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!

95. Reality Check Finale: Battle For Reality

A/N: sithlorde1988 here, with another chapter of Persona 5- The Phantom Files! Well, this chapter is no doubt what some of you have been waiting for. This chapter, more than likely, will be the final chapter of Arc 9, meaning after this chapter, we hit the homestretch on this story, as we start the tenth and final arc of the story. I'm both pumped for it, and a bit bummed. Pumped because I have quite a bit planned for the last arc, and bummed because we're nearing the end of this story. But I knew we'd hit this point eventually, so I was able to accept that fact a while ago. That being said, let's hit up the disclaimer while I'm thinking of it.

Disclaimer: I, sithlorde1988, do not own the Persona series in any way, shape, or form (excluding the OCs Kusa/Draconis, Somasi/Slim, Kyori, Akira, Lumine, Mimille, Minako, the Malefactor, Sinocard/Asuk, and any other OCs that appear in this story, all of whom were made by, and thus belong to me, unless otherwise noted), and the actual ownership credit for the Persona series belongs to Atlus, Sega, and to a point Koei Tecmo (at least insofar as the spinoffs, such as the 'Dancing' games, the 'Q' games, the 'Arena' games, Strikers, and presumably both Phantom X and Tactica, go), so all credit to them!

Before we proceed, since I forgot to acknowledge it in chapter 94, there's a guest review that needs replied to that was posted on chapter 93. It goes as thus:

Jose is the only superboss in P5R that can be fought on a fresh file. Caroline and Justine ( The Twins) and Lavenza are NG only.

To this, I say thanks for your review. Also, I think you meant to say NG+ only at the end there. But I had a hunch that would be the case. However, I feel like I should point out that 'The Reaper', if you fight him, could be considered close to a super-boss, given how late in the game people usually leave fighting him. But I could be wrong on that. Either way, I appreciate you leaving a review!

With that done and out of the way, let's get on with the chapter! I'll try to have a longer A/N after the chapter, so if you're still reading after the chapter, stick around for that! That being said, on with chapter 95!

Chapter 95- Final Preparations, The Final Calling Card, and VS Maruki's Shadow! Reality Check part 10

(In Ren's classroom at Shujin after school, with Ren and Morgana)

After looking over his options, Ren saw that literally all of his daytime Confidants, minus Maruki, were available to hang out with. Ren frowned as he thought about it, before deciding that it wasn't worth hanging out with Shinya, despite not having him maxed out, since he knew the deadline for Maruki's Palace was approaching, and he doubted he'd be able to hang out with Shinya two days in a row to max him out. So Ren ruled that out, deciding to use the day to get one other Thief to Tier 3 Persona status.

After thinking it over, he decided to see if Futaba was around, since he knew Kusa would want his girlfriend on the same level as him, and Ren had a hunch Sumire's Tier 3 might just unlock itself like Kusa's and Morgana's did. Ren also had that same gut feeling about Akechi's as well. So decided, Ren headed to the backstreets of Yongen-Jaya, and not surprisingly, he spotted Futaba squatting outside of Leblanc alone. Ren smiled and walked over to her as he spoke up.

"Hey there, little sis. What has you sitting here on your own on a day like this? I figured you'd be taking advantage of the free time to spend as much time as possible with Kusa?" Ren said teasingly as Futaba blinked before looking up at Ren as she spoke up.

"Oh, Ren. There you are, big bro. To answer your question, Kusa got a message from Akechi asking him to meet up with him in Kichijoji. Something to do with settling their rivalry over a game of billiards or something along those lines? But anyways, umm, can I bother you for a moment, big bro? You got some time right now? There's something I wanna talk to you about. It's really important to me." Futaba said as Ren noted that Futaba seemed to have something important to tell him. Morgana frowned and spoke up at that moment, drawing Futaba's attention to his presence inside Ren's bag as a result.

"Hey, hey. This seems serious, Ren. What're you gonna do about it? Do you wanna spend some time with Futaba?" Morgana asked Ren, who spoke up.

"Of course I do. Sure, I could spend this time with Sumire, but at this point, I know she's probably at practice, plus I get the feeling there'll be a better chance to hang out with her in the not-too-distant future. For now, let's see what Futaba needs, since as Kusa's girlfriend, she's as good as my little sister-in-law." Ren said to Morgana before turning to Futaba and smiling kindly at her as he spoke up.

"You know I always have time for you, little sis. What's on your mind?" Ren said to Futaba after nodding his agreement to spending time with her. Futaba spoke up.

"Thanks, big bro! Then come to my ro- Err, actually, hold on to that thought. Can you come a bit later, Ren? I'll leave my door open, so just come in." Futaba said before quickly returning to her house as Ren blinked at the request but decided to humor her. After waiting a little bit, Ren figured Futaba should be good by now and headed over to see Futaba as requested, knocking on the front door as he reached the Sakura house, drawing a surprised noise from inside as Futaba walked to the door and spoke up.

"Ren? Is that you, big bro?" Futaba said before peering through the peephole and seeing it was Ren before smiling as she spoke up.

"I'll unlock the door. You can come in." Futaba said as Ren nodded and opened the door after he heard the sound of it being unlocked, walking into the house and closing the door behind him, heading down the hall to where he saw Futaba's door left open, frowning as he saw her sitting on a chair, her usual security blanket mask on, as he sat on her bed at her invitation. After he was seated, Futaba spoke up.

"Hello, big bro. Sorry for calling you over." Futaba said as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"First of all, no problem, little sis. That said, what's with the mask? I thought we were comfortable, to a point, with one another?" Ren asked in confusion. Futaba winced behind the mask and spoke up.

"Um, that's a good question. Let's just say for now that it makes me more comfortable and leave it at that. That said, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about, big bro. So if you don't mind hearing me out, can we talk about it?" Futaba asked as Ren spoke up.

"Is it hard to talk about? If so, it would explain you wearing that mask a bit." Ren asked. Futaba blinked at the question before surprising Ren by taking her mask off and looking at Ren as she spoke up.

"Honestly? The mask was just a force of habit more than anything else. As for what I want to talk about? Well, it's about you and me. I made a promise to help you whenever you were in trouble. For your sake, and for mine. Ugh. But now, I broke that promise by almost letting you down when you needed me most. Not to mention the fact I basically betrayed your little brother by almost forgetting him, thus hurting you by extension." Futaba said shamefully as Ren spoke up.

"Why say this now, little sis? I'll admit I could've come to hear you out sooner, so it's just as much on me as on you that it's waited this long, but I still have to ask." Ren asked. Futaba smiled slightly at the question before speaking up.

"Good question. Truthfully? I was scared to bring it up. And all this time, I was too scared to try and address it. Well, not anymore. Now, I'm definitely ready to fight. I'll stand with the rest of the Phantom Thieves, of course. I mean, sure, having Mom back around was pretty nice. But even so, it's no substitute for the family I've somewhat built with you and the others, and even Sojiro. So yeah, I don't want to accept this reality, despite what I'm giving up by making that choice. Ugh.

That's all still true, but more than that, I don't want to forget what Kusa and I still have even now. I feel like I massively disrespected him by almost forgetting him. Sure, he was understanding enough about it when I said as much to him, but I know some part of him was at least slightly hurt by me almost forgetting him. So I feel like I let him down. That said, I know this isn't real. I figured that out a while ago. But I thought at the time, if I got to see my mom again, then it was okay to give up whatever else I had to to make that a reality.

Ugh, dammit! I'm so selfish! I was just thinking about what I wanted! You're mad, big bro. I know you are. I'm sorry, Ren. I'm so sorry I let you down when you needed me the most, and I'm sorry I nearly let myself forget what I have with your brother in a moment of weakness and desperation to see my mother again." Futaba said as Ren surprised her by smiling kindly at her and walking forward to lightly wrap her in a hug as he spoke up.

"Shhh. It's okay, little sis. I get it. I really do. You were just wanting to hold on to having your mother back in your life, even if it was just an actualization that Maruki provided for you. I can relate. I might not have had an actualization of a dead loved one, but I think, had I had an actualization, it would've been me being able to finish out my rivalry with Akechi, as weird as that might seem.

However, according to what Akechi told me when he showed up on the 2nd of January, Kusa apparently saved him in Shido's Palace, so the only one that died that day was Akechi's cognitive clone. So basically, thanks to Kusa, I didn't need the actualization to be able to settle up with Akechi. But had things played out differently, I very well suspect that's what Maruki would've interpreted to be my ideal reality, is one where Akechi still lives so I can settle my rivalry with him.

So I can relate to having a painful choice presented to you from what Maruki did. So please, Futaba. Don't beat yourself up for making a perfectly understandable choice in the moment. You get it now, and you made the right choice in the end, so you don't need to tear yourself up over what ifs. And I know that Kusa agrees with me on that, too." Ren said kindly to Futaba, smiling at her as he gently stepped back from hugging Futaba. Futaba blinked at Ren's words before frowning as she spoke up.

"W-Wha? Are you sure? No, that can't be right. Big bro, don't lie to me. You're mad at me. You have to be. Well, why wouldn't you be!? I betrayed you! Don't you get that!?" Futaba said as Ren spoke up.

"No, little sis. You did NOT betray me! If anything, you betrayed Kusa a bit, but you made the right choice in the end, so no harm was really done. You need to let go of that guilt you're carrying around and learn to forgive yourself. I know I'm not one to talk, given how much I've been blaming myself for what that bastard Maruki did to Sumire. But even so, I can relate to struggling with self-blame. So please, try to forgive yourself, just as I and the others all forgive you." Ren said kindly. Futaba looked up before walking over and hugging Ren, sitting next to him as she broke down crying into his shirt for a little bit. After a bit, Futaba sighed, separated herself from Ren, got up, and sat back down in the chair she'd previously sat in before she spoke up.

"Ahh, much better. Oh, um, sorry for using you as a pillow like that for a bit, big bro. I should really leave that to Sumire, shouldn't I? Mwehehe. No, but for real, I guess I'm still a little freaked out. This isn't even what I wanted to talk to you about in the first place. There's something else I wanted you to hear, anyway. So, um, can I be honest with you about something? Or, um, is it cool if I say what's on my mind?" Futaba asked as Ren nodded and Futaba kept speaking.

"Thank you, Ren. So like, how do I put this? Doc-no, not Doctor. Maruki's reality isn't totally one hundred percent illusion, right?" Futaba asked as Ren spoke up.

"As far as I understand it, that seems to be the case. And from what Akechi told me before, the way Maruki actualized things, he made it so that the deaths of your mother, Makoto and Sae's sister, and Haru's dad, among others, did not happen. He also changed it so that both Kamoshida and Madarame never fell from grace for the purposes of Ryuji, Ann, and Yusuke's actualizations. So I would agree with that statement you made, Futaba." Ren said. Futaba blinked but nodded as she spoke up.

"Well, maybe I'll never know for sure if it was entirely real, but even so, if it is true that there was some truth to the actualizations, then I really did get to see my mom again, even if only for a short time. And, y'know something? She was so nice." Futaba said as Ren spoke up.

"True. I got to see her as well, even if having her alive freaked me out a bit at first. But more to the point, you're really a lot like her in many ways. Boss once compared the two of you to one another, and he wasn't wrong to do so." Ren said honestly as Futaba looked up with a shy smile and spoke up.

"R-Really? You think I'm like my mom, big bro? I'm happy to hear that, in a weird kinda way. But even so, when it comes down to it, and all is said and done, the reality is that I won't get to stay with her. I know this to be true. I know it in my heart. I mean, I know now that this is all in my head. But I wanted to talk with her more. Go on shopping trips and stuff. I dunno, just I kinda feel like I wish I had more time with her, I guess.

B-But still, like, what the heck? I realize that we can't just live totally dependent on Maruki's reality! Right? So, even if I won't get to see my mom anymore, I know what I have to do. And if I can manage to keep working hard and moving forward, like I was doing in our reality before Maruki actualized it the way he did? Then I believe in my heart, and I think, that she'd be proud of me." Futaba said as Ren smiled proudly at Futaba and spoke up.

"Well said, little sis. Couldn't have put it better myself." Ren said kindly. Futaba smiled at that and spoke up.

"Y-Yeah! Um, big bro? Thanks. Thanks for listening to me. Anyways, so that's what I'm gonna do. If mom could see that I was working hard, being a part of the group, and really lending myself to something greater than just wasting away grieving for her, I think she'd be really happy for me." Futaba said as Ren spoke up.

"I agree wholeheartedly, little sis. Also, never forget that you don't have to deal with these things alone. You can always reach out to myself or Kusa, or even any of the others, and we'll always take time to hear you out if you need it." Ren said kindly as Futaba smiled and spoke up.

"Thanks. I've been thinking really hard lately. Wondering how I'd want Mom to see me. And I think I figured it out. I want to be someone who keeps looking ahead to the future. I want to be someone who never stops improving. This time, I swear I'll do what I can to protect you, big bro. And not just you, but everyone else too. So, um, yeah. Let's go take back our own reality. The reality where we can beat anything the world throws at us, as long as we have each other. The reality my mom gave me." Futaba said with a smile as the camera zoomed into a shot of the inside of her heart.

Right at that moment, both Necronomicon and Nostradamus appeared, bowing to Prometheus and Saruman respectively as Necronomicon and Prometheus resonated and slowly fused together into a sleeker ship-like being that was mostly gold and green in coloring, similar to the coloring of Futaba's energy staff that she got from Kusa. More importantly, the ship was one that put both Ren and Futaba, who were watching the show, to the realization that the ship vaguely resembled a Star Destroyer from Star Wars somehow.

At the same time, Nostradamus and Saruman both glowed and fused together slowly in a flash of blue, and in their place stood a taller mage-like being with a really long staff not unlike the ones Kusa and Futaba wielded, but decidedly closer in appearance to the energy staves that Futaba uses, and who wore flowing grey robes with a dark grey hat of sorts on their head, covering up their flowing grey-white hair, which was the same color as their sizable beard, though the real tell of the new being's immense power was the piercing grey eyes the being had. Afterwards, Futaba blinked and spoke up in surprise at what had just happened.

"Eh? What's this power about, all of a sudden? Huh, I didn't know I still had all this in me." Futaba said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"Of course you do, little sis. You said it yourself. You wanted to be someone who never stops improving, and I'd say this is a great start towards that goal. Now embrace your true power and accept your new Tier 3 Personas." Ren said as Futaba smiled and nodded, at the same time that the group's phones pinged with the notification that Futaba's 'Promethus' and 'Saruman' Personas had transformed into 'Al Azif' and 'Albus' respectively. Afterwards, Futaba kept speaking.

"Well, thanks for listening to all that, Ren. I feel a lot better now. Master Futaba has reached full recovery! Get ready for perfect navigation, no matter what we're up against!" Futaba said confidently as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Oho? Is that right? That's a rather bold claim, Master Futaba." Ren said in amusement. Futaba smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, how's that? Well, what can I say? I'm my mom's daughter! I'll be pestering you a lot more from now on, so, yeah. Sorry in advance, and thanks!" Futaba said as Ren sweatdropped but nodded as he got up to leave and Futaba spoke up.

"See you later, big bro! Thanks for making time for me. I think I needed that." Futaba said as Ren nodded and headed back to Leblanc, not seeing the crouching figure ducking into the kitchen to avoid being caught out eavesdropping, having heard the entire exchange between Ren and Futaba, smiling at how much happier Futaba sounded after unloading onto Ren.

As Ren headed back to Leblanc, the skills screen for 'Al Azif' popped up, showing that the evolution had awoken the power of 'Ultimate Support' in Futaba's Tier 3 support Persona, while at the same time, 'Albus' gained two new skills on evolution in the forms of the support skill 'Mystic Aura' and 'Arcane Bolt', as Al Azif and Albus acquired 'Ultimate Support', 'Mystic Aura', and 'Arcane Bolt' respectively. *1*

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

As Ren and Morgana got into Leblanc, the former's phone went off to signify a group chat with Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, Akechi, Sumire, and Kusa, as Ryuji sent the first response.

"For real!? It's already February! We've only got three days until the deadline! Oh, crap! What do we do?" Ryuji sent as Futaba and Kusa sent responses close together, Futaba's coming in first.

"Called it." Futaba sent as Kusa's response came through.

"You totally called that reaction, Taba. But in all seriousness, relax Ryuji. We're waiting on Maruki to make the first move, after all. No need to panic. I believe that end will resolve itself. As for the calling card, no need to worry on that count. Ren and I finished it last night, so it's ready to deliver when and/or if Maruki shows up." Kusa sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"Truly? That is reassuring. Also, calm yourself, Ryuji. I understand it's a tense situation, but Kusa is correct that we need to relax and let things happen how they will." Yusuke sent as Sumire sent a response.

"I agree with Yusuke. Also, if something were to happen, it'd be tomorrow, correct?" Sumire sent as Ann sent a response.

"That was my impression as well, Sumire. Also, he hasn't sprung any surprises on you, has he, Ren?" Ann sent as Ren sent a response.

"Nope, not a word. He's been entirely radio silent since Akechi and I confronted him to save Sumire." Ren sent as Kusa sent a response.

"And as they say, no news is good news, is it not? So that's good that we've not heard anything. Personally, I believe he'll make his move tomorrow night." Kusa sent as Haru sent a response.

"I see. I agree with Kusa-kun. I suppose all we can do is wait until the 3rd and see if Maruki shows up so Ren and Kusa can deliver the calling card to him." Haru sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Agreed. He really likes keeping us in suspense, huh?" Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Indeed he does, Taba. I stand by what I said the day he first came to Shujin. That man is a total ham, but he likely has a method to his madness, so to speak. So I think we should use these last two days to do what we can by way of relaxing and preparing for anything. After all, we need to be at our best for our final heist." Kusa sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Agreed, Kusa. Whatever Maruki decides, I don't think we're getting out of this without a fight. We need to be prepared for anything." Makoto sent as Kusa sent another response.

"I concur. Thankfully, with all the training we did in Mementos recently, we should be able to handle whatever Maruki throws at us. But just in case, everyone be ready for anything, as Makoto just said." Kusa sent as Ann sent a response.

"You're both right!" Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Truth! We already beat up a god, right? We can take him!" Ryuji sent as Ren put his phone away while Morgana spoke up.

"Yup. Tomorrow's our last day for any last-minute prep. Is there anything you still need to do?" Morgana asked as Ren spoke up.

"Not necessarily, but I do think I'll have stuff to do on the morrow anyways." Ren said as he went upstairs to plan out his next move. When he came back down, he saw a crossword on one of the tables, solving it for a quick and minor, if unneeded, boost to his Knowledge. After looking over his options, Ren decided to go hang out with Chihaya again on a whim. After getting Chihaya to trigger a Fusion Alarm with her newly-gained 'Celestial Reading' skill, and then handling said Fusion Alarm by strengthening some of his Personas, and fusing a powerful new Persona in 'Fafnir', Ren went back over and spoke up to Chihaya.

"Evening, Mifune-san. How're you?" Ren asked Chihaya, who smiled at Ren and spoke up.

"Ah, Amamiya-kun the elder. Evening. Y'know, it's rare to see snow in the city. Maybe I'll close up shop, since it's so cold. Well then, what would you like to do today, Amamiya-kun the elder?" Chihaya said as Ren spoke up.

"I've got a free night tonight, so I figured we could do another verification test if you have one ready." Ren said. Chihaya gave Ren a closed-eye smile and spoke up.

"I dunno about a test, but I did want to speak with you as it turns out. So, I've made some more progress with the ADP case! Sit down so I can tell you all about it!" Chihaya said as Ren spoke up at that point.

"Sure, sounds good to me. I'll just have this seat here then." Ren said as he took a seat across from Chihaya, who nodded and spoke up.

