Akane no Mai

by Kanius

A man from the world of Vein drops into a world of Thieves. He meets a pragmatic woman. She greets him with a calm smile. "My name is Togo Hifumi." Following the fateful encounter, a host of monsters arrive, disrupting the peace. The Thieves return to confront these entities outside their realm and ultimately cross paths with the Revenant man.

46. Halloween Nights

Chapter XXIV: Halloween Nights

---

Shibuya Crossing (渋谷交差点)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/October 31, 2019 (2019年10月31日) (Reality: October 31, 2021)/8:47 PM (JST)

It was a cool and lively Halloween night. The locals came out to partake in events celebrating the ghouls, the undead, and the spirits. At one point, Halloween wasn't entirely embraced by Japanese culture until recent decades when Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan introduced horror-themed attractions and wearing costumes. Since 2016, the streets of Tokyo, including Shibuya, have become brimming with Halloween activities. Concerts, costume contests, and trick-or-treating were such activities the locals took part in.

This year would not be different. It was yet another excuse for the Thieves and Revenants to get together.

"Here we are," Skyler said as he, Hifumi, and Io observed the variety of costumed people. The first thing they saw was zombie cosplayers methodically walking and moaning. Skyler and Hifumi came dressed as the Final Fantasy VIII couple Squall Leonhart and Riona Heartilly. Io dressed as Izu from Kamen Rider Zero-One.

"Look at all these people. It's like that convention we went to," Io was taken aback by the costumed people and trick-or-treaters.

Resting her hands on Io's shoulders, Hifumi giggled. "Why don't we make your first Halloween something to remember?"

"Yes, please."

Walking down the Shibuya Crossing, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io walked by people dressed as oversized pumpkins. Io's costume gained a lot of attraction from Kamen Rider fans as she posed for pics, including for a professional photographer.

Of the Phantom Thieves they ran into, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io met with Ren and Ann first. The couples acknowledged and complemented their costumes. Ren was Emiya Kiritsugu from Fate/Zero. Ann came as Ange from Cross Ange.

"I really love your costumes!" Ann squealed with delight at Skyler, Hifumi, and Io's outfits.

"So, any reason why you went as this character, Ann?" Hifumi asked her about her costume choice.

"You could say she is my favorite character from this show. I had this soft spot for Cross Ange while I was still in junior high. I also relate to Ange since we both faced horrible abusers. I despised Embryo for the same reasons I hated Kamoshida."

"And of course, I remind her that her favorite character from that show had sex with the lead guy."

"Yeah, it was the first time I saw a couple on TV making out pretty much nude. What? I was 14 at the time watching it late! It's not like it went into full-on porn! Besides, after all the crap those two went through, it was a reliever for me, too," Ann finished expressing her personal history with this show. "And that's why I went with being Ange."

Skyler nodded. "That's enough reason to dress up as a character."

"Yeah, and you can say we dressed as Squall and Riona because you guys said we remind you of them," Hifumi said. "And so, here we are."

"Hey, great costumes!" Louis called out.

"Over here!" Ren waved to Louis, Makoto, and Haru.

Louis came dressed as Kaneki Ken from Tokyo Ghoul. Opposite him, Haru came as Yuki Yuna from Yuki Yuna Is a Hero and Makoto was Watanabe Yuri from the Spider-Man (2017) video game.

"Those are awesome costumes, guys," Ann complimented them.

Upon seeing Makoto's costume, Skyler teased her with a mischievous grin. "And who are you dressed as? I didn't think you were on duty now, Mako-kins."

Rolling her eyes, Makoto humored him. "For your information, I'm off duty and I'm dressed as Watanbe Yuri from that Spider-Man game."

"Oh, that police officer from the game. Heh, sorry, but I really thought you were…"

"On duty. Yeah, no. I'm making this about me, Haru, and Louis. But, I will arrest you on the charge of being a smartass," Makoto got in Skyler's face, coolly smiling and spinning a pair of toy handcuffs in her fingers.

Skyler gasped. "Oh, but officer, I promise to be a good boy!"

"Hn, you better."

As everyone laughed, Ryuji popped up behind them.

"BOO!"

Nearly everyone jumped back fearfully, but Ann walked over and silenced him with an intense glare.

"Hey, take it easy! I wanted to liven the mood, Ann!" Ryuji backed away.

"Don't scare us like that!" Ann chided him.

"Glad you can join us, man," Ren smirked as he and Ryuji slapped hands together.

"Same here, dude. We wouldn't miss it."

Ryuji came dressed as Goda Ryuji from Ryū ga Gotoku and Miyako dressed as Shizue from Animal Crossing.

"And I'm here, too! Do you like my costume?" Miyako asked everyone.

"Yes, it's very cute," Haru nodded.

"Cute dog," Io blushed at the sight of Miyako's costume.

"Want to take a picture with her, Io?" Hifumi asked as she got Io and Miyako together for a duo shot.

"Looks like the gang's all here!" Shinya shouted from not too far away.

"Hey, Ann! We're here!" Shiho called out from the same direction.

The group turned to see another walking over to meet them. Mia arrived carrying Morgana in her backpack. Her brother, Nicola, accompanied her along with his friends Shinya, Reiko, and Li-Ming. Shiho was also with the group and standing opposite her partner Mia. Mia came dressed as Rachel Alucard from BlazBlue. Morgana hopped out and showed off his Cait Sith costume. Shiho dressed as Filia from Skullgirls. Shinya, Nicola, Reiko, and Li-Ming came in a full Owari no Seraph group cosplay: Shinya as Hyakuya Yuchiro, Nicola as Hyakuya Mikaela, Reiko as Hiragi Shinoa, and Li-Ming as Krul Tepes.

"Sorry we're late, but we had to go get Nicola's friends here," Mia openly apologized.

"No, it's fine. We all just got here a few minutes ago," Skyler replied.

"That just leaves Sumire, Futaba, Yusuke, Yakumo, and a few others. I think Coco said she, Davis, and Rin would be here," Louis said.

"Well, speaking of which, here they come," Ren pointed the Revenants to their friends.

"I see Futaba, Yusuke, and Sumire. I was worried they wouldn't show up," Makoto added.

"Senpai! Sorry, we're late!" Sumire called out. The redhead came dressed as Akame from Akame ga Kill!

Futaba came as Miriam from Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night and Yusuke dressed as Rurouni Kenshin's titular character, Himura Kenshin.

"Sup, y'all!" Futaba waved to them from a walking distance.

"Apologies for our tardiness, but I had to pull Futaba away from her gaming activity," Yusuke said.

"Hey, I was getting to the last level! Be thankful there was that last save point or I'd be royally fucked."

Hearing Futaba gripe about her latest gaming, Ren facepalmed and sighed. "Oh boy…"

Yakumo dressed as Akira Kaburagi Regendorf from Dance in the Vampire Bund. Emily came as Rebecca Chambers from Resident Evil.

"Yo! We made it just in time!" Yakumo called them.

"Hi! Love our costumes?!" Emily shouted to them.

Davis, Rin, and Coco are seen together in their Halloween costumes. Davis came dressed as Agil from Sword Art Online. Rin was Seryu Ubiquitous from Akame ga Kill! Coco came as Chocolina from Final Fantasy XIII-2. Eugene arrived shortly after Sumire and Rin. Eugene's costume was Male Robin from Fire Emblem.

"Didn't think we'd miss out on some Halloween fun?!" Rin cried out. "This is a great night for us Revenants."

"Rin, Sumire, you both look lovely tonight," Eugene walked over, addressing his two girlfriends. After he kissed them, Sumire and Rin held hands and kissed each other lovingly.

"Funny how we're madly in love with each other, but our character cosplays would hate each other," Rin reminded Sumire about Akame and Seryu being enemies.

Sumire chuckled. "Heheh, that's true. People are going to be freaked out."

Rin mischievously grinned. "Maybe we should make out in front of some fanboys and see how they react."

Sumire blushed. "Should we?"

Eugene snickered. "Why not? Blow their freaking minds, my two loves."

"Thankfully we were able to close early so we could get our costumes ready," Coco said, adjusting the top covering her large breasts.

"And thankfully I don't have shifts tonight, but I have one early in the morning," Davis remarked.

"Better not drink tonight then," Coco teased him.

"Yeah, you better stay sober for tomorrow," Jack was heard behind them as Coco and Davis turned to see him and Eva approach them. Jack came dressed as Aizawa Shōta from Boku no Hero Academia and Eva came dressed as Jenny Burtory from Bloody Roar.

"Fancy seeing you two here. I love your costumes," Coco remarked.

"Thanks, Hifumi helped choose our outfits," Eva said.

Jack shifted his view and saw Skyler, Hifumi, and Io together. "Hey, you three. I'm glad we're all hanging together like this after all we went through."

"Thanks, man. Yeah, we're doing much better," Skyler replied.

"We appreciate your concern," Hifumi added.

"Anytime, sweeties," Eva nodded.

"They can thank us for being their therapeutic support system," Anastasia chimed in as she and Nadia arrived to meet with Skyler, Hifumi, and Io. She and Nadia came dressed as Marikawa Shizuka and Minami Rika from Highschool of the Dead.

"Oh, so we're like those emotional support animals? I hope you're not comparing me to a dog, Anastasia," Nadia openly chuckled.

"Of course not, Nadia, but we rehabbed our friends and it's wonderful seeing bright smiles on their faces," Anastasia said, eyeing Hifumi specifically as she was reminded of their passionate night in the park forest.

"And who could forget our outing, dude?" Nadia poked Skyler's side, eliciting a hearty laugh from him.

"I don't know about you, guys, but let's get out and have some fun," Louis suggested livening the mood.

"Yes, let's all have fun and try to put everything we've endured behind us," Haru said.

"But, let us never forget. That said, let's have fun and be safe," Makoto advised.

"Cheers to that," Ann added.

"Alright, let's have a fun and spooky night. There's lots to do," Ren stated.

As everyone gathered and finished complimenting each other's costumes, several subgroups formed and went their separate ways to explore the Halloween night festivities.

---

Sitting inside his car, Sojiro, dressed as Jigen Daisuke from Lupin the III, eyed the rowdy Halloween activity. He took out his cigarette bud and exhaled smoke.

"I'm not sure why I let Ren and Futaba convince me to do this. I'm too old for this shit," Sojiro grunted.

"Too old for what?" Ren chimed in as Sojiro turned to see him, Ann, Makoto, Haru, and Louis.

"Yeah, your costume is so spot-on!" Ann said.

