Catch-22: The Future Tense
By: M14Mouse
Summary: The thieves make their final stand and Yu plays his hand that he has been holding.
Disclaimer: Don't own them.
It is not a field of a few acres of ground, but a cause, that we are defending, and whether we defeat the enemy in one battle, or by degrees, the consequences will be the same.-Thomas Paine
Yu was leaning against the wall outside of the café. Ren was already inside talking to the doctor.
"It's strange. I hate the snow in the city," He said as he watched the snowflakes drift down from the sky.
"OH?" Akechi said next to him.
"People always tell me that it makes the city feel clean. For me, it is the opposite. It makes the city feel dirty and wet. I much prefer my home. It is away from the city. The mountains look amazing from town."
"Never been one for the mountains."
"I think that you will like it for the people watching. I'm not sure how you feel about skiing."
"Actually I never tried it."
"It can be fun. In action and in viewing, a lot of people think that they should go faster than they should. It is rather amusing," He remarked.
Akechi chuckled then paused.
"Ah, it seems that I'm being summoned."
"Don't kill him," He said airily.
Akechi snorted.
"Don't give me ideas," Akechi said.
"I'm saving you a bullet. It wouldn't probably work since this is his world."
"How thoughtful of you. If he says yes, are you planning to go alone?"
"Of course. While the extra fire power would be nice, I'm not about to let the doctor's plan stand," He said mildly.
"Finally, someone with some common sense in the matter. I trusted that you won't hold back either. Sadly, we must hold off on our planning until I deal with someone," Akechi mumbled as he entered the café.
"Don't kill him." He shouted as he shook his head.
Few minutes ticked by before the door opened again. He glanced at the doctor coming out.
"Doctor," He nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"Narukami," The doctor said with a nod back.
He smiled.
"I will see you tomorrow."
The doctor paused in his step then he continued to walk down the alleyway.
Few minutes later, the door chimed again. He looked over to see Morgana coming out.
"Morgana, I take it that Ren and Goro wanted to talk alone," He said.
"Yes…about Ren's decision. You know…that Akechi isn't alive," Morgana snapped.
"Of course."
"Why….Why didn't you say anything?"
"Would have you believed me?"
Morgana's mouth snapped shut.
"You don't trust me and that is fine. My goal is to return this world to normal…or something close to it. While I would like your help, it isn't necessary. I will be there to face the doctor," He noted.
"Even if…it costs people's happiness?" Morgana asked.
"Were you happy as a human?" He asked.
"Of course! Maybe…a little but it felt weird. I'm not sure. Sometimes, it was great. Having thumbs was great but other times, no…I missed being a cat. Don't you dare tell anyone?!" Morgana shouted at him.
"Of course, I won't. Happiness is what you make of it…not what is forced on you. That is false happiness."
"But I want to be human."
"Maybe but a part of you still wants to be a cat. Still…" He said as he kneel down and held out a small piece of paper with a number on it.
"After this is done, call this number. A friend might be able to help."
Morgana mumbled something about cats and humans.
"Well…maybe not the same thing but he was a shadow that turned into a human or human shape. He has a problem breaking any equipment that examines him."
"I still can't believe that."
"It is hard to believe," He said.
"You aren't joking…are you?"
Morgana's expression was wavering between hopeful and doubtful.
"No, I'm not especially about this. He could explain it a lot better than me. If it doesn't work, at least, you tried on your own terms and not someone else," He said.
"You know…that is a good point," Morgana said.
He smiled softly.
"I will try."
-ROYAL-
"This place looked better in red," Futaba said with a hum as the alarms echoed through the garden.
"After what you two did…" Ryuji mumbled.
"It was a mild hole," He added.
"MILD!?"
"Ah, I see you made it. Come on up…I'll meet with you at the center of paradise," The doctor said over the loudspeakers.
Veles was mumbling angrily.
He calls that a tree! An empty hollow shell. I showed him a tree.
Patience, Veles…Patience.
He glanced over at Futaba, who was staring at him.
"Let's go," Morgana shouted as the group used hooks to get to the stairs.
Nope.
He tapped the tip of his cane on the ground and shadows rose to swallow him up. He focused through Veles to find them. They are almost at the top. They could have asked if they wanted a lift. Few moments later, he was at the top. He looked at the growing vines and black rose-like flowers opening and closing. Were those apples?
Veles was cursing inside of his head.
