Chapter XI: Revelations
AKB48 Café (AKB48カフェ)/Akihabara (秋葉原)/Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/10:05 PM (JST)
After evacuating the crowds from the scene of the crime, the other Thieves, Remnants, and Gamblers reconvened and waited for the others to show up. They were even accompanied by their newest allies: Marty, Andrea, Tori, and Hiroshi.
Having learned that her friends stopped the cryptids, Makoto reconvened with her friends, especially worried for Haru and Louis.
"Mako-chan!" Haru ran over and hugged her.
"Haru, you're… shaking?" Makoto noticed her lover trembling.
"You wouldn't believe what we saw go down," Louis tried to explain as Tori and Hiroshi walked up to Makoto.
"You two?" Makoto was taken aback by their appearances.
"Hey, Makoto. Believe us, it's been a long night," Tori chuckled modestly.
"We were there when it all went down and we have something to share," Hiroshi informed Makoto.
What surprised Makoto most was Tori and Hiroshi's involvement. After checking in with Haru and Louis, Makoto questioned Tori and Hiroshi. Upon learning her fellow officers unlocked new powers, her curiosity became piqued.
"I can't believe you two fought along with the Phantom Thieves," Makoto spoke with Tori and Hiroshi.
"There's no need to hide it anymore, Makoto. We know you're one of them," Hiroshi replied.
"We saw your friends undo their Phantom Thief guises and masks. They told us you're with them," Tori said.
"I see," Makoto narrowed her gaze toward the other Thieves.
"Oh, don't worry, Mako-chan! These two have sworn not to reveal our identities!" Haru reassured her.
"She's right. We'd never leak your identities out. So, your secrets are safe with us," Tori openly promised as she and Makoto shook hands on it.
"By the way, we weren't the only ones with new superpowers that helped your friends. Marty and Andrea should get credited, too. They came and helped in a big way before Tori and I became Valkyria and Norse-knight," Hiroshi explained.
"So, you two turned into a Valkyrie and a Tokusatsu-like hero. And now we got these Vampire Valkyries serving as some kind of Yami Matter messengers. This changes a few things," Makoto discerned the series of events that led to one thing after another.
"Yes, it does and this tells us that we have the Yami Matter's attention since it has sent these Vamkyries on us," Louis speculated.
"Yami Matter? I heard those Vamkyries mention it. Is that their boss?" Tori asked the two Thieves and the Revenant.
"More like an entity. We have little information about it but it has affected our reality," Louis answered Tori. "Regardless, it's dangerous and we need to stay vigilant.
"We should talk to Marty and Andrea about it, Tori. Unless they're aware of its existence," Hiroshi stated.
Tori nodded. "Alright then."
"See what you can learn about Marty and Andrea's powers, too, and find out how they got them," Makoto advised her fellow officers as they nodded.
"Isn't it great we have new allies, Mako-chan?" Haru turned to her friend.
"Sure but I'd like to assess their abilities myself. However, more allies don't hinder our mission," Makoto muttered, facing the other way as she watched Skyler, Hifumi, Ren, Ann, Ryuji, Yusuke, Futaba, and the others conversing with Marty and Andrea.
As Ren and Marty shook hands, they verified their alliance.
"Thanks for helping us out, Stronghold and Psyclone," Ren said, shaking Marty's hand.
"We're glad to help. I'm just glad that Andrea and I were in the neighborhood during this attack," Marty said.
"We can't thank you enough. It could've gotten worse if we didn't do anything," Ann said.
"We all played our parts in preventing disaster and evacuating civilians," Yusuke said.
"It was all in a night's work!" Futaba added.
"You're right that things could've gotten worse. I'm just glad we were able to help out the Phantom Thieves and their friends. Don't worry, Marty and I are good with keeping secrets," Andrea said.
"Good, now we don't gotta worry about any Yami Matter for a while, right?" Ryuji wondered, glancing toward his friends.
"You can't predict the Yami Matter's activities," Skyler stated.
