Chapter 40: Reawakening of the Thieves.
January 12th, 2017.
When the Thieves were told that it was a simulation room, they were expecting it to be small. And even if it was big, they thought it would only be as large as a small house. So how could any of them expect to find themselves descending into a full-scale replica of Tokyo!?
"This is crazy!? How are we supposed to find out Alt selves!?" Skull asks, looking out at the perfect copy before them.
"Not as hard as you would imagine…" Oracle says suddenly, looking sad. "I'm only picking up seven readings in this place…Nothing more."
"Just like what my Alt-self said. They really are the only survivors…" Joker says, shaking his head. Soon, the lift came to a stop right inside a replica of Café Leblanc. It was disturbing how accurate the Café looked. The only comfort they had was that a Safe Room was located where the Sakura house was. But as they walked around, all they could hear was silence.
No birds, no cats, no sound of cars rushing by, planes flying overhead, or trains zooming past. And not a single soul could be spotted.
"This is just too sad…" Noir comments as the team grapples to a rooftop.
"Indeed…the unnatural silence is…disturbing." Fox agrees, suddenly finding himself standing much closer to Noir than usual on a mission.
"So…who is the closest?" Shadow asks, looking at Oracle. With an open map of Tokyo, she had seven dots pinpointed on her map.
"I've got two in Shibuya's underground mall and another in the walkway. Another is at Shujin, while another is at Uneo-Art Gallery. And the last two are in Kichijoi and Akihabara." Oracle informs, turning to Joker. "Where should we go first?" Joker hums, closing his eyes as he thinks about the locations.
"Let's head to Shibuya first… We can knock three out in one go. Then, head to Shujin. After that, Akihabara, followed by Uneo and leaving Kichijoi last."
"Then, we better get moving. The longer we stay here, the more likely we are for Maruki, or this Nyarlathotep, may try and stop us." Crow says as the team begin to leap and flip their way to Shibuya. When they arrived, they found the once-crowded crossing completely void of life. Even in Mementos, there was still the odd personal shadow roaming about the crossing. To see nothing was just…unsettling.
Pushing past the uncomfortable feelings, the team head down into the mall finding it, like everything else, completely abandoned. Until they found a giant pile of gifts piled up next to one of the shops. It was certainly eye-catching before a young man in a black shirt and grey tee-shirt stepped out. With short black hair and piercing blue eyes, along with a yellow necktie that…
…hold on…yellow necktie?
"I wonder if this is enough?" The man asks, looking over the gifts. "I hope so. Maybe it will be enough to get Lady Ann to notice me."
Lady Ann? No way…
"Is that…me?" Mona asks, eyes wide, as the man continues to look over the gifts.
"Maruki made you a human… so that's how he got you." Crow comments with an understanding look. "You have mentioned before that you wanted to be human."
"Yeah…I have… many a time…" Mona replies, looking at his other self before nodding his head. "Stay here. I'll go talk to him." Before the team could reply, he was already making his way over. Stopping just behind him before looking up to speak. "That's quite a selection you have there. Who's it for?"
"Huh?" The Alternate-Morgana replies, spinning around before seeing Mona at his feet. "Who are you? Some sort of cat?"
"I am not a cat!" Mona replies before calming himself. "Never thought I'd see the day my own self would call me that."
"What did you say?" Alt-Morgana questions, kneeling down to look at him. Mona shakes his head in response.
"Never mind that. Anyway, how have things been going?" Confused at the question, Alt-Morgana smiles slightly.
"Things have been well. I'm just getting some gifts for a friend of mine. We are planning a party later today with some others to celebrate an occasion. All seven of us." Mona hides the wince at the word 'seven'. Seems like when Alt-Ren was kicked out, the others all forgot about him. And that stung.
"Seven, huh? Are you sure it is seven?" Mona questions.
"Ye—I mean…I think so?" Alt-Morgana says suddenly, rubbing his head. "That's…odd. Why is there a gap in my memory."
"Are you really happy about this reality?" Mona suddenly asks, pressuring him.
"Happy?" Alt-Morgana replies, more confused than ever.
"I mean, you are a handsome guy. The type that I want to be. But…we both know that is not true. That is not how we look like." Mona says, shaking his head.
"Not what we look like?" Alt-Morgana asks. "And what do you mean reality? I mean, we fought for this, so…" His words die in his throat as Alt-Morgana's eyes slowly widen. "Wait…fought? What did we fight? What am I forgetting? And…" He places a hand on his chest. "Why does my heart hurt so much?"
"Do you remember your leader? The one you called a brother?" Mona questions, seeing that he is almost through. And then, like magic, a sudden glass wall shatters around Alt-Morgana, with him turning back once more into a cat, with tears threatening to spill out of his eyes.
"Ren!" He cries, slamming his face into the ground. "How could I forget!? About him!? About everything!? How!?" He cries hard into the floor as Mona pats him on the back in comfort. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! How did I forget about him!?"
