The Puppet Rondo

So, this is inside Sethka's heart?

Ahh... I know this feeling well.

What do you know, it looks exactly like a puppet theater.

This must be how Sethka sees the village.

I still can't believe we managed to get in here. What is that sword really?

I sense Shadow-like energy signatures. We must be cautious, everyone.

I do not understand your definition of "Shadow."

Simply put, they're formed from the negative emotions of people. In other words: Bad guys. Enemies. Ne'er-do-wells.

Very well, so we've a fight on our hands.

So you guys said you steal hearts to change them... And this whole place is his heart, right? How the heck do you plan to steal something so big?

We've got that covered. There's no need to steal the whole thing.

To change Sethka's heart, all we have to do is steal the core of his desire... His Treasure! Probably...

Could you be any less clear, Mona?

I mean, this place isn't our world...

Plus, I can already feel we're getting closer to the Treasure!

Even without sending our calling card?

Think of it as an experiment. Only one way to find out, right?

Probably should leave the guards be. Just like we've always done.

So, to summarize, our mission is to steal the Treasure. It's so simple, Very fitting for thieves!

Alright then, that means it's time to start searching for this Treasure thing!

That's right. Let's start this mission.

Hold up, everyone! Something's coming!

This energy signature!

What's this? To think there would be anyone foolish enough to come here...

Sethka?!

Did he follow us here?!

No... That's not the Sethka that we saw in the village. It's a Shadow.

A Shadow? But it looks just like him!

Oh? My energy sensors are picking up an ominous presence...

Why don't you just give in and become my puppets? I will personally convert all of you and you can be my happy little playthings.

There are so many of them!

I'm sure they will keep you entertained.

I shall take my leave for now. I've much to do, you see.

Grr! That jerk's gettin' away!

This is getting serious!

What do we do?!

We'll put 'em down! Joker, clear a way through!

Mona! Assist Joker!

Got it! We can do it, right, Joker?

Absolutely.

Don't forget about us! We'll help you, Joker!

My blade is ready!

They just keep coming!

That's the last of these guys! Let's go!

What the heck?! I can't move!

No way! A trap?!

Nooooo! Guys!

Ugh... No matter how much I wish to help, their numbers are insurmountable!

......

We have to fall back and regroup!

Argh... But...

We have to go, Aldo!

Phew. Looks like we lost them somehow...

But we lost the others, too...

I do hope they are safe...

Don't worry about it. They can handle themselves. They won't go down so easily.

Lifeforms detected. I managed to determine their general position!

Good job, Riica.

It seems that the others may all be in the same vicinity.

Well then, let's go look for them!

Hold on, everyone. We're coming!

Lifeforms detected! Precision scanning... 6 entities detected! Everyone must be there!

Everyone is safe! Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

This seems to be some sort of...stage? What a large room...

Look! Under the stage!

Guys!

Mona! Joker! And Aldo, you guys came too!

Oh, thank goodness you're okay... We were pretty worried.

Ah, looks like I messed up a little.

Can you not get the door open?

It won't open from the inside.

There must be a lock on the other side. Can you see it? You can probably help get us out of here by unlocking it.

A lock... Oh, you mean that thing!

I've never seen that type before. My infiltration tools are of no use...

Maybe one of the Shadows has the key?

Oh right! It's just like that other Palace!

A Shadow would have to be pretty reliable to be entrusted with a key, though...

They'd likely be one of the tougher ones. Riica, can you find any?

How do you expect her to find them based on that description alone?!

Leave it to me!

Wait, really?

I'm dealing with something else right now. I should be done by the time you've found the key, though.

What do you mean?

Search complete! Two particularly strong Shadows detected nearby!

Two of them? How can we tell which one of them has it?

With limited information, one option for us would be to trust our intuition.

You're right... Let's go get them both right away!

We'll be back soon, guys.

Wait... You guys aren't puppets! You're intruders!

This is the key?

