Chapter 61: New Year, New Reality
December 24
As snow fell down over the square, Ren let out a breath, the air fogging up from the cold. Octavia adjusted her winter scarf as the two just took in everything that had happened to them. "So… the ordeal is finally over," Octavia said.
"Does that mean you guys are going back to Hell soon?" Ren asked.
Octavia shrugged. "From what Dad has texted me earlier, there's still a lot of things going on after Hell and Heaven almost went on a collision course with each other. It'll be better for Loona and I to continue to lay low up here until the school year ends."
"Then we've still got time to just hang out," Ren smiled.
Octavia returned the smile. "Yeah, we do…"
"I didn't expect to find the world's savior out here on Christmas Eve," Sae's voice cut through the air, getting the two Phantom Thieves' attention. "…Can I talk to you for a minute? First off, thank you for taking my request. With your actions, I can only hope that public opinion changes… It will change, won't it?"
"We'll find out," Ren shrugged.
"…True. It was social reform on a scale no one has ever accomplished before. But I believe that it will," Sae nodded. "Shido confessed to a variety of crimes. We can arrest him on those charges… The problem lies in proving him guilty. It'd be difficult unless the correlation between the Metaverse and the mental shutdowns is made… I'll be blunt. I want you to turn yourself in to the police."
"Turn himself in? Why?" Octavia raised an eyebrow.
"His testimony will be necessary in order to prove Shido guilty… However… That will mean placing you on center stage. You'll be treated as a hero who saved this country… But there's no way the police or the public prosecutors will let that slide," Sae explained. "If you turn yourself into the police, you'll definitely be arrested. I'll close all the cases surrounding Shido. I intend to expose them all. It's to prevent society from becoming distorted again. That's what you want too, isn't it?"
"It sounds like my testimony is necessary for them to find Shido guilty…" Ren hummed. "But there's no knowing what the police would do. They'd never let a phantom thief be a hero… If I take the stand and testify about Shido's crimes, everything can be taken care of. But, before that…"
"I'll ask you once more. I'd like you to turn yourself in to the police, of your own accord," Sae said.
"Ren?" Octavia said, looking to her cousin.
It was then that an unexpected voice spoke up. "There's no need for that."
"You…" Sae gasped.
Octavia froze as she heard the voice. "A-Akechi!?"
"If they get their hands on the perpetrator, there'll be no need for him to turn himself in, no?" Akechi said.
"You're… alive!" Ren gasped.
"That appears to be the case," Akechi nodded.
"But… how?" Octavia muttered.
"You said, "There's no need"… Just what do you mean by that?" Sae questioned.
"Exactly as it sounds. I'll agree to testify against Shido and his crimes," Akechi said. "I assure that works for you?"
"You're turning yourself in?" Ren said.
Akechi nodded. "That's right. It was what we agreed upon, remember? If I had to explain myself, I'd say it's simply personal principle that I repay my debts."
"For the time being at least, I'll take your word that you'll cooperate with the investigation," Sae said, still a bit wary of Akechi changing sides.
"That would save a lot of time," Akechi nodded.
"I'm sorry… You can forget everything I just told you," Sae said to Ren. "I'll take him in myself. I won't try to claim that everything will turn out perfectly for you… But I would bet that this case will reach its natural conclusion… No, in fact, I swear that this will be properly settled."
"I can't believe Akechi is alive…" Octavia shook her head in disbelief.
"Shido and the masses have undergone a change of heart, and the case is headed towards its resolution… This must be how things were supposed to happen," Ren said.
Octavia suddenly got a text on her phone. "Oh, it looks like Shin is finally to just… hang out and talk. Collin and Loona are spending the evening together, so… See you tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow," Ren nodded, waving goodbye as Octavia left.
[***]
December 25
The next day, the Phantom Thieves gathered at Leblanc for their Christmas party, where Ren and Octavia relayed the news in regard to Sae. "Akechi did what!?" Futaba exclaimed.
"He turned himself into the police. Guess he wasn't as dead as he thought he was," Octavia said.
"Sis told me about it yesterday. He's admitted to being the perpetrator behind the recent cases," Makoto said.
"That's right," Ren nodded.
"So he's alive…" Yusuke said.
"Akechi-kun survived and owned up to what he did…" Ann said.
"Well, I feel it's for the best," Collin smiled. "If Akechi is alive, and he's keeping his promise to atone for his crimes… that's a not bad turn of events."
"Right," Loona nodded. "Isn't this stuff to be happy about?"
Mmhm," Haru smiled. "It's Christmas. We should enjoy the day to our hearts' content."
"I approve. Let everyone be merry to the max!" Futaba declared.
"I'm the one who should be giving permission, you know," Sojiro said. "Well, as long as you don't go overboard, I guess you can go ahead and cut loose today."
"Hell yeah! Merry Christmas!" Ryuji exclaimed, setting off a party popper.
"…He didn't heart a word of that," Sojiro sighed. "Eh, fine."
Soon food was brought out team to enjoy, surprising Yusuke. "Oh my! This is quite the sight… I'm going to be entirely honest: I wasn't able to bring a dish. Instead, leave the dishwashing duties to me. I'll make sure they turn out beautifully immaculate."
"Hm… Why don't we all just clean up together?" Haru suggested.
"So, who brought what?" Ryuji asked.
I brought that marinated seafood," Makoto replied.
Ryuji took a bite. "Mm! That's super good!"
"It my not be to everyone's tastes, but I brought that cheese plate," Haru said.
Ryuji took a slice of that. "Whoa! It smells like dirty socks…"
"Why do you think I'm avoiding it?" Loona chuckled. "Dog nose and all that."
"Oh! But it tastes great!" Ryuji said as he took a bite.
"Thank goodness," Haru smiled. "Oh, is this a croquembouche? It's so cute!"
"I made that all by myself!" Ann beamed. "All I did was buy some cream puffs and stack them up, though."
"It's been arranged so artistically that I hesitate to sample it. When it comes to sweets, Ann truly has us beat," Yusuke mused.
"But then, who brought this box over here?" Collin questioned.
"Ooh, this looks like more sweets. Not mine, by the way," Futaba said.
"Uh… Me… kinda?" Ryuji admitted.
"Ryuji… brought sweets…" Octavia said in surprise.
"Ryuji and sweets…" Collin hummed.
"Sweets…" Futaba said flatly.
"Hey! What are you guys getting at?" Ryuji frowned.
"It was just a bit unexpected, is all," Haru explained. "I had expected something along the lines of meat… For some reason, chicken comes to mind when I think of you."
"Ryuji… Chicken…" Loona snorted.
"U-Um, I'm sorry! I didn't mean that in any sort of comparative way," Haru apologized.
"Please, don't keep going… It just hurts even more…" Ryuji groaned.
"Cheer up," Ren laughed.
"Did you hear what I just say?" Ryuji said.
"Come on, don't get all depressed. Everyone's here to party!" Ann said.
"Everyone…" Futaba said quietly.
Ann realized that someone was missing. "Oh…"
"Mona-chan…" Haru said.
"I was trying my best not to mention it, but it's hard to avoid," Octavia said. "If only Mona could be here with us…"
"Someone call for me?" a familiar voice said. The gang a turned towards the doorway as Sojiro came in, holding a familiar not-cat in his arms.
