Author's note: I swear this story is sentient and trying to prolong itself. I thought I wouldn't need two whole chapters to wrap up the Yaldabaoth part of the story, and here I am, posting the first half of the too many pages of text I have under my eyes. Sigh. Sorry for the wait. The second part is almost finished, so you won't have to wait too long to have what's next, by maybe Friday it will he here. This part is pretty much all setup, but I hope you'll appreciate it nontheless. Have a good read.
The Holy Grail, Part 1
"This is crazy…" Whispered Ann in horror.
The news were falling one after the other. Media outlets, internet forums, street speeches, transportation whispers. All with the same voice and the same message. Shido was simply "ill", and his speech admitting culpability attributed to an excessively stressful and sleepless campaign. Change of heart never happened, only coincidental psychiatric disorders. The Phantom Thieves were criminals who used the rumors to their advantage, and murdered people to spread fear and anarchy.
"Everyone's being tricked so easily! Why the hell did we risk our lives then!?" Ryuji's fist struck the table with a resounding thud.
Ren clenched his hands within his pockets. When Shido's Shadow was defeated, the Palace had suddenly started to collapse. It was only later, through Akechi, that they learned Shido took pills to induce a temporary cerebral death in the hope of halting the change of heart and killing them all. And it almost succeeded. While fortunately the Palace didn't disappear instantly, they almost sunk with the ship. Without Ryuji's unbelievable sprint to catch them lifeboat, it would have been their end. And even then, their friend almost died, with only the pure luck of being blasted away in the right direction by the ship's explosion. They all thought he died until he returned to the team a few minutes later, limping with a busted leg. It took Takemi's insistence she needed to be alone to operate to make Ann stop clinging to Ryuji like he was going to disappear again.
"If Shido isn't judged by the law, everything we've done will be treated as if it never happened." Seethed Yusuke.
"Moving the entire country however they wish by controlling people's cognition… This is no different than being inside a Palace…"
"Good guess, Nijima. That's exactly what's happening." Makoto's lament was interrupted by a ring at the door and an abrasive voice.
Akechi came in a scowl on his face, followed by Sae and Ritsuka. The prosecutor looked both defeated and incredulous as she addressed them.
"I'm sorry… I gathered the best of the best and fought for a case… but as Makoto must've told you, it was denied. At this rate, it won't end with just Shido's innocence. This trend will continue spiralling down…" Sae sighed, her expression hardening. "But that's not what I've come to tell you. We know the truth, and that makes us targets. It's only a matter of time before we are apprehended." She stared at Akechi, who shrugged.
"The conspiracy contacted me to handle your arrest. They still think I'm on their side." He couldn't have been looked more insulted if he tried. "I can delay this by a day or two at most. After that, even those imbeciles will start to link the dots and suspect me."
"That's why… I want to ask for your help. I wondered if there was any way you could do something one last time. I know I'm in no position to ask this of you." Pleaded the prosecutor.
"That doesn't matter to us! So what are we gonna do? Should we change the heart of all Shido's followers?" Proposed Ann, only to be met with Akechi's derisive snort.
"Forget it. Even if each of you could tackle of Palace alone, even the conspirators I know of would be too many to count. And that's not without counting the time it takes for a change of heart to trigger in full."
"Akechi's right. Even if Futaba could find the names of every single one of them with his help, we can't feasibly do it in time." Agreed Makoto reluctantly.
"… What was that you said about Makoto being right?"
Futaba's voice was small, and angry, as she reluctantly questioned her mother's murderer. But it was Morgana who answered.
"… Mementos. Did you confirm it, Ritsuka?"
The ginger nodded as all gazes fell on her. She told them yesterday she would investigate after seeing the wild swing of the Phan-Site's rating.
"I've travelled through Tokyo and used as much energy as I could spare." She didn't make mention of her demons as Sojiro and Sae were present. "The result is clear; the public's cognition is being altered, probably on a national scale. The Ruler of Mementos is trying to make sure Shido stays in power and the Phantom Thieves are gone."
"Wait… do you mean that there's a Treasure even in Mementos!?" Asked Haru with shock. "And it has a Ruler? But I thought it was the Palace of the general public…"
"It should be. But it appears it's not entirely the case." Confirmed Morgana sullenly. "It's something Ritsuka uncovered and spoke about with Ren and I, in September. I'm sorry we didn't spoke much about it to you guys. It didn't seem important at the time compared to saving Haru. And then… things got out of control."
