Persona 5: The Phantom Files

by sithlorde1988

Will cover the events of Persona 5 Royal, with the sequel set to cover 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!

87. Phantom Memories! Reality Check part 2

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5: The Phantom Files! Not really a lot to say this time around, other than to be impressed at how close we're getting to hitting 100 chapters of this story! Granted, dependent on how long arcs 9 and 10 are, we could either just hit the 100 chapter mark or just barely miss it. We'll have to wait and see on that. For now, however, let's get the disclaimer out of the way, yeah?

Disclaimer: I, sithlorde1988, do not own the Persona series in ANY way, shape, or form (not including OCs, like Kusa/Draconis, Somasi/Slim, Kyori, Akira, Mimille, Lumine, Minako, Momoe, Sinocard, and any other OCs that might show up in this story, all of which I made and therefore DO own), and the ownership credit for the Persona series belongs to Sega and Atlus, as well as Koei Tecmo (at least insofar as concerns spinoffs and the like, i.e. Persona 5 Strikers), so all credit goes to them!

That being said, we actually have a guest review to reply to from a guest reviewer called Sora Hashinara, so let me copy and paste that real quick so we can reply to it. The review goes as thus:

Um. I read the spoiler note, and then reread the description of this story. Wasn't it going to contain p5 strikers content or is there changes I'm not aware about?

First of all, thank you for your review, Sora! That said, I forgot to change the description, which I've done since your review, at the time. But so you know, that was the plan initially. But around the end of Arc 6, I ran a poll on if I should split the story off into a sequel for adapting Strikers, and that option pretty unanimously won out among the votes gotten on the poll.

Granted, said votes were split on if the prologue I had planned should be part of that sequel, or done as its own story to serve as an 'inbetweenquel' as I've heard them called for this story and the as-of-now untitled sequel that will be an adaptation of Persona 5 Strikers. So yeah, plans changed along the way. Apologies for any confusion my lack of clarity in the summary caused you. Hopefully this answers your question. And thanks again for your review!

And with that review answered, I don't have a whole lot more to say, so on with the chapter! Hopefully I'll have a slightly longer A/N after the chapter, so keep an eye out for it! Now on with chapter 87!

Chapter 87: Phantom Actualizations! Of Ghosts, Letters, and Actualizations! Reality Check part 2

(In the Sakura house, with Sojiro and Wakaba, shortly after the end of chapter 86)

As Sojiro and Wakaba went back into Sojiro's house with Futaba in tow, Sojiro and Wakaba had a seat at the kitchen table to talk while Futaba darted off to her room to check her games and such. As Wakaba and Sojiro sat down, Wakaba looked around as Sojiro moved to prepare some coffee for himself and Wakaba from his personal reserve. As he did this, Wakaba's eyes narrowed as she saw what looked to be an envelope partially sticking out of one of the cupboards.

Intrigued, Wakaba sat up to carefully remove the aforementioned envelope, blinking as it clearly had Sojiro Sakura written on the front in writing Wakaba didn't recognize. Sojiro blinked as he turned around to see Wakaba holding out a letter and spoke up.

"What's that? More work stuff?" Sojiro asked Wakaba, who shook her head and spoke up.

"Not at all. It's actually addressed to you, Sojiro. I didn't think you were expecting a letter?" Wakaba said as Sojiro blinked and spoke up.

"I wasn't, to be honest. Let's see what this is." Sojiro said as he opened up the leader and started reading it. It read as thus:

"Dear Sojiro, if you're reading this, then odds are better than fair I ended up going off half-cocked yet again and got myself captured like the foolish hothead I tend to be. I have a feeling that, if you're reading this when I think you are, you might not remember me due to our true reality being manipulated and altered by unseen forces. Since I have no idea if you'll be reading this alone, I don't think I dare go into further detail than that just to cover the off chance that said other eyes might not be believing of what we've told you so far. And if I'm right, I included a picture of myself to hopefully at least semi-jog your memory.

Bad enough that Taba (Futaba) might forget me because of the actualizations she and the others, with the likely exceptions of Ren, Akechi, and Kasumi (though by this point she might've started going by 'Sumire' again?), who all likely won't have had their memories altered, have probably gone through by the time you're reading this.

That said, I don't blame you one bit if you have a hard time believing what I'm about to say, but it's all true.

If I'm correct in what's happened at the point you're reading this, you and Futaba's mother should be reading this together, which if so, is proof enough that reality itself has been altered by someone we both know rather well. And if so, DO NOT TRUST TAKUTO MARUKI!

That man has lost his mind in a desperate bid to play savior by giving everyone what he believes to be their ideal realities, which for you and Futaba, who I tend to call Taba for shart as a pet name, is having Wakaba back among the living, despite the clear and present records of her having been the victim of an accident some years prior, as Taba herself told me previously, with you verifying it yourself. I'd go into depth on what each of the others has gone through, but that would take a while, and if I'm right, I likely only included one, MAYBE TWO, slips of paper. Thus, not enough room for all of it.

However, I took the liberty of leaving a letter for all the people affected by the actualizations, as Maruki calls them, under one of the tables at Leblanc. All you have to do, should you believe what you're reading, is let them know it's there without being too obvious about it. So hopefully they'll find it precisely when the time is right, and no sooner or later.

In the meantime, I wish to apologize most fervently and sincerely for worrying both you and Futaba the way I likely have in the past just under a month since I went missing (assuming I'm correct, you'll be reading this around January 2nd of the new year, which if I'm right should be 2017), since that's not okay of me at all. Especially for the fact that I'm supposed to be the loving boyfriend your daughter can count on.

And YES, before you freak out, Taba and I are dating. You yourself even signed off, so to speak, on it. So I made sure to secure all necessary permissions and blessings before we got together. If she happens to be reading this, tell Wakaba that I'm doing my best to live up to the promise I made her the last we saw one another, if she remembers it. Depending on if it's actually Wakaba or not, she might not remember. Especially given it was basically her 'ghost', so to speak, that I made that vow to.

In closing, let me just say that I'm not writing this to cause any pain or suffering, but to gently remind you to think about how you remember reality being, not the reality currently in front of you. Once you do that, decide for yourself if you can live with the reality you've been given, or if you'd rather live in the reality you've known for so long. That said, hope all is well with you and Taba. Time to end this letter. So until I see you again, take care and remember that I'll always have yours and Taba's backs!

-Love, Kusa 'Draconis' Amamiya

P.S.: Don't forget to look at the picture if you need your memory jogged." The letter read, making Sojiro and Wakaba blink as they took in what they'd just read. After a bit, Sojiro found the picture in question, and gasped as he saw it, as it was one he remembered taking of Kusa and Futaba curled up together on the hide-a-bed, content smiles on their faces as they watched a movie together, the latter of the two subconsciously relaxing her head on the former's shoulder happily. Wakaba blinked at this and spoke up.

"Sojiro? You do realize that this letter suggests that our daughter has her first boyfriend and she never told me? Interesting, if true. But I sense we can trust this Kusa's words, since he seemed to be speaking with nothing but sincerity and honesty in that letter. Also, I do vaguely remember seeing a guy of around that build in a pyramid with Futaba once, though for some reason there were several others also present, all of whom were wearing disguises and masks. I wonder if that's related to why he signed his letter the way he did?" Wakaba asked as Sojiro frowned, massaging his head to try and alleviate the sudden headache that signaled the return of some of his memories.

"I don't know, Wakaba. But I get the sense we can trust him, since I want to say I remember telling him and Ren both I saw them as like sons to me. So I could see myself allowing Futaba to date him. But I get the sense we're not meant to share this outside of this room yet. So let's play along for now, if only to see where this is going." Sojiro said as Wakaba nodded her agreement before the two focused on their meal, both unaware of the blinking red-head who'd overheard most of the conversation, frowning at the mention of a boyfriend that she couldn't recall for the life of her...

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

Ren frowned as he recalled Maruki's previous words about how 'your friends are already enjoying it', which Ren took to mean the actualizations they were in. He then decided he should go and see each of them, if only to see these actualizations for himself first-hand. After getting dressed and exiting Leblanc, Ren decided to look for his friends while walking around town. After a bit of looking around, Ren finally found Ann in the Shibuya underground mall, and to his shock, Shiho was with her. He leaned back to listen in as Ann spoke up.

"FOR REAL!? Omigod, you did it, Shiho! I knew you could!" Ann said to Shiho with a closed-eye smile on her face that Shiho only partly returned as she spoke up.

"It's all thanks to you supporting me, Ann. I really appreciate it." Shiho said as Ann spoke up.

"Aw, don't be so modest, my love. After all, I'm not the one who deserves the credit here. Let's not forget it was you who kept up your best effort, and that's why you're now finally reaping the recognition you deserve." Ann said before blinking as she spotted Ren and spoke up.

"Ren!? I can't believe it! Over here, bro!" Ann said as Ren walked over while Ann kept speaking.

"Talk about a coincidence, amirite? It's been a while since the last time you saw Shiho, right?" Ann said as Shiho nodded and spoke up, though what she said next had Ren frowning slightly as he listened to it.

"Um, long time no see, Amamiya-kun. Do you remember me?" Shiho asked as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Honestly, I didn't think a bit under two months was THAT long? But never mind that for now. How've you been?" Ren asked, trying to keep things conversational. Shiho smiled and spoke up.

"I've been well, thanks for asking. I'm surprised you remembered, though. We didn't even get to talk all that much since I transferred to another school so early into the semester." Shiho said as Ren blinked at this, recalling quite clearly she hadn't transferred until around late September, around the 20th if Ren recalled correctly. He remembered that date distinctly, as it was the date he'd bore witness to Ann confessing to Shiho, only for Shiho to return the favor as the two finally got together. But before he could begin to comment on the odd inconsistencies in Shiho's remark, Ann giggled and spoke up.

"Hee hee! Of course he remembers you, Shiho! After all, he was our witness when we finally confessed to each other on the day of your transfer. Hard to believe we've already been together that long, huh?" Ann said before smirking as she kept speaking with a closed-eye smile on her face.

"Then again, he HAS to remember you, what with the bragging. After all, I've told him all about how amazing my GF is at volleyball." Ann said as Shiho shyly blushed as she spoke up.

"Oh, Ann, don't ever change. You're always so sweet and considerate. I wonder if Amamiya-kun and Yoshizawa-san have a similar relationship to ours?" Shiho said before turning towards Ren as she kept speaking.

"Um, sorry you have to put up with all that, Amamiya-kun." Shiho said as Ren spoke up with a smile.

"It's no worry at all, Suzui-san. Ann and I are like siblings in a way, so of course I'm used to hearing her brag off her lovely and talented girlfriend, that being you." Ren said, making sure to lower his voice as he spoke the last few words. Ann did a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"Come on, stop teasing us, Ren! Anyways, Shiho was the MVP at the big meet the other day too. Not only was she in the starting lineup, she scored more points than anyone else! Pretty impressive, right?" Ann asked Ren, who blinked and then nodded as he spoke up.

"Indeed. That is rather impressive. Well done, Suzui-san." Ren said sincerely to Shiho, who merely nodded and thanked Ren as Ann spoke up.

"No wonder she's the star of the team! I'm just so proud of you, my dear Shiho!" Ann said as Shiho blushed in embarrassment as she spoke up.

"Geez! Aw, you're too much sometimes, Ann. But I suppose that's what I love about you." Shiho said, both her and Ann giggling while Ren mused on how the two were beaming with joy. He also noted that this seemed to be the reality that Ann wished for, which would be one where Shiho was still in town and close by. When Ann spoke up once more, Ren's eyes went wide at what she said next.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the best part! Shiho's coming back to our school!" Ann said as Ren blinked before speaking up.

"Is that so? Congrats, Suzui-san. I hope you fare better at Shujin this time around than you did the last time." Ren said kindly as Shiho nodded and spoke up.

"Thanks, Amamiya-kun. But everyone in volleyball knows that Shujin's the top school when it comes to the sport. That's how I was able to convince my parents to let me transfer back, and that coming after more than a little begging." Shiho said as Ann spoke up again, her next words confusing Ren as she spoke up.

"I was so sad when she transferred for her parents' jobs, but all's well that ends well! I feel like everything's just perfect!" Ann said as Ren thought about it and spoke up.

"Oh, yeah? Is it everything you wished for, sis?" Ren said to Ann, who blinked at the question as she spoke up.

"Hm? Huh? What I wished for, you say? Well, I guess you could say so, bro." Ann said with a frown as Ren spoke up again.

"Yeah? Any doubts about it?" Ren asked, hoping to subtly make Ann realize the errors in her ideal reality. Ann's eyes widened slightly at the question as she spoke up.

"Wait, wh-what do you mean, 'any doubts'? Well, I know I don't. I spent so much time worrying over everything that now I've-Wait, hold up. What did I just say!? Something is coming back to me slightly. I remember being so cornered that I just wanted to die, but then I met everyone, and things started getting better." Ann said as Ren spoke up.

"I see you're starting to figure things out. Keep thinking on it, sis. I know you can figure out the truth of things for yourself. I believe in you." Ren said as Ann blinked and spoke up.

"Um, what does that-" Ann asked as she flashed to a time when she herself yelled at a man on a stage.

"Shiho's still alive even after all the things that made her want to die! You have no right to run from this!" Ann heard herself say before groaning as she grabbed her head and spoke up.

"Huh!? I just heard the weirdest thing." Ann said as Shiho gave her a look of concern and spoke up.

"Ann, what's wrong? Are you okay, my dear?" Shiho asked as Ann blushed at the term of endearment and spoke up with a slow nod.

"Oh, um, I'm fine! I think I'm just out of it a bit? Maybe feeling a bit tired? Why don't we go find some place to sit and relax for a bit?" Ann said to Shiho before turning to Ren as she kept speaking.

"Sorry, Ren! I'll call you later when I'm feeling better, bro." Ann said as Shiho smiled and waved as she spoke up.

"Bye! See you, Amamiya-kun. Be sure to give Yoshizawa-san our regards, won't you?" Shiho said as she and Ann walked away, neither seeing the confused look on Ren's face as he realized neither of the girls even seemed to remember Kusa at all, given they referred to Ren as 'Amamiya-kun' rather than 'Amamiya-kun the elder'. Ren then figured that for now, all he could do is wait and hope for the best. At that point, he decided to return to Leblanc...

(In the attic of Leblanc, that evening, with Ren)

As Ren laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling, Ren mused on how Ann seemed to be happy with Shiho, who is somehow able to continue playing volleyball despite her self-inflicted leg injury, something Ren had only remembered being an inconsistency in her statements while on the train ride back to Leblanc. Ren then frowned as he idly wondered if this is how things should be. Given the lack of recognition for Kusa, Ren figured it was not. He then decided that he should check on the other Phantom Thieves tomorrow as he drifted off into an uneasy sleep...

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

Ren frowned as he knew there had to be someone who he hasn't checked up on yet, which was true. The only ones of the affected Thieves he'd checked up on were Morgana and Ann, so that left Ryuji, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru, since the others were either unaffected or held captive by Maruki's Shadow. Ren resolved to go see some of the others to check their realities out. Ren noted as he came outside that Morgana was standing nearby, figuring that the not-cat turned human might know where everyone else is hanging out at. Ren turned to Morgana and spoke up.

"Hey, Morgana. Sorry I've not been saying much to you. How're you?" Ren said to Morgana, who spoke up, though to Ren's surprise, his not-cat voice spoke up.

"Hey, got a minute? Hm? Are you looking for someone? Ah, Haru? She was thinking about setting up a shop in Kichijoji. She went to inspect the new location with the president. She sure looked happy for doing a bunch of busywork. Um, sorry, but is that all you need? If so, I kind of have a lot to think through, and I want to do so alone if possible." Morgana said as Ren nodded and decided to go see who he could check up on. After a bit, Ren eventually found himself in the underground walkway of Shibuya, and to his surprise, he eventually found Sae and Makoto nearby speaking and walked over.

"Well, well. Fancy running into you two here." Ren said conversationally to Makoto and Sae, the latter of which blinked and spoke up.

"Ah, what a surprise." Sae said as Makoto smiled at Ren and spoke up.

"Ah, Ren. What a coincidence. We were just doing a bit of shopping. But soon, we're going to celebrate our dad receiving the superintendent general award!" Makoto said with a closed-eye smile, making Ren blink as he spoke up.

"That so? That's unbelievable! Congrats, you two!" Ren said happily as Sae frowned at Makoto and spoke up.

"Come on, Makoto, you don't need to raise your voice over it. Remember Dad telling you earlier to just act like it's no big deal?" Sae gently rebuked Makoto, who winced and spoke up.

"You're right. I'm sorry, I couldn't help it, Sis. I'm just so thrilled for him, to be honest. It's like he's finally getting the recognition he deserves." Makoto said as Sae nodded and spoke up.

"I forgive you. And honestly, you're correct. And, well, I do feel the same way if I'm being honest. So, what groceries do we need to pick up before we head home?" Sae asked as Makoto frowned and spoke up.

"Good question, Sis. Honestly, I wonder what Dad would like me to cook for him tonight? After all, I made eggplant miso soup for your birthday, Sis." Makoto said as Sae nodded and spoke up.

"True. And you had fried mackerel on yours, right? I can still remember how you pestered Dad about it until he cooked it for you, as is typical of him." Sae said with a smile as Makoto frowned and spoke up.

"Hey! Not fair, Sis! Also, I didn't pester him! He asked me what I wanted to eat for my birthday!" Makoto said with a huff, as Ren idly noted that the two Niijima sisters appeared to be beaming with joy at the idea of having their father back in their lives. Ren guessed that this was the reality that Makoto wished for, odd as it might seem. Makoto brought Ren out of his musings as she spoke up.

"Ah, that reminds me. Ren, what brings you out here? Sorry to keep you like this, by the way." Makoto said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"It's quite all right, Makoto. I came to check up on you and your sister, see how things were going for you, stuff like that." Ren said. Makoto blinked at this and spoke up.

"Are you sure? Well, that's good that you're not bothered." Makoto said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Indeed. Tell me, are you two enjoying the family time with your dad in your lives?" Ren asked. Makoto blinked at the question as she spoke up.

"Hm? Well, of course we are." Makoto said as Ren spoke up.

"That's good. You and Sae getting along? Given your display just now, I'd imagine I already know the answer to that, but I figured I'd ask anyway for the sake of formalities and politeness." Ren said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"Yes, just as well as always. Even when she's busy at work, she always has my back. I couldn't thank her enough for all of this even if I tried. Wait, hold on. Something's wrong. Mom died, if I recall correctly, so Dad raised us all alone as a result. And Sis had to basically step up as the woman of the house, to an extent." Makoto said as Ren spoke up.

"You're so close to the truth, Makoto. Just think about it a bit more, and it should come to you soon enough. But don't let me interrupt your quality time. I just came to check up on you since I'm making the rounds and checking up on everyone. I've already checked up on Ann and Morgana so far, and now you. All that remains is to check up on Ryuji, Yusuke, Futaba, and Haru, then I'll have checked up on everyone. After all, the other three members of our group are either missing in action, held captive by the enemy, or busy with an investigation. But that's Kusa, Kasumi, and Akechi for you, I guess." Ren said as Makoto frowned at the last three names before she spoke up.

"I...see? Wait, what are you saying?" Makoto said as her mind flashed to an image of herself sitting alone in her living room.

"But, that's fine. I'll be okay. After all, I finally found a place where I belong." Makoto recalled herself saying, making her shudder and speak up.

"I just remembered that, didn't I? But why was I alone in that memory?" Makoto asked herself. Sae frowned at Makoto and spoke up.

"Makoto? What's wrong?" Sae asked as Makoto spoke up.

"Oh, just a random memory came to me, that's all. No, I'm sorry. It's nothing. Sorry, Ren. We have more shopping to do. I'll see you later." Makoto said as she walked off, leaving Sae to speak to Ren.

"I'm sorry about that. We'll chat again soon." Sae said as she followed after Makoto, leaving Ren to muse to himself.

"Hm, so that's now 3 down and 4 to go, 5 down if we include Sumire and Akechi, since I know where they are. 6 if we include Kusa. Anyways, it seems all I can do for now is wait and see what happens. I suppose I should head home for now." Ren mused to himself as he did just that.

(In the evening, in the attic of Leblanc with Ren)

As Ren laid on his bed, he mused on how Makoto seemed happy being able to spend time with both her father and sister in her life. Despite that, part of his mind questioned if this was how things should be. Ren knew in his heart that the answer was no, but he wasn't sure he had the heart to come out and say that to the others. Ren decided he should try and check up on one of the remaining four Thieves stuck in actualized realities tomorrow, eventually falling into a fitful sleep...

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

As Ren woke up, he mused on how there were still four others left to check up on, figuring he should go find one of the others and see how they were doing. On his way out of Leblanc, Morgana spoke up to get his attention.