"Morgana!" Octavia exclaimed, rushing forward and grabbing him in a death grip hug. "What- But how- I thought you disappeared!"
"Looks like the only me that disappeared was the one in the Metaverse," Morgana explained. "You all held onto your Hope for me, and I thank you for that."
Octavia smiled, wiping tears from her eyes as she summoned her staff, the ball of light still shining in it. "I guess it was lucky that I kept a bit of that Hope here, wasn't it?"
"So… you stayed in reality as a cat?" Makoto asked.
"When I woke up, I was out in Shibuya looking like this," Morgana explained. "I headed back here right away, but it took a surprising amount of time."
"I guess we'll have to work on getting you a different form in the real world, huh?" Octavia chuckled.
"If you were coming back here, you should've told us, moron!" Futaba cried.
"We were so worried!" Haru said.
"Sheesh… Well, I've brought my own surprise back too," Sojiro said. "I brought some fried chicken. This doesn't have anything to do with your conversation earlier, though. Any room left on the table?"
"Oh! Now there's our chief for ya!" Morgana said.
"Talk about everything falling into place…" Yusuke smiled.
"I hope you all didn't forget about us," Stolas' voice said, a portal rippling open in the back of the café as he, Raoul, Stella, and IMP all hopped through.
"Yeah, you can't have a party without the guys that were busting their asses to get you to your goal!" Blitzo grinned.
"It is wonderful to see all of you safe and sound once more," Raoul smiled. "My son, I am most proud of what you and your team have accomplished here."
"Thanks… Dad," Ren said with a smile.
Now that everyone's actually here, let's get started! We're gonna party to celebrate our hard work and my grand return!" Mona declared.
"Don't push your luck!" Loona chuckled.
"Things are finally back to normal," Collin smiled.
"Now everyone is really here," Ren nodded.
[***]
December 31
As the New Year rolled around, everyone convened at Leblanc again, this time with Kasumi and Shin being invited as well. "Thank you for inviting me- although, I admit I feel a bit like I'm intruding…" Kasumi said.
"There's no need for modesty. After all we've been through, there are no strangers here," Yusuke said.
"Yeah! You really helped Ren out, too," Ann said.
"In that case, I'll accept your offer," Kasumi smiled.
"You know, I can't help but stare at that scarf you're wearing, Yusuke," Millie said, enjoying her food.
"Heh… So it's caught your eye as well. It happened to catch mine while I was strolling through the city," Yusuke explained. "I bought it for myself as a reward for the end of the year. What do you think? About the scarf."
"It's unique," Ren said.
"Oho… You've recognized its unique beauty as well!" Yusuke said.
"I'd say it's a little too unique," Stella muttered.
"This fashion chat is fine and all, but if you don't dig into that soba soon, it's gonna get soggy on you," Sojiro said.
"Ah, yes. My apologies," Yusuke said. "Thank you for the food."
"It's chow time!" Loona declared.
"Mm! I must say, your cooking is delightful, Mr. Sakura," Stolas said with delight.
"Sakura-san, you made these noodles yourself, right?" Shin asked. "I have to say that they are wonderful. You could open a soba restaurant if the café ever goes under."
"Aw…. Thanks?" Sojiro replied, unsure of how to take Shin's words. "I had a little too much, so if anyone wants a refill-"
"Seconds please!" Kasumi and Millie called at the same time.
"How fast do you two eat!?" Morgana gasped.
"Trust me, Millie has been known as "The fastest eater in Wrath" for several years straight at this point," Moxxie chuckled. "I have to say that you eat a lot more than I'd assume upon our first meeting, Ms. Yoshizawa."
"Well, she is an athlete," Ren pointed out.
"…I don't know if that fully explains what's happening here," Sae said.
"Amamiya-senpai, don't kid them so much. My appetite's totally normal," Kasumi said.
"So, this is the girl you fancy?" Raoul whispered, making Ren's ears burn.
"D-Dad!" he said, getting a laugh out of the duke.
"Breaking news on our top story…" the newscast said in the corner. "After nearly two weeks of silence, the Prosecutor's Office is planning to move forward with the biggest case of the year. They have announced that they will move forward in the charging of Representative Shido for his confessed crimes."
"It's finally happening…" Makoto said.
"I was planning on telling all of you about this a little later. This case is all thanks to a certain man's testimony," Sae said. "But, I can at least share this one piece of good news with you."
"And that would be…?" Collin asked.
"The woman involved in Amamiya-kun's false charge case has finally come forward and provided her testimony," Sae revealed. "I can't say for certain yet… But his criminal record may very well be overturned."
"For real!?" Ryuji exclaimed.
"That's wonderful!" Haru cheered.
"Congratulations, Senpai!" Kasumi smiled.
"Of course, this is highly confidential, got it?" Sae said.
"What great news, Ren," Sojiro smiled. "Looks like we really will be having a happy new year."
"This is incredible! It's an actual, real-life good ending!" Futaba said.
"And after that: the two-hour New Year's special of "Tokyo Vice"! A thrilling tale jam-packed with some of the network's most famous faces," the newscast said.
A handsome actor soon came on the screen. "I'll never give up…!"
"I've been seeing that guy on the TV all the time lately," Octavia noted.
"Oh yeah, he's a model-turned-actor," Ann recognized. "With a figure like that, I can see how he's gotten so popular."
"So, he's popular, eh?" Morgana mused. "If I were more like that human, maybe Lady Ann would…"
"The year is winding down to its final moments- let's take a look at how people are spending it all across the country," the newscast interrupted.
"Now that I'm thinking about it, a helluva lot sure did happen this year," Blitzo mused.
"Right? It's like, how many years of our lives did we actually live through this year?" Loona replied.
"I doubt we'll experience anything even similar to if for quite some time," Shin nodded.
"Well, this is just from my point of view, but I really hope that's the case," Sae said.
"Then I guess starting next year, we'll just be good boys and girls at school," Ryuji said.
"If that's the case, then I assume you'll be able to handle your summer break homework on your own- right?" Makoto said.
"Please don't go there, senpai…" Ryuji groaned, getting a laugh out of everyone.
"So much has happened over the past twelve months… But in the end, we got to spend it together like this. I wanna believe that this was a great year for is," Ann said.
"Yeah. I don't have any proof, but I feel like next year's gonna be even better for us," Futaba nodded.
"I feel the exact same way! How strange," Kasumi said.
"Well, that's only natural, considering how pleased we are with our end-of-year celebration," Shin said.
The newscast came back on. "Young people have been gathering in Shibuya all day for the big countdown at midnight, and this crowd is…"
"I really don't want to get going, but it seems like its time," Sae said.
"See ya next year, right?" Ryuji said.
"Next year… Sojiro! Osechi time!" Futaba called. "Get those New Year's dishes ready, chop chop! And don't forget the black beans!"
"Yeah, yeah, I hear ya. If I start prepping the beans now, they'll be ready by the morning. Don't worry about the food, you just go have a good night's sleep."
"You know, there is one thing I haven't done yet before the year ends…" Shin mused, looking at Octavia. "I believe there is something that the two of us owe each other since our last encounter, right?"
