Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition
By Tayla Drago
Episode #128 - Exploring on the Open Seas
Out on the open seas to explore on Shido's Ship type of Palace in the Metaverse world for the Phantom Thieves have to steal his Treasure to change his heart for him to confess on all the crimes he has done. Really bad ones...And let's not forget about finding Jackie's human master, saving Akechi, stopping Junko Sakurai/Queen Lilith, Fallen One 'who is controlling Akechi's body to trap his soul from within', stopping two more False Gods, one more Pink of the seventh Brightful Gems to get, and then...proving in the Phantom Thieves' innocents of the true three criminals for the real to see and Keiko's return to still be alive. Fake Tsuba and Sith will have to wait for way later, but they're no threat. With Kiwa and Daisuke on standby...
Kiwa: Already located Masayoshi Shido's Palace in the Metaverse. A type of ship-like building. I hate to see what his Shadow will look like.
Daisuke: Still, having a politician to ruin our lives...your cousin to search for you to see him soon, a fake one, finding my daughters who I've been working for, getting our answers, and-! And we've made it this far to not give up. Lilith's going to pay for this.
At the rest of the trustworthy team is worth being on the Phantom Thieves' side.
Kiwa: Not calling her by Junko anymore? I don't blame you either. Officer Daisuke. I will see this Shibusawa later, our mission comes first. As well the book.
The two girls will be on the clock on their ends.
Daisuke: One thing at a time, you're right. I'm glad Aika and Hitomi to see me as a father friend. It's a start. I don't mind it.
Kiwa: Good to know. As we let two enemies go, we owe the Phantom Thieves our lives, the last gem to gather, and two more False Gods to be stopped.
Daisuke: Then the seven gems will form soon. As for our new partner...
They need to tell them later, huh?
Kiwa: We'll tell them later.
Daisuke: I know. Hey, it's fair by law to still keep an eye on "her". Right, more later. We'll work on it later. This comes first.
Good idea, but they know. With Aika and Hitomi having a look around to keep Kiwa and Daisuke posted...
Aika: We're in. Man, talk about too fancy.
Hitomi: I know what you mean, Templar. Let's be on our guard against the Shadows if we must.
All good on their ends there, so those girls were doing well. As Keiko, Jackie, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru headed to the entrance of the ship to explore for today 'and some upgrade level ups for Mochizuki to do in spirit', they were all set to have a look around from the inside of the Palace. Weird how a big it was to still be a type of cruise ship to move on something in Shido's mind to come up with things like this one.
Yusuke: I wonder what awaits inside of this Palace?
Makoto: There's only one way to find out what, and that's by going to check it out.
As they get near the door, Keiko started to feel strange all over her body to feel weak for a few seconds like someone was watching her for Jackie and Morgana to notice it first.
Morgana: Madame Keiko...? What's wrong?
Keiko: Huh? I'm fine, Morgana. Jackie. I'm just tired, but this won't stopped me.
Morgana: I hope not...Let's open these doors.
From hiding it from everyone else, something was a bit off.
Keiko: (What was this strange feeling...? I felt like someone's watching me for my heart to think about someone else...No! My heart belongs to Akechi-Cun. I can't let this type of power try to stop me...It must be Junko's doing again.)
Once they open the doors to see...it looking like something from an 1800's type of fancy look almost with today's clothes for the rich men and women to be wearing and partying normally. And once the Phantom Thieves get inside, their clothes changed. Keiko/Joker, Morgana/Mona, Ryuji/Skull, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, and Haru/Noir but Jackie was more surprised it happened just like that out of nowhere. Same with Aika/Jester and Hitomi/Templar on the other end of the Palace.
Ann: I think we are seen as a threat here...This is bad.
Ryuji: Are they tryin' to mock us as the Phantom Thieves...? I'm lost here.
I doubt it, this was just a normal rich type of cruise thing when people go out to partying when they're on something like this 'sort of'.
Haru: I don't think so, Skull.
Yusuke: Maybe Shido doesn't view on others normally.
Keiko: Maybe not...
Still, they all needed to be on their guard now even Jackie to still look all armored up to change whenever it wants to.
Makoto: I'm surprised they all appear as real people.
Morgana: Either way, let's do what we can to fight some Shadows who tries to stop us. Move out, team!
Futaba: And I'll back you all up when needed in battle.
Looking around the entire room for they see Shido as a famous person who owns the entire ship to praise him a lot to also be wearing party masks of their own, for men and women who are guests on the ship type of Palace itself. Weird...They even have two golden statues of Shido from left and right on the way up stairs, and then a Shadow they must fight with from changing from a bar tender, into a type of wild cat-like monster being Cerberus.
