Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition
By Tayla Drago
Episode #34 - Running to Freedom
Year – 20xx
Day # 41 – May 5/20th – Friday
Tayla: Just so we're clear, I beat the game on my own differently than the way I had to edited it from the other part from another person playing it on YouTube. This part of my story is fine, but the game play is different. Thank you for understanding, enjoy the rest of the story of Royal edition. :)
Another nice day to go to school for Keiko and Morgana to take the train all the way there to get through the day until they got back to the Metaverse in a little while...She also sees with other students of the test scores on the billboard to look at – and the results shows Keiko has done very well, same with Ann, and Ryuji not so bad to pass. On Keiko and Morgana's way out of the school building, a lot of students did well to taking it again to have one to be a very smart girl and a first year to start off very well of a new girl name Junko Sakurai 'my other made up character who's important some how' with long yellow hair, purple eyes, a long blue hair band, a red tie on her uniform, and long white socks. For Junko loved to be open minded and she just loves helping out in many school clubs in Shujin Academy to be another one of the teachers favorite and proud student to make it great. With lots of boys and girls asking her questions on how she does it, she wasn't too shy but friendly normally to answer back.
Boy: Tell us, Sakurai. How do you do it? My test scores sucked!
Girl: I wish I was as smart as you are!
She does tell everyone a little bit of her secret for Keiko and Morgana to listen as they leave the place, for Junko wasn't too shy to answer some to the other students' of their questions.
Junko: Oh, come now...I just do my best, really. I'm only trying to pass high school normally to one day become a journalist to learn about stuff for others to keep in mind, it's like studying the world around you besides Japan itself; and if rumors have anything to say to be real I will know it right away. All you guys need to do is to study harder. I have a lot going on. I can't live and tell a lie.
Smart girl, huh? Just to live a normal life for Keiko to see with a lot going on with her.
Morgana: I guess some students like to be their odd selves to have good hearts, and try to be the center of attention...Come on, Madame Keiko, let's get going.
But before that, Keiko felt something off to feel from looking around the school, only to find nothing. That was weird...
Morgana: Madame Keiko? Is there something wrong. Another Shadow?
Not today, nope...
Keiko: Nothing...I thought I felt something very odd, but I didn't. Let's get going, Morgana. Run a few errands before we meet with the others later on to go back to the Palace. (Strange...I thought I sense something a little odd to be inside the school, but I guess it went away. So weird...)
It would seem that Keiko won't be sensing something like this one for the time being, could be more later...So far, going through school life's not so bad as it all seems to be; as they soon the two go to buy some equips and weapons real quick at Iwai's shop. And a few more items at the drug store in Shibuya - Central Street of the Convenience Store...Then later, Keiko goes to help out Takuto again to talk about something of her issues and other things next back at Shujin Academy; but before that Keiko sees someone to be walking by to run into her and Morgana to be in the way of a fine strong male to be Daisuke Jodojon 'years later to pass who worked for Wakaba was now doing other things to be a city officer' – with brown hair, blue eyes, wearing a blue male uniform to have a hat and worked out well to be doing his job to care for kind people to know when there's trouble when he sees it.
Daisuke: Hey, lady. Is this yours?
Seeing Keiko's school book she drop to get it back thanks to Daisuke's help.
Keiko: Huh...? Oh, yes! It's mine. Sorry! I'm not littering or anything.
Daisuke: Nah, you seem like a good person to never do anything wrong. Hey! Look both ways and listen before crossing the streets, mister!
Wow, when Daisuke means business to follow the law, he means well for one person to listen very well to cross the street much better. This has Keiko and Morgana a bit scary from the way he was talking.
Morgana: Talk about a strict cop!
Keiko: Ah...
Daisuke: Oh, sorry. Without me around these parts, the damn fools always break the law behind my back or any other good cop in the areas. Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Yongen-Jaya, and...Well, you name it. We're on the clock non-stop to keep peace to this God forsaken home we live in. I hope other students like yourself follows the rules.
Like he would know about Keiko's problems already if he was told all about it.
Keiko: (I doubt this guy would believe in what I've been through so far.) I understand completely, officer sir.
Daisuke: *ahem* That's Officer Daisuke Jodojon Sir to you. Now then, allow for me to explain the rules of the law to you.
From his long speeches of Daisuke's, as Morgana gets out of Keiko's school bag to play a little game to mimic the officer's movement and attitude.
Morgana: Oh, really? Watch what I can copy, Madame Keiko, you're going to love it.
Keiko: Morgana?
For her to see and listen to whole thing for Morgana to copy everything Daisuke was doing...Oh, boy. From walking, moving his listen to Daisuke talking, acting all tough, and so on to be funny to watch to have Keiko laughing.
Daisuke: Now see here, young lady. There are rules to follow and rules to never be broken. Never jay walk on the streets, smoking at public places, buy your drinks at a liquor store to be 21 or older and not younger. Not to much to sell illegal things, shop lifting, robbing a store or a bank, pick pocketing, and...and—well, you get the whole details already. Huh?
From the laughter Keiko was seeing Morgana copying Daisuke to see a cat was outwitting him.
Keiko: *chuckle* Hahaha! Sorry, my cat just playing around. He's nice. And yes, I get the whole rules you're telling me. Thank you.
He gets it to hand Morgana back over to Keiko gently.
Morgana: Hehehe...It was still worth it.
