Working With Phantoms

A Venture Into Realms Undiscovered

September 18th

Over the past few days, Madran had been lying low the best she could with the rules she had set in place for her group, and enjoyed a rather quiet few days with only a few excursions to Mementos to take down lesser targets or occasional visits to the training halls lining the more supernatural parts of her time spent. Despite the small amount of peace she had encountered after Okumura died and Chicory almost did, however, she couldn't stray from her exciting second life for too long and found herself back in the Velvet Room with a very concerned Stephen sitting across from her.

"So, what happened now?"

"I was unable to monitor things for a small amount of time due to Hellhound's interference, but I have discovered that a third split timeline threatens to encroach onto this one."

"Ah, I should've assumed."

"Now, would you like a few details as to what this timeline pertains?"

"I mean, sure. Spill the beans, Stephen."

"Alright. This timeline is a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, yes, I know, original, where the entire world's population has been killed by divine thunder, and the Earth itself had folded inwards."

Stephen made a few motions with his hand that indicated a circle turning into a doughnut.

"This new world is, in fact, a limbo world. Only the few humans who have survived, three and a quarter, to be exact-"

"A quarter?!"

"I'll get into that in a moment. Only these humans are able to take this world and either rebirth it or revert it to how it once was."

"Let me guess, demons are everywhere as well?"

"Yes, indeed. Since humans are gone, demons are more like common passerby than the usual foes you've had to deal with. My recommendation, as to not stir up too much trouble, is to send in your personas and try to keep your presence unknown."

"Do you know who or what caused the timelines to overlap?"

"No. My two best guesses would be either a powerful demon, or one of the humans."

"How would one of the humans pull that off?"

"Two of them have already attained the powers of demons, while one has control over them."

"And, what about that quarter?"

"That is who you are to seek out for assistance. Look for a human with striking blue tattoos all over his body."

"Um... that's not too helpful, but thanks."

"You are very welcome, my friend. Also, send my congratulations to your canine friend for facing that icy beast."

"Sure will. Take care, Stephen!"

"You too, Madran. Please, be careful. Unlike in the previous two timelines, rather sinister forces, ones that not even you, with the power of Persona, can face confidently, are at work in this current Tensei timeline."

"I'll... take that with a grain of salt."

"Very well, then. I must be getting back to my life as Eduard."

Stephen left the Velvet Room, with only Madran and the four Velvet Room attendants there.

"Well, this is interesting. Margaret and Elizabeth, have you done any investigation into this timeline?"

"Yes, but we were met with immense resistance from the demonic inhabitants. Philemon, I'd try and rally the troops. Madran, you should do the same."