Chapter XXII: Take My Heart
August 5, 2019 (2019年8月5日)/(Reality: August 5, 2021)/7:30 AM (JST)
Hours later in the early morning, Ann's tests were done and her results came back negative. She had no serious conditions save for the bump on her head when she fell. The others arrived in the morning to see Ann.
11:00 AM (JST)
Ann was finally discharged from the hospital and left with Ren. Neither said anything to the other and it stayed like this on their way home. The mood matched the gray and rainy atmosphere. By the time they came home, the couple exchanged no words or eye contact. Ann closed herself off and locked their bedroom door, giving her space to cry herself to sleep. Ren sat down outside the door helplessly on what to do.
A few days after the incident, Ren talked with his friends about what he should do. More often, the males told him to try to talk with Ann. The ladies suggested giving Ann her personal space until she was ready.
Ann hadn't gotten any sleep or eaten much. Opting to get out of the apartment, Ann packed a few things and rented a room at a hotel. While he wanted to talk her out of it, he decided to let her go.
Shiho's Apartment/Roppongi (六本木)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/September 15, 2019 (2019年9月15日)/(Reality: September 15, 2021)/3:15 PM (JST)
For a few weeks, the couple respected each other's space. Ann would either rent hotel rooms or stay at Shiho's place. Ann didn't bother calling her family. She sought advice from her school friend about rekindling her relationship with Ren. All Shiho could offer was to remind her of the hospital visits.
"Thanks for hearing me vent my issues and letting me stay here until I'm ready to go home," Ann said, expressing gratitude to her school friend. "You're a real friend."
"No, I'm glad you came to me first and you're more than welcome to crash here whenever you want, Ann," Shiho replied genuinely. "I'm only worried about how you and Ren are going to sort out your problems. Will everything be ok?"
"I'm not even sure."
Shiho slid her hand over Ann's and consoled her. "If you want my view, I think you two will sort things out." As she said this, Ann looked at her with puzzlement. "No, seriously. I'm a good judge of character. I still approve of you and Ren being together. When I first met him, I didn't believe those rumors about his criminal record. I saw nothing but innocence in his eyes."
"That's true. Everyone else gossiped about and feared him."
Nodding, Shiho continued. "Listen, Ann, every couple, even the ones with the closest ties, have argued. I hope you and Ren can reconcile, but I'll respect your choice if you two decide to break off your marriage."
"Shiho…" Ann muttered, completely speechless by her friend's frankness.
"I trust Ren's character, but as your friend, I want nothing but the best life for you. If there's anything I've learned in my relationship with Mia, love has to be earned in trust in each other. Do you understand?"
"Yeah, I do," the model nodded in response. "And I haven't decided what we're going to do. I haven't spoken to Ren in a few days."
"When will you talk to him again, Ann?"
"Hopefully soon…"
"Ann, don't be afraid to talk to him. If we know Ren, he'll listen."
"Ok, Shiho," Ann nodded.
Despite receiving consolation from Shiho, Ann left one evening and left her a thank you note. Allowing depression to consume her, Ann still felt responsible for the emotional damage and intense dialogue. Even though she was under the Yami Matter's influence, it was still her projecting and lashing out against Ren. Cognitive Ann nearly destroyed her marriage. Still carrying a heavy burden, the Yami Matter drove her into depression.
As the depression took its toll on her, Ann decided it was time to end it.
Shibuya Tobu Hotel/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/8:30 PM (JST)
Tonight would've been the anniversary of their marriage. A lot has happened since then, but their first anniversary couldn't have ended on a sour note.
Accusing herself of Cognitive Ann destroying their marriage, Ann couldn't bear to take it anymore. Her unhealthy depression took its toll on her.
Stepping on the edge of the hotel's room, Ann looked down. She was roughly 100 feet from the ground. A part of her was against this and declared it the coward's way out. Another side of her conscience told her there was nothing to lose. She planted both feet on the edge. A gust of wind blew against her, brushing her long hair back.