Octavia blushed. "S-Shin, not in front of my parents…"
"Hm? Is this man holding something over you, my Starfire?" Stolas questioned.
"He's one of your angel allies, correct? I was wondering if there was something between you two…" Stella said, her voice even but a silent fury was burning behind her eyes.
'Shit, I have to get out of this somehow…' Octavia thought. "Uh, well, you see… Loona is in a relationship with Collin!"
"What!? Octavia, you bitch!" Loona exclaimed as she and Collin started blushing like mad.
"My daughter is in a what!?" Blitzo shouted, spitting out his soba in shock. "There's no way my Looney Tuney has a boyfriend, much less one that's from those eyesores of pearly gates that Heaven likes to hide behind! How long have you been fucking my daughter, huh, angel boy!?"
"S-S-Sir, I haven't touched your daughter in that way!" Collin exclaimed.
"Sir, maybe you should calm down?" Moxxie said.
"Yeah, Boss, let Loona have her little winter fling. I'm sure it's just a phase," Millie said.
Blitzo ignored them and pulled out his gun. "I just want to have a "talk" with this angel about his relationship with my daughter."
"Mr. Nyx! Demon or not, I will not be having guns drawn in this establishment!" Sojiro exclaimed.
"Um, I think I'll just… seeyouallnextyear!" Collin shouted as he bolted out the door.
"Oh no you don't! You're gonna be my New Year's meal when I'm done with you!" Blitzo exclaimed as he chased after the cherub.
"Dad, please just calm the fuck down!" Loona growled as she ran after him.
"Should we do something about that? I'm not about to let a murder happen on my watch," Sae questioned.
"They'll sort it all out, mam," Moxxie said. "…Although we should follow them, just in case."
"I'll get a sleeping spell ready for if things get truly out of hand," Stolas sighed as he, Moxxie, and Millie left to chase after the three of them.
'Sorry, Loona and Collin. I had to get out of that somehow…' Octavia thought.
Stella gave a cough into her gloved hand. "What does my ex-husband see in that imp…? Well then, I guess this is our time to step out for the night." She made sure to send a stern glare to Shin. "I'll be keeping close eye on you, Mr. Igami."
"As an Angel of Death who has freer access to other realms, I'll keep your daughter safe, Ms. Goetia. She is someone I care about a lot. Take that statement as you wish," Shin said, giving Octavia a smile that she returned.
Stella raised an eyebrow but gave a huff and turned away. "Raoul, let's go before I see anything I might object to."
"I bid you all good night then," Raoul said, giving a bow before his wings flared out and enveloped him and Stella, whisking them back to his mansion.
"She may have changed her heart, but there's still a bit of the old Mom in there," Octavia shook her head.
"Is that a bad thing?" Ren asked.
"Not entirely," Octavia replied. "Mom always had that bit of fire in her, even when I was a kid. The change of heart just made it more manageable, I guess."
"I still felt like I was being grilled there," Shin admitted. "I may be an Angel of Death, but even I know better than to try and mess with a pissed-off parent…"
Ann: Happy new year!
Ryuji: Oh shit! It's already the new year!
Ren: Happy New Year.
Yusuke: Last year's end seems only yesterday.
Ryuji: Should we get together for a party or something? We gotta celebrate somehow!
Makoto: You have something in mind?
Ryuji: I dunno! Like a mochi-eating contest or something.
Yusuke: A prospect absolutely devoid of any class or dignity.
Ann: I dunno what we'd do, but I'm totally down to see you all!
Futaba: Same! But now tomorrow. I got plans.
Haru: Me too. Apologies. But any other time should be fine.
Makoto: Hey, did everything with Loona and Collin turn out fine?
Loona: We're fine. Luckily the M&Ms and Stolas were able to talk Blitzo down. We might have thrown you under the bus as the reason we got together though, Ren.
Ren: Is that bad?
Collin: Well, Mr. Blitz probably won't kill you, but I think I heard him muttering something about getting revenge on you.
Octavia: Shit. Sorry about that, guys. I just didn't want my parents to find out about Shin and I being… kinda a thing.
Loona: Nah, I get it. Your parents would probably freak out way worse than my dad if I had to guess. Just don't do it again unless you want to find spiders in your underwear drawer.
Makoto …I'm not going to ask.
Collin: Anyways, Loona and I will be doing our own thing for New Year's as well. Let's pick a different time for us all to meet up.
Ryuji: Sure, we can pick a date later. Anyways, Happy New Year. We're gonna have a great one, guys!
"I want to be able to help people in any way I can. I also wish that… me and my girlfriend didn't have to live in such separate worlds all the time…"
"I always just wanted to be part of a pack, you know? To have a place that I truly belong to…"
"Sometimes I wish that things could just be normal between me and my parents. That we could just go back to be like how it was when I was a child. Even if it was only how I imagined it was…"
"Let your inner most desires… be actualized…"
January 1
Ren was having a bit of a weird morning. After that strange dream of him at Shujin, he'd woken up with Morgana nowhere in sight, a strange young man talking to him in the café, and Futaba saying something about shopping with her mom? It was all weird, but he ignored it for the moment; he had promised to meet with Kasumi at the shrine, after all.
"Senpai!" Kasumi called, running up to Ren in a kimono. "Um, do I look weird?"
"Not at all," Ren shook his head with a smile.
"Sorry for the short notice. I couldn't send you a New Year's card, so here we are…" Kasumi said. "So, shall we?"
As the two entered the shrine, Ren took notice of the lack of people that were there. He did see Keenie dressed up for the New Year, doing some sort of volunteer work with the fox that lived at the shrine, but not a lot of civilians.
As they gave their prayers, Kasumi seemed to notice the lack of people as well. "I wonder why…? There aren't many people here at all. It's really unexpected. I'd almost prefer the usual crowd."
"Man, the end of the year was only a few hours ago," Ryuji's voice said, cutting through the silence in the air. He was walking up to the shrine with the rest of the Phantom Thieves, the girls all wearing their kimonos once more.
"Believe it or don't: only three-sixty-four days until the next one!" Futaba said, getting a giggle from Haru.
"That is true, but…" Makoto said.
"I know I'm gonna use the wrong year for a while," Loona admitted with a laugh.
"I'll help you remember, Loona," Collin smiled.
"Well, I have an idea! New Year's party tonight to help switch gears!" Ann said, Yusuke nodding at the idea.
"Sounds like a plan to me," Octavia smiled, though Shin remained silent and stoic as the two walked hand-in-hand. She paused as she saw Ren and Kasumi approach them. "Didn't expect you two here!"
"How many coincidences can there be in one day?" Haru wondered.
"And a good morn unto you all! I haven't seen you in absolute ages!" Futaba said.
"We were hanging out just yesterday!" Loona laughed.
"Oh! I guess we all had plans to drop by here first thing today, huh?" Ryuji noted.
"That would explain what led us to the shrine, but to this spot at the exact same time?" Makoto said. "Talk about incredible happenstance."
"Indeed- but, due to this fortuitous turn of fate… I am able to witness this mesmerizing sight…" Yusuke said, holding up his fingers to frame the girls. "Truly the embodiment of Japanese beauty."
"What are you doing, Kitagawa-senpai?" Kasumi asked.
