AN: This arc is finally over. I'm sorry it took me so long to finally finish it. I'm still doing an epilogue, which I hope to write soon. I hope everyone has a great 2020. More Gnosis will be coming, too. Thanks to everyone who's read and reviewed over the years, and hopefully you'll come back to this story now and again. I'd appreciate it. Anyway, here we are!
Chapter 114: Forever Divided and Connected
The light vanished, after a huge cacophony of sound. Amara slowly opened her eyes, witnessing her allies next to her, and their confused reactions. Nothing of Janus' final form remained – at least, until they saw a tiny flicker in the sky. Slowly, it fell to the sky, and landed by Ethan's feet. It was a tiny gold coin, with Janus' faces on it. Warily, he picked it up, and gazed at it. It produced no sound, nor anything at all.
At last, the being had been truly silenced. Whatever powers Ohrmazd possessed had dwarfed Janus. Ethan clenched his fist, and gasped. After such pandemonium, the team had somehow ended up back in the cemetery, right where the pillar of light had been. It was no longer there, of course, leaving just an empty patch of land.
In her panic, Amara looked around. New Motus City still seemed to be frozen in time, but the sky no longer seemed so surreal. There was no sign of any Shadows nearby. Somehow, Amara could tell there wouldn't be any more coming. Her sword would never be needed again, let alone any flames.
"Everyone, it's finally done."
Ethan had finally said, after a long silence. With this, everyone cheered jubilantly. Several among them even shed tears, not of sorrow, but of joy. At least, the group could celebrate the end of this nightmare. The hold Janus had over this city would end, and never to return.
Before long, Amara could visit all her friends and family that had been sealed away, including her beloved father. Even Tomas, the one who had escaped the insanity of this world.
The other self, standing nearby, smiled, and even embraced Sophie out of pure euphoria. Everyone was just so glad to be celebrating with their comrades – their dear friends. Aside from the fact they were in a graveyard, it was a soaring moment of triumph.
"Blaine...we actually did it!" Lucy cried, in her Blaine's loving arms. "That two-faced son of a bitch is finally gone!"
"Hell yeah, Lu! C'mere! I've been waiting all night for this!" His lips met hers, and they lingered there for a few tender moments.
"We truly rescued our city from the darkness of Janus..." Priscilla said, holding the other Nathan's hands.
"Yes. Now we have nothing to fear..." He replied. "Rebuilding the Albion empire will be child's play compared to what we've just achieved."
"I was starting to think I'd never be with you all again..." Kyle said, wiping away his tears. The other Serena leaned in front of him, and kissed him tenderly.
"C'mon. You're the smartest guy I know. You would have worked something out, even if Ashi hadn't healed the ground itself."
"Even I wasn't sure if we'd pull it off." Sophie admitted. "Yet all the Shadows in this world have truly ceased to stir. Our victory over Janus has become part of this island's legacy. Although we'll never be known in history, the collective unconsciousness of this city will forever know we can never be defeated."
"That's right. Things are going to be a lot different in the real world once we finally get back. I'm looking forward to a whole new life. I...wish my dad could have lived to see this day. But I'll live the best life I can for him." Other Amara said. "That's all we can do. Right, Ethan?"
All eyes were on him now. Despite the team's cheerful countenances, his own was still solemn. He stared at the assembled group, and after a short moment, he spoke up.
"This coin is the last vestige of Janus. Once I destroy this, the worlds will be split apart. Everyone will be taken to the present of June 2013 – to the exact moment the Masquerade was defeated. Then, it will be like we planned – we continue our lives, without having to worry about Shadows."
"Then we should crush it immediately." Kazuya said, impatiently folding his arms. "We have no reason to linger her anymore."
"Exactly." Bianca said, hand on her love's shoulder. "This city must move forward in time, so we can see the flowers of hope bloom once again."
"It's not once of those chocolate foil coins, is it? Because if so, I'm not eating it. Melt it with Agidyne or something." Richard said.
"I doubt Janus' last trace is going to be in edible form..." Alastair said, shuddering. "In all seriousness, we shouldn't linger for too long. Janus must be destroyed now."
"I was hardly going to leave him be, was I? But there's something very important you must remember."
Ethan looked at everyone seriously. Amara knew exactly what he was going to say. It was what they knew from the beginning, when all that needed to be done was destroy the Masquerade. Little did they know that they would have to vanquish many ghosts of the past.
"The two worlds will separate, but this time, we can't go back and forth. The Neo Dimensional Doors will be completely inactive in either world, and without them, there will never be contact between the two timelines again."
Amara nodded, feeling a shiver down her spine. This would be the final time she would ever see these versions of her friends. Not only that, but after meeting Zao again, there would truly be never be a time she could see him 'alive', outside of her memories.
"As long as the worlds are linked, myself and Zao can linger here. Once the worlds are separated, we will disappear for all eternity." Ashi stated, morose. "We must say farewell as well."