Futaba: Oh boy, here comes trouble.
Being a fast, strong, and fearsome one in battle, Jackie gives it a try to be stronger to clash to freezing the beast up. This Persona was getting stronger and stronger everyday! This allows for Keiko to use her new weapon with a Persona to make more copies and Yusuke's sword to hack and slash this Shadow into bits thanks to Jackie lending them a hand. Continuing to go on and ignoring other people's made up insults to them.
Morgana: Bad kitty. Good going, Jackie.
The two creatures high five each other of their team work.
Keiko: (Wow! This new long sword-like dagger's amazing on what Mochizuki did for me.) That's one guard down, with a few more to go. Let's keep exploring some more, and please ignore the people on this ship...Or rather Palace, they're not real.
Even with a lot of people all over the place without a care in the world, they still need to fight some guards of Shadows or sneak around them to go up more and more; having more things about Shido like posters of his all over the walls, speakers of him talking a lot to his people, colorful confide falling down, and so on that never ends...
Masked Man: Ah, is this a show of sorts? Mr. Shido never fails to keep his guests entertained!
Masked Woman: Indeed! Those privileged enough to be on this ship are all on the winning team!
Masked Man: Ahahahaha!
Masked Woman: Hahahaha!
This was no laughing matter!
Yusuke: How rude of these cognitive people are.
Makoto: It seems they think no harm will come to them because they're here on Shido's ship.
Ryuji: They're not even sensin' the danger...C'mon, let's make 'em see what this ship really is!
Wow. Shido's both a jerk and a show off! Other than getting some items and treasure chests to be open for them to keep on going to exploring some more, then going to a door to get in some central passage on what lies ahead of the Phantom Thieves next in this next room.
Yusuke: Mona? Do you felt something?
When he does, there's always to be Treasure nearby.
Morgana: I do...! I sense a Treasure's presence. It's this way! Follow me.
Let Morgana take the rest of the team to the location for Jackie to also follow 'and at times use its small feet to go faster as ice skates to make with sharp ice type of glass'. As well as the weird statue head type of balls all over the room, Shido must like it a lot. Going down the hallways a bit to get to a very big door on where Shido's Treasure was in just like that.
Ryuji: These huge doors are obviously suspicious. I wonder what's through here.
Seeing on the sides, they have to put in some type of key cards to get the door like this one to open up.
Futaba: There are slots to stick in something like a key card...Whoa, there's five of them!
Keiko: We might have to get some from five special people who have these key cards.
Looking at them carefully for Jackie to count them all, there were! They needed to find five card keys to get them to the room with Shido's Treasure was in, but it won't be so easy to do. Just then, they hear Shido's voice on the huge speakers of his Shadow self – or rather Shido Shadow...Although we don't see his face right now.
Shido Shadow: ...Four hundred seventy-five people in favor, zero against.
Morgana: I hear something.
Shido Shadow: Since there is no one against the plan, this bill will be unanimously passed as drafted.
No doubt of the person who's talking to be none other than Shido's Shadow all right.
Ryuji: Passed? What's goin' on? Was that Shido's voice?
Keiko: There's no doubt about it, that is Shido talking...
Makoto: If this truly is the Representative Chamber as written, beyond here must be the main assembly hall.
From the real world is a hallway of the important room to work on things type of politician stuff, as in the Metaverse is some room of the cruise members who run the ship and aid their worshiper rich type of person who owns the whole thing being Shido, that's how he sees it. As Makoto explains the rest to Ryuji about it 'just in case'.
Ryuji: ...The what now?
Makoto: It's that large conference room that's usually seen on the news.
Now he gets it...
Ryuji: Ohhh, that thing. Gotcha...So, what're they doin' inside?
Keiko: Work stuff?
Makoto: Most likely a meaningless vote...one in which whatever Shido proposes will always go unopposed.
Like a selfish king to get what he wants from others by any mean necessary.
Haru: So he's doing whatever he wants by keeping only his supporters in there.
Yusuke: What do we do to get in, though? Should we find these key cards?
Morgana: Maybe we need some kind of qualification, one that vows to be his follower or sewer loyalty.
In order for them to get inside, they must prove in Shido on how loyalty they can truly be to see how strong they were to face against each other in battle.
Ann: So basically, we need to prove that we're on his side.
Keiko: Then let's act like one.
Good move there, Keiko. It was the only chance they've got.
Makoto: You sure move on quick, Keiko-Chan...We're glad you're back and still our leader.
Keiko: Thanks, Queen, but I know what's best before making a move... (I think without panicking so much.)
