Dave felt himself being shaken. How long had he been out? Was everything a dream, and was he still dead?
He opened his eyes and saw Jade with a hand on his shoulder, with John and Rose standing behind her. Jade gasped when she saw Dave's eyes open. "Oh, thank God! I was worried we were going to lose you for a second there..."
Dave blinked and looked around, finding himself in his own room. He supposed that they brought him here and not to a hospital because of the oddity of their situation.
"Jade's hardly left your side for days." Rose said, smiling.
"Days? How long was I out?" Dave asked.
John flipped out his phone and checked the date. "It's April 15th, so... two days. We were about to take you to a hospital."
"When you summoned Orpheus and stopped Hemera, it must have drained a lot from you." Jade reasoned. "It was incredible, Dave."
"I know, I was there." Dave responded, smirking and reaching to his bedside table, grabbing his shades and placing them on his face. "So? Is everything alright now?"
Rose walked over to a window and smiled. "Take a look for yourself." She said, pulling away the curtains. The full moon was as clear as day in the night sky, the sight of which made Dave oddly comfortable. The endless dawn was over, then.
"And what's the media's reaction to all this?" Dave asked.
"Well, with everything returning to normal so fast, there's been tons of theories so far. Some foreign psychological weapon, just a plain unexplainable supernatural occurrence... Some of the theories are completely ridiculous. But... with no definite explanation, people are still kinda scared. Hopefully this'll just go down as one of those happenings that will never be explained." John answered.
Dave nodded. "Regardless, everyone should be kissing our asses for all that we did."
"But they'll never know." Rose stated, sighing slightly. "I suppose attention for all of this would be nice, but having saved every person on the planet... it's a bit humbling."
"It is, and it's nice." Jade replied, smiling. "And our reward is returning to a normal life, right?"
"After all that? I doubt it." Dave answered. "I don't think I'm going to see things the same ever again. Regardless, I never thought I'd say this; I can't wait to just get back to school."
"Just in time, too. Summer vacation's almost here! The seniors are already excused from school since graduation's so near." John mentioned.
"Oh yeah? Is that why the others aren't here?" Dave asked.
"They left a note." Rose said. "It's downstairs. Can you walk?"
Dave nodded and got out of bed, stretching. "Yeah, I can walk. I was comatose, not crippled."
Rose rolled her eyes and headed downstairs with the others, leading Dave to the note left behind by Roxy and the others. Dave took the paper and read it aloud.
"Dear Dave. While John, Jade and Rose are freaking out about you still being asleep, we have all the confidence in the world that you'll be alright. You took down a vengeful sun god; what's a little nap to you? But you deserve a rest. When you wake up, be sure to eat plenty and treat yourself. You've earned it.
"We decided to get away for a little while since we're off of school before graduation. We haven't had time to properly mourn Dirk and we figured the best way to cope would be to just get away for a while to spend time with each other and remind ourselves why we were so close in the first place. We're not sure where we're going, but when we find out, you'll all be the first ones to get postcards!
"It's been great fun standing behind you in solving this adventure, and we're proud of you for rising up to the challenge! This last year has been fantastic, and it's all thanks to you and the others.
"Wishing you a good rest-of-the-school year, Jane, Roxy, Jake."
"I really don't blame them. It was hard for us to lose Dirk, but for them..." Jade started.
"I know." Dave replied, nodding. "They have a good point though, I'm starving. Feels like I haven't eaten in two days."
Jade laughed and made her way to the pantry. "Alright, smart guy. I may not be Jane but I can still whip something good up."
Dave smiled and took a seat, ready to get back to the normal life at last.
It felt almost surreal to be back to normal. After such a trying ordeal, it was hard to adjust back to not having to fight for their lives.
Sitting with Jade on the couch and watching TV was a good start though.
"Man... I know I slept for like, two days, but I can barely keep my eyes open." Dave commented.
Jade tightened her hold on Dave's hand, nuzzling her head against his neck. "Go ahead and take a nap. I won't tell nobody." She said, giggling softly.
Dave shrugged and laid his head back, closing her eyes and drifting into sleep.
