Memory 13: Another Door Opens

March 21st, 20XX
?/Morning

The sun was now shining brightly in the sky at this very moment. A sign that a new day has finally begun, and yesterday was now a day of the past. And despite all that happened the day before, everyone in the world was going on with their lives as if nothing happened. Perhaps, except for the consequences of Mnemosyne ripping the Shadows Selves from others to increase its power. Doing that caused a large surge of Mental Shutdowns around the world, and cost the lives of many. But the very thing that caused them and was ready to rip away others' memories was stopped for good. And now the Metaverse was locked away for good. The very threads that tied itself to that world and Mementos were gone, as well as Alena's usage of that very power. The world could and would never know what happened. And they never will.

Through a highway filled with busy traffic and cars speeding by, a particular Black van was now driving through it. The insides of it were shaking as it moved on the highway, aiming to return back to the city. Back to Shibuya. Inside it was Connor, who was currently driving it at the very moment, and Haru in the passenger seat. She was the one who drove them to their destination in the first place, and now it was his turn to do the same for returning home. The sounds of just the vehicle moving as well as the radio were all they could hear...The two of them were completely silent.

"...And in the latest news..." Someone starts saying through the radio they had on. "...While unsure of the causes, we received reports of a large wave of Mental Shutdowns cases since nearly two years ago. Within that span of time, the body count has gone up to almost ten thousand. Ten thousand lives were lost overnight. We could only assume that the reason for its reappearance is-"

Tired of hearing the report and them talking about how many had died, the male then changed the radio station to have it now play music. A sigh left him...And one with a hint of sadness in it. "...I-I knew it was bad, but...I didn't think it would be, well..." He only shook his head and kept his Blue eyes on the road. "S-Still...It hurts to think about it...Hear about it. So many people died...For no reason..."

She could tell that what had happened before was still on his mind. Be it how many had passed away from the shutdowns, just like he said...Or of all that happened the night of. "...Are you going to be okay, Connor-Kun?" She then asked, looking over at him with concern. "With all that happened..."

He eyed her for a split second before looking back on the road, giving her a warm smile and a nod. "...Y-Yeah. I'll be fine...I-I just hope everyone that were close to the victims ends up okay, is all. Losing someone so suddenly...Is never easy. But, I've never been better. I-I...Can remember everything now. Everything's...Clearer now. I'm happier, even..." But, that grin did fade away over time. "...I-I've also been...Thinking about Alena. I...Just know she'll be thinking a lot."

Many Hours Ago

March 20th,20XX
Miura Beach/Night

Darkness was all that could be seen for Connor. But, it wasn't darkness filled with pain or confusion. But one filled with bliss. Filled with a clear mind. A time when he could finally rest for a little bit. A time to sleep. But, he had to slowly wake up. The world was waiting for him. And so, his eyes began to flicker open to see the night sky in front of him, slowly realizing he was lying down on the sand. More importantly, his head was on someone's lap. That fact made him slowly look up a bit to see Haru staring and looking down at him. Confusion began to fill his mind at the sight. "Ha...ru...?"

Hearing his voice and seeing his eyes open up only made her smile. A smile filled with relief. Relief to know he was okay. "...Welcome back, Connor-Kun...I'm so glad you're okay..."

"W-What...Happened...?" He couldn't remember what happened at first, but it did eventually hit him and led him to quickly sit up. He remembered everything right then and there. From his awakening to the journey through his own mind, and ending with the defeat of Mnemosyne. And on top of it, the appearance of Iris in his world as well. "I-Iris! Where's-" He quickly looked around to see the sights around him. Before him was Iris just in the distance, who was currently staring at Alena and now in her true human form. The nurse herself was staring out into the ocean, deep in thought. Thinking of what had happened because of her...As well as the fact that what she had planned was now impossible. And just close to the couple was the still passed-out Sugimura. But he wasn't their focus. It was the two women. "Iris..."

"...She said she was a friend of yours, Connor-Kun." He then looked over at his lover right then and there. It seems she was caught up to speed regarding their history...Somewhat. That confused look on her face showcased that. "...She told me many things about the two of you...But, I didn't quite understand it. A lot of it was confusing..." But she shook her head. "...I didn't think you knew someone like that."

Slowly, he nodded. "Y-Yeah...I-I'll try to explain it when we return home, but..." His head slowly turned to the Rainbow-haired girl, with the both of them now staring at the pair. He wanted to help with what the reincarnated woman had to do and be by her side, but...He couldn't. No, he knew he shouldn't. "...Her and Alena...Are somewhat related. This...Is something only they can do. T-There are...Some things only Iris can tell her..."

The whole time, the short woman only watched the nurse standing there, staring. And so, with a deep inhale followed by an exhale, she slowly starts making her way over to her. The sounds of walking on the sand filled the blonde's ears, making her look behind her. The two of the now staring at each other face to face. The time to talk...Had finally arrived. There was no way to back out now. She couldn't. "...Hey, lady." The Rainbow-haired one spoke first.

"...Hello." She simply replied back, now rubbing her arm. "...You're the one that helped him a bit ago."

"...Yep, I am. One and only in the flesh." Nothing but their silence filled the air, as well as the sounds of the tides. "...Listen, there's...Something I need to tell you. It's...About Kioku." Hearing that name made her eyes widen. This was the second person who brought him up. "...You remember what Connor said earlier? About...Kioku not wanting you to go down the path you were on? That it wasn't what he wanted? Or that you shouldn't dwell on his death?" Her hair and eyes then slowly went from the Rainbow color to Yellow. "...Well...He was right. He...He wouldn't have wanted to you keep thinking of nothing but the past. About him...Being dead. He...He would have wanted you to move forward. To remember him for who he was, and...To keep his memory alive by living your life. To embrace the now...To be happy in the present..."

However, all the nurse could do was shake her head. How could she know this? "H-How do you know that...? He's dead...He's been dead for some time, and now..."

"...Because...I'm his reincarnation." She spoke back, and just hearing this inflicted shock on her "mother". "...I remember everything about him. Remember his life before, and remember...How much you loved him, even if he was just a pain in the ass..." A little laugh then left the short girl, but she shook her head after. "...But, even if he was angry all the time, and even when I DID look like Connor in one lifetime or lived as Kioku at the time...He loved you too, Alena. He loved you with all his heart..." Hearing each of her words...Brought the older woman to tears. "...I'm not one hundred percent him by any stretch, but...Can I tell you something? From one version of him to you? And only something I can say with his memories..."

