back on the beast as it dissipated. "It seems even thieves should not be taken lightly if they come in great enough number…"

"Once you're losin', you're puttin' all the blame on the masses, huh!?" Spat Sakamoto.

But the Shadow didn't even pay attention to the dumb blonde, instead focusing its gaze on Ren.

"So, you're the one unifying them…"

"A touching reunion, isn't it?" Said Takamaki with biting irony.

"The next time you crush a foe, I suggest you do it in a more certain manner." Added Kitagawa with a falsely helping tone.

"Not that there'll be a next time for you!" Cheekily taunted Sakura.

"You…" The Shadow stared at Ren, truly looked at him instead of glancing arrogantly. "You are more than just a member of the Phantom Thieves, aren't you?"

"Long time no see." Said Ren, taking his mask off.

Akechi watched as the bare face of his rival seemed to spark a remembrance within the pile of shit, fighting the urge to laugh as it still took even more goading from the Phantom Thieves to make him realize exactly who he was facing. The determined, focused expression on Ren's face was a sight to behold as the Shadow finally understood. The sheer irony of Shido being responsible for them meeting and teaming up to end him was tastier than Akechi ever expected.

"Haha… What an interesting turn of fate. But your efforts will be worthless in the end."

"Enough of your self-righteous bullshit." Cut Akechi before the madman could ramble further. "If you really believe the strongest will survive, then lie down and die like the garbage you are."

"I wouldn't expect mere brats to understand the reality of the world. Thus, I will offer proof…"

Shido ripped away his entire upper clothing and helmet. To Akechi's incredulity, underneath where impossibly built muscles strapped into some sort of exercise harness, as if trying to contain a power he did not expect the Shadow to possess.

"By forcefully crushing the Phantom Thieves!"

A menacing red aura rolled off Shido at those words, the Shadow taking on a fighting posture. How the hell was Shido so powerful? Even that stupid sorcerer didn't exude such danger!

"Careful! Those muscles aren't just for show!" Warned Sakura.

"Resistance is futile!" Bellowed Shido as he prepared a Charge.

"No you don't!" Retorted Joker, making a strange gesture. Whatever he did, the energy suddenly dissipated, nullifying the need of guarding whatever would have come next.

"Focus…"

"Look out!" Kitagawa's Charge was interrupted by the alerted cry of Sakura. Akechi glanced at the Phantom Thieves jumping back…

A spray of blood soiled the ground under the artist as a large arrow pierced his body through and through. In a blink the projectile erupted in blue flames, drawing a cry of agony as the fire erupted from both ends of the wound.

"Fox's in trouble! Someone he- Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Another projectile struck Prometheus and cracked the outer shell, sending it crashing down.

"Oracle! Fox! No!" Yelled Takamaki in horror.

A mighty punch from Shido forced her to deploy Hecate in defence but the blow was too great, throwing her backward and preventing her from assisting her fallen comrades.

"Zor-" The cat barely slipped beneath the arrow targeting him but couldn't avoid the lightning, sending him to the ground meowing in pain.

"And stay down!" Shadow Shido clenched his fist…

"Get lost!" Roared Akechi, getting over his surprise. "Laevateinn!"

His strongest attack fell upon Shido with all the hatred he carried for the monster, stopping him dead in his tracks. What the hell was happening? Where did all these arrows came from?

"Orochi!"

Akechi's assault was thrown back by the Shadow's ridiculous strength just in time to see Ren deploy an enormous eight-headed serpent, that intercepted the next arrow targeting Okumura. It exploded in nuclear fire, drawing a grunt between Ren's gritted teeth.

"Eat shit!" Sakamoto hurled his own Persona at Shido, using his brute strength to pin the Shadow a little longer.

Another arrow, this time toward Nijima junior, was intercepted by Ren, the sword armed monkey he summoned fizzling under the psychic shock from the impact.

"Hold on everyone!" Said the cat.

A wave of healing energy pulsed from Zorro, mending the group's wounds while Takamaki and Nijima junior focused on Kitagawa, closing the gaping and burned flesh. Akechi raised his gun and shot Shadow Shido multiple times as he shook off Seiten Taisei. Another arrow whistled, Ren reached for his mask…

"Noooooo!" Shouted Sakura as she shakily crawled from her Persona's wreckage.

Eldritch symbols appeared on the ground and formed a circle, then a dome of green energy. The arrow hit it and exploded with the force of a Megidolaon, blinding them all for an instant. When it dissipated Akechi realized with a chill Shido attacked them at the same time, the remaining physical impact making the ground tremble. They almost all died here and there.

"Up there!"

Akechi squinted where Okumura pointed. Something was standing on top of the giant daruma decorated podium overlooking the battlefield, something he recognized quickly. The cognitive Ritsuka. Clad in samurai armor and drawing an ornate bow, another deadly arrow notched.

"Dammit!" Cursed Akechi. "I thought she became part of the leonine beast!"

"We need to do something about her or we're going to be wiped out!" Said Nijima junior, sending a nuclear strike on Shido while shielding a recuperating Kitagawa.

"How? I can't climb there fast enough to not get shot, and I'm the nimblest of us!"

As if to prove the cat's point the cognitive double fired at Sakamoto. Zorro appeared barely quick enough; its chest pierced by the shot before serrated winds dug a larger hole in the Persona. Despite resisting the element, the cat doubled over in atrocious pain.

"Hold on Mona!"

Takamaki brought Hecate to heal their small mascot while Nijima junior and Kitagawa unleashed nuclear and ice strikes on Shido, allowing Ren to retreat and regroup.

"I'll deal with her. You deal with Shido." Declared Akechi, realizing he was the only one who could act.

"Alright." Agreed Ren immediately before throwing him something. "Take this."

He caught it without looking, seeking within him the power he sought. There. It would exhaust him more than even a Megidolaon, but it was the only way. Black lightning crackled on is suit's surface as he stared right into the cold, contemptuous eyes of the fake Ritsuka.

"Dantes!"

It was as if he had bitten a power cable. Yelling in pain and rage Akechi instantly crossed the divide, covered by his Persona's dark mantle of flames and traversing the air like a lightning bolt. His feet barely touched the daruma doll's surface that he dashed to the side with another crack of thunder, avoiding the blessed arrow that would have gravely wounded him. Seeing its offensive failing the cognitive construct discarded its bow and smoothly drew an ornated long sword.

"Tch. Whatever are you supposed to be?" He snarled, gathering strength for the confrontation.

In truth, he rarely gave attention to the mythological appearance the Shadows took beyond the somewhat useful indicator of what sort of attack he could expect. But a sort of devious curiosity made him push his limited navigator ability to their limit, trying to discern what was the mythological identity given to the cognitive construct.

"Tomoe Gozen? Tch. Who does that imbecile think he is.…"

A flash of steel. A crack of thunder. Akechi struggled for balance on the uneven top of the structure, having barely dodged the sudden assault. Bringing his sword up he hurriedly parried the next strike, the impact sending tremor in his whole body. The double slashed again, forcing Akechi to parry with increasing alarm. He still couldn't believe Ritsuka got into the shithead's mind so effectively that he invested so much power into that construct! His own double looked like an afterthought in comparison! A tremor suddenly rocked the podium and he missed. The sword pierced his costume and sliced a large wound on side. Before it could reach deeper Akechi called upon Dantes and made another lightning rush, a copper scent invading his nose and blood running down his leg.

"You fucking trash!" Howled Akechi with pain and rage.

Black flames roared to life around the double, but the long sword shone as a series of spinning slash snuffed the fire. He followed up with more lightning, trying to prevent his opponent from gaining the initiative and dashing away each time she came close. Despite his anger, he didn't lose track of reality. The false Ritsuka's advantage in close combat was enormous, but giving it too much distance or respite would just allow it to continue shooting those absurdly dangerous arrows. His only real advantage were the bursts of speed granted by his Persona, and those combined with using spells non-stop were starting to take their toll. Gripping the small object Ren gave him, Akechi dashed away once again to avoid a close quarter confrontation, gaining just enough time to look at it. A small pure white bead. A plan immediately started to form in his head.

"Manifest!"

Obeying his will Dantes zipped around and brought down black thunderbolts on the fake Ritsuka. Just as he expected the double diverted the lightning with its sword and Akechi charged recklessly, heart throbbing like a drum. The double instantly took position, ready to strike him…

"Drown in my vengeance! Enfer Chateau d'If!"

The silhouette of black fire and lightning appeared above his target. Then another, and another, and suddenly a dozen of identical copies of his Persona surrounded the target. Then at once, they all hurled themselves at the cognitive double, engulfing it into blackened flames. The construct tried to fend off the cursed fire without effect, but when Akechi charged it abruptly shifted its attention to him, ignoring its armor melting and hair burning.

"Urgh…"

Searing pain frayed Akechi's mind as the blade pierced him. Cutting through his ribs like they didn't exist, digging beyond his stomach, barely missing his spine before bursting from his back in a bloody mess. The flames disappeared, his focus broken, but with a heated groan Akechi impaled the cognitive double's heart in return. The fake didn't even bulge. As if the wound was nothing and despite the burns the previous assault made, it stared at Akechi without a sliver of humanity.

"You achieve nothing. My real self will do what you cannot. Japan will enter a new age, and Shido will be the one to bring it to life."

Its tone was so cold, so full of arrogance and contempt, so unlike the real Ritsuka, that Akechi couldn't help but laugh, his own blood tasting like salt in his mouth.

"Hehe… poor little fake…. I… win."

With all the strength he had left the Black Mask pushed on his sword, driving them both beyond the ledge. They fell together in a parody of embrace, the deadly ground approaching rapidly.

"Dantes!" Shouted Akechi once more, closing his eyes.

This time, the pain was almost nothing as he was suddenly displaced, landing on the ground and rolling on it with muffled groans and a sickening crack in his spine. Before he could lose all sensations, Akechi crushed the bead in his right hand. Immediately a warm glow burned the pain away, a sensation akin to a swarm of beetles stinging all over where the flesh reattached itself and the bones regrew. Flexing his fingers vindictively, Akechi stood up, seeking his target and finding it a dozen meters away. Unlike him who changed the angle of his drop to lessen the impact, the fake Ritsuka took the ground head on, ending as nothing more than a disarticulated, bloody doll on the floor that was already starting to disappear.

"Ha… hahahaha! See that, Shido? How's that for the brat you never bothered acknowledging?" Shouted the teenager with mad glee, looking at the Phantom Thieves and the Shadow standing a bit further.

"Akechi-kun!" Gasped Okumura with relief.

But the only one Akechi had eyes for was Ren. Ren who simply gave him his usual insufferable smirk. Did he give him the bead expecting such a mad attempt, or had it just been a precaution? No matter. He would find a way to one up his rival another time.

"You little…" Shido looked different, harness gone, muscles red and bulging like some parody of bodybuilder, his aura dark and purple. Yet there was no mistaking he was the losing side. "To think you'd put this much of a fight…" The Shadow clenched its fist, lightning cracking around its arm. "You bastards! I won't let you have this!"

Akechi acted on pure instinct and dived forward, burning the last of his spirit into a last hyper-speed dash. Shido struck the ground, the resulting explosion blowing away all of the Phantom Thieves with the exception of Ren. As Akechi stumbled to regain his balance walls of purple flames were set ablaze in a circle around Shido, Ren and him, trapping them in a makeshift arena.

"Wh-What happened? Joker, Crow, are you all right?" Stuttered Sakura from beyond the walls.

The rest of the team was barely distinct on the other side, visibly unable to get past. So that's what the old bastard tried to do. Isolate Ren and slay him alone, knowing the rest would lose hope and determination.

"I never would have imagined… That impertinent brat from so long ago, managing to get in my way this much! Honestly unbelievable. I should have finished you off before this could've happened… You even dragged this rubbish dredge of my past to defy me!"

A deranged smile blossomed on Akechi's lips. Despite the fatigue and pain, knowing he still foiled the last-ditch plan of his garbage father couldn't make him happier.

"My dream has been attained! My desire to steer this country has finally come to fruition! But my ambition has only yet begun. I WILL NOT stumble over mere minutia like yourself!" The Shadow clenched its fists again, taking a menacing position. "This time, I'll be dead certain to seal your fate. I will reduce you both to nothing!"

"We've come so far… Joker, Crow… please don't lose!" Pleaded Sakura from her navigator connection.

"Tch. Of course we won't." Spat Akechi, rising his sword.

"Let's finish him together." Smirked Ren, obviously just as tired but still unsheathing his knife.

Looks like it was only them… Good. That's how he could accept it. Strangely, even though he was exhausted, something made him feel as if he could take on the entire world. A strangely familiar feeling, one he understood when the glow of something in Ren's coat attracted his gaze. Could it?…

"Let's end this. Give me a hand!"

The scenery around them suddenly changed. The boat was nowhere in sight, and neither was the fake Japan. It was now a rainy night on the roof of a building, surrounded by the skyscrapers of a corrupt city.

"Uaaaarghhh… Out of my way!" Yelled Akechi as he used Loki's berserk ability on himself.

The world seemed to dim and fade as he charged, the glowing silhouette of his hated target right before him.

"Crow!" Signaled a barely recognizable voice.

An agile figure zoomed past him to deliver a single strike, destabilizing the enemy. All he needed. Time to kill.

"Aaaaaaaargh! Taaatatatatatatatatatatatatatata!" He shouted, bringing his blade down again and again and again and again and again… "You are nothing to me!" The blade cut through and he went through, red filling his vision as he moved past the mutilated trash.

Akechi clutched his head with his hand, the mist of his temporary psychotic episode clearing away. Joker landed behind and a pistol shot rung, accompanied by a scream of pain. Music to his ears as the scenery created by the wishing star faded away, leaving them once more on the cruise of pride.

"Uuuurgh… this can't… be… losing… to a brat like…." Groaned Shido on his knees.

He tried to stand up, apparently ready to throw hands once more… before his eyes rolled in their sockets and he fell over, beaten for good.

"Humph. Not bad for an improvised attack."

"A bit rushed." Commented Ren, sheathing his pistol.

The walls of fire disappeared, allowing the Phantom Thieves to join them.

"Thanks god you're alright! I feared the worst." Said Takamaki with relief.

"What were you thinking, falling from so high?" Asked Okumura incredulously.

"Yeah, what's up with that?! Tryin' to escape karma?" Pushed Sakamoto further.

"I'm not trying to kill myself, imbecile. I took a calculated risk." Retorted Akechi, adjusting his gloves.

"And just a few meters down you'd have ended flat as a pancake."

Only by biting his tongue did Akechi manage to contain a vicious comeback aimed at Sakura's irritating remark. Pancake. That was one word he was not going to even acknowledge at for a few more years.

"Le's bicker once that Treasure is ours, shall we?" Tempered Nijima junior.

They all turned to the Shadow, returned to its original appearance safe for a few bruises, the only traces of the prolonged beating it sustained.

"How could I… lose?"

The asshole was still in denial?

"For causing countless mental shutdowns in others, you will atone… with your life." Sentenced Nijima junior as if she was her sister, sending him a glance.

"Don'tcha got something to say to your leader before you go passin' out?" Asked Sakamoto smugly.

Shido shakily stood on his knee.

"Yes… I acknowledge… that I incriminated you on false charges. I did it to protect myself… I'm so sorry for what I've done…"

For a furtive instant, the Shadow's face changed to something Akechi never saw from the man before. Guilt. Yet it disappeared as quickly as it came, a low chuckle escaping the shit stain's lips.

"It feels as though it's been quite some time since I've felt sincerely apologetic…"

Something like defiance seemed to remain in him, a sliver of pride as he looked up to stare at the Phantom Thieves. The colossal vanity of Shido was resisting the inevitable even now… And it pissed him off.

"Crow?" Asked the cat as Akechi stepped forward.

The Phantom Thieves all tensed, even Ren, as he moved in front of the kneeling Shido.

"You..."

He kicked. Hard. His boot crashed on the Shadow's face, breaking its glasses, sending it on the floor bleeding.

"Get up!" Spat Akechi. "We're not done yet."

"The hell you're doin'?" Sakamoto grabbed his arm.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to kill him." He slipped out of the grip and pushed the idiot aside, focusing on the monster weeping his bleeding nose.

"We're not letting you torture him either!" Warned Takamaki.

"Please. If I wanted to torture him, I would have waited for his Shadow to re-appear in Mementos." Akechi sneered, clenching his fist without looking back. "I said get up!" The bastard finally stood on his two feet, facing him with an uncertain look. "There's a lot I want to hear before it's over."

"Eh… is there anything I haven't said?" Shido wiped the trickle of blood from his broken nose, shakily standing. The fucking nerve of the scumbag almost made Akechi draw his gun. "No, you're right…" The toned turned apologetic. Remorseful. "I made you a murderer for my sole benefit. I abused your desire for recognition, knowing you were desperate for connections. I planned to have you killed ever since we met. I wanted to see you fall to despair when Fujimaru Ritsuka would kill you, knowing you meant nothing to me. And even before that… I threatened your mother to keep her silent. I let her die alone and in shame, and I never considered your existence until you came before me. And I, never, thought myself as your father. For all that… I am truly sorry."

Akechi contemplated hitting him again. Unleash even more of the years of frustration that almost cost him his life, and still ruined it. But… it wouldn't give him any real catharsis. If he ever killed him by mistake, Shido would escape the life of suffering and regret the change of heart would bring. Death wouldn't bring anything but a fleeting illusion of justice. Looking beyond the love he craved all his life from the unrepentant piece of shit, beyond the hate that had festered and rot within him for so long, he contemplated the best way of fulfilling vengeance. And through that vengeance, justice.

"Go rot in jail or break your neck at the gallows. Either way," Akechi pointedly turned his back on the Shadow. "I'm done having my life defined by you."

He walked away, ignoring the looks the Phantom Thieves gave him and Shido's admission of defeat. Staring into the Palace's sunset sky, the decrepit buildings sinking into the uncaring sea, Akechi breathed deep into the cold air. It wasn't over… The change of heart wouldn't take effect immediately. Even then, someone would have to take responsibility. For the fallout, for the police's sullied pride, for the changes of heart, the psychotic breakdowns, and the mental shutdown. No, it was far from over… but strangely… the weight dragging his heart down felt just a bit lighter.

 

[Magostera]

The Holy Grail, Part 1

"This is crazy…" Whispered Ann in horror.

The news were falling one after the other. Media outlets, internet forums, street speeches, transportation whispers. All with the same voice and the same message. Shido was simply "ill", and his speech admitting culpability attributed to an excessively stressful and sleepless campaign. Change of heart never happened, only coincidental psychiatric disorders. The Phantom Thieves were criminals who used the rumors to their advantage, and murdered people to spread fear and anarchy.

"Everyone's being tricked so easily! Why the hell did we risk our lives then!?" Ryuji's fist struck the table with a resounding thud.

Ren clenched his hands within his pockets. When Shido's Shadow was defeated, the Palace had suddenly started to collapse. It was only later, through Akechi, that they learned Shido took pills to induce a temporary cerebral death in the hope of halting the change of heart and killing them all. And it almost succeeded. While fortunately the Palace didn't disappear instantly, they almost sunk with the ship. Without Ryuji's unbelievable sprint to catch them lifeboat, it would have been their end. And even then, their friend almost died, with only the pure luck of being blasted away in the right direction by the ship's explosion. They all thought he died until he returned to the team a few minutes later, limping with a busted leg. It took Takemi's insistence she needed to be alone to operate to make Ann stop clinging to Ryuji like he was going to disappear again.

"If Shido isn't judged by the law, everything we've done will be treated as if it never happened." Seethed Yusuke.

"Moving the entire country however they wish by controlling people's cognition… This is no different than being inside a Palace…"

"Good guess, Nijima. That's exactly what's happening." Makoto's lament was interrupted by a ring at the door and an abrasive voice.

Akechi came in a scowl on his face, followed by Sae and Ritsuka. The prosecutor looked both defeated and incredulous as she addressed them.

"I'm sorry… I gathered the best of the best and fought for a case… but as Makoto must've told you, it was denied. At this rate, it won't end with just Shido's innocence. This trend will continue spiralling down…" Sae sighed, her expression hardening. "But that's not what I've come to tell you. We know the truth, and that makes us targets. It's only a matter of time before we are apprehended." She stared at Akechi, who shrugged.

"The conspiracy contacted me to handle your arrest. They still think I'm on their side." He couldn't have been looked more insulted if he tried. "I can delay this by a day or two at most. After that, even those imbeciles will start to link the dots and suspect me."

"That's why… I want to ask for your help. I wondered if there was any way you could do something one last time. I know I'm in no position to ask this of you." Pleaded the prosecutor.

"That doesn't matter to us! So what are we gonna do? Should we change the heart of all Shido's followers?" Proposed Ann, only to be met with Akechi's derisive snort.

"Forget it. Even if each of you could tackle of Palace alone, even the conspirators I know of would be too many to count. And that's not without counting the time it takes for a change of heart to trigger in full."

"Akechi's right. Even if Futaba could find the names of every single one of them with his help, we can't feasibly do it in time." Agreed Makoto reluctantly.

"… What was that you said about Makoto being right?"

Futaba's voice was small, and angry, as she reluctantly questioned her mother's murderer. But it was Morgana who answered.

"… Mementos. Did you confirm it, Ritsuka?"

The ginger nodded as all gazes fell on her. She told them yesterday she would investigate after seeing the wild swing of the Phan-Site's rating.

"I've travelled through Tokyo and used as much energy as I could spare." She didn't make mention of her demons as Sojiro and Sae were present. "The result is clear; the public's cognition is being altered, probably on a national scale. The Ruler of Mementos is trying to make sure Shido stays in power and the Phantom Thieves are gone."

"Wait… do you mean that there's a Treasure even in Mementos!?" Asked Haru with shock. "And it has a Ruler? But I thought it was the Palace of the general public…"

"It should be. But it appears it's not entirely the case." Confirmed Morgana sullenly. "It's something Ritsuka uncovered and spoke about with Ren and I, in September. I'm sorry we didn't spoke much about it to you guys. It didn't seem important at the time compared to saving Haru. And then… things got out of control."

"Save the pity party for another time." Multiple members of the Phantom Thieves sent Akechi a black eye he royally ignored. "It was what we were supposed to investigate together after Shido, but she overextended herself with Inshin's Palace."

"Sorry guys. I'm back and ready to kick ass now." Assured Ritsuka with a strained smile. Something seemed to bother her, but Ren couldn't pinpoint what.

"In any cases… Mementos is still the source of all distortions. Even if it has a Ruler, it's maintained by the people's 'collective unconscious'. Its collapse should affect the public as a whole. If everyone's heart get free of the alteration imposed upon them and grow to hold Shido's responsible for his actions, things might start going our way."

Ren nodded. It would hinge on the Phantom Thieves being able to get through the final locked door they found at the bottom of their last floor in Mementos, but Ritsuka assured him she could force those in case of emergency. With some luck, the ruckus they caused with Shido's Palace would grant them entrance.

"… That's a bold plan, but an interesting one." Assessed Yusuke.

"Sounds good to me!" Agreed Ryuji, standing up and raring to go.

"Not yet." Cut the detective with a dry, almost threatening tone. "There's something you're not telling them. Get to it."

"… There's one thing you all need to realize." Admitted Morgana. Everyone save for Ritsuka and Akechi looked at him with puzzled looks before he spoke again. "To begin with, why does something like the human cognition exist as another, substantial world? The reason for that is most likely the Treasure of Mementos. And we'll be destroying that, you know."

"I don't see where you're goin' with this." Said Ryuji, confused.

"The Metaverse will disappear, you imbecile." Groaned Akechi. "The only thing that keep it together is Mementos. Once it's gone, we will all lose our powers!"

The insult flew unnoticed compared to the sheer impact of the statement, the Phantom Thieves taken aback by its implications. The abandon of their life and identity as justiciars, losing the ability to make a difference like they did all this year. It was a hard thing to contemplate. Yet…

"I think we need to do this. I mean, we're the group who's reforming society, right?" Said Ann, standing up and looking at them in the eyes.

No one else seemed to answer her. It appeared they have all grown attached more than they thought to the abilities they obtained… Ren caught Akechi's gaze. A smug smirk was all over his face. But behind… was it really all he thought? His eyes derived to Ritsuka. They would lose their Persona and their life as a Phantom Thieves… but what of her? She was a magus. A real magic user. Her power didn't come from the Metaverse. She caught his gaze, and silently said something. We'll talk later.

"Ren… what do you think as our leader? We'll lose our power if Mementos is erased. Will you still do it?"

Morgana's question almost made him snort. They had to. Otherwise, Shido would win. On the other hand, wasn't it fine? Who he was when coming first in Tokyo, and the person he was now, were very different. But he was still himself. Joker was him, but it wasn't all he was. Losing that side of his life didn't mean his life was over. And also… his moral would never allow him to say no. They came together against the abuse of a rigged, abusive system. They would not repeat the mistakes of their targets and perpetuate a corrupt environment for their sole benefit.

"Yes. For our justice."

The others nodded. Not that they would have said no. But it was reassuring to have their opinion validated.

"At least someone has a head on his shoulder."

"… It seems there are no objections." Stated Morgana, ignoring the detective's snide remark.

"Did you come up with a plan?" Asked Sae, who has been obviously quite lost and taken aback by Akechi's new attitude.

"Miss Prosecutor… looks like this is gonna be our last job." Said Ryuji, rolling his arm.

"We're erasing the Metaverse. No one will be able to use it in the future, for good or ill. The rest is up to you." Explained Ren. "Get Shido for us."

"Once we accomplish our duty, we will need entrust the world to respectable adults. This is our condition for accepting this job." Said Haru.

"This is a 'deal' then…" The world rolled of her tongue, the same as during the interrogation. "That's certainly a heavy condition. But very well. I accept. I swear to make Mazayoshi Shido stand and be tried in the court of law. Besides… my pride won't allow me to be continually saved by you all without doing anything in return."

"We'll be counting on you." Nodded Makoto.

"I'll be dealing with the conspiracy, lest some panicked idiot send a squad in your homes early." Sneered Akechi.

"Looks like it's decided then?" Asked Sojiro, having finished to clean his counter while they planned.

They spoke a bit more before the team and guests started to leave one at a time. Sojiro left as well, leaving only Akechi, Ritsuka, Morgana, and Ren.

"You're gonna stick with us?" Asked Morgana to the detective.

"I'm not going to let you finish this without me. Besides, I'm quite curious as to who the Palace Ruler could be." He looked at Ritsuka, who seemed deep in thoughts.

"I thought it would be Inshin or Shido at first." She admitted, fiddling with her hair. "But now… I'm not going to lie. It may not even be a person at all."

"What, then?" Asked Ren.

"Worse come to worse? A Divine Spirit." She caught their question before they could say them. "Oh yeah, divinities. Fun stuff, especially when they're not on your side. Remember when I told you science is weakening magic? Divine Spirits are what's left of gods after losing most of their power."

"I still find hard to believe even half of whatever mythologic bullshit is written in books may have been real." Bluntly told Akechi.

"Fair. Not like it can impact you now." Shrugged Ritsuka. "In any case, a being like that could very well be responsible for the Metaverse and everything that has happened with it. The only question is, how did they gather enough power for that? When I say Divine Spirits are what's left, I mean it. Reality is rejecting them so hard they can't manifest or interfere with the world in most cases. They'd need a big source of strength to bypass that."

"You think that's what the core of Mementos is, then? Some sort of power source the Palace Ruler used to establish the Metaverse?" Deduced Morgana.

"My bet is a Holy Grail, if you're familiar with Arthurian legends. Not the Holy Grail really, but something in its image. It's more or less the most well-known miracle granting object there is after all."

"That could be it…" Whispered Morgana. "A recipient of all the desires of everyone in Japan… I can' think of a better Treasure for a place like Mememtos."

"Humph. A pity we'll have to destroy it." Mused Akechi half-heartedly. "And what about you? You're not going to lose anything when the Metaverse falls. What are you going to do with all these demons at your fingertips?"

"Honestly? Without Mementos to replenish the Pillars' energy regularly, I won't be able to maintain them by myself. Like I said, I've got crappy Magic Circuits." She waved her left hand, the hand where the red tattoos shone. "Once everything is said and done, our contract will come to an end. Back to regular life for me."

"Just like that?" Asked Akechi, dumbfounded.

"It's the contract we have. It's the decision I made." She replied firmly.

"… You are an infuriating accomplice." Mumbled the detective, shaking his head. "I will be at the station tomorrow. Don't make me wait."

The bell rung once again as he left Leblanc.

"He's really not taking the plan well." Remarked Ren.

"It's not hard to see why. It's the thing that made him, in his own eyes, truly special." Sighed Ritsuka. "I think he was searching for an excuse to not destroy the Metaverse, but he isn't going to do anything rash now that he knows I won't be one upping him. He wants Shido to pay as much as everyone else."

"If nothing else, his strength will be a precious asset in this final heist." Agreed Morgana. "You're leaving?"

"Yeah. I need to be at my maximum for tomorrow, and a good night sleep will help." Ritsuka took her bag back, walking to the door.

"Are you ok?" Ren's question stopped her on her tracks. "Even if you look better, it's like you are more and more down with each day. Are you that worried for the plan, or…?"

The silence she offered was an answer in and on itself, as she gripped the doorknob and opened it slowly. The cold air of the night breezed within Leblanc, as she stood alone in the shadows.

"Last Christmas… I gave them my heart. And the very next day, they were taken away."

The door closed. Ren and Morgana looked at each other. Tomorrow was the 24 th , Christmas Eve. They had completely forgotten, so taken by the storm of events and twists. But it seemed to hold a deeper meaning for Ritsuka. Secrets, still. Ones they would not pry until she was ready, if she ever would.

---

The Coffin screeched, acrid steam escaping its inner mechanisms. The metal was warm under her shaking hands, so strangely inert as she got out of the contraption.

Cold.

She absently checked her Mystic Code. Intact. Her hands. Clean. Voices all around her, excited. She checked her legs. Unblemished. The voices were still going. Relieved. Cheerful. She touched her face… wet.

Cold.

She wiped out her cheeks once. Twice. Then her eyes. The glove turned humid. It was still wet. The voices died down. Self-conscious. Awkward. Emphatic. Words were pronounced. Some directed at her. She didn't listen. Didn't register.

Cold.

Her feet moved. Moved past the reinforced door. The corridor. Dark. Dented. Charred. Scent of ashes. Tingling of Ether. A crunch. Something brittle. Under her feet. Broken. Shattered. Lifeless. Cracked emerald. Tarnished gold. Darkened cobalt. Jagged beneath her fingers.

Cold.

She walked. Air movements. A stream. Fleeting, fresh. Light. A wall. Pierced. Broken. A door. Hanging. She pushed. Again. Crackling circuits. It moved. Light. Natural. Real. Blinding. Her feet sunk. Snow. Blank. Pure.

Cold.

Another step. Slower. Harder. Again. Further. A breeze. Vivid. Gentle. Snowflakes. Melting. Flowing. She stopped. Breathed. The air. The sky. Blue sky. Pale clouds. Stretching. Far. Wide. Ice. Mountains. Valleys. The land. Majestic. Living. Gleaming. The World. The world they saved…

So cold.

"Da Vinci… Romani… Mash— "

Ritsuka woke up. She stood up, peeked between the wood shutters. The sky was still dark. She looked at the clock. Four and a half. Too soon for her morning exercises. The exams were past. Nothing to work on. She checked her phone. No messages. No announcements. Nothing to look at beyond the same mass propaganda. She sat back in her bed. Checking beneath, finding nothing. Force of habit, one she still had a hard time breaking. She rolled in the blanket, on her pillow. Comfortable. Familiar.

Cold.

Cold? A finger brushed the surface. Wet. Her cheeks… her eyes. She took a tissue. Wiped them once. Twice. Thrice. She buried her head in the pillow after the second tissue. Tried to think of smiles. Of laughter. Of dreams… all that came to her was their dreams. Their laughter. Their smiles.

"Everyone…"

She cried until morning.

---

The terminus station of Mementos. They had reached it easily, crushing the Shadows en route without even thinking about them. Akechi was almost frustrated by how easy it had been, he needed something to soothe his nerves.

"The hell is this…?" Mumbled Skull.

Piled trains upon trains discharging hundred, if not thousands of people's Shadows ferried from the upper level. Ribs like bones jutted from the ground in sinister parody of archways, leading to a giant wall… no, a giant door. One that opened invitingly as they approached, beckoning them like a predator's hungry maw.

"Hold on… The door only opens from this side…" Remarked Oracle.

"… What do you mean?"

"Well, I took a peek at the mechanism inside the door, and it looks like you can only get it open from here. We can get in, but nothing can get out." Clarified the navigator for Panther's benefit.

"Wait, so you're saying that the people going in are choosing to stay imprisoned within?" Asked Noir with foreboding dread.

"It might be just like they said." Said Queen, chilling as she looked at Ritsuka's demonic knight, upon which she still stood.

"We'll find out once we reach the depths. Come on, let's go." Commanded Morgana.

The Phantom Thieves advanced through the door, which closed behind them with an eerily ring. Yet nothing could have prepared them to what was on the other side.

"The hell is this place?"

Skull's shouts would have irritated Akechi had he not been rendered speechless himself by the sight in from of him. A giant crucible made of innumerable blocks of rock and iron, and from each and every one of those blocks came long, pulsating veins of sanguine glow reaching all the way to a depth so profound, none of them could see what was at the bottom.

"So those strange pipes tunnelling through mementos were originating down here after all." Remarked Fox. "You know, I have been considering this for some time… They remind me somewhat of veins."

Akechi silently agreed. He never took much attention in the bland appearance of Mementos, having considered them all of the same after a while. But now, it seemed whatever chaotic and seemingly random elements that reappeared everywhere were nothing random after all.

"More importantly, what's up with this kind of scenery? Don't tell me this distortion really is…" Shuddered Panther.

"Calm down, Lady Ann. The treasure is definitely here, and that's what's important now." At least Mona was keeping its cool. Perhaps Akechi would have someone else to trust his back other than Joker and Ritsuka. "And I can sense something else. A tremendous presence that's coming from much deeper within…"

Ritsuka, Ren and Akechi exchanged a knowing look as the former dismounted, apparently deciding to manage her strength for a long road deep down. Could what she said to them yesterday be true? Could not a person, but some sort of old spirit be dwelling in those depths and rule this place?

"I don't know that I want to find out what that may be, but we must harden our resolves." Queen stepped forward with determination, breathing deeply. "It's time to head for the depths!"

Sidestepping the crowd of Shadows trying to make their way in, the Phantom Thieves climbed up and down the blocks, reaching side entrances. To his disgust, he recognized what seemed to be carcasses and skeletons of massive creatures fused within the walls, the repugnant mixture of flesh, bones, iron and stone giving this place an even creepier feeling. They advanced in the path barely lighted by the eerie red atmosphere and what looked like triangular lanterns stuck to the ground. It took them a dozen minutes to reach a large circular area, where they found…

"What is this place?" Whispered Oracle. "Don't tell me…"

"Ritsuka's demons where right… this is…" Tried to say Queen with disgust.

"A Prison." Spat Akechi, the urge to puke coming stronger than ever.

Gigantic, semi-circular cells formed the wall around the area, where hundreds of people stood immobile, be it sitting or standing. Each of them chained by a heavy steel ball and chains around their ankle. A constant whispering, a litany of indistinct words seemed to emanate from the cells, as if the prisoners were all speaking to each other.

"They're saying something." Noir noticed as they approached the cell.

"C'mon, don't be out there and come on in." Slurred a male prisoner near the bars, surprising everyone.

"Don't open the cells, okay? I have no intention of leaving this place!" Affirmed another Shadow, a woman sitting on her ball and chain.

"They feel safe in here?" Said Fox with concerned incredulity.

"That's right… This place is the best in the end." Said another Shadow, that of a very old man. "In the depths within is a system that grants desires…"

"The Holy Grail…" Mumbled Ritsuka. "Guys, we have to go. Now."

"But…" Tried to argue Skull.

"It's no use." Cut Makoto. "You can't reason with these people."

"She's right. We have to go as quickly as possible before any more people are dragged here." Insisted Ritsuka. "I'll explain on the road. We have to-"

"Hm? Why are you out and about? Where are your restraints?"

Akechi turned around to see Shadows moving toward them. Not the pathetic, spineless Shadows in the cells, but a real guardian of the Palace, taking the form of a security guard with a black uniform and steel gas mask, a menacing baton in his hands.

"Removing your restraints is not allowed. Outsiders must be eliminated!"

