Archive of Our Own

Ren's first change in perspective came when Arsene first made himself manifest. It was like a missing piece of himself was found. He'd always known that justice... real justice... was important to him. But now that justice had a voice. And a mission. Defy the powerful. Tear down the system that failed the innocent. Rebel against the order which allowed people to be trampled beneath the boots of their supposed protectors. Arsene's presence warmed and supported him, and when Joker spoke, Ren heard Arsene's voice.

Ren's second change in perspective came when he absorbed Pixie. Unlike the awakening of Arsene, taking in Pixie wasn't like finding a missing piece of himself. It was more like re-contextualizing his life. He realized Pixie had always been a part of him. But only now could he reflect on his life and see the times he acted from Pixie's mindset. Pixie said she'd come from the sea of souls. Now Ren felt that. The Personas weren't external. They were part of people. All people. All people had a Pixie inside of them. Some resonated with her energy more than others, but she was a facet of human existence. A mirror they could see themselves through. A mask they could wear.

Ren's third change in perspective came when he hung out with Ryuji after escaping Kamoshida's castle. He'd taken the shadow Agathion during their infiltration, and as he listened to Ryuji speak, he felt something. It whispered in the back of his mind, hinting he was missing something obvious. Reflexively Ren touched his face as he had when he absorbed the shadows. He felt something shift inside, as though there was a reshuffling. At that moment he felt Agathion shift to the fore, becoming more prominent in his mind. Then his mind opened, and he understood. Ryuji resonated strongly with Agathion, with the chariot arcana. As Ren felt all the ways he had been Agathion in the past, he realized he could use those moments to better relate to Ryuji. To allow Ryuji to better relate to him. He could more clearly see how he are Ryuji were similar.

Ren smiled. For all Ryuji's faults, Ren could tell he was a good person. Impulsive, yes. Hot tempered. But kind. And with a strong sense of justice. He would make a good friend. And with Agathion's help, Ren just might have him as one.

~~~

Makoto loved Ren just as much as Queen loved Joker. Both in the Metaverse, as they slunk through the shadows, ambushing enemies, or as they ran across narrow beams high in the rafters, sneaking unseen past watchful eyes, and outside, where Ren listened to her insecurities, or supported her as she did her best to grow, not only for her benefit, but for that of the school, and the team.

Makoto loved how they were getting to know each others' quirks, like her fear of thunder and lightning, or her love of Binchimuro. Or how Ren had this tic, where, when they spoke, he would pause and touch his face before coming up with the perfect thing to say. Almost like he was pulling a Persona... out... of his... .

Wait.

Like he was switching Personae. Or summoning one.

Because he was the only one of them who had multiple.

Where people were only supposed to have one.

One true self.

But he had many.

Many selves.

Many masks.

Makoto felt like ice water had been poured down her back.

Ryuji said Ren's original Persona was Arsene, a persona Makoto had never seen. Was he hiding his true self, and wearing masks to interact with them? Was his friendship with them lies, as he created fictional selves to manipulate them into caring for him?

It made a terrible kind of sense.

If each of those Personae, which he pulled from... who knows were, were masks tailored to be the most appealing to each of them in kind, all while he buried his authentic self behind layers of deception, that explained how he won people over so quickly. He was apparently in the process of learning shogi with a young prodigy who practiced in a church in Kanda, while at the same time discussing politics with a former Diet member, and working at an Airsoft shop with a former Yakuza member. How did he relate to so many disparate people so easily.

W-was their relationship a lie?

It brought to mind something Akechi had said. And while Akechi was not to be trusted, he was very, very smart, and often offered insights that eluded even her.

"It's a good thing Joker's on our side," he'd said. "So many Personas. It's like he has a face for every occasion. Theoretically a person like that could make himself anything. Or anyone. Be anything."

A face for every occasion. Or person.

Makoto clenched her fists as she willed herself not to cry.

She would talk to Morgana first. He seemed to understand their Personas better than anyone. But then Ren was going to explain himself. And if Makoto didn't like the answers, there would be hell to pay.

~~~

"Morgana, may I have a minute?" Makoto asked.

"Sure, Queen," Morgana replied. His eyes shone with curiosity, but he said nothing and merely waited.

"A person with a Persona can't have a Palace, correct?"

"Right," Morgana said. "A Palace reflects a person's warped desires. Persona represents a person's spirit of rebellion, but you can only manifest it once you've come to terms with yourself. Doing that destroys the warped views that create the Palace in the first place. We saw that first-hand with Futaba."

"Right. And a person has one 'true self', so one Persona."

"The exception being Joker," Mona replied, "but, yes."

She was attracting an audience as the rest of the Phantom Thieves started paying attention. It was a double-edged sword. On one hand, Makoto would have preferred to confront him in private out of respect for him. On the other, if he incriminated himself, it was better to have witnesses rather than try to convince people their friend was false without proof.

"How many Personas have we seen Joker use?" she asked innocently.

"I'm not sure," Morgana admitted. "He keeps finding new ones. It's amazing!"

"It is," Makoto confirmed. "So many 'true selves'."

Ren stepped up, face set with annoyance.

"Maybe instead of leading on Morgana, you just tell me what's on your mind."

"You've seen us all at our worst," Makoto said, "when we face our demons and awaken to our Personas. But what about you?"

"Ryuji was there," Ren said. "He saw when I awakened in front of Kamoshida."

"To Arsene, I heard," Makoto replied. "Where is Arsene? I've never seen him."

"He's still there," Ren assured her. "I can show him to you next time we're in the Metaverse. He just wasn't keeping up with the strength of our enemies."

"So you're using other Personas. Other selves. Does that mean he wasn't your 'true self'? Are any of them?"

Ren's face twisted in frustration. His hand moved to his face.

"STOP," Makoto commanded. Ren froze.

"Don't do that," Makoto told him. "You touch your face like you're switching Personas. Like you're putting on a different mask. Why do you need a mask to speak with us?"

Ren's face paled. Makoto's heart sank. It was as good as a confession, and it confirmed all of Makoto's fears.

"Many masks," she said. "Is there a mask for each of us?"

"It's not like that," Ren protested. "I-it's complicated." His hand wavered by his face.

"Don't you dare," Makoto warned him. "It's how you manipulate us, isn't it? You put on a mask catered to each person, best tailored to win our trust."

"NO!" Ren cried. "Well... kind of. But it's not like that."

Shock rippled through the rest of the Thieves.