Daisuke: Fine, it's your...strange cat who loves to copy so I'll let it slide. Well, I'm glad we had this talk, missy.
Keiko: It's Keiko Amamiya, Officer Daisuke.
Shaking hands to get to know each other to see the officer around from time to time.
Daisuke: Yeah sure, Amamiya. Very well, you can go. Stay in school and don't let your cat go loose on the streets so it won't get by any cars now. Good day.
Keiko: Bye now, Officer Daisuke. (What a strange man to act all tough, but he seems to be a good person deep down since he likes animals a lot.) It was funny what you did, Morgana. What a laugh.
It was still worth some good laughs.
Morgana: Thanks. So, you going to go talk to Maruki now back at your school or what?
Keiko: I'm already on my way there now.
Now it was time to go see Takuto on another talk to learn something for Keiko to aid and talk about another problems again, besides free snacks. With Morgana waiting outside to see where this talk was going to go next. So, what is today's talk for both Keiko and Takuto to be talking about today? Besides the matter of the heart thing again? Well doc? From Keiko enjoying her tea for Takuto to make for them to be talking about something new.
Takuto: I've been getting a lot of students coming in ever since I arrived here. To be honest, it's been...kind of a relief.
Keiko: ...? So, it's been go to you Maruki sir?
Takuto: Yep. That whole mess with Kamoshida was the reason I was called here, after all...They warned me a lot of students had been impacted I knew there would be a lot of free floating anxiety. But when I actually got to talk to everyone, I was pleasantly surprised. Most of the things on everyone's minds were college entrance exams, relationships problems. In other words, typical worries for high-school students. Some did open up about deeper issues, but not the majority. Some students were still struggling with the scars from the incident, yes...But at the very least, I'm glad the ones who came to me have taken some steps towards recovery.
Good to know on how Takuto was working hard so far.
Keiko: Thanks to you, probably. (He seems to be doing well from the sound of it.)
He was happy when Keiko commented the doctor's hard work.
Takuto: Well, I can only hope so, Amamiya-kun! I don't think I've done much, but if I've helped even one person, then that makes it all worth it. I know I'm not the most reliable guy, but remember you can always talk to me too if something's bothering you. I am the counselor here, you know. If nothing else, I'm good at listening.
Keiko: As you are to help out all of the students.
Takuto: I'm glad to hear. Having said that, it's a little awkward that I have to ask for your help, but...You remember how I asked you to help me with my research?
Keiko: Of course. We did made a deal to help out each other.
They did made a deal, to do whatever they can to get something done little at a time.
Takuto: I said you'd be helping with my research, Amamiya-kun, but don't worry. It won't be anything too difficult or intensive. I just need you to listen to what I have to say, and work through some questions with me. But let's see...Maybe I should start at the beginning. I can tell you a little about what this research is for. What I'm studying now is pain felt in the mind. Or perhaps more fancifully, in the heart. Some specific examples include the pain of someone saying hurtful things to you, or being separated from those you love...Maybe this would be clearer-pain defined by abstracts, like trauma or stress.
Keiko: You mean other parts from human emotions, correct? There's a lot to uncover as well.
A lot more about love of emotions and so on?
Takuto: Bodily, physical pain can be thought of as something necessary. An autonomic response to injury, illness, whatever. But what about pains felt within one's heart? That pain isn't born from an tangible problem in our bodies, right? It's something strange and immaterial. I guess it goes to show there are still a lot of mysteries in our own hearts and minds. And I...well, I want to learn more about these internal, psychological pains. Now, this is my question to you...When do you truly feel pain in your heart, Amamiya-kun?
Keiko: When someone betrays me. I guess...Like my parents when they don't think I didn't do anything bad. You know, I sort of had a fight with them. (Since I was charge on a crime I didn't even do.)
Oh, sounds like Keiko had a history going on with her mother and father to hate talking about it. Just bring up some parts from it only.
Takuto: I see...I'll let that part be, all I can say is sorry.
Keiko: It's fine, Maruki sir.
Takuto: Ah yes, I can sympathize there. Sometimes, all it takes is one betrayal for intense trust to turn into intense pain. It can be rough. It doesn't feel good to struggle with pain in your heart. But with that in mind...How about the pain of a broken heart, then? After all, that kind of pain is only born because we fall in love, right? Like you and your boyfriend are? Do you have any thoughts on this kind of pain, Amamiya-kun? You can tell me.
Keiko: That one seems necessary if you put it in words like you just said.
Who could never stop being in love with someone you truly care about from the heart to heal more? For Keiko to have Akechi is one of them.
Takuto: True. It proves and validates the love that came before it, after all...A very fitting answer from you. Internal, emotional pain can be difficult to deal with. Though some say it's always coupled with other feelings...And I agree, of course. I think that's a fair assessment. Though personally speaking...I'd think if pain can be avoided, it should be. Maybe it shouldn't exist at all...Mm. Wounds of the heart are much harder to detect, and in a way, they're far more complex than physical injuries. That's why I'm doing this research...To save people who are suffering from internal pain they keep holding onto. You helped me realize that purpose again. Thank you.
Keiko: Did that help? I hope so.
Seems like Keiko did a lot of help for Takuto for today yet again.
Takuto: Of course! Thanks to you, I can articulate my thoughts for once.
Keiko: I'm glad. (I can sense Maruki's gratitude towards me...)
With another ranking from Takuto to go up to 3 now and still having good things from the doctor's words to be useful in the Metaverse.
