Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition

By Tayla Drago

Episode #150 - A Cinderella Tale

Year 20xx

Day #275 - January 1/9th – Monday

A week has finally gone by quickly, so it's time to head back to the strange Metaverse of Maruki's Paradise Palace. With Keiko and Akechi doing their part healing the hearts and memories of Morgana, Ann, Makoto, Ryuji, Yusuke, Futaba, and Haru to wait and see what happens next; while Keiko, Akechi, Junko and Kiwa to go back to the area...They still needed to know what Cthulhu has someone like Maruki with Persona powers to do something good for others to still be bad, to also Sumire's heart along with rescuing Aika, Hitomi, Tohru and Daisuke's lives. First part – having the four meet up as promised to be ready for anything this time.

Keiko: Well, here we are again. Going back to Maruki's Palace and saving the others too. Who knows what awaits for us.

Akechi: Then we'll be on our guard. I rather take Junko's crap than living in Maruki's fake reality.

Those two are the best couple ever.

Keiko: You're right about that, Akechi-Cun. Let's do our best.

Loki: It's all for you, Keiko!

What a wicked sound of laughter there. I feel bad for Akechi to deal with his Persona sometimes, but this type fights for what's right thanks to Junko's help.

Keiko: I take it to people like us can only see and hear Loki, right?

Akechi: I'm afraid so...I have to listen to him sometimes, sorry.

Keiko: No, it's fine. I'm use to it since he's no longer a threat.

Akechi: At least we're both in a agreement to fight for the ones I truly care about. My friends, master, and the woman who I'll be marrying soon. My Princess.

Holding hands to hugging and kissing next, they can make it through anything.

Keiko: Oh, Akechi-Cun. You're the best. (Everyone, we'll be seeing you soon.) Let's go. Junko and Kiwa are waiting for us.

Akechi: Right.

Singing a song from 'Pat Benatar – Love is a Battle' a little on the way to the area.

Keiko 'singing': We are young

(Heartache to heartache)

Heartache to heartache

(We stand)

We stand

No promises

(No demands)

No demands

(Love is a battlefield)

Love is a battlefield

Whoo

We are strong

No one can tell us we're wrong

Searching our hearts for so long

Both of us knowing

Love is a battlefield

You're begging me to go

Then making me stay

Why do you hurt me so bad

It would help me to know

Do I stand in your way

Or am I the best thing you've had

Believe me

Believe me

I can't tell you why

But I'm trapped by your love

And I'm chained to your side

We are young

Heartache to heartache we stand

No promises

No demands

Love is a battlefield

We are strong

No one can tell us we're wrong

Searching our hearts for so long

Both of us knowing

Love is a battlefield

Good song to be ready for any battle to come, huh? Now arriving there.

Kiwa: Akechi! Amamiya! You two made it.

And hopefully for Kiwa was ready to save the real woman he truly loves and tell Sumire everything he was unwilling to say at first. All of it...

Junko: So, you two came as promised. Finally...Based on the look in your eyes the most, Keiko, I'm guessing your friends aren't going to be of any use to us.

Akechi: We did try, okay? Things can recover slowly for them. We did all that we could.

A nice thing for Akechi to defend Keiko from Junko's bad mouth.

Keiko: Look Junko, they'll come back. I'm sure they'll come around.

Junko: You really think so?

Akechi: I know too, because those people are the best friends I've ever had in my lifetime. They understand me on everything even Keiko.

The old saying goes – 'time heals all wounds'.

Junko: Oh yes, because I'm sure you're all just as close as you were before reality was changed, Mr. Ace Detective. Well, I guess it's better than going psycho. Atsuko. There's no point in griping about it out here.

Kiwa: Please don't take this the wrong way, Sakurai.

Junko: Shut it...I'm not.

I think she means well deep down. And as for Kiwa.

Keiko: Kiwa, are you sure you know what you're doing? You can't fight so...

Kiwa: I'll be fine. I know I can't fight like you guys, but I have things to make up for and I got brains.

Junko: Yeah, brains of a dead man. Just don't die.

In other words, she wants Kiwa to make it out with them alive and well.

Kiwa: Hey...! I said I wanted to do this. The others need us too.

Akechi: If anything happens in there, Tsuba, run. We'll go get everyone even Yoshizawa-san. But don't die a hero.

Kiwa: Well, I won't die like a coward either. Thanks.

Clapping to get the others of their attentions.

Junko: Alright, class. We're about to go in. Is everyone ready? As I mentioned yesterday, it's quite likely that we'll have to confront Maruki physically. Keiko, this is serious to know that already. If you're not prepared for such a contingency, then please go and take care of your affairs as quickly as possible.

I think the others were ready for anything, even Kiwa was wearing his gym clothes for any combat battles he might do.

Kiwa: I'm ready! For my team and my Sumire!

Akechi: I'm good to go.

Keiko: I am too.

Well, it was good time now.

Junko: Heh, good...Now then, it's show time.

Entering into the Palace they go. Transforming already for the three and Kiwa follows them. With another backup up following them...from a strange car? I think we all know who it might be. As well as the other Keiko too waiting for something else as well.

Keiko?: I won't allow for any of this to happen.

Who was the faker here? Elsewhere - Morgana 'as a human still' with him, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru gathered together to be less crowded in the cafe today. Since Keiko and Akechi heal their hearts from the false reality they were living in, to leave the rest to everything else. For this part happens next.

Ryuji: 'Scuse me, is-Whoa. Uh, hey guys...Hi, Ann. I don't mind see you anywhere and anytime.

Half the whole group is here now.

Haru: Looks like we've all had the same idea.

Yusuke: Are you here to speak with Ms. Keiko as well?

It seems like it for everyone was doing the same thing.

Ryuji: Uh, kinda...So, Keiko's not here? Is she out with Akechi somewhere?

Luckily for two people knew where they went to.

Morgana: They left around noon-Madame Keiko said she and Akechi were meeting up with Junko and Kiwa.

Futaba: Sojiro said if we need to...talk abut stuff, we can use this place for a while.