"We knew that all along." Karen said, arm around Roger's waist. "You deserve a peaceful rest. Maybe someday, you'll be reborn."
Ashi thought about this, while Roger grinned.
"Hopefully not as an animal. Rather, as another bright, kind young lady, with another chance to live a long, full life."
"I'll miss hearing about your world..." Lucy said, to Amara and her world's companions. "But we'll rebuild our New Motus City so good, it'll beat your own in every way!"
"Oh, it's on!" Amara said, smug. "I won't stop for a minute. Not with a challenge like that!"
"Everyone I need is right here." Shirley said, looking at both her best friend and Dan, who blushed sheepishly. "We'll do alright. As long as you don't forget our time together."
"You better look after everybody back in Kanaloa, buddy." Dan said, seriously. "It's people like us that kept our home going, when everybody else gave up on it. It's a poor town, but it's our town, and still worth fighting for. Got it?"
"Relax, bro..." Matthew said, embarrassed. "Blaine is Kanaloa. Sure, he's a little rough around the edges, and sometimes he has a little too much to drink, but he's full of heart and courage."
"I'm cutting back on the booze, you cheeky bastard..." Blaine said. "...But it was great seeing you again. I'll keep your big brother in line."
"Clairdol's been gone for so long. I have to get back there as soon as I can, and let everyone know we're okay. Especially my grandparents." Tara said. She looked at Matthew, and her smile widened. "I...have big news to tell them, too."
"The hard work of rebuilding out city is still ongoing. I want to get back to it right away!" Aimee said, looking at the tall buildings nearby. "We've got a long road ahead of us, but I'll take that road. Even if it is an eternal one."
"We...still have a bit of time, don't we?" Zao asked, anxious.
Ethan nodded, with a knowing smile. "Don't worry about Janus. There's no chance it'll recover from this state – at least, any time soon. If you want to take some time to say your goodbyes – please do so. I'll stay here, and wait for everyone to come back. Then, when everyone is ready, I'll do what I must."
Amara nodded. She looked to Zao – and without a word, they walked towards the entrance to the church. The only time she had ever been inside was for his funeral, and that had been a terrible day. And now, she was having to say goodbye to him all over again.
"Looks like it's just the two of us." Zao finally said, after a moment's repose. "I was wondering when we'd get a moment alone."
I know this isn't the same body that we buried last year, but it looks so similar.
"Yeah. Everything will finally settle down, and this time, for good. But then you won't be there, and..."
"You don't want to say goodbye. I don't either, you know."
He held her hand tightly, and leaned in closer. This was the last time she would see his eyes, or rather, the beautiful way they twinkled when they gazed into hers. Her romance with him had come at a time when she was adjusting to her fate as a Persona user, and sure enough, he had become one as well.
"I...I...I wish you were still with us!" Amara screamed, her eyes welling up with tears. "You made every moment that little bit brighter, you know? After things with Karl went south, I was so scared about getting so close with someone else. Then you came along, and…I knew right away you were special."
Without warning, Zao pulled her in close to him, and his lips met hers. Their eyes closed, arms around each other tighter than they had ever been. As they did, she thought she could hear the waves of the sea – like when they first properly met. Finally, they pulled away from each other.
Does it have to end now?
She wiped away her tears, but she couldn't stop.
"I don't want you to go..." Amara said, pleadingly.
"I have to. This body will only last until Ethan does his thing and the worlds split apart again. Once that happens, it'll be gone. Don't worry, though. Just think of me every now and then. And come back here once in a while. You and the guys."
"We will." Amara said, managing a smile. "All of us will be talking about you for years to come. About all the things we learned, just by being with you. If you ever think you've been forgotten, just wait – one of us will bring you up."
Zao laughed, in good spirits. "I'm glad to hear that. And besides, isn't there someone coming to see you next month?"
"Y-Y-You knew?" Amara said, with a lump in her throat. "Well..."
"Hey, don't feel guilty meeting someone new. I don't think you're going to be lonely, somehow. Just take it slow, and live a life worth living."
"I promise." Amara said, managing a tearful smile. "Come on, let's get back to the others. The duality of our worlds must end now."
With that, they made the walk down the steps towards the graveyard, holding hands. Everyone had finally returned to the cemetery, with a solemn look. As they approached, they saw Ethan standing there, the coin in his hand.
"Is everyone ready?" He asked.
Everyone but Amara replied affirmatively, or nodded. The artist, however, looked at Ethan, intensely.
"What about you, Ethan? Did you decide where you want to go?"
Surprised, he stood in silence. After a moment's repose, he finally looked up at her, and smiled.
"Yes. During that battle, It finally came to me, where I want to be most of all. Or rather, what I want to do."
Priscilla, confused, looked to him. "Please tell us, Ethan! Which world would you rather live in?"
"Neither of the two."
Everyone stood there, in shock. Amara couldn't quite grasp what he had just said. What other option could there possibly be? Was there a third world? Then it hit her. Even before the two worlds existed, Janus had existed beyond the physical realm, secretly planning the end of the entire planet.