Takuto: ...Okay, I think that'll do for today. Hm...? Why do I feel like I'm forgetting something...? Oh...! Your mental training!
Keiko: Huh?
Takuto: Oh, uh, no! I didn't forget about our promise, of course, Amamiya-kun!
Keiko: Well, there's nothing to worry about, Maruki sir.
Yeah, there was no reason to be panicking at all. Takuto's a worrywart sometimes.
Takuto: Oh, right. Then I'll teach you tricks for mental discipline, and you help me with my research! Just like we decided, right?
Sitting back down to tell Keiko on what she'll learn next.
Takuto: Now then...How about something like this today?
A lot to talk about before calling it a day.
Keiko: I'm listening. (Thanks to Maruki's mental training, my mind feel stronger...)
Takuto: Oh, and here. Never a bad time for a snack, right?
Another day, and another snack to have before Keiko takes off. With her and Morgana going back to Cafe Leblanc for Takuto calls her up to say one more thing.
[Takuto: Oh, this is Maruki...Do you have time to talk right now? Sorry, Amamiya-kun, it's the last moment notice for me to almost forget.]
[Keiko: It's nothing, Maruki sir. What else is on your mind?]
[Takuto: I'm taking a breather. Just finished my last counseling session for the day. And I thought I'd thank you once again for your help earlier.]
[Keiko: Good work over there.]
[Takuto: Thanks. A lot of students came by to talk today. Hopefully they got something out of it...But to be honest, it's pretty tough juggling this job and my research at the same time.]
[Keiko: Just take your time. I'm sure you can get some of the things done little at a time.]
[Takuto: I think I will, one thing to do at a time then. Thanks again for agreeing to help me out. I might be looking to you for more frequently from now on. It's mean a lot if you could lend a hand. All right, se you later.]
Entering back to have someone near a small super market store from the Backstreets of town for Keiko to run into being Aika again to take a lot of photos for Morgana to stop her, with one paw in the way.
Morgana: Not again.
Keiko: Aika?
She smiles to find a few other Shadows proof already to wait for Keiko to text message her some new ones today.
Aika: Oh, Keiko...I'm waiting for more living beings again to see on my phone.
Keiko: I got some to show you today. (Believe or not, you'll soon know about Madarame as a cheater with proof like this one.)
Sending some for Aika felt so happy to see more of the Shadows caught on Keiko's cell phone.
Aika: Perfect! Hey, let's do some shopping, Keiko. Just you and me, but cats aren't allow I'm afraid. So, come on!
Dragging Keiko inside the store for her to join with Aika.
Keiko: Hey!
Aika: Let's talk somewhere with no one caring too much.
Moving inside to chat as Morgana was waiting for them back outside.
Morgana: (Guess I'll have to wait here then. Good, I don't want anymore camera flashes in my face.
Can't say we blame you at all, Morgana. It's annoying to hurt anyone's eyes. As Keiko and Aika shop for a bit to look at the photos of the Shadows in Madarame Shadow's Museum Palace to see other new ones she didn't seen before to remind her of something.
Aika: Hmm...Oh. Ah. I see...
Keiko: Ah, see what Aika?
Aika: What I see in this version of the living beings is some world of an artist's mind. Yeah, on something he must be lying about. The last one I've seen is someone's emotion was on the loose.
Keiko: And this one. (Kamoshida's the most.)
Aika: Let me see...The art world shows of someone's hidden lies form the looks of it. And the castle, I think...Someone who thinks he's king of everything, but he's a pervert.
This almost made Keiko laugh to try holding it in to keep the truth a little from Aika, for her might not be able to get the real truth of the other world.
Aika: Huh?
Keiko: It's nothing. Sorry.
Aika: Ah, it's nothing. I guess you can tell on some of the things to be true or not to confuse the human eyes. I can see why you were laughing here.
Yeah, let's keep it like that without Aika knowing the truth.
Keiko: Yeah, if you say so.
Aika: Yeah, I just wish "she" could see this.
She? Who was the mysterious girl that Aika was mentioning to Keiko to get her attention?
Keiko: A friend?
Aika: Ah, yeah! Yeah, a very busy friend who's out of the country right now. Can't see what I like so I light show it to her later. Silly for me to spill the beans almost.
Hmm...Whatever Aika was bringing up for Keiko to sense something else was up on Aika's mind to almost slip up for the second time again.
Keiko: Well, if you say so then. (Again on the troublesome mind?)
Aika: Anyways, I got two more things to see thanks to you, Keiko. This is twice you came through for me.
Keiko: It's nothing. (Well either way, I'll help Aika go through whatever's on her mind.)
For now, it'll have to wait until later on to for another ranking of the third to go up for Aika's Confidants.
Aika: Good proof so far...
Keiko: And what about our shopping? Besides getting some coffee things and curry...What about you?
Sitting in the corner of the store to have others watching the two girls doing things which no other human couldn't see the Shadows.
Aika: Oops! Right, let's continue with out shopping, Keiko, let's go.
Finishing picking up a few things for them to finally paying for the stuff and leaving for Aika to make her leave to saying her goodbyes to Keiko for today.
Keiko: That was fun.
Aika: Yeah, and not doing it too much in public again. Anyways, I got more proof. See ya later, Keiko. Bye!
Well, someone in a hurry for Keiko and Morgana to both head back at Leblanc afterwards. With them leaving the Backstreets area, for Aika sees them off to run into Hitomi as they had something in mind for them to know something else besides being born with strange powers.
