Chapter III: White Christmas Joy
Shinjuku Toho Building/Toho Cinemas Shinjuku/Kabukichō (歌舞伎町)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)/December 14, 2018 (2018年12月14日) (Reality: December 2020)/7:20 PM (JST)
With the recent time reset, the only facets of their memories they seemed to have lost were anything related to pop culture. Everything pop culture-related they've seen, read, or experienced after December 5th, 2018 was purged from their minds. This includes big movies they had previously seen. However, the Thieves weren't self-aware of that. As far as they're aware, they'll be experiencing these movies for the first time.
Tonight was the wide release debut for the 20th film in this particular evergreen franchise: Dragon Ball Super: Broly. The hype was particularly strong for this film following the end of the Dragon Ball Super show several months ago and the pre-established popularity of Broly.
The Phantom Thieves and the Vein Remnants were in line for the movie. Just outside of the theater, the Godzilla statue head is seen casting its gaze from the top of the Toho Cinemas Shinjuku building.
Louis directed his attention to his Revenant friends. "Ok, this is everyone?"
"Not all of us. Davis and Coco are back at the shop clearing out some new inventory. They told me just to go." Rin informed him.
"That's generous of them," Mia said.
"I've been working so hard, they felt I needed a break! I was 'oh, I'm not sure', but they insisted."
"Well, I'm glad you can join us," Yakumo said.
"Same here. Tonight's going to be a fun night at the movies," Emily concurred.
"It'll be even better with all of us here together," Skyler stated.
"Dude, my hype levels for this movie since they announced Broly's coming back!" Ryuji gleefully shouted.
"I never thought they'd bring him back," Ren concurred.
"By the way, we're glad you four decided to join us," Ann said to Shinya, Nicola, Reiko, and Li-Ming who were also in line.
"Hell yeah. Ren invited me first. Then I asked these three if they wanted to come," Shinya said.
"Thank you for the invite!" Reiko and Li-Ming yelled enthusiastically to Ren and his friends.
"And if Nicola was going, I, his big sister, have to come," Mia sternly added.
"You don't need to be chaperoning me and my friends, sis. Besides, we're all going inside the same theater," Nicola sighed.
"Hmm, that's true."
Louis chuckled. "Don't worry, Mia. They'll be fine."
"Eva, I know these types of movies aren't your thing, but I'm still glad you came," Jack turned over to his Revenant girlfriend.
Nodding, Eva smiled in response. "As long as I'm sitting by you, it's not a problem for me, Jack."
"Senpai, let's all have a good time, ok?" Sumire addressed him with a bright smile.
Ren replied. "Yeah, same here."
"Eugene and I will be sitting close to you and Ann, Right, Eugene?" Sumire turned over to her boyfriend.
"Well, I believe that's what our seat numbers say," Eugene answered.
"Hey, Akechi, what are you doing standing so far from us?" Ren glanced over to the former junior detective, who kept to himself while standing behind Eugene.
Hearing his name called out, Akechi snapped out of his cautious state. When he eyed Makoto without her noticing, he felt uneasy, remembering his heated reunion with Sae. When he turned away from Makoto, he sighed and nodded to Ren.
"Don't mind me, Ren. I just have a lot on my mind," Akechi replied, hiding the fact that he was now a targeted suspect. "Can we get this line moving?"
"Yo, what's the rush? This movie's got a packed line if ya didn't notice," Ryuji asked Akechi.
"Hey, the line's starting to move along," Skyler pointed out.
"Heck yeah, about time!" Futaba shouted. "Let us through!"
"Hey, no pushing, Futaba!" Yusuke barked as he and the others collectively followed her into the theater.
Once they entered their theater, the Phantom Thieves, the Vein Remnants, and the three teens took their seats. Most grabbed snacks and drinks from the concession stands. The group noticed the packed theater and it's not surprising considering there have been sold-out screenings.
"Man with these crowds, this movie is sure to make a shit ton of money," Ryuji noticed.
"Typically I only go out of my way to watch high-quality art films, but since we were planning an outing together and since Futaba asked me…" Before Yusuke can finish, Futaba cuts him off.
"Trust me, Inari. Yeah, these types of movies aren't art films, but the animation and style are gonna be off the chain! They got Shintani Naohiro as the animation director in this movie! It's supposed to be the best Dragon Ball has ever looked!" Futaba adjusted her glasses as a bright gleam shined off her lens. "Heh, and it's probably the closest the series will ever replicate the aesthetic look of the manga! On top of that, they have Nagamine Tatsuya directing this! Talk about an upgrade!"
"Wow, I had… like… no idea," Rin balked at Futaba's wealth of knowledge of animators and its industry.
"Is he someone well-renowned?" queried Yakumo.
"Hell yes!" Futaba shouted.
Makoto shrugged. "Our resident otaku knows her stuff."
Akechi openly chuckled. "You said it, Niijima-san. My, my, you are very well informed about these anime productions, Futaba."
"But, let's enjoy this action-packed art piece together, my dear Mako-chan." Haru leaned against Makoto, taking a handful of popcorn from their bucket.
As Makoto reached for some popcorn, her hand touched Haru's. Before the couple could say anything, Louis leaned in, pointing to his half-empty popcorn bag.
"Would you ladies care to share? Sadly, I seemed to have scattered mine on the floor," Louis smirked coolly.
Mia rolled her eyes. "Please, you didn't even buy popcorn, liar. And you purposely spilled most of yours."
Munching her popcorn, Makoto hesitated. "...eh…"
"Sure, help yourself," Haru quickly offered some to Louis.
"Why thank you, Haru-chan. Y'know, Mako-chan you could stand to be more generous like her here," Louis placed their popcorn into a napkin.
"Riiiight," the brunette scoffed as she turned and noticed Skyler too busy talking with Hifumi. She remembered Sion used to call her Mako-kins. In the back of her mind, she waited for Skyler to call her out by her least favored nickname. When he didn't give any response to Louis's comment, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.
Ren leaned over and watched Ann opening her hot dog bag. She noticed her husband leering over her hot dog.
"What? Oh, did you manage to bring the ketchup and stuff?!" Ann had forgotten to grab the condiments.
"Yep, right here," Ren flashed her some ketchup and mustard packets.
"Thanks, I'd hate to eat a dry dog," the model said, opening a ketchup packet. "Though, I have to watch what I eat. The modeling agency is suggesting I be on a semi-strict diet."
"But, you've been eating well lately. One cheat night won't hurt."
"Yeah, I guess, but hey we're in a theater… although I wish could've gotten one of those salad bowls," Ann sighed.
"Who the heck eats salads in a theater?" Shinya chimed in, slurping his soda.
"Some of us," Ann muttered.
"Yeah, like me," Sumire added, holding a tray consisting of a large popcorn bag, a hotdog, and a large soda. Some of her friends peered over, gawking at the amount of theater food she paid for.
