Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition

By Tayla Drago

Episode #162 - Shocking Truth and Decision

Not good...Jose's been capture to be the new and stronger power up on the Eternal Pearl and Shallow Shard to fuse the real world and Mementos with the Metaverse was close to happening. Maruki wanted to keep Jose safe from Cthulhu's grasp, for he had something in mind, as well Junko knows what to do with the other Jack Frost, Black Frost, and King Frost group family to talk to their master through the Nav phone.

Junko: Hey, we need to talk.

Still, Maruki will keep Jose safe, for Rumi's sake.

Maruki: (Right, I know what to do. I won't let this child be harmed...Amamiya probably wants to see me, the day's drawing near.)

As for Daisuke, Aika, Hitomi, and Tohru caring for Sena tell Lava what they saw in their dreams, she knew Cthulhu would go after him. While Kiwa gets the phone call the keep the other Phantom Thieves on high alter tomorrow.

Lava: Yes, I'm aware. I see your decisions are to fight among side the Phantom Thieves?

Hitomi: Yes, we own them a lot.

Aika: We were the first to do all of this.

Lava: I see...I hope the warden powers like mine will fully awaken real soon, time's running out.

Tohru: When we do, Lady Lavenza, could you...? Someone needs to look after Sena.

Seeing how serious this battle was, Igor had an idea in mind.

Igor: I know of three people who would mind at all with their Personas. Leave everything to me.

Yeah, he mentioned the other wardens who work for him beside Lava – Theodore, Elizabeth, and Margaret. Not in this story, but they do things better than Lava can't but to aid the Phantom Thieves only.

Lava: Of course, Master.

Daisuke: Wait...There are others like you?

Lava: Three more, they're good with kids and how to do it. They'll be perfect. There's no need to worry.

Sena was smiling to be well, she was a lot smarter for her age to have some power glowing up of feelings. Not strong like theirs was, but it was a good sign.

Tohru: Daisuke, it'll be fine. I trust them.

Daisuke: Okay, you're right, Tohru. Sena seems happy. The only thing to make our daughter cry is to have us get hurt.

And they won't. All set there for later, with Aika and Hitomi to then get a private text message from Junko and no one else.

Aika: Junko texted us?

Hitomi: I wonder why...?

Reading it, they know something was up, big time from their reactions on their faces. As for Lava had other help on the other side to bring along for battle.

Lava: Also, for back up against other weak Shadows, I too came prepared. See for yourselves.

Tons of group joining up, but this one was a good side to see. A bunch of backup maybe? Who knows yet...

Year 20xx

Day #299 - February 2/2nd – Thursday

Getting through school for Keiko and Morgana take the train there...Sumire joins with them too.

Sumire: Keiko-Senpai...Morgana-senpai...If it true? What happen to Jose is true?

Keiko: Yeah...Akechi told me to not worry until after school and the others too, we have to save him. Maruki won't hurt him, but I'm more worried about Cthulhu.

Morgana: ...If only we knew about this, his powers was the key to absorb so much power in two gems to create such power.

This was sad.

Sumire: Then...from this and me having a lot going on too...Keiko, we should talk together after school. Kiwa is trying to look around for his cousin again while waiting on further orders from the other members. I just need to get something off my chest...Not being Kasumi anymore related of course...

Keiko: Okay, Sumire. I can do that. After school, but we should go there and do some work first.

Sumire: Of course.

Hours to pass for Keiko and Ann to get a group text with the others about Jose's disappearance and a few other things to do too.

[Akechi: They capture Jose for more power, we have to save him!]

[Junko: Hey, I know you're all upset and I want to stop this too. But scratching our heads and sitting on our asses won't do anything.]

[Keiko: Junko has a good point. We need to prepare for this and then save Jose. Maruki needs to have a change of heart to learn the truth, and Cthulhu will be stopped for good. The shard will get destroyed to with the pearl recovered.]

[Ryuji: Now gettin' Maruki to see Keiko in person next...If he's comin', it'll be today.]

[Sumire: I'm so nervous...]

[Ryuji: Same...I'm worried about the kid too. I can't focus on class at all.]

[Ann: And how's that any different than usual?]

[Ryuji: Shuddup! I mean I seriously can't today...I even tried. C'mon, Ann, you know me already.]

[Ann: I know, Ryuji, I still love you.]

[Keiko: Look, everyone...We'll handle it like always. All that's left is the fight.]

[Futaba: You know it!]

[Yusuke: We've been so blessed with your cool composure, Ms. Keiko.]

[Akechi: Listen, Keiko...you're the one Maruki is most likely to approach. If that happens, make sure you handle it just as we planned. I'll join with you.]

[Keiko: I will, Akechi-Cun.]

[Ryuji: This is Keiko here-we ain't got nothin' to worry about!]

[Makoto: I know it's a lot to bear, but can we ask you, Keiko, to make the call for us if he does show his face?]

[Keiko: Got it, Makoto. Leave it to me.]

