Memory 9: The Knight's Fight

Velvet Room

One more. All that remained was one more Shadow inside his mind, according to what he was told not too long ago. And once it's taken care of, not only will he be free from the captivity inside his mind, but he'll have finally rid of them all of and fully reclaim his memories. He was getting closer to being his real self once again. Closer to his goal. But there was much more to it than just that now. He had to fully reclaim his memories, not just to escape and become his real self, but to return to the real world and settle matters with Alena. But now, all he could think about was who the final shadow could be. All of them were formally people who were made into their playthings...Including Takeishi. Was the next Shadow going to be like the ones prior, or like him?

Now, and like many times before, the flash of light disappears to leave Connor and Iris behind. They had returned to the Velvet Room once again. And both Igor and Anastasia were near the desk as always. The long-nosed master of the room still had his large smile, but his attendant too had one. But definitely not as large as his. Meanwhile, all Knight had was a serious expression. But unlike before, where it showed acceptance of his actions, it held determination. Determination to finish matters once and for all. Upon the guest's return, he nods to him. "Welcome back, my dear guest. I can see you've recently learned of a grueling truth as you approach the end of this journey."

"Of...Alena?" He had asked right back, to which he gave the old man a nod. "Y-Yeah...Knowing what she did, it...I-It makes me feel sick. T-The fact she ripped away people's Shadows and got them killed...And used them like they were tools...Used them to craft and change me into someone I'm not...And disposed of who they were as people...I-It...It makes me feel sick..." He grips his fists tightly before shaking his head. He spoke with anger in his voice. "I-I remember almost everything now...What my Dad did and said to her every day, the pain my mom had to go through...Everything that happened, I-I remember. I-It hurts, but...I'm glad to know all this now. But now...This isn't just about remembering or keeping my memories now...I can't let her do that to me or anyone else again..."

"I've...I've seen and heard every word that he said...From that man named Takeishi." The woman then spoke, with him turning his head over to her. "The fact she did such things...And that he was held captive for so long...It's truly an awful thing to witness...Let alone hear."

"It's disgusting! Gross!" The smaller female spoke, with her Rainbow hair and Gray eyes of hers turning Red. "She did so many things to them...Put Glasses here into this situation! Put him through so much of this stupid shit! It's wrong! It's so freaking wrong!" Hearing her speak made them look over at her. It was clear just how much she's grown to care for Connor. "You shouldn't have had to kill Takeishi like that! He shouldn't have had to BE there! Nobody should have been here! If I see her, I'm gonna punch her so hard! "

"I-Iris...Calm down..." The young man now spoke, raising his hand to try to do that, which made her stop talking immediately. "...B-But, you're right about one thing...What she did to everyone, is unforgivable. S-She can tell me how much she wants me to be happy all she wants, but...If what she did is really her way of making me forget the past and to be happy, t-then...I-I would rather have been miserable for the rest of my life." He shakes his head and starts fully turning back to the attendant. "...I-I never want to go back to that life...Never again...Who and what I have now is more than enough..."

"The life you have...It truly is a special one to you." She said with a soft smile forming, with him nodding back. "Especially when she's in it."

"O-Of course...Nothing she says will make me want to get rid of those memories for good..." He slowly lifts his hand to look at the scarf he was currently holding, reflecting on the past. "...I-I don't want to lose the times we spent together. Not the times we thought of ideas, not the times of being there for her...With her...And certainly...Not the times we spent those holidays together..."

January 1st, 20XX
Connor's Apartment/Early Morning

Time had passed since Christmas...And it was what might have been the best Christmas of his entire life. To be with Haru as more than just a cook, business partner, or friend. To be her real, actual partner. Her romantic partner. Although their time together was short-lived since she needed to attend to some business regarding Okumura Foods. But he kept her in his thoughts regardless. He was happy, more importantly. This was the first ever relationship he ever had...And could only hope that things would work well. No...It WAS going to work well. After all, she trusts him...Just as he trusts her.

At this moment, Connor was asleep...Lying down on the bed in his bedroom while currently shirtless to reveal his rather...Muscleless build, and wore Black shorts. The room in question had Plain White wallpaper with only his wooden desk on one side of the room, his bed with Dark sheets and a blanket, wooden flooring like most of the apartment, a closet just close to his door, and a window covered by a Light Blue curtain. But even that wasn't enough to stop the sunlight from hitting him, making him start to open his eyes and start rolling over and groaning. Just then, he began to finally open his Icy Blue eyes, looking over to see he was still alone as usual. As well as his phone going off on the side table just close by.

He was left curious and decided to grab his phone, unlock it, and look at it sleepily. But the first thing he saw was a message. A message from Haru.

"Good morning, Connor-Kun. Happy New Year. Did you sleep well?"

That immediately woke him up and made his heart skip a beat. "H-Haru...?" He quickly sat right up the moment his eyes met the sight of it. And with that, he starts texting her. His thumbs were moving at lightning speed to start responding to her, not knowing how long that message had been left alone. And this was all he did as he sat there, looking down at the device. His attention was on the conversation the whole time.

"I did. How are you doing? I've missed you."

"And I've missed you as well. I'm doing okay. I was thinking of going to the Meiji Shrine for New Year's since I now have free time. I'd love to see you there."

"I'd love to see you there too. I'll be there. I love you."

"I love you too. I'll see you soon."

Just being able to talk to her...And to say that and how he loved her made the biggest smile form on his face. He was truly, completely happy. But he had to get up and get ready if he was going to see her. And so, he quickly got up to go right into his closet to pick out a Black sweater, Blue jeans, and took out a Brown jacket with what appeared to be fur on the hood. He was ready to walk out of his room, but he saw something else on the side table as well. The Olive Green scarf that was gifted to him on Christmas Day. He walked over to it to observe and pick it up, a smile forming on his face before he wrapped it around his neck. Keeping it snug around him. Somehow, to him...The look made him feel complete.

