Chapter XXV: Advent of Darkness
The Velvet Room (ベルベット・ルーム)
"Greetings again, trickster. I take it you came to inquire about the anomalous force?"
Ren stopped 25 feet from Igor's office desk, biting down on his bottom lip. He scanned over to the right where Lavenza stood, greeting him with a silent nod. He then pivoted over back to the long-nosed, big-eyed man.
"The Yami Matter activity has progressively gotten aggressive as of late. Between August and now, we've faced two Yami Matter events. One takes us out of our world and into another similar to ours. We met alternate versions of myself and a few of the other Phantom Thieves. There, we wanted to investigate the location of that Yami Matter, but then it found us." What he described next put him in distress. His face conveyed it all: a look of apprehension.
"Yes, we are fully aware of what happened when you informed us. Truly, it was the Yami Matter who struck first and toyed with your emotions. It tested to see what would trigger your negative emotions."
"Yeah, and it got more than it bargained for when I went all out," Ren went on, describing his transformation into his Persona's Ascendancy form: Raoul ΩX. "But… then…"
Igor maintained the same expression he had when Ren walked in, but his tone had a disquieted tone. "Your Persona's Ascendancy would've destroyed that world had it not been for Shin-Io's reality repair. Had she not been there…"
"I'm not even sure I'd be here talking to you or be in a clear frame of mind. However, thankfully Hifumi did come through for us. And if that wasn't bad enough, the next Yami Matter…"
"Tested the bond to the one your heart is closest to," Lavenza stated.
Clenching his fists, Ren tried to maintain a cooler head. "It attempted to break me and Ann up. When that other Ann accused us of bringing those monsters into our world, my Ann took it hard when she called me and the others monsters. She took it so hard that her heart fractured, enabling a piece of a Yami Matter to enter her."
"Panther's insecurity allowed the Yami Matter to take root and infect her. Becoming its host, Ann took on the characteristic traits and behavior of Cognitive Ann."
Having recalled that one horrific rainy August night, Ren was still petrified by the tumultuous argument he had with his wife. This was not knowing she was already infected by the Yami Matter.
"Once we came to the conclusion she was infected, we went into Ann's mind, freed her, and she took it upon herself to remove that Cognitive Ann. After that, we spent nearly a whole month apart to give each other space."
"Time can heal wounds, but time is not a luxury you can have when the dark entity looms ever closer."
"Don't we already know that?" Ren nodded. "If Maria returning wasn't indicative enough, then Dracula, or at least a being in the vampire's image, appeared with his harem to attack me and my friends a week ago."
Igor tilted his head to the left. "Then, the dark entity's presence draws ever nearer. Its influence on your reality will become more apparent. Be vigilant of the images of fictitious beings that may be watching you. The Yami Matter is watching."
"This time we aren't going to drop our guards like the past two times," Ren openly vowed.
"Good, because the next Yami Matter event may greatly affect your Revenant colleagues."
"Louis, Skyler, and the others? Then, I'll pass that along so they'll know. Either way, we aren't going to allow the Yami Matter to have its way with us again."
Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/November 13, 2019 (2019年11月3日) (Reality: November 13, 2021)/7:30 PM (JST)
It had been nearly two weeks since Akechi's last encounter with Niijima Sae and the Phantom Thieves. Ever since he flipped out and nearly killed Sae, he stayed in hiding and distanced himself from the others. He refused to take any calls from anyone and hoped to avoid encounters with Makoto. Akechi knew Makoto would never forgive him for nearly harming her older sister.
Clenching his teeth, Akechi leaned against a wall and thought about how he could try to save face. As far as he's concerned, outside of Ren and Sumire, the other Phantom Thieves only tolerated him at best and some still hate him. He couldn't blame them. If not for the whole Yami Matter and Consortium situations, he wouldn't be still working with them. Now, after the Sae incident, he wouldn't be surprised if after they deal with the Yami Matter, they all cut ties with him for good.
After a few deep breaths, Akechi glanced over his right shoulder and saw that no one followed him. He walked out of an empty lot and headed for the nearest train station. He cautiously glanced around as a crowd headed the same way he was taking. When he neared the train, he felt a hand tap his shoulder. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw a person hidden behind a white hoodie.
With a smile adorning his face, Akechi raised his hands. "You finally got me. Fine, I'll willingly go with you."
Removing her hood, Makoto replied with a serious glare. "Come with me. Slowly. Don't try anything funny." She then pressed a device to his back.
Finding out she wasn't holding a firearm but an electric taser, Akechi shrugged. "Fine. I'll play along, Niijima. Is your sister ok?"
"Save it. Come with me." With that, Makoto escorted Akechi out of the Ginza Line and relocated him toward the empty lot he left earlier. "This will do."
"Niijima Makoto, is this about Sae? I just want to say I'm sorry."
"You're just trying to save face, Akechi. Why don't you find the courage to say it to her face?"
Biting his bottom lip, Akechi furrowed his brows and clenched his fists. She noticed him already accessing his Metaverse powers and took precautions. As their masks formed on their faces, Makoto and Akechi paced around each other. Readying her Sabazois Knuckles, Queen gave an audible scowl.
"Niijima, we don't need to do this. I regret what I almost did to Sae, but you have to know she pressed me," Crow replied, brandishing his Hinokagutsuchi laser sword. He aimed to defend himself and not inflict harm on Queen.
"She told me everything I needed to know. She told me not to pursue you."
"Then, you broke her word."
"Not exactly because I won't be dealing with you. I'm just an observer."
"What?"
Queen lowered her guard and sighed. "As much as I'd like to indiscriminately punch your face, I won't be the one to punish you."
"Then, what now?"
Just then, and to Crow's surprise, another party was present with them. He then heard a man's breathing behind him. As he slowly shifted his eyes, Crow barely peered over his right shoulder and saw a man in a black coat, a blindfold mask, and a large fedora-like hat. Before he could utter another word, the dark-clad man grabbed his left shoulder.
"Because I'll be the one dealing punishment to you."
