Episode 7: Up, Up, and Taken Away

(Woodlands of Denial - Skies Above the New Metaverse)

High above the Woodlands of Denial, we see a giant floating airship that acts not only as transport for Hoshigami's Shadows, but also as Falldown Kasumi's second fortress and one of the key pieces in Hoshigami's master plan.

The airship has a steampunk aesthetic to it. It's basically a giant steel ship carried by a large blimp-like armored balloon, and on the back of the ship are engines operated by the first seal, which is seen sitting in a glass case in the engine room.

In the airship's bridge, we see Falldown Kasumi looking at monitors showing various locations throughout the Woodlands of Denial. Also with her are a group of Shadows wearing steampunk themed clothes, masks, and weapons.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Where are those heart stealing idiots?

Steampunk Shadow #1: Miss Violet, what's the good word?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Those Phantom Thieves are a tricky bunch. I must have been staring at this screen for about three hours and I still haven't found them. I'll give them credit, they're good at what they do. But mark my words. I'll find them, and when I do they'll regret ever messing with me, my comrades, and especially Master Hoshigami's plans. To achieve the multiverse of our dreams, dear Shadows, we must crush the Phantom Thieves of Hearts!

The bridge soon erupts with the sound of cheers from the Steampunk Shadows. Hearing these cheers makes Falldown Kasumi smile with aplomb.

Steampunk Shadow #2: Miss Violet, I heard through the grapevine that you have a plan in ensuring the Phantom Thieves' defeat.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: You've heard right. If my 'good counterpart' is anything like me, she has a soft spot for a certain boy with a soul patch; Ichiro Tanaka. And wouldn't you know it, her world's version of Ichiro is here with her. So I was thinking we kidnap Ichiro, and use him as bait to lure the Phantom Thieves here. Then, when they're onboard our airship, the lot of us, alongside Maleficent, will wipe those miserable shitstains off the face of this world!

Steampunk Shadow #3: But Miss Violet, the seal needed to protect the barrier to the Kingdom of Acceptance is onboard this ship too. And acting as the power source keeping this airship in the skies as well. Aren't you worried that they're going to find it, take it from us, and destroy it?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: I've thought about that. Which is why I worked tirelessly on a sort of, 'secret weapon', that'll stop those Phantoms in their tracks.

Falldown Kasumi takes out a remote control and she pushes a button, causing a hole in the floor to open up and a steampunk themed battle suit in a glass case to rise up from it.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: This battle suit is made from the sturdiest of ores from Wolf's dig site in the Desert of Anger. It can withstand any attack and dish out a hot helping of punishment with all of the weapons I attached. We'll have one of you don this battle suit so that when the Phantom Thieves show up in the engine room where the seal is located, you can rip every last one of them a new asshole! With my plan and this suit, there's no way we can lose!

The Steampunk Shadows cheer once more.

Steampunk Shadow #4: Yeah!

Steampunk Shadow #5: Vive le Metaverse!

Steampunk Shadow #6: Falldown Kasumi is a genius!

Falldown Kasumi smirks wickedly as she listens to the thunderous cheers echoing throughout the bridge. The festivities stop suddenly when an alarm begins to blair. Falldown Kasumi looks at the monitor to see the East Group of Phantom Thieves hanging out on a hilltop in the Woodlands of Denial.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Ominously) Peek-a-boo! I found you!


(BGM: 'Counter Identity' by Unison Square Garden)

(Bokura wa koe ga kareru made Sonzai, tsuzukeru (jiizasu))

A three-way split screen shows Ren, Akechi, and Minato in their universes standing on the edge of a building, staring at the sunrise on the horizon. After a while, the three of them jump off of the building and land in the New Metaverse dressed in their Phantom Thief outfits; Joker, Crow, and Lion respectively. Once they land on their feet, they run off into the distance as the title 'P5: Persona 5: From Metaverse to Multiverse' appears

(Me wo samaseba sanjuupon no hikaru no taba wo Iiwaketachi wo tada moteasobu jikan ga yurusu kagiri.)

In the Woodlands of Denial, we see the group of Ren, Makoto, Futaba, Sophia, Kaoru, Sae, Ryuta, Sojiro, Wakaba, Takemi, Ichiko, Takeishi, Toshiro, and Eri riding through the forest in Sputnik's car form; a hummer. The group is taking in the landscape and the Shadows inhabiting the area

In the Desert of Anger, we see the group of Ryuji, Ann, Shiho, Mika, Hayato, Hifumi, Naoya, Kazuya, Daisuke, Zenkichi, Shinya, Akane, Nakaoka, and Chihaya riding across the arid landscape in Morgana's car form. The group is taking in the landscape and the Shadows inhabiting the area

(Soshite subete ga sono iiwake de makanaeru gurai no sekai. Dakara umarete kuru imi toka mo son nani taishita mon janai)

In the Isles of Depression, the group of Akechi, Eiko, Sumire, Ichiro, Kas, Kimiko, Minato, Riku, Mai, Yutaka, Nayoko, Akihiro, and Kana are sailing across the water in Sputnik's Trawler Boat form.

In the Tundra of Bargaining, the group of Haru, Yusuke, Yuuki, Himari, Hotaru, Mana, Mitsu, Nariko, Kaito, Wataru, Kunikazu, Sadayo, Old Morgana, and a sleeping Chikao are seeking refuge from a snowstorm in a cave.

(Nan hyakkai kurikaeshita. Nodde mou ikkai. Hajimatte iku nai teru no? Waratteru no? Tte mou takusanda yo)

Inside Chikao's dream, he's in a dark void when he sees Claudette. Chikao tries to run up to her only for a purple haze to separate them. The purple haze gets so bad that it envelope the entire screen. When the haze clears, viewers are met with the masked gaze of Hoshigami who holds out his scepter, a blue flash of light blinding the viewer

(Hottoite warui me ga haete mo. Sonna me de minaide. Uso tsui chatte. Gomennasai, nante iu tsumori mo nain dakara)

When the light dissipates, we see the likes of Ren/Joker, Ryuji/Skull, Morgana/Mona, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, Haru/Noir, Akechi/Crow, Sumire/Violet, Toshiro/Patriot, Eri/Partisan, Sophia/Sophie, and Zenkichi/Wolf standing across from their evil counterparts; The Falldown Thieves. Standing with the Falldown Thieves are Claudette and Sugimura, the latter of whom snaps his fingers causing an earthquake. The heroes retreat as what comes out of the ground next is a giant tortoise like Shadow with a large tree on his back with nine huge glowing pieces of fruit; Shadow Yggdrasil. Joined by the rest of their friends, the 58 Phantom Thieves get ready to fight the Shadow Yggdrasil.

(Bokura wa koe ga kareru made. Sonzai shi tsuzukerundayo. Taiyou ni se o mukenagara)

Shadow Yggdrasil is on the attack, first by summoning Shadow Zombies and Shadow Pterodactyls for the Phantom Thieves to fight. Futaba/Oracle is in the Necronomicon, ready to support her comrades and analyze enemies.

The likes of Sae/Arbiter, Yutaka/Dizzy, Nayoko/Warrioress, Morgana/Mona, Old Morgana/Old Mona, Remus/Tricky, Sputnik/Jinx, Kas/Crash, Sumire/Violet, and Ichiro/Hawk are fighting off the Shadow Zombies.

Meanwhile, the likes of Daisuke/Ace, Ryuta/Owl, Kimiko/Angel, Himari/Bumblebee, Kana/Darner are using their wingpacks to take to the skies and take on the Shadow Pterodactyls. On the ground, we see the likes of Ryuji/Skull, Hotaru/Feature, Akihiro/Mariner, Wataru/Maestro, and Mana/Shogun aiming their attacks at any Shadow Pterodactyls that get too close to them.

The Shadow Yggdrasil fires a Kougaon from his 'Alfheim Fruit' at Shiho/Shinobi, who dodges as she continues to run towards the giant Shadow. Shiho is just distracting the monster so that the other Thieves can attack the Shadow Yggdrasil's fruits.

The likes of Makoto/Queen, Hayato/Romeo, and Kazuya/Courage fire Nuclear Attacks at the Vanaheim Fruit. Haru/Noir, Nariko/Mage, and Chihaya Prophet fire Psy Attacks at the Helheim Fruit. Ichiko/Flapper, Hifumi/Wraith, and Tae/Raven fire Curse Attacks at the Alfheim Fruit. Akechi/Crow, Yuuki/Paladin, Sojiro/Chief fire Bless Attacks at the Niflheim Fruit. Ann/Panther, Shinya/Ranger, and Riku/Clockwork are firing Fire Attacks at the Jotunheim Fruit.

(Anata no koe ga itai hodo ni tsukisasarukara. Dounimo omoidouri ni susumanai Sukoshi damatte yo (Closing Intrumentals))

Yusuke/Fox, Akane/Spirit, Mitsu/Edgerunner, and Sadayo/Lady are firing Ice Attacks at the Muspelheim Fruit. Minato/Lion, Wakaba/Pharaoh, and Nakaoka/Diesel are firing Earth Attacks at the Svartalfheim Fruit. Kaito/Professor and Kunikazu/Colonel are firing Cosmos Attacks at the Midgard Fruit. Mai uses her powers to craft a 'BFG' which she uses to attack the Shadow Yggdrasil's Asgard Fruit. Also attacking the Asgard Fruit is Eiko/Jester, Naoya/Beat, Mika/Cheetah, Kaoru/Spore, Takeishi/Coyote, Zenkichi/Wolf, Sophia/Sophie, Toshiro/Patriot, and Eri/Partisan.

All of the attacks connect and badly damage all nine of the Shadow Yggdrasil's Attack Fruits, allowing Ren/Joker to get up on the giant shadow's back where he comes face-to-face with the Falldown Thieves, Sugimura, Claudette, and the Father of Shadows himself; Hoshigami. Ren/Joker scowls at the villain before said villain look to his side to find Chikao and Sojiro looking up at him in horror.

As Hoshigami turns his attention back to Ren/Joker, he turns his scepter into a sharp, blue scythe as Ren Summons his Persona, Satanael. Hoshigami charges at Ren, who takes out his knives to block Hoshigami's scythe swing.

This battle turns out to be all in Ren's imagination as we then cut to an image of him and the rest of our heroes staring up at Hosghigami's castle in the Kingdom of Acceptance before the intro finally ends.


(Woodlands of Denial - Hills)

In a hilly area of the Woodlands of Denial, we see the group covering the Eastern New Metaverse relaxing and having breakfast. Unfortunately, it's Takeishi's turn to make breakfast, and he opted to cook some hot dogs. The likes of Futaba, Riku, Kimiko, Ichiko, Sae, and Ryuta watch as Takeishi cooks them over an open fire.

Riku: Hot dogs for breakfast? Really?

Takeishi: Yeah. Your stomach doesn't know what time it is.

Futaba: Kuro, what have we told you before about forcing your bachelor lifestyle on us?

Takeishi: Aw, come on, guys. These are Pig's Face Frankfurters. Hot dogs don't get any better than this. Ichiko, you want one?

Ichiko: Oh hell yeah, Kuro.

Ichiko walks over to Takeishi as he prepares a hot dog for her. Once he has it in a bun he hands it to his crush and steps aside so she can eat it.

Ichiko: You know, back in college, I used to be called 'The Glizzy Goblin'.

Ryuta: Why'd they call you that?

Ichiko: Just watch.

The camera then shows Takeishi, Kimiko, Riku, Futaba, Ryuta, and Sae's reactions as we, don't see but hear, Ichiko devouring her hot dog. Based on the sounds she's making, it's a safe bet that she's trying to devour her footlong hot dog in one bite, reminding the six watching her of 'eating other long things'. As she does, the six have varied reactions.

Futaba, Sae, and Kimiko are aghast and Kimiko even looks away.

Ryuta and Riku are staring at Ichiko wide-eyed, feeling awkward about bearing witness to the whole thing.

Takeishi is watching intently at his crush devouring her hot dog; eyes boggling and mouth agape, nodding his head with approval.

Eventually, Ichiko finishes her hot dog, licking her lips in the process.

Ichiko: Yummy.

The six with her are still speechless, until Takeishi breaks the silence.

Takeishi: I love you…I just…I love you.

Kimiko: Well, I feel awkward, so I'm going to go over there and see how Minato is doing. (Leaves)

Takeishi: More for us. Breakfast is ready, everyone! Come and get it!

Akihiro: (Approaches with everyone else) Alright, chowtime!

As most of the other members of the group go get their hot dogs, Kimiko is seen approaching Minato, Ren, Remus, Sputnik, and Akechi, who are currently making Healing Shots out of the Kiyoi Flower they got from Kasumi's Carnival. They have Philemon and Chikao on split screen on the mirror as the former instructs the heroes on how to make Healing Shots. Minato is seen crushing the petals of the Kiyoi Flower into a fine powder.

Minato: Like this, Philemon?

Philemon: Exactly like that. Now, did you use the stem to make some shells?

Ren: Right here. (Holds up one of the bullet casings made out of the stem as, on the West Group's end of the call, Chikao shows his casing)

Philemon: Excellent! Now, take the powder and pour it into the casings.

Ren and Chikao do as they're told. Once the powder is in their bullet casings, they close them up, and with that the first batch of Healing Shots are complete.

Akechi: It looks like we're good to go.

Minato: As long as we have these bullets, those Falldown Thieves won't stand a chance.

Philemon: One bullet is all it will take to change the wicket heart of anyone shot by it. Furthermore, one bullet is all you need to completely obliterate a Shadow.

Remus/Tricky: Forget the Falldown Thieves. We can completely destroy Hoshigami and his entire army in one fell swoop with these things.

Philemon: Unfortunately it's not that simple. In their bullet form, the Kiyoi Flower can last so long before their purification properties expire.

Chikao: How long would that take, Philemon?

Philemon: I estimate you have a good 24 hours before the Healing Shots expire. Plenty of time for you all time to find the next Fortress and change the heart of whatever Falldown Thief you may be facing.

Ren: Sounds good. Thanks again for your help, Philemon.

Philemon: You're welcome, Ren Amamiya. Now, go out there, and make me proud. (Disconnects)

Chikao: Good luck out there, Ren. Stay safe.

Ren: You too, Chikao.