Despite her crying, she only stared at her...Listening to her. "W-What is it...?"

Slowly, that Yellow hair turned to Blue."...He'll always love you, and he'll always be there by your side. No matter how far apart you two are...The only thing I know he would have wanted is...Is for you to be happy. To live your life to the fullest." The reincarnation started giving her a small smile. And one to try and give her comfort. "...He would have wanted you to move on from the pain. To be stronger than it. To move forward with your life...There are so many more things in this world than just dwelling on the past. What we could have done...And what we should have done...That's...That's what Connor taught me..." Then, she looks over to stare at the couple in the distance, who were watching them. "...And that's something he learned too...To be stronger than what he endured. To take the good parts of how his Mom lived and the happy memories they had with him...And remember them for that."

Through her tears, she began to wipe them away with her arm. She did recall him saying that. "...He did say that, didn't he? To take them with him...?" A little laugh left her before silence was now between them. "...Where will you go now, now that you're here...?"

"...I'm going to do what everyone else is doing. What I should be doing. Putting my past life behind me and living the life I have now. And I'll do that...By joining them. Close that door, and open the next...Just like he is. Just like you should." She looks over at her one final time. To look at Alena one last time. "...We only have one life, right? One present, and one future...That's where we belong now more than anything else. Not the past..." Then, she faced forward once more. "...Goodbye, Mom...And just know, somewhere in these memories...I'll love you always...Kioku will love you always."

From that very name, her tears reformed as Iris began to walk away. Walk toward a new chapter in her life. But most importantly, after telling her that Connor was correct in what he said. Alena then began looking down, those tears going down her cheek to land on the sand. She couldn't deny it any further. Her obsession with the past had led her to this very moment...And many lives were lost. Many of them were irreplaceable. She had no idea if there was a way for her to make up for what she did...Except to continue living. But, only she could figure out how to somehow make up for it. In some way. But, she looked up. The weight had truly set in now. How far she had gone. "...Kioku..."

From the moment their conversation started, all Connor and Haru could do was watch. Watching to see if anything would happen, and soon...Witnessed the sight of Iris walking away. Walking away toward them. With that, the two of them slowly started getting up from the sand. A smile was put on his face, and he held his arm out, to which the smaller woman quickly started running and flashed into her bird form to fly toward his limb to perch on it. The duo was reunited once again. "...I-It's nice to see you again, Iris. I-I...Missed having you around..."

"...Glasses, come on...We were separated for like, what...Ten minutes before I swooped in to save you? Fifteen? It wasn't THAT long." She squawked out, making him look away for a bit. But, a sigh left her. "...But, I missed you too. I'm just glad I came in just in time. I had to pretty much look everywhere for the right way here."

Hearing them talk like they were made his "fiancee" giggle a bit. "You two really do seem like good friends! I'm sure you two will fit in with the others just fine!"

With the three of them together, they all glanced at each other and nodded toward one another. "...L-Let's go home first thing tomorrow morning. All of us...Together. B-But, first...We should go find a hotel to stay in...I-I'm still really tired from all that happened..." Connor then spoke, rubbing the back of his Black and Blue haired head. Clearly, he didn't want to just sleep in or on the sand again.

And with that, all of them started walking away. Away from the beach they all planned to leave behind. "...Yeah, you know what? I don't think I've ever been to a hotel before! Better be a nice one around here!" The bird then spoke.

"I'm sure there's one with a nice enough room close by that we can stay in for the night." The Fluffy-haired one replied with a giggle. "I'll be sure we have one tonight."

"Oh HELL YES! I've been so tired of living in that room for who knows how long! Oh, Fluffy...You have NO idea how much I love you right now!"

They continued to walk away, with Sugimura slowly starting to wake up and rise from the sandy beach for the third time tonight. "...What the hell...?" He then began to look around, seeing the group walking and then Alena in the distance, with him instantly remembering what happened and freaking out. He wasn't sure what was going to happen next. He was already confused as it was. From all he could remember and how close to death he was, he knew that chasing after Haru now...Was no longer worth it. "...Y-You know what? This isn't worth that bullshit anymore! T-To hell with this!" And so, he quickly started running off in another direction to leave the beach.

And just like that, he had left their lives for good.

Present Day
Highway/Early Morning

"...No, she WILL be thinking about that a lot..." Connor continued as he kept his eyes on the road, continuing to drive on the highway...Yet another sigh escaped him. All the while, Haru only looked over at him, listening. She could definitely tell that, regardless of what happened, he did have concern for her. "T-There were so many people that died because of what happened...I can only hope...She finds a way to make up for it. I-In her own way, of course...And if not, then just finding the strength to...Live with it as best as she can..."

"...Yeah, me too." A voice then spoke from the back of the small van, the source slowly moving up to reveal it to be Iris. Her hair was Rainbow colored as usual, and her eyes were completely on the road. However, nobody but the female Phantom Thief looked over to her. After all, the male had to focus on driving. "...I just hope she can move on from everything now. As tough as it might have been to hear all of that from us..."

"Y-Yeah..." Nothing but the sound of the music from the radio and the driving filled the van. There wasn't much to say at this moment. "...B-But, a positive...I-I doubt we'll see Sugimura again..."

"...Who, that jerkoff? Dude, that guy, from all I saw in your head, was a total dick!" The new addition to the group then spoke, with a groan coming out of her. "He's lucky that you two were watching out for him, especially when he tried to pull that crap on you guys during that trip! But...Yeah. I bet that's the last time we'll see him!" A smirk then forms on her face. "You summoning your Persona to fight Alena right in front of him? And doing that WITH Fluffy? THAT might have been the power play to end all power plays! The best part about it? He can't even PROVE what happened! So now he's gonna look all stupid and crazy! You guys TOTALLY put him in his place!"

She then started laughing, with the couple now starting to do so a tiny bit as well. He truly did learn his lesson, it seemed. But, thinking about it did make something click within Okumura's mind. "...O-Oh, that's right! I did tell everyone what happened last night. Though our plans have changed, we're still meeting in LeBlanc!" Hearing that made them eye her now. "Everyone is on their way there! I'd love for you to meet them!"

