Chapter 65: Laboratory of Sorrow (Part 2)
January 22
Today Sumire had invited Ren to watch her preform her gymnastics routine, which Octavia and Shin deciding to tag along to watch as well. As the trio waited, Octavia noticed something different about her cousin's aura, but couldn't place her finger on it.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Sumire apologized, coming over to the trio in her gymnastics outfit. "It looks like… my coach is yet to arrive. I'm usually so nervous when Coach Hiraguchi watched my performance. Partially because she's worked with me for so long- that's why I don't want to let her down. But today… Today I'm excited about this."
"You look radiant today," Ren noted.
"Thank you," Sumire smiled. "When you compliment me like that, I feel like everything's' going to turn out well in the end!" It was then that Hiraguchi finally arrived, Sumire giving her coach a respectful bow. "Thank you for making time to observe me today! I really wanted to get an unbiased evaluation from you."
"You got a good look on your face today, Sumire," Hiraguchi noted.
"Yes, ma'am. I'm confident in the routine I'm about to perform," Sumire replied.
"Well, at first glace, I'd say you look like you've got it all figured out- but! I'm here to gauge your performance, not just let you brag about it," Hiraguchi reminded her student. "Now begin!"
"Ma'am!" Sumire nodded, before taking to the mat with ribbon in hand and starting the routine.
"Even her starting form's changed…" Hiraguchi noted. She looked to the trio. "Could this be your doing?"
Shin scoffed. "It's all Sumire," he said.
"Just watch," Octavia added.
Hiraguchi hummed as she looked to Ren. "I've seen you with Sumire before. You two are cute together."
"Oh? Has someone finally confessed?" Octavia said, ribbing her cousin.
"Maybe," Ren said, giving her a grin as the light glinted in his glasses.
"All right, let's start!" Sumire announced as she started her dance. When it was over she was gasping for breath from exertion, but still managed to give a final bow. "Thank you for watching!"
Hiraguchi was quiet for a moment before responding., "You've grown so much, Sumire. I'm sure this is no surprise to you, but the path to international success will be harsh and relentless. Are you ready?"
"Absolutely!" Sumire replied. "I will be number one in the world of gymnastics! I will make our dream a reality!"
"Glad to hear you're so sure,' Hiraguchi smiled. "With your natural grace and dedication to reach the gauntlet, no matter how far it is from your grasp… Your dream is no longer impossible. And, you're the one who decided that, not me."
"Huh?" Sumire gasped.
"You didn't even realize it, did you? Today's the first time you've told me you will win on an international level," Hiraguchi explained. "Until today, you'd only tell me, "I hope I win.""
"Oh…!" Sumire realized.
"Perhaps you even have someone special… The person who makes you want to dance just for them," Hiraguchi teased.
Sumire blushed. "Well, that's… Um, I, uh…"
"My, it seems you haven't quite made a total transformation," Hiraguchi said.
"Don't rush it," Ren said.
"It's good to hear you have someone who really understands you in your corner," Hiraguchi stated. "…Your performance today was truly impressive. I'm looking forward to your next lesson already."
"Coach… Me too!" Sumire cheered.
"And she has all of her friends to support her as well," Shin stated, Octavia nodding in agreement as Hiraguchi left.
"Coach Hiraguchi… liked my routine," Sumire said in awe.
"It's only natural, Sumire," Ren stated.
"You're probably right… I'm kidding, of course," Sumire giggled. "Thanks to you, I feel like I've finally found the answer I've been searching for… as well as discovering what's most important to me while performing."
"And that is…?" Octavia asked.
"Do I really have to spell it out?" Sumire laughed as she looked to Ren. "I've learned all sorts of things from my time with you… Now, I can show everyone how I really feel- and the two of us can take the crown of the gymnastics world!"
It was then that the power inside of Sumire swelled up, transforming her Persona into a new form, Vanadis! "This is the new me… I've finally found it!" Sumire declared. "I know it's a bit late, but… I can feel my body start to shake. I think it's finally hitting me… I managed to really give it my best…"
"And there's more to come," Ren added.
Sumire nodded. "You're right- this is just my own starting line. Senpai, I have a favor to ask… Um… Will you hold me tight, like before?"
"Well, I think this is our cue to leave," Octavia said with a chuckle as she and Shin left holding hands. "See you later Ren, Sumire!"
The demon and angel grinned as they heard Sumire squeak as Ren embraced her. "Oh no, I thought this would stop my shaking, but now it feels like my heart's about to burst…"
[***]
As night fell over Tokyo, Shin sat on a rooftop, waiting for certain people to arrive there. The sound of the door to the roof opening made him turn around, revealing Octavia, Ren, and Akechi had arrived. "I hope you didn't call me just to waste my time," Akechi said.
"Don't worry. This'll be worth it in the end," Shin replied. "So, our time dealing with… well, everything involving the God on Control and its meddling will be coming to an end soon."
"It feels like only yesterday that Uncle Raoul showed up on my doorstep asking me to come and assist in overcoming this ordeal," Octavia hummed.
"Even longer for me when my Persona was awakened by that fake god," Akechi added. "To think I allowed myself to be manipulated like that… I won't let anyone else tell me what to do again. I'll make my own justice, no matter how it makes others view me."
"Ah, never change, Akechi," Shin chuckled. "I still remember when I was separated from the Reaper. I thought it would be inevitable that I was to be consumed by it, but the Phantom Thieves saved my life that day. I think me helping you out with Maruki will make us even… but you can count on me to vouch for you anytime."
"Having an angel in my back pocket would be nice," Ren mused.
"Hey now, I'm not going to be in anyone's back pocket. If you royally fuck something up, that's on you, Joker," Shin laughed. "But seriously, my time on Earth has made me appreciate human life even more. I think I'll be able to do my job as an Angel of Death even better than before… and I know that I'll have a princess to come back for as well."
Octavia blushed. "About that… how will our relationship go from here? I think it'll take more than just reforming the societies of Heaven and Hell to allow our union to be anything more than what it is now."
"Us Phantom Thieves aren't one to give up so easily. I know Loona and Collin are going to fight for their love as well, so we have to keep it up as well," Shin stated. "Besides, if it comes down to it, I'd gladly Fall for you."
"And if possible, I'd grow wings for you," Octavia replied as they held hands.
Shin have his girlfriend a kiss before turning to Ren. "I think I've taught you everything you need to know to defend yourself, Ren. You've changed the hearts of a lot of people, and now you can defend them with that same strength of will in the real world. From now on, you're the master of your own fate."
'I sense an unbreakable resolve in Shin…' Joker thought.
I am thou, thou art I…
Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath.
Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion
And break the yok of thy heart.
Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret
Of the Void, granting thee infinite power…
At that Shin's Persona welled up, transforming into a brand new form. Now it appeared as a handsome young man with angel wings on his back, a bow in his hands with two different quivers strapped to his waist, one on each side. La Bête was now Cupid. "I am Cupid, personification of love. Hide not in the dark and let your true feels strike true!"
"I was not expecting that as your awakened Persona," Octavia chuckled.
"If you know the story of La Bête, it makes more sense," Shin shrugged. He then let out a big yawn. "Well, it's getting late. See you all another time!"
Ren and Octavia soon left after that, but Shin put a hand on Akechi's shoulder before he exited the roof. "Did you need to tell me something?" the detective asked.
"…I know about your… situation. It wasn't hard to guess based on your heartbeat. I have an ear for that kind of thing," Shin said.
"My business is that of my own, angel. I will deal with the consequences of that when the time comes," Akechi said, pulling his shoulder free.
"Just know that… I'm here for you if you need to just talk to someone about it," Shin said sympathetically.
"I don't need your pity. Just focus on the mission so we can be free of this reality," Akechi said before leaving.
"Yeah… But then, what of your own fate, Akechi…?" Shin whispered.
[***]
January 24
Today was the day the Phantom Thieves were going to be heading back into Maruki's Palace. Ren, Morgana, Octavia, Loona, and Collin were already there waiting for the others when Sumire walked in the door of Leblanc. "Hello, Senpai," Sumire greeted.
"Wow, you got here fast," Morgana noted.
"She had to be her to see her boyfriend," Loona teased.
Sumire blushed but continued. "Well, while I was traveling here, I suddenly had this epiphany… So I had to hurry over and explain it to you."
"Lay it on me," Ren said.
