Parts of Persona 5 & Persona 5 Royal transcripts are listed here for reference.
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Futaba | Welcome home. You took off somewhere during the festival, huh… I tried to find you, but I gave up pretty quickly. |
Morgana | Futaba? What are you doing here in front of the store? |
Futaba | I needed to calm my brain. My thoughts were getting out of hand. Not just Akechi, but other stuff too. We’re in deep trouble unless we can do something soon. But anyway, I was just thinking about going inside, so your timing is perfect. Let’s go. |
Futaba | We’re home. Sojiro? |
Sojiro | I was cleaning up… and found this. |
Futaba | ……! |
Sojiro | This is a calling card, right? I’ve read about it online too. |
Futaba | Y-You went into my room without my permission!? |
Sojiro | I’ll apologize as much as you want later. …So, what is this? |
Futaba | That’s… |
Sojiro | Is it something to get flustered over? I knew it. This isn’t just some “game” you’re playing. Why aren’t you saying anything? |
Morgana | Why did you keep it!? |
Futaba | I mean… it was memorable… |
Sojiro | Explain. |
Futaba | Explain… |
Sojiro | Can’t tell me? |
Futaba | Ex…plain… |
Sojiro | Hey, if this keeps up, Futaba’s— |
Ren | Don’t blame Futaba. I’ll explain everything. |
Sojiro | Oh? I’ll get right to the point. …Is this a “real” one? Did they… trigger a change of heart in you? |
Futaba | *sob* |
Sojiro | How about it? |
Futaba | …Ever since… Mom died… there was… no exit… …I was trapped… in a labyrinth of… my heart… I knew I… had to leave it… but I… I couldn’t do it… by myself… |
Sojiro | Futaba… Here… Sit down. I can at least listen to what you have to say. |
Futaba | The Phantom Thieves… saved me… They stole… my messed up heart… It’s the same as Mom’s research… They changed… my cognition… |
Sojiro | Seriously? …… Wakaba’s research about altering one’s cognition… I wondered about it myself too, but still… |
Ren | When did you notice? |
Sojiro | When she said she was gonna go to the beach out of nowhere. Even the doctors had thrown in the towel. |
Futaba | …… |
Sojiro | At first I just chalked it up as other kids being a better support for you than any adult. But as I kept watching the tabloid shows here day in and day out, a thought crossed my mind… I thought… your case kind of seemed similar to what these Phantom Thieves were doing. |
Futaba | …Wow. |
Sojiro | I’m still your guardian, you know. I’d never overlook such a drastic change in your behavior. |
Futaba | Sojiro… |
Sojiro | But to think that Wakaba’s research and the Phantom Thieves changing hearts were about the same thing. Back in the day… I used to be a government official. My job was to be the bridge between the country and the lab that Wakaba worked at. It’s around that time that I got to know her. She said something odd when we were out drinking… …that one of these days, she might die a bizarre death. Who wouldn’t take that as a joke? I just laughed it off… But… it happened exactly as she said. If anything were to happen to you, I’d feel like I let her down. Judging from your attitude, you knew about this calling card, didn’t you? You should’ve known that Futaba had a change of heart through the Phantom Thieves as well. …Is there a connection between you and them? The first incident of a change of heart was a teacher at your school. The kid who brought that painting here was a pupil of that artist who had a change of heart, wasn’t he? And then there’s Futaba… You always seem to be linked to these incidents somehow… Got anything to say? |
Ren | You’re sharp… |
Sojiro | …You think this is a game? You know what people call them? Criminals. Why did you introduce such dangerous people to Futaba!? |
Futaba | That’s not true! I asked them! That’s why Ren saved me! He stole my heart! |
Sojiro | …Asked? Stole? |
Futaba | Oh… Uh… Ummm… |
Sojiro | Wait, are you saying that he’s the one who changed your heart? He doesn’t just deal with the Phantom Thieves… he’s actually one of them? You’re pulling my leg, aren’t you? |
Ren | This is no joke. Believe what you want. |
Sojiro | Are you serious? You… really are a phantom thief? For crying out loud… |
Futaba | Sojiro… |
Sojiro | So basically, I’ve been sheltering a phantom thief for the last six months? And on top of that, Futaba’s involved too… What the hell… |
Futaba | I… I want to find the culprit who killed my mom! |
Sojiro | Wait, killed…? |
Futaba | She was killed! I… remember it now. |
Sojiro | Stop this nonsense! |
Futaba | Why won’t you believe me!? Are you the same as everyone else? Didn’t you know already!? The way Mom died wasn’t normal! Didn’t you notice that her research was stolen by someone!? Sojiro…! |
