A/N: Hello, my loyal readers. I'm back after a long hiatus. For a first side-note, I have already seen the final Digimon Adventure tri. movie months ago, so that still helps of this epilogue fic's inspiration.
This is an intermission which was originally written by Kanius from Ch. 26 of Cross Generations (Is planning to be uploaded), the series finale of Digimon Fusion Kai. In giving credit to him, he did this as to first get the feeling of these new characters and settings after seventeen years (2001 - 2018) of long running fanfic franchises (including Naruto fics) that were all Shonen in nature. It's like think of it as an Early Installment Weirdness. I'm going to explain a lot of details why below at the end of this. Here, I updated the scenes to this sole intermission to be posted in keeping the fic afloat.
Not only that, but because Code Vein originally intended to be release in September 27th - 28th, 2018, has been delayed to 2019 due to so much positive fan feedback and convince the creators to polish the gameplay more for the final version. I can't delay that much longer, that I'm going to release the final three chapters sooner. And I have already prewritten these chapters in advance (And revised Ch. 4 to not contradict CV's official canon), they might going to be weekly releases.
This takes place between after our heroes get some sleep in the hotel and before the end of Ch. 3 when they enter the Distorted Osaka realm. So, it's gonna feel like Inception.
Enjoy the intermission!
(Cue Crossfade - The Unknown)
"This is Sion speaking.
As we're resting for tomorrow's mission, we're in some sort of a dream. Is this for real that we're in some kind of foreign lands outside of Japan.
What's interesting is that we encountered cognitive versions of someone that the Phantom Thieves knew, alongside my comrades. I felt I reunited with the ones I knew from my home, but I just don't know.
We're going to find out who's behind this.
(End theme)
(Cue Hans Zimmer - Mombasa)
Persona Vein (ペルソナの静脈)
Intermission:
Inception (開始)
Phantom Thieves' Dreams
(Cue Owari no Seraph Opening FULL - ｢X.U.｣ » 終わりのセラフ OP)
The group of protagonists have arrived in the abandoned city. Likely, while they were sleeping for an important mission, they are transported from their dreams.
Joining the party are dream versions of Mia Karnstein, Louis, Yakumo Shinonome, and Akechi Goro.
It is like an Akane no Mai, giving meanings of 'deep red', 'red dance', and 'red lost child'. Their minds danced into this dreamscape like lost beings wandering. But, much like the Phantom Thieves' motif color is red, and the Revenants' thirst for blood, they both share the same desires of rebelling against the corrupted society.
The party explored and scanned their new surroundings. This is all new territory for them and nothing like their Japanese home.
"Talk about not being familiar with our surrounding environment," Ren meticulously scanned. "But, I know we're not anywhere near home."
Ryuji wondered. "So, where the hell are we?"
Yusuke noticed the famous Alamo landmark. "From what I've studied about American culture, we're in Texas. San Antonio, Texas specifically."
Ann blinked. "And how do you know that?"
Futaba pointed toward the Alamo. "That's why. That's the Alamo where Texas fought Mexico. The people who fought for independence proclaimed the famous, 'Remember the Alamo'! If you think about it, those people who fought for Texas' independence are freedom fighters kinda like us."
Haru nodded. "Yes, that does describes us Phantom Thieves well."
Ryuji sighed as he sardonically responded. "Yeah, yeah, thanks for the history lesson, but tell me why the hell is Akechi Goro with us?" He turned to Akechi, who was behind them with Mia, Louis, and Yakumo.
"That's because he's not the real Akechi Goro," Makoto answered Ryuji.
"They're just cognitive versions of these people. These three happen to be from my timeline. They're not real, but they can still interact with us all the same." Sion added as he's talking with Mia, Louis, and Yakumo.
Akechi chuckled. "Come now, I may not be real, but you shouldn't be hostile toward me."
Looking over his shoulder, Ren addressed Akechi. "Forgive us. It's just awkward that you're with us since we haven't see the real Akechi Goro for a few years. We still haven't been given word on his whereabouts."
Hifumi smiled to Sion. "You must be happy to see your friends again. They seem nice."
Mia replied to Hifumi. "Thanks for taking in our friend and tending to him."
Hifumi bowed to the female Revenant. "It's my pleasure, Mia-san. It's nice meeting someone else like Sion."
Overhearing them, Makoto made a playful jab. "Oh look at me, I'm so popular with the ladies. Boy, aren't you slick, Mr. Revenant."
Sion smirked. "Jealous?"
Makoto rolled her eyes. "As if."
Ann briefly conversed with Mia and Louis.
"So, Mia, Louis, those names of yours aren't Japanese. That'd make you foreigners like me?" Ann pointed out.
Louis replied, feeling comfortable conversing with Ann. "It's good knowing there's someone we can speak with casually and can understand our language."
Mia smiled. "English does become the universal language and becomes the dominant one in our time."
Ann smiled. "I'm thankful I can speak another language and speak to other foreigners like me. Sion is a pretty cool guy once we got to know him."
Yusuke noted. "But Yakumo is a name of Japanese origin. Do you happen to be Japanese?"
Yakumo answered. "I'm a Revenant am Japanese. Although, pure Japanese are nearly extinct in our time. I'm only half-Japanese." He turned to Sion. "And I follow him as a way to repay my debt. He saved me as I was on the verge of becoming a Lost."
"Interesting," Yusuke said.
Just then, Morgana walked over to Mia.
"Mia-san, how long have you known Sion?"
"To be honest, only about as long as I've known him," Mia replied, looking over toward Sion's direction. "We are only one of the remaining Revenants in our time."
Morgana nodded. "I see. Yes, that's very interesting. There's much about you Revenants I'd like to know about."
Mia chuckled. "And I'd like to know how a cat like you can even talk, but I've seen weirder things."
Haru whispered to Makoto. "By the way, don't you think Louis is quite attractive, Mako-chan?"
Makoto blinked and shook her head. "What? You really think so?" She looked over toward Louis.
Haru giggled at Makoto's reaction. "Well? He's quite handsome."
Makoto scoffed, turning away not giving Louis so much of a glance.
"Yes, you have to admit he's very good looking."
"Maybe for a Revenant, I suppose," the female police officer shrugged. "Then again, this is just a dream version of him."
Haru nodded. "Yes, I'll bet the real deal is even more attractive."
Makoto sighed. "Right."
As the group continued to explore the area near the Alamo, Ren listened to the casual and jovial conversations were having with the Revenants. He felt at ease as the Thieves, Hifumi, and Yumeko were establishing friendly bonds with Sion and his cohorts. It was much better than the previous hostility Makoto and Sion had for each other. Only Akechi seemed out of place and that was mostly due to some of the Thieves still feeling distrustful toward him.
Just then, Ren stopped. The others noticed Ren standing still. Morgana hurried over to Ren's side.
"Hey, is everything ok?"
Ren muttered. "Yeah…" Before he can finish, a distorted wave swept through the vicinity and changed the Phantom Thieves into their super powered forms. Ren noticed being in his Joker attire.
"Heads up!" Sion called out as he saw something bright light flaring above them.
(Cue CRISIS OST - Hiroyuki Sawano - 9a14s)
Suddenly, a burst of anomalous golden light cast down from the sky. The beam summoned a lone figure on top of a building. As the light is cleared, it revealed a young blond-haired woman from Spain with her tied in a right single braid, garbed in a dark brown uniform with a white shirt underneath, white pants, golden cape, dark brown boots, and carried a rapier. Her name is Maria. The Spanish woman gazed her puissant eyes towards the group.