Chikao disconnects from the call as Kimiko approaches the group of five.

Kimiko: Are those the Healing Shots?

Minato: Yup, they're all ready for when we raid another fortress. (Hands Kimiko some gold tipped arrows) We even made some arrows for you.

Kimiko: (Accepts the arrows) Thanks. So, where are we going next?

Ren: (Grabs the golden mirror) Let me see the map.

The holographic map turns on and Ren points at a blinking red dot that's floating above the New Metaverse; an airship

Ren: There.

Akechi: That's one of Hoshigami's more important and heavily guarded fortresses.

Ren: Exactly. I think that as long as we have the Healing Shots, we should go after one of Hoshigami's bigger fortresses. And with any luck one of the Falldown Thieves will be there.

Kimiko: Just one problem, Other Father. How are we all going to get up there?

Sputnik/Jinx: Well, Kimiko, as Poppets, Remus and I-

Minato: Hold that thought, Sputnik, there's something that's been on my mind recently.

Ren: What is it, Minato?

Minato: You said that you were a 'Wild Card Persona User', meaning that you can use any Persona at any time. My main concern is regarding your 'evil counterpart'. Is he a Wild Card too? And follow up question, if Kimiko, Akihiro, and I are related to you by blood where we come from, how come we're not Wild Cards too?

Ren: I'm not sure about that second question, Minato. But in regards to my 'evil counterpart', it is possible that he's a Wild Card like me. We'll just have to be on our guard when we face him. Now, Sputnik, what were you saying?

Sputnik/Jinx: Well, before I was so rudely interrupted, I was about to tell you all that Remus and I-

Unfortunately, Sputnik is cut off by Takeishi who comes bearing hot dogs.

Takeishi: Hot dogs! Get your hot dogs here!

Ren, Minato, Kimiko, Akechi, and Remus' attention is brought to Takeishi as the five of them grab some hot dogs and start munching on them. Annoyed that she can't get a word in edgewise, Sputnik just rolls her eyes and lets out a sigh.

A few moments later, everyone is just finishing up with their eating when Ichiro walks over to Kas.

Ichiro: Excuse me, Kas, but can I have a word with you in private?

Kas: Sure thing, Other Daddy of mine!

Ichiro and Kas walk into the forest so they could be alone.


(Woodlands of Denial - Wooded Area)

Ichiro and Kas find themselves alone in an area of the forest surrounded by nothing but trees.

Kas: Alright, Other Father, you've gotten us as far away from the other guys as possible. Are you ready to talk now?

Ichiro: Sorry for dragging you out so far, Kas, I just wanted to make sure no one would hear us.

Kas: I think we're good now, so you can start talking.

Ichiro: Well, today's the day I'm going to let Sumire know about my true feelings for her.

Kas: That's awesome, dude.

Ichiro: Yeah. I've had the biggest crush on her for the longest time, I think I'm ready to put all my cards on the table and go for broke.

Kas: That's the spirit!

Ichiro: Just one problem though. I'm not sure how to do it, let alone know what words I should use. Sumire and I have been best friends for years and I don't want to do anything that could potentially ruin it. I feel like if I pick a wrong word or say a certain word a certain way, it's curtains on everything we've built. And anytime I think of the worst case scenarios I always end up backing down. Even now, a part of me is telling me not to do it, but if I don't do it then I'll forever regret it and-

Kas: Other Father, relax! You're overthinking everything.

Ichiro: I guess so.

Kas: You know what your big problem is right now? You're spending too much time using this (Points at his head; his brain). When what you really should be utilizing is this (Points at his chest; his heart). I was right where you were about six years ago…well, six years going off of my universe's flow of time…but regardless, I was having trouble finding the right words to use when proposing to my wife, Mai. But then Kaito and Riku told me that the right words to say when confessing your love for someone is in your heart. Don't think too deeply about things. Your heart will never steer you wrong in situations like this.

Ichiro: Is it really that simple?

Kas: Yes. Just let your heart do the talking and take things from there.

Ichiro: (Puts his hand over his heart) In that case, I think I know exactly what I have to say to her.

Kas: That's great!

Ichiro: Heh, I never thought I'd be taking romantic advice from my daughter from another universe.

Kas: Yeah, well there's a first for everything. So, when do you want to do this, because I think everyone is looking to go to the next fortress now.

Ichiro: It shouldn't take too long. If you can get her over here now so we can get this out of the way, that would be great.

Kas: You got it, Other Father!

Kas is about to leave to go get Sumire when suddenly, in a flash of light, Kas becomes her Phantom Thief alter ego, Crash.

Ichiro: Kas!

Kas/Crash: If I'm in my Phantom Thief attire, then that must mean-

Steampunk Shadow #1: There he is!

Just then, a group of Steampunk Shadows leap out of the bushes, weapons at the ready.

Kas/Crash: Shadows!

Steampunk Shadow #1: Remember Violet's orders, everyone! Leave the soul patched one alive, but dispose of the girl!

All Steampunk Shadows: Yes, sir!

One Shadow with a Steampunk themed Jetpack comes flying towards Ichiro and tries to grab him, but Kas gets in the Shadow's path and delivers a powerful punch to the Shadow's jaw with her boxing glove, defeating him.

Steampunk Shadow #2: Be careful, boys! She's one of them!

Kas/Crash: Come and step into the ring if you think you're man enough! (Turn to face Ichiro) Other Father, you've gotta get out of here!

Ichiro: I won't leave you behind!

Kas/Crash: (Shoots at two Shadows with her sawed-off shotgun) There's not much you can do without a Persona of your own! Just run! I'll come looking for you once I've disposed of these guys!

Ichiro: (Unsure) Alright.

Ichiro is about to turn and run when suddenly, a Shadow wearing the battle armor from earlier drops in out of nowhere, blocking Ichiro's path. Before Ichiro could turn the other way and run, the armored Shadow grabs Ichiro and lifts him up over his shoulder.

Ichiro: (Screams) Help!

Kas/Crash: (After shooting another Steampunk Shadow with her sawed-off shotgun; looks to see Ichiro in the armored Shadow's protection) NO!

The Armored Shadow activates its jet boots causing him to fly into the skies with Ichiro in tow.

Ichiro: KAS!

Kas/Crash: Other Father, hang on!

Before Kas can do anything to try and save Ichiro, she finds herself surrounded by the remaining Steampunk Shadows.

Kas/Crash: I don't have time for you idiots! Penthesilea, give 'em hell!

When Kas summons her Persona, Penthesilea takes her sound and sticks it into the ground, causing fissures to appear in the ground surrounding her. The ground opens up causing the remaining Steampunk Shadows to fall in. When Penthesilea takes her sword out of the ground, the fissures disappear, closing it back up.

Kas/Crash: (Smiles; to herself) I will never get tired of using Penthesilea!

Kas looks up to see the Armored Shadow and Ichiro flying into the horizon.

Kas/Crash: Man, this isn't good! I've gotta tell the others! (Starts running back to the camp) If I turned into Crash due to the Shadows' presence, I wonder if the others are already in their Phantom Thief forms too? I hope they're not in too much trouble!


(Woodlands of Denial - Hills)

The Steampunk Shadows have found the East Group's campsite as we see them do battle against Ren, Makoto, Sumire, Sojiro, Minato, Kimiko, Sputnik, Remus, Akechi, Toshiro, Sophia, and Futaba, all of whom are in their Phantom Thief attire. While the 12 Phantom Thieves fight off the Shadows, the likes of Sae, Ryuta, Takeishi, Ichiko, Kaoru, Eri, Eiko, Riku, Mai, Wakaba, Akihiro, Yutaka, Kana, Takemi, and Nayoko are trying to stay out of the conflict, leaving the fighting to their friends.

Steampunk Shadow #3: In the name of Father Hoshigami, we will destroy you!

Minato/Lion: Not today, you're not! Tarzan!

Minato summons Tarzan, and he has him use Terradyne, sending spike balls made of rock at his group of Steampunk Shadows, crushing and easily defeating them.

Up in the air above them, Kimiko is seen dealing with three Jetpack Steampunk Shadows.

Jetpack Steampunk Shadow #1: You're grounded, missy!

The Jetpack Steampunk Shadows fire rounds from their guns, but Kimiko quickly uses her wingpack to fly upwards, dodging the bullets. She then takes three of the Healing Arrows and loads them onto her bow. She quickly fires the Healing Arrows at the Jetpack Steampunk Shadows, destroying them all in one shot. Kimiko just brushes the hair away from her face as she gives a cute smile and a giggle, happy that she won.

Sojiro is trying to battle a Steampunk Shadow, but the Shadow whacks him hard with his staff, knocking the 50 year old Phantom Thief onto his ass. By the time Sojiro got back up, he found himself surrounded by five Steampunk Shadows. Fortunately, Futaba, who was in Necronomicon the whole time, is here to help him.

Futaba/Oracle: Need some help?

Sojiro/Chief: Lay it on me, Oracle!

Futaba/Oracle: As you wish.

From inside Necronomicon, Futaba uses Mediarma to heal Sojiro's wounds before hitting him with some Matarukaja, increasing his attack power.

Futaba/Oracle: Walk all over them, Chief!

Sojiro/Chief: With pleasure! Cyrus!

Sojiro summons Cyrus and he has him use Makouga on his group of Steampunk Shadows, taking them all out in one fell swoop.

With Toshiro, he's locked in combat against another Steampunk Shadow wielding a staff. The two fighter clash staff and spear, but Toshiro quickly gains the upper hand when he uses one spear to knock the staff out of the Shadow's hands and he uses the other one to impale and defeat him. From there Toshiro uses his spears to take out any Steampunk Shadow that got too close to him. As Toshiro went on the warpath, Eri watches her boyfriend as he mercilessly slays the Shadows.

Eri: (Blushes) He's no longer the shy young man that I first met, and I love it!

With Sophia, she's using her yo-yo's and blasters to take out any Steampunk Shadows that get too close to her. She's too busy fighting them off, however, to notice a Steampunk Shadow with a sniper rifle about to shoot the girl right in the head. Kaoru however notices this and calls out for her.

Kaoru: SOPHIA!

Sophia turns around to see the Steampunk Shadow ready to shoot her in the head, but before he can pull the trigger…

Sumire/Violet: Cendrillon!

Sumire summons Cendrillon and she has her use Vorpal Blade to cut the Steampunk Shadow's sniper rifle in half before bisecting said Shadow with the same attack.

Sophia/Sophie: Thank you, Violet!

Kaoru: Yeah, thanks.

Sumire/Violet: (To Kaoru) I wasn't about to let that gaudy goofball axe off your girl.

Kaoru rubs the back of his head, blushes, and smiles.

With Remus, he's facing off against a Steampunk Shadow

Steampunk Shadow #4: Take this!

The Steampunk Shadow fires rounds from his gun, only for Remus to hide in his shell so the bullets don't hurt him. Eventually, the Shadow runs out of bullets and as he scrambles to reload, Remus comes out of his shell to launch a counter attack.

Remus/Tricky: Now it's my turn! Eat a piece of this!

Remus fires a round from his flare gun, which nails the Steampunk Shadow in the chest. As the Steampunk Shadow cries in pain, Remus runs up and whacks him with his nunchucks, finally defeating him.

Remus/Tricky: (While spinning his nunchucks) That was too easy.

Steampunk Shadow #5: Now let's see how you deal with a group!

Remus turns around to find a whole group of Steampunk and Jetpack Shadows ready to face him.

Remus/Tricky: Crap!

Remus hides in his shell as the Shadows fire their guns at him.

Steampunk Shadow #5: Come out of there, you weak little turtle! You're only delaying the inevitable!

Sputnik/Jinx: MULAN!

The Steampunk and Jetpack Shadows were too busy firing away at Remus to notice the rabbit Poppet and her Persona right behind them. Before the Shadows realize, they are ripped to shreds with Mulan's Vorpal Blade and Florala attacks.

With the Shadows defeated, Remus pokes his head out of his shell to see his sister standing there with Mulan.

Sputnik/Jinx: Need some help?

Sputnik has Mulan use Mediarama to heal up any wounds or injuries Remus may have gotten from the Shadows' guns.

Remus/Tricky: Thanks Sputs.

Spuntik just nods her head before the rabbit and tortoise Poppets rush to fight more Shadows.

With Eiko, she's being chased by two Steampunk Shadows and one Jetpack Shadow. The Jetpack Shadow is throwing steampunk themed bombs down at Eiko, who manages to outrun the projectiles. One bomb, however, lands very close to Eiko causing her to fall down. She turns around, absolutely paralyzed with fear as she stares the three Shadows in the face. Right when the three Shadows were about to finish the woman off, this happens…

Akechi/Crow: Robin Hood!

When Akechi summoned Robin Hood, he fired three arrows from his bow that absolutely obliterates the three Shadows, effectively saving Eiko. Eiko calms down when she sees that the shadows have disappeared and Akechi is standing above her, holding his hand out for her.

Akechi/Crow: Are you okay?

Eiko: Y-yes…

Eiko takes Akechi's hand and he helps her up on her feet. From there, Eiko grabs onto Akechi and cries into his shoulder. Akechi, unsure of what to do or how to feel just rubs Eiko's back in an attempt to comfort her.

Akechi/Crow: There, there, it's okay.

As he comforts her, Akechi looks over Eiko's shoulder to see Sputnik giving Akechi a thumbs up for opening up to another person before she takes a bomb and throws it at another Steampunk Shadow.

With Makoto, she is seen blocking staff swings from two Steampunk Shadows with her spiked tekko. Makoto isn't giving an inch as she continues to block the Shadows' attacks.

Steampunk Shadow #6: What's with this broad?!

Steampunk Shadow #7: She's not letting up!

The two Shadows swing their staffs down on Makoto one last time, but she manages to use her tekko to knock them right out of their hands. With the Shadows disarmed, Makoto knocks them both out with her tekko before shooting them both dead with her revolver. With the shadows gone, Makoto blows on the smoking barrel of her gun.

Makoto/Queen: Don't fuck with me.

Finally, we cut to Ren who is facing off with the brunt of this Steampunk Shadow army.

Jetpack Shadow #2: He's their leader! Take him!

The Steampunk Shadows charge at Ren, who seems unfazed at the situation he's presented with.