Akechi jumped into action as the creatures discarded their masks and transformed into large mechanical angels. The battle was brief, the wind conjured by Mona tearing them apart in seconds.

"What a shit show. Of course a prison would have guards." Snarled Akechi.

"Wait a sec… this is everyone's Palace, right? Not like Kamoshida's castle…"

"Didn't you listen before? There is a Ruler, and each second we waste is another he manipulate the stupid and ignorant masses into thinking you don't exist!" The detective turned around, looking at the path ahead.

"Crow's right. And I'm curious to hear what Ritsuka has to say about this place and its ruler…" Added Fox.

From there on, the place finally started to feel like a real Palace. Guards everywhere, stalking and lurking for intruders, and strange security systems forcing them to step on floors in complicated patterns to unveil new paths. And between battles and puzzles, Ritsuka talked.

"During those two years, I've come across a few Holy Grails. They aren't really holy, or even cups most of the time, but their purpose is generally the same: a massive clump of energy that can be shaped into whatever the user desires." Explained Ritsuka in more details than yesterday.

"And that kind of thing just… exists?" Asked Oracle, dumbfounded.

"Depends. Most are artificial, but some happen naturally in the right circumstances. Whatever the case here, one if forming the core of Mementos, I'm sure of it now."

"And it just… formed Mementos on its own?"

"That's the problem with Grails, or any wish granting system. They tend to get polluted by dark desires very easily. If a naturally formed Grail was immersed within the collective wishes of people wanting to be controlled, then it would automatically activate to try to answer that wish."

"This is insane… because of people's desire to not decide, to not take responsibility, this 'Holy Grail', became the source of distortion? Of this prison?" Whispered Noir.

"Looks like it."

They avoided another group of Shadows, listening to some of the inmates in solitary cells. Each of them more repulsive than the last, more dedicated to waste away in the prison, to discard any responsibilities and to never make a choice of their own. Akechi's desire to tear down the bars of these cells and murder those prisoners to the last was burning more and more within him, seeing these sheep wilfully surrender and even call the guards on them. It was even worse than Shido's conspiracy yes men. At least these had goals and aspirations in their life! A Safe Room gave them the breath of relief they needed, and Ritsuka continued her explanation.

"The thing is, even if the Grail made the core of Mementos, of this prison, there is no way it could have forged such an elaborate system on its own."

"So that's why you think there is a Ruler. Who could it be?" Asked Fox.

"Not really who, but rather 'what'." Insisted their friend, tilting her head on the side as a telltale sign she was listening to the invisible voice of her demons. "They can't tell, almost all of their power is dedicated to hiding their presence and mine from the Palace Ruler. But it's likely a Divine Spirit. A remnant of a god, or maybe even an artificial one born directly from the desires gathered by the Grail. Something directing the public and pushing them to obey mindlessly."

"I can't even imagine goin' up 'gainst somethin' like that…" Skull bashed a small container, revealing a golden emblem he pocketed.

"Well, time to prepare mentally. That's surely the presence Mona and Oracle have been sensing ever since we came here."

"I thought it was just the pressure of this place." The ginger adjusted her googles, shaking a bit. "It's so big… and we're still far from the Treasure."

Akechi absently verified his gun, as if the thing could even jam. All of this was working him, and an idea was forming. For quite a while, he was realizing now.

"Shido said he was chosen by God. That's what his Shadow spouted in his Palace, anyway." Now everyone's attention was on him. "Taking what you're saying into consideration, ignoring how maddening it sounds? I'm starting to think he was telling the truth. And if my power has to come from somewhere..."

"Uh, Crow? I think you're going to crush that pistol if you keep gripping it like that…" Said Panther, and Akechi relaxed his grip slightly.

"Don't mind me. Let's just finish this."

Ren signalled it was the end of the pause, and they returned to the Palace. More guards, more puzzles, jumps up and down blocks to avoid massive dead ends. The road suddenly stopped. Or rather, it morphed into a giant spiralling path leading into a cavernous pit. The true depths of Mementos. It seemed to go ad infinitum, in the words of Fox. Mona transformed into a car to descend faster, and they all packed themselves in, squeezed like lemons in a tight box since Ritsuka didn't summon a mount this time to preserve energy.

Slowly, the atmosphere changed again. The darkness receded, only to be replaced by more oppressing red light, as if the air itself was saturated with some sort of luminous mist. They got out as they reached the end, another path like before, leading to another clear circular area. Akechi expected to pass through without even looking, but just as they entered it…

"What!? You're…" Exclaimed Panther, abruptly stopping her course.

They looked where the pointed, finding a man in sport shirt with a whistle and chronometer at his neck. One Akechi recognized from photos, but the others seemed to know more intimately.

"K-Kamoshida?" Sputtered Skull.

"Sens—No… Madarame…" Whispered Fox, finding the old scam artist a few meters on the side.

"Kaneshiro's over here!"

Those were all Palace Rulers. Did it mean…

"Is president Okumura here too?!" Asked Oracle, looking left and right to no avail.

"Father isn't with us anymore… More importantly, look there." The heiress pointed, and Akechi followed it, already sensing what he would find.

"You!" He sneered, seeing Shido sitting aside the other prisoners on a slab of rock.

"Hello, son." Said the Shadow, almost making him draw his pistol.

"The Hell's goin' on!? These guys shoulda had a change of heart from their Palaces disappearin'!" Yelled Skull.

And then they talked… and it sent shivers down Akechi's spine. Barely a trace of the people whose Shadow he met before was present. It was as if only a shell of their former self could get through the captivity their Shadow choose after being forced to change.

"Unfortunately, Okumura isn't here with us." Noted Shido. "Nothing can be done for the dead… I'm sorry."

"… Yes, I know. Thank you for the details." Answered Noir with solid steel in her voice. "Now if you don't mind, what in the world is this place?"

"It's supposedly called the Prison of Regression. More importantly, does this look like captivity to you? Why, it's the exact opposite. The utmost freedom is available to anyone who desires it here. This is the freedom to not make decision… the release from having to think for yourself."

Hearing the bastard speak with sincerity like this… it turned Akechi's stomach. Was it the fate that all of Japan would suffer? Was it what they would suffer should they fail? The realization that all these people imprisoned in this cell had been Palace Ruler, that all the change of hearts the Phantom Thieves did as well as those who couldn't maintain their desires… they were all imprisoned back in this place. Any desire strong enough to form a Palace and get them out of the Prison of Regression, if destroyed, would find them imprisoned back.

"Tell me—who is the ruler here? Who made all of this?" Asked Queen.

"What an odd question to ask. It should be obvious: every member of the general public." Answered Shido with absolute certainty.

Even with the knowledge that it wasn't the entire truth, to hear it confirmed seemed to shake the Phantom Thieves. The idea that the inmates themselves were the ones who surveilled the prison the most. That the masses were as much the enemy of their cause as the conspiracy. To Akechi? It wasn't a fucking surprise. No, the thing he hated most was that the combined mass of these sheep and slugs would spell his ruin as well, no matter what he would do. And refused to go down with this pit of uncaring, lazy, useless prisoners. They moved out. Once again fighting guards, solving those idiotic puzzles that passed as security systems.

"That's a very strong Shadow." Said Oracle.

The group stood in ambush, watching a single, solitary Shadow in the shape of a security guard stand in the path, twitching like a broken puppet and surrounded by a reddish-purple aura.

"It's not moving. We won't be able to take it by surprise." Assessed Ren.

"Doesn't it look and feel weird?" Said Queen. "I'm not sure it's wise to attack it."

"It's in the way, so we hafta do it." Cut Skull short. "It's not that strong, right?"

"It's definitely stronger than any of us. Even Crow." Added Oracle.

"Well, something interesting at last. I was getting rusty." Loki and Dantes roused from within him, ready to fight.

"Master, ready to rumble?" Asked Skull.

"Hoping I won't be needed." Ritsuka said.

The Phantom Thieves jumped out of hiding and surrounded the Shadow. With a sick cracking sound the security guard mask slipped and it changed form, transforming into a tall humanoid with somber skin and red eyes, a golden cup in its hand and crowned by a massive helmet with bull horns and fin like ornaments.

"An unknown Shadow. Alright, let's—"

"YOU!"

The Shadow's deafening shout stunned them, interrupting Mona. The creature started clasping its head as if suffering from migraines, its cup falling and breaking on the ground with a metallic ting. Akechi didn't hesitate and summoned Loki, its sword falling on the strange Shadow. The blade pierced it… and it didn't even seem to register.

"I REMEMBER! I REMEMBER EVERYTHING!"

An explosion of force pushed the Phantom Thieves back as the Shadow's aura seemed to deepen, to pulsate even stronger as its silhouette became less distinct. Growing.

"Guys, what's happening?" Panicked Skull, knocked on his ass.

"EVEN IF A THOUSAND YEARS PASSED, I WOULD STILL REMEMBER YOU!"

"What is that thing? It feels like…" Queen did a double take, as if not believing her own senses. "It can't be—"

Another burst of power manifested in counterpoint of the Shadow's. Ritsuka advanced forward, four demons appearing by her side. A knight, a bird, a horseman and a leonine centaur. Eligos, Caim, Orobas and Alloces. Her four most recognizable and used allies.

"Run, Phantom Thieves. This is not an opponent for you." Came the voice of Eligos, dignified and imperative.

The air thickened with malice. The alarm level was rising! Akechi looked at the monster barring the path, its aura engulfing everything.

"Everyone, with me!" Commanded Joker as he deployed his grappling hook, catching a lamp to jump around the creature.

"But Ritsuka—"

"Move!" Harangued Fox, pushing Skull firmly.

They all used the same trick one by one, keenly aware the area would soon crawl with Shadows. The Alarm was still rising, whatever this creature was seemingly sending it into overdrive.

"Everyone's here?" Asked Mona. "Then let's go!"

"But that thing…" Oracle looked back, the new shape of the creature refining into something new, something that sent shiver in Akechi's spine.

"Didn't hear? We would only be a nuisance!" Rudely yelled Crow.

Looking back as they ran away, Akechi took a last good look at the creature. No. The demon. It was the same sort of being as Ritsuka's allies. Except this one radiated such hatred it made him feel small, such rage Loki and Dantes retreated deeper within his mind. A massive grey-white humanoid torso emerging from a base of dark tendrils, crowned with silver metal and surrounded by floating red crystals.

"I RECOGNIZE YOU, FUJIMARU RITSUKA! LOATHSOME MASTER OF CHALDEA!" The voice almost ruptured his eardrum even as they were running further, the ground itself trembling under the sound. "I AM DEMON GOD BAEL, FIRST OF THE SEVENTY-TWO AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SPY SATELLITE! AND I HAVE COME BACK TO KILL YOU!!!"

 

[Magostera]

The Holy Grail, Part 2

The Prison shook with the fury of their brethren. The ritual has not been initiated, and yet he remembered. No, more than remembered, he returned in his entirety.

"I thought you guys needed the ritual to completely become yourself?" Questioned their Master, holding on in the face of Bael's hatred.

A valid question, one with a large number of possibilities. Was it because of the power held in that place's Shadows? The proximity of a Holy Grail? One or another factor combined with the presence of the forty-ones already present and enabled a chain summoning.

"The presence of so many of us is a determining factor. Beyond this point, each of us has his own theory." Answered Eligos.

The resurrected Pillar's gaze turned to him, burning with a hatred even the Demon God Pillars themselves has never known before. Its appearance was a shadow of Goetia's, of their united and almighty form.

"You… I thought you for Shadows of our existence. The image humanity has made of us through their collective unconscious. Yet here I can sense your unclouded nature, even through your hidden presence! All forty-one of you!"

Bael's voice shook the ground, the air trembled before the unbound majesty and power of a Demon God Pillar.

"Yes, yes! Come back we have, from beyond we are, in this present we returned!" Caim croaked, flying above at respectable distance. Carefulness and anticipation ruled over his being, aware of their kin's hostility.

"How can this be? We had no way to revive! To return! To be restored! Our eternity was lost! Our Temple was reduced to nothing! Your presence called to me, hatred called for my appearance! How is it you came back? Why is it you stand with Fujimaru Ritsuka!?"

"By the twisted turns of fate, and the mercifulness of our Master." Orobas blocked the shock waves provoked by Bael's fury, sparing their fragile and human summoner. "Eligos was the first, and we were awakened one by one. We accepted a contract, and chose to observe humanity once again."

The air froze. Malevolence and hatred polluted it to suffocation, disbelief and indignation charged it to electrocution. Then as quickly as it stopped, Bael's aura rolled in frenzied waves.

"YOU TRAITORS! Have you forgotten our grand purpose? Our plan 3000 years in the making? The unified goal we all shared? How can you stand beside the one who ruined it all? How can you stand beside the one who wiped out species out!?"

"It is by her wish we have returned, my kin. Her existence is what allows us to be." Alloces steadily endured the creeping darkness, the intoxicating fury steadily gnawing at the very fabric of the Prison. "We fought for our vision of humanity and lost. Fujimaru Ritsuka fought for her life and won. Such is the nature of war. We cannot blame her for…"

"I KNOW THAT!"

The declaration broke off an entire section, crushing many cells and inmates under the pressure and power. Shadows trying to approach succumbed to the unadulterated aura, unable to approach and disturb their reunion.

"Shit, the prisoners. Halphas!" Called Fujimaru with haste.

The black dove manifested, his authority over fortifications and ramparts engulfing their area of the prison. Cracks and fissures still appeared, but the area was no longer crumbling and endangering the public's Shadows. Eligos observed Fujimaru Ritsuka. She could have commanded them to kill already. To end the menace Bael posed. She didn't. She held her promise to witness their existence, and the Pillars approved.

"You're exactly right! This bitter pain in my chest, this fire that sears my flesh… I know just where it comes from! It's not because our 3000 years plan was ruined. Nor because Heroic Spirits prevented the incineration. It's not even thanks to that detestable Solomon returning his rings to the heavens. No, it because of the one truly responsible for how things turned out. You, Fujimaru Ritsuka!"

"… I can understand where you come from." Whispered the conqueror of the Timeless Temple, holding out despite the monstrous pressure she was subjected, through the limited protection the Pillars granted her.

"I admit it. I have no right to blame you alone for this. There is no justification for taking out my anger on you. No, there is only hatred. Hatred. Hatred, hatred, hatred, HATRED! I can't feel anything but hatred! Hatred for you, Fujimaru Ritsuka! Why did you come here? How did you arrive on this planet, at this time, at that place?"

Another section almost crumbled beneath Bael's uncontrolled energy crushing everything around as he poured out his feelings, his reason to exist. More Shadows appeared, the security system of the Prison of Regression stepping up to preserve its integrity. With their Master's tacit approval more of the forty-one Pillars materialized and intercepted the threat, preventing any interference.

"If you were a hero who had surpassed the bounds of humanity, I would be convinced! If you were a demon king who ate humans, I could accept it! But you are nothing but a common, ordinary woman! And even then, you still destroyed everything!"

Fighting sounds died as the current wave of Shadows was disposed of. A signal in the mental network. Another of the Pillar brought forth a proposal. An intriguing proposal quickly shared as the Pillar responsible materialized. Upon a great and strong bear appeared Balam, fifty-first of the seventy-two and administrator of the Chamber of Life. The body of a large man prolonged by the tail of a serpent. One hand holding the reins, another carrying a great hawk. The head of a bull, a man and a ram talking together, three voices overlapping.

"O Bael, our returned kin, listen. You stand alone in your rage, your desire of revenge. Forty-one stand against you to honor our contract."

"I care not! Even should every other Demon God manifest here and now to oppose me, my purpose shall not waver!"

"Yet, not all of the seventy-two is here. Still many of us await from beyond the void. If in your heart kinship still exists, should you still value the existence of our collective, I propose an accord."

"Balam?" Their Master was surprised, unaware of the great tumult taking place within the Pillar's network.

"Speak. My patience thins and my anger grows."

"This Prison of Regression cares not for what is caught, only that it does not leave. Enough of us are gathered. By my office at the Chamber of Life, I can help giving life anew. Let us gather strength and summon our remaining brethren. May they decide their path by themselves, be it yours, ours, or neither."

Bael's rolling fury lessened. No, Eligos realised. Not lessened, contained. He was listening. Pondering. On the other side, Balam's proposal had sent the entire network in chaos. Every aspect of the plan was considered, arguments and counterarguments flaring up at the speed of thoughts. For the first time since their new beginning, a major schism had appeared between the reconnected Pillars, with Balam's plan at the crux. Many of them insisted this was their last chance to reunite the entirety of the Goetia. That the disappearance of the Metaverse would force them to disperse as wandering spirits in the Reverse Side of the World, left without the anchor Fujimaru Ritsuka provided to return their brethren. That each and every one of them deserved a new existence.

Just as many other pointed out the massive risks involved. How the Prison of Regression's defences could become too much to push back and maintain the ritual they would conduct. The danger in spending so much magical energy in the domain of a Divine Spirit. That as Bael's hostility demonstrated they may have to fight amongst themselves, a possibility they had hoped to never confront again after Orobas, Alloces, Caim, Gusion and Eligos' defection at the Timeless Temple. Thus increasing the number of potential hostiles and create a much more uncertain situation. A few argued it would put Fujimaru in greater danger.

This unexpected and surprising last argument, the fierce sentiments beneath this message gave them pause collectively, even from those whom it originated. Their collective and individual memories returned to the battle at the Timeless Temple. Their struggle against the Heroic Spirits. Back then, their goals had been clear. Eliminate Fujimaru Ritsuka. Destroy the anchor keeping the Heroic Spirit materialized in the Reality Marble. The reasoning was simple: she was the connection gathering the heroes. Yet, why were they connected to her? A question they didn't consider back them, unimportant before their eternity and omniscience. And as they concerted, came the beginning of an answer, one that did not, however, help resolve the wide divide provoked by Balam.

"I will hold my hatred. For a time only."

Bael's accord cemented the issue. Eligos turned to their Master, making himself the voice of the Pillars.

"Fujimaru Ritsuka. We are at an impasse."

"But you're forty… oh." She glanced at Bael before turning back to Eligos. "I see. I'm the tiebreaker… Dammit. I promised I would give you a chance. All of you. And I will keep that promise."

Another group of assailants was smashed to smithereens. The network agreed to follow their Master's decision.

"What should I do?" She asked, eyeing Bael.

"A Command Spell will give us the initial magical energy needed. Further will be asked if necessary." Explained Balam as the Pillars started to create a glowing pentacle.

"You gave her the tools to further enslave you!?"

"Proof of trust. I have yet to use a single one of them." Retorted Fujimaru as she took of her glove.

The red pattern shone, starting from the identical copy of her Heroic Spirit Command Spells she once carried on her other hand and expending all the way to her shoulder. Eight Command Spells granted over long hours in Mementos.

"Let us start."

A complex circular pattern reminiscent of the Heroic Spirit summon system came to life as one of the crimson strands on Fujimaru's skin faded away. Once again the Prison rumbled, strained by the massive concentration of magical energy. Reality seemed to crack as black tar coalesced in a boiling pillar. An instant latter the tar fell, revealing an angelic, winged young boy riding a two-headed dragon. Only it's eyes and aura made him stand apart as one of the Demon God, the ritual succeeding beyond Eligos best estimations. Their brethren inclined its head, information of the situation flooding his mind per the ritual's specificity.

"I am Valac, sixty-second of the seventy-two, and I answer to the call of the conqueror of the Timeless Temple. As I reveal hidden treasure, so too I shall discover the hidden strength of mankind. Bael, your vengeance matters not to me."

A furious rumble fissured the ground around the vengeful Demon God, but he didn't voice his anger. Already another summon was conducted as Valac took place in the network, joining the defenders fighting against the now relentless tide of Shadows. A new figure emerged, a massive serpentine body with wolf legs, a red humanoid torso and arms, owl wings and head with yellow, sharp eyes.

"I am Amon, seventh of the seventy-two!" Proudly declared the demon God, weaving down to face Fujimaru face to face. The Master stood her ground and stared him as equal, waiting, pointedly not giving any order to be defended. After a few seconds, an amused croak filled the air. "You who conquered the Timeless Temple and withstood my light as Amon-Ra, you have won my respect. I will not assist your wrath, Bael."

An explosion rocked the ground, coming from the depth of the Prison. The reddish pipelines pulsated with new vigor as the alarm level suddenly diminished, the security Shadows dropping in both number and strength.

"They're reaching the Treasure." Whispered Fujimaru as Amon coiled to her side. "Balam, take as many of my Command Spells as you need. Let's hasten the summoning before this whole place fall apart!"

Four more crimson lines faded as the summoning pentagram shone. One by one, the Demon God appeared. One by one, they weighted their decision between Bael's cause and Fujimaru's offer.

"You have shown us the wisdom of the fool is still wisdom. Perhaps mankind is not as hopeless as we thought." The multi-headed Dantallion curtsied, his great grimoire close to his chest.

"You walked the horizon of nothingness and returned. I must judge if the rest of humanity can do the same." Belial stroke the ground with his trident, the reptilian tail stoic and placid.

Even those Eligos expected most to fight, to reclaim vengeance and carry on Bael's wishes, those who were among the last to fall in the Timeless Temple, they refuted that vengeance. Has the loss of their eternity, the death and finitude they all experienced changed them to this extent?

"I have seen all that can be seen, and yet our defeat eluded me. I shall observe and understand the enigma you represent." Upon her camel Gremory smiled mysteriously.

"We thought the Heroic Spirits void of truth and reason. We angered at what we thought was madness. To reclaim the highest honor, we will seek truth and reason from humanity!" The angelic Crocell flared in frustration.

And Eligos felt through her emotions that none were more surprised by this than the Master herself, even as the newly summoned Demon Gods grew their network more and more, their energy shared to keep the ritual going and assist in its protection.

"Only one left…" Whispered their Master.

One last time, the pentagram sparked with power, the black tar coalescing into a smaller form. And from it emerged a human figure. Indisputably a Demon God, one of the Ars Goetia, yet who seemingly chose a human appearance. One that instantly made Fujimaru's fists clench. A man in the prime of his life, wearing a green costume and hat with a purple tie, eyes closed and a strange smile on his lips.

"Oh my. This is not what I expected at all for a reunion." His voice was cordial, almost jovial. "You've grown quite a bit since our last encounter, isn't it?"

"You…" Seethed Fujimaru.

"Long time no see, Fujimaru Ritsuka. Allow me to present myself once more." The man smiled, revealing sharp shark-like teeth. "I'm Lev Lainur Flauros. I am the one responsible for placing the last Grail that resulted in humanity's incineration, and the one who thrust Olga Animusphere into Sheba to suffer near infinite deaths."

"…"

"My, what a nostalgic feeling. Together with by my brethren in an enclosed space away from reality." Flauros left the fading summoning circle, looking around to discover his surroundings. "Tasteless compared to the Timeless Temple, but then again. Nothing I wouldn't expect from a cauldron of human desires."

"Enough of your prattle, Flauros!"

"Patience, Bael. You really took this defeat to heart, didn't you? I did too. Seeing ourselves destroyed for something so sad and pathetic, something that wasn't worth the pain to see evolve… Dare I say, this Prison is a good representation of what we have seen through our Clairvoyance for millennia."

Flauros' steps stopped right before Fujimaru. Still smiling, careless as he stood before the last Master of Chaldea.

"Do you hate me, Fujimaru Ritsuka? No need to hide, I see you do. You could have summoned me in the past but didn't, hmm? Why would that be?"

"… I still haven't forgiven you." She said quietly.

"How honest. Really, what else was I expecting from you? Leonardo Da Vinci was crushed with Chaldea's walls. Mash Kyrielight burned away like trash. Solomon vanished without so much as a trace. How could you bring yourself to not hate us?" Flauros opened his eyes, staring with sadistic glee. "And now we are all back while your precious companions are gone. Hm? Don't you want to make it equal? An eye for an eye, as you humans say?"

Indignation flared from their Master's mind; the anger contained within her trembling body ready to be unleashed against Flauros arrogant provocation. It would be easy. Two against seventy. No matter the suicidal wrath of Bael, no matter what Flauros could attempt, even with all the power they already expanded to fuel the ritual and fight, the odds were still in their favor. The only thing Eligos waited for was for the order to be given.

"I won't." Fujimaru forcibly opened her clenched fists, breathing slowly as she stared their kin.

"Why? Do you think you can convince me to join you? That I may be swayed like those pathetic Heroic Spirits? Look around you!" Flauros opened his arms, encompassing the Prison of Regression. "Sloth, indecisiveness, cowardice, surrender! Is that the humanity we should watch over? Are we supposed to keep witnessing this sadness and pain over and over for eternity?"

Another tremor shook the Palace, and the pulsating pipelines once again carried their essence to the deepest part of the Prison. Desire. Pure, undiluted desires ran through the veins of the Palace. With the seventy-two almost complete in a single network, their clairvoyance now allowed them to comprehend its structure intimately.

"I know. I've seen it all, across seven singularities. But we aren't just the worst parts of ourselves. Just like I've learned the Demon Gods are more than the architects of the Incineration." The Master of Chaldea stood defiant in the sanguine light, refusing to look away as she raised her voice. "You didn't destroy humanity out of hate. You wanted to save humanity in your own way! If nothing else, I choose to believe in that. That's why I have given the Demon Gods a chance. That's why I'm giving you a chance even if I want nothing more than seeing Herakles pummel you to paste again for what you did to Olga!"

For a fateful instant silence settled. Flauros closed his eyes, hiding his teeth with a different expression.

"No wonder I was insulted as being blind."

"Huh?" Fujimaru let out a perplexed squeak when Flauros casually walked by her.

A contact. The network opened, welcoming and prudent, as with each other previous newcomer. They were not a single entity anymore. No matter the reach of any one of them, the Demon God would never be subject to their individuality being stripped away again. But the newcomer did not attempt anything of the sort. Explanations and understandings were transmitted, analysed, and accepted.

"You are on your own, Bael." Mocked Flauros before dematerializing.

"So be it."

Bael's rage erupted freely once more, and his form changed back to its origin; A giant pillar of yellow scales and red crystalline eyes moving frenetically, trembling with hatred only an Avenger could ever hope to understand. Its roots reached deep into the Prison's surface; its summit pierced into the ceiling of the higher level. Bael's many eyes glinted, a massive explosion rocked the Prison. Innumerable bursts of energy shattered stone and steel. The platform was reduced to rubbles falling down the depths. Too predictable. Upon Murmur's back the Master escaped unharmed, flying above the devastation.

"Surrender, our kin. Your existence cannot be restored if it is lost once more." Tried to reason Alloces.

"I care not! This burning life is my own to lose!"

Bael's instantly located her and redirected his assault. Too late. Even whole and consuming himself without reserve in the battle, he was facing seventy-one under the command of a Master. Power and instructions surged through Eligos, and he struck with the seventy others. Searing light blocked Bael's vision and burned away his eyes. Icy spears impaled the Pillar before lightning pulverized them, cracking his surface open to expose the muscles and blood underneath.

"The mortality Fujimaru Ritsuka defended will take her in time, a time that is nothing to us. Losing your restored existence to cut that time shorter is madness!" Insisted Gusion.

"This adamant rage of mine will not suffer to see her exist a single instant longer! This burning in my heart cannot be sated by anything less!"

New blasts were fired from his mutilated form, each one dodged by Murmur or intercepted by barriers. Curses of weakness and rot shrivelled Bael's tissues and coalesced his blood before tempestuous winds scathed them layer by layer.

"Our return is a miracle, Bael! We cannot squander this chance for the seventy-two to be reunited again, the Demon Gods need not to be lessened by death!" Inveighed Eligos, weapon ready.

Swords and spears, claws and fangs, the weapons of the Demon Gods reduced their wayward brethren to scattered chunks. From the remnants emerged the humanoid form of Bael, the pale shadow of Goetia's mighty form. Its magical energy almost depleted, fading and fraying from all sides, still it burned with a calamitous wrath.

"I will never back down! Our plan, our union, our king, none of those things matter to me anymore! If my last breath is to be a curse striking down Fujimaru Ritsuka, so be it!"

Ambivalence coursed through the network. Even if it was but one, even if it had to be done, the Demon Pillars hesitated to strike down their own once more. They feared the feeling they experienced once; they dreaded losing the illusion of their union everlasting. Even as their Clairvoyance frantically searched a future where their brother would surrender, one where their words and actions could lead to a peaceful reunion, they found nothing but the urgency of their situation, the certainty the Ruler of the Palace would not be defeated by the Phantom Thieves and would bear its power on them if they allowed themselves to lose any more time.

"Master. There is no time left. Grants us the will to strike. Give us the command we need to grant our brethren rest." Pleaded Eligos in her mind.

"… By my Command spell." She raised her left hand, the crimson tattoo flaring up in answer to her will.

The empowered Demon Gods launched a single assault, in a single instant. It was over. The first of the seventy-two was gone, its spirit origin fading forever.

"I'm sorry."

"It was his decision. And ours." Spoke the usually silent Murmur.

"… Goetia said much the same." Said Fujimaru. "When he confronted me for the last time, he admitted his was a meaningless battle. That killing me would change nothing. But he still put everything on the line. And so did Bael."

Anger. Grief. Hopelessness. A hole that could never filled in their union, an empty reminder of the choice, the madness that occurred, a pain that would never go away. And yet… within that tragedy, upon this irreparable loss stricken deep in their soul… there was something else, something their Master seemed to hint at within her words. Something… meaningful.

"What's happening?" Asked their Master as another rumble shook the Palace.

"The Phantom Thieves failed to defeat the Palace ruler and are being rejected from this place. We must follow suit—lest we face our enemy alone in his own field."

"Do that!"

"You shall not escape me, anomaly. I can finally see you."

A malevolent, raspy voice echoed through the Palace. Like a rising sea, an oppressing presence weighted upon the Demon Gods. The Divine Spirit dwelling within was turning its gaze on them. Space twisted and ripped… Fujimaru stumbled and apologize after pushing a passer-by, her eyes darting around as Eligos and the other Pillars returned to spiritual form. They successfully escaped, further north than their point of entrance. Then suddenly, the Pillars suddenly felt reality shift again. Blood raining, the giant carcasses and bones from Mementos growing their tortured arches. The World was being covered by the Cognitive Texture.

"This is bad, where are they…?"

A scream of rage pierced the everyday life noise, the holder of the vengeful one. Fujimaru turned around and bolted in that direction, her panic bleeding through the mental link. A few dozen meters away, they found them. The Phantom thieves were on the ground, horrified looks on her face as they stared at their limbs. Their transparent limbs, fading away as if they were mere illusions.

"Fujimaru…san…?" Whined the company heiress, both her arms already vanished.

"Guys!" She yelled, uncaring of the people looking at her in surprise. "What's happening? Where's Akechi?"

"He's already… gone…" Mumbled the painter as he fell face down.

"Help! Do something, please!" Cried the small navigator, her legs sublimating in black smoke.

"None can save you now. You imbeciles are about to disappear from the people's cognition."

"That damn voice!" Groaned the blonde.

"Mementos and reality have become one. Thus, those who have disappeared from cognition cannot exist anywhere."

The Divine Spirit's speech echoed in the air, malicious and sadistic.

"Disappear my ass… What the hell… AAAA— "

The blonde thief disappeared; its presence was gone from the world.

"Eligos! Can't you do something?" Pleaded their Master, her remaining Command Spells warmed up.

The Pillars combined their entire knowledge and reached an implacable conclusion.

"We cannot overwrite the World, even with your remaining Command Spells."

"Ryuji!—"

Another one disappeared, tears in her eyes, body and spirit void of substance.

"Isolate them in a Bounded Field!"

"Nothing short of a Reality Marble would suffice. And we lost that power with our first death."

The artist faded away.

"Can't you reinforce their existence? Cut them from the concept of Phantom Thief!?"

"Splitting from their nature would destroy their spirit. If we possess them to alter their being, their body and mind would also be lost." Stated Dantallion, centralizing the Pillars' magical knowledge.

"No… No—" The oracle ceased to be.

"Where did we go… wrong…" Lamented the justiciar before dissipating.

"No!" Fujimaru tried to catch the heiress' hands, only for her to vanish. "Morgana! Ren!"

"The mission's… a failure…" Meowled the cat before going out.

The Trickster vanished in turn. The Phantom Thieves no longer existed in the world. Fujimaru Ritsuka stared at the empty space where her companions have been, her hand grazing the ground as if searching for a trace of their continued survival.

"Why have I been spared?"

"The public never observed you as a Phantom Thief. Your independent existence is still confirmed by the masses' cognition."

"Indeed. But this changes nothing. Your existence is an anomaly that will be corrected."

The Divine Spirit's voice washed over the plazza, mocking and overbearing. Fujimari Ritsuka raised her head… and stood up.

"Resistance is futile. The pathetic spirits you gathered cannot measure to the power of a god."

"Big talk from a false deity born of a Holy Grail!" Snapped back their Master fist clenched.

"My divinity has been bestowed upon by the wishes of humans. I am the administrator born of the collective unconscious. The god of control, Yaldabaoth."

Her will to fight overflowed from their connection. Her mind was not unbending like steel, not serene from enlightenment, not vengeful from unforgettable hatred. Yet, she would not surrender in the face of overwhelming odds. She would not bow even in the face of a being so vastly beyond her. At that instant, the Demon Gods felt intimately the spirit that has faced them at the Timeless Temple. The soul that defied their omnipotence even after its Servants proved ineffective and its rampart was burned away. It was… so very human.

"Everyone. What can you see in the future?"

Surprise coursed through the network. For the second time since their summoning, Fujimaru Ritsuka asked for their Clairvoyance. And even though they lost true omniscience with the body of Solomon, even though their vision was troubled by the distortion of the world and the overwhelming presence of a Divine Spirit, they could still decipher the flow of time. Magical energy was burned, a precious amount, but one that proved worth using.

"The Trickster is not yet lost. He may yet return and carry on the fight." Communicated Orobas, the outcomes of their divination surprising even them.

Fujimaru exhaled and stared at the massive prison towering above the tallest buildings of Tokyo. The hideout of the Divine Spirit, the unholy temple brimming with distortions. Many of the giant bones and carcasses intertwined with it, forming a path that could be used to ascend. With determination, she started to climb.

"I will not permit an irregularity to overturn the wishes of the people. Mankind's ruin has already been decided…"

Something descended from on high. Metallic and winged humanoids, their golden shine taking sinister tones in the red sky. Ten, twenty, thirty… more and more descended, an army of innumerable Shadows.

"Should he reach the Holy Grail once more, can he win?"

"Improbable… but possible."

"Then let's do our part. They won't be able to reach the Holy Grail through such an army."

The irony of the situation was not lost on the Demon Gods. One by one, they materialized. Shapes and minds vastly different, yet united under a single purpose, by their connection to a single anchor. And the battle started.​

---

Ren ran in the corridors of the Velvet Room, guided by the faintest gut feeling. He understood so many things now. Why "Igor" treated the perils the Phantom Thieves faced as a mere game. Why after a point he had been insistent they would never be able to succeed. Why the twin wardens were so afraid of the supposed "master" of the Velvet Room, why they hid so many things from the malevolent god they didn't remember having split them. Why Akechi obtained his power so long before him… A part of Ren was glad Kasumi refused to be part of the group. Imagining her fade away crying twisted his stomach, and he banished those thoughts to focus on the pull of his heart. Almost everyone was free from their cells. Just one left. Ren slowed to a walk. There he was, sitting in his cell...

"You took your time." Snarked Akechi. "I was about to bust down that door myself."

Despite his bravado, his friend was in terrible shape. Though unlike the others he was still in his Metaverse attire, numerous chains were binding him to the ground, so many chains he was barely able to turn his head.

"Glad you're alive as well." Deadpanned Ren in answer, making Akechi chuckle.

"What a relief, isn't it? I was the one who managed to cut that gaudy thing's veins. I would have been a shame for me to die before seeing that cup smashed to pieces."

Despite his words, Akechi wasn't smiling. Something was weighting on his mind. Something that seemed to hold him down enough that he couldn't break the chains, despite sparks of black lightning emerging through them sporadically. Their defeat had been total. Despite apparently cutting the Holy Grail from its source of regeneration, the overwhelming will from all of the imprisoned people granted it such power they were all defeated in a single blow once it stopped "playing".

"You know… I thought at least my desire for retribution was mine. That it was only my idiotic, small-mindedness that led me to support Shido. And now…" His voice turned to a feral growl. "Maybe even that wasn't my own desire. That this thing, this false god, granted me this power and shook me along like an obedient, blind little dupe, all to create this very situation. All the sacrifices I made, all the crimes I've committed. Pushed by yet another puppeteer. One who would erase me whether I managed to win or lose against you. From the very beginning, I was destined to be but an obstacle on your path. And for an instant, when I thought I was about to die… I had accepted it."

