[He stares, even though it's been said before--by Ardyn, by Church, by Choromatsu--nearly everyone left alive has had as much, even Junpei himself. Especially Junpei himself.

This is it. He knows that, suddenly, this is the end. Twice before now he's come to this point; two points is a line, three is a pattern, a plane, solid ground to stand on, and Junpei knows this land he's found beneath his feet: the end stretch. The time when everything comes together. The time when all puzzles can--must--will be solved.

Ardyn is so tired. Church is worn so thin Junpei can see right through him, the ghost he's claimed to be all this time. Choromatsu almost gave in. Angel and Rhys did. Queenie is more holes than thread, a painful parody of the lace she makes by hand.

But Clarith no longer stutters and flinches. Choromatsu came back with fire in his beady eyes. Yuuri is strong, and Junpei?

Junpei's hands fall loosely away from Ardyn's arms, and then he more collides with than pulls him in. Junpei's hugs, like Junpei's everything, are impulsive and fierce and stronger than he looks, and he holds Ardyn tightly, as if he can press strength, press reality into this tired two-thousand-year-old memory of a king.]

I'm not powerful on my own, but after--after everything you all have done for me?

[His voice is quiet but earnest, promise and a little reckless challenge all at once. Everyone here has been part of Junpei coming back to life. And now?]

I can handle anything you give me. No matter how far out of reach the end seems... just envision yourself following the path I take.

[He squeezes Ardyn even tighter.]

I believe you can do it.