Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition

By Tayla Drago

Episode #148 - Takuto Maruki

What a strange Palace this is, but finding the ruler is next to be a bit. From an upgrade to the Nav on the five's cell phones, the other four of the Metropolis 12 members to be capture, the others living a made up reality to change a lot 'besides Akechi and Keiko's new look and two Personas with Loki in full control thanks to Junko's help'. To finding her brother next and the person who's causing this mess might have something to do with the World War 2 prisoner who's making all of this happen'; from the powers of the real Eternal Pearl was stolen to use both it and Shallow Shard to make this other Metaverse and the real world combined into one to be working. In other words – it's not good at all. But this is nothing for Keiko/Joker, Akechi/Black Crow, Junko/Witch, Kasumi, and Kiwa 'to back them up' enter in the next room. It looks like a waiting in a few stands to open up for the cognitive people were dying to go to and be happy on what's to come for them, like what though? This is getting very weird. The cores they slide down on, they were wires to be connected to the cameras...a lot of them be hanging from above the building.

Kasumi: There are so many people here...This is definitely different from the last time.

Kiwa: When we accidentally can here, it was being made with less people here.

But this time, it must've been updated so fast for the new year to open up more.

Announcement: [Welcome, and thank you for coming, patients. You will be guided to one of our specialty care facilities according to your individual desires. We will assist each and every one of you. Rest assured. Everyone can become happy. Should you have any questions about the facilities, feel free to bring them to our staff members nearby.]

What a weird thing to say of a business things, way too normal.

Kasumi: What a strange announcement. "Become happy"?

Keiko: It sounds like they're forcing them to become happy instead. (I really got a bad feeling about all of this.)

Even there's a heart meter above them to be moving around a lot.

Kasumi: What kind of place IS this?

Akechi: Nothing very happy-like. Joker's right, I don't trust this place one bit.

Going down a bit more and finding out where they needed to go to next. Seeing and hearing people to be happy about this place...yeah, I bit too happy if you ask me. Moving a bit more, the five were then feeling something was coming.

Kiwa: ...! Incoming Shadow!

Looking like a type of Doctor Shadow, it seems the four Phantom Thieves had to fight their way through this one.

Doctor Shadow: Those guises...You aren't among those who desire salvation.

Keiko: No, we have other business here. So take us to your Ruler.

They mean other business alright.

Doctor Shadow: Leave. You are unwanted intruders. Do not disturb our lord's research-this world's salvation.

Junko: The ruler's salvation? Ha! Sounds like he thinks he's doing something right, but really he isn't. This ruler's a male this time.

And the whole point is...?

Akechi: The language of a Shadow is a hint into its Ruler's ideology...This one sounds rather cultish, for example.

Junko: I hate cult madness. I never want to be in one again. Sorry, but we're going to pass through there now. We don't have the time to waste on peons like yourself.

Even Akechi's Persona says so.

Loki: Let us through or you'll die from your crimes!

Akechi: *sigh* What he just said, I guess...

Doctor Shadow: Why do you willingly strive for self-suffering? Why are you reaching out to your own pain?

Somehow, this gets to Kasumi there.

Kasumi: ...?

Kiwa: Kasumi?


Soon this Shadows goes to its true form.

Tayla: Persona #184 - Macabre


A Macabre is a work of art with grim or ghastly atmosphere. Macabre works of art or fiction tend to emphasize the details and symbols of death. Danse Macabre or the "Dance of Death" works of art tend to depict the dead or Death itself summoning representatives from all walks of life to dance along to the grave. They were created to remind people of the fragility of their lives and how vain the glories of earthly life are. It is believed to originate from illustrated sermon texts.

Junko: Here we go...Kasumi—you can do this, right?

Akechi: I hope you're still fight on your end.

Trying to fight back, she needs to be all of this.

Kasumi: Y-Yes...Ready whenever!

Kiwa: You can do this! (I wonder if the time's right to tell Kasumi's everything...Is it?)

Keiko: Let's go, team.

It's time for the Phantom Thieves to fight back.

Akechi and Kasumi: Right, Joker!

Junko: It'll be too much trouble to get about this haphazardly. I'll provide the support.

More of the same Shadows appear to be two of them now.

Kiwa: Now these are new Shadows I've seen in one day...

Junko: Heh, look at this scum pile up. Jack Frost, lend my your strength!

If everyone's ready to battle.

Akechi: Loki, let's fight for justice and for everyone I care about. Including my Princess.

Loki: Fine by me...Time for a bloodbath! For you, Keiko!

Keiko: Ah...Okay, Loki. Thank you. (Lucky to not fight against us anymore.)

It's time to fight for the four to take on the two Shadows.

Junko: Ha! It's been quite a while...Nothing gets me quite as excited as this.

A little crazy more with Junko to take her anger out on the bad Shadows.

Kasumi: Junko-senpai?!

Akechi: And I thought my new Persona had some issues before.

Junko: Now, time to obliterate them!

Just go along with it, Kasumi, it's for the best.

Kasumi: A-All right!

Moving fast to cutting things for the Phantom Thieves to move away from to use their weapons and guns to fight back. Moving away, to us their powers and Persona to take them all down.

Keiko: Let's combined our powers...Double Daggers of Darkness!

Akechi: Double Edge Sword Take-down!

Taking out the Shadows' weapons, Junko uses from ice to skate on the floors and using her other new attack.

Junko: Harden Armor!

The weapons break to have Junko's powers to be mental type, leaving Kasumi to trapping them next.

Kasumi: My turn! Nova Double Take-down!

Nice one, and the last being the All-Out Attack finishes them off for good, boom! Talk about team work there.

Kiwa: Good work, you guys! Yes!

Not bad for Akechi and Keiko's powers to have a boost up from the old thing to a brand new abilities.

Akechi: Phew...I think we handled that rather well, didn't we?

Keiko: We did good.

They have and for Junko to go along with the whole thing.

Junko: Especially considering the last-minute arrangement of our team and all.

Kasumi: ...

It seems from Kasumi regular training in the real world, it does makes her stronger in the Metaverse too.

Akechi: Is there something wrong, Yoshizawa-san?

Kasumi: U-Uh, yes! I'm fine! So, that Shadow-it said something about research. And also something about pain...

Akechi: It mentioned salvation as well-all this seems to indicate that the Palace's Ruler is not in his or her right mind.

Junko: More like, the ruler's aiding the real master mind...Oh?

Seeing a Shadow has drop something to be a key card of some kind, and a map too.

Akechi: A key card.

Junko: And we need this one too. I seem to have found a map to this place. Let's make good use of it.

Both a key card and a map, the two of them to be very useful.

Keiko: I got them.

Before moving out..

Kasumi: Um...Joker, so I've only shared pleasantries with Junko-senpai. I don't mind Akechi-san helping us out. Would you say this is how she normally is? Like a, ah...ruthless sort of person?

Keiko: Ah...Yep, this is her true self. The other one was a fake, Atsuko was much more violet.

Akechi: I say it's a everyday Junko Sakurai to me.