[Haru: Let us know right away if anything foes amiss, Keiko-Chan, okay?]

Morgana: You know what to do knew, Madame Keiko.

And she will, with Keiko going to see Sumire at her house as promised...Kiwa walks along to continue with his search, but it came to him...Being Shibusawa as he and Kiwa run into each other.

Kiwa: Ah! Oh...It's you again, ah...?

Shibusawa: Shibusawa's the name. And I take it you're Kiwa Tsuba...From Shujin Academy first year, right?

Kiwa: That's me. Funny, we keep running into each other like this. It's odd. I'm looking for someone. I have a cousin, who's the last family member of mine to go missing.

Shibusawa: Really? Oh, same with me. I've been working to go to college since then to miss the little guy-!

Then it hit them...You guys get it now?

Kiwa: Wait, was the event happened a few years ago?

Shibusawa: Yeah...From the Midnight Strike event on a killer killing some family members but only six survived...

Aika, Hitomi, Kiwa, Daisuke, Tohru, and Kiwa's real cousin did.

Kiwa: Iwamura...Kanakubo...Mr. Jodojon, Mrs. Jodojon, myself, and-!

Shibusawa: I was one of the victims. Same with Maruki to call for help to only have a traumatize girlfriend Rumi to lose her family but her brother to have an ew family life...My god.

Having a strange feeling for Shibusawa's quick thinking and Kiwa's sixth sense, they found each other to be the real cousins.

Kiwa and Shibusawa: Cousin! It's really you!

Hugging and breaking down to tears, they were a big and only family again.

Shibusawa: Kiwa...I thought I never see you again...

Kiwa: Me either, but now here we are...I'm so happy...!

Shibusawa: So, please tell me what happened in the pass few years.

A lot to talk about, for Shibusawa doesn't know about working with the Phantom Thieves or Kiwa knowing about him was a dear friend to Maruki.

Kiwa: Well, there's a lot to talk about. I'll tell you if you promise to keep it a secret.

Shibusawa: Then I won't tell people you don't want me to if you won't tell.

Sounds like a deal there...

Kiwa and Shibusawa: Deal.

Yeah, they talked to tell each other what was what of Shibusawa keeping a secret of Kiwa's life and him about being a good friend to Maruki to know about his cognitive psience all along. Now...back to Keiko going into Sumire's house of her bed room was nice to be in for a girl things and other cool things around it. And it was also a good thing Shinichi was himself now.

Shinichi: Good ahead. Make yourself at home.

As she does for both Keiko and Sumire have a very good talk together, and you all know what happens next, right...?

Keiko: Nice room. (I hope to have something like it when I move out soon.)

Sumire: This is the first time I've invited another girl like me over to my house, so I'm kind of nervous to have such great friends now.

Keiko: Why? I think it's cool looking. There's no reason to get nervous at all.

Yeah, it just not having many people or just one to be invited over.

Sumire: Oh...Thank you very much then...Well, I'll try not to let it get to any one of us. Hopefully that'll help you too, Keiko. Um...I asked you here today because I wanted to tell you my decision This is where Kasumi and I promised each other we'd be the best in the world...Pretty much everything in here is the same as in Kasumi's bedroom. The colors are different, but not much else. That's how it always was. Kasumi kept saying we should get the same styles, the same clothes...

It's what sisters use to do together.

Keiko: You were close, after all. And she really loved you.

Like how Futaba and Keiko get along than just best friends, but as step-sisters too.

Sumire: Yes. So...when I lost her, I...I just went into shock. I can talk about it now that I have some distance from it, but before, I was too...

Keiko: What's up?

She didn't say anything yet to try spitting it out.

Sumire: Honestly...in the grand scheme of things, I'm grateful to Dr. Maruki.

Keiko: Well, I do want to help him out and stop the mess he thinks he's doing right...I get it. So how do you mean by grateful?

The others like Maruki still, to not be too late to stop the powers he was wielding and the mastermind behind everything.

Sumire: Well, he showed me it was possible to live my life the way Kasumi had lived hers. I ran away from who I really was, sure. But if I'd kept living as Sumire...I'd probably never have talked to you or Kiwa so much. I'd still be crying every day. Becoming Kasumi helped me come into your life of our friendship. I think...I really needed that time I spent as my sister. That's why I'm grateful to Dr. Maruki. And that's why I have something to tell him, too. Or rather...I want to show him that I found a way to face reality.

Keiko: I hear you, Sumire. I hope so once he's freed.

A lot o fighting to be done then.

Sumire: Yes. If Dr. Maruki sees how far I've come...I'd like to think it might give him the strength to do the same.

Keiko: That's the spirit I'll be there to help you. So will Kiwa and the the rest of us.

Sumire: Yes! I'll be the strongest Sumire Yoshizawa I can be!


Soon, her Persona goes into her third form now...With both Cendrillon and Freya come together to fuse into another pretty Persona of hers and her powers to be upgrades too.