As Crow whipped around to meet him, the dark-clad man's fist connected with Crow's face and knocked him back. Stumbling back while holding his face, Crow saw Zenkichi unfolding his large coat to reveal a firearm in his belt holster. Crow instinctively reached for his sword but Zenkichi quickdrew and shot the sword out of Crow's hand.
"You set me up, Makoto?" Crow openly snarled, questioning Queen.
"Zenkichi insisted on luring you here."
"Akechi Goro, you had this coming for endangering Sae's life. She's a close friend of mine," he addressed Crow, darkening his voice while intimidating Crow. Approaching Crow to neutralize him, Zenkichi stood in his way and blocked any way out of the empty lot. "I heard all about the crap you've done. Almost getting Makoto and her friends killed, blackmailing them, your association with Shido Masayoshi, and just now nearly killing Sae. I, Wolf, condemn evil and hunt them down!" As Crow quickly formed an exit strategy, Wolf swiftly cut off his exit and kicked Crow's face. Effortlessly lifting Crow off the ground, Wolf slammed him against a wall and pushed his gun into Crow's face.
"Makoto, are you going to let him get away with this?!" Crow frantically called to Queen. He got no response as she averted her gaze and turned away.
However, Queen did make one plea. "Don't kill him, Zenkichi. We still need his help to fight the Yami Matter and The Consortium."
"Understood. I'll just rough him up at bi," Wolf honored Queen's wish. "You won't hold that against me, will you?"
"No," she plainly said, sitting down and watching Wolf pull Crow off the wall.
"You may have Sae afraid of you, but I'm not scared of some punk like you. You're not tough," Wolf gritted his teeth. When he looked deeply into Crow's eyes, he saw a pitiful and defeated man. Crow had no will to fight back. "What's wrong? Regretting what you did? You have many crimes weighed against you. If it were me, I'd have your ass locked up with the keys thrown out. Anyone who once tried to bring harm to Makoto and her friends is on my shit list, and you're near the top of it!"
After punching him with body shots, Wolf pushed Crow against the wall. The visual image of a wolf pinning down a crow formed in Queen's mind. The more she watched Wolf physically punish Crow, she mentally cringed and heard him audibly cough while gasping for breath.
"Have anything to say, punk? Do you surrender?!" Wolf yelled, lifting Crow by the scruff of his neck. Preparing to punch him, Wolf's fist narrowly paused a few inches from Crow's face. Lowering his fist, Wolf noted Crow's vacant eyes. "You don't have it in you anymore."
"...just finish me," Crow goaded him.
Dropping him on the floor, Wolf scoffed over the beaten Crow. "No, that's enough for you." He veered toward Queen, who walked over and eyed the defeated Crow. "Are you sure you still need him after all he's put you and your friends through?"
Nodding, Queen bent down and waited for Crow to regain his composure. As he raised his head, Crow palmed his face and let out pained grunts.
"I'm sorry, Makoto. I truly am… I never meant to harm Sae…"
Narrowing her gaze, Queen snarled. "You better be right, Akechi. The next time you endanger anyone close to me, I won't hesitate to call Zenkichi and we both hunt you like the pathetic, broken bird you are. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes…"
"Once this whole Yami Matter and Consortium deal is over, I never want to see you again."
"...as you say…" Crow conceded. "I can honor that request."
"That's not a request. That's a demand, Akechi," she vehemently corrected him.
"Are we done here, Makoto?" Wolf queried, preparing to leave.
"Yes, let's go," Queen replied, turning her back and leaving Crow behind. Suddenly, she stopped, looking past her shoulder to see him standing and favoring his face. "If you want to continue fighting with us, we'll contact you, don't contact us."
After Queen and Wolf vacated the empty lot, Crow sat on an empty bench and recovered from the beating he took from Wolf. He grabbed his side and coughed, realizing and accepting any form of karma ready to deal him a bad hand. At this point, he thought to himself and knowing most of his colleagues don't care for him. Hell, he knows the Revenants, especially Eva, vowed to kill him if he dared betray them and the Phantom Thieves. He internally wondered, 'What would it take to win over their trust ever again?'
Silva Estate/Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (六本木ヒルズ森タワー)/November 16, 2019 (2019年11月16日) (Reality: November 16, 2021)/6:04 PM (JST)
Cruz Silva entered her father's office and closed the door behind her. She saw Gregorio talking to someone over the phone and waited for him to conduct his business.
Upon seeing his daughter, Gregorio muttered. "I apologize, but I must call back later." He turned off his cell.
"Father, you wish to see me?"
"Yes, Cruz."
"I didn't mean to barge in during a conference call."
"That wasn't it, my daughter. Have a seat."
Cruz kindly smiled. "I'm fine standing, father. So, what did you need to tell me?"
Getting up from his seat, Gregorio walked by his desk's side and approached his daughter. Before any word came out of his mouth, his face seemingly contorted with pain. Both his eyes and mouth twitched. Then, he grabbed the left side of his face and howled with pained anguish. He started to sweat profusely, frightening his daughter as she tended to him.
"Father! What's wrong?!" Cruz fearfully screamed out, putting her arm over his left shoulder and putting her hand on his chest. She heard his hard breaths near her ear.
"Cruz…" Gregorio gritted as some unknown force had a firm grip over him. His mind then saw many images burning into his mind. These images showed himself with Cruz, Jack, and Sion in some unknown ravaged environment. He saw brief images of Cruz and her glowing blue eyes staring straight into him. Attempting to shake these images out of his mind, he turned over to his daughter.
"Are you ok, father?! Speak to me!" She pleaded, glancing at the pain etched on his face.
"You must go, Cruz. Leave me."
"But…!"
Pushing her away, Gregorio yelled out. "Leave now, Cruz! Something's gotten a hold of me and it's making me see things!"
"Like what?"
"You, me, Jack, and that Skyler boy for whatever reason… it's difficult to explain now. Argh! Do as I say, Cruz! Please leave! Find Skyler!" He gritted his teeth while fighting off the pain taking hold of him. "No, not just him. Find Louis and his friends! They should help!"
Backing away, Cruz's eyes filled with tears, but she nodded in compliance with her father's wishes. She stormed out of her father's luxurious office and headed out of the estate to find Louis and the other Revenants. On her way out of the front, she bumped right into Juzo Mido.