At the last moment, Dave felt a familiar tug. It was only apparent what it was when Dave's vision was filled with a familiar shade of blue.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room." Igor said, grinning at Dave. Beside him stood a man clothed in a similar style of clothing as Margaret, and something about him seemed incredibly familiar to Dave.
"Hey, Igor. What's the- wait a minute. Who's your friend?" Dave asked.
Igor's new assistant lifted his hat, revealing his face. Dirk, outfitted in velvet and missing his glasses, looked almost completely different to Dave.
"Dirk? Dude, I thought you were-"
"Dead?" Dirk asked, smiling and putting the large book he was carrying down on Igor's table. "I am. Or, was. It was dark and quiet for a while, but then Philemon tugged me here and offered me a role here. I figured it was better than being dead, and would be a nice way to spend an eternity. I'll be able to observe and help out other Persona users when their time comes, too."
"So this all isn't over? Mojo-Jotep still has a bunch of hidden creatures and stuff bent on destroying everything?" Dave asked.
"Truthfully, it will never be over until one side completely overtakes the other." Responded another familiar voice. Philemon suddenly appeared next to Dave on the couch, waving. "Remember what I said about the collective consciousness of humanity? Well, Hemera was right on a few things. Humanity does, deep down, want its own death. At least some humans do, and that's enough to set these creatures off."
"So what can we do?" Dave asked.
"See, that's the great destiny I'm talking about." Philemon answered, standing and walking around. Igor kept his head down as Philemon was in his presence, mostly out of reverence. "Humanity is imperfect. The ultimate goal is enlightenment, perfection of the human consciousness. When that happens, I will have won the bet, and Nyarlathotep will be defeated. It's a long journey, but it's the journey that's important, is it not?"
Dave nodded, still astounded that this was all being discussed with him. "And you're sure you can't help?"
"Of course I can't. Humanity has to help itself." Philemon replied, turning back to Dave. "You're only as strong as you make yourselves. Darkness in the heart of humanity is a difficult thing to eradicate, but I think that people like you are off to a good start in achieving that destiny, Dave. Your Personas and the Personas of your friends show how powerful you all really are. And I know. I know because..." he began, reaching up at his mask and removing it. Beneath the mask was not another mask this time, but Philemon's face; he looked completely identical to Dave beneath the mask. "Because I am you."
"Me?" Dave asked, completely bewildered.
"You, John, Rose, Jade... Every human. When I speak of the two sides of human consciousness, I speak of myself and Nyarlathotep. We are born of humanity's impulses and desires, after all. It's one huge loop, really, all quite confusing." Philemon explained, donning his mask once more. "Judging by the bewildered look on your face, I should probably stop with all the introspective. Suffice to say, Dave, you have done a very good thing. You have saved humanity from Nyarlathotep's cheating ways, and every human owes you a debt that they will never repay. Don't lose heart, however. You have done what few humans have ever done. You and your friends are among the best that humanity has to offer. Take pride in knowing that your success has ensured the further survival of the human race."
Dave nodded, crossing his arms. "Yeah... I guess that is pretty cool. Being an unknown badass is still being a badass."
"Well said. Alas, I must depart from this wonderful place; Igor, I love what you've done with the decoration; but I do believe Igor has something to show you before it is time for you to leave as well. Farewell, Dave. I am always with you." Philemon concluded, fading away from view in the blink of an eye.
"Don't think I'll ever understand him." Dirk mentioned.
"Yeah, well, maybe we don't have to understand him." Dave replied. "I'm just gonna pay attention to the part about me and the others ensuring the survival of humanity. That part was pretty cool."
"Heh, yeah." Dirk replied with a smile. "It was a good way to spend my last few months."
Dave sighed. "I'm sorry I got you killed, man."
"Don't tell me you're still blaming yourself for that." Dirk said. "If anything, that was my fault. You could have handled yourself, but my protective instincts kicked in. If anything, just know that I've got a pretty sweet gig going here. Being dead ain't all that bad, if that's even what I am any more."
Dave nodded silently.