"Just ignore him. It's like a fit he gets into sometimes," Futaba sighed.
"So, what do you wanna do after this?" Ryuji asked. "If we've got the time for it, why don't we grab something to eat together?"
"I'm sorry, I'll be heading out with my family once we're finished here," Makoto apologized.
"I have somewhere to be as well," Yusuke added.
"Me too- I'll be dining with my father somewhere," Haru said.
"I'm gonna hit up some New Year's sales with my mom!" Futaba said.
"Oh, you gotta let me join in on that one! I bet I can even get Dad to come along," Loona said.
"Think we can convince them to get together this time?" Futaba asked.
"We can try, at least, or see if your mom will finally let you join our pack," Loona chuckled.
"Welp, looks like you're all busy…" Ryuji sighed. "Maybe I should hit up the track team and see what they're up to."
"Ooh, I'll get in touch with Shiho and find out if she has any plans," Ann said.
"And I'm sure Keenie needs help here at the shrine. There's a lot of blessings that CHERUB has to give out this year, I'm sure of it," Collin said.
"Mom and Dad are taking me out to see the stars tonight, so I'll have to take a raincheck," Octavia apologized.
'It's like no one's making any sense…' Ren thought.
"Well, I guess we'll all just go do our own thing then," Ann shrugged.
"Mmhm! See you later!" Haru said as everyone disbanded.
Before he left, Shin gave an odd look to Ren. "The light… it isn't as bright in your eyes," the angel said before walking off.
'…What was that about?' Ren wondered.
Ryuji: Hey, do we have our first dream of the year today?
Haru: Do we? I thought that was tomorrow night.
Octavia: Is it that big a deal? You'll just have your first dream whenever it happens.
Ryuji: Hey, this is important! I can't let my first dream of the year be a nightmare!
Futaba: Then it doesn't count. Duh.
Ann: Here, take a look at this. Maybe it'll help you have good dreams.
Ryuji: Huh? When'd you take this?
Collin: It was before met up with you guys. We all bumped into each other first. Though maybe we should have taken a full group shot, since we were all meeting up anyway…
Yusuke: This photo is good in its own way. Indeed, I believe it will inspire some good dreams.
Ryuji: But you gotta dream of a specific thing if you want to have a good year, right? What's the traditional thing again? Mt. Fuji, sheep, and okra?
Loona: Sounds messy.
Makoto: It was Mt. Fuji, a hawk, and an eggplant. In that order.
Ryuji: Yeah, that's it! I'm gonna make myself dream about that!
Collin: I doubt you can brute-force yourself into dreams…
Yusuke: I plan to have a dream of singular beauty.
Ryuji: I gotta get to bed anyway! I got practice tomorrow too!
[***]
January 2
Ren was sure he was going crazy. First that boy from the other day was sleeping in same bed as him, then he went downstairs and found Wakaba, Futaba's mom, was somehow alive and well. And that boy was actually Morgana turned human! Just as Ren thought he was going crazy, Akechi and Shin came walking into the Leblanc.
"Sorry, we haven't opened for the day yet," Sojiro said to them.
"My apologies- We merely wish to speak with Amamiya-kun for a moment," Akechi said with a smile.
"Why don't you go and get some fresh air with them?" Morgana suggested. "I'll stand guard over your dessert for you."
"You say that now, but when he gets back and his dessert's gone, I'm pretty sure he'll suspect it was an inside job," Sojiro said.
"I can definitely see that happening with Mona on guard duty," Wakaba mused.
Akechi and Shin approached Ren. "…You know, don't you?" Shin whispered. "We have to discuss this."
"You two… remember?" Ren whispered.
"That's right, just like you seem to be," Akechi confirmed. "…Come on." The three of them left Leblanc and moved to the nearby laundromat before speaking. "Well then- let's try to sort through this situation."
"Why are you here?" Ren asked.
"That seems as good a place to begin as any" Akechi said. "At the end of last year, I turned myself in to the police as the perpetrator of the serial psychotic breakdown incidents. Your memory of this is still intact, correct?"
"But… how are you alive?" Ren questioned.
"Ah, yes…" Akechi recalled his death. "We have greater concerns right now. In fact, I'm a bit offended you think so little of me that you expected me to be dead. Perhaps the most confusing part of my story comes post-detainment. Obviously, I was thoroughly interrogated about my involvement in Shido's case… but for some reason, after questioning, I was suddenly released. No explanation whatsoever."
"They let you walk?" Ren raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I was acquitted of all charges. It's absolutely preposterous," Akechi replied. "More than that- it should be impossible for them to release a confessing suspect after only a brief interrogation… But, what's even more unbelievable to me is…"
"Wakaba," Ren said.
"That's right. Wakaba Isshiki," Shin nodded. "I've met her before in Heaven, during the time I was back up there before the God of Control incident. I can't believe she's been brought back to life… For the time being, you seem to be the only one who's still in their right frame of mind."
"I should get to the point… Let's make a deal," Akechi said. "What say we join forces once more on this?"
"What would we do?" Ren asked.
"We want to investigate exactly what's happening here," Shin explained. "All of this started on New Year's, and now can't seem to access Heaven or Hell anymore. The connection to Earth has just been… shut off."
"I'm fairly certain you wish to find out the same thing, no?" Akechi guessed. "Once more, you and I share the same goal. To solve this problem, don't you agree it'd be safer for us to partner up? Have you made up your mind?"
"What do you need me to do?" Ren asked.
"Well… First, I need information," Akechi said. "Can you tell me what happened after… parting ways with me in Shido's Palace?" Ren relayed everything that had happened between now and then to the detective prince. "…I see. Though some abnormalities appeared immediately, the most glaring ones arrive after the new year… And all of the Phantom Thieves, with you as the sole exception, are living in this alternate reality without even realizing it…"
Ren's phone suddenly went off. "Go ahead," Shin said, crossing his arms.
Ren picked it up to find it was Kasumi. "Senpai!? It's Yoshizawa! I'm in Odaiba right now, and… uh…"
"What happened?" Ren asked.
"Um, I don't really understand what I'm seeing, but I'm just going to describe it to you…" Kasumi replied. "It's that building… It's really faint but I can see that "Palace" thing that Morgana-senpai mentioned a while ago! Amamiya-senpai, I know this is sudden, but… Could you come to Odaiba right away?"
"I'll be on my way," Ren said.
"I understand. I'll see you soon!" Kasumi said before hanging up.
"That was Yoshizawa-san's voice, wasn't it?" Akechi recognized. "I believe I heard her say the word "Palace.""
"I guess she's spotted one," Ren said.
"Despite not being in the Metaverse?" Shin raised an eyebrow. "You're planning to meet up with Kasumi, right? We'll join you- we're all but guaranteed to find a clue there."
"Now that we've made ourselves a new deal, you wouldn't turn me down, would you?" Akechi asked.
The trio made their way to Odaiba where Kasumi was waiting for them. "Amamiya-Senpai! And… Akechi-san and Igami-san?"
"We just happened to be together when he got your call," Akechi said.
Shin looked up at the Palace. "First a dead woman returns, and now a Palace appears… How intriguing."
"Akechi-san, you know about Palaces?" Kasumi said in surprise.