"Yes! Please go ahead!" Chihaya said as Ren sat down. Once he was seated, Chihaya kept speaking.

"So the thing is, I got all the members of the ADP together and gave them a big group apology. They didn't really believe what I was saying at first, but the truth of the matter settled in eventually with them all. However, it's just so frustrating that it seems like the members from the executive class are still brainwashed. I'm in talks with a lawyer right now, though. We're going to get refunds and outpatient care for all of them.

I'm going to give back all the money I made from selling Holy Stones too. It's the least I can do to atone for the ignorance I showed back then. That's why, if you don't mind, I want you to accept this, Amamiya-kun the elder. Think of it not only as an apology, but as a sign of gratitude for showing me the truth." Chihaya said as she handed Ren 100,000 yen, making his jaw drop as he spoke up while pocketing the yen he'd been given. *2*

"Wait, what? Is this what I think it is!?" Ren asked in surprise as Chihaya spoke up.

"Yeah, this is that money you gave me for the Holy Stone back when we first started hanging out. I'm sorry it took so long to get back to you, but here it is at last. Also, I'm sorry for swindling you like that back then. It was neither acceptable nor professional of me to do so." Chihaya said as Ren smiled and spoke up.

"It's all right, Mifune-san. I forgive you. You've made great strides in righting your wrongs, so I can hardly stay mad at you." Ren said. But before Chihaya could do more than gasp, another voice spoke up and cut in before Chihaya could reply to Ren.

"Maiden! I'm so happy to see you!" Ren and Chihaya heard, as a man both recognized as Yokoda walked over with some other people in tow. Chihaya spoke up in shock.

"What!? Yokoda-san!? What are you all doing here!?" Chihaya asked, her eyes wide in surprise. Yokoda spoke up with a frown.

"That's easy. That apology you gave us was all made up, wasn't it? Somebody had to have forced you to say that stuff! I mean, the chairman was obviously framed! Tell us the truth, please!" Yokoda said as a flustered Chihaya spoke up.

"N-No, that's not it. N-None of it was made up. Umm, as for the chairman? I need you to listen to me. Everything he told you in those seminars was a lie! The promises of a great future, the power of the Holy Stones, the need for donations, all of it? All lies. Doesn't it seem strange that he kept asking members for money, even through times of financial stress? And beyond that, you guys should have known better than anyone where these 'donations' were ending up. Heck, even I knew how horrible the ADP's scheme was. That's why I had to come forward and tell the truth." Chihaya said as one of the two people following Yokoda, a brooding woman, spoke up.

"No! That can't be true!" The brooding woman said as the other person who came with Yokoda, a grim-faced man, glared at Ren and spoke up.

"You! Are you the one who did this to our beautiful Maiden!?" The grim-faced man asked Ren, who frowned and spoke up.

"First of all, do not EVER come at me like that, sir. Secondly, listen to what Mifune-san here is saying. She's telling you the truth!" Ren said. Yokoda glared at Ren and spoke up.

"Shut your mouth!" Yokoda said as Ren glared at him, ready to snap at Yokoda, but Chihaya spoke up before he could do so.

"Please, stop this! He has nothing to do with your situation! I'm the one who sold you those rocks! if you're going to get upset with anyone about this mess, it should be with me! Amamiya-kun the elder here has done nothing but help me see the truth!" Chihaya said as the grim-faced man spoke up.

"But, that can't be! Maiden, what are you saying!? Are you saying you believe this cretin over the chairman!?" The grim-faced man said as the brooding woman spoke up.

"This can't be happening, can it?" The brooding woman said as Yokoda turned to face Chihaya and spoke up.

"Hmm, I don't think we're being fair right now. So no, it can't. We must continue to place our trust in her. Please, Maiden, show us your power! Cleanse us of our misery! If you leave us now, we will be fated to drown in sorrow forevermore!" Yokoda said as Chihaya growled and spoke up.

"Urgh, shut up! L-Look, the only way you can change that is with your own convictions! Neither I nor one of those worthless stones will be able to help you out at all with that." Chihaya said as the brooding woman spoke up.

"B-But then, how are we supposed to avoid our fated misery if you can't help us, Maiden?" The brooding woman said as the grim-faced man spoke up.

"No, it cannot be! A curse is upon us all! Maiden, why have you forsaken us!?" The grim-faced man said as Yokoda spoke up.

"Maiden, please don't abandon us when we need you the most!" Yokoda said as Chihaya groaned before finally losing her temper as she spoke up.

"Oh, will you shut yer traps!? Y'all need to simmer down and listen to what I hafta say for once! Whether yer gonna be miserable or not's all on yer own damn shoulders! You don't need some divine power mumbo jumbo to be changin' yer fate!" Chihaya said, shocking not only Ren, but the trio gathered in front of the stall as she strode up to Yokoda and his tag-alongs and kept speaking. *3*

"Y'all got that strength in yerselves! Fortune tellin' can't hold a candle to honest-to-goodness willpower! And heck, even if things're bad now, it'll all be fine so long as you keep yer heads up!" Chihaya snapped before blushing in embarrassment as she kept speaking.

"O-Ohh, um, I'm sorry about that. All this stress caused me to lapse into my country dialect for a bit there. But regardless, I stand by what I said. Nothing will ever change if all you do is rely on others. Take me for example. I thought I was destined to live as a monster forever, but I had the strength to reverse that fate. If you want to control your future, then all you need to do it is one thing. Strength. The only way forward is through the fortitude of your own heart!" Chihaya said as Yokoda blinked and spoke up in surprise.

"My, um, did you say my heart?" Yokoda asked as Chihaya nodded and spoke up.

"I did indeed. And I understand that it might not be the easiest thing to accomplish at first. After all, your willpower has been constantly suppressed by all those seminars and donations for so long, and truthfully, I'm partially to blame for that. But I'm here with you now, and that's why I need to show you the light now and help you push on!" Chihaya said with a closed-eye smile as Yokoda spoke up.

"Maiden, thank you." Yokoda said as Chihaya spoke up, still smiling the same closed-eye smile she'd been smiling previously.

"No. I'm not your Maiden anymore. I'm just Chihaya Mifune, the fortune teller who guides fate!" Chihaya said as Yokoda nodded and left at that point, taking his tagalongs with him. Once it was just Ren and Chihaya left, they sat back down as Chihaya sighed and spoke up with a concerned look on her face.

"Ugh, that was dicey. I wonder if Yokoda-san and the others will be okay now? Granted, I know how they feel, though. They want to cling onto the Holy Stones, just as I clung onto my role as the Maiden. All any of us ever wanted was to be happy. And we thought the best way to do that was to avoid our fates for as long as possible." Chihaya said sadly as Ren spoke up.

"True. But remember what I've taught you in the time we've known one another, Mifune-san. And well, don't forget that fate can be changed." Ren said wisely. Chihaya smiled and nodded as she spoke up.

"Right. I won't forget that. I did it, after all. So I'm sure that Yokoda-san and the others will be able to do it as well! And no matter how many times I have to try, I will talk to them until they understand. And when they realize the difficult truth at last, I will be there to help them recover. It's ironic, though. Back in my village, people called me a monster. Here, they revered me as the Maiden.

Even now my heart continues to wander, yet you somehow saw the real me despite what I did to you, Amamiya-kun the elder. Not the Maiden of Relief, and not a monster that everyone seemed to fear and despise, but just as me. As just Chihaya. Amamiya-kun the elder, truly, I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart." Chihaya said as Ren nodded, getting the feeling he could sense a deep bond of trust from Chihaya in that moment.

At that point, the 'Fortune' card appeared in his mind's eye, the 'VIII' becoming an 'IX' to signify that his Fortune Confidant link with Chihaya had reached Rank 9, though no new skills were gained from the rank-up. Afterwards, Chihaya giggled and kept speaking with a closed-eye smile on her face.

"By the way, Amamiya-kun the elder, don't take this the wrong way. But has anyone told you you're a bit nosy? I mean, normally someone wouldn't think to involve themselves in such a strenuous ordeal. S-So, um, in light of this, there's actually something I've been wondering for a while now, to be honest. Is it truly fortune telling that's the only reason you come to see me? I-It's not just that, is it?" Chihaya asked as Ren looked at Chihaya with a wince, knowing he needed to choose his next words carefully and that he was already in a relationship. Chihaya then kept speaking.

"Um, be honest with me, Amamiya-kun the elder. Exactly why do you come here?" Chihaya asked Ren, who spoke up after a moment.

"Truthfully? I like having my fortune read, but at the same time, I find myself drawn to you. Almost as if you're that quirky but entertaining older sister type figure that you seem to not be able to get enough of, if that makes sense. But if you're trying to say you have feelings for me, I'm sorry to say it, but I already have a girlfriend, and one I'm quite committed to at that. So I don't mind being friends with you, or even a brother figure of sorts, but that's about as far as it can go." Ren said honestly. Chihaya blinked at this and spoke up in surprise.

"O-Oh, I see. I didn't realize you had a girlfriend already, Amamiya-kun the elder. My mistake. Sorry about that. I suppose I was just feeling a bit self-conscious and thought there was more to our connection than there was. But in the end, there's nothing better than knowing my readings help others! Please come have your fortune read as often as you'd like! After all, we'll forever be joined in our quest to oppose fate!" Chihaya said with a closed-eye smile as Ren nodded before Chihaya kept speaking.

"Also, thank you for having my back, Amamiya-kun the elder. Anyway, I should be going." Chihaya said as Ren got up and spoke up while bowing to Chihaya as he pocketed the yen he'd gotten from her..

"No problem. And thank you for making amends for what you did back then. I appreciate the gesture. I should probably head home now though since it's getting late." Ren said as Chihaya nodded and spoke up.

"You're welcome. I was just doing the right thing, that's all. Anyways, I'll see you later! Good night, Amamiya-kun the elder." Chihaya said as Ren headed back to Leblanc, where the phone rang as he got to the doorstep, and he answered it.

"Hello? Ren Amamiya's phone, Ren speaking." Ren said as he answered the phone, hearing Chihaya speak up on the other end.

"Amamiya-kun the elder? Oh, it's me. I'm sorry for calling so soon after you left. I know we just saw each other and all. But there's something I really wanted to tell you that couldn't wait. You see, you're the reason that I managed to talk to Yokoda-san and everyone. I plan on doing all I can to support everyone at the ADP for a while. If you're in any trouble, feel free to stop by for a consultation at any time!" Chihaya said as Ren spoke up.

"Oh believe me, I'm planning on it." Ren said honestly as Chihaya spoke up with what Ren presumed to be a close-eye smile.

"Great! Please, I want to help you carve a path to your future! As Chihaya Mifune. Fortune teller and emissary of fate! Uhh, whoops! I guess I sounded a little too full of myself just then. Hee hee! But in all seriousness, maybe I'm not a monster or a maiden. I'm just Chihaya. So if you're ever in trouble, remember you can always come to me. Okay?" Chihaya said as Ren spoke up.

"Got it, Mifune-san. The feeling is mutual, to a point. I'm always willing to reach out to help my friends if they need it, and you're one of my friends as far as I'm concerned. And that's the true reason I helped you out before, is that I couldn't just do nothing when you needed help. That's not who I am as a person." Ren said as Chihaya smiled and spoke up.

"I see. Well thank you for your honesty, Amamiya-kun the elder. Anyways, good night and sweet dreams, hopefully of that lucky girlfriend of yours. Hee hee!" Chihaya said as Ren hung up the phone and headed inside, shaking his head fondly as he went in and headed upstairs to get changed for the night, blinking at the apparent lack of Kusa in the attic, before shrugging and figuring he spent the night with Futaba or something as he laid down for the night, Morgana sprawling out on his stomach as the two dozed off for the evening...

(The next morning, between trains to school, with Kusa, Ren, and Morgana)

As Kusa and Ren got off the first train to change lines for the rest of the trip to school, Kusa smirked as he recognized the red-head walking towards him and Ren, lightly nudging Ren to get his attention as he spoke up.

"Hey Ren, I think your girlfriend's coming this way to say hi." Kusa said as Ren frowned at Kusa, but before he could do more than huff, he saw Sumire walk over, smiling at her as she spoke up.

"Ah, hello, you two. Good morning, Ren. So, if all goes to plan, today is the day Maruki is supposed to contact us so we can give him his calling card. Um, to be honest?" Sumire asked as Ren frowned and spoke up.

"Are you all right, Sumi?" Ren asked Sumire, who spoke up with wide eyes.

"Hm? Oh, it's nothing, really. I just have a lot on my mind, that's all. No, it's okay, Ren. It's nothing. We should get to school now." Sumire said as Ren nodded, as the trio finished the trip to school together...

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

As Ren and Ann sat in class, their phones went off with a group chat from Ryuji, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, Akechi, Sumire, and Kusa, with Ryuji sending the first response.

"If he's comin', it'll be today." Ryuji sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Maruki, you mean? I do agree that he'd have to show up today for us to be able to finish his Palace in time." Kusa sent as Sumire sent a response.

"Agreed, Kusa. I'm so nervous, truth be told." Sumire sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Same here, Sumire. I can't focus on class at all." Ryuji sent as Kusa and Ann sent replies close together, Ann's coming in first.

"And how's that any different than usual?" Ann sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Dammit, Ann! I was about to say that! You beat me to it. That said, at least TRY to focus, Ryuji. I don't think you want Makoto pissed off at you for not focusing in classes. Or do you not care about having an angry girlfriend!? After all, they say a happy girlfriend equals a happy life." Kusa sent as Futaba sent a response.

"Pretty sure that saying goes 'Happy WIFE=Happy life', but you were close enough to it, Kusa." Futaba sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Shuddup, Ann! I mean I seriously can't today, and believe me, I actually even tried to focus." Ryuji sent as Ren sent a response.

"Well, we did most of the work already. All that's left is to hope that Maruki shows up so we can give him his calling card, and from there, it'll just be a matter of facing him and changing his heart. And I know some of us are more pumped for that than others, for obvious reasons." Ren sent. Futaba then sent a response.

"Mwehehe, you know it, big bro!" Futaba sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"We've been so blessed with your cool composure." Yusuke sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Yep, that's Ren for ya. I admit that I tend to give him crap a lot, but despite that, Ren really is the more level-headed one of the two of us most of the time. I'm usually the one that's most apt to go off half-cocked and do something either stupid, idiotic, immature, impulsive, or even all of the above." Kusa sent as Akechi sent a response.

"As much as I agree with Amamiya-kun the younger's statement there, we need to stay focused. Ren, you're the one Maruki is most likely to approach. If that happens, make sure you handle it just as we planned." Akechi sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Man, this is Ren here, Akechi! We've ain't got nothin' to worry about!" Ryuji sent as Makoto sent a response.

"Ren, I know it's a lot to bear, but can we ask you to make the call for us if he does show his face?" Makoto sent as Ren sent a response.

"No worries, Makoto. Leave it to me. Between myself and Morgana, we've got it covered. And possibly Sumire and Kusa if they happen to be there when he shows up." Ren sent as Haru sent a response.

"We trust you, Ren-kun. Let us know right away if anything goes amiss, okay?" Haru sent as Ren put the phone away while Morgana spoke up, having read the chat from inside Ren's desk.

"Mm. What's Maruki's next move gonna be? I'm even starting to get a little antsy here from waiting." Morgana said as Ren shrugged while the rest of class passed uneventfully...

(After school, in class with Ren and Morgana)

As Ren considered what to do after school, his phone went off with a private chat from Sumire, which he opened up with curiosity.

"Um, Ren? Maruki's supposed to contact us today for you-know-what, right? Before that happens, there's something I want to tell you. Do you have any time today?" Sumire sent as Morgana spoke up, reading the chat over Ren's shoulder.

"Hm. It seemed like she wanted to talk to you earlier this morning too, so maybe you should hear her out, Ren. So, what's it going to be? Do you want to go see Sumire?" Morgana asked as Ren spoke up so only Morgana could hear.

"Of course I do. Can you go find Kusa for now, since I don't know if she wants an audience for whatever she needs to tell me?" Ren asked Morgana, who nodded and went to find Kusa as Ren sent a response to Sumire.

"You know I always have time for you, beautiful. So if you need to speak to me, I'm here for you. I'll be right there, so hang tight, yeah?" Ren sent as Sumire sent a response fairly shortly after.

"Great! Shall we meet up first? Preferably somewhere we can relax and chat as well. Anyways, sorry for all the trouble. I hope to hear from you soon." Sumire sent as Ren put his phone away and went to meet up with Sumire in Kichijoji, after which she brought Ren to her house to speak to him, inviting him into her bedroom and speaking up nervously as she and Ren stood near one another in her bedroom.

"Err, this is the first time I've invited a boy over to my house, so I'm kind of nervous." Sumire said as Ren spoke up with a smile.

"It's not any different than the times I've invited you over to hang out in Leblanc, and technically your parents invited me over here once before, but we didn't really look at your room too much on that occasion as I recall. I must say though, it's nice and tidy here. But that makes sense, given it's the room of one of the neatest, most meticulous, and most uniquely beautiful women I know." Ren said coyly. Sumire gave Ren a closed eye smile while shyly flushing a bit at the compliments her boyfriend had just paid her as Ren looked around Sumire's bedroom, admiring the view of the bed in the corner with a lamp behind it, a large set of curtains drawn over a wall by the bed, a fluffy white carpet by the bed, brown tile flooring under the carper and around the bedroom.

While looking around, Ren a nice wooden set of shelves with stuff in it, a rack by the shelf that had a set of hats on it, one of which appearing to be a black and pink fedora, and a white dresser with another decorative object on top of it, as well as two other tall objects next to the drawer. Ren also noted the smaller blue lamp and blue vase on the desk nearby, which had a red and white chair pulled up in front of it. After Ren finished looking around, he gave Sumire his attention as she spoke up.

"Thank you. People always say a messy room means a messy heart, so I try to keep my room clean to avoid having a messy heart. Um, Ren? Can I be honest with you? I asked you here today because I wanted to tell you my decision. This room is where Kasumi and I promised each other we'd be the best in the world. As such, pretty much everything in here is the same as in Kasumi's bedroom.

The colors are different, but not much else. That's how it always was. Kasumi kept saying we should get the same styles, the same clothes, mostly the same everything. Truth be told, if she'd still been alive today, I honestly don't know if she wouldn't have suggested we get the same boyfriend too, though I don't think she would?" Sumire said with a shrug as Ren chuckled and spoke up.

"Nah, I don't think she'd take it THAT far. That said, you and her were close, after all. So it makes sense she'd want the two of you to have a lot of the same things, since I believe I recall your dad telling me you two were twins. So I'm not surprised that Kasumi would want you two to be similar in so many respects." Ren said as Sumire spoke up with a slight frown.

"Yes, that's true. She and I were very close, even if I was a bit of a brat towards her near the end. So, the day that she died, when I lost her, I couldn't help it. I just went into shock. I can talk about it now that I have some distance from it, but before, I was too scared to even bring it up. And you saw one of the results of that first-hand when you watched that video of my first session with Maruki.

Because I went into that counselling session afraid and grieving, Maruki was able to actualize me into believing I was Kasumi from that day on, until the day you and Akechi-kun saw that video with me that brought it all back. I'm ashamed to say that was also the day you saw me break down for the first time. So I don't blame you if you were disappointed in me that day, Ren." Sumire said as Ren looked into Sumire's eyes before smiling at her reassuringly while he spoke up.

"I could never be disappointed in you, Sumire. If anything, I'm proud of how far you've come since that day. Already, you're so much stronger, braver, and bolder than you were then. And I stand by what I said then. I aim to be here for you from here on, every step of the way." Ren said as Sumire smiled and spoke up.