"You...you're going to stay with Janus?!"
Ethan nodded.
"We've truly routed Janus, but as long as humanity continues the same path, it will recover, even if very slowly. Even destroying this coin won't permanently kill it – it will reform, as will the Trauma Shadows. I can't allow them to return to New Motus City. Therefore..."
"You want to spend all eternity fighting Janus alone?" Amara screamed. "No! That's not fair! You should lead a normal life now that everything is over...!"
Ethan stared at her, and looked at the coin in his trembling hand.
"It's alright. After Janus corrupted me into the new Nihane Kronos, I lost all chance of having a normal life. I should be in my thirties now, but I'm still the young man I was in 2002. I worked tirelessly on rebuilding society in one world, but while I was there, I was haunted by the ghost of my other self. This way, I can keep Janus from ever reaching the level of power it had. And maybe, just maybe, I can reform it altogether."
Ashi looked at him, sadly.
"But...you won't be with anyone else. Even I can't stay with you. Once you destroy the coin, my soul will finally enter the afterlife. The same applies to Zao..."
"I...I know. But I don't want a future generation of New Motus civilians having to fight Shadows as we did. What if your children ended up having to go through the same hell you did? They deserve a life free from that kind of worry, as do you. That's why, as punishment for my sins, I'll continue the fight against Janus as many times as necessary. Time doesn't flow here...so this body won't fade, as long as I keep my goal in mind."
"But – dude, what if it takes hundreds of years to make Janus give up? Or even longer? Fighting Shadows for a year was bad enough, but you could be here for millenniums!" Blaine exclaimed.
"The plural is millennia. I understand what you mean, though. Yet this is what I want, to fight from here so that all of you can be free. And as long as your thoughts and feelings remain as strong as they did during our final battle, I'll be strong enough to challenge Janus, no matter what."
"I...I don't know about this. If you don't stay here, won't Janus come back again and again for sure?" Serena asked. "Wasn't our fight enough?"
"Not yet. It's true that we deprived Janus of virtually all its power, and it would take generations for it to recover. It may take aeons for me to even hear Janus' voice again...but I'll bear that loneliness, for the planet." Ethan said, adamantly. "I know you want me to be with either of your two groups, as your friend. And...I truly do appreciate it. After losing the Aeter Vox, I thought I'd never find anyone else that cared for me. But my mind is made up. I'm staying here, for as long as I need to."
Zao went to Amara, and gently took hold of her shoulders. He then wiped her tears away, and pulled in for an embrace like the many they had shared last year.
"I know you hate farewells. But Ethan will be with all of us. He'll stay in our thoughts, you'll stay in his. That's all we need to stay connected."
Amara held Zao as tightly as she could. Never again would she have this easy-going fisherman by her side. Yet it had to be this way so that time could progress, so she could continue as an artist, and everyone from Real People could progress with their careers. Her father could enjoy a comfortable retirement. And perhaps Marcel, the Frenchman she had fatefully met in her birthplace, could finally meet up with her again.
"Okay." She finally said. "I'm ready."
"Ethan, it's all yours. Whatever happens, we'll never forget this journey together. If it ever gets too hard here, or your duty is done...come to whatever world you like. Either one will accept you with open arms." Other Amara said.
"You've made Amurdad very proud, Ethan. Me, most of all." Ashi said. "Farewell, my darling brother..."
"Now!" Aimee cried. "Let's all go to where we're meant to be! Lead the lives we must!"
Ethan held up his sword up high. With one swift swing, he brought down the blade, slicing the coin fragment of Janus in half. With it, the coin was reduced to dust, swirling away in the wind, and then the ground began to shake. Before long, everyone from the other world seemed to be hurtling further and further away, until her eye could no longer see them. The city divided into two, almost like an amoeba. She couldn't see Ethan anymore, or anyone else. No longer was she in Zao's loving embrace.
Flashes of memories appeared before her, from across the eleven years between 2002 and 2013. For one long instance, however, she seemed to be flying past a version of herself. It was when she was first thrust into the other world, and was hurtling through the white void. Their eyes met, for what felt like an eternity. Her past self was frightened, and her face full of horror. Yet the current Amara simply smiled.
You'll be alright. Trust me.
Finally, she was sent flying again, and she finally reached her comrades, looking somewhat disoriented. Karl grabbed her hand, and everyone huddled together.
Finally, the air around her and the ground beneath her feet felt as normal. She blinked, and found herself in...
|June 6th 2013|Farawell – Aeternus Warehouse - Basement|20:35 pm|
"Amara, are you okay?" Karl asked finally.
"Huh? Oh… Yes, I think so."
She looked around. This was indeed the same room the Masquerade had been holed up in, but there was no sign of the loathsome Shadow. All because of its loyalty to Janus, they had to go through hell one last time. She took out her phone, and blinked. Indeed, the time and date were as they had been before. It was as if everything had transpired as planned – the Shadow had died as normal, and everything was finally over.