Staring at her wedding ring, Ann tapped it and considered taking it off. She figured there was no point wearing it if she was going to go through it. She was going to do what Shiho nearly succeeded in doing: falling off and committing suicide. Making her yet another statistic number in the country's suicide rates.
As she prepared to pull the ring off, Ann closed her eyes. Tears fell. She gritted her teeth. After a few tugs, she stopped. She then stepped off the edge and dropped her arms. She shook her head and turned away. Ann couldn't find the courage to do it. Even her friend, Shiho, had the guts to throw herself off a rooftop.
You're absolutely pathetic. Ann mentally vented and noted before storming away from the roof.
Nightclub/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/9:03 PM (JST)
A full month has passed since the giant jellyfish incident and Skyler's descent after killing who he considered an innocent life. No matter how often his friends tried convincing him the Australian girl was beyond saving, Skyler wouldn't accept this reality. Hifumi also faced self-doubts using her goddess abilities directly affected events and caused recent problems, including using them to open a doorway to another alternate dimension, reversing the damage to the aforementioned dimension, and helping to kill the unstable Australian girl.
While they didn't have any heated arguments like Ren and Ann, Hifumi and Skyler were still not on speaking terms and gave each other space for the foreseeable future. The couple decided to test each other's love and resolve by pairing up with the Elven princesses. They decided not to involve Io in their drama, allowing the pale Revenant to slumber inside Hifumi. Hifumi picked Anastasia as her partner. Skyler went out with Nadia to a local nightclub that he and Hifumi used to frequent.
Walking side by side into the nightclub, Skyler and Nadia didn't once hold each other's hands. Skyler didn't even wear his marriage ring, which quelled people from asking if he was married. As they walked into the dance floor, Nadia extended a hand to him.
"Well? Are you ready to shake that ass off, sexy?" Nadia asked, winking as she enticed him to dance with her.
"C'mon, don't call me that" scoffed Skyler as he followed the darker-skinned elven woman and watched her not just dancing but grinding as she shook her ass in front of him. He danced along with her.
However, she could tell his heart wasn't really into it. She discerned his quiet and unsatisfied demeanor.
"Hey, you could at least pretend you're enjoying our night out!" Nadia called out while continuing to grind and shake her hips to the music.
"I am! I just wish we were doing this at a place where Hifumi and I don't usually go."
"Hey, man, you picked this place! Here," she grabbed his hands as she led Skyler into a dance. They quickly started grinding as Nadia spun around in front and bent down while shaking her hips and ass. "Hifumi wants us to have a good time, and I'm not letting her down." Waiting for him to put his arms over her, she saw him half-heartedly dancing but barely acknowledging her.
Furrowing her brows, Nadia let out an irritated scowl and yelled in Skyler's face.
"You aren't even trying, Skyler! Do you even know I'm right here?!" Nadia yelled out as she elicited stares and gossip from the other clubgoers. "I thought you wanted me to help you and Hifumi sort out your shit, but you're not even giving me a chance here!"
"I'm sorry," apologetically muttered Skyler.
"Huh? Speak up."
"I said I'm fucking sorry!" Skyler yelled out as Nadia frowned and stormed away from the dance floor. "Shit. Wait, Nadia!"
Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/9:25 PM (JST)
Trying to take her mind off everything up to this point, Ann sat on a bench. She noted very few people around this time, save for a couple or two. Seeing these couples made Ann disgusted with herself. If she couldn't find the courage to end her life, she was left with nothing.
Just then, Ann felt footsteps interrupt her concentration. She looked up and to her surprise, it was Jack and Eva. Jack was seen dressed in a black suit and a gray undershirt and Eva was seen garbed in a black coat and a long red dress.
"Why are you out here alone?" Jack asked Ann.
"Yeah, it's dangerous if you're not with anyone," Eva added.
"...n-nothing," Ann barely muttered, withdrawing herself from their stares.
"Do you mind if we sit?" Queried Jack.
She almost declined, but she moved over. Jack and Eva sat opposite Ann. The couple and Ann didn't exchange looks or dialogue for a few moments until Jack broke the awkward silence.