"Thank you, Ren. I appreciate that. But truth be told? It might sound a bit odd or surprising to you, but honestly, thinking about it in the grand scheme of things, I'm grateful to Maruki." Sumire said as Ren blinked and spoke up.

"Oh? Grateful for what, might I ask?" Ren asked. Sumire smiled and spoke up.

"Just for helping me see the error of my ways to a point. In a nutshell, he showed me it was possible to live my life the way Kasumi had lived hers. Granted, he did it by actualizing me into thinking I WAS Kasumi, but even then he helped me to see the bigger picture. I ran away from who I really was while doing so, sure. But if I'd kept on living as Sumire back then? I dunno if any of what I've done so far would've happened the same way it ended up happening. I'd probably never have talked to you. Never have fallen in love with you. And never found such a wonderful group of friends as the ones we're both friends with.

Moreover, I'd still be crying every day most likely. It might sound like a cop-out, but the truth is? Becoming Kasumi for that short time helped me come into your life, and vice versa. And because everything happened the way it did, I found ways to go back to being Sumire, one step at a time. I think, even despite how messed up what Maruki did wound up being, I also really needed that time I spent as my sister. And that's why I'm grateful to Maruki.

But that doesn't mean I agree with what he's been doing. And that's why I have something to tell him, too. Or rather, I should say that I want to show him that I found a way to face reality. If Maruki sees how far I've come since we last saw him, I'd like to think it might just give him the strength to do the same.

And Ren? I understand that you're angry at Maruki for what he did to me, and probably rightfully so. However, you need to remember that despite that, he also helped you and Kusa out a lot while he was at Shujin. I know this for a fact, since you gradually started being more open-minded and mature the more you spent time with him. And I also noticed how Kusa gradually got less and less impulsive and short-tempered, and he even matured as well a bit from his time spent with Maruki.

So please, try to remember the good he did for us. I know you might be frustrated with him, but try to remember that the man you befriended is still in there too somewhere. So when we fight him, try not to let your righteous desire to tear him apart blind you to what you need to do to change his heart. And don't be afraid to lean on me for support if you need it. You've allowed me to do the same with you for so long, that it's only fair that I return the favor for you if you need it." Sumire said gently to Ren, who smiled at Sumire and spoke up while looking into his girlfriend's eyes.

"Heh, look at you being all kind and understanding now, beautiful. I like it. Also, that's the spirit. I believe in you, Sumire. And I love you for that kind and compassionate nature of yours, as well as for who you are as a person." Ren said kindly. Sumire smiled as she spoke up, flushing slightly from Ren stating that he loved her, but choosing to ignore it so she could stay focused on the topic at hand.

"Yes! I'll be the strongest Sumire Yoshizawa I can be!" Sumire said confidently as the camera zoomed in on a shot of the inside of her heart, where Cendrillon appeared, exchanged a significant nod with Vanadis, and the two bowed to one another before slowly fusing together in a flash of blue.

And when the light receded, where Cendrillion and Vanadis once stood now stood a singular being, this one wearing a white flowing veil with a crown of flowers atop the veil, had mostly white skin and piercing hazel eyes, She also had elegant silver boots going down her legs, and had a distinctly white dress that put Ren to mind of a wedding gown on, and even had a bouquet of flowers in one hand. As Ren and Sumire witnessed the transformation of Sumire's Persona, Sumire gasped and spoke up.

"This is unreal, Ren. This is my power now, it seems. And it's incredible. No, it's the power born of my resolve." Sumire said as the group's phones pinged to signify that Sumire's 'Vanadis' Persona had transformed into 'Ella'. Afterwards, Sumire spoke up while smiling at Ren.

"Thank you so much, Ren-senpai. If I hadn't met you, I'd never have found the strength to face myself. I hope we'll always be able to count on each other. That way, I won't ever lose myself again." Sumire said as Ren walked forward to look directly into Sumire's eyes as he spoke up, ignoring the flushes on both their faces at the close proximity to one another.

"Sumire, look at me. You can always count on me to be there for you. Even if I'm not always in Yongen-Jaya, I will always be here for you if you need me. And that is a promise. Also, I disagree with you claiming you wouldn't have found the strength to face yourself if you'd never met me. I think you would have, but it'd have probably taken far longer than it actually ended up taking. Furthermore, I consider myself blessed to have met you. So never doubt that I'm not only here for you, but that I love you." Ren said honestly to Sumire, who blushed and spoke up.

"Yes! We can help each other reach new heights! Also, I love you too, Ren. But I'm the blessed one to know you, not the other way around." Sumire said before leaning in to steal a kiss from a smirking Ren, who eagerly obliged as he spent a short time happily making out with Sumire. After a bit, the two came apart for air, and Sumire flushed as she saw the clock and spoke up in a mix of embarrassment and disappointment.

"Shoot, is it that late already? I don't want you to, but you'd better get home before it gets too late, Ren. After all, I'm sure you have stuff to do tonight. And, well, we can't get pre-occupied the night before our final heist." Sumire said as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"You're right, of course. But technically, I could just as easily invite you to come back with me to Leblanc so we can hang out overnight, for good luck. But I understand if you don't want to do that tonight. So I'll head home now. Thank you for inviting me into your home, and your bedroom. I'll see you around, beautiful." Ren said as Sumire smiled and spoke up as Ren started leaving.

"You're welcome, Ren. I love you so much. Thank you so much for coming over and seeing my room. Maybe one day in the not-too-distant future, we can do this again, and maybe this time, we can actually spend some quality time together?" Sumire said, flushing prettily at her own daring in asking such a thing. Ren smirked and spoke up.

"Heh, we'll see what happens, beautiful. I seem to recall that both Valentine's Day and White Day aren't too far off from now, so maybe we can set something up for one or even both of those days? You never know what the future might hold for us, Sumire." Ren said coyly as he left the room before he lost the resolve to leave under his own power. After he left the room, the shot cut to a view of the skills screen for 'Ella', showing that her transformation had awoken her to the severe-tier Physical skill 'Masquerade'...

(That evening, in the lower level of Leblanc, with Ren, Morgana, and Sojiro)

As Ren got back into Leblanc, Sojiro looked over and spoke up on seeing Ren.

"Ah, you're back. Well, I know it's a bit early, but I think I'm gonna close up shop for the day." Sojiro said as Ren blinked at this and spoke up.

"Oh? I didn't know you were that busy, Boss." Ren said as Sojiro chuckled and spoke up.

"I understand that reaction. But it's true. We were so busy today, I ran out of all my ingredients. I don't even remember the last time that happened. Weird, huh? Anyway, make sure you close up. Don't forget to lock up." Sojiro said as Ren nodded, heading upstairs to have a seat on the sofa with Morgana as the two waited to see if Maruki would show up. While they waited, Ren's phone went off with a group chat from Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Haru, Futaba, Akechi, Sumire, and Kusa, with Haru sending the first response.

"Tomorrow's finally the day, you guys." Haru sent as Futaba sent a response.

"We've already secured the route to the Treasure by now, but we're just waiting on our target so we can send them the calling card. No problems there." Futaba sent as Kusa sent a response.

"I agree. Provided, of course, Maruki doesn't decide to screw us all over by not showing up so we can give him the calling card. After all, all he has to do is not show up and we'd be totally screwed since his deadline is tomorrow, meaning we'd have to send the calling card and immediately head into the Palace right after if he shows up then. Otherwise, we'll run out of time." Kusa sent as Ann winced and spoke up.

"Fair point, Kusa. Hopefully that won't happen. Either way, all we can do for now is wait and pray." Ann sent as Ryuji sent a response.

"Sweet. We're gonna rock this shit!" Ryuji sent as Sumire sent a response.

"Yes, I agree with Ryuji-senpai! And Kusa-kun has a point as well with his previous statement. Oh, that reminds me. Ren-senpai, I wanted to ask you something, if I can. Has Maruki contacted you yet?" Sumire sent as Ren sent a response.

"Nope. Not a word as of yet. I'm hoping Kusa is wrong in his assessment, but we should be prepared for the chance that he's correct in his assessment of the situation." Ren sent as Yusuke sent a response.

"I see. It's unfortunate, but I suppose waiting really is our only option for now." Yusuke sent as Makoto sent a response.

"You're right, Yusuke-kun. If anything comes up on my end, though, I'll get in touch with you all. Otherwise, see you tomorrow." Makoto sent as Kusa sent a response.

"Same here. If anything comes up on this end, Taba and I will make sure one of us reaches out to you guys. And Ren, before you ask, Boss asked me to chill with Taba overnight, so I likely won't be home tonight. But if we manage to get through tomorrow safely and succeed in our heist, I'll be home then." Kusa sent as Ren closed the chat. However, right as he went to put his phone away, his phone rang, and his eyes widened when he recognized Maruki's name on the caller ID. Ren then answered it.

"Hello? Ren Amamiya's phone, Ren speaking." Ren said as he answered the phone, listening as Maruki spoke up on the other end.

"Hello, Ren. My apologies for calling so late. This is Maruki, by the way. I'm actually rather close by right now, as it turns out. Would you mind lending me an ear? There's something important that we need to talk about. I feel like it'd be worth both our time for you to hear me out. And, if you do intend to confront me, I believe there's something you have to give me first." Maruki said as Ren spoke up, ignoring the wide-eyed cat laying next to him as he spoke.

"I don't like the idea of confronting you either, but if we must, then so be it. I do agree that I should hear you out first, though. If nothing else, I owe you that much after all we've been through." Ren said bluntly, trying to keep his tone civil. Maruki smiled at this and spoke up.

"Thank you. I'll be at the cafe shortly. See you later." Maruki said as Ren hung up the phone and put it in his pocket, right as Morgana spoke up.

"I caught all of that. Just as we suspected, he knew he'd have to get a calling card." Morgana said as Ren winced before he spoke up.

"I think, if I'm right, we can blame that on Kusa. I recall he once told me he might have let some Metaverse-related info slip to Maruki during a session shortly after the end of Okumura's Palace, so that might have tipped him off to a few things." Ren said as Morgana spoke up.

"If that's true, we can give Kusa a pass in this instance since he was in a bad mental space at that time, given that the session in question was likely right after he had to watch Black Mask gun down the Shadow of Haru's father right in front of him while all he could do was watch. That said, I have no clue how this meeting is going to go down, so we should be careful. Hey, ah, um, Ren? Just make sure you keep your guard up, okay?" Morgana asked as Ren nodded and spoke up.

"Can do. You be on guard too in case you have to duck out and alert Kusa and Futaba to what's going on so they can reach out to the others, Morgana. You got it?" Ren said to Morgana, who nodded as he spoke up.

"Understood. So, it's finally time to face Maruki. Be careful, but more importantly, be ready for anything." Morgana said to Ren, who stiffly nodded as he took a few breaths to keep his emotions in check before heading towards the steps to prepare Leblanc for the imminent arrival of Maruki. Ren then also pulled out his phone to shoot a private chat to Kusa on a whim.

"If you see this Kusa, Maruki just made contact. He's heading over to Leblanc shortly and will be here anytime. So the calling card is about to get sent tonight. Tell the others to be prepared to finish this tomorrow. Also, have Futaba on standby in case the two of you need to get me some backup out here." Ren sent as Kusa sent a response extremely fast.

"Got it. I'll have the others on stand-by and ready to head over at a moment's notice if needed. However, just a heads-up? Akechi may or may not be heading that way already to help confront Maruki. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to tell you about this beforehand.

Anyways, Akechi asked me to follow him back to his apartment after I beat him at billiards yesterday, so that's why I wasn't home last night, because Akechi and I spent a long time talking. Anyways, it got late by the time we finished our chat. As a result of this, I wound up crashing on the couch at his apartment last night, which is surprisingly close to the train station, hence why I was able to meet up with you for the train this morning." Kusa sent as Ren put his phone away. As Ren went to go downstairs, Morgana spoke up.

"Maruki's finally coming. Are you mentally prepared?" Morgana asked Ren, who spoke up.

"Not really, but I'm as prepared as I'm going to be. Let's go." Ren said to Morgana, who nodded and spoke up.

"Understood. However you respond to Maruki, I trust you. I know you'll make the right decision." Morgana said as Ren headed downstairs with Morgana to wait, and shortly after the two settled into a booth seat, the door opened and Maruki walked in, joining the two at the seat and speaking up.

"Hello. Sorry for the last-minute visit. How's Yoshizawa-san holding up? I've been concerned about a potential relapse, considering her difficulties with accepting this reality." Maruki said as Ren spoke up.

"Don't you worry about Sumire. I trust my girlfriend. She's one tough lady, after all. Not that you'd have had the chance to see that yourself, with what you did to her." Ren said bluntly to Maruki, who winced and spoke up.

"I see. You know, I would love for that to be the truth, Ren. But, regardless of what you might believe, people can't maintain their strength forever, Amamiya-kun." Maruki said as Ren glared at him and spoke up in an icily calm tone.

"Maybe not if they're you, no. But I know in my heart that Sumire has a lot more strength than you give her credit for. Also, even if she does falter, I already promised her that I'd always be there to pick her up if she needed it, so she doesn't have to cope with things alone. She has a very strong support system in not only myself, but the rest of our other friends as well. The only reason I'm not cussing you out right now for what you did is because Sumire herself made a very wise point to me earlier.

She reminded me that even with everything you've done recently, I need to remember the man who was there to help us all during his tenure at Shujin. So out of respect for what we've been through, I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt here. Truth be told, I'd much rather just have our confrontation and be done with it. But I know I can't be so cold and dismissive towards you, out of respect for our friendship." Ren said, looking surprisingly conflicted as Maruki smiled and spoke up.

"I see. So be it. Getting down to business, then. I wanted to confirm with you one last time, Ren. Is there no other way to come to an agreement besides fighting?" Maruki asked as Ren spoke up.

"Not with things as they are, no. I'm truly sorry Doctor Maruki, but with what you've done? I'm afraid that there's simply no way any of us can accept this reality, least of all myself and Sumire. Especially not after how close your so-called ideal reality came to taking Kusa from all of us. If not for his own foresightedness and tactical brilliance, you might have managed to deal us a heavy blow by depriving us of one of our most brilliant tacticians. So, outside of you changing reality back to how it was, no, there's not a way to come to an agreement aside from fighting, sorry to say." Ren said honestly. Maruki frowned as he spoke up.

"I see. Well, the reality I created may seem distorted from your point of view, Ren. But it's a reality where everyone is happy. If you just stay, you'll never have to suffer the pain of loss, or the pain from having people and things stolen away from you!" Maruki said as Ren spoke up with a frown.

"Bullshit! If I stayed, you'd just wipe Kusa from all our minds and take him away from us! So what you just said is a bald-faced lie! And you'd hurt all of us doing that if we stay. Also, how can you say that this reality is where everyone is happy, when I can see in your eyes that you yourself aren't happy, Maruki-san? Also, is this how you coped with the pain of what you lost before? Because I think you're just taking the coward's way out." Ren said bluntly. Maruki's eyes widened in shock at Ren's response, not being able to deny that Ren was correct in what he'd said. Eventually, Maruki winced and spoke up.

"I see. So, somehow, you saw what happened with Rumi. However, what you don't seem to realize is that I'm not the one who suffered that day. She is, and had I not actualized myself out of her life and actualized her memories of her family away, she'd still be suffering to this day! But thanks to what I did, she's still living a wonderful life right now somewhere. And she's doing it in this world that you call a 'distorted reality'." Maruki said as Morgana spoke up.

"But she still doesn't remember you, right? And you're fine with that?" Morgana asked as Maruki nodded his agreement while he spoke up.

"I am. Sure, she may not be in my life anymore, but at least her own life is a happy one now. I'm not just doing this for Rumi, either. I want you all to live just as happily as she is. And as I said before, I have no problems with Kusa returning to you now that you know the truth, if that's what it takes to make you accept my reality. I have no further reason to need him eliminated anymore. But for Rumi's happiness to last, I have to move on without her. After all that's happened to her, and to me, I just can't drag her into it." Maruki said as Morgana winced and spoke up.

"Doc, that's terrible. I really feel for you." Morgana said as Ren spoke up.

"Horrible or not, my stance that he's taking a coward's path in using this reality to push artificially granted happiness on to people will not change. Nor will my anger at him for hurting Sumire the way he did. However, I am still willing to change his heart for him, the only way I know how. And that's something I can do for him, out of respect for our friendship and all we've been through together so far. Even Kusa agrees that changing your heart is for the best." Ren said as Maruki spoke up.

"I see. Be that as it may Ren, my stance will not change either. I intend to push forward with my reality no matter what. So it seems we're at an impasse that can only be resolved by conflict. Strange circumstances have led to my gaining this power that I have now. However, I now recognize it as being wholly inevitable. This is something that only I am capable of doing. I promise you, Ren. Every person alive will be happy in the world I create for them. So, let me ask you the same thing. After really considering every option, do you have any doubts about your views?" Maruki asked Ren, who frowned and spoke up.

"What are you getting at, Maruki?" Ren asked, not amused by Maruki trying to give him the run-around. Maruki smirked as he turned to the door and spoke up, shocking Ren with what he said next.

"Heh, I suppose it's more accurate to ask, 'Do you three gentlemen have any doubts?' You're both here right now, aren't you? Kusa-kun and Akechi-kun." Maruki said as the door opened up and sure enough, both Kusa and Akechi walked in, the former shooting Maruki an unimpressed frown as Morgana spoke up, ignoring the shocked look on Ren's face at both Kusa and Akechi showing up at that point as he spoke.

"Oh! Akechi and Kusa, you're both here?" Morgana asked. Akechi nodded to Morgana's question before turning to Maruki and speaking up, smirking at the stunned look on Ren's face as he spoke.

"Very well done. You caught me, or rather, you caught us. Though in Kusa's case, he came to make sure things didn't end up messy over here. Maybe he knew that both Ren and I have every reason to hate you for what you've done, and just as much reason to end you where you stand. However, we won't, mostly because you're not worth the effort. But also because I'm not trying to let my life be controlled by anger and vengeance any longer. That does not mean, however, that I agree with your stance at all, because I don't." Akechi said as Kusa smiled at Akechi's words and spoke up.

"And I respect you for that statement, Akechi-kun. I won't lie, though. I came over here to also ensure this goes smoothly. But I also had things to say to the good doctor here. Not that he deserves to have the title of 'Doctor' after what he's done recently, but I digress." Kusa said as Maruki spoke up with a smirk.

"Your opinion of me is noted, Kusa. And Akechi? Oh, it was just a hunch." Maruki said to Akechi and Kusa before turning to face Ren as he spoke up.

"This issue doesn't only affect you, Amamiya-kun the elder. Akechi-kun, this involves you, too." Maruki said as Ren spoke up in shock.

"Akechi's involved in this too, you say? That's news to me." Ren said in mock-surprise. Akechi winced at this and spoke up, realizing this was coming dangerously close to requiring Akechi to let Ren in the loop on what he and Kusa had previously discussed between the two of them. Morgana frowned at this and spoke up.

"Wait, Akechi-kun is involved in this as well? What do Ren and Akechi have to do with this?" Morgana asked as Maruki smirked and spoke up.

"That's a good question, Morgana. As for you, Ren, the relationship you and Akechi share is very unusual, to say the least. A detective and a phantom thief. Despite beign enemies in most regards, your relationship isn't based on hatred or ill will in the slightest. So that's why I found it so tragic when I heard you and the others discussing what went down in Shido's Palace. Technically, with how that played out, you could also argue that Amamiya-kun the younger over there is also involved, since the consequences of that day involved him as well to some extent." Maruki said as a flashback played of the day that Akechi confronted his cognitive clone.

(Flashback, in Shido's Palace, after Crow shot down the wall to block the others from stopping him and the cognitive clone of himself, who shall henceforth be referred to as 'Akechi', with Crow, Akechi, and Draconis)

"Ugh. You-! You bastard!" Akechi said as Crow scoffed and spoke up derisively.

