A/N: Yu rejecting Izanami's offer of being stuck in what is essentially a "Lotus Eater Machine" is one of the changes that I made to the whole Yu VS Margaret fight, or at least the build up to it. Especially because he had accepted himself (or more accurately his Shadow) already. And I didn't really want to stick too close to how the fight was adapted either for a variety of obvious reasons.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything apart from my OCs. Anything that belongs to a third party is a property of that third party. Also, any OC created by another author that I'm using in LNWU (with the aforesaid author's/authors' expressed permission) is the property of that author. Obviously.

Chapter 197

March 19, 2012

Margaret's Arena, Mayonaka

Yu found himself in a place that he didn't recognise, even though it was technically a part of Mayonaka. There was fog everywhere, so it was difficult for him to ascertain where he was in relation to anything else. Unlike the entrance to Mayonaka or the Twisted Shopping District, the colours that were the most prominent were blue and black.

He was completely and utterly alone.

For now, at least.

"So, you rejected Izanami's offer after all? I would have expected as much." He could hear Margaret's voice before he saw her.

Yu nodded. "I did."

There was an imperceptible pause as Margaret walked closer to Yu until they were more or less standing across from each other.

"Good. I think that was the best choice you could have made." Margaret replied.

Yu agreed with her. "It was. However, it seems like I'm stuck in this place with no way of getting out."

"There is a way for you to exit this place. But it will not be given easily." Margaret warned.

Yu understood. "Ah. Then it would appear that my final "Test" is to earn my way out of here so I can defeat Izanami and bring back everyone else either on my own or with help if Dylan managed to survive being dragged down as well. The only question I have is how exactly will I go about doing such a thing…?"

"Through combat." Margaret answered.

Yu turned this piece of information over in his mind multiple times before deciding on the best way to respond to that answer.

He let out a deep breath before announcing his decision. "Alright."

"Then let us begin." Margaret's Compendium appeared in her hands. It was currently unopened.

Yu checked to see if he had his sword even if he didn't think that he needed it before saying anything else.

He did.

Yu looked at Margaret square in the eye. "It's time to show you just how much I have grown, both through my own initiative and as the result of the bonds I've forged with everyone. I just hope it's enough."

"It will be if you don't hold back. Speaking of which, I won't be holding back either." Margaret opened her Compendium and closed it on the Persona that she wanted to summon.

Yu watched as Helel appeared in front of Margaret.

He quickly summoned a Persona of his own. "Understood."

Suparna appeared in front of him and called out a challenge to both Margaret and Helel.

"So, you're not leading with Izanagi no Okami, then? How interesting." Margaret observed.

Helel called forth flames and directed them at Suparna, who avoided them with ease before counterattacking.

Yu watched as Margaret switched her Persona from Helel to Yoshitsune.

He followed suit by switching her Persona from Suparna to Siegfried. "Persona! Siegfried!"

Yoshitsune and Siegfried clashed, their swords dancing in the air as they each tried to gain an advantage. Yoshitsune pulled back in order to use Hassou Tobi, but Siegfried blocked it and used God's Hand. Which was blocked by Yoshitsune, who then used a Ziodyne attack on Siegfried.

Siegfried didn't seem to take that much damage from it.

"How interesting. Unfortunately for you, I'm still not going to hold anything back." Margaret commanded Yoshitsune to use another Ziodyne attack.

Only for Yu to switch Personas to Yamata no Orochi.

Yu nodded. "Neither will I."

Margaret summoned Loki instead of Yoshitsune.

Yu summoned Hell Biker, who dealt significant damage to Loki by using Agidyne.

"Impressive. But it's not going to change anything." Margaret was still determined to win.

Loki was starting to flicker.

Yu switched Personas to Shiva, who used a Pralaya on Loki.

Loki smiled and snapped his fingers, sending icicles raining down on Shiva.

Shiva absorbed Loki's attack and responded with a Ziodyne.

Yu was careful not to get complacent, even though he had the advantage for the moment.

He quickly made the next move. "Shiva! MEGIDOLAON!"