"Save the pity party for another time." Multiple members of the Phantom Thieves sent Akechi a black eye he royally ignored. "It was what we were supposed to investigate together after Shido, but she overextended herself with Inshin's Palace."
"Sorry guys. I'm back and ready to kick ass now." Assured Ritsuka with a strained smile. Something seemed to bother her, but Ren couldn't pinpoint what.
"In any cases… Mementos is still the source of all distortions. Even if it has a Ruler, it's maintained by the people's 'collective unconscious'. Its collapse should affect the public as a whole. If everyone's heart get free of the alteration imposed upon them and grow to hold Shido's responsible for his actions, things might start going our way."
Ren nodded. It would hinge on the Phantom Thieves being able to get through the final locked door they found at the bottom of their last floor in Mementos, but Ritsuka assured him she could force those in case of emergency. With some luck, the ruckus they caused with Shido's Palace would grant them entrance.
"… That's a bold plan, but an interesting one." Assessed Yusuke.
"Sounds good to me!" Agreed Ryuji, standing up and raring to go.
"Not yet." Cut the detective with a dry, almost threatening tone. "There's something you're not telling them. Get to it."
"… There's one thing you all need to realize." Admitted Morgana. Everyone save for Ritsuka and Akechi looked at him with puzzled looks before he spoke again. "To begin with, why does something like the human cognition exist as another, substantial world? The reason for that is most likely the Treasure of Mementos. And we'll be destroying that, you know."
"I don't see where you're goin' with this." Said Ryuji, confused.
"The Metaverse will disappear, you imbecile." Groaned Akechi. "The only thing that keep it together is Mementos. Once it's gone, we will all lose our powers!"
The insult flew unnoticed compared to the sheer impact of the statement, the Phantom Thieves taken aback by its implications. The abandon of their life and identity as justiciars, losing the ability to make a difference like they did all this year. It was a hard thing to contemplate. Yet…
"I think we need to do this. I mean, we're the group who's reforming society, right?" Said Ann, standing up and looking at them in the eyes.
No one else seemed to answer her. It appeared they have all grown attached more than they thought to the abilities they obtained… Ren caught Akechi's gaze. A smug smirk was all over his face. But behind… was it really all he thought? His eyes derived to Ritsuka. They would lose their Persona and their life as a Phantom Thieves… but what of her? She was a magus. A real magic user. Her power didn't come from the Metaverse. She caught his gaze, and silently said something. We'll talk later.
"Ren… what do you think as our leader? We'll lose our power if Mementos is erased. Will you still do it?"
Morgana's question almost made him snort. They had to. Otherwise, Shido would win. On the other hand, wasn't it fine? Who he was when coming first in Tokyo, and the person he was now, were very different. But he was still himself. Joker was him, but it wasn't all he was. Losing that side of his life didn't mean his life was over. And also… his moral would never allow him to say no. They came together against the abuse of a rigged, abusive system. They would not repeat the mistakes of their targets and perpetuate a corrupt environment for their sole benefit.
"Yes. For our justice."
The others nodded. Not that they would have said no. But it was reassuring to have their opinion validated.
"At least someone has a head on his shoulder."
"… It seems there are no objections." Stated Morgana, ignoring the detective's snide remark.
"Did you come up with a plan?" Asked Sae, who has been obviously quite lost and taken aback by Akechi's new attitude.
"Miss Prosecutor… looks like this is gonna be our last job." Said Ryuji, rolling his arm.
"We're erasing the Metaverse. No one will be able to use it in the future, for good or ill. The rest is up to you." Explained Ren. "Get Shido for us."
"Once we accomplish our duty, we will need entrust the world to respectable adults. This is our condition for accepting this job." Said Haru.
"This is a 'deal' then…" The world rolled of her tongue, the same as during the interrogation. "That's certainly a heavy condition. But very well. I accept. I swear to make Mazayoshi Shido stand and be tried in the court of law. Besides… my pride won't allow me to be continually saved by you all without doing anything in return."
"We'll be counting on you." Nodded Makoto.
"I'll be dealing with the conspiracy, lest some panicked idiot send a squad in your homes early." Sneered Akechi.
"Looks like it's decided then?" Asked Sojiro, having finished to clean his counter while they planned.
