December 6th Tuesday

Crow stared up at the 'pleasure dome.' The phallic tower cast an ominous shadow over the current group. He hated this place the most out of the 60 or so palaces he had entered as his father's attack dog. The fact he was standing here right now preparing to enter it once again; put him on edge. The adults were exhausted from the fight with his father the other day. Crow didn't blame them, he would have liked nothing more than to curl up in a warm bed with some heavy painkillers and sleep both his fatigue and pain away. His shoulder wasn't any better after all.

However, this was more important than any of that. If Shido required justice than the man known as Hirokazu Temko needed it just as much. Crow would forgo his comfort to make sure this depravity of a man got the justice he so desperately had earned. Gripping his laser saber, Crow looked towards the adults as they got ready. Yu, Naoto, Rise, Chie, and Kanji were all getting ready not more than a foot from him.

The other thieves had no clue what the adults and Crow were doing. They didn't need to know, they didn't need to see the sick stuff that the outside of the tower shielded them from currently. Crow knew and had heard the screams. He didn't wish that fate of exploring this tower of pornography on anyone. Not that Crow had a choice now, Yu and the other adults wouldn't let this one go either. Crow felt almost sorry for them but appreciated the help none the less.

A calling card had been sent to Hirokazu's e-mail this morning to a secret account the detective prince knew he would check. Hirokazu kept many things about himself private so that e-mail was the prime way of contacting him. The tension that hung in the air around the tower was enough of a reason to know that the e-mail had worked. Hirokazu was aware his treasure could be taken.

It might have been risky to send a calling card before everyone had a chance to infiltrate the palace but Crow already knew his way around. All of the doors were unlocked for him and he had access to Temko's inter-chamber at the top of the tower. Even if Yu and his group were adults, he wished to conceal at least some of the utter immorality and sickness this seemingly benign tower contained within its walls.

"Crow, are you alright?" The voice of Naoto drew Crow out of his introspecting.

"Yeah, I'm quite fine." The boy detective announced to his sister, even if his statement was a lie.

Naoto's lips pressed into a thin line as she gave him a look. "You're a little pale in the face, are you sure you don't need some more painkillers?"

Naoto was sharp, Crow knew that. The thing was, it wasn't the injury that was making him feel uneasy. It was the memories of what the tower held. Sure his shoulder held a small explosion of pain every time he remotely tried to move it, but that was physical pain. That pain wasn't a problem. That pain he could ignore if he tried hard enough. The memories were a different story altogether. Taking a deep breath, he banished the recollections to the back of his mind as his eyes settled on Naoto.

"I'll live," Crow informed Naoto with a wave of his good arm before he looked to the collection of adults. "Are you all ready to enter this palace?"

"I think we are." Yu cast one final look around his group looking for any dissidence but finding none. "Crow you're on point, I'll follow your lead."

"Good, follow me. Princess I'd suggest not scanning this place. I already know the layout." Crow turned and headed towards the entrance of the tower.

One deep breath was all the comfort the boy would give himself to steel his resolve. Crow put away his saber in favor of his actual pistol. One thing he realized coming to the cognitive world with an actual gun with actual bullets, is that it worked more like Naoto's gun than the thieves' weapons. Something about having an honest weapon rather than manufactured fake meant it also had the same infinite ammo property that Naoto's had but seemed to have a slight decrease in power.

Leveling his weapon off against a large shadow that mulled outside of the tower, Crow opened fire. A roar of aggression echoed in the air only half a second later. The shadow pulled its Tommy gun-like weapon against the group but Crow was far too fast and far stronger than this shadow. Switching the gun for his saber, Crow ducked the spray of bullets from the shadow. Closing the distance in the blink of an eye, he pulled up, slashing his saber through the middle of the shadow. A groan was heard as the shadow dissolved behind him. Crow flicked his saber just as the adults reached the base of the stairs.

"Steel yourselves for what is to come." With that last warning, Crow turned and headed into the entrance of the pleasure dome.