Ryuji: But what's this qualification thing about?
That's a very good question there, it's something to sign up for on events to be big...A very important thing from rich business like politicians and rich people, like Shido is to be a despicable one.
Haru: Why don't we ask the guests on this ship?
Keiko: Great idea.
Asking some of the people on the ship might be useful...'if someone of them being not real are fine to talk to them normally'. But from Jackie nodding a yes there, it was a smart plan to try out.
Futaba: That thought never crossed my mind.
Morgana: Asking around doesn't sound like a bad idea. The guests here are the cognitive versions of them in Shido's mind. They'll know any secrets he shared.
Makoto: True. You have a point.
Yusuke: That said, the ruler here is that evil Shido. It wouldn't surprise me if they did turn hostile.
If something bad were to happen in between? So they have to play their cards right and still fight on.
Ann: Right...Yeah, wouldn't they attack us...?
Morgana: We should prepare for the worst, of course, but I think we'll at least be able to talk to them. This ship is most likely an ark loaded with those that Shido believes are worth keeping alive. It'd explain the luxury cruise ship. I doubt idiots who can't even hold a conversation would be here.
Makoto: We can at least gather information. It helps that everyone wearing masks. We'll blend in even with our attire.
Like others will care if they're the Phantom Thieves with masks on, they only care about themselves for Shido to see people like this.
Keiko: Some will talk, and some will fight to give it our all.
Morgana: He must believe that no one shows their true faces to anyone else...just like Shido himself.
Saying so to be fine with this, Jackie was ready to have its fits out.
Haru: Well then, let's split up and ask around.
And so, they split up in the room they were in the ask some of the people about the whole details they needed. For Morgana to sense the Treasure behind the big doors, they were getting close...From Ann's end for Keiko and Morgana to hear from the others – they say someone with a VIP area to swim in might have a type of key card to a sacred place'; nothing on Ryuji's end to see them ignoring him, while Haru had some trouble saying anything because she stood in silence a lot from her father's business meetings he use to have.
Haru: Sorry about this, Joker. I'll keep trying on something else on my end.
Even Jackie was trying to listen in to get something like money, life, clothes, Shido, a lot and so on to never end with these type of conversations. Makoto tries to hear 'to hate people like them real or not' for one is another VIP member who likes to eat, so that makes two VIP members so far and three more to go.
Makoto: Hmmm...I see.
Next was Yusuke to get the third one to have a VIP to play some games with others for one man to talk about it with the other girls.
Yusuke: So much to learn.
While Futaba wasted around for the others to gather some more data to get work in a bit,.
Futaba: I can do this, I can do this.
And for Morgana to notice something next to tell Keiko all about it of a map to navigate on for the team so they know where they needed to go to next.
Morgana: Not bad, huh? Jackie and I do a very good job with this type of task.
Keiko: Hey...Not bad, Mona. Same with you too, Jackie. With this map to put together, we should be getting somewhere with this.
It looked like an information guide booklet to be their type of map. Now regrouping back together to try to get something on each of their ends, only three people with VIP passes can be found somewhere in this Palace, with two more left to find as well. While both Ryuji and Ann found out on other things too...
Ryuji: Weird.
Ann: Why do some people act like this?
They go somewhere safe to talk this over in a Safe Room to talk about Keiko, Morgana, Jackie, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru about their next move on what they should do next to find the last two next before getting a hold of all five of their key cards.
Morgana: Still, this is a surprise...All the cognitive guests in this Palace seem like real humans. The casino earlier looked pretty real too, but talking with these guests was a whole other story.
Seeing a poster of Jackie to rip up and shred it into ice to break in seconds, for this Persona hates this person too.
Keiko: It was like they were all the crop of a fancy life...A little too fancy.
Yusuke: You got that right...Both of you do.
Morgana: This ruler's observational skills and insight are off the charts. Shido's a formidable foe...
They have to think before making another move.
Ryuji: C'mon, no need to freak out!
Morgana: I'm not freaking out! I was just thinking it'll be easier to make a plan since they can talk normally. All right, let's put together the information we gathered.
It was time to hear about what they've gotten to hear about one person at a time for Jackie to write down for Morgana.
Ryuji: Something' about a "letter of introduction" from the five VIPs, right?
Ann: And they become the key cards?
Makoto: Exactly. Let's go through on what we've learned so far...What I got is from a man name Ooe, he sits at a restaurant at night time near a window.
From Makoto to get her answer, next was Ann to explain the nest part...
Ann: The other one was a nobility or something like it...He always like to spend his times at the pool.
Now it was Yusuke's turn...