"Hey, Ren? You got a minute? I recalled something else yesterday. If you're looking for Ryuji, he's been doing great this year. I think he said he'd be doing laps around the school. You'd think training would be a drag, but he sure seems to be enjoying it. That said, sorry, but I'm a little tired from thinking too much. I think I'm gonna go for a walk and clear my head, if you don't mind." Morgana said as Ren nodded and headed on his way.

Once he got to choose his destination, he decided to go check up on Ryuji at the school gate. After a bit, he found Ryuji hanging by the school gate with Nakoaka and the track team. As he got close enough, he heard Nakoaka speak up.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. WHAT!? You mean you got scouted by that college!?" Nakoaka said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up.

"Whoa! Pipe down, stupid! It's not for sure or nothin' yet, anyway. I'm just sayin' the school's gotten word of something like that." Ryuji said as Takeishi smiled and spoke up.

"Still, that rules, man! You even made it onto the podium at nationals, too!" Takeishi said, none of the three boys seeing Ren's jaw dropped nearby at hearing Ryuji went to nationals and made a podium. Nakaoka spoke up at that point.

"To be honest, I was worried about what would happen after you screwed up your knee, Sakamoto. But I'm glad you were able to bounce back." Nakaoka said as Ryuji grinned at him and spoke up.

"Heh, no way, man! Aw, you're still jumping the gun with this. I'm just trying my best so I don't get laughed off the team by you guys." Ryuji said, as Ren noted idly that he was laughing happily with the other members of the track team as if there was no bad blood between them, which struck Ren as odd, especially after Ryuji's prior declaration to him that he felt he had no business going back to the track team and that they were going to be fine without him. Ren then realized this must be the reality that Ryuji wished for, unlikely as that was. Ren then walked over to Ryuji, who blinked and spoke up as he saw Ren.

"Ren? What're you doin' here? It's still winter break." Ryuji asked as Nakaoka spoke up with a shrug.

"Oh, maybe he stopped by to congratulate you too?" Nakaoka asked as Takeishi spoke up.

"Heh, man, someone sure is popular. Is there anywhere you wanna go eat after practice? It's our treat today!" Takeishi said as Ryuji grinned and spoke up while rotating his arm carefully to loosen up.

"Ooh! That's nice of you guys, heh. Hm, how about an extra large beef bowl and some pork miso soup?" Ryuji said before turning to Ren as he kept speaking.

"Hey, why don't you come with us, Ren?" Ryuji asked as Ren spoke up.

"I'll think about it. Enjoying the return to track, Ryuji?" Ren asked as Ryuji blinked and spoke up.

"Uh, yeah it's fun, but whaddya mean? It's just what I like doin', y'know? I get all down when I'm not runnin'." Ryuji said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I see. So your leg's fine now, I take it?" Ren asked. Ryuji frowned at the question and spoke up.

"My leg, you say? Oh, you're worried about me? It's totally fine, dude! No problems there since that injury a while back. And that was actually Kamoshida's fault, so-Wait, hold up. What did I just say!? Eh, ain't something wrong here? How do we know each other, anyhow? First we met in front of the station by school, then I'm drawing a relative blank from there." Ryuji said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"That sounds like you, bro. Keep thinking, man. It'll come back to you eventually. But don't forget what you said about Kamoshida, since that's going to come up a lot when you realize the truth." Ren said wisely. Ryuji blinked at this and spoke up.

"Uh, if you say so? Sure." Ryuji said as he flashed to an image of himself with a determined look on his face as he heard himself speak up.

"It's now or never, dammit! Here goes! Aaaaaaah!" Ryuji heard himself say as he blinked and spoke up.

"Whoa! The hell was that just now?" Ryuji said as Nakaoka frowned and spoke up.

"Hm? You okay, Sakamoto?" Nakaoka asked as Takeishi spoke up.

"Yeah, what happened to you guys at the station?" Takeishi asked as Ryuji winced and spoke up.

"Uhh, nothin'!" Ryuji said before turning to Ren as he spoke up.

"Sorry, I gotta get back to practice! See ya!" Ryuji said as he walked off with Takeishi and Nakaoka to continue practicing. Ren then smirked after being left alone.

"Not sure why Ryuji's reality in particular seems to involve an alteration of how he and I met, but regardless, it seems all I can do now is wait. For now, I should probably head home." Ren mused as he headed back to Leblanc...

(That evening, in the attic of Leblanc, with Ren)

As Ren laid on his bed, he mused on how Ryuji seemed sincerely happy about being able to run with his fellow track team members. Ren frowned as he wondered if this is how things should truly be? Ren didn't think so, since he knew for a fact he and Ryuji met through their accidental excursion into Kamoshida's Palace with Kusa, even if Ryuji didn't seem to recall that for the moment. Ren decided he needed to check on the other three Thieves tomorrow, eventually falling into a fitful sleep at that point...

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

Ren sat up on his bed, recalling that he had three more teammates to check up on in Yusuke, Futaba, and Haru. As he got dressed, Ren figured he should try to check up on at least one of them if possible. As he came out, Morgana spoke up again.

"Hey, Ren? You got a minute, bro? I heard that Yusuke was seen at some art museum in Ueno, while Futaba is often sighted hanging around Akihabara with her mom and Boss. Hey, Ren? Have you gotten shorter or something? I feel like I used to look up to you for some reason. Ah, never mind. You're heading out, right? Stay safe." Morgana said as Ren nodded and decided to see who he could find to hang out with. Noticing that he could hang out with either Yusuke or Haru, Ren decided to go to Ueno to check up on Yusuke, figuring he could at least somewhat salvage the original order he intended to see people in. Once there, Ren spotted Yusuke in the distance.

As far as Ren could tell, Yusuke seems to be viewing a painting of some sort. Ren then questioned what he should do before deciding to speak to Yusuke. As he walked up, Yusuke turned to face him, a closed-eye smile on his face as he spoke up.

"What a coincidence! Ah, you came too, Ren. I was just thinking about contacting you. Take a look. My mother's painting is finally receiving the public attention that it deserves. It's on display for this week only, so I'm glad we have this chance to view it together. Heh, I am truly blessed. I've waited so long to see this painting here. My drive to create a masterpiece of this caliber grows stronger every day I'm alive. But thanks to my sensei's patronage, each day also brings me closer to painting such an impactful work. Nothing in this world could make me happier than I am at this moment." Yusuke said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"Your who, exactly? Did I just hear you say the word 'Sensei'? Last I checked, the only man you thought of as a Sensei was proven to be unfit to have such an honorific, a sentiment that was uttered by your own lips as I recall. So what's this about your sensei's patronage?" Ren asked as Yusuke spoke up, making Ren blink at what he said next.

"Why, my sensei of course. You know, Madarame?" Yusuke said as Ren's eyes widened at this while Yusuke kept speaking.

"Even after Mother's passing, Sensei never stopped advocating her work to the public. Not only that, he took me in and cared for me when I lost my only family at a young age. Indeed, I truly cannot thank him enough." Yusuke said as Ren frowned while being lost in thought.

"What the hell!? Since when is Madarame his sensei again!? Granted, Yusuke is so happy right now, despite the obvious contradiction to events that already passed. I swear, between Yusuke seemingly respecting Madarame, and Ryuji's shock at how he referred to Kamoshida, I'm beginning to question if Maruki's actualizations also changed realities for everyone who had a Palace.

Because so far, I've seen two Palace Rulers who've been implied to have changed fates in Madarame and Kamoshida. Three, if we count the apparent newfound happiness in Makoto's sister. Regardless, it seems this is the reality that Yusuke wished for." Ren thought as Yusuke spoke up to interrupt Ren's musings.

"Ah, I just had a wonderful idea! Why don't you join us for dinner? Sensei's been very interested in meeting you. Don't worry, he'll even pay for the meal!" Yusuke asked as Ren winced and spoke up.

"I hate to ask this of you bro, but is Madarame a good sensei?" Ren asked, hating that he had to ask that of Yusuke, but knowing it needed to be asked. Yusuke frowned at the question before nodding as he spoke up.

"Yes, I'd say so, but if I might be so bold? What's this about, out of the blue?" Yusuke asked as Ren spoke up.

"I was just thinking. The 'Sayuri' looks great there, but I distinctly it being on display in another location recently." Ren said. Yusuke blinked at this and spoke up.

"The what? Did you call this the 'Sayuri'? That's not this painting's name, Ren. No, wait. That seems inaccurate. Hm, something's not right." Yusuke said as Ren spoke up.

"Good, you're catching on, bro. I have faith in you figuring this out on your own." Ren said. Yusuke frowned and spoke up.

"What is that supposed to mean, precisely? Could it be? Could I be making the same mistakes as I did before?" Yusuke said as he flashed to a view of himself leaning on a railing with a group of people surrounding him, hearing himself speak up even as he frowned at what appeared to be the presence of a fifth person he didn't recognize, a ponytail-wearing dark-haired male standing next to Ryuji.

"To think that this painting was the source of Madarame's distorted desires. The only saving grace is that my mother won't know of what transpired in the Palace." Yusuke heard himself say before grunting as he spoke up.

"Urgh. Ren, I don't know what to say. Actually, I'm sorry, Ren. I'm glad you came to see me, but I'd like to be alone for now." Yusuke said as he walked off, leaving Ren to smirk as he got lost in thought briefly.

"And that's another one down. Just two more left now. Hopefully, Futaba will be next, followed by Haru. After that, we can work on restoring everyone's memories of Kusa somehow, and then maybe all of us together will find a way to locate him inside of Maruki's Palace. But back on topic, it seems like all I can do for the time being is wait. As such, I should probably return to Leblanc for now." Ren mused as he did just that...

(That evening, in Leblanc with Ren)

As Ren laid in his bed that night, he thought about how Yusuke seemed happy about his mother's work, 'Sayuri', being recognized as a work of art. However, that comment he made about the painting's name not being the 'Sayuri' struck Ren as odd. Not for the first time, he questioned if this was truly how things should be. Ren once more concluded that it was not, even if convincing the others of this would be easier said than done. Ren decided to see about checking up on Haru or Futaba the next day, eventually falling into a fitful sleep at that point...

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

Ren sat us, recalling he hadn't checked up on either Futaba or Haru yet, so he decided to see if he could find either one of them to hang out with them. As Ren left, Morgana spoke up once more.

"Hey Ren, got a minute? I just saw Futaba leaving to go shopping with the chief and Wakaba. I think they said something about hunting for games over in Akihibara. They look like such a happy family. I heard that Lady Ann was seen in the underground mall, while Makoto and her sis are sometimes seen in the underground walkway. Hopefully this information helps. Hey, Ren? Have I always-? No, never mind. Forget I said anything. You're going out to see the others, right? Stay safe." Morgana said as Ren nodded, heading off to see if he could find Haru or Futaba.

After seeing both were available, Ren decided to look into Morgana's tip, heading to Akihabara. After a bit, he found Sojiro, Wakaba and Futaba standing out in front of a store, the former huffing as he spoke up.

"Oh, man. Whoa there, Futaba. I thought you just came here to buy a video game." Sojiro said as Futaba looked at Sojiro and spoke up.

"But, but, there's so much good stuff on sale. And can't you feel it!? All the limited editions and the gaming gear is calling to me. It's the store's fault for being a one-stop shopping emporium for gamers!" Futaba said before turning towards Wakaba as she kept speaking.

"Soooooo, how about you, Mom?" Futaba asked as Wakaba shook her head and spoke up.

"No, ma'am. Do you think I get supplementary grants with nothing but puppy-dog eyes? Motion for additional funding is denied." Wakaba said bluntly as Futaba winced and spoke up.

"Hrrghhh, my case was dismissed just like that. RIP. Welp that's-Oh! Hm? Ren?" Futaba asked as Ren walked up and Sojiro smirked and spoke up, even if his smirk more resembled a frown at the moment.

"Oh hey, look who stumbled into us." Sojiro said before turning to Futaba as he kept speaking, ignoring the smirk on Ren's face as he took in the view of what Sojiro no doubt viewed as his 'pimp' outfit, which was a black fedora with a red stripe, a black suit jacket with a red scarf around it, cream-colored slacks, and white dress shoes.

"C'mon, hurry up and pick something already. You still wanna get lunch after this, right? Well, we can take him too now, if he wants to come." Sojiro said with a smooth smirk as Wakaba smiled at the kind gesture before speaking up.

"Oh, what a thoughtful gentleman. Hear that, Futaba? Sojiro's gonna treat us all to lunch." Wakaba said as a smirking Ren couldn't help what he thought next.

'Heh, Sojiro's so in there, he has no idea.' Ren thought with an amused smirk as a flustered Sojiro spoke up.

"Hey, don't go putting words in my-" Sojiro said before Futaba cut him off by speaking up.

"Really!? Then, back to Leblanc, people! It's curry time!" Futaba said eagerly as Sojiro frowned and spoke up.

"Uh, you eat that all the time, though, Futaba." Sojiro said as Futaba smiled and spoke up happily.

"That's 'cause it's the best! Even Mom thinks so. Of course, that could be less of her appreciating the curry, and more of her appreciating the man making it, methinks. Mwehehe." Futaba said slyly as Wakaba flushed slightly at this but frowned at Futaba as she spoke up.

"Futaba! That's besides the point!" Wakaba gently rebuked the grinning Futaba as she kept speaking.

"But still, you really can't get enough of that curry, can you, Futaba? I mean, she does have a point. Your curry is pretty great, Sojiro. And she may or may not be right that I think the guy who makes it is great too." Wakaba said, ignoring the smirk on Futaba's face as Sojiro barked a laugh as he spoke up.

"Hah! Heh, is that so? Well, thanks for the glowing review. I'll take it as a compliment from you, Wakaba." Sojiro said, making Ren smirk as he realized the three in front of him were all smiling at each other. Ren then surmised that this must be the reality that Futaba wished for. Not for the first time, Ren found himself soundly cussing Maruki out in his head for making the caveat of said reality the fact that none of the others, excluding Akechi and Sumire, were able to recall Kusa at all. And even some of their recollections of their past were altered too. Futaba turned to Ren and spoke up, seeing the pensive look on his face and smiling as she spoke.

"Sound good, Ren? I KNOW you know how awesome Sojiro's curry is!" Futaba said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I do, indeed. That curry is Boss' most-cherished dish. As someone we both know rather well once said, 'Boss' curry is best curry!'. Granted, I paraphrased parts of that, but the gist is the same." Ren said. Futaba nodded and spoke up approvingly.

"Of course it is! Sojiro and Mom worked together to improve its flavor, y'know. And that's-huh?" Futaba said as Ren spoke up.

"Isn't this like a beautiful dream, little sis? Too bad you're forgetting a key player in said dream, but it is what it is." Ren said wisely. Futaba frowned and spoke up.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean? What are you getting at? Is it a dream? No, but why do I feel like you're right about there being something missing, and that this isn't necessarily how things are supposed to be?" Futaba asked as Ren smiled at Futaba and spoke up while gently patting her on the head.

"You're a smart woman, little sis. I know you can figure this out. I have faith in it. Hopefully that same faith will let you realize the truth of things." Ren said sagely. Futaba blinked as she spoke up in confusion.

"What're you getting at, big bro? I still don't get it, even after that hint. C'mon, why won't you just tell me what you're trying to say?" Futaba asked before flashing to an image of herself yelling at open space, frowning at what she heard herself say.

"I won't let those distorted lies deceive me anymore, y'hear me? I'm going to open my eyes to the truth!" Futaba heard herself say before she saw a brown-haired male with a ponytail walk forward and gently wrap his arms around her, whispering something in her ear that made her both smile and flush shyly. Back in the present, Futaba blinked and spoke up with wide eyes.

"What the-? What WAS that!?" Futaba asked as Sojiro frowned and spoke up.

"Are you all right? You two are getting a bit weird." Sojiro asked as Wakaba smirked and spoke up.

"Hm, I wonder. Could it be a case of raging hormones? Look how serious they've both gotten." Wakaba said, ignoring the identical wide-eyed looks on Ren and Futaba's face as they spoke up at the same time.

"WHAT!?" Futaba and Ren both said as the former kept speaking.

"I-I'm okay! Um, don't worry about it! It's nothing! Also, ew Mom! Ren's like an older brother to me! I can't believe you tried to insinuate there was more to it than that! Besides, I can't explain it, but I have a feeling that he's not the one I'm meant to be with.

But I think it might have to do with why I keep feeling like there's another person I'm forgetting about that I know, even though I can still pick up the vague feelings of a strong bond with them, almost as if this person was very special to me. But never mind that! Let's go, Mom. The curry can wait! Ren's still got stuff to do! Or so I assume, anyways. Well, see ya!" Futaba said as she darted off abruptly, leaving Wakaba to call out after her.

"Huh-? Hey, Futaba! Don't just take off like that!" Wakaba said as she followed after Futaba, leaving Sojiro to sigh as he spoke up.

"Welp, time to head home, I guess. Uh, well, for now, we're gonna head on back. Come by for some grub when you're done with whatever it is you're doing." Sojiro said before he turned on his heel and walked off after Wakaba and Futaba. After he was alone, Ren smirked as he let himself get lost in thought a bit.

"Aha! She might not remember him, but I can see that Futaba at least remembers some of her and Kusa's relationship, and she still loves him, even if she can't remember him at this point. Interesting. And with that, only one remains. I suppose I can look into Haru tomorrow, but for now, all I can do is wait and pray. I suppose I should head on back to Leblanc for now." Ren decided as he did just that...

(That evening, in the attic of Leblanc)

As Ren laid on his bed, he reflected on how Futaba seemed happy being able to spend her daily life with both her mother and Sojiro, who she loves very much. Oddly enough, he got hints that she might at least somewhat recall her relationship with Kusa, even if she can't remember Kusa specifically. Even so, Ren still felt as if this wasn't how things should truly be. But he still had one more teammate to look in on. Tomorrow, he goes to check on Haru. That decided, Ren dozed off into an uneasy rest at that point...

(The next morning, in the attic of Leblanc)

Ren frowned as he recalled he needed to go check up on Haru, figuring she was the only one left he'd not checked in on. He then decided to go and seek her out while he got dressed. After heading out to find Haru, he was stopped once more by Morgana.

"Hey, Ren? Got a minute, bro? Remember, Haru was looking at setting up a shop in Kichijoji. Even though I know they're friends of yours, I've not heard anything about either Kasumi or Akechi's whereabouts. And for the life of me, I swear there was one more of us, yet I can't come up with their name to save my life. Ren, can I be honest? I think something's wrong with me all of a sudden. Or maybe not, I'm not sure? I don't know anymore. Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to hold you up. Don't mind me." Morgana said as Ren nodded and headed off to find Haru, deciding to trust Morgana's tip about her being in Kichijoji.

Ren then headed to the promenade to find Haru. After a bit of walking around, he smirked to himself as he spotted a familiar head of floofy light brown hair. After a bit, he walked over to Haru, hanging back to listen in, his eyes widening as he recognized none other than Kunikazu Okumura standing with Haru, making Ren question when he was brought back to life. But then Ren shrugged, figuring it wouldn't be the first supposedly-dead person brought back to life, so he went with it as he listened in while Haru's dad spoke up.

"The amount of pedestrian traffic here is well within our threshold. This would make a fine location for a new store." Haru's dad said as Haru eventually nodded and spoke up.

"Yes! I agree. The research says this community is most interested in high-quality ingredients and a modern store design. Perhaps this location should focus more on organic produce, and a simple but elegant interior of sorts? Just a thought." Haru said as as she heard footsteps, blinking as she turned to see Ren walk up, smiling at him as she spoke up.

"Oh, my! Ren-kun? I didn't expect to run into you here." Haru said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"You know how I am, big sis. I'm always full of surprises. That said, what are you up to?" Ren asked as Haru giggled and spoke up.

"That's true, Ren-kun. And to answer your question, I'm helping out my father today. We're here to inspect a potential site for a new company store." Haru said as her dad turned to face Ren as he spoke up.

"Hm? Oh, I've not seen you before? Haru, is this a friend of yours?" Haru's dad asked, making Ren blink at the surprising amount of concern and kindness in the question. Haru nodded as she spoke up.

"Yes, he's been a wonderful friend to me. He's an underclassman at my school." Haru said as her father chuckled and spoke up.

"Oho, I see. To think you'd have a male friend, Haru! Ah, or are you truly 'just friends'?" Haru's dad asked as Haru flushed and spoke up.

"Wait! Geez, Father! Don't jump to conclusions like that! As you probably would've guessed if you were listening before, Ren and I see each other as siblings of a sort. So you're both right and wrong to say we're not just friends. But we're also not interested in each other romantically. Besides that, Ren already has a girlfriend who's an up-and-coming gymnast." Haru said as her dad laughed and spoke up.