Laddie…I want the first crack at him. Izzy and Inny can wait. This fool is mine.
Veles…that was part of the plan, remember?
Of course, I just want to make sure that I get my claim. This, lad, this isn't paradise. This is emptiness. The worst kind of death…nothingness.
He looked at the doctor who stood in the center of the strange room.
He turned his head once he heard the thieves running up the stairs.
"WHA-? The Hell!" Ryuji said as the group stopped.
"I took the easy route," he said with a smile.
"Thanks for coming. It looks like I have my answer," The doctor said as he turned to face them.
"It is time to finish this," Ren said.
"Indeed…no more hesitation. Let's begin," The doctor replied.
Here he comes, guys.
He nodded in agreement when he saw the doctor opened his arms and started walking toward the group.
"If you win, my heart will be charged…However, if I win…My reality becomes the true reality. I will overwrite all of existence with my own cognition," The doctor said.
He snorted.
The doctor glanced at him. He gave him a smile and tipped his hat.
"I'm not holding back anymore."
The room started to shake.
"Be prepared. He is going to summon his persona," He warned the group.
"Just as your own beliefs…"
By the gods, he is evil monologuing us.
He chuckled softly.
"I too have no intention of changing my plans for reality…No matter what happens to me in the end, I will fix this torturous world. That is my own rebellion!" The doctor shouted as the room continued to shake.
The doctor was wrapped in the glowing light. Ah…
Show off. You do it better.
"His attire has just…"Yusuke said surprisedly.
The doctor's outfit changed into a golden skin-tight priest garb with a tall shield-shaped mask, a white cape and holding a golden staff.
His outfit is terrible. He reminds me of the Raccoon boy.
"And I believe you called forth your power like this: Persona," The doctor said as Azathoth rose behind him.
"You shouldn't mistake our powers as being equal," The doctor said as he continued his monologuing.
He was only half paying attention. He was waiting for his allies to come.
He watched as the thieves threw themselves into battle. He listened to Makoto shout that his persona was protecting him. No surprise really. Veles did the same to him.
He watched as the thieves fought against the doctor's attacks.
Bolts of energy raining down on them. Tentacles attacking them with no notice. The doctor kept bringing back to life.
The thieves gave it right back. Matching attack with attack. Hitting his weakness and working with each other. Even if they weren't his students, he was so proud.
"Not bad. We have only just begun," The doctor said. Azathoth began to change again. The tentacles wrapped around Azathoth and the doctor cast some shield around him.
"What was that just now?" Futaba asked the group.
He watched the thieves go on the attack again.
The shield reacted when Ann tried to use her magic.
"Huh…I can't…" Ann mumbled in confusion.
Hmm…clever. Every time someone uses a particular skill that the doctor marked, the energy stops. The doctor began hitting the group with two attacks. The thieves keep healing and trying to meet the doctor for attack. The doctor is trying to get them to lower their guard down.
"Do you remember how every one of your dreams was granted in my reality? Not a single person is in pain here! Everyone is happy…Why would you deny them the opportunity?" The doctor shouted at the thieves.
Then another round of attacks again. He can see the thieves starting to lose steam and the doctor was gathering energy for an ultimate attack.
Aren't you going to do something?!
"Humans…always so impatient," A voice echoed through the room.
In a flash, the dark room was light and bright. The floor was no longer pulsing with black vines and tentacles but it was clear as glass with rolling fog under their feet. Slowly, he could make out her flowing robes as she approached the group under their feet. He could hear the roars of Níðhöggr and brief appearances of scales in the endless fog.
"What…is going on?" The doctor said.
"I must applaud you for seeking out humanity's desire and making it reality. This? This isn't humanity's desire," Izanami said.
Are you ready?
"I believe this is where I show my hand. You might want to step back," He said mildly.
I'm ready.
"For this plan to work, I need you to work together," Yu said.
Veles snorted.
And pigs will fly, laddie.
….
Inzami gave him a look.
"We can work together."
"Aye."
"Uh huh…what is your wonderful plan?"
Yu started playing with a chip in between his fingers.
"Look at any legend or myth about trees…what is the common theme?"
Life…death…rebirth. Oh…Oh…Haha…
"You see my plan now?" He said with a grin.
"Come to me…Veles!" He shouted as he summoned his persona.
"His persona is some old dude…" Ryuji mumbled behind him.
"God of the underworld…how fitting," Akechi said.
"Piecing Strike," The doctor shouted.
