Persona 5: The Phantom Files

by sithlorde1988

Will cover the events of both Persona 5 Royal AND Persona 5 Scramble/Strikers. What happens when in addition to Ren being sentenced to go live in the care of Sojiro Sakura for a year after being sued for assault, his younger brother is also ordered to go and oversee him? How will this extra character change things? Read to find out! More info in chapter 1! Read and review! Enjoy!

86. Crazy New Year? Reality Check part 1

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! Well, here we are. With this chapter, we officially begin Arc 9, or the penultimate arc of this story. In other words, welcome to the start of the Royal-exclusive section of the story (e.g. the part with the content exclusive to canon Royal), which I'm both excited to get to and reluctant to type, since I know that once this arc is typed out, all that will remain is the final arc of the story, wherein we cover the parting of the ways, as it were, for the Phantom Thieves, and the ending of Royal.

In light of that, let me throw down another revised timeline for this story. Let me also throw down a pre-emptive **SPOILER ALERT** ahead of time, since this timeline will have some minor spoilers in it, so if you skipped to this chapter by happenstance, this is your last chance to back away before being big-time spoiled on things that might not make sense if you haven't read every chapter prior to this one.

**SPOILER ALERT STARTS HERE. TURN BACK NOW, OR RISK BEING SPOILED IF YOU READ ON. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!**

LIST OF ARCS FOR PERSONA 5: THE PHANTOM FILES

Arc 1: Phantoms Awaken (Chapter 1 - Chapter 12) (The first Arc of this story, which covers everything from the start of Royal to the formation of the Phantom Thieves following Kamoshida's change of heart)

Arc 2: The Kitsune Artist (Chapter 13 - Chapter 23) (The second Arc of this story, which covers everything from the first foray into Mementos to the second Palace Ruler's change of heart, including Fox's Awakening)

Arc 3: The Rebellious Queen (Chapter 24 - Chapter 36) (The third Arc of this story, which covers everything from the first trip into Kichijoji to the third Palace Ruler's change of heart, including Queen's Awakening)

Arc 4: The Traumatized Oracle (Chapter 37 - Chapter 50) (The fourth Arc of this story, which covers everything from the start of summer vacation to the infamous beach scene where Futaba joins the Phantom Thieves formally, including Oracle's Awakening)

Arc 5: The Trapped Heiress (Chapter 51- Chapter 61) (The fifth Arc of this story, which covers everything from the end of summer vacation to the aftermath of the fifth Palace Ruler's demise, and the subsequent mental shutdown of said Palace Ruler's real-world counterpart, including Noir's Awakening and Yoshizawa's Awakening)

Arc 6: Crow's Gambit (Chapter 62-Chapter 71) (The sixth Arc of this story, which covers everything from the preparation for the coming Shujin festival, to the recap of a certain scene that is previously touched upon during Arc 1, which happens after the sixth Palace Ruler's 'change of heart', including Crow's Awakening)

Arc 7: Joker's Comeback (Chapter 72-Chapter 82) (The seventh Arc of this story, which covers everything from the aftermath of Joker's arrest and apparent 'death' to the aftermath of the seventh Palace Ruler's change of heart, including Sumi joining the group and two of the Phantom Thieves being separated from the others, with one of those two being captured to save the other)

Arc 8: Velvet Truths (Chapter 83- Chapter 85) (The eighth Arc of this story, which covers everything from Ren's return to school up to the aftermath of Yaldabaoth's demise, including Joker learning the truth about the game he was entered into alongside two others and more)

Arc 9: Reality Check (tentative title) (Alternate Title: Clash of the Drakes) (Chapter 86- Chapter ?) (The ninth Arc of this story, covering everything from the New Year's Eve party to the end of the final Palace of Royal, including the Phantom Thieves being all together for the first time in the story)

Arc 10: 'Til We Meet Again (tentative title) (Potential Alternate Title: Phantoms Disbanded! Parting of the Ways) (Chapter ? - Chapter ?) (The tenth and final Arc of this story, covering everything from the aftermath of the final Palace, to the group's final farewells as they go their separate ways for the time being, including the end of this story)

**END OF SPOILER ALERTS. A/N RESUMES HERE IF YOU SKIPPED OVER THE PRECEDING TIMELINE**

And there we go, an updated timeline for the story. Note that Arcs 9 and 10 do not have a set-in-stone title as yet. But for now, the former will have the working title 'Reality Check', for lack of a better idea for a title. But Arc 10 has no working title, and is subject to change. So yeah. It is what it is there. And real quick before I continue this A/N, I have a guest review to reply to real briefly, so let's handle that. The review goes as thus:

I honestly thought that the Draconis copy would be named Jun as a nod to Jun Fukuyama who voiced among others Joker on the JP language option.

First of all, thank you for your review! Secondly, I don't usually use the JP language option with Royal since I myself am American, or more specifically Californian, thus usually have no reason to use the JP language option in games, especially ones I'm adapting into story form, so I had no idea about Jun Fukuyama's significance to the game, so my apologies for that. However, I have a reason for choosing the name I did for the 'Draconis copy' as you put it, but I'm leaving it at that for now, since I can't really give a good explanation without delving into potential spoilers for change-ups. But thank you for your feedback!

That said, on a bit of more positive news, I got a new laptop today as an early birthday present (and by today I mean August 3rd, or the day I'm typing this start-of-chapter A/N), so I should be able with some luck to resume a more frequent updating schedule to some extent. However, don't expect my other stories to revive right away while I look over what I have so far, and determine how to continue the stories that are on pause before updating further. But yeah, there's that to look forward to! Now, time for the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: I, sithlorde1988, do not own the Persona series in any way, shape, OR form (excluding the OCs Kusa/Draconis, Somasi/Slim, Kyori, Akira, Lumine, Mimille, Minako, Sinocard, or any other OCs that might appear in this story, all of whom are made and thus owned by me, unless I say otherwise), and the actual ownership credit for the Persona series belongs to Sega and Atlus (and to some extent Koei Tecmo, but that's more-so for the spinoffs and such, like Strikers/Scramble), so all credit to them!

That said, on with the chapter! I'll try to have another A/N afterwards too, so keep an eye out for it!

Chapter 86: Parties, Resolutions, and Actualizations! Reality Check part 1

(Time skip- 5 days after the end of chapter 85, in the attic of Leblanc with Ren and Morgana)

As Ren sat on his bed with Morgana, his phone went off to signify a private chat with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, and Kasumi, with Futaba sending the first response.

"We're down to only one day left of the year. I know it's sudden, but we're gonna throw a year-end party tomorrow." Futaba sent as Ren and Ryuji sent response close together, Ren's coming through first.

"Futaba? While I don't disagree with the idea of a year-end party, what if some of us, such as Kasumi and possibly some of the others, might have plans tomorrow? Did you allow for that? I myself don't have plans, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be considerate of the possibility that the others might." Ren sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Kickass! And I ain't got no plans tomorrow, Ren! So I'm good to party." Ryuji sent as Haru sent a response.

"Are you organizing this, Futaba-chan? Thank you for letting us know." Haru sent as Kasumi sent a response.

"I appreciate you thinking of others Ren, but my schedule is actually rather clear for the foreseeable future, aside from a bit of training each day to stay in shape for when the gymnastics season resumes. So I'm free tomorrow." Kasumi sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Mwehehe! What was that about people having plans, Ren? Granted, we've not heard from Ann, Yusuke, and Makoto yet, but so far the consensus seems to be that everyone's down to party. And for reference, Sojiro's making New Year's Eve soba noodles for us." Futaba sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"I am free as well tomorrow, as it happens. So I'm agreeable to being at this party. That being said, I do have a question. In that case, would it be all right if we met up in the evening?" Yusuke sent as Makoto sent a response.

"I appreciate you being concerned for us Ren, but I have no plans tomorrow either. On a semi-related note, may I invite my sister?" Makoto sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Go ahead. The whole place is reserved anyway." Futaba sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Then since we're calling all our allies, should we invite Shiho and Togo-san too? That way, none of us has to be at the party alone, other than Morgana and Futaba, but there's not much that can be done there. Sorry if that came off tactless, but that was the best way I could figure to put it. That said, Morgana and Futaba already covered it, but I figured I'd at least think to ask and try to be conscientious for a change.

But in all seriousness, Shiho's been to some of our get-togethers before, and I think it's not a secret that Yusuke is totally crushing on Togo-san. Maybe we can subtly nudge those two together somehow at the party? Plus, it's New Year's Eve, so it's doubtful either of them have plans to speak of, or at the least, they don't have anything keeping them busy." Ryuji sent as Haru sent a response. *1*

"Hee hee, I agree with Ryuji-kun. I think Yusuke-kun and Togo-san would be adorable together." Haru sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Then, Ren, you're officially our Event Coordinator. It's your job to contact Shiho and Togo-san, since other than Ann, you're the only one here who has Shiho's contact info, plus you're the only one other than maybe Yusuke who has Togo's contact info." Futaba sent as Ren sent a response.

"True. But while I could see Shiho agreeing, wouldn't it make more sense to have Yusuke be the one to extend the invite to Togo-san? After all, he's the one she's cru-er, I mean, he's the one she's closest to of this group. That said, on it." Ren sent as Ann finally sent a response.

"Sorry for the late reply, just saw the chat! I too am free tomorrow, so let's party! All right, see you tomorrow!" Ann sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Wait, hold. What did Ren say!? Did he just infer that Togo-san has a crush on me!?" Yusuke sent in shock as Ren wisely put his phone away at that point to avoid putting his foot in his mouth any further. At that point, Morgana smirked and spoke up.

"A year-end party, huh? I'm already excited! Oh, let's invite Suzui right away!" Morgana said as Ren nodded and did just that...

(The next evening, in the lower level of Leblanc, with Haru, Ann, Makoto, Sae, Futaba, Morgana, Kasumi, Ren, Sojiro, Ryuji, and Yusuke)

"Hee hee, thank you for inviting me, Senpai. Although, I must admit, even though I know I'm part of the group, a small part of me still feels a bit like I'm intruding somewhat." Kasumi said gratefully as Yusuke chuckled and spoke up.

"There's no need for modesty, Kasumi. After all we've been through, there are no strangers here. Regrettably, Hifumi said she had other plans and couldn't come when I invited her. And from what Ren told me, Shiho said something similar to him." Yusuke said. Ann smiled and spoke up.

"Yeah! Shiho's spending the new year with her family in a far-off town, so she couldn't get here tonight even if she wanted to. But in all seriousness, you're no stranger, Kasumi. You've really helped not just us, but Ren in particular, out too." Ann said as Kasumi giggled and spoke up.

"Oh? I see. In that case, I'll accept your offer. Hee hee!" Kasumi said, smiling at the group as she spoke. Ryuji then looked at Yusuke and spoke up, trying not to wince at the very lavish, but very eye-catching, multi-colored scarf around Yusuke's neck as he spoke.

"Yo, I really can't stop starin' at that thing you're wearing, Yusuke." Ryuji said as Yusuke chuckled and spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Heh, I see. So it's caught your eye as well. It happened to catch mine while I was strolling through the city. I bought it for myself as a reward for the end of the year. What do you think? About the scarf." Yusuke said as Ren pondered his response carefully before speaking up.

"If you want me to be honest, Yusuke? It's unique, to say the least." Ren said, not really sure if he should compliment the scarf or not. Yusuke blinked at Ren and chuckled as he spoke up.

"Oho, is that right? You've recognized its unique beauty as well!" Yusuke said with a smile as both Morgana and Futaba sweatdropped at Yusuke's enthusiasm, the latter speaking up with a wince.

"I'd say it's a little TOO unique, Inari." Futaba said as Sojiro chuckled and spoke up before Yusuke could respond to Futaba.

"Heh, this fashion chat is fine and all, but if you don't dig into that soba soon, it's gonna get soggy on you." Sojiro said as the group blinked at this before Yusuke spoke up.

"Ah, yes. My apologies. Thank you for the food." Yusuke said as Ann spoke up with a closed eye smile.

"All right! It's chow time!" Ann said as the group dug into the soba noodles. After a bit, Ryuji spoke up with a closed eye smile.

"Mmm! So good!" Ryuji said as Kasumi nodded her agreement before looking at Sojiro as she spoke up.

"Sakura-san, you made these noodles yourself, right?" Kasumi asked Sojiro, who merely nodded, prompting Kasumi to give Sojiro a brilliant closed-eye smile that had Ren both amused to see it and a tiny bit jealous of Sojiro for a moment as Kasumi kept speaking.

"They're amazing! You could open a soba restaurant!" Kasumi said as Sojiro smiled at the compliment and spoke up.

"Aw, thanks. Ren sure knows how to pick 'em. You're a definite keeper, I'd say." Sojiro said with a playful chuckle, making the others laugh at the slightly embarrassed look on Ren and Kasumi's faces in that moment. Sojiro then kept speaking.

"That said, I made a little too much, so if anyone wants a refill-" Sojiro said, but Kasumi spoke up before he could finish his sentence, a closed-eye smile on her face as she spoke up.

"Oh? In that case, seconds please!" Kasumi said politely, making Ren chuckle fondly at Kasumi's predictable appetite. Morgana blinked at Kasumi in shock as he spoke up.

"How fast do you eat!?" Morgana asked in surprise as Haru spoke up.

"I agree with Morgana-chan. You eat a lot more than I'd assumed you do, Kasumi-chan." Haru said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, you know what they say about assuming, Haru. That said, I'm not surprised Kasumi has such a healthy appetite. Because well, she is an athlete." Ren said with a coy smirk at Kasumi, who flushed a bit in embarrassment as Sae spoke up at that point.

"Be that as it may, I don't know if that fully explains what's going on here." Sae said as Kasumi flushed prettily before lightly poking Ren in the arm as she spoke up.

"Aww, come on, Ren! Don't kid them so much. I doubt they'd realize you're just teasing me." Kasumi said. She then kept speaking.

"Despite what Ren here says, my appetite is totally normal. Besides, Ryuji-senpai's an athlete too, and he doesn't have nearly the appetite I do." Kasumi said as the group's attention was drawn by the news at that moment as the newscaster spoke up on TV.

"Breaking news on our top story. After nearly two weeks of silence, the Prosecutor's Office is planning to move forward with the biggest case of the year. They have announced that they will move forward in the charging of Representative Shido for his confessed crimes." The newscaster said as Makoto smiled slightly and spoke up.

"It's finally happening, you guys." Makoto said as Sae spoke up with a smile.

"I was planning on telling all of you about this a little later. This case is all thanks to a certain man's testimony. But, I can at least share this one piece of good news with you." Sae said as Yusuke spoke up with an inquiring look on his face.

"And that would be what, exactly?" Yusuke asked in polite curiosity. Sae smiled and spoke up while nodding towards Ren.

"The woman involved in Amamiya-kun the elder's false charge case has finally come forward and provided her testimony. I can't say for certain yet at this time, but his criminal record may very well be overturned." Sae said as literally everyone else in the room's eyes widened at this as Ryuji spoke up, effortlessly summing up their thoughts in one simple sentence.

"For real!?" Ryuji asked as Haru spoke up with a smile.

"Hee hee, that's wonderful!" Haru said as Kasumi turned to give Ren a closed-eye smile, kissing him on the cheek as she spoke up.

"Wow, that's great! Congratulations, Ren-senpai!" Kasumi said as Sae frowned and spoke up.

"Yes, well, while this is all well and good, this is also not public knowledge yet. So of course, this is highly confidential, got it?" Sae asked as the group nodded while Sojiro smiled at Ren and spoke up.

"What great news, Ren. The only thing missing right now is Kusa being here to share in the moment, since this also impacts him too, as he's the one currently assigned to be your court-appointed overseer. Which actually means that his being missing like this is actually a bit inopportune. Let's try to keep that between us, just to be safe. That said, it looks like we really will be having a happy new year." Sojiro said. Futaba smiled as she spoke up.

"The reference to our missing comrade aside, this is incredible! It's an actual, real-life good ending!" Futaba said as the TV blared a commercial at that point.

"And after that? The two-hour New Year's special of 'Tokyo Vice'! A thrilling tale jam-packed with some of the network's most famous faces!" The commercial said as a young handsome actor spoke up.

"I'll never give up, never!" The handsome young actor said as Futaba smiled and spoke up.

"Y'know, I've been seeing this guy on TV all the time lately." Futaba said as Ann spoke up with a nod.

"Oh yeah, I know that guy. He's a model-turned-actor. And with a figure like that? I can see how he's gotten so popular." Ann said as Morgana blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? So he's popular, eh? If I were more like that human, maybe Lady Ann would notice me?" Morgana mused to himself, though if the confused look Kasumi shot him afterwards was any indication, he'd spoken louder than he meant to. At that point, the newscaster spoke up on TV.

"And now, the year is winding down to its final moments, so let's take a look at how people are spending it, all across the country." The newscaster said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Now that I'm thinkin' about it, a helluva lot sure did happen this year." Ryuji said as Ann nodded and spoke up.

"Right? It's like, how many years of our lives did we actually live through this year?" Ann said as Yusuke spoke up at that point.

"True. I doubt we'll experience anything even similar to it for quite some time." Yusuke said as Sae smiled and spoke up.

"Well, this is just from my point of view, but I really hope that's the case." Sae said as Ryuji chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh. Then I guess starting next year, we'll just be good boys and girls at school." Ryuji said as Makoto smirked at this and spoke up.

"Oh, really? If that's the case, then I assume you'll be able to handle your summer break homework on your own, right?" Makoto asked Ryuji, making him sweatdrop at this as he spoke up.

"Harsh, babe! Also, please don't go there, Senpai babe." Ryuji said, making both Kasumi and Ren both laugh at Ryuji's response despite themselves. After a bit, where people spoke amongst themselves, Ann spoke up.

"So much has happened over the past twelve months, even if some of us weren't here for part of that time." Ann said before smiling as she kept speaking.

"But in the end, we got to spend it together like this. I wanna believe that this was a great year for us." Ann said as Futaba smiled and spoke up.

"Yeah. For the most part, this year was pretty kick-ass overall. And I don't have any proof, but I feel like next year's gonna be even better for us." Futaba said as Kasumi smiled and spoke up.

"Heh, would you look at that? I feel the exact same way, Futaba! How strange is that?" Kasumi asked as Yusuke smiled and spoke up.

"Well, that's only natural, considering how pleased we are with our end-of-year celebration." Yusuke said as the newscaster spoke up on the TV at that point.