"It's a lovely night, isn't it?" Jack asked.
"It is. So, what's on your mind, Ann?" Eva turned over to the model. "Have you and Ren worked out your differences?"
Ann sighed, shaking her head. "We haven't spoken for weeks. I was staying at Shiho's, but I left and am staying at a hotel right now."
"And how long are you going to be staying in a hotel? I doubt you can handle the finances long term," Eva stated, questioning Ann's financial situation.
"I'll make due. I still have modeling gigs."
Jack remarked. "And what if you can't solely rely on gigs to help pay for your hotel stays? And what about food? Have you asked your family for help?"
She said nothing and gave a cold scowl.
He pressed Ann with more inquiries. "Have you talked with your friends? Have you reached them?"
"No. Look, the situation with Ren…"
"Don't you think it's time for you and him to talk again? I'm sorry about what you went through with that shadow Ann, but Skyler and Hifumi are going through similar problems. But, they're able to solve their problems with Anastasia and Nadia's help. You aren't even allowing anyone to help you," Eva openly addressed Ann's issues. "It's ok to need time away, but you can't handle everything by yourself. You honestly should've stayed with Shiho."
"I haven't spoken with Ren for weeks. Yes, we fought. It's true. I've been staying in hotels and with one of my best friends. I… I don't even want to see Ren because of what I…" Ann stopped to not reveal much of her domestic situation.
Frowning, Jack leaned back. "Oh, I see. That's how it is. This is on you then?"
"Jack!" Eva snapped at him.
Ann ground her teeth. "So, what if it is? I destroyed our marriage. There's no hiding that fact."
Jack added. "You say that now, but what if you and your husband don't reconcile? Don't you still have your friends? Your fans? Aren't you one of the famous cover models?"
"Yeah."
Eva spoke up. "Listen, I enjoy your model work. You have many fans who love what you do. You alone have talents. And I don't buy that you still don't love your husband." Eva recalled the AnimeJapan Pokémon tournament. "When I saw you and Ren duel Skyler and Hifumi, I saw how harmonized you two were. You both took your loss in stride. I felt your spirits perfectly synchronize. You would've done something very foolish to squander that relationship."
"She isn't lying," Jack nodded.
Ann turned away and sighed. "Well, I…"
Jack added. "It's up to you whether you want to reignite that passionate love you have for your husband. We're just giving you a pep talk."
Reaching over and holding Ann's hand, Eva smiled. "Please think about what we said. We want you and Ren to get back together."
Sighing, Ann looked away. "I don't know…"
The male Revenant turned over to Ann. "What are you going to do? Sit here and mourn in self-pity. Or, will you go back and see him?"
"I want to see him…"
"What's stopping you then?" Jack uncrossed his right leg over his left one. He propped himself up and turned to walk away.
"I'm afraid of crossing a line with him. I don't want us to have another fight because of what I said."
"Listen. Every couple has its ups and downs. Even Jack and I aren't perfect. Hifumi and Skyler aren't either. Don't think you and Ren are any better," Eva said, glancing over her right shoulder. "Just go to him and see him. You won't know anything if you're out here alone. Ask him and see how he feels. Do you understand?"
"I kinda do…" Ann nodded as she stood and smiled. "Between you two, Eva is the better advice-giver. No offense, Jack."
Openly scoffing, Jack side rolled his eyes. "None taken, I guess."
"But, everything you two said is so genuine. Thank you."
Eva smiled and nodded. "It's our pleasure, Ann. Please don't keep Ren waiting."
Nodding, Ann added. "Yeah, I better get going. Thanks again!" She quickly bolted from the park and headed straight for her destination.
Without even facing her direction, Jack and Eva smiled proudly to help Ann's troubled situation.
"Now, I wonder if Hifumi and Skyler can resolve their differences?" Eva said.
"That's entirely up to them," Jack firmly said, but deep down he hoped his friend and Hifumi could be on the same page again.
