Total Drama Infinite: Bon Voyage

by MemeKing the Third

Given the recently found success of TD Infinite 2, the network wants to cash in on that success with a spinoff. With RR's Don now taking the role to host this show, does he have what it takes? 26 players. 1 pirate ship. Who'll win it all? Spinoff to Total Drama Infinite. Takes place starting after TDI2 Ch. 20. WE'RE BACK!

21. Enter: The Door-Mension

Episode 16: Enter: The Door-Mension

The wait is finally over, people. Another installment of peak fiction is coming for your screens!

1602jaw: Thanks so much man. Shermie shined here. And Maynard is back, fake hooray!

TheSupeMan: Much appreciated. You're getting a much longer episode this time. I agree at least Shermie got to leave on her own terms. Hope prison won't be too bad for her. But Light…. that's worrisome.

ThelastCyberKnight: Sometimes a long episode can't be the only ones that are absolute bangers. All I can say for today is LET'S GOOOO!

Thenewsubwayguy: Glad you liked it, despite some gripes. I appreciate your enthusiasm for how everyone was handled here. Today, it's Persona Voyage.

Pinecoop: Redemption is never easy. Now Shermie must pay her dues, despite her turnaround. Lots of tension here, and Draco will continue to hopefully go down the right path.

Happiness studios: Despite feeling mixed, really glad to hear you enjoyed some parts, even with a bunch of criticisms.

chillsummer: Yeah, I don't like him either. But I'm sure he'll get what's coming to him today.

Now then, let's sit back and enjoy another certified banger.

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Out on the beach, a reddish black portal opens up. Stepping out of it appeared to be a rather large and eerie looking cat humanoid. His fur was mostly white, with some cream colored fur around his mouth, which was wide and grinning, with sharp fangs. His long tail was also the same shade of white, with black stripes. He wore a black suit with even darker boots and clawed gloves, dark brown pants, and a red vampire like cape. He wore a black masquerade mask around his eyes, his eyes both blue with black sclera.

The cat guy observes his surroundings, his long Cheshire grin sneers even more.

"Mrowr…..so this is the place, huh? Ooh, I can't wait to meet those little kitties….. Lucinne!"

Another individual steps out of the portal. It was a stern looking dressed in a white dress/suit combo, with a white coat worn around the shoulders like a cape, with matching white heels. Her hair was silvery white and short, with some of it covering one of her eyes, both concealed by red tinted sunglasses. In her hands she held a pen and clipboard.

"Arrived exactly on time, sir." Lucinne said, writing something down. "Tell me, to whom exactly are we dealing with? I require this info to add to the record."

The cat guy sniffs the air. "Ooooh, quite the aroma of little kitties!" He sniffs again. "One's filled with plenty of darkness. We got…a robot of some sort. An angel. An Inscribed. Someone with shamanic powers. A pure blood wizard. Oh, a vampire! Hm? These other ones……"

"Sir?" Lucinne asks in confusion.

He takes another long inhale, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"A Persona user! Quite the rare find! And more than one at that! And this other one……yes, it must be! It's actually him! I've finally found him!"

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We open up with a news broadcast, brought to you by an unnamed male anchorman.

"Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen. In today's news, the famous YouTuber and viral influencer Maynard McMonster, often regarded as the "Emperor of Entertainment," is holding a press conference for the entire world to see…and supposedly the entire multiverse as a whole. This news comes after his controversial appearance on the hit reality show, Total Drama Infinite: Bon Voyage. During his stint as temporary host, one of the contestants leaked supposed crimes of McMonster's, which have yet to be actually proven. On top of that, those contestants had also injured him, claiming that he had treated them rather harshly."

" That's correct." A female anchor adds. " Despite this incident, McMonster's fans have shown their overwhelming support, viewing him as the victim in this scenario. Despite losing lots of subscribers, he still has an astronomical amount of fans across many worlds who still support him. Despite this setback, his merchandise sales have tripled, and many fans have even taken to fighting people in the streets who aren't fans of McMonster."

"Yikes." The male anchor quips. "Meanwhile, many of his fans have now been harassing fans of Total Drama, and have left many scathing reviews and comments about the show and its cast on multiple message boards. Even some threatening acts of violence or sending death threats to the show."

"This Friday, McMonster plans to host a press conference addressing all of this, meanwhile promoting his next viral endeavor. At the same time, the cast of Total Drama will be competing in an important challenge on the same island. Hopefully both parties can bury the hatchet. It's almost like fate that they meet again, considering what happened last they met."

"UGH, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE CHANGE THE DAMN CHANNEL?!"

"Would you keep your voice down, Ryuji. We're in public."

We now see Futaba and her friends, along with Ryu, sitting together in a cozy corner of a tropical cafe. The TV blaring loudly above them. Despite the yelling, the cafe's patrons and staff were still going about their business.

"I know that," Ryuji huffs. "But that Maynard guy seriously pisses me off."

"So let me get this straight," Ryu says to Futaba. "Maynard hasn't changed one but? And your friends here have figured out he's up to something? Am I missing anything?"

"Ryu, I figured you of all people would be a bit suspicious of him." Futaba says. "I could smell his BS from a while away. Don't know how the others feel."

"But are we really sure?"

"I'm absolutely positive." Makoto says. "The Intel we gathered is no lie. Whether you choose to believe it or not is your problem."

"Ryu…. remember what he did to Bernie." Futaba warns him. "He made her suffer, while he and his cronies laughed and filmed the whole thing. I know you're the kind of guy that likes to give someone a second chance, but this is Maynard we're talking about. Don't let the same snake bite you twice."

"You're right." Ryu says with hesitation. "A guy like that deserves to be knocked down a bunch of pegs. I'm sorry about that. This guy's more than a snake…. he's like a spider. Once you're stuck in his web, you're nothing more than his plaything. He's a predator that likes to play with his food before he disposes of it and moves on to his next target. So how do you guys plan to take him down?"

"Typical Phantom Thieves procedure." Ryuji brags. "We enter his palace, find his treasure, send a calling card, and then take said treasure."

Ryu was still confused. "I'm….still not following. Futaba, you told me you were one of these Phantom Thieves or whatever, but never really explained what that meant."

Morgana hops out of Ren's bag and says, "Then perhaps we need to give your friend here a little taste of what we do. Let's take this outside."

"Okay, I can't understand a thing the cat's saying. Can someone translate those meows?"

Futaba takes Ryu by the hand and leads him outside. "Just follow us."

The group heads outside, to a spot where nobody should be near.

"Huh. Didn't expect the Metaverse Nav to be back again." Futaba remarks.

"I woke up in the Velvet Room." Ren explains. "Lavenza had informed me of a new palace emerging. And…. apparently another great threat is approaching."

"R-really?! Who or what is it?!"

Ren and Morgana look at each other with uncertainty.

"It's probably best if we tell you later." Morgana responds.

"Just be warned." Yusuke tells Ryu. "This may be quite the shock for a first timer."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure it won't faze me." He assures.

Everyone takes out their phones, and click on a weird red looking app. Meanwhile, Draco his behind a nearby wall, watching all of this going down.

"What are those losers planning?" Draco wonders. And what's with this new group of freaks?"

"Wait, did you guys already figure out how to get to Maynard's palace?" Futaba asked.

"Sure did." Ann assures. "We were able to figure out the keywords, though we've not seen it yet. We were waiting for you before we got down to business. Just put in his name, then the world, then colosseum."

Suddenly everything around them begins to distort. Futaba, Her friends, Ryu, and Malfoy found themselves in what appeared to be a new world. Shades of red and black swirled across the sky and ground, but with a techno feel. All around, there were light blue circuits that seemed to pulsate across the sky as well. Out in the distance there appeared to be a large colosseum of some sort.

Ryu looks around in confusion. "What the hell is this place?"

Morgana approaches him, now looking different. No longer a normal cat, he was standing upright, and appeared more chibi-like.

"This is Maynard's palace." Morgana explains. "This place is a culmination and manifestation of one's corrupt thoughts and twisted desires. You could say it's a world where one's distorted desires have materialized."

Ryu falls on his back, scared of Morgana. "AHHHH! MONSTER CAT! WHY IS IT TALKING?!"

Morgana sighs. "I AM NOT A MONSTER CAT! I AM MORGANA!"

"Haha, it's kinda funny watching your friend lose it." Ryuji tells Futaba.

"Calm down, Ryu." Futaba says. "It's just Morgana. And besides, how's that the thing that freaks you out? You're friends with a ghost. We've seen weirder stuff on this show."

Tokageroh gestures at Ryu. "Whoa….take a look at them now, Ryu."

Ryu looks at her and sees she's no longer wearing the outfit she had on before. A form fitting black suit with green lines across it and gloves, with large goggles. Matter of fact, he noticed Futaba's friends were all wearing new and colorful outfits.

"Funny….. it's not Halloween. Now I really think I must've hit my head."

"This is our Phantom Thief attire, dude." Ryuji says nonchalantly. "Only visible in the Metaverse."

Ryu gets up and dusts his suit off. "Sorry for freaking out. This is just a lot to take in."

"Mwehehehe. Mind blown yet?" Futaba says cheekily.

"It's fine." Morgana assures. "You're Futaba's friend, so you get a pass."

Upon closer inspection, Ryu gets down and starts petting Morgana and pinching his cheeks.

"Hey! What's the big idea?!"

"I was wrong!" Ryu says playfully, with sparkles in his eyes. "You're no monster! You're so small and cute! I can't resist things that are small and adorable!~"

Morgana claps back by punching him in the face.

"Watch it, pompadour! Or this kitty will show you his claws!"

"S-sorry….." Ryu groans. "Anyway, what exactly is a palace?"

"It's just as Mona said." Makoto said.

"Mona?"

"Sorry, we prefer to use code names here in the Metaverse." Futaba explained. "I'm Oracle, Morgana is Mona, Makoto is Queen, Yusuke is Fox, Haru is Noir, Ann is Panther, Ryuji is Skull, and Ren is our group's leader, Joker."

"Let me answer your question in more simple terms." Joker says. "This place is made from Maynard's distorted desires. All of his negative and corrupt thoughts manifest here, creating what we call a palace."

"Our goal here is to infiltrate the palace, and steal the treasure of this place." Ann adds. "His heart."

"Once his heart is stolen, Maynard will undergo a change of heart."

Ryu was still puzzled. "Change of heart? You mean he'll become a better person?"

"Precisely. And he'll confess to his crimes and atone for his sins."

"Once we secure the route to the treasure, we'll send a calling card to make it materialize." Makoto adds. "This'll surely take a couple days, and we need to get it done before his big announcement in a few days.

"Ah, okay. I see what you're getting at." Ryu says. "He'll change his evil ways once you steal his heart or whatever it is."

"But what is Maynard planning?" Futaba asks. "You guys said he was up to no good here."

"He's planning to film his biggest video yet." Ryuji said. "His big announcement that'll benefit mankind is nothing more than a distraction. Some amusement park all about him The main event for him is something that's gonna put you and the rest of the cast in danger during your next challenge."

"How dangerous?"

"Picture the Hunger Games meets the Most Dangerous Game. The entire island is now more artificial than organic now because of him. He has the master control of it all. It's like that one Total Drama season where the island was completely robotic. There's no telling what he's got installed, but he aims to wipe you guys out in what he hopes is his biggest video.

"So that's what he's got planned, huh?" Futaba remarks. "Typical of him. If that's the case, the next challenge and his press conference are in two days, we have little time and room for error. We need to secure the today."

"Looks like you guys have got this figured out." Ryu says. "So while you guys do that ….what is it I need to do?"

"Now that you mention it, I do have a job for you." Futaba tells him.

"Name it. Who do I gotta fight?"

"Well, seeing as you lack a Persona, there's nothing you can do here in the Metaverse. Back in the real world, we need to bolster our forces, so to speak."

"Can you give me more details?"

"We're just an alliance of two now." Futaba explains. "All in a row, we've lost Kronk, Bernadetta, and Shermie. And remember what Shermie told us? There's an alliance consisting of Light, Draco, Percy, Pete, and Bender. That leaves three people."

"Alucard, Panty, and Captain Yami, correct?"

"Exactly. The three of them have been pretty chummy lately. No doubt they've teamed up. But they run into a similar situation to ours. There's only three of them. That's why while we're taking care of this palace, I need you to try and convince them to let us team up. That evens the playing field, wouldn't you say?"

"Um…..sure?" Ryu answers. "I'll try and see if I can convince them."

It was then that Futaba got another idea. Although it was a risky one, now that she knew she had access to the Metaverse again, she'd probably not get another chance.

"Wait! I…..need everyone to listen to this! It's really important!"

"What is it?" Ryu asks.

"What? Need to go to the bathroom before we start?" Ryuji asks, to which Morgana shakes his head in disappointment.

"You have no tact, Skull. What is it, Oracle?"

"It's about Light." Futaba says.

Draco, who still eavesdropped behind a new wall in place of the old one, quietly gasped. What did she of all people know about him?

"Look, I get he's a shady guy." Ryu said. "He viewed Shermie as more trouble than she's worth."