"Would it help you grasp the situation if I told you that I have the same powers as they have?" Akechi asked.
"Really!? Does that mean you're also…" Kasumi said.
"I was a part of the Phantom Thieves for a short period of time. I would say that I'm only moderately associated with them now," Akechi replied. "However, since you've already grasped the concept, it's clear to me that you're a fellow Persona-user."
"Um…" Kasumi looked nervous.
"He knows," Ren nodded.
"Yes, I can use a Persona as well. I'm not a part of the Phantom Thieves either, though…" Kasumi confirmed. "I just so happened to slip into this Palace with Amamiya-senpai, Morgana-senpai, Nyx-senpai, Pastor-senpai, and Goetia-senpai a while ago. But what could be the meaning behind its appearance here? I just happened to be passing by on my way home when I came across it…"
"Since nobody else is making a scene about it, I assume others aren't able to see it," Shin guessed. "Or, they see it, but it doesn't evoke any real reaction in them…"
"Yes, that's exactly it!" Kasumi nodded. "I asked some people in the area, and none of them seemed to care at all about its appearance."
"Hm… Rather than simply hypothesize out here, we may be better off taking immediate action," Akechi said.
"You mean, we should go into the Palace?" Kasumi asked.
"Not only has a Palace manifested in reality, but this is the only one visible to us. I realize I have no proof, but it's highly likely that this is related to our current situation," Akechi said. "Wouldn't it be more efficient to just go inside and see what we can learn? That is, if we have the means to do so."
Shin pulled out his phone. "Well, it looks like the Meta-Nav is back, but the symbol's changed. I thought it was gone for good, but it looks like we've regained access to the Nav."
"I have it as well," Kasumi confirmed.
"Is there a search history?" Akechi asked.
"Search history… How do I check… Ah! There's one search in the log, but…" Kasumi said. The boys gathered around to see.
"I can't read whose Palace it is…" Ren hummed.
"The "name" portion of the entry has been censored somehow…" Akechi frowned. "Could this be the doing of the Palace's Ruler?"
"Does that mean we can't enter the Palace?" Kasumi asked.
"Well, we do have the search history, so it should be possible to infiltrate it anyway," Shin said.
"…If you're going in, would you be willing to bring me in with you?" Kasumi asked. "I can't put my finger on it, but something's been bothering me about this place ever since we first entered it. I promise I won't slow you down."
"What's your call?" Akechi asked.
"Infiltration time," Ren declared.
"That settles it!" Kasumi said.
"All right. Let's do it," Shin nodded. He activated the Nav, and the four of them were brought into the Metaverse.
[***]
Location: ?
"Now that I'm getting a second look here, I've noticed just how mysterious this place is..." Kasumi said. "What could this building even be?"
"It depends on what the Palace's Ruler thinks of this place," Crow said. "We'll likely find that out if we keep pushing forward."
"Is that so?" Kasumi asked. "By the way, um…"
"What's the matter?" Crow asked.
"Well… I'm not sure how to put it…" Kasumi said.
"Got yourself a new outfit, eh?" Joker asked.
"I was wondering about that too," Shin mused.
Crow looked over his new appearance. While it was similar to his old "Phantom Thief" outfit, it had changed to be reflective of his old Black Mask attire as well, combining the two into something new. The main outfit was still white, but now with red accents and black gloves and boots that had red trim at the ends. His epaulettes were now red with black spikes coming up on the shoulders, connecting to a black cape on the back that flared out like crow feathers. His mask was also different, still being Tengu-like but now having sharper angles around the eyes, framing his face and being made of a dark onyx.
"Oh, you mean this? Yoshizawa-san aside, there's no reason for me to uphold the pretense of a righteous, sincere Detective Prince," Crow said. "I've decided that, if I'm going to be a Phantom Thief, I'll show both sides of myself to the world like so… I'm more interested in Igami's new appearance."
The angel smirked, flaring out his arms dramatically. Much like Collin his true angel self was forcibly visible in the Metaverse, revealing that Shin was actually a wolf-like angel with brown and grey fur, his black angel wings visible on his back. His "Phantom Thief" outfit remained the same, however, including the blindfold over his eyes.
"I regained my full angelic form once I returned to Heaven. I was actually part of the Hounds of God before becoming a full Angel of Death," Shin explained.
"Hounds of God?" Kasumi questioned.
"It's a special faction of werewolves that hunt evil witches in Hell, among other things," Shin explained. "By the way, if I'm going to be with the Phantom Thieves now, I might as well come up with a codename, right?"
Crow frowned. "Worry about that later. Enough chatting. Let's move out."
With that the gang took the elevator up into the Entrance Hall, with Joker and Kasumi leading the way since they'd been here before. "This place feels different than it did last time…" Kasumi hummed.
"That was a few months ago, wasn't it? There could've been a change of heart since then," Crow said. "Do you remember how far you went in last time?"
"I think it was just beyond that door. That's where Senpai came to help me," Kasumi said, pointing to a nearby door."
"So you're only familiar with this place up to the entrance…" Shin noted. "Let's keep going."
"There are so many people here…" Kasumi said as they went further in. "This is definitely different from last time."
"Welcome, and thank you for coming, patients," a polite announcer voice said. "You will be guided to one of our specialty care facilities according to your individual desires. We will assist each and every one of you. Rest assured. Everyone can become happy. Should you have any questions about the facilities, feel free to bring them to our staff members nearby."
"What a strange announcement. "Become happy"?" Shin questioned. "What kind of place is this?"
The quartet moved forward, but were soon stopped by a Shadow in a lab coat suddenly appearing in front of them. "Those guises… You aren't among those who desire salvation."
"We have business here," Joker lied.
"Leave. You are unwanted intruders. Do not disturb our lord's research- this world's salvation"
"The language of a Shadow is a hint into its Ruler's ideology… This one sounds rather cultish, for example," Crow stated.
"And anything that sounds like a cult is usually never good," Shin nodded.
"Sorry, but we're going to pass through there now. We don't have time to waste on peons like yourself," Crow said to the Shadow.
"Why do you willingly strive for self-suffering? Why are you reaching out to your own pain?" Kasumi gasped at that before the Shadow transformed into a Macabre.
"Yoshizawa, you ready for this?" Shin asked as he drew his scythe.
"Y-Yes… Ready whenever!" Kasumi nodded, drawing her sword.
"It'll be too much trouble to go about this haphazardly. I'll provide the support," Crow offered as another Macabre appeared. "Look at this scum pile up. Fine by me… Time for a bloodbath! Ha! It's been quite a while… Nothing gets me quite as excited as this."
"Akechi-san!?" Kasumi said in surprise at his shift in personality.
"Focus that bloodlust on the enemies, Crow," Shin said with a smirk. "Time to obliterate our enemies!"
Kasumi was less taken aback by Shin's more aggressive attitude. "A-All right!"
The battle wasn't that difficult, with Crow and Shin blasting their foes away with magic. Joker did note that Crow had regained Loki as his Persona once more, clearly showing his evolution of power since they'd last met.
"I think we handled that rather well, didn't we? Especially considering the last-minute arrangement of our team and all," Crow smirked.
Shin noticed Kasumi was still a bit shaken up. "You okay, Kasumi?" he asked.