Tayla: Persona #213 - Ella

Cinderella is a fairy tale adapted form a Greek folk tale. The most famous version, by French writer

Charles Perrault, introduced the iconic "glass" slippers, as well as the pumpkin carriage and the

fairy-godmother.

The tale of Cinderella follows a kind, beautiful young woman who is forced to be a maid for her wicked

stepmother and two equally vain stepsisters. A ball is held by the kingdom's prince to find a bride and

her step-family sabotage her chances to attend the ball. Her fairy godmother then appears and grants her a beautiful dress, allowing her to go, but warns that her spell lasts until midnight. At the ball, she

attracts the prince, but is forced to leave just before midnight as the spell begins wearing off. She

leaves behind one of her glass slippers in her haste and quietly returns home before her step-family can find out she left. Having found the slipper, the prince travels the kingdom to find her. He has every

maiden he visits try on the slipper, but none are a perfect fit. Arriving at Cinderella's house, the

slipper fails to fit on the stepsisters but it fits perfectly on Cinderella. After producing the other

slipper as proof, Cinderella marries the prince and lives happily ever after.

Cinderella is not the actual name of the character (which, in some adaptions, is Ella), but a nickname


from her step-family as she was often covered in cinders when sleeping next to a fireplace to keep warm.

(Sumire: This...is my power...)

With the Arcana card The Faith to be shown for Sumire to get stronger now to fight twice as hard.

Keiko: Cool! Sumire, your Persona changed again.

Sumire: I know! It did! *sigh* Thank you so much, Keiko. If I hadn't met you, I'd never have found strength to face myself. I hope we'll always be able to count on each other. That way, I won't ever lose myself again.

Keiko: I promise. We're best friends, and together well move forward.

For love, friendship, and their dreams.

Sumire: Yes! Whenever you go, I'll follow! Oh, it's gotten so late...Thank you so much for coming over.

Now before leaving...Keiko and Sumire see Kiwa coming back to introduce them to someone that Keiko already met with.

Kiwa: Sumire! Amamiya! Look, I finally found my long loss cousin name-!

Keiko: Shibusawa?!

Shibusawa: Hey, you're Maruki's little friend...Ah, Keiko Amamiya, right?

Keiko: Ah yeah.

Shocking there, huh?

Sumire: A friend of Dr. Maruki is Kiwa's real cousin.

Kiwa: Now we can explain...

And so they do for Keiko gets it now to alert the others to be happy Kiwa to find the real cousin of his. Same with Sumire telling the other Metropolis 12 members afterwards. As Shibusawa felt Maruki was behind something to be off a bit, he keeps to himself to hope he will be saved.

Shibusawa: And that's my story...Please to meet you two girls.

Keiko: Yeah, same here. (Who knew Kiwa's cousin would be someone Maruki's friends with. Well, I'm happy for them being back together as a real family.)

For now, some catching up for Sumire to talk to more with her boyfriend. With Keiko and Morgan going back Leblanc where Sojiro sees them and working as always.

Sojiro: Oh, you're back.

Keiko: Hi, Mr. Sakura.

Sojiro: Well, I know it's a bit early, but I think I'm gonna close up shop for the day.

So easily on a Thursday though? How weird...

Keiko: Huh...? Are you sure?

Sojiro: We were so busy today, I ran out of all my ingredients. I don't even remember the last time that happened. Weird, huh? Anyway, Keiko, don't forget to lock up like you always do.

Taking off now.

Keiko: Okay, good night.

Being snowy outside for Sojiro to make it back home safely to his house and Futaba to see him...Also, Junko to look around to do one final thing with Keiko for her decision has been made. Hours later for Keiko and Morgana to be in the bedroom to text message the other on Maruki's arrival. That is...if it'll happen or not. Akechi arrives for those two lovers and Morgana wait for something to happen.

Akechi: Anything?

Keiko: No, he didn't get back to me...If this keep up, then...

Reading the group text message with the others next, other than happy to know of Sena to be safe from battle and Shibusawa is Kiwa's cousin. Now for the final battle to happen real soon.

[Haru: Tomorrow's finally the day.]

[Futaba: We've already secured the route to the Treasure...No problems there.]

[Ann: All we have to do now is wait.]

[Ryuji: Sweet. We're gonna rock this shit!]

[Sumire: Yes! Oh, Keiko-I wanted to ask you something...Has Dr. Maruki contacted you yet?]

[Keiko: Nope. Not yet.]

[Akechi: We still wait and see what happens next.]

[Yusuke: I see...I suppose waiting really is our only option.]

[Makoto: You're right. If anything comes up on my end, though, I'll get in touch with you all. See you tomorrow.]

[Akechi: Same with every member of Metropolis 12, with the little one in a safe area. So, until then.]

About to relax a bit together, Keiko gets a phone call answer it.

Keiko: Could it be...?

It was all right.

[Maruki: My apologies for calling so late. This is Maruki, by the way.]

It was really him to wait for Keiko to get in contact, Maruki calls her back. For Akechi and Morgana also listen in.

Akechi: ...! (It's him!)