"Hey, kids. Are you all having a good time so far?" The Café Leblanc owner queried Ren and his friends.

"We are, Mr. Sakura," Makoto replied.

An astute look came on the older gentleman's face. "Well, I can trust an officer like you and a lady like Ms. Okumura to keep these rowdy kids in check."

Haru giggled modestly. "Oh, we're not so bad, Mr. Sakura."

"If anyone misbehaves, it's Futaba," Ren sardonically replied.

"And where is she? With that artist Yusuke?"

"Yeah."

"That's good to know."

"Well, well, we live in a small world, don't we?" Sae chimed in, catching everyone by surprise.

Sae arrived with her husband, Hojo, and came in Bayonetta's Bayonetta 2 costume. Hojo came dressed as Ichinose Guren from Owari no Seraph.

"Aren't we all looking spooky tonight?" Sae chimed in as she and Hojo met with Ren, Ann, Makoto, Haru, and Louis, who were still chatting with Sojiro.

"Sis, so you and Hojo are out tonight, too?" Makoto was taken aback by their appearances.

Sae shrugged. "Yes, well…"

Hojo chortled. "I convinced your sister to loosen up and take a break from work tonight."

Sae sighed. "Speak for yourself, I may be in costume, but I'm still on duty."

"Heh, they won't even know you're the SIU Director in that get-up," Sojiro chuckled much to Sae's annoyance.

"You went with Bayonetta after all, sis?" Makoto asked her.

"Yeah, I already made my mind up some time ago."

Suddenly, Ren cracked a devilish grin. "So, Sae, since you're Bayonetta now, does that make you my mother now?"

"What? Why would I be your mother if I'm Bayonetta?" Sae turned and gawked at him. She was left completely befuddled over Ren's joke.

Ren's jovial remark elicited a few chuckles from the others, minus Makoto and Haru.

The SIU Director was befuddled by the reactions. "Ok, I'm lost. Is this supposed to be some kind of inside joke?"

"Oh, c'mon, Ren. Don't tease sis like that. She will kick your ass." Makoto sighed in exasperation.

"I don't quite understand the joke, Ren," Haru nodded.

Ann stopped chuckling when Sae shot an unnerving, icy glare that could petrify the bravest of people. Ann and others incessant chuckling ceased.

"Hey, maybe you shouldn't spout off your mouth like that, Ren," Ann whispered to him.

"What? I just wanted to liven up Sae since she hardly gets time off from her job. It must be stressful," Ren remarked. "Isn't that right, Sae?"

"I suppose since we've gotten to know each other, you're less intimidated by me. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised considering what you've been through."

Nodding, Ren's smirk faded. "So, did I lighten your mood?"

Relaxing, Sae managed to smirk. "I suppose you have, Ren. Thank you."

Letting out a relaxed sigh, Makoto rubbed her forehead. "Here I thought you were going to kill him, sis."

Haru then folded an arm around Makoto. "It's all in good jest, Mako-chan. Let's go see Louis. I think he might've found his sister and there seems to be some other woman with her." She escorted Makoto over to meet with Louis, who found his sister Karen dressed as Ryōgi Shiki from Kara no Kyōkai.

Louis paused as his two girlfriends approached him. "Hey, you two already know my sister."

"Good to see you two again. I hear you've been keeping my brother very busy," Karen teased with a playful wink.

"Oh yes, indeed we have," Haru responded with a bright smile.

"Depends how you define busy," Makoto said, shooting Louis a stern glare.

"She means to ask about the work I've been doing," Louis reminded the policewoman.

Makoto sighed hard. "Right, that work. Yeah, he's been hitting those books for his independent research."

"Hey, it's been a while Karen!" Yakumo called out as he and Emily entered the conversation. It wasn't long until the other Revenants came to meet Karen.

"Wow, you're all here. This is quite the lovely reunion," Karen greeted them genuinely. "Yakumo, Mia, Emily, you're all looking well." She then caught Skyler, Hifumi, and Io from the corner of her eye. "Skyler and Io, it's nice to see you two."

"Hello again," Io replied.

"It's good to see you again, Karen," Skyler added.

"And I take it these two haven't been a handful for you, Hifumi?"

"Not at all, Karen-san."

"Hey, I like your costume choice, Karen! Lucky you didn't need a wig or dying your hair," Mia complimented Aurora's cosplay.

Aurora came dressed as normal Android 21 from Dragon Ball FighterZ. Brushing her hair back, Aurora smiled and nodded. "Thank you. It's good to see you all again."

"You, too, Karen," Emily replied.

"Hey, I hear there's one of the local bands performing right now. Want to check them out?" Louis asked Makoto and Haru.

"Yes, we'd like," Haru cordially replied.

"If it's that band, then I'm in," Makoto smiled in response.

"Want to join them?" Skyler asked Hifumi and Io.

"Yes, let's go," Hifumi grabbed Io's hand.

"C'mon, if we hurry, we can beat the crowds," Mia said.

The Revenants convened at a perfect spot to watch the local rock band perform for a crowd of adolescents and young adults. This local band catered to the youth. Shinya and his friends were present to cheer their favorite band on.

"Yeah! You guys rule!" Shinya cheered.

"I think we're a little too close, are we?" Reiko asked, covering her right ear.

"If you want, we can find another spot," Nicola offered.

"No way, and lose these really great seats?" Li-Ming pouted.

"Hell yeah! Take those shirts off!" Coco cheered on the band performers. "If you won't, I'll take my top off!"

Davis quickly restrained Coco from committing such a lewd action.

"Yeah, please we have kids here."

Coco scoffed. "So, what? They're fast becoming adults in a few years anyway."

Rin sighed. "That's beside the point. We don't want to cause a scene either."

As the band performed their next song, the audience actively participated more than ever and headbanged. Io noticed some youth banging their heads.

"Why do they do that?" Io asked Skyler.

"To engage with the music, but I wouldn't recommend it."

Hifumi grabbed Io's hand. "Maybe you want to get some candy?"

Upon hearing the mention of candy, Io's eyes lit with elation. "Yes, that sounds good."

---

Through the rest of the night, the Thieves and Revenants walked by costumed crowds while loud music blared around them. They spotted scores of rowdy people dancing and others posing in front of their custom Halloween-themed vehicles. The back of one station wagon's trunk had a coffin full of candy and a Dracula mannequin to greet trick-or-treaters.

As the group splintered into even smaller groups, they searched for other activities and posed for random passersby. Ren, Ann, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io took pictures with Lance and Cammy. Lance and Cammy came dressed as Tachibana Taki and Miyamizu Mitsuha from Kimi no Na wa (Your Name).

"Thanks for taking pics of our costumes. How have you all been?" Lance asked the group.

"We're fine now. We've had some personal issues after the last Yami Matter incidents, but we worked them out," Ren explained without going into too much detail.

"Yeah, you missed out on a lot of drama. Trust me, it was better you were left out," Skyler said.

"Your costumes are so adorable," Hifumi smiled as she finished taking pictures of Io with the Your Name couple.

"Oh, my gosh! I never thought I'd see anyone like Andrea dress up as that character!" Ann pointed to Andrea dressed as Buffy Summers.

"Which character are you referring to?" Queried Ren, who turned and saw Marty and Andrea dressed as Harry Dresden from The Dresden Files and Buffy Summers.

Ann quickly answered Ren. "Andrea dressed like Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

"You remember that show?"

"Yeah, I recall watching episodes while I lived abroad," Ann recalled the random episodes and arcs of the teen horror action series. She walked up to Andrea. "Excuse me, Andrea."

Seeing Ann approach her, Andrea blinked. "Ann?"

"I can't help but feel a little nostalgic seeing you dress up like this character. I used to watch the show."

"Hehe, she was a character I idolized growing up," Andrea replied.

"Can I take a picture of you?"

Andrea smiled and posed. "Sure. Hey Marty, you want to take a pic of us here?" She then called over her friend.

"Sure, but does Ann want a pic of us two?"

"Well, Andrea goes first if you don't mind," Ann politely insisted as she took a few pictures of Andrea. Then, she and Ren took pictures of the couple. "Thank you so much, you two! I won't forget this." Smiling genuinely, she scanned the pics she took with Andrea.

Io walked up to Hifumi carrying a pumpkin bag full of candy.

"That's a ton of candy they gave you, Io."

"Yes, there were nice people who loved my costume and they gave me extra candy for it." Io then scanned some Jack-o'-lantern collections. She eyed the carved faces and artistic designs on each pumpkin. "We carved a pumpkin together, but these look better."

"With more practice, we can make ours even better," Hifumi said, encouraging Io to harness her pumpkin carving skills.

"Not unless she wants some help," Skyler offered.

Skyler, Hifumi, and Io scoured through the pumpkin patch. They purchased a Jack Skellington Jack-o'-lantern just for Io.

Elsewhere, Ren and Ann got caught up with the various Halloween costumes and lost track of the others. Then, they randomly stumbled into Akechi, who wasn't wearing a Halloween costume.

"Fancy seeing you two here. I like the costumes," Akechi acknowledged the couple. He then faced Ren specifically and smirked. "I especially like yours, Ren."

"You aren't wearing a costume, Akechi," Ann pointed out.

"Quite observant, Ann. I just wasn't feeling the Halloween mood, but Ren and Sumire convinced me to come out tonight. And I didn't want to rush to get a costume since the best ones will likely be sold out," Akechi said as he walked over and whispered to Ren. "Have you run into Sae-san by any chance?"

"I have."

"Did she ask about me?"

"No. Why?"

"Never mind. I'd rather not see her now. We're still on bad terms. You two go and have your fun, you two. I'm going to hang around someplace and admire the spooky scenery," Akechi said as he turned away and waved them off.

Ann glanced over to Ren. "Should we just let him go like that?"

As a neutral look adorned his face, Ren answered. "For now. As long as he and Sae don't cross paths."

---

When Makoto, Haru, and Louis watched a rave dance group, Tori and Hiroshi approached Makoto. When one of them tapped her shoulder, Makoto whipped around and recognized them.

"Oh, it's you two! I got your text saying you'd be here," Makoto addressed Tori and Hiroshi. At first glance, she noticed Tori dressed as Lenneth from Valkyrie Profile and wearing hair extensions to make her hair match the length of her character costume. Hiroshi dressed as Heero Yuy from the New Mobile Report Gundam Wing.

"Yo! I'm glad you got our text! Nice to see you all make it out here!" Tori casually greeted Makoto, who openly smiled.