Nope... It's just one piece of the key. We can't do anything with this alone.

So he broke it up and gave it to two Shadows. He really thought of everything...

There's still one more tough Shadow. Shall we go and find it?

Yeah. We won't stop until we save everyone!

Hmm... Yup. This one's tough too.

Oh, I see... This one really is tough.

It's nothing we can't handle. Still, don't let your guard down!

Hmm... Look over there. I think I see a key!

We don't need your forgiveness! What we're after...

That's the key! And now we'll take it!

Puppets...are not allowed to have an opinion! They should only be...happy to be of use...

This is the key?

Nope... It's just one piece of the key. We can't do anything with this alone.

So he broke it up and gave it to two Shadows. He really thought of everything...

There's still one more tough Shadow. Shall we go and find it?

Yeah. We won't stop until we save everyone!

You wretches... What business do you have looking so lively?! It's very unbecoming of puppets! The ignorant masses should not strive to rise above their station!

Hmm... Yup. This one's tough too.

Oh, I see... This one really is tough.

Hey! That's a key, isn't it?!

Do not speak unless you're spoken to! To go against me is to go against Lord Sethka!

Do not look down upon us, wretch!

You should shut your mouths and heed the wise commands of Lord Sethka!

Another key fragment...

All right! We got it!

The tough Shadows' signatures have both disappeared.

We have both key fragments...

Now the key is whole again!

Great! Now we can go help everyone!

Hold on! We still have to combine the two pieces into a full key. Gimme a sec!

Can you do that, Mona?

Making infiltration tools is my specialty.

Then we shall leave it to you. We'll stand guard around the perimeter.

Hrmmm... Just shove this here, then...

I have one inquiry to ask at this moment...

A different type of negative power has been detected from Shadow Sethka. At what rate is it possible for a single being to possess more than one Shadow?

I don't know. But that's something I've never seen before.

I see... Perhaps my sensors are just malfunctioning.

All right! One key, ready to go!

Wow! You finished already?

I overheard your conversation while I was putting the key together. I'll admit, it's certainly puzzling. It's a little concerning, too, but it won't do us any good to think about it now.

You're back!

Sorry to keep you waiting, guys! We'll get you out!

Wait! A high-energy signature is rapidly approaching!

Look! Up there, everyone!

So, you came. If you defeated my guards, then you are no ordinary puppets.

This one looks dangerous!

But your efforts are for naught... A trapped puppet cannot escape its strings. If you wish to join us, then I can grant you that... But I see no value in such mercy.

Permit us?

We don't need no permission!

Get in our way, and you'll regret it.

Such fools... Fine. Then I shall dismantle you and scatter your pieces in front of your puppet friends!

We did it!

I'm glad you're all safe.

Thank you, everyone. Sorry for causing so much trouble.

It was tough, wasn't it?

If the path ahead is equally as confusing, exhaustion may be an issue...

Hah! I wouldn't worry about that. I've got this puppet theater mapped out right down to the floorboards.

Dang, you work fast!

Oh! So that's what you meant when you said you were busy?!

Yeah, that's right. Now we just gotta steamroll into that Treasure room!

While we were locked up, we all worked it out based on Oracle's data!

Finding the light when hope is lost... I could learn a thing or two from you!

The Shadow was able to continue up ahead. Maybe it's got a key?

If my idea is right, now that the Shadow is gone, we can hopefully find...

Is this what you're looking for?

Nice one, Inari! With this we should be able to get further ahead!

Alright! Let's make a bee-line to this Treasure room, then!

This is Sethka's Treasure?!

Looks like it.

Huh? You seem much less chipper than usual, Mona...

You're normally jumpin' around going "woo-hoo" and stuff.

It's not that I'm not happy... But like, this time just feels different.

That's strange. Has it got something to do with the fact that they were already in their physical form?

Everyone! Stay alert!

Yup! He's here!

Oh? I did not expect you to make it so far into my heart.