"Young people have been gathering in Shibuya all day for the big countdown at midnight, and this crowd is intense." The newscaster said as Sae frowned and spoke up.

"I really don't want to get going, but it seems like it's time." Sae said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up.

"See you next year, right?" Ryuji asked as Futaba blinked at this and spoke up.

"Next year, you say? Oh! Sojiro! Osechi time! Get those New Year's dishes ready, chop chop! And don't forget the black beans!" Futaba said as Sojiro chuckled and spoke up, smiling at Futaba as he spoke up.

"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. If I start prepping the beans now, they'll be ready by the morning. Don't worry about the food, Futaba. You just go have a good night's sleep." Sojiro said as the party slowly dispersed at that point...

(A bit later, up in the attic of Leblanc, with Ren and Morgana)

As Ren and Morgana sat together on Ren's bed, Ren's phone went off with a group chat from Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, and Kasumi, with Ann sending the first response.

"Happy New Year!" Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Oh shit! It's already the new year!" Ryuji sent as Ren sent a response.

"Let's make it a good one, then. If nothing else, we owe that much to Kusa, since he isn't able to enjoy the new year with us." Ren sent. After a suitably somber pause, presumably as a mutually unspoken moment of silence for the group's still-absent comrade, Yusuke sent a response.

"Last year's end seems only yesterday, doesn't it?" Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Should we get together for a party or something? We gotta celebrate somehow!" Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Oh? Do you have something in mind, sweetie?" Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"I dunno! Like a mochi-eating contest or something." Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"That tracks for you, Ryuji. A prospect absolutely devoid of any class or dignity." Yusuke sent as Ann sent a response at that point.

"I dunno what we'd do, but I'm totally down to see you all!" Ann sent as Futaba and Kasumi sent responses close together, Futaba's going through first.

"Same! But not tomorrow. I got plans." Futaba sent as Kasumi's response came through.

"I feel the same way, Ann-senpai! And I agree with what Futaba said, as I too have plans tomorrow." Kasumi sent as Haru sent a response.

"Me too, I'm afraid. Apologies. But any other day should be fine." Haru sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Sure, we can pick a date later. Anyways, happy new year. We're gonna have a great one, guys!" Ryuji sent as Ren put his phone away as Morgana lazily scratched the back of his ear as he spoke up.

"Um, hey Ren? Don't tell this to the others, okay? But, even after I disappeared, I was still vaguely conscious to some extent. And being separated from all of you was, to be quite honest, really scary. I thought, if it's even a little bit possible, I wanted to come home to you guys, where I belong. That's why I'm so glad I was able to come back here." Morgana said as Ren smiled, gently patting Morgana on the head as he spoke up.

"And I'm truly glad you decided to come back home, Morgana. Welcome home, little brother. Please at least consider staying with us forever." Ren said sincerely. Morgana blinked at this and spoke up.

"Oh? Heh, I suppose I could consider it. IF that's what you want." Morgana said as Ren smiled at this before Morgana kept speaking.

"Well, that said, it's pretty late. Let's get to sleep." Morgana said as Ren nodded while Morgana kept speaking.

"I know I've said this before, but I hope we keep sticking together like this, Ren." Morgana said as Ren nodded again and the two curled up together, unaware of the plot being put into action at that precise moment in another location...

(At that same time, in Maruki's Palace with Maruki's Shadow)

"At last, the time has come! Now to put the next phase of my plan into action!" Maruki's Shadow said to the attentive Shadows nearby. He then turned to the closest shadow and spoke up.

"You there! Throw those levers so we can get these actualizations underway! The sooner we can do that, and enact my failsafe in the process, the better. Soon, there will be nothing standing in the way of my saving the world from itself." Maruki's Shadow said, smiling as a familiar aura flared off of him as the nearby Shadows threw the lever, causing jolts of lightning to ensue as at that moment, reality began to change around an unsuspecting populace...

(A short time later, in an unknown location, in Ren's dream with Ren)

Ren groaned as he sat up, looking down to see that he was once more clad in the prisoner's garb he'd worn for most of his time in the Velvet Room. He then groaned to himself as he spoke up.

"Where the heck am I?" Ren muttered to himself as to his shock, he heard an intercom come on nearby.

"Attention. Class will be dismissed momentarily. Repeat, class will be dismissed momentarily." Ren heard, even though the second utterance sounded far more distorted than the first. Ren frowned to himself as he spoke up again.

"Okay? That wasn't totally weird. Either way, I get the feeling that I need to go home ASAP." Ren said as he got to his feet and left the room he was in, frowning at the hallway he was looking around at. He then spoke up once more.

"Huh? That's odd. This looks like the school layout. But I need to go home now." Ren said. After walking forward a bit, he heard a distorted voice talking.

"-I'd get cool times, try to do well, and eventually? I'd try to scoop up a track scholarship for my mom." Ren heard a voice say, making him frown as he knew that voice sounded familiar to him, almost like Ryuji. After continuing to walk forward, Ren saw a butterfly flash into view, making him blink as he spoke up.

"Wait, what? A butterfly? What's a butterfly doing here?" Ren asked himself before shrugging as he kept speaking.

"Eh, I suppose I should follow it, in case it knows the way home." Ren decided. As he kept walking, Ren heard another voice speak up.

"If that'd never happened, I'd have gotten to enjoy the rest of my time in high school with Shiho." Ren heard what sounded like Ann's voice saying. After walking around a bit more, he heard another voice as he crossed what resembled the Shujin courtyard.

"-My sister supports the family right now, so it'd be a bit unrealistic to ask too much of her." Ren heard what sounded like Makoto's voice saying. After entering the facsimilie of another building, Ren heard another voice speak up.

"-I'm helping Okumura Foods grow, along with my father." Ren heard what sounded like Haru's voice saying. As he kept following the butterfly, he heard a few more voices speak up.

"-I would probably most like to see the Sayuri given the attention and respect it deserves." Ren heard what sounded vaguely like Yusuke's voice saying.

"-Hell yeah! Mom totally owned! My time spent with her was some of the best times of my life!" Ren heard what sounded suspiciously like Futaba's voice saying.

"-And, y'know? You might have a point, Doc. I might have to give that a good think. But for now, I know that I need to focus on getting stronger, since nothing is more important to me than being able to protect my friends, since odd as this might sound? I consider them as good as family, even if I've only known them for a fairly short time. So, if you ask me? I'd say I have a pretty good life right about now, all things considered." Ren heard what sounded scarily like Kusa's voice saying as he reached the exit of the Shujin approximation. At that point, he heard a voice on the intercom.

"Where are you going?" The voice asked Ren, who frowned and spoke up.

"Where am I going, you say? That's easy. I'm going home." Ren said. The voice spoke up from over the intercom again.

"Home? But isn't this where you belong? Heh, I see. So you still haven't accepted it yet, eh Ren? Well, I won't force you into anything." The voice said, as the doors in front of Ren opened up as the voice on the intercom spoke up once more.

"Well, let's meet again sometime, shall we Ren? After all, our encounter may well be inevitable at this point, especially since I hold all the cards." The voice said as Ren blinked at this but walked out of the open doors as the area he was in vanished in a flash of light, at which point Ren woke up on his bed in the attic of Leblanc. He blinked as he got lost in thought.

"That was odd. I feel like I had the most bizarre dream just now. Still, what could it have meant? And what did that voice mean by 'I hold all the cards'!? That seemed rather ominous. I wonder if it has anything to do with why we haven't found Kusa yet? And if it's related to Akechi's sudden reappearance the other day?" Ren mused as he eventually fell back into a fitful sleep...

(The next morning, in the attic of Leblanc, with Ren and Morgana)

Ren groaned and bit back a string of muffled swears as he heard his phone ringing next to his head, waking him up as he sat up and answered the phone after putting his glasses on.

"Hello? Ren speaking." Ren said as he smiled on recognizing Kasumi's voice on the other end when she spoke up.

"Ah, hello Ren. Good morning. Were you still asleep, Ren-senpai?" Kasumi asked as Ren yawned and spoke up.

"Not really. I was kinda half-awake but also half-asleep, if that makes sense. But it's fine. I'm up now." Ren said conversationally. Kasumi winced as she spoke up.

"Oh? Um, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you, Ren. I feel awkward asking you this now that I've woken you up, but well, do you remember promising me that we'd go pay our respects to the shrine together on New Year's Day?" Kasumi asked Ren, who thought about it and nodded as he spoke up.

"Yeah, I kinda remember that. Sorry if that's not what you want to hear, but my brain's not all the way on quite yet. I'm sure I do remember, but I'm still not awake enough to remember the particulars. Sorry about that." Ren said. Kasumi giggled as she did a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"You do? Great! Well, today's the day, if you want to keep that promise, Ren. Also, I realize this may be a bit forward of me, but to be honest? What do you say to accompanying me to the Meiji Shrine this afternoon?" Kasumi asked Ren, who smiled as he spoke up.

"Sounds good to me, Sumi. I'm already looking forward to it." Ren said as Kasumi did another closed-eye smile while speaking up.

"Really? Me too! I'm so happy! It'll probably be pretty crowded today, but it oughtn't be too bad in the afternoon, at least." Kasumi said as Ren shrugged and spoke up.

"That sounds rough, Sumi. But I'm sure we'll be fine as long as we stick together." Ren said as Kasumi giggled as she spoke up.

"Good point, Ren! Hee hee! I must agree. I'll make sure to pray to the gods that it won't be so crowded! Oh, shoot, that's selfish, isn't it? I hope that doesn't count as me wishing before making my offering." Kasumi said as Sojiro's voice called up the stairs at that point.

"Heeey, you up yet?" Sojiro asked Ren, who idly nodded as Kasumi spoke up at that point.

"Well, I'm counting on you, Ren! Let's meet up at the shrine around noon." Kasumi said as Ren spoke up with a smirk.

"Sounds great to me, Sumi! Already excited to see you there!" Ren said as Kasumi giggled and did a closed-eye smile as she spoke up.

"Hee hee, same here Ren! I'll see you then!" Kasumi said as Ren hung up the phone as Sojiro's voice called up the steps once more.

"Hey, Ren? If you're awake, could you lend me a hand?" Sojiro asked as Ren spoke up, calling back down the stairs.

"Yeah, I just got up. I'll be down in a bit. Let me get dressed a bit first." Ren said and headed downstairs to do the dishes after getting dressed. At that point, Sojiro spoke up with a smirk.

"Sorry to make work your first activity of the new year." Sojiro said to Ren before blinking as he spoke up.

"Oh, that reminds me. Happy New Year." Sojiro said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Happy New Year to you too, Boss. I hope this year will be a good one." Ren said with a smile. Sojiro smirked at this and spoke up.

"Heh, same. And I hope you'll continue getting along with Futaba and myself." Sojiro said as an elderly male customer spoke up at that point.

"We're especially grateful you're open today. You know how everything on TV for New Year's is the same old, same old, and so on." The elderly male customer said as the elderly female customer sitting across from him looked at Sojiro and spoke up.

"Say, Boss, don't you have any plans for this morning?" The elderly female customer said as Sojiro smirked and spoke up.

"No, but I could cook some up, so long as you serve yourself everything and pay your bill on the way out." Sojiro said as the elderly male customer laughed and spoke up.

"Ah, right, haha. Can't exactly make plans when you've already got customers." The elderly male customer said as the elderly female customer turned to look at a blue-haired young man sitting at a bar stool across from Sojiro as she spoke up.

"How about you, young man? Are you going to the shrine for the new year?" The elderly female customer said as the blue-haired young man shook his head while Sojiro spoke up.

"That's a wise choice." Sojiro said as the blue-haired young man nodded and spoke up.

"True. Happy New Year! That's what you say today, right?" The blue-haired young man said as Ren blinked at him and spoke up.

"It is. Now, excuse my rudeness, but who are you?" Ren asked the blue-haired young man, who blinked at the question and spoke up.

"Who am I?" The blue-haired young man asked as he spoke up with a laugh.

"Heh, are you still half-asleep or something?" The blue-haired young man asked Ren, but before he could answer the young man, the door to Leblanc opened up, and Futaba walked in, her hair styled up in a bun with some of it falling along her shoulders, her usual glasses on as she wore a light green yukata with red ribbon patterns and a yellow and red sash in the middle, though what really caught Ren's eye was the almost neon green barrette in her hair. Futaba smirked at the stunned looks and posed with the hand not holding the light blue purse she was carrying as she spoke up.

"Wa-BAM!" Futaba said with a smirk as Sojiro chuckled and spoke up.

"Oho, lookin' sharp." Sojiro said as the elderly female customer smiled at Futaba and spoke up.

"Oh! You look absolutely lovely, Futaba-chan." The elderly female customer complimented Futaba, who chuckled shyly as she spoke up.

"Heheheh, thank you. I picked it out with my mom." Futaba said, making Ren's eyes go comically wide in shock at what he'd just heard, his remark about Kusa likely being very impressed with Futaba dying on his lips as he heard what Futaba said. Before he could stop himself, Ren spoke up in surprise.

"Wait, what did you just say, little sis?" Ren asked Futaba. Futaba blinked and spoke up.

"Sorry. I don't wanna be late to the shrine. More showing off comes later. Welp, time to make like a tree!" Futaba said as she left. At that point, the elderly male customer spoke up.

"The year's first shrine visit, eh? What do you think we should do?" The elderly male customer said as the elderly female customer spoke up.

"Well, that's a good question. But perhaps we don't need to go this year. We don't have any more wishes that need granting." The elderly female customer said as Ren's phone chose right then to go off with a private chat from Kasumi, which Ren quickly opened up to view.

"Sorry, but I think I'll be getting there sooner than I expected. It was way less crowded than I thought it would be. Did my wish actually come true, I wonder?" Kasumi sent as Ren smirked and sent a response.

"Maybe it did, Sumi. You never know." Ren sent. Kasumi sent a response at that point.

"Good point, Ren. Well, I'll wait by the entrance once I get there. Don't worry, no need to hurry!" Kasumi sent as Ren put his phone away as Sojiro looked at him and spoke up.

"What's up? Did you have plans today or something?" Sojiro said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Yup. I promised a friend I'd meet them at Meiji Shrine." Ren said as Sojiro frowned at Ren as he spoke up.

"Really? Aw, c'mon, you should've said as much, then. I'll be fine here, so off you go. Have fun. Oh, but it's pretty cold out there, so don't forget to dress warm so you don't catch a bug." Sojiro said as Ren changed into a warmer outfit, comprising a grey button up turtleneck sweater, a dark grey undershirt, blue jeans and his usual glasses and shoes. Ren then frowned as he realized he'd not seen Morgana yet today. That struck Ren as slightly odd. Where could Morgana have gone? Ren shook this thought off as he recalled he needed to head over and meet Kasumi at the Meiji Shrine. Ren then left to do just that...

(A short time later, at the Meiji Shrine with Ren)

As Ren arrived at the Meiji Shrine, he smoothed his hair back with his hand, figuring he should at least try to look a bit more presentable for Kasumi. Afterwards, he pulled out his phone to send a private chat to Kasumi.

"Hey, Sumi. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. Just got here." Ren sent as Kasumi smiled and sent a response.

"I wasn't waiting that long at all! I'm at the torii." Kasumi sent as Ren nodded, changing directions to walk towards an area in the middle of the shrine. After a bit, he heard his name being called, and smiled as he looked over to see a prettily smiling Kasumi running towards him, waving her free hand at Ren, letting him see the pink purse she held in one hand as she ran towards him, being careful not to trip over her baby-blue yukata with fancy patterns on it. Once she got to him, Kasumi hugged Ren and spoke up.

"Ren! You made it! Happy New Year's!" Kasumi said, shyly kissing Ren on the cheek before flushing as she nervously tried to brush a few stray locks of her hair out of her face to let Ren get a better view of her eyes. She then spoke up.

"Sorry for the sudden question Ren, but do I look weird to you?" Kasumi asked Ren, who smiled at her as he shook his head and spoke up.

"You? Look weird? Nah. Never gonna happen, Sumi. You'll always be the beautiful and spunky red-headed go-getter I fell in love with." Ren said kindly as he leaned down to steal a kiss from his now-blushing girlfriend, who giggled at Ren's words as she spoke up.

"Hee hee, well aren't you a flatterer, Ren? Just how high-level is your Charm, I wonder?" Kasumi said as she returned the kiss briefly before the two broke apart and went to pray at the shrine. After a bit, Kasumi looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Heh, y'know? It's strange, but it doesn't seem like there's that many people around today. And to be honest? I almost prefer the usual crowd!" Kasumi said as Ren nodded, before his attention was caught by the sound of a voice nearby.

"-Hard to believe it's New Year's already!" Ren heard what he recognized as Ryuji's voice saying. He then heard Futaba chuckle as she spoke up.

"Yep!" Futaba said as Ryuji kept speaking.

"And to be honest, I know I'll use the wrong year at least once before I get used to the current year." Ryuji said as Makoto just gave her boyfriend an amused smile as Ann smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, well then, how about a New Year's party to help us celebrate the start of the year?" Ann suggested as Yusuke nodded before blinking as he spoke up.

"Agreed, Ann. Oh?" Yusuke said as he noticed Ren and Kasumi praying nearby. He then gently nudged Haru, who happened to be walking next to him and spoke up while pointing towards where he'd seen Ren and Kasumi.

"Correct me if I'm wrong Haru, but isn't that Ren and Kasumi over there?" Yusuke said as Haru looked where Yusuke was pointing and giggled as Yusuke was correct.

"No, you're not wrong, Yusuke-kun. That's them, all right." Haru said as Ann heard Haru's words, and whipped her head towards Ren and Kasumi, smiling at the two as she spoke up.

"Well, what do you know? I wasn't expecting to see you two here." Ann said as Ren and Kasumi just chuckled and nodded their agreement as Haru spoke up at that point.

"I agree, Ann! How many coincidences can there be in one day?" Haru said as Futaba smirked and spoke up.

"And a good morn unto you all! I haven't seen you in absolute ages!" Futaba said as Ann giggled and did a closed eye smile while speaking up.

"But we were hanging out just yesterday!" Ann said with a laugh. Ryuji blinked at Ren and spoke up.

"Oh! I guess we all had plans to drop by here first thing today, huh?" Ryuji asked as Makoto nodded and gave her own closed eye smile as Ren took in the yukatas that Ann, Haru, and Makoto were wearing.