"It's because of Maruki. He warped reality to make the perfect one for you guys. Your Ren managed to reject it, and so he was removed from both this place and your mind." Mona says, rubbing Alt-Morgana's head.
"And he forgives you, you know." Joker says, walking up to the crying cat.
"Joker?" Alt-Morgana asks as Joker kneels down.
"Sorry. I'm not your Ren, but…" He places a hand over his. "He's here with me. So, believe me when I say this. He doesn't blame you or any of the others. After all, he fell for the illusion as well." Alt-Morgana looks at him before glancing at his Metaverse counterpart and cracking a small smile.
"Why do I have such a big head?" He asks weakly.
"Blame Master Igor for that." Mona replies, resting a paw on his shoulder. "Your Ren asked us to save you and the others, to wake you up from the fake reality you are still trapped in."
"And you have done that….some guide I am." Alt-Morgana replies, curling his tail around. "Guess we really are a cat after all."
"Yeah. That we are." Mona agrees, accepting his fate as a cat. Before Alt Morgana began to glow.
"Looks like this is it for me… Do me a favour, alright?" He asks Mona, holding up a paw. "Fix this mistake that we made."
"Way ahead of you." Morgana replies, giving his cat self a paw pump as Alt-Morgana flows into his heart.
You've done well, mi amigo… to resist Maruki's machinations, even with your desire before you, fantástico. Maestro Igor would be happy and please to see you.
I know. I swear, I will never allow myself to become a burden. Ever again. I am going to forge my own path, whether as a human OR a cat! I am done letting my own selfish desires chart my path! I said we would take the world, and we will! Without this false reality!
Entiendo. For which is why, this form no longer can hold me, or my true power.
And at that moment, Mona felt a pulse run through him. In his minds eye, Mercurius floats within the blue void alone, before Zorro manifests before him. Sharing a single nod, the two fly towards each other and fuse as one.
The new persona looked just like Zorro, only that his coat now had yellow lines running down. His under shirt was now a brilliant white with a blue rose, while his skin was now an ocean blue. With his chest exposing hair. His trousers where now blue jeans, with brown leather shoes and a belt with a giant silver clasp.
His rapier was more elaborate, with a giant spiral guard and golden horse emblem on the front, while his blue hair was free-flowing from his head in a giant ponytail. His mask and eyes remained the same, but now he sported a giant blue moustache on his face. While his true name echoed within Mona's mind.
From today, I am no longer Mercurius. For I am…
"Diego…" He whispers, turning back to the others before giving them a nod.
"Did anyone feel that right now? That pulse of energy?" Outlaw asks.
"I felt it. The birth of a new persona." Shadow comments, looking at Mona.
"Actually, it wasn't new. It was Zorro, but with his power fully unleashed and with his true name. Diego." Mona reveals with a smile.
"Just like with me and Crow." Joker adds with a smile. Looks like we were right, Raoul.
"Alright, that is one down. The next should be nearby, right?" Spring asks Oracle, who has the map out.
"Yep, just on the other side of the mall. Wonder if they heard us?"
"We'll find out when we reach them." Athena remarks as the team move on through the empty mall. Just as they neared the corner, they all heard a familiar voice.
"Omigod you, did it Shiho! I knew you could!" Ann's voice rings around the corner, with Panther and Spring tensing up.
"Oracle?" Spring asks, looking at the hacker.
"I'm only picking up Panther…there's no cognition or shadow next to her…"
"I see… So, Maruki got me with using Spring…I can see that…" Panther replies as Spring looks at her sadly before Panther walks up and peaks around the corner. There, she saw herself by the clothes shop, waving goodbye to an imaginary Shiho. Taking a breath, Panther steps out and walks towards her. "You seem happy. Something good happened?" She asks, causing Alternate-Ann to jump before looking at her.
"Who are you? And why are you dressed like that?" She asks, looking Panther up and down.
"Some of us have strange choices in clothing." Panther replies, folding her arms. "I overheard you cheering someone on."
"That's right. My BFF Shiho." Alt-Ann says with a beaming smile. "It's been hard to talk to her ever since she switched school, but we've been keeping tabs on each other. And she was the MVP at the meet earlier as well."
"Oh? What for?" Panther says, folding her arms behind her back.
"Volleyball. Shiho is the best at it." Alt-Ann replies. "Not only was she in the starting line-up, but she scored more points than anyone else. We were really sad when she transferred away due to her parent's job, but I'm glad we can talk again." Panther hides a wince, knowing the true reason why Shiho originally moved.
"Was it really her parent's job? Or was it something at Shujin?" Panther asks carefully, causing Alt-Ann to pause.
"Well, yea—wait…no, it wasn't because of her parents…it was something else…"
"You sure you don't have any doubts? About anything? No regrets at all?"
"Doubts? Regret? Well, not really. I mean, I did spend a lot of time worrying about— about what…? I… was so cornered that I wanted to die? Then someone helped me feel better but…who was it? And then Shiho was…was…" Just like with Alt-Morgana, a glass wall that surrounded Alt-Ann shattered as she collapsed to her knees. "Shiho! Ren!" She cries out, sobbing as Panther wraps her arms around her. "That bastard! How did I forget about what he did to her!?" She cries, slamming a fist into Panther's shoulder. Not really hurting her though. "That he nearly killed her!? And how could I forget about Ren too!?"