"Yes, but I'm glad Io is around to warn us if any Yami Matter activity occurs," Hifumi said.
"So, with those other two, you four make up a new set of allies we can rely on. Can we trust your better judgment to work together?" Morgana asked Marty and Andrea.
"That's the idea. Those two unlocked new abilities in the presence of danger just like Andrea and I did," Marty said.
"I can't believe we're talking to a cat, but weirder things have been happening lately," Andrea smirked.
"I'm not a cat," Morgana let out an exasperated sigh.
"Anyway, I suggest you set up a network with Makoto's two friends and work things out. You can also communicate with us. Who knows? You could come up with a group name. We'd be happy to work with you again," Skyler informed Marty and Andrea.
"Thanks, we will," Marty nodded earnestly.
"We're glad to hear," Ren replied.
After hearing about the attack, Sae arrived quickly to check with her sister and her friends. Makoto explained all that happened related to the cryptid and Vamkyrie attack.
"So, Ren and the others stayed behind to stop those creatures? And four new people helped you stop these threats?" Sae asked Makoto.
"Yeah, and we just got a message from them. The others are on their way over."
"Mrs. Niijima, it's a pleasure to meet you," Tori approached and bowed to Sae. "It's true, Hiroshi and I happened to be in the same area with your sister and her friends."
"And we did fight alongside them with new hero identities," Hiroshi stated. "We promise to keep your sister and her friends' Phantom Thief identities secret."
"Thank goodness they're all ok and thank you for staying true to your word, you two," Sae then noticed some of the Vein Remnants and Spiritual Gamblers. "Besides these two, are you and your friends involving other people in your Phantom Thief exploits?"
"Other people? Oh, you mean…" Makoto noticed Sae suspiciously glancing over to the Remnants, Gamblers, Marty, and Andrea. "Yeah, they know and are voluntarily helping us, sis. There were even two witnesses that observed our battle that I was questioning, too." She motioned over to where Lance and Cammy spoke with other police officers.
"I see. All I ask is to be careful. This incident could've turned out worse than it did."
"Like the Akihabara massacre years ago? Thankfully, we prevented a second."
"But, what if something had happened to you, Makoto, and your friends?"
"But, nothing happened to us, sis. I helped direct crowd control and we got the bystanders out of that vicinity. There were no casualties. I even got Akechi involved and had him escort civilians."
Upon hearing his name, Sae gave a slight scowl on her face. "Was he on his best behavior?"
"He was. I was there to see him directing traffic with me. That's mostly why I didn't stay behind to fight," Makoto replied.
Nodding, Sae quietly responded. "Good job, Makoto. Whatever you do, don't keep your eyes off him."
Just then, Sae pulled out her work cell and answered. She heard a colleague on the other line explain about the blood covering the area where the cryptid battle was fought.
"There was a ton of blood at the location, but no bodies found?" Sae asked while nodding and hearing a fellow detective explain. "Right. Yes, close off the area and try to find whatever evidence you can find. Make sure the mess gets cleaned up."
Makoto paled upon hearing the mention of blood and missing bodies. She initially feared the worst but felt much relief when she saw Ren, Louis, Haru, and the others arrive to meet with them. By the time the group came, Yumeko was already waking up on Midari's back.
"Huh? Where? Is the fight over?" Yumeko blinked in confusion.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," chuckled Ryōta.
"You were out like a bulb and passed out through nearly the whole thing," Mary sighed.
"Oooh, what did I miss?!"
"A really bloodless fight," Midari sardonically answered, completely lying through her teeth.
Sae finished her phone conversation and interjected. "So, what happened?" She sternly asked. "Makoto told me you were at that stage show and stayed behind to fight some people who turned out to be some kind of monsters and then some vampires showed up. All of this is going to sound outlandish in the reports. You understand this, correct?"
Ann approached her husband and hugged him. "What happened? I just heard there was a ton of blood and they found no bodies."