The sound of pencil scratching against paper was the only noise that filled the small room. It was a soft noise and easily something that quickly became white noise. Ren was slowly beginning to enjoy the noise as it reminded him of the woman that made it. Ren cast a lazy glance towards Makoto as she sat at her desk. At the moment Ren was currently in his girlfriend's room wasting time until the art show that was going to start at 7. Makoto had invited him over to just hang out that afternoon. Sae was getting an influx of material from Naoto's investigation and would be working late in the next few days. Makoto saw that as an opportunity to smuggle her boyfriend into her shared apartment, which Ren was more than happy to oblige. He enjoyed spending as much time as he could with Makoto even if it was resting on her bed well she studied. Ren wasn't the type that needed to fill a meeting up with empty words, just being around someone he cared about was perfectly fine with him.

There was the sound of the pencil hitting the desk that was quickly followed by the gentle sound of Makoto closing her laptop. Ren watched his girlfriend stretch her shoulders before she slowly spun in her computer chair to glance at Ren who was laying on her bed. Ren offered her a welcoming smile. She seemed amused by him before she leaned forward and without a word pulled off his glasses. The gesture was more symbolic than anything else. She wanted to see the true Ren, not the one that hid behind those black glasses. Maybe one day Ren would retire his glasses and let everyone see the man behind them. But for now, that person was reserved only for Makoto and her alone.

"Better." Makoto folded up his glasses and placed them on the desk next to her homework.

"I'm going to need those back later," Ren explained.

"You can have them back before you leave." Makoto chided softly.

Makoto got up from her chair and joined him on the bed. She moved carefully as to not hurt his injured side as she snuggled up next to him. It was then that Ren's girlfriend rested her head against his chest as her arm became draped across his torso. Ren was perfectly fine with this arrangement and wrapped his arm around her as they simply cuddled. Again there was no need for words. The hardened battle from yesterday and the renewed ache in his side was more than reason enough for him to just enjoy resting with one of the people he cared the most about in this world. Makoto seemed to follow similar logic and let the peaceful moment just wash between the two of them.

Still, Ren had to wonder if it was over. Something about it all seemed to indicate there was more to all of this. It was a step in the right direction but was taking down Shido all that was needed to stop the ruin that was supposedly coming? If Shido wasn't the end game then what or who was? It was questions like this that Ren tried to keep himself from thinking about. If he didn't, he would quickly fall down a rabbit hole that made him lose sleep. Luckily there was the best distraction currently curled up against him and Ren banished the thoughts from his mind as he focused on the girl in his arms.

The silence along with the comforting feeling quickly put Ren in a calming sleepy state. His body, after all, was still exhausted from the battle the day before. Never had he got his spiritual power that low before but there hadn't been any other choice. His eyelids started to feel heavy but he was forced to remember that he had other obligations tonight. Yusuke was the last of his friends he had yet to obtain a true bond with and as much as he wanted nothing more than to snuggle with his girlfriend in bliss, Yusuke needed him too. Ah, the problems with being a leader. Maybe he should have forgone coming over to see Makoto, but as he glanced at the woman in his arms he knew he had made the right choice.

Shifting slightly and ignoring the blaze of pain that sprung up in his side, Ren reached for his phone. It was 5:12, which meant he had about an hour before he should be leaving Makoto's place to head to the show. The art show was about a 20-minute walk and because of its proximity, Ren had agreed to come over. He still wanted to arrive a little early to meet up with Yusuke so leaving in an hour would hopefully give him plenty of time. Ren set a quick alarm on his phone before he settled down ready to make the most of the hour he had.

"So you got an hour." Makoto's voice drifted through Ren's sleepy state.

"Yeah." Ren yawned unable to fight this sleepiness much longer.

"You're heading out to that art exhibit for Yusuke aren't you?" Makoto inquired.

Ren forced himself to open his eyes and glance up at the soft light that illuminated Makoto's room so he wouldn't suddenly fall asleep. "It should hopefully be my last true bond."

"Too bad you couldn't get it before the Shido battle." Makoto yawned proving he wasn't the only one getting sleepy in their current atmosphere.

