Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition

By Tayla Drago

Episode #156 - Phantom Thief of Hearts' Third Persona forms

Year 20xx

Day #281 - January 1/15th – Sunday

Another morning for Keiko make some breakfast food for her, Morgana, Akechi, and Sojiro to enjoy their meals and coffee this morning...Soon Futaba enters in the cafe to have some leftovers.

Morgana: It's Futaba.

Akechi: Futaba?

Sojiro: Good morning, Futaba.

She came to talk to Keiko about something, the same with Ann and Ryuji to go talk to later on this month.

Futaba: ...'Sup. Mornin' Sojiro. Mona. Akechi. And Big Sis.

Keiko: So, what's on your mind, Futaba?

The same old thing to be the third person.

Futaba: Just...something's been on my mind. For a while now, actually...Can we talk sometime? Whenever's good for you.

Keiko: Sure, Futaba. I'll keep you posted on when to talk to you, I promise.

Futaba: Thanks...See ya later, Big Sis.

Leaving the cafe for now, Keiko and Akechi hang out for a bit. Akechi had some more investigating to do.

Akechi: Keiko, go see Futaba right now. I need to take care of something. And maybe tonight we can go back to the jazz club again?

Keiko: I like that idea. Okay, Akechi-Cun, I'll see you tonight. Love you.

Akechi: *chuckle* Love you too, Keiko.

Leaving the room to go outside of the cafe to meet up with Futaba, to be the first out of three to talk to 'for it'll be a few more than two'.

Futaba: Oh, Big Sis...You got some time right now? There's something I wanna talk to you about. It's really important...

Keiko: (It sounds like Futaba has something important to tell me...)

Morgana: This seems serious...What're you gonna do? Do you wanna spend some time with Futaba, Madame Keiko?

Seems perfect to doing it today.

Keiko: I'll hang out with Futaba. I got nothing to do until tonight with my Akechi.

Futaba: Thanks...Big Sis, there's a lot on mind to talk about with you...Actually, hold on...Can you come a bit later? I'll leave my door open, so just come in.

Sounds like a plan there to be doing in a bit.

Keiko: See you then. (Futaba quickly went home.) ...I think she should be good for me to be welcome into her home.

Giving Futaba some time for Keiko to go afterwards at the Sakura's home to ring the bell, and Futaba to answer the door.

Futaba: Big Sis...? ...You can come in.

Once Keiko enters into Futaba's room to feel upset to see her friend sad when she was being fooled, she was wearing the weird looking mask on her head again.

Keiko: Hi, Futaba-! Ah! Oh...you're wearing the mask again I see...

Futaba: ...Sorry for calling you over.

Keiko: Now don't take this serious, but...What's with the mask? Is there something wrong?

Futaba: Um...There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about...so...

Keiko: What's to talk about to be so hard?

A lot on someone's mind with the mask covering Futaba's face.

Futaba: Sorry, I'll remove this. It gets rid of my stress.

She does remove the mask.

Keiko: Okay then.

Futaba: ...It's about you and me.

Keiko: Us?

Futaba: I made a promise to help you whenever you were in trouble. For your sake, Big Sis, and for mine. But now, I...

Keiko: From making me upset? So why say this now? But, Futaba, you're helping now. It's okay.

She was never mad at her friends, she was scared. And When Keiko cried, she was scared to not get out of the fake reality.

Futaba: Really? Yeah, yeah. I'm gonna help us fight back...I'm part of the Phantom Thieves, right? I feel the same way as everyone else. I mean...yeah, I don't want to accept this reality...That's all still true, but...I know this isn't real. I figured that out a while ago But I thought...if I got to see my mom again, then it was okay...I'm so selfish! I was just thinking about what I wanted! You're mad,I know, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...Big Sis, you must really cried so hard from being an idiot.

Keiko: Oh, Futaba...It's okay. I get it. I'll never get mad at you or the others.

Hugging to patting her head to make Futaba feel a whole lot better.

Futaba: Big Sis...You're not lying to me, right?

Keiko: As if I would.

Futaba: Geze...I thought you were gonna get mad at me. I thought you would be. Still, why wouldn't you get mad?! I almost betrayed you! Don't you get that?!

Keiko: But again, you didn't betray me. Please calm down. Please?

Still not letting go to be the best sister and friend.

Futaba: ...Sorry...I guess I'm still a little freaked out. Being like this and hearing you forgiven me, to make you such a good person. I don't know why...You're something else for a girl. This isn't even what I wanted to talk about...There's something else I wanted you to hear, anyway...Can I...um, is it cool if I say it?

Keiko: Then say what's on your mind. Go ahead.

Futaba: So like...Dr. Maruki's reality isn't totally one hundred percent illusion, right?

Keiko: Right, as far as I understand.