Meiji Shrine (明治神宮)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/9:47 PM (JST)
Hifumi and Anastasia spent their time alone and explored the prefecture. Along the way, Anastasia did her best to lighten up Hifumi's spirits and took her to some of her favorite spots. After leaving a coffee shop, they crossed a bridge and stared at the starry night sky.
Ignoring the people around them, Hifumi addressed the elven princess. "Thank you for taking me out for hot cocoa. It hit the spot."
"It's my pleasure, Hifumi," Anastasia kindly responded. "Who knows? Maybe you bring Skyler here? Call it my recommendation!"
As her lips barely curled, Hifumi muttered. "Maybe."
"Are you still feeling down? I'm sorry. I tried my best to brighten your spirits."
"No, no, I appreciate the efforts you've been putting in! It's been a different but intriguing experience!" the Shogi champion replied, waving her hands around.
"I'm glad to hear that. I wonder how Skyler and my Nadia are faring on their date." Realizing what she just said, she and Hifumi both sighed with concern. "Knowing Nadia, her patience has probably already worn thin."
"I don't even want to imagine. I hope it works out well for them," Hifumi worried about her boyfriend and the Dark Elf's date. "I had hoped that us dating you and Anastasia would work to improve our relationship."
"Let's give it a little more time, Hifumi. One step at a time," Anastasia suggested as she held Hifumi's hand. "Why don't you go and take a walk in Meiji Shrine?"
"Yes, that sounds good."
On the way off the bridge, Hifumi and Anastasia bumped into a familiar face. The individual who stood in their way was none other than Mido, who was taken aback by the two ladies.
"Oh my, what a small world we live in,'" Mido chuckled modestly while massaging the back of his scalp.
"I recognize you," Hifumi identified him. "You're one of the Consortium members we met at that party. You're Juzo Mido."
"I'm honored you remember me, miss."
Anastasia whispered near Hifumi. "Should we be talking with him? He is affiliated with the Consortium?" She watched Mido approach them.
"You do not need to fear. Neither of us is with our respective groups. I'm just taking a casual stroll tonight. Probably the same reason why you two lovely ladies are out tonight," Mido politely addressed them.
"Thank you," Hifumi sadly muttered as Mido immediately picked up on her melancholic tone.
"Is something wrong, miss?"
"It's…" However, Hifumi couldn't hold in her bottled emotions anymore. "There's been issues between my boyfriend and me."
"Oh, I'm dearly sorry to hear this. Did he…?"
Hifumi quickly dismissed any accusation. "No, we didn't fight nor did any of us attack each other. Both of us went through a scary and traumatic experience that affected us. We couldn't save someone. That person died."
"So, the Phantom Thieves couldn't save someone?" Mido queried.
"Not them but Skyler, myself, and our Revenant friends. Do you remember the giant jellyfish monster that attacked "
Nodding, Mido added. "Yes?"
"That's where we failed to save that one person. Since then, those repercussions have severely affected us. We both lost our will to fight and we haven't spoken to each other much. I've been so afraid to talk to Skyler that I always stayed quiet. I didn't want to hurt him with words. And speaking for myself, I started to doubt my powers upon realizing that I can't save everyone, nor can I always be depended on to fix others' mistakes," Hifumi explained but without giving so much away related to the alternate Crimson dimension and the jellyfish incidents.
"I see. You're both giving each other space?"
"Yes, and we talked about spending time with friends of ours. Anastasia was kind enough to spend time with me while her girlfriend Nadia tried to lift my boyfriend's spirits."
"How has that gone?" Mido curiously asked.
"Mixed results, I'm afraid, but we're not going to give up," Anastasia bluntly answered, which brought a smile to Mido's face.
"I'm glad you're making the effort to help your friends. I'm sorry for what happened to you regarding that tragedy. Sadly it's a sad reality that heroes, or frankly anyone don't want to face. We can't save everyone," Mido truthfully stated. "I can relate. There was someone I couldn't save."
"Who was it?" Hifumi asked.