"Mido!"
"Ms. Silva? Is something wrong? You seem troubled?" Mido asked with concern.
"My father! Something's wrong with my father, Mido! He told me to go get help!"
Mido put on a worrisome look. "Oh dear, did he say what's bothering him?"
"No, but he said something was taking hold of him, but I saw nothing to suggest otherwise. He told me to find Louis and his friends! I'm sorry, I can't stay. I have to go!"
"Wait, but do you even know where to find them?"
"Worry about tending to my father, Mido! I still have Louis's contact number! I'm counting on you to treat him while I'm gone!" She yelled out to the scientist.
"Yes, but I'm not a doctor! I'll do what I can!" Mido called out as Cruz ran out the front doors. He dropped an arm. His lips curved outward into a menacing scowl as he heard Gregorio's loud bellows from the third floor. As he tucked both his hands in his lab coat pockets, Mido sunk his head as his right eye gleamed blood red, and a low chuckle escaped his mouth. "And now it begins, Gregorio."
Takemi Medical Clinic/Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)/6:30 PM (JST)
"So, let me hear this correctly. You want me to confirm if your wife is pregnant even though your general doctor already told you?" Tae asked Ren, who sat down opposite Ann.
"You are a registered medical professional," Ren reminded her. "Besides, I…" He paused as he grasped Ann's hand. "We would like to hear it from your mouth."
Ann nodded and genuinely smiled. "We'd very much appreciate it."
"Besides as good as our general doctor is, you're still my favorite doc since I was your favorite guinea pig," Ren gave a modest smile, which elicited an eye roll from Tae.
"Oh, please. Spare me the bullshit, Ren," Tae dryly quipped. Her scowl then curved into a soft smile as she placed Ann's diagnosis document in front of them. "So, I gave your wife a pregnancy test and assessed a urine sample. The test strip came out pink. And since you want to hear it from me." She placed her hands on Ren and Ann. "Congratulations, you two are going to be parents."
A tranquil grin formed on Ren's face. "That's all I needed to hear."
"We're sorry if we wasted your time, but Ren insisted to take me to see you."
Getting up from her chair, Tae smirked coolly. "It's not a problem. Anything for my favorite test subject." She winked at Ren and handed him a folder with Ann's test results. "You want to look at it anymore?"
"No, I don't think we'll need it. Thanks for making time for us." Ren replied as he held Ann's hand. "Anyway, we have somewhere we need to be. Ready?"
Ann nodded. "Yeah, we don't want to be late."
As the couple walked out of the clinic, Tae closed the door. She reminisced about Ren's first visit to her office several years ago.
"It's been that long, hasn't it, kid?" A light chuckle came out of the medic's mouth. "Now, you've grown into quite the man, Amamiya Ren. I'm happy for you."
Silva Estate/Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (六本木ヒルズ森タワー)/6:47 PM (JST)
Once the Consortium made itself public after the Roppongi Hills ballroom incident, Makoto and Sae worked tirelessly to locate their compound. The Consortium's compound is the Silva Estate.
Having arrived outside the Consortium's compound, Niijima Sae quietly scoured the private estate and scoped the vicinity for security guards. She saw two of the Pack members, Tomoyuki and Minami, conversing while on patrol. Keeping still, Sae waited until they vacated the area. She momentarily planned her next move, but then recalled her conversation with Makoto about calling Zenkichi to beat up Akechi.
She remembered the harsh argument that they had about breaking Sae's word. "You deliberately called Zenkichi without my say-so and sent him to beat the hell out of that bastard?! You know how dangerous Akechi can be since he has similar abilities to yours, Makoto!"
Her face contorted with guilt when she heard Makoto fiercely retorting.
"I'm sorry, sis, but it had to be done! Akechi had this coming for nearly killing you! Yes, I'm aware of how dangerous he is, but I wanted to Zenkichi to be there to remind Akechi not to cross the line. But, I know he's not the same guy he was before. He's willfully been helping us deal with the recent Consortium and Vamkyrie incidents. If I recall, he went out of his way to protect civilians during that Vamkyrie attack! Listen, I'll never forgive him for killing Futaba's mother and Haru's dad, and I'll never forget what he almost did to you, but as much as I hate to say it, we still need him."
"A hellspawn like him should never be trusted Makoto, and I don't need you fighting my battles!"
"And there you go again being your stubborn self again! Don't think you can handle everything on your own, sis! You have us now!"
"Yes, and thanks to you I have the Consortium's location. It's the Silva Estate, which Gregorio Silva owns. I understand your boyfriend, Louis, knows him."
"Yeah, he used to date his daughter Cruz. We met her at that ball event when the Consortium revealed themselves to us."
"Your investigative skills are to be admired, Makoto. You leave this part of the investigation to me."
"Are you crazy? Surely you don't plan to go there on your own? You'll need help."
"I can handle this one, Makoto. Stay where you are with Louis and Haru."
"And what about Hojo? Have you told him what you're going to do?"
"He doesn't need to know anything. You leave the rest of the Consortium investigation with me now."
"But, sis…"
"Trust me, Makoto. I'll handle the difficult part." As Sae's state of mind returned to reality, she saw the Pack members were gone. They had seemingly been summoned by the Consortium inside the Silva Estate. As she snuck toward the back, Sae found a flight of stairs and climbed them. She then turned right and walked on a platform leading to a series of windows.
When she approached closer, Sae heard a conversation inside the windows. She heard and recognized an older man's deep voice speaking with others. She quietly leaned over and observed the happenings inside Gregorio's office.
"A Consortium meeting?" Sae whispered so low no one would've noticed her.
Upon being summoned into Gregorio's office, the Consortium was summoned to meet with Gregorio and Mido. Gregorio was seemingly back to good health, turning to meet Jocelyn, Carolyn, Kirari, Sayaka, and Ririka. Also present was the Consortium's newest security team: The Pack, each donning black uniforms and dress pants.
"Every Consortium member, I need you to find my daughter and bring her here. Ensure certain vicinities are closed off."
"Why is that, Gregorio? Mido? If I may ask?" Kirari asked the politician.
