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There was a boy in Ren's dreams.
His form changed sometimes, but it was the same person. Well, Ren was pretty sure it was. They both had the same black hair and blue eyes that eerily matched Morgana's– and there was something about them, too. He wasn't sure what.
Sometimes he was a little boy in black and white stripes. Other times he was a teenager the same age as Ren, donning a yellow scarf that seemed to wave in wind that didn't exist. He didn't know the name of either, but he was familiar somehow.
He didn't always dream about him. Hadn't for a while, but one day he did. He wasn't sure why. It had started when he first began summoning Thanatos. That, he still remembered clearly. Staring up at the form of a persona that should be far too powerful for him– and yet Thanatos matched his every order with precision that rivaled Arsene’s.
It wasn't until after they fought Kamoshida that Ren finally worked up the courage to speak to the teenager.
"Hi."
The boy looked up, and smiled brightly.
"Hi!"
Okay. Great start.
"Um," Ren coughed. "My name's Ren Amamiya. Who are you?"
"Oh, so that's your real name?" He tilted his head, still smiling. "I knew Trickster sounded weird… I'm Ryoji Mochizuki! Or, Thanatos, or Death, Pharos if I'm feeling like it… But I prefer Ryoji like this."
"Thanatos?" Ren blinked. "Like… The persona?"
"That's the one!"
"None of my other personas have done this…"
"Well, I'm different from them. It's a bit complicated."
"Huh."
"Yeah, huh," Ryoji chuckles. "It's nice to meet you properly, Ren."
"...You too."
"Oh, yeah," Ryoji looks up suddenly. "I should probably warn you. I can act on my own, but it'll probably give you a migraine if I do so."
Ren blinked. "You can act on your own ?"
"I think so. I haven't tried it with you, but I could with my last user. It gave him migraines though, so I try to avoid it. Just letting you know!"
"...Thanks for the warning."
"No problem!" Ryoji smiles at him. "You should probably wake up soon, by the way."
Ren didn't answer before he opened his eyes and sat up in his bed.
–
Ryoji was nice enough, if a bit strange. Ren didn't mind. Sometimes he told stories about his previous user. Those were funny.
After a trip to the Velvet Room, summoning a new persona, Ren found a new person sitting next to Ryoji. He had blue hair, and a uniform that Ren didn't recognize.
"You're here!" Ryoji's expression lit up upon seeing him. "Ren, this is the boy I was telling you about! My previous user!"
"Hi," the blue haired boy said. "Minato Arisato."
"How'd you get here?" Ren asked.
"You summoned Orpheus."
Oh. That made sense, Ren supposed. Igor’s words echoed in his mind. A persona that once belonged to another.
"I think it's okay," Minato shrugged. “It’s just a piece of me, so the seal is still in place.”
“Seal?”
“Yeah.”
Ren stared at him, confused and unsure, but Ryoji seemed happy to see him, so it was probably okay.
“Oh, by the way,” Minato frowned at Ren. “Be careful in the Velvet Room.”
Ren blinked. “What?”
“Something’s wrong with it.”
“Like what?”
“Dunno.”
Helpful. Ren sighed.
“Okay. I’ll be careful.”
“Good.”
Ryoji laughed. “I guess being a door hasn’t improved your social skills very much, has it?”
Minato rolled his eyes. Ren blinked in confusion.
–
By the time a third person joined them in Ren’s dreams, he had a bit more of an idea of what was happening.
“Izanagi?” Ren asked the silver-haired boy.
“Yeah,” he nodded, smiling. “My name is Yu Narukami. Nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
“It’s getting crowded in here,” Ryoji chuckled. Minato shrugged.
“So… You guys are all the previous owners of these personas?” Ren asked.
“Yeah,” Minato nodded. “Orpheus is my initial persona.”
“Izanagi was mine,” Yu agreed.
“I’m a little different,” Ryoji shrugged. “Thanatos isn’t like a hidden version of me, I literally am Thanatos. It’s complicated.”
“Sounds like it,” Yu hummed.
“By the way,” Ren frowned at Ryoji. “You look kind of like Morgana. Do you know why?”
“Do I?” Ryoji tilted his head. “Morgana is a cat though.”
“It’s the eyes,” Minato said.
“They remind me of Teddie too,” Yu added.
“Well, I don’t know who Teddie is,” Ryoji shrugged, “but for Morgana… I’d have to guess, maybe it’s because we’re similar.”
“Really?” Yu asked.
