Chapter XXXI: Who Are We?
Makoto and Haru's Apartment/Roppongi (六本木)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/November 17, 2019 (Reality: November 17, 2021)/4:30 PM (JST)
Following the arduous and eventful skirmish with Juzo Mido and his Successors, the Vein Remnants were revealed throughout the country and their reputations became painted negatively by the Revenant scientist. Getting one over his enemies, Mido made sure Louis and his friends paid the price for thwarting his scheme.
And they certainly paid for it. A wave of fear spread throughout the country as half took Mido's warning to heart and began preparing to protect themselves from the Revenant 'monsters'. Others questioned whether the Phantom Thieves would slay these 'creatures'. Others wondered what this Yliaster Utopia meant for Japan's fate. Speculation would continue to mount and world leaders planned to congregate for a global assembly in Tokyo to discuss matters related to the Revenants' actions during the destruction of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower and the collateral damage near it.
Despite the damages to the city, every innocent civilian and bystander was relocated and escaped Roppongi Hills safely. Before the Thieves and Revenants' battle against Mido, no casualty was reported. Hifumi utilized her reality warping powers to restore Roppongi Hills as if the battle never happened but the civilians still remember the incidents.
Shortly after their eventful and heartbreaking battle, the Vein Remnants went into hiding with the Phantom Thieves and their colleagues.
Since the Roppongi battle and Cruz's death, Louis was left in a state of disarray. Unable to cope with Cruz's passing and now his group being labeled 'monsters', he couldn't handle the stress anymore.
One evening, he cut communication with the others. When Makoto and Haru went to check on him in their apartment, they saw a vacant space and noticed a note on a table. They checked on the note and opened it. When Haru opened and read it, her face went pale. Makoto gasped in horror over the note.
It was a farewell note.
Goodbye, my friends. I love you all.
- Louis
When Makoto and Haru called their friends, Skyler and Hifumi were the first ones to respond quickly. The other Revenants readily insisted to come and help find Louis, fearful of what regretful actions he'd take.
Quickly sensing his location, Io relayed the message to Hifumi. Hifumi then opened up a portal for her, Skyler, Makoto, and Haru to teleport them to Louis' exact location.
Aokigahara (青木ヶ原), Honshu, Japan (本州, 日本)/5:12 PM (PST)
Arriving at the Sea of Trees on the northwestern flank of Mount Fuji, Hifumi, Io, Skyler, Makoto, and Haru found Louis holding a sharp dagger. Seeing the sharp tool in his hand, the group became horrified with trepidation over the lengths Louis would go to inflict self-harm or worse.
"Louis! Give us the knife now!" Makoto demanded, holding out a hand.
"Please, don't do anything you'll regret!" Haru pleaded as he showed him the note he left behind. "We found this when we got home."
As he faced his friends, Louis greeted them with a defeated gaze as he placed the dagger near his chest. Skyler tried to stop him, but he paused, unable to risk letting his friend go through with sticking the knife through himself.
"Don't, Louis! I know you're suffering over what happened to Cruz, but it's not worth killing yourself over! Cruz wouldn't want this!" Skyler called out to his friend, who gritted and kept the dagger near his chest. As he tried one step, Louis moved the dagger closer. "Please, man! You and I both know blunt force through our hearts is what kills us! Do you want to die and leave us to mourn your death?!"
"What do you care how I feel?! Mido's actions forced me to mercy kill Cruz! That…" Louis shot back with tears suddenly forming in his eyes. "IT'S ALL THAT SON OF A BITCH'S FAULT!"
"You're giving Mido what he wants! If you kill yourself here, he wins!" Hifumi rebuked, trying to present a reasonable argument.
"She's right, Louis. Mido cannot be allowed to get the last laugh. You are a much better man than he is."
Hearing this from the Vein Remnant, Skyler nodded. "You're our leader and our friend, Louis."
"If that's who I really am…" mumbled Louis as his hands started shaking while firmly holding the knife.
"Louis! Think about the ones you'd believe behind! Your sister, your friends, Haru, and…" Makoto said, her tearful eyes conveying sorrow. "...me. Haru and I will be mourning our boyfriend instead of us being together!"
"Makoto, Haru… I…" Louis grimaced as he found himself backed into a corner. When Makoto and Haru approached him, he gripped his fingers around the dagger and backed away. "Get back."
"Louis, don't do it. We love you," Haru calmly consoled him.
"Don't you remember what Cruz told us? Her last request is for us to look after you. We're going to honor her last wish," Makoto reminded him. When she came closer, Louis stepped further back and screamed, but before he could drive the dagger into himself, she grabbed and disarmed the Revenant. "Louis! It's over."
"No… it's not over…" Louis angrily gritted his teeth as he nearly lunged at Makoto, who held her ground and carefully pushed him back. He quickly lashed out at Makoto and Haru. "LEAVE ME ALONE, YOU TWO! IT'S NOT FUCKING OVER UNTIL I SAY IT'S OVER! GIVE ME THE FUCKING KNIFE! CRUZ IS WAITING FOR ME!"
Before anyone could stop her, Makoto took the initiative and slapped Louis' face, which stunned the Revenant and caused him to seemingly snap back to reality. As he fell to his knees, Louis cried into his hands/ Throwing the dagger aside, Makoto embraced the crying Revenant and let him lean on her shoulder.
"...that fucking… bastard… he took her…"
"I know. He's not going to get away with what he's done. We're going to get him together, Louis," Makoto calmly whispered to his ear. As she turned, she beckoned Haru to get near them.
Without hesitation, Haru joined in and hugged Louis. As they cried together, they comforted Louis.
"We can honor Cruz's wish by staying alive and beating Mido together," Haru said, putting an arm over Louis, who leaned over and cried on her shoulder.
"And Ren will need support whenever he's ready to help your case with the government. We're going to need all hands on deck when that time comes," Makoto said.
After a few moments of recollecting himself, Louis deeply sighed and nodded. "You're right. I don't know what I was… if I had followed through, I'd only satisfy that bastard Mido. His maker is waiting for him when he faces us. And I'll fight for our case. I'll do it for Cruz." He returned the favor and embraced his girlfriends.
Watching his friend and leader hugging Makoto and Haru, Skyler recalled the old Sion's memories and remembered Makoto's antagonistic stance toward a Revenant. Then, as time went on, Makoto warmed up to the old Sion and Skyler respectively. Now, he has witnessed Makoto bonding and falling deeply in love with another Revenant.
Smiling, Skyler whispered to Hifumi and Io. "Let's give them some space." With that, they walked away, leaving Makoto and Haru to heal Louis' metaphorical wounds.
"Do you want he'll be mentally prepared when he and Ren meet with government officials?" Hifumi muttered.
"He has to if he wants to defend our case, but thanks to Makoto and Haru, I think we're taking a step in the right direction," Skyler stated, briefly glancing toward Louis, Makoto, and Haru's full-on embrace.
Café Leblanc (純喫茶ルブラン)/Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo (四軒茶屋, 東京)/November 18, 2019 (Reality: November 18, 2021)/1:00 AM (JST)
A day following Louis' attempted suicide, the Thieves and the Revenants took refuge in Café Leblanc to ruminate over the past events. Sojiro didn't expect a massive company in the late hours, but he opened up his cafe for Ren and Futaba's friends.
"Don't worry, my friends. You're all welcome here anytime. Whatever that Mido fellow says means nothing to me. You're all friends of Ren and that's all that matters," Sojiro reassured the Revenants.
"I thought you don't do late-hour business, Sojiro?" Futaba chortled, serving coffee to Louis, Makoto, and Haru.
"This is one of the few exceptions. Besides, you called me and I couldn't help but worry about you all."
"Here you go," Ren said, serving Skyler, Hifumi, and Io some coffee.
"Thanks, man," Skyler nodded, drinking his coffee.
"Louis," Makoto turned over to him and noticed he hadn't said anything since they retreated from Roppongi.
"It's been a stressful night for all of us," Haru added, showing sympathy for the melancholic Revenant.
"I can't believe that rat bastard got away with lying to the masses about us! We're not monsters!" Yakumo yelled out.
"Thankfully he didn't expose our real faces or we wouldn't be able to walk out in public, but we have to be careful while we take on our Revenant appearances," Mia said.