"Man, are you sure you're gonna put that all away in one sitting?" Ryuji asked Sumire.
"Why yes and hopefully I'll eat it all before the movie ends."
"And I'm going to help her eat all that," Eugene said, grabbing some popcorn from his and Sumire's large popcorn bag.
Chuckling, Akechi encouraged her. "You go and eat to your heart's content, Sumire!"
"I think I'm going to puke looking at all that," Jack muttered.
"You must have a bottomless pit if you're gonna eat all that!" Shinya shouted out loud, causing Reiko to pinch his ear. "Ow, that hurt!"
"Shinya, be nice," Reiko chastised him.
Shinya sighed. "Sorry."
Li-Ming quietly added. "I can put away a lot of food in one sitting while I'm eating with my family."
Nicola chuckled. "Oh yes, you're quite the glutton, Li-Ming." As he said this, a large grin smeared across Li-Ming's face.
Sumire addressed Shinya and his friends. "It's no problem. My appetite surprises a lot of people."
"Don't worry, Shinya. I don't eat salads in a theater… though, those burgers they had looked good," Ren considered.
"Oh man, I could go for a burger right now," Ryuji licked his lips. "Hey, Miyako. I'm going with Ren to grab a burger. Want something else?"
Miyako kindly declined. "No, I'm fine. You go on!"
"You know you can place an order for burgers here in your seat, right?" Futaba reminded Ren and Ryuji.
"Oh yeah… how did I forget that?" Ryuji said as he sat down and wrote down his order.
"Want something, Eva?" Jack asked, passing a menu over to her.
"Maybe some candy."
"Ooo, candy sounds good! Maybe some soda, too!" Emily tugged on Yakumo's arm.
"Thankfully, we can eat other things besides blood. I'm thankful for that at least. Ok, let's see what they have here," Yakumo stated, scanning through the theater food menu.
Skyler wrote an order for pizza for him and Hifumi. "Anything else you want?"
Hifumi just nodded. "No, pizza's fine."
"Ok. How's Io feeling inside?"
"She's resting well. I can imagine she'd want to physically be here with us now."
"I guess you'll be eating for two?" Skyler joked with her.
"For two? Skyler Jones! You say like I'm pregnant with Io," Hifumi coolly chuckled.
"Well, she is inside you."
"I know, but that's not quite the same."
"She has to come out, Hifumi. We should let her experience this world since it's still alien to her. She's only ever lived and experienced a post-apocalyptic period. We're in a time of peace. She's still naive to a lot of our daily life activities."
Hifumi smiled. "Yes, when you put it like that, this world would be very surreal to her. We can teach her things not seen in your time. We can teach the different kinds of food she can eat and I already said I'd lend her some of my clothes."
"Getting her some new clothing will be good, too."
"She'll make a great companion to tag along with," Hifumi said as she suddenly had the urge to use the restroom. "Pardon, I'll be right back."
"Are you ok?" Skyler asked her.
"Yes, I'll be right back!"
As she closed her bathroom stall, Hifumi finished her business. Before turning the handle to leave, her body glowed with white light. Then, the next Hifumi knew she was laying on the floor with Io on top of her.
"Hey, I heard you talk about me? What happened?" Io asked as she noticed Hifumi on the floor. "Oh, I'm sorry! Did I come out at a bad time?" She helped Hifumi up.
Hifumi grunted, rubbing her back. "Not at all."
"I heard you plan to take me places and see things. Where do we start?"
Hifumi turned her eyes to the bathroom exit. "Why don't I show you?"
As the audience waited for the previews to start, a calming song with acoustics played through the speakers, giving some audiences some peace of mind before what will be a highly intense action-packed movie.
"This music's pretty soothing," Makoto remarked, leaning against Haru. The music reverberating from the speakers relaxed her mind.
"Yes, I agree," replied Haru.
"It puts me in a calm state of mind," Skyler stated.
Closing his eyes, Louis slowly rocked his head forward and back. "Mmhmm, I could listen to this all day."
Leaning over, Eugene whispered to Sumire. "These seats are comfy. I'm glad we chose this theater."
"Yes, same here! I love these seats," Sumire interacted with her boyfriend while placing their hands on top of the other.
"Hey, Akechi. Why were you asking if the line was going to move quicker? And why have you been so distant from us lately?" Ren asked him.
In response, Akechi chuckled modestly. "Oh, I just didn't want to stay in that line too long. Then again, you might've noticed I've been on edge."
"Yeah, but why though?" Ann asked him.
"Nothing you needn't be concerned with, I can assure you, Ann," the former junior detective answered with a composed smirk on his face. His calm demeanor became unnerving and suspicious to some, including Ren, who could tell Akechi was hiding something from them.
"Damn, when's the movie gonna start?" fidgeted Ryuji.
"Give it time," Mia remarked.
Just then, Hifumi returned with Io accompanying her. The pale-skinned Revenant's presence surprised the entire group and befuddled others, especially Eugene, who hasn't met Io yet.
"Whoa! Io's here now?!" Futaba exclaimed as the group noticed Io walking beside Hifumi.
"So, I see you've rested enough. It's been over a week, Io," Skyler acknowledged the pale Revenant's presence.
"Wait, so Io's been sleeping inside Hifumi?" Mia whispered to Louis.
"Yeah, it appears so. Hifumi is now Io's vessel to conserve her power and sustain her current form. For the time being, she's not able to last on her own outside."
Hifumi sat Io beside her. "Thankfully I purchased the last remaining seat for Io."
"You guys just arrived in time. The flick's about to start!" Ryuji said.
"Hell yeah, get ready for Goku and Vegeta to get smoked by Broly!" Shinya cheered.
Io leaned over and noticed the pizza dish Skyler ordered for him and Hifumi. Her golden eyes gleamed over the savoring cheese. Hifumi picked up a slice and handed it to Io.
"Go ahead and take a bite. I think you'll love it," the Shogi woman offered the pale Revenant a slice.
Nodding, Io took the slice and took her first bite. As she swallowed, Io's eyes lit and her cheeks flushed bright pink, giving her face more color than ever before. Her face elicited the most adorable expression that the Revenants had ever seen.
"This is good. No, it's delicious," Io then quickly devoured the pizza in one gulp. She then noted the red sauce on her lips. Licking the sauce off from her lips, Io mulled over the most delicious solid sustenance she's eaten. "That red stuff reminds me of blood, but tasted different."
"It's called pizza sauce," Skyler informed her.
"Pizza sauce?"
"That's correct and be sure to chew your food," Hifumi said, wiping Io's mouth with a napkin.
"Pizza's one of the best foods you'll find, Io. I'm glad you like it," Skyler smiled, watching Io being fed another pizza slice by Hifumi.