“Yeah. We both embody concepts.”
“What concept does Morgana embody?” Ren asked.
“Can’t tell you!” Ryoji shrugged, his smile apologetic. “That room has a saying, I’ve heard. Nothing there happens for no reason. I don’t want to ruin anything.”
“Morgana’s memories are really a problem for him though…”
“I had amnesia for a while too,” Ryoji hummed. “It really does suck, and I can sympathize… but I don’t think I should give you the answers. That’d ruin the whole point of the journey, right?”
“If you had told us everything, we could’ve avoided a lot,” Minato muttered.
“I didn’t remember!” Ryoji argued. “It’s not my fault!”
Yu laughed. Ren sighed.
“Okay.”
–
By the time they reached the fifth palace, Futaba’s, another person had joined them. This one looked more like an adult, unbuttoned coat hanging over his shoulders.
“What is he even doing here?” Minato was asking.
“Same way we are I guess,” Yu shrugged.
“This fucking sucks,” the adult grumbled. “But it’s more interesting than prison I guess.”
“You got what you deserved.”
“Yeah, yeah,” the man rolls his eyes, before turning to Ren. “Trickster, right?”
“Ren Amamiya,” Ren supplies.
“Amamiya,” the man grunts. “Huh, Dojima mentioned you I think during one of his visits… Tohru Adachi. Magatsu-Izanagi.”
“He’s a friend,” Yu added.
“I’m not your damn friend, Narukami.”
“I think you’re my friend.”
“You think everyone is your friend, dumbass.”
“Only the people I get to know. I got to know you.”
“I tried to kill you.”
“Most of my friends did. They didn’t mean it.”
“Those were Shadows.”
“Still my friends.”
“I swear to fucking–”
“You two aren’t going to argue like this while I’m fighting, right?” Ren asked.
“Hey, I can keep my mouth shut,” Adachi replied, sticking his tongue out. “Can’t wait to fight again. Better take me out a lot, got it?”
“I’ll try.”
“Good,” Adachi nodded.
“Huh, you’re like me, aren’t you?” Ryoji chuckled. “We both had to fight our friends.”
“Narukami isn’t my friend.”
“Yes I am,” Yu said.
“No you’re not.”
“Yes I–”
“Can you not?” Minato groaned.
“Sorry,” Yu replied.
“Do you think Ren will have to fight a friend too?” Ryoji mused.
“I hope not,” Ren shuddered.
“It’ll be fine,” Yu said. “Probably.”
“Good luck,” Minato hummed.
“Step on that detective prince guy’s foot next time you see him for me,” Adachi added. “He seems like a pretentious ass. Shirogane was cooler.”
“I thought you didn’t like Naoto,” Yu said.
“I’ll take the short stack over that pretentious asshole.”
“We’re here for you!” Ryoji promised, chuckling.
Ren raised his eyebrows at them, but he woke up anyway.
–
There was another new person. A girl this time, blonde and sitting rigid on the other side of Minato.
“Hello,” she stated when Ren arrived. “I am Aigis. My persona is Athena.”
“Nice to meet you,” Ren said.
“A girl this time?” Adachi whistled. Narukami smacked him across the shoulder, and he laughed.
“Do not whistle at me,” Aigis ordered.
“Don’t be mean to Aigis,” Minato agreed. “She has finger guns.”
“ Literally ,” Ryoji added.
“Your fingers are guns?” Ren asked.
“Yes,” Aigis nodded. “I am an anti-shadow weapon. As such, I am designed to be optimized for combat.”
“So your fingers are guns.”
“Yes.”
“Forget I said anything,” Adachi said.
“ That’s what turns you off from it?” Yu scowled.
“What? I’m allowed to look.”
“This is exactly why you’re in jail.”
“No, I’m in jail because I’m a murderer.”
“I’m starting to think I shouldn’t have you in my heart,” Ren muttered.
“He’s not always this bad,” Yu promised. “He just thinks he’s funny.”
“I’m hilarious, Narukami.”
“I’m going to tell Uncle.”
“Tell him what? I’m ogling robots in my sleep?”
Yu groaned.
“He’s a little funny,” Ryoji shrugged.
“Don’t encourage him please,” Yu muttered.
“I wonder if Aigis can shoot people here,” Minato hummed.
“Negative,” Aigis replied, sounding somewhat disappointed. “I am not inhabiting my body here, and as such, cannot utilize my finger guns.”