Something to see the real thing to take things very seriously.

Kasumi: I see...Kiwa told me the whole Queen Lilith thing.

Junko: *ahem* What say we save the idle chatter for later and keep moving? Unless teaming up with a "ruthless sort of person" is too much for you to handle.

Akechi: Now, now, Witch. She didn't mean in a bad way.

So much to talking secretly for Junko had some good hearing.

Kiwa: Sorry! Please don't hate us.

Kasumi: ...Looks like we're busted.

I think she can handle the words being told. Still, for Keiko can feel the bonding with her and Junko was growing, of the Confidant and Arcana of hers goes up from one to two now.

Junko: Then we should keep on going.

Keiko: Yeah, I think she gets the point already.

Time to continue on. Moving around the rooms to get treasure chests, items, armors, weapons, guns, and such to fighting off other Shadows in their way the further they move on more and more...They fight off other familiar Shadows to be in the Palace little at a time to get stronger and stronger for Keiko, Akechi, and Kasumi to do. As well as some new Personas too.

Tayla: Persona #185 - Chimera

In Greek mythology, Chimera is the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, the mother of beasts, and is the

sibling of Cerberus and Orthrus. This monster breathes fire and is made up of parts from different

animals; the general ones being the body and head of a lion, with a goat's head sprouting in the middle, and a snake's head for a tail. Other accounts include the Chimera being a three-headed animal, with a dragon being the third head.

Tayla: Persona #186 - Orichalcum

Orichalcum is a yellow metal, prized in ancient times, and mentioned in stories like Atlantis; it may have been a noble metal such as platinum, as it was supposed to be mined, or one type of bronze or brass or possibly some other, similar metal alloy.

In 2015, metal ingots were found in an ancient shipwreck in Gela (Sicily), which were made of an alloy primarily consisting of copper, zinc and small percentages of nickel, lead and iron.

Even for Junko was pretty good in battle with her daggers, arrows, and Jack Frost Persona. Don't forget to go into Safe Rooms, and then into the other room for Kiwa feels something to be coming up – on the big screen to see and hear it all as he tries warning the others a bit too late.

Kiwa: (No...Not right now...!) Don't go in there!

But they do to hear someone crying on the screen some a past of someone's mind to be recorded.

Akechi: What's...?

Right away from Kiwa's warning to know something about his girlfriend what she doesn't know yet she knows who was crying.

Kasumi: That voice...Look!

Seeing around the room, Kasumi sees the screen.

Junko: What is it?

Keiko: Wait...Isn't this your father, Kasumi? He seems to be crying about someone...Who died...!

Akechi: Died?!

The five watch for Kiwa was hiding something very big to already know about this. Kasumi was crying for someone to get killed, I think this might have to do with Kasumi's loss sister who sadly died.

Kasumi: No way...!

Kiwa: No!

Yeah, this was hurting them a lot to seeing the past again. Seeing the screen of Shinichi to be sitting by Kasumi's bed side since her passing to be covered in lots of blankets.

Shinichi: Everyone will be arriving soon...Mom, Grandma...yes, she'll be here too. I'm sure she'll be here, once she's able to calm down... *sniff* *sob* Why...Why?

From him crying, and then hearing Kasumi's voice to enter in the hospital room next.

Kasumi: ...Dad?

I guess from seeing her sister dying was really hard, huh? After seeing this for Kasumi and Kiwa, this was the first for the other three.

Kiwa: It's happening all over again...! (If she finds out, then...)

Kasumi: Why?

Akechi: ...That was your father in the video just now, wasn't it, Yoshizawa-san? And the one he was speaking to...

Junko: Did someone died?

Sadly, Kasumi's sister Sumire Yoshizawa did. But why was it showing so much more in the Palace.

Kasumi: ...Sumire.

Keiko: Right...From the Shadow self. (But it feels like I sense far more than what Morgana and I saw when we first came to this Palace.)

Something far more from it? I think Kiwa had something to say about it.

Kasumi: My younger sister...Sumire Yoshizawa.

Keiko: It's her sister.

This was the first for Akechi and Junko to be hearing about this.

Kasumi: ...I'd mentioned to you that I've lost a family member, right?

Keiko: I remembered.

A sad story to see some parts from here a while back.

Kasumi: But, how was this video-Kiwa, do you know?

Kiwa: ...I knew them to be good friends with her sister.

Keiko: What about Kiwa? (He's hiding something, I know it.)

Soon Kasumi's head started hurting her a lot.

Kasumi: Nngh!

Kiwa: Kasumi!

Running to his girlfriend's side, something was up for Keiko and Akechi were catching on to something to be very off already.

Akechi: What's wrong, Kasumi?

Keiko: Are you okay?

The others help her out next for Junko knows something was way off too.

Kasumi: I'm sorry...I don't know what's been wrong with me lately. I've been getting this feeling, like...like I need to remember something, but at the same time, I oughtn't remember it...

For Kiwa to know already and Keiko to feel something odd, does Junko and Akechi both figure something else?

Akechi: ...

Kiwa: Calm down, Kasumi. Everything's going to be just fine. I promise.

He wanted to still help Kasumi more than anything else.

Junko: You're still alive, right? So be happy.

Akechi: Call you still walk, Yoshizawa-san? Whatever it is that's happening, we have to keep going if we hope to learn more about it.

Junko: Do you want me to shake you out of it?

Keiko: Please don't.

Yeah, one time was enough. As Kasumi come around again, she tries to pull through this mess.

Kasumi: Yes-I'm all right! Let's go. Thank you, Kiwa. You're the best.

If only he could spit out on what he wanted to say to his girlfriend.

Kiwa: Ah, yeah...Sure, Kasumi. You're welcome. (Ah, man...Is it right to tell her or not.)

Junko: Whatever...

Moving on for the three and Kiwa still hiding something from Kasumi for Junk to catch on to, so did Akechi and Keiko the most.

Akechi: ...Hey, Joker.

Keiko: Yeah, Black Crow. (Now this is a new code name to get use to calling Akechi-Cun.)

Akechi: When was it that you said you became acquainted with Yoshizawa-san?

Keiko: It was last spring, after transferring here.

Yeah, how can any of us forget about that part?

Akechi: I see...Anyway, let's move out. I suspect we still have a long way to go.

Keiko: Yes, let's keep going. I sure hope Kasumi's feeling well.

Yeah, and whatever the answers were for Kasumi to see her sad past and Kiwa to know all about it was in the Palace. But they still needed to move forward to find out more and the Palace's Ruler too. Moving around to see other people waiting for some good things to happen to them of more rooms to be shown; all to look good from the inside to still have darker secrets all over to soon go into a walk way bridge and then...in the other room to the next big one, it was some type of treatment room to see from below them from up top. From helping others out, it could be quite the opposite one instead. From screens, seat, desk, paper work, and so much more they had there.

Kasumi: This place is enormous...What could this room be? ...!

Her head was hurting her with some flashes of light again.

Kiwa: Kasumi!

Junko: You seem to be in the pain again. Are you all right?