They spoke a bit more before the team and guests started to leave one at a time. Sojiro left as well, leaving only Akechi, Ritsuka, Morgana, and Ren.
"You're gonna stick with us?" Asked Morgana to the detective.
"I'm not going to let you finish this without me. Besides, I'm quite curious as to who the Palace Ruler could be." He looked at Ritsuka, who seemed deep in thoughts.
"I thought it would be Inshin or Shido at first." She admitted, fiddling with her hair. "But now… I'm not going to lie. It may not even be a person at all."
"What, then?" Asked Ren.
"Worse come to worse? A Divine Spirit." She caught their question before they could say them. "Oh yeah, divinities. Fun stuff, especially when they're not on your side. Remember when I told you science is weakening magic? Divine Spirits are what's left of gods after losing most of their power."
"I still find hard to believe even half of whatever mythologic bullshit is written in books may have been real." Bluntly told Akechi.
"Fair. Not like it can impact you now." Shrugged Ritsuka. "In any case, a being like that could very well be responsible for the Metaverse and everything that has happened with it. The only question is, how did they gather enough power for that? When I say Divine Spirits are what's left, I mean it. Reality is rejecting them so hard they can't manifest or interfere with the world in most cases. They'd need a big source of strength to bypass that."
"You think that's what the core of Mementos is, then? Some sort of power source the Palace Ruler used to establish the Metaverse?" Deduced Morgana.
"My bet is a Holy Grail, if you're familiar with Arthurian legends. Not the Holy Grail really, but something in its image. It's more or less the most well-known miracle granting object there is after all."
"That could be it…" Whispered Morgana. "A recipient of all the desires of everyone in Japan… I can' think of a better Treasure for a place like Mememtos."
"Humph. A pity we'll have to destroy it." Mused Akechi half-heartedly. "And what about you? You're not going to lose anything when the Metaverse falls. What are you going to do with all these demons at your fingertips?"
"Honestly? Without Mementos to replenish the Pillars' energy regularly, I won't be able to maintain them by myself. Like I said, I've got crappy Magic Circuits." She waved her left hand, the hand where the red tattoos shone. "Once everything is said and done, our contract will come to an end. Back to regular life for me."
"Just like that?" Asked Akechi, dumbfounded.
"It's the contract we have. It's the decision I made." She replied firmly.
"… You are an infuriating accomplice." Mumbled the detective, shaking his head. "I will be at the station tomorrow. Don't make me wait."
The bell rung once again as he left Leblanc.
"He's really not taking the plan well." Remarked Ren.
"It's not hard to see why. It's the thing that made him, in his own eyes, truly special." Sighed Ritsuka. "I think he was searching for an excuse to not destroy the Metaverse, but he isn't going to do anything rash now that he knows I won't be one upping him. He wants Shido to pay as much as everyone else."
"If nothing else, his strength will be a precious asset in this final heist." Agreed Morgana. "You're leaving?"
"Yeah. I need to be at my maximum for tomorrow, and a good night sleep will help." Ritsuka took her bag back, walking to the door.
"Are you ok?" Ren's question stopped her on her tracks. "Even if you look better, it's like you are more and more down with each day. Are you that worried for the plan, or…?"
The silence she offered was an answer in and on itself, as she gripped the doorknob and opened it slowly. The cold air of the night breezed within Leblanc, as she stood alone in the shadows.
"Last Christmas… I gave them my heart. And the very next day, they were taken away."
The door closed. Ren and Morgana looked at each other. Tomorrow was the 24th, Christmas Eve. They had completely forgotten, so taken by the storm of events and twists. But it seemed to hold a deeper meaning for Ritsuka. Secrets, still. Ones they would not pry until she was ready, if she ever would.
The Coffin screeched, acrid steam escaping its inner mechanisms. The metal was warm under her shaking hands, so strangely inert as she got out of the contraption.
Cold.
She absently checked her Mystic Code. Intact. Her hands. Clean. Voices all around her, excited. She checked her legs. Unblemished. The voices were still going. Relieved. Cheerful. She touched her face… wet.
Cold.
She wiped out her cheeks once. Twice. Then her eyes. The glove turned humid. It was still wet. The voices died down. Self-conscious. Awkward. Emphatic. Words were pronounced. Some directed at her. She didn't listen. Didn't register.
Cold.