Before he could bring himself to answer, Mido palmed his face as if he was about to cry. Taking off his glasses, the scientist answered. "My daughter." Upon revealing the person he couldn't save, he heard Hifumi and Anastasia let out horrified gasps. "It was the worst day of my life. Even a man of science such as I couldn't do anything to prevent her terminal illness." He began sobbing into his hand, eliciting a heart-wrenched response from Hifumi and Anastasia. "Her tragic death was the catalyst that pushed my desire to use science for a better future. I want to prevent other families from ever losing their children."
"I-I'm sorry. I didn't know," Hifumi responded sadly.
"She's in a better place. When I look at you, she reminds me of you. You and she have the same beautiful long hair and face. I wish I had a photo on me to show you…"
"It's ok. I can leave it to my imagination," the Shogi player said.
"We are truly sorry for your loss. Yes, we've all had tragedies happen in our lives, but no parent should ever have to endure the loss of their child," Anastasia stated.
"Agreed. Listen, Miss…"
"Togo Hifumi. This is my friend Anastasia."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Remember everything we talked about tonight, Miss Hifumi. I hope you can get over your insecurities and I encourage you to get together with your lover after you've finished giving each other space," Mido said, smiling affectionately as he bowed. "I bid a good evening to you, ladies. Be safe on your way home."
"No, thank you, Mr. Mido…" As Hifumi stopped mid-sentence, she pivoted toward Anastasia. "So, we were heading for Meiji Shrine?"
As they watched Mido leave, Anastasia answered. "Yeah…"
"I'm not entirely sure but I want to believe he meant what he said. Even though Io, Skyler, and their group warned to be cautious about Mido. However, Io reassured us that Mido doesn't have his memories."
The Light Elf reassured her. "Then, we hardly have anything to worry about. As long as Mido's nefarious memories don't return, he won't be a problem in the future. We can focus on fighting the Yami Matter and related incidents."
"Yes, of course."
"Ready to go, Hifumi?"
Nodding, Hifumi followed Anastasia as they walked down the stairs. On their way to Meiji Shrine, Hifumi heard Io inside her mind.
"Even if what he said may be true, I would remain wary of Mido. Do not be fully swayed by his genuine words. While he doesn't have his memories, he's still affiliated with The Consortium. My friends still harbor animosity toward Mido for good reasons."
"Of course, I'll keep that in mind, Io."
Upon hearing Hifumi murmuring, Anastasia giggled. "Are you talking to Io again, Hifumi?"
"Yeah, she was just telling me to be cautious of Mido."
"Good advice. Ah, here we are," the Light Elf said as they walked into the walkway near Meiji Shrine and spent the evening admiring the sights. They saw other couples choosing their perfect romantic spots. One couple passed by and eyed the two women, seemingly assuming they were a lesbian couple.
"We're getting looks," Hifumi whispered.
"Don't let that bother you, Hifumi."
"I'm not but I do have a boyfriend."
Anastasia quickly held Hifumi's hand and smiled. "Yes, but for tonight, we're girlfriends. Forget what society tells us."
Feeling nothing but kindness and warmth in Anastasia's hand, Hifumi felt her cheeks blush. A knowing smile curved across Hifumi's face as they walked into the park's forested area. Being an elf, Anastasia felt more at home with nature than in urbanized society and she wanted to share that love with Hifumi.
"Here. Is this a good place for us to enjoy our intimate privacy?" The Light Elf asked her.
"It's perfect. No one should find us here," Hifumi said as they sat down together. Facing each other, they grasped each other's hands and smiled.
"I can see why Skyler loved you. You're such a beautiful sight for even a Light Elf such as I. No, your beauty is undeniably as beautiful as any Elf."
Hifumi coyly smiled. "And you're beautiful as well, Anastasia. I can see what Nadia saw in you. But since Nadia isn't here now, I am your celestial star maiden." With that, the human and the Light Elf shared a passionate kiss.