[Maruki: Now before you say anything, I'm actually rather close by...Would you mind lending me an ear? There's something important we need to talk about.]

Keiko: I have a few others with me too, is that okay?

[Maruki: It's fine...And, if you do intend to confront me, I believe there's something you have to give me first.[

Giving him the Calling Card to read in person, this was the only chance they had.

Keiko: All right, if we must.

[Maruki: Thank you, Amamiya-kun. I'll be at the cafe shortly. See you later.]

Hanging up to wait for Maruki's arrival, Keiko hangs up.

Akechi: It really was him...

Keiko: Yes, he'll be arriving in a bit.

Morgana: I caught all of that too. Just as we suspected, he knew he'd have to get a calling card. I have no clue how this meeting is going to go down...Hey, ah...Madame Keiko?

Keiko: What's up, Morgana?

All to be careful next was all.

Morgana: Just make sure you keep your guard up, okay? Akechi, that goes for you too.

Akechi: I will. I'm here for you, Princess.

Keiko: Got it.

Waiting for a bit upstairs in Keiko's room, she gets ready to talk to Maruki, before giving him the Calling Card.

Keiko: (Apparently, Maruki is coming. I should wait for him downstairs...)

Morgana: Ready?

Akechi: I am.

Keiko: Same. Boys, let's head downstairs.

Arriving down stairs, Keiko opens the door to let Maruki in with a cup of coffee. For her, him, and Akechi to have to sit down and get this over with very careful-like.

Maruki: Sorry for the last-minute visit.

Keiko: It's fine. I made coffee to make things fair at least.

It does seem like a normal talk for tonight.

Maruki: So, how's Yoshizawa-san holding up? I've been concerned about a potential relapse, considering her difficulties with accepting this reality.

Keiko: She's just fine, thank you very much. Sumire's one tough lady to be in love with Kiwa now and your friend...

Maruki: Shibusawa's cousin is Kiwa Tsuba, huh? I should've known. Good for them to be together as a family again and not with a fake anymore.

Keiko: Yeah, funny how good things change around from one thing after another.

Maruki: I see...No, that's great news for them both.

One more thing before continuing on...

Akechi: Wait! Jose! What have you done to him?!

Maruki: Calm down, Akechi-san. Jose's safe with me. With or without power, I won't let Cthulhu hurt him...I saw what happened to Sith and now he's...dead...Still, I want to heal his emotions for Rumi's sake.

Keiko: This again?

Not to be together again, but to do something for the woman he once loved.

Maruki: I promise he'll be fine when you all see him tomorrow. Still, this whole time was I...? So...Getting down to business...

Looks like Jose was fine to hang in there a little while longer.

Keiko: Akechi, Jose's fine. That's what matters the most. Please...

Holding hands to calming down again.

Akechi: Very well, for now...Please continue.

Maruki: Thank you. I wanted to confirm with you one last time - is there no other way to come to an agreement besides fighting?

It was already said and done with for everyone to agree.

Keiko: We can't accept this made up reality. I'm sorry...You're also being played too. Please listen to reason.

They saw Maruki almost having second thoughts so far.

Maruki: Amamiya-kun...But the reality I created may seem distorted from your point-of-view...With some help from someone aided Shadow, I get it. But I have everything under control. And it's still a reality where everyone is happy. if you just stay, you'll never have to suffer the pain of loss, or the pain from having people and things stolen away from you.

Keiko: Like you have...? What was already stolen from you.

To his surprise, they know everything about it now.

Akechi: We saw all the videos from your pasts. We do feel sorry for you, Maruki-san.

Maruki: ...! So...You all saw what happened with Rumi.

Keiko: We're sorry for that too.

He gets it for them to find out somehow, it was all very sad.

Maruki: No, it's okay. Besides aiding her brother, I'm not the one who suffered-she is...But she's still living a wonderful life right now...In this world you call a distorted reality."

Even if Rumi had to be happy by forgetting her little brother and Maruki to changing her cognition?

Morgana: But she still doesn't remember you, right? And you're fine with that?

Maruki: She may not be in my life anymore, but at least her own life is a happy one now. I'm not just doing just for Rumi-I want all of you to live just as happily as she is...But for Rumi's happiness to last, I have to move on. After all that's happened to her-to her-to me-I just can't drag her into it.

Morgana: Doc...

Was this really making Rumi happy or not?

Akechi: I still think it's wrong.

Maruki: My stance will not change. Strange circumstance have led to my gaining this power-however, I now recognize it as being wholly inevitable. This is something only I am capable of doing. I promise-every person alive will be happy in the world create...

Keiko: Happy, huh...?

Trying to make Keiko change her mind, it won't do at all.

Maruki: So, let me ask you the same - after really considering every option, do you have any doubts about your views, Amamiya-kun?

Keiko: Ah...What do you mean? Maruki, what are you getting at?

So much for not calling him "Maruki Sir" anymore.

Maruki: I suppose it's more accurate to ask, "Do you two lovers have any doubts? Or rather...two fine ladies and Akechi-san think?