"But he didn't, Ann. I'm still alive." Spring says, walking around the corner to her. Alt-Ann looks up, eyes widening as Spring takes her mask off.
"S-Shiho? You're a…" Eye's widening, Alt-Ann realises who was holding her as Panther helped her back up. "And you are…me?" She says numbly, looking both of them up and down. "And still with a dominatrix theme… Both of you."
"Hey. No use denying it. It's how we are." Panther jokes. Alt-Ann appreciates the joke, but her smile refuses to reach her eyes before looking at Shiho.
"So…you became a Phantom Thief?" She asks.
"Yes. I have. I even awoke to my Persona in the same room you did." Spring reveals. "And…I know what was supposed to happen to me. But, we stopped it, Ann. Kamoshida never got his hands on me."
"He never…" Alt-Ann says, as more tears threaten to spill from her eyes. "That…that makes me happy to hear… But…how did I forget about Ren?"
"It was Maruki. He gained the power to create your desires. And since Ren managed to resist…well." Panther replies, leaving the obvious out. "But. He's not dead. Your Ren lives on in our Ren. And he holds no grudges against any of you."
"Ren…that is just like him…" Alt-Ann comments as she begins to glow blue. "Always looking out for others…and never himself." She comments, before turning into flames and flying into Panther's heart.
Such a desire would have been tempting. But you are stronger than that, my dear. For did you not say she was your strength?
Yeah. Shiho is my strength. She gave me the courage to press on. Even now, she does so. To accept Maruki's reality, would be to step on her will. And I will never do that. I will keep moving forward, no matter what pain I find! Not even a false reality will stop me!
Very good, my dear. A worthy answer. And now, it is time I changed as well.
Panther breaths for a moment, before a pulse rings through her.
In her minds eye, Carmen and Hecate gaze into each other, before clashing as one into an orb of fire. From it, a figure who liked like Carmen emerged, but was a very punk like motif. With a gold choker around her neck, large sunglasses and a black hat with bunny ears, her long red hair made a heart shape while one of them held onto a punk with a pink hat.
A similar punk was on their knees, acting as a step while her Rockstar-esque high heeled boots pushed into his back. One leg was bare apart from a black belt, while the other was covered in a pink and black stiped legging. Rushing up to a short black mini-skirt with stitches making up one half along with a white belt.
Her coat was bellow her midriff, while the sleeves topped way before her shoulder, puffing out like crazy, while she blew bubble-gum.
All the while, her true name echoed in Panthers mind.
My dance as Hecate is over. Now, I return to my true form, as well as my name…
"Célestine… What a jaw dropper…" She comments to herself, before re-joining the others. "So that's Mona and me down. There's one more person nearby right?"
"Yeah. In the Underground Walkway." Oracle reminds. It wasn't that far away, so with some quick double backing the team find themselves at the walkway. Where they found the Alternative-Makoto.
"Look's like it's my turn… And I know what Maruki did to ensnare me. My parents." Queen says quietly before walking forward confidently, with Athena and Joker watching with concerned eyes. Just as Queen expected, her stealthiness outside of crawling in shadows was still terrible out in the open as Alt-Makoto quickly spotted her approaching.
"Who are you?" Alt-Makoto asks, eyeing her carefully.
"Just a bike enthusiast." Queen replies. "I saw you looking at the shop over here. Need help deciding on something?"
"Normally I would decline, but I could use the help." Alt-Makoto replies. "I was suppose to meet my sister here so we could go shopping. It's so we can celebrate our dad getting the superintendent general ward." Alt-Makoto replies with a growing smile. Queen could feel her heart aching, knowing her dad would never get such a reward.
"That is certainly an achievement. Good for him." Queen replies. "For such a celebration, you must be inviting a lot of people. Right?"
"That's right. All six of my friends." Alt-Makoto replies, although Queen noticed the one person she didn't mention. And it hurt her more than she could imagine.
"That's quite the number. But…are you sure you didn't forget someone?" Queen asks.
"Forget someone? No I don't think…" Alt-Makoto begins, only to stop as a single tear rolls down her cheek. "Wait…did I forget someone…but how…I always make sure…" She looks at the ground as a trembling hand reaches for her chest. "Something is wrong… Why is there a gap in my memory? I know someone helped me out of a terrible bind but…Who? And why is my heart…in so much pain?"
"Did you find the place you were suppose to belong? Alongside the one you loved?" Queen asks gently. Alt-Makoto looks at her, with eyes that looked ready to burst into tears, just as the glass wall around her finally collapses and she falls to her knees.
"Ren…" She quietly speaks, as Queen gently holds her. "How could I forget? How?" Alt-Makoto asks, before the damns break she clings onto Queen. Letting all her tears out into her shoulder as Queen gently pats her head. Athena and Joker share a look, before walking over to join her as Alt-Makoto starts to calm down. Getting a better view of Queen.
