BGM: Aria of the Soul - Persona 3

Rishia's eyes fluttered open. She had seen the strange blue butterfly again. The sight had induced some sort of trance or hypnosis.

Whatever it was, her eyes had closed on the world she knew and opened into whatever this place was.

A blue glow permeated throughout the rounded room. Rishia noticed that she seemed to be in some kind of small prison cell, but the door was open and she bore no shackles. She exited the cell, finding herself in the center of the room. Other cells lined the walls, surrounding what looked to be a desk paired with a plush office chair.

Rishia reached for her face. Sure enough, her mask still remained present.

A voice suddenly called out to her. "Ah, you've arrived."

Rishia whipped her head around. She saw no one.

The person cleared their throat. "Down here."

Rishia looked down. Standing before her was a person who looked to be a young girl. She wore an ornate blue dress; silver butterfly hairpins rested in her flowing platinum blonde locks. Her eyes gazed up at Rishia, yellow irises trained on her with fervent curiosity.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room," said the girl. "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter."

Rishia stood in stunned silence.

"You have awakened to a burgeoning rebellion within you - a Persona," the girl continued.

"A...Persona?" Rishia finally managed to utter.

The girl nodded. "Correct. All those who unlock a Persona come here, to the Velvet Room. You see, your destiny holds more in store for you than you might have thought. Or perhaps you knew that already."

"I...Maybe, I don't know."

"And there is no shame in not knowing," the girl assured her. "After all, I do not hold the power to ascertain your destiny. That is up to you."

"But...who are you?" asked Rishia.

"You may call me Lavenza," replied the girl. "I am the attendant of the Velvet Room, and a guide for all those who awaken their inner rebellion."

"So...you can teach me how to use my...what's it called?"

"Persona," Lavenza answered. "And yes, I may be able to teach you. However...I believe it would be a better idea to seek out another who wields a Persona. If I am correct, there are three such people you may be acquainted with."

"You mean those people with the masks?"

Lavenza nodded. "Yes. Seek them out. They will help you master your newfound power. And if you should need further guidance, you will find an entrance to the Velvet Room, where you can speak with me."

Rishia calmed her shaking hands. "A-Alright."

Lavenza smiled. "I believe we are done here for now. I will send you back to your world. Farewell."

"I guess a storm is brewing out at sea," said Raphtalia. "So much for heading home early."

"We have more time to relax," Aris pointed out. "Besides, I have an inkling that Ness and Filo want to spend some time with Melty."

"They probably do," Raphtalia agreed. "Especially considering she was missing for weeks."

"How long do you think we have until the storm dies down?" asked Cloud as he cast his fishing rod into the water.

Raphtalia pondered for a moment. "Judging by the clouds, I'd say...maybe a day or three."

Aris smiled at her. "You know a lot about the sea, don't you?"

As if on cue, Raphtalia's fishing line went taut. She yanked the rod back with ease, pulling yet another fish from the water.

"Five to zero," said Loretta. "Brother, you might want to up your game."

"I mean, in his defense," said Raphtalia, "I grew up in a fishing village. I've been doing this since I was little."

"And the only fishing I'm any good at is throwing a Shock Fruit into the water and collecting the dead fish," Aris added.

Raphtalia shrugged. "Hey, as long as it works."

Aris finally got a bite on his line, reeling in one last fish. "This should be enough for dinner tonight."

"Oh, yeah, forgot to ask," said Cloud, "what are you making?"

"A recipe I came up with after some research on the indigenous fish of this island," replied Aris. "I don't have a name for it yet, but it's a mix of both seafood and land-based food."

"There's a name for that where I'm from," said Cloud. "Surf And Turf."

"Ooh, very nice," Aris commented. "It's very fun to say."

"Rolls off the tongue, too," Cloud added.

Aris packed up his fishing rod and picked up the bucket of fish, heading for where he and the others would be having their supper that evening.

"What are we going to do once we get back?" asked Loretta.

"Prepare for the next Wave," replied Aris. "I think perhaps we should recruit more people."

"You sure about that?" Cloud prodded. "This party's getting...pretty big, to say the least."

"Strength in numbers, Cloud."

"Good point."

Aris set up the cooking fire and cutting boards to prepare the food as everyone convened at a local tavern.

Filo, Ness, and Melty all returned at the same time, though a fourth person had come with them. It was none other than Queen Mirellia herself.

