A New Route

by Nevermore-the-Dragon-Sings

Something strange happens after Sayori is deleted. Now she's fallen into a new environment with no clue how she's gotten there. Luckily, a seemingly harmless detective has her back. Soon a new mystery arises, connections are made, and Sayori has to decide. Who should she trust? Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems.

78. Chapter 77

I own nothing.

"Look!" Ann shouted, pointing out a small glittery mass that gathered where Yaldabaoth once was. A small golden grail floated downwards until it was hovering just above the ground, waiting for someone to pluck it out of the air.

"Ain't that a Treasure?" Ryuji asked, turning to look at Morgana, figuring he would know for sure. "Right, Mona?"

"Thanks for everything, gang," Morgana said, not answering the question, and only looking at the Treasure. Sayori couldn't help but notice how, unlike in the past, Morgana was completely calm. She supposed this was a gradual change that she had only just now been able to realize.

"Mona-chan?" Haru asked, being responded to with only silence. Morgana walked up to the Treasure, and everyone couldn't help but feel panic beginning to rise in them.

"Mona?" Futaba tried this time, being met with the same results.

Morgana reached out and touched the small grail, smiling to himself. Finally, he said something. "Humans have the power to change the world. They just forgot about that a bit…"

"This is starting to sound like…" Sayori trailed off, realization punching her in the gut. A goodbye… I will have to say goodbye soon, too, won't I?

"Hey…" Yusuke called, filled with concern. He and the rest of the thieves walked up to Morgana.

"Thanks to you guys, I was able to complete my duty…" Morgana said with a smile, finally looking at all of his teammates, the sense of finality and accomplishment making him feel lighter than air.

"Everything was thanks to you, wasn't it, Morgana…?" Makoto asked, her voice breaking. Slowly but surely, everyone was beginning to understand that this was a final farewell from the Phantom Thief that had been there even before the beginning.

"Thank you," Akira said, wanting Morgana to know one last time that he was an appreciated member of the team.

"It looks like… our business together has… ended," Goro said, the observation stalling to come out of his throat. He glanced over towards Sayori, who seemed to only be able to look at her teammate, who still insisted on saying cryptic things and acting strange. All Goro could think about was that she herself still looked frightened and unsure. When will it happen? Will I have a chance to tell everyone the things I need to tell them?

"I got to be useful for humans I admired so much," Morgana continued, as though to say the gratitude wasn't necessary for the normally prideful thief. "Nothing could make me happier." He stared intently at the Treasure as it began to hum and vibrate in his small hands. "This place will soon disappear too." He shook his head and turned towards the thieves, the small cup not meaning much to him. "Time to go home." The Treasure began to glow, catching all of the Phantom Thieves in its light, blinding them all briefly. When they could finally see again, they felt the solid Tokyo ground beneath them, and saw the towering buildings above them.

"The hell…?" Ryuji looked down in shock to find everyone standing in a pool of red, clear liquid. His reaction caused everyone else to look down in shock, eliciting many surprised and disgusted reactions. Futaba nearly began to insist that someone carry her above the liquid, though no one was willing to load their hands down in case they still had enemies they would need to fight.

"What is this…?" Yusuke asked incredulously, looking around at the city. Instead of cheering crowds, the thieves were surrounded by people frozen as though they were simply crossing the street. Not quite knowing what to think, everyone began to wade through the water to investigate further.

"I guess it's been a while since we ran up those stairs… It must have been raining harder than we first thought…" Sayori said out loud, cringing as the water went right up to her knees and sloshed into her boots with every step she took.Though, I remember the ground was already a deep puddle within seconds. I'm surprised it's not deeper.

"I wonder… what would have happened if this stuff had completely risen over our heads," Goro asked, knowing that this had once been the God of Control's doing. For some reason, he had been trying to flood them. Would we all simply drown? Would we all be brainwashed forever?

"At least the rain stopped…" Ryuji said, trying to lighten the mood, before sighing and glaring at Goro. "And don't make me think about creepy things like that, jerk." He held his hand up to test for rain, with everyone else also looking around for something that was different from the last time they were down there.

"Seriously…" Natsuki muttered, crossing her arms and nodding in agreement with Ryuji.

"Sorry… I guess," Goro said nonchalantly, his thoughts elsewhere as he looked at the unnerving, frozen surroundings.

"You're not sorry at all," Yuri stated, standing by Natsuki's side and combing through her own hair with her fingers.

"I guess," the boy replied with a shrug. Still, there was a sad frown on his face. "I don't really care, but that doesn't mean my aim was to intentionally scare you…"

"It's a valid fear to have," Monika said with a voice that started out deceptively sweet. However, the mischievous smile she flashed would have been enough of a clue that she wasn't done, as she glanced at Goro. "I seem to remember overhearing that he's afraid of rain. Could this be the reason why?"

"I-I'm not afraid of rain!" Goro shouted angrily, making angry swiping motions at Monika as the girl retreated slightly. "I just don't like it!"

"He stuttered," Futaba observed with a monotone voice. "He is afraid."

"Shut up!"

"Guys, stop teasing him," Sayori demanded, a giggle accidentally escaping her mouth, causing Goro to flash her a betrayed and hurt face. "At least he is being more honest with you all."

"Yet, he won't confess his fears," Yuri said, a cheeky smile on her face.

"Seriously, stop it," Sayori shut the girl felt bad seeing Yuri's embarrassed and upset face, but she didn't want to start a stupid fight during this stupid investigation.

"Hey, guys!" Makoto shouted, pointing in the direction of the sun. Everyone turned in question to see what she was pointing at, finding that the clouds were indeed dispersing, allowing for bright sunlight to pour through the sky.

Sayori took in the beautiful sight calmly, admiring the tranquility, when she suddenly heard it. Some of the saddest music she had ever heard began slowly in the back of her senses, beautiful and simple. She gasped, tears coming to her eyes as she knew instinctively that something to go along with the melody was about to occur. Was it finally her time?

Goro let go of her hand, and suddenly wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and it was then that Sayori realized he was shaking. Looking around, she found almost everyone else was having a similar reaction as her, and so she knew they could hear it too. That knowledge almost made her happy, knowing that she wasn't alone…

The water around their legs crystallized and cracked into nothingness, and the giant bones, and damage that Yaldabaoth had caused, dissolved as though it had never happened. The thieves took it all in, silent and crying as they knew they had done this. They had helped humanity. They were heroes.

"So beautiful…" Haru said in awe, unable to close her eyes.

"Yeah…" Futaba whispered in agreement.

"It's… nice," Natsuki said quietly, awkward amongst all the crying teenagers. Still, she could admire the beauty of what they had accomplished. I just realized I haven't seen what this place really looks like without all of the distortions...

I hope we're all ready… for whatever happens after this, Monika thought to herself, looking at Sayori as the sun shone on all of them, bleaching everyone of almost all of their colors.

Still, there's one person I don't see… Is he crying too? Sayori asked herself, beginning t look around for the Phantom Thief that wasn't standing besides all of them.

From behind them all, Morgana smiled softly and looked at his paws, which he noticed were starting to grow translucent. Suddenly, everything and everyone around them was bathed in a sparkling white light. He knew it was time to go, and he would make a grand exit, like a true Phantom Thief would.

"My word…" Yusuke trailed off, looking around and trying to save the beauty of rebirth around him. It truly was a stunning sight.

Ann was quiet with awe. "Why's everything-"

"The whole world is a product of cognition..." Morgana interrupted, once again, the sensation of being lighter than air filling him. He looked at everyone. All of his teammates… His friends… The new people he had met just today, and even the frozen passerby. He wanted everyone to know what he was about to say as deeply as he did. "...not just the Metaverse. It can be freely re-made… The same goes for you, and everyone else."

Everyone of course gasped in horror when they turned around and saw him beginning to disappear, but he wasn't going to let that dissuade him.

"Dude, Mona!" Ryuji shouted, as though trying to let him know what was happening… The amazing idiot…

"Mona-chan!" Haru called, covering her mouth with her hands, her eyes betraying the shock and sadness that she felt.

"Morgana…" Sayori trailed off, looking at him helplessly. He felt sympathy for her, knowing she held a lot of fear and sadness for what would be happening to her. As much as she wanted the fighting to be over… it gave her a reason to be here.

It's going to happen to me and the others soon, isn't it? Sayori asked, though she knew Morgana could not read her thoughts. She brought a hand up to the one that wrapped around her shoulder and squeezed it tightly, beginning to choke back tears.

Goro hugged Sayori tightly, trembling with so many emotions that he didn't know how to fully describe the experience. He looked up at Morgana, and suddenly couldn't hold his words in any longer. "Hey, where do you think you're going?" he shouted, leaning forward and trying to carry his voice. He didn't realize that he could miss a simple ally in battle, but the grief hit him almost as hard as it always seemed to do in his life. I just got back. I can finally be myself for a short time, and he's just leaving? It's too soon!

"This can't be happening!" Ann denied desperately. Suddenly, she and the Phantom Thieves were all running towards Morgana, only for a split in the suddenly disappearing ground to separate them.

I don't want to go… Sayori thought, knowing that she was going to go next. Still… Why did Morgana have to go, too? She sobbed, and looked up at her friend, who was floating higher and higher in the sky. "Morgana, don't go yet! We can't say goodbye like this!"

"Soon a new world will come," Morgana said, his voice calm and reassuring, wanting so badly to reach all of their hearts. He supposed he wasn't made of human hope for nothing… "One where mankind isn't held captive. The world will shine brightly as long as you hold hope in your hearts." He held out his arms to all of them, wanting it to be clear. He was bearing his heart to them!