Shiva used a Megidolaon on Loki, prompting Margaret to switch out Loki for Tam Lin.

This Persona got rid of the smoke with his spear and used a Ziodyne attack on Shiva.

Even though Shiva resisted it, Yu switched Shiva out for Yurlungur soon afterwards.

"You've gotten quite good at this." Margaret was quick to compliment Yu.

Yu agreed with her. "Thank you. But I'm not the only person responsible for that."

Yurlungur used a Virus Wave on Tam Lin that poisoned him, only for Tam Lin to counterattack, seeing as Virus Wave was a Physical attack.

"Shall we continue?" Margaret asked.

She summoned Asura, who stood directly in front of her like the other Personas that she had summoned.

Yu smiled. "I think we should."

He summoned Ongyo-Ki, who stood in front of him.

Ongyo-Ki used Foolish Whisper in order to Silence Asura. Which would have been helpful if Margaret didn't summon Helel again.

"Helel! Morning Star!" Margaret commanded.

Helel used the Almighty attack in order to deal a significant amount of damage to Ongyo-Ki.

Yu gritted his teeth. "I probably should have expected that."

He switched Personas to Kohryu and waited.

Suddenly, numerous TVs turned on behind him.

He could see the faces of the other members of the Seekers of Truth, with the exception of Dylan, on them facing in different directions.

"Are you wondering why you can see the majority of your friends apart from one?" Margaret asked.

Yu frowned slightly. "I am. Then again, I can more or less guess why. Dylan probably has his own battles to deal with, so he's mostly alright. Or as alright as you'd expect."

"I think it's time to get back on track, so to speak." Margaret said.

Yu agreed with her. "I don't think I can afford to get distracted. Especially not now."

"Then let's continue." Margaret said.

Yu nodded. "I think we should."

Kohryu and Helel attacked each other at roughly the same time, sending each other backwards.

"If this is to be the final act, then be prepared to give it your all!" Margaret exclaimed.

Helel used a Megidolaon on Kohryu.

Yu switched Personas to Izanagi no Okami. "Then I'm not going to disappoint."

Izanagi no Okami went to attack Helel, who blocked him.

Both Personas used Megidolaon on each other, causing a massive chain explosion.

When it cleared, Izanagi no Okami was still standing as it seemed that Margaret had called Helel off.

"I'm beginning to think that testing your capabilities like this might not be entirely accurate. Perhaps I should try something else?" Margaret wondered aloud.

Yu looked a little perplexed. "Something else? Like what? I thought that fighting you was the test?"

"It was." Margaret answered.

Yu was beginning to understand. "So, what exactly is the real test going to be?"

"Facing the previous guests of the Velvet Room one at a time. Or, rather, facing them as they would have been. Even if I did make a few adjustments. I assume that's agreeable." Margaret explained.

Yu nodded. "It is."

"Good. In that case, it's time for you to meet your first opponent… Toudou Naoya!"

Song: Ryota Kozuka – Evil Incarnate/To Become God's Enemy (Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse)

A portal appeared in front of Margaret and Toudou Naoya stepped out of it, or rather a version of Toudou Naoya who had originally been a guest of the Velvet Room. He had black hair, brown eyes and a piercing on his left ear. He was wearing the St Hermelin High School uniform without any alterations or modifications along with a black wristwatch on his left arm and black shoes. He was also wielding a sword.

Yu got into a fighting stance. "This must be the real test."

Naoya summoned his first Persona, Nuada.

Nuada was a tall, muscular man with dark hair and green grey eyes and was clean shaven. He was wearing plate armour on his upper body and a tunic of sorts that covered his upper legs. Nuada also wore a heavy cloak and boots. His left arm was made of a metal that resembled silver and he was wielding a sword in his right hand. There were also various weapons on his person in addition to just his sword.

"Begin!" Margaret signalled for Yu and Naoya to begin their battle.

Nuada used a Ziodyne on Izanagi no Okami before following up with a God's Hand.

Izanagi no Okami was relatively unaffected by both attacks and countered with a Garudyne that temporarily knocked Nuada down before hitting him with a Physical attack.