"Hahaha, calm down, Haru. I was merely teasing. But still, know this, Haru. Were such a man to appear in your life, make sure you tell me right away. Understand?" Haru's father said as Haru giggled and spoke up.

"Hee hee, oh, Father. Is that jealousy I'm detecting?" Haru said with a giggle, making Ren idly note that Haru and her father are seemingly enjoying each other's company, making Ren question what had to have happened to keep the balance in lieu of Haru's dad not having had his mental shutdown in this reality. For the first time, Ren questioned if possibly Akechi had spared him for Haru's sake in this reality. Ren then observed that this seems to be the reality that Haru had wished for. Haru's father roused Ren from his musings as he spoke up.

"Heh, it's been quite some time since I last saw Haru like this. You must truly be a wonderful friend for her. Please keep being as good to her as you have been. After all, my daughter's happiness is my own happiness." Haru's dad said as Haru blinked and spoke up.

"Father, what's this, all of a sudden? Oh, I'm sorry. Would you care to do something together, Ren-kun? We have a bit of free time, so we could go grab a coffee or something." Haru said as Ren spoke up.

"Maybe. But first, I see you're enjoying your time with your father. He's a great father, isn't he?" Ren asked. Haru smiled at the words and nodded as she spoke up.

"Yes he is, thank you. He's a good dad, although he can be a bit overprotective at times." Haru said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, what parent isn't that way at least once, big sis?" Ren said teasingly as Haru giggled and spoke up.

"Good point, little bro. But, he's honest and caring despite his overprotectiveness. He really is my ideal father." Haru said as Ren spoke up.

"This might seem a bit random, but has your dream come true?" Ren asked Haru, who blinked at the question and spoke up.

"My dream? Oh, no, I wouldn't call my life anything so drastic. After all, I've been so busy lately that I can barely handle what's on my plate, so-Wait, what? I just recalled something." Haru said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"I know you'll get through this, big sis. We all believe in you." Ren said as Haru frowned at the response and spoke up.

"We? Interesting choice of phrase, little bro. O-Oh, okay, if you say so." Haru said as she flashed to a shot of her standing next to what looked like a cat, confronting someone who resembled a distorted version of her father.

"What happiness can be found through profit gained by crushing the hearts of others!?" Haru heard herself say before blinking as she spoke up.

"Excuse me? What!? That just now, what I saw. That was real, wasn't it?" Haru said, looking very confused. Haru's dad saw this and spoke up.

"Haru? What's the matter?" Haru's dad asked as Haru spoke up uneasily.

"Ah, nothing, Father! Nothing, really." Haru said as her dad nodded and spoke up.

"If you say so, Haru. Still, you must be getting exhausted after all this surveying. Why don't we take a break somewhere?" Haru's dad said before turning to Ren as he spoke up.

"My apologies for cutting this short, young man. I do hope we'll have the chance to speak more in the future. Well, until next time." Haru's dad said as he and Haru walked off, leaving a wide-eyed Ren by himself as he got lost in thought.

"WHAT THE HELL!? Since when is Haru's dad alive, never mind the fact he seems to be a changed man entirely? Are all of the Palace Rulers changed from what they were? Oh well, I guess it's not important. For now, all I can do is wait and hope my efforts bear fruit soon. For now, I should head back to Leblanc." Ren said, doing just that...

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

As Morgana lay snoozing on the sofa in the attic, Ren's phone went off, making him blink as he answered it.

"Hello? Ren Amamiya's phone. Ren speaking." Ren said as he heard a familiar dry chuckle on the other end as Akechi spoke up.

"Hey, it's me. I've uncovered a few things in my investigation this week, many of them quite surprising. So I thought I'd share my findings with you." Akechi said as Ren spoke up.

"Please, by all means. I'm curious to hear what you've found. I found a few things myself, but they can wait until you're done." Ren said honestly. Akechi spoke up.

"Very well, as you wish. First, regarding Maruki himself, as it turns out, he's been researching 'the treatment of patients through changes in their cognitions' since his college years, somehow. But then, I suspect you already knew about that, correct?" Akechi said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Spot on, Akechi. But in all honesty, Maruki told me himself while he was still working at Shujin." Ren said as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"That tracks. Anyways, where was I? Oh, right. Maruki. Apparently, Maruki's work had enough investors that he was planning to break ground on a research facility somewhere. Or that was the plan at least. But we know differently, don't we? And as you know, those plans never came to fruition-his funding was cut off and his research was ended for him." Akechi said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"I see. So his research was stalled then, it sounds like." Ren said after a bit to ponder what Akechi had said. Akechi spoke up.

"Yes, it's probable. However, we can't be certain of the reason why, or at least we can't with our current understanding. What was the purpose of his research into cognitive psience? Doesn't it feel like there's more to the story? For example, consider this. Maybe his research was stymied by someone else for their own reasons. Anyway, that's all I could dig up about Maruki's history.

The only thing that's become clearer is his stance on using his cognitive psience, that being that he's dead serious about 'saving' people. He distorted reality itself to make his dream come true. I can only imagine how delighted he is right now. Ah, that reminds me. There was one more thing I wanted to tell you. About the reality Maruki's put us in, more specifically. It seems that Okumura and Wakaba are considered alive by all accounts." Akechi said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"So they're not dead anymore? We both know that's not the case, though." Ren said. Akechi spoke up.

"True. I'm aware that this isn't right as much as you are. But there's no denying the facts. And right now, the facts are that they aren't mere illusions, or cognitive bengs. They truly are alive and existing in this world. In fact, their deaths never seem to have taken place as well in this reality." Akechi said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"That lines up with my own findings, to be honest. From checking in on my friends, I've noticed that at least half of the targets we changed the hearts of as the Phantom Thieves seem to not be as they should be. For example, both Madarame and Kamoshida seem to have inexplicably regained popularity among the masses, while both Futaba's mother and Haru's dad are alive and well, along with Makoto and Sae's father.

If not for the fact that this all seems to have come at the expense of everyone's memories of Kusa being gradually erased, other than yours, mine, and Sumire's, I'd have thought Maruki really did make an ideal reality. But we both know it's not an ideal reality if our brother is suffering so much in order to make it exist. But more to the point, what happened to Shido? He's the only Palace Ruler I couldn't find any info on, aside from Kaneshiro." Ren said. Akechi smirked and spoke up.

"Good question. As it turns out, Shido was the only one arrested on the crime of attempting to overthrow the government. Additionally, it seems the Phantom Thieves were causing a stir in this reality as well, but there's no record of your arrest now. Oddly enough, the files I found on this reality's Phantom Thieves had two shocking oddities in it. First, from what I could tell, these Phantom Thieves only were eight people in total numbers.

From what I could tell, there's no record of myself, Sumire, or Kusa ever being Phantom Thieves in this reality, which is odd. Basically, in this reality, you and I haven't committed any crimes. I don't understand how Maruki was able to distort reality to such extremes, Ren. But at the very least, he was being honest when he said he'd make such revisions-and rather convenient ones." Akechi said as Ren frowned at the mention of Akechi, Sumire, and Kusa not being Phantom Thieves in this reality. Ren then spoke up.

"I see. And what do you make of it, Akechi?" Ren asked honestly. Akechi scoffed and spoke up.

"Honestly? I despise it. And worst of all? Remaining in this Maruki-revised reality means living under his thumb forever, which I'm not a fan of. And I refuse to live like that. Like you, I'll be the one to choose my path. If nothing else, I owe that to Kusa after the risks he took to save me not once, but twice, after he and I got separated from you guys. Moreover, that's how I've lived up to now, and it's going to continue from here 'til the end. Never mind me, though. But what about you? You saw them for yourself, didn't you? Your friends seem to have taken a liking to Maruki's version of reality. Don't tell me you've changed your mind after seeing them, Ren." Akechi said as Ren spoke up.

"Don't worry about it, Akechi. I dislike this reality as much as you do, if only because of all the gross inconsistencies with the reality you and I know so well. And the fact that Maruki's holding Sumire hostage isn't helping my opinion of his reality either." Ren said honestly. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"I see. I pray your answer doesn't change when we face Maruki tomorrow. That takes care of the info I wanted to share. See you soon." Akechi said as Ren spoke up.

"See you in Odaiba, Akechi. We're making him change reality back to how it was, and we're going to save Sumire and Kusa as well, one way or another." Ren said resolutely, before hanging up the phone as Morgana yawned and sat up, looking at Ren as he spoke up.

"Hm? Are you going somewhere tomorrow?" Morgana asked. Ren thought about it before he spoke up.

"Would you believe me if I said I was going to the stadium with Akechi to investigate a potential Palace sighting?" Ren asked Morgana. Morgana blinked at this and spoke up.

"Wha? With Akechi? You guys are really hitting it off lately. Of course, that's not a bad thing. Hey, so Ren? About what you said before to me? You know, the stuff about my happiness and whatever else? Oh, sorry. It's nothing. Well, good night." Morgana said as he laid back down, leaving Ren to frown as he got lost in thought.

"Well, this is it. Tomorrow, we meet with Maruki to give him our decision. Hopefully, my subtle inquiries will help the others to come back to their senses so they can help out. Either way, I should go to bed early tonight." Ren decided as he got into bed, preparing himself for the day to come as he fell into a fitful sleep...

(The next day, in Odaiba with Ren and Akechi)

"So, you came. Based on the look in your eyes, I'm guessing your friends aren't going to be of any use to us." Akechi said after he and Ren met up in Odaiba. Ren spoke up.

"Probably not at first, no. But I believe they'll come around soon enough." Ren said optimistically. Akechi scoffed at that and spoke up in a tone of mixed derision and cynicism, a tone that Ren couldn't help but notice was rather similar to Kusa's.

"Oh yes, because I'm sure you're all just as close as you were before reality was changed. Just to name a couple of potent examples, Sakura-san forgot about her own boyfriend, and both Sakamoto and Kitagawa seem to have forgotten what you've done for them. Well, there's no point griping about it out here, is there? Are you ready? As I mentioned yesterday, it's quite likely that we'll have to confront Maruki physically. If you're not prepared for such a contingency, then please go and take care of your affairs as quickly as possible. That said, are you ready?" Akechi asked Ren, who nodded and spoke up.

"Yep, good to go." Ren said with a nod of agreement. Akechi smirked and spoke up.

"Good. Well, no sense prolonging things. Shall we go then?" Akechi said as the two headed into the Metaverse, unaware of what was going on at that same time over in Leblanc...

(Back at Leblanc, with Yusuke, Morgana, Futaba, Ann, Haru, Ryuji, and Makoto)

"Uh, 'scuse me, is-Oh. Whoa. Uh, hey guys. Long time no see?" Ryuji said awkwardly as he noticed the others all gathered in the lower level of Leblanc. Haru smiled and spoke up.

"Hm, I see. Looks like we've all had the same idea." Haru said as Yusuke spoke up.

"Are you here to speak with Ren as well?" Yusuke asked Ryuji. Ryuji rubbed his head awkwardly and spoke up.

"Uh, kinda, I guess? So, I take it he's not here?" Ryuji said as Morgana spoke up.

"Nope. He left around noon. He said he was meeting up with Akechi. Something to do with looking into a potential Palace sighting?" Morgana said as Futaba waved a finger around before speaking up.

"Fair. Sojiro said if we need to, y'know, talk about stuff, we can use this place for a while. Oddly enough, he also said something to me about a letter under one of the tables, but I wasn't trying to check it until the rest of you were here, since apparently it's for all of us? Let me check real quick." Futaba said as she reached under the table for a bit, blinking as she felt an envelope taped to the underside of the table. Futaba blinked before she crawled under the table and carefully removed the envelope, blinking as she looked at it and spoke up.

"Odd. This says 'To the Phantom Thieves of Hearts (aka the Phantom Crew)' on the front. And why do I feel like I recognize this handwriting?" Futaba asked. Ryuji spoke up.

"Cool. And who knows? Maybe it's a secret admirer of yours?" Ryuji said with a shrug as Ann and Makoto both gave him deadpan stares, the latter speaking up.

"Why would it be addressed to us as a whole, if it's meant specifically for Futaba?" Makoto asked Ryuji, who blinked and spoke up.

"I dunno. Sorry. I was just thinking." Ryuji said as Futaba huffed and spoke up.

"Hmph. Well, one way to find out, I guess." Futaba said as she opened up the envelope, pulling out the note contained within. It read as thus:

"Dear Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Mona, Oracle, Noir, and if they're somehow reading this, Joker, Crow, and Sumi, I hope this letter finds you well. Admittedly, I'm not sure how I feel about the idea that if you're reading this, it likely means that reality has been changed in a big way, and likely as not everyone reading this was affected by said change. If I'm right, you're all living in your ideal realities right now, which I will list as follows below:

-Morgana (Mona) : Currently living in a human form, probably whooping it up with Futaba, Boss and one other.

-Ryuji (Skull) : Currently enjoying life with the track team while having much success as a runner.

-Ann (Panther) : Currently enjoying having Shiho back at Shujin after she transferred back, making it easier for her to have her girlfriend close by.

-Yusuke (Fox) : Probably has the 'Sayuri' (or whatever name it was replaced with in this reality) up on display in a museum with a supportive Madarame once again acting as his 'sensei'.

-Makoto (Queen) : Is likely in seventh heaven with her father back alive, and her sister a more constant presence in her life.

-Futaba (Oracle/Taba) : Likely has been enjoying life with Boss/Sojiro and her mom, Wakaba, around. Wouldn't be surprised to hear Boss is putting the moves on Wakaba even as we speak, since he's a smooth operator like that. But then, Coffee Daddy (aka Boss/Sojiro) is great at everything he does.

-Haru (Noir) : Probably running Okumura Foods with her somehow alive father, President Okumura. If true, this means likely at the minimum some of the Palaces we took on were changed in whatever reality Maruki gave you all.

As for the rest (Crow, Joker, Sumi)? If I'm right, the first two are probably presently heading into a brand-new Palace to try and save the third from the hands of its' Ruler, someone I never in a thousand years would've guessed had a Palace. And it's someone ALL of you at least have passing knowledge of, given his infamous tenure at Shujin. BEWARE OF MARUKI'S SHADOW!

Anyways, back on topic, if I was right about all of that, then that likely means none of you reading this have much of any memories of me, which will not do. For now, until you get your memories of me back, just refer to me as Draconis. And I hope of you all, at least Futaba has SOME recollection of me, given how close we are. I'd like to hope that even if she doesn't remember me specifically, she at least has SOME recollection of all the time we spent cuddled up together, and all we've been through, as well as the intense and powerful love we have for one another.

After all, there's a reason she's my girlfriend, even if she might not remember it. But back on topic again, I know what I've said already must be hard to believe. But if you look in the envelope, there's a picture or two in there that confirms my identity.

And before anyone asks how I know all this, when she awoke to her Personas (YES, she has TWO Personas!), Oracle's secondary Persona, Nostradamus (or whatever he's evolved to by the time you're reading this, since I'm nearly positive at least a couple of you will have evolved your Personas since I penned this letter. Congrats to those of you who did evolve their Personas since I penned this, by the way) was able to show my Persona, Thailog, some visions of the future, many of which involve the exact scenario you all are in right now. So I had to take some rather bold risks to try and counteract the actualizations as best I can. This letter is one of such risks.

Another such risk was my choosing to step in not once, but TWICE, to protect Akechi since last we saw one another, because the vision I was shown by Thailog through Nostradamus showed him being instrumental in helping to not only restore reality to normal, but also helping us bring our entire team back together again. But I judged said risks worth the potential outcome if they fail, even if those consequences could likely bring about my demise. But I'm willing to make that risk. And why, you may ask?

To borrow a quote I once heard as a response, it's because a wise man once said, 'If you love someone or something, let it go. If it's meant to be, it'll come back to you. And if you really love someone or something, you'll protect it with everything you have, even your very being if necessary.' Because a true warrior is prepared to put it all on the line to protect those he or she cares for.

Because, in truth? I might not always say so, but even if I give several of you a hard time, I do it because you've all become like something of a family to me, albeit a fluster-clucked family, to use a term I once used. So if it means giving you even the slimmest glimmer of hope to stop the threat to our true reality, I'm willing to take whatever risks I have to in order to correct things. So I apologize if this means most of you are going several weeks without seeing me, but I'm doing what I must to try and keep Maruki's crazy antics in check.

That said, I have faith you all will find me in Maruki's Palace. Keep an eye out for hidden passages that lead downwards, since if I'm right, he'll have me trapped in a hidden detention level far below the Palace. But back to why I penned this letter.

If you're all reading this, this likely also means you've started to realize the inconsistencies in your ideal realities. Don't feel bad about this, as we all make mistakes. The important thing is that you learn from this and come together now as a team, since it could very well be that both Crow and Joker might be in trouble by the time you finish reading this, since they charged alone into Maruki's Palace to try and save Sumi, who is no doubt by this point Maruki's captive prisoner, as well as to confront him about his actualizations.

So please, if you're reading this, believe in yourselves and remember why you became Phantom Thieves to begin with. If you do that, you'll remember what's right. I apologize to those of you who have to lose out on very beneficial realities, but sometimes a Phantom Thief has to make such sacrifices for the greater good. But for real, prove you're still the same Phantom Thieves who I love and respect like brothers and sisters, and come together now for Joker's sake. He might need your help!

And if ANYONE is making fun of Mona over his true form, they will have to deal with me! Just putting that out there. But for now, think about what I've said and then decide for yourselves if you believe what I said here. For all of our sakes, I hope you do, but I'm not pressuring you at all. And above all else, I hope this finds all of you doing well. Now please, go out and fight that good fight, you guys!

-Love, Kusa 'Draconis' Amamiya

P.S.: Don't forget to look at the picture in the envelope to hopefully jog some of your memories." The letter read as Ann blinked and spoke up.

"You know, it's almost uncanny how well he called most of what's going on right now. And strange as this might sound, I believe what he says. That said, Ren asked me a question the other day. It was something along the lines of whether or not I'm okay with how things are. At first, I didn't know what he was talking about, but as he kept going, his words started making my chest feel all tight for some reason." Ann said as Futaba reached in, pulled the photo in mention out, and gasped, as it was a group photo of all the Phantom Thieves posing together in the attic of Leblanc, minus Sumi, who'd not yet joined at the time.

From left to right the photo had Ren, Akechi, Morgana, Kusa, Futaba, Ann, Makoto, Ryuji, Yusuke, and Haru in it. A second photo had a photo of Ren, Kusa and Kasumi in their Metaverse attire all smiling together as they locked arms with one another, Kasumi in the middle of the two Amamiya brothers, her head resting gently on a smiling Ren's shoulder. Futaba then spoke up, her eyes wide in shock.

"Wh-What!? Are these for real!? If so, how could we forget about the guy in the dragon mask and outfit? He looks so incredibly sexy and badass! Yet, I can't help but feel like there was more to him than this picture shows." Futaba said as Makoto frowned and spoke up.

"Agreed, Futaba. And Ann? I know what you mean. And, ever since then, it's like, I don't know? Like something isn't right in my heart anymore for some reason." Makoto said as Yusuke frowned and spoke up.

"I have no complaints about my current life to speak of. On the contrary, in fact. I am truly happy with it. But now that we've seen these photos, I question that. So, in that case, if I'm truly happy, then what is this inkling of a feeling I have deep in my soul?" Yusuke said as Ryuji winced and spoke up.

"Uh? Ugh, dammit! I'm so bad at figurin' out this sorta stuff. Hey, you guys. Am I the only one getting a vague recollection of a guy who was a bit long-winded and could be a bit harsh and blunt in his words at times, but meant well deep down? Also, do ya think maybe we're all runnin' away from something super-important?" Ryuji asked, getting a ton of confused looks from the others as he kept speaking.

"I've been kinda wonderin' for a while now, to be honest. Maybe the reason Ren's words hurt so much is 'cause he's right, even if none of us want to admit to it. But I was too scared to admit that, for some reason. That's why I pretended I didn't understand what he meant when he spoke to me." Ryuji said as Haru nodded.

"I understand that, Ryuji-kun. When I was speaking with Ren-kun, I felt like I was losing it. I caught a glimpse of this mysterious sight. Something that shouldn't have happened, but still, despite myself, I felt like I shouldn't turn away from it as I watched it." Haru said as Ann nodded and spoke up.

"Same here!" Ann said as Yusuke spoke up.

"Indeed. And myself as well. It seems that we really have lost sight of something precious to us after all. And I don't just mean our missing brother, either." Yusuke said as Futaba winced and spoke up.

"That's harsh, Inari. But it might not be inaccurate. If his letter is right, what he told us would explain why I've been constantly feeling like I was forgetting something super-important, or perhaps someone super-important, even though I didn't think I was. Turns out, it was because I'd been slowly forgetting about my boyfriend, Kusa. How I can do that, I have no clue. Yet, I forgot his name anyways." Futaba said shamefully. The others all gave her reassuring looks as she kept speaking.