"Right… I've been wondering for a while if there's a way I can bring some personal flair to my fights in Mementos."
"Your own flair, eh?" Morgana repeated. "And you came up with something?"
"Yes!" Sumire nodded. "But, I do have a small favor to ask, Ren-senpai… What we'll do is…"
"I see… How interesting!" Collin said after Sumire finished her explanation.
"I feel like… This move would allow me to honor Kasumi properly," Sumire stated. "So… how about it, Ren-senpai?"
"Let's dance," Ren declared.
"Thank you! This should make for one killer routine!" Sumire smiled. It was then that the wishing stone in Ren's pocket glowed.
"I've definitely never seen anything like what she's planning- I can't wait for this!" Morgana said.
"I won't let you down!" Sumire promised. After that was when the rest of the team showed up, meaning it was Palace infiltration time.
[***]
Location: Laboratory of Sorrow, Monitoring Prep Room
Going back to the place where they'd first left the Palace, Noir was the first to point out that the cable that had been blocking the way were now gone. "Rather fortuitous that we tried out the console we found in Mementos- now we can proceed," Fox mused.
"Let's move out," Joker ordered.
"Okay! Let's go, Senpai!" Violet cheered.
As the Phantom Thieves moved forward, they entered a side room with a Shadow guarding it. Taking the enemy out, Templar let out a hum of surprised as he looked around the room. "This drawer has some weird notes sticking out of it,' the cherub noted.
"Well? What's it say?" Lycan asked.
Templar cleared his throat before reading, "Feb. 2: Tomorrow is Rumi's birthday. I'll be meeting her parents… My hands have been shaking an awful out lately. Will they let their daughter marry a low-level researcher like me? Now I'm getting even more anxious…
When I told Rumi how nervous I I'm getting, she just laughed and said I think too much. She may not have understood my problem, but I do love her laugh. I don't think I'll be able to sleep with my nerves like this, but I need to lie down anyway.
I've been getting the worst headaches lately… I might be pushing myself too hard for this thesis. I just really want to be in top form tomorrow. I know this diary was originally just for research notes, but now I hope I can look back at it with Rumi someday and feel nostalgic."
"What could this be…? A diary?" Violet wondered.
"Looks like it. Judging from what's written inside, it's most likely Maruki's," Crow said.
"It seem like he has written about things in the past, but it looks like they are only fragments of them…" Scythe noted.
"Doesn't look like it has any meaning to it either," Mona added. "No sure it'll come in handy for the investigation, but let's hold on to it and see if we can find other ones."
Moving on in the area, Lycan's nose picked on a nearby Will Seed, leading the team up a fight of stairs and through an air duct into a secret server room where their prize was held. "So, this is a Will Seed, huh? It's… kinda creepy," Violet said as Joker took the item.
"Yeah, but they've been helpful so far, so it's always ideal to go after them," Omen said. "Although… if we used the treasures we got from the previous Will Seeds to make my current staff, I wonder if we could fuse the Will Seed ring from this Palace to it as well?"
"It wouldn't hurt to try once we find all of them," Joker said.
Heading back to the main path, Oracle stopped the team as they encountered a new type of door. "Uh-oh. That door's security look super-strict, and there isn't even an ID scanner on it… Let's take a closer peek!" Oracle said.
Going up to the door, a robotic voice spoke as the team approached. "Security lock currently engaged. Please answer the following identity authentication question: What did Takuto Maruki lose in exchange for the power to rewrite cognitions?"
"Gah it talked!" Skull exclaimed.
Lycan rolled her eyes. "That's not the part the matters right now, Skull. What's it talking about with Doc losing something? Is a riddle or something?"
"That's a security question, like when you reset a password- only the one person's supposed to know the answer," Oracle explained. "That's how you end up with private information being used like a key."
"I see. So, we need information on Maruki's life…" Mona hummed. 'Well, this is his own Palace. I'd bet we'll find some clues to the answer if we look around thoroughly enough."
"Alright, if that's the plan, then let's get clue hunting!" Scythe grinned. Searching around the next area, the team eventually came across an air duct they could crawl through, leading to a room that was out-of-place compared to the rest of the Palace. "Woah, what's up with this room?" Scythe wondered.
"The entire Palace has been rather bizarre, but this room is rather strange in its own way," Crow agreed.
Oracle noticed a TV in the room. "A CRT TV, huh? Talk about old school. Look, it's even got a built-in VCR."
"Hm… Maybe we should see what's playing on the TV to proceed forward?" Omen suggested.
"I highly doubt that," Panther said. "That doesn't make any sense."
"Actually… there's a chance she's right. There appears to be a tape by the VCR," Fox pointed out.
"Well, it appears we don't have any choice but to watch the tape, do we?" Crow said. "Of course, it could possibly just be a trap."
"Let's give it a shot," Joker replied, grabbing the tape and putting it in.
"…Nothing happening," Lycan said.
"It's making some strange noises- could it be broken?" Noir wondered.
"Do you think we should try whacking it?" Violet suggested.
"Uh, please don't..." Mona said.
The TV's blank screen suddenly turned on. "Oh, it's playing- stay on guard, everyone," Queen warned as the video began.
"How are you feeling today, Rumi?" a younger Maruki asked a girl in a hospital bed. "Sorry I came empty-handed… I've just been so busy with the research lately, I haven't had the chance to pick up any part-time work… I know- I'll buy you flowers the next time I come. Do you remember that wildflower field we used to go to, back in high school? You used to really love it there, didn't you? Oh- would you prefer if I brought you some snacks instead? Which should I bring, sweet or salty? I know you like both, so…"
Maruki paused. "…Actually, I have some news for you today. So, first: I finished my paper. The other thing is… They caught the culprit. He's in police custody now. You don't need to worry anymore. Of course that doesn't mean everything's over and done with, but things are going to proceed as they ought to. My "cognitive psience" is the study of people's hearts, and how they guide people's views of the world. Everyone comprehends the world in a different way, depending on their cognition… So basically, if one could tap into a person's "cognitive world" …One would be even be able to alter how that person views reality- in every way."
…"That's what my paper's all about," Maruki finished. "Heh, here I am, going way over your head with this stiff just like always… But anyway- I've recently met someone who thinks my research could be fruitful. If everything moves forward as planned, they may even fund my work. At that point, I'd be the first professional "psientist" in the world. My goal is to find a way to stop crime by putting research into action. Many of the criminals in this world are deluded to he point of seeing everything through a distorted lens… If I could change their cognitions, it would stop them from committing crimes before they even considered them."
Maruki smiled sadly. "And if I were to succeed… the things that happened to you would never happen to anyone else again. I want to save you… No, not just you- I want to save the whole world with my cognitive psience! Well… at least I know your family would appreciate it…"
"Taku…to…" Rumi muttered.
"Rumi! It's me," Maruki exclaimed. "Are you all right? Can you talk?"
"Takuto… Fa…mily…" Rumi said. She suddenly sat up, clutching her head. "My family! Dad… Mom! No… Please! Please don't go! Aaaah!"
"Rumi!? Rumi! It's okay… Calm down," Maruki said, going to her side.
"Give them back! Give me my mom and dad…" Rumi shouted.
Maruki winced as a voice came to his mind. "…You… want… power…"
"Guh! These migraines are… Damnit…" Maruki cursed. "Don't worry, someone's coming to help!"
The tape suddenly skipped forward in time, a doctor talking to Maruki as Rumi laid in her bed. "…I believe it was most likely a post-traumatic episode. Memories of the incident must have resurfaced due to some sort of stimuli, like certain imagery or phrasing," the doctor explained.
"Phrasing…" Maruki repeated. The tape skipped ahead again, Maruki sitting alone at Rumi's side. "I'm so sorry, Rumi… It's all my fault. Deep down, I knew… I could end all crime across the world- it still wouldn't bring your family back. What you truly need is to be set free from that horrible tragedy… But, how can I do that?"
The voice spoke again. "…Must… seek… me…"
Maruki held his head. "What… What was that!?"
"Takuto… Please… stop this…" Rumi muttered. "I… want to… forget."
"Forget?" Maruki sighed. "I wish I could do something to… Oh- But, wait… By altering a subject's cognition- by changing their heart- any related trauma is eliminated."
"You must seek me!" the voice shouted.
"So, by that logic… All that pain… Rumi's trauma and everyone else's trauma… it can be undone!" Maruki realized.