Ren/Joker: Hmph. How incredibly disappointing. FORTUNA!

When Ren summons Fortuna, he has her use Magarula to blow the Shadows away from him. As the Shadows get knocked on their asses, Ren summons a different Persona to finish them off.

Ren/Joker: Skadi!

When Ren summons Skadi, he has the Persona use Maeigon to finish his army of Steampunk/Jetpack shadows off.

Less than ten Shadows remain from the group that tried to ambush our heroes, and the 12 Phantom Thieves are ready to finish the job.

Makoto/Queen: Alright, who's next?

Jetpack Shadow #3: Such great power! How ever can we compete?!

Steampunk Shadow #8: Quickly! Back to the airship!

The remaining Shadows run away with their tails between their legs as the 12 Phantom Thieves put their weapons away and stare off after them.

Remus/Tricky: Yeah, that's right! Go back where you came from, you bunch of losers!

In the background Futaba is seen getting out of Necronomicon and joining her friends.

As the 12 Thieves relish their victory, the group of Sae, Ryuta, Takeishi, Ichiko, Kaoru, Eri, Eiko, Riku, Mai, Wakaba, Akihiro, Yutaka, Kana, Takemi, and Nayoko come out of hiding to congratulate their friends on their victory.

Yutaka: Aw man, you really schooled those guys!

Kana: It is kind of crazy how they all just came out of the woodworks when we least expected it.

Futaba/Oracle: Don't forget we're fighting on the Shadows' home turf here, Kana. Shadows can come from anywhere and everywhere around here.

Ren/Joker: Regardless, it looks like we're out of the woods for now. (Looks around at the forest environment around him) Well, metaphorically speaking.

Sumire/Violet: But where's Ichiro?

Mai: And where's Kas?

As if on cue, Kas is seen quickly approaching the group of 27, fear and worry written all over her face.

Kas/Crash: Hey, guys!

The group turns to see Kas running at them.

Mai: Kassy!

Kas runs into Mai's arms and the two girls embrace in a hug, the display of affection melting the hearts of the other heroes.

Mai: I'm so glad you're safe, babe. But where's Ichiro?

Kas/Crash: (Frees herself from Mai's hug) That's what I wanted to talk to you about. While we were in the forest, this big armored Shadow came out of nowhere and took off with him. I tried to save him, but I was surrounded by other Shadows and they prevented me from saving him.

Minato/Lion: Yeah, Kas, as you can tell based on our appearance, we got ambushed by a group of Shadows as well.

Kimiko/Angel: But we sent 'em running!

Kas/Crash: Kick ass, Kim!

Sumire/Violet: Alright, let's focus, people. With the Shadows gone, we have a third objective on top of finding the seal and changing my evil self's heart; finding Ichiro.

Kaoru: I think I saw that movie once.

Ren/Joker: Those Shadows said something about going back to an airship. I bet that airship is not only where Falldown Kasumi and the seal are, but that's probably where they're holding Ichiro.

Ichiko: Brilliant deduction skills, Joker.

Eiko: But how are we going to find this airship. Isn't it, like, in the air?

Sputnik/Jinx: Well, if you'd have let me finish talking earlier, I would've told you all my plan on how we're going to get up there. See, not only do Poppets have the ability to turn into cars, but we can also turn ourselves into various forms of aircraft.

Futaba/Oracle: For real?

Kana: Hey, that's Ryuji's line.

Futaba/Oracle: I know, but I figured as long as he's with the other guys I'd sort of say it in his absence.

Riku: Other Mother, I love you, but…please don't, it just sounds very weird.

Sputnik/Jinx: Anyway, Remus and I can turn into our aircraft forms and take you to wherever that airship is.

Ryuta: That's awesome!

Makoto/Queen: Ren, Futaba, and I probably should've guessed that you two can turn into planes. After all Morgana can too.

Remus/Tricky: We're not one to toot our own horns, but anything your little kitty can do Sputnik and I can do better. Take a look! Ready, Sputnik?

Sputnik/Jinx: Ready, Remus!

Remus and Sputnik strike some poses before jumping in the air. In a puff of smoke, the two Poppets turn into their aircraft forms; a private learjet for Sputnik and a chinook helicopter for Remus.

Takeishi: Oh baby!

Toshiro/Patriot: Now we're really riding in style!

Sputnik/Jinx: Alright, gang, here's what I'm thinking. Hoshigami wouldn't make this airship without some kind of defense system. So as soon as Falldown Kasumi sees us drawing in close, she's going to unload everything that airship has on us. Since I'm the most aerodynamic, my group and I will keep their attention on us while Remus and his group find a safe place on the airship to land so they can shut the defense system down. Once the systems are down, we'll get to work on finding Ichiro and Falldown Kasumi while Remus' group gets to work on finding the first seal. With any luck we should not only reach but finish our respective objectives at the same time.

Ren/Joker: Sounds like a plan, Sputnik. (Looks at the group as Makoto walks up next to him) Alright. Kas, Sumire, Kimiko, Akechi, Eiko, Sophia, Kaoru, Takeishi, Ichiko, Akihiro, Eri, and Ryuta. You guys are with Sputnik and me in finding Ichiro and evil Kasumi.

Makoto/Queen: Then that leaves Remus, Toshiro, Futaba, Minato, Sojiro, Yutaka, Nayoko, Kana, Riku, Mai, Wakaba, Takemi, Sae, and myself in finding and destroying the seal.

Takeishi: I like this plan. Well, dudes, see you on the other side! (Immediately boards Remus)

Toshiro/Patriot: Will you be alright without me, Eri.

Eri: Don't worry about me, sweetie. You just worry about yourself.

Toshiro/Patriot: You got it. (Kisses Eri on the cheek before boarding Sputnik)

Kas/Crash: Alright gang, let's go that Falldown Thief what happens when you nab one of our friends!

With a victorious cheer, the group of 28 board their respective Poppet Aircrafts. Once the group split up in their respective smaller groups and boarded either Sputnik or Remus, the learjet and Chinook took off for the skies towards Kasumi's Airship's current location.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Bridge)

In the bridge of the airship we see Ichiro as he lays on the floor unconscious. Slowly he begins to wake up. As he gets up onto his knees he looks at his surroundings to find himself trapped in a glass bubble. Outside of the bubble he sees Falldown Kasumi watching her Steampunk Shadows as they pilot her airship.

Ichiro: What the hell is going on?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Turns to face Ichiro; innocently) Hmm? Well, good morning sunshine? How'd you sleep?

Ichiro: Cut the crap! What's going on? Why'd you bring me here?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Someone's curiosity certainly peaks when they first wake up. But since you asked, I'd be more than delighted to tell you.

Falldown Kasumi walks up to Ichiro's glass bubble to inform him of her plan.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: If your universe's version of Sumire is anything like me, then she has an almost unbreakable bond with you. So, I'm using you as bait so that when she and the rest of her friends come to save you, we can dispose of you all faster than yesterday's trash!

Ichiro: Wait. There's an Ichiro where you come from too?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Yes. He and I were hopelessly in love. But when he found out about me and my Falldown Thief brothers and sisters' killings, I had to 'cut him loose'.

Ichiro: You mean you murdered him?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Believe me, it was the last thing I wanted to do. But for the sake of getting rid of the wicked ones from my universe I had to.

Ichiro stayed silent for a few moments to let his 'other self's' death sink in before he realized something else.

Ichiro: Hold on. You said you were in love with your world's version of me…but you're going by the name Kasumi. Who are you exactly?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Much like the Kasumi from your timeline, my Kasumi died tragically while trying to save me from an oncoming truck. That naturally led to therapy sessions with my world's version of Takuto Maruki. Fortunately, unlike your world's version of Sumire, I caught on quickly that Maruki's methods were a tad 'unorthodox' and he never got to alter my mind. (Scoffs) Wanting to change reality, while a noble goal, is nothing more than a fool's errand. I immediately went to the other Falldown Thieves to tell them what Maruki was doing and that was when I awoke to my Persona Maleficent and we were able to put that worthless therapist out to pasture.

Ichiro gasps at the thought of Sumire, even if it's not his version of Sumire, killing Takuto Maruki.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: After that, I decided to legally change my name to Kasumi to not only keep the authorities and my family off of my tail, but to keep the memory of my sister alive.

Falldown Kasumi's demeanor becomes somber.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Kasumi…not a day goes by where I don't think of you at least once. But we'll be together again soon, dear sister.

Ichiro: What do you mean?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Hoshigami promised me and the rest of my Falldown Thief allies that once we help him fulfill his dreams of taking over the multiverse, he'll grant each of us one wish. My wish is to be reunited with my sister once more. He even showed me a universe where my sister was still alive and well and he told me that he can take me to that universe once our job was done.

Ichiro: So you kill hundreds of lives and follow the orders of an absolute madman so you can be reunited with your sister, wait scratch that, reunited with a version of your sister who likely won't know who you are. And what of the Sumire from the other universe that Hoshigami promised to take you to. What'll become of her? I bet you didn't think about that did you?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: I'll let Hoshigami worry about that.

Ichiro: (Hangs his head in sorrow for the alternate version of his friend) Oh, Sumire. If your sister saw what you were doing right now, she'd be very disappointed in you.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Slams her hand on her side of the glass bubble and glares at Ichiro) Don't you dare call me by that name again!

Ichiro: I'm not afraid of you, you know.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Well, you should be. After all, I killed you before and I will do it again!

Ichiro: Make my day.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: You just live to poke the bear don't you? Go on then, boy, keep poking and see what happens.

Falldown Kasumi and Ichiro begin to stare each other down when, suddenly, alarms start going off..

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Now what?!

Falldown Kasumi walks over to her monitors to see the East Group of Phantom Thieves approaching on Sputnik and Remus' plane forms.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Smirks) Like moths drawn to a flame. Or perhaps lambs to the slaughter are a more apt analogy.

Ichiro: What are you going to do to them?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Just watch. (She then speaks into the airship's intercom system) Attention all personnel! Just as I had predicted, my little plan to draw the Phantom Thieves in has gone off without a hitch. They're on their way to this airship right now to try and take back poor little Ichiro. (Cackles) Enough chit-chat for now. Man your stations. The moment you have those Thieves in your sights, give them hell.

Falldown Kasumi shuts the intercom system off before focusing her attention on the monitors.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: And now to kick back, relax, and watch the beginning of the end of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.

Ichiro: (To himself) Be careful out there, guys.

Throughout the airship we see groups of Steampunk Shadows getting their weapons and jetpacks ready. Some Steampunk Shadows are seen running towards some large turrets on the edge of the airship, ready to shoot the Phantom Thieves out of the sky. Quite a number of Steampunk Shadows are seen patrolling the interior of the airship before we cut to the Armored Shadow from earlier waiting for the Phantom Thieves in the engine room where the seal currently resides.


(Woodlands of Denial - Skies Above the New Metaverse)

Sputnik and Remus, with the 26 heroes in tow, are seen cutting through the clouds as Falldown Kasumi's airship comes into view.

Remus/Tricky: There it is!

Sputnik/Jinx: Remember, brother, hang back and let me worry about dodging the airship's defenses. You focus on finding a safe place to land so you and your group of Thieves can shut the defense system down so we can land and find Ichiro.

Kimiko/Angel: (From inside of Sputnik) You really think this airship is that armed to the teeth with weaponry?

Ren/Joker: (From inside of Sputnik) It's one of Hoshigami's more important fortresses, Kimiko. I'd be surprised if it didn't have something resembling a tight security system.

Takeishi: (From inside of Sputnik) I wouldn't worry, guys. Look, we're getting closer and closer to this thing by the second and they have yet to notice us. That evil version of Sumire better look into getting some smarter recruits if they haven't-

BANG!

Just then, from the airship, the Steampunk Shadows are firing their gun turrets at the two airborne Poppets and the Thieves inside of them.

Takeishi: I've really got to learn to keep my mouth shut.

Sputnik/Jinx: This is it! Remus, get low and find a safe place to land!

Remus/Tricky: You've got it, sis! Be safe.

Remus disappears in the clouds beneath him as Sputnik and her group of Thieves get ready to brave the barrage of bullet and laser fire.

Sputnik/Jinx: You guys might want to hang onto something, this is going to get messy!

From inside of Sputnik, Ren, Sumire, Kas, Kimiko, Sputnik, Akechi, Sophia, Eri, Eiko, Kaoru, Takeishi, Ichiko, Akihiro, and Ryuta buckle their seatbelts and shut their eyes, knowing what's coming next.

Sputnik/Jinx: Here we go!

Sputnik charges full speed ahead at the airship dodging the projectiles as they come at her at high speeds. As she flies around the airship, and the Steampunk Shadows resume their attack on her, Sputnik is making quick turns and spins to avoid getting hit. Inside of her, the 14 heroes are screaming and yelling with each sharp movement that she makes.

Eiko: (Looking pale faced) Where are the barf bags on this thing?

Sputnik/Jinx: (Continues dodging lasers and bullets) You'd better not get sick inside of me! Just hold it!

On board the airship, the Steampunk Shadows keep trying to hit Sputnik with everything they have but to no avail.

Steampunk Shadow #9: She's gotta tire out eventually, men! Keep firing!

As the Steampunk Shadows keep up their attacks, a few Jetpack Shadows take to the skies to try and slow the Poppet down, only for their bullets to miss the learjet every time. Some of the Jetpack Shadows even get bisected by Sputnik's wings when she runs into them.

Inside Sputnik, most of the heroes were trying not to either pass out or get sick.

Sophia/Sophie: So glad I don't have a stomach.

Ryuta: What's taking that tortoise so long in taking these canons out?!

As Sputnik continues to avoid the barrage, from beneath the airship, Remus is seen ascending from the clouds, looking for a safe place for him and the rest of his group to land.

Remus/Sputnik: Getting on deck to take out those canons is going to be a tall order. Anyone have any bright ideas?

Makoto/Queen: Leave this one to me. Johanna!

Makoto summons Johanna and immediately mounts her.

Nayoko: What do you think you're doing?

Makoto/Queen: Getting onboard this ship, that's what I'm doing. Now stand back!

Everyone on board Remus gives Makoto some distance as the brunette Phantom Thief rides Johanna out of Remus, landing on the side of the airship. From there, Makoto rides Johanna up the side of the airship, amazing the rest of her group.