"But what's going to happen to you?" Makoto shouted, her voice breaking as tears welled at the corner of her eyes.

Morgana was almost all the way see through, and he knew it. He tried to laugh a little, wanting to lighten the mood like mostly everyone else seemed to be able to do so easily. He had learned so much from them! "Remember… There's no such thing as the 'real' world."

This game… and the world that gets to play it, Monika thought to herself, watching the scene play out with some melancholy in her heart as she watched Sayori cry so freely. I don't think there could have been a better place for Sayori to wind up.

"What each person sees and feels- Those are what shape reality. This is what gives the world infinite potential."

Shape reality… Infinite potential… Sayori paused in her sadness and her fear and her panicking, because despite how sad she felt, the meaning behind his words reached deeply into her heart.

"Even if you feel that only darkness lies ahead… As long as you hold hands together… See it through as one… The world will never end! The world exists within all of you!"

"Morgana… Thank you," Sayori whispered, the words buried deeply into her heart. Her reality… It was hers, and everyone's, and as long as she had even one person with her… It wasn't meaningless. She wouldn't let it be. I know… what I'm going to do… after this.

---

When everyone could see again, the city was back to normal. All around them, the teens could see people going about their day as if nothing had happened. In all likelihood, it probably was that nothing had happened for most people. The Phantom Thieves looked down to see themselves in their usual everyday attire, and Yuri and Natsuki had the small mercy of their uniforms no longer being covered in blood and vomit. Monika was surprised to find she still looked like herself and not Mai. Though, she supposed that NPC was back to their normal self, and Monika was actually really happy to think about that.

Still, it didn't seem to be the time for small happinesses like that. The Phantom Thieves were all heartbroken after the disappearance of their teammate, and Monika wasn't about to ruin anything. She stayed in the back, watching as everyone looked at each other with deep sadness. This was going to be her new reality soon, so she knew she needed to get used to staying out of everyone's way.

"Morgana…" Ann trailed off, her eyes trained sadly on the ground.

"Mona…" Futaba echoed, hugging herself.

"The Meta-Nav… It's gone…" Haru said, looking at her phone as her mind connected the dots. "Mementos must have disappeared too…"

"We can't see Mona anymore… can we?" Futaba asked, not really expecting a reply.

"Who knows…?" Akira answered nevertheless, though his voice held no legitimate optimism.

"It's fine. I already know the answer," Futaba dismissed, shuffling her feet and sniffling.

"What're you all so gloomy for? Mona would laugh at us for it…" Ryuji said, his voice chastising as he grinned at them all.

"I'm not gone?" Sayori asked, her voice somehow rising above everyone else's sadness. When Morgana had disappeared, and she couldn't see anything, she really thought that was it.

"Sayori!" Yusuke exclaimed, somehow managing to immediately smile. It's not somehow… I am so very happy she is still here… "It seems not… Did you think you were? Wait…"

"I thought… since you said you were a part of this game that…" Haru trailed off, her happiness at seeing her friend diminishing somewhat.

"She wouldn't have to go?" Monika finished, to which many of the Phantom Thieves nodded. The girl sighed and shook her head, looking at the Phantom Thieves sadly. "I can tell already… We're going to be going very soon. The literature club and I will be forced out, and hopefully return to our own game."

"How soon?" Goro asked, his voice harsh and demanding. Monika supposed she found it endearing, how desperate he suddenly was after weeks of monotony.

"I would say… We have a few hours left," Monika answered honestly, able to feel the lurid pulls at the code keeping her here. Doki Doki Literature Club was where they belonged… their setting, and the desire to go back- no matter how horrible and hopeless existing there was- was absolutely tantalizing.

"No!" Futaba shouted, crouching down and suddenly latching onto Sayori's leg, startling the girl. "I don't want you to! We just lost Morgana! You can't go too!"

"Hey… This is actually a good thing," Sayori said with a little laugh. She reached down and patted Futaba's head as the girl pouted. Sayori offered her a kind smile that was acknowledged but not returned by Futaba. "I didn't think I would have this long to spend time with you all, and that I would go home with everyone right when Morgana disappeared."

"That reminds me, what about the public? Were we able to change their hearts?" Yusuke suddenly asked, and everyone looked around, straining their ears in the hopes of hearing a conversation about the reason they had gone into Mementos in the first place.

"I'm gonna be late for my date…" one woman whined, speed walking along clumsily in ridiculously high heels.

"All alone on Christmas, huh…" a poor looking young man moaned to himself.

A date… Christmas… Sayori's thoughts suddenly became sidetracked, as she realized another thing she wanted to do after this meeting was over… If she was allowed.

"It's kinda hard to tell," Ann commented, unable to hear any conversation that made a change of heart obvious.

One man in a suit quickly did reveal some small sign of hope, though. "Aren't we going into the new year without a prime minister? Will this country be alright?" he asked, looking around nervously.

"But, there's no way we're getting Shido. There are tons of shady rumors about him, you know?" a younger formally dressed man said with a laugh.

"That's… surreal," Goro commented, trailing off as he stared in disinterest at the ground. "I don't remember ever being in a world where the general public wasn't riding his coattails."

"Well, Merry Christmas," Sayori said, turning around and resting her arms on his shoulders. "I thought you were dead, so I didn't think to get you a present besides that."

"Like I could have gone present shopping while trapped in Mementos with Monika," Goro replied with a sarcastic chuckle.

"I hope things will go well with Shido," Haru said, hoping that their new… ally appreciated the sentiment.

"Let's put some faith in my sister," Makoto said, a smile audible in her voice.

"It's her job from now on, huh?" Ryuji remarked, doing his best to not let his skepticism show.

"We've been relieved of our duties as Phantom Thieves, with the destruction of the Metaverse," Yusuke said, reminding them that they couldn't really do anything else besides that.

"It feels… sad..." Haru said, her voice small. Though, she supposed all change was sad in the moment.

"To you, maybe," Goro remarked, "Good fucking riddance, honestly." He realized how hard it was to keep his eyes open. It had been two years of frustration and exhaustion, making it hard to be anything but apathetic.

"What about your cute little attendant, though?" Monika asked the detective with a sugary sweet smile, earning only a glare in return.

"I'm sure he's fine," Goro dismissed, crossing his arms. However, a sudden pull on his shoulders dragged his attention to Sayori.

"Wait!" Sayori exclaimed, her eyes widening as she remembered her time in that jail cell. "You really were there in the Velvet Room! I'm so stupid for only realizing it now…"

"It's not like you had much of an opportunity to think about it until now," Natsuki argued, patting her friend lightly on the shoulder.

"Yes. Not being provided with the time to think is a far cry from stupidity," Yuri said, nodding in agreement.

Natsuki also nodded, before smirking to herself as she looked down at Sayori's legs. "Yeah… Still, you really are forgetful, though. Hey, squirt! Hands off my friend's leg!" Natsuki reached down and yanked Futaba off of Sayori's leg, where she had been clinging for the past few minutes, without Sayori even noticing.

"Squirt?" Futaba asked, shooting Natsuki a vicious glare. "We're like the exact same height! Also, I'm Sayori's friend, too!"

"Hey, girls, you're both pretty," Sayori interrupted the blooming argument, pushing the two slightly away from each other. "I'm everyone's friend. Why are you arguing?"

Natsuki pouted and crossed her arms, before looking down at the ground sadly. "Well… Because it feels like they all only want you to stay. They don't care about us. But aren't we all supposed to come as a package deal? We're a literature club, after all… But you've found yourself a new group. You're more like Sayori the Phantom Thief… then Sayori the literature club member…"

"Oh my…" Yusuke said… his eyes widening as he listened to the girl's woes. "I suppose in my head… That is how I have thought of it."

"Why can't we all be individuals, though?" Futaba asked, tilting her head in genuine curiosity.

"Natsuki," Ryuji spoke up, catching the girl's attention as he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Hey, did we ever mention that the Phantom Thieves are all supposedly members of a gardening club… or a volunteer group… There's no one saying we can't all be part of the same club."

"You… could be part of our literature club," Natsuki offered in return, since the thought of being in either of those groups without any club activities felt dishonest.

"Natsuki, I didn't expect you to want so many new members," Yuri commented, her eyes wide as she counted all of the thieves, remembering how Natsuki had barely been comfortable with only five total club members. "There are so many Phantom Thieves…"

"I… I'm not so good with literature," Ryuji stuttered, embarrassed at what he had to admit. He never liked having to really acknowledge how screwed he was in the intelligence area.

"Oh…" Natsuki trailed off, actually feeling sad at that. She suddenly felt Yuri place comforting hands on her shoulder, and wondered where this was going.

"Well… actually, someone that I really care about, and whose opinions I value very much… said that manga counts as literature," Yuri said, her voice soothing and maybe a little bit snarky. "Do you read manga, Sakamoto-san?"

"Sometimes, yeah," Ryuji replied, kicking up dust on the sidewalk with his feet. "Not as much anymore with all the thieving."

"Perfect," Yuri said with a clap of her hands. "It seems you suddenly have the freetime to restart a hobby."

"...Shit." Ryuji's eyes went wide as he realized what he had unintentionally agreed to.

"You walked into that one," Ann commented, before she suddenly shivered, hugging herself and rubbing her arms. "It's really cold."

"It's snowing!" Futaba suddenly shouted. Everyone looked up at the sky to see she was right, watching as delicate flakes floated gently to the ground.

"No wonder it's cold," Ryuji said between gritted teeth as he hugged himself, too.

"Is this what they call a white Christmas?" Ann asked, never having been able to see one before.

"It's still Christmas Eve," Makoto commented, her mind trailing off with a brief thought.

