Persona BLEACHED 2: Epilogue

Epilogue: Sun and Moon, Forever and Always
July 14, 2029
Mid-day in Ikebukuro. In front of a television station, a young woman in business attire exited. "I'll be back in half an hour. I'm taking my lunch at home." she said to a coworker.
"Enjoy yourself, 'RiddleBreaker'." the coworker replied with.
"It's been six months since Kagami left, you can stop calling me that."
The woman walked the short distance to a nearby apartment complex. She pulled out her keys, and opened the door to her apartment. "I'm home!"
A small boy popped up from behind the couch, wearing a white mask. "RAWRRRR! I'M A SCARY MAN!" he let out.
"Oh you certainly are." the woman joked.
"What part of that mask tells you that it's a 'rawr' mask?" A man in a Yomiuri Giants baseball jersey walked into the room.
"He's just playing around, Ryō."
"I'm just saying, it's more of the 'scary cool' variety. Least I think so." 
"If that's what you're going with. Is lunch ready?"
"Delivery dude should be here any minute. But you're gonna want to sit down."
"Did something happen?"
"Junko, would I say as much if there was nothing? Watch and be amazed."
Ryōma unpaused the TV, which was broadcasting from the Giants' main facility. A man in a dress shirt and tie, flanked by other men in formal attire, bowed his head in shame.
"--has just admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs for years, as well as switching urine samples with others in order to pass random drug tests. One such case back in 2023 resulted in a false positive for rising Giants star Ryōma Tsutsugo, which in turn led to Tsutsugo's expulsion from Nippon Professional Baseball. It is as yet unknown what, if any, compensation will be offered for those who were falsely accused of taking PEDs, though it is expected that a formal apology will be forthcoming."
"Returning now to our scheduled news feed, investigators are continuing to search for escaped convict Kyohei Ishi--" Ryōma muted the TV.
"Is this real? Like, this is live?" Junko asked.
"It's real. The SOB came clean. My phone's been buzzing for the last hour. This is what I've been waiting for for years." Ryōma felt his phone buzzing, and looked at the most recent message.
"You're welcome. 😈 - Mirai"
"I don't have to walk around with my head slumped over anymore. They're already talking about compensation to avoid me suing their butts off for defamation. I can finally start looking for work without having that monkey on my back. And if it all works out like I think, we can move out of here. Get a house and all the good stuff that comes with it."
"Ryō, that's...that's incredible!" Junko embraced Ryōma.
"What do you think, junior? We can get a big house with a big backyard for us to play catch in. Would you like that?"
"Oh, yeah! Then I'll grow up and be the best ever like you, Papa!"
"Don't get too far ahead there. Can't call myself the GOAT if I only played pro for a year, can I? Nah, we're gonna make you better." Ryōma patted his son on the head.
"Are you not gonna try getting back into the game?" Junko asked.
"No, too many burned bridges at this point. My playing days are way behind me. But I heard through the grapevine that there's a certain high school in Naruki that just had an opening for a baseball coach. Mirai's neighbor works there. She might be able to put a good word in."
"Well call her up right now! No time like the present."
"Well, there might be a problem there. She's pretty occupied for the rest of the day."
"How come? School's been out for a while now."
"Oh it's got nothing to do with school. As it would happen, she's getting married."
---
"Sensei, have you got it working?" Carrie asked.
Mt. Shirayuki. Flowers abounded, on the ground and in the trees. Shinji was working on a laptop. The students all appeared on split-screen from their respective homes. "Can y'all see it?" Shinji asked.
"I can see that booger in your left nostril pretty good." Kitty joked.
"Kitty-san, could you try being a little more proper? This is a wedding after all." Sakuya chided, coming from the same location as Kitty.
"Ah, it's not like anyone can smack us from across the sea. Hey, show of hands. Who here's not wearing pants?" Kitty asked.
Sahir began to lift his hand, but quickly shifted to scratching the back of his head upon realizing nobody else was raising theirs. "Uh, sorry. Felt a bug."
"Mmhmmmmmm." Max uttered, unconvinced.
"Ooh, since we've got a few minutes, I wanted to show y'all the new place." Barbara said, showing a number of Native American pieces behind her and Max. "We finally finished moving in yesterday."
"Goodbye Kentucky, hello Oklahoma." Max added.
"Ooooh, it looks great, you guys!" Natalia said.
"Yeah, and not a minute too soon. Just in time for my visit." Kibō said.
"One weeeeek, heehee. Mama's been wanting to meet you like crazy. I've had to keep reminding her that it's too early to start talking about hearing bells. She can be a bit kooky that way." Barbara replied.