"Please," he begged. "Let me explain. I... I see the Personas, and each of you, in terms of Tarot card major arcana. It... it's true you respond best to Personas of your own arcana, b-but it's still me! It's always me!"

"So you have no true self. Only masks. Masks for whatever the situation requires."

"Makoto, please. Everyone does that. You're different with your sister than you are with us, or with the student council. You're not just one thing."

"And yet I only have one Persona," Makoto reminded him. "One true self."

"Please. After everything we've been through, can't you give me more credit than that? Ryuji, was I manipulating you when I was spying on that conversation about the track team? Yusuke, was I manipulating you when we talked about painting Mementos?"

Yusuke's face was a mask of conflict.

"I... My friend... I believe what you say, that it is complicated. But after Madarame, I'm quite sensitive to perceived falsehood. I... I think I need time to reflect."

He stood.

"If you will excuse me, I will retire for this evening."

"Yusuke!" Ren pleaded.

Yusuke shook his head.

"Until we meet again," he said.

Ren turned to the rest of his friends.

"I... I have a hard time believing you were that cold," Ann said. "But you always knew the right thing to say. And I've seen you do that face-touching thing when you talk to me. It was like there was a shift in you. Like you were... friendlier. More charismatic afterwards."

Futaba looked up at him with wide, tear-shimmering eyes.

"Is that why you were playing my key item? Just so you could get a free hacker out of it?"

"Futaba. I would never."

"I've seen him do the face thing," Futaba said to the others. "I've seen the shift in him."

The Thieves exchanged looks. By unspoken agreement, they rose.

Ren looked lost. His mouth worked wordlessly.

"Dude," Ryuji said, "I... I think we're all gonna need a bit."

"Ryuji," Ren begged. "Please."

"You're my friend," Ryuji assured him. "We've been through a lot. But I gotta think about this."

Ryuji left. One by one the others followed until only Ren, Makoto, and Morgana were left.

"Please. My Queen," Ren said softly.

"Don't. Don't call me that. Have you been manipulating us from day one?"

"I'm not manipulating you," Ren protested.

"Then why hide?

"I wasn't hiding," Ren replied. "I've talked about the different Personas. I've talked about Igor and the Velvet Room. But you guys can't see it, and you always think I'm joking, or making things up. If you don't believe me, what's the point of talking about it?"

"Then that's where we end it," Makoto said.

"Mona?" she heard him ask as she walked to the stairs.

"I'm... going to stay a night with Futaba," Morgana said. "I... I trust you, Joker. I think I do. But you're so much more powerful than the rest of us... I think I let that blind me to other things. Why do you have multiple Personas? What does that say about you? Or us? I need some time to think about this."

"So that's it, then," she heard him say.

~~~

'~The plan is still on.' Makoto texted into a new group.

'~Without Ren?' Haru asked.

'~We're on a schedule. I don't like it, but we have a deadline.'

'~This is bullshit.' Ryuji chimed in.

'~Mona wants to remind people that we relied a lot on Ren's strength, and wants to know who would be leading.' Futaba added.

'~All the more reason to spend some time without him.' Makoto replied. 'We relied on him too much. We need to step up and pull our own weight. I can lead for the time being. Or Akechi, if you prefer.'

'~I would be honored. But I think Makoto-san is the appropriate choice in this situation. After all, it is her sister.'

'~FINE' Ryuji fired back.
'~No problem here.' Ann messaged.
'~I acquiesce.' Yusuke sent.
'~Mona agrees, and I'm fine with it.' Futaba wrote.
'~I'll be cheering you on, Queen!' Haru sent.

Makoto took a breath. She was worried they see her suggestion to lead as a power grab after the incident with Ren. She supposed she should have trusted them more. (The way you should have trusted Ren.)

Makoto shook of her guilt. There would be time for that later. For now, they had a job to do.

'~BOTH plans are still on.' she messaged into a separate group.

Now things would get messy.

~~~

The faculty office door opened as Makoto walked past. This in and of itself was not concerning. What was concerning was that it was Ren who walked out. He looked awful. His eyes were red and puffy. He spied Makoto with a start, and for a moment it appeared he would speak, but instead he hurried off in the opposite direction.

A teacher, Ms. Kawakami, stepped from the office.

"Ren," she said, "if you need...?"

She looked around in surprise.

Then her gaze landed on Makoto.

"Ah."

Makoto shifted uncomfortably.

"Makoto, why don't you come in for a moment," Ms. Kawakami said after a moment.

"I..."

"It won't take long," Ms. Kawakami assured her.

It was by no means the first time Makoto had been in the faculty office. However, it was the first time she'd been pulled in feeling like a child about to be reprimanded.

Ms. Kawakami sat. She didn't invite Makoto to do the same. She gazed at Makoto, as if deciding her fate.

"Ren's a good boy," she said finally. "You really hurt him."

Makoto had trouble forming words, only gaping in response.

"He specifically asked me not to talk to you. I think he was worried I'd take revenge on his behalf. Well, maybe I would for him. But not now."

Makoto realized Ms. Kawakami's shoulder was wet.

"I hope you realize that the longer this goes on, the harder it will be to fix," Ms. Kawakami said.

"Fix?"

"Fix," Ms. Kawakami repeated. "He still loves you, but dragging this out is going to ruin his trust in you."

"B-but he manipulated me!"

Ms. Kawakami snorted.

"That boy doesn't have a deceitful bone in his body."

"B-but..." Makoto had to choose her words carefully. "But he was changing his behavior to best attract people."

Ms. Kawakami rolled her eyes.

"So does everyone! Geez. When he said you don't people well, I thought he was exaggerating. How did you get to be Student Council President being this naive?"

Makoto flushed.

"Just... when you realize the mistake you've made, come talk to me," Ms. Kawakami said. "I'm overstepping more than I'm comfortable with, but Ren's been good to me. He's... he's a friend. God. If only I were ten years younger. Hell, if I were five years younger I'd be fighting temptation. As it is, he's my student, and I'm just an old maid."

Ms. Kawakami chuckled wryly.

"Go on," she said. "Go back to class. Just think about what I said."

Makoto did think about what she said. Everyone changes their behavior to attract people? Surely not. Yes, boys did soften their behavior to attract and woo girls, but at some point you had to stop, yes? You had to be your authentic self to form a relationship.

After all, Makoto was Makoto, regardless of whether in front of the Thieves or her sister. Anat was Anat. There was only one. Even if she was formerly Joanna.