Sayori stared at her friends in wonder, before looking at Goro with a face of pure shock that made him laugh. "...Did they all just get along? I was worried that they were going to get into a fight, but it looks like all of my friends are getting along…"

"I wouldn't jump to conclusions," Goro suggested, wrapping his arms around her waist and smiling sheepishly. "I doubt everyone is going to start considering me a friend anytime soon."

"They'll come around… maybe," Sayori replied, unsure if Goro needed reassurance, or was simply stating a fact that he believed to be true. Just in case, she smiled, and added onto her statement. "It doesn't matter too much, though. You'll always be welcome in the literature club as long as I have something to say about it…"

"I see…" Goro said with a chuckle. Sayori felt her own spirits lift, seeing how relaxed he suddenly was as they began to sway together a bit. "So… the Phantom Thieves and company are now the newly christened literature club… spanning multiple universes and video game genres."

"Yeah… I guess so," Sayori giggled as Goro brought her in close, for the first time in a while acting like the clingy, affectionate boy she often used to be around. It was much nicer this time, because she suddenly knew this must have been a true part of him. "I'm just imagining you all in our school's uniform now. It's cute…" After that though, a thoughtful frown slipped onto her face.

"Anything else on your mind?" Goro asked, looking at her in concern.

"We only have a few hours left," Sayori said, bringing her hands to her chest and twiddling her fingers in a guilty fidget. "I haven't seen you at all these past couple of weeks… But after this I won't be seeing any of the other thieves, either." She wanted to be alone with Goro, at least for a little bit, but was that too much to ask of the ther thieves, who she knew would miss her just as much?

"Okay, everyone!" Monika suddenly decided to call, out of the blue. All of the teens suddenly turned their attention back to her, wondering what she had to say. Monika smiled to herself, happy that she still could be a beneficent leader of activities. However, that smile turned sheepish as she asked what might have been too much of the other thieves. "I just had an idea. I know it's rather sudden, but for the next few hours, Natsuki, Yuri, and I won't have anywhere to go while we wait to go home. So… How about we all have a Christmas Eve party together, right now?"

"All of us?" Ann asked in shock, looking at their huge group of people. However, after thinking about it for a moment, she shrugged. "I guess I don't have any plans."

It was the same for everyone else, having either just woken up from a long coma, having been stuck in Mementos for weeks, or simply being too preoccupied with planning their infiltration of Mementos. No one had even thought of a holiday celebration.

"Where would we have a holiday party at this late hour?" Makoto asked, concerned with how late this plan had started, knowing that any place they could go to for a party would either be too expensive, or unavailable.

"Where else?" Futaba asked, sarcasm heavy in her voice. "You guys already know we're all part of Sojiro's free meal club. Let's go to Leblanc. The dinner rush is probably over by now."

"But… that's four more people than this person would expect, counting Akechi-kun," Yuri said, looking at Natsuki and Monika nervously. "Are you sure we wouldn't be imposing?"

"Well, actually it would only be two more extra people," Monika remarked, causing everyone to look at her in shock, and definitely suspicion.

"What's that mean?" Natsuki asked, giving the former club president a grumpy glare. "Are you calling me and Sayori short or something? She still eats a ton, and so do I, for your information!"

"Oh? You do?" Ann asked, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. "If that's the case, with me included, we might actually eat the poor man out of house and home."

"Regardless, that's not what I'm saying at all," Monika interrupted, stepping to the side a bit and holding out her arms to gesture over to the couple she had definitely overheard. "It's Sayori and Goro that have something to say."

"Monika!" Sayori shouted, her voice rising in slight panic. Way to put me on the spot… The girl looked at her teammates for a few seconds, before bowing her head and closing her eyes nervously. "It… It's been weeks since I've seen him, you guys, and I thought that he died. I know that we all only have a few more hours together… But…"

"We understand, Sayori," Akira said, smiling at the girl as she jolted up in shock. She nearly hit Goro in the face with the force of her reaction, only lucky that he had stepped slightly backwards on time.

"You've missed him, and grieved for him so much these past few weeks," Yusuke said, frowning sympathetically as he realized that the drawing of Akechi that he had made would no longer serve quite the same purpose. The boy was alive, but soon enough Sayori would be separated from him again. It was… actually rather sad.

"You deserve some privacy with him," Haru added in agreement, giving Sayori the same gentle smile that the girl had always offered when they needed it.

"Th-thank you, guys… So much!" Sayori shouted, running up and hugging them all tightly.

"Just come to Leblanc when you think you're about to go," Ann compromised, looking at the girl intently as she enjoyed the group hug.

"Of course! Definitely!" Sayori said in agreement, quickly letting go, only to be pulled in by the thieves so they could actually hug her back. They didn't keep her long, letting her go so she could stand beside Goro. The two were about to run off, when Futaba stepped forward.

"And… Let us have a quick word with Akechi…" the girl said, crossing her arms and staring at the ground angrily.

"What do you want to say?" Goro asked calmly, knowing that he had wanted to have a serious conversation with all of them anyway.

"What I want to say is… I don't forgive you… I never can," Futaba said, to which Goro nodded. "Still, the reality is that we're in a video game, and my mom getting killed by you is… an unfortunate backstory, and I don't know how to feel about it…"

"I feel the same," Goro replied, understanding the pain of your entire past being nothing more than a character motivation. "If it's any consolation, it's okay to simply feel the way you did before. Monika had a very inspiring talk with me… About how what has happened to me is real, because it's real to me… The same goes to all of you."

"That doesn't really help me," Haru said, her voice suddenly bitter as she hugged herself. "The only thing I can say for certain that I feel, besides sadness for my father's death, and anger at Yaldabaoth and Shido for having it done, is that I respect you for telling me… But I don't know if I can trust or forgive you… I don't know if you are telling the truth when you say that the you who killed my father was from a timeline you don't remember… I don't know if I can forgive you, or the you who did it… And it's all so frustrating!"

"Again… If it helps… This version of me that I remember being, is still very close to the version that killed your father. If I didn't get rained on by a bunch of notes from Monika, I would have killed Okumura. So you can feel exactly how you would have… if things had been less frustrating."

"But that still doesn't seem fair!" Haru suddenly exclaimed, her arms going flat against her sides as though she was prepared to lunge at the boy. "The you that is here right now remembers making the decision to spare my father. You must have felt horrified when my father died. I can only imagine you would have felt satisfied with yourself- or something!- if you had killed my father…"

"Hate me for killing Kobayakawa, then… For starting the subway accident that hurt so many people back when this game began!" Goro shouted back, frustrated at the girl's conflict. However, he calmed down quickly and shook his head. "The point is… I did plenty of horrible things that I do remember, and one case of amnesia isn't enough to excuse what I have done… No matter what I try, I will never be absolved of these sins… So I don't have the right to be offended when you say you hate me."

"You're right… About all of that," Ann said, nodding in agreement as she sent him a brief, heavy glare. "Still… You have no idea how hard it is to accept one of our friends being together with you… Being intimate with you…" The girl closed her eyes, before suddenly looking exhausted. "Yet, for some reason we do… At least, I do! I don't know why! How can I somehow be okay with that?"

"Ugh! You're right!" Ryuji grunted, stomping his foot in anger. "Why the hell is it so difficult! I used to just want to punch all of your perfect teeth in, and now I actually almost feel bad when I imagine that!"

"Maybe it's because he has grown…" Akira remarked thoughtfully to himself, deeply considering the question. "He has changed. Before, I get the feeling he didn't give a shit about who lived and who died… Or who he had to kill… He just wanted revenge."

"His mentality is totally different now," Makoto agreed, before sighing and shaking her head. "Still… he is right to think nothing he does will ever repay his debt to society for the lives he has taken."

"Yes… It is hard to consolidate both opinions in my head," Yusuke said with a genuinely pained expression.

"Ugh…" Futaba groaned, nodding in agreement. "I know I wanted to talk to him, but my head just hurts now, thinking of all of it…"

"I apologize… and I know that is not ever going to be enough," Goro said, knowing he would probably continue with those apologies for the rest of his life. "Still… Don't worry about how you feel about me, and don't let it conflict you. Make a choice, and don't worry… I'll take care of everything else myself…"

Sayori felt that those words were odd, and looked at him in concern, her eyes widening when she saw that he was looking at her with sadness in his eyes. I don't like the sound of this…

"So… If everything is settled…" Goro continued, clearing his throat with a light cough, "Can the two of us be on our way?"

"Yeah, go ahead," Akira said with a nod. "Just… know that after everything you've done to help us today… We can be allies, even if we aren't friends. The Phantom Thieves will help you if you ever need it…"

"You should worry more about needing to knock me back into place," Goro said with an exhausted shake of his head. "My brain is broken beyond repair at this point… Who knows if I will ever hurt someone again?"

"You won't," Sayori stated with a confident smile. "And if you do… I'll be the one to get you back… You owe the thieves a break from that… I would think."

"Of course… You're right," Goro said, turning towards Sayori with a grateful smile, though what she was committing herself to deeply troubled him. Still, he really did love her for that patience and understanding… despite feeling she should set a better limit to herself. "Thanks, Sayori… Everyone else." It also was the case that in this moment, with everything seemingly taken care of, he was ready to be captivated by her, and her alone.

"I see where this is going and realize my mistake of keeping you," Akira stated, pushing his glasses up his nose and waving a hand at the two teens. "Scram! Go have fun, crazy kids!"

"Way ahead of you!" Sayori called, grabbing her boyfriend's hand and running down the street in the opposite direction of the thieves. "Come on! Let's go, Goro!" The two laughed, discussing the many things that they could, and would do together while they still had the time.