"Why did I think that was a good choice for a rebellion? It's such a tight fit…" She asks weakly, tears still falling down her face.
"I ask myself that same question all the time." Queen replies, helping her up. Alt-Makoto nods, before looking past her and seeing both Joker and Athena standing behind Queen.
"Ren? Sis?" She asks hesitantly, wanting to step forward.
"I'm sorry, Makoto. We're not your Ren or Sae." Athena replies before walking over. And giving her a hug. "I'm sure my alternative self already said this, but I'm sorry about what my other self has done." Alt-Makoto stood silent before returning the hug as they soon separated with her giving Athena a look over.
"Strange, I thought your rebel look would be like your shadow." Alt-Makoto says, earning a huff from Athena.
"What? That revealing costume that you all told me about? Never." Athena replies, earning a subdued chuckle from Alt-Makoto. Joker and Queen share a silent conversation, before Queen gives Joker a nod and a smile.
Nodding back, Joker approaches the Alt-Makoto, and gives her a hug.
"I know I'm not your Ren. And I already have my own Queen. But your Ren is inside me. And he wants you to know that he never hated you for what happened. It was Maruki who pulled you into this fake reality. He just wasn't strong enough to save all of you, and…" He pulls away gently, stepping a few paces back. "That he still loves you."
"Ren…" Alt-Makoto whispers, holding back more tears. "Even now, he still manages to be a charmer…" She looks up at Queen, giving her a watery smile as she stands next to Alt-Makoto. "How do we say no to him?"
"It works both ways." Queen replies, giving Joker a wink as he looks away embarrassed. Earning a chuckle from both Athena and Alt-Makoto, as she began to glow.
"Thank you…for waking me up from this." Alt-Makoto says as the glow intensifies. "Kick some ass." With that last remark, Alt-Makoto is absorbed into Queen's heart.
You have done well, Makoto. To stay to your own justice even when what you seek lies before you. You have come far since the day you awakened me.
And I still have a long way to go. I will carry out my father's legacy. I will uphold the justice he believes in, no matter what people will do to sway me. And I will do it with my family. And not with the false dream Maruki has created.
I know. Even now, you continue to grow into a woman he would be proud of. A growth, my current form can no longer contain.
And just like the others, a pulse rings out in her as Anat and Johanna appear in her mind before fusing together to form a new persona once more.
Just like Johanna, it was a bike persona complete with a seat and control. However, that was the only similarity. The wheels were much larger, and now spotted golden hubcaps that protects almost the whole wheel. Its body, metal black with golden accents, was also much longer than Johanna, with a spear like head made of golden arching bars. A gold statue of the Priestess emerged from the front of the hood, while on either side where two giant golden letters. B and J, sitting on giant air vents.
While behind the driving seat, which came with a window screen, was a giant engine with golden exhaust on the side. Roaring to life in Queen's mind, the true name of her persona came to her lips.
My time as Anat has passed. It is time to take to the road once more, with my name…
"Agnes…" Queen whispers, before beaming at Athena and Joker. "My persona is a bike again!"
"Nice! I always missed your old Persona." Joker admits with a sheepish smile.
"A bike?" Athena asks in surprise. "Well, you always did have a fascination for motorbikes. I shouldn't be surprised." Queen and Joker chuckle at each other, feeling their hearts sing at the other as they rejoin the others. Whether it was from their persona or the other self they absorbed, they would question later.
"Okay, so we have Morgana, Ann and Makoto down. Next up is Shujin right? I think I know who that could be." Skull says suddenly, already making for the stairs. The rest of the team quickly follow him, moving across the rooftops via grapple before landing on a roof next to the alleyway.
Spotting a familiar set of blond hair standing alone at the gates. Alongside a very loud voice.
"Aw, you're still jumping the gun with this. I'm just trying my best so I don't get laughed off the team by you guys." Alternative-Ryuji says to the empty air around him. Thinking he was speaking to the track team. Skull shakes his head, watching as the Alt-Ryuji says goodbye to the imaginary team before hopping down into the alleyway and walking towards him. He knows Outlaw followed him but pays him no mind.
"The track team and running huh? That doesn't surprise me…" Skull whispers to himself before calling out. "You look to be doin' good. You a runner?" Skull asks, walking into the light. The sigh of the skull mask wearing thug caused Alt-Ryuji to jump back in shock.
"What the!? Who the hell are you!?" Alt-Ryuji asks.
"Don't mind me. Just wanted to see the risin' star of the track team." Skull says. "Heard you managed to come first. That's impressive mate."
"You think? I still have a long way to go to be honest. Even if I'm getting scouted by colleges." Alt-Ryuji admits, earning an impressive whistle from Skull.
"Scouted huh? That is nice. Bet your happy you can run no matter what huh?"
"Huh? What does that mean? Sure, it's fun and all, but with my leg…hold up…what's wrong with my leg?" Alt-Ryuji suddenly questions, laying a hand on his leg. "Did I get an injury? … And didn't Kamoshida cause that? Now, something's bugging me big time. What am I forgetting? And didn't I have someone who watched my back as well?"