Hitomi: Well, Iwamura. It seems she's the one we've heard so much about. The one with the gym teacher issue...
Aika: You're right, Hitomi. Which means we're not alone in this one to find what we're looking for. New heroes like us and another odd one to take the first part of the gems. One of them out of seven.
What do they mean by that...? Getting back to Cafe Leblanc, Keiko wanted to help out Sojiro some more besides making coffee. For the next part to learn in making was some hand made curry. So that's why he ask for her to go shopping today after school.
Keiko: Mr. Sakura! I'm back with the things you wanted for me to get.
Sojiro: Then that case, get your apron on and wash your hands so we can get to work.
Keiko: OK.
And now it was time to make some tasty curry...
Sojiro: All right, that's it for tomorrow's curry...Hey, how's it going? You getting any better at remembering how to handle different bean types?
Keiko: Got it.
Not bad on Keiko's first try to then make other tips of coffee near the brew machine next.
Sojiro: Now then...there are three factors that determine the flavor for a cup of coffee: grind, heat, and time. First up is the grind. For the siphons we have here, we're aiming for medium-fine.
Lots to learn in making coffee for it's not so easy to do at first.
Keiko: Wow...
Sojiro: ...Keiko, are you listening to me? What grind are you supposed to use?
Keiko: Medium-fine. Want to taste in the fine flavor of the coffee.
Sojiro: Right. Keep up the good work. It doesn't net much profit given the effort it takes, but hey, money is money. I'm not gonna forgive you if you serve our customers crap coffee though. Just remember that.
A very big listen to remember very well.
Keiko: I won't, don't you worry Mr. Sakura.
She does get the job done very well when Keiko learns some new things. Soon Sojiro gets a call on his cell phone to answering it.
Sojiro: Who could this be...?
It didn't sound good to hear who it was to Sojiro's reaction.
Sojiro: Yes, hello? ...How'd you get this number? Now? Where? ...Fine.
After hanging up, it might be the guy who came in the other day.
Keiko: Mr. Sakura?
Sojiro: Sorry, something just came up. We can keep going with the lessons some other time, Keiko. Please forgive me.
Keiko: (Another problem I can feel from Sojiro's heart. The man from the cafe the other day who was rude.) Is it trouble?
Kind of looks like it.
Sojiro: What, you worried about me? ...It's nothing you need to concern yourself over. Just do the dishes while I'm gone. Oh, and remember to shut off the gas before you close up shop. It's nice having someone around to help at times like this. Turns out you're actually a harder worker than I thought. Keep it up.
Keiko: I'm glad I can help you out. (A lot to hopefully see Sojiro will be be okay, on whatever's going on.)
Another third ranking Confidant to go up for Sojiro bond with Keiko was growing more and more.
Sojiro: Okay, I'm off. Don't eat all our food while I'm gone.
Keiko: I won't to over do myself.
As he leaves the store for Keiko to take care of things to turn off, close store, and go to bed for Morgana was all set. She then gets phone call from Sojiro to say something to her after working hard again.
[Sojiro: Hey, Keiko, you get everything closed up?]
Keiko: It's all good.
[Sojiro: Sorry about earlier. Had to take care of some business. But don't worry. I'll put you to work. We've got lots of time on our hands.]
Keiko: I'm ready to work when you allow me to, Mr. Sakura.
[Sojiro: Raring to go, huh? Some work ethic you got there. Well, just make sure you turn off the stove before you head to bed.]
Keiko: Good night.
All set to call it a night until the next day...
Year – 20xx
Day # 42 – May 5/21st – Saturday
On the train ride to school for Keiko to read her book and answer another question well in class today, and going to the library again to get another book to read;
Morgana: Good thing the librarian's allowing you to study more and have books to borrow, Madame Keiko to know of the rumors about you are no more in this school.
Keiko: You can say that again, Morgana.
One good thing to finally be over with on Keiko so far...Then going to the clinic for Keiko to do some test on one medicine that tasted bad to have an odd feeling from her nose.
Tae: How is it, Keiko.
Keiko: Ah...Not so good as I hoped so when I first swallowed the whole thing.
So an odd feeling when globing it down too fast, must take it slow for Tae to write it all down right away, and to getting a few things while Keiko was at it.
Tae: Right, be careful on how much you drink to stop headaches. Got it...
The doctor then gets a call for Keiko slowly gets back up to leave, only to hear something bad of someone calling Tae a bad doctor 'for the second time now' of some kind for her to hear the whole thing.
Tae: Hello. Doctor Takemi's Clinic of Internal Medicine...What? Again? That's, well...that ship's already sailed, so...*sigh* ...What a pain.
It would seems that one person didn't like her work one bit.
Keiko: (This again...? ti's still going on.) Tae, are you doing well?
Tae: Huh? It's fine, wrong number again from someone being a complete idiot. It's like that for me so there's no need to worry at all, Keiko. From what I did for the father's little girl to get better, this happens to me.
In other words, it was still going on for her to have some people kick Tae out from being a doctor of her own clinic and it's not just saving the little girl's life. Still going on with this.
Keiko: You sure...? It doesn't sound fine from the sound of it. Just between you and me, it only has gotten much worse.
Tae: Not good hiding it, huh? Keiko. It never ends. Sorry...You know I would never hurt anyone. I want to try to work on this medicine for a certain someone to get better, it's called Crawford-Ende. I have to perfected it in any way possible.