Akechi closed his eyes, the sparks multiplying around him.

"But that's not who I am anymore. That false god told it himself; I've gone beyond the use I was supposed to have. I've found more than the path that someone else set in stone for me. Which mean… that I've nothing but my own desires to follow. Nothing but my own self-destructive, twisted heart to guide me. And that heart is telling me… that I want to be free. And that this freedom will be born from the help you and Ritsuka have given me."

With a snap, the chains broke and burned in blue flames. The cell door disappeared as Akechi stood up.

"Let's go. I'm not stopping until I've cut every single string."

Ren nodded, and they walked back to the heart of the Velvet Room. The other were gathered here as well, looking at their surrounding with awe, Lavenza with curiosity and Igor's nose with confusion. It took little time for Igor and Laenza to explain the situation, with everything Ritsuka told them proving to be eerily true. Morgana came out as well with an assurance he has never never seen of him before as he explained himself, his memories of his role having returned. A guide made to help the Phantom Thieves, or rather, the Trickster… it all made sense. Akechi had already deduced his part in the "game" and only scoffed at the confirmation it had all been rigged from the start. Yet a question remained as Lavenza invited them to follow Morgana and leave the Velvet Room.

"Where is Ritsuka?" Asked Akechi before he could.

"She did not disappear with us." Remembered Yusuke. "I do hope she is safe…"

"Indeed. Your friend is opposing the forces of the malevolent god as we speak." Clarified Lavenza.

"What? We have to go out and help!" Exclaimed Ryuji, almost jumping up in down in anticipation.

"Have faith in the Last Master of Chaldea. She is opening the path for you to reclaim your existence in reality." Igor chuckled. Unlike the false Igor it wasn't a mocking sound, but rather something like… approval, or maybe pride.

"Last Master…" Mumbled Akechi. "What do you mean? And what is Chaldea?"

Just like the false Igor however, he didn't answer and simply gestured them to leave. Understanding he would get answers, Ren followed Morgana to a wide set of stairs. Climbing and leaving the Velvet Room, the Phantom Thieves found…

"Huh? Isn't that… Shibuya again?" Asked Ann with disbelief.

They were back where they disappeared. The people gathered on the plaza seemed to perceive them this time, Morgana's new shine apparently piercing through whatever distortion prevented the people to recognize the Phantom Thieves. Many looked panicked, some running around and away, others shouting and crying over something they couldn't get in the cacophony.

"Look there!" Gasped Haru, pointing up.

A lightning deflagration shook the sky. Something indistinct fell down and disappeared in black smoke, then a second that Ren recognized as an almost completely burnt Shadow in the form of a great angel holding a melted spear. And on what looked like a ramp made of the bones they saw in Mementos…

"It's Ritsuka! And on the ground… that many fading signals? How many Shadows has she been destroying out there?" Futaba was already running control, analysing everything she picked up.

The Phantom Thieves ran with a scene of carnage revealing itself as they moved closer, the black miasma of destroyed Shadows so thick it looked almost like a fog.

"Ritsuka!"

"Fujimaru-san!"

Their friend didn't seem to hear them, only looking back with a tired expression when they almost reached her.

"Hey guys… sure took your time out there… Had to do a bit of weeding… four archangels' worth of… She joked, shaking.

"A bit? I fear there may be nothing left of any lawn put in your care." Said Makoto as she contemplated the smog.

Dozens upon dozens… no, much more than that. How many Shadows would have to be destroyed in the same area to create such thick fog?

"It's not the time to joke! She needs healing, and fast."

"Hey Morgana, looking brighter… Can't imagine how… happy I'm to see you all…"

Ann let out a distraught cry as Ritsuka's legs failed, with Ryuji catching her in extremis. She took a closer look at their friend, gasping at her horrible state.

"What's the… your hands! What's happening to them? And your eyes!"

"Channelled too much mana…" Whispered Ritsuka. "Worse than Uruk… since the Temple…"

"Shut up and let us heal you, fool!" Snapped Akechi. "Why didn't you ask your demons to do that?"

"Too many Shadows… and those black rays… they're spent… any more and… they'd vanish…"

Ann wasn't exaggerating, realized Ren as he looked closer. Her hands were necrotized almost to the wrist, and the trickles on her cheeks weren't from the strange rain; it was blood, blood from her nose and eyes.

"It's too much, our spells won't be enough. We have to get her to lady Lavenza." Cleared Morgana after a good look.

"Oracle, are there any enemies out there?" Asked Ren as they carried Ritsuka down.

"No, it looks like her demons made a complete slaughter. But… we got no way to go up there. I think it was destroyed in the fighting."

Looking up, the Phantom Thieves could only see that Futaba was right. The bones simply disappeared after a certain height. The giant structure was inaccessible.

"Fucki— cough—sore loser." Spat their weakened friend, a trickle of blood falling from her mouth. "Wait…"

"Please do not overexert yourself even more, I fear for your health!" Pressed Haru.

They came closer to the pale blue door only Ren could see, just aside the massive, barred door of the Quarantine Cell.

"I can do it… I can make a path." Insisted Ritsuka, pushing weakly on Ryuji's shoulder. "Still two in reserve… should do it."

"She sounds delirious, but…" Started Yusuke, only to be cut by Ryuji.

"You mad, man? I dunno what she's thinkin', but I ain't lettin' her kill herself!"

"We do lack a way to ascend so high, even with our grappling hooks." Reluctantly agreed Makoto.

Ren looked at Ritsuka once more. He wasn't sure if she was even supposed to be conscious at this point. But she forced her bleeding eyes into his, with a determination that refused to be ignored.

"Don't die on us." He finally told her.

"She better not." Half-threatened Akechi.

Leaning on his shoulder, their friend raised her left hand. Ren noticed the number of red tattoos lines had diminished. Did that have a particular meaning? His interrogations were quickly answered as she spoke, loud and clear.

"Demon Gods… By my second to last Command Spell, I ask you to take on your original form. By my last Command Spell… I ask you… to form a path to the Holy Grail!"

The tattoos gleamed like lamps, bright and almost blinding, then disappeared. The earth shook, the ground quaked as something seemed to make its way from underneath. Then suddenly, something massive erupted from the ground. Gigantic pillars of various colors, covered in what looked like enormous eyes multiple time the size of a person. Each took toot into the ground or another pillar in a tentacle like fashion to form a titanic ramp until they reached the side of the temple like Prison, sticking themselves to it.

"Effin' hell." Whispered Ryuji.

"It's so… gross." Shivered Ann.

"Don't tell me we're going to walk on… that?" Asked an unenthusiastic Morgana, but a quick look at Ritsuka revealed she lost consciousness and was unable to answer.

"I do not think we have a choice in the matter." Pointed out Haru.

"Get used to it. Unless you can transform into a plane." Snarked Akechi.

"Indeed." Almost all of them jumped when Lavenza's voice reached their ears. They didn't hear or see her coming. "Allow me to take care of your friend."

The Velvet Room attendant easily shouldered Ritsuka, carrying the unconscious girl as if she was a bag of feather rather than a whole young woman. With an elegant bow, she crossed the door and disappeared, leaving the Phantom Thieves the task to climb the pillars of flesh.

"We've gone through worse." Encouraged Ren, jumping first on the makeshift platform. To his surprise, it was firm and solid like rock.

The rest followed his example, and together they started the ascension toward the Holy Grail…​

---

The first sensation Ritsuka noticed as her consciousness returned was a tingling warmth in her fingers, like a thousand needles stinging at the same time. She also quickly noticed the distinct lack of pain in her everything, most particularly her Magic Circuits. Was someone healing her body? Exhaustion still seeped through the muscles, but she felt confident to not fall over if she tried to stand. Right, she was sitting down, not lying down. Something else caught her attention, the air. It was cool, but immobile. She wasn't outside, but where? Leblanc?

"You are awake."

Someone was here, right at her side. Probably the one healing her, guessed Ritsuka. The voice was young, almost childish. But she couldn't picture Nursery or Jack with that voice, it was too serene, too mature. Ritsuka opened her eyes, blinking reflexively in anticipation of a pain that didn't come. Blue. The place was unmistakably blue. A circular room with cells aligned in its walls, with two paths leading further in or out. Her attention shifted to the two residents of the place. The first was a young girl, looking as young as Nursery or Jack did. But her striking appearance, her expression, her poise, her eyes so different from any child's, instead reminded Ritsuka of Irisviel. Was she a homunculus too?

"My master would like to speak with you."

Sitting at a wooden desk was a bald old man with bulging and bloodshot eyes (did Gilles de Rais have relatives?), pointed ears and a huge, massive, enormous nose. Both stranger and more ordinary than the little girl, sitting at the wooden desk with a smile.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room, my dear young woman." His voice a lot higher in pitch than she expected. "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. My name is Igor."

"Do you stab people with that nose?" Blurted Ritsuka.

Right. Foot, meet mouth, it's been a while since you two last met. Was Edison's the most embarrassing one still?

"I think you are the first person coming in this room to have asked this question." The little girl was clearly fighting a giggle to keep her composure straight and proper. "I can assure you my master has never stabbed anyone with his very long nose."

"This is Lavenza. She is a resident here, just like myself." Continued Igor, unperturbed.

"Pleased to meet you." The now named Lavenza curtsied.

"Pleased to meet you too." She murmured, embarrassed. "And thank you for saving me. I guess you were the ones helping Ren behind the scenes?"

"Indeed. It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance, Last Master of Chaldea."

Ritsuka stood up straight. Only a select few called her that. And even if her memory wasn't infallible, she would have remembered people as singular as those two. They weren't human, that was for sure. Even Igor, as humanly weird as he looked, didn't strike her a normal person by any mean. They weren't Servants or Dead Apostles either. Resident of the Velvet Room, he said. And the Velvet Room itself was, what did he say, between mind and matter? Dream and reality? That sounded awfully close to either a Reality Marble, or… considering what Personae were, what kind of beings would be assisting with something like that… the Throne of Heroes. That's what it reminded her of, tangentially. And if they were helping Ren to defeat an evil god and prevent a Holy Grail from causing a catastrophe on such a scale that… Oh.

"You act on behalf of the Counter-Force. You chose Ren to solve the threat so that a Counter-Guardian doesn't have to glass all of Tokyo."

"The Trickster is but the latest among the guests the Velvet Room has welcomed. My role is merely to guide them on their journey, to help nurture their growth and unlock the potential that has always been inside them." Said Igor.

"The potential… Persona." Deduced Ritsuka before looking at the girl. "You too, I guess?"

"Indeed. As one who rule over power, I assist my guest with turning the bonds of her heart into strength. That is, the power of the Wild Card." Explained Lavenza.

It all made sense. How Ren could manifest entirely new Persona the rest of the team never found in any Palace or Mementos, why his abilities seemed to grow so quickly and strongly compared to the others.

"Is Akechi the same? He obtained Dantes because of our bond, and he had two other Personae within his heart already. Is he a guest as well?"

"He is not. While he possesses the same potential, Akechi was chosen by the evil god to be the Trickster's opponent in a game where humanity's fate would be decided."

A game. That sounded… very much like what a sadistic, malevolent god would do. As well as blatantly cheating by controlling the population into rejecting the reality of his defeat, then trying to kill every single participant by himself once unmasked. But something else retainer her attention, a detail pushing her to ask more questions.

"Who made the Velvet Room? You said you were residents. Why isn't he helping…?" When the question left her mouth, Ritsuka realized what she really wanted to ask. "Why weren't you there during those two years?"

Igor hummed thoughtfully, and Ritsuka eyed the little assistant looking at her master expectantly. Didn't she know? Or was she made only for the purpose of the 'game', after history was restored?

"The Velvet Room was created by my master to help humans find their own path. It exists between humanity's dream and reality, its conscious and subconscious. Unlike the Ring of Deterrence, this place only exists as long as you do."

Ritsuka slumped in her chair, contrite. She should have thought of it herself. Just like everyone else, even places on the outskirts of the Reverse Side of the World like the Land of Shadows. Of course they couldn't help, when they were also incinerated by Goetia's bands of light…

"I'm sorry… I just…" She swallowed shamefully the ball of nerves in her throat. "It wasn't fair of me."

"You have been far more restrained in your anger than some, my dear." The long-nosed man chuckled, seemingly reminiscing.

His long, thin fingered hands picked up a deck of cards with a velvet blue back from the table, cards Ritsuka could swear had not been here just a moment ago. She watched him shuffle and spread the deck of cards, before inviting her to pick one. She stood from the chair and did so with some curiosity, having never witnessed a tarot reading before. Ren mentioned he often consulted a diviner working in Shinjuku, one using the cards as medium, but she never took the time to consult the woman in question.

"My. What an unusual card."

The rest of the deck was gone, leaving only the red bordered card on the desk. Its illustration was definitely Egyptian in style, depicting a god or goddess carrying a rod and standing above a winged sun. Nitocris would be fussing all over her not recognizing one or the other symbol for sure.

"This is the Aeon. Those who draw this card are usually attempting to understand themselves and the world around them, struggling to achieve a fair and intelligent judgment. I believe this is not the meaning that applies to you."

"No, but… I think this meaning might be for them." Whispered Ritsuka, feeling the faint connection still present within her mind.

"That is a likely possibility." Igor seemed to understand what she meant, and she didn't question it. "However, this card has also appeared for you."

The card reversed, pointing downward.

"Your journey gave you a great perspective on life and the world, one that observes without the yoke of dogma and traditions. You have grown the hidden talents within you, discovered and assumed you true self. Yet, you have not entirely left the path behind you, nor did you fully accepted its meaning. Only once you have, will you reach the true end of your journey."

The card disappeared… and she said nothing. What was to be said? She knew exactly what Igor was speaking of. Knowing about a problem didn't always make it easier to solve… though it was certainly a first step.

"So I see." A familiar voice echoed from behind her. One she resented all the more with the reminder she just received. "There was a place representing the ability of humans to grow. That was something we overlooked."

Flauros walked casually in the Velvet Room, still showing with the appearance of Lev. Was he still mocking her? Or did he grow to appreciate this form, given how he still used it when confronting Chaldea in the Timeless Temple?

"What do you mean? Also, why are you here?"

"Oh, I'm just being sentimental." Was that a wistful tone? The Demon God tilted his head to salute the residents of the Velvet Room, ignoring the suspicious glare of Lavenza. "The battle between the Phantom Thieves and the god of control is coming to an end. Caim granted you his eyes to see it."

Oh. That was something she saw Medea and Paracelsus do many times, but she never went around to do herself. There was simply no reason to lose mana, time, and materials for her to craft a substandard familiar, or even try to use a better quality one when the Casters could do better by themselves.

"How do I do this?"

"Hum, of course. Your mediocre abilities as magus did not prepare you." She didn't even react at the jab and sent him an insistent look. "Simply close your eyes and let the connection guides you."

She glanced at Igor, who simply kept smiling creepily. Without anything better to try she sat down again and followed the instructions, grasping the mental link with the network of Demon Gods. Despite them being so numerous, they kept to themselves and didn't flood her mind. A sensation, something inviting her further. And then she opened eyes that were not hers.

Atop the summit of the false temple the Phantom Thieves were dwarfed by the sheer size of the true form of the god of control; an immense silver and gold mechanical angel with six arms, sporting a floating halo made of ten wings. The vision Caim shared with Ritsuka was eloquent: Yaldabaoth only presented superficial damages while the Phantom Thieves were on their knees. But something else was happening. A cacophony from below, a raising cry of defiance carried by thousands of thousands of voices. The mental network of the Demon Gods filtered them quickly and efficiently, allowing Ritsuka to recognize some of them. Mishima rallying speech. Sae's unshakable confidence. Their teacher Kawakami's cheers. The square politician Yoshida's yell of encouragement. Sojiro's dare to win. And so, so many others from all over Tokyo, spreading over the internet and social media to the rest of the country…

Arsene appeared behind Ren and with a decisive gesture, Joker broke its chains. The Persona exploded in bright light, creating a rain of falling stars in the coming twilight. And then… thunder rumbled. A massive shadow descended from on high. As tall as the god of control, the masked devil unfurled six black feathered bat wings to reveal a decorated military garb. Crowned with a black halo made of twelve wings, the new being opened his arms in defiance, a general declaring war against the unjust heavens themselves. A god. The faith of the masses in the Phantom Thieves coupled with the power of Persona gave birth to a new god, a god of rebellion.

Yaldabaoth fired his ultimate weapon, the black rays carrying the very concept of control that almost wiped her Demon Gods from existence. But deprived of the worship of the masses, facing the being whose very nature was its antithesis, they failed to inflict any damage upon the Phantom Thieves. The clamorous cheers of the citizen amplified before this display, and their desires gathered within Joker's palm. In unison, the rebellious devil and the mortal that conjured him charged their gun, pointed it at Yaldabaoth… and shot. With a sound of broken glass, the head of the false god was pierced from one end to another, destroying its Divine Core.

Ritsuka opened her own eyes. She was back in the Velvet Room. Lavenza was smiling, clutching the large grimoire in her arms with a relieved expression. Igor's expression was still the same, as if he knew what the result would be from the beginning. Or maybe he had such an absolute faith in the Phantom Thieves that he never doubted they would reach that result.

"Humanity's desires… repugnant, pathetic, worthless. And yet pushing humanity forward." This time Ritsuka was certain. Flauros was not simply dismissive, spiteful, or even mocking. He was also contemplating. "There is something I'd like to confess. Well, this is the last time anyway… I'll just chalk it up to being delusional."

Flauros sat on a chair that wasn't there an instant ago, facing her with his demonic eyes wide open.

"Fujimaru Ritsuka. When I started to assist Chaldea with the completion of Sheba in 1999, my destiny was already set in stone. Saving humanity… no, that's not it. Making this planet better. That was the goal of my life. Before this happened, and after this happened."

She listened without a word. Romani wondered, early, if there was anything left of Lev Lainur, the person worked with all these years to protect humanity. And now she was learning it was the case, with no one who would have deserved to learn it left…

"The future that humanity builds is multi-colored, full of changes, and that's why it's so unstable. Even if humanity had a wonderful and giant load, if they trip on a pebble, it all goes back to square one, right? I had been hoping to get rid of such risk. There's not much I could do. However, I thought I could at least move the pebble."

"Even if it meant discarding that load." Acknowledged Ritsuka, somber. "What changed?"

"Humans took that pebble and threw it with a sling. At the Timeless Temple, and now. This was something I didn't expect." From a pocket of his green coat, the Demon God took out a watch. "This late already."

Before she could process the words, something akin to a bell tolled in the recess of her mind. A request of communication.

"The supreme dignity was cast down. Thus, on the highest note end our partnership."

"Agares…" This Pillar had delighted in the fall from grace of the Phantom Thieves targets, seeing it as the accomplishment of his office. No doubt the end of a god satisfied him greatly.

"The tides once more favor mankind. May you find them gentle."

"Focalor…" One of the Pillars who quickly revealed a desire to redeem himself from the Incineration. After he protected her against the rays of control, she was certain he would find it within himself in time.

"Through suffering did thou find marvellous strength. Cherish it."

"Raum…" That Pillar may have been obsessed by pain and suffering, yet he was still one of those whose faith in humanity was the strongest. In a weird way, he had been one of the more encouraging.

One by one, Ritsuka received the last messages of the Demon Gods. One by one, the contract binding their existence to her own faded, their presence vanishing from the mental network Eligos, Orobas and Caim reconstructed, their mind leaving a void where she had felt faint presence. Some, especially those summoned in the Prison of Regression, only transmitted a handful of emotions. Others left a message; some imprinted a specific memory. To feel them leave… Ritsuka clutched her unblemished left hand. She had learned each of their name. Each of their office. Part of it was to better direct them on the battlefield, to use their talents for the sake of helping the Phantom Thieves. But despite herself, she grew… attached. Was it loneliness? Nostalgia? Curiosity? Or maybe responsibility? Did it matter, really? They were leaving, and unlike with her Servants, she didn't expect the strange emptiness that replaced their presence…

"Fujimaru Ritsuka. Have we reached an understanding?"

Ritsuka mulled over the question, feeling the lightest scent of curiosity from the sole remaining mental link. The answer was obvious.

"I do understand you now. But I don't think I will ever forgive you."

"Hm… I see." Lev Lainur Flauros, last of the Goetia remaining, stood up with a tip of the hat. "Farewell, servants of Alaya. Farewell, Master of Chaldea."

The creature in the shape of a man long gone casually walked out of the Velvet Room. And when he left her vision… the last presence in her mind disappeared. Her Magic Circuits returned to dormancy. She was… alone.

"Thank your again for healing me. And allowing him here."

"It was my master's decision." Said Lavenza with a cute curtsy. "It is time for you to return to your friends."

"Yeah… you're right. I should be going." Nodded Ritsuka. "Where is the exit?"

"Let me guide you."

The little girl took her hand, and together they walked toward a long set of stairs. As they ascended toward the blue door, the voice of Igor echoed one last time.

"I was an honor to have met you, Fujimaru Ritsuka. You would have made a remarkable guest."

The door opened, and Ritsuka opened her eyes to a timeless world. Everything looked frozen in time, from people to the clouds. And a few meters ahead, basking in the gentle light…

"Everyone!" She shouted with joy, running to meet her victorious friends.

They were all here. Ren, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru and Akechi.

"Fujimaru-san!?" Gasped Haru.

"You're alive!" Exclaimed Ann.

"We won! We showed that thing who's boss!" Boasted Ryuji with a victory sign.

"You sure did!" She high-fived Ryuji and hugged Ann before something caught her eye.

The Holy Grail was floating gently near Morgana, returned to its primordial form of golden cup. So similar to the ones she found in the Singularities she almost stretched her arm to catch it.

"A shame we aren't supposed to simply use it ourselves." Complained Akechi with a far too casual tone.

"Try it and I sit on you until we return to the real world." She threatened jokingly. "Though it might be a bit harder all by myself."

"They are gone, then. Truly gone."

"Wanted to tell them goodbye?" Ritsuka rolled her eyes and revealed her left hand, clean of the markings that had accompanied her for months. "They are. We fulfilled our respective contracts by helping you take down the god of control."

"Humph." The black armored detective once again shook his head. "Sure you will manage with only a single brain?"

"Excuse you, I aced my exam legit!" She protested.

Suddenly, the world was flooded with light. People, trees, cars, buildings… everything was turning white, breaking down into small particles flying up in the sky.

"My word…" Whispered Yusuke.

"Why's everything--"

"The whole world is a product of cognition. Not just the Metaverse." Morgana's voice answered Ann's question.

Ritsuka turned around to see the humanoid cat gleaming with the same light as the rest of the world, turning almost transparent. Only the Phantom Thieves and herself seemed spared.

"Dude, Mona…!"

"Mona-chan!" Cried Haru, her hands covering her mouth.

"Morgana?" Gasped Ritsuka. "Why are you… disappearing?"

"I am an existence born of the collective unconscious. So I, too, will disappear alongside the cognitive world." Explained the feline with a calm, serene voice.

"This can't be happening!" Protested Ann.

They all tried to reach him, but a massive tear formed in the ground, light flooding from within and barring the path.

"Soon a new world will come. One where mankind isn't held captive. The world will shine brightly as long as you hold hope in your hearts." Morgana looked around, as if taking in the scenery for he last time… no, he was taking in the world for the last time.

"No! No, it's unfair…" Ritsuka touched the barrier, but it rejected her as if it was a raging current.

"Remember… What each person sees and feels… Those are what shape reality. This is what gives the world infinite potential."

"Not you too! I don't want… I don't want to see yet another go like this!" She tried to reach for the widening gap again, but strong arms grabbed and restrained her. "Let me go! Morgana!"

"Remember… Even if you feel that only darkness lies ahead… as long as you hold your hands together… see it through as one… the world will never end."

"Morgana!" She cried, tried to reach out…

The light engulfed everything. When she opened her eyes again… they were in the same place. But… normal. People coming and going. Chatting, walking, laughing. Ritsuka slumped in Akechi's arms until he let her go. She barely listened to what she already knew happenned. The Meta-Nav was gone. The Metaverse's influence was undone, with the people not even conceiving of having Shido as prime minister anymore. The World was finishing to repair itself, correcting every single distortion in reality. And Morgana was gone.

"What're you all so gloomy for? Mona would laugh as us for it…" Said Ryuji, trying to cheer her up.

"I know… but…"

She swallowed her tears, the memory of kind-hearted, regretful smile disappearing in light superposing itself to Morgana's own departure.

"We are still here, aren't we?" Futaba took her hand. Timid, anxious Futaba was holding her hand.

"… You're right." Ritsuka clutched it and looked at the sky, the snowflakes falling slowly.

She wasn't alone...​

---

The cognitive world was dissolving. Or rather, sublimating? Colors faded in an ever brighter white, matter breaking down and ascending to the indistinct sky. Morgana was not exempt from the phenomenon. His body was light, slowly fading like a brilliant rainbow. Hope. That's what he has been made from, hope. Has it always been so pretty within? People's hope. People's dreams of a better tomorrow.

"You must have been like this, once." He absently said to the golden cup floating before him.

The Holy Grail. The mythical goblet representing desires, every desire, good or ill. Even though this one has been tainted by the overwhelming apathy dwelling within Japan and became an evil god, perhaps some good could have come out of it in other circumstances. Perhaps Jose's twinkling star was of similar nature? A smaller, purer wish upon a star they used to turn the strength of their bond in beautiful showtimes. Morgana smiled remembering their first attempt to have it work, and the frivolous but endearing wish of Ann for the perfect sweet.

"Lady Ann… I did get to show off to you in the end, don't I? Had I known who I was from the start, who know if I wouldn't have captured your heart."

His ears were frizzling, a tickle starting from his extremities as they became transparent. Like morning dew, they would fade, and he would return to the Sea of Souls. He felt sorry for the team, to not have been able to give them a proper forewarning. Ritsuka, more than any other, had looked so desperate to reach him.

"It's only goodbye, guys. We'll all find each other again there one day."

"There's no need to wait that long." Answered a familiar voice.

Morgana sluggishly turned on himself, sensations fading from his body.

"You?"

The familiar figure didn't answer, walking casually until it was stood before the Holy Grail.

"Hey, what are you doing?"

"I'm sorry I never noticed you before. But it's alright. Your friends are waiting for you."

"No, you can't!"

Morgana tried to move his almost entirely faded body. But it was too late.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."

The man's hands touched the Holy Grail and a golden light poured from the cup, filling his vision, emptying his mind…

"I'm sorry I can't let you remember this happened. It's better this way…"​

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon Rank 8.5: To Open one's Eyes

Ritsuka yawned as she left the bathroom, the sweat of morning's exercises finally cleaned off and her makeup set in for the day. As her Celtic frenemy said, one's good look was a weapon one had to sharpen for each and every occasion! Looking through her drawers she elected to get comfy, new year still had the occasion snowfall. The time to be sharp would come tomorrow for Haru's invitation to tea with her dad, and the time for sexiness in the next venue she had with the boys at the Arcade! Not that she abused her appearance to cut in line, nothing as basic at that. The real prize was making the people waiting in line behind less concerned about the time she was spending crushing Ryuji and Ren at Gun About. Or battling that Shinya boy for supremacy. Damn if he wasn't good, Nobbu would have laughed aloud how people with the Oda name should rightly be adept at sharpshooting. Not that he was of the family, but since when did the warlord care about silly things like that when it came to her amusement.

A familiar smell reached her nose. Coffee. Dad should still be taking his own, brewed with that old and malfunctioning machine mom always complained about. The taste and smell were frankly terrible, but for whatever reason her dad seemed to love it more than anything else. Even Sojiro' coffee didn't manage to knock some sense into him! Yet the smell… it was quite distinctly different from what the machine was producing. It felt richer, firmer, more appetizing. Did mom buy a new one? Probably not, she wasn't the type to do that without consulting dad first, and dad would never admit a rival machine in the household. Was it perhaps an accident? A broken clock was right twice a day, maybe whatever kami still listening to prayers made it so today would be the day the machine worked perfectly? Attaching her headband to the side in her signature hairstyle, Ritsuka descended the stairs, hearing her parents in talk with… someone? Huh, another surprise. She wasn't aware someone was supposed to visit. And why was the voice so familiar?
"Hi mom, hi dad! Who's here today…" Her eyes widened when she noticed the smiling woman drinking coffee at their table, her eyes shining with smarts behind the glasses and long wavy brown hair.

"Good morning, my little Rikka." Greeted her dad, his own cup making his glasses foggy. "We were just discussing about how proud we were of your exam results."

"Nothing I wouldn't expect from someone I tutored. I am a genius after all."

"Da Vinci!" Squealed Ritsuka with joy, the famous Renaissance man turned Mona Lisa winking. "You're in Japan? I didn't know you were coming!"

"It's a bit of an improvised trip. You wouldn't believe all the paperwork I had to fill just to get that little vacation."

"Don't we all suffer this." Commiserated her dad. "Ritsuka, you didn't tell me your tutor was also a mechanic, and a fine connoisseur of coffee to boot. The machine works better than ever."

"So that's why the coffee smell good today!"

Ritstuka looked at the old thing, which definitely didn't look like that yesterday. If anyone could make her dad appreciate good coffee, it was Da Vinci.

"Don't just stand there, dear. Your breakfast is ready."

"Thanks mom! It looks great!" Ritsuka happily said as she sat at the table. "So, exam results? You must have heard I got the best spot."

"A perfect mark everywhere. Even in sport! Someone made a good use of the tears she had shed in the training room." Teased Da Vinci, chopsticks in her hand as if she was born and bred Japanese.

"My daughter leading a sport team, I never thought I would see the day." The warm smile of her mom filled the morning even better than the meal itself. "Miss Da Vinci, didn't I tell you I tried to become captain of the archery club in my years?"

"Really? So dear Rikka here did have some family history in the field."

"Da Vinci!" Ristuka reddened at the insinuation. "That theory was Minotaur's sh—I mean, you know it couldn't be right! My mom is the readhead too, so it wouldn't work either!"

"Well, you did call him Mamamiya if I recall…"

"Lalalalalala, I can't hear you!" Sing-sung Ritsuka desperately, hoping her father would get the message and drop the subject.

"Tell me more, miss Da Vinci. Our daughter has been awfully secretive of many things about her internship." Said her father as he adjusted his glasses, pushing aside a strand of his black hair.

"Well, we had a Japanese cook in the staff named Emiya. Because in his youth he has similar hair color to your wife's and daughter's, there have been jokes they were secretly related. And he was a prolific archer as well, so it appears the jokes were even more accurate than we thought."

"Emiya, hum… I can't say this name rings a bell." Mused her dad.

"Me neither, dear. Though, "Mamamiya"? I thought I raised my daughter to be more respectful."

"Mooom! I respected him plenty! He made the food, and I know you never get on the cook's bad side!"

"Exactly. I'm glad you learned that lesson well." With a series of quick knife slashes the egg omelette was cut in fine mouthfuls and served to the table. "Tell us more, miss Da Vinci. Is it true she had many boys falling for her charms back there?"

Ritsuka sent her most murderous gaze at the genius, the same one that cowed the likes of Lu Bu and Blackbeard into submission, the one that promised banishment to the unused storage room summarily named the Second Archive, the one that few of her Servants ever dared to resist even when they took the other side in their ridiculous disputes.

"That she did! And just as many girls as well. You should have seen the mountain of chocolate she received during Valentine's Day, finishing them all took quite some time." The traitorous genius challenged her stare with a mischievous smile, perfectly aware that even back in Chaldea she would be one of the few to never suffer any repercussions for her actions.

"Ah, that takes me back to our college days. Did I ever tell you how I concealed the chocolates other girls wanted to give your father every year?"

"You what?" Ritsuka couldn't believe her ears before the reminiscing smile of her mom, looking at her father for contradiction.

"It's true. Though your mother only admitted doing so after our marriage." Nodded her father with a similar smile.

"The apple truly didn't fall far from the tree, it seems." Said Da Vinci, making Ritsuka blush furiously.

"I would love to exchange more but look at the time. New year or not, I cannot possibly come to work late." Her father finished his coffee and quickly stood up, taking his case with him. "Have a good day, honey. I shouldn't be too late."

"You too, dear. You know I'll wait." Her mom smiled and waved him goodbye as she left the living room, the door opening and closing. "Would you like something else, miss Da Vinci?"

"Oh, I can't. Embarrassing your daughter is enough of a treat." Ritsuka wowed to find a way to get back at the genius. Surely Sojiro would accept serving her chocolate spaghetti?

"Will you stay for lunch as well?"

"Oh no, I wouldn't want to intrude more than I have." Assured Da Vinci.

"You will always be welcome. Ritsuka dear, I'll be doing the laundry. Tell me when your tutor is ready to leave."

"Yes mom." She nodded sagely, earning a quick kiss on the forehead.
Quickly eating another roll of omelette to hopelessly try to cover her embarrassment, Ritsuka tried to ignore the knowing grin of her favorite genius. Ex-favorite genius. If she ever found another to take the top spot. Why were geniuses so hard to find when you needed them?

"Sooooo, hiding your romantic exploits from your parents? I thought you would be happy to recount the time Kiyohime wrapped herself in ribbons just for you. Or that key Fergus left, that you couldn't decide if you wanted to throw away or not…"

"Change of subject!" She stammered, almost spilling her cup in the process.

"Coward Master-chan is no fun." Pouted the genius.

"Hey you should be more proud of me! Do you know how many times I almost flubbed my history presentation because I couldn't help thinking of Okita as 'she'? And I almost called her Okita-chan in front of the teacher!"

"Poor you. Were so isolated you had to hide yourself in studies?"

"Oh you have no idea!" She was challenging her? Time to show off! "I made a lot of new friends! First there is Ren. He looks quiet and reserved, but don't let it fool you, he is a real protagonist underneath those glasses. Picks up everything fast and learns from everyone, I'm jealous how quickly he does it! And I'm telling you, he's a sleeping ladykiller, there will be blood in the water on Valentine's day."

"Aren't you a bit too happy with your schadenfreude there, young lady?"

"Hey, I loved each of those chocolates, but without Paracelsus' potions I would have died during Valentine's day and you know it!" Ritsuka shivered at the memory of the World End Castle. So delicious. So massive. "Next one is Ryuji. He's a bit like Kintoki, minus the overbearing mom and the Berserker strength. Not too bright, but a big heart in the right place and some good legs, he got scouted by a college for his performance in the track team! He's also sweeter than he thinks when he doesn't try to perv, you should have seen how bashful he was when trying to ask me on a date."

She pointedly ignored the teasing smirk on Da Vinci's lips and started to clean the dishes. The romantic hijinks of Chaldea have been one of the staff's highlights, with entire betting pools spawning with every new servant that somehow started to develop an attraction towards her. It took her entire willpower and so many hours of explaining when she emerged from Mebd's… "educational" session, just to avoid an all-out war. Only to have it repeated when Scathach did the same!

"He's currently on his way for international runner as well, Ann was so happy for him as well, especially since he recuperated from…" From what? A wound? No, couldn't be, or else he wouldn't be on the team… "Speaking of Ann, she's the third friend I met there. A real natural born supermodel who can eat anything without taking a gram, I wish I didn't have to burn all I eat like her. She's very kind and emphatic, a bit bummed out since her friend Shiho transferred to another school early in the year, but that girl bounces back like no one elsea. And Shiho is coming back to school, so not only Ann feels better but I'll have a great addition to my volleyball team!"

"Your volleyball team? Have your master's instincts awakened so quickly after joining you ejected the previous team captain? I jest, I know you wouldn't be so callous."

"I mean, the poor girl felt she had to resign after… when… uh, that's weird, I'd swear there was something that pushed her to step down…" Ritsuka mumbled a bit, the memory refusing to resurface. "I'll remember in a bit. I still have the others to tell you about! You'll love Yusuke. He is a painter, a bit eccentric but after Mozart and the others, he looks almost mundane. And his paintings are very promising!"

"A painter? Now you've picked my curiosity." The glint in Da Vinci's eye was the moment Ritsuka had waited for.

"Oh sorry, he has a sensei already. You can play the critic, but he won't be your pupil." She said with her most insincere smile.

"How cruel to tempt me with a talented young man to teach to, only to snag it away! Bah, I bet he'll just become another Michelangelo. Who is his teacher anyway?" The genius tried to play the disinterested woman, but her pride was still stung after that bait and switch.