"Maybe you're forgetting someone who's like a brother to you?" Skull offers up, slowly backing away. He already knew how this would end up, how he would react. Just like before, the glass around Alt-Ryuji breaks away, but his reaction is not like the others at all.
"DAMMNIT!" He shouts before he suddenly starts punching the hell out of the stone wall behind him, managing to even crack it a little. "WHAT THE HELL WAS I DOIN'?! LIVIN' INA DREAM AND FORGETTIN' MY BEST FRIEND!? WHAT KIND OF FRIEND AM I!?" He screams, continuing to punch the wall, letting all of his anger out before he starts to slow down. As tears start to fall down his face. "Damn it… This is just 'effed up… Why did I forget about Ren? Why?" He asks. Alt-Ryuji slams his bruised and bloodied fist on the wall one more time, with Skull walking up and patting him on the shoulder.
"Because you got caught by your desire. The Doc got all of you good." Skull says to him, pulling him from the wall. Alt-Ryuji looks at him, calming himself down before taking a look at his old Thief outfit.
"Heh… Seeing it from this angle, I really do look like a punk. We have some good taste…" He remarks with a weak smile, with Skull letting out a loud laugh.
"Yeah! We sure do!" He replies, looking back at Alt-Ryuji. As Outlaw stepped out of the alleyway, grabbing Alt-Ryuji's attention.
"Wait…Mishima? You became a Thief?" Alt-Ryuji asks, surprised as Outlaw shrugs his shoulders.
"I decided that enough was enough. So I took matters into my own hands. It felt good, bringing Kamo-shit-head down." Outlaw says. Earning a laugh out of Alt-Ryuji.
"Yeah…yeah it was. Bringing the bastard down who broke my leg and…" Alt-Ryuji stops before shaking his head. "But still…I forgot about Ren… Even if Maruki was behind it like you said, how could I forget about my bro?"
"Because he snapped out of it. And was kicked out of here before he could do the same to you." Skull replies. "But, he doesn't hate you for falling for it. He fell for the reality himself."
"Ren? Giving in? That's not like him." Alt-Ryuji remarks with a shake of his head, as blue flames began to swarm him. "I'll need to give him a punch for giving in so fast." He remarks before glancing at Skull. "But still, thanks for waking me up. Throw a hit in from me, will ya?"
"I'll do you one better and throw in three." Skull snarks back as Alt-Ryuji re-joins with Skull. "We'll make sure of it man."
I am impressed, Ryuji. To give up on a chance to recover from a wound is not one taken lightly. But then again, you were never one to think hard.
Well, this one was a no brainier. Give up everything that made me into the person I am now, all for a chance to fix my leg when I can do that once all this is done? I might be a gullible idiot at times, but even I know that this reality crosses a line! I will never agree with this!
Even as you admit your faults, you continue to grow. You make me proud. And so, I believe it is time we raised anchor!
At that moment, Skull felt a pulse flow through him as Captain Kidd and Seiten Taisei appear in his mind. The two smirking at each other before rushing together and fusing in a flash of light.
From the light, the outline of a speedboat with wings underneath took shape. Alongside a figure with a giant cannon in place of his right hand. With the same lanky skeletal frame as Captain Kidd, the new persona was decked out in a form fitting leather suit, with a hood over his head while a baseball cap covered his head. A ski masks hides his glowing red eyes while his skeletal jaw remained exposed, as a pair of red headphones hang around his neck. And from his back, was a long leather cape attached to the bottom of his jacket.
While his true name echoed in Skull's mind.
The seas be ours once more to ravage! No longer am I Seiten Taisei, for I am…
"William. Oh the others are going to laugh at his name." Skull says with a shake of his head.
"Who's name?" Outlaw asks as the two rejoin the others.
"I'll tell you later." Skull replies, before folding his arms. "So, what's next."
"Akihabara." Joker replies as the team once against start moving around like Spiderman. If it wasn't for their Alt-selves forgetting about their Thief identities, they were pretty sure they would have done that particular meme by now at least once.
Soon, the team arrived at Akihabara, looking around for the next person to wake up. And it didn't take long to find them. Even with their orange hair covered up.
"Looks like it's me next…" Oracle admits, before glancing at Joker. "Want to join me?"
"Yeah." Joker replies, hoping down with Oracle before hiding behind a corner. As Oracle approaches her alternative self.
"Whatcha looking at?" She says, causing the girl to jump.
"Who the hell are you?!" Alternative-Futaba cries, placing a hand on her heart. "Jeezo, that felt like it did 9999 damage to me!"
"Oops. Sorry about that. Didn't mean to do a sneak attack. Least I don't have a Poke-ball on me." Oracle replies with a smirk. As Alt-Futaba calms down at the joke, she takes note of Oracle's wear.
"Are you some sort of hacker?" She asks, placing a hand on her chin.