Ryuji: Cool.

Just then, something comes up for Ann to say something to the others.

Ann: You know...Keiko asked me the other day...something along the lines of whether or not I'm okay with how things are. At first I didn't know what she was talking about, but as she kept going, her words starred making my chest feel all tight...

She wasn't the only one, same with the others.

Makoto: ...I know what you mean. And, ever since then, it's like...like something isn't right in my heart anymore...

Yusuke: I have no complains about my current life- on the contrary, in fact. I am truly happy with it. So, in that case...what is this inkling of a feeling I have deep in my soul?

Ryuji: ...Ugh, dammit! I'm so bad a figurin' out this sorta stuff. Hey...Do ya think maybe we're all runnin' away from something super-important?

Hey, it's not easy to heal on something from a fake on them. And what Ryuji just said, it gets to their attention.

Haru: Come again, Ryuji-kun?

Ryuji: I've been kinda wonderin' for a while now...Maybe the reason Keiko's words hurt so much is 'cause she's right...And I bet Akechi figured everything out too. But I was too scared to admit that, for some reason. That's why I pretended I didn't understand what Keiko meant...

It's because they soon realize it little at a time.

Haru: When I was speaking with Keiko-chan, I felt like...I caught a glimpse of this mysterious sight. Something that shouldn't have happened, but still...I felt like I shouldn't turn away from it...

Ann: Same here!

Yusuke: And myself as well. It seems that we really have lost sight of something precious to us after all...

Maybe not all of it.

Futaba: That...might be...But...But...I'm so scared to remember what it is! If I remember... "that," I feel like my life as I know it is gonna end!

Makoto: Oh, Futaba...

Futaba: But, even still...I don't want to feel this way anymore, either...

They all agree there.

Haru: ...Me too.

Ryuji: I guess that's it, huh? Keiko was tryin' to tell us all somethin' important, and I bet she's probably still workin' on it somewhere. Ain't no way I'm gonna bail on her just so I can keep runnin' from...whatever it is.

Yusuke: When I had that strange experience you all mentioned, I saw Ms. Keiko, Akechi, and the rest of us there together. I want to believe the connection we share is a genuine one.

Ann: Well, I know if we don't do something soon, we're gonna lose our connection with Keiko...Don't ask how I know...it just feels like the truth to me.

They all nodded a big yes there.

Morgana: I admit I am happy right now, but...I just can't accept the situation as it is. I'm done with trying to escape my problems!

And from there, finally...the seven members' of their reality goes back the way it was to see the false truth. Like a glass shattering and Morgana being his normal form again of a house cat, this comes to a big shock here, huh? But finally, they were free!

Ann: Huh?

Now we'll learn what happens there later, but all that matters the most is they were all free. Finally! Back at the Metaverse for the cameras of many to be above Maruki's palace from the outside – Keiko/Joker, Akechi/Black Crow, Junko/Witch, and Kiwa arrived back to the entrance to be ready for anything.

Junko: Be sure to face anything in our way. Going down.

In the elevator to make it back to where they started to a Safe Room for Akechi, Keiko, and Junko take out some Shadows. This allows for Kiwa go on to hack through the systems to freeing Aika, Hitomi, Daisuke, and Tohru out of the tanks to lose energy from the gems to draining the rest real soon. It was working...

Kiwa: Got it! The rest should be saved in a bit to wake up, starting with Templar and Jester to freeing the other two last. Sumire, wait for me!

Rushing back to the room where they last saw Maruki carrying Sumire away, this had to be the place. As for he other four – Aika, Hitomi, Daisuke, and Tohru 'with her child'...the glass break for a hammer was fast to shattered for them to break free. With Aika and Hitomi were the first two waking up.

Aika and Hitomi: Where are we?

One little helper has arrive to their rescue.

Jose: Ah, goodie. You guys are saved. Come now, we got no time to lose. I'll keep the married humans safe, while you pretty ladies fight back.

It was time to transform then, for the two half sisters have the energy to fight back.

Aika: Suit up! Code name - Templar!

Hitomi: Suit up! Code name – Jester!

They were good to go, now finding their way around will take a while...With Keiko, Akechi, Junko, and Kiwa arriving down there to finding Sumire with Maruki. With lots turned on all over the room 'to be too bright', they see lots of other cognitive people standing on the top stand for Maruki was there. And Sumire to be trapped and sitting on the chair. They have to save her!

Kiwa: There she is...! Sumire!

Look at the bad side of Maruki to act like he's a savior and was waiting for their return.

Maruki: Thank you for coming.

Why is Sumire sitting next to Maruki?

Keiko: No...! What's wrong with Sumire?

Kiwa: Did you do something to her? Answer me!

Still fast asleep since they fled last week.

Maruki: She's only sleeping, I've never had any intention of hurting her. She's just fine, Tsuba, as promised. Same goes with your friends too. Once her inner turmoil begins to settle, I'll have her remember her life as this wishes to live it.

To be like Kasumi, but that's just wrong!

Akechi: It's only hurting herself the more Yoshizawa acts like her older sister. She's dead now!

Junko: My God...The life that she wishes for, huh? Call it what you like-you're merely brainwashing people for your own satisfaction.

A big yes there, for it's not helping out anyone one bit. With Kiwa had a metal battle to try using anything as a weapon to him.

Keiko: I don't call this helping me, Maruki, I can it a cult of brainwashing! Cthulhu's only using your powers to create his world to have the power of the two gems! He and Sith must be stopped!

Maruki: I'm wholly aware that some will interpret my acts that way...But if that self-satisfaction leads to the happiness of thousands of others, don't you agree that outcome is for the best? And the other two Shadows are instructing all of this to me. Don't you all see? I'm making a better change for everyone. Amamiya-kun-if I understand correctly, you went and checked in on your friends this past week. This reality is the one what they all wished for...Did any of them seem troubled by that fact?

Both Keiko and Akechi seen the others to be happy, until Keiko cured them all to look and seem real.

Ryuji: Ah, you're still jumping the gun with this. I'm just trying my best so I don't get laughed off the team by you guys.