"There's more to him you don't know." Futaba says grimly. "But what I say doesn't leave this place, alright? That goes for you guys, too."

"Our lips are sealed." Makoto assures. "Fire away."

Futaba takes a deep breath, and tries to choose her words carefully. "Light is actually a sociopathic killer who's been ruling this game from the shadows."

"Ha, good one!" Ryu laughs. "And I thought Chocolove's jokes were bad!"

"It's the truth!" Futaba snaps. "He's really a killer known as Kira! He has this notebook that lets him kill people and stuff! Even Alucard knows!"

Ryu stops laughing abruptly. "Wait…you're not making any of this up?"

"I swear on all of my Neo Featherman figurines." Futaba says with the utmost seriousness. "He wants to become a god of a world of his desire. And his first step is killing anyone he deems a sinner. Yet nobody here sees him as the monster he truly is. He's been responsible for multiple eliminations. Scott, Lobo, Erza…he manipulated all of them, and they were naive enough to trust him or let their guard around him. Even his whole alliance is none the wiser. And remember when Goenitz killed himself yesterday? That was Light's doing."

Draco's eyes widen at the reveal. As crazy as that sounded…it made far too much sense for it to be a lie.

"I…..I didn't know." Ryu said. "What an idiot I am for not seeing the truth. Wait, why did you wait this long to tell me?"

"He threatened me and Al into being silent." Futaba says, regretfully remembering that night. "He said if either of us said anything to anyone, he'd use that Death Note on you guys…. and Sojiro."

"That dirty rat bastard!" Ryuji growls. "It's bad enough he threatens you with our lives, but Boss as well?! The guy did nothing wrong!"

"Now it makes lots of sense." Yusuke mutters.

"That's why it's important that we take him down as quickly as possible…without letting him know we're onto him. Because if I make one mistake…" Futaba begins to tear up. "Then everyone I care about is going to be killed! And it'll be all my fault! I couldn't live with myself if I let that happen!"

She feels comforting hands on her shoulders, Being Ren and Ryu.

"Well then, I'm not letting that happen." Ryu tells her. "Nobody else is gonna die on my watch."

"I'd like to see him try and take us down." Ren says. "He's probably all talk."

Futaba wipes away her tears

"Thanks, you guys. I appreciate the sentiment, but Light is no joke. He'll try and get into your head, he'll try to manipulate you, gaslight you, make you doubt yourself. And when you're at your most vulnerable, he'll strike like a hungry predator."

"I think I've heard quite enough."

Futaba gasps as she sees Draco walk up to them.

"Oh crap! He was listening the whole time?!" Ryu panics.

"He must've been nearby when we entered the Metaverse." Morgana assumes.

"Great, now he knows I said something!" Futaba cries, beginning to panic herself. "Now he's gonna snitch to Light and it's game over!"

"If that's the case, then we're not letting him leave this place alive." Haru says sweetly, despite the fact she brandishes a huge axe and points it at the young wizard.

"Jesus! Why is resorting to violence your go to?!" Ryuji exclaimed.

Draco responds by aiming his wand at her.

"How dare you point that thing at me, Muggle?!"

The other Phantom Thieves now draw their guns (and in Morgana's case, a slingshot) and aim them at Malfoy.

"It appears we've hit, as Americans would say, a Mexican standoff." Yusuke says.

"Great observation, Inari." Futaba snarks.

"Would you losers please put down your weapons!" Draco complained. "I promise I'm not gonna say anything!"

"Huh?!"

The Phantom Thieves reluctantly lower their guns.

"Alright then. Explain yourself." Makoto orders.

"Can't believe you're here too." Ryu brings up. "Aren't you weirded out by this place as well?"

Draco now puts his wand away. "At this point, with all of the crazy rubbish I've seen on this show, a whole other world doesn't even crack the top five."

"So….. you're not gonna say anything to Light?" Futaba asks. "Why? You've stuck around him for so long."

"I'll admit, that is true." Draco explained. "But lately, I've begun to see bits and pieces of the man Light truly is. He's a vile, sadistic psychopath with a god complex."

"That's cute, coming from a narcissist like you." Ryu interjects.

Draco glares at him, but continues. "I only partnered with him out of sheer convenience. As you already know, my situation back home is not looking good. I had to do what I had to do to stay as long as possible…even if that meant making a deal with the devil. Now I realize I've gotten in way over my head."

"I think I see what you're getting at." Ryu says. "And now you're in too deep."

"As much as I hate to admit it….yes. I was wrong, alright?! So feel free to laugh!"

"I'm not just gonna find enjoyment in you being wrong." Futaba tells him. "Even if you are a jerk a lot of the time. I understand what you're going through."

"At least everything you told them made sense. Something about Light always rubbed me the wrong way. Now the picture is pretty clear."

"So….what are you going to do now?" Ryu asks. "You gonna leave that group?"

"No." Malfoy says. "That'd look suspicious on me if I just up and ditched them. I do have my safety to worry about. However…I'm not going to remain one hundred percent loyal to him. I'll still be a part of that group in name. Other than that, I suppose I could help you lot out…. without getting caught."

"Playing double agent, I see." Ann points out. "Even if you're still looking out for yourself in the end."

"Call it whatever you want, but that's my offer."

"Think we should trust him?" Futaba asks Ryu.

"I promise you I won't speak a word of what's happened in here to anyone else. It'll be between just us." Draco assures.

"I'm still a little skeptical, but I don't see a reason why you'd lie about all that." Ryu says. "Regardless, it's…nice to have you on board."

"Glad you gentleman could work things out." Morgana says. "Now, if you two follow me this way, you'll both be taken back to the real world. Us Phantom Thieves have a heart to steal, after all."

"Good luck, you guys." Futaba tells them.

"And double to you all." Ryu says as he and Draco follow Morgana.

As Morgana leads them away, Ryuji tells Futaba, "Oh, that reminds me. I remember you had your tablet broken on the show."

"Unfortunately…" Futaba says, remembering that night. "I may not be able to use my hacker expertise as well as I usually could."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Makoto says. She pulls out a familiar looking laptop and hands it to her. "You left this back home. Boss suggested we take it to you."

Futaba's eyes light up at the sight of her prized laptop, and happily takes it. "I didn't think I'd see it again until after the show! Thanks, guys! And…..thank you, dad."

"We'll need everyone at their best for this." Ren tells her. "So I hope you're ready for this."

"Mwehehehe…" Futaba laughs. "I'm ready to take this pompous jerk down."

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Suddenly, Ryu and Malfoy find themselves back in the real world…albeit, they fell out of the air and landed painfully on the ground.

"Ow….." Ryu groans. "I seriously hope I didn't crack my ass!"

"Well that was…. interesting." Draco says, dusting his robes off. "So, what is it we do now, pompadour?"

"Well, I'm gonna talk to my old teammates, and see if we can work together, like Futaba asked me to." Ryu answered.

"Don't forget they're my old teammates too. But now that I think about it…perhaps switching teams wasn't the best idea. Guess you could say the grass wasn't exactly greener on the other side."

"Eh, we all make mistakes. I knew pretty early on you were annoyed with most of us. Can't really blame you, considering you lived such a cushy life as a pure blooded wizard."

"My life wasn't that privileged!" Draco said defensively.

"You once went on about the elves your family had as slaves during a team dinner. And said they could cook up a better meal then what I prepared for everyone!"

"Alright, alright! You've made your point. While you're off chumming it up with our old team, I'm going to go see what the rest of my alliance is up to. I'll update you on that later. But keep it discreet, alright? Last thing I'd want is a target on my back.

"Sounds like a plan." Ryu says. "Wish me luck."

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We now see Pete out on a small dinghy, enjoying his favorite pastime, fishing. Although he wasn't alone this time, as Bender was seen fishing alongside him.

"Gotta admit, tin can. I wasn't expecting you to be a fan of fishing." Pete says.

"Never said I was." Bender says, sounding bored. "I was getting weird looks from all the other meatbags on this island. The people of the 21st century are weird. They act like they've never seen robots before. I'd take 'em to court for racism and take them for everything they got….if only I had a lawyer. Say, you want a beer?"

"Um…..okay." Pete says awkwardly. Bender reaches into a cooler and tosses the big guy a cold one. "Honestly, I'm surprised you're not hanging out with Light. How is he feeling after yesterday?"

"Guess that Goenitz guy injected him with something. From what he was talking about, I think it gave him superpowers or something. But all in all, he seems to be just the same as usual."

"Interesting…" Pete muses. "Though his definition of same as usual kinda unnerves me."

"You just don't know him as well as I do." Bender tells him. "Once you really get to know him, you'll see he's a really chill dude."

"Agree to disagree." Pete says. He reels in a bite, catching a rather hefty sized fish. "Regardless, I'm not worried. We're the dominant superpower in this game. The rest of them are probably running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Our group will make the finals like it's nothing. Say….where is Light right now?"

"He said he needed some alone time." Bender answered. "Said he wanted to see what all has changed with his body after yesterday…"

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We now move to the jungle. Light stands there, looking at his open palm. He holds said hand up into the air, and a stream of fire shoots out from it.

"Fascinating…" he muses.

"Your body's changed quite a bit, Light." Ryuk says while feasting on some apples. "And I'm not just talking about internally."

"I know." Light remarks. We now see that his hair color had changed from brown to completely white. "I woke up this morning and saw this. I feel like I'm a completely different person now. But I'm getting used to it."

"So besides flames, what else can you do?"

"It's not just that." Light explains. "Water, air, earth…. I've slowly learned I have mastery over them. And it seems I'm slowly unlocking more abilities as time goes on."

"Huh. It's like one of those video games you humans like to play." Ryuk brings up.

"I guess you could say that. Goenitz said I'd inherit all of Orochi's abilities. Slowly but surely, I'm becoming what I'm becoming what I've always wanted….a god."

"Are you okay?" A voice says. "I heard a lot of noise."

Emerging from the foliage was Percy, using her sword as a makeshift machete.

"Ah, it's just you." Light said. "Worried for my safety, I presume?"

"A little bit." Percy admits. "I've been concerned about you since yesterday. I hope your recovery is going well."

"Don't worry, I'm feeling a lot better." Light admits. "You could say I'm a lot better than I was before."

"That's a relief. Much like Bender, I was concerned about your condition."

"You two have really been big pillars of support for me." Light tells her. "When things get rough, I've always had you two to trust and vice versa."

"Well, I do the best that I can." Percy admits. "Much like you, I also strive for justice. You could say….I look up to you, in a sense."

Light wasn't quite sure what to say. He did like how she said she looked up to him. Being worshiped like a god….just like he should be. Now that he knew this, he could make this work.

"Aw geez, there's that look in his eyes again." Ryuk groaned.

"I'm so glad you trust me that much." Light says. "That's very reassuring. Which is why I have a job I need to ask of you."

"Ask me anything." Percy says determinedly. "And I shall carry it out to the last letter."

Light's grin grows wicked, unbeknownst to the cop. "So obedient. Now, the task that I'm entrusting you with is some intelligence gathering."

"Intelligence gathering?"

"That's right. For now, I need to just keep a close eye on those not in our alliance. And report back to me if there's anything suspicious or if anyone is going after us."

Hearing this, a little bit of hesitation rose in Percy. "Are you sure about that? Many of them were my teammates. My friends. We've shared laughs together….even broke bread together."

" Broke bread?!" Ryuk chuckles. "This lady's an odd one, Light."

"I can understand how that must feel for you." Light says. "But you knew you all wouldn't be on the same team forever. We're at a crucial point in the game where we can't go getting sappy and nostalgic. I wouldn't have asked this of you if I didn't think you could handle it. Or if I could trust you."

Percy was kind of touched with how much faith Light put in her. His words began to kick away most of the doubts she had about this task.

"You're right. I knew what I was signing up for when I joined this show. Thank you for reminding me of that conviction. I'll make sure not to let you down."

With a salute, she leaves, leaving just Light and Ryuk.

"You've really got her wrapped around your finger." Ryuk remarks.

"She is a useful asset to have around." Light says. "Too bad our ways of justice can't coexist. It'll absolutely crush her when she comes to that realization, but by the time that happens, she won't be needed anymore. By that point, I'll no longer need these confidants of mine. They will not be missed." He looks down at his hand, now aflame. "Slowly but surely, my path to godhood is progressing tremendously. When the time comes, the entire multiverse will bow to its rightful ruler, and true peace will be achieved. My justice will reign supreme.

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(The Metaverse)

Meanwhile, we see a large black car with a cat motif closing in on the mysterious colosseum. Once it arrives, the Phantom Thieves get out while the car transforms to reveal it was Morgana.

"So this is Maynard's palace?" Yusuke says, taking in the scenery before him. He uses his hands to frame it like a picture. "Truly a beautiful work of art in this architecture."

"Now's not the time for admiring that abomination's ego in physical form, Inari." Futaba sighed. "Looking at this place, I'd probably say it's bigger than the one they got in Rome. And less….broken."

"How's the layout of this place looking, Oracle?" Makoto asks.