"Looks like a normal basement. Just like Ethan told us it would." Serena said, looking around. "All of the weird machinery the Masquerade was attached to is gone."
That means this building's power source has been destroyed. So, if we go upstairs…!
Slowly, the team left the room, which looked far more mundane than it had done earlier. The stairway leading up to the main area was far smaller than she could remember, Amara noted. Without a word, they went to the NDD room, where they had left their bags from their earlier shopping spree. Those were still there, but the NDD was completely dormant. In fact, it looked as if it was starting to rust.
"Looks a lot older than I remember it being," Blaine said, scratching his beard.
"So is it all over, then?" Karl asked, eyeing the door carefully.
"Let me try..."
Nathan pressed several buttons on the keypad, but there were no sounds. In fact, when he pressed '9', the key fell off entirely, echoing throughout the otherwise empty room. This doorway now finally lead nowhere. And thus, the other world would never be reached by these five individuals ever again.
"That's it," Amara said, finally. "We can finally leave this place behind. Let's go outside, everyone. I want to see the sun again."
Without waiting to hear anyone else, she went downstairs, and slowly opened the doors for the final time.
|Farawell – Pittville Street|20:40 pm|
Amara felt natural light shining on her face. The sun had yet to fully set, and while this street was quiet, she could hear cars racing by on the main roads nearby. For what felt like the first time in a long time, there was a breeze. Her watch had moved forward – time itself was now normal.
"Everything's fine again!" Serena said, looking somewhat overwhelmed. "It's...like the past few hours never happened, isn't it?"
"It seems that way. From now on, this island can enjoy peaceful days." Nathan said, smiling. "Thanks to all of us."
Blaine smiled, reaching for the ring box in his pocket. "Hey, we just don't quit. That's why we got through so much over the last year. But now the biggest worry I have is how I'm going to propose to my Lu...and no Shadows are going to stop me any more."
"Hope she says yes. You deserve it, man. Then again, don't all of us deserve happiness?" Karl said, excited. "And we got it! I...I can see Liam again. He might never know the full story, but...as long as he's safe, I'm okay with that."
Amara looked back, and stared at the warehouse doors. Indeed, she would never have to go through there again. Rushing upstairs, worrying about which Shadows she could have to face. Or dreading running into one of the Ater Vox. All of that was finally behind them. Part of her was just as happy as her friends, the allies who had fought alongside her for so long. Yet, for the one who had stayed behind, she couldn't quite stop herself from shedding a few tears.
Are you really going to stay there all alone, Ethan? We're all back home, and the world is normal again. Yet you're not here to enjoy it. Unless you did end up having to go back to the other world. But if you did stay In that void, there's not even any city left there for you. Would you truly fight to keep Janus at bay for generations? Neither of us can help you if you have to fight again.
"He'll be alright," Serena said, grabbing Amara's hand. "I'm sure of it. Don't think of it as him being alone."
"But he is. He's in that realm with only Janus and Shadows for company. How is that fair? He should be with either us, or our other selves."
"Maybe he's with both," Karl said. "He wanted to watch over both our worlds, in any way he could. He had a terrible life, when you think about it. But if his choice gives him happiness, don't cry for him."
"I'll miss him too. But he got to be himself again, and choose a new path for himself. Something we all need to do, starting from today." Blaine said.
"...You have to accept it, Amara. He's staying behind for all of us. Let's do what we can to make sure our city has peaceful days. For his sake, our sakes, and Kayla's."
Amara looked at him, in surprise.
"You already settled upon a name?"
Nathan nodded. "Yes. Kayla Albion will live in the new world we create, and there will be no need for her to ever summon a Persona. The same applies for all our children."
"Our children, huh?" Serena said. "For me, that's pretty much impossible, but...I'll be godmother anytime! Who knows, maybe I'll be Aunt Serena to your kids, Blaine!"
"K-Kids?" Blaine spluttered. "You psychic now? I need to work up the nerve to go down on one knee!"
"Please, you don't need to be Stella Cleon to know that she'll will say yes. She probably won't even let you finish popping the question. The minute you start saying 'Will you marry me', she'll cut you off, say yes, and tackle you to the floor." Amara said, grinning.
Blaine went red in the face, but smiled warmly too. "That...does sound like her, yeah. Maybe tonight, the minute I get home. I'll let you all know what happens."
"I better get home too!" Serena said. "Me and Kyle are going out early tomorrow for a video game exhibition at the museum in Legarte! It's going to be great! He's actually really romantic, and so nerdy about it at the same time. I mean, he gave me a Shiny Gardevoir for my birthday this year..."
"Now there's a modern-day Casanova if there ever was one." Amara dryly said.
"It's been a while since me and Liam went anywhere...when I get home, I'll ask him. Don't have to worry about Shadows interrupting us any more, right?"