"Speaking of, that part Mido mentioned about us just being stand-ins. Is it true?" Emily wondered. "Are we stand-ins for those real Revenants? The same ones where Mido came from? Am I not Emily?"
"And am I not really Eva?" Eva wondered. "I am just taking over as Eva here?"
"So, we inherited their memories, powers, and Revenant nature, but beyond those qualities, we're different people entirely? I know my name is Skyler Jones. That's who I've always been here. The Revenant I'm standing in for is an Unnamed Revenant. The clone that Datenshi created, which was based on that Unnamed Revenant, was named 'Sion'. I've only inherited that name Sion."
"And the rest of us? I'm not Yakumo. Wait, yes, it's starting to come back…" Yakumo palmed his face, recalling his real name.
"So, you're starting to figure it out?" Io addressed the Revenants as she stood from her chair. "Don't worry. It will all come back to you. Yes, you're indeed all just stand-ins for the Revenants outside this dimension." She then bowed. "I apologize, it's because of me that your real identities have been suppressed. Together with Hifumi, we altered your reality from the fallout against Datenshi. I sensed a greater evil presence that took root and utilized the Yami Matter to establish his influence in this world. That greater evil…"
"Juzo Mido, so you altered reality and changed our identities to the Revenants to defeat Mido and the Yami Matter. That makes sense," Jack added.
"That doesn't make it right to alter our identities, making us think we've been these Revenants all along. Sooner than later, I'll realize my real name," Eva said.
"Then, we were all born human here, but thanks to Io's presence and her altering our reality, we're these Revenant badasses. On the one hand, that's pretty cool," Rin said. "But, I don't like that I've had to be someone else."
"Rest assured once Mido and the Yami Matter have been removed, your Revenant curse will be lifted. You all will become human beings again and will resume your normal lives. My power within you all will fade."
"And what will happen to you?" Hifumi asked worryingly.
With a vague smile, Io reassured Hifumi. "There's no need to worry about that. Let's focus on the here and now."
"Yeah, and that's getting back to Mido. Wherever that coward's hiding, the Yami Matter is with him. We can't let what happened tonight ever occur again," Skyler said.
"All that collateral damage we cause. That's on us Revenants," Louis muttered, recalling being the one to single-handedly dismantle Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. "I did that all just to get my hands on Mido. I let my anger… and my own abhorrent arrogance blind me! I was too busy getting revenge instead of trying to save Cruz!"
"Louis, don't say that!" Makoto cried out.
"No, there wasn't anything you could've done to save my daughter. Mido… he…" Gregorio replied, grinding his teeth as he perished every thought of being manipulated by Mido. "That bastard already had my daughter infected by the Yami Matter. There was no saving her. But, if you keep fighting, her death won't be in vain."
"Cruz? I wonder, was that her name?" Haru said.
"Most likely not. If what Io says is true about us being stand-ins for these Revenants, then I'm not Gregorio Silva."
"Another thing, Louis. You weren't the only one blinded by arrogance," Yakumo said. "I believe we Revenants for the most part have been foolish into thinking we were above consequences. The Thieves by contrast have been heedful of using their Persona's Ascendancy powers. They've only ever occasionally used them, but we've been abusing our Envoy powers. Tonight was no exception and Mido took full advantage of our arrogance. That's how we ended up becoming mind-controlled."
"Yeah, and that's a lesson we should all take to heart," Mia said. "Phantom Thieves, we're sorry."
Ann nodded. "No, you don't have to apologize. If anyone else was blind and reckless tonight, it's me. I went against Ren's word and risked my health just to get my hands on that fucking bastard Mido."
"Jack said the same thing about minding my health when we fought tonight," Eva elaborated.
"Hmm, what do you mean? Are you two ok?" Ryuji asked Ann and Eva. In response, the two women looked away and hummed quietly. "Ok, that was weird."
"Regardless, we all need to fight more clear-headed going forward, my friends. We want to avoid situations where mass collateral damage is the result of our battles," Yusuke informed his colleagues.
"We will keep that in mind," Yakumo replied.
"Yeah, you have our word, but that still gets us out of our current dilemma. We now wanted fugitives," Skyler said.
"We also don't have any clue what this Yliaster Utopia is," Sumire added.
"Sounds like another ruse for Mido to entice the masses. He mentioned superhumans built to fight us, but that could mean anything," Skyler replied.
"Could he mean superhumans like our Advent Eight colleagues?" Haru wondered.
"Hmm, Tori, Hiroshi, and their friends's awakened abilities came as a byproduct of the Yami Matter's presence," Makoto astutely pointed out. "Their powers are indirectly linked to the Yami Matter. Who's to say Mido won't use the Yami Matter to directly create more superhumans? Remember those Black Heralds we saw at the ballroom event? Especially that woman with the dark phoenix flames?"
"We might be looking at an uprising of more such superhumans. That could be the Yliaster Utopia that Mido aims to accomplish," Hifumi said. "He and the Yami Matter could manifest more 'heralds' to hunt us down. That would mean fighting hundreds…"
"Or, thousands of newly manifested superhumans that will more than us Revenants can handle," Io forewarned them about this impending danger.
"Then, we'll be fighting against a portion of humanity. Can we do that?" Akechi finally spoke up. "Personally, I have no qualms defending myself against anyone who threatens my life."
Ryuji scoffed. "Of course, you'd say that without remorse."
"As much as I don't want to agree with him, he's right. While I'll avoid killing another human, I will fight to defend myself and Eva," Jack addressed their situation. As he said this, he gripped Eva's hand protectively.
"Let's hope we don't have to fight any humans. Thankfully we can count on the Advent Eight to help us when needed," Ren stated.
"It's too bad I can't hack into whatever Mido's network might be. That would be helpful," Futaba said.
"His network would be out of our reach now. Wherever the Yami Matter dragged him, it's outside our dimension," Makoto said.
"Knowing we're 'monsters' to the public now, I don't even want to know what the government plans to do and if they're going to fall in line with what Mido wants," Yakumo said.
"I suppose there'll be an assembly with the various political heads from all over the country and internationally. They will regard us as threats to human society," Skyler said.
"There will most likely be an assembly and if there is one, I will participate," Gregorio said. "And I will speak on all of your behalf."
"Thank you, Gregorio… or, whoever you are now," Skyler nodded.
"And if you don't mind. I'll join this assembly," Ren insisted.
"Ren? Are you sure about that?" Ann was taken aback by her husband's insistence to fight for his Revenants' friends' rights.
"You don't have to do this, Ren," Louis spoke up. "You should let me…"
"Then, you can come along, too, Louis," Ren smiled. "Don't worry, we will fight for your case hard."
"It won't be that simple. We are dealing with politicians who are out for their self-interests and others who will be enticed by Mido's Yliaster Utopia. Some may even side with Mido's ideals if it means removing 'monsters' from the world," Gregorio forewarned Ren and Louis.
"What do we have to lose? Let's do our best," Ren nodded as he and Louis acknowledged the challenge that awaited them on the political debate stage.
National Diet Building (国会議事堂)/Nagatacho (永田町), Chiyoda, Tokyo (千代田区, 東京)/November 20, 2019 (Reality: November 20, 2021)/11:46 AM (JST)
A few days removed from the Vein Upheaval fallout, discussions were brought to the table regarding the Revenants, their place in the world, and Mido's startling message that was broadcast. Politicians from all over the nation converged for an important summon. Even international powers arrived to offer their insight regarding Mido's message and the Revenants.
The Japanese government asked for a few guests to discuss the matters with them. Among them is Amamiya Ren, leader of the Phantom Thieves. Since the government is now more or less aware he is Joker, they asked him to plead whatever case he has for the Revenants. Ren didn't come alone. Louis, Sae, Zenkichi, Gregorio, Marty from the Advent Eight, and Toranosuke Yoshida accompanied him to discuss matters with the officials.
Through the opening proceedings, the rest of Mido's broadcast was played out as his insidious voice was heard for all to hear.
"The next step in human evolution is upon us. Do the right thing. My vision of the perfect utopia will not be a dream. I welcome anyone who wishes to achieve past their limitations. If you do, you'll become one with my Yliaster Utopia. You can become Yliasterites. Together, the Yliasterites shall liberate the world of Revenants and strive for humanity to become a stronger species. World governments, I implore you. Consider it. You won't regret allowing my utopia to become a reality."