"There's a high possibility that dark cognitions and creatures like those that attacked Akihabara and Miura Beach may appear."
Sayaka nodded. "So, you wish for us to bring Cruz here before she runs into these things?"
"Yes, and use any extreme methods if you must against these things. And return my daughter unharmed. Am I clear?"
"Leave it to us, Mr. Silva. As the newly appointed heads of your security division, we, The Pack, won't let you or Mr. Mido down," Hamada calmly reassured Gregorio. Black shadow-like essences hid behind him and his three colleagues, which were invisible to everyone else in the room but Mido for whatever reason.
"I know you and your team won't let us down. This will be your test to see if you're worthy to lead The Consortium's security division," Mido firmly stated.
Hamada turned to his three colleagues, who already stormed out to gather a team of security grunts to accompany them to help close off sections within Tokyo.
"Come. Time for us to leave and search for Cruz, Jocelyn," Carolyn ordered, leaving out of the office.
"What about Miki? Should we just leave her here?" Jocelyn asked, reminding her colleague of their primary guardian duties.
"She'll be fine as long as she stays in her quarters. Let's go, Jocelyn." With that, the two guardians vacated the office and headed out to search for Cruz.
"Ok, let's get going then, you two," Kirari informed Ririka and Sayaka. As the three Consortium members fled out of the office, Mido closed the door and turned to face Gregorio.
Gregorio was already down on his knees, writhing in agonizing pain. He felt some untold force consuming him, which only he could see right now. Howling with sheer distress, he saw a black formless goo eating away at him.
"Mido, you bastard! You won't be able to hide the truth and keep up this charade! They will find out you have your full memories! I remember all the atrocities you committed where we came from!" Gregorio protested, vehemently yelling at the scientist. "The Consortium was all your scheme and you took advantage of me without my full memories! Do what you want with me but I will not allow you to harm Cruz!"
Letting out an unrestrained laugh, Mido responded completely unfazed by Gregorio's threats. "I see you've regained your full memories now. I fully remember failing to kill you. It was you who thwarted my plan when I tried removing the Gaol of the Mists that surrounded Vein. You shouldn't have resisted your frenzied state and just given into the madness! That way my scheme would've been fulfilled and we would've seen the truth of our world! A world that was unknown to us!"
"Your schemes failed then and you're going to fall again. Louis and his group will end you again."
However, Mido stood perfectly still and raised his head, casting a baleful gaze on the politician. When Gregorio reached for him, Mido paced a few steps back. His distance was methodically motivated.
Mido scoffed as he took off his glasses. "Look at you, Gregorio. You're so pathetic. How appropriate you'll become my pawn."
With that, Gregorio's look faded as he vanished into thin air. Unfazed by Gregorio suddenly vanishing into thin air, Mido gave an insidious chuckle. Purposefully dropping his glasses, he crushed them under his right foot.
A twisted sneer formed on Mido's face. "Now, we can finally get the ball rolling, Gregorio. Yes, let us go and fetch your precious princess. There'll be plenty of time to unleash unholy hell."
Having seen what just happened, Sae was horrified. She couldn't believe it was Mido who was seemingly killing Gregorio. She had everything recorded through her work phone.
"I can't believe this… I have to go and show Makoto and the others this. This changes everything we know," she whispered aloud. However, before she had a chance to flee, a winged presence cast its shadow over Sae, blindsiding the SIU Director. Before she could get a chance to scream, Sae saw Brynhildr riding on a large white swan-like beast. Though its wings and tail are a swan's, its head has wolf-like ears and its feet resembled a griffin's. As it opened its 30-foot-long wings, the beast screeched loudly as it quickly swooped down and snatched Sae, causing the woman to black out. The last thing she heard was the swan beast's loud screeches and Brynhildr's howling.
Mido's Laboratory/Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (六本木ヒルズ森タワー)/6:50 PM (JST)
"Eheheh, rise and shine, my dear," Mido's insidious voice chimed in ever so creepily, causing Sae to stir and awaken.
When she finally came to, Sae found herself bound by metal clamps and pinned on an examination table. Her eyes frantically scanned her new surroundings. She wasn't anywhere near the Silva Estate. No, she was inside a laboratory that was mostly obscured in darkness. The only light source was the ceiling light beaming over Sae and a lamp sitting on a small exam table where Mido worked on his recent experiments.
"Where the hell am I?" Sae asked, moving her arms and finding it impossible to break loose. She didn't have the strength to snap the clamps.
"Where anyone goes when they eavesdrop and find out too much, SIU Director Niijima Sae. Am I right to presume you and the Phantom Thieves have been trying to locate The Consortium? Did you find anything you were looking for?"
"I know that you're an absolute monster who played the rest of The Consortium like fools. You're sending them to find Gregorio's daughter while you kill Gregorio himself!"
"Oh yes, I did send them to find Lady Cruz. Won't they be surprised to find Gregorio dead when they return? Too bad for you, only a few of the Consortium are aware of my activities. The others are just mere pawns and expendable in the grand scheme."
Sae scowled in response, conveying disgust toward the scientist. "I've come to learn all I need to know about this secret organization. Now I know it's truly run by a monster like you. Normally the police, the government, and I would put people like Shido away in prison for their injustices, but you, Juzo Mido, I'm getting terrible vibes from you. Someone like you just feels so inhumane… someone like you is too dangerous to live. You're someone who needs to die! My sister and her friends will…!"
Chuckling, Mido cut her off by squeezing her cheeks. "Yes, the Phantom Thieves will try and come to save you. Too bad they won't. They don't even know I have you held captive here. I know all about the Thieves and their Revenant friends." As he walked toward his other table, he took out a syringe filled with black liquid. "I fully expect them to come and find me."
"Then, why hide in a lab like this? You think you're some kind of mad scientist?" Sae mockingly sneered and taunted him, spitting on his shoe. "You try anything you want. I interrogate criminals every other week. You can't and won't break me!"
