Chapter 52
Raise Your Voice
In the past Goro had scoffed at the idea of 'cabin fever'. He always felt perfectly fine, staying inside when necessary. But now?
Time seemed to slow to a crawl. He felt utterly restless, often pacing the safe room like a caged animal. It was true that he crept out from time to time to get food and drink, but it wasn't like he could enjoy his time out with him constantly looking over his shoulder for Shido's men.
Even with Shido's confession… Goro couldn't rest easily. Shido's cronies were still out there and Goro didn't trust that they wouldn't use him as a scapegoat.
Goro sighed gustily, taking a moment to rub at his face.
"It would be nice if I could leave for good—"
His thought was cut off when the safe room suddenly warped and before he knew it, he was dumped out rather unceremoniously, landing face first in the asphalt. Goro pushed himself up in a sitting position, wiping the dirt from his face.
"What the hell was that?" Goro growled to himself.
It wasn't like the destruction of a Palace—he had witnessed that firsthand when the Phantom Thieves had stolen Okumura's Treasure. And the entire place had completely crumbled. Not a peep from his app when he was ejected from the Palace, either. So that told Goro that this situation was completely different.
But then… Goro took an actual look at his surroundings. It looked like a hellscape, with how it was raining blood and the bones having split open the asphalt.
"What the—"
Goro shook his head. He had to figure out just what was going on. So Goro made himself stand up and look around Tokyo Square.
And what he found… he didn't like it. People were yammering about such useless things, like the latest manga volume coming out the next day or they couldn't wait to buy the latest phone model from the Pear Company.
They didn't notice their bizarre surroundings, all while going on about their mundane excitements. They went on their merry way, not even giving a damn about what's going on. Goro always knew that people were innately selfish, but this felt like on a completely different level.
That was when he realized, he was still in his Metaverse attire. But he was in Shibuya with regular people… Was this another Palace? That could be the only explanation for his attire and the hell-like distortions.
And if so, were these people cognitions? No... something about this was off. Unless the cognitions were something drastic like in Kaneshiro's Palace, it was difficult to tell the difference between real people and cognitions. That was how, although he hated to admit it, the Phantom Thieves were able to trick him. But his instincts were telling him these were not cognitions.
But if that's the case, he had no explanation for these distortions. And how did he get thrown here? And why aren't they noticing it?
But then within a blink of an eye, Shadows suddenly appeared. They latched onto people, dragging them towards what appeared to be cages. Screams ripped through the air as they struggled to free themselves. To make things creepier… the crowd didn't seem to notice this was happening!
And then Goro himself was suddenly seized. He tried to wrench himself away but the Shadow held out tightly. But then a rush of power coursed through his body and Loki appeared with a flash.
With the brief distraction, Goro was able to yank away. He pivoted around, eyes narrowed.
This—he knew. Fighting his way through, to get what he wanted. And he would survive. No matter the cost. Even if the world was truly going to hell.
It's been so long since everyone was able to gather together in person. With everyone's obligations, it made things tough to get together.
But they were all here, gathered in the Dojimas' house. As Yu tended to the stew he was making for everyone to enjoy, he surveyed the living room with a smile.
Teddie and Nanako were sitting with Kanji, working on a little sewing project. Nanako was really looking grown up now. Her dark brown hair was tied in a low ponytail with a pink ribbon securing it, the ribbon tied into a neat bow.
Rise and Yukiko sat on the couch together. Yukiko had changed out of her kimono, opting for a red knit top and a pleated skirt, paired with black tights. Yukiko had a notebook balanced on her knee, excitedly describing her interior design plans for the Amagi Inn. Though judging by Rise's sly expression and Yukiko's pink cheeks, they were discussing more than just that.
Uncle was discussing police work with Naoto and Chie. Yu had only caught snips of their conversation, which included Uncle and Naoto asking Chie of her plans after she graduated from the police academy. Judging from Chie's animated gestures, it seemed that she already had a plan on what she wanted to do. But Naoto would occasionally glance over to Kanji, a soft smile appearing on her face.
"Sometimes I can't believe they're together."
Yu jumped at the sound of Yosuke's voice. Yosuke then winked.
"Damn, it takes a lot to get a drop on you."
Yu just laughed. "You just surprised me, that's all."
Yosuke leaned a hand against the counter, looking at the pot that held the stew.
"It looks good, partner."
"Hungry already?" Yu asked, quirking an eyebrow at his best friend. "It's got a little while until it's done, I'm afraid."
"Nah, just… bored," Yosuke spoke carelessly, but Yu detected a slight waver in his voice.
Yu shook his head. "What is it, Yosuke?"
Yosuke tried for an innocent face. "What? Can't I want to chat with my best friend?"
Yu huffed. "Of course you can. But you want something, Yosuke."
Yu then paused as something struck him.
He cocked his head at Yosuke. "Why are you bringing up Naoto and Kanji, anyways? They've been together for a year."
Today was their anniversary, actually. Kanji had managed to screw up the courage to ask Naoto out to spend Christmas Eve with them, but they didn't tell anyone until the day after. Yu had woken up on Christmas Day to Rise's excited screaming that they were finally together.
"H-Huh? W-Well, it's because I haven't actually gotten to see them together." Yosuke suddenly trailed off, glancing over to Naoto.
Wait, no. That wasn't it. Yosuke wasn't looking at Naoto. He was looking at…
"Yosuke, I didn't know you had a thing for my uncle," Yu said blandly.
"H-HUH?!" Yosuke squawked out.
"Just kidding." Yu shrugged. "This is about Chie, isn't it?"
"I…" Yosuke just looked away.
"Yosuke…" Yu sighed, shaking his head as Yosuke reluctantly looked back. He gave Yosuke a bemused smile. "Look, I've known that you always kinda had a thing for Chie."
"I-It was obvious?" Yosuke stammered out.
"You would flirt with her, only to accidentally aggravate her," Yu said with a shrug. "I figured you both needed to grow up a little first. And well… there was Saki-san…"
Yosuke's expression grew sad but he gave a little nod. "Yeah, Saki-senpai… she was special to me. But I guess Chie was always in the back of my head, too."
"Can't forget Rise either," Yu deadpanned.
"T-That was when we first met!" Yosuke protested.
"Don't worry, I like Rise's legs too," Yu reassured. "I don't blame you."
"Oh screw you." Yosuke scowled at him.
Yu just smiled. "Yosuke… if this is about love advice, I think you're thinking too much on it. Just ask Chie if she'd like to do anything tomorrow. It is Christmas Day tomorrow. Can't get more romantic than that, you know."
Yosuke pulled a face. "You make it sound so easy."
Yu gave his best friend a wry smile. "Maybe take a page out of Chie's favorite movie. Don't think… feel."
"Not easy when I sometimes put my foot in my mouth."
"At last, he admits it," Yu teased.
Yosuke scowled before he seized a paper towel that Yu had used earlier to dry his hands, wadding it up and chucking it at Yu. "You're no help!"
Yu laughed, but before he could respond, he heard Rise call out to him.
"Yu, Yosuke-senpai… you need to come here."
There was an urgent tone in Rise's voice that immediately caught Yu's attention. He shut off the stove and hurried to his girlfriend's side. Rise was standing by the window that showed Nanako's vegetable garden. With Yu being considerably taller than his girlfriend, he just stood behind her to see what had her so alarmed.
Earlier it had been snowing lightly. Nanako had been delighted and she had expressed the hope that it would snow overnight tonight, enough for a white Christmas tomorrow morning.
But now… it was raining. And the small patches of snow were stained red. Yu couldn't help but stare.
"What the hell?!" Yosuke burst out. "Is that blood?"
Yu stiffened before looking towards the front entrance. "Let's investigate, guys."
"Yu…" Uncle began.
Yu shook his head at his uncle, before looking back outside.
His stomach clenched. There was something wrong… he could feel it. So he ignored Uncle's protests and made a beeline for the door. He yanked it open and rushed outside. He was soon joined by Yosuke and Chie first. The others burst from the house, with Naoto being the last to come out. They formed a circle, surveying their surroundings.
"Oh my goodness," Yukiko breathed.
Bones had sprouted from the ground, like crops breaking through the soil. Teddie then gave a sniff and he immediately grew pale.
"S-Sensei…" he uttered. "There are Shadows here."
"What?!" Kanji whirled to face Teddie. "The hell you mean, Ted?!"
Teddie gave an angry stomp. "Exactly what I mean, Kanji!"
"Calm down," Yu said sternly. "That just means we have to go into town. The Shadows can wreak havoc, and that's not even touching if they hurt the innocent people here."
But if there were Shadows here, then maybe… Yu held out his hand and concentrated hard. The usual tarot card flickered to life, spinning above his palm, and he closed his fist over it. Izanagi-no-Okami flickered to life, making his friends gasp. Yu concentrated and dismissed his Persona.
"So we can summon our Personas," Naoto stated before she summoned her own tarot card.
"But we don't have weapons…" Yukiko bit her lip.
"My gun is tucked in my luggage back in the Amagi Inn," Naoto lamented.
"I hope Mother and the guests are okay…" Yukiko fretted, fear glimmering in her dark eyes.
"We'll have to make do without weapons," Chie said, optimistic as always. She then pumped a fist. "Besides, I can just give the Shadows a good kick in the face!"
"And I can use a trash can lid!" Kanji exclaimed before making a grab for the lid of the Dojimas' trash can. "Like this one!"
"And bash it to high hell," Yosuke grumbled. "Dojima-san will love that."
"Maybe Dojima-san has some frozen fish for you to use, Yosuke!" Teddie said brightly.
Yosuke let out a long-suffering groan. "That was the worst weapon Yu gave me to use."
"Yukiko-senpai's got a point, though," Kanji said. "We don't know what Shadows are 'round here and where they are."
"Rise?" Yu turned to his girlfriend.
"Don't worry, Yu-senpai! I've got you covered!" she assured him.
With a wink, Rise summoned her tarot card. Kouzeon materialized to life as the card shattered, and the Persona fitted the visor over Rise's eyes.
"I think… the concentration of Shadows is centered in the shopping district," Rise reported. "I don't think there's any Shadows near the Amagi Inn."
"Oh thank goodness," Yukiko breathed out, pressing her hand against her chest.
Her relief for her elderly mother and the innocent inn guests was palpable. But that left the shopping district. The shopping district was fairly large. Maybe it'd be better to split them in groups—
"B-Big Bro?"
"Nanako!" Yu whirled around to see his cousin and uncle hovering by the doorstep.
"Yu, what the hell's going on?" Uncle demanded.
Yu sucked in a breath.
"A similar situation to what happened five years ago," he said at last. "L-Look, I need you to stay inside. Barricade the door if you have to."
Yu bit his lip. He felt a bit uneasy about leaving them behind, but they couldn't just leave the city like this… What's more, Marie was still missing. He was worried for her, but he didn't have access to the Velvet Room anymore.
He had thought of poking Ren for information, but he didn't want to make the younger boy worry if he didn't know…
"Sensei!" Teddie's voice suddenly cracked. "They're coming!"
Yu whipped around to see… a Persona? It looked like the Persona Kali. But then it lunged forward.
"Izanagi-no-Okami!" Yu shouted, summoning his Persona.
His Persona hurled an electric bolt at Kali, making her flinch back. But then she surged forward, lightning fast. Yu tried to jump out of the way but he landed with unsteady feet. That's when Kali struck, stabbing his shoulder with one sword.
"Yu!"
"Big Bro!"
"I'm fine," Yu got out.
"Come here, Takehaya Susano-o!" Yosuke shouted.
A blast of wind knocked Kali out of the way. It was then that his friends leapt into action, summoning their Personas as well. It wasn't long until Kali… the Shadow… died.
"W-What was that?" Nanako was wide-eyed, but Yu couldn't help but notice that her eyes were a little… dazed.
She wasn't afraid. Why was that?
"It looked so familiar, like an old dream…" Nanako then shook her head.
"Nanako…" Yu mumbled to himself.
"Yu."
He looked up, meeting his uncle's gaze. Uncle let out a heavy sigh.
"Don't do anything stupid. Rumiko would kill me if anything happened to you," he said flatly, referring to Yu's mother.
"B-Big Bro…" Nanako's voice was suddenly small. "Do you have to go with everyone? It's dangerous, isn't it?"
"That's why we have to go, Nanako-chan," Yosuke said, crouching to her level. He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her an encouraging smile. "We can't let anyone get hurt. We have to do this."
Nanako bit her lip before nodding. "I guess you're right… but does it have to be you?"
"It has to be," Naoto said gently. "But I know Yu-senpai will be at more ease if you and your father take the steps to protect yourselves."
Nanako sighed. "Okay…"
"Lock up tight, Dojima-san," Chie said. "We don't want you to get hurt."
Uncle nodded, his mouth now a grim line. "You got it. Be careful, everyone."
Without another word, he ushered Nanako back inside the house. There was a clicking sound as the door was locked.
Yu let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. At least his family was okay…
"Rise, are there any lingering Shadows?"
Rise let out a hum as she concentrated. "None that I can detect. They seem to be gathering at the Shopping District, like I mentioned before."
"Let's head out, then," Kanji declared, smacking his fist into an open palm. "I'm worried about Ma."
"And Grandma too…" Rise bit her lip.
"But um… does Nanako-chan now remember?" Yukiko asked quietly.
It was an unspoken rule that they never spoke of the incident where Nanako had been kidnapped and spent so long in the TV world. It was… a nerve-wracking time, to put it lightly. And Yu couldn't help but associate it with the time where he had anxiously waited to hear of Nanako's recovery before everything had been shot to hell.
"I don't know," Yu admitted, pursing his lips. "It must've jolted her memories when she saw us fighting."
"Speaking of that, why the hell does a Shadow look like one of Yu's Personas?" Yosuke demanded.
"Ah… that was actually in the report that Ken-kun filed with the Shadow Operatives," Naoto said. "Mitsuru-san allowed me to look them over. He described that the Shadows resemble Personas in the Metaverse and that Ren-kun can actually recruit them."
Yu's brow furrowed at that. Another way that Ren's situation differed from his. Granted his situation was different than Minato-san and Minako-san's but…
He couldn't get how Igor operated so differently with Ren out of his head.
"I mean, it's weird, but a Shadow is a Shadow!" Chie started bouncing on the balls of her feet, like she always did when riling herself up to fight Shadows. "We just gotta beat 'em up and protect everyone in the town!"
"You're right, Chie." Yu nodded before narrowing his eyes. "Let's move."
They hurried down the path that would take them to the Shopping District. But it wasn't long for them to run into Shadows.
"I-Is that…" Naoto stared.
"Mara continues to haunt us?!" Chie squawked.