"Louis and Haru, it's good to see you again," Hiroshi nodded to the other two.

"Likewise, you two," Haru kindly greeted them.

"Why don't we take a group shot?" Louis offered, whipping out his cell phone. He asked a random person dressed like a skeleton to take their picture.

Ryuji, Miyako, Yusuke, Futaba, Mia, and Shiho joined in on the rave dance. Yusuke even impressed onlookers and even Futaba with his dance moves.

"Wow, not bad, Inari! But, I can do that better!" Futaba proudly boasted as she competed with him on the dance floor.

While Ryuji and Miyako danced together, they were joined by Huey and Samantha. The couple came dressed as Tales of Xillia characters. Huey came as Jude Mathis. Samantha dressed as Milla Maxwell.

"Whoa, what a surprise to see you two here!" Mia addressed them.

"Fancy seeing you and your friend here, too," Huey stated.

"I love your costumes!" Samantha complimented their Halloween outfits.

"Thanks!" Shiho kindly responded.

"Hey, what are y'all yammering about?! Let's get our groove on and dance until our legs can't go anymore!" Futaba shouted and flailed her arms above her face.

An amused chuckle escaped Yusuke's mouth. "Hahah, I accept your challenge, Futaba! Let us give them an extravagant show for these spooky spectators!"

"You're on, Inari!"

While Yusuke and Futaba went into their dancing competition, Miyako whispered to Ryuji.

"These two love competing, don't they?"

Ryuji let out an unrestrained laugh. "For as long as I've known them, yeah. You have no idea."

Not far from where the Thieves and the others were, they were spotted by individuals who had become allied with the Advent Eight. These three individuals are Ayana, Kara, and Sasha. Since the Consortium party invite and Vamkyrie attack, Ayana and Kara established a working relationship with the Advent Eight. Since Ayana and Kara manifested special abilities, they saw it crucial to align with other people wielding special powers. Moreover, Sasha was monitored and sought after by the Yami Matter turned her into Reapearess. Since then, Sasha has retained some of Reapress' powers. This gave Sasha the incentive to find Ayana and Kara and later meet with the Advent Eight.

Ayana, dressed as Sheva Alomar from Resident Evil, remarked. "Look, Huey and Samantha have found some of the Phantom Thieves."

Kara, dressed as Yang Xiao Long from RWBY, whispered. "Just to be sure, is it them?"

Sasha, dressed as Gwendolyn from Odin Sphere, added. "It's them. Remember we were there at that same party. Their faces are very similar."

"They're also allied with the Advent Eight. Remember if they're in trouble, we'll be there to help them," Ayana said, slowly turning over to Sasha. "And have you kept that power of yours in check?"

"Much better now thanks to your mental training," answered Sasha, who remained worried about Reapress' power overtaking her again. "Don't worry, I'll be ok."

"That's good," Kara nodded as they watched Ryuji's group leave. "So far, everything's calm here."

"Yes, but stay vigilant," Ayana advised.

---

"Thank you very much," Io bowed after receiving more candy from a Super Mario cosplayer. She hurried over to Skyler and Hifumi, showing off all the candy, which tripled from the amount before.

Skyler chortled in amusement. "They really like your costume, don't they?"

"I think they do if they're giving me all of this candy."

"Our Io gets the most attention, doesn't she?" Hifumi giggled.

"I can let you share my candy."

Skyler replied. "No, they're all yours, Io. I'm trying to cut back on sweets."

Io smiled and nodded. "If you say so."

"Hey, I hear they're giving candy at the underground mall," Hifumi said.

"Let's go there then," Io suggested.

"Why not? We haven't been that way yet," Skyler said, walking Hifumi and Io toward the underground mall.

---

During the rest of the Halloween event, Ren and Ren regrouped with Makoto, Haru, Louis, Skyler, Hifumi, and Io in the underground mall. The group visited the shops still open for the evening and took more pictures of Halloween cosplayers. There were even games and entertainment shows to bring festivity.

Io spent her precious time diligently collecting candy and bobbing for apples. As she collected chocolate buttercups, Io received lollipops from Skyler and Hifumi.

"They're having a lot of fun," Ann smiled and giggled.

"It's Io first Halloween. Let's not take this away from her," Ren said.

"Freeze. Hands up, candy thieves!" Yelled a voice that alarmed Ren and Ann, causing them to spin around. It was Zenkichi, who came dressed as Arikado Genya from Castlevania. Rather than pointing a gun, Zenkichi pointed a big lollipop at Ren and Ann.

"Zenkichi?!" Ren and Ann exclaimed in unison.

"Zenkichi! Don't scare them like that!" Makoto chastised him.

"Oh, my, what a surprise to see you here, Mr. Zenkichi," Haru said.

"Hey, guys! Happy Halloween!" Akane, dressed as Hakuba Mina from Castlevania, popped out of nowhere and gave a spooky face.

"Akane-chan! I'm happy to see you and your dad here, but this is a surprise," Makoto smiled as she and the teen hugged.

"I persuaded my dad to come to see you guys because I wanted to introduce you to my new friend."

"You have a new friend?" Ren asked her.

"Like a boyfriend?" Ann giggled aloud.

Hearing this, Akane slightly blushed. "Oh, cut it out. He's just a friend." She then turned and waved over to a teenage boy standing behind her. "Come and meet my friends, Joaquin."

Coming out and revealing himself is a teenage boy with reddish brown, shoulder-length wild-styled hair and green eyes. His costume is Soma Cruz from Castlevania.

"Hi, I'm Akane's friend. My name is Joaquin Fujimura," the boy kindly introduced himself.

"Hello, Joaquin!" The others responded.

Haru whispered to Makoto. "Wow, isn't he a cutie? He and Akane look good together."

Makoto shook her head. "Joaquin, are you an Ainu?"

"Uh, y-yeah. I am. I was born in Hokkaido. Why do you ask?" He cautiously asked, eliciting a reassuring smile from Akane.

"Just asking. I don't see many Ainu around here, but you look like a responsible kid."

"Well, that's because I am."

"It took me some time to accept a boyfriend with my precious Akane," Zenkichi tried to hold back tears, eliciting chuckles from the others, but Akane started eye-rolling at her father.

"Dad! We're just friends!" Akane chided him.

"I just want to ensure that you're capable of protecting Akane-chan. She's like my little sister," Makoto said, patting Joaquin's shoulders.

"Of course, you don't have to worry," Joaquin replied resolutely.

"You also have to earn my trust fully. Remember our conditions. I ask that you don't upset her. This event will show me if you're responsible enough to take care of my daughter," Zenkichi sternly reminded Joaquin, who looked past his shoulder and nodded at the policeman.

"Our little Akane is becoming a grown woman," Ann giggled aloud.

"I'm still a kid, guys," sighed Akane.

"Sooner than later, you're going to be a young woman, Akane," Louis said. "Life always catches up to us fast."

"Tell me about it. Some of us are married already," Ann said, reminding them of her and Ren's marriage, which remains intact despite the Yami Matter's efforts to destroy their relationship.

"And some of us are in deep relationships," Skyler said, bringing Hifumi and Io over into the conversation.

"Hello, Joaquin. I hope you and Akane have fun tonight," Hifumi added.

"Hey, Joaquin. Why don't I introduce you to Shinya, Nicola, Reiko, and Li-Ming?" Akane asked him.

"Sure, but do you know where they are?"

"I just texted them and they showed me their location. Let's hurry and head on over!" Akane said, grabbing and dragging Joaquin along.

"Hey, you two better be safe out there!" Makoto called out.

"We have her number, so we can check in," Zenkichi said. "And I also put a tracer in Akane's phone."

"Wow, talk about covering your bases and not taking any chances," Louis was taken aback.

"It's better safe than sorry, but hopefully nothing goes awry at this event," Makoto said.

Nodding, Ren concurred. "Me, too. We don't want another incident like that ballroom in Roppongi."

"So, how long have Akane and Joaquin been friends, Zenkichi?" Haru asked the policeman.

"About two months ago. Joaquin and his family moved from Hokkaido and he enrolled in Akane's school. He protected her from a guy harassing her. He's a nice kid, but you know me. I'm always overly cautious with any boy who gets close to my Akane."

"I can't say I blame you," Ann said. "I'm glad Joaquin stuck up for Akane-chan."

"So, it looks like you're stuck with us, Zenkichi. We have some things to catch up on regarding my work," Makoto said.

"Right, and Louis. Have you been taking care of Makoto and Haru?" Zenkichi asked the Revenant leader.

"Of course, sir."

"Louis has given us equal treatment and love," Haru reassured the policeman.

"Alright, there's lots to do and I know there's folks who'll want to take our pictures. So, let's enjoy the rest of this Halloween night," Ren suggested as they explored the underground mall.

---

Meanwhile, a group of people dressed as Frankenstein, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gill-Man posed together in front of a haunted mansion prop. Seemingly missing was Count Dracula.

The Universal Monster group then spotted their perfect Count Dracula stand-in. An aristocratic-looking man with a pale complexion stood not too far off from them. This man had the authentic look of Count Dracula right down to the black suit, black cape, perfectly combed back hair and red blood lips.

"Yo, check that guy out! He's perfect!" The Wolfman cosplayer pointed to the Dracula look-alike.

"Bring him over!" The Mummy said.

"Ask him first! Don't be rude!" The Gill-Man said.

As the Wolfman approached the Dracula cosplayer, the pale man slowly pivoted and coldly glared down at him. The Wolfman felt a chilly vibe being close to the Dracula cosplayer.

"Um, sir. You have the best-looking Dracula costume I've seen here. Would you like to get a group picture together?"

The Dracula cosplayer maintained his icy stare and licked his cold, dry lips. "Costume?"

"Yeah. It's not like you're really Count Dracula or anything, dude!"

This remark seemingly irked 'Dracula' as he snatched the Wolfman's arm and pulled him forward. He looked dead into the Wolfman's eyes and slowly opened his mouth, revealing his sharp fangs.

"Is this convincing enough?" 'Dracula' asked with a thick Slavic accent. Opening his mouth, he hissed and seized the Wolfman's neck. He effortlessly lifted the Wolfman cosplayer above his hand, much to the shock and distress of bystanders witnessing 'Dracula' manhandling him. "I am Count Dracula! And you are not the real Wolfman!"

"Hey, put him down!" The Frankenstein cosplayer rushed over to pull them apart.

