Chapter VIII: Broken Phantoms
Following the attack on the police officer, he was taken to a local hospital. Makoto had arrived to take him to get evaluated. Shu's group and the former Phantom Thieves arrived after getting Makoto's call. As they arrived, they saw a distraught Makoto standing in the waiting area with a palm on her face, which concealed her seething face.
After what Makoto had told them, their suspicions about this attack being linked to the other latest incidents weren't coincidental.
"So, whatever's attacking these random men is not a person but a thing," Shu noted. "It can't be anything else but another GHQ lab experiment, right?"
"We can't know for sure until we find it," Ayase said.
"No, that thing that attacked him was not human. It has a human-like body but has the features of a raccoon dog. It was a beast woman," Makoto revealed what she saw. "Right now, the vigilante Miss Buchimaru is on the hunt for that thing."
"Miss Buchimaru?" Akiko blinked.
"Ah, I've heard about that famous butt-kicking vigilante! I've heard Miss Buchimaru looks like a masked panda woman and she delivers punishment to petty criminals!" Tsugumi exclaimed.
"Is she famous around this side of Tokyo?" Heath asked Ren.
"You could say that," the ex-Phantom Thief replied, eyeing Makoto suspiciously.
"How is he doing, Mako-san?" Sumire approached the SIU Director.
Makoto nodded. "His physical injuries aren't anything too life-threatening thankfully, but he was a rape victim. This will affect his mental health in the long run." Clenching her fists and teeth hard, she had the undying urge to find Miss-danuki and deliver justice.
Suddenly, Makoto's phone went off, prompting her to answer a distress call from other officers. After getting word about similar attacks on unsuspecting men, Makoto instinctively stormed out of the hospital.
"Makoto, where are you going?!" Ann called out to her friend.
"Officers are on the move to find our culprit! I have to take this!" Makoto called out. However, Ren quickly seized her arm. "Let me go!"
"Makoto, you don't have to hide the truth from us," Ren said, noticing the vengeful desire in Makoto's eyes. "You're Miss…" Before he could finish, Makoto jerked her arm away and raced out the front door, leaving her friends and Shu's group behind.
"So, you've suspected she's the vigilante, too?" Akechi whispered.
The Funeral Parlor members read the room and were able to discern that Makoto might be linked to the vigilante Miss Buchimaru.
"Do you think she's really you know who?" Heath wondered.
"Did you see that look on her face? She looked pissed and fired up enough to beat someone up," Argo muttered.
"Vigilante or not, we can't let her go and fight one of GHQ monstrosities," Ayase voiced her concerns.
"You're right. We have to tell Ren and ask if we can help stop Makoto before she winds up getting hurt," Shu informed his friends.
"We better tell them now," Inori said, pointing out to the ex-Thieves about to leave the hospital.
"Hold on! We want to help stop Makoto and find the culprit behind these attacks," Shu approached Ren and the ex-Thieves.
"We appreciate it but you should let us handle this, kiddos," Futaba said.
"We've already told you that we've been fighting GHQ as Funeral Parlor members," Walter reminded the former Thieves.
"Yeah, you guys aren't Thieves anymore, but my bro, me, and our friends have been fighting with Voids," Akiko added.
"Trust us. You'll want us to fight this thing on your behalf," Shu insisted, eliciting the ex-Thieves to debate about permitting Funeral Parlor to help them.
After the groups came to an undisputed agreement, they left the hospital and pursued Makoto.
It was already past midnight in Shibuya. Yet for a certain beast woman, the night was still young.
Having attacked and left another victim in her pursuit of love, Miss-danuki hopped on a building's edge and gazed down on an unconscious teenage boy. Licking her lips, the anthropomorphic raccoon dog had an apathetic look on her face, seemingly growing unenthused with her latest victims. She craved for someone more.
Before turning to leave, Miss-danuki was blinded by a smoke bomb, which shrouded her vision. Thrashing about through the smoke, the raccoon-dog woman was knocked back by an unseen force. After getting kicked backward, Miss-danuki regained her bearings and menacingly scowled.
"Who dares?!" Miss-danuki growled, barely noticing a shadowed figure creeping through the thick smoke. "I see you! Come out!" She quickly sheathed her claws ready to pounce on her attacker.
"You're supposed to be me? Seems GHQ hired an agent to collect my blood sample and create a clone of me. I have to say they did a piss poor job," a rough tone sounding akin to Makoto's speech voiced her utter disdain for the creature.
Using her nose to sniff her attacker's scent, Miss-danuki recognized it as being similar to her own. The shadow figure emerged from the smokescreen, revealing herself to be Miss Buchimaru.
"You're me?" Miss-danuki blinked at the sight of the masked vigilante.
"I'm putting an end to your crimes, you freak," Miss Buchimaru angrily scowled while raising her clenched fists to fight the GHQ experimental creature.
"Hn, you're not a boy and not cute at all! Leave me alone!" Miss-danuki hissed as she turned and escaped.
"Get your ass back here!" Miss Buchimaru fiercely bellowed at the raccoon-dog woman. When Miss-danuki quickly hopped across one rooftop to another, Miss Buchimaru lacked the superhuman ability to cross long distances with single leaps.
Taking out a grappling hook, Miss Buchimaru managed to get herself across the rooftop and cornered Miss-danuki. When Miss Buchimaru rushed to attack her clone, Miss-danuki hopped over the masked vigilante. Miss Buchimaru quickly turned and unleashed a flurry of punches. Getting into fisticuffs with Miss Buchimaru, Miss-danuki parried her attacker's punches.
"Hey, cut it out already! I don't like fighting!" Miss-danuki shrieked. After parrying Miss Buchimaru's punches with ease, she effortlessly backhanded the vigilante and sent her sailing near the ledge of the rooftop.
Baffled by Miss-danuki's superhuman strength, Miss Buchimaru realized she wasn't going to win a physical brawl with the creature. No amount of her physical training was going to be enough to give her a lasting edge. And with her link to the Metaverse out of reach, Makoto couldn't become a Phantom Thief anymore, which would've given her good odds of fighting the creature. Now, as Miss Buchimaru, she was forced to utilize her ingenuity and tools to depend on.