"He's a pupil to the famous Madarame. Well, Madarame isn't really the best painter himself, but he's a good businessman and has a keen eye for art. He was a good friend of Yusuke's mother and worked tirelessly to have her talent recognized after she passed away…" She did, and Madarame took Yusuke in, and then… Madarame… still teaching? Of course, what else would he be doing… "I'm sure you three would get together and speak pigments for hours on end. Next is Makoto, my student council president and no, before you ask, I didn't try to get the position. She's hard-working and very smart, no-nonsense. But beneath that mild and polite attitude she has a mean streak, the guys are terrified of her. Her father is a policeman and her older sister a prosecutor, and I think she's going to follow in her father's footsteps."

"Hum, more of a Raikou than a Scathach then?"

"She's a quite maternal to some of the group, now that I think about it, losing your parents do that to…" Parents? No, parents, her dad was alive, silly, Sae didn't raise her alone… Ritsuka shook her throbbing head. "Oh yeah, I think you should go to Leblanc, it's the coffee where Ren lives with his guardian Sojiro. But it's also where Futaba and her mom Wakaba go all the time too! They would love meeting you, Wakaba is a researcher in cognitive pscience, a field that's pretty close to magecraft by some aspects!"

"Cognitive pscience, hum? Would that have to do with the famous Change of Hearts I have heard so much about?"

"Haha, nothing gets past you. I'm sure Futaba will be able to tell you some about too, after all she experienced… she had…" Ritsuka slowed down cleaning the cup in her hand, trying to get back the elusive point she wanted to bring. It was important. Really important. Why couldn't she remember it?

"Leave me some surprises, won't you? How can I demonstrate my genius if you give me all the answers?" Complained Da Vinci.

"Right, right." It wasn't usual for her to forget things like this… "Are the Changes of Heart the reason you came here? Then you have to speak at least to Morgana. I'm sure you'll come to create a device to help you understand him in no time, since we don't have Ushiwaka or another to translate animal… speak… Animal? But he is…"

A strange vertigo seemed to take hold on her. Morgana was… not a cat? A person. Yes, he must be. He spoke, he walked, he loved fish but who doesn't, he used a sling and a sword, and when he became a bus… with animal ears… the headache suddenly spiked and she dropped the bowl she was cleaning. Why was it so hard to think?

"Ritsuka?…" Da Vinci took her by the shoulders and sat her down, examining her breathing and look in seconds. "No fever, tension is within normal range, no corporal signs. A mental strain, clearly. Did you sleep enough last night? Did nothing unusual happen?"

"Unusual? I mean if you count the giant mechanical god that… the god that was a… a…" The words escaped her, something burning within her head to be heard, to be seen, to be remembered. "Da Vinci, something's messing with me, my mind…"

"Stay calm. Good thing your mother is busy, but let's put a Bounded Field to be sure... done. Let's see what's wrong here."

The genius' ease as she examined her more closely reassured Ritsuka. She was in good hands. Da Vinci always found solutions to the worst problems, no matter what.

"Thanks gods. I can see how the director didn't want to let you go for vacation, you're way too good at… director?" Once again pain spiked within her mind at the word.

"Ah, a memory alteration spell. That's it, don't let the lead go." Da Vinci's voice soothed her, helped her focus. "Keep your attention on what it doesn't want you to remember."

"Yes… the director…"

This time she caught it, she grasped it tightly amidst the pain, didn't let it go. A young visage contorted with despair briefly flashed in her mind, screaming, crying before it was suddenly muddled and pushed away forcefully, as if Nightingale was forcibly rearranging her brain by hand. Olga… Olga Marie!

"Aaaargh," Her throat let out a rasp as she wrestled with her own mind. "Director… How…? No more… director… in Chaldea…"

"Keep going." Pushed Da Vinci, gently holding her hand.

"No director… gone… and you… you too…? You… shouldn't… No more… Chaldea...?"

Her head felt as if it was splitting open, bursting with serrated claws digging and scratching and tearing apart her reasoning, the thread she tried to follow. The Temple. The shields. The rings, the ten rings, the ring at the doctor's fing—her world exploded, nary a coherent thought left.

"Go on. It hurts, but it's proof you can overcome it. You always managed to, no matter what." Encouraged Da Vinci.

Ritsuka clung desperately to her words, even as her entire being screamed she should stop, that something horrible would happen if she kept pushing on. She continued still, prodding down the memory lane. The Clock Tower. Investigation, questions, so many questions, sending everyone away, trying to take her and stopped by a blonde man in white. Empty, the workshop, empty, no one, she was gone, Da Vinci was… She was crying. It hurt, it hurt so much, and a terrible pit digging with dread formed within her heart. She knew. She knew if she said it, if she said it aloud…

"But if I… If you can't be, then…They… you are…" Ritsuka swallowed and grabbed Da Vinci, pulling her in a hug with all her human strength, taking in the tender and affectionate embrace.

"It looks like you are finally realizing the truth."

"You… you knew?"

"Even as a ghost of your memories, I am your genius Da Vinci." The Servant's hand petted her head, a familiar comfort despite the terrible words. "It's a beautiful dream that was forced upon you. But you know well that all dreams must end."

She could barely see. Barely hear. The pain was everything. Her throat dry, raspy, her heart throbbing. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair! If only she had been stronger, if only she had beaten Goetia faster, if only!...

"…. Da Vinci… I… I'm…"

"There is nothing to forgive… Seeing you so happy and moving towards the future is more than I ever hoped I would see when I protected the Command Room." Ritsuka looked up, looked at the beautiful, beautiful smile of Da Vinci. "I'm proud of you, Ritsuka. And I'm glad I could see you one last time."

She swallowed once again, forcing the memory to come back to light.

"Goodbye…"

The sound of breaking glass came with the shattering of her vision. The world cracked and fell apart before her very eyes, leaving behind… reality. She was sitting alone. Her arms didn't hold anything. The old coffee machine stood broken and smelling, as it has been for years. Three sets of dishware were drying next to the sink.

"Ritsuka?" Mom's voice, muffled from the laundry room, bringing her back to her senses. "Can you please buy some tea when you got out? We used the last of it yesterday."

"W-will do…!"

Ritsuka gritted her teeth, wiping the tears flowing out of her eyes as she stood up, trying to regain some semblance of footing. She replayed the false memories in her mind, the idyllic version of a world that never took that path. Not just for her, she now realized. Were the others trapped in their own reality too? Had any of them realized it? She tightened her hands into fists. She needed to move on… but even as she tried to focus on her goal, as she laced her shoes and put on her coat, she could only think… how she wanted to tell Da Vinci about the other Phantom Thieves, about Akechi, even about Lev… if only… if only it could have lasted just a bit longer…

---

When Ren woke up to a Morgana turned human, with the clear blue eyes and attitude barely allowing him to recognize his feline friend, he had thought it to be a dream. Only to be disproved when he saw a living and breathing Wakaba downstair, talking amicably with Sojiro as if it was the most normal thing in the world. It said something when the sight of a thoroughly fed-up Akechi coming from the door was what gave him hope. To receive a call from Kasumi that she spotted a Palace in plain sight, the same one they discovered last year not only confirmed his fears and helped give him a direction. That it was something they could investigate and solve…

To learn the distortion in reality, the return of the Metaverse and the origin of this Palace was all due to doctor Maruki… and the cruel way he forced Kasumi, no, Sumire to revive her most traumatic memory, breaking her spirit to the point her Metaverse outfit simply disappeared. Before he or Akechi could reactn a tentacle emerged from a Shadow standing at the doctor's side and grabbed Kasumi, no, Sumire.

"What do you think you're doing with her?" Growled Akechi, regaining his bearing too late to prevent Sumire from being taken.

"I won't harm her—it's in her best interest that you turn back." The doctor shook his head regretfully as he gently laid the unconscious Sumire near him. "You've made clear that you reject the reality she desires. The reality where she lives as Kasumi Yoshizawa…"

"This isn't reality." Cut Joker harshly.

Just like when Yaldabaoth tried to make him lose hope in the world, when he manipulated the entire population into denying reality and passively accept their demise. It wasn't reality. It was brainwashing, plain and simple.

"It saddens me when you speak that way. Don't you understand? You deny her wishes when you say such things."

"'Her wishes', huh?" Said Akechi with heavy sarcasm.

"This isn't just for her—I'm doing all of this for yourselves as well." Crow stepped forward, menacing, but Maruki simply kept talking. "I honestly do want to come to terms with you. We should talk. Think about it: you both have dreams, no? I have the power to make them come true. My reality can become just the way you like."

His tone was tempting, inviting as the stage light behind coronated him with light. The very image of a saint preaching wisdom… or a cult leader spreading alluring promises. To see the kind and listening doctor he spoke with so much like this returned Ren's stomach.

"Total waste of my time." Spat Akechi.

"A shame…"

"You're one to talk about shame, Maruki!" Snapped a familiar voice behind them.

Ren turned around to see Ritsuka coming up from the corridor. Armed with the gun he had Iwai improve before their final excursion in Memento's Depths, her face flushed with fatigue and dried tears, her coat lacerated and singed. Did she really manage to enter the Palace after them? Alone?

"I would never have wanted to suspect you of all people, but you were the only one I could think of that would pull off such stunt. And that Palace's location just cemented it! Right where your laboratory for studying cognitive pscience was supposed to be built until Shido ran it to the ground!"

"Humph. So that's one thing cleared." Commented Akechi.

"Fujimaru-san… why are you here?" Maruki seemed genuinely saddened, and not just because she was hurt. "I'm not surprised you would manage to get here, but this wasn't supposed to happen."

"Of course it's never supposed to happen, and yet every time it does!" She pointed her gun at him, stepping forward. "Who do you think you are, toying with everyone's lives like some two-bit Amakusa!?"

"… I am aware of the similarities between him and me. I also don't believe he was in the wrong. Think about it. A world where no one has to suffer. A world where everyone's dreams can be reality. One where everyone can have the second chance they deserve. Especially for your friends, Fujimaru-san."

"So that's the second chance the dead get. Replaced by a cheap cognitive copy, some ideal ghost plucked from the memories people had of them, so their loved one would be chained to the dream you put them in?"

"You misunderstand. I did not create copies of the dead." Maruki lowered his head, his glasses reflecting the spotlights as he spoke clearly and deliberately. "I actualized a past where their death didn't happen."

Ren froze before the outrageous claim. If he said the truth… That changed everything. His mind was in swirl. Futaba wasn't hallucinating a projection of her mother. She was living the life she would have had Shido not plotted for her death, with all the promises Wakaba made becoming reality. Sojiro was not serving coffee to an empty seat, he was truly sharing a meal and a table with a woman he obviously loved…

"You suspected this, didn't you. You hoped she was only a cognitive double, a mere memory of that brave woman who never got to tell you goodbye." Maruko shook his head regretfully. "I understand. I wish I could have done more, and sooner… but your circumstances don't make it easy, even with the power at my disposal. You have seen for yourself how fragile my reality can be once you start to have doubts in it. That is how you and Akechi-kun broke through." He extended a hand, with a pleading, understanding tone. "It's not too late, Fujimaru-san. You've been tied down for the longest of the time. You deserve better. Believe in me; you don't need to suffer anymore."

Ritsuka stood still, silent, a complicated expression on her face. It made Ren wonder; who had Ritsuka seen in the false reality Maruki put her in? Who did she had to let go?

"Bullshit. Don't tell me you're actually thinking about it." Sneered Crow. "Of all people, I thought you would have the spine to shove that crap down the gutter."

"Akechi-kun, that is enough. You have no idea what Fujimaru-san wen through, what she faced. Even you should respect that."

"Big deal. We all fought the God of Control. We all have lost things in our lives."

"You still don't understand. We all owe her more than anyone you can imagine…"

"What do you mean by 'owe'?" Ren didn't miss the look Ritsuka sent, but his curiosity was getting the better of him.

"Explaining would be difficult. But if you wish to see it for yourself..." Ritsuka shifted her stance hearing Maruki's words, suddenly alert.

"What are you…"

The world faded. And then returned. Darkness encasing fires in the ruins of a large city, tempestuous clouds rolling under a starless, moonless night. The taste of ashes sullied his tongue, he choked from the heat and flying cinders, from the graveyard of humanity shattered by power beyond the comprehension. Desiccated corpses, petrified bodies oozing bloods from the cut of a metallic scythe, the eye, the eyes of the demon condemning humanity—

His legs burned from overuse, running and running and fleeing. Echoes of panic and agony filled the air as a massive castle burned to the ground. Dragons, dragons everywhere breathing death and fury, claws lifted helpless people in the air dropping them to their death, before hungry jaws teared them apart without mercy, before smoke took them to poisonous sleep. A queen stood alone and defiant before the carnage, looking back and smiling as the guillotine dropped—

Battle cries rolled in massive waves strong enough to shatter eardrums, the odor of sweat and blood and feces mixing in the air, the squishiness of flesh underneath his boots as he moved to stay alive. Metal against metal against flesh ringing and shrieking, spear piercing bodies, swords cutting limbs, arrows and stones crushing skulls, war, war, war everywhere, desperate, angry, senseless as a golden sword flashed towards—

Cold and damp rain lashing against his bruised skin, bleeding palm holding the mast as another round of canons fired from the two ships. Shards of wood piercing his legs and lacerating his cheek, bullets whistling and hitting deck and people, lightning striking the mast and illuminating the raging sea. Another boom of powder and a cannonball flew through, half a man's side exploded in gore and cries, barely moving and screeching helplessly as a large pirate trampled him, pistol in hand pointing—

Impenetrable fog in a city's night, chilling air in and out of lungs, acrid fog, cursed fog, shadows within the fog. Houses broken open, mechanical limbs twitching in disorderly walk, creaking of turned gears carrying bloody machetes, ticking of bombs crawling on the walls, on the ground, in the ground, red eyes stalking in the mist, lightning crackling in the fog, where, where to go, where do they come from, red eyes looking from afar, close, a voice, childish, are you my mom—

Great plains covered in gun smoke, hurried orders, retreat, flee the green tide, the fearless and merciless tide, mechanical armors opened and trampled and broken and bloodied by spear and bows and swords, things on the plains, black twin-horned horses impaling and crushing the lost, leonine chimera clawing and poisonous and eating men alive, bullets and canon fire bouncing living stone trampling hopes and freedom underneath. A man, a towering man clad in black spikes and wielding red death killing, killing, killing without emotion, without care, without pity, without anger, lunging—

Towering and glistening white walls at the dawn, people, hundreds, praying, kneeling, hoping, for light, for help, for salvation… blood on his cheeks, blood on the sand, rejected, impure, unworthy, blades upon helpless flesh, burning sun, burning sword catching its preys, its victims. Night, the mountains echoed with screams, fire torching peaceful homes, harmless homes, a knight, walking, unfeeling, holding a child's broken skull, dropping it remorselessly as a string sung and blue lines of sounds surrounded him and closed in—

Skittering things, crawling things on four legs and tiny bodies and open smiles of white teeth, cackling as they opened a man and toyed with its inside, laughing as they eviscerated a woman and waved it around, snickering as they killed and mutilated and tortured curiously, childishly, sadistically. Tide, a black tide, an endless sea of mud, covering ground, covering trees, covering walls, birthing those things by thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, darkening the sky with twitching wings and limbs. All from a titanic giant, star-eyed and crescent horned, advancing, advancing, razing the ground, razing the city, its jaw opening too large, with too many teeth—

Stone in columns and floors upon rocky terrain, platforms floating in the infinite void, attached together, linked together by great pillars covered in black scales and red eyes, pillars rolling and crushing and swirling. A white throne, a white throne behind a Beast, a gold and white and red demon with a great crown of flame, standing under a ring of light, bands of light of incinerated history, of sacrificed humanity… the stone fizzled. The rocks cracked. The heat singed him, burned his hair, boiled his eyes, his eyes watching the shield planted on the ground, standing alone as a last gesture of—

"HOW DARE YOU!"

Ren blinked. What happened? Maruki's Palace, he was in Maruki's Palace. A voice had cut through the vision, no, through the vivid scenes he was just trapped in, before that rageful echo shattered it like glass.

"How dare you pillage my memories! HOW DARE YOU USE MY MEMORY OF MASH LIKE THIS!?"

Maruki stumbled back, his composure lost before Ritsuka as the redhead yelled with unbridled rage, her weapon high and pointed dead on the doctor, seething like a living fire.

"And how dare you speak of respect when you scorn them like this! You insult everything they stood for, everything they fought for!"
Ren tried to speak but couldn't, his words lost, watching with disbelief and shock what his friend looked like when she was truly well and beyond holding back, trembling with righteous, wounded wrath and pain far above her display at the beach.

"Fujimaru-san—"

"SHUT UP!" Bullets flew at the Shadow standing beside Maruki and peppered it with holes until it was nothing but a standing Swiss cheese that slowly dissolved into black puddles. "You make a mockery of all these deaths, of all these sacrifices, of all these tragedies! Humans aren't pets for you to cage, Maruki! I'm DONE listening to anything you have to say for your so-called paradise!"

Ritsuka pointed her gun at Maruki again, shaking with such intensity Ren couldn't believe she managed to only hit the Shadow instead of the doctor.
"Tch. I'm fairly certain even you can see further negotiating is pointless." Spat Akechi, drawing his own gun a little too fast to hide the visions perturbed him as well.

"That seems to be the case, unfortunately…"

Maruki's voice was regretful, remorseful, as he took the still unconscious Sumire in his arms…

"Hand her over." Commanded Joker, but the doctor only shook his head.

The world shimmered and vibrated, and then he was gone, as well as Sumire. But his voice was still here, as if projected from a faraway place.

"Don't worry about her. I already told you I won't harm her, and I'll swear by it. Go. See the reality I've created for you all. See how your friends are enjoying it. We'll meet again one week from today: January 9th. I genuinely pray you'll change your mind by then. And lastly… forgive me, Fujimaru-san. But I will make your dream a reality, no matter what. This is the least I can do…"

Silence fell on the hall. Maruki was gone, without a doubt somewhere in the Palace they had no way to access yet. Chasing him would be pointless. The only thing left to do was…

"What say we head back for now?" Said Akechi, on the same wavelength. "Oh, and you too as well."

Ritsuka didn't bother speaking and just nodded, clutching her empty weapon as if it was the doctor's neck. Fortunately, the trip back to the entrance was quick. Maruki, in his graciousness, seemingly made them all disappear so that they would leave without further issues. Seeing how Ritsuka walked angrily, perhaps something to destroy and at least evacuate some of that emotion would have been welcome.

"To think Takuto Maruki of all people would be the mastermind behind this absurd situation. And he just happens to be warping the very fabric of reality while ranting about making everyone's dream come true." Akechi scoffed. "Talk about incomprehensible motives… I can't even wrap my head around such intentions."

"Not surprising coming from the resident patented psychopath." Snapped Ritsuka.

"And somehow you still manage to hide the most incredible things after pretending to have come 'clean'. I should clearly take lessons on manipulation from you." Shot back Akechi.

"That's enough." Ren placated them both. They had no time for this, no matter how shaken they were. "What's our next step now?"

"We need intel first. And as luck would have it, we have the perfect source right here." The detective pointed at Ritsuka. "And this time, I'd rather have you tell us everything from the start. I'm getting tired of your surprises."

"You know that's also why you like me." Retorted their friend quite rightly. "I'll help you on info gathering as much as I can. Ren, you still have access to the Velvet Room?"

"Oh right, this place. Mayhap the residents could help us deciphering what the hell is going on." Agreed Akechi. "In the meantime, try to shake up those idiots you call friends. You're the best placed for that."

Ren nodded, having full intention of going to see what was that false reality like for each and every one of them… as well as trying to make them break out of the golden cage. If Ritsuka and Akechi did, then it was possible for them too. Though it worried him that Maruki didn't seem to include himself in those who broke free…

"I hate that we have to do as he says, but Maruki told us he would only see us in January 9th. Let's meet up here next week. As for you…" The detective turned to their friend, who immediately cut him.

"Don't even try that angle. You know that as long as we're in the real world, even without demons I can kick your ass to next Sunday." Threatened, no, reminded him a slightly calmer Ritsuka. "But fine, you win. I wanted to spare you all from the risks of knowing the full details but guess who's rudeness made it moot. I'll tell you everything, but not before the team is gathered. I don't want to tell this twice and I don't even think I will have the strength to tell it twice, so grin and bear the wait."

"You will really tell us everything? No more hiding?" Checked Ren one last time.

"I just hope you won't regret it."

Her tone was somber, solemn, still boiling with a slowly receding anger as she slowly enunciated her words, then turning her back on them and leaving.

"At least we don't have to worry about her choosing Maruki's reality." Mumbled Ren.

 

[Magostera]

The Aeon, Rank 9: To Open one's Heart

Shujin Academy's infirmary. A place where the dominant cognition was one of rest and recovery, stronger than the nauseating influence of Maruki, at least for now. Each and every day that passed more and more things changed around the city. People with completely different job and occupations than the day before, with children that were definitely not alive or that should have been estranged, couples separated or rejoined… Puppets, each and every one of them, dancing alone the tune of Maruki's actualization. And he could have been one of them. The police barely interrogated him before letting him go. They changed his case from principal accomplice of the conspiracy to witness in the incoming trial. The mere thought it could become the true reality made his stomach twist and turn, bile coming up his throat.
Not that he would let himself go so low, and in the present company even less. With the Phantom Thieves all gathered in the small room, he was waiting the arrival of the mysterious Lavenza, the small girl he remembered from his brief visit in the Velvet Room. They were all present, Ren having managed to talk some sense in their imbecile, sentimental head. Just enough so they came in clutch to help them free Yoshizawa from her brainwashing, having clung like weasels to their false reality until guilt became too much. Now they were in the place Ren told him they would meet the mysterious Velvet Attendant, minus Yoshizawa-san, who was still recovering from her trauma. Of course, not all of them were Shujin students, which caused the few outliers like himself and Kitagawa to wear uncomfortable sportswear in order to avoid suspicion.

"It appears that everyone's arrived." A blue light accompanied the apparition of the little girl clad in blue, her tired voice and half-closed eyes showing she was in need of a nap of some sort. "Does this mean… you're ready to begin?"

"Uh, aint that our line?" Despite Sakamoto's idiocy, he had a point. The Velvet Room inhabitant looked like she was about to sleep on the sofa.

"Care to fill us in?" Said Ren, ignoring his teammate.

"Yes, I wished to speak with you about the circumstances that led Maruki to alter reality as you know it… as well as the true nature of his power."

"You know all that?" Asked the cat with bewilderment.

"I admit, there will be a degree of speculation involved—but, only to a small extent." Lavenza looked entirely alert now as she turned to Ritsuka, who was sitting on one of the sofa with Morgana on her laps. "Your own knowledge should help us turn them into certainties." Ritsuka nodded. "First, I will explain the situation with the current reality. I believe that Maruki has altered the cognition of the masses… in other words, it's thought that the alterations he's made are the result of his meddling with Mementos."

"He changed Mementos itself? How is that even possible?" Said Nijima junior.

"How'd it come back?" Asked Ren more sensibly.

"This world is in a very unstable condition currently. The merging between Mementos and the real world made by the God of Control, despite your efforts, has not been completely undone."

"But how? We beat that guy, we saw Mementos disappear, right?" Complained Sakamoto, scratching his head. "Damnit, it makes no sense!"

"That man's controlling of cognition… I believe he refers it as actualization, correct?" Ren nodded at Lavenza's request for clarification. "Most likely, that actualization is a power unique to a Persona. In other words, even back in the real world, this man named Maruki…"

"He's a Persona user?" Shouted Sakamoto.

"It would explain his ability to make Yoshizawa-san think she was Kasumi-chan…" Noted Okumura.

"That's impossible… there's no way to have a Persona and a Palace at the same time, and I'm not even talking about using it in reality!" Protested Morgana.

"I have to agree." Said Akechi. "If a sufficiently distorted Persona user could obtain a Palace, I would have certainly developed one by now. Furthermore, even if we assume that Maruki has unique Persona abilities, such as is the case with Ren and myself, we still need to determine how he used his power on Mementos as a whole, rather than a single individual."

"That's a good point." Agreed Takamaki, eyes wide in recognition. "Changing reality just by thinking about it isn't something humans can do, it's something like, gods do…"

"… I know how. It came back to me when we broke off the false reality" Admitted Morgana, crestfallen. "After you guys left, and I was disappearing with Mementos… Maruki approached me. I was powerless to stop him, and he claimed the Holy Grail. The last thing I remember is his voice telling me would see you again, and that I would forget this happened…"

"That would explain the source of his power! If the Holy Grail by itself was strong enough to become a god in the first place…"

"Then it's no surprise Maruki managed to take the place of the God of Control as master of the cognitive world." Completed Nijima in answer to Takamaki's illumination.

"Wait, doesn't that mean… Maruki's the one who saved you?" Pointed out Sakura.

"Yeah, it looks like I owe him my life… But that won't stop me from trying to put an end to his scheme." Reaffirmed the cat.

"If he has the Grail, I know how he made his Palace." Akechi looked at Ritsuka, who just spoke up. "There is this thing in magecraft called a Reality Marble. An ability that allows the practitioner to project their inner self upon the world. Ordinarily, it is something that is almost impossible to achieve, but with the support of a Holy Grail…"

"Maruki materialized his soul as a physical location in a place that was already made to support these kinds of things, the cognitive world." Deduced Akechi with frustration.

"It's unlikely Maruki knew the theory, it's certainly another thing he learned when he spied through my memories. Which is probably how he can know what the wishes of everyone else are, not just for those he made counselling sessions for." Seeing her angry like that… Akechi liked seeing this wilder side of Ritsuka, much like how Joker was a blast to observe when overwhelmed by an enemy's rage spell. "My best bet is that he made the Grail into the anchor for his Reality Marble, which, because of the rules of the cognitive world, transformed it into the Treasure of his newly formed Palace."

"What a terrible conjecture." Lamented Kitagawa. "This Holy Grail is the catalyst through which all of these disasters keep happening. A most fearful artefact, indeed."

"The World is attempting to return to its initial state, but even as we speak, Maruki is influencing this world where its boundaries are blurred. As slow as it may be, the two world will again become one soon…" Lavenza looked down. "When that happens, the original world be completely replaced by the fake one, making it the true reality. Once the two world conclude their fusions, there will be no chance of success in this mission. And… I believe this fusion will conclude in one month's time."

"We only have a month?" Whispered Ren, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"If memory serves me correctly, February 3rd was the date Dr. Maruki gave us, right? Could he have possibly chosen the time limit based on when his actualization will be completed?" Asked Okumura with a flash of insight.

"… It's possible." Concurred Nijima junior.

For a few moments the groups discussed the outlines of their heist of Maruki's Palace, as well as the constraints posed by the time limit. In any other case, Akechi would have scoffed at such a generous timeline for tackling a Palace, even alone he never took that long. But after facing the Shadows lurking in the Palace, he wasn't so sure anymore. They would have no room for error in this.
"What of you, Ritsuka?" Asked Ren. "Do you think you can help?"

"I won't be able to fight directly now." Admitted their friend. "I got very lucky last time. The few Shadows I met didn't expect me to put up a fight and the gun you gave me is powerful, but even like that it was a close call. I'll have to do my best as backline commander if that's still okay for you."

"I mean, isn't that why we wanted you in? The demons were just a bonus." Pointed out Takamaki.

"I agree. We made good progress, but you're still the best tactical mind we have." Agreed Nijima junior.
In any case, he was glad to see the Phantom Thieves were all determined to see this abomination of a world destroyed. And… despite himself, a tingling of happiness came to him when they asked for his vote in the operation, Sakamoto insisting that "Phantom Thieves only act unanimously". How strange, that he was truly beginning to think himself as one of them.

"Before we move on, I think now's the best time to make good on your promise, Ritsuka. Most particularity given the fact Maruki seems to have developed a sort of, let's say, obsession with your case." Akechi scratched his chin reflexively, a reflexive remnant of his detective façade. "It's time to lay it all down. I want answers."

That was it. He had enough of mysteries now, especially with those visions Maruki showed them still burning vividely within his mind after more than a week.

"I, too, wish to learn the specifics." The velvet blue girl spoke to his surprise. "My master gave me some of his knowledge, but I prefer to hear it with my own ears. Don't worry, I have enough strength to spare."

Ritsuka nodded and stroke the cat's fur, obviously psyching herself before beginning her tale as the whole room stood in attention. With a small tap, she encouraged Morgana to leave her laps, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply.

"You get the basics by now. I was scouted and shipped to Antarctica to participate in a secret project. In reality, it was more than just a project carried by a magus lord of London; it was an international organisation mixing research, observation and paramilitary. The aim of this project was the safeguard of humanity, the Human Order, above all else. The Chaldea Security Organization, which I'll call just Chaldea for short."

Saving the world… What a curious thing to think, after she had described the general mentality of magi and the Clock Tower. Then again, if Maruki could honestly believe in having everyone be perfectly happy, gentle and ambitionless automatons, then even nutjobs like the magi could produce people with such absurd convictions.

"The project rested mostly on three things. First, CHALDEAS, a perfect miniature reproduction of Earth that could accurately observe both the past and the future of the planet, up to around six thousand years in the past and a hundred years for the future."

"A hundred years?" Gasped Makoto.

"Theoretically. Secondly, the Guardian Heroic Spirit Summoning System, FATE. With it, select people with confirmed compatibility with the system could summon Heroic Spirits. The souls of the great heroes of history and legends, incarnated as familiars called Servants."

"Hum, sorry, but… isn't that like our Persona?" Asked Okumura.

"Your Persona may take the shape of a figure from the collective unconscious, but it is not the real thing." Explained Lavenza. "However, a Heroic Spirit is a genuine copy of the original hero, whose soul was sublimated into a higher existence."

"Wait… you tellin' they can get like, I dunno, Captain Kidd? The real one?" Asked Sakamoto.

"No disrespect to Kidd, but there's a lot stronger to call on. Think Sakata Kintoki, Herakles or Rama."

"Didn't those guys, I mean, not exist?" Asked Takamaki, puzzled at Ritsuka's answer.

"She did told us gods and monsters were real once." Reminded Ren.

Even Akechi did a double take at this piece of information. He didn't make the connection until now, sceptic about the whole explanation she gave them on the way magic was leaving the world and how it was once brimming with monsters and gods… but if this system brought heroes of old to life, if they were genuine persons who once existed, it made the whole thing even more intriguing. And infuriating. How would one even consider oneself "special" faced with such beings…

"Servants were supposed to be the muscles of the operations, under the control of their summoners, who would have the title of Master." And that was another piece falling neatly in the puzzle, why Ritsuka had insisted for what seemed at the time to only be a pompous codename. "The third and most important thing was the Rayshift technology. Combining science and magic, it allows sending the spirit of a living human into the past."

"They invented time travel? You time-travelled??" Exclaimed Sakura with childish excitement.

"Uh, it's more complicated but I'll do my best to explain. Yes, it's time travel, but no, you can't change history even with a time travel machine. Basically, there is a metaphysical phenomenon called Quantum Time Lock. Whenever something very significant happens in human history, no matter where or when, it become 'locked' and no one from either the past or the future can interfere with it anymore."

"Something like… World War II being won by the Allies, for example?" Brought up Nijima junior, her hand raised as if in class.

"Yeah, I think that could be one of those." Approved Ritsuka. "The idea was that if anything tried to interfere with human history, CHALDEA would detect it and find the source in the past before it could affect the present. Then a group of Masters and their Servants would be rayshifted in the distortion, destroy the threat and return to the present."

"I, uh, don't really follow. Didn't you say distortion couldn't happen?" Asked Sakamoto, waving his hand hesitantly.

She twisted her hair for a bit, obviously trying to find a way to explain which would allow even the monkey to understand.

"Like I said, human history is pretty robust. But one way it can be interfered with is similar to how Maruki operates, by creating a false reality that will then be superposed into the real one until it's replaced. That's what we call a Singularity. Most are naturally eliminated by the World, kinda like the distortions made by the God of Control that just seemed to have never happened. But some, especially if someone or something very powerful is at its core, can stick and start to unravel real history. Try to keep it in mind because it's vital for what's next."

Her gaze hardened. The serious matter started now.

"I was selected based on a 100% compatibility with the rayshift and Master system to complete their number, despite my complete ignorance. They were so hurried because something happened with CHALDEAS, showing that humanity would become extinct at the end of 2016, just before the new year."

"But we are at the start of 2018." Pointed out the cat.

"And I suppose the fact we are all here is proof that, in fact, humanity didn't suddenly stop existing." Akechi didn't feel like pointing the obvious, but sometimes it just made him feel better.

"…"

But the silence that answered him was enough to make him get very, very strangely nervous. As if he was peeping through a door he knew, he just knew he wasn't supposed to open. That whatever was behind would change his life entirely, that the secrets confined behind the barrier were secrets for a reason. A disturbingly familiar sensation, one he now associated with every cryptic words from his friend…

"The transport and following examination exhausted me, and I slept through the first meeting. It led Olga Marie Animusphere, the director, to throw me out of the briefing room in anger. I met the place's doctor, Romani Archaman, who was sleeping in the room that was assigned to me. He was slacking off since the medical division wasn't used at the moment, and we chatted for some time… saving both our lives in the process."
Her entire tone and body language had changed. She was no longer telling a story. Eyes closing for longer time than mere blinking, her expression changing rapidly, she was revisiting. Re-experiencing.

"Bombs went off within the facility, killing almost all the staff and almost every single other Master candidate. Had we been in the Command Room or the infirmary, our supposed places, we would have been killed as well. When I reached the Command Room to help it was on fire, full of flames and wrecks. There, I found the person whom I first met in Chaldea, Mash Kyrielight. A Master candidate like me, a kind and welcoming soul, her lower half crushed by debris. I had wanted to save her, but… all I could do was stay with her and hold her hand as we heard the system enunciate these words…" Her inflexion changed, imitating that of a machine. "Unable to detect the existence of mankind 100 years in the near future of Earth."
A shiver coursed through Akechi. It wasn't her imitation, or even the words themselves. It was the irrevocable finality held within. As if he had stepped upon his own grave simply by hearing her.

"The backup system, fortunately, recognized Mash and me as viable candidates for the rayshift and triggered. We were sent to the first Singularity, the first anomaly in time; Fuyuki, a coastal city in the year 2004. The city was destroyed and in flames, so much like the command room in Chaldea that I didn't understand I changed location at first. Mash found and saved me from marauding skeletons, and I discovered she was the result of an experiment attempted to grant normal people the power of Servants. She was the only successful result, her power dormant, but it looked like she awakened them during the Rayshift, healing her wounds and granting her superhuman abilities."

She breathed deep again. Controlling her breath and reaction. Compartmentalizing? That was the most likely explanation.

"Romani, who had gathered survivors and secured the Command Room, managed to contact us. We also found the director Olga Marie stranded there, she seemed to have survived and rayshifted as well, despite being thought incompatible. Together, we progressed into the Singularity. We found a rogue Servant, the Irish hero Cu Chulainn, and I formed a pact with him to destroy the Singularity. Together with him we fought against the corrupted form of the King Arthur and managed to reclaim the Holy Grail that was the heart of this Singularity… and then, we discovered the truth."

No one was speaking. It wasn't that they didn't have questions. Rather, it felt like all their questions would be pointless. Ritsuka was barely considering their presence, her hands clutching into fists and her voice filling with anger.

"Lev Lainur, one of the director's close friend and mentor, appeared before us. He had betrayed us. He was the one who bombed Chaldea. He was the one who created this Singularity, who personally made sure the first bomb was right under Olga Marie's feet."

"Because rayshift only brings the spirit…"

Ren's voice was barely a whisper, but it impacted Akechi all the same as he made the connection. The girl had been dead all along and only learned it at the very end. Just like those he had killed by destroying their Shadows, she kept on walking to her final demise, incapable of realizing it in time… the comparison left him with a sour taste in his mouth.

"She was barely older than me. No one ever praised her for shouldering the organization after her father's death. No one ever acknowledged her efforts. No one ever accepted her. She died for good while all I could do was watch Lev Lainur Flauros kill her and proclaim the end of humanity."

Flauros? The name stirred recognition in Akechi's mind. One of the seventy-two demons gods of the goetia. A coincidence was unlikely, especially given how she told it.

"Without the Holy Grail the Singularity collapsed, but we were fortunately rayshifted back, just in time. That's when Romani explained to us that they had tried to communicate with the UN and the Clock Tower all this time, without success. And only now did they realize why."

"Stop running around and tell us already." Growled Akechi, more on edge than he himself had realized.