So that's what the bigger issue is.
Keiko: That's awful!
Tae: It's not that bad...
Keiko: Yes it is, Tae! And excuse me for sounding rude, but this isn't right for you to live a life for other communities to keep on bothering you until they get what they want. Doesn't that get you mad? That would for me! Just do something about it! Stand up for yourself and say - "I'm doing this because I love being a doctor."
From Keiko's strong words to reach out to Tae, she was surprise to see a teenage student like she was to stand up to a doctor to be doing her job right, a lot more to not hold back anything else anymore. So no more threaten phone calls like this one, one was enough. But two times now, was gong way over board.
Tae: Keiko...You're being serious with me about this...
Keiko: That I am, so please don't give up on your dreams.
Hard to think about but a lot for Tae to see that Keiko was right to still continue with her job as a doctor.
Tae: Wow. Okay, for a patient and a test subject to have you buy my medicines, you're the first one who understands me more. I don't know what to say. You and Miwa-chan who the person I have to make and use the medicine to save her, while there's still time left.
Saving someone's life to perfect the medicine from the sound of it. Makes sense why Keiko's use to it all to do good in the Metaverse and Mementos.
Keiko: And the reason why I'm your guinea pig for this?
Tae: I wouldn't ask you if you couldn't stand all of my medicines, right? That's why.
Keiko: Then keep doing what you love doing best, and that's by being a doctor. Listen, Tae, I'm glad we talked, but I got to go. See you next time to help you out more with those medicines! Bye!
Keiko takes off after buying a few things, testing one of them out, and seeing Tae will be fine to be getting another phone call to answer.
Tae: Thanks again, Keiko. See ya! (I'm starting to like this girl...)
Answering a call to get some other patients to look in to for later to be a good talk this time for her. Much better than having her clinic shutdown. With Keiko getting back to Leblanc just fine with Morgana in her school bag, to get another phone call from Tae to see how Keiko was feeling right now 'besides the talk they had'.
Morgana: From Takemi, huh?
Keiko answers it.
Keiko: Hello?
[Tae: You doing okay, Keiko? My little guinea pig? Just wanted to check up on you. Also...sorry for the long talk today. I wasn't planing on telling you all that. ]
Keiko: About Miwa-chan? It's okay. I know how important this project is for you.
[Tae: Yeah. You're the first person I've really shared all that with, good thing we're both girls. But...it was also a good reminder. This is something I have to do, as the Plague.]
Keiko: I get it.
[Tae: Thanks to you, the drug's development is progressing very smoothly. If there are no issues with this latest sample, I think we're right on the edge of finally finishing it...Oh, sorry, looks like I've got a patient. Maybe that girl and her dad came back. I have to go. See you later.]
Keiko: Bye, Tae. Take care.
Entering back at Leblanc to feed Keiko's plant and read a book before both she and Morgana headed to bed.
Morgana: And another fine day to go well for us.
Soon enough, to be ready to go back to Madarame's Palace real soon.
Year – 20xx
Day # 43 – May 5/22nd – Sunday
Another fine day to have a day off of school, to try to do something for today.
Keiko: I better go do some more practice time with Ryuji to help him run better.
Then later for Ryuji asks Keiko to help him train for track running again to do after school, besides the gym sometimes.
Ryuji: Man, we really don't got a good place to train, huh...I mean, we'd prolly run into Nakaoka and them if we stuck around here…You got any ideas?
To practice running somewhere else instead of outside the spot that Ryuji does it at? Anything in mind...?
Keiko: How about...We can train ay my place
A nice thought, but a bit too small in Yongen-Jaya to do anywhere to be a big area.
Ryuji: You seriously think we'd get any trainin' done there? Thanks, Keiko, but I don't know from there. I bet we'd just end up eatin' ice cream and playin' video games all day long. That's just kinda what happens, y'know? ...Eh, I guess it won't hurt to peek 'round the gym. If they ain't there, maybe we can-
It was hard to do it at his favorite spot not as much. Just then, they hear a familiar voice.
Familiar Voice: Hrgh...!
Ryuji: ...Nakaoka?
Keiko: Wait, he's here in our school?
The two check it out to see Ryuji's other form three teams were giving Nakaoka a hard time with them, like they were going to be having a big fight or something.
Keiko: (Those guys again? This can't be good.)
Ryuji: Takeishi? The hell are you guys doin'...?
Takeishi: Just asking our old friend here some question. It's none of your business, Sakamoto!
Ryuji: By asking him with your fists? Talk about being a coward!
No kidding, it was!
Takeishi: It's because of Nakaoka told Mr. Kamoshida lots of bull shit to ruin our track career. It's all his fault!
Ryuji: Huh? That's a load of bull!
This was bad...Soon Keiko speaks up to tell the boys to stop with all of this craziness.
Keiko: What happened in the past, stays in the past! You boys should know better by now. Kamoshida made Nakaoka spill the beans by force! You all should trust him since Kamoshida's finished as a gym teacher. Shame on all three of you.
Nice words from Keiko to not take any crap for Ryuji to love her style and her hot looks.
Ryuji: (Damn, Keiko...) That's right! You guys have been trainin' together for freakin' forever! Plus, ain't the track team comin' back? You don't gotta fight!
Takeishi: ...Sh-Shut up! I'm telling you guys, this piece of shit sold us out! What he did to us and you when Kamoshida back mouth about your parents, remember?!