Yusuke: Mine was someone as the president of a television station to be another one to play at the slot machines every night, a bad way to waste all of your money in seconds.
Ryuji: Ah...! I didn't get nothin'...
And there was something that Futaba picked up on for the others to hear about it.
Futaba: My turn! I eavesdropped to hear this forth VIP person is the president of an IT Company. He's always in his room and reports entries from an excursive hallway.
So far, so good to get about four people to have one more to go for Morgana might've found the fifth and final person.
Morgana: Well then, I'll close us out! This person is call the "cleaner" to be another VIP member and he's always too cautious. So I say we go after the first four and then save this one for last.
Haru: Cleaner? I wonder what that word means for this person?
Ann: And from all of the other VIP's, this one is a cleaner?
I don't know about a janitor of some kind at all to sound like to be in a place like this for Shido to image someone to be there.
Morgana: Maybe he is.
Looks like everyone else did well so far to go from there and Haru and Ryuji to try again next time. As for knowing more about these five people to go to next to take their key cards, well...there's another matter at hand.
Ryuji: Ugh, it's no use! I can't keep the profiles of five people straight in my head...
Ann: I can only remember about two of them...What about you, Joker?
Did Keiko find out about something too?
Keiko: I do have a good memory of them. You see...I get this strange thing to not forget to remember from the top of my head in seconds, it all comes back to me. Must be a gift I was born with besides having these other powers.
Ann: Really?! Wow!
And Jackie wrote down the names for Morgana and the others to hold on to 'just in case'.
Futaba: We're up against five people. The politician Ooe, a former noble, a TV station president, an IT company president, and a cleaner. We get certifications from them and obtain letters of introduction that'll serve as key cards. But only go for the cleaner after the other four have been dealt with. Right?
Sounds like a very good idea to do.
Ann: Whoa! Now that's impressive! You go, genesis!
Keiko: This will help us out a lot.
A lot to do and try to remember to get the first four and then save the best for last.
Makoto: If we can't remember the details on the VIPs, let's reconvene inside a Safe Room.
Morgana: All right, let's get this done quickly!
Good to know, even for Aika and Hitomi get a message from Kiwa to come back to wait for the other members to come back.
Hitomi: More next time?
Aika: Yeah, let's retreat for now.
For now, they should all head back to the real world until they can do some more on the five once they can to not cause a scene, for them to do so and to have Jackie wait for them to spy around the place inside the air vents to find something for the Phantom Thieves 'for this little Persona wants to'.
Keiko: Let's head back home for now to come back later for the five to get the key cards from. Jackie, we're counting on you to have a look around the Palace to find anything for us. Since Jester and Templar will do the same thing, we're going to need all the help we can get. Also, tell Jose we said hi. If something does comes about Junko or Akechi, please let us know, just don't do anything reckless on your own until we return. Goodbye for now.
Jackie will do so for them as the Phantom Thieves call it a day until their next visit. Returning to the real world, the eight run into Aika and Hitomi to take them somewhere real quick.
Futaba: Oh! Aika and Hitomi. We were just talking about you two. What luck.
Hitomi: We're glad you're doing well since we last talked, Amamiya.
Aika: Anyway, can you guys come with us? We know of the plan, but the rest we have to discuss something else in private.
Sounds serious so Aika and Hitomi lead Keiko, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru to see Kiwa, Daisuke, and their other new member to aid them with many reason why "she" was. Into Metropolis 12 base to be well upgraded...
Ryuji: Ah, good old Metropolis 12 headquarters. Still kick ass as ever.
Daisuke: Well look what my two half daughters dragged in again.
Ah, a little bit on the loving family old aside...
Aika: Please, Daisuke...! Not now!
Daisuke: Come on, you can at least call me Dad.
Hitomi: Maybe later, thank you.
Don't worry, it'll happen to still work and care for each other either way.
Morgana: Ah, right...So why did you guys call us here for this time? Remember to lay a low profile while we're working. Still, it's good to have a very helping hand.
It's true, as Kiwa explains to the others for the other three were already aware of the surprised but them.
Kiwa: Thanks, we know. Other than trying to ask you guys to come after leaving Shido's Place would be a good time. So, you helped us solve the mystery so far to get back at Queen Lilith to still do the right thing and straighten our real life out...We owe you Phantom Thieves so much to fight until the very end. Anyways, we got another member on our team to...make amends on her end for a new path in the future, try not to freak out once we introduce you too-!
She then shoves Kiwa aside to look like in great shape again while carrying her child, none other than Tohru Hitachi was on police watch to do service by law while care on her baby to be born somewhere next year.