After undressing each other, they allowed their pure bodies to soak in their natural surroundings. Their bodies and feet absorbed the natural earth. As they wrapped in each other's embrace, they licked and kissed each other's faces and breasts. Hifumi leaned back, laying on Anastasia's knees with the Light Elf on top of her. While Hifumi reached out and caressed her face, the Light Elf coyly smiled. Leaning over, Anastasia allowed her massive breasts to hang over Hifumi's face. Staring at the Light Elf's voluptuous breasts, Hifumi blushed.
"Do you like the view?" Anastasia smirked, shaking her large breasts, enticing Hifumi to grab them.
"They're even lovelier than Io's."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
As she caressed Anastasia's breasts, Hifumi raised her head and kissed the Light Elf. Once their lips locked, they held each other and engaged in intercourse unseen by other seeing eyes. Hifumi eventually lay on top of Anastasia and raised her head, letting out sensual moans. After another passionate kiss and passionate intercourse, Hifumi rested in Anastasia's arms.
"Thank you, Anastasia. I needed that."
The Light Elf smiled lovingly, folding her arms around Hifumi. "Anytime. I hope that was enough to heal your broken spirit, Hifumi." After patting Hifumi's back, Anastasia added under her breath. "I wonder if you're having any luck with Skyler, Nadia."
Skyler's Apartment/Hamamatsuchō (浜松町)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/10:10 PM (JST)
When they returned to his apartment, Skyler and Nadia had an intense argument over tonight's disastrous date.
"Skyler, I never thought you'd be such a stick in the mud, but you couldn't even try to give us a good time!" Nadia berated him.
"You're right, my heart wasn't into it. I'm sorry."
"Stop it! Don't give me that 'sorry' crap! You embarrassed us tonight. How is this going to help solve your and Hifumi's shit?!"
"Look, maybe… maybe we shouldn't have done this? I wasted our time…" Before he could finish, he was silenced as Nadia's hand slapped his face, leaving a bright red hand mark where her hand made contact with his facial flesh. Uncurling his lips, Skyler openly snapped at the Elven princess. "What the hell, Nadia?!"
"I wasn't there when that happened, but whatever happened happened. You need to get over it! It's done! You need to pick your head up and worry about what lies ahead for you!" Nadia argued while shaking her hand off.
"I should…"
"Yeah, for sure."
"Thanks. I needed that," Skyler sighed deeply.
"Me slapping you? I could do it again."
"Please don't. Hey, listen, let's try this again," the Revenant persuaded the Elven princess, who nodded and walked up to him. As they locked hands, Skyler and Nadia leaned over and locked lips as they passionately kissed each other.
As they embraced each other, Skyler and Nadia aggressively kissed and fell, rolling around the apartment floor. As they got off the floor, Skyler and Nadia proceeded to the former's bed. As she locked lips with him, Nadia helped remove his long-sleeved dress shirt and pants. Skyler returned the favor as he undressed Nadia out of her black revealing leather dress. They undressed until they were both nude, save for Nadia's see-through leggings and high heels. He got behind Nadia and fondled her large elven breasts. As he caressed her chest and licked her right ear, Nadia gave a flustered and pouty expression. He then licked her right armpit while continuing to tease her.
"You have such beautiful skin, Nadia. I never told you that."
"And you know what? I'm enjoying making love with a human as much as Anastasia," Nadia coyly smiled as she could tell Skyler was in a better mood. He was enjoying an experience with another woman. She and Skyler locked lips tightly, french kissing one another passionately as Dark Elf proceeded to stroke and handle his manhood. Skyler then got on top of Nadia with her lying on the bed. Before embracing him, Nadia felt Skyler caressing and kissing her leg. She returned the favor by fingering his butt with her middle finger using her left hand; at the same time, she used her right arm to hold his neck for a kiss.
During their intercourse, Skyler and Nadia conversed and one sensual remark caused the young man to blush.
"Man, I can tell you've only had sex with Hifumi and Io. They're not as wild as me," Nadia teasingly remarked.
"And they're even hotter than they are," Skyler said. "And that's not me knocking on their beautiful appearances, but Dark Elf women like you are something else. Your skin is so beautiful."