Yu let out a nervous laugh. To say that the girls (barring Rise, who found it amusing) weren't… fans of Mara was putting it lightly. Kanji had been mortified, Yosuke had been baffled, and Teddie… some things were better left unsaid.
"I've seen better," Rise said with a cheeky smile.
"Really, Rise-chan?" Chie deadpanned.
"Whaaat? It's true!" Rise protested.
Chie opened her mouth to retort, just as Mara lunged towards Yosuke.
"Look out, Yosuke!" she cried out.
She tackled Yosuke to the ground and they rolled for a moment. Yosuke had been standing right by the bus stop sign so Mara crashed into the poor sign, snapping it into two. The top half clattered to the ground, but Kanji snatched it up.
"Found a weapon," he said with a grin. "Longer than I like… but it'll do."
"Spread out!" Yu called out, as Chie quickly scrambled off of Yosuke, her face flushed. "Rise, what are its affinities?"
"It absorbs fire. I'm not sensing any weaknesses, though," Rise reported.
"Great…" Yosuke grumbled out, now on his feet again.
"Let's hit it with everything we've got! Yukiko, I want you to stay back and play support."
Yukiko nodded, resolute. "Sounds good, Yu-kun."
Despite Mara having no weaknesses, it wasn't long until the Shadow finally fell. It didn't take long for them to fall into the rhythm they had when they regularly fought Shadows back in 2011.
Yu motioned for them to move forward. They found a few Shadows trying to grab civilians, but they were able to separate the Shadows from the people so that they could defeat the Shadows. The civilians were a bit disoriented but were grateful for the intervention.
He hadn't thought about how much of a blessing Marie's protection had been last time this happened until now… He hoped she was okay…
"I was waiting for you kids!"
Yu jerked around, looking at Daidara-san. He didn't seem disconcerted by the Shadows, waving at them with his usual friendly manner. How he wasn't panicking… Yu didn't even know.
"Daidara-san! You need to get back inside," Yu urged, hurrying over and trying to take his arm. Daidara-san just shook him off, though. "It's not safe out here."
"You know, I always did wonder what exactly kept you coming back to my humble little shop…" mused the blacksmith, as he surveyed the area. "I had my suspicions but… I have my answer now."
Yu swallowed. There was that conversation he had with him, back when Izanami had flooded Inaba with the fog. Daidara-san seemed to be… experienced with this. But Yu pushed that thought away.
"But—"
"Now, take this." Daidara-san thrust a sheathed katana in Yu's hands. "I have weapons for your friends here, too. It's not my best, I'm afraid, but it'll do."
Wide-eyed, his friends accepted the weapons from Daidara-san. Daidara-san then winked and wished them good luck before disappearing into his shop.
"...What just happened?" Naoto asked.
"I don't…" Yu trailed off, as he shook his head.
Daidara-san's remarks from before, Mr. Hosoi's comments about the fog occurring every fifty years or so… could he have been…?
Well, he supposed it didn't really matter.
"But come on. We're better equipped now," Yu said.
Despite the shock, Yu couldn't help but feel a little relieved. He felt a little… exposed without a sword in his hand.
It took a while to regain their rhythm but soon enough they were mowing down Shadows with ease. But Yu had to wonder what had triggered this exactly…
"Hey, Chie!"
Yosuke's sudden shout immediately grabbed his attention.
Yosuke had just slashed at a Shadow with one of his knives, jumping back for Chie to attack with Haraedo-no-Okami.
"Got any Christmas plans?"
Chie jerked at the question, looking wide-eyed. "I-I mean… it's like every other Christmas for me. It's not like I have someone to make Christmas plans with…"
Yosuke offered her a lopsided smile. "Interested in changing that?"
Chie's eyes widened, gaping for a moment. But then her expression suddenly deadpanned. "Not if you're going to ask me like that."
Yu couldn't help but stifle a laugh at the crestfallen expression on Yosuke's face. Yosuke might've grown up a little but he could use some lessons on how to ask out a girl.
"Think of a nicer way to ask me… and I'll think about it." Her voice grew softer. But then her face grew red and she coughed loudly. "But we've got some Shadow butt kicking to do first!"
"Ooooh, Yosuke might score!" Teddie teased, even as Kamui-Moshiri froze over several Shadows.
"SHUT UP, TED!" they shouted back.
"If Yosuke-senpai can do it, so can you, Yukiko-senpai~!" Rise teased.
"Rise-chan!" Yukiko cried out.
Yu raised an eyebrow. Hmm… so his hunch wasn't wrong. He had to wonder who the lucky person was, though.
"Why are we treating it like we're still at the party?" Naoto sighed.
Yu just smiled. "Well, we have to make it fun somehow."
But even as Yu steeled himself to face the Shadows, he felt at unease… What had triggered this exactly?
With a jolt, Ren's eyes snapped open. Wait… where was he?
He then took in the deep blue of his surroundings. He looked down, finding himself garbed in the prison outfit he only wore while inside the Velvet Room.
Wait… what was he doing here?! That Holy Grail, it had said that they were being wiped away from people's cognitions… and since Mementos and the real world had become fused.
Then Igor suddenly spoke, making Ren snap to attention.
"In the end… your rehabilitation was not carried out." Igor sighed, shaking his head. "It appears I have underestimated you."
But Ren didn't care about that. Where was everyone else? He reached out, grasping the bars of his cell.
"Where are my teammates?"
Igor just chuckled in response. Ren felt his blood simmering underneath his skin. Why couldn't Igor give him a straight answer for once?
But then Caroline suddenly slammed her rod against the cell, making Ren cringe back.
"You incompetent prisoner!" she growled out.
Justine sighed, shaking her head in disappointment. "The assistance that we provided was all for naught."
Ren scowled. He tried! But they were fighting against the impossible. No matter the damage they inflicted, the stupid grail thing kept healing itself.
"Humans are more apathetic… and more foolish than I had thought them to be. The world will soon see its ruin…"
Ren tensed up at Igor's words. He didn't like the sound of this…
"What do you mean by 'ruin'?" Ren demanded. "What the hell is going on? Am I dead?"
Igor ignored him, instead stating, "You have lost the game. You were meant to bring change to mankind as a Trickster, but it seems that was too much for you. In accordance to the game's rules, the defeated must pay a price."
Ren scowled. "I didn't sign up for this."
Igor just shrugged. "It matters not. Your life is forfeit."
Great. He wasn't dead but he was going to die. Ren's hands clenched around the jail bars, glaring at Igor.
But Igor was unfazed. "I sentence you to be executed."
Ren growled. Why was Igor doing this? Sure he was always being vague and cryptic, but this?! This bastard… it's not his fault that the stupid Holy Grail decided to rig things. The odds were completely stacked against them!
After all the support over the past several months, he decided to rescind it at a moment's notice just because they lost to a stupid golden cup? He should be used to betrayal by this point after everything in Shimoda… and his parents…
And the fact that Igor refused to tell him where his friends were… That's what pissed him off. His allies and friends were the only people he could trust. Maybe that's why this stung. He thought Igor was his ally. But now he was going to be discarded like he's just trash… again.
But a gasp from Caroline made Ren look over to her. The usually haughty warden's eyes were wide, as wide as saucers.
"Executed…?" Caroline breathed out.
Igor crossed his legs. "God's decree is absolute… My experiment has come to naught… Everything is over."
What the hell was he talking about?! What experiment? And… why was he calling himself God?
Igor flicked his hand, an obvious dismissal. "Grant that man a swift death."
Caroline's expression grew impassive. "I-If that's what our master wants…"
"Are you serious?" Ren snapped out, glaring at her. "You're seriously going to kill me just because he wants me dead? So he points and you shoot, huh?"
Caroline was quick to snap, "I-It just means that you weren't an upstanding prisoner! You should've done better!"
Justine spoke hesitantly, "That… may be true, but…"
Igor demanded, "What is the matter? Carry out his sentence at once."
Justine looked to her sister. "Are we really going to kill him…?"
Caroline huffed, "Don't falter now! It's all his fault for losing the game!"
She then swung her baton, now crackling with electricity. It slammed into Ren's cell door, making him flinch back.
This couldn't be happening. They were really going to kill him? Sure they weren't close friends but, they supported him all this time… he had come to trust these three. Why was this happening? And where were his friends? What happened to them? Is he really going to die here, letting them all down?
Ren then suddenly fell through the door, landing on his face.
As Ren pushed himself up to look up at the twin wardens, Caroline said, "All right, Inmate. We now proceed to the execution of your sentence."
Even as she spoke, emotion flickered across Caroline's face. She looked… regretful. But then her expression hardened.
"Where are my teammates?" Ren once again demanded.
He had to see them. If he was fine, they had to be fine too. He wouldn't go down, not like this! He wouldn't let them murder him!
As Ren struggled to his feet, he heard Caroline gasp. His entire body was aching… Ren's breath came in short huffs. It hurt to move…
As he unsteadily stood on his feet, blue flames suddenly flared at Ren. Ren stared down at his gloved hands.
He was Joker. And that meant, he could still fight back. He wasn't gonna go down. Not like this. Ren clenched his fist, drawing the cloth taut.
Caroline scowled. "How insolent… To think that you'd show your rebellious will after all…"
"I won't give up…" Ren hissed out.
Caroline scoffed, looking to her sister. "Ready, Justine?"
Justine just nodded, looking to Ren coolly. "If our master orders so, then it cannot be helped…"
"Let us show our strength to this… prisoner who just doesn't know when to give up," Caroline declared.
"…Understood."
Then both spoke in unison, "Death to the criminal."
His body felt heavy… like it was a struggle to keep standing. But he refused to just roll over and die. Not when his friends needed him.
As if Caroline read his mind, she spoke up. "Don't resist, inmate! Just accept your sentence!"
Ren just stubbornly shook his head. "Never! This isn't right!"
Justine clucked her tongue in disapproval. "One's final moment should be spent in good grace!"
Ren scowled. He would just have to—
But before he could move, Caroline struck.
"How's this?"
A force hit like a truck sending Ren stumbling back. His muscles were burning. He could hardly push through the haze of pain when Justine attacked. A supernova of flames flared to life. It flickered at Ren's clothes and Ren had to bite his lip to stop himself from screaming at the intense heat.
"This power… Caroline, it's as I thought!" Justine said.
What… was she talking about…?
Ren raised his eyes to see Igor standing by the guillotines.
"What's the matter?"
Caroline growled. "I told you not to falter, Justine! Are you going against our master's orders?!"
"Ngh…" Justine uttered, an unknown emotion flickering in her eyes.
"This isn't right!" Ren shouted. "You know it isn't! You shouldn't just mindlessly follow your master's words just because he's your master! You're your own person!"
"Shut up, Inmate!" Caroline hissed out. She hesitated for a moment before glaring at Ren. "You failed to do what you were meant to do!"
Caroline's next strike was enough to send Ren to his knees. Even as his body screamed for reprieve when Justine cast a powerful ice spell, Ren knew… he couldn't fall. He wouldn't die, he refused to!
"No… this isn't right… Our duty isn't to kill him," Justine said, her voice filled with more emotion than it ever had been.
"What gives…? Why am I doubting myself?" Caroline demanded. "Is there… another duty left to us?"
Ren panted heavily, his head throbbing in pain. They had really packed a punch but they were hesitating. He didn't know why but he was grateful for this chance to at least catch his breath.
"I believe I ordered his execution," Igor drawled out.
Caroline and Justine silently eyed him, an unknown emotion smoldering in their eyes.
"Master… have you forsaken humanity?" Caroline questioned.
Justine nodded. "We are wardens—those who rehabilitate prisoners."
"What…?" Igor asked.
Justine shook her head. "Something speaks to me in my mind. Our true duty is not to kill…"
"Help…" begged a weak voice.
That voice… it nagged at Ren. Why did it sound so familiar…?
A glimmer caught Ren's eye. A… butterfly?
"Please… help…"
Why did he feel that he's heard that voice before…?
"What should I do?" Ren whispered.
He was at a loss. He was being sentenced to death. He was desperate to live, in order to try and find his friends and fix all of this…
"What should you do…? Our desire is for you to complete your true rehabilitation…" the voice said softly.
Our…? What did the voice mean? And what did they mean by true rehabilitation?
But a sudden movement caught Ren's eye. The twin wardens were nodding in agreement.
"We are not executioners. That is the truth we had forgotten," Justine stated firmly.
Caroline nodded once more. "We've decided… we will not forsake humanity!"
The butterfly flashed for a moment before disappearing. Caroline and Justine clutched at their heads and dropped to their knees.
"Your right eye… and my left…" Caroline said slowly. "It's as if they're mirrored…"
But then a ghostly figure appeared. She seemed to be about Caroline and Justine's height, only to disappear.
"Ah, now is the time for our wish to be realized…" the voice breathed.
Justine and Caroline stared at each other, only to give one resolute nod.
"I finally remember… how we were torn apart," Caroline breathed.
"Torn apart?" Ren asked.
"We were originally one…" Justine said faintly, only for her expression to harden. "Yet we were torn asunder by malevolent intent!"
Justine and Caroline were once… one person? But then… who had done it?
Ren realized that they were staring at Igor, who just chuckled. Somehow his grin grew even wider. His laugh made Ren feel cold. The man always had a deep voice but this time that laugh made his skin crawl.
Caroline sighed. "So we were captives, same as you. Heh… to think we'd learn that truth from a prisoner."
"Let us reclaim our true form!" Justine said.
"Hey, we'll give you your last job. Be thankful and obey!" Caroline barked out.
"Gee, thanks…" Ren muttered under his breath, unable to stop himself from making a little quip.
Justine nodded. "You must fuse us together, with your own hands."
"W-With the—" Ren gestured to the guillotines.
Sure, Ren had done it countless times with his Personas but… Caroline and Justine were people. Kinda weird, but still…
"It's time you returned the favor for us assisting with your growth. Do it with care!" Caroline ordered.
Ren huffed. Even when they needed his help, Caroline insisted on bossing him around.
"Now, fuse us!" they said in unison.
The guillotines creaked as the blades slowly rose to the top. Then they slammed down, striking at Caroline and Justine at the same time. They glowed blue before turning into two groups of glowing blue butterflies. The butterflies flew at each other, swirling into a pulsing ball of light. There was one more last flash, blinding Ren for a moment and forcing himself to throw up his arm over his eyes.
And a girl Caroline and Justine's age appeared. She had the same coloring as the twin wardens, with the platinum blonde hair and brilliant gold eyes. She wore a dress in the same deep blue and a matching headband with butterfly wings sat on top of her head.
She bowed in front of Ren. "My name is Lavenza."