"You know seeing Io eating like that reminds me when I fed Sion pizza. He liked it just as much as Io does," Hifumi told Skyler about the previous Sion who briefly stayed and ate pizza one afternoon after his arrival.
Examining Io, Skyler mulled about his predecessor. "You don't say, Hifumi?"
Nicola eyed Io. "Hey, is it really Io? Either way, I'm glad to see her again. She looks well."
"Do you know her, Nicola?" Li-Ming asked him.
"Yeah, she's an old acquaintance of me and my sister."
Mia answered. "She's not the Io we knew, Nicola. Though, you might say she is since she was born from the essence inside the amber bead."
"Is that true, sis?" Nicola curiously asked.
Shinya curiously watched Hifumi feeding Io. "That chick's got bandages on her. Is she ok?"
Nicola reassured him. "She's fine. That's just her style."
"Maybe she came in cosplay?" Reiko wondered.
"Darn, I knew I should've come in cosplay since we're seeing an anime movie," Li-Ming shook her head, sighing deeply.
"Do you even have a Dragon Ball cosplay, Li-Ming…?" Before Shinya could finish, the screen opened up with the theater logo and the movie previews.
The group then quieted down through the previews.
Moments before Dragon Ball Super: Broly started, a group of distorted figures appeared but no one inside the theater noticed them. The figures, a side effect caused by the Yami Matter's presence, took on the shapes of familiar characters from the Dragon Ball series. These Urban Myths were Son Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Krillin, Piccolo, Yamcha, Tien Shinhan, Chiaotzu, Bulma, Master Roshi, Jaco, Freeza, Cell, Fat Buu, Mr. Satan, Beerus, Whis, Cabba, Hit, Caulifla, Kale, Jiren, Future Trunks, Future Mai, Android 17, Android 18, and Broly (Canon/Super). The figures stayed out of sight and watched the movie alongside the audience.
As the movie progressed, the group watched Bulma calling Trunks on screen talking about the stolen Dragon Balls. Also on-screen with Trunks were Goten, Pilaf, Mai, and Shu.
"Kinda obvious who sent those guys to steal Bulma's Dragon Balls," Futaba whispered.
"Please don't spoil," Yusuke muttered.
"And no talking. Not even whispering. Shhh!" Makoto put a finger to her lips.
"You tell them, Mako-chan," Louis chuckled.
"You, too, Louis," Makoto reminded him he wasn't off the hook either.
"Man, all that Saiyan and Bardock stuff was freakin' great," Ryuji whispered.
Upon seeing little Mai on-screen, Futaba just realized. "Hey, you know if Hifumi were drawn in Toriyama-sensei's art style, she'd look like Future Mai."
"Really? Hmm, there is a bit of a resemblance," Ren turned to Hifumi.
"What are they talking about?" Hifumi asked Skyler.
"Something about you looking like that Mai character from Dragon Ball."
"Oh."
Io sat with her feet on her chair. Without budging an inch from her seat, she became deeply invested in the movie. This is the first feature film she's ever seen. In her and the Revenants' dimension, cinematic films and television died following the collapse of modern society. Witnessing a full-length feature film, even an animated one, was alien and surreal to the pale Revenant.
Hifumi giggled. "I think she's really into it, Skyler."
"Good, let her."
The next scene showed Freeza on screen talking about his desired wish.
"It's Freeza," Futaba munched on her popcorn. "Nakao Ryūsei still sounds legendary after all these years."
"Are you enjoying it so far, Eugene?" Sumire turned and asked her boyfriend.
"So far, it's good. Though there hasn't been much fighting yet," Eugene said, keeping his eyes glued toward the big screen.
"That reminds me. There's a famous YouTuber and social media guy with an avatar of Golden Freeza, only with glasses and holding a red lightsaber," Shinya whispered.
"Oh, I think I know who you're talkin' about, but I forgot the guy's name," Ryuji whispered.
"Who is it, Ryuji?" Miyako asked, whispering to him.
"Why are we talking about YouTube celebrities? Is it someone worth investigating about our current situation?" Akechi inquired, eavesdropping on their conversation.
"No, dude!" Ryuji retorted.
"Yeah, butt out!" Shinya snapped at Akechi.
"Will you guys keep it down?" Jack asked while trying to maintain his composure, growing agitated with the whispering among the few seated closest to him and Eva.
"Guys, quiet! We're watching a movie now," Ann hushed them.
The group went back and watched the movie.
The final battle sequences showed the spectacular blend of art style and animation, which enhanced the movie experience for the audience. Everyone became captivated by the new style that could potentially be used for future Dragon Ball releases.
The group was immersed and awestruck. Jaws almost dropped. Even Yusuke came to appreciate the animation techniques and the manga-like art style brought to life.
But none were more invested than Io, who was immersed with her first theatrical experience. As far as she was concerned, this would be the film she'll remember the most since it's the first one she's ever seen.
Somewhere in the same theater, the two police veterans from Makoto's department, Tori and Hiroshi, sat enjoying the Broly movie play out. When Goku and Vegeta teamed up against Broly, Tori nearly got up from her chair, prompting Hiroshi to pull her down.
"Easy now. I know you're getting excited, but we are in a Japanese theater," whispered Hiroshi.
"But, I still see some people cheering," she loudly whispered. "Man, besides, this is the first time I'm watching a Dragon Ball movie since moving here with you. Besides, our memories of this series go back to us while still living in America."
Hiroshi nodded. "We grew up with the English dub on Toonami and then watched the Japanese version later. I never would've imagined us here in our late-20s watching a childhood anime of ours in its country of origin. It's surreal."
"Tell me about it, Hiroshi! You think I wanna sit back and be quiet?"
"Suit yourself, Tori, but I'm going to enjoy this quietly."
"You do that," Tori muttered, being completely drawn into Gogeta and Broly's high-impact brawl on the big screen, a culmination of her childhood growing up with the Dragon Ball franchise.
Seemingly overhearing Tori's loud whispers, Makoto pivoted and scanned the packed theater. Haru noticed her friend distracted from the movie.
"Are you ok, Mako-chan? What is it?"
Makoto merely nodded. "Sorry, I thought I heard someone that sounded familiar but never mind." She attentively faced the screen, letting Haru lean her head against her.
The climax came when Super Saiyan Blue Gogeta prepared to finish off Broly.
Once the movie ended and the credits rolled, the high-octane, fast-paced, and even uplifting music gave way to a calmer, synthesized modern J-Pop song that mentally cooled the audience down. The chilling vibe from the song reminded them of the icy atmosphere, which took place through the bulk of the movie's second half. Many in the audience, including the Thieves, the Revenants, and their friends, reflected on the movie's memorable moments and the big fight. Most of the audience was content with the movie they got.