"Yusuke scheduled this with me weeks ago, apparently he's putting the piece he has been working on these last couple months up there for an art competition," Ren explained once again closing his eyes.

"Hmmm." Makoto hummed as she seemed to snuggle closer to him.

Their conversation lapsed there. Ren felt himself drift off as unconsciousness overtook his body. At that moment everything was perfect in Ren's world. The stress of what had happened yesterday was a far lost memory. If he could of Ren would have stayed like this for a few more hours. The hour seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye and soon the alarm stirred Ren awake. Sighing to himself, he glared down at his phone that now read 6:13. Makoto moved from his chest before she sat up and offered him a lazy smirk.

"I suppose it's time for you to go." Makoto stretched before she yawned again.

Ren glanced up at his girlfriend before he shifted and threw his arms around her and pulled her back onto the bed with him. Makoto let out a small squeak of surprise, a magical melody to Ren's ears. His side ached from the effort but Ren chose to ignore it. Makoto landed on top of his chest as her crimson eyes flashed at him with a look of surprise. Ren offered her a debonair smirk, the kind of smirk that belonged more to Joker than Ren. Makoto seemed to accept his smirk and offered him a kiss in return. Ren was eager to accept her gesture, as all previous lingering fatigue faded as their lips connected. The kiss didn't last long but it was more than enough for Ren to crave more. Makoto freed herself from her boyfriend's grasp and stood up.

"Now it's time for you to go," Makoto advised as she offered him a hand to get up.

"It's almost like you want me to leave." Ren pouted as he accepted his girlfriend's help.

Makoto gave him an innocent look. "I don't, but if you stay I can't promise I can behave myself any more around you."

Ren felt electricity run up and down his body at his girlfriend's statement. He suddenly felt thirsty for her, but as he looked at her she seemed to shrug off the comment. Makoto turned away from him and retrieved his glasses from her desk and handed them to him. Ren accepted his glasses, putting them on but was unable to keep that hungry look off his face. Makoto only smirked at him before giving him a light shove towards her door.

"Some other time then?" Makoto teased.

"You're so cruel." Ren pouted trying to keep his hormones in check.

"Than do something about your side, but for now I guess it'll just have to be an I.O.U?" Makoto beamed at him a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"…Yusuke doesn't need me." Ren suddenly announced.

Makoto chuckled. "Go be a leader Ren and get your last true bond. Come on, I'll walk you down."

Ren reluctantly got ready to leave, as much as his teenage hormones begged him to stay. He knew Makoto would insist, as much as they both wanted to stay together. Getting a true bond with the last of the Phantom Thieves was an important mission that only he could do. There was still uncertainty lingering in the future and everyone needed to be ready. Makoto escorted him down to the street and after another quick kiss, Ren headed out. As he walked away he could feel Makoto's gaze on his back. It took more willpower than Ren was expecting to keep walking, but he did anyway.

The art exhibit was a swift walk and while it was 6:30 at night, the Tokyo streets were still very much alive. Ren slipped into the crowds pulling up the hood on his hoodie as he made his way towards his destination. The art show was at a local gallery Yusuke had known well. It was one of those hole-in-the-wall places that only the artsy crowd knew about, as Ren would have easily overlooked the place if he didn't have a friend like Yusuke. As he approached the building, he noticed a small crowd was gathered outside. There was a good turnout for the event, something that had to be good for Yusuke. After sending his artist friend a quick text that he arrived Ren quickly found Yusuke in the crowd. Yusuke looked a bit nervous and he also looked a bit flushed.

"Did you eat this morning?" Was the first thing Ren had to ask.

"I can assure you I did eat this morning, but I have to admit I've been nervous about tonight's gala," Yusuke admitted. "Also the struggle we endured the other day does appear to have me a tad fatigued."

"Well, I'm sure you'll show Kawanabe-san your belief in art." Ren offered.

"I do believe that as well. Looks like they are letting people in, shall we go see my improved piece?" There was a slight excitement to Yusuke's voice, making Ren realize he had made the right call in coming tonight.