---

"I guess it was a good idea to come here first… I did notice that these clothes were starting to chafe," Goro commented from within the changing room opposite the one that Sayori was in.

"You smell, too, but the only bathhouses I know of have men and women separated," Sayori replied. A black sock suddenly struck her in the face, and the girl gagged. "How did you even aim that well- Bleh! You were wearing this before, weren't you?" the girl whined, dropping the sock to the floor.

"Sorry…" Goro replied, bemusement in his voice. "Anyway, were you just saying you wanted to take a bath with me?"

"Aw, hush!" Sayori threw the sock at him, only to groan in disappointment when it bounced off of the wall of his changing booth. She pouted, before chuckling. "I mean… Yeah. Don't be weird about it, though. When I said it… I didn't have anything that's too intimate on my mind. I just don't want to be separated from you for such a short time here."

"Just the right amount of intimacy then, I would hope. If only my home and all of my possessions hadn't gotten stolen by that grubby landlord… We probably could have changed and showered at home, instead of having to buy new ones…" Goro complained, grimacing at the price tag on the tan coat he was going to buy.

"Oh… Shoot!" Sayori shouted, the closest she was willing to come to cursing now that the universe was holding back on kicking her in the gut for the time being. She felt gullible and silly as she reached towards her back and tried fruitlessly to zip and tie herself into the dress she had picked out.

"Do you want some help?" Goro asked, watching her stubbornly continue trying to get the dress fastened.

"I don't think we're allowed to do that, though," Sayori said nervously, looking at the nice store, and the employees that could kick her out without letting her buy anything.

"It won't really matter if we get kicked out. We can buy this stuff on our way out, and if not, try someplace else… I don't think we want to waste our time trying to get dressed for our date… The actual date should be the highlight of the evening… Don't you think?"

Sayori bit her lip, thinking it over, before deciding to bite the bullet. "Alright, come in here. Please be quick about it, though!" Sayori whispered loudly, causing Goro to chuckle.

The boy slipped on his old clothes and crossed the two steps over to Sayori's changing room, laughing as she unlocked the door and pulled him in, closing it and locking it, before actually bothering to put up the curtain the changing rooms were provided with.

"Alright, zip me in," Sayori said, turning her back to him and pulling her hair over her shoulder so that it didn't get caught.

"We aren't even going to waste time on pleasantries? I was just going to tell you how absolutely beautiful you are," Goro said, before grunting as Sayori caught him by surprise, falling backwards so that he was forced to catch her. The boy looked down at her face as she tilted her head up to look at him.

"I can't zip you up while you're leaning against me like this," Goro commented, not wanting to get the zipper tangled in the hair that was dangling all over the place.

Sayori smiled at him sweetly, raising her eyebrow. "Do you want to kiss me?"

"Very much. Yes," Goro answered. "Why? Are you only going to stand up if I 'pay the toll' and give you a kiss?"

"Now that I know you want to kiss, yup," Sayori answered. "On the lips, cheeks, forehead, wherever on my face that you want. Go ahead!"

"For someone that got embarrassed about taking a bath together, and about me coming into your changing room, you suddenly seem very open right now," Goro said, causing Sayori to pout.

"Well… it's embarrassing to think about it, but being alone together, and together with you, is the whole point of this evening, so…" Sayori smiled sheepishly. "You want a kiss, and I want a kiss…"

"Alright," Goro leaned down and pecked her on the forehead. "It's a bit hard to kiss you on the lips when your head is leaning back like this, so I hope you aren't disappointed."

"I could never be disappointed with you doing your best," Sayori replied, pushing off of him and standing up, grabbing her hair as Goro pushed it back over her shoulder. He pulled the zipper up all the way back to her neck, and did his best to fasten the cloth ribbons around her waist.

Sayori used the double mirrors in the dressing room and giggled. Goro had basically done a necktie, not knowing how to do a pretty bow without making it look like he had simply tied his shoes. She noticed Goro frowning and blushing in embarrassment, and quickly corrected herself.

"Honestly, I really like it. It trails down the skirt and looks much more fancy than the knot I would have just ended up doing." The girl looked at the articles of clothing he had brought with him and noticed a tie among them, grabbing it and smiling. "How about we change it up? You'll get a bow around your neck, and then we're even!"

Goro released a dry chuckle, nodding his head. "Alright… that sounds fair… and nice." He paused for a moment, looking at her with a raised eyebrow of his own now. "Are you sure that you like what I did to the dress?"

"Of course!" Sayori chirped, pushing him down onto the bench in the dressing room. "Now hurry and change! Pretty please?"

"Alright," Goro replied, reaching down and once again unbuttoning his shirt. He cringed, as Sayori inevitably noticed his chest. It hadn't been that he was hiding anything from her… Just that he had neglected to show her an updated version of his body in the few hours that had passed since they had gotten back together.

Sayori gave a soundless gasp, gaping like a fish, as she suddenly bent down in front of him and nearly ripped the shirt open, her eyes watering at the scars that now littered his body. Goro already knew about the gunshot wound that the Cognitive version of him had given him, but the long slash running down his chest and body had been a surprise when he had first started changing. He supposed getting cut by the tip of a ginormous, godly sword would have left a mark though. Honestly, he was surprised it wasn't worse, considering how it made him feel like he was going to actually die earlier.

Sayori ran a gentle hand down the discolored marks for a few moments, frowning, before pulling away. "I… I'm sorry. You got those because of me…"

"And…?" Goro asked, tilting his head and smiling. "You've nearly sacrificed your morals to defend me, Sayori. You don't regret it, do you?"

"No…" Sayori trailed off. "Still, you nearly died so many times… for us, and you have the scars to prove it. In comparison, I feel like I haven't done much for you."

"Well, these scars are just another gift, then," Goro said, extra cheerfully. It was an attitude that made even him cringe, so he sighed and instead brought the girl close for a hug. "I'm fine with them, Sayori. I may even like them. They remind me that I have something to protect now… A more meaningful purpose… At least, that's what I predict they will turn out to be. I haven't really had them that long…"

"Okay…" Sayori mumbled, her face quivering. She felt stupid for crying if he really felt that way, but it was so hard for her to think of anything else other than that he had gotten hurt to protect her.

"You've gotten hurt, and hurt yourself enough times. I wouldn't want you to get hurt, even if it was for my sake," Goro continued. "So… actually yes. I am certain that I like having these… It's better to be scarred and alive, than dead with just a gunshot wound."

"Alright… Okay. You have a good point," Sayori said with a sniffle. She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips, a watery smile slipping onto her face. "Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for never trying to make me feel guilty, and for being alive right now."

Goro grimaced, knowing it was less than a day ago that he had been ready to give up, lay down, and die… for weeks. He had Sayori to thank, for making him want to get back up. He kissed her back, and then pushed her away lightly.

"I need to get dressed. We should be quick so we don't get kicked out for locker room cuddling," shrugged on a blue button up, quickly fastening his buttons and being thankful he didn't have a zipper in the back like Sayori.

"Now you're the nervous one," Sayori replied with a giggle, sitting and waiting patiently. He turned towards her when he was all dressed in a white suit, and she quickly tied purple cloth around his collar into a nice bow.

The two gathered their clothes together into shopping bags and walked out of the dressing room. They pooled their money together to pay for their clothes, and Goro silently admired Sayori in her dress as the clerk scanned the clothing tags on their necks.

Just like the rest of her, Sayori's dress was truly appreciated in light, which the dressing rooms had a pathetically small amount of. The majority of it was a soft sparkly material that was mainly purple with pink and yellow gradients. Small pink ribbon straps kept it up, while white loose fabric puffed up out of the top of the dress and made up long sleeves. The front also had white ribbon that laced up her front and ended in a big bow at the top of her chest, clearly just for show, with the zipper and identical white ribbon in the back that Goro had done for her. She had also grabbed a white lace necklace and fake pearl earrings, as well as a white hair bow. For common sense purposes, she was also wearing a pair of white, thick tights.

This was all why Sayori was sharing the cost of the outfits with him. At this point, with her share of the money she got for all of her excursions as a Phantom Thief, she probably had more money than Goro, and soon enough she would have nothing to spend it on when she returned home, so she was perfectly fine with spending it all in one night.

This was also why the store employees were all rolling their eyes as the pathetically enthralled boyfriend they were currently taking money from. They all knew the two had broken the dressing room rules, but at this point they all just wanted their shift to end so they could go home for Christmas. So, they stomached their comments and unclipped the security tabs on the clothes, going back to their phones and magazines as the two shrugged on new coats and left the store.

"We probably could have gotten the girl to buy a new pair of shoes, too," one of the stingier employees brought up.

"Ugh… Shut up. They paid a small fortune," another replied, gloomily looking at a clothing magazine.

Sayori linked arms with Goro, feeling a bit silly as she was wearing her tennis shoes, while Goro had his usual nice dress shoes on, though they were incredibly scuffed and damaged at this point.

"You look all comfy and warm in that coat… If I didn't know we were in a video game, I would ask if that was real fur that was dyed,," Goro commented, pulling his long tan coat tight around him. Sayori smiled and blushed… or maybe her face was just cold, as she hugged his arm and leaned against him.

"It feels soft, doesn't it?" Sayori asked, pulling the light pink, sparkly, fluffy fur coat around her and giggling. It was so soft and warm, and she knew from the looks Goro kept giving her that it was, in fact, very huggable looking.

Her question was enough permission for him to pull her into a tight hug, which was further proof of her opinion. He squeezed her tightly for a few long moments, and then nodded, loosening her from the hug and holding her hand. She looked down and was glad they had even managed to find a pair of white gloves for him.