She tries to hang in there.

Kasumi: I-I'm fine! Thank you for worrying, Kiwa, you're the best. It just that...I can't stop thinking about that video we saw earlier...

Akechi: You mean the one about Sumire-san?

Seems like it, to be more than a bad memory. From from it really.

Kasumi: Yes...Let's keep pushing. I need to find out why that was shown to me!

Kiwa: I don't think we should-!

It was hard to do, but Kasumi really wanted to.

Keiko: If you say so then, Kasumi. Let's head down stairs.

Going down below the floor now.

Junko: Hey, Tsuba. Whatever you're hiding, you better admit it soon. Because if you don't, well...She might be so happy in the end.

Kiwa: ...!

Oh great, now she tells him that. Junko was catching on to Kiwa's panicking...With the five around a bit more...And of course, another Shadow stops them.

Doctor Shadow: You are misguided. Do not search for pain. Only tragedy awaits you beyond here.

Who was this Shadow telling this too.

Junko: Hmph...A newcomer.

Kasumi: All these warnings of pain and tragedy! Who is your Ruler? Where are the other Metropolis 12 members? The master mind? And why do you all think you know so much about me?!

Incoming Shadow's true form to fight against them.

Kasumi: If you won't give me an answer, then I'll just force my way through!

Keiko: Kasumi, wait!

Joining with her, Kasumi couldn't fight with two dragon type of Shadows alone.

Kiwa: ...! Kasumi...

Kasumi: I...

Getting her Persona Cendrillon to fight for her shooting, sword skills, attacks of fairy magic, and her attacks. But sadly, none of them was working or she kept on missing. Was Kasumi holding back on something?

Junko: Quit it! It's not working!

She was right, this has the others backing her up now.

Akechi: Please stop rushing into things! Just calm down!

Kasumi: Oh...I'm sorry...

Keiko: We got your back, Kasumi. It'll be fine.

Akechi: This is it-time your attacks with mine!

Time to give it their all for Kasumi's never alone.

Kasumi: R-Right!

Using power instead to stopping the two Shadows – Keiko, Akechi, Kasumi, and Junko have their Personas take care of the rest.

Keiko: Lend me your power, Raoul!

Akechi: Please lend me your strength, Loki!

Junko: Attack now, Jack Frost!

Kasumi: Please help me, Cendrillon!

That time to not be gun firing or combat attacks to use power elements instead to finis the job, what a close call.

Kasumi: *gasp* *pant*

This was making her tired out the most.

Shadow's Voice: Such a fool, rejecting our lord's mercy...In that case-witness it for yourself.

Well, he was killed to say something for Kasumi to see.

Kasumi: Now what?!

Soon to hear something on another screen to be showing something, Kasumi wanted to see from her past. Something very big for Kiwa already knows about; all but Keiko, Akechi, and Junko to also see.

Kiwa: (Not this...!) Kasumi, don't!

Hearing people cheering something, it shows a interview person talking to someone who just won. Being famous to make it to the top at a young age.

Interviewer: Oh, wow, the crowd is going wild! Their cheers are shaking the stadium to welcome a new heroine to the world of competitive gymnastics!

Moving in closer and Kiwa fearing the worse, Kasumi walks up closer to see and hear the rest of this.

Kasumi: Huh?

It was her sister who won as the best gymnast who won a lot to make a speech.

Yoshizawa: Thank you so much! I'm simply thrilled with the results I had today!

Interviewer: Your performance exceeded anything seen before in the junior class-it was absolutely stunning! But you'll be entering high school soon-will that impact your career in gymnastics?

Yoshizawa: Oh, I have no intentions of stopping! It's my dream to compete and win at the international level!

Interviewer: How wonderful! One last question-is there anyone you'd like to give a shout-out while you have the chance?

Yoshizawa: My younger sister! She should be here in the stadium...

What was she saying for Kasumi to remember? Remember what?

Kasumi: What...?

Seeing more closer, she sees Kasumi. Or it's the other way around.

Yoshizawa: Oh, there she is! Sumire!

Kasumi: ...?!

Wait...This is what Kiwa knows about. With this girl saying hi to her sister.

Yoshizawa: Sumire! I did it! Both of us have the same dream-to be international champions!

Kiwa: Listen to me, Sumire...I have to tell you that...You and Kasumi...You and her...!

From Kiwa's words to start panicking to be unable to speak and Kasumi's head to start hurting her...all of the memories was coming back to her.

Kasumi: Stop...

The memories from the past keep on going.

Yoshizawa: Let's make it come true, Sumire! Together!

But all she wanted was for all of this to stop. Do you guys get it now.

Kasumi: ...Stop it! I...

Keiko: Kasumi...? Why are you name Sumire instead-? Ah! (No...It can't be!)

Akechi: ...Yoshizawa-san, you're...

Junko: I'm beginning to think what the whole thing is all about.

And soon...Kiwa just says it to confuse the other three, at first for right now. 'You'll see why in a bit'.

Kiwa: I TOLD DR. MARUKI ABOUT SUMIRE TO GET HELP TO BECOME AND ACT LIKE HER DEAD SISTER!

Yep, he spilled the beans to have Kasumi left speechless.

Kasumi: ...Kiwa...? I'm...

Keiko and Akechi: What!?

Keep this in mind on why is that for what's to happen next.

Junko: *sigh* Well, this whole thing has gone from suck to blow.

Soon they hear someone talking to them throughout speakers in the room, and sounded very familiar.

Man's Voice: I really hope this helped you understand. I didn't think Tsuba would accidentally spill the beans. But I don't blame him, he was worried about his girlfriend.

I think they already recognize the voice.

Akechi: A man's voice...

Man's Voice: If you keep pushing on like this, you're going to find nothing but heartache. Please, won't you stop fighting this and just return to the "current" reality?

What was this guy saying to them.

Kasumi: Nothing but heartache, huh...I don't understand what you're saying, but I have no intention of leaving now!

She seems to getting back up in anger and confusion.

Junko: Oh, really good sir? We're in agreement there. We also refuse to do as you say. Now, why don't you drop the "big voice behind the curtain" ace and face us directly?

Akechi: This isn't like The Wizard of OZ movie.

In other words, he's being a coward. Now this is where he listens to Junko and Akechi's reasons.

Man's Voice: ...As you wish. Head on down. I'll meet you there.

They hear him loud and clear to go downstairs to see the Palace's Ruler, but not the actual master mind from the power of the combined world; it might be Fake Tsuba and Sith's doing to use this guy for all of this mess.

Akechi: ...he agreed to that much more readily than I expected. Perhaps the Palace's Ruler really will make his appearance?

Keiko: Seems like it. (Kiwa's said Maruki's name who helped out Kasumi. So why?) And what about Kasumi? Will you be okay?

It was hard to say right now.

Kasumi: Thanks for your concerns. But I'm fine, really! Let's go. Kiwa, are you saying...?

He also says something else, or tries to say the whole thing to have trouble talking at all.

Kiwa: I once liked your sister, but-!

Slapping his face...Ouch! That had to hurt.