For Ann, she'd gone with a simple red and pink ensemble that had plenty of roses and colorful things on it. For Haru, she went with a mixed pink, purple, and white yukata which ahd an elegant gold bow tied around the back of it. For Makoto, she'd opted for a simple blue and white Kimono with a dark red and white sash that she wore tied over the middle of her yukata, allowing more attention to be drawn to the green and red flower arrangement currently settled into her hair with a gold hair clip being used to secure the arrangement. Makoto then spoke up.

"Good point, sweetie. That would explain what led us to the shrine, but to this spot at the exact same time? Talk about incredible happenstance." Makoto said as Yusuke spoke up while using his hands to frame the view in front of him.

"Indeed, but due to this fortuitous turn of fate, I'm able to witness this mesmerizing sight in front of me. Sure, there's a couple people missing from the image, but still, it's truly the embodiment of Japanese beauty." Yusuke said as Kasumi blinked at what Yusuke was doing and spoke up.

"Um, what're you doing, Yusuke-senpai?" Kasumi asked as Futaba chuckled and spoke up.

"Mwehehe. Just ignore him. It's like a fit he gets into sometimes. Or more aptly put, it's just more of Yusuke's usual brand of eccentric but well-intentioned buffoonery." Futaba said before frowning as she spoke up.

"Odd. Why do I have the feeling I've heard that said somewhere before? And if I have, why don't I remember the one who said it?" Futaba said, making Ren's eyes widen slightly behind his glasses at the implications of Futaba's question. His mind was reeling at that point as a thought ran through Ren's mind.

"What the hell!? Kusa said that! How does Futaba not remember her own effing boyfriend!?" Ren mentally asked himself in a mix of disbelief and shock. Ryuji then grinned and spoke up while rotating his arm to pop his shoulder carefully.

"So, what do you wanna do after this? If we've got the time for it, why don't we grab somethin' to eat together?" Ryuji asked as Makoto spoke up, though her next words would make Ren's jaw drop for the second time that day.

"I'm sorry, sweetie. I'd love to, but I'll be heading out with my family once we're finished here." Makoto said as Yusuke spoke up.

"What a coincidence. I have somewhere to be as well." Yusuke said as Haru spoke up, her next words making Ren's eyes widen in shock as he heard them.

"Me, too. I'll be dining with my father somewhere." Haru said as Ren's mind went into overdrive at the mention of Haru's dad, as he was sure that wasn't true. Futaba then exacerbated Ren's confusion with what she said next.

"I'm gonna hit up some New Year's sales with my mom!" Futaba said as Ryuji spoke up, oblivious to the stunned look on Ren's face as he spoke, especially after what he said next.

"Welp, looks like you're all busy for the most part. Then maybe I should hit up the track team and see what they're up to." Ryuji said as Ann spoke up, her next words leaving Ren's mind reeling at what he was hearing.

"Ooh, then I'll get in touch with Shiho and find out if she has any plans yet." Ann said as Ren groaned, rubbing his forehead as he got lost in thought.

"What the crap? Haru's having a meal with her father, who is supposed to be dead? Futaba's out bargain hunting with her supposedly-dead mother? Ryuji's hanging with the track team? Makoto's hanging with her family, which at the rate things are going probably includes her supposedly-dead father? And I'd be willing to bet Yusuke's plans somehow involve a not-imprisoned Madarame. At least I can give Ann a bit of flack on the Shiho thing since she's alive, albeit having moved away. But what the eff is going on!? It's like no one's making any sense. And where the heck are Morgana and Akechi!?" Ren ranted in his head, being drawn from his thoughts as Ann spoke up.

"Well, I guess we'll all just go do our own thing, then." Ann said as Haru nodded and spoke up.

"Mmhm! See you later." Haru said as the group dispersed at that point, leaving just Kasumi and Ren standing together. Kasumi smiled at Ren as she spoke up.

"Well, looks like it's just us now, Ren. And I have you all to myself, hee hee." Kasumi said as she giggled before doing a pretty closed-eye smile and continued speaking.

"Oh, I was wondering earlier. What did you wish for at the shrine, Ren?" Kasumi asked Ren, who smiled as he spoke up.

"That's easy. I wished for the continued health and well-being of all of our friends, but especially of you. Also, I wished that we could find Kusa safe and sound. He's honestly been gone for far too long, Sumi. And to be frank? I'm worried for him, as well as for Morgana, who I haven't seen at all today." Ren said. Kasumi smiled as she spoke up with her closed-eye smile still in place, making Ren's heart skip a beat as he looked at it.

"Hee hee, that sounds like you, Ren. Now there's a classic wish. But I think it's a wonderful choice." Kasumi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Yep, probably a bit classic, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it. That said, what was your wish, Kasumi?" Ren asked Kasumi, who blinked at the question and spoke up.

"Me? Well, that's a good question." Kasumi said, but her phone rang before she could say anymore, making her frown as she looked at Ren and kept speaking.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Kasumi said as she reached into her purse to pull out her phone and check her message, blinking as she saw what it said.

"Hm? It's from my dad, believe it or not." Kasumi said, before wincing as she read the text, giving Ren an apologetic look as she spoke up.

"Ummm, Ren? I don't like saying this, but he's telling me that some relatives have come over to the house, so I have to go home and spend time with them. He decided to come all the way out to the station to get me and bring me home. You see, my family's kind of serious about their get-togethers, as you no doubt saw on Christmas Eve." Kasumi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I understand, Sumi. Go spend time with your family. We'll be able to hang out again soon, I'm sure." Ren said understandingly. Kasumi nodded and spoke up with a regretful look on her face.

"Agreed. Even so, I'm really sorry, Ren. I was the one who invited you here and everything! At least allow me to accompany you to the station." Kasumi said as Ren nodded and escorted Kasumi to the station, where Kasumi saw her dad pull up in his car and waved him over with a closed-eye smile.

"Dad!" Kasumi said as Shinichi walked over and chuckled at Kasumi and spoke up.

"Kasumi, you should really hold onto your sleeve. That is your dress kimono, after all." Shinichi said as Kasumi winced and spoke up.

"Hrgh, you're right." Kasumi said reluctantly as Shinichi then noticed Ren next to Kasumi. Shinichi looked at Kasumi and spoke up.

"And who do we have here? Is this Ren-kun I see, hanging out with you? I think this is our first time meeting since Christmas Eve." Shinichi said as Kasumi nodded and spoke up.

"That's right, Dad. I'm glad you remember Ren-senpai." Kasumi said with a closed-eye smile.

"I don't know if I mentioned this before, but Ren-senpai's done a great deal for me just in the short time I've known him." Kasumi said as Shinichi nodded and shook Ren's hand as he spoke up.

"Right, right. Nice to see you again, Ren-kun. It's been a bit, hasn't it? I see you're still treating her well." Shinichi said teasingly as Ren laughed and nodded while speaking up.

"Of course. I'd do no less for her. After all, Kasumi here is easily one of the most precious people in my life at this point, and I'd be a fool to do anything to hurt her." Ren said politely. Shinichi nodded approvingly to Ren's response and spoke up.

"Well-said, Ren-kun. Kasumi tells Minako and I stuff about you all the time, you know." Shinichi said with a chuckle as Kasumi flushed at that and spoke up.

"D-Dad! Not ALL the time!" Kasumi said, her face flushing shyly in embarrassment. Ren smiled and patted Kasumi on the head as he spoke up.

"Aw, cheer up, Sumi. You know your dad's just teasing you because he loves you. Besides, I think it's adorable that you talk about me that much. I'm flattered, Sumi." Ren said, kissing Kasumi on the cheek to try and cheer her up. Shinichi nodded to Ren's words and spoke up.

"Ren-kun is right. And I recall you told me once that he's right most of the time. Is that not so? And Ren-kun, I was told you helped pick these out for me, too. I know it's pretty late for it, but thank you all the same." Shinichi said, drawing Ren's attention to the fact that he was wearing the glasses Ren and Kasumi had picked for him together. Ren blushed slightly, as he recalled that was the day he'd first worked up the nerve to kiss Kasumi, even if it was only for a moment and on the cheek. Ren then looked Shinichi in the eyes and spoke up.

"You're quite welcome, Shinichi-san. It looks good on you." Ren said sincerely. Kasumi gave Ren a closed-eye smile and spoke up, grateful for the change of subject.

"Dad loves them! He wears them all the time, even at work." Kasumi said as Shinichi nodded and spoke up after he finished carefully cleaning his glasses.

"She's not wrong. I'm quite the fan of them, Ren-kun." Shinichi said, before turning to speak to Kasumi while Ren was taking in his current outfit of an orange jacket, yellow sweater, and green-blue scarf.

"Well, shall we get going, -re?" Shinichi asked Kasumi, making Ren blink as he felt reality almost distorting around him for a moment as it sounded like Shinichi addressed Kasumi by a different name. Ren blinked at Shinichi being so bold in using his daughter's real name in public, as Kasumi blinked and spoke up.

"Wha-?" Kasumi blinked as she shook her head in confusion, almost acting as if something was amiss with her. Shinichi blinked at Kasumi and spoke up.

"Hm? Something wrong?" Shinichi asked Kasumi, who shook her head in the negative and spoke up.

"Ah, not really? N-No, it's nothing!" Kasumi said before turning to Ren and bowing as she spoke up.

"Sorry for the abrupt departure, Ren. But I have to go, so please excuse us." Kasumi said politely as she and Shinichi walked off, leaving Ren standing there alone. He then muttered to himself.

"Well, what do I do now? I don't have any other plans for today that I can recall. Eh, I should probably head back to my room for now." Ren decided as he returned to Leblanc...

(Later that evening, in the attic of Leblanc, with Ren)

Ren frowned as he looked up from looking at stuff on his phone, mostly old pictures of him and his friends, realizing that Morgana still hadn't returned yet. Ren found that quite odd, blinking as he realized that he could feel that the questionnaire on the Phan-Site has changed, too. After that, his phone went off with a group chat from Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, and Kasumi, with Ryuji sending the first response.

"Hey, do we have our first dream of the year today?" Ryuji asked as Haru frowned and sent a response.

"Do we? I thought that was tomorrow night." Haru sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Is it that big a deal? You'll just have your first dream whenever it happens." Futaba sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Hey, this is important! I can't let my first dream of the year be a nightmare!" Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response.

"If it's a nightmare, then clearly it doesn't count! Duh. Don't be such a buffoon, Ryuji." Futaba sent as Kasumi giggled and sent a response.

"Hee hee, how adorable. We're not even a day into the new year, and Futaba's already channeling her inner Kusa." Kasumi said as everyone else aside from Ren sent a 'Futaba's channeling her inner WHO?' response, making Ren and Kasumi both blink at the lack of recognition shown to Kusa. Ann then sent a response.

"Here, take a look at this. Maybe it'll help you have good dreams." Ann sent as she sent a photo of herself, Haru, Makoto, and Futaba all posing cutely in their yukata. Ryuji blinked at this and sent a response at the same time that Ren did, though Ren's response came through first.

"Very classy, sis. But it needs more Kasumi in it to really beautify the shot up." Ren sent as Ryuji's response came through in front of a response from Kasumi.

"Huh? When'd you take this?" Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response.

"It was before we met up with you and Yusuke, and by extension before we ran into Ren and Kasumi. We all bumped into each other first." Makoto sent as Kasumi's response finally came through ahead of a response from Ann.

"Aww, that's so sweet, Ren. But don't sell them short! They're very photogenic in their own right, you know. Hee hee!" Kasumi sent as Ann sent a response.

"Heh, thanks Kasumi! Though in hindsight, maybe we should've taken a full group shot, since we were all meeting up anyway, as it turns out." Ann sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"I agree with Kasumi. This photo is good in its own way. Indeed, I believe it will inspire some good dreams." Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Fair. But you gotta dream of specific things if you want to have a good year, right? What's the traditional thing again? Mount Fuji, sheep, and okra?" Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Sounds messy." Futaba sent as Makoto sent a response.

"And he's wrong, besides. It was Mount Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant, in that order." Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Yeah, that's it! Thanks, babe! I'm gonna make myself dream about that!" Ryuji sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Tch. I sincerely doubt you can brute-force yourself into dreams like that, Ryuji. As for me, I plan to have a dream of singular beauty." Yusuke sent as Ren smirked and sent a response.

"Oh, yeah? And is this 'singular beauty' a certain dark-haired girl we both know that enjoys playing shogi, by chance?" Ren sent teasingly as Yusuke flushed at Ren's jab and sent a response.

"I have no idea what you're referring to, Ren!" Yusuke sent as Ryuji sent a response at that point.

"Eh, whatever. I gotta get to bed anyway! I got practice tomorrow too!" Ryuji sent as a confused Ren put his phone away, missing the '?' response that Kasumi sent as a result. Ren frowned as he realized that what happened this afternoon can't be normal by any means. Not just because of all the unusual references to long-dead people, but the fact that other than himself and Kasumi, the rest of the group apparently seemed to have forgotten about Kusa. And then there was the question of Morgana's continued absence. Ren frowned as he knew in his heart that something was definitely wrong with this picture. After a bit, Ren fell into a fitful sleep...

(The next morning, in the attic of Leblanc, with Ren)

Ren flinched as he was slightly stirred from his sleep by the feeling of a warm breeze on his face, making him crack an eye open to see if it was Morgana. Ren then was able to perceive someone's presence at that point, making him slowly open his eyes, before said eyes went wide in horror as he saw the blue-haired young man from that morning laying next to him. Purely on instinct, Ren shot up, jumping out of bed, only barely resisting the urge to scream in horror, even though his first instinct was to yell out, 'Gwaaaaaaaahhhh!' *2*

Not surprisingly, Ren's reaction woke up the blue-haired young man as well, who looked up at Ren and spoke up.

"Mmm. Hm? What's up?" The blue-haired young man asked Ren, who looked at the blue-haired young man in horror and spoke up.

"First of all, what the hell is going on here? I don't know who you are, much less why you're laying on my bed! I only let like two people lay in that bed with me, one of whom is my very lovely girlfriend, and the other being my little brother, who just so happens to be not in his true form at present. And come to think of it, I've not seen Morgana in over a day." Ren said. The blue-haired young man looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Huh? I was just sleeping, that's all. Hey, you've been acting kinda weird since yesterday. What's going on?" The blue-haired young man said, but before Ren could reply, a woman's voice called up the stairs to them.

"Are you two still sleeping? Your lunch is gonna pull a vanishing act if you don't come down soon, you know." The woman's voice said as the blue-haired young man smirked and spoke up.

"Ooh! Oh, you can go on ahead. I'll be down in a sec." The blue-haired young man said as a horrified Ren nodded and got dressed before heading downstairs, in time to hear Futaba speak up.

"Mm! These beans aren't just good, they're the best!" Futaba said as the black-haired woman with glasses next to Futaba spoke up.

"True. They're all perfectly-shaped, and so shiny to boot." The black-haired woman said before smirking at Sojiro as she spoke up.

"Looks like your recipes have reached housewife-level quality. Are you trying to get hitched sometime soon?" The black-haired woman said to Sojiro, who chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, thanks. But no." Sojiro said before noticing Ren standing there and speaking up.

"Hey, come join us." Sojiro said as Ren walked up and sat down, a confused look on his face, as Futaba spoke up.

"Try the sweet black beans! They'll change your life!" Futaba said as the black-haired woman looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Good morning." The black-haired woman said to Ren, who blinked as he realized he'd seen her face before, making him speak up.

"Sorry if this comes off as rude, but have we met?" Ren asked the black-haired woman, wondering where he'd seen her face before. The black-haired woman laughed at the question and spoke up.

"Oho! Is this your first gag of the new year?" The black-haired woman said as Futaba chuckled at Ren and spoke up.

"Heheh, drunk on the spirit of the new year already, huh big bro?" Futaba asked as Sojiro looked at Ren and spoke up, not seeing Ren's eyes widen at what he said next.

"I'll warn you not to try any pranks with Wakaba over here. It'll only blow up in your face, since she'll tease you forever until she finally bores herself." Sojiro said as Ren blinked, both shocked at the idea that Futaba's supposedly-dead mother was sitting at a table next to Futaba, and stunned at how much the now-named Wakaba seemed to be similar to Kusa. Wakaba then chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, you know me too well, Sojiro." Wakaba said as Ren blinked at this and sat down while a thought went through his mind.

"Wakaba!?" Ren thought in shock as he flashed to the day Sojiro told him about what had happened to Wakaba. He vaguely heard Sojiro speak up as he recalled what Sojiro'd said about Wakaba.

"Oh, Wakaba, you poor thing. Your work and your kid were so fulfilling for you. So why'd you have to die so suddenly?" Sojiro had said as Ren realized that Wakaba was the name of Futaba's mother. Once more, Ren frowned at the idea of Wakaba sitting at the table with Sojiro and Futaba, since as far as he knew she was supposed to be dead. Futaba blinked at Ren as she spoke up.

"What's up, big bro? Not feeling so good?" Futaba asked Ren, but before he could answer, the blue-haired young man from before came down and spoke up.

"He's been like this since yesterday." The blue-haired young man said as Wakaba smiled at the blue-haired young man and spoke up, making Ren gasp at what she said next.

"Morning, Mona." Wakaba said to the blue-haired young man, who nodded and spoke up.

"Mornin'! Do you think there's enough osechi for me to join you?" The blue-haired young man said, making Ren slowly turn to face him in a mix of shock and disbelief, his eyes slowly widening as realization seemed to set in as he spoke up.

"Morgana? Are you human?" Ren said, his mind actually blown by this turn of events. The apparently-now-human Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Was that a question? Of course I'm me. But seriously, are you all right?" Morgana asked Ren, who just nodded, even as he mentally swore up a blue streak. Ren knew for sure in that moment that something was most definitely wrong. Sojiro then looked at Ren and Morgana before speaking up.

"Okay, that's enough joking around for now, you two. Go ahead and grab a seat. I bet you're just hungry." Sojiro said as Ren and Morgana nodded, the former being relegated to a counter seat while Morgana quickly grabbed the last booth seat next to Sojiro. Wakaba then smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you for the food. Heh, you know, I can't remember the last time I actually got to relax and enjoy myself on a New Year's like this." Wakaba said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Heh, I know what you mean. I'm stuffed too. If only I had something to cap off this meal, perhaps like a cup of coffee?" Morgana said as Sojiro scoffed and spoke up.

"Boy, that was a subtle request." Sojiro said bluntly, smirking at the sight of Ren ignoring the group to focus on his meal. Futaba then spoke up, shocking Ren with what she said next.