Wearing a disturbed look, Ren nodded. "The creatures we fought were experiments from some organization."
"What?" Ann gasped. "Who turned them in?"
"Sae, do you happen to know of an organization called The Consortium?" The Phantom Thief leader queried the SIU Director.
"No, that name doesn't ring any bells," Sae dismissed the mention. "Though, I've heard inklings of new underground units seemingly involved in a ring of illegal activities, but nothing more than that. The Consortium sounds something similar to the Antisocial Force."
"Sis, I'm willing to do my part in investigating the whereabouts and activities of The Consortium, but would you help us, too? I know you have your hands full with other work," Makoto asked her elder sister, who mulled over being involved in the Phantom Thieves' endeavors again.
"I'll do what I can, but I can't promise I'll find anything groundbreaking. These people who claim to work for The Consortium may just be covering up their organization's true name and intentions."
"You mean The Consortium maybe just an incognito name?" Skyler asked Sae.
"Possibly, but I'll do what I can while I investigate this."
"Thanks, sis," Makoto smiled.
"And for all I know, you may end up finding them out before I uncover anything, Makoto," Sae genuinely smirked and hugged Makoto. "Thank god you're ok."
"Sis."
After the Niijima sisters embraced, the SIU Director turned to the other Thieves, the Remnants, the Gamblers, Marty, Andrea, Tori, and Hiroshi.
"All I ask is for you all to be careful. Listen to Amamiya Ren and his friends since they've done this all before."
Ryuji chortled. "Yep, and we're helluva a lot more the wiser now."
Ren noticed Shiho, Shinya, Nicola, Reiko, and Miyako weren't present.
"If you're wondering where Shiho and the others are, we moved them to another location and came here to wait for you guys," Ann said. "But, we should meet up with them soon."
"Yeah, they've seen enough for tonight," Ren agreed with her wife's sentiments.
"Wait! Don't cancel your plans!" Yumemi pleaded with everyone trying to end tonight's festivities.
"If you're still asking us to participate in that idol show, did you not see what just happened back there?!" Mia reminded the idol star.
"Yes, but I've posted a message on all my social media platforms about the show's relocation. We're moving it as far away from that location," Yumemi informed them.
"So, where has it been moved?" Queried Hifumi.
Hearing this, Yumemi gently smiled as her star eyes gleamed.
SEGA Game Arcade (セガゲームアーケード)/Akihabara (秋葉原)/Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/11:30 PM (JST)
Holding microphones, Yumemi and Kawaru stood on stage to soak in their spotlight. Hearing her fans cheering her on, Yumemi's energetic and lively smile returned to her.
"To all my adoring fans, we deeply apologize for that unfortunate incident, but thankfully it seems you've all made it here!" Yumemi energetically announced.
Kawaru added. "Now without further delay, the Dancing in the Starlight show must go on!"
The spotlight beamed across the idol stage. The seven obscured figures were revealed to all. Ren, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru briefly had their backs turned to the audience. Then, they quickly whirled around and met the audiences' gazes. The seven were fully dressed in their given idol dance gear.
Ren wore a black t-shirt with a zero on the front of a black-and-dark gray striped logo print. The word 'Dance' is printed in white on the center of this shirt. He also wore what looked like a Shujin Academy uniform; the black dress shirt being buttoned to reveal his black shirt and the black pants with the red-and-white designs. He wore red gloves and shoes; the latter had black laces on it. There was a red rag hanging out the right pants pocket. Sitting around his back are black and red headphones.
Ryuji had on a bright yellow shirt with an 'X' in black and on the center. He wore the same Shujin Academy pants that Ren had on. Around his neck is a torn-up red scarf. His sneakers are yellow and light blue with matching blue laces. A pair of black sunglasses adorned his head. He wore golden chain bracelets on his wrists and a black belt with golden studs hanging behind his waist.