The video feed paused as the political heads pivoted toward Ren and his colleagues.
A member of the House of Representatives addressed Ren. "As we've all seen, Juzo Mido has a vision for a better future for humanity. However, we cannot take the word of one of these Revenant creatures for granted. He along with the other Revenants caused damages through Roppongi. Half of the country's citizens have grown wary of your Revenant allies. Amamiya Ren, how do you plead?"
"First off, Juzo Mido is not our ally. He is an enemy of our Revenant friends and I agree you shouldn't trust that monster's word. He is attempting to manipulate you into amassing superhumans to kill my Revenant allies," Ren publicly stated. "Furthermore, my Revenant allies are anything but the monsters that Mido has painted them out to be. They've been willing allies of ours. Our solidarity with our Revenants allies has strengthened over the past year."
"You refer to Mido as a monster, but not your allies? Are they not the same kind? Vampires? Based on folklore, they survive by feeding on human blood. They're also weak to sunlight and wooden stakes to the heart can kill them," a woman member of the Representatives elaborated.
"They're not the traditional vampire types? They can casually walk in the day without turning to dust. They feed on artificial blood, but some have willing partners who give them blood."
"Regardless, there are still citizens who fear these creatures. As we've seen during the skirmish in Roppongi, they destroyed the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. If they've demonstrated that level of collateral damage, we cannot abide and allow them to walk free knowing that they possess that destructive power," an elder male member adamantly spoke out against the Revenants' case.
"Please, do not call them 'creatures'. They're people just like you and I. And the only reason Roppongi Hills Mori Tower collapsed was due to Mido. He goaded my friend to attack him!"
Just then, Louis interjected and spoke into his mic. "Ren is correct. I can say for certain that Revenant didn't mean to destroy the tower." He said this, concealing the fact that it was he who leveled the whole building himself.
The elder member then turned toward Gregorio. "Mr. Silva, I do believe your estate was in Roppongi Hills Mori Tower?"
"Yes, it was," answered Gregorio.
"And you do not wish to punish the Revenants for the destruction of the building?"
"No, because we all witnessed Roppongi Hills Mori Tower and Roppongi prefecture miraculously restored," the politician responded. "I have no reason to press charges against the Revenants when Mido is the one who instigated the battle."
"House of Representatives, if I may," Sae spoke up as they gave her the floor. "Thank you. I was taken captive against my will by Juzo Mido. He has concealed human experimentation behind the scenes and he attempted such deplorable actions on me. If not for the Phantom Thieves and the Revenants, I would not be here speaking. Juzo Mido is attempting to demonize the Revenants as these belligerent terrorists, when they're anything but."
"SIU Director Niijima, we're fortunate you're still with us, but we can't be fully convinced that the Revenants should be trusted living among human beings," the female member stated. "If the Thieves and these Revenants can remove Mido, what then? How do we know the Revenants won't turn on the Phantom Thieves?"
"Because that won't ever happen!" Ren protested, prompting Zenkichi to hold him back.
"Hey, careful there," Zenkichi quietly muttered. "You don't want to rile up and cause a scene." As he calmed Ren down, he saw the agitated look on Ren's features. "They can't be convinced if you're yelling out."
"If I may. Amamiya Ren, you're speaking delusions of grandeur for these Revenant monsters. You have no evidence they'll remain loyal to you!" One member of the foreign representatives spoke out abrasively, publicly disrupting the proceedings. The hostile individual is seen seated with a South Korean flag emblem on a mic stand he was using to yell through. The South Korean man appeared to be in his late 20s, black hair, hair combed back and styled in a low bun, and a few long strands of hair parted from his forehead. A small black goatee made up his chin. He is seen wearing normal garb for a politician; a dark sports coat, a black tie, black dress pants, and dark brown dress shoes. The young politician's brown eyes profoundly met those of Ren as he continued his tirade, fault-finding the Phantom Thief in every conceivable way possible. "These Revenants that you claim are your friends will betray you when you least expect it and you'll be too imbecilic to even know it!"
"Mr. Hoyeon, who asked you to insult my colleague?! This isn't the place for you to be pedantic!" Yoshida immediately rebuked Hoyeon's censorious accusations.
"No, this Phantom Thief needs to know the reality of his situation. Creatures such as these Revenants are never fit to live among us normal people. They are freaks who should be hunted like the diseased vermin that they are! Jesus Christ, you truly expect us to pity these beasts?! They're monsters just like Juzo Mido!" Hoyeon vented his concerns as contentious as he could.
"That's quite enough, Hoyeon! I am not pressing charges nor am I going to request a manhunt put out on the Revenants! They saved my life!" Gregorio berated the bloody-minded politician.
Scowling, Hoyeon rebuked. "But, correct me if I'm wrong, but they couldn't save your daughter? Could they?" These words like a dagger sunk deep into Louis's and Gregorio's hearts, eliciting anger from the two Revenants.
When the judge issued an order, the two sides were ordered to withdraw from causing a hostile scene in the court.
"If I may, I believe there should be a manhunt for these Revenants. I'd be unwise to continue letting them live among us normal people living our normal lives. The country doesn't need monsters living among us. Hmmm, here's a solution. I suggest the Phantom Thieves kill the Revenants!" Hoyeon argued, which caused Ren and his cohorts to balk at this cliquish figurehead.
Louis almost wanted to get up from his chair and beat down this dogmatic politician. First, Hoyeon demeaned Cruz's passing and now he suggested that the Thieves kill Louis and the other Revenants.
"You son of a bitch…" Louis quietly muttered, almost wanting to break the chair he was in and wrap his fingers around Hoyeon's throat.
"Like I told Ren, don't try and create a scene. I've seen this asshole before, he's infamous for pushing anyone's buttons," Zenkichi whispered to Louis.
"Better yet, they could also go back to wherever it is they came from. Revenants are monsters that have to come from another world. Amamiya Ren, am I correct in this case?" Hoyeon pivoted back to the Phantom Thief.
"That's what they claim," Ren lied.
"Hmm, then perhaps you can ask them to go back where they belong? It's either that or you and your Phantom Thieves execute the creatures. The sooner these monsters are removed, the better," Hoyeon said in a pontificating manner, making Ren and his group openly express their disdain for him. He shrugged off their hostility for him and sat down. "You know I'm right! There are others in this room that know I'm right! No monsters are welcome in this world!"
"You've said enough, Hoyeon!" Sae retorted. "I will not take part in this suggested manhunt!"
"Then, you are not doing your job as the SIU Director, Niijima Sae!" The marble-hearted politician berated her.
"Don't you dare question my position!" She firmly held her stance.
"Then, you'll be accused of being in league with these monsters! Jesus Christ, woman! Do your job! Phantom Thieves, do your job and make society a better place without these blood-sucking creatures freely roaming around!" Hoyeon yelled.
"That's enough, Hoyeon! You're going too far!" Yoshida snapped.
Finally, the judge brought down his gavel, bringing order once again to the unruly room. Even when everyone was seated, Ren and the others scornfully glared at Hoyeon. At the end of the session, the jury came to a decision. Based on statements from Ren's group and Hoyeon's suggestions, the judge decided that after Mido is defeated, the Revenants must leave this world or face execution by the Phantom Thieves. When Ren protested against killing the Revenants, the decision was ultimately made.
"I can't believe that asshole influenced that decision! Ugh, I want to break his fucking neck!" Louis yelled as he and the others left the National Diet Building.
"I'm sorry your first meeting with Hoyeon had to be this way," Sae sighed.
"I must say I admire the way you held your ground with him, Director Niijima," Yoshida added.
"So, that's it. After we beat Mido and destroy the Yami Matter altogether, we have to leave or get killed by you guys?" Louis asked Ren, who nodded.
"That's not going to happen. We'll figure this out," Ren reassured him.
"By the way, Ren and Louis, that means my friends and I might be Yliasterites. We're neither Phantom Thieves nor Revenants. We got our powers from a different source," Marty said.
"So, what are you going to do?" Louis asked Marty.
"We're still going to support you guys all the way. We're not joining Mido's little utopia or whatever he wants to call it. Although based on what Mido said, there might be more Yliasterites, and no doubt we might be facing them soon," the Advent Eight leader surmised about a likely situation brewing soon.
"We're glad to hear that," Ren nodded.