"Who said anything about breaking you, my dear?" Mido chuckled as he showed off the syringe, causing Sae to flinch. "Here's the truth. Yes, I am the true mastermind behind the Consortium. Yes, I am the one responsible for all the creature-related incidents. Those four creatures that attacked Akihabara were my experiments. The same can be said for those two young boys. Everything related to the Yami Matter is linked to me! And the Consortium is just a front for me while I worked behind the scenes. Gregorio and most of his followers are just my pawns. What else is left for me to say, Niijima Sae?!" He walked beside Sae and jabbed the syringe into her neck, causing her to cry out painfully.
When he clamped her mouth shut, Mido's smile faded as he gazed at her with a low-key psychotic stare, sending immediate chills over Sae's body.
"Shhh, it'll all be over soon, Sae. You won't die, but you will become a pawn in my game. I just need the other you to manifest."
Though she was unable to speak, Sae's muffled screaming and cursing can be heard behind his hand. Ultimately, the serum from the syringe knocked Sae out, leaving her comatose. Then, Mido placed his hand against the nearest wall, drawing out a black mist that shrouded the lab and slowly absorbed Sae's comatose body.
"Yes, Yami Matter, manifest the shadow behind this woman's soul. I need that shadow to help me deal with my enemies," Mido pleaded as the formless entity engulfed Sae and pulled a shadowy presence out of her body.
After being forcefully pulled out of Sae, the shadow reformed into a familiar shape. When she opened her yellow eyes, Shadow Sae was surprisingly brought back. The black-clad shadow scanned her surroundings and glanced over at Sae laying comatose.
"...Sae? If I'm here and she's here… how could we split up and why am I here again?" Shadow Sae frantically wondered until she sensed Mido's insidious presence.
"You can thank me for that, dear shadow."
Once meeting him, Shadow Sae's golden eyes glowed angrily. "You did this?!"
"I'll need you to help me destroy the Phantom Thieves and those Revenants, starting with this woman's sister."
Hearing this, Shadow Sae flew into an unbridled rage as she rushed toward Mido to finish him. However, Mido instinctively summoned the Yami Matter to subdue Shadow Sae and bring her under his control. The Yami Matter then warped her mind, turning her into an obedient servant for Mido. Her already golden eyes became lifeless and her mind was stripped of its willpower.
"What is it you command me to do now, Lord Mido?" Shadow Sae asked, bowing down to Mido.
Chortling incessantly, Mido raised his arms. "You are to accompany me and lead my forthcoming Lost."
"As you command," Shadow Sae nodded obediently, standing up and leaving the comatose Sae behind.
"And now the next phase shall commence," Mido evilly smiled as the Yami Matter shrouded him, casting the shadow of a behemoth with a red glowing eye beneath him. The sound of his insidious laughter filled the laboratory and prepared to spread his madness into the world.
Sophia University (上智大学)/Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/6:55 PM (JST)
When Skyler arrived to pick up Hifumi, he opened the door and saw her finishing another shogi game with Nakamura Miki. As the ladies rose from their seats, they shook hands. Though while Miki smiled, Hifumi had a neutral look, knowing about Miki's apparent alliance with The Consortium. This was Hifumi's way to get more details out of Mki about the organization.
"Thank you for taking the time to play another game with me, Hifumi. I feel in good company when I'm around you. Yes, you bring the best out of me," Miki said, commending Hifumi for being her favorite gaming rival as of late. Feeling the warmth of Hifumi's hand and her glowing smile, Miki was thrilled to be dueling someone on her gaming and intellect level.
However, Hifumi maintained her neutral expression. "I'm glad I can provide you fun, but are you certain you have nothing to tell about The Consortium's schemes?"
"I'm afraid I'm not privy to all of their businesses. I'm mostly with my two guardians Carolyn and Jocelyn," Miki honestly replied. "I'm sorry I can't provide any answers to your inquiries, Hifumi."
Letting out a small, defeated sigh, Hifumi grabbed her purse. "I apologize for pressing any issues, but Skyler and I are concerned you're aligning with shady individuals."
"I haven't noticed anything 'shady' as you presume, but if I find anything out, I'll be sure to tell you and Skyler."
"Please do."
Shifting her eyes toward the door, Miki smirked. "Oh? How long have you been standing there and eavesdropping on a ladies' conversation, Skyler?"
"Skyler?" Hifumi blinked as she faced the door and saw her boyfriend walking inside as if he was caught red-handed. "You're early."
"No, I came on time. Weren't we supposed to join the others? Ren and Ann are supposed to make an announcement."
"Oh, yes. I almost forgot," Hifumi recalled. "Miki, if you'll excuse me."
"No problem. It was a pleasure to play games again with you, Hifumi."
"Likewise, take care."
As Hifumi approached Skyler and prepared to leave, Miki spoke up.
"Sorry, but I had something I wanted to say."
"What is it?" Hifumi queried.
While grabbing a totes bag, Miki replied vaguely. "Tell me. Do you believe the realm of fiction would ever cross over with reality? Such as our reality?" As she said this, Hifumi and Skyler stared without an immediate response, which she expected. "I see. What if I foretold that some unfold force has been manipulating our side of reality? Allowing characters and elements from fictitious worlds to unknowingly cross over into our world?"
"What you're saying sounds implausible," Skyler retorted.
"Maybe not," Hifumi remembered the parallel Crimson reality and the alternate timeline where Datenshi came from.
"Are you saying that characters from our world's famous fictitious works can cross over because of some entity? C'mon now," Skyler feigned ignorance.
"Do not presume I'm a fool, Skyler. I understand you and Hifumi have seen and interacted with extraordinary happenings as of late," Miki said as she passed by the couple. "Let's all try and be careful. I don't want anyone of us to get hurt."
"Miki?" Hifumi gasped as she watched Miki walk the hallway, leaving her and Skyler to mull over her statements, which are related to Datenshi and most recently the Yami Matter. However, she couldn't comprehend what she meant by fictitious elements intertwining with their reality. "Have you witnessed anything peculiar related to what she said?"
"Beyond anything the Yami Matter has manifested? No, but Miki has to know more than she's letting on. Let's heed her words and if we run into her again she'll need more answers."
"Why wait? Miki! Hold on, I have more questions!" Hifumi frowned as she stormed in Miki's direction. When she and Skyler went outside the doors where Miki left, they saw that she was gone. There was no sign of anyone else who picked her up. "Miki? She's gone?"