"Exactly. You two deserve some rest before your next challenge. You're playing international now. The whole world is going to be hearing your name a lot. And I might just paint everyone in your team to celebrate our little island taking home the world cup."
"You better capture Liam's best qualities...and mine, of course. And I'm sure even Richard will turn out nice." Karl said, grinning. "My parents and his family are getting together soon for a big meal. I just hope his sisters can cope with my mother's spicy recipes."
"We have to meet Liam sometime!" Serena said, nudging Karl.
"The man who stole Karl's heart...he must be one hell of a guy." Blaine said.
"Albion are sponsoring the Motus national team, of course. Make us proud." Nathan said, with a sly wink.
"Hell yeah I will. We won't lose to Germany. Course, I don't have a Persona to get me through it, but...Aimee will be watching. Can't let her down."
"Now that sounds like Karl Davenport – the brother Aimee's always gonna be proud of." Amara said, smiling. "Seeing Zao again really made me think, too. What I want out of life."
"And...?" Nathan asked.
"And...I want to be an artist people all over the world know. Not just in this city. There are so many things that happened this year that have inspired me. Wonderful things, sad things...I could do a painting for every single event. I might not be able to tell everyone the truth, exactly, but I can at least give them an idea of what I was going through."
There's more to paint in life than just sunsets. The pain I felt when I lost Zao, and the happiness I feel when surrounded by these wonderful people. Those could make a thousand paintings.
"Whatever happens, we know you'll be a hit," Serena said, happily. "So don't worry about Ethan. We have so many things to do! Little by little, life in New Motus City will get better. And that'll make it easier for him to keep Janus at bay."
"Every single painting of yours will be your way of reaching out to him and the other world," Nathan said. "We'll always be connected, just not in ways we can see. Rather, it's what we feel, deep down."
"Thanks, everyone," Amara said. "Then I'll head home. Blaine, you better tell me exactly what happens! And everybody, don't ever forget Zao. He's always one of us, no matter how much time passes."
With a solemn vow from everyone, Amara headed back to her apartment. Ethan's fate would always be on her mind, but so was Amara's future. Rather, the future of all the friends she had made. She would make sure that years down the line, everyone would still be connected.
|Nathan & Priscilla's House|21:25 pm|
"I'm back!"
Nathan heard the TV in the living room, and it was one of his wife's favourite dramas. When he entered, he saw Priscilla rising from her chair, and coming towards him.
"I'm so glad you're safe!" She said, grabbing his hands.
"You are…?" Nathan asked.
"Well, yes! Janus almost destroyed the world! I was there with you, trapped in my other self's head...but our thoughts were one."
To think, after all his struggles to keep the other world a secret, she had been fighting alongside him after all. He took her hands and gazed deeply into her eyes.
"Don't worry. I'm….tired, but I'll be fine. Especially without Janus looming over our lives."
"Ethan must be all alone now." Priscilla said, looking sadly out the window to the evening sky. "If he stays there, will he even remain human?"
"That's something we'll never know," Nathan said. Being in that void between dimensions would change anyone, however. Perhaps Ethan would become a whole other being. Regardless of what his physical shape would be, however, his will would not bend. Janus would be held at bay, for as long as it possibly took.
"I suppose you're right. Still, I...wish he could have lived a normal life."
"So do I. But we can't come and see how he's doing. We can only lead the best lives possible. By doing that, New Motus City will thrive. And Kayla will thank us for it."
"Kayla?!" Priscilla gulped. "You're certain?"
"Absolutely," Nathan said. "Our little girl, Kayla Albion. We'll work on middle names later. I hope she takes after both of us. You most of all, of course -"
"Stop it. She should inherit the best of us. Especially your strength." Priscilla said happily. "I'm just thinking, one year ago, when you went after the man who stole my purse. If you had told me what really went on, I..."
"You never would have believed me. That's why I didn't tell you then." Nathan said, a little embarrassed.
"I don't know..." Priscilla said, finger over Nathan's mouth. "I can tell when you're lying, and when you're being honest. So I might just have believed you. Besides, even then, you were already a hero of New Motus City. You've made the Albion family very proud. And me too..."
"Priscilla..."
The two of them held each other close, as the romantic orchestral music played from the TV. Soon enough, their family would grow. Kayla might still have six months to go until she was born, but Nathan was already imagining what she might look like. Would she have her father's fiery red hair? Or her mother's golden locks? Either way, she would be dearly beloved And perhaps end up as a big sister.
|Serena's House|21:31 pm|
Once again, her parents hadn't noticed any of the chaos caused by the worlds fusing together. Perhaps it was best, Serena thought, that they didn't know their daughter had saved the world again. It would be an awkward discussion, especially if she were to bring up Nina's fate. That being said, she was still happy to see them enjoying their drama.
"How'd your day out go?" Her father asked.
"Great!" Serena said, cheerily. "Everyone's doing so well. Especially that Nathan guy I told you about. He's having a baby!"