"Alright...Time to go." And with that, he walked out of his room, past the kitchen, and through the door to his apartment. And once out, he locked the door and proceeded to make his way out. His mind was all on Haru the whole time...He wondered what she would look like on New Year's Day. He always heard women wear yukatas on a day like this...So he wondered if she would or not. And what would she look like if she did? Regardless, he knew that he would love how she looked no matter what. Though on his way out, he accidentally bumped into someone on his way through the halls of the apartment building, making him look to see who it was. Alena. Seeing her...Made him happy somehow. His false memories overcame him. "O-Oh, hey, Mom! Y-You're back from work?"

Seeing him again did make her happy...Mostly from seeing how well what she did was working, and...From hearing what he had called her. To hear that he seems to have completely forgotten his mother from before, as well as his past...It made her just as happy. He was much, much closer to how she wanted him to be after all she did. "Yes, I have. Though, not for too long. Things are very busy in the hospital. I just wanted to check up on you, especially with college keeping us from seeing each other so often. How have you been, my sweet...Darling son?"

Little would Connor know...That this was far from the truth. But, he was glad to see her regardless. "O-Oh...I've been doing okay...I-I'm going out to see...A friend today. I'd love to have you meet her when you have the time!" Hearing him say that caught her attention. She knew full well whom he spoke of. He did watch and keep an eye on him for many months to ensure he was in a well enough state before approaching, after all. "A-Anyway...I'll see you later!"

And just then, he walked past her to try and make his way to Meiji Shrine. But as he continued to walk, she could only stare and watch him. The sight of him and him calling her "mom" did make her happy. "He's getting closer and closer...Only two more months left. I must keep going...I'm almost there." Once he was far enough, she then began to walk off in the other direction. She was content with the process she's made with him.

Although she had no clue that what she did to him would soon enough fall apart.

Meiji Shrine/Morning

"...Well, I'm here...I suppose all I do now is wait..." Connor thought to himself as he waited by the torii gate that would lead to the shrine, standing there as he watched all groups of people walking in and out. Some were families passing by, while others were couples. Some of the women wore yukata, while others didn't. And that observation alone left him even more curious about what Haru could look like now. And so he waited, his sweet, Blue eyes observing everything around him.

"...Hey, you." A voice spoke out, making the Black and Blue haired male look over to see someone his age walking toward him. It seemed like it was another student from the university the couple was attending, given their age. Although there was something about them...That made him feel as if they were more than just not friendly. "...I remember you. You're that guy who tried to be smooth with Okumura last month. Front of the entire campus too. And you're also that one guy who screamed his head off and defended her back in May. Like, hardcore defended her."

That only left him curious. "...O-Oh...Y-Yeah? I-I did do that. Um...What about it?"

"...Looks to me like you're more than just a supporter, you four-eyed simp." He responds, with a look of disgust on him. "...Man, how can you be trying to woo a chick like that? With a father like hers and what HE did? Do you even have any idea who you're going for here? What if that chick is like him? Likes abusing her employees like him?" However, Connor started to ignore him and kept looking around to see if his eyes could come across her. "...You could have gone for basically ANYONE else with a better name attached than hers. Hell, crushed on anyone else. Could have crushed on that Takeba lady in all those movies. Or even Kujikawa. But HER?" However, her new lover only stayed silent...With his orbs still looking around. "...You really like being with abusers, huh?"

However, something about that clicked a certain part of him inside, making him look. And look with his eyebrows tensing up. "...S-She's nothing like you say she is, okay? She cares about the people she works with...And she just wants to fix what her father did and make her own cafe. S-She's not hurting anybody like you think she is. S-So just...Leave me alone, okay...?" And then, he looks away to continue searching and people-watching. "...You don't know her as well as I do anyway..."

"...And how do you know that? How do you know ANY of this? Actually, how do you even KNOW her? You're not even in the same league as her!" He responded back, looking at him with a questioning tone in his voice. Just then, something caught his eye. Both of their eyes. And the sight of it was something they couldn't believe. It was Haru, walking toward him...Wearing a Pink yukata with fur around the eri, with a White haneri, and a Yellow Obi around her torso area. On top of that, on the side of her hair was a Pink flower as well. The mere sight of her...Stunned Connor. Surprised him much more than he had anticipated. She looked...Beautiful to him. Beautiful as always. "W-Wait...W-Wha-"

"...I-I know that because I bothered to know her...The real her...B-Besides, she's my girlfriend..." The eighteen-year-old responds, taking the stranger in complete shock. "...There's more to her than just her status, or her name...M-Maybe you shouldn't judge people by just that." Slowly, he starts walking toward her with a warm smile...Then he offered her his hand. It didn't take long for her to smile back and accept it. "Y-You look...Amazing...I-I...Don't even have the words..."

A small giggle and blush then escaped her. She was so happy to hear his compliment and to just see her. "I'm so glad you love it...Shall we?" A nod then escapes him as the two of them, now hand in hand, begin to walk together. And walk past the baffled stranger that tried to talk him down and out of it. Though it did make her curious. "...Who was that, Connor-Kun?"

"...I-I don't know. I don't even know who he was..." He answered honestly, but shook his head and looked over at her. "A-Anyway...That doesn't matter...What matters is that we're here together. A-And I brought the scarf you gave me..." He had the happiest look on his face, with his spare hand adjusting it slightly before giving it a light grasp. "I love it...It takes me back..." Hearing this only made her look to listen. She always loved listening to him reminisce. Especially if it helps to get to know him a bit better. "...I remember there was one winter where the three of us played in the snow...And to keep me warm, my mother bought me a scarf that looked just like this one...We all loved it...Especially my Dad." However, this was partially false. Especially the part regarding his father. But the portion mentioning his scarf...Was certainly real. But thinking about it made him happy.

"I'm so glad you love it. I had to think about it with the current season in mind. But knowing it has such a special meaning makes it much better. I'm so happy to see you're happy with it." Just hearing about how much he loved it left her with such a satisfied and happy leer. But, as they approached the crowd of people within the shrine, a thought came to mind. "...Connor-Kun, what are you going to wish for this year?"