Akechi: Another girl?

From the shadows to text one last thing, the coming inside of the cafe next to listen in up until now.

Maruki: You're here, aren't you? ...Sakurai-san.

Yes, Junko arrives to do one thing she told Aika and Hitomi about it. And now arriving to see Maruki to see Akechi, Keiko, and Morgana to soon learn more next.

Keiko: Junko?

Morgana: Junko...

Akechi: What are you doing here?

What her reasons to be there to tell a few people about it, was something to learn about everything today.

Junko: ...You caught me. Hey, Keiko. Goro. Morgana. I wanted to see you guys anyways on something else.

Maruki: Oh, forgive me. It was just a hunch. This issue doesn't only affect you, Amamiya-kun...Morgana was once a human being and Akechi to not get affected like you did. Well, Sakurai-san, this involves you, too.

It works to not really effect Keiko or Akechi but the others like Morgana, Junko, Kiwa, and Sumire wasn't as much. Well, Sumire was to be Kasumi a little...So Junko's different? It was far more than being brought back to life.

Keiko: Both Junko and me?

Akechi: What do you mean by Junko's involved?

Junko: ...

She knows something to hide from the others up until now, not good.

Morgana: What do these two have to do with...?

Maruki: I know about Atsuko Sakurai was looking and acting like her younger sister to saving her life...The relationship the two share a bit same and differently is very unusual...A made up photographer and survivor from the test subject cognitive psience from World War 2 and a phantom thief. Despite being enemies, your friendship isn't based on hatred or ill will...That's why I found it so tragic when I learned what happened with Atsuko working for Shido and her love for Yaldabaoth of them dying...

Yeah, from Atsuko Sakurai being her sister to have cancer instead to live immortal like for her true love. Did everything for him to love her in the end to killing the last False Gods for good. She looks like one of those Hastur Shadows but a girl version.

Janet: Let's end this together.

Yaldabaoth: Forgive me...

Atsuko: Yaldabaoth, my love. I'm yours and yours forever.

If it's true and the human who was saved...From Cthulhu's doing on Junko's reincarnated body was also done by Maruki more, and then remembering everything to turn herself in to learn of the false reality. All of it.

Akechi: ….! Wait...Don't tell me!

He figures it out first before Keiko and Morgana finds out the truth next. Now remember, this my version to be a better one, or rather a bit sad still.

Maruki: Say, Amamiya-kun...Didn't you regret how things ended with her? Atsuko of her Shadow self and Cognitive Persona fusing back to die by her lovers' hands? And then Junko, the real one showing up out of the blue? You two came to a deep understanding of one another...yet you had no choice but to leave Sakurai-san to her fate. That's why Cthulhu brought her back more besides Atsuko saving her life for another chance...But I created a reality where you two could have a fresh start together.

They remember of Keiko getting upset to be hugging Akechi after the big battle. From Morgana leaving with the treasure and the pearl, for the Phantom Thieves wish they would've saved Atsuko to not die from cancer for Junko's sake.

Janet: The one you saw from before was Junko who wanted to have some fun and the other to be Queen Lilith who wanted to stop all of you, from good to bad and Mochizuki reminded me everything to make much more sense afterwards to remember it all, so yes. I hated myself to still think like this to be in love with someone who's trying to rule the human world, Mementos, and the entire Metaverse with the Eternal Pearl. So this is my crime to make it up somehow, other than I've learned about friendship than just falling in love. I wanted you all to be yourselves to never end in the path that I did. I need to stop the other half for good to go out with the good memories I did recall these pass years for this one was the best to feel you again. Now I want to go for the cancer to finally consume and end my misery for good. Phantom Thieves, please let this happen as we all fight the final two enemies from inside this temple. Futaba. Haru. Be happy to follow your dreams to still love the men you both know so much...Same with you guys...Yusuke and Makoto, Ryuji and Ann, and Akechi and Keiko the most. And Morgana, thank you for everything to keep on living to be made for it once this hellish nightmare's all over. As for the Metropolis 12 people – Kasumi, Kiwa, Tohru, Daisuke, Aika, and Hitomi...Tell them I said thank you to them all. For the one thing I did love more than my real self once, is to learn how to live as a teenager kind of life was really wonderful.

So it did happen. From Jose saving Junko's weak body to escape from Cthulhu's grasp and Maruki helping her out, then Caroline and Justine checked on her before escaping the Velvet Room. The time she remembered what Atsuko did by being her little sister did to cause so many crimes and wasn't affected from the reality because Maruki brought her back from the dead...She was also part of Cthulhu as well; as the curse from the test subjects of Junko and Ginza were affected to become demons for many years later. Well, that's all there was so far...

Tayla: Yeah, there was a lot more to it to be unfold later on.

Morgana: That would mean the Junko Sakurai in the real world is...

Junko has been dead forever to be a clone made by the main bad guy, and Maruki was only trying to help her out.