"Yes… It felt very… poofy?" Goro commented, before shaking his head and deciding not to think about it. "Anyway, it still should be early enough to find a place where we can get dinner and hold hands and… talk." It still wasn't too dark out yet, but with it being winter it wouldn't take long.

"Yeah… I guess we should figure that out," Sayori said thoughtfully.

"Actually…I think I might know a place," Goro replied, confident now that they could take their time and walk.

"Th-that's-" Sayori cut herself off and went pale. Goro quickly stood in the view of any passerby, watching sadly as Sayori glitched for a few seconds, before stabilizing finally and looking down at her hands sadly.

"Oh… I guess we'll have to keep an eye on that," Sayori said, her voice small as she hugged Goro and resisted the urge to cry.

"We can get a private booth," Goro promised, pulling Sayori slightly away to look at her. "So… Dinner?"

"Y-yeah, let's go!" Sayori said, forcing a smile onto her face. "L-let's get out of this cold!"

---

Sayori looked around the dark, small bar with some astonishment. She hadn't really expected that they would be going to a place like this to eat, though it did seem like the perfect location on such short notice. There were a few other couples that seemed to have the same idea as them, scattered around the restaurant. Soft jazz music floated through the air, coming from a live performance from a woman leaning on a piano in the middle of the lounge.

"Are we allowed in here?" Sayori asked, tilting her head at the unclear ages of the other people.

"It's okay. I know the owner somewhat, though it has been a while. Still, you and I will be in a private booth and not get anything alcoholic," Goro assured, walking up to the counter and setting his arm over the counter. "Muhen-san!"

A bald man wearing a fedora and sunglasses turned around and brightened up when he saw Goro. "Akechi-san! It's been too long! What kept you?" The man walked up, looking around his slightly dirty bar sheepishly. "I figured you thought yourself too classy for a place like this, or something. I haven't really been doing well financially, lately, so…"

"It's okay," Goro replied with a muted smile. "And… I'm sorry. I've just been busy lately, I guess. I should have come through. With all the popularity I had a little bit ago, maybe I could have brought some attention to the Jazz Jin."

"It's fine! Better late than ever!" Muhen replied, before leaning to the side and looking at Sayori, a smirk sliding onto his face. "And I see that you have been… busy." Goro went red and began to stutter in protest, only for Muhen to put a calming hand on his shoulder. "Glad to see that the tabloid's weren't just spewing crap when they said you made yourself a special friend. You need some more of those, special or otherwise."

Muhen grinned and leaned forward, holding out a hand for Sayori to shake. The girl took it tentatively, and was pleasantly surprised that the man she had originally assumed to be a flirt did not trick her and kiss her hand, but gave her a gentle handshake in a reassuring, strong grip. "Do you have a name, special friend?"

"Sayori Matsu," the girl replied, letting go of the handshake first and hugging Goro's arm. "And yes, you are right. I am Goro's girlfriend. Just… Try not to make assumptions like that again…"

"Oh, my apologies Matsu-san," Muhen apologized before turning to Goro. "What brings you here, Akechi-san? It's rather late for someone your age to be here."

"Oh, well it's Sayori's last day in Tokyo, and I was very dumb," Goro began, smiling when Muhen laughed out loud, and Sayori giggled. "You see… I forgot to plan anything special for tonight, and I was hoping that I could take her out for a nice dinner… somewhere nice, and comfortable, and not too fancy…"

Muhen raised a disapproving eyebrow, and Goro held his hands up innocently. "I was already hoping to get a more private area of the bar… and I promise not to order anything alcoholic, Muhen-san! I can pay extra!"

"Damn, Akechi-san… I know it's been a while but I didn't think you would forget that I would never charge a kid extra… I don't take bribes." The man waited a few minutes as Goro frowned in disappointment, before smiling warmly. "Still, I'm not going to fail as a friend and a wingman… A lady should never be disappointed on a date with a gentleman."

"Really?" Sayori asked with a shining grin, jumping forward and leaning over the counter excitedly, causing the man to chuckle and, in an ambition, reached over and ruffled the couple's hair.

"Of course. Just keep your word, and don't even try to order anything alcoholic. We have plenty of non alcoholic options anyway," Muhen said, before stepping around the corner and gesturing for the two to follow after him.

The man showed the two over to a table in the corner of the bar. Goro pulled a seat out for Sayori, making sure she had the seat that would be hidden from the line of sight, before taking a seat for himself. The two took off their coats and hung them off the back of their seats, and quickly ordered their food.

After Muhen left, Sayori leaned over to talk to Goro with a smile. "I wish I had more time to order food… I get the feeling that when I get back home I won't have as many options for food to eat."

"Yes… Judging from the limited amount of information you have, I suspect you will only have eggs, toast, snack bars, mayber water, and cupcakes," Goro replied, frowning in sudden worry.

"Don't forget tea and cookies!" Sayori chirped, looking down at the tabletop and shaking her head. "I just… hope for more."

"I'm sure there will be," Goro reassured. "You've survived to the age of eighteen, and you and your friends are all in adequate shape."

Sayori nodded, grateful, before falling silent. After a moment, she looked back up, her eyes wide. "W-We should talk… We have a lot to talk about, don't we?"

"Yeah," Goro said with a curt nod of his own, looking down with a guilty pit forming in his stomach. "I… I know I need to say this, but it's so difficult… I don't want to, even though I know it's right…"

"Um," Sayori swallowed, her mouth suddenly going dry. "Are you… breaking up with me?"

"No! Of c-course not!" Goro shouted, though his voice somehow was still quiet. He reached over the tabletop and clasped her hands in his. "I just… I realized that even though I know and recognize that I have made unforgivable mistakes, that can never make up for all the pain I caused…I realized… that fundamentally I am not good for you, Sayori."

Sayori sniffled, sad that she couldn't bring herself to fully disagree. "Yeah… But I do trust you! I know you've learned, and that you won't do something like this again… and that you will make up for what you have done!"

"I'm happy that you have such faith in me," Goro said with a genuine smile, before sighing. "I know… that I am not good enough for you… But I want to be… I want to be, so badly. I want it more than anything else I have wanted in my life… To be able to look myself in the mirror and say I deserve to have you, and not have it be a wish, or a sad attempt at justification…"

The boy looked her in the eyes, hoping that she wouldn't be hurt, but he needed to say it. He took a deep breath. "After you go home, I am going to turn myself in-" Sayori's hands tightened around his, and he breathed sharply. "I will be at the mercy of the law… and whatever happens to me… I don't want to hold you back. I don't want you to spend your days, safe at home, feeling like you have to wait for me… Wondering and worrying what's happening to me. You have your own life, and it's not mine to disturb."

"...I see," Sayori whispered, bringing his hands up to her face, hiding behind them for a few sad moments. "Nothing will make me stop worrying about you, Goro… Nothing will make me stop caring about you… I love you…" She took a deep breath, in through her nose and out through her mouth, before letting go of his hands and smiling. "Thank you, one last time, for telling me the truth. I'm proud of you."

"I love you, too, Sayori. Thank you… And I'm proud of you, too," Goro replied, taking hold of one of her hands again and smiling to himself.

"What for?" Sayori asked, her eyes widening in curiosity, making Goro scoff.

"I think saying what not for would make a shorter list… After everything you've done, and everything you have accomplished… Never wonder what for. You're kind, and compassionate, and you're willing to walk through hell and back for people that don't deserve a fraction of that mercy… You stood up against a God, the Phantom Thieves, Shido, and me… All to defend your morals, beliefs, and the people you care about…" Goro thought for a second, and then smiled. "And I am proud of you… just because… I know it helps."

Sayori closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the happiness welling up inside of her. She smiled and bowed her head and squealed, giddy with happiness. Goro was right, and she was so happy that she truly believed that… She was awesome, wasn't she? Everyone else already seemed to know that, and Sayori knew with certainty that she believed it, too.

"Your food has arrived!" Muhen announced, sliding trays along the table top so that their meals were positioned right in front of them. "I'll be back in a few seconds with dessert."

"Thank you, Muhen-san!" Sayori called, to which the bar owner gave a small wave. The girl looked at her food with greedy eyes, and dug in with gusto.

Goro chuckled, and began to eat his own food as well, though he paced himself a bit more slowly. Still, he was proud of himself for not eating it with the trained formality he used to have drilled into him.

"Aside from how worried… and nervous I feel about what will happen after I go back home… I'm really excited, too," Sayori began. She had only finished half of her food, but that was enough for her to slow down and enjoy her last meal in Tokyo.

"That's good… Though I sadly have a difficult time imagining how," Goro said with a frown. "You'll be going back with Monika, and from what I can tell you won't have much to do."

"I'll have the club!" Sayori said with a smile. She looked down fondly. "Earlier, Monika decided that she would be stepping down as club president. As her vice president, I think I will become the new president of the literature club when I get back. I'll have a lot more control… and I have big plans. My world right now is boring and empty… and I want to do something to fix that."

"I'm sure you will… You can do whatever you set your mind to," Goro said, tilting his head. "Do you have any specific plans so far?"

Sayori nodded eagerly. "Morgana's goodbye really inspired me. I can make something of my reality, and change it freely as long as I have the willpower to do it… If I could do it here, surely I can do it in Doki Doki Literature Club… And it starts… by giving Monika another chance."

Goro choked on his drink, hacking for a few seconds, before tentatively swallowing what was in his mouth. He looked at the girl incredulously, all of his acceptance of the situation behind their parting going out the window. "What do you mean…?" He asked, trying to keep his voice level. He trusted Sayori more than anyone else, but he still reserved the right to question her logic.