"According to my analysis of this place on the way here," Futaba begins. "There's not much inside the arena. However, there seems to be a lot more underneath the colosseum. It's like a maze down there."

"No way he'd keep the treasure above ground!" Ryuji remarks. "Up top, it'd be there for all of the spectators to see. That is, if this place has any."

The sound of a roaring crowd from inside shook the entire group.

" LADIES AND GENTS, THE NEXT EVENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR EMPEROR OF ENTERTAINMENT!"

"I hate when I'm wrong." Ryuji groaned.

"Wait, look!" Haru points out. I see a hole in the wall!"

They do in fact see a small hole in the wall. It wasn't big enough for them to squeeze through, but they could at least see inside it. They all manage to look through the hole, and what they saw left them stunned.

As you could imagine, inside was a fierce battle. The seats were lined with spectators, cheering on the bloodbath that lay before them. It appeared to be a life size toy soldier, being brutally dismembered by a giant creature that resembled a sock monkey. The monkey roars as the soldier becomes more and more broken.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" A commanding voice thunders.

All eyes move towards the largest seat in the house. We see a man dressed up like a Roman Emperor, complete with the white robes and an olive wreath adorned atop his head. His head appeared to be a large computer monitor, with half of it red and the other half black. The face on the monitor looked familiar, yet had a cartoony vibe to it. At both sides of him were unnamed women, dressed scantily and fanning him with large leaves while he relaxed on his throne.

"You little shits have fought long enough, but it seems the challenger is now dead!" The emperor declares. "Let's dispose of this trash and bring out the next participant!"

The audience cheers as the sock monkey devours the remains of the toy soldier. The ground opens up, and the next challenger is presented. It appeared to be a sentient firetruck, albeit very battered and dented. The truck shivers in fear as the monkey pounds it's chest in anticipation.

"C'MON, DON'T BE A PUSSY!" The emperor says mockingly. "THESE PEOPLE COME HERE FOR ENTERTAINMENT! AND IT'S MY JOB TO GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT I WANT! SO NUT UP AND FACE YOUR FEARS! YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T DO AS YOUR RULER ORDERS!"

The thieves look away, as the sounds of screaming and shattering could be heard.

"Did we all seriously just watch the same thing?!" Ann asked, absolutely mortified.

"Is that the palace ruler?" Ryuji wonders. "He's a goddamn despot!"

"No doubt about it." Morgana answers. "That's Maynard. At least, his cognition of himself."

"So he views himself as an emperor, with absolute power." Makoto says grimly.

"And he views the people as his toys." Yusuke adds. "Free for him to do with as he pleases until they break. It's truly sickening."

"And once they're broken….he simply replaced them with more toys, and the cycle begins!" Makoto said angrily. "Does he really view people's lives as disposable?!"

"I knew he was a piece of work the first time we met him," Futaba said. "But I never expected him to be this awful. And this doesn't even cover his other crimes."

"What else has this piece of shit done?!" Ryuji angrily exclaimed.

"According to what I leaked online, blackmail, drug trafficking, illegal weapons dealing, lots of sexual assault charges, pimping, human endangerment, and he got his parents imprisoned when he was sixteen for false rape charges. AND HE HIRED AN ASSASSIN TO OFF THEM IN PRISON SO THEY'D NEVER SPEAK OUT AGAINST HIM!"

"Jesus effing Christ!" Ryuji yelled. "This guy makes all the baddies whose hearts we've changed look like saints!"

"He's even had other high profile people who've spoken out against him assassinated. He has lots of shady connections in the criminal underworld."

"As much as he sucks, we can't waste time dwelling on his crimes." Ren reminds them. "Let's see if we can find a way inside."

The thieves look around outside, looking for another way in. Luckily, Morgana noticed a weird looking rock up against the wall.

"This rock looks suspicious….. somebody care to move it out of the way?"

Ren grunts as he shoves the rock out of the way. To everyone's surprise, they see a stairway that leads underground.

"Well well well, looks like Mr. Big Shot Emperor needs to up his security!" Ryuji says mockingly.

"Be careful, guys." Futaba warns. "I'm getting a weird reading down there. Proceed with caution."

"Then let's make sure everyone is on guard at all times down there." Haru says. "I've already got a bad feeling about all of this."

Meanwhile, we transition to another part of the colosseum. Shadow Maynard enters his private chambers, satisfied with another successful day of entertaining the masses. Just as he's about to lay down for a nap, he gets a knock at the door.

"God fucking damn……" he groans. "Enter!"

The one who enters the room appeared to look like a Roman gladiator. "Your highness, I bring you terrible news!"

"What is it this time?! One of the prisoners tried to escape?! My cash cows better not think about escaping-"

"I'm afraid it's much more dire." The soldier says grimly. "We appear to have some unwanted guests. They've found a secret entrance of some sort that lead them underneath the arena."

Shadow Maynard's ears perk up at this. "Intruders, huh? No doubt they're after my treasure. How many little shits are there?"

"There's seven of them. And a cat. Should we send troops down there?"

"Fuck that! If they're who I think they are, your average soldier is gonna do jack shit to them! I'll let the special entertainment handle them. They're the only Shadows I have that are in peak fighting condition. If they think they can steal my treasure……"

Shadow Maynard's computer face begins to glitch and distort.

"THEN I SHALL GIVE THE PEOPLE A SHOW THE LIKES OF WHICH THEY'VE NEVER SEEN!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

We now move back to the beach, where the titular trio of Alucard, Panty, and Yami. Alucard merely stands there in silence, observing the people around them having fun. Yami was sprawled out on a lawn chair, snoring loudly. Next to him, Panty was relaxing, catching the rays of the sun for a well earned tan.

"Yamiiiiii!" Panty whines. "Can I ask you for a favor?!"

Yami groans, stirring himself awake. "What?" He grunts.

"Can you be a lamb and apply some sunscreen on my back?"

"Get Al to do it! I'm tired!

"I would, but this is an important task, and I'd rather not ask the bloodthirsty monster to do that. No offense."

Alucard chuckles. "It's not like what you said isn't true."

"Besides, I need a pair of big, strong, hands to help me out." Panty continues. "And you're the perfect guy for the job. And don't feel afraid to…..be a little rough."

"Um….. what?" Yami asked in confusion.

"And don't worry if your hands slip. To me, it doesn't matter where your hands touch."

We see Ryu running up to them at high speed, interrupting this exchange.

"I'm glad I was able to find you guys!" Ryu said, out of breath.

"Oh great, it's the cock blocking supreme malewife." Panty complains.

"Give me a break!" Ryu retorts. "I came here looking for you three! I got a deal…..that'll benefit all of us."

All three of them perked up hearing this. Even Yami was now fully awake.

"Then spill it." Yami tells him. "This had better be good."

And so, Ryu recounts Futaba's plan for them to team up, the other alliance, and how the odds are stacked against both alliances. The only thing he made sure to leave out was about Light and his true nature as Kira. He even mentioned Malfoy and his tentative agreement with them.

"I see….so you want to join forces with us?" Alucard asks.

"That's right." Ryu said. "The other alliance is a really shady group, and we're all sitting ducks unless we join forces."

"And you expect us to just believe you?!" Panty asks. "You trying to bullshit us just so you can join us?!"

"I believe you." Alucard says.

"Excuse me?!"

"I've seen firsthand how they can be." Alucard continues. "Especially some in particular."

Ryu remembers that Alucard was also present when Light threatened Futaba. This could be the key to getting them to agree.

"Exactly! I have nothing to gain by lying to you guys! Al can vouch for me!"

"Eh, I say what the hell." Yami interjects. "You two wanna squad up with us…could be fun."

"Well, regardless of whatever I say, the majority rules." Panty says reluctantly. "Now that I think about it, you're not really the kind of guy to lie. So I guess it's a deal. Welcome aboard."

"What, no contract for them?" Yami asks.

"Give me a break! You see a fucking printer or computer around here?!"

Ryu sighs with relief. "Thank you. I promise you Futaba andI won't make you regret this decision."

"Speaking of Futaba, where is the little gremlin?" Panty asks.

"She and her friends are busy dealing with Maynard….in the cognitive world. It's a long story. The jerk is planning something big to get revenge on us."

Panty immediately gets an angry look in his eye. "Oh, he is, is he? Fucking knew that little dickhead was spouting nonsense! After what he put us through, I've been aching for a turn at that pig! Let's go teach him a lesson right now!"

"What are you saying?" Ryu asks.

"You and I are going up to his place and we're gonna put him in his place! He's no longer host, so nothing is stopping us!"

"I don't think that's a good idea." Ryu says worriedly. "That's too reckless! Besides, Futaba's already working on-"

"Hey, I agreed to let you guys join together! The least you can do is go along with me on this!"

"Just do it." Yami said. "Besides, I'd rather she pester someone other than me for a change."

"Fine." Ryu groans. "I already know this is gonna end badly."

"Then come on!"

Panty grabs Ryu by the hand and drags him off.

"Wait, we're doing this now?!"

"Fuck yeah! I can't wait to see the look on that fucktard's face when we make him cry like a little bitch!"

As soon as they're gone, Yami says, "Welp, this is surely gonna end well."

"Hm. Not my concern." Alucard retorts.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

We see the Phantom Thieves traversing the underground passages of the colosseum. Torches lined the walls, illuminating the maze-like dungeon. Prison cells lined the walls, but there wasn't anyone inside of them.

"Yeesh, this place is giving me the creeps." Ryuji said worriedly. "The fact we haven't been ambushed by any Shadows has got me worried."

"Isn't that a good thing, though?" Yusuke asks. "No Shadows makes our job much easier."

"THAT'S THE PROBLEM! DON'T ANY OF YOU FIND IT SUSPICIOUS?!"

"Will you lower your voice?!" Makoto angrily says in a hushed whisper. "At that volume, even the dead will rise up and ambush us!"

"You scouted anything out ahead of us, Oracle?" Morgana asks.

"I'm sensing some kind of strong presence." Futaba answered. "Multiple ones. I just can't seem to pinpoint where they are, so be on guard.

A loud groan sent a shiver down their spines.

"That didn't sound good…" Ann said worriedly.

"Whatever it was, it sounds like…. it's in pain." Haru says.

"Really?" Ryuji asked. "How do you know?!"

The voice groans again, this time more pained and guttural.

"Sounds close by." Ren says. "He gestures to his team to stay back. He proceeds forward, gun in hand.

"Please……" the same voice croaks nearby. "Kill me…."

Joker quietly approaches the cell he heard it come from. It appeared to be another Shadow that looked like a gladiator. His armor was rusted and broken, his body mangled with a puddle of blood beneath him.

"Guys…..you might wanna see this!"

The other thieves run up and see the disheveled Shadow in the cell.

"Oh my God!" Ann gasped.

"Are you here….to put me out of my misery?" The Shadow groaned weakly.

"What the hell happened to this guy?!" Ryuji exclaimed.

"It was….our ruler…." The Shadow said.

"You mean Maynard?" Futaba asked.

"Yes….it doesn't matter who you are to him. He will use you. He will break you. All to entertain…the masses. And once you're unusable…you're given the ol' heave-ho and a new victim will suffer the same way you did."

"Not even the Shadows that serve their leader are safe from his abuse." Makoto says. "He uses his wealth and fame to take advantage of people."

"And he'll use and abuse everyone he views as beneath him." Futaba adds. "And replace them just as easily. Not to mention he uses hitmen or media retaliation to silence his detractors and victims. What good is entertainment if it's gotta trample over innocent people in the process?!"

"Such is the way of the world…" The Shadow says. "He's got the influence. The wealth. The connections. He's untouchable. Now, I lie here in wait, hoping the next spectacle he has me perform in will be my last…"

"This jackass gets more and more despicable by the minute!" Ryuji growls.

"Well don't you worry." Morgana tells the Shadow. "Taking down people like him is kinda our job."

"R….really?!"

The Shadow shakes in fear as the sound of metal clanking echoes throughout the room.

"ANYBODY DOWN HEEEEERE?!" A malicious yet familiar voice says mockingly. "COME OUT AND PLAYYYYY!"

"Oh no….. it's them!" The Shadow cried.

"Who's them?!" Ren asks.

"His Special Entertainment!" The Shadow panics. "His most powerful and reliable entertainers and enforcers!"

The Phantom Thieves keep running, until they reach a large and open circular arena. Below the arena was a pit of spikes. Cages lined up the walls of the room, with wailing Shadows.

"Where the hell are we now?" Ryuji wonders.

Across the room, a door opens up. We see several individuals enter, and as soon as Futaba saw who it was, she was left speechless.

It was another Futaba. Alongside her, there was Yami. Many of her fellow contestants lay right before them. The only difference was they all wore chained shackles on their necks.

"Look at these morose looking sacks of shit!" The other Futaba said.

"It seems they stand in the way of our master and his treasure." Light adds.

"Don't let them fool you, Oracle!" Morgana says, brandishing a cutlass. "They're obviously Maynard's cognition of you and your friends!"

