Within the endless darkness are scattered countless bright lights, like a nebula

But those lights are not stars

Each one is the light of life
the gleam of man's souls

This is the world inside people's hearts

A place where every human's consciousness is connected and can be traced to their origin

Every memory since the dawn of man, and even those on the ladder of its evolution, slumbers here

Some think of this place as a sea

And they may be correct

Depending on how deep you go, you may see this world's endless landscapes and innumerable faces

Where I stand now is one of its furthest depths

A domain that has existed far before life became sentient or even took form

Here, there is only the darkness of death and the radiance of life
I come here at times

For a very important objective

Suddenly, a patch of the darkness surges and undulates

The pitch-black substance swells with a tar-like consistency and quickly takes the shape of a giant arm

Woman's voice: My it's rather stout, compared to before

Just as good and evil are products of man's heart, there is a negative force here in this sea of souls that tempts man to corruption and destruction

Though one person's malice may amount to little, there are billions of people in the world

It's actually common for monsters capable of destroying mankind to develop without anyone realizing

This is one of them

Though it was only an arm at first, it quickly develops into an enormous, human-shaped torso

It roars with resentment, sending shocks through this space where up and down are fluid

The monster raises an enormous arm that could tear down mountains towards the heavens

But it suddenly stops

Something is blocking its movement

I am, to be precise

You might think I'm nowhere on the scene

In truth, even the monster may be thinking that

But I'd like to direct your attention to the fingertips at the end of this giant arm

Closer

Even closer than that

Keep going closer, all the way to the index finger

Mysterious woman: There, do you see me now?

Mysterious woman: Have I forgotten to introduce myself?My name is Elizabeth

I fix my gaze upon the two lights that seem to be the monster's eyes, but it twists away, trying to resist

Elizabeth: *sigh* Do you wish to behold death that much?

I grab the monster's index finger

And in one motion, I flip its immense body and throw it into the air

The monster cries out in agony and the area quakes again

Elizabeth: Oh dear, it seems it won't be easy for one ofthis size

Elizabeth: I cannot damage the world of everyone's hearts,and I hesitate to make a scene in the realworld either

Elizabeth: Time for a change of scenery

I open the elegant grimoire in my hand

A large blue magic circle forms behind the thrown monster, swallowing the gargantuan figure

I follow it in

Continual, turbulent streams of light and darkness flow past the monster and myself

Eventually, I speak up

Elizabeth: We will soon reach our destination

Another magic circle appears in an altogether different kind of black void than the one we came from

The monster is spat out there, and when it collides with the surface, a tremendous cloud of dust rises

I emerge from the magic circle second and rise into the air

On the horizon beyond the monster, I can see a deep blue sphere

Yes, this is the moon

Elizabeth: Now I had promised to show you death

Elizabeth: Your fate is in the cards

A figure appears behind me, bearing several coffins

Elizabeth: The god of Death, Thanatos What do you think?

The light of the stars shines off its drawn sword and gleams bewitchingly

Elizabeth: Was it to your liking? Well then, farewell

It flings the sword down at the monster's head

Against its fearsome size, the sword is barely larger than a needle

But the sword's merciless sharpness pierces far beyond the blade's length

The monster's body slices apart like wet paper

With a final death cry, the monster slowly dissolves and evaporates as black mist

A deafening silence returns to the area

To break the quiet, a tune plays on my lips

Elizabeth: Veeelvet, oh velvet

I create another magic circle in the air and step through it

I shouldn't remain long in this world without any real objective

This is not the world I belong in, after all

Elizabeth: My maaaster has a laaarge nose

I was once a resident of the Velvet Room and served its master

The dark blue clothing I still wear is from that time

All the residents have their roles, but they are also on a journey

We help our guests grow as people; and through the help we offer, we come to understand the ultimate question

It's the fundamental question of "Who are we?"

Elizabeth: Thinking back on it, I spent so many dayslike that for such a long time

Elizabeth: I had thought that it would be impossibleto change

But two years ago

I finally reached my answer

One's identity cannot be sought out, but must be forged for oneself

It's something you build, little by little

People call the freedom to do so "potential," and by mastering it, people develop their unique identities

That is the understanding I came to

So it seemed to me I should believe in my own potential and wander in pursuit of my desire

It wasn't a hard conclusion to come to

That is why I abandoned my assigned role and departed on my long journey

I have set an objective for myself

To defeat the monster I fought a moment ago once and for all

I vaniquished it then, but that is only temporary

Elizabeth: It'll surely resurrect within the year again

Elizabeth: And I'll go through today once more

That monster was born from the twisted wishes arising from the lack of substance in people's lives

It slowly stagnates and seeps out

"If this is life, then bring on death" Desires like that are what give it power

And that giant black arm tries to free Death from its prison

It can never be left to act on its aims

But as long people continue to wish as they do, the foul feelings will congeal and it will revive endlessly

To truly defeat the monster means to change people's hearts

That cannot be done no matter how much one improves their skill in battle

I do not currently know how this goal can be attained

It may be that no one in this world knows yet

Some new and unknown miraculous power will most likely be required

That is why I wish to travel as far and wide as I can to broaden my horizons

Since I have only interacted with the guests of the room, I'm sure the scope of my knowledge is far inferior to a single human's

But there are infinite places for me to explore

I'll travel to each one and satisfy my natural curiosity

Elizabeth: Now!

Elizabeth: That's why I have come here! A double check onthe danger scale situation that I just recently discovered!

I place my hands on my hips in what I believe to be "standing firm" Before me is what seems to be a replica of a building in the real world

Elizabeth: I sense multiple Persona-users gatheringIt's once in a blue moon that one discoversa place like this

Elizabeth: I'm sure I can learn some interesting thingshere or something along those lines

Elizabeth: In any case, I, Elizabeth can scarcely keep myselffrom getting involved!

For someone with a physical form to step into the realm of the mind would be for them to enter an even more abstract place than the Velvet Room

Normally, it would be impossible, and even if it were, it would be very dangerous without a firm will

For it to occur at all is intriguing enough, but on top of that, these people are mainly Persona-users

And not just one or two

There's no denying that something truly extraordinary is happening here

Broadened horizons aside, I can't resist taking a closer look!