"U-Uh, yes! So, that Shadow- it said something about research," Kasumi redirected the conversation. "And also something about pain…"
"It mentioned salvation as well- all this seems to indicate that the Palace's Ruler is not in his or her right mind," Crow said.
"On another note… it looks like one of the Shadows dropped a map for us to use," Shin noted, picking up said map from the ground. "Let's make good use of it."
"Um…. So I've only shared pleasantries with Akechi-san… Would you say this is how he normally is? Like a, ah… ruthless sort of person?" Kasumi whispered.
"Yep, this is his normal. He's working on being more… approachable as his true self… hopefully," Joker replied.
"I see…" Kasumi hummed.
"What say we save the idle chatter for later and keep moving?" Crow suggested. "Unless teaming up with a "ruthless sort of person" is too much for you to handle."
"This is why you don't talk about people behind their backs. You never know when they'll hear what you really think about them," Shin said with a chuckle. Making their way through more Shadows that blocked their path, the team soon entered a circular room where the sound of crying could be heard. "What's…?"
"That voice… Look!" Kasumi said, pointing upwards to where some TV monitors were displaying a video of a man on it. "No way…"
"Isn't that your dad, Kasumi?" Joker recognized.
"Everyone will be arriving soon… Mom, Grandma…" Mr. Yoshizawa said to whoever was lying in the bed. "Yes, she'll be here too. I'm ure she'll be here, once she's able to calm down… Why… Why?" He started crying.
"…Dad?" a girl's voice called as the door to the room opened.
"Why?" Kasumi whispered.
"That was your father in the video just now, wasn't it, Yoshizawa-san?" Crow guessed. "And the one he was speaking too…"
"…Sumire," Kasumi replied. "My younger sister… Sumire Yoshizawa… I'd mentioned to you that I'd lost a family member, right?"
"Yes," Joker nodded.
"But, how is this video-" Kasumi suddenly held her head as she winced in pain.
"What's wrong?" Shin asked.
"I'm sorry… I don't know what's been wrong with me lately," Kasumi replied. "I've been getting this feeling, like… like I need to remember something, but at the same time, I oughtn't remember it…"
Crow hummed. "Can you still walk, Yoshizawa-san? Whatever it is that's happening, we have to keep going if we hope to learn more about it."
Kasumi stood back up. "Yes- I'm all right! Let's go."
Crow looked over to Joker. "…Hey. When was it that you said you became acquainted with Yoshizawa-san?"
"Last spring," Joker answered.
"I see… Anyway, let's move out. I suspect we still have a long way to go," Crow said. The group moved forward into the Test Track area further into the Palace.
"This place is enormous… What could this room be?" Kasumi wondered before another flash of pain came to her.
"You're in pain again. Are you all right?" Shin asked.
"I-I'm fine!" Kasumi stated. "It's just that… I can't stop thinking about that video we say earlier…"
"You mean the one about your sister?" Shin said.
"Yes…" Kasumi nodded. "Let's keep pushing. I need to find out why that was shown to me!" It wasn't long before another Shadow appeared in their path to halt their progress.
"You are misguided. Do not search for pain. Only tragedy awaits you beyond here," the Shadow said.
"Hmph… a newcomer," Crow scoffed.
"All these warnings of pain and tragedy! Who is your ruler? Why do you all think you know so much about me!?" Kasumi demanded. The Shadow just transformed into Belial instead of replying. "If you won't give me an answer, then I'll just force my way through! I…" Kasumi summoned her Persona to attack, but none of her moves connected.
"Stop rushing in without thinking!" Shin chided. "Just calm down!"
"Oh… I'm sorry…" Kasumi winced.
"This is it- time your attacks with mine!" Crow called.
"R-Right!" Kasumi nodded. Working as a team, the Shadows were no match for their power.
"Such a fool, rejecting our lord's mercy… In that case- witness it for yourself."
"Now what!?" Kasumi asked as the Shadow faded away.
The sound of cheering behind them got the team's attention. "Oh wow, the crowd is going wild!" an interviewer said. "Their cheers are shaking the stadium to welcome a new heroine to the world of competitive gymnastics!"
"Huh?" Kasumi said, stepping closer. On the stage behind them was a girl in a gymnastics outfit that, if Joker looked closely enough, reminded him of Kasumi.
"Thank you so much! I'm simply thrilled with the results I had today!" the girl said.
"Your performance exceeded anything seen before in the junior class- it was absolutely stunning!" the interviewer said. "But you'll be entering high school soon- wil that impact your career in gymnastics?"
"Oh, I have not intentions of stopping! It's my dream to compete and win at the international level!" the girl replied.
"How wonderful!" the interviewer praised. "One last question- is there anyone you'd like to give a shout-out while you have the chance?"
"My younger sister! She should be here in the stadium…" the girl said.
"What…?" Kasumi gasped.
The girl looked right at Kasumi. "Oh, there she is! Sumire! Sumire! I did it! Both of us have the same dream- to be international champions!"
"Stop…" Kasumi said, holding her head.
"Let's make it come true, Sumire! Together!" the girl said.
"…Stop it!" Kasumi shouted. "I…"
Crow gave a breath. "Yoshizawa-san, you're…"
"I really hope this helped you understand," a man's voice called out.
"Who's that?" Shin questioned.
"If you keep pushing on like this, you're going to find nothing but heartache. Please, won't you stop fighting this and just return to the "current" reality?"
"Nothing but heartache, huh…" Kasumi said, before standing back up on her feet. "I don't understand what you're saying, but I have no intention of leaving now!"
"We're in agreement there," Shin nodded. "We also refuse to do as you say. Now why don't you drop the "Wizard of Oz" man-behind-the-curtain act and face us head on!?"
"…As you wish," the voice said. "Head on down. I'll meet you there."
"…He agreed to that much more readily than I expected. Perhaps the Palace's Ruler really will make this appearance?" Crow mused.
"Kasumi, are you okay?" Joker asked.
"Thanks for your concern. But I'm fine, really! Let's go," Kasumi replied.
"…"Kasumi Yoshizawa," eh?" Crow said to himself.
Moving forward in the area, the team made their way down a flight of stairs before coming face-to-face with a man in a white suit. "Is he this Palace's…?" Kasumi wondered.
"It's been quite a while, hasn't it?" the man said as he turned around to show his face.
"Dr. Maruki!?" Kasumi exclaimed. He looked about the same as before, minus the change in clothes and him slicking back his hair.
"Glad to see you're all doing well," Maruki said. "I pretty much figured you would end up infiltrating this place… Truth be told, this isn't how I was hoping we would meet again."
"Dr. Maruki… The school councilor?" Shin said with surprise. "I never really met the guy but… seriously, he's the ruler of this Palace?"
"…Palace?" Maruki repeated.
"A place where distorted desires manifest- we're asking if you're the source of the desires here," Crow explained.
"Ah, I see. Well, to use your own words: yes, I am this Palace's Ruler," Maruki replied. "But in my case, it seems a tad different from the ones you've seen."
"Would we also be correct in believing that you're involved in the abnormalities outside the Palace as well?" Crow asked.
"Yes, you would," Maruki nodded. "Do you like the reality I created for you?"