"Seek me… I am that who manifests thought itself. I shall echo your blasphemous fury with reality so that we may together change the world…" the voice said. "Now, call me forth!"
Maruki took Rumi by the hand. "Yes… I'll do it. I don't care who you may be… lend me your strength! Please… help me save Rumi's life!" The world suddenly flashed around him as a power was exerted over the world. "What was that!?" Rumi! Are you okay!?"
Rumi then woke up and looked to Maruki. "Who… Who are you?"
"Rumi, it's me!" Maruki shouted.
"Um… I'm really sorry, but I don't know who you are," Rumi replied.
"Rumi? What do you mean?" Maruki asked.
"I've just gone through surgery… Ever since I was born, I've been unwell. I lost my parents when I was young, so I live with my grandparents in the countryside now," Rumi explained, her voice eerily calm.
"When you were… young?" Maruki repeated. "You can't… It's me, Rumi! Don't you remember me?"
"Um… I really am sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about…" Rumi said. "Well, I'm going to be discharged from here pretty soon, now that I've finished my last round of surgery. I can't wait to see my grandparents again and show them how well I've recovered."
"This is…" Maruki held his head. "Were her memories actually revised? Wait… Was that voice really…"
"Um… Are you all right?" Rumi asked.
But Maruki was still talking to himself, "That's absurd… How could something like-" He realized Rumi was speaking to him. "Oh! I mean… It's nothing. I'm just glad you're doing better now." He muttered to himself, "She remembers nothing of the incident. So, for Rumi…"
"By the way… What are you doing in my room?" Rumi questioned. "How do you know my name?"
"Oh. Well, I'm, ah… Sorry. I mistook you for someone else," Maruki lied.
"Another person?" Rumi asked.
"Yeah, my… My girlfriend's name is Rumi, too," Maruki said.
"Really? That's so nice to hear," Rumi replied.
"Yeah…" Maruki looked down. "Looks like I really messed up finding the right room- I really am sorry to disturb you."
"Um… So, I know this might sound odd, but if you'd like to meet again sometime…" Rumi said.
"Thank you for the offer, but… I'm sorry," Maruki replied. "I'm going to be getting busier than ever soon, so I don't believe we'll be meeting again."
"Really? But, what about your girlfriend?" Rumi asked.
"She's… passed away," Maruki lied. "That's why I won't be coming here anymore."
"I'm so… sorry… Um…" Rumi said.
Maruki stood up and turned away. "I hope you feel better soon… And I know the people who care about you wish the same."
The tape ended after that. "That was… Dr. Maruki, right?" Panther said.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it was," Templar nodded.
"Based on what we've seen, we can surmise that Dr. Maruki's memory was somehow on that videotape," Crow stated.
"The way that woman was acting at the end… That's just how it went for me, too," Violet said.
"So, he rewrote her cognition…" Omen hummed. "And that voice that spoke…. I believe that's when Maruki first awakened to his ability."
"Could Dr. Maruki possibly have wanted us to watch this memory?" Violet asked.
"Eh, I don't think that's the case…" Mona shook his head. "It's possible that this is just an old memory he tried to busy in his unconscious mind."
"Still, if this actually occurred, there's no mistaking it for a trivial memory- this is clearly important to Maruki," Scythe said.
"Whether for good or bad, it appears that his incident is what led Dr. Maruki to his current mission…" Fox said.
"You're right," Noir nodded.
"It also gave us the answer for the security door…" Joker hummed. Heading back that way, when given the question, he answered with, "His lover."
"Authentication complete. Disengaging lock," the door said.
"Aw yeah! Nailed it!" Skull cheered. Moving forward past the broken evaluator, the Phantom Thieves found another map for Oracle to use before entering into the Research Ward. Sneaking around to get past a locked door, the team made their way up a spiral staircase before Oracle stopped them.
"Hang on a sec, Joker! That room's giving off a unique reading compared to the others in the area- it might be like the video room we found," Oracle pointed out. "Will you try checking that out? It could turn up some clues. Although it looks like it doesn't open from this side, so we're gonna have to go the long way around."
"I agree with Oracle. It may not be a direct route to the Treasure, but it's definitely something," Scythe nodded. "We should make that room our goal for now as we progress."
As the team moved around the area, Lycan's nose picked up on a familiar scent. "Hey, I think there's another Will Seed around here!" she said.
"Hm… It looks like the door leading to it is locked. We'll have to find a way around it to grab our prize," Omen noted.
"It seems all we can do here is go around trivial things such as locked doors," Crow shook his head.
"Sorry that I can't just lockpick a door that doesn't have a lock…" Joker shrugged. Moving forward, the Phantom Thieves saw another ID door, which they ignored since they would most likely need another password for now. Instead they went down a nearby staircase and followed Lycan's nose to obtain the second Will Seed before doubling back and entering a wooden door to find a similar room to the one where they found the first tape.
"Another video, like the one we watched before…" Templar noted. "Is it okay for us to be watching these? It feels… violating to be seeing Dr. Maruki's past like this."
"I don't like the idea of spying on somebody's past, but we clearly don't have a choice in the matter," Mona replied. "If watching this is our ticket forward, then I guess that's what we're doing."
Joker put the tape in, the screen turning to static before the image of Maruki at lunch with his friend appeared on it.
"Damnit! Just hearing it from you's pissing me off… You've come so far… What problem could they possibly have now!?" Shibusawa said angerly.
"I tried negotiating in person with the professor and the investors, but they simply wouldn't listen… "Due to the lack of concrete evidence, all further research and funding in cognitive psience will cease." They told me it's already over and done with," Maruki said. "But, why now of all times? When they first saw my paper, they were positively beaming with excitement!"
"And the research lab in Odaiba… They're not going through with that anymore?" Shibusawa asked.
"Yep…" Maruki nodded. "Damnit… To hell with their "concrete evidence"! How are we supposed to do any evidence if we can't perform the research first!? If we can change the cognition of trauma victims, their suffering can be eliminated… Who knows how many people could be saved with this research… How much more obvious could its benefits be?"
"So… Do you really think the lack of evidence is the reason they shut it all down?" Shibusawa asked.
"…It makes absolutely no sense to me," Maruki shook his head. "After all the time and money spent… To just cut off my research because it wasn't all proven sound immediately… Even if that was the result of some kind of conspiracy, what could I do about it? It's not like I have any proof."
"I see… So, what're you gonna do now?" Shibusawa said. "The sponsors have backed out, so I doubt the college is gonna let you keep using their labs…"
"I'm done with that college. They have nothing for me at this point. I'll look for work elsewhere while I keep fleshing out that research paper. Eventually, I'll prove the existence of the cognitive world… Once I've done that, no one will be able to complain," Maruki said, taking a long drink from his bottle.
The video skipped ahead, showing Maruki alone as multiple bottles littered the table. "Rumi… I swear I'm going to do it. I have the power now… it cost me my life with you…" he muttered to himself. "So I'm going to rescue everyone from their pain… I don't care how long it takes me… It's going to happen."
The video ended there. "…So that was another of Dr. Maruki's memories?" Noir asked.
"Yes, I believe so. It seems to be a much more recent memory than the first one we saw, though…" Queen noted.
"His research was cut off…" Oracle noted.
"Why do I get the feeling this is Shido's fault somehow?" Omen hummed.
"How so?" Scythe asked.
"Well, he was using cognitive psience as well, right? He even got Futaba's mother killed for her research. It wouldn't be surprising to me that he put out a gag order on anyone else studying the subject," Omen explained.
"the day that Shido dies, IMP is going to track him down in Hell and make sure he regrets all the misery he put everyone through," Lycan growled darkly.
"I don't know if we can say that was the only reason, but it wouldn't surprise me if Shido was involved somehow," Scythe hummed.
"So, after the incident with his girlfriend, he progressed in his research to harness cognitive psience as a healing practice… However, his research was shut down, and his career along with it. All he had left was his resolve to prove his research valid, then use it to save people…" Crow summarized. "That seems to be the message delivered by the videos we've found."
"It must have been his dream… To use his research to save people here…" Violet guessed.
"If that sounds good to you, would you prefer we just turn around and go home?" Crow asked.
"…That isn't an option," Templar stated.
"Yeah, what Lambchop says. If anything, we've gotta pull out all the stops to win this one," Lycan nodded.
"Well, the vote was unanimous," Omen recalled.