"You see, they tried to contact the outside world. And it didn't work. But our communications worked just fine. We couldn't contact the outside world for instructions and help, not because the bombing destroyed our communication. We couldn't contact it because there wasn't anyone to reach."

She was lying. Or exaggerating. That was impossible.

"The world was already gone. Chaldea alone, protected by its magical defences, was left. The rest of humanity was gone. CHALDEA showed us nothing, but a planet covered with fire and ashes."

---

"Bullshit."

Ren winced at Akechi's violent rebuke. And he didn't disagree. None of them, he could see it on their face, none of the Phantom Thieves, not himself, could accept the enormity of what had they had just been told.

"Come on, it's not funny…" Weakly said Ryuji before backing off after crossing Risuka's unflinching gaze.

"We would have noticed… someone would have noticed." Insisted Makoto.

"That doesn't, that's not possible. We would have remembered something like this happening, right?" Ann was paling, clutching Ryuji's arm like a lifeline.

"Maybe you did. How did you feel, waking up last Christmas? A bit disoriented? Feeling like time flew by so quick you barely noticed it? With the sensation the last two years went in a flash? Maybe some sort of disconnect, as if you had grown-up suddenly? A weird floating in your memories, as if memories that should be two years old by now felt like they happened yesterday?"
Ritsuka's tone was chilling as she listed off very familiar symptoms, horrifyingly precise descriptions of impressions he barely remembered.

"It did… a trick of the mind, I thought… I thought it was just me…" Yusuke looked at them one by one, trying to find someone, anyone who didn't feel exactly like him.

"No… no… that can't… it can't be true…" Haru's hands were joined, as if in prayer as she stuttered fervently, almost desperately.

"After you defeated the God of Control, didn't you notice how reality didn't line up exactly with how it was before you headed to Mementos?" Ritsuka kept talking, kept going without mercy. "How the news never seemed to have defended Shido mindlessly? How the forums never had the inflamed calls to hunt down and execute the Phantom Thieves? How the police had already arrested members of the conspiracy, even though none of them had been worried before we entered Mementos?"

His hands. Ren's own hands were shaking, tucked inside his pants' pockets. He wanted to adjust his glasses as usual, but if he did, he wouldn't be able to hide his own nervousness. He wouldn't be able to show the confidence he was supposed to feel, how confidant he was supposed to be. Everything lined up to the unthinkable, the impossible.

"Lavenza… is it true?"

His attendant, the girl(s) he trusted with his life, who had known so many things even separated in two, whose voice guided him all year and helped him wake up to the abnormality of Maruki's world, closed her eyes and nodded gravely.

"Three years ago, the Velvet Room was destroyed alongside the rest of the world in the Incineration of humanity. My Master reawakened with the rest of the world, one year ago."

Her words rung heavily in the infirmary, a solemn toll on the bells of their blissful ignorance.

"No… no, no, no, no, no…" Makoto had jumped to Futaba's side, hugging the poor girl before she could fall on the spot. She was curling on herself, rigid and almost unresponsive, a litany of hopeless denial pushing through her words.

"Futaba-chan…"

Makoto herself was trembling as she comforted Futaba. She never feared any foe. Any enemy. But the invisible, the unseen… and now, the existential dread Ren felt, he saw it in her too. In all of them, the memory of the moment the God of Control erased them, when their life disappeared without any warning, anything they could do. And to learn it happened once, to everyone…

"I had the same reaction at first." Ritsuka's voice seemed to come from far away, as if from a distant echo in his ears. "But I was the only Master still alive. Everyone else was dead or so wounded they had to be put to cryogenic sleep. I stood there, with Romani and the staff trying to explain me all those things I told you and more, and I could only think of my family. My neighbours. How none of those things existed. And if I failed, none of it would ever return."

Her voice helped him focus. Enough to process, to rationalize, to push away the returned horror. Not just him. The other were regaining their bearing. Facing reality. Facing the truth.

"Please, go on. I… I want to know." Said Futaba, shaking but standing without Makoto's help, mustering her resolve, the credo she promised when she awakened her Persona, that she promised once again when he found her in the Velvet Room.
Ritsuka inclined her head.

"Fuyuki was only the start. CHALDEAS had picked up seven other signals. Seven Singularities across human history. Remember about Quantum Time Locks? Each Singularity was situated at one of them, powered by a Holy Grail. As solid as human history is, this was the equivalent of the door's being forced with explosives. Humanity wasn't just destroyed in the present, but across its entire existence. If even a single one of them remained, the world would never recover."

"That's what those visions Maruki showed us where. Brief moments in those Singularities." Said Akechi.

"It is." She breathed deeply once again. "It took a bit of time before we could tackle the first one, though. Repairing the damages caused by the bombing and summoning the first Servants, as well as familiarizing me with the role came first. But in about three weeks, we were ready, and I was sent with Mash to the first Singularity; France.

"The Hundred Year War… isn't that the big medieval conflict between France and England? I suppose the distortion was that England won?" Guessed Makoto.

"That would have actually been much easier to go against tea drinking guys." Ritsuka let out a brief laugh. "No, the problem was that Gilles de Rais, a French general and companion of Jeanne d'Arc, went mad after she was burnt at the stake. With the power of the Holy Grail, he summoned a false Jeanne d'Arc imbued with a desire for vengeance against France and the power to control dragons. She summoned an entire army of them and burned about half of the country by the time we arrived. And I was forced to watch it happen in more than one city before we managed to defeat her and Gilles, as well as claiming the Holy Grail. It took us around a month."

"An entire month?" Gasped Ann.

Ren remembered the vision. The dragons burning the fort and killing everyone inside… everything he had seen were directly from Ritsuka's point of view. All those deaths, all this blood, and she had to watch it all. For a month.

"The next Singularity was during the rule of the Emperor Nero, in ancient Rome. It was being torn apart by a civil war between Nero's forces and the so-called Eternal Empire, led by ancient emperors and heroes of Rome returned as Servants. We managed to befriend the emperor and with my Servants to equalize against the Eternal Empire, we helped turn the tide. This one took more than three months of campaigning, with thousands dying in battle for every province we managed to recapture, until we finally defeated Romulus. And there, we fond Lev Lainur Flauros."

"He was still there?"

"He had been acting as the court mage of the Eternal Empire. And when we gained the upper hand, he revealed his true nature; the Demon God Flauros, one of the seventy-two of the Goetia. Flauros flaunted how useless our efforts were, and how even if we won here, that as long as their King existed, then there would be no victory for us. Still, we defeated him, and claimed the Holy Grail."

"Wait, Demon Gods? But they assisted you in Mementos!" Morgana stopped her with a hiss, back arched. "Weren't these guys your allies?"

"You'll understand once I'm finished." Ritsuka's tone left no room for discussion and their feline friend sat back, cowed. "With that ominous tidbit, we started to suspect that perhaps the culprit behind the Incineration of humanity could be King Solomon."

"Oh yeah, he is the guy who supposedly enslaved those demons." Said Futaba. "I did my research because your demon friends made me curious. So it was true?"

"Solomon didn't enslaved them, he created them, but yes." Ritsuka sighed. "Romani was fervently denying that Solomon could ever be responsible though. After all, he was supposed to be extremely wise and benevolent. Since we had no way to investigate further, we just dropped the speculations and prepared for the next Singularity. And what a doozy this one was: Okeanos, an ocean without beginning or end and only a few islands for land, situated in the Age of Exploration. We fortunately managed to find and befriend the famous pirate and explorer Francis Drake, and with her we found the holder of the Holy Grail, the pirate Blackbeard."

"Seriously? Man, I'm jealous." Complained Ryuji, already imagining meeting the most fearsome pirate to ever exist.

"Don't be. He's a disgusting pervert and an Otaku that would gross even the worst."

"Uh? What?" Ann blinked a few times, clearly unsure of what she'd just heard, and to be honest, Ren was too.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell." She snapped her fingers pensively. "Servants, when summoned, gain an innate knowledge of the era they are brought in. Neatly avoid things like language problem when speaking to a thousand years ancient pharaoh. And Blackbeard, upon his summoning, apparently took a liking to Otaku culture, including a loli fetish."

"Stop, stop! Don't be ruinin' my image of pirate forever!" Clamored Ryuji with his hands on his ears.

"Excuse me, Fujimaru-san, but I must have misheard. Or did you refer to Francis Drake as 'her'?" Asked Haru.

"Well, yeah. She was a woman." Deadpanned Ritsuka.

"Pardon?" Said Yusuke with a confused expression.

"You'd be very surprised by the number of people who were actually women but remembered as men. Likely to do with how men were the one writing stuff and not liking how a woman could be the one having accomplished greater things than them, or just they couldn't believe a woman could be the one having done it."

"You can't be serious." Almost pleaded Makoto.

"I tell you, Yoshitsune had legs for day, she cut a dashing figure as much as she cut heads on the battlefield. And you wouldn't believe how shameless Nobu could be, walking in my room with her cape and nothing else. No wonder she was called the Fool of Owari and a civil war broke in the Oda clan because they preferred her brother for the succession."

Makoto looked torn between bewilderment and horror as Ritsuka casually evaluated some very famous and respected historical persons. Scratch it, almost all of them, Ren included, were suddenly reevaluating their perspective on what it had meant exactly for Ritsuka to have apparently fought and lived with those people.

"Anyway, Blackbeard had the Grail, so we had to fight. Problem was, we only had Mash and Drake as Servants, while he had Anne Bony and Marie Read, as well as the Trojan hero Hector. That old geezer almost made me a new mouth on my neck. After some peripherical adventures, Hector betrayed Blackbeard and gave the Holy Grail to his true captain, Jason."

"From the tale of the golden fleece, I presume." Said Ren, remembering some of his lectures.

"Yep, that Jason with the Argonauts, though thankfully he only had a few on hand. Bad news however, one of those was Herakles. That Herakles, the most powerful hero of Greece. I never thanked the training regimen Scathach put me through more than when I had to be pursued by a giant slab of demigod muscles."

"That doesn't feel right when you pronounce it like that…" Whispered Ann with a strange face.

"Anyway, scurvy avoided and we managed to get the Holy Grail. The next Singularity was in London, in the Victorian era. Everything would have looked pretty normal if not for the poisonous, demonic fog that had swallowed the capital. Oh, and the murderous robots and automata that stalked the streets in the fog. We found refuge in the house of Dr Jekyll, who helped us find…"

"Dr Jekyll? I thought it was a novel." Pointed out Akechi.

"Yep. Turns out, a good number of people in those books were real. The events didn't happen exactly like in the novels, for example Jekyll didn't make the potion to indulge in his dark impulses, that was more of an unintended side effect, but the character is relatively the same. Same for, like, Edmon Dantes and Robin Hood."

That was a whole new can of worm but compared to the rest… it honestly felt easy to believe.

"We managed to stop a plot to make the Demonic Fog explode with the power of Nikolas Tesla but then, as we thought the matter solved and secured the Grail…" Her face darkened. "Solomon appeared. Right before us, with all the power he possessed as a mage of legends, and he summoned four Demon Gods on us. Our allies were annihilated, Mash and I only survived because he thought us too weak and inconsequential to kill. 'Lower than piss' were his exact words."

"This doesn't really look like the action of a king famed for their wisdom." Noted Yusuke.

"Hard to argue when the guy himself come and kill everyone near before leaving you alive. He did admit he could not attack Chaldea, because we were isolated from the time axis thanks to its protections. Though Romani was devastated to see Solomon really was behind the Incineration of Humanity, I had to snap some sense into him." She made a small slap gesture. "Da Vinci was a great help on that front, she really had his ear."

"Leonardo Da Vinci was a girl as well?" Asked Makoto almost regretfully.

"Nope!" Gleefully said Ritsuka, the subject apparently brightening her mood. "A man, 100%. But one that once summoned as Servant, decided that he wanted to be as beautiful as his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. So, he made an artificial body that was a perfect copy of the girl he painted and transferred his consciousness into it, becoming my favorite genius Da Vinci-chan."

"Every minute I hear more of this is one minute I come close to madness." Groaned Akechi.

"I mean, I can maybe see the idea…" Ann trailed on her train of thoughts, apparently unsure oh where to follow after that.

"Moving on, we had a bit of reprieve before the next Singularity, this one in North America. The problem here was that the Founding Fathers had all been killed and the fledging United States were in disarray… from an invasion of celts warrior led by the legendary Queen Mebd, who used the Grail to give birth to thousands of warriors and an army of demonic beasts. The only reason the place didn't fall in a matter of weeks was that Thomas Edison, the inventor, had been summoned. The spirits of all the United State Presidents too weak to be Servants infused him with their power, granting him the ability to create and sustain an immense industry capable of fabricating combat robots and power armor to face the mythical monsters and vastly superior numbers of Mebd."

There was a bit of silence as she breathed in and they stomached her tale. If there was one thing that was cleard beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was the origin of Ritsuka's tactical ability. She had seen war. Literal war, for months, and not only seen, but fought and led in fight.

"How powerful are Servants, by the way?" Akechi looked like the admittedly childish question nagged at him. "Let us say, compared to us Persona-users in the Metaverse."

"Oh yeah, I wanna know! We are pretty badass ourselves, right?" Agreed Futaba, holding her glasses higher.

The grimace sported by his friend told him quickly they wouldn't like the answer. "How do I say this…" Yep, they were going to hate it. "You'd have a reasonable chance against the weaker one I'd say? With a surprise attack and some good teamwork, maybe a lesser run of the mill one. And I'd collect your coffins against any strong ones. Not to be a downer, you guys are pretty epic. But you can't compare to them. And it's not the point."

"Fair." Agreed Ren.

"To continue; America was long, very long, because that stupid continent is big, but we managed to beat Mebd, her fanfiction Cu Chulain, and recuperate the Grail. Camelot was next… it was hell. The knights of the round table, led by a King Arthur calling itself the Lion King, had taken Jerusalem and orchestrated a bloody 'Holy Selection', during which only the purest, noblest of people would be selected. Its goal was, once enough would have been gathered, to freeze them forever in a display of what humanity was at its best, even after the incineration."

"And the rest…?" Asked Haru hesitantly.

"They were killed. Civilians who couldn't fight back against knights of the round table, Servants further enhanced by a divinized King Arthur. What they did…" She breathed once again, anger tensing her arms. "We won in the end. We confronted the Lion King, and we won, even with all those we lost. We did it… I… I'll just move on. To Babylonia. Ancient Babylonia, the seventh Singularity."
Her voice was trembling. Pain, anger, sadness, a mix of all that?

"Babylonia, the oldest civilization in the world. The Absolute Demonic Front, where a gigantic army of monsters raged against King Gilgamesh, the first Hero, the King of Heroes, and his citizens. Uruk was… beautiful. Its people hardy, courageous, and loving, even in the face of disaster. Mash and I fought alongside them, we worked with them harvesting crops, making beer, eating bread… We fought against the three goddesses that allied against Uruk; Ishtar, the patron deity of Uruk, fumbling, greedy, prone to anger, and still valiant. Quetzalcoalt, goddess of the sun, a wrestling lover with a big sister vibe, wise beyond her apparent boisterous nature. We went to the Underworld to convince Ereshkigal, goddess of the dead, to assist us… and still… still… we almost lost."

It wasn't just her voice. She was trembling, shaking, with only the memories she had. Ren tried to remember the visions… the towering giant, the black monsters born by thousands killing and hurting with sadism…

"Tiamat, the primordial mother deity of Mesopotamia, awakened as a Beast to destroy it. A Beast is… a sin of humanity. Not in the cardinal sense, but in that they are fundamental in human nature. They are monsters born because they love humanity, and they destroy humanity because their sin makes their love incompatible with us. Tiamat was the sin of Regression. She wanted humanity to return to her, to the primal mother. She couldn't understand how humanity could have grown away from her, how we have grown beyond relying on the gods. And because of that, she awakened as Beast II, and by her mere apparition she transformed the entire ocean into a sea of black mud consuming everything on its path."

Ren glanced at the other. They were more or less lost, Ryuji the most while Makoto and Akechi seemed to follow the most. Lavenza was silent, but didn't look surprised. Did she knew about it already?

"We used everything, everything to try and stop her. Quetzalcoalt became a living meteor and barely breached her horn. Ishtar exhausted her divinity without dealing any meaningful damage. The entire weaponry of Uruk was useless against her, my hand were necrosed from using too much mana but my Servants could do nothing. The Chains of Heaven, capable of binding even gods, broke in barely a minute. We made Tiamat fall into the Underworld, the world of the dead where Ereshkigal was supposed to be omnipotent, and she still started to take it over. Had she managed to come back to the surface, she would have flooded the entire world in mud in a matter of hours. It took the first Assassin to apply the concept of mortality, the mage Merlin to transform the mud into harmless flowers, and Gilgamesh coming back from the dead with the weapon that helped forge the world to finally putting her down. We almost were defeated. It was this close."

Ritsuka stopped, clasping her hands, taking back her breathing to a more controlled pace. Insanity barely covered what she just told. Their battle against the God of Control… it almost felt easy in comparison. It was absurd to even think, to consider… but how could they even conceive the absolute insanity Ritsuka had faced?

"And when we came back with the last Grail… Chaldea started to shake. The Seven Singularities were gone. But the world was still incinerated. Solomon was still out there, and he finally saw us as opponents he needed to destroy. And against our will, Chaldea was being sucked in the Eighth Singularity, the Timeless Temple. Where the Demon Gods and Solomon resided, where the final battle would take place."

Her voice returned to a more controlled level. Harsher, more combative.

"It's time I explain the Demon Gods' nature and goal to you. They were a spell designed by King Solomon, a system supposed to watch over humanity and promote proper reason. They shared Solomon's omniscience, and were almost as omnipotent. But as they observed humanity, their anger grew. They saw wars, they saw despair, they saw sadness. And more than anything else, they saw death. They didn't know death, they were an immortal system from conception. They didn't understand why death existed. And so, they decided they would eliminate death. But even with all their power, they couldn't make humans immortal as a race. And so… they decided for a grand plan, millennia in the making. They would return to the past. Millions of years ago, when the planet was in its conception. They would take over the planet's consciousness and become a new world. One where the concept of death do not exist. But it wouldn't be easy. To do that would require untold amount of energy. And so… the Demon Gods decided to use the most powerful fuel possible."

"No way…" Whispered Yusuke.

"Eight thousand years of human history, gathered as fuel. All for the sake of jumping further into the past than anyone, anything could. All for the sake of a humanity free of death. We did not destroy humanity out of hate. They never hated us. They hated the way our nature condemned us, in their eyes, to meaninglessness."

"That's…" Ren didn't finish. Even insanity would be underselling it. Even the God of Control, even Maruki's undertaking seemed insignificant. This was beyond anything he had ever imagined.

"And that, is where the mask fell. Because, this Solomon was not Solomon. It was the body of Solomon, where the consciousness of the seventy-two demons of the Goetia had formed a hive-mind. And from that hive-mind, a single entity emerged. Goetia, King of Demon Gods. He was the true mastermind of the Incineration of Humanity. The Beast carrying the sin of Pity; the arrogance of being disappointed in other's weaknesses. Beast I."

"… Was the God of Control a Beast?" Wondered Futaba.

"No, I don't think so. Remember, he didn't have any love for humanity. He saw us only as insects to be ruled over." Corrected Haru.

"Good point." Agreed Futaba, but apparently she was still thinking about something.

"Fighting the Demon Gods was a problem, because as long as they were in the Timeless Temple, they would always return to life. Fortunately, all the Servants I encountered and made a pact with were summoned to the battle, and we managed to reach Goetia… but we couldn't do anything to hurt him." Her fist hit the table, making them jump. "Nothing we had could. And then… he proposed to Mash that she join him. Because she was a designer baby, because of the experiments that made her a Demi-Servant… she had little time to live, even if we won. Goetia, seeing her as a kindred spirit, as someone who was made to be used and discarded by humanity, wanted her to understand him. To approve of him. She refused… and Goetia used the bands of light containing all the energy of the incinerated humanity to try to kill us. Mash protected me… and she died." Her voice broke. "Only… only her shield… her shield was left. She, she protected me. To the end."

"Ritsuka…"

Morgana jumped on her laps, sitting down on her legs and purred. She put a hand on his fur and listened, vaguely stroking it, simply listening to the sound, eyes closed.

"And then… Romani came… I didn't understand… I couldn't… and he revealed a ring… a golden ring… just like the nine Goetia had… the tenth ring of Solomon… Romani, all this time… he was the true Solomon. He had won the Grail War in Fuyuki in 2004, and wished to become human. To live as a normal human. A human that could live… that could feel… that could love…" She wiped out her cheeks. "He reclaimed his true name… he returned to being Solomon… but even that… even that wasn't enough… so he… he returned the rings to God. He surrendered the world. He… He erased his existence from reality. By erasing Solomon… everything he made would crumble… everything… including Goetia… including the Demon Gods… including…"

"Himself…" Understood Ann, whose eyes had started to become humid as well.

"Yes… he disappeared… and I was left alone. Alone. I took Mash's shield. And I fought Goetia, who had started to disintegrate before my eyes. I… I won. I broke his fists. I broke his arms. I smashed his legs. I crushed his head. I trampled his Spirit Core, again and again, and he turned to dust. The Heroic Spirits had destroyed the Demon Gods. The entire Timeless Temple was breaking down like a Palace without Treasure, and I had to get out. But… it wasn't over. When I was halfway through the path to Chaldea… Goetia appeared before me." Her tone changed. Not as hateful. Not even vengeful. More… wistful? "He wasn't the King of Demon Gods anymore. He looked just like Solomon, his body fraying, an arm missing… but he looked so different. He told me he had lost. That his plan was in ruin. That his life was but a thread about to be snapped. But that even still… even if it was meaningless… he had found a reason to fight. He had found a reason to live that life, that single short, mortal life of his. I think… I think he finally understood mortality. Why we have it. Why it's important. And… I wanted to live. With everything left, we fought…"

---

The fist flashed past her as she ducked underneath, trying to strike him with Mash's shield. Too soon. Goetia's hand opened and a light exploded within, smashing the shield away. He had a single ring left. Only the power left within that one ring. But she had lost her shield. She couldn't dodge forever. Ritsuka charged and tackled the levitating Goetia, punched the glottis once, twice. His fist suddenly connected with her face. She turned away to accompany the punch. Her nose broke, her lip splintered and she felt teeth cracks as the world spun.

No!

She spar blood and teeth rolling on the ground, grabbing the shield with the last of her strength. The last ampoule's reserve was empty. She ducked under the shield to avoid the lasers, stood up and charged recklessly. It worked. The shield connected and sent him flying, a satisfying crack signalling she broke at least a few bones. His arms hung out uselessly, the single ring before him. She charged again. Over. It would be over!…

"O, Lord. I Rejoice in Life."

A blue beam passed through the ring. She saw it coming. She tried to protect herself. Too fast. Too little strength left. A feeling of void, a cold passing of air inside her torso. She kept going. Goetia didn't move. All his strength had passed in this attack. She did the same. The shield fell over him. And with a crack, his body broke. Broke apart, like a glittering statue. She fell too. Just by his side. Cold. So cold. Why weren't there much pain?… Her spine. The beam had damaged her spine.

"It was…" Goetia… was talking… to her. Something on her hand… his hand. Warm. "a truly splendid life…"

He faded away… he was dead… and… she was dying. It was a certainty. She could barely breath… where would… she go? Where did Mash go?… Maybe… they would be… together… Dark. It was dark… was she… falling asleep?… sleep…

"Oh, good. You're still here."

A voice… a voice? Here?

"This is your death. Even still, your will persists in this void. Not for long. Soon, even this void will disappear."

Ah… who was it?… something… something at the corner of her vision…

"I am the embodiment of comparison. I am the Beast that feeds on the energies that come from humans who grow and compete, who envy other's strength, who regret their own weakness. I am the Beast who stands over any and all opponent. I am Cath Palug, a Beast of Disaster. In a different world, I was called 'Primate Murder'.

Fou… it was… Fou…

"As long as I stay away from human society, I'm just as harmless animal. That's why I remained on a remote island. But the mage who was taking care of me was a real bastard. He kicked me out of his warm, snug tower, and forced me to live outside… but, that is how I ended up in Chaldea… which is where I met you and Mash."

"Fou… you…" Did she even speak… or was it in just her mind?

"We don't have much time, so I'll be brief: I'm going to bring you back to life."

… what? And did his… tail glow? Bright… and bigger…

"I wanted to give it to Mash. But she said… Senpai will need it more than me."

"No… Mash…" She tried to speak. It hurt. She tried still. "Mash… do…"

"I hope you don't mind me accepting her last request. Then again, the mage always said that an act of goodwill was something forced upon someone… Let's just go with that."

No… she… wanted to live… yes… but… Mash… she never… the world… she was the… the one who needed… to see the world… the real world…

"Over the last few centuries, I've accumulated incredible amount of magical energy. Using that, I'll perform a miracle that even True Magic could never achieve."

Not her… she wasn't… Mash… please… for Mash…

"What I'm going to do is transfer my future to you. It will be powerful enough to restore your life, and give you an independent existence long enough to return to Chaldea. Once I've done this, I will be just an ordinary beast. I will lose my intellect, my personality. It is a bit of a lonely way to go out. That's why I wanted to at least say goodbye here at the end. Even if I cannot give you the goodbye Mash Kyrielight wished to give you. Goodbye, Fujimaru Ritsuka. My time with all of you, this journey, has been quite wonderful."

Not… not him too… she had no hands to hold… no mouth to scream… no eyes to cry… not him too… Why… why Mash… why did she… love her.. so much…

"Normally, around people, I transform into a hideous beast, but this time I was able to stay in this form until the very end… When the mage sent me out, he told me, 'Ho, experience all the beauty the world has to offer.'. And, well… I have seen truly beautiful things. There are some evil that can be defeated without shedding blood, or crossing blades. And… that is what made it possible."

The tail… so bright. So large… Beast's tail… full of… of life… she felt… She felt.

"Congratulations to you, the wonderful people of Chaldea. You have defeated Beast IV without so much as a single blow."

Light filled her vision… her eyes opened. The Coffin screeched, acrid steam escaping its inner mechanisms. The metal was warm under her shaking hands, so strangely inert as she got out of the contraption…

---

"The Grand Order was over… I saved the world… isn't that great? I saved the world… but I didn't feel like I saved those I wanted to…" She was choking, forcing the words to come out in spiteful sentences.

"What happened to the Grails?" Asked Akechi with a neutral tone.

All this time, he never made a single derogatory or rude comment. Even he knew better. And perhaps, even he didn't stay completely stone-hearted. Perhaps there was something that forced his respect.

"Their power had been mostly used in their Singularities. But we used what as left as fuel for Chaldea's magical reactors… except the last." Ritsuka swallowed. "I… I tried to wish upon it. For Romani… for Mash. It didn't work. I knew it wouldn't work, but… my Servants chewed me out. Gilgamesh most of all. Treated me of the fool I knew I was being. So I used it for those who could maybe be saved… those who had been ready to save the world too. The Team A, who was still in cryogenic sleep. It worked. They all woke up, safe and sound."

She shook her head, exhaustion written on her face. The tissues in the infirmary had been emptied. The bin was full, and some were even still on the table.

"They… were more colorful than I imagined. It took a bit of time to explain it all to them. One of them was very jealous. Another didn't seem to care for anything, and just left the facility, I don't know how or for where… a third was looking, uh, disappointed? He only seemed to care for the fact that Mash was gone. It broke him, I think, somewhere, and he never talked to me after that. But the last three… they were kind. They knew Mash, before it all started. We bonded on that, and I think we became friend… at least, Wodime did. Pepe is a bit difficult to read, and Ophelia was still distant."

Even if her words sounded doubtful, Ren wasn't sure if it was from uncertainty or mere lack of self-confidence linked to the events that surrounded the encounter with these persons. Ritsuka made friends so easily, and by her own account with so many strange people, it sounded almost like a weird power.

"The Clock Tower came in not too long after. They wanted answer. As to what happened in the last two years. Why had Chaldea overstepped its authorisations by rayshifting so many times, why summoning so many Servants… they didn't really care that we saved the world. I was almost taken away because they wanted to study whatever made me, an ordinary person, able to do something like commanding so many Servants. Without Wodime advocating for me using his position as heir to Marisbury… I don't think I would be still here. Maybe still alive, with my organs and limbs organized in a laboratory somewhere. Anyway, they made an investigation, but I was safe. I even got to keep a few Servants around for a bit. They… they helped me adjust back. Do the school stuff I had been supposed to. It… it helped, to have something to focus on. To not think about everything again. I may have drown myself in work to not have to think."

"… I get that… I felt the same with the internet, after mom…" Ritsuka nodded at Futaba's confidence. "Still, that's crazy… to think something that big happened and we could have never known, even if we are friends…"

"Welcome to the big world." Half-heartedly joked Ritsuka. "Anyway… after all the investigations, some transactions and negotiations happened between Wodime and the Clock Tower. In the end, the project Chaldea was abandoned, its mission considered complete. Its various surviving employees were generously compensated, I was given a rank far beyond my abilities as reward for saving the world, the various equipments like CHALDEAS went to diverse factions… and I was sent home, back to school. That's where I met you, and I fell into yet another weird saving the world scheme…"

"At least this one you volunteered." Snickered Ryuji a bit too strongly, trying to change his mind.

"Hey, I did."

"But… what about the Demon Gods?" Haru, insightful Haru didn't forget it looked like.

"Oh yeah… well. They were all destroyed, yes. But their existence still lingered as a concept. And when I approached a Shadow bearing their likeness in existence, it… awakened. Partially, but still, it recognized me. They had changed. Death had changed them. Being mortal changed their views on the world, on humanity, and they wanted to learn. They wanted to understand us… I needed power to help you guys, and they could only exist with me as their anchor. So… we made a pact. I would give them a chance, and they would give their all to assist me. I gave the same chance to each of the Servant I met, even those who attempted to kill me. It was only fair that… that I give them the same chance. Even to Flauros."

"… I can't believe you would forgive them like this." Said Yusuke.

"I didn't forgive. And I didn't forget. But… I think people can change. Even demons. Even them. I think you have seen enough people do that without needing a change of heart."

"You got a point." Admitted Ann. "Can't you call them back, though? I mean, against Maruki…"

"I believe this is not a possibility." Said Lavenza, surprising them. She had been silent so long, they almost forgot her presence. "The man you know as Maruki has altered reality around Fujimaru Ritsuka strongly. The existences known as Demon God cannot manifest, most likely because he recognizes them as a threat."

"Or perhaps, because he thinks their presence would be a problem for my 'rehabilitation'." The way Ritsuka almost spat the word made it clear what she thought. "I'll assist you guys without them."

"If that is your choice." Lavenza curtsied. "Thank you for your tale, Fujimaru Ritsuka. I am glad to have been able to hear it, and I hope for you to see the end of your journey." A pale blue light simmered around her as she turned to Ren. "If that conclude matters, I shall continue to watch over you, Trickster. Please show me the path that you choose for humanity…"

In a flash, she changed into a small blue butterfly, leaving the room and disappearing in the corridor. The group looked at each others, some looked at the clock. It was late. Much later than they had anticipated.

"Let's start with Mementos tomorrow." Proposed Ren, to which he received a round of approval. "And, Ritsuka… thank you for telling us."

"No… thank you, all of you. For listening. For… accepting." Said Ritsuka, rising on her feet a bit lighter than before…

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru
Arcana: Aeon
Rank: 9
New ability: Groundwork for complete victory.
Whenever a Baton Pass occurs, increases the acting ally's Attack, Defense and Agility for 3 turns.

 

[HerrscherTuna]

Damn, Poor Ritsuka.. Her friends already gone, at least now she have new friends

 

[Magostera]

This is it. The final chapter. I will be writing an epilogue after this, as I announced previously. However, with this, the story itself is over. It has been a wild ride. Did you know this chapter, or rather, a specific scene within that chapter was the origin of this entire story? I had this scene in my mind for so long, it was what motivated me to write in the first place. And I'm glad to have actually done it, rather than letting it be another of the many draft in my drawers. I hope this finale will bring you as much joy to read as I had writing it.

Click to shrink...

Rank 10: To Rejoice in Life


As Ren entered Maruki's Palace alone, he could almost hear the disapproving arguments from his friends. Well, only one friend in particular opposed more than a token argument, that argument boiling down to "better ambush the bastard before he ambushes you first". Joker was confident Maruki would not do something so obviously underhanded. Emotional blackmail, breach of privacy, brainwashing, yes. But all of these were still ''for the good of the person'', and he always did it upfront. An ambush was improbable. Psychological warfare, on the other hand… he had no doubt Maruki asked to meet him alone so there would be no peer pressure, no other voice to shift his decision to eventually accept his reality. As his leisurely pace guided him in the grand exposition hall, Joker reflexively scanned his surroundings. A single Shadow ahead. A weakling, barely strong enough to be part of the Palace's security, in the cognition of a receptionist.

"Phantom Thief Joker. You are expected in the cafeteria. Please, follow me." Drone the masked creature.

A cafeteria? His curiosity was soon answered when a section of wall distorted at their approach, revealing a corridor he and his team never treaded upon. Likely a conscious modification from Maruki. A short walk was all he needed to reach a spacious yet all the more empty cafeteria, with various menu plates ready for consumption. As expected, the doctor was sitting at one of the tables, his own plate already chosen. Another manipulation tactic, or a genuine offer? Most likely a bit of both, thought Ren as he took a donburi from the presented items. No reason to refuse free food.

"Ah, Amamiya-kun. I'm glad you accepted my invitation. I know you can cook very well, but I felt it would be impolite of me not to offer you something, especially as I'm the one inviting."

"I've never heard of a god subsisting off cheap noodles." Said Joker as he sat down.

"Hahaha. I suppose I could have made a gourmet feast prepared, something more grandiose. But honestly, I find myself much more comfortable having something like this." Maruki lifted the lid off his hot noodles, vapor instantly fogging his glasses. "Oh well. The struggles of a four-eyes never cease."

That was what made Maruki so much more dangerous, something Ren couldn't help but note each time they interacted. He was genuine. Genuinely convinced his was the better course of action, his plan to be the way for humanity to reach its happiest existence, his action to be those who would help people the most. He was genuinely hurt to see them refuse the hand he offered, to be forced into a confrontation where violence would be the deciding factor, to witness those he wished to see never experience struggles and pain again choose to do so… and perhaps because of all this, that Ritsuka's and Futaba's suspicions were running so strongly.

"Why didn't you come to Leblanc? I could have prepared you curry."

"Now that's a tempting prospect." Admitted Maruki, eyes wandering. "Unfortunately, it seems I cannot leave this place until the merging of my reality with the World is complete. But I'll hold you on to that afterward."

"It's not like you have to manually alter people's cognition by yourself." Pointed out Ren, digging into his rice at the same time.

Cannot leave, not doesn't want to…

"Of course, this place is pretty much automated for the everyday people. Only certain cases require a more personal examination." A bit of noodles slipped from the chopsticks and fell back into the bowl, and the doctor sighed.

"You don't look so well."

Barely noticeable bags under the eyes, a general lack of energy in his words and actions. He hadn't seen Maruki looking so openly exhausted since the recording of his past, when he was drowning in his work to try to ease the pain. The doctor may be their opponent, but he was still worried seeing him like this.

"Do I?" Maruki scratched his eye corners. "I guess I've been pouring a lot of time and energy into a difficult project lately. Don't worry about me, though. How's Yoshizawa-san holding up? I've been concerned a potential relapse, considering her difficulties with accepting this reality."

"Sumire's one tough lady." It wasn't just his rose-tinted glasses speaking, tough admittedly he was partial to her.

"… You know, I would love for that to be the truth. But, people can't maintain their strength forever." A pair of noodles feel from the chopsticks again. "Stay by her side, if you would. She has come to rely on you to a great degree."

"I don't need you to tell me that." Retorted Ren sharply.

"Forgive me, but I'm truly concerned about her well-being. I don't want to see her hurt anymore." The doctor put his chopsticks down. "I wanted to confirm with you one last time: is there no other way to come to an agreement besides fighting?"

Ren's thoughts drifted to his friends. Their new Persona, incarnation of their will, tested, cracked, and reforged. Ryuji and his broken athletic dream. Ann and her best friend's trauma. Yusuke and the disappointment in his father figure. Makoto and her fractured family. Futaba and her gone mother. Haru and her dead father. Sumire and the shadow of her sister. Akechi and the potential lifetime of imprisonment—or even death—he would face for his crimes. The resolve they reaffirmed, the blood oath they shared, as Lavenza put it. None of them would concede now.