Sojiro | …When she passed away, I did think it was odd. It was awfully fishy. But what could I do? …All I was able to do was run from it all. Run away, hide… and end up here, as some old guy running a café. To be frank, I took you in for my own good. Like it’d somehow make up for what I’d done. It’s basically my fault that you got burdened with all this crap. |
Futaba | It’s not your fault, Sojiro. |
Sojiro | l acted all big, lectured, even yelled at you kids… And I end up getting consoled by her. God… Real pathetic, aren’t I? |
Ren | That’s not true. |
Futaba | I mean, why would you be at fault, Sojiro? It’s obviously the one who killed Mom! |
Sojiro | …… …I see. Don’t worry. Even if you are the real Phantom Thieves, I have no intention of reporting or kicking you out. I mean, who would believe such a story? Unless they catch you red-handed, it’s impossible to explain that you’re the Phantom Thieves. Let me just say one thing though. Immediately back out of a fight that you can’t win. |
Ren | Why? What do you mean? |
Sojiro | Don’t you get it? If by chance you pissed off the same guys that killed Wakaba… Then they’re not someone that kids like you can deal with. Listen to reason, all right? We’re done talking about this. C’mon, time to eat. All that yelling’s gotten me hungry. |
Morgana | Phew… If he turned us in, that would’ve jeopardized our operation. …Still, we should tell the others about what just happened. |
Futaba | …I’m tired. |
Newscaster | That concludes the speech given by Representative Masayoshi Shido, who may be forming a new party. |
Sojiro | … |
Newscaster | We now resume our coverage of the Phantom Thieves, the suspects for Mr. Okumura’s death and others. The police have designated the Phantom Thieves as the country’s most wanted fugitives… And have decided to reward anyone with information leading to the capture of the Phantom Thieves. |
Sojiro | Look. |
Newscaster | Those who provide information will be offered a reward of thirty million yen… And considering the high amount, it shows how extraordinary the situation has become. Reward money will be supplied by the police and the families of the victims, further— |
Sojiro | If I report you to the police and they arrest you, I supposedly get thirty million yen for it. |
Ren | Only if we get caught. |
Sojiro | I hope you understand the situation you’re in. Even people who didn’t have an interest before will be on the lookout for the Phantom Thieves. And it’ll happen every day, even at school. …Why did this happen? |
Ren | I’m sorry. There was no choice. |
Sojiro | That may have been true, but still… Well, how do I put this…? I’m sorry I didn’t realize it. It’s also my responsibility that this happened. All I can do now is give you shelter. Just don’t become desperate and do something reckless, all right? |
Ren | I know. Don’t worry. Believe in me. |
Sojiro | I won’t sell you out. As long as you’re here, there’s nothing to worry about. |
Morgana | I feel bad about what we’ve done to the chief. I’m responsible too. |
Sojiro | Those sorts of experiences are important too, but common sense is just as important. You should know better than anyone how nasty adults without common sense can be. |
Haru | That’s a great point. |
Sojiro | Someday, you’ll graduate high school and become adults. Then when you get married, you’ll need common sense more than ever. |
Morgana | Honestly… you’re amazing. There’s definitely something special about you. You dodge everything the enemies throw at you like it’s your destiny. At first I just thought you were going to be a useful tool for me… but now this is where I belong. |
Ren | That’s good. |
Morgana | …Yes. Yeah, you’re right. …It’s not like me to say all that embarrassing stuff. But still… I think it’s fine. For tonight, at least. |
Igor | To think it would be the ignorant masses to which you tried to prove your integrity. Did they themselves not show elation for those who are unseen? Despite all that, they now say you do not exits. They toyed with you, yet none take responsibility. The distortion of man’s world is endlessly deep… Fixing it may now be impossible even with the appearance of a Trickster… It seems this is the limit of humanity… |
Ren | Don’t give up on us. |
Igor | The time of ruin is nigh… One due to the distortion of man’s own heart, from which none can escape… |
Shadow Shido | It’s supposedly called the “prison of regression.” More importantly, does this look like captivity to you? Why, it’s the exact opposite. The utmost freedom is available to anyone who desires it here. This is the freedom to not make decisions… The release from having to think for yourself. It is far more marvellous than the country I wished to create… |
Haru | Release from having to think…? But that’s… |