"But that's not important! But though I'm not sure specifically what we're forgetting, I'm so scared to remember what it is, in case the memories are painful ones! If I remember, well, 'that', I feel like my life as I know it is gonna end!" Futaba said as Makoto looked sadly at Futaba and spoke up.

"Oh, Futaba. You poor thing." Makoto said sadly as Futaba frowned and spoke up.

"But, even still, knowing that my life as I know might end if I remember that, I don't want to feel this way anymore, either. I feel like I owe it to Kusa to remember everything, not just the good, but the bad as well." Futaba said as Haru smiled and spoke up.

"Well said, Futaba-chan. And to be honest, the same could be said of me too. Though in my case, he's just a precious younger brother that I should never have forgotten." Haru said as Ryuji spoke up while tucking his hands into his pockets.

"Hm, so I guess that's it, huh? Ren was tryin' to tell us all somethin' important, and I bet he's probably still workin' on it somewhere. Maybe it's like the letter said, and he and Akechi are out trying to tackle a new Palace on their own because they couldn't get through to us, all to save Sumi and Kusa from what is no doubt certain doom." Ryuji said before frowning as he spoke up.

"And if nothing else, I can't sit by and let Ren go it with only Akechi for backup! Ain't no way I'm gonna bail on him just so I can keep runnin' from, well, whatever it is." Ryuji said as Yusuke nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed. Truth be told, when I had that strange experience you all mentioned, I saw Ren and several of us there together. Oddly enough, I can recall a man in a dragon mask amongst that group. Perhaps that man is the 'Draconis' who wrote the letter Futaba just read? That said, I want to believe the connection we share here is a genuine one." Yusuke said as Ann spoke up with a nod.

"True. Well, I know if we don't do something soon, we're going to lose our connection with Ren. But what's worse, if we don't do something, we could end up actually losing Ren, Akechi, Kasumi, and Kusa to this Palace that Ren and Akechi might be going after. Don't ask how I know this, but it just feels like the truth to me." Ann said a Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"I admit I am happy right now, but to be honest? I just can't accept the situation as it is. I'm done with trying to escape my problems!" Morgana said as a flash of light briefly overtook the group's vision before a shattering sound followed, and when everyone could see again, they all felt as if the air felt different around them. And notably, Morgana had gone from being the human he was before back to being a not-cat. Ann blinked at this and spoke up.

"Huh? What the heck? What just happened?" Ann asked in shock as the others blinked as one, before all of them started groaning as they felt the rush of repressed memories returning back to them...

(At the same time, in Maruki's Palace with Crow and Joker)

"Well, let's figure out where Maruki is first. I don't want to waste any time wandering about aimlessly. If I recall right, we encountered an information guide after going up that elevator, did we not? Well, if he intends to welcome us in so graciously, perhaps we'll come across another guide soon. Ah, and before I forget Joker, I suspect the battles are going to get even tougher from here on out due to our lack of manpower.

Focusing on our own abilities is fine and all, but depending on the situation, it'll be more efficient to team up. The combination move we pulled off before against that 'Warped Abyss' thing? That wasn't half-bad." Crow said as Joker and Crow's phones, along with most of the others' phones, pinged at that moment to signify that 'Ren and Akechi's Showtime', along with 'Futaba and Sumire's Showtime', and 'Akechi and Kusa's Showtime', were all unlocked. Crow then chuckled as he kept speaking.

"Heh! Of course, having the skill is one thing. But how efficient it actually is? That all depends on whether or not you can keep up with me." Crow said as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, that right? Let's do this." Joker said smugly as the duo commenced their second infiltration of Maruki's Palace. After going through a few rooms, Crow spoke up at a room a little ways in.

"I think it was somewhere around here." Crow said as an intercom came on around that point.

"VIP patients identified. We will now begin the grand tour. The Auditorium is now open. The master awaits you there, along with the patient you seek. Please enter through the door on the left-hand side of the Entrance Hall." The polite announcement said over an intercom as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, just as I thought, Joker. They're politely informing us of their location." Crow said before spotting a nearby door and speaking up.

"Ah, that must be the door, yes? Let's go." Crow said as the duo kept moving. After Joker recruited a 'Chimera' Persona, Crow hit level 76 off the ensuing EXP gain. After entering into a Safe Room, which added the '? Corridor' to Joker's fast-travel list, Crow spoke up as the duo left the Safe Room.

"Huh, some hospitality for just stepping into a Palace. They must believe we can resolve our differences peacefully. Tch, how absurd!" Crow said, not mentioning that the last person to suggest this was someone he might actually have considered seeking a peaceful resolution with, given the fact they risked themselves for him multiple times, and he repays his debts. After finding a door at the other end of the corridor, the duo went in as Crow spoke up.

"Hm. There's no doubt that Maruki's Shadow is up ahead. Make sure you're ready." Crow said as the duo kept moving. After heading down some steps, a bright light flashed on, making the duo of Joker and Crow briefly shield their eyes. But when they could see again, they gasped as they saw a giant blue throne in front of them, Maruki's Shadow standing next to it. But the identity of the person sitting on the throne was an even bigger shocker to Ren, as it was Sumire! Maruki's Shadow then spoke up with a smile.

"Thank you for coming." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"We agreed we'd show up, and Crow and I keep our word. But never mind that. What's wrong with Sumire?" Joker asked pointedly, ignoring the amused smirk on Crow's face at seeing this more vicious, aggressive side of Joker. Seeing Joker like this almost made Crow feel like something had awakened inside of him, wrong as it might be. *1* For his part, Maruki's Shadow merely smiled as he spoke up.

"Peace, Joker. She's only sleeping. I've never had any intention of hurting her. Once her inner turmoil begins to settle, I'll have her remember her life as she wishes to live it." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow scoffed at that and spoke up.

"Hmph. The life she wishes for, huh? Call it what you like. But the truth is, you're merely brainwashing people for your own satisfaction." Crow said as Maruki's Shadow winced before speaking up. *2*

"I'm wholly aware that some will interpret my acts this way, unfortunate as that might be. But if that self-satisfaction leads to the happiness of thousands of others, don't you agree that that outcome is for the best? Joker-kun? If I understand correctly, you went and checked in on your friends this past week. This reality is the one they all wished for, is it not? Tell me, did any of them seem troubled by that fact?" Maruki's Shadow said as Joker winced, recalling how happy everyone had seemed when he saw them. Maruki's Shadow then spoke up with a smile, seeing the hesitation in Joker's eyes.

"This reality is the 'true' reality, you know. All you have to do is recognize it as such." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker scoffed and spoke up.

"Uh-huh, sure. And what of those, like my little brother, who disagreed with this reality and likely fought against it with all their might? Is it the 'true' reality to them too?" Joker said derisively, making Crow smirk at Joker's dry response, very pleased with it. Maruki's Shadow shrugged and spoke up.

"Who knows? Couldn't say for sure. But what I do know is this. Once you accept this reality, you'll be just as happy as they are. Didn't you see it for yourselves, Crow and Joker? Your friends don't just want to live these lives. They want you to choose this reality for yourselves and live happily too." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker frowned at this.

"This reality, huh?" Joker said, flashing on the various inconsistencies in his friends' accountings of their lives in this reality. Crow smirked as Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"Please, I want you to understand, Joker! For their sake, as well as yours, you need to accept my reality! Only then, can you truly be happy! If that happiness comes with a few sacrifices, such as forgetting a few inconsequential people who are of no importance, then so be it." Maruki said pleadingly as Joker kept flashing on the inconsistencies in his friends' actualized realities. Joker then frowned as he spoke up.

"My friends want to stay in this reality, you say? That may be true, but what happens when they wise up and realize the truth of this reality? Because I feel that some of them are already having their doubts." Joker said, as he recalled the uncertainty that Morgana, Ann, and even Makoto had had with their realities, along with the others. Joker then spoke up once more.

"But is what you say really true, Maruki? If so, then why do I sense that as we speak, they're gathering together to assess your so-called 'ideal reality'? Because I have a feeling that you're not as in control of things as you think. I think that even though you have him captive? Draconis may have taken measures behind the scenes to at least somewhat contain the damage your plan might have caused on the fabric of reality itself." Joker said as Maruki's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"That's true. You might be right about that, Joker. Well, it's time to choose." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow huffed and spoke up.

"Tch." Crow said as Joker blinked while contemplating his choices. If he accepted Maruki's offer, he could give his friends the realities they wished for permanently. Or so Maruki's Shadow says. However, doing so means likely sacrificing both Draconis and Sumi to their fates at Maruki's Shadow's hand. And Joker isn't sure he's okay with that. Granted, if the Phantom Thieves stay in this world, they really could lead happy lives, free from pain and suffering, and truly prospering.

But their memories will be distorted to allow for the new circumstances. There's probably no way to avoid that if he accepts. On the other hand, if Joker refuses, he and Crow can try to restore the world to how it should be, while also having the chance to save both Sumi and Draconis from their suffering/captivity. Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"For the sake of Sumi-san, and the rest of your friends who are in their ideal realities as we speak, I ask you to give me your answer." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"It is true that what you offer could bring much happiness and prosperity to everyone if I were to accept. However, doing so would mean making some sacrifices that quite frankly? I don't know that I could look at myself in the mirror the same way if I made them, since one of those sacrifices might well mean abandoning my brother to a potentially grisly fate, along with leaving the woman I love to be manipulated by you forever.

Also, I know that Crow put a lot of faith in me by agreeing to help me with this mission to stop you, so I can't turn my back on that. I'm sorry Maruki, really I am. But I cannot accept this reality in all good conscience. If that means the others resent me for this choice, then so be it. But I know in my heart it's the right, and honestly only, course of action in this case." Joker said decisively. Maruki's Shadow blinked as he spoke up.

"Huh?" Maruki's Shadow said as a butterfly briefly flashed on-screen for a moment as Crow spoke up.

"Heh. Negotiations seem to have broken down." Crow said with a smirk. Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"Is that your final answer, Joker? Hm, I see. It seems we still haven't reached an understanding, Joker." Maruki said as Sumi chose that moment to open her eyes and speak up, looking at Joker in horror.

"No, is it true? Did you really reject Doctor Maruki's reality, Joker? You're not serious, right? Please, my love! I'm begging you, Joker-senpai, don't do this! Please let me live as Kasumi! Don't make me go back to living as Sumire!" Sumi said as Joker frowned and spoke up.

"Sumi, I love you. You know that. But we both know it's not healthy for you to keep avoiding the truth by pretending to be your sister. Therefore, I cannot in all good conscience keep allowing you to run from the truth of yourself. I know it'll be painful for you, Sumire. But I'll be by your side every step of the way. You won't have to suffer through this alone. Besides, how do you think your sister feels watching you try to live her life even after she's gone?

Surely she's disappointed in you to some extent. And while I freely admit I only know you as Kasumi Yoshizawa, rather than as Sumire, I'm excited to get to know the real you, since if she's even half as amazing as 'Kasumi' was, I'll be quite content to stay by your side no matter what. So please, Sumire. Be brave, and don't hide from the truth." Joker said pleadingly to Sumi, who winced as she spoke up around sobs.

"But, why? This pain is just too much, Joker! Why can't I just leave it behind me!? Kasumi is gone forever, and to make things worse? It's all my, no, all Sumire's fault! I can't live that kind of life!" Sumi said as her Phantom Thief attire re-materialized as she leapt down in front of a stunned Joker and Crow while she kept speaking.

"Please, Joker. Don't try to stop me, my love. If you do, then I'll have no choice but to fight for the reality I want!" Sumi said as she brandished her rapier challengingly. Joker gasped at this turn of events and spoke up while giving Sumire a look that was a mix of hurt and confused.

"Don't do this, Sumi. We don't have to fight. I want to see you happy as much as you do. You just need to learn to let your pain go. And you're wrong, by the way. It's not all Sumire's fault that your sister is gone! Part of the blame is on the real Kasumi's shoulders too, for choosing to throw herself into oncoming traffic, but she did it to save you, because she loves you!

Because she loves Sumire! Please, Sumi! Learn to let the pain go! I know it won't be easy, but I'll be with you through it all. You don't have to suffer through this alone. We're in this together, my love. Now, please! Put the rapier down! I don't want to have to fight you! It'd kill me to have to hurt you! So please! Don't do this! Don't make this a fight between us. Because I won't fight you." Joker said resolutely. Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Still trying to reason with this girl, Joker? How stubborn you both are. Maybe Draconis was right before when he said you're both as much in denial as each other! She needs to accept that her sister's death was not her fault! And you! You need to grow a goddamn pair and accept that sometimes, saving someone from pain means showing them some tough love, even if they don't want it. They'll thank you for it in the long run, once they come to their senses. Now with that said, both of you quit being so damn stubborn!" Crow said bluntly. Joker frowned and spoke up.

"Perhaps, but you do realize you're asking me to basically put hands on the woman I swore to protect with my very being? As a gentleman, that is the very last thing I want to do if it can be avoided." Joker said honestly as Crow spoke up.

"I can respect that sort of sentiment, Joker. I really can. But I think you need to open your eyes. It's sad, but no matter what you say to her, I doubt she'll understand. I don't think we have a choice in the matter here. And I'm sure once she comes to her senses, Sumi will thank us for giving her this reality check!" Crow said as Joker winced and spoke up.

"I hate that you're right, Crow. But do we really have to harm her to bring her to her senses?" Joker asked desperately. Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Hardly! I could take care of it for you right now, you know. But you'd prefer for her to leave here alive, right? Just hurry up and end this." Crow said as he walked off, leaving Joker and Sumi to stare each other down as the latter spoke up pleadingly.

"Please, Joker. Don't make me do this to you. I don't want to fight you, but I will if it means making you see things my way." Sumi said as a battle began. At the start of the fight, Sumi spoke up tearfully.

"I can't stop this anymore, Joker! I refuse to live as Kasumi's killer!" Sumi said as Joker winced before dodging out of the way of the swords thrown at Joker by Cendrillion. Joker reluctantly sighed before starting to assess Sumi's weaknesses, conceding that Crow was right and the only way to snap Sumi out of her guilt was to smack some sense into her. But he also didn't want to damage his girlfriend more than he had to. After he'd logged a lot of damage, Sumi looked at Joker sadly and spoke up.

"Why are you doing this to me, Joker? Please, just leave me alone! I get that you don't want me to live as Kasumi, but don't make me have to live with the pain of being her killer!" Kasumi said as she had Cendrillion buff her Critical rate. Joker sighed as he spoke up.

"I'm sorry, Sumi. Really, I am. I don't like doing this to you any more than you like having it done. But since you can't seem to see what I see, I have no choice but to smack some sense into you. Please don't hate me for this." Joker said reluctantly, tears hitting the ground as he summoned his 'Quetzalcoatl' Persona, who nodded and proceeded to throw some severe-tier Gun and Phys damage at Sumi in succession, bringing her to a knee as she looked sadly at Joker and spoke up.

"Why, Joker? Why are you hurting me like this?" Sumi asked as the fight ended and she dropped to a knee and turned a slightly tearful gaze on Joker as she kept speaking.

"Ngh, I lost." Sumi said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"That's right, Sumi-san. It looks like you lost. Joker managed to get over himself long enough to do the right thing, even if it probably killed him inside to do it. Joker, for what it's worth? I'm sorry you were put in that position. But I know you know that in the end, you'll both be stronger for it when and if you two make up." Crow said wisely as Sumi started sighing as she spoke up.

"I understand that, Crow. But still, I want to know. Why? Why are you doing this, Joker?" Sumi asked as Joker sighed and spoke up, not wanting Sumi to see the tears in his eyes from what he had to do right then.

"Our fight's over, Sumi. I'm sorry I had to rough you up like that, but would you have heard us out otherwise? I love you, Sumi. Truly, I do. But if a bit of tough love is the only way to reach through to you and help you accept that I want to be there for you, and when I say that, I mean the real you, as in Sumire Yoshizawa, not this fake 'Kasumi Yoshizawa' facade you've been living in for the past several months. You need to learn to love the real you again, Sumire!

I know it won't be easy, since you feel guilty for what happened to Kasumi, but I think deep down? You realize that she did it for you. So that means it was no one's fault, and just a tragic accident. You need to let go, and accept that you have no guilt in this, Sumire! I truly want to help you heal and come to terms with things, but you can't do that if you keep hiding behind the mask of pretending to be your dead sister.

So please, Sumi! Our fight's over. Let it go, and let me help you heal." Joker said, shocking both Sumi and Crow as he let the tears fall freely from his face, not caring that Maruki's Shadow was seeing him cry as he wept for how much Sumi was clearly suffering, both from her own guilt and from the damage that Maruki's Shadow caused with his so-called 'help'. Sumi gasped as she saw the tears fall from Joker's face, smiling wryly as she spoke up.

"Joker-senpai, you do care, don't you? No, there's no way! I can't go back to that life! Do you know how painful it is, living day in and day out with the knowledge that if I hadn't been stupid and ran out into the street, then Kasumi wouldn't have had to give up her life to save mine? I'm the one who should've died that day! Not Kasumi! She had so much left to offer, but because she had to save me from my own immature stupidity, she's gone and will never get to fulfill her dreams!

No. I can't go back to being Sumire, the girl who caused her only sister to die for her. You saw it for yourself, Joker-senpai. I know you did! It's my own fault that my sister's no longer among the living! Why don't you understand!? Please, I beg you, Joker!" Sumi said pleadingly as a despondent Maruki's Shadow looked on at horror, watching the raw suffering and anguish of both Joker and Sumi, speaking up.

"Yoshizawa-san, you poor thing. Mm." Maruki's Shadow said as he strode forward towards Sumi and spoke up.

"Listen to me, Yoshizawa-san! I can give you strength like you've never dreamed of! I can make it so you don't have to suffer." Maruki's Shadow said as Sumi sighed and spoke up.

"Doctor, are you being honest right now? If so, thank you." Sumi said as Maruki's Shadow spoke up while shaking his head sadly.

"Tell me honestly. If you want your pain to end, I can make it happen easily. And if it's your wish, I can grant you a release from your pain, as well as a means to live as Kasumi, forever! I'LL ACTUALIZE IT!" Maruki said as a giant wall of cybernetic-looking tentacles sprang up from the ground and wrapped themselves around a horrified looking Sumi, who gasped and spoke up.

"Huh!? Ngh, what the-!? Aaaaaah!" Sumi said as her mask vanished, and at that moment, a distorted, almost berserk, version of Cendrillion appeared before a stunned Joker and Crow, the latter of whom growled and spoke up.

"Dammit! Did he just do what I think he did!?" Crow said, but before Joker could speak up, Maruki's Shadow beat him to it.

"Sadly, she has lost sight of herself at this point. Simply put, she's in pain." Maruki's Shadow said as Joker growled, baring his teeth at Maruki's Shadow as he spoke up.

"That a fact, Maruki!? Sure, I admit part of it is my fault for not being able to do a better job at being there for her as her boyfriend. But an equal part if it is on YOU! And why, you may ask? Because you manipulated her into spending so much time living as Kasumi, you have it in Sumire's mind that she has to live as her dead sister to be free of her pain and suffering! When in truth, all she needs to do is accept that what happened to her sister was no one's fault, and was a tragic accident! The sooner she can do that, and start trying to forgive herself for being unable to save her sister, the sooner she can heal!

And I'm not alone in that! Her parents also know the truth, and asked me to help do what they could not, and help Sumire feel comfortable in her own skin again! And if that means I have to drag her out of here and stay with her until she calms down and accepts the truth, I will! And why? Because I love her and hate seeing her suffer like this! So damn you to the deepest and most infernal part of hell for helping drive her to this, Maruki!" Joker said bitterly as Crow blinked at this rare dark side of Joker as he spoke up.

"Ooh, methinks Joker has a killer streak. I'm both terrified, and oddly there for it! If you want, I'll help you strike this fool down and free Sumi from her pain, Joker!" Crow said as Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"I know you hate me for this, Joker. And I accept that. But this isn't about me! It's about Sumire! Only you can save her at this point! So please! Save her! Now, be her guide to salvation, and together, escape from the nightmare!" Maruki's Shadow said as the voice of Cendrillion echoed around them as she spoke up.

"No, I won't live like this! I can't go on with the same pain Sumi has! I won't do it!" Cendrillion said as another voice echoed from far below them.

"Cen...dri...llion...fight it! Don't listen to the call to madness! Don't let the same poison Maruki's Shadow attempted to entice Sumire with lure you in, too! Try to fight it, and let Joker and Crow help you break free! Do it, for both Sumire and for Joker! But alas, this is going to severely tax most of my remaining strength. I need to rest now, such that Draconis can conserve his strength for the off chance the others find the hidden passageway and rescue him. So good luck, Crow and Joker! You can do it!" Thailog's voice echoed, making Cendrillion blink in confusion as she spoke up.