"Come on!" Miss Buchimaru angrily goaded the creature, who rushed toward her. Readying a weapon, Miss Buchimaru produced a long baton and struck Miss-danuki with it. After striking her a few times with the baton, Miss Buchimaru executed a jumping side kick and knocked Miss-danuki off the edge of the roof.
As she hurried toward the edge, Miss Buchimaru noticed a crowd gathered near the building. There was a protest going on and the building she happened to fight on belonged to one of GHQ's facilities. She also looked down and saw Miss-danuki climbing up the building with her claws. Miss-danuki quickly shot up and headbutted Miss Buchimaru, knocking her down. Miss-danuki then slashed Miss Buchimaru's left shoulder, not only drawing blood but also injuring the same arm. While stumbling back from the attack, the masked vigilante howled with excruciating pain. The crowds quickly veered their attention toward the fighting going on top of the GHQ facility.
Loud cheers for Miss Buchimaru emanated from the crowds, who were clearly in favor of the vigilante's resistance in fighting against localized crime and GHQ corruption.
When Miss Buchimaru struggled to sit up and favored her arm, Miss-danuki picked her up.
"Now, let's see that pretty face of yours," Miss-danuki smirked as she tore off Miss Buchimari's panda mask, unveiling her face to the crowds and a news helicopter that was seen soaring over the facility.
Having realized her mask was removed, Miss Buchimaru quickly shielded her face with her good arm.
It was too late. Some people in the crowd snapped pictures of the unmasked vigilante. The cameraman in the helicopter captured a lasting image of the unmasked warrior.
The true identity of Miss Buchimaru was exposed to all of Tokyo: Kurenai-Niijima Makoto, the current SIU Director. She realized that gossip would spread throughout the networks and sooner than later, GHQ would seek to eliminate her.
Knowing how futile her efforts to conceal her face would be, Makoto angrily glared at Miss-danuki, who gawked with befuddlement.
"You do look like me. Are we sisters?" Miss-danuki asked her.
"My sister died because of the people who made you!" Makoto rebuked with contempt. "A FUCKING THING LIKE YOU WILL NEVER REPLACE SIS!"
"Oh, your screaming is hurting my ears! Ok, I'm gonna kill you now! Bye!" Miss-danuki raised a claw toward the vigilante.
Before the creature could finish Miss Buchimaru off, a masked figure dove toward the creature and knocked her back with a flying kick. Miss Buchimaru saw a figure wearing an Endlave helmet and wearing armored boots imbued with glowing energy. Then, she saw several figures wearing hoods and face & mouth masks, concealing their identities from the public. Beside them were the ex-Phantom Thieves.
"...you guys came…?" Miss Buchimaru weakly muttered.
"Of course, we did, Mako-chan. We were worried about you," Ann answered.
"Well, well, Miss Buchimaru has been unmasked and it's dear Makoto. You thought you could fool us with such a silly disguise?" Akechi remarked.
"Why did you keep this from us, Mako-chan? You should've let us come and help you!" Sumire cried out.
"T-T-This isn't your fight," Makoto scowled while gingerly picking herself off the ground.
"It is when you're putting your life at stake like this, Makoto!" Ren berated the SIU Director.
"I didn't want to drag any of you into my fight against injustice!" Makoto called out.
"You won't have to fight along, Miss Makoto," Shu's voice was heard from one of the masked individuals. When he stepped forward, he nodded over to the Endlave helmet-wearing individual with the glowing boots.
"He's right. We're all in this resistance battle against GHQ together," Ayase's voice came out of the Endlave helmet-wearing individual. "We'll take it from here."
As Miss-danuki prepared to fight back, Shu and his friends aided Miss Buchimaru. While Shu prepared to draw out a Void from someone, Inori, Ayase, Heath, Akiko, and Miss Buchimaru went straight for Miss-danuki, unleashing a flurry of attacks. Inori attacked by firing bullets toward Miss-danuki, who jumped back and evaded the shots. As Miss-danuki rushed Inori, the creature went for a claw slash. Inori tucked her head and kicked the side of Miss-danuki's face, disorienting the humanoid raccoon-dog.
Utilizing their Voids efficiently and independently, Ayase, Heath, and Akiko cornered Miss-danuki. When Ayase went for another diving kick, Miss-danuki narrowly evaded a devastating blow. As the raccoon-dog woman rolled away, Heath sent his Sakanoue no Tamuramaro to attack Miss-danuki. Swiftly evading Tammuramaros katana, the beast jumped out of the humanoid Void's reach. Then, Akiko's Suzuka Gozen dove headlong into Miss-danuki and knocked her away with a quick swing of its ko-naginata.
After being knocked away, Miss-danuki fell flat on her face. Upon recovering, the anthropomorphic raccoon dog saw Miss Buchimaru equipping herself with spiked brass knuckles on her good arm. Running forward with momentum, Miss Buchimaru punched the creature's face. After a few quick body shots, Miss Buchimaru went for another straight punch. Miss-danuki quickly fell on her back and rolled away, evading Miss Buchimaru's punch.
"Hey, over here!" Shu called out to the creature, who shifted toward the Void wielder. Upon seeing him wielding the Singer's Sword, she lunged toward him. Readily preparing to sink her claws into him, Miss-danuki grabbed Shu.
Only she didn't grab Shu. To her dismay, she phased right through him. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that Shu was merely a realistic and solid holographic form of Shu. Before she could discern what just happened, Argo fired rounds at the creature's feet, alarming her.
"You aren't playing fair!" Miss-danuki whined, whose mouth was quickly shut up by the real Shu striking her from behind with Inori's Void.
During the altercation with Miss-danuki, the ex-Phantom Thieves watched helplessly, wishing they could do anything to help their friend Makoto and Funeral Parlor. Cursing under his breath, Ren punched a fist into his left palm.
"I don't like us just standing here!" Ann cried out.
"What can we do? We don't have access to the Metaverse," Akechi pointed out their plight.
"I'd kill to help those kiddos and Makoto! Damn it, this sucks!" Futaba growled.
"Senpai, is there nothing we can do? Makoto's risking her neck out for us!" Sumire reasoned with him.