Maria walked out from the Alamo entrance like a royal queen. The group held their ground as the proud Spanish woman stopped in front of them.
"Phantom Thieves, I presume?" Maria addressed them.
"Yes. Are you the one who brought us here?" Joker queried to her.
"Daymn, she's quite the hottie," Skull remarked over Maria's attractive looks.
Panther groaned. "Stay focused, will you?"
Sion growled toward Maria. "I'm sensing a malevolent aura from her."
Mia, Louis, and Yakumo quickly amassed next to Sion. The Revenants fiercely glared down Maria.
Before Mona can speak, Nekomata's spirit materialized next to him.
"Phantom Thieves and Revenants, beware this is Maria, the chaos bringer that sought the Amrita. She's proficient in combat and not one to be taken lightly. And I sense she's brought other evil spirits with her." Nekomata warned the group.
"Other evil spirits?" Queen wondered cautiously.
"Whoever they are, bring them on," Sion demanded.
"Whoa, don't goad her, you idiot!" Makoto chided the Revenant.
"We must be cautious when facing the unknown," Fox stated.
Oracle gasped as her scanner readings increased. "Whoa! Danger, danger Will Robinson!" She called out, referencing the famous Robot from Lost in Space. "The readings on these spirits are off the charts!"
Joker had a cautious look. "What?!"
Mona added as the back of his fur stood. "She's right! We've got company and not the kind you'd want!"
Maria smirked evilly. "Yes, I've communicated with these spirits and they asked me to bring them to you. They're dying to meet you." She raised her rapier into the air. "Come forth and materialize!"
Then, four dark figures materialized behind Maria, reminded of the restless spirits released from Yomi-no-kuni. Behind her are the Shadow versions of Shido Masayoshi (獅童 正義), Kamoshida Suguru (鴨志田 卓), Madarame Ichiryusai (斑目 一流斎), and Kaneshiro Junya (金城 潤矢).
Needless to say, the Phantom Thieves are surprised to see their old enemies.
Joker was taken aback by the familiar Shadows. "It can't be?!"
Skull gaped in shock. "Hell nah, we kicked their asses before! Why are the shit are they here?!"
Oracle reminded them. "Well, we are in a dream-like realm, right? Cognitive thoughts can do a lot of crazy things, including bringing back old enemies."
Panther gritted angrily toward Shadow Kamoshida. "Not you again!"
Fox coldly glared at Shadow Madarame. "So, we're doing this again?"
Queen fiercely scowled at Shadow Kaneshiro. "Ugh, I'd hope I'd never to see your disgusting bug face again."
Joker glared down Shadow Shido. "And even you've returned. I thought we got rid of you."
Shadow Shido evilly chuckled as his eyes turned yellow. "You might've changed the hearts of the very same humans we've possessed, but you can't get rid of us Shadows that easily. Thanks to some outside force whose power is disrupting dimensions, negative cognitive energies started to overflow and thus allowed us to reconstitute ourselves. With the Metaverse gone, we were left drifting until we happened upon this woman here. She, like us, were revived by an entity whose power is akin to Yaldabaoth. And what a better way to exact our revenge than to finish you while you're all asleep!"
Crow interjected. "Then, what about us four?" He referred to himself, Mia, Louis, and Yakumo. "We just came into being because the Phantom Thieves and that Revenant conceived us from their cognitive memories?"
Shadow Shido veered to the cognitive version of Shido's son. "Correct, you four are not real. As for where the real Akechi Goro is nowadays, I don't know nor do I care."
Mia gasped. "So, we'll be gone once you wake up, Sion."
Sion wanted to say something, but Hifumi consoled him.
"Don't worry about that now. They'll be fighting with us to defeat this evil," Hifumi said.
Skull quipped. "Yep, these Shadows are still the same shithole scumbags."
Shadow Kaneshiro cursed them out while buzzing. "Hey, yo, we're gonna beat you biznatches all over and get our revenge, yo!"
Shadow Kamoshida chuckled in a twisted pervy tone. "Eheheh, ladies I'll take good care of you all, especially you, Panther."
Shadow Madarame cackled. "Call me a rip-off artist, will you?! For that, I'll blacklist you from this reality permanently!"
Maria chuckled while tightening her grip of her rapier. "So, now that we have reintroductions out of the way, how about we commence the battles? We can't hold off on your executions any longer."
Joker and Sion stood off against Maria.
"You're right. What are we waiting for?" Joker accepted Maria's challenge.
"Defeat us, and that's a big if, then you'll wake up," Maria stated the conditions. "However, when you lose, you're trapped here forever."
Sion muttered. "With no chance of us ever waking up."
Maria smirked evilly. "Correct, you'll be trapped in an endless sleep and you'll be subjected to us killing you over and over. Our battles will end up on an endless loop until we break your spirits and your physical bodies die."
Queen rebuked. "Sorry, but we don't plan on dying in our sleep. We're beating you here!"
Nekomata cautioned them. "Be careful when you engage Maria. She can and has beaten multiple opponents at once in her prime."
Mona nodded. "Thanks for the warning, but I have faith in the Thieves and our friends."
"We've accepted your conditions, Maria," Joker stated.
"That's good to hear. Shall we proceed with this battle of cognitive wills?!" The Spanish woman declared as the environment around them transformed into a Mementos-like setting. Amrita stones and shards are seen around the area. "I'll be waiting for you in this historic landmark. If you can defeat these Shadows, then come meet me where I'll duel you." With that, she headed into the Alamo.
The four Shadows spread out over San Antonio's downtown vicinity.
"They're shifting toward different locations!" Noir cried out.
"They're going for a divide and conquer strategy. Clever," Fox said.
"Even so, we have to spread out and fight them. I have faith in us we can do this," Mona stated with the utmost confidence in his team's abilities.
"This is the first I'll be fighting these Shadows," Hifumi said slightly worried. "I hope my spirit Janomecho will be enough."
Yumeko chuckled darkly much to her friends' suspicions.
"Why is she laughing now at a time like this?" Mia asked Sion.
"It's Yumeko, don't ask," Sion sighed.
As she continued laughing, Yumeko gave a crazed look. Her eyes glowed bright red as her blissful nature reached new levels.
"Eheheh, OH YES! THEY'VE GOT ME ALL EXCITED NOW!" Yumeko shouted. "GAMBLE AND STAKE MY OWN LIFE IN THIS? I ACCEPT!"
Everyone cowered back and became creeped out by the Compulsive Gambler's ecstatic outburst. Even the other Revenants, who've just been introduced to Yumeko, were weirded out by her and they've seen the freakiest of creatures in their time.
Yumeko wasted no time summoning the Nine-Tailed Fox. "C'mon, let's gamble to our heart's content!" She ran off ahead.
Skull yelled out. "Whoa, hold on!"
Joker sighed as he turned to his sister figure. "Oracle, you know what to do."
Oracle nodded. "Right! Defenses up!"
With that, the group received defense boosts.
"And some speed boosts so we can catch up and find those Shadows," Panther suggested.
Oracle added. "You got it! Speed up!"
The group received quick speed boosts.
"All right, split up, but be cautious on your way to fight the Shadows," Mona forewarned them about any other possible dangers and obstacles before meeting the Shadow bosses.
"Good luck and persevere, young ones. Hifumi-san, you and Yumeko may need to utilize your spirit's full potentials if you end up facing Maria."