"Heheh, thanks, but no Dark Elf is as hot and wild as me. No wonder you're feeling tired. You're getting the best of my kind, boy!" Nadia calmly chortled. Then, Skyler turned Nadia around and removed her high heels, revealing her feet.
As he got behind Nadia, he caressed her buttocks, making her flustered and annoyed.
"Ugh, knock it off!" Nadia snarled but he didn't cease caressing. She returned the favor by caressing, licking, and sucking his member.
Greatly underestimating her tenacity, Skyler felt himself getting drained by the Dark Elf. Ultimately, he passed out from Nadia's handling and her ability to sexually exhaust him. Nadia embraced a sleeping Skyler and smiled.
"Man, you're such a lightweight. Anastasia could handle me in her sleep," Nadia teased the tired Revenant. "But, if anything, I think that was enough to rejuvenate your spirit. Anastasia, I think we did it, my love."
Amamiya-Takamaki Residence (奄美・高崎 レジデンス)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/10:30 PM (JST)
Opening the door to their apartment, Ann walked in unannounced but certainly not uninvited. She looked around the front of the apartment and hurried into the living room. She paused and saw Ren sitting on a chair with a photo album. He dropped the album, which had photos of himself, Ann, and their friends during the year Ren attended Shujin.
"Ann? You're…"
"Ren!" Ann cried out as she ran over and hugged him. She sobbed against his chest. Taken aback, Ren embraced his wife and patted her back. "Ren, I-I'm so sorry! For everything!"
Warming up to her embrace, Ren smiled. "Nobody should blame anyone for anything. It's over. That Yami Matter that tried to break us up is gone. She can't hurt us anymore."
Ann lifted her head. Her teary blue eyes met Ren's dark gray eyes. They grasped and locked their fingers together.
Ann muttered affectionately. "I love you, Ren."
"I love you, too, Ann."
She smiled. "Please take my heart."
With that, Ren carried Ann into their bedroom and put her on their bed. Ren quickly disrobed his dress shirt, revealing his masculine chest and physique. Ann removed her shirt and showed off a white bra. Ren got into bed with Ann. After undressing each other, the couple lay together fully nude in bed. They affectionately locked lips and passionately kissed.
After some lip and tongue locking, they kissed each other's cheeks. Ren shifted his lips over Ann's right breast and licked it. Ann let out a happy gasp and blushed. As he licked her right breast, he fondled her left one. Ren shifted downward toward Ann's private area. Ann lied back, giving him consent to lick her pussy and ass. He leaned in to lick the two areas, fulfilling Ann's inner desires. Vaginal juices spilled from her pussy, which Ren licked up and continued to eat inside of her.
Ren helped Ann sit up on their bed. He got behind his wife. He put his hand around her right breast and fondled it while his left hand rubbed her pussy area again. However, Ann folded her arms over Ren's neck and kissed his lips. Slowly teasing to shove his member into her vaginal area, Ren instead shoved his penis into her butt and bum fucked her. While thrusting himself into Ann, she gasped loudly and passionately. He kissed and caressed her back, neck, and lips.
Ren lay back on their bed. His foreign angel was on top of him for their intercourse. Taking his dick out of Ann's butt, Ann leaned in and let her husband insert his member into her vagina. He thrust into her, making her loudly cry out and orgasm. The couple held each other's hands as they both climaxed during their intercourse.
Upon staring into each other, their eyes teared up. These tears were not from sadness and frustration but from love and forgiveness. Outside their window, the moonlight beamed through and spotlighted their late hedonistic night.
"I love you so much, my Joker."
"And I love you as well, my angel."
They passionately kissed once more before closing their eyes and resting for the remainder of the night.
Skyler and Hifumi's Apartment/Hamamatsuchō (浜松町)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/2:30 AM (JST)
After finishing their work, Nadia returned carrying Skyler on her back. She saw Anastasia waiting for her carrying Hifumi in her arms. Using Hifumi's key, Anastasia opened the door and let them in. The elven women put the couple in bed and let them rest.