"Thailog!? Is that you? Where are you!? N-No! I don't want to go back to my life in cinders, EVER AGAIN!" Cendrillion said in a berserk voice as Crow groaned and spoke up.

"What the hell did Maruki's Shadow do to them, Joker? This so-called 'kindness' of his disgusts me! Let's do this quick!" Crow said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed! We have to save Cendrillion, even if it's from herself! She's a part of Sumire! If she is destroyed, Sumire will be destroyed as well due to their bond. And I refuse to let that happen!" Joker said as Cendrillion frowned and spoke up.

"I don't care WHAT Thailog said! I refuse to go back! I'm happy here in this place! THIS is where I belong!" Cendrillion said as a battle began! At the start, Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"I'll rescue you, Cendrillion! You and Sumire both! The only way I know how!" Maruki's Shadow said as he snapped his fingers and summoned two more Shadows to assist the berserk Cendrillion, making Crow grunt as he spoke up.

"Tch, it's gone totally berserk, Joker! We need to stop her Persona!" Crow said as the battle commenced! To the horror of both Joker and Crow, Cendrillion grabbed one of her own allies and dragged them over before proceeding to devour them in front of Joker and Crow!

"I'LL TAKE THAT!" Cendrillion said as she consumed the Shadow, making a horrified Crow speak up.

"What the hell!? It ate the smaller one!? What a pain, Joker. We'll have to beat it before it heals itself again, if we can!" Crow said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Got it, Crow! NEBIROS, COME! RAIN YOUR ALMIGHTY FURY ON THE ENEMY!" Joker said as Nebiros nodded and unleashed a full-power 'Megidolaon', which heavily damaged the two remaining enemies. After Crow destroyed the left most enemy with his own Megidolaon, Maruki's Shadow just snapped his fingers to summon two more. This process continued in the same vein for a while until an annoyed Crow spoke up.

"Dammit, there's no end to this! Just what the hell IS this thing!?" Crow said as the camera panned over to the unconscious Sumi, being held up by the tentacles as Cendrillion spoke up.

"I refuse to return! I will never go back to being such pathetic, soot-coated garbage!" Cendrillion raged as Maruki's Shadow frowned at Crow and Joker while speaking up.

"You can't tell? It's her refusal to accept the truth, no matter who tries to show it to her." Maruki said wisely as the battle ended at that point. Crow growled and spoke up, a frown on his face as he spoke.

"Tch, dammit! We can't afford to waste time on this shit!" Crow said as Cendrillion charged up for another attack, making Crow wince as he spoke up.

"Shit, here it comes!" Crow said, as he and Joker braced for impact. However, said impact never came, as at that moment, another voice cut in and spoke up.

"I DON'T THINK SO!" Skull roared as he charged into view, shielding Joker and Crow from the attack. At that point, another voice cut in irately.

"Dammit, Skull, I told you not to rush in by yourself like that!" A voice that Joker recognized as Mona's said as another voice, a female's this time, spoke up.

"At least it seemed to work out in our favor." Joker heard Queen say, blinking as he spun around to see Skull, Panther, Queen, Noir, Mona, Oracle, and Fox all standing there! Joker smiled at the others and spoke up.

"You made it! I knew you'd be here eventually." Joker said in relief, hoping none of them could see the signs that he'd been crying previously. Fox nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed, Joker. Our apologies for making you wait so long." Fox said as Noir blinked and spoke up.

"Is that who I think it is?" Noir said as Panther gasped and spoke up.

"I think it is! Is that Akechi-kun and Doctor Maruki!?" Panther said as a wide-eyed Mona spoke up.

"Never mind them for now! Sumi's trapped by-Oh! Why's her Persona doing this!? WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON HERE!?" Mona said, making Joker's jaw drop at the sight of Mona being back in his not-cat form once more. Skull spoke up at that point.

"Urgh! So much of this shit makes no sense, but we'll cover it later! We've gotta stop her first, right Joker?" Skull asked as Joker nodded before Mona spoke up with a nod.

"All right, let's get in formation!" Mona said as the battle resumed! At that point, Oracle spoke up.

"Okay guys, leave the navigation to me! Let's push 'em back!" Oracle said as Maruki's Shadow gasped and spoke up.

"Unbelievable! How is this possible!? Why did they come here?" Maruki's Shadow asked as the fight resumed. After a bit, Fox managed to break through with a lucky Critical hit from Kamu Susano-o, allowing him to Baton Pass into Mona's turn, at which point Mona added his own Critical from Mercurius, at which point Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"Ngh, this power is immense!" Maruki's Shadow said as Oracle spoke up.

"It looks like it's working, everyone! Just hang in there a little longer!" Oracle said as the battle kept going. After a double hit from Cendrillion brought Crow to low health, he and Joker nodded, shocking everyone with what they said next.

"Let's do this, Joker!" Crow said as Joker smirked and nodded once before speaking up, ignoring the several sets of dropped jaws nearby.

"Gladly, Crow." Joker said as the two spoke up in unison.

"IT'S SHOWTIME!" Crow and Joker said as the former spoke up.

"LET'S GO!" Crow said as he and Joker rushed forward and charged towards the berserk Cendrillion, the latter ziplining over the head of the former as the former cackled and started hacking furiously at Cendrillion, speaking up with each syllable.

"HA! YOU! DON'T! CONTROL! ME! AHAHAHAHA!" Crow said as he kept hacking at Cendrillion, with Joker flying in over Crow's head to slash at Cendrillion, which Crow followed up on by slashing his blade at Cendrillion to end the Showtime as she took massive damage, but was left mostly healthy. Joker looked at the others and spoke up after devising a new plan of attack.

"Okay, new plan! Since Maruki's Shadow, which is that guy over there, keeps summoning multiple Shadows to assist Cendrillion, we need to spam multi-target moves to keep their numbers down while we whittle away at Cendrillion's stamina! She'll have to tire out eventually if we keep this up! Crow, can you and Fox handle spamming multi-target Physical/Gun moves for a few rounds while we try to keep the numbers down on the enemy's side?" Joker said to Crow, who nodded with Fox as the quartet of Joker, Mona, Fox, and Crow all went to work at hacking at the Shadows with Cendrillion, constantly cutting them down as fast as Maruki's Shadow could summon them. Eventually, the summons slowed down enough for Mona, Joker, Crow, and Fox to nod as they spoke up.

"NOW TO FINISH IT!" Joker said as the other three nodded.

"NEBIROS! COME TO ME!/KAMU SUSANO-O! STRIKE!/MERCURIUS! SHOW YOUR MIGHT!/COME! LOOOOOKKKKKIIIII!" Joker, Fox, Mona, and Crow said as they summoned their Personas to fight, who nodded as they combined their strongest moves together into one super-move that created a huge burst of energy that flew forward and tore right through Cendrillion, who slumped over and spoke up as she fell to a knee after the attack passed through her chest and out of her back, miraculously not leaving a hole where the attack had connected.

"Ugh! Ahhh, no! I can hear them clearly! The bells of midnight are tolling for me! Now, my dream is finished! It won't be able to come true anymore! THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT!" Cendrilion said as she collapsed to the ground to end the fight. After the battle, the tentacles vanished as Sumi's Phantom Thief attire disappeared and she started swaying on her feet as Queen cried out in shock.

"Sumi-san!" Queen called out as Sumi swayed to the side, beginning to fall, only for a quick-thinking Joker to dive down and catch the falling Sumi in his arms as she fell, looking down sadly at her as he silently wept while he cradled her unconscious form close, not caring who saw the tears fall from his eyes at how wrong things had gone. Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"But how? You've all overcome your actualizations!? I can't believe you've thrown away your happiness just to come here and save these three! And how? It's impossible to break one of my actualizations, I thought?" Maruki's Shadow said as Oracle spoke up.

"Wrong! Anything is possible when you believe in yourself and your friends!" Oracle said resolutely as Panther blinked at Maruki's Shadow and spoke up.

"Wait, hold on. You're him? You're Doctor Maruki, right?" Panther asked as Maruki's Shadow sighed and nodded while speaking up.

"Ugh, is that right, Oracle? And yes Panther, that's right." Maruki's Shadow said as the aforementioned girls blinked at his knowing their code names already. Before they could voice their confusion, Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"But more importantly, why are you all here?" Maruki's Shadow said as Skull blinked in disbelief and spoke up.

"Dude, that letter was right! Draconis wasn't kidding when he said this is the last person we'd expect to have a Palace! But real talk? What the hell's Doc doin' inside a Palace!?" Skull asked as Crow spoke up dryly.

"Isn't it obvious, Skull? He's ruling this Palace is what he's doing." Crow said as the others gasped at this and Skull spoke up.

"Wha-!" Skull said in shock as Crow kept speaking with a huff.

"Not only that, he's the one who's generated this whole distorted reality! Isn't that right, Maruki-san?" Crow said as Maruki's Shadow spoke up.

"He's right. But you all need to understand! All of this was done for your own joy." Maruki's Shadow said as Fox and Oracle frowned before the former spoke up.

"Our joy, you say?" Fox said as Maruki's Shadow nodded and spoke up.

"That's right. I only wanted to grant your wishes as best I could. Each and every one of them." Maruki's Shadow said as Oracle spoke up.

"Oh, yeah? And which of our wishes were you granting by trying to make us forget about Draconis!? How is that granting any of our wishes!? None of us wants to forget about him! He might be insufferable at times, and some of us might not always get along with him, but dammit, he's still our teammate! And he's the man I love! How dare you try and take that from us!?" Oracle said furiously. Skull blinked at Maruki's Shadow and spoke up.

"Wait, you what? Whaddya mean!? We never wished for anything like th-" Skull said as Maruki's Shadow frowned and spoke up.

"Is that really true?" Maruki's Shadow demanded pointedly as Skull gaped and spoke up.

"Huh?" Skull asked as Maruki spoke up with a shake of his head.

"You-! No, never mind. So. You all intend to deny the reality I've created for you, eh? If you want to fight me so badly, then so be it. If you plan on changing my heart, that's fine too. But before that, I think there's still room for discussion here. Also, I believe taking care of Sumi-san is more important than settling this issue now." Maruki's Shadow said as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Ah, I see. Planning to run again?" Crow said as Maruki's Shadow scoffed and spoke up.

"Hardly! We can get back to fighting, if that's what you really want to do. But I think you're rather exhausted at the moment, and it wouldn't be very sporting of me to have the Malefactor prey on an exhausted opponent. Nor would it be honorable." Maruki's Shadow said as Mona, Oracle, and Joker all growled at Maruki's Shadow trying to use some of Draconis' lines so casually. At that point, Sumi groaned as she seemed to come around.

"Ngh, wha?" Sumi said as she slowly came to. The others gasped and spoke up.

"Sumi-san!" Noir said as the group rushed to her side, Joker smiling down at Sumi as he watched over her. While they were distracted, Maruki's Shadow vanished in a flash of light, but not before leaving one final parting message.

"I hope you all realize this. There's still time. Let's see, how about February 3rd? I'll hear your final decision on the 3rd. If your views can't align with mine by then, then we'll have no other choice but a physical altercation. As much as I would loathe that, I still can't give up what I've started so easily. It's bad enough that I seem to have lost you all. At the very least, I still have Draconis.

Sure, he might be just a shell of himself at this point, but I got what I needed from him! With the power I extracted from him, you cannot stop me! I will fulfill what I swore to do! I will fulfill the oath I made on the day I lost everything that mattered to me! If you insist on getting in my way, I'll have to strike you down myself!" Maruki's Shadow's voice said as it vanished from earshot, making Oracle frown as she spoke up.

"Dammit! I've lost his reading. And what the hell did he mean, 'with the power I've extracted from him'!? What did he do to Draconis?" Oracle asked as Mona spoke up.

"The way Maruki's Shadow said that? Nothing good, that's for sure. But I don't think we have the luxury of asking questions right now. We need to stay strong." Mona said as Queen nodded.

"Agreed. I want to pursue him, but I doubt that's even possible right now. For starters, we have to find Draconis, and we have no clue where to even start looking other than he's in this Palace somewhere." Queen said as Oracle frowned and spoke up.

"Actually? We do. Remember the letter we read before coming here? There was a hint in there. How did it go again? Ah, yes. 'Keep an eye out for hidden passages that lead downwards, since if I'm right, he'll have had me imprisoned somewhere down on a detention level hidden somewhere far below his Palace. If you can find the hidden passage that leads to the detention level, you have a shot at finding me.

But you have to do so soon. Otherwise, I won't have the energy left to escape, since I have no doubt whatsoever that Maruki seized a lot of my energy for some nefarious purpose while holding me here, along with my blood! But I'll do my best to hang in there for as long as possible.' If we can trust that, then he's likely somewhere on the lowest floor of this Palace, if we can even find the correct passage to get to the lower floors." Oracle said, quoting the relevant section of the letter that she'd memorized already. Skull nodded and spoke up.

"Fair. Let's get outta here for now. Sumi's gotta rest, anyway." Skull said as the group nodded, Joker rising to his feet and carefully scooping the unconscious Sumi into his arms as the group escaped from Maruki's Palace...

(Back in the real world, with Makoto, Ryuji, Haru, Yusuke, Ren, Sumire, Morgana, Futaba, Ann, and Akechi)

I"m still just as shocked as I was when we first came here, truth be told. But it's true. The Navigator's inexplicably returned to our devices for some reason. And worse, a Palace is visible in our own reality, distorted as it might currently be." Yusuke said as Ann spoke up.

"Um, does this mean reality's broken right now, or something? Something to do with Doctor Maruki, anyway?" Ann asked as Morgana looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Hey, Ren? How much do you already know about this stuff?" Morgana asked Ren, who winced but nodded as he decided to tell the others what he knew so far of the situation. Futaba gasped after Ren's explanation and spoke up.

"So Doctor Maruki really has distorted reality and is trying to make people live in what he believes to be their ideal realities. And for most of us, that almost came at the cost of forgetting about Kusa. I can't believe how close it came to us all forgetting he even existed. Well, other than you, Kasumi, and maybe Akechi." Futaba said as Ren spoke up softly, while gently shifting his arms to get a better grip on the unconscious Sumire, who he was carrying on his shoulders piggy-back style, as he spoke.

"Not Kasumi, Futaba. Her true name is Sumire. But that's a long story that I can't get into without her consent. Suffice it to say it pertains to the sister she lost in an accident last spring. All I can say is she's taking it really hard, and I intend to be there for her any way I can. She's not going to be suffering through this alone! I swear it!" Ren said decisively as Haru blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? Well, I'll trust your judgement for now, Ren-kun. But back to the point. He altered our reality, in order to make our dreams come true?" Haru asked as Yusuke spoke up.

"I must admit, this is all too much for me to handle at once." Yusuke said as Akechi walked over and spoke up, ignoring the shocked looks aimed at him by everyone except Ren and the still unconscious Sumire riding piggyback on Ren's back.

"Apologies for the interruption. That said, mind if I interject?" Akechi said as Ryuji gasped and spoke up.

"OH! That's right! Akechi's alive, isn't he?" Ryuji said as Akechi chuckled and spoke up.

"Relax, Sakamoto. There's no reason to be defensive. Had I wished to kill you all, I simply would've done so already." Akechi said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"That's not the way to make a good first impression, Akechi!" Ren rebuked Akechi before he kept speaking.

"Anyways, you can relax, everyone. I know what he did in the past, but for at least the time being, Akechi's not our enemy." Ren said as Makoto spoke up.

"Are you sure, Ren? Akechi-kun, just to clarify. You're not here to fight us?" Makoto asked as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. I've already put our feud behind me. Not only that, but I harbor no ill will towards any of you, even if I find some of you to be a tad insufferable. But to honest, I don't have the energy to truly hate any of you any longer. Besides, I promised Kusa that I'd keep you all safe in his absence, and given he put himself at great risk more than once for me, I feel it's the least I can to do to help you all in the interest of repaying my debt to Kusa." Akechi said, making Ryuji, Morgana, and Haru's jaws all drop at Akechi referring to Kusa by name more than once in the same statement. Akechi smirked at the dropped jaws and spoke up.

"I like this look on you. Heh, just kidding. But being serious for the moment, since Ren and I both refuse to accept reality as Maruki sees fit to make it, we currently have the same goal, that being to stop Maruki and rescue Kusa if we can." Akechi said as Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"I see. So what you're saying is, you're using him." Morgana said bluntly as Akechi spoke up.

"Absolutely not. I'm helping him out to repay a debt to Kusa. And what about the rest of you? Considering how you were all living your ideal lives in that other reality until you decided to come here for us? Maruki's Shadow seems to be telling the truth about taking your happiness into consideration. Granted, while his heart is distorted, he is quite different from the adults whose hearts you've changed so far. Now that you know his intentions, I'm most interested in learning whether you still plan on fighting him or not." Akechi said as Yusuke frowned and spoke up.

"What do you mean?" Yusuke asked as Akechi huffed and spoke up.

"Think about it, Kitagawa! I'm up against someone with the power to distort reality as we know it. The more allies on my side, the better. If we all share the same goal, shouldn't we join forces and improve our odds?" Akechi asked as Sumire moaned lightly as she regained consciousness.

"Nnh, ugh." Sumire said as her eyes slowly opened up as Akechi spoke up once more.

"I'll be going now. Be sure to consider my point carefully." Akechi said as he walked off, ignoring Ryuji's calls after him.

"Hey, Akechi! HEY! Ugh, geez, that guy." Ryuji said as Morgana spoke up, seeing that Sumire's eyes were open.

"Sumi! Are you all right?" Morgana said as Sumire spoke up at that point after realizing she was back in the real world, and that Ren was currently piggybacking her on his back, making her flush shyly while looking down in shame as she recalled what she'd said to him.

"I'm fine, I think?" Sumire said uneasily as Ren smiled at her and spoke up.

"Hey there, beautiful. Are you okay?" Ren asked as kindly as he could. Sumire blinked at the question and spoke up.

"Oh, yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking, Senpai." Sumire said, feeling a bit guilty for shouting at Ren before. Ren nodded and gently set Sumire down on her feet as she spoke up with a regretful look on her face.

"I'm sorry that I was selfish and caused you all so much trouble recently." Sumire said as Ann blinked and spoke up while smiling.

"N-No, no, you don't need to apologize!" Ann said as Makoto spoke up.

"For now, we should probably go our separate ways for the time being and discuss it at a better time." Makoto said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Yeah. Tomorrow we can resume this and-Oh, yeah. Third semester's startin' up tomorrow, right?" Ryuji said as Ann nodded with a wince and spoke up.

"Yeah. I guess we're going back to school, huh? We still don't have any idea what we want to do from here on out, though, do we?" Ann said as Morgana spoke up.

"We've got time. Maruki's Shadow said he'll wait until February 3rd before taking any action. That said, let's really think it over before making our decision." Morgana said as the others nodded and the group dispersed at that point...

(That evening, in Leblanc with Sojiro, Morgana, Ren, and Futaba)

"Yo, welcome back. Huh? I didn't know you guys were out together this whole time. Wait. What's wrong, Futaba?" Sojiro asked as Futaba shuddered and spoke up.

"I'm fine. I've just been getting a lot of confusing information all day. So I'm still processing. On one hand, we found evidence that Kusa is in fact alive, but being held captive. On the other, we also found out we're on a bit of a time limit to save him, since apparently he's not in a good way and is being held prisoner in a cell for who knows why. Hey, Sojiro? I-Is Mom-?" Futaba asked as Sojiro spoke up.

"Mom, did you say? Do you mean Wakaba? Well, then, tell me. What about her?" Sojiro said as Futaba winced and spoke up.

"Uhh, never mind. Nah! It's nothing! It's just, I happened to remember something about her, that's all!" Futaba said as Sojiro spoke up.

"I see, Futaba. Well, okay then. And try to have faith. Kusa's stronger than he looks. I'm sure he'll hold out long enough for you guys to save him. But, y'know, I caught myself thinking about Wakaba earlier too. Odd coincidence, huh?" Sojiro said as Futaba nodded, fighting back the urge to cry at that point. Sojiro then kept speaking.

"Well, I'm gonna head home for the night. What about you, Futaba?" Sojiro asked as Futaba spoke up.

"Hmm, yeah. If you don't mind, I'm gonna stick around a bit longer." Futaba said as Sojiro nodded and spoke up.

"I see. Don't stay out too late, all right?" Sojiro said as he turned to Ren and spoke up.

"The place is all yours. That said, you've got school tomorrow too, Ren. So make sure you get to bed at a reasonable time." Sojiro said as he left. After that, Futaba sat at a table with Ren as she spoke up.