There was a lilt to her voice. While it was rather elegant, there was something about it that reminded him of the twin wardens' voices. Which he guessed made sense, given that she apparently had been split between Caroline and Justine.
"I was torn apart by a malevolent will and took the form of those twins. What's worse is that my two elder siblings were forcibly sealed away when I…" Lavenza shook her head. "Never mind that. But I sought help before my body was split in two."
"Malevolent will…" Ren repeated.
Wait a minute…
"If we lose you, the path to the Holy Grail will be closed forever. That's why you must recall the truth once more."
He had heard that voice… while Sae was interrogating him. She must've been trying to warn him. Ren was drugged up at the time, so his memories were still hazy of that day.
"And I beg of you… please save us…"
But then Lavenza spoke again. "I believed in you. I knew that you would make it thus far."
Then Lavenza narrowed her eyes at Igor.
"And to the scoundrel who has swindled my master's name… Your lies shall work no longer now that my sight has been restored!"
"The game isn't over yet," Igor insisted.
Ren scowled. "I'm getting real tired of this 'game' talk. I'm nobody's pawn."
But then Igor suddenly levitated in the air, his eyes glowing yellow. Ren tensed up. What was he going to pull?
"Whether the human world is left as is or is destroyed, it matters not to me. It's all sport to me."
"Oh so humanity is your plaything, huh?" Ren said flatly.
The nerve of this guy… The way he spoke so carelessly just made Ren's blood simmer.
"Be careful," Lavenza whispered.
"So you're not even the real Igor?" Ren demanded. "Who are you?"
"If I were to put it to words that you can comprehend, I am the Holy Grail who grants wishes. No… it may be more accurate to say that I am a god who responds to desire and holds dominion over man."
"You pulled all of this shit?!" Ren growled out, clenching his hands into fists. "Bring back my friends, dammit! If I'm fine, they must be fine too! And fix the world while you're at it! I don't care if you're a god! It doesn't give you the excuse to use humans as your toys!"
Igor chuckled. "How righteous you are. Yes… I had hoped seeing a righteous thief vanquish evil would spur mankind to change their indolent hearts. However… the result is as you know—the masses have made it so none of it has transpired."
Ren scowled. He was really dismissing humanity as a whole.
"Humans should be met with ruin: you brought forth that answer. But to be frank, Inmate, I believe it may be worth reevaluating you. A human has reached the Holy Grail and has seen through my true identity… You've surprised the god that I am often enough. That cannot be done by a foolish commoner. You truly were a prisoner that did not bore me."
"Glad I could entertain you," Ren spat out, not bothering to hide the sarcasm dripping from his voice.
"With that in mind, perhaps observing you a while longer may prove to be amusing," the god mused. "I shall grant you an opportunity to make a deal with me."
"After everything you've done, you still intend to toy with him?!" Lavenza exclaimed.
It made his blood boil, thinking about how this god thought it'd be fun to toy with people, to mess with him and try to wipe his friends from existence.
Ren didn't even hesitate, there was no other answer.
"Go. To. Hell," Ren growled out. "I don't make deals with people… gods… like you. I don't care what the deal is. You can take it and shove it up your a—"
"Even if I return the world to its former state, one with distorted masses, you said you want your friends and the world to be put back, did you not?"
That made Ren pause. His friends… the world. It could all be put back? Just like that?
Everyone had to be okay. He needed them to be okay. This thing couldn't be trusted, but… he just wanted to see Anne and the others.
"You Phantom Thieves can return to changing the hearts of all the evil and distorted humans and be worshipped again. What say you?"
The statement made him jolt, his eyes widening.
No… they weren't in this for worship. Deals like this always had a catch. They came to Mementos to change this messed up world and its distortions, reverting it to the same state but instead the masses worshiped them instead was something Shido and his goons wanted. They would never be that way.
Ren was here… that means his friends were somewhere here too, he just knew it. He would not let this thing trick him by using his friends as bargaining chips. He would not compromise his morals for selfish desires. He would never be someone like Shido or the other Palace rulers.
"I already told you, I refuse! There is not a chance in hell I would accept any deal from the likes of you!"
Lavenza let out a pleased hum. "Well said."
The god shook his head. "Such irredeemable foolishness… You choose death for yourself? Very well. I have no need for you."
Red swirled around the god before he was suddenly whisked away. Ren rushed forward, letting out a growl of frustration—he was too late. That coward, running away like that…
But then a mass of blue light flared to life. Black chains seemed to swirl around it, before finally shattering.
An old man who looked like the god appeared, slumped over the desk.
"Master!" Lavenza exclaimed, rushing to his side.
She hesitantly reached out to him. But then suddenly a low moan escaped him before he slowly straightened up.
"Oh my…" Igor's voice was higher compared to the god's, but Ren was so used to the imposter that it was a bit disconcerting. "It's been a while since I've last stepped in this place."
Ren sighed quietly to himself. What else was gonna happen today… but he straightened up as Igor spoke once more.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room. My name is Igor. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, honored guest."
"He is the rightful master of this Velvet Room, the true aid on your journey," Lavenza explained.
"Well, I'm helplessly lost," Ren said flatly.
"We'll explain in a moment." Then Lavenza turned back to Igor, her face suddenly anxious. "But Master, what of—"
There was another bright light, only for something… crashed down.
"Ow!"
"Can someone stop crushing my back please?"
"Are we free at last?"
Entangled on the ground was a trio of people. One of them was a girl in her late teens with black hair. The other two had Lavenza's coloring, a young man and a young woman. Though, in the young man's case, he was more crushed by the two women. Poor guy. That couldn't be fun.
But they managed to untangle themselves and stood up, only for the young man to gasp at Lavenza.
"Sister, you're safe!"
He lunged towards Lavenza, catching her in a tight hug.
"Theo, please!" Lavenza cried out, trying to wiggle out of the embrace. Her eyes darted to the older woman. "You're crushing me! Margaret, help!"
But the now named Margaret just crushed them both in a hug.
"Lavenza… we've been so worried," Margaret said softly.
"I can't breathe!" Lavenza finally pushed them away, gasping for air. "Margaret, Theo, I'm very thankful you've survived your ordeal, but you don't have to crush me!"
Margaret frowned. "Lavenza, we had to watch you be torn apart. We've been so worried… I think you could indulge your siblings just a little."
"Oh you…" Lavenza fumed, before turning away with a small pout on her lips.
Ren coughed. "Uh… can I get some introductions, please?"
Lavenza nodded. "Of course. May I present my brother, Theodore…"
"A pleasure," Theodore said, sweeping a bow. He was dressed like… a bellhop, which was a little weird. He didn't look much older than Ren—maybe eighteen or nineteen at most. "It is always an honor to meet a guest of the Velvet Room."
"And I am Margaret," Margaret said, inclining her head at Ren. She seemed to be the eldest of the siblings, looking like she was in her early twenties or so. "It is an honor to meet you. I hope that my sister hasn't been too much trouble for you…"
"Margaret!" Lavenza fumed before stamping her foot. "Enough already!"
Ren had to smother a smile at the sight. Caroline was really showing here.
"So…" Ren looked to the dark-haired girl. "Are you a cousin or…?"
Though she didn't share any resemblance to the three siblings. But still, Ren was curious about her.
Margaret gave a wry smile. "Marie is… adopted, I suppose you could say?"
Marie turned bright red. "Margaret! That isn't it!"
"Ah, and I was looking into the paperwork already…" Margaret lamented, but mischief glinted in her eyes. "You don't wish to join our family?"
Marie just turned away with a loud huff. Ren smiled in amusement.
"So… basically I'm meeting my real attendant here, the Igor I've known for the past nine months is a fake, and on top of that, apparently the faker was a god," Ren quickly summarized.
"That is correct," the real Igor said with a big grin. "How very astute."
Lavenza seemed to have calmed down, clearing her throat. "I'm just glad that we have started to set things in order. My master and siblings have returned, and you've resisted the malevolent god's temptation. Thus, you may be able to save this world that is headed toward certain ruin. However, it will prove difficult to win against him with your power alone…"
"What can I do then?" Ren asked.
Hope began to flutter inside Ren's chest. His friends… they were okay, right?
"You must release your teammates, with whom you've shared your conviction," Lavenza confirmed Ren's hopes.
Oh thank god. They were okay… He had gone through hell this past year, but watching his friends be wiped away like that. And to think they were dragged into this… because of him…
He would do anything to ensure that they'd never be in that kind of danger again.
Igor suddenly chuckled. "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter…"
Ren raised an eyebrow at that, but he pushed past that. Had bigger concerns than Igor's cryptic comments. At least the god nailed imitating that part of Igor.
"Is that why I was brought here, then?" Ren asked. "After we were wiped from existence…"
"There's also how the fake nose was trying to kill you," Marie said nonchalantly.
"Fake nose?" Ren couldn't help but feel baffled.
"Please excuse Marie, she really doesn't know how to address our master properly," Lavenza said, quick to shoot Marie an irate look.
Marie glared. "You…"
"Settle down, both of you." Margaret was quick to step in.
"As you wish, Sister," Lavenza murmured.
"Hmph," was all Marie had to say.
Ren raised an eyebrow. It seemed that Lavenza wasn't the biggest fan of how Marie's attitude or how she addressed Igor. It seemed that Lavenza and her siblings treated Igor rather respectfully, from what brief interactions he had witnessed. Though Lavenza might not be one to talk about attitude since Caroline came from her.
"But she wasn't referring to our master, Lavenza, she was referring to the one who impersonated our master," Theodore pointed out.
"Theo, she still calls Master 'the nose'! That's simply lacking in manners!"
"Why you—" Marie ground out.
"Ahem." Margaret coughed.
Lavenza cleared her throat. "But anyhow, your friends haven't expired yet."
"Yet?" Ren couldn't help but feel alarmed.
"Just as you were trapped here, they should be confined somewhere as well… since you've deepened your bond with them, I am certain you can release them. Once the Phantom Thieves are all gathered here, we will tell you everything," Lavenza promised.
Ren glanced around. The cells… They must be there.
The din had died down. Ken wasn't sure what exactly it was, but it had so suddenly stopped. Ken sighed before drawing his knees up to his chest. He didn't know where he was but… did it really matter?
His friends were dead—he had seen them be wiped away from existence in front of his very eyes. And Makoto especially… Being stabbed in the heart might've been less painful than watching her be wiped from existence.
And everyone back at Port Island, he would never be able to see them again…
It was all so… meaningless.
"Ken!"
Ken lifted his head to see that Ren was standing at the barred door. Somehow, Ren had survived. And for some reason, he was in his attire as Joker.
He felt a little prick of hope at the sight of him, but he shook his head. No… they had run out of luck. He should've known. They had bitten off more than what they could chew.
"…Hey," Ken said listlessly. "I'm glad you made it out okay."
"I could say the same to you, you know," Ren said lightly. "But come on, Ken. Let's get out of here."
"Why?" Ken asked. "We tried to beat him, and we lost… What's the point, if we're going to fail again? And that's even assuming that the others are okay…"
Minako-san could do it. She could lead them to victory. Plus there was Aigis-san too. And everyone else was so strong… he just regretted that he would make them grieve for another loved one.
"That's quitter's talk."
"Huh…?" Ken blinked, looking at Ren.
"You heard me," Ren said flatly. "This isn't you, Ken."
Ken just shrugged. "Maybe I just got a wake-up call."
"Yeah well, that stupid Grail can take the wake-up call and shove it," Ren shot back. "Tell me, Ken, why did you agree to join us? You could've said no. You could've walked away. No, actually, why did you agree to the mission to begin with?"
"I-I…" Ken stammered out.
He hadn't expected Ren to challenge him on this… Ken let his mind drift back to that day.
He remembered… Minako-san laying out the facts. And he knew that it was wrong to walk away and that they needed to know what's going on.
And deep down, he had always thought that the Phantom Thieves were in the right… That it was wrong to look away. Wanting to save Futaba was just the beginning of it all.
"I didn't want to look away… not if there was something I could do," Ken whispered.
Ren nodded.
"You told Shido to screw off. When you were eleven, you weren't afraid to face Death, to hell with what was gonna happen in the fight. What makes this different?" Ren questioned.
When he put it that way, it made him feel stupid for letting doubt get a hold of him.
"There is no difference," Ken said slowly.
He staggered to his feet. How could he have forgotten? It wasn't over yet.
Blue flames suddenly flickered around him before consuming his entire form. He looked down to see that he was Ace once more.
"That's more like it," Ren said with a grin. "Welcome back, Ace."
"Thanks." Ken sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Did you find anyone else?"
"Everyone but Mona," Ren said with a frown. "And I checked everywhere."
Ken looked up, taking in the deep blue surroundings. It looked a bit different but… wasn't this…?
"We're in the Velvet Room, aren't we?"
Ren blinked, looking taken aback. "W-Wait, how do you know…?"
"I visited it once before," Ken explained. "After Minato-san's death, the dorm was turned into what we called the Abyss of Time. It's… a long story, but we ended up in the Velvet Room due to special circumstances. Though… it was different last time I was here. It was like an elevator."
"Oh sure, they get an elevator and I get a prison," Ren grumbled.
"It's weird that it changed…" Ken said.
"Apparently, it changes with the current guest's heart," Ren answered.
Hmm… that was a bit weird, he had to admit. But then again, he knew that the Velvet Room wasn't exactly normal. And it was meant to guide Wild Cards… he supposed it made sense.
The fact it took the shape of a prison for Ren said… a lot about the mental state Ren was in when he first came here. Ken couldn't help but feel pity for Ren now.
Ken shook his head. Now wasn't the time for this. They needed to meet up with the others.
"But come on, let's meet up with the others," Ren urged before stepping into what Ken assumed was the center.
His friends were gathered around, but Makoto lifted her head as they stepped closer.
"Ace!"
She hurried over and embraced him. Ken took in a shuddering breath, holding her close. It was such a relief to be able to hold her after watching her disappear…
"Hey, Queen! It's my turn now!" Futaba complained.
Makoto just laughed before stepping away from Ken. Futaba then tackled Ken with a hug, making him stumble back a step or two.
Ken looked over to see Igor, along with Theodore-san and a little girl and a woman with the same pale hair and golden eyes as Theodore-san.
"But… I have to ask," Yusuke suddenly said. "Where are we?"
"It's called the Velvet Room," Ren asked. "Remember how I would sometimes space out before we would infiltrate Palaces? I was actually visiting here."
"Whaaaat?" Anne gasped. "That's crazy!"
"I'll admit that it did sound outlandish when Minato-san and Minako-san first told me about it," Ken said. "But… it's true."
Theodore-san chuckled. "You would know best."
"Um… who are they?" Makoto said in a low voice.
Igor just chuckled. "I am Igor, the master of the Velvet Room."
