Memory 6: Bloodstained Blossoms

Romanticized Memories

The phrases "You murdered her", "You killed your Mom", and the name "Mom Killer" only continued to replay in Connor's mind. Deep down, he felt that it HAD to be untrue. He couldn't have killed her. But each time he heard it, it destroyed a little bit of him inside. And the most recent time the Shadows said that? It broke him. So much so, he wanted to cry. He WAS crying. He didn't want to believe it. He refused to believe it or hear it. He remembered the phrase that Anastasia said. "There will be hardships and times of pain". This...This was what she spoke of. This was the pain that he would experience. He knew that there could be from the warning alone, but to hear constantly that he was the one who murdered his mother...This was far more than what he expected. Hurt him much, much more than he thought.

But then, despite being as hurt as he was, Connor landed on what appeared to be sand once the light that engulfed him faded away. Although he landed more on his knees this time as opposed to his feet...Unlike Iris, who landed perfectly fine. Despite her usual Rainbow hair still being Charcoal colored at the moment due to her current emotions, she took in the sight of where they were despite the disgusting Green hue it was covered in. A beach. But, unlike before when she was confused and in wonder, this place...Clicked with her for once. "This place...It's a beach this time. I remember that. But...Why here though...?" Then, she looked over to Knight, seeing him still on his knees before planting his hands into the sand. "...Glasses...? You okay...?"

All she could hear was just his heavy breathing and crying...And saw tears escaping him. Tears full of sadness. Full of pain and heartbreak. A part of him wondered if this was what he would go through if he continued on the path he was on right now...A part of him that was telling him to stop right now, knowing that it would only get worse for him. Slowly, his puffy Blue eyes looked up to see where he was fully...And finally, he spoke with a shakey voice. "M-Miura Beach...T-This...This is where Haru and I a-are right now...I-In the real...R-Real..."

But he couldn't finish as he began crying again, thinking about where he was in the real world right now...Thinking about himself. He heard what they said many times when it came to his mother's death. Three separate Shadows had said the exact same thing. And now, doubt was setting in. He didn't even know if they spoke the truth or not. He didn't even know if he didn't cause his mother's death like he thought before. And if he truly was...How could he have been with someone like Haru? And that alone made her worried. Her now Amber-colored hair was now showing that. "Glasses..."

"H-Haru..." He softly spoke to himself, trying to think of her in a positive light as best as he could...Think of one of the happier times when he spent time with her. A time when he was truly happy, unlike now. But that only made him start crying even more. "H-Ha...ru..."

Connor's Apartment/After Classes
September 6th, 20XX

It had been some time since Haru returned from her summer trip. And Connor was ready to show her all of his progress in making food with both the vegetables he used previously and the fruits he started using. But since she only returned from her long trip and classes at their university were restarting for the new semester, on top of their work throughout the summer being due, he decided that he'd give her time and space to relax. Especially when she was gone for a month. And when enough time passed, he decided to contact her to have her meet him at his place again today. And this time, he was prepared to show her just how much he had improved since the last time. Ready to show her what he was able to make now.

He was now in his apartment once again, making food like he always did and wearing a Blue shirt with Black shorts and with socks still on. He at least wanted to look a bit better, unlike last time. And now, he was wearing a cute, White apron. But unlike last time when he was making the vegetables, he was now remaking that very same fruit-based dish from before. However, this time, the tofu now held what looked to be a Purple tint to it. It seemed he added a bit more to it this time to give it extra flavor. All while he was readying water to make coffee from the grounds that were brought into his home prior. With the water ready, he began to make the coffee to go with the food. Clearly, he was hyperfocused on the task.

By the time the desert was finished, he stepped back to see how perfect it looked. Everything about it was perfect. A contented sigh left him. All of the time he put into making it as beautiful as it was...It was satisfying. "It looks perfect...I can't wait for Haru to-" And right on time, he heard his door being knocked on, making him look over...Anxiety was written all over his face. The time to show her his improvement is now. "...I-It's open!"

And with that, the door was opened to see Haru walking in with a smile, still wearing her outfit throughout the summer with her hat in her hand. "Good evening, Connor-Kun. I see you've been very busy lately." Soon, a giggle left her. "...As well as the hairnet."

"H-Huh...?" He looked up at what was on his head. Once more, the hairnet was on him...And it still looked strange. And so he took it off with a blush to let his fluffy Black and Blue hair down and out. "H-Hey...I-I don't want this to be ruined because of a hair! I already burned the last dish...It'd kill me if I got everything looking and tasting good and a single strand messed it up..." He was looking away for a quick bit before turning around to reach for the cabinet close by to start and mugs. "A-Anyway...Have a seat...I'll get everything ready!"