What does Maruki know? He needs to know on how everyone else really feels!

Keiko: Huh...? So? What of it? I saw but I didn't want it to see the truth for themselves!

Maruki: This reality is the "true" reality-all you have to do is recognize it as such. Once you do, you'll be just as happy as they are. Same with Akechi-san as we, getting married to live even happier lives together. Didn't you two see it for yourselves? Your friends don't just want to live these lives-they want you to choose this reality for yourselves and live happily too.

For him to question Keiko about this, what will her answer be?

Keiko: (This reality...)

Remembering another few things again.

Ann: I was so sad when she transferred for her parent's jobs, but all's well that ends well!

Yusuke: But thanks to my sensei's patronage, each day also brings me closer to painting such an impactful work.

From saving them to live in a lie like this though?

Maruki: Please, I want you to understand...For the sake, as well as yours...

And remembering some more again.

Makoto: I'm just so thrilled for him-it's like he's finally getting the recognition that he deserves.

Futaba: Really?! Then, back to Leblanc, people-it's curry time!

Haru: Oh, Father-is that worrying I'm detecting?

So, what will Keiko's final answer be.

Keiko: (My friends want to stay in this reality...)

And one more thing to have a flashback of from Morgana being the last one.

Morgana: That...doesn't seem right...I got captured in Kamoshida's Palace, and that's when I met you guys. When we'd go to Mementos, I'd transform into a...

This was hard for her, huh?

Keiko: (...But, is that really true?)

Maruki: Well, it's time...

The final answer to hear once more.

Akechi: ...No.

Kiwa: Damn!

Junko: Keiko, don't you dare screw up here.

Thinking here to be a very tough one.

Keiko: I...Um...Um... (...If I accept Maruki's offer...My friends and I will be able to live happily in this reality he created...Or so he says...If we stay in this world, we really could lead happy lies, free from pain and suffering...But our memories will be distorted to allow for the new circumstances. There's probably no way to avoid that...)

Maruki: Now this the last time, Amamiya-kun, I hope you rethink everything. I ask you to give me your answer. What will it be?

Feeling scared and such for Junko, Kiwa, and Akechi already said no. Leaving Keiko the only one left to say to Maruki.

Keiko: Akechi-Cun...

Standing by her side, Akechi was there to get Keiko through this entire mess.

Akechi: Princess, you did what did was right and I aided you until now. You heard all of our answers so far, now it's your turn. I know deep down you can make the right choice. Please...

It was no or ever. It would be nice to have Ryuji run for track, Ann hanging out with Shiho, Morgana as a human, Yusuke the best artist to make it big more, Makoto hanging out with her father along with Sae, Futaba to start school with Wakaba supporting her, and Haru working with her father's company. Seeing images on what if...Would it also show Sumire acting like her sister and Keiko and Akechi living in a merry life? No! She breaks down the false reality to keep her original one. Hurting a lot. This cannot go on!

Keiko: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I can't accept this reality! All of this is lies! I hate it!

Maruki: Huh?

Well, Keiko said it loud and clear to have a flash of blue light shine and fading away to be a very good sign 'maybe a power up from her'; and for Jose to feel out too, even both Aika/Templar and Hitomi/Jester know where the others were next. Other than them powering up, so were Daisuke and Tohru too. This was brand new.

Aika: Jester!

Jester: I know! This way!

It seems Keiko, Akechi, and Kiwa were free as well. All right!

Junko: H...Hah...Hahaha...HAHAHAHAHA! Ha! Correct, Joker! Absolutely correct!

Akechi: Well done, Joker. (I'm very proud of you, Keiko, I knew you would make the right choice.) Well Maruki, your negotiations seem to have broken down.

Seems like Maruki tried and he failed.

Maruki: ...I see. It seems we still haven't reached an understanding...

Soon Sumire wakes up for she didn't want to live as herself but her sister, which was still sad to do

Sumire: No...

Kiwa: Sumire, we're here to save you! I have so much I needed to say to you! Please listen to me!

Getting up on from the chair to tell the others to change their minds.

Sumire: You're not serious, right? Kiwa, please...I'm begging you too, Keiko-Senpai...Please let me live as Kasumi!

Keiko: Kiwa had trouble telling you everything, but he is now...Sumire, don't hide from the truth.

Kiwa: We can live a lie.

I think this will cause a Shadow to take control over poo Sumire's heart if this keeps up.

Sumire: But, why? This pain is too much...Why can't I just leave it behind me?! Kasumi is gone forever, Kiwa loved her more, and...and it's all my-All Sumire's fault! I can't live that kind of life!

Kiwa: Sumire, stop!

Turning in her Phantom Thief looks to jump on the ground in front of Kiwa...to shove him aside to worry her; leaving Keiko, Junko, and Akechi to be force to fight her. Slowly, the Shadow part takes control of Sumire's Persona.

Sumire: Kiwa, stay down.

Kiwa: Don't do this...!

Sumire: I'm sorry...You three, please...Don't try to stop me...If you do, then I'll...!

Getting out her weapon, she means it.

Akechi: Are you serious? Don't, Yoshizawa-san!

Keiko: Don't do this...

Junko: How stubborn she is right now...A Shadow's taking over her Persona. You two, no matter what you guys say to her, I doubt she'll understand. I don't think we have a choice in the matter here.

They got no choice now, they needed to fight Sumire to save her life.

Kiwa: Wait! Joker...Black Crow...Don't kill her. Her heart is in darkness to be cured. It's not too late.

Begging, I think Keiko and Akechi will do it for Kiwa's sake to save his girlfriend.

Loki: Her heart can be saved. Let's do this!

However, Junko just walks out of this battle only and not to have Sumire get hurt.

Junko: Whatever...I could take care of it for all of you right now...But you'd prefer her to leave here alive, right? You heard Tsuba. Just hurry up and end this.

I think it's her way of not hurting anyone she likes to hiding it.

Kiwa: Thank you, Witch... (Right, it's time.) Joker! Black Crow! Save my girl!