“Heh, we’ve got a lot of people,” Ryoji chuckled. “I wonder who else is going to join us.”
“It’s strange that I can access personas that aren’t mine,” Ren nodded.
“I’ve got a theory,” Minato hummed, “but I’m not sure… Just be careful.”
“Around?”
“The Velvet Room.”
“Good idea,” Yu agreed. “Something’s wrong with it.”
“What do you mean?” Ren asked.
“Not sure,” Minato shrugged. “Something’s wrong.”
“I think it’s with Igor,” Yu hummed. “It’s weird.”
“You never explained how you all know about the weird old guy with a long nose,” Adachi said.
“He helped us,” Yu replied, as if that explained anything.
“You guys are weird,” Adachi grumbled.
“It comes with being a Wild Card.”
Ren snorted.
–
His curiosity finally won out, and Ren summoned the other version of Orpheus. When he returned to his mindscape, a girl wearing a uniform that matched Minato’s was there. She and Minato were staring at each other.
“Um,” Ren coughed.
“Oh, hi!” Ryoji waved at him.
“Is everything okay?” Ren asked.
“I think so?” Ryoji shrugged. Ren raised his eyebrows, turning back to the duo staring at each other.
Then, out of nowhere–
“Door duty?” Minato asked.
“Door duty,” the girl agreed.
The two of them shook hands, and then the girl smiled as she turned to everyone.
“Hi! I’m Kotone Shiomi– and I’m pretty we’re the same person,” she gestured to Minato. “Nice to meet you all”
“...So that’s why there were two Orpheus’,” Ren hummed.
“Guess so!” Kotone nodded, laughing.
“You look good as a girl,” Adachi said to Minato.
“Shut up,” Minato said.
“I’m starting to think I should get rid of you,” Ren said to Adachi.
“Fine, I’ll stop,” Adachi rolled his eyes. “Nobody has a sense of humor.”
“Pedophile jokes aren’t funny,” Yu said.
“They’re a little funny,” Adachi argued.
“Not really,” Ryoji shrugged. “By the way, Ren, I’m starting to think that Akechi guy is like me and Adachi. He’s got the signs.”
“The signs?” Ren asked.
“Questionable social link,” Minato said.
“Nice detective act,” Yu nodded.
“Working on the case that you guys are also involved in,” Adachi added.
“He also heard Morgana,” Ryoji added. Ren blinked.
“Holy shit, he heard Morgana.”
“ That’s what you focus on?” Adachi raised his eyebrows.
“You have to have been to the Metaverse to hear Morgana,” Minato explained.
“Oh, right.”
“We’ve heard this before Adachi,” Yu muttered.
“I wasn’t paying attention. I’m just here to fight.”
“I can’t believe you’re my friend.”
“I am not your friend. I tried to kill you.”
“Ryoji tried to kill me and he’s my friend,” Minato shrugged.
“I was also inside you,” Ryoji hummed. “That brings people together.”
Everyone stared at them.
“That came out wrong,” Ryoji realized.
“Technically that was my fault,” Aigis added. “I sealed you inside him.”
“You guys are a mess,” Yu decided.
“Like you aren’t the one friends with an actual murderer?” Kotone asked.
“You’re friends with the concept of death itself,” Adachi shot back.
“Ladies, you’re all pretty,” Ren rolled his eyes.
“Thanks,” Minato said, completely serious. Ryoji laughed.
It was strange, but kind of nice for Ren to see his mind so lively.
–
“Do you guys all exist in real life?”
“What do you mean?” Kotone asked.
“I mean like,” Ren hummed, “if I looked, could I find you guys outside of my head or the Metaverse?”
“Probably?” Yu shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
“It is probable,” Aigis stated.
“Well, not us,” Kotone gestured to herself and Minato. “We’re dead, technically.”
“You’re dead? ” Adachi raised his eyebrows.
“Dead,” Minato confirmed. “Door duty.”
“What does that mean?” Yu asked.
“It means we’re on door duty,” Kotone supplied, as if that explained literally anything.
“They died to create a seal in the form of a door that would prevent Nyx from destroying all life on earth,” Ryoji explained.
“Oh,” Yu frowned. “That’s rough.”
“Yeah,” Minato said.
“Mhm!” Kotone hummed.
“As for me,” Ryoji shrugged. “Probably not. I don’t have a physical form outside of Thanatos, not anymore.”
“I’m in prison,” Adachi said. “So, probably not.”
“Huh, really? Never would’ve guessed,” Minato said dryly.