The younger girl curtseyed. "And I am Lavenza, a resident of this place as well. And I'd like to introduce you to my elder brother and sister—Theodore and Margaret."
"It's an honor to meet you all," Margaret-san said with a smile.
Lavenza let out a delicate cough. "Now then, my master has just been released from a long period of imprisonment, in addition to my siblings. His powers have not fully returned, I'm afraid. Though it may be presumptuous of me, I will speak on his—"
"But what about Morgana?" Anne interjected.
Haru nodded. "Yes, I've been so worried about him…"
Lavenza smiled. "Would you like to see him?"
Ren frowned. "You know him?"
Margaret-san cleared her throat. "He's right there."
They turned around to see Morgana emerge from the cell.
"That's where you were hidin'!?" Ryuji sputtered out.
"Sorry." Morgana bowed his head. "I just—I remember everything now."
"That's wonderful, Mona," Yusuke said. "But I assume there's more to the story."
Morgana nodded. "I was… born here. It was to dispel an evil from a spiritual world."
Futaba pushed up her goggles, staring at Morgana. "Mona? What are you talking about?"
Morgana sighed. "My role was to find the Trickster and help him defeat it. That's why I was created here by my master."
"The Trickster…" Ren repeated.
Ken looked to him, seeing that recognition was flickering in his dark eyes. He wasn't sure why it seemed to ring a bell in Ren, but he sensed now wasn't the time to ask questions about that. But… who exactly was Morgana's master?
"Indeed," Igor suddenly said, giving a nod.
Wait, Igor was Morgana's master?! That meant…
"You're from the Velvet Room?" Ken asked, eyes wide.
Morgana nodded. "I really remember everything. When this place was about to be taken over, my master gathered the last traces of mankind's hope. He mustered up his remaining strength to create me."
Only for him to be sent in the Metaverse… only meeting Ren and Ryuji by chance. Truly, a stroke of luck they were able to run into each other anyway. Despite Morgana getting caught before he could find Ren, Ren ended up coming to him.
"The entity that calls itself a god is a malevolent will that forces man into everlasting servitude. It hopes to attain eternal peace by filling reality with those who have stopped thinking for themselves. That is the ruin of man that this evil god envisions," Lavenza stated.
Ken couldn't help but shudder at the thought. No… this was not what mankind desired. They were stronger than that…
"And he used Lavenza to further the ruse," Theodore-san said sadly, looking to his little sister. "Margaret and I were sealed away with our master. But before that, we could only watch helplessly as Lavenza was torn into two."
Ken sucked in a breath. He could only imagine what kind of pain Theodore-san and Margaret-san had gone through. And they had gone through months of that pain…
Margaret shook her head, her eyes dark with regret. "I wish it had been me instead of her."
"Sister…" Lavenza bit her lip. "I know that this was a difficult time, but we are together again, are we not?"
"I'm still tryin' to follow what's going on here," Ryuji grumbled out.
Lavenza's eyes flashed before stamping her foot. "Then be quiet and listen! We lack time!"
That was… not a response he expected to see from the polite little girl. Ken glanced to Ren and could see him trying to stifle a laugh for some reason.
Makoto frowned. "You referred to the Holy Grail as a god. I was wondering why it had a will of its own, but are you implying that it isn't a Treasure?"
Lavenza shook her head. "No. As the distorted desires of the masses, it is most certainly the core of Mementos itself."
"Then… did the Treasure become a god because people wished to be ruled over…?" Haru asked.
Ken frowned. It was a little disheartening to hear but… that's why they needed to stand up and fight. They couldn't allow people to fall to apathy like this…
Lavenza nodded. "That is correct."
"But, where does Marie-san play into this?" Yusuke asked.
"Marie resided in the Velvet Room for a time a few years ago," Margaret-san explained. "She came to investigate when the Holy Grail had taken over the Velvet Room but lost to Yaldabaoth. As a result, she was imprisoned alongside us."
Haru's eyes widened. "That's awful… she just wanted to help."
Marie fidgeted. "Yeah well… now that you're fine, I really gotta go."
"Go? Go where?" Ryuji asked, looking bewildered.
"To Inaba," Ken guessed. "She protected them before during a previous crisis."
"It's nice to know that you care though," Margaret-san said teasingly.
"Shutupyou'resostupidMargaret!" Marie-san shouted, her face scarlet.
…Though he would never be that loud about his indignation, a part of Ken sympathized with Marie-san. Certain people loved to tease him mercilessly after all…
She then began to glow and disappeared within a blink of an eye.
"I believe she's what they call a tsundere," Yusuke pronounced.
Makoto sighed. "Well… anyways… what exactly happened after the Velvet Room was taken over?"
Lavenza sighed, her eyes downcast. "The god came here to impose a game. And then chose two people with potential and pitted them against each other, in order to decide the fate of the world. One—Goro Akechi—incited the masses' distortion. Had he won, the world would have been destroyed and remade. The other was a Trickster who would stand up against this… that was Ren Amamiya."
So Akechi really played a role into all of this. This god must've been the demon or god Akechi referred to, the one who gave Akechi his special powers. He just let out a weary sigh at that. He still… didn't know what to think about Akechi. It was… exhausting to even think of.
Makoto seemed to sense his waning mood, as she reached out to take his hand and gave a firm squeeze. Ken gave her a quick smile, giving her hand a squeeze back.
Morgana continued, "If Ren won, the human world would be left as is. Those were the conditions of the game—at least, that's what should've happened."
Lavenza sighed. "That malevolent being knew that a revolution would not occur within indolent humans. After all, it is the masses' distorted desires incarnate. However… my master believed in humanity."
"At least someone does," Ren quipped with a half-hearted smile.
It did make sense though. Igor had seen humans rise against the impossible time and time again.
But then Lavenza spoke again. "He believed that a Trickster would rise among the people and accomplish this change. But that evil entity laughed at the prospect and sought to prove the powerlessness of man with the game. And Ren Amamiya had great potential… which is why the god approached him."
Ken grimaced. He did remember finding the Third Eye a bit strange, when he had first joined the Phantom Thieves, especially when he said that it was a gift from Igor. But he had never expected… this…
Lavenza was still talking, though, explaining more on the… interloper.
"It helped train the Trickster, only to cast him into despair, using the masses who rejected their savior. This was likely its means to nip in the bud anything that would pose a threat. Now that I think back to when I was separated, I felt a disagreement with the word 'rehabilitation.' Of course I did… it was just a means for the fake to keep you under surveillance."
Morgana frowned. "Basically, this guy was dragged into a game where the evil god rigged the outcome."
"It must be like a show to him," Ken mumbled out.
"Dammit, what the hell!" Ryuji growled out, his hands clenching into fists. "We're not some sick game to toy around with!"
"Arrogant yet cowardly, to rig a game where only he only remains the victor," Yusuke said with distaste.
Theodore-san said, "You must act quickly, if you wish to save your world."
Lavenza nodded. "Theo is right. Your real world has already been fused with Mementos. You were supposed to not exist because reality is replete with the cognition of those who deny the Phantom Thieves."
They must've survived because of the few people who still had faith in the Phantom Thieves… Ken bit his lip. He knew that Shinjiro-san and the others counted among the few… as well as Niijima-san and Sakura-san. He hoped that they were okay.
"It can be said that the world is one step away from the evil god's machinations," Lavenza continued. "However… there is still hope. Now that the evil god's identity has been exposed, you can see your rehabilitation to its completion. Only you can leave this prison, and save this distorted world and its captive people…"
"No pressure there," Anne murmured.
"We're well aware that this isn't an easy burden," Lavenza said, her face somber. "But you who was guided by Morgana and who is worthy of the title of 'Trickster'… I believe that you are up to the task."
Ren just nodded, his face unusually serious. "Leave it to me. We'll save this world."
"Let's destroy this annoying, shiny Treasure jerk, for real this time!" Ryuji exclaimed, pumping his fist.
"Though there is that pesky habit of him using the masses to heal him…" Ken mused.
"Don't worry." Ren turned to grin at him. "I've got an idea of how to deal with it, actually. You'll see."
"Excellent…" Igor abruptly chuckled, before Ken could ask what Ren meant, he then clapped in amusement. "There is nothing to fear. You already possess the strength to oppose this evil god. I am truly looking forward to this!"
"Okay so… how do we get out then?" Anne asked.
Lavenza laughed. "Our mutual friend will lead the way. Morgana, please guide them. And thank you for all that you've done. It's a cruel responsibility that's been cast upon you…"
Morgana just balled up his fists. "It's alright, Lady Lavenza. I will accept your words of appreciation fully when everything is over. Now follow me!"
Without another word, Morgana took off.
"You heard the o wise guide," Ren joked.
"I heard that!" Morgana shouted, earning a few laughs.
They were led up a long flight of stairs, where a great metal door awaited them. It took the efforts of both Ryuji and Yusuke to heave the door open and they finally stepped out into the real world once more.
Numb.
Minako felt numb.
Ken was gone. He was dead. And she couldn't do anything about it. The only reason she could find the strength to stay standing was that Aki had his arm around her.
Minako squeezed her eyes shut. A part of her just wanted to fall to pieces, to rage and weep about their loss. But… they couldn't afford to. Not now, when Tokyo has been transformed into a hellscape. They had to stop whoever was behind this…
Minako swallowed down the sob welling up in her throat before she reluctantly drew away from her husband.
"Mina…?" Aki questioned.
She had to step up, be the leader that her friends needed. She had to snap them out of this.
"Guys, listen to me," Minako said. "I know… I know this is… bad.
Even as she spoke, her words felt feeble. That was putting it lightly. Would they even have a body to bury? And what about the other Phantom Thieves' parents? How could they even possibly explain this? A part of Minako wanted to just curl up in a ball and cry. Now that she was a mother herself… she hoped desperately that this would never come to pass for her.
Minako swallowed hard, trying to swallow the lump in her throat. "But we need to handle this crisis. We can… we can mourn later."
Tears burned Minako's eyes, but she refused to let them fall. She had to be strong. She couldn't break down, not now. She took a deep breath.
"We have to do this. For the sake of everyone," she said firmly.
"Question is, where do we go? We're running blind…" Yukari pointed out.
"The big temple, perhaps?" Aigis spoke up, pointing in the distance.
"Wait, isn't there anything I can do?" Niijima-san asked desperately.
Minako's heart ached as she looked at the older woman. She knew… exactly how it felt. After losing their parents, she had relied on Minato. She didn't know how she would've fared during the first decade without him… If she hadn't had her friends when Minato died… she didn't know what she would've done.
And Niijima-san had just made amends with Makoto.
"I'm sorry, Niijima, but no," Mitsuru-senpai said, shaking her head. "It's far too dangerous."
Niijima-san sighed heavily, dejected. "I thought that might be the case…"
"We should try to find Niijima-san a safe place before we continue on," Aigis said.
"Fuuka-chan?" Minako turned to their navigator.
Fuuka wiped at her eyes, all while leaning against Shinji. She then nodded, drawing a shuddering breathing before stepping away so she could summon Juno. Niijima-san flinched back at the sight of Juno, towering over them all, staring with wide eyes.
"Then that's…?"
"A Persona, yeah," Shinji said gruffly.
Niijima-san stared, wide-eyed. But Fuuka didn't even seem to notice how she was being stared at, so focused on her work.
Fuuka was silent as she scanned the area. "There… really isn't a safe area. Tokyo appears to have become a wild spawning area for Shadows… everywhere."
"Oh god…" Yukari breathed out, her eyes wide.
"Is the temple the source, then?" Minako asked.
Aigis's guess was a good one, after all. They needed to uproot the source. Maybe then… things could go back to normal.
Fuuka grimaced, shaking her head. "Um, I can't really find a source. But I can sense a powerful entity at the top of the temple. I think our best bet would be to head up to the temple and try to defeat what's waiting for us up there."
"But… what about the civilians?" Aigis said. "If the Shadows are spawning everywhere…"
Minako bit her lip. Would they have to sacrifice protecting innocent people for a chance of stopping whoever was masterminding this?
For the first time in years… Minako was starting to feel overwhelmed.
"We could split our forces," Junpei suggested, but he stumbled over his words.
Minako closed her eyes. Junpei lacked his usual bravado. It really showed… how hopeless they felt.
"That would be suicide," Mitsuru-senpai said, shaking her head.
Maybe Junpei's suggestion would've been for the better. But it was too late. Inaba was more than an hour away. They didn't have time.
Minako's fingers dug into her palms, as anxiety welled up inside of her. She had to keep calm. But that's when Fuuka suddenly gasped.
"It can't be!" she breathed out.
"Fuuka?" Shinji turned to his fiancee.
Fuuka's eyes welled up in tears, rolling down her cheeks. "I d-don't know how but… I sense Ken-kun! He's alive."
She spoke with such wonder. And… she couldn't blame her.
Minako pressed a hand against her mouth, choking back a sob of relief.
It was a miracle. Damned if she knew how Ken had survived… but he was alive.
"Really!?"
"The hell happened then?!"
"Yamagishi, where is he then?"
Everyone else seemed more interested in bombarding Fuuka with questions, Minako's eyes were drawn to Shinji. He seemed shellshocked before he finally pressed his hand against his face, his body trembling.
"W-Wait!" Niijima-san exclaimed. "I-Is Makoto there as well?"
"I don't know what Makoto-chan's signal is like… But I can sense other Persona-users around him—"
The prosecutor didn't bother waiting for Fuuka to finish and she broke into a run.
"Wait! Niijima-san, I have to give you directions!" Fuuka cried out, waving her hands. "Please come back!"
Junpei just let out a bark of laughter before sprinting over to catch up with the older woman. He had just pulled her back when Mitsuru-senpai turned to Fuuka, all business.
"Yamagishi, where are they?"
"They're in Tokyo Square," she reported. She closed her eyes to focus, lacing her hands together and pressing them close to her heart. "In the heart of the square, I believe. I probably should scan when we get closer…"
"Lead the way, Minako," Yukari said.
Minako nodded before breaking into a sprint towards Tokyo Square. It took several minutes of maneuvering in the crowd—god, she really had no clue how packed Tokyo was until now.
She looked over her shoulder. Wait… she lost everyone else in the crowd. Oops…
But then she scanned the crowd. Her breath caught as her eyes fell on a group of masked teenagers. Her feet were moving before she realized it. Her eyes darted from each of their faces.
Then her eyes settled on the tall teenage boy with brown hair. She broke into a sprint and all but tackled Ken in a hug.
She squeezed him tight, unable to believe that he was really here. She knew that Fuuka wouldn't lie to them. But god… that didn't stop relief from crashing over her like a wave.
"Ken-kun… thank god…" she choked out.