"Did you have a good time, Nadia?" Anastasia queried her lover.
"We had another rough start but it ended well. I'm satisfied," Nadia replied, giving a goodnight kiss on the sleeping Skyler's lips.
"Me, too. I think we healed their broken spirits. It's up to them to reconcile their doubts," Anastasia said, kissing Hifumi's lips.
"Sweet dreams, you two," Nadia said as the Elves left the apartment.
By morning, Hifumi and Skyler awoke but not in the Elves' company. They faced each other and pointed at one another.
"How did it go?" They both asked one another.
"You first, Skyler."
As the couple explained the vivid details of their dates and sexual intercourse with the Elves, Hifumi leaned back on her pillow. A calm smirk adorned her features as she felt her doubts subside. She and Skyler held each other's hands and kissed.
"I think it worked. I don't have any more doubts and I'm ready to take on what the Yami Matter throws at us," Skyler reaffirmed his stance on neutralizing the external threat at large.
"Likewise, and should another horrible ordeal try to test our relationship, we will overcome it together," Hifumi resolutely stated, folding her fingers inside Skyler's hand. "And not just us but Io and the others as well. Inside her mind, Io smiled and nodded accordingly.
The couple also owed the Elven princesses for helping restore their relationship and heal their fractured bonds. They regained their resolve to fight the Yami Matter.
Chapter Soundtrack
Persona 5 - Confession Secret- The aftermath of the fourth YM. The mood remains gray and the characters fall into depression.
VAMPS - The Past - Skyler and Nadia dance at the nightclub.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Distrust - Hifumi and Anastasia interact with Mido, which the scientist relates to the current downturn such as once having a deceased daughter from a terminal illness.
Persona 5 OST - Regret - Ann attempted suicide, but does not go through it, the song ends afterward before Yoyogi Park.
The House of the Dead 4 – Requiem - Ann, Jack, and Eva's scene.
Hiroyuki Sawano - I Love You [Ft. Vocal: Sekiyama Aika] - Ren and Ann reconcile and have passionate intercourse. The tear-jerking and heartwarming song shows that no matter the real-life challenges happening in Tokyo society, their genuine love always triumphs. The 'Love' title of the song relates to the Lovers Arcana.
CLANN - Closer - Hifumi and Anastasia's intercourse.
On My Own (Instrumental) - MELL - Skyler and Nadia's intercourse.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Goddess - - Hifumi and Skyler talk to each other again when they wake up from their intercourse with the elves.
A/N: What a relief the couples have overcome their doubts. Now, they concentrate on taking down the Yami Matter.
Ann nearly committed suicide like Shiho, who would've thought? But, thankfully she doesn't go through with it. Then, Jack and Eva give Ann the pep talk she needs to confront Ren. When she thought Ren would turn her away, the couple rekindled their love in the best way they could.
Skyler and Hifumi get help from the Elven princesses. The results were mixed but Hifumi and Skyler making love with the elves healed their broken spirits.
Oh, look. It's Mido. Being the nice guy and trying to get them to sympathize with his daughter's death. Whether he's lying or not remains to be seen.
Well, that's it. These past chapters have been an emotional rollercoaster (especially for me with this chapter and tying it to my personal dealings).
This chapter's emotions are sorta tied to what I've been going through. It's not relationship-related, but I was burdened with completing a long outline revealing and spoiling the final story of a long-running fanfic crossover, which stressed me out and caused me a panic attack. It didn't help that a few individuals pressed me to write this final story, which isn't planned for release for a long time. That sure didn't help my panic attack. To ensure I take care of my mental health, I took several breaks from writing, including a long break between mid-July and early September to recollect myself and come back refreshed. Additionally, a one-week Hawaiian vacation was exactly what I needed.
It's good to be back. Updates will be steady until XXV, which will be the multi-chaptered finale for Book II. XXV-onward will take more time and effort to put out with all the conflicts set to spill out.
If you want, maybe share and relate to a situation when you've written anything related to a real-world experience that occurred at that time.