"And for sure you are not Dr. Frankenstein's monster!" Dracula hissed as he threw the Wolfman cosplayer into his friend. He then scanned the costumed crowds and scoffed. "You are all masqueraders and pretenders. You are not true creatures of the night." His scowl then turned into a maniacal grin. "But, how about I make things interesting and show you real monsters?!"

With that, loud hissing came from a large group of people. Three individuals walked forward and scared off the costumed bystanders with hisses. Three alluring women with a deathly white complexion like Dracula revealed themselves and bowed to their master.

"Yes, my lovely brides," Dracula addressed the three pale-skinned women.

The middle tall one, a woman with a pale complexion, back-length dirty blonde hair, and red eyes, bowed to Dracula. Her choice of wear is a sleeveless turquoise gown and matching color high heels. "Have you summoned us, Lord Dracula? I, Empusa, am at your service."

The left short-statured one answered her master, giggling. Being the youngest one, she resembled a late-teenaged girl. Her light blonde, back-length hair is styled in a frilled fashion, being spiked out at the back. Her eyes are light violet. Her outfit is a sleeveless purple gown and high heels. "I, Mormo, am here to toy any victim you wish!"

The right moderate-statured one responded loyally to Dracula. She has brown, back-length hair and violet eyes. She has on a sleeveless blue gown and dark pink high heels. "And I, Lamia, will brutalize anyone who puts their filthy hands on you!"

After a snap of his fingers, Dracula undid his disguise, revealing his true appearance. He maintained his pale complexion, but his black hair turned pale yellow. His sideburns thickened and became light brown. The color in his eyes turned red. He combed his cold fingers through his hair.

"Yes, that is much better." He then turned to his three Brides. "Now, let us begin the feeding on his festive evening!"

With that, the Brides of Dracula hissed and turned loose to attack costumed bystanders. Bystanders quickly started to flee, leading the Brides to give chase to a few. Among those witnessing and running from the Brides area group of cosplayers dressed as some Yu-Gi-Oh! Vampire Duel Monsters. The group consisted of three couples dressed as Vampire Lord & Vampire Lady, Vampire Hunter & Vampire Vamp, and Vampire Fraulein & Vampire Scarlet Scourge. The other members comprised Crimson Knight Vampire Bram, Vampire Grimson, Dhampir Vampire Sheridan, and a 10-year-old Vampire Sucker.

The Dhampir Vampire Sheridan cosplayer briefly interacted with a DIO cosplayer. "Well, aren't we having a fucking good time on this fine evening, DIO-sama?!"

As they noticed the fleeing crowds and heard the rampant screaming, the Thieves and the Revenants headed over to what stirred the sudden commotion. They gawked upon seeing the Brides flying over and grabbing random people to feed on.

"Holy shit! Those are some great costumes!" Ryuji shouted.

"I doubt those are people in costumes!" Futaba exclaimed.

Suddenly, in response to the Brides, the Revenants' eyes turned and glowed red.

"They're vampires, but not like us," Skyler scowled as he and the Revenants sensed their vampiric auras.

"Right, we're Revenants, but these creatures are the traditional vampires. They're creatures with malicious intent!" Louis noted as he observed the Brides.

"Trying to give us a bad name? I'm not having it," Mia growled.

"Good. We won't even hold you guys back," Futaba remarked.

"So, why don't we go and slay those vamps?" Ann smirked.

"Let's head them off and get these people away," Ren said as he and Thieves headed off to lead crowds away.

---

As the Brides randomly prepared to pick off fresh victims, a metallic scorpion's tail swiped at three vampires. The Brides evaded the metal tail, which came from Sion. Omusubi used his Hound-Type Blood Veil to scare the Brides. The Brides fiercely hissed at the Revenants.

"Are these people ok, Io and Hifumi?" Sion asked the two.

"Yes, thankfully these things didn't drink them. They have no bite marks," Tennyo said as she and Moonlight checked over the victims the Brides grabbed.

"Who are you to stop our feeding?!" Hissed Empusa.

"Yeah, no fair! We're thirsty!" Mormo childishly whined.

"You'll pay for disrupting our feeding with your lives!" Lamia snarled as she and her sister's eyes turned red.

Unfazed by the Brides' intimidation display, the Revenants' eyes flared red in response.

"Yeah, I hate to break it to you. We can do the spooky, glowy eye thing, too," Mircalla scoffed.

"But, surely you can't be vampires?" A befuddled Empusa queried the Revenants.

"If you are, why fight against us?" Lamia asked.

"Sorry, but we're not here to debate vampire ethics. You're an enemy and you must be eliminated," Sekiken coldly responded.

"What is going on here?" Dracula's voice boomed as a smoke cloud materialized in front of the Revenants. Making his entrance as theatrical as earthly possible, Dracula emerged and looked up to his Brides. "Why haven't you three feasted already?"

"Because of these goody-good vampires who took our food away!" Mormo whined.

"Good vampires?" Dracula then shifted his stone-cold gaze at the Revenants. "Yes, they have similar auras like us, but they're also human. Are you hybrids?"

"Who are you?" Omusubi asked him.

"Who am I? Every vampire should know of the king of their kind. I am Count Dracula!" The vampire king threw open his cape.

"The Count Dracula? So, you aren't a legend after all," Sekiken said.

"It appears my name is still renowned in these times. Come, fellow vampires. Why fight me and my Brides? If you require blood to survive, then join me," Dracula offered the Revenants. His cold gaze turned from them and toward Tennyo. "But, I can sense one among you is not a creature of the night like us. Though, my strong scent tells me one of you has fed on her." He quickly turned to Sion and smirked. "Perhaps you'd like to share...?"

Whipping his metal tail forward, Sion nearly impaled Dracula, who evaded getting caught by the Revenant's Blood Veil. Dracula unleashed a black wave from his cape and knocked the Revenants back. Responding to Tennyo's life in danger, Moonlight unleashed her Ivy-Type Blood Veil on Dracula. Defending their master, the Brides intercepted Moonlight's spikes and shattered them.

"So be it. You wish to defend these humans and go against me? You will die!" Dracula growled.

When Dracula and his Brides headed off to attack the Revenants, the Phantom Thieves stormed in and cut off the evil vampires.

"Who dares interfere now?!" Dracula hissed.

"Thanks, Joker, but we were going to handle them," Sion remarked.

"Yeah I know, but we got enough people away from the area," Joker stated.

"Sis is helping on that front," Queen added.

"What about Shiho, my brother, and his friends?" Mircalla asked the Thieves.

"They're all safe. They're going to help evacuate some people out of here," replied Panther.

"Akane-chan and Joaquin will be safe with Shinya and the others. Zenkichi went to help evacuate bystanders," Queen added while popping her knuckles and setting her sights on the vampires.

"As long as they're far away from here, we can cut loose," Sion furrowed his brows and converted his right arm into his Ogre-Type Blood Veil. Setting his sights on Dracula, he charged and aimed to shove his demon claw through the Count.

However, Dracula's body converted into mist, causing Sion's demon claw to go through him. As his body reformed, he materialized near his Brides.

"Understand this. I won't be beaten that easily," Dracula scoffed, crossing both arms over his chest.

"Then, why dost we help to even the odds, Count?!" A crude and boisterous voice called out as the Thieves, the Revenants, and the vampires looked the other way. They saw the voice come from Brynhildr. They also saw Mist, Sigrún, Göndul, and Skögul with Brynhildr.

Upon seeing the Vamkyries, the Thieves and the Revenants were reminded of the Roppongi tower incident that happened a few months ago.

"Great, just what we didn't ask for," irritably scoffed Sekiken.

"It's a vampire convention out here tonight," Sion remarked.

"This better not be one of those long nights," Skull added.

"It won't if we don't allow it," Mona stated.

"Right, let's get to ripping their heads off!" Omusubi declared.

Scanning their surrounding vicinity, the same haunted mansion used by the classic monster cosplayers was spotted by Joker. The front of the haunted house had a logo with the words 'Hollywood Horror Mansion' inscribed on a metal platform. With a sneaky grin forming on the Phantom Thief's lips, he came up with an idea.

"Why don't we fight in there?! Hurry, follow me!" Joker yelled out, pointing to the haunted mansion.

"You heard him, guys! Let's go!" Sion beckoned his Revenants.

As the Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants stormed through the mansion's front entrance, Dracula and his Brides pursued their foes.

"You can run, but none shall escape us!" Dracula declared. Upon entering the mansion, the Count beckoned his Brides to split up and scour the entire place.

"After them!" Brynhildr declared but before she and the Vamkyries had the chance to join Dracula and the brides, Crow, Violet, Hunter, and Songstress cut them off.

It didn't take long for Hiroshi, Tori, Huey, Samantha, Sasha, Ayana, and Kara to turn into Norse-Knight, Valkyria, Nephilim, Reapress, Marozi, and Matilda. The Advent Eight members quickly helped Crow, Violet, Hunter, and Songstress engage the Vamkyries.

"I'm glad you could join us," Hunter acknowledged the Advent Eight and their three associates.

"Lance, Cammy, and Huey went to evacuate some people. We'll help you handle these vamps," Norse-knight said.

"Let's kick their undead asses!" Valkyria declared, setting her sights on Brynhildr.

"I like your attitude," Crow chuckled.

"Don't worry, Ren-senpai. We'll handle this!" Violet shouted as they headed off the Vamkyries.

---

Hollywood Horror Mansion/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/10:54 PM (JST)

Dracula methodically walked inside a narrow, rectangular-shaped dining room. His keen eyes shifted back and forth. He walked by life-sized props of Japanese horror icons Kayako of Ju-on and Sadako of The Ring. The scent of humans filled his sensitive nostrils, lending him a sense of direction toward the Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants.

He briefly paused. Then, he instinctively turned and raised his hands. Joker and Sion swooped down from a staircase and pounced on the Count, but Dracula seized their weapons. Spinning himself around, Dracula tossed his adversaries aside. Then, Tennyo and Panther came running out of a backdoor. Swinging her ko-naginata down, she nearly cut Dracula and split him down the middle, but the Count turned into mist and reappeared behind Tennyo. As he reached over to bite her, Panther imbued her whip with flames and forced the Count to withdraw from his potential meal.

The two Thieves and the two Revenants quickly regrouped and confronted Dracula. With demonic energy coursing through him, Dracula's body underwent a metamorphosis. Gone were his gentlemanly features. His pale skin gained a darker gray complexion. The Count's visage gained demonic and beastly features. Three sharp horns poked out of the crown of his head. One long narrow gray spike protruded through his forehead and two opposite horns made of bone came out the sides of his head. The color in his eyes became red. His black pupils became slanted. The Count's eyebrows thickened into white, matching the color of his white mane. His muscular body outgrew and tore the cape, black dress shirt, and white long-sleeved blouse off. Raising his head, Dracula's lip curled into a snarl, and bellowed a fierce roar at his four adversaries.