"Minako-san… I can't breathe…" Ken got out.
Minako winced before immediately releasing him.
"I heard a cracking sound… did she crack Ace's rib?" She heard a girl comment from behind them.
Ken just pressed a hand to his side, wincing himself. "No, they're fine."
It was only then that Minako got a good look at him. Immediately she noticed that the blazer's cut was similar to the Gekkoukan uniform. But she couldn't help but snort. She now understood why Ken was always so adamant on not telling anyone what his Metaverse costume looked like. It was so dorky.
"Nice look you got there, Ken-kun," she teased. "Need a rose, Tuxedo Visor. Is Makoto your Sailor Eclipse?"
"S-Shut up." Ken turned red at that.
The tiny orange-haired girl snickered at that. "Queen seems to like it just fine though, Ace. Although her hair isn't long enough to be Sailor Eclipse."
"O-Oracle!" The dark brown-haired girl reddened at the teasing remark.
She looked like she wanted to say more, but she heard Aki call out for her.
"Mina!"
She whipped around to see her friends running up to them. They had skidded to a stop, but Niijima-san pushed past them.
"Makoto!"
She drew Makoto into her arms, hugging her tightly.
"Oh thank goodness… I thought… I thought…" she trailed off, seeming to be at a loss of words.
She made a small sobbing sound before hugging her close. She moved to bury her face against her younger sister's shoulder, only to yelp. She let go of Makoto, touching her cheek.
"S-Sis?"
"Did you… jab yourself?" The young man with dark, unkempt hair looked amused.
It took Minako to realize that he was Ren.
Niijima-san winced. "It was… ah, rather unexpected—"
Fuuka suddenly pulled away from the group and threw herself at Ken. He stumbled back at the force. It was kinda funny to see, with how Fuuka was absolutely tiny.
"Ken-kun, you promised!" Fuuka sobbed out, clutching at the lapels of his jacket. "You promised you'd be safe… and you'd come back to us!"
Ken just smiled sadly before hugging Fuuka back. "I'm sorry, Fuuka-san. I didn't mean to break the promise. Please don't cry."
Fuuka gulped for air before releasing Ken. She rubbed her eyes. Ken looked over her shoulder to Shinji.
"Shinjiro-san—"
"Shuddup, you idiot." Shinji marched over to him and smacking him upside on the head. But it seemed like he hardly used any force in it, Ken didn't make a sound of protest, just looking at Shinji with guilty eyes. "You need to quit giving me heart attacks, dammit! Between Shido's bullshit, Akechi's stupid stunt—I don't need more."
Ken's expression wavered for a moment before he spoke in his usual wry manner.
"Take it up with the power hungry god, not me."
"Come on, you're not gonna cry this time, are ya, Senpai?" Junpei asked teasingly.
Shinji froze. "W-What are you talking about?"
Junpei snickered. "Mina-tan told me allllll about it. Thanks by the way, Akihiko-senpai!"
"Aki, you goddamn snitch!" Shinji growled at Aki.
"Ohhh, so you admit it?" Junpei cackled.
"Shut up before I beat your ass, Iori!" he retorted.
"Move it, Shinjiro-senpai!" Yukari demanded; with Shinji distracted, she was actually able to push Shinjiro-senpai aside so she could grab Ken in a tight hug.
But Minako found her eyes drawn to Ren. Their eyes locked for a moment before Ren coughed.
"Uh… it's nice to meet you, Minako-san," he said awkwardly.
Minako just smiled at him. "You as well, Ren-kun."
Morgana let out an exasperated sigh, looking irritated for some reason. What? What did she say? She had said perfectly nice things to Ren!
Aki sidled up to her, whispering, "He's very adamant on the whole codename thing."
"Well Ken-kun always used their names," Minako said, throwing up her hands before turning back to Ren. "But anyways… I've heard a lot of good things from Ken-kun and Shinji."
"Shinjiro-san said something nice?" He gasped, eyes wide as he clutched at his chest. "We should call the presses."
Shinji glared at him. "Don't think I won't make you eat shit, Amamiya."
"No, no, he's right!" Minako said, throwing a teasing grin in Shinji's direction.
Shinji just threw up his hands, exasperated. "This kind of shit is why we should've kept you two apart."
This seemed to make the tension melt right away, and Ren seemed to hold himself a little more… confidently. Ken just gave a little sigh, sidling up to him to whisper something to him. Ren just cocked his head, saying something to Ken in a low voice all while smiling impishly. Ken scowled at him, whispering back to him.
Ren just laughed aloud, grinning at Ken. This got the attention of the others, only for Ken to protest that it was nothing important.
This just made Minako recall Shinji's words about the Phantom Thieves' influence on Ken.
He had said that the Phantom Thieves were good for him in that they reminded him to loosen up… Shinji had noticed that Ken seemed to have fallen in old habits, focusing too hard on the future. But the Phantom Thieves had helped him, pushing him to enjoy the present. They accepted him, even amongst the secrecy. Ken had his friends back in Gekkoukan, but the Phantom Thieves… they just got Ken.
But Niijima-san had seemed to have recovered from accidentally poking herself with the spike on Makoto's suit. Makoto seemed relieved and happy to be on the receiving end of her older sister's attention, but then her eyes met Ken's. Ken just smiled at her, his eyes softening with affection.
"So… that's really her?" Junpei mused, keeping his voice low enough for Minako to just hear him.
Minako couldn't help but feel a little… bittersweet at that. They had joked in the past about how Ken was determined to mimic Aki in every way, including getting his own fangirls. It made her happy that Ken had found someone to love… but it also made her a little sad. It was another reminder that Ken was all grown up now.
"Didn't think Ken would go for the biker babe type," Junpei mused quietly, before sidling up to Ken. He threw his arms around Ken's shoulders before offering a cheeky grin. "But hey, good for you, Ken!"
"What are you talking about?" Ken looked confused.
"Oh nothing!" Junpei looked at him innocently.
Ken's expression became unimpressed, staring at Junpei in disbelief. "Right. And Shinjiro-san is going to give up cooking for good."
"Junpei-san has made the observation that your type is apparently the 'biker babe'," Aigis announced.
Ken's face went bright red. "W-What? No, it's not like that! I told you this!"
"Yet..." Junpei said in a stage whisper.
Ken whined out, "Junpei-san!"
Yukari just pinched Junpei in the side, making him flinch away from Ken with a yelp.
"Stupei!" Yukari put her hands on her hips. "Quit picking on Ken-kun already! And don't we have bigger concerns right now?"
"Why do you always hone on me?! You're so mean to me, Yuka-tan!"
"Because you do it the most, Stupei!"
Niijima-san stared, looking utterly baffled. Makoto's face was rather red from Aigis's comment. Minako just held a hand to her mouth, stifling a giggle. Ah, typical Yukari and Junpei. She supposed Niijima-san wasn't used to these kind of antics.
Ren just looked at the bickering pair and then the two blondes staying by him. His lips then quirked up in a knowing grin. Minako just laughed. Ken had mentioned to her once that Ryuji and Anne reminded him of Junpei and Yukari. She could see what he meant now.
"But never mind that." Mitsuru-senpai spoke up, shooting Yukari and Junpei an exasperated look. "We have bigger matters to worry about, as Yukari pointed out."
"We do have that stupid holy grail to deal with," Ren muttered.
"Holy Grail? Is that who's behind this?" Fuuka asked.
Ren sighed. "Kinda… yeah. It's the Treasure of the general public. Basically it gained sentience and is the cause of all this. Short version: basically it became a god and wants to subjugate us all."
Minako's eyes widened. The entire public?
"Speaking of that…" Ken looked to Minako. "Minako-san, did you know that the Velvet Room has been compromised?"
Minako gaped at him before blurting out, "WHAT?!"
Aigis looked shellshocked as well. "No… how is that even possible…?"
Ken shook his head. "It was his idea to manipulate his sick little game. He wanted Joker to fail… rigging everything against him so the false god is the only victor."
But then screaming split through the air. Minako whipped around to see that Shadows had latched onto innocent civilians, dragging them to cells. Shit, she had completely forgotten!
Ren stepped forward, about to command the Phantom Thieves into action. But Minako grabbed onto his sleeve, halting him.
"Go!" she exclaimed, gesturing towards the top with her free arm.
"We'll take care of these guys," Junpei said with a grin. "You've got a job to do!"
Mitsuru-senpai nodded. "We'll do our part in saving the civilians. Now it's your turn, to deal with the false god who seeks to dictate how you live your lives!"
Ren's expression grew determined. "Thank you."
Minako let her eyes drift over to the Phantom Thieves. Their expressions grew determined, as they looked towards their goal—where the false god resided.
"We'll split into two groups!" Minako shouted. "Aigis, you'll lead one group! You'll be with Yukari-chan, Shinji, and Koromaru! Aki, Junpei, and Mitsuru-senpai, you'll be with me! Aigis, spread out the team as you see fit."
Normally, she would've split the teams based on their best healers. But Ken would be going with the Phantom Thieves, obviously. Aki and Mitsuru-senpai's healing abilities would be able to help in a pinch though.
Fuuka had already summoned Juno and was scanning the area.
Ren nodded. "Right. Let's go, guys!"
They answered his cry enthusiastically before making a beeline towards the top.
Minako watched them go with a bittersweet smile.
"Good luck, you guys," she whispered.
It was then that Shadows started to surround them. An amused smile played at her lips. She could hear her friends summoning their Personas. Well… it was her turn.
"Hemera!"
Blue flared around Minako as her Persona appeared.
Hemera shimmered into view, her six sunset-hued wings snapping out, making the flames surrounding them dance. A golden halo of light made her entire body glow.
She caused a Megidoloan spell, making the ground explode from the force. Junpei just let out a hearty laugh.
"Jeez, bringing out the big guns already, Mina-tan?!"
"Hey, I've gotta bring my A-game!" Minako said with a laugh.
Sae hated that she couldn't help. Between her little sister running off to fight a battle that would determine the world's fate and Amada-kun and Aragaki's associates helping to keep the civilians safe from Shadows…
"JUNTO!"
Sae jerked her head at the shriek, only to see a Shadow having latched onto a middle-aged man and dragging him towards a cage. He was trying to fight it, but to no avail.
"ISIS!" Takeba-san cried out.
A burst of wind slammed into the Shadow, knocking it down. She then reached… behind her back for some reason, letting out an irritated sigh. But that's when Aigis darted forward, bullets shooting out of her hands. It was… baffling to see a robot being among Aragaki and Amada-kun's associates, but Sae could hazily recall her presence in some of the pictures featured on their mantle.
But Aigis's bullets seemed to strike true. The Shadow let out a shriek as it dissipated into dust.
The civilian, a middle-aged man, fell forward with a groan. A woman of similar age ran up to him, dropping to her knees and embracing him tightly. She buried her face into the crook of his neck.
"Are you okay?!" Takeba-san asked, running up to them.
Something about the couple intrigued Sae so she drew close as well.
The man coughed, pressing a hand against his throat; the Shadow had squeezed it during the struggle. "Yes… I'm fine. Thank you for coming to my rescue."
He had chestnut brown hair, wild and messy. His eyes were a dark gray. But despite his unkempt hair, he was dressed rather professionally, pairing a turtleneck with a blazer.
But the woman immediately began to fuss, exclaiming over the darkening bruises forming on his throat.
"Yuri, sweetheart, please don't fuss. I'm okay, really." The man gave her a reassuring smile before taking a moment to squeeze her fingers in reassurance. "Just a little shaken up, but I'll live—I promise."
His wife took in a shaky breath before raising a hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss against his knuckles. But as he turned, Sae noticed that he winced a bit.
Then his eyes widened as they fell on Takeba-san. "My word… aren't you…?"
Takeba-san smiled sheepishly. "Yukari Takeba, it's nice to meet you."
"Mm-hm…" The man looked distracted for a moment before his entire body tensed. "But tell me… have you seen a teenage boy? He has messy black hair, gray eyes, and glasses. It's a school day, so he's probably wearing the Shujin uniform."
Sae frowned. It was almost… almost like he was describing Ren. But… he couldn't be, right?
"Have you seen our son?" the man asked. Desperation crept into his voice before his hands seemed to shake. "Yuri and I arrived just a couple hours ago when… all this happened. We checked where he was living but he's not there."
"And nobody will give us the time of day to actually listen to what we're asking for." His wife had glossy black hair and bright red eyes. But now tears were forming in her eyes. "Our relationship with our son hasn't been the greatest lately because of… something we had done. But we decided to come up to Tokyo for the holidays to try and work things out… I'm just—what if something's happened to him? Is he okay? I just want to know if he's okay!"
Her voice cracked at the last moment and a fresh wave of tears trickled down her pale cheeks. She buried her face in her hands and began to sob.
Her husband sighed heavily before pulling her close. He rubbed her shoulder soothingly.
"Yuri, sweetheart, it'll be okay."
"Junto, it won't! Not until we know that he's okay. I don't care if he hates us now, but I just—I need to see him. I need to see that he's still in one piece! The city's gone to hell, and what if he's hurt? What if a monster like the one that grabbed you has him?! Or worse?!"
"Sweetheart, breathe. We won't be any help to Ren if you can't calm down," Junto-san soothed, now holding onto his wife's hands.
"Did you say 'Ren'?" Sae said slowly.
So her suspicions were correct… though granted, she didn't know how many other Shujin Academy students fit the bill. Both husband and wife's head snapped up at that.
"You saw him?!" Junto-san demanded.
He was probably trying to stay cool-headed for the sake of his wife. But now that he knew that they knew something about Ren…
"Where is he?!" the older man demanded.
"He went off with my little sister," Sae said smoothly. At least that part was true. "They were concerned about their friends' whereabouts so they decided to try and find them."
Junto-san pressed a hand against his face, letting out a heavy sigh. "Why would he run headlong into danger like that?"
Well… he wasn't wrong. Sae felt a little guilty about lying to him about where exactly their son was, but still…
"Did Ren say where they were going to go?!" Yuri-san asked.
Sae shook her head. "They just ran off. I'm sorry I can't give you more information."
"It's something at least," Junto-san said, a look of determination crossing his face. "We should—"
"Wait." Takeba-san stepped in front of Junto-san. She met the Amamiyas' confused expressions evenly. "I think you should try to hide for now."
"What?!"
"Absolutely not!"
Takeba-san's lips tightened. She seemed to be deliberating over how to approach this. Aigis seemed to know, however, given the sympathetic look she was giving the brunette.
"What use are you to your son, when the city is going to hell right now?" she said finally.
The older couple gawked at her.
"Look… I'm not gonna pretend that I know your situation with your son. I don't," she said. But then she paused, pressing a hand against her chest. Sadness flickered in her eyes. "I once was at odds with my mother, and I wasn't keen on telling just about anyone. So… I get it. That's your business."