"You… created it?" Shin questioned.
"That's right. I've gained the power to alter reality… To make it whatever the people wish for," Maruki explained.
"I didn't wish for this," Joker stated.
"Is that how you really feel?" Maruki asked. "…The old reality was cruel and unfair. The truth is, Yoshizawa-san suffer immense pain each and every time she taps into her forgotten past."
"My… past?" Kasumi repeated. "Dr. Maruki… What do you mean? What's happened to me!?"
"…All right. I had honestly hoped that all those warnings you were giving would change your minds… But if it's your true desire, then I want you to recall who you really are," Maruki said. "And I want you three to learn as well. Once you have, you'll need to choose between the two realities: the merciless one, or the one I've formed."
He snapped his fingers, dimming the lights in the room as a large screen started to play a video. "That's…" Kasumi said.
"Today was brutal! You feeling okay?"the girl from before asked to he "camera" as they walked on a rainy day.
"It's not that…" Kasumi's voice replied. "Why am I doing so bad? I keep messing up my routine…"
"Your growth spurt's just changed your eye level," the girl replied. "You'll get used to it. Look! You're as tall as I am now."
"We practice the same amount… But you are the one who always gets first place," Kasumi's voice said. "I can't catch up to you, Kasumi…"
"You know why?" the girl (who was apparently also named Kasumi…?) asked. "Because it's my right as the elder sister."
"We're in the same grade, though," Kasumi's voice pointed out.
"Aw, don't be so down. We'll reach the top of the world together… That's our dream, right?" the girl asked.
"You don't get it…" Kasumi's voice replied. The camera pulled back, showing her with her hair down and wearing glasses. "You'll never understand how I feel."
"What?" the girl questioned before "Kasumi" ran off down the street. "Kasumi… If I were like you… things would be so much better."
"Hey, wait up!" the girl called, chasing after her sister.
"Kasumi's the one that people want…"
"Look where you're going! The light's red!" the girl called as "Kasumi" approached the street. "Hey!"
"The talented one who can reach the top of the world…"
"Sumire, stop! Listen to me!" the girl called. "Sumire!" The world seemed to move in slow-motion as the girl pushed "Kasumi" (or is she really Sumire…?) out of the way of oncoming traffic… at the cost of her own life.
When "Kasumi" opened her eyes, she looked in terror at her sister's dead body, blood coming out of her head. "Kasumi…"
As the video ended, "Kasumi's" Phantom Thief attire melted away, the ribbon holding up her hair falling out as she lost her Will of Rebellion. "I…"
"…Seems you remembered," Maruki said.
"That's right… I'm…" "Kasumi" said.
"Kasumi?" Joker asked, reaching out a hand to her.
"Kasu…mi? No… That's not right! I'm… I'm not Kasumi!" she shook her head.
"…The girl named "Kasumi Yoshizawa" is currently deceased," Crow said.
"It was last spring… Before I started at Shujin… We were walking home from practice. It happened right there, on that street in the video… I wasn't looking where I was going… And Kasumi, she protected me from the car… I was saved by Kasumi… I robbed her of her dreams… and even her life!" She fell to her knees as she started crying. "I'm… her younger sister, Sumire Yoshizawa."
"I'll take over from here. After all, I do play a part in this story," Maruki stated. "Her real name… is Sumire Yoshizawa. She's Kasumi-san's younger sister… But for months now, she's only seen herself as Kasumi Yoshizawa… her deceased elder sister. Of course, it was only her cognition of herself that changed, so to the people around her, she was still Sumire-san. For some reason, though… there were a few rare exceptions to this. Did something happen to make you believe she was Kasumi-san?"
"…The pocketbook," Joker realized. "I saw the name Kasumi written on her pocketbook. That's why I thought she was…"
"It appears you were clueless, but she was Sumire Yoshizawa from the start," Crow said. "However, when we watched that other video, she gave her name as Kasumi Yoshizawa. Considering such an odd claim, I'd actually suspected for a moment that she was the Palace Ruler…"
"Ah… That would have explained the mental pain. Going into your own Palace isn't recommended for your health or sanity," Shin nodded.
"After Kasumi died, but before I started at Shujin, I received counseling from Dr. Maruki," Sumire said. "That was when I told him… If Kasumi was gone and I can't make her dream come true… Then I want to become Kasumi, so I can turn her dream into reality for her."
"So that's why you altered her cognition? For her own wishes?" Shin asked.
Maruki nodded. "That's right. Limited as it was, I already had the power at the time to actualize her wish. Put yourselves in her shoes for a moment… Sumire-san's older sister died from protecting her. Imagine surviving such a dismal tragedy… Who would be able to cope with that survivor's guilt, let alone heal from the emotional scarring that she's suffered? If Sumire-san can live a healthy, positive life by becoming Kasumi-san… Then I believe that reality is what would make her happy."
"…I've had enough of your high-and-mighty rationalization," Crow scoffed. "All you really did was use her to try and make everyone acknowledge the validity of your research."
"So that's how you see things, huh? That's quite unfortunate," Maruki sighed. "Of course I wanted society to acknowledge cognitive psience through my research… But that's because my goal is to save everyone in the world like Yoshizawa-san by ending all suffering! My work will convert the wishes of the people into reality. Even as we speak, my research is coming to fruition… No one will ever have to suffer again under the yoke of an unfair world. This… Palace you call it? It's a place where its Ruler's desires take physical form, yes? I wish to utilize my research to save humanity- I suppose that would be the "desire" I hold dearest."
"…what total nonsense," Crow said.
"You could very well be right. Still, I'm entirely serious about changing our imperfect reality," Maruki said. "Just as she was saved by becoming Kasumi, I'll save every other person in the world currently suffering. In fact, it's my responsibility to do so… You can see how this world's bestowed the duty upon me."
"Is that truly salvation?" Joker asked.
"Yeah. I've heard of people like you with savior complexes. Some may suffer in life, but all good deeds will be rewarded by an eternity in Heaven," Shin said.
"So, there is more that exists outside of reality and the cognitive, is there? I was wondering if your angelic look was just for show or not," Maruki mused. "Still, why should people have to wait for their suffering to end in the next life? With my power, the cruelties of history will vanish and everyone will lives their lives just as they've always dreamed them to be. If you don't call that salvation, then what would it be?"
"And you assume we'll buy into your brainwashing and just live in the palm of your hand?" Crow said. "Honestly, that sounds absolutely revolting."
"…All right, so that's your answer, Akechi-kun," Maruki said. "How about the others?"
"Sorry, but as nice as your "Heaven-on-Earth" sounds, it's just not something that mortals can make, even with the power of cognition," Shin shook his head. "You may think you're helping people, but it'll only last for so long in the short term. I believe others will wake up from your dream, and reality will come crashing right back down on you."
Maruki just hummed. "That's your answer, Igami-kun. Yoshizawa-san… Allow me to ask you yet again… Which reality is it that you wish to inhabit?"
"Huh?" Sumire said.
"If you so desire, you can return to your life as Sumire… But if you'd rather continue your life as Kasumi, I can grant that wish for you as well," Maruki offered.
"Dr. Maruki… I…" Sumire whispered.
"Believe in yourself," Joker said.