Tohru: So, you guys are Team Drago of the Phantom Thief of Hearts. I thought I felt something familiar.
Yep, she's now a member of Metropolis 12 with a change of heart.
Morgana: Tohru Hitachi!?
Ryuji: The hell-?!
Wait, no one starts a fight!
Daisuke: Wait! I release her under court order! She's not the same anymore, her heart's been changed thanks to you guys!
Even the others admitted it.
Kiwa: After telling us about Lilith's dirty tricks and lies and a hint of Cthulhu to act like my other cousin, she just saved our lives to stopping him and Sith on that night. Remember.
Aika: It's true...Although, I hate to admit it. This woman saved our sorry asses to ask for our help.
Hitomi: Even though she has committed a crime, get this. Mr. Okumura's will to be married a little to give some of the money of his will to Hitachi and bail out to freedom, but only to make amends on her part in return. And she is. Just had to file as a widower now.
If this was true, then the change of heart does seem to be work.
Makoto: Oh right...Sis di say she was helping her out a bit in court to confess to her crime.
Haru: Niijima-san is both good and skillful at the same time.
Ann: Still, even if you have a change of heart which is very good...Are you sure you want to help us out?
A lot of explaining to do next...
Tohru: I want to, I've seen the error of my ways. No more tricks, I'm working hard to have my leftover money from my aquarium to run better now be care for, and to save all wild life on which I didn't sell off to the mafia. I'm on your side. After Daisuke and I talked, we trust in each other to explain everything and for my child's safety too. I want to get back to those who killed my old boyfriend Kunikazu and live on for our little girl to be...And Haru, I know you still hate me.
Haru: No. I'm glad you're seeing the error of your ways. This is just quite a surprise for me. I won't call you mother, but I want to help out my baby sister if that's all right.
It seems those two will get along now.
Tohru: Heh, why not? We're family in some way. Also, look! I loss weight and eating right to care for my child. It feels great. Homemade cook veggie, planned fruits, and small amount of meat types feels great.
Yeah, she does look good for someone carrying a child. Much better than in her Metaverse Palace was.
Yusuke: Plenty of proof of someone's heart to be changed in person. Well I'll be...
Futaba: I like this Tohru already.
Well said there and a lot to talk about next. With Keiko being fine having the new and improve Tohru around is fine. Don't worry, she's not going to betray them at all.
Keiko: Welcome aboard, Tohru.
With a lot more to tell about her powers next after shaking hands.
Tohru: Thanks a bunch, leader. Sorry what has been happening to you lately. Kinda sucks. Anyways, I can guide you guys at base. I don't have powers to use much but to feel it out and that's it, and no more Palace for me, but with some I do have with my baby's help...We want to use them for good. With these boys and me using the computers to keep posted on the dangers from Mementos and the Metaverse of others' Palaces, we can win this fight for sure. After what that bitch Lilith did to my Okumura...! She'll pay for this! Even that sicko controlling the kid detective. No one should take someone else's love away, I won't allow it, not even to you leader. From so many other things to do, those Shadow weirdos and Shido are all going to get what's coming to them. I'm done working for them and I rather die before that madman tries killing my baby first. And yes, it's not as if I'll tell others about your secrets. Hell, when I was selling off the fishes from the black market, I was very sneaky in doing it carefully. Still, the old me is long gone, dead. I'm the new and better Tohru Hitachi. Working hard an caring for my upcoming baby. And from the Midnight Strike from Lilith's doing, she murder my grandparents since my parents were killed on a oat during stormy night; so my aunt and uncle are my only relatives left alive to care for. What I've done before, Phantom Thief members, please...I hope you can all forgive me.
For her to say so, and Daisuke staring at Tohru 'might have a crush on her'...for him, Kiwa, Aika, and Hitomi sense the good in her. But another murder victim from the Midnight Strike event, who would've guested, huh?
Daisuke: So, what do you guys say? Please give her a chance?
Kiwa: If it wasn't for us solving that murder mystery, Tohru wouldn't be able to help us out at all and would've been killed for being used for evil.
Aika: She's good with power ups in the other world you know...
Hitomi: She's much better to not betray any of us to fight back. How wonderful.
Even with glasses to dressing up regularly and being in better shape along with her child, Tohru has changed a lot. And what says for the Phantom Thieves on all of this?
Futaba: She's in. Again, I like this one much better.
Yusuke: Her beauty's much better to care for others than her old self use to be.
Haru: Also, I'll have another addition to my family now. I'm going to be a big sister.
Three so far to trust in the new Tohru now.
Makoto: I doubt she'll be breaking any of the rules now.
Ryuji: Yeah, the more the merrier, right?