The team went back to the ID door after seeing the tape, hoping they had learned the answer to the lock. "Security lock currently engaged. Please answer the following identity authentication question: What was missing that caused the research into cognitive psience to be shut down?"
"Evidence," Joker answered, the way forward opening after that.
"Oh, come on… Is the next question going to be "What's Maruki's favorite snack" or something?" Crow scoffed.
"I'm pretty sure the answer would be cookies and apple juice in that case," Omen smirked, getting a laugh from everyone except Crow.
"…I hate all of you," he groaned. Heading down the hallway, the Phantom Thieves arrived in the Exam Room next.
"This is quite the change in environment. Where are we now?" Fox wondered.
"There's a receptionist desk over there," Omen pointed out.
"This is the Psychological Exam Room. We conduct psychological tests so that we can offer patients the happiest and most ideal realities," a Shadow explained. "If you are interested, please proceed down the hall and through the door to access the information panel."
"An exam room? Like… a hospital exam room?" Panther questioned.
"Perhaps? What an odd place," Noir hummed. "The Shadows here aren't attacking us. Don't they want to stop us?"
"Strange as it may be, they do not seem hostile to us at all… Furthermore, I admit I'm curious as to what this "exam" even if," Scythe replied. "Joker, perhaps we can talk to the Shadows and get more information from them."
The Shadow perked up as Joker approached. "…You are the Phantom Thieves, I assume? Normally I capture any intruders, but this area is free to any who wish to enter. I will grant you entrance to the Exam Room, should you so desire."
"…Allowing intruders to proceed? How odd," Fox hummed.
"They must be awfully confident in their "exam" techniques- at any rate, such progression should work in our favor," Crow said. "We should make sure we get our act straight for this."
"So, what'll it be? Depending on your reply, we'll have to respond accordingly…" the Shadow warned.
"What kind of place is this?" Joker asked.
"I see, so you are curious about our facilities. Very well. This is the lobby for the Psychological Exam Room where we determine if patients are mentally sound or not. We find the flaws and potential issues in a patient's heart that even they may not be aware of."
"And what exactly comprises these examinations?" Omen asked.
The Shadow gestured to the nearby hall. "Beyond that hall lies the special exam room. There, each patient answers three simple questions. Touch the Information Panel to being the process. Listen to the question and choose the elevator that corresponds with your answer Please refrain from returning to the previous level until the exam is over, though. Treatment will be recommended depending on the patients' diagnoses… But this treatment, just like every other step of the process, has been designed with the patient in mind. Do not worry. If no abnormalities are found after the exam's completion… You will be presented with a small gift. For the sake of your own happiness, we ask that you answer all questions with honesty."
"So, all we have to do is choose the answer we believe is correct," Queen summarized. "Although I'm a bit hesitant to find out what they mean by "treatment"…"
"Examine a person's heart, find their pain and regret, then distort their cognition… This is just the Palace version of what Dr. Maruki does in real life," Oracle realized.
"Buuut, if we make a mistake, does that mean they're going to change our cognitions?" Panther asked.
"That's probably confined to the real world- here, they probably mess with people's heads some other way," Oracle replied. "Like, maybe thy hook you up to some machine and just BZZZZZT!"
"Hey! Don't scare me like that…" Skull shuttered.
"Well, whatever form this treatment takes, I'm sure we want no part of it for ourselves," Omen stated. "Standing here attempting to imagine it won't do us any good, though. Let's take the exam and see where we wind up."
Moving into the proper exam room, Joker stepped up to the information panel. A friendly voice spoke up, "Hello, patients! Here is your first question: One day at school, you see that your good friend is being led away by a group of scary people! You want to help your friend… But if you fight them alone and lose, you could easily get hurt. If you look for a teacher, there would be no danger to you… But if you don't succeed in time, your friend would most likely get hurt. Which would you do in this situation? A: Go after your friend; B: Go get help. Once you've made your decision, please take the corresponding elevator! Thank you!"
"…I know that Deerie is dead and gone, but that voice sounded way too much like her for me to be comfortable," Templar said.
"The angels did a thorough investigation of what Deerie's been up to. She was never in contact with anyone other than the God of Control. She just has one of those happy voices that sounds fake as Hell," Scythe replied. "Still, those questions… neither answer is wrong…"
"Yeah, but this is a medical exam, and not a school one. They're trying to figure out whether or not you need treatment," Oracle stated. "So maybe go with the answer that you think Dr. Maruki would pick?"
"So we have to try and figure out which one Dr. Maruki would pick? Oh, this is gonna be hard…" Panther frowned.
"It's hard to be sure of anything whatsoever right now… Why don't we try asking some of these other patients around here?" Mona suggested. "They may only be cognitive beings, but they still have to take the exam just like we do. Maybe they can help us figure out which answer's right."
"I'm with Mona. Besides, if you try and fail, at least you gave it a shot," Omen nodded. "Although I'm not opposed to just plowing our way through the whole exam, but… If you refuse their treatment regimen, whatever it is, they're not gonna take that lying down."
"TL;DR: be ready to fight if it comes down to it!" Lycan grinned.
After talking to the cognitions in the room, the Phantom Thieves gathered in a side room to discuss their findings. "So, after some investigating, I think they use this place to test patients' mental states with a questionnaire. If they find any abnormalities, they will force treatment right away- not sure what it is, but I suspect we should avoid it," Queen stated.
"So if Dr. Maruki think we're fine as we are, we get to skip the treatment?" Noir questioned.
"Most likely," Omen nodded. "It may not be easy, but we'll have to try and think like Dr. Maruki whenever coming up with our responses."
"Sorry, Joker, but I ain't good at this kinda stuff. They questionnaire's all yours, dude," Skull apologized.
"Okay, let's think of how to handle the first question. It really comes down to how Maruki would think about it," Mona said.
"Risking yourself to help your friend or take the time to find dependable help… Determining which choice is incorrect is quite difficult," Fox admitted.
"And neither choice guarantees your friend's safety, if you think about it," Queen pointed out. "Neither option seems any more successful than the other when it comes to helping your friend…"
'Hm? Whaddya mean?" Skull asked.
"Your friend may end up hurt no matter which answer you choose, so that isn't the deciding factor here… The issue is that you may end up getting hurt. That's what we base our decision on," Crow explained.
"And since Maruki is adverse to the Self being hurt… I think you know the answer, Joker," Omen said.
"We're taking elevator B," Joker said. The team went to said elevator, their leader pulling the switch to send them upwards.
"No abnormalities detected in query response. Please proceed to the next room," a voice said.
"No bad news so far… I guess that really was the right answer," Mona hummed.
"So it's better to just run away from some shit than trying an help? That's Hell's way of thinking, and I don't buy that anymore…" Lycan crossed her arms.
"Maybe it means Maruki believes it best to find a way to avoid being hurt," Queen suggested.
"Let's just move on to the next test for now," Templar said.
Moving into the next room, the Phantom Thieves took a peek at what option A would have given them, finding there to a Shadow on guard. Glad they could avoid an unnecessary fight, they turned their attention back to the next question, which had three answers this time.
"Good to see you again! Here is the second question: You have a personal dream that you really, really want to make come true. You've worked so hard to achieve it… But it's not coming to fruition. It's causing you a lot of grief, but if you were to give up now, all of your hard work is sure to be for nothing! Which would you do in this situation? A: Keep up the hard work. B: Do whatever it takes. C: Give up for a new dream. Please be honest about your feelings as you consider your answer. Thank you!"
"Hm… We don't know enough to make a decision. We should gather information," Fox suggested.
After getting answers from the nearby cognitions, the team regrouped to discussion. "So, the question is, what do you do when you're working hard but still can't make your dream come true?" Mona said. "Let's think from Maruki's point of view."
"Well, in that case… Dr. Maruki isn't just caring- he's willing to speak up when something's not right, too," Violet said. "When one of the higher-ups at the school threatened my honors status over my tournament results… Dr. Maruki had my back the whole time. So, I don't think he would be okay with using a method that would bring harm to someone else."
"Even now, he's trying to save everyone by giving us a reality where we're all happy…" Noir said.
"With that in mind… That would leave us with either A or C as our answers," Templar pointed out. "If the last question is anything to go by, the correct answer's the one where you don't risk hurting yourself. It may help to bear that in mind."
"Keep pursuing the dream or give it up… Which one would hurt more?" Violet wondered.