"…It's impossible… I'm sorry, Amamiya-senpai," Sumire replied. "I… I can't go back to being her. I can't be the one that led her sister to her death!"
"Please don't judge her. This is just evidence how painful life is for her," Maruki said. "You three sensed doubts forming in the reality I manifested- that's what brought you here. But please, remember this as well: you three aren't excluded from the people that I wish to save. Come now, Amamiya-kun… Won't you accept my reality for your own happiness?"
Joker thought about how happy his friends looked in this new world… but he couldn't accept what Maruki was giving them. "I'll find my own happiness," he replied firmly.
"…No deal so far, huh?" Maruki mused. Lights shown down on the group, blinding them as one of the Shadows thrust their arm out, turning it into a tentacle that stretched out and grabbed Sumire, bringing her over to Maruki.
"What are you doing with here!?" Shin shouted in anger.
"I won't harm her- it's in her best interest that you turn back," Maruki replied. "You've made clear that you reject the reality she desires. The reality where she lives as Kasumi Yoshizawa…"
"This isn't reality," Joker retorted.
"It saddens me when you speak that way. Don't you understand? You deny her wishes when you say such things," Maruki said.
""Her wishes," huh?" Crow questioned.
"This isn't just for her- I'm doing all of this for yourselves as well. I honestly do want to come to terms with you. We should talk," Maruki said. "Think about it: you both have dreams, no? I have the power to make them come true. My reality can become just the way you like."
Crow scoffed. "Total waste of my time."
"A shame… but I understand," Maruki said sadly.
"Well then, I guess we'll have to resort to force now to get back reality, won't we?" Shin said, drawing his weapon.
"Violence is not my thing…" Maruki said, nodding for his Shadow to move forward. It twitched around as it changed shape, turning into a tentacle monster, the Warped Abyss. "I agree, though. It seems we're out of options here." The boys were pushed back by the power of the Shadow.
"Time to fight. You two ready?" Crow asked as Joker and Shin nodded in agreement. "Keep up- and don't embarrass me."
"Stubborn imbeciles, rejecting our lord…" the Shadow said.
"…Disgusting. I never liked tentacles," Shin shuttered. "We're not here to listen to your lies!" The Shadow attacked the group with a Megidolaon before spamming more powerful magic against the team. "Shit! If only we had a full team to help out."
"Don't be weak and just keep fighting!" Crow chided. The trio pushed through the assault, with Joker acting as support while Crow and Shin attacked with everything they had.
"No… Such pathetic attempts won't be enough!" the Shadow exclaimed as it healed itself.
"Tch… This freak just won't go down," Crow scoffed before it unleashed a powerful attack against them, Abyssal Eye.
"Accept his mercy… Give yourselves over to him!"
"Would you just shut up already!?" Shin shouted.
"Joker! I'm going to shut that thing up! Give me hand!" Crow called. The two leapt into action, rushing at the foe as the warped them into a noir film set, with Crow slashing up their foe with his savage sword swings before Joker finished them off with a headshot. "Heh, not bad for an improvised technique."
"Another Showtime attack, huh? I wanna try one of those out some day," Shin mused. He turned his attention back to Maruki. "So, are you ready to give up yet? I'm pretty sure that "negotiation" at this point will just turn into us forcing you to give reality back."
"That seems to be the case, unfortunately," Maruki noted. "But first, I have an idea. Rather than explain it with words, I'd like you to actually see this new reality with your own eyes. I know that your friends are already enjoying it, Amamiya-kun."
Joker looked at Sumire. "Hand her over."
"…That, I cannot do," Maruki shook his head. "As I said before, she wishes to live in the reality where she is Kasumi. There's no way I can hand her over to you with matters as they currently are. I already told you that I won't harm her. And I'll swear by it. Don't worry about her. Go, look at the reality I've created for you all. Once you've seen the results, I know you'll realize which future is best."
"You think we'll just obey your orders?" Crow questioned.
"I apologize, but you really are going through with this- even if it's by force," Maruki said before disappearing. "We'll meet again one week from today: January 9th. I genuinely pray that you'll change your mind by then."
"Damn, he got away…" Shin cursed. "We shouldn't chase him too far. Looks like our best plan is to just head back for now."
"…Right," Joker nodded.
[***]
"I had spent all that time investigating the people around you so I could set you up… To think Takuto Maruki of all people would be the mastermind behind this absurd situation…" Akechi said as they arrived back in the real world… or at least, Maruki's idea of the real world. "And he happens to be warping the very fabric of reality while ranting about making everyone's dreams come true. Talk about incomprehensible motives… I can't even wrap my head around such intentions."
"I think the guy has a savior complex," Shin shrugged. "His goal is noble but the method… Let's just say that I think "the end justifies the means" is a pretty bullshit way of looking at the world. At any rate, we need to figure out our next steps."
"We need to save Sumire," Ren said.
"Don't you think it'd basically be suicide to try and save her in our current state?" Akechi pointed out. "We need intel first. If we're going to stand up to him, we have to know more than nothing. I'll do some investigating on my own."
"And I'll see if I can get in contact with Heaven or Hell. Whatever cognitive power he's using is a lot like the God of Control where he's changing reality… I just hope the other realms aren't also being affected like before," Shin stated.
"I hate that we have to do what he says, but Maruki told us we have to wait until January 9th. Let's meet up here next week," Akechi said. "Although, I imagine all of our lives will be very different if you choose to live in this reality as your friends have been."
"So, this is the reality that Maruki created…" Ren said to himself as he was left alone. "…There's no point in obsessing over it now. I should go back to my room…"
Author's Note
The holiday scenes were fun to write. Octavia getting to reunite with Morgana is important to me, since the two have had a solid relationship throughout the story. Also Blitzo almost ruining New Year's by threatening Collin when he found out that the cherub was dating Loona was fun as well. The man has a serious overly-protective dad streak going on whenever he finds out his daughter is into someone. Octavia may have should out Loona and Collin's relationship, but they in turn sold out Ren's involvement in the two of them realizing their feelings for each other. The head of IMP will get his revenge on Joker when the time comes...
And we finally start the Third Semester/ Maruki arc! Octavia, Loona, and Collin are all under the spell of the new reality, so it's up to Joker, Kasumi (or as we found out in this chapter, Sumire), a returned Akechi, and Shin to stop Maruki. Shin is the counterpart to Sumire in this story so it makes sense for him to join the Royal Trio for the start of this arc, and the reason I have for him not being affected by the change is his time spent as the Reaper gave him more awareness to whenever cognition is affecting the real world. If you were wondering the "Hounds of God" Shin mentions are a real thing that people used back in the days of the Witch Trails to get out of being burned at the stake (because being a werewolf that hunts witches is better than being a real witch, I guess?)
I also want to make special mention of Crow in this chapter. While he has taken on his more ruthless demeanor from the Third Semester like in the game, Akechi retains his development from his time as a true Phantom Thief as well. He's just a man that's more focused on the mission above anything else. As for his new outfit, I found this amazing artwork by frostpebble on Tumblr that combines Crow's Phantom Thief and Black Mask attires and wanted to have that as Akechi's new look for this arc, symbolizing him accepting both halves of himself and his regaining of Loki as a Persona.