When I get closer, I see a nameplate reading "Yasogami High School" at what seems to be the main gate

Elizabeth: Hm? This building Is it a "school"?

The school building before me looks aged and I narrow my eyes

Elizabeth: It seems somewhat old-fashioned compared to the"school" I have experience with, but it has itscharms as well

Elizabeth: This is what they call "animalist" aesthetic

Elizabeth: Animalist?

Elizabeth: Bestial?

Elizabeth: Anyway, something along those lines

There are bizarre decorations as far as the eye can see inside the building

Was this "school" always thus adorned?

Elizabeth: These decorations could this be the fabled"school festival" I've heard tell of?

Elizabeth: A festival is where one toys with the lives ofgoldfish in a scandalous game

Elizabeth: One can also enjoy a combat simulation with close-range shooting tests using sniper rifle fire into the interior of stalls!

Elizabeth: Ooh, I'm starting to get excited!

Looking up, I spy a large sign done in vibrant colors

Elizabeth: "P-1 Grand Prix" could this be a fighting tournament?

Elizabeth: *gasp* This isn't why the Persona-users are gathering, is it?

No sooner do my suspicions arise than I sense the first presence within the school and turn towards it

Come, challenger!

I wave my arms about in anticipation

But something seems a bit odd

Elizabeth: Hm? That lady over there is she nota Persona-user?

Elizabeth: Hmm, regardless of that, I sense somethingout of the ordinary

When I close my eyes, I can tell that while she may appear to be a human girl

Something about her is amiss

I sense an unnatural disconnect from her memories and consciousness not seen in most people

Elizabeth: Is she truly human?

Now that I'm here, I can sense powerful combatants gathering one by one

If such power were to be used to its fullest in clashes of skill, the result could be life-threatening

This place is not meant for such a girl

If she were to be drawn into this, then in the worst case scenario

Elizabeth: Were I still my old self when I only lived toplay out my role, I would leave her be

Elizabeth: But I am different now!

I make my way towards the girl

As I approach her, I begin to hear voices

It seems that she is calling herself a "student council president"

I stride down to the end of the hallway where she is walking directly into her view

The girl gives me a slightly questioning look, but no more

She comes towards me guilelessly

Miss President: Hey, excuse me! You got some reason tobe at our school?

Up close, I can tell at once

There's no doubt that this girl is not human

Yet she seems to be under that impression

The original residents of this place seem to believe that she is as well

But of course, that is impossible

The disconnect I sensed earlier must be related

Elizabeth: Could someone have tampered with her memories...and psyche...?

No matter how unusual her circumstances, such extreme gaps in awareness are no mere figments of the imagination

It's possible, but normally those with a distorted view of reality have equally distorted emotions

And I do not sense that in her

Her emotions are in balance; only her memories and awareness fall short, like a corps de ballet falling behind a soloist

I fix my gaze upon the girl before me once again

If she did not come here of her own will... then the events here may be more sinister than I imagined

Elizabeth: Are you sure... this is how things should be?

Miss President: Huh? What're you talking about?

Elizabeth: I am a wanderer who only stopped here because...I sensed great power gathering

Elizabeth: I am in no position to give advice, but...

Miss President: Um...

Elizabeth: This place will soon be caught in a bit of...a fracas

Elizabeth: If you continue to avert your eyes from...everything, I think it will have an impact...on your life in the near future...

Miss President: M-My life...?

Elizabeth: What you choose is up to you... but I believe...there are factors preventing you from making...the right choices at the moment

Elizabeth: I couldn't bring myself to just stand by and...watch as you lost your life before my eyes...

Elizabeth: That is why I came to you So I could give you...one last chance

She has most likely forgotten who she is

I sense something shining, slumbering deep in her heart

It's the glow of a bond

No one who has been a resident of the Velvet Room could mistake it for anything else

Before she forgot herself, she must have had strong feelings about someone or had made a promise to them

But I'll leave it to her to remember what it was

I hold out the Persona Compendium as if handing it to the girl and open its pages

Light streams out from it and washes over her

The light dispels the girl's false image... the illusion that made her seem human, though she is not...

Miss President: Huh? Wh-What is this!?

Her true form is revealed as a gleaming, mechanical body

Her arms look as if steel plates are covering them

The girl frantically pulls at them to try and tear them off...

Miss President: Rrrrrghhh...! I-It won't come off! What gives!?

Elizabeth: My! What a robotically cool body...

Elizabeth: It is apparently meant for battle...

Miss President: Hey, you! What did you do to me!?

Elizabeth: Nothing in particular

Elizabeth: Well, well... considering that you are meant for...battle, I shall briefly be your opponent

Elizabeth: During that time, why not think back about who...you are?

Miss President: Huh? My opponent?

Most likely, I will not get through to her with words alone

Only by being forced into a confrontation will she finally be able to understand...

She already knows how to use the steel limbs which she's supposedly never before seen

Elizabeth: And away we go...!

<Battle [VS LABRYS]>

The girl collapses powerlessly...

Miss President: Ngh... I...

I used a soft touch during the battle

She should have sustained no injuries

...Probably

Still, the girl does not stand back up

Apparently due to mental rather than physical stress...

Her own arms and legs had turned metallic

Yet in the heat of battle, she was able to use those foreign appendages with ease

If she truly thought herself to be human, that would have come as quite a shock

Elizabeth: That should be enough I'm sure you realize...now that you... are not human

Elizabeth: There must have been an important promise that...could only be kept in that guise That must...have been your reason for living

Elizabeth: Whether it's worth losing that or not...I ask that you give it serious thought...

Miss President: An important promise? My reason for living...?

Her potential will become unlocked through self-reflection

That was how it happened for me as well

Elizabeth: Now... it seems the tumult of trials is...about to begin

Elizabeth: In which case... I bid you good luck...

Miss President: Oh...!

I close the Compendium in my hand and the worn pages rustle as they meet

By the time it shuts, I am already far away from the girl

In my absence, the illusion is again in place, giving her the appearance of a human once more

She may consider what happened to be a daydream... and that is quite all right

My intention was to give her an opportunity to awaken to the truth

What she eventually decides is up to her

But that aside, there's something else on my mind

The girl I fought looked human, but wasn't

It is rare for even one such as I, with an unimaginably long lifespan, to meet someone like her

...Yet she is the second such person I have known

The other was also a guest of mine once

She, too, resembled a human girl

I can sense her power somewhere here as well...

