Epilogue: One Journey Ends, while Another Begins.

"What happened?" Ren asks as his vision returns. Once more finding himself in the Velvet Room.

"Magnificent." Igor comments as Ren stands up and walks towards him and Lavenza. "We have indeed witnessed your resolve." Lavenza nods in agreement with a beaming smile.

"Not only have you taken back mankind's future for itself and re-established our reason for existence... But you have also managed to foil Nyarlathotep's scheme and free Maruki from his grasp while allowing him to connect to his real persona."

"So that giant Persona at the end was his real one." Ren replies, nodding his head.

"Indeed." Igor replies. "And, with his scheme foiled, Nyarlathotep has once more retreated. But I fear he will reveal himself once more in the future. With what plans? I cannot say."

"And we will be ready for him." Ren replies resolutely, with Igor nodding in pride.

"While reality had been wholly distorted, and set on the path that would enable Nyarlathotep to achieve his goal of wiping humanity out, your actions have guided it back towards what it ought to be."

"Out to be? So we're not going back in time again?" Ren asks, with relief in his voice.

"I believe we have had more than enough of that." Igor replies in a joking manner. "While time itself, in this instance, cannot be rewound, every past event that was supposed to happen will take place. Resulting in the reality that was meant to be."

"I see…" Ren replies, knowing the implications. "Looks like our job might not be over quite yet."

"I see…" Lavenza replies. "Know that you, your friends, and the Wild Cards and their teams that came before you will always be welcomed in the Velvet Room." She gives him a bow as Igor nods his head, walking up to him and handing him a key. "This is the Key that all guests of the Velvet Room are given upon their first arrival. Now, it is yours to visit whenever you want. As well as your friends."

"Thank you, Lavenza." Ren replies, gently taking the Key from her.

"Trickster, there is one more gift for you." Igor says as a tarot card floats from above, hovering just before Ren. "This…is The World Arcana. The power of an individual to stand on their own feet is swayed by no one. A power that shall fuel the hope shared amongst your family and yourself and guide you to a better future. With 'The World', you will never tread this world alone ever again. Then again, you have never been alone for a long while."

Ren looks at the card as it slowly spins, feeling the gentle aura emanating from it. Before it flows into him, forming inside him.

"So, I've gone from a Fool to The World… What a Journey." Ren says with a smile. "Thank you, Igor." Igor nods gently to Ren, his grin never leaving. As if it ever could.

"You were truly a remarkable guest, Ren. May we meet again. In more comforting circumstances." He tells him as Ren's vision goes white.

February 3rd, 2017

When the light stopped blinding everyone, they all found themselves back in Odaiba. Standing around a central newspaper clipping, but with one less member in their group.

"Where's Akechi?" Sumire asks, noting the absence of her boyfriend.

"He was right with us when the flash hit." Ann replies, scratching her head.

"And where's Maruki? Ren and Makoto were holding onto him." Hifumi asks, noting the absence of the Doctor. On instinct, Haru brings her phone out to check something.

"The app is gone." She tells everyone.

"If the app is gone, then that means we have returned to the real reality." Morgana quips and leaps onto Joker's shoulders. "But…if this is the real reality, then…"

"I think I know what's happened to Akechi…" Sae says, drawing the group's eyes. "Due to his circumstances and the fact that he would be a key witness, it is possible he is under protective custody."

"Protective custody?" Shiho asks, a bit intimidated by the name.

"Basically, they place the person under arrest not because they have committed any crimes, but in order to keep them safe until they give their testimony." Yu replies. "I once had to go through something similar when my cousin was dragged into the Inaba Murders. It was only for one night, but it wasn't a pleasant experience."

"So, does that mean Akechi is in jail right now?" Ryuji asks. "That doesn't feel right. Even if it's to keep him safe from Shido's goons."

"I…I can't accept that." Sumire says, stomping her foot. "Akechi fought with all of us harder than anyone else. Even if he knew this would happen, I refuse to let him stay there for much longer."

"Same." Futaba replies. "He has made it clear he is NOT the same Akechi who was Black Mask. And I won't let him stay there for any day longer!"

"I appreciate the support you are giving him, but even so, it will be a hard case against Shido." Sae replies with a sigh. "They will do anything to intimidate the Lawyer representing Akechi."

"Well then, I suppose we have a new client, Minako." Minato says while loosening his tie.