"Yep! I like to think myself as a white and/or grey hat hacker. Depending on the situation. Electronics is my life." Oracle replies. "You?"
"Same actually. I can't ever get enough of the new games and consoles that come out. Even if it does get on mom and dad's nerves. Just now, mom denied me getting a limited-edition game." Alt-Futaba replies with a pout, causing Oracle to internally wince.
"Mom and dad huh? Are they great?" Oracle asks, knowing this was going to hurt.
"Hell yeah! My dad makes the best curry and coffee ever! He made the curry so that it pairs with his coffee, and mom helped make it taste even better!" Just then, alt-Futaba's smile falters, as she looks at the ground with confusion. "Huh…that's not right…"
"You said you had a mom and dad, but don't you have anyone else? A brother maybe?" Oracle asks.
"A brother? I mean…Morgana lives with us, and I do think of him as a brother, but I don't think… Wait…a brother? I do have one…don't I? And my mom is actually… actually…" Just like all the others, the glass wall around Alt-Futaba shatters as she unexpectedly grabs onto Oracle while bursting into tears. "HOW COULD I FORGET REN!?" She screams, bawling into Oracle's shoulder as she pats her on the back.
"You didn't forget him by choice. Maruki made you forget." Oracle tells her, as Alt-Futaba leans off her.
"But still…I forgot about Ren?! He must hate me for doing so!" She says, tears rolling down her cheeks as she removes her glasses to wipe them away. Not seeing Joker move around the corner.
"No, he doesn't hate you." He says, looking at Alt-Futaba as she stares at him. "He could never hate his little sister."
"REN!" Alt-Futaba cries, leaping onto Joker as he pats her back.
"I'm not your Ren, Futaba. But he does live on in me. And I mean it when he says he doesn't hate you." Joker tells her as Oracle joins them, while Alt-Futaba bawls her eyes out. Eventually, Alt-Futaba managed to calm down enough to let go of Joker, taking some steps away.
"So…I was living in a dream all this time…I always thought it was too good to be true, but I didn't want to believe it…" Alt-Futaba admits with a frown.
"Hey, no one is blaming you. Heck, if it wasn't for some certain circumstance, I would have fallen for it too." Oracle says. Alt-Futaba looks at Oracle, before noting the suit she was wearing. "Yeah, I know. I look ridiculous, don't I? Especially the mask."
"What? Of course not! We were a super duper hacker! So our outfit showed that! Although… Why did it have to by skin tight?" Alt-Futaba questions, whish Oracle gives a shrug at while Joker chuckles at the two.
"Never staying on one topic for long." He remarks as the two girls give off identical chuckles while Alt-Futaba begins to glow.
"Do me a favour, will you? Make sure our idiot brother here doesn't do anything crazy." Alt-Futaba asks, pointing at Joker, who gives a mocked-hurt expression.
"Don't worry. I will." Oracle replies with a smirk as Alt-Futaba fuses with her.
Futaba. Once you were a girl trapped within her own home, haunted by the words of evil men. You have come far from that day.
Yeah. I admit, I was scared setting foot outside. Hell, even talking to Ren and the others was uncomfortable. But…it was all worth it. I found a new family to replace my old one. I remembered my real mom, and not a fake created by Shido's men. And that is why I will NEVER accept Maruki's reality. I would be killing myself if I did that!
That you would. Your knowledge and strength have grown once more Futaba. And it is a growth I can no longer support as this.
No sooner does she finish speak, Oracle feels a pulse through her veins as Necronomicon and Prometheus appear in her mind. The two orbiting ships hover for a moment, before fusing together in a flash of blue.
Blasting out of the explosion, a silver triangular ship appears. With three glowing points near the tip, and a central glowing top like a pyramid. Hieroglyphics and images plaster its bottom, while a giant green circle sits at the centre while three green lines reaching the tips. And on the back, two green vents acted as thrusters, moving the ship.
As the true name of her persona thunders into her mind.
Once more, the grimoire of forbidden knowledge is open to you. Prometheus has passed, and I take flight once more. For my name is…
"Al Azif… what is it with me and having Persona from the Lovecraftian universe?" She asks to Joker, who gives her a shrug as the two rejoin the others, moving on to Uneo. With an idea on who it was that was there.
And true enough, walking within the empty halls of the art gallery, the team spots the Alternative-Yusuke admiring the Sayori as it lay hung on the wall in all its glory. And not a soul to see it. Without a word, Fox walks over to the painting, with Shadow accompanying him, standing side by side with his Alternative self before Alt-Yusuke takes notice of him.
"Oh, hello. Are you two here to see the painting." He asks politely.
"Yes, we am. And what a fabulous piece of art it is." Fox replies, placing a hand on his chin.
"You can feel the warmth from it." Shadow remarks.
"Indeed. It is my mother's painting. And it is finally able to receive the public attention it deserves." Alt-Yusuke says with pride in his voice. "It's on display from tomorrow for a week, so I am sure plenty of people will get to admire its work. My friends among them. …I am truly blessed."