"…Grr, I hate that I know which one is "correct" here," Lycan growled. "Joker, the choice is up to you."
The team went and picked answer C. "No abnormalities in query response. Please proceed to the next room."
"I guess we were right, but… I'm not sure how I feel about that," Violet sighed. "Dr. Maruki thinks people should give up on their dreams?"
"More accurately, he thinks people shouldn't cause themselves pain in pursuit of their dreams. Something to that effect," Scythe corrected. "This exam is likely intended to filter people who are inclined to do such a thing."
"At any rate, contemplating the completed question is nothing but a waste of time," Crow scoffed. The team moved into the next room, having five choices for answers this time.
"Welcome back yet again! Let's move on to the third question. You've gained the power to steal people's hearts! Thoughts, emotions, information… You can steal it all from anyone in the world! Not only that, you can use this power without fear of ever getting caught! In this scenario, which sounds closest to what you would do? A: Steal something valuable. B: Never steal anything. C: Steal my own heart to heal. D: Steal evil hearts to fix society. E: Steal the one I love's heart. Please follow the previous procedure to answer the question. Thank you!"
"What the-? Is this question about us?" Skull wondered. "Well, obviously, it's D! Let's roll!"
"Actually use your brain! You're not even trying!" Mona chided.
"So, the conditions this time are that we won't get caught, and that we can only choose one use for our ability. We should bear those in mind as we consider our answer," Crow summarized. He smirked at Skull. "Assuming you have a mind in the first place…"
"Hey! Ragging on Mona ain't cool!" Skull exclaimed.
"You idiot…" Lycan rolled her eyes.
Looking around the area, Joker noticed a grappling point on the ceiling and zipped up to it. Finding a secret vent that brought them to a control room. "This place…" Mona hummed.
"Look! Outside the window!" Noir pointed out. "That's where the elevator leads, right?"
"Well, they did call it an exam room," Scythe said. "They could very well be monitoring the psychological state of every "patient" in the room."
"You mean they might've been watching us this whole time!? That's so creepy…" Panther shuttered.
"Creepy" is right- I just wish there was some way we could benefit from this…" Mona said.
"I'm pretty sure we can listen into the room from here…" Oracle said. Pressing a button on the control panel, the Phantom Thieves learned this was room C, meaning that wasn't the answer. They also found another control room looking into room E, meaning it wasn't the right choice either.
"The eliminates two answers at least. Let's gather more information before making our final choice," Omen said. After doing just that, the team regrouped to discuss their answer. "This is the third question- we have three choices once again, so let's be nice and methodical about it."
"We need to think carefully about what this question really asks of us," Mona said.
"Like Crow pointed out, what bugs me is how it asks what you would steal "without fear of ever getting caught"," Oracle said.
Violet nodded. "True, the question does seem different from the previous two…"
"Even when it comes to the people who said they wouldn't do anything unsavory… If they were to know for certain that they would never be caught, their morals could easily slip," Scythe stated. "Perhaps Maruki is trying to catch such selfish individuals with this exam."
'We saw what happens to anyone who answers "E" …Anyone who wishes to steal the heart of their love is deemed abnormal," Queen recalled. "We should exclude the options to steal for superficial reasons, so that eliminates both "A" and "E"."
"Also, that person who chose "C"? The one who said she'd steal her own heart? She looked like she was about to be treated…" Panther recalled.
"Well, duh- if you say something's wrong with you in an exam, you're gonna get some kind of treatment," Lycan scoffed. "So that one's out too."
"That leaves only "B" and "D" -either never steal anything, or steal evil hearts to fix society," Omen stated.
"D", obviously! That's what I'd go with!" Skull replied.
"If we may put Skull's brain-dead unput to the side for now… As Scythe said earlier, Maruki is trying to find individuals exhibiting morals even in a no-risk scenario," Crow said. "He also wishes for people to be wholly fulfilled, not some compromised middle position. You have all the information you need, Joker- I'm sure you've already figured it out."
Joker hummed. "Well, we got responses for every choice except for D… When all options are considered, that's my choice." Going over to the elevator, the Phantom Thieves took the lift up, finding a Shadow waiting for them.
"A Shadow!? Wait, does that mean we got it wrong?" Templar gasped.
"No abnormalities detected in query response. Examination complete," the Shadow stated. "We have determined your heart is whole. Please proceed to the upper level. May you enjoy your wonderful new reality free of worry and strife."
"I guess we passed without them finding any abnormalities… What a relief," Violet sighed.
"But what's all if this mean…?" Scythe wondered. "The Shadows don't even realize we just picked what they wanted to hear."
"Please make your way to paradise- just beyond the gate," the Shadow instructed before disappearing.
"Nice! That went rather well," Mona grinned. "Let's keep that up!" Moving on, the team encountered an odd gate that people were passing through.
"Whoooa, so sci-fi!" Oracle said in awe.
"Well, had we failed the psychological exam, they would have "treated" us… Since our answers were satisfactory, I suppose we were brought to this passageway instead," Crow mused.
"Let's head on in," Joker commanded.
"Just be careful. We don't know what's on the other side," Omen warned. She stepped towards the gate, only for it to turn red and push her back. "What the-!?"
"Abnormal brainwave pattern detected. Access denied. Please report to the Counselling Room for further instructions," the door said.
"What!? Who you calling "abnormal" here!? We passed your stupid test and everything!" Skull shouted.
"Buut, we weren't answering honestly. We're gonna be seen as abnormal no matter what, considering we're here to stop Maruki and all," Oracle pointed out.
"But that means we can't get past here no matter what!" Skull said. "Agh, damnit! I'm finding a way past this thing even if it kills me!"
Lycan coughed and pointed to an open vent nearby. "If we can't go through the gate, then this is our next option to try and get inside, right?"
"Might as well try it," Scythe shrugged. Crawling on through, the Phantom Thieves ended up in the Counseling Room, which was where they were instructed to go anyways. Inside were people with weird helmets strapped to their heads and another gate to outside in the back. "…What's up with these guys?" Scythe wondered.
"Yeah, those helmets are not right," Omen nodded. "…Wait, is this what the "treatment" is!? It doesn't look like anything good to me."
"We shouldn't sweat it too much- they're all cognitive beings. Let's just keep moving," Oracle said. The team found another wooden door with a CRT in it, but no tape to play, meaning they'd need to search the area for the tape. The area up ahead was filled with many rooms and powerful Shadows, meaning the Phantom Thieves needed to sneak around to find what they were searching for.
After searching through every room the team eventually found the tape, taking it back to the room to watch it. As the video started it showed Maruki sitting with Sumire. "Wait, this is…!" Violet gasped.
"So, you're Sumire Yoshizawa, huh? I'm Dr. Maruki. I'll be your counselor," Maruki introduced himself. "First of all, thank you for coming to see me."
"…Yes," Sumire replied. "Thank you for seeing me… Um… I'm sorry, I'm not sure what to discuss… I only came here today because my parents wanted me to."
"That's fine. So, do you want to just chat until our time is up then?" Maruki offered.
"Chat, huh…" Sumire repeated.
"Of course. It's not really possible for us to talk about things you don't want to discuss, anyway. I've also got some sweets and some salty snacks there- feel free to have at them," Maruki said.
"Oh, yes… Thank you so much," Sumire said.
"So let's start with… Ah. How about, what'd you eat for lunch yesterday?" Maruki asked. "I'll go first. The other day, a friend of mine gave me a ton of apples. I've grown tired of just eating them by themselves- yesterday I thought, why not try using them as a meal ingredient? So, I tried making an apple dish for lunch, but that didn't turn out too hot… What do you think I ended up making?"
"I… have no clue," Sumire responded.
"Shrimp and chili sauce- with apples. You know how sweet-and-sour pork can have pineapple in it? I was going for that, but…" Maruki said.
"Sounds like it didn't work for you," Sumire said. "Apples do make for good ingredients, though. If you grate them, you can make a surprisingly versatile sauce. I use it in plenty of my food. It's pretty nutritious and good for digestion."
"You cook, Yoshizawa-san? I'm impressed that you care so much about nutrition. You must be really on top of things," Maruki praised.
"…I'm just active, that's all. I'm a gymnast," Sumire replied. "My coach has told me more than once to be conscious of everything I eat."
"I see…" Maruki nodded. "How's practice going for you? Has it been rough lately?"