"Don't be afraid…" The fake Ryu said with faux sweetness. "Just submit to our master like we did…"

"No way!" Futaba exclaimed angrily. "My real friends would never bend the knee at someone like Maynard!" A large, white, triangular shaped UFO appears above Futaba and beams her up. She finds herself in a familiar dark space with screens and data flying around her. "Let's go, Al Azif! Let's take out these fakes!"

"Such is the choice you've made." The fake Light growls. "Then allow us to punish you for intruding!"

The other thieves get the picture and summon their Personas. Meanwhile, the Shadows all come together, and transform into a giant flying snake.

"Get 'em, William!" Ryuji orders. His Persona, a gun-armed pirate captain atop a yacht, fires lightning out of his gun arm, only for the giant Shadow to weave and dodge it. "Damn it!"

"Darn it, Skull!" Futaba complained.

"Don't blame me! That thing is slippery like a….well, snake!"

"I'll handle him!" Yusuke says, his Persona, which appeared to be a flashing dressed ninja, was at the ready. "Freeze that creature's wings, Gorokichi!"

Gorokichi shoots ice out of its cigar, and hits the creature's wings, causing it to fall to the ground. Now that it was on the ground, it was Ann's turn to attack, using a Persona that looked like an actor/performer of some sort.

"Incinerate it, Celestine!"

The Persona throws out fireballs, but the snake opens up its mouth and devours the fire. If it couldn't get any worse, its wings break free from the ice and it takes to the air once again.

Futaba is seen typing inside Al Azif, and with the press of a button, she powers up her allies.

"Strength buffs for everyone! Show no mercy!"

Haru tries to immobilize it with her Persona, which looked like a Countess, hurting its head with psychokinesis. The creature drops to the ground once again.

"Take him out, Joker!"

Ren nods, and brings out one of the many Personas he's acquired. This one appeared to look like a small girl.

"Obliterate it, Alice!"

The girl creates a dark red sigil underneath the Shadow, and it's engulfed in a huge blast of cursed magic, completely disintegrating it.

"Excellent job as usual, Joker." Futaba says triumphantly, exiting her Persona. "That's our wild card."

"Man, I wanted to get the finishing hit." Morgana complained. "But you all had great teamwork as usual."

"No way!" One of the incarcerated Shadows exclaimed. "They beat the headliners!"

"I can't believe he views us like we're his property as well." Futaba seethed.

"Once we find the treasure, he'll surely atone for his crimes." Yusuke says optimistically. "Is the treasure near?"

"I can smell it!" Morgana says. "Dead ahead!"

The thieves enter the room the copies came from. Once inside, they found themselves in another large arena, even bigger than the last. In the center of the room was a cloudy, amorphous shaped construct that floated there.

"Well, here we are." Ryuji said triumphantly. "We secured the route to the treasure."

"That's right." Makoto adds. "Once we send the calling card, the treasure will materialize."

"Well, now that we found the treasure, I say we call it a day." Ann says proudly.

"Doesn't it seem a little too easy?" Haru asks. "Usually getting to the treasure is much harder than this."

"If it weren't for the fact this palace's Shadows are abused to the point they've given up on anything, then we probably would've had a much tougher time." Futaba points.

"This is our easiest heist yet!" Morgana brags. "If it was this easy, it'll be a cakewalk when we come back for the treasure!"

"That's one mission accomplished, guys." Ren tells them. "Great job, all of you. Now let's head back."

As they leave, Yusuke asks, "Do you think your friend was able to convince the others into teaming up?"

"I'm sure Ryu can pull it off." Futaba said. "He's got a lot more charisma than you'd think."

We move to Shadow Maynard's chambers, where he receives another knock at his door.

"Sweet salty Christ! I was having a good nap! Don't come in, I'm free balling it right now!"

"The Special Entertainment were beaten!" A voice says from the other side of the door. "And they made it to the treasure!"

"Are you fucking shitting me right now?!" Shadow Maynard roars. "Where are they now?!"

"They've left. But I have no doubt they'll return for the treasure!"

Shadow Maynard calms down, and thinks on his predicament.

"Very well, then. If nobody else could defeat them, then I guess next time I'll step in. There's a good reason I rule as Emperor! They won't…..no, they can't defeat me! Those insects will return…and like the insects they are, they'll be trapped in my web!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It is now evening time. The large mansion that sat on top of the hill was booming with rave music, lights blaring on the inside. No doubt it was another one of Maynard McMonster's famous parties. Only the famous and the elite were invited, with some exceptions.

We see Ryu and Panty slowly approaching the estate. A long line was formed outside the front gate, with a big burly bouncer standing in their way.

"I still think this is a terrible idea." Ryu told her. "I'm usually all for a fight, but why don't we just chat with him over tea?"

"That's a great idea!" Panty says jokingly. "You bring the tea bags," She pulls out a gun and cocks it. Not her gun made from her underwear, but a real handgun. "And I'll bring the body bags!"

"You brought a real gun?!" Ryu exclaimed. "Are you insane?!"

"Relax, I'm only gonna use it for intimidation. That is, unless he really fucking pisses me off. Just follow my lead, and things will go swimmingly."

As they head up the hill, we see Percy pop her head out of a nearby bush.

"Fascinating…" She muses. "What could they be doing at McMonster's estate? And with a deadly firearm no less. Regardless, I mustn't fail the task Light has entrusted me with."

Cautiously, she follows the two of them up the hill without being noticed.

Ryu and Panty are seen cutting to the front of the line, only to be stopped by the bouncer.

"Hey, no cutting, losers!" A rather scrawny and nerdy looking guy who was at the front of the line yells.

"Ugh, it smells like virgin over here!" Panty retorts. "Good thing you no longer smell like it. Eh, Ryu?"

Ryu's face blushes nervously. "Heh heh….. whatever are you talking about?"

"Don't play coy, pal. I heard you and Bernie on your date night. You two fucked like nasty little rabbits."

"How did you-"

"My room's next to hers. Honestly, I didn't expect her to be the kinky one out of you two. "Naughty Dragon", I think she called you?"

Ryu quickly covers her mouth. "ALRIGHT, I THINK THAT'S ENOUGH! REMEMBER WHY WE'RE HERE?!"

"Oh, right." Panty turns back towards the bouncer. "Mind letting us in, pal?"

"Of course." He answers. "Pretty women get in. That's one of McMonster's rules. And…is he with you?"

"Damn straight."

"Then go right in, you two."

The bouncer opens the gate for them, much to the crowd's protests.

"You all can kiss my luscious ass!" Panty says, flipping the bird at all of them as they went inside.

"No fair!" The guy at the front of the line complained. "I've been waiting in line for three hours!"

Percy skips the line as well, and approaches the bouncer.

"Can I help you?"

Percy flashes her badge at him. "Officer Percival King. Sweet Jazz Police. Would you kindly let me inside?"

"You gotta be kidding me!" The guy groans. "Another one?!"

"Yes, another one!" The bouncer snapped. "Another rule of his: cops get in, no questions asked."

"Thank you for your cooperation." Percy said. She turned to the guy at the front, still fuming. "Do not worry, citizen. You're obviously next in line. You'll be inside soon."

The guy looked like a whistling tea kettle as she entered.

"Fucking smartass cop!" He snapped.

Once they were inside, the titular duo were quite surprised at the magnitude of the party. Lots of drinking, plenty of drug abuse, strippers putting on shows and some clowns were atop a chandelier, swinging around like a monkey while under the influence.

"Damn, even the parties I've been to have never been this crazy." Panty said, marveling at it all.

"Priorities, remember?" Ryu reminds her. "We gotta find Maynard."

"Ooooh, you looking for the king?!" A drunk man slurred. "He's over theeeeeeeeere. Let me lead the way."

At a table, we see Maynard, surrounded by a posse of women, along with Gumbo and Portson on standby. He was busy snorting a long line of cocaine through a rolled up hundred dollar bill.

"Ooh! That's that premium Detroit shit right here, bitches! C'mon, people! There's plenty to go around!"

"YOU!"

"Huh?" Maynard looks up to see Panty and Ryu glaring down at him. "Oh, it's you guys. Care to join me, Miss Anarchy?" He licks his lips creepily. "There's plenty of room."

Panty gags. "Ew, fuck no. Last time you tried to make me lez out with another woman!"

"Oh, come on!" Maynard complains. "I may not be a fan or supporter of that LGBT bullshit….but I make a special exception to the L part. They're hot as fuck, though."

"Ugh, what a lecherous pig." Ryu groans.

Maynard shoots a glare, Ryu. "Oh look, it's you. The guy who got his ass handed to him after trying to challenge me."

"You didn't do anything! Your bodyguard did the work!"

"Uh, I made him do it. Therefore I take the credit." Maynard snorts another line of coke and chomps on a nearby chicken leg. Clearly he acted quite preoccupied, like he could care less about what they say.

"I love how you act so vile now that we're behind closed doors." Panty spat. "And I love you think I'm dicking around, asshole! We know you're up to something on the day of your big announcement!"

Maynard's ears perk up at the mention of his conference.

"Huh? You know?"

"Duh! From some pretty reliable sources! You're not doing any of that shit!"

"Oh really? And what are you gonna do about it?"

Panty takes out the handgun and fires a shot at the ceiling. The party goes completely silent as all eyes are now on them.

"I ain't fucking around, dickhead!" Panty warns.

"Call me Big Daddy." Maynard retorts. "That's what all my OnlyFans models call me. Because I fucking rock!"

"I ain't playing, pal! Call it off!"

"Panty this is already a terrible idea!" Ryu says. "People are staring!"

"I'd suggest listening to the 70's reject, Tits." Maynard tells her. He snorts more coke before continuing. "Because it's not gonna end well if you keep this up! Do you forget who I am?!"

"Let's stop this right now!" Percy says, emerging from the crowd. "Panty, I'd suggest you put the gun down immediately."

"Miss Percy! Why are you here?!" Ryu asked.

"I saw you two approaching this place, so I got worried and followed you." She explained, technically not lying nor breaking her cover.

"Oh great, it's the fuzz." Maynard groans.

"Yes. It is I. Miss Fuzz."

Maynard reaches into his wallet. "Alright, how much will this cop accept to go fuck off and leave me alone?"

"Excuse me?! Are you trying to bribe a cop?!"

"Wouldn't be the first time I did so, bitch! So, how much you want?"

Panty slams her foot on the table and points the gun at Maynard's face. "You are not buying your way out of this one, asshole! Call it off!"

Maynard still hadn't even so much as flinched. He grinned confidently, despite his predicament.

"You think I'm gonna cave in and do as you say?!" He spat. He stands up out of his wheelchair, much to their shock. "Sorry, but I'm the one who calls the shots around here. I don't do what others say-THEY DO AS I COMMAND!"

"B-but I thought your legs were broken!" Percy gasped.

"They were. But I paid the best doctors to fix them up as quickly as possible. The wheelchair was just for sympathy points."

"You really are a monster!" Ryu growls. He brandishes his wooden sword. "Does everyone and everything in this world really equate to a dollar sign?!"

Percy then takes out her sword next. "I need you two to back down! Don't do something you're gonna regret!"

Maynard takes out his phone, and takes a snapshot of all three of them. "Oh, would you look at that?" he says sarcastically. "I've got evidence of you three pulling weapons on me. And……*gasp, do I spy illegal drugs and narcotics in the picture, too? Naughty, naughty!~"

"What are you doing?!" Ryu snapped.

"What's it look like?" Maynard, quick as a flash, slaps Panty's gun out of her hand, and slaps her to the ground with the other. "I'm framing you three little cunts for tonight's debacle. After my conference on Friday, I'm taking this to the police, and I'm having you twerps charged with attempted murder!"

The crowd all applaud for Maynard, with many of them voicing their thoughts!

"You show them, man!"

"They're just jealous haters!"

"Who invited them anyway?!"

"Fuck Total Drama!"

Ryu tries to help Panty up, but Maynard knees the shaman in the face.

"You miserable insects still don't get it!" He sneers. "I'm Maynard Fucking McMonster. I'm the invincible Emperor of Entertainment. The biggest influencer in the world! I gave up everything to reach the top! I've got the influence and the connections. Even the police are my bitches. Who're they gonna believe? It's your word vs everyone else's here! I've never made a mistake in my fucking life!"

Both of them laid there helplessly, all while this man gloats.

"Fuck yeah! I win again! Suck it, you little shit stains! You better mark your calendars, faggots. Because by this time Friday, you and the rest of the competition will either be incarcerated or dead! And…"

He lifts up Ryu by his collar.

"Once I'm done with you all, even the ones who got eliminated aren't safe. And that chick you really like will be first on my list! Bernie, I think you called her. I'm gonna have my way with her whether she likes it or not…. and then I'm gonna slit her throat! How's that for salt in the wound, eh?! Eh, maybe not. Too autistic for my taste."

"Don't….speak her name, you bastard!" Ryu snapped.

Maynard lets him go, and snaps his fingers. "And once she's dealt with, those two brats who broke my legs in the first place are next on the list! Portson, please take out this trash! Chop chop!"