Yu and Naoya circled around each other and looked for any openings to attack. Naoya lunged at Yu only for Yu to block and parry. Or at least try to.

Izanagi no Okami used Heaven's Blade on Nuada, which would have had a different name seeing as a Persona other than Michael was using it.

Nuada retaliated with a Vorpal Blade.

Yu commanded Izanagi no Okami to use Wind Amp in order to boost Garudyne when he cast it again.

Nuada called down multiple lightning bolts on Yu and Izanagi no Okami in the hope that it would slow them down.

It didn't.

Izanagi no Okami used an amplified Garudyne to knock Nuada down, at least temporarily, before following up with another Garudyne.

Nuada had been significantly weakened and had started flickering as a result.

Yu waited to see what exactly Naoya would do next.

Naoya summoned a different Persona instead of Nuada.

Marduk was a tall, broad-shouldered and muscular man who was the same height as Nuada or slightly taller. He had spiky, waist length reddish brown coloured hair and the upper half of his face was covered by a sort of mask. While his upper body was uncovered, he was wearing a combination of clothing and armour on his lower body in addition to what looked like sandals. He was wielding a sword with a long, curved blade in one hand and was holding a heavy circular shield in his other hand.

Izanagi no Okami attacked Marduk, only to be blocked by Marduk's shield.

Marduk countered with a Physical attack of his own before hitting Izanagi no Okami with an Agidyne.

Izanagi no Okami weathered Marduk's attacks and countered with a Bufudyne temporarily downing him. This bought him enough time to use Ice Amp to boost Ice attacks.

Marduk recovered and used Agidyne again along with another Physical attack on Izanagi no Okami.

Izanagi no Okami retaliated with a Bufudyne, significantly weakening Marduk.

Naoya shook his head and dismissed Marduk.

Yu looked at Naoya, wondering what he would do next.

He shifted his stance slightly. "I'm beginning to think that you might be holding back."

"I am. The Naoya that you met didn't have the Persona that I am about to use. As Margaret may have pointed out to you, the versions of the previous guests of the Velvet Room that she called are stronger than what they originally were. It's almost as if she wanted the best versions of us. And you're going to get them. Starting with me! PERSONA! ZEUS AMMON!" Naoya replied.

Yu smiled. "Fine by me. But I would just like to point out that I'm "the best version of myself" thanks to the bonds I've forged during my time in Inaba. Specifically, during this go around."

Naoya had finally summoned his main Persona, Zeus Ammon.

Zeus Ammon was both similar to and different from Amon Ra at the exact same time. He looked as though he had been carved from marble, but he had tanned or possibly even dark skin. His hair was long and dark brown in colour and he had what appeared to be ram's horns growing out of his head, green eyes without pupils and a beard. There was a red sun or something that resembled a sun on his chest, an ankh on his upper left arm and a lightning bolt on his upper right arm. The majority of his body was uncovered apart from his lower body, which was covered in what looked like white trousers and golden armour. He was also completely barefoot.

It didn't seem as though Zeus Ammon had any weaknesses, discernible or not.

"I hope you're ready. Zeus Ammon is the strongest Persona that I have, and the different versions of the ones who came after me are all fairly powerful in their own right. If you prevail against me, you'll be one step closer to your goal." Naoya said.

Yu nodded. "I think I am. There's no time like the present, after all."

"Precisely." Naoya slipped back into a fighting stance.

Naoya lunged at Yu, hoping to catch him off guard.

Yu blocked a sword thrust from Naoya and forced him backwards before following up with a counterattack.

He'd managed to catch Naoya unawares and cut his left arm, but Naoya didn't seem to bothered by that. If anything, he seemed impressed.

Meanwhile, Izanagi no Okami and Zeus Ammon were squaring off.

Izanagi no Okami slashed Zeus Ammon, or at least attempted to, before Zeus Ammon blocked it and counterattacked.

Zeus Ammon summoned a spear from out of nowhere. The point of the spear was in the shape of a lightning bolt, or the approximate shape of one.

Izanagi no Okami and Zeus Ammon sent a Ziodyne at each other before using Agidyne.