"Remember, if you guys need any help, you can count on me, Akane, and our group," Zenkichi said. "We're not going to let Mido's utopia become a thing."
"Man, between Mido and that Hoyeon asshole, they're both on my shit list!" Louis cursed aloud.
"Hoyeon lacks moral principles. As it pains me to say it, we can't do anything to Hoyeon, but defeating Mido is paramount," Gregorio stated, tightening his fists. "He must not get away with all he's done… turning Cruz and I into his subservient puppets… and causing my daughter's…"
"He's going to get his comeuppance, Gregorio. That I can promise you," Louis openly vowed to rid the world of Juzo Mido.
"I'm sorry, Amamiya. I did the best I could," Yoshida addressed Ren.
"Don't blame yourself. Don't worry you leave the rest of this to us. We'll make it so Mido is removed and none of our friends have to suffer," the Phantom Thief leader reassured him and the others.
Hirahata Clinic/Shibuya, Tokyo (渋谷区, 東京)/3:35 PM (JST)
After being defeated and purified from Mido's influence, his four-pack 'dogs' were taken to the local clinic for rest and questioning.
The Pack woke up in their hospital beds and to their surprise saw handcuffs binding them to their beds. Taken aback, the Pack members tried prying themselves loose.
"Good morning. Sorry, but I had to do that. I can't take my chances you guys will try to attack me," Makoto openly stated as she stood in front of them with a neutral expression. Standing next to her are her fellow officers Tori and Hiroshi.
Narrowing a stern gaze, Hamada scoffed. "Officer Niijima…"
"So, you and your 'Pack' lost to a few teenagers and shop owners. That must suck for you," Tori sardonically remarked, eliciting miffed reactions from the four Pack members.
"Don't forget about the gamblers, too. That must be extra embarrassing," Hiroshi added his own gut punch.
"Now, let's not downplay our friends, you two. Those gamblers, especially, have spiritual powers and we have one who can turn into a nine-tailed fox," Makoto diligently reminded the Pack. "And those teenagers shouldn't be overlooked either." Her smirk then faded, replaced with a serious demeanor. "Now, certain government officials seem to want to pardon you four for whatever reason, but I'm not willing to let that pass."
"What can you do to us?" Minami scoffed. "Or, should I say… Officer Niijima?"
"Good thing you asked, Officer Minami," Makoto rebuked, handing the four Pack members one-page notifications. She noted the exasperated looks on their faces. "Well? I think this is a fair deal. Our country's officials don't seem bothered that you were working with Mido since they view him as an ally against the Revenants they've now labeled as 'menaces to society', but that shouldn't mean you get a free pass for disrupting the peace and causing collateral damage during your giant lizard rampage."
"Your proposal is giving us 300 hours of community service? That's going to cut into our working hours!" Tomoyuki balked at the proposition.
"It's either that or serve jail time. The choice is yours," Makoto nonchalantly shrugged.
"Fine, I'll commit to this," Kimiko complied.
"And you three?" Makoto pivoted toward Hamada, Minami, and Tomoyuki.
"As you say, if we don't comply, it's prison sentencing for us," Hamada nodded.
"So be it then," Tomoyuki added.
"By the way, Officer Minami, I've been informed you've been suspended from the force for a time until you complete a mental health evaluation coupled with community service," Makoto advised. "Those are the orders from our chief."
Hearing this, Minami almost crunched the paper in her hand. Then, she calmed down and let the paper fall on her lap. She listlessly sighed. "Fine, I'll do what I'm asked."
"Just know you four are getting off easy. Since you were involved with Mido, they asked you to come to the summons since you'd be classified as 'conspirators' with Mido, but you are still hospitalized so they didn't bother to ask. Rest up because once you're discharged, your community service work begins," Makoto said, leaving the room as Tori and Hiroshi undid the Pack's handcuffs. "And Officer Minami…" She turned and gave her a stern gesture. "Let's hope things turn out better between us. Call this a fresh start." Just then, her smartphone interrupted their conversation, prompting her to leave the room to answer the call. "Yes? Sis, what is it?"
Sae's voice responded on the other line. "That debate didn't go well in our favor. I'm sorry. I wish it didn't turn out the way it did."
"I heard. It's a setback, but Ren talked to me about it. We're going to figure things out. No way am I going to be asked to kill Louis, Skyler, and the others."
"Of course, you wouldn't. I'm also calling you about another matter. Makoto, we've done further investigating to search for this Nakamura Miki that Hifumi and Skyler asked for. Was she not the only casualty besides Gregorio's daughter during your battle against Mido?"
"We saw Mido knocking her far away into debris. We were then led to think she was crushed under the rubble, but you said no body was found?"
"Yes, and that we reported that she had gone missing. Has Hifumi heard a word from her?"
"I called her the other day and she said no."
"Interesting. Well, I've done further investigating and so far based on all verified birth certificates I've only been able to find one Nakamura Miki. And this person does not fit the description of Hifumi's friend. This one Miki doesn't even live in Tokyo."
Makoto's face grew pale. "...are you trying to suggest she may not exist?"
"No, but I can't find anything based on the Nakamura Miki we've been searching for. No birth certificates or any verification she even exists. Either way, she's not a recognized Japanese citizen. The Consortium did a good job covering up whatever leads she has."
"I understand. What should we tell Hifumi?"
"Nothing yet. If she asks, tell her we're still investigating. Something is off. No normal person should've survived her situation the way she did."
"When she fought alongside us, Miki was able to use abilities akin to when we're Phantom Thieves. Might she be a Yliasterite like the Advent Eight and Heralds as Mido referred to? I don't know."
"All right, I'll keep looking into anything regarding Miki. If I find anything, I'll let you know, Makoto. Government officials are leaning toward you and the other Phantom Thieves killing the Revenants. Can you do it?"
Grinding her teeth, Makoto resolutely responded. "No! Even if they put a gun to my head! I'll never betray Louis and his friends!"
"That's what I like to hear, but please be careful out there, Makoto. All of you. It's going to be chaotic out there."
"I got it, sis. Thanks." With that, Makoto shut off her phone and deeply sighed, knowing full well that tumultuous and volatile days were ahead for them and their Revenant friends.
Skyler and Hifumi's Apartment/Hamamatsuchō(浜松町)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/5:33 PM (JST)
The Vein Remnants and the Yaksha Revenants called for an important meeting in Skyler and Hifumi's place. Moreover, the Elven Princesses, Anastasia and Nadia, had an important confession to make regarding their origins.
Louis, Makoto, and Haru were the last ones to arrive as they entered a stuffy apartment full of guests. The Phantom Thieves, the Revenants, and their closest associates assembled to listen to what the Revenants had to tell their friends.
"Hey, sorry we're late," Louis addressed Skyler, shaking hands and giving each other back pats.
"No, we promised we wouldn't say anything until you came. So, are you ready?" Skyler asked his friend.
After Louis nodded, the other Revenants gave firm and resolute looks on their faces. This was the moment they'd been anticipating.
"What do you want to tell us, guys?" Ren asked Skyler and the other Revenants, who came together and faced their non-Revenant colleagues.
"We remember our real names," Louis spoke up, eliciting intrigued and perplexed reactions from their friends. "It took us a little while for us to remember. We looked up our birth certificates. I was born Louis Amamiya, but we concluded that Io used her reality-altering powers to change not just our identities but our birth names. So, the Yami Matter altered my original name and altered our identities, giving us the names of these other world Revenants. When Io found us, her powers opened our minds and gave us an insight into these Revenants, allowing us to take on their personalities. Every trace of our true identities was suppressed until we can later on figure out who we are."
"In my case, there's no mistake. I am and have always been born Skyler Jones. Io reassured me that hasn't changed," Skyler elaborated.
"But, just the other days, we recalled our real names," Mia added.
"Imagine our surprise that the Revenant's names we've been given were never ours to begin with," Yakumo chuckled ironically.
"What is your real name, Louis?" Ren queried.
"I'm Leonard Kurenai," the man once Louis Amamiya replied. "I was born part-Japanese and part-Caucasian in this reality."
"Leonard Kurenai? That means 'crimson lion'," Yusuke keenly noted.
"So, your sister is Kurenai what?" Futaba turned over to 'Karen'.
"I'm Catherine Kurenai," the woman replied.
"Your name means 'pure crimson'," Ann said.
"I'm Ryūzaki Kaito," Yakumo revealed his true birth name.