He tapped his tip of cane on the ground as the roots rose to protect him.
"Sacred Heart," He said as Veles slammed his staff into the ground. The tip of his staff took root. He watched the roots spread across the floor. Under their feet, he could see the flicker of lights.
Souls…
And hearts…and thoughts.
Life.
"Whoa…" Ann said in awe.
The lights started traveling up the roots into the tree and started to grow.
"What are you doing?" Makoto demanded to know.
He smiled softly.
"Anger, happiness, sadness, bitterness, joy…a host of emotions and thoughts. Hearts. Japan's hearts. Our hearts. Your palace is supposed to be paradise. This? This will show you otherwise," He said.
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the fairies pouring their sacred water into the ground to speed up the growth of the tree. He can see Khepri adding his aid as well as butterflies and bees travel to each branch. He saw leaves and flower buds started to fade
"I can't fail. I won't fail!" The doctor shouted as he gathered energy from Tyrant Stance then let out a blast from Tyrant Chaos.
He stumbled back as the pain ripped through his body as Veles took the hit. He developed a high pain tolerance due to his time in the tv world. His body was on fire. Damn it…that hurt. Veles disappeared with only his cloak remaining.
"Gambler!" Yoshizawa shouted.
"Be at ease," He said as he struggled to breathe and get to his feet.
"I'm going to need you two to work together."
We are working together, lad. We haven't killed each other in weeks.
"No, I'm going to combine your powers. Just for a moment."
You aren't trying to fusion us, are you?
"No. Just no. Isis would kill me before that happens. While Veles's tree will hold a lot of power, it is going to need a little extra boost to bloom."
…..
"I remember you telling….Thou art I, and I am thou...From the sea of thy soul, I come...From the very moment of my emergence, I have been a guiding light shed to illuminate thy path...I am the original god...Izanagi-no-Okami. Are you going to let these people lead you into darkness? Or be the guiding light for them and the thieves?"
Haha…the lad got you there.
….To think, a child of man would demand such a thing from a god….
"I demand because I'm a wild card. The Fool. The World. I don't play by fate's design. No matter if it is right or wrong. I demand because I have my friends, family and my students that need me. Maybe, not in this world but they need me. If not for them, I wouldn't be standing here. I demand because thou art I, and I am thou…we are the same. I don't think that has changed from the moment that you become my persona."
Veles crackled. He could feel Izanagi-no-Okami smile.
…Very well…
"I destroy your persona. There is nothing for you to do. Stop this!" the doctor said.
Destroy me? Hah…Idiot.
He smiled as he held out the palm of his hand. A familiar glowing card appeared in his hand.
"Oh, doctor. I have one…no, several cards to play but right now? I just need one," He said as he crashed the blue card in his hand.
A loud roar of thunder echo through his ears. It shook the room like an earthquake. The room light up as lightning echo through the room. The doctor's eyes look like that they were able to come out of his head. Izanagi-no-Okamidid have that sort of appearance. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Izanagi-no-Okami wrapped himself in Veles's cloak. If he didn't know him so well, he would scare the crap of him.
"Someone got the ultimate move," Futaba mumbled behind him.
"Idiots. It is his persona," Akechi mumbled.
"Two Personas? Joker is the only one that has more than one…." Morgana said.
"…."
"Idiots."
He forced himself not to laugh as he rose to his feet. First off, it would hurt. Second, he needed to focus.
"Several years ago, I fought the goddess, Inzami, that plagued my home with fog and death. With the help of my friends and my abilities as a persona user, we were able to push back the fog. My name is Yu Narukami. I am the Fool. The World. The Judgement. Most of all, a wild card. I warned you, doctor. You stirred the hornet nest. You don't think of us as equal. You might want to rethink that. Country Maker," He said.
Izanagi-no-Okami drew the sword on his back and swung it around to stab the tree. The room burst with a bright light. He could feel the surge of energy through the room. The tree exploded into a giant. Its branches as far as the eye could see. Some of the branches broke through the roof. Its trunk is wider than any building that he has ever seen. It leaves and flowers in full bloom. He watched as the thieves' energy started to return to them.
"Wha…are you…a god?" The doctor asked.
"You might want to finish this fight. The energy boost won't last for long," He said mildly as he stared at the doctor, who looked confused, terrified, and lost.
"Ri-right," Morgana mumbled as the group stumbled back into the fight.
He frowned for a moment.