"Ooh, does anyone want dessert with their coffee? I'll go pick it up, my treat." Futaba said before turning to Wakaba as she kept speaking.

"You want a Mont Blanc, right Mom?" Futaba asked Wakaba, who nodded and spoke up.

"Oh, how kind. Thank you." Wakaba said as Futaba got up and spoke up.

"All right! I shall return!" Futaba said as Sojiro spoke up with a huff.

"Be careful." Sojiro said as Futaba left, leaving the room quiet, allowing Ren a moment to think.

"What the hell kind of reality is this!? Morgana isn't a human! He's supposed to be a not-cat, as far as I know. And Wakaba? As far as I know she's not supposed to be among the living. Actually, come to think of it, I haven't seen Akechi in a bit. Is he still alive in whatever fluster-cluck reality I'm in?" Ren idly mused. Wakaba looked over and saw Ren looking lost in thought, and spoke up to catch Ren's attention.

"What's the matter, Ren-kun?" Wakaba asked, but before Ren could answer, the door opened up once more as another figure walked in and looked at the gathered group in shock. However, to Ren's continued shock, the figure wasn't Futaba, but rather one Goro Akechi! Akechi blinked at what he saw and spoke up.

"Oh." Akechi said as Sojiro gave Akechi an apologetic look and spoke up.

"Ah, sorry. We haven't opened for the day yet." Sojiro said as Akechi gave Sojiro a closed-eye grin and spoke up.

"Oh, no need to worry. My apologies for intruding on your meal. I merely wished to speak with Amamiya-kun the elder here for a moment." Akechi said as Morgana turned to speak to Ren, making both himself and Ren miss Sojiro and Wakaba exchange a look and both mutter 'Amamiya-kun the elder!?' under their breath as Morgana spoke up.

"Why don't you go and get some fresh air with him? Maybe it'll help you snap out of whatever funk you're in, Ren. I'll stand guard over your dessert for you." Morgana said. Sojiro smirked at Morgana as he spoke up.

"Heh, you say that now. But when he gets back and his dessert's gone, I'm pretty sure he'll suspect it was an inside job." Sojiro said as Wakaba chuckled and spoke up.

"Good one! I can definitely see that happening with Mona on guard duty." Wakaba said as Morgana spoke up.

"Hey, c'mon! Cut me a break, guys!" Morgana said as both Sojiro and Wakaba laughed, the former speaking up.

"Sorry, sorry. I'll behave." Wakaba said as Sojiro chuckled and spoke up.

"Welp, I guess I'll go get started on the coffee." Sojiro said as Akechi walked over to Ren and spoke up so only he could hear.

"I'll get right to the point, Ren. You know, don't you?" Akechi asked Ren, who gave Akechi a grateful look, hoping he was referring to what Ren thought he was referring to. Akechi then spoke up.

"We have to discuss this." Akechi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. Please tell me I'm not the only one here who remembers all the things wrong with this reality?" Ren asked Akechi so only he could hear. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"That's right, Ren. I remember things as they're supposed to be, just like you seem to be doing. That said, we have no time to dawdle. Come on and follow me." Akechi said as Ren followed Akechi out of Leblanc, at which point Akechi led Ren to the laundromat and spoke up.

"Well then, let's try and see if we can't sort through this situation." Akechi said as Ren looked at Akechi and spoke up.

"I could ask why you're here, but that'd just be a waste of both your time and mine. So instead I'll ask if you have any idea what the hell is happening around here?" Ren said bluntly to Akechi, who nodded approvingly to Ren's question as he spoke up.

"Ah, very good. Right to the point as always, eh Joker? That said, your question seems as good a place to begin as any. As you might recall, at the end of last year, I turned myself in to the police as the perpetrator of the serial psychotic breakdown incidents. Your memory of this is still intact, correct?" Akechi asked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"Yep, I recall that perfectly. My question, odd as it might sound to you, is this. Akechi, do you remember my younger brother? I swear it seems like most everyone else I know appears to have forgotten about him somehow." Ren said as Akechi's eyes widened at Ren's question and spoke up.

"You mean Amamiya-kun the younger, correct? Or rather, I should probably call him Kusa for the sake of saving myself a bit of time. Besides, I feel he'll forgive me a bit of informal address in this instance, especially with the circumstances being what they are. But back on topic. I remember Kusa quite well. After all, he was the reason I was able to safely escape Shido's Palace in one piece. Granted, he got out with me, but then we headed elsewhere to resolve our differences, and without going into too many details, suffice it to say we got jumped by some Shadows and he had to give himself up to buy me time to escape.

So truly, it's thanks to him I was able to turn myself in that day. But back to my story, perhaps the most confusing part of said story comes post-detainment. Obviously, I was thoroughly interrogated about my involvement in Shido's case multiple times. But for some reason, after questioning, I was suddenly released. No explanation whatsoever." Akechi said as Ren blinked at this and spoke up.

"Wow, that's crazy, Akechi. I believe you, by the way. But still, that's just too weird. What the hell has happened to everyone around us? Other than us two, I think Kasumi might be the only other one who remembers things as they're supposed to be." Ren said. Akechi nodded his head and spoke up.

"I quite agree, Ren. And I have a theory on why Yoshizawa-san also remembers everything, but I'll explain it later. For now, let me say that no matter how one attempts to rationalize it, my release is extremely unusual. And more than that, it should be impossible for them to release a confessing suspect after only a brief interrogation with no explanation. But what's even more unbelievable to me is, can you guess?" Akechi asked Ren, who thought about it and spoke up.

"You're referring to the fact that people who we know to be dead, like Wakaba, are all somehow alive when they should be dead, aren't you?" Ren asked Akechi. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Very perceptive, Ren. That's right. Wakaba Isshiki. I can't believe she's been brought back to life like she has. And the same for the other people who were seemingly resurrected. And to be quite frank, if we needed further proof of how flawed and illogical this reality is, let us look at the fact that the fact that scum like Kunikazu Okumura got to return to life, yet Kusa is still being held captive somewhere and not allowed to be back here where he belongs. But let us ignore that to focus on the bigger picture.

And notably, for the time being, you seem to be the only one I've found who's still in their right frame of mind. But perhaps I should get to the point. I know you have no reason to trust me after what I've done, but given that we seem to be the only ones, with the likely exception of Yoshizawa-san, to remember how things are supposed to be, I have a proposition. Let's make a deal. What say we join forces on this, if only because we both want to find the cause of this warped reality?" Akechi said as Ren spoke up.

"Believe it or not, Akechi-kun, I have no issues working with you again. My question becomes this. What exactly would we do if we join forces?" Ren asked as Akechi smiled at Ren's response and spoke up.

"Ah, a very reasonable and astute question, Ren. I want to investigate exactly what is happening here. I'm fairly certain you wish to find out the same thing, no? And if I'm right about the cause of all this, we might even be able to find a clue as to where Kusa is being held. So it could be worth it for that alone, no? That said, for the time being at least, you and I share the same goal.

Therego, to solve this problem, don't you agree that it'd be safer for us to partner up?" Akechi asked Ren, who knew in his heart that Akechi was correct about the need for teamwork to deal with this bizarre situation that seems to have developed with everyone except for Ren, Akechi, and potentially Kasumi.

Ren decided that it would be best to work with Akechi on this investigation. Plus, Ren knew Kusa would be happy to see both his brothers working together again, even if it's only temporarily. Akechi looked at Ren and spoke up to draw him from his musings.

"Have you made up your mind, Ren?" Akechi asked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"I have. I'm willing to work with you to figure this out. If nothing else, as you yourself said, we're both after the same things here, namely answers for what the hell is going on around here, and to hopefully find a way to find and save Kusa. So what do you need me to do, Akechi?" Ren asked. Akechi smiled at Ren's agreement and spoke up.

"Well, that's a good question. First, I need information. Can you tell me after, for lack of a better way to describe it, parting ways with me and Kusa in Shido's Palace?" Akechi asked as Ren nodded and filled Akechi in on what he'd missed. Afterwards, Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Ah, I see. Though some abnormalities appeared immediately, the most glaring ones arrived after the new year, it would seem. And all of the Phantom Thieves, with you and likely Yoshizawa-san as the rare exceptions, are living in this altered reality without even realizing it, though given what you said about all of them aside from yourself and Yoshizawa-san forgetting about Kusa makes me believe that part of their altered realities involve having their memories of Kusa wiped as a trade-off of sorts." Akechi mused as Ren's phone chose that point to ring, making Akechi nod and speak up.

"That's your phone, yes? Go ahead and answer." Akechi said as Ren nodded and pulled out his phone to answer it.

"Hello? Ren speaking." Ren said. At that point, he blinked as he heard a frantic-sounding Kasumi's voice on the other end as she spoke up.

"Ren? Oh, thank god you answered! It's me, Kasumi! I'm in Odaiba right now, and, how do I put this? Uh, something really weird appeared here." Kasumi said as Ren spoke up.

"Sumi, calm down and speak to me. What's happened?" Ren asked Kasumi bluntly. Kasumi blinked and spoke up.

"Right! Um, I don't really understand what I'm seeing, but I'm just going to describe it to you as best I can. It's that building we went to before. Y'know, the one where I awoke to Cendrillion's powers and you first extended me an offer to join the Phantom Thieves? Anyways, it's really faint, but I can see that 'Palace' thing that Morgana-senpai mentioned a while ago!" Kasumi said, making Ren's eyes widen in alarm as Kasumi kept speaking.

"Um, Ren? I know this is both sudden and a bit out of the blue, but if possible, can you come to Odaiba right away?" Kasumi asked as Ren spoke up.

"Kasumi? Listen to me! I'll be on my way there ASAP. Wait for me there. Oh, and a heads-up? I won't be alone, more than likely. But you'll have to see what I mean for yourself, since I doubt you'd believe me if I tried explaining it to you over the phone." Ren said. Kasumi nodded and spoke up in a relieved tone.

"Okay, Ren. I understand. I'll see you soon! Love you!" Kasumi said to Ren, who nodded and hung up the phone as Akechi smirked and spoke up.

"What a coincidence. Unless my instincts are getting dull, that was Yoshizawa-san's voice, wasn't it? And unless I'm wrong, I believe I just heard her say the word 'Palace'." Akechi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"That's correct. I'm guessing she spotted one, given how frantic she sounded just now. We need to hurry and meet her in Odaiba as soon as we can. Maybe it'll be pertinent to our investigation?" Ren said as Akechi blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? You say she spotted a Palace? Despite not being in the Metaverse? Never mind that for now. You're planning to meet up with Yoshizawa-san, right? I'll join you, if you don't mind. As you yourself said, with some luck, we're all but guaranteed to find a clue there. After all, now that we've made ourselves a new deal, you wouldn't turn me down, would you?" Akechi asked as Ren shook his head in the negative and the two headed to meet up with Kasumi...

(Over in the unfinished stadium area of Odaiba, with Kasumi, Ren, and Akechi)

"Ren! You made it! Oh, and isn't that Akechi-san!? I didn't know you were out of prison already?" Kasumi said, looking sheepish at her question. Akechi smiled at Kasumi and spoke up.

"No need to worry, Yoshizawa-san. I took no offense from your question. Truthfully, I'm also stumped as to why I was suddenly released with no explanation. But to your question, Ren and I happened to be in the same place when he got your call. Still, how odd this all is. First, a bunch of supposedly dead people are resurrected, and now a Palace appears? My, my. How intriguing." Akechi said as Kasumi blinked at Akechi in surprise.

"Akechi-san, you remember about the Metaverse, and presumably about Kusa-kun?" Kasumi asked Akechi in surprise. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Very perceptive, Yoshizawa-san. You're as observant and smart as your boyfriend. But yes, I do remember everything as well." Akechi said before smiling as he spoke up.

"Would it help you grasp the situation if I told you Ren and I have struck a deal to work together to get to the bottom of what's causing our current situation?" Akechi asked Kasumi, who blinked at this and spoke up.

"Really!? Does that mean that you're also trying to make amends for your past crimes?" Kasumi asked Akechi, who gave her a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"Just so, Yoshizawa-san. Suffice it to say, I'm acting on the behalf of a friend who managed to save my life multiple times in a very short period of time, making me owe them a very great debt. So I feel that helping you and Ren here figure our current situation out is the least I can do to try and repay that debt, as well as begin to hopefully repay my debt to society, since apparently the police aren't interested in making me do prison time." Akechi said as Kasumi nodded before Akechi kept speaking.

"That said, I can probably guess that you've worked out what Ren and I also have by this point, namely that Amamiya-kun the younger is alive, but held captive in an unknown Palace. But we'd be here too long if I explained the whole story, plus I do so dislike having to repeat myself unnecessarily. I'd prefer to wait until the rest of the group has come back to their senses and tell you all together. Does that make sense?" Akechi asked Kasumi, who nodded before blinking as she spoke up.

"Yes. But, um, when you say a good friend saved you multiple times in a short period of time, you're referring to Kusa-kun, aren't you? Since I'm fairly certain he stepped in and rescued you from being shot by that other version of you that day. I'll trust that you'll explain the other time Kusa saved you when the time is right." Kasumi said to Akechi. Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Very perceptive, Sumi. But we can trust Akechi with this. He knows as much as we do about our current situation,after all. Plus, if not for him, I'd probably be sitting in a jail cell serving a prison sentence while you two likely would have to be doing this investigation without me. So for that alone, he's earned at least some of my trust." Ren said. Kasumi nodded and spoke up.

"Very well, Ren. If you say he's trustworthy, I'll follow your lead. Therego, for now, you have my trust as well, Akechi-kun. Pray you don't do anything to betray that trust." Kasumi said bluntly. She then kept speaking.

"But as to when I awakened to my powers? If we're right about which Palace this is, it was in this unknown Palace, back in late September or early October. That said, if it is that same Palace, I happened to slip into it with Ren and Morgana that day. But that aside, what could be the meaning behind its appearance in this world?" Kasumi asked in confusion before she kept speaking.

"That said, I just happened to be passing by on my way home when I came across it by chance." Kasumi said as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Interesting. And given the fact nobody else seems to be making a scene about it, I'm taking a guess that others aren't able to see it at all. Or possibly, they do see it, but for most people, it doesn't evoke any real reaction in them at all." Akechi said as Kasumi blinked and spoke up.

"Yes, I think that's exactly it, Akechi-kun! After all, I find it interesting that only us three can see it, and interestingly, we're all apparently unaffected by whatever other warped reality everyone else seems to have fallen into. Just to test my theory, I asked some people in the area, and none of them seemed to care at all about its appearance." Kasumi said as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Hmm, good thinking, Yoshizawa-san. You might make for a decent detective if gymnastics doesn't pan out for you. That said, rather than simply hypothesize out here, we may be better off taking immediate action." Akechi said as Kasumi blinked but spoke up as she got what Akechi was saying.

"I get it. You mean to say that we should go into the Palace and look around ourselves, don't you?" Kasumi asked Akechi, who nodded and spoke up.

"That's exactly what I'm saying, Yoshizawa-san. Think about it. Not only has a Palace manifested in reality, but this is the only one visible to us. I realize I have no proof to verify this claim, but I think it's highly likely that this is related to our current incomprehensible situation. Thus, wouldn't it be more efficient to just go inside and see what we can learn? That is, if we have the means to do so." Akechi said as he pulled out the phone he'd kept on him after borrowing it from Kusa to get the two into their previous location the day that all hell had broken loose. Akechi blinked at the sight of a familiar app on the phone and spoke up.

"Oh, it's back!" Akechi said as Ren pulled out his phone to check. Sure enough, when he looked, the icon for the Metaverse Navigator was back on his home screen as if it'd never left. Akechi blinked and kept speaking.

"Huh. I thought it was gone for good, but it looks like we've regained access to the Nav. Maybe, it's fate's way of intervening on our behalf. Or, more possibly, it's a certain someone's way of trying to reach out to us?" Akechi said, noticing the looks of recognition flash on both Ren and Kasumi's faces while the latter of the two checked her phone and blinked as she spoke up.

"Huh, you're right. I have it as well." Kasumi said in shock. Akechi nodded as he turned to Kasumi and spoke up.

"Very good. By any chance, is there a search history?" Akechi asked Kasumi, who frowned and spoke up.

"A search history, you say? How do I check for that? Wait, I found it. Ah! There's one search in the log, but maybe you should see for yourselves." Kasumi said as Ren and Akechi walked over to look for themselves. Sure enough, there was a search in the log, but the name of the person whose Palace it was was blurred out, as if being rendered unreadable. Akechi frowned at this and spoke up.

"Ugh! The 'name' portion of the entry has been censored somehow, which is unfortunate. Hm, I wonder. Could this be the doing of the Palace's Ruler?" Akechi asked as Kasumi blinked and spoke up.

"Maybe. Does that mean that if we don't have the 'who', we can't enter the Palace?" Kasumi asked as Akechi shook his head and spoke up.

"Not at all. It'll be tough, but well, we do have the search history, so it should be possible to infiltrate it anyway. But we'll be going in blind if we do, at least to some extent." Akechi said as Kasumi nodded and spoke up.

"I see. Well, if you two are going in, then I'm going with you! I trust you both, but surely having me around could at least be worth having the extra manpower. Plus, if Kusa-kun IS in this Palace, I'd like to be able to help rescue him, since he's saved me almost as often as Ren has. Plus, I still owe him for the time he saved me from a creeper the day of the school clean-up.

Granted, Ren here also saved me, but Kusa was the one to run the man off. Also, I can't put my finger on it, but something's been bothering me about this place, if it is the place I think it is, since we first entered it. I promise I'll pull my own weight and not slow you down." Kasumi said as Akechi turned to Ren and spoke up.

"I don't mind, but what's your call?" Akechi said to Ren, who smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, the more the merrier. If you two are ready, I say it's infiltration time." Ren said smugly. Kasumi nodded and spoke up.

"Good! That settles it." Kasumi said as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"All right. Let's do it." Akechi said as Ren and Kasumi nodded before the three pulled their phones out to enter the Metaverse...

(Inside the mysterious Palace, with Joker, Crow, and Sumi)

"Huh. Now that I'm getting a second look here, I've noticed just how mysterious this place is, which I didn't notice before. I wonder. What could this building even be?" Sumi asked as Crow spoke up.

"Good question. I'd say that depends on what the Palace's Ruler thinks of the place. We'll likely find THAT out if we keep pushing forward." Crow said as Sumi spoke up.