"I want to help… no, I will help! We will help those kids and Makoto!" Ren yelled out. As he moved in closer, he observed the Void users, specifically Shu, Ayase, Heath, and Akiko fighting on their behalf and utilizing powers similar to how he and his friends used their Personas. He wondered how these teens have been able to invoke Persona-like entities without the Metaverse. Shu and his friends were more surprised to see Heath and Akiko using humanoid Voids that could also be mistaken for Personas. He then considered the possibility that another source granted them their Voids.
Then, it happened. Shu noticed his hand glowing and releasing a clear blue light. This happened before when Funeral Parlor rescued Shu, Heath, and Akiko. Through Shu's Void Genome and his willpower, he heard the ex-Phantom Thieves' heartfelt pleas about their plight and being unable to help them.
"Sis, are you seeing this?" Heath asked while they watched Shu's Void Genome transferring Metaverse powers toward the ex-Phantom Thieves.
"Shu, what are you doing?! I don't think they have Voids!" Akiko called out to the Void Genome user, who nodded back.
"I'm not extracting Voids from them, but I'm giving them a fighting chance to help us. Phantom Thieves, come back to us!" Shu called out, enveloping the ex-Thieves in clear blue light.
When being shrouded by Shu's Void light, the Thieves saw their clothes rapidly change back into their familiar Metaverse outfits coupled with humanoid entities ejecting from their bodies and materializing into solid forms. Not only did the ex-Thieves become Thieves again but their Third-Tier Personas appeared, which helped revive fond memories of utilizing their Personas back in the day.
Taking a moment to process seeing their Metaverse outfits and Personas, Ren, Ann, Futaba, Akechi, Sumire, and even Makoto couldn't believe their eyes. Witnessing the Thieves being returned to their glory, Shu and Funeral Parlor became awestruck, but none more surprised than Heath and Akiko, who saw their parents' friends basking in their glory once again.
"No way," Akiko muttered in disbelief.
"Uncle Ren?! But, you're all...!" Heath couldn't even finish his sentence as the restored Phantom Thieves stepped forward.
The other Funeral Parlor members marveled at the sight of Japan's famous urban legends.
The Phantom Thief leader, Ren, became Joker again. The trickster had on his stylish black ankle-length tailcoat, the high-necked waistcoat with the yellow accents, black pants, the dark brown winkle picker shoes, and the red gloves. His black and white domino mask shaped like a bird's face resurfaced on his face, concealing most of his face, but his intense gaze and confident flair beamed through his once fatigued eyes.
Behind Joker is his Persona, Raoul, a sleek-looking, fiendish-looking gentleman garbed in a lavish bright red suit & hat, a pin-striped blue dress shirt & black tie underneath, black pants, and black & yellow sharp-edged, high-heeled shoes. A pair of dark gray metal, demonic wings adorned the gentleman thief's back.
Ann resumed her identity as Panther. Panther once again donned her skintight red latex catsuit. The catsuit had its cleavage cutout and zippers intact. Coupled with the catsuit, the red panther mask materialized over her face. Pink gloves, dark red high-heel boots, and a clipped tail completed her sultry Phantom Thief suit. Unlike in her youth, she didn't wear her twin-tailed hairstyle.
Behind Panther is her Persona, Celestine, a woman with bright pink skin and garbed in skintight black upper attire, including a black crop top and matching colored latex booty shorts. Strapped across the booty shorts are two white leather belts with full red lips centered over them. The woman's left leg is covered in a knee-high pink and black pinstriped sock. Her right leg is covered in a knee-high solid dark pink sock. Celestine's footwear is leather black high-heeled shoes. She also has on a leather black coat and black gloves. A black hat with long ears adorned Celestine's head, covering her red hair. However, the hat wasn't large enough to conceal the long braided bright red pigtails that doubled as nooses, hanging a strange-looking Chippendale dummy with a round black head. Another Chippendale sat hunched on all fours, providing itself as Celestine's footstool.
Having shed her Miss Buchimaru costume, Makoto regained her Queen status. Her wounds were also healed by the Metaverse-like powers manifested by Shu's Void Genome. The dark blue and black skin-tight suit formed over Makoto. Her Phantom Thief outfit also gained its long black scarf, a dark gray corset-style breast armor, shoulder & knee pads with spikes. She has boots with metal heels and toes. Clenching her fists, her hands are fitted in white gloves. An iron mask reformed on her face.
Beside Queen is her Persona, Agnes, a steel black motorbike imbued with brilliant golden embellishments and armored guards. Adorning the hood of the motorbike is a golden statue head of the legendary Pope Joan. The head of the statue has wings like an angel's, a clear indicator of this pope's status as a holy woman serving God. The front section of the motorbike has a golden guard, giving it and its rider protection. Inside the motorbike is a slot with a sizable seat for its Queen.
Futaba became Oracle once again. She regained her skintight fluorescent neon green striped bodysuit and matching black boots with neon green soles. Doubling as her mask, Oracle had on her large black goggles with orange lenses. In reflection on regaining her Phantom Thief powers, her black hair turned bright orange, which was a reminder of who she was in the past.
Oracle was inside her Persona, Al Azif, a triangular-bodied silver spaceship with four smaller green triangular embellishments on its surface, including a larger-sized one centered on the top side, giving it a somewhat pyramid-like shape.
Once again donning his Crow garb, Akechi was outfitted in a black and blue-striped full-bodied outfit. Several black belts are strapped to his arms and legs. A dark knight helmet enclosed over his head with a red mask resembling a sharp beak. His outfit gave off a chaotic vibe, matching his previous lack of agency. It contrasted his old princely outfit that not only gave a heroic aura but masked his true character and intentions. Behind his mask, his steely gaze met Miss-danuki with intense ferocity.
Next to Crow is his Persona, Hereward, a massive black-bodied humanoid with a burly upper body built. The Persona's head in contrast to its upper body size was disproportionately smaller. Bat-shaped wings adorned the sides of Hereward's head. Hereward opened up its sharp red eyes, using them to scan the enemy monsters. In its right hand, the Persona carried a long steel compound bow and a dark gray arrow. A pair of knee-length dark gray boots made up the footwear. Adorning its waist is a black waist belt with a pair of black hip quivers.