"I mean… Morgana was right. We can change our reality, by holding hands… working together, being a team and a club. The protagonist of our world is different from Akira. They are barely a force in the game. Without them, and without Monika, there are only three of us. Monika has skills and abilities that can help with what I want to do. I want to make things for myself and others. Clothes… food, and activities for all of us to occupy ourselves with as a club. I want to find things… because I can feel it in the essence of my being that there is something important hidden under the surface of Doki Doki Literature Club. So… I need Monika's help."

Sayori frowned, sighing to herself. "And I know that I can't forgive her for what she did, but I also can't stand the thought of her going away, never interacting with anyone as a form of self punishment. I don't want her to isolate herself, and let her existence go to waste… I want to give her another chance."

Goro frowned and sighed, nodding in acceptance of the explanation. There were all too many ways that he could draw parallels between Monika and himself, and he needed to trust Sayori… because there wasn't anything he could do. He wouldn't be able to protect her like he wanted to, and he had to accept that. He had to trust Sayori to handle herself.

And despite his instincts, he found that he did trust her.

"So… what do you think?" Sayori asked, smiling nervously.

"I think… you should trust yourself," Goro replied, giving her a small, troubled smile. "I do trust you… I just don't trust- or like- Monika."

"That's fair," Sayori agreed. She giggled to herself. "I know that if Monika proves to be less redeemed than she lets on, I can take care of her… and if not, you'll come and save me, won't you, my prince?"

Goro blushed in embarrassment, taking a bite of his food so that he didn't have to say anything. After he cleared his throat, he nodded. "Of course… even though Monika has already made it clear that she can delete me in an instant and wouldn't hesitate to."

"She threatened you?" Sayori asked, her eyes wide in shock and anger.

"To be fair, I attacked her first," Goro clarified with a shrug. "Anyway… Let's move onto more pleasant areas of conversation… and finish eating."

"Alright," Sayori said in agreement.

The two finished eating their dinner, and their dessert when Muhen brought it over. All the while, they caught each other up on what they had missed after being separated. They laughed at how identically desperate they had both been to be with each other, Goro finding it endearing that Sayori had a drawing of him now. He genuinely hoped she would be able to take it with her, in case she needed it. Sayori nearly burst out crying, hearing all of the new things Goro had remembered about his mother, and all of his troubles getting through Mementos while they were traveling down as well.

Sayori's hellish period of rapid glitching brought on by Yaldabaoth, and the grief she had experienced the entire time after she had thought he hated her, and when he had almost died made Goro wish so much that they had more time together… That he could make up for all of his mistakes. Sayori agreed, wishing they had thought of a better plan to appeal to the Phantom Thieves.

"Monika was right, you know…" Sayori said quietly. "I am so happy you already believe what she says… about your mother. It's real to you, so of course she is real… I mean, you remember an entire Palace that was made from her desires, and times before that, when you were happy before that. It seems too detailed to not be true!" the girl looked down, her expression almost guilty.

"It makes me happy, too. If all of that was here, even if it is only in your memories, maybe whatever I find in my home, hidden underneath, will be something like that… Something good, or at least bittersweet." Sayori smiled and shook her head, looking up to find Goro holding out his hand for her to take.

"Let's dance…" Goro said, chuckling to himself. "I know that neither of us really know how, but…"

Sayori slipped her hand into his, and he pulled her up into a standing position. They stayed close to their table, in case Sayori glitched, and did their best not to look too stupid.

Though, it was hard to do that when it was just a simple slow dance. In the end, they really only had to hug each other while doing their best to sway along to the soft and steady beat. It was the most comfortable for them anyway, Sayori leaning her head against Goro's shoulder, tired and weary after all that had happened in the past, and daunted by the future ahead of herself.

But for now, in this moment, the two enjoyed each other's presence. Goro had his arms wrapped around Sayori's waist and back. He made sure it was a gentle hold, but it was no less intense than if he were practically strangling her. He didn't want the moment to end, his past burdens and future worries weighing heavily on him as well. He would miss Sayori too much for words to ever describe… It was very likely after this moment that he would never experience her warmth again… That they would never meet again.

Sayori lifted her head off of Goro's chest, and saw the spark of fear in his eyes, worried that she wanted to leave this perfect moment. She quickly calmed those worries and fears, putting a gentle hand behind his head and pushing their foreheads together.

"I have hope… We will meet again," Sayori whispered.

She put the slightest amount of pressure on Goro's head, and he quickly leaned the rest of the way forward.

They kissed each other for all that they were worth, embracing each other tightly as though they could make the togetherness between them permanent… That they wouldn't even have to say goodbye and could stay in this moment forever.

They seemed to be allowed to take their time, Muhen making sure his other customers weren't rude about their display of affection, until they both were in agreement, and broke the kiss, leaning against each other and breathing heavily.

Sayori released a short gasp, and Goro acted quickly, swinging her in front of him, out of sight of the other patrons, as she rapidly glitched against him. The boy was uncomfortable, the feeling of disobedient pixels and code grating against his skin.

When it was finally finished, Sayori smiled weakly at him. "At least it waited until we were done kissing. That would have been sad."

Goro tried to smile back, but it fell dead on his mouth. Instead, he leaned down and kissed her forehead, leaning against her heavily. "I wish we never had to be done."

The two paid a generously discounted price for their meal, and left the Jazz Jin with arms linked.

---

For the next hour, the two did their best to visit as many places in Tokyo as they could. They walked to all of their favorite shops and stores, buying souvenirs and snacks and books that Sayori would try to take with her. They took pictures and selfies with Sayori's phone, and did their best to stay close. All through their outing, there was barely a second where they weren't touching or cuddling in some way.

Sayori's glitching got worse. It seemed in no time at all that only ten minutes were passing in between them. With that warning sign, the couple knew that it was time to go to Leblanc to say goodbye to everyone else.

On their way, Sayori stopped as they passed by a sight she hadn't expected to see. Goro stopped as well, his eyebrow raising as his eyes wandered over the large amount of wreckage that he knew definitely wasn't supposed to be on this road. If the remains of his childhood home had been on this road, he would have gone a different way.

He got his answer of how this happened when he looked down and slightly to the side, finding Jose waving cheerfully at him in front of a glowing blue door. The childlike being pointed at the wreckage, and gave him a thumbs up gesture.

Goro was confused, until Sayori leaned on him with a nostalgic smile on her face. "I remember the fireworks festival, and all the things you told me about yourself."

"I remember you threatening my bastard father's life for if you ever saw him," Goro said with a chuckle as Sayori playfully hit him in the shoulder.

"I kept that promise!" she exclaimed with a loud laugh. The girl sighed, smiling in satisfaction at herself. "To be honest, if there was a way, I would want to thank your mother… There's not many other people I can think to thank. Whoever gave you such a horrible backstory without giving you much of a fighting chance shouldn't be thanked for creating you… and neither should your bastard father… I guess, thank you for existing, Goro… Thank you… Suki Akechi for being his mother."

"I'm glad that Goro Akechi exists, and I am glad that you exist for him," Sayori continued speaking to the air, before giggling. "But yeah… It makes me really happy that you exist, Goro. It makes me happy that you had sympathy for me when we first met, that you opened your home to me… and that you and I get to have this relationship."

"I'm happy that you exist, Sayori," Goro replied, deciding to be lifted the girl off of her feet and she quickly put her hands around his shoulders for support. "It makes me happy that you put so much of your trust into me, and that you gave me a friend… That you are someone that truly does want me… someone who relied on me. Thank you for giving me this bond…"

"I'm happy that I make you happy," Sayori whispered.

"And I'm happy that I make you happy," Goro answered, setting the girl on the ground and kissing her again.

They hugged each other for a few more moments, pecking each other on their cheeks and noses and wherever else…

And yet another reminder of their limited time interrupted them.

Sayori's glitch lasted an entire minute, her flashing in and out over and over again. At one point she fully disappeared for half of a minute, and Goro worried she wouldn't come back, when she appeared again in front of him, panting in exhaustion, her eyes sad.

"Let's get going," she said after a moment, standing up to her full height and showing Goro her hands, which were starting to fade at the tips.

"Agreed," Goro said, grabbing her hand and beginning to run in the direction of Leblanc. No matter how much time he wanted to have in private with her, he wasn't going to deny the Phantom Thieves their chance to say goodbye.

"I love you," Sayori began, "Thank you for every-"

"No… It's not goodbye, yet," Goro interrupted, panting. "Save it for Leblanc… Please."

Sayori smiled and nodded. "Okay."

"And I love you, too."

---

Meanwhile, everyone else was spending their time at Leblanc, having a small party of their own while they waited for the last two people of their group to return. Sojiro and Akira were working doubletime to make everyone a delicious, but quick meal that would be done on time for everyone to enjoy.

Though, after finishing that, Akira had taken to silently brooding in a corner, without really realizing he had been doing it. Sae had stopped to talk with him in private, and Akira had decided to hold off on telling her the news of Goro Akechi's return. As of now, he planned to turn himself in after the party ended. Sae needed as many advantages as she possibly could get.

Still, despite the sadness he felt about that decision, Akira took that moment to enjoy the company of his friends. Yuri, Natsuki, and Monika were getting along rather well with everyone.

Futaba and Ryuji were getting along well with Natsuki, showing her their favorite games, anime, and manga. Ever the generous souls, whenever Natsuki showed particular interest in something they presented her with, they would place it in a bag of growing weight, in the hopes that Natsuki would be able to bring these items with her.

Yusuke, Yuri, and Haru were all chatting over tea about their preferred art forms. Yuri was furiously jotting down all of Haru's advice for brewing coffee and tea, with Sojiro piping in every few minutes with advice of his own. Yuri and Yusuke were also in the middle of a conversation about art, with Yusuke's observations about beauty, and Yuri's observations about all of the interesting words in their language inspiring both of them on how they might be able to expand on their respective art forms.