That very sentence brought a smile to his face. But not just any smile. A warm, joyful smile. A smile filled with now having the joy of true freedom. "...I-I'd love to as well! I-I'm excited to meet them! Meeting your friends...It's the first thing I'd want to do!" And so, he continued to drive, putting in a bit more speed to make their way there. He was excited.

Excited to start this new chapter of his life.

LeBlanc/Afternoon

It took some time to drive all the way back to Haru's home to unpack and put everything up after the trip. They even put in the time to give Iris a good look at what her new home would look like while they were there. No. Not her home. Their home now. The home all three of them would be living in together. At least, outside of college until they had to get their dorm rooms prepared for the next semester. But that didn't matter to them, as they were all going to be living together at the start of the new school year. That was the plan. The plan for the new future they had all started and began.

Soon enough, the couple and the bird now on his shoulder would be right in front of a cafe within Yongen-Jaya. LeBlanc Cafe. All the male could do was just stand there, staring at it with his heart racing the entire time...And hearing the sound of a rowdy crowd inside. Her friends were all inside this very building. And he was nervous to even walk in now. His Blue eyes slowly looked at his lover's, who gave him a nod and a warm. "...Don't worry! They're rather loud...But they're nice!" Hearing that calmed him down...And let him take a deep breath before he walked in with her, with her now leading the way.

The very moment they entered, the noise stopped immediately. And from there, he met a large group of people sitting in the cafe. Many, many more people than he thought. This was them. The Phantom Thieves themselves. Her friends that she went with last summer. It was then his anxiety spiked even higher than before, suddenly losing his ability to speak. He was choking up this easily, but yet...Did such incredible things the night before. The irony. "U-Um..." He was trying to talk now, but wasn't sure what to say. "I-I, um..."

"...Hello, everyone! It's so nice to see you again!" She then began, her smile filled with a lot of cheer. "...There's someone I'd like for you all to meet! This is Connor-Kun! And with him is Iris-Chan!"

Hearing the introduction, he looked at everyone before raising his hand. "U-Um...H-Hi! It's...Really nice to meet you all! I'm, um...C-Connor Mercer..."

"...So you're him, huh?" One of them then stood up and walked over. The first one was a Blonde with spiked hair, Brown eyes, and wore a Black leather jacket with fur on the collar, a White shirt, jeans, Black running shoes, and a dog tag around his neck. This one particularly scared him, but that fear disappeared when he gave him his hand for a handshake. "...I'm Ryuji! Nice to meet ya!" With that, he slowly stared at the hand offered to him before shaking it. "Man...You really do almost look like him! Almost."

"Yeah! It's almost like looking at a twin! Just a little more...Fluffier." A female voice then spoke. The source of it was a Blonde woman around the same age with a twin-tail hairstyle and Blue eyes as Connor does. She was wearing a White button-up shirt with a matching skirt, a Red jacket, and wore Black leggings with Brown boots. She was sitting in one of the booths and had turned around to see him, giving him a peace sign with her hand. "I'm Ann! Nice to meet you too!"

"Indeed. I'm Yusuke Kitagawa. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mercer-San." A Blue haired male then spoke. The hair itself was long enough to reach his neck, and had a bang that was covering one of his Gray eyes. And with that outfit, he wore a Blue longsleeved shirt with Black pants, and a Red scarf around his neck. He was sitting in one of the seats as well, but was across from Ann. With that introduction made, he gave him a light nod. "It's nice to have a new face here. Especially one that Okumura-San trusts."

"It is. And someone who genuinely cares for her a lot...And was able to do something like that." The woman next to Yusuke then spoke. It was one with Brown hair that went down to her upper back, Blunt bangs with a braid-styled headband around her head, Red eyes, and she wore a Dark Blue coat with a Black shirt, matching pants, and her own pair of Brown boots. She offers him a warm smile and a nod. "I'm Makoto Niijima. It's good to meet you, Mercer."

From each of the introductions, he could only stare at them. To hear them all welcome him with open arms brought a smile to his face. Especially this quickly. "T-Thank you...I-It's really nice to meet you all!" But, he felt a stare from behind him. And not just one from Haru. One from someone...Unfamiliar. He slowly looks behind him to see a girl much shorter than him at one of the back tables, staring at him. She had short, Orange hair with tints of Black in it and straight-cut bangs, as well as Brown eyes. She also wore a pair of Circular glasses, headphones around her neck, and wore a Green jacket with a Red shirt, and Black shorts with matching boots. The shirt itself had...Some sort of game design he wasn't familiar with. "U-Um...H-Hi! A-And you-"

"...You really do almost look like him. It's weird. Uncanny." She said plainly, taking the one formally known as "Knight" by surprise. "...If it weren't for you being with her or being a Persona-User, I would have just taken you as an NPC."

That terminology only confused him. NPC? He wasn't sure what that meant. "Um...What's that supposed to mean...?" Then he glances at everyone, hoping to get an answer from any of them. "N-No...Seriously...What does NPC mean...? I-Is that good? Bad...?"

That question just blew the Black and Orange haired one away. Shock was now written all over her face. "W-Wait, you don't know?! Are you serious!?" That quickly caught her attention and made her quickly run up to him, making him back up slightly. She got close to him. He certainly caught her attention...Even if it was for the wrong reasons. "Y-You play games, right?! At least one!"

"U-Um...No...I was never able to play video games growing up..."

And that blew her away even more. "A-Are you serious?! ACTUALLY SERIOUS?! We're going to need to do that ASAP!" She was now yelling, overwhelming the Black and Blue-haired college student. "You. Me. Come to my room to play games sometime. Now I HAVE to teach you!" Then, something clicked in her head. She never did give him her name. "...Oh, yeah. Name's Futaba by the way!"

Seems she warmed up to him rather quickly. And so he nodded lightly before glancing at everyone once more. Every single one of them had a welcoming look on their face. For some reason...He felt as if he was right at home. "I-It's...Really nice to meet all of you, really...I-I didn't think all of you could be so welcoming...Thank you..." But then, something clicked with him. Something felt missing. "W-Wait...Is someone else missing...?"

"...Oh, you mean HIM. Yeah, he went out to help grab stuff with Boss." Ryuji answered, smirking at Connor. "They ought to be back in a bit. They just went around the corner."