Ann wore a long-sleeved crop top red sweater, revealing her midriff and navel. She had her long blonde hair loose. Centered on the shirt's front is the word 'Fire' written in blue and red. She also wore red fingerless gloves that showed off her bright blue nails. She wore a skirt that looked like her old Shujin Academy skirt, which was coupled with fishnet stockings and red sneakers. The red sneakers had bright blue stars at the top of the sneakers and black laces. A black basketball hat adorned her head and silver headphones around her neck. Other accessories included golden hoop earrings, a spiked bracelet on her left wrist, two golden bracelets on both wrists, and her right wrist has a pink bracelet to complement her other gold one.
Yusuke wore a bright ultramarine-colored buttoned shirt, which had the topmost button left open to reveal the top part of his bare chest. On top of the shirt, he wore a black studded blazer, dark pants with a white waist belt. He also wore red fingerless gloves and metallic silver sneakers.
Makoto was garbed in a dark gray tattered shirt with a black splatter pattern design and a Shujin Academy skirt. She also wore a chain attached to a black waist belt. She also wore thigh-length stockings connected to her skirt by garters and maroon sneaker boots. She had on a red scarf and matching colored gloves.
Futaba had on an outfit similar to her old casual clothing. She wore a white tank top with a red t-shirt underneath, black shorts, ripped thigh-high black stockings, and a green sweat jacket. She had on a black studded necklace and dark gray high-top shoes. She also had on black headphones. Embroidered on her green jacket several logos and emblems, including a notable black logo with the words 'OMG!' written in white on the left sleeve.
Haru was garbed in a ballerina-like wardrobe, which included a black corset, bright pink puffy sleeves, black lace gloves, a white tutu under a Shujin Academy skirt, white tights, and black ballet heel shoes. She wore a red ribbon on top of her head.
The crowd came to life once again and cheered for the Thieves. At the front row, Shinya, Nicola, Reiko, Li-Ming, Emily, Shiho, and Miyako were the loudest of the bunch. Near the rowdy bunch were Akechi, Sumire, Eugene, Jack, Eva, Rin, Karen, and Aurora. The other Spiritual Gamblers, Miyo, Miri, Nozomi, and the Obami brothers, watched as audience members as the other Gamblers assisted with the stage.
Also present for the dancing event were Marty, Andrea, Tori, and Hiroshi. The two officers openly cheered on Makoto and her friends.
"Give us a great dance show, Makoto! Whoo!" Tori exuberantly cheered her on.
"I'm kinda glad that's not us on stage," Hiroshi said with relief.
"Why? Do you have stage fright?" Andrea asked him.
"N-No, what makes you say that?"
Marty chortled. "Probably because you stammered when she asked you."
"I'm not stammering! I'm just not big on dancing."
Tori patted Hiroshi's shoulder. "Big tough Hiroshi doesn't like to dance? Don't worry, I know some moves. I'll teach you the way of the dance."
"That's what worries me," Hiroshi muttered.
"Excuse us. Sorry, is there room here?" Lance asked as he and Cammy approached Marty, Andrea, Tori, and Hiroshi.
"Sure, you're more than welcome," Marty invited them in.
"Hey, I saw you two talking with the police!" Andrea recalled.
"They asked us a bunch of questions since we were witnesses during that battle. Thankfully, we're ok," Cammy said. "By the way, thanks for helping the Phantom Thieves and their friends." She whispered so no one else could hear them.
"Sure, I mean it was our first night as heroes," Tori muttered.
Just then, another couple, a Thai man and a Navajo woman, walked by the three couple sets. The Thai man accidentally bumped into Marty.
"Sorry, I should've seen where I was going," the Thai man apologized to him.
"No problem. I know it's crowded here and hard to get by people."
"I hope you're all having a good time," the Navajo woman bowed to the group,
"We are. Thank you," Cammy bowed in return.
"Why not stick around here? We're friendly," Tori suggested.
"Are you sure?" The Thai man cautiously queried, feeling unsure about intruding on their time.
"We're all here to watch the same performance. So, why not?" Hiroshi asked.