Yutaka: Too cool!

Kana: It's easy to see why Ren loves her so much.

Riku: Or Ryuji in our universe's case.

Makoto continues to ride Johanna up the side of the airship until the makes it on deck, surprising the Steampunk Shadows onboard.

Makoto/Queen: Surprised to see me, boys?

Steampunk Shadow #9: Kill her!

The Steampunk Shadows begin to charge…but they fail to notice that Makoto is still on Johanna.

Makoto/Queen: JOHANNA!

On Makoto's command, Johanna uses Mafreidyne to not only take out all of the Steampunk Shadows onboard, but also destroy the cannons, meaning it's safe for Sputnik and her group to land now. Makoto gives off a satisfied grin as Remus and Sputnik land on deck, the humans disembarking from the two aircraft as they turn back into their Poppet forms. Most of the group disembarking from Sputnik were very dizzy as Eiko vomiting in the middle of the deck proved. Ren quickly overcame his dizziness when he saw Makoto standing there.

Ren/Joker: Makoto, you were brilliant! (Hugs her)

Makoto/Queen: Thanks, babe.

Sae: While what you didn't would be what I'd have done if I were in your shoes, it did get the job done and it got all of us on board safely. Excellent work, Makoto.

Makoto/Queen: Thanks, sis. (Gets serious again) Alright, let's get back to work. Ren, you and your group go save Ichiro. If I had to guess, I'd say both him and Falldown Kasumi are in the bridge.

Remus/Tricky: How do you fit a whole bridge on an airship like this?

Minato/Lion: Not a bridge like what we use to cross gaps, Remus. A bridge in this instance is where the captain of a ship can be found.

Remus/Tricky: Oh. I have a lot to learn about you humans.

Makoto/Queen: (Looks at a doorway behind them) Anyway, this door looks like it'll take us into the bowels of the ship.

Ichiko: (Chortles) Bowels.

Sumire/Violet: Grow up!

Makoto/Queen: Yes, Ichiko, this is serious! Anyway, my group and I will go through this door in search for the engine room so we can nab the first seal. While we do that, Ren, you and your group can go look for the bridge.

Makoto looks across the airship to find another door.

Makoto/Queen: Try that door over there!

Ren/Joker: You got it, Makoto.

Mai: There is one thing that worries me, though.

Sojiro/Chief: What's wrong, Mai?

Mai: If the seal is what's keeping this ship in the air, aren't you all just a little bit scared of this thing crashing down with all of us on it?

Riku: I'm not afraid. It'll be kind of like those escape sequences from the 'Netdroid' games.

Futaba/Oracle: He connects everything, even life threatening situations to video games…yup, he's definitely my son.

Makoto/Queen: Once we get the seal, change Falldown Kasumi's heart, and save Ichiro, we'll all meet here so we can make our escape. Sound good?

Minato/Lion: (Spins his spear) Perfect!

Ren/Joker: Alright, gang, let's move!

The group of 28 split up so they can tackle their respective objectives.


Group #1 (The seal): Makoto, Toshiro, Remus, Futaba, Minato, Sojiro, Yutaka, Nayoko, Kana, Riku, Mai, Wakaba, Takemi, and Sae

Group #2 (Ichiro and Falldown Kasumi): Ren, Sumire, Kas, Kimiko, Sputnik, Akechi, Sophia, Eri, Eiko, Kaoru, Takeishi, Ichiko, Akihiro, and Ryuta


Makoto's group disappears in the door behind them while Ren's group runs across the deck to the doorway that hopefully leads to the Bridge.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Bridge)

Falldown Kasumi yells in anger as she had just witnessed her cannons and a large portion of her army getting destroyed by Makoto on her monitors.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: GODDAMN PHANTOM THIEVES! (Shoots one of the monitors with her rifle)

Ichiro just smirks as he watches Falldown Kasumi have her little meltdown.

Ichiro: Face it, you half baked copy of a dear friend of mine, you've been beaten.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: You shut your trap! I haven't lost yet! As long as that seal stays in the engine room and I have you in my possession, I can still win! (She looks out at the Steampunk Shadows in the bridge with her) Shadows! Some of those Phantom Thieves are on their way tot he bridge right now! Delay their arrival as long as you can! And if you so happen to kill them before they get here, so much the better.

Steampunk Shadows: Yes, Miss Violet!

The Steampunk Shadows leave the bridge, ready to face off against Ren's group.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: We will win the day!


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Hallways)

With Makoto's group, she's seen shooting down two Steampunk Shadows with her revolver. The two Shadows fall to the floor dead before their bodies disappear.

Takemi: These guys clearly spent more time working on their steampunk aesthetic than they have their fighting style.

Wakaba: They must have come from either a steampunk themed universe or a universe set in the Victorian Era.

Yutaka: Still, you'd think they'd put up more of a fight.

Futaba/Oracle: Hey, I'm not complaining. These weak sauce enemies make our jobs easier.

Makoto/Queen: Let's keep moving, guys. Stay close.

Makoto and her group continue to stealthily make their way down the hall in search of the engine room. If they came across a Shadow, either Makoto, Sojiro, Minato, Remus, or Toshiro would deal with them before advancing. Eventually they come across a large steel door.

Toshiro/Patriot: What a door!

Minato/Lion: The engine room has to be on the other side.

Riku: How can you be so certain, Minato?

Minato/Lion: Aside from the fact that it's the largest door we've come across down here, I can hear the engine buzzing like crazy on the other side of this thing.

Mai: You think the engine in a steampunk themed airship would make a buzzing noise? If anything it would make a loud whistling noise like this- (Proceeds to make a loud whistling noise with her mouth)

Yutaka: What do you think we're riding, a giant tea kettle? This is a big ship, so it should make a big deep sound like- (Proceeds to make a revving sound with his mouth)

Nayoko: That's the sound an engine would make if you were attempting to start it. If anything we should be hearing a steady- (Proceeds to make a repetitive whirring sound with her mouth)

Remus/Tricky: Knowing Hoshigami, he probably made it so the engine doesn't make any noise at all. If anything he'd set up a 'fake noise' to lull intruders like us into a false sense of security. Kind of like a - (Makes a gurgling noise with his mouth)

Sae: KNOCK IT OFF!

Sae's outburst startles everyone.

Sae: Are we seriously wasting our time right now arguing over what an airship engine sounds like?! Time is of the essence here, people, and seconds count.

Makoto/Queen: Sae is right, everyone, we need to focus. But it is worth looking in this room just in case.

Makoto walks up to the door to examine it.

Makoto/Queen: There doesn't seem to be a combination lock or anything of the sort.

Takemi: This is obviously a trap.

Futaba/Oracle: Yeah, Mako-chan. The moment you touch that door handle, that door is probably going to fall on you.

Makoto/Queen: Well, I don't see any other way around it. I'm just going to have to take my chances.

With a deep breath, Makoto reaches for the door handle and with all of her strength she slowly opens up the steel door revealing that it leads to the engine room!


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Engine Room)

Makoto and her group walk into the Engine Room and take a look around at everything that's going on; all of the pistons, gears, pipes, valves, and other assorted doohickeys really selling the fact that they're in the heart of the whole airship.

Makoto/Queen: Let's hurry up, find that seal, and get out of here.

Kana: Way ahead of you, Mako-chan. This place gives me the creeps.

Wakaba: Hey, isn't that the seal over there?

Wakaba points at a glass case with tubes connecting it to some of the machinery, and inside of that glass case is a violet colored stone heart with a light purple gem inside of it. It's the first of Hoshigami's seals, and it's being used to power the entire airship.

Sojiro/Chief: Very good eye, Wakaba!

Wakaba: (Smiles) Thank you, Sojiro.

Yutaka: Alright! Let's smash that glass and nab that slab! (Immediately runs at the glass case)

Sae: Yutaka, wait!

Makoto looks at Yutaka as he runs at the glass casing before she hears a creaking sound from above them. She looks up at the ceiling and then…

CRASH!

The Armored Shadow from earlier busts through the ceiling and attempts to come down on Yutaka. Yutaka looks up to see the Armored Shadow ready to hit him with an armored fist and he shuts his eyes, embracing the inevitable before…

Makoto/Queen: Johanna!

Makoto quickly mounts Johanna and rushes towards Yutaka, grabbing him and getting out of the way before either of them can get hit by the Armored Shadow. When the Armored Shadow realized that he missed his mark, he looked to his side to see Makoto and Yutaka rejoining the rest of the group.

Makoto/Queen: Are you okay, Yutaka?

Yutaka: Yeah, I'm fine, Makoto.

Makoto/Queen: (Looks at her sister) Sae, take the other Non-Thieves and find a safe place to hide. Chief, Patriot, Lion, Oracle, Tricky and I will knock this tin can down a couple of pegs.

Sae: You got it, Makoto.

Sae takes the other seven Non-Thieves and they hide behind some large pipes so the six Thieves can battle the Armored Shadow. Before the fighting begins, Futaba summons Necronomicon and gets inside.

Futaba/Oracle: This guy looks like he can take some abuse and dish it out just as bad. You're very lucky you have me on your side.

As she says this, Futaba has Necronomicon use Heat Riser to boost her five allies' attack, defense, and agility.

Futaba/Oracle: Remember, it doesn't last long so we'd better make this quick!

Remus/Tricky: Quick is my middle name!

Just then, the Armored Shadow turns on his jet boots and comes bolting towards the six Phantom Thieves, who dodge out of the way just in time.

Toshiro/Patriot: It's apparently that guy's middle name too.

Minato/Lion: Let's see if he's fast enough to avoid this! Tarzan!

Minato summons Tarzan and he has the Persona use Assault Dive, only for the Armored Shadow to block the attack and send Tarzan flying with a sturdy punch.

Minato/Lion: Damn it!

Futaba/Oracle: Even with boosted attack power, Shadow is one tough nut to crack.

Makoto/Queen: We've gotta try to attack him all at once! Johanna!

Minato/Lion: Tarzan, come!

Toshiro/Patriot: Ernesto, let's go!

Sojiro/Chief: It's time, Cyrus!

Remus/Tricky: Merlin!

When the five Personas reveal themselves, Johanna uses Freidyne, Tarzan uses Terraga, Ernesto uses Baywell 45 MkII, Cyrus uses Kouga, and Merlin uses Psio. The five attacks hit the Armored Shadow at full blast, surrounding him in a wall of smoke.

Sojiro/Chief: Did we do it?

Both the Phantom Thieves and Non-Thieves of the group wait with baited breath for the smoke to clear. To their shock, once the smoke cleared, the Armored Shadow is still standing.

Remus/Tricky: No way!

Minato/Lion: What's with this guy?!

Armored Shadow: My…turn…

The Armored Shadow strikes a pose, causing small compartments in his armor to open up, revealing a series of guns that start to shoot rapid fire shots all over the room. The Non-Thieves brace themselves as they continue to hide behind the pipes. A few bullets hit Necronomicon, and inside we see Futaba getting rocked thanks to the series of impacts. Minato, meanwhile, has Tarzan set up a rock wall to protect him from the bullets.

Minato/Lion: Over here, guys.

Toshiro, Makoto, Remus, and Sojiro run behind Tarzan's rock wall with Minato, protecting themselves from the bullets. Eventually, the Armored Shadow stops firing and the guns recede back into his armor as the compartments close up.

Sojiro/Chief: Is everyone alright?

Wakaba: No one's dead over here, Sojiro.

Futaba/Oracle: Yeah, I'm good.

Minato/Lion: So we're all present and accounted for? Good. Because I'm ready to get back to fighting!

Minato has Tarzan toss the rock wall at the Armored Shadow as Group #1's fight with him continues.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Hallway Leading to the Bridge)

Ren and his group of Phantom Thieves are running down the hallway where a golden door lies at the end of it. But before they get there, they're accosted by a group of Steampunk Shadows, among them the Shadows from the bridge.

Steampunk Shadow #10: Stop right there!

The Steampunk Shadows draw their weapons as the likes of Ren, Kas, Sumire, Kimiko, Sputnik, Akechi, and Sophia get between them and the Non-Thieves of their group.

Kas/Crash: Back off!

Kimiko/Angel: I think it's time we introduce these guys to our Healing Shots!

Ren/Joker: My thoughts exactly, Kimiko!

Steampunk Shadow #10: Men, attack!

The Steampunk Shadows fire their guns at the group of heroes causing Kas to summon Pentesilea so she can set up a rock wall to block the bullets. Once the storm of bulletfire ended, the rock shield disappears and Pentesilea with it.

Kas/Crash: Our turn! Other Mother, do the honors!

On Kas' command, Sumire loads a Healing Shot into her rifle and she fires it at one of the Shadows, instantly vaporizing him and scarring the other Shadows. The Steampunk Shadows look at the seven Phantom Thieves with fear in their eyes, watching as the seven of them load their ranged weapons with Healing Shots.

Sputnik/Jinx: (Whilst holding a bomb with a picture of a Kiyoi Flower on it) Plenty more where that came from.

From there we get a brief montage of the seven Phantom Thieves utterly decimating the Steampunk Shadows with their Healing Shots. Ren, Sumire, and Kas are shooting golden bullets at some of the Shadows. Kimiko is shooting gold tipped arrows at the Shadows she's facing. Sputnik is throwing gold colored bombs with pictures of the Kiyoi Flower on them, destroying her Shadows in a plume of golden fire. And the laser blasts from Akechi and Sophia's blasters are all gold colored as they tear through their Shadows with ease.

Eventually, only a few Steampunk Shadows are left and they are cowering in fear.

Sputnik/Jinx: I think we should save some of our Healing Shots for Kasumi. Instead, I'd like to lead us all in an All-Out Attack to clean up the riff-raff!

Akechi/Crow: I like the way you think, Jinx!

Sputnik/Jinx: Let's do it!

On Sputnik's mark, she leads the likes of Ren, Akechi, Kimiko, Sophia, Sumire, and Kas in an All-Out Attack of her own. When the animation ends, Sputnik lands on her feet and does a spin before jumping up and giving the 'Victory' sign with both of her paws as a caption reads 'That's All, Folks!'

With all of the Shadows defeated, nothing was stopping Ren and his merry band of Phantom Thieves from breaking into the airship's bridge now.