"Yukari-san…" Aigis sighed out.
Takeba-san just gave Aigis a soft smile. But then she turned back to Ren's parents.
"And if I was in your shoes… I wouldn't want to distress my children by endangering myself like this." Takeba-san just shook her head. "You made a mistake. That I know. But you're not gonna fix it by charging in recklessly like this."
"So… what do you expect us to do, then?" Junto-san asked, looking rather somber.
"Keep yourself safe," Takeba-san said simply. "Let us help you."
"...I see." Junto-san's expression turned somber. "I can only… hope that you never become at odds with your children like this, Takeba-san…"
"Everyone's made their mistakes," she reassured, only for her smile to become… bittersweet. "But someone important to me taught me that it's never too late to try and make amends."
Aigis gave Takeba-san a sad, but understanding smile.
"It's true," Sae said quietly. "As long as you're both sincere about wanting to make amends… I'm sure that you'll work it out."
She still regretted what she had done to hurt Makoto… She winced as she recalled the memory of calling Makoto useless. If only she could wind back time and take that back…
Recognition flickered in both Takeba-san and Aigis's eyes. Sae bit the inside of her cheek. Amada-kun probably has told them of the… difficulties she and Makoto had in the past.
"Thank you…" Yuri-san trailed off.
"Ah, I'm Sae Niijima," she introduced herself.
"Thank you, Niijima-san," he said, giving a slight smile.
Taking a good look at him… Sae found it difficult to wrap her mind around the fact that he was Ren's father. Their demeanors were completely different.
Junto-san cleared his throat. "Well… we'll put ourselves in your hands. Lead the way."
They finally made it back to the god's lair. He still took on Igor's form, but his eyes glowed eerily. Ren found it a little disconcerting, but he held his ground.
"Rebels who choose to deny the Prison of Regression… Why do you mere humans still dare oppose me?!" he demanded.
Anne growled. "Stop acting like you're some kinda god! You're just a Treasure! Shut up and let us destroy you!"
"Stop having such an inflated sense of self," Ren added. "You don't get to dictate humanity's fate like this!"
"Fools… Do you still not understand? Your actions shall not save a single soul," the god said, disdain dripping from every syllable.
"That shows how much you know," Ken spat out. "I'm getting really tired of gods deciding what's best for humankind."
The god just laughed before transforming into the gleaming cup—no, the Holy Grail—once more.
"How do you think I became a god in the first place?" he questioned.
Makoto tensed up, narrowing her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"The freedom not to choose… The freedom not to think… If every person pushed the burdens of their lives upon others, nobody would have to act for themselves. And who should be there to receive those burdens?"
Haru gasped. "Are you saying… that's you!?"
The god just chuckled. "Precisely! Humanity itself wished for the Holy Grail to be a god that would rule over them! If you continue to reject that order, there will no longer be a place for you in this world!"
"And…?" Morgana asked.
The god let out an irritated sigh. "So you wish to reject me… even if it means forgoing praise from those you want to 'save'..."
Makoto narrowed her eyes. "We don't let what others think hold us down anymore!"
"This is about doing what's right!" Yusuke proclaimed.
"And besides that, you forget that we survived because there was a small group of people who still have faith in us," Ren said. "That's why we're standing here to challenge you. We'll prove that your screwed up mindset is wrong!"
"If you are not going to obey… then you shall suffer yet again. I shall bring down the hammer of judgment upon you who dare disrupt my world order!"
"Bring it!" Ryuji challenged. "We'll get up again, if that's what it takes to beat ya!"
"Here it comes, guys! Be on your guard!" Futaba exclaimed.
"You dare attempt to strike me? I am the one who grants desires to the masses! I give life to their voices!"
Then the wires glowed blood red, making the Holy Grail shine even brighter.
"He's using that trick again…" Haru said, a grimace twisting at her lips.
"Yeah, we have to deal with that first. If not, he'll keep healing himself," Futaba said grimly.
"Joker, you said you had an idea…?" Ken asked.
Ren nodded. "Yeah. We need to cut those lines. Fox, Noir—I want you guys to go."
There were a lot of lines and Ren worried about how the Holy Grail would react if he caught onto the plan. They would have to play distraction while Yusuke and Haru snuck their way up.
Yusuke and Haru nodded. Ren then ripped off his mask, calling forth Arsène.
Arsène's curse attack was soon followed up by a blast of wind from Mercurius. The two Personas fell back in time for a barrage of bullets, courtesy of Tyr.
It went back and forth—they would launch their attacks. The Holy Grail would fire the same laser-like attack. Morgana and Ken had to alternate on healing duty.
Ren looked up, the vein-like wires starting to pulse blood red. The damage they had inflicted was starting to be reversed.
"I don't think so!" Haru cried out.
Both she and Yusuke sliced through the wires and dropped safely to the ground.
"I no longer am receiving the powers of the inmates…" The Holy Grail almost seemed to tremble with anger. "You repugnant rebels!"
"Oh, cry me a river!" Ryuji mocked.
"Joker's plan worked!" Futaba crowed. "It can't heal itself anymore! This'll be a head-to-head fight from now on! Take it down!"
"Oh I plan on it," Ren hissed out.
Determination welled up inside of Ren. It would end today. This thing… thought all of humanity were its playthings. It thought to manipulate him, kill him once Ren had decided that he was no longer its puppet.
He was going to take back his—and everyone else's—futures.
But that was when the Holy Grail started to glow. Light swirled around it, almost pulsating with power.
"Watch out, guys!" Futaba warned. "It's gonna be a big one!"
"Brace yourselves!" Ren shouted.
Just a moment later, a shockwave ripped through the air, blasting them off their feet. Ren gritted his teeth as he hit one of the cells. A wave of healing magic hit, relieving them of their pain.
He summoned once more. "Odin!"
His Persona appeared with a flash. He thrust forward, electricity sparking from the tip. The Holy Grail's form sparked with electricity. Ryuji was quick to follow up, even as the Holy Grail's entire form sparked with electricity.
"Go, Seiten Taisei!" Ryuji bellowed out.
Seiten Taisei crashed against the Holy Grail, making it wobble precariously. Ryuji's attack was followed up by Hecate and Mercurius's elemental spells. The winds Mercurius produced just made Hecate's flames glow even brighter, mixing together to form a storm of fire. The Holy Grail glowed brightly as it shot the same lasers from before, striking at all of them. Ren grimaced, but a quick look told him that his friends weren't worse for wear.
Yusuke summoned Susano-o Kamu, ice crystallizing over the areas that Hecate had heated up. Hmm… that wasn't a bad idea actually.
"Chi You!"
Chi You appeared with a flash. At Ren's command, Chi You jumped forward and slashed down. Haru and Ken quickly followed up with their respective gun attacks. The gash widened, and Makoto followed up with a well-placed Freidyne spell.
The Holy Grail finally… went still.
"We… We got it, yeah?" Ryuji asked after a moment of silence.
"Oracle?" Makoto asked, turning to her.
Futaba flinched at Makoto's question. She seemed to concentrate for a second before finally speaking. "Oh, uh… I-It's silent, but I dunno…"
But then the area seemed to tremble. There was a bright blue light, illuminating the entire prison. The gears on the Holy Grail started to turn, and the prison flashed a bright red.
"W-What the eff is going on?!" Ryuji demanded. "This looks really bad, guys!"
"It's not over… brace yourselves!" Ken exclaimed.
The wall behind the Holy Grail opened and the Holy Grail seemed to split open. The jagged pattern on the Holy Grail flared out, forming wings.
They suddenly found themselves standing outside. A quick look told Ren that they were high up. Ren then jerked his head back, to see that the Holy Grail had completely transformed.
"The Holy Grail… in its entirety," Haru breathed out.
"Is this real…?" Anne questioned.
The Holy Grail seemed almost… robotic in form, mostly silver with golden wings.
"Ugh… give me a break!" Futaba griped.
Ren gulped, eyeing the Holy Grail. Shit… How could they fight this thing? He was used to fighting Shadows maybe twice his size, not twenty times his height.
"I am the administrator born of the collective human unconscious," it intoned. "I am Yaldabaoth, the god of control."
Futaba groaned, staring up at Yaldabaoth. "This is crazy! It's like a building!"
"It was already huge back when it was the Holy Grail…!" Anne said, wide-eyed. "How are we…?"
"The administrator must guide mankind toward proper development. And now that the foolishness of man has been proven, it is the administrator's duty to purge them," Yaldabaoth declared.
Ryuji growled in frustration. "You kidding!? This is just some kinda rigged game you started!"
"The foolish masses merely spread indolent thoughts and force the progress of society backward. If left to humanity, the world would slowly meet its demise. Rehabilitation is impossible now."
Makoto shook her head. "But humans are not evil!"
"Indeed. There are many upstanding citizens. However, they merely take the sole path before them. The act of making decisions is accompanied by nothing but pain. Even if a cliff of ruin lies ahead, these lemmings would march on without a second thought…"
"And you're the one directing them to ruin!" Ren objected.
"Yeah! You're just forcing your goddamn shitty ideas on people!" Ryuji yelled.
Ken narrowed his eyes. "I'm really tired of gods thinking that they can dictate humanity's fate. You wanted to break us, destroy us, no matter the cost. But we're still here. That itself speaks of humanity's strength. Humans are so much more capable than what you believe."
"Yeah!" Futaba exclaimed. "You know, for a god… you're pretty prejudiced!"
Haru just stared up at Yaldabaoth. "If this is all for the sake of humanity, wouldn't being beaten by humans satisfy you?"
Yaldabaoth stated, "I am the entity which governs this world. Its future depends wholly on my leadership. Those who dare defy this natural order shall be met with punishment raining down from the heavens."
As if to prove his point, the entire area shook. Ren winced as a pressure suddenly bore down on all of them.
Makoto winced. "Its power…"
"Will we be able to overcome it…?" Yusuke asked.
"Without question," Ren said firmly. "We've come this far… we won't let it beat them. There are too many people counting on us!"
"This is the best possible outcome," Morgana suddenly said.
"Mona-chan?" Haru asked.
"We're fighting against a god who isn't holding anything back," Morgana stated before a smile curled up on his face. "What bigger target could there be for the Phantom Thieves to tackle?"
Makoto smiled slightly. "True… But it is a bit too big for my liking."
Futaba pumped her fists. "All right, I'll give the navigation everything I've got!"
Haru nodded. "We can do this if we all work together!"
Anne clenched a hand into a fist. "Let's take him down!"
Yusuke closed his eyes for a moment. "Crowning our glory by defeating a god. Now that is true art."
Ryuji grinned. "We basically just gotta beat that thing, right!?"
Ren glanced at his friends' expressions. Determined… and hopeful. They couldn't fall here! He'd ensure it!
Morgana just chuckled. "You guys are the best, stupidest group I could ask for. I'm so glad I was able to be a part of your team…"
"Let's win this!" Ren declared, pointing at Yaldabaoth.
"We'll take it back… our future…" Morgana then glared at Yaldabaoth. "And this world!"
The general public was finally realizing that something was wrong. Took them long enough to notice shadows were snatching up their friends and pulling them into cages before disappearing. It was pure madness. People were running around, trying to make sense of the situation. Aragaki and his friends were doing their best to do damage control.
And… there were others. Sae spotted the doctor from Yongen-jaya bandaging up some people who had gotten injured during the chaos. An older man in a suit trying to keep the people around him calm.
Sae looked up to the sky, where she could see flashes of light. Whatever was going up there… It was bound to be intense. Sae's stomach twisted itself into knots, thinking about Ren, Makoto, and the others fighting with their lives on the line. All for the sake for everyone.
And in the chaos, Sae had found herself separated from any of Aragaki's associates.
Suddenly she heard a guttural growl, making Sae's blood freeze. Before she knew it, her hair was seized and she found herself being dragged forward. Sae let out a shriek before lashing out blindly. She was released but she stumbled backward.
The Shadow let out another growl and Sae stumbled back, tripping over her feet. Oh god, the Shadow didn't look pleased.
Was this it?
"Take it down, Loki!"
The Shadows's forms suddenly darkened and they lunged at each other. But that voice…
A man in a dark outfit and mask stood before her. He just gave her a wry smile. It was so familiar that it made Sae's heart ache. She knew that smile.
"Akechi-kun?!" Sae blurted out.
No, she needed to focus! She couldn't feel this way…
"Hello, Sae-san. You've found yourself in a pickle, I see."
Sae didn't know what to think. It still felt surreal to see him here.
And she couldn't ignore that she had been hurt when she had woken up to that note. But she told herself that it was for the best…
"Where have you been this whole time?" Sae demanded.
"Just here and there," Akechi-kun said, flicking his hand like he truly didn't care.
But Sae's eyes caught onto a rigidness to his frame, a slight hesitation. Most people might've missed it. But not her. He wasn't really telling her the truth…
"I thought with your note, that you might've left the country…" Sae trailed off, before shaking her head. It wasn't important right now. "But… you saved me…"
"Would you rather I not do anything?" Akechi-kun asked.
"No, I just… I'm a little shocked," Sae managed to get out. "You just—you disappeared on me…"
"For good reason," Akechi-kun said sharply, before he flashed one of his TV smiles and his voice turned mockingly sweet. "You're welcome, by the way."
Sae furrowed her brows at that, but she decided to change the subject. "Why did you save me?"
Akechi-kun hesitated, averting his eyes for a moment. "Consider it as a thank you for that night."
Without another word, he turned as if he was ready to leave.
"H-Hey, wait, Akechi-kun!" Sae exclaimed, scrambling to her feet and grabbing his shoulder. "You're just leaving?! What about—"
"The Phantom Thieves?" Akechi-kun scoffed. "You might be injected with a good dose of optimism, Sae-san, but I'm not. Look around you. The world's going to hell. I'm not going to bother with it. I'm just concerned with surviving at this point."
Sae narrowed her eyes at him.
"I don't believe that," she said bluntly.
Akechi-kun huffed. "Yes, well, it is the truth. I was just passing through."
It made no sense, though… wouldn't it be more logical for him to just hide and 'wait things out'?
"They're not going to win," Akechi-kun suddenly said, unusually blunt and straight to the point. "I'm just waiting for them to lose."
Sae pressed her lips together. "I don't believe that."
"Tch. You've… changed, Sae-san."
"You could still help them," Sae tried to urge him. "If you hurry—"
Akechi-kun laughed. "I'm not some goody two shoes like them. Besides, they're more likely to drop everything for another shot at me. I didn't come here to help them. I only came to see what was happening and found you in trouble. Since you're still breathing I see no reason to stick around."