"Ah, is that so?" Sumi said before slowly nodding as she kept speaking while looking at Crow.

"By the way, um, do you have a code name for while we're in here, Akechi-kun?" Sumi asked Crow, who blinked and spoke up.

"Hm? What's the matter?" Crow asked as Sumi frowned and spoke up.

"Well, to be honest. I'm not sure how to put it, but I can't help but feel like I've seen that outfit on you before." Sumi said as Joker smirked at Crow before speaking up as he realized that Sumi was right and that Crow was wearing not his Detective Prince ensemble that he'd worn the last time he worked with Joker, but the Black Mask outfit he'd had on when he stared down the rest of the Phantom Thieves before trying and failing to defeat them, even if he did manage to incapacitate Draconis beforehand.

"Ah, Sumi's right. You are wearing your other outfit. Decided to go with your true self, eh Crow?" Joker said conversationally. Sumi blinked at Joker and spoke up.

"Wait, that's right! He was wearing this outfit the last time we saw him in the Metaverse, wasn't he!? So you're saying that his Black Mask outfit is his true outfit!?" Sumi asked in shock. Crow chuckled at Joker's remark and spoke up.

"Heh. Oh, you mean this old thing? Yoshizawa-san aside, there's no reason for me to uphold the pretense of a righteous, sincere Detective Prince anymore. Granted, I think if he were here, Draconis would want me to be true to myself anyways. And to your question Yoshizawa-san? My code name, at least for now, is Crow. Am I right to guess that your code name is literally just Sumi? If so, rather lazy on the parts of the others. I'm actually shocked that at the least, Draconis couldn't come up with a better idea." Crow said as Joker laughed and spoke up.

"HA! I knew you'd say that, Crow. But no, it was more of a 'lack of a better idea' situation when we came up with Sumi's code name. Granted, Panther DID suggest 'Violet', but Sumi rejected it on the basis that it was her sister's true name in English." Joker said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"Oh? Ah, I see. Enough chatting. It's time to move out." Crow said as Joker and Sumi nodded before the trio proceeded to commence their infiltration of the unknown Palace. After heading inside a bit further, the group stopped when Sumi looked around and spoke up.

"Hm? This place feels different than it did last time somehow." Sumi said as Crow spoke up.

"True. Mind you, from what you and Joker told me, that was around three months ago that you last came here, yes? That said, there could've been a change of heart since then. Incidentally, do you remember how far you, Joker and Mona went in last time?" Crow asked Sumi, who nodded as she spoke up.

"Not specifically, no. But I want to say it wasn't too far past that door over there. If I recall right, that's when Joker-senpai and Mona-senpai arrived to help me." Sumi said as Crow frowned slightly, but nodded as he spoke up.

"I see. Very well, so that would infer that you're only familiar with the area close to the entrance of this place then. In that case, let's keep going. We'll figure this place out as we go, no doubt." Crow said as the trio kept moving. After Joker used his grappling hook to get up to the slide he and Mona used to save Sumi before, the trio looked around at the area they'd landed in as Sumi spoke up.

"Huh. There are so many people here, especially compared to the last time Joker-senpai and I were here. This is definitely different from the last time." Sumi said, as at that point, an intercom turned on with a voice speaking from it.

"Welcome, and thank you for coming, patients. You will be guided to one of our specialty care facilities according to your individual desires. Have no fear, for we will assist each and every one of you. So rest assured. Everyone here can become happy. Should you have any questions about the facilities, feel free to bring them to our staff members nearby." The trio heard over the intercom as Sumi frowned and spoke up.

"Hm. What a strange announcement. 'Become happy'? That seems both vague and incredibly loaded. Just what kind of place IS this?" Sumi asked as Crow and Joker shrugged and the trio kept moving. After hopping down and walking towards the nearby door, a Shadow in a lab coat materialized in front of the trio, making Crow's eyes widen in realization behind his mask as the Shadow spoke up.

"Those guises, how unusual. You aren't among those who desire salvation. Are you going to be trouble, like the last one of you to arrive here? Fortunately, that one was dealt with rather swiftly and is in detention, so as to hopefully correct their views." the Shadow said, making Joker and Crow turn to one another and exchange a significant glance, both wondering if the Shadow meant who they thought he meant, before both turned to exchange a significant nod with Sumi as Joker spoke up.

"Never mind our intentions for now, sir. If possible, we'd like for you to take us to your Ruler." Joker said as politely as he could manage. The Shadow shook its head and spoke up.

"No can do. Now leave! You are unwanted intruders. Do not disturb our lord's research, namely this world's salvation." the Shadow said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Oh? Interesting. As I recall, the language of a Shadow is often a hint into it's Ruler's ideology, and this seems to be no different. This one here seems rather cultish, for example. And if I'm right about my theory, this just became about three times more urgent." Crow said to Joker and Sumi before turning to face the Shadow as he spoke up.

"As for you? Sorry, but we're going to pass through here now. We don't have the time to waste on mindless peons like yourself. Stand aside if you wish to live." Crow said bluntly as the Shadow scoffed and spoke up.

"Hmph. Tell me, why do you willingly strive for self-suffering? Why are you reaching out to your own pain?" the Shadow asked as Sumi blinked at that and winced.

"Ah!" Sumi said as she rubbed her forehead slightly, making Joker turn to give her a concerned look, but Sumi shook her head in the negative as she spoke up.

"Don't worry about me, Joker-senpai. I'm fine. It was just a minor headache, that's all." Sumi said as Crow spoke up with a pointed stare.

"Sumi-san, tell me. You can do this, right?" Crow asked as Sumi winced but nodded as she spoke up.

"Y-Yes, I can do this. Ready whenever!" Sumi said, trying to sound more confident than she felt, despite the sudden memory she'd had from the Shadow's previous words about reaching out to her own pain. As the two spoke to one another, the Shadow shifted forms into a monster that looked to be a hybrid of a clown and a reaper, with the scythe to match. Crow then spoke up again.

"Very well. Mind you, it'll be too much trouble for us to go about this haphazardly. Ergo, if there's no objections, I'll provide the support." Crow said as Joker blinked and spoke up with an amused chuckle.

"Crow the navigator? This I have to see. Go for it, Crow." Joker said as another of the same being that had been staring the trio down materialized next to the first being. Crow scoffed at this and spoke up.

"Very well. But still, tch. Look at this scum pile up." Crow said as his eyes widened slightly behind his mask, to Joker and Sumi's surprise. When Crow kept speaking, his voice seemed a bit darker and almost slightly unhinged.

"Heh, fine by me. The more scum I get to crush, the better! Now, time for a bloodbath!" Crow said sadistically as the battle started! As the fight started, Crow cackled and spoke up.

"Heh, it's been quite a while since I got to do battle with something. And to be honest? Nothing gets me quite as excited as this. It's as if I live for the thrill of combat." Crow said as Sumi turned a look of wide-eyed shock on Crow and spoke up.

"Crow-san!?" Sumi asked as Crow chuckled and spoke up.

"Apologies if this side of me unnerves you, but this is the side of me that hungers for combat and battle. Now, time to obliterate them!" Crow said as Sumi blinked but nodded as she spoke up warily.

"Ah, I see. A-All right!" Sumi said as the fight began. Up front, Joker asked Crow for an analysis of the enemies, which Crow obliged to with a nod.

"Heh, let's see here. Ah, I see. Heh, analyzing this trash won't be so easy, but that's fine." Crow said as he failed to analyze the enemy, past identifying it as 'Dancer of Death'. Crow then glared at the enemies and spoke up.

"But that doesn't matter to me. I'll break them! TO ME, LOKI! MAKE IT RAIN CARNAGE!" Crow said as Loki materialized with a nod, waving his sword and causing a hail of gunfire to pelt the twin Dancers of Death for good damage. Joker then nodded as he had an idea and spoke up.

"Hm. I wonder-? Well, let's try this! COME, UNICORN! STRIKE!" Joker said as he summoned his 'Unicorn' Persona, who nodded and waved its head, allowing a burst of Bless energy to shoot from its horn, crashing into the nearest 'Dancer of Death' for massive damage and bringing it to its knees, making Crow cackle and speak up.

"Excellent! You've identified their weakness! Now then, finish it, Joker! SHOW NO MERCY!" Crow said cynically as Joker nodded, turning to Sumi and high-fiving her as he spoke up.

"SUMI! Take my turn! Baton Pass!" Joker said, doing a Baton Pass to Sumi, who nodded and spoke up.

"Got it! Sumi tagging in! Let's dance, Cendrillion!" Sumi said, summoning Cendrillion, who nodded and waved her hand, making a giant orb of Bless energy crash down onto the still-standing 'Dancer of Death', bringing it to its knees like the other one. Crow then grinned and spoke up.

"Wonderful! That's another one downed! Let's end this!" Crow said as Joker nodded to signal the Hold-Up before he spoke up.

"Couldn't agree more, Crow! Let's finish them! ALL-OUT ATTACK!" Joker said as Crow and Sumi nodded, the trio charging forward to attack the downed 'Dancers of Death', Crow laughing maniacally as he spoke up.

"YES! YES! I LIVE FOR THIS! I'll slice and dice 'em!" Crow said as he and Joker slashed at the two enemies while Sumi flipped forward as the shot cut to her dancing across the screen, ribbon in hand, before she flipped into a backdrop of her doing a pose, with the caption 'Beauty Is Devotion' written out on a black sign while she smiled and spoke up while posing with the end of the ribbon in her mouth.

"Heh! TOO LATE TO BE SORRY!" Sumi said as the battle and the All-Out Attack ended with the enemies groaning and dissolving into black mist. After the fight, the trio relaxed before Crow chuckled and spoke up.

"Not bad, you two. Heh, I think we handled that rather well, didn't we? Especially considering the last-minute arrangement of our 'team' and all." Crow said as Sumi winced and spoke up.

"Uh-huh." Sumi said as Crow and Joker gave her worried looks, the former speaking up.

"Are you all right, Sumi-san?" Crow asked as Sumi nodded sheepishly and spoke up.

"U-Uh, yes! I'm fine. So, that Shadow we just defeated? It said something about research. And also something about pain, of all things." Sumi said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"I noticed that as well. I also heard that it mentioned salvation as well. And all this seems to indicate that the Palace's Ruler, whomever they may be, is not in his or her right mind. Though considering this IS the place I thought it is, I think Draconis might have had an idea of who the Ruler of this Palace could be, given what he said to me about the Ruler likely being after him specifically.

Or at least, that's what he told me right before all but insisting I get out of here and save myself, rather than trying to fight to save him. I swear, that man is too selfless for his own good sometimes." Crow said as Joker blinked at Crow's mention of Draconis saving him, turning to exchange a worried look with Sumi. Crow then blinked as he kept speaking, acting as if he'd not seen a thing.

"Hm? Oh?" Crow said as he noticed an object lying on the ground near where the Shadow had previously been, walking forward to pick it up and smirking at what it was as he kept speaking.

"Well, well. I seem to have found a map to this place. Let's make good use of it." Crow said as Joker and Sumi's phones flashed with a 'GOT MAP!' notification, while Sumi turned to Joker and whispered to him so only he could hear.

"Um, Joker-senpai? So I've only shared pleasantries with Crow-san, but would you say this is how he normally is? Like a, uh, how to put it? Well, like a ruthless sort of person?" Sumi asked Joker, who chuckled and nodded as he spoke up so only Sumi could hear.

"Yup, this is his normal. Sure, he puts on the appearance of the well-mannered and polite Detective Prince, but beneath that fluffy pancake-loving exterior is the heart, mind, and soul of a ruthless warrior. To be honest, it's not unlike what I suspect Draconis could've been had he not ended up being a Phantom Thief instead. But either way, Crow is a good guy in there somewhere. I can feel it. Also, I think what he went through with Draconis might have affected him a bit as well." Joker said to Sumi, who nodded and winced as she spoke up so only Joker could hear.

"Ah, I see. I suppose that does make sense. After all, Oracle could've easily ended up like this after Draconis got separated from the rest of us and then went missing, so I can empathize with Crow a bit on at least that point." Sumi said as Crow turned to give Joker and Sumi a dry stare as he spoke up.

"What say we save the idle chatter for later and keep moving? This Palace isn't gonna explore itself, after all." Crow said, before making Sumi wince as he kept speaking.

"Unless of course, teaming up with a 'ruthless sort of person' is too much for you to handle." Crow said dryly. Sumi sweatdropped as she turned to Joker and spoke up.

"Crap. I think we're busted, Joker-senpai." Sumi said as Joker nodded and the trio kept moving. After the group jumped a nearby Shadow, Crow spoke up.

"Two foes? But they're hardly a threat." Crow said as Joker smirked and looked at the nearest foe, which Crow's scan had identified as 'Nebiros', before speaking up.

"UNICORN! ATTACK!" Joker said as he summoned his 'Unicorn' Persona, who nodded and glared at the Nebiros before whipping his head back and forth, making a burst of Bless energy shoot from his horn, causing the Nebiros to dissolve into black mist in a burst of Kougaon energy. Crow smirked at this and spoke up.

"Well, well. Joker took one down? I've gotta keep up!" Crow said as Joker smirked and spoke up.

"Oh? That so, Crow? Then take this! BATON PASS!" Joker said as he high-fived Crow to tag him in to take Joker's turn, making him nod as he spoke up.

"Good call. As for you over there, FEAR ME!" Crow said as he glared at the 'Killer Teddy Bear' and spoke up.

"Hmph. COME! LOKIIII!" Crow said as he summoned Loki, who waved his sword and loosed a burst of Curse energy at the 'Killer Teddy Bear', making it instantly dissolve into black mist as Crow and Sumi spoke up.

"Heh, that was easy!" Sumi said as Crow spoke up with a nod.

"Indeed. We didn't even break a sweat!" Crow said, sounding almost disappointed as the battle ended. From the ensuing EXP gain, Joker hit level 77. Joker then spoke up.

"Heh, well it's a step forward." Joker said humbly as his level increased, making Crow blink as he spoke up.

"Wait, what? Am I going nuts, or did Joker actually manage to rein in his tendency to show off on a level up? Impressive, if true." Crow said dryly. As the trio kept moving, Crow spoke up.

"Hm? Ah, going from this feeling I'm getting, I'd wager there's a Safe Room somewhere nearby." Crow said as Joker nodded and hustled the trio into the Safe Room to avoid the oncoming enemy. Once inside, Crow spoke up.

"It's a safe room, all right. Shall we take a rest?" Crow asked as Joker nodded while the 'Entrance Hall' was added to his fast-travel list. Joker idly noted that both Sumi and Crow had stuff to say, so he walked over to Sumi first and spoke up.

"You okay, Sumi? You've been acting a bit off since we got here." Joker said in concern. Sumi nodded and spoke up.

"Hm? Oh, yes, I'm fine. I'm getting this strange feeling in my chest though. I do hope it's just my nerves about this place." Sumi said as Joker nodded and walked over to Crow before speaking up.

"So, how's being able to fight stuff again treating you, Crow?" Joker asked Crow, who spoke up bluntly.

"It's more of a thrill than I'd hoped. That said, do you have a moment? I realize resting is important every so often, but do we really have the time to relax?" Crow asked as Joker spoke up.

"Not really, but I figured it was this or try to outrun the enemy that spotted us and then try to jump it. So I went with the smarter option of the two." Joker said as Crow nodded approvingly while Joker headed to the door of the Safe Room as Crow spoke up.

"Ah, good, we're continuing. Mind you, we don't know what may be waiting for us. Let us explore carefully." Crow said as the trio left the Safe Room to resume their exploration. After leaving the Safe Room, Joker had to swing his knife to deflect the enemy that tried to charge the trio, starting a fight. At that point, Crow spoke up.

"Heh, just one enemy! Easily crushable." Crow said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. Let's try and find its weakness, anyways. UNICORN, TO ME! STRIKE THE ENEMY!" Joker said as he summoned his 'Unicorn' Persona, who nodded and waved its horn once, making a burst of Psy energy strike the enemy, dealing modest damage. Sumi nodded and spoke up.

"Not bad, but my turn! Let's dance, Cendrillion!" Sumi said as she summoned Cendrillion, who nodded and waved her arms, making a barrage of swords appear and repeatedly batter the enemy by way of her 'Swords Dance' skill. Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Not bad, but let me show you how it's done. COME, LOKIIIIII! MANIFEST!" Crow said as he summoned Loki, who nodded and waved his sword at the enemy while releasing a torrent of Curse energy at it by way of his 'Eigaon' skill, making the skill slam into the enemy for heavy damage, causing the stunned enemy to explode into black mist as the Curse attack was revealed to be extra-effective on this enemy. Crow cackled at this and spoke up.

"YES! I live for this! That was almost pathetically easy!" Crow said as the battle ended. Sumi nodded her agreement and spoke up.

"Well said, Crow. If our enemies really are this weak, they won't even make good practice." Sumi said as the trio kept moving. After a bit, Joker identified a door that the trio could open, allowing them to proceed into a new section, where Crow blinked after the trio heard what sounded like someone crying. Crow then spoke up.

"What's going on in here?" Crow asked, sounding actually confused. Sumi gasped and spoke up.

"Wait, that voice. I recognize it!" Sumi said as the trio looked around before Sumi gasped and kept speaking.

"Look!" Sumi said as the trio turned to see what was clearly a recording of a man that Joker recognized as Sumi's father, Shinichi, sitting by the bedside of a dead girl and weeping. Joker's eyes widened slightly behind his mask as he realized that Shinichi was likely crying over the dead body of Sumi's sister. Sumi kept speaking without looking at Joker.

"No way, is that-?" Sumi asked as the trio turned to watch the video.

"Everyone will be arriving soon, sweetheart. Mom, Grandma, and yes, she'll be here too. I'm sure she'll be here, once she's able to calm down and come to terms with losing you." Shinichi said on the video as he visibly sniffled and held back sobs as he looked down at the body of his deceased daughter, currently covered by a sheet. If not for the just-visible hints of red under the top sheet, you wouldn't be able to tell there was a body there. Shinichi then kept speaking through his sobs.

"Why did this have to happen!? WHY?" The Shinichi in the video said as he started breaking down, at the same time that the nearby door opened up and an equally familiar voice spoke up.

"Oh? Dad?" The group heard the voice of what Joker knew to be Sumi ask as Crow and Joker turned their gazes onto Sumi, who gasped and spoke up.

"Why?" Sumi asked hollowly as Crow gasped in realization and spoke up.