Hifumi nodded. "We will. Thank you, Nekomata-sama."
"Phantom Thieves and company, move!" Joker declared.
Fox, Oracle, Hifumi, and Yakumo went one way to face Shadow Madarame. Yumeko, Noir, and Louis went another way to find Shadow Kaneshiro. Panther, Skull, Mona, and Mia headed off to face Shadow Kamoshida. Joker, Sion, Queen, and Crow went forward to confront Shadow Shido.
(End theme)
(Cue Blooming Villain (Atlus Konishi Remix) - Persona 5: Dancing Star Night)
On the eastern side outside the Alamo, Fox, Oracle, Hifumi, and Yakumo faced against Shadow Madarame.
Shadow Madarame snarled. "Yusuke, you'll pay with your life for calling me a plagiarist. For betraying me, I'll take Sayuri from you."
Fox angrily rebuked. "You won't! It ends for you, creature!"
Shadow Madarame took out three scrolls, which he unwrapped and smoke came pouring out. Out from this smoke are three white Fox Spirits.
"Those three Fox Spirits should be a piece of cake, but still don't let your guards down!" Oracle announced, proceeding to summoned Prometheus. Oracle got inside Prometheus and used it to boost her team's defenses and power stats. "All set and ready to go! Take them down, guys!"
Fox took out his katana. Hifumi summoned both her spear and spirit, Janomecho. Janomecho resonated with Hifumi, augmenting the Shogi player's power. Yakumo brought out a great sword twice as large as his own body.
One of the white Fox Spirits shot straight at Hifumi first, attempting to take out the supposed weakest member of the team. However, Fox intercepted the Fox Spirit with his katana.
"Thank you, Yusuke!" Hifumi gratefully said to her former classmate.
"Foul beast, you dishonor the name of a fox by being controlled by that creature in human skin!" Fox gritted as he shoved his katana through the white Fox Spirit. He sliced upward and killed it instantaneously as it dissolved into black smoke.
Yakumo rushed the second Fox Spirit, which flew around and expelled black beams. Yakumo waved his sword and knocked away the fox's blasts. Yakumo jumped up and bisected the Fox Spirit, causing it to split and dissolve away.
Hifumi declared. "Now be gone, tainted spirit!" With that, the Shogi player tossed her spear at the third Fox Spirit. The Fox Spirit dodged the spear. As it flew straight at Hifumi, the Shogi player beckoned the spear back as the weapon turned and cut through the Fox Spirit's backside.
After the last Fox Spirit dissolved, Shadow Madarame hastily summoned his four portraits: the eyes, the mouth, and the nose.
"Do you not remember this masterpiece of mine, Yusuke? Let's see if your Persona can topple this!" Shadow Madarame boasted over his artistic work.
"Heh, I've come very far since the last we've fought, creature. My Ultimate Persona shall bring down this mediocrity!" Fox declared as he summoned forth his Ultimate Persona: Kamu Susano-o.
Kamu Susano-o brandished its sword and attacked Shadow Madarame's left eye first. The left Painter's Eye tried for an Tarukaja, but Kamu Susano-o unleashed a Giant Slice and took out the left eye. Yakumo charged and slashed off the left Painter's Eye. The Painter's Nose fired Thunderclap to neutralize Yakumo and then used Maelstrom to knock back Fox.
"Yusuke! Yakumo!" Hifumi cried out as she stared in horror at Shadow Madarame, who callously laughed over his enemies' anguish. "I can see why Yusuke lost respect for you!"
"Hang on, Inari! Help's on the way!" Oracle called to Fox. "You, too, Yakumo!" She boosted their energies back up to fight again.
"Thanks, Futaba," Fox said, feeling recovered after accepting Oracle's healing boost. "All right, Kamu Susano-o, we're still in this fight!"
Yakumo stood while lifting up his sword. "Let us commence with the battle."
"Attack the nose, Kamu Susano-o!" Fox beckoned his Persona.
Heeding his summoner's command, Kamu Susano-o took out the Painter's Nose with a Vicious Strike. Yakumo charged and went for the Painter's Mouth. The Mouth went for a Bite, but Hifumi countered and summoned a Shogi-like piece that blocked the Mouth off. Yakumo used this to advantage and slashed the Painter's Mouth in two.
With the portraits taken out, Shadow Madarame was exposed.
"You've been left wide open, 'sensei'," Fox remarked.
"All-out Attack!" Oracle declared.
Fox, Hifumi, and Yakumo went for the decisive blow to Shadow Madarame. Like ninjas, they hit lightning fast strikes all over Shadow Madarame, who failed to keep up. As they finished their attack, Shadow Madarame doubled over in pain and cursed under his breath.
"Damn you… brats… this isn't over…"
Fox pointed his katana toward Shadow Madarame. "It's over, creature. Cease anymore attempts to attack us and fade away."
Shadow Madarame conceded. "Well done… you've far surpassed me as an artist, Yusuke…" He dropped to a knee and dissolved into black dust.
Fox frowned and turned away.
"Yusuke?" Hifumi approached.
"Futaba, we're ready to relocate and find the others," Fox said.
Oracle chimed in through Prometheus. "Sure, no problem! Now let's see who's closest near us."
"Come, Hifumi. Let's see if Sion and the others need our help."
"You're right, Yusuke. I am worried about Sion," Hifumi said. "I hope he's doing ok along with the others."
"Guys, I've found the closest group to us. It's Joker's!" Oracle announced.
"If he's there, then Sion is, too. Please, Futaba. Send me to where Joker's party are!" Hifumi requested to go where Sion is currently located.
On the southern side outside the Alamo, Yumeko, Noir, and Louis faced against Shadow Kaneshiro piloting his Piggytron. Two Red Kappas and one blue-skinned Yoki wielding a kusarigama and a cannon are summoned.
Noir attacked the first Red Kappa and took it out with Psiodyne. Louis unleashed a wave of flames that obliterated the other Red Kappa. Yumeko summoned the spirit of the Nine Tails and launched fiery blasts that weakened the blue-skinned Yoki. The Yoki fired his cannon, forcing the trio to dodge. The trio retaliated and unleashed an All-out Attack on the Yoki.
After taking out the demons, the trio turned their attention toward Shadow Kaneshiro.
"Time for yo asses to get steamrolled over by my Piggytron!" Shadow Kaneshiro roared, declaring a messy execution on the heroes. He activated Piggytron and sent it rolling like a giant boulder.
Yumeko, Noir, and Louis quickly evaded Piggytron. Piggytron aimed and fired Ocular Vulcan at the trio. Louis stepped in front of Noir and took a full shot from Piggytron.
"Shit yeah! Bull's eye! Ahahah!" Shadow Kaneshiro laughed.
"Louis!" Noir called out as she tended to him.
"Hey, you giant talking porkchop! Over here!" Yumeko goaded Shadow Kaneshiro's mechanized piggy bank. "Why don't ya get a piece of me?!" Her eyes glowed red like a demon's. "So you're Kaneshiro?! Why don't we have some fun gambling with our lives!"
Shadow Kaneshiro balked at Yumeko's psychotic demeanor. "...the fuck is wrong with yeh?!"
"Let's see which of our beasts is better? Your piggy wiggy or my Nine-Tailed foxy!" The Compulsive Gambler shouted, raising both hands into the air as her Nine-Tailed Fox spirit appeared.