Still going on with hating this whole thing from the past to never end, huh? It's all true, but it was time to move on.
Track Member # 1: He has to be the snitch!
Now this has to stop!
Ryuji: H-Hold up!
Ryuji then goes up to defend Nakaoka for Keiko to watch all of this for the other boys told him to move away or else.
Keiko: (Ryuji, be careful...)
Takeishi: Sakamoto, move it! Or we'll beat you up with Nanaoka as well!
He won't move at all.
Ryuji: Go ahead, I can take it than Nanaoka will. But it won't do you any good for me to know that already. Trust me!
Now he has said it to make the three boys stop.
Track Member # 1: Huh?
Ryuji: Look...If Nanaoka was working for Kamoshida, it's fine now, right? The bastard's finally gone to jail and you can put all of this behind you. There's no reason to fight anymore, yeah?
Takeishi But what if it happens again to destroy our team for good?
Then Nanaoka finally says something.
Nanaoka: But...I didn't do anything...I wasn't even working with Kamoshida in the first place. Go on, hit me. No matter what you guys try to do to me, my answer will still be the same.
Takeshi: Oh, yeah? Well, we've got proof! Yamauchi told us all about it.
Once that name was told, Ryuji recognizes the man's name.
Ryuji: ...Yamauchi?
Keiko: Him again?
This was getting pretty bad for one of them to stop this whole thing right away to be another track member to say so.
Track Member # 2: C'mon, Takeishi, let's go before someone sees us.
Guess the three have to retreat for now.
Takeishi: Shit...! They might tell on us to be much worse, let's go. This isn't over yet, Nanaoka! We're out of here...
And they flee like real cowards they are, and jerks. Ryuji checks on Nanaoka on how he was doing and Keiko does the same thing.
Keiko: I'm glad that's all over with.
Ryuji: Me too...Hey, Nanaoka, you OK? I mean what the hell was that all about?
Seems like he's going to be just fine to not let this bother him. But he couldn't admit it to them to just leave it be, really?
Nanaoka: Sakamoto, stay out of this please! It has nothing to do with you!
Ryuji: But...
Nanaoka; The way you punched Kamoshida to really want to beat him up badly back then. It must've been hard on you to endure his bullshit. Lots of it...I could've been somewhere I belonged and I've lost it all because of you have to stop him! Even what he said to you about your parents.
Even he was left down and sad...
Ryuji: ...I get it, really. I wasn't myself then and now I know. I'm over the whole parent thing now since that day. Also I realize something, Nanaoka...I might've did and say stuff at Kamoshida back then, but hangin' on to the past won't do anyone any good. For now on, I'm focusing on myself to be myself to track and nothing else.
Keiko: Way a go, Ryuji!
Good, for Ryuji to learn something a while back is a good thing to move on with his friends.
Nanaoka: What the hell are you talking about?! Be yourself, ha!
And he just leaves after so much he just went through with a no thanks to sit through all of that crap for nothing.
Ryuji: Hey, Keiko. Did you get what I was tryin' to say?
Keiko: (More than I know of from watching the whole thing.) Yes I do.
Ryuji: I know, right? He wasn't the one who wasn't listening. Stopping fights to not being thanked for nothing. Oh, well...What can you do? But becoming a new you feels free and such. You know?
Keiko: Kind of...
Ryuji: Come on, Keiko, don't leave me hanging.
Keiko: What? Hearing you explain something is like saying free from what? Flying?
Ryuji: Or a fart.
He let's out one for Keiko to find that to be gross.
Keiko: Ryuji!
She hits him.
Ryuji: I hate getting hit, but I can take your slaps anytime, babe. Hahaha!
This makes Ryuji to laugh and then Keiko joins in to see a good friend he was to her. With the sixth ranking of Ryuji going up to be something even better of the Confidant to be happening for one of her teammates.
Keiko: (Oh, Ryuji...A pervert and silly you can be, I do understand how you feel to call you a dear friend of mine.)
Ryuji: Come on...Let's do some rounds, get clean up when we're done, and get some ramen on the way home.
Keiko: Okay!
And they do that for Ryuji to be a good guy on what he try to do today, only to have another Shadow on the loose for Keiko, Ryuji, and Morgana to sense out together.
Morgana: Ryuji! Keiko! A Shadow's after one of the members of the track team.
Meaning the last person to leave the scene was none other than...Nanaoka!
Ryuji: Shit! It's after Nanaoka!
Keiko: He's going after who?!
From those who are suicidal, sad, mad, stress, and/or scared to have Nanaoka lost and confused was also one of those things when they strike to take over the host. Affecting his body for the Shadow to control the grounds of a Shadow mutt, and Morgana allowing the Metaverse door to open up...only for Ryuji and Keiko to go in first to leave Morgana to trip.
Morgana: Meow? Ouch!
Keiko: Ryuji, let's go after this Shadow!
Ryuji: Ah, right. Mona, get Ann and Yusuke right away!
Those two go off first.
Morgana: Hey! Grr...Fine! But you own me one, Ryuji! Go stop the Shadow!
Tayla: Persona #33 – Shiisaa
Okinawa. A shishi-like creature said to be a protective spirit. Paired figurines of them are often set at entrances to houses. A local version of the Chinese shishi.
Now you see I wanted to add some new ones like this one...I wanted to, on certain people to become the victims only. For Nakaoka wants to control the grounds to be the best and being accused for made him upset to run away from the truth.