The partygoers all cheer as Portson escorts them out of the building. The trio looks back and sees Maynard smugly wave goodbye.

"Buh-bye, bitches! I'll be seeing you all Friday!"

Portson escorts them out through the back. Once outside he bows to them.

"I do deeply apologize for the young master's actions tonight."

"Huh?!"

"Mr. Umemiya." Portson continues. "I'm sorry for critically injuring you during our last encounter. It pained me to do it, but I must follow orders."

The three of them were still a bit stunned.

"Um….thanks?" Ryu said.

"Why do you work for a dick like him?!" Panty asked. "Do you not see how awful he is?!"

"I do." He says grimly. "And it's not like I have a choice in the matter. My family has been indebted to his for three generations now."

"Why's that?" Percy asked.

"The master's family comes from a long line of real estate owners and entrepreneurs. They've been well off for generations."

"Okay, so he was born with the silver spoon." Panty said. "No surprise there."

"Back in the day, my grandparents were loaned money from them to pay off my grandfather's medical expenses." Portson continues. "He was suffering an illness, so they paid for the treatment, as they were old family friends. When they couldn't pay the Doherty's back-"

"Pff, his last name was Doherty?!" Ryu chortled.

"Let the man continue." Percy said.

"You're right. Sorry."

"Long story short, they were hired to serve as the family's personal servants. This even fell upon my parents, and then to me, still working to repay that debt to this very day. The master and I have been friends since we were children because of this. He wasn't always like this, you know. He and I always had fun playing together as children."

"I find that hard to believe." Panty says skeptically.

"Despite being born into wealth, all he ever wanted to do was be an entertainer, and his parents supported his dream. The day they gifted him with his first camera was the happiest day of his life. He'd always be filming, hoping to find something he could share online to people."

"I see…." Ryu says. "But how did he go from some sweet kid with dreams to an absolute monster?"

"Despite his dreams, he always had this underlying superiority complex to him, due to their wealth. Something even his parents didn't have. His videos escalated from filming animals doing stupid things, to harassing and bothering people. He believed he wouldn't get in trouble doing so, and it appeared people loved that kind of content. Once he realized that was drawing attention, he'd keep trying to top himself. Eventually, his parents stepped in, and tried to get him to stop. He retaliated by framing them for a crime they didn't commit. They even perished in prison. Once they were out of his way, he could film as he pleased."

"That's horrible!" Percy exclaimed.

"He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he did not care. He believed he could do anything he wanted. The world was his oyster. Over the years, his fame and wealth had grown, becoming the man he is today. He's not the same bright eyed dreamer I knew long ago, and it hurts. Especially when he has me do rather unsavory or humiliating tasks for him."

Portson begins to cry.

"Not a day goes by where I wish I had my old friend back! That's all I want!"

Ryu puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Then I promise you….his heart will be changed. We got some people working on stealing his wicked desires as we speak."

"R-really?" Portson asked.

"Really. When it's all said and done, he'll be a changed man. I can promise you that."

Portson quickly wipes away his tears. "Thank you. It was refreshing to get that off my chest. I have faith that if anyone can change his heart, it's you guys. Allow me to repay you all." He pulls out a fairly large Tupperware container, filled with brownies. "These brownies are the master's favorite. I baked them earlier. Please, take them."

"Wow, thanks man." Ryu says, kindly taking them. "You're a real stand-up guy, despite your job."

"I did not take you for a baker." Percy adds.

"I must warn you, though. They're his personal favorite, so they're packed with a lot of-"

"PORTSON!" Maynard yells from inside. "WHERE THE FUCK ARE MY BROWNIES?!"

"They fell on the floor, so I'm baking another batch for you!" Portson responds.

"WELL HURRY THE FUCK UP! NOW!"

"You'd all better get out of here before he realizes something is up. Best of luck to you all."

Once he's back inside, Ryu breaks the silence.

"Well, I think that's enough fun for one evening. Right gir-"

He realizes Percy had already left.

"Huh. Wonder why she left so quickly."

"Look, Ryu…." Panty begins. "Sorry for…you know, getting you roped into this shit."

"Look, it's alright."

"It's not alright!" She snapped. "Here I thought I could convince that failed abortion to call off his conference, and due to my impulsiveness, I probably just got all three of us a one way ticket to jail! You know what they'll do to someone like me in jail?! I'll be major lez-chow, and Maynard and his sick mind will probably find a way to watch while he's stroking his tiny dick!"

"Just calm down." Ryu tells her. "I'm sure Futaba and her friends will change his mind."

Panty slumps down to the ground. "Once again, my impulsiveness has come back to bite me in the ass! I should've listened to you. If Pit were here, he'd probably have succeeded in getting me to back down."

Ryu was left quite confused. "What's Pit gotta do with it?"

"He was kinda like the angel on my shoulder." She admits. "Ironic, I know. But he was kind of like the little brother I never had. I didn't always get along with my sis. She turned out to be a demon and sliced me into a million tiny pieces with no fucking remorse. Pit kinda filled the hole Stocking left behind. The kind of hole that not even nonstop sex with other guys could fill. It was kinda like… having a family again."

Ryu sits down next to her. "I understand how you feel, all lost and alone. I always felt like I was born in the wrong time. When I was little, all I had was my mom. She was always so sweet and wise beyond all belief. But one day, she got sick and died. I was left all alone in the world. No home, no family, nobody. Everyone around me viewed me as an outcast and a weirdo. I felt like I didn't belong anywhere."

"I….I didn't know that." Panty said solemnly.

"One day, while I was still in highschool, I formed my own gang. Comprised of people who also felt lost and without purpose in the world. We became the Dead Enders, the most notorious gang in all of Funbarigaoka. We were constantly on the look for our Best Place, where we didn't have to feel alone anymore. Where we could be loved. Where we could be wanted and accepted. Well, until I met Yoh and he turned my life around. One thing led to another, and I became a shaman, and disbanded my gang. I told them all to find jobs and carve their own path towards their Best Place. Not a day goes by where I wonder how they're doing."

Panty has herself a small chuckle. "You know, you may not look like it, but you're a rather deep guy."

"I'll take it as a compliment. Feel better after venting?"

Panty nods. "Not used to being this vulnerable to another person."

"Now that you two have unloaded our emotional laundry, how about we head back?" Tokageroh asks.

"Yeah. Sounds like a good idea. You're lucky you are one of the few ghosts I've decided not to kill."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The two return to the beach, where Yami, Alucard, Futaba, and her friends awaited their return. They'd actually gotten a bonfire started.

"Hey, took you guys long enough!" Ryuji exclaimed.

"Yikes." Morgana winced. "Looks like you two had a rough evening."

"It's a long story." Panty groaned. She heard her phone go off, and she checked the message. "SON OF A BITCH!"

"What happened?" Yami asked.

"Maynard somehow got my number, and texted me that damn photo he took of us! Now he's just rubbing it in! And he sent dick pics! Like hell I'd be caught dead boning this jackass!"

"So, how'd the mission go?" Ryu asked. "Changed his heart yet?"

"Not yet." Makoto answers. "We secured the route to the treasure, though. We need to send a calling card to get it to appear for us. Tomorrow, we'll work on getting that ready."

"So yeah, mission accomplished." Futaba declared. "One mission cleared for this game. The final boss awaits."

"Awesome." Ryu pulls out the brownies. "Let's celebrate with some treats a good guy gave me."

"If that's the case, I'm heading to bed." Yami saysm "I was waiting for you two to get back."

"I'm gonna hit the hay as well." Panty says. "I don't eat sugar, and worn the fuck out after this evening."

"Oh, okay then." Ryu says. "Al, how about you?"

Alucard scoffs. "You won't catch me dead eating that shit. I'm heading out to….satiate my appetite in other ways."

"Their loss." Ryuji says. "More brownies for us then!"

(One hour later….)

The group were all sprawled out on the sand, each feeling different levels of relaxed and/or fuzzy.

"I think there was something in those brownies." Ryu sighed. "My head feels like a Best Place. And that's only after eating one."

"Dude…." Ryuji giggles. "Yusuke ate like three of them!"

Yusuke was busy making an angel in the sand.

"This sand….it feels so smooth….like a fresh, unpainted, canvas. My senses feel like they've hit their peak. Is this that "Nirvana" they've spoken about?"

"Ryuuuuuuuu!" Futaba whined. "I hunger! I want curry! Ten plates of it!"

"I don't even have the energy to pick myself up." Ryu groans. "But I'm with ya on the food. Is anybody else hungry?"

There was no response, as the rest of the thieves were out like a light, sleeping soundly.

"Just give me like, ten minutes to get the will to get up." Ryu said.

Although ten minutes passed, all of them were now sound asleep. Alucard returns, and sees the passed out party.

"Wonder what happened here…" He pondered. "Well, I just can't leave them here. Might as well carry them back to their rooms."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

(The next day….)

We see Light and his alliance, chatting together at the local cafe.

"So sorry to hear about last night." Light tells Percy.

"I sure hope he's bluffing about sending that picture to the authorities." Percy said worriedly. "My career will be absolutely ruined if that happens."

"Want me to go find this chump, lady?" Bender suggests. "I could bend and break his spine. Then he'll really have a reason to use that damn wheelchair."

"Bah, that's just gonna make it worse!" Pete says.

"So this conference of his…" Light brings up. "He's got some revenge plot planned for it?"

"That's what I heard during my investigation." Percy explained. "I'm not entirely sure what it'll be. But during the challenge tomorrow, I'd suggest every single one of us be on guard. There's no telling what he's plotting. It's already bad enough that he's got the police on his side."

"What I'd give to put that guy's name in the Death Note." Light thought to himself.

"Pardon me, but I'm going to go get some fresh air." Draco says. "Gonna burn off that Muggle meal."

Draco leaves the cafe, leaving just the four of them.

"Speaking of which, any idea what that challenge Don has ready for us?" Pete asks.

"Hard to say." Light answered. "We're at a stage in the game where anything is possible. In my line of work, expect the unexpected."

"My, I hope I'm not interrupting anything important!"

The group looked to see a giant red jovial looking cat man and some woman by his side was talking to them.

"And…..who might you be, fur bag?" Bender asked.

"Oh, pardon my manners." The cat laughed. "Forgive my forwardness! I am Chubzworth Rutherford Chokola. But please, call me Chubz! Head honcho of the news company, "Newz Right Meow!" This here is my lovely assistant and loyal number two, Lucinne."

"Lame pun!" Pete said.

Lucinne takes out a whip and strikes Pete with it.

"YEOW!"

"Do not insult him!" Lucinne snapped. "Unless you deserve more punishment!"

"Lucinne, let me handle this one." Chubz intervenes.

"Um….okay?" Light said skeptically. "What business do you have here with us?"

"Right, right. I just wanted to meet the lovely little kitties participating on Total Drama. I don't wanna go into too many spoilers, but I'll be having quite the part to play for the rest of the game."

"Don't keep it vague, pal!" Bender said. "Spill the beans or we'll put the hurt on ya!"

Chubz's face begins to distort, and appear more demonic, much to everyone's shock. His Cheshire grin grew wide, his mouth filling with dozens of rows of sharp teeth. His tongue splits into two forked ones, his eyes growing deranged like a violent predator. Almost Lovecraftian in nature.

" IF YOU DARED TO FIGHT ME, I'LL TEAR YOUR MISERABLE SOULS APART!" He growled.

"Eep!" Pete hides under the table, cowering in fear.

"Sir, please remember to remain professional." Lucinne reminds him.

Chubz's face immediately returned to its original state.

"Of course. And here I was, chastising you for acting out of line! Aren't I a hypocrite?! Well, it's been nice chatting, kitties! But I must be leaving! I'll be seeing you all very soon. Ta-ta!"

"Is he gone?!" Pete whimpered.

"Yes, he's gone." Percy answered.

As Chubz and Lucinne were leaving, Chubz turns to his assistant.

"I finally found him, Lucinne!" He cackled. "That man was the Kira!"

"So, it's really him, huh?" Lucinne asks. "He didn't look like he fit the rumors."

"Trust me, my nose never lies! He's the one I've been searching for! I also smelled a hint of Orochi in him! And that smell's only going to get stronger! My dream is finally in my grasp!"

"So, what's the agenda next?".

Chubz's eyes light up. "Why, we gotta meet the others. Besides, I smell an old friend of mine!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Out at the docks, we see Don, along with the interns, looking at the heavily destroyed Jolly Rancher quite despondently.

"Am I interrupting something?" Draco asked, approaching the group.

Don was quite surprised. "Oh, Draco. What brings you here?"

"Just passing through. Why are you guys just staring at the ship? Shouldn't someone be repairing it? We're gonna need it after the next challenge so we can….you know, leave?"

The group look at each other knowingly.

"I'm afraid this ship has reached her last voyage." Don said glumly.

"What?!" Malfoy exclaimed. "Why?! Are we just gonna be stuck on this bloody island?!"

"It's top secret information, kid!" Blitzo snapped.

"It's alright, Blitzo." Don assured. "I believe he deserves to know a little bit."