"Oh, wonderful!" Her mother said. Just then, the doorbell rang, Serena quickly ran to get it, and gasped. There was Kyle, with a serious look in his face.
"...Serena, I'm sorry. I couldn't just wait. I had to see how you were, now that Janus is -"
"Sssh!"
Luckily, her parents didn't seem to have heard that last part, but they came into the hallway as well, and politely welcomed Kyle into the house.
"Always good to see you, Kyle, even if it is nine o'clock at night..." Serena's father said.
"It's fine, dad, we just needed to cover some of the material for the end of term exams." She said, winking at Kyle. Soon enough, she had managed to get him into her room, and she locked the door – making sure no one was listening in.
"Kyle, what were you saying before? You know what happened to Janus tonight?"
"How could I not? I was there, in my other body!" Kyle said, in shock himself. "I finally got to see how my other self fought. Wish I could make this wheelchair hover and fire missiles too. Although now that Janus is gone, he'll have to make do with one like this. Right?"
Yeah...but you and him will be just fine." Serena said, happily. "As will Matthew."
"Engaged during the heat of battle...what a guy," Kyle said, amused. "At least he lives on over there. How are you feeling, though? Not only can you never go back to that other world, Ethan is stuck in some other dimension. Possibly forever."
"Don't say that." Serena said seriously. "It doesn't have to be until the end of time. Someday, humanity will change, so that just by living, they won't cause Janus pain. When that time comes, Ethan might just be able to come back."
"You're really an optimist, aren't you?" Kyle asked. "Doesn't sound like the Serena this time last year. Of course, we changed each other's world. When I'm with you, I feel like I can go anywhere, and do anything. Now we don't have to worry about Janus stopping our plans. Not just tomorrow..."
"Oh! Yeah, we'll be going to college soon..." Serena said. "Then let's room together!"
"How did you know I was going to ask that?" Kyle asked, blushed. "Yeah...I don't want to beat around the bush anymore. We're in this for the long haul. I knew right away that you were the best girl in the whole school. Serena, I think you know by now, but I love you..."
Her heart soaring, she leaned in for a kiss. As she did, she prayed with all her heart that even after college was done, she and him would stay together. From now on, she'd keep saving the world to video games. Part of her would miss her supernatural power of Persona, but deep down, she knew she would get along just fine without it.
However, as she had planned a year ago, she had to get her story on paper. It would be her way to tell the world what had happened.
|Blaine and Lucy's Apartment|21:00 pm|
He had barely touched the doorknob when the door swung open, and Blaine was immediately embraced by the face he had been longing to see.
"H-Hey! Easy there, Lu..." Blaine said, laughing.
"I...I can't believe it! I thought you were just going out for a meal with the guys, but you end up saving the world a second time? Why didn't you tell me?!"
"...Huh?" Blaine said, confused. He saw Lucy's tears and wiped them away. "Come on, it's okay. How did you even know what had happened?"
"When you killed that damn Masquerade, I ended up in the other Lucy's head!"
He stared at her, confused. The whole time, his girlfriend was fighting alongside him, and not just her alternate self.
"...So you finally got to see what fighting with a Persona was like, huh?" He asked.
"Janus was the freakiest thing I've ever seen. I really thought it was going to win, you know?" Lucy said, still tearful. "Then, that Ethan guy, he..."
After a long moment, Blaine and Lucy finally went to their sofa, and he had his arm around her. It had taken him a lot of fighting, but he was finally free to be with her again. Now there was no stopping him from asking the question he was dying to ask.
"The NDD's stopped working, hasn't it?" Lucy asked. "That means..."
"Yeah. We're finally done with Shadows and Personas, Lu. It's time I did something with my life, without having to punch some weirdo metaphysical thing's face in. I'm going to help Kaman with his new business. And someday, I'll have my own restaurant."
"...And it'll be the best one in town." Lucy said, snuggling up close to him. "And if anyone gives it a bad review, I'll punch their metaphysical face in."
"You don't even know what that word means, do ya?"
"I'll look it up later. Now, when are you going to pop the question?"
Blaine stared at her, stunned. He racked his brain, trying to think. Had he left a receipt behind for the ring? Or had she spotted him?
"Juan saw you that day, doofus!" Lucy said, cheerily. "You already forgot him? He was going to propose to Colette! But then he saw you, and ended up telling her after his proposal. She said yes, of course, she's been crazy about him since they first met. She then called me, told me the whole story, and I've been waiting here..."
"Lu..." Blaine said. "Is it too late to actually propose?"
"Well, no..." Lucy said, with a devilish smirk. "You want my answer? Do it the way you wanted to."
"Gladly!"
He got up, and so did she. Quickly, he got down on one knee, and pulled out the box – showing the ring he had fallen in love with.
"Lucille Victoria Crossman, until I met you, my life was going nowhere. Now everything is different. I've become a better man, thanks to all my friends, but especially you. And I don't want to go another day without you by my side. Will you marry -"
Before he could finish that sentence, Lucy immediately tackled him, her arms around him once again. They fell to the floor together, and started laughing uproariously.