Some of the group members, including the Revenants, Ryuji, Makoto, Futaba, Shinya's group, and the two police officers, rocked their heads to the rhythm of Daichi Miura's Blizzard.
The movie ended and the audience politely clapped for the most immersive Dragon Ball film they've ever seen.
Then, in contrast to the cool and calmer synthesized song that relaxed the audience, an Italian rock song played through the speakers, breaking the audiences out of their reflective moods. Some of the group members bobbed their heads to the music consisting of guitar mixed with bass lines. A female vocalist sang, evoking Eva enough her to hum and sing to Jack.
The group came together to briefly discuss the movie. Most of them were trying to get over the animation spectacle they've just witnessed.
"Holy shit, guys! That was worth the wait!" Ryuji passionately voiced his content for the movie. "I definitely need to use that paralysis technique Goku used on Broly!"
"Let me guess, you're going to use it in the heat of battle?" Morgana poked out of a bag sitting between Ren and Ann.
"I mean if Makoto can use that Hokuto no Ken move, why not use something just as cool and flashy?"
"You should try it out. I'll be there in the front row seat to watch!" Miyako added, being humored by Ryuji's fanboy reaction.
"I'm not the biggest fan of this series, but that was an exhilarating experience. That fight choreography was awesome to watch. I may even apply some of their fight techniques when I'm Queen!" Makoto nodded, pumping her fist into the air.
"Not the paralysis move, 'cause I call dibs on that!" Ryuji said.
Haru winked and patted Makoto's shoulder. "Perhaps this might entice you to read the manga, Mako-chan?"
Louis concurred. "That's the best way to get introduced to an older long-running series."
"I can't believe even after 30-something years this series still has this much life," Ren stated.
"Yeah, I'll say. I do dig Broly and Cheelai together. They're so cute!" Ann admitted her new favorite shipping.
Futaba turned over to Yusuke, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, whatcha think, Inari?"
"...well for a movie whose selling point is just brutal fighting and screaming…"
"Well, true, but how about Broly's development? The old Broly was just a raging monster who called himself the freaking 'Devil'! I had sympathy for this new take on Broly. But,WOW, how about that Gogeta vs. Broly fight?!"
"I must give the animators their due. They brought their best efforts," the art major nodded in approval.
"Yep! The actors even still have it. Hats off to Nozawa Masako, Horikawa Ryo, and Shimada Bin, especially Shimada! Goddamn!" Futaba praised the legendary Dragon Ball veteran voice actors.
"Hell yeah! Best Dragon Ball movie ever!" Shinya yelled out.
Nicola chuckled. "Well, it was a blast. I had a good time."
"As someone who's not into this kind of stuff, it was not bad. I liked it," Reiko smiled, putting an arm over Shinya. "But, it was better watching with you guys."
"I agree! It wouldn't have been better without us watching it together!" Sumire merrily chimed in as she tapped Eugene's hand. "So, did you enjoy it?"
"I enjoyed it more being with you, Sumire. I wouldn't have had it any other way," Eugene winked to his red-haired girlfriend, eliciting a heartfelt giggle from her.
"How about you, Akechi? Did you like the movie?" Sumire turned and asked him.
"Huh?" Akechi blinked as he cooly smirked and shrugged. "Maybe I did. It did help keep my mind off other happenings in my life now." He slowly motioned toward Makoto, who was seen conversing with Haru and Louis. Now each time he saw Makoto, he couldn't shake off Sae vehemently screaming and calling him 'Shido's hellspawn'.
Feeling Reiko snuggle up to him, Shinya blushed with glee.
Turning away from Shinya and Reiko, Nicola opened up a jelly bean box and offered some to Li-Ming. She happily nodded, taking some of her friend's jelly beans. Quickly stuffing the candies in her mouth, she gave an endearing smile coupled with her cheeks turning red.
"Mmm, thanks, Nicola! You're so kind!"
"I bought two just in case. Here, you have the one I opened."
"Are you sure, Nicola?"
The blonde-haired boy nodded, smiling affectionately. "Yeah, go ahead." After giving her the opened box, he watched her munching on more jelly beans. With a smirk on his face, nothing satisfied him more than seeing another person being comfortable near him.
"Aww, how cute," Reiko noticed Li-Ming and Nicola enjoying each other's company.
"Yeah, yeah, so what did you think of the movie, Li-Ming?" snorted Shinya.
"Huh? Oh, the movie was so good! The fight with Broly was kinda long, but I liked it when Broly beat up on Freeza for a long time! Oh, and Gogeta's kinda hot," Li-Ming openly confessed about Gogeta opening up his vest while showing off his pecs during the credits.
"Come to think of it, he was sexy," Reiko concurred with her Chinese friend.
Shinya rolled his eyes. "Oh, give me a freakin' break."
Rin chuckled, overhearing their conversation. "Aww, don't feel bad, kid. You still have a shot with Reiko, right?" She playfully winked, causing him to blush red.
"Now, you're starting to look like a beet," Jack remarked.
Nicola chuckled. "You should see your face, Shinya."
As he palmed his face, Shinya started walking out. "May I be excused?"
Both Skyler and Hifumi glanced over to Io, who looked like she fell into a trance. The couple shared a laugh.
"Io? How did you like the movie?" Skyler asked the pale Revenant.
Io blinked thrice as she finally came to and got up from her seat. She turned around and faced the group, waiting for her response. She had kept quiet throughout the movie, but now was a good time to give her thoughts.
"It was an exhilarating experience to say the least. I'd like to know if there are more 'movies' like these?" Io simply asked, modestly smiling toward Hifumi and Skyler.
Upon hearing this, Skyler chuckled. "Well, I suppose Hifumi and I can bring you to see more movies. Right, Hifumi?" He lightly elbowed his girlfriend.
Hifumi nodded, giggling. "I suppose we should."
"Can we see this again?" Io asked Skyler and Hifumi.
"I guess we can and maybe have some of that delicious pizza you've enjoyed so much."
"We'll enjoy it together," Hifumi kindly smiled at Io, whose smile slightly widened.
"So, it looks like they're going to teach Io about the modern world. I say we all chip in and take her around the city," Ann suggested to Ren.
"That sounds like a great idea. This way she can get accustomed to our way of living. She has to feel like a small fish in a big ocean," he gave an analogy, comparing Io to a small fish. "And thanks to Hifumi using Shin-Io's power, she's been far removed from a post-apocalyptic world." He adjusted his glasses. "Which reminds me. Hifumi, do you have full access to Shin-Io's powers now?"
Nodding, the Shogi player discreetly answered. "Well, kind of. I can still utilize some of Shin-Io's abilities, but now I more or less share that power with Io. Although, I primarily can bend and alter reality. It does take a toll on me if I even try it."
"Is it possible for you to turn into Shin-Io?"
"I can't say, Ren. Personally speaking, I hope I don't unless absolutely necessary."