"Feh, I'm supposed to be scared of that shit?! Ok, now Imma roll yeh asses over! Go forth Piggytron!" Shadow Kaneshiro shouted.
Grinning fiendishly, Yumeko openly invited Piggytron to come toward her.
As Noir helped Louis up, they watched in despair as Yumeko and the Nine-Tails didn't budge from their spot.
"Yumeko! Move out of the way!" Noir cried out to her.
"We've got to get in there!" Louis said as he summoned a sword. He swung it hard and sent a fiery wave that created a wall of flames that stopped Piggytron.
"What the shit?!" Shadow Kaneshiro grimaced as the wall of flames pushed Piggytron back.
Noir summoned her Ultimate Persona: Astarte. Astarte cast One-shot Kill and blasted Piggytron. Piggytron unleashed Missile Party on the group. Yumeko's Nine-Tails rushed Piggytron head-on and swung down its tails. Yumeko's Nine Tails and Louis combined their flamed attacks, unleashing powerful wave of flames that pushed against Piggytron.
Noir eyed Shadow Kaneshiro standing atop Piggytron and recalled how her fellow Thieves beat him.
"Yes, I know what to do," Noir realized as she beckoned Astarte to attack Shadow Kaneshiro.
"Oh shit!" Shadow Kaneshiro blanched as Noir figured out his Piggytron's flaw. He prepared to jump off, but Yumeko conjured flames from her Nine Tails and prevented Shadow Kaneshiro from escaping.
Yumeko cackled sadistically, her face contorted with twisted pleasure. Her red eyes gleamed with sheer pleasure at Shadow Kaneshiro's predicament.
"Aww, what's wrong piggy wiggy? Afraid of becoming roast pig?! Or, maybe bacon?!" The Compulsive Gambler squeed with pleasure. She swung the tails from her back, sending fiery blasts at Shadow Kenshiro. "Now squeal! SQUEAL, PIGGY WIGGY!"
"YOU CRAZY BITCH!" Shadow Kaneshiro squealed like the pig Yumeko wanted.
"AHAHAHAH! THAT'S RIGHT! SQUEAL FOR ME!" Yumeko maniacally laughed, seemingly enjoying Shadow Kaneshiro's panicked state.
As Astarte slammed into Piggytron, the force knocked Shadow Kaneshiro off his mechanized pig tank. Then, the group unleashed an All-out Attack and quickly took down the Piggytron. As Shadow Kaneshiro rose, he came face to face with Yumeko, who stood over him with a crazed look scared the wits out of the fly man.
"You've gambled with the wrong player, fly boy," Yumeko knelt down; her red eyes stared into Shadow Kaneshiro's frightened eyeballs.
Shadow Kaneshiro quickly backed off as Yumeko prepared to blast him with flames. Shadow Kaneshiro turned to run away, but Yumeko's Nine Tails fired blasts that obliterated him.
"Game over, piggy," Yumeko purred with delight. She turned around, giving a cat-like face that creeped out Noir and Louis. "Well, we're done here! Let's look for Sion and Hifumi!"
Noir chuckled nervously. "Yes, let's go and find them, won't we?"
Louis nodded. "Yeah, let's do that." He turned to Noir, who giggled and blushed looking at him. "Hmm?"
"Come. Let's find the others," Noir suggested as she, Yumeko, and Louis left to find their friends.
On the northern side outside of the Alamo, Panther, Skull, Mona, and Mia faced against Shadow Kamoshida. Behind their foe are two Namahage wielding dual hatchets, but they are dark gray-skinned and lacked the straw capes from their blue-skinned variants, they wore crimson light armor.
Panther and Skull teamed up against the first Namahage. Mona and Mia went against the other one.
"Take 'em down, guys!" Mona shouted.
Mia manifested a long scorpion-like tail, which is her Type Stinger Blood Veil. She dodged the Namahage's attack and shot her tail forward, stabbing the Namahage's neck.
"Whoa, nice! Keep him neutralized, Mia!" Mona cried out, taking out and piercing the Namahage with his scimitar.
The anthropomorphic cat then slashed upward and cut through the Namahage.
"Here I go!" Mia shouted, wrapping her scorpion-like tail around the Namahage's neck and snapping it. She then manifested a bayonet doubling as a rifle and blasted the Namahage's face with it. She fired a few more shots into the Namahage.
Mona then used his scimitar to stab the Namahage's neck, delivering the killing blow.
"Nice work, Mona!" Mia cheered him.
Mona proudly took in the praise. "Heh, isn't it almost scary how good I am?!"
Mia blinked, unable to hear him between all the fighting going on. "What did you say?!"
Mona sighed. "Nothing."
Mona and Mia watched Panther and Skull taking it to the other Namahage. Panther and Skull utilized their weapons with precision and struck the Namahage's critical points. The Namahage tried fighting back. Panther cast fire magic to wear the Namahage down. This allowed Skull to use Charge to boost his physical attacks. Skull clobbered the Namahage until it collapsed. The two Phantom Thieves made short work of the Namahage as they rejoined Mona and Mia.
Shadow Kamoshida stepped forward to confront the three Phantom Thieves and the female Revenant.
"I'd give my congratulations taking out my servants, but they were fodder. Now you face a real challenge!" Shadow Kamoshida gave a sick smile, turning his sights on Panther and Skull. "Oh yeah, I'm gonna make short work of you two especially."
Skull scoffed. "Why don't ya bite me, asshole?!"
Panther scowled. "I'm so ending you and afterwards hope to never see your face!"
Mona warned. "Be careful, just because we're stronger than him doesn't mean he hasn't found a new trick or two up his sleeve."
Shadow Kamoshida cackled. "Let's see if you remember this!" He quickly transformed into his giant Asmodeus form.
"Ugh, I definitely remember blocking this disgusting form out of my mind," Panther squicked at Shadow Kamoshida's disgusting giant form.
"Get ready! He's coming at us!" Mona called out.
Shadow Kamoshida launched his first attack: Volleyball Assault. The four heroes evaded Shadow Kamoshida's attack. Mia shot her metallic stinger at Shadow Kamoshida, who countered with Golden Knife. Mia was knocked away and injured by Shadow Kamoshida.
In response to Shadow Kamoshida going giant, Panther, Skull, and Mona summoned their Ultimate Personas: Hecate, Seiten Taisei, and Mercurius.
"Heal her, Hecate!" Panther beckoned her Persona to use Dia to heal Mia.
"Thanks!" Mia said.
"Take this, asshole!" Skull yelled out as Seitei Taisei executed Lunge and blasted Shadow Kamoshida with Ziodyne.
Mona quickly sent Mercurius used Garudyne to critically damage Shadow Kamoshida.
"Damn you! Now, I'm gonna lick y'all to death!" Shadow Kamoshida shot out his big tongue, which Mia then responded by intercepting and shooting her long metallic stinger.
As the stinger pierced the creature's tongue, Mia pulled and ripped it out with force. Shadow Kamoshida wailed loudly in pain as blood squirted out from his torn tongue.
"Ugh, gross," Panther squicked.
"Quick before he recovers! All-out Attack!" Mona shouted.
The four quickly struck Shadow Kamoshida hard with their All-Out Attack. While doing so, Mona knocked off the 'King's' crown. Shadow Kamoshida then collapsed and shrank down to normal.
"There's so many ways I want to pay you back for all you've done, but you're not worth it," Panther said to the Shadow.
"Yep, remember this ass whoopin' we gave you," Skull scoffed.