"Oh yeah, one more thing before Igor takes over. Tell the others that... Well, tell them that I'm alright, and that I'm sorry." Dirk said, referring of course to Jake, Jane, and Roxy. "I acted like an ass while I was there, the least I should do is apologize."
"You got it." Dave agreed with a nod. "Igor?"
Igor smiled and tugged on a rope. The sound of the operatic music in the background faded into that of an electronica track, and the curtains of the booth opened to reveal the entirety of a Velvet Club, complete with tables with lit candles on them. The most surprising part of the reveal, however, was the occupants of the tables; Dave could spy Karkat, Vriska, Gamzee, and all the others. Standing up, he immediately exited the private booth with Igor and Dirk, rushing over to say hello to everyone.
"Hey! Looking good, Dave." Vriska said, waving. Dave noted that they all lacked the grey skin and horns that were associated with their true forms as shadows. "Missed us?"
"Well, I mean... Kinda." Dave replied. "Egbert was real torn up, you know. Misses his lady."
"John deserves a better lady than me, really." Vriska replied. "Lock him and Rose in a room with a bottle of whatever Roxy has hidden around the dorm, she gets crazy when she's drunk. It'll do both of them some good."
"Surprising to hear you say that." Dave mentioned.
"Well, not being alive anymore kinda makes the whole dating thing a little difficult. It's not exactly on my priority list." Vriska said. "I love John, I really do. But it's time for him to let me go."
"I'll let him know." Dave said, turning to the others. Nepeta and Equius waved with a smile. Dave waved back. "So... what's the deal with you guys being here?"
"Well, you know what happened to us. We were shadows given egos, personalities." Karkat replied. "Feelings and emotions, things we were supposed to be made of, not have. But the shadow parts of us died with Hemera, and Philemon decided that we had contributed too much to simply be left to cease to exist."
"A most upstanding gentleman, he is." Equius said.
"So, he gathered all that was human about us and brought us here!" Nepeta explained. "We don't have to worry about Hemera anymore. But he says we're not ready for the real world just yet."
"You mean that you can all come back with us?" Dave asked. "Back to the real world, eventually?"
"Perhaps in time." Terezi explained. "We weren't entirely human, so... there's still a bit of work to be done on us, I imagine."
"We're not complete." Aradia said. "Something like that. So we'll be content with staying here until we're ready to get back to normal. Besides, the music is nice here!"
"It is rather nice." Kanaya said, smiling. "Concerning our resurrection, I am unsure about the details, but I think that in time we will return back to the real world."
"So do I." Feferi said. "And I look forward to seeing everyone again! No matter how long it takes."
Dave smiled at everyone. "You guys be sure to take care of Igor, alright? Dude could use a bit of humor in his life."
Gamzee nodded and gave a thumbs up. "Hey, Dave?"
"Yeah, man?" Dave asked, stepping back towards the booth to take his leave.
"Thanks, bro." Gamzee said simply, a slight smile on his face.
Dave nodded. "It's what we do."
Igor looked to Dave. "The Wheel of Fortune, a neverending cycle of ups and downs. Your friends may have been taken, but they yet remain, simply in another form. And they shall return as the cycle of fortune will demand, yet will leave when the inescapable hand of death comes for everyone in time. Enjoy the time you have with those you cherish while you can, dear guest. Memories are irreplaceable treasures, and each serves to enrich your life. You have earned your right to make more memories with more friends. You have truly been a remarkable guest, and I look forward to seeing you once more."
"Thanks for everything, Nose-man. Igor. Whatever." Dave said, sitting back in his seat.
Igor nodded, gave his signature grin, and waved his hand in the air. Dirk waved goodbye as Dave's vision went to black.
"Dave?" Jade asked, nudging her sleeping boyfriend. "Hey, you've been out for a while. Don't scare me like that!"
"Oh. My bad. Just having a dream. A really good dream." Dave replied, sitting. "What's up?"
"A letter came in for you. It looks important. I think it's from Japan?" she said, handing a black envelope to Dave.