"H-Huh...? What...I want to wish for...?" He looked over now, which made him wonder. But it didn't take him long to think of one. He knew it right out of the gate. "...I wish to always be by your side." Now that one confused her, and her expression showed such. She thought he promised that beforehand. "T-There's always been a difference between saying it and doing it. I...I want to prove that in the best way I know how. I-It's not much, but...I want to show you that I meant it..."

With that, her smile only grew...And slowly, she leans against him. Her head was now on his arm. And now her arms were now wrapped around his to show just how much she adored him...And appreciated his thoughts. She wanted to show her that she truly wished to be beside him as well. "...I know you will...Nothing could ever make me not believe that for a moment. Not when it's you saying it..." That led his smile to grow wider as his soft eyes slowly looked forward to the shrine, ready to make his wish.

A wish he'd want to keep.

Present Day
Velvet Room

"...Those days...That Christmas Day and New Year's Day...I-I will never want to get rid of...The day I made my promise..." Knight spoke, slowly looking up to Anastasia in the Velvet Room, who was listening to him the whole time. "T-The fact that she even tried to tell me that I would be living a better life if I got rid of my memories of her...The memories of Mom, and my promise...Along with knowing what I know now and what she did..." He shakes his head now. "...I-I can't. And now she's going to do whatever she can to put me back to how she had me...W-Willing to do the very same thing she did to the other Shadows...To Takeishi...After what she did to him, this..."

"..It's become much more personal for you. Now more than ever." She finishes, with him nodding. "It's only right to feel this way...After all, your mother...She's important to you. Takeishi was, in essence, your brother. Forced into this situation against his will. And now she's going to rid you of the woman you love to reach that goal. To rid of your promise to her." Just the mere thought and idea of that, and knowing that's what she was going to do...Made Connor angry. And tightening the grip of the scarf in his hand to show such. "...But, I'm sure you will be able to accomplish this. After all...Your bond and memories with her and both your mother and brother...Will gift you the strength you need to prevail." She said this with a warm smile, making him look back. "Besides...You did promise her many things...To make her dream come true...And to stay by her side. You saw to that yourself."

"Yeah...You're right...I have everything I need to stop this..." Slowly, he looked at what was in his hand once more, then slowly started to wrap it around his neck. Look-wise, he felt complete. A part of Haru and his mother...Now lived by him. Inside of him. "...There's no more time for doubt...No more time to waste or to start feeling regret...I know what must be done. What I HAVE to do." He spoke boldly, looking at the attendant before looking at Iris behind him. "...Let's go. We're going to finish this..."

By the sound of that, she smirks and nods before walking up...Her hair and eyes now turning Blue. "...You're damn right we are. And when we get out of here, I'll give her a piece of my mind."

"...You really think I'm just gonna let you outta here, you little shit!?" A voice then screamed out and echoed within the Velvet Room, making everybody look around in confusion. All except for Igor, who only looked around in amusement. "...No. No WAY am I letting you go, Connor! Not when I still have a chance to get out of here and live! It's time for you to die and get out of my way!" And from that alone, cracks were then made inside the room, causing it to start shaking and leaving large Black marks all around, and somehow expanding the room.

"W-What was that...?" Connor asked now, confused. Then he looked at Anastasia, who was still observing the room in wonder...Until it stopped. The room was somehow three times larger than before. "What's going on...? Is someone-"

"Well...We still reside within your mind...I believe...The last Shadow is no longer waiting." She spoke, telling them her thoughts at the moment. "It's not at all impossible since a being once infiltrated this very place. I believe, instead of you coming to it...It's now coming to us."

"Coming...To us?" His answer to that question then appeared. From the ground, a small puddle of the Black sludge then began to form, with a hand then starting to reach out from within and begin to pull itself out until it finally surfaced. However, unlike most, where it was a full shadow...It was a dark skeleton. But when it finally stood on its own two feet, more of the piles of sludge then began to form around it, allowing it to then grab and latch on, as if trying to give it form. From them, the muscle then began to form first. Then, the skin before finishing with its outfit. What it took the form of, however, surprised everybody there. "W-What...?"

The form...Was exactly like Knight, but held the dark color of a Shadow except for the Golden Mask. It recreated everything from its coat and vest to the pants, boots, and armlets. All except for the weapons. But then, it uses the Shadows it was made from to create the shield, although spiked this time. And with its right hand, it aims forward to have another splotch then form underneath it and immediately shoot up into its hand, creating a long enough spear to act like a sword. With the weapon created, it aims right at him, suddenly having its Black hair then flash to White, its Blue eyes it turning to Gold, and the mask suddenly shifting to add a metallic face covering to it.

THE MAGATSU KNIGHT

"So...This is the last Shadow..." He softly spoke, assuming this to be it. Both the thief and his copy only stared at each other, with him eyeing Iris. "...Iris...Stay clear..." With that, she nodded and quickly moved to where Anastasia was and turned into her bird form, flying over to her and onto her shoulder. This was it...This was what might be the final fight. And it was taking place here of all places. "...I-If you're going to try and tell me I killed Mom to try and get to me...Don't...I-I'll...Make sure you don't suffer anymore..." However, it said nothing. Only stared at him. Staring at him like a mindless zombie until it stole a glance toward Igor in the distance, who only stared back with interest. And that caught the real one's attention. "...You're not going to kill him. You won't."

That statement made the Magatsu Knight look back at him, now going into a staring contest...Staring and eyeing him, waiting for him to make the first attack. And the young man did the same. The final fight with the final Shadow...Was about to start.

We won't back down!
We won't!

They only stared at each other for quite some time, waiting for the other to make a move. But then, at the right time, they both dashed at each other and swung their swords at each other, their blades clashing and grinding against each other's. It took Connor by surprise at how quick it was to attack, let alone being exactly as fast as he was. Its soulless, Golden eyes only stared at his Blue ones. Not a single ounce of thought or emotion was in it. Of all the Shadows he fought, this was somehow the one that looked and appeared to be the most "dead". Even with it gaining its form.