"Indeed you are." Fox replies. "I can imagine how long you wanted for this piece to be shown here. But… wouldn't you agree that such a work belongs in a more homely location?"
"What do you mean?" Alt-Yusuke asks. "Surly a café would be perfect for…A café? Why did I think of that first?" He questions, puzzled as to why he would think of a café.
"And who is your master? Someone of noble standing?" Shadow asks gently.
"Why yes. Madarame. He has cared for me ever since my mother passed away on a… Wait…no, she didn't pass away on a trip… And Madarame… does he not take others' work and…" Alt-Yusuke replies, stopping himself as his eyes go wide.
"The Sayuri, do you know its true meaning behind it? And who helped you find it again?" Fox questions gently, watching as the glass around Alt-Yusuke breaks away. Leaving a man standing in shock at an empty spot on the wall.
"How could I be so blind? How could I have forgotten about Ren? Who helped me find the truth?" Alt-Yusuke asks, not meeting the eyes of the two next to him. "How did I allow myself to believe that Madarame was a good man? Or that he murdered my mother?"
"That would be Maruki's power." Fox tells him, grabbing his eyes. "He has the power to change reality. To create that which our hearts desire."
"And he used that power to trap you in a dream. One that you could not awaken from without help." Shadow adds, as Alt-Yusuke looks to the floor in shame.
"What have I done? I've betrayed Ren, the man I know as a brother, for a lie…"
"And he holds no grudge against you. For he too fell to Maruki's temptations." Fox tells him gently. "No one is to blame."
"I see…" Alt-Yusuke replies, before looking at Fox and Shadow. "But still, I must admit, seeing my Thief attire from the outside gives me new insight in what to draw. And…" He frames Shadow, even as the blue flames wrap around him. "To see Hifumi as a Thief as well… What a remarkable surprise…" He says, just as he turns into flames and joins with Fox.
"Am I really like that?" He questions Shadow, who only shrugs her shoulder at him with a smile.
For as long as I have been with you, that answer would be yes.
So it would seem. And yet, Maruki would have me deny myself that part for a dream. One that would destroy everything that I worked to achieve. My sense of self, my set path, all of it would be rendered moot. And that is why, I will never bow to Maruki. My path is my own, once that I shall discover with my chosen family.
A worthy answer. You have come far since your days as a pupil under him, Yusuke. Your growth, as both a person and an artist, is one that I admire. And so, I can no longer stay as I am.
A pulse flows through Fox.
In his heart, he could see Goemon and Kamu Susano-o appear in the sae of blue. Before joining in azure flames, a new persona emerges from the flames.
Wearing a gran leopard printed coat with pink fur lining the edges, and a giant metallic cigar in his right hand. The new person slick forward its blue hair as it forms a pompadour while the rest forms a cascade of blue at the back of his head, while his red spiked glasses cover his eyes.
Four large golden chains wrap around him, held in place by the golden number of five while black leather trousers rush down toward his feet. Covered in golden platform shoes, with said platforms about half the size of his shins.
While its true name forms within his mind.
No longer am I the god, Kamu Susano-o. From today, I return to my true self, as the legendary thief…
"Gorokichi… So that is his true name…" Fox bemuses, turning to the others. "I feel as though I should paint our new persona. To memorise them for all time."
"So long as you don't reveal who we are, Fox." Shadow comments with a shake of her head as they join the team. "So, all that is left is Noir."
"Yes. And I already know what tempted me." She says, taking a deep sigh. "Let us head to Kichijoi."
Without waiting, the team head on to the last area, feeling their time here running out as they make their way through the empty streets. Even the jazz club was void of life, as no music played from its depths. Soon, they find the Alternative-Haru standing alone at a corner, framing a location of the area with her hands.
Stepping apart from the others as they fade into the shadows, Crow especially, Noir approaches Alt-Haru with a cheerful expression.
"Are you framing something?" She asks, snapping Alt-Haru out of her trance.
"Goodness gracious. You frightened me." She says, placing a hand on her chest.
"My apologise. That was not my intention." Noir replies, tipping her hat. "Having said that, can I ask why you were framing this area?"
"Ah. I am scouting this area for a new store." Alt-Haru says with a smile. "My father has given me special authority in finding new locations for Big Bang Burger that meet certain criteria. It is joyful how much he is leaning on me. Always asking for my opinion on matters."
"I see. Okumura sounds like a kind man." Noir replies.
"He is. Stiff, at times, but tempered by love. He even looks out for all of the employees and makes sure they are well looked after." Alt-Haru continues. "Although he can be a bit overprotective at times."
"How about your dream? Has it come true?" Noir asks.
"My dream? Oh no, I don't have the time. I have been so busy lately that I can barely handle what's on my plate so…wait…that's not right…" Alt-Haru stops, bringing a hand to her cheek. "Busy? Busy with what? And…hasn't the company been hit by rumours and accusations…? And my father is…is…" Tears form in her eyes as she starts to break from the reality. "And…isn't there someone missing from our group? Somone who lead us? Held us together? Someone who…was like family?"