Ann: Even so, once we rescue Akechi to watch on her a lot if he has too. Or rather, just in case...
And the last two members, what do they think of all of this?
Morgana: Well...If Madame Keiko can sense a good change of heart in Tohru, then I believe in her too. She's in as part of our team.
Keiko: I agree. She was being used to get thrown out, Tohru deserve more than that.
So it's official, Tohru is herself to be part of the group.
Tohru: Thanks, I'll do my best. Not bad for a bunch of cool super hero kids.
Daisuke: I still have a lot more to teach this one.
She'll get the hang of it yet, so that was good huh?
Morgana: With this, the Phantom Thieves and Metropolis 12 will-!
Kiwa: Hold it! Not Metropolis 12, Wakaba our old boss wouldn't want for all of us to be tricked again after what Lilith has done. I saw, we're officially Team Drago all together. But we can still keep the base of our operations. No more Mistress boss, fake people, being tricked, none of it! We're fighting back.
Oh, they're officially Team Drago of the Phantom Thief of Hearts then.
Hitomi: Oh my, I like it.
Aika: And that'll make Kiwa Tsuba our new leader.
Daisuke: I agree.
Tohru: Same here!
Then it's settled.
Keiko: Kiwa, you've done well to lead the team and helping us out. So keep on working hard, a chief in command in the real world.
That's right, Keiko's the leader and Kiwa's the second in command in the real world.
Kiwa: I won't let any of you down. For all of us, my real cousin, and my Kasumi...We can do this. Let's change Shido's heart and stop those two Shadows!
Everyone else cheers with joy all over the room.
Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru: Yes!
Morgana: I like this new thing going on, at least we can come around here at any time. We can also celebrate later on.
On hold for now to do so later on.
Kiwa: Right. We'll worry about the smallest details later, let's do this one first. The book will also be research on still, so one thing at a time.
Morgana: Fair enough. For now, let's go home for today and we all head back to Shido's Palace. See ya.
Tohru: Keep us posted now.
With people like Daisuke, Tohru, and Kiwa with some powers 'but not as much as Aika and Hitomi has', they're the best in the group. All was good to leave for Sojiro to check on Keiko.
Sojiro: There you are. So, how was it so far...?
Keiko: Don't worry, Mr. Sakura. We're all doing this and for Futaba wants this too.
Sojiro: Thanks, Keiko...Listen, I'll still help you guys out in any way I can. Just say the word.
With Keiko and Morgana returning back to Leblanc for her to clean up for a bit to help out Sojiro and group text messaging the others afterwards...
[Yusuke: That Palace is an accurate portrayal of Shido's nature.]
[Ryuji: Whaddya mean?]
[Haru: I have to agree. I'm sure he's quite used to traveling, especially on extravagant ships.]
[Futaba: And it should be obvious he's not using his own money for it. There are all sorts of rumors online.]
[Ryuji: Ohhh! I get it! He's using tax money? Not cool, Shido.]
[Makoto: I think he believes that which belongs to others in turn belongs to him.]
[Ann: Even people's lives.]
[Yusuke: That i correct. This country will be a miserable place if Shido becomes prime minister.]
[Keiko: We have to stop him by changing his heart.]
[Ryuji: Right. We gotta pay him back for what he did to Keiko too.]
Then the two get ready to get some sleep after reading another book, only for Ryuji to call Keiko up real quickly – for he just wanted to tell Keiko that he wanted to change his heart badly after what has done to them, everyone else to be killed, Keiko herself, and so much to get away from many crimes to win to become the prime minister.
Keiko: Hello? Ryuji?
[Ryuji: It's me, Keiko. Sorry, I know you're tired. It'll be a sec, just hear me out.]
Keiko: Okay then. What's bothering you?
[Ryuji: I've decided what I want to do with Shido after goin' into his Palace. We can't let him run free. If there's a heart we gotta steal, it's definitely gotta be his.]
Keiko: That's right, we will.
[Ryuji: Yeah, I really get it now. I want to avenge you, that's a no-brainier, but that's not it.]
Keiko: Then what else? If you don't mind me asking you about it...
[Ryuji: It's fine. If we let him run the country, the weak will be totally effed. Isn't it our duty to protect them?]
Keiko: Yes it is, Ryuji. We'll protect them till the end.
[Ryuji: Yeah. Remember when I told you that heroes who lurk in the shadows are boring? Well, forget what I said. Those heroes are way cooler.]
Keiko: See? I told you so.
[Ryuji: ...Hey, Keiko-once we change Shido's heart...No, never mind. Forget it.]
Keiko: Okay then.