Kas/Crash: Alright, gang, let's go kick some ass!

Kas breaks into a full sprint towards the golden door and with a roar, she jumps and tries to kick the door down…only for her to not make a dent in the door and the vibrations from her kick get sent all throughout her body.

Kas/Crash: Urk, someone else open it.

As Kas gets her bearings straight, Sumire steps up and summons her Persona.

Sumire/Violet: Cendrillon!

When Cendrillon gets summoned, Sumire has her use Vorpal Blade to cut to the door down, allowing her and the rest of the group to rush in. When she heard the door get busted down, Falldown Kasumi turns to face the heroes, a rather unamused look on her face. When Ichiro saw his friends rush into the bridge, a glimmer of hope shined in his eyes.

Kas/Crash: Evil Mother, there you are!

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Well it took you all long enough to get here.

Ichiro: Guys!

Sumire/Violet: (Sees Ichiro in his glass case) Ichiro!

Kas/Crash: Hang on, Other Father, we'll save you!

Kas rushes to the glass case, but she's stopped in her tracks when Falldown Kasumi takes out her rifle and shoots it at the floor in front of Kas.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Not so fast! With you all here, Ichiro has served his purpose. I have no need for him anymore.

Takeishi: What are you talking about, freak?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: I'm talking about this!

Falldown Kasumi snaps her fingers and, the floor in the glass case beneath Ichiro opens up revealing a trap door that leads to the outside. Immediately Ichiro is sent free falling back towards the Woodlands of Denial, screaming his lungs out all the while.

Ichiro: AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Sumire/Violet & Kas/Crash: NO!

With that, Kimiko springs into action!

Kimiko/Angel: MARY!

Kimiko summons her Persona of Mary Magdalene and she has her use Kouha to break the glass case. With the glass broken, Kimiko runs towards the open trap door with the intention of jumping through it to try and save Ichiro.

Ren/Joker: Kimiko, wait!

Kimiko/Angel: Don't worry about me, I got this! You all just worry about that Evil Sumire, or Kasumi, or whoever she is!

Without saying another word, Kimiko jumps through the trap door and opens up her wing pack, hoping to catch up to Ichiro before he hits the ground.

Back in the bridge, Ryuta, along with Akihiro, Ichiko, Takeishi, Kaoru, Eiko, and Eri find a safe place to hide so that they don't get caught up in the fight between Falldown Kasumi and their six Phantom Thief allies.

Sputnik/Jinx: Alone at last!

Sumire/Violet: So, evil counterpart. You want to lead this dance or do you want us to start?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: I'd love to. Maleficent!

Falldown Kasumi summons her Persona of Maleficent and she immediately fires a Maeigaon at the six Phantom Thieves, who dodge out of the way.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: I've waited so long for this moment, and I'm going to cherish every bit of it!

Kas/Crash: Bring it!

The six Phantom Thieves charge towards Falldown Kasumi and Maleficent, their battle getting underway.


(Woodlands of Denial - Skies Above the New Metaverse)

We cut to Kimiko, who, with her wingpack open, is seen flying down towards the freefalling Ichiro. The two of them are falling fast, but thanks to her wings Kimiko is able to gain some speed and eventually catch up to Kimiko.

Ichiro: Kimiko!

Kimiko/Angel: Ichiro, take my hand!

As Kimiko flies closer to Ichiro, she holds out her hand so she can save him. Ichiro reaches for Kimiko's hand and tries to grab it. He misses a couple of times, but by the fourth attempt he manages to grab onto Kimiko's hand good and tight.

Kimiko/Angel: Good, now hang on! We're going back up there!

Using all of her strength to keep her grip on Ichiro, Kimiko begins to fly herself and him back up to Falldown Kasumi's airship.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Engine Room)

The battle between Makoto, Toshiro, Sojiro, Futaba, Minato, Remus and the Armored Shadow is raging on.

The Armored Shadow throws some punches at Makoto who tries to block them with her tekko…but she ends up getting hit so hard that she goes flying into the wall. The Non-Thieves of the group wince as they saw Makoto hit the wall hard.

Sae: Makoto, are you alright?!

Makoto/Queen: (Gets up in pain, but ready to fight some more) Just peachy!

Minato/Lion: Tarzan!

Minato summons Tarzan and he has him use Terraga on the Armored Shadow. The spike boulders hit the Armored Shadow, but they don't do any damage. Instead, the Armored Shadow grabs one of the boulders and throws it at Minato. The boulder is about to hit Minato, but Sojiro summons Cyrus and he has him cut the spiked boulder with his sword, saving Minato.

From there, Cyrus fires a Kouga at the Armored Shadow, but he dodges and fires a steampunk themed missile from his wrist, which Minato and Sojiro quickly dodge.

Remus/Tricky: Merlin!

Remus summons Merlin and he has him use Psiodyne on the Armored Shadow. The attack seems to have stunned the Armored Shadow a bit, and Toshiro decided to use this opportunity to try and hit him with his spears. Unfortunately, before Toshiro could lay a finger on the Armored Shadow, he back hands Toshiro hard, sending him back a few feet. Futaba saw this and had Necronomicon use Mediarama to heal any wounds Toshiro might have sustained.

As Toshiro gets up on his feet, Makoto, Remus, Minato, and Sojiro walk over to him.

Toshiro/Patriot: Nothing is working. We're hitting this big brute with everything we've got.

Makoto/Queen: I know. But there's gotta be a way to defeat him, I just know it.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Deck)

At long last, Kimiko and Ichiro make it back on the main deck of the airship. Upon making it back to the airship, Kimiko puts Ichiro down as she lands and closes up her wingpack, rubbing her arms the whole time.

Ichiro: We finally made it back. Thank you, Kim.

Kimiko/Angel: No problem. My arms are going to be very sore come morning though. I'm just glad I was able to save you.

Ichiro: So what's the plan now?

Kimiko/Angel: Well, I'm going back to the bridge to rejoin the fight against Falldown Kasumi. You just find a safe place to hide and we'll come get you when it's all over.

Ichiro: There must be something I can do to help you.

Kimiko/Angel: I'm afraid without a Persona, there's not much you can do.

Ichiro: I've never been one to back down from a challenge. Please, Kimiko, let me help you.

Kimiko/Angel: (Sigh) Stubborn, just like the Ichiro from my universe. Alright, but don't do anything too reckless, you hear?

Ichiro: Thank you, Kim.

Kimiko and Ichiro run towards the bridge to join the fight against Falldown Kasumi.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Bridge)

Ren/Joker: Go, Matador!

Ren summons Matador and he quickly comes at Falldown Kasumi and Maleficent.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Hmph, is that it?

Falldown Kasumi snaps her fingers and Maleficent gets in between her master and Matador. As Matador swings his sword, Maleficent blocks the attacks with her staff.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Really? Is this the extent of the great Phantom Thieves of Hearts' power?

Suddenly, Sputnik comes out of nowhere and kicks Falldown Kasumi in the face with her big rabbit feet, knocking the Falldown Thief to the ground.

Sputnik/Jinx: (Lands on her feet and takes out her bat) Made you look!

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Jumps up; angry) You pesky little hare! (Takes out her rapier) This'll teach you!

Falldown Kasumi swings her rapier, but Akechi jumps in and blocks the attack with his Lumina Saber, saving the rabbit Poppet.

Akechi/Crow: Your treachery stops here, Kasumi! (Jumps back) Robin Hood!

Sputnik/Jinx: Mulan!

When Robin Hood and Mulan get summoned, they use Kouga and Florala. The two attacks come at Falldown Kasumi, but she cartwheels out of the way before firing her rifle at the two Phantom Thieves. Akechi grabs Sputnik and dives out of the way to avoid getting hit by the bullets. Akechi and Sputnik get back up, ready to fight some more. Falldown Kasumi is ready to engage the two Thieves in combat when two others appear behind her; Sumire and Kas.

Sumire/Violet & Kas/Crash: Hey, remember us?!

Falldown Kasumi turns around to see the two female thieves behind her. Realizing she's surrounded, Falldown Kasumi smirks and takes out her two rapiers.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Okay, let's make this interesting!

Sumire, Kas, Akechi, and Sputnik all charge at Falldown Kasumi, who expertly blocks all of their attacks with her rapiers.

Meanwhile, Maleficent is still battling Matador and she defeats Ren's Persona by using Mudoon.

Ren/Joker: (Gasps) No!

Maleficent is about to hit Ren with the same attack when Sophia whacks the evil Persona with her yo-yo.

Sophia/Sophie: Don't forget about me! Pandora!

Sophia summons Pandora and she immediately has the Persona use a Kougaon on Maleficent. The evil Persona retaliates by firing a Maeigaon from her scepter. Maleficent and Pandora enter a beam struggle, and it looks like Maleficent is winning.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (As she's fighting with Akechi, Sputnik, Sumire, and Kas) Give up, android! My Maleficent isn't one to back down so easily!

Ren/Joker: You look like you need some help, Sophie. Let's give her a hand, Tsukuyomi!

When Ren summons Tsukuyomi, he has the Persona use Drain Curse to absorb the power from Maleficent's Maeigaon. The attack works and Pandora is able to hit Maleficent with her Kougaon, sending her to the floor!

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Maleficent!

Kas/Crash: Argh, you're going down, evil mama!

As she says this, Kas runs at full speed towards Falldown Kasumi before jumping in the air, ready to throw a punch at the Falldown Thief. Before the punch could connect though, Falldown Kasumi leaps in the air, landing next to her unconscious Persona.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Impressive, you actually managed to get the better of my Persona. It's clear the power you all possess is true. Unfortunately for you, I have my own tricks up my sleeve.

The Non-Thieves come out of hiding to see what was going on.

Akihiro: What are you yapping about now, you purple psychopath?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Unlike you lot, I, as well as the other Falldown Thieves, have bonded with our Personas to the point where we can become one entity!

Eiko: One entity?

Eri: You and your Persona?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Confused? Well, don't worry, let me clear things up for you. Maleficent, give me your power!

Falldown Kasumi puts her hand on Maleficent's face, and when she does she starts groaning in pain as Maleficent starts to disappear and a dark aura overcomes Falldown Kasumi. The heroes watch this site unfold, curious and afraid about what would happen next.

Kas/Crash: What the heck is she doing?

Ren/Joker: I think she's…absorbing Maleficent!

The heroes gasp at this revelation before looking back over at Falldown Kasumi who just finished absorbing Maleficent into herself. With the dark aura surrounding Falldown Kasumi having grown even more powerful, the Falldown Thief looks at our heroes with an evil smile.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Now you'll see the true power…OF A FALLDOWN THIEF!

With a roar, the dark aura surrounding Falldown Kasumi erupts as her appearance begins to change. Having successfully merged with her persona, Falldown Kasumi is now wearing a black and purple armored leotard, a purple cape, purple gloves, black boots, Maleficent's black jeweled butterfly mask, a helmet with Maleficent's black horns on them, and she's now holding Maleficent's scepter in one hand and her rapier in the other. Falldown Kasumi has become an entity known as Maleficent-Violet.

Akechi/Crow: Is that Kasumi?!

Maleficent-Violet: Crow, you are correct! By absorbing Maleficent, I have become more powerful than either of us, myself included, thought possible! And it is with this power that I shall destroy you all!

Sputnik/Jinx: (Looks at Ren) Talk to us, Joker, what's the plan?

Ren/Joker: I-I'm not sure. I've never seen anything like this before.

Kas/Crash: At least it's just one target we're after instead of two. If anything I'd say that by merging with her Persona, she just made our job worlds easier.

Maleficent-Violet: That's what you think. (Raises her scepter) Perhaps you need a first hand example of the power that I now have!

Maleficent-Violet waves her scepter a few times before firing purple bolts of lighting from it. The Non-Thieves go back to hiding as the six Phantom Thieves narrowly avoid getting hit by the attack.

Maleficent-Violet: (Lowers her scepter) And there's plenty more where that came from.

Kas/Crash: Yeah nice light show, lady, but I'd like to skip to the part where we change your heart. (Gets into fighting stance)

Sumire/Violet: (Stands by Kas' side along with Ren, Akechi, Sputnik, and Sophia) We're with you, Crash!

Maleficent-Violet: Ugh, give me a break. All of this friendship crap is making me sick to my stomach. If you ask me, I think you all need to chill out!

By waving her scepter, she creates a barrage of ice balls, and by pointing her sword at the six Phantom Thieves, they go flying at them. Kas and Sumire quickly dodge out of the way of the ice balls, but Ren, Sputnik, Akechi, and Sophia weren't so lucky as the four of them got hit and turned into ice statues. Seeing the four Thieves get turned into ice shocks Sumire, Kas, and the Non-Thieves of this group.

Ryuta: Oh this is bad!

Maleficent-Violet: (Approaches Kas and Sumire with more ice balls) I'll admit you Phantom Thieves gave it a valiant effort, but stopping me wasn't meant to be. Now…perish!

Maleificent-Violet is about to hurl the ice balls at Kas and Sumire when, suddenly, a barrage of arrows whizz by, hitting and destroying every single one of Maleficent-Violet's ice balls.

Maleficent-Violet: What?!

The Falldown Thief looks at the direction the arrows came from to find Kimiko standing there with Ichiro right next to her.

Kimiko/Angel: Looks like I got back just in time!

Kas/Crash: Damn right you did!

Kimiko, Ichiro, Sumire, and Kas then turn their attention towards Maleficent-Violet.

Ichiro: Is that that evil Sumire?

Maleficent-Violet: Do you like my new getup, Ichiro? I only wear it for very special occasions. You know, weddings, armageddons, and in this case, your death!

Kimiko/Angel: Yeah, real nice outfit there…(Loads a Healing Shot onto her bow)...But I think it's time for you to change!

She fires a Healing Shot/Arrow at Maleficent-Violet, but she just dodges and cuts it with her rapier. In response, Kimiko fires a few more Healing Shots, but they all either got blocked, dodged, or destroyed by the Falldown Thief.

Kimiko/Angel: Crap, I'm all out of Healing Shots!

Sumire/Violet: And the ones that Ren, Sputnik, Sophia, and Akechi have are on the rocks.