"Yeah, let's head inside." Ren slid his hands into his pockets as he nodded.

It took a few minutes as they waited in line to get into the venue before they finally managed to get through the doors. All around them there was art aligning all of the walls. Most of it looked good to Ren's fairly amateur eyes, but Yusuke was the real expert. Ren glanced towards Yusuke as he examined several pieces before they seemed to continue. Ren just casually followed after his friend occasionally hearing him mutter something under his breath about a particular piece. After a while, Ren caught something a bit more familiar. Ren nudged Yusuke pointing to the painting that sat against a far wall.

"Ah, there it is." Yusuke seemed relieved as they approached the painting.

The once dark painting had been artfully remastered into a piece that played off both the white and black color spectrums. While the previous iteration had been well painted, this new one had an eye-catching appeal that drew even Ren's amateur eye towards it. It was beauty upon canvas and Ren couldn't be prouder of Yusuke for making such a piece. As Ren approached he noticed that the picture was hanging up among a winner circle of paintings. Several people were gathered around it and only as they got close did both men realize that it had won the competition. They both stood there a minute in a bit of shock and awe before Ren glanced at Yusuke.

"I still have much to learn, but I finally painted something that I can be satisfied with. Yes. This is the true heart of humanity. The title is "Desire and Hope." What do you think?" Yusuke asked looking in Ren's direction.

"It turned out well," Ren replied as he adjusted his glasses.

"I added aspects that were previously lacking. This light… It is all of you… The title lists hope, but in my mind, it's a much more concrete thing. I can't believe I didn't realize that until now…" Yusuke explained his eyes fixed upon the painting.

"Hmmm…" A new voice drew Ren's attention as Kawanabe stepped up to the painting to admire it.

Ren saw Yusuke tense slightly as the man approached. Kawanabe was a true art critic understanding nuance and form in ways Ren didn't think he'd be able to. He had become Yusuke's harshest critic and yet the old man was also someone Yusuke needed to prove something to. Ren glanced between the two wondering what was going to happen now. Yusuke had proved himself as an artist by taking the top spot had he not?

"You…"Yusuke called to the man before them.

"…It's a good painting." Kawanabe announced and that was the most praise he had seen be lavished upon Yusuke.

"Huh?" Yusuke seemed shocked at the praise.

"It's not trying to be eccentric for the sake of being eccentric like the last time. To think the same painting can change this much…" Kawanabe put his arms behind his back before he turned and stepped up to Yusuke. "So this is the answer you've come up with?"

"… It is." Yusuke was trying to keep his voice firm and confident but to Ren's ear, he could hear a bit of anxiety echo in Yusuke's words.

Kawanabe nodded in an almost understanding way. "Desire and Hope… I see. Beauty and ugliness… Humans are creatures that possess both. It seems you understand that." There was wisdom that echoed in Kawanabe's words.

"What are you playing at?" Yusuke asked guardedly.

That's when it all came together for Ren, he understood what the older man had been doing. Yusuke himself hadn't realized it. Maybe his friend was too close to the problem to see, or perhaps this was something only an outsider looking in could realize. Ren lightly chuckled to himself internally. Maybe Kawanabe wasn't as bad of a guy as he seemed to be.

"You provoked Yusuke on purpose, didn't you?" Ren proclaimed gesturing to the older man.

A knowing nod came from the older man. "I apologize. Although my intent was to encourage you, it was rather crude." Kawanabe shook his head as if he was upset at his past actions. "Still, I believe that this ploy needed to be done in order to ignite your competitive spirit."

"But… Why would you do that? What's your objective?" Yusuke's voice was gentler as he started to put the pieces together himself.

"I wanted to do something for you as another person who is free from Madarame's chains. That's all." Kawanabe explained but there was a hint of determination that echoed in his words. This was a man that had been wounded by Madarame's machinations in the past.

"Huh?" Yusuke gasped his eyes going slightly wide.