"...B-Boss...?" And speaking of the devil, the door opened to have someone walking in. A middle aged man with slicked back Black but slightly Graying hair, a chinstrap beard with a goatee, and rectangular glasses. He was also wearing a Pink, rolled-up dress shirt with Tan pants, White loafers, and a Black apron with a pinstripe design. And he was holding a lot of bags. Maybe more than he should have been carrying. "O-Oh...O-Oh! H-Here! Let me help with that!"

He wastes no time in grabbing one of the bags for him, taking the older man by surprise, but it led to him smiling. "Ah. Thanks, kid. Seems I ended up carrying more than I should have." He quickly started moving to behind the counter that led to the small kitchen to place the bags down, which the young man helped him by following. And in the direction they were going, the blonde who had walked up before quickly got out of the way by sitting down. By the time he placed them down, he had taken a good look at him. Definitely someone new. "...Are you a new friend of theirs?"

A new friend. That is what he was called. And so, he gave him a light nod and a smile. "Y-Yeah...Yeah! I'm Connor! And you're, um...B-Boss?" From the name alone, he thought it would have been someone...Much more menacing. But he was just as welcoming.

He smiled back and nodded. "Well, that's what everybody calls me. But, you can also just call me Sojiro." With that, he looks over to see Haru standing there. All this time, all she was doing was smiling and watching him get along with everyone. He truly was fitting in quite well. "And it's good to see you too, Haru."

She gives him a light bow. "Hello again, Sakura-San! It's nice to meet you again! You and everyone else!"

"You as well. It's been so long since this place has been lively. It brings back a lot of good memories. And now with a new face too." He looks back at Connor with a happy grin on his face. "Well...A friend of theirs is always welcome here." Each and every word that was put toward him by Sojiro only made his eyes sparkle. This was a far cry from everything he endured. He felt...As if found a place to belong. "...By the way, in case any of you are wondering. He's still at the store. He went to pay for everything. He shouldn't be too far-"

And with that, the door opened one last time. They all took a look to see that through those doors...Came their leader. Joker. He had unkempt, frizzy hair with Gray eyes, and wore a Tan jacket with a Blue shirt, Black pants, a single Black glove covering his hand, a pair of circular-like glasses, and holding a bag around his arm. And in that bag was a Black and White cat with a Yellow collar and Blue eyes. From then on, the two Black haired males stared at each other, silence filling the room. This was, without a doubt, Joker. Their leader. And so, "Knight" spoke. "...U-Um...Hi! It's...Nice to meet you."

With that, Joker nods and gives him a smile. "...You as well." He spoke, showcasing that he was someone of few words.

And from within that bag, the cat glanced over to the new addition. "So YOU'RE the one who stopped that woman who could enter the Metaverse and Mementos! I have to say, I'm impressed!" He spoke with a proud tone. Everyone in the group was able to hear him just fine. Well, perhaps except for the owner of LeBlanc. "To think that even after the Phantom Thieves disbanded for good, we would still have another join us!"

Everything was quiet until Ann spoke up. She realized something that he might not have known. "Oh, right! I bet he doesn't know Morgana can talk! I think you'd have to see and hear him talking first before-"

"U-Um...Actually, I can hear him perfectly fine." Connor then spoke up as he started looking over at the Blonde, with him nudging his elbow that still had Iris on it. She was quiet the whole time, observing everything. "...B-Besides...I think I've gotten used to talking animals already..." And just by the sound of it, the bird then glanced and stared at him, making his eyes wide and have sweat start going down his head. Wrong word to use.

"...Wait. That bird right there?" Futaba asked, confused and tilting her head. "...Looks like any old bird to me."

Being called that for the second time in under a minute then angered the woman in her cockatoo form. Her feathers turned Red. "Well EXCUSE YOU, lady! I can turn human whenever I want, thank you very much!" The very sight of her talking threw everybody off, even the owner of the cafe. They know he was speaking the truth now. "Besides, I'm not a bird! I'm...Well, I have NO clue what I am! But I'm definitely not one!" That made every one of the Thieves have a drop of sweat form on their head, except for Morgana. That line rang familiar.

"W-Wait...You can turn human?!" The cat then asked in shock and in awe, now wondering how she can do that. And if she could...Could he? Even now, it seems he wasn't going to let that dream of becoming human go. "Then...Could it be...?" Just then, a little laugh left him. One filled with plotting.

Despite the surprise, all Sojiro does is sigh. But not one of stress. But a content one. "...Seems even after almost all of you graduated, things haven't changed one bit." Things really were lively again here...Maybe even more so now with the newest additions. "Anyway...It's going to take me a while to make dinner for all of you. Why don't you guys go do something until then?"

"Hey...Yeah! Let's go do something for old time's sake!" Ryuji then yelled out with a smirk, standing up. "I was thinking maybe we could go hit up Kichijoji! It's been a long time since we went there! There's tons of places to go there!"

"Yeeeah, but it's so much farther away though! I'd rather we just sit and relax somewhere!" Ann then replied back. "We could just go somewhere to eat!"

With her suggestion, the cat then spoke up with a happy tone in his voice. "Well, I'm fine wherever Lady Ann goes!" That name certainly confused the new Phantom Thief. Lady Ann? It sounds like he has a strong attachment to her according to Connor.

"...I was personally thinking of us going to the planetarium. We could be gazing at the stars as we sit there, observing their beauty." Yusuke then recommended.

"Well...It would be nice to also learn more about space too. Expand my horizons." Makoto then followed up with a nod and a smile on her face. "I like the idea, Yusuke."

"WHAT?! Oh, eff that!" The blonde male then replied to that. "What's the point of celebrating like that after JUST getting out of school!?"

"...We COULD just play games up in the attic." Futaba then added. "Joker still has some of his stuff up there, right? I'd rather have my eyes watching something."

It was then Haru's time to speak. "Well...I'm perfectly fine with all of those ideas!" She said, now looking at her "fiance". "What about you, Connor-Kun...?"

It was then that he started to think. Everyone was having conflicting ideas and plans, so...Maybe something to mix all of theirs into one. And so, an idea came to mind. "...W-What about a movie?" They started listening to him, with everyone now looking at him. Although he took it as him having the worst possible idea. "I-I mean...There's a theater in Shibuya that's playing "Malien's vs Gredators 2". It's...A space movie. It's close...We can buy food there...And we can have something to watch...B-But it's not a horror! M-Me and Haru could attest to that!" How could he forget the time they watched the first one? That felt like such a long time ago now.