Why do people keep asking him that?
Lad, you are terrifying.
No, I am not.
Sweet summer child…Talk to him, Isis.
No.
For every doctor's attacks, he would counter with the roots of the tree acting as shield. If his attack would go through, he would heal them, make them faster and stronger.
Finally, Azathoth and then the doctor fell.
"Azathoth…did I fail?" The doctor said.
Finally, he returned his persona to himself and the tree started to disappear.
Suddenly, a golden torch appeared in front of them.
"Is that….?" Ann spoke.
"It's Maruki's Treasure," Morgana answered back.
"What is it? A torch?" Haru said.
"A torch is a light to guide people-it may symbolize his perception of himself as the guide for the entire world…We're here to change his heart, aren't we? Go on and take it" Akechi said to Haru.
"So…this is it," The doctor said as he stared at Azathoth.
"This place is collapsing!" Futaba shouted.
"We'd better take our leave," Yusuke added.
"Rumi…No, I…I can..still," The doctor mumbled at his fallen persona.
"Don't do it, doctor," He warned.
"What is he…? Joker…look out," Makoto shouted as Ren jumped out of the way of fallen debris.
"We have to book it," Ryuji shouted at the shaking palace.
"Guys! Jump in!" Morgana shouted as he turned into a car. The group ran toward the van.
"Go. I will make sure that the doctor doesn't do what I think that he is going to try to do," He said mildly.
"But…" Ann said with a worried look.
More of the palace started to shake and fall to the ground.
"GO!"
The group ran to the van and jumped in. He turned his attention to the doctor.
"Don't."
"Hehe…you live up to your name. Gambler but let's see what you can do about this," The doctor said as he reached for his persona. He watched it come to life and rush through the doctor.
Lad! Get out of there!
He called up Veles and shadows wrapped around them.
Few moments later, he was in front of the thieves.
"Whoa!" Ryuji stumbled back.
"The doctor is about do something stupid," He said to the group as he turned around to look at the doctor and his persona.
"I'm sorry…I can't give up yet. You know that I can't do that. I have been chosen…," The doctor said to his floating persona.
HE IS MONOLOGUING AGAIN!
It happens.
…my responsibility," The doctor shouted as he reached out his hand. The torch floated from Ren's hands to the doctor's hand.
"What the hell…" Ryuji said.
"You are going to need to get that back. Give me a moment. Veles, you please," He said as he summoned Veles.
"Woltus," He said as the roots rushed toward the torch but a rush of energy block him.
He sighed.
The group watched as Azathoth changed into a gigantic robot with a brilliant golden external, with green outlines resembling human skeletal features being fully visible from its face, limb joints, chest and back. On its chest are the sun and flower symbols of the doctor's palace.
"But…he looked like he evolved it!" Morgana said in a panic.
"Such strength of will," Yusuke said.
"I do wish that he didn't do that. It is going to hurt when we defeat him," He said mildly.
The doctor started monologuing again about happiness.
"With mine and Adam Kadmon's together, our reality is nigh!" The doctor shouted.
THAT IDIOT! Andy was a damn moron. People thought of him as a damn messiah. He had a giant stick in his ass. Urgh.
Can I cut him down?
Probably not, laddie.
….
Nor can you get Abbandon to eat him.
Ah.H…h…
Pity. I guess that I have done this the old fashion way.
"Adam Kadmon! Guide us all to our ideal reality!" The doctor shouted.
"You're wrong!" Yoshizawa shouted back.
"We decided on our own reality," Ren answered.
"Yeah! We refuse to let it end any other way, too!" Futaba shouted back at the doctor.
"I agree. I have my own reality to get back too," He said as he unsheathed his cane to reveal his sword.
"Your own reality…?" Morgana said with a bug eyed look.
"Ask questions later, Mona. We have work to do. He is probably going to use his persona like a shield and anything like those tentacles…for healing as well. You're going to attack him with everything you got to prevent him from healing," He said.
"Gotcha," Ann said as she slipped into the fighting stance.
The entire group followed her lead and went at the doctor and his persona.
"I still…can't do it? And my reality is right before my eyes…I'm sorry. I said that I didn't care what'd happen to me…But I guess…I wasn't committed to my words…You too, huh?" The doctor said as he turned the group to his persona.
"Stop him. Now." He said in a rush.
"What?" Morgana asked.
"YES! STOP IT! Now!"