There was a brief pause before Izanagi no Okami used Garudyne and Bufudyne on Zeus Ammon in quick succession.

Only for Zeus Ammon to shrug them off.

Yu blocked a slash from Naoya and attempted to counterattack only to be blocked.

He tried to push Naoya back, only for Naoya to stand firm. "I think I might have to try something else. Damn."

"Perhaps you should." Naoya retorted.

Naoya had managed to cut Yu's right arm.

Yu blocked another slash from Naoya and pushed him back again.

Izanagi no Okami and Zeus Ammon were still locked in combat. Zeus Ammon blocked slashes from Izanagi no Okami before attempting to counter with a spear thrust that was also blocked.

Yu could sense that Naoya was going to direct Zeus Ammon to use one of his strongest attacks on Izanagi no Okami and himself by proxy.

He could almost guess which one it was.

Yu decided that the best defence was a good offence. "Izanagi no Okami! MEGIDOLAON!"

Zeus Ammon was hit with a Megidolaon, taking it head on.

"I can see why you're a guest of the Velvet Room. However, you're only ever really as good as your last battle. Zeus Ammon, HIEROGLYPHEIN!" Naoya ordered Zeus Ammon to attack.

Zeus Ammon summoned what looked like ancient symbols or hieroglyphs before sending them towards Izanagi no Okami. These symbols surrounded Izanagi no Okami before gradually spinning inwards and exploding soon afterwards.

The smoke cleared and Izanagi no Okami was still standing.

Yu looked incredibly relieved. "That was fairly close."

"It really was. Hieroglyphein is almost always a harbinger of "the end" whenever it's used. The fact that you and your Persona are still standing means that you are truly exceptional. And it also means that my part in your trial is over." Naoya said.

Yu nodded. "Right."

"I think it's time for me to introduce you to your next opponent. And I think it's time for me to heal your wounds as well." Margaret interjected.

Yu's wounds had all healed and he was feeling rejuvenated.

She opened a portal for Naoya, who promptly stepped through it.

When that portal closed, another portal opened and somebody else stepped out.

The person who had stepped out of the portal was Suou Tatsuya, specifically the version of him that had been a guest of the Velvet Room. He was wearing the male variant of the Seven Sisters High School uniform which consisted of a black blazer, black pants with a belt that had a lion design, a white button-down shirt with a blue tie along with black sneakers. There was a sword that was currently sheathed at his side. He also had a Zippo lighter with a symbol resembling the sun on it, but it was more than likely in the pocket of his blazer.

Yu waited for Tatsuya to turn his attention to him before addressing him. "So, you're my next opponent? I wonder if you've had any "upgrades" like Naoya did?"

"You're pretty perceptive. Then again, you did manage to get to the bottom of everything that had been going on in Inaba with the help of both your friends and the people that you forged close bonds with along the way." Tatsuya replied.

Yu nodded. "Thank you. That's great praise, especially when it comes from someone who has had ample experience in searching for truth amidst gossip, rumours and untruth. Then again… I doubt that you're only here to pay me compliments."

"I'm here to test your skills, so don't expect me to go easy on you! PERSONA! SUOU TATSUNOSHIN!" Tatsuya summoned the first Persona that he'd be using to test Yu's skills.

Suou Tatsunoshin was clad in full-body red and silver samurai armour including a helmet that had a golden crescent moon shaped decoration on it and silver shoulder plates with a red sun in the middle. He was holding a katana in his left hand. There were also sun designs on the top of his boots. A red cloak billowed out from the back of his armour.

Yu slid into a fighting stance. "I'm not going to hold back either!"

They circled around each other looking for an opening to attack.

Yu and Tatsuya went to attack at the exact same time, only for them to block each other.

"Not bad. But it's still not enough!" Tatsuya was quick to counter.

Tatsunoshin and Izanagi no Okami were engaged in a battle of their own.

The two Personas had used Agidyne on each other, only for the two attacks to cancel each other out.

Izanagi no Okami quickly switched to using Bufudyne, Garudyne or Ziodyne. Unfortunately, those attacks didn't do much damage to Tatsunoshin either.