"Know what?"

"The next challenge is gonna be different than what you're used to." Don explained. "Afterwards, you won't see me or the staff for quite a long time.

"Seriously?!"

"Yep." Tsukishima responded. "After tomorrow, we'll all be returning to our normal lives."

"Well, as normal as it can be." Bugs quips.

"Back to contract killing for our squad." Blitzo said. "Bet ya the mailbox is stuffed like a fucking Twinkie."

"Great, gonna take forever to get that imagery out of my head." Loona snarked.

"And somehow, he's gonna make me deal with all of it." Moxie complained, with Millie giving him a comforting pat on the back.

"It's a shame, too." Lissa sighed. "Gonna miss patching up your injuries every time one of you acts like an idiot. But I'm sure my brother is off putting himself in danger as we speak."

"Hopefully they don't get too hurt without us." Mikan adds.

"And after tomorrow, it's back to the slammer for me." Ramsey adds. "Hope Perce will be alright, wherever the challenge takes her. That is, if she's still in the game after tomorrow."

"I'm really gonna miss Tokageroh." Scratch said glumly. "Didn't expect to meet another ghost here who vibes with me. Not gonna miss that Panty chick, though. She tried to shoot at me a couple of times."

"That's probably just her way of saying hello." Molly said, trying to ease the pain."

"At least we don't gotta clean the mess this time." Mordecai said.

"I'm with you." Rigby adds. "Do we look like carpenters?"

"Doesn't this ship belong to you?" Monoma asked Don. "It must hurt leaving it behind."

"It really does." Don sighed. "This girl holds sentimental value to me. What I'd give to go on just one last trip with her. But what's done is done."

"One last trip, huh?" Malfoy mused. Wouldn't be the worst idea out there…."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Back on the beach, we see our other alliance, along with the Phantom Thieves. While some were relaxing, Futaba was busy working on something on her laptop.

"Mwehehehe! My Futaba Cannon is once again ready!" She cackles.

"Futaba…..Cannon?" Ryu said.

"What are you kids up to this time?" Yami asks.

"Just getting our calling card ready. This one's gonna be a real doozy."

"I bet McMonster's gonna flip absolute shit when he sees it!" Ryuji says with glee.

"Well, they're usually not happy when they get the card." Ann points out. "He'll be no different."

"I'd love to see the look on his face." Panty snickers. "After the shit we went through last night, he deserves everything that's coming to him!"

We see none other than reporter Zach Xigma and his pal Coff walk up to the crew.

"Hey, guys! Glad I could run into you guys again!"

"Oh, it's the NPC." Futaba says without looking up from her screen.

"NPC?!" Zach exclaimed. "Wow, way to hurt a guy's feelings."

"Yikes." Coff chuckled. "She just roasted you!"

"What brings you here this time, kid?" Yami asked.

"Oh, I'm here for the press conference." Zach said proudly. "A lot of big news headlines are showing up, so it's my job as the "Ace Reporter" to go where the most buzz is. Not really into this guy's videos, but news is news."

"Then I guess you'll be in for quite the show tomorrow." Ryu mentions.

"Huh?"

Zachie-poo!" a jovial voice exclaimed.

Zach recoils in cringe, as Chubz walks up behind him.

"Hello, Chubz." Zach groaned.

"Old friend, I take it?" Yami asks.

"Not even close."

"Why, I'm none other than the big boss of the news company "Newz Right Meow! And this young man's rival!"

"Chubz Chokola, everyone." Zach deadpanned. "Biggest crackpot in all of reporting."

"Well, that's no way to treat an old friend!" Chubz pouts. "I'm hurt, Zachie-poo!"

"WE ARE NOT FRIENDS, FUR BALL!"

Chubz averts his attention towards the rest of the cast.

"Ah, an interesting scent comes from you lot!"

"Okay, now you're weirding me the fuck out, feline!" Panty complains. "Hit the road!"

Chubz claps his hands together. "Very well! Till we meet again. Which is going to be very, very, very, soon. Lucinne, we must be elsewhere at this moment! Posthaste!"

The two leave, and Zach breathes a sigh of relief.

"God, that guy is the absolute worst!"

"He reeked of demon." Alucard growls. "And a powerful one at that. As for the woman…I can't tell at the moment."

"The guy's a demon?!" Ryu cried.

"If what I heard was correct, he was once an overlord in Hell." Zach explained.

"Seriously?!"

"Uh-huh. One that had his own personal kingdom. He was known as the demon of the news. Though one scandal after the other forced him to be banished from the realm entirely. He amassed so much political power from propaganda and news he instigated that even the rulers themselves, the Sins, deemed him a real threat . Now in the mortal realm, he runs a news company that practically still does the same thing as before. He lives for chaos and discord. And…"

"And? What else?" Panty asked.

"You didn't hear this from me, but they say he's known as the Demon of Cognition and Desires."

The Phantom Thieves all perk up at this.

"Demon of Cognition?" Futaba asked. "Why do they call him that?"

"All I know is they say he can freely travel to worlds that are quite unknown to even the wider multiverse. I don't know anything beyond that."

"You don't think it has to do with…?" Makoto wonders.

"It's hard to say." Morgana said. "Could just be a coincidence. But it is suspicious."

"What does he mean by seeing us soon?" Yami asked. "Frankly, I'd rather not see his ugly mug again."

"Looks like Alice in Wonderland threw up all over him." Panty adds.

"Whoever that freak is, we got bigger fish to fry." Futaba said. "We should be all ready for tomorrow now. Just need to add the finishing touches."

Draco approaches the group in a hurry. "Good thing I was able to find you all. I'm in a hurry, so can't stick around too long. That'll look quite suspicious. How did yesterday go?"

"Perfectly." Ren responds. "Just putting the final touches on our plan."

"Impressive." Draco mused. "Luckily for you, I got some info that none of the others know!"

"You do?!" Panty gasped. "About what?!"

Malfoy smirks. "About the next challenge. You Muggles might want to hear me out on this…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

It was now the next day. The dock was filled to the brim with boats. Many members of the press and the media had arrived for today's momentous festivities. A large stage was set up, with dozens of screens projecting all over the viewing audience. Those on the Internet and the greater multiverse itself were tuning in today. Zach was seen amongst the excited crowd in anticipation. Meanwhile, Chubz and Lucinne were far away from the crowd, watching the event from afar.

"Just about time~!" Chubs trills. "Everyone's going to be in for big surprises today! Time for me to get to work~"

Backstage, Maynard and his crew were preparing.

"It's finally time!" Maynard says with glee. "After today, it'll feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my chest! Gumbo! Are those Total Drama dumbasses where they are supposed to be?"

"That's right!" Gumbo assures. "Their challenge is going to be starting any minute now!"

"Perfect! And our big show will begin any minute as well. As I'm announcing McMonster Land, they'll be fighting for their literal lives in my biggest video yet! Today, we're killing two birds with one stone. Let's go out there and fuck shit up!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

On the other side of the island, Don and the final ten were gathered on the outskirts of a huge jungle. Although, something was wrong.

There were only nine of them. One contestant was missing.

"Um…would someone please explain where Futaba is?" Don asked.

"She….must've overslept." Ryu said. He knew the Phantom Thieves were elsewhere, preparing for their big heist. "I'm sure she'll be on her way."

"Regardless, the challenge must continue whether she's here now or not. Today's challenge is a special one."

"Special? How so?" Pete asked. "We looking for buried treasure or something?" He runs his hands with glee, his eyes turning to dollar signs.

Don shakes his head. "Nope. Not at all. What you're looking for is a door."

"A door?!" Several of them asked.

"That's right. A door. Just a regular old door hidden somewhere deep within this jungle. Once you find it, you'll enter it. The higher ups have deemed this….the Door-Mension."

"And…where does this door lead?" Malfoy asked.

"That I'm not sure about." Don admits. "The locations weren't chosen by me."

"Locations?!"

"Yes. Once you all are inside, you'll be taken across other worlds, and will have to figure out how to traverse to the next world. After today, this'll be the last time we see each other until the finale."

The news hit rather hard for everyone. Why was this? How would they figure out what to do next?

"So….after today, it'll be goodbye, then." Ryu says. "Taken to who knows where, and left to fend for ourselves."

"Not entirely." Don assures. "I may not be able to go in, but a guide of sorts has been picked by the producers to oversee it in our absence. Once you're inside, there's no going in or out until you're eliminated."

"It's gotta be that cat." Light assumed.

"So…..I see some of you have already met Mr. Chokola."

"Unfortunately…" Pete muttered.

"I don't understand, though." Percy said. "Why are they having us do this? In a sense, it feels as though we are being let off the leash."

"After everything you all have been through, they decided it was really time to test you." Don explained. "I'll admit, I was very hesitant to let them do this, but I know if anyone can handle this….the final portion of this competition…. it'd be you guys. They said no more going easy on you."

"Seems simple enough." Yami yawns. "Find this door or whatever, and whatever happens, happens."

"Exactly. While there's only ten of you left, only nine of you will be able to enter the Door-Mension."

" Then I hope the Phantom Thieves finish their job quickly." Ryu thought to himself. " Otherwise she's surely getting eliminated and left behind."

"Now that I have explained everything you need to know, I'll ask you all one last time." Don asked with the utmost seriousness. "Are you all prepared?"

The group all nod assuredly.

"Then you may begin. If I don't see you before you cross the other side, I wish you all the best of luck, and will see you at the finale."

Now that the challenge had begun, we see Light's alliance split off from the rest of the group, heading together into the jungle.

"Well, looks like they're making a head start." Ryu said to the rest of their alliance. "We gotta make sure we all make it to that door before they do."

"I hope Futaba knows what she's doing." Panty said. "No way we're leaving without her."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Ladies and gentlemen, we thank you for your patience!" a female announcer told the audience and paparazzi. "It is with the highest honor that we welcome the man of the hour, the Emperor of Entertainment, the influencer we all strive to be like, give it up for Maynard McMonster!"

The crowd roars with excitement as Maynard appears on stage in a puff of smoke and confetti. He was still sitting in his wheelchair he clearly did not need. He waves and blows kisses to his adoring fans. They chant his name, unaware of the real person he masked.

Maynard wheels over to the podium and grabs the microphone.

"Thank you for coming, everyone!" Maynard says sweetly. "It's been rough for me lately, but your unwavering support and kindness has made these hard times all the more bearable."

"WE LOVE YOU, MCMONSTER!" A fan in the audience cried.

"And I love you too, normies!" Maynard responds. He clears his throat and pulls out some note cards. "Webster's Dictionary defines sacrifice as-"

The screens all around them immediately turn to static, much to everyone's shock.

"W-what the hell is going on?!" Maynard asked.

The crowd's confused mumbling is silenced by the screens turning red. They see a weird logo on the screen, with the words "Take Your Heart" displayed for all to see.

"Well, this just got interesting." Chubz beams. "They're actually doing it!"

The entire multiverse watched in shock as the Phantom Thieves perfectly hijacked Maynard's big day.

"Hey, hey, people!" The distorted and filtered voice of Ryuji says on screen. "Did anybody miss us?! The Phantom Thieves are back, and with a vengeance, no less!"

The crowd gasps, meanwhile Zach watches with excitement.

"No freaking way….this is awesome!"

In the control room, we see some of the workers confused as to what's happening on screen.

"What's going on?!"

"I don't know! I can't shut it off! Is this some kind of prank?!"

"We come to you today because we've appropriated a new target!" Makoto announces. "So please, give us a moment of your time."

"What is the meaning of this?!" Maynard snaps. The not so poor guy was seeing red. "I demand an explanation!"

"There is a vile monster among you who claims to be your hero, when he's nothing more than an egotistical tyrant." Yusuke adds.

"Someone who views everyone as his property!" Ann chimes in. "Who views those who he sees as beneath him as puppets for him to control! To abuse and belittle them!"

"And the cycle begins again." Haru explains. "People's lives are ruined by him for his sick sense of entitlement, which he hides behind by saying it's entertainment! He makes people suffer, and suckers and exploits them for his own personal benefit!"

"And that's not all!" Ryuji adds. "This man's connected to the criminal underworld, committing every effing atrocity under the sun! Weapons dealing, drug cartel, human trafficking, and even sexual assault! Even the police and the media are manipulated by him! All to hide his crimes from his fans!"

"Those blasted-" Maynard seethed.

Portson watches this unfold, silently proud of what's going on.

" So this is what they planned? They're really hitting him where it hurts: his public image."

"He sacrificed everything to reach the top." Ann explained. "Even his dear parents, who gave him everything he could ever want. Punished for a crime they didn't commit!"

Maynard, now furiously on the phone, shouts, "SHUT THEM DOWN, RIGHT FUCKING NOW!"

The screens all cut to black, much to everyone's disappointment.

"Aw, it was getting good!"

"Are they talking about who I think they're talking about?!"

"Who cut them off?"

Elsewhere, we see Futaba, laptop at the ready.

"Big mistake, May-May." She cackled. "Never try to out-hack this hacker!"

She hits a button on the laptop, and they succeed in taking back all TV signals.