“I think that’s the longest sentence you’ve spoken,” Ren told him. Minato rolled his eyes.
“I can ask Mitsuru-san to look into contacting you,” Aigis said.
“I can try and find you,” Yu shrugged.
“Maybe after all this is over,” Ren decided.
“Well, if you ever get caught, let me know,” Adachi snickered. “Maybe we can hang out in the same prison.”
Ren rolled his eyes, but he smiled.
–
He couldn’t think. It was– what was going on? He was hurting, and… fuzzy, he could barely–
Creaaak.
What… was that?
Step, step…
Someone sat down across from him.
“It’s you…”
A girl? She sounded surprised. Ren stared at her. Everything was fuzzy, but… there was something he needed to do. What was it?
Why was it so quiet? He didn’t like the silence.
“Tell me everything,” the girl– woman– Sae – said.
“Okay,” Ren replied.
She opened her folder and showed him a picture. A man. Black hair– if he stared long enough, he could see the tacky fur cloak. Kamoshida.
It was too quiet, and he didn’t know why, but he didn’t have time to figure it out. He had to do… this first. Whatever this was.
…He’d figure it out.
–
Ren was out as soon as he hit the back of Sae’s car, fuzzy memories slowly returning, and voices slowly getting clearer. When his vision cleared in his sleep, he found himself lying on the white ground of his mindspace. Ryoji, Minato, and Kotone were all leaning over him.
“Can you hear us?” Minato asked.
“Y-yeah,” Ren nodded.
“Oh, thank god!” Kotone cheered, wrapping her arms around her. Ryoji relaxed, sighing in relief.
“You couldn’t hear us at all back there,” Ryoji explained, “We were worried. Those drugs…”
“I guess that’s what suppressants are like,” Minato muttered.
“I don’t want to think about it,” Kotone shuddered. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“Y…Yeah,” Ren sighed, rubbing the side of his head. “Where’s… everyone else?”
“Awake,” Minato replied. “They’ll be back. They also have physical bodies, so… I think it had a worse effect on them. We got back faster.”
“Oh. Okay.”
It became quiet. For a moment, they all sat there in silence. Then, Ryoji leaned closer, and Minato sighed as he leaned on Kotone, who didn’t let go of Ren.
Ren took a deep breath, suddenly very aware of how tired he was, and how bad his headache was.
“You can rest,” Ryoji promised him. “We’re here for you. We won’t leave.”
Ren nodded, and felt a few tears slip out. He was… really tired.
He closed his eyes, feeling at ease with the presence of the people in his mind.
–
Shido’s palace was a pain in the ass, but at the very least, the next time he returned to his mindspace, everyone was there.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” Yu smiled at him.
“Vital signs are in the clear,” Aigis nodded, seeming satisfied. “I am happy to see you are okay, Ren.”
“Good!” Adachi grinned. “I was worried they would get you.”
“Aigis and I spoke to some of our friends,” Yu said. “Naoto promised to try and get herself on the Phantom Thieves case.”
“Mitsuru-san is working to overcome the red tape set in place by Masayoshi Shido to prevent the Shadow Operatives from acting within Tokyo,” Aigis promised. “She would also like to meet you eventually.”
“Did they really believe you when you said you’ve been in my mind?” Ren tilted his head.
“I think most of us have stopped questioning some of the strange things that can happen when the Velvet Room and Personas are involved,” Yu chuckled. “The important thing is that you have backup on the way.”
Ren smiled a little. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it,” Yu put an arm around his shoulders. “I’m just glad you’re alright.”
Aigis and Adachi joined him, followed by Minato, Kotone, and Ryoji. The six of them crowded around Ren into one close pile, and as strange as it was… Ren was glad that he wasn’t alone. Even if these people were the ones in his mind.
–
Shido’s palace crumbled, and exhausted, Ren fell into his bed.
Are you okay? Yu’s worried voice floated through his mind. Ren didn’t answer.
…Still upset about Akechi? Adachi asked. He nodded.
I’m sorry we couldn’t do more, Ryoji murmured.
Nothing is over yet, Kotone sighed. We still have your back.
There’s always a catch at the end, Minato agreed. Something else is going to happen. Whatever it is, we’re here.
We aren’t about to leave you now, Ryoji chuckled.
Ren smiled a little into his pillow. He was never alone, least of all now.
–
The Velvet Room’s blue was a jarring shock, even more so when Caroline and Justine dragged him out of cell. It was only then, that–
That’s not Igor, Minato’s voice rang in his mind.