"Yes, you goofball, of course I will!"
They finally kissed, for what felt like an eternity. This had been nothing like the miserable days he had led until his discovery of his Persona. Where he had nothing but fleeting romances in his life, poorly paid and thankless jobs, and his heart was still healing from losing Matthew.
Those hardships had led him here, to a future with a woman he loved. He couldn't wait for what lay in the future. Tonight would be one of the happiest he had ever felt. He just hoped Dan and Shirley could find the same happiness someday.
|Karl's Penthouse|21:24 pm|
During the long walk home, Karl had been deep in thought. Once again, he had to accept that he would never see his sister again. Still, he had been able to see her as a young woman, rather than the little girl that haunted his dreams.
Aimee was not alone, he had to keep telling himself. She could devote herself to rebuilding New Motus City, and undoing the damage caused by the Ater Vox. Every single member of the resistance she had lead would be with her every step of the way.
Living without her had been so empty, and with Zao gone, he had felt a crushing loneliness, one he couldn't live with. Thus, with almost every single relationship, he had tried far too hard to hold on to each person – and they left him, needing room to breathe. All this did was make his heart that little bit lonelier, and though he told himself things would be better next time, they never were.
When he finally got home, he turned on the TV. It was still on a comedy channel, and was playing a sitcom in which a rather creepy man was discussing the 'implication' with his confused friend. As he flipped over to a sports channel, which was covering a tennis match, his phone rang. It was Liam. Quickly, he muted the TV, and answered the call.
"Hey! You're up late!" Karl said, cheekily. Liam preferred to go to bed early, for the sole purpose of an early-morning run or gym session.
"Not as late as you usually stay up, you night owl..." Liam said, sounding amused. "I was trying to call you a little while ago, but it kept saying you were unavailable."
Huh? Was it while we were in the fused world? But to him, it would be as if no time had passed at all. Maybe it was when we were fighting the Masquerade.
"Sorry, my phone rang out of battery. It's charging now." Karl said, cursing himself silently for the lie. Maybe someday, he'd tell him all about the other world, and the many friends he'd met during his battles. Or what really happened to his best friend Zao. That would have to wait. A more tangible hurdle lay ahead.
"It's okay, I won't hold a grudge. I'll let you get a head start on the morning run tomorrow." Liam said, chuckling to himself. "Anyway, just wanted to make sure we're still on for Sunday."
"Oh, sure we are. My parents are looking forward to it. They haven't cooked for guests in a long time. I just wish they'd listened when I told them your sisters weren't into spicy food..."
"Relax. Frankie and Izzie are prepared for anything. And my father's just happy to embarrass me in front of new people all over again." Liam said. "Just one thing, though..."
"What?" Karl asked, getting anxious.
"Well, I was just thinking...isn't it about time the rest of the team found out about us? I think most of them are getting suspicious. I mean, I don't want to tell them unless you're ready. But the longer we go without saying anything..."
"Yeah. You're right. Let's go public."
As he said this, Karl felt his heart beating faster. He had been thinking long and hard about this, but now he knew he was ready. Hiding his love life wouldn't make him happy in the long run.
"Y-You're serious? You're not just talking the team, are you?" Liam asked, amazed. "You really want...all our supporters to know?"
"I've never been ashamed of being with you, not even for a second," Karl said. "So we should just let everyone know. Whatever happens, we'll at least know we're being true to ourselves."
Liam was silent. Karl thought he heard rustling on the other line, but didn't question it.
"...In that case, I'm really looking forward to this weekend."
"Huh? Why, is that when you want to break the news to everyone?"
"Maybe. You'll have to wait and see. I just hope you...wait, never mind. I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?" Liam said.
"...Of course. And...I love you." Karl replied.
"You've never said that to me that way before..." Liam said, sounding a little emotional. "But I love you too. More than...anything."
With that, the call disconnected.
He's planning something on Sunday. If it's what I think it is, then... No, I can't get too ahead of myself. We've not been together that long.
Thinking of the upcoming gathering, he got up and looked outside the window. His beautiful city was glimmering beneath him, like that eventful night in December, when Liam was waiting for him. Everyone enjoying the evening would
Aimee, Zao, hope you're okay whatever you're doing. I'll be alright. In fact, things are only going to get better from here.
|Amara's Apartment|21:00 pm|
Her home was the way she had left it before heading out to meet the others. And nothing seemed to have broken, like when she had been sent here by the Masquerade. While she still intended to find a better place at some point, she was still glad to be back here. It had been her base throughout the last year, a place to rest her weary head after tough evenings in that other world.
She had been so distracted earlier, she hadn't had time to check the mail. After sorting out various bills, she had come across a white envelope, with a small item in it. Curious, she opened it, and inside was a handwritten letter and an SD card.
"Huh…?" Amara wondered out loud. "What is this?"