"Out of one job and into another. Is it no wonder what everyone called you a robot, bro?" Minako replies with an exasperated eye roll before smiling. "But in this case, I'll let it slide."

"I'll contact my confidants so that they can pressure the government from the outside." Ren says. "Even if many of them are Shido's supporters, they won't be able to do much when the public is against them."

"So long as we do this in moderation. And…" Makoto looks at Ren with a fire in her eyes. "Let's get your Criminal Record revealed as the lie it is."

"Let's show them what the Phantom Thieves are capable of in the real world." Yusuke replies with a serious expression. They still had one last job to do after all.

February 13th, 2016.

It was hard to describe how Akechi felt at the moment. Waking up ten days ago in protective custody had been an initial shock. Still, the more he pondered on it, the more he realised that this was what was supposed to happen.

After all, he was a key witness in the Shido Case. But he was surprised that it was dragged out for so long. He had assumed it would have been over with in January at least. But it looked like Shido's cronies were doing everything they could to slow it down. Even threatened any lawyer who came and wanted to represent him.

Even if Sae had the case open and shut, without a lawyer, the case was spinning its heels. So it was with great surprise to find that Minato and Minako were going to represent him like how they did with Ren.

It certainly helped make him feel better. Especially when they told the man who had been threatening all the other lawyers to take a hike up Mt Fuji. The look on his face was priceless! And that all happened on the 4th. The days after it were a blur, but he still remembered what was happening.

Respectable figures were calling out against the government, the public's outcry, and what he could only assume was the influence of Ren's confidants. He couldn't help but smile that, even here, without their power, the Thieves still worked to fight against corruption.

With it all culminating on the 10th, when he finally took the stand and exposed all that Shido did to him. The Shido supporters tried to break him, to have him confess to being Shido's hitman. Still, Minato and Minako, with help from Sae, managed to shut those supporters up.

Sae has even managed to bring in the professor from Maruki's memory, with him confessing to being a part of his conspiracy. But arguably the most helpful contributor to the case…

…was Shido himself. He and his four closest allies. All of them were tripping over themselves to confess everything they had done, including the plans for framing the Phantom Thieves for the death of Okumura and Kobayakawa.

Speaking of those two, they and the SIU Director were brought in alongside Kamoshida, Madarame and Kaneshiro. Every person targeted by the Phantom Thieves in the same room.

Piling more crimes on Shido. And then, there came his assault charge against Ren on public TV. Where he confessed that the entire thing was a lie, that he injured himself, the woman who gave testimony was blackmailed into helping, and he rigged not only the trial but the prosecution as well to declare him guilty.

Something that the Arisato Twins took pride in, knowing that they did win that case no matter what was said. Akechi had to wonder how stupid Ren's home town must feel by now. Especially his ex-parents.

Of course, even with all of that done, he was still likely not leaving these walls. He was, even if by extreme unwillingness and blackmail, a part of Shido's conspiracy. It was something that he had to come to terms with.

So he could not help but wonder why he was in a visiting room with Minako, Minato and Sae standing opposite him.

"Good afternoon, Akechi-kun. How are you feeling?" Sae asks kindly.

"Well, after finally getting my testimony out, I feel much calmer about my life." Akechi reveals. "Even if…I don't get to see Sumi or my mom again…"

"Well then, you'll be happy to hear we have three fantastic pieces of news to give you!" Minako says with a beaming smile. "First of all, the case against Shido was a success! He's been found guilty on all charges, alongside his supporters! Your testimony, combined with the targets from the Thieves, was the nail in the coffin needed to bring him down! Even if his main hitman, Sho, is still loose."

"I see…that is amazing news. And I have a feeling Sho will be found sooner or later." Akechi replies with a sigh. "The bastard has finally had his justice served."

"And that is not all." Minato says next with a grin. "Ren's record has been wiped clean. He's a free man once more. Although…" He brushes his hair to the side, briefly showing his second eye. "His family from his home town have tried to get in contact with him, no doubt trying to bring him home, but Ren… Well, he's already disowned himself from them and is now in the process of writing adoption forms with Sojiro. He and Hifumi both."

"After everything they have been through, that is more than what they deserve." Akechi replies although he hasn't said which side he is talking about. "That was two pieces of news, but what is the third one?"

"Well, this is something that is for you, Akechi." Sae says with a beaming smile. "You are free to go."

"What?" Akechi says, his ears not believing what he heard. "Did, I hear you right? I'm free to go?"