Where are the other attendants?! Yu demanded.
Don’t give in! Kotone shouted.
“Execute him,” Igor– no, the monster wearing Igor’s face– ordered. The twins stared at him. He forced himself onto his feet, blue flames consuming the tattered prison getup and replacing it with black leather.
“...You dare?” Caroline asked quietly.
“This isn’t right,” Justine murmured. “Caroline…”
Ren’s knees buckled beneath him, but his costume remained. The twins stared at him.
“What are you waiting for?” The monster demanded.
Someone, get the others! Aigis exclaimed.
THEO! Kotone’s voice rang out. Theo, please! This is your room, where are you?!
Margaret! Yu called out. Marie!
Elizabeth?! Minato sounded more desperate than Ren had ever heard him.
Get off your knees! Adachi snapped. You’re above this, aren’t you?!
They’re moving in! Aigis exclaimed.
I’m sorry about this! Ryoji called, and then–
Pain exploded into Ren’s mind. He screamed, but in front of him– Thanatos took form, with a flash of light that only made the migraine worse.
“That’s…!” Caroline gasped.
“You won’t take him!” Ryoji’s voice echoed from the persona. “I won’t let you!”
“...How are you able to summon?!” The monster with Igor’s face scowled. “This can’t be…”
Everything after that was– blurry, between pain and action. The twins started shouting, hauling Ren onto his feet, and he tied them into the guillotine– but the butterflies that followed aren’t like any persona fusion. Instead, they took the form of a young girl. Thanatos disappeared again, and “Igor” offered him a deal.
Ren didn’t hesitate in saying no.
And then the doors to the other cells slammed open, four other people appeared with books, and the monster vanished. The girl introduced herself as Lavenza, and the other four were the different attendants. Theodore, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Marie.
The true Igor returned, and Ren found all his friends. Everyone gathered together, ready for one more round with the God of Control.
“Trickster,” Margaret piped up first. “Our guests– They can hear us, yes?”
“...You’re Yu’s attendant, right?” Ren asked. She nodded. “Yeah. He’s here. So are Minato, Kotone, and Aigis.”
“To think, my dear guest's consciousness would still live in the form of his persona…” Elizabeth murmured. “Oh, Minato…”
“Kotone…” Theodore’s expression fell.
We’re fine, Kotone giggled. Being a door isn’t so bad once we get used to it… And now we can view the world through you.
Ren relayed their message, and the two attendants managed small smiles. Lavenza led them outside, and everyone prepared for battle.
“What was that about?” Ryuji questioned, glancing at the blue door.
“Nothing big,” Ren replied, smiling. “Let’s go take down that metal sippy cup.”
Ryuji grinned, and the smiles spread across his friends. They were ready, and so was Ren.
–
The revelation of a new reality would have been far less shocking if it hadn’t explained so many small inconsistencies throughout the past week since Christmas.
How come I’m still in jail if this is a perfect reality? Adachi whines.
That’s a good question, actually, Yu hums. Your victims are alive again. It’s like nothing happened. Marie is pretty upset about it though.
A groan echoed throughout his head, causing Ren to chuckle quietly.
“What’s so funny?” Akechi asked, more demanded, but Ren was getting used to Akechi sounding more fierce than he really was.
“Nothing,” Ren shook his head. “Let’s go help Sumire.”
He wished he could say he was surprised when halfway through their confrontation with Maruki, his friends arrive alongside a boy with blue hair and a gun that wasn’t meant for Shadows.
“Who the hell are you?” Akechi snarled at him.
“Minato?” Ren asked.
“Hi,” Minato waved, yawning.
“We ran into him as we were entering the palace,” Morgana explained. “You know him, Joker?”
“..Yes?” Ren paused, rubbing the side of his neck. “It’s complicated.”
“I was living in your head until I woke up three hours,” Minato’s expression turned flat. “Yes, we know each other.”
“Um, what?” Ann blinked.
“Joker, what the fuck is he talking about?” Akechi demanded.
“Remember Orpheus?” Ren asked.
“The persona?” Makoto raised her eyebrows.
“Yeah. That’s him,” Ren pointed at Minato.
“...Excuse me?” Haru tilted her head.
“Orpheus is my persona,” Minato shrugged. “Ren using him linked our minds, or something.”
“Then why didn’t you come help us before?!” Ryuji scowled.
“I was a door.”
“You were a what?” Makoto asked.