Kasumi: How could you...?

She was both mad and sad to walk off first for the others to catch up, same with Kiwa who saw this one coming to be the same as his girlfriend was. Is everything this guy was saying all true?

Junko: ...Yeah, I see the rest but she wouldn't let Tsuba finish.

Akechi: ..."Kasumi Yoshizawa," eh? Who are you really?

A lot of mystery will be solved real soon, now it was time to go downstairs to see what this ruler wanted with the thieves and backups. From stopping more Shadows and getting more items – for Kasumi to se more about her sad past and Kiwa to witness it all over again to go from bad to worse; with Keiko, Akechi, and Junko as other new witnesses. Finally arriving downstairs, the man in the white suit stands there to see who it is. As well as the captive Metropolis 12 members place in jars to be battery-type of energies to the pearl and shard to make the power happen.

Keiko: Look! The Eternal Pearl is there! And...what's the other gem? (If it's stolen from the Velvet Room, then this is very bad.)

Kiwa: No...! Iwamura. Kanakubo. Tohru. Daisuke...! What's happening to them?!

Trying to reach out to saving their lives, but gets shocked away from the spot to still be alive. It was a shielding spell.

Junko: They're alive...This is bad if someone to do something this sickening like the project to really be working. Cthulhu's powers are already awaken...! He can be any human in disguise right now! Ginza...!

And hearing laughter to just see Cait Sith making his annoying entrance again.

Akechi: Cait Sith!

Sith: Hehehe...That's right, humans! All according to my Master's plans to have his powers fully awake again! Now in the size of all of you losers, our new world to change it for the better has just begin. Thanks to my mix up on the pearl to leave the copycat to take the real deal...The Eternal Pearl and the Shallow Shard was discovered in the real world's dirty solid. Not bad! So thank you for this party to have you guys die quickly by any means.

All not good news huh? I guess we know what the gems do and what for as the other members are capture in a deep sleep for a core of human energy.

Kasumi: How awful...! Look, is he this Palace's...?

Turning around to look and sound familiar.

Sith: Ladies and germs, here's the Palace's Ruler to make all of this possible for the both of us. Let's give him for this human a round of applause.

Man's Voice: It's been quite a while, hasn't it?

Kiwa: No...No! NOOOO!

And Kiwa's words he spilled the beans up was right to go down on his knees to be really upset, the Palace's Ruler is known other than Maruki himself. Of a Paradise Palace.

Keiko: It is you! (Maruki Sir's the Palace's Ruler!)

Kasumi: Dr. Maruki?!

Only he has his hair move up and wearing a fancy white suit. He's no Shadow or Cognition, but his real self with powers like them.

Maruki: Glad to see you're all doing well. And seeing some newer ones I've heard about at long last. I pretty much figured that you would end up infiltrating this place. I think this Cait Sith Shadow and Cthulhu for everything to make it this far to give this power to use for good...Well truth be told, this isn't how I was hoping we would meet again.

This was the first for Akechi and Junko to see Maruki for the first time, but in a place like this. Does he even know what he was doing to the two other bad guys?

Kasumi: Dr. Maruki...You're the Ruler of this Palace?!

First time he has heard of the word.

Sith: A Palace they say! Ha!

Maruki: Thank you, Cait Sith. I got this...Palace huh?

Explaining time here...

Akechi: A place where distorted desires manifest-we're asking if you're the source to the desires here.

Junko: Acting like a doctor who heals people's hearts...Remembering their pasts of sadness, and having powers like us to have a Palace like this one...This is the first time, but it's something along those lines.

Right on the dot there for Maruki to discover so much more, for how long was this been going on?

Maruki: Ah, I see. Well, to use your own words - yes, I am this Palace's Ruler. The other two Shadows...They needed help to be treated in return to work together to make a better world, I want to help people. But in my case, it seems a tad different from the ones you've seen.

I guess this catches both Kasumi and Keiko off guard there.

Akechi: Of course, it makes sense to use from two enemies to have someone else with this much power take control of the rest.

Junko: Yep. Would we also be correct in believing that you're involved in the abnormalities outside the Palace as well?

Akechi: From the two gems you're using the powers for? And the hostages?

Maruki: Yes, you would. As for these people, they've been victims from the Midnight Strike event the most to have them healed the most with some...little help in between while recovering in a deep sleep. All but you, Tsuba. Such a shame...I've found the shard to have some help getting the pearl next in its full power, it worked. Everything I'm doing now is helping so many lives change for the better.

So from the Arcana and bonding for the shard to grow by Maruki's doing all along.

Keiko: So you use the shard to get to me to help you out...You used me!

Maruki: Okay, you getting mad it's all on me. Sorry, Amamiya-kun. Still, I'm using my powers for good. Do you like the reality I created for all of you?

Yep, it was Maruki's powers alright to shock everyone else.

Kiwa: ...!

Akechi: You...created it? But why?

Maruki: That's right. I've gained the power to alter reality...To make it whatever the people wish for.

Oh great, now he tells them to make Keiko really mad on Maruki's bad doing.

Keiko: That can't be...Maruki...! I didn't wish for this or anyone else...! Change it back now!

Firing a warning shot from her gun on the ground, Keiko means business now.

Maruki: Oh dear. Amamiya-kun. Is that how you really feel? What Cait Sith and Cthulhu did before, I can heal them real soon. Little at a time...You've forgotten, the old reality was cruel and unfair. the truth is, Yoshizawa-san suffers immense pain each and every time she taps into her forgotten past. If Tsuba didn't find me, then his girlfriend wouldn't healed at all for what I've done.

Is that why her head stated to hurt to remember? I think Kiwa didn't feel out Maruki having powers during the time.

Kasumi: My...past? And he didn't know about this and still try to help me...? Dr. Maruki...What do you mean?! What's happening to me that he's not saying?!

She did ask for this, at least Kiwa's not to blame for this, but he's not saying anything yet.

Maruki: ...All right. I had honestly hope that all those warnings you were given would change your minds...But if it's your true desire, then I want you to recall who you really are. And I want you three and Tsuba to learn as well. Once you have, you'll need to choose between the two realities - the merciless one, or the one I've formed.

Here comes the movie screen to show another one of a sad past of Kasumi's again, with the lights going off and counting down to three to show everything. For Kiwa to remember it all and Kasumi to relive it again.

Sith: Oh, boy...Popcorn and drinks here, I don't want to miss this sad flick.

What a selfish type of Shadow he is, huh? As a sad past that shows who Kasumi Yoshizawa really is.

Kasumi: That's...

The film begins...Showing on a rainy day to walking in the city for two sister's. With one younger one to follow her older sister, to see her point of view. For this brown hair girl looks a lot like Kasumi...

Girl: #1: Today was brutal, huh?

Stopping to see how her sister was holding up.

Girl #1: Feeling okay?

Nodded a no there.

Girl #2: It's not that...

Sighing to continue walking and holding their umbrellas.

Girl #2: Why am I doing so bad? I keep messing up my routine...

With one failing, the other who was doing better won't do anything without her sister by her side.