Shadow Shido | However, there are some fools who cannot stay put in this place. In other words, they are escaped convicts… Of course, I’m talking about our past selves. Such people are segregated from this peaceful world and locked away in their own Palace. |
Makoto | So these are the Palace rulers… Having the freedom to not make your own decisions only means that someone else is controlling you! Tell me. Who is the ruler here? Who made all of this…? |
Shadow Shido | What an odd question to ask. It should be obvious: every member of the general public. Haven’t you learned anything in school? The collective ruler of a democratic country is its people. …You may be right. We are the ones “looking out” upon everyone else. |
Makoto | So the ones who least want the prison to be tampered with… are the prisoners themselves…? |
Morgana | Now that I think about it, it makes sense Mementos would connect to some place like underneath Shibuya. Everyone crams themselves into packed underground boxes day after day without any complaints… From my standpoint, those are the true inmates of Mementos. It’s no surprise the places are connected. |
Makoto | You know, the voices of the public may have led the Phantom Thieves on more than any criminal… |
Haru | We truly are reforming society… Let’s go. |
Holy Grail | You fools. Human, yet wishing to eradicate the desires of humanity… Repent. I am revered as the granter of dreams for all who behold me… A being most commonly known as the 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 nought. The shared heart of the masses has fallen into an excess of indolence and transformed into a prison. Thus… the only suitable end for them is to perish within the prison they wished for themselves. |
Morgana | If this is really how people feel, there’s no way we’ll be able to steal their hearts… We’ve come here for nothing… |
Haru | 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… |
Makoto | Is this really what everyone wants…? To stop thinking and be guided by the Holy Grail…? |
Ren | We can’t accept that. |
Makoto | Yes… It’s so frustrating it makes me want to cry… But I… I will never agree! |
Morgana | 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! |
Holy Grail | Humanity already wishes for their distortions to be actualised. 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. |
Morgana | …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! |
God of Control | I hoped seeing a righteous thief vanquish evil would spur mankind to change their own indolent hearts. However… the result is as you know—the masses have made it so none of it has transpired. Humans should be met with ruin: you brought forth that answer. But to be frank, Inmate, I believe it may be worth reevaluating you. A human has reached the Holy Grail and has seen through my true identity… You’ve surprised the god that I am often enough. That cannot be done by a foolish commoner. You truly were a prisoner that did not bore me. Perhaps observing you a while longer may prove amusing. I shall grant you an opportunity to make a deal with me. Should you wish it, I shall return the world to its prior state—one rampant with distorted masses. |
Lavenza | You forcefully dragged him into the Metaverse and imposed an ordeal he did not deserve… Yet you still intend on toying with him!? |
God of Control | The Phantom Thieves will be praised and gain fame. The world will escape ruin as well. …What say you? |
(If I agree to this, the ruined city will return to normal. However, the people will remain trapped, abandoning their ability to think for themselves… Is that really how the world should be?) | |
Ren | I refuse. |
Lavenza | Well said. |
God of Control | Such irredeemable foolishness… You choose death for yourself? Very well. I have no need for you. |
Apocalyptic Guide | Dare you destroy the very ruler you wished for? Humans are truly arrogant… |
Yusuke | Not everyone wants that thing ruling over us! |
Apocalyptic Guide | Wish you to be free? Love your diversity? Since the dawn of time, man hath failed to put an end to quarrel. Now they finally desire a strong ruler. What justice have you in disturbing that wish!? |
Morgana | Like granting that wish is justice either! How can you say people are free when they’re chained up in prisons in this broken world!? |
Haru | If someone has lost their way, it’s our job to help them come to their senses! |
Apocalyptic Guide | So, you commit any degree of sacrilege for your justice… …You are beyond salvation! |