Dave inspected the envelope curiously, turning it around and looking at every detail. On the face of the letter was a group of Japanese characters, written in white. Dave couldn't read them, but beneath the Japanese characters was a logo in English that read 'Kirijo Group'.
"Oh shit, the Kirijo group? They're that big multinational company that makes, like, everything, right?" Dave asked, opening the flap of the envelope.
"Whatcha got there, Dave?" John asked, walking behind the sofa to sneak a peek. Rose did the same, giving in to her more curious side.
"Letter from one of the biggest companies in the world. You know, no big deal." Dave said, taking out the letter from within the envelope to read it aloud.
"Dave Strider,
"It has come to my attention that you have recently been part of an incident that transcended your understanding of reality as you knew it. No doubt you think yourselves to be alone in this ordeal, but rest assured that there are a select few that are witness to this unnatural side of reality.
"You are among the few to have survived an encounter with the creatures we know as shadows; what's more, you have defeated one of great power using your powers alone, with no outside help. This marks you and your friends to be of great interest to my organization. In fact, we seek your help, and the help of those who stood by you.
"No doubt you have had plans on what to do with your life after finishing High School. I believe that with your powers, you are all destined for a much higher calling. I am offering you a chance to seize such a destiny and be a part of something greater. Know that your involvement in these matters of Personas and shadows has already cemented your involvement with these matters, and that they shall be difficult to escape no matter how much you wish to distance yourself from them.
"Should you wish to decline my offer and return to your normal lives, then I understand and offer my congratulations on your victory regardless. Should you ever require our assistance, we are just a phone call away.
"Should you wish to take me up on my offer, you can reach me through the number enclosed at the end of this letter. I look forward to your response and am interested to see how your power will continue to manifest.
"Welcome to the Shadow Operatives.
"-Misturu Kirijo."
Dave closed the letter and looked at everyone else.
"So...what do we do?" John asked.
Dave looked one last time at the number on the letter. "I never wanted to go to college anyway. I think we owe Ms. Kirijo a call."
With that said, Dave smiled at his closest friends, knowing that no matter what trials awaited him, he would always be at home when they were near.
After all, they had already conquered one god. What was a few more?
Notes: I'd just like to thank everyone that has supported me through the writing of this fanfic. When I began this last year, I had never pictured that I'd get this amount of support! It feels odd that I no longer have any Personastuck to write, but rest assured that this isn't the last you'll see from me. I still have ideas to work with concerning Dissidia: Final Fantasy and I still need to finish up my Baldur's Gate story, which may end up being longer than Personastuck itself. Regardless, Personastuck shall always hold a special place in my heart as the first fic I ever actually finished. At last my creativity lasted long enough to motivate me to finish this. And rest assured, I loved writing every word of this. Persona and Homestuck are two of my favorite things, and to see them mesh together so well makes me a very happy fan. If you liked the story, be sure to kudos, comment, or do whatever your little heart desires! Make fanart, send me theories, tell me how stupid I was that Dave was the Fortune Arcana instead of the Hanged Man or something! I love talking about my thought processes and why I put each character in their places, and to see that other people have their own ideas makes me happy. Don't ever be afraid to contact me, I love getting input! You can reach me at .com, should you ever be interested. Also of special note is my hella helpful co-author, purpleHerald. Without you, man, half of this story wouldn't be nearly as great as they turned out to be. Your analytic skills really helped me turn my thoughts into story form, and I have you to thank for being able to finish all this. I hope to work with you again when I start doing other things, and I'm glad that this story has netted me a great friend. Thanks for everything! With that, I'll leave you guys to do whatever you like on the internet. I'd just like to say thanks one last time. The internet is this massive place full of infinite possibility, yet for some reason, you chose to sat down and read a story by some white boy in the south about a bunch of kids who fight their inner demons with their a bunch of multi-religious deities. Man, my catholic great-grandmother would hate me if she ever found this. What I'm trying to say is, thank you; you could have gone anywhere and read anything, and you chose to sit and read this. Your support kept me going and helped me finish all of this. Thanks for all the help, and have a day that is as fantastic as yourselves. -UH