I'm here to go beyond my limit, not to compromise! And you can tell me if I mean it looking in my eyes!
'Cause I've been waiting for my moment to strike! So come close, let me show you what it's like, yeah!
You can try to stand in my path but you're gonna regret it! I'll be the one who laughs last while I'm making my exit!
'Cause this is only for the strong of heart, nod if you get it! And no matter what the outcome, you better accept it!

With the first attack stopped, they both jumped back and dashed to swing at each other once again. And both swords collided in the exact same way. Their blades were fighting against each other once again, even putting in the same amount of strength behind the strike. To try and throw it off guard, Knight tries to get a pot shot in with his right knee. But that was easily countered and stopped by the dark opposite's own knee from the same side, taking him by complete surprise. This was a mirror match. And now he had to figure out how to get past it. He quickly jumps back, making the Shadow do the same, and quickly runs up to throw a punch with his left fist. And that was quickly countered by their own left fist, causing him to now jump away and start kicking with his own legs. And like before, each one of those kicks were halted by the copy's very own. Each and every hit ended in a stalemate.

I can cut right through steel, I can bury the pain! So don't doubt for a second; Just get out of my way!
You cheat and you steal, I'm not lŠµtting it go! So take this as a lesson, 'cause it's all that we know!

Each and every one of their kicks halted the other until the Phantom Thief tossed in one final one. But what the Magatsu Knight did next took him completely by surprise. Instead of kicking, it then grabs a hold of his ankle and throws him toward the wall with all of the strength it has, crashing into the windows of the classroom the Velvet Room took the appearance of. With him out of the way, the dark copy then glances over at the Master of the Velvet Room and quickly runs toward him, catching Anastasia's attention and making her eyes widen. "M-Master!" She yelled and was ready to run to stop it.

That scream was enough to make Knight quickly recover, with his eyes wide and open before quickly jumping off of the wall to race toward it, with him adjusting his position midair to prepare a drop kick toward his enemy. And with the correct timing, once it was close enough to almost slash the old man, the kick then landed and hit it directly in its face. The force of the attack was enough to send it back and crash into the wall like his counterpart did before, but on the other side of the room. And on the side that the two women were on. That was enough for the attendant to jump away while keeping her guard up to protect Iris on her shoulder. Once he hit it with the kick, he quickly jumped back and landed back on his feet, then looked over to the man with the long nose to see if he was alright. A nod was given to the guest, and he did the same to him. He was safe.

Will the whole world know your name, when we dance with destiny?
I've been there, and I've seen it! I'm never gonna stop believing!
You'll find your flame!
Oh, we can save the day! The day!

With it being stuck to the wall, its eyes slowly look over to the Velvet Room Attendant and the bird on her shoulder, with it slowly getting out of where it was stuck in. Knight saw it almost immediately and forced him to rip his mask off. "Lancelot!" And with that, his Persona was then summoned behind him, with the two of them wasting no time to race toward the Shadow with their left fist ready. And just when it was ready to leave the imprint, they were met with the Persona swinging their fist at the Shadow and immediately hitting them, sending them right back into the dent within the room. And soon it continued the assault by proceeding to slam its clawed fist into it, making them go deeper and deeper into the imprint, eventually just leaving a hole in the wall.

But within a split second, the evil other then swings its left arm to create a Tetrakarn to counter the fist, sending Lancelot back just enough to be back to its master's side. And with the time it bought, the Shadow quickly jumped out of the hole, then ripped off the top of its Golden mask to throw it away. Doing so made it melt into a White liquid and consciously darted straight into the Shadows...Shadow to have something rise from it and take shape. And from it came a copy of Lancelot...But now it had White armor instead of Black, and a Charcoal sword as opposed to the real one's Silver one.

We won't back down!
We won't!

Just seeing the invader within the Velvet Room form a Persona left Anastasia's own Golden eyes wide and filled with shock. "A Shadow...Creating their own Persona in such a way? T-That..." Just then her expression grew serious, and she was ready to open up her Silver book to partake in the fight. But her eyes caught Igor raising his hand and shaking it. It was his way of telling her to stand down and let the events of the battle unfold. This quickly made her nod, and she did as he said. Both Connor and his copycat stood there, staring at each other once more. Both are at a standstill, taking in the sight of their respective selves and Personas. But soon, the stare-off would end with them running at each other, and soon both them and their summons would clash their blades against each other.

It's like I'm seeing double vision. Take a seat; I'm on a mission! We got everything to gain!
To become everything you're not, you just give it all you got! And take the pleasure with the pain, yeah!
I can feel my fire awaken, no time for being complacent! There's a dream on the horizon, you know we gotta chase it!
And when we get to where we're going, then we start the invasion! Best me? Nah, you must be mistaken!

With them being this close to each other, it didn't take long for both Knight and Magatsu Knight to quickly jump back and rush in to attack once again, clashing once more. All the while, both of the Lancelots continued to struggle, one trying to overpower the other. Both the Phantom Thief and his dark copy continued to clash their swords until they backed up to prepare another one with extra power, with their Personas doing the very same after canceling their power struggle. And soon, they would sprint at each other once again, with their Personas being the first to swing and clash their weapons. And just as the Phantom Thief and his dark copy were going to hit their swords once again, Connor manages to do the unexpected and slash right through the fake's sword. But seeing this makes the Shadow quickly counter by lifting up its hand to create a barrier to not only block the attack, but also send him skidding away to create distance between them.

You know I'll turn you into rust, grind you right down to dust! You thought you were the best, well, you haven't met us!
I'll bring the fire and rain, call me the hurricane! I'm not letting it go, 'cause it's all that I know!

With distance gained, it unbuckles its razored shield and quickly throws it toward him. And that was enough to have him lift his arm and block the attack with his own shield, leaving behind many cuts embedded in it from the sharp attack alone. But soon he finally deflects it by swinging his shielded arm away to deflect and send it back, which the copy grabs a hold of with its left hand and uses the right one to hover over to create another pile of the Black ooze underneath to have it shoot up, making another sword for it to use once again.