Holy Grail | Rebels who choose to deny the Prison of Regression… Why do you mere humans still dare oppose me…!? Fools… Do you still not understand? Your actions shall not save a single soul. How do you think it is that I became a god to begin with? The freedom not to choose… The freedom not to think… If every person pushed the burdens of their lives upon others, nobody would have to act for themselves. And who should be there to receive those burdens? |
Haru | Are you saying… that’s you!? |
Holy Grail | Precisely! Humanity itself wished for the Holy Grail to be a god that would rule over them! If you continue to reject that order, there will no longer be a place for you in this world! |
Morgana | …And? |
Holy Grail | So you wish to reject me… even if it means forgoing praise from those you want to “save”… |
Haru | We don’t let what others think hold us down anymore! |
Makoto | That’s right! |
Holy Grail | If you are not going to obey… then you shall suffer yet again. I shall bring down the hammer of judgment upon you who dare disrupt my world order! |
Yaldabaoth | I am the administrator born of the collective human unconscious. The god of control, Yaldabaoth. The administrator must guide mankind toward proper development. And now that the foolishness of man has been proven, it is the administrator’s duty to purge them. The foolish masses merely spread indolent thoughts and force the progress of society backward. If left to humanity, the world would slowly meet its demise. Rehabilitation is impossible now. |
Makoto | That doesn’t mean humans are evil though! |
Yaldabaoth | Indeed. There are many upstanding citizens. However, they merely take the sole path before them. The act of making decisions is accompanied by nothing but pain. Even if a cliff of ruin lies ahead, these lemmings would march on without a second thought… |
Ryuji | Bullshit! You’re just forcin’ your selfish ideas on people! |
Futaba | For a god, you’re pretty damn prejudiced! |
Haru | If this is all for the sake of humanity, wouldn’t being beaten by humans satisfy you? |
Yaldabaoth | I am the entity which governs this world. Its future depends wholly on my leadership. Those who dare defy this natural order shall be met with punishment raining down from the heavens. |
Morgana | This is the best possible outcome…! We’re fighting against a god who’s not holding anything back, right? What bigger target could there be for the Phantom Thieves to tackle? |
Makoto | Although… it’s still way too big for my liking. |
Yusuke | Crowning our glory by defeating a god… Now that is true art. |
Morgana | Man… You guys are the best, stupidest group I could ask for. I’m so glad I was able to be a part of your team… |
Ren | Let’s win this. |
Morgana | We’ll take it all back… Our future… And this world! |
Yaldabaoth | Rebels who defy my rule. …You should perish. |
Yaldabaoth | I release upon you the deadly sin of lust. You have no means of escape, humans. The insanity of mankind shall bring forth the demise… |
I release upon you the deadly sin of vanity. You have no means of escape, humans. The fraudulence of mankind shall bring forth ruin… | |
I release upon you the deadly sin of gluttony. You have no means of escape, humans. The selfishness of mankind shall bring forth ruin… | |
I release upon you the deadly sin of wrath. You have no means of escape, humans. The passion of mankind shall bring forth ruin… | |
I release upon you the deadly sin of greed. You have no means of escape, humans. The fixation of mankind shall bring forth ruin… | |
I release upon you the deadly sin of envy. You have no means of escape, humans. The resentment of mankind shall bring forth ruin… | |
I release upon you the deadly sin of pride. You have no means of escape, humans. The ingratitude of mankind shall bring forth ruin… | |
The abyss of the unconscious yearns for ultimate ruin… You have no means of escape, humans. Punishment shall strike you all… As you pass through the gates of destruction… |
Morgana | If you’re really a god, you should be guiding humans to your ideals! You’re destroying them because you can’t do that, aren’t you? So that you can flaunt your own existence. That’s why you were observing us! You had to because the reaction of the “masses” worried you! |
Ryuji | I don’t know how long you lived, but you’re the perfect example of a pain-in-the-ass old man! |
Ann | You find people like that everywhere. |
Yaldabaoth | What drivel… Since you’ve been forsaken by the world, there is nowhere that you can belong. Not even one sliver of unpredictability can be permitted under my control. Do you hear the voices of the masses? They mock you for revolting against a god. Humans are nought but clumps of desires. Logic dictates that a world filled with them will decline. The sin of rebelling against a god is severe. As punishment, you shall taste pain everlasting. |
Morgana | …Not letting that happen! |