"Oh! Could it be-?" Crow asked himself. He then turned to Sumi and spoke up to voice his realization.

"That was your father in the video just now, wasn't it Sumi-san? And the one he was speaking to was you, wasn't it?" Crow asked Sumi, who winced at the question and spoke up.

"That girl that was covered up on the bed was my deceased little sister, Sumire Yoshizawa. But yes, the voice at the end of the video was mine." Sumi said, ignoring the look of surprise on Crow's face at this reveal as she turned to face the two and kept speaking.

"Crow, Joker, I'd mentioned before to the two of you that I'd lost a family member, right? But, how was this video-?" Sumi asked as she winced and held her head as she groaned in pain.

"Nngh!" Sumi said as Joker spoke up in concern.

"Sumi! What's wrong?" Joker asked as Sumi winced and spoke up.

"I'm sorry to worry you, Joker. It's just a headache, that's all. That said, I don't know what's been wrong with me lately. I've been getting this feeling like, well, like I need to remember something. But at the same time, I feel like I oughtn't remember it, if that makes sense." Sumi said as Joker's eyes widened slightly as he had a thought occur to him.

"Could whoever this Palace's Ruler be somehow know of Sumi's past, and thereby know how to make Sumi remember her true name? I wonder. Could this Ruler somehow be connected to Doctor Maruki?" Joker wondered idly. Crow stroked his chin in thought and spoke up.

"Hm. Well, that's not important for now. Can you still walk, Sumi-san?" Crow asked Sumi as he kept speaking.

"After all, whatever it is that's happening, we have to keep going if we hope to learn more about it." Crow said as Sumi managed to get her aching head under control and nod as she spoke up.

"Yes, I'm all right! But thanks for your concern, Joker and Crow. Let's go." Sumi said as she kept moving. Before Joker could follow, Crow stopped him and spoke up.

"Joker? Hey, got a moment?" Crow asked Joker, who nodded as Crow kept speaking.

"Good. Let me ask you something. When was it that you said you became acquainted with Sumi-san?" Crow asked as Joker smiled and spoke up.

"It was one fateful day about a week after Draconis and I moved into town, so sometime last spring." Joker said as Crow blinked at that and spoke up.

"Oh? I see. Interesting. Anyway, let's move out. I suspect we still have a long way to go." Crow said as he and Joker kept moving while catching up to Sumi. After moving down some hallways, one of which had a row of posters with the words 'Happiness = Health' on them all along both sides of the hall, which was a very striking shade of purple, the group arrived in an open room with what appeared to be a conveyor belt with symbols all over it, making Sumi frown as she spoke up.

"This place is enormous, isn't it? What could this room be? Oh!" Sumi said as she felt another headache and grabbed her head. Crow frowned and spoke up.

"Ah, you seem to be in pain again. Are you all right?" Crow asked Sumi, who nodded and spoke up.

"I-I'm fine! It's just that for some reason, I can't stop thinking about that video we saw earlier of my dad and sister." Sumi said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"Ah, you mean the one about Sumire-san?" Crow said as Sumi winced and spoke up.

"Yes, that one." Sumi said before turning to face Joker as she kept speaking.

"Joker-senpai, let's keep pushing. I need to find out why that was shown to me!" Sumi said as Crow and Joker nodded and the trio kept moving. As the group proceeded, their path was blocked by another Shadow in a lab coat, who spoke up.

"Halt. You are misguided. Do not search for pain. Only tragedy awaits you beyond here." the Shadow said as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Hmph, would you look at that? A newcomer." Crow said as Sumi frowned at the Shadow and spoke up.

"All these warnings of pain and tragedy! Who is your Ruler? Why do you all think you know so much about me!?" Sumi asked as the Shadow shifted forms into that of a monstrous being with a trident, which Joker vaguely recalled was named 'Belial'. Sumi frowned at the Shadow as she kept speaking.

"If you won't give me an answer, then I'll just force my way through!" Sumi said as a fight started! At the start, Sumi brandished her shotgun and spoke up.

"I don't want to have to do this. But I will if I have to." Sumi said as she proceeded to have Cendrillon attack the enemy over and over, constant exchanging misses with it. After a bit, Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"SUMI! Stop rushing into things!" Crow said as Joker and Crow joined Sumi. Crow then kept speaking.

"Just calm down!" Crow lightly rebuked Sumi, who winced and nodded as she spoke up.

"Oh, you're right. I'm being reckless. I'm sorry, Crow." Sumi said as Crow nodded before looking at Joker as he spoke up.

"This is it-time your attacks with mine!" Crow said as Sumi nodded, thinking he meant her.

"R-Right!" Sumi said as Joker had Crow analyze the enemy, which Crow identified as the 'Missionary of Depravity'. Crow then spoke up.

"Heh, brute force won't do anything here, Joker! They're immune against physical attacks!" Crow said as Joker nodded.

"Got it. UNICORN! TO ME!" Joker said while summoning his 'Unicorn' Persona, which then waved its horn at the nearest 'Missionary of Depravity', hitting it with a powerful burst of Bless energy, destroying it in one hit and forcing it to its knees. Sumi nodded and spoke up.

"I get it. CENDRILLION! LET'S DANCE!" Sumi said as she summoned Cendrillion, who nodded and waved her hand to make another burst of Bless energy appear and slam into the remaining 'Missionary of Depravity', dealing good damage to it as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Let me handle this! PERSONA! LOKI, ERADICATE THEM!" Crow said as Loki nodded, trying to hit the enemy with Eigaon, only for Crow and Loki both to blink when it did nothing. Crow then grumbled as he spoke up.

"Tch, so you block Curse attacks, eh? Lucky bastard." Crow said as Joker spoke up.

"I see. Unicorn! Let's try another move! GO!" Joker said as Unicorn nodded, waving its horn again, only for a burst of Psy energy to come out this time and hit the 'Missionary of Depravity' for damage, at which point Sumi spoke up.

"Allow me to finish it! CENDRILLION, DANCE!" Sumi said as Cendrillion nodded and loosed another burst of Bless energy, only for the attack to miss the target and harmlessly hit the ground to the right of it. Sumi groaned at this as Crow spoke up.

"Really? You missed? Allow me! LOKI, END IT!" Crow said as Loki nodded and waved his sword as a torrent of gunfire ensued, finishing off the remaining 'Missionary of Depravity', ending the battle. After the battle, both Sumi and the enemy were panting. The 'Missionary of Depravity' then spoke up.

"Such a fool, rejecting our lord's mercy. Between you and that other fool we captured recently, it seems that rejecting our lord is becoming a fad. Very well, in that case, witness it for yourself!" The 'Missionary of Depravity' said as he dissolved into black mist, making Sumi frown as she spoke up.

"Ugh, now what!?" Sumi heard as the group heard another video start up, as an interviewer could be heard speaking over the sudden roars of applause and cheering.

"Oh, wow. The crowd is going wild! Their cheers are shaking the stadium to welcome a new heroine to the world of competitive gymnastics!" The interviewer said as Sumi gasped and walked towards Joker and Crow, speaking up as she moved in front of them.

"Huh?" Sumi said as she saw an interviewer talking with what looked like another her wearing a leotard, her red hair in a bun. However, what caught Joker's attention was the fact that, unlike Sumi, this girl had a beauty mark on one side of her face. The girl then spoke up with a closed-eye smile on her face that put Joker eerily to mind of Sumi's own closed-eye smile.

"Thank you so much! I'm simply thrilled with the results I had today!" The girl said as the interviewer nodded and spoke up.

"Your performance exceeded anything seen before in the junior class! It was absolutely stunning! But, you'll be entering high school soon, I hear. Will that impact your career in gymnastics?" The interviewer asked the girl, who smiled and spoke up.

"Oh, I have no intention of stopping! It's my dream to compete and win at the international level!" The girl said as the interviewer spoke up.

"How wonderful! Oh, one last question. Is there anyone you'd like to give a shout-out while you still have the chance?" The interviewer asked the girl, and when she spoke up, her next words would make Crow and Joker's jaws drop, while making Sumi's eyes go wide at what she said.

"My younger sister! She should be here in the stadium somewhere." The girl said as Sumi winced and spoke up.

"What did she just say?" Sumi asked in shock. But if that was shocking, what the girl said next was even more shocking.

"Oh, there she is! Sumire!" The girl said, making Joker and Crow both gasp at this, turning to face Sumi with identical looks of concern on their faces as Sumi winced and held her head.

"Nngh! Wha!?" Sumi said as the girl kept speaking, waving to someone only she could see as she did so.

"Sumire! I did it!" The girl said, before turning to the interviewer as she kept speaking.

"You see, both of us have the same dream. And that dream is to be international champions!" The girl said as Sumi winced and spoke up.

"Ngh, stop it. " Sumi said as the girl kept speaking.

"Let's make it come true, Sumire! Together!" The girl said as Sumi winced and spoke up.

"I said stop it!" Sumi said, looking conflicted and almost sad. Sumi then grasped her head and spoke up as she slowly sank to her knees.

"I don't want to see anymore of this!" Sumi said as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Tch. Sumi-san, you're sure you're going to be okay?" Crow asked Sumi, but before she could reply, another voice answered instead, one that both Joker and Sumi recognized.

"I really hope this helped you understand." A man's voice could be heard over the intercom, making Joker's eyes widen as a thought ran through his mind.

"WHAT!? Was that who I think it was!? If so, no wonder Draconis told Crow to get out and save himself! I could see him being after Draconis for sure." Joker mused as Crow spoke up to draw him from his musings.

"Hm, a man's voice, eh? Could this man be the Ruler we've been after?" Crow asked. The man's voice then spoke up once more over the intercom.

"If you keep pushing on like this, you're going to find nothing but heartache. Please, won't you stop fighting this and just return to the 'current' reality? It's bad enough I've already had to have one patient disposed of. I'd rather not have to have any others share that fate." The man's voice said as Sumi scoffed and spoke up.

"Tch. Nothing but heartache, huh? Hmph. I don't understand what you're saying, but I have no intention of leaving now!" Sumi said as Crow smiled approvingly at Sumi's outburst as he spoke up to add in his opinion.

"Heh, we're in agreement there, Sumi. We also refuse to do as you say. Now, why don't you drop the whole 'big voice behind the curtain' act and face us directly?" Crow challenged the man's voice, who winced and spoke up.

"Tch. Very well, as you wish. Head on down. I'll meet you there." The man's voice said as Crow blinked but smirked as he spoke up.

"Well, well. He agreed to that much more readily than I expected. Perhaps the Palace's Ruler really will make his appearance?" Crow said as Joker turned to Sumi and spoke up.

"Sumi, are you okay? You look like you're worn down a bit." Joker said to Sumi, who smiled at Joker and spoke up.

"Thanks for your concern, Joker. But I'm fine, really! Let's go." Sumi said as she walked off, Crow scoffing as she walked off with Joker in tow.

"Hmph. 'Kasumi Yoshizawa', eh?" Crow said to himself as the trio kept moving. After a bit, another battle ensued.

"Three of them? Heh, these enemies don't bother me." Crow said as the battle started. After Joker had Unicorn dispose of the Nebiros with Kougaon, Sumi walked up and spoke up.

"COME, CENDRILLION! LET US DANCE!" Sumi said as she summoned Cendrillion, who nodded and made a rain of swords appear, battering both remaining enemies for heavy damage, and downing one with a Critical, making Crow smirk as he spoke up.

"Well, well. One enemy taken down by Sumi-san. Nice!" Crow said as Sumi spoke up.

"PAYBACK TIME!" Sumi said after Joker gave the signal for the All-Out Attack, making Crow cackle maniacally as he spoke up.

"AHAHAHA! IT'S KILLING TIME AGAIN!" Crow said as he, Joker, and Sumi all rushed the enemy before the scren cut to a shot of Sumi posing with her ribbon in her mouth as the enemy burst into black mist.

"A PERFECT 10!" Sumi said as she ended the battle with her All-Out Attack. From the ensuing EXP gain, Joker's 'Quetzalcoatl' Persona hit level 74. After dispatching the enemies, the group followed the hallway down some steps to where a man stood waiting for them, his back to them, though Joker and Crow could still clearly see the man's rather dapper white suit and gloves, as well as his slicked-back brown hair. Sumi blinked at the man as she spoke up.

"Is he this Palace's Ruler, possibly?" Sumi asked Joker and Crow, but before either could reply, the man turned to face the trio, making Joker and Sumi's eyes go wide in a mix of shock, horror and disbelief as he spoke up.

"It's been quite a while, hasn't it Joker and Sumi?" The man said, as a Shadow in a suit appeared at his side. Sumi gasped at this and spoke up.

"WHAT!? Doctor Maruki!?" Sumi asked as what Joker presumed to be Maruki's Shadow nodded and spoke up with a deceptively smug grin on his face.

"Indeed. Glad to see you're all doing well. I pretty much figured that you would end up infiltrating this place. Fortunately, I didn't just sit idly by. I took this time to prepare a suitable defense against the likes of you. But don't take my word for it. See for yourselves!" Maruki's Shadow said as he snapped his fingers and a metallic shuffling sound could be heard before another being was seen entering the room as the Shadow in a suit exited it.

But much to Joker's shock, this being heavily resembled a giant suit of armor with what appeared to be a dark-green helmet and grey body, with each of the being's arms having guns mounted on them. A dry chuckle was heard from inside of the robot as a new voice spoke up.

"Heh, so these are the so-called 'Phantom Thieves'!? Pity. I expected there to be more of you. Oh, well. It's of no concern to me. After all, my lord has entrusted me with your destruction, and I intend to see to that. However, he's ordered me to stand down for now. But when next we meet, you'll get to experience my power for yourselves. Back to you, my lord." The voice addressed the Phantom Thieves, before Maruki's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"Thank you, my friend. I can handle it from here." Maruki's Shadow said before turning to the trio and continuing to speak.

"As for you three, behold my latest creation, the M.A.L.E.F.A.C.T.O.R.! This specialized weapon will ensure you never manage to fully infiltrate this place. Still, truth be told, this isn't how I was hoping we would meet again." Maruki's Shadow said as Sumi spoke up.

"No way! Doctor Maruki, is this true? You're the Ruler of this Palace!?" Sumi asked as Maruki's Shadow blinked and spoke up.

"Did you say Palace? Funny, another person I know said the same thing to me as well when I saved him from being chained to a wall. But he was more shocked I had one than anything." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Yes, Palace. Put simply, a place where distorted desires manifest. That said, we're asking if you're the source of the desires here." Crow said as Maruki's Shadow nodded his understanding and spoke up.

"Ah, I see. Well, to use your own words? Yes, I am this Palace's Ruler. But in my case, it seems a tad different from the ones you've seen." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Be that as it may, would we also be correct in believing you're involved in the abnormalities outside the Palace as well?" Crow asked as Maruki's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, you would." Maruki's Shadow said as he kept speaking, stunning the trio with his next words.

"Do you like the reality I created for you?" Maruki's Shadow asked as Crow blinked and spoke up.

"You what!? You created it?" Crow asked in surprise. Maruki's Shadow nodded once more and spoke up.

"That's right. I've gained the power to alter reality any way I see fit. Put simply, I have the power to make it whatever the people wish for." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker spoke up at that point.

"What? I didn't wish for this, though? And before when you said 'he said the same thing to me as well', were you referring to my brother? Are you the one who has Draconis captive?" Joker said. Maruki's Shadow frowned at this and spoke up before Crow or Sumi could do more than gasp at Joker's question.

"To your question, I don't have him captive, per se. But he is being held here, yes. But that's all I'll say on that for now. But to the rest of what you just said, is that how you really feel? After all, the old reality was cruel and unfair. And the truth is, Yoshizawa-san there suffers immense pain each time she taps into her forgotten past." Maruki's Shadow said as Sumi blinked at that and spoke up.

"My what!? Did you say forgotten past?" Sumi asked before frowning at Maruki's Shadow as she kept speaking.

"Doctor Maruki, explain yourself! What do you mean!? What's happened to me!?" Sumi asked as Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"You really want to know? All right. I had honestly hoped that all those warnings you were given would change your minds, but alas, that wasn't to be. However, if it's your true desire, then I want you to recall who you truly are. And I want you two to learn as well. Once you have, you'll need to choose between the two realities. Either you can choose the merciless one we all know, or you can choose this new reality I've formed." Maruki's Shadow said as he snapped his fingers and a video played as Sumi spoke up in shock.

"What!? That's-!?" Sumi said as the video started, with the first thing shown being the red-haired girl that the trio had seen before, seemingly looking at someone behind her as she spoke up.

"We've done it, you know. We're on our way to being at the top of our world!" The red-haired girl said as another girl's voice could be heard speaking up.

"I don't get it. Why can't I get my routine right? We practice the same amount! But you're always the one coming in first place." The voice said, revealing itself to belong to a girl of around the first girl's height, with flowing crimson hair that went down to her back, framing her face which had a pair of black framed glasses on it, as the first girl smiled at this girl and spoke up.

"Aw, cheer up. Your growth spurt's just changed your eye level, that's all! But look at you! We're as tall as each other now!" The first girl said as the second girl spoke up.

"Perhaps, but you were always the one everyone wanted, Kasumi. You were the one who always comes out on top." The second girl said to the now-named Kasumi, who smiled at the second girl and spoke up.

"And d'you know why? Because it's my right as the elder sister!" Kasumi said to the second girl, now revealed to be her sister. Kasumi's sister then frowned and spoke up, her darker-red eyes narrowing at her sister behind her glasses as she spoke.

"You could never understand! You always have everything handed to you and you never have to struggle!" Kasumi's sister said as she darted off angrily, ignoring Kasumi calling out frantically for her.

"Sumire, come back! The light's red! Wait, hold on! SUMIRE!" Kasumi called out after her sister, now revealed to be named Sumire. Before Sumire could do more than blink, she felt herself pushed aside as she heard the screech of brakes as her eyes fluttered shut and she passed out for a short time. When she came back to, it was to the sound of a scream, making her slowly sit up as she spoke up.

"What? What was that that pushed me just now?" Sumire asked as she looked- over and her eyes went wide in horror as she saw none other than Kasumi sprawled out in the crosswalk, laying almost eerily still, a pool of blood slowly forming near what appeared to be her forehead, suggesting to Sumire that Kasumi got hit head-on by an oncoming vehicle while pushing Sumire out of the way. At that point, she heard onlookers speaking up.

"Shit!" One onlooker said as another spoke up.

"Is she hurt!?" Another onlooker said as a third onlooker spoke up.