Monika, Makoto, and Ann were chatting about shopping and social life, Monika having a few morbidly interesting talking points that would occasionally make Ann and Makoto glance at each other in concern. They also busied themselves with gathering Sayori's things together while they enjoyed coffee that Sojiro had brewed. Most of the girl's things had been left at Ann's apartment. Monika used her unique abilities to go over to the girl's home and gather everything that Ann remembered to be Sayori's.

"Are you really alright with doing all of that work? This is supposed to be a party," Haru said, giving the girls a sad frown.

"I feel better in these types of situations when I'm being useful," Makoto replied with a frown of her own, not at all happy with this turn of events.

"Besides, it wouldn't be good to send her to a completely different universe without her phone charger, if she can even bring her phone," Ann replied, before a blush suddenly appeared on her face. "Wait… What will be allowed to go home with her and what won't be?"

"What do ya mean?" Ryuji asked, looking up from his activities with Natsuki and Futaba.

"Well… She's not wearing clothes from her home anymore. The pair of pajamas she was wearing were too ripped up to keep, if I remember the whole conversation correctly…," Ann said with a confused look. "So… When she goes back home, if she can't take anything from here with her, will she be…?"

Everyone caught where she was going and began to groan and whine in second hand embarrassment, covering their ears as Ann shut her eyes tightly in embarrassment.

"That is not something I needed to be thinking about!" Yusuke said with a grunt. "Just for that one second of understanding what you mean, I feel Akechi will break my neck…"

"Um… maybe don't bring that up around… 'Boss,'" Yuri advised. "I get the feeling with everything I have learned, that he will be one of the people right now who doesn't want to hear that name…"

"Right," Yusuke said with a frown of disappointment in himself. "My apologies, Boss."

"I'm holding myself together pretty well so far," Sojiro said with a grin. He sighed and looked down at the counter top. "I don't know if I can make any promises about what will happen when I see him in person, but I want to keep myself together until Sayori goes home. However… that will happen." It had been too difficult to think of how to explain what was going to happen to Sojiro, who Futaba wanted to not have to deal with the existentialism of it all. In the end, they had simply told the man that Sayori would disappear to her home, having something to do with what they did as Phantom Thieves. Sojiro watching as Monika bent reality just to get Sayori's stuff seemed to convince him of this. Though it gave him a splitting headache.

What also convinced him was how the three new girls that had joined Akira and Futaba's friend group occasionally blinked in and out of existence, which was something he was spending a tremendous amount of effort to comprehend.

"I'm still worried about Sayori," Natsuki spoke up suddenly, her voice uncertain. "I still don't like… or trust her boyfriend… Is it really okay to leave them alone together?"

"I don't think we're the right people to consult about this," Futaba replied. "Aside from having our own biases, the last time we let our judgments about Akechi and Sayori get the better of us us… It didn't really end well."

"Talk to Sayori about it," Akira advised. "I'm sure you already know that she'll listen if you have any concerns…"

"I am also concerned," Yuri added. "Are you all truly sure it's safe to leave her alone with him right now?"

"I think so," Makoto said with a fond laugh. "I think at this point I can say with certainty that Goro Akechi is more of a threat to anyone that is a threat to Sayori, rather than Sayori herself."

"Most importantly, Sayori is definitely stronger than him at this point," Haru said with a sip of her tea. "She kept Yaldabaoth from accessing the menu earlier… she halted it in its tracks… What does Akechi have? A gun I guess…"

"A gun is still a gun, though," Natsuki said, her voice afraid. "And since this is Japan, it's a gun that he shouldn't even have…"

"A gun is a tool," Sojiro replied, looking up from drying dirty dishes. "A person must use it, and I at least trust what these kids are saying when they say they know that Akechi won't use that tool to harm Sayori." Hopefully, he won't hurt anyone ever again.

More time passed, and Yuri, Natsuki, and Monika's own glitching became more frequent. At one point, they were all worried Sayori and Goro weren't coming back, and began to discuss who would bring Sayori's stuff along with their own, dividing the load amongst themselves, in case they suddenly disappeared.

However, just as they had said their goodbyes to everyone and picked up their own stuff to carry, Sayori and Goro burst into the cafe, panting heavily. Sayori was holding up the skirt of a new dress, though it kept slipping out of her grasp. To everyone's horror, this was because Sayori's hands were obviously transparent, a slight bending of light being the only sign that they were there.

"Hah…" Goro gasped, falling against the side of Leblanc's entrance. "We made it... Thank goodness."

"You ran all the way here?" Monika asked, tilting her head. "I probably could have brought you here if you had called Akira, or someone with a phone."

Sayori sighed, shaking her head. "No… We obviously thought of that and decided not to convenience ourselves. Actually…" The girl checked and held out her phone, revealing that it was currently dead.

"Mine is probably worse… I haven't been able to charge it for weeks," Goro added. "And also, everyone probably still has me blocked anyway."

The Phantom Thieves all nodded in embarrassment, and Goro smiled, happy that he was right. It was a nice boost to his ego after running all the way over here had kicked him in the shins.

"I see everyone is ready to go," Sayori pointed out, her voice quiet. She looked down at the floor, her eyes widening in surprise. "You got my stuff?"

"Of course. It was easy with Monika's help," Ann answered.

Akira looked at Sayori's disappearing hands, which was now extending up to her arms. "Would you like us to help you load up? I don't think you could pick anything up with those hands."

"Yeah, that would be appreciated," Sayori answered with a sheepish smile. "It really is time to go… huh…"

The sadness in the room was becoming unbearable, so Ryuji quickly stood up and grabbed the heaviest backpack. Sayori gigged slightly as she held her arms out. Ryuji draped the straps over her shoulders, before hugging her tightly.

"Don't give up on writing, okay? I mean… just because you did write until the "day you died," you're still alive… and it helps you too," Ryuji said with a grin. "Honestly, just in general, don't ever give up."

"Alright," Sayori replied with a laugh, hugging the boy back. "I already can't wait to get back home and write… There's so much I want to say… And hey, I know it won't be the same, but don't give up on running either… Just, do what you can to get back on your feet. You always seemed so happy when we were running through Palaces…"

"I'll tr-" Ryuji cut himself off, before grinning. "Alright," the boy copied what Sayori had said. "When we see each other again, I'm gonna be such a strong runner I could carry your weight up and down stairs without slowing down!"

"I'll hold you to that," Sayori said, smiling happily at her friend's enthusiasm. Ryuji stepped away, leaving room for the next person.

Ann walked forward and slung a purse over her shoulders, smiling mutely. "I wish Ryuji had let me go first. The purse should have gone on first, and the straps are going to drive me crazy until you go…"

"I'll make sure I take care of all the things you got for me, Ann," Sayori assured as Ann bowed her head, shaking slightly. "Whenever we see each other again… I bet you'll be totally shocked at how out of season all of this stuff is… We can go shopping together so I can get caught up!"

"Sayori, you know I won't really care that much," Ann replied, giggling. Sayori beamed, Ann realizing she had cheered up… all according to Sayori's plan. Ann smiled, and nodded, pulling the girl in and hugging her. "Shopping would be fun, though. Still... you'll look good in everything, because you're so nice, and kind, and an amazing person… And…" Tears fell down Ann's face despite herself. "You aren't ever going to forget that, right, Sayori? You're so beautiful and amazing, and you deserve to feel that way about yourself!"

"Ann… Of course I know that," Sayori answered. She blushed. "I mean that in the humblest way possible, of course. You and everyone else helped me know that, and I will always be grateful… So thank you, Ann. You extended your kind and generous heart to me, and it changed me forever. You're so amazing, and strong! Don't let anyone take that away from you!"

"I know that we won't… Neither of us will," Ann separated from the hug, wiping tears out of her eyes and smiling.

Yusuke walked up, holding a satchel that he draped over the growing pile of bag straps on Sayori. He held a piece of paper out to the girl, and she looked at it with a smile of admiration. Of course, it was all of them, sitting in Leblanc enjoying coffee during one of their meetings.

"When did you make this?" Sayori asked, watching as Yusuke rolled it up gently and slipped it into an emptier part of the bag he had given her.

"It was just a warmup I did one day… Still, I thought that you might want it, or need it. Your commission of Akechi-kun is in there as well," Yusuke said with a gracious smile.

Sayori smiled and rolled her eyes. Of course the beautiful and accurate portrait of all of them would be a warm up. "I can't see it anymore of course, but it truly was beautiful. You are an amazing artist, Yusuke. I'm excited to see what you'll have made next when I see you all again."

"I'll be looking forward to that day, too," Yusuke said, leaning forward and patting her on the shoulder. Sayori grinned and leaned forward, ensnaring him in a tight hug with what was left of her arms.

"Thank you for being there for me… You were always there with a clear and honest viewpoint when I needed it the most, and sometimes when I didn't," Sayori whispered, smiling as Yusuke reciprocated the hug, shaking slightly.

"Thank you for being inspiring… It was a true help to my endeavors, seeing your smile light up a room, or your determination and optimism… and your stubbornness to pursue your goals and dreams… I know it must have been hard to believe that you are real or a human… But you are… You helped me so much to find my way in art again... Thank you for being my friend and my inspiration," Yusuke said, his voice shaking. He was stubbornly trying not to cry, and it wasn't really working.

"Hey… Yusuke, don't lie and hold it in…" Sayori said, pulling away and booping him on the nose with a transparent finger.

And Yusuke did, not really knowing why he was trying to put on that strong face anymore. He stepped to the side when his vision became too blurry, unable to see his friend clearly anymore… Maybe that was why, actually.