Her feet moved. Moved past the reinforced door. The corridor. Dark. Dented. Charred. Scent of ashes. Tingling of Ether. A crunch. Something brittle. Under her feet. Broken. Shattered. Lifeless. Cracked emerald. Tarnished gold. Darkened cobalt. Jagged beneath her fingers.
Cold.
She walked. Air movements. A stream. Fleeting, fresh. Light. A wall. Pierced. Broken. A door. Hanging. She pushed. Again. Crackling circuits. It moved. Light. Natural. Real. Blinding. Her feet sunk. Snow. Blank. Pure.
Cold.
Another step. Slower. Harder. Again. Further. A breeze. Vivid. Gentle. Snowflakes. Melting. Flowing. She stopped. Breathed. The air. The sky. Blue sky. Pale clouds. Stretching. Far. Wide. Ice. Mountains. Valleys. The land. Majestic. Living. Gleaming. The World. The world they saved…
So cold.
"Da Vinci… Romani… Mash— "
Ritsuka woke up. She stood up, peeked between the wood shutters. The sky was still dark. She looked at the clock. Four and a half. Too soon for her morning exercises. The exams were past. Nothing to work on. She checked her phone. No messages. No announcements. Nothing to look at beyond the same mass propaganda. She sat back in her bed. Checking beneath, finding nothing. Force of habit, one she still had a hard time breaking. She rolled in the blanket, on her pillow. Comfortable. Familiar.
Cold.
Cold? A finger brushed the surface. Wet. Her cheeks… her eyes. She took a tissue. Wiped them once. Twice. Thrice. She buried her head in the pillow after the second tissue. Tried to think of smiles. Of laughter. Of dreams… all that came to her was their dreams. Their laughter. Their smiles.
"Everyone…"
She cried until morning.
The terminus station of Mementos. They had reached it easily, crushing the Shadows en route without even thinking about them. Akechi was almost frustrated by how easy it had been, he needed something to soothe his nerves.
"The hell is this…?" Mumbled Skull.
Piled trains upon trains discharging hundred, if not thousands of people's Shadows ferried from the upper level. Ribs like bones jutted from the ground in sinister parody of archways, leading to a giant wall… no, a giant door. One that opened invitingly as they approached, beckoning them like a predator's hungry maw.
"Hold on… The door only opens from this side…" Remarked Oracle.
"… What do you mean?"
"Well, I took a peek at the mechanism inside the door, and it looks like you can only get it open from here. We can get in, but nothing can get out." Clarified the navigator for Panther's benefit.
"Wait, so you're saying that the people going in are choosing to stay imprisoned within?" Asked Noir with foreboding dread.
"It might be just like they said." Said Queen, chilling as she looked at Ritsuka's demonic knight, upon which she still stood.
"We'll find out once we reach the depths. Come on, let's go." Commanded Morgana.
The Phantom Thieves advanced through the door, which closed behind them with an eerily ring. Yet nothing could have prepared them to what was on the other side.
"The hell is this place?"
Skull's shouts would have irritated Akechi had he not been rendered speechless himself by the sight in from of him. A giant crucible made of innumerable blocks of rock and iron, and from each and every one of those blocks came long, pulsating veins of sanguine glow reaching all the way to a depth so profound, none of them could see what was at the bottom.
"So those strange pipes tunnelling through mementos were originating down here after all." Remarked Fox. "You know, I have been considering this for some time… They remind me somewhat of veins."
Akechi silently agreed. He never took much attention in the bland appearance of Mementos, having considered them all of the same after a while. But now, it seemed whatever chaotic and seemingly random elements that reappeared everywhere were nothing random after all.
"More importantly, what's up with this kind of scenery? Don't tell me this distortion really is…" Shuddered Panther.
"Calm down, Lady Ann. The treasure is definitely here, and that's what's important now." At least Mona was keeping its cool. Perhaps Akechi would have someone else to trust his back other than Joker and Ritsuka. "And I can sense something else. A tremendous presence that's coming from much deeper within…"
Ritsuka, Ren and Akechi exchanged a knowing look as the former dismounted, apparently deciding to manage her strength for a long road deep down. Could what she said to them yesterday be true? Could not a person, but some sort of old spirit be dwelling in those depths and rule this place?
"I don't know that I want to find out what that may be, but we must harden our resolves." Queen stepped forward with determination, breathing deeply. "It's time to head for the depths!"