"Someone hurry up and call an ambulance!" A third onlooker said as Kasumi lay there on the crosswalk, slowly bleeding out. But in the end, help would arrive too late for the elder of the two Yoshizawa sisters, as she would ultimately succumb to her injuries and pass away. As this went on, the camera panned to a shot of a wide-eyed Sumire looking on in horror as all she could do was watch as her sister slowly slipped away...

(Back in the present, with Crow, Joker, Sumi, Maruki's Shadow, and the Malefactor)

At that same time, in the present, Sumi's eyes went wide in horror at what she was watching. Unbeknownst to anyone, her Phantom Thief attire vanished in a flash of blue light as her ribbon slowly came undone and fell off, revealing a long shock of flowing crimson hair that fell down to rest at her mid-back. But Sumi noticed none of this, she was so pre-occupied with the horrifying video she'd just seen, and with the tears slowly sliding down her face as she could only gape at what she'd seen. After a bit, Sumi spoke up.

"I don't know what to say to that. What was that?" 'Sumi' asked as Maruki's Shadow winced and spoke up.

"Ah?" Maruki's Shadow said, unsure of how to answer that question before he kept speaking.

"But never mind that. It took a bit of trauma to do it, but it seems you remembered." Maruki's Shadow said as 'Sumi' spoke up, oblivious to the confused stares of Joker and Crow behind her as she spoke.

"That's right. I remember everything. I'm not Kasumi Yoshizawa." 'Sumi' said as Joker gave his girlfriend a concerned look and spoke up.

"Sumi? Are you all right, beautiful?" Joker asked in concern. 'Sumi' blinked at this and spoke up.

"Sumi? Did you say Sumi? Don't you mean Kasumi? But no, that can't be it. That's not right. I'm not Kasumi!" 'Sumi' said as Crow spoke up.

"Correct. The girl named 'Kasumi Yoshizawa' is currently deceased." Crow said as Joker gave Crow a shocked look, impressed that Crow had put two and two together. As far as Joker was aware, only he and Sumi's parents knew the truth of her real identity, and all had agreed to keep it to themselves until Sumi was ready to speak of it, so as to ideally spare her further pain. Sumi nodded to Crow's remark and spoke up.

"You're right. It was last spring that it happened. Before I started at Shujin, to be precise. We were walking home from practice. It happened right there, on the street seen in the video we just watched. To be fair, it was all my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going because I was so busy being angry at Kasumi. And Kasumi, she protected me from the car despite my lashing out at her prior to that. I was saved by Kasumi in the end. However, in the process, I robbed her of her dreams, her chance to succeed, and even her life! I'm actually her younger sister, Sumire Yoshizawa." Sumi said as she seemed to shake in a mix of grief, guilt and anguish. Maruki's Shadow spoke up at that point.

"I'll take over from here. After all, I do play a part in this story." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker glared at this and spoke up.

"Of course you do, Doc. Of course you do. Start talking. What do you know about this?" Joker asked Maruki's Shadow pointedly as Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"Let's start with what you just heard. Her real name, as she just said, is Sumire Yoshizawa. She's Kasumi-san's younger sister, despite her and Kasumi being twins. But for months now, she's only seen herself as being Kasumi Yoshizawa, or more plainly put, her deceased elder sister. So I guess technically that would make her Yoshizawa-san the younger, much as how your brother is Amamiya-kun the younger. But never mind that.

As I was saying, she took the loss rather hard. So of course, it was only her cognition of herself that was changed, so to the people around her, she was still Sumire-san. For some reason, though, something happened. And as a result, there were a few rare exceptions to this, such as you. Tell me something, Joker. Did something happen to make you believe she was Kasumi-san?" Maruki's Shadow said to Joker, who spoke up.

"Well, there was that time at the school cleanup event when she dropped her Shujin pocketbook which had her name written in it as 'Kasumi Yoshizawa', so probably that?" Joker said with a shrug as Crow groaned and spoke up.

"Oy vey. Joker, Joker, Joker. It appears you were clueless, but she was Sumire Yoshizawa from the start. However, when we watched that other video, she gave her name as Kasumi Yoshizawa. Considering such an odd claim, I'd suspected for a moment that she was the Palace Ruler we were after. But of course, I know better now." Crow said as Joker could only blink before Sumi spoke up.

"He's right. But it goes back to before I started Shujin. After Kasumi died, but before I started at Shujin, I received counseling from Doctor Maruki. That was when I told him everything. I also told him that if Kasumi is gone and can't make her dream come true anymore, that I wanted to become Kasumi, so that I could turn her dream into reality for her." Sumi said as Joker growled lowly at that and glared at Maruki's Shadow, but before he could say anything, Crow spoke up.

"So that's why you meddled with her cognition? For her own wishes?" Crow asked Maruki's Shadow, who nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, that's right. Limited as it was, I already had the power at the time to actualize her wish." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker angrily spoke up.

"Be that as it may, how dare you try to mess with Sumi's mind, Maruki!? Have you no decency? I don't care if you did think you were helping, that's not how you help someone heal! If anything, that's only going to make their pain worse when the actualization eventually wears off. And from the little I read of that concept, you can only have someone under one actualization at a time. So no doubt, when you attempted to invoke a mass actualization of people's realities, you inadvertently started to undo Sumi's actualization a bit as a result. However, if you were truly trying to help, you would've tried talking her through her pain instead of helping her avoid it.

Because, to be honest with you? I might not have gotten to know the real Kasumi Yoshizawa, but if that video we just watched is any indication, she was a very kind, very selfless, and very loving young lady. And she would never have wanted to see her sister suffer like this, just so she could try and keep her dream alive for her. She'd have rather Sumi found peace with her loss and tried to move forward under her own power, as Sumire Yoshizawa!

And regardless of what her name is now, Sumi is still the woman I love with all my heart. So if I can help her ease out of that suffering, even a little, I'm going to do just that. But I hope she realizes I'm going to be here for her, no matter what. But I think she'd be much better off if she can learn to accept her loss and make peace with it. Furthermore, I have every reason to believe that Kasumi wouldn't want her sister blaming herself for something she had zero control over.

Sure, she could've probably avoided this if she'd not run out into the street like she did, but we're not playing the 'what if' game here. Sumi needs to not blame herself for what her sister chose to do of her own volition. That's how much Kasumi loved Sumire, after all. She was willing to throw it all away just to save her from certain death, or at least great harm. Thus, I hope that in time, I can help Sumi to be able to start smiling again and not having to run from her pain. Even if I have to shoulder some of it myself, I won't let her suffer on her own anymore." Joker said resolutely as Maruki frowned at this and spoke up.

"I see. While that is all well and good, put yourselves in her shoes for a moment, if you can. Sumire-san's older sister died from protecting her. Imagine surviving such a dismal tragedy as that. Who would be able to cope with that survivor's guilt, let alone heal from the emotional scarring that she's suffered?" Maruki's Shadow said as Joker glared at him and spoke up.

"I WOULD! Granted, my brother isn't dead that I know of, but regardless, he was taken from me by his own actions just the same as Sumi's sister was taken away by her own choice to shield her sister from harm with her own body. So even if it was only for a short time, all of us, myself included, thought Kusa was dead. And it was horrifying. So I can only imagine how much Sumi is suffering right now. But I'm not giving up on her. I will help her through her pain as best I can, if she'll let me. And that's without your so-called 'help', Maruki! Making her think she's her sister is only going to hurt her more in the long run!" Joker said as Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"I see. But consider this, Joker. If Sumire-san can live a healthy, positive life by becoming Kasumi-san, even if it's only in her own mind, then I believe that that reality is what would make her happy." Maruki said as Joker growled and spoke up.

"SHUT UP! You can justify this all you like, but in the end, all you're doing is using Sumi's suffering for your own selfish benefit! You say you're helping her, but you're only causing her more pain! So if I have to protect her from not only herself, but also from you, then so be it." Joker said, his resolve seeming to harden as Crow smiled at this response by Joker and spoke up.

"Heh, well said, Joker. Even if I think you're being a bit short-sighted right now, I happen to agree with you." Crow said to Joker before glaring at Maruki's Shadow as he kept speaking.

"And as for YOU! I've had enough of your high-and-mighty rationalization. All you really did was use her, all so you could try and make others acknowledge the validity of your research. You sicken me." Crow said as Maruki's Shadow frowned at this and spoke up.

"Hmph, I see. So that's how you see things, huh? That's quite unfortunate. Of course I wanted society to acknowledge cognitive psience through my research. Duh! But that's because my goal is to save everyone in the world like Yoshizawa-san by ending all suffering!" Maruki's Shadow said as Crow gasped and spoke up.

"Guh? Mm." Crow said in surprise as Joker scoffed and spoke up while glaring icily at Maruki's Shadow.

"Really? Your goal is to save EVERYONE in the world like Sumi? Does that include the people who you've made suffer for your research? Or are the likes of Sumi and Draconis exceptions to that!?" Joker said icily, making Crow give Joker an impressed look at how firmly he was standing up to Maruki's Shadow. Maruki's Shadow spoke up at that point.

"I know you don't agree with it, Joker. But my work will convert the wishes of the people into reality. Even as we speak, my research is coming to fruition everywhere. And when I'm finished, no one will ever have to suffer again under the yoke of an unfair world. If doing so means having to make a few small sacrifices along the way, like Yoshizawa-san the younger's true identity and Amamiya-kun the younger's happiness, then so be it.

That said, this, what was it? Palace, you called it? It's a place where it's Ruler's desires take physical form, yes? I wish to utilize my research to save humanity, so I suppose that would be the 'desire' I hold dearest." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow spoke up with a scoff.

"Tch! What total nonsense." Crow said as Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"True. You could very well be right. Still, I'm entirely serious about changing our imperfect reality. Just as she was saved by becoming Kasumi, I'll save every other person in the world that's currently suffering." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker scoffed and spoke up.

"Oh really? Everyone, you say? Even the ones that are suffering at your hand? I find that hard to believe." Joker said dryly. Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"You might not believe it, but in fact, it's my responsibility to do so. After all, you can see how this world's bestowed the duty upon me." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker spoke up.

"Perhaps, but is that truly salvation, though?" Joker asked bluntly. Maruki's Shadow spoke up at that point.

"The cruelties of history will banish and everyone will live their lives just as they've always dreamed them to be. And if you don't call that salvation, then what would it be?" Maruki's Shadow asked as Crow frowned and spoke up.

"Does it matter? It's wrong either way. And you assume we'll buy into your brainwashing and just live in the palm of your hand? Honestly, that sounds absolutely revolting." Crow said bluntly as Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"All right, so that's your answer, Akechi-kun. How about the others? Yoshizawa-san, please. Allow me to ask you yet again. Which reality is it you wish to inhabit?" Maruki's Shadow asked Sumi, who blinked at that and spoke up for the first time in a bit.

"Huh?" Sumi asked as Maruki's Shadow spoke up with a wan smile.

"Think about it. If you so desire, you can return to your life as Sumire Yoshizawa, and embrace your true self, like Joker suggested. Alternatively, if you'd rather continue your life as Kasumi, I can grant that wish for you as well." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker frowned at this but Sumi spoke up before he could say a word.

"Doctor Maruki, thank you. I'm really grateful to you. But I don't know what to say." Sumi said as Joker spoke up.

"Listen to me, Sumi! Maruki might think he's helping you, but by letting you live as Kasumi, he's only letting you escape your pain. You might feel better in the moment, but the instant that reality is ripped away from you again, like just now, that pain's just gonna come back but even stronger. So it's for the best that you not return to that way of living. And if you're worried about what it means for us? Don't be. I could care less if your name is Kasumi, Sumire, or whatever else.

You're still the feisty, kindhearted, caring woman I fell in love with. And I will never stop loving you. So please, stop running from your pain and let me help you to find peace with it and to be able to live as yourself again. I know it won't be easy, but I have faith that we can do it together. But it means nothing if you don't believe in yourself!" Joker said pleadingly to Sumi, who sniffled at this and spoke up.

"Oh! I appreciate your kind words Joker, but what you're asking? It's impossible for me to do. I can't go back to that. I'm sorry, Ren-senpai, but I can't do it! I can't go back to being her anymore! I can't be the one who led her sister to her death!" Sumi said as Joker gasped at this, not realizing how deeply his girlfriend's self-blame ran. Maruki's Shadow saw this and frowned at Crow and Joker as he spoke up.

"Joker, please don't judge her. This is just evidence of how painful life is for her. After all, you two sensed doubt in the reality that I manifested, and that's what brought you here. But please, remember this as well. You two aren't excluded from the people that I wish to save. Come now, Joker-kun. Be honest with me. Won't you accept my reality for your own happiness? If it means I have to give you back Draconis, then so be it." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker sneered and spoke up.

"And why should I do that? Sure, you could keep your word and give me back Draconis, but who's to say that he'd be in one piece if you did? After all, for all we know, you could've done all sorts of unimaginable shit to him! And odds are if you did give him back, he wouldn't be the same as I remember him! So sorry, but I think I'd be better off if I found my own happiness." Joker said bluntly as Maruki's Shadow scowled at that and spoke up.

"Ah, I see. No deal so far, huh?" Maruki's Shadow said as a bright light flashed on Joker and Crow, blinding them as Maruki's Shadow nodded to the Shadow in a suit who'd reappeared next to the Malefactor, and the Shadow in a suit waved an arm as a long tentacle surged forward and wrapped itself around a shocked and horrified Sumi, making her scream in horror as it constricted itself around her head, arms, legs, basically all of her. This naturally elicited some screams of horror from Sumi, and a pair of dry glares from Crow and Joker, the former of which spoke up.

"What do you think you're doing with her?" Crow asked Maruki's Shadow, as the tentacle relaxed itself and dumped the now-unconscious Sumi into Maruki's arms, where she lay with an eerily contented-looking smile on her face. At that point Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"I won't harm her, I swear. However, it's in her best interest that the two of you turn back. After all, the two of you have made clear that you reject the reality she desires. The reality where she lives as Kasumi Yoshizawa. And Joker, I thought you said you loved her? If that's true, why would you deny her the chance to be happy? That's not normal boyfriend behavior, is it?" Maruki's Shadow said as Joker scowled and spoke up.

"Shut up. And don't lecture me on normal behavior! Just because I don't think this reality is good for her does NOT mean I'm not worried for her! I want to see her happy as much as you do, if not more so. So fuck you if you think you can make Sumi happy with your reality! She might be happy in the short term, but what happens when your reality is taken out and your heart is changed? Because let me tell you, at this rate? It might get to the point where you leave us with no other alternative than to come after you and change that distorted heart of yours.

After all, the Doctor Maruki I know would never resort to such extreme measures as brainwashing, mental manipulation, and rewriting reality. You've changed, Doc. And not for the better. Now, kindly hand Sumi over and the three of us will be on our way for the time being. Also, did I mention the part where all this is wrong, because it most certainly is!" Joker said. Maruki's Shadow sighed as he spoke up.

"Oh, Joker. It saddens me when you speak that way. Don't you understand? You deny her wishes when you say such things." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Oh, really? 'Her wishes', huh?" Crow said derisively as Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"Correct. But don't misunderstand me. This isn't just for her, after all. I'm doing all of this for yourselves as well." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker spoke up.

"Oh, yeah? Is that a fact?" Joker said, frowning at Maruki's Shadow. Maruki's Shadow nodded as he spoke up.

"Oh, yes. I honestly do want to come to terms with you two. We should talk. Think about it, you two. You both have dreams, no? And I have the power to make them come true. My reality can become just the way you like." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker scoffed and spoke up.

"Truly? So if I were to say that I want my reality the way it was before you started actualizing everyone else's realities, you could make it so? Excuse me if I don't take you entirely seriously, Doc." Joker said dryly. Crow nodded his agreement as he spoke up.

"Well said, Joker. Listening to this man's prattle is a total waste of my time." Crow said dismissively as Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"A shame that you both feel that way, but I understand." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow chuckled and spoke up.

"Good. Well then, we just have to resort to force now, don't we?" Crow said as Maruki's Shadow sighed and spoke up.

"You might be right, Akechi-kun. However, violence is not my thing, really. But it is theirs." Maruki's Shadow said, nodding behind him as both the Malefactor and the Shadow in a suit advanced on the group and shifted forms into that of a many-tentacled monster. Maruki's Shadow then kept speaking.

"In the end, though? I agree. It seems we're out of options here." Maruki's Shadow said as a dry voice spoke up from inside the Malefactor, drawing Crow and Joker's attention to the massive battle armor as its pilot spoke.

"Well, well. Looks like I'll get to crush the two of you sooner than I anticipated. This is good, since once I snuff out the leadership of the Phantom Thieves, the rest should fold easily enough, assuming that they don't just blindly accept my lord's reality as their own first. So it makes little difference to me, since it means they're out of my lord's hair one way or the other. As for you two, it seems the time has come for you to meet your end, here and now!" The Malefactor's pilot said as the many-tentacled monster squeezed some of its tentacles together, making a massive gust of wind appear that blew Joker and Crow backwards where they flew back and landed on their feet a couple of feet behind where they'd been previously standing as the room around them shook a bit from the strong wind gusts. Crow looked at Joker and spoke up.

"I see. Looks like it's time for us to fight again. Are you ready, Joker? We'll deal with the overgrown squid and the walking bucket of bolts, then we'll go after Maruki's Shadow. Does that sound like a plan?" Akechi asked Joker, who nodded agreeably and spoke up.

"If it means saving Sumi and the others, gladly. Let's tear them apart, Crow!" Joker said, making Crow smile at the slight bloodlust in Joker's tone while he spoke up.

"Good. I was hoping to hear that! Now keep up, if you can. And do try not to embarrass me." Crow said dryly as the two assumed battle-ready stances as the pilot of the Malefactor spoke up again.

"I see. So the two of you think you can stand up to myself and my associate here? Brave, but foolish. Oh well, time to teach you two a lesson? Ready? If so, then BRING IT ON!" The Malefactor's pilot said as a battle started! At the start of the battle, the many tentacled-monster, or the 'Warped Abyss' as Crow's scan had identified it, spoke up.

"Stubborn imbeciles, rejecting our lord's mercy like this." The 'Warped Abyss' said as a hollow laugh came from the 'Malefactor' as its pilot spoke up.