Makoto stepped forward and slipped Sayori's favorite model shield in between the bag straps, and then wrapped the girl's model sword hilt around her waist, smiling with closed eyes at her handy work. "I'm glad I was the one who could give you this…"

"Yeah… It's too cool for anyone else but the Queen of the group to give it to me," Sayori giggled, sticking out her tongue playfully, to which Makoto chuckled.

Makoto sighed, tightly hugging the girl and feeling so very happy when Sayori quickly reciprocated. "I'm happy… but also very worried about you…"

"It's natural to feel that way," Sayori assured, to which Makoto nodded.

"I just can't help but wonder and worry. I've never seen your home, and I can't help but get scared when I think of the four of you alone there, with little to do, and only each other for company… What if something bad happens?"

"Makoto… don't worry," Sayori said, patting the girl on the shoulder. "We're all going to be okay, and you are, too. I have big plans for when I get home, and I know I can accomplish them! Believe in my strength, and believe in your own… Because you're going to be okay on your own, too. You're strong, and smart, and you can do anything!"

"Thank you… I needed to hear that," Makoto replied with a nod. "I will believe in all of that… I know you can do whatever you set your mind to doing, Sayori. You have the willpower and the compassion… A strong personality that everyone wants to be friends with… We're both going to do great things…" The girl sniffled. "I hope I can see it…"

"We will see it. We're both going to do great things of our own, and maybe even together one day!" Sayori exclaimed, holding her arms up, in the motion of making a determined gesture with her fists.

Makoto nodded again. "...Can I have another hug?"

"Of course!" Sayori shouted. "Get in here!" The girl leaned against Makoto and enjoyed the tight embrace, giving her the best one she could give her. "Is this good?"

"It's perfect… thank you so much," Makoto said, staying in the hug for a second longer.

Futaba ran forward with a blanket and pillow. Instead of a neat blanket roll, she swung the blanket around Sayori's shoulders like a cape, placing the pillow on top of the pile of supplies on Sayori's back to weigh the cape down. "There! You're all knighted and ready to go on a long journey!"

Sayori giggled. "Thank you, Futaba. You did such a good job, and I'm so proud of you!"

"Aw, don't baby me!" Futaba said, punching the girl lightly in the ribs. "I grew up a lot thanks to you, Sayori! You'll be undermining yourself if you patronize me."

"It's the truth, though," Sayori said, tilting her head and making Futaba blush in embarrassment. "Just because Sojiro has someone to depend on when he gets even older, that doesn't mean you can't have someone compliment your progress!"

"I guess you're right… So, I still have more growing to do," Futaba said, before looking at Sayori with a deadpan frown. "And I know what you're going to say… We're all growing, all the time. It's called progress and whatnot…"

"Yeah, you've got me down pretty well," Sayori complimented with a fond smile. "Thanks for pushing me out of my comfort zone, Futaba. I couldn't have made it this far if you hadn't made me tell everyone the truth…"

"Right back at you… Without you and everyone else, I would still be stuck in my room," Futaba said, before looking down at the ground and fidgeting nervously. "Thank you for being someone that… understands me. We've all been through hard times, but more than almost anyone else, I feel like you know exactly what it is that I was going through, alone in my room."

"Thank you for not giving up on yourself and your kind thoughts, Futaba," Sayori countered, jolting in surprise as Futaba pushed against her and hugged her too, obviously having wanted it badly. "People like us need to stick together."

"And we will," Futaba said, grinning in determination, though Sayori could see through her glasses that Futaba was getting misty-eyed.

"Of course we will. I can't wait to see how much you've grown up by next time... You'll be in school and everything!" Sayori exclaimed.

Futaba held her thumbs up and left the hug, joining the rest of the group.

"Thank you from me for helping her… and everyone, Sayori," Sojiro said from behind her. Sayori turned and smiled at the man, nodding. The old man chuckled.

"Take care of yourself, kid."

Haru walked up, her own sadness and grief masked by a layer of elegance. Still, Haru made little effort to hide it. The girl placed a large cookbook in one of the girl's bags, making Sayori lean forward with the weight. Haru took that opportunity and hugged her tightly, taking in a shaky breath.

"Take care of yourself, okay?" Haru said, her voice quiet and shaky. "You have big plans like me, from what you've already said, and you need to remember self care… It's very important to me that you… You stay safe and healthy, and don't do anything dumb to get yourself killed."

"I promise I will take care of myself, Haru," Sayori vowed. "Thank you for worrying about me… It makes me happy that you are still so caring after you've been through so much…"

"I don't want to let any of that define me… At least, not too much," Haru replied. "Don't let it define you too much, either. You and I can appreciate how strong we are and will become, but let's always keep ourselves in check…"

"Haru…" Sayori smiled. "Thank you for worrying and being there for me… You have a kind heart, and though you should always guard it against threats, don't let that get in the way of being kind to the people you support… I wouldn't have gotten this far without that kindness and understanding…"

Haru trembled and wiped at her eyes. Her voice shook as she began to sob. "Th-The same… for you! Thank you… for standing up for me, and caring about my situation… and I… I'll miss you… I wish there was something I could give… for you to stay…"

"We'll meet again," Sayori reassured. "And you and I will have tea and it will be downright pleasant!"

"Promise?"

"Promise," Sayori hugged the girl again, watching the girl smile and walk slightly away.

Finally, Akira went up. He still looked awkward, and it seemed that in this moment he was inclined to live up to his reputation as a quiet, withdrawn student. He cleared his throat, and looked down sheepishly. "There's nothing left to give you… Um…"

"Give me a hug!" Sayori exclaimed, rolling her eyes at the boy's awkwardness. "Get with the program, Akira! Everyone else has it down already!"

Akira chuckled mirthlessly, stepping up and wrapping his arms around the girl in a tight embrace that she of course did her best to return with her hands that she could still at least feel.

"It's so weird… Seeing you suddenly without arms, all packed up like a pack animal… Yet, you look so happy," Akira observed, ruffling Sayori's hair.

"What was that for?" Sayori asked, giggling and leaning out of the boy's grasp. "Jealous that Goro is going to get a little extra something when his turn comes up?"

"No… Just thinking…' Akira mumbled. "I wish Morgana could say goodbye…"

"I'm sure we did, earlier when he disappeared. He said goodbye to all of us," Sayori said, smiling optimistically. "You always think of others before yourself, Akira. I hope that whatever happens next… that you can think a little selfishly… for your own sake."

"I'll do my best, though you have to promise me to do the same," Akira negotiated, holding a hand out for Sayori to shake.

Sayori laughed and put the outline of her hand into his, shaking it once. "I'm guessing something with our confidant just happened?"

"Nope… I don't think that lousy card is ever getting fixed," Akira said with a shake of his head. "I don't mind much though. My relationships with everyone don't matter just because I have trading cards for them." The boy looked at the ground and smiled fondly.

"Thank you for being my friend, Akira," Sayori said, her voice happy. "You always looked out for me, and even if it wasn't always helpful in the end… I really do appreciate all the care and consideration and patience that you gave to me."

"Thank you, too," Akira replied. "Thank you for being so forgiving, I don't want to see you or anyone else that hurt ever again. I'm still going to do my best to help everyone."

"Don't forget your promise," Sayori playfully chastised. "I'll be back one day, and I hope to see you as happy as you can be."

"You, too… Thank you for everything… Thank you for being alive," Akira said, taking his leave.

Goro shuffled up next, looking at Sayori sadly. She was disappearing quickly now, and he almost wished he had gone first.

"What can I say? What left is there to say?" he asked, wrapping his arms around Sayori, wanting to close his eyes and wish that this wasn't really happening.

"Are you ready?" Sayori asked, giving her boyfriend a gentle smile.

"Never… How could I ever be ready?" he asked, his body shaking as he grit his teeth tightly together.

"Hey… I'm not ready either," Sayori replied, leaning her head so that it rested under his chin. "But again… I have hope. And do you want to know something?"

"Okay," Goro said, his enthusiasm for knowing things at its lowest.

"You have changed me for good… I will never be the same. Everything is going to be okay, because I knew you," Sayori said, looking up when she felt the tears start.

Goro was crying, and so was she, and Sayori knew they wouldn't have it any other way.

"You changed me, too… Thank you… I will never be the same, and I couldn't be more grateful…"

"I love you, Goro," Sayori said, looking up at him.

"I love you, too… Sayori," Goro said back, tightening his grip around her.

Sayori was caught by surprise as he lifted her off of her feet again. Still, she was ready for whatever came next. Before either could really process her quickly fading body, she leaned down and kissed Goro, closing her eyes as he did the same, bringing one hand to the back of her head and deepening the kiss. Goro closed his eyes, tears forcing their way down his face.

Monika, Yuri, Natsuki, and Sayori disappeared from Persona 5, nowhere to be found, and not coming back.

Goro opened his eyes to find Sayori gone, bringing his arms up to his chest and hugging himself, tears making a steady stream down his face.

Pop quiz! How long did I listen to "For Good" From the musical "Wicked," during this chapter? The answer is very long, but it really sets the mood. Other good ship songs are "Only Us" from Dear Evan Hansen, and "Learn to Live" from the official Space Boy comic dub on Youtube. Also, yes Sayori's date outfit is the dress she wears for the story cover, plus a coat because it's winter.

The next update will be the last. Though, I will probably post the notification as a chapter when I start writing the sequel. That will not be for a while though. Next chapter I will probably have my partner, my best friend that made the cover art(maybe), and myself all share a few words about what this project has meant to us, but for now, I just want to say it has been a wonderful three years. Thank you all for reading, leave a review if you please, and for the last time for A New Route, I'll see you next time!