Maruki: Get what I'm saying? She was Cthulhu's spy, but I made her better to live a good live. Not to become something she was not.

Soon to see Junko's body to be all demon-like skin from her arm to show many more arms instead of the regular one.

Junko: I guess he spilled the beans. Yeah...Everything the Doc said is all true. I'm a clone to Cthulhu, or his spy. But I owe this guy a lot with a reason why I wanted to fight back until this nightmare's finally over.

Keiko: No!

Akechi: I don't...believe it...!

Shocking and sad there, huh?

Maruki: I genuinely didn't want to tell any of you like this. I didn't want to make it seem like I'm holding her hostage...But no matter what you may think of me, I just want you all to accept this reality and move on with your happy lives.

Junko: ...And that matters, how, exactly? Don't tell me you think dangling my life before us is going to have any impact on our decision.

All along to fight back up until now...

Keiko: So, you knew...

Akechi: You figured that out too? I see why you and Atsuko were very much different.

Guess was very smart besides Akechi's detective skills. I know Maruki did save Junko from being a spy, but still...

Junko: Well, I lacked conclusive evidence...Sorry, Goro, I still beaten you first. But after I fought against you all through my sister's eyes of being me, I had a gap in my memory that ended with meeting up with Keiko again. There were also the cases of Wakaba Isshiki and President Okumura...Of course I'd find all of that suspicious.

Now it makes sense.

Akechi: And you wanting to stop Cthulhu is because of him having hold of your brother?

Junko: About that...

But that part is slipped when Maruki was surprised on how Junko knew all along.

Maruki: I see. I had a feeling the truth of the matter still wouldn't dissuade you, Sakurai-san...Seeing how Morgana and Akechi-san are both surprised about all of this. But how about you, Amamiya-kun?

Keiko: What about me?

Maruki: "You think dangling my life before us is going to affect our decision?" That's what Sakurai-san said a moment ago. If that's how you see it as this point, I'm fine with it...But I'm still going to ask you, one last time - Will you accept the reality I create for you? You were the guiding light to my research. You showed me the way so I could make any dream into reality. I have nothing but gratitude for you, Amamiya-kun-although I could've fallen for you to still have you as a dear friend to me. So not a single ounce of ill will. That's why I wanted you of all people to understand...

Touching his hand on Keiko's to rubbing it...This made Akechi mad. Oh no!

Akechi: Hey!

Grabbing hold of Maruki's jacket in jealousy, almost pushing him...But it was his Persona Hereward to stop his master this time. Although he wasn't going to hurt the guy.

Hereward: Akechi, don't! I was like you once, remember? And almost killing your father...I almost did the job for you! So please rethink this!

Keiko: Akechi-Cun! Please don't!

With a Persona and Akechi's true love, he let's out a big sigh to letting go of Maruki to give him a warning only.

Maruki: Okay, I deserve that one.

Akechi: If you came on closer to my Princess, I wouldn't show you any mercy, but I did for her sake.

He hugs Keiko to know he almost did the same with Shido almost, but didn't to have a good heart still.

Junko: Close call, Romeo.

Morgana: Scary...!

Hereward: Thank god.

Soon for Maruki getting up on his feet to say this part next.

Maruki: Perhaps I shouldn't ask you for an answer on the spot like that. I'll be going now.

But before Maruki takes off, Keiko needed to give him the Calling Card to see his Treasure.

Keiko: Maruki, wait. You forgot something...This is for you.

Throwing it across the table, Maruki gets it.

Maruki: Ah, that's right. I've heard your calling. Amamiya-kun...Could you read it at least to me?

One last time reading to it with some feelings in this Calling Card.

Keiko: Very well..."Sir Takuto Maruki, the creator of false reality sorrow...Your creation of lies on others to make them happy isn't right at all, without thinking about their true feelings first. Therefore...We have decided to make you confess all your crimes with your own mouth. We will take your distorted desires without fail. From Team Drago of the Phantom Thief of Hearts...AKA the Phantom Thieves...P.S. We're sorry, friend."

Well, he heard and Keiko read it to Maruki to listen. With some meaning to it and Maruki's a Persona-user and now a Shadow or cognitive, he was ready for them. After reading it, the security levels are now up to 100. Leaving now to hear or see the final answers by tomorrow in person.

Maruki: I understand...And, about my question-let's do this...I'll be waiting in the Palace tomorrow, just as I promised. If you still haven't changed your mind by then...we'll meet there...But if you don't show, I'll take that to mean you're accepted my reality...See you.

Well, this was all decided tonight if they go or not. If they do, they can take Maruki's Treasure to stopping Cthulhu to only have Junko to disappear. But they don't go to the Palace, then she stays. Making Keiko very upset, she was very worried.

Keiko: If we go, we get the job...But Junko will leave. And if we don't go, she will stay in this fake reality. (This is bad...!)

Morgana: ...Madame Keiko, what are you gonna do?

Junko: ...

Trying to decide, Akechi hugs Keiko.

Akechi: I hope you're not mad for almost hurting Maruki-san.