"Oh? You sound very sure of yourself, Connor-Kun. Now, I'm very interested!" It didn't take long for her to slowly make her way to the table and sit right down. Thankfully, he had already prepared the seat for her to sit on before she walked in.

"I-I'd sure hope so...I had to make sure this one was perfect!" With the mugs in hand, he began to pour the coffee into them. First, he puts the mugs of coffee onto the table, then the dessert he made onto it with a fork ready. Just from the sight and the colors of it, it did intrigue her. This was far different than what she expected him to make, especially after last time. And with it set up, he sat right down, letting out a deep inhale and exhale...His hands were on the table fully and his attention was all on her. "O-Okay...T-This time, it should be good enough to try...At least, I hope so...I-It's fruit mostly...S-So it should be!"

Though when he sat down, she did see the worry on his face. He was very anxious about it. It was very clear that he worked hard on what he made. So, she felt she needed to calm him. "There's nothing to be worried about...I'm sure it'll be delicious, Connor-Kun." She spoke in a soft voice...Somehow, softer than most other times. That alone made his Ice Blue eyes widen, staring right at her. Somehow...It gave him comfort. And so, he nodded...That was enough to make the anxiety drop. And so, she used her fork to pick up and consume a part of the dessert he made, then took a sip of her drink soon after. His heart was racing...Until she spoke after swallowing. "This is...Splendid!"

That alone not only made his heart skip a beat, but also made his face brighten up. Those sweet, worried eyes of his were filled with life and excitement. All of that hard work paid off. "R-Really? Y-You think so?!" Happiness filled his voice. To hear that made all of his worries fade away completely.

"Absolutely! It tastes...Tart, yet sweet. And works so well with the coffee!" She spoke, a smile on her face. She was very much enjoying the dessert he made. "What is this in the middle, Connor-Kun?"

Now...How would he describe what he did? He now looked down in thought to recall. "W-Well...I used tofu for the center instead of cream since it's not just a better alternative...B-But...Because it could easily be homegrown since it was made with soybeans..." She listened to him speak, hearing all that he did and said. It seems he was really thinking about it while taking what she wanted into account. "I...Had to think of something that wasn't just that, but...S-Something that worked well with your coffee. Sweet...But works with the bitterness of coffee..." He then looked up at her, seeing her staring with surprise. Though he took it as something completely different and looked away. "I-I'm sorry...I probably should have asked for permission, didn't I...?"

"...I think it's a wonderful idea. You put a lot of thought into it! I'll absolutely remember this idea." Hearing that, once more, relieved any anxiety and made him smile with a nod. To hear this not only made him happy, but it also made him start to wonder what else he could make regarding fruits. Perhaps something that mixes that and vegetables together? What he did know was that he was enjoying making food. Perhaps...He truly did find his calling. "...Say, Connor-Kun?" He heard her ask, making him pay attention once again. "...Do you remember when you talked about how baseball was something you reminisced about regarding your family?"

"...I did...?" He asked, but then something suddenly sparked in his brain. For a moment, his real memories surfaced before being pulled back. "...Oh, yeah...Of course."

"Was there anything else you did with them that you remember fondly?" She set down her fork and placed her hands on the table to focus her full attention on him. "You once said that and cooking was one of the many things you held onto dearly...What else was there?"

Just then, he began to think...Even if his memories at the moment were far from his at the moment. "Hm...W-Well, I always remember being in the kitchen. Always...Always..." He slowly began to linger. Once more, his real memories were resurfacing...Remembering the times when there were arguments. But most importantly, the argument that led him to run away. The one within the kitchen on his old home. "...M-Mom...?" He softly asked. It was clear that somehow, just by questioning it and trying to remember, the stitches that had created his false memories and recrafted him were starting to come undone. And in his mind, the sound of glass breaking echoed.

He was very deep in thought...Lost, even. And that made her concerned. "Connor-Kun...?"

"H-Huh?" Her voice alone made him snap back into reality, making him look back at her. His real ones were then shoved somewhere into the depths of his mind almost immediately, and his fake ones took place. "O-Oh...S-Sorry. I guess I got lost in thought...B-But, um...Yeah, there was...Gardening I think? But other than those, no..." He looks away now. "I...Do remember playing a lot of baseball when we could, but...That's what we mostly did. I-I actually wanted to be a baseball player once...if you can believe it."

"...I think I can. I did see you hit a "home run", after all." She spoke with a giggle.

That alone made him blush. "I-I thought we agreed to forget that happened!" But she continued to giggle. It was super embarrassing to have her witness him doing that in Inokashira Park. Even with him being as reserved as he was, boys would, indeed, still be boys. But that blush of his would soon disappear. "But...I dropped that idea as I got older. I-It was fun, but...I don't think I wanted to make a career out of it. But...Being able to cook and bake like this...It's been fun...A lot of fun..." He began to smile as she stared at him once again, listening. "I think...That's what I want to do with my life...T-To make stuff like this. A-Actually, no...That's not it...It's more than that, I think..."