"Gee, that sure seems familiar." Max joked. Barbara proceeded to pinch his side. "Ow!"
"I thought you said you were moving to the plains." Kitty said.
"These are the plains, Kitty. Houses exist on the plains." Barbara replied.
"Did you think we were moving into a tent in the middle of nowhere?" Max asked.
"I didn't say anything. Y'all are putting words in my mouth. You guys heard me, I never said 'tent'." Kitty replied.
"You were insinuating--" Max began.
"You always think the worst of me, geez."
"It's not entirely unwarranted." Kenji said.
"Nope." Sahir added.
"Bullies! See them ganging up on me, Maggie? Y'all didn't even come to my birthday party yesterday." Kitty griped.
"Because none of us live in Korea, Kitty." Kibō retorted.
"I don't know why you're getting upset, we all sent you birthday messages yesterday." Carrie said.
"Ah, speaking of sending things. Have you all been getting the packages I sent you?" Kenji asked.
"Mine actually just got in. We wanted to wait to open it until we all saw each other." Kitty pulled up a box.
"Excuse the amount of packing. I didn't want them to break." Kenji said. 
"Oh...WOW." Kitty pulled out a small, detailed figure of herself, wielding a scythe and standing with one foot on top of a jack-o-lantern.
"I'm still getting everyone's sent out, but I prioritized yours given the timing. I was actually rather puzzled by what I should have yours showing, but after our adventure through the underworld I had my inspiration." 
"Kenny, this is...omigosh. I don't know what to say, this is so badass." Kitty fanned her face. "God, the wedding hasn't even started and you're gonna make my makeup run. You're evil, Kenny."
"I try."
Elsewhere, Jin was looking through his phone. "So the deed's done now, yeah?" Shūjo asked.
"The report's out already. Idiot's on his hands and knees apologizing. All that needs to happen is NPB apologizing and Tsutsugo's in the clear." Jin replied.
"He loves us. He totally loves us. He's gonna want to come to poker night and everything now. Just have to warn him that Jugo cheats."
"What was that about me cheating, partner?" Jugo walked past wearing priest's garb.
"H-hold on a sec, what's with the getup?" Shūjo asked, confused.
"He's officiating, JoJo, remember? You were at the rehearsal." Jin replied.
"I thought he was just a stand-in! When the hell did you become a priest?!" Shūjo asked.
"Dude, I'm from Vegas. There's chapels on every corner. Aside from gambling there's nothing to do except walk around a desert. So I worked on my credentials. I'm ordained in pretty much every major religion." Jugo replied.
"He could marry you off to Kaido without a second thought. So I'd tread carefully." Jin added.
"Gk...! Grr..." Shūjo groaned.
"Excellent use of your vocabulary, partner. Now if you'll excuse me." Jugo walked off.
"Jackass." Shūjo muttered.
"Oh, can the attitude. It's a happy day. Save the drama for the after party." Jin responded.
Inside a nearby cabin...
"Sure you don't want a little sippy, Rin-Rin? It'll take some of the edge off..." Tenko, blushing and giggling, waved around a large bottle of sake.
"I'm not getting drunk on my wedding day, Tenko." Rin, garbed in a red kimono, rebuffed.
"I'm not asking ya to get plastered, just a little tipsy-topsy to liven things up!"
"Tenko, dear, don't you think it's a little early to go so hard on the alcohol?" Hana, holding Tenko's baby, asked.
"You can't ask me that, Mama-san! Our baby's getting married and I'm feeling all the emotions at once, uggggggggh..." Tenko groaned.
"I don't remember you being there when I pushed her out, but if you say so." Hana sighed. "Blossom, are you alright? Nerves starting to bubble up?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. But it's the good kind of nervous. I mean, we've basically been a married couple for a while now. This is just making it official. And...I want to be happy. I'm deciding to be happy." Rin replied.
"SO BEAUTIFUL UHUHUHUHUHU..." Tenko began weeping.
Rin sighed.
In a nearby room, Rose, garbed in a blue kimono, sat with Hiyoko, drinking tea. "My most calming brew. I know you aren't the most excitable person, but I know from experience how fluttery one's heart can get at a moment like this." Hiyoko said.
"It's lovely. I wouldn't be able to make it through today without a cup. I'm almost as bad as Tenko in that way." Rose replied.
"I wouldn't be going that far...hm. Is something on your mind? Besides the obvious."
Rose took another sip of tea. "This moment here is nothing short of miraculous. I should have been killed eons ago. I should have been wallowing in the misery of eternity along with the rest of the Thebans. Rin could have died in the forest, or any number of times. There are a million reasons this shouldn't be happening. But somehow, it is."