Sumire once again donned her Violet guise. Sumire was once again outfitted in a strapless black leotard coupled with a chain belt with two silver rose motifs, a black choker, and red gloves. She also has on a black bolero jacket with golden buttons, ruffled sleeves, and three floor-length coattails. Thigh-length hose covered most of her legs. Her footwear is stiletto heels that resemble ballet shoes. Upon placing a hand over her mask, she removed her glasses and pulled up her long hair, tying it into a ponytail with a black ribbon. A scabbard then materialized in front of her. Grabbing the scabbard, Sumire pulled her rapier out of it and brandished her weapon.
Next to Violet is her Persona, Ella, a tall, pale, and pristine-looking woman with a resemblance to Cinderella, even using Cinderella's real name based on adaptations of the story. Her body is stainless and clear like glass. The Persona has on a waist-length white dress and thigh-length glass legwear with stiletto-heel ice skates. A long back-length veil, doubling for hair, cascaded down her back. A white-flowered headdress shaped the Persona's crown. In her left hand, Ella carried a bouquet of white flowers.
For the first time in 23 years, the urban legends Phantom Thieves have made their return, which became their first step toward helping Funeral Parlor and rebelling against GHQ.
The Phantom Thieves have just noticed their Personas already in their Third-Tier states.
"Look, our Personas haven't reset to their original forms," Panther pointed out.
"That's good for us," Crow smirked.
"Yeah, who knew that Shu kid could grant our Metaverse abilities and Personas back in top form," Violet said.
"Hey, thanks a lot, Shu!" Oracle called out.
Shu muttered awestruck. "Oh wow, I did this?!"
Heath asserted. "Are you really surprised? Your Void Genome gave Akiko, Walter, and me our Voids. And you gave Ayase a chance to fight and walk using a Void."
Akiko concurred. "You're a real miracle worker, Shu! Based on what I know, those things floating with them are their Personas."
"I can't believe this. The Phantom Thieves are back!" Tsugumi enthusiastically cried out.
"The Phantom Thieves couldn't have come back at a better time than now. Imagine if our families were here, you guys," Walter remarked, referring to Heath and Akiko.
"Phantom Thieves? No, I'd say in this day and age, and with half of us gone, you're better off calling us the Phantom Remnants," Joker verified, having adopted a new name for his respective group.
"Ryuji, Mona, Yusuke, and Haru may be gone in body, but their spirits remain with us," Panther declared.
"Well said, my friends," Crow remarked.
"Wow, my hair's back with its old color! Hehehe, now I'm getting fired up!" Oracle cried out.
"Yes, I'm ready to fight!" Violet passionately yelled.
With her fiery eyes set on Miss-danuki, Queen let out a menacing scowl. "You're in deep trouble now."
As the Phantom Remnants amassed with Funeral Parlor, Miss-danuki realized she was at a severe numbers disadvantage. She knew she didn't stand a chance. When she tried to escape, Walter manifested his metallic dog head Void, which used its two mouths to seize Miss-danuki and toss her aside. After nearly being thrown off the building's rooftop, Miss-danuki clamped her claws on the edge of the building and hopped back on the rooftop.
When Miss-danuki saw Tsugumi running toward her, the raccoon-dog beast pounced on her. However, much like what happened with the fake holographic Shu, she phased through Tsugumi. Instead, she was met by Inori shooting her with bullets. While her fur helped protect her from most of Inori's bullets, one shot her right shoulder and another grazed her left side. Argo quickly slashed Miss-danuki with his knives. After taking down Miss-danuki, the real Tsugumi emerged with Shu beside her, who was seen holding a handheld scanning apparatus.
"Heh, it must be embarrassing to fall for the same trick twice," Tsugumi snickered.
"Here's your Void back," Shu handed the scanning utensil to her.
"No problem, Shu. Am I glad your powers have gotten so strong that you've given us a chance to use our Voids," the hacker said.
"Shu, are you ok?" Inori checked in with him while standing beside him and aiming her pistol toward Miss-danuki.
"I'm ok. Thanks, Inori."
"Good. And you get away from Shu," Inori gave Miss-danuki a stern gaze.
When Miss-danuki tried to escape, the Phantom Remnants then took turns beating the raccoon-dog beast senseless with their weapons and Personas. Before unleashing their initial attack, Oracle and Al Azif boosted her friends' attack and defense speeds. After stunning her with gunshots, Joker slashed her repeatedly with his dagger. Joker's Raoul unleashed a spinning attack on Miss-danuki. After Panther whipped Miss-danuki with her fiery whip, Panther's Persona, Celestine, unleashed flames that terrified Miss-danuki. Crow mercilessly attacked the female beast with his blades. Following Crow's strikes, his Persona, Hereward, launched an arrow toward the ground near Miss-danuki. After Hereward's arrow exploded and knocked away Miss-danuki, Violet's Persona, Ella, danced like a ballerina and repelled the raccoon-dog beast with a spinning body attack. Violet struck Miss-danuki with quick rapier strikes. Charging with murderous intent, Queen let out a furious battle cry while driving Agnes toward Miss-danuki.
"WHY DON'T I TURN YOU INTO ROADKILL, MOTHERFUCKER?!" Queen roared as her Persona rammed into Miss-danuki and sent her flying far back, but not off the rooftop. As Miss-danuki collapsed, Queen hopped off and popped her knuckles.
While trying to sit up, Miss-danuki favored her injuries. She frantically glanced around for any possible chance of escape. Funeral Parlor and Phantom Remnants kept her from fleeing. Shu, Inori, Ayase, Heath, and Akiko intercepted Miss-danuki from escaping. Queen approached and cornered Miss-danuki.
"Aunt Makoto, maybe you should let us," Heath approached the vengeful woman, but Akiko and Walter stopped him.
Maintaining her focus on Miss-danuki, Queen snarled. "And there was one."
"Please, you wouldn't… we're sisters, aren't we?"