"...Hey, yeah! That could work! This guy knows what's up!" It was then that Ryuji got up and patted Connor's shoulder. "Let's go see a movie!"

"Yeah, that's perfect!" The model then spoke. "I'm for that!"

"Hm...Very well. I suppose this could give me ideas for my next work." Next came from the Blue haired artist.

"Well...As long as it isn't TOO scrary, I guess it could work..." The former student council president spoke, although a bit uneasy. She definitely seems like she could get scared easily.

"Oh! I second it! No, third it!" The Orange and Black haired one spoke out.

Then, Knight's lover nodded with a happy look on her face. "That's an amazing idea! I love it!"

"So...If it somehow DOES scare Lady Ann..." Morgana then spoke quietly to himself, with a mischievous laugh leaving him once more. Even more plotting it seemed. "...Alright! Count me in!"

"...Seems we're all in agreement." Joker then spoke up, with everybody looking at him. Then, he gives them a nod. "...Then let's go."

And with that, everyone started to get up and walk out one by one. All of them talked amongst themselves in excitement. Excitement to be hanging out like they did before. Even if it was going to be short-lived and for just a few days, they were all having fun just being together. Soon, everyone was gone, except for the couple. Slowly, Haru looked up at her lover, giving her a loving grin. "...See? They're nice! You fit in perfectly!"

"Y-Yeah...Yeah, I guess I do..." He softly spoke, looking over at her now. A soft, gentle, and happy smile formed on his face. He was truly the happiest he's ever been. Being with her like this, and meeting so many new people...This was the freedom he fought so hard for. The memories he planned to treasure. Be it the ones from the past or even now. "Haru...?" Her name certainly caught her attention, in which he plants a quick kiss on her forehead and catches her by surprise. And did so publicly too. "...I love you. Forever and always...Thank you for being there with me...During my lowest point..."

She could only look up at him, her smile and blush intensifying. She was happy to see him back to normal again. To see him happy again. "...And I love you...Always..." Their hands slowly lock with each other. It was proof of how much they cared for each other. At this moment, this time of happiness and peace...Was proof of what they overcame together. What he had pushed through to return here. But soon, a giggle left her. "C-Come on! Let's go join the others!" Slowly, he nods before the two finally start walking out. During that whole moment, Iris could only internally groan at their display. But, they were happy. Connor was happy. And deep down, it made her happy.

And that's what mattered most.

During their time of meeting and greeting inside the cafe, someone was outside...Listening to all of their loud talking and all of the greetings from within. And that person was Alena, who was only staring at the cafe from around the alleyway that was close by. All she could do was stand there, hearing everything. Even with all that was happening...And even when she should let him go and continue with her life, she stood close...Longing to see Connor. To see both him and Iris one last time. "Connor...Iris..."

"...It seems you're still wanting to see him." Another female voice then spoke, making her look over to see someone walking toward her. Someone with Velvet Blue clothes. To see it was Anastasia, looking at the nurse with a small smile. She was taken back by her appearance, especially when she didn't even hear her. "...You followed him here, after all."

"...You know Connor?" She asked back, confusion on her face.

"...Indeed I do. I've been with him every step of the way since this all started..." She says with a nod, now being by her side to listen to them. To listen to them talking to each other. Listening to everyone bonding. To listen to him...Living his life. His new life. "...I know how hard it must be to see him moving on like this. To see your son's reincarnation moving on with him..." But, the blonde says nothing. "Are you...Wanting to see him one final time?"

Slowly, she nods. "...Yes. Because...What they said was true. All this time, I've clung to the past. Clung onto to the idea of having my son back again. I know I must move on...To move on from it and continue my life. But...I just want to see him. See him one last time before I do. I..." She looks over to the attendant now. "...I can't change what I've done. I can't bring back all of the lives I've stolen away from others because of my obsession. Because of my Persona. But, the most I can do is...To fulfill my real duty as a nurse. Someone who is able to save lives. To give life. To try and save as many as the ones I took away..." Slowly, tears start to trickle down her face. It was extremely clear that she regretted the horrible things she's done. "...It's the least I can possibly do to make up for what I've done. It's the only thing I can do."

Then, the attendant tilts her head slightly in wonder. "...And what of Connor and Iris? What will you do without them?"

"...They'll be just fine without me. Can't you hear them...?" The sounds of talking were all that could be heard. And all from the cafe. "...He's...Moving on. He's happy. The happiest I think I ever saw him, from all I've seen by his past memories alone. Even if what I did was for my own selfish reasons...Deep down, I truly did care about him. I wanted him happy...To not want to see someone as young as him..." Those very tears then began to fall to the ground. She wasn't able to finish her sentence...But, the nurse began to smile. "...He's opened a new chapter in his life. So...It's time for me to do the same. Perhaps...Meet someone as well. Someone who could be to me what Haru is to him. It's...What Kioku would want." A small laugh left her. "To think...I spent so much of my life as such a giant mess..."

"...I think...He would be happy and proud to hear you say that." The White haired woman spoke, catching her attention. "...It's not easy to move on from something so painful, especially when losing the ones we love. The first step...Is always the hardest, isn't it?"

She nods a tiny bit, with her now looking at the sky. The sky with puffy white clouds. The sky that she knew, in some way or form, what was left of Kioku was watching her from above. In the sky where those very clouds would fly in freedom. "...Yes. Yes, it is." Then, she looks down and forward before staring at the cafe. "...Perhaps, one day...When I finally and fully make up for what I've done...And begin living my life, no matter how long it takes...I can face Connor again. But...Not as someone who would fill in as my son...But as a person. The person he strived to be."

"...I believe he would love that. For him to see you fully living your life." The woman in Blue spoke, with her grin still on her face. "...For him to see you moving forward and seizing the present...Nothing would make him happier." A light giggle then leaves her. "...He truly is a wonderful man, isn't he?"

"...He is. He truly is...The best of all of us." And soon, the door to the cafe opened, with all of those that were inside flowing out. Laughing together. And eventually, out came Connor and Haru, hand in hand. To see his smiling face brought many more tears to Alena's face. But, they were tears of joy. Joy to see him happy with others. This...This was the very last thing she needed. To see him happy...Was the very thing she needed to see before moving on. "...Goodbye, Connor..." And so, she finally began to walk away from them. Walking away to start a new chapter in her own life. To atone for her actions. And to change for the better.

