toxx-apex-727

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

The thieves have fallen back into Shibuya. Ann, Yusuke, Morgana, and Ren are the first to get back up.

Ann: Ow... Is everyone ok!?

Everyone else gets back up one by one. Ren helps up Skel, who's clearly still panicked and his tattered wings are still dangling.

Ryuji: Owww... Of course we are!

Futaba: Oh! Hey, our clothes are back to normal!

Morgana: Look!

Haru: Huh? Shibuya?

Yusuke: We're back!?

Morgana: We didn't come back ourselves though... We must've been driven out by the Holy Grail.

Makoto: Did we lose?

Ren: We can't give up.

Makoto: I know that, but...

Everyone looks down. It starts raining, though the raindrops are blood red.

Futaba: Huh?

Futaba looks up, putting her hands out to catch the raindrops. A giant bone erupts from the ground next to Futaba, startling her. Giant bones are sprouting up everywhere, and the ground starts to flood.

Makoto: Mementos here in Shibuya..? Is this what it meant by the fusion?

People are walking around like normal, seemingly not noticing the blood rain or giant bones at all. Morgana hops onto a ledge.

Morgana: To think this would happen...

Ryuji: No way... You gotta be shitting me!

???: Man. what great weather. Wanna go for a drive?

???: Hello? Yes, it's about tomorrow's preliminary meeting...

???: The announcement for the new smartphone is tonight!

???: What were the Distortion Thieves all about, anyway?

???:Oh man, hearing that brings back memories! I feel so dumb for even believing they existed.

???:It was fun news, though. Well, I doubt anyone believes they're around anymore.

Yusuke: Why isn't anyone noticing this abnormality?

Makoto: It's probably because they don't feel that it's that odd...

Skel seems to only just realize his wings are out, and tucks them back into his back. He looks around again.

Skel: ...Something's wrong. No one's staring.

Futaba starts to stumble, grabbing her head before falling. The thieves all look at her, shocked and confused. Ryuji runs to kneel next to her, putting a hand on her back.

Ryuji: What's wrong!?

Futaba: Ohh... I feel... woozy... Nngh...

Ann walks over to Futaba as well, holding her hand out.

Ann: Futaba, grab on!

Ann stumbles, collapsing as well.

Ann: Nngh!

Haru: Ann-chan!? Nnh...

Haru and Ren both collapse. Ren gasps for breath.

Skel: Ren-! Nghh...

Skel starts to run for Ren, but collapses. Makoto collapses shortly after, followed by Yusuke.

Makoto: Is this... by the Holy Grail too?

Ryuji slams his foot on the ground.

Ryuji: That... son of a bitch! Goddammit... What's this creepy-ass shit abou- Ugh!

Ryuji falls over.

Ryuji: Ow... huh?

Ryuji looks up, the color draining from his face, his expression turning to horror. His hand is translucent. He screams.

Ryuji: My... My hand!

Ann: Ryuji?

Ann falls over. She looks down in horror seeing her legs start to disappear.

Makoto: This can't be real, right?

The thieves all stare in horror at their slowly disappearing limbs.

Yusuke: What is happening to us?

Haru: No... No!

Futaba: My body's... disappearing...

Morgana: Don't... tell me...

Booming laughter rings out from the heavens.

Holy Grail: Indeed. This isn't my doing.

The thieves writhe on the floor in pain and fear.

Holy Grail: You imbeciles are about to disappear from the people's cognition.

Ryuji: That damn voice!

Holy Grail: Mementos and reality have become one... Thus, those who have disappeared from cognition cannot exist anywhere.

Ryuji: Disappear my ass... What the hell!

Ryuji screams, disappearing completely.

Ann: Ryuji!

Ann disappears as well.

Yusuke: Is this really it..? Augh!

Yusuke disappears.

Futaba: No! No-

Futaba disappears.

Makoto: Morgana... where did we... go wro-

Makoto disappears.

Haru sounds utterly terrified as she disappears.

Skel: I-Is this.. the end..? I... I'm sorry... I...

Skel disappears.

Morgana: Is this all my fault..? Because I... brought you all there..?

Ren: It's not your fault.

Morgana: I didn't mean to... I-I'm...

Morgana looks over at Ren.

Morgana: I'm sorry... The mission's... a failure...

Morgana disappears.

Ren lays flat on his back. He's crying. He reaches upwards.

Ren disappears.

People walk on like nothing happened. The camera zooms out, way out. All of Tokyo has been consumed by Mementos. And no one noticed, or perhaps didn't care.

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

The thieves are in a massive room, the walls made of cells, and a massive black cup in the middle of it all.

Skull: The hell!?