Skyler leaned over, holding Hifumi's hands. "You won't need to when you have me and Io around."
Io calmly added. "And don't forget since you have my power coursing through you, I am an extension of your power and I can double as your Persona when need be. Shin-Io's power was only required to reset reality."
"But, this Yami Matter situation does concern me," Hifumi dreaded, having been informed along with the others about Ren's meeting with Igor and Lavenza.
"If it should ever come down to it, we'll resolve it by facing the Yami Matter together," Io reassured Hifumi, smiling and closing her eyes with her head resting on Hifumi's shoulder.
"Yes, you're right," Hifumi shook her head, absolving her worries with Skyler and Io willing to support her. Faced with the notion her friends were there for her, she became less worried. This is even despite the unprecedented time they now face.
Meiji Jingu Stadium (明治神宮スタジアム)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京)/December 24, 2018 (2018年12月24日) (Reality: December 24, 2020)/12:30 AM (JST)
Arriving in the empty baseball stadium, Queen, Noir, and Sekiken scoured the fields. Walking alongside the Revenant, the female Thieves noted Sekiken's familiar garb, which the cognitive Louis wore before. They noted his white unbuttoned dress shirt, the black leather pants held up by a studded sidewalks belt, and a pair of red boots. Couple these garments along with a black jacket fastened on his left arm, Queen and Noir remembered cognitive Louis' exact Revenant garb, which materialized for Sekiken once he invoked his Revenant form.
As they vigilantly observed their environment, they sensed an ectoplasmic presence materializing within their vicinity. Sekiken's keen ears heard laughter akin to an older man's. A cool wind quickly brushed against them, causing them to turn around.
A few of the arena lights turned on, revealing the presence haunting them. Etched on the trio's faces are bewildered looks. The figure, with a cane in hand, is the spitting image of Colonel Sanders, the late founder and mascot of Kentucky Fried Chicken. He has the bleached white mustache and goatee with his trademark white suit to match. A pair of thick black glasses adorned his face. An unpretentious smile, which hadn't diminished from his face, greeted the trio.
Tapping the ground with his cane, Colonel Sanders smirked. "Howdy, how are y'all this fine evening?"
"Is this really the entity we've been looking for?" Sekiken blinked in befuddlement. "He looks familiar."
"That's Colonel Harland Sanders. He's the founder and ambassador of the Kentucky Fried Chicken brand. You always see his face on the company logo," Noir explained, utilizing her food brand knowledge.
"Oooh, right! No wonder I recognize his face," Sekiken intently glared down the Colonel Sanders entity. "So, are we fighting the spirit of Colonel Sanders?"
"I'm not really the man you know as Colonel Sanders, but I am an extension of him. A piece of his spirit attached itself to the statue you Japanese built in his honor, but you added to one day throw it away into a river 34 years ago." Colonel Sanders' spirit reminisced about an incident involving the neglect of his statue. A dark purple aura enveloped the Colonel's rotund frame. His kind and Southern American-accented voice became darker and distorted. "After those reckless baseball fans threw my statue into the Dotonbori River, their team won their first Central League in 21 years."
Sekiken gasped. "He's talking about the Hanshin Tigers."
"Indeed, young man. Apparently, they saw a physical resemblance between an American player from their team and myself. They saw it fit to throw me into the river after winning the national championship."
"That was in 1985," Queen furrowed her brows and readied a fighting stance.
"That's when I placed a curse on your team. Since then, they never won another game. Then, 24 years ago after being thrown into that river, my statue was rediscovered. Although, not every piece of me was recovered!" The Colonel said with anger in his tone. Despite venting his frustrations, his trademark smile hadn't left him. "Both my hands and glasses went missing. They thought by retrieving my statue, the curse would be lifted. Well, have you checked those blasted Tigers? They still ain't won a game since."
"Since the statue's hands and the glasses haven't been retrieved, the curse remains intact. At least, that's how the urban legend goes." Noir concluded. Extending her hand forward, she summoned her ax. "Judging by the nature of that aura, the Yami Matter was drawn to your malicious spiritual essence and summoned you here to find us."
"So, why don't we exorcise this poltergeist and lift the curse for the Tigers? They're long overdue for another championship," Sekiken suggested to his ladies.
Once again clapping down his cane, the Colonel Sanders spirit gave a hearty laugh. "Well, shall we dance then, young man and you lovely ladies?!" He summoned a 6-foot tall red and green-feathered domesticated rooster with round, cartoonish eyes.
"Huh, now why didn't I see this coming?" Sekiken shrugged, readying his Ogre-Type Blood Veil. He shot his demonic arm at the large rooster.
After letting out a loud crow, the fowl instinctively hopped over the demonic hand and stayed airborne while flapping its wings. As the fowl dove toward Sekiken, the Revenant instinctively barrel-rolled from the rooster's reach. Evading the rooster's clawed feet, Sekiken invoked his Blood Code: Prometheus.
All the while the Revenant activated his Blood Code, Queen and Noir attacked the fowl. While the Thieves helped wear down the fowl, Sekiken conjured and imbued fire through his Enduring Crimson sword. Delivering quick slashes into the fowl with his Flame Weapon, Sekiken produced one of his Gift techniques, Fire Storm, and burned the fowl with it.
In response to the Thieves' intervention, the Colonel conjured a white hen in his right hand. Leaving Sekiken to deal with the fowl, Queen and Noir swiftly ran at the Colonel. As Queen charged for a strike, the Colonel turned the hen around as it fired a barrage of eggs at Queen. Utilizing her fists, Queen crushed every egg with lightning fast strikes.
"Take my Fists of Justice!" Queen roared, punching and crushing every egg launched at her with needlepoint accuracy.
As she lunged for the Colonel, Noir raised her ax for a head strike, but the Colonel vanished. He quickly rematerialized behind Noir. Preparing for another egg barrage, the Colonel was cut off by Queen's Ultimate Persona, Agnes. Riding on Agnes, Queen interceded the Colonel. Agnes fired at and blasted the Colonel with Flash Bomb. Dealing some damage to the Colonel, Queen jumped off her Persona motorcycle and unleashed a flurry of punches. The Colonel tossed his hen at her, which exploded into a clutter of feathers.
"Ugh, damn it!" Queen fiercely cursed and punched through the feather shower. The feathers helped obscure the Colonel's presence from Queen's view.
Taking advantage of the blinded Queen, the Colonel popped off the top of his cane, unveiling a sword.
"Mako-chan!" Noir cried out as she ran at and swung her ax over the Colonel. The Colonel swiftly dodged the ax, narrowly escaping Noir's death blow. She swung her ax again, but the Colonel defended with his cane sword.