"Is, that so?" Her head was filled with questions and curiosity. "And...What is that?"

"...Before my mom passed, she said something to me...The day I went to the park and met that certain someone..." He starts, looking down for a slight moment before his eyes went right back up to her. At this very moment, he recalled his real memory once more. And was speaking from his heart. "S-She told me...I brought so much happiness into her life. And one day, I would make someone in my life happy...That's...What she said to me once..." That alone caused Haru's eyes to widen. She now understood completely on why he was trying as hard as he was. He was trying as hard as he could for her. "Haru...?" He continued; A blush forming on his face once more. "Y-You want to start a cafe to continue your grandfather and father's legacy...I...I want to continue my family's as well. And that's to...T-Take what I learned from them to make yours happen...N-Not because of money, or status. But because...It's a beautiful dream, and...You truly mean something to me..." Silence then filled the apartment. "...C-Can...Could I be by your side to help make it happen..? Every step of the way...?"

"C-Connor-Kun..." She was unsure of what to say. To be by her side to make sure her dream happened. Not for anything else. But for her. And only for her because he truly did care about her just for who she was. Something in her...Caused butterflies to form in her. Metaphorically speaking. She couldn't help but smile and give a nod. "...If you do, we'll be very busy. Especially when we get customers! Will you be able to handle it?"

From that question, his eyes widened. To be able to help make her dream a reality...And to do that with her, made him extremely happy. And smiling. "O-Of course! W-Which means...I'll have to start figuring out extra dishes!" He spoke out, now starting to think as he sipped his coffee. "L-Let's see...I had an idea with the berries from earlier...B-Better yet, what type of vegetables would work?" He wondered, with the two now discussing what to make. And did so with smiles on their faces.

The biggest smiles they've both had in a long time.

Present Day

From thinking back alone, Connor slowly looked back down onto the sandy beach as his tears and crying only worsened. It was all he could do. Those words about him "killing" his mother hurt him. But now with that in his head, it got him thinking about Haru. The fact that he was close to her since his mother passed made him wonder if he would get her hurt as well...Or if he was hurting her at this very moment. "H-Haru...If...If I'm really my mother's murderer like they say I am...What would...Happen to you...?" He asked out loud, with Iris slowly approaching him...Then he suddenly punches the sand, making her jump back a bit. "T-They're all saying the same thing...That I killed her...Are they...C-Could I...?"

But, she doesn't say anything...She was unsure of what TO say to him. WHAT to say to him. Although unknown to them, a Black liquid forms from a distance to create a shadow. "Glasses...

"...I see...So it is you." A voice said, making her look up and behind them. The voice made Knight then slowly stand up and wipe his tears away. In front of them was what appeared to be a humanoid Shadow wearing what appeared to be a Red kimono with a Gold colored katana on its side, White hair tied up into a ponytail, and a mask matching the color of its hair. The mask itself had a calm, still expression made from Black marks. "I've been in your mind possibly longer than anyone else that was put in here...So, you're the one everyone in your subconscious calls a murderer...A murderer who killed his mother. A murderer...Who ruined the lives of many."

THE SAMURAI

Hearing that alone made his eyes widen and quickly rip his mask off to summon Lancelot behind him, with the small woman quickly jumping behind him. His stare, despite being filled with tears, was still strong. "I-I'm not! I didn't kill her! I-I couldn't have! My father hurt her more than me! I...I didn't! Y-You're lying! You all are!" He then swings his arm out. "Attack, Lancelot!" The Black knight then follows his command and rushes in to swing, with the samurai reacting by unsheathing its sword and clashing its sword with his Personas at a quick speed. This took the emotional one by surprise. But what drove that surprise deeper was that the Shadow was able to push it back. "A-Attack again!"

Just when Lancelot swings its sword again, the Saumurai just stands there while putting a hand on its chest before swinging its palm away. Doing that suddenly made its entire body glow brightly and create what appeared to be an afterimage by its side before it took full shape. Now before them was a clone of the swordmaster. With there now being two, they both clashed and countered the incoming sword. With this opening, the two of them then grasp their chests to repeat the process of multiplying in the same way. The duo now becoming four of the same. Together, and in unison, they make their way to the Black Knight to slash and send it away. Back towards its owner.

And just the feeling of being hit made Knight grasp his chest in pain. What attacks it felt, he felt as well. And that took the small woman by shock. "G-Glasses! Are you alright?!" However, he could only say nothing but just breathe heavily. His head was down from just taking in the feeling that he experienced.