Brushing her long hair back, Mia answered. "You can call me Rachel Kirsch and my brother's name…"
"It's ok, sis. I can tell them. My name is Owen Kirsch," answered 'Nicola'.
"Owen, huh?" Shinya smirked as he, Reiko, and Li-Ming approvingly nodded at their friend's real name.
"You may refer to me as Jacob Robertson," 'Jack' revealed his true self.
"The Eva you knew has always been Madeline Rossignol," 'Eva' stated with a warm smile.
"So, I'm not Rin after all. I'm Yoshimura Megumi," 'Rin' revealed, modestly giggling.
"So, you can call me Cynthia Allen. Not really a unique name for someone like me," 'Coco' said.
"I'd rather like it," Davis added. "As for me, I'm Anthony Wood."
"You can call me Rebecca Lin," 'Emily' revealed her true identity.
"And I am Theodore Salazar," 'Gregorio' stated. "And as for my late daughter, her name was Iris Salazar."
"I'm Miranda De Luca," 'Aurora' nonchalantly shrugged.
After revealing their true birth names, the Revenants noted their friends' intrigued reactions. Despite the reveal of their real names, the Thieves and the other non-Revenant guests weren't too fussed about them.
"To us, it doesn't matter what your names are, you're still our friends," Ren nodded.
"Despite taking on these Revenants' names and personalities, just remember you're still your own individuals," Sumire smiled as she and Eugene approached Megumi, who hugged them both.
"Whether you're Rin or Megumi, you're still our beloved," Eugene said.
"Thanks, you two," Megumi happily blushed while being coddled by her lovers.
Just then, everyone saw Cynthia and Anthony holding hands while lovingly holding each other.
"We may not be the real Coco and Davis, but I feel we've been honoring them fighting the same enemies they have," Anthony said, lovingly kissing Cynthia's hands.
"Yeah, and it's been fun living as them in this reality," Cynthia added, kissing Anthony's large hands.
"Hey, you two. What's it like calling "Louis' by Leonard? Did it feel weird?" Ryuji curiously asked the two women, who both smiled and responded by holding Leonard's hands.
"Not at all. Granted, I might've slipped a few times but I'm getting used to Leonard," Haru giggled.
"It'll take some getting used to, but whether he's Louis or Leonard, he's still our faithful boyfriend," Makoto added, firmly grasping Leonard's hands.
"Gee, thanks, you two," Leonard chuckled modestly.
"So, tell us. What about your relationship with Mido? He's the mortal enemy of these Revenants, not you," Akechi reminded Leonard. "Was he not Leonard's supposed father figure in this reality?"
Hearing this, Leonard instinctively scowled and closed his fists. "No, Leonard Kurenai… Louis never had a father figure, but Mido pretended to be my father figure. Io only brought the memories and abilities of these Revenants to myself and my friends here. I've taken on the actual Louis' identity and even he was never on good terms with Mido. Though, unlike the actual Louis, my hatred for Mido has become deeply personal after he took Cruz… I mean, Iris away from me."
"Mido, who is one and true, utilized the Yami Matter to affect this reality and create these fake memories for Leonard, Skyler, and the other Revenants. He used the Yami Matter to pose as a respected scientist and played the part of Leonard's college mentor. Once I materialized in this reality, he sensed my presence. He used the Yami Matter to conceal his presence from me, preventing me from verifying his existence. He was scared I would gather Leonard and the others to find and destroy him," Io explained.
"He couldn't afford to let his long-term goal collapse and so the Yami Matter did a good job hiding him until we saw him at the conference," Skyler reminded them.
"Ugh, and to think I looked up to that creep. I'm glad you guys steered me away from ever meeting him," Futaba said.
"Don't meet your idols as the wise ones often state," Yusuke replied.
"Yes, and therefore I was unable to scan Mido's mind and even when we saw him, I still couldn't read his mind," Io said.
"The Yami Matter made the whole world believe he was this renowned scientist, but underneath that mask, he's been this insidious monster this whole time," Makoto stated. "And unlike the terrible humans we've encountered and changed the hearts of, I doubt Mido is someone we can change."
"Then, killing him is our only option," Ren firmly said.
"Smart choice. He's too dangerous to be left alive," Skyler approvingly added.
"Make no mistake, whether I'm Louis or Leonard, we both harbor the same hatred for Mido and want nothing more than to see him die," Leonard said.
"Likewise for me, as either Yakumo or Ryūzaki Kaito, we won't forget the horrifying experiments he's performed on Emily," Kaito said while holding Rebecca's hand.
"We'll get another chance to kill Mido. He can't hide from us forever," Jacob reassured them.
"He won't escape with his crimes unpunished," Hifumi stated resolutely. "I should've cut off his head instead of his torso. How foolish of me."
"Don't worry, we'll get another chance to take him down," Skyler said, kissing Hifumi's hand.
"Since we're all here, I think it's time for us to tell you about us," Anastasia spoke up as she and Nadia stood together.
"We still haven't told you all about our origin story and how two leven gals just happened to appear in this world," Nadia said. "Anastasia?"
"I'm ready whenever you are," the blonde-haired elf genuinely smiled. "You see, you might've heard from Hifumi and Skyler that we first met them in their dreams and were pulled into this reality. Yes, that is true, but we are not cognitive manifestations created by them. We are from another reality."
"That doesn't sound too surprising, but we initially thought you were living Personas," Ann said.
"No, we're not Personas. We are Elven Princesses… actually, we are Alfoi Princesses from this alternate dimension called Alf-Phantasy," Nadia replied.
Ryuji raised a brow. "Yo? Alf-Phantasy?"
Futaba gave a coy smirk. "That sounds like a name straight out of an RPG title."
"C'mon, let them explain, you two," Makoto scoffed.
"Sorry. Go on," Ryuji apologetically said.
"As Nadia said, we're from the Alf-Phantasy reality. We are mere constructs created by Io. We are based on the last Alfoi Princesses before Alf-Phantasy was ultimately destroyed by the Yami Matter. We represent the last survivors of Alf-Phantasy," Anastasia said. "Our world was very much different from yours. To be frank, there are no humans in our world. There are human-like beings with unique and distinguishing features such as us Elven beings."
"As you all can surmise, our skin colors are different. I'm from a race of Dark Elves," Nadia said.
"And I come from the Light Elves. I was based on the Light Elves' goddess, Astraea," Anastasia explained.
"And I'm based on Dike, the Dark Elf goddess," stated Nadia.
"We share the physical appearances and voices as these two Elven goddesses," Anastasia delved into the goddesses' backstory. "These goddesses ruled with their unified Elven race, who were once divided into Light and Dark races. They were the dominant race of Alf-Phantasy called the Alfoi. We are the humans of this world, but unlike a lot of humanity in this world, we respect and bond with nature."
"But, we also had opposition. They were called the Similocks. They were the anthropomorphic primates. They along with the Alfoi are the dominant races of Alf-Phantasy. Since there were no other human-like beings, things such as Dwarves didn't exist. The Similocks filled their places."
"Were there other races besides the Alfoi and Similocks?" Hifumi asked the Elven Princesses.
Nadia nodded. "Yes, there were canine-like beings called Beastmen. There were even Lizardfolk. There was a race of bird-like people called Simurgh."
Anastasia added. "There were fish-like merfolk called the Devonians. There were also frog and salamander races called the Amphibimen. And yes, there were races of insects, arachnids, and crustaceans called the Interverte-Legion."
Nadia further explained. "Their appearances often varied. There were humanoids with animal-like features and others who looked like animals who stood upright."
"So, like furries, huh?" Kaito queried.
"Yes, precisely!" Anastasia replied.
"A world full of humanoids and furries. Man, I wish I could see this world!" Shinya exclaimed.
"But, their world is gone. We wouldn't be able to," Reiko reminded him.
"All of these races had their own governments. There were balanced alliances and conflicts despite once being a utopia dimension," Anastasia stated. "Interspecies romances between races were also an accepted part of our cultures. Despite there being sentient animal-like races, wild animals and fantasy creatures existed as the fauna of Alf-Phantasy."
"As we stated, man does not exist in our world and neither do real-world primates. Only the Similock exists to take their place and are capable of speaking," Nadia said, veering toward the Phantom Thieves and the Revenants. "The Similock and the other races were all capable of speech and intellectual conversations, no different from you humans."