"So, my final enemy is a puppet version of myself, is it? Seems both ironic and accurate at the same time that I'd be my own worst enemy, in most senses of the word. I regret nothing, though. I give this life freely in the hopes that it can begin to atone for what I've done." Crow said as he prepared to exchange fatal shots with his clone, but at the same time that both fired, a whizzing sound could be heard as a throwing knife flew into view as a familiar voice spoke up.

"I don't think so, asshole! The only one allowed to take Crow out around here is ME!" Draconis said as his throwing knife easily deflected Akechi's bullet, allowing Crow's to sail on and embed itself in the torso of a stunned Akechi, who slumped over and groaned as he spoke up.

"D-Dammit! So, in the end, it is I who is the one going down in defeat. I see. Mayhaps you have hope for redemption yet, Crow. Thank your savior over there, as he's bought you a stay of execution for now. But eventually, what you've done will catch back up to you in the end. So don't think you've escaped answering for your crimes! You still have that reckoning coming! So make peace with whatever higher power you can now, while you can!" Akechi snarled before grunting as he dissolved into black mist, at which point Crow turned to Draconis and spoke up.

"Draconis!? How are you here!? I thought I had all of you trapped on the other side of that wall?" Crow asked as Draconis dryly laughed and spoke up.

"That would be true, Crow. Except for you once again being a short-sighted fool and overlooking the small detail that would be your spur-of-the-moment decision to have Loki blast me into the room behind you when you told him to get rid of me. If not for the fact I used my arm to break my fall, I'd probably be hurt even worse than I am now. However, I got lucky to only hurt my arm, since I heard something pop in my left arm as I landed. Fortunately, my right arm is my dominant arm, so it's not that much of a setback.

That said, you're very lucky that you did strand me back here, Crow. Otherwise, you would likely be dead right now with your clone. So you're welcome for basically saving your ass. Don't think this means I've forgiven you for what you've done to both Joker and Oracle, though. Never mind what you put poor Noir and the others through. But for now, let's put that to the side so we can get out of here before anything else shows up." Draconis said as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"Agreed. But can you safely get out with a bad arm, Draconis?" Crow asked, noting that Draconis had used the empty sheath for his staff to improvise a make-shift sling for his bad arm that he set the arm in. Draconis smirked slyly before he spoke up, hoping that Crow didn't notice the slight wince in his expression while he spoke.

"I can make it out fine, Crow. But I'm not gonna leave you here to die. You don't get to take the coward's way out, dammit! You owe it to everyone you've wronged to survive this day and own up to what you've done! Only by facing up to what you've done can you begin to try and find potential redemption and absolution, Crow!" Draconis said as Crow gritted his teeth but nodded his agreement as he spoke up in a resolute tone.

"You know? You're right. It's high time that I stop trying to escape from my crimes. Let's escape together so I can get you back to the others and then turn myself in for what I've done." Crow said as Draconis nodded, using his free arm to whisk the two to the entrance with a Goho-M he'd stashed, after which the two exited the Metaverse together using Draconis' phone...

(End flashback, back in the present, with Ren, Morgana, Maruki, Kusa, and Akechi)

"Say, Amamiya-kun the elder? Didn't you regret how things ended last time? You two came to a deep understanding of one another that day, yet you had no choice but to leave Akechi-kun and Kusa-kun both to their fate. And that's why I created a reality where you two could have a fresh start together." Maruki said as Ren and Morgana gasped and spoke up as another flashback played of Akechi, wherein he gasped in surprise after hearing Ren mention his glove, calling Ren a fool for having only that to say after all they'd been through together. Morgana gasped as the flashback ended and spoke up.

"No! If what Maruki says is true, that would mean the Akechi in the real world is dead." Morgana said as Kusa and Akechi exchanged a wince at this, the former speaking up.

"I dunno about that one, Morgana. After all, if that were true, wouldn't that imply that I myself died too? Yet, you saw for yourself that I am very much alive and well, irrespective of whatever Maruki's crazy ass says. So I don't think you should blindly trust what he says about this." Kusa said as Akechi nodded his agreement. Maruki frowned as he looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Whatever you say, Amamiya-kun the younger. Amamiya-kun the elder, do you get what I'm saying? I genuinely didn't want to tell you like this. I didn't want to make it seem like I'm holding him hostage or anything." Maruki said as Kusa frowned at that and spoke up.

"Oh, you mean like how you ACTUALLY held me hostage in that effing detention level, and then had your minions leave me for dead!? That's both rich and very hypocritical of you to say that to Ren, Doc." Kusa said irately as Maruki spoke up as if Kusa hadn't interrupted.

"But no matter what you may think of me, I just want you all to accept this reality and move on with your happy lives." Maruki said as Kusa spoke up, his eyes narrowing dangerously at Maruki as he spoke.

"AFTER YOU TRIED TO HAVE ME KILLED, YOU WANT US TO ACCEPT YOUR REALITY AND MOVE ON!? Do you know how stupid that sounds? And that's not even talking about the other shit you've done, between the mind-rape you pulled on Ren's girlfriend, the fact that you had no hesitation or remorse whatsoever about using Akechi as an effing bargaining chip, the dangling the others' ideal realities in their faces and making them basically sacrifice their memories of me to get that happiness, not to mention torturing my little brother over there with a human form that he might not be able to get otherwise? That's so incredibly fucked up, there's not even a word for how absolutely fucked up it is!" Kusa said as Akechi smirked and spoke up.

"Well said, Amamiya-kun the younger. And Maruki? What you just said matters how, exactly?" Akechi asked as Ren gave Akechi a shocked look as he kept speaking.

"Don't tell me that you think dangling my life before us is going to have any impact on our decision. After all, this wouldn't be the first time Ren over there has had to sacrifice me for the greater good. So this shouldn't slow him down one bit." Akechi said as Ren winced at Akechi's words and spoke up.

"You figured out that I was ready to sacrifice you to ensure Shido's downfall before? I wasn't prepared for it almost costing me Kusa, though. That part hurts like hell, by the way. I might not say it a lot, but I do love my brother. No, OUR brother." Ren said honestly. Akechi smirked and spoke up, recalling that he and Kusa both had parts to play in this sequence of events and spoke up.

"Well, I lacked any conclusive evidence of it, but after I fought against you all, I had a gap in my memory that ended with meeting up with Ren again. There were also the cases of Wakaba Isshiki and President Okumura not dying in this reality that you cooked up, Maruki-san. Of course I'd find all of that suspicious." Akechi said as Kusa nodded firmly and spoke up.

"Exactly. Whatever else Akechi-kun might be, stupid isn't on that list. Of course he figured it out. But I'd think the fact that he's helping us out now, deal or not, is proof that he's trying to turn over a new leaf to a point." Kusa said honestly as Maruki winced and spoke up.

"I see. I had a feeling the truth of the matter still wouldn't dissuade you, Akechi-kun. After all, you're not one to bend to anyone's will but your own. But how about you, Amamiya-kun the elder?" Maruki asked as Ren blinked at Maruki, who kept speaking.

"I'm referring to this. 'You think dangling my life before us is going to affect our decision?' That is what Akechi-kun said a moment ago, is it not? Well, if that's how you see it at this point, I'm fine with it, Amamiya-kun the elder. But I'm still going to ask you one last time. Will you accept the reality I create for you? You were the guiding light to my research, as was your brother to a point. You showed me the way so I could make my dream into reality. I have nothing but gratitude for you, Ren. Not a single ounce of ill will. That's why I wanted you, of all people, to understand." Maruki said as Kusa glared at Maruki and spoke up.

"Oh? And what part of this reality you're creating requires me to be left for dead after you took all sorts of energy and blood from me? And you lied to me about keeping Ren and the others safe. Had Morgana and Futaba not shown up with two others to save me when they did, not only would I have likely died from being left to rot, but the others might very well have been annihilated at the hands of that psychotic inverted Shadow of me you had created from my blood and cognitive energy, not to mention you'd have wiped everyone's memories of me had they accepted those absolute crocks of garbage you call ideal realities that you offered each of them.

Luckily for us all, I was able to get there in time to defeat Sinocard, and even re-assimilate him back into myself, before he could destroy the others. So you'll forgive me if I don't instantly accept your idea of an ideal reality right off." Kusa said dryly as Maruki winced and spoke up after seeing Ren nod his agreement with Kusa's words.

"Um, perhaps I shouldn't ask you for an answer on the spot like that, Ren. I'll be going now." Maruki said as Ren spoke up.

"Not so fast, Maruki. You forgot something." Ren said as he tossed the calling card onto the table as Maruki blinked and spoke up.

"Ah, that's right. Almost forgot about this part. Let's see what this says. Ah, here we are. It says:

'To the one who calls himself Doctor Takuto Maruki! We know how you think you're creating a utopia where everyone can be happy and prosperous, but in truth you're creating a false paradise made on the backs of suffering innocents! You were once a great and kind man, but somewhere along the way, you've lost yourself in your desire to be a savior to the masses. And your recent actions are in no way, shape, or form those of a savior. So as painful as it is, we have no choice. We're coming for your distorted desires, Maruki!

And mark my words, THIS IS ONE HEIST THAT WE CANNOT-NO, NOT CANNOT! THIS IS ONE HEIST THAT WE WILL NOT FAIL! So brace yourself, because we're coming, and a reckoning is coming with us! Consider yourself warned, Doctor. -Best regards, the Phantom Crew, aka the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. P.S.: The venerable Draconis adds his regrets that this is even necessary, but also says that he hopes you can be shown the error of your ways so that you can atone for your crimes once your heart is changed.' Very well, I've heard your calling. And it's nice to know you still care, Kusa." Maruki said, shocking Kusa with his statement that he knew Kusa wrote the card as Maruki's security level shot through the roof. Afterwards, Maruki looked at Ren and spoke up.

"And, about my question I posed just now? Let's do this. I'll be waiting in the Palace tomorrow, just as I promised. If you still haven't changed your mind by then, we'll meet there, gentlemen. But if you don't show, I'll take that to mean you've accepted my reality. Well, I'll see you when I see you." Maruki said as he left, ignoring the parting shot Kusa flung at his retreating back.

"Us? Accept this bullshit phony reality you've concocted!? NOT EFFING HAPPENING! We'll be there, Maruki! So be ready for your reckoning!" Kusa snapped as Morgana looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Um, Ren? What are you gonna do?" Morgana asked Ren as Akechi looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Hmph. Morgana? If I can, I'd like to speak with Ren, alone. You can go wait upstairs with Kusa, and maybe try talking him down before he loses it, since he looks fit to be tied right now." Akechi said as Kusa spoke up after sighing and giving Akechi a deadpan look.

"Oh, shut up, Akechi-kun. You have no room to talk about being livid, Mister 'I'd Love To Tear You Apart Right Now'. But fine, I'll wait with Morgana, if he agrees." Kusa said. Morgana gave Akechi a look of respect as he spoke up.

"Akechi, you're taking this so calmly. If you need to speak to Ren alone, I gotcha. Ren, I'll leave the decision up to you. Let me know when you've reached an answer. C'mon Kusa, let's go wait upstairs and calm you down. I understand that you're agitated right now, but you shouldn't take it out on your brothers, you know." Morgana said as Kusa sighed and nodded as he followed Morgana up to the attic, leaving Akechi and Ren alone. At that point, Akechi looked at Ren and spoke up.

"Let's get something clear right now, Ren. I will carve my own path for myself. I refuse to accept a reality concocted by someone else, stuck under their control for the rest of my days. If I'd wanted that, I'd have followed through when Shido ordered me to kill you all, and especially when he ordered me to kill Morgana." Akechi said as Ren spoke up while giving Akechi a shocked look, both Ren and Akechi either ignoring or not hearing the twin gasps from upstairs at Akechi's previous reveal about Morgana.

"But then, if what Maruki said about you being brought back to life as his actualization of my reality is true, you'll die again, Akechi." Ren said bluntly to Akechi, who glared at Ren and spoke up.

"So what? That's the path I chose. And let's be honest here, Ren. Someone like me, who's caused so much pain, suffering, and misery? What right do I have to even think about living my life while all those I wronged have to live with the suffering I've inflicted upon them? No right, that's what right I have. That said, all you have to do is stick to your guns and challenge Maruki. Or, are you really so spineless and pathetic that you'd fold over some bullshit, trivial threat on my life?

Also, we both know Maruki's lying to try and dissuade you. Think about it. If he brought me back to actualize your reality, what's to say he didn't also bring your brother back the same way? After all, Maruki himself said this involves Kusa too, to an extent. So what's to say that defeating him wouldn't erase us both? I know you know the truth, Ren." Akechi said as Ren winced at the implications of Kusa also being involved in his actualization, but spoke up.

"What you say is true, Akechi. Maruki is likely lying through his teeth. But regardless of whether he's lying or not? Know that I will not fold. Not only do I owe it to you to see this through, I owe it to the rest of the team as well, especially Sumire. I promised her that I'd always be by her side every step of the way. As such, if I folded now, I'd be dooming her to possibly going back to living as Kasumi for the rest of her life. And that is something that I refuse to let happen. So I will not fold." Ren said firmly. Akechi smiled approvingly and nodded as he spoke up.

"Good. Then you already know what needs to be done, don't you? Even so, I want to hear you say it aloud. What do you intend to do?" Akechi asked Ren, who considered the situation carefully. On the one hand, if the team fights against Maruki and wins, they'd be able to get back to their original reality as they know it. But if they do so, there's a risk that both Akechi and Kusa could be lost to them forever. Akechi saw Ren's hesitation and kept speaking while staring Ren in the eyes.

"Ren, I won't wait a moment longer. Answer me." Akechi asked as Ren spoke up.

"You want my answer? Here it is! We're going to tell Maruki where to shove his offer, and then we're gonna stop that bastard! If doing so means I risk losing you and Kusa in the process? So be it! I've already had to make that choice once before, when we all fought Yaldabaoth before. So I'm prepared to say good-bye to you both if necessary, even if it'll be incredibly painful. But regardless, I owe it to you to see this mission through to the end, Akechi." Ren said as Akechi smiled and spoke up.

"All right then. I'm relieved to hear it. Also, between us? Maruki actually was lying. I can say for a fact that Kusa did not die that day. As for my fate? I'll keep that to myself for now. Consider that extra motivation to win tomorrow, Ren. I'll even make you a deal, here and now. If you can defeat Maruki, and get reality back? The day we meet again, I'll tell you the truth of what really happened that day. And I'll have Kusa with me when I do, since parts of it involve him as well." Akechi said as he kept speaking.

"That said, I will never accept this form of reality. I'm done being manipulated. Let's go back, Ren. Back to our true reality." Akechi said as the camera zoomed into an inside view of Akechi's heart where Robin Hood and Loki appeared, nodding to one another before fusing together in a flash of blue light. When the light receded, in place of Robin Hood and Loki stood a singular being, a very imposing-looking being with a silver and black crossbow in one hand with a red section across the middle where a large red and black arrow was mounted.

As for the being itself, it wore a very red and black ensemble, with silver boots, and a silver belt with twin hip packs that were red and silver, and a black and red chest piece with solid black shoulder pads, along with a bat-shaped black mask over the being's face, behind which you could clearly see the piercing red eyes that looked straight ahead, his free hand pumped into a fist as Akechi spoke up.

"This is great, Ren! At last, my true power is unleashed! I feel so alive! I'll sow chaos as far as the eye can see!" Akechi said as the group's phones pinged to signify that Akechi's 'Loki' Persona had transformed into 'Hereward'. Aftewards, Akechi spoke up with a grim smile on his face.

"Let's be honest right now, Ren. What's a life worth in a reality that was cooked up just to satisfy someone else? As I said before, I say it has no worth. Don't forget, Ren. We HAVE to win this! No matter what! You yourself said you swore to be there for Sumire, so think of winning this as the first step towards that vow. And since you never really said before, do you accept the deal I offered you? Defeat Maruki, and when the time comes, Kusa and I will explain everything to you." Akechi said to Ren, who spoke up.

"You have a deal, Akechi. And if we fail to defeat him, we deserve whatever happens to us afterwards for not being sufficiently prepared to face Maruki." Ren said firmly as the two shook hands to seal their agreement. After Akechi turned and left, Ren noted to himself there was no turning back now for him. He'd resolved to fight Maruki, and he meant to stick to it. As Ren went upstairs to tell Kusa and Morgana that it was all clear and to tell them of his and Akechi's decision, the screen cut to a shot of Hereward's skills screen, revealing that his transformation had given Hereward access to the mighty Colossal-tier Almighty skill 'Rebellion Blade'... *4*

(The next afternoon, after school, in the attic of Leblanc, with Morgana, Ann, Akechi, Yusuke, Makoto, Ryuji, Haru, Futaba, Kusa, Sumire, and Ren)

"All right, we're all here." Makoto said as Haru nodded and spoke up.

"Yep. It's time, everyone! Our final battle starts today! We have to change Maruki's heart, or go down trying!" Haru said as Morgana spoke up.

"Since a lot happened last night, and all of us forgot to fill you in, Maruki came by Leblanc last night. We gave him the calling card at that point, and some tempers may have flared in the process." Morgana said, turning to give a wincing Ren and Kusa a pointed look as he finished speaking, the latter speaking up sheepishly.

"Y-Yeah, my bad, Morgana-sensei. I might have let my temper get away from me when I heard what Maruki had to say for himself. But I don't regret anything I said!" Kusa said as Ren gave Kusa and Akechi an appraising look, wondering idly what sort of explanation he'd get from the two if the group successfully changed Maruki's heart. Akechi then spoke up.

"What Morgana fails to mention is that Ren and I reached an agreement of sorts last night, and we're both resolved to see this through no matter what, as is Kusa. But in any case, I doubt Maruki is still interested in discussion. You realize there's no backing out now, right?" Akechi asked as Ryuji chuckled and spoke up.

"Heh, truth! Ain't no way we're gonna run now! We're gonna confront Doc in his own Palace, show him what's up, and then go back to our own reality when we're done, right Ren?" Ryuji asked Ren, who spoke up.

"Damn right! Let's do this." Ren said firmly, mostly to not think about the questions currently in his mind. Sumire nodded her agreement with Ren and spoke up.

"Right!" Sumire said as Yusuke frowned and spoke up.

"It appears we're all ready." Yusuke said as Kusa spoke up.

"Of course we're all ready, Yusuke. I don't think a single one of us is unprepared to change Maruki's heart. And hopefully that calling card I wrote drove that point home for him. I might still have a lot of respect and appreciation for him for what he's done for us to this point, but that does NOT mean I intend to let him get away with what he's done recently." Kusa said firmly as Morgana nodded and spoke up.

"Well said, Kusa! It's time to take back what belongs to us, everyone! We're taking back our own reality!" Morgana said as the others nodded their agreement before everyone headed into the Metaverse...

(Inside the Metaverse, with Joker, Mona, Panther, Skull, Violet, Fox, Queen, Crow, Draconis, Oracle, and Noir)

As the group entered the Metaverse, they exchanged a solemn nod, knowing that this was it. One way or another, their final mission was coming to an end by the end of the day. The group then charged forward, resolved to change Maruki's heart no matter what. After fast-traveling to the 'Twilight Corridor Prep Room' safe room, the group sprinted to the nearby elevator, taking it up to the 'Garden of Eden', where Maruki's voice could be heard as they entered the garden over an intercom.

"Greetings, Phantom Thieves. I see you made it. Come on up, everyone. I'll meet with you at the center of paradise." Maruki's voice said as a flash of light ensued, and when the group could see again, they saw a spiraling staircase formed around the nearby tree, revealing their path forward. Crow then scoffed and spoke up.