"You attacked once I asked you. Are you rejecting the idea of being her murderer? That you caused her death? Denying the truth? Denying responsibility?!" All four of them began to walk towards him, with Knight then starting to back up slightly and start to shoot with his magnum at them once he pulled it out. All the while, Iris began to walk backward while staying behind. But just immediately after shooting, all four of them deflected it with their swords. The bullets hit the sand with each deflection. But he kept shooting, all until he was finally out of ammunition at this very moment. Lack of ammunition that was created by his fear...His fear of them. Fear of their words. "You know full well that you did...As much as you wish to deny it. Your existence...Has caused her death."

"I...I didn't! I couldn't have! I-I could never do that!" He shouts right back while both tears continue to fall down his face and Lancelot slowly tries to rise up, slowly glowing a Blood Red aura. Something which the samurai noticed and swung his hand, having three of those charge at it to attack it. "Lancelot!" By the command, it swings its sword at them, only for it to be stopped and knocked out of its hands and land in the sand via deflecting the attack. That alone caused his Persona to fade away and have shock embedded into his vulnerable mind even further. Especially when it took care of it easily. "N-No...I-I'm...I'm not! I couldn't-" But just then, as he faced them, the last one rushed in to attack. He was completely terrified at the moment and rose his shield to take the hit. But the attack was powerful enough to knock him away, inching closer to the ocean.

With that, Iris looked over with wide eyes, and her hair turned Red. "G-Glasses!" She was ready to run, but the swordsman quickly dashes close to her and aims their sword toward her neck, stopping her dead in her tracks. All she could do was stare, seeing him slowly getting up to be on his two feet...His puffy eyes stared at them.

"...You can't deny it...You know that it's true. No...Because it IS. While not directly, you're the very reason she's no longer alive. Alongside all of those that reside in your heart...Even myself. The very reason...Many people are now either suffering or dead." It spoke to him, staring at it through its mask. "You can't deny responsibility anymore. Take it! And take the blame!"

All the young man could do was just stand there, shaking in fear until he felt a sharp pain in his head before getting on his knees. Everything that was being told to him was starting to overwhelm him. All he wanted was one thing. For it all to stop. For all these words to stop. It all reminded him of his father. How his father took his anger out on his mother. To gaslight and shift the blame for anything onto her. "I-I don't...Understand! I-I couldn't have hurt Mom! O-Or anyone! Y-You're lying! Y-You're-"

"...Do you know what that nurse did to us? To every Shadow she put into you? Shadows of our real selves?" The moment he heard that question, he listened quietly. "...There's more than just regular Shadows. There's the lesser, and then there are us; Our Shadow Selves. Shadows of living people. Shadows created by strong negative feelings from within a person. The very Shadows that woman used to change your memory to her liking." Then, using its spare arm, it points at Knight. "The very moment she saw you, she used her power to grab all of our Shadows she had found and needed for her goal...And ripped us from our real selves. And, do you know what happened to each and every one of them that was ripped away and stored in your mind?" He slowly looks up, only starting to cry even harder. "...They all died. Died of a Mental Shutdown."

This only makes his puffy eyes widen, with him looking down onto the sand. Everything was starting to fall onto him. What the last Shadow said about all of those that suffered and died because of him...It was likely to be all true. All the families and friends that had suffered because she ripped away those Shadow Selves. Ripped away because she saw him in that hospital. In that hospital because he ran that day...It led to this. He now understood. This entire situation was created by him. And all thanks to the day he ran. "T-Then...What that Shadow said...It...It was..."

"...When a Shadow returns to their real self, they would have a "change of heart". However, if ripped away by force or killed...They will have a shutdown. Because she saw you within that hospital, we were all ripped away and stored into you...All just to take pieces of us to craft you into her very own being. All of us suffered from a mental shutdown. We are all that remains of our old selves. And this happened...Because of that day." All he could do was be on his knees, listening to all it was saying. But now, there was no crying or sniffling to be heard. Only the sound of the ocean. "...You have caused the deaths of many...Twelve lives. Their blood, and mine, are on your hands. And this is without speaking of those close to them. Close to me. Who knows how many others you killed...Because of your actions." The three other selves then joined by the samurai's side, staring at him. "It all could have been prevented...If you didn't run. Run from the pain. No...It would have been prevented if you hadn't existed."

All Connor could do was just stay there, slowly grasping onto and staring at the sand while his eyes were wide. It was all he was able to do. The shock was driven so far into his soul, it froze him. He hurt...So many people. All because of his actions. His existence. "...It's...It's all my fault...People...Are hurting because of me...Were hurt...Because of me...Killed...Because of me..." He softly spoke, processing everything he had just heard. The weight of the words was hitting him hard.