Now, they only stared at each other once more as their respective knights jumped back to their sides. Connor was ready to finish this fight once and for all. But, in order to...He HAD to use that state he was in prior. There was no other way to get past them now. Despite his feelings toward it, he slowly moves his hand to his chest and immediately grips it, creating his Blood-Red aura and turning his eyes Gold while Reversing Lancelot and having it gain its Red hue. And all while the real Knight let out a painful scream. However, Magatsu Knight did the same in pure silence, now gaining an Ice Blue aura and having its eyes turn Red. The White copy of Lancelot then gains the same colored energy surrounding it.

Will the whole world know your name, when we dance with destiny?
I've been there, and I've seen it! I'm never gonna stop believing!
You'll find your flame!

With them now in their enraged states, the nineteen-year-old lets out a warcry and a laugh while pumping out his chest. "...Let's finish this...NOW! I'll tear you to shreds!" It then responds by doing the very same, with both of them and their Personas then putting their respective weapons on their backs and preparing their fists, with them now colliding with each other to leave a shockwave between them from both parties. With one fist swung, they pull back to swing their other fist to collide with that, and both their users and the large knights continued to do this at a quick speed. Going faster and faster with their punches until, after the last one, they pull back and quickly take out their swords once more.

While both Knight and Magatsu Knight clashed their swords perfectly, both Lancelot and the fake cut through each other with their respective weapons. And that very cut not only made their owners wince in pain and hold their chests, but was enough to make their Personas drop their large swords onto the ground and have them on their knees before disappearing for the time being and returning to being their masks.

Now here we go, it's the end of the show! Hear them? They're calling your name!
'Cause in the end, it's you and your friends!
You'll find your flame!

Now all that was left were them. And despite being weakened by the sudden pain, the Shadow then puts much more power into its arms to push Connor back with its blade while having their Light Blue aura swishing around wildly. This alone took him back for a moment, but he quickly recovered and began to scream as his own aura of the Dark Red color then began to consume him. Through his palms, he starts to have the element of Ice begin to surround his sword, with the copy doing the same. The sheer power of their Ice Cut Skill was enough to cause an explosion of mist between them, blinding the dark copy.

It was left confused until suddenly, the real Knight then came out of nowhere from within to deliver a quick yet powerful slug to the face. And the hit alone sent it flying away and skidding on the ground at a fast speed. It hoped to recover from the strike, but ended up losing its footing and began stumbling and rolling around, eventually hitting its back on the wall in the back of the room to create a large indention it was now stuck in. But during that time it was sent away, it crashed into the singular desk that was in the middle of the room, destroying it and having its remains now on the floor.

GO!

Throughout this whole fight, all the residents of the room could do was watch and stare. Iris, most importantly, was in awe. And then she began to jump up and down in excitement, her feathers now Green. "...You can do this! You can do this, Glasses!" Hearing her made the Black and Blue haired male look over to her and nod before looking back to his copy to see it slowly trying to get out of the indention in the wall. He was ready to take out the sword he had put up prior, but then looked below him to see the two large swords their Personas used that were left behind, observing them. He was ready to finish this fight for good. Slowly, he lowers himself and grabs both the Silver and Black blades by their hilts, and then does something that takes everyone by complete surprise. He starts to lift them at a slow but steady pace thanks to his enhanced state before now casually aiming the swords at the Shadow and holding them with zero effort. "G-Glasses?!"

"...Get. Down. Now!" He warned them, then suddenly lifted them into the air to have a beam of light emerge from them, suddenly combining the two swords together. Now in his hand was Lancelot's regular White Blade, but it now had a Black middle piece. With the large blade formed in his right hand, he swings it to his left while having the auras of Dark Red and Light Blue surround it, and having energy of the same colors now erupting from the top of the sword. And then, he sprints toward the Shadow. The weapon and energy in question were currently ripping into the wall due to its size and the power coming from it. And that was very telling of what he meant just moments ago.

"G-Get down!" She then squawked, making the attendant duck to protect herself and the bird.

Now here we go, it's the end of the show. Hear them? They're calling your name.
'Cause in the end, it's you and your friends.

Connor continued to dash toward the shadow with the blade ready, letting out a loud warcry as he did so. All the Shadow could do was just stare, trying to get out of it to fight back. But it was too late for it to escape. He swings the large blade to the right to then slash through it, leaving behind not only a large cut throughout half of the expanded Velvet Room they were in, but a large wound on the enemy...Essentially destroying its torso in its entirety. With that very slash, its entire body starts to evaporate, leaving behind absolutely nothing. The battle...Was finally over.

You'll find your flame.

With it now gone, the energy that was coming out of it then disappears, with Knight now slowly putting the sword to his side. A sigh escapes him as his Gold eyes return to their Ice Blue color and his dark aura disappears. Quickly, he rips off his mask to re-summon Lancelot behind him, then stabs the sword into the ground for it to claim its brand-new blade. And with the blade given back and in its hand, it disappears to reform the guise on his face. The fighting was finally over...A smile plastered over his face. A smile of victory. "Haru...I-I did it...I'll...I'll finally be able to come back. Back to be by your side...Back..." He then grips his scarf softly. "...Back to protect you..."

February 14th, 20XX
Kinshiro University/After Classes

Time had passed since New Year's Day. And that day was the best possible way to start this year. To have Haru by Connor's side, and to be able to fully promise that he would be by her side. But soon enough, classes had finally started up once again, and he was slammed with schoolwork as always. Enough to where they couldn't be together as much as either wanted to, especially when exams were approaching once again. So until then, he focused on both his work and cooking whatever dishes he could think of with root vegetables and fruits, as well as messaging her as much as possible. But today was going to be a different day from those. Valentine's Day was today. And he wanted to make today special.