Girl #1: Your growth spurt's just changed your eye level. You'll get used to it. Look! You're as tall as I am now.

Getting taller for her to point out doesn't change too much.

Girl #2: We practice the same amount...But you are the one who always gets first place. I can't catch up to you, Kasumi.

Well, this girl sounded sad, she was talking to the real Kasumi Yoshizawa. Almost twins, same ages, and with different colored hairs.

Kasumi: You know why? Because it's my right as the elder sister.

Girl #2: We're in the same grade, though.

Like this girl will get upset at all.

Kasumi: Aw, don't be so down. We'll reach the top of the world together. That's our dream, right?

Girl #2: You don't get it...

Sounded sad still for Kasumi to turn around to see her sister 'with long red hair and glasses on'.

Kasumi: Huh?

She must be Sumire Yoshizawa.

Sumire: You'll never understand how I feel.

Kasumi: What?

Moving on ahead from her older sister, Sumire images Kasumi to be good at everything she does than she tried to be from every other memory she saw her in. From spinning skills with the ribbon dancing skills.

Sumire: (Kasumi...If I were like you...things would be so much better.)

Running away a lot for Kasumi tries to catch up to Sumire from the other crowd.

Kasumi: Hey, wait up!

The other things showed of Kasumi's coach talking to her fine work for Sumire to see.

Sumire: (Kasumi's the one that people want...)

Still with the running and chasing...Only the cars were coming of the traffic lights turn from green, yellow, and red.

Kasumi: Look where you're going1 The light's red! Hey!

Another shows Kasumi waving to her fans to win a lot to be the best, and her dreams were coming true and winning a trophy.

Sumire: (The talented one who CAN reach the top of the world...)

Kasumi: Sumire, stop! Listen to me! SUMIRE!

Soon being back in reality, Sumire was on the streets from an oncoming car. Kasumi rushes to her sister's side to push her away from the danger. It worked for the other people see the horror, the car hits Kasumi for her umbrella to go flying in the air. Once Sumire wakes up to see what happened.

Sumire: What?

She was bruised, but alive. Only...her sister wasn't. Seeing in her eyes of horror of Kasumi to lie on the ground and bleeding...she was dead. Kiwa Tsuba witness it all to be screaming in sadness on that day, and Sumire was very shock and sad to lose someone close to her.

Sumire: A...Ah...Kasumi...

Seeing Kiwa running up to the dead Kasumi, that's where the film ends. Sad, huh? Yep, the person who's dead is Kasumi Yoshizawa and the one alive now is really Sumire Yoshizawa. Seeing this and Kiwa left crying, she turns back in her normal clothes; her hair comes down to be long like the old image self was but with no glasses on right now. Yep, she really was Sumire.

Kiwa: Yes...You're really Sumire Yoshizawa... (Please, forgive me...)

For him to know already and now – Keiko, Akechi, and Junko know everything now. Sumire's memories were coming back to her to be like her sister and not her old self at all.

Sith: Aw...Don't you just love sad endings? I do.

This wasn't funny at all!

Sumire: I...

For Maruki hated to show it all again to Sumire the sad and hard truth to handle.

Maruki: ...Seems you remembered. Forgive me, Tsuba.

Remembering the past for Kiwa said he like the real Kasumi back then, but she smiled to say no to have al to work to be done, to still be friends with him. She also said about someone else he knows of loved him a lot. Sumire liked him a lot before he likes Sumire back to love Kasumi more, but she kindly rejected him? Wow...

Kiwa: There was more...!

Sumire: That's right...I'm...

It was really hard to say it too.

Keiko: Kasumi...Kasumi...? (So she's really Sumire to be like her dead sister? This is so sad.)

Sumire: Kasumi...mi? No...That's not right! I'm...I'm not Kasumi!

It's true, she wasn't her sister.

Akechi: ...The girl named "Kasumi Yoshizawa" is currently deceased. That's what you wanted to say but couldn't, isn't that right Tsuba?

Keiko: No way...! (What Mr. Sakura said to me and Sumire is all true.)

All of it to turn out this way, the ugly truth. Even Junko completely understands everything with her own eyes again.

Junko: She didn't want to lose someone who meant the world, to become like that person. It's sad and wrong, but Atsuko was the same to be me...So I think I understand Kasumi...Or rather Sumire's pain.

Sumire: It's true...It was last spring...Before I started at Shujin...We were walking home from practice. It happened right there, on that street in the video...Kiwa wanted to meet up with us on something big, I was upset but my sister was doing better than I was in parasite. I wasn't looking where I was going...And Kasumi, she protected me from the car...I was saved by Kasumi...I robbed her of her dreams...her lover to like her more than me...and even her own life! I'm...her younger sister, Sumire Yoshizawa.

The lover part, Sumire doesn't know the real story though.

Kiwa: Wait! This isn't what it looks like! Sumire, listen to me-!

But Maruki says something else to interrupt Kiwa again.

Maruki: I'll take over from here. After all, I do play a part in this story.

Keiko: What do you mean...? Answer me!

Another one to be told from the Palace's Ruler's turn.

Maruki: Her real name...Is Sumire Yoshizawa. She's Kasumi-san's younger sister. But for months now, she's only seen herself as being Kasumi Yoshizawa...her deceased elder sister. Of course, it was only her cognition of herself that changed, so to the people around her and Tsuba, she was still Sumire-san. For some reason though...there were a few rare exceptions to this. id something happen to make you believe she was Kasumi-san?

Yeah, when Keiko and Morgana picked up Sumire's wallet, to have the name Kasumi Yoshizawa's name on there. From the trash clean up day at Shujin, remember?

Keiko: (It seems to be a Shujin Academy pocketbook. The name "Kasumi Yoshizawa" is written inside.)

It all makes sense now.

Akechi: I've seen this before. People who loss someone closes to them suffer a mental shutdown to the mind, they soon become someone they're not. It's a sad thing to take affect.

Keiko: So that's why...?

Junko: It appears you were all clueless but Tsuba, but she was Sumire Yoshizawa from the start. however, when we watched that other video, she gave her name as Kasumi Yoshizawa. Considering such an odd claim, I'd actually suspected for a moment that she was the Palace Ruler...But no, the power of the two gems is the cause of it. This is what the real master mind was up to.

Keiko: You mean from the project to change things from World War 2 and a bit from the Midnight Strike event, this is the plan all along to be Cthulhu as our real enemy?

Akechi: I think he's using Dr. Maruki's power to make everything of a dream become a nightmare.

Seems like it, now everything so far was coming together.

Sumire: After Kasumi died, but before I started at Shujin, I received counseling from Dr. Maruki with Kiwa's help. That was when I told him...If Kasumi is gone and can't make her dream come true...Then I want to become Kasumi, so I can turn her dream into reality for her.

Being someone else won't solve anything at all!

Keiko: But it's wrong!

Akechi: So that's whey you meddled with her cognition? For her own wishes?

Crushing the ground to make Junko get this mad.