"...You caused the deaths of many. But most importantly, your mother's. Another body to add to the count. Your mere existence had brought your mother temporary happiness. The consequences of your choice caused her pain. Pain on top of your father's abuse. Your actions...Stripped her of her happiness and her will to live. She is dead...Because of you." Then, the finger that was pointing at him lowered. "...Do you still deny it? Do you still deny that you had no involvement?" The silence was all that could be heard. "...Your existence only brings others pain. And now, you are bringing nothing but pain to the woman you cherish. There is nothing more to you than only that."

He could only listen. Somewhere in his mind...He was now thinking the very same thing. Right now, Haru was in that same boat. Because of his situation, he was now dragging her down. Because of him, his mother was now dead. The real selves of these Shadows were dead...Because of him. Everything at this moment was all because of him. His existence. "Haru...H-Haru...I...I'm causing you to suffer...Do I...Deserve to...Die...? After...?" His currently sad eyes slowly drifted to the gun in his hand still. His existence only brought pain and death. The pain he was delivering to the ones he loved could end...With just one bullet. One was all he needed. "...I-I..."

Iris could only stand there, especially when the blade was so close...But she had to say something. She HAD to at this very moment. "...Don't listen to them, Connor!" She yelled out. Although he wasn't looking, he listened. "...You couldn't have known! Nobody knew! You're a victim of that crazy lady, just like they were! You did what was best at THAT moment! Best for yourself! Don't let these assholes guilt you for what you did! You deserve to be alive!"

Hearing her speak only made the Samurai look over at her. However, Knight only lied there still. Slowly, life returned to his eyes. "I...ris...?"

"...I know how much you loved your mom! How much you love Haru! They mean the world to you! I've seen parts of your memories too! Your existence changed and bettered their lives! Not made them worse! Your existence made them feel loved! Are loved! You mean something to them! Y-You want to make that cafe with Haru, right?! To keep that memory of your mom's alive like you said!?" She could only scream. Her eyes practically bulged out of her head. "Then LIVE! Don't you DARE give up on them, you ASSHOLE! Because if you do, I'll never forgive you!"

"Quiet!" It yelled out, readying the blade to cut her throat. That alone was enough to silence her. As well as the sounds of thunderclouds forming above them somehow. Perhaps caused by the tension of this very moment. "He must understand what he did! He can't ignore the pain he caused! The lives he took!"

"...No. They're right, Iris..." He said softly, catching the Shadows and her attention. "...The day I ran and was put into the hospital, I...I hurt her. The final thing that made my Mom give up living...I-I got everyone who was put into my mind killed...Maybe even got some of THEIR loved ones killed...I'm responsible...I-It's my fault...I can't deny it I didn't have a hand in it anymore..." His tears slowly stopped as he stared at the sand. "I ran...Because I watched her suffer and be abused for so long...Each and every day, I watched. Unable to do anything. Until, on that day, I couldn't take it anymore...Now, I realize something from that day..." He slowly began to rise, his puffy Blue eyes looking at the masked one. "When I ran away...I didn't care about what would happen. Not of what my father would do or what he would say. What my mom felt, even when I loved her more than anything...More than the whole world. For the first time, I felt...Free. I was able to escape the pain...The pain of seeing her like that...The pain of his verbal abuse...The fear of his anger...And fearing for my mother..."

They only continued to listen to him, especially with the smaller woman. Her hair and eyes were still Black in color. To hear him speak about that day...It brought some form of pain to her. "Connor..."

"...But, now I know...I never escaped. I only fell right into another person's hands, and she used me as a plaything...Maybe it's what I deserve. I loved my mother...I know running away was what got me injured...Got her and many others killed...But...Iris...Is also right..." Slowly, the tear-filled glance then began to form into a glare. "I did...What was best for me at that moment...I ran to try and escape. Escape from the man who tore down who we were as people! Put us down to make himself feel better! My father...He was the one who hurt her more than anyone, even if I ran or not...S-She...She wanted me to be happy! To be the man and the knight she wanted me to be! To live my life!" He soon finally stood. Not weakly, but strongly. "I-I'll never be able to undo what I did or bring them back...And I never will be able to. My mom and many others are gone...My father's gone now to who knows where. But now, with this power..I'm free again. Free to live! Free to fight and reclaim my real self back! I won't...I won't let her or their deaths be for nothing! I'll...Live for them!"

Hearing his words only brought surprise to the swordmaster, with the four of them readying their swords. "You mean to tell me...You would rather ignore taking responsibility for your actions just so you can be free? To ignore the lives you ended and destroyed?! Don't tell me...You've learned nothing from this!"