Keiko: No, I'm just what he said...

Akechi: Please, Princess...We have to do this. I don't like this idea either after learning about this Junko is really-!

Keiko: Yeah, but-!

Getting scared and such, Junko then something to settle things right here and now.

Junko: Goro, it's my turn to step in. I'd like to speak with Keiko. You can the cat can still listen in.

It was some girl talk time.

Morgana: Junko...

Akechi: It'll be fine. We'll just sit and listen. Keiko, you got this.

He trusts Junko to have a good talk.

Morgana: ...Gotcha. Then we'll leave the decision up to you, Madame Keiko-let us know when you've reached an answer.

With those two boys staying put...Keiko and Junko finally talk.

Keiko: This became a big mess for us, huh? ...This really sucks.

Junko: Keiko, I'll make myself clear...I will carve my own path for myself. Being made and fixed by our target, I refuse to accept a reality concocted by someone else or be Cthulhu's spy, stuck under their control for the rest of my days alive. Atsuko to give me a wish to take my cancer instead to become immortal, she was still a dumb sister.

Keiko: ...Are you sure about this? But then, you'll...

Like that matters to a creation anymore to fight until the very end.

Junko: So what? That's the path I chose.

Feeling upset to be crying deep down from her anger, Keiko senses real feeling for the creation of a human like her.

Keiko: Tears...Junko, you're crying!

Junko: I'm not crying...! I'm just sleepy. All you have to do is stick to your guns and challenge Maruki. Or, are you really so spineless that you'd fold over some bullshit, trivial threat on my life?

Keiko: This isn't "trivial"! Don't oversimplify this. And...I won't fold. Not like this...

Junko: Oh, but it IS simple.

She was trying to tell Keiko to make the right choice to hurt or not.

Keiko: How so?

Junko: "How so?" Do you think I'd be happy with this? Being shown mercy now, of all times? I don't want to be pitied-this isn't something I'm debating with you! Keiko, your indecisiveness on the matter is essentially a betrayal of my wishes...I want to stop Cthulhu, I already told Aika and Hitomi about it to aid me; same with the other two to join me, Tsuba, Daisuke, and Tohru...So I want to hear you say it aloud.

Keiko: Me?

One final answer to determined everything.

Junko: Now, Keiko...What do you intend to do?

Keiko: (If we fight against Maruki and Cthulhu and win, we'll return to the original reality...But...Junko, since she's part of Cthulhu's power and clone...)

Junko: I won't wait a moment longer. Answer me.

It'll hurt but for Junko Sakurai to live a little longer to make it this far, it was best to fix things.

Keiko: Well...

Junko: Listen, I want you to make your dreams happen. Get married to Akechi soon, finish high school, move in with each other, still be friends with these Phantom Thieves, other people you help out, and...I guess I would've been jealous of you almost. Atsuko didn't say it to be caught up with power and love on something which almost destroy this world. So please make the right decision. A few of us can stop the main demon and rescue Jose and you guys...stop Maruki's powers to get his Treasure for his Palace to go down! All for my brother's sake! So make your call, the right one...!

Well good words there, from there Keiko gets it to see the real Junko to be caring and Atsuko was a sad one. For Keiko to know what she still has in live, she won't let it go away.

Keiko: (She's right, all of it. If she wants this then...) Junko...We're stopping Maruki.

This made Junko smirk a little to care, Keiko said the right thing. Same with Akechi to knew this would happen deep down, and Morgana as well.

Morgana: Wow.

Akechi: Good girl, Keiko. It's hurts I know. It will to all of us. But if this will Junko can finally rest in peace as her true self right now...

Keiko: Yeah, I know. Thank you, Akechi...

It was sad to still make the right call in the end.

Junko: All right. I'm relieved to hear it. I will never accept this form of reality. I'm done being manipulated to being used, and I was saved to make the right call by aiding all of you up to this point tomorrow. Let's go back...to our true reality. I'm tired, it'll be good to live up until tomorrow to make everything count.

Keiko: Then let's not make it all go to waste for you. (The last bonding with Junko Sakurai, we truly have become friends. Jealousy or not, she meant well.)

Here's one final bonding and Arcana for Junko and Keiko to finally be completed and up to ten.

I am thou, thou art I

Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.

Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion

and break the yoke of thy heart.

Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret

of the Hope, granting thee infinite power...

With this...both her powers and Junko's Persona goes into its third fusion form. From Jack Frost and Black Frost, to become one as King Frost. Cool. And no pun attended.

(Junko: This is great...I feel so alive! I'll sow chaos as far as the eye can see!)

If she says so for her Arcana card The hope appears to have everything she needed to fight on, one last time.

Keiko: From Jack Frost, Black Frost, and now King Frost.

Akechi: So other than taking Maruki's treasure to changing his heart, getting back our reality, stopping Cthulhu, rescuing Jose, getting the Eternal Pearl back, and destroying the Shallow Shard.

Morgana: Is there a way to do it all?