However, the lady's ax snapped the Colonel's cane in two. Tossing his broken cane aside, the Colonel jumped away, distancing himself from Noir's savage offense. However, Queen then ran into and drove an elbow into his back. With a roundhouse kick, she knocked the Colonel forward, sending him toward the center of the baseball sandlot.
"Hey, Colonel! Here's the windup and the pitch!" Sekiken yelled out, punching the giant rooster toward him.
Upon dodging the giant fowl, the Colonel was left open for Queen and Noir's double team. Noir threw her ax at the Colonel. The Colonel evaded Noir's weapon, but as soon as he did that he dropped his guard. Queen quickly slipped in front of the Colonel and uppercut him with her Nuclear Fist.
As the Colonel realized he was knocked high into the air by Queen's powerful blow, he saw Sekiken appear from a mist veil and draw out his sword. After utilizing this skill, Sekiken struck the Colonel with a one-handed jump slash using his sword. Following up on his Phantom Assault, the Revenant's arm converted into an ogre-like hand, which he used to seize the Colonel's face and slam him down into the ground.
"I've got him!" Sekiken shouted, seizing and tossing the Colonel into the air.
"Do it, Noir!" Queen called out to her lover.
As soon as he came to, the Colonel's field of vision suddenly split in two. Gazing upward, he saw Noir with her ax having been swung. As his body split in half, rays of white light leaked out and engulfed him.
"I'm sorry they disrespected your statue. On behalf of myself, who's going to continue my father's food business, please rest in peace," Noir gave a light prayer as the Colonel's body dissolved into spiritual dust.
Upon summoning Lucy, Noir and her Ultimate Persona's One-shot Kill obliterated the giant rooster.
Before fading completely, the Colonel left them parting words. "Thank you, young lady... the curse has been lifted." With that, Colonel Sander's vengeful spirit was purified and returned to the afterlife.
After the battle, Noir healed Queen and Sekiken with Amrita Drop.
"Louis, that was amazing. Were those all of your Revenant abilities?" Noir asked him.
"Some of them, but you'll get plenty of chances to see me use others," Sekiken said, staring down at his ogre-like hand. When he saw Queen and Noir noticing his monstrous arm, he turned it back to normal. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you with that."
"Scared of what? That hand helped take down the Colonel when we needed it," Queen replied calmly. "That is your Blood Veil, right?"
"Yeah," he nodded as his sword vanished. "Well, that was a fun way to spend a Christmas Eve outing," Sekiken chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. He got passive looks from his new allies.
"Now his spirit can rest easy," Noir genuinely said.
"Well, hopefully, they can find those missing pieces of his statues before he decides to come back and cause trouble again," Queen stated.
"I don't think we'll have to worry about him again, Mako-chan."
Sekiken interjected. "As much as I'd like some blood, that fight made me hungry for some KFC." As he said this, Queen and Noir exchanged stupefied looks, eliciting giggles from them. "Um, I take that as a 'yes'?"
Queen turned to him. "Maybe."
Noir tipped her hat and winked. "Only if we're buying for everyone."
"Everyone, huh? Well, a KFC-styled Christmas dinner it is."
Café Leblanc (純喫茶ルブラン)/Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)/December 25, 2018 (2018年12月25日) (Reality: December 25, 2020)/6:30 PM (JST)
Dropping seven buckets full of KFC chicken on a long table, Louis, Makoto, Haru, Ryuji, and Miyako returned with Christmas dinner to celebrate.
Meeting in Ren's former attic room, the Thieves and Revenants amassed near the table. They quickly opened the buckets and started taking all they can get their hands on. Several of them looked around the attic, which was cleaned by Ren for this special Christmas occasion. Sitting on the table's center, a small 3-foot tall green Christmas tree, a big green Christmas reef, and mistletoe were added to the wholesome scenery. Enhancing the festive Christmas vibe, the room was also decorated and lit up with green and red lights.
"Man, being here together brings back memories," Ryuji remarked, facing Ren, Ann, and Morgana. "I remember when it was just us four."
"Hard to believe, huh?" Ann added, wholesomely smiling.
"Yes, and over time our group expanded and added the rest of us. I think I speak for all of us that we couldn't be any happier to celebrate our successes as Phantom Thieves," Yusuke added, lifting a glass full of apple juice.
"Are ya not going to drink alcohol and get wasted, Inari?" Futaba sneakily teased him, who shot back with a baffled look on his face.
"Futaba, how dare you insinuate that I indulge in a beverage to drown out my worries?! Besides, I am more than happy to drink this delicious glass of apple juice."
"Geez, ok. I was just askin'," Futaba rolled her eyes.
As Sumire and Eugene arrived, Ren and Ann greeted them at the front of Leblanc and walked them up into the attic. Scouring around the festive attic brightly lit and full of elaborate Christmas decorum, Eugene was enthused.
"I can tell somebody's in the Christmas spirit!" Eugene quickly pointed out. He noticed Morgana walking by and wearing small reindeer antlers. "You even got the cat into the holiday spirit!"
"Yeah, I got them, especially for Morgana. Aren't they cute?!" Ann giggled loudly, causing Morgana to blush.
"I'll wear anything for you, Lady Ann," Morgana muttered as Sumire knelt to pat his head.
"Oh my gosh, he is adorable!" Sumire brightly smiled while massaging Morgana's head.
"I know, right? The antlers make him cuter!" Mia called out as she stroked Morgana's chin.
"Gee, Morgana's popular with the ladies tonight, huh? Even I'm jealous," Eugene chuckled as he and Ren exchanged smiles.
"Excuse me, ladies?" Louis asked Makoto and Haru, who poured punch for them. "Care for some refreshments?"
"Don't mind if I do!" Haru happily accepted, taking a cup full of fruit punch.
"As long as it's not spiked?" Makoto responded with a sharp tongue.
"Awww, I wouldn't do such a thing, Mako-chan. I know you'd bust my ass and my chops if I did. Besides, Mia would give me an earful if I tried anything so low," Louis reassured the lady officer as he handed her some punch.
"That's good to know. We're adults but let's be responsible, ok?" Makoto nodded, taking her cup.
"Of course," Louis replied.
"Yum! This is delicious!" Haru added enthusiastically.
"Man, who would've thought? This attic used to be so empty!" Ryuji said, reminiscing the times when it was just him, Ren, Ann, and Morgana.
"So, no one used this attic before Ren moved here?" Miyako asked Ryuji.
"Yeah, it was all dusty and shit, but my bud cleaned it all up himself and made it his own!"
"Now, it looks so homely with us here," Skyler said. "Of course, I wouldn't want to live in an attic. What do you think, Hifumi?"
Hifumi nodded. "Let's not judge. Remember Ren came here serving one-year probation. He didn't have a choice, I believe."
"No, I imagine he didn't," Jack added as he and Eva interjected into Skyler and Hifumi's conversation. "Still, the guy who they call 'Boss' downstairs is a pretty good man. I like him."