Yaldabaoth | The attendant created from the dregs of human hope, hm…? It is impossible for a petty existence like you to overrule my precedent. |
Morgana | Human hope is a desire too! You better not underestimate it! The Phantom Thieves will yield to no one, no matter who they are! Even if only one of us remains, we’ll get back up and fight to the very end. And we’ll definitely… definitely…! Take the world! |
Mishima | Take it down, Phantom Thieves! |
Mishima | Come on, why do you think they’ve risked their lives all this time!? Dammit, you guys! Snap out of it! When will you stop running from the truth!? |
Mishima | Phantom Thieves, can you hear us!? |
Takemi | I’m not letting you lose after getting this far. You better finish what you’ve started! |
Iwai | It may not look like it, but I’ve got high hopes for you guys. You better win this! |
Kawakami | They’ll win if I cheer them on? Then I’ll cheer them on as much as they need! |
Ohya | You’ve stolen the hearts of these many people. I won’t let you lose! |
Chihaya | I can tell that you are all capable of standing up against any kind of fate. |
Yoshida | You all are truly causing a revolution right now! Goooooo! |
Hifumi | Look forward, and keep fighting! …You taught me that, after all! |
Shinya | I’ve cheered you guys on all this time! And I’ll continue doing so here on out! |
Lavenza | You are our last hope…! I beg you… finish this! |
Sojiro | It’s you guys’ fault I don’t know when to quit either. Get back up! Don’t lose to that thing! |
Mishima | No matter what anyone says, I believe in you guys! Go for it, Phantom Thieves! |
Sae | I’m counting on you, everyone… I will believe in you to the very end…! |
Morgana | You hear that!? Those are the voices of the humans you made fun of! No one wants you to rule over them! Isn’t that right, Ren!? |
Morgana | I’ve made up my mind. I will see my justice through for the sake of protecting what I care about. …The same goes for you guys too! If you’ve decided to take the world from him, don’t compromise your ideals to the very end! |
Morgana | The whole world is a product of cognition… …not just the Metaverse. It can be freely re-made… The same goes for you, and everyone else. Soon a new world will come. One where mankind isn’t held captive. The world will shine brightly as long as you hold hope in your hearts. Remember… There’s no such thing as the “real” world. What each person sees and feels— Those are what shape reality. This is what gives the world infinite potential. Even if you feel that only darkness lies ahead… As long as you hold hands together… See it through as one… …the world will never end! The world exists within all of you…! |
Maruki | My apologies for calling so late. This is Maruki, by the way. I’m actually rather close by… Would you mind lending me an ear? There’s something important we need to talk about. …And, if you do intend to confront me, I believe there’s something you have to give me first. |
Ren | All right. |
Maruki | Thank you. I’ll be at the café shortly. See you later. |
Morgana | I caught all of that. Just as we suspected, he knew hed have to get a calling card. I have no clue how this meeting is going to go down… Hey, ah… Ren? Just make sure you keep your guard up, okay? |
Maruki | Sorry for the last-minute visit. How’s Yoshizawa-san holding up? I’ve been concerned about a potential relapse, considering her difficulties with accepting this reality. |
Ren | She’s just fine. |
Maruki | I see… No, that’s great news. So… Getting down to business… I wanted to confirm with you one last time: is there no other way to come to an agreement besides fighing? |
Ren | We can’t accept this reality. |
Maruki | The reality I created may seem distorted from your point-of-view… But it’s a reality where everyone is happy. If you just stay, you’ll never have to suffer the pain of loss, or the pain from having people and things stolen away from you! |
Ren | Like you have? |
Maruki | ……! So… You saw what happened with Rumi. I’m not the one who suffered—she is… But she’s still living a wonderful life right now… In this world you call a distorted “reality.” |
Morgana | But she still doesn’t remember you, right? And you’re fine with that? |
Maruki | She may not be in my life anymore, but at least her own life is a happy one now. I’m not just doing this for Rumi—want all of you to live just as happily as she is… But for Rumi’s happiness to last, I have to move on. After all that’s happened to her—to me—I just can’t drag her into it. |
Morgana | Doc… |
Maruki | My stance will not change. Strange circumstances have led to my gaining this power—however, I now recognize it as being wholly inevitable. This is something only I am capable of doing. I promise: every person alive will be happy in the world I create… So, let me ask you the same: after reall considering every option, do you have any doubts about your views? |