Makoto mentally shook herself.

Just because Joanna became Anat didn't mean she had multiple selves. It was simply an evolution. She had one Persona before, and had one Persona now. Simple. Because people are notoriously simple.

Makoto ignored the nagging voice in her head. After all, she'd observed Ren in the courtyard with Kasumi Yoshizawa after school. He was smiling as he and Kasumi trained together. Clearly his relationships with them were shallow, if not outright false, if they meant so little that he moved so quickly.

No. She was clearly correct in her assessment. She just had to have confidence in her decision, and not second guess herself. No matter how much it hurt.

~~~

Ren stretched his aching muscles.

"Thanks for helping distract me for awhile," he said.

"My pleasure, Senpai," Yoshizawa replied. "I'm sorry you and your friends are having trouble."

Ren sighed.

"It'll get better. I's just a simple misunderstanding. I just wish they'd given me a chance to explain."

"They will. Sometimes people just need time."

"I'm just glad I have people like you to rely on in the meantime. You know, back home I didn't have many friends. But here, I've been really lucky. I've met so many wonderful people."

Yoshizawa beamed at him.

"You've been a big help, Senpai. I'm glad I could return the favor."

Ren waved at Yoshizawa as she left for home. Reluctantly he turned to grab his school bag, a bag that had been feeling woefully light as of late.

"Hey there, frizzy-hair," Morgana greeted him from atop his bag.

"Morgana," Ren gasped.

"I've spent almost every waking hour with you," Morgana said. "And we've been through a lot together. If nothing else, I owe you a chance to expla-"

Morgana let out a yelp as Ren swept the cat up into a hug.

"I missed you," Ren said as he held the cat close and began scratching under his chin.

Morgana started purring despite himself.

"Yeah, I missed you, too," Morgana admitted. "But don't think this gets you out of telling me everything."

"Anything you want," Ren promised. "Just... please. Don't leave me again."

Morgana pulled back and gave Ren a playful bat on the nose.

"Hey, now. Where's Joker, our confident leader? Besides, we have other problems too. The plan is still going forward."

Ren allowed Morgana to jump to the ground.

"Are they rushing things?" he asked. "I had a timetable. It was important."

"It's worse than that," Morgana warned him. "BOTH plans are going forward."

~~~

Makoto hated this. She hated when things were unobvious. She hated not knowing. And, more than anything, she hated doubting her friends.

And right now, she didn't know whom to trust.

Ryuji, of course, wore his heart on his sleeve. If he had a problem with her, he'd come out and say it. Ann was much the same, especially with how terrible her acting was. Yusuke, too, was an open book. He concerned himself with truth and emotion, and subterfuge appeared beyond him. Haru also seemed incapable of deceit. Whether her financial status afforded her the privilege to do without it, or whether she was just naturally an open person, Makoto declined to interrogate.

Morgana, however...

Morgana was smart. And devious.

And Futaba... the less said the better. After all, she might be listening.

That left Akechi. Akechi was an unusual case. Makoto knew exactly how much she could trust him, yet his actions were often opaque. Was he offering advice in good faith, or was he acting with ulterior motive? Was his seemingly excellent advice designed to further the Thieves' goals, or to channel them down a path of his own devising?

It was maddening.

And it weighed on her. Wearing her down.

And the fact that they were in her sister's palace only made everything worse.

"There's a safe room," Oracle announced.

"Good," Queen said. "Let's take a break."

The team piled in, finding a storeroom full of old file cabinets and boxes covered in dust. Queen grabbed a piece of all to lean against and sagged to the ground head in her hands. She sensed rather than saw a presence sidle up to her.

"You don't need to push so hard," Noir whispered. "No one will blame you for taking a break."

"The sooner we get to the end, the sooner we can stop worrying about it," Queen said.

"You know that's only half true," Noir replied. "There's still whatever awaits us once we send the calling card. And all the uncertainty after the treasure is stolen. And... other things."

"Besides," Noir continued, "Pushing everyone to their limits does no one any good, least of all you. People pushed that far make mistakes. They loose focus. They get tired. They loose their edge. Remember: we're not robots."

That struck home.

Queen deflated. She fought back tears as she stood. It didn't do for a leader to show weakness.

"I'm calling it," she told the team. "We've made good progress, but we need a break."

"Are you sure?" Skull asked. "Shouldn't we find the treasure first?"

"Queen's right," Mona chimed in. "We have time, and there's no point in exhausting ourselves when we don't know how much further we have to go."

Skull huffed, but neglected to argue further.

"Then it's decided," Queen said. "Good work, team. Let's get out of here."

"I think you're doing a good job," Mona told her as they headed towards the exit. "I know it can't be easy."

"How's Joker doing?" Queen asked knowingly.

"He's fine, more or less," Mona replied. "He misses you. You really should talk to him."

"And open myself up to whatever manipulation he's using?" Queen asked.

"It's really not like that," Mona said. "He explained everything to me. It's no different than what everyone does, just a little more literal. Everyone has different facets to themselves. Well, except maybe me, with the whole 'no memories' thing."

The Phantom Cat mused quietly for a moment.

"Maybe even me," he admitted. "Even with just us Thieves I relate to everyone differently. I fight with Skull. Oracle treats me like a stress ball. Joker lets me boss him around a lot. Even with no memories and a small group, a still wear different masks."

"You know it's not the same!" Queen protested.

"Isn't it?" Morgana asked. "How do you know? Did you hear him out? Listen to him explain it?"

"Well..."

"You really should," Mona said. "It makes a lot of sense to hear him describe it."

"But how do I know that's not just more trickery?!? How can I tell the difference between a compelling argument and mental manipulation?"

Mona sighed.

"You're smarter than this, Queen," he said. "No one reads minds, or knows what goes on in someone's heart. At some point you need to look passed his words to how he acts, and decide what kind of person you think he is, and be prepared to take a little on faith."

Queen glanced sharply in Mona's direction.

"That sounds like Re-... Joker talking."

"I told you we talked. We had a deep conversation. He got philosophical. If you want to believe he was using some weird mental magic to make me like him better, I can't stop you. All I can tell you is that I was with him in the school library when the librarian told us we weren't welcome. I was there when he tried to study in a cubical, and we had to leave because too many people were whispering and spreading rumors about him. I've seen plenty of students blow him off, saying 'you're just that delinquent'. If he really had magic mind powers, I think he'd be having a much better time at school."

Queen's mouth worked wordlessly.