"Oh, Your Majesty," Aris remarked. "Fancy seeing you here."

"I wanted to bring the children here, for one thing," said the queen, "and I wanted to thank you again for your hard work."

"I'm merely doing my job, Your Majesty," replied Aris. "Actually, since you're here, would you care to join us for supper? If you're not busy."

"I don't believe I have anything important to attend to right now, so I will join you," said the queen.

"Very well," said Aris. "And...do forgive me if my cooking isn't up to par with what you usually eat."

The queen laughed it off. "I don't expect this to be a royal feast. Besides, it's...refreshing to enjoy a meal in a less formal setting."

"So, what are you making?" asked Joker.

BGM: Making a Sandwich - Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

"Surf And Turf Sandwiches!" Aris replied. He cracked his knuckles. "Sora, Cloud, if you would?"

The two lads in question fetched the rest of the ingredients and began to help Aris cook.

Cloud chopped up some tomatoes and peppers. Aris lathered several slices of bread with some butter and passed them to Sora, who cast a significantly weakened variation of Firaga to lightly toast all of them in one fell swoop. Sora then attended the meat and fish over the fire, turning them over one by one to let the raw sides cook.

"They seem very coordinated," Melty mused. "Have you three done this before?"

"Nope!" Sora laughed. "I mean, Aris and I have both cooked, but we've never done it tag team-style."

Once all the meat and fish was finished, Aris assembled the sandwiches with a medley of meat and fish, several slices of cheese, and a variety of chopped vegetables.

"And hey presto," declared Sora, "sandwiches!"

End BGM

Aris passed a sandwich to each person present. "Enjoy!"

Everyone began munching on their sandwiches.

"Mmm!" Filo hummed contentedly as she swallowed a bite. "Papa, this is amazing!"

"I must admit," said the queen, "I've never had the fortune of partaking in a sandwich before tonight, but..." she paused to take another bite of her sandwich, "this is truly astounding. A mixture of meat, fish, and vegetables all ergonomically packed in between two slices of bread...truly astounding."

"I would know," Melty told her mother. "I've had Aris's cooking before. He's quite the chef."

"Maybe you should open a restaurant once the Waves are over," Violet suggested.

Everyone finished their sandwiches before long.

"I will take my leave for the night," said Queen Mirellia. "Thank you for the meal."

"It was my pleasure, Your Majesty," said Aris as the queen departed.

Once Queen Mirellia had left, another individual arrived to take her place. "U-Um...excuse me?"

The group looked to see a girl with a green braid and a strange outfit. She wore some kind of mask on her face.

"Yes?" asked Loretta. "Can we help you?"

Suddenly, Morgana gasped. "W-Wait! Hold on! That...That mask!"

Joker's eyes widened as he looked at the green-haired girl. "Can...Can she use a Persona?"

The girl jumped. "Y-Yes! How did you know?"

"It was really obvious," Morgana remarked.

"I-I was told to find three people who can use Personas like I apparently can," said the girl. "Are you..."

Sumire nodded. "The three of us are, yes." She motioned to Joker, Morgana, and herself.

"G-Good!" said the girl. "I-I'm Rishia, by the way."

"Akira Kurusu," said Joker. "But I go by Joker."

"Sumire Yoshizawa," added Violet. "But you may call me Violet."

"And I'm Morgana," finished Morgana.

The four Persona users distanced themselves a little bit from the rest of the group so they could have a conversation between themselves.

"Weren't you in that Itsuki guy's group before?" asked Joker.

"I was..." replied Rishia, "but he kicked me out."

"He kicked you out!?" Violet was shocked. "What happened?"

"H-His other party members told him I broke one of his favorite accessories," said Rishia, seeming to be on the verge of tears. "I-I didn't even do it, but he believed them. Then again...h-he was kinda right to kick me out. I'm...I'm really weak. I've just been dead weight to him..."

"Well, you're not gonna be dead weight with us," Morgana said confidently. "Besides, if you can use a Persona, you'll be able to become really strong."

"How did it happen?" asked Violet.

"How did what happen?" said Rishia.

"Your Persona," said Joker. "How did it come to you?"

"I..." Rishia paused. "I-It was during the Wave," she said. "My head started to hurt really bad...l-like I'd just been shot with an arrow, or something. Then this...this voice spoke to me. A-And then this mask appeared on my face, and I ripped it off, th-then this weird...being appeared. And I was wearing...wh-what I'm wearing right now." She looked down at her gladiator armor. Then the thing summoned a big burst of wind, which sent those bombs out of the water."

