A/N:

SPOILERS! DO NOT READ IF YOU ANTICIPATE THE STORY BEING CONTINUED AND DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED!

This is an outline for the scenario where the party encounters Shadow Rika.


Rika: "There's no right choice…"

Keichi: "Uh, hey, earth to Rika. You feeling alright?"

Rika: "Ah, yeah. Never better! Nipah~"

Voice: "No…right choice. chuckle How foolish."

The gang's ears perk up.

Mion: "What was that?"

Voice: "Yes, there never was a right or wrong option to begin with. All paths inevitably lead to a dead end."

A dark silhouette approaches from the stage. It bears the same form as Rika, except the pupils are a glowing yellow.

Rika: "What-"

Keichi: "What? Two Rikas!?"

Rika(?): "It is futile to even try."

Yu: "No. It's Rika's shadow!"

Rika: "You're…my shadow?"

Shadow Rika: "That is correct."

After a few minutes, the gang stare confusedly.

Keichi: "Uh, you accepted her, right? Shouldn't she be turning into a Persona by now?"

Rika: "Yes, I did. At least… I think I did."

Shadow Rika: disappears and reappears behind Rika "And yet, here I stand. Yet another one of your failures."

Rika and the rest of the group jump.

Shion: "H-how'd she get there so fast. I couldn't sense her at all!"

Shadow Rika: "But it's alright. You were bound to fail anyway. No amount of struggle would've resulted in a good ending, so this outcome is not your fault."

Rika: "What are you talking about? You're me, and I'm you. There. I accepted you. Either turn into a Persona or disappear!"

Shadow Rika: "You may say that you accept me, but as long as your heart remains closed, your words are ultimately meaningless."

Rika: "…what will it take for you to go away?"

Shadow Rika: "…"

Shadow Rika remains silent. The rest of the group stares on in anticipation.

Rika: "SAY SOMETHING!"

Shadow Rika: "What would be the point? No amount of effort will lead to a satisfying conclusion. In the end, it is much better to be silent. Live out your days blissfully unaware of the danger that looms by. Accept that everything is ultimately out of your control. It is a much smarter way to exist."

Rika: "W-what're you talking about?"

Shadow Rika: "Stop lying to yourself. You understand fully what I am referring to. I am your Shadow after all. I know you more than yourself."

Rika: "…"

Mion: "Hey, Rika. What is she talking about?"

Rika: "…nothing."

Shadow Rika: "Correct. It is nothing. Try as you might, all of your efforts will fall to nil. This anomaly is merely a byproduct of fate's randomness. Despite the hope you carry in your heart, you know full well it will end the same way. Like it always has…"

Rika: "You can't be certain of that. Things are different now."

Shadow Rika: "Are they? The more things change, the more they stay the same. Deep down, you feel it. Fate's strings wringing your neck. There's no more time."

Rika: "I- I…"

Keichi: "Rika…"

Shadow Rika: "As was foreseen, you refuse to accept me."

Rika: falls to her knees "I-I can't."

Keichi: "It's okay. We'll beat down this shadow and get a good end!"

The rest of the group nod.

Shadow Rika: "How can you be so sure? Each and every one of you trudges through life, moving blindly to the tune of destiny. Even if you achieve the end you desire, it is merely the whims of fate that have guided you. Nothing more."

Yu: "We decide our own fate. Even if there are things pushing against us, we're free to fight back."

Shadow Rika: "I see… Then let us put that to the test." starts to power up"Dying here would render your words hollow. Show me that you have the strength to overcome fate."