"Well, then. Guess that just means it was always meant to be. Not everyone has to wait so long for their destined partner. This shouldn't be possible at all, but it is. Take away all the asterisks, and it comes down to her loving you, and you loving her. For today, that's enough."
"I have you to thank for that. I never would have found the courage to open up to her if you didn't convince me that night...or her."
"Perish the thought. I just sped things along. It was going to happen regardless."
"If you say so." Rose got up and went to the bed, where Shizuka lay while listening to her headphones. "Rise and shine, little bug. It's time to go."
"Okay..."
"Do you have a moment?"
Rose turned to the doorway. Kaya had suddenly appeared. "Mother...you came."
"Of course. I waited for the entirety of existence for you to wake up. Did you think I wouldn't be here for your most joyous moment?"
"I haven't seen you since the moon. What have you been doing?"
"Leaving you to your own life. That's all I ever wanted. I decided back then that the next time I saw you, would be when I gave you away. I've kept you away from the world for long enough. So here I am."
"Well then...let's not keep everyone waiting."
Outside, Rin's party had already come out. "Ya got this, sexy...no pressure at aaaaall." Tenko slurred, rubbing an embarrassed Rin's shoulder.
Jin snatched the sake bottle from her other hand. "HEY!" she griped.
"Nnno. NO." Jin spoke as if she was a misbehaving puppy. "You'll get this back later."
"You're the one that bought it for me, meanieeee."
"I giveth, and I can taketh away."
"I wuv yooooou."
"Nope, not gonna work."
Tenko tried snatching the bottle from Jin, which he held away from her grasp.
"Oh, this is disastrous." Jugo sighed.
"It's just Tenko being Tenko." Rin replied.
Jugo looked over to the cabin. "And here comes Bride No. 2. Places, people!"
"Oh God, this is happening." Rin uttered.
"Keep it together, blossom. Don't need to turn 'hyperventilating during matrimony' into a family tradition. You'll be fine." Hana went to take a seat.
"Thanks, Mom...wait, what was that about hyperventilating?"
"Anyone want to take a bet on how many dry eyes there'll be between us after this?" Max asked.
"We've already got one set out of the picture." Kenji said.
"And whose fault is that?" Kitty asked.
The ceremony began. Rose was brought by her mother to the altar. She handed Shizuka over to Hiyoko. The girl turned to the laptop, being held by Shinji, and waved. The students waved back.
Tan, sitting next to Shinji, blew into a handkerchief. "Take it easy, ya big goof." Shinji rubbed his shoulder.
"Hey, Tan Man, how's the mix tape coming along?" Kitty asked.
"*sniff* It'll be out when it's out..." he sniveled.
"You're still asking about that mix tape?" Natalia asked.
"Public needs to know, girlfriend." Kitty replied.
"Alright, ladies. Take your hands." Jugo said.
"Oh boy, it's happening." Tenko uttered.
"You're just ready to fly out of here, aren't you?" Jin asked.
Rin and Rose grabbed each other's hands. "Hi." Rin uttered.
"Hi." Rose responded.
"You look beautiful."
"I don't need to say it back. I don't like stating the obvious."
Tenko began to gasp, only for Jin to cover her mouth. "Calm yo'self."
"Now I would do the usual spiel, but I think you two have waited long enough. No one's got any objections, right? Thought not. So I'll give the floor to you two to say what needs to be said." Jugo said.
"I've said it enough times. You've been everything to me for the last decade. Best friend, confidant, motivator, homemaker...my rock. I would be absolutely lost without you. I'm overjoyed that I can finally tell everyone that the girl in the flower shop with the mesmerizing golden eyes and striking platinum hair...is my wife." Rin spoke.
"When we met, I swore that I would dedicate my entire existence to you. What I didn't know then was that I had spent the entirety of existence sleeping. I see now that I had been waiting, for all of eternity...for you. This deep, unending love I feel...if I had known you back then, it would have lasted for all the time I was slumbering. Ours is a love that will last forever. Of that, I have no doubt." Rose replied.
"AAAAAH!" Jin covered his eyes, trying to hold back tears.
"Oh, you dumb teddy bear! You can't keep it together, either!" Tenko griped. 
Everyone else began laughing.
"God, we're such a mess." Rin said.
"I would have it no other way." Rose replied.
"Just one big, flat-out bonkers family. So with...that in mind, let's keep it professional. I already know the answer to this, but Boss...do you take Rosie to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Jugo asked.