"He has been having an easier time," she protested.

"Because people ignore him now," Mona said. "He's old news. He hasn't attacked or threatened anyone, so now he's not worth talking about. But, you know, he still can't study in the library. Not even when you're there."

"What's that supposed to mean," Queen demanded.

"Only that one time when we left because of all the whispers, you were there studying too. And you did nothing to stop it."

Queen stopped cold.

"That was before Kaneshiro, of course," Mona continued blithely. "Hell, that was before Kamoshida. But still."

"But still what." Queen's voice scraped like a blade being drawn.

Mona gazed at her, unmoved. Face flint.

"I think you're a good person, Queen," he said. "But if you're going to accuse Joker of something you can't prove, and don't understand, maybe take a look at yourself first. Talk about glass houses. Talk about specks in peoples' eyes. Either way. We're all human. We're all doing our best, and we all make mistakes along the way. I ran away because I felt redundant and unappreciated. That was me not listening. You all called me out on it. Why are you doing the same thing?"

"I'm not running away!" Queen protested.

Mona folded his arms.

"You were vulnerable and got scared. Now you're running. Figuratively, maybe, but still."

"I..."

"You guys comin' or what?" Skull interrupted.

"Can it, Skull," Mona replied. He hastened after Skull, leaving Queen standing there, speechless, yet thoughts whirling.

~~~

Makoto stewed. And brooded. And ruminated. And fretted.

She stared out the window as Ren exercised with Yoshizawa. They were smiling and laughing.

Makoto shouldn't care. She's been the one to set Ren free. That he ran into the arms of another girl shouldn't be her concern.

'I'll be your study partner.'

The words reverberated in her mind.

Why? Why did it bother her so?

Why couldn't she let go?

She could see the pair finishing up. If she hurried, she could catch her after Ren left.

Makoto hastened down the stairs and lingered just inside the door. She could see Ren grab his bag containing Morgana and walk toward the station.

Makoto stilled herself. It wouldn't do to be rushing out to ambush her. She needed to be natural. Casual.

She took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

"Ah, Yoshizawa-san, isn't it?" she said. "I didn't expect anyone out here so late after school."

"Hi, Niijima-senpai!" the younger girl chirped. "Yes. Amamiya-senpai and I were out here training. He's been a big help in building back my confidence. I've been going through something of a slump, and senpai's been helping me work through it."

"I see," Makoto replied. "That must be what I saw last week. You two seemed to be getting along quite well."

Yoshizawa's smile fell, but didn't quite disappear.

"Yes. Senpai is a friend, and he's been helping me. No more."

Makoto tried to ignore the rebuke from her junior.

"Still, Amamiya has been known to have quite the silver tongue. Just be careful that he's not convincing you of more than you're comfortable with."

The smile vanished.

"Ah. I see."

"See what," demanded Makoto.

"Amamiya-Senpai mentioned you two having a fight. We talked about it a lot. He was really hurt by your refusal to hear him out. Don't worry, Senpai. I'm not after your boyfriend. Of that you can be assured. I'm gay, so he's not even on my radar."

Makoto choked and coughed at that revelation.

"St-still," she maintained, "he could be using you for his own ends."

The bitter laugh that came from Yoshizawa was totally incongruous to her usually cheerful demeanor.

"You mean like everyone does?" she replied. "Principal Kobayakawa wants the glory of having another Olympian at his school. Kamoshida-sensei wanted the glory of having helped train one. You're here trying to gain an edge over Amamiya-senpai. At least he's been honest. He asked me to show him some gymnastic, but otherwise he's been nothing but a gentleman, an ear to listen, and a shoulder to lean on. And those are things I willingly returned in kind when he needed to talk about his fight with his girlfriend. That's it. You don't have to worry about me, Senpai. I can take care of myself."

Yoshizawa picked up her bag and strode away.

Makoto watched her go, having run out of things to say.

~~~

Makoto paced.

She hated this. Almost as much as she hated not knowing.

Makoto stopped her pacing just long enough to glare at the phone in her hand.

It was agonizing. And the two people she wanted advice from most were the two people she couldn't ask.

Maybe that was the answer, she mused. If she wanted his advice, then clearly she must still trust him. Despite her fears, she still wanted to hear his voice, and get his perspective on matters.

She squeezed the phone in her fist.