Nodding, Skyler had a perplexed look, scanning the vicinity and saw no other presence. "Whoever, or whatever Miki is, we do need to take everything she says seriously. Since we know she's involved with the Consortium, she has to know we've been fighting with the Thieves and my friends."
"She could be covertly working to dig information from The Consortium."
"Or not, and she's in league with them. If that's the case, we can't take anything she says at face value anymore, Hifumi."
Sighing, Hifumi turned and grabbed Skyler's hand. "And if she's trying to warn us, then she could be our messenger, Skyler."
"You think so, Hifumi?"
"But, if she turns out to be an enemy, we'll both confront her together."
Just then, Io's voice spoke within Hifumi's mind. "I can't get anything out of that Miki woman. But, be cautious when you see her next time, Hifumi. Whether she turns out to be our ally or enemy, she still has to answer to us."
"Come on, let's not keep our friends waiting," Hifumi insisted.
Recognizing his girlfriend's serious tone, Skyler nodded. "Yeah, you're right. I wonder what Ren and Ann have to tell us?"
"Whatever it is, it has to be important if they want us all there."
Yaksha Weaponries (ヤクシャの武器)/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/7:25 PM (JST)
The Thieves and Revenants convened for a meeting to discuss Ren and Ann's big announcement.
"No way, you're going to be parents?!" Sumire exclaimed in shock.
"Wow, congrats are in order!" Rin cheerfully exclaimed.
"I can't believe you two kept this out of the dark this long," Yakumo remarked.
"So, spill. Is it going to be a boy or a girl?" Mia asked the couple.
With a hand on her belly, Ann smiled affectionately. "A boy." She turned to Ren, smiling at him. "We're going to have a son."
"That's wonderful to hear. We're very happy for you two." Louis added in the conversation.
"I'm happy for you, my Lady Ann! Your baby will be the most precious thing in the world!" Morgana meowed out proudly for his beautiful goddess, eliciting a hearty laugh from Ann.
Ryuji walked up to Ann and handed her a small gift-wrapped box.
"What is this, Ryuji?"
"Just something for y'all and the kid. So, have you decided on a name yet?"
Ren replied to his friend. "We're still deciding."
"Right, but you two knew you were gonna have a kid. You kept that well hidden from the rest of us."
"You can't hide growing bellies," Haru giggled as she put an ear to Ann's abdomen.
"He's nowhere close to starting to kick yet, so don't expect anything. The baby's not due until January," Ann stated.
Realizing this, Hifumi spoke up. "Then, might I suggest we start shopping for the baby's clothes now we know it'll be a boy?"
"Oh, that's a wonderful idea!" Haru concurred.
Flashing a sneaky grin, Futaba added with a gleam in her glasses lens. "Heheh, if you two need any babysitters while you two need some time away, you always ask me and Inari?"
"Me?" Yusuke asked.
"No, the other dope I call Inari. Of course, you!"
"But, I'm not experienced with infants! An artist such as I wouldn't know what to do."
"Relax. You'll have me to help."
"But, do you have any experience with babies, Futaba?" Skyler asked her.
"Um, not really? But, Inari and I can start practicing. Right?"
Yusuke sighed. "Keep me out of your tomfoolery."
"Or, you could ask us to babysit if you need any help. What do you think, Skyler?" Hifumi turned to her boyfriend.
"Well, I suppose," he responded, unsure as to how to give an appropriate response.
"Oh, you guys are so funny! It's ok! It'll be a little while before we ask anyone to look after our kid!" Ann laughed with a wholesome smile, one that shone with a radiance that Ren could appreciate after what happened a few months ago with the last Yami Matter incidents. He also wasn't sure what made him happier: seeing his wife being her jubilant self again or knowing he'll be a father in a few months.
Then, Makoto cleared her throat, eliciting silence from everyone else. She then opened her eyes and spoke up.
"Maybe you should ask someone who's at least responsible? Haru and I could look after your child, too, if you need a house and babysitters." Makoto suggested.
"That's a great idea, Mako-chan! Maybe Louis can join us?" Haru clapped her hands once.
"Nah, I think you two are more than enough to handle a kid. How hard can it be?"
"Well, I'm also available if you need a babysitter," Sumire volunteered. "What do you think senpai?" She asked Ren.
"We'd be happy if you would," Ren said.
"Better get in line, Sumire," Futaba interjected.
"Hey, this isn't a competition, guys," Ann modestly chuckled over their friends' insistence over who gets to babysit her and Ren's kid.
"Well, maybe some of you might have a greater chance to babysit because Jack and I have been keeping this secret," Eva spoke up.
"No way, you, too?" Ann queried.
"You mean to say… you're…?!" Mia exclaimed.
"Yes, Jack and I are expecting a child, too!" Eva happily announced, holding Jack's hand as they embraced one another. As expected, everyone else was shocked by another child on the way.
"Whoa, way to spring this surprise on us! Congrats, man!" Skyler said as he and Jack fist-bumped.
"Thanks, Skyler. Yeah, we wanted to wait a little longer but since Ren and Ann just announced their kid coming, it was time to take the lid off," Jack replied.
"Man, we've got two rugrats on the way!" Futaba said.
"I think I speak for all of us, we send our congratulations to you two as well," Yusuke added.
"So, when can we expect your child to be born?" Makoto asked Jack and Eva.
"Very soon. I believe roughly the same time Ren and Ann's child is due," Jack replied.
"Well, you at least can hide your belly better than Ann could," Haru smiled.
"I do cover myself well, but I don't expect that to last long," Eva said, pinching her belly fold.
"Well, it looks like we may be sharing a room, Eva," Ann said as she and Eva shared a hearty laugh together.
"May I have a say in this? Perhaps give my congratulations?" Akechi spoke up, who had been ignored by mostly everyone sans Ren and Sumire briefly acknowledging him. As he turned over to Ann and Eva, the latter furrowed her brows toward him. "Look, I get it. I'm not wanted here."
"Can you blame us? Let's be honest, most of us still think highly of you," Makoto addressed him vehemently. As she said this, Haru and Futaba turned away from him.