Akechi drew his gun and started firing at tentacles that rose from the ground to protect the persona and the doctor.
"Can't you tell…this isn't over," Akechi shouted at the group.
"Woltus!" He shouted at Veles' roots to punch back the tentacles to give Akechi a clear shot. He cursed to himself when he failed to stop the doctor from stepping onto his persona's hand
"You think the same thing, don't you? Of course, you do…After all…." The doctor said.
"Where were you in the beginning?! You have more sense than any of these idiots. You heard Gambler. If we don't stop this, we die." Akechi shouted as he ran toward the persona, who swallowed the doctor into himself.
The persona started glowing red and energy gathered into his fist.
"NO! LOOK OUT! Woltus!" He shouted to protect them from the attack. It was too late as his attack blasted through his roots and sent him fighting across the roof.
"GAMBLER!" Ann…or maybe…Makoto echoed through his head. His entire body burned and ached. He could hardly breathe.
"Guys…he took a pretty big hit to protect us. Somebody needs to heal him while we deal with this guy." Ren said.
"On it," Morgana said.
"Oh no! Incoming!" Futaba said.
The persona…he thought that it was talking.
The words didn't become clear until he felt the healing magic course through his body.
"Hey…are you okay?" Morgana asked as he slowly came too.
"Not really. Don't have time to worry about a few bruises," He said with a small smile as he moved to get his feet.
"Dude, you are a certified badass that protected us and made our fight a lot easier but you need to rest. We got this," Ryuji said.
"Yup, we are going to win. I have faith in everyone that they will find a way," Ann nodded.
His smile grew.
"I'm…a teacher after. Their Sensei. The world hasn't been kind to them. I want to protect them. At least, they will know that they have someone in the corner. Sometimes, I forget that they have their own strengths."
"Seriously, I doubt that. You sound like a wonderful teacher. I can imagine that you protect and teach them until they are ready to fly from the nest. I wish that I had you as a teacher," Yusuke said.
"Guys! I figured out his weakness. Joker…get ready to move on his next attack," Futaba shouted.
"Let's settle this…once and for all!"
"His head is his weak spot…though our attacks are ineffective in his normal state. But whenever he attacks, he drops his guard while concentrating all of his power. So, if we can target his head as he strikes we might have a shot!" Futaba shouted.
Adam Kadmon started to draw his fist away again and energy started drawing into his fist. Quickly, it came down on the group. A flash of light covered the area.
"We've come this far-we ain't giving up!" Ryuji shouted as they protect Joker with their personas.
"YEAH! You gotta do way better than this!" Ann answered back.
"Don't underestimate our tenacity!" Yusuke shouted.
"It's just another threat. We'll overcome it like we always do!" Makoto answered.
"If I run now, I know I'll regret it!" Haru shouted.
"We'll decide for ourselves what we want with our lives!" Yoshizawa shouted.
"I'm a bit occupied, so do your goddman job!" Akechi said.
"Oracle, how does it look!" Morgana said.
"Prefect! His head's defense level has dropped down to zero precent! Go for it!" Futaba shouted back at the group
"FINISH THIS JOKER!" Morgana shouted.
Ren turned back to him. He winked.
"From one Fool to another, how about you show him a finale that he soon won't forget," He said as he tipped his hat.
Ren nodded before jumping into action.
Hmm…maybe, he needed to get Ren a grappling hook when they explored Sai's palace.
He watched as Ren landed on Adam Kadmon's head and shot him.
He may or may not have a moment where he felt a burst of pride.
In a flash of light, the persona started to disappear. The doctor landed in front of them.
"Why? I gave up everything else…I dedicated all I had to this…But I still…Why?" The doctor pleaded to the group.
"You're denying reality," Ren answered.
"I'm…I'm running…hehe…You nailed it. It's true that I turned my back on the original reality…But where is the harm in that?!"
"When it harms so many others in the process. While painful and sometimes, lonely, growth happens when someone takes on their own hardship," He said for a moment then continued.
"Our hardships aren't always dealt with alone. Sometimes, we have others help share our…their burdens. With a greater understanding of our hardships, we can grow and ultimately…overcome them."
"But reality doesn't make that so feasible! No matter how much you try, or work for so long…OUCH!" Doctor started to ramble on…before he punched him.
Lucifer chuckled inside of his head. Some of his personas cheered and he felt the others' amusement. Akechi smirked at him.