Sidestepping the crowd of Shadows trying to make their way in, the Phantom Thieves climbed up and down the blocks, reaching side entrances. To his disgust, he recognized what seemed to be carcasses and skeletons of massive creatures fused within the walls, the repugnant mixture of flesh, bones, iron and stone giving this place an even creepier feeling. They advanced in the path barely lighted by the eerie red atmosphere and what looked like triangular lanterns stuck to the ground. It took them a dozen minutes to reach a large circular area, where they found…
"What is this place?" Whispered Oracle. "Don't tell me…"
"Ritsuka's demons where right… this is…" Tried to say Queen with disgust.
"A Prison." Spat Akechi, the urge to puke coming stronger than ever.
Gigantic, semi-circular cells formed the wall around the area, where hundreds of people stood immobile, be it sitting or standing. Each of them chained by a heavy steel ball and chains around their ankle. A constant whispering, a litany of indistinct words seemed to emanate from the cells, as if the prisoners were all speaking to each other.
"They're saying something." Noir noticed as they approached the cell.
"C'mon, don't be out there and come on in." Slurred a male prisoner near the bars, surprising everyone.
"Don't open the cells, okay? I have no intention of leaving this place!" Affirmed another Shadow, a woman sitting on her ball and chain.
"They feel safe in here?" Said Fox with concerned incredulity.
"That's right… This place is the best in the end." Said another Shadow, that of a very old man. "In the depths within is a system that grants desires…"
"The Holy Grail…" Mumbled Ritsuka. "Guys, we have to go. Now."
"But…" Tried to argue Skull.
"It's no use." Cut Makoto. "You can't reason with these people."
"She's right. We have to go as quickly as possible before any more people are dragged here." Insisted Ritsuka. "I'll explain on the road. We have to-"
"Hm? Why are you out and about? Where are your restraints?"
Akechi turned around to see Shadows moving toward them. Not the pathetic, spineless Shadows in the cells, but a real guardian of the Palace, taking the form of a security guard with a black uniform and steel gas mask, a menacing baton in his hands.
"Removing your restraints is not allowed. Outsiders must be eliminated!"
Akechi jumped into action as the creatures discarded their masks and transformed into large mechanical angels. The battle was brief, the wind conjured by Mona tearing them apart in seconds.
"What a shit show. Of course a prison would have guards." Snarled Akechi.
"Wait a sec… this is everyone's Palace, right? Not like Kamoshida's castle…"
"Didn't you listen before? There is a Ruler, and each second we waste is another he manipulate the stupid and ignorant masses into thinking you don't exist!" The detective turned around, looking at the path ahead.
"Crow's right. And I'm curious to hear what Ritsuka has to say about this place and its ruler…" Added Fox.
From there on, the place finally started to feel like a real Palace. Guards everywhere, stalking and lurking for intruders, and strange security systems forcing them to step on floors in complicated patterns to unveil new paths. And between battles and puzzles, Ritsuka talked.
"During those two years, I've come across a few Holy Grails. They aren't really holy, or even cups most of the time, but their purpose is generally the same: a massive clump of energy that can be shaped into whatever the user desires." Explained Ritsuka in more details than yesterday.
"And that kind of thing just… exists?" Asked Oracle, dumbfounded.
"Depends. Most are artificial, but some happen naturally in the right circumstances. Whatever the case here, one if forming the core of Mementos, I'm sure of it now."
"And it just… formed Mementos on its own?"
"That's the problem with Grails, or any wish granting system. They tend to get polluted by dark desires very easily. If a naturally formed Grail was immersed within the collective wishes of people wanting to be controlled, then it would automatically activate to try to answer that wish."
"This is insane… because of people's desire to not decide, to not take responsibility, this 'Holy Grail', became the source of distortion? Of this prison?" Whispered Noir.
"Looks like it."
They avoided another group of Shadows, listening to some of the inmates in solitary cells. Each of them more repulsive than the last, more dedicated to waste away in the prison, to discard any responsibilities and to never make a choice of their own. Akechi's desire to tear down the bars of these cells and murder those prisoners to the last was burning more and more within him, seeing these sheep wilfully surrender and even call the guards on them. It was even worse than Shido's conspiracy yes men. At least these had goals and aspirations in their life! A Safe Room gave them the breath of relief they needed, and Ritsuka continued her explanation.
"The thing is, even if the Grail made the core of Mementos, of this prison, there is no way it could have forged such an elaborate system on its own."
"So that's why you think there is a Ruler. Who could it be?" Asked Fox.