"Who even invited pancake-bitch to our party?" Ryuji remarked.
"Hey, not me," Futaba added.
"Don't look at us," Mia spoke on behalf of the Revenants.
"And though we're not as familiar with you as Ren and his friends are, we're not fond of you either," Louis hammered home his group's distrust in Akechi.
"As expected, but I do want to give my congratulations to the future mothers. Perhaps you'll succeed where mine failed," Akechi said.
Ann nodded. "Thanks."
Eva stayed silent for a moment and finally addressed him. "Thank you."
As Akechi turned to leave, Ren approached him.
"Listen, Ren. I know when I'm not wanted and since this isn't a meeting related to our missions, I have no mission to stay here."
"Akechi, hold on," Sumire interjected but Akechi waved her off.
"It's ok, Sumire."
Ren replied. "You had what's coming to you, but let's hope you learn from this. Believe me, Zenkichi is not someone you want to cross."
Akechi rubbed a facial bruise. "Yeah, I learned that the hard way. I'll never forget that."
Just then, Coco walked in with a bottle of wine.
"Well, I don't know about y'all, but this calls for a celebration. Drinks are on me!" Coco announced, setting the bottle on the front counter.
"Hey, watch it! Don't spill alcohol all over the counter!" Rin quickly freaked out.
"Woohoo, now you're talking!" Ryuji roared as Coco handed a few glasses out.
"Not you, of course," Coco turned to Ann. "Sorry, but you're carrying a kid. You gotta take care of yourself to have a healthy child."
"I know. The doctor already told me," Ann replied as Ren patted her back.
"It's ok. I won't drink if you won't."
"Oh no! Don't do that for my sake, Ren!"
"She's right, dude! C'mon, let's drink and celebrate my best bud becoming a daddy!" Ryuji boisterously hollered and pulled his friend aside for a drink.
"So, who wants the first glass?" Davis asked, preparing to pour wine into a shot glass.
Suddenly, the shop doors quickly flew open and someone came storming in steadfastly. Everyone whipped around and saw Cruz enter the weapon shop. Upon seeing Cruz, the Revenants were taken aback by her random arrival, but none were as surprised as Louis, who instinctively got up from his seat.
"Cruz?!" Louis exclaimed.
"What's she doing here?" Mia wondered, befuddled with the politician's daughter in their presence.
"Hey, I thought the shop's doors were closed?!" Yakumo asked.
"Sorry! I forgot to lock up after I let you guys in!" Rin recalled her own blatant folly.
"That doesn't matter now. She's here," Skyler nodded as he and the others watched Cruz panting, almost out of breath, and sweating up a storm from a long run from Roppongi to Shibuya. "Her heart's beating so fast and it's not just from the distance she's traveled to get here."
"You're anxious about something. What happened, Cruz?" Louis asked his ex as he walked up to offer her a seat.
"Please… Louis. Everyone. Something's happening to my father!" Cruz cried out, pleading to the Revenants and the Thieves.
"Your father?" Louis gasped.
"What happened to Gregorio?" Davis queried the young woman.
"He-He told me to run away! Something… I don't know what has taken hold of my father! I wanted to find out what, but I couldn't see anything!" Cruz cried out as he grabbed Louis and cried on his shoulder. "I need help before something happens to my father!"
Makoto and Haru watched Louis sit Cruz down. Neither said anything as he consoled her.
"Get me some water, Coco," Louis said.
"No, it's ok."
"You look exhausted, Cruz."
As Coco returned with a glass full of water, Louis gave some for Cruz to drink. Upon drinking, Cruz felt her mouth and body become replenished. She could now speak properly without straining her throat.
"My father's in danger. Louis, I know we've been out of touch for a while and we're not together anymore… I need you and everyone's help," Cruz said. As she raised her eyes to Louis, salty tears formed out of the ducts. She veered over to Ren and the Thieves, most particularly Makoto and Haru. "And I'd appreciate it if you can help, too. You are Louis's friends, too."
"Makoto and I are his current girlfriends," Haru properly addressed Cruz.
"Ms. Okumura. Of course. Louis has always preferred cultured women like us."
"And he also prefers strong women who can fight their own battles, too," Makoto interjected. "You might be cultivated, but you're not independent if you must return to Louis for help."
"But, this isn't about me. It's my father! He's not well! He told me something's gotten a hold of him! If we don't go back to him, I'm worried something will…!" Cruz stopped midway in her sentence as Louis put his hands on her shoulders. "Louis?"
"Show us the way, Cruz," Louis said, looking at his ex-girlfriend dead in her red eyes.
"Really? You'll do it?"
Nodding, Louis responded firmly. "Take us to Gregorio. Where is he?"
"He's at our estate. I left Mido to tend to him. He probably called for medics to tend to my father. We have to get there right away!"
"Wait, don't tell me you just said his name?!" Yakumo shouted in alarm.
"Did you say Mido?!" Skyler exclaimed.
"Yes, he lives in our estate and heads our science division. I understand he's no medic but…"
"That's not the point, Cruz! Your dad is in danger!" Louis cried out, quickly snatching Cruz's arm. "We have to go now!"
"You have no idea the kind of monster Mido is, Cruz!" Jack cried out.
"We'll come, too!" Ren added as he and the Thieves stood ready to go. Glancing over to the corner of the shop, he saw Morgana poking the front shop window. "Morgana, what is it?"
"One thing I can agree on, we need to leave right away," Morgana affirmed. "I feel something big is about to become unleashed and it's not good. This is sounding like the Yami Matter's doing."
"Then, more the reason for us to act now," the Phantom Thief leader concurred. "Cruz, we know what's taken hold of your father and we will help."
"What is it?" Cruz asked, completely in the dark regarding the entity that's taken been manifesting material and cognitive beings into their reality.
"There's no time, Cruz. Just take us to Gregorio now! You can't trust Mido with him! Mido is a danger to us all!" Louis warned Cruz, who was flabbergasted by Louis' 'outrageous' claim.
"But, why would… Mido? Alright, fine. Follow me!" She led the Thieves and Revenants, sans Rin, Coco, and Davis, out of the shop.
