Chapter Text
Prologue
This story is a work of fiction.
Similarities between characters or events to persons living or dead in your world are purely coincidental. Those of the Wizarding World and the Persona Series belong to their respective owners, not the author.
Only those who have agreed to the above have the privilege of partaking in this story.
20XX + YY
Ren Amamiya slowly shimmered into consciousness with a massive headache buried deep in his skull.
Aaggghhhh what happened? I was... I don't know.
"Good. You have finally returned to us" a high, melodious voice spoke. Ren had not heard that voice in... a long time.
The Velvet room... But how? I thought it would be lost after the battle against Yaldabaoth.
Igor, as always, sat behind his large wooden desk, gazing over his gigantic nose and Lavenza, the tiny girl, stood by his side.
"Why am I here?" Ren asked.
"Fate has been cruel to you, Trickster." she said, "But your road does not have to end here."
"What happened?" Ren asked.
Igor steepled his fingers, "Your life met an... unfortunate, and early end."
"What?!"
"Calm yourself, Trickster." Lavenza said, frowning and tightening her grip on the compendium.
"I died?"
"In a sense, you did." Igor said, "But do not worry about such things now: Fate, in this case, has been sealed and you may only advance ahead."
"Wasn't the point of all this to break the chains of fate?"
Igor chuckled, "Of course - and you shall forevermore be able to make your own future, but the past cannot be changed."
"Then why am I here."
"You have a choice to make, Trickster." Lavenza said, "You may, of course, decide to die, but the master has prepared a different path for you. You should feel honoured."
Igor laughed, "In truth, I already know what your choice will be - even if it is your's."
Ren crossed his arms.
Igor smirked, "Would you ever look away? Did you ever regret that fateful decision to stand up for what is right?"
"No."
The smirk widened, "You may choose to be reborn - in a different world, with a different life. Once again, the fate of this world would rest upon your shoulders.
"Without you, this world will certainly fall to darkness - with you, it may still have a slim chance."
"What about my friends? The Phantom Thieves?" Ren asked.
"Ah. Unfortunately, your confidants shall not be able to follow you there. Rest assured, however, that would you see them again in death, a longer road to the afterlife would only postpone your reunion."
"...
"Is no choice to make, is there?" Ren asked.
"Not for one such as you, Trickster." Lavenza said, smiling.
Ren nodded, "I accept."
"Excellent." Igor clapped his hands once and an all too familiar blue door appeared.
Lavenza lead the way to the door, but stopped before opening it, "A word caution, Trickster. This new reality operates under different rules than those you are used to.
"Therefore, you will no longer be able to make use of the compendium, and we will not see each other again. Indeed, I will not be able to help you again," she frowned, and tilted her head, "except..."
She held the book in her hands out, concentrated, and the compendium glimmered - shortly to be replaced by a shimmering blue butterfly. It floated towards Ren.
"This will help you remember who you where when the time is right... And perhaps even just a little more." Lavenza said, "Please accept it as a parting gift, for reminding me who I am."
"I will. Thank you, Lavenza." Ren said.
Lavenza graciously bowed, and opened the blue door, "Goodbye, Trickster."
Ren stepped through and the butterfly followed him.