In response, Sion quickly brandished his Hanemukuro katana and Queenslayer Blade and took on a dual-wielding fighting stance. Joker took out his Tyrant Pistol. Tennyo had her ko-naginata firmly gripped. Panther lashed out her whip.

"So, how are we going to do this?" Panther asked the other three.

"We wear him down until he can go no more, but let's watch our backs," advised Sion.

"Good point," Tennyo said, glancing over toward the opposite side of the dining room where she spotted Ivy hiding behind the staircase and ready to attack the Count at any given notice.

"When I'm done, I'm going to drink you all until you are dry!" Dracula hissed as he lunged at the four.

---

Empusa arrived in a spacious room full of trapdoors. She looked around and scanned images on the interior walls. One looked strangely familiar to her master. It was a wall collage of Dracula and the Universal Classic Monsters. The other noticeable monsters consisted of the Wolfman, Gill-Man, Frankenstein, the Mummy, Frankenstein's Bride, Igor, and the Invisible Man. With her eyes from the wall, Empusa quickly turned as a clawed demon hand came for him.

She narrowly dodged Sekiken's Ogre-Type Blood Veil and flew high into the room's ceiling. She swooped down and flashed her fangs. In response to her incoming attack, the Revenant's eyes glowed red. Quickly drawing out his Enduring Crimson sword, Sekiken slashed Empusa with it. Taking a direct slash to her chest, Empusa instinctively transformed into a giant humanoid bat, gaining stretched wing skin to glide around the air. Her skin became light gray and her hair turned white. She let out a horrific screech and flew down to attack Sekiken.

As Empusa shoved Sekiken against a wall, she hissed right in his face.

"How about I just slit your neck and kill you now, bleeding heart?!" Empusa shouted at him.

"Heh."

"Why do you laugh?"

"Because this isn't my full strength, you ganged whore!" Sekiken rebuked as he quickly invoked his Envoy of Vein form, which unleashed enough power to repel the vampire away. Having manifested his Envoy's white light, Sekiken created flames from his sword and burned her with his Fire Storm.

However, as Sekiken continued his reckless assault, the fire started to spread.

"Damn you! You think you'll get away with wounding me?!" Empusa angrily hissed preparing to lunge at the Revenant.

"Actually, yes, but my beautiful ladies can handle you from here. Your turn, Makoto and Haru!" Sekiken beckoned his girlfriends.

Upon hearing Sekiken's signal, Queen and Noir emerged from hiding. Noir came storming from a trap door behind Empusa. She swung her axe and smashed it against Empusa's chest. Then, Queen followed up with enough momentum built to punch the Bride's chest. Letting out an unbridled roar, Queen unleashed a one-two punch combo with her Nuclear Fists, pounding her with force.

"And here's one for me!" Queen nailed an uppercut followed by a hook and a jab straight through Empusa's torso.

Readying his sword, Sekiken cut Empusa right down the middle with his Blade of Athos. Empusa let out pained screams as her body burned and dissolved into fiery ashes. Sekiken turned away and faced his two ladies.

"That takes care of them, ladies," Sekiken turned, the red in his eyes fading to normal. Just then, he heard Queen and Noir putting out the flames.

"Did you forget about the fire you caused? Thankfully, we put it out," Noir asked him sternly.

"Louis, what the hell were you thinking?! We were in such an enclosed space and your fire nearly spread! We had to put it out!" Queen reprimanded him. "But you got caught in your own glory!"

"Whoa, I'm sorry! I was focused on killing that thing…! I'm sorry!" Sekiken tried apologizing to them.

"Don't get reckless like that again. Are we clear?" Queen furrowed her brows. As she walked by him, a red-skinned oni prop came popping out and laughing.

"I'm sorry," Sekiken muttered as Noir raised her axe near him.

"Perhaps you should withhold that Envoy power unless necessary? The threat these vamps posed didn't require that," Noir suggested. "How about we break down some of these burned walls?"

"I guess that's not a bad idea," Sekiken chuckled nervously at Noir's axe-crazy look.

---

Mormo floated around a dungeon room. She scanned a table full of laboratory equipment and severed body part props. Blood covered the table. The vampire's nose couldn't smell anything but chemicals from the 'blood', which irked her keen nose.

"They dare create fake blood to trick me?" Mormo hissed as she knocked the lab equipment off the table. "My hunger will not be toyed with!"

Just then, a metal tail came shooting out of nowhere and pierced Mormo's back. She quickly whirled around as Mircalla rushed her. Mircalla tried running down Mormo with her Brodiaea bayonet, but the vampire flew into the air and swooped down to attack Mircalla.

"Alright, Inari! Take her down!" The boisterous yell from Oracle charged.

With that, the fox-masked Phantom Thief rushed from Mormo's right side and swiped at her with his Usumidori katana. He nearly slashed her as the vampire evaded the Thief's attack. Mormo unleashed lightning charges from her hands. When Fox evaded the bolts, he threw his katana at her. Her body generated a lightning field to deflect the katana.

"Is that all, foxy?!" Mormo cackled. With that, Mormo's outward appearance changed as electrical energies coursed through her body. Her physical appearance became akin to Frankenstein's monster, gaining a robust body and a deformed appearance. Her torso became larger and her arms became denser. She bellowed fiercely and expelled electricity toward Fox, who dodged the vampire's attack.

"Oracle! You're up!" Fox called out.

Suddenly, Oracle came up and ran a green energy sword through Mormo's chest. She picked off the Michael Myers's knife prop and converted it into her weapon to use against Mormo. The vampire screeched loudly and turned around to grab Oracle.

With a mischievous grin, Oracle snickered. "Did you ever attend the Never Drop Your Guard 101 class? Hell, I even learned that from gaming!" She pulled the laser sword out as blood leaked out from Mormo.

"You sneaky bitch!" Mormo shouted as she turned to grab Oracle, but Fox came in and slashed off the vampire's hand with his katana.

Following Fox's attack, The young Bride unleashed a rapid flurry of punches, which Mircalla invoked her Envoy of Vein form and blasted her away with her Bullets of Aramis.

"I bet you didn't know I could do this?! I always come prepped when push comes to shove!" Mircalla cried out as she continuously blasted Mormo. Unbeknownst to Mircalla, some of her bullets tore through the surroundings and caused immediate collateral damage.

"Hey, watch it! We're here, too!" Oracle shouted in panic.

"You're getting too caught up with your Envoy power!" Fox exclaimed.

After bombarding her with a barrage of white beams, Mircalla attacked the vampire with her Blood Veil. The Revenant then recoils her Stinger-Type Blood Veil and smacks Mormo aside. As she hit a wall, Mormo went down next to a figure prop of the famous American slasher villain Michael Myers.

Mircalla then aimed her bayonet and fired homing bullets. As she obliterated the vampire with Fusillade Rondo, Mircalla swung her tail and slashed through Mormo's torso, splitting her in two and finishing her off.

"Master…!" Mormo screamed her final cries for help as her halved body sections burned into fiery ashes.

Her eyes still glowing red, Mircalla scoffed. "Monsters like you give us Revenants a bad name." When the red in her eyes faded, she turned to Oracle and Fox. "Thanks, you two!"

"Yeah, thanks for butting in and causing damage around us! You could've hurt us!" Oracle chided her.

"Yes, I'm afraid that was reckless," Fox said.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it," Mircalla apologized.

"Look, I know your Envoy powers are cool and all, but if we're in enclosed places, don't use them," Oracle suggested.

"Right," the Revenant nodded.

"We already know which vampires are our friends or not," Oracle said as she tossed aside the glowing sword, which turned back into a knife prop. When she stumbled back, she turned and saw the familiar hockey-masked slasher Jason Voorhees behind her. She initially freaked out until Fox and Mircalla reminded her of it being a prop.

"Geez, they find the best places to put these things," Oracle sighed with relief.

"Right, Anyway, let's go and find the others," Mircalla suggested as they headed past a wall with Freddy Krueger holding an exit sign.

As the trio vacated the room, the three slasher props seemingly turned their heads and came to life for a moment.

---

Upon opening a door, Lamia walked right into an executioner room. Her eyes caught an electric chair prop centered in the room. Sitting in the chair is a Chucky doll prop. On an opposite corner is a Leatherface prop holding a blood-stained chainsaw.

Lamia looked over the electric chair and picked up the Chucky doll. While fiddling with the doll, an ear-piercing roar came out of nowhere. A large canine's head popped out of the wall and nearly snatched the Bride. Lamia flew out of the hound's jaws. Quickly spotting Omusubi walking forward with his Hound-Type Blood Veil, Lamia hissed.

Then, Skull and Mona both stormed out of two doors. Skull rushed at Lamia and smashed her head with his Ruyi Jingu Bang mace. Then, Mona blasted her with an explosive to the face using his Sudarshana slingshot.

"We've blinded her!" Mona called out to Omusubi.

"Take her vamp ass down, dude!" Skull hollered.

Nodding, Omusubi sent his twin hounds to snatch and tear Lamia into shreds. Lamia hopped around, making evasive moves to escape the jaws of defeat. When quickly backed into a corner, Lamia's body shifted while silver fur covered her. Her face shapeshifted into a canine snout. In addition to her vampiric fangs, her teeth became sharper. Having taken on the form of a werewolf, she howled and lunged at Omusubi.

"Oh shit! I knew something was off about her scent!" Omusubi exclaimed as he sent his hounds to attack.

Lamia grabbed both of the hound faces and pushed the Revenant back.

"Mona, I hope you got silver stashed away somewhere!" Skull said as he ran in and fired shots at Lamia with his Megido Fire gun.

"Um, gimmie a sec!" Mona cried as he and Skull ran from Lamia.

"Stay away from them!" Omusubi roared as he charged into and pushed Lamia through a wall. After breaking into the next room, they entered a dungeon full of corpse props and bloody hooks hanging from the ceiling.

As Omusubi rose, he invoked his Envoy of Vein form and readied his Oni Bane. Activating his Flashing Fang Gift, Omusubi attacked Lamia with his greatsword. After the swing of his greatsword, he tore through some metal beams that caused some parts of the ceiling to collapse, causing Skull and Mona to dodge for safety.