Shadow Kamoshida lowered his head and conceded in defeat. His body quickly dissolved to black dust.
"We need to get moving, guys. Who knows if the others are still caught up in their battles with the other Shadows," Mona said.
"Lead the way, Mona," Mia nodded.
(End theme)
(Cue Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance OST - It Has To Be This Way)
On the western side outside of the Alamo, Joker, Sion, Queen, and Crow faced against Shadow Shido. Shadow Shido already transformed into his initial Samael form. The general uniformed man managed to withstand to attacks from the group. Joker's Horus Persona was taken out rather quickly by Shadow Shido.
Queen and Sion both rushed Shadow Shido. Shadow Shido threw a big punch at them. Queen and Sion evaded Shadow Shido. Queen landed a flurry of punches all over Shadow Shido. She then kicked him. Sion jumped over and landed behind Shadow Shido. Sion unleashed a heavy punch into Shadow Shido's back. Shadow Shido attempted to grab them, but Queen and Sion sprang back evading his reach.
As they faced off against Shadow Shido, Queen and Sion both panted hard.
Sion sardonically teased. "What's wrong? Feeling tuckered out, 'Queen' Badass?"
Queen smirked as she dryly replied. "Hey, you're panting, too. Don't act high and mighty."
Shadow Shido chortled, eyeing Joker first. "How appropriate we face each other again, Amamiya Ren." He veered to each party member. "But you four are way over your heads if you think you can best me."
Queen fiercely retorted. "You love hearing yourself talk, don't you?"
"Well, what are you waiting for? Come at me again if you can!" Shadow Shido beckoned them to attack. "Perhaps you!" He quickly shifted his focus toward Sion and headed him off with a Tyrant's Fist.
"Sion, look out!" Joker called out as he hastily sent his Seth Persona to stop Shadow Shido.
Seeing Seth heading toward him, Shadow Shido turned his Tyrant's Fist on Joker's Persona and blasted it into bits. Sion seized advantage of this quick distraction and lunged forward, landing a straight cross to Shadow Shido's face. The impact of Sion's fist cracked open Shadow Shido's horned helmet. Shadow Shido snarled and went for a Tyrant's Fist, but Crow sent his Robin Hood Persona to attack Shadow Shido with Megidola. Shadow Shido punched Crow's Persona and knocked it down.
As Shadow Shido turned, Sion punched his chest and broke his armor. Shadow Shido went for a Tyrant's Fist. Sion dodged and punched him. Shadow Shido crossed both arms, taking Sion's punch. Shadow Shido quickly ripped up chunks of concrete from the ground and jumped up, throwing the chunks of debris at Sion. Sion zipped away avoiding getting crushed by the debris. He grabbed another pile of debris he ripped off the ground and tossed it at Sion. Sion jumped up to catch and fired a blast that obliterated the giant ball of debris.
Shadow Shido grinned evilly. "I commend you, boy." He addressed Sion, who held his ground against him. "You're able to hold your own against me, but…" He focused hard as a bright aura engulfed him, changing him into his True Samael form.
As Shadow Shido prepared to attack, a white ray of light slammed into the earth. Everyone paused and turned toward the light as Hifumi emerged with Janomecho.
"Hifumi!" Joker yelled.
Sion turned toward the Shogi player. "How did you get here and find us?"
"You can thank Futaba-chan," Hifumi replied. "I'm thankful to see you're ok, Sion."
Shadow Shido scoffed, scanning each of party member. "Hmph, another challenger steps forward?" He eyed Sion, Joker, and Hifumi. "This should be quite interesting. I wonder what will happen when a dinosaur, a hydra, and a moth fights a lion like myself."
"You've talked enough," Joker scoffed, summoning Ultimate Persona: Satanael.
Hifumi prepared Janomecho for battle against an actual challenging boss unlike the Yokais she's been dealing with. Queen summoned her Ultimate Persona: Anat. The Anat Persona then alternated into motorcycle mode for Queen to ride on. Crow readied Robin Hood.
"It's time we put an end to this farce of a battle!" Shadow Shido roared and unleashed Maragidyne. He cast flames that caused the group to spread out. He turned to his right and fired a Maziodyne at Queen, who dodged by riding away on Anat. "Hold still!" He spun around and fired Mabufudyne, sending ice blasts at Crow, who ended up getting caught in ice. "Heh, one down." He turned and unleashed Magarudyne, utilizing a powerful wind attack that knocked Queen and Anat back. He swiftly rushed toward Queen and went for a Tyrant's Fist.
Just then, Sion ran up behind and elbowed Shadow Shido's back. Shadow Shido turned around and blasted Sion back with Deathbound.
"Sion!" Hifumi cried out as she resonated with Janomecho. She conjured her spear and charged toward Shadow Shido.
Shadow Shido lobbed Mabufudyne ice blasts at Hifumi, who elegantly dodged every attack coming her way. Hifumi jumped over a fiery blast cast by True Samael. Hifumi swung down her spear hard enough to send a wind attack, which dealt some damage to Shadow Shido. However, True Samael reached out and grabbed Hifumi's spear, tugging her forward.
"HIFUMI!" Joker and Sion yelled out together.
As Joker sent Satanael to save Hifumi, Sion already beat the Phantom Thief leader to the punch. The Revenant hit Shadow Shido with a shoulder tackle, forcing him to let Hifumi go. Shadow Shido seized Sion's arm. A twisted grin adorned Shadow Shido's face.
"There's absolutely no way I'll lose to a freak like you!" Shadow Shido gnashed his teeth hard.
Making the save, Hifumi raised her spear and summoned Shogi-like pieces. The pieces formed a circle around Shadow Shido and closed him in. Shadow Shido turned around, shooting an incensed glare toward Hifumi. Not one to be deterred by the enemy's gaze, Hifumi activated her Shogi pieces' secondary ability. The pieces formed and unleashed a tornado-like vortex that dealt continuous damage to Shadow Shido.
As the pieces vanished, Shadow Shido stumbled around looking worse for wear. Queen drove Anat toward Shadow Shido and blasted him with Mafreila. Following Queen's attack, Joker sent Satanael. Satanael fired Riot Gun, taking out a huge chunk of Shadow Shido's health. Shadow Shido stumbled back disoriented from their attacks.
Hifumi used Janomecho's spiritual essence to break Crow out of his ice imprisonment.
"I think we got him, Hifumi," Sion said.
"That's good," Hifumi nodded.
Shadow Shido's body started to break down and shrink, losing most of his muscular mass. The last shot from Satanael dealt a critical blow to him. He panted hard as his adversaries crowded near him.
"Consider this victory, however small… yours…" Shadow Shido chortled darkly. "But remember… the entity with the power akin to Yaldabaoth awaits you out there…"
Joker demanded. "Who is he?"
Queen frowned. "Or, what is it?"
"You'll find out in due time, Phantom Thieves… enjoy this victory of yours…" Shadow Shido smirked. "All I can say is his personality and viewpoints are similar to my own… perhaps you'll learn a thing or two from him better than from me."
Crow muttered. "What?"
After leaving his last vague message, Shadow Shido's body dissolved into black dust. The last of the four Shadows ceased completely, leaving Joker and his cohorts to speculate over Shadow Shido's warning about another enemy waiting them in their reality.
Hifumi wondered. "Who is he referring to? Someone we've yet to meet?"
Sion shrugged. "I wish I knew."
Queen deduced. "Someone like Yaldabaoth, but it can't be him? Who else could have a power like that monster?"