"What do you expect from such ignorant fools as these, though? Of course they reject our lord's mercy and benevolence! But there's only so much you can do to try and educate the ignorant before it becomes a waste of time. And it seems that time is now. So let's end them!" The pilot of the Malefactor said as he brought the guns on his suit to bear, aiming them at Crow and Joker. Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Tch, listen to you two imbeciles, bleating on about your precious lord like a pair of mindless sheeple. Disgusting. Now listen here! We're not here to listen to your bullshit!" Crow said dryly as the fight began. Joker and Crow nodded as they spoke up.

"Let's get them!" Joker said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"I agree! TO ME, LOKI!" Crow said as he summoned Loki while Joker spoke up.

"NEBIROS, APPEAR BEFORE ME!" Joker said as he and Crow started using attacks to determine the enemy's weakness. After a bit, Crow hit a Megidolaon that hit both the 'Warped Abyss' and the Malefactor, making the pilot of the latter laugh as he spoke up.

"HA! Is that the best you two can do!? You're wasting both our time if so! My lord made this battle armor with a special damage-proof plating. Good luck clocking any sort of substantial damage on me!" The pilot of the Malefactor said mockingly as Crow sneered and spoke up.

"How can that be!? Could Maruki truly have made such an overpowered battle weapon?" Crow said, sounding vaguely unnerved, making the pilot of the Malefactor laugh mockingly as he spoke up again from inside the cockpit.

"AHAHAHAHA! Is that the sound of the mighty Black Mask quaking in fear I hear!? Ah, how far the mighty have fallen. What happened to the cruel cold-hearted bastard who would cut down his own allies just to get praise from dear old daddy!? I thought you were supposed to be a ruthless villain! Am I wrong?" The pilot of the Malefactor said mockingly as Crow's eye twitched behind his mask, both at the taunt, and at the fact that the pilot's voice sounded vaguely familiar to him. He put that out of his mind for the moment to focus on the battle. Joker and Crow then spoke up at the same time.

"UNICORN, COME FORTH!" Joker said as he summoned out his 'Unicorn' Persona.

"TO ME, LOKI! MANIFEST!" Crow said as he brought out Loki once more. Loki and Unicorn nodded at each other before releasing orbs of Bless and Curse energy at the 'Warped Abyss' and 'Malefactor', respectively. The two attacks clocked quite a bit of damage, forcing the 'Warped Abyss' to slump over in apparent defeat as a computer spoke up from inside the Malefactor.

"DANGER. EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TAKEN. INITIATING THE EMERGENCY EXIT SUBROUTINES. ALL PERSONNEL IN THE MALEFACTOR PREPARE FOR IMMEDIATE EXTRACTION FROM THE BATTLEFIELD." A voice could be heard from inside the Malefactor as the pilot of said Malefactor swore profusely and spoke up.

"DAMMIT! NOT NOW! I HAD THESE TWO RIGHT WHERE I WANTED THEM! UGH! Oh well, nothing to be done for it now. Looks like I'm gonna have to retreat for now. But don't think this is over! When next we meet, I'll eliminate you both! And if your friends happen to snap out of their altered realities and decide to join in? Well, the more, the merrier! But for now, this is goodbye. Until next time, farewell for now." The pilot of the Malefactor said as the giant battle armor suit fled the battle, leaving the 'Warped Abyss' standing alone against Crow and Joker, making it frown and speak up.

"No, this cannot be! But no matter. Such pathetic attempts won't be enough! KNEEL!" The 'Warped Abyss' said as he used 'Diarahan' to heal himself to full, making Crow snarl as he spoke up.

"Tch, seriously? This freak just won't go down. But at least we got rid of that giant bucket of bolts, so that's something." Crow said as the 'Warped Abyss' snarled and spoke up.

"Never mind that! PREPARE TO DIE!" The 'Warped Abyss' said as it used its' 'Abyss Eye' skill on Crow and Joker to massively damage them. The 'Warped Abyss' then spoke up.

"Accept his mercy, you fools! Give yourselves over to him!" The 'Warped Abyss' said as Joker scoffed and spoke up.

"Not gonna happen! So go to hell!" Joker said as Crow nodded approvingly and spoke up.

"Well said. And as for YOU! Would you just quit running your mouth already?" Crow said as he turned to Joker and spoke up.

"Joker! I'm going to shut this thing up. Give me a hand if you can!" Crow said as Joker spoke up.

"Gladly, Crow. Let's finish this thing off together!" Joker said. Crow nodded and spoke up.

"Good." Crow said as Joker and Crow spoke up as one.

"IT'S SHOWTIME!" Crow and Joker said as they began their Showtime. Crow glared at the downed 'Warped Abyss' as he ran at it full-sprint while Joker calmly yet confidently ziplined over and slashed at the enemy repeatedly before speaking up.

"Had enough yet!? Oh, wait, who cares? Crow, your turn!" Joker said as Crow cackled maniacally and spoke up.

"WONDERFUL! I LIVE FOR THIS!" Crow said as he started furiously hacking at the 'Warped Abyss' over and over with his red serrated sawblade, cackling manically as he did so. After a bit, the enemy slumped over as Joker turned around while preparing to walk off with Crow, aimed his gun at the enemy and spoke up.

"BEGONE!" Joker said as he fired a bullet into the torso of the 'Warped Abyss', making it dissolve into black mist as Crow spoke up.

"Excellent! The target is no more! But to be honest? I'm almost disappointed in how easy that was." Crow said as the Showtime ended. At that point, Crow kept speaking.

"Heh, not bad for an improvised technique." Crow said as a stunned Maruki's Shadow could only frown as the battle ended with him still holding an unconscious Sumi in his arms. At that point, Crow frowned at Maruki's Shadow and spoke up.

"Shall we continue this? After all, I'm fairly certain any further 'negotiating' is pointless." Crow said as Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"Yes, that seems to be the case, unfortunately. But first, I have an idea. Rather than explain it with words, I'd like you to actually see this new reality with your own eyes. And I know that your friends are already enjoying it, Joker-kun." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"Perhaps, but we both know it's not real, so whatever enjoyment they might get is irrelevant. That said, I don't agree with you carrying Sumi around bridal-style like that. Please, let us help her. We all want the same thing when it comes to her. And that's to see her happy and healthy. So please, Maruki. If you have any decency, let me help my girlfriend heal." Joker said to Maruki's Shadow. Maruki's Shadow frowned at this and spoke up.

"I'm pleased that you can be reasonable, Joker. But alas, the first thing you ask? That, I cannot do. After all, as I said before, she wishes to live in the reality where she is Kasumi. And even if I wanted to, there's no way I can hand her over to you with matters as they currently are." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker spoke up angrily.

"SO WHAT!? Yes, it's true that we didn't want the same reality for Sumi that she wants for herself. But that's because we care about her and want to see her get over her suffering, and be able to learn to love her true self again. But if you keep her living as Kasumi, she'll never get that much-need closure. Not to mention, I'm confident the real Kasumi Yoshizawa is looking down at this right now and frowning at how you're treating her little sister.

After all, I very much doubt she gave her life to protect Sumi, just for Sumi to squander that sacrifice by spending the rest of said life pretending to be her dead sister. And as someone who has siblings myself, it's not natural for one sibling to want to be another that badly. So please, don't do this, Doc. You're only going to make her pain worse in the long run if you do." Joker said as Maruki's Shadow frowned at this and spoke up.

"Be that as it may Joker, I already told you that I won't harm her. And I'll swear by it." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker spoke up.

"Yeah, the way you 'didn't' harm Draconis!? Forgive me if I call huge-ass effing bullshit on your words right now." Joker said dryly as Crow chuckled at Joker's response. Maruki's Shadow spoke up again.

"I understand that, Joker. You love her a great deal and want to see her safe and happy. But I'm telling you, don't worry about her for now. Go, look at the reality I've created for you all. Once you've seen the results, I know you'll realize which future is best." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker growled at this and spoke up.

"And what if Crow and I were to refuse?" Joker said defiantly as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"Exactly, Joker! You think we'll obey your orders, Maruki!?" Crow said dryly as Maruki's Shadow glared at Joker and Crow before speaking up.

"I apologize, but you really are going through with this, even if it's by force." Maruki's Shadow said before a flash of light blinded Joker and Crow. And when they could see again, both Maruki's Shadow and Sumi were gone. All that remained was an echo of Maruki's Shadow's voice as it spoke up.

"We'll meet again one week from today, or on January 9th. I genuinely pray that you'll change your minds by then." The echo of Maruki's Shadow's voice said as Joker spoke up.

"Not effing likely! But sure, keep on praying!" Joker said as Crow growled and spoke up.

"Tch, dammit! He got away in the end. Oh, well. We shouldn't chase him too far. Well, what say we head back for now?" Crow asked Joker, who reluctantly nodded as the two exited the Metaverse...

(Back in the real world, with Ren and Akechi)

Akechi snarled as he spoke up with a frown while looking at Ren.

"I had spent all that time investigating the people around you so I could set you up, and for what? Still, to think that Takuto Maruki, of all people, would be the mastermind behind this absurd situation which we find ourselves in currently. And he happens to be warping the very fabric of reality while ranting about making everyone's dreams come true." Akechi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Tell me about it. And to make matters worse, we lost Kasumi, or I guess Sumire, to him. Dammit!" Ren said as Akechi spoke up.

"Indeed. Talk about incomprehensible motives, though. I can't even wrap my head around such intentions. Well, at any rate, we need to figure out our next steps." Akechi said as Ren nodded.

"I agree. But at the same time, we can't forget about saving Sumire. I'm worried about her." Ren said. Akechi frowned and spoke up.

"I understand that, but hear me out. I think it'd be suicide to march back in there at the moment. Not only is there that Malefactor running about that we barely fought off, but who knows how much Maruki's likely beefed up the security level of his Palace. And above all else, we need intel first. After all, if we're going to stand up to him, we have to know more than nothing. I'll do some investigating on my own." Akechi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"And I suppose that leaves the task of trying to snap the others out of their actualizations to me." Ren said as Akechi nodded approvingly and spoke up.

"Just so, Ren. That said, I hate that we have to do what he says, but Maruki told us we have to wait until January 9th. Ergo, let's meet up here next week. Although, I imagine both our lives will be very different if you choose to live in this reality as your friends have been." Akechi said as he walked off before Ren could reply, leaving Ren alone to muse to himself.

"So, this is the reality that Maruki created, is it? It seems so wrong on so many levels. Oh well, there's no point obsessing over it now. I should go back to my room for the time being." Ren decided as he returned to Leblanc alone...

(That evening, in the attic of Leblanc with Ren and the now-human Morgana)

"Welcome home. You sure were out late." Morgana said as Ren's phone rang and he answered it.

"Hello? Ren speaking." Ren said as he heard Akechi's voice on the other end.

"It's me. I discovered something that I thought I should tell you right away. I called Yoshizawa-san's house to see what I'd learn, and they believe she's been at 'training camp' since yesterday. To think, Maruki really is changing our physical reality as he sees fit, and to make matters worse, only you and I currently are in a position to do anything about it. If he wasn't trapped in that Palace, I think your brother might help us too, but he's in no position to help anyone at the moment." Akechi said as Ren spoke up.

"Wow, that's scary, Akechi." Ren said honestly. Akechi gave a dry chuckle at this and spoke up.

"Heh, no kidding. This is the first time I've witnessed a power that even comes close to this magnitude. Even the great Phantom Thieves you're so proud of fell in line with his scheme, with the exception of yourself, me, and your brother. But I already know your plan, Ren. You're going to see if you can change their minds, aren't you? Well, fine. I suppose we can use the manpower if you can pull it off.

That's if you can actually bring them to their senses, that is. And that is wholly dependent on whether or not they're capable of leaving the reality that they supposedly wished for. As for me, I'll focus on investigating Maruki further. You do what you need to." Akechi said as Ren spoke up.

"Got it, Akechi. And thank you for agreeing to work with me." Ren said sincerely. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"As I said before, it was an arrangement of convenience for us both. Well, I'll reach out to you should anything come up. Goodnight." Akechi said as Ren hung up the phone as Morgana spoke up.

"Hey, was that Akechi? You two seem to be getting along well lately. Hey, so I was thinking. Why don't us Phantom Thieves all go to a hot spring together sometime? Then Lady Ann and I can hopefully get a bit closer. Mwehehehe. So, how's that sound? Perfect, right? We should ask the rest of the gang soon." Morgana said as Ren flashed back to what Maruki had said before leaving abruptly.

"Rather than explain it with words, I'd like you to actually see this new reality with your own eyes. I know that your friends are already enjoying it, Joker-kun." Maruki's Shadow had said as Ren frowned, realizing that this reality where he was human was likely the one that Morgana wished for somehow. Morgana then spoke up with a yawn.

"All right, we ought to hit the hay for today. Ahh, but the bed may be a tad too cozy for the both of us. Oh, well! I'll just start sleeping on the sofa instead." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Tell me something. Are you happy, Morgana?" Ren asked Morgana, who blinked as he spoke up.

"Huh? Where's this coming from? Well, to be honest? Yeah, I'd say I'm happy." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Do you like this reality?" Ren asked Morgana, who blinked at the question and spoke up.

"Like reality? Well, it is the one we fought for with everyone else, so yeah. Wait, hold on. What did I mean by 'fought for with everyone else'? That doesn't make sense, and it doesn't seem right somehow. I got captured in Kamoshida's Palace, and that's when I met you guys. When we'd go to Mementos, I'd transform into a bus?" Morgana said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Keep thinking it through, little bro. I know you can do it." Ren said. Morgana blinked at this and spoke up.

"Huh? O-Okay, if you say so." Morgana said as Ren flashed on words that Morgana had previously uttered.

"I got to be useful for humans that I admired so much. Nothing could make me happier." Morgana had said, though the current Morgana blinked on seeing that the one who had spoken was a talking cat.

"Oh! What was that? Sorry, I'm gonna go out and do some thinking for a bit. You should get some sleep." Morgana said as he left the room, leaving Ren alone as he got lost in thought.

"Well, that's Morgana dealt with, seems like. Meanwhile, it seems all I can do now is wait." Ren mused to himself as he had a seat on the bed to ponder his current situation...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And boom, another chapter done and dusted! Nice to be able to say I can get these done in the space of two nights again. Way better than the like four to five nights it used to take before I got this new laptop, so this might make my upload schedule become a bit more frequent going forward. But for now, we'll probably keep it at around one chapter every 4-5 days if I remember, maybe 3-4 if the previous chapter was a shorter one.

But for now, we're already through the first chapter of Arc 9, and a LOT has happened! Between the actualized realities for everyone but Ren and Akechi (and technically Kasumi/Sumire), the start of Maruki's Palace, and even another interaction between Ren and Shinichi, there's a lot that happened.

And that's not including the appearance of the Malefactor, which if it's not obvious, is a unique character I created for this story. But that's all I'll say about him for now since it'd be getting into spoilers if I said too much more. Suffice it to say, this character plays a huge part in the currently on-going subplot involving him and a certain currently-missing Phantom Thief.

And speaking of whom, it'll probably be another couple chapters before Kusa makes another appearance in more than a passing mention sort of way. But that's not going to be for a little bit, sorry to say. For now, I hope everyone's been enjoying the story thus far. Hard to believe we're nearly at the end of it. But I guess it just happens that way sometimes.

Anyways, thanks to all who've supported the story so far. Hopefully you all continue to support it going forward, whether that be in the form of reviews, favorites, follows, or even just views. But I hope you leave reviews with your thoughts/feedback/opinions/constructive criticism of the story, or you can alternatively PM me with that, since I enjoy hearing from my readers. And until next chapter, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1* - In canon Royal, this line is instead Ryuji asking Ren to invite 'Yoshizawa-san' to the party, since in canon Royal, Ren is likely not dating Sumire by the 3rd semester unless it's a unique scenario like in this story. So to allow for that change in this story, I instead had Ryuji suggest that Ren invite Hifumi and/or Shiho to the party, since they're both close to members of the group in Yusuke and Ann respectively. Granted, I ended up not using them since I felt like that might be pushing it a bit far to add TOO many characters to these scenes. As it is, I question if I'm not pushing too much with what I did add.

*2* - While probably not strictly necessary, am I the only one who feels like the developers of canon Royal could've cut in an audio byte of Ren doing a Hank Hill-worthy scream when he wakes up with Morgana next to him in human form before jumping back as if scalded? And to anyone reading this who's seen King of the Hill, am I wrong to compare this to something that would rate a Hank scream? I don't think so.

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 86

FOOL (Prison Master/God of Control) - Rank MAX (10)

MAGICIAN (Morgana/Mona) - Rank MAX (10)

PRIESTESS (Makoto/Queen) - Rank 9

EMPRESS (Haru/Noir) - Rank 8

EMPEROR (Yusuke/Fox) - Rank MAX (10)

HIEROPHANT (Sojiro/Boss/Coffee Daddy) - Rank MAX (10)

LOVERS (Ann/Panther) - Rank MAX (10)

CHARIOT (Ryuji/Skull) - Rank MAX (10)

JUSTICE (Akechi/Crow/Black Mask) - Rank MAX (10)

HERMIT (Futaba/Taba/Oracle) - Rank MAX (10)

FORTUNE (Chihaya/Fortune Teller) - Rank 7

STRENGTH (Caroline and Justine/Twin Wardens/Lavenza) - Rank MAX (10)

HANGED-MAN (Iwai/Weapons Dealer) - Rank 7.5

DEATH (Takemi/Back-Alley Doctor) - Rank 8

TEMPERANCE (Kawakami/Becky) - Rank 8

DEVIL (Ohya) - Rank 6

TOWER (Shinya/The King/Skilled Gamer) - Rank 4

STAR (Hifumi) - Rank MAX (10)

MOON (Mishima) - Rank MAX (10)

SUN (Yoshida/Man Of The People) - Rank MAX (10)

JUDGEMENT (Sae/Prosecutor) - Rank MAX (10)

FAITH (Sumire/Sumi/*REDACTED*) - Rank 5 **MAX**

COUNCILLOR (Maruki/Doc) - Rank MAX (10)

WORLD (Kusa/Draconis) - Rank MAX (10)

MAXED-OUT LINKS: FOOL, MAGICIAN, EMPEROR, HIEROPHANT, LOVERS, CHARIOT, JUSTICE, HERMIT, STRENGTH, STAR, MOON, SUN, JUDGEMENT, COUNCILLOR, WORLD

LINKS YET TO BE MAXED OUT: PRIESTESS, EMPRESS, FORTUNE, HANGED-MAN, DEATH, TEMPERANCE, DEVIL, TOWER, FAITH