Gritting her teeth, Queen vehemently responded. "You have some nerve to call us sisters. I told you I only had one sister. And don't think you're getting away with all the crimes you've caused!" Clenching her fist, Queen stood over Miss-danuki. She mounted Miss-danuki and unleashed a flurry of punches. Every punch pummeled and bloodied Miss-danuki's face. After every punch, blood splattered all over Queen's fists and face. Everyone else stood by watching the bloody beatdown. The Phantom Remnants said nothing. Most of the Funeral Parlor stayed silent. A few like Tsugumi slightly turned away from the gory brutality. The most affected individual was Akiko, who looked away, prompting Walter to comfort her.
Withdrawing her blood-stained fists, Queen let out an ironic chuckle. "Congratulations, you've exposed my face to all of Japan! Now, the entire country has seen my face! But I have to thank you. Because of that, now Miss Buchimaru is dead. She will forever cease to be a memory. However, now taking her place is me! THE 'QUEEN' OF VENGEANCE!"
Miss-danuki screamed frightfully and cowered away.
"Just for exposing my face, here's my reward to you. TAKE MY FUCKING FIST OF JUSTICE!" With that, Queen brought her fist with devastating force, which not just connected with Miss-danuki's face and dislocated her jaw, but also delivered a brutal killing blow that pierced through Miss-danuki's face and the back of her head. As a result of this brutal blow, Miss-danuki's face and head exploded with her eyes, brain, parts of her now fractured skull, and teeth flying out of the gaping hole in the creature's head.
Staring at her blood and gore-soaked fist, Queen breathed heavily and scowled. Although she felt catharsis killing Miss-danuki, her mental state didn't get better. It worsened. She didn't want to admit it, but her revealing to the public triggered her anxiety. Not only was her Miss Buchimaru disguise exposed, but now the public, and especially GHQ, know she is the Phantom Thief Queen.
With her identity exposed, she feared it was a matter of time before the police department may decide to follow GHQ's orders and hunt her down. This action now permanently destroyed her career. Moreover, she and the Phantom Remnants glanced at the collateral damage caused during the fight against Miss-danuki. This was the first time their actions did damage in physical reality, unlike in years past their fighting was solely fought in an alternate reality.
"This is bad. We have to get out of here," Shu suggested.
"Aunt Makoto, we have to go now!" Heath called out to the mentally broken Phantom Remnant.
"If we stay here any longer, police and GHQ will come here!" Akiko shouted.
As her eyes and mouth widened, Queen became rattled as she turned back toward Funeral Parlor and the Phantom Remnants. Joker quickly grabbed Queen's arm.
"Let's go, Queen. Has your face has been exposed?"
Nodding, Makoto said nothing.
"Then, you need to go into hiding. We'll find safety for us all."
"But, your identity was already exposed a long time ago, Joker."
"Yeah, and I'm going to have to live going into hiding. The police know who I am. They still have agents tailing me whenever I'm out. I have no doubt GHQ has records of me being a Phantom Thief from the police department. If anyone can give us safety from the public and GHQ's sights, Funeral Parlor can." As she said this, he meticulously eyed Funeral Parlor's members. "And we have our friends' kids fighting with them. Let's take our chances."
"Fine," Queen grunted as she darted off with Joker and the other Phantom Remnants. They followed Funeral Parlor and escaped being sighted by police helicopters. Now on the run, the Phantom Remnants, now wanted fugitives under GHQ's authority, joined Funeral Parlor and escaped into the shadows.
Upon returning to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Makoto entered with next to no staff members with most out on patrol and in pursuit of the Phantom Remnants. Makoto quickly grabbed as many resources as she could find to help her teammates. She then used the time to look through her files and found that they had been tampered with.
"Son of a bitch," Makoto cursed under her breath. Just then, she heard a ringing sound from her holo-tablet, which startled her. When she opened the holo-tablet, a steely-faced woman with short white hair appeared on its screen. "Kaburagi Miyako?"
"Director Niijima, are you ok?"
"You'd ask me what I've been through tonight?! I'm likely been kicked out of the police department!"
"My apologies, but I was deeply concerned. You and the Phantom Thieves have made the headlines tonight. The public is in a frenzy after…"
"20 years. Yes, I've been following the reports."
"The Phantom Thieves' return has stirred debate whether this will be a turning point against GHQ's position. We've seen firsthand what you and your colleagues have done to change our society, including changing the hearts of corrupted individuals. That said, your identity has been exposed to the public. Your face is all over television."
As she heard this, Makoto's heart skipped a few beats.
"Where are you now?"
"At the police department. I'm getting a few things and…"
"You'd best leave. Now that your identity as Miss Buchimaru and Queen has come out, the police and GHQ have deemed you and the Phantom Thieves as fugitives. Since your identity has been exposed, I feel it's in your best interest… no, I believe it would be in our best interests that you're relieved from your duties."
Hearing this, Makoto clenched her teeth and scowled. "What did you say?!"
Unfazed by Makoto's outburst, Kaburagi calmly responded. "You need to understand your position. Now that your identity has been revealed, your SIU Director's position has been compromised. You're now a primary target with GHQ."
"And how the hell would you know that?!"
Kaburagi stayed silent, creating an awkward silence between them.
"Well, what?!"
"I'm sorry, Ms. Niijima."
"JUST FUCKING SPILL IT!"
Kaburagi deeply sighed. "I had no choice. My hands are tied. Even the department's hands are tied. We've been pressured by GHQ and forced to put a search warrant on you and the Phantom Thieves."
"YOU WHAT?! YOU FUCKING SOLD ME… US OUT TO GHQ?!"
"I'm sorry, Ms. Niijima. We and the police department are doing this out of fear. We didn't want to do this, but GHQ has consolidated so much power over the police that…"
Makoto vehemently retorted. "DON'T FEED ME YOUR BULLSHIT LIES! YOU SOLD US OUT! YOU'VE NOT ONLY BETRAYED ME AND MY FRIENDS BUT ALSO MY SISTER AND ZENKICHI! HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN THEIR SACRIFICES?!"
"I have not. God knows I haven't, but this goes beyond personal connections. This is for your own good, Makoto. I'm doing this in the best interest of us both."
"BULL FUCKING SHIT! YOU'VE DISGRACED MY SISTER AND ZENKICHI!"