Fox: Look at how many there are... Are these all prison cells?

Oracle: And... what's that thing in the middle?

Panther: Whatever it is, it looks disgustingly grand...

Fox: There are no other passages leading out of this room. It appears this is our final destination... the depths of Mementos.

Noir: In that case, is the Treasure of Mementos somewhere in here?

Joker: That should be the case.

Mona: I think you're right... I've never been here... but I can sense it. There's no mistaking that presence.

Cross: If we get rid of it...

Mona glances sympathetically at Cross, then shakes their head.

Mona: ...If we get rid of it, the public should come to its senses!

Fox: But something that large will be impossible to carry out of here.

Cross: We don't have a way back out, anyways...

Skull: We just gotta make it disappear, right? If we can't move it, we'll just hafta destroy it!

Mona: Yeah... That will work.

Panther: Once we do that, the entire Metaverse is going to disappear, right? This is finally it...

Oracle: Oh. I guess it's no surprise we've been discovered. That thing isn't gonna sit back and let itself get destroyed.

The prisoners all start to become restless.

Fox: Even the inmates are starting to liven up. How eerie... Are they planning something?

Skull: That must mean this thing's gotta be the Treasure. They saved us the trouble of checkin'!

Queen: ...Hold on. Something's off. Shido said the masses are allowing themselves to be held captive here... Could they truly be operating this massive system that eliminates intruders on its own? The prison guards and soldiers were very organized, too...

Fox: Are you trying to say that someone else rules this place? Is it not the public?

An ominous laughter rings out.

Panther: What was that!?

Skull: We don't have time to worry about it! Leave it for later!

Mona: Alright guys! We better not lose now!

Everyone gets into a battle stance.

Mona: Let's hurry up and destroy this thing! Everyone... give it your all!

Oracle: Alright! Let's do it!

Everyone starts attacking the Treasure. After a few hits, some of the prisoners start yelling.

???: STOP IIT!

???: Don't touch the Holy Grail!

Oracle: Holy Grail..?

Something seems to pump through the veins going into the Grail, healing it. It seems to brighten ever so slightly, as well.

Oracle: What was that!?

The prisoners keep yelling.

Oracle: Don't tell me... Are the inmates giving it their strength..!?

Skull: Dammit! This is never gonna end!

Fox: It seems hopeless if there are this many inmates supporting it...

A voice booms, the source unclear.

???: You fools. Human, yet wishing to eradicate the desires of humanity...

Panther: Who's that!?

???: Repent.

Queen: The Treasure's talking!?

???: I am revered as the granter of dreams for all who behold me... A being most commonly known as the Holy Grail...

Noir: The Holy Grail...

Holy Grail: The Prison of Regression is representative of the collective desires of humanity. They wish to be chained down, surrender their cognition, and neglect the world around them... These feebleminded commonfolk will make your 'social reform' all for naught. The shared heart of the masses has fallen into an excess of indolence and transformed into a prison.

The prisoners continue to yell as the thieves look around.

Skull: Dammit... They're worshippin' that thing!

Holy Grail: Thus... the only suitable end for them is to perish within the prison they wished for themselves.

Cross: Shut the FUCK up!!

The Grail seems to charge something up.

Mona: Here it comes!

Skull: Hell yeah!

The Grail fires a beam.

Oracle: Damn that thing... Let's break it for sure this time!

A few more blows are exchanged before the prisoners start to yell again.

???: NOO! STOP IT!!!

The veins leading to the Grail heal it again. And like the last time, it looks ever so slightly brighter, too.

Oracle: No... Did it heal again..!? We can't lose! Keep attacking! Huh..? Wait, its color...

The thieves keep on attacking before the prisoners yell, and the Grail heals, looking much closer to gold than the black they found it as.

Oracle: Ngh... Not again! I knew it. Every time that thing heals, its color changes...

The thieves keep up the fight. The prisoners yell, healing the Grail again. It's now a bright, shining gold.

Oracle: W-wait, hold up! It's gonna get totally healed again! No fair! This is cheating!

???: Stop that you thieves!

The prisoners start chanting in unison.

Shadows: Get out of here! Get out of here! Get out of here!

Mona: If this is really how people feel, there's no way we'll be able to change their hearts... We've come here for nothing...

Noir: This is horrible...

Holy Grail: You imbeciles are intoxicated by an undesired 'justice'... This is the will of the children of man who have fallen into sloth. My shine is proof that they desire my existence. As long as humanity yearns for me, I shall never perish...

Queen: Is this really what everyone wants? To stop thinking and be guided by the Holy Grail?

Joker: We can't accept that.