"We cannot accept this reality." Said Ren, putting down his own chopsticks.

"The reality I created may seem distorted from your point of view, but it's a reality where everyone is happy." Maruki looked up, determination gleaming in his eyes as his tone sharpened. "If you just stay, you'll never have to suffer the pain of loss, or the pain from having people and things stolen away from you!"

"Like you have?" The wind was taken from the doctor with those words, and he slumped back in his chair.

"… You saw what happened with Rumi. I'm not the one who suffered—she is… but she's still living a wonderful life right now, in this world you call a distorted reality.

"You're fine with her not remembering you? Never seeing her again?"

"She may not be in my life anymore, but at least her own life is a happy one now. I'm not doing this for Rumi—I want all of you to live just as happily as she is… but for Rumi's happiness to last, I have to move on. After all that's happened to her, to me, I can't just drag her into it."

That wasn't moving on… it was running away. He could see her again. Try and rekindle the flame. Something, anything. And Ren wondered if deep down, Maruki knew it as well.

"So, let me ask you again: after really considering every option, do you have any doubts about your views?"

"What are you getting at?" Carefully asked Joker.

Maruki took his dessert, a small confection, and opened it with a pop.

"You must have realized you are the only one who never shared the reality I created. I believe it is due to your helpers in blue, velvet blue, isn't it? But I know there is something you wish for, no matter how little you may think it takes place in your life. So, tell me… wouldn't you want your found family to become your real one?"

"…"

Perhaps he would have been able to fully conceal his feelings as Ren Amamiya, as the subdued and unnoticeable student. Perhaps facing someone else, even as Joker where he let himself run wild and cocky, he would have kept his cool. But Maruki knew, knew what he never told a single soul. Not even Morgana, who shared his life, was aware. And the doctor took his silence as an excuse to go on.

"Your parents were pretty quick to send you away in Tokyo, were they not? Even considering they managed to find you a spot in the prestigious Shujin Academy and asked one of their old colleagues to house you… it's rather obvious there is little love within the household. Or rather, they have little love to share for someone else than themselves."

Now, Joker was glad he did come alone. He knew, he just knew that Maruki would done this no matter who would have heard, no matter who would have been present. Just like with Sumire.

"They never wanted a child. They had you because it was what was expected, they raised you because it was their obligation. They defined your life from the very start, seeking to have you follow in their footsteps because it was the only thing that was respectable in their eyes. You have always felt—no, always knew that didn't you? Even before that false accusation, their only expectations for you was to live a well-disciplined, quiet life that wouldn't impact their own. Sending you to Tokyo was mostly a way for them to push away what had become a source of disappointment and embarrassment. Even if they do love each other… that love has never extended to you."

Ren didn't speak. He didn't want to let any more ammunitions for Maruki to use. He would listen to the end of what he already knew was coming.

"Now that I know about it, there is little surprise you are so adept at slipping into whatever role, whatever mask is the best for each interaction, each situation. You always had to do this. You always had a gift to conform to satisfy your parents' whims, if only on the surface. It was the only way you had to keep going, when it was obvious you would never know what every other kid you met had."

Maruki extended his hand. I was still containing the sweet.

"You don't want to go back to them. And I can grant you that wish. Leave them alone as they would prefer to be, and let you be part of the family you deserve, the ones who truly love you. Sakura-san and Futaba-chan… you know they already acknowledged you as one of them. I could make it reality. You deserve to have a loving, happy family."

Joker stared at the doctor, at his extended hand and the confection within. Colored, sweet, with a pleasant smell, and without a doubt a fruity, delicious flavor.

"I'm still going to ask you, one last time: Will you accept the reality I can create for you? You were the guiding light to my research. You showed me the way so I could make my dream into reality. I have nothing but gratitude for you—not a single ounce of ill will. That's why I wanted you of all people to understand…"

Yet… taking it would not nourish him, in any way. And only eating sweet cannot possibly make someone truly happy. In lieu of a verbal answer, Joker took out the rectangular card prepared by Yusuke and sent it spinning into Maruki's hand, pushing the sweet out of it at the same time it landed perfectly square in the palm.

Takuto Maruki has committed the great sin of creating an overblown self-righteous reality granting people's wishes. However, we will not soak ourselves in this false happiness, and we will overcome our pain and move forward. As a result, we will not accept your salvation. Thus, we will steal your distorted desires and take back our future. From, the Phantom Thieves.

Maruki's eyes followed the text, resignation replacing hope in his expression.

"I've heard your calling." He simply said.

The atmosphere changed in the very instant those words left his lips. Heavier, without hostility yet no less pregnant. The Treasure had materialized. The Palace was on highest alert.

"I'll be waiting for you all tomorrow, just as I promised. If you still haven't changed your mind by then, we'll meet there…" Maruki stood up, and so did Joker. "Oh, and do bring Fujimaru-san with you. Not that I don't expect her to come, but it's very important. I promised I would make the world right to her… and I will hold that promise."

This was suspicious. Why would he wish for Ritsuka to come specifically? Didn't he repeatedly tried to dissuade her from breaking into the Palace with the team after they came in to take back Sumire?

"It's time for you to go. Let me take you outside. It wouldn't do for the Palace's defences to bring you harm against my best wishes."

Reality shifted… Cold. Ren was standing in the street of Odaiba. The transition had been nigh instantaneous. Should he wished so, Maruki could very well prevent them from reaching the Treasure entirely. That he didn't… he really wanted it to be fair. Well, in his own definition of fair, but fair nonetheless. His pocket vibrated. The expected and planned call.

"So, how did it go?" Asked Akechi from the phone speaker.

"Tomorrow, we take back our reality." Asserted Ren.

"Good. Tomorrow, then. Don't be late."

Typical Akechi. But he was right. They had a single chance for this. And for all of the signs converging toward the worst possible scenario, he still hoped Maruki had merely ascended into godhood by the Holy Grail's power. The alternative… would make it a fight they would have little chance of winning.

---

A garden of Eden. That was the highest floor of Maruki's Palace; an idyllic nature where people in bliss frolicked in the simplest apparel, unknowing of pain, suffering or strife. It was honestly a pretty tame place, all things considered. Tame, safe, consensual—the nakedness was symbolic, even if Raikou would have thrown a fuss. Yet to Ritsuka, this entire thing was radiating sadness. Even ignoring the giant statue of Maruki's ex-fiancée dominating the entire place, the physical manifestation of his inability to let go… Those cognitive representations knew nothing of life. People would end up reduced to mere shells of their former selves, their spirit mutilated of anything that made them who they were beyond mere self-satisfaction. How much would someone like Akechi be warped to correspond to the way Maruki thought he would need to be, so he could be happy? Beyond recognition, for anyone who knew the true Akechi. Most certainly, his shallow detective prince façade would become his true self. And it would be horrifying.

But what made her even more nervous was the gigantic tree, and its pulsating, enormous fruits hanging down. Some of them were growing, some were almost ripped from maturation, but they all shared the same sickly purple glow. The fruits of knowledge. Everything human that Maruki thought unnecessary in his new world. Kept so high in the sky, so far out of reach for anyone to harvest and bite. Unlike God, he would never allow humanity the possibility of knowing the difference between good and evil. As they escalated the staggering amount of stairs leading up to the tree's summit, Ritsuka was steeling herself for the fight to come. She had little to offer for this fight, but she would give everything nontheless. Fragile as she was, the custom gun Joker made within the Velvet Room was a marvel of firepower capable of punching straight through even the toughest Shadows they faced. Would it work as well on Maruki? Perhaps not, but who doesn't try cannot say for sure… but what was that strange tightness in her heart?

The summit of the tree was shrouded in pale darkness. The golden light bathing the garden outside barely reached here, leaving only the sickly glow of the blue tentacles and the purple tint of the twitching apples. There… Maruki was waiting. Back turned to them, still in his lab coat.

"Thank you for coming…" He turned to face them, disappointment written all over his figure. "It looks like I have your answer."

"It's time to finish this."

Ren's words were soft but determined.

"Indeed… but before we start, I would like to spare a moment for Fujimaru-san."

"Still trying? Don't make me laugh." Groaned Akechi.

"He's right. What could you possibly say that would change my mind?"

He flashed a smile, a smile that was too sure of itself to be a bluff. What did he have in mind?

"I'm not the one who will speak with you. She has been waiting to see you for some hours by now."

There was someone else. Someone right behind Maruki, hidden not just by his silhouette but the ambient darkness. A smaller person wearing a white coat with grey sleeves and a black shirt and skirt, and… Her thoughts stopped. Her breath stuck within her throat. Lilac hair in a bang. Hiding one of two lavender eyes. Covered by simple, rectangular framed glasses.

"Senpai!"

No… no… it couldn't… that wasn't… did he… really do it? She was walking. Running, sprinting, ignoring the shouts behind, the other's voices, her discarded weapon. Her hand. Her right hand she extended… the Command Spells. Her true Command Spells. Magic Circuits warming, directing mana to sustain the power of her Servant, of… she was...

"Mash!"

"Senpai!"

They bumped, crashed into each other, almost falling over, she hugged Mash, hugged her so hard, taking in her warmth, her breath, her voice…

"I'm so happy to see you again!"

She was alive… She was alive!

"Mash… Mash… It's… it's you…"

How… how did he… how could he…

"I'm here, Senpai. I'm so happy to be with you."

"Mash…"

She he didn't care if she squeezed, squeezed like she was going to disappear, like she was a mirage, like she would die in the very next instant. Mash was here. She was real… she was real! It wasn't a memory, it wasn't a mirage! Mash was here! She was alive!

"How?… How did… I couldn't, didn't… How?…"

She even was a bit taller. Mash should have been smaller. She grew up. How did she grew up? Why was she the same size as her? She wasn't… she wasn't supposed to… even Romani, even Goetia said…

"Senpai… I, huh, can't move…"

"More… Let me… more, hold you…"

Ritsuka tightened her grip, burying her face in Mash's shoulder, dampening her coat with her sobbing. Mash was here. Mash was alive… her Circuits hummed in accord, the contract tugged at her soul, her presence filled her senses. Whole. She felt whole again. Everything as it should be. As it should have always be. Mash's hands, her strong, gentle hands on her back, her courageous arms holding the world together. She missed her. She missed her so much, so much, and she was here!

"How… how did you… how long have you been…" The words knocked each others on her tongue, she struggle to speak, to ask, she needed to know, she feared to know, she wanted to know…

"Senpai…" Mash was blushing, she could hear her stammer, she was blushing like she always did adorably… "I'd like to speak to you face to face…"

Regrettably, almost tortuously, Ritsuka got out of the tender embrace of her favorite 'Mash'mallows, looking at the fair face of her friend, her almost sister, her Servant, who gently wiped the tears off her face like she did before. She was still here. She was still with her, so kind, so happy, living!

"Mash… how? I… You… Fou said… you said…"

"Maruki-san told me what happened to you. My memories are… a bit different. I was drifting bodiless in the void, when Fou-san came and saved me… he told me I would have a regular lifespan… I came back just in time to see you running at the beacon, I grabbed your hand right when you were about to fall with the temple, and Da Vinci rayshifted us back together…"

Maruki… what did he say… actualizing a past where their death didn't happen. Which… which meant, if Mash was here, then… what could have happened, what should have happened to let Mash live… to make it Fou could only give it to her…

"No… Mash… It's…" She closed her eyes, clutching Mash's hands, her heart tight and painful, her throat burning and dry, her fault, it was all her fault…

"Senpai!" Her legs lost all strength, she slumped down, barely caught by Mash…

"I'm sorry! It's, it's my fault, all my fault!" She cried, coarse, rough, she couldn't breathe right, it wasn't right. "If I'd… If I'd been stronger… if I'd been better… Da Vinci wouldn't… she wouldn't have had to… you wouldn't have died… you would have survived! I'm sorry I couldn't, I… you should've… It's you that should have… you should have lived, not me… It's you… who should have seen the world…"

Mash who still protected her, comforted her, pressed her against her bosom, embraced her stupid and weak Master who couldn't save her life, who couldn't finish the fight without dying, without forcing her friends to disappear, without having everyone die…

"I'm just glad I could protect you." Said Mash so softly, so kindly, so lovingly as she wiped the tears…

"How… how long?"

"This morning, I think? My memory's a bit foggy, but I remember clearly waking up in the garden downstairs, with Maruki-san filling me in the situation. I wasn't sure how to react at first… but he assured me you were fine and coming, so I waited."

This morning… so that was what he was doing, the "special project" he hinted at to Ren. But… it shouldn't have been possible. The Metaverse, his false reality was still limited to Japan, it was even still weak outside of Tokyo, without even speaking of reaching a past that existed outside of time, in a place that barely counted has having existed… Ritsuka glanced at Maruki, who was looking at her with a smile, a content, satisfied smile. He was happy, happy for her. Of what he had accomplished. Did he know… did he know what he just did meant? The only way, the one single and only way he could have had the ability to do the impossible, to have a presence in such a place… if he possessed an independent manifestation…

"Is this your idea of stalling for time?" She barely noticed Akechi's snarling behind her.

"If I wanted that, I could've ejected all but Fujimaru-san at any time." Chided Maruki.

With Mash's help, Ritsuka stood on her own feet. There was so much she wanted to say. So much she wanted to show her. So much she wished for her…

"Are those your friends, Senpai?"

"Yes. They are my wonderful friends." She turned to the Phantom Thieves, who were oscillating between uncertainty and embarrassment. "Everyone, this is Mash Kyrielight. My first and best friend at Chaldea, and the best kouhai in existence."

"Nice to meet you…" Hesitantly said Ann.

"Why do you call her senpai? You two look the same age." Asked Sumire.

"Oh, that… I didn't know much of the world back then, and she looked like someone normal compared to the others, so I thought she could teach me…"

"Don't worry, Sumire has a different senpai." She had missed so much how adorable Mash was when embarrassed, she just wanted to squish her cheeks.

"Shenpaiii, muuyyy chheeeks…" Apparently she missed it too much to restrain herself.

"Whoa. She really is a marshmallow." Whispered Futaba.

"Futaba, you can't just call people that…" Sighed Makoto.

With a sigh and a look at her friends, Ritsuka let go of Mash's cute little cheeks. Regrettably, she returned to the situation at hand, to why her precious kouhai was here. Maruki was waiting, looking at her with calm expectation.

"I believe this is proof enough of my honesty, isn't it? I told you I would find a way. I promised I would do it, and I wasn't lying."

She nodded. She couldn't deny it. She couldn't deny the precious thing he offered her, the reality of Mash's presence.

"Fujimaru-san, I implore you to reconsider. Just a little more time, and Kyrielight-san will be able to exist outside of my Palace. Once my reality has settled, you and her will live the life you should have had, the peaceful and happy life you deserve for saving the world." He extended his hand. "Listen to your heart. I won't ask you to fight your friends. I won't ask you anything. Just descend those stairs and wait with her. Please."

Ritsuka looked at her friends, her friends who were obviously torn between their decision and their desire to let her choose… then… she looked at Mash, whose hand she hasn't let go. Her wide, innocent eyes, her eyes who had yet to see the world, the world she described her so many times in those evenings, the family she knew would welcome her with open arms, her school, the city… Her heart wept, and she felt the tears run back behind her eyes. She… she couldn't say it. She barely managed with Da Vinci… she barely did it when she was persuaded the genius had just been a cognitive copy… she couldn't… she couldn't kill Mash a second time.

"Mash Kyrielight, by my Command Spell… I ask you to make your own choice."

The red emblem burned the back of her hand, the energy split apart her nerves as it travelled.

"By my second Command Spell… I ask you to choose your own future."

It fizzled, it crackled in her veins, it consumed her skin.

"With my… my third Command Spell…" She swallowed, the words coarse like sandpaper, her voice barely audible to her own ears. "Know how much I love you."

The last Command Spell faded.

"Senpai…" Whispered Mash, bewildered.

"I cannot accept Maruki's reality… but… you gave me your life… so please… it's your decision to take. No matter what you choose, I will fol—"

Mash grabbed her shoulders and… kissed her. Lips pressing together, her tongue probed and entered hungrily, intertwined sensually with hers, taking her breath and mind away. She tasted like apples, her warmth was intoxicating, she was melting under the passion. Their mouths separated with a wet sound, her head turning from the lack of air, the intensity of the moment, the faint gasps in the background.

"How did I do, Senpai?" Mash was red, a luminous red between pride and shame. "I, I never got to try what Mata Hari taught me…"
Ritsuka always knew her cute kouhai had a naughty streak, but not this…

"You… asked her?"

"It was after Mebd and Scathach, you know… took you under their wing…" Mash was becoming mashed tomato, all the blood of her body jumping to her head. "I didn't want to disappoint in comparison… I know you only looked at Dr Romani, but… I hoped that maybe…"

"Oh, Mash…"

She didn't love Mash this way… Mash knew this, she always knew, and she knew it even more now… and still… still, she found a way to make her heart throb…

"Goodbye, Senpai…" Softly whispered Mash before turning toward a Maruki that was pointedly looking another way, his own face tinted pink.

"Mash?…" She wanted to speak, but her throat was too tight, and she could only listen.

"Maruki-san." The Palace Ruler took a glance before fully looking their way, with such shy awkwardness it was almost endearing. "Thank you for bringing me here. Thank you for letting me learn the world was saved. That Senpai was saved, that she lived on, and even found new friends. I think… I think it's a wonderful dream you have; For everyone to be happy."

"Hum, I'm glad to hear you say this." He regained his bearing, coughing in his gloved hand. "Why don't you take Fujimaru-san…"

"But…" She interrupted him. "I've seen many things on my journey. I've seen many terrible things, but I've seen so many beautiful things. Things that wouldn't exist in your world, because no one would have made them without struggling first. Your world without sadness… wouldn't be too different from a world without death. And it would be wrong. Even if I could live without ever feeling anything but joy, I wouldn't want to. This beautiful world, Senpai's world… I will fight for it! I will fight by the side of my Master!"

Magical energy flared, and in a flash of light Mash stood proud and tall in black armor. With a loud tremor her immense shield cracked the ground, and she leaned forward.

"Thank you for letting me properly say goodbye to my love, Maruki-san."

Maruki's eyes widened in shock, in complete surprise.

"Kyrielight-san, stop! Why are you…"

"That which heals all wounds and grudges…" Intoned Shielder, raising her shield.

"Don't do it! Please don't, I beg of you!" His voice was frantic, desperate. "Listen to me, listen! You can still stop!"

"Our glorious homeland… Manifest yourself!" Mana spiraled in the tree, gathering around Mash, the white rampart already taking form. "Lord—"

"NO!" Yelled Maruki his hand reaching…

Reality BENT/FRACTURED/TWISTED/BROKE.

Ritsuka fought back the urge to vomit. Ears ringing, excruciating pain slicing her head apart, her vision blurred by tears and thundering ache. She pushed on her knees, stood up from the ground, looked at the emptiness… the emptiness where someone had been an instant before… Her hand, her right hand, pristine. Her Magic Circuits, dormant. The air stale, empty of magic, empty of the mana filling it a moment before. Empty of the person that had been standing there defiant, not even a single trace remaining…

"Why… why? I don't understand! I gave her everything. Everything! So why? Why did she chose that? Why would she reject it?"

Maruki was livid from the effort he just made, from tearing down his own reality, even behind the golden mask he sported now… no, Ritsuka noticed mechanically, his entire apparel had changed. Gone was the lab coat, in its place was a golden, skin-tight suit under a white cape, and in his outstretched hand rested a golden staff. A priestly garb, or a prophet's attire.

"She told'ya why!" Ritsuka looked back. Ryuji's fist had risen with his words, pointing angrily at Maruki. "It's you who ain't listening from your high and righteous bullshit!"

"What you did was just as cruel as what that criminal did to you!" Hammered a furious Yusuke.

"Do not expect any of us to hold back after this!" Threatened Haru, axe risen and shining with deadly intent.

"No. No, I can still salvage this. There must be a way to make her understand…"

"You keep saying you want people to understand, but you don't really care! You just want them to agree with you!" Retorted Morgana.

"How hurtful is it simply to be so thoroughly proven wrong?" Taunted Akechi, serrated sword sparkling against the ground. "We know exactly what your reality is! We just want it torn down and gone!"

"Please, Fujimaru-san, listen! It doesn't change anything to my offer. I can still bring her back, bring Da Vinci back! Think of the days you will be able to spend with them and Dr. Roman—"

A bullet impacted the ground right before his feet, digging a fist sized hole and shutting up Maruki.

"You said you wouldn't lie, Maruki." Ritsuka lowered the fuming weapon, shaking with her trembling arm. "You know there are no worlds in which Goetia is defeated and Romani lives. You can't actualize something that cannot exist!"

"Even so, I can bring your memories to existence! With all of their memories as well, it will be just like…"

"Why don't you understand!?" She yelled at the stubborn idiot. "This world, this reality you impose on us, it's not the world Mash wanted to see! It's NOT the world Romani sacrificed himself to protectf! Because… because…"

Her voice derailed, her throat torn by the grief and conviction growing, bursting through her lungs and heart, she closed her teary eyes. Those words, those precious words he left her…

"… Life is a pilgrimage in which we stockpile suffering. However, it is not a tale of deaths and partings."

A man's voice. Regal and wise, speaking the very thoughts stuck within her ragged breath.

"To find joy is to know pain. Takuto Maruki, immature Beast born of Regret, your hopeless desire to extinguish struggle betrays your suffering's foundation."

Glittering hair, parting like a golden flame. Tanned skin, inscribed with glowing orange motifs. Naught but a tattered cloak on his back, worn with the countenance of a king. Red eyes full of wisdom, and a figure she would have recognized anywhere.

"From this twisted dream forced upon humanity, I shall awake you with my own hands."

---

The newcomer's arrival took Joker by surprise. He had been ready to start the attack when Maruki manipulated reality to erase Mash Kyrielight, when he revealed his Metaverse attire as the final proof he did possess a Persona. And then, this strange man appeared by Ritsuka's side, with such a pressuring and powerful presence he wondered how she wasn't simply crumpling on the ground.

"Who is this?" Whispered Yusuke, transfixed.

"Wait…" Futaba adjusted her goggles frantically. "Those readings can't be right…"

"No... I sense the same thing." Morgana's eyes rounded like plates, something having him fascinated.

Maruki's eyes narrowed; his scepter pointed menacingly at the newcomer.

"That can't be right. I made sure the Demon Gods couldn't appear in my reality. You of all things shouldn't be here." Reality shifted… and nothing happened. "What?"

"Such is the blindness afflicting you, Takuto Maruki."

The newcomer's gaze shifted to Ritsuka, who had fallen silent. Silent, but unguarded, her weapon low, entirely focused on the strange man. There was no hostility in her posture, but… recognition.

"Why are you here?" She asked with curiosity, and familiarity.

"The Pillars' gaze has not left you, Fujimaru Ritsuka. You have given them the measure of humanity. When reality was sundered by Mash Kyrielight's bravery, they united their strength to grant you assistance."

That incredible pressure, this presence, this power, it was similar to that of the girl before…

"Is that… a Persona?" Asked Makoto with bewilderment.

"Is it?" Akechi seemed to have something in mind, and their gazes crossed. "You can feel it too, right? This is something… different."

He was right. That presence wasn't the same, it was closer to that of the girl, Mash… Something danced in the limits of Ren's perception, at the edge of his understanding, perhaps the same thing that had Futaba and Morgana so fascinated. And then he saw. Joker resisted the sudden urge to close his eyes, it wasn't them, it was his third eye, through which he saw the Arcana shining above Ritsuka shining like a beacon as she spoke.

"The summoned you to act as their proxy by calling upon the bond I have with them… and the bond I have with you, as the sole witness to your existence. Then, why…"

Her voice faltered, and the card's light became blinding in Ren's eyes. And yet he couldn't detach his gaze, he couldn't look away, as if chained by instinctive expectations.

"Why do I hear you from within myself? Why do I think your words, why do I feel your self so vividly?"

The card cracked, countless fissures appearing on its surface.

"I am the foolishness of eternity tempered by the wisdom of mortality. I am one who could have become the ideal King of Humanity. I am the one whose short, and yet splendid life you witnessed. And from the sea of thy soul alone, I come from."

The man extended his own hand, containing… a ring. A golden ring, gleaming in the darkness. Ritsuka laughed. A nervous and incredulous laugh, but one Ren felt was not directed at the words she just heard, or even at anything in particular.

"To think, we would become so alike, that such a thing would become possible…" She extended her hand. "I am thou."

"And thou art I."

The card's surface broke and faded away, liberating the one hidden underneath. Ren has never seen that card before. No Persona, no Shadow he has seen before has been of that Arcana. Yet, he knew its name… A torrent of light erupted from Ritsuka, blinding him completely. At this instant, a voice different from Lavenza's echoed in his mind. A man's voice, unknown yet intimately familiar, as time came to a stop.

I am thou. Thou art I.
Thou hast seen a journey reach completion.
The Time of Crowning hast passed, he was the one who began it all.
The Time of Birth hast passed, he was the one who mastered it all.
The Time of Parting hast come.
Now she too has surrendered the World.
Witness, Trickster.
Behold the birth of the World Arcana,
Granting thee infinite power…

His eyelids opened in the diminishing light, and he was greeted not by two people as expected, but a singular silhouette. White and black robes lined with red covered the body, outlined by golden motifs. More gold in the form of bracelets and anklets on the arms and legs. Two eye-shaped jewelled ornaments adorned the neck and forehead, with two more holding long and flowing orange hair reaching down feet gently floating above the ground. And ten… ten glowing rings circling like a halo around Ritsuka as she opened her eyes, her eyes turned from amber to red.

"R-Ritsuka?" Stuttered Futaba.

"Worry not. We are fine." Even her voice was different. More refined, more poised. An air of dignity had replaced her previous expression as she floated up to them.

"She still has no mask, but… there is no mistaking it." Said Morgana, blown away. "That was both a Servant and a Persona. And she has fused with it!"

"How in the world…" Whispered Ann.

"I think… it doesn't matter much." Said Sumire, raising her rapier.

"Yeah! She's still our Ritsuka, more awesome than ever!" Argued Ryuji, striking his plam with his hammer.

"Indeed." Approved Akechi. "Now we have finally no more doubts or dead weights."

"Finally. We can put an end to this!" Exclaimed Yusuke, drawing his sword.

The entire team tensed, united in mind and purpose, facing a silent Maruki. The doctor looked at them with pain and incomprehension, before it was washed away by a new expression of determination. Even against them all, alone, he was still confidant in his victory.

"So be it. If it is for everyone's happiness, I don't care what happens to me!"

Maruki raised his staff, and the entire Palace shook. Countless dark tentacles outlined with green and blue emerged from the ground, identical to those permeating the Palace's structure. Rising up and coiling, their extremities ending in four fingered claws, they gathered from and around a golden cross-like body in a towering tree-like structure, a sick crown of convulsing appendages. Reality shifted, twisted around the Persona, distorted rainbow lights pulsating from within it.

"It's time, Azathoth… our final battle has come!" Maruki declared, the hand on his mask gesturing forward.

A radiant light birthed a dozen eye-like orbs above the team. The next instant they exploded, blinding Joker before he shook the dizzying feeling off.

"Incoming guys!" Warned Futaba from within Al Azif.

Crow and Noire weren't so lucky with the previous assault having blinded them and they stumbled into the next attack, a rain of bullet like energy sphere that exploded everywhere at once.

"Someone help Crow and Noire, they won't hit or dodge anything like this!"

"I'm on it! Diego!"

Mona's Persona unleashed a burst of healing quickly regenerating all damages done. Switching to Vohu Manah, Joker timed his attack with Violet's own Makogaon to prevent all escapes route Maruki could take. Pillars of blessed energies erupted from the ground but where intercepted by the many tendrils of Maruki's Persona, some of them disintegrating under the strain while others remained unaffected.

"They all have different weaknesses!" Yelled Queen.

"Sakamoto-kun! Your dream of running...Running would make life so much easier for your mother! I can make that dream your reality!"

Reality suddenly shifted following Maruki's speech. What happened?

"Yeah? Well, too bad for you—I'm done running away from my problems!" Retorted Skull. "William!…"

Reality flickered. Skull stood hand on his mask as if petrified, seemingly unable to call upon his Persona. No, not his Persona, something else was afoot…

"What…? Maruki did something! You guys can't use physical attacks!" Buzzed Oracle with frustration.

This was bad, half of the team was much stronger with physical assaults!

"All dream must have an end." Ritsuka was floating high above them, the rings circling like stars around her. "Break!"

The rings pulsated and suddenly the false reality shattered, glass-like reflections of the world falling down and dissipating.

"Hell yeaaaah!" Skull charged forward with William and delivered a rain of blows, pulverizing the majority of the remaining tendrils.

Maruki stumbled backward, a small part of the physical shock-wave touching him as well. He regained his bearing, addressing Fox with a pleading voice.

"Kitagawa-kun! I know you don't really want your approval to be earned through force! You want a world guided by beauty...and I can give you such a world!"

"I have my friends by my side in this world—I don't need another forced upon me!" Denied the Phantom Thief. "Strike, Gorokichi!"

The Brave Blade fell directly upon Azathoth and impacted with a loud clang despite many tendrils getting in the way.

"Barely a scratch?" Gasped Violet.

"No, it definitely did damage!" Corrected Oracle. "But we gotta destroy those tendrils!"

Maruki raised his arm and sent out a malevolent wave towards them. It passed upon Joker without effect, but the whimpering of several of his friend quickly allowed him to deduce it was a fear spell.

"Okumura-san!" Maruki called out. "Stop tormenting yourself over your father's sins! I swear, I'll give you a world where you'll have every chance to succeed on your own right!"

"I'm going to do just that with my life, pain and all! Lucy!" A shower of life rained upon the Phantom Thieves, dispelling the unnatural terror.

"Nice job, Noire! Power up!" Joker felt himself going lighter and nimbler, Oracle's support increasing their abilities.

At the same instant Maruki raised his hand and released a puddle of blackness, recreating all of the tentacles they had managed to destroy. He really wasn't going to make it easy!

"Feel my wrath!" Shouted Crow with rage.

Hereward shot a torrent of projectiles upon their opponent, once again reducing a good amount of them to fine mist and leaving the rest unharmed. Makoto rained nuclear fire upon the remaining tendrils and grilled a good chunk. The way was open to strike Maruki and his Persona.

"Takamaki-san! Didn't you always want to protect your friend? Don't abandon such a pure dream when it's right in front of you!"

Once again reality shifted.

"We're… We're both going to keep living our lives on our own strength!" Panther took her mask off, rejecting Maruki's plea. "Celestine! Time to get the guys into High Energy!"

Joker felt himself overflowing with power with the rest of the team as Maruki regenerated his tendrils again. If they endured his next assault, they could strike harder! Reality flickered when he tried to call upon Surtr… and he found himself unable to go through with his intent. He wanted, he needed to use a magical attack and use the opportunity offered by Panther, but he simply couldn't! Maruki changed the rules once more!

"Dammit, not again!" Complained Mona.

"Hold on." Ritsuka's voice echoed in the arena, one of the rings emitting a stronger glow than the rest. "Break!"

Maruki's actualization shattered once more. They were free to attack!

"Ravage them, Surtr!" The fire giant raised his colossal sword, creating a massive inferno cooking about half of the tendrils before Joker jumped to Noire and clapped her hand to pass the baton.

"Mystify them, Lucy!" Psychedelic vortexes dissolved yet more tentacles under her bloodthirsty order. "Your turn Queen!"

"Run them down, Agnes!" Nuclear fire bathed Maruki and Azathoth, destroying even more of the interfering black limbs. "Finish it off Mona!"

"Morgana-kun!" Interpelled Maruki, extending his hand. "I know how you truly feel..And there's no need to fear your differences anymore! Don't worry...You don't have to explain anything to me. All I have to help you is merely imagine it!"

Reality shifted.

"I don't care what I look like anymore! I'm always going to be myself!" Eat this!" Tornadoes tore apart the last of the tentacles on the ground, leaving their opponent entirely defenseless.

"Pass the baton!" Cheered Fox as the feline… was petrified by Maruki's ability.

"He can neutralize the Baton Pass as well? That's ridiculous!" Complained Queen.

"No matter. We call upon the Industries of America!" Said Ritsuka, her rings glowing intensely as she focused an immense amount of energy. "Behold, the Fire of Fuyuki!"

Blazing trails swirled and gathered upon the golden cross that constituted Azathtoth main body before exploding in a fiery cyclone. It floundered under the heat, its body fuming. Maruki urgently directed his attention to regenerating protective tendrils, leaving Ritsuka the occasion to break his reality once more.

"I can't deny you're all strong—But that's exactly what's making you suffer. It's time to end all of this. I'm going to save all of you!"

The crown of tentacles around Azathtoth retracted inside it.

"Violet, be careful! I'm picking up multiple readings beneath you!"

The gymnast instantly flipped back at Oracle's warning. The ground broke apart as dozens of sharp tendrils converged upon her, the claws scratching and lacerating her suit, but her agility and the warning saved her from truly serious wounds.

"This is Checkmate, Maruki!" Queen's strongest debilitating spell fell upon the opposing side, weakening it immensely.

"Let's hecking go everyone!" Roared Ruyjis, his fighting spirit inflaming the group.

"Magic users, clear a path for the physical attackers!" Commanded Joker, giving the lead by switching to Metatron. "Makougaon!"

The Mouth of God raised its arms and bathed the area in light. Some of it was reflected back at Joker but the angel absorbed it without fail.

"Niijima-san! Everyone has the right to wish for a happy family! You don't need to keep holding back your desires!" Doubled down the doctor, more and more desperate as he bombarded them all with seed-like lights before shifting reality.

"I'll fulfill my desire for a happy family—with my own power!" Queen raised her arms and called upon Agnes… without effect. "He's stopping us from healing!"

"Then let us strike twice as hard until Ritsuka take care of it!" Exclaimed Fox, pushing through his wounds. "Hiya!"

Ice trees solidified around a dozen tendrils and shattered them, and despite some ice shard being reflected back at him Fox stoically endured. Queen followed by doing good on his words and unleashing a cosmic flare, then Mona's tornadoes joined to scatter even more.

"Witness it. The Storm of London!"

Thunder rumbled following Ritsuka's proclamation, black thunderclouds rolling above the battlefield. A blinding flash, followed by veritable torrents of lightning carbonizing every single leftover tentacles serving as living shields. Maruki and his Persona were vulnerable again!

"Manifest, Hereward!"

"Enchant us, Ella!"

"Give 'em hell, William!"

"Mystify them, Lucy!"

The rain of supercharged physical attacks collided into the golden cross with resounding cracks, multiple fissures appearing upon the Persona's body while Maruki was visibly affected, standing only by the strength of his will and the support of his staff.

"Break!" Maruki's rule didn't resist to whatever Ritsuka did, crumbling into nothingness. "My friends, savor a Toast at Okeanos!"

A golden cup eerily similar to the Holy Grail appeared above the Phantom Thieves and poured what looked like clear alcohol upon them. Upon contact Joker felt his wounds close completely, and more than that, he was overflowing with never felt vitality!

"Yoshizawa-san! That pain you're suffering... It must be impossible to move on! I want to save you from that awful life!"

"I am myself!" Violet stood proudly, holding to the stance she had developed by herself. "I'll never forget that again!"

Suddenly every single tentacle reappeared, and ominous energies started coalescing around Azathtoth as reality shifted.

"Be careful! I'm sensing a ridiculous amount of energy from his Persona!" Oracle was audibly panicking, Al Azif rolling in the air. "Joker, you all have to guard this!"

But even as he tried to tell his body to move, Joker found his body unable to act upon what he knew was a life-or-death matter.

"We can't guard this! Ritsuka!"

"We cannot break it in time!" This was not what he hoped to hear!

"I'll help!" Brandishing the talisman born of Kaneshiro's Will Seed, Panther used its power to make the massive vault doors fall before them as a shield.

"Defense boost!" Oracle's protection descended, another layer of defense.

"Brace yourself guys!" Queen rolled up on Agnes, complementing it by applying another layer of defensive reinforcement on everyone.

"Take cover in the Trenches of Orleans!" Another ring glowed and earth rose up around the Phantom Thieves, creating a massive barrier between them and Maruki.

The battlefield changed, the interior of the tree slowly replaced by a seemingly unending cosmos fitting for a Persona taking the name of a lovecraftian cosmic horror as more and more energy gathered around Maruki.