With Kiwa getting out of the way for this battle, leave it to the other two lovers to do their part.

Keiko: Black Crow, cover me.

Akechi: Loki and I can slow down her Persona Cendrillon, and you handle Yoshizawa-san's heart.

Keiko: Thank you.

Get ready...

Loki: Stop the madness...

Sumire: Please...Don't make me do this...

Get set...

Keiko: This isn't like you, Sumire! Stop!

Sumire: I can't stop this...I refuse to live as Kasumi's killer!

And...Go! Getting Cendrillon to use her fairy spells for Akechi to shoot and cut it all down to stopping her and Loki backing him up, leaving Keiko to have her dagger for them to dance type of fight of gun shots, clashing weapons, and combat to give it their all.

Keiko: Raoul, help me restrain my friend!

Raoul: Of course. Leave it to me.

Using some powers to slow down the Persona and sword clashing still without slowing down for these girls going against each other in real life battle. Almost leaving cuts on their faces and almost losing their hairs. With Akechi doing the same to block Cendrillon's attacks again and Loki to pushing her back for good to slowing her down from anything else she can do; with one down and Keiko and Sumire left in their battle as Keiko uses a Persona with a sharp weapon to cut Sumire's weapon away and shooting her other gun out of her hands. Soon to tackle Sumire to get weaken a little to be no match against Keiko to fighting without hurting her friend.

Keiko: Checkmate. (Forgive us, Sumire.)

Sumire: Why...? Ngh...

Soon, Kiwa runs over to Sumire's side to be his chance to hugging Sumire from almost falling down in defeat.

Kiwa: I got you, Sumire! Please, stop...! No more. I need to tell something...

Sumire: Kiwa...? But I thought you love-!

Kiwa: I love you more than anything in the entire world! Look, I had feelings for you and Kasumi to look up to you both. But I love you more, you look sad to try to be like Kasumi was...For her to be happy with me helping out, I thought she liked me more, I thought she loved me, so I asked...A admit my feelings to her. But she laughed with me, not at me. Pleased to say no to have her gymnastic work come first and had fans to love and her family, even you Sumire. She wanted for you to join her for both your dreams to come true, she told me everything. She even say she loved me, and I knew...I knew my heart always have belong to you; to start to get to know each other and then...Kasumi died to try healing you in any way to ask for Maruki's help to clear your mind to have powers...I didn't know to be tricked and so were the rest of your family to be Kasumi. I had to act until I found the truth, even I told now to have a bad outcome on what would happen if you found out, and it did happen. That's why I couldn't say it, I was scared! I'm so sorry...I thought of you as Sumire always even acting like your sister, please don't live us. Please live on as yourself for Kasumi's sake.

And he said everything to Sumire for her eyes to grew to remember everything from the sad past to be good ones too for Kasumi knew both her and Kiwa were meant to be together, to hugging him back.

Sumire: Oh, Kiwa... (All this time, he really did love me on who I am and Kasumi understood. All along...!)

So far, she was understanding everything.

Junko: It's about time you told her. Judging by her left speechless, your mission was successful. So, Sumire, looks like you lost.

Sumire: My god...Why? Why did I do this?

Keiko: Our fight's over, Sumire. It's all right now. You need to stop. Kiwa needs you and I want my friend back.

She was fine the way she was as Sumire Yoshizawa only.

Sumire: Keiko...Kiwa...Akechi-san...Sakurai-san.

Almost getting her weapon out to pick up, to rethink it but couldn't raise her sword this time.

Akechi: Don't...! Yoshizawa-san...! I've been through hell to almost do something bad, but when my Shadow self Loki took over...I almost loss to my real self but fought back with Keiko's help and real friends. I've loss my Mother to Shido's doing to finally stopping him. Losing your sister is hard too, I get it and you an still fight back.

He was right, this had Sumire realize everything to admit her defeat a last.

Sumire: No...No! I can't do it! You're all right. I am fine being me to have what I wanted for a long time now, I was just selfish...! I thought I couldn't go back being myself to try being Kasumi, I thought her death was my fault, but she save me. She gave everything for me...Kasumi was the oldest sister to do things with me and never alone...I miss her so much. Keiko-Senpai, thank you for saving me. I was wrong to almost...What I almost done, I was such a fool!

Keiko: It's okay, Sumire. I get it. We all get it. Kasumi loves you a lot and she always will even if she's no longer with us. We all understand.

Tayla: I wanted to do this version instead for Sumire to take time to heal, but she understands more to rethink things through this time.

All was good now.

Kiwa: It'll be all right now. It's not going to happen anymore.

All was set, but not the battle to be over just yet

Maruki: Yoshizawa-san...

Tayla: Also, this is different on what happens next that I almost made a little changing of.

Soon, someone comes in to be clapping out of nowhere. To be the fake Keiko to show herself for the others to see.

Akechi: Another Keiko?!

Keiko: Another me?!

Sumire and Kiwa: Another Keiko?

With Maruki coming down stairs to try to do something about this as well.

Keiko?: Well, what a mess this has been. Still, I think we can do something better to force a little something on Sumire to still be Kasumi. Remember? The Shadow move? Use it.

With Sith enjoying the horrors from above, Maruki didn't want to but he won't hurt Sumire to try to use her Persona Cendrillon for battle.

Keiko: It's you! You've been trying to change reality and hurt my feelings!

Keiko?: Ah, I wanted to be you a little longer...Now doc, do it.

Approaching to Sumire, he was doing this because he wanted to and not to hurt anyone else.

Maruki: Very well, but only because I want to.

Keiko?: Fair enough.

Maruki: Dear Yoshizawa-san. I c an give you strength...So you don't have to suffer.

Approaching to Sumire, Kiwa stood by his girlfriend's side to have Maruki not to touch her.

Sumire: Doctor...

Kiwa: Don't! Maruki, you're done! She made up her mind!

Maruki: Tell me, Yoshizawa-san - if you want your pain to end...and desire to live as Kasumi...I'll actualize it!