All that was left was Anastasia, who continued to watch them with a smile. They continued to talk until they began walking away, excited to start their plans today. "...Connor. You truly became...An amazing man. A man that brings joy to the one you love. To be the source of their happiness. Seeing you like this...Makes me so happy. I've never been more proud of you." Slowly, she began to fade away into particles of light. It seemed that now was her time to go. To leave the real world. To leave him. "A man who fought through the pain to reclaim what was rightfully yours. A man who truly became the knight in the story books. A man...Who protected the weak from the strong. Just know that...Wherever you may be in your life, and no matter what happens...Always know..."

Soon enough, she disappeared. And the moment she did, "Knight" then stopped to look behind him for a moment, thinking someone had been watching him for some time. And that alone was enough to catch his lover's attention. "What's the matter, Connor-Kun...?" Hearing that alone made the rest of the group stop.

He then glanced back, rubbing his head. "S-Sorry...I...Thought someone was watching me for a moment..."

"...You're just seeing things, Glasses. Ain't nobody there. Never was." Iris then spoke, tilting that bird head of hers. "...Think you're just paranoid."

"...Yeah...M-Maybe you're right..." Slowly, he looks back at the group. "S-Sorry...U-Um...Shall we?"

And soon enough, they would all continue walking. All of them were talking and laughing together like usual. But, from where the attendant once stood, there lay a flower pedal. That of a sunflower's.

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

Five Years Later

May 24th, 20XX
Inokashira Park/Morning

Five years had passed since the events at Miura Beach. And six years since Connor had met Haru Okumura. The very day that had changed the two of them forever. And many things had changed through all those years, while other moments hardly did. Once Spring Break ended, they returned to college. And through three more years of classes and hard work, they were finally able to graduate and start their future together. While he worked hard in culinary work, his lover worked hard in the business aspect to open the cafe she had dreamed of. And together, they would work to make sure everything was homegrown through gardening. Eventually, their dream would finally seize fruition. And Cafe Noir was made. And the creation of that...Was two years ago.

The park was currently empty, and not a single child was in sight around the playground. Of course, it very well could have been because school was still going on at this very moment. But, it was quiet. And today was the perfect day to do what was needed. The perfect time. To be alone at this very moment. Slowly, someone walked through that very playground and toward a set of trees within the area. And once they made it, they slowly set down what appeared to be a sunflower close to one of the trees.

"...There we go..." A voice then spoke out, with their Blue eyes staring down at the flower. Those very eyes would be owned by Connor, whose voice was now a bit deeper. His hair had remained about the same as it always had, still having the ends of his hair still dip dyed with the color Blue. But now he was holding a scruffy beard and wearing a Black sweater, Blue jeans, and White shoes. As well as keeping his Olive Green scarf, despite it getting a little more worn out over time. And now, the sweater he was wearing was much more his size compared to the oversized sweaters he wore prior. But still wore those rectangular glasses of his. "...Hey, Mom...I know this isn't where you're resting, but...I've been very busy since the cafe opened, so...I haven't had the time...I hope it'll do..."

He stayed silent, staring down at the flower he had set before looking up into the sky. The very one he knew had her watching down on him proudly. At least, he could hope she did. The only sound he could hear was the wind blowing. Many years ago, this was where his journey had truly begun. The day he met Haru, he was in this very place, under this very set of trees. And the mere idea of everything from that to his mother and Takeishi watching over him made him smile. The family he held near and dear to his heart.

Slowly, he looked back down at the site he had created. "...I miss you. I'll always miss you...There's never been a time where I don't think about you. Or Takeishi. Had...Things been different with Dad, I know you two would have loved Cafe Noir...Haru decided on that name, of course." He spoke to himself as he did. He knew nobody would listen to him, but...It helped ease him. "...I'm doing okay. I'm doing better...Trying to be better. Trying...To help make Haru as happy as I can. To make people...As happy as I can through our work. It's...Been working out. But...I plan to make her happier. You would have loved her, Mom. I know you would have..."

Soon, he feels his phone vibrate, prompting him to quickly take it out and see the notification. And one from a group chat he was in. A chat with all of the Phantom Thieves...Excluded Haru. And from there on, he watched as they started messaging each other.

Ryuji: So, when are we gonna meet up? You got the ring, right Mercer?

Futaba: Sojiro is making all the curry he can to bring over to celebrate!

Yusuke: The cafe closes at five, correct, Mercer-San? I'm sure I can attend. I DO have the funds now, after all.

Ann: I'm so excited about it! You better have something planned out when you ask!

Makoto: Indeed. It needs to be special, Mercer-Kun. But...I'm confident it'll go well.

Joker: Just say the word, and we'll be there.

All Connor could do was just stare, a smile on his face. And his plans were now exposed. He planned to propose. Propose to the very woman who saved his life. The woman that helped him find his place in life. To remember who he truly was. The woman he loved. And so, he replied.

Connor: Be there at five, everyone. I'm excited to see you all again.

He then puts the phone up with a smile. A smile filled with excitement. To be able to fulfill that promise five years ago with her. To have made her dream of making a start in Haru's personal cafe a reality. And now, able to keep his mother's memory and legacy alive by helping make hers a reality...As well as living his life fully for his mother. This was the life he had finally seized. A life seized from finally reclaiming his freedom. The freedom he gained from becoming stronger than what he suffered. He looked down at the sight he made one final time before nodding. "...Goodbye...I'll...See you again soon. I love you..."

Just as he turned, a light gust of wind then came and hit him from the right, making him look in that direction. His Ice Blue eyes then stared into space for some time, making him feel as if...The wind was her way of responding. Responding to him. And that alone brought a smile to his face before he looked up into the sky once again. The sky of the world he lived in. He had truly gained happiness in his life, and soon...He would become the happiest he's ever been. To make her the happiest she'll ever be. He then lets out a deep sigh before walking off. Ready to face what he set out to do.

However, unknown to him...Someone was watching him. Watching him live his life. And in the distance, someone was. Alena, now a bit older and has the Blonde hair she possesses now Graying a tiny bit to the side. She was wearing a Blue jacket with a Green sweater and Blue jeans. What's more...Is that now she had something within her arms. Or rather, someone. In them was a young newborn wrapped in a blanket. A newborn she had adopted some time ago. To see him like this, brought a smile to her face.