"Uh-huh." Rin answered.
"And Rosie...?"
"Stating the obvious again. Of course I do." Rose replied.
"Alright. So then...by the power invested in me by the great state of Nevada, I hereby pronounce you wife and wife. Y'all can kiss your bride."
Rin and Rose did so.
"*sniff* Don't you be judging me, Higashikata...I see you blubbering over there." Jin uttered.
"*sniff* Shut up, man...it's all your fault..." Shūjo covered his eye as a teary-eyed Hiyoko rubbed his shoulder.
"Welp...guess we all lost that bet." Max uttered, as every one of the students was in tears.
"You lie. My tear ducts are broken. This is facial sweat." Kenji retorted.
"Whatever, man...you do you." Kitty replied.
Rin picked up the laptop. "Hey, everyone. Glad you could make it...sort of. I know it's either really late or really early where most of you are. I really appreciate you tuning in."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Teach." Sahir replied.
"You two look so much in-love...I'm so happy for you both." Carrie added.
"I'm just sad we couldn't be there in person...I'm losing my mind not being able to hug everyone..." Natalia uttered.
"Give it a month. I'm sure you'll have plenty of them saved up." Kenji said.
"So, Proffesor, you have plans for a honeymoon? Somewhere exotic and romantic, perhaps?" Barbara asked.
"Not too far off. We'll be staying here in the mountains for a few days. Mom'll be looking after Shizuka for us, so it'll just be the two of us." Rin replied.
"Uggh, my princess! I miss her so bad. You give her an extra hug for me, okay?" Kitty asked.
"Of course. She keeps asking when you'll be coming back to sing her to sleep."
"Aw, jeez...don't need to put me on the spot like that..." Kitty blushed.
"Hehe, sorry. I have to get back to the party. See the nine of you in class next month, okay?"
"Wait, nine? Does that include..." Kibō pondered.
"Oh, um, I was going to wait to surprise everyone in-person, but..." Sakuya began. "I'm transferring into your class. I figured it would make everything easier."
"For real? So you're gonna be...right there, huh..." Sahir started turning red.
"Yeah, buddy. She's gonna be riiiiight there." Max teased.
"Guuuh, I, uh..." Sahir babbled. Several of the girls started giggling.
"Alright, I'll stop before this gets disastrous. Take care, everyone. I expect everyone to be on-time come August. See you then." Rin bid everyone goodbye.
"Okay, battery's almost out...I'll be closing the feed now." Shinji said.
"Guess that's it, huh? Well...see you clowns later." Max said.
"Au revoir, my loves." Carrie said.
"Hug you guys when I see you!" Natalia said.
"Peace out, friends of mine." Sahir said, crossing his arms.
"Until the next chaotic year." Kenji added.
"I'll be counting the minutes until karaoke night~." Barbara said.
"Stay in one piece, everyone." Kibō said.
"Take care. Next semester will be here before you know it." Sakuya said.
"Yep. The reunion of the loony bunch. Hopefully we won't be fighting off the Devil next time around." Kitty said. "Ya girl Kitty, signing off, babies."
The feed cut out.
Later that night, Rose sat on a bench, looking up at the moon.
"There you are. Everyone was wondering if you'd gotten cold feet and ran away." Rin said, sitting down next to Rose.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to make everyone worry."
"It's alright. Most everyone's headed for home. Shizuka was long overdue for a nap. Mom took her back a little while ago."
Rose put her head on Rin's shoulder. "I'd imagined this several times in my head, yet...reality feels even better than anything I could come up with." Rose said.
"I get that. Being here makes it even better. It feels like everything important between us has happened here. Even--"
Something zipped by the two women, and landed on a nearby tree. It was a giant hornet.
Rin giggled. "Hi, Miko."
"She made it after all."
The hornet flew into the forest.
"The moon looks especially bright tonight..." Rin mused.
"I always felt so drawn to it...like a memory that was trying so hard to come out. I traveled so far...across time and worlds. To be here, with you. Nothing else matters more than this one moment in time. And all the moments that come after. I love you."
"And I love you."
The two women sat in silence for a moment. "You know...I think there's one thing missing." Rin spoke up. She got her phone, and brought up a music playlist. 
"Fly Me to the Moon - CLAIRE." The screen showed.
"Oh, you...of all the times to pick my song." Rose said.
"I'm kind of a dork, remember? If not now, then when?"
"I never objected. Go on then. Fill my heart with song."
"As you wish."
The two sat and listened to the lyrics, among the moon and the stars. For that moment in time, nothing else mattered.
The sun and the moon, forever and always.
---
THE END