"...No. I have...The only life I'll take responsibility for...Is my own! To live my life for everyone that died! Because...That's what Mom would want me to do!" Just then, he grips his fists tightly. "...I refuse...To go back. To go back to that life from before! My life...To where my existence...Was considered a sin!" His eyes began to glow Gold, staring at the swordsmen in anger. "You...All of you...You're just like him! Just like my father...Guilting me for doing what's best for myself. Guilting me for existing! If killing the rest of you is what it will take to become myself again...To be free from this hell. To be able to live, then..." Then that anger transitioned into a murderous glare. A glare full of murderous intent. "...It's time to become the murderer you've all been calling me..."

Each and every word he spat out only made the main samurai step back a bit. The sword in its hand that was near Iris' neck was shaking. Somehow, and in some way, this soft and kind person...Instilled fear into it. And soon, the storm began to produce rain. "You...You're insane...You know that if you kill us off, you'll destroy what remains of our real selves! You'll kill us for good! That extra blood will be on your hands, just like with everyone else!"

"...Like I don't have any on me already...?"

This only deepened the shock, with them now preparing their weapons. "K-Kill him! Kill him off!" Just then, three of the four clones then began to rush at the man while he still stood there.

Instead of fighting, standing there was all he did. And soon, letting out a small exhale. He can't go back. He never will. All he had in front of him now was moving forward. To live his life the way he wanted. To reclaim his heart. What was rightfully his. To return...To the girl by his side. Slowly, he moves his hand toward his chest. He let out a shakey but strong sigh, then inhaled. "I refuse...To be like how I was...To be back to that life. I can't go back...I don't WANT to go back...I...WILL NEVER GO BACK!" And just then, with what looked like a dark smile, he tightly gripped his own chest, letting out a blood-curdling scream to suddenly make him glow into a Blood-Red aura. And that alone knocked the enemies back and took everyone by surprise. With that, he rips off his mask. "...Let's slaughter them, LANCELOT!"

With that, Lancelot then reformed behind him. Unlike before, when it was purely Black, it now had a Red hue around its body. Almost as if...It entered a berserk state as he did. Seeing this then made two of them that had been knocked down rush in again. "Don't let this scare any of you! He's only a child!" Just when they all came up to slash him, Connor then glanced over at one of them and uses his shield to not just block it, but kick it back with great force. The other then moved in to attack, with him then reacting by swinging his hand to counter with a Tetrakarn. And upon finishing the counter, he then grabs his sword and quickly slashes right through it without hesitancy, slicing its head off and making its body fall onto the ground and drop its sword.

With the head off, he quickly grabs it with his left hand and immediately crushes it. Once it was taken care of, all the young man does is slowly start laughing with a small but menacing smile, putting even more fear into his enemies. And that laughter only grew. "I told you...If killing you is what it takes..." He then aims his blade at them, with his Persona reclaiming and grabbing its blade once more. "...Then I'll kill all of you! Every single one of you until my mind is mine again!" After seeing him ready, the other two copies then began to rush right at him with their weapons ready. But he reacts by smirking and swinging his arm. "Lancelot!" Despite the berserk state his Persona was in, it quickly swung its large blade at them, having them counter it via blocking. But unlike before, it was strong enough to slice through them without effort and knock their blades into the sand.

All of this only worsened the state of surprise the main samurai had. But to the new Phantom Thief...All he could do was just laugh to himself as the pieces of the shadows he cut through landed on the ground to fade away, with the loud laughing growing in volume. He almost sounded...Crazed. His laughter only made it prepare itself. "Y-You...You lost your mind! Who the hell are you!?" Then, it looked at Iris and prepared the blade, her eyes wide. "S-Stay back! I'll kill-" Just then, Connor suddenly flashes toward him at a quick speed and grabs onto its head to suddenly throw it away, having it stumble around and roll on the ground.

"...Just a guy...Who wants his memories and life back!" He said as he shook the arm he used to throw them away while Lancelot disappeared behind him, reforming his mask. Slowly, he looks over to the girl, who had fear in her the whole time...And her feathers were currently Black. This man...Was MUCH different than before. Almost like a whole new person. Like a whole new person just took over his body."...Get. On." He spoke with a serious tone. He was no longer asking. With that, she wastes no time in returning to her bird form to be on his shoulder. With her back, he aims his sword at the samurai, who was getting up now. The rain now grew heavy. "...Now, stay still so I can return home. Otherwise...Things will be much...MUCH worse for you."

"Never...Never!" He then plants his hand on his chest and swings his arm to create two more copies once more. And continued to do so. Now making four, then sixteen. And then those sixteen did the same until finally at least two hundred were around him, all of them surrounding and circling around him. But, he stared at all of them without fear in his now Gold eyes. But he smiles sinisterly as he reaches for his mask. "Kill him! All of you kill him!" And just then, they all began to rush right at him just when he yanks off his mask to summon his now Revearsed Persona once more, with the two of them now swinging their swords together, slashing through each and every one of them with great speed and power. One slice was enough to take care of those he cut through.