"I never would've imagined you of all people would react in this manner. This is unlike you…"
"THANKS TO GHQ RUINING MY LIFE AND NOW YOUR BETRAYAL, THIS IS WHO I'VE BECOME!" With that, she shut off the holo-tablet, ceasing her communication with Kaburagi while throwing a box full of files on the floor and punching a hole through a wall. Ignoring the wound she inflicted on her hand from punching through a plaster wall, Makoto grimaced. "Now what? What am I supposed to do now?" After wrapping her hand with bandages, Makoto heard officers outside her office and sneaked out without being seen.
After successfully escaping the police department, she contacted the Phantom Remnants to come get her.
Having burned her bridges with the woman who had connections with Hasegawa Zenkichi and Niijima Sae, Makoto was left to run from the law. The former SIU Director had become a fugitive on the run.
Shortly after the Miss-danuki incident, the public became fully aware of the Phantom Remnants returning after several decades of inactivity. With Makoto's identity exposed, GHQ wasted no time revealing Ren's records and his Phantom Thief identity to the public. Moreover, GHQ exposed the Phantom Remnants' ability to conjure Personas, which now can cause collateral damage, eliciting public distress.
Knowing full well the public will ask them questions, the Phantom Remnants accepted Funeral Parlor's offer to take them into hiding. Ren and Ann, especially, wanted to ensure the safety of their son and themselves. Likewise, the other Phantom Remnants wanted to avoid public sightings. The Remnants even wondered if it was at all possible to change the hearts of GHQ. However, since their revived powers didn't come directly from the Metaverse and instead through Shu's Void Genome, they wouldn't be able to access any source that lets them change anyone's hearts as they've done in the past. Their Personas now double as Voids.
Once meeting with Gai, Shibungi, and Oogumo, Funeral Parlor reported on what happened in Shibuya and explained how Shu's power enabled the ex-Thieves to regain their Metaverse powers. It was decided that the involved parties, Funeral Parlor and the Phantom Remnants, arranged a meeting with the Kuhouin Group. Specifically, Funeral Parlor split into two groups: Gai took Argo, Shibungi, Tsugumi, Oogumo, and the Phantom Remnants to meet with Kuhouin Okina and his granddaughter Arisa to discuss holding the Remnants in a disclosed location.
In the meantime, while taking them away after the incident, Heath and Akiko decided to return to and visit their home city Sakai and reunite with their parents. The Jones siblings took Shu, Inori, Ayase, and Walter with them. As soon as Heath and Akiko's group left, the Phantom Remnants informed Heath and Akiko's parents about their kids' powers on their phones and video chats.
Upon arriving inside the Kuhouin Estate, Gai, the Phantom Remnants, and the other Funeral Parlor members met with Okina, his granddaughter Arisa, and his bodyguard Kurachi. While laying low from the public, they were asked to split up, making the Phantom Remnants question if they'll reunite again to face GHQ in the foreseeable future.
"We understand your dilemma, which is why we ask you to go into hiding," Okina addressed the Phantom Remnants. The older man turned toward Ren and Ann specifically. "And you can rest assured that your child will be in our safe custody."
"Thank you, Mr. Kuhouin," Ann replied, bowing her head.
"And the same goes for the rest of your children, Phantom Thieves," Gai stated.
"Call us Phantom Remnants from now on. That is the name we've agreed on," Ren replied as he turned and bowed to Okina. "We appreciate your help dealing with our families."
Makoto scoffed with folded arms. "And there's one of us who has no family left, and just got released from their job."
"Mako-san," Sumire muttered, eyeing the ex-SIU Director.
"We'll worry about our comeback later. For now, let's place our faith with Funeral Parlor to fight our battle," Ren stated.
As he nodded, Akechi maintained eye contact with Gai, who hadn't noticed Akechi looking at him. Acting with suspicion, Akechi wondered if Gai was hiding any intentions behind his resistance leader role.
"You guys can relax now. You're all safe," Oogumo reassured the Phantom Remnants.
Tsugumi embraced Futaba with an arm over her. "Heheh, but don't worry we'll check in."
"Don't worry about that! I'll stay in contact and continue passing my hacking knowledge to ya!" Futaba replied.
"Ms. Niijima, I promise we'll keep you and your friends safe," Arisa approached Makoto, who glared at her cautiously. Sensing the tension, Arisa tried to keep calm. "Listen, before you and our friends arrived, I learned some things about you. You were a student council president in Shujin Academy."
"Yeah? What of it?"
"Well, I'm the current student council president at Tennozu High. I thought that I could relate to you in a conversation."
"So, you had to look me up?"
Arisa smirked. "Don't underestimate our information network, Ms. Niijima. We also learned that GHQ infiltrated your records and collected your blood sample to create that creature you killed."
"That abomination, you mean. GHQ will pay for ruining my life," Makoto openly scowled, bringing unsettling vibes between her and Arisa.
"Sorry," Arisa nodded.
"Leave me be," Makoto turned away, heading toward an isolated area in the meeting room.
"Is this all of you, Gai?" Okina asked Gai.
"No, a few others went to visit family. I instructed them to take it easy after the incident with the creature," Gai revealed without giving away any names, leaving the Kuhouin Group unaware of Shu's involvement with Funeral Parlor.
"I see. That's for the best then."
"Funeral Parlor really does look out for each other, Right, Oogumo?" Kurachi said, winking toward Oogumo's way.
"Yeah, we do."
"Ok, Phantom Remnants, you know the deal. Until we need you or if you insist on assisting us, remain under a low profile. Leave the rest to us," Gai informed them as they nodded in unison.
"Kurachi, show our guests to their quarters while we figure out the logistics for their relocations," Okina briefed his bodyguard, who showed the Phantom Remnants out of the meeting room. "Oh, and Mr. Amamiya?"
"Yes?" Ren turned, acknowledging the head of the Kuhouin estate.
"It's truly an honor to have this nation's most renowned legendary heroes on our side. Now that you've returned to the public eye, you've given us hope that GHQ's dictatorship will see its final days," Okina stated, eliciting a righteous smirk from the Phantom Remnants' leader.
"So, any word from Shu, Inori, and the others?" Gai whispered to Argo, Shibungi, and Tsugumi.