Most likely, she's here for reasons having to do with the girl I met

Elizabeth: What an intriguing event... more so than I had...first imagined

Though I came here on a mere whim, this trip may be unexpected fruit

Perhaps I'll discover something important

My interest piqued even more now, and I decide to go further in

When I do, the bustle of voices reaches my ear

Is that... a cheer?

One of the monitors nearby turns on after the cheer dies down It's showing a girl in a school uniform...

Girl riLadies and gentlemen!

Girl riIs everyone ready!? It's time for get our...program started!

Girl riI, Risette, will be your commentator!...Please hold your applause!

Girl riOh, you're too kind, you're too kind!

Girl riWell, with things starting to heat up now,...the General has a few words for you!...The mic's all yours, sir!

Next, a person who seems to be the host takes the girl's place

Actually, "person" may be incorrect That intriguing fluffiness and tantalizingly round body...

Mysterious bear costume skuAhem Well then! I'm proud to announce the...opening of our bear-y own P-1 Grand Prix!

Mysterious bear costume skuPresenting the manliest of all men!

Elizabeth: This is more of a to-do than I thought

I keep watching as a video with some upbeat music plays

Elizabeth: Hmm... is this an introduction to the...contestants?

A number of girls and boys are introduced at a steady pace

I haven't seen any of their faces before, but they all appear to be Persona-users

Each one of them is tagged with a mocking epithet...

Elizabeth: The Carnivore Who's Discarded Womanhood...The Bloodcurdling Beefcake Emperor...

Elizabeth: The Sister-Complex Kingpin...

Elizabeth: Are these signs of their willingness to cast...aside their pride in pursuit of victory...?

Elizabeth: I wonder if they're not casting aside a little...too much...

Elizabeth: This is a rather novel idea

There's no denying that those with power are gathering here for the tournament

The video comes to a close

Since I came here on my own whim, I am obviously not featured in it

How unfortunate

I catch myself pouting my lips

Elizabeth: Hmm, should I officially enter this as well?

Elizabeth: Ah! But if the "manliest of all men" are the...ones called forth, I cannot participate...!

Elizabeth: Then again... I distinctly spotted a woman...or two in the introductory video

Elizabeth: Then I shan't concern myself with such...trifling details! I shall soldier on!

The next time the host appears on a monitor, I will make my entreaty

If he turns me down, then I shall resort to force

...Very good!

My mind made up, I begin my walk through the school

Battles... Battles... Oh where might I find a battle?

I look into a window nearby

Aha...!

Elizabeth: Oh my! The host himself is before my eyes!

Before I realize it, I am already in motion

Elizabeth: Pardon my dynamic entrance...

Bear costume kuS-Someone's here!? H-Hmmm...!?

Looking around, I see a piano and portraits of famous composers lining the walls

I see... This must be what they call a "Music Room"

Elizabeth: Please forgive me for startling you...

Bear costume kuOoooh! Wh-Who are you, miss!?

Elizabeth: I am Elizabeth, a mere elevator attendant

Elizabeth: Albeit one who is currently utterly neglecting...her duties...

Bear costume kuA-An elevator attendant...! I don't believe it!...I'm having culture shock!

Bear costume kuI wish Junes' elevators had such beautiful...attendants too!

Elizabeth: Excuse me, but may I ask your name?

Teddie: Teddie! A-doy!

Elizabeth: I'm sorry, would you mind repeating that in...human language?

Teddie: I-I was saying it normally! "Teddie" is my...name, and I'm a proud bear!

Elizabeth: I see, Teddie Bear... you have a rather...creative flair to your appearance...

Teddie: I wish you'd say "cute" instead!

Teddie: Though hearing a pretty lady like you say so makes my heart skip a beat!

Watching him, I cannot restrain my curosity any longer, and prod his soft fur with abandon...

Teddie: Huh!? Wh-What're you doing!?

Elizabeth: Hmm... this seems to lack ventilation... how...does he breathe in there...?

Elizabeth: Ah, there's a zipper...

Teddie: S-Stop! I'm ticklish...! Oh no, no opening!...You're embearassing me!

Elizabeth: *gasp* Please forgive me Curiosity almost...killed the bear...

Teddie: Huh!? Wh-Wh-What were you planning on doing...to me...!?

Teddie: You're even a tougher customer than the kids at...the food court, miss...

When I step away, Teddie Bear lightly smooths over his fur to try and regain his composure

Elizabeth: Oh! I had forgotten what I originally meant...to ask because of your fine coat of hair

Elizabeth: Teddie Bear Though I am a woman, I wish to...partake in this Grand Prix...

Teddie: Hrm? I can't help you with that

Elizabeth: Oh? But are you not the host shown in the...introduction video?

Teddie: It's all a huge misunderstanding! That guy's an...impostor! *sniff* Won't you hear me out...?

It seems he is faced with some kind of dilemma

I decide to lend an ear to Teddie Bear

He animatedly describes his circumstances, but his arms and legs are too short to illustrate his point

His mannerisms are so peculiar that understanding is an uphill battle... but in the end, I grasp the basics

Elizabeth: I see So you realized that something was...amiss and came wandering in here yourself...to investigate...

Elizabeth: But you fell into the impostor's trap, and...couldn't do a thing until a moment ago...

Elizabeth: You have my deepest sympathies...

Teddie: D-Do I really...?

Teddie: Anyways! Everyone else is on the contestant...list while I get the cold shoulder! *sniff*

Elizabeth: Is that so!? Then, since we are both outcasts,...let us participate of our own accord...

Teddie: Our own?

Elizabeth: May I request a match from you?

Teddie: That makes no sense at all! What do you mean!?

Teddie: Ohhh... maybe a hot and heavy struggle with...all kinds of clinches and holds!?

Elizabeth: A one-on-one battle to the extreme...

Teddie: That makes no sense!Teddie: W-Wait a second! You look a lot stronger than...me, miss!

Elizabeth: Oh, don't be so modest...

Teddie: No no no! I'm really not!

Elizabeth: I'm very sorry, but the deadline for submitting...a forfeit notice has expired...