The fake Keiko shows herself to be Cthulhu in disguise to laugh as he has his powers to trap Sumire to be wrap from his many arms to be lifted in the air.

Kiwa: Don't-!

He gets pushed aside really hard to the ground.

Cthulhu: Shut it, boy! Let her get some air.

Junko: Cthulhu! (So he was the one acting like Keiko to make everyone change so differently.)

Now they know the real mastermind was hing among them to show his true form now, even to Kiwa's horror to once act like his fake cousin. From his powers and Maruki to try helping out Sumire by force, it soon shocks her entire body.

Sumire: Ngh—Aaaaah!

For her to go out cold again, Cendrillon goes all berserk mode this type to become a Shadow now. As Evil Sandoriyon. For this was all red, orange, and yellow colors all over her.

Akechi: Did he-?!

Cthulhu: Phantom Thieves and friend, meet Evil Sandoriyon. Part of Sumire Yoshizawa's Shadow. Cool, huh? I can make it happen to control humans' bodies or while they're asleep for their Personas to go all evil like. Nice work, doc. It was nice dressing up, but maybe in a bit to stretch out my legs out for the time being.

It was like what Loki use to do on two other Shadows to go into berserk mode.

Keiko: This is just like Loki did before...! Maruki! What have you done?!

Maruki: I did what was best a little with some help. Sadly, Yoshizawa-san has lost sight of herself...She's in pain. Now, be her guide...and together, escape from the nightmare!

This was too much pain for Sumire's Persona to handle this dark power.

Keiko: No!

Akechi: Yoshizawa-san's heart finally understands, but her feeling is still fill with darkness to still go rouge!

Cendrillon couldn't fight it anymore to become Evil Sandoriyon.

Evil Sandoriyon: No, I...I can't...I don't want to go back to my life in cinders, ever again!

Cthulhu: Click...Click...Boom.

The power has happened with Kiwa trying to race to Sumire's side, only to get whack and electrocuted badly.

Kiwa: Aaaah! No...Sumire...!

This was bad for the other three to fight against Evil Sandoriyon now.

Junko: What the hell...This so called "kindness" of his disgusts me. And you, Cthulhu, I will stop you this time...Hey lovers, let's do this quick. Stop the Shadow self and than heal Sumire's heart.

Akechi: Right! I won't let Yoshizawa-san go down...! I won't see anyone be stuck in this path again!

And with them fighting along with Junko knowing more of the main bad guy more, while Kiwa tries to run to free Sumire's demon arms of death.

Kiwa: Go...! Stop her Shadow self and don't back down! It's their doing, not hers! I'll Sumire!

Maruki: Stop! You'll get yourself killed!

Getting hurt again, but Kiwa wasn't going to die this way. You go, dude!

Cthulhu: Calm down, he won't die. It'll be too much to shock him a lot to give up. No human can't break this spell but me.

Or so he thinks so. Right now, the other three had to stop the Shadow.

Evil Sandoriyon: I refuse to go back! I'm happy here...THIS is where I belong!

Keiko: Even if you're using your human master's power to give in to all of this evil?!

It sure seems like it and Sumire was trapped.

Evil Sandoriyon: She just doesn't understand it right now! I will help her realize it and so will her boyfriend on what she use to be!

It was up to Akechi, Keiko, and Junko to fight this Shadow to healing Sumire's heart for good this time while Cthulhu was enjoying this very much.

Maruki: It's all right. I'll rescue you...the only way I know how!

Cthulhu: Oh, boys...Go play.

Snapping his fingers and from Cthulhu's powers to summon only two at a time of Shadow Biyarkys to aid Evil Sandoriyon.

Junko: Tch, it's gone totally berserk...We need to stop her Persona if to heal up Sumire's heart!

Now she joins with Keiko and Akechi in battle. With Kiwa gets himself hurt a lot to freeing Sumire, the other three Phantom Thieves have to stop three Shadows right away.

Keiko: Alright team, let's move out!

They give it their all from slashing, shooting, and using their attacks too.

Junko: Harden Armor!

Backing up the others in defense mode, the lovers combine their attacks together into one.

Keiko and Akechi: Light and Dark - Energy Blast!

Although it did some damages on the Shadow self, she uses the dark powers opposite to Sumire's powers to do something on the weaker Shadows.

Evil Sandoriyon: Starlight Healing!

Right there, one was killed to have her all healed up again. And no matter how many times Kiwa gets electrocuted some more, he just gets back up to not give up on his girlfriend.

Kiwa: (No...! I can't stop! I'm like the Phantom Thieves...! I'm not dying like this!)

Still, how can they save Sumire's heart without damaging her Persona of being a Berserk Shadow?

Akechi: This looks bad!

Junko: It ate the smaller one?! What a pain...We'll have to beat it before it heals itself again...

Loki: Kill the other Shadows already!

Trying to fire more attacks, Personas, and using Keiko's other abilities from her own to still give this Shadow a beat down without stopping. With her trying to cut them from her powers and some help from the other Biyarkys to come back for more, this was a unfair fight!

Maruki: There's more where they came from.

Cthulhu: No shit.

Snapping Maruki's fingers and using more power from the big bad Shadow 'be can also control his size too', more Biyarkys show up to heal Evil Sandoriyon more and more.

Evil Sandoriyon: No one will stand in my way!

She pushes the three back more and more to get stronger because of this. At this rate and Kiwa to end up dead too!

Kiwa: No...!

What will happen now?

Keiko: This can't go on like this...!

Junko: Dammit, there's no end to this! Just what the hell is this thing?!

Akechi: There has to be a way to save Yoshizawa-san. We can't leave her like this...!

They need to weaken this Shadow to recover Sumire's heart.

Evil Sandoriyon: I refuse to return! I will never go back to being such pathetic, soot-coated garbage! She needs to realize everything!

Maruki: You can't tell? It's her refusal from her other self to accept the truth...

She does know the truth now to accept it now, her other self refuses to listen.

Kiwa: I have to...

Can Kiwa last a bit longer without dying?

Junko: Tch...We can't afford to waste time on this shit! Tsuba, don't die for nothing!