"Well, thank you. By the way, my name is Huey," the Thai man introduced himself.
"And I'm Samantha. It's a pleasure to meet you," the Navajo woman added in a friendly and polite manner.
"I'm Marty."
"Andrea."
"Tori."
"Hiroshi."
"Hello, I'm Cammy."
"I'm Lance."
"Good evening to you all," Huey and Samantha addressed them.
"This is great. Now, let's all enjoy this show together!" Tori said, pumping herself up as she hollered toward the Thieves on the stage.
Having learned Sae was around, Akechi distanced himself from the others and watched the dance event from a distance.
Ryuji grinned. "Y'know, these are pretty cool outfits! I'll bet Miyako will love this!"
"Um, I think you're right," Yusuke pointed to the front row crowd where Miyako was visibly cheering and whistling for Ryuji.
"I have to admit these choice outfits are pretty stylish and very cute," Ann danced around in her dancing idol outfit.
"Yes, and this outfit certainly suits me," Haru said, showing off her ballet-themed wardrobe.
"Wow, these clothes take me back," Futaba flashed a big grin.
"So, we're dancing, right?" Ren asked the others.
"Well, yeah. At least that's what Yumemi said," Makoto said. "Sheesh, and we didn't even have time to rehearse. We're going to have to come up with moves on the fly."
"Don't worry, y'all!" Ryuji quickly busted a dance move. "We can sure as hell improvise."
"You're all looking good, especially you, Lady Ann!" Morgana yelped out behind the Thieves, sounding like a normal cat when anyone outside the circle of Thieves, Remnants, and the few Gamblers heard him.
"Thanks, Mona!" Ann smiled and blew a kiss to Morgana.
"Senpai! You and the others look great!" Sumire was heard cheering on the Thieves, causing Ren to wave to her.
"Give us a good show, big bro!" Shinya cheered on Ren and his friends.
Then, the spotlight beamed on five other individuals sitting behind the Thieves. The spotlight revealed Skyler, Hifumi, Louis, Mia, and Yakumo, who were each dressed in distinguished idol dance gear.
Skyler wore a sleeveless dark shirt with a funnel-shaped collar. An indigo stripe trimmed with gold going down the middle. He wore a yellow sweatband on his left wrist. He had on white shorts held up by a loose-fitting belt. He had on black shoes with a similar indigo stripe outlined in gold as seen on his shirt. A pair of indigo headphones adorned his head and had an MP3 player tied around his neck.
Hifumi had on a red short-sleeved shirt that exposed most of her midriff. She wore a small yellow hooded vest and a low-cut green-colored denim skirt with a brown pouch hanging on her waist. Tied around her neck is a puzzle piece-shaped pendant. Hifumi wore a yellow bracelet on her left wrist and a ring on her pinkie finger. She also had on knee-length brown medium-heeled boots with yellow stripes on the sides. Adorning her head is a brown newsboy cap.
Louis was garbed in a periwinkle-colored collared dress shirt, black jeans, and white shoes with black laces.
Mia had on a long-sleeved pink shirt with a skull and crossbones design; the skull is shaped like a heart. She also wore a black beanie cap with a skull pinned to it, beige cargo shorts, and black shoes with yellow on the sides.
Yakumo wore a white tank top with a red shirt underneath, beige cargo shorts, and red shoes with black around the sides. His other accessories included a black beanie with a white skull face embellished on it, a black necklace with a skull, a black studded wristband on his left wrist, and a silver chain hanging from his left shorts pocket.
The crowd cheered on the Revenants, who greeted them back with hand waves and awkward smiles.
Skyler muttered. "These people sure love how we're dressed. I wonder why?"
Glancing over their outfits, Louis mulled. "Hmm, why do these clothes look so familiar?"
Mia interjected. "I remember! These outfits were worn by the characters from that one game! I think it was from The World Ends with You!"
Hifumi blinked. "Yes, now that you mention it. These are the exact wardrobe."