Shiisaa: Grah! I don't need anyone to believe in me! Fine! Be that way! I'll just out run y problems, I'll run away from it all!
He was moving like a wild animal to cause the ground to cause a powerful quake of the Cognitive beings to cheer on the track show of Shiisaa's movements. Having Keiko and Ryuji to lose their balance, and for Keiko to fall on top of Ryuji to like it.
Ryuji: Sorry-! Damn...
Keiko: Hey, Ryuji! Come on, it's time to transform to save Nanaoka right away from this Shadow! Suit up! Code name – Joker!
So much for his love moment to last long.
Ryuji: Ah, right. (I still love the feeling I get from her.) Suit up! Code name – Skull!
Transforming for the two take action before more help arrives, for the two stop Shiisaa to go all wild to have something to throw at to avoid it quickly by making side walls of point rocks. This thing's very tricky.
Shiisaa: Huh? Hey! Who dares stop my running?!
And appearing to two Phantom Thieves.
Ryuji: Hey, ass hole! Havin' issues with my old track members is something I need to deal with, but hurting one of 'em is unforgivable! Now you're gonna get it.
Keiko: What Skull just said! (I can see why he's mad about this.) Running away from your problems won't solve anything. Not for sports or something to be up that's not your fault, because no one should make matter worse to hurt yourself. You need to stop along with the boy's body you're using. I think it's time for you to slow down.
Ryuji: Ha! What she said! (Man, Keiko, you're so cute when you're serious in battle.)
Now the Shadow will have to fight them off in any way Shiisaa must against two of the Phantom Thieves.
Shiisaa: You two are telling me what to do?! No! I won't listen! I'll run and I'll keep on running until I solve all of my problems! So shut it and get out of my way!
Off he goes to not stop to almost running into Ryuji/Skull and Keiko/Joker to both step aside right away.
Ryuji: Um...How can we stop this one?
Keiko: Only one thing we can do, Skull. Outrun it too!
Using one of Keiko's other Persona's abilities to give chance for Ryuji to go after the Shadow as well.
Ryuji: Wait for me! (I have to save Nanaoka's life right away!)
What a race this became for Shiisaa had a lot more ground to cover against these guys to come popping out to be sharp rocks. For Ryuji to crush and Keiko to fire off her gun.
Shiisaa: Hey! Grah! I'm running here! Stay way behind me!
Now shaking the ground to make them lose balance again was hard to stand up either way.
Keiko: Whoa! The ground!
Ryuji: Can't get up!
Almost down for the count for Shiisaa had more boulders coming at them...
Shiisaa: Now to finish you both off-!
Soon to be stopped by a powerful whip of fire, then ice on the ground, and wind to push the Shadow way fast to go flying into a wall to slow down there.
Morgana: Furious Fangs!
Ann: Burning Claw!
Yusuke: Aqua Typhoon!
Shiisaa: The Hell!?
For help has finally arrived.
Keiko: It's you guys!
None other than Morgana/Mona, Ann/Panther, and Yusuke to the rescue.
Morgana: This is the end of the race for you, Shadow!
Ann: It's time that we all step in.
Yusuke: And finish this disgusting thing off together.
Ryuji: About friggin' time you al showed up!
It wasn't easy getting back in at all. Well, slowing this Shadow down was one thing, but...it creates more earthquakes and rocks to go all over the place for no one couldn't slow Shiisaa down at all!
Shiisaa: Grah! Now you've all done it! I'll shake you all to the ground!
No one couldn't even touch him, but Ryuji to put his tracking skills to the test to jump over the danger and into the core of it all.
Ryuji: Shake on this!
Using his weapon, Ryuji hits whacks Shiisaa on the head really hard to crack from his mental type of head to really get to him.
Shiisaa: OOOOOWWW! That hurt, dammit!
Ryuji: No more shaking the grounds! You wanna do so, then lets you and me race it off. C'mon, lets go!
A fair tracking race type of chase, huh? Seems fair for the Shadow to do with Ryuji.
Shiisaa: Fine...Grr...Race me, but the others stay put.
They have to stay behind for this one was something for Ryuji t do alone.
Ann: But, Skull-!
Yusuke: No, Panther, let Skull handle this one on his own.
Since they couldn't do anything for Ryuji, all they could do was watch.
Keiko: You got this.
Getting to their places, for them to wait for Keiko to fire off her gun...and bang! There they go! For Ryuji tries to catch up to Shiisaa's speed and ground troubles to stand up from.
Morgana: You better not whip out now, Skull! Win this!
Ryuji: Shuddup! I know, stupid cat!
Then keep on running! As Ryuji/Skull gave it his all to avoid falling down or getting pushed at by rocks from Shiisaa's doing, it was going well to not stop running to make up from the past for a good future later on and whatever's happening right now to solve for Takashi, the other members, and Nanaoka' sakes. All of it with Keiko's help, Ann, and the new friends he was making. Without stopping to make some electrical speed from his abilities, he out runs Shiisaa to have a shocking feeling to his feet to slow down; and his attack grounds was painful enough to make him stop running – leaving Ryuji to finish line and the winner in battle to say the least.
Keiko: Skull did it!
Morgana, Ann, and Yusuke: Yes!
Even he was excited to didn't think Ryuji had it in him, but he did.
Ryuji: I won...? Holy shit, I did it! I ran against a Shadow! Hells yeah! Hey, Joker, did you see me?