Ren | What do you mean? |
Maruki | I suppose it’s more accurate to ask, “Do you two gentlemen have any doubts?” You’re here, aren’t you? …Akechi-kun. |
Morgana | Akechi… |
Akechi | …You caught me. |
Maruki | Oh, it was just a hunch. This issue doesn’t only affect you, Amamiya-kun. Akechi-kun, this involves you, too. |
Ren | Akechi’s involved? |
Akechi | … |
Morgana | What do these two have to do with…? |
Maruki | The relationship you two share is very unusual… A detective and a phantom thief. Despite being enemies, your relationship isn’t based on hatred or ill will… That’s why I found it so tragic when I learned what happened in Shido’s Palace… Say, Amamiya-kun… Didn’t you regret how things ended with him? You two came to a deep understanding of one another… yet you had no choice but to leave Akechi-kun to his fate. That’s why I created a reality where you two could have a fresh start together. |
Morgana | That would mean the Akechi in the real world is… |
Maruki | Get what I’m saying? I genuinely didn’t want to tell you like this. I didn’t want to make it seem like I’m holding him hostage… But no matter what you may think of me, I just want you all to accept this reality and move on with your happy lives. |
Akechi | …And that matters how, exactly? Don’t tell me you think dangling my life before us is going to have any impact on our decision. |
Ren | You figured that out? |
Akechi | Well, I lacked conclusive evidence… But after I fought against you all, I had a gap in my memory that ended with meeting up with Ren again. There were also the cases of Wakaba Isshiki and President Okumura… Of course I’d find all of that suspicious. |
Maruki | I see. I had a feeling the truth of the matter still wouldn’t dissuade you, Akechi-kun… But how about you, Amamiya-kun? “You think dangling my life before us is going to affect our decision?” That’s what Akechi-kun said a moment ago. If that’s how you see it at this point, I’m fine with it… But I’m still going to ask you, one last time: Will you accept the reality I create for you? You were the guiding light to my research. You showed me the way so I could make my dream into reality. I have nothing but gratitude for you—not a single ounce of ill will. That’s why I wanted you of all people to understand… Perhaps I shouldn’t ask you for an answer on the spot like that. I’ll be going now. |
Ren | You forgot something. |
Maruki | Ah, that’s right. I’ve heard your calling. And, about my question—let’s do this… I’ll be waiting in the Palace tomorrow, just as I promised. If you still haven’t changed your mind by then, we’ll meet there… But if you don’t show, I’ll take that to mean you’ve accepted my reality. …See you. |
Morgana | …What are you gonna do? |
Akechi | … I’d like to speak with Ren. |
Morgana | Akechi… …Gotcha. I’ll leave the decision up to you, Ren—let me know when you’ve reached an answer. |
Akechi | …I will carve my own path for myself. I refuse to accept a reality concocted by someone else, stuck under their control for the rest of my days. |
Ren | Are you sure? |
Akechi | Why wouldn’t I be? Don’t ask such stupid questions after all this time. All you have to do is stick to your guns and challenge Maruki. Or, are you really so spineless that you’d fold over some bullshit, trivial threat on my life? |
Ren | This isn’t “trivial”! |
Akechi | It IS! Do you think I’d be happy with this? Being shown mercy now, of all times? I don’t want to be pitied—this isn’t something I’m debating with you! Your indecisiveness on the matter is essentially a betrayal of my wishes. …I want to hear you say it aloud. What do you intend to do? |
(If we fight against Maruki and win, we’ll return to the original reality… But… Akechi…) | |
Akechi | I won’t wait a moment longer. Answer me. |
Ren | We’re stopping Maruki. |
Akechi | All right. I’m relieved to hear it. I will never accept this form of reality. I’m done being manipulated. Let’s go back… to our true reality. What’s a life worth in a reality that was cooked up just to satisfy someone else? I say none. We have to win this—no matter what. |
(There’s no going back now…) |
Maruki | I see you made it. Come on up… I’ll meet with you at the center of paradise. |
Akechi | Well, we can finally move on now that we’ve got some stairs. Let’s end this. |
Sumire | …Right! |
Maruki | Thank you for coming. …It looks like I have your answer. |
Ren | It’s time to finish this. |
Maruki | Indeed… No more hesitation. Let’s begin. If you win, my heart will be changed… However, if I win… My reality becomes the true reality. I will overwrite all of existence with my own cognition. I’m not holding back anymore. |