She began reading the letter, reading every word as carefully as possible.
Dear Amara,
By the time you read this, everything will have finally been settled, and you'll never be able to come back to our world. You won't be able to summon your Persona, or fight any Shadows. In other words, you can live like a normal citizen.
Thank you so much for everything you did. I'm able to live as myself now, not a distorted emperor. Whatever happens from now on, we won't have to depend on paranormal abilities. We can shape the future with our own hands.
I wanted to give you this memory card. While it's from your world, inside is a full record of every Persona and Shadow we've ever come across. Kyle and the others helped me put it together after a lot of work, and I'm proud of everything we put into it.
As an artist, no doubt you will be inspired by your journey here. Rather than have you rely solely on your memory, I wanted to give this to you as an aid in your career, which I'm sure will be very successful. Even if you don't need these for inspiration, think of it as a memento.
I wanted this to be a surprise, which is why I never told you about this until now. Before I called you, I went to your apartment and put this through the letterbox. While I was in your world, I saw how happy everyone in the city looked. For both our worlds, I want to ensure lasting happiness for everyone. My friends may be gone, but you and your own should still prosper.
I'll do what I can to make that happen.
Best wishes,
Ethan Walters
Amara read the letter twice and immediately jumped to her laptop. She instantly put in the SD card, and immediately looked at the folders. There was one for everyone's Persona, from the huge volume of data Kyle had cultivated. Even the Ater Vox ones were there. There was another folder for the many types of Shadows they had encountered and dispatched, organised into their Arcana. The next folder covered the Trauma Shadows in both their original and reborn forms. Lastly, Janus was there – or rather, the giant doors they had destroyed back in December. Of course, the final coin form wasn't present, but Amara would have a hard time forgetting it.
"Should I really use these for my artwork?" Amara wondered out loud. "I can't let this fall into the wrong hands."
Just then, the doorbell rang. She got up to answer it, and to her surprise, Sophie was there, smiling brightly, wearing her new favourite blonde wig, one with pink tips.
"Hey!" Sophie said, grinning. "I had to get over here as fast I could! Guess what?"
Amara blinked. "What?"
"My psychic ability is gone. After Ethan destroyed Janus, everything went back to normal!"
"Huh? How did you..."
"I was in the other me's head the whole time. I think everyone was, really." Sophie said, walking into the living room. "I finally got to feel what it was like fighting with a Persona. Then I ended up back in my room, in the middle of the drama I was watching. But I wanted to see how you were doing, so I rushed over as fast as I could."
"You didn't have to do that. But to be honest, I'm glad you're here. Trust me, I'm really okay," Amara said, smiling. "Meeting Zao again in that fused world, it was...tough. But I got to see him happy again. And he gave me a lot of advice about the future. So...I think I'll be alright."
"That's great. Even after all this time, you were still finding it hard to be without him. Now you've truly won, Amara. You've conquered Janus and your own sadness. You'll never need to summon your Persona again. But even without Isis, you'll be strong enough to face anything."
"And so will you."
Amara hugged her friend, and they sat down.
"A lot of people in this city won't have your psychic abilities to rely on any more. Guess you won't be opening the psychic parlour again."
"Nope. Those customers will just have to wait and see what the future holds," Sophie said, with a coy smile. "But that's more exciting, isn't it? Not know exactly what will happen? When Marcel arrives here next month..."
"I...I get it. He might love this city as much as I do. Or he might hate it and never want to return." Amara said, thinking back on all the things she had told him about her city. "And then there's my artwork. I might never be famous, but as long as I keep painting, I'll be okay."
"Let's go outside and celebrate," Sophie said. "After that battle with Janus, you deserve a long break. And that starts here. My treat. Come on, let's go!"
"That sounds perfect!" Amara said, amazed at her own enthusiasm. "It's odd. Even after fighting a ton of battles tonight, I feel like I could dance until morning."
Sophie chuckled. "This city has been rescued from complete annihilation. For tonight, we celebrate. Then, we work towards the next decade. One free of any interference from Janus whatsoever."
That's right. Hopefully, I'll be too busy to dwell on regrets. I'll have my career, of course, but most importantly, my father and my friends behind me. Janus tried to nullify all of those blessings so many times, but could never win.
The Sun, she remembered, was an Arcana of optimism. Perhaps it was her hope for the future that was her strongest weapon.
Minutes later, she and Sophie were heading out to Saragel, carefree and laughing among themselves. It would be a night just for the two of them to rejoice. While most onlookers would wonder what exactly it was they were celebrating, their good cheer would prove contagious.
After this evening, new challenges would be around the corner, but even if these weren't Shadows, they would still be conquered. There would be many revolutions ahead. This city would not stay still for even a second, rather it would continue to progress, no longer shedding tears for a bloody past.
A blue butterfly flew by the two women. Amara caught a glimpse and smiled as it passed, grateful for everything. She continued, eager to see what might happen next.
FIN