"He was very accommodating to allow us to use his attic for this Christmas party," Eva said.
"Yep and Ren offered to help Boss make coffee," Ryuji said.
"I've heard the coffee and curry here is delicious. We should come by here sometime, Yakumo," Emily suggested.
"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. We'll make a trip here again sometime," Yakumo concurred with Emily.
"So, who wants some KFC? I call dibs on a breast!" Futaba announced.
"I think I'll take a leg," Louis chimed.
"Gimme a leg, too!" Ryuji called out.
"Hey, there's plenty of fried chicken. Go help yourselves," Ren offered Sumire and Eugene, who both headed over to grab their plates. He glanced over and spotted Akechi solitarily standing in a corner and waving to him.
"I'm glad I could join you all, but I won't be here too long."
Ren gave him a befuddled look. "Why?"
"I have a place to be. It's nothing you need to be privy to, but I'll gladly take a piece of chicken before I head out," Akechi said as he walked over and glanced over the KFC spread. Before he could pick out a piece, he and Makoto made brief contact with each other. "Oh, Niijima Makoto. Sorry."
"No, you go ahead," Makoto offered to let him by.
As he grabbed a drumstick, Akechi meticulously eyed Makoto and wondered in the back of his mind why she didn't exhibit any tension. His deductive mind even wondered if Sae told Makoto about him meeting her at the Public Prosecutors Office. Not based on Makoto's casual reaction toward him. Placing his drumstick on a plate, he walked away.
So, it's true that Sae-san hasn't put out a hit on me yet. I wonder what's taking her long? Akechi thought while biting into his drumstick.
"Mmm, this isn't blood but you can't go wrong with KFC!" Rin yelled out as she bit into a leg, causing Eugene to overhear her.
"Huh? Blood?" Eugene blinked.
Quickly cupping Rin's mouth shut, Yakumo sighed. "Not everyone knows what we are, Rin. Think before you speak."
"Sorry!" Rin responded in a muffled voice.
"Nevermind what she said, Eugene. Let me show you where senpai used to study," Sumire said, providing him a tour of Ren's former attic home.
"Geez, that was a close one," Mia sighed deeply.
As the festive Christmas party went on, Skyler and Hifumi checked on Io, who was seen sitting on Ren's old bed. Hifumi approached Io and fixed Io's long-sleeved white coat and her candy cane-colored scarf. Io fixed her Santa hat, which Hifumi gifted her with.
"We figured wearing that will keep you warm? There was no way we'd let you walk out wearing just your dress and bandages," Skyler said.
"Thank you, but the cold doesn't bother me," Io replied with her cheeks blushing. "But, it's a thought of providing me these clothes is what counts."
"I think you look adorable, Io," Hifumi said, grabbing Io's hand. "Come on. Let's get you fed."
"Hey, is there still some left?" Skyler asked Louis.
"There's plenty of chicken here to get! You better hurry and grab some!"
"Good, Io hasn't had any," Hifumi said as she let the pale Revenant pick a breast and a thigh.
"It smells delicious," Io muttered as she bit into the chicken breast. As she ate a piece, she licked her lips as a satisfied smile adorned her face. "That is good."
"You can't go wrong with KFC," Skyler remarked as Io had herself another bite of her chicken.
As everyone continued eating, Ren and Ann raised glasses together.
"Here's to a fruitful new year for all of us," Ren announced as everyone raised their drinks.
The group chimed in unison. "A Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday to us all!"
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/December 31, 2018 (2018年12月31日) (Reality: December 31, 2020)/11:56 PM (JST)
It was the eve before the New Year. The Thieves and Revenants met near Meiji Shrine. They came in their winter gear, consisting of coats, hoodies, beanies, gloves, and coats. After giving prayers, they looked at their smartwatches and smartphones, counting down to the very last minute to 2019.
"Any last words you want to give to the old year?" Yakumo asked Emily, who turned him around for a kiss.
"Yeah, I'm not gonna miss you, 2018!" Emily said as she and Yakumo leaned for a kiss.
The other couples and friends huddled close with other shrine visitors. The other notable couples and close companions, Skyler & Hifumi, Ren & Ann, Louis, Makoto & Haru, Ryuji & Miyako, Mia, Yusuke & Futaba, Sumire & Eugene, Jack & Eva, Shinya & Reiko, and Nicola & Li-Ming, counted in unison for the final seconds.
"5!"
"4!"
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" They enthusiastically shouted together.
The fireworks lit up and covered the New Year night sky with varied colorful explosive blasts. This went on for another 20 minutes, giving onlookers enough time to admire the fireworks while reflecting on the past year and mentally preparing for a new year.
Some of the couples, namely Ren & Ann, Jack & Eva, Yakumo & Emily, Sumire & Eugene, and Ryuji & Miyako, kissed to start the New Year. Others like Yusuke & Futaba and the teens held hands.
"Are you looking forward to the new year, Eugene?" Sumire asked her boyfriend, to which he nodded and kissed her again.
"Wow, the sky is so pretty!" Miyako gleamed at the sparks exploding in the sky.
"I'm glad you like them, Miyako," Ryuji said, grinning enthusiastically.
After they finished kissing, Emily leaned on Yakumo. "I'm thankful we're still together."
"Let's keep it that way in the new year," Yakumo said.
"I can sing you a song later if you want, Jack," Eva offered as she and Jack kissed.
Jack smiled. "I'd love that, Eva."
"Yeah! Here's to another year of our marriage, Ren!" Ann gleefully cried out as Ren lifted her into the air and let her shout her declaration to the whole world. Morgana ran around Ren and Ann while shouting his love for his Lady Ann, which were drowned out by loud firework explosions.
Looking on from a distance, Akechi observed his acquaintances enjoying the New Years' festivities.
Also at the event were Yumeko, Mary, and Ryōta, who came to meet with the Thieves and Vein Remnants. On their way to meet them, Ryōta got in close between his two friends while holding their hands. Upon realizing Ryōta got between them, Yumeko smiled. Mary just shrugged her shoulders and nodded. Then, Yumeko and Mary surprised their male friend with kisses on his cheeks, causing him to blush profusely.
"You're cute when you blush like that, Ryōta!" Yumeko giggled out loud.
"You should see yourself. You look like a total dork, Ryōta," Mary playfully grinned and winked at him. She and Yumeko watched Ryōta on the ground trying to figure out who liked him best.
Watching his friends Skyler, Jack, and Yakumo hanging with their girlfriends, Louis looked away. From a corner of his eye, he caught Makoto and Haru kissing under a tree. Ever since they became closely acquainted, Makoto and Haru took their relationship to a new level as they openly and affectionately kissed to enhance their relationship. Although he was happy for Makoto and Haru, Louis felt left out of having a romantic bond. He even knew his sister, Karen, likely had a thing for Aurora.