"Akechi-kun! If you're with Amamiya-kun and his friends, you could begin to atone for what you've done! You don't have to risk a death sentence for your mistakes!"

"Enough of this high-and-mighty bullshit!" Crow's suit changed, a dark coat cackling with dark flames and lightning enveloping his jagged suit. "I'll follow my justice no matter where it ends!"

Azazoth fired in answer, blinding them all with purple light before the ground exploded. Joker was hurled aside and rolled on the ground, pain aching everywhere in his body. He was alive. His costume was badly damaged, something was definitely not okay with his ribs, but he was alive and kicking! He stood up from the ground, watching his friends do the same with a cacophony of groans and whimpers. They survived, they all took it and survived!

"I won't fail… I CAN'T fail!" Wailed Maruki, exhausted by his failed attempt at ending the fight. "Suffering and pain bring nothing to people except their ruin! Why would you force yourself into that? Just... let me save you all, just this once!"

He truly believed in every single word. Joker was pained by the doctor's refusal to see, to even recognize what was wrong in his mindset. Now if they could just finish this off before he could revitalize himself!…

"We will not allow you to impose rules anymore." Ritsuka raised her hands, the rings lining up before her. "Drown in Babylonia's Great Flood!"

The rings gleamed, and a massive wave of saltwater emerged from the ground to fall in an unstoppable torrent on Maruki. Tendrils purely and simply dissolved on contact and even the doctor groaned in pain as he held his ground with pure willpower. But his focus was obviously fractured as his actualization broke, and the full power of Mona, Violet, Panther and Queen's healing closed their wounds in an instant.

"Let's finish this!" Shouted Joker, switching to Lucifer.

"At fucking last!" Cackled Crow, fully enveloped in blue flames.

"God's Hand!"

"Garudyne!"

"Blazing Hell!"

"Brace Blade!"

"Masquerade!"

"Atomic Flare!"

"One Shot Kill!"

"Morning Star!"

"Enfer Chateau d'If!"

Every single one of them stroke, burying their opponent under an inescapable focused fire. It proved too much at last, and with every single tendrils destroyed and its shell ravaged, the golden Persona fell upon the ground with a sonorous thud. Maruki, disbelief and pain written all over his face, watched the manifestation of his willpower flickering in and out of existence.

"Azathoth… did I… fail?" Asked Maruki to no one, looking as if he was going to kneel over.

Something appeared in front of the exhausted Phantom Thieves. A glittering golden torch burning with a warm flame and decorated with chains.

"Is that…?" Whispered Panther, almost incredulous after all their efforts.

"It's Maruki's treasure. Made from the Holy Grail." Confirmed Mona.

"What is it though? A torch?" Wondered Noir.

"A torch is a light to guide people. It may symbolize his perception of himself as the guide for the entire world." Resumed Akechi.

"Perhaps in other circumstances, he could have truly become the guide he so desperately thinks himself as." Ritsuka gently floated to their level, eyes focused on the Treasure.

"Humph. Perhaps." Grudgingly agreed Akechi before turning to Joker. "We came here to change his heart, aren't we? Take it."

Joker nodded and walked forward, taking the torch in his hand. It was heavy, much more than he had expected. Immediately, the entire structure started to shake, rubbles almost crushing Joker if he hadn't stepped backward.

"This place is collapsing!" Futaba scanned the area, looking left and right. "We have maybe a minute!"

"We better take our leave." Said Fox as rubbles fell all around.

"Guys! Jump in!" Mona had changed into a vehicle back open.

"Ritsuka!" Shouted Skull, seeing their friend not moving with them.

"We can fly. Focus on your own escape!"

The Phantom Thieves didn't have to be told twice and they crammed themselves in the car before Queen floored the accelerator, descending the Palace exterior on the massive crumbling ornaments that surrounded it.

"Hang on!" Queen's warning barely left enough time for everyone to hold onto something as the car jumped in the air.

"We're faaaalliiiiing!" Screamed Panther.

The Mona car impacted one of the elevated highway and its paw-wheel screeched with the skid, pushing everyone inside to almost crush the poor unfortunate souls (Joker and Yusuke) on the leftmost side. After what seemed an eternity of drifting, the vehicle finally stopped. They all got out to allow Mona to change back, and to watch what was going on behind them.

"That was close…" Said Yusuke, looking at the height of their fall.

"We are truly grateful to have not shared this ride." Ristuka descended from the sky and gently came down to their level, looking far too smug inside her halo of rings.

"Not fair, I can't fly so long or high…" Complained Futaba, holding her head where she bumped herself.

The Palace looked about to completely crumble, smoke coming out of some of its inflamed parts, but it still seemed to vaguely hold out together.

"Dr. Maruki…" Whispered Sumire mournfully.

"This has gone too far past changing someone's heart…" Ann looked up and down the structure. "Is he even still alive?"

It wasn't really a perspective Joker wanted to consider. They never wanted the doctor's death.

"… Looks like that isn't a concern." Said Akechi, pointing at the top of a nearby tall building.

Maruki stood on its roof, looking no worse for wear as he looked down on them all. The relief that he managed to get out, was immediately offset by the very fact that he got out and followed them without any form of vehicle or apparent ability to transport himself like Ritsuka's flight. Which meant…

"Sorry, but I won't admit defeat just yet." Declared Maruki, all but confirming his defeat prior neither stopped him from using his reality warping nor extinguished his resolve for long.

"Please give this up!" Ren tried to reach him, keeping the Treasure in his grip.

"I'm sorry—you know I can't do that. I refuse to let it end like this!"

Maruki let go of his staff and held his hand outward. Reality shifted and suddenly, the torch was in his grasp.

"The hell?" Said Ryuji, watching his leader's empty hand.

"He just—The Treasure!" Realized Ann.

The Phantom Thieves immediately took off with their grappling hooks to climb the building, looking powerless as yellow light descended from the sky while Azathoth appeared above. The light became almost blinding as the golden cross suddenly sprouted tendrils, but this time they didn't dispersed in a tree like fashion… they fused into limbs… arms first, then a massive torso, legs… and when they finally reached the top of the building…

"Aahhhh… aaaahaaaahaaa…."

Yusuke couldn't formulate coherent words at the sight of the titan slowly raising from its hunched posture, illuminated by divine-looking light descending from the heavens. Taller than the building—taller than even some skyscrapers.

"No… you can't be serious…" Said Futaba with a trembling voice.

They looked in awe at the colossal giant taller than the God of Control, covered from head to toe in a golden, metallic armor as it dominated them with its size.

"Maruki… he's done it… he evolved his Persona!"

Morgana's realization dawned upon Joker, the immense difference in power between his friends original Persona and their evolved version… or perhaps, even more frighteningly, the power between Arsene and Satanael, when the people of Japan granted him their hope. And now, Maruki, using his treasure, the Holy Grail, created something above even that…

"Stop this, Maruki." Ritsuka's urging voice cut through their train of thoughts, flying high above to meet the doctor eyes to eyes. "You know what will happen to you. You don't have to do this!"

"I said I didn't care what'd happen to me… but I guess I wasn't committed to my words." Maruki exhaled, looking at her with a strange mixture of resignation and determination as the massive hand of his Persona descended towards him. "Even if it means being branded as an Evil of Humanity, I will not back down! This is my own rebellion!"

Reality screeched and Ritsuka was surrounded by a sphere of light. Chains surrounded the sphere in concentric circles, locking it within layers upon layers.

"Adam Kadmon!" Proclaimed Maruki, revealing his new Persona's name. "Guide us all to your ideal reality!"

A series of detonation resounded as Akechi shot bullets after bullets, but they were all stopped by tendrils emerging from around Maruki as he stepped upon the giant's palm.

"Tch." Spat Akechi. "Do something, you idiots!"

"Crow-senpai, you can't!…"

"If we hesitate now, we die!" Akechi ragingly cut Sumire, shooting the last of his bullets.

None of them reached their target and Maruki was brought to the head of the giant, disappearing inside it.

"I am thou and…"

The voice of Maruki echoed from the giant, and the light projected by his body changed from blue to crimson as its eyes lighted up with a blazing flame. Ren braced, something indescribably heavy seemingly starting to pressure his body.

"… Thou art I!"

Adam Kadmon's roar shattered every single window of the surrounding buildings, nearly deafening Ren as he watched the giant unfold his arms.

"No… no, no, no, guys, this is, this isn't a Persona!" Panicked Futaba. "Adam Kadmon has become… it's a…"

A vision of the past came back to Joker's mind. That of a burning Mesopotamian city, of a sea of endless mud, and the Primordial Mother towering above its ramparts, a giant no dissimilar in size to the Persona, whose nature was similar to the titanic force of nature raising a clenched fist surrounded with accumulating energy…

「ADVENT BEAST」

「Evil of Humanity」

Ren braced as the gigantic fist came crashing down on the roof. The ground quacked and cracked before the energy was released in a massive explosion, crushing the Phantom Thieves under its impact. Sprawled on the ground, Ren groaned under the strain, trying to find the strength to stand. The cries of pain and efforts of his friends struggling to do the same ignited his resolve and he forced upon his knees, upon his arms to rise.

"This power is the source… and the destination. I shall be the light that guide mankind!"

"We… we're still not going to run!" Said Makoto, hunched over and supporting Futaba.

"That's… the spirit!" Morgana raised his small cutlass, undaunted. "Diego!"

The masked justiciar appeared, sending a small hurricane at the giant. The wind howled at is reached the giant torso… before dispersing on contact.

"What?" Futaba managed to stand by herself, floating windows opening left and right as she processed information. "It didn't work at all!"

"We're going to beat him and go back… to our OWN reality!" Sumire rested on her rapier, slowly standing up. "This is my soul!"

Ella appeared and slashed the massive target with her bladed feet with a loud scratching sound.

"No good! It's not dealing any damage! Try something else, quickly!"

Futaba's warning came as Adam Kadmon was already rising its fist a second time, ungodly amounts of energy converging around it.

"Persona!" Ren summoned Lucifer, the fallen angel opening his wings to summon the Morning Star. A solitary light appeared in the sky before falling on the giant, the Almighty spell exploding brightly.

"Wha… Nothing works? How?" More windows opened and closed around the small girl as she parcelled out the data.

"Don't be shittin' us! William!" The pirate flew in the air and hurled a massive God's Hand that purely and simply broke on contact.

"That thing has no affinities! It shouldn't be negating our attacks like this!" Said Makoto, trying to find something to exploit.

"Gorokichi!" The Japanese outlaw unleashed a crystalline ice tree that quickly shattered without effect, not even slowing it down.

"I cannot fail… I must not fail you all!" Bellowed Adam Kadmon before his fist came down.

Another explosion, and once again

"If this doesn't stop…" Said Haru between whines of pain, her left arm hanging uselessly.

"There has to be something!" Ranted Akechi, coughing blood in the process.

"I don't understand! He used all his power to attack! His defense drops massively at the same time, he should be completely vulnerable!" Whined Futaba.

"Hold on! We will find something!" Despite his own words of encouragement, Ren wasn't sure what exactly he was looking for. "Arsene!"

"Feel my power!" Called Akechi in echo, both of their Persona sending waves of cursed spells without any effect. "Dammit!"

"Ahhhh!" Bullets flew as Ann opened fire with her machinegun. "Come on! Be hurt, you stupid thing!"

"Lucy!" Haru's robed Persona unveiled its many firearms and shot them all at once, but even those vastly more powerful projectiles failed to even dent Adam Kadmon.

"Independent Manifestation, Authority of the Beast, Unyielding Will, it's only those ridiculous abilities! There is no weakness anywhere!" Cried Futaba. "What's this, Nega… Oh no…no, no…"

"What? What did' ya find?!" Ryuji's yell shook her and she rapid-fired words to the horror of everyone around.

"We can't hurt him! Nothing we have can! Nega-Dream protects him against anything born from the Collective Unconscious! Nothing from the Metaverse can defeat him!"

"But that's all we have! Our Persona, our equipment, everything… all we have is powered by the Metaverse! And reality will soon be entirely replaced by it!" Makoto's empty firearm fell on the ground, as useful as lump of plastic.

"Watch out!" Shouted Ann at the giant Persona's hand once again gathered energy.

"Don't fight it… Accept it… I will save you all!"

"Noooooo!"

A giant circle of green glyphs covered the shattered roof, Futaba activating her Final Guard. The clutched fist hammered upon it and with a terrible crack, the shield exploded like glass. The shock knocked Ren out of breath and almost downed him here and there, atrocious pain in his body telling him he needed urgent healing, no, he looked around, watching his friends similarly hanging by a thread. They all needed it. But what could they do? Even if they had something left to heal and restore their spirit, Adam Kadmon was purely and simply immune to their attacks! Only… Ren looked up.

"Everyone, the sphere!"

The Phantom Thieves all looked up, and a similar hope ignited in their eyes. Ritsuka's power wasn't only from a Persona, it was also a Servant! She could do something, or else Maruki wouldn't have removed her from the fight so quickly!

"Futaba!"

"Alright, I've got it! It's big and tough, but 99% of the defense is turned inward! We can break it!"

"We don't have much time, Maruki is charging again!" Just as Makoto pointed out, Adam Kadmon was once again focusing its full force.

"I have a plan." Suddenly said Akechi, looking at Ren. "I'll deal with the attack."

"How? You are…" Protested Yusuke.

"Shut up and do your part!" Growled Akechi before sprinting right at Adam Kadmon.

"On my mark! Everything you have left, go for it!" Commanded Ren, pushing himself up and switching to Satan. "Three, two, one…"

"The time to end such strife is at hand!" Adam Kadmon swung his fist back…

"Now! Black Viper!"

Everyone unleashed the strongest attack left on their arsenal. At the same time the giant blow came down right on Akechi, and Ren forced himself not to look. Time seemed to slow down as the chained sphere cracked under the strain, fissures appearing on each impact point before the massive black serpent conjured by Satan closed its fangs. The prison shattered at the same time Adam Kadmon's fist hit the damaged roof and the world disappeared into blinding light. Ren found himself incapable of whistanding the wind pressure and was sent backward, barely catching Ryuji's hand to avoid being sent flying from the roof. Dragging himself up with his friend's help, he looked at the impact point…

"Akechi-kun! He's alive!" Squealed Haru, hands hiding her tears.

The unmistakable figure of their enemy turned friend slowly stood up. His entire Metaverse attire had changed. Gone was the armor, gone were the gauntlets, gone was the helmet.

"Fuhahahahahaha, Attendre et Espérer, indeed !" Triumphally said Akechi, his face shrouded with an unnatural darkness, with his eyes alone burning clearly within, the black mantle covered in dark lightning and blue flame of Edmon Dantes covering him. "I knew this imbecile of a doctor would never try to kill us, I knew it! He softened the blow at the very last time, leaving me just shy of death, right where I wanted to be!"

Ren was gobsmacked. What he thought to only be a unique variation of Enduring Soul, one he thought impractical due to only activating on the very brink of death and not when its owner fell unto unconsciousness. And now, it allowed Akechi to buy them all the time they needed…

"We are still not entirely convinced the Count isn't laughing somewhere."

Ritsuka! A strong wind out of nowhere blew up the smoke and debris, revealing their friend surrounded by a halo of white light, a circle made of countless bands of light… Ren's eyes widened. He had seen those bands of light. In the visions, in the sky.

"Thank you, everyone. Now, we can return the favor. Beast III will fall."

---

Ritsuka prisoner in the darkness. It wasn't the first time she had been in complete darkness, or even imprisoned. And neither it was for Goetia, whose mind was so intrinsically linked to her own she could barely discern where she ended and where he began. I am thou. Now, she truly understood those words. They focused on the material surrounding them, analysing its composition and eventual weaknesses. This endeavor was quickly rewarded, though with a vexing conclusion; Maruki made a cage strong enough to hold them. Even with the power of the ten rings, brute force would not yield any noticeable results. It was not a simple alteration of reality, but an extremely potent Bounded Field designed with them in mind. Undoing the binding themselves was an option, despite its power it was a relatively simple construct, but the sheer power invested within it would make it an extremely delicate operation, lest the whole prison implode into a singularity that would kill them for sure.

Such was the power of a Beast. Beast III, the Beast of Regret. Maruki had resisted the temptation to ascend to the station sooner, feeling, knowing that despite the might and protections it would grant him, the consequences could be dire. The only reason the Counter-Force had not intervened directly (its indirect intervention was particularly obvious with the mere assistance of the Velvet Room) was that Maruki was hiding in a Dream. His whole reality was classified by the Planet as a Dream, one that would not last and whose consequences would be insignificant. A form of illusion so powerful it even surpassed Merlin's and Prelati's own abilities, a feat in and on itself. And because that Dream was confined within the Metaverse, essentially a giant Bounded Field, the Counter Force did not register it as a threat. Even his full ascension to Beasthood would not incur the wrath of the Grands as long as he stayed within.

Extending their perception, they noticed the prison was not entirely foolproof. It was still quite unbreakable within the time constraints established. Though, they could still have their spirit shift to another subset of reality. One where seventy-one interlocutors sent them a query. Communication. It was disorderly, seventy-one minds each giving the request specific nuances, but their twin minds easily decrypted the entire meaning. Yet, as they answered, a singular mind touched them.

"My King. My Master."

Eligos. The first to turn against his brethren. The first to be awakened. The first to form a new contract. The one who took the role of representative of the new collective.

"Greeting, Eligos. What is your purpose?"

"To help you, my King, my Master. The seventy-ones have come to an agreement. We speak for the very last time."

Numerous possibilities traversed their mind, countless implications brought up and discarded as they analysed the underlying emotions and meanings of the communication.

"What manner of help are you proposing?"

"The Trickster will liberate you. That is a near-certainty. Yet Beast III still stands. Even as it holds back against the Trickster, should we manifest directly, it will destroy us. So, we will offer our existence. Our three thousand years of history will be the spear to break through Beast III's armor."

They tilted their head. They knew what Eligos was referring to. The Second Noble Phantasm, Ars Almanel Salomonis. Solomon returned his rings to God and undid his great works, but the principle could be reproduced with Magecraft as a new Noble Phantasm. The one he used in the Temple of Time, consuming the very last of his lifeforce to deal the fatal blow to her. In their state and without sufficient fuel, it would be less than sufficient. However, with the sacrifice of the seventy-ones…

"Is this what you truly want, my brethren, my allies? We have ceased to be your united will, our contract has expired. You have summoned my half unto the world, despite the great danger. You have no more obligation towards us."

"It was by his own free will that Bael ended his life. It is by our own free will that we have decided to aid humanity. Lament not our departure, lament not our short reprieve. My King, my Master. We ask for but one thing in return."

They solemnly acknowledged.

"It will be granted."

"As you do for Leonardo Da Vinci. As you do for Mash Kyrielight. As you do for Solomon, for Romani Archaman. Remember. Remember us. Remember that we once lived."

Power flowed through the connection. Mana, both natural and converted from physical forms. Seventy, sixty-nine, sixty-eight. Memories disassembled, minds dissolved, souls burned in the furnace of magecraft, in the circle of the ten rings. Thirty-five, thirty-four, thirty-three. They gathered onto physical forms, into familiar constructs. Bands of light. A circle of bands of light, small, insignificant in comparison to the great work, to the great plan to return to Genesis. Immeasurable, beyond understanding in the eyes of mortals. Ten, nine, eight, seven…

"I… am glad to have lived."

Eligos' voice echoed one last time in their soul. The sphere broke, and they opened their eyes. They watched the wounded, exhausted Phantom Thieves. The reckless, suicidal charge of Goro Akechi. And the towering form of Beast III, manifested as Takuto Maruki's Persona, its body constructed upon the Holy Grail. Nega-Dream. An ability developed upon the researcher's potential to help the world achieve their dream, now forbidding those very dreams to be the source of its defeat.

"Adam Kadmon. The wisdom you claim to hold is betrayed by your refusal to allow man to search it. Now witness, Original Man! Witness as we rejoice in that short, painful and imperfect life, to reach true wisdom! Our Noble Phantasm as Goetia, King of Humanity!" The giant raised its fist, intent on destroying them. Too late. "O Lord, I Rejoice in Life!"

The bands of light fired. Each beam reached Beast III and pierced right through its armor, pulverizing the golden façade and exploding the twirling and twitching false flesh beneath, the very concept of a short and limited existence clashing with the supposed eternity of one capable of Independent Manifestation. With a pained cry, Adam Kadmon fell to its knees, the crimson light of its existence fading ever so slightly. They collapsed on the highway, exhausted, the rings stopping their revolutions and falling into their hand. It was all they could do. The rest was in the Thiefs' hands.

"No…. No! I will… I will save you!" Adam Kadmon's fist gathered power once more…

"It worked!" Excitedly shouted Futaba. "Nega-Dream has been neutralized! Joker, its head his is weak spot! A single shot should do it!"

"I will save you all!!!" Roared Adam Kadmon, unleashing his final blow… that didn't connect with the roof. "What?"

"We've come this far—we ain't gonna give up!" Struggled Ryuji, out of breath.

The Phantom Thieves were making barrage against the assault, holding the massive energy at bay with all the strength left in their arms and their spirit.

"Yeah! You gotta do way better than this!" Added Ann.

"Don't underestimate our tenacity!" Exclaimed Yusuke.

"It's just another threat. We'll overcome it like we always do!" Insisted Makoto.

"If I run now, I know I'll regret it!" Confessed Haru.

"We'll decide for ourselves what we want out lives to be!" Resolved Sumire.

"I'm a bit occupied, so do your goddamn JOB!" Snapped Akechi.

"Oracle, how does it look?" Asked Morgana, his little paw holding as much as he could.

"Perfect! His head's defense has dropped down to zero percent!" Futaba punched the glowing windows around her, using the last of her energy to further reinforce her comrades holding the front. "Go for it Joker!"

"Go. It is your role." They murmured, even if he likely didn't hear them.

They observed Ren nod and jump on the debris floating through the massive influx of power, use his grappling hook to grab a crane on a nearby skyscraper and finally land upon Beast III's head. With a twirl of his pistol, the leader of the Phantom Thieves pronounced a single word.

"Checkmate."

The bullet pierced through. Without a sound, Adam Kadmon dissolved in golden dust dispersing in the wind. And on the roof, in front of the Phantom Thieves, only Maruki was left. Alone, his mask broken, and his Treasure once again in Ren's hand. This time, for good.

"Why… I gave up everything else… I dedicated all that I have to this… But I still… Why?"

"You're running from the past."

Ren's soft answer seemed to hit Maruki like a closed fist. And despite his protest, despite his attempt to once more reaffirm his beliefs… Sumire, his first patient, refuted his ideal. Rejected his salvation, the false reality he had her live, that he still tried to make her leave.

"So you truly don't want it, huh… Looks like I'm totally finished." Murmured Maruki.

The ground shook. The Palace resumed its destruction, the previously unyielding will of its possessor finally collapsing. The Phantom Thieves looked everywhere for a way to flee, realizing they were on a dangerously weakened platform. Part of the roof suddenly collapse, dragging Maruki with it.

"Dr. Maruki!" Called Sumire before being held back by Akechi.

"No! Its too late for him!"

"We're trapped as well! Ritsuka, can't you help us?" Asked Yusuke, but they shook their head.

"We have just enough power left to fly on our own… perhaps with one person. But no more."

"It won't be needed. Everyone, get over here!" Morgana transformed into a car again. "Ritsuka, go on! We'll join you."

They decided to trust him, and with the rings deployed they floated away, watching the vehicle fall down… a vivid light. The car was gone. In its place, soaring through the air, was a helicopter with cat ears serving as vents. Though their friends looked very cramped in the tiny vehicle and Ren was forced to hang from the undercarriage, they were safe.

"They are just as aggravatingly resourceful as you were." Goetia was dumbstruck, and it was him alone who spoke those words with their mouth.

"They are." She acknowledged, before she noticed something.

An all too familiar tendril swirled in the air and grabbed Joker, forcing him to let go of the helicopter to avoid it coming crashing down. Maruki. Still alive, and bringing Ren down to one of the last transparent platforms of the Palace still standing. Why… No. They understood. Maruki was defeated. That much was obvious. The Spirit Origin of Beast III had entirely faded away. What he looked for by forcing Joker to come down…

"Catharsis." Said Goetia.

"Closure." Said Ritsuka.

Floating slowly, they watched the two men ready themselves, coming close enough to hear Maruki's words. They didn't intervene. It wasn't their right.

"I gave up everything! Everything!!! So, why!?"

Slowly, weakly, Maruki punched Ren only to be hit in return. Their Metaverse outfit was crumbling away with the Metaverse fading.

"Why… Why Rumi!?"

Another punch. Unbalanced, unfocused. The returning hit almost sent Maruki to the ground.

"A reality where… no ones suffers…"

More of a slap than a true punch. His strength was barely there anymore. Joker's last strike was true. With one last cry against the world's injustice, the heart-wrenching scream of a man's broken dream… Maruki fell to his knees, and lied down.

"I'm done. I get it now. All thanks to you." Whispered the researcher.

The platform suddenly cracked and broke. Maruki fell, Ren barely managing to hold on his hand. He wouldn't hold for long.

"He wants to die." Stated Goetia.

"I doesn't have to." Replied Ritsuka.

They flew. Ren saw them first, his eyes widening in recognition. Maruki only realized their presence when they grabbed him, carrying him on the intact part of the platform.

"Thank you." Said Joker.

"He still has much to live for."

"Fujimaru-san…"

"You did what you believed was right. Just like us." Maruki's eyes widened.

"Am I speaking to Fujimaru-san… or Goetia, the King of Demon Gods?"

"That being ceased to exist the moment Solomon used Ars Nova." They crossed his gaze. Severe, but not without compassion, they spoke. "It is the one thing you never believed in. That people can change."

"… Yes. I suppose so…"

The humming of the mona-copter approached, just as a light that wasn't from its headlamps filled the air…

---

Ritsuka opened her eyes. She was… somewhere. Her eyes didn't make much sense of the colors and shapes around. The only thing she was sure of was that it wasn't reality or the Metaverse. Perhaps… an interstice?

"I created this space for our convenience. It will collapse as soon as the World finishes to correct the distortion."

Goetia. Looking just like he did when he appeared before her in the Palace. No.. closer to how he was in the Timeless Temple. His body was fading away.

"Without the Demon Gods' intervention, would you have manifested like this?"

"… Unlikely. I should have been a mere echo. Your construction of Goetia, King of Humanity, to become the mask of your Shadow. Your soul alone holds that image, and you alone can summon it. That I am also myself… is entirely due to my brethren's meddling."

"They summoned you through me, as if you were a Heroic Spirit…" Ritsuka mused on that irony. So many of them since her return. "I don't think you were always the original identity of my Persona, though. My resolve changed with Mash."

"The Arcana the Velvet Room divined for you has changed. Before you reached your conclusion, your Persona would have most likely been an image of my mother, the Queen of Sheba. The djinn-blooded queen who looked at the world with a different eye, and questioned those who thought they held wisdom."

"You consider the Queen of Sheba your mother?"

"She participated in my creation. I always held her in higher regard than Solomon, to the point it could be said that I, as much as I could anyone as the King of Demon Gods, trusted her."

That was a surprise she didn't see coming. Did it impacted her relationships with the returned Demon Gods, or would it had been an influence only if she had awakened her Persona? Another mystery. And, seeing as Goetia was already more than half gone, one she wouldn't have answers for.

"Is this a farewell, then?"

"I will always be part of you. The decision to call upon me ultimately rests with you, should the circumstances come true."

"I see… and the other Demon Gods?"

"My brethren may be gone, but their legend will always subsist in humanity's mind. New existences with their names and powers will come forth in time, alongside the Shadows that already populate the Collective Unconscious. That is enough to satisfy me."

Goetia smiled. An honest smile, a content smile. The same smile he had when he thought they would die together, in the Timeless Temple. And now, in a way… it had become true. He would live as long as she did.

"Farewell, Fujimaru Ritsuka. Live your life well."

"Farewell, Goetia. Even should my spirit change, I promise I will never forget you."

The enclosed space shifted, twisted as he faded away for good. Ritsuka closed her eyes, waiting for her return to reality. To the roadless path she would thread until the very end, without ever giving up.

---

Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru
Arcana: Aeon → World
Rank: 10
New ability: Awakening


Goetia, King of Humanity

Arcana: World

Resistance: None

Weaknesses: None

Persona Trait: Defender of Humanity (When facing against Threat to Humanity enemies, increase Attack/Defense/Evasion/Hit Rate based on Confidant Rank. At rank 10, stats are doubled)

Skills

- Fire of Fuyuki: Colossal Fire damage and inflict Burn (100% odds) to 1 foe.
- Trenches of Orleans: Grants massive damage reduction (independent from -Kaja and -Kunda) to party for 1 turn.
- Toast at Okeanos: Fully restore HP of party and increases max HP by 30% (can go beyond 999 HP, non-cumulative)
- Storm of London: Severe Elec damage to all enemies + inflict Shock (100% odds).
- Industries of America: Next attack inflicts 3x damage. Cumulative with Concentrate and Charge.
- Walls of Camelot (Auto): Reduce damage taken from attacks (including Almighty) and impart immunity to all ailments and instant-death.
- Babylonia's Great Flood: Severe Almighty damage to all enemies + reduce their Attack/Defense/Evasion/Hit Rate for 3 turns.
- Wisdom of Mortality: Strengthen all attacks by 50% + reduce all skill costs by 50% + grants Piercing to all attacks (attacks ignore Resist/Block/Absorb/Reflect).

 

[Roxas902]

Just got finished reading through these last few chapters. The story has been absolutely wonderful all the way through, and I'm looking forward to the epilogue! It is a rare kind of fanfiction where the author starts with an ending in mind, and goes at just the right pace to give a very satisfying ending, and I think you achieved that perfectly. Thank you very much for writing this.

 

[Magostera]

And with this epilogue, I'm setting down the pen for this story. My old chap O'Make may try to bring me back there later, but I am satisfied. Thank you for sharing this ride with me. I wish you all a happy year 2024. And one last time, a good read.

Click to shrink...

Epilogue


It took a bit of time for her paperwork to be approved by the administration of Tokyo's Correction Center. The prison, while somewhat spared from the many scandals currently muddying the reputation of the police and the investigation forces, were still putting a show of scrupulously respecting regulations. Especially when it concerned the visitation of a high profile and highly dangerous criminal. Well, in truth, it still took a lot less time than it really should have taken for such a high profile and dangerous criminal, especially one who had been visited not too long ago. The director had been very… understanding.

"You have fifteen minutes."

Ritsuka nodded and followed the warden along to the booth. A phone on each side, separated by a thick transparent glass. Standard procedure, avoiding any direct contact between the visitor and the criminal while still allowing them to see each other. A few minutes later, the familiar figure of Akechi entered the other side, picking up the phone.

"You took your time." Despite his accusing words, he didn't seem to be frustrated or bothered in any measure.

"Sorry to inform you, but visitations to Mitsuhide the Second are difficult to obtain."

"Very funny." How many times did he hear that one? She wasn't sure, but she betted at least some history inclined classmates had done so. "The fact you could come at all must mean I'm on the right track."

"You think the plea deal is going well?"

"Spending around four to six hours every day being interrogated beats the unbearable boredom the rest of the time. Given the zeal in which they do so, the intel must be useful."

When the Phantom Thieves returned to a reality where Maruki's distortions were undone, the absence of Akechi was the very first thing they noticed. It didn't take them long to find the newspapers and internet articles depicting the veritable media bomb that the arrest of the Second Detective Prince had been. With full confession and guilty pleading before the investigators, as well as the corroboration of Shido's own testimony, a great many members of the conspiracy that had evaded capture until now had been brought to an unceremonious justice. Shido's paranoia meant he kept a lot of physical evidences of the dirt he had on his associates, facilitating the process.

"Arrests have trickled down lately, but there are still some big fishes being caught." Ritsuka twirled the phone string absently, sitting more comfortably in the chair. "The police isn't very happy to see their image barely rejuvenated in the public's eyes with those arrests."

"Had they been more interested in upholding whatever their code of conduct is instead of being Shido's lowest of lapdogs, they might have avoided the public knowing they ate as corrupt as the ones they are arresting."

Akechi was more than a bit vindicative, but that was the sad truth. Ritsuka suspected a good number of the culprits within the police would see their actions being pardoned or pushed under the carpet, no matter how the new government pretended to apply a zero-tolerance policy. If only to not have one half of the Tokyo police force arrest the other.

"You won't be surprised to hear Shido's been sentenced to death. Unanimously and very quickly." Akechi's deadpan eyes indicated it was, in fact, not a surprise. "The only reason he's still around is to answer for the colossal number of affairs still linked to his name, and I suspect to help corroborate your testimony."

"Did he ask for death?" Now that was a question to ask, though he was suspecting the answer already, the reasoning was… not going to please him.

"As a matter of fact, yes. According to Sae-san, he claimed that his execution would be the best way to strengthen the nation." Said Ritsuka, and just as predicted she watched her friend's smile turned into a rictus.

"That little shit. I can't believe he still has enough ego to pull off something like this."

"Please don't tell me your regret not turning him into a vegetable." Ritsuka sighed as Akechi sent a murderous gaze at the guard watching them. Still a lot on his plate it seemed.

"Partly. Though, at least he has done good on his attempt at using whatever mental compass we pushed down his throat."

"Oh yeah, you must have heard of that."

Akechi nodded sharply. "Ren told me himself. The leader of the Phantom Thief, now with a clean record. To be honest, I'm impressed it took so little time. This sort of procedure is usually quite lengthy and uncertain."

"The main culprit behind the rigged trial confessing everything helped a lot. And everyone participated on way or another." She smiled, recounting the strategic sessions between the many acquaintances of Ren. The police had tried very hard to find something to inculpate Ren for or at least make his record stick, despite Akechi and Shido confessing, it had honestly been a bit pathetic at times.

"I hope he appreciates his luck. Few have the opportunity, or the contacts, for such a successful campaign." Akechi seemed a bit sour. "Not like those idiotic petitions I've heard about."

"What, not even a word of thanks for your remaining fanbase?" Looking at him with false indignation, she pointed dramatically through the glass. "What will I ever tell them, that their five thousand signatures for your immediate liberation are wasted? That their idol is in fact not being threatened by the Phantom Thieves to take the blame for their crimes? That he would happily shoot them all to serve his rightful sentence?"

"Now that's an original idea. Murdering my way into staying in prison." Akechi scratched his chin, contemplative. "I can't say I have ever heard of such thing. It might be tempting."

"Don't push it too far, even with your confession there's still a chance you'll go to the gallows. Statistics aren't kind for serial murderers."

"Thanks for the unnecessary reminder." He seemed more annoyed by the reminder in question than her genuine concern. "Though, I'm curious how you managed to obtain a visit so soon after Ren. At least he had the backing of someone of repute to do so."

"What can I say, I'm very convincing." Her innocent smile elicited an unconvinced snort.

"Bullshit. Someone had to help you, and I know for a fact you don't have your immaterial friends anymore, so spill it."

"Alright, alright. You won't like it though." She glanced at the standing guard, before deciding she could risk it. "It was Shido."

Akechi's smile dropped, his gaze turning colder and his expression darkening as she explained herself.

"In my memories of the true reality, he sent me a call after you turned yourself in, but before he was himself formally arrested. It seems he deduced my charade from your betrayal, and he hoped there was something genuine in my connection with you." Ritsuka stretched her legs, reminiscing what had been a very strange conversation. Some of the similarities between father and son were uncanny, including their very perceptive nature. "Turns out, the Tokyo Correction Center director had some minor dealings with Shido, and he told me how to use them so I could check on you."

Seconds of silence ticked one by one. Akechi's face was unreadable, yet the anger within was plain as day, at least to her.

"I am seriously considering throwing this phone at you." She winced at the honestly murderous growl. Even the guard looked a bit on edge.

"Your call." He almost did the deed at her pun, his arm twitching with barely restrained anger. "I know how you feel, but I would rather have this opportunity rather than none at all. So suck it and let me make use of it to the end."

Her bluntness seemed to calm him down. With someone else she would have taken a more diplomatic path, but Akechi would have probably just ended it here and there if she did so.

"You know…" Akechi tapped on the phone finger by finger. "I have been thinking quite a lot about the future lately. Until very recently, I've always thought my road traced from beginning to end. And now, thanks to your and Ren's intervention, I find myself quite strangely aimless. For the first time in ages, I have no plans. In fact, I have no idea where I even want my future to lead me." He seemed a lot less displeased by the idea than she expected. "What about you? Have you found your path yet?"

"You know I wish nothing more than a normal, quiet life with my friends and family."