He stood by the entrance that led to the campus, waiting all the while wearing the winter attire he had on before. He was very anxious, which he clearly shows by looking around. Anxious, but excited. Excited to see her. Slowly, he takes out his phone to re-read the messages from today again.

"Happy Valentines Day, Haru. I was wondering if you wanted to go to a cafe I had my eyes on. Maybe give us ideas for a design and a reason to go out and take our minds off exams for a bit. I've missed you."

"I missed you too. I'd love to go! It would be lovely."

"Great. I'll see you there. I love you."

"I love you too!"

He then looks up and away from his phone, letting out a light sigh...But then was suddenly embraced from behind. "There you are!" The one who did this spoke. But he didn't need to look to see who it was. From the voice alone, it was Haru. And that made a smile and a blush form on his face. Soon, she'd let go and make her way in front of him. Now she was wearing a Pink coat dress with earmuffs, a White scarf, Black leggings, and Brown ankle shoes. Like always, she looked wonderful to him. And now that she's been seen, she gives him a loving smile. "It's nice to see you again, Connor-Kun."

"And it's nice to see you too...S-Shall we...?" He asked, slowly offering his hand to her. It didn't take long to hold it with pure happiness behind it. Then, together...They walked. Wanting to take their time in making their way there.

Taking in this tender moment.

Cafe/After Classes

"...Thank you for taking me out here, Connor-Kun." Haru spoke as she was sitting down at a table with Connor on the other end inside a cafe, letting the bright lights and the heat radiating within hit and cover the both of them. It was...Relaxing to be here, especially with how cold it was outside. Especially with all of the other people there, sitting in their own respective spots. Be it alone to relax as well or with friends. And a few other couples. Her eyes looked around, observing the Pure White interior and its wooden floors. "This place...Looks so wonderful."

"I-I was...Hoping you'd like it...I saw this place when I was walking to classes one day and, w-well...It caught my attention..." He responds, staring at her with a loving glance. It was extremely clear how much he loved being with her like this. "There was always something about places like this that was so relaxing..." Then, something clicked within him and his Blue eyes. "A-Actually...I've been meaning to ask, Haru...Your grandfather owned a cafe...Was it anything like this?"

A shake of her head then forms. "Well, not exactly...It had a very, warm feeling. As if...You're in a second home, kind of warm..." He listened to her, taking a sip of his coffee on the table. "My grandfather had always wanted to make someone feel as if...They were in a second home when customers walk in. I want to make everyone not just feel that way, but to make them happy. By both the atmosphere, the aroma of the coffee, and being able to help people as he once did." She couldn't help but smile at the thought of him. "He...Was a wonderful man."

"...H-He does..." But, that quickly clicked with him. While his memories were inconsistent, he did remember that. "I...Do love the idea, though. Having it be a second home to them...As well as having everything homegrown like you want it to be..." A warm smirk formed on his face. "W-Well...I guess...I'll have to learn more about gardening as well if everything will be made like that..." That caught her attention. "...Y-You didn't think I was going to let you do all of that by yourself, r-right...? I...Want to make your dream happen now more than ever. A-And I mean...Help with everything I can. From the cooking to growing the fruits and vegetables, and...W-Well, to be your support..." Then, he looked away for a moment in embarrassment before giving her a sheepish grin. "...U-Unless I'm fired...?"

Then a giggle left her from the little joke he made. "N-No...Of course not! You're the last person I'd do that to." The silence between them then filled the air, with her eyes staring right into his gentle ones. It was very clear that he meant it. He always meant it. And so, she was ready to speak again. "...Connor-Kun-"

"...I finally found you, you little bitch!" A voice shouted now, taking them and everyone else in the cafe by surprise. The both of them then looked over to see someone walking over to them. It was a man with a White business suit, a Violet colored undershirt accompanied by a Black tie, and straight Brown hair with matching eyes. Connor was left confused, but Haru had fear plastered all over her face. She knew exactly who this was. "How...DARE you!"

"S-Suigmura-San?! W-What are you doing here?!" She asked now, making her new lover look over with confusion filling his mind even more...Until it clicked with him. He knew who this person was now.

"I'm here to take what's supposed to be MINE!"

That only struck even more fear into her eyes. "B-But the marriage was canceled a year ago! Takekura-San made sure of-"

And just then, he quickly grabs her by the wrist and yanks her out of her seat, earning a yelp from her. A scene was being made at this very moment. And it was a big enough one that some started to take out their phones to record this moment. "Fuck him! Do you think you can just toss me away just like that?! Do you have ANY idea who I am!?" Sugimura screamed out, his grip on her only tightening...And all she could do was just stand there, trying to get out of his grip. She was too taken aback by everything going on at this time. "You were supposed to be my wife! MINE! I was going to save your fucking company from ROCK BOTTOM! And what do you do!? You break it off just so you can jump into someone else's arms and fuck them! I WAS THE BEST THING YOU COULD HAVE HAD!"

Those eyes of hers only began to form tears. Tears of being scared at this very moment, unsure of what to do. "P-Please...Stop!"

"Everything was going so well! So PERFECTLY well until you messed it ALL up! We could have had some fun together! You could have had EVERYTHING, you whore! Do you hear me?! EVERYTHING!" Then he points at Connor, who was only able to stare. He, too, was taken aback and hesitant about how to react. "...But now here you are with THIS useless piece of trash! He's nothing to us! Nothing to anyone! He's WORTHLESS!"

From those very words, something clicked inside the eighteen-year-old...Having him look down. His eyes were completely wide. "U-Useless...Worthless...?" It was all he thought about...Those very words were now repeating within his just then, his real memories surfaced in full. Memories from nearly a year ago, even if for just a moment.

"...Whatever this...USELESS little shit is, he isn't!"
"I don't...Give a shit on what he is, where he's going, or whatever the HELL he is...You...Are nothing in this household!"
"You're not as good as Takeshi! Never have, and never will be! You'll NEVER be on his level! DO YOU HEAR ME!?"