Queen: Yes... It's so frustrating it makes me want to cry... But I... I will never agree!

Cross: We have to stop this, no matter what. I can't just let this happen!

Mona: The humans I look up to aren't like that... No matter how painful reality is, it's all over if you don't try to change how things are! I'm not the only one who believes that. Everyone here agrees... We don't want to turn back into the people we used to be! That's why we risked our lives coming here!

Noir: Mona-chan...

Panther: They're right!

Holy Grail: Humanity already wished for their distortions to be actualized. I am merely the being that will ultimately grant those wishes. Now, it is time I refrain from my place in this world, and begin to encroach upon reality itself.

The Grail starts glowing.

Cross: What..?

Skull: That's a load of shit!"

Queen: Encroach? What is it gonna do!?

Panther: Hey, this doesn't look good! Oracle: I've got a bad feeling about this...

The Grail starts glowing even brighter.

Fox: Mona! What should we do!?

Mona: ...I don't know what you are, but you can't keep arbitrarily deciding all this on your own. Humans aren't all stupid like you say they are!

Holy Grail: Hmph. Indolent, foolish humans. You shall offer your hearts to me...

The Grail fires a huge beam at all the thieves. The thieves all scream.

Holy Grail: Now, the time for the fusion has come...

Fox: Hey, the ground's...

Noir: It's vanishing!?

Cross visibly starts to panic. He starts to fly, but the Grail shoots a large hole into his wing, forcefully grounding him.

Skull: Hell no...

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

.we're gonna take a few days before even thinking abt sending the calling card.

Skel and Ren are taking Akechi's death.. pretty bad... and everyone else isnt exactly taking it well either..

-Alibaba

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

Crow picks himself up off the ground, looking at the group from on his knees.

Skull: You ready to call it quits?

Crow: I know... I've had enough. ...You're so lucky. Lucky to be surrounded... by teammates who acknowledge you... And once Shido confesses his crimes, you'll all be heroes. As for me, people will find out my past deductions were just charade. My fame and trust will vanish.

Mona: ...I see. So you were turning people psychotic, then solving the cases yourself. And you did that by joining forces with Shido.

Crow chuckles.

Crow: In the end... I couldn't be special...

Skull: Dude, you're more than special...

Crow seems shocked.

Queen: It pains me to admit... but your strength at wit far exceeds ours. We only defeated you by teaming up... I was honestly... envious of your natural ability. It was frustrating to see how much my sister trusted you...

Noir: I have no intention of forgiving you for what you did to my father, but... I sympathize with you. I wholeheartedly understand wanting to get back at the adults who took from you...

Fox: But when you gained the power to fulfill that desire, you only used it for your own self-benefit.

Oracle: If you've got more than one Persona, maybe you actually have the same kinda power as Joker's. But you trusted no one, so you only got two Personas: one for your lies, and one for your hate. Still, you thought that was enough, right? That part I totally get.

Fox: You excelled at everything over us... yet that was the one thing you lacked.

Skull: Alright, let's go back and get that callin' card ready! We're gonna take Shido down. What're you gonna do?

Panther: It'd be a problem if you kept getting in our way. Wanna come along and help us settle things?

Crow: ...Are you all idiots? You should get rid of me... if you don't want me getting in your way.

Cross: ...You deserve a second chance. You were dealt a bad hand... but that's not the end all be all. You just have to let it go, first.

Crow: ...You all are truly beyond my comprehension.

Everyone looks shocked as a second Akechi walks in, this one in normal clothes.

Skull: Akechi?

Fox: Another one!? Wait, is he...

Mona: That's... Shido's cognitive version of Akechi!

Cognitive Akechi laughs, pulling a gun on his real self to everyone's shock.

Cognitive Akechi: ...I'll deal with the rest of you later. Captain Shido's orders... He has no need for losers. Well... this just moves up the plan a little. He was going to get rid of you after the election, anyway.

Crow: What!?

Cognitive Akechi: Did you truly believe you'd be spared after all the murders you undertook? Don't tell me... Were you actually feeling good about having someone rely on you for once? Oh by the way, the captain says it's time for you to receive retribution for causing the mental shutdowns.

Skull: What the hell, man!? That bastard's the one who put him up to it!

Crow gets up, chuckling.

Crow: I see... I was wondering how he'd protect himself if I used my power to tear through his Palace. Turns out you're how. So he's making a puppet kill me... Sounds like something he'd do.

Cognitive Akechi: That's right. I'll do anything. But look at yourself... you're the true puppet.

Crow glares at his cognitive self.

Cognitive Akechi: You wanted to be acknowledged, didn't you? So be loved? You've been nothing but a puppet from the very beginning.