Ann | Wh-What the…? |
Maruki | Just as you have your own beliefs, I too have no intention of changing my plans for reality. No matter what happens to me in the end, I will fix this torturous world! That… is my own rebellion! |
Yusuke | His apparel just… |
Maruki | And I believe you called forth your power like this: Persona. |
Morgana | No way… So Maruki really does have a Persona! |
Maruki | I’d regret not pointing this out to you… You shouldn’t mistake our powers as being equal. It’s time, Azathoth… Our final battle has come. |
Sumire | Dr Maruki… |
Maruki | I have to do this… |
Maruki | Azathoth!? |
Futaba | Finally! His Persona can’t act anymore! Now’s your shot, Joker! |
Maruki | Ngh… |
Maruki | Azathoth… Did I… fail? |
Ann | Is that…? |
Morgana | …It’s Maruki’s Treasure. |
Haru | What is it, though? …A torch? |
Akechi | A torch is a light to guide people—it may symbolize his perception of himself as the guide for the entire world. We’re here to change his heart, aren’t we? Go on, take it. |
Maruki | So… This is it… |
Futaba | This place is collapsing! |
Yusuke | We’d better take our leave. |
Maruki | Rumi… I’m sorry… I couldn’t… No, I… I can still…! |
Makoto | Joker, look out! |
Ryuji | Dammit… We’ve gotta book it! |
Morgana | Guys! Jump in! |
Yusuke | That was close… |
Sumire | Dr Maruki… |
Ann | This has gone too far past changing someone’s heart… Is he even still alive? |
Akechi | …Looks like that isn’t a concern. |
Maruki | Sorry, but I won’t admit defeat just yet. |
Ren | Please, stop. |
Maruki | Im sorry—you know I can’t do that. I’ve been chosen by the world itself… Granting this wish is my responsibility! |
Ryuji | What the hell…!? |
Ann | Ah! He just— The Treasure! |
Futaba | No… You cant be serious… |
Morgana | Maruki… He’s done it… He evolved his Persona! |
Yusuke | Such strength of will… |
Maruki | If it’s for everyone’s happiness, I don’t care what happens to me. Don’t resist… Accept it. With my power— No… With mine and Adam Kadmon’s together, our reality is nigh! |
Maruki | I refuse to let it end like this… Adam Kadmon! Guide us all to our ideal reality! |
Sumire | You’re wrong! |
Ren | We’ll decide our reality. |
Futaba | Yeah! We refuse to let it end any other way too. |
Maruki | Persona! |
Maruki | I still… can’t do it!? And my reality is right before my eyes… |
Maruki | I’m sorry. I said I didn’t care what’d happen to me… But I guess… I wasn’t committed to my words… You too, huh? |
Sumire | Crow-senpai, what are you—!? |
Akechi | Can’t you tell? Tch… |
Maruki | You think the same thing, don’t you? Of course you do… After all… |
Sumire | No, you can’t! |
Akechi | We hesitate right now—we die! |
Morgana | Up there! |
Maruki | I’m all yours… Use me… however you want… Now… show us… the reality… The reality… we wish for… I am thou and… …thou art I! |
Futaba | Incoming! |
Adam Kadmon | This power is the source… and the destination. I will be the light that guides mankind. |
Makoto | But we’re still not going to run! |
Sumire | We’re going to beat you, and go back— to our OWN reality! |
Morgana | That’s the spirit! Now let’s finish this! |
Futaba | What!? It’s not working at all! No good! Joker, try something else. What… Nothing works? |
Adam Kadmon | I cannot fail. I must not fail you all! |
Futaba | If this doesn’t stop… I’m gonna try to find a way to get us through this… Just hang in there for a few more seconds! |
Futaba | ……! I got it! I’ve found his weakness! Joker—the next time he attacks, that’s your chance! |
Adam Kadmon | Let’s settle this… once and for all! |
Futaba | His head is his weak spot… though our attacks are ineffective in his normal-state. But whenever he attacks, he drops his guard while concentrating all of his power! So, if we can target his head as he strikes… we might have a shot! |
Adam Kadmon | What!? Impossible! |
Ryuji | We’ve come this far—we ain’t gonna give up! |
Ann | Yeah! You gotta do way better than this! |
Yusuke | Don’t underestimate our tenacity! |
Makoto | It’s just another threat. We’ll overcome it like we always do! |
Haru | If I run now, I know I’ll regret it! |
Sumire | We’ll decide for ourselves what we want our lives to be! |
Akechi | I’m a bit occupied, so do your goddamn JOB! |
Morgana | Oracle! How does it look!? |
Futaba | Perfect! His head’s defense level has dropped down to zero percent! Go for it! |
Morgana | Finish this, joker! |
Ren | Checkmate. |
Maruki | Why… I gave up everything else… I dedicated all that I have to this… But I still… Why? |
Ren | You’re running from the past. |
Maruki | I’m… running from… …Heheh. You nailed it. It’s true that I turned my back on the original reality… But where’s the harm in that!? When it grows to be too much, too painful… Every person deserves to escape that! |