"Hmph. Well, we can finally move on now that we've got some stairs." Crow said as Draconis nodded and spoke up, a dark sort of smirk on his face as he spoke.

"Indeed. Time to go put that madman in his place and show him what a mistake he made in trying to challenge us." Draconis said eagerly as Crow nodded and spoke up.

"I concur, Draconis. Let's end this farce, once and for all." Crow said as Violet nodded and spoke up with a frown.

"Hm? Ah, yes. Right!" Violet said as the group charged forward to start taking the stairs up, steeling their resolve as they did so. As the group started ascending the stairs, Mona spoke up.

"Joker! Once we pass through here, we won't have any choice but to confront Maruki. So are you ready, Joker?" Mona asked as Joker nodded.

"Absolutely. This is no longer time for hesitation. This is now time for action. Now is the time we put Maruki in his place and change his heart!" Joker said firmly as Mona, Draconis and Crow gave approving nods as the others smiled at the resolve shown by Joker, while Mona spoke up.

"All right then. Let's do it!" Mona said as Joker used his grappling hook to zipline up the tree to the rest of the staircase, taking it up as the group kept moving. As the group scaled the steps, Skull spoke up with a grin.

"All right! It's time to change the Doc's heart. Let's get pumped and do this thing right!" Skull said as Mona smirked and spoke up.

"True, but try and exercise some patience this time, all right Skull?" Mona said as Skull frowned and spoke up.

"Shut up, cat! That's not going to happen." Skull said as Draconis sighed at Skull's usual antics before he spoke up.

"I can't even yell at you for that anymore, which is the sad part. But let's stay focused here. We're here to change Maruki's heart. But Skull, at least TRY to respect Mona-sensei, will you?" Draconis asked as Noir giggled and spoke up.

"Some things never change, do they? But in any case, if we just do things as we've always done them, we should be fine." Noir said as the group kept moving. After a bit, Violet gasped and spoke up.

"Joker, look! I can see the top! We're almost there!" Violet said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Good. The sooner we can put an end to this, the sooner we can all start settling back into our proper reality. Let's go change this guy's heart, together!" Joker said as the others nodded, running the rest of the steps together. After reaching the top, the group found themselves in a room filled with ominous looking flower buds, and in the middle of the room, Maruki's Shadow stood, his back to the group as he spoke up.

"Once again, thank you for coming. Even you two, Crow and Draconis. Well, it looks like I have your answer." Maruki's Shadow said as Draconis scoffed and spoke up.

"You say that like we were gonna change our minds since last night, Doc. But you fail to realize something. In the Phantom Thieves, we do not back down once our mind is made up about something. And, to be honest? Our minds have unanimously been set on changing your heart and taking back our reality since you tried to take me and Violet out of the picture last month. You see, Doc, the Phantom Thieves do not take kindly to you attacking our team members.

So, no matter that you're a good friend to most of us or not, you leave us no choice but to change your heart by force. It's not ideal in any sense of the word, but in the end it's an outcome that was decided strictly by YOUR decisions and actions. So you brought this on yourself." Draconis said bluntly as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Draconis is right. We're sure of ourselves as well. That said, I'm sorry it's come to this, but it's the right thing to do, Doc. But know it's the roughest choice I've had to make since your actions forced me to have to fight my girlfriend to bring her to her senses." Joker said flatly. Maruki looked at the gathered group before he frowned and spoke up.

"Don't apologize, Joker. All this means is that we both have something we can't allow to fail. Let's begin. Just to recap, the terms of our battle are thus. If you win, my heart will be changed, as you desire. However, if I win this battle, then my reality becomes the true reality. I will overwrite all of existence with my own cognition. As such, I'm not holding back anymore!" Maruki said resolutely as the group felt an ominous pulse in the nearby area, which shoo as Panther spoke up with a shocked look on her face.

"Wh-What the heck?" Panther said as Maruki spoke up in a resolved tone.

"Know this, Phantom Thieves! Just as you have your own beliefs you fight for? I, too, have no intention of changing my plans for reality. No matter what happens to me in the end, I will fix this torturous world! That, Phantom Thieves, is my own rebellion!" Maruki said defiantly as two things happened in that moment. First, his apparel changed in a flash of light. And the second thing was the audible sounds of an echoing guitar sequence which started playing while Maruki's attire changed. Fox blinked at the turn of events and spoke up. *5*

"His apparel just changed!" Fox said as the group took in Maruki's new attire. Where once he wore a white business suit, he now wore a mostly good outfit with a flowing gold mask that put both Crow and Draconis to the opinion that Maruki's transformed attire was resemblant to that of a pope-type figure. As the gold leggings ended, Maruki's feet were clad in white metallic boots, his hands still covered with white gloves, his right hand holding a spiked staff in it as he looked at the Phantom Thieves and spoke up, shocking them with what he said next.

"And I believe you called your power forth like this? PERSONA!" Maruki said, proceeding to shock the group as he whipped the giant gold mask off, to reveal what appeared to be a golden cross with a mass of black/blue tentacles flowing from it. At that point, a wide-eyed Mona spoke up.

"No way, is this real? So Maruki really does have a Persona!" Mona said as Draconis spoke up.

"Yes, he does. But can he use it effectively? That will be what makes the difference in this clash!" Draconis pointed out as Maruki laughed and spoke up.

"Oh, I know how to use it, all right. Also, I'd regret not pointing this out to you, Phantom Thieves! You shouldn't mistake our powers as being equal." Maruki said as Crow laughed and spoke up.

"Obviously. As if our powers would be equal to those of an inexperienced little pissant like you, Maruki. Besides, I highly doubt that that THING is going to stand a chance against our array of mighty Personas." Crow said dryly as Maruki dryly scoffed and turned away while speaking up.

"So you say, Crow. Hmph. It's time, Azathoth. Let us settle this dispute, here and now! Our final battle has come." Maruki said as the battle started! While the battle started, Maruki gave the group a defiant glare and spoke up.

"I do not fear you, Phantom Thieves! Like you all, my Persona guides me!" Maruki said as Violet frowned at Maruki and spoke up.

"Doctor Maruki, you really have changed, haven't you? You used to be such a kind, warm-hearted man. Now, you're just this power-crazed madman who's blinded himself to the truth of his actions, clinging to the justification that it's for the greater good and making others happy. But in reality, you're causing untold amounts of suffering to the masses with your ambitions! Please let us change your heart so you can open your eyes to what you're really doing!" Violet said as Maruki scoffed and spoke up.

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this, Violet. Please try and understand." Maruki said as he and Azathoth prepared for battle. Oracle winced and spoke up.

"Incoming, guys! Get ready!" Oracle said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Got it. Everyone! Prepare to summon your Personas for a counter-offensive! This time, everyone's joining the fray! So all of you get ready to help fight this thing!" Joker said as the group nodded. Joker then kept speaking.

"I'll start! LUCIFER! COME FORTH AND SMITE THIS FOOL!" Joker said as he summoned his 'Lucifer' Persona, who nodded and snapped a finger, making a massive burst of Almighty energy rain down and deal tremendous damage to Maruki, Azathoth, and the array of tentacles shielding the former, clocking tremendous damage to Azathoth and the tentacles, the former of which jumped in front of Maruki to shield him from damage, making a wide-eyed Oracle speak up.

"WHAT!? The Persona shielded him!?" Oracle said as Draconis spoke up.

"Of course it did. Much like us, Maruki no doubt has a tight bond with that Persona, so this is not gonna be an easy fight! But that's fine, because we're all resolved to give this all we have, too. Aren't we, guys!?" Draconis said as the others nodded and spoke up.

"RIGHT!" The rest of the group said as Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, and Draconis all spoke up at once.

"SHOW YOUR MIGHT, DIEGO!/LET'S GO, SEITEN TAISEI!/LET'S DANCE, HECATE!/KAMU-SUSANO-O! STRIKE!/CHARGE, ANAT!/COME, ASTARTE!/ENLIGHTEN THIS MISGUIDED FOOL, ALBUS!/TO ME, HEREWARD!/DANCE, ELLA!/DESCEND TO THE BATTLEFIELD, MALEFOR!" Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Noir, Oracle, Crow, Violet, and Draconis said as they summoned their respective Personas to the battlefield. Oracle then groaned as she spoke up.

"Ugh. Either way? This Persona's definitely trouble with a capital T." Oracle said. Draconis smirked as he spoke up.

"Not if you know how to contain it, it's not. And fortunately for us, Maruki overlooked the fact that his ambitions powered up my Persona into a literal fire-breathing dragon. So if nothing else, Malefor should be able to at least thin the enemy's numbers a bit. Let's try that now, I think. MALEFOR, MANIFEST YOUR RAGE!" Draconis said, pointing towards Maruki as Malefor nodded and threw his head back before breathing out a massive torrent of Almighty fire, doing massive damage to Maruki, Azathoth and the tentacles, destroying the latter, and leaving just Maruki and Azathoth, at which point Crow and Joker looked at one another and spoke up.

"Joker! Let's show this fool what we can do, yeah?" Crow said as Joker nodded and spoke up.

"Right there with ya, Crow! Let's do it!" Joker said as Crow nodded and the two spoke up as one.

"HA! IT'S SHOWTIME!" Crow and Joker said as they charged together towards Maruki, while their Showtime started. At that point, Crow spoke up.

"UGH! OUTTA MY WAY!" Crow said as he rushed towards Azathoth, preparing to hack at every inch of the tentacled Persona he could reach, Joker ziplined over Crow's head, speaking up as he flipped towards Crow.

"CROW! LET HIM HAVE IT!" Joker said as Crow smirked and spoke up.

"Gladly. I'll break them!" Crow said as he started angrily slashing at Azathoth while he kept speaking.

"AHAHAHAHA! I'VE NEVER FELT SO ALIVE! I LIVE FOR THIS!" Crow said as he chopped and slashed at Azathoth, right as Joker flipped down and shot Azathoth point-blank with his pistol, making Crow speak up as the Showtime logged good damage on Azathoth.

"Pathetic. Not worth my time!" Crow said as he and Joker walked off like badasses to end the Showtime. At that point, Maruki laughed mockingly and spoke up.

"Heh, not bad, Phantom Thieves. But, we've only just begun!" Maruki said as Azathoth floated upwards and sprouted even more tentacles as Maruki spoke up.

"So, let's move on!" Maruki said as Oracle gasped and spoke up.

"Huh? He's getting stronger!? Be careful!" Oracle said as Maruki threw a hand outwards, causing an ominous blue light to flash for a bit. When the group could see again, Oracle spoke up.

"Nnh, that wasn't fun. Wait, what was that just now?" Oracle said as the fight continued. After a few attacks were exchanged, including Maruki stubbornly lashing out with a combo of raining seeds via Azathoth, flashes of light, and even lashes from the tentacles, which clocked massive damage to the group that Mona, Queen, and Panther all worked together to heal off. After that, Maruki spoke up while looking at Mona.

"Morgana-kun! I know how you truly feel deep down, and there's no need to fear your differences anymore! Don't worry about your fears and insecurities. You don't have to explain anything to me. All I have to do to help you is merely imagine it!" Maruki said as Draconis growled at him and spoke up.

"Shut your mouth, Maruki! You don't get to come in here and try to turn us against one another with your honeyed words! It's bad enough you tried to turn Joker and Violet against one another! Luckily for them, Joker's resilient enough not to give up his girlfriend without a fight, which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for YOU! The others told me about how you just sat back and wiped Rumi's memories of what you two had, and made her forget her family.

Basically, you did to her what you did to Violet, but worse, since you actually made Rumi forget about her own family! Not unlike how you attempted to wipe the others' memories of me! So kindly take your honeyed words, stick 'em where the sun don't shine, and then SHUT UP!" Draconis said as Mona spoke up, while the rest of the group blinked at the candid turn of phrase used by Draconis.

"Easy, Draconis, I can handle myself. But thank you, brother." Mona said as he glared at Maruki and kept speaking.

"However, I agree with Draconis on his assessment of you! Also, I don't care what I look like anymore! I'm always going to be myself, even if it's in the form of a cat!" Mona said as the fight continued. Joker and Draconis nodded, having their Personas use their strongest moves, dealing considerable damage to the enemy. After a bit, Mona looked at Noir and spoke up.

"It's been a bit since we broke out our moves, Noir. Shall we show these guys what for?" Mona asked as Noir smiled and spoke up.

"I agree, Mona-chan! Let's go!" Noir said as Mona and Noir spoke up as one.

"HA! IT'S SHOWTIME!" Noir and Mona said as their Showtime started! As Noir leapt off the nearby rooftop towards Mona, she spoke up.

"Mona-chan, that's our cue!" Noir said as Mona nodded and spoke up.

"Right! TRANSFOOOORM!" Mona said as he shifted into the Mona-bus, riding over in time for Noir to nimbly land on the roof of the Mona-bus, aiming her rocket launcher at Azathoth while she spoke up.

"Sorry, but you've been bad! Time to punish you!" Noir said, firing several rockets at Azathoth, which did considerable damage as the Showtime ended while the Mona-bus crashed into Azathoth. After the Showtime, Maruki turned towards the group before he looked at Violet and spoke up.

"Yoshizawa-san! That pain you're suffering through must be rough! It must be impossible to move on! I want to save you from that awful life!" Maruki said as Draconis and Joker both spoke up together while glaring at Maruki.

"BULLSHIT!" Joker and Draconis snapped as the former kept speaking.

"All you want to do is mind-rape her into thinking she's her sister Kasumi, you sick freaking bastard! Well, not anymore! My girlfriend is NOT just your unwitting plaything to use and abuse to prove your research! I appreciate everything that you've done for us so far, but I will not stand by and let you make Violet suffer any more than you already have!" Joker said as Violet smiled and spoke up.

"Joker, thank you. But I can speak for myself." Violet said kindly as she turned to face Maruki before speaking up resolutely with a frown on her face.

"As for YOU! I won't be swayed by your false promises and temptations any longer! I am myself! I'll never forget that again! I owe that much to Joker and the others after how much they've helped me recently!" Violet said as the battle resumed. At that point, the group used their strongest attacks to once again eliminate the tentacles and clock good damage on Maruki and Azathoth, as the former of the two spoke up.

"I can't deny that you're all strong, but that's exactly what's making you suffer. It's time to end this. I'm going to save all of you!" Maruki's Shadow said as the tentacles receded into Azathoth, right as Oracle frowned and spoke up.

"Crow, be careful! I'm picking up multiple readings beneath you!" Oracle said as Crow growled as the fight continued! After a couple of rounds of clocking damage, Crow winced as a flurry of tentacles shot up from beneath him, launching him off his feet and pelting him over and over with attacks, eventually knocking him to a knee as Mona ran over and healed him. Maruki's Shadow then looked at Crow and spoke up.

"Akechi-kun! Don't throw away your life! If you're with Amamiya-kun and his friends, you could begin to atone for what you've done!" Maruki said as Crow growled and spoke up.

"URGH! Enough of this high-and-mighty bullshit! You're pissing me off!" Crow said as the battle resumed! After Violet, Crow, Draconis, and Joker all pelted Maruki with their strongest attacks, assisted by Oracle and Albus, Maruki winced from the onslaught of attacks that hit him and spoke up.

"Not bad. But we've only just begun! Also, my dream shall not be bested so easily! I shall have a reality where none shall suffer. If you weren't such a fool, you might actually have a place in that reality, Amamiya-kun the younger! But as you do not have an ideal reality for me to create for you, you have no place in my reality! How you can be so content with your life boggles my mind.

I would think you'd be the most eager out of everyone to embrace my reality, given how long you yourself admitted to spending feeling like you were trapped in Joker's shadow! What happened to the Draconis who was prepared to do whatever he had to to make people notice him as more than just Joker's younger brother!? Surely you must realize even now that I can easily make it so that you stand on an equal footing to your brother, if not make it so that he's the one standing in your shadow!" Maruki said as Draconis growled and spoke up.

"Um, what!? Get real! I would never let you do something like that to Joker! He might be a fool most of the time, and he can be hard to live with, but he's still my brother, dammit! And no matter how much he annoys me, I still love him despite that! Same for Crow! We might still be more or less rivals, but I can tell he has the potential to go far, if he can just find someone willing to give him the chance to make amends for his past misdeeds and get a clean slate to live life on his own terms, rather than being slave to some inane vendetta that's consumed most of his young life!

Also, to clarify and answer what you said before. You asked what happened to the version of me that felt like he was trapped in Joker's shadow. By chance, did you mean the old me!? News flash, you deranged effing asshole! You killed that me the day you created Sinocard! He was made of all my darker thoughts, opinions, and feelings! But by setting us up to confront him, I was able to face those darker aspects head-on, conquer them, and make my peace with them! Do they hurt to look at? Yes. But am I going to let them control me any longer!?

HELL NO! I'm going to embrace them and accept them as parts of me, thus allowing me to become stronger! So you can take your attempts to sway us and stick 'em where the sun don't shine! We're gonna change that heart of yours, Maruki! So just accept it now!" Draconis said as Maruki sighed regretfully before he growled and spoke up in frustration.

"So you say! But you underestimate me if you think I will yield so easily! I WILL have my reality! And to realize it? I'm done holding back! I will use all of our power!" Maruki said as he and Azathoth took a hard-hitting stance, making a wide-eyed Mona speak up.

"What the hell!? What are they doing!?" Mona said as Oracle spoke up.

"Be careful! I'm sensing a ridiculous amount of power from his Persona! Joker! You all have to guard this!" Oracle said as Maruki shocked the group when he smirked confidently while he spoke up.

"Heh, don't be foolish! Do you remember how every one of your dreams was granted in my reality? Not a single person is in pain here! Everyone is happy and thriving! Why would you deny them that opportunity?" Maruki asked the group, who huffed at the question as Joker spoke up.

"Not a single person is suffering, you say!? BULLSHIT! For your ambitions, both Violet AND Draconis suffered a great deal, at your hands! You left Draconis for dead in that detention room, and you had Violet suffering under the pain of thinking she was her dead sister, and that on top of rekindling her old feelings of self-guilt for feeling she was the reason her sister died! Not to mention, you almost made the others, excluding myself, Crow, and Violet, suffer the pain of forgetting that Draconis existed!

And that's to say nothing of the pain you caused Sojiro Sakura when he almost thought he'd lost one of the two boys he consideres to be as good as sons to him! So yes, I would say a LOT of people are suffering!" Joker said as he nodded to the others who all called forth their strongest Personas, as eventually the group summoned Raoul, Hereward, Ella, Diego, Malefor, Al Azif, Albus, Seiten Taisei, Hecate, Kamu Susano-O, Anat, and Astarte, who all looked at one another and spoke up, Raoul taking the lead and speaking first.

"LET'S COMBINE OUR POWERS TOGETHER AND STRIKE THE ENEMY!" Raoul said as the other Personas nodded and Raoul kept speaking.

"I'LL START! POWER OF CURSE!" Raoul said as he fired an Eigaon to form a sphere as Diego stepped up.

"TIME TO SHOW MY MIGHT! POWER OF WIND!" Diego said as he fired a Garudyne into the sphere, making it grow as Anat spoke up.

"CHARGE! POWER OF NUKE!" Anat said as she launched an Atomic Flare into the sphere, making it grow larger as Astarte spoke up.

"MY TURN! POWER OF GUN!" Astarte said as she fired a One-Shot Kill into the sphere, making it expand as Kamu Susano-o spoke up.

"AND NOW FOR MY CONTRIBUTION! POWER OF ICE!" Kamu Susano-o said as he fired a Bufudyne into the sphere, making it grow as Hecate spoke up.

"LET'S HEAT THIS UP! POWER OF FIRE!" Hecate said as she launched a Blazing Hell into the sphere, which expanded as Seiten Taisei spoke up.