Kas/Crash: I guess it's up to you and me then to change this bitch's heart then, Other Mother.

Sumire/Violet: Looks that way.

Maleficent-Violet: Not if I have anything to say about it!

Maleficent-Violet raises her scepter, ready to strike the two women with another volley of dark lightning, but before the Falldown Thief could fire, Ichiro runs out and gets in between her and Sumire and Kas.

Maleficent-Violet: Ichiro, what do you think you're doing?

Ichiro: I'm not going to let you lay a finger on them, or any of my other friends for that matter! I've had it with you, Sumire, and I'm going to put a stop to your shenanigans here and now!

Maleficent-Violet: I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT! (Whacks Ichiro in the face with her scepter sending him to the floor)

Sumire/Violet: Ichiro!

Sumire, Kas, and Kimiko were about to rush in and stop Maleficent-Violet, but by waving her scepter again, she summons some dark chains which wrap the three girls up, stopping them in her tracks.

Maleficent-Violet: Patience, please. I'll get to you three as soon as I'm done with Ichiro over here.

Ichiro: (Gets up on his feet) We're all promised one thing the day we're thrust into this world; sooner or later we eventually die. I'd like to die knowing that I went down protecting my friends, my universe's version of Sumire especially.

Maleficent-Violet: Why do you care so much about that stupid girl? There's a million others just like her.

Ichiro just glances over at Sumire before smiling.

Ichiro: My Sumire is one in a million. I'd do anything for her, even if it comes at the cost of my own life.

Sumire/Violet: Ichiro…

Ichiro: (Overhears Sumire) It's true. Sumire, we've been best friends for a long time, and gymnastics rivals for an even longer time. In the times that we've spent together I feel as though I've gotten to know every little part of you. And if we make it out of this alive, I would be honored if you took a chance with me, and upgrade our friendship into something more.

Hearing Ichiro's words makes Sumire blush. Now she knows how he really feels about her. Hearing these words makes Kas smile and nod.

Maleficent-Violet: Touching last words, Ichiro. No doubt they meant something to her, but to me that's all they are, just words. (Holds out her scepter which is starting to glow) Now, boy, prepare yourself!

As Maleficent-Violet begins to charge up her attack, the Non-Thieves, Kimiko, Sumire, and Kas can only watch as Ichiro stares death in the face.

Sumire/Violet: (With tears streaming down her face) ICHIRO!

Hearing Sumire scream his name seemed to trigger something inside of Ichiro as before he knows his, he gets a splitting headache that brings forth a pain worse than anything he's endured before.

Ichiro: Wha-What's happening to me?!

In the middle of his headache, Ichiro uses all of his strength to swat the scepter out of Maleficent-Violet's hands before pushing her to the floor. After pushing the Falldown Thief away from him, Ichiro's headache gets worse as he falls to his knees.

Maleficent-Violet: (Annoyed, realizing what this means) Oh you've got to me joking.

Sumire/Violet: Ichiro…is this!

Kas/Crash: He's awakening to his Persona!


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Engine Room)

Makoto, Remus, Sojiro, Toshiro, Minato, and Futaba are still battling the Armored Shadow as said Shadow has Remus in his grasp. The Armored Shadow throws Remus towards the other Phantom Thieves, who had an assortment of cuts and bruises on them. Futaba still remains inside of Necronomicon, unable to do anything more to assist in the fight beyond healing and boosting stats.

Riku: Guys, I'm not one to suggest giving up, but we're fighting a losing battle here.

Kana: Riku is right! We need to think about ourselves and surrender.

Makoto/Queen: No, there's gotta be some way we can defeat this thing! But how?

Makoto begins looking all around the engine room, hoping for a miracle. That's when she looks up towards the ceiling where she sees a two pistons colliding with one another. Suddenly, she gets an idea.

Makoto/Queen: That's it! Johanna!

Makoto summons Johanna and immediately mounts the bike Persona before speeding off, whizzing past the Armored Shadow in the process.

Makoto/Queen: Catch me if you can!

Armored Shadow: Must…destroy…Thief!

The Armored Shadow turns on his rocket boots and immediately gives chase to Makoto. The Armored Shadow chases the Phantom Thief all around the Engine Room. The longer the chase goes on, the faster Makoto goes. Her allies just watch as Makoto whizzes across the engine room as the Armored Shadow tries his hardest to keep up with her.

Toshiro/Patriot: What is Makoto's plan here?

Sae: I know my sister. She wouldn't be doing all of this if she didn't already have a brilliant plan in the works.

The case between Makoto and the Armored Shadow continues. Eventually, Makoto has Johanna gain enough speed for her to start driving on the walls of the engine room. The Armored Shadow chases Makoto up the wall until they both reach the ceiling. It turns out that Makoto has gained enough speed that when she ran out of wall, she's able to drive on the ceiling towards the two Pistons.

Makoto/Queen: I hope my timing is right!

Makoto watches as the Pistons pull apart from one another and she smiles as she zooms past them. The Armored Shadow meanwhile is still chasing Makoto and doesn't realize what's about to happen until it was too late. The Armored Shadow flies between the pistons right when they're about to collide. The Shadow's eyes widened in horror before…

CRUSH!

The two pistons crush and destroy the Armored Shadow once and for all. When Makoto's allies see this, they all let out a cheer, happy that their 'unbeatable enemy' has finally been defeated. Makoto rejoins her friends as Johanna comes to a skidding halt. Makoto dismounts Johanna, causing the bike Persona to disappear, before walking over to the rest of her friends. Futaba even disembarks from the Necronomicon to congratulate her friend.

Sojiro/Chief: Hoo boy, Makoto! I think my heart skipped a beat just by watching you outrun that Shadow.

Yutaka: That was totally awesome, Other Makoto!

Minato/Lion: Grade A work!

Makoto/Queen: Thank you all, really. But now, onto more important things.

Makoto turns around to look at the seal in its glass case. With the Armored Shadow defeated, she knows what she must do now. Makoto walks up to the glass case, looks upon the seal inside, takes out her tekko and punches the case, breaking it in one shot.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Bridge)

As all of that was going on, we cut back to the Bridge where we see Ichiro screaming in pain as he experiences what he can only describe as the worst headache he has ever had. Maleficent-Violet, Kas, Sumire, Kimiko, and the Non-Thieves of the group can only watch as Ichiro awakens to his Persona, Simo, who begins talking to him.

Simo: And so I awaken to you, you who have not seen a battle as grand as this in his lifetime. But for the sake of your true love, you're willing to lay it all on the line to ensure her safety and happiness. If she really does mean that much to you, boy, then listen to these words…I am thou, thou art I…These words are a binding contract. If you give me your all, then I will gladly give you mine, so we can purge this evil and ensure her happiness once and for all!

Once Simo is done talking, a copper colored hawk eye mask appears on Ichiro's face. With a loud grunt, Ichiro rips the mask off his face causing blood to fly from his face and blue flames to envelop him as his appearance changes.

Ichiro's Phantom Thief attire consists of a copper colored hawk eye mask, a black and copper armored bodysuit, and black boots. He also has a dark brown belt around his waist with a copper Phantom Thief logo as the buckle. He's also wearing a dark brown hooded cloak. His ranged weapon is a sniper rifle while his melee weapon is a meteor hammer,

As for the Persona of Simo, he is wearing a long brown jacket with black pants and brown boots. He has a white hood over his head and the left half of his face has his skeleton showing and a red eye. The right half of Simo's face has yellow skin and a blue eye and half of a silver mask that looks like a hawk's wing. Finally, Simo is carrying a large black sniper rifle.

Kimiko/Angel: Wowie!

Sumire/Violet: Ichiro…

Kas/Crash: Other Father, you look totally awesome!

Ryuta: (Amazed as is the other Non-Thieves of the group) Well I'll be.

Maleficent-Violet: Pfft! Don't get cocky just because you got a new get up and a Persona of your own. I'll still crush you like I did the Ichiro from my universe!

Ichiro: Falldown Kasumi…no…Sumire, the time has come for your heart to be changed! You've caused too much damage here already, and it's up to me and my friends to put a stop to it!

Maleficent-Violet: Shut up!

Maleficent-Violet shoots out three dark fireballs from her scepter at Ichiro, who leaps up high in the air to dodge them. While in the air, Ichiro takes out his sniper rifle out and aims it at the locks on Sumire, Kas, and Kimiko's chains. He manages to free the three girls, and they're able to join Ichiro in the fight.

Ichiro: R for Reload! (Reloads his sniper rifle)

Kas/Crash: Thanks Other Father.

Ichiro: (Nods) You girls ready to kickstart the fall of the first Falldown Thief?

Sumire/Kas/Kimiko: Yeah!

Maleficent-Violet: (Smirks) Good luck!

(BGM: 'A Stranger I Remain' from Metal Gear Rising)

Maleficent-Violet charges forward, ready to swing with her sword, but she is blocked by Sumire and her rapier. Sumire pushes her evil counterpart back so Ichiro can whack her with his meteor hammer.

Maleficent-Violet: Damn you!

Maleficent-Violet fires a bolt of lightning from her scepter at Ichiro who dodges out of the way and immediately counters by firing a round from his sniper rifle. The bullet hits Maleficent-Violet in one of the horns of her helmet, causing said horn to break off. Angry, Maleficent-Violet picks up the broken horn and throws it at Ichiro. Fortunately, Kas gets between the horn and Ichiro and she blocks it with her gloves.

Kas/Crash: Penthesilea!

When Penthesilea gets summoned, Kas has her Persona use Giant Slice on Maleficent-Violet. Unfortunately, the Falldown Thief starts to glow a light purple hue as her rapier grows in size and successfully blocks Penthesilea's attack before swinging her own sword down on her and Kas. That's when Penthesilea blocks Maleficent-Violet's attack with her own shield.

Kas/Crash: A little help here, please?!

Ichiro: (Looks at Kimiko) Let's team up!

Kimiko/Angel: Got it!

Ichiro: Simo, do your thing!

Kimiko/Angel: You too, Mary!

When the two of them summon their Personas, Ichiro has Simo use One Shot Kill while Kimiko has Mary Magdalene use Kougaon. The two attacks hit Maleficent-Violet's rapier, breaking it, causing the Falldown Thief to look at the broken sword in horror.

Maleficent-Violet: Bastards! You broke it!

Kimiko/Angel: (Snarkily) Yeah, yeah, send me the bill, lady!

Maleficent-Violet: That does it! Time to die!

Maleficent-Violet waves her scepter sending a strong gust of wind towards Kimiko that sends her flying into the wall knocking her unconscious, leaving Ichiro, Sumire, and Kas as the only capable fighters. The three Thieves stare at Maleficent-Violet, who is ready to end this fight.

Kas/Crash: You two may be my parents where I come from, but regardless, let's make this ass whooping a family affair!

Ichiro: Hell yeah!

Sumire/Violet: Let's do it!

Ichiro: You girls distract her so I can get a good shot at that scepter of hers, then we'll go in for the kill.

Kas/Crash: Alright.

Sumire/Violet: Ready, Crash?

Kas/Crash: Ready, Violet!

Maleficent-Violet: This ends now!

Maleficent-Violet fires a mixture of fireballs and lightning bolts from her scepter that Ichiro, Sumire, and Kas manage to avoid. As Kas and Sumire charge forward, Ichiro takes cover behind a desk and prepares to take his shot. As Ichiro readies his sniper rifle, Kas and Sumire were running circles around Maleficent-Violet, the two girls putting their gymnastics skills to work. Every attack Maleficent-Violet would fire, Kas and Sumire would quickly dodge.

Maleficent-Violet: Hold still and face your death with whatever dignity you bitches have left! (Fire some ice balls at Kas)

Kas/Crash: Fat chance! (Dodges ice balls) We're not going to let you, Hoshigami, or the rest of your Falldown Thief buddies get the better of us!

Maleficent-Violet fires some fireballs at Sumire.

Sumire/Violet: (Leaps over fire balls) When the dust settles, your heart will be changed and Hoshigami will be one flunky and one seal in the hole! (Maleficent-Violet fires some lightning at Kas and Sumire which they both avoid) It's over, Falldown Kasumi! Cendrillon!

Sumire summons Cendrillon and she has her use Kougaon on Maleficent-Violet, which she barely manages to avoid. But before Maleficent-Violet could retaliate, Kas appears behind her and restrains her in a Standing Full Nelson Hold.

Maleficent-Violet: Argh! Let go of me!

Kas/Crash: Other Father, now!

Ichiro: You got it!

Ichiro quickie aims with his sniper rifle and fires a shot right at the crystal ball on Maleficent-Violet's scepter, breaking it in one shot.

Maleficent-Violet: No! Damn it!

Maleficent-Violet breaks out of Kas wrestling hold by stomping on her foot and pushing her away. Almost immediately, Ichiro decides to lend a hand in restraining the Falldown Thief.

Ichiro: Simo!

Ichiro summons Simo once more and the Persona fires Dream Needle from his sniper rifle, the attack hitting Maleficent-Violet, causing her movements to become sluggish.

Maleficent-Violet: No…it can't…end like this!

Sumire/Violet: (Loads a Healing Shot in her rifle) It can and it will!

Ichiro: Violet, now!

(End BGM)

Sumire pulls the trigger on her rifle, sending the Healing Shot flying into through Maleficent-Violet's chest. With a yell, a golden aura envelops Sumire as the Healing Shot causes her heart to change from the inside out. When the golden aura disappears, Maleficent-Violet turns back into Falldown Kasumi as she falls onto the floor unconscious. A dark glowing orb is seen hovering above Falldown Kasumi, and inside we see the Persona of Maleficent.

With Falldown Kasumi subdued and her heart successfully changed, Ren, Sophia, Sputnik, and Akechi thaw out, the two human Thieves and one rabbit Poppet shivering from having been turned to ice.

Sputnik: W-What happened? Did we win?

Ichiro: Yes, Sputnik, it's over.

The Non-Thieves come out of hiding around the same time Kimiko regains consciousness, and the group of 15 walk over to the unconscious Falldown Kasumi to see if it really was over. Ren kneels down next to the unconscious Falldown Thief to make sure she wasn't dead. He feels her wrist for a pulse, and he found one.

Ren/Joker: She's okay, just knocked out.

Takeishi: Kick fuckin' ass, we did it!