Sumire | … |
Maruki | In all honesty, it’s best for a person’s growth when they tackle their own hardships. But reality doesn’t always make that so feasible! No matter how much you try, or work for so long, the smallest injustice can wipe it all out, leave you with nothing… Don’t you, of all people, understand that!? |
Ren | You have to look to the future. |
Maruki | ……! |
Morgana | You know, there probably are plenty of people who’d ultimately benefit from your “reality.” But what about the people who want to take on the world themselves? How’s it right to rob them of their opportunities? |
Sumire | I don’t think what you’re saying is wrong either, Dr Maruki… Some people want to run from their pain and cling to some other version of reality… Like I used to. But the knowledge I gained through that pain, and my desire to move on… Those are even more precious to me! And I won’t let anyone take them from me again! |
Maruki | Yoshizawa-san… So you truly don’t want it… Huh… Looks like I’m totally finished. |
Haru | Mona-chan! What are you— |
Makoto | This is no time to act tough! |
Morgana | Whoever—said it was an act? Heh… |
Sumire | Mona-senpai! Can you fly!? |
Morgana | But I’m a car! There’s no way I can— No. It’s now or never— I HAVE to fly! |
ALL | WHAAAAAT!? |
Yusuke | A helicopter? |
Futaba | If you could do this, then SAY SO, DAMMIT! |
Morgana | Well, I didn’t know! Now I’m downright priceless to the Phantom Thieves, heheh… |
Akechi | Sorry to interrupt your little moment of triumph, but… Couldn’t you have made yourself just a bit larger? |
Maruki | Sorry to cut your flight short like that. …This place is done for. Along with the entire reality I dreamed of… I… have lost. Even if I were to try that fight over, I’m sure I’d only lose again. So I know… this is going to sound pretty stupid. I’ve been holding this all in for so long, just hiding it from myself… So, please… Help me kill every last one of my regrets. You’re the only one I can ask to help with this, Amamiya-kun. |
Ren | I’m here for you. |
Maruki | The disappearance of my Palace—of the entire Metaverse—is drawing near. Seems like neither of us can summon our Personas anymore. Let’s begin. |
Maruki | I gave up everything! Everything!!! So, why!? |
Maruki | Why… Why Rumi!? |
Maruki | A reality where… No one suffers… |
Maruki | *Sob* Haaaaaah! Ah! I’m done. I get it now. All thanks to you. |
Maruki | Huh? Come on… I said I’m done. Please… let go of my hand. |
Ren | I won’t let it end like this. |
Maruki | Your eyes are as bright and honest as ever. You keep your head up, no matter what… I must have always been… afraid… Afraid you and I wouldn’t wish for the same reality… |
Maruki | So bright… |
Igor | *chuckle* Magnificent. |
Lavenza | We have indeed witnessed your decision. Not only have you taken back mankind’s future for itself… But you’ve also re-established our reason for existence. While reality had been wholly distorted, your actions have guided it back towards what it ought to be. |
Ren | What it ought to be? |
Lavenza | That is correct. Time itself cannot be rewound, but every past event will revert to the event that should have occurred instead. |
(What should’ve occurred instead…) | |
~Sae~ | I’ll ask you once more. I’d like for you to turn yourself in to the police, of your own accord. |
~Akechi~ | I will carve my own path for myself. I refuse to accept a reality concocted by someone else, stuck under their control for the rest of my days. |
Lavenza | … |
Ren | What will happen to me? What happens to Akechi? |
Lavenza | Everything will return to how it should be… Everything. There are no exceptions. |
(……) | |
(……) | |
Lavenza | Have your regrets begun? |
Ren | No, I’m still sure. There’s no alternative. |
Lavenza | … |
Lavenza | Choosing such a path must not have been easy for you… For that, you have our utmost respect and gratitude, Ren Amamiya. |
Lavenza | You escaped the prison of the heart only to be imprisoned in reality… What a most ironic outcome, your wish for others’ happiness prevailed over your own. However… I feel as though all is finally well. In the end, you willingly chose the correct path. Most importantly, you never compromised your values for your own well-being. The final arcana you have acquired is “The World.” It is the power for an individual to stand on their own two feet, swayed by none. That power shall fuel the hope shared amongst your friends and yourself, to strive towards a better future. With “The World,” you are no longer without a place to belong, and will never trudge a path alone again. |
Igor | My own duties end here as well… …You were truly a remarkable guest. |