Sae slowly exhaled.
"They've made their choice. And I've made mine."
Without another word, he pushed past her.
"H-Hey, Akechi-kun! Wait! Please!" Sae pleaded, hurrying after him.
But… he was gone. Again…
Even through her disappointment, Sae also felt… skeptical about Akechi-kun's claims. He could've left. Left Tokyo entirely, taking advantage of the chaos.
So… why had he stopped and saved her?
Sae had so many questions… and no answers.
"Aeneas!"
Aragaki's rough voice snapped Sae out of her thoughts. His Persona was all black and silver, resembling clockwork. Its face resembled a clock, with three overlapping circles. The outer circle had Latin numbers, the middle circle—running along the inside of the first—had Roman numerals, and the smallest, had a circle with the western zodiac signs. It almost reminded Sae of the steampunk fashion, especially with his one metallic arm sporting several gears.
Aeneas attacked quickly, killing the pack of Shadows.
"Dammit, Niijima, pay attention," Aragaki snapped out. "What has you in a daze?"
"Nothing, Aragaki," Sae said, quickly averting her eyes. "It's… nothing."
"Rebels who defy my rule… you shall perish."
"This guy's behind everything but we're all together! Let's win this!" Futaba cried from within Prometheus.
Light flared up around them, as Ryuji and Makoto cast Matarukaja and Marakukaja respectively. As Anne started to charge her own spell, Morgana and Yusuke leapt into action.
"Mercurius!" Morgana cried out.
A burst of wind slammed into Yaldabaoth, quickly followed up by Susano-o Kamu slamming into Yaldabaoth. Ren frowned as Yaldabaoth just shrugged it off. A burst of light exploded from Yaldabaoth, slamming into Ken. Ken staggered back from the force but he managed to stay upright.
Ken then attacked with his own light spell, paired with Haru's gun attack. Anne then let loose a fire spell, the torrent of flames glowing bright.
"Arsene!" Ren shouted, tearing his mask.
Multiple bursts of shadowy energy struck Yaldabaoth. Ren gritted his teeth, frustration flaring inside of him as he noted that the attack barely struck any real damage.
"Keep hammering at him!" Futaba shouted.
But that was when Yaldabaoth made his first move. He suddenly generated an arm, a gun in hand.
"I release upon you the deadly sin of lust."
A burst of pink energy shot from the gun, striking Yusuke. He staggered back, hunching over.
"Fox?!" Anne cried out.
"Uh-oh… he can't move! Since it's lust, I guess he's just too h—"
"Don't finish that, Oracle," Ken interrupted.
"Noir, help him!" Ren ordered.
Haru gave a start before she nodded firmly. "Yes!"
She summoned Astarte, casting Amrita Shower. But Yusuke didn't move a centimeter.
Haru's eyes widened. "I-It's not working!"
Ren scowled. Of course it wasn't. It couldn't be easy, after all. Yaldabaoth's gun fired off once more, the blast striking Ken. It struck him right in the chest, making him stagger back. He set his jaw, and he summoned Tyr. Tyr swung his spear, sending blades of light flying at both the main body and the arm.
"Oracle, is there anything we need to know?" Ren shouted up at Futaba.
"The main body seems to have no resistances, but look out for the arm," Futaba warned. "It repels gun and wind attacks."
Yaldabaoth launched another attack, this time for Yusuke.
"Astarte, help him!" Haru cried out.
A translucent shield popped up, reflecting the gun attack. Yusuke suddenly straightened up, looking around in confusion.
"My thanks, Noir," he said.
Haru just beamed. "I'm glad you're back, Fox!"
They then picked up the assault once more.
"Norn!"
Wind swirled around Ren, launching him in the air. Ren then quickly summoned Ongyo-ki. Ongyo-ki slammed his weapon right against the arm, making sparks fly. Ren took the moment to fire his gun at the main body before he dropped safely to the ground.
His friends launched their attacks. It was frustrating to see how long they would have to whittle at it though…
But then Yaldabaoth spawned another arm, this one holding a golden bell.
"I release upon you the deadly sin of vanity."
He shook the bell, sending shockwaves ripping through the air. Morgana cried out as he hunched over. His entire body swirled with something… dark. It almost reminded Ren of Madarame's dirty trick…
"Oracle, what's that?!" Makoto exclaimed.
"All of his elemental resistances have been removed. I think he can be knocked down by anything," warned Futaba.
The gun released a quick burst but Ryuji threw himself in Morgana's path, shielding him from the blow.
"Sheesh, Skull, you don't be so dramatic about it," Morgana huffed. "I would've been fine!"
"Aw, shuddup you damn furball!"
"Focus, you two!" Ren snapped out. He then switched Personas, summoning Futsunushi.
He was glad to be able to squeeze in a visit to the Velvet Room. He had fused several new Personas, determined to take on the god with all of his strength.
The swords surrounding Futsunushi leapt to life, slashing at the main body several times. But then the gun arm attacked once more, aiming right at Haru. Yusuke quickly erected an ice wall in the nick of time. It shattered under the force of the attack, but Haru was left unharmed.
Ren quickly followed up, summoning Norn. Norn whipped up a gust, sending the ice fragments flying towards Yaldabaoth.
Morgana was next to strike; he summoned Mercurius and a burst of wind launched him in the air. He landed on the arm with the bell. Morgana slashed down with his sword, swiftly following up with several shots from his slingshot. Almighty magic began to gather, pulsing with power, but Morgana took a leap, landing to safety. Haru and Ken quickly diverted the spell's path by launching gun attacks.
"Super move! ULTRA CHARGE!" Futaba cried out.
"Joker!" Ken suddenly shouted to him. "We need to take down the arms! It's giving Yaldabaoth more chances to attack us!"
Ren's eyes widened. Of course… He was so focused on trying to attack the main body that the thought had slipped his mind.
Ren nodded. "We'll split into two groups. Mona, Panther, Skull—you're with me. We're going to attack the main body! Queen, split up Fox, Ace, and Noir how you see fit to take down the arms!"
"Understood!" Makoto said. "Ace, you're with me! We'll attack the arm with the bell! Fox and Noir—you take on the arm with the gun!"
"As you command!" Yusuke exclaimed.
And with that, they leapt into action. Mercurius whipped up a howling gale, swiftly followed up the powerful inferno produced by Hecate.
Of course, Yaldabaoth didn't take that lying down. He threw almighty spells at them, even using that lust spell to immobilize. This forced them on the defensive, so to keep everyone alive.
"Ma'at!" Ren shouted.
Jewel-toned wings snapped out from behind Ma'at. They glittered like rubies and onyxes, alternating between red and black feathers. Her nearly translucent skin resembled the galaxy with twinkling stars, as a simple white Egyptian robe swayed in the breeze. A gold cord hung around her waist, a symbol that resembled a cross, but with a rounded head being the only decoration. She raised the scale she held, a Megidolaon spell pulsating to life.
The blast destroyed the bell arm, making Ryuji give a whoop. But Yaldabaoth just manifested another arm, this one yielding a sword.
Electricity sparked from the tip, downing Morgana.
"Mona-chan!" Haru cried out.
Yaldabaoth then slashed at them. The force nearly knocked Ken off the ledge. Ren's heart just about leaped to his throat as Ken clung to the edge.
"ACE!"
Makoto rushed to his aid, reaching down to haul him up. But Makoto's back turned, Yaldabaoth lifted the arm wielding the sword.
"I don't think so!" Anne cried out. "Hecate!"
Hecate's flames slammed into the sword arm as well as the main body. The flames actually made the metal glow from the heat. Yusuke then followed up with a Bufudyne spell.
"Chi You!"
"Seiten Taisei!"
But a shield popped up, reflecting the physical attacks back at Ren and Ryuji.
"SH—"
Ren skidded back, gritting his teeth at the whiplash. But Ken hastily summoned Tyr, healing them. And while they were distracted, Yaldabaoth lifted his sword.
"I release upon you the sin of gluttony."
"Ack, be careful with what you do!" Futaba warned. "It'll be more costly to use your Personas right now!"
Ren let out a frustrated growl before whipping out his gun. And to his irritation, the stupid sword also reflected gun attacks.
But then Ren noticed that Yaldabaoth's blade glowed a translucent purple. He then swung it down.
As soon as the sword touched the ground, part of it grew translucent before it crumbled away. Ren had to bite back a swear.
"Ugh, this cheater!" Ryuji growled out.
Ren stared down at it, his mind racing. He then switched Personas once more.
"Mother Harlot!"
The Persona appeared with a flash. Ice began to crystallize over the hole. It would be slippery but it was better than a gaping hole. And suddenly Ren was hit with a wave of exhaustion. Ugh… Futaba was right about that.
But he couldn't just let everyone be like sitting ducks.
"Spread out! We're too close together!" Ren punctuated this order with a sweeping hand, gesturing to the other platforms.
His friends leapt to follow his command, spreading out on the different platforms that surrounded Yaldabaoth. But Yaldabaoth kept swinging the damn sword, destroying the platforms and forcing them to jump around. Yusuke joined him in trying to patch up the platforms but ugh… what a pain in the ass.
Haru attempted to blast it with a gun attack, but it reflected right back at her. As they hurried to follow his orders, Yaldabaoth spawned yet another arm, this one holding a book. He flung a volley of arrows of light at everyone. While they scrambled to dodge, the book began to glow red. A beam of light shot out, striking at Ryuji. Then the temperature took a dive, ice suddenly crystallizing. It struck him right in the chest, freezing him in place.
"Ack, be careful! Skull's attack is way up, but his defense tanked!" Futaba warned. "Send back-up for him!"
"Noir, help him out!" Ren ordered.
As Haru casted Amrita Shower, everyone else launched attacks. The air was filled with flames, ice, wind, light, nuclear, and psy magic. Morgana launched himself into the air, landing onto the arm with the sword. Morgana's Garudyne spell kicked up, whipping the air around him.
"Go! Power up!" Futaba cried out, boosting their attack.
Ken followed up Morgana's attacks with a Makougaon spell. So far, none of Yaldabaoth resisted Bless spells, so Ken was free to attack without worry.
But the sword arm finally broke down and Morgana took a running leap, landing back onto the platform. Ryuji and Yusuke double-teamed the book arm, while Makoto, Anne, and Haru focused on the main body.
The book arm wasn't taking it lying down, though. It fired off multiple elemental spells, downing both Anne and Yusuke.
"Ishtar!" Ren quickly summoned another new Persona.
Bolts of lightning sparked to life. The wind howled once more as Mercurius's Garudyne spell rushed forward, intertwining with the lightning spell.
Seiten Taisei crashed down on the book arm, making it snap.
"Yes!" Futaba cheered. "Good work, Skull!"
But that's when Yaldabaoth began to spawn the arms again. Ren groaned. That's how Yaldabaoth wanted to play, huh…
"Split into two groups again! We can't let him overwhelm us!" Ren shouted.
Ren led the group, focusing on the main body again. Ren was vaguely aware of Yaldabaoth using an avarice based attack. But thankfully, Haru was able to cure it.
He was starting to feel tired… His energy was waning. But he gritted his teeth, summoning yet again. Bursts of dark energy exploded from Arsene, striking every part of Yaldabaoth's body.
"Ace, I swear if you jinxed us about this guy having twelve freaking forms…" Ryuji groused.
"Less complaining, more fighting!" Futaba interjected. "I'll give you a boost!"
Ren could feel some of his energy returning, feeling more invigorated. But Yaldabaoth kept unleashing spells, forcing them back. They ended up breaking into pairs and trios, combining their attacks.
"Dance, Hecate!" Anne cried out.
Pillars of flames burst to life, flaring even brighter as Mercurius's Garudyne spell intertwined with them. Ren added to the combination, with Odin's electricity spell, making the inferno crackle as it slammed into Yaldabaoth.
Seiten Taisei unleashed a flare of electricity, surging forward to intertwine around the gun attack that Astarte fired towards the main body. Susano-o Kamu then slammed into Yaldabaoth, slashing several times with his sword. He then leapt backwards to let Anat blast an Atomic Flare spell, splitting open the gash that Susano-o Kamu created. Anat then fell back, allowing Tyr to swing his weapon and send several blades of light flying.
But then Yaldabaoth spawned the stupid bell arm again.
"I release upon you the deadly sin of e—"
"I don't think so!" Morgana shouted.
He launched himself in the air, skillfully dodging the blast of lightning Yaldabaoth fired at him. It struck the bell, making it crackle with electricity.
Ryuji let out a whoop. "Go, Mona!"
While Morgana slashed down with his sword, Futaba charged their attack power. He then fired his slingshot and took a leap, landing safely on the ground. Astarte and Tyr quickly dealt the final blow with a double gun attack.
"Nice teamwork!" Futaba exclaimed. "Keep the pressure on him!"
Ren just gave a nod before summoning Arsene once more. His friends took that as a cue to attack once more, half of them targeting the main body and half of them attacking the remaining arms.
Ryuji and Yusuke managed to attack at the same time, creating a gash in the torso. Makoto widened the gash with a well-placed Freidyne spell.
Anne and Ken combined their elemental spells, Tyr's blades of light encircled by flames. Morgana helped Haru's gun attacks, the rush of wind sending the bullets produced by Astarte flying. But even then, their assault wasn't enough to down the arms.
"I release upon you the deadly sin of pride."
The arm grew rigid, the book flipping open before red energy swirled around it. Ren bit his lip. He had a bad feeling about that…
"Be careful! Hold your attacks—he's gonna reflect your attacks if you gun for him now!" Futaba warned. "That goes for any part of him, I think…"
"What a pain in the ass…" Ryuji scowled.
"Be ready to strike once it's over!" Ren ordered. "And keep spread out!"
They hurried to follow Ren's orders and Yusuke, Makoto, and Ryuji cast spells to boost their abilities in preparation.
"The pride buff is gone!" Futaba shouted. "Hammer 'em!"
And they leapt to action, throwing all they had at Yaldabaoth. Ren was starting to feel mentally taxed, but Futaba cast a spell, restoring some of their energy.
"The abyss of the unconscious yearns for ultimate ruin…" Yaldabaoth stated. "You have no means of escape, humans. Punishment shall strike you all."
"Bring it, then," Ren egged him on.
Yaldabaoth abruptly respawned the arms, making Ren groan. But the same energy from before seemed to flow from all four arms, now pulsating with power.
"Shit," he uttered.
Ken stared, exasperated. "You just had to jinx us, didn't you?"
"Heads up!" Futaba shouted before Ren could think of a retort. "The enemy's charging a big one!"
"Do we just… guard?" Yusuke asked cautiously.