Just then, they heard a loud commotion and explosions from within the Alamo. They set their sights toward the location where a battle commenced against Maria.
"We'll think about what Shido said later. There's still one more to deal with," Joker said.
(End theme)
The party members reconvened. Nekomata decided two groups should go into the Alamo to find Maria. Mia, Crow, Skull, Mona, Fox, Oracle, and Yakumo would be one group. Joker would take lead of Sion, Hifumi, Panther, Queen, Noir, Louis, and Yumeko.
The two large parties went their separate ways.
After scouring through enough of the Alamo's eastern vicinity, Mona's group were the unfortunate ones to find Maria first. Maria stood up and took out her rapier.
"How lucky you've been able to find me, children," Maria chortled. "If you're all here, then you defeated the four Shadows. Congratulations. However, your streak of good luck ends here. By my sword!" She declared.
Mona warned his group. "Don't let your guard's down, everyone."
Nekomata appeared. "Yes, good advice, young kitten. You all may have her outnumbered, but she's single handedly defeated groups stronger than herself."
"Then, she's about to learn we're no pushovers!" Skull boasted.
Oracle summoned Prometheus and entered her Persona.
"Ok, defenses up for everyone!" Oracle announced, powering her team's defenses.
"Oh, I'm sorry, children. I neglected to tell you, but I'm not your opponent," Maria shook her head.
"What?!" Fox exclaimed.
"So, you're going to run away?!" Mona chided her.
"No, but you will be fighting this," Maria raised her rapier as a pillar of blue light materialized behind her. "Come forth Invading Executioner!"
(Cue CRISIS OST - Hiroyuki Sawano - fire9d)
With that, the Spanish woman brought forth a thirteen-foot tall half-naked blue green-skinned female humanoid. The giantess wore revealing black armor that covered half of her body. She wore long greenish blue hair tied in long pigtails. The features of this Lost's face had one yellow left eye. The Lost was seen carrying a giant weapon resembling a scythe.
"Whoa…" Skull gaped in shock at the giantess.
"It's a Lost!" Mia hissed, readying her metallic stinger.
Yakumo growled, instinctively raring to fight and tear the Lost into pieces.
"Whoa! That thing looks like Hatsune Miku!" Oracle observed, taking note of the Invading Executioner's pig-tailed hairstyle being similar to the aforementioned vocaloid.
"Well, a cross between Miku and a stripper model," Fox mentioned.
"I don't know who this Hatsune Miku is, but let's get serious here," Mia suggested.
"Seems you're other friends are here, too," Maria sensed the presence of Joker and his party. "I should attend to them now, but have fun with your public Executioner!" With that, she vanished into thin air.
"Hey, get back here!" Skull called out after her, but the Invading Executioner swung down her scythe, cutting him off from the pass. "Shit!"
"Ryuji!" Oracle called out.
"Joker and the others should be able to handle her! Let's focus our resources against this thing!" Mona stated.
"And we're here to now to assist," Mia added.
"Get ready because here it comes for an attack!" Fox alarmed them.
The Invading Executioner charged at the group. As it swung down its scythe, Oracle boosted her friends' defenses and speed. They quickly evaded the Invading Executioner's attack. Mona summoned Mercurius and sent his Persona to engage the Invading Executioner. Mercurius landed a Lucky Punch and knocked back the Invading Executioner. The scythe-wielder responded by sliding down on its knees and stabbing Mercurius.
Skull, Fox, and Crow summoned their Ultimate Personas. Skull sent Seiten Taisei, who struck the Invading Executioner with a Swift Strike. Crow's Robin Hood attacked the Invading Executioner, but the scythe-wielding Lost guarded with its weapon. Fox sent Kamu Susano-o to save Robin Hood and dealt a Vicious Strike to the Executioner.
While the four Personas held off the Invading Executioner, Mia and Yakumo went in. The Revenants slashed and blasted at the Lost's tall slender legs. Mia shoved her metallic stinger through the Invading Executioner's right leg, taking it down to one knee. Yakumo's Type Hound Blood Veil manifested into two wolf-like heads that tore into the Invading Executioner. The Invading Executioner quickly slammed her scythe down and jumped up to perform a pole-like dance while spinning and kicking away the Personas, Mia, and Yakumo.
"This is gonna be a problem," Mona said. "Go! All-out Attack!"
The Phantom Thieves swiftly attacked the Invading Executioner. The Invading Executioner swung its scythe again, but was attacked from behind by Yakumo's sword and Mia's stinger. Skull blasted the Invading Executioner with Ziodyne to temporarily stun it. Fox then cast Mabufudyne to freeze and seal the giantess's feet. Unable to move and use another pole dance attack, the Phantom Thieves unleashed another All-out Attack to take down the Invading Executioner.
"Bonafied Mona-fied!" Oracle cried.
"Yep, that'll do," Mona said as the Invading Executioner fell and dissolved.
(End theme)
(Cue Bloodborne DLC OST - Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower)
Joker and his group were surprise attacked by Maria, who came at them fast. The Spanish woman used her rapier to parry and defend herself against the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Compulsive Gambler.
"Not bad. You children fight well, but I will bring you a quick defeat!" Maria declared, readying her next attack.
"Damn, she's fast! I couldn't even keep up!" Panther cursed.
"Indeed, this is going to be problematic for us," Hifumi stated.
"Don't give up," Sion rallied everyone together. "If we can drag this out, she'll tire out and slow down."
Queen ran at Maria. "We're not falling to you!" She roared and punched at Maria, who guarded against Queen's fist with her rapier. Maria shoved Queen back and sent her flying into Sion's arms. "Gee, thanks."
"You're welcome, Makokins."
"That nickname is really going to stick with me, is it?"
Joker took out his Sandhawk and fired at Maria, but the Spanish woman stopped the bullets. She sliced and diced each bullet. Panther used her Electromagnetic whip to catch and stun Maria. Maria dodged the whip. Noir took out and fired with her Replica Revolver. Maria dodged and cut up any bullet coming her way.
"Great, so she dodges bullets. Louis, give me a hand!" Sion yelled as he charged at Maria.
Louis took out his sword and attacked Maria with it. Maria countered with her rapier. Sion quickly came up on Maria's left side and went for a punch. Maria jumped up, avoiding a potentially deadly blow. Maria quickly opened fire from mid-air, causing the two Revenants to move away from the rain of bullets.
Joker summoned his Mother Harlot Persona. As he sent Mother Harlot to attack Maria, the Spanish woman invoked the power of Amrita to stop Mother Harlot from attacking her. She quickly nullified the Persona and phased behind Joker. The Phantom Thief turned to shoot, but Maria slashed at him.
"Joker!" Louis yelled out. He and Sion went to attack Maria again, but she stopped them with Amrita.
"Ren!" Panther headed over and tended to her boyfriend, who covered up the slash wound on his shoulder.
"I'll be ok…"
"Yeah right, you're wounded, Ren!" The red leather garbed catwoman shouted with concern.
"I've got enough to summon another Persona," Joker said as he conjured Cybele.
Queen and Noir backed up Joker's Cybele by summoning their Ultimate Personas. Queen hopped on Anat as it converted into motorbike mode. Noir's Astarte clashed with Maria, who defended with her Amrita.
"Hold on, Ren," Panther said, summoning Hecate and used Diarahan to heal Joker.
"Yeah, that hits the spot. Thanks, Ann."