Skull: You little...

Queen: So this... is how Shido thinks of Goro Akechi? It's... It's too horrible!

Noir: It's still not too late! We can change his heart together! Even if he's your father... No, BECAUSE he's your father!

Cognitive Akechi: What's all this nagging about? Want me to take care of you first?

Several Shadows appear behind the Akechis.

Panther: No... He's not alone! He has Shadows too!

Cognitive Akechi: You know what? I'll let someone volunteer to take his place. Who knows, you might delay his death. You guys are all about doing things for others, aren't you?

Skull: Damn you...

Cognitive Akechi: Oh, that's just the same as me. I'm going to take all the blame for our captain. I'll die for him too.

Queen: This is what Shido thinks of Akechi-kun, even after making him help with all the murders!?

Cognitive Akechi: Here, I'll give you one last chance. Shoot them.

Crow laughs.

Crow: ...I was such a fool.

Crow points his gun at Joker.

Cognitive Akechi: Yes... That's the you our captain wishes to see.

Crow shakes his head.

Crow: ...Don't misunderstand. You're the one who's going to disappear!

Crow swiftly changes targets, shooting his cognitive self and he shoots back. Crow points his gun at the thieves again, shooting a control panel behind them. Sirens start blaring, and an announcement going through the speakers. Cross's eyes widen, and he seems to be panicking.

Ship Announcement: The watertight bulkhead door has closed. All personnel within the partition wall: evacuate at once.

A partition wall rises behind the group.

Oracle: Woah, what is this!?

Cross runs towards the partition, banging on it as it closes in front of him. Skull also bangs on the wall.

Cross: DAMMIT-!

Skull: Akechi!

Crow: Hurry up and go.

Fox: You fool! Are you trying to get yourself killed!?

Crow: The real fools... are you guys. You should've just abandoned me here a long time ago... You would've all perished... if you had to face these with me weighing you down...

Crow can be heard coughing.

Queen: Akechi-kun!

Crow: Let's make a deal, okay? You won't say no, will you?

Fox: Why at a time like this!?

Crow: Change Shido's heart... in my stead... End his crimes... Please!

Joker: You better deliver on your promise.

Crow: Heh... After all this, that's what you have to say? Seriously, you really are...

Cognitive Akechi: You bastard...

On the other side of the wall, cognitive Akechi points his gun at his real self.

Crow: So, my final enemy is a puppet version of myself...

Crow points his gun at his cognitive self.

Crow: I..!

Cross bangs on the wall again.

Cross: You better survive this, dammit! Don't give up here!!

Noir: Akechi-kun!

Panther: Isn't there some way to get this open, Mona!?

Two gunshots are heard in quick succession. Everyone looks horrified.

Oracle: His signal is... gone... I'm only getting... the weaklings...

Cross bangs on the wall again, his head falling to hit it too.

Cross: Dammit...

Panther: No...

Mona: Come on, you guys! We can't let a rotten criminal like Shido do what he wants any longer! We can't... no matter what!

Skull: Akechi...

Queen: ...We should get going.

Joker puts a hand on Cross's shoulder.

Noir: He entrusted us with an important task, after all...

Mona: Let's go, you two.

Cross gets away from the wall, following the group out.

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

we have our next target but. arc. im. so worried about Ren.

he's so beat up. and he's still kinda of out of it from how much they drugged him. he seems like he's having even trouble staying upright sometimes..

[toxx-apex-727]

HE'S OK THANK FUCK.

well. ok miiiight be a liittle bit of a stretch. he's. so fucked up. but he's alive and thats what matters

[toxx-apex-727]

arc i hope this plan works. i REALLY hope this plan works. this is so risky but. i have to just believe it'll work.

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

Shadow Sae falls to her knees.

Sae: "So I've lost..."

Queen rushes over, kneeling down next to her.

Queen: "Sis!"

Crow: That's only a Shadow. Why are you so...

Cross elbows Crow in the side.

Panther: Quiet!

Crow: ...Sorry.

Skull: We'll go grab the Treasure.

Skull nudges Fox and gestures to Cross and the three of them run off.

Sae: Makoto?

Queen: I don't think it's wrong to bring light to evils which can't be punished by law. That's all the Distortion Thieves have been trying to do too. But these aggressive investigations? Twisting the truth for your own personal gain? Please... You have to think back to the feelings you had when you first wanted to be a prosecutor. Think about your justice, sis.

Sae: My justice...

Queen: Try to remember how you used to be...

Sae: How I...

Noir: Niijima-san... She's just like my father... What caused them to change like this?

Crow: Hm... Even though their own desires were the cause, succumbing to such distorted thoughts is strange... Is there another reason they don't know of?