Ren looked up at the arms. While that was one option… he didn't like the look of how that orb of energy pulsated. And… Yaldabaoth had only used it with all four arms present. With their teamwork, they had taken down at least one or two arms, whittling down the number of attacks Yaldabaoth could throw at them.
"Try to take down the arms!" Ren ordered.
"What?! But Joker—" Makoto began to protest.
"Hmm… Joker might be onto something. And if anything, I'll protect you!" Futaba said.
Makoto pressed her lips together before she summoned Anat once more. This seemed to start a chain reaction as his friends summoned their Personas to wreck havoc on Yaldabaoth's arms.
It was pure chaos, spells and physical attacks flinging through the air to take down the arms. Ren switched back to Arsene, blasting Eigaon spells at the arm. They managed to take down two—Anat landing the final blow against the bell arm and then Mercurius destroying the sword arm.
But that's when Yaldabaoth's attack flared to life, growing almost too bright.
"Hit the deck!" Ryuji bellowed.
Ren flung himself to the ground, grunting as the attack exploded. Ren quickly got up to one knee. A healing spell settled over him, healing everyone's energies.
"One last push!" Morgana shouted. "Let's end this, Joker!"
Ren nodded. "Queen, Fox, Mona, and Skull—you're with me. Panther, Noir, and Ace, focus on destroying the rest of the arms!"
"I'll back you up!" Futaba exclaimed.
True to her word, Prometheus's flames glowed bright and Ren could feel strength welling up inside of him. It was a little chaotic, with everyone flinging attacks.
And Yaldabaoth didn't exactly sit there, waiting for them to attack. He threw spell after spell at them, but even if one person went down, the rest of the team leapt forward to give them back-up until they could recover and get back on their feet.
"Fools opposing a god!" Yaldabaoth spat at them.
"You won't get rid of us that easily," Ren spat back.
"We'll fight tooth and nail!" Yusuke seconded. "You nearly succeeded in crushing us… It won't happen a second time!"
"So this is the power that resists ruin…" Yaldabaoth mused. "But my control shall not bow down to ruin. My control is the ultimate truth in this world."
Red and black suddenly swirled around Yaldabaoth, pulsating for a moment before everything seemed to explode. They skidded backwards and Ren found himself struggling to move.
Dammit… it wasn't over! He refused to give in.
"Dammit… he's strong," Ryuji groaned out.
But Morgana stared up at Yaldabaoth in defiance. "If you're really a god, you should be guiding humans to your ideals!"
"Mona-chan…" Haru whispered.
But Morgana wasn't done. "You're destroying them because you can't do that, aren't you? So that you can flaunt your own existence. That's why you were observing us! You had to because the reaction of the masses worried you!"
Yusuke nodded. "That sounds about right."
"Were you truly that worried that humankind's wishes and desires would go against your ideal?" Ken demanded.
Ryuji snorted. "That's putting it nicely. I don't know how long you lived, but you're the perfect example of a pain-in-the-ass old man!"
Anne glared up at Yaldabaoth. "You find people like that everywhere."
"What drivel…" Yaldabaoth spat out.
"And yet… you were afraid of us." Ren scowled, pushing himself up in a sitting position. "You tried to manipulate things to go your way. And when I wouldn't follow with what you wanted… you tried to cripple me. You tried to kill us all…"
Ren cut himself off as a wave of fatigue hit him and he fell forward on his hands. Their surroundings suddenly darkened.
Anne cried out, "What is this!?"
Ryuji growled out, "Dammit, I can't see anything!"
"Do you want to erase us from this world that much!?" Haru demanded.
"G-Guys!" Morgana exclaimed.
Ren gritted his teeth. Everything… seemed so hopeless. They were so close. And Yaldabaoth was determined to snatch it away from them…
"Since you've been forsaken by the world, there is nowhere that you can belong."
Another powerful shockwave ripped through the air, knocking them flat.
"I'm not… done…" Ren got out, pressing his hands against the ground.
"We can't lose like this!" Ryuji groaned out.
Makoto just winced. "If we lose… then the world will be lost."
Anne gasped out, "I need to… get back up…"
But Yaldabaoth kept slamming them with attacks. It was agonizing.
"Ngh… my strength…" Yusuke got out, his entire frame trembling.
Ken winced. "He's so intent on beating down on us until we've lost every last bit of our strength."
Futaba groaned. "I can't… go on…"
Haru just shook her head. "Is this it…?"
"Not even one sliver of unpredictability can be permitted under my control," Yaldabaoth stated.
Ren gritted his teeth. This damn tyrant…
Ren's eyes widened as words floated to his ears.
"Guess it was impossible in the end…"
"It's humans against a god after all…"
"Do you hear the voices of the mass?" Yaldabaoth asked.
Yes… he knew. Despite everything they had faced, Ren was… afraid. Was this really it? Was there no way to defeat him?
"They mock you for revolting against a god. Humans are naught but clumps of desire. Logic dictates that a world filled with them will decline. The sin of rebelling against a god is severe. As punishment, you shall taste pain everlasting," Yaldabaoth stated.
"Not letting that happen!" Morgana suddenly shouted out.
"The attendant created from the dredges of human hope…" Yaldabaoth remarked. "It is impossible for a petty existence like you to overrule my precedent."
Morgana shook his head before glaring up at Yaldabaoth. "Human hope is a desire too! You better not underestimate it!"
"Morgana…" Ren uttered.
But Morgana's eyes burned with determination. "The Phantom Thieves will yield to no one, no matter who they are! Even if only one of us remains, we'll get back up and fight to the very end."
That was right. He had been cast again and again to the bottom. He and his friends had gone through hell because of Yaldabaoth's machinations but they still pulled themselves back up… why was this any different?
"And we'll definitely… definitely…!" Morgana's paws clenched into fists. "Take the world!"
It was chaos. People were screaming, running amok.
Minako's stomach squirmed as she stared up at the sky. It had turned a bright red as it continued to rain blood. What exactly was going on? A tremor shook the entire city.
She hated being on the sidelines like this…
"And we'll definitely… definitely…"
"That voice…" Aki muttered. "Morgana?"
"Take the world!" Morgana shouted out.
"The… Phantom Thieves?" one boy said slowly.
"But… what could they possibly do? About this?"
"Take them down, Phantom Thieves!"
Minako's head jerked to see a teenage boy with dark hair staring up at the sky. The growing crowd just stopped to stare at him.
"You can't really…" one bystander began to say.
"I do!" he shouted, as his hands clenched into fists. "Why do you think that they risked their lives this entire time?! Snap out of it! Stop running from the truth!"
His voice was so impassioned… Minako couldn't help but feel impressed.
"I believe in the Phantom Thieves." A girl wearing glasses stepped forward, her eyes locking with the teenage boy's. "No matter what! They'll overcome anything!"
This seemed to start a domino effect. The crowd started to nod.
"Phantom Thieves!"
"Yes, the Phantom Thieves!"
The boy's expression lit up before cupping his hands to his mouth. "Phantom Thieves! Do you hear us?!"
"Don't you dare back down!" Minako shouted, cupping her hands over her mouth. "You've come this far! You have to see this through!"
Aki looked towards the sky, his eyes like steel. "You're more than strong enough to win! You've gone through hell and back! You can do this!"
"And if you need our strength, take it!" Mitsuru's voice rang out with her conviction.
Yukari pressed a hand against her chest. "Don't you dare give in. You've overcome so much! You can't stop now!"
Fuuka closed her eyes, her hands clasped together. "We're all with you! Don't give up!"
Junpei gave a whoop before pumping a fist. "Come on, you're so damn close! You gotta go all out! Get that home run!"
Koromaru seemed to agree, letting out several barks.
Aigis pressed her lips together. "The world can't end. Not like this. You have the strength to overcome this, just like everything else!"
Shinji just stared up, a slight smile curving at his lips. "Take it back. This asshole god is trying to steal your goddamn futures. Kick. His. Ass."
All they could do was… pray and hope. The cheering was getting louder and louder, all but ringing in her ears.
"Holy shit!"
Junpei's exclamation made her turn to him. He was staring, open-mouthed.
"Is that a damn Persona?!" he exclaimed.
Minako gasped. It looked like some kind of… demon lord?
She could hear people speculating about this. She could only hope that the memories of this would fade, similarly to what happened during the Fall. They might… have some difficulty explaining this otherwise.
And then a gunshot suddenly rang through the air.
Minako's breath caught her throat. Did they do it?
The voices of his Confidants…
"I'm not letting you lose after getting this far! You better finish what you started!"
"I may not look like it, but I've got high hopes for you! You better win it!"
Sojiro, Shinya, Takemi, Iwai, Hifumi, Kawakami, Ohya, Mishima, Sae, Yoshida, Lavenza… The Shadow Operatives… He heard them all.
"You hear that?!" Morgana shouted. "Those are the voices of the humans you made fun of! No one wants you to rule over them! Isn't that right, Ren?"
"Hell no," Ren spat out, staggering to his feet.
He could faintly hear the words of the people. Though… some of the cheering was a little… backhanded.
"Man, why do they gotta word it like they're looking down on us?" Ryuji griped.
Ren's lips quirked in a weary smile.
"But… they're cheering for us." Haru panted as she stood to her feet.
Futaba mused, "Doesn't feel half-bad…"
"It's better than nothing at least," Ken said dryly.
"You're not done changing the world!"
"We'll all be erased if you give up now!"
Slowly, his friends pulled themselves to stand up.
"They don't have to tell us twice…" Yusuke said with a wry smile.
"We won't let ourselves get erased!" Makoto proclaimed.
Anne nodded as she staggered to her feet as well.
"You may be a god… but you've underestimated humanity's tenacity. Time and time again," Ken stated. "That's where you fall short."
"God is the one who creates the world!" Yaldabaoth snapped back.
Ryuji snapped. "Newsflash asshole! You're not a real god! And you don't get to decide for us!"
Morgana nodded, curling his paws into fists. "I've made up my mind. I will see my justice through for the sake of protecting what I care about.
Anne breathed out, "Morgana…"
"We're with you, Mona," Ren said. "Until the very end."
Morgana just gave a bittersweet smile. "The same goes for you guys too! If you've decided to take the world from him, don't compromise your ideals to the very end!"
Anne nodded. "Let's defeat him together!"
Ryuji just flashed his usual big grin at Yaldabaoth. "Hey, god. Foolish humans are praying down there. They're prayin' there's no place for someone like you in this world!"
"Give that evil god his final warning, Joker!" Morgana exclaimed.
"We're saving this world…" Ren lifted his face to glare right at Yaldabaoth. "You picked the wrong enemy. And I'll prove it to you!"
And with that, the cheering seemed to intensify, making the air vibrate. Ren placed a hand over his chest. He could feel it… power welling up inside him. He could feel Arsene materialize to life behind him. A dark chain formed. Ren reached out, his fingers wrapping around it. He couldn't explain it—he was running on pure instinct.
The chain snapped as his arm jerked forward, the sound echoing.
"So you have failed to harness the power," Yaldabaoth said. "No matter how many prayers of the foolish masses come together… Hm?"
Anne gasped. "W-What…?!"
Power seemed to course through his veins and he lifted his eyes to see a dark shadow looming over them all.
"That's—" Yusuke's eyes went wide as he stared in awe.
"Holy shit!" Ryuji breathed out. "It's huge!"
"It's bigger than a skyscraper…" Makoto breathed out. "This is just…!"
This was… his Persona? Arsene had… awakened to a new form? Ren knew his name in an instant.
Satanael.
"What immense power!" Morgana exclaimed. "Is that really a Persona?"
"I don't see what else it could be," Ken said.
He could faintly hear people exclaiming over Satanael. So… this was his true power, was it?
"Fools!" Yaldabaoth spat at them. "This is why man is doomed…"
"You can insult us all you'd like." Makoto narrowed her eyes. "You know you're being pushed into a corner, don't you?"
"Your tricks won't work anymore!" Haru cried out.
The same rays from before blasted forward. But this time… Ren felt nothing. He looked around, pleased that none of his friends were suffering from damage.
"They're not just Phantom Thieves anymore… That's some kind of demon lord! This is so awesome!"
"I see…" Morgana said, looking thoughtful. "If a god plays naughty, then it's a demon lord's duty to punish him! What better way is there for a finale as a Trickster!"
"It's quite like you to end with a flourish such as this," Yusuke said. "Finish this, Joker!"
"We're entrusting our strength and the people's hopes to you!" Morgana finished. "Show him what you—what humanity is really made of!"
A light seemed to coalesce. Ren reached out, closing his fist over the ball of light. He felt so warm… full of determination. It wouldn't end here.
"Pillage him… Satanael!" Ren declared, his voice ringing out.
Even as Satanael levelled his revolver at Yaldabaoth, Yaldabaoth spoke.
"Preposterous! You wish to rob the people of their wishes?!"
Ren narrowed his eyes, his finger tensing over the trigger. Even when he was backed into a corner, he still thought he was in the right… Ren took a deep breath. He was ready. Ready to end this.
"Begone!"
MA'AT
History: Maʽat refers to the ancient Egyptian concepts of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality, and justice. Ma'at was also the goddess who personified these concepts, and regulated the stars, seasons, and the actions of mortals and the deities who had brought order from chaos at the moment of creation.
Level: 79
Affinity: Bless, Almighty, Support
Blocks: Bless, Curse
Resists: Nuclear
Weakness: None
Spells: Divine Judgement (innate), Salvation (innate), Kougaon (innate), Makougaon (innate), Megidoaloan (80), Bless Amp (82), Ali Dance (84)
And that wraps up the Yaldabaoth fight! Sorry for the wait, writing the Yaldabaoth fight was quite the struggle and I kept discarding bits and pieces. But I hope this was a satisifying conclusion! If anyone's curious, I showed the Inaba scene as the implications were that the merge happened everywhere, not just Tokyo. And if anyone's curious about the bit with Daidara, he makes a comment that sorta implies that he knows a little more than what he's letting on. Additionally with Mr. Hosoi's comment, that the fog occurs about every 50 years got the gears in my head turning. So, yeah, my headcanon is that Daidara was a Persona user back in 1961 haha.
But we're now 4-5 chapters away from the end. Next chapter will follow up on the aftermath of Yaldabaoth's defeat and cover the Christmas Eve date. There are some loose ends to tie, more so than in the base P5 game so Chapter 54 will be about the efforts to free Ren. There's actually quite a bit to cover after Ren's free so I might split my plans into two chapters. But we'll see!
Like... the plot thread with Ren's parents. I'll be posting art I commissioned of them soon on the tumblr! I will be covering their side of their story... soon. And of course we can't forget Akechi. I have a plan for the endgame and I think you'll like it.
As always, I want to thank my wonderful beta, angelrin89!
And I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Until next time guys!