"GET WRECKED! POWER OF ELEC!" Seiten Taisei said as he shot a Ziodyne into the sphere, making it grow as Loki spoke up.

"VERY WELL, IF I MUST! POWER OF PHYSICAL!" Loki said as he fired his Laevateinn into the sphere, expanding it as Albus spoke up.

"AND NOW TO SHOW YOU THE ERROR OF YOUR WAYS! POWER OF PSY!" Albus said, firing an 'Arcane Bolt' into the sphere, making it expand further as Ella spoke up.

"NOW TO ENCHANT THIS FIGHT! POWER OF BLESS!" Ella said as she fired a Kougaon into the sphere as Malefor grinned ferally and spoke up.

"PERFECT! TIME TO PUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THIS GLORIOUS ORB OF DESTRUCTION! POWER OF ALMIGHTY!" Malefor said as he fired a Draconic Flare into the sphere, making it glow all the colors of the rainbow as all the Personas and the Phantom Thieves spoke up.

"HERE WE GO! PHANTOM ELEMENT BLAST!" Joker, Skull, Mona, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, Draconis, Raoul, Seiten Taisei, Diego, Hecate, Kamu Susano-o, Anat, Al Azif, Albus, Astarte, Hereward, Ella, and Malefor all said as one, firing the massive orb into the enemy formation, incinerating the tentacles on the spot and clocking massive damage to Azathoth and Maruki, the latter of which winced and spoke up.

"Ugh, impressive! I won't fail, however! I CAN'T fail! Even so, I understand the difficulty of accepting such a huge change, but that's nothing more than your fears controlling you! Please, won't you please believe me?" Maruki said as the battle resumed. After a period of failed assaults that downed Crow, Maruki looked at the group and spoke up.

"Suffering and pain bring nothing to people except their ruin! Why would you force yourself into that?" Maruki asked the group in confusion as Draconis spoke up with a growl.

"It's not a concept that a spineless coward like you would be able to understand! You see Maruki, unlike spineless cowards like you, we don't fear failure, much less ruin and destruction! We're willing to risk it all to fight for what we believe in! I remember a time when you were the same way! You never feared anything, and did everything in your power to help those you met.

Yet now, all I see before me is a frightened shell of a man who can only cower and use his power to try and rewrite reality to his liking, all while foolishly convincing himself he's saving the world doing so. I truly pity you, Doc! But I know we can bring back the Doc I got to know! The Doc that I admire and respect! I know that man is still alive in there somewhere!" Draconis said as Maruki angrily gritted his teeth before he huffed and spoke up with a frown.

"Just shut up, Draconis! And please, let me save you all, just this once!" Maruki said desperately as Draconis frowned at this, but Joker spoke up before Draconis could do so.

"And why should we? Your attempts to save us thus far have only brought most of us pain! If anything, we should be the ones asking you to let US save YOU!" Joker said as Oracle nodded and spoke up.

"Joker's right! Can't you see we don't want to hurt you? But you're forcing our hand with your plans of rewriting reality! That is something that we simply cannot allow!" Oracle said as Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"Couldn't have put it better myself, Oracle! Also, I see that Azathoth's strength is weakening. What do you think? Should we finish him off?" Draconis asked Oracle, who nodded and spoke up.

"Gladly. Let's get him!" Oracle said as she and Draconis spoke up as one.

"HA! IT'S SHOWTIME!" Draconis and Oracle said as their Showtime began! Draconis looked at Oracle and Malefor and spoke up.

"ORACLE! MALEFOR! YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!" Draconis said as Oracle and Malefor nodded, the former priming her wrist laser as Al Azif dropped a bomb into her arms which she tossed up to Malefor, who used his flame to light the fuse as Draconis hefted his staff like a bat and prepared to swing, speaking up as he did so.

"HERE WE GO! BATTER UP!" Draconis said as he swung his staff like a bat, connecting solidly with the bomb and sending it hurtling up towards Azathoth, right as Oracle took aim and fired her laser at the bomb and spoke up.

"AND FIRE! MWEHEHE!" Oracle said as the laser blast hit the bomb, making it explode in Azathoth's face as Oracle and Draconis slammed their staves down in unison and spoke up.

"HOW DO YOU LIKE US NOW!?" Draconis and Oracle said as they slammed their staves down at the same time the bomb exploded, making Azathoth slump over while Draconis spoke up.

"I think that got 'em, eh Oracle?" Draconis asked Oracle, who smiled and nodded, cutely winking and giving the camera a thumbs-up as the Showtime ended, at which point a horrified Maruki looked up at the wavering Azathoth and spoke up in a mix of horror and concern.

"No! Azathoth!?" Maruki asked as Azathoth seemed to cease functioning, at which point Oracle spoke up.

"Finally! His Persona can't act anymore! Now's your shot, Joker!" Oracle said as Joker nodded and turned to Draconis before speaking up.

"Draconis! What say we take Maruki down, together?" Joker asked Draconis, who smiled at Joker and spoke up.

"Thought you'd never ask, Joker. EVERYONE! LET'S STRIKE THE FINAL BLOW TO END THIS BATTLE!" Draconis called out as the others nodded and spoke up.

"RIGHT! LET'S GO!" Panther, Skull, Mona, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, and Violet said as the group all spoke up as one.

"HA! IT'S SHOWTIME!" Joker, Mona, Skull, Panther, Fox, Queen, Oracle, Noir, Crow, Violet, and Draconis said as the group Showtime began!

"EVERYONE! FOCUS ON YOUR ARCANA! WE'RE ENDING THIS, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW!" Draconis said as the others nodded and Joker spoke up.

"RIGHT! I'LL START! POWER OF THE FOOL!" Joker said, shooting a dark red burst of energy out to form a sphere as Mona spoke up.

"MY TURN! POWER OF THE MAGICIAN!" Mona said as he shot a forest green burst of energy into the sphere, which expanded as Queen spoke up.

"CHARGE! POWER OF THE HIGH PRIESTESS!" Queen said as she fired a dark blue burst of energy into the sphere as Noir spoke up.

"COME! POWER OF THE EMPRESS!" Noir said as she fired a purple burst of energy into the sphere, which got bigger as Fox spoke up.

"STRIKE! POWER OF THE EMPEROR!" Fox said as he fired a light blue burst of energy into the sphere. Surprisingly, the voice of Sojiro echoed at that point.

"WHO KNEW THAT THINGS WOULD COME TO THIS? WELL, IT DOESN'T MATTER. I'VE GOT YOUR BACK, YOU GUYS! AND HERE'S MY POWER! POWER OF THE HIEROPHANT, GO FORTH!" Sojiro said as a cream-colored burst of energy flew into the sphere as Panther spoke up.

"DANCE! POWER OF THE LOVERS!" Panther said as she fired a burst of pink energy into the sphere as Skull spoke up.

"GET WRECKED BY THE POWER OF THE CHARIOT!" Skull said as a yellow burst of energy flew into the sphere as a disgusted Crow spoke up.

"UGH, I HATE THIS! BUT FINE! FEEL THE POWER OF THE JUSTICE!" Crow said as he fired a khaki burst of energy into the sphere as Oracle spoke up.

"MWEHEHE! BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE HERMIT!" Oracle said as she fired a light green burst of energy into the sphere as a voice Joker recognized as Chihaya's echoed at that point.

"I UNDERSTAND NOW! MY FATE IS ENTWINED WITH THAT OF THE TRICKSTER! SEE THIS! BEHOLD MY POWER OF THE FORTUNE!" Chihaya's voice said as a burst of dark pink energy flew into the sphere as the voice of Lavenza then echoed.

"TRICKSTER! DON'T FALTER NOW! TAKE MY POWER OF THE STRENGTH!" Lavenza's voice echoed as an indigo burst of energy flew into the sphere as Iwai's voice echoed.

"HEH, SO THIS IS WHAT MY GUNS WERE BEING USED FOR!? IMPRESSIVE. NOW TAKE THIS! POWER OF THE HANGED MAN!" Iwai's voice said as a black burst of energy flew into the sphere, shortly before Takemi's voice echoed.

"DON'T YOU GIVE UP NOW, GUINEA PIG OF MINE! IF YOU NEED IT, HERE'S MY POWER OF THE DEATH!" Takemi's voice said as a grey burst of energy flew into the sphere. At that point, Kawakami's voice echoed.

"MASTER! BECKY BELIEVES IN YOU! ACCEPT HER POWERS OF THE TEMPERANCE!" Kawakami's voice echoed as a white burst of energy flew into the sphere as Ohya's voice echoed.

"KID! DON'T YOU LOSE HERE! FEEL THE POWER OF THE DEVIL!" Ohya said as a crimson burst of energy flew into the sphere as Shinya's voice then echoed.

"AMAMIYA-SAN THE ELDER! YOU HELPED ME WHEN I NEEDED IT, SO NOW IT'S MY TURN TO HELP YOU! RECEIVE THE POWER OF THE TOWER!" Shinya's voice said as a golden burst of energy flew into the sphere while Hifumi's voice echoed at that point.

"REN! DON'T CONCEDE! YOU CAN WIN THIS! AND TO PROVE IT, HERE! POWER OF THE STAR!" Hifumi's voice echoed as a teal burst of energy flew into the sphere as Mishima's voice then echoed.

"YOU CAN DO IT, PHANTOM THIEVES! I'M GIVING YOU ALL MY SUPPORT! POWER OF THE MOON!" Mishima said as a light grey burst of energy flew into the sphere while Yoshida's voice echoed at that point.

"DON'T GIVE UP, MY FRIEND! YOU'RE CLOSE TO ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS! ACCEPT MY POWER OF THE SUN!" Yoshida said as an orange burst of energy flew into the sphere as Sae's voice then spoke up.

"I MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO DO MUCH TO HELP YOU ALL, BUT I MEAN TO DO ALL I CAN! FOR NOW, TAKE THE POWER OF THE JUDGEMENT!" Sae said as a dark brown burst of energy hit the sphere before Violet spoke up.

"DOCTOR MARUKI! YOU MIGHT HAVE LOST YOURS, BUT I'LL GIVE YOU SOME OF MINE! POWER OF THE FAITH!" Violet said, firing a red burst of energy into the sphere and making it massive as at that point, the cognitive echo of a woman the group recognized as Maruki's ex-girlfriend Rumi spoke up, causing most everyone's jaws to drop as they listened to Rumi speaking.

"TAKUTO, YOU'VE LOST YOUR WAY! BUT IF I HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE MY POWER TO THIS ATTACK IN ORDER TO BRING YOU TO YOUR SENSES AND GET BACK THE MAN THAT I LOVE, THEN SO BE IT! NOW WITNESS MY POWER! GO, POWER OF THE COUNCILLOR!" Rumi said as a burst of silver energy flew from a confused and horrified Maruki and into the sphere before Draconis slyly smirked and spoke up.

"WOW! LOOK AT ALL THAT GLORIOUS POWER! AND NOW FOR MY FINISHING TOUCH! HA! DO YOU FEEL THIS COLLECTIVE POWER THAT'S AMASSED HERE, MARUKI!? THAT'S THE COMBINED POWER OF THE WORLD! BUT LET ME ADD MY POWER AS WELL! GO, POWER OF THE WORLD!" Draconis said as he fired a dark green burst of energy into the sphere which glowed all the colors of a rainbow and was the size of a small planet. Draconis kept speaking with a smirk.

"And now it's ready! HA!" Draconis said, launching a throwing knife into the sphere, which was absorbed into the throwing knife, which expanded to the size of a two-handed sword as Draconis hefted it and spoke up.

"Perfect! MARUKI! Heed my words and listen well! You think you know the best way to achieve the salvation of mankind! But you're wrong! All you've achieved is showing how much of a frightened coward you've become! Well, I refuse to believe that's all that remains of you! And now to save you from your own misguided ambitions!" Draconis said as he and the others, plus the people who contributed to the sphere, all spoke up.

"HA! UNIVERSAL ARCANA ASSAULT, GO!" Joker, Mona, Queen, Noir, Fox, Sojiro, Panther, Skull, Crow, Oracle, Chihaya, Lavenza, Iwai, Takemi, Kawakami, Ohya, Shinya, Hifumi, Mishima, Yoshida, Sae, Violet, Rumi, and Draconis all called out as the latter swung the sword at the stunned Maruki, hitting him and Azathoth with a wave of rainbow energy, knocking the former of the two onto his back and making the latter crash to the ground with a thud as Draconis stabbed the sword into the ground to end both the Showtime and the battle.

At that point, Azathoth started flickering between visibility and transparency, making a horrified Maruki look at his downed Persona and sigh before he eventually found his voice to speak up.

"Azathoth, is this really it? Have we failed? Did I actually fail?" Maruki said in a mix of resignation and disbelief as a golden torch appeared, making a wide-eyed Panther speak up in disbelief.

"Is that what I think it is?" Panther asked in shock. Mona nodded and spoke up.

"Yep, it is. There's no doubt about it. It's Maruki's Treasure." Mona said as Noir blinked and spoke up.

"But what is it, though? Some sort of a torch?" Noir asked as Draconis spoke up.

"Why doesn't that surprise me that Maruki's distorted ass would have a Treasure that symbolizes his carrying a torch for what he lost?" Draconis said dryly as Crow chuckled and spoke up.

"As apt of an observation as that is Draconis, I don't quite think that's it. As they say, a torch is a light to guide people. So it's possible that it may instead symbolize his perception of himself as the guide for the entire world." Crow said before turning to Joker and speaking up coldly.

"Well? We're here to change his heart, aren't we? Go on, Joker. Take it." Crow aid as Joker nodded and walked forward to seize the torch, thus taking Maruki's Treasure, at which point Maruki looked at the group before he frowned and spoke up.

"So that's how it goes, eh? This is it. This is when my ambitions end in failure." Maruki said in a tone of resignation as at that moment, his Palace started rumbling ominously, while Oracle spoke up.

"This place is collapsing!" Oracle said as Fox nodded and spoke up.

"Right! We'd better take our leave." Fox said as Maruki winced before he sighed and spoke up.

"Rumi, please forgive me. I'm sorry to say I failed. I couldn't change the world after all. No, I'm not finished yet! I can still triumph!" Maruki said in a surprisingly determined tone as a wide-eyed Queen spoke up.

"Hm? OH! Joker, look out!" Queen called in surprise as Joker looked up, swore, and back-flipped out of the way as debris started to fall. Skull swore and spoke up.

"Dammit, this place is coming down! We've gotta book it!" Skull said as Mona turned into the Mona-bus and spoke up.

"Guys! Jump in!" Mona called out as the others filed into the Mona-bus and started fleeing from the collapsing Palace. As the Mona-bus sped away, the group winced at the reckless driving on display. After a bit, the Mona-bus swerved to avoid debris before over-correcting as Queen spoke up.

"That's not good. Everyone, hang on!" Queen called as the Mona-bus slipped off the edge and started free-falling towards the ground as Oracle shrieked and spoke up.

"OH NO! We're faaalliiiiiiing!" Oracle said as Draconis instinctively threw an arm over Oracle's waist to keep her in place as the Mona-bus eventually hit the ground with an 'OOF!'. After landing, the group was ejected from the Mona-bus as it turned back into Mona. Fox then spoke up.

"That was close, everyone." Fox said as Violet gasped and spoke up as she realized an important detail the group had overlooked in their hasty exit.

"Doctor Maruki's still up there. Did we just leave him to die?" Violet asked as Panther spoke up.

"Good question, Violet. This has gone too far past changing someone's heart at this point. Is he even still alive?" Panther asked as Crow blinked, turned behind him and spoke up in surprise after seeing a familiar figure standing above the group.

"Well, looks like THAT isn't a concern." Crow said as the group turned around, all looking shocked at the sight of Maruki approaching them, standing proud above them as he looked down and spoke up.

"Sorry, but I won't admit defeat just yet." Maruki said in a resolved tone as Joker spoke up.

"Please, Doc. Stop this. We've already fought it out and you lost fair and square. Just accept defeat and give this up! We don't want to hurt you any more than we absolutely have to." Joker said. Maruki sighed regretfully before he frowned and spoke up.

"I'm sorry, but you know I can't do that. I've been chosen by the world itself to be its savior. Granting this wish is my responsibility!" Maruki said disappointedly before dropping his staff and using that hand to summon his Treasure back to him, where it zoomed out of a shocked Joker's hands and into his own outstretched hand. A wide-eyed Skull spoke up.

"Wait? The hell!?" Skull said as Panther gasped and spoke up.

"Ah! He just took back the Treasure!" Panther said as Maruki frowned before he grunted and flicked his Treasure upright as Azathoth appeared and was bathed in a golden light as Panther gasped and spoke up.

"Ah! Isn't that Azathoth!?" Panther said as a wide-eyed Draconis nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah, it is. But how can that be!? I destroyed it, I thought?" Draconis said in surprise. At that point, the golden light flashed over Azathoth, making its tentacles form together and slowly morph themselves into arms and legs, as Azathoth started taking on a much more humanoid form, as a slow-paced piano solo started playing in the background, eventually showing Azathoth gaining a head and body as a horrified Oracle spoke up. *6*

"No way, is it doing what I think it is!? You can't be serious! Even he has THAT power!?" Oracle said as Draconis swore and spoke up.

"SHIT! I think he is, Oracle! But then again, we can't really be that surprised he has the same potential we all do. After all, we were all able to transform our Personas, so is it that unusual that he can do the same?" Draconis said as a golden armor appeared over the new form of Azathoth as a horrified Mona spoke up.

"I can't believe it! Maruki's actually gotten stronger! And worse, he's done what we took months to accomplish! He evolved his Persona!" Mona said as Fox nodded and spoke up in awe.

"My word. Such strength of will he has." Fox said as Maruki then got the group's attention as he raised his voice and spoke up in a defiant yet resolved tone.

"Hear me, Phantom Thieves! If it's for everyone's happiness, I don't care what happens to me. Don't resist me, please. Just accept it. With my power, no, not just my power. With mine and Adam Kadmon's together, our reality is nigh!" Maruki said in a tone that was a mix of defiant, resolute, and even slightly regretful as another fight started. As the fight started, Maruki looked at the group and spoke up.

"Joker! I refuse to let it end like this between us! I will not be denied my reality, no matter what it takes! So, here goes! ADAM KADMON! Guide us all to our ideal reality!" Maruki said determinedly as Violet frowned and spoke up.

"Doctor Maruki! You're wrong! Any reality you create will be far from ideal! Surely you must realize that?" Violet said as Joker nodded his agreement of Violet's words and spoke up.

"She's right, you know. Also? We'll decide our own reality, thank you. So stop resisting and accept that you can't have your ideal reality!" Joker said. Oracle nodded as she spoke up.

"Yeah, we all agree! We refuse to let it end any other way, too!" Oracle said as Maruki sighed, before turning to face the group as he reluctantly spoke up.

"I see. Very well, then. PERSONA!" Maruki said as he was healed by his Persona while the fight began! At that point, Joker and Draconis exchanged nods as the former spoke up.

"Draconis! You and Crow concentrate on spreading damage quickly! Queen, Noir, Violet! You three focus on buffs and/or debuffs! The rest of us will try to identify his elemental affinities! Let's do this!" Joker said as the group nodded, throwing around lots of attacks to gauge what weaknesses, if any, Maruki and/or Maruki's evolved Persona might have. As it turned out, he seemed to have none. After a bit, Maruki turned to his evolved Persona and spoke up.

"Adam Kadmon! Lend me your strength to end this conflict!" Maruki said. The now-named Adam Kadmon nodded and used an attack called 'Revitalize Soul' to drain a bunch of health from the group while massively healing Maruki. After healing off the damage, Joker looked at Violet and spoke up.