Futaba: So...that means I really did get to see my mom again...She was so nice.

A moment to never forget, and Wakaba wants for Futaba to move on and never forget the good times they once had.

Keiko: ...I'm glad you got to see her once more. Futaba, you're really a lot like Wakaba.

Well, Wakaba was Futaba's mother to be the best.

Futaba: You think...? I'm happy to hear that, in a weird kinda way. But...what it comes down to it...I won't get to stay with her.

Keiko: I get it too.

Futaba: And I know...I mean, I know now that this is all in my head, but thanks to you saving me. You're the best, Big Sis. Also, I wanted to talk with her more. Go on shopping trips and stuff. I dunno, just...I wish I had more time with her. B-But still, like...we can't just live totally dependent on Dr. Maruki's reality! Right?

Keiko: Not happening, we will stop him.

And they will to be ready for him too.

Futaba: Yeah! Even if I won't get to see my mom anymore...If I can manage to keep working hard and moving forward, like I was doing in our reality...Then I...I think she'd be proud of me.

Keiko: You're doing great, Futaba. For Wakaba to say the same thing right now, I couldn't put it better myself.

Futaba: Y-Yeah! Thanks, Big Sis...So that's what I'm gonna do. If Mom could see that I was working hard, being a part of the group and aiding her old job with the Metropolis 12 gang...I think she'd be really happy for me.

Something tells me that Wakaba Isshiki's spirit was watching over right now.

Keiko: I agree, so let's do this.

Futaba: Yes. I'll be counting on you. This time, I'll do what I can to protect you. And everyone else too, even my Mishima-san...So let's go take back our own reality. The reality where we can beat anything the world throws at us, as long as we have each other. The reality my mom gave me.


And just like what happened to Morgana, Futaba was next for her Persona to fuse from the second to the first, to become a third and powerful one of her own. From Necronomicon and Prometheus to join together to turn into...Another alien-ship of computer style robot Personas. It was really cool looking too!

Tayla: Persona #197 - Al Azif

In the context of Lovecraft's works, Al Azif is a tome detailing the truth behind the various ancient


cosmic beings that have inhabited Earth and continue to influence humans for their own ends. Written in the 8th century by the "mad Arab" Abdul Alhazred, it both functions as a means of imparting the forbidden knowledge of the ancient ones, and a source of danger as those who read it risk going mad from its knowledge.

(Futaba: What's this power...? I didn't know I still had all this in me.)

From there, her Arcana card The Hermit was within Futaba's heart to her inner powers were growing like Morgana's was.

Keiko: Hey! It happened again. From Morgana, and now this. This is great!

Futaba: ...Thanks for listening to all that, Big Sis, you're awesome. I feel a lot better now. Master Futaba has reached full recovery! Get ready for perfect navigation, no matter what we're up against!

Keiko: Hahaha...Okay. A bold claim there, Master Futaba.

The two laugh together.

Futaba: What can I say? I'm my mom's daughter! I'll be pestering you a lot more from now on, so...sorry in advance, and thanks!

Whatever works for her.

Keiko: Ah...Sure. No trouble at all.

Futaba: Later!

And now leaving the house to walk back to Leblanc. With Aika taking some photos around downtown to see and hear other cheerful people all over.

Aika: (Man, does this happiness mess up fake reality never end? Happy this, happy that...It makes me want to puke my brains out! Still, we better be ready for anything. The Doc in this mess to be brain wash to do some good, he's going to learn the hard way on what happens when he messes with the Phantom Thieves. Yea!)

Good to know. So far...That's two down, and eight more to go now for the others to have powers like Futaba and Morgana have awoken to. Later at night time for Keiko and Akechi go out on their date night next back at the jazz club.

Morgana: Have fun, you two.

And they do to talk about from what's to come, as Keiko tells Akechi about power ups happening to the rest of the group like Morgana's and Futaba's have so far.

Akechi: Powers ups. Even I might get a third Persona soon?

Loki: If that's true, then I'm going out in style.

Seems like it, since Keiko has her third one and lots of other Personas' skills to use in battle.

Keiko: I have a feeling we'll each get it f or you guys, I'm all set to get the powers on other different kinds in one mask.

Akechi: That is true. You know, Keiko...I'm doing some work on Rumi's little brother Jose...I want to know about the even experiment that started it all and what to do with him.

Keiko: With Jose? I know, he doesn't have a home but stuck alone in Mementos. Maybe we should help him.

There was something on Akechi's mind to thought of an idea.

Akechi: Help him out...

Keiko: Akechi?

Akechi: Sorry, I still have a lot to think about. No worries, Princess. Let us relax and drink the night away.

With mix up juices that is.

Keiko: Of course, Akechi-Cun. We'll have our teammates stronger before the month's end in the third of February.