Tatsunoshin had switched to using Physical attacks, but those weren't damaging Izanagi no Okami.

Yu managed to push Tatsuya back. "Don't worry. It'd be beneath me to hold back. So, I won't."

"Glad to hear it. And neither will I! Tatsunoshin, MIGHTY SWING!" Tatsuya went to attack Yu, only for him to move out of the way.

Tatsunoshin hit Izanagi no Okami with a powerful Physical attack that temporarily stunned him, despite the fact that he resisted Physical attacks and almost everything else.

Yu managed to catch Tatsuya unawares. "I wonder if you've got anymore tricks up your sleeve?"

"I do. And here's one of them! Tatsunoshin! TENCHU-SATSU!" Tatsuya commanded Tatsunoshin to use his most powerful attack.

Izanagi no Okami was hit by three powerful slashes that seemed to go straight through him.

Yu gritted his teeth. "Damn it! Izanagi no Okami, MEGIDOLAON !"

Tatsunoshin was hit by the powerful Almighty attack.

There was a brief moment before the smoke disappeared and Tatsunoshin had reappeared. But he was flickering in and out, which signified that he had been weakened to a degree.

"You're quite different to the sorts of opponents that I've normally faced. Which means that I'll have to break out my strongest Persona. Or rather, the strongest Persona that this version of me has. As Margaret and Naoya might have already told you, we're different to the versions of us that you have previously met. You could even say that we're… The "Enhanced" versions." Tatsuya said.

Yu smiled. "I've got no problem with that."

"Good. Then it's time to summon my ultimate Persona, or more accurately, the ultimate Persona that this version of me has. I hope you're ready for this! PERSONA, PHOEBUS APOLLO!" Tatsuya was wreathed in blue flame for what seemed like an instant.

Yu looked on as Tatsuya summoned his ultimate Persona, but he had to look away for fear of being blinded by something that resembled intense sunlight.

Standing before Yu and Izanagi no Okami was Phoebus Apollo.

Phoebus Apollo was fairly similar to Apollo in terms of his appearance, except for the fact that the mask covering his face was in the shape of a sun and it was a combination of red and orange in terms of colours. His hands were golden instead of a more bronze-y material. And he also had a hairstyle that bore some resemblance to Tatsuya's.

Yu wasn't entirely certain if Phoebus Apollo had any weaknesses.

He waited to see what either Tatsuya or his Persona would do next.

Yu didn't have to wait for very long.

Tatsuya was quick to go on the offensive again, even managing to briefly push Yu back.

Yu rebalanced and aimed a sword slash at Tatsuya, who dodged it.

He circled around Tatsuya in order to try and catch him off guard. "Your Persona hasn't done anything yet. I wonder why?"

"Because I wanted to get a clearer indication of what you could do. Phoebus Apollo, BLACK ARROW!" Tatsuya's response was swift.

Izanagi no Okami was hit with a powerful Physical attack that caused a random status ailment.

Yu quickly switched Personas. "Kohryu, SALVATION!"

Any damage that had been inflicted on him up until that point, or any ailments for that matter, quickly disappeared.

Yu switched back to Izanagi no Okami afterwards.

"You seem to have a gift for quick thinking. However, the sun shines on all things regardless of their intelligence or lack thereof. Phoebus Apollo, NOVA UPPER!" Tatsuya ordered Phoebus Apollo to use another attack.

Phoebus Apollo's hands burst into flames before he quickly moved towards Yu and Izanagi no Okami.

There was a very brief pause before Phoebus Apollo hit Izanagi no Okami with rapid fire burning punches before concentrating the flames surrounding his hands to just his right hand and striking once more.

Yu let out a deep breath. "Okay. Guess it's my turn..."

Izanagi no Okami used a Bufudyne, Ziodyne and Garudyne in quick succession because Phoebus Apollo nullified Fire attacks.

Phoebus Apollo was damaged, but still able to fight.

"Good effort. However, you're not the only one who has a gift for quick thinking. Phoebus Apollo, SUNBURST!" Tatsuya grinned.

Phoebus Apollo healed itself and Tatsuya.