"I know you probably don't want to do this right now, but should we break out our special move and try to log a lot of damage on Maruki if we can?" Joker asked Violet, who smiled at Joker and spoke up.

"Joker? I'd love nothing more! Let's do it!" Violet said as Joker nodded and the two spoke up.

"HA! IT'S SHOWTIME!" Joker and Violet said as their Showtime began! Violet smiled at Joker and spoke up.

"Joker, if you'd be so kind?" Violet asked as Joker nodded, smiling as he scooped up Violet bridal-style and ziplined in the air as the two fired their guns at a shocked Maruki, pelting him with gunfire as Joker tossed Violet up in the air and spoke up.

"VIOLET! GO FOR IT!" Joker said as Violet nodded and dove downwards, rapier extended as she saw an image of her sister Kasumi appear, the two doing a perfect dance with one another, both swinging their rapiers in a manner that was both graceful and yet elegant, while also being beautiful to behold. As the two twirled towards Joker, he smirked, took aim, and dumped a few bullets into Maruki to cause massive damage, eventually catching Violet and dipping her as she spoke up.

"That'll show them what's what, eh Joker?" Violet said as Joker nodded, gun brandished in case he had to use it again while smiling at Violet as the Showtime ended. After that, Maruki huffed and spoke up as he used his staff to steady himself before he spoke up.

"I'm still not strong enough!? I can't do it!? And my reality is right before my eyes, ripe for the taking!" Maruki said as the battle paused while Maruki sighed and stopped to catch his breath before he kept speaking after a lot of huffing and puffing.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I said I didn't care what happened to me before. But I guess, in the end? I wasn't committed to my words like I should've been." Maruki said as he was surprised to see Adam Kadmon lower one of his massive palms down for Maruki to step onto, which he did, speaking up as he looked at Adam Kadmon.

"Heh. You too, huh?" Maruki said with a wry smile as he made to step onto Adam Kadmon's palm. The group watched in shock, only for both Violet and Mona to gasp at the sound of a gun being cocked, turning to see Crow pointing his gun right in Maruki's direction, prompting a horrified Violet to speak up.

"Crow-senpai, what are you-!?" Violet said as Draconis turned to Crow and spoke up.

"Crow, don't do it, man! You just said you weren't going to be a pawn to violence and anger anymore! Is this really worth going back on what you said?" Draconis asked as Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Can't either of you tell?" Crow said, firing several bullets, only for tentacles to rise up and deflect the shots. Crow scoffed and spoke up.

"Tch! I knew it! That bastard shielded himself from our attacks!" Crow said as Maruki turned to walk onto Adam Kadmon's palm once more after having stepped off of it when he heard Crow's gun get cocked. As Maruki was lifted up by Adam Kadmon, he spoke up.

"You think the same thing, don't you? Of course you do, my friend. After all, how does that saying go? Oh, right. I remember. I am thou...Thou art I..." Maruki said as Crow scowled and brandished his sword and strode forward towards Maruki angrily, prompting Violet to gasp and speak up.

"No, you can't! He's not worth murdering, Crow-senpai!" Violet said as Crow spoke up.

"Dammit, Violet! We hesitate right now, and we die! It's that damn simple." Crow said as the others winced at this but nodded their understanding while Maruki was lifted up towards Adam Kadmon's head. Mona gasped and spoke up.

"Guys! Up there!" Mona said as the group gasped, seeing Maruki go past Adam Kadmon's mouth, before floating in midair and seemingly vanishing in a flash of light before reappearing inside of Adam Kadmon and speaking up in a submissive-sounding tone.

"I'm all yours, my friend. Use me as your instrument, and make use of my abilities however you want, Adam Kadmon. Now, come! Show us the way to the reality I desire! Show us the way to the ideal reality we all deserve! The reality that we wish for with all of our hearts and all our being!" Maruki said in a resolute tone, extending a hand outwards before gasping as a tentacle flew forwards and impaled through the back of his neck, making him give another involuntary gasp as he spoke up, his voice sounding like a mix of his and Adam Kadmon's voice as they spoke.

"I am thou, and..." Maruki said determinedly as Adam Kadmon used Maruki's body as a conduit to speak his part of the pact.

"...THOU ART I!" Adam Kadmon said as he flexed his arms, seemingly preparing to fight, rearing a fist back to attack, as Oracle gasped and spoke up.

"Guys, look out! Incoming!" Oracle said as the fight resumed! As it continued, Adam Kadmon spoke up.

"NOW!" Adam Kadmon said as he slammed his fist into the ground, creating a massive shock wave that hit most everyone for massive damage, only missing Draconis and Oracle because of the former anticipating the impact and having Malefor use his wings to shield the two from the impact, though Draconis still took a bit of damage due to his link with Malefor. Oracle gasped as she saw the others on the ground, struggling to get up and spoke up.

"Oh no!" Oracle said as at that moment, Adam Kadmon spoke up, using Maruki's mouth as a voice box.

"This power is the source, and more importantly, also the destination. I will be the light that guides mankind." Adam Kadmon said as Queen gritted and spoke up.

"You say that, but that won't change our resolve to fight with all our might. But while you might be tough? We're still not going to run!" Queen said as Violet spoke up.

"What Queen-senpai said! We're going to beat you, and go back! Back to our OWN reality!" Violet said as Mona spoke up while the group struggled to their feet.

"That's the spirit! Now let's finish this!" Mona said as the battle continued. At that point, Mona healed the group to full as Draconis spoke up.

"You might be tough, but let's see if you can handle this! MALEFOR! COME FORTH AND SHOW THIS OVERGROWN MONSTROSITY YOUR WRATH!" Draconis said as Malefor nodded, rearing his head back and loosing a mighty Draconic Flare attack, pouring torrents of Almighty fire onto Adam Kadmon, but to Draconis' horror, the attack did only negligible damage at best, making his jaw drop as Oracle spoke up.

"What!? That's one of our strongest attacks, and it's not doing much at all! What gives!?" Oracle said as the battle continued! Adam Kadmon then reared a fist back to attack again, but this time Joker saw it coming and signaled the group to assume defensive positions for the time being. After everyone guarded, Adam Kadmon spoke up.

"I cannot fail here! I must not fail you all! NOW!" Adam Kadmon said as he slammed his fist into the ground once more, knocking most of the group backwards, despite the guards in place. Fortunately, Joker avoided the attack, as did Skull and Draconis, so the three were easily able to dive under their respective girlfriends to catch them before they hit the ground, Crow doing the same for a surprised but grateful Noir.

As for Panther, she found herself being caught by the unlikely duo of Fox and Mona, mostly landing on the latter while the former caught her in his arms, gently setting her down and accidentally dropping her onto Mona, getting a muffled 'DAMMIT, FOX!' from the mortified/annoyed cat in question as Oracle winced and spoke up after being helped up by Draconis, much as Joker and Skull helped Violet and Queen up respectively and Crow helped Noir up while Panther got up off of a flushing Mona.

"If this doesn't stop, we're going to have a real problem here!" Oracle said as Draconis scoffed and spoke up.

"No shit we will! This thing disrespected Malefor by shrugging his attack off like that! How dare he!?" Draconis said as Oracle spoke up.

"That was just bad luck, that's all. Hang in there, everyone! I'm gonna try to find a way to get us through this in one piece. So please, just hang in there for a few more seconds!" Oracle said as the fight continued. Joker recalled he had an innate Concentrate from an accessory he'd equipped, so tried a Megidolaon with 'Futsunushi', frowning as it did almost as little as the 'Draconic Flare' that Malefor had previously attempted. Oracle spoke up.

"No good! Joker, try something else!" Oracle said as the fight continued and Mona tried a Physical assault in 'Miracle Rush', only to gasp as his attack did next to nothing to Adam Kadmon, making Oracle's eyes widen as she kept speaking.

"Wh-What!? What gives? Nothing works?" Oracle said as the fight kept going. After trying a few more attacks, to basically no avail, Adam Kadmon reared back to strike once more and spoke up.

"ENOUGH! The time to end such strife is at hand! NOW!" Adam Kadmon said as he slammed his fist down into the ground again, dealing massive damage and launching a shocked Mona backwards, only for Draconis to see it coming and leap up in time to catch the airborne feline, gently scooping him out of the air and setting him safely on the ground, getting a subdued thanks from Mona as Oracle gasped and spoke up.

"Wait! Could it be that simple!? Guys, I've got it! I've found his weakness! Joker! The next time he attacks, that's your chance!" Oracle said as the battle halted once more and Adam Kadmon reared a fist back to strike once more as he spoke up.

"GRR! Let's settle this, Phantom Thieves! Once and for all!" Adam Kadmon said as Oracle spoke up from inside Al Azif while analyzing Adam Kadmon.

"Guys! His head is his weak spot, and his only weak spot! So we have to aim for that, though our attacks are ineffective in his normal state. Buuut, whenever he attacks, he drops his guard while concentrating all of his power!" Oracle explained as she got nods of understanding from the group, even as some of them were huffing and out of breath from the previous barrage of attacks Adam Kadmon had thrown at them. Oracle then kept speaking.

"So, if we can target his head as he strikes, and his guard is down? We might have a shot!" Oracle said as at that moment, everyone aside from Oracle, Joker, and Draconis exchanged a significant nod and rushed forward to meet the attack as Adam Kadmon's fist came down, causing a flash of light. When visibility returned, Adam Kadmon gasped at the sight that greeted him, as it was Panther, Mona, Skull, Fox, Queen, Noir, Crow, and Violet all working together to hold up the incoming fist. Adam Kadmon then spoke up.

"WHAT!? Impossible! How can you be blocking my attack!?" Adam Kadmon said as Skull gritted his teeth and spoke up.

"Well, we've come this far! So we ain't gonna give up now!" Skull said as Panther nodded and spoke up.

"Yeah! You gotta do way better than this!" Panther said as Fox spoke up.

"Hmph! Don't underestimate our tenacity!" Fox said as Queen spoke up.

"Exactly! It's just another threat. We'll overcome it like we always do!" Queen said as a groaning Noir spoke up.

"Right! If I run now, I know I'll regret it!" Noir said as Violet spoke up with a grunt.

"Exactly, Noir-senpai! We'll decide for ourselves what we want our lives to be!" Violet said as Crow gritted his teeth and spoke up.

"Oh, is it my line? I'm sorry, but I'm a bit occupied at the moment, so do your goddamn JOB, you two!" Crow said as Mona looked at Oracle and spoke up.

"Oracle! How does it look!?" Mona asked Oracle, who spoke up from inside Al Azif.

"Perfect! His head's defense level has dropped down to zero percent! Go for it, Joker and Draconis!" Oracle said as Mona spoke up with a nod.

"What Oracle said! Go, you guys! Finish this, Joker and Draconis! I believe in the two of you!" Mona said as Joker nodded and turned to Draconis while speaking up.

"Hmph. Shall we, Draconis?" Joker asked as Draconis smirked and spoke up with a nod.

"Indeed we shall, Joker. MALEFOR! Get us up to that head! We're ending this NOW!" Draconis said as he and Joker hopped onto Malefor's back as the giant dragon flew the two up towards Adam Kadmon's head, where they landed, priming their pistol and throwing knives respectively. Joker then spoke up.

"Checkmate!" Joker said as Draconis spoke up.

"What he said! Begone, you low-down scum!" Draconis said as Joker fired a bullet from his pistol at the same time that Draconis threw his throwing knife to create an opening for the bullet to penetrate, allowing it to easily pass through Adam Kadmon's armor and travel through his head, eventually reaching the immobilized Maruki, who was currently suspended in mid-air in the center of Adam Kadmon and impacting squarely in the center of Maruki's golden mask at the same time that both Joker and Draconis backflipped off of Adam Kadmon's head and landed right on Malefor's back as the draconic Persona flew the two down to the ground with the others.

The impact of the bullet hitting Maruki's golden mask ended up knocking him backwards into a free-fall, at the same time that a shocked Adam Kadmon began to disintegrate before the eyes of the Phantom Thieves, with Joker and Draconis smirking and exchanging a triumphant fist-bump, ending the battle. Afterwards, the Treasure hovered back down to rest over the Thieves as Maruki looked over at the group before he groaned and spoke up.

"Ugh, no. Why have I lost? I gave up everything else for this! I dedicated all that I have to this reality, but I still lost in the end! Why?" Maruki bitterly asked as Joker spoke up with a sad look on his face.

"The truth is that you're running from your past." Joker said as Draconis spoke up.

"He's right! And not only that, you're also denying your actual reality as well, you coward." Draconis said flatly. Maruki, for his part, gasped before he looked at Joker and Draconis in shock as he spoke up.

"Oh! I'm running from my past? I see. Heheh. You both nailed it. It's true that I turned my back on the original reality in a moment of weakness and cowardice. BUT WHERE'S THE HARM IN THAT!? When it grows to be too much, too painful to bear, every person deserves to escape that!" Maruki said bitterly as Violet gasped at the words coming from the mouth of Maruki, who she didn't think was such a defeatist, while Draconis spoke up.

"You mean every person deserves to have the choice to escape from that! Not that they have to escape from it! After all, not everyone is a freaking coward like you are, Maruki! So don't make such blind assumptions!" Draconis firmly yet harshy rebuked Maruki, who winced but nodded his understanding as he spoke up.

"That's fair, Draconis. But you know? In all honesty, it's best for a person's growth when they tackle their own hardships in their own way. If anything, you taught me that in the time I've known you. After all, you always do things in your own time and in your own way, don't you Draconis?" Maruki wryly said as Draconis shrugged and spoke up.

"Eh, you're not wrong. But you say that as if it's a bad thing to be independent. After all, Crow lives like that, and moments of douchebaggery aside, he's turned out to be a pretty cool guy overall. So I don't mind being like him, especially given that he's my half-brother and all. Don't you get it, Maruki!? No one, no matter who they are, or what they might have done, deserves to be alone! Everyone deserves to have someone who has their back unconditionally!" Draconis said firmly, ignoring the gasps from Oracle, Mona, Crow, and Violet behind him as he focused on Maruki in that moment as Maruki spoke up.

"That's true, Draconis. BUT REALITY DOESN'T ALWAYS MAKE THAT SO FEASIBLE! No matter how much you try, or work for so long, the smallest injustice can wipe it all out, leaving you with nothing to show for all your hard work. Amamiya-kun brothers, don't you two, of all people, understand that!?" Maruki said bitterly as Joker spoke up.

"That may be true, Doc. But even then, you can't let it get the best of you! You have to keep going and fight for what you believe in! I get you thought this method was the best way, but if nothing else, your defeat today proves this is not the case." Joker said as Draconis spoke up.

"Also, you have to look to the future, not the past! You'll never be able to live if you stay stuck dwelling on the past all the time." Draconis said wisely. Maruki gave Joker and Draconis shocked looks while he gasped and spoke up.

"Oh!" Maruki said in a mix of surprise and shock as Mona spoke up.

"You know, to be honest? There probably are plenty of people who'd ultimately benefit from your 'reality'. But what about the people who want to take on the world themselves? How's it right to rob them of their opportunities?" Mona said as Violet walked forward and spoke up sadly.

"I'm sorry, but while I don't think what you're saying is wrong either, Doctor Maruki? I can say from experience that there are some people who, as you say, want to run from their pain and cling to some other version of reality, much like I used to. But the knowledge I gained through that pain, and my desire to move on for the sake of the friends I've made, as well as the one most precious to me? Those are even more precious to me! And I won't let ANYONE take them from me again!" Violet said firmly as Maruki looked at Violet in shock as he gasped before speaking up.

"Oh! Yoshizawa-san, you've grown so strong." Maruki said to Violet in an impressed tone as Joker scoffed and spoke up.

"Yeah, she has. And that's in spite of what you did to her, Doc. I get you meant well, but surely YOU, of all people, know that you ask for someone's consent before basically poking around inside their minds to hypnotize them? That's just polite, not to mention the fact that something like that should really just be straight-up common sense!" Joker harshly rebuked Maruki, who spoke up with a chuckle, ignoring Joker's harsh rebuke of him to focus his next words on Violet.

"Heh, I see. So you truly don't want it either, Yoshizawa-san? Huh, imagine that. Well, it looks like I'm totally finished." Maruki said sadly as the Palace started rumbling ominously before starting to collapse once more as the group all gasped in panic. Violet turned to face Maruki as she spoke up in a mix of urgency, concern, horror and anxiety.

"Doctor Maruki, it's not safe for you there!" Violet said as Maruki blinked before he turned to face her, right as debris rained down right on top of him, seemingly burying him underneath it, making Violet scream as she spoke up.

"NO! Doctor Maruki!" Violet said, only for Crow to grab her and hold her back as he spoke up while shaking his head.

"No, it's not worth it! It's too late for him now. We need to hurry up and escape while we can." Crow said as Violet nodded and Fox spoke up.

"But how? There's no way out for us, is there?" Fox asked uneasily as Mona thought about it and spoke up.

"Everyone, this way!" Mona said as he turned into the Mona-bus and everyone filed inside, both Oracle and Draconis giving Mona concerned looks as Queen scowled and spoke up.

"DAMMIT, MONA! This is no time to be acting tough!" Queen rebuked Mona, who smirked and spoke up.

"And whoever said it was an act!? Heh." Mona said as debris kept peppering him. Violet got an idea and spoke up.

"Mona-senpai? Can you fly!?" Violet asked Mona, who shook his head and spoke up.

"No, I'm just a car! I can't do that! Wait, no! I can! I have to do it! IT'S NOW OR NEVER! I HAVE TO FLY!" Mona said as at that moment, amidst a flash of light, the Mona-bus vanished. When visibility was restored, everyone found themselves standing inside of not a bus, but a helicopter! Draconis blinked in surprise as he sat in the shotgun seat, Queen sitting in the pilot's seat, with Fox, Panther, Skull, Violet, Oracle, Noir, and Crow all smashed in the backseat together, with Crow being the unlucky one to be smashed against the floorboard underneath the others. As the group looked around, Violet gasped and spoke up.

"Wait, where's Joker!?" Violet asked as Oracle smirked and spoke up.

"He's fine, Violet." Oracle said, pointing outside the now re-purposed Mona-copter, where a cord was seen extending downwards, Joker hanging on to the cord for dear life. At that point, the others blinked and took in where they were, all speaking up as one.

"WHAAAAAAAAT!?" Panther, Fox, Skull, Queen, Draconis, Crow, Noir, and Violet all yelled in shock as Oracle frowned at Mona and spoke up.

"What the hell, Mona? If you could do this before, then say something, dammit!" Oracle rebuked Mona, who spoke up huffily.

"Don't look at me! I didn't know!" Mona defended himself while an annoyed Crow spoke up.

"Not to interrupt your little moment of triumph, but couldn't you have made the inside of you a bit larger!?" Crow snapped irately as at that moment, the Mona-copter started lurching dangerously and lowering downwards, as a familiar-looking tentacle extended upwards to grab the group, dragging them down towards the ground, drawing identical wide-eyed expressions of horror from Mona, Draconis, and Joker, all of whom recognized a battered but still alive Maruki, who glared up at the fleeing group as he dragged the Mona-copter towards him.

Joker frowned, before getting an idea and intentionally letting go of his grappling hook, plummeting towards Maruki in an attempt to distract him to let the others escape, ignoring the unified shout of 'JOKER!?' from literally everyone else as he fell. After he landed and rolled to the ground, Draconis frowned and looked at the others as he spoke up after pulling Crow off the ground and sitting him in the shotgun seat, walking towards the door and speaking up.