Teddie: You're not sorry at all! There are things I can't...do, you know!

Teddie: *gasp* Oh, but on the ooooother hand...if I can try scoring with you later,...I might rethink this...

Elizabeth: "Scoring"...? I do not understand the term,...but if that is your stipulation, why, I accept...

Teddie: Ooh!? You accept!? Woohoooo! I'm ready to go...whenever you are!

Elizabeth: That is, if you're still alive afterward...

Teddie: ...Uh?

Elizabeth: Well then, here goes Your fate is in the cards...!

I take my fighting stance

<Battle [VS KUMA]>

Ah... Settling matters through a show of force is simple, straightforward, and so beautiful...

Teddie: The road to dating... is steep... uuuugh...

With an exaggerated groan, Teddie Bear collapses

...Or rolls down, to be more precise

Elizabeth: Teddie Bear... You truly are an intriguing creature

Hearing this, Teddie Bear springs to his feet...

Teddie: Hm? Are you interested in me?

Elizabeth: Though you aren't human, you fight against your...fate and wish to be with humans...

Elizabeth: I have witnessed one other case who bore such a fate in the past...

Teddie: Hrm?

Elizabeth: You made a choice and decided how you wished...to live... that is marvelous, Teddie Bear...

Teddie: Marvelous!? Me?

Teddie: D-Does that mean you're still okay with me...trying to score with you...?

Elizabeth: That is not what it means

Teddie Bear loses his balance for some unknown reason and falls over...

Teddie: Nooo... The way you shoot down my attempts...reminds me of Yuki-chan...

Elizabeth: Yuki-chan? Is this an acquaintance of yours?

Teddie: Yuki-chan is a bear-y precious friend of mine!

Elizabeth: You have friends...

Teddie: Actually, everyone who was in that video are...my friends...

Teddie: But I can't forgive them for having all the fun!...I'll make them buy me a tasty treat for this!

Elizabeth: I see... may I ask you something? Who would you...consider the strongest among your friends?

Teddie: Well, Sensei, of course! He's the manliest of...all men!

Elizabeth: Sensei...? If I recall correctly, that is the name...of a governing class within a school, wielding...the power of life and death over its students...

Elizabeth: Yes, that does indeed sound like the name...of a strong warrior...

Teddie: Sensei's our leader!

He sounds strong... but he seems to be unconnected to the former guest I am searching for

But as Teddie Bear speaks of his friend called Sensei, he wears a beaming expression

They must be connected with a truly strong bond

Inwardly, I am surprised

Though he is adorable, this Teddie Bear most likely used to be something similar to a Shadow

I am very curious about anyone who could form a bond with such a being...

Thinking about it that way makes me interested in him as well

Elizabeth: Ah That was quite helpful Thank you...

Teddie: Once the tournament's over, you should come hang...out at Junes sometime!

Elizabeth: Junes...?

Teddie: Umm, it's a place where Don Yosuke and I work!

Teddie: It's huge! You can eat food there, and they...have candy, toys, and sexy bikinis too!

Elizabeth: What a paradise on earth...!

Elizabeth: It seems there is still much I do not know...about in your world

Elizabeth: Well then, if you'll excuse me I must get...going now...

Teddie: Be careful!

I bow politely

Teddie Bear waves back with a big smile

Now... though I decided to participate on my own, how should I proceed from here?

I don't have a good understanding of this building's layout, after all

I try going in and out of the building to test various paths, but I don't get anywhere

Elizabeth: Hmmm... it may have come to this...

I rear back my head and inhale as deeply as I can

And then--

Elizabeth: Bring out the next opponent!

Elizabeth: ......

Elizabeth: No one heeded my call I suppose repeating...that line isn't enough

My shoulders sag slightly and I concentrate on the area nearby

I sense an unexpected presence...

Elizabeth: Aha... there is someone closer by than I...had expected

Elizabeth: Aheheh... what a reunion this will be!...I'm starting to feel tingly

There is no need for me to keep searching for an opponent, since one is already nearby

I trace the presence and proceed down the hallway

When I reach what appears to be an entryway, I can hear what sounds like voices quarreling

One of the voices is Teddie Bear... or rather, the sham host, "General Teddie"

General Teddie: Woooohoooo! What a fight! No wonder you're an...anti-Shadow weapon!

Familiar voice agI take no joy at all from your praise

As I move forward, I find myself breaking into a run

Soon afterward, the voice's owner enters my field of vision

Just as I thought

That unmistakable figure... She's a guest I hosted in my life as a resident

If I recall correctly... her name is Aigis

Upon closer inspection, she is aiming her weapon at General Teddie on the monitor...

General Teddie: Heehee, pointing your weapon at a monitor...isn't very scary!

General Teddie: But anyways, your next opponent is...

...Ah!

If I don't act now, the match will start without me!

I must prevent General Teddie from speaking for the time being until my business is completed

Again, before I realize it, I am already in motion

Elizabeth: Oh nooooo

Elizabeth: Pardon my bold entrance...

Aigis: Hm...!?

Elizabeth: Oh! The monitor's completely shattered...Who would do such a thing?

Aigis: A strange intruder has shown up!

Elizabeth: Oh my... I thought we were having a touching...reunion How unfortunate that you would refer...to me as a "strange intruder"

Aigis: A reunion...? I don't recall ever meeting...anyone so odd...

Elizabeth: "She who governs power"... Does that ring any...bells for you?

Aigis: Hm...!? Wait... are you the one I met in that...blue room then...?

Aigis: Your entrance just now was very different from...how I remembered your behavior, so I didn't...recognize you But you're...

Aigis: ...Eridanus-san!

Elizabeth: Hmm No...

Aigis: Eli... Elixir...? Eryngii...?

Elizabeth: In any case! I never dreamed that I'd meet...you here...

Aigis: That goes for myself as well It's been a long...time since I saw you...

Aigis: But why are you here? What about your duties of...governing power?

Elizabeth: I am currently in gross abandonment of my duties...

Aigis: That was... a very straightforward answer

Elizabeth: Considering the circumstances here, I'd like...to test your strength as well

I excitedly flip through the pages of the Compendium...

Aigis: What...!? Please, wait a moment Does that mean you...wish to fight me?