"It has been rough… I mean, it's nothing I can't handle. But, it's… not going well. I don't even know what I want to do anymore," Sumire said.
"Sorry to hear it…" Maruki apologized on her behalf. "Do you enjoy gymnastics?""
"…I'm not even sure of that," Sumire admitted. "My… older sister and I made a promise. We'd both compete and win the biggest gymnastics awards in the world. But… She… Passed away. She protected me from a car… I stole Kasumi's dream away from her. I can't do it anymore. I can't just go on like this… If Kasumi were here instead, I know she'd make her dream come true… Only Kasumi could have done it. No matter how long I try to compete… It's not going to change anything…"
She shook her head. "I'm sorry…"
"There's no need for you to apologize in here. If there's something you need to get off your chest, please do so," Maruki replied.
"…Sometimes, I can't help but think things would've been better If I were Kasumi Yoshizawa," Sumire said. "After all… Just wishing to make her dream come true does nothing for her in reality."
"Making dreams come true, huh…" Maruki mused. "Well, I don't think your train of thought is strange at all, Yoshizawa-san. In fact, wanting to become somebody else isn't necessarily an entirely bad thing."
"You… You think so?" Sumire said in surprise.
Maruki nodded. "Everyone is capable of changing themselves- your imagination's your only limit. That's why, if you aspire to be more like another person, it's actually possible. Thought exercises like, "Would that person do this?" or realizations like, "That person wouldn't do that…" These sorts of thoughts can lead people to change themselves in ways that more closely mirror the target person. Can you still imagine what your sister was like?"
"Yes…" Sumire nodded.
"If your sister were in your shoes, what do you think she'd do?" Maruki asked.
"Well… She wouldn't cry. If she had the time to do that, she'd just practice more instead," Sumire replied. "Dr. Maruki, I… I want to become Kasumi."
"…I know. And, I'm sure you can, too. Just… believe in yourself," Maruki said. Sumire closed her eyes, and in a flash the world had shifted in some way. "How about ti? Are you feeling any better now?"
Sumire looked around before smiling. "Yes… I feel like a weight's been lifted off of me! You're amazing, Doctor!"
Maruki laughed. It's no big deal… Still, it seems like my counseling approach does some good after all."
Sumire pulled out a red ribbon from her bad and tied up her hair. Once she removed her glasses… it was Kasumi that was in her place now. "All right! I'm not sure how to put it, but… I feel like I've been reborn all over again."
"Really? I'm very glad to hear it," Maruki said. "Feel free to drop by again sometime should anything come up. We can even just have a chat, like today."
"Thank you," Kasumi said. "Then we can pick up where we left off talking about- Hm…"
"Something the matter?" Maruki asked.
"Now that I think about it, I'm not any good at cooking. I don't know why I said those things earlier…" Kasumi replied. "My younger sister's the one who was really great at it."
Maruki blinked before smile. "That's right, "Kasumi Yoshizawa"."
Kasumi looked confused. "…Yes? What is it?"
"Oh, nothing," Maruki said. "I'm so glad I was able to help you. Good luck with your training."
"Right- I'll do my best! For Sumire's sake and mine!" Kasumi cheered.
The tape ended there. "Was that…?" Noir gasped.
"Yes. It was a counseling session I had with Dr. Maruki. It was just after Kasumi… after my sister passed away," Violet explained. "From that moment on, I lived my life really believing I was Kasumi."
"It was all due to the rewriting of your cognition- his "actualization," as we've started calling it," Scythe stated.
"Okay, but I've been wondering something… So it was only Sumire who believed that she was Kasumi, right? I assumed someone in your family or one of your friends would've noticed you going by the wrong name right away…" Panther said.
"Well, I can certainly remember being called "Kasumi" by everyone else, too…" Violet said.
"It might be more accurate to say you misheard or misunderstood the name you were being called," Oracle suggested. "Like everyone kept calling you "Sumire," but your cognition made you hear it as "Kasumi"."
"So that's why nobody thought it was weird, including her folk and herself… Damn…" Lycan cursed.
"This must be part of the whole "salvation" nonsense Maruki's trying to pull over on us," Crow mused.
"That memory may have been kept here in video form because he truly does wish for Violet to be happy with life," Fox said.
"I admit, I really did feel saved in that moment when I became Kasumi… But at the same time, I ran from my life as Sumire… I'm genuinely grateful for what Dr. Maruki did for me, but I'm done running," Violet stated. "…Let's get going."
Moving on to the last place they hadn't been yet, the team found a Shadow blocking their path. "Are you… the Phantom Thieves!?"
"We're here to destroy the phony utopia your boss is trying to make- would you mind getting out of the way?" Crow demanded.
"Foolish rebels! You won't take one step past here!" It transformed into Surt. While it had no weaknesses, the team exploited status effects and hit the Shadow hard until it was out of their way. There was another ID door in the way, but Joker knew the answer to its question.
"By wishing to be that person," he said, allowing the team passage to the elevator on the other side.
"I never would've thought I'd be the password to someone's security…" Violet said. Taking the elevator up, the Phantom Thieves arrived in the Twilight Corridor, a golden area that was unlike anywhere else in the Palace.
"Where… are we?" Fox questioned.
"What a change in scenery. We were just in a science lab, and now…" Crow said.
"I know I said Maruki was trying to make Heaven on Earth, but I didn't mean that literally…" Scythe shook his head.
"Whoa! Look over there!" Skull exclaimed.
"Uh, those people are floating away…" Violet said warily. "What on earth is going on!?
"Whatever it is, it most likely has to do with Maruki's cognition in some way. I'd say he believes anyone who undergoes his "treatment" winds up feeling downright rapturous," Crow stated.
"So he actually thinks he's sending them to paradise? Hmph. Maruki must really be convinced he's doing the right thing," Mona said.
"Dr. Maruki…" Violet whispered. "Mona-senpai, the Treasure's above this room, right?"
"Yeah, I think we're pretty close," Mona nodded.
"The real problem is actually getting up there," Oracle noted.
"There's some stairs, but there's a big hole in the middle of them…" Lycan observed. "They got thick-looking vines growing on both sides, too… Think we can use those somehow?"
"We don't know if they'll support our weight- I'd rather not take any unnecessary risks," Queen said. "The steps do extend partway upwards, so there should be some method to turn them into safe passageways. At least, that's what prior Palace experience makes me think."
"I must agree- and it looks like there may be a device for doing just that right over there," Crow pointed out. "Think it could help?"
"Well, what say we don't waste any time then?" Templar suggested. As it turned out, the machine manipulated light to cause the nearby stairs and walls to grow or recede based on what was turned on or off. Joker was able to navigate the puzzle fairly well, getting them through the area without much trouble. Some of the bridges even required a certain combination of colors to allow them to cross.
Moving through the area brought the team to a large staircase towards where the Treasure was, but nearby Lycan sensed a Will Seed as well. It took some light manipulation to get there, but the Phantom Thieves did manage to get to where the Will Seed was hiding. The Shadow they faced was a Fafnir, which they'd taken down plenty of by this point in the Palace, meaning that the final Will Seed was easy pickings.
"Omen, you can hold onto the crystal like always," Joker said, handing the item over.
"I'll see about adding its power to my staff," Omen replied. "Now then, let's secure the Treasure route already!"
Heading back to the main route, the Phantom Thieves came across one more wooden door with a CRT room waiting for them. Tape began showing Maruki talking with an old professor of his.
"So? What brings you back here, after all these years?" the professor asked.
Maruki placed down a report on the table. "That's a comprehensive study on the research you tried to shut down "all these years" ago."
"I know how to read! What I mean is, why are you bringing this to me now?" the professor clarified.
"Oh, this is just a quick visit out of spite," Maruki answered. "I wanted to show you in person that I found the "conclusive evidence" you had discontinued my research over."
"…So it appears. I'll admit you've impressed me on that point, at least… But such praise does nothing now- all this discussion is in the past. Why can't you just let it stay there and move on?" the professor questioned.
"Ah, no can do, professor. Cognitive psience has made too great an impact on this world to be abandoned like that," Maruki shook his head.
"What… What are you say?" the professor asked.