"Mom really is gone again, isn't she? Sojiro sees it that way too now. O-Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you what happened before we came to rescue you! We all ended up here at the same time after you left for Odaiba with Akechi, and then the strangest thing happened." Futaba said as she told Ren the story of how she and the others had found a letter for them and rejected their ideal realities because of it...

(Flashback-Earlier that day, between the window-shatter moment and the others saving Crow and Joker, in the lower level of Leblanc, with Yusuke, Morgana, Futaba, Ann, Haru, Ryuji, and Makoto)

"What was that?" Ann asked as Ryuji spoke up in shock.

"Wait, you're-!" Ryuji said to Morgana, who blinked as he saw himself back in his not-cat form, making him speak up in shock.

"What the-!? I'm not human anymore?" Morgana asked as Futaba blinked and spoke up.

"Oh yeah, duh! That's right! Why were you human, Mona!?" Futaba asked as Ann smiled and spoke up.

"Yeah! You're supposed to be a cat! Err, I guess that'd be a not-cat?" Ann said uncertainly as Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"WHAT!? I am NOT a-! Oh wait, yeah. You're right. I guess I am a cat." Morgana said as Yusuke blinked and spoke up.

"How did we never realize that you went from being a cat to being a human that whole time?" Yusuke asked as the others blinked before Morgana spoke up.

"You know, we've got more important things to do than sit around here and figure out what happened to us." Morgana said as Ryuji gasped and spoke up.

"That's right! Shit! We were here for Ren!" Ryuji said as Makoto nodded and looked at Morgana as she spoke up.

"Correct, Ryuji. Now, Morgana, you said he was headed to Odaiba, correct? And with Akechi-kun?" Makoto asked as Haru spoke up.

"If that's true, we need to find them!" Haru said confidently as the others nodded...

(Flashback end-back in the present with Morgana, Futaba, and Ren)

"Once we got to Odaiba, we spotted the Palace. And once we got inside it and found you guys, you know how the rest goes. Still, you were fighting this whole time, weren't you? While I was just bumming around town without a care, acting as if I couldn't even remember my own boyfriend's name. Tch, some girlfriend I am if I almost forget he exists the first time I end up in a distorted reality. I'm sorry, big bro.

Deep down, I always suspected something strange was going on in town. Something wrong, even. But, being with my mom was so much fun, I just gave up. I stopped trying to figure it out. And as a result, I damn near let both you AND Kusa down when you needed me most! Ah, but I've totally snapped out of it thanks to you, Ren! I'm all good now!" Futaba said as Ren spoke up.

"Are you sure, little sis? It's okay if this hurts to think about, much less talk about. And if it's any comfort, I miss him too." Ren said kindly. Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"Yep, no worries! I'm fine now! With you, and Sojiro, and Morgana." Futaba said before getting to her feet as she kept speaking, her voice starting to break slightly as she spoke up, looking like she wanted to break down and cry as she spoke.

"School's tomorrow, right? You better not stay up late, Ren. You might end up oversleeping if you do." Futaba said as she left on that note. After she was gone, Morgana spoke up.

"I know you have a lot to ask, but we've all been through too much today. Let's try to get some sleep." Morgana said as Ren nodded and carried the not-cat-turned-human-turned maybe-cat to the attic, where Morgana spoke up on seeing the look on Ren's face.

"Um, what? You got something to say?" Morgana said as Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Once I got used to your other form, I realized you're quite the looker, little bro. But for real, I'm pleased you seem to have figured yourself out to some degree." Ren said. Morgana huffed and spoke up.

"WHAT!? Look who you're talking about! How could I be anything else? Sheesh, some way of showing gratitude you have! That said, all this trouble with Maruki and Yo-err, I mean Sumire, is just piling up on top of each other. We've got nothing but problems right now, seems like. And that's not speaking of what we learned about Kusa. Anyways, for now, we should all meet up at the hideout. We gotta recap the situation and hold a strategy meeting." Morgana said as Ren's phone went off for the first time in a little while with a group chat from Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, and Futaba, but oddly enough Sumire was absent from the chat. Ann sent the first response.

"I've been trying to wrap my head around all this, but I dunno. It's just not happening. I can't think straight at all." Ann sent as Haru sent a response.

"I can hardly blame you. I'm still so confused, myself, to be honest." Haru sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Either way, I think we've all earned a bit of rest. Maybe a good night's sleep will help us all calm down." Makoto sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"You're right. Certainly, the combat has us tired out as well. We could all use some time to decompress." Yusuke sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Before you ask, Ren, Sumire asked us to remove her from the chat for now so she could do some soul-searching on her own. She said she'd reach out to you when she's ready to be re-added. So don't panic because she's not in the chat for now, okay?" Futaba sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"And on that note, g'night!" Ryuji sent as Ren put his phone away while Morgana spoke up.

"Ugh. Well, we're going to need time to figure all this out. Either way, we can think about this tomorrow. For now, though, we should go to sleep." Morgana said as Ren nodded and sat on his bed to ponder things. As Ren sat on his bed, Morgana spoke up.

"Make everyone happy, huh. But even so, is that even a realistic goal? After all, doesn't it make sense that if you make the majority happy, that at least a small minority are still left unhappy? Eh, just something to mull over, I guess. Anyways, don't worry about it now. Let's think about it tomorrow." Morgana said as Ren nodded before getting into his pajamas and laying down for the night...

(A short time later, in the Velvet Room with Ren, Lavenza, and Igor)

Ren blinked as he sat up, noticing he was in an eerily familiar cell, with a chain once more shackled to his leg. His suspicions were confirmed a moment later when an equally familiar voice spoke up.

"It's been quite some time." Ren heard Lavenza's voice say as he walked over to the doors of what he realized was his prison cell in the Velvet Room, at which point Lavenza kept speaking.

"We have finally succeeded in reaching you." Lavenza said as Ren frowned and spoke up

"Yeah, sorry. A lot's been going down since last we saw each other. But why am I in these clothes again? Didn't I cast these off when I found the will of rebellion while you and I made our stand against that impostor who'd dared assume the form of your master?" Ren asked Lavenza, who sadly nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed, Trickster. That was my assumption as well. But alas, this is clearly not the case. Going from what you have on, it would seem you have been imprisoned once more by some unknown force. And this time, the imprisonment is not one done by the God of Control, but by a different entity entirely. And I get the sense that this entity is one who's bound you to your future.

However, you held fast in your free will and believed in your bonds, allowing your friends to regain their own realities. As such, you are on the verge of grasping a potential reality once more. Our meeting again now, within this place, is proof enough of this." Lavenza said as a familiar bell rang and Lavenza frowned while she kept speaking.

"It seems the time has come." Lavenza said as Ren spoke up.

"Wait, the time has come? Already? What does that mean?" Ren asked as Lavenza spoke up with a sad look on her face.

"Alas, that I cannot answer. My master and I are not omnipotent, as you well know. We are merely beings who provide aid to humans as they carry out their will, whatever that will may ultimately end up being. Ultimately, YOU must be the one to determine the path and actions to take. That said, if the will of rebellion still thrives within you, then we will surely meet again." Lavenza said as Ren nodded, before returning to his bed and lying down again to sleep...

(The next morning, on the walk to school with Ren and Morgana)

"Lady Lavenza told you that?" A wide-eyed Morgana asked Ren after hearing his explanation of what he'd seen the night before. Ren mutely nodded as Morgana kept speaking.

"Hm, I see. We ought to tell everyone else that, too. Let's all meet up after school." Morgana said as Ren nodded and made to start walking again, only for the visage of a familiar redhead to come into Ren's field of view, making him smile as he saw his girlfriend walk up. Ren smiled at Sumire as she tried to speak up.

"Um, uh, hello? Good morning, Senpai." Sumire said, giving a shudder as she sighed. She then looked at Ren and kept speaking.

"Um, Senpai? I'm sorry. I can't believe what I tried to do to you two yesterday. And all you were trying to do is reach out to me and help comfort me in the way you thought was best. Truly, I genuinely cannot apologize enough for what happened, Senpai." Sumire said as Morgana spoke up with a sad look on his face.

"Aw, c'mon, Sumire. There's no need for that. And more importantly, how have you been?" Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Yeah, what Morgana said. I don't hold what you did yesterday against you at all. If we're being entirely honest here, I could've been a bit more considerate of your feelings during all that, so I also feel the need to apologize to you for having to resort to force against you yesterday. But I meant what I said before. If you'll let me, I intend to be here for you any way that I can. You don't have to suffer through this alone, Sumi. Even if it's just to be a sounding board for you, I want to be able to help you through this." Ren said honestly. Sumire blinked at Ren's honest words before she spoke up.

"To your question, Morgana? Physically, I'm fine for the most part. But, mentally? Ugh. To be entirely honest, I'm all mixed up." Sumire said as Ren spoke up.

"I see. Be honest with me, Sumi. Are you okay? If you want to talk, I can be a sympathetic ear to vent into. Or if you'd rather have space, I can give you that too. I just want to be able to help you through your pain. I know you're going through a lot right now, but I want to be able to be there for you in whatever capacity you need, whether it just be as a supportive senpai, or more ideally, as your loving boyfriend who just wants to help ease your pain, even if it's just a little bit.

Because I don't like seeing you suffer like this. After all, when you suffer, I suffer to an extent as well. And why, you might ask? Because you and I are in this together, Sumi." Ren said, a sincere yet gentle look in his eyes that Sumire forced herself not to look into, partly out of a sense of feeling unsure if she can still call herself worthy of Ren's love. Sumire shook her head slightly as she spoke up.

"As before, I'm more or less fine physically. But mentally, my head is a mess. My memories are still pretty fuzzy and I haven't really processed everything yet, truth be told. And to be honest, Senpai? I'm going to need a little time to myself to think things through. I have to figure out what to do with myself from here on out." Sumire said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"I understand perfectly, Sumi. I'll give you all the space you need. But you know how to reach me if you need me. Just take your time and really think things through. Because I believe in you, and know you'll figure things out for yourself. You've always struck me as a very intelligent, driven, and beautiful person. So I know you'll make a good decision in the end. But thank you for at least being honest with me." Ren said with a smile as he gently hugged Sumire before the two headed to school separately, the former of the two ignoring the slightly sympathetic looks Morgana was giving him from in his bag...

(Later that morning, in class with Ren, Morgana and Ann)

"Time's up! Happy New Year, everyone. You all did your homework, right? That said, next year's going to be all about your college entrance exams, so you'd better start preparing now. Oh, and if you cause any trouble, that'll show up on your transcripts. So make sure you behave yourselves, okay? Now, time to turn in that homework. Let's see, who's on class duty today, again?" Kawakami said as Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"Oh, man. Have you been studying, Ren? Well, not that you really had time for that with everything that's happened lately." Morgana said as Ren just shrugged and the rest of class passed uneventfully...

(That afternoon, in class, with Ren, Ann, and Morgana)

As Ren and Ann sat at their desks, their phones went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, and Futaba, with Yusuke sending the first response.

"Is everyone rested up?" Yusuke sent as Ann sent a response.

"More or less, yeah. My mind was racing so much that I passed out before I even realized it." Ann sent as Haru sent a response.

"Same here. I think I've sorted through my own thoughts, but I want to hear everyone else's take." Haru sent as Ren sent a response.

"Let's meet up at the hideout. Not only so we can touch base together in person, but because there's been some developments I need to share with you all. One of these involves a certain someone who is currently on break from this group chat, and the other involving a certain someone we all met shortly before we fought the God of Control." Ren sent as Ann sent a response.

"Sure thing." Ann sent as Makoto sent a response at that point.

"Very well. We'll come to the hideout right after school, then." Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Gotcha!" Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response at that point.

"Oh, sorry. Didn't see this at first. Cool, I'll be waiting for all of ya." Futaba sent as Ren put his phone away while Morgana spoke up.

"Hey! We definitely need to update everyone about Lady Lavenza. That, and cook up our plans for here on out, too." Morgana said as Ren nodded, the rest of class passing uneventfully...

(After school, in the lower level of Leblanc, with Ryuji, Futaba, Haru, Ann, Makoto, Yusuke, Morgana, and Ren)

"We have to choose our own path, eh?" Yusuke asked after Ren finished filling the others in on what Lavenza had told him the night before. Yusuke then kept speaking.

"That's fair. Ah, yes, I recall Akechi had mentioned that we needed to determine what we'll do from here on out. As it happens, it seems he was right." Yusuke said as Haru spoke up.

"True. We can't accept this reality, but won't that make our path clear? Unless I'm wrong, that means we'll have to fight Doctor Maruki, right?" Haru asked as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"That's right. We have to confront Maruki and steal his desire from him. In a way, it's business as usual for us." Morgana said as Ann spoke up.

"You know, Maruki's an adult with a warped desire. But can we really say its a distorted desire? After all, that desire's just a wish for us all to be happy, right?" Ann asked as Ren spoke up.

"You're right, but also wrong, Ann. It's true his desire isn't a harmful one when you think about it. But even then, can we call him a doctor with how he's acting right now? After all, he basically has one of us held captive, and presumably also in danger. And he basically messed with the mind of another of us, making her spend a long time believing she was her deceased sister, when in actuality she was not.

If you ask me, neither of those actions are ones befitting a so-called 'doctor'. So I don't know that we should refer to him as 'Doctor Maruki', at least for now, on principle. Besides, if you ask me? I feel like Maruki's lost his effing mind." Ren said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Ren. That said, I must admit, it's nothing similar to the desires we've seen in the likes of Shido and Kamoshida." Morgana said as Haru spoke up.

"Agreed. The Phantom Thieves only change the hearts of evildoers. Doc-err, Maruki is quite different from our past targets in that he's not inherently a criminal, so much as just very misguided in his views." Haru said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Well, I think we already know what we gotta do. And Haru's right. Maruki ain't a shitty adult at all. I think once we all think about it, we'll remember he's a good man, who is very, VERY, misguided in his actions right now. So we need to change his heart, if only to put him back on the correct path. In that respect, it's not that different from our usual MO. Also, there are probably plenty of folks out there, livn' all happy in this reality Maruki made.

So who knows? Maybe Maruki's Shadow is actually doin' the right thing. But, even still, we all feel like this reality's wrong, right? So we decide for ourselves. That was what we all agreed upon when we went after Ren in that Palace. If changin' Maruki's heart fixes our reality, then I'm gonna do it." Ryuji said, wincing at the awkward silence that followed his words, eventually continuing to speak.

"Uh, so yeah? Somebody, say something please. Don't let this awkward silence hang for too long?" Ryuji said. Makoto blinked and spoke up, shaking herself to get out of the slight stupor she'd been in while listening to Ryuji's unusually wise and profound words, giving her boyfriend a closed-eye smile as she spoke up.

"Ah! Sorry about that, sweetie. I was just thinking about how right you are, Ryuji. I had no idea there was such a wise man in there, to be honest." Makoto said as Ryuji blinked at Makoto's praise while Yusuke spoke up.

"I see. So we're going to change our target's heart not to reform society, but to acquire the reality we believe in. Truthfully, that doesn't sound bad at all." Yusuke said as Ann spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Then it's unanimous! Err, mostly? I know a couple of us aren't here to vote, but I think everyone present agrees, at least." Ann said as the others nodded, even as both Futaba and Ren winced at the reference to the continued absence of Kusa and absence of Sumire, respectively. Morgana then spoke up to end the awkward silence Ann's words had unintentionally caused.

"Well, that means our next step is pretty clear." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Correct. We need to scout out Maruki's Palace, and get a feel for the place. If we happen to find clues that allow us to secure an infiltration route and/or find Kusa in there, that's just the proverbial icing on the cake, if you will." Ren said decisively. Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Right. Maruki said that he'd be willing to fight if we are, too. It's safe to assume he's expecting us to infiltrate his Palace." Morgana said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Oh, that reminds me. You know that, uh, what was it called? Reality-bending stuff? Why's Doc able to do that, anyway?" Ryuji asked as Futaba spoke up with a frown.

"You mean actualization, Ryuji? And honestly, I've been wondering the same thing. Even if he WAS the top cognitive psience expert, that still wouldn't be enough for him to do all of this." Futaba said as Morgana winced and nodded.

"Good point, Futaba. If we're going to fight Maruki, we'd better dig up some more dirt on him first." Morgana said as Ren's phone chose then to ring, making him blink as he answered it.

"Hello? Ren Amamiya's phone. Ren speaking." Ren said, before blinking as he recognized Lavenza's voice on the other end while she spoke up.

"Good day. This is Lavenza speaking." Lavenza said as Ren spoke up.

"Lavenza? How are you able to call me? I didn't think the Velvet Room had phones in it, much less ways of powering them?" Ren asked. Haru blinked and spoke up.

"Huh?" Haru asked as Lavenza spoke up again.

"Never mind that for now, Trickster! Your will of rebellion has reached new heights. We would like to aid that will, if you find it agreeable." Lavenza said as Ren spoke up.

"Please do, Lavenza. That would be most helpful." Ren said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Wait, how is she even calling you?" Ryuji asked as Futaba spoke up.

"And how'd she know how high our wills are? Oh! Did she tap your line or something?" Futaba said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Her timing was just too perfect for it to be much else? Maybe she actually did!" Ryuji said as Lavenza spoke up, clearly having heard what was said given what she said next.

"I have performed no form of electronic surveillance whatsoever." Lavenza said as Yusuke frowned and spoke up.

"Intriguing. Apparently she can hear you." Yusuke said. Lavenza spoke up again at that point.

"There is something I wish to tell you about your current situation, Trickster. However, I'm reaching the limit of my communication method. Let us meet in person tomorrow." Lavenza said as Ren blinked and spoke up.

"Meet, you say? Where exactly would we meet?" Ren asked. Lavenza spoke up at that point.

"It would be best for me to select a location considered easy to reach by all parties. Therefore, if it works for you all, let us convene at your school." Lavenza said as Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"At Shujin?" Morgana said as Ann spoke up with wide eyes.

"Wait, she'll be at the school? Lavenza will?" Ann asked as Lavenza spoke up.

"Indeed. In that case, I'll see you tomorrow." Lavenza said before hanging up. When Ren put his phone away, Morgana spoke up.

"She hung up, eh?" Morgana said as Ryuji blinked and spoke up.

"Is she really gonna go to our school? Just, walk through the front gates like nothin'?" Ryuji said as Haru frowned and spoke up.

"Seems that way. Truthfully, I don't know what to make of it all. But since we've determined our goal, and Lavenza's offered to help us with that goal, I'd call that progress of some sort." Haru said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. All we have left now is whatever we discuss tomorrow at school, plus whether nor not we're going to team up with Akechi." Morgana said as the others, bar Ren, blinked before Makoto spoke up.

"I see. Well, considering what Ren told us, it really does seem like we share an end goal with Akechi, but can we trust him?" Makoto said as Futaba thought about it before she spoke up.

"I can understand why most of us would be reluctant to trust him, but given he was willing to risk himself for Akechi on two separate occasions, I think Kusa trusts him at least. So if he can do it, so can we. And well, I think we oughta team up. I don't see a reason not to." Futaba said as Haru nodded and spoke up.

"Mmhm. Me too." Haru added as Morgana frowned at the two and spoke up.

"Are you two sure?" Morgana said as Futaba nodded and spoke up with a frown.

"Positive. Regardless of what he did before, I get the feeling Akechi's at least trying to make amends for his past crimes. And in any case, Doctor Maruki's strong enough to change reality itself. If we're gonna fight him, we're gonna need Akechi's help. Ideally, we'd want the help of ALL of us.

But with Kusa still presumably held prisoner in Maruki's Palace, and Sumire taking some space from us, I don't think we can really count on either of them helping us for now. So that leaves us to team up with Akechi to at least get something of a boost in manpower." Futaba said as Haru spoke up, most of the others either wincing or gaping at the almost sadistic smile on Haru's face as she spoke.

"What Futaba-chan said. Plus, if he does betray us again, we'll just take him out, too. We were able to beat him once working together. So I daresay we'd be able to do it again a second time if necessary." Haru said as the others all blinked at the almost violent response from Haru as Ryuji spoke up.

"Well, I guess that settles that, then." Ryuji said as Makoto spoke up.

"Let's all meet at Shujin tomorrow. I'll take care of figuring out how to get Yusuke and Futaba into the school." Makoto said as Yusuke spoke up.

"I appreciate the effort, thank you." Yusuke said as Ann spoke up.

"All right, let's head home for now." Ann said as the others nodded and the meeting dispersed on that note...

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

As Ren stood in the attic of Leblanc with Morgana, his phone went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, and Futaba, with Ann sending the first response.

"So, do you think Lavenza will make it into the school? I hope she doesn't get lost or anything like that." Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Yeah, don'tcha think it's a bad idea, her wanderin' around in that getup?" Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response.