Looks like it's not going to be an easy task after all!

Hrm... I have to admit, you're no ordinary puppets. I'll have to make use of you in this world for eternity as my...special puppets!

I guess we have no choice but to beat this guy to steal the Treasure!

So it seems. Be careful, everyone!

St-Stay away from me! I need this controller to manipulate my puppets!

Hey. Why do you think of the villagers as your puppets?

Isn't it obvious?! My dad was the mayor, but he got sick and passed away...

Then I found out later that it was due to the stress of carrying the whole village's expectations! Dad tried to satisfy everyone, and they all manipulated him like a puppet and just abandoned him!

What good did the Solania flowers do? What about my prayers?! I'm just doing to the villagers what they did to Dad...It's either them or I. One of us is to suffer, and I chose not be the victim here!

Now the dots are starting to get connected.

It seems like you still don't get it...

The villagers chose to become puppets for your sake.

What?!

That's right. If they wanted to cut their strings, they could do so at any point.

They could always just leave for a nearby village.

Why do you think they've remained under your tyranny?

Well...

Everyone regrets what they've done. They see you as a reflection of themselves, reminding them of who they were.

That's why they don't leave. They're atoning by staying with you until you wake up one day.

And the only one standing in your way... is yourself, Sethka.

......

I see... That's...how it was.

I know what to do. I will do what must be done for Lucniva.

But first, I need to ask the villagers for forgiveness.

Confirmed: Shadow Sethka has disappeared.

He took that rather well.

He really is a good person deep down, just like his mom said.

I'm sure he'll turn out to be a good mayor now.

*humming* Even though Sethka's signal disappeared, another signal still remains. Perhaps my sensors are still malfunctioning?

Wait a minute. I'm getting that signal too. What is going on?

What the...?! How could we still be getting a signal after he's gone?!

Hm...? An earthquake?!

Oh no! The Puppet Theater's falling apart!

We gotta get out of here!

What the heck is going on here?!

It's no use! Get in, quick! It's all comin' down!

Phew... We made it out, somehow...

Man, this world may be different, but that part never changes, does it...

Hey, what's that?

It's the Treasure. When you take it out of the heart, it returns to its original form.

I see... So the puppet controller was originally the mayor's cane.

With that, Sethka should have a change of heart, right?

He should, yes.

Please, come quick!

*pant* *pant* I looked around but couldn't find you.

He, Sethka's gathered all the villagers in the square! What's going on with him?

He's gathering all the villagers...?!

Wh-What's going on? Did we mess up or something?

Hey, don't ask us. We're from a different world.

Let's hope he really did have a change of heart.

Let's make our way to the square.

Y-Yeah...

Whoa, so many people...

Sethka...

I wish to have a word with you all!

First off, I would like to sincerely apologize for taking up your precious time!

I abused my position and treated you all unfairly...

I was a fool...

I blamed my father's death on all of you, and treated you all as puppets as revenge!

I am unfit for the position of mayor. From this day forth, I shall step down.

I beg for forgiveness!

I beg for a chance to atone for my crimes. For this village, and for the good of everyone in it... Please allow me to do this as a villager, just like all of you!

No... I shouldn't ask for so much.

Huh?

These words... You're too kind...

He suddenly changed so much...

Looks like he had a change of heart.

Yes. It's as plain as day.

That's the end of this business about the voice we heard in Mementos.

There must be some way I can repay you for my prior indecency towards you all.

Don't worry 'bout it. It's no big deal.

This is going to sound odd, but... I have a great feeling of gratitude towards you all. I am filled with a sense that I'm in your debt...

What we want is to return to our world.

Your world? I don't know where, but there must be somewhere you belong.

Wait... How're we getting back, exactly?

Our only hint... We thought if we followed that voice, we could find our way home but...

Could we have been wrong?

What?! Inari, don't say things like that!

You mean, we still can't get home?

Hmm... My saviors are in trouble, yet I am powerless...