But did her wants outweigh the risks? Did it even matter?

~~~

Queen was not fooled. Signs of Joker's passage were everywhere. There were the broken knickknacks that Joker often smashed to find valuable garbage inside. The ones which, when Queen asked how he knew which ones to smash, he referred to as 'glowing in his third eye'. There was also the occasional smashed security devices, or signs of places powerful shadows had dwelt, which now were empty.

Queen was not fooled. She was not fooled by Oracle's very careful ignorance of any shenanigans. She was not fooled by the fact that the treasure chests were left untouched, or Mona's thoughtful preparedness in bringing lock-picks since that had been Joker's responsibility. Even if Mona did claim to have taught Joker how to make them.

She was also not fooled by Crow's calm and pleasant demeanor. And that was why, even though she was not fooled in the slightest, she said nothing. Because the only thing more important than knowing something your enemy did not, was knowing when to use that knowledge to your benefit. And she didn't quite have that yet. And until then, she had to hold it close to her chest.

Lastly, she was not fooled by the breadcrumbs left in the maze of darkness, guiding them around locked doors and dead ends, nor the telltale signs of battles, showing that the way had been smoothed over for them, the fact of which Queen was of two minds about.

Still, when they'd emerged from the darkness back into the light, Queen breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ugh," Skull groaned, rolling his shoulders. "Joker always makes this look so easy."

"All the more reason to get some experience without him," Queen replied. "Now we know what it takes. And when he comes back, he can rely on us more, instead of doing everything himself."

"Come back?" Crow asked. "He's coming back?"

"I... may have been hasty," Queen admitted as she observed Skull and Panther very carefully and purposefully not looking in her direction.
"I owe him a chance to explain himself, and I was too upset to give him that opportunity. Regardless, we can get through this Palace without him and be all the stronger for it."

"But you acknowledge that his multiple Personas are potentially problematic?" Crow asked in a way that set her teeth on edge. Like he was gently coaxing her into is way of thinking.

"Potentially problematic," Queen agreed, "but not assuredly. There is a lot about the Metaverse we don't understand. Mona is the closest thing to an expert we have. I would defer to his experience in the matter."

Mona preened under the praise.

"I look forward to discussing with you, Queen," he said.

Queen smiled despite herself. Even here, Mona acted so much like a cat: aloof, yet needy. Confident to the point of arrogance. Hungry for praise.

"I, as well. I think we may take a break soon. We've made good, if difficult progress. Maybe it would make for interesting dinner conversation."

"Sushi?" Mona asked hopefully.

Queen chuckled.

"We'll see," she said. She almost felt normal again. Yes. Apologizing to Joker was the right thing to do. She would beg forgiveness, they would talk, and everything would be right.

Confident in her plan, Queen turned a corner in the Palace, feeling lighter than she had in awhile.

It was then that all hell broke loose.

Only Skull managed to stay on his feet as another Mazionga boosted with a Concentrate ripped through them. It was only his immunity to electric damage that kept him upright, and as the Raja Naga swung at him, Queen knew it was hopeless. He couldn't defeat the shadow by himself, and he couldn't get everyone on their feet long enough to heal up and rally.

Skull staggered as another blow from the powerful shadow connected. It had realized the pointlessness of hitting him with the Ziodynes, and had resorted to, while less powerful, still punishing physical attacks.

"Skull..." Queen croaked. "Run!"

"Nuh-uh," Skull replied before guzzling a drink and smashing the can against his forehead. "I'm not leaving you." He charged the fiend, connecting a powerful blow to its body.

The shadow roared. It reared back and smashed down onto the lone thief, sending him sprawling.

"Skull!" Queen cried. She stared up at the shadow, and waited for the final blow.

Then she saw two dark figures plummeting down from above. They hit the Raja Naga like hammer blows, sending it reeling. The two rolled off and leapt to their feet, and Queen immediately recognized the distinctive shape of Joker.

With a snap of his fingers, the team were back on their feet. Queen staggered upright, noticing the second figure for the first time. She wore an ornate black mask and wielded a rapier. Not the Errol Flynn cup-handled epee used for stage fighting, but a long, heavy piece of razor-sharp steel meant to pierce through armor and meat alike. Something about her looked familiar, but Queen was in no position to follow the threads further as the Naga reared back up.

"What are we working with, Oracle?" Joker demanded.

"No weaknesses," Oracle reported. "Likes lightning. Like ALOT."

"Then we do this the hard way," Joker replied. "Panther, swap with Queen. Mona, we hit it with status effects to keep in on the back foot. Best case we keep it from attacking, but keep your defenses up just in case."

Queen obediently allowed Panther to take her place. While it was a blow to her pride, it never paid to argue with Joker. He usually had a plan, and seldom did it fail.

The battle was grueling. Panther threw Lullaby after Lullaby, trying to keep it asleep and unable to cast spells at them. Mona followed up with knock-out punches, dropping the fiend and giving the Thieves the chance to bum rush it. Joker himself focused mostly on keeping the team on its feet, and the other one, whom Joker called 'Violet', battered it with blessed and heavy physical attacks in between knock-downs.

Slowly, painfully, they whittled it down.

"Queen," Joker called. "Swap in for me."

That was new. Joker never swapped himself out.

"Joker?"

"It was your fight," Joker explained. "It's only right you finish it. End it, Queen."

Queen strode forward, hoping she looked more confident than she felt.

"Panther, one more Lullaby ought to do it!"

Panther summoned Hecate and launched the spell. And missed.

Queen held herself firm. The worst thing to do was panic.

"Morgana, guard! Violet, attack!"

Queen summoned Anat and hastily cast a defense boost, fearing the worst.

And the worst is what happened.

Lightning rained down, lancing through the Thieves. Mona went sprawling as the electricity sent his body into spasms.

"MONA!" Queen cried. "Panther, help him. Violet, keep at it."

Queen let loose her own healing spell as another rain of lightening hammered down upon them. Mona staggered to his feet, shaken, but battle-ready thanks to the concerted efforts of Panther and Queen.

"Panther," he said, grim determination on his face. "I think it's time this shadow saw what we're made of."

"You mean..." Panther blurted.

"It's showtime," Mona confirmed.

"Do it," Queen commanded. What followed was a chaotic display of wanton violence, resulting in massive explosion, and a dead shadow.

Queen sagged to her knees.

"Well done, Queen," Joker said.

Queen shook her head.

"If Mona and Panther hadn't..."

"You think I'd have gotten this far without you all? You kept your cool, worked with what you had, and let your teammates shine. That's all anyone can ask for."

Joker gestured to Violet, and the pair began taking their leave.

"JOKER, WAIT!" Queen called.

Joker hesitated.

"I'm sorry. I was wrong," she said.

Joker turned, and Queen could see a slight smile on his face.

"We can speak later, My Queen," he said, and Queen warmed, realizing how much she'd missed his pet name for her. Joker tossed something toward her, and Queen snatched it out of the air to find herself with a GOHO-M, one of Joker's many little tools, this one in particular used for escaping a Palace.

"Are you continuing on?" Queen asked. She looked up to see Joker and Violet gone. Her heart sank as she felt his absence.

Resolutely she turned to her team.

"Are we ready for a break?" she asked them, GOHO-M in hand.

~~~

"You were right," Makoto told Ms. Kawakami.

To her credit, Ms. Kawakami spared her the 'I told you so's.

"Don't beat yourself up," she told Makoto. "We're all human. We all make mistakes."

Ms. Kawakami walked to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water which she handed to Makoto.

"Now the question is what are you going to do about it. I know you don't want to hear it, but the best thing to do is just talk to him."

Makoto stared morosely at the bottle.

"It's... it's complicated," she said, unscrewing the cap. She tipped the bottle back and swallowed the cool, crisp water.

"Is it because you're both Phantom Thieves?" Ms. Kawakami asked.

Makoto choked and sputtered. She whipped her head around, making sure no one else was in the office.

"He's right," Ms. Kawakami said. "You're cute when you're flustered."

Makoto wiped the water from her face with her sleeve in an effort to find composure.

"He told you?" she asked.

"I figured it out," Ms. Kawakami said. I told you; there isn't a deceitful bone in that boy's body. He's a terrible liar. So when a lot of coincidences all fell into place at the same time... well, it wasn't hard to deduce. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. You guys did me a favor. I owe you."

Makoto sagged in her seat and pressed the bottle against her forehead.

"Don't take it so hard," Ms. Kawakami said. "You're kids competing with the worst adults have to offer. I'm surprised you've made it this far. Still, that's not why we're here. We're here to get you back together with Ren."