"Yo, dude! Watch out!" Skull yelped.

"Give us a warning before you release your Envoy in a small space like this!" Mona shouted.

"Whoa, sorry, guys!" Omusubi called out. He quickly ran his greatsword through Lamia's torso and pinned her against the wall. Snarling, Lamia struggled to push the sword off. "I've got her pinned to a wall!"

"Great! Mona found some silver!"

Skull and Mona entered the dungeon with a knife.

"Did someone ask for silver?!" Mona tossed the knife to Hound.

Snatching the knife, Omusubi pivoted the knife for a full display and rushed toward Lamia. The were vampire finally ripped the great sword out and lunged at the Revenant. Omusubi quickly ran the silver knife into Lamia's chest, piercing the beast's heart. He gave the knife a few twists and dealt the killing blow to the were vampire. Following a loud howl, Lamia collapsed as she burned away into fiery ash.

"Hell yeah! That werebitch bit the dust!" Skull hollered.

"Hey, Yakumo. Next time, give us a heads-up before you go and use your Envoy. It's ok to cut loose in another dimension or an open space area, but not inside a place like this. That power could've flattened the whole space we were in," Mona advised Omusubi.

"Yeah, no offense, man, but that power's pretty dangerous. Hell, even I'm more careful when using my Persona's Ascendancy thing," Skull said. "I only ever used it once."

"I'll keep that in mind," Omusubi muttered, taking Mona's words to heart and unnerved by his sudden arrogance. "Anyway, let's see if the others need some backup." He said as they stormed out of the dungeon.

On the way out, they walked by a horror clown funhouse. Standing in front of the funhouse was Pennywise the Clown from the 2017 It movie. The clown's steely eyes shifted to the side as if observing the two Thieves and the Revenant. Then, it smiled.

---

Shibuya Crossing (渋谷交差点)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/11:20 PM (JST)

The other Thieves and Revenants managed to stave off the Vamkyries. Hunter and Valkyria teamed up against Brynhildr. Crow and Reapress battled Mist. Norse-knight and Matilda fought Sigrún. Violet and Marozi engaged Göndul. Songstress and Nephilim battled Skögul.

Swinging her spear, Valkyria clashed against Brynhildr's Blood Gram sword. The two valkyrie warriors intensely glared into each other's eyes and pushed each other back. As Brynhildr briefly gained an upper hand, the Blood Vamkyrie kicked Valkyria back and attempted to carve her stomach open. Valkyria narrowly dodged and kicked Brynhildr back. As Brynhildr crash landed through a glass window, Hunter sneaked up behind Brynhildr after cloaking himself behind a blood-like mist. Hunter attacked Brynhidlr, but the Blood Vamkyrie ducked out of reach and slashed Hunter's hand.

"That's it. You've pissed me off now!" Hunter snarled as he grasped his necklace and invoked his Drake transformation. As he charged, the dragon roared a blood-curdling screech and deep bellows.

Facing down the dragon, a fiendish grin adorned Brynhildr's face. "Yes, so this is the monster that Sigrún faced. I hast slain Dreki during my time. You shalt be just another, Draugar trash! Heheh, prepare to be flayed and slain by my dragon-slaying blade!" She hastily flew head-on against the dragon, but the draconic beast's wings morphed into two metallic hound heads, which helped defend him from Brynhildr's attacks.

The dragon used all three of his heads and delivered a triple bite force on Brynhildr. Using her Blood Gram, Brynhildr defended herself from the dragon's Slavic Fangs. Then, the dragon expelled blue flames, which Brynhildr evaded. However, Valkyria quickly flew up and swung her sword, unleashing and hitting Brynhildr with her Exalt Asgardian Wave. Then, the dragon blasted the Blood Valkyria Fafnir's Breath.

"Alright, good job, Jack!" Valkyria shouted as she and the dragon watched Brynhildr being brought down by their double-team attack.

"Damn thee! Thou hast not killed me! My fury shalt keep me going!" Brynhildr furiously declared as she slowly rose, keeping Valkyria and the dragon busy.

Meanwhile, during Crow and Reapress' battle against Mist, the latter became frenzied during the heated skirmish. As Mist expelled her Celadon Wind, she tried to escape Reapress' frenzied attacks. Reapress cast her Baphomet's Flames that put out Mist's green fog. As she readied her scythe, Reapress lunged forward and attacked Mist with it.

"No, get back, foul beast!" Mist screamed while flinging several seax at Reapress, who knocked them away with her scythe. "Thou art insane!"

"Hehehe, die, die!" Reapress cackled while continuously swinging her scythe. After escaping Reapress' attacks, the Vamkyrie spotted a couple of innocent bystanders who hadn't evacuated the area yet. They were a couple of Vampire Duel Monster cosplayers, including a child, who was seen cosplaying a Vampire Sucker.

Seeking a way out, Mist quickly ran over and threatened to hold the cosplayers hostage. Before Reapress could move in, Crow stepped in and readied his jagged sword. He quickly beelined Mist and slashed the Vamkyrie. While he did manage to save the civilians in time, his attack unleashed enough force to cause collateral damage to his surroundings.

Watching the civilians escape unharmed, Crow sighed with relief. "Thank goodness." Then, he saw the collateral damage he unintentionally caused with his sword, which was powered by Hereward's power. "Damn it all!" He turned and watched Mist try to escape. He quickly pursued the Vamkyrie, who was stopped by Reapress.

"You're mine now, little bitch," Reapress evilly cackled while pointing her scythe at Mist.

"Speak for thyself, calling me small!" Mist retorted, finding herself cornered by Crow and Reapress.

Elsewhere, Sigrún held her ground against Norse-knight and Matlida's double team attacks. Norse-knight charged a golden beam and blasted the Radiance Vamkyrie with his Gaea's Blast, but Sigrún cast a bright radiant light and nullified Norse-knight's beam. After casting her Sváfa's Radiance, Sigrún found herself on the receiving end of lightning-fast kicks from Matilda. Matilda then unleashed a bolt of lightning from her legs and blasted the Radiance Vamkyrie with her Bolt of Mamaragan. Then, Norse-knight caught her with a successful Gaea's Blast.

After recovering from Norse-knight and Matilda's attacks, Sigrún proudly smirked. "Thou art formidable warriors. Thou hast my praise, but thou shalt die here!"

"You haven't beaten us yet," Norse-knight rebuked.

"That's right! The next blow is gonna put you down for good!" Matilda boasted.

Marozi transformed into an African hawk-eagle and soared over the Vamkyrie's strikes. Violet dodged Göndul's earth-shattering punches and pierced her with quick rapier strikes. The Masculine Vamkyrie amassed debris from the ground and earth bended it into a concrete ball, which she kicked like a soccer ball toward Violet. After dodging Göndul's earth-based attack, Violet found herself wide open for Göndul's Rocky Beat Rush. However, Marozi intercepted the charging Vamkyrie and imbued light energy through her spear. Throwing her Luminous Spear, Marozi repelled Göndul. Then, as Violet summoned Ella's power, the Phantom Thief used her Sword Dance and struck the Vamkyrie down.

"Thank you," Violet nodded to Marozi.

"This fight is not over yet, I'm afraid," Marozi said as they watched Göndul standing up and being damaged by their attacks. As Göndul charged for another assault, Violet dodged and Marozi turned into a chameleon, utilizing camouflage to get out of the Vamkyrie's way.

"Thou ability to turn into animals is annoying!" Göndul disparaged Marozi.

Having seen her lover in danger, Skögul scowled, amassing a globe of water as it exploded and turned into a tidal wave. As she cast her Waves of Rán, Skögul sought to crush Songstress and Nephilim.

"Get back!" Songstress called out to Nephilim. She conjured sand and using her Volatile Storm, the Revenant formed a wall of sand that absorbed the Feminine Vamkyrie's tidal wave. She then converted the sand into blades and blasted Skögul with her Sand Edge.

Narrowly stopping most of Songstress' sand blades, Skögul was pierced by a few.

"I'll take it from here!" Nephilim declared as she summoned and launched her Asteroid Rays, which broke through Skögul's watery defenses and knocked her back.

"Curse thee! Thou Draguar and your Midgardian allies hast gotten on my last nerve!" Skögul hissed.

"Skögul, we hast to finish them off now!" Göndul called out.

Before the Feminine Vamkyrie could respond, a whip quickly came out of nowhere and struck Skögul, causing her to flinch. Another whip strike drove Skögul away. Then, bright radiance from a cross-like object caused Göndul to flinch.

"The light! This putrid holy light burns!" Göndul hissed loudly.

"Who dares?!" Skögul hissed as she looked up. Much to her dismay, she saw Jocelyn Feles, a Consortium member, brandishing a long whip, which the woman used to repel the Feminine Vamkyrie. Jocelyn is seen garbed in a blood-red leather coat with a black corset top underneath, torn blue jeans, and dark purple dress shoes. Her coat has a white fur collar. Her accessories include a black necklace chain with a blood-red gem.

Göndul then sighted Carolyn Angelsmith, another Consortium member, holding the cross that kept the Masculine Vamkyrie at bay. Carolyn is seen wearing a Catholic nun's garb with a black tunic and dress coupled with a white neck collar, a black & white headdress, black dress shoes, and a silver cross necklace.

"Wait, I remember seeing those two at Roppongi during that ballroom event!" Songstress recognized them.

"You're right! I remember their faces! They're part of the Consortium!" Violet recalled.

As Hunter returned to his normal form, the blue-eyed Revenant cautiously watched them. "I do wonder how they knew these Vamkyries would be here."

"Fear not. We've been sent to aid you with these vampiric fiends," Carol reassured them, using her cross to neutralize Mist and Sigrún.

Turning away, Brynhildr quickly attempted to attack Hunter and Valkyria again. However, Jocelyn jumped in and whipped Brynhildr back. She then seized Brynhildr's blade-wielding hand and tried to disarm the Vamkyrie's Blood Gram.

"Give it, demon. Your rampage is over now," Jocelyn scowled, causing Brynhildr to grimace.

"Fine, we shalt retreat, but next time, you two vampire hunters shalt not interfere with us again!" Brynhildr hissed as she and the Vamkyries escaped into the night.

Withdrawing her cross, Carol smiled. "That was quite an eventful and frightful night, wasn't it, Jocelyn?"

Folding up her whip, Jocelyn scoffed. "I was this close to beheading one of those fucking bloodsuckers."

"Thank you, you two. You saved us a lot of headaches with those things," Violet said.