Kaoru: I wouldn't celebrate too soon, Mr. Happy. Look over there.

Kaoru points at the orb containing the Maleficent.

Ichiko: What the hell is that?

Akechi/Crow: It's gotta be Falldown Kasumi's Persona.

Before the 15 can do anything about the lingering Persona, the orb flies out of the bridge and out of the airship to parts unknown.

Sophia/Sophie: Where do you guys think it's going?

Eri: Who cares? Hopefully we never see it again.

Just then, alarms start blaring throughout the airship as they hear the sound of the machinery powering down.

Ryuta: What's going on?

Ren/Joker: If I had to guess, I'd say that Makoto and her group was successful in nabbing the seal powering this whole airship.

Akihiro: And now we need to get out of here before this ship goes down with all of us on it?

Ren/Joker: More or less.

Ichiro walks over to Falldown Kasumi and scoops her up in his arms.

Takeishi: Are we seriously taking her with us?

Ren/Joker: Our mission was to change her heart, Takeishi, not kill her or leave her for dead. We have to take her with us.

Takeishi: Fine, let's just get out of here!

Ren's group, with the changed Falldown Kasumi in tow, leave the bridge and hurry back to the main deck of the airship.


(Falldown Kasumi's Airship - Deck)

On deck we see the remaining Steampunk Shadows running around in a panic as they either look for a way to escape or find a place to hide and ride out the inevitable crash.

Ren's group emerge from the doorway leading to the bridge to see Makoto's group arriving on deck. Furthermore, he sees Makoto in possession of the first seal.

Ren/Joker: Queen over here!

Makoto and her group look to see Ren and his group approaching them.

Ren/Joker: I see you guys managed to grab the seal, great work!

Makoto/Queen: (Looks to see Ichiro holding Falldown Kasumi) Thanks. And I take it you not only changed Falldown Kasumi's heart but also got Ichiro to awaken to his Persona.

Futaba/Oracle: We got another Phantom Thief on our side, awesome!

Ichiro: Let's save the celebrations for later. Right now we need to get off of this second rate Hindenburg.

Remus/Tricky: One quick and easy escape.

Sputnik/Jinx: Coming right up!

Remus and Sputnik turn back into their aircraft forms as the other Phantom Thieves hop on board. With the other Phantom Thieves, the reformed Falldown Kasumi, and the first seal safe and secure, Remus and Sputnik take off as they escape from the falling Airship.

As they fly away, our heroes just watch as the airship crashes into a nearby lake where it sank all the way to the bottom, never to be seen again.

Sae: That's the end of that.

Ren/Joker: Find us a safe place to land, you two.

Sputnik/Jinx & Remus/Tricky: Yup!

Sputnik and Remus begin to make their descent on a grassy field area.


(Woodlands of Denial - Grassy Field)

Remus and Sputnik land on the grassy field, allowing the 27 humans to disembark. Once their aircraft forms were all empty, Remus and Sputnik turned back into their Poppet forms.

Riku: I don't know about you guys, but I'm all steampunk'd out.

Mai: I hear you bro, I hear you.

The group suddenly hears Falldown Kasumi mumbling.

Takeishi: How's our little P.O.W doing?

Ichiro: I think she's waking up.

Falldown Kasumi opens her eyes to see the faces of her good counterpart and her allies surrounding her. But instead of getting angry like she normally would…Falldown Kasumi begins to softly cry.

Minato/Lion: Hey, what's wrong?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Sobs) You should've left me on that airship to die.

Makoto/Queen: Leaving people for dead isn't the Phantom Thieves' style. That includes villains.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: But I've done such horrible things. I've killed my world's version of both Takuto Maruki and Ichiro Tanaka. It felt like the right things to do in the moment…but now I wish I can take it all back. (Looks at Ichiro) You were right, you know. Wherever my sister is now, she must be incredibly disappointed in me. I was angry and I let my emotions control me and darken my once good heart.

Ichiro: Kasumi…

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: No, please. Call me the name that I should've been going by this whole time; Sumire. I don't, nor do I ever, deserve to be called by my sister's name.

As Falldown Kasumi continues to cry, our heroes look at her with sorrow and pity.

Ren/Joker: We understand your guilt, and you have a right to be upset, but we must remember to never let grief consume us. Especially since we gave you a second chance to do the right thing.

Falldown Kasumi wipes the tears from her eyes before looking over at Ren.

Ren/Joker: You can go back to your own world and atone for your crimes, first by apologizing to the families of Maruki and Ichiro. And from there, just take it one step at a time.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: That's exactly what I plan on doing. I'll set right all of the things that I made wrong during my tenure as a Falldown Thief, and whatever punishment awaits me when I go back home…I'll accept it. (She stands up, wipes the last of her tears from her eyes, and smiles) Thank you, Phantom Thieves, for saving me from what I've become.

The Phantom Thieves all nod at her before a mysterious portal opens up behind them. They all look to see that the portal leads to what looks like Tokyo.

Mai: What's that?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Walks up to the portal and looks through it) That's my universe.

Remus/Tricky: Philemon must've sensed that we changed Falldown Kasumi's heart, so he opened up a portal back to her world so she can go home.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Nods at Remus to confirm that he's correct) Well, Phantom Thieves, this is where we part ways.

Sumire/Violet: Will we ever see you again?

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: That's not for me to decide, but if we are destined to meet again, then so be it.

Sumire/Violet: (Smiles) Yeah.

Sumire and Falldown Kasumi shake hands and hug before backing away from each other. Falldown Kasumi looks over at Ichiro before looking back at Sumire.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: You've got yourself a good man by your side. Make sure you tell him how much you appreciate him.

Sumire/Violet: I will.

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: Farewell Phantom Thieves of Hearts. And, please, when you run into the rest of my Falldown Thief allies, change their hearts too. Like me, they were overcome by anger and corrupted by dark thoughts. They must be saved from what they've become.

Ren/Joker: We intend to!

Falldown Kasumi/Violet: (Smiles) Thank you.

With those final two words, Falldown Kasumi turns around and walks through the portal back to her own world. Once she's through, the portal closes.

Kimiko/Angel: You know, even though she tried to kill us, she turned out to be pretty alright.

Minato/Lion: Don't forget she became 'pretty alright' once we changed her heart.

Wakaba: And I'm sure the rest of the Falldown Thieves are 'alright' people once we change their hearts too.

Ren/Joker: (Addresses the whole group) Well, that's one less Falldown Thief for us to deal with, and one fewer number on Hoshigami's side. Good work, everyone!

Sumire/Violet: (Looks at Ichiro) Especially you, Ichiro! Hey, now that you're a Phantom Thief, we've gotta give you a codename.

Kas/Crash: How about 'Hunter'?

Ichiro: That is a very cool codename, I will agree, but to be honest, I really like the name 'Hawk'.

Ichiko: Why Hawk?

Ichiro/Hawk: Hawk's are said to have some of the best eyesight of any bird of prey. And with my sniper rifle and hawk mask, the name just kind of fits.

Sumire/Violet: Hey, if you like it, I like it.

Ichiro/Hawk: Thank you, Sum- I mean, Violet.

Sumire smiles and giggles at her friend using her codename.

Makoto/Queen: Now that we've gotten Ichiro's codename out of the way, it's time for our next order of business.

Makoto holds up the seal that she stole from the airship and gives it to Ichiro.

Ichiro/Hawk: If we destroy this, then the barrier surrounding Hoshigami's Kingdom will weaken somewhat, right?

Takeishi: That's what that flamboyant butterfly masked jerk said, yeah.

Ichiro/Hawk: (Looks at Sumire) Want to make destroying this seal a 'family affair'?

Sumire/Violet: Sure. Kas, come over here.

Kas/Crash: You got it!

Kas walks over to Sumire and Ichiro, and the three of them look at each other before Ichiro tosses the seal up high into the air. While the seal is still airborne, Sumire takes out her antique rifle, Ichiro takes out his sniper rifle, and Kas takes out her sawed-off shotgun, and the three of them aim it at the seal.

Sumire/Violet, Ichiro/Hawk & Kas/Crash: Skidoosh!

The three of them pull the triggers on their weapons and the bullets shatter the seal upon impact. Once the seal is broken however, a ball of light purple light is all that remains. Before any of our heroes know it, the light begins to expand and envelop them. The group of 29 can only shield their eyes as the light completely covers them.


(?)

The group of 29 open their eyes to find that they're not in the New Metaverse anymore. Furthermore, the likes of Ren, Makoto, Kimiko, Minato, Kas, Sumire, Ichiro, Sojiro, Futaba, Toshiro, Sophia, and Akechi are out of their Phantom Thief attire and back in their regular clothes.

The heroes look around before realizing that they're in a very familiar location; Inokashira Park!

Makoto: We're…we're back home?

Sae: I don't know, Makoto. Something about it feels different.

Kimiko: Minato, are we in our Tokyo, Other Father's Tokyo, or Akechi's Tokyo?

Minato: I'm not sure, Kimiko.

Ichiko: Just what the fresh hell is going on here, and why would that freaky light send us here?

Akechi: Maybe we should look around and find some clues.

Eiko: Good idea.

Before the group could spread out, something catches Kana's attention. From across the pond, she could see a young boy, about 12 years of age, walking along a path.

Kana: Hey, guys, who's that?

Everyone looks across the pond to see the young boy that Kana was referring to. Most had to squint their eyes to get a better look at the boy. He had a pair of familiar looking glasses on his face, gray eyes, a full head of dark hair, a pink sweater, beige pants, and dark brown dress shoes.

Sojiro: (Squints his eyes) Hmm…

Futaba: What's up, Sojiro?

Sojiro: I think I know that boy…(Widens his eyes in realization) It's me!

Riku: Whoa, really?!

Sojiro: Yeah…yeah…it's all coming back to me! I know what day this is! Quick, we've got to follow him…me…you know what I'm trying to say!

The group of 29 quickly chase after the younger Sojiro on their side of the pond as the young Sojiro sticks to his side.

Sojiro: The two paths converge up ahead, and I think I know what's waiting for us when we get there.

Ren: (Sees a group of joggers approaching them) Watch out!

The group of 29 stop running, but the joggers keep on running…literally right through our 29 heroes.

Kas: (Watches as the joggers literally run right through them) What's happening now?! Why are they phasing through us? Did we die? Are we ghosts?

Kimiko: It's like they don't even see or hear us!

Sojiro: We'll worry about that later! Now, come on!

Sojiro leads the group as their chase after the Younger Sojiro continues. Eventually they make it to where the two paths converse. The group of 29 seemed to beat the Younger Sojiro there. They look at the edge of the pond to see another 12 year old boy trying to grab a diorama of the solar system that was stuck in the pond.

This 12 year old boy had pale skin, cerulean blue eyes, dark purple hair, a rather scrawny frame, and was wearing an open yellow button up shirt over a blue shirt with a star on it, as well as white shorts and black shoes.

Purple haired boy: (Reaching for the diorama) Come on, Ugetsu, almost got it!

Sputnik: Did he just say his name was Ugetsu? As in Ugetsu Hoshigami?!

Sojiro: Just as I thought! When we broke that seal it transported us into one of Hoshigami's memories, and he used those memories to make and power his seals!

Ren: We're inside of a memory?

Remus: That explains why we can see and hear everyone and everything, but everyone and everything can't see or hear us.

The group goes back to watching the Young Hoshigami as he leans in further to get his diorama. They look at the ground beneath him to see that he's about to slip.

Kimiko: Guys, look! If he's not careful, then he's going to fall in and drown!

The heroes get nervous, but that's when they see Young Sojiro approaching. The 12 year old Sojiro looks to see that Young Hoshigami is about to slip and fall into the pond.

Young Sojiro: You there! Look out!

Too late! By the time Young Sojiro said something, Young Hoshigami began to slip into the lake. Fortunately for him, Young Sojiro rushes over to him, grabs him by the back of his shirt and pulls him to safety before he can fall in. Young Hoshigami falls onto Young Sojiro and the two boys get back up. From there our heroes watch as the two boys begin to have a conversation with one another.

Young Sojiro: You alright?

Young Hoshigami: Yeah, thanks. Although I'd be better if some jerk didn't snatch my solar system diorama out of my hands and throw it into the pond. (Sigh) All that hard work, gone.

Young Sojiro: Yeah, people suck sometimes. And I think I know who did it too.

Young Hoshigami: Huh?

Young Sojiro: You're Ugetsu Hoshigami, right? Yesterday at lunch hour, Katzu Kani knocked your lunch tray to the floor? Was he the one that did this?

Young Hoshigami: That's right!

Young Sojiro: Yeah, I've been a victim of Katzu's bullying once or twice in the past. But it all changed when I socked him right in the eye. I guess he moved on from me and started bullying you. But don't worry, next time I see him I'll be sure to give him two black eyes; one for me and one for you.

Young Hoshigami: Really? You don't have to, you know.

Young Sojiro: Please. I hate it when the meek get constantly picked on. It'll be my pleasure.

Young Hoshigami: Thank you! Uh, can you tell me your name?

Young Sojiro: My name is Sojiro Sakura.

Young Hoshigami: Nice to meet you, Sojiro. (Holds out his hand for Sojiro to shake which he does).

Young Sojiro: Now, let's see if we can find one of the park workers to help get your diorama out from the pond.

Young Hoshigami: Okay.

The two boys leave to go find a park worker as their conversation continues.

Young Sojiro: So, you made your diorama about the solar system, eh?

Young Hoshigami: Yeah. For as long as I can remember, I've always had this fascination with space and the idea of the existence of other world and other lifeforms .

Young Sojiro: You mean like aliens?

Young Hoshigami: Yeah. Do you believe in other lifeforms, Sojiro.

Young Sojiro: Well, yes.

Young Hoshigami: (Excited) Really?! You're not just saying that, are you?

Young Sojiro: No, Ugetsu. Space is a vast, almost unexplored frontier. We are definitely not alone in this universe, Ugetsu, and anyone who says that humans are the only intelligent lifeforms, or that our solar system is the only one in existence is crazy.

Young Hoshigami: (Chuckles happily) I like you, Sojiro. I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship.

Our heroes watch as Young Sojiro and Young Hoshigami walk off, having become friends after a chance encounter.