"Guys! Listen up! Joker went after Maruki, but I get the feeling that he can't handle him alone! You guys circle this copter back around and come back! I'm going down there to help my brother!" Draconis said before doing a swan-dive out of the Mona-chopper, ignoring the others all calling his name in horror as he dove down to join Joker and Maruki on the ground below in time for the latter to speak up as Draconis landed next to Joker.

"Ah, glad to see you could join us, Draconis. Sorry to cut your flight short like that. But it's time to face the truth: This place is done for. Along with the entire reality I dreamed of. All of it, gone up in a blaze of glorious failure. I hate to admit this, but I have lost.

I know that even if I were to try that fight over, I'm sure I'd only lose again. So I know, in light of what I've just said, that this is going to sound pretty stupid. I've been holding this all in for so long, just hiding it from myself like a coward. So, please, Amamiya-kun brothers. Help me kill every last one of my regrets. You two are the only ones I can ask to help me with this, Joker and Draconis." Maruki reluctantly said as Joker and Draconis nodded, the former speaking up.

"If that's what you require, then I'm here for you." Joker said as Draconis spoke up.

"You wish for us to help you vent your regrets to get them out of your system? I'm not sure we have time for that, but very well, if you insist." Draconis said as he and Joker assumed fighting stances, the latter blinking in shock as his Phantom Thief mask started dissolving along with Draconis' mask. Maruki saw the masks dissolving and smirked before he spoke up.

"That's the proof of what I suspected. The disappearance of my Palace, no, of the entire Metaverse as we know it, is drawing near. It seems like none of us can summon our Personas anymore, doesn't it? But that's fine. It's better this way. Just us three, in a no-holds-barred fistfight, as a brawl between men! Let's begin." Maruki said wryly as a fight started! As it began, Maruki glared at Joker and Draconis before he yelled out in anguish.

"DAMMIT! I gave up everything! EVERYTHING! So, why!?" Maruki said angrily as he threw a left hook that impacted solidly with Joker's face, and Joker retaliated with his own right hook, at the same time that Draconis used a leg sweep to take Maruki right off of his feet, following up with a solid uppercut to stagger Maruki, who struggled to his feet before glaring at Draconis and Joker and yelling out once more!

"WHY!? Answer me, dammit! Why Rumi!?" Maruki said angrily, punching Joker in the face, staggering him into Draconis, who caught his brother and threw a flying punch into Maruki's torso, clearly aiming to knock the wind out of him as Joker answered with a superman punch while Maruki glared at Joker and Draconis while he spoke up.

"A reality where everyone could be happy! And where no one suffers! If people believed in me, they wouldn't need to suffer from anything!" Maruki said imploringly as he hauled off and punched Joker in the face, making Draconis wince at the audible 'crunch' he heard in Joker's nose from where Maruki's fist connected. Joker gritted his teeth, cocked his fist back and threw a haymaker at Maruki's face at the same time that Draconis leapt up and connected a diving punch at Maruki's jaw, staggering him as the fight ended and Maruki broke down sobbing, before letting out one last guttural scream and speaking up, raising a hand towards the sky as he spoke.

"Ah, is that the light? I see. I'm done. I get it now. All thanks to the two of you, Joker and Draconis." Maruki said in a defeated tone as Draconis spoke up.

"Do you really get it!? If so, that's more reason for you to get back up and return to the real world with us, so you can acknowledge the error of your ways and admit your crimes! You may have had good intentions, but there's a saying about that. It goes like this: 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'. So for all that you meant well, you still caused a lot of pain and suffering with your actions, Doctor Maruki. If there's still even a HINT of the man Joker and I respected left in you, you'll accompany us back to the real world and own up to what you've done!" Draconis said to Maruki, who gave Draconis a shocked look before he nodded his agreement.

Afterwards, a shocked Maruki only had time to smile at Joker and Draconis before gasping as he felt the area he was laying on start cracking underneath him, eventually shattering and falling away, leaving him to begin to free-fall, only for two sets of hands to catch him and work together to try and haul him up, despite his glasses plunging into the distant ground below. When he opened his eyes again, he gasped as he saw himself dangling in mid-air, speaking up in shock.

"Huh?" Maruki asked in genuine confusion before looking up and smiling sadly at the sight of Joker and Draconis each holding one of his arms and working together to try and haul him up, a task which was made more difficult by the fact that most of his body was suspended in mid-air, only being held up by Joker and Draconis' arms grabbing him by his own arms.

"Oh, come on, seriously? Don't you two get it!? I said I'm done. Please, you two. Let go of my hands." Maruki said imploringly as Joker spoke up.

"Not a chance! I refuse to let things end like this!" Joker said as Draconis spoke up.

"Joker's right! Besides, if we're going back? We're going back together, dammit! It's Phantom Thief code! We never leave a man behind, unless there's no other choice! And I refuse to believe that there's no other choice than to leave you behind, Doc! You may have done some effed-up things lately, but you're still someone I consider a friend! And I refuse to leave any of my friends behind! That's not the type of man, much less warrior, I am!" Draconis snapped, surprising both Maruki and Joker with the sight of unshed tears in his eyes, making Maruki look at Draconis in shock and then gasp and speak up.

"I'm impressed with the two of you. Joker, your eyes are as bright and honest as ever, and I respect that. Draconis, you always keep your head up, no matter what. Even when you were close to breaking after the time you failed to save Okumura-san's father from the Black Mask. I suppose in the end, I must have always been a coward, who was afraid. Afraid that the three of us wouldn't wish for the same reality, which ultimately was what came to pass in the end." Maruki's Shadow somberly said as Joker and Draconis grunted as they felt Maruki's arms starting to slip from their grip.

As he and Draconis both worked to haul the resigned Maruki up onto the ledge with them, Joker gasped as he heard the sounds of an approaching helicopter, blinking as he saw the headlights of the Mona-copter approaching. Maruki's head snapped up before he gasped, having also seen the headlights approach, and spoke up.

"So bright, isn't it?" Maruki said in surprise as Joker nodded, before wincing as a flash of light overtook his vision...

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

Igor chuckled at Ren as he spoke up.

"Heh, magnificent." Igor said as Ren walked out of his cell while Lavenza spoke up.

"Well done. We have indeed witnessed the decision you have made. Not only have you taken back mankind's future for itself and saved mankind from ruin, but you've also re-established our reason for existence. While reality had been wholly distorted, your actions have guided it back towards what it ought to be." Lavenza said as Ren spoke up.

"Oh? What reality ought to be, you say? Does that mean reality's been reverted?" Ren asked. Lavenza nodded and spoke up.

"Very good, Trickster. That is correct. Time itself cannot be rewound, but every past event will revert to the event that should have occurred instead." Lavenza said as Ren winced, recalling a promise he'd made with Sae on Christmas Eve, wondering if that promise was part of what should've occurred instead of the events that happened when Maruki altered reality. Ren then recalled Akechi's words after deciding to stand against Maruki.

"I will carve my own path for myself. Simply put, I refuse to accept a reality concocted by someone else, stuck under their control for the rest of my days." Akechi had said. As the flashback ended, Lavenza winced and spoke up.

"Mm." Lavenza said as Ren spoke up.

"I have a pretty good idea of what happens to me, and I'm fine with it. Sacrifices have to be made to keep events as they should be, after all. But what happens to Akechi?" Ren asked, recalling that Akechi had made a deal to explain things to him if the group managed to defeat Maruki. Lavenza sadly spoke up.

"I'm sorry, Trickster. But all I can say to that is that everything will return to how it should be in your reality. Everything. There are no exceptions. Even your little brother isn't exempt from this, ambiguous though his fate might be." Lavenza said, worrying Ren, who frowned as Lavenza kept speaking.

"I see. That look on your face is one of confusion. Have your regrets begun?" Lavenza asked as Ren spoke up.

"No, I'm still sure of the path I chose. I was merely showing concern over the consequences of that path for the two of my friends who are still considered missing in our true reality, meaning Kusa and Akechi. Or the ones you know as Draconis and Crow." Ren said as Lavenza smiled and spoke up.

"I see. Truly surprising. Even so, choosing such a path must not have been easy for you, Trickster. And for that, you have our utmost respect and gratitude, Ren Amamiya." Lavenza said as Ren merely nodded, wondering what awaited him and the others back in their proper reality...

END OF CHAPTER AND OF ARC 9- REALITY CHECK

A/N: And boom, another chapter and arc done and dusted! Who expected it to end on a cliffhanger, though!? I didn't want it to, but if I hadn't ended it then, this chapter would've been a LOT longer by the time I got to another save point to wrap the chapter up, so I took the best opportunity I had to wrap up the chapter. And just like that, the final Palace of Persona 5 Royal is basically done and dusted, as bittersweet as that is.

The next chapter, in addition to being the final chapter of the story, will also cover what happened to the others after the events of Maruki's Palace, though fair heads-up? There will be at least a few changes from canon, if only because of the extra character involved. So be ready for that. That being said, this next chapter will bring an end to the story, making Arc 10 a one-chapter arc. To be honest, I'm slightly disappointed that next chapter is the final chapter, if only because this story is going to end up a few chapters shy of hitting the triple chapter mark, which would've been an insane milestone to hit for one of my stories.

So that's a bit unfortunate, since it means no 100th chapter special one-shot, though I might re-purpose that one-shot into being a bonus chapter for the end of the story instead. We'll see what happens. But anyways, not much longer left until this story is over. So we're nearing the finish for the story, which is both awesome, since I'm actually close to wrapping this project up, but sad because it means there's not much left of Royal to adapt, and Royal is really an incredible game. So I'll naturally be sad to see the story end. But I knew it had to happen eventually.

Changing the subject, thanks to all of you who've read this far into the story, as you are incredible for making it thus far! And an additional thanks to all those who've followed this story, added it to their Favorites Stories list, and even left reviews and/or PM'd me with your thoughts/opinions/feedback/suggestions/constructive criticism on the story, as the input has gone a long way in letting me make this story the story it is today. And I can even take this feedback and use it with later stories to make them better. Basically, it's going to let me continue to improve and grow as a fanfiction writer, which really is all one can hope for.

So yeah, feel free to keep supporting this story, and even future stories, as there will assuredly be more stories later on down the line after this one. So there's stuff to look forward to.

And to anyone reading any of my other stories (such as Shuffled Journeys, Pyrex Chronicles, AMIATTtWRR, and even Data Squad Redux) that's reading this, don't worry. I plan to continue my other stories soon enough. I'm just focused on finishing this story up first, so I can give the others the proper attention. So I'd estimate probably around another month or so from this chapter being typed out (which for reference and timelining purposes, it's currently 10:12PM Pacific Time on Sunday, September 10th, 2023 as of the time I'm typing this end-of chapter A/N), maybe a bit more, and the story will be fully posted, but that's just a guess.

Either way, I aim to have this story fully posted and typed out by the time this story hits its one-year anniversary of being first uploaded (which for anyone curious, the first chapter of the story was uploaded on 9/25/2022), or September 25th, but it might be shortly after that, but it should be fully finished with any luck by mid-to-late October at the latest. So yeah, not much longer now! Anyways, until next chapter and next arc, sithlorde1988 out!

NOTES

*1* - Ah, yes. The new abilities that Oracle/Futaba's Tier 3 Personas get are very complicated to explain. To start, Al Azif's new ability is much more complex than it sounds. Ultimate Support's description literally reads as 'Chance to heal/strengthen party members during battle'. What it actually does, to the best of my knowledge, is fully revive any fainted allies, fully restore all allies' HP (but not SP, as it turns out), and gives them the effects of 'Heat Riser' and 'Brave Step' for 3-5 turns. Much more powerful than the description makes it sound, no? Moving on, Albus got two new abilities as well.

The first of these is 'Mystic Aura', which works similarly to Malefor's 'Chaos Aura', but instead of just boosting all stats plus Critical Rate, Mystic Aura works similarly to Al Azif's 'Ultimate Support' ability in that it gives a full heal (for HP) and heals all allies for 25% of their maximum SP, and in addition, grants the effects of 'Charge', 'Concentrate', and 'Brave Step', with a 10% chance of also giving the 'Heat Riser' effect as well. Not quite as broken as 'Ultimate Support', but still quite good if I do say so myself. To keep it from being too broken, the move commands a stiff 120 SP cost (60 with Spell Master equipped).

As for 'Arcane Bolt'? Despite its' name, it's actually a Psy skill, not an Elec skill. The description of the move reads as follows: 'Colossal-tier Psy damage to 1 target with a low chance of inflicting 'Debilitate' on the target when cast. The odds of inflicting 'Debilitate' double when the user has 'Concentrate' active.' I know, that sounds absurdly broken. But, as a trade-off, it has one of the highest SP costs of any move at 75 SP (and that's WITH Spell Master applied! It's 150 SP without Spell Master!), making it a difficult move to use consistently without a good supply of SP recovery skills at the ready. So keep that in mind.

*2* - YES, you read this part right. Chihaya pays Ren back the money she swindled him out of during her Rank 9 cutscene! So think of that 100,000 yen you spend on that Holy Stone as more of a loan than a loss of money, since it gets paid back eventually. Felt like pointing that out because I feel like few others do so.

*3* - Yep, Chihaya has an authentic country accent she slips into on occasion. Most think it's surprising, but I think it's legit adorable to a point. To be quite honest, Chihaya is legitimately in my top 5 Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal waifu list. I'd have to sit and figure the specific ranking order out, but for now the girls on the list, in no particular order, are as follows: Sumire, Futaba, Hifumi, Chihaya, and Ann.

And before anyone goes to crucify me for not having Haru there, she's a close 6th place on the list, simply because I use a similar logic with her and Akechi that some YouTubers use for the NaotoxKanji pairing that Persona 4 Golden made popular, and that's that it'd be breaking bro code to take Akechi's waifu from him, like it would be if one had taken Naoto from Kanji. Hopefully that pacifies the legions of angry Haru fans who probably freaked out when they saw my top 5 waifus for Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal. *hides from said mob of angry Haru fans in Akechi's fluffy pancake fort of awesomeness because I can*

*4* - This right here serves as proof that Robin Hood and Loki are counted as Akechi's Tier 1 and Tier 2 Personas respectively, since they combined together to become Hereward, aka Akechi's Tier 3 Persona. And to be quite honest, he has one of the best Tier 3 evolution abilities of any Tier 3 Persona. Since we're almost at the end of the story, I'll explain Hereward's new power here.

'Rebellion Blade' is literally just a single-target version of 'Morning Star' (assuming I'm remembering right about that skill being Colossal-tier Almighty skills. Feel free to correct me in the reviews if I have that wrong), in that it does Colossal Almighty damage to one foe, and gets a damage multiplier of around 1.25x the usual damage if used on a downed foe (similar to certain skills from other Persona games that I won't list here due to not wanting to spoil people for the people who haven't played Persona 3 and/or 4 yet, and/or not wanting to spoil the potential adaptations I do of those games), making it one of the best single-target magic skills in the game.

As if we needed more proof that Akechi is one of the strongest Phantom Thieves in canon Royal, only being beaten out by Joker due to his versatility and adaptability (as well as Draconis in this story, mostly due to the whole 'able to keep the Trickster and the Black Mask in check' bit that was revealed about him during Arc 8.)

*5* - YES, I used a footnote to address how badass the boss music is for these boss battles! It's more than warranted in my opinion, though!

First off, for the Maruki/Azatoth fight, we get to hear the insanely sick sounds of 'Keep Your Faith', easily one of the sickest and most badass pieces of instrumental goodness in Persona 5 Royal, potentially even being better than the instrumental version of 'Rivers in The Desert', and that song is seriously badass in its own right, so that says a lot I feel.

As for the song that plays during the two fights against Maruki and Adam Kadmon, and later just Adam Kadmon? That's the vocalized version of 'Keep Your Faith', which is popularly known on the Persona 5 Royal OST as 'Throw Away Your Mask', and is also a legitimate banger!

Easily in my top 3 favorite vocalized OSTs of Persona 5: The Royal, with the other 2 being 'Rivers In The Desert' and 'I Believe'. As for my top 3 instrumental OSTs, that's a much tougher list, since there are a lot of great instrumental pieces. Just to name a few, there's 'Keep Your Faith', 'Our Beginning', 'Yaldabaoth', 'Swear To My Bones', 'Will Power', 'Keeper of Lust', and 'Alleycat'. So you can see how doing a top 3, never mind a top 5, of instrumental pieces for Persona 5/Persona 5 Royal is tough. I'll have to give it a think and come back to it later.

*6* - Legit not kidding when I say this. Throw Away Your Mask (or Throw Your Mask Away as some covers title it) is easily one of the best final boss themes in all of Persona, with only the final boss theme of Persona 3/Persona 3 Portable's final boss coming close to matching it in awesomeness, but then who doesn't enjoy themselves some 'Burn My Dread' (the name of the final boss OST in Persona 3/Persona 3 Portable)?

But in all seriousness, that said, 'Throw Your Mask Away' is easily my favorite OST in all of Persona 5 Royal, with only 'I Believe' (the song that plays when you go into Maruki's Palace the day of the final heist, aka the theme for the 'Day Of Fates') and 'Rivers In The Desert' coming close to matching its awesomeness.

Granted, 'Take Over', 'Last Surprise', 'Colors Flying High', and 'Beneath The Mask' (the battle themes, the title theme for Persona 5 Royal, and the song that nearly always plays inside of Leblanc respectively) are all up there as well in my top 10 of all of Royal's many great OSTs. But that's just my opinion.

*7* - Before people complain, I count Adam Kadmon as a Persona evolution for Maruki, since it's not much different of an 'evolution' to how Akechi transfers from using Robin Hood to using Loki, and the game even confirms Loki to be an evolution of sorts when Akechi awakens to Hereward's power the night before the final battles (though this can obviously be missed if you somehow failed to max Akechi's Confidant Link out by 11/17, and if you did? YOU FAIL!)

As for Adam Kadmon, even Mona states in-game that, to quote his exact words, 'He's done it! Maruki's evolved his Persona!', thus counting Adam Kadmon as a Persona Evolution. And as every other Confidant who gains an evolved Persona during the third semester is counted as being Rank 11 on their Confidant Link, it only makes sense for the same to apply for Maruki too. But feel free to say so in the reviews if you disagree, preferably with politely worded reasoning so I can hear the opinions of the readers on this.

CONFIDANT RANKS AS OF THE END OF CHAPTER 95

FOOL (Prison Master/Yaldabaoth) - Rank MAX (10)

MAGICIAN (Morgana/Mona) - Rank MAX (11)

PRIESTESS (Makoto/Queen) - Rank MAX (10)

EMPRESS (Haru/Noir) - Rank MAX (10)

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 (11)

HERMIT (Futaba/Taba/Oracle) - Rank MAX (11)

FORTUNE (Chihaya/Fortune Teller) - Rank 9

STRENGTH (Lavenza) - Rank MAX (10)

HANGED-MAN (Weapons Dealer/Iwai) - Rank MAX (10)

DEATH (Takemi/Back-Alley Doctor) - Rank MAX (10)

TEMPERANCE (Kawakami/Becky) - Rank MAX (10)

DEVIL (Ohya) - Rank 7.5

TOWER (Shinya/The King/Skilled Gamer) - Rank 8.5

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/Violet) - Rank MAX (11)

COUNCILLOR (Maruki/Doc) - Rank MAX (11) *7*

WORLD (Kusa/Draconis) - Rank MAX (11)

CONFIDANTS MAXED OUT: FOOL, MAGICIAN, PRIESTESS, EMPRESS, EMPEROR, HIEROPHANT, LOVERS, CHARIOT, JUSTICE, HERMIT, STRENGTH, HANGED-MAN, DEATH, TEMPERANCE, STAR, MOON, SUN, JUDGEMENT, FAITH, COUNCILLOR, WORLD

CONFIDANTS YET TO BE MAXED OUT: FORTUNE, DEVIL, TOWER