At that, the glass shatters as Alt-Haru falls to her knees, numb from realisation. "Ren-kun…how did I forget…and my farther…he's not alive…he's dead… murdered by Shido…" She says, as she began to sob into her hands. While Noir kneels down and hugs her, letting Alt-Haru grieve for as long as she needed.
"There, there…" Noir comments. "Let it all out."
"How did this happen? How could I forget? Allow myself to be fooled by this saccharine reality?" Alt-Haru asks.
"It is because of Dr. Maruki. He used our desires to trap us within his reality. None of us could see it coming." Noir tells her gently, rubbing her head. "And Ren-kun dose not hold you accountable. At all."
"That is…some mercy I suppose…" Alt-Haru says as Noir helps her up. With Alt-Haru having the chance to look Noir over. "What was I thinking when I formed that outfit?"
"Rebellion against our father? Even I have forgotten the reason why." Noir comments. Seeing the sad look on Alt-Haru's face, Noir places her hands on her shoulders. "Haru…our father is alive. We saved his life in our timeline. He still lives."
"Truly?" Alt-Haru asks, hope in her eyes. Noir nods with a smile as Alt-Haru tearfully smiles at her. "He's alive…he's alive…" She says before hugging Noir as she glows blue. "Thank you for waking me up…and saving our father."
My dear Haru…you make me so proud. Refusing a false dream that speaks to your heart is not an easy choice to make.
I know. But my father still lives. Even in prison, I can still see him. But even so, what I would have to give up in exchange is not worth it. To lose everyone I hold dear, to forget everything that let me grow, I could never forgive myself. Maruki's reality…no matter how tempting it could be…will never ensure me.
Well said. To see you growth since the day you stood for yourself, it brings a tear to my eye. And so, I can no longer hold the power you have.
And like all the others, she turns into flames and flows into Noir. Settling within her heart and sending a pulse throughout Noir.
Within her heart, Astarte and Milady face each other. Each gives a curtsy to the other before rushing together and fusing in an orb of light. From that light, a new persona is born once more.
Taking the form of Milady, the giant skirt that she wore now resembled that of a traveling coat. In a light brown colour with purple and black cloths along the sides. In her left hand was a black suitcase with golden edges, while the mask she wore over her face now resembled that of a pair of sunglasses. A purple, pink and light blue scar wraps around her head and flows outwards at two points, while blond long hair flows above the sun glasses. While her skin was as dark as the night sky.
Suddenly, the coat parts ways, revealing a smiling face that opens up to reveal a giant sniper rifle and two assault rifles on both sides.
All the while, the persona's true name echoed in Noir's mind.
Astarte is no more. Let us head out and broaden our horizons. For my true name is…
"Lucy…" With a smile, Noir joins the team as they return to the rooftops. Heading back to Leblanc before they could be stopped.
Only to be cut off by six guards when they reached the Shibuya Crossing.
"Halt! You have trespassed in the restricted section! You will be restrained at once!" The Lead shadow says, before each one of them dissipates into a different Hastur.
"They found us! We need to cut through!" Crow comments as the team ready themselves. With the Hastur already launching an attack, Noir rushes forward, ripping her mask off.
"Lucy! Life Wall!" She cries, Lucy forming behind her and creating a barrier in front of the Thieves. The attack land into it, denting it but fail to penetrate before being sent right back at the Hastur's. "I won't let any harm befall anyone!"
As they recover, Oracle cackles to herself in glee
"Looks like we get to show off! Let's go! Al Azif!" Oracle shouts as her new Persona forms above her, taking her in via a green tractor beam. "Let's see how they deal with this! Position hack!" With a few flicks on her screen, Oracle manages to teleport the Thieves around the Hastur, surrounding them on all sides.
"Let's set them up! Charge, Agnes!" Queen shouts, leaping backwards as Agnes forms under her. Landing onto the seat with ease. "Checkmate!" She calls, using an AOE debilitate spell on all the Hastur's.
"Allow me to follow up! Gorokichi!" Fox follows, with Gorokichi blowing from his cigar. "Hyakka Ryouran!" He cries, casting an AOE Heat Riser on the team while Panther and Skull step up next.
"How about this? Célestine! High Energy!"
"Let me in! Fighting Spirit, William!"
As the two from behind Panther and Skull, the team felt the energy flow through them. Before turning their eyes on the six Hastur with a glint in their eyes. Each one of them unleashed their most powerful spell and physical attack on the Hastur, with Mona holding back for some reason. As the smoke cleared, it was revealed the Hastur were still in the fight but greatly injured. However, none of them were downed or even struck by an ailment, with Mona grinning in anticipation.
"Looks like its our turn! Diego! Miracle Rush!" With Diego by his side, Mona let loose and AOE version of his miracle punch, knocking down all of the Hastur in a single blow. Leaving them all open to an All-Out Attack by the Thieves. With Oracle dropping a bomb on them for extra measure.
By the time the smoke had cleared, the Thieves were long gone. And the simulation was left empty and hollow.
Just like the reality Maruki intended to make.