Keiko: Please Sumire, come back!

Kiwa: Sumire!

The another attack on the Shadow fires another one at them without doing anything quickly.

Akechi: Here it comes!

All looked bad, but...

?: I don't think so!

Using himself as a shield and lighting powers to block off all of Evil Sandoriyon's attacks to save Kiwa, Juno, Keiko, and Akechi without any of them dying. It was Ryuji/Skull! Arriving too soon, but it was better than nothing, which means...

Morgana: Dammit, Skull, I told you no to rush in by yourself like that!

And soon more of them arrived to everyone else's surprised.

Kiwa: Hey, look!

Makoto: At least it seemed to work out in our favor.

Yep! All the other Phantom Thieves with their powers and outfits joined in to be back, and have Keiko so happy to most.

Keiko: You all came...Everyone! I knew you'd be here.

Akechi: Mona. Skull. Panther. Fox. Queen. Oracle. Noir. You're all here...! Incredible.

Morgana/Mona, Ryuji/Skull, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, and Haru/Noir are all back. But that's not all, a car horn comes by to push Sith aside too.

Sith: Ah...Master! Human! We got company-! Yeow!

He gets away from almost getting run over too. As Jose arrives with other back up besides Daisuke and Tohru still recovering in their sleep'.

Jose: Mommy! Everyone! I'm here with friends!

Akechi: It's Jose!

Keiko: And the other Metropolis 12 members are all free!

Junko: Finally.

Soon with the two sisters making their intro once again.

Aika: Whenever gravity pulls, the beat down is shown. For I am Templar, Persona-user who controls lighter and harder things.

Hitomi: Somewhere between light, it's guided by beautiful water around it. For I am Jester, Persona-user who controls smooth and brightness on life.

Junko: Ah...the hell with it. (For you, Atsuko.) From a quite ninja to take care of the job. For I am Witch aka Mika, Persona-user who controls every ninja skills from long ago.

Well, I guess that's everyone to do the same quick song of a group version this time on what Keiko was singing from earlier...

Morgana 'singing': We are young

Heartache to heartache we stand

No promises

No demands

Jose 'singing' Love is a battlefield

Aika and Hitomi 'singing': We are strong

No one can tell us we're wrong

Ann, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru 'singing': Searching our hearts for so long

Ryuji and Yusuke 'singing': Both of us knowing

Everyone 'singing': Love is a battlefield

Wow, cool intro there, huh?

Kiwa; You're all here...Welcome back...!

This made Kiwa happy to keep on trying to stand on his two feet again, and some powers to be hurting a bit from Cthulhu to show his face for Junko's point of view to see someone familiar to not notice at all. What could it be?

Junko: (No...! It can't be him! It just can't...!)

More on that later on because the Shadow's form was still showing to make a run for it and carrying Sith along with his long arms.

Cthulhu: Come, Sith, we're retreating for now.

Sith: Right, Master...I'm OK. Until next time, you stupid humans! Ha!

Cait Sith sticks out his tongue as he and Cthulhu takes off in flight and changing his size into a giant to make their leave until next time.

Cthulhu: Maruki, I leave the rest to you. If not come back. Forget about the human energies, we got more to have the two gems we needed the most. And Junko, try not to be a stranger to anyone for too long. We'll meet again, Phantom Thieves.

Well, there they go again. It would seem for Junko to see them before from the first time during the horrible years of World War 2. There must be something else going on. But still the others were back of – Team Drago of the Phantom Thief of Hearts!

Aika: Don't worry about our step-parents, Kiwa!

Hitomi: They're only tired but they'll be just fine!

He was happy to hear the news.

Kiwa: And the baby too, I'm glad to hear.

As well as Akechi was happy.

Akechi: My friends...you're back. Hah, it's about time.

He sure was happy and Keiko to run up and hug them to one by one.

Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru: Joker!

Keiko: Mona! Skull! Panther! Fox! Queen! Oracle! Noir! I'm happy to see you all here with us again and fighting for what's right!

It took a while but it worked,for Maruki to be left speechless on what he was seeing right now.

Yusuke: Our apologizes for making you wait so long.

Morgana: Whoa...! Akechi?

Thinking of Loki has come back, but this time it was Akechi in full control.

Loki: Hello, friends...!

Akechi: It's fine. This is my powers to get upgraded like Joker and our Personas. Thank a new friend for it.

Pointing out to Junko Sakurai to see next.

Haru: Is that...?

Ann: Wait...Akechi in his new looks like Joker's? Junko and Dr. Maruki?!

Yeah, there's a lot to be told about next. And I mean a whole lot more.

Kiwa: Please! Everyone! I want to save Sumire...! We'll explain later just please help me!

They also see Sumire being trapped by her own Shadow in full control.

Jose: Look! Up there!

Futaba: Jose?

Jose: I'm aiding the Phantom Thieves for now on since I've studied a lot on humans. You're all welcome.

Good to know, and to see Sumire was in danger to know more about her later on.

Morgana: Yoshizawa's trapped by-Why's her Personas doing this?! What in the world is going on here?!

Keiko: It's Sumire Yoshizawa, Kasumi's little sister to be like her! Look, I'll explain everything later! Right now we need to save her, heal Sumire's heart, stop her Shadow, and Maruki's madness! Jester! Templar! Jose! Please help Kiwa rescue her!

Less talking, more fighting right now.

Ryuji: So much of this shit makes no sense, but Joker's right. We'll cover it all later!

The sisters know what they needed to do then with Kiwa's help.

Hitomi: Don't hurt yourself so much, my friend. We're in this together.

Kiwa: Are you sure?

Aika: Ah...You're all bad as to back up us. Hey, Kid, try not to slow us down.

Getting out the hammer, Jose was ready to go.

Jose: I can fight my own battles too.

With them all set, they got their part against the weaker Shadows. Leaving the other Phantom Thieves to stop Evil Sandoriyon and saving Sumire.

Keiko: Then everyone knows their parts?

Ryuji: Betcha ass we do! We've gotta stop her first-right, Joker?