Junko: Grr...! Ah! Maruki, making someone else into a fake relative is goddamn mess up! What my sister did was wrong, but she had her reasons to try to save me, and she did!

Maruki: That's right, I did it all. Limited as it was, I already had the power at the time to actualize her wish. Put yourselves in her shoes for a moment...with one having the illness to die in order to say another can be a bit selfish I suppose. Sorry, Sakurai, but I'm only speaking the truth. With Sumire-san's older sister died from protecting her. Imagine surviving such as dismal tragedy...

Junko: I rather take in the crimes than Yoshizawa's going through right now!

Wow, this real Junko had her own business to sound serious.

Keiko: Witch...

Maruki: But who would be able to cope with that survivor's guilt, let alone heal from the emotional scarring that she's suffered? if Sumire-san can live a healthy positive life by becoming Kasumi-san...Then I believe that reality is what would make her happy.

Man...he's all talk with his other Shadow helper next to Maruki's side.

Akechi: No...This is wrong...All of it...! I've been through hell myself and my Shadow self. I won't let Yoshizawa-san go through the same thing I did!

Loki: Damn straight we won't!

Junko: ...I've had enough of your high-and-mighty rationalization. All you really did was use her to try to make everyone acknowledge the validity of your research. To even make Kiwa Tsuba feel like a weakening.

Well, there was their answers to have Maruki to stop trying. For the plans to use for himself, he caught on right away to make some changes.

Maruki: So that's how you all see things, huh? That's quite unfortunate. Of course I wanted society to acknowledge cognitive psience through my research...I also know what my ancestors did from long ago, to see things I've made it much better to use for good. But that's because my goal is to save everyone in the world like Yoshizawa-san by ending all suffering!

Akechi: ...!

Junko: What?

Okay, Maruki has chose his true colors to all of them.

Maruki: My work will convert the wishes of the people into reality to make it into a better one. Even as we speak, my research is coming to fruition...No one will ever have to suffer again under the yoke on an unfair world. This...Palace, you called it? It's a place where its Ruler's desires take physical form, yes? I wish to utilize my research to save humanity-I suppose that would be that "desire" I hold dearest.

Like using a project he took from Wakaba to use for good on something bad isn't going to do any good at all.

Akechi: ...What total nonsense.

Keiko: This isn't fixing things at all, it's only making people weaken!

Maruki: You all could very well be right. Still, I'm entirely serious about changing our imperfect reality. Just as she was saved by becoming Kasumi, I'll save every other person in the world currently suffering. In fact, it's my responsibility to do so...You can see how this world's bestowed the duty upon me.

Keiko: No! Is that truly salvation to you, Maruki?! What happens to the old reality? You're using powers you don't know what it's truly doing from this world and our!

Maruki: I do know how to. And I don't know for certain-it'll most likely be treated as if it never existed. The cruel reality will cease to be, and the reality I generate with some guide and some aid to save even more people in their own safeties will be the sole world recognized by society.

Man, I don't like this good deed to mess up everything like this.

Junko: And you assume we'll buy into your brainwashing and just live in the palm of your hand?

Akechi: I was saved to know what changed me between friends and my true love! We don't need anything like this!

Junko: Hey, at least this Shadow found his way to made amends in the end. And honestly, this whole thing sounds absolutely revolting. In other words, you're disciple.

Having two answers so far.

Maruki: ...All right, so those are your answers, Akechi-kun and Sakurai-san. And Tsuba, it's your call to come to me at anytime. So there's no rush. And how about the others? Yoshizawa-san...Allow me to ask you yet again...Which reality is it that you wish to inhabit?

Not a good time to ask something like this to the poor girl.

Sumire: Huh?

Maruki: If you so desire, you can return to your life as Sumire...But if you'd rather continue your life as Kasumi, I can grant that wish for you as well.

Sumire: Dr. Maruki...I...

No, anything but that.

Kiwa: Sumire, wait! Think about what he's saying to you!

Keiko: Kiwa's right! Sumire, please believe in yourself!

Akechi: Don't be manipulated by someone like him! Come to reason and listen to us!

But no matter what they say to her, Sumire won't listen to reason at all.

Sumire: ...It's impossible...I'm sorry, Keiko-Senpai. And Kiwa...I know you loved Kasumi more than me...

Kiwa: Wait-!

Maruki's Shadow pushes Kiwa down to get hurt badly.

Akechi and Keiko: Kiwa!

Seeing Sumire getting up on her feet to make the wrong choice to be her dead sister still from Maruki's words.

Sumire: I...I can't go back to being her...I can't be the one who led her sister to her death!

With Kiwa trying to reach out to Sumire to look at him and then slowly walks away in sadness.

Kiwa: Stop, Sumire...! Please!

As much as the treatment will take time, Maruki was trying to do his part...Or so he thinks he was.

Maruki: Tsuba. Everyone. Please don't judge her. This is just evidences of how painful life is for her. You two sensed doubts forming in the reality I manifested-that's what brought you here. But please; remember this as will - you three aren't excluded from the people that I wish to save. Come now, Amamiya-kun...Won't you accept my reality for your own happiness?

He has no right to ask Keiko these things, for her answer was clear like Akechi and Junko's were.

Keiko: No...! No, I'm find my own happiness. Not this place of yours!

A well put answer there.

Maruki: ...No deal so far, huh?

Brighten up the lights around them to feel blinded, the Shadow aids his boss Maruki to capture Sumire to get treated. No, this was wrong. For Kiwa to see his girlfriend get capture to feel like this was all his fault. Well, from hiding it to not knowing all of this would happen.

Kiwa: Sumire!

What can any of them to do now to save her?

Keiko: Give Sumire back!

Akechi: What do you think you're doing with her?!

The Shadow gently gives Sumire to go out cold to be in Maruki's arms.

Maruki: I won't harm her-it's in her best interest that you turn back. The rest of you made clear that you reject the reality she desires. Look at Tsuba, he's shock to make sure she gets well again to be left speechless. The reality where she lives as Kasumi Yoshizawa...

So much for Keiko's adult friend like Maruki to go bad like this to get this angry.

Keiko: This isn't reality, this is wrong!

Maruki: Oh Amamiya-kun...It saddens me when you speak that way the most. Don't you understand? You deny her wishes when you say such things.

Junko Says the man using the other thieves as human batteries?! Hey! The fuck is wrong is wrong with you!?

Ouch, she means business here all so much.

Maruki: Like I said before, they'll live to be cure this way. Don't all of you understand? You deny her wishes when you say such things.

From the other four to be saved and now Sumire as well.

Akechi: "Her wishes..." huh?

Maruki: This isn't just for her-I'm doing all of this for yourselves as well. I honestly do want to come to terms with you. For Tsuba and the rest of you. We should talk. Think about it, Amamiya-san and Akechi-san - you both have dreams, no? I have the power to make them come true. I know you are both in love and...You've experience love together, haven't you?

I think Kiwa and Junko knows what Maruki means there.

Kiwa: You mean...?

Junko: He means they had sex.

Wow, just saying that in public. For Maruki to see Keiko stand by Akechi's side to prove that much.