This particular skill also buffed Phoebus Apollo and Tatsuya for a few turns, or the equivalent, as well as healed them.

Yu quickly lunged at Tatsuya, only for Tatsuya to block him.

Izanagi no Okami and Phoebus Apollo were also trading Physical attacks back and forth.

Yu could sense that Tatsuya had something planned, so he shifted into a defensive stance.

He waited for Tatsuya to make a move. "I know you've got something up your sleeve. And I'm going to wait until you reveal exactly what it is."

Phoebus Apollo used multiple Physical attacks on Yu and Izanagi no Okami in an attempt to get Yu to drop his guard.

"Time to show you this Persona's strongest attack. Don't blame me if you're not able to handle it. Phoebus Apollo, HEAT KAISER!" Tatsuya almost shrugged.

Izanagi no Okami was hit with a series of bursts of energy before being caught in the middle of a massive explosion.

The smoke cleared and Izanagi no Okami was still standing.

Yu looked relieved. "You're right. That was your strongest attack. But it still wasn't enough…"

"Clearly not. As far as this trial goes, I would assume that you're at least halfway through it. There's just one or two more obstacles for you to get through." Tatsuya dismissed Phoebus Apollo and sheathed his sword.

Yu nodded. "And I think I know what those two obstacles are."

"Good luck. And I do mean that." Tatsuya replied.

A different portal opened up and Tatsuya stepped through it.

Margaret healed any damage from Yu's fight with Tatsuya, or more accurately, the version of Tatsuya who was a guest of the Velvet Room before summoning his next opponents.

Change Song: Shoji Meguro ft. Yumi Kawamura and Lotus Juice – Burn My Dread -Last Battle- (Burn My Dread -Reincarnation: Persona 3-)

Yu watched as two people stepped out of separate portals.

He turned to Margaret. "I'm assuming that they're alternate versions of the Arisato siblings."

"Correct." Margaret's response was fairly concise.

Yu nodded. "I thought so."

Minato had a light build along with unkempt dark blue hair and blue eyes. He was wearing the school uniform of Gekkoukan High School worn by male students, which was accented with a black bow tie and blue earphones around his neck. And he was also wearing black shoes with navy blue socks. His weapon of choice was a sword that he wielded with one hand.

Minako, or Mina, had auburn hair that she kept in a high ponytail with silver barrettes that formed the Roman numeral "XXII" and red eyes. She was wearing the school uniform of Gekkoukan High School worn by female students which was accented by Gekkoukan high badge, a red ribbon tie and red earphones around her neck. In addition to loafers with white socks. Her weapon of choice was a naginata.

While Yu had met the Arisato siblings before, he had met them as they currently are. As opposed to meeting them as they were.

He surmised that it would be unlikely for these versions of the Arisato siblings to recognise him. After all, he would have been strangers to them as opposed to acquaintances or something relatively close to that.

"You're one of the guests of the Velvet Room, right? I thought that there was supposed to be two of you?" Mina wondered aloud.

Yu tilted his head slightly. "I am. Dylan ended up in a place that's different to this one. And it's probably a lot less safe. Which is why I'm undergoing this particular trial on my own."

"That's quite unfortunate." Minato's voice was quieter in comparison to Mina's.

Yu scratched his head. "It is unfortunate, but what can you do? There's not much point in dwelling on it at the moment."

"Then maybe we should get started?" Minato asked.

Yu agreed. "That would be a good idea."

"PERSONA!" Both Arisato siblings summoned their respective Personas at the exact same time.

Orpheus Telos and Eurydice Telos looked familiar, but Yu could feel that there was something different about them.

Yu got into a fighting stance. "I'm ready whenever you are."

"Let's get to it then!" Mina exclaimed.

Mina launched herself at Yu with almost balletic precision.

Yu blocked a thrust from Mina's naginata and countered with a sword swing that was expertly parried.

He noticed that Minato was hanging back.

That distraction was all Mina needed.

She planted the tip of her naginata in the ground and used it as a fulcrum or a lever to support her weight as she kicked out at Yu before bringing her naginata down.