"The psychotic-breakdown incidents, the sudden changes of heart in adults that the Phantom Thieves claim to make… I'm nearly willing to call these events "cognitive psience" in action- how about you?" Maruki stated. "And the one person pulling the strings in the background of this… Congressman Masayoshi Shido. He seems to be confessing to all sorts of crimes now that the Phantom Thieves have changed his heart. Years ago, Shido took notice of my research, stole it from me, and made others develop it for his own gain. Not only that, he used cognitive psience somehow to induce the politically motivated psychotic breakdowns. Now, you're heavily involved in that series of events- aren't you?"
"What are… What are you planning on doing with me?" the professor asked.
"Oh, nothing at all. As I said before, I only came here out of spite," Maruki smirked. "That paper- my work- is going to change the world."
"Change the world"? And where's the money for that? Where's the power to do it? You're no Shido! What can someone like you actually do?" the professor questioned.
"That paper there's just the first step. I've learned how to change the cognition of not just an individual, but all of humanity! And I will do it, no matter how long it takes!" Maruki stated.
"Gah, enough of this drivel- get out of my office! And don't show your face here again! Here me!" the professor shouted.
It was then that the world shifted, and the skies turned red outside. "What… What is this?" Maruki gasped.
"Hm? What's your problem now?" the professor questioned, not seeing anything.
"Huh? You… You don't see this? The sky just-"
"…The time has come," the voice said.
"This voice…" Maruki gasped. He cried out in shock as a being appeared before him.
"The time is finally at hand… I am the other you, dwelling in the realm of mankind's hearts."
"The other… me? Wait- the realm of mankind's hearts… Are you telling me, this realm is…" Maruki realized.
"You may have no knowledge of it, but I have been at your side for much longer than our current meeting… Finally, your reality and the sea of hearts from which I came have truly become one in this moment. Now- the time for your unjustly persecuted ideology is at hand. I am though, thou art I…"
"That's it… I… finally get it…" Maruki said as the being disappeared. "To think it'd be so…" He laughed ominously.
"Hey! What are you mumbling about!?" the professor exclaimed. "I told you to get out!"
"…Yes. I'll be on my way," Maruki said. "Finally… Now, I can finally…"
The tape ended there. "I called it!" Omen exclaimed. "He was the one who stymied Dr. Maruki's research!""
"Y'know, I've been wondering ever since we saw the earlier video… Do you think there was some kinda connection between my mom's cognitive psience research and Dr. Maruki's?" Oracle asked.
"After he crushed Maruki's chance at researching the field, he had his own pawns do it instead… Although I doubt Shido's researchers knew anything about the subject in the way Maruki did," Crow stated. "…That sounds exactly like the kind of plan that man would scheme up."
"He also didn't have any connections to demons like Wakaba did. Maruki just… figured it out, I guess," Lycan said.
That bastard! …Wait, now's not the time to be pissed about that," Skull said.
"There's another thing about that video nobody's mentioned yet… That being that appeared near the end was most likely Maruki's Persona," Mona said.
"If the sky did turn red like that… I wonder if that was the day we fought against the God of Control?" Queen said.
"Lady Lavenza did tell us that reality and Mementos were merged together during that time… As you've all seen for yourselves, a full awakening to a Persona can't happen unless you're in the Metaverse," Mona explained. "That would mean Maruki really did awaken to his Persona in that video."
"And at the same time, he attained the ability to meddle with Mementos… the cognition of the masses," Scythe said. "So it is just as Lavenza had told us…"
"The sheer number of coincidences necessary for this to happen is just…" Noir shook her head.
"At any rate, now we have a better grasp of past events. I'm fairly certain that was a memory Maruki wouldn't want us to have seen, either," Crow said.
"All we can do is advance," Joker stated.
"Yeah!" Templar cheered. "We don't have time for these questions anyhow. Let's go!" The team advanced to the next ID gate, with Maruki's awakening being the answer to get them through. All that was left as for the team to face one last Shadow in their way.
"There aren't any other readings past this guy… The map doesn't show any more areas beyond him, either," Oracle stated. "…This is probably the final hurtle. This looks like a tough fight, so make sure everyone's in peak condition first! Ready, Joker?"
"Of course," he smirked before stepping forward to fight.
"You!? I can't believe you've made it so far…" the Shadow exclaimed.
"Don't underestimate the Phantom Thieves," Scythe grinned.
"We're not backing down. Let us through!" Violet demanded.
"The time of salvation is almost at hand- I won't let you interfere!" the Shadow stated before transforming into Siegfried. The battle was hard fought, but the Phantom Thieves managed to push through. With a show of power, Violet and Joker put an end to the enemy with their Showtime attack, getting praise from the rest of the team.
"There's the Phantom Thieves power couple for ya!" Skull laughed.
"Omen and I might have to contest you for that title," Scythe said.
"Don't leave out Lambchop and I!" Lycan grinned.
"Let's not make it a competition, guys," Panther sighed.
"We're almost at the Treasure! Let's move!" Mona ordered.
Taking the elevator up, the team found themselves in a garden with a large tree in the middle. "This appears to be quite the paradise," Crow mused. "I assume Maruki's trying to convey that the world will turn into something like this if we allow him to abuse his research."
"A paradise…" Templar hummed.
"Wait, but this is a dead end, right? And we still haven't found the Treasure…" Panther noted.
"Look again." Mona pointed to the top of the tree.
"The shimmery thing?" Oracle asked.
"No doubt about it- that's our Treasure!" Mona stated.
"That also means we've secured our route," Omen said.
"All right! All we got left is sending the calling card- Oh, wait. How are we supposed to do that this time?" Skull asked.
"That's right. Dr. Maruki's been here in the Palace this entire time, hasn't he?" Noir recalled.
"I'm sure Maruki's well aware that the Phantom Thieves send out their calling cards the day before their heists. Considering his actions up until now, I highly suspect he'll attempt to directly intervene in some way that day… My money's on him trying it with Joker," Crow said.
Fox nodded. "Good point. In that case, I'll leave the calling card in your hands, Joker."
"We could just set up an ambush and destroy him once he steps in our trap, too," Crow suggested.
"No way are we doing that!" Skull exclaimed.
"Our goal in coming here is to return reality to its original state, not beat up Dr. Maruki," Queen reminded.
"I mean, we could always lure him out of the Palace, tie him up, and then steal the Treasure so he can't interfere," Scythe suggested, getting looks from everyone. "…I'm joking! After all, we're all aware that Maruki's influence goes well beyond this Palace… If we make the wrong move in here, we could get taken out outside the Palace, since we lack our Personas there."
"Too bad we can't use them in the real world," Omen sighed. "That would be useful… Let's just stick to changing his heart like always."
"We're finally changing his heart… If we steal Dr. Maruki's Treasure, everything will go back to the way it was, right?" Templar asked.
"I don't know for sure, but most likely," Mona said.
"Are you okay with that?" Joker asked.
"Yeah! Of course," Panther nodded.
"We've all come so far… We can't just give up now," Noir stated.
"We gotta stick to our own reality," Skull nodded.
"About the time limit- Dr. Maruki told you it was February 3rd, correct?" Queen asked.
"Yeah," Mona nodded. "He isn't like anything we've faced before… We should get as strong as we can before that fight."
"Then we'll go to Mementos one last time. Until then, it's mission complete for now," Joker stated. With the route secured, the team left the Palace, ready to face Maruki when the time came.
[***]
January 31
Location: Mementos
As the Phantom Thieves prepared for their final battle, they accidentally stumbled across Jose when they reached the bottom of Mementos. "Oh, hey guys… good job," the boy sighed.
"Hm? Jose-chan, you seem kinda down," Noir noticed.
"Is something wrong?" Panther asked.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you worry… But a lot's happened lately. Before I got here, I was able to drink so many flowers," Jose explained. "That was all thanks to you guys. So, I thought I was beginning to understand humans… But now, the more flowers I drink, the less I understand them instead."
"What do you mean?" Joker asked.
"Oh, I gotcha. It's like love, right?" Skull guessed. "Y'know, puppy love?"
"You did not just say that in front of a hellhound…" Lycan muttered.
"You understand his explanation? Skull…" Foxshook his head.
"You know squat about love," Oracle scoffed.
"Shut up! I know what I'm taking about! Pretty much!" Skull shot back.
"Boneface is right. I've learned about humans in a similar way to falling in love. When you learn more about a subject, it's often more than unexpected- it's the exact opposite of what you liked about it," Jose explained. "Just like with love."
R-Right!? …See!?" Skull sweated.
"I want to learn more about humans… But I wonder if I'll learn what I need to about then just by keeping at it like this…" Jose hummed.