"...You've grown so much. So much in five years. I hope...Things are going well for you, Connor. While...I'm not fully ready to confront you yet...Just know...I'm doing better. Better than before..." She thought to herself, with her eyes still staring at where he went. "...In these five years, I've saved about two thousand. Two thousand lives. I have a long way to go before I'm able to atone, but...I hope that one day, when I finally save eight thousand more...I can finally gain the courage to see you again. I hope...To talk with you again." And just then, the infant in her arms began to cry. That made her start rocking her arms to calm them down. "...What's wrong, Kousei? You don't want to be here anymore?" She cooed while staring down at them with a smile. "...Then let's go. I think that's enough walking for one day, wouldn't you say?"

And with that, she began to walk away. And walk away with her head held high. Proof that she had closed a sad chapter in her life.

And had finally opened a new one.

Cafe Noir/Afternoon

The cafe itself, while small, was filled with a healthy amount of people sitting near wooden tables spaced around the area. Any that were there were eating one of the many desserts or one of the kinds of lunches given the time of day. Perhaps, sometimes both. Some of those lunches were made from the root vegetables and fruits that were grown. As well as the coffee that was made purely from them. And they all sat there with a warm light surrounding them to give it a rather cozy feeling. A feeling of being at home. And the scent of coffee filling the air brought a sense of serenity to the day. Everything about this very cafe...Was what was dreamed about.

However, someone was running around, going from table to table to see if any of the customers needed anything. And as this person was running around, a customer then raised their hand to try and get their attention. "...Excuse me! Could I get more coffee, please? I love your blend."

From that very question, they turned around. Revealing to be an older Haru. Her fluffy, Amburn hair was now long enough to reach to her upper back, and she now wore a Purple sweater with Tan pants and a Black apron on her. Seeing the customer request this brought a smile to her face. "Yes, of course! I'll make sure you're given some right away!" With that, she grabs their cup and makes her way over to a certain part of the counter in front of the cafe to start pouring some coffee from one of the siphons attached to it. And alongside that were jars full of coffee beans, with a section to showcase the other types of beans just underneath. And once the cup was filled, she made quick work of handing it back. "There you are!"

"Thank you, ma'am. I just can't get enough of this place." The customer spoke before taking a quick sip of it, taking in the taste. "...You know, I just noticed something. Where's that husband of yours? I haven't seen him running around since I got here?"

Hearing that title did take her by surprise and cause a light blush form. Even when they were dating for many years to the point they would be considered married, it still threw her off. But, she did hope that she would officially call him that soon. They promised, after all. "W-Well...He said he had business to attend to this morning. But...I'm not sure where. B-But he's not my husband. At least, not yet..."

"...Seriously? That guy really should just pop the question already. You guys have been together for...How long now?" But, he shrugs. "Well...Either way. Tell him I said hi. And I love the food too. That apprentice of his really learns his stuff fast."

And right on cue, that apprentice would then barge through a door that led to the kitchen and into the dining area. Iris. She looked the same as always. Youth, height, hair, and all. But she was currently wearing a Brown shirt with Black pants and a White apron. Clearly a work uniform. "...Two orders of desert coming y'all's way!" She yelled out, quickly putting them down on one of the tables. "And there! Ya! Go! Enjoy!" She spoke with a bit of a cheerful tone before walking backward, giving the ones she helped finger guns in sync with her words. But then, she turned around to face Haru, who was now walking toward her. "...How are you holding up out here, Fluffy?"

"I'm doing well. But...Can I ask you something, Iris?" She then asked, catching the Rainbow haired woman's attention. "...Have you seen Connor-Kun?"

That made the smaller woman's head nod. "Yeah...He said he was going to do some stuff, go to Inokashira Park for just a little bit, and come right back. Left just this morning, actually."

"I see...What was it that he needed to do?"

That got her eyes to turn wide before she shook her head and crossed her arms. "Nope. Sorry. Classified. It's a secret." That answer only made her curious. "...Listen...You didn't hear it from me, but it's a surprise. He told me not to tell. But just know you'll love it." Then, a groan left her. "...But it'd be REAL nice if Glasses came back soon! Because being a lone soldier in that kitchen is rough! And I need backup!" And just in time, the door to the cafe opened, making the two of them look to see who walked in. It was Connor, and had the biggest smile on his face when walking in. And by his appearance, Iris lifts her hands into the air, and her hair and eyes turn Blue. "Speak of the legend, and he shall appear! Finally!"

"Heeeey, it's Connor!" A customer then spoke up.

"Connor! I was wondering where you were!" Another spoke out.

"Connoooor! The man himself lives!" A third then yelled out. "I was starting to miss you!"

As he walked in, those were all he heard...A sheepish grin was on his face the entire time. But, he waved to them and everyone. "...Hi, everyone! Sorry, I had some business I needed to attend to!" He spoke out to them, and did so without so much as a stutter. Truly a sign of his growth since six years ago and since the cafe opened up. Then, he approached his lover, now holding her hands softly. "...Things haven't been too bad, I hoped...?"

She grinned at just the sight of him and shook her head quickly. It didn't take much to tell how happy she was to see him. "Not at all! Everything has been going rather well today! We've been managing just fine while you were gone." Her Brown eyes just stared up at his Ice Blue ones, with a giggle now leaving her. "...I've missed you, Connor-Kun. I-I know it's only been a few hours, but...I truly did..."

"...I've missed you too, darling..." She quickly plants a quick kiss on her forehead. He truly didn't care about how open he was with showing how much he loved her. Everyone knew how much they did. After all, they opened it together. Them being together and how well their teamwork is was one of the many things that brought people to this place from the start. Then, he lets go of her hands before looking at everyone in the cafe at this very moment. "...Alright, now...Who here ordered food?!" He now yelled out, with some of the customers now raising their hands. "...Then you'll get your food in no time! As thanks for being patient, I'll get them all ready to serve in ten minutes!" Then, he faces his companion. "Iris! Apron! Now!"

With that, she smirks and nods. "Right away, Glasses!" She wastes no time sprinting right back into the kitchen, then comes out with an apron in hand and staying close to the door. "Catch!"

And with that, it was thrown toward him, which forced him to move to the side and grab it. And, in record time, he quickly undoes it and puts it right on. He was now in work mode. "Alright! Let's get to cooking, Chef Iris! On the double!" With no time to waste, he starts sprinting right into the kitchen with her as those in the cafe start to clap a bit. They were certainly having fun.