The memories of the game suddenly resonated with the Revenants and Hifumi.
"Woo-hoo! You're looking so cool, Yakumo!" Emily hollered excitedly.
"Give us a great performance!" Rin cheered the Revenants on the stage.
"That's little brother on stage! Let's give him and his friends our undivided support!" Karen cheered, rallying and pumping the audience for her as Aurora noticed Louis' turning bright red.
Aurora chuckled amusedly. "You're not helping his stage fright at all, Karen."
"Looking great, guys!" Futaba called out to the Revenants and Hifumi.
"You all look fantastic! Woo-hoo!" Yumeko cheered loudly.
"Knock them dead!" Ryōta shouted.
The other Spiritual Gamblers, Mary, Midari, Itsuki, Runa, and Kaede, helped Yumeko and Ryōta being the curtain jerkers and backstage crew.
"You can do it, Lady Mia!" Morgana cheered on Mia, who turned and gave a lovely wink to the black cat.
"The stage is set!" Kawaru announced.
"Are we ready, my fans?! Let's get our dance on!" Yumemi shouted as she walked off the stage, leaving the Thieves and the Remnants to dance and perform for the audience.
Skyler and Hifumi briefly turned to each other, holding hands and smiling together.
"Scared, Hifumi?"
"Not as long as I'm with you."
As The World Ends with You song Calling played from the stage sound speakers, the Phantom Thieves started their dance performances. Ren kicked things off and busted dance moves his friends never imagined he'd pull off. Ren shuffled his feet back and forth. He twirled around and stepped back a few steps. He got down on a knee and got up again to twirl around. Ren had a hand out in front. Fans cheered on Ren's performance.
Ryuji then took center stage and moved along the rhythm beats. He shook his two arms, danced, and folded his arms to his sides. He moved forward and pointed to the crowd cheering him. He then pointed to Miyako cheering him and turned around shaking his booty a few times, which elicited laughs from his girlfriend.
As she took center stage, Makoto shuffled her feet around and danced. She spun a few times before bending and leaning down on her right leg. She then stretched out her left leg. Haru and Louis immediately got behind Makoto. Louis and Haru danced and shook their arms around. Haru did a ballerina spin. Louis took Haru's hand and let her spin herself around before sending her toward Makoto. Haru fell into Makoto's waiting arms. Haru leaned back in Makoto's arms. The ladies nudged their noses together. Makoto picked Haru up in her arms and danced around. Louis got behind Makoto, picking her up at the same time Makoto hoisted Haru in the air. Haru spread her arms out like wings.
Ann stood with her back turned to the audience. She slowly raised her left arm to the air and turned her body sideways. She lowered said hand near her face akin to a 'JoJo' pose and quickly turned back around. She shook a leg and spun around facing the audience to perform a dance number. At one point, she blew a kiss to the cheering audience. She danced while gyrating her hips, arms, and legs. Ren quickly hopped in and danced with Ann. They performed a few dual dances. Ren and Ann came together and danced with their backs facing the other. When Ren extended his hand, Ann took it and they danced along.
Yusuke danced alongside Futaba. Yusuke formed a square with his fingers during their dance number as if he's taking a picture or checking a painting. Futaba got behind Yusuke and gyrated her hips behind his back. Yusuke quickly spun around and saw Futaba innocently shuffling away. Yusuke turned back to the audience, shuffling his feet and flailing his arms about.
Futaba danced, lifting her legs. She tapped each foot behind the other. She continued her dance routine and then flashed two 'V'-shaped fingers in front of her face that was accompanied by a goofy grin.
Mia crossed one arm over another. Then, she busted out a few dance moves that baffled her brother Nicola. She turned around, shuffling her feet and making quick arm movements. She danced and bent her arms, jerking her elbows in pendulum-like swings across her chest. Mia spun around, bent down, and gyrated her hips, shaking her booty to the cheering crowds. Nicola felt further embarrassed seeing this loose and wild side of his overprotective sister. However, Shiho cheered for Mia and Ann's performances.