"So making me lose all faith in my abilities was just a fringe benefit?" Makoto asked.

"Ooh, the girl's got snark," Ms. Kawakami replied. "Ren must be rubbing off on you. But no, deflating your ego is part of the process. Ego and apologies rarely go together. You don't have to beg, but leave your ego by the door. Remember, you made a mistake. If you were adults, I'd just tell you to blame him and make him apologize, but you haven't learned those skills yet. So you're gonna do it the hard way. By sucking it up and saying you're sorry."

"I was afraid you were going to say that," Makoto sighed.

"Nothing worthwhile comes without a little pain," Ms. Kawakami said, "as long as you think he's worth it. Do you?"

Makoto contemplated her water bottle. Was he worth it? Makoto considered. She considered her fury and her mistakes in the face of Kaneshiro. She considered her difficulties with dealing with Eiko. She considered the one person who was there during it all.

"He's worth it," she said.

~~~

Queen stood before Sae's shadow. She was no less fearsome than Sae herself, yet the distorted nature of her being added an uncanniness to her visage.

"I'm sorry, Sis," Queen told her as the roulette wheel spun. Losing was not an option, even in this rigged game.

The shadow chuckled.

"You've yet to win," the shadow chided. "Save your condolences until your losing streak ends."

The silver ball clattered in the track, rattling, narrowing in on the winning number.

Crow's laser pistol let out a 'ZAP', and the glass cover protecting the pocket shattered. The ball settled in the winning spot.

"NO!" cried the shadow as she sagged to the ground.

"We've beaten your rigged game," Queen told her, "despite your lies. Now give it up."

The shadow growled, and Makoto knew what was coming. She'd always known. It happened every time. But that didn't make it any less horrifying to see it happen to her sister.

The shadow warped and morphed, until in the place of her sister's shadow was a monster.

Then the battle really began.

It was a slog. The Thieves held their own, but it was a battle of attrition, where each side was grinding down the other, leaving nothing but desolation in their wake. Which made Makoto's decision all the more difficult, balancing their exhaustion against that of their enemy.

Queen staggered, remaining upright by sheer force of will. She glared at the Leviathan, her lip curled in disgust.

"You've been nothing but a drain," the Leviathan told her. "I'll be better off once you're dead, Makoto. Free."

"Makoto isn't here," Queen told her. "You're speaking with Queen. And I don't lose. JOKER, NOW!"

Flames erupted around the Leviathan. She screamed in pain and rage, flailing impotently to escape them.

Joker and Violet emerged from the shadows, guns drawn and trained on the wretched monster.

"Take her," Queen commanded, and the Thieves launched themselves at the Leviathan, striking with all their might.

"Missed you," Queen admitted as they returned to the ready while the Leviathan stood, seething.

"Missed you too," Joker said.

Makoto tossed a heal at Crow.

"I'm sorry," she said.

Joker shrugged.

"I won't say it didn't hurt," he said, "but I don't think you were entirely at fault."

Queen dodged a frantic swipe of the Leviathan, but it was clear the tide was turning. She was still dangerous, but the Thieves were in control, and Leviathan's time was running out.

"What do you mean?" Queen asked.

"Talk to Oracle later," Joker told her. While I'm... 'in dispose'. She can show you."

Queen frowned, but didn't argue. The time for that was past.

"Panther!" she called. "Torch her."

And just like that, it was over. Sae's shadow crumpled to the ground, defeated, and the treasure was theirs.

Skull went to retrieve it while Makoto went to speak with the fallen foe.

"Sis, listen to me," she whispered. "We're not stealing your treasure, do you understand?"

Shadow Sae looked up at her, wide-eyed.

"We aren't changing your heart," Makoto told her, "but that doesn't mean you can't. You can change. You have the strength. You just have to chose to, do you understand? You. Can. Change. I love you with all my heart, and I don't want to lose you. Please, go back to your real self and think about that. That you can still chose to change if you want."

Shadow Sae stared at the ground with a frown. Finally, she nodded and disappeared.

"Got the treasure!" Ryuji said. "Let's blow this place."

"Wait," Oracle called out. "Something's wrong. I'm getting signals everywhere."

"We should split up," Queen said. "Joker, you take the treasure and run solo. We'll try to run interference, but no one take risks. The primary goal is to escape."

"I'll go with Senpai," Violet said. "I'm not one of you. My loyalty is to him."

Queen tamped down on the burst of jealousy she felt. While she wanted to be by Joker's side more than anything, right now she had other obligations.

Queen nodded.

"Good luck," she said.

Good luck to them all, she thought. Please let the plan work.

~~~

"You're going to wear a rut in the floor," Morgana warned her.

"I can't relax," Makoto said as she turned and continued pacing in Ren's room. "He's out there and I can't do a damned thing about it."

"No, you can't," Morgana said. "But you're tearing yourself up for nothing."

"But what if it doesn't work?" Makoto demanded. "What if he dies?!?"

"It's out of our hands either way," Morgana said. "You think I'm not worried? Of course I am. But I'm saving my energy for when I can do something about it."

The bell rang for the entrance, and Makoto heard Sojiro cry out.

"He's here!" Makoto cried. She sprinted down the stairs with Morgana hot on her heels.

Sae stood there with a bruised and battered Ren wrapped in a blanket.

"REN!"

Makoto grabbed him and pulled him into a fierce hug.

"Oh my god," she said, dragging him into a booth. "What did they do to you? Morgana, can you grab... something? I don't know..."

"On it," Morgana replied. In a flash he was gone.

Makoto kissed Ren's head as she fought back tears.

"Are you okay?" she asked. "I was so worried. God, you look awful."

"Is there something I should know?" Sae asked wryly.

Makoto looked defiantly at Sae.

"Sae, this is Ren," she said. "My boyfriend."

"At least," she said hesitantly, "if you'll still have me."

Ren chuckled.

"After such a welcome home, I'd be a fool to say no."

Makoto burst into tears.

"You idiot. I... I..."

Her words were stymied by the bell ringing once again.

"Sorry," Sojiro said. "We're clo- Oh! Doc!"

Doctor Takemi stepped inside, Morgana in her arms.

"Guess who brought the cavalry," Morgana said.

"I have it on good authority that I'm needed," she said steadily. "It appears my guinea pig is in some distress."

"Hey, Doc," Ren croaked. "S-sorry to force a house call this late, but you know me. I can't stop getting into trouble."