The sounds of those very voices of his father had come back. And it made him shake. Shaking from how similar those words and this situation were. Shaking in fear. But the more it stuck to him, the more he began to do so...But not in fear. This time...In anger. "Who do you think you are!? Who do you think YOU are to do that to ME?! You USELESS-" Sugimura continued to berate her...But the moment he heard that final word, Connor looked up, his eyes now glowing and gaining the color of Gold. And soon, he suddenly stood up while his fist slammed onto the table. That sound alone caught his attention, with the young man staring with rage. "And what the HELL are YOU doing, you trash?! This is OUR business, not-"

And then, what happened next shook everyone in the cafe. Connor suddenly punched him directly in the face. Not only did it make him let go of Haru, but it also made him stumble and fall to the ground. Everything was silent. Not a single sound was made...Except for the sound of something dripping onto the ground. It was then that she slowly looked over at him, his hand raised and still in a fist. But most importantly...His fist was covered in blood. Then those Brown orbs of hers glanced at the table...A part of it was cracked and destroyed, with light traces of blood on it. It clicked with her. That wasn't Sugimura's blood. It was his. And so she rushed close to him. "C-Connor-Kun! Are you okay?!"

Slowly, his eyes returned to the beautiful Blue color they were before, making him look over at her before looking at his fist. He grabbed a napkin from the table to try and stop the bleeding. "I-I'm sorry...I-I don't..." He tried to speak up, unsure of what had happened...Or what to say. Let alone defend what he did.

During this, the man he just punched slowly began to sit up, holding his blood-covered cheek, but felt something in his mouth and spat it out. A tooth. That singular punch just knocked out a tooth. And that made his eyes wide and full of anger. "Y-You...BASTARD! Who the HELL do you THINK YOU ARE?! I COULD FILE CHARGES AGAINST-" And so he went back to screaming, slowly getting up. But he stopped to stare at the one who assaulted him. "...No, you're not that kid from before...That one with the juvie charges. You look like him, but...That doesn't matter. You'll be locked up all the same! It's all the same to them! Who do think YOU are laying a finger on me!? You have NO right to associate yourself with us! You're nothing! A WORM! A-"

As he spoke, Connor was now the one filled with fear. He didn't know what to do...And felt that he had just made the situation worse. Now he was the one being berated. And that alone made her rage start to rise...And soon,it reached a boiling point. "...You're wrong, Sugimura-San...He's...Not useless or trash...He's much more than that..." She spoke, catching their attention. Especially with how her sweet voice was gone...And was replaced by one full of anger. "...He's my fiance, and I love him."

That word shocked her lover...And left him baffled. Surprised, even. Fiance? That name even surprised Sugimura. Perhaps even the whole cafe as some began to speak amongst themselves. After all, they were watching and listening. "F-Fiance?! HIM?! THIS TRASH!? HE'S-"

"...Enough, Sugimura-San." Those words quickly quieted him. "...He has treated me with more love and care than you ever could! If you think I will allow you to insult him and I like you have, then you are completely mistaken!" He was now dead silent, and his eyes were wide. The whole cafe was. And watching. Even some of those inside right now were also students at their university. Word was going to spread quickly. "...Now, I think it would be better if you walked away and stayed out of our lives forever, and to not press charges against Connor-Kun. Unless you would much rather I be the one to press charges against you for assaulting me as well. Everyone is a witness to your actions today. Is that what you wish, Sugimura-San?" He could only stand there, seething and gritting his teeth. Angry that someone like her is telling him what to do. But...He remained quiet. "...That's what I had hoped." Then, she holds onto Connor's hand. "...Let us depart, Connor-Kun. I'll fix your hand."

His eyes were still wide. To have her defend him as she did...It made him happy. But he was more focused on what she called him. Though now wasn't the time to focus on that. His hand needed attention. And so he nods. "O-Okay..." He looked at everything and everyone one last time before he would be dragged out with her. "I-I'm so sorry, everyone!" And then, the two left hand in hand. At least...The best they could with his own messed up hand.

Everything was still quiet until they all began to talk about what happened. All while the Brown haired man still stood there grinding his teeth...Angry.

She will be his.

Haru's Dorm/Evening

Time had passed since the incident in the cafe. And ever since then, they had been silent...Their whole date had been ruined. And the gravity of what had happened still lingered. They were now in her dorm room, which had Sky Blue wallpaper and a White desk on one end of the room, a closet next to it, and a bed with Pink blankets and a pillow on it. Both Haru and Connor were sitting on it, with her wrapping a bandage around his knuckle. "...There, much better." She then spoke with her usual voice once more, moving her hand away to let him observe it. There were still bits of blood seeping through, but it would most certainly recover in no time. But, she then looked down sadly. "I-I'm sorry for what happened, Connor-Kun..."

His eyes then pried away from his covered wound to her, staring at her with concern. It was clear she felt horrible about what transpired. And so he shook his head, with his fluffy Black and Blue hair moving along with it. "H-Haru...You're fine, really...You didn't do anything wrong..."

"But...It's because of my prior arranged marriage with Sugimura-San that it even happened in the first place..." He only sat there and listened, looking at her with those soft eyes of his. "...And I made quite the scene too. When he insulted you, call you all those names...I couldn't just let him say those awful things to you anymore...And-"

"...Haru." He then spoke, catching her attention. Now, she saw him smiling and blushing...Those Ice Blue orbs were filled with happiness. Love, even. "...I-I don't even mind that anymore. I think...W-What you called me was much better than what he said anyway..." She knew exactly what he meant, and soon she covered her face to hide her now Red face. Now everybody was going to know. Know about what she called him. And that earned a little laugh from him. "I-I think we'd need to wait a bit before being called that, b-but..." His own cheeks began to grow brighter. "...I-I...Don't mind being that with you one day..."

That made her look up now, her eyes wide and full of shock. To hear that he'd love to be that one day with her...To be called that. She wasn't sure what to say. She wasn't able to find the words to. "C-Connor-Kun...?" She softly asked now. She was currently trying to process what was said. He...Didn't mind the idea of being her fiance?