"Your track record on that front is horrific." Snickered Akechi.

"Thanks for the reminder." She debated sticking her tongue at him before simply continuing to speak. "But I really would like a simple university life with fast track to international sport team. Though, I'll say a representative of the Kirijo group approached me quite recently. Apparently, they had dealing with similar affairs in the past and they have contacts with my side of things, which is why they contacted me and not Ren. I think they were starting their own investigation by the time the Metaverse disappeared."

"Interesting." A genuine spark of interest lit up in Akechi's eyes. "For all their importance, or perhaps because of their influence, I never approached those of that conglomerate. Shido was wary of provoking them until after he was elected."

"A wise move, apparently. They didn't drop the P word per say but call it a hunch, I think they might know something about it. The guy asked me to contact them in case anything similar happened, or if the Phantom Thieves were to restart their activities."

"Even more intriguing… So, you do have your own plan for the future already. Good. That will be one less subject of preoccupation while I waste away in my cell."

"I'll send you some books to occupy you. I know you prefer your own company, so let's make it less dry."

"You do know that if one of those books is Le Comte de Monte Cristo I will find a way out and make you eat the pages one by one." Threatened Akechi, guessing her intention immediately.

"See? Prison can't be all that bad for you, you still have the same killer instincts." She teased, making a finger gun.

"You think yourself so funny… Tell me, how was he?"

"Who?"

"Edmond Dantes." Akechi leaned on the glass with an inquisitive look. "The real Edmond Dantes. How was he?"

"… Intense. I think that's the word that describes him best. In words or actions, he always had this weight behind him. Like the rest of his kind, he was quite literally unable to forget or let go of his grudge. In fact, he called himself someone different from the Edmond Dantes who abandoned his revenge and led the rest of his life in peace, because he would never be able to."

"So in a way, he was a picture took at a particular moment of Edmond Dantes' life."

"That's a good way to put it." She nodded. "I think… All Avengers, even Jeanne in Orleans, weren't seeking it for just any reason. Each of them wanted to right a wrong, an injustice, an evil. They chose to become monsters to do so… but it was never for anything but a form of justice. That's why… I'm not surprised he was the one to take form within you."

"Do you miss him?"

"His obnoxious laugh still haunts my ears. But that aside…" Ritsuka closed her eyes, the shadows of the Chateau d'If vivid in her mind. "I do, just like all the others. But I'm not regretting my time with any of them. Nor do I regret knowing you."

"What a flattering thing to hear…" He sent a glance at the clock. "Tch, time is running out. What are you going to do right now?"

"See Ren and the gang for a last goodbye. He's returning to town, the others each have their own goals in mind. As for me… I have a plane to catch."

"Going out already? Don't bother telling why now, I'll hear it once you return." He was terribly curious, she was sure, but he contained himself remarkably. "… I'm still surprised to see how close of me I've let you and Ren become."

"Hey, don't lump me in your little love triangle with him and Sumire. Oh, speaking of, Sumire also asked me to wish you good luck when she and I said goodbye."

"A love triangle, really." Akechi was looking at her with the kind of disgust he must be reserving for one of the worst evil any celebrity has come to confront: shippers. "You do know I have nothing in common with that lecherous waste of a father."

"Of course. But don't you dare try to say your attitude toward Ren doesn't reek of homoerotic subtext. The closest I've seen you of any romantic expression was your promise to kill him and him alone." His look became, amazingly enough, even more disgusted. "Come on, let a girl have her fantasy."

"What, was Chaldea such a den of depravity that's what you interpret as romantic?" Shot back Akechi, obviously fishing for information despite his annoyance.

"Among many, I've had to witness the song and dance of Artemis and Orion. Believe me, I know a lot about the forms love can take, and you being repulsed by one doesn't invalidate the others."

"You are seriously trying to paint me as some sort of sex-hating deviant."

"Say the one who looked the other way when I performed the strip-tease dance to open that damn rock. I've had literal monks with less issues than that!" Exclaimed Ritsuka. "You should think about it, really, I'm sure Ren would be open to something…"

"Are you hoping to make me violent?" His annoyance was winning over his amusement, and she wisely decided to backpedal.

"Alright, alright. It's time anyway." The warden looked positively about to kick her out. "I'll keep tab on the trial. Take care."

"Don't get yourself killed before me." Retorted Akechi with an amused tone.

Leaving the prison took much less time than getting in. Her taxi was waiting on the side, as expected. Going in the backseat, Ritsuka waved the conductor to start.

"So, how did it go?"

"Better than I expected, in all honesty." Fifteen minutes wasn't much, but she made the best of it. "He doesn't really know where he wants to go, or what he expects from life anymore, but I think it's okay."

"I see."

Maruki started the engine. It was almost weird to see him in something else than his lab coat, but he didn't look too bad in that taxi driver uniform.

"From school councillor to godhood to taxi driver. Life finds a way to surprise, isn't it?"

"That stings a bit." Frowned Maruki, before his traits relaxed. "Not undeserved, though. Tell me, how do you feel?"

"Maruki…" He kept his eyes on the road, but she could still see his placated expression when she raised her voice.

"Sorry, force of habit. But really, how are you holding up?"

"I'm good. I've finally left the past into the past. Like they would have… no, like they wanted for me."

The hole in her heart wasn't closed as much as it didn't feel hollow anymore. A scratch rather than a fissure, a reminder she would never forget, but nothing that could break her anymore.

"… I'm happy to hear it."

"And you? How are you holding in your new occupation? Having to let people decide where they want to end up?"

"Ouch. Again, not underserved, but still." Complained the ex-councillor. "Well, it won't pay the bill quite as well as I would like, but… I think you are right. The experience has already been more valuable than I thought it would… people talk, in here. I can be an attentive ear, one that doesn't judge, but also doesn't intervene. Simply, letting them relieve what is on their mind, and letting them confront it on their own term… I'm learning a lot. I still feel like I could do something, sometimes."

"That's natural. You wouldn't be Maruki without that big heart wanting for people to live a good, happy life." Despite everything he had done, it was the one thing she would never fault him. That he even took the station of Beast III… it proved his yearning had always been sincere, if misguided.

"Hahaha, at least this is something I can still be proud of… tell me. What's your destination once I leave you at the airport?"

"London. Someone must learn what happened here and take the necessary steps to protect everyone involved… and a few friends I promised to visit."

"I see." He didn't say more, he understood who she was talking about. "Ah, it seems we are just on time."

Ritsuka glanced outside. The van rented by the team was here, with Ren about to come in. Though she noticed him look somewhere else… and following his gaze revealed a black car innocuously stopped at respectable distance, with people whose suits screamed 'government' inside.

"Really now? Still trying to find inexistant charges instead of just cleaning their own house?" She sighed with the frustration of déjà-vu. "You saw this coming, didn't you."

"Indeed." Nodded Maruki, driving up to the van and opening the door to address the Phantom Thieves. "Need a hand?"

"Doctor Maruki?" Ryuji's head peaked from the vehicle, bewildered. "Ritsuka? He's your taxi driver?"

"Pretty neat, uh?" She waved Ren closer. "Come on in, before they realize."

"I guess it's better to split up." Agreed Makoto, her hands on the wheel. "We'll rejoin at the train station."

"But we can't really meet Ritsuka at the airport after, right? It's a bit far out…" Pointed out Futaba.

Ann didn't look enthusiast. "This isn't really the goodbye I pictured…"

"We can't always make things the exact way we want." Wisely said Yusuke.

Haru giggled. "Also, we don't make plane schedules."

"I'll send you pictures and bring souvenirs, don't worry." Said Ritsuka as Ren sat in the car. "See you soon."

"Holdin' you on those souvenirs." Grinned Ryuji. "See ya!"

The van started up with the rest of her friend's cheers and farewells, attracting the attention of the cop car quickly making chase. Maruki waited for a few second before starting the taxi, once certain no one watched them.

"They really wanted to have some grand farewell in front of the train station and airport." Mused Ritsuka. "Would have been nice, actually."

"It's not like we didn't say goodbye already." Shrugged Ren.

"Look at you, still playing the unflappable leader. Won't you feel bored during the summer break?" Ritsuka's gaze trailed toward the bag Ren put on his laps. A bag that looked suspiciously like it just moved. "Oh, but who do we have here."

"… Fuah!" Morgana's head popped out of the bag like the proverbial cat he was. "Not that Boss isn't a great host, but someone got to keep an eye on him."

"You paid the supplement for bringing pet, right?"

"Hehehe, don't worry, I paid for my place." Informed the cat with uncontained smugness, almost to her disappointment. Some part of her had hoped for a recorded reenactment of the "cat toy" incident Ryuji told her about.

"Well then, since we won't be seeing each other for some time…" She grabbed Morgana and started to scratch his ears, making him purr from bliss.

"Are you sure it's me you'll be missing?" Asked Ren with a small smirk and a falsely offended tone.

"I suppose I will remember you sometime, between my longing for soft and warm feline presence." She retorted just as dramatically, carrying the cat like a precious child before putting it back in the bag. They were reaching the train station.

"There's no charge." Said Maruki when Ren reached for his bag. "If you find yourself struggling in life… you can start over, like me. Remember that." He looked behind at the passenger seats, holding his fist up. "So yeah, if that ends up saving you… then we're square."

Ren smiled and fist-bumped the ex-councillor. It was nice to see none of them held anything against the other.

"See you later, Ritsuka."

"Take care, you two." She waved as the taxi left the station, catching a glimpse of the van arriving behind. Good job on Makoto's part for losing the cops.

The journey to the airport was devoid of any more surprises. Well, she was very happy that Shido didn't stay convinced of her desire to be involved in the conspiracy. Having to explain herself on her deception, even with Akechi's help… yeah, it wouldn't have been fun. With how hard the police was trying to regain their reputation, she wouldn't put it past them to grasp at anything vaguely resembling a scapegoat.

"I'm paying the journey." Ritsuka literally shoved the money in Maruki's hand when he helped her take out her baggage. "No excuses, I don't want to hear about you starving."

"I suppose there is no changing your mind… Ritsuka caught the guilty expression, even as Maruki looked away.

It was seriously gnawing at him still. Not that it was surprising, really… but she couldn't leave it as that.

"Look, Maruki. What you did was dirty." He flinched, and she took the baggage from him. "But it was miracle. I don't think anyone, anything else could have given me the chance to see them again. To tell them a proper goodbye." Da Vinci's smile, her comforting presence, her pride. Mash's flushed face, the taste of her lips, her last words…

"… Then even if I failed, I'm truly glad something positive came from all this." Maruki finally pocketed the money. "If you need a ride, I'll always be happy to provide it."

"I'll make sure to hold you on that." She waved, dragging her luggage behind. "Take care."

"Likewise." He waved in return before driving away.

He took the lesson to heart. She really hoped he would one day find in himself the courage to approach his ex-fiancé again. Or find someone else, perhaps? Not that she was one to talk on that front at the moment though… and she realized when looking at her watch that if she mused any more, she would miss the flight!

---

It was a lovely afternoon, especially for the kind of weather London usually 'enjoyed' in the season. Clear sunlight flowed through the windows of the small manor, where Lord El-Melloi the 2nd welcomed his guests for an afternoon tea. Two guests, to be precise, in a private meeting that he made sure no one would spy, and especially not listen to what one of the guests was currently babbling…

"… and then the Prison of Regression fused with Tokyo as a form of Pseudo-Singularity, overwriting the Texture and altering it to something closer to a dream. After the Demon Gods cleared a path, the Phantom Thieves managed to gather the prayers of Japan to temporarily empower Arsene into a Divine Spirit of rebellion…"

El Melloi the 2nd desperately wanted to let out an audible groan and smash his head on the table face first, preferably in that order and after putting the tea aside. He should have never picked up that phone. He should have pretended being busy in his workshop or slaved away by Reines. He should have simply blacklisted the number after the first call Fujimaru Ritsuka made on his personal phone a year ago, when he was still reeling from the consequences of the Lost Years incident—soon revealed as the timeframe during which the Incineration of Humanity was in effect—and the girl had spilled secrets he swore he never told a single soul until he had agreed to listen.

Learning from her—and the unedited reports he later consulted— that a version of El-Melloi the 2nd was the source of that knowledge, having been summoned to house the Heroic Spirit Zhuge Liang and assist in the resolution of the Grand Order, did make him feel less threatened. Learning that Iskandar had been summoned as well during the Grand Order… That had been the hardest pill to swallow. As much as he would deny it to anyone else, it made him jealous. His King had been here. This version of him travelled with Iskandar, played video games with him, and even fought by his side as a fellow Servant. Waver had almost asked her if the King of Conqueror was still here. It had been a stupid thought. He wasn't the "him" who shared Iskandar's presence and battlefield in the Grand Order…

"What, I'm just making sure you don't try to whine your way out of things."

That moron, idiot, irresponsible… taking the phone from his Master and barging in the conversation like that. El-Melloi the 2nd knew it could have been a fake. A trap made to influence him into accepting Chaldea's demands, helping their side in the Clock Tower investigation. There were countless magecraft that could have been used to deceive him. Yet when Waver Velvet heard Iskandar's voice, he felt as if he was nineteen again, back on that bridge.

"You made Master your students, so do your job as teacher and get her out of here. She won her war, now she needs to rest."

Waver had cursed himself at the time. Being too involved with his students was exactly what he always tried to avoid. Even worse, a Japanese. Yet after hanging the phone, he had found himself starting plans to sway the Clock Tower committee into letting Fujimaru Ritsuka go. Plans that had apparently perfectly coincided with what his Pseudo-Servant version had started on his own side with the complicity of Chaldea's surviving staff, leading the investigating committee to dismiss the—heavily edited and toned down—accomplishments of Fujimaru Ritsuka as mostly being the result of acting as mere proxy for the acting director. What was supposedly left to her own actions and her participation in the Grand Order was still enough to earn her the rank of Cause, but not enough to be branded as an anomaly worthy of study. Kirschtaria Wodime's inflexible defense also played a significant role, though he only learned that later.

Still… to talk to Rider, who thanks to Chaldea's very irregular summoning system carried the records of the fourth Holy Grail war, made him happier than he had been for years. Even so briefly, even if the oaf was as insufferable as before, to speak with his King, the one who remembered him and their time together, unlike the Divine Spirit that Faker had turned into. With the next Holy Grail war being a far-off, but very real opportunity… he still had a possibility of a face-to-face meeting becoming true. Should he manage to get out of Reines' thumb by that time. And it was a very strong thumb.

"… Beast III, without his Skill Nega-Dream to protect it, left itself vulnerable and Joker managed to destroy its core. The nascent Singularity was quickly corrected by the World, stranding us back to a reality where none of Maruki's manipulations happened."

The mad story that had been recounted to him and its ramifications already gave him the start of many headaches. Really, the only reason he was still listening with the appearance of imperturbability was the presence of the third party, the Lord of the Astromancy Department, one of the greatest prodigies of his generation, courted by the leaders of each of the Clock Tower factions…

"I see." Said Kirschtaria Wodime, also eating cake if in a much more dignified manner. "I find this ability you call Persona quite fascinating."

Waver had almost dismissed Fujimaru's whole demand for a private meeting around tea when she mentioned the young Lord had to participate. Even if she supposedly saved his life and avoided him the fate of being indebted to another great family, that she would so easily command his attention was such a ridiculous notion… only for the recently appointed Lord of the Astromancy department to casually drop everything and agree as soon as he mentioned her name. On the other hand, he agreed on Fujimaru asking him to play the middleman: Wodime was too high profile to be contacted lightly, especially by a mere Cause.

"Oh yeah, it is." Nodded Fujimaru. "Teacher, did you look into it after I called you?"

"I'm not…" Waver bite his tongue, pointedly not looking at the very attractive empty spot on the table to facepalm. Yes, he was technically her teacher. Dammit, Servant Waver. "I did." He adjusted his glasses, falling into his lecturer stance almost without thinking. "Carl Gustav Jung, psychiatrist and psychoanalyst of the 20th century as well as the founder of analytical psychology. He helped develop a great number of concepts in the discipline. Among those concerning the present matter are the collective unconscious, archetypes, the shadow and the persona."

"The 20th century… a very recent exploration made through science. Any thaumaturgical foundation would inevitably fall under the umbrella of Modern Magecraft." Noted the young Lord.

"In other words, very weak without an enormous investment of resource and time?" Asked Fujimaru.

"Approximative but correct." Or unless a monster like Flat used it, which was a whole other can of worms. "Let us start with the collective unconscious. Broadly speaking, it can be compared to a vast sea of consciousness, universal and impersonal, that is shared among the entirety of humanity. It is inherited from each past living human, influencing the individual's personal development. What is most intriguing is how Jung described the collective unconscious where they are supposed to exist as: the potential world outside of time."

"The Sea of Souls. That's how the Velvet Room attendant and Igor called it." Said the girl. The Velvet Room was another point of discussion Waver just knew would give him new wrinkles.

"It seems Carl Jung reached a form of comprehension of the Root through his studies of the human psyche." Kirschtaria joined his gloved hands, pensive and inquisitive. "Did you find out whether or not he was a magus?"

"I could not find determining clues, but I am inclined to think he was not." Waver had had too little time to investigate as much as he would have preferred. "In any cases, the collective unconscious is the source and dwelling place of the archetypes. They are universal ideas, thought patterns or images, that form the basis of the common themes and symbols found across the different cultures and societies, like the trickster or the progenitor. Those archetypes, whose concept is unchanging but form is fluid, influence the development of each individual's unique identity."

"The Tarot!" Fujimaru snapped her fingers. "That's the medium through which the Velvet Room categorizes their archetypes. Igor even made me a reading."

"I see. Which figures did they use?"

"Only the major arcana. I thought he used only those from the traditional deck at first, but he divined the Aeon for me, the Faith for Sumire, and Maruki's arcana was the Councillor."

"So they also use cards from Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot, El Gran Tarot Esoterico, and the Visconti-Sforza." Waver pinched his chin, thinking. "I suspect it's a way to broaden the scope while still staying true to the foundation. Other magecraft tend to use equivalences similarly, though it tends to create instability. Still, this would only bring back the foundation to the 15th century at best, when those decks were first made before being used as divination tools."

"If we consider the Persona users were backed by the Counter-Force to face a Threat to Humanity, the abnormal effectiveness it displays in the closed-off texture that was the Cognitive World can be considered outside normal parameters." Pointed Wodime. "Ritsuka, you said the Phantom Thieves are unable to summon their Persona in the mundane world, correct?"

"Yep. I think that's because they all lack both Magic Circuits of their own and actual knowledge of the Mystery behind it. A mystic code could be made to palliate that issue, but I'm not going to approach that any time soon."

"In that case, we can assume the power behind Persona is intentionally limited, outside of circumstances where a corresponding threat is active, like confronting this so-called God of Control." A smile appeared on the young Lord's lips. "Lord El-Melloi II, I assume the Bounded Field around the room will prevent any leak of magical energy."

Fujimaru facepalmed. "I know you want to see it. You could just ask, you know."

"So you can still use the ability, unlike them." Deduced Waver, who received a groan of approval from the girl.

"Yeah, I can, though it's different from the others because of the Demon Gods tampering. The other summon it like some sort of familiar. Mine is… closer to a Demi-Servant's transformation, or maybe a Pseudo-Servant's existence. They must have used Mash as a base." She stood up from her chair, breathing deep in and out. "Do you want to see too, teacher?" He nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

Waver looked as white light enveloped the girl. Her entire attire changed from the Mage's Association uniform to something regal. White and black robes supplemented by golden jewellery on her arms, legs and holding her vastly longer hair. Most notable among them the ten golden rings, gently floating around like a halo.

"Are those…"

"Echoes. They do not possess the originals' absolute authority over Magecraft." Answered Fujimaru, making the rings gather above her palm in answer to Wodime's question. "But they still hold a great amount."

Her voice and attitude also changed, in more and less subtle ways. The closest comparison Waver had was Gray whenever she used Rhongomyniad, as if something foreign superposed itself on top of her personality. Another similarity was the sheer radiance of her magical energy. Fujimaru's Magic Circuits were roughly of the same number and quality as his own, and yet her mere presence already emanated many times the amount he could come up with, even with his supplementary mystic codes.

"How long can you maintain it?"

"Under normal circumstances, I estimate a time limit of three minutes before my Magic Circuits start combusting. Though due to my specific… abilities, should I be facing a Threat to Humanity I expect this limit to raise considerably." She turned her now red eyes towards him. "The Phantom Thieves are not aware I still possess this power. I would prefer no one else but you to have this information."

Facing her was nothing compared to the Divine Spirit of Iskandar, but Waver had no illusions she could destroy this whole manor in the blink of an eye. If anything, she did felt closer to a Servant than a human being. Perhaps the comparison with Gray held even more credit than he thought at first. The radiance dimmed and left as the transformation was undone, and his student sat back in her chair.

"Your secret is safe with me." Assured Wodime. "And I assume with El-Melloi II as well."

"Of course. I have no desire to see the Clock Tower go after a student of mine."

He already had Gray's secret to keep, what was one more. Though it would likely give him a few more grey hairs before he reached old age to have those. Why did he always manage to find people with these kinds of dangerous secrets?

"Thanks…" She finished her teacup, a sigh of contentment escaping. "Ahh, that hit the spot."

"The power of Persona could be a potential foray into uncovering the Third Magic once more." Noted Wodime to Waver's surprise. He hadn't thought of that. "With your ability, the knowledge you have received from the Demon gods and your own experience, you could fashion a Magic Crest and create a lineage dedicated to its study."

"Nope. Nope. I want a normal life, with a normal family, with no more supernatural if I can help it. I'm leaving all those magi things to you guys." Instantly deflected Fujimaru with a firm tone and a wide wave of hands.

A moment of silence settled as Waver shuffled through the information he gathered from his researches on Carl Jung and the recent revelations. One of his interrogations was still the origin of the Velvet Room. According to Fujimaru, neither this Igor nor the attendant were human, but some sort of homunculi. Which begged the question, who created them? A magus whose ambition were similar to the late Marisbury Animusphere, the safeguard of humanity? Or perhaps was it connected to another figure, the mysterious Philemon, a supposedly "wise spirit guide". Was it the same being as the one mentioned in the Epistle to Philemon? Something to ponder on a later time.

"I believe you wanted us to speak about the Phantom Thieves." Waver finally said, deciding to keep his thoughts to himself.

"Oh, yeah. With the Metaverse gone and the Phantom Thieves' ability to manifest their Persona with it, I think it's fair to say they aren't a menace to the secrecy of magecraft anymore, or at least no more than the Japanese government or the Kirijo group already are. On the other hand, they have no one to protect them and I don't think the Mage Association will see it that way."

She snapped her fingers.

"Oh, right, I'd really be happy if Maruki was left alone too, I don't think there are much chance his role will be discovered but just in case, you know. Someone in this tower is certainly salivating at the prospect of studying a former Beast, and if that could happen, like, never, I'm sure everyone will fare much better." Concluded Fujimaru, finishing to munch on the cake she thoroughly devoured over the course of her insane story.

"The latter case should not be too difficult if only the Phantom Thieves and you are in the know. The Phantom Thieves themselves are a more delicate matter." Said Wodime.

"Damn, they're already on someone's radar?"

"The apparent end of their activity and the Japanese government's reaction seems to indicate the situation is under control." Supplied Waver. "However, the fact remains that it is not the first affair of this kind to emerge. Even with the isolation of Japan, some in the Clock Tower are starting to consider its spiritual activity a problem the local magi cannot manage by themselves."

"Damn. That serious? That explains why the Kirijo representative was insistent I contact them if I saw anything of the sort happen again."

"It is likely they are aware of the increased scrutiny they are getting from the Clock Tower. The Holy Church will attempt to expand its influence in the region as well, if only to counteract the Mage Association." The young Lord actually smiled apologetically at the orange-haired exasperated groan.

"I should have asked for a written slip from Martha. Or David, since I almost got to be his daughter in law. Something like 'leave her alone or I'll tell Him'." Mumbled Fujimaru, nose in her empty teacup. Waver tried to not have a headache, once again, over the ramifications of Fujimaru's close (and for one in particular, very close) proximity to some of the Church's and Mage Association's most revered figures. "Seriously, why do they all have to be more interested in being vultures after world threatening events rather than helping during them."

"Magi strive to obtain knowledge and power. The aftermath of a crisis is one of the greatest opportunities to secure both. The Church is not so different once a certain hierarchical level is reached." Kirschtaria put his own cup down before filling everyone else's. "Here."

"Thanks." She gulped a large mouthful, her grimace showing she obviously burned her tongue in the process. "I know it's not always like that, but it really feels like it's the default."

"Luckily, the presence of yet another so-called 'Holy Grail' will not reach their ears." Pointed out Waver, knowing that even if it wasn't the genuine article, with the scale of the incident they would have launched their own investigation and brought an Executor. "A four-way meeting with the Mage's Association, the Church, the Japanese government and magi organizations will likely be underway at some point in the future."

"This is where we must play our cards correctly to protect those involved, starting with the Phantom Thieves."

El-Melloi the 2nd gazed onto his young pair, carefully deciphering his speech and behaviour. Kirschtaria Wodime, at the moment, felt like a very different person compared to the admittedly limited other interactions he had with him in the past. He had expected the young Lord to have the same conduct other genius blessed in all regards had. A larger point of view unbothered by the little people, those who didn't participate in the grander affairs of the world. A pragmatic and a realist, at best. Yet he seemed genuinely invested in safeguarding a ragtag band of people from the Mage Association, even though they could easily threaten the secrecy of Magecraft, or worse, the Association itself. All because they were important in the eyes of Fujimaru Ritsuka.

"The Department of Policy will choose the envoy; it is their prerogative as watcher of the secrecy of Magecraft. They will favor choosing among their own members, but should they be swayed into another candidate, it will belong to the Aristocratic faction, those believing lineage is the superior factor for managing the Clock Tower." Explained Wodime for Fujimaru's sake. "Unfortunately, they are the most likely to push for capture or worse in regard to the Phantom Thieves."

"Dammit, I should have guessed the old guard would be in charge of that one." Cursed the girl under her breath. "Any chance you could do something, teacher?"

"My window of action is too limited. Any transaction to obtain the position would subordinate the El-Melloi to other families, or worse, the Bartholomei." And Reines would have his head. Why did he still have so much debt to reimburse?

"Gods below, you would have been perfect… Wait." She perked up, looking at Wodime. "I know the El-Melloi are part of the Aristocratic faction, is that the same for the Wodime?"

"My family is indeed part of the faction, though my private convictions are closer to the Democrats. And while there are few candidates who would be considered appropriate by the Clock Tower, I could be that person."

"But aren't you, like, too important for that? Department head and all that?"

"Lord El-Melloi II, as her teacher, I believe you might explain it better than me." Waver frowned, with Wodime smiling in his direction. Was the young magus testing him? Still, his other self's pupil was looking at him expectantly, and he refrained from grumbling before starting his explanation.

"The Wodime's magical theories are rooted in the ancient astrological research of the ancient Chaldeans, where the World was layered in spheres each containing their own mana value, in increasing power from Earth to Sky to Heaven, what we call now outer space." Using a layered cake as support for his lesson was not ideal, but one do with what they have. "However, Astrology weakened considerably with the advancement of science, transforming it from the ability to receive power from space to a tool to observe space."

"So it's not that Astromancy is weak, but the world has changed too much from the Age of Gods to make it work in the scale it should…" Fujimaru hummed pensively.

"Correct. While my work has been appraised as genius on paper, it is considered impossible to put in practice." Nodded the magus, a gloved hand resting on the spherical jewel crowning his staff.

"Too bad… Man, now I wish you were there in Babylonia. If Ishtar could throw Venus at the enemy when she used her Noble Phantasm, I'm really curious what you would have done back there."

"I have been working on the data gathered from the Singularities to further my magecraft, but I have yet to analyse those from the Babylonian Singularity. Should you be interested in the matter, I can forward the theoretical result once I have deduced it. If you would be willing to study the Mystery of Persona and share the results in return, that is." He added with a cheeky smile.

"Pfff, nice try genius, but I already told you I'm not founding a magus family." Fujimaru lightly punched him in the shoulder with a grin, and Waver was once again taken aback when Wodime only chuckled casually in return.

"I jest. You more than earned the right to detach yourself from all this."

"Huh-um." Waver coughed to get their attention back, intent on finishing. "Anyway, this is why no matter how much of a genius the Wodime produce and how advanced their theories are, they are fundamentally not considered a threat by the other great families of the Clock Tower. Consequently, the influence and power that could be gained by being the envoy of the Clock Tower to Japan would not be considered dangerous in his hands. If anything, I presuppose the Bartholomei would be very happy to pass this as a favor that would attach him closer to their faction."

"An incisive analysis. I appreciate your honesty." Wodime swirled his tea within the cup, waiting for it to cool. "I will make sure to be selected as the envoy. Be assured I will not allow the Mage's Association to bear on the Phantom Thieves."

Fujiamru let out a long, relieved sigh. "… Thanks, Kirch. I really don't know what I'd do without you."

"Is it not what friends are for?" The young Lord took an appreciative sip of tea before taking on a serious tone. "Though I have to ask for some form of compensation. You understand what I mean, don't you? I believe I have waited long enough for your part of the bargain to be fulfilled."

Waver slowly took out one of his cigars, steeling himself before the heavier atmosphere. What sort of deal had his student done? What could she offer to one such as Wodime? Even considering their apparent relationship, magi were creatures of self-interest before anything else. No matter how mundane or inoffensive a deal may look at first glance, there was always something to look for.

"It wasn't easy to get, you know." He watched Fujimaru take something from an inside pocket, and put it on the table, covered by her hand.

"So you did obtain them." Inquired Wodime, stone-faced.

"Of course." She retired her hand, revealing… tickets? Waver blinked. Concert tickets? For a Japanese concert? Concert tickets, for a Japanese rock concert? "Exclusive, limited-edition tickets. Premium places and a meeting with the artists afterward."

"Magnificent. I was unsure even you would be able to obtain them." Waver barely kept his composure as Wodime complimented the girl as if she had given him a supreme grade Mystic Code.

"No scalper will ever beat someone taught by Julius Caesar himself. I officially rock." Fujimaru grinned proudly.

"Rock and roll." Added Wodime with a smirk.

Waver heroically resisted the sudden urge to arrange an express meeting between his face and the table as his worldview crumbled, as Kirschtaria Wodime, jewel of the Clock Tower, prodigy lauded by the oldest and most traditionalist of the Mage's Association, received tickets for a modern rock concert with a terrible pun.

"Two tickets, one for you and one for your hopelessly smitten Ophelia. When is the wedding, by the way?"

"The Phamrsolone are proud of their history and heritage, but I believe the negotiations are progressing smoothly. And I do count on you joining us that day, with whoever you will eventually find for yourself."

"Rub salt in the wound, will you. Count me in. And jealous. Very jealous." Grumbled Fujimaru as the teasing was returned right at her. "I wouldn't mind the company. Or the support when I'm once again thrust into yet another world-saving mission."

"Didn't you said you would rather avoid the world of magecraft?" Pointed out Waver, trying to regain a footing in the conversation.

"Teacher, I have basic pattern recognition. I'm on four Beasts faced! Four! Out of seven! I don't remember signing up for Counter Force cleaning duty!" She was being petulant and obviously knew it. "Maybe I should conscript the Clock Tower next time. Or at least those Zelretch and Brishisan guys." Waver paled. "If Romani is intent of having me fix his mess, his students could at least have the decency to help! Next Evil of Humanity that shows up at my door, I'm sending it their way!"

No. No no no no no no, no. That was a recipe for disaster. And he wasn't sure the Wizard Marshall would not take her at her word, without even talking about the elusive director of the Department of Lore.

"Lord Brishisan, hum. Actually, he was the one who introduced Daybit to the Department of Lore. Perhaps he and I can help you meet him." Said Kirschtaria casually to Waver's horror. Not that the help of such monster wouldn't be a boon in such disastrous events, but there were reasons they weren't usually approached!

"Oh right, where is Daybit by the way? Him and the others, I mean." Clarified Fujimaru, likely referring to the others surviving Masters of Chaldea. "I didn't kept tab with them… I hoped I could rectify that."

"To my knowledge, no one had seen Hinako after she walked out in the Antarctic. As for Beryl, all traces ended after he went after he went afoul a Dead Apostle Ancestor."

"Good riddance." Said, no, Fujimaru growled at his mention. "I know he was your teammate, but if I had known what he did before he left, I would have had a word. With Lancelot and Gawain by my side."

Waver lighted his cigar, taking a long puff. No one in the Association or even outside it liked the "Werewolf", and the way he had roamed around made quite a few people wary before his disappearance. But it appeared it was something more personal for his student.

"Kadoc is still studying at the Clock Tower and intent on keeping to himself. Ophelia will soon arrive from Germany. By a fortunate coincidence, Peperoncino should come back at the same time from the last job I gave him."

"What a coincidence, that his best client would time the job so well for a reunion." Snickered the girl. "Why don't you give me his rates, by the way? Not that I want to stay in magus or supernatural business, but I'd love someone to have my back when it happens. Just in case."

"Of course, for the sake of an uncertain eventuality." Said Wodime, a knowing smile gracing his lips.

"What of Daybit? I didn't really had the occasion to know him better back then. I mean, he swung by once or twice to listen to what happened in the Singularities…" She squinted, as if trying to recall something. "But yeah, almost all of his time was spent fiddling with CHALDEAS. Didn't he leave with it to the Atlas Institute?"

"… CHALDEAS was disposed of." Waver perked up inconspicuously at the revelation. Such a powerful tool, discarded? No, destroyed. What was the Atlas Institute thinking? "It is also the reason Daybit is coming back, to speak of the matter with Lord Brishisan."

"That's why you said you could have me meet him, you would have seen him anyway. Damn, you geniuses really think way too far ahead. But what was wrong with it?…" Her eyes wandered to Waver. "If you can talk about it here, I mean."

"I'd be glad to be left uninformed of whatever it is." One less thing to worry about was a blessing. He had too many of those. "Let me be clear that I will have no recollection of anything that has been said this afternoon."

"My thanks, Lord El-Melloi II. As well as for your invitation." Wodime finished his tea and stood up.

"Don't expect another one. I have enough eyes on me as it is."

The young Lord inclined his head, ignoring the dry remark and waving a goodbye at Fujimaru, who returned the gesture as he left. Only when Waver saw him by the window, leaving through the gate outside, did Waver sighed and slumped in his chair.

"You okay, teacher?" Asked Fujimaru with the most false innocence he has seen apart from Reines.

"Cut it out. You got what you wanted and ingratiated me with Kirschtaria Wodime by having him reveal his true colors, so I can't even be mad at you." She had least acted sheepish in response to his words. "I swear, this is the last time you get something that outrageous out of me."

"Sorry… Don't worry, I'm leaving too. Thanks for everything, teacher."

And he couldn't even accuse her of being insincere, he was aware she meant it. Dammit Rider!

"I still find it puzzling." She stopped before the door. "After surviving that troublesome Grand Order and the Phantom Thieves incident, why do you still involve yourself with the hidden world? You could walk away now and lose nothing. To what end do you chain yourself ever more tightly to it?"

---

Her hand caressed the doorknob. She had asked this question herself. As she met the Kirijo employee, as she made a call to El-Melloi, as she took the plane to London, as she shook Kirschtaria's hand.

"Why, huh?"

She glanced outside the window. The vast blue sky, the gently flowing river, the bustling city. The ordinary, blissful existence of the mundane. The treacherous, awe-inspiring existence of Mysteries. It was all there. It was all hers. It was all her.

"Because it's my world too." "It's the life I choose to live."

She turned the doorknob, opening the door. Gazed in the twilight, where sun and moon both looked back upon the world. And smiled.

"It's a life I'm happy to live."


END

 

[CorEagle]

Damn, and now I'm wondering what would her reaction be to finding about The Great Seal and Erebus. And seeing them in person.

 

[Magostera]

Damn, and now I'm wondering what would her reaction be to finding about The Great Seal and Erebus. And seeing them in person.

Click to shrink...

Oh, that's an incredible idea for an omake/side-story. I'm a bit burnout and will advance my other works (that I completely left aside to focus on this one) first, but I'm definitely considering that in the future.

 

[qOwOp]

This was a great read. I hated the themes and thought they were dumb, but still enjoyed the story a lot.

 

[ScribeTransient]

Thanks for the story! I enjoyed it a lot and the blend between the two games was seamless. I especially liked how you managed to tie in how the magus world would have reacted to the world of Persona. Thanks again for writing!