"I take your world did not have countries based on our real-world geographical regions?" Leonard asked the Elven Princesses.
"Correct, your world's continents and cities do not exist, but we had similar civilizations. We have our own continents. Alf-Phantasy was a world based on nature if humans never evolved to taint it. Without humans, this allowed animal races to become sentient," Anastasia said. "The Similocks utilized a technology called Magitek. Automobiles also existed. We, the Alfoi race, relied on Fairy Unicorns while the Similocks used Fiend Unicorns. Of all the Similocks, there was one that stood out and he interacted with the Yami Matter. His name was Cain."
"Was he anything like Mido?" Ren asked the Elven Princesses.
Nadia further explained. "Not quite the monster that Mido was. He and this other Similock were at complete odds with one another. The two Elven goddesses would have meetings with Cain and Romulus. They sought for the two races to co-exist, but Cain denied this alliance. Cain's disdain for the Alfoi drew the Yami Matter toward him, corrupting his mind. This helped him to instigate his rebellion against Romulus and the Elven goddesses and proclaim the Similocks' superiority. His hatred and xenophobia attracted Yami Matter. This defiant conflict against Cain and his forces led to Cain and Romulus' deaths. Following Cain's death, the Yami Matter initiated its assault and destroyed the dimension, killing all of its inhabitants except for the Elven goddesses. At the last moment, the Elven goddesses' essences traversed into this dimension and as a result, Io manifested us."
"In the end, the Yami Matter is the common denominator. This force has caused the mass destruction of a few dimensions and there might be more we still haven't taken into account," Morgana reminded everyone.
Rachel frowned. "Just like when we saw Mido and the Yami Matter destroy that reptile dimension."
"We can't allow this madness to continue any further," Kaito scowled, grinding his teeth angrily.
"Nadia and Anastasia, we're glad Io brought you into our world. We have a chance to cease the Yami Matter's destructive path, saving other realities in the process," Hifumi said.
"And thanks for being there for us when we need it, too," Skyler smiled, referring to the Elven Princesses rehabilitating his and Hifumi's fractured relationship. As he said this, the Elven Princesses smiled together and nodded in unison.
"Since you've given us your real names, it's going to take some getting used to," Ann acknowledged the Revenants.
"Don't worry. It'll take us time to adjust," chuckled Jacob.
"In the meantime, this meeting is adjourned. Until the next meeting, let's stay vigilant," Morgana stated.
"Leonard," Makoto turned over to her and Haru's boyfriend. When she and Haru put their hands on his shoulders, they genuinely smiled together. "If you need time for yourself before the funeral…"
"No, I'd want nothing more than to have you two stay by my side," Leonard replied earnestly, grasping Makoto and Haru's hands.
"Then, we are here for you, Leonard," Haru leaned over to kiss him.
"Before we adjourn, I have one more thing to say," Io stood, garnering everyone's attention toward her. "Skyler and my fellow Revenants, understand that while I'm still here, you will retain your Revenant natures. That said, once the Yami Matter and Mido are destroyed, I will cease to be." She then turned toward Hifumi with sadness. "And when that happens, my connection with you will end, Hifumi. And our bond as Shin-Io will end." She shifted back toward the Revenants. "And once my connection with you is severed, your Revenant curse will be lifted and you will become full mortals again."
Upon hearing this, the Revenants exchanged mixed reactions to this but accepted their fates.
Knowing they've been tasked to kill the Revenants by the government if they refused to leave, the Thieves opted to help their vampiric friends save public face and show the world that they aren't monsters.
Yotsuya, Tokyo (四谷, 東京)/November 21, 2019 (Reality: November 21, 2021)/2:45 PM (JST)
"Ah, doesn't this take you guys back?" Yumeko fervently asked her friends Mary and Ryōta. They both meticulously scanned their surroundings and shrugged. "C'mon, don't you remember? This is one of the spots where we first met Hifumi and Skyler!"
"But, that was the original Sion we met then, Yumeko," Ryōta corrected her.
"He's right, y'know. That wasn't Skyler," Mary said.
"You're right, but wasn't it nice and simple then? It was just the five of us," the dark-haired gambler deeply sighed, recalling the nostalgic days when she and her two friends explored prefectures before they ran into the Phantom Thieves, and everything about their lives changed since then. "But, wow our circle grew! Now, our social circle has grown since!"
"True, but it seems like we've been less involved with them. I know they're busy and all," Ryōta added.
Mary shrugged. "Nothing can be done about that, they got busy and we've been busy. Plus, the Thieves are caught in a dilemma of having to kill the Revenants."
"You don't think they'll do it?"
"Of course not, Ryōta. If there's anything we've learned since meeting the Thieves, they're not going to lay down and become government dogs," the blonde bluntly answered.
"Right! It's not their style! We know they'll do right and protect Skyler's crew!" Yumeko replied. Just then, she heard her smartphone go off and checked the caller ID. "Oh, great timing." She promptly answered. "Hi! We're over here, Hifumi!" She then waved out ahead of them, garnering Hifumi and Skyler's attention as they spotted the three Spiritual Gamblers.
As Hifumi and Skyler congregated with the gamblers, they began exploring and helped Skyler remember the very same locations that the original Sion saw over a year ago. Having his and Sion's full memories, he remembered the spots down to the meticulous detail. Along the way, the group ran into Momobami Ririka, whom Mary invited to join them on their escapade through Tokyo.
"So, have you and your sister moved on from the Consortium business?" Hifumi asked Ririka, who nodded.
"Yes, we've moved back into our mansion. My sister and Sayaka are out doing their thing."
"Doing their thing, huh? Then, they're in love?" Yumeko devilishly smiled.
"Yeah, you could say that. And Mary invited me to come along."
"Why because you love her?"
Mary scoffed, hiding her blushing cheeks. "It's not like that, idiot. We're just business partners."
"Then, why are you blushing?" Ryōta asked Mary, who simply clamped his mouth. "Keep quiet. What Ririka and I do is private."
"Either way, I'm not fussed whoever goes out with who. I'm glad you're all doing ok," Hifumi said.
"Skyler, Hifumi, I'm sorry we couldn't be there to help fight Mido," Yumeko said apologetically.
"You don't need to apologize, Yumeko. You guys helped stop the Pack and those Lost. And besides, we're all alive to hang out together. That's all that matters, right?" Skyler asked as the Spiritual Gamblers nodded in unison.
"So, is it true your sister and Terano finally made amends?" Ryōta asked Ririka.
"Yes, and while things will take time to recover, I think we'll see better days ahead for us," Ririka said as she leaned next to Mary. "Right?"
"It's your sister after all. Who knows with her, but I hope so," Mary replied as she saw Ririka and Yumeko folding their arms around her. "C'mon, at least let me walk on my own, you two."
"Walk with me," Yumeko giggled.
"This is my way of thanking you, Mary," Ririka added, meekly clinging to Mary's arm.
Upon watching the two ladies clinging to Mary, Skyler chuckled. "Never a dull day with them, huh, Hifumi?"
"Yeah, and I hope we see more days like this, especially since Mido is still out there and a new conflict rising," Hifumi said. "But even Io told me that we should start taking days like these for granted."
"I agree. We're in for difficult battles ahead for us, and I'm not talking strictly on the battlefield either. We've got to keep my friends and me safe from the world at large," Skyler said, somewhat relieved Mido only showed the Revenants with their masks on. "I'm just surprised Mido didn't outright expose our real faces or I'd be attacked by mobs now."
"That's less stressful for us, but not quite ideal," Hifumi said as she locked her arm with Skyler's. "I promise we'll make it through this."
"Thanks, Hifumi."
Skyler and Hifumi's Apartment/Hamamatsuchō(浜松町)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/11:23 PM (JST)
After a long day spent with the Spiritual Gamblers, Hifumi and Skyler returned home. Awaiting them were the Elven Princesses, who brought a wine bottle for them to share. After partaking in some wine indulgence, the four went into the bedroom.
"We've all had a long day. Why don't we finally wind down?" Nadia suggested, setting down her empty wine glass.
Already red on her face, Anastasia massaged her massive breasts and groaned. "I could relax and sleep on your bed. It looks so inviting."
"Make yourself comfortable," Hifumi offered, letting Anastasia fall facefirst on her and Skyler's bed.