Morgana leaned toward Joker. "You think she's met Lavenza yet?" he whispered.

"L-Lavenza?" said Rishia. "Oh, yeah, I met her!"

"You went to the Velvet Room?" asked Violet.

Rishia nodded. "Y-Yeah! Lavenza was the one who told me to find you."

"Well, she sent you in the right direction," said Morgana. "Starting now, you're one of us, Rishia."

Joker nodded. "Welcome to the Phantom Thieves."

Raphtalia's prediction had been correct. Aris and his comrades boarded the ship to return to Melromarc after about three days.

"Swordsman Shield Hero," said Queen Mirellia, "thank you again for all your hard work."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty," said Aris, "please...give credit where credit is due. I was not alone."

"Of course," said the queen. "Forgive me. All of you have done an exceptional job and have gone beyond the call of duty."

"Don't forget the work you did, ma'am," Sora added. "You're the whole reason we were able to fight Monstro properly."

The queen turned a little pink as she smiled. "I am honored. Thank you, Sora."

The ships were soon underway and sailing the seas toward Melromarc.

Queen Mirellia approached Aris and stood beside him near the bow. "There is something I wish to discuss with you," she said. "You have been working yourself to the bone in your efforts to protect the world alongside your friends, and I have yet to offer you any sort of reward. Tell me, Swordsman Shield Hero...what is it that you desire?"

Aris fell deep in thought. He gazed across the deck of the ship to Raphtalia, who was gazing out at the open ocean.

He thought back to the short stop before arriving at the ship that had taken them to Cal Mira - the stop in what remained of Raphtalia's old village.

He knew what he wanted to do.

"Welcome back, kid!" Erhard said jovially as Aris, Raphtalia, Rishia, and the Phantom Thieves entered Heatwaker Armory. "How was Cal Mira?"

"It was...eventful," replied Aris. "Do you carry any crossbows?"

Erhard frowned. "No, sorry. There should be an archery shop up the road from here, though. They've got whatcha need. Why do you need a crossbow?"

"She wants one." Aris motioned to Rishia.

"Oh, new recruit?" said Erhard.

Aris nodded. "She's still learning, but I see potential in her." He reached for his money pouch and passed a fistful of silver coins to Erhard. "This should cover the cost of my previous visit."

Erhard quickly counted the money. "Sure does! Anyway, you planning on sticking around?"

Aris shook his head. "There is somewhere I need to be."

Erhard nodded understandingly. "Right, the thing."

"What thing?" asked Raphtalia.

"Oh, nothin'," Erhard said casually. "Right, Aris?"

"Right," replied the Hylian.

"Come on, what are you two on about?"

"You'll see," Erhard told her.

"We'll be going, then." Aris turned for the door.

"Alright then," said Erhard. "If you crazy kids need anything, you know who to find!"

The Morgana Bus rumbled along the dirt road toward the Melromarc coastline, trailed by Filo and her beloved wagon.

Aris and Raphtalia sat in Filo's wagon together, with everyone else having boarded the bus.

"Aris?" said Raphtalia, "why were you and Erhard being so secretive about where we're going?"

"Apologies for that," said Aris. "We're going to get our reward from the queen. I wanted it to be a surprise." He smiled over his shoulder at her. "I think you'll like it."

Raphtalia was silent for a minute. Then, she perked up, sniffing the air. "Do you smell...salt?"

Aris chuckled. "I knew you would notice that. We're nearly there."

Filo's wagon and the Morgana Bus braked to a halt as they reached a familiar destination. Seagulls made their presence known overhead as the waves softly crashed against the sandy shore.

"Raphtalia!"

Keel and Rifana came running as Raphtalia and Aris disembarked Filo's wagon while everyone else piled out of the Morgana Bus.

"Guys!" Raphtalia cheered. "You're all better now!"

"That they are," said the ever-soothing voice of Van Reichnott. "They've been hard at work since before sunrise."

"Why?" asked Raphtalia. "What's going on?"

Aris smirked. "You'll find out."

Melty stepped forward, opening a scroll. "As a representative of Her Majesty Queen Mirellia Q. Melromarc, I, Second Princess Melty Q. Melromarc, hereby decree that the province of Sayette be restored to its former glory under a new name: the province of New Hyrule, and under the leadership of the Swordsman Shield Hero, Aris Harkinian Atreides."