Fox: We found it.

Skull, Fox, and Cross return with a briefcase.

Crow: The investigation will now be able to proceed. The suspicions against you will be lifted as well. This deal we made... was a great experience for me. To think that I, a detective, would act alongside the Phantom Thieves...

Joker: ...Want to continue that?

Crow: By no means. This shall be the end of our working together. That was part of our promise. You haven't forgotten, have you?

Mona: Alright, we don't need to stay here any longer! Are you alright?

Queen stands up.

Queen: I am. Let's go.

Oracle: Huh!? Enemy readings! When did they..?! They're gathering outside!

Several screens show up around Oracle.

Skull: For real?! The hell's goin on?!

Fox: Look at those numbers!

Panther: This doesn't look good...

Mona: We defeated the Palace ruler and even stole the Treasure, yet the Shadows are still restless... It doesn't make any sense... What's going on here?

Oracle: There are more coming?! This'll be dangerous if we don't do something!

An odd sound comes through Oracle's headphones, which she reacts to confusedly.

Mona: We need to go now! Those guys in black suits are almost here! We'll be done for if we get surrounded!

Queen: A team this large would be discovered immediately. We had best split up for our escape... Although, we'll need someone to act as a decoy...

Queen shakes her head.

Queen: ...No, that's too dangerous.

Joker: I'll do it.

Everyone looks at Joker in shock.

Queen: Joker!? Are you planning on distracting them by yourself!?

Skull: Let him do it, Queen. He's quiet, but once his mind's made up he's not gonna take no for an answer.

Cross nods in agreement. Skull hands over the briefcase to Joker.

Skull: ...I'm sure you ain't gonna die. It's you we're talkin' about here.

Noir: Please don't do anything reckless, okay?

Panther: I'll never forgive you if you don't make it back!

Mona: And we still haven't fulfilled our deal, Joker!

Oracle: Even more are coming!

Fox: This truly is a painfully reluctant parting!

Crow: It seems we had best hurry.

Queen turns to Shadow Sae, then back to the group.

Queen: ...We'll see you later.

Cross: ...Stay safe, Joker. And good luck."

Everyone nods.

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

The thieves are in the PE faculty office, along with Akechi. None of them seem particularly pleased, though Akechi seems calm. He turns to Skel (who's in his humanoid form), smiling politely.

Akechi: I know we've all already met, though I don't think I caught your name?

Skel hesitates slightly, but answers quick enough to not be commented on.

Skel: It's Sukio. Sukio Amamiya.

Akechi: Amamiya?

Akechi seems surprised, turning to Ren.

Ren: He's my cousin.

Akechi: Ah, I see.

Makoto cuts to the chase.

Makoto: What do you want to talk about?

Akechi's smile drops, his expression unreadable. He doesn't seem particularly annoyed, though. He pulls out photos of Ann and Yusuke exiting the Metaverse from his jacket, dropping them onto the table to everyone's shock.

Haru: No...

Ryuji: That's gotta be 'shopped!

Akechi: I have video footage, too. Please, let's not feign ignorance. All of you can go to that other world too, yes?

Ren: Us too..?

Akechi: It's not just all of you. I am aware of that world too. I also know that when you traverse over there, your appearance changes as well. It's because of those mysterious powers, isn't it? I found out about that world about a month ago.

Akechi shows the thieves the MetaNav on his phone.

Akechi: This had been installed onto my phone without my knowledge.

Ryuji: Dude, it's the Nav...

Akechi: When the app activated on it's own, the scenery around me suddenly changed. Quite frankly, I still can't believe it myself. But from the look of these photos, all of you seem quite used to it.

Ryuji: We've been listenin' to you blab on for a while now, but cut the delusional-

Akechi: All of you are acting as Distortion Thieves in the Metaverse. I can say so with conviction because I have the same power as you.

Everyone stays silent.

Akechi: I'll take your silence as confirmation. In all honesty, I've been curious about you since the time of the Madarame case. But to think it would end up like this...

Haru: We didn't kill anyone!

Akechi: I believe that as well.

Makoto: ...How can you be so sure?

Akechi: Because I saw another- the real culprit.

Everyone looks shocked.

Ryuji: For real!?

Ann: Who was it!?

Akechi: I couldn't identify his face... He had a mask on, after all. Actually, when I took these photos, I entered that world too. That's when I saw someone else moving about, besides all of you. He shot at me the moment he noticed me.

Yusuke: That's who killed President Okumura?

Akechi: Most likely. At the very least, I was almost killed by him. 'I can't die here... I need to determine the truth...' When those thoughts overcame me, I awakened to that power- a most fortunate accident.