"Last I checked, they're on the Shinkansen and heading for Sakai," Argo verified.
"They should already be there by now," Shibungi added.
"Man, I should've gone with them. I hope Ayase will be ok," Tsugumi lightly pouted.
"They'll be fine for a few days. Let's worry about our end in the meantime," Gai said.
On their way to Sakai using the Shinkansen, Shu, Inori, Heath, Akiko, Walter, and Ayase spent time in casual conversation. Heath and Akiko described tidbits of their upbringing in Sakai and about their parents. Though he anticipated meeting Heath and Akiko's parents, Shu was crestfallen meeting kids his age with both of their parents still alive. Likewise, Ayase felt Heath and Akiko's livelihood turned out better than hers.
"I can't wait to meet your folks, you two," Shu said.
"They sound like good people," Inori concurred.
"I can agree about my dad, but in regards to mom. Heh, good is subjective, but I'll let you decide that yourselves," Akiko said. Looking behind her, she saw Heath already asleep. "Already asleep, bro? Not even taking advantage of getting a view of the scenery?"
"I don't blame him. I'm getting kind of tired, too," Shu yawned while stretching his arms.
"May I lean on you, Shu?" Inori asked as she rested her head on his left shoulder.
"Sure, if you want."
As he was deep asleep, Heath dreamed of himself in a spaceless white reality. Joining him are two cognitive Ayases, who appeared with the power of Heath's dreams. Though, unlike the real Ayase, both cognitive Ayases acted like seductive succubi and used their charms to lure him forward. And unlike the real Ayase, these two were standing without leg-armored Voids to support them.
"Ayase?" He turned to them both. They giggled loudly as they approached and embraced Heath. "What are you two doing…?"
Both giggled incessantly. "What's wrong, Heath? Don't you want us? You have us all to yourself! Is that what you wanted?" They began groping their breasts and jiggling them in his face. As they leaned close to his face, the two Ayases flirtatiously sneered in his face and planted a simultaneous kiss on his lips.
Finding his lips firmly lip locked by the Ayases, he was pulled into an erotic three-way kiss. The Ayases licked the sides of Heath's face and stuck their tongues into his mouth, sloppily engaging in three-way tongue kissing.
Just when the two Ayases and Heath were about to engage in a threesome, the real Ayase appeared in his dream and sternly glared at Heath with arms folded.
"Ayase?!"
"What in the…?!"
"It's not what you think!" Heath yelled out while still asleep. He then felt someone shaking him. It was Ayase, who was shaking his shoulders. When he finally did wake up, he did so to Ayase's irked annoyance. "Oh, Ayase?"
"Don't 'Ayase' me, mister?! What were you dreaming about?"
"Uh, do you really want to know?"
"No, I prefer not to," she openly declined, eliciting laughter from Shu, Inori, and Akiko. "And what are you all giggling about?"
"Oh nothing," the three responded, rolling their eyes back. Walter shrugged and said nothing.
Just then, the Shinkansen arrived at their stop. After collecting their belongings, the group headed out of the train station and explored Sakai. They got a scope of the city around them. Along the way, they saw and admired the coastal sightings.
"The locations here are nice," Ayase remarked.
"We grew up in a seaport city that's just off Osaka Bay," Heath stated.
"I can see why your parents decided to move here. Seeing the ocean reminds me of where I used to grow up," Shu said, admiring the oceanic view.
"It's honestly one of the few things I miss about Sakai. Ah, smell that fresh air!" Akiko said, feeling the cool and moist air blow against her.
"It's fresh here but once you get closer into the city, it's less refreshing," remarked Heath.
"So, what do you think, Inori? It's nice here, isn't it?" Shu asked the pink-haired singer.
"It is. Will you be showing us around Sakai during our stay?" Inori asked the Jones siblings.
"But, of course! There's the Daisen Park Japanese Garden and a lot of hot spring spots!" Akiko said.
"I heard there are several parks here, including Ohama, Daisen, Harvest, and Hamadera Parks. Hamadera, especially, is a recreational area with a rose garden," Walter pointed out. "They even have the Bicycle Museum Cycle Center and Sakai City Museum."
"And there's the famous Old Sakai Lighthouse. It's one of Sakai's most famous landmarks," Heath said.
Akiko added. "Don't worry we won't be hanging out with our folks during our time here. There's a lot to do here."
Heath mumbled. "Yeah, because they don't want to see you and mom fig…" He slightly doubled over as Akiko elbowed his side. "Ow, hey! What was that for?"
"So, shall we keep moving?" Akiko feigned ignorance, prompting Shu, Inori, and Walter to nod their heads.
Shu whispered to Walter. "Hey, is it just me, or does whenever Akiko mentions her mom, her tone is kinda cold?"
Walter nodded dismissively. "I'd keep that to myself."
"What? You know something?"
"You'll see for yourself, Shu."
Further exploring Sakai night scenery, the group passed by many local shops and restaurants. One restaurant notably had a giant red grab on top of a sign. After leaving the shopping and restaurant areas, they entered a residential area and followed a long stream known as the Yamato River.
Once they finished exploring Sakai, the group arrived outside of a shrine. Awaiting them at the front of the shrine's gates is a couple, whom Heath and Akiko seemingly recognized when they faced them.
Shu, Inori, and Walter identified a beautiful but rigid-faced and sharp-eyed Japanese woman with a pale complexion and long, back-length dark brown hair with bangs, almost appearing black. She is seen garbed in a light orange and yellow-trimmed yukata with a dark brown long-sleeved robe over it. Around her waist is a red belt. She is also seen with white socks and wooden sandals with red straps. The woman's green eyes glanced over her children and their friends, eliciting a subdued smile from her pale face. There was an elegant aura surrounding the woman, which is a stark contrast to her daughter Akiko's casual demeanor.
Next to the rigid-faced, dark-haired woman in the bright yukata is her Caucasian husband. He came garbed in more casual wear than his wife. He has a fair complexion and brown eyes. He has brown hair worn in an unkempt hairstyle with hair locks curving out and some hanging down his face. He came in a dark gray dress shirt with a black t-shirt underneath, dark blue jeans coupled with a black leather waist belt, and black dress shoes. After removing his dark sunglasses, he faced and smiled at his two children.