"Not really who, but rather 'what'." Insisted their friend, tilting her head on the side as a telltale sign she was listening to the invisible voice of her demons. "They can't tell, almost all of their power is dedicated to hiding their presence and mine from the Palace Ruler. But it's likely a Divine Spirit. A remnant of a god, or maybe even an artificial one born directly from the desires gathered by the Grail. Something directing the public and pushing them to obey mindlessly."
"I can't even imagine goin' up 'gainst somethin' like that…" Skull bashed a small container, revealing a golden emblem he pocketed.
"Well, time to prepare mentally. That's surely the presence Mona and Oracle have been sensing ever since we came here."
"I thought it was just the pressure of this place." The ginger adjusted her googles, shaking a bit. "It's so big… and we're still far from the Treasure."
Akechi absently verified his gun, as if the thing could even jam. All of this was working him, and an idea was forming. For quite a while, he was realizing now.
"Shido said he was chosen by God. That's what his Shadow spouted in his Palace, anyway." Now everyone's attention was on him. "Taking what you're saying into consideration, ignoring how maddening it sounds? I'm starting to think he was telling the truth. And if my power has to come from somewhere..."
"Uh, Crow? I think you're going to crush that pistol if you keep gripping it like that…" Said Panther, and Akechi relaxed his grip slightly.
"Don't mind me. Let's just finish this."
Ren signalled it was the end of the pause, and they returned to the Palace. More guards, more puzzles, jumps up and down blocks to avoid massive dead ends. The road suddenly stopped. Or rather, it morphed into a giant spiralling path leading into a cavernous pit. The true depths of Mementos. It seemed to go ad infinitum, in the words of Fox. Mona transformed into a car to descend faster, and they all packed themselves in, squeezed like lemons in a tight box since Ritsuka didn't summon a mount this time to preserve energy.
Slowly, the atmosphere changed again. The darkness receded, only to be replaced by more oppressing red light, as if the air itself was saturated with some sort of luminous mist. They got out as they reached the end, another path like before, leading to another clear circular area. Akechi expected to pass through without even looking, but just as they entered it…
"What!? You're…" Exclaimed Panther, abruptly stopping her course.
They looked where the pointed, finding a man in sport shirt with a whistle and chronometer at his neck. One Akechi recognized from photos, but the others seemed to know more intimately.
"K-Kamoshida?" Sputtered Skull.
"Sens—No… Madarame…" Whispered Fox, finding the old scam artist a few meters on the side.
"Kaneshiro's over here!"
Those were all Palace Rulers. Did it mean…
"Is president Okumura here too?!" Asked Oracle, looking left and right to no avail.
"Father isn't with us anymore… More importantly, look there." The heiress pointed, and Akechi followed it, already sensing what he would find.
"You!" He sneered, seeing Shido sitting aside the other prisoners on a slab of rock.
"Hello, son." Said the Shadow affably, almost making him draw his pistol.
"The Hell's goin' on!? These guys shoulda had a change of heart from their Palaces disappearin'!" Yelled Skull.
And then they talked… and it sent shivers down Akechi's spine. Barely a trace of the people whose Shadow he met before was present. It was as if only a shell of their former self could get through the captivity their Shadow choose after being forced to change.
"Unfortunately, Okumura isn't here with us." Noted Shido. "Nothing can be done for the dead… I'm sorry."
"… Yes, I know. Thank you for the details." Answered Noir with solid steel in her voice. "Now if you don't mind, what in the world is this place?"
"It's supposedly called the Prison of Regression. More importantly, does this look like captivity to you? Why, it's the exact opposite. The utmost freedom is available to anyone who desires it here. This is the freedom to not make decision… the release from having to think for yourself."
Hearing the bastard speak with sincerity like this… it turned Akechi's stomach. Was it the fate that all of Japan would suffer? Was it what they would suffer should they fail? The realization that all these people imprisoned in this cell had been Palace Ruler, that all the change of hearts the Phantom Thieves did as well as those who couldn't maintain their desires… they were all imprisoned back in this place. Any desire strong enough to form a Palace and get them out of the Prison of Regression, if destroyed, would find them imprisoned back.
"Tell me—who is the ruler here? Who made all of this?" Asked Queen.
"What an odd question to ask. It should be obvious: every member of the general public." Answered Shido with absolute certainty.