However, Louis wasn't the only one without a romantic link. Mia, too, felt left out and wondered if she'll ever find a partner who could hold and kiss her. She cursed herself for not kissing anyone under a mistletoe.
Elsewhere, with the fireworks lighting up the sky above them, Hifumi and Skyler went for a passionate kiss. Then, Io swiftly interjected as she kissed both Hifumi and Skyler's lips. As she caught them off guard, she performed some lip-locking with Hifumi and Skyler. Though surprised by Io's loving approach, Hifumi and Skyler didn't mind this at all.
Io pulled away, gently smiling. "Sorry, but I just wanted to express my feelings for you two. You've done a lot for me this whole month and I wanted to express my affection for you both." Clamping her hands together, Io's golden eyes affectionately glanced over Skyler and Hifumi.
As Skyler and Hifumi held her hands, Io lightly gasped and smiled.
"We're more than happy to help and you'll always have a place in our lives," Skyler said.
"And we will always love each other," Hifumi affectionately added.
"Thank you," Io blushed happily.
"With my full memories back, we can create new memories together," the male Revenant stated, vowing to live his life to his fullest with his two partners.
"Indeed, and here's to a prosperous New Year for us," Hifumi lovingly stated as she and Io lip-locked with Skyler, passionately kissing and licking each other's faces out in public.
For a moment, Hifumi and Io's lips met exclusively. When their lips met, they licked the sides of their faces and shoved each other's tongues inside their mouths. For a moment, the women withdrew their lips and tongues. Both wore bashfully red cheeks.
"Io?" Hifumi looked at her completely befuddled.
"I-I'm sorry."
"No, it's ok. It's just this is the first time I've ever kissed a woman," the Shogi champion confessed.
"Is that ok?"
"Y-Yes, I'm fine with it. In fact, that felt rather good. I would do it again."
Io blushed happily and grabbed Hifumi's hands. "Then, if you're ok with it, then I am as well." She and Hifumi then clamped each other's hands and passionately lip-locked again.
During their affectionate moment, Skyler tapped their shoulders.
"Pardon me, ladies. I know you two are enjoying this a lot, but mind if I join in?" As he said this, Hifumi and Io exchanged smiles and gladly opened up space for their third romantic partner.
Upon seeing the three-way couple openly share their affection, Shinya and his teenage friends watched. With her hands on her cheeks, Reiko blushed and turned to Shinya.
"Hey, get rooms, you three!" Shinya called out before Reiko pulled him in for a quick peck on his lips, which startled him. "Whoa! What was that for?!" He turned to Reiko as she giggled innocently.
"Oh, you're going to get it now, Reiko!" Shinya evilly grinned as he chased Reiko around.
Watching Shinya chase Reiko around, Nicola chuckled to himself.
"Crazy kids," Nicola remarked as he and Li-Ming laughed together.
As they finished kissing, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io became immersed in the fireworks display. Knowing a New Year was ahead for them, they were going to make the most of it, more so than the previous one.
Chapter SoundtrackPersona 5 OST - Tokyo Daylight - First song of the protagonists about to see the Broly movie.
Dead Can Dance - East of Eden- Protagonists about to see the Broly movie of the song heard on sound devices.
Blizzard ~ Daichi Mura - The ending song of the Broly movie heard in sound devices.
Hyperfast~ Lacuna Coil - The song heard in sound devices after the Broly movie of the protagonists discussing it and other commentaries.
Schmoyoho - Chicken Attack (Song Voyage) - Fighting the first MOTW and tutorial boss of the Yami Matter event that is Colonel Sanders.
Two Steps From Hell - Blanket of Snow (Amaria) - The Vein Remnants first experiencing Christmas from their Revenant natures instead of their human natures resonates what emotions they have. It is sad and sorrowful music for Book II's beginnings if the vestige nature of the Revenants in modern times is finding a place to live and what's to come throughout Book II. The last scene of New Years such as relating to Louis and Mia wonder of finding love, and Io thanking Hifumi and Skyler.
Persona 5 OST - Sunset Bridge - The gang meeting to eat KFC on Christmas.
A/N: It's not even Christmas and New Years yet but this was a festive and somber chapter.
Of course, it wasn't all melancholic. We begin the chapter with the gang going to see the Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie (which was released in real time 2018 and the same applies here) and the group talking about their knowledge of Dragon Ball in general; with some knowing it better than others. Keep in mind, with their reality reset by two years, this is the gang's first time experiencing this movie (technically, they've already seen the Broly movie before the Yami Matter reset everything, but the time reset has erased their previous memories related to pop culture).
This chapter also establishes that Io can not only and willfully vacate Hifumi's body, but she can physically interact with her friends. However, she can only leave Hifumi for a short time before the Persona Vein has to re-enter Hifumi to 'recharge'. It's also established that the Revenants here can still consume solid foods despite requiring blood for survival.
On the other hand, Io has now tasted pizza and KFC chicken. This is just the beginning of the Persona Vein's new appetite and possible love for movies (after experiencing DBS: Broly).
Moreover, if you didn't already notice, some other side effects of the Yami Matter's influence is taking root. We have the first appearance of 'Urban Myths' with the Dragon Ball characters briefly crossing over into the Akane no Mai reality.
This chapter also marks the first battle against a Yami Matter creation. Before the gang got their KFC fix, Louis, Makoto, and Haru fought the ghost of Colonel Sanders! He serves his purpose as the starter boss (or tutorial boss) to give select members of our heroes a warm-up of what's to come. Louis, as Sekiken, is the first (and fittingly since he's the true leader of the Vein Remnants/Revenants) to demonstrate his Revenant abilities, including his Blood Code and Gifts. Btw, look up the urban legend of Colonel Sanders' ghost when you can. What's said in this chapter is true. Since we're on the KFC subject, if you know your Japanese culture, then yes KFC is consumed in Japan and has been a tradition there for decades.
Speaking of traditions, New Year (Ōmisoka) is often celebrated in shrines and Buddhist temples.
With the obvious couples enjoying the festivities, some, unfortunately, are left out, but it won't be long. I guarantee they won't be single for much longer. And yes, the Spiritual Gamblers were able to make it. While this chapter primarily focused on the Thieves and Revenants, I had to throw them a bone. Don't worry I haven't forgotten them.
And of course, this chapter establishes Skyler, Hifumi, and Io's three-way bond. There's no if or buts about it. They're together through this whole ordeal.
As for Akechi, yes, why hasn't Sae put out a hit on you yet? Could be she's biding her time? Whatever the reason is, Akechi better have eyes in the back of his head sooner than later.
Now with the holiday events out of the way, this story can shift into the new year as new allies and challenges come their way.
As always, leave a comment and review. See you soon!