"Womp womp! I win again, noob!"

The screens all light up again, back to the logo from before.

"You gotta be fucking shitting me!" Maynard roared.

"The man who's caused so much suffering…"

Maynard's picture is flashed on screen for everyone to see.

"Your so called man of the hour, Maynard McMonster! It's all because of him!"

Everyone gasps, and looks on stage, only to see Maynard is gone. The screen changes again, showing the silhouettes of the Phantom Thieves.

"Holy crap, it's them!" A bystander marveled.

"Is one of them…a cat?" Another asked.

Ren walks forward, with everyone now able to see him in plain sight. The audience now we're even more excited.

"Hey, I can see his face!"

"It's their leader!"

"Hey, I've seen him in Smash!"

"Joker, I think his name is!"

"McMonster, we're going to steal your twisted desires this day!" Ren declares. "And we'll make you confess to your crimes with your own words!"

Joker slams the calling card into the screen, and it freezes, leaving only the card. The people begin to erupt into a frenzy, a riot sure to start. The police on the island mobilize, ready to prevent any further chaos. Though from the looks of it, it wasn't gonna stop.

"Well, time to get to work!" Chubz chuckles. "Lucinne, I'll be back, momentarily!"

Maynard finds himself backstage, beginning to panic.

"Who the-how the-why the-!"

"Sir, please calm down." Portson warns.

"No! I will not calm down, Portson! That was no calling card! That was a goddamn declaration of war! Now, I have to take matters into my own hands! Get me….the Last Resort dot EXE! And commence the operation! GUMBO! SET FIRE TO THE ISLAND!"

"Heh heh, you got it, boss!"

"A-are you sure?" Portson asked nervously. "Are you sure there's no other way to deal with this?! The collateral damage would-"

"I DON'T CARE! I HAVE NO PATIENCE FOR UPPITY LITTLE SHITS WHO THINK THEY GOT THE BALLS TO TAKE ME HEAD ON!I DON'T CARE HOW MANY DIE! I WILL SACRIFICE AS MANY INNOCENT LIVES AS IT TAKES, TO GET WHAT I WANT! THOSE WHO INSIST ON TAKING WHAT'S MINE……WILL BE CRUSHED UNDERNEATH MY HEEL!"

We then see his Shadow Self, which was already prepared for battle.

" IF IT'S WAR THEY WANT, IT'S WAR THEY'LL GET!" Shadow Maynard declared. " LET'S BEGIN THE BEST SHOW THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN!"

With this, the palace's security level rises to its maximum level.

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We see The Phantom Thieves at the entrance to the Palace. Now, wide open.

"Great work as usual, Oracle!" Morgana praised. "Now that we've got his goat, the treasure will be there!"

"Mwehehehe. Nothing I can't handle!" Futaba said proudly. "Now let's make like a tree and finish this quickly. I got a challenge to get back to, after all."

"The entrance is wide open." Yusuke points out. "Meanwhile, the entrance we took last time is blocked off."

"Can't be helped, then." Makoto sighs. "Guess we'll have to go in the front!"

"Onward!" Morgana chants.

The thieves run inside the colosseum, and see a floating back box in the center of the arena.

"Is that…the treasure?" Haru asks.

"I believe it is!" Morgana said. "But…why is it now out here and not underground?"

Suddenly, the stands fill with spectators, ready for a show.

"What's going on?!" Ryuji cried.

The ground underneath the treasure opens up, revealing it to be Shadow Maynard.

"Well, speak of the devil." Futaba mutters.

"Aww, looking for this?!" Shadow Maynard mocked. He holds the treasure in his hand. "You came all this way to steal it from me."

"Give it to us, now!" Ren commands. "And we'll go easy on you."

"You're not the one who calls the shots here!" Shadow Maynard spat. "If you want it, you have two options! Either submit to me!"

"Like hell we will, ya damn egomaniac!" Ryuji snapped.

"Or fight me for it!" Shadow Maynard proposes. "Let's give the people a show! If you want the treasure, you're gonna have to beat me for it!"

"Sounds like a plan!" Futaba said confidently.

"But I must warn you…" Shadow Maynard's body begins to transform, his voice getting more and more demonic. "I'm not going to be an easy opponent! I always win! I always get what I want! You miserable insects are in my house now!"

By the time he finished transforming, he towered over everyone. The lower half of his body was now a giant wolf spider, much of its legs and fangs dripping with green poison. The top of half of his body remained mostly the same. His arms grew long, lanky, and clawed. His computer screen head was cracked in a top corner, his face now sputtering static electricity.

"Ryu wasn't kidding when he said he's like a spider." Futaba said grimly. "It's a good thing I don't have arachnophobia."

"NOBODY ESCAPES MY WEB! YOU'RE MINE TILL I DONT NEED YA ANYMORE!"

"You call us insects, yet you're the one that's a giant bug!" Ryuji retorts.

"He's an arachnid, Skull." Morgana sighed.

"Still an oversized creepy crawly at the end of the day!"

"Bring it, brats!" Shadow Maynard growled. He pulls out an extremely large greatsword that was on fire. "I'll show you true Hell! I! ALWAYS! WIN!"

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Deep in the jungle, we see Light's alliance, carefully trekking through the foliage.

"Anybody seen that door yet?" Percy asks. "Something doesn't feel right."

"Not yet." Light responds. Suddenly, he smells something in the air. "Huh…. smells like something is burning.

At the same time, the ground beneath them begins to shake.

"What the-an earthquake?!" Pete complained. "Just our freaking luck!"

Out from the bushes, a giant tiger leaps at them, but Bender sends it flying with a punch to the face.

"You just attacked an endangered and protected species!" Percy exclaimed.

"Hey, it's either that or letting that thing kill us!" Bender points out. "So you're welcome;"

"Will you quit fighting?!" Draco snapped, barely able to stay standing. "We need to keep moving!"

Suddenly, the trees around them were now caught in a giant forest fire.

"What the heck is that host doing to us?!" Pete cried.

"This has to be Maynard's doing!" Percy guessed. "They talked about him having an ulterior motive for today!"

"This is worse than that fire spell you cast the other day!" Bender tells Draco.

"I said I was sorry, you-"

Draco was interrupted by a large wall of fire cutting him off from the rest of his allies.

"Draco!" Percy cried.

"Go on without me!" Malfoy says from the other side. "I'll find a way to catch up!"

They nod and keep moving forward. Light shoots some water out of his hands to put out the fire in front of them. It wasn't a lot at the moment due to the heat in the air, but he managed to do it enough to give them a trail.

"Excellent use of your new abilities, Light." Percy commends.

"This heat…." Light groans. "It's making this much harder for me!"

"Think the kid'll get back to us, Light?" Pete asked.

"I'd hope so. But as much as I'd hate to say it, we better prepare for the worst. Don't get your hopes up about him making it back with us!"

They keep following Light's lead, until they see an open clearing, seemingly unaffected by the inferno around it. What they saw was a plain old, ornate looking door, with a solid gold doorknob.

"Is this…it?" Pete asked.

"No doubt about it." Light said calmly. "This is that Door-Mension Don talked about.

"Well then, let's get going!" Bender said triumphantly.

"Hold on!" Percy objects. "It doesn't feel right leaving Draco behind! We should wait for him!"

Light puts a hand on her shoulder. "Given the circumstances, we need to go. Otherwise, all of us are risking his life. You've gotta understand there's times where you can't save everyone. I don't like leaving someone behind, but that's the way of the world."

"I….I understand." Percy says with hesitation. "Let's go. Still, I at least hope he'll be alright."

"Good to hear. Malfoy is resilient. I'm sure we'll see him wherever it takes us. And if not, it just wasn't meant to be."

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Draco traverses the island, unsure of what direction he should be heading.

"This is hopeless!" He groans. "I pretty much killed my chances of staying in the game now, have I?! Frankly, I'd rather take my chances with all this fire than going back home!"

The ground shakes again, but this time, it didn't feel like before. It almost felt like…. stomping.

He turns around and sees a giant yellow mech outfitted with an array of deadly weapons.

"What the bloody hell is that thing?!"

"Hahaha! Miss me, bitches?!" The voice of Maynard could be heard from inside the contraption. "How many of you fuckers are still around?! Doesn't matter! I'll start with you, wizard boy!"

Malfoy books it and runs for his life as the mech shoots missiles from its arm.

"You can't run forever, kid!" Maynard cackles. "I got this bad boy off the Dark Web!"

Malfoy keeps running, seriously fearing for his life. He narrowly avoids the gatling gun that was fired at him. Without looking, he keeps running until he crashes into someone else.

"Watch where you're go-oh."

He realizes he ran into Panty, with Ryu and Yami there with them.

"You trying to get me killed, kid?!" Panty snapped.

Before he could say anything, Maynard's mech finally approaches the group.

"Well well well, lookie here!" He gloats. "More of the Total Drama Rat Pack! All in one place! I hope you've made peace with your lives, because I'm out for blood this time!"

"You forget, we've got someone who could manhandle you!" Panty warns. "Sic him, Al!"

It was then that they all realized Alucard was nowhere to be seen.

"Al?"

"He was with us a minute ago!" Ryu said. "Where did he disappear to?!"

"Doesn't matter!" Maynard told them. He aims the gatling gun arm at them. "You all are still here! And I'm getting revenge whether you like it or not! I'm getting something after coming this far!"

"You guys get going!" Ryu tells the group. "I'll fend him off!"

"First Futaba, and now you?!" Yami complains. "You two had better know what you're doing! If neither of you make it out with us, I'm gonna kill you!"

"What he said!" Panty adds. "And make it double!"

The two run off in another direction, and Maynard aims the gatling gun at them. "You gutter trash ain't getting away from me!"

Luckily, Malfoy fires a spell that hits the cockpit, electrocuting him a little bit.

"Ooooooowwwww! You're gonna pay for that, kid!"

"I thought I told you to get of here!" Ryu snapped.

"You think I'm going to sit back and run for the hills?" Draco said, defending himself. "That's not what he would do, so I'm not doing that either."

Ryu smirks, activating his Armored Over Soul. "Alright, then. Just play backup for me! This one's personal!"

"Oh look, it's you again, pompadour!" Maynard says mockingly. "Trying to be a hero, again?! Look where that got you the last two times!"

Ryu, still smirking, steps forward. "You know, it's funny you should say that. You should've killed me when you had the chance!"

The mech's other arm tried to grab him, but was attacked by a big gunshot.

"Damn it…" Maynard seethed. "Now who-"

He sees Panty was still there, her gun smoking. Meanwhile, Yami was there with her.

"I thought I said to get out of here!" Ryu said.

"You think this ain't personal to us, either?!" Panty tells him. "Let us help return the favor!"

"Captain's orders." Yami adds.

Ryu smiles at them, knowing full well he couldn't convince them otherwise.

"How could I say no to that…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Near the entrance to the Door-Mension, we see Gumbo still going haywire with a flamethrower.

"Burn, baby burn!~" he sang.

His dim eyes land on the door itself.

"Ooh, that's their ticket out of here, huh? Better set it ablaze! Like that middle school we incinerated for that one video!"

Before he could do anything, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he came face to face with Alucard.

"You seem to be in my way, human." Alucard says calmly.

"Don't make me use this, you dad gum edge lord!" Gumbo warns, pointing his flamethrower at the vampire.

"Playtime is over." Alucard chuckles. "Before I can proceed any further….. it's dinnertime!"

"Wha-"

The screen goes black as Alucard lunges at him, devouring him just like he did Kronya before him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Back inside the palace, the Phantom Thieves continue fighting for their life. Shadow Maynard brings down his huge flaming sword, but Morgana quickly acts.

"Counter him, Diego!"

A Persona that appeared to look like a masked swordsman manifests and counters the sword with his own rapier.

"I got him preoccupied! Queen, now!"

Makoto drives towards him, her Persona taking the shape of a large car. Meanwhile, Yusuke stood atop the hood of the car, katana in hand.

"Hit it into high gear, Agnes!" Makoto calls out.

As Agnes barrels towards him, Yusuke says. "Get in close. I want to strike him just right."

Makoto's Persona leaps into the air while driving, and runs over Shadow Maynard's face with all wheels. While he's getting utterly disrespected, Yusuke leaps off and comes face to face with the wolf spider. It opens up its fangs to devour him, Yusuke sheaths his sword and lands gracefully.

"You've already been cut, you foul beast!"

The spider roars out a guttural cry as blood spurts out of several parts of its face. Then, Haru and Makoto come down from the air, and hit the spider with a tag team elbow drop like something out of a wrestling match. This causes Shadow Maynard to drop the box, and Ryuji quickly catches it.

"Oh no, you don't!" The Shadow snapped. He then finds himself unable to move, as Ann had him restrained with her whip. This is followed by Ryuji coming down from above to hit him upside the head with a spiked bat.

Inside Al Azif, Futaba finishes pushing several buttons. "Alright, Joker, I've increased your firepower! Now you-huh?!