"Madarame held a grudge against me for supposedly stealing his customers from him. To start, I couldn't get anyone to rent me spaces for exhibits… He caused me no end of hardships." Kawanabe explained as his gaze lingered away from Yusuke and drifted off to a space that no one occupied. Ren had to wonder besides his students how many more people had been affected by Madarame in the art world as there seemed to be no end to his list of victims.

"So that's why…" Yusuke's shoulders slouched slightly as he seemed to understand something personal about Kawanabe.

"Yes…. The heart of a man is painted with desire, even if it's coated entirely in black at times." Wise words echoed from Kawanabe before he turned and looked to Yusuke. "However, it seems you have the strength to not look away from it and chose to stand against it. If only he had your strength…"

"You mean Madarame?" Ren interjected shifting slightly as he stood next to his friend.

Kawanabe nodded. "…. Madarame and I go back a long way. First, as classmates, then as teachers at the same art school. He used to have a noble spirit. Said he wanted to aim for the top of the art world one day."

"…." There was a pained look that appeared in Yusuke's eyes as his gaze fell to the floor. Ren could only believe he was once again comparing himself to Madarame, his own personal demon that he desperately wanted to get away from. Ren hoped one day Yusuke would be able to move on and forget about his old sensei, but that was the kind of wound that took years to heal.

"… but in the end, even the art world has its share of politics… Those who are cunning win. Our hearts were stained black in that manner. But the human heart is a strange thing. It can't completely separate black from white. I was shocked when I heard that he took you in. He never liked children, you see." Kawanabe seemed to have a knowledge of Madarame that no one else did.

"Oh?" Yusuke's attention snapped back to the older man.

"This happened just before we cut all ties from each other, but I got a call from him. He was panicking that the nearby clinics were closed and that his kid had a fever." Kawanabe gave Yusuke an intense look as Ren realized for the first time, maybe there was something more to Madarame and Yusuke's relationship then there previously appeared to be.

"Sensei…" There was an airiness to Yusuke's words as if he was recalling a far distant memory.

Ren pulled his hands from his pockets and reached out and put a hand on Yusuke's shoulder. "He was a good man deep down…" Ren advised calmly.

Yusuke let out a small hum of amusement. "… Yeah..."

"I don't want any more losers like me or misguided winners like him being born from this world. That's why I started this foundation. So how about it? Would you like our support?" Kawanabe offered to extend his hand to Yusuke before he chuckled. "Without the overbearing marketing production of course."

"It's a truly kind offer… Thank you for your generosity." Yusuke bowed. "… However, I must respectfully decline."

"Huh. Whats makes you say that?" There was truly a surprised tone that reflected in Kawanabe's words.

"I am not Madarame." Yusuke boldly declared. "I won't be stained by desire. After all, I can see hope. If I am lost, they will extend their hands. If I am wrong, they will chastise me. As long as I have my rays of hope to guide me, I will be fine."

Ren understood what he was talking about, probably way better than Kawanabe did. Yusuke was a Phantom Thief and had forged a bond with him and the rest of the group. They wouldn't let him falter. They wouldn't let his heart corrupt like his teachers had. They were his friends and they were all going to keep each other on the right path. Just like Yu and his friends did. Ren had to smirk at the poetic nature of it all.

"… Hah! Madarame really did have a good eye." Kawanabe gave a warm chuckle that filled the air around him with warmth before he nodded to both of them and excused himself.

Yusuke watched him go before looking back at Ren. "What a strange man…"

"You're stranger, Yusuke," Ren replied in a good-natured tone as he slipped his hands back into his pockets.

"For declining his offer? It is a tad wasteful of me to decline." Yusuke shifted folding his arms across his chest. "Still, I believe it's for the best. I feel contradictory, but that's the human heart, correct?" Yusuke sighed. "… Interesting. That's exactly what I should be painting. It must have been troublesome dealing with me. But for some reason, I knew that you wouldn't abandon me until everything was said and done. Thank you, Ren."