Futaba: So that was how you and Hoshigami met and became friends, Sojiro.

Sojiro: Yeah. I still remember it clear as day.

Kaoru: Given how your younger selves acted just now, it's hard to believe that you two would ever become enemies.

Sojiro: (Sadly) I know.

Suddenly, another light purple flash envelops our heroes out of nowhere as they are transported out of the memory.


(Woodlands of Denial - Grassy Field)

The light purple light disappears again as the group of 29 find themselves back in the grassy fields of the Woodlands of Denial.

Sojiro: Ugetsu…we're going to save you from what you've become. That's a promise.

Ryuta: Man. It's hard to believe that that lunatic Hoshigami was actually a sweet kid.

Ren: Most of our targets likely weren't evil or malicious to begin with, Ryuta. As they got older, certain circumstances led their hearts to be distorted. That memory of Hoshigami's that we witnessed is proof that he's no different than any of our other targets. We're going to keep finding those Kiyoi Flowers, change the hearts of the rest of the Falldown Thieves, collect and destroy the remaining seals, and then we'll change Hoshigami's heart, putting a stop to his plans and returning him to the kind man he once was.

Makoto: We're with you one hundred percent, Ren.

Ren: (Smiles) Thanks, Makie. I knew you'd have my back.

Suddenly, Ren felt an irritation in his nose as he let out a big sneeze.

Eiko: Eww, cover your mouth if you're going to sneeze like that, Ren.

Ren: (Congested) Sorry. I guess being frozen by Falldown Kasumi gave me a bit of a head cold.

Akechi & Sputnik: (Also congested) Yeah, us too.

Sophia: Thank goodness I'm an android. What you three are going through does not look pleasant in the slightest.

Minato: Nothing a good hearty stew and some bed rest won't fix. A little bit of that and you three should be right as rain.

Yutaka: Yeah, let's set up camp. I'm beat.

Remus/Tricky: Try getting involved in the battle and then talk to me about 'being beat'.

And so the group sets up camp for the night, a solid victory against Falldown Kasumi under their collective belts.


(Woodlands of Denial - Grassy Field - Later That Night)

Later that night, the group of 29 are seen relaxing and conversing over a hearty beef stew that Sojiro, Futaba, Wakaba, and Kana had made. Kimiko is seen trying to feet Sputnik her stew while Makoto feeds Ren his stew and Eiko tries to feed Akechi his.

Eiko: Open wide, Goro, here comes the airplane!

Akechi: I appreciate you wanting to help me, Eiko, but I'm perfectly capable of eating this stew by myself.

Eiko: But Makoto and Ren look so cute together when they do it.

Akechi: We're not Makoto and Ren, you know.

Eiko: But we can be.

Akechi: (Gets up and walks away; Uncomfortably) I have to use the bathroom.

Eiko: Want me to come and help you?

Akechi: NO!

As everyone enjoys each other's company, feasting on stew and conversing over the day's events, Kas is seen looking around for someone. Two people actually; Ichiro and Sumire.

Kas: Hmm.

Minato: Is something the matter, Kas?

Kas: Yeah, I can't find my other parents anywhere. Have you seen them anywhere?

Minato: I think I saw them wander off into the woods not too long ago. If I remember correctly they went that way. (Points in the direction that Ichiro and Sumire ran off to)

Kas: Thanks. (Walks off in that direction)


(Woodlands of Denial - Cliffside Area)

In this cliffside area, we see Ichiro and Sumire sitting on the edge of the cliff, their current position giving them a good view of the Woodlands of Denial. Behind them, Kas approaches, but she hides behind a large rock to avoid being detected. She pokes her head out from behind the rock so she could better see and hear everything that was going on.

Ichiro: It sure is a beautiful night, isn't it?

Sumire: Even the most horrifying locations like the Metaverse can have moments of pure beauty it seems.

Ichiro: Honestly it reminds me a lot of the areas near my parents' lake house; quiet, picturesque.

Sumire: (Nods in agreement)

The two of them stay in silence for a few moments more to take in the scenery when Sumire speaks up again.

Sumire: Hey, Ichiro?

Ichiro: Yes, Sumire?

Sumire: Did you mean those things you said about me before you turned into Hawk? You know, about me being 'one in a million' and wanting to turn our friendship into 'something more'?

Ichiro: What I said wasn't something I came up with in the heat of the moment, Sumire. I've been feeling this way about you for a good couple of years now. Maybe even longer.

Sumire gasps and blushes.

Ichiro: I meant what I said. Every word of it. Our bond has gotten so strong since we first met. All those gymnastics competitions, friendly outings with Ren and the others, among other moments really helped us solidify said bond. I can't imagine a world without you, Sumire. You're the reason I wake up every morning, and seeing your face is what I look forward to the most each and every day. Call me sappy, call me saccharine, but this is how I feel. And so, I just have to ask…Sumire Yoshizawa…will you go out with me?

From her hiding spot, Kas has an excited look on her face, happy in knowing that she's witnessing a version of her parents taking their first steps into their courtship. Meanwhile, Sumire is staring at Ichiro absolutely speechless. Ichiro took this as a sign of rejection and just hung his head in embarrassment and shame. But his mood was soon elevated when he heard…

Sumire: Yes.

Ichiro looks over at Sumire, a smile growing on his face.

Sumire: I will go out with you Ichiro.

Ichiro: (Happily) You-You really mean that?

Sumire: Of course I do. We've been friends for so long, and I've gotten to know you so well since we first met. I'm more than willing to see how much farther our bond will grow if we become a couple.

Ichiro: You're not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?

Sumire: Will this take away any doubts?

Without saying another word Sumire closes her eyes and plants a big, loving kiss on Ichiro's lips. Ichiro was taken aback at first, but a few seconds later he closed his eyes and started kissing her back, the two new lovers' faces blushing all the while.

Kas: (Fist pump; whispers) Yes!

Kas continues to watch Sumire and Ichiro kiss on the edge of the cliff as the camera pans up to the night sky of the Metaverse, signifying the end of a few things.

1: The end of the episode.

2: The end of Falldown Kasumi's reign over her portion of the Woodlands of Denial.

3: The end of Sumire and Ichiro's friendship, and the beginning of their romantic relationship.

TO BE CONTINUED…


(Closing Credits Theme: 'Black Hole Sun' by Soundgarden)

(Opening Instrumentals)

(The camera pans upwards with a nighttime backdrop. We see images of Chikao, Kunikazu/Colonel, Wakaba/Pharaoh, Tae/Raven, Sojiro/Chief, Sputnik/Jinx, Remus/Tricky, Eiko/Jester, and Sadayo/Lady staring up at the night sky)

(In my eyes, indisposed, in disguises no one knows. Hides the face, lies the snake, and the sun in my disgrace)

(As the camera continues to pan up, we see an image of Daisuke/Ace, Himari/Bumblebee, Kimiko/Angel, Kana/Darner, and Ryuta/Owl flying through the air as Hotaru/Feature records them on his camera)

(Boiling heat, summer stench, neath the black the sky looks dead. Call my name through the cream, and I'll hear you scream again)

(As the camera continues to pan upward, we see an image of Sophia/Sophie, Kaoru/Spore, Naoya/Beat, Kazuya/Courage, Sumire/Violet, Ichiro/Hawk, Hifumi/Wraith, and Hayato/Romeo fighting against a small group of shadows)

(Black hole sun, won't you come and wash away the rain? Black hole sun, won't you come, won't you come)

(The camera pans upward some more and we see an image of Toshiro/Patriot, Eri/Partisan, Shinya/Ranger, Akane/Spirit fighting against a Venus Fly Trap Shadow who has the likes of Mana/Shogun, Mitsu/Edgerunner, Akihiro/Mariner, and Wataru/Maestro wrapped up in its vines. As that's going on, Yutaka/Dizzy and Nayoko/Warrioress are roller blading around it in order to get the Shadow wound up)

(Black hole sun, won't you come and wash away the rain? Black hole sun, won't you come, won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)? Won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)? Won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)? Won't you come (Black hole sun, black hole sun)?)

(After another upward pan, we see Mai/Enigma using her Persona to create a replica of the Buster Sword. Mai is seen charging at a Serpopard Shadow alongside Riku/Clockwork, Kas/Crash, Nariko/Mage, Kaito/Professor, Mika/Cheetah, and Old Morana/Old Mona.)

(Another pan up shows Zenkichi/Wolf, Sae/Arbiter, Shiho/Shinobi, Yuuki/Paladin, Takeishi/Coyote, Nakaoka/Diesel, Chihaya/Prophet, and Ichiko/Flapper battling a Shadow Ripper (Based on Jack the Ripper).)

(One more upwards pan and we see the likes of Ryuji/Skull, Morgana/Mona, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, and Haru/Noir as they prepare to do battle against Claudette and Sugimura.)

(Closing instrumentals)

(The camera stop panning upwards as we cut to Ren/Joker, Minato/Lion, and Akechi/Crow standing on a mountaintop as they stare at a solar eclipse, where images of Hoshigami and the Falldown Thieves appear, glowering down at them)


Cultural References

1: Falldown Kasumi's Airship is based on other airships in fiction like Arpegio's Blimp from 'Sly 2: Band of Thieves', The Flying Machine from 'Shovel Knight', and Colonel Snidel's airship from 'Spy X Family: Code White'.

2: Pig's Face is the Persona Universe's version of the 'Boar's Head' brand of hot dogs and cold cuts.

3: The sequence where Ichiko eats her hot dog as Takeishi, Kimiko, Riku, Futaba, Sae, and Ryuta watch is based on a scene from 'SML Movie: Junior The Crazy Boyfriend'.

4: When Sumire says that their third objective is 'Finding Ichiro', this prompts Kaoru to say, 'I think I saw that movie once'. This is a reference/play-on-words to the 2003 Pixar film, 'Finding Nemo'.

5: Ichiko giggling when Makoto says 'bowels', prompting Sumire to yell 'Grow up!' is based on a scene from the Drake & Josh episode 'Dance Contest' where Josh tells Drake to grow up after laughing at the statement, 'Number two stinks'.

6: 'Netdroid' is the Persona Universe's version of Nintendo's 'Metroid' series. Riku even references how most Metroid games have an escape sequence.

7: The scene where Minato, Yutaka, Nayoko, Remus, and Mai are arguing over what the airship's engine sounds like is based on a scene from 'The Gang Goes to Hell - Part 2' from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia when the Gang were arguing over what the engine of a cruise ship sounds like.

8: The quote at the end of Sputnik's All-Out Attack animation is a reference to Porky Pig of Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies fame as 'That's All Folks' is the phrase he uses to close out a segment of the show.

9: When Kas runs at Falldown Kasumi in an attempt to punch her, this is a reference to the 'Markiplier Punch' meme.

10: Maleficent-Violet quotes Hades from Kid Icarus: Uprising when boasting about her appearance after merging with her Persona.

11: Ichiro's appearance as a Phantom Thief is based on some of Kraven's henchmen from Insomniac's Spider-Man 2, as some of his minions are wearing dark brown hooded cloaks like Ichiro does here.

12: Ichiro's Persona is based on real life Finnish sniper, Simo Häyhä, who had a body count of over 500 when he served in World War II, earning him the nickname of 'White Death'. Furthermore, the half of his face showing his skull is a reference to how the real life Simo Häyhä had his face messed up from when he got hit by a Red Army soldier's explosive bullet

13: Ichiro quotes Braig/Xigbar from Kingdom Hearts whenever he has to reload his sniper rifle.

14: The banter between Maleficent-Violet and Kimiko after the former's rapier gets broken is similar to the banter between LadyDevimon and MegaKabuterimon in the Digimon Adventure episode 'Joe's Battle'.

15: Ichiro references the Hindenburg when the airship is going down. (Author's note: Too soon?)

16: Sumire, Ichiro, and Kas quote Po's catchphrase from 'Kung Fu Panda' when they break the first seal.

17: The Phantom Thieves going back in time to view Hoshigami's memories after breaking the seal is based on the scene from 'Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets' where Harry gets transported to Hogwarts 50 Years Ago via Tom Riddle's Diary. Hoshigami's memories could also be based on the Captured Memories quest from 'Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'.

18: The bit where Young Hoshigami is seen trying to get his solar system diorama back from the pond before almost falling in is based on a short scene from Donald Pleasance's 'Lonely Water PSA' where a boy drowns trying to get his soccer ball back from a pond. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) Young Sojiro was there to save the Young Hoshigami.


Voice Cast

Xander Mobus: Ren Amamiya/Joker

Erica Lindbeck: Futaba/Oracle

Laura Post: Sumire Yoshizawa/Violet, Falldown Kasumi/Violet, Maleficent-Violet

Ben Diskin: Ichiro Tanaka/Hawk, Simo,

Jamieson Price: Sojiro Sakura/Chief

Cherami Leigh: Makoto/Queen

Janice Kawaye: Kana Magario

J. Michael Tatum: Kuro Takeishi

Amanda Winn-Lee: Ichiko Ohya

Abby Trott: Tae Takemi

Troy Baker: Ryuta Watanabe

Elizabeth Maxwell: Sae Niijima

Leanna Albanese: Eri Natsuhara

MacLeod Andrews: Toshiro Kasukabe/Patriot

Laura Bailey: Eiko Takao

Josh Keaton - Kaoru Iwai, Armored Shadow

Megan Harvey - Sophia/Sophie

Todd Haberkorn: Minato/Lion

Megan Shipman: Kimiko Watanabe/Angel

Robin Atkin Downes: Akihiro Hagiwara

James Arnold Taylor: Yutaka Watanabe

Monica Rial: Nayoko Hashimoto

Bryce Papenbrook: Riku Mishima

Lara Jill Miller: Mai Tanaka-Mishima

Kari Wahlgren: Kasumi II 'Kas' Tanaka

Robbie Daymond: Goro Akechi/Crow

Richard Steven Horvitz: Remus/Tricky

Erin Fitzgerald - Wakaba Isshiki

Luci Christian: Sputnik/Jinx

Elijah Wood: Chikao Shinoda

Travis Willingham: Philemon

Scott Menville: Steampunk and Jetpack Shadows

Tom Kenny: Young Sojiro, Steampunk and Jetpack Shadows

Keith Ferguson: Young Hoshigami