Before Skyler could say anything, Nadia got behind him and undid his belt. "I'm feeling frisky tonight, Skyler. What do you say?"
"Damn, you're already shit-faced."
"No, I'm not! I'm sober!" The Dark Elf woman quickly undid and pulled down Skyler's pants, fully exposing his underwear and firm legs.
"Hold on! I didn't say you could…!" Skyler was silenced when Nadia kissed his neck and started unbuttoning his shirt.
"Skyler…" Hifumi paused when Anastasia leaned behind her and pushed her massive breasts against Hifumi's back. The Light Elf woman rubbed her face against Hifumi's cheek, planting kisses on her cheek and neck. As Hifumi turned, a wave of white ethereal light came out of her. From this light, Io materialized and fell on top of Anastasia.
"Hello to you, too, Io. You just couldn't be left out, huh?" Anastasia said seductively as Io smiled and beckoned Hifumi over.
"I think we could all use some time to unwind," Io said, holding Hifumi's hand and guiding her over to make love with Anastasia.
While Hifumi and Anastasia got in bed together, Io pivoted to see Nadia completely undress Skyler. Skyler finished undressing Nadia's black see-through evening dress as the two kissed.
"After all this time we've gotten to know you two, we want to finalize our bonds," Anastasia said.
"And Io, thank you for giving us a second chance at life," Nadia added, expressing deep gratitude for the Persona Vein.
Forming a genuine smile, Io nodded. "I am glad to have saved you from the Yami Matter's destructive wave."
Having four women in his presence, Skyler had the greatest opportunity to make them his biggest harem. He wouldn't get another chance like this for a long while. When he approached the four women, he saw Hifumi and Anastasia taking each other's clothes off and making out. Nadia stopped Skyler and stripped off his underwear.
Then, as she beckoned the four over, they came together and engaged in a five-way kiss. First, Hifumi and Skyler kissed, and then they exchanged partners; Hifumi kissed Anastasia and Nadia made out with Skyler. Then, Io joined in, kissing all four partners at a time. They then approached Io and undressed her top. The pairs licked and sucked each of Io's breasts. Feeling her nipples erect hard, Io let out a soft and audible moan. Taking off her white dress, Io stood fully naked and sat down on the floor. Hifumi and the Elven Princesses sat down next to Io. With Skyler standing tall over them, the harem eyed their man's crotch. With their eyes and faces gleaming with erotic bliss, they sucked on their man's member and testicles. They took turns licking and sucking Skyler's member.
He felt his member being stimulated by his harem from their continuous sucking. As a result, Skyler got a hard-on. Anastasia and Io fondled their large breasts, massaging Skyler's hard member, and started licking the tip of it. Nadia got underneath and licked Skyler's sphincter area. Hifumi licked her boyfriend's hardened nipples. Exchanging sultry expressions, the Elven Princesses while pleasuring their man. After she finished licking Skyler's butt, Nadia got up behind him, massaged his firm shoulders, and gave him a deep kiss. Anastasia pushed Skyler onto the bed and got on top of him for intercourse. Io got behind the Light Elf, massaging her back and large breasts. Upon seeing the other women having their way with her boyfriend, Hifumi's face twisted with a scowl. She stepped in, showing up the other three women as she leaned over to kiss Skyler's lips, which then enticed a friendly competition between her, Skyler, and Nadia. While engaging in a competitive three-way kiss, Nadia softly scowled while having to compete with Hifumi.
Skyler then got on top of Nadia, thrusting his member into the Dark Elf while Anastasia sat on top of Nadia's face. Skyler and Anastasia kissed with Hifumi fully embracing the Light Elf from behind and fondling her massive breasts. Hifumi also licked the Light Elf's right ear and cheek, eliciting a soft gasp from Anastasia. The sexual exchange led to Skyler, Hifumi, and Anastasia kissing. Joining in, Io embraced Skyler from behind, using her breasts like pillows for him to lean on.
The Elven Princesses then turned Skyler around, making him pivot and face Hifumi's crotch area. Skyler thrusts his member into Anastasia's buttocks while caressing Nadia's butt. Then, the Elven Princesses licked Hifumi's crotch. Io received the same treatment, letting Skyler thrust his member into her.
During the intercourse, the Elven Princesses lovingly gazed at Hifumi, viewing her as the goddess Shin-Io who gave them life. With their world and the Alfroi race gone, the Elven women hoped Skyler and Hifumi could help them bear their children and populate their race. Deep down, they knew this was a selfish desire but they genuinely wished for their race to recover from extinction. Out of respect for Hifumi and Skyler, the Elven Princesses decided not to take advantage.
After Io, Skyler made love with Hifumi. Nadia licked Skyler's right nipple while Anastasia sucked his left one. The Elven Princesses then caressed Skyler and Hifumi's sensitive areas. The four shared another four-way kiss, ending with Skyler's hard member pouring sexual fluids inside Hifumi. Hifumi's cheeks turned bright red as felt her boyfriend's fluids filling her with erotic bliss.
To end their congenial evening, the five embraced simultaneously. Hifumi and Anastasia embraced. Skyler and Nadia held each other. Finally, Io, Skyler, and Hifumi hugged together. After sharing a five-way kiss, the Revenant man and his harem fell asleep in harmony. Skyler lay at the center with Hifumi and Io asleep next to them. The Elven Princesses lay on the bottom near his legs.
Kissing Hifumi and Io goodnight, Skyler smiled genuinely. "Thank you. You four gave me a wonderful night. I won't ever forget this."
Higashihama Beach, Kanagawa, Japan/November 22, 2019 (Reality: November 22, 2021)/8:30 AM (JST)
It was a day of mourning for the Revenants as they came together for Iris Salazar/Cruz Silva's funeral. Theodore came carrying a robust funerary jar containing his daughter's ashes. The man hadn't stopped tearing up since carrying around Iris's remains. Meeting with the other Revenants, he saw Leonard with Makoto and Haru accompanying him. The other Phantom Thieves also came to see the funerary process play out.
As everyone bowed their heads, Thedore handed the jar to Leonard. Madeline sang a beautiful song in Iris' honor, eliciting a myriad of strong emotions from the Revenants. Leonard couldn't stop shedding tears. He walked over near a coastline while a flood of memories of him and Iris together filled him. Even the memories of Louis and Cruz played out in his mind.
Within his headspace, Leonard heard Iris's last words before her passing reminding him.
"One more thing before I go… continue to live your life to its fullest with Ms. Niijima and Ms. Okumura. Love them as much as you loved me… help your friends… stop Mido… before he harms more innocent lives… and tell Dad that I love him… I love you, my dear Louis…"
He opened the jar and threw Iris's remains into the open sea. The ashes of Iris Salazar/Cruz Silva were carried by the wind as if it were a symbolic sign that she was being granted safe passage into the heavens. Leonard cried his hardest. Makoto and Haru held him near and dear. The other Revenants cried together. Theodore was on his knees in tears. Skyler, Hifumi, and Io took heart to the funerary event and cried with the others.
"Go and be at peace, Iris," Leonard muttered, drying his tear-filled eyes as he watched her ashes being dispersed through the open air and the lucid sea.
Leonard, Makoto, & Haru's Apartment/Roppongi (六本木)/Minato, Tokyo (港区, 東京)/9:30 PM (JST)
Hours after Iris's funeral, everyone left home exhausted after pouring out their emotions. Outside of Theodore who had to let go of his daughter, Leonard, who had been the one to release Iris's ashes, was emotionally hit the hardest. He was also the last person to hold Iris' before she passed on.
He lay in bed exhausted and wanted to sleep. Makoto and Haru joined him to keep him company. Through the dead hours of the night, the trio slept. Then, they seemingly found themselves dreaming together and ended up in a white void.
Scanning their cognitive surroundings, they saw what looked like Iris Salazar. The lady Thieves' initially thought that it was just a cognition.
"Iris…" Leonard gasped in shock as he faced Iris's ethereal form.
"That's a cognition. I can't be her?" Haru wondered.
"I'm more than just a cognition. I am Iris Salazar. Well, now I'm her spirit."
Makoto nodded. "Haven't you already passed on to the other side yet?"
"I will, but I wanted to thank you two for staying with Leonard. I trust you two will take care of him."
"Of course," the lady Thieves said in unison, eliciting a genuinely soft grin from Iris.