Morgana: This guy has a Persona too?

Akechi seems shocked, but only mildly.

Akechi: This cat...

Morgana seems awkward. Skel raises an eyebrow.

Akechi: I swear it just talked...

Ann: Morgana. Our teammate who taught us about the Metaverse.

Akechi: ...Really? This is unbelievable... But it IS true that you know things that I don't... Say, Morgana. Were you also the one who instructed them on how to change people's hearts? I experienced that world too, but I still haven't solved that mystery yet.

Morgana hops onto a box.

Morgana: We go into the Metaverse- we call them Palaces- to steal the core of their desires: their Treasure. And those whose Treasure has been stolen have a change of heart.

Akechi: Hahaha... There's certainly no way anyone could figure out such an MO.

Ryuji: Anyways! Back to what you were talkin' about! Are we in this mess 'cause of that guy!?

Akechi: Although I don't completely understand the method, all you do is simply reform people. Someone else is behind the murders. However, the police have decided that the Distortion Thieves did it... They'll arrest you at this rate.

Haru:Th-They're going to treat me as my father's murderer?

Akechi: I can't overlook such a grave mistake. Which is precisely why I want us to strike a deal. I may be able to save you from this situation.

Futaba: A deal?

Akechi: I would like you to cooperate with me on investigating the truth.

Yusuke: And if we decline?

Akechi: Then I think I'll have to inform the police about all of you, along with that video I mentioned.

Skel: Great. More fucking blackmail. Yippee.

Ryuji: This ain't no deal!

Akechi: Say what you will. This is the method that I believe is correct. The justice I uphold will not tolerate criminals who kill people at their leisure."

Haru: Justice...

Akechi: You've heard that Sae-san is the one spearheading the investigation about you Distortion Thieves, correct? The higher-ups are concerned only with settling the case. They want to capture the culprits behind the psychotic breakdown incidents and end the commotion. Those are the ones who are putting pressure on Sae-san. I can only imagine her impatience.

Yusuke: What of evidence that we did it? How do they intend on proving it?

Akechi: Even if there is no objective explanation to the method, it's over once causality is established. Sae-san can't make rational judgements at the moment. If she were to be cornered, well... she may even make up a confession.

Makoto seems shocked.

Makoto: Make it up?

Ryuji: So they're gonna make it all our fault!? Just 'cause they feel like it!?

Ann: We haven't killed anyone though! ...And we're still going to be arrested?"

Akechi: You'll be found guilty if you're caught, and it will be treated as a very serious crime.

Ryuji: Bullshit! None of that makes any sense!

Akechi: Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do alone anymore to stop the flow of things...

Makoto: And that's why you want our cooperation?

Akechi: Yes. In return, I'll turn a blind eye to what you've done. Those are my conditions. That said, I ask that you disband the Distortion Thieves after this.

Yusuke turns to Ren.

Yusuke: What should we do about Akechi-san's proposal?

Ren: Is that the only way?

Akechi: I can understand how you feel. It must be hard making a decision on the spot like this... Well, you don't have to decide at the moment. Considering this is you we're talking about, I believe you'll come to a favorable reply.

Akechi smiles again.

Akechi: I'm glad we could talk, It's been a while since I've been able to spend such a meaningful time like this. I look forward to your answer. It was definitely worth coming today- for various reasons.

Skel glares at Akechi. Akechi pulls out his phone to check the time.

Akechi: We should be getting back. ...About that. I'm sorry. Would it be acceptable if we ended the panel here? The reason why you called for me in the first place was because you wanted intel, correct? My business is concluded as well.

Makoto: I'll deal with it somehow.

Akechi walks out of the room.

Ryuji: Dammit! He had complete control over us!

The thieves file out one by one, eventually leaving only Ren, Skel, and Morgana in the room.

Morgana: Hey, they're going...

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

The thieves are all at Destinyland. Skel is in his humanoid form, and everyone else wearing fun hats/headbands. They seem to be in the middle of a conversation.

Ryuji: C'mon, you guys're gettin' way too excited about this stuff.

Morgana grumbles a little.

Ann: You say that like you're not tapping into your inner child too, Ryuji.

Ryuji: This is just 'cause Futaba kept naggin' me to put 'em on!

Futaba: I did not!

Ryuji: ...You said somethin' like that!

Skel: C'mon man. Have some whimsy.

Ren: Sukio's right. You're to whimsical to fight right now.

Ryuji: What was that!?

Skel and Yusuke giggle.

Yusuke: My, this is so heartwarming!

Haru: Honestly, I would've liked to see the parade as well. But given how sudden the request was, they couldn't get enough staff together to do it.