Meanwhile, Maria fought Cybele and Astarte off. Leaving herself unguarded, Maria was struck by Queen's Anat. Maria flew back and took some damage from Queen's Persona.
"Finally! About time one of us got a hit on her!" Panther yelled out.
"She's getting right up!" Noir pointed out.
Setting her sights on the Spanish woman, Yumeko evilly grinned as her red eyes flared.
"My turn," Yumeko chuckled sadistically.
Then, large black nine-tails burst out behind the gambler and engulfed her for a dark transformation sequence. The dark Yokai energy is cleared and revealed a large black furred kitsune with red eyes, long white hair, red linings across her black nine tails, thin front arms between her head and front legs, and bearing sharp canine teeth. Yumeko has became a legendary Yokai that Yodo-gimi used back when she fought William and Yukimura, the Nine-Tailed Fox (九尾狐).
The four Phantom Thieves, Hifumi, Sion, and Louis are surprised of seeing this. The Nine-Tailed Fox lets out a loud roar to intimidate the fearless Maria.
"Yumeko…?!" Sion was taken aback by the Compulsive Gambler's Yokai transformation.
"No way, she's actually turned into the Nine-Tailed Fox!" Queen was flabbergasted.
Hifumi watched in shock. "Yumeko… I hope you know what you're going."
"I think we best step back," Panther suggested.
To the surprise of the group, Maria stood calmly and faced off against the Nine-Tailed Fox. The Nine-Tailed Fox roared and charged at Maria. The nine-tailed beast swung its tails and fired red fiery blasts at Maria. The Spanish woman dodged and used her Amrita to defend. The Nine-Tailed Fox's front most tails shot forward and pierced the earth in front of Maria, knocking her back.
Hifumi saw an opening to attack. She summoned Janomecho, which unleashed a wind attack to blow away Maria. The Shogi player didn't stop as she conjured up Shogi pieces that surrounded Maria and trapped her in a tornado-like vortex. Maria was on the receiving end up continuous blows being trapped in the vortex. As the Shogi pieces dispersed, Maria fell out somewhat disoriented.
"Now or never! All-out Attack!" Joker called out as he and the Phantom Thieves quickly pummeled Maria.
After taking an All-out Attack, Sion and Louis took turns punching and slashing Maria. Sion punched Maria back, sending her out of the Alamo.
"Remember the Alamo!" Some bystander yelled out, who slipped away having gotten his five second moment of glory.
"Um, ok?" Queen blinked in confusion. She shrugged. "Eh, who cares."
As Maria stood almost ready to strike back, she found herself surrounded by the Phantom Thieves pointing their guns at her. Sion and Louis stood poised to strike. Hifumi still had Janomecho summoned. Yumeko, who turned back to normal, had her Nine Tails flaring with fiery red lights.
(End theme)
"It's over. Give up," Joker sternly said, preparing to pull his gun's trigger.
Chuckling, Maria raised her hands. "Well done, young heroes. You've won my respect with your tenacity. I concede."
Panther scoffed. "That easily?"
Just then, Nekomata appeared.
"Indeed, my friends. You've shown her that even across time, there are warriors who can hold their ground and last in battle against her." Nekomata informed the group. "The fact she's conceded is proof you've earned her respect."
Yumeko chuckled. "It has to be because I kicked her butt."
Hifumi sighed. "We all pitched in, Yumeko."
"So, what will you do now?" Sion asked the Spanish woman.
"Seeing I was beaten, I will be making my leave," Maria stated as a time stream opened up behind her. "Oh, and you'll all be waking up very soon. Consider this a warm-up for the coming battle against the dark entity that brought me here and revived your old enemies." She took off her hat and bowed. "Farewell, my worthy opponents. Should we cross paths again, may our battle be something to be remembered in the history books."
With that, Maria hopped into the time stream and returned to her time.
(Cue Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance Music ~ SOMEDAY -Kingdom Mix-)
"Hey, guys! Looks like y'all totally kicked her ass!" Skull called out from afar.
"Great job, guys!" Mona cried out.
Joker's group immediately reconvened with the others. Sion and Louis regrouped with Mia and Yakumo.
"She said you'd be waking up soon, Sion," Louis reminded him.
"Which means…" Mia realized, looking sad.
"We'll be gone," Yakumo said.
"It was good to see you guys, even if you're just the cognitive versions of my friends," Sion hugged each of them.
Mia smiled softly. "Just think of us again and maybe we'll reappear in your dreams."
"Everyone, this whole place is fading away," Fox looked around as the distorted version of San Antonio turned back to normal.
Each Phantom Thief started to disappear, a sign that they were waking up from their sleep. Sion watched as his Revenant friends vanished.
"We'll see each other again, my friends," Sion said as Hifumi patted his shoulder.
"We're leaving, Sion. Time for us to wake up," the Shogi player whispered.
"Time for us to find the enemy Shido and Maria warned us about," Joker said as he and Mona were the last ones to wake up.
(End theme)
"Since we're waking up, we already arrived at the site of Osaka Castle. Upon sensing the energy within, we're now here in some distorted area that looked like Osaka. I'm going to learn in-depth of my past and the truth of this mess."
(Cue Hans Zimmer - Time)
A/N: Enjoying this one? The dream versions of Akechi and Sion's comrades are here in helping the heroes in facing Maria from the Nioh DLCs and clones of the Phantom Thieves' past villains.
With this story release in 2018, it's the tenth anniversary of the Twilight movie. Of course, this fanfic is wwwaaayyy enjoyable than Twilight, as Hifumi made fun of it back in Ch. 2. :P Written in fanfic, there are many reasons why vampires appear a lot in literature and are popular to female readers. Also, it's the tenth anniversary of Kamen Rider Kiva. Oh man, I remember watching it in my high school years. With the vampire theme from Kiva, I can compare the lead Rider to Sion. It relates better since there are a lot of Kamen Rider references in Persona 5. I look at Makoto's wiki page that she shared her first name with Makoto Fukami (Kamen Rider Ghost). 'Phantom' Thieves are like ghosts, so it's like phantom/Makoto/Kamen Rider Ghost vs. vampire/Sion/Kamen Rider Kiva. At one point, I would just have Nioh, Persona, and Code Vein for the PV continuity as representing the past, present, and future respectively; but I add Kakegurui to the mix for more blend in modern society of gamblers at the same age group as the Phantom Thieves with conflicting viewpoints, and don't want too many OCs. Of course when I mention 'elements' of Kakegurui and Nioh, they are mainly guests and don't play major roles except a few, showing the mega crossover aspects are downplayed and mainly focused on Persona 5 and Code Vein.
I felt I owe readers an apology of writing this story lately. The final three chapters were originally intend to be release after September 2018 for Code Vein's release (And initially would have taken place after the game), until with so much positive feedback from players (Alongside major releases this September in fear of competition) that pushed the game back to 2019. This obviously reminds me of specific anime shows overtook the manga source material. It reminds of how Nioh was initially going to be release in 2016, till it was pushed back to February 2017. One of the main reasons for PV is not only posted the first Code Vein-related fanfic to promote the game's release since I did see fanart and cosplays, but a chance in getting notice in the Persona fandom in general (Especially playing Persona 5 as one major thing that changed my outlook for the better since it's set in Tokyo unlike past games that were set in fictional locations). Something I wanted to show uniqueness to the table.