"We're home, mom and dad," Heath addressed the couple.
"Hi, Dad," Akiko smiled at the man. When turning toward the woman, she remarked with a sharp and sardonic tongue. "And mom." The girl's scathing tone elicited a slight frown from the yukata-garbed woman.
"We're honored to finally meet you," Shu bowed his head.
"We thank you for letting us come and stay in your home for a few days," Inori expressed her gratitude.
The couple nodded together.
"Did Heath and Akiko give you any problems along the way?" The man asked Shu and Inori.
"No, of course, they didn't," Shu nodded dismissively.
"They've been very good to us," Inori quickly replied.
"Heh, you don't have to cover up for them, especially for our dear Akiko," the woman spoke in a cold and stern tone. She took out a small black fan and covered her face, which irked Akiko.
"You…" Akiko scowled, prompting Walter to calm her by massaging her shoulder.
"You two already know Walter. These two are…"
"Ouma Shu and Yuzuriha Inori? Yeah, Ren and the others already informed us about them and your affiliation with Funeral Parlor," the man stated.
"Hmm, it seems our two kids have been running with a controversial group," the woman added with a chortle. "Oh, and where are our manners? I'm Heath and Akiko's mother: Togo-Jones Hifumi."
The man asserted. "And I'm Skyler Togo-Jones. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Wearing a rigid expression, Hifumi lowered her fan. "Now, this way to our residence. We have a lot to discuss with our friends back home and regarding your roles within Funeral Parlor."
"You heard them," Heath nodded.
"Show us the way, mommy dearest," Akiko scoffed.
Shu and Inori exchanged nods.
"I hope all goes well, Shu."
"Me, too, Inori."
A/N: Welp, a lot happened. Miss Buchimaru's identity has been exposed, Shu restores the Phantom Thieves (now the Phantom Remnants), Miss-danuki gets a bloody death blow, and our protagonists finally meet Heath & Akiko's parents.
Yep, who would've thought one of the confidants from Persona 5 is revealed to be their mother? Togo Hifumi receives an expanded character role after hearing about the Thieves' identities and becomes an honorary member of the PTs. Thanks to her connections with Ren and the Thieves following P5/Royal, Hifumi's tertiary role has expanded into a major one. Skyler Jones and his friends, while not real P5 characters and instead are full-on OCs, serve their roles as close associates with the Thieves. Hifumi, too, is more or less not the same character personality-wise, and the depression following Lost Christmas has turned her bitter and cynical. Arguably, AnGC Hifumi could just be Hifumi In Name Only.
Special Note (6/9/2022): Skyler, and Heath for that matter, are not self-insert characters. We don't share the same characteristics. He's not even my OC. He's an OC conceptualized by Allfather-Ford. His appearance is based on a Code Vein character creation that Ford made. That OC became the basis for Skyler's character in our stories. I've written every OC in this story on what Ford envisioned to the best of my ability.
If you weren't keeping up, Shu's Void Genome has enabled him to help create humanoid Voids for Heath & Akiko, allowed him to utilize people's Voids while they retain their consciousness, has given Ayase the ability to walk & fight exclusively while using her Void, and now has restored an extension of the Phantom Thieves' Metaverse powers & Personas. Having achieved greater feats than his canon self, could Shu ultimately see some adverse effects with his abilities? Time might tell. I know someone asked about it and I'm here addressing it.
Through their connections with the Thieves, it has enabled Heath and Akiko to manifest Persona-like Voids using Shu's Void Genome. So, if you're wondering how and why Heath and Akiko's Voids are the way they are, there's something to mull over.
Yes, Miss-danuki received quite the bloody end. All she wanted was someone to love. Sadly it came at the expense of violating her male victims.
By the way, does anyone blame Makoto's pottymouth? After all the crap she's been through, I don't.
And from this point on, the Phantom Remnants will stick considering this is a wholly different Tokyo compared to their heyday in 2016. 23 years later, though no longer thieves, the remnants of the famous vigilantes have risen again to fight a new injustice.
For those who were worried that the P5 crossover would stick, worry no more. The Thieves are sitting out from now until near the end of this story. They will not get involved with anything until then. While Hifumi and Skyler will be featured in the next chapter, they are not fighters and will remain bystanders.
All There in the Manual - Chapter VIII
-Miss-danuki's background as an escaped Beast of Eden: She shows a fondness for the scientist that created her by treating her humanely instead of being seen as a biological weapon. Her creator feels that she doesn't want to fight, and so in secret, that scientist and Miss-danuki fall in love and had sex (again, color us surprised:P), that's when Segai and the Anti-Bodies figure things out and had the scientist killed (and relate to 'death by sex' in the aftermath), causing the heartbroken Miss-danuki to go on a roaring rampage and escape from GHQ headquarters. That's one of the factors why the furry (as a tragic creation) has sex with the male officer in her tragic attempt to find love and acceptance. Too bad that the Queen of Vengeance brutally kills her (as an ironic 'death by sex' after the furry had sex with the male officer).
-Haruka and Kurachi are around 34 years old in 2039. They attend AnimeJapan back in 2021 (where the Phantom Thieves and their friends, including Heath and Akiko's parents, and Walter's parents attended) when they were 16 years old in high school (meaning, they were around the same age range as Shinya and his friends (Owen, Reiko, and Li-Ming)). Knowing that in canon Haruka and Kurachi are old friends, AnGC expands their canon info to reveal that they became friends back in high school. Haruka's past cosplay is Claire Dearing (Jurassic World), and Kurachi's past cosplay is Nyotengu (Dead or Alive).
-Togo Hifumi is the same character from Persona 5 with some deviations, including befriending the other Phantom Thieves outside of Ren. In 2020, she reunites with Ren and his friends at the same time she and Skyler first met. These versions of Hifumi and Skyler are loosely based on their Akane no Mai variations minus them having Code Vein powers, and AnGC Hifumi has never possessed/wielded goddess powers.
Well, that about covers it. Until then, leave a comment and review!
Since it's the holiday season, allow me to say Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