"That's true, sweetie. Hopefully no one gives her a hard time." Makoto sent as Ann sent a response.

"If someone does, you better come up with a good excuse for her, Ren!" Morgana sent as Ren sent a response.

"I'll handle it. Odds are, I can say she's a potential new student, and use some remark about how she's one of those young prodigies or something to that effect. Can't have Morgana doing everything, after all. That's not fair to him." Ren sent. Ryuji sent a response.

"What'll you even say? Your options're kinda limited as a transfer student." Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Just say she's your little sister or somethin'." Futaba sent as Ren sent a response.

"I can do that, but wouldn't she moreso be closer to being Morgana's little sister, or possibly big sister, depending on if she was born before him?" Ren sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Good point. At any rate, I'm certain she would reach out to us if something were to go awry." Yusuke sent as Haru sent a response.

"That's true. Either way, I think we can put our faith in Lavenza." Haru sent as Makoto and Ren sent responses close together, Makoto's going through first.

"Agreed. Let us know if anything changes, Ren." Makoto sent as Ren sent a response.

"Can do, Makoto. And Haru? How can we put our faith in Lavenza if our faith is currently on break to do some soul-searching?" Ren sent as Makoto sent another response before anyone could do more than blink at Ren's attempt at wordplay.

"Anyways! On that note, good night, everyone." Makoto sent as Ren put his phone away, at which point Morgana spoke up.

"Yeah! But, why would Lady Lavenza want to meet up at the school? It's not like she just wants to check out the place or anything, right?" Morgana asked as Ren shrugged and Morgana kept speaking.

"Still, Lady Lavenza's coming by the school, eh? That must mean she's got something important to talk about. Let's hear her out." Morgana said as Ren nodded. Once he sat on his bed, Morgana spoke up again.

"Ahh. Do you want to take a break for today, Ren? I want to think on it a bit more, to be honest." Morgana said. Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Might as well, Morgana. After all, not much else to do tonight." Ren said as he got into his pajamas and laid down on the bed, dozing off fairly quickly, even with Morgana curling up on his chest. Morgana then spoke up to himself.

"Mm. Um, hey." Morgana said as Ren's eyes cracked open and he spoke up.

"What's up, little bro?" Ren asked Morgana, who spoke up.

"Sorry to wake you. Um, it's nothing." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"You sure, little bro? Doesn't seem like nothing. You know you can confide in me about stuff, right? We did already have this discussion about how you belong here and are one of us, right? Because that's still true now." Ren said, sitting up on the bed to listen to Morgana as he spoke up.

"No, it's nothing. I was just thinking, and remembering what happened that night. You remember, right? The night before we went into Mementos to erase it from existence, before we'd dealt with Shido's cronies shielding him from justice. Remember how I said I'd finally found the place where I belong? Even though I said that, and really believed it, I still fell right into Maruki's hands.

I know I've made it obvious how much I want to be a human practically the entire time we've known each other. Hell, more than once, I even thought it would give me a chance with Lady Ann, but I realize now that's never gonna happen, both because I'm the wrong gender for her, and because she already has someone that makes her happy. Even then, what I did was just so lame. I can't believe I was off having a blast while you were busy trying to help us." Morgana said as Ren smiled and spoke up while gently patting Morgana on the head.

"Hey, cheer up, bro. I understand why you did it, though. And you came back in the end and did the right thing, so as far as I'm concerned, no harm done." Ren said kindly. Morgana winced and spoke up.

"Wait! Dammit, quit being so nice to me! If you try excusing something this big, I'd be more disappointed than anything. And now that I think about it, you've been helping me from the very beginning, along with Kusa. Hell, I was locked up in a prison when we first me. Ugh I'm nowhere near cool, am I?" Morgana said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Maybe you weren't that cool at first, little bro. But over the time we've spent together, you've matured a great deal, and learned a lot. And right now, I don't think you could be any cooler to me if you tried. Sure, if he were here right now, Kusa might be a tad disappointed in you, but even he would understand you couldn't help what you did. So don't beat yourself up so much, Morgana. You're super cool to me, for what that's worth." Ren said kindly. Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"Ugh! Quit buttering me up! Heh, but you don't have to tell me twice, though. I'm going to be super cool from here on out!" Morgana said as his frown became a closed eye smile as he kept speaking.

"Listen up! You know what? I'm going to make you a promise right now. From here on, I'm going to be more independent! I just kept relying on you for everything because, deep down inside me? I thought you could figure everything out for me, Ren. But that's all changing! I'm going to stand proud on my own four feet from now on! No more insecurities about being a cat! And I'm going to be the one to protect you. I promise I will!" Morgana said as the camera panned to inside of Morgana's heart as Mercurius appeared, Zorro appearing with him as the two slowly fused together into one.

Eventually, one blue flash of light later, in place of Mercurius and Zorro stood an entirely new being, one with an impressive flowing mustache, the physique of Zorro, and the flashiness and apparel of Mercurius, and in place of the usual rapier that Zorro wielded was a fancy black sword with spirals on the base and a gold emblem with the image of a stallion on the hilt of the blade. Morgana then spoke up at that point as he saw the new Persona he'd acquired from his resolve.

"I've discovered a new power! No, not new! I've found the true form of my original power!" Morgana said as the group's phones, excluding the absent Akechi, Kusa, and Sumire, pinged with the notification that Morgana's 'Mercurius' Persona had transformed into 'Diego'. After that, Morgana spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Heh, and with that out of the way, my resolve is set! All right, time to serve Maruki his just desserts! Anyone who pulls one over on us like that is asking for it! And that's not saying all the hell he's probably putting poor Kusa through as we speak." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Let's do our best. Technically, you did wish for your human form, but we're not splitting those hairs at this point." Ren said. Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Right! And you're not wrong that I did bring it on myself to some extent. But sorry again for all the hassle. You and I are gonna be even greater partners now! No, more than that! We're going to be even better brothers! Well, we should be prepared. No doubt things are going to get hectic starting tomorrow. Let's call it a night, Ren!" Morgana said as Ren nodded and the two laid down for the night as the screen panned to the skills screen for 'Diego', signifying that his evolution had granted him the medium-tier group Physical skill 'Miracle Rush'...

(The next morning, in class with Morgana, Ann, and Ren)

"Ahem! A new year is starting. You all look sleepy. What, did you doze through the new year? Was Shogatsu one big excuse to laze around? Good grief, everyone! Shogatsu's not supposed to be an excuse to relax, you know. We decorate with kadomatsu, kagami mochi and shimenawa in order to welcome the Toshigami deities for another year. It's one of the oldest traditions in Japan.

By the way, cherry blossom viewing and even Children's Day are meant to commemorate deities and spirits. Japan's got a lot of gods, so naturally there ended up being a lot of events and rituals to accommodate them all. There's a phrase referring to all the Shinto gods as a collective group. Anyone know it offhand? All right, Takamaki-san! I'll bet you slept through Shogatsu, so what's the answer?" Inui said as Ann blinked and spoke up.

"Huh!? Oh, uh, yeah! I mean-" Ann said as Morgana nudged Ren gently and quietly spoke up.

"Hey, wait! Lady Ann is obviously panicking! Be a good guy and help her out!" Morgana said as Ann turned to Ren and quietly spoke up.

"Seriously? I'm so unlucky, being called on right away. And I didn't even sleep through Shogatsu, either! Ren, are you awake? Can you give me a hint? It's some kind of phrase about the gods as a collective group, but it's kind of abstract, right? What's this phrase supposed to illustrate about the gods of Shinto?" Ann asked as Ren thought about it and spoke up so only Ann could hear.

"Honestly? Given all the context clues, I'd say it illustrates how numerous they are." Ren said as Ann blinked and spoke up.

"Yeah, I think that's right! They use a specific number, right? What's that phrase again? The one about how many gods there are in Shinto and all?" Ann said as Ren spoke up.

"Pretty sure I remember Kusa once telling me it was 'The Eight Million Gods', so I'd say go with that." Ren said. Ann gave Ren a closed eye smile.

"Yeah, that sounds right. And if Kusa said it, odds are good that's probably it! So that means people call the gods of Shinto by the collective name of the Eight Million Gods!" Ann said as Ren nodded and spoke up to give his and Ann's answer.

"This is it! The answer is the 'Eight Million Gods'!" Ren said as Inui clapped approvingly and spoke up.

"Well done, you two! That's correct. We call them yaoyorozu no kami, or 'the eight million gods'. Though that number's not meant to be taken literally. 'Yaoyorozu' is essentially shorthand for myriad gods. An uncountable number. In olden days, the Japanese believed that gods dwelled in everything. What with all these traditions, you could say these beliefs still affect our lives today even as we speak. It's a wonderful thing, really. We really need to cherish our history." Inui said around a gaggle of impressed murmurs as Morgana spoke up with a closed-eye smirk so only Ren and Ann could hear.

"Heh, nice going, Ren! Lady Ann seems really relieved!" Morgana said as Ren pumped a fist as his Charm got a slight, if unneeded, boost. Morgana then spoke up again.

"You're pretty good at studying, Ren. I'm impressed." Morgana said as the rest of class passed uneventfully...

(At lunchtime, with Ren and Morgana)

"You've been awfully busy lately, Ren. So don't forget to eat lunch. As for myself, be sure to order some jelly-filled bread and-Hm?" Morgana said as he and Ren noticed the butterfly glowing in front of them as it moved off, making Morgana blink and speak up with a frown.

"That's not something we see very often, is it?" Morgana asked as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"No. And I think I remember seeing that same butterfly before in a dream, the night before Maruki warped reality to give everyone their ideal realities. So let's follow it." Ren said. Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, let's go! Hey! Chase it down so you don't lose sight of it!" Morgana said as the butterfly flew off, Morgana and Ren close behind. After the butterfly went down the steps to the first floor, Morgana spoke up.

"Oh! Hey, you see that? It went to the first floor." Morgana said as Ren nodded while following the butterfly. As they headed down the stairs, Morgana spoke up.

"Ugh. Where on earth is it trying to go?" Morgana asked. He then kept speaking.

"C'mon, we gotta follow it for now!" Morgana said as he and Ren followed the butterfly, until it eventually headed into the nurse's office, making a wide-eyed Morgana speak up.

"For real!? The nurse's office? What's going on here?" Morgana asked as Ren blinked and spoke up.

"I think I know. Remember that dream I mentioned?" Ren asked as Morgana nodded and Ren kept speaking.

"Well, I think I was in the nurse's office when I first found myself in that dream. So maybe the butterfly is leading us here for some reason." Ren said. Morgana blinked at that and spoke up.

"That's right, you said it showed up in your dreams? That's strange, to be sure. Well, never mind that. There's no point in thinking about that. Let's get inside the nurse's office, quickly." Morgana said as Ren nodded and the two went into the nurse's office. Once inside, the butterfly hovered to a couch in the room before changing forms in a flash into a very familiar blonde-haired, yellow-eyed girl that Morgana gaped on recognizing, making him speak up.

"Lady Lavenza, you're here already?" Morgana asked as Lavenza nodded and spoke up with an unreadable expression on her face.

"Correct. That said, hello. Thank you for coming." Lavenza said as Ren spoke up.

"What's with the formality? I'm glad you could make it, to be sure. But I didn't think we were standing on ceremony with each other?" Ren said in confusion. Lavenza blinked and spoke up.

"No? That's odd. I thought humans regularly exchanged phrases such as that upon meeting one another. Perhaps it would have been more appropriate to simply say, 'Wassup?' instead." Lavenza said as Morgana blinked, trying not to wince at how much Lavenza's last words sounded eerily like something Ryuji would say. He then spoke up.

"Uh, well, um, never mind that! Anyway, how about we get this started!?" Morgana said as Lavenza spoke up.

"We could. However, as I told you yesterday, there's something I wish to tell you. But first, please gather your other friends here." Lavenza said as Morgana blinked and spoke up.

"Here? You wanna meet here in the nurse's office?" Morgana asked in surprise. Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. This place is filled with the cognition of 'bedrest'. Maintaining my existence in a reality controlled by someone like Maruki is no simple feat, even for one like myself who rules over power. But the exhaustion that it induces is limited by this place's cognition, so I may converse with you all in person here." Lavenza said as Morgana blinked and spoke up.

"I don't get it? But if you say so, then I see your point." Morgana said as Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Good. Let us continue this conversation once everyone involved has convened. Or at least, everyone involved who is able to do so. I recognize two of your number will be unable to join us for varying reasons, whether that reason be their status of being held captive or their need to take space to find themselves. But back on topic, until that time, I will provide my eyes a much-needed rest and bolster my energy for the coming conversation." Lavenza said as she closed her eyes and dozed off sitting up, making a wide-eyed Morgana speak up.

"Wait, 'rest', did you say? Uh, Lady Lavenza?" Morgana said as Lavenza visibly dozed off before fading from view briefly. Morgana then sighed and spoke up.

"Ugh, well I guess we don't have a choice, Ren. We should get everyone in here as Lady Lavenza asked us to do." Morgana said as Ren nodded and went about gathering the required people in the nurse's office...

(After school, in the nurse's office, with Ann, Haru, Futaba, Ryuji, Ren, Yusuke, Morgana, Makoto, Akechi, and Lavenza)

"Heh, infiltration success!" Futaba said as Yusuke spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Indeed. I'm rather surprised no one took notice of us, to be honest." Yusuke said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"Fair point, Yusuke. Considering how I don't have an adequate excuse for the school to approve your being here and all, we're lucky it went as well as it did." Makoto said as Akechi smirked and spoke up as he walked in.

"As long as you maintain an air of confidence, you can fool just about anybody into thinking you belong." Akechi said as he walked in to reveal that, much like Yusuke and Futaba, he was currently wearing a tracksuit to blend in. Akechi smirked and looked at the gathered group as he kept speaking.

"I must say though, I hadn't expected you to reach out for something like this." Akechi said as Haru smiled and spoke up.

"I understand that, Akechi-kun. And well, it's just as we said before. We've accepted your offer to work together." Haru said as Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"She's right. We're aware of what you did in the past, but now's not the time to let personal stuff get in the way of our goal in the long-term. BUT! If you ever betray us again, we'll make sure you regret it." Futaba said as Akechi blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? Well, it seems Kusa was right when he said that you guys can be more forgiving than I was giving you all credit for. Well, all right then. That's no concern of mine, anyway. Remember what I told you all before? We share a mutual interest. Until Maruki is defeated, we have a deal to uphold." Akechi said as Lavenza flashed back into view and spoke up as she took in the assembled group.

"At last, it appears that everyone that I expected has arrived. Ideally, I'd have liked to have had the ones you call Sumi and Draconis here too, but this will have to do for now. Does this mean, with you all here, that you're ready to begin?" Lavenza said as she stifled a yawn. Ryuji blinked and spoke up.

"Uh, ain't that OUR line?" Ryuji asked uncertainly. Ren spoke up while giving Ryuji a dry glare.

"Does it matter whose line it is, Ryuji? The important thing is that we all want the same thing here." Ren said to Ryuji before looking down at Lavenza as he kept speaking.

"Lavenza, please tell us what you know." Ren said politely. Lavenza nodded and spoke up as she looked up at Ren.

"Yes, I wished to speak with you about the circumstances that led this Maruki to alter reality as you know it to be. Moreover, I wished to fill you all in on the particulars of his plans, as well as the nature of his power." Lavenza said as Morgana blinked and spoke up.

"Wait, for real? You know all of that?" Morgana asked as Ryuji smirked at Morgana voicing his own thoughts. Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Correct, Morgana. I admit, there will be a degree of speculation involved in this explanation. But only to a small extent. First, I will explain the situation with the current reality. I believe that Maruki has altered the cognition of the masses, not unlike the same feat that a certain god-like being you all recently vanquished attempted to achieve. Or, in other words, it's thoughts that the alterations he's made are the result of his meddling with Mementos." Lavenza said as the others all blinked and Makoto spoke up in shock.

"Are you serious? He changed Mementos? How is that even possible?" Makoto said as Ren spoke up.

"Never mind that! I thought it was erased when we destroyed Yaldabaoth! How'd it come back? Granted, I'm not entirely upset, since the fact it did return meant we're able to hopefully rescue and reunite with Kusa, as we've already done for Akechi over there." Ren said. Morgana blinked and spoke up.

"Wait, Ren. Don't forget about our experience with the Meta-Nav and Maruki's Palace. It seems like this kind of thing has a habit of sticking around despite our expectations." Morgana said as Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Morgana. Also, let me remind you. Mementos is the cognition of the masses given form. If that man is truly capable of controlling individuals' cognitions to this extent and degree, AND that man were also to gain access to Mementos at all, it would be no surprise that he could impact everyone's cognitions and affect reality itself." Lavenza said as Ann gasped and spoke up.

"Ah! For real? Could he really have done all that? I mean, it's assumed that Doctor Maruki has the power to control cognition, right?" Ann said as Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Exactly. That man's controlling of cognitions, or, uh? Ah, let's see, why don't we refer to his power as 'actualization'? Most likely, that actualization is a power unique to a Persona. In other words, this man named Maruki is most likely also a Persona-user of some sort." Lavenza said as a wide-eyed Ryuji spoke up.

"FOR REAL!? He's a Persona-user!?" Ryuji asked as Morgana gaped and spoke up.

"Could it be? But, that's impossible for a Persona-user to have a Palace, isn't it? I was always under the impression that there's no way to have a Persona and a Palace at the same time!" Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"No? Then what do you call what Futaba went through at the end of her Palace? Pretty sure that was her having both a Persona AND a Palace at the same time." Ren said bluntly. Futaba blinked at being called out, but nodded her agreement as Lavenza spoke up.

"Well put, Trickster. But back to the topic at hand. Determining when Maruki first awakened to his power is wholly impossible. However, by the time he crossed your paths for the first time, there's no doubt that he was making use of his actualization. Although, he may have been doing so subconsciously." Lavenza said as Morgana frowned and spoke up.

"Even so, that's unusual. Even if it IS just his subconscious, he's using a Persona in the real world, something else I didn't think was possible." Morgana said as Haru blinked and spoke up.

"Hm? So that would mean his ability to make Sumire-chan think she was Kasumi-chan was a result of an actualization?" Haru asked as Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. It was most likely through the use of actualization, which would probably be why her perception of this reality was unchanged despite the rest of you, aside from Ren and Akechi, being lost in actualizations for a time." Lavenza said as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"That was my theory as well, truth be told. Still, though, this is all most unusual. I wonder if all this is why Kusa figured Maruki would be after him specifically?" Akechi mused as Ren's eyes widened and he spoke up.

"That's right! That day he and I had lunch with Maruki, Kusa was asked by Maruki himself to help with some research Maruki was doing. Maruki's exact words to end that conversation were, and I quote, 'Great. I'll reach out to you eventually to iron out the particulars of your involvement, Kusa.' So it's very likely that that 'research' might be related to his powers of actualization." Ren said, a theory suddenly occurring to him that he was unsure if he wanted to be correct. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"I'd agree with your logic there, Ren. But back on topic, even if we assume that Maruki has unique Persona abilities, such as the case with Ren, myself, and possibly Futaba to an extent, the next step is clear. We still need to determine how he used that power on Mementos as a whole, rather than a single individual." Akechi said as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Right. Even if there were some kind of power that could affect Mementos on that level, it's on a whole other level from what we've seen so far. A single person just shouldn't be capable of all that." Morgana said as Ann nodded and spoke up with a frown.

"That's true. Changing reality just by thinking about it isn't something humans do, it's something that, like, gods do." Ann said as Lavenza spoke up.

"Good point. And what if he became such a god?" Lavenza asked as everyone else's eyes widened at that and Ann spoke up again.

"Wha-?" Ann said as Makoto gasped in realization and spoke up.

"You're referring to the God of Control, aren't you?" Makoto said. Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Indeed I am. The being in Mementos that you all defeated was a false deity that the masses deludedly clung to for a long time. It is easy, therefore, to conclude that Maruki simply took over the false god's position when it disappeared." Lavenza said as Ryuji blinked and spoke up.

"Took over his position? Whaddya mean? So you're sayin' society thinks of Maruki as a god now or somethin'?" Ryuji asked as Akechi spoke up.

"It's possible. Now, that said, let's not forget that the Phantom Thieves are the ones who gained the masses' support after defeating this so-called God of Control that was distorting them for so long. So it would follow that the masses would turn to the Phantom Thieves next as their savior. In that case, why did they instead turn to Maruki, who did none of the work the Phantom Thieves did?" Akechi asked as Lavenza winced and spoke up.

"Mm." Lavenza said as Ren spoke up.

"Good point, Akechi. The masses were invested in the Phantom Thieves, not Maruki." Ren said as he and the others flashed to Skull questioning when the group wished for their ideal realities, and Maruki's retort of asking if that was really true. Lavenza then spoke up.