Despite the wounded hand, he slowly yet lightly grasped her palms, the two of them staring eye to eye. "...F-Five years..." He plainly said, with curiosity filling her eyes. Five years? What could he have meant by that? "...Five years from now...I hope to have your cafe become a reality. And in five years, I'd...I'd like to propose to you. T-To become your fiance. Y-Your real one..." To hear him say all of these things...Only left her in awe. She was now starting to have goosebumps. "...L-Let's make it a promise. In five years...I'll ask you to be m-m-my bride...In five years...W-We'll be married. I-I know we'll still be together by then...I-I know we will..."

All she could do was listen to him...To listen to yet another promise he made. One of the many he made...And one she knew he would keep. And so, she gives him a nod. "...I...I believe you. Everything you say, I...Know you're telling the truth. Then I promise as well. In five years, we'll be together...And to be in the cafe we both made...With you by my side..."

Hearing that made the smile on his face grow even wider. "G-Good...I-I can't wait until then..." His stomach and heart...Felt as if they were ready to explode from happiness. Happiness from the promise they made. In five years, he swore to propose to her. However, it was all starting to become too much for him to handle...As if he needed a way to let it out. And soon, he knew of a way. Boldly, he then leans forward to plant a soft kiss on her forehead, with her closing her eyes and letting out a soft sigh. Then, he stared back into her eyes. "...I love you, Haru...Always..."

Slowly, her eyes open to look up at him...A smile was now on her face. "...And I love you, Connor-Kun..." And so, they continued to stare at each other before embracing each other. Not wanting to let go...Or wanting to be separated at this very moment. Although the date had far from gone well, Connor truly remembered one thing from all of this. And not only her love for him.

That he was, in some way, her fiance now.

Present Day
Velvet Room

Connor continued to stand there, holding onto his Olive Green scarf still...A smile on his face. "...Hold on for just a little longer...I'm almost home." He now looks over to where Anastasia and Iris were, since they were ducking from the attack earlier. "...Y-You can get up now!"

Now that the coast was clear, the attendant then rose to see the damage done. Particularly the giant cut in the room. "Oh my..." It was all she could say as she observed it. To think that this much damage would come from the fight just a bit ago.

Iris then saw this, having her currently Black feathers then turning Red before flying over to him and flashing to return to her human form. "You could have told us what you were doing, you jerk! Why do you not do that?!" She now asked with a yell, making him rub the back of his fluffy head and look away. "...This happens almost EVERY single time with you! Don't you think sometimes?!"

"S-Sorry...I guess...I don't mean to do that..." He apologized to her, looking at her with an apologetic look. "...I...Tend to do that more than I should, huh? U-Um...S-Sorry..."

She only stared at him with a glare, looking up and down at him before sighing...That Red hair and pair of eyes of hers then turning to Blue. "Well...Whatever...The important part is that it's gone. And that was the last Shadow! So...We did it!" She then pumps her fist into the air with a large smirk, but then slowly began looking around...The room was slowly starting to shrink and move back to its original size despite the cracks and the large cut, but...They still remained here. Nothing else had changed. "...So, uh...Is something supposed to happen, or-"

"...You're still alive!? Not bad kiddo!" The voice then echoed, making everyone look around. The voice was there again...The young man's eyes widened at the sound, and the short woman's hair turned Orange. "I thought you would have been weaker than that, but you sure showed me! Showed all of them! And now...You've just made things even easier for me! Now, come on by, Connor! Let's finish this once and for all!" And just then, from where the Shadow once was beforehand, a Black flame then began to form and take shape, creating a dark door before them.

Their eyes only remained on the door, taken back and surprised by what was in front of them while Anastasia slowly made her way to them. With all this, Igor let out a laugh. "My, my...What a turn of events!" Hearing him then made everyone turn to where he was. "It seems there were not twelve...But thirteen in total. Very, very fascinating."

"B-But...I don't understand...There were twelve of them! Takeishi said so!" Knight then spoke out, now starting to pace and wonder. "I-If there's only twelve, then...How can there be-" Then, an idea suddenly came to mind. And that's when it came together. "...I think I know now..." He faces them, looking at each of them in this room one by one. "...Y-You all know how my "memories" were held together like they were? W-Well...Something needed to keep them together. Let alone having those fail-safes function if that happened..." Then, his soft, Blue eyes looked back at the door. "T-Then that means..."

"...To get you back, we have to stop it at the core. The center of everything." The smaller woman spoke, observing it. "...I guess even Takeishi didn't know about this either. Then...Looks like we've got one more place left to go. Wonder where it'll be next..."

"I-I'm not sure..." Wherever it was, he knew for sure that the next place was going to be within the depths of his heart. The very core of his mind and who he was as an individual. The very core of his memories. His real ones. And so he looks at the attendant one last time. "I-I...I think I'm going to need your help for a little while longer...I-Is that okay...?"

From hearing that very question, all she does is smile softly and give him a light nod. "Of course. We are here until your journey within your mind comes to an end." She slowly walks up to him to grasp his gloved hands, softly holding them with kindness and support, despite them being torn. "...This is the final step, it seems. Once the core that resides within your heart is gone...Your mind and memories will be yours again, and you will return to the real world. I have nothing but the utmost faith in you."

He gives her a nod and slowly moves his hands away, with his eyes looking over to Iris. A bob of her head was made from her alongside a smirk. "...You truly are a remarkable guest! I've never been so fascinated by one such as yourself! " The master spoke, with everyone looking once more. "I look forward to seeing the true end of your journey! Now...Go, and show us how this will all end!"

Slowly, he bobs her head."...Of course. After all...I have someone I cherish to return to." He then faces the door one last time, with Iris slowly walking by to his side. The two of them then look at each other and nod once more, telling them that they planned to be by each other's side until the very end. And together, they walk forward and into the door of darkness.

There was no turning back now.

Songs and Lyrics Used; All owned by their respective artists:
Find Your Flame - Tomoya Ohtani/Sonic Frontiers