Keiko: You got it.

Morgana: All right! We got our roles and Tsuba to back up the others! Let's get in formation!

Keiko: Good...Now team, let's move out!

Time for the real battle to begin! With Jose, Aika, Hitomi, and Kiwa trying to get close to the other two Biyarkys; leaving the other Phantom Thieves to stop the main berserk Shadow.

Junko: Look, I'll promise to have a nice talk later with everyone to explain my story. But for now, we fight and save Sumire. Now shut up and let's get to it!

Well, she was right. It was time to get things started. For the real Junko Sakurai to be some what trust worthy for the others to feel out already than Atsuko was looking like a while back.

Futaba: Okay guys, leave the navigation to me! Let's push 'em back! Back them up, Prometheus. Web Cage!

Leave it to Futaba and her Persona to boost up defense, offense, and other powers. Also to trap the other many Shadows to come popping out in a web trap.

Maruki: Unbelievable...Why did they come here?

Incoming attack!

Evil Sandoriyon: Have a taste of this! None will stand in my way.

They all dodge there. Nice one! With this much power in team work, they still have a chance to do this. With Jose hitting one of the many arms to be sticking out and hurting to then disappearing quickly.

Jose: Take out the arms in order to weaken the summoning of the Shadows! Hammer of Strength!

Many more hammer hits did the trick to make some room for the sisters and Kiwa to get to Sumire next. With his bat to hit as many as he can get without get electrocuted this time thanks to Jose disabling them all. Hit weak hits and can turn off magic too.

Kiwa: Hiya! (Hey, I got one!) Alright, you two follow me!

This was their chance!

Aika: Sonya, back us up with some gravity. Laser Explosion!

More being cleared up so far and a lot more to be done.

Hitomi: Jeanne D'Arc, let show them the light to be drowned to their doom. Brighten Splash!

Into the waters for the rest of them, it was like cutting through a huge field grass to make their way out of this mess. Without any other Shadows to heal Evil Sandoriyon with, she still battles the Phantom Thieves with everything she has. Taking out the other Shadows to be in the way was their chance to do so right away.

Ryuji: Let's rock and roll, Seiten Taisei! Lighting Flash Attack!

Ann: Some like it hot, Hecate. Flame Shooter!

Yusuke: Drown and freeze their sorrows, Kamu Susano-o! Frozen Waves!

Makoto: Crush them all, Anat...! Viper Sting!

Haru: Be planted with beauty to you all. Petals of Doom!

Shocking, burning, freezing, poisoning, and being planted for the other leftover Shadows to be destroyed one by one, and Morgana to take out the leftovers.

Morgana: Mercurius, it's time to blow them away! Blaze of Rage!

Powers of the wind, which leaves only with Sumire's Shadow to take down for Keiko, Akechi, and Junko to do next.

Junko: Freeze them, Jack Frost. Steel of One-Thousand Kunais!

Wow, her powers powers up with both ice and mental to do the trick, she was weakening. This has Akechi to fire and attacking the Shadow next with Keiko aiding her boyfriend too, and from the looks from Maruki to see he was losing.

Maruki: Ngh...

Futaba: It looks like it's working-just hand in there a little longer!

Trying to summon more Shadows, it didn't work this time.

Maruki: Huh...? No. No! What are you doing?!

The other four have weaken the main core of power.

Kiwa: I'm taking my girl back, doctor.

Loki: Take this!

A power sword from Loki's doing and Akechi's powers did the trick to push Maruki aside.

Akechi: Thanks, Loki, you're not bad. Saber Sword Slash!

With Evil Sandoriyon finally hit and Keiko's other attack too.

Keiko: Raoul, please help us! Daggers of Darkness!

One hit shatters the Shadow to break down to be tired, all out of energy and done for. Soon Daisuke and Tohru 'with her child unharmed' finally wake up.

Daisuke: Tohru.

Tohru: Huh...? What's happening?

They could guess from seeing it for themselves. With Evil Sandoriyon done for now.

Evil Sandoriyon: Ahhh...I can hear them...The bells of midnight are tolling...Now, my dream...won't be...The clock strikes midnight.

Now this was Keiko's chance to finally heal Sumire's heart and her Persona back to Cendrillon for good. Having Kiwa catch his girlfriend to safety and free.

Kiwa: I got you, Sumire. Now, Joker!

Keiko: Right! Flaming Heart!

That's another team mate saved who was fighting the others this time.

Evil Sandoriyon: I'm sorry...She was right along and I was being selfish. Being someone else isn't a dream, it's a nightmare. Now I know. So let me make it up to you. We'll fight as one, this girl won't be alone anymore. I promise.

She met well to be back to normal now and Sumire was free. Although weaken to have her outfit gone to her normal clothes again. All that matters to Kiwa right now was to hold Sumire and kiss on the lips right now.

Makoto: Yoshizawa-san!

Kiwa: She's fine, Sumire's only tired. Thank you, everyone...You finally free her heart. Thank you all.

Too bad, Maruki, so sad but you've lost.

Maruki: How is...? I can't believe you've thrown away your happiness just to come here and...And how? It's impossible...There's even a little boy.

Jose: My name is Jose. Anyone who hurts my Mommy, Daddy, and their friends will have to answer to me.

He means it for a little one he was. Oh, he also calls Keiko and Akechi as his own parents. This made them blush a lot.

Keiko: Mom?!

Akechi: Dad?!

And then they looked at each other.

Keiko and Akechi: He thinks we're his new parents!?

Seems like it but it was good to be part of the group.

Jose: I don't care. You two are in love and like me for who I am to help me out so much, I know how to fight and the wish from the star made it all come true. You human doctor have been a very bad man. You made Mommy cry.

He stood to Sumire, Kiwa, Tohru, Daisuke, Aika, and Hitomi to protecting them too.

Hitomi: So from our ancestors from the World War 2 event of Cognitive Psience event of our ancestors were also his.

Aika: Now that sucks.

Kiwa: If we knew sooner, then we would've help him out.