Akechi: Ah, really?

Keiko: Does the whole world has to know about everything we do in our teenage lives?! How embarrassing...!

Maruki: I'm not going to tell the whole world about it. Forgive me, I can tell. I felt the same way once before. If anything, I could've fell in love with Keiko if she was a little older. Still, my powers...My reality can become just the way you like.

Well, he does keep his words on private things. Still, what Maruki saying to them about making a new reality is still wrong.

Junko: Total waste of my time.

Maruki: A shame...but I understand.

The final decision they've made and that's it.

Junko: Well then, we just have to resort to force now, don't we? But one more thing...Tsuba, you dumb ass!

Slapping Kiwa in the face to come to his senses to say this to him.

Keiko: Witch!

Junko: Sorry, Joker, but this is the only way. Tsuba, what the hell?! Don't you love Sumire who loved you more to try to love Kasumi instead? But since she kindly rejected you, you still had another chance with love! But you got scared to not admit the truth to your girlfriend to have Maruki help out without knowing the danger?! Wow, you're either dumb as you look or a bad boyfriend?! Well, which one is it?! Answer me! I've been through hell once to see it all over again, so don't you dare turn into one...! Not ever again!

Kiwa: ...! But I...

Junko: Think about it, but right now Maruki's going down to rescue your girlfriend.

From one point across so far, next was stopping Maruki to save Sumire, Aika, Hitomi, Daisuke, and Tohru.

Maruki: Violence is not my thing...

Looking at his Shadow partner, it goes into battle to its true form.

Sith: Oh shit, here comes the pain. I too added some Shadows to look like my Master, but they're not as strong as he is. So think of them as mini-version. Enjoy fighting, loser humans. Ha, ha!

Yep, it's something just like Sith just explained, but a little different on what the Fake Tsuba as Cthulhu might look.

Tayla: Persona #187 - Hastur

While Hastur is best known as part of the Cthulhu Mythos, he was originally created by Ambrose Bierce in the short story "Haita The Shepherd." He later appeared in one work by HP Lovecraft, but is best known for his role in August Derleth's stories. Hastur is the half-brother of Cthulhu.

Maruki: I agree, though. It seems we're out of options here. Do it, but don't kill them please.

This Shadow to be new or old ones to be so strong to let so much energy out to almost blow the other four away.

Keiko: If this is how strong Cthulhu is, then we're in big trouble!

Getting back up for Kiwa to try standing up again...Keiko, Akechi, and Junko had to fight back.

Akechi: Time to fight. Are you ready, Joker?

Junko: You better be!

Keiko: I'm ready!

Junko: You two better keep up-and don't embarrass me.

For Maruki to be carrying Sumire for this Shadow was ready to fight the other three Phantom Thieves.

Hastur: Stubborn imbeciles, rejecting our lord...

This thing's the one to talk.

Junko: ...Disgusting. We're not here to listen to your bullshit!

Loki: Time to kill Shadow! Very bad Shadow!

Akechi: Yes, Loki. It's a bad Shadow. Now let's get it!

Using a powerful blast to other smoke screen to try hurting or bringing fear on Joker, Black Crow, or Witch t all fight back from firing a lot gun shots. Then using their weapons to cut the many arms away from them without getting stabbed to death; it was working to this Shadow can't go down that easily.

Hastur: No. Such pathetic attempts won't be enough!

It soon recovers in seconds.

Akechi: It can heal?

Junko: Tch...This freak just won't go down.

Incoming laser eyes of many from this Shadow next.

Hastur: Neal!

Strong attack to have Jack Frost's ice shield saving them for now, with them getting very weak.

Keiko: It's...too...strong...

Hastur: Accept his mercy...Give yourselves over to him!

Junko: My god! Would you just quit running your mouth already? Come on, Jack Frost. It's time for our special attack!

For them and Akechi and Keiko's bonding of love have some new power ups too.

Akechi: Joker! Witch and her Persona are on to something! Im still going to shut that thing up. Give me a hand!

Keiko: Right. (If it's using the Showtime attack, then let's make this one count.)

Anything to work, here comes two more Showtime moves - first up was Junko and Jackie to use something of a winter theme. Ice skating together to look fun and surround their enemy in a circle type of snow.

Junko: Ready whenever you are, Jack Frost. Go! Spin! Speed! Glide! And the final move...Killer De-Frost! Die! Die! Die! Hahahahaha! Thank you.

From them going from opposite directions, the two use from sharp ice and knifes to stabbing the Shadow a lot to bleed. Nice one! Next up was Keiko and Akechi's with Loki's help.

Akechi: I'm ready.

Being raining on top of a building roof and dark outside, with both Akechi and Loki powering up...

Loki: Play time's over. Hahahaha!

Having his weapon out to run over to something along with Keiko to hook shot to follow her lover and his Persona into battle. From Keiko moving from side to side to getting her knife out to cutting the Shadow down really fast...

Keiko: Go, Black Crow!

Hook shooting away next, leaving Akechi and Loki to show their faces to work together, to slice and dice the Shadow with the laser blade.

Akechi: Do it, Loki!

Loki: How are you still alive?!

Fast cutting skills, to use their powers as one next.

Keiko and Akechi: Love and Passion Strike!

Moving away, This has Keiko to shoot down the enemy to blowing up last and Akechi with Loki's spirit of his Persona slowly walks away.

Loki: Well, that's a real shame...!

Loki: Good! No more games...!

Double the Showtime times four makes a difference! Nice work there.

Kiwa: Simply amazing...!

Junko: Heh, not bad you two for a improvised technique. But Jack Frost and I still have the strongest Showtime attack of them all.

They won this battle, but what about saving Sumire and stopping Maruki next...?

Akechi: Shall we continue this? I'm fairly certain any further "negotiating" is pointless.

Loki: Get him!

Seeing them in battle, Maruki gets the point so far.

Maruki: That seems to be the case, unfortunately. But first, I have an idea. Rather than explain it with words, I'd like you to actually see this new reality with your own eyes. I know that your friends already enjoying it, Amamiya-kun.

Keiko: Hand Sumire over right now, Maruki. Let us help her.

It's only making Kiwa upset to see Sumire get capture.

Maruki: ...Sorry, that I cannot do. Tsuba you'll think me after I save her life. As I said before, she wishes to live in the reality where she is Kasumi. There's no way I can hand her over to you with matters are they currently are. I already told you that I won' harm her, we're friends ever since we met to treat this girl with care. And I'll swear by it. Don't worry about her. Go, look at the reality I've created for you all. Once you've seen the results, I know you'll realize which future is best.

This wasn't looking so well at all.

Akechi: Don't play games with us!

Junko: You think we'll just obey your orders?

Worrying about Sumire's safety along with the other four is more serious than Maruki's new world change.

Maruki: I apologize, but you really are going through with this-even if it's by force.

Disappearing with Sumire, Maruki makes his leave.

Sith: Later!

Same with Cait Sith too for the others couldn't find them anywhere.

Kiwa: Sumire! SUMIRE!