From them making such a playful scene together, all that could escape from Haru was a light giggle...And her eyes now glanced around the very thing she was now running and owned. To see the cafe she had always dreamed of. To see her grandfather's memory and legacy engraved into this very shop. It made her happy. And now to have that with the one she loved, and the very one who helped make it all possible...It left her with butterflies in her stomach. Little would she know that tonight, a chapter would close.

And a new one would open.

Cafe Noir/Evening

And from the very moment Connor walked in, all he did was cook and prepare all kinds of foods from the menu. And did so with Iris by his side. But soon, the time had come for the cafe to close for the day. But, it was much more than him just usually closing tonight. Tonight...Would be the night he would propose to Haru. To finally fulfill his promise to her all those years ago. He once said he would ask her to be his within that span of time. To become her fiance. And today, after so long...He would finally make it a reality. It was now five at night.

While still inside the kitchen, he had cleaned the final plate and readied it to dry. And with it finished, he let out a soft sigh immediately after and began stretching. Today felt longer than usual, but it could easily be tracked back to what he had planned today. The day things would change. After he was done stretching, Iris then walked right in through the door that also led to the front of the cafe, making him look over to see her. "...Alright. So they're on their way here. Fluffy is handling the last customer for the day. Though they're just talking."

"...Good. Good..." He softly spoke, letting out yet another exhale. But...It was one full of anxiety. Even with him being older now, he was still able to be uneasy very easily.

"...Scared, Glasses?" She now asked while approaching, giving him a playful smile. However, all he does is stare at her...Showing her just how nervous he was. "...Come on. You literally kicked the crap out of Shadows and fought a giant years ago! We went through so many crazy things back then. I think you can do this easily, no problem. Besides, you KNOW she'll say yes."

"...Shadows, huh...?" He repeated that word, with a little laugh now escaping him. Something about just hearing that took him back. "...That was some time ago, wasn't it? It's...Unbelievable how much time has passed since then." He shook his still fluffy hair, reflecting on that day years ago. The day he regained his freedom. And the day he became his own person again. It did make him wonder how Alena was doing now...But he could only hope she was fine. Little would he know that he was right on that. And so he looked up at the ceiling with a smile. "...Yeah, you're probably right. We did promise that day."

"Then you've got nothing to be scared about. After all, you love her that much and all." To hear her, he looks back at her. But, instead of a playful smirk...It was one full of comfort. Now it was to help ease him. Ease whatever worries he DID still have. "...Besides, you said so yourself. We only get to live once. Only one present and future. We've got to make the most of it, right? It's all we've got."

To hear those words coming from her, all he could do was start laughing to himself a little bit. He remembered those words well. The very ones he told her some time ago. "You really remembered some of that, didn't you?"

"...Yeeep. A certain dork wearing Glasses taught me that much." Then, back to a playful smirk. "...So, go ask Fluffy the question already! I think everyone's tired of waiting on you, dummy." He knew she didn't mean that. And even if she somehow did, he didn't mind it. The whole journey years ago had him being called something much worse, so simple names like that couldn't hurt him. But then, the sound of the front door of the cafe rang. It was them. Their friends had finally arrived. "...You know what to do, Connor. Now, go do it. I'll be out there. We've all got your back." And without time to waste, she quickly starts walking out and past the door.

He now stood there, staring at the door. Through that door, a part of their lives would change forever. And it would be a large change. Through that door, he would be fulfilling that promise from years ago. Slowly, he reached into his pocket to take out a ring box and then open it, seeing a beautiful Rose Gold ring with a diamond in the middle. This was it. The very moment he had waited for. What they all had waited for. Deep down, he could only wish the ones he loved and cherished would be by his side. But...Thinking of them gave him a smile. Thinking of his mother and how he knew she would uplift him...Gave him the strength he needed. Thinking of her...Was all he needed. Thinking of the happy memories with her. From the stories she told him at night to the times they had gone out to bond despite the abuse. Her love...Is what made him the man he is today.

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

He takes a deep breath before breathing it out and closing the box to put it up. "...I'll always love you too, Mom. No matter what. I'll make you proud. You'll always...Be a part of me." Then, he nodded to himself before he started walking to that door, and went right through it. He was ready.

Tonight, he would be closing a door in his life.

And a new one would open.

Tell me why. The reason I am here. Just only you I see from far away.

I've come for you. Don't know why I searched all night and day.
But when I'm here, darkness came. No lights to show the way.
Dark despair, still I seek for you. All I long to see was your smile.

I know I won't look behind. I see no regrets.
No guiding lights so dark. Are you my light?
But now, I am here. And you're close to me.
My heart is with you, forever and ever.

See this place, the end of world she fears.
No shining lights anywhere. This emptiness in tears.
Didn't know it was you all along.
You were chasing after my shadows.

I know I won't look behind. I see no regrets.
No guiding lights so dark. Are you my light?
But now, I am here. And you're close to me.
My heart is with you, forever and ever.

No, I won't let you go. I will hold it in my arms.
Oh! This light was you!

I know it now, beyond the sky!
There's new place you'll see.
I came to you to share our dream together!
I won't let us part, there's no place to be.
My heart is with you, forever and ever.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."

In Loving Memory of Grey Silverwood; October 12, 2000 - July 30, 2021

A brother. A son. A best friend. A significant other. A fan of the Persona series.
But most importantly, a loved one.
Thank you.

~FIN~

All Songs Are Owned By Their Respective Artists
I'm My Own Master Now - Jamie Christopherson/Metal Gear Rising
Undefeatable - Tomoya Ohtani/Sonic Frontiers
A Stranger I Remain - Jamie Christopherson/Metal Gear Rising
Break Through It All - Tomoya Ohtani/Sonic Frontiers
Stains of Time - Jamie Christopherson/Metal Gear Rising
Find Your Flame - Tomoya Ohtani/Sonic Frontiers
The Only Thing I Know For Real - Jamie Christopherson/Metal Gear Rising
It Has To Be This Way - Jamie Christopherson/Metal Gear Rising
I'm Here - Tomoya Ohtani/Sonic Frontiers
Bury the Light - Casey Edwards/Devil May Cry 5
Beyond The Sky - Yasunori Mitsuda/Xenoblade Chronicles