"Mind if I propose a simple solution?" Crow offered. "Why study humans at all? Why not just give it up?"
Jose shook his head. "I can't do that. I promised someone that I'd study humans."
"Who'd you promise?" Omen asked.
"Sorry. Forget I said that," Jose said quickly.
"I can see how that would worry you… There are times when the truth seems to move further away from you, the more you strive to reach it," Queen stated.
"I've dealt with similar problems, so I can totally relate," Violet agreed. "I aim to handle them whenever the opportunity presents itself, though."
"I really appreciate your help with this. So, I need an opportunity…" Jose suddenly gasped. "Oh, that's it! Could I ask you guys a favor? I'd like you to fight me."
"Fight you? Why?" Scythe asked.
"Uh, yeah, I think you left out a step or three. I'm not following here," Oracle said.
"I've learned something from studying humans… When humans suffer, they vent their emotions so they can move forward with their lives," Jose explained. "Well, right now, I'm suffering. The only people I can vent at our you guys… And the most common way to vent… is to fight."
"You want to get physical here!? You can't just pick a fight with us outta nowhere!" Skull exclaimed.
"What do we do? I definitely didn't expect this…" Templar asked.
"Well, unless we fight him, we won't know whether or not this is his "opportunity." We simply have to decide if we're going to humor him," Crow pointed out.
"What do you think? Should we fight Jose?" Omen asked.
"Let's fight," Joker nodded.
"Thanks," Jose smiled. "This may be sudden, but- here I come!" He hopped into his car and peeled out, ready for a battle with the Phantom Thieves. "I'm going to start venting now… Don't expect me to hold back!" Jose started by driving into the team. Joker and Omen took charge.
"Crow, dehabilitate Jose! Fox, use your Persona to charge us up!" Omen ordered.
"Skull, Panther, power us up as well! Mona, Templar, stay back and heal us when things get dicey!" Joker added. "Everyone else, attack with all you got!"
The team did as they were told, dodging Jose's elemental ball attacks as they gave all they had. "Ow… That hurts more than I thought it would," Jose admitted. "But, that's not all of your feelings yet, is it? We're just getting started. Try to keep up with me!"
The Phantom Thieves didn't give up, pushing on with their best attacks to show Jose just what they were made of. "So, little guy, how are you feeling?" Scythe asked as he unloaded his minigun. "You feeling human yet!?"
"Huh? I'm starting to enjoy this…" Jose admitted. "Why, though? This hurts so much, but… I'm actually enjoying it? Wait, I need to focus. Here I come, folks!"
The battle carried on, with Noir setting up protective walls, Crow keeping Jose's stats down, Templar and Mona healing the team, and Skull, Panther, Lycan, and Fox laying on the big damage. "This is our feelings, Jose!" Omen called as she let Mulan unleash a powerful Almighty attack.
The boy smiled. "I really understand how you feel now. Thank you. Now, it's time to show you how I feel! This is what I've learned from studying humans- witness my true feelings!" Jose pulled out his hammer and launched a firework into the air.
"Everyone put your guard up!" Oracle warned as special fireworks came raining down.
"That was a good hit, kid…" Scythe admitted. "But we're not giving up! Joker, let's finish this!"
Joker nodded, focusing his power… and gasping as a new power awoke within him. "My, my, so it is time for my true form to come forth, is it?" Arsene's voice said, appearing in new attire with bat wings on his back. "You have truly fulfilled your bonds, Trickster. Now, call on your birthright and finish this!"
"Is that…!?" Omen gasped.
"No… Freaking… Way!" Lycan exclaimed.
"He's summoned his own full power now," Templar realized.
Joker smiled. "Thank you… Father," he whispered, before throwing up his hand. "Raoul, Dream Needle!"
The Persona complied, dealing the final blow to take Jose down for the count. "So this… is how humans… feel…" Jose said, falling out of his car and rolling over onto his bum. "Ow… Good job all around. Sorry about that…"
"Understand how I feel now?" Joker asked.
"Painfully well…" Jose laughed. "Thanks to all of you, I-"
"Oh! Did you learn something new!?" Oracle asked.
"I'm pretty sure I understand humans less than ever!" Jose declared.
"Wha…" Panther said in confusion.
"I was anticipating he'd say the exact opposite…" Fox admitted.
"Yeah, I was hoping things would end on a happy note here," Violet sighed.
"Well, this is an issue…" Templar hummed.
"I'm sorry we couldn't help you," Noir apologized.
"Why are you sorry?" Jose questioned.
"Well, you did say you understand humans even less now, and all…" Skull pointed out.
"That's great news," Jose said.
"It's… great?" Omen tilted her head.
"Humans aren't the easiest to comprehend. That's why they can get lost and look for other people they trust. Sometimes, they even try to accomplish the impossible with those people… Like you all just tried to do for me," Jose explained. "Now I'm sure that's what it means to be human. So, it's impossible to learn everything about humans in such a short time. Although, it did make me realize just how much I love them!"
"So our assistance… was to your satisfaction?" Crow asked.
"Yup," Jose nodded. "I finally understand now… I can go back to that person whenever I want."
"Hey Joe, who's this person you keep mentioning?" Lycan asked. "And while we're at it- who're you?"
"I… I am me. I'm Jose, a boy who got a little smarter, because I met all of you," Jose answered. "No matter who we are, we're always searching for our selves… Just remember, there are more folks observing humankind than you might realize."
"Who do you mean?" Joker asked.
"It's a secret for now. You'll find out someday," Jose winked. "I have something for you- to thank you for spending so much time helping me. Here. Take this. I made it from the last Will Seed Crystal you brought me."
Omen caught a special gem, which attached to her staff, making it glow once more as the gem in the middle of it transformed into a blue flame, like a miniature star. "This power… it's stronger than before," the princess noted. "I guess I can't call it the Staff of Virtue now… I'll call it the Staff of Souls instead."
"Very dramatic… I like it," Scythe nodded.
Jose giggled. "This is so interesting. Oh, humans… No wonder the other just can't leave 'em be."
"Hey, what's that supposed to me?" Mona asked.
"Don't worry, it's nothing. See ya, guys!" Jose said. "Thank you so much! Oh, I hope you'll still help me collect flowers, too. Off I go! Good job!"
As Jose drove off, Queen shook her head. "I don't fully understand what just happened, but did that take of his problem?"
"Jose… He may be weird, but he sure is a cute lil kid!" Panther laughed.
"Wha- Lady Ann!? I'm cute too…" Mona whined, making the rest of the Phantom Thieves laugh.
'Hm… I wonder if Philemon is the one that sent Jose here…' Omen thought.
"I think that's it for our training today. Next time we meet…" Joker said.
"The Day of Fates will be upon us," Omen finished.
Confidant Rank Up
Confidant: Shin Igami
Arcana: Void
Rank 10 Description: You were deemed a "master of your own fate" by Shin, no longer needing his teachings.
Rank 10 Ability: Second Awakening- Transforms Persona into a mythological trickster
New Compendium Entry
Name: Cupid
Arcana: Void
Background: The god of love in Roman myth. He carries two kinds of arrows, golden ones that induce feelings of love and lead ones that induce feelings of hatred. He is married to Psyche, the goddess of the soul.
Author's Note
I think most would agree that Dr. Maruki is a great character. His backstory is tragic and his motivations are understandable, but you still know that the Phantom Thieves are right to oppose him as they've all grown from confronting and overcoming their own past traumas versus suppressing and running away from them. His voice actor, the late and great Billy Kametz, is also a large part in that, bringing a lot of emotion to the role that is seen in the flashbacks as well as the final confrontation on the day of fates.
Shin gets his second awakening here, being Cupid of all things. It may seem weird than an Angel of Death has a god of love as his new Persona, but if you didn't know the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale is based on the story of Cupid/Eros and Psyche. Plus with his trick arrows Cupid does fit the trickster god theme of the other second awakenings. You'll see what Shin gets as his third awakening next time.
A review suggested that I include the Jose boss fight in this story, and I was inclined to agree as I had the little appear a few times before in this story and it felt right to wrap up his plot line before the end. We still don't know a lot about who or what Jose is, but I feel like he may appear in Persona 6 as an important character. He also granted Octavia with her final staff upgrade, the Staff of Souls, which acts more as a base stat buff to her weapon than adding anything else special.