What a romantic night for them to be holding each other and watching a nice jazz night of a performer like this, with lots more to come along.

Year 20xx

Day #282 - January 1/16th – Monday

It was time for another school week for Akechi and Keiko will see each other and talk still, for Akechi heads to school to leave Leblanc again for the time being to go their separate ways on the trains they each take different ones.

Akechi: I love you, Keiko. Talk to you later.

Keiko: I love you too, Akechi. Same here, bye.

With one gong to work and school to be back later, Keiko and Morgana waited their train ride to Shujin. Along with Yusuke to got to Kosei for them to run into each other, and another one to talk to real soon like Ryuji and Ann as well.

Keiko: Hi, Yusuke.

Yusuke: Ah, good morning, Ms. Keiko. Cold as always, isn't it...?

Morgana: If you're not dress warm enough...

That aside.

Keiko: I think I get what you're saying.

Yusuke: Good. But that's part of winter's charm, I suppose. The air is so pure and crisp...There's a strange...clarity to it all. As if everything's suddenly brought into sharper focus-both within, and beyond ourselves.

Keiko: Ah, Yusuke...Are you okay?

Another person to talk to, Yusuke was a bit out of it 'a little'.

Yusuke: I wonder...I'm...There's no pressure, but I can see you again later? Just...whenever you have the time then please do?

Keiko: I'll let you know then.

Yusuke: Thank you, Ms. Keiko. I'll see you later until then.

Another one on the to do list next, making it three to talk to later on. Going to their schools for the hours to pas by...In Kichijoji - Shopping District to see Sumire and Kiwa again for Keiko and Morgana to help out regularly now to have anymore Shadows to get in the way this time. So what was the planning for today? Getting a text message to meet up at the Shibuya Underground Mall.

Kiwa: Amamiya! Over here!

Keiko: Hey! I got your message, Kiwa. Where's Sumire at?

Morgana: She's near by, isn't she...?

Walking around to look for her, Sumire was in a clothing store to try on some weird ones with a lady clerk helping her out. All colorful styles...Why was she wearing those?

Sumire: Ooh. This is...

The three finally found Sumire to be clothes shopping.

Shop Staff: Oh, this is so working for you! I know you said you wanted people to see you, so I put together something a little more wild and eye-catching.

Seeing them talking, both Kiwa and Keiko couldn't believe on what Sumire was wearing right now.

Keiko: (Is that...Sumire?)

Kiwa: What happen to her?!

It was hard to tell what she wanted to dress up like right now.

Sumire: Wow...It's like I'm a totally different person.

Shop Staff: You've got some of that carnivore energy, and a little herbivore meekness too. This savannah style will definitely turn heads!

Sumire: I see. Well, I guess it's important to have a balanced diet...?

Snapping Kiwa out of it, Keiko and him go over to check on Sumire to be dressing up badly.

Keiko: Okay, it's time to check on her. Come on, Kiwa!

Kiwa: Ah, Sumire...?

She seems them finally arriving.

Sumire: Oh, Keiko! Kiwa! I'm glad you two finally made it!

Kiwa: What are you wearing...?

Sumire: Sorry, I'm not getting these...I wanted to surprise you both, so I got here a little early to dress up. Did I made you worry, Kiwa?

Kiwa: Not really...Just curious on your fashion taste.

For girls to be careful on what they buy is also hard on life, on some women who do it way too much.

Sumire: You see...I tried this ensemble based on the staff's advice, but what do you think, Keiko? If it's making Kiwa worried, what about you? I've definitely been getting attention in this. Some people are even staring...! Oh! This is what Kiwa meant!

Keiko: Yeah, I'm sorry...

Sumire: Well, this is sort of like showing off my own style type of try-outs, right?!

Keiko: Sumire...Please look at yourself. You're just standing out.

Finally seeing herself in the outfit, she gets it now.

Sumire: O-Oh, I guess it's hard to like this, huh? I thought it was a pretty cool outfit...Well, to be honest, I could tell some of this was a little off.

Kiwa: Good...It was the clerk's saying. That's good.

One problem solve to make Kiwa to hear to be the lady clerk's doing.

Sumire: I mean, they say these are leopard spots, but it could just as easily be some kind of...mutant giraffe.

Keiko and Kiwa: It's a leopard.

Yeah, it couldn't be any other animal but the fastest wild cat in the world.

Sumire: Anyway, I should change.

Going back to her normal clothes again...

Kiwa: Much better. Still, you can shop for something nice to wear.

Sumire: Thank you, Kiwa. I thought this might help me find some answers, but I guess I didn't go in with much of a plan...So once again, I totally misinterpreted everything and made no progress at all Classic Sumire.

Kiwa: Wait, Sumire-!

Sumire: I wasn't like this when I was looking for my father's glasses...I feel like I'm doing so much worse than when I thought I was Kasumi...I don't even know if I'm worth showing off. Let alone how to do it...