It would seem Metropolis 12 had a lot to look up on, and a whole lot more. Even the others who talk to Maruki the most were also shock.

Ann: You're...you're Dr. Maruki, right?

Maruki: ...That's right. More importantly, why are- (The gems!)

He was afraid to admit it.

Ryuji: Dude...What the hell's Doc doin' inside a Palace?!

Junko: He's ruling this Palace, is what he's doing.

This shocks everyone else to hear and see all of this.

Ryuji: What-?!

Akechi: Sadly, it's true. The one who helped you all only made all of this nightmare happen.

Junko: The other group and the detective are all right. Now only that, he's the one who's generated this whole distorted reality-isn't that right, Maruki-san?

And sadly, he was still being used to hold on to the pearl and shard to keep safe and use its energies to keep on going.

Maruki: ...All of this was done for your own joy.

Yusuke: Our joy?

Daisuke: Shut the hell up! Was it joy when you use our energy to be different from these kids anything but happiness?! My wife's carrying a child for god sake!

Tohru: And was it joy to mix with a poor girl's mind to be like her dead sister?! I have done other awful things to fix it all and start a new...! But you sir, you''re truly a monster!

From all of those things to not make Maruki rethink it at all.

Maruki: That's right. I only wanted to grant you wishes...Each and every one...

Ryuji: Wait, you what?! Whaddya mean?! We never wished for anything like the-

Well no, he might be on to something here.

Maruki: Is that really true?

Ryuji: Huh?

Rethinking to drop the subject for now to have them figure everything else out.

Maruki: ...No, never mind? So you all intend to deny the reality I've created for you...If you want to fight me...then so be it. If you plan on changing my heart, that's fine too. But before that-I think there's still room for discussion here. Also, I believe taking care of Yoshizawa-san is more important than settling this issue right now. For give me, Tsuba. And to your other friends, I am sorry. I didn't want to hurt any of you at all.

Kiwa: Fine, but I'm not doing this for you. It's for her and my real family. We Metropolis 12 and Phantom Thieves. Sumire's health comes first.

I guess he was being fair with them, for the time being.

Junko: (I can't believe it's him...All this time-! No! I worry about him later. Cthulhu...!) Hey, Maruki! Are you planning to run again?

Maruki: We can get back to the fighting, if that's what you really want...but I think you're rather exhausted at the moment.

Junko: ...Damn you.

Akechi: I'm afraid he's right. We fought hard to pause for the moment. It's our safety bet to do.

Seeing they all have no other choice right now. Soon enough, Sumire finally comes around.

Sumire: Ngh...

Kiwa: Hey, Sumire.

Soon to wake up for the others all gather to check on her.

Haru: Yoshizawa-san!

This leaves Maruki to leave in a flash of light.

Keiko: The shard and pearl! He has them!

Morgana: He has the what?!

Not good news for Morgana to hear about the pearl to go missing again by the enemy's hands.

Maruki: ...I'll take care of them. I promise...There's still time...February 3rd. I'll hear your final decision on the 3rd. Amamiya-kun, if your views can't align with mine by then, we'll have no other choice but a physical altercation. As much as I would loathe that, I still can't give up what I've started with help...What I swore I'd do...on that day I lost everything that mattered to me!

Keiko: We will look around the Palace of yours to find your Treasure. But fine, we'll wait until then. (Maruki, don't you see you're being played?)

Well, there he goes for now. Doing other things in his Palace with the two powerful gems to see him again within a month.

Futaba: ...I've lost his reading.

Aika: Coward!

Makoto: I want to pursue him, but I doubt that's even possible right now.

Hitomi: It is best to get going for now. We will be back.

Yeah, it was time to leave the Metaverse.

Ryuji: Let's get outta here. Yoshizawa's gotta rest, anyway.

And out of the Palace they go from outside of it and back in the real world.

Jose: Okay, we go home. See you guys later. Same with you too, Mommy and Daddy. The other members, please come with me.

This has Aika, Hitomi, Daisuke, Tohru to follow Jose to be somewhere else. Where art though?

Haru: But why are they following Jose? Where are they going?

Kiwa: I'll stay here with Sumire. I'm different from you guys, but we're still a team.

Saying it, the other four follow Jose to their new location they go to.

Tohru: In any case, Tsuba, we'll see you later. Let's go, honey.

Daisuke: I got my two favorite gals and my two little girls to hang out with.

Too much father type of figure going on.

Aika: We're not little...!

Hitomi: He does mean well.

Taking off, as Kiwa already knows what it was to alert everyone else. But Jose will take care of Hitomi, Aika, Daisuke, and Tohru.

Kiwa: I'll explain everything later, but Jose keeping them somewhere safe where Jose is taking them. It's a long story. So we should get going. Come on. Let's getting going, Sumire.

Sumire: Kiwa...

Trusting in Kiwa's words, they leave right back to the real world again. Now they leave for the rest of them – Kiwa, Sumire, Keiko, Akechi, Junko, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru leave next. With the team back, there was a lot to be told and trying to figure out on what to do next.

Akechi: I'm glad we have everyone back. The entire Phantom Thieves. Any help we can get to change things back to normal again. Keiko, we can do this.

Keiko: Yes we will, Akechi. The gems and infiltrating the palace will be next. Even though we've won the battle, the real war is far from over yet.

True, so true to be ready for anything that's about to come soon.

Loki: I'll be ready for anything who wickedness gets in my way!

Again, it's good to have Loki's spirit of Akechi's powers to be on their side, huh? That still leaves to get the two gems, save the world again, change Maruki's heart, find out why he was doing all of this, stop the real enemies of the remaining two Shadows, and such. To learn what the only four Metropolis 12 members to be at now but Kiwa to still be in the real world; this only has for Junko to think about what she saw from Cthulhu's true face in her eyes on who it was as a human? But who could it be? Do you guys know who it be?

Junko: (So...He's going this far to start a war, from long ago. It makes sense now how he's been alive for so long...He has to be stopped.)

More to come next time to get together to learn more about this mess and what they needed to do, see you guys for next chapter/episode.