“A door.”
“You’re not making this any less confusing,” Ren sighed. Minato shrugged.
“...You’re explaining this later,” Akechi ordered to Ren.
“Are the others coming as well?” Ren asked Minato.
“Dunno,” he shrugged. "Aigis and Ryoji were with me when I woke up, but Ryoji is trying to make sure that us being here isn’t going to kick start another apocalypse. Adachi is still in jail though. Aigis called Narukami and he said he could be here in a few days if we need him. Kotone isn’t from this world, so she’s still holding door duty for her world.”
“None of that made any sense to the rest of us,” Ryuji added.
“Let’s continue this when we’re out of the palace,” Ren sighed. Minato nodded, letting out another yawn as he followed him.
–
Ren would be lying if fighting Maruki hadn’t been emotional, between his desperate attempts to convince them and their determined rebuttals, but the kicker came when he addressed Minato. The only one to really join them, as Ryoji took the form of Thanatos again, and Aigis spoke with their friends.
“Arisato… Do you want to die again? You don’t have to suffer at the hands of that monster anymore! I–”
“I do,” Minato replied simply, continuing before anyone could voice their concerns. “I died happy because I fulfilled my promise, and I kept everyone safe. The Universe is mine to protect, and I won’t let you brainwash the people I died for.”
Akechi stared at him a moment too long, and Ren couldn’t help his sad smile.
Not even Maruki seemed to know quite how to respond. As the palace crumbled around them, he risked a glance, and saw Minato smiling as his form began to flicker.
–
When Ren woke up, he found himself in a cell. An alarm was ringing, as people slid the bars open and gestured for him to leave.
Oh. I guess in the true reality, you really did turn yourself in, Ryoji murmured.
Where’s Minato? Ren asked.
I’m here, he heard Minato yawn. Glad everything is back to normal now.
I am in contact with Mitsuru-san, Aigis stated. We will be assisting in the endeavor to have you pardoned.
I’ve spoken to Naoto as well, Yu adds. She’s starting her own investigation.
Thank you everyone, Ren managed a small smile as the officers guided him to get the disgusting slop they called breakfast. He could hear people whispering as he sat down.
Someone sat next to him.
“So, you fixed the universe twice now, huh?”
Ren blinked, looking up.
“Adachi-san?”
“Bah, drop the formalities kid,” Adachi rolled his eyes. “I’m not even that old, and I’ve been inside your head. That’s just weird.”
“Oh, uh, okay,” Ren nodded, managing a small smile. “What a coincidence.”
“What, that we’re in the same jail? Yeah, cuz all your other targets are here too. Kamoshida ran screaming when he saw you, it was funny.”
That did sound funny, in a sick sort of way. Ren chuckled quietly.
“C’mon, I’ll teach you how to get around this shithole,” Adachi grinned. “Until the others get you out, at least.”
“Thanks, Adachi.”
“Don’t sweat it, kid. You’re a lot easier to tolerate than Narukami ever was, anyway.”
Hey!
Ren snickered.
“He heard that, didn’t he?” Adachi asked.
“Yep.”
“Good. It’s true.”
“This doesn’t mean I approve of the murders, though.”
“Nobody does, kid. I stopped caring about that a while ago.”
–
When he was finally released from jail, Sojiro was waiting for him. When they returned to Leblanc, Ren found everyone waiting for him with bright smiles. Conversation broke out immediately, various topics circulating as Ren was dragged into the cluster of friends.
“Curry time! I hunger!” Futaba shouted, effectively derailing any conversation. Sojiro laughed, walking behind the counter to start serving curry. Morgana leapt onto Ren’s shoulder, and Ryuji pushed him into the seat next to him.
So, happy with how your journey ended? Ryoji asked.
“Happy to be home?” Morgana questioned, a smile in his eyes.
“...Yeah,” Ren murmured out loud, smiling at his friends. “I am.”
“Good!” Futaba threw her arms around him. “Because we aren’t letting you go again!”
Glad to hear it! Kotone cheered. A happy ending is the best kind, right?
It’s not really an ending, anyway, Minato said. You’re still alive, so there’s always a chance.
And we’ll be here with you, Ryoji promised.
“Whatever the future holds, better be ready for us!” Ryuji exclaimed.
“I agree!” Haru clapped her hands together, giggling.
“Together,” Yusuke agreed, smiling.
Together! Kotone whooped.
“Together,” Ren smiled at his friends.
It was good to be home.