Wash away the anger!
Here I stand beneath the warm and soothing rain!
The droplets falling gently down on the terrain!

Through each clone they took care of in unison, each one of their swords then flew into the air and soon fell to be planted into the ground. For every single body that dropped, it only made his smile intensify and grow. The number of swordsmen quickly began to decrease, but the number of blades that were left behind only grew. And with that smile growing, as well as his maniacal laughter. "You can summon as many as you want! But you won't stop me! No...You CAN'T stop me!"

But then, he closes his eyes for just a few seconds before he suddenly turns to slash one of them in the crowd of many just close to him. Not only did it cut its chest and create a wound, but it also forced the clones to suddenly fade away and drop their weapons as well. Without even a little bit of effort, he was able to find the real one with ease. And now just the real one stood there, too much in shock to even make more. Both of them were surrounded by blades. "H-How...How did you...?"

"I told you...You. Can't. Stop me!" Slowly, he moved to the nearest blade and grabbed it to now dual-wield. "...And now, I'll show you that I mean what I said."

Wash away the sorrow all the stains of time!
But there's no memory it's only dry inside!
In the mud and sinking deeper. Into a peaceful life!

The Shadow did nothing but back up slowly, holding the wound that had been made moments ago. Shaking, it then grabs another sword to then do the same, rushing in to attack to have the two clash their blades. "N-No...I refuse to die! It will be me who survives this, you murderer!" They continued to swing and clash their weapons, not letting up on the dual-wielding for a moment. But upon the last one, both of their katanas broke, leaving them weaponless...Except for Connor's medieval sword, which he's had since the start, in hand.

Without a second thought crossing both of their minds, they both jump back at a quick speed to grab any extras that were lying around so they could hold two swords at once again. And quickly charged right back to clash once more, and did so at a speed that was just as fast as when they ran away. But each time the copies of the swords hit, they immediately broke from the force alone. Each time, Knight had the advantage. And that made him smile...But scared the samurai greatly. Whatever had happened to him, he was now...Somehow stronger. "T-This...This isn't happening!"

And it will come like a flood of pain!
Pouring down on me!
And it will not let up until the end is here!

"It...IS happening!" He spoke with an evil smirk, leading for the Shadow to quickly jump back once more and grab a pair of swords before Connor could even have a chance to do this as well. Electricity was now surrounding the swordmaster, as if trying to power itself up. It grabbed the sword and dashed right for him at a quick speed. Faster than before, even. Clearly in desperation this time. But before the blade could even hit the male, he quickly swung his sword to immediately break them without effort, shocking the Shadow.

And that led it to jump back at a fast speed and grab a pair of swords once again to do the very same thing, but it ended in the same way with a simple swing. Now, the Samurai was starting to panic even more. If it somehow wasn't already. And so, it continued the process of jumping back to grab more of the blades to dual wield and charging ahead to try and get a hit in. But it only ended the same way. The amount of swords that remained around the area was starting to grow smaller and smaller in number.

And it will come through the darkest day!
In my final hour!
And it will never rest until the clouds are clear!

"Y-You're...You're toying with me! You're toying with me!" But it continued to do the same thing as before, but at a faster speed to try to get him off guard and outspeed him. But with each one, he cuts through them without a problem. Unfortunately for the samurai, after going through them quickly, they quickly looked around to find that there were no more. These last two swords in its hands...Were all it had to work with. It looked at the murderous young man, seeing that dark smirk of his.

And with that, it dashes at the man once again. Assuming it was going to be the same, he readies to swing that blade of his. But the Shadow quickly sidesteps, taking him by surprise. "I've got you!" That quick maneuver alone made him suddenly turn with wide eyes. And the next thing he knew, the two blades that were used were now stabbed into his chest. Completely through his torso. The stabs penetrated his clothing and left not only holes in it, but also blood as well. "Your time's up, murderer!"

Until it finds my dreams have disappeared!

"C-Connor!" Iris squawked out in concern and worry. But the only thing she hears is him lightly laughing...And in such a menacing way that it left her and the Shadow confused. His left hand then goes up to suddenly hit his opponent in the chest with his palm to force it backward and roll around. That alone drove shock into them. He even didn't react to the wounds in pain. The Swordmaster slowly got up, seeing him slowly pull the swords out of his body...And without a sound from him. That's when it was realized...He was almost undefeatable at this very moment. No. Invincible. Unkillable in this state.

"...No...YOUR time's up!" He spoke before suddenly dashing in and stabbing his own sword into one of the Samurai's ribs. Then, he turns the blade while the sounds of its body being destroyed in this way filled the air...And suddenly slashes right through it, cutting its torso in half without an ounce of remorse or regret. The remains of its body began to fall. But he was far from done. Connor then suddenly swung the blade in the other direction to slash through its neck to behead it, and did so with very little care. With only its head left, he puts up his sword and grabs onto the flying head by the hair once it fell close enough to him. It was now clear who the victor now.