From Metropolis 12 stopping Cthulhu and the Phantom Thieves stopping Maruki's powers, to also do the other two things in between.

Junko: The only way to kill Cthulhu in an old host's body from long ago, is to use the blood from someone closes to that person...

Saying something for the three to hear Junko's words loud and clear.

Keiko: Junko...?

Junko: Ah, what?! It's nothing! I just learn Cthulhu's weakness is all and where my Brother is...Or rather, who he is.

Morgana: So we have to go separated.?

Junko: That Lavenza brat said she'll join us too with back up...I think, those sister gave me the details after what I told them to tell the other guys by now.

I guess they'll soon find out later on what it is themselves by tomorrow during the final battle.

Akechi: I guess we all have no other choice but to wait until then. We'll know what Junko's saying.

Junko: No duah. What's a life worth in a reality that was cooked up just to satisfy someone else? I say none.

Keiko: None...? What do you mean?

Junko: We have to win this-no matter what. And Keiko, be true to yourself. So you and Akechi...go love each other now and give each other head.

Ah! She did not just say that to them in their love life, such a dirty thing.

Akechi: Give her-! Junko!

Keiko: Come on! This again?!

Morgana: Such a dirty mouth!

This has Junko laughing for the other four did the same thing, it seems she like the life she lived in as long as she could.

Junko: Wow, I could be jealous. But...It's not a bother to me. See you guys tomorrow.

Leaving Leblanc now for Keiko to be laughing to not cry about this decision anymore, she felt a bit better.

Keiko: (There's no going back now...) Akechi-Cun!

Rushing to Akechi's side to embrace each other on this choice.

Akechi: Princess, it's okay. I'm here for you. It was her choice.

Keiko: I know it is. And yet I'll be missing Junko.

Akechi: Me too...Now please, let me take me away.

Keiko: Yes...Please, love me...

From them kissing with Akechi carrying Keiko upstairs in her room, for Morgana give them some room for their love making again.

Morgana: (It'll be okay, Madame Keiko. I'll be there for you one last time before I go back to the Velvet Room for good again.)

From within the dark shadows in the bedroom, for Keiko and Akechi were really kissing all over. From touching, body dancing a lot, holding hands, their legs, and tongues dancing to have this sex very lovely. Doesn't show it but the rest we have to think about it. For Akechi wanted to stay over to make it all count for them both.

Keiko: (This feeling...This sex...The touch...Al of this is for me and Akechi to show our love more and more...I can't let my sadness get the best out of us...or me. I've made the right choice. I want to save Maruki and Jose a lot, I want Junko to find her brother until she can rest in peace fake or not, and...our reality to finally come back. All of it. We have our own love life, family, friends, and dreams to make it happen on our own. So please...please let me see Morgana and Junko until the very end when we win and enough before our powers go away. But tonight, let me feel better with Akechi by my side.)

Such a lovely moment, huh? It sure was...For tomorrow was it Team Drago of the Phantom Thief of Hearts will be ready – Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, and Sumire to give it their all. To stop Maruki's powers, with his Treasure to steal and changing his heart, as well as saving Jose too; while Junko with King Frost, Aika, Hitomi, Daisuke, Tohru, and Kiwa deal with Cthulhu in his human form and finding Ginza along with getting the pearl and destroying the shard. As Lava had the army ready to join the battle...

Lava: yes, I'm ready.

With Igor to also have three of the other wardens caring for Sena to be safe in the Velvet Room.

Igor: Good luck out there, Ms. Trickster.

The others in the real world are hoping for the best as well.

Sojiro: Good luck out there, everyone.

Sae: Makoto, please be careful. All of you...

Yuuki: The Phantom Thieves can do this.

Tae: I hope my items are useful.

Iwai: These weapons and armor has to work.

Yoshi: I'll give out the biggest word speech every to all of you guys!

Ohya: A toast to the Phantom Thieves' victory to be happening!

Chihaya: I have a strong feeling...they can do this...

Hifumi: You better make the right move out there. Please...

Kawa: Please come back soon, Keiko. I want to teach you more at school.

Shinya: It's time to face the final boss in the video game, Missy!

Shibusawa: Takuto Maruki...

Same with everyone else for most – Lala, Mika, Hira, Shinichi, Shiho, Chouno, Akio, Eiko, Hiruta, Inui, the Makigami brothers, Nakano, Nanaoka and the other guys, Tanaka, Sugimura, Usami, Uchimura, Sena, Rumi a little 'for some strange reason'; and other fans to have a feeling. Same with prisoners – Suguru, Madarame, Junya, and Shido too. That goes for Junko to know what to do from her enemy and brother, with Hereward knows what was really going on.

Hereward: Heh. How will all play out and hearing the dark truth in between, well...I know these kids will pull it all off somehow. For I'm going out in a flash.

The last few chapters/episodes before the finale ones, the big showdown and a rescue mission happens.

Jose: (Mommy...Daddy...you guys can do it...)

Hang in there a little while longer, Jose. Help is on the way.