[Ryuji: Let's do it. Let's steal that bastard Shido's heart. I'll do everythin' I can to make it happen. Thanks for listenin' to me, Keiko. Besides you and my Ann. See ya.]
Keiko: *chuckle* Good night, Ryuji.
He wants to because Keiko helped him out so much to once fall in love to becoming friends to care deeply, and to love Ann a lot more now.
[Ryuji: Let's do what we do best then, Keiko, trust me. I really want to avenge you kinda thing. I still love you as a friend and that's it.]
True, so true...
Morgana: I guess Ryuji has changed a little bit better, not bad.
Keiko: He has very much. (Ryuji, you're kinda caring for a funny loud mouth to be my friend I've ever made and helped out a lot and you're doing the same for me too. Thank you so much.)
Going to sleep again for tomorrow to be a new day, and another time to plan to go back to Shido's Palace real soon...Jackie might be busy for a bit, but it'll wait for the others in their return.
Year 20xx
Day # 230 - November 11/25th – Friday
A new day...Brr...! Rather a cold morning for Keiko and Morgana felt a bit chilling in the attic bedroom.
Morgana: Grr...! Madame Keiko, it's too cold! Is there a heater of some type up here we can use?
Finding one in the back room to use and turn it on.
Keiko: Here's one.
It felt so warm and good to feel like in the cold fall season.
Morgana: Ah, that's much better...
Keiko: It is...
Feel good when doing so, right? Make sure to turn it off when you leave the room. Ha! As the others get through their school 'for Kawa calls up on Kawa from time to time and Yuuki on his end', during the afternoons for Keiko to be helping out Sojiro in the kitchen while Futaba and Morgana were sitting around.
Sojiro: Hey, are you sure it's okay for Keiko to be down here working right now? I mean, wouldn't it be bad if a Shūjin student walked in a saw her?
Only some random people show up in Leblanc anyways.
Futaba: Eh, don't worry about it.
Soon, someone came in the cafe to be a surprising visitor.
Sojiro: Welcome-
It was Kasumi! Arriving to see that Kiwa and the others were right of Keiko still alive and well.
Kasumi: ...Huh?
Sojiro: What did I just say?
But he can trust in this girl to be...part of the Phantom Thieves.
Futaba: Nah, still fine.
Keiko: Kasumi, hi!
Getting up to see her best friend.
Kasumi: Teacher Amamiya?! Kiwa was right...You...You're not like a stunt double or something, right?!
Keiko: It's the real me, see? Long time no see.
The two laughed to hug each other next with joy
Kasumi: It is you!
Keiko: so what brings you here, Kasumi?
Kasumi: Well...I don't know what's happening, but I really hope this isn't a dream!
Keiko: I guess Kiwa explain to you what's been happening then?
Kasumi: He has, Kiwa's so sweet.
Morgana: Well, are you pleased? I'm the one who set this up-a little surprise from me to you. I asked Futaba to do me a favor...
He does have a good point there for these two tell Kasumi and Kiwa too.
Futaba: ...And I asked Ryuji to also pass the message along to Kasumi.
Morgana: I knew you'd be wiped out for a while, so I made sure to give you time to recover first.
Someone was sure happy to see Keiko alive.
Keiko: Thanks, you two.
Kasumi: Oh, thank goodness! I'm just so happy!
Not hearing Morgana on his part.
Morgana: No one cares about my scheme?!
Keiko: We do, Morgana. Relax.
And now Sojiro trusts in Kasumi to be welcome to Leblanc.
Sojiro: Well, it looks like you know what's been going on with her. Take a seat, why don'tcha? No reason to stand around. I'm going out for a bit to grab some groceries. I'll let toy all get caught up with each other, Keiko.
Keiko: Okay, Mr. Sakura.
With him going out for a bit, Kasumi makes herself at home to sit with Keiko, Morgana, and Futaba to talk to each other.
Futaba: S-So, you're...Yoshizawa-san, right? W-Wassup? It's a...pleasure meeting you!
Kasumi: Yes, nice to meet you as well, Sakura-san!
Hey, Futaba was kind of getting better with others, huh?
Morgana: Could you at least figure out whether to be polite or casual?
Futaba: Sh-Shuddup! Don't you underestimate my people anxiety! Mona tells me that you helped Big Sis in that Palace a while back. We're awfully grateful for that.
He told them everything on Kasumi's powers and great skills.
Keiko: Thanks again for that, Kasumi. Really.
Kasumi: Oh no, it was my pleasure. She's usually the one who helps me out. Not only that, I'd promised to repay her kindness to me, no matter what.