Yu barely managed to get out of the way.

He tilted his head to one side. "I wonder if Minato is going to jump in? And I wonder why your Personas haven't gotten involved yet?"

"We needed to get a clearer indication of your capabilities. And now that we have it, there's no need to hold back anymore." Minato spoke up.

Mina moved to one side in order to allow Minato a chance to attack.

Yu moved out of the way of Mina's naginata and parried Minato's sword.

Orpheus Telos and Eurydice Telos went to attack Izanagi no Okami at the same time.

Both Personas used Vorpal Blade on Izanagi no Okami.

Izanagi no Okami countered with multiple Physical attacks before using Agidyne, Bufudyne, Garudyne and Ziodyne attacks in quick succession.

Yu watched as Orpheus Telos and Eurydice Telos emerged from the attacks that Izanagi no Okami had thrown at them.

He was soon forced back on the defensive along with Izanagi no Okami.

Or, at least until he could get some breathing space for himself and Izanagi no Okami to try and plan their next move.

Yu waited for the right moment. "Izanagi no Okami, MEGIDOLAON!"

Orpheus Telos and Eurydice Telos were both consumed by a massive explosion.

The two Personas emerged damaged but still standing.

"This is starting to get a little intense! Eurydice Telos, HEALING HARP!" Mina commanded her Persona to use a healing move.

The damage inflicted on both Orpheus Telos and Eurydice Telos was healing rapidly.

Yu let out a deep breath. "Okay… I'm pretty sure that you've got far more tricks up your sleeve than just that. Especially Minato."

"Nothing gets past you, does it? I don't think there's any point in trying to trick you, so I'll just have to be direct. It's time for me to introduce you to one of the Faces of Death, THANATOS!" Minato recalled Orpheus Telos in favour of Thanatos.

Yu wasn't exactly quaking in fear at the sight. "I'd be a fool if I was expecting this to be a cakewalk. But I've come too far to back down. So, I won't."

"Good." Minato said.

Thanatos and Eurydice Telos used Brave Blade and Vorpal Blade to attack Izanagi no Okami.

Izanagi no Okami quickly countered with Physical attacks.

Yu blocked a sword slash from Minato and evaded another naginata swing from Mina. It was more difficult to fight two people than it was to fight one person, but he was holding up surprisingly well despite the numbers disadvantage.

Izanagi no Okami used an Agidyne on Thanatos and a Bufudyne on Eurydice Telos. While neither did much damage, they did give Yu and Izanagi no Okami some breathing space.

Yu quickly regrouped. "Izanagi no Okami, MEGIDOLAON!"

Thanatos and Eurydice Telos were both hit with the powerful Almighty attack, which was far more effective than anything else that Izanagi no Okami could have used.

"That one packed a punch! Eurydice Telos, AEON RAIN!" Mina exclaimed.

Izanagi no Okami was hit by a random number of Physical attacks. The number in this particular instance was five.

Yu went to attack Minato, only for his attack to be blocked.

He quickly moved back to avoid any potential counterattacks from Minato or an attack from Mina.

Izanagi no Okami was hit by an attack from Minato called Door of Hades.

Yu refused to give in. "You're going to have to do better than that!"

"Now that you mention it, there is one more "string to my bow" I haven't shown you yet. Are you ready?" Minato looked over at him.

Yu nodded. "I'm as ready as I could ever be."

"Fine. It's time for you to face your truest test! PERSONA, MESSIAH!" Minato summoned Orpheus Telos before merging Orpheus Telos and Thanatos into something entirely different.

Messiah was exponentially more powerful than both Orpheus Telos and Thanatos.

Yu let out a deep breath. "Maybe we should make this a little bit more interesting?"

"What exactly do you have in mind?" Minato was intrigued.

Yu smiled. "It's simple, really. You and me fighting one on one with the assistance of our respective Personas. If Mina doesn't object to the suggestion, that is"

"I don't. Besides, I'd rather be observing this particular fight as opposed to taking part in it." Mina interjected.

Yu and Minato watched as Mina and Eurydice Telos moved back to where Margaret was standing.