"Yes." Minato replies. "Both Minako and I proved, without a doubt, that you were an innocent man drawn into a situation against your will. Blackmailed with a threat against your family. While Sae helped support a story about you being an undercover detective, finding key information." Minato smiles at Sae. "It was a rebellious move."

"So? I've been one since November." Sae remarks with a smile. "But, not only that. This case marks my last day as a Prosecutor. With Shido locked away, it is time I walked the path of a lawyer. And these two have agreed to help give me a leg up." She looks at Akechi in the eyes. "The righteous Phantom Thieves can retire at last. At least…until the next impending world disaster rears its head."

"Then let us hope it is not soon then." Akechi remarks with a grin before bowing his head. "Thank you, Sae-san, Minako-san, Minto-san."

"No thanks necessary." Minato replies. "Just keeping a promise that I made seven years ago."

"Well then, better hurry up! We're taking you to Leblanc!" Minako tells Akechi with a beaming smile as he tiredly gets up.

"No rest for the wicked, I suppose." He replies, once more giving the trio a bow before he is politely shown outside. Once out, Akechi was quickly shown where his belongings were being stored for safekeeping as the guards escorted him out with smiles. Happy that someone under their protective watch was proven innocent.

Once he stepped outside the wall, Akechi could feel the air filling his lungs as his world became brighter. Maybe it was just his eyes getting readjusted, but he could swear everything became more vibrant. Perhaps it's a cognitive thing.

Of course, he wasn't alone in his mind for long as a car with Sae, Minato, and Minako arrived to pick him up. Without questioning, Akechi gets in as they head for Leblanc, not before getting stuck in traffic along the way there, much to their annoyance.

Some things in Tokyo never change.

Soon, they arrived in Yongen-Jaya, making their way through the familiar back streets before finding themselves at the door to Café Leblanc. For a moment, Akechi found himself unable to go inside. It was a strange feeling this way.

But a simple push from Sae was enough to change his mind as he opened the door to step inside. Finding the Café filled with the Phantom Thieves as they all smile at Akechi.

"Welcome back!" They all cry as one, sending warmth through Akechi.

"I'm back." He says, walking into the café, Before finding himself arms full with Sumire as she jumps out from behind.

"Welcome back, Akechi!" She says with tears down her face. As Akechi gently brushes them away.

"I'm home, Sumi."

A figure looked down with impassive eyes to those who could not see. So much pain, so much anguish, so much fighting. It went against his very nature. His duty was to uphold peace, yet all this strife interfered with his work.

These…Wills of Rebellion.

He hated it. Hated it. Absolutely hated it. And so, he worked to break such troublesome foes for all these years. And for as long as he could remember, he always won. And yet…

These Persona users…they resisted him in every way. And now, he watched as two Gods had fallen by their hands. The same hands that blocked Nyx and brought low Izanami. He could already see the writing on the wall.

They would come after him should they learn about him.

And yet, he could wait. They seemed ignorant of his presence as they celebrated the return of a comrade to their flock. Perhaps it was time he broke a new problem. There was a particular politician who had drawn his eye.

Once, he was broken like all the others. And yet…a will of rebellion had grown inside him once more. His will refused to bow down even as he launched repeated attacks on him. Perhaps it was time he took matters into his own hands?

No…that would draw the attention of them. And he would not risk such a thing.

Perhaps…he should bring his target into his world? It could be possible to break him there. And if he dragged these, 'Thieves', and their allies along with him…perhaps…

He was sure now. This would be his path. The only thing he had to choose now…was when…

February 14th, 2017

Valentine's Day. A day Ren never thought he would be excited for. And he wasn't alone either. Everyone in The Thieves who were couples were out on dates the entire day. At the same time, the Arisato twins and Yu had returned to their own homes to spend time with their wives.

He could still remember how Sumire dragged in a blushing Akechi to spend time here before heading off to dome town. Ren could never imagine the old time-line Akechi doing this. But that left him stuck in Leblanc, helping Sojiro and Hifumi with the customers. Until evening, when the café was empty.

"Oh right, today's Valentine's Day. No wonder there were so many guys bringing girls here." Sojiro only just now noticed as Hifumi and Ren chuckled at him. "Of course, you kids would know." He remarks before glancing at Ren. "You…didn't have any plans with Makoto, did you, Ren?"

"Don't worry, dad." Ren replies with a smile, drying his hands. "It's all under control." The moment he says that Makoto walks into the café, a beaming smile on her face.