"Miss Niijima," Sojiro said, "can you help the kid upstairs? Then come back down and give the Doc some space."

Makoto pulled Ren's arm over her shoulders.

"Come on, Ren," she said. "Nice and easy."

The pair stood, and Makoto walked the two of them carefully up the stairs. Once Ren was eased down on his bed, Makoto joined the others downstairs. She sat quietly in a booth. Morgana padded over and Makoto instinctively pulled the not-cat into a hug.

"Not too tight," Morgana warned through his purrs. Makoto tried her best to comply. This was nice. Almost normal, even. Sitting with a purring cat in her arms. She could almost picture herself doing this at home.

"Are we not going to address the fact that the cat went and got the doctor?" Sojiro asked.

"I'm not a cat," Morgana protested wearily.

"You know they can't hear you," Makoto told him with a smile.

"He's not really a cat," Makoto told Sojiro. "We don't quite know what he is, but he's sure he's human. If you go into the metaverse, the... the other place, you can talk to him. And once your cognition changes and you know he can speak, you can hear him here, too."

"So," Sae said calmly, "you're a Phantom Thief."

"I'm sorry I hid things from you," Makoto told her. "But now that you're working with us I'll tell you everything. Everything. But you should probably wait until we get the whole team together. There's things I don't know, and different perspectives on the things I do."

"And your boyfriend?" she asked.

"It's been about... one month? Two? So much has happened between then and now it feels like an eternity. Ren is one of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever met. I assume he told you his story. He told me that when he came here he was afraid. He was afraid that his 'crime' of trying to help someone would follow him, and he'd be ostracized. And he was, too. But with this strange app and the metaverse, we've all found an extended family. We've all found a home. And he's the center of it. He works so hard, wearing himself out to give us the advantages we have in the metaverse. Weapons. Armor. Medicine. Support. And he's never asked for anything in exchange.

Recently, I... I doubted him. Certain things didn't add up, and... and I... I thought he was manipulating us. I was wrong. Even if he's good at finding the right things to say to make us feel better, or like him better, his actions have never betrayed us. He's never done anything but care for us. And I need to do the same for him."

Doctor Takemi emerged from the stairway.

"He'll be ok," she said. "The bruises should heal quickly enough. I think he has a fracture in his cheekbone, but there's little I can do for it. As long as he doesn't exacerbate it, and it's not causing any difficulties, it should heal just fine on its own. The drugs..."

Takemi frowned.

"The drugs will need to work their way out of his system on their own. Without knowing exactly what they gave him I can't risk giving him anything that might make it worse."

"Thanks, Doc," Sojiro said. "What do I owe you?"

Doctor Takemi shook her head.

"Ren has been an immense help to me. This is the least I can do. For now he just needs rest. But don't hesitate to call should something come up."

The Doctor took her leave. Sae seemed particularly interested in her passage.

"She certainly has her own sense of style, doesn't she?"

"I know she doesn't fit the stereotype," Sojiro said, "but word on the street is that she's an exceptional doctor. And if the kid's been helping her, well, I'd give her the benefit of a doubt."

Morgana hopped out of Makoto's arms onto the table.

"I'm going to go keep an eye on him," he said. He hopped down to the floor and trotted up the stairs.

"So..." Sojiro ventured, "he can talk, huh."

Makoto nodded absently.

"He's going to keep an eye on Ren," she said.

"In that case," Sae announced, "we should leave and let him get some rest."

Makoto looked up at her to argue, but the numb feeling overtaking her left little room.

She stood unsteadily and bowed to Sojiro.

"Thank you for letting me wait here," she said.

Sojiro waved dismissively.

"You're an easy guest and always welcome here. I'm just glad the kid's back safe. Well, mostly safe."

With that Sae and Makoto took their leave.

"So," Sae began as they entered her car, "you guys stole my heart?"

"No." Makoto stated. "We couldn't. If we had, your palace would have collapsed and the cognitive interrogation room wouldn't have existed."

"So the fact that I'm realizing what a jerk I've been..."

"You weren't really a jerk," Makoto said with a smile. "Just preoccupied with winning. And even without stealing your heart, you still have a choice. You can chose to change yourself. When faced with the evidence, and given the opportunity to empathize, you decided your own fate. I hoped you would. We bet Ren's life on it."

They rode in silence as Sae digested this new information.

"And now you'll tell me everything?" She asked finally.

"Yes," Makoto affirmed.

"Have you and Ren had sex?"

Makoto sputtered and stammered a protest.

"W-what?!? We... I mean I... We never... I-I-I mean..."

"It's a perfectly natural urge," Sae continued blithely. "I would hope you refrain. The risks are simply too high, not just physically, but emotionally. You're very mature for your age, but I'm not sure you're emotionally aware enough to handle it. If you decide to, despite my warnings, I hope you take precautions. I suppose that means we'll have to talk about protection."

Makoto's face felt like it radiated the heat of a thousand suns.

"WHAT?!? I... Buh... wha... SIS!!!!"

Sae laughed.

"It feels good to be a big sister again," she said. She looked at Makoto, and Makoto saw a warmth in her eyes that she had almost forgotten about.

Makoto crossed her arms and hunched down in her seat.

"Ren is a nice boy," Sae said after a moment. "He was very brave to put himself through that."

"Yes," Makoto replied. "Brave. And kind. And smart. And... fragile."

"Fragile?" Sae asked.

Makoto shook her head.

"He's the strongest of all of us. His power is... it's unreal. But sometimes he looks at us when he thinks we're not paying attention, and it feels like he's... afraid? He lost everything once. He knows how easily it could happen again."

"Well, I'm sure he knows he can rely on you," Sae assured her.

"I hope so," Makoto replied. "The real work is just beginning.

"The real work?"

"Against the real culprit."

Sae's voice hardened.