"Leonard, you and your friends have a resolution to complete. Juzo Mido is still out there and you must be ready. He will return," Iris warned him. "You three, please come forward." With that, she beckoned Leonard, Makoto, and Haru toward her.
When the three came to her, Iris embraced all three and smiled. "I believe in you all in righting the wrongs Mido has committed and expelling the Yami Matter. I pass my faith onto you." As she said this, white light spread over the spiritual expanse and proceeded to send the three back to their world.
The last thing Leonard saw was Iris, who waved to her former lover. He saw her lips move, discerning and translating her lip movements.
"We will meet again, my beloved. All of us."
When the three awoke, they returned from their out-of-body experience and exchanged determined glares.
"We won't let Iris down, Leonard," Haru reassured him.
"Yeah, we will deliver justice against Mido," Makoto vowed.
"This is for you, Iris," Leonard resolutely stated as he, Makoto, and Haru placed their hands on top of each other. "Divine fucking justice is coming your way, Juzo Mido."
Chapter Soundtrack
Two Steps From Hell - Never Lost Your Life - Makoto prevents Louis's attempted suicide and reminds of not giving up.
CRISIS OST - Hiroyuki Sawano - sisirc - Ren and the government discussing the current situation about the Revenants.
Shin Megami Tensei V OST - Koshimizu - An alternative song of Ren and the government discussing the current situation about the Revenants.
Code Vein OST - Requiem -Peace & Light- - Cruz's funeral with her cremated ashes sent to the sea. What's better, since this song represents Eva, Eva is the one who sings this song for the funeral.
Musashi Samurai Legend - Mystical Princess - The Elven Princesses reveal their origins and real names, the former Alfoi Princesses reflecting on their times in the Akane-no-Mai dimension since they were created by Io.
Musashi Samurai Legend - Mystical Princess (Casual Version) - An alternative song of the Elven Princesses revealing their origins and real names, the former Alfoi Princesses reflecting on their times in the Akane-no-Mai dimension since they were created by Io.
Shin Megami Tensei V OST - Goddess - Another of Hifumi's roles as the goddess Shin-Io relates to the ending of Book II and future plans for the coming final book.
Shin Megami Tensei V OST - Natural life- The resolution to stop Mido and the Yami Matter after the Vein Remnants and allies learn of their real native names.
CLANN - The Faerie Court(Under Sun) - First half of Skyler/Hifumi/Io/Elven princesses' harem orgy.
CLANN - The Faerie Court(Under Moon) - Second half of Skyler/Hifumi/Io/Elven princesses' harem orgy.
VAMPS - Sweet Dreams - Leonard, Makoto, and Haru meet Iris's spirit in their dreams.
A/N: Ah this one took me a bit to get done. The political debate on the Revenants, the Revenants' real name reveal, and the Elven Princesses' backstory were the most difficult parts for me to write.
So, we start off the Louis' suicide attempt and thankfully he never goes through with it. Scenes like these can get touchy depending on how one experienced it firsthand (and I debated if the slap was pushing it).
This chapter introduces a new character: Hoyeon. What a piece of work he is. He makes his viewpoint about the Revenants known and has already rubbed the group the wrong way. There's more about Hoyeon's concept development at the bottom. Needless to say, the debate escalated quickly!
Not much else about Mido's Yliaster Utopia is revealed. Just that the superhumans such as the Advent Eight and the Black Heralds are called Yliasterites. Marty might've unintentionally foreshadowed a conflict pitting the Thieves, the Revenants, and the Advent Eight against corrupted Yliasterites who side with Mido.
The Revenant's real names are revealed and we find out they're just stand-ins for the real Code Vein Revenants. They've only inherited the CV Revenant's powers, natures, and memories. Once the mission is over and Io goes away, the OC stand-ins return to their normal lives. Please refer to the bottom information about the Revenants.
Nakamura Miki is mentioned and she's been reported missing. Hmm. Unsolved Mysteries.
Yumeko and the Spiritual Gamblers briefly return, reuniting with Skyler and Hifumi. How about that for a callback to Book I's beginnings? Except now Kirari's sister, Ririka, has joined them. Sadly, after this chapter and the next, the Spiritual Gamblers' appearances could be fewer than far between. Their Book III roles will be minimal at best. If you're a fan of them, sorry.
Yep, another sex scene It is what it is. Right, Ford?
The funeral scene goes through without a hitch and Leonard along with Makoto and Haru meets Iris' spirit for the last time.
All There in the Manual
-About the part of Io didn't sense fractures of Mido's memories in the fifth Yami Matter event, Mido has the Yami Matter to secretly block/shield Io's presence to keep himself and his 'associates' (Gregorio and Cruz) minds hidden and safe until the Vein Upheaval for Io to finally reveal that Mido's memories are not fractured all along.
-Recalling the part of there is no OC stand-in of Mido. In reality before and even after Shin-Io affects reality at the end of Book I, Leonard actually has no father figure mentor during his time in college, after Shin-Io brings the Code Vein memories/abilities to the OC stand-ins, while Louis (Leonard) has the Code Vein identity of the actual Louis, the part of no father figure remains. It is only that Mido uses the Yami Matter to affect reality and create fake memories (not real events) (even Io cannot sense it (alongside cannot scan Mido's mind as I mentioned before) at first since the Yami Matter shield Io's presence, it is only by the time the fifth Yami Matter event occurs does Mido/Yami Matter decide to lift it for Io to sense when the protagonists confront Mido) towards Louis's mind (alongside tricking his university events/memories, even affecting reality for the public to know about Mido's civilian identity as a famous scientist) to blend in and disguise himself as being his father figure/mentor in college. It relates to why Leonard's hatred towards Mido is so furiously personal (a complete contrast to the actual Louis whose hatred is general and not outright personal).
All There in the Manual of Hoyeon
-Hoyeon is based on a real-life high school South Korean classmate of the same age/grade as Allfather-Ford who was the abrasive swaggering leader of Allfather-Ford's high school anime club. Up until now, there's not a single OC based on someone personally in real life that Kanius and anyone else knew (even Cain Bearer of YuYuGiDigiMoon is based on Lex Luthor and real-life politicians in general (in general as a group/status), but not a specific someone/individual personally knew in real-life). Hoyeon's debut at the end of Akane no Mai/Book II completely changes that as the first time (in an actual canon story) of being both a wham character like a wham episode and Nothing is the Same Anymore aspect since Book II's completion. His "Jesus Christ!" catchphrase is based on what that real-life classmate said in real life. He has been a thorn (being personally worse than typical school bullies) of Allfather-Ford in 'the Dark Years' long before he first met Kanius and his team in 2011's 'Recreational Years'.
-He is known as the Citizen Kim, based on the Citizen Kane movie, except that Hoyeon is less tragic compared to the movie's titular main character.
-Before becoming a politician, he was once a fault-finding perfectionist Esports translator/reviewer fresh after graduating from New York University.
-He's a fan of Overwatch, Dungeons & Dragons, and Valorant. Overwatch and Valorant relate to Shown their Work because many Korean players play these two games.
-He lives in Los Angeles, CA, and owns two cats as one of the sole genuine Pet the Dog moments despite being a Hate Sink to people.
-He despises imposter syndrome and subverting mental health problems unlike many people (that includes Kanius himself) who deal with various mental health in their lifetimes. Meaning, he also does not give a damn about Depression. Even if Hoyeon himself has mental health issues, it generally means selfishly caring about himself and not others as another subversion.
-Back when he lived in South Korea, he had zero friends and had a bullying problem in struggling to get used to the culture after living in the US, even to the point he wrote something in his secret journal and refused to open up (relating to letting out vulnerability and confessions in allowing positive change is a weakness to him) to people saying, "When I was in Korea, I struggled to get used to the culture after living in the US. I couldn't make friends and had a bullying problem. My parents said maybe I was doing something wrong. I know now that's not true but I can't help but think I should have done something different. Nowadays I just spend my time reading Korean webtoons based in middle/high school and wonder if I could have had a more normal adolescent life. Maybe not as picturesque of the ones I see online but a normal one with normal friends and normal grades and a normal school." Still subverts the Freudian Excuse due to being a Hate Sink today that contradicts his backstory and does not excuse his present actions/behavior/attitude.
Book II epilogue is next coupled with a stinger leading to Book III. See you then.