My dreams disappear!

"Now...Time to get you out of my head, huh?" He asked with a dark smirk, with both of his hands now moving to hold onto its temples, ready to crush its head. "People like you...Have no place here."

"Y-You...You do this, and what's left of us will disappear..." It spoke, trying to persuade him once last time. "Y-You'll...Kill me..."

"...That's not my problem. Not anymore." If it had eyes, they would be wide now. And full of fear. And thus, Connor began to apply a monstrous amount of pressure and strength to its head. And without effort or much time, he destroyed and crushed it, leaving behind many flying pieces. And covered his gloves with the Black liquid that acted like blood. He only stood there afterward as his Gold eyes remained on him, staring into his hands as his chest was pumping. His body was full of adrenaline at the current moment. But he slowly started to calm down as he closed his eyes. He took care of the Shadow, just like he said he would. Killed it...Like he said he would.

"...I'll always love you, Connor."

Hearing this then made his now Ice Blue eyes reopen, staring up at the sky...The storm was now calming down. "I'll always love you too, Mom...No matter what..." Slowly, he started to look over to Iris on his shoulder. Bird form or not, he...Instilled fear into her. This was the second time that he had lost his composure. Lost himself. Seeing that fear...Instilled some of his very own into him. The way he gave zero care for their lives...Is he slowly becoming like his father in some way? "I-Iris..."

Just then, the pain finally caught up to him and made him fall to his knees, making her quickly return to her human form. "H-Hey! Easy! I'll patch you up!" Without a second to lose, she began to have her hands glow a Mint Green color and placed them on his body, covering his entire body to heal him up. Even if physically he was being healed and closing up the wounds, how he was emotionally and mentally could be a whole other discussion. She didn't know. Not even he knew. She eventually stopped once he was fully healed, with him slowly getting up. He didn't say anything...He couldn't say anything. "...Hey, um..."

"I'm...I apologize that you saw me like that twice...How I acted, I..." But before he could finish or say anything, his eyes then caught onto one of the remains of the samurai fading away close by until they finally disappeared. But it left behind a small Blue cup seashell. Slowly, he walked over to it and then grabbed it, staring at it as the beach then began to be consumed by the light. But he didn't care, as seeing this alone made him remember a memory with his mother.

A memory they were both seeing.

Nine Years Ago

"...Mom! I found a seashell!" A young ten-year-old Connor, who was wearing nothing more but a pair of Black trunks, yelled out as he ran on the sand of Miura Beach toward his mother, who sat on a towel nearby and was wearing a Red one-piece swimsuit, watching him running up to her with a smile. But eventually, he would make it to her with a huge smile on his face and show what he had found. The very same seashell he had picked up prior. "Look! Look!"

She slowly glances at his hand and grasps the seashell, looking at it with her grin still intact. Despite her tired look, she was still able to smile. "This looks beautiful, Connor...It's been a long time since I saw a seashell like this...This takes me back..." He tilts his head and quickly sits down, listening to what his mother has to say. He loved listening to her, no matter what it was. "A long time ago, me, your father, and Takeshi used to come to this beach once a year. Every summer, we'd spend one day just to come here. But..." He knew what she was about to say. When he died and his father become the drunk abuser he knows him for today. This made him look down before she started to pet his head full of fluffy Black hair to have him look back up. "But...That was a long time ago. I'm glad to be spending this time with you...Making brand new memories. Maybe one day, you'll be able to make memories with someone you care for more than anything..."

"More than you, Mom...?" He asks with curiosity. "But...Who else would I make memories with?" But then, his mind thought up of someone. One person in particular.

"Well...Maybe that "angel" you spoke so much about?" She asked with a smile, making him look down with embarrassment and making a small giggle leave her lips. "I'm only kidding, Connor...But, I know you'll find someone to make memories with. I know...You'll grow up to be a good man, who knows what's right from wrong...Who would do what's best for everyone and yourself...Who would..." She then lowers her head, having a small tear go down her face. "...Who would never hurt anybody...You're that much of a gentle soul..." He looks up at her now, wondering what to do until he was pulled in for a hug, taking him by surprise. "...I love you, Connor...I'm so sorry to have put this on you...I don't know why he has to act like this..."

He sat there, taking the embrace before he slowly started the same, letting her cry as he held onto his mother. Being with her like this proved one thing.

No matter what, he was and still is the gentle soul she proclaimed him to be.

Songs and Lyrics Used; All owned by their respective artists:
Stains of Time - Jamie Christopherson & Logan Mader/Metal Gear Rising