Elizabeth: From what I've heard, in certain cultures in...your world, one lets one's fists do the talking

Elizabeth: Perhaps you could think of it as a sporty,...modern, and extreme way of greeting one another...

Aigis: I don't understand at all

Elizabeth: You seem to have become strong beyond all...recognition I'd like to see your power for...myself, to broaden my horizons

Elizabeth: Will you grant my shameless request?

Aigis: I still don't understand... but does this mean...your wish will be fulfilled if I agree to...fight you?

Aigis: If that's really what you want... will you...mind if I don't hold back?

Elizabeth: I couldn't ask for anything more! I, Elizabeth,...will fight you with all the strength at my...disposal!

Elizabeth: Now... let us begin!

<Battle [VS AIGIS]>

Ah... Settling matters through a show of force is simple, straight...

...Pardon me

I said that once already...

Aigis: Ngh... you're strong...

Aigis crouches down with an annoyed expression

Elizabeth: Oh no, I was surprised myself It's been a while...since I've fought with all my power

I close my eyes and reminisce

Just as I had expected, she has grown more powerful than before

Aigis is not human

She has an artificial body, making her a sort of "mechanical maiden"

She was originally created as a tool to accomplish a set goal with established abilities

But by gaining a heart, she forged her own destiny

She did this with the power that can only be gained by those with emotions... the power of bonds

Her nature shifted from one directed by others to one who chooses for herself

She was no longer merely acting, but living

This shift caused a miracle and she overcame her artificial origins to attain what could be called life

Some have had the talent of turning bonds into great strength by forming a contract through intense desire...

We residents of the Velvet Room refer to this talent as the "wild card," and it has at times changed the course of history

Even I, who served as a resident for a long time, only encountered a few with that power She is one of them

Elizabeth: I now have a wish of my own...

Elizabeth: Though it may take vast oceans of time for...it to come true...

Elizabeth: Perhaps one day you will accompany me on the...same journey...

Aigis: Hm...? What do you mean?

Elizabeth: If our destinies truly do cross, you will...eventually understand

Aigis' expression shows that she still does not understand

But that is fine for now...

Elizabeth: Ah, by the way... how have your friends been?

Aigis: Huh? Oh, they're all well Several of them are...here right now...

Suddenly, a staticky voice echoes from the broken monitor's speaker, interrupting our conversation

It seems I was not thorough in my destruction...

General Teddie: Testing, testing Hrm, it's finally getting...through...

General Teddie: Hey! You, the one who's not on the roster!...Who are you? Why're you gumming up the works!?

Aigis: It's that bear...!

General Teddie: If you keep messing with my Grand Prix,...I'll make you--

I snap the fingers of my right hand with a flourish

The speaker explodes I am sure that the announcement will bother us no more now

It seems I have finally finished it off

Elizabeth: Oh, my! Flames have suddenly burst from the...speakers! How dreadful...

Aigis: That was 18% your doing!

Elizabeth: Such repeated meddling... It seems I have a bit...of a score to settle with the host, too

Elizabeth: Well then, I will be going now Please be careful...

Aigis: Oh, wait... there is a rule in this tournament...against the loser of a fight moving on...

Elizabeth: Is there? Well, considering that I entered...myself into the tournament, I do not think you...count as a defeated contestant

Elizabeth: That is only conjecture, though...

Aigis: You entered yourself, yet you're going to...settle a score with the host for complaining...about you...?

Elizabeth: Hmph! Details

I smile cheerfully in return and leave the area

Ahh... Truly, that was one of my better smiles...

Aigis: I cannot believe that even Elizabeth-san came...to this world...

Aigis: *gasp* That's it, her name was Elizabeth-san!...I finally remember!

Eventually, I reach the room known as the "Announcement Room"

When I approach the door, I sense power from within

It seems the real host is here, and not on some monitor

I haven't encountered that Persona-user known as "Sensei" yet, but thinking about it, I would expect him to win his matches until reaching here

It may be easier to wait than to search aimlessly for him

Upon closer inspection, the door is slightly open There are people inside...

Elizabeth: I sense two... no, three people

I cautiously sneak up to the door and peek inside...

General Teddie: What a shame You gave it a try, but there's...no way anyone would understand you...

Miss President Huh...!?

Elizabeth: That is that Teddie Bear impostor... the...student council president is here too...

Elizabeth: It seems the false Teddie Bear's tone is...much harsher than before...

Elizabeth: Has he been meeting with difficulties lately?

When I look again at what's going on inside the room, a sinister aura swirls around General Teddie

A surprising transformation occurs...

His silhouette reforms into a shapeless lump... which resolves into the figure of the council president girl...

Girl's Shadow: I am a shadow, the true self...

Elizabeth: Goodness! That false Teddie Bear was actually...the girl's Shadow...

Elizabeth: I see... it's true that suffering to this degree...could cause a Shadow to go berserk and...affect its surroundings...

The girl's true appearance has already been exposed

It seems she finally was able to face her original nature Surprisingly, the enemy forcing the illusion upon her was her other self...

I'm glad that she has awakened to her true self, but this is a shocking and drastic turn of events...

Girl's Shadow: "At least ONE of them has to understand how...I feel..." Isn't that what you thought?

Girl's Shadow: The important part is that it's all your fault...

Miss President: Th-That's not true...

Girl's Shadow: You want the everyday boys and girls to...experience what you had to go through...

Girl's Shadow: You want to see close friends fight for their...lives against each other... because if they...do that, then they might understand...

Girl's Shadow: You want to MAKE them understand...

Miss President: That ain't true...!

Girl's Shadow: It's all right, though You don't have to...worry about that anymore I'll take care of...everything from here...

Girl's Shadow: I'll destroy anyone who doesn't understand...you and comes to get in your way... just like...you once did!

Miss President: Please stop!

Miss President: That's all a lie! You're not me!

Girl's Shadow: *chuckle* Ahahaha!

Girl's Shadow: Finally... You've finally said it...!...I'm finally free!

...The Shadow has gone berserk

At this point, it can no longer be stopped solely by the original person

Worse, the Shadow has no more reason to keep its host alive

If this continues...

But a third person storms onto the scene just as I am about to intervene...

Young man bcLabrys!