Shadow Maynard's body begins to act strange. His face grows more distorted, his body turning red, engulfed in a dark aura. He roars like an animal, breaking free from his restraints, much stronger than before.

"No way!" Ryuji exclaimed. "He's gone psychotic!"

"Just like what Akechi can…" Ren says.

"But that's impossible!" Morgana said. "He's long gone! So who's triggering this psychotic breakdown?!"

The spider begins to charge up a beam from it's mouth. Morgana fires a shot from his slingshot into the spider's face, but it was completely unaffected.

"This attack is gonna annihilate us off the map if we let him use it!" Futaba said in a panic. "My reading shows it's gonna be a big one!"

Mechanical tentacles come out of Al Azif and wrap all around Shadow Maynard, restraining him better than the previous attempt.

"JOKER! FINISH HIM NOW! QUICKLY"

The arena shakes a giant figure towers over them. It appeared to be a large, multi winged demon lord, with an equally large gun.

"Go….." Joker said. "Satanael!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Back in reality, Ryu is busy fending off Maynard and his mech, with his allies helping provide support anytime it looks like he's about to get attacked.

"You assholes are cheating!" Maynard yelled. "It's not fair unless I'm the only one that's doing so!"

"You're just salty you're getting your ass kicked!" Ryu bragged.

Maynard hits a large orange button inside the cockpit. This causes an electromagnetic pulse that sends the crew flying back. Meanwhile, Ryu sticks his sword in the ground, resisting getting sent flying.

"Why won't you die, you pest?!" Maynard complained.

"Bigger threats than you have tried to take us on, and all have failed!" Ryu told him. He points his Over Soul at him. "You're no different!"

"Ha! Tough talk, from someone who's always gotten his ass kicked on this show!"

Ryu falters a little bit.

"Ooh, struck a nerve, did I? Face it, you should've known your place!"

We see inside of Ryu's head. He stands there, getting drenched in the rain, while Maynard's words still pelt him.

"You talk a big game, but you always lose. Somebody else always nails you out of your failures. Face it, pompadour. You were born a loser, and you'll die alone as one!"

Ryu stands there, remembering his failures on this show. First, there was his fight against Shermie in the Tenkaichi Budokai.

"You know, it's loud and rambunctious punks like you that make my blood boil."

Then fighting CP0.

"That's one of them taken down. I'll go ahead and exterminate the rest of them here and take Robin with us."

Then the first time he tried fighting Maynard.

"You fucking disgrace. Looking at you, I'm ashamed to say we're the same species."

Then we see his fight with Yuri.

"Even his fancy schmancy ghost crap wasn't enough to beat me. I love it when I'm right."

"You're right." Ryu says. "But what's wrong with that? Unlike you, I had people there to help me when things got tough. They're my friends. And some of them…are like my family!"

"Aww, "some of them are like my family!'" Maynard said mockingly. "Do you even hear yourself right now?! Who even are you?!"

"I know who I am." Ryu says calmly. "I'm my own man, who's heart will never waver for those I care about! And I'll carve this path of mine with my sword! The pain of being all alone in this world will never plague me again!"

The rain lets up, being replaced with a golden sunset. He looks up at the sky, marveling at its beauty. Suddenly, he feels a familiar hand push him forward a little bit. Turning around, he saw nothing. But it felt familiar. Soft, feminine…almost like he felt the warm embrace of his mother once again. Something he missed for a long time.

Turning around, he saw all of his friends ahead, waiting for him. His shaman friends, his old gang, those who trained him, and even the friends he made here in this show.

With tears of joy beginning to form in his eyes, he runs to them.

"Because you know what? I'm more than a shaman….more than a chef, even. Like it or not, I'm Wooden Sword Ryu. And I'll keep fighting to keep what I've always searched for! End of story!"

The figment of his imagination shatters like glass, and we see Ryu's other arm now has an identical sushi knife sword, only the colors were opposite of the original. One was flaring with green flames, while the other was purple fire.

"So what?! You dual wielding now, punk?!" Maynard spat. "Big improvement! I'm quaking in my shoes!"

"This is all my heart!" Ryu warns him. "This power…is not just because of me! It's thanks to everyone! This final course still needs it's finishing touches, McMonster. And you're on the menu!"

Maynard scoffs. "Bah! Get the fuck out of here with this crap! You should've just known your place! Now you're gonna die like the little bitch you are! You should have just stayed in your place!"

Ryu runs towards him, dodging the missiles, gunshots, and lasers, and swiftly destroys the gun arm with an X shaped slash. The gun falls apart, leaving the celebrity stunned.

"WHAT?!"

Ryu then jumps high into the air, and we're treated to a split screen of him and Joker. Ryu comes down like a meteor, aiming for the cockpit, while Satanael aims it's gun at Maynard's Shadow.

"CHECKMATE!"

"W-WAIT, WHAT THE FUCK?!" both Maynard's say, as both are attacked at the exact same time.

The mech completely falls apart, while Maynard is sent flying to the ground, landing so hard he created a crater.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

(Metaverse)

Once hit with the Sinful Shell, Shadow Maynard transforms back to his original look. Now, he was left on the ground, defeated and humiliated.

"Have you learned your lesson yet?" Joker warns him, the other thieves surrounding the Shadow. "Because we can go for round two if you're game."

"All I wanted…" Shadow Maynard sobbed. "Was to bring joy and entertainment to the world. Something for people to enjoy…to forget the problems they have and just…be happy!"

"Was it worth sacrificing everything and everyone around you in the process?" Futaba asked him.

"I was a fool." He said bitterly. "If I could take it all back, I would. I lost sight in my lust for fame and success.

"What's done is done." Morgana tells him. "You can't change the past."

"Then I shall spend the rest of my days…atoning for my crimes. To right my wrongs, and help those who I've hurt. If I'm only remembered for all this, so be it. I'll return to my other self, and start back from scratch."

"Well, another mission accomplished, gang!" Morgana says proudly.

The palace suddenly begins to crumble and fall apart.

"We gotta get outta here, and fast! Skull, you still got the treasure?!"

"Yep!"

Morgana turns into a car, and they all get inside. As Shadow Maynard happily watches them leave, he gags as a clawed hand stabs him through his chest.

"Nyahahanya!" A voice laughed. "Where's the fun in a happy ending! It's curtains for you!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Phantom Thieves fall out of the sky, and land on top of Malfoy, Panty, and Yami.

"You all really need to work on that exit!" Malfoy winced.

"Mission accomplished!" Futaba said, a dizzy look in her eyes.

They all get up look into the crater, seeing Ryu pummeling and already battered Maynard.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU HAD THIS COMING FOR QUITE A LONG TIME! YOU MESSED WITH ME! YOU MESSED WITH MY FRIENDS! AND WORST OF ALL, YOU MESSED WITH BERNIE, WHO'S AN ABSOLUTE ANGEL YOU SCUMBAG!" Luckily, he stops and gives him one last kick in the head. "Be lucky I'm showing mercy, you little pompous bitch!"

He gets out of there, with everyone congratulating him.

"No…" Maynard grunts. "You don't get to end it like this!"

"Sir!" Portson had just arrived on the scene, seeing his friend and master all beaten.

"Stay out of this!" Maynard spat. "I refuse to let myself be beaten by some fucking nobodies! I'm Maynard Fucking McMonster! The face of the Internet! One of the biggest names in entertainment! You all should be worshipping me! Thanking me! You disrespectful, ungrateful, uppity, fucking losers need to-"

His eyes widen, his body overcome by an overwhelming pain. He clutches his chest in agony.

"What the hell's going on?!" Yami asked.

"No…." Morgana said grimly. "It can't be….we did everything right!"

His eyes roll back into his head, black blood seeps from all of his orifices. The cries of pain now become gargled muffles.

"MASTER!" Portson cried. He slid into the crater and holds his body tightly. "Speak to me! Please!"

With the last of his strength, he looks at Portson, and smiles at him. "T-thank you…..e-everyone…."

His body suddenly goes limp. Portson cried over his friend's now lifeless body.

"What just happened?!" Ryu exclaimed.

"He had a mental shutdown." Futaba said. "Somebody must've killed his Shadow."

"It was probably whoever made him go psychotic in the first place." Ryuji assumed.

"You don't think it could've been-huh?"

Ryu approaches Portson and tries to comfort him. "I'm sorry this happened. Will you be alright?"

"I…still, can't believe he's gone." Portson weeps. "I know he was an awful person, but I always hoped he'd change. In that last moment, I saw the Maynard I once new. It was brief, but it made me happy."

"So what will you do now?" Panty asked. "You're no longer in servitude of him."

He lifts up Maynard's corpse. "I know what must be done. I'll use everything that was at his disposal to right all of his wrongs in his place. And I'll make sure the public knows the truth of his actions. I know it'll be an arduous task, but it's what he would've wanted. Words cannot express my gratitude for this opportunity, bittersweet as it may be. Now go. You all still have a game to play."

As Portson leaves, the other Phantom Thieves now part ways with Futaba for now.

"Guess it's time for us to be heading back as well." Morgana said. "Wouldn't wanna make the Chief worry too much now, would we?"

"It was really nice seeing everyone again." Futaba said. "Even if it was for Phantom Thief business."

"Hey, we'll see you again soon." Ann reminds her. "Remember to win for us, alright?"

"You know it! By the way, what was his treasure?"

Panty inspects it. "It was...his first camera!"

"If it's not too much to ask, may i take it off your hands?" Portson asks.

"By all means. Besides, id rather not keep anything that reminds me of that prick."

After hugs were exchanged, both groups parted ways.

The remaining contestants now traverse the now singed forest. The fire had stopped, but you could still see the damage left behind. Finally, they approach the door, and see Don there as well.

"Glad you five could make it." The host tells them. "I saw what you all did, and I want to personally congratulate you Everyone else has already passed through to the Door-Mension, though."

"You mean it's just us left?!" Futaba gasped.

"Even Al already went ahead?!" Ryu added.

"Gonna give that sexy bloodsucker a good talking to next time I see him" Panty mumbles.

"That means one of us has to stay behind." Draco said grimly.

Before they could argue about who goes and who stays, Ryu whistles for everyone's attention.

"I'll stay behind." he tells them. "You guys just go on ahead without me."

"But you can't!" Futaba cried. "You're one of my closest friends here! It can't end like this!"

"It'll be alright." Ryu assures her. "You won't be alone. Besides, somebody has to stay behind. Might as well put all my eggs in one basket and put my chances on you guys."

"I don't know what to say…" Malfoy said.

"No thanks are necessary. You guys just get going. I'll be cheering you all on."

"Helping others, even to the very end." Yami chuckles. "Next time we see each other though, you better hook us up with some good grub."

Ryu nods. "You know it, Captain."

With that, Panty enters through the door. Followed by Yami, then Draco. Lastly, with one last wave, Futaba goes through the door. Once inside, the door turns to stardust, and dissipates away.

"Quite the selfless move." Don tells Ryu. "Do you feel you've made the right choice?"

"Of course. "Ryu affirmed. "If they don't win….then we're all screwed. I just know I'm playing my bets in the right hands." Ryu hears his phone ringing in his pocket. "Hello?"

"HOW COULD YOU LOSE?!" The yelling voice of Anna shouts from the other side. "YOU'RE AN ACTUAL IDIOT!"

"Hold on, Miss Anna!" Ryu said. "How do you know I've already lost?!"

"I forgot to mention, but due to the occasion, the challenge was broadcasted live." Don explained.

"Now you tell me…"

"You know I'm going to work you like a dog when you get home, right?!" Anna tells him.

"Yes, I know." Ryu sighed.

"By the way, I noticed the inn has a new resident. Someone you might know rather closely?"

"Really?!" Ryu said, his heart skipping a beat. "Who?!"

"Short, messy purple hair, and was asking about you-"

Ryu quickly hung up the phone.

"She's not gonna like that you did that." Tokageroh said worriedly. "Anna's absolutely terrifying when she's angry."

"Received some good news, I take it?" Don asked.

Ryu nods. "You know it. C'mon, Tokageroh. Let's go home!"

We see Ryu running into the sunset at high speed, leaving behind hearts.

"WAIT FOR ME, BERNIE BEAR! I'M COMING HOME!"

Don feels a chill as he turns around, and comes face to face with Chubz and Lucinne.

"Ah, to be alive and in love." Chubz muses. "That guy's a real oddball alright."

"Sir, I believe it's time." Lucinne reminds him.

"Good luck." Don tells him. "Hope you'll keep a good eye on them in my absence."

The duo walk away. "Oh, don't worry." Chubz gets a sinister look in his eyes. " They're in good paws now….."

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After a long wait, we finally begin Bon Voyage's final arc: The Door-Mension Arc. Where did it take them first? You'll just have to wait for next time to find out.

Today, we say goodbye not only to Ryu, but to Maynard. A bittersweet ending for all of you. Heists, Drama, and religions could all be found here.

Now, our final nine will be taken to new worlds, and fend for themselves while a kooky cat demon watches over him. What are his goals, and what's his endgame? Tune in to find out.

Thank you again for your patience, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the episode. Until next time, this is MemeKing, signing off.