Yakumo got onto center stage and danced to the rhythm of the music playing. He moved his hands around and shuffled his feet. As he danced, Emily clapped and cheered him on.
Another song called Long Dream from The World Ends with You soundtrack played out of the sound speakers. This brought Skyler and Hifumi to center stage. Skyler and Hifumi touched each other's hands, both smiling together. Skyler and Hifumi danced side by side, busting out some quick feet shuffling and spinning movements. As Hifumi held out a hand, Skyler took her hand. He twirled Hifumi around as he walked under her arm. They turned to face each other and exchanged nods. Skyler pulled Hifumi toward him. She got down on her knees with Skyler standing over her. She held her hands up.
Skyler grabbed her hands and pulled her up. He spun Hifumi toward him and let her fall into his arms. Hifumi kicked her right leg up and folded an arm over his neck. He leaned over and kissed her lips. Surprised but not the least bothered, Hifumi stood up, pulling Skyler toward her. She let Skyler into her arms and surprised him with a quick kiss on his lips. Skyler got behind Hifumi, folded his arms over her waist, and effortlessly lifted her. The Shogi woman raised her arms as if about to take off flying into the air. Skyler carried her for a few moments and then set her down. The couple danced a few moves before finishing and turning to face the cheering audience.
The night was filled with an uplifting atmosphere that helped lighten the mood after what could've been a disastrous 'second Akihabara massacre'.
"Take a bow, you guys. They love your performances!" Morgana encouraged the Thieves and the Remnants.
While the crowd cheered the Thieves and Remnants' performance, Sumire, Eugene, and Rin leaned on each other, realizing how close they've gotten. Eugene noticed he was holding not just Sumire but Rin's. Upon realizing Eugene holding their hands, Sumire and Rin's faces blushed when they exchanged befuddled looks.
"Oh, sorry," Rin apologized.
"No, you don't need to apologize," Sumire shook her head while looking away. As Eugene inspected them, he saw them both smirking together.
"Hey, are you two alright?" Eugene asked, chuckling nervously.
"Why don't we enjoy the rest of the show?" Sumire and Rin responded in unison, both holding Eugene's hands. Eugene found himself standing between the two smitten ladies.
With that, the Thieves and Remnants took the center stage and bowed for the cheering crowds. While the cryptid battle and The Consortium revelation were still fresh on their minds, this Dancing in the Starlight event helped lift their spirits.
"Yeah, you guys killed it!" Yumeko cheered them on.
"Don't you wish we were with them on stage?" Ryōta asked his Gambler colleagues.
"Me? No way, I'd never do it," Mary scoffed.
"Not even if it was us three?" Yumeko asked, grasping Mary's hands with an innocent demeanor on her face. Finding herself taken aback by Yumeko's approach, Mary blushed and veered her eyes away.
"C'mon, you're putting me on the spot here?" Mary muttered.
"Well, I think it would've been fun! Too bad," Ryōta smiled.
"Sure, if you say so," Mary chuckled, lowering Yumeko's hands.
"Of course, it's about us tonight," Yumeko stated.
"With a crowd this awesome, who's ready for AnimeJapan next month?" Futaba reminded them of the forthcoming popular convention.
In response to Futaba's suggestion, the group wore exuberant smiles on their faces.
Io curiously queried inside Hifumi's mind. "What's an AnimeJapan? Huh, Hifumi?"
Hifumi giggled, answering the Vein Remnant. "An event with lots of people like this and something I think you'll enjoy, Io."
Silva Estate/Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (六本木ヒルズ森タワー)/11:55 PM (JST)
"I see. So, they were able to stop those monsters, Sayaka?" Kirari asked, holding a tablet in front of her a live stream of the live stream. As Sayaka reported to her on the other line, the composed woman nodded knowingly. "That's good. I take it that our dear friends Jabami Yumeko, Suzui Ryōta, and Saotome Mary survived. I expected as much and I'm glad. I wouldn't want our reunion to be nullified."