It is a young man in a school uniform

For a moment, I am utterly captivated

What powerful fire he has in his eyes...

On a second look, I recognize his face from the video

As I recall, his name was "Kingpin Yu"

...No, that's not right

"Sister-Complex Yu"

No, no... that sounds even further from his actual name

Umm, Narukami... That's right, it's Yu Narukami...

Yu: I won't let you hurt her anymore If you're...going to keep rampaging... I'll fight you!

Girl's Shadow: Fine... then you'll be the first to die!

Yu: Tch...!

The Shadow's attack hurtles toward the young man

But he does not flinch, and takes a fighting stance after smoothly evading it

Seeing his heightened determination, I detect a distinct presence about him

Elizabeth: That young man is a Persona-user too...

Ah, and that's not all

This sensation is similar to when I encountered Aigis...

Elizabeth: Could his powers be...!?

There's no doubt about it It's the same as hers...

He, too, is a Persona-user whose awakened talent is that of the wild card

The Shadow launches its next attack at the young man

The battleaxe it brandishes is a cluster of steel as long as she is tall

If he truly can wield those powers, he may be able to stop such an attack, but it is not a sure thing

Elizabeth: This opportunity cannot be missed

This time, I enter the room and step between the two...

Girl's Shadow: What!?

Elizabeth: Pardon me as I interrupt this scene!

Yu: Who are you!?

Girl's Shadow: Ngh...!? You...!?

Girl's Shadow: How!? I set up walls so you couldn't pass...through... how did you get here!?

"So you couldn't pass through"...?

What is it referring to?

Oh, hmm... Could it mean those invisible walls I bumped into from time to time?

I suppose, thinking back, I did run afoul of such things along the way

But a little push was all it took to pass through them, so I barely paid them any heed

Elizabeth: Such parlor tricks can get stuffed!

The Shadow and the young man both look quite perplexed

Was what I said so shocking?

I take the opportunity to step towards the young man and look him straight in the face

Elizabeth: Ahhh... are you perhaps the "Sensei" that...Teddie Bear spoke of?

Elizabeth: Someone who has awakened to the power of the...wild card through Velvet Room's guidance...

Yu: What...!? Wait, that blue outfit...Who are you?

I flash him a smile and turn my gaze towards the girl collapsed nearby

I believe he called her Labrys a moment ago...

Labrys: N-Ngh...

Elizabeth: I see... I feel that I have a good grasp on...the situation now...

Shadow Labrys: Then, can't you tell you're in the way!?...Get out of here!

Elizabeth: I cannot do that I came to settle some business...I had with you, the tournament's host...

Shadow Labrys: What business!?

Elizabeth: To be blunt...!

Elizabeth: ......

Elizabeth: Hm, what business was it?

Shadow Labrys: How the hell should I know!?

Yu: Th-That was harsh...

Elizabeth: It turns out that I do not care about such...trifling details after all My apologies...Please forget my mention of "business"

Elizabeth: Actually, my search for a certain individual has...unexpectedly concluded, so we're done here...

Shadow Labrys: Who said we're done!? That's it, I'll kill...you where you stand!

Elizabeth: Hmm, I wouldn't recommend it If I may be so...boastful, it would be a battle you stand no...chance of winning...

Shadow Labrys: Wha...!?

My words must have been so humiliating that the Shadow's face flushes red and it gropes for words

I ignore it in order to speak to the young man

Elizabeth: It's nice meeting you, by the way...I am Elizabeth

Elizabeth: Would it ring a bell if I mentioned that I am...the one who governs power?

Yu: You mean like Margaret...?

Elizabeth: Oh, do you know my older sister? I see,...no wonder...

Shadow Labrys: Stop ignoring me, bitch!

I shield the young man behind me and turn towards the Shadow

Elizabeth: Please wait a moment I must ask the one over...there to leave this place before we resume...

Shadow Labrys: It's you who's going to leave!

Elizabeth: *sigh* I was sure that I gave the proper...warnings earlier...

Elizabeth: So it goes Your fate is in the cards...

<Battle [vs SHADOW LABRYS]>

Shadow Labrys: How could it end like this...?

Shadow Labrys: It's all... completely ruined...

The Shadow falls to its knees, its will completely drained

I doubt it has strength left to attack us...

Labrys: This is me...?

The girl, still unable to stand, stares blankly at her own Shadow

I turn around towards the young man

This... "P-1 Grand Prix" was most likely caused by the girl's Shadow manifesting her suppressed anguish

But this young man tried to reach out to her, even at the risk of his own safety...

And even after seeing proof that she was the one who caused that risk

Elizabeth: Excuse me, but may I leave the rest of this...to you?

Elizabeth: I'm ashamed to say so, but delicate persuasion...is not my forte...

Yu: I understand...

Yu: I agree that you don't seem like you'd be too...good at it...

The young man walks towards Labrys, who is still at a loss for words

I have yet to have a proper conversation with him, but I sense a certain trustworthiness in his strong steps...

Yu: Miss President... or actually, Labrys...

Labrys: I... What am I supposed to do...?

Labrys: What difference does it make if I accept this?...In the end, no one's gonna understand me...anyway, right...?

Yu: It's true that others won't be able to easily...understand your pain...

Yu: But are you going to give up after just one...try at showing them?

Labrys: ......Yu: One victory or loss doesn't matter What...matters is that you don't give up... that's...what I think...

Labrys: I shouldn't give up...?

Yu: No You can do this You're not alone anymore

Labrys' eyes widen, as if just realizing the brightness of the scenery before her

The young man waits patiently for his words to sink in

After some time, Labrys finally stands up and looks towards me...

Labrys: Hey... is this what you were talking about...before...?

Elizabeth: I am also not human

Elizabeth: But who you are is for you to decide... That is...the power of "potential" that everyone holds...

Elizabeth: Even for a machine, I believe that still...holds true...

Labrys: ......

Labrys: You could've just said so when we first met

Elizabeth: Alas, I have always had some difficulty making...myself understood...

Yu: Come on now, you should go to her

Labrys faces her Shadow once more at the urging of the young man...

Labrys: ......

Shadow Labrys: ......

Elizabeth: Congratulations...

Yu: Yeah, you did well...