"Good evening." She says, glancing lovingly at Ren. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"No, you're not." Hifumi replies, winking at Ren as she heads to the door. "I'll give you some privacy." She says, exiting the café with Sojiro just behind her. Giving the young couple a wink of his own before heading out. The two chuckles at each other as Makoto takes a seat, Ren brewing some coffee before sitting next to her.

"Happy Valentine's, Ren." Makoto says, kissing him on the cheek.

"Happy Valentine's, Makoto. Sorry that it had to be so late." He replies apologetically, but Makoto shakes her head.

"It's alright. We both know how crazy this place can get when busy." She replies before taking out a box of chocolates from her bag. "Here you are. I know that it's not homemade…I've never tried making chocolate before…"

"Then I can help teach you one day." Ren replies, gently taking the box. "Besides, I don't mind if it is or not. I love it, Makoto." He replies with a sweet smile only for her, raising a blush on her cheeks.

"Oh, you…" She says with her sweet smile before leaning on him. "We…did it, didn't we? We came back in time, changed events for the better, defeated Yaldabaoth and took back our reality, right?"

"We did." Ren replies, leaning his head on hers. "Honestly…I sometimes think I'm dreaming. That I'll wake up back in April as the train is entering Shibuya. But this is real. All of this…is real."

"Yeah…" Makoto agrees, leaning more into him. "Remember what I said? How I wanted to be a Police Commission? Well, I've been studying hard, and I'm looking to apply for Law School. My dream remains the same."

"It's the same with me." Ren replies. "I may not be in 3rd year at Shibuya yet, but I've already decided on becoming a politician like Old Man Tora. He's even offered to help support me on that path. I admit that some of me considered becoming either a lawyer or detective. Still, I want to help bring about change more impactfully. Just like how you want to reform the cops, I want to reform the politics of this country. And not like what Shido did."

"I think anything you did would be more than an improvement than him." Makoto snarks as the two chuckles at each other. "I'm glad you are staying here and not going back."

"I will never go back. Besides, Boss filled out the papers. Hifumi and I are siblings now, much to Futaba's joy." Ren replies, hugging her close. "We've already decided to renovate our rooms permanently. And getting a door down here as well."

"I suppose some good things came from Maruki's reality." Makoto says with a grin before becoming thoughtful. "What happened to him anyway? We had him in our hands when we came back…"

"Well, Yu managed to find out. Apparently, in this reality, he gave his research to a medical institution, and they have begun putting it into practice. Not to the extreme Maruki did, but to help ease people gently. No drastic rewriting of cognitions at all. As for Maruki himself…he became a Taxi driver."

"A taxi driver…so instead of driving people to his chosen destination, he is letting the people choose. Good for him." Makoto says before her mind wanders. "I…wonder if he and Rumi will meet again."

"Something tells me they will, Makoto." Ren replies, hugging her closer. "After all, love works in strange ways."

"That's true…" She replies, giving a warm smile. "So…this is it. Then end of our Journey."

"Of one Journey, yes." Ren agrees, turning her to look at him. "But it's the beginning of a new one." With a smile, the two lock themselves in a kiss. Unaware of a golden and blue butterfly watching over them before flapping away into the night.

And it was true. One very long Journey had finally come to an end. Yet a new one was about to begin, with new friends and foes waiting for them at every turn. But they would be ready. After all…

They are the Phantom Thieves of Heart.

Thank your for reading this. It has been a blast writing this, but the story is not over yet! Look forward to the next fic, but first...

Ren's ranking on Palaces encountered so far! (and internal thoughts)

From best to worst:

1. Madarame's Palace. (Classic thief operation. Never gets old.)

2. Sae's Palace. (I always enjoyed the Casino vibe and my escape.)

3. Futaba's Palace. (Will never forgive what those men did to her!)

4. Maruki's Palace. (It hurt to see what happened to him…)

5. Mementos. (I always enjoyed the changing floors, but the Reaper ruined it.)

6. Kobayakawa's Palace. (Did he really see us like that!? Least we got a tank out of it.)

7. Shido's Palace. (I hate the bastard. Enough said.)

8. Kaneshiro's Palace. (I will NEVER forgive him for what he did to Makoto!)

9. Kamoshida's Palace. (I feel sick thinking about it...)

10. Okumura's Palace. (Those DAMN Airlocks!)

11. SIU Director's Palace. (Seeing yourself getting executed is never fun…)