He focused his attention back on Minato. "I'm not entirely sure if this the right sentiment to have in a situation like this, but… I've actually been looking forward to this."

"I'll try not to disappoint you." Minato retorted.

Yu quickly commanded Izanagi no Okami to attack Messiah. "Izanagi no Okami, HEAVEN'S BLADE!"

"Messiah, GOD'S HAND!" Minato commanded Messiah to use a powerful Physical attack of his own.

Izanagi no Okami and Messiah attacked each other at the exact same time.

Both Personas rebalanced themselves and went back on the offensive.

Yu and Minato were currently in the middle of their own battle.

They were trading sword slashes without actually damaging each other.

Yu blocked a sword thrust from Minato before attempting to cut him on the leg.

He parried an attempt from Minato to do the same.

Yu tried to move into Minato's blind spot, if he had one.

When that didn't work, he ordered Izanagi no Okami to use Agidyne, Bufudyne, Garudyne and Ziodyne on Messiah in quick succession.

Messiah had taken a fair amount of punishment, but was still standing.

Yu quickly ordered Izanagi no Okami to use something else. "Izanagi no Okami, MEGIDOLAON!"

"Messiah, MEGIDOLAON!" Minato had the exact same idea.

Both Personas hit each other with a Megidolaon that sent them and their respective users back.

Yu let out a deep breath. "I might be alone, but I'm not really alone."

"I wonder if that means you've passed the trial?" Minato wondered.

Yu shrugged. "I'm not sure."

"Maybe? I don't know if Margaret has said anything about that…" Mina mused.

Yu, Mina and Minato dismissed their respective Personas.

End Song

He looked over at Margaret. "Would I be correct in assuming that I've passed the test?"

"You've passed it with flying colours." Margaret replied.

Yu was relieved, to put it mildly. "Thank you."

He watched as Margaret opened up one larger portal before Minato and Mina stepped through it.

Margaret placed an object into Yu's hand just as the portal had closed.

On closer inspection, the object appeared to be a shimmering orb that was roughly the size of a snow globe.

"This is a crystal of the power that you have nurtured and sustained throughout this long odyssey. The orb that you are currently holding in your hand whisks away false pretences and dispels lies as it illuminates The Truth." He could hear Igor's voice.

Margaret faded away soon afterwards.

Yu raised the crystal above his head and waited for the energy that would take him back to Izanami.

Only for nothing to happen.

He was about to inspect the crystal more closely when he heard the sound of footsteps.

Yu turned around so he could see who those footsteps belonged to. "Dylan?"

"Yep." Dylan replied.

Dylan seemed to be the same as he always was, but Yu couldn't help but feel as though there was something slightly different about him.

He was still carrying Stormbreaker, which made it far easier for Yu to discount the possibility that Dylan had somehow been transformed than it otherwise would have been.

Yu asked the most pertinent question he could think of. "So, how exactly did you manage to survive?"

"Oh boy. You know how I met the Force Ghost version of my counterpart from the original timeline? As in, the timeline where Adachi shot me? It just so happens that my counterpart from the original timeline had a hell of a lot of Id or whatever the fuck you want to call it. Which meant that I had to revisit the Golden Palace again. Or, more accurately, a supercharged version of it. Confronting my counterpart's issues was interesting to say the very least." Dylan answered.

Yu raised an eyebrow at this. "Ah. That could also be one of any number of occurrences."

"Oh yeah. I ended up getting sent to the "Afterlife" and meeting the Moirae Sisters. And I kind of got helped out by a talking cat who thought he was human or whatever when I was going through the supercharged Golden Palace. You probably had your own stuff going on, so…." Dylan trailed off.

Yu nodded. "I faced Margaret and alternate versions of the people who were guests of the Velvet Room before we were. Are you the only person who survived?"

"I am. But I think that Orb could change that." Dylan said.

Yu nodded. "You're probably right. And we should leave this place as soon as possible, in that case."

"I have no problem with that whatsoever. Besides, you need all the help you can get. Or not." Dylan answered.

Yu raised the crystal above his head and took a deep breath.

The duo promptly vanished.