But I can still wish. I can wish on the Solania flowers, the symbol of wishes...

There's still these flowers here. Perhaps there is something...

I tried cutting these flowers so many times, but I couldn't get rid of the Solania flowers. Maybe the statue... What happened to my father... The cruel things I did...

No... This is not the time to be regretting those things. I have done terrible things, and I don't know whether this wish will work but...

Flower of wishes Solania... Reveal their path before them!

Oh my! He's wishing on the flowers! He really has returned to his old, sweet self...

What?!

It's just like the portal that brought us to this world!

Well, looks like this is where we part ways.

Aldo, without meeting you and your friends we wouldn't have found a way to our world. Thank you.

You are truly warriors without equals... My only regret is that I did not have the chance to try my skills against your Per-So-Na.

It's kinda sad to think there's no frogmen back in our world.

*sniff* I-I'm not crying, okay?!

Optical sensor malfunction detected. Oil seems to be leaking from my eyes...

Helping out people from other worlds... I could get used to this.

Sethka, and your mother, take care...

Give our regards to the mayor in Baruoki and owner of that cat.

Oh, that's right! Do you need me to take you back to Baruoki?

Don't worry about us. You've got a different way home, right?

Ahem... Well, I guess we should get back to our world now.

It wasn't long...but I feel like we really had a connection.

Yeah, I think so too.

I want you to take this flower with you. You don't mind, do you, Sethka?

Oh, not at all.

The Solania flower... A symbol of wishes, huh.

Who's that?!

Where is the voice coming from?!

Phantom?!

You worked so hard to help our plans. Please have our most humble thanks.

You were the one manipulating Sethka?!

Haha... Precisely. After all, that boy and all the others were just puppets dancing from our strings.

Her son was just a puppet? What do you mean by that?!

It was the darkness within that boy... By encouraging his desire, I realized that I could increase the cursed power to cover all worlds in chaos.

I see! That's why Mona wasn't so excited about getting the Treasure!

But as the desires increased and the tyranny over the villagers strengthened, an interesting thing happened. Your mother... And you, too. You both made a sincere wish to the Solania. That wish was named "Desire"!

My mother's wish was desire?! Those are completely different things!

It's all the same. Humans tend to think that they can change the truth by changing words. I watched it enter the nest of desire. The nest closed off immediately, but not before the ones who made it caught my eye.

The nest of desire... Could he mean Mementos?!

Oh, I see... You call that other world Mementos. I immediately planned to connect to the nest of desire...Mementos. That tyrant of a boy was drawn to it by his desires...

The plan came together quite nicely. Finally, the door to Mementos was opened!

What are you planning to do in Mementos?

It's already happening. I shall gather all the world's desires and bend reality towards chaos.

As beings of endless darkness. This is our sole objective!

Not if we have anything to say about it!

Haha... Don't waste my time.

Haha... Just the power of desire that I got from that boy would make this a simple task. How much power can I gather, I wonder? It's all so exciting! Ladies and gentlemen, we shall meet again in the world of endless darkness.

Wait! Phantom!

Damn it! Grandpa was right to worry. But we had no idea the Phantom were involved.

We must not return to the Mayor without cleaning up this mess.

Using desires to bring darkness to this world...

It's likely the damage won't be contained to this world only.

How could I allow this to happen? To be used by that Phantom like that...

Sethka, it's not your fault...

Why so serious all of the sudden? This is our chance!

What exactly do you mean?

The fact that Phantom expects to use us may in fact present a new option.

To turn us into enemies...right?

This does no compute...

Our time here will soon come to an end...

But we can't just allow Phantom to get away with this.

I understand but... Phantom was created in our world. Defeating him is our responsibility. Will you really help us... Joker... Everyone?

Do you really think the Phantom Thieves would just leave you to deal with this guy?

Guys...

Come on, let's enter Mementos.

Got it! Let's go teach Phantom a lesson!