Ren had to chuckle to himself about how he almost didn't show up, but again he had made the correct decision to come. Yusuke needed him here more than Ren needed to remain with Makoto. It was his duty as a leader to make sure all of his friends were taken care of. As much as this had been an experience for Yusuke it reminded Ren about his responsibilities as a leader and made him renew his commitment. He'd be there for all of them, as much as he could, whenever he could. Ren smiled at Yusuke as he felt a strong bond forming with the artist.

"The Persona within me has awakened to a new power." Yusuke put a hand to his chest before he fixed Ren with a firm glance. "Now that I'm out of my slump, I need to make up for the time I wasn't able to paint! … I reiterate my promise to you. I'll extend my assistance to you, should you ever stumble."

Ren nodded.

"Now then, shall we go? In order for me to learn more about the heart, we need to work hard in our thief business." Yusuke turned and walked out.

Ren shook his head and moved to catch up to him. There was still much thief business to do and Yusuke's enthusiasm about it was refreshing. There were still all those palaces left out there that Goro knew about and Ren was finding it hard to justify leaving them be and letting the justice of Japan deal with them. Ren was already starting to make plans to tackle them once he got back from his trip in a few days.

"Come on Yusuke, let's go get something to eat. I'll treat you." Ren looked towards his friend.

"Really? I've been craving LeBlanc Curry for the past two weeks." Yusuke exclaimed his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Really? Curry? I can take you out somewhere." Ren insisted.

"No, I wish to have curry prepared by you so I may gaze upon Sayuri and feel the warmth of a home-cooked meal," Yusuke explained as they stepped out of the gallery and into the Tokyo streets.

"Alright." Ren chuckled suddenly understanding the aesthetic Yusuke was going for.

It would be pretty tight getting Yusuke over to LeBlanc, having curry cooked, and enough time to eat before the last train of the night. It was a challenge Ren was willing to tackle on account of Yusuke's first-place victory. Yusuke deserved at the very least that much.

The monster that Hirokazu Temko had been faded away to reveal a slick businessman of North Korean and Japanese descent. The adults lowered their weapons as the sniveling man looked up at those that had defeated him. By Crow's side, Loki loomed staring down at the man with apathy that Crow himself didn't share. Yu and his group had seen it all, and the fight had been nothing but a mix of things both disgusting and heartbreaking. Temko was an icon of human immorality and sexual desires and the fight had that point hammered hard into everyone.

This room smelled of blood, sex, and human suffering with the author of it all was currently crawling back from Crow and the adults. A flash of fear in his eyes did nothing to calm Crow's already rising righteous anger. Something dark was stirring in him, something he nowadays tried to turn away from. This feeling wasn't spawned from Loki, but the darkness and madness that dwelled from all his past actions. Akechi had been a villain and Temko had awakened the beast within him.

Akechi took a step forward, his jaw squared as he looked down at the pathetic excuse that was this supposed human. The darkness surged as he raised his gun towards the golden-eyed shadow. This was what justice was all about right? Getting even for past events? This man deserved nothing, if Akechi was stained black, then his guy was a black hole. The darkest black imaginable. Akechi's finger fell to the trigger of his firearm.

"Please… have mercy!" Temko threw up his hands. "I'll stop this, I'll break it all down!"

"You are far past the path of mercy." Akechi's words held a deadly connotation as he walked closer to the prone man.

"I know, I'll repent! Please, let me try to right my wrongs!" Temko pleaded as he prostrated himself before Akechi.

"No. You are the scum of this earth." Akechi announced as his finger tightened around the trigger.

Akechi's clawed hand depressed the trigger and a shot rang out. Before it could hit a green shield appeared around the world's worst human being shielding him from the bullet. Akechi let out a growl of frustration as his darkly masked form swung around to face Naoto, the one who had shielded Temko. Did his sister wish to stand in the way of justice?!

"Why!?" Akechi snarled as his hand twitched. Akechi refused to remove his gun from the deplorable man's direction.

Akechi expected to find anger, but instead, he found sorrow. The look Naoto gave him was that of pity which only caused rage to boil in the boy. Didn't Naoto realize this man before them was beyond pity?! He deserved nothing and even the oxygen he breathed was a waste. This man deserved death, a slow painful one that would make him beg for the sweet release death brought.