"Excuses, doctor? What did Joker say about denying reality?" He said as he rubbed his hand. He really shouldn't have punched him with the mask on. That hurt a little.
"Gambler is right. You need to keep going," Ren said as he shook his head.
"You know, there probably are plenty of people who'd ultimately benefit from your "reality". But what about the people who want to take on the world themselves? How's it right to rob them of their opportunities?" Morgana said.
"I don't think what you're saying is wrong either, Dr. Maruki. Some people want to run from their pain and cling to some other version of reality…like I used to but the knowledge I gained through that pain, and my desire to move on…those are more precious to me! And I won't let anyone take that away from me again!" Yoshizawa said as she stepped toward the doctor.
"Yoshizawa-san…So, you truly don't want it…Huh…Looks like I'm totally finished." The doctor said as he stared at her. He collapsed to his knees with a small smile on his face.
With those words, the palace started to fall apart. Pieces of the building were falling all around them.
"The palace is collapsing!" Haru shouted.
"Dr. Maruki! Hurry! It isn't safe here!" Yoshizawa shouted at the fallen doctor.
The doctor removed his mask as everything started to fall apart.
"Dr. Maruki!" Yoshizawa shouted as pieces fell in front of the doctor.
"Go, I will get him! Go!" He shouted as he wrapped himself in shadow and teleported to the other side of the debris.
When he appeared on the side, the doctor was on his knees.
"You should leave me. They need you more than me," The doctor said.
"Not really. I'm sure that they are fine. They will probably do something dramatic," He said with a soft smile.
"Hehe…you're right…"
He tapped his cane on the ground as this world fell apart. Few seconds later, they returned to the real world. He leaned over and helped the doctor to his feet.
"I better be going," The doctor said as he tried to balance himself.
"Doctor…."
The doctor shook his head.
"Narukami…thank you but…I think that I would like to go for a walk now," The doctor said as he walked away from him.
He watched the doctor walk away.
"Narukami," A familiar female voice said behind him.
He glanced over his shoulder to see Izanami and the others behind him.
"Our deal is done," Izanami said.
"It is. Thank you," He said as he turned around.
"Don't ask me for aid again, child. It will not end well for you."
"Of course, be well, Izanami. I will see you in 50 years or so," He said in bow.
"If you're alive, mortal."
He grinned.
"Oh, I plan to be."
"My bet is on the boy," King Oberon said to his queen.
"SHHHH!" Tatiana said back to him.
Izanami huffed before disappearing into a sea of fog. The others bowed and disappeared with their own form of magic.
"Narukami-san!" Makoto shouted behind him. He turned around to see the thieves run toward him.
"I'm glad that everyone is well minus a few faces," He said mildly.
The thieves' faces fell.
"Akechi is…gone. Ren is…" Haru started to speak.
"He is in prison and we are going to get him out," Makoto said with a hint of steel.
He beamed. It was something he made a note of…for reasons.
"Wonderful. I'm sure that you will be able to get him out quickly and safely," He said.
"Master Narukami," Lavenza said behind him.
"Lady Lavenza," He said as he turned around to see a glowing portal.
"It's time."
"Wonderful. Hopefully, my students didn't burn something…or break something…or do a lot of questionable things that they tend to do while I'm not around," He said with a chuckle.
"You…aren't from around here?" Haru asked.
"No…another time and another place. I wish you good luck. You should be proud of yourselves. You saved the world. Now, go out and save one of your own." He said with a bow. He turned around and disappeared into the portal
-P4P5P4-
When Ren laid down that night after getting out of prison, he found a black business card with a name and phone number.
Narukami Yu
(081)-345-6789
He pulled out his phone and dialed the number. Few rings later, someone picked up.
"Hello?" A familiar voice said over the line.
"You don't know me but…I kind of know you. I will meet another you from another time. Well…uh…" He started to explain.
There was a long pause.
"Well…that happens from time to time. Why don't you start from the beginning?"
End of Future Tense
Next Chapter: The Maze of Life
A/N: Despite my dislike of Royal, I did like how this chapter turned out. No matter what universe, Yu is still chilled. XD Next up, PQ2! WHOA! Thanks for the kudos, favorites, etc. Interesting fact, I plan originally for just Akechi and Yu to face the doctor but…it would be a little mess (The doctor probably wouldn't have made it through.) It would have also featured Yu/Akechi's showtime. In a moment, I will also post my first notes for Catch! Anyway, read and review if you wish.