Listening to her sister's conversation, Ririka turned and placed a book down. As she heard Mary's name, Ririka anxiously bit her bottom lip.
"I see. And of course, our agents collected the escaped experiments? That's rather unfortunate for their deaths but what did they expect when they faced the Phantom Thieves? The Thieves' network of allies is growing at a remarkable rate, even Yumeko, Ryōta, Mary, Midari, and Itsuki are among them. As for those experiments, well, they're Mido's mess to clean up now."
"Should we be concerned? They outnumber us, Ms. Kirari."
With a calm smile curving over her steel blue lips, Kirari responded coolly as ever. "Nonsense. This just makes things more interesting. The more opponents, the better. I am thrilled to meet the Phantom Thief known as Joker, the enigmatic man Skyler Jones, and the Shogi champion Togo Hifumi."
Sitting across the long table Kirari used is Nakamura Miki, who sat in a chair with Jocelyn and Sister Carolyn standing beside her. When she heard Hifumi's name, Miki's eyes and smile widened with delight.
"Yes, let's ensure the games are set for the AnimeJapan event. Things are sure to be interesting with the Phantom Thieves and their friends invited as our guests."
"I shall make the preparations set, Ms. Kirari."
"Thank you, Sayaka. Take care and get some rest. Goodnight," Kirari shut her phone off and turned over to Ririka. "Are you excited about our games, dear sister?"
Ririka nodded. "Yes, it'll be good to see all of them, especially Mary."
"Yes, you and Saotome know each other quite well. She along with Yumeko and Ryōta have proven to be worthy adversaries. And Miki, you look ecstatic. How have you and Hifumi bonded?"
"We're starting to get to know each other. I hope we can play some Shogi together," Miki genuinely answered with a smile.
"That's good. Well, good things come to those who wait," Kirari smirked, drinking savory tea from her teacup. "And now The Consortium makes its next move. Phantom Thieves, you and your band of friends have crossed into our world."
Chapter Soundtrack:
Mystery Extended - PERSONA5 the Animation Original Soundtrack Vol.1 - The interactions with Sae about The Consortium.
Calling (Final Remix) - The World Ends with You: Final Remix - Dancing in Starlight song played in sound speakers.
Long Dream (Final Remix) - The World Ends with You: Final Remix - Dancing in Starlight song played in sound speakers.
Kakegurui OST - Desire for Recklessness - Kirari's conference with Sayaka. Ririka and Miki listen from the background. Plans for a game event at AnimeJapan prepared for the Thieves, Remnants, and Gamblers.
A/N: Well, we end things with The Consortium setting up a gaming event for the upcoming convention. What does Momobami Kirari have in store for the protagonists?
As of this chapter (well technically since the last one), Marty/Stronghold, Andrea/Psyclone, Tori/Valkyria, and Hiroshi/Norse-knight have become properly integrated into the story and become another group for our protagonists to rely on. Now with Lance, Cammy, Huey, and Samantha appearing, we might be looking at more.
Sae's appearance also wasn't planned, but again like the idol singer's epiphany, I think this worked fine. This also extends the Thieves' confidant network since she helped them before.
The dance segments were fun to write. My favorite parts were Futaba goofing off around Yusuke and Hifumi's dance with Skyler. The three-way dance with Louis, Makoto, and Haru was fun stuff, too. The aftermath bit with Yumeko, Ryōta, and Mary was cute, which once again shows their strong friendship (or however you interpret where their relationship might go).
In the last scene, not only does Kirari set events into motion on behalf of The Consortium, but Ririka and Miki are present, too. Yes, if you might recall, Miki was mentioned as the newest Consortium member back in Book II Chapter II (Reawakenings, or Chapter 24 to be specific). Though, Hifumi and Skyler don't know that yet.
Well, that's all for this commentary. Hope you liked this twisted but fun chapter.
Leave a comment and a review. Bye!