"Akechi."

~~~

"I hate you." Akechi's voice dripped with venom. Ren's however, just sounded tired.

"It doesn't have to be this way, you know," Ren said. "We could still be friends."

"Like the rest of your little lackeys?" Akechi demanded. "And where are they now?"

Ren sighed.

"I thought you might have had something to do with that."

"It would have happened sooner if baby Niijima could take a fucking hint. And here I was thinking I was being too obvious! Sae would have been on that in an instant. I guess we know who got all the brains. I don't know what you see in that frigid bitch. Except maybe that ass."

Makoto's knuckles were white as her fists clenched into tight balls. She glared daggers at the phone in Futaba's hand as though willing it to combust. It was bad enough that she'd doomed herself to lead the team through Sae's palace, so she had the stress of leadership along with the emotional weight of seeing how twisted her sister's heart had gotten, but now, to hear that the betrayer in their midst was the cause of her own doubts... ."

"For what it's worth, I think you're really smart," Futaba said reassuringly. "But he is right about your ass. It is pretty spectacular."

For a moment Makoto forgot all about Akechi as she gaped at Futaba.

Futaba shrugged and shuffled her feet nervously.

"I... might be bi? Not sure yet. Still deciding. But Akechi is a jerk. And... yeah. Ren wanted you to know. It's not your fault. You were being used."

"It is my fault," she countered. "I let myself be."

"Don't beat yourself up," Morgana said. "You know Akechi's smart, and he's been playing us since the beginning."

"But I didn't know how little he thought of us," Makoto replied. "Fine. I'll show him who's lacking brains. Ren wanted me to hear this? And he's still pushing ahead on the plan?"

Morgana and Futaba both nodded.

Makoto sighed and pulled out her phone.

"Then there's only one thing left to do," she groaned. "Apologize."

~~~

Shido's palace was terrifying. The palace was enormous. The shadows were brutal. The cognition/shadow hybrids hit like trucks, and sneered like... well... like adults.

But nothing was as horrific as the sight in front of her.

"I'LL KILL YOU I'LL KILL YOUI'LLKILLYOUI'LLKILLYOU!"

Eyes of madness bulged behind a twisted black mask. The real culprit behind the mental shut downs. The real Akechi.

"We could have been such good friends." Joker's voice was thick with sadness. "We challenge each other; push each other to be better. Why can't you see that?"

"Don't lump me in with your loser pack of pathetic sycophants!" Akechi spat.

Joker shook his head.

"They're not losers. They're strength incarnate. And I'm going to show you just how wrong you are."

Joker motioned to the others.

"Queen and I will handle this. The rest of you take five."

Queen looked nervously at Joker.

"A-are you sure?"

Joker smiled.

"You're more than a match for him. Trust in me."

Queen's heart ached, but she did her best not to flinch.

"I won't let you down again, Joker," she stated.

"SHUT UP AND DIE!" Akechi screamed.

And the battle commenced.

Akechi ranted and raged as he hammered them with blow after blow. Each strike rained down on them like lightning strikes or meteor impacts. Queen tossed healing spells left and right, only pausing to strike back with one of her Nuke spells in the rare moments of breathing room.

Joker, however, stood, apparently unphased. He might as well be waiting for a bus. The attacks from Akechi struck true, Queen knew. She saw the blood running down Joker's cheek, the way his hand shook, and the clumsiness of his strikes. Still, his apparent unaffectedness infuriated Akechi all the more, and his rage soared even higher.

"Why won't you JUST DIE?!?!" Akechi screamed. He swung wildly at Joker. Joker leapt back nimbly, but Akechi pressed forward. His saber caught Joker on the side of his head, sending him sprawling.

Akechi roared in triumph and pounced on his victim.

Time slowed as Queen watched Akechi surge forward. Her limbs felt sluggish and the air felt viscous.

"DON'T YOU TOUCH HIM!"

Queen was nearly as surprised to hear her own voice as she was to realize her feet were moving.

Queen collided with Akechi, knocking him away from Joker. She followed as he staggered back. Her fists moved of their own accord as her extensive training kicked in. Blow after blow she struck, faster and faster. Her breath turned ragged and her arms burned, yet she pressed the attack.

It only took a single slip.

Queen's foot slipped an inch. Little enough that she didn't fall, but enough to give her pause as she ensured her footing was sound. Enough to give Akechi time to recover.

A solid kick to her gut sent her reeling. She barely tightened her abdominals in time to prevent the wind from being knocked out of her. She staggered back, composure gone.

Right into Joker's arms.

"I think it's time to show him what we're made of," Joker said as he helped steady her. He pulled out the wishing star and held it out before them.

"B-but... we... we haven't...," Queen protested.

"Then we'll improvise," Joker said. "All it takes is a little faith, a little rhythm..."

"And a little trust," Queen finished. "I'm with you to the end, Joker."

"What are you two talking about," Akechi snarled as he staggered to his feet.

Joker struck a pose, finger point at Akechi.

"It's showtime," he said.

Queen and Joker charged at Akechi in tandem, dagger and fists at the ready. Akechi set his feet, readying himself to meet them.

Queen felt rather than saw Joker tense, and knew what was coming. When Joker leapt, Queen only ran harder, zeroing on on their foe. Akechi's eyes instinctually followed Joker's motion. That's when Queen struck, slamming a fist into the side of his head.

Akechi roared and swung wildly at her. That was when Joker slammed the pommel of his dagger into his flank.

What ensued etched itself in Queen's memory for the rest of her life. She struck at Akechi like beating a rhythm on a drum. Joker played counterpoint from Akechi's rear, keeping him of balance, and preventing him from retaliating.

One and Two and Three and Four and
Jab (slash) Cross (stab) Jab jab (Slash) cross

The beat varied, never quite the same, eluding Akechi's ability anticipate the next move

When the final hit came, Akechi was too off-balance to realize. It finished opposite to how it started. Queen hit low to Akechi's abdomen at the same time Joker hit high, smashing the handle off his dagger into the back of Akechi's head.

Akechi folded. He crumpled to the ground like a building demolished by dynamite.

Queen and Joker retreated, resetting themselves to the ready.

"K-kill... you..." Akechi grunted. He attempted to push himself up with shaky arms.

"I tried to tell you," Joker said. "My friends aren't weak. They aren't weaknesses. They're strength. The bonds we've formed aren't impervious, but they're iron. They sustain me. Even if you take away the people, the ways they've helped me grow can't be killed or stolen."

"Shhhut..."

"You had that chance, and you threw it away. You mistook solitude for self-reliance. But it's not to late."

"...uuuup...."

"Let it go Joker," Queen said. "You can't save him."

Joker looked at her with mixed curiosity and sadness.

"He doesn't want to be saved," she said. "You can't force him."

Joker sighed.

"At least I have you," he said. Joker motioned to the rest of the thieves.

"What would I do without you to keep me grounded?"

"What would I do without you reminding me to look up?" she replied. "I hope we never find out."

The rest of the Thieves gather around them.

"Love you," Queen told Joker.

"Love you, too," Joker replied.

"Hate... you..." Akechi growled.