Trying to find his girlfriend, but Keiko stops Kiwa to try calming down. Like Maruki said, she won't be hurt to be saved along with the other Metropolis 12 members real soon.

Keiko: Kiwa, stop! Don't...! Maruki won't hurt the others or Sumire. Just calm down, please.

Seeing he has no choice, Kiwa started to cry. Then the four hear Maruki's voice through the speaking thing.

Maruki: We'll meet again one week from today - January 9th. I genuinely pray that you'll change your mind by then.

They got no other choice now.

Junko: Tch...He got away...

Akechi: It'll be bad right now I'm afraid. We shouldn't chase him too far. What say we head back for now?

Keiko: Yeah, let's go. Kiwa, we will come back. We have a week from now.

And they do return in the real world for the four to turning back to normal now. Aika, Hitomi, Daisuke, Tohru, and Sumire...All of you hang in there. Back to safety for now for Junko, Keiko, and Akechi had a lot to be done before returning and Kiwa to calm himself from his accidental mistakes he made to make it up for it all later.

Kiwa: Go ahead, I know you all hate me now.

Keiko: Why? We're not mad. None of us are.

Again, he made a mistake but he didn't know this all turn out like this.

Akechi: I would slap you too and yell if Junko didn't do it first.

Junko: You're welcome.

Loki: Ha! What a pussy!

I think what Loki meant was of Kiwa was acting like a coward.

Akechi: Loki, if you wouldn't mind...! Look, Tsuba, we know you did love Sumire a lot more than Kasumi back then. Trying to tell the older sister, she rejected to you to stay as friends to follow her dreams; because deep down you knew her younger sister loved you a lot more to soon realize it all to be by Yoshizawa-san's side after losing Kasumi to try to be something she shouldn't been. Well, am I wrong?

Kiwa: No. No! I shouldn't say something sooner, but Sumire wouldn't listen to be this angry and confused.

Akechi: Then tell her how you feel. Do it when we come back.

With that part aside, getting back to the topic at hand.

Junko: Ah, hello? Aren't we talking about something else?

Akechi: We know, Junko.

Junko: Yeah...I had spent all that time investigating the people around you Keiko so I could set you up. All from Atsuko and the original Loki's doings...To think Takuto Maruki of all people would be the mastermind behind this absurd situation...And he happens to be wrapping the very fabric of reality while ranting about making everyone's dream come true. From the master ind of Cthulhu and Sith's doing to make all of this happening to use two shards of ying and yang as their weapons, that stupid doc doesn't know what he got himself into.

A lot more to be done was only the beginning.

Akechi: The question is, what made Maruki do all of this mess? Who is Cthulhu? He is the master mind to be someone we know since Ren Tsuba was made up, it might be someone you know, Junko.

I think she was about to notice it herself.

Junko: I want to know more now. All of it. You're on to something, detective. Talk about incomprehensible motives...I can't even wrap my head around such intentions. At nay rate, Keiko, you're boyfriend's on the right track too and Tsuba fixing his little mistake. We need to figure out our next steps.

Keiko: I know. I'm worried about Sumire too like Kiwa is. We need to save her and the other members of Metropolis 12.

Having to leave their names or not, they're still part of the Phantom Thieves either way.

Junko: Same, but not for the time being. Don't you think it'd basically be suicide to try and save her in our current state?

Akechi: Junko's on to something, Keiko. We need intel first. If we're going to stand up to him, we have to know more than nothing. I'll do some investigating with your help, Keiko.

Keiko: Yes, I will help you out.

For one investigating from one side and the other was solo.

Junko: Ill do my own since I got the journalist skills from Atsuko's to use wisely. Well, Tsuba will tag along to calm down during the time. I need your brain.

Kiwa: Excuse me?

Hitting Kiwa's head a little like knocking on a door.

Junko: Ah, hello? Anybody home in there? I need your smarts to aid me to learn about the doc, remember? You got to get your act together if you want your woman rescued in a week.

Kiwa: Ah...Okay, I'll help out. Akechi-san and Amamiya. Please keep us posted.

So their each know their lives to split into two groups of four.

Keiko: Understood.

Akechi: We got time too before school starts back again.

Then it was settle, it was time to get to work.

Junko: That's more like it. I hate that we have to do what he says, but Maruki told us we have to wait until January 9th. Let's meet up here next week. Although, I imagine both our lives will be very different if you choose to live in this reality as your friends have been, Keiko. So do keep this in mind. So both you and your boyfriend get fooled. Tsuba, let's get to work.

Kiwa: Ah, right! I'm coming! See you two in a week and I'll rethink it all for Sumire's sake!

Off they go to be back within one week. I guess they have to do as Maruki told them to have a decision then, not likely. With Maruki's research to find and who's the mastermind of Cthulhu on who he is in human disguise comes next. Akechi got his detective skills to use and Keiko looking over the Palace building.

Keiko: See you guys then. (So this is the reality that Maruki created...There's no point obsessing over it now. Akechi-Cun and I should go back to my room...We'll be back.) Akechi-Cun-!

Hugging and kissing his lover to know they were in this together.

Akechi: Princess...Everything will work out, I promise. Let's head back. I can spend more time at your place to spend a week night over.

Keiko: Yes, okay. We can do this. Let's go.

Akechi: That a girl.

And off they go to do so and fixing thing for Keiko's friends; as well as Akechi, Junko, and Kiwa finding their answers about Maruki within a week. The others to save for Sumire, Aika, Hitomi, Daisuke, and Tohru will be fine until then With Akechi and Keiko holding hands to walking back to Leblanc, for Keiko to sing a song from Lyn – Infinity.

Keiko 'singing': Left our everyday

Ordinary ways

At the door, don't need them here

Latest hype brand goods

Ain't our kind of loot

Got our eyes on stealing doubts and fear

And sometimes

Got our eyes on someone special

Look how far we've come

Found a bond that lasted

We'll outshine the sun

Nothing matters more than us

Nothing matters more than trust

Sometimes all it takes

is a chance encounter

For your heart to break

Speeds of sound and light alike

Like a bolt of lightning strike

Through infinity

Even everyday

Living takes its toll

Trials everywhere you look

Love can turn to hate

Less you break the mold

Gotta break the rut, rewrite the book

And find out

What it is that matters most now

Look at how we've made

Magical connections

Bridging time and space

And the chaos couldn't keep

You from running into me

Found the ones who care

Found the ones who matter

I know they'll be there

This chaotic world should know

Magic still can rule the show

Past infinity

Falling through the hour-glass

Treasure-hunting's no easy task

Time slips by

Through your fingers

So live...now!

Look how far we've come

Found a bond that lasted

You and I as one

Nothing matters more than us

Nothing matters more than trust

Something's brought us here

Miracles and magic

And together we're

Gonna make it I just know

And our energy will grow

Past infinity

There was good love and hope to have others to still fight by your side to getting the others back, then there was still hope left to be a good thing. More next time – for the next few days to pass was getting the other Phantom Thief members to wake out of the fake reality of theirs.