"Yes, thank you," Songstress nodded.

"Man, I was this close to killing that vampire freak!" Valkyria griped.

"Don't worry. We'll get another chance," Norse-knight reassured his partner.

"Those Vamkyries are quite troublesome. Besides being Consortium members and Miki's guardians, Jocelyn and I also hunt supernatural entities harmful to humanity," Carolyn explained.

"That means the Consortium could be on our side after all, right?" Violet whispered to Crow.

"I'm not quite sure. We still don't know their full intentions," Crow muttered, knowing that he, too, hasn't gained the full trust of his own allies.

Hunter added. "You're right. These two arrived and responded too quickly against the Vamkyries."

"We understand you have your suspicions, but rest assured we are fighting the same enemy," Carolyn stated. "Jocelyn, shall we go?"

Nodding, Jocelyn walked off and accompanied Carolyn.

"One more thing. Make sure all of the threats here are eliminated," Jocelyn reminded them of Dracula.

As the remaining Thieves, Revenants, and Advent Eight speculated over Jocelyn and Carolyn's intervention, several of the local authorities arrived to evacuate civilians and respond to the threats. However, Sae was among the few who stayed behind and witnessed the battles occur. One skirmish that caught her eye was Akechi's fight, which involved him causing collateral damage that nearly harmed civilians.

Scowling under her breath, Sae muttered behind clenched teeth. "Akechi, you reckless fool. You're not leaving here so easily."

---

Hollywood Horror Mansion/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/11:27 PM (JST)

Sensing that his Brides have ceased, Count Dracula seized Joker and Sion by their throats. He invoked a fierce glare into their eyes and tightened his hands, preparing to break their necks. Upon recovering, Panther picked up her Naraka Whip and conjured fire from it, sending a fiery wave toward the Count. Seeing the flames heading for him, Dracula dropped Joker and Sion. He dispersed into a veil of smoke and reappeared behind Panther.

"Behind you, Panther!" Joker pointed his gun and aimed directly at Dracula's head.

Heeding her husband's warning, Panther moved away from Dracula. Upon firing a round, Dracula caught the bullet. This provided enough distraction for Tennyo to blast him with her Divine Thorn. After blasting the Count back, Tennyo beckoned Sion for them to double-team Dracula.

As Dracula staggered up, Sion and Tennyo ran up to fight him. The couple diverged with Sion coming from the left and Tennyo jumping on a sidewall. Tennyo used the wall as a springboard to catapult herself toward Dracula, raising her ko-naginata to cut him down. Dracula was one step ahead of them as he flew up and slapped her down. After knocking Tennyo down, Sion quickly invoked his Envoy of Vein power.

"Feh, is this the best a bleeding-heart vampire can muster against the King of Vampires?!" Dracula boasted with a flair of arrogance.

"Let's see if you can handle this, Count?!" Sion called out as he imbued white light into his Queenslayer blade. When the Count tried to catch the blade, Sion cut through Dracula's hand and burned his arm off.

Hissing loudly, Dracula gripped his gravely incinerated arm. At the same time, Sion's attack dealt collateral damage to the mansion room, which startled Joker, Panther, and Tennyo.

"Hey, watch out! That attack nearly caused this place to come down!" Panther cried out.

"Sion, be careful!" Tennyo warned him.

Suddenly, a projectile blasted through Dracula's chest, causing a grievous hole to form. A bullet came shooting through the Count. The culprit was Joker, who had his Tyrant Pistol drawn out and with his eyes locked on the Count.

"Fools, is this enough to stop…?!" Dracula was abruptly cut off as Panther summoned fire through her whip's lash. He backed off, hissing at the flames.

Seizing the opportunity, Moonlight ran out of hiding and smashed the dull end of her halberd. She summoned spikes from out of the ground and pierced the Count's back. Howling with excruciating pain, Dracula ripped away at the spikes holding him. Dracula prepared to fight back, but a great sword came flying through him. Sion, Tennyo, Joker, and Panther saw Omusubi, Sekiken, and Mircalla enter the room.

"Curse you all… this won't do me in," Dracula gritted as he pushed the great sword out of his chest.

"You want to do the honors?" Sion asked Tennyo and the Revenants.

With that, the Vein Remnants attacked Dracula with their Envoy of Light powers. Unable to fight off the Revenants' attacks, Dracula was on the receiving end of being torn apart. As he attempted to regenerate, Dracula was then engulfed by Panther's flames. Dracula roared as the scorching fires burned him. Joker ran up and stabbed Dracula's chest with his Paradise Lost dagger. Blue flames then erupted from the dagger and engulfed the Count, burning his body down into burned flesh.

Sion shoved his glowing white Queenslayer sword through Dracula's chest and finished him off with his Will of d'Artagnan. As the Count tried to regenerate his wounds, Sion shoved his demon arm through Dracula's chest, causing blood to spray out of his chest. Tennyo then used her ko-naginata to split Dracula in two.

"You can call yourself the King of Vampires, but we'll never recognize you as our king. We, Revenants, are the next evolution of the vampire kind," Sion lectured the dying vampire king. "Relics like you are past their prime and cannot accept that we, Revenants, are superior to your archaic kind." Readying his two blades, he quickly beheaded Dracula.

As Dracula's head fell in front of Sion and the Revenants, the Count resisted the urge to disparage them. Instead, he chuckled, almost sounding amused with Sion's bold statement.

"...well done then, Revenants. To have killed me and my Brides, you have shown me your potential as a superior vampire race. But, understand this… the dark forces that brought us… it's coming…" Dracula cackled as his head and body erupted into flames.

As the other Phantom Thieves entered the room, they, Joker & Panther, and the Vein Remnants surrounded the Count's burning form. When the flames died down, Dracula was no more. Joker picked up the dagger where Dracula used to lie.

"Sion, you need to be more careful using your Envoy power. It's not wise to use them in enclosed places like this prop mansion. I mean, even my friends and I never had to resort to our Persona's Ascendancy forms. That's because we know the kind of dangerous power those forms can yield. Remember, we're not here for the glory of battle. We're here to protect the people and respect the grounds we're fighting on. We don't want to draw unnecessary attention from those who already criticize our methods."

"Yeah, and we already get crap from the few folks who don't like us," Skull sighed.

"Don't get too caught up in your glory, my friends," Mona lectured the Revenants.

"Joker's right. You guys were reckless tonight. I hate to say this but I would've written tickets for what you did. You shouldn't use your Envoy forms unless necessary," Queen reprimanded the four Revenants. "Are we clear?" She sternly asked the Revenants, who all nodded in unison.

"I am sorry," Sion nodded as Tennyo patted his back.

"You just need to fight more discreetly," Tennyo said.

"I-I know. I don't know what I was thinking," Sion muttered.

"I think tonight should be a lesson learned for us," Sekiken stated.

"I hope so for our sake," Panther frowned.

"Look, we didn't mean to use our Envoy forms, but sometimes when we're pushed against a strong opponent, we have to resort to them," Omusubi said.

"But, we'll fight smarter and not harder when we're inside enclosed places," Mircalla said as she and the Revenants noticed the collateral damage their fighting caused.

"But those fights were a hassle," Omusubi remarked.

"I'll say," Queen concurred.

"Dudes, I can't believe we actually fought Dracula and his Brides! Who would've thought?" remarked Skull.

"After all we've been through, I'm not surprised anymore," Panther furrowed her brows.

"Well done, you two," Moonlight gave a congratulatory remark to Sion and Tennyo. "But, Sion, we'll need to learn to observe your Envoy forms and learn to control its power."

"Maybe you and Io can help me with that, Hifumi?" Sion asked her.

"Sure, I suppose, but…"

"What?"

Tennyo placed a hand on her chest. "He mentioned 'a dark force'. No doubt he means the Yami Matter."

Hearing this, Moonlight nodded. "Yes, the only way these creatures would've been brought to life here is if the Yami Matter had anything to do with it."

With a scowl on his face, Joker conveyed his disdain for the Yami Matter that tried to destroy his and Panther's relationship.

"The Yami Matter probably brought Dracula and his Brides to test our resolve. To see how we'd possibly match against other vampires," Sekiken informed the Vein Remnants. "But, we showed these fiendish creatures we're superior beings."

"They were tough. I don't think we couldn't have beaten them with you guys," Omusubi credited the Phantom Thieves' continued support.

"Aww c'mon! Stop! You're making me blush!" Mona modestly replied, trying to not let the Revenants spoil him and the Thieves with an appraisal.

"So, we beat Dracula and his Brides? That surely calls for a celebration," Mircalla added.

"Oh yeah! It's Halloween! I bet they moved the party activities elsewhere!" Oracle cried out.

"I'm not so sure, especially after that attack we endured," Fox said.

"Well, the night is still young," Tennyo smirked as she folded an arm over Sion. "Right?"

Sion chuckled. "I suppose so."

"Besides, I want to see if Makoto's sister and the others are ok," Joker stated.

"So, back to the party then?" Panther turned and asked everyone.

All hands raised and everyone hollered in unison. The Thieves and Revenants headed out of the haunted mansion. When the group passed by the Kayako and Sadako props, the latter's head twisted to its left side and its mouth seemingly twitched on its own and the former's piercing gaze glowed through her locks of hair. As the last ones to leave, Sion and Tennyo paused for a moment.

Pivoting around facing them, Moonlight blinked in confusion. "Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I was just thinking what the Count said before he bit the dust," Sion muttered.

"Let's not dwell on that right now, Skyler. Why don't we continue enjoying the rest of the night?" Tennyo said, kissing Sion's left cheek. A soft smile adorned her face. "Right?"

Staring into his girlfriend's genuine eyes, Sion's smile broadened. He grasped Tennyo's hand and kissed it. "Yeah, I shouldn't be dwelling on it."

"Yes," Tennyo smiled, taking Sion's hand and walking him away from the haunted mansion. She then turned to Moonlight. "Ready to go, Io?"

As she followed Sion and Tennyo, Moonlight meticulously scanned her surroundings, wondering what other entities could the Yami Matter materialize. She wondered if Dracula and his Brides could be brought over into their reality, what else could the Yami Matter conjure up to challenge the Thieves and Revenants' wills.

---

Shibuya Crossing (渋谷交差点)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/11:50 PM (JST)

After the incidents, Akechi scanned his surroundings and prepared to leave without getting caught in the aftermath and being questioned. However, he felt a hand grab his shoulder and forcibly turn him around. Upon turning and meeting her tense gaze, Akechi grimaced at Sae's sight.