Makoto: Perhaps that will have to wait until next time.

Ryuji: Either way, this party's totally the best one so far! It's freakin' amazing!

Everyone nods.

Haru: I'm glad to see you're enjoying it.

Morgana: Be careful Haru. You've shown these guys what luxury means. This'll really raise the bar for our next celebration party.

Yusuke: You're already talking about our next party? Don't you think that's somewhat premature?

Everyone laughs.

Haru: Still... How do I put this? I met Mona-chan, I got to know you all... Isn't everything going a little too perfectly? It's actually a bit frightening...

Morgana: You worry too much.

Haru: ...I must just be overly cautious because of my circumstances up till recently. I'm sorry for bringing it up.

Ann pulls out her phone.

Ann: Hey, isn't it almost time? You know, for the press conference.

Everyone pulls out their phones, with Morgana looking at Yusuke's and Skel looking at Ren's.

Ruiji: Ooh, perfect timin'!

Haru: Father...

Okumura stands up as a few pictures are taken of him.

Okumura: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to gather here. Today, I'd like to elaborate on the whole truth behind my company's labor situation. How my employees were forced to work under severe conditions, how... lax we were with sanitation... and how my corporation acted as a whole to... cover up every facet of this scandal. For all of this, I wholeheartedly apologize.

Okumura takes a deep bow as more pictures are taken.

Reporter: So are you saying all of this was done under your orders?

Okumura: ...Yes. I... am solely responsible...

Reporter: We heard that dozens of your employees were forced to resign due to mysterious illness. Furthermore, these happened to be officials who stood against your proposal for overseas expansion. The same thing also happened to executives at competing companies who were looking to expand abroad. Is all of this true?

Okumura: Yes.

Reporter: Was it all coincidence?

Okumura looks away.

Reporter: We'd like some answers.

Okumura: About that... I have a critical piece of information to announce here today.

Morgana: Here it comes. Okumura's going to say who's really behind the mental shutdowns.

Okumura: I…

Okumura's eyes widen and he grasps his chest. He cranes his head back, not quite screaming in agony. His eyes roll into the back of his head, and he collapses onto the table, drops of black liquid dropping from his mouth.

???: Okumura-san..?

Okumura picks up his head, his glasses crooked, an inky black liquid dripping from his mouth, nose, and rolled back eyes. People scream and panic, the camera shaking before cutting out entirely. The thieves all seem shocked and horrified.

Ann: Huh..?

Haru: F-Father!?

Ann: Wh-Why did he collapse!?

Makoto: That didn't look right at all... Don't tell me..!

Skel: No... No this can't-

Haru: Mona-chan, what's going on!?

Morgana: No... That's impossible!

Ren: What- What happened??

Morgana: I wanna know that myself! We made sure we just took the Treasure too...

Haru gasps.

Haru: I-I should call home!

Ann: This- This isn't our fault... is it? It's been ok all four times so far- Ever since Kamoshida!

Makoto: If we let the shadow live, the real person won't undergo mental shutdown... right?

Morgana: That's how it should work...

Ryuji: Yeah... i-it's gotta be.

Futaba: A-Ah...

Yusuke: What's wrong?

Futaba: Th-This is... the same... I remember now... It's just like... what happened to my mom...

Yusuke: So this is the moment when mental shutdown occurs... Makoto: But why did they target Okumura-san?

Ruiji: Dammit! What the hell's goin' on here!?

Skel's voice is shaky and extremely quiet. He's clearly freaking out.

Skel: Th-they... wanted to k-keep him quiet... probably...

Haru: Um... I have to go. I'll talk to the staff before I leave. Feel free to take your time...

Haru runs off.

Ann: Haru..!

Ryuji: This ain't our fault, right?

Yusuke: I'd like to think so...

Skel: No- no it can't- it can't be-

He sounds like he's trying to convince himself of that moreso than anyone else.

Ann: Some welcoming party, huh...

Makoto: I'll get in contact with Haru later. But for today, I think we should all return home.

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

The Phantom Thieves are in Leblanc's attic, with Futaba at the table with her laptop open. They seem to be in the middle of a conversation.

Ryuji: You too, Ann!? You're just gonna go against what people want!?

Ann: Huh? No, but…

Ann sighs a little, followed by Ryuji.

Ryuji: For real..?

Futaba shakes her head.

Futaba: L-Looks like we're not gonna agree today then…

Morgana, seeming unhappy with this, gets up.

Morgana: Sheesh… Some team you are. What's with the hesitation? I can't stand this! Even you, Ryuji! You just back down the second anyone disagrees with you!