As everyone ran out of the shop, Akechi was stopped by Makoto.
"You have a lot to prove to us, Akechi. Don't screw this up," she coldly muttered, leaving Akechi behind. When Akechi followed and caught up, Makoto called Sae on her phone. "C'mon, sis. Pick up. Damn it, why aren't you answering?"
"Mako-chan, wasn't your sister supposed to be at the Silva Estate?' Haru queried.
"Yeah, and she's not answering. I'm really worried."
"Damn, I hope Sae hasn't run into Mido! C'mon, everyone, let's pick up the pace!" Louis yelled out, leading the way for the Revenants while Ren led the Thieves toward the Silva Estate.
Along the way, Hifumi internally conversed with Io. "Hifumi, I can verify that Mido's presence is manifesting! He and the Yami Matter are in league with each other!"
Silva Estate/Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (六本木ヒルズ森タワー)/7:45 PM (JST)
Now standing on the manor rooftop, Juzo Mido imagined himself atop the tallest mountain or even the world. He felt liberated no longer being confined to his private laboratory and under Gregorio's supervision. He was free as a bird to spread his wings. Mido let out a rapturous laugh, one brimming with depravity and malice.
"Finally, I can cut loose and unveil the curtains behind this horror show!" Mido cackled as his skin started to bubble up, almost melting like cheese. "And I can undo this primitive disguise. Ugh, such a revolting facade I've had to take on just to blend in with this civilized world!"
As his human flesh melted and peeled off his current form, his true form, a black and light & gray armored being, emerged. The human skin Mido wore fully peeled off and plopped to the ground, melting away into a pool of disgusting slime. "Ah, it's amazing how quickly such a human body can regress to such primordial residue. Such an inversion of human evolution."
The true face of Mido, a dark metallic gray mask, emerged complete with a matching colored mouthguard. Gleaming from his right eye hole, Mido's red eye gazed at the world before him. When he rose, Mido stood an imposing figure with a giant light gray cloak, standing over 7 feet tall, a stark contrast to his harmless human disguise.
With his red eye scanning Roppongi, Mido threw his arms apart and breathed in the air.
"Mmmm, I can smell a whole world ripened with more potential subjects to experiment on if Hamada and his colleagues were anything to go by," Mido evilly chuckled. Then, he sensed the presence of the Yami Matter. "What is that? Oh, you wish to share the stage with me? I see, you're eager to destroy the ones who've been a thorn in your side." He communicated with the invisible dark entity. If one were to see him contacting the dark entity, Mido would appear to be talking to thin air. He malevolently chuckled again. "Very well then. I suppose we can make bigger things happen since the last event, where we nearly destroyed the lives of those two Phantom Thieves. No doubt they and those Revenants will be on their way here, but who's to say we can't meet them first? Yes, and you, Cruz Silva, will be the one to bring them to me." He sprang up into the air and landed outside the Silva Estate. "Once again, the Silvas are such fools to take me in. History has repeated itself and you two are once again my pawns without prior knowledge. But, that's ok." He opened and clenched his hand. "I shall course correct and accelerate the progression of your true evolutions!"
Turning toward the darkened skies, Mido saw deep shades of purple penetrating through the skies and the clouds. This purple light quickly permeated through and lit up the Tokyo skies. Sooner than later, everyone would notice this.
"It appears the curtains are set to open. The Lost shall soon take center stage. Well, come forth, my lovely creatures! Come and invade this world!"
Chapter Soundtrack
Poem for Everyone's Souls - Persona 20th Anniversary Concert - Ren's meeting with Igor and Lavenza.
-Shin Megami Tensei V OST - It Seems Knowledge Is In Control - An alternative song of Ren's meeting with Igor and Lavenza.
Shin Megami Tensei V OST - Tension - Zenkichi putting Akechi in his place.
Shin Megami Tensei IV OST - Cafe Florida - Cruz interacting with the Phantom Thieves and Vein Remnants about what happened.
Final Fantasy VIII - Galbadia Garden - Sae's suspicions of the Consortium reaches the answer, alongside recalling the argument with Makoto about sending Zenkichi in putting Akechi in his place. As she almost finds the actual answer to the Consortium's existence, 'she knows too much'. This song serves as a dark reprise of back when the Balamb Garden song was used in the Shujin Academy Reunion chapter (the beginning of Book II) and starting the climatic event of Book II.
Confrontation Scene Music - Code Vein - The captured Sae confronts Mido before Mido puts her unconscious and uses the Yami Matter to bring Shadow Sae to the real world and control her.
Shin Megami Tensei V OST - Tokyo - Dawn - Protagonists' preparations before the fifth Yami Matter event.
Mido Cutscene Music - Code Vein - Mido removes his disguise to reveal his true appearance and reveal his intentions to the world.
-Shin Megami Tensei V OST - Those With Power- An alternative song of Mido removes his disguise to reveal his true appearance and reveal his intentions to the world.
A/N: I'm back. How's it going?
The world sure hates Akechi, huh? Oh well, not like I care. Zenkichi leaves a lasting impression that pancake boy won't forget.
Juzo Mido's back to stir trouble for the Revenants. The main villain of Code Vein has returned to claim his place as this story's central antagonist. And this time, Gregorio regains his memories and remembers the heinous act Mido committed in their original world.
The Yami Matter strikes Gregorio and Cruz has to get Louis & the others to help her. Mido is pretty much calling the shots for the Consortium… sorta. The name itself may just dissolve now that many are in the dark about Mido's secret activities. Not even Kirari and her associates know what Mido's been up to, only the Pack and a few others are in the know.
To run things down: for starters, Ren & Ann and Jack & Eva are officially going to be parents. Congrats to them and their yet-to-be-born kids. And I just had to include Tae since she hasn't appeared for a while. This was the perfect time to bring her back. She is Ren's favorite doctor after all.
Oh, and Sae gets herself in a hell of a bind. Now, Mido has managed to revive Shadow Sae. If Louis didn't hate Mido already, he'll be on Makoto's shit list, too.
Lots of developments happening and this is just the start of the Fifth Yami Matter (Vein Upheaval) arc.