BGM: A New Champion is Born! - Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Raphtalia gasped. "Wh-What!?"

"There it is," Aris mused. "That was the reward I requested from the queen. Thanks to her, I'm now the governor of the New Hyrule province."

"You...Y-You are?"

Aris nodded. "If things keep going the way they're currently going, we're going to need a base of operations."

"You could have just taken a home somewhere in the capital," Ness pointed out.

"That is true," Aris agreed, "but I have my reasons." He turned to Raphtalia. "Follow me. There's more I wish to show you."

He led her down to the beach, where several boats now sat in the sand, waiting to be taken out on the water. "I plan on restoring the fishing economy of this village," he told her. "That should contribute to amassing funds for reconstruction. And, we have an industry professional present right now." He smiled at her. "You'll be teaching the newcomers how to fish."

Aris took Raphtalia to a large building that seemed to be a town hall of some kind. The building itself was mostly intact, but renovations were underway inside.

Elrasla Grilaroc turned around to greet them. "So, mister Hero, you've finally decided to show up."

"Apologies for the delay," he said. "It seems you all are hard at work."

"That we are!" Elrasla said cheerfully. "Listen - you got any new recruits you want trained, I'll teach 'em how to beat up baddies the way I did when I was a young go-getter like you!"

"I like the idea," said Aris. "There is someone I might have you train."

Elrasla chortled. "Wonderful! I'm looking forward to it already!"

Aris and Raphtalia went up onto the roof of the building. A soft maritime wind blew through their hair, bathing their faces in a cool summer breeze.

"If the reconstruction continues at its current rate," said Aris, "your village and the rest of New Hyrule will be as good as new in no time at all."

"Aris..." Raphtalia breathed, "...wh-why are you doing this?"

BGM: Because I Love You - Earthbound/Mother 2

"I've wanted to for quite some time," he told her. "The Waves destroyed this place, and in a twist of beautiful irony, this place will be a bastion of resistance against them. We'll recruit more people, train them here, and have a band of warriors bigger than all three of the other Heroes' parties combined. That way-"

He was cut off as Raphtalia clutched his cloak.

"Are...Are you alright?" he asked her.

"Sh-Shut up..." she said, her voice beginning to break. "I...I can't bear to hear you talk like you're going to just up and leave me behind... It's too much! I-I don't give a bat's behind if L'Arc, Therese, Glass, or even Maleficent and her lackeys show up again! We can fight them off just like we can fight the Waves! You're not dying on me, Aris! I-I...I won't let you! Not when I love you so much!"

Raphtalia fell silent. Her cheeks burned with a burgeoning blush.

Aris gasped. "Y-You..."

Raphtalia steeled herself, still through tears. "Y-Yes...I love you, Aris...I love you so much that my heart physically aches...A-And I know you might not love me the way I love you, but...even if you don't...please...don't leave...don't leave me behind..."

"I...I'm so sorry..." Aris began to tear up himself. "I-I never considered..."

He paused. He considered his words very carefully.

"I'm not leaving you, Raphtalia," he said. "I never will. I have every reason to protect this world during the Waves and beyond. But...the biggest reason of them all...is you. You are the reason I fight. You are the reason I'm proud to be the Swordsman Shield Hero. And the reason that you're the reason is...it's because I love you. I said it once in Idol's dungeon, but I'll say it again and again as many times as you need to hear it. I love you, Raphtalia."

She gasped. Her eyes became waterfalls of tears as she sprang up and threw her arms around Aris.

He returned her embrace with gentle arms, holding her against him. "A new beginning," he said. "That's what's happening today. Fighting the Waves, recruiting new warriors...all of it begins here."

"Aris...I..."

Raphtalia gently reached up, caressing Aris's cheeks with her hands. She leaned up, closing her eyes as her lips parted ever so slightly.

Aris wasn't stopping her. He reciprocated by doing the same, leaning down toward Raphtalia.

All of that came to a stop when the door to the roof burst open. "Papa!" Filo came running over, leaping onto Aris's back and clinging to him like a koala. The rest of the group crowded around him. Sora clapped him on the shoulder, Loretta gave him a tight bear hug, Cloud simply smiled.

"Guys, check this out!" Rifana shouted from higher up.

She and Keel hoisted a flag high onto its pole. The royal crest of Melromarc and the winged emblem of Hyrule billowed on high for all to see.