Labrys: ...Thanks...

Yu: There's no need to thank us It was all you

Seeing Labrys smile, I can't help but grin as well

But her relief only lasts for a moment before the strength drains from her body and she stumbles...

Yu: Labrys!

The young man hastily catches her

Elizabeth: There's no need to worry She must have reached...the limits of her stamina

He props the unconscious Labrys down against a wall

Elizabeth: The strength that binds hearts together...No matter how many times I witness it,...its beauty never fades

Elizabeth: May I borrow some of your time?

The young man looks over his shoulder in surprise, but when our gazes cross, he turns, as if understanding...

Yu: Are you... a resident of the Velvet Room too?

Elizabeth: Well... in a way I have abandoned my duties...at the moment in order to see through a desire...of mine...

Yu: What did you want with me?

I calm myself before opening my mouth once more

Elizabeth: In order for my wish to be granted, I require...a power much greater than what I have

Elizabeth: But it is most likely not power used to fight...it is something else I wish to understand...what that is

Elizabeth: The power of the wild card that changes...bonds into strength... I have a feeling that...the key lies there...

Yu: I don't really understand...

Elizabeth: Put more bluntly, I wish for you to show me...your potential...

The young man considers everything I said, but eventually sighs before responding...

Yu: ...I get it now

Elizabeth: You don't mind?

Yu: Would you back down if I said no?

Yu: After what you said before, I don't think...you'd back off that easy

Elizabeth: Haha, touche

I take a slightly defensive stance

Elizabeth: There is no need to be lenient I invite you...to approach this battle as if you intend to...kill me...

Yu: I didn't think I could win any other way

Elizabeth: Thank you

Elizabeth: Well then... here goes! Your fate is in the cards!

<Battle [vs YU]>

Yu: Ngh... She's so strong...!

Elizabeth: I see... you do indeed have great power

Even while saying so, I am conflicted, and my expression clouds

It's true that he was strong

He expertly wields the power of the wild card

But thinking about it, that isn't what I wanted to learn

The power of the wild card doesn't stem just from one's skill in a fight

His strength comes from his knowledge that he cannot avoid fighting to gain his desire That strength happens to manifest as power in battle

But what I want to learn... has little to do with combat Will I ever get closer to the root of the matter with this method?

But even if I find that I can't, I don't see another way I have measured all types of strength, great and small, as the one who presides over power

...I feel suddenly anxious

Elizabeth: Could it be that it's something I cannot...understand...?

Will I never be able to understand, as one distant from the workings of human society...?

Has it been impossible from the start for my wish to be fulfilled...?

...I then notice the sound of footsteps...

Yosuke: Heeeey, are you okay!?

Yosuke: Oh, shit! Dude, what happened to you!?

Yukiko: Yu-kun, are you all right!?

Rise: Senpai! Hang in there!

It seems that once the Shadow who created this place was vanquished, the rules keeping everyone trapped were nullified

These must be the friends he formed bonds with

But...

Kanji: Yo... did you do this? What'd you do to Senpai!?

One of them turns his fierce eyes on me...

Teddie: You're so mean, miss! This is going too fur!

Chie: Who are you, anyway!? You better explain...yourself!

Naoto: If you did this with malign intent, we won't...let you leave here so easily...

Elizabeth: ......

Their anger at seeing their friend hurt...

That was a new experience for me

Their bond gave birth to anger, grew into animosity, and that fury is now directed towards me...

But the young man stands up...

Yu: ...One more time

He requests this even though he is badly wounded

A rematch would seem to have only one possible outcome...

Yosuke: Wh-What!?

Elizabeth: Please, that is enough I've already witnessed...your strength...

Yu: If this ends with my defeat... it doesn't count...as me showing you my potential

Elizabeth: But...

Yu: You shouldn't jump to conclusions...

Yu: I thought I said this once today... what's...important is that you don't give up after one...try... you have to hang in there...

Yu: My friends that I haven't seen in a while are...all here... I can't just wave the white flag!

The moment the young man makes his declaration...

A mysterious presence fills the area

Elizabeth: What in the...!?

The presence surges with power and creates a whirlpool of light around him

Within that light, the young man's determination and drive instantly rekindle

Elizabeth: What is that power!?

Is it the wild card he holds...?

I then notice that the young man's friends are standing behind him in support, all of them fixing their gazes on me as I stand perplexed

The bond that they share in their very core is echoed in their eyes

I suddenly feel as if I am confronting a fearsome giant

Elizabeth: I cannot believe I am seeing this...

I find myself starting to back off

My footsteps are unsteady as I go...

A small dip in the floor behind me, no larger than a fingernail, throws me off balance

Elizabeth: Ah...!

Surely I'm about to fall...

But then unseen arms catch me...

Aigis: Are you all right?

Elizabeth: You're...

In contrast to my utter bewilderment, she wears a calm smile

When I turn back to the young man, the surge of power has already dissipated

I catch myself sighing in relief

Even when I review my long memory, I can recall no occasion on which I had felt so overwhelmed before

Elizabeth: What was that just now...? Do you happen to know...what this power is?

Aigis: I do not know the specifics But...

Aigis also turns her gaze towards Yu and his friends...

Aigis: That must be the power of their bonds The power...that stems from not being alone...

Aigis: I don't know why, but I feel like I understand when I'm watching them

Elizabeth: The power of not being alone...

It's a power they all share? It isn't just his...?

Did their strong bonds turn his determination not to lose into an instant recovery for him?

I am suddenly reminded of a conversation I once had with my sister...

"If something is impossible for them to accomplish alone, they will work together His friends have even worked miracles at times"

...Those were the words I spoke to her

Elizabeth: "What's important is that you don't give up"...

It is a cliche to hear, but its wisdom is profound

I dismissed his potential judging by my standards

I almost gave up in the same way, thinking that I would be unable to understand

But he refused to allow that

His power proves there is not only one standard...

It is truly the strength found in numbers

Elizabeth: So this is a bond...

When I think about the guests I met who had formed bonds, I may have focused too much on those individuals

I never took much interest in who they bonded with, or how those bonds were forged

Elizabeth: What I should be studying isn't just him,...but all of them together...