To answer some readers like Kanius about the concern of why the other Thieves mention how long are Ren/Ann are together felt a bit OOC in Ch. 1. It's not my intention to feel OOC, I mainly based on how to fit the Canon experiences back in the video game (which there are ship teases to other girls like Makoto) in following the main storyline, and the ending showed the road trip without any official couple(s) like past Persona games. After the Canon ending without any interferences, I began having Ren and Ann pair up between P5 and this fanfic. Looking back of Ren said "Yo, peeps.", I cringed and regret writing it, I thought initially back in the official game he started off as reserved, but grew confident overtime, and by the time his criminal record is removed and being free, he's more casual. I could compare the first chapter being the weakest due to being 'the first chapter in general' to the first few episodes of P5: Animation (Due to animation errors) in hindsight when I released Ch. 3 back in April.
I look back at my growth as a content creator. When I did Guilty Crown related fanfics during my college years in spare time, it felt like a Deconstruction, something that back then, I wanted to make my fanworks enjoyable than the original source material (and crossover with other works for getting accepted, just like how an unpopular high school student want acceptance), and it's understandable due to the anime's mixed reception (But I remember loving the music and the English dub). Shinnen:New Year despite being a non-canon mega crossover parody fic for Guilty Crown (Unlike the canon fic of GC: Lost Kingdoms as an AU retelling crossover with Madoka Magica and YuYuGiDigiMoon, which looking back despite a few decent concepts (Like giving Yuu an origin unlike his canon self.), felt 'restricted' to YYGDM's rules and holding back actual enjoyment in the long run.), is one of the best and enjoyable fanfics when I co-authored with Kanius such as parts he gotten the chance to do (Example, his characters from his Digimon Fusion Kai series meet the Dragon Ball cast (And that's before Super became prominent)). For Persona 5 related fanfics, since I graduated few years ago, it felt like a Reconstruction of why we love good fanfics and fanworks in general in the first place in why we first came to the online world in general in growing up, slowly fixing the past fan mistakes, alongside tackling current challenges in the real world. Not to mention it is set closest to real-life modern times instead of a fantasy speculative sci-fi and so. I see that there are some people compare Code Vein to Guilty Crown in some aspects, except I can tell that Code Vein will be much more enjoyable.
-GCLK was conceptualized to celebrate YYGDM's 10th anniversary (2013), while PV was conceptualized to celebrate the upcoming 15th anniversary (2018) for YYGDM.
Another main reason is for my friend, Kanius, to get into the franchise since his growing interest of P5 (alongside Chaosblazer and JNaegi). He once mentioned to me back in 2017, "maybe I'll get involved in a new fandom that inspires new ideas". The more I think of it, and seeing after many years of him writing long-time fanfics that are Shonen in nature as an elite fanfic author, I'm encouraged him to write something different since I first uploaded Persona Vein. I know his writing skills are great to impress readers both old and new, knowing he's an English major as one thing (While I'm an Economics major). With so much lore going on, Code Vein being an Anime Dark Souls since Kanius is a big anime fan, and my personal enjoyment, I consulted him of a planned sequel (and counts as the series finale). PV as an OVA fic with six chapters fully written by me (The Intermission that's canon written by Kanius doesn't count since it was originally written in another fanfic of his) is a prelude of what's to come. The untitled PV sequel will expand much more that'll be fully written by Kanius (Such as the title being come up by himself as his own story), with chapter releases/list that tie-in to the chapter releases/list (Up to its semi-final chapter, because the final chapter/epilogue will be set in Neo-Crystal Tokyo.) of the series finale of his YuYuGiDigiMoon franchise called Wrath of the Defiants. This is like a planned Digimon project that's likely to be a sequel to Adventure tri. PV is compared to Persona 5: The Animation – The Day Breakers, while the untitled sequel is compared to Persona 5: The Animation. Originally, the sequel would have been set in Kanius's Character Corner continuity as its series epilogue and a separate non-canon work, but it is changed and rewritten to be canon in the PV-18 continuity (Though the Character Corner aspects will be seen as part of 'urban myths'/guest characters (To not make the whole story go overboard) in keeping its series epilogue and become a Fully Absorbed Finale.). Because of this, this is his sole opportunity and last chance to do something different in fandom before his transition to official writing in novels. In fact, the untitled PV sequel can serve for Kanius to hone his official writing skills much early, and is envisioned as an early draft of a novel series. Despite he's already writing a draft of his debut novel (With one of his friends named Max Acorn will published his first book by August 21st), and with ideas/concepts/links of marketing we discuss on mails, we realize to get a head start early like other gifted (and well respected) content creators to not just work hard, but "fight smarter not harder".
Digimon Fusion/Fusion Kai's term is Digital Ascendancy. YuYuGiDigiMoon's term is the Apex of Heroes. Persona Vein's term as Akane no Mai besides the red motifs for the Phantom Thieves and Revenants, it also relates to Kakegurui's school uniforms and Nioh's bloodshed conflicts for all four series sharing the red color meaning.
-If I compare and contrast YuYuGiDigiMoon (YYGDM-01) and Persona Vein (PV-18). Both have four franchises with comparing each one (Persona - Digimon/Sailor Moon, Code Vein - Guilty Crown: The Lost Kingdoms, Nioh - Yu Yu Hakusho, and Kakegurui - Yu-Gi-Oh!). Differences: -YYGDM embraces the mega crossover aspect, while PV downplayed it.
-YYGDM is Shonen in nature and rated T-Teen, while PV isn't and rated M-Mature.
-YYGDM focuses the character growth as superheroes, while PV focuses the character growth as civilians (In what Kanius said to me that they are supposed to be more relatable).
-While YYGDM goes for the AU path prominently in later stories (Such as some Yu-Gi-Oh! Canon events never happened like Bonds Beyond Time (Alongside Jaden never dueled with Yugi in the final episode of GX), Digimon Adventure tri. never existed, Sailor Pluto has an evil twin sister, The Egyptian God Cards are related to Sailor Galaxia and Apophis, and the Senshis' family ancestry are Greek Myth Figures), PV felt the closest to official canon despite having AU traits (Such as Persona using couples, combined traits of the game and the anime, and Disneyland exist instead of Destinyland. Kakegurui's anime/manga is ongoing, thus why the series doesn't play a major role overall. If I imagine the Code Vein cast exist in modern times, it's likely some kind of a 'reboot' to exist there, you'll find out in the final chapter.).
-Both have specific groups of same Mon franchise that play major roles (YYGDM - Digimon Tamers/Frontier and PV - Persona 5), while the rest appear as guests/cameos (YYGDM - Digimon Adventure/02/Data Squad and PV - Persona 1/2/3/4). However, YYGDM has the five Digiteams meet like typical fanfics, while PV does not/will not have the Thieves meet the other Persona users in their fanfic setting (Only canon crossover events in official works are used, such as the P3 and P4 cast met in P4 Arena).
-YYGDM used a lot of fan OCs, while PV has less (Despite Sion (and other players with their customized characters) being an OC, he's still count as a Canon character as well).
-Finally, YYGDM is made around the time of Kanius's early days of fanfics in the early 2000s, while PV is made for the author's final days in the late 2010s.
Darkblight even said to me in PM: It's great that you have planned your universe throughout your writing process while encouraging your friend to write too. The world is getting dreary without artistic and talented writers like you to fill the void of those who stopped writing, those who died and those who mysteriously disappeared. In fact, this site needs more quality writers like you to encourage more readers and writers to follow suite.
See you in the fourth chapter when it comes out!