"Sneaking off somewhere following a crime scene, Akechi?" Sae asked with intensity in her voice.

"Sae, what a surprise. Yes, I feel my presence isn't required here since everything seems to be in the clear-" But before Akechi could finish, Sae poked his chest hard, which pushed him back.

"Don't smooth talk your way out of this one, Akechi Goro! Anywhere you go, my sister and her friends are always caught in danger!"

Quickly withdrawing his shoulder, Akechi angrily rebuked. "This isn't the time for us to have these petty arguments, Sae! We did our best to prevent collateral damage and we saved those people!"

"Don't get me started on this collateral damage nonsense when you're always caught in the middle of it! Yes, I'm glad you saved those people, but how is it when there's damage you're the root cause of it?! I saw you cause it!"

"I did it to stop those monsters and save those people! But, it wasn't my fault…!"

Sae gritted her teeth and scowled. "Enough, Akechi! I've had it with your bullshit! But what do I expect from Shido's hellspawn?!"

When Sae openly disparaged him and openly referred to him as a 'hellspawn', Akechi's mindset quickly unraveled.

"Answer me, Akechi! Do I need to scream louder so you can understand what the hell I'm trying to say?! Then again, what do I expect from a hellspawn who seeks pleasure in causing mayhem when he sees fit?! Saving civilians or not, you just enjoy the thrill of bringing chaos!"

Uncurling his lips and grinding his teeth, Akechi finally snapped. "FUCK!" He screamed so loud he finally silenced Sae's incessant disparagements and constantly reminded him of his link to Shido. As he watched Sae back away, he met her with a menacing gaze. His face contorted with unhinged expressions coupled with frustrated cackling. "I'VE HAD IT WITH YOUR FUCKING SASS, NIIJIMA SAE! WHAT'S WRONG?! NOT SO TOUGH AFTER YOU'VE POKED THE BEAR SO MANY TIMES UNTIL IT'S NO LONGER FUNNY?! WELL, YOU FINALLY FUCKING PUSHED IT! HOW ABOUT I SHUT YOU UP FOR GOOD?! WHY DON'T I GIVE YOU A MENTAL SHUTDOWN, NIIJIMA SAE?!"

As he advanced, Sae's body quivered and her face grimaced with horror. She hadn't been this afraid of Akechi before. This unpredictable side terrified her to no end. As she fell, Akechi's body brimmed with black light as he prepared to invoke his Persona's Ascendancy form.

"Akechi! Stop right there!" Makoto yelled out not too far from where he and Sae were.

As Makoto, Louis, Haru, and the others came into view, Akechi regained his bearings and ran away. As Ren, Louis, and Skyler briefly pursued Akechi, Makoto checked over Sae.

"Sis? Did he hurt you?!" Makoto shook Sae's shoulder, snapping her out of her terrified state.

"N-No, but he was going to hurt me. I-I-I kept pushing me. It's my fault… I've never seen this side of him before."

Shaking her head, Makoto deeply sighed with relief. "Unfortunately, my friends and I have. He has that unpredictably unhinged side that's hard to control. But he almost hurt you, I can't let this go any further. I'm going to call Zenkichi to help us deal with him."

"I don't want this to escalate any further, Makoto. I'll handle Akechi."

"But, he almost hurt you, sis! I'm sorry but I'm going to call Zenkichi sooner than later. I don't care who it is, but no one tries to hurt my family!"

"Do what you think is best. I support you, Makoto," Louis approved her decision.

"Akechi may be our ally, but he should know not to cross a line," Haru added.

"But, I provoked him. I probably deserved being attacked," Sae said, propping herself up. "Please don't call Zenkichi."

"But, sis, I don't want you to get hurt! Sis!"

Sae nodded dismissively. "Please."

"Fine, but if he crosses the line again or he goes flippant on any of us, I'm going to call Zenkichi to help us straighten his ass out." As Sae walked away, Sae didn't say another word. "Akechi, you bastard."

"What do you think about this, senpai? We've worked closely with Akechi. Should we trust him again?" Sumire asked Ren.

"As Makoto said, if he crosses the line, we'll have help to deal with him. I just may have to sit down and talk to him so this never happens again," Ren replied, vowing to settle Akechi down before resorting to drastic measures. "I know for one thing. There's no way Akechi can handle Zenkichi and me."

Ann overheard Ren and nodded. "You bet your ass Akechi can't handle you two when you're together."

"You two won't be the only ones. I said from the beginning if Akechi pushes his luck and endangers any one of us, I'll hunt him down like the dog he is," Jack reminded them.

"And I won't be gentle either," Eva added.

"And we won't either," Skyler said as he, Hifumi, and Io nodded together.

---

Ichigaya (市谷)/Shinjuku, Tokyo (新宿区, 東京) /12:45 AM (JST)

Somewhere in a dark and enclosed location, the Vamkyries gathered in a spot to lick their wounds. However, their short recovery ended when a glowing gold cross flared its holy radiance and paralyzed the vampiric abominations. They hissed and flinched from the cross. Stepping out from the darkness, Carolyn walked forward with the cross to hold off the Vamkyries.

"Curse thee! Dost thou enjoy torturing us like this?!" Brynhildr screeched, shielding her eyes from Carolyn's cross.

With a calm and sinister smirk adorning her face, Carolyn seemingly enjoyed the Vamkyries' wails and suffering. "Perhaps but I enjoy seeing evil fiends squirming before the power of God's light."

"God's light, divination this, cross that, why don't I just lop their heads off?' Jocelyn asked as the sound of her whip struck the ground, sending chills down the Vamkyries' spines. "So, what do you want to do with them?"

Carolyn chortled. "Keep them alive. We still have a use for these fiends." As the Vamkyries' tortured wails filled her ears, the nun cruelly smiled. "The real fun is just about to start soon for our Phantom Thief and Revenant friends."

---

Mido's Laboratory/Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (六本木ヒルズ森タワー)/November 3, 2019 (2019年11月3日) (Reality: November 3, 2021)/6:45 PM (JST)

"Ah, you've all come. Good." Mido, in his lab coat and casual wear, acknowledged the arrival of The Pack.

The Pack members were dressed in black security uniforms. They were similar to the ones worn by the riot squad's apparel, sans armor, and helmets.

Hamada stepped forward. "Thank you for the opportunity to let us join yours and Mr. Silva's security forces."

Minami scanned the laboratory environment. She felt distressed being in this facility.

"So, why have you asked us to come to your lab, Mido?" Minami asked the research scientist.

Mido calmly smirked. "How would you four feel about receiving an upgrade? You'll need to keep yourselves in tip-top shape. The job of being security for The Consortium requires a lot of physical activity."

"So, what do you have in mind?" Kimiko asked him.

Mido's smirk slightly widened. "Oh, you'll see, my curious friends." As he approached The Pack, Mido's shadow morphed into something no longer resembling a human. The Pack wasn't able to see it, but the shadow resembled a behemoth with a misshapen head and one glowing red eye.

---

Chapter Soundtrack

VAMPS - RISE OR DIE - A rock concert.
VAMPS - INSIDE OF ME - A rock concert.
VAMPS - AHEAD - Halloween celebrations.
[PS2]Vampire Night OST - Diane Battle Theme - vs. Brides.
Yousei Teikoku - Mai-Otome Butou Shi - Valkyrja - vs. Vamkyries.
[Gokukoku no Brynhildr OST] 33 - BRYNHILDR IN THE DARKNESS - Jocelyn and Carolyn arrive and drive the Vamkyries off.
[PS2]Vampire Night OST - Auguste 2nd Form - vs. Dracula.
VAMPS - ZERO - The aftermath of slaying Dracula and his brides with the protagonists is leaving the damaged Hollywood mansion.
Persona 5 OST - Interrogation Room - Sae berates Akechi leading to Akechi's breakdown.
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - Dark Clouds - Carolyn, Jocelyn, and the Vamkyries.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Daybreak - Mido meets The Pack. The last part shows Mido's shadow morphing into his armored Revenant self.

---

A/N: Like the previous chapter, this was another breather before the story will shift into the next Yami Matter arc: the Fifth YM Event.

What do y'all think about their costumes? Considering all the candy she got, it looks like Io wins the best costume.

So, if you didn't already know, Halloween for the longest time until recent decades was not a big thing. Halloween in Tokyo started taking off big in 2016. Look it up if you get the chance.

If anyone's confused by Ren calling Sae 'mom', it's based on a meme about Bayonetta being Joker's mother. You can thank the Super Smash Brothers fandom for that.

Naturally, Dracula and his Brides had to be the MOTWs since we have good vampires in this story. The Vamkyries also make their return. The fights are short but were intended to be since this is just another MOTW battle. Thankfully, Jocelyn and Carolyn arrived to help our heroes, but what true intentions are those two hiding? Nothing good I imagine.

But, this chapter wasn't inconsequential since Dracula vaguely warned our protags about the Yami Matter. The Yami Matter's presence was still felt through the horror movie icon props briefly coming to life.

This chapter debuts the Joaquin character into Akane no Mai, but it's not the first time me using the character. He made his first-ever appearance in Akane no Guilty Crown but as a grown adult and already married to Akane. So, he is a 'Canon Immigrant' (according to TVTropes) to AnM.

Oh boy, how about that scene with Sae and pancake boy? She got to see Akechi's true, unhinged side. Yep, I think her opinion of Akechi isn't going to get any better. And it won't be long until Zenkichi and Akechi cross paths. This has to push them closer to a showdown. Akechi may be about to kiss his own ass when Zenkichi gets done with him.

Hope you liked these past breather chapters because next time real hell breaks loose. The Thieves and the Revenants will have their hands full.

I do have bummer news. After this chapter, AnM is going on another hiatus as I make preparations for the Fifth Yami Matter event. This one is going to be big. So many conflicts will arise that it'll extend several chapters long. The Fifth Yami Matter event will also mark the final section of Book II. Yes, this YM event might as well be a final arc akin to the final battle in the original Persona 5 before the Royal.

In the meantime, I have to put the final touches to my novel's first draft (a long process but will hopefully pay off soon) and for anyone who follows my Digimon Fusion Kai/Ascendancy stories, I am bringing Ascendancy back from its three-year hiatus! I don't know when I'll release the first chapter of Ascendancy's long-awaited return, but it will come before AnM's Fifth Yami Matter event is posted.

My hope is not to make you wait too long! I've already had to put this story on hold twice now. I feel bad for doing that.

Whenever the next chapter comes out, post a review and take care.