Ryuji: What?

Morgana: I guess all you've been talking about is using the Phantom Thieves name to look cool anyway. Being hyped up because of the popularity is fine, but getting conceited over it is unacceptable.

Ryuji: Hey, aren't you actin' for your own benefit here too?

Morgana: My appearance might have changed, but I'm still an admirable human! At the very least, I'm more-

Skel, who's been looking progressively more uncomfortable as this whole conversation has gone on, buts in.

Skel: Can you two calm down..? Fighting right now won't help anything.

Ryuji, still riled up earlier, fires back.

Ryuji: So NOW you say somethin'?

Skel: Wh- Huh..?

Ryuji: You like, never talk, dude! And you're clearly hiding a bunch of stuff! Do you not trust us or some shit?

Skel: T-That's not- I'm not always able to- It's not important anyways-

Ryuji: Can't you just make yourself look human or somethin'? Or were you lyin' about the whole 'half human' thing?

Skel looked stressed before, but this seemingly pushed him over the edge.

Skel: I know I'm a liar, but do you REALLY think I'd be stuck as a fucking cat in an attic if I could've been human this whole damn time!?

Ryuji: You turned into Ann and you're SERIOUSLY tellin' me you can't just change and leave? And how the hell are we supposed to trust you if you call yourself a liar?? Like- How do we know you're not just some monster!?

That seems to hit Skel particularly hard. He changes into his cat form and starts to make for the stairs.

Skel: If you wanted me gone you could've just said so.

Having said that, he darts down the stairs before anyone can catch him. Ryuji seems to belatedly realize how harsh he was.

Ryuji: Shit-

Morgana: Wow. Insensitive, much?

Ryuji: Yeah I KNOW. I'm not THAT stupid.

Morgana: CLEARLY you are!

Ryuji: Will you quit it already!? I'm sick of you ragging on me every chance you get!

Morgana: Like you're one to talk, you stupid tactless monkey!

Ryuji: You little-!

With Skel gone and the situation not getting any better, Ann steps in.

Ann: Hey, stop it!

Morgana: This group is falling apart… I can take on some small-time target like Okumura on my own. Well, this is goodbye!

Ann: Morgana, wait!

Morgana doesn't respond, also moving to leave. Ren looks distraught.

Ren: Wait- Calm down-!

Morgana pauses, then shakes their head.

Morgana: …See you.

They jump off the table, leaving before anyone can stop them.

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

Skel, in cat form and COVERED in sand, is outside of the Sakuras' house. He sends a message through magic, and soon after Futaba opens the door, letting Skel inside. Once the door is closed, he changes to his normal form and grabs Futaba by the shoulders.

Skel: Can I use your shower please I beg of you.

Futaba: Wh-

Skel: I'll be out before Boss comes home, I'll clean out all the sand, and get rid of all my hair and fur. No one will know I was there. Please I beg of you I haven't been able to take a shower for months. Please.

Futaba: Uh- Sure, I'll show you where it is.

Skel gets down on his knees.

Skel: Thank you.

Futaba giggles a little. Skel gets up and follows her.

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

honestly. not unexpected from the guy who reads yuri like the morning paper

Me ‘n who.

[toxx-apex-727]

[AN ODD VIDEO. WATCH IT?]

[RECORDING START]

Ren is looking awkwardly at Skel, who's curled up on the couch in his cat form. Ren doesn't seem sure what to say. Skel starts the conversation.

Skel: Ren..? Can you promise me something?"

Ren: What is it?

Skel: ...If something happens, and I start acting weird, or something happens to Mephistopheles, don't hesitate to try my name in the nav."

Ren: What..?

Morgana buts in, surprised and confused.

Morgana: But- You have a Persona! Persona users can't have a Palace!

Skel: You can lose your Persona, though. It takes a lot, but it can happen.

Ren and Morgana are both stunned. Skel keeps talking.

Skel: ...Mephistopheles is very particular about his name. I physically can't say or spell it wrong, and I'll correct anyone who does.

Skel seems to almost keep going, but stops himself. When no one else says anything, he speaks again.

Skel: Don't listen to whatever I might say. Just snap me out of it. Promise me.

Ren: ...I promise.

Morgana: ...You sound a little too experienced with this.

As suspicious as Morgana sounds, Skel doesn't answer. He stays silent and curls into himself a little more. Morgana sighs.

Morgana: What's with this guy...

Ren looks even more worried than before.

[RECORDING END]

[toxx-apex-727]

i need to get Ryuji tested for adhd fucking immediately omfa

[toxx-apex-727]

Poochyena Machine Broke

[toxx-apex-727]

soup,,, <3

soup