"It's most likely because-" Lavenza said as Ren spoke up to finish her sentence.

"Because we chose to confide in Maruki during our counselling sessions. And the fact that Kusa is currently his prisoner tells me that Kusa either never confided in him, or that Maruki sees him as a threat to his plans, if not both." Ren said as Morgana gaped and spoke up.

"Wha-!? Are you serious?" Morgana asked as Makoto spoke up.

"So you're saying that after we defeated the God of Control, we wished for reality to be like Maruki's Shadow described it to us, and it really happened?" Makoto asked as Ryuji spoke up.

"Uh, I don't remember doin' any wishin' with you guys and Doc! I mean, when would we even have had the chance to?" Ryuji said as Ann gasped and spoke up.

"OH! I think Ren might be right! What about our counseling!?" Ann asked as flashbacks played to each of the Thieves, bar Kusa, Akechi, and Morgana, in sessions with Maruki, speaking of their deepest desires. At that point, Akechi smirked and spoke up.

"Well, well. Seems like other than Kusa and maybe Ren, you all walked right into the spider's parlor. Though I question when Maruki had the chance to really speak to Morgana to get his deepest desire." Akechi said as Lavenza spoke up.

"True. That said, there's no way of knowing how many of those situations were intentionally orchestrated by that man for his plans. However, the result is still the same just the same. A desire for his actualization was seeded within your hearts, with the probable exceptions of Akechi, Ren, and the one you all call Kusa. Thus, I have no doubt that it was your own desires that led to their actualization." Lavenza said as Ryuji frowned and stroked his head while speaking up.

"Oh. So this is all our fault, huh? I see." Ryuji said. Futaba winced as she spoke up.

"It kinda is, Ryuji. After all, Ren and I, and Kusa to a point, were the ones who told him the cognitive world really exists, too. So this situation really is on us." Futaba said as Ren spoke up.

"What's done is done, little sister. The main thing now is that Maruki has one of our own held prisoner, and drove a second to seeking her own space while she finds herself after the hell that was the actualization he visited on her. So for those reasons alone, not to get into all the other stuff he's done recently, he has to be stopped!" Ren said resolutely. Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"Right! Let's fight! If this is our own fault, we've gotta be the ones to fix it." Futaba said as Yusuke spoke up.

"Yes. This realization changes none of what we must do." Yusuke said as Lavenza smiled and spoke up.

"Very well, then allow me to proceed. This world is in a very unstable condition currently. On the day that the God of Control fused Mementos with the real world, he almost succeeded in banishing you all, aside from the captive Kusa, and Akechi who was unaffected, from existence. But in the end, the merging was undone through your efforts, and the two worlds are now attempting to return to their initial states." Lavenza said as Akechi blinked and spoke up.

"Ah, I get it. So what you're saying is that this world has reverted to a state where the fusion with Mementos hasn't been totally undone. If so, that explains why Maruki's Palace was visible in Odaiba." Akechi said as Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Correct. And even as we speak, Maruki is still influencing this world in places where its boundaries are blurred, to say the least. As slow a pace as it may be, he still continues to actualize the world of the masses as a whole for his own ambitions. Should this continue, reality shall merge with Mementos once more, and the two worlds will again become one united world. When that happens, anyone trapped within the actualized world can never again awaken to the original one." Lavenza said as Ann gasped and spoke up.

"No, is that true? Then that means if we can't save Kusa and defeat Maruki in time, not only could Maruki's actualizations become the new reality permanently, but we could lose Kusa as well?" Ann asked as Lavenza spoke up.

"That is an apt conclusion. And this issues goes beyond the masses as well. Though you are all Persona-users, and thus afforded some resistance to the actualization now that you've all rejected it, it would be next to impossible to defy Maruki in a world completely under his control. To be clear in a way you all can grasp, once the two worlds conclude their fusion, there will be no chance of your success in this mission. And to make matters worse, I believe this fusion will conclude in one month's time." Lavenza said as Yusuke gasped and spoke up.

"No! You're saying we only have a month to defeat Maruki, change his heart, and rescue Kusa!?" Yusuke said as Haru spoke up.

"Actually? If memory serves me correctly, Feburary 3rd was the date Maruki's Shadow gave us, right? Could he have possibly chosen his time limit based on when the actualization will be completed?" Haru asked as Makoto winced and spoke up.

"I don't like to admit it, but it's possible." Makoto said as Ryuji spoke up.

"Oh? Well, if that's the case, we don't got another choice except to steal his Treasure by then." Ryuji said as Morgana spoke up with a nod.

"Agreed. That would mean we need to secure our route to the Treasure by the 2nd so we can send our calling card to Maruki himself. Then, on the day of the 3rd? We're most likely going to have to fight Maruki's Shadow." Morgana said as Yusuke spoke up at that point.

"I see. In that case, allow me to produce the calling card. This is certain to be our final card, so as such, I'll pour my heart and soul into its creation. And if we manage to rescue him in time, I'll ask Kusa for his input, since as the one most directly affected by Maruki's Shadow, aside from maybe Sumire, he has the right to help with this card. Though one could argue that Sumire also has that right too." Yusuke said. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"As you say. But be that as it may, there are still some unsolved questions." Akechi said as Ren spoke up.

"You mean the question of the Meta-Nav, don't you?" Ren asked as Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"Right. There was that blurring out of the Palace Ruler's name before." Akechi said as Makoto nodded and spoke up.

"I noticed that too. What's the deal with the Palace's name? It doesn't seem to affect the app's functions, but still, it's odd." Makoto said as Lavenza spoke up.

"If I had to guess, I'd say that something like that must also be a product of Maruki's cognition. He most likely learned that you could somehow infiltrate the Metaverse." Lavenza said as Ren's eyes went huge in realization as he spoke up.

"Son of a-! It was probably when he saw myself, Ryuji, Morgana, Ann, and Kusa all exit the Metaverse after defeating Kamoshida's Shadow. He told me and Kusa he'd seen us using the MetaNav when he had that lunch with us the day he left Shujin." Ren said as Ryuji, Morgana, and Ann's eyes all widened, but Lavenza spoke up before any of them could acknowledge Ren's words.

"That makes sense. But let's stay on topic for now. As long as he permits your existence, your method of infiltration will not entirely disappear, either, though eventually it will disappear. However, in his heart, he must have feared that you would learn his identity as the Palace's Ruler. Perhaps such a feeling took the form of hiding the Ruler's name from you." Lavenza said as Futaba blinked and spoke up.

"But in that case, why didn't Maruki's Shadow just take a page out of Yaldabaoth's playbook and actualize us out of existence entirely?" Futaba asked as Akechi blinked and spoke up.

"I think, if I'm right, that's another thing we have to thank Kusa for. I vaguely recall overhearing a conversation one of the times I tried to infiltrate Maruki's Palace alone to determine Kusa's location, and Kusa managed to convince Maruki's Shadow to spare you all in exchange for his willingly offering his assistance with Maruki's research.

So if we follow that train of thought, it's safe to guess from there that some of what Maruki figured out could be a result of studying Kusa, since I also distinctly heard him tell Kusa that he'd need some blood samples from him, along with another sample type that was unspecified, but I believe to be an energy sample. Though I'm unsure how he would get such a sample." Akechi said as Ren blinked and spoke up.

"That's possible, Akechi. But perhaps he's sincere when he says he just wants to save us all. If so, why choose such a foolish way to do so?" Ren said. Akechi nodded and spoke up.

"I'd agree with that assessment. After all, Maruki's Shadow told us he wants us to accept his world. It may be hard to believe, but since most of us mutually benefit from his actualization, maybe he really does want us to submit." Akechi said as Ryuji frowned and spoke up.

"That's possible. However, I'm sorry. But even if it does fix shit for us, I just can't accept the world gettin' treated like that." Ryuji said, unaware of the dual meaning his last sentence had. Ryuji then kept speaking before anyone could say a word.

"As such, let's start the infiltration tomorrow, yeah?" Ryuji asked as the others nodded before he turned to Akechi and kept speaking.

"And you? Sound good?" Ryuji said as everyone else turned inquiring gazes on to a shocked Akechi, who blinked and spoke up with a rare smile on his face.

"Oh? You're willing to ask me as well?" Akechi asked as Ryuji nodded and spoke up.

"Duh, dude! The Phantom Thieves don't act unless it's a unanimous vote. And even if it's just temporarily, you're a Phantom Thief too, like it or not! Sure, it's hard to call it unanimous without Kusa and Sumire, but I feel like they trust Ren to vote on their behalf." Ryuji said as Ren nodded his agreement while Akechi spoke up with a closed-eye smile.

"Ugh. Okay, fine then. You know I have no intention of accepting Maruki's world, anyway. If nothing else, I owe it to Kusa to bring Maruki's Shadow down." Akechi said as Ryuji punched his fist into his open palm and spoke up.

"Good! Then that settles that." Ryuji said as Ann spoke up.

"Wait, but what about Sumire-san?" Ann asked as Makoto nodded and spoke up with a frown.

"Good point, Ann. We may not have summoned her to this meeting at her request so she could think things through, but even then, this definitely involves her as well." Makoto said as Haru nodded and spoke up.

"True. Maybe we should fill her in on our situation once she comes to terms with her own." Haru said as Ren spoke up.

"Agreed. I might not like this, but she requested that we give her some time to herself, so she can think things through and figure out what to do with herself from here on. So I intend to give her the space she asked for, but she knows I'm just a private chat away if she needs me." Ren said as Haru nodded and spoke up.

"That's true. I'm sure she knows we're all here for her if she needs us. Anyways, once we fill her in on things? What she does with that information, though? That's up to her. We're not going to force her into anything she's not willing to do." Haru said with a smile. Futaba nodded and spoke up.

"Right. And I believe she'd appreciate that a lot. I might not have gone through some of what she did, but I can at least relate to her on some level, since we've both had the experience of having a boyfriend go missing for some period of time, so on at least that level, I can understand her. So I think we can trust her to do the right thing." Futaba said as Lavenza looked at Ren and spoke up.

"I see. If that concludes matters, then I shall continue to watch over you, Trickster. Please show me the path that you choose for humanity with your friends." Lavenza said before flashing into a butterfly and out of the office, either not seeing or ignoring the shocked red-head listening in on the conversation from the door. Sumire frowned at what she'd just heard, realizing that it made her problems seem both paltry and a bit petty by comparison, especially if what she heard about Kusa being in potential peril was true. Sumire then nodded to herself and spoke up.

"I just wanted to be free of my pain. But do I deserve to be surrounded by such kind friends?" Sumire asked herself as she walked off...

(That evening, at Leblanc, with Ren, Sojiro, and Morgana)

"Well, I guess we might as well close up for the night. Hey, once you're done washing that, you can go ahead and call it a-" Sojiro said, being interrupted mid-sentence by the door softly opening up with a light clinking sound. Sojiro turned to the door as Sumire walked in and spoke up.

"Ah, welcome." Sojiro said as Sumire spoke up uncertainly.

"Um, sorry for stopping by so late." Sumire said as Morgana spoke up on hearing Sumire's voice, having been woken up by the door opening.

"Sumire?" Morgana said as Sojiro spoke up.

"Don't worry about it. Have a seat." Sojiro said with a kind smile before turning to Ren and speaking up with a smirk.

"She's here to see you, right? Don't worry about finishing up, Ren. I'll take care of it later." Sojiro said as Ren nodded gratefully and spoke up.

"Thank you, Boss." Ren said as Sojiro nodded and busied himself with the cleanup while Ren served Sumire a cup of coffee before she looked at him and spoke up.

"Sorry for coming over so late, Senpai. And thank you for the coffee. I appreciate the hospitality." Sumire said as she helped herself to a sip, smiling wryly as she spoke up.

"Mm. It's delicious. Nngh!" Sumire said before nodding to herself as she kept speaking.

"Um, Ren? Would you mind if I went ahead and got something off my chest?" Sumire asked as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Of course you can, Sumi. I told you before, didn't I? I want to be here for you, any way that I can." Ren said kindly as Sumire spoke up.

"R-Right, you did say that. Thank you." Sumire said, smiling prettily at Ren for the first time since her true identity was revealed. After taking a breath to steel herself, Sumire kept speaking.

"So, to tell the truth, I owe you all an apology. I saw you all go into the nurse's office today, And, um, full honesty? I sort of eavesdropped on your conversation." Sumire said as Ren spoke up.

"The one about the actualization?" Ren asked. Sumire nodded and spoke up.

"Yes. I have to admit, I'm impressed, if a tiny bit jealous. You've all found the paths you want to take and are following them with such confidence and certainty. Whereas, I'm simply struggling to accept my true identity and not run from it. But the fact of the matter is, like Doctor Maruki said before, I ran from the truth. I couldn't handle the fact that Kasumi died because of my actions.

My memories are still a bit hazy, but even when I remembered that I'm really Sumire, I didn't want to accept it at first, because of how painful those memories still are for me. I was still running from reality, where Kasumi is gone forever. Where I had to live FOR Kasumi, instead of AS her." Sumire said as Ren smiled at her and spoke up.

"I see. And how do you feel now? Do you still want to run from it? Be honest with me? I won't judge you. I just want to help ease that pain for you, even if it's just to share it with you so it's easier to bear." Ren said with a kind smile. Sumire blinked at the question but shook her head and spoke up.

"No, not anymore. Like I said earlier, I realized something when I saw you all striving to push onward in your lives. I can't keep running like this. You were right before when you said it wasn't fair to either myself or to Kasumi. I know she's probably been disappointed with me for running from my pain and suffering. But, now that Kasumi's gone, I have no idea what to do with myself, Senpai. Tell me, Ren-senpai. What should I do?" Sumire asked as Ren spoke up.

"That's a tough question. But I think we both know that you're the one who has to decide that in the end, not me. All I can do is be there for you as I've been this whole time, giving you support and encouraging you as best I can. But it's a decision you yourself ultimately have to make. But know that whatever you decide? I'll support your choice as best I can. That's how much you mean to me, Sumi." Ren said honestly. Sumire blinked at the honest answer from Ren and gasped, though Ren was unsure if it was from his honesty, or his swearing to be there for her unconditionally.

"Oh. Sen-no, Ren! You know, you can be awfully firm sometimes, Ren. But, you can also be incredibly sweet and caring as well. Thank you. But more than that, you're absolutely correct." Sumire said as she nodded and kept speaking, another genuine smile on her face that Ren was happy to see as Sumire kept speaking.

"Still, I must thank you for allowing me to unload all of this onto you. I'm still not completely sure what I should do, but to be honest? I plan to think more on it." Sumire said as Ren spoke up.

"And that's a good mindset to have, in my opinion. Also, that's what I'm here for, Sumi. Though, maybe I'm being a bit too presumptuous if I say it's my job as your boyfriend, since you're still figuring out where you stand as Sumire. So I understand if you want us to just be friends for now until you figure yourself out. It'll hurt, but I can't be selfish and try to make you feel something you're potentially not in the correct mindset for at this time.

So if you want us to just stay friends for now, all you have to do is say so. But if you just want us to take some time to re-assess our relationship instead, that's fine as well. As I said earlier, my only concern is helping you through your pain." Ren said as Sumire smiled prettily at Ren and spoke up.

"Hm. Thank you, Ren. I'm not sure if I want us to break up, necessarily. However, I do think we should dial back on any overly romantic gestures for the time being, at least until I get a better grasp on how comfortable I am in my real self. I appreciate you being so understanding though, Ren. But I know now. I've got to figure out what to do with my life now." Sumire said as she bowed to Ren and left on that note, leaving a smiling Ren behind, even if part of him was slightly disappointed that Sumire wanted to dial back the more romantic aspects of their relationship.

But Ren knew he was the one to tell her she had that right, so he accepted her choice. A short time later, Morgana spoke up after he finished cleaning up and went upstairs for the night.

"Ren? LET'S REFORM SOCIETY! Tomorrow we're going to the Palace. We're gonna take back the world. The real world." Morgana said as Ren nodded, at the same time that his phone went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, and Futaba, with Yusuke sending the first response.

"Rewriting reality, hm? I never would have thought such a thing possible." Yusuke sent as Ann sent a response.

"Not only that, but this Palace is ruled by a Persona-user, which Morgana said also shouldn't be possible. How does that make any sense?" Ann sent as Futaba sent a response.

"As a hacker of sorts myself, I know godmoding when I see it." Futaba sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Truth! At this point, he basically IS a god, right? To be honest, this shit makes Shido look small-time." Ryuji sen as Haru sent a response.

"We need to come up with a plan." Haru sent as Makoto sent a response.

"That's a good point. We should meet up tomorrow." Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Sounds good!" Ryuji said as Makoto sent a response.

"Speaking of which, how should we contact Akechi-kun?" Makoto sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Good point, babe. Well, he is working with us again, so I guess we could let him back in the group chat, right?" Ryuji sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Yep. That'd probably be the quickest way to do it." Futaba sent as Ren sent a response.

"Agreed. If he's agreeing to help us, the least we can do is let him back in here. If all else fails, we can take him back out when our deal is up, or if he betrays us again." Ren sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Understood. All right, I'll take care of it." Makoto sent as Haru sent a response.

"Thanks. It'll be odd though, having Akechi-kun back in chat, but not Sumire-chan or Kusa-kun." Haru sent as Ren put his phone away, a slight wince on his face at the mention of Sumire. Morgana saw this and spoke up.

"C'mon, Ren. Cheer up! But one month to go, huh? We'd better come up with a plan. That time is gonna go by fast, after all." Morgana said as Ren nodded his agreement, before having a seat on his bed to ponder everything that had happened recently...

END OF CHAPTER

A/N: And boom, another chapter done and dusted! A bit of a longer one, but I got a lot in it, between the week infamously referred to by many videos as 'Ghost Joker Week', the second run into Maruki's Palace, the retrieval of Sumire (along with a bit of a bittersweet clash between her and Ren), a 'reconciliation' of sorts between Akechi and the others, some more info being dumped on the group by Lavenza, and even the reference to a couple of letters planted by a certain absent Phantom Thief to subtly keep reality somewhat on the intended course, this chapter had a lot in it.

And to think, this isn't even the halfway point of Arc 9 yet! If I recall right, we're only two chapters in! And there's still a lot of arc left! Granted, there will be at least one, maybe two, filler chapters planned for this arc too (maybe more depending on how close we get to maxing out all of Ren's Confidants in this arc), so that'll pad the chapter count a tad.

Also, the more chapters this arc has, the better the odds of hitting chapter 100 before the end of the story! But in full transparency and honesty, I'm not expecting Arc 10 to be more than like 3-5 chapters long, like how Arc 8 was a shorter arc too. So that might affect the chances of this story hitting 100 chapters. But we'll see what happens.

That said, thanks to all those who've supported this story thus far, whether that support be in the form of following the story, favoriting it, following me as an author, or even putting me on your Favorite Authors list, as well as those who leave reviews on the story with their thoughts/opinions/constructive criticism of what they've read to that point.

I appreciate all the support I get from my readers! But feel free to leave a review with your thoughts/opinions/comments/constructive criticism on the story, or even shoot me a PM if you don't feel you can leave your thoughts/opinions/comments/constructive criticism in the reviews. I enjoy hearing from my readers either way! And until next time, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1* - Yes, I had to make that reference. For anyone not in the know, I was referencing the Youtube videos that exist which are basically compilations of Akechi's lines during the short stint in which he takes on the role of navigator for himself, Joker and Sumire. One of the more commonly referenced ones is a line where Akechi praises Joker for defeating an enemy before noting idly that he finds himself oddly impressed by it.

So much so, it got to the point that he felt something stir in him while seeing the display of violence by Joker, a line that is oft referred to by Ren/Akechi shippers as his 'gay awakening', which I thought was funny, even if I didn't think that's how the line was meant to be interpreted myself. I couldn't resist taking a shot at it here, though.

*2* - Not even kidding right now, if you go out and read most any of the Harry Potter fanfic stories that have 'scheming!Dumbledore' as a part of the story, in nearly all of them, Dumbledore acts uncannily like how Maruki acts during the third semester: misguided, convinced they know what's best for the world, only having faith in their own judgment, and absolutely blind to advice that contradicts their plans for the world. And both have a rather similar disdain for violence as well.

And before anyone goes to disagree on that, I point you directly at the part where Maruki literally summons Shadows to fight you rather than battle you directly during the first run into his Palace, then in the second Palace, he uses an intermediary to manipulate Sumire (and by extension Cendrillion) into fighting Ren to try and stay in their actualized reality, which was ultimately a waste of both Ren and Sumire's time. And as this story demonstrates, it was even indirectly a source of very discernable suffering for both Sumire AND Ren, even if in canon Ren only acts as a concerned friend of Sumire's instead of as a concerned and loving boyfriend, like Ren does in this story.

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 87

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