And now it was time to save Nanaoka from Shiisaa to give himself up, for the five Phantom Thieves surround him with guns out.
Shiisaa: No. No! I've lost! What have you thieves done to me?!
Keiko: No more, you're done for.
Shiisaa: But without me running anywhere else, I'm done for! I need to run away from my problems-! Grr! Otherwise-!
Looks like Ryuji takes over to say something to this Shadow instead.
Ryuji: Oh, would you just shut up already?! Running away from your problems ain't gonna solve anything. Something will work out only, not to push the blame on something you didn't even do. I bet something will turn up somehow from this little mistake of yours. Let Nanaoka clear his mind from the others for now, just leave your talented runnin' skills in battle only.
Nice speech there to leave the others and the Shadow himself...Well, speechless.
Morgana: No bad, Skull.
Ann: That's one of the smartest things I ever heard him say so far.
Yusuke: Same here.
Like I said, left speechless.
Shiisaa: So wait, I can still run. In battle you said?
Ryuji: Please don't make me say it twice. Of course you can. It's better than getting mad for nothing. Hey, Joker, you're up.
It was time to save this Shadow and Nanaoka' problems right away for both Ryuji and Keiko to work on the rest on their own later on.
Keiko: It'll be fine. Your skills are good to use for battle.
Shiisaa: Yeah...? You're right. Grah! I wanna out run others in a race, like Skull there. Nice ran.
Ryuji: Same here, man.
A nice way to show they care and such...And now, Keiko does the rest.
Keiko: Shiisaa - Rooftop Lion, I've commit thee to join!
From a Shadow to a good Persona for Shiisaa's powers to be very useful in battle later on for Keiko to absorb into her mask. Good made up one there, huh? Want more? Please let me know.
Shiisaa: Running...It feels good to feel like you're running in the winds itself. To make you all speed up for battle, just leave it all to me! Grah! I am thou, thou art I. I'm Shiisaa for my speed in running and creating powerful earthquakes or other earth elements does not no other bounds. I'll do my best to win this race in any battle.
Another Shadow stopped, another person saved, and back to the real world again. As Keiko, Ryuji, Morgana, Ann, and Yusuke all turn back to normal after this. As well as Nanaoka out cold and sleeping to be just fine.
Yusuke: I'm getting use to my new Persona-user powers now.
Looks like it was Ryuji Sakamoto who saved the day this time.
Ryuji: Yes! Did you see me?! I was so good!
Ann: Nice one, Ryuji-!
Almost hugging there to have Ann stop a little.
Ryuji: Thanks, but Keiko I wouldn't want to hug me more.
But she places her hand on Ryuji's back to patting it instead.
Keiko: You did good today.
A good chance for Ryuji and Ann's love to grow even more.
Ann: What she said.
The two girls winked to keep on trying somehow.
Ryuji: Ah, I guess it's worth getting praised a little.
Morgana: OK, you did fine, Ryuji. Now everyone get out of this area before he comes around.
Yusuke and Ann: Right!
Off they all split up for Ryuji and Keiko will work something out with the other thing later on.
Keiko: See ya, Ryuji!
Ryuji: Right back at ya! (Sweet, it felt good to be runnin' again! At least for us as Phantom Thieves.)
Well, it all worked out well, huh? For Nanaoka to drink some water as he thought he out ran way too much today.
Nanaoka: Ah, I knew I should've drank a bit more before running. Takeshi...Sakamoto-Kun...I didn't do anything.
He'll be fine, but something was going on with the track team to have Takeshi mad at Nanaoka with no proof on what it was. Not good...Well, more on that part when Ryuji gets something as evidences. Hours later Keiko and Morgana to return back at Cafe Leblanc to then going out for a bit again. Well, before going inside of the place, Keiko gets a call from Ryuji to answer it 'to still love her even though she's already dating with Akechi'.
[Ryuji: Yo, Keiko, you good right now? What a battle, huh? But we all did it. And all that mess with the track team...Guess I was right about my gut feeling. And Nakaoka can get weirdly stubborn sometimes, except without the Shadow part. He'll keep his mouth shut whether or not someone's punchin' him.]
Keiko: So he should've punched back? Can't say I blame you, Ryuji.
[Ryuji: Whoa, hey, that's not what I'm saying! No violence, period! Although...It sounds hot comin' from you, babe...I thought you're supposed to be the pacifist here type of girl! Saving Nanaoka from the Shadow's one thing, but that's all we can fight for, not fight back at them in our world. Look, I'm just sayin' there's gotta be another way to solve this instead of just goin' dark?
Keiko: I was only saying, Ryuji, but I get it.
[Ryuji: 'Kay, that's it. I'm gonna do a full investigation. I'll hit you up if I find anything! Later! Still love ya either way even we're just comrades!]
And they say some people with brute strength couldn't do anything, well Ryuji was one of them.
Morgana: Fine, I'll admit...Ryuji's not half bad. Maybe he'll come around more and more.
Keiko: Sounds good to me, Morgana. He's a good friend.
Morgana: And only a friend to you.
With Keiko cleaning up Leblanc for Sojiro, then later on both she and Morgana go out to help with another one of his speech to be told and heard from Yoshi once again. Well, stick around...More to come up next time for other bonuses and way before the Palace to go back to stopping Madarame soon enough. Also to give Yusuke a code name as well, he's not bad for a newbie.