Strong girl she was to get somewhere soon.
Futaba: What a refined response! Are you really around the same age?
Both Futaba and Kasumi were, yes.
Morgana: You know, there's something I've wanted to ask you, Yoshizawa: why ere you in that Palace in the first place?
Other than her boyfriend told her all about what was going on...
Kasumi: That's, ah...
Futaba: I was wondering that too. Of course, I'm extra-grateful that you saved our leader...But if our plan had somewhat leaked, then we need to change our tactics from here on out.
Okay, now she explains this part to them next.
Kasumi: It all started about a week ago, when we had lunch together on the roof of the school...
From the flashback where Morgana and Keiko had to tell Kasumi to wait for them.
Morgana: Uh, but that day's when...
See what I mean?
Kasumi: I got the feeling that something big was going to take place that day, so...I'm so sorry! Kiwa told me everything, I begged of him. And I was actually following you the entire time!
Keiko: You were? Me...?
Make sense there.
Futaba: Wait, we were tailed there?
Morgana: We definitely had no idea about that. It's like night and day compared to when Makoto was following us...
Yes, but this time had a good reason to do so.
Keiko: But this was good for all of us, right? It's fine, Kasumi.
Kasumi: Thank you. Though I've been considering for a while now...Perhaps I should be fighting alongside you if I have special powers like yours, Teacher Amamiya. I wonder if an outsider like myself should even get involved, but I couldn't just stand back and do nothing...
Keiko: Thank you, Kasumi, really. You saved me. Also, cal me Keiko. Teacher is nice, but it's more like you've grown a lot.
Yeah, it would be for the best.
Kasumi: K-K-Keiko...It's a nice name. Oh, and i t was nothing compared to how much you've done for me in the past...Um...Correct me if I'm wrong, but...you're not done here yes, are you? Then perhaps I ought to lend you a hand.
Now she wants to join with them? At a time like this...?
Morgana: Well, we could definitely use the additional firepower, but...
She might not be so powerful to handle someone like Shido, Queen Lilith, or Fallen One yet.
Keiko: (Im thankful for her offer to help, but Shido is more dangerous compare to those two other Shadows than any of previous targets...It's be wisest to avoid dragging Kasumi into this fight...Kiwa would freak out.)
Thinking hard, she made her choice.
Kasumi: ...Keiko?
Keiko: Listen, Kasumi...I appreciate the offer, but it's too dangerous right now. But I'm sure Kiwa and the others can train you like they have with my Akechi.
It was best to stay behind this one.
Kasumi: Well, you say that, but...
Morgana: Honestly, we have no idea what risks you would face. Our enemy this time is more dangerous than anyone else so far. Even with two evil Shadows on his side. Also, we pretty much brought this entire mess down upon ourselves, so this is on us. We're delighted by the offer, but we really can't drag you into this any further. Moreover, you have something to do yourself, right?
Her skills to be in first place that is.
Kasumi: ...
Keiko: Sorry.
Kasumi: No, I understand. I believe I'd be acting selfishly if I were to press any further. Very well, I understand your reasoning. If that's the situation, then I'll wait for you to return, Keiko. It's cool saying your name like this, but I'll still think of you as my teacher and my best friend.
Keiko: Thanks you, more training for you at least.
Kasumi: Right, Kiwa will help me out. But you have to promise me this: you'll come back safe, no matter what. I don't ever want to feel as horrible as I did when I thought you...
Keiko: Hey, I'm sure we'll be fine, Kasumi. We'll keep you posted this time. So, see you soon Kasumi. (I hope you'll be on our team after this mission's all over with first.)
Hugging it out to keep in touch still.
Kasumi: ...I really do believe you, Keiko. Go stop those bad guys and save Akechi-san.
Keiko: Oh, we will all right.
Soon to check on her phone, Kasumi had to take off for now.
Kasumi: It's time I get going-I've got practice today, as usual.
Keiko: Right.
Kasumi: Well, be seeing you. And the rest of you guys, until next time.
For her to take off, Morgana and Keiko go upstairs to the bed room to relax to do something in a bit 'before goin back to Shido's Palace real soon', they needed a bit of a breather.
Futaba: Kasumi's cool. So...See you two later on?
Morgana: Yeah, we'll keep in touch.
For good friends and such, Kasumi trains a bit on two things, or one at a time with Kiwa's help to do so.
Kiwa: (It's for the best, Kasumi. But we all hope you'll join us way later. Follow your dream first.)
Everyone's has to train on something else to get stronger, and this was one of them...More next time to help out others first before going back to the Metaverse for sure. Yep, for Keiko has to finishing helping out the others first.