"Because I won't let you walk in darkness any more Goro-Kun," Naoto spoke gently.

The words tore through Akechi as if he had taken a full magazine from a machine gun. Darkness? His mind reeled at the meaning in her words as his transfixed righteous fury slowly started to wane. Akechi put a hand to his face only to notice the metal gauntlet his hand had become encased in and the thick metal helmet he now wore. It took the period of just a blink for Akechi to realize he was no longer Crow, but the black mask. When had this happened? Akechi had perfect control over his transformation. How could this happen? All the fury he had felt now melted in a pool of confusion and regret.

He had lost control and almost killed again.

Akechi collapsed to his knees as the black mask faded back into the white and red attire of Crow. His breaths came out staggered ever so slightly as he tried to get a grip on all the thoughts and feelings that were assaulting his mind at the moment. Shaking his head, he regained his focus only to see Naoto kneeling in front of him. The pity in her eyes was for him, not Temko. Naoto was worried about him. He turned away from her, ashamed with himself once again.

Naoto reached forward pulling him into a hug. A hug he didn't deserve but welcomed none the less.

Something about the contact made everything seem to break for him. He didn't want to be the person he had become mere moments ago, he wanted to be someone that deserved this affection. He wanted love, and he had almost thrown it all away for what? Temko? That man had almost robbed Crow of his humanity because of his depravity.

"I'm sorry…" Crow's voice was weak as he tried to suppress the feelings that kept trying to overwhelm him.

"Shh," Naoto whispered gently to him. "I won't let you do it. I won't let you go down that dark path again."

"I'm pathetic… I'm not worthy… Why do you care so much?!" Crow squeaked as his voice cracked under the emotional weight of the moment.

Naoto pulled back and offered the troubled boy a small smile. "Because we are a family."

The answer was so simple, but to Crow, it meant everything to him.

Naoto slowly rose to her feet reaching down to help Crow to his own feet. "Come on, we still have a villain to deal with little brother."

Crow got to his feet, as the rest of Naoto's crew stepped up. None of them had judging looks or even seemed to remotely be upset by what had happened. They accepted it. Crow took a deep breath, rubbing away the tears that had come to cloud in his vision. It was at that moment; Crow swore to himself that he'd never let that darkness retake control again. He was better than that. But for now, Naoto was right; they had a villain to deal with.

Crow straightened himself up and glanced in the direction of Hirokazu Temko. Hirokazu squeaked with concern as he continued his scuttling backward. He backed up until he hit a large marble statue of a naked woman that served as the palace's treasure. There was nowhere for the vile man to retreat to because Crow and the investigation team stood between him and the exit. It was Naoto's confident nod that seemed to lead the boy to believe that it was up to him to finish this. One last deep breath was sucked into the boy's chest before Crow searched into his sea of souls.

"Loki!" Crow called out, as the persona appeared at his side. Temko flinched as the persona appeared, not that Crow cared. "Take the statue!"

Loki ignored Temko as he reached out and picked up the large statue with no issue. He hefted what had to be a ton of marble over his shoulder and returned to Crow's side. At the removal of the treasure, a large shock wave echoed across the palace. Everyone was staggered for a moment as it became clear they needed to leave. Crow stepped up to Temko, he had one final thing to say to this scum of the earth.

"You will repent by bringing down your whole operation from the inside out. You will topple your empire and give all the money you made from this to your victims. Then you will turn yourself in and help bring down anyone else in this twisted scheme of yours." Crow instructed.

Temko bowed his head low. "Y-y-yes I-I will. I-I-I promise."

"Good. Let's go, everyone." Crow turned and started to head out. He was done with this palace and Hirokazu Temko.

This chapter took longer then I thought. I've been sick and my family has been sick. The problem was this chapter needed a major overhaul. The Akechi parts of this chapter were added just a few days ago to continue to round out his redemption arc, and the Makoto/Ren part was overhauled as well. I think they turned out well. Let me know.