Even with the knowledge that it wasn't the entire truth, to hear it confirmed seemed to shake the Phantom Thieves. The idea that the inmates themselves were the ones who surveilled the prison the most. That the masses were as much the enemy of their cause as the conspiracy. To Akechi? It wasn't a fucking surprise. No, the thing he hated most was that the combined mass of these sheep and slugs would spell his ruin as well, no matter what he would do. And refused to go down with this pit of uncaring, lazy, useless prisoners. They moved out. Once again fighting guards, solving those idiotic puzzles that passed as security systems.
"That's a very strong Shadow." Said Oracle.
The group stood in ambush, watching a single, solitary Shadow in the shape of a security guard stand in the path, twitching like a broken puppet and surrounded by a reddish-purple aura.
"It's not moving. We won't be able to take it by surprise." Assessed Ren.
"Doesn't it look and feel weird?" Said Queen. "I'm not sure it's wise to attack it."
"It's in the way, so we hafta do it." Cut Skull short. "It's not that strong, right?"
"It's definitely stronger than any of us. Even Crow." Added Oracle.
"Well, something interesting at last. I was getting rusty." Loki and Dantes roused from within him, ready to fight.
"Master, ready to rumble?" Asked Skull.
"Hoping I won't be needed." Ritsuka said.
The Phantom Thieves jumped out of hiding and surrounded the Shadow. With a sick cracking sound the security guard mask slipped and it changed form, transforming into a tall humanoid with somber skin and red eyes, a golden cup in its hand and crowned by a massive helmet with bull horns and fin like ornaments.
"An unknown Shadow. Alright, let's—"
"YOU!"
The Shadow's deafening shout stunned them, interrupting Mona. The creature started clasping its head as if suffering from migraines, its cup falling and breaking on the ground with a metallic ting. Akechi didn't hesitate and summoned Loki, its sword falling on the strange Shadow. The blade pierced it… and it didn't even seem to register.
"I REMEMBER! I REMEMBER EVERYTHING!"
An explosion of force pushed the Phantom Thieves back as the Shadow's aura seemed to deepen, to pulsate even stronger as its silhouette became less distinct. Growing.
"Guys, what's happening?" Panicked Skull, knocked on his ass.
"EVEN IF A THOUSAND YEARS PASSED, I WOULD STILL REMEMBER YOU!"
"What is that thing? It feels like…" Queen did a double take, as if not believing her own senses. "It can't be—"
Another burst of power manifested in counterpoint of the Shadow's. Ritsuka advanced forward, four demons appearing by her side. A knight, a bird, a horseman and a leonine centaur. Eligos, Caim, Orobas and Alloces. Her four most recognizable and used allies.
"Run, Phantom Thieves. This is not an opponent for you." Came the voice of Eligos, dignified and imperative.
The air thickened with malice. The alarm level was rising! Akechi looked at the monster barring the path, its aura engulfing everything.
"Everyone, with me!" Commanded Joker as he deployed his grappling hook, catching a lamp to jump around the creature.
"But Ritsuka—"
"Move!" Harangued Fox, pushing Skull firmly.
They all used the same trick one by one, keenly aware the area would soon crawl with Shadows. The Alarm was still rising, whatever this creature was seemingly sending it into overdrive.
"Everyone's here?" Asked Mona. "Then let's go!"
"But that thing…" Oracle looked back, the new shape of the creature refining into something new, something that sent shiver in Akechi's spine.
"Didn't hear? We would only be a nuisance!" Rudely yelled Crow.
Looking back as they ran away, Akechi took a last good look at the creature. No. The demon. It was the same sort of being as Ritsuka's allies. Except this one radiated such hatred it made him feel small, such rage Loki and Dantes retreated deeper within his mind. A massive grey-white humanoid torso emerging from a base of dark tendrils, crowned with silver metal and surrounded by floating red crystals.
"I RECOGNIZE YOU, FUJIMARU RITSUKA! LOATHSOME MASTER OF CHALDEA!" The voice almost ruptured his eardrum even as they were running further, the ground itself trembling under the sound. "I AM DEMON GOD BAEL, FIRST OF THE SEVENTY-TWO AND ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SPY SATELLITE! AND I HAVE COME BACK TO KILL YOU!"
Sidenote: I'm sure you are aware of the issues has been facing from some time. Just know I won't stop posting here as long as the site holds. I've been here for a long time, I sincerely hope it will get better.