Elizabeth: Not the strength of a person, but of people...That may be the lesson

Elizabeth: It seems I am starting to find hope

I nod in satisfaction

Elizabeth: Today's festivities made for quite a wonderful...Grand Prix!

Elizabeth: Considering that there have been some gains,...I should be going If you'll all excuse me...

I turn to make my exit...

Chie: Huh!? Wait a sec, you haven't explained yourself yet! You haven't even told us your name!

Elizabeth: It's Eliiiizabeeeeeth!

Kanji: Hey, get back here! What're you all happy for!?

Naoto: Who was she...? Well, the odds are low that...she was the mastermind behind this case...

Rise: Enough about her! Senpai's more important!...We'll get you out of here in no time, so hang...in there, Senpai!

Rise: Teddie! Get a stretcher ready!

Teddie: H-Huh!?

Rise: What're you standing around for!? Move!

Teddie: Eeeep!

Yu: Uh, guys...? I'm not exactly critically...injured, you know...

Aigis: I think it's wonderful...

Yu: You're...

Aigis: Seeing you surrounded by friends reminds me of...a certain someone...

Yu: A certain someone...?

Aigis: There is no need to worry, everyone His wounds...are not serious He is merely exhausted...

Yukiko: Oh, thank goodness...

Yukiko: Wait... um, who're you...?

I could have left by a shorter route, but I return to the school's front gate and look back at the school

The faces of the people I parted with a moment ago are called to mind

Amongst them is that young man's face

I only faced him briefly, yet I recall him with surprising vividness

Elizabeth: I'm sure that he will continue to increase...his strength of heart...

Elizabeth: It is a given, with so many friends... I am...a little bit envious

I turn the pages of the Compendium and draw a magic circle in the air

Elizabeth: Well then, farewell...

I soundlessly pass through it and leave as if melting into the scenery

I close my eyes and my thoughts drift to the past...

Margaret: ...Elizabeth?

Margaret:  Elizabeth, are you listening?

Elizabeth: ......

Margaret: You seem lost in thought like that frequently...of late...

Margaret: Could this mean that you've finally began to be troubled over things like a normal person?

Elizabeth: How scathing of you... as usual...

Margaret: Believe me, sister, I am not as bad as you...

Margaret: ...What's the matter?

Elizabeth: My dear sister... I want to tell you a...fairy tale...

Margaret: Hm...? What's this about?

Elizabeth: In our world, at the far reaches of the sea of...the soul... there stands a large door

Elizabeth: A soul which devoted itself to sealing that door...slumbers there...

Margaret: Why did it do such a thing?

Elizabeth: That soul is risking itself to prevent those who...have lost sight of life's brilliance from luring...the world to self-destruction...

Elizabeth: It has become the guardian of the door... of the...whole world, in fact...

Margaret: That is a very sorrowful story

Elizabeth: My dear sister, do you think I can save...that person?

Margaret: Hm? I thought it was a fairy tale

Elizabeth: It may be impossible alone, but what if I joined...forces to do it?

Elizabeth: This person's friends are capable of miracles...at times...

Margaret: This "person" you speak of... is it...?

Margaret: I hope you're not planning to...

Elizabeth: Oh, don't be silly, my dear sister I told you...it was only a fairy tale...

Margaret: ......Margaret: *sigh* To a certain degree, all of your stories...are like fairy tales...

Margaret: I don't know what's troubling you, but be sure...that you don't neglect your duties

Elizabeth: ......

When I open my eyes again, I am in the sea of the soul... A world where countless bright lights shine like a nebula

Elizabeth: Veeelvet, oh velvet...

I begin singing a song... but now that I'm here again, I feel a hint of loneliness

I smile inwardly at myself

What happened today was very fruitful for me, though it came with a certain realization

I still don't have anyone in the world outside the Velvet Room that I wish to form a bond with

My lack of a hunger for such things may have prevented me from understanding

Elizabeth: No... that's not quite right either...

Lack of hunger?

That's not it

In truth, it was within my power, but I was turning my gaze away from it

After all, I didn't begin this journey only to find the means to defeat that monster...

I thought by defeating it, I could see him again

Elizabeth: Haha, to think I was unconsciously afraid of...something and keeping my distance from it...

Elizabeth: That is quite a surprise

The mechanical girl, the young man today, and my old guest all had their own desires and resolve from the start

I should make myself just as resolved if I am to achieve my desire as well

I will face it unblinkingly and accept it

I will admit that the loneliness in me arose from leaving my old residence

The sick feeling of loneliness will surely torment me and cause me grief forever

But if I harden my resolve to allow for embracing that pain, I'm certain that my yearning heart will yield great power

Bonds... The other half of being alive, along with death

Just as death gives life its shine, I'm sure loneliness will shed new light on the question of bonds

That is when I will obtain the power of bonds in the truest sense--certainly I will not achieve that miracle alone

Elizabeth: Though I cannot defeat that monster now, I may...in time gain the power to truly erase it...

He must've felt that hunger as well...

That is why he tried to protect his bonds with his life...

Leading him into the Universe

I smile to myself again

As one who leads others, I have only now gained enlightenment about the true meaning of "bonds"

And at that moment...

A single card drifts down before my eyes

Elizabeth: Oh...!

Hovering before me, like a butterfly fluttering its wings, is the card of The Fool

It bursts into pearls of light on my hand

Elizabeth: To think the day would come where I would behold...my own Arcana and not that of a visitor's...

"The Fool"

It represents freedom, purity, possibility, and...

Elizabeth: And... the beginning of a journey

Elizabeth: It may be that my journey has finally truly...begun...

Elizabeth: "The Fool", hm...?

Elizabeth: Well, I am aware that I still do foolish things

I give a wry smile and look up

My gaze is fixed on what lies ahead

It is an enormous door that looms like a small mountain in the center of the void

Elizabeth: Please wait for me... one day, I shall surely...see my wish come true

I briskly turn on my heel away from the door

My walk begins...

Elizabeth: Veeelvet, oh velvet...

My bright song will no longer have mournful undertones

Elizabeth: My maaaster has a laaarge nose...

I have yet to determine a sure path There's no assurance that my wish will come true

Whether those I encountered today will truly share something with me isn't certain either

But I have hope now

And that is what lets me go on

This time, I can head towards the future I desire without losing my way