It was time for Keiko to step in to aid her girl friend.

Keiko: Try to stay positive, Sumire. I'm here for you and so is your boyfriend. It'll work out so we should do some girl shopping together. Just some we can get regularly.

Sumire: You're right. I have my best friend and my boyfriend. Keiko-Senpai and Kiwa are my heroes. I need to make sure you two see the real me...Okay. I don't have time to be lost in my thoughts. I'll find some clothes that'll help me show off my true self! But still...look at how many different styles there are. huh? Why does this sweater have a hole...? Where is this sting going...?! Um, what do I do now...? This is a lot harder than I thought...

Keep on looking to find something in there...

Kiwa: I'll help out.

If he knows how to do clothes shopping without Daisuke helping him out a lot.

Keiko: (I wish Ann was here with us right now. But another modeling photo shoot comes first.)

The three were on their own while Morgana wonders off to wait for Keiko to be done, plenty of time. Even though Keiko does her own shopping with some help 'even from Ann the most', she still wants to help out Sumire on this one.

Sumire: Hmm...This isn't it...All of these clothes are very stylish, but I'm not sure I'd really want to be seen in them...How do I want to be seen...? Or...how do I want Kiwa to bee me? Keiko...I wonder if Keiko...Hmm...

She was thinking about something.

Keiko: What is it?

Kiwa: Is there something on your mind?

He was close to Sumire's face to make her blush.

Sumire: Oh, uh...um...Please don't state at me so closely.

Kiwa: Sorry!

Almost falling down, for Keiko to pick Kiwa back up again.

Keiko: You started it on Kiwa.

Kiwa: And what, I can't look at you, Sumire...? I know I can.

Just caught in a love moment for a few seconds for Keiko to witness it all happened.

Sumire: I-It's not that, just...I didn't think you, Kiwa would stare back at me...Keiko, you saw it.

Like I said, it just happened.

Kiwa: I guess I a little too much...

Keiko: Love is a beautiful thing.

It sure was.

Sumire: ...Oh! R-Right. Maybe it shouldn't be that one-sided...If I give other people attention, then surely I'd get attention in return. I think I get it.

Keiko: I sure hope so, but I'll see what other clothing we can find just for you, Sumire.

Soon, she walks over to spot something nice to wear.

Sumire: Oh...! I think I'll try on...this one!

Going back into the dressing room, Sumire comes out to be wearing a clue long purple dress with long gray stockings on her legs. It looked way better on her than the other one did; so much that Kiwa couldn't stop staring at her even more in love from his girlfriend's beauty. Even Keiko like the new look to show this was Sumire Yoshizawa right here.

Kiwa: Wow...Super cute...!

Keiko: Wow, Sumire. Look at you.

She does look different in the clothing than what Kasumi was a little.

Sumire: Sorry to keep you two waiting. Um, what do you guys think?

What else can they say but these words...

Keiko: It looks great.

And Kiwa was loving it.

Kiwa: You look really cute Sumire...I'm in love.

Sumire: Wh...Why Kiwa! D-Did you just say what I think you said?! You said you're...in love...?

They did admit it to each other back at Maruki's Palace.

Keiko: I think he did and you two said it once to one another.

Now they remembered the whole thing...

Kiwa: Ah...! Ah! We did!

Sumire: Oh! I, um, uh, yeah! W-With the outfit, right?! You're just "in love" with the outfit! Don't worry, I get it!

Kiwa: I still think it looks great on you.

Sumire: S-Sorry, I know you didn't mean anything by it, Kiwa. I just wasn't ready, I mean my heart wasn't, so I'm kind of-H-Hold on, I need to calm down...Okay, deep breaths...hahhh, phew...

Taking a breather to feel fine now.

Kiwa: Better now?

Sumire: B-But I really am happy to hear that. You hear, right Keiko? Thank you, Kiwa. For letting me show you a part of myself.

Keiko: See, Kiwa? Everything worked out in the end.

This made happy for Sumire to say such a nice thing.

Kiwa: I guess it did to find Sumire the right outfit.

Sumire: Well, I've made up my mind. Um, could you two wait here for a second? I need to go buy this.

Keiko: Take your time.

With the changing the clothes real quick, Kiwa wanted to buy it for Sumire as a gift.

Kiwa: I can get it for you.

Sumire: It's okay, this one I want.

Kiwa: Then...maybe at the arcade later? Just the two of us. My treat.

Sumire: Deal.

And once Sumire got changed to her other clothes to buy the other ones, it was good to leave now.

Keiko: A good choice today.

Sumire: Yes, I'm so glad I found something good.

Keiko: Did I help?

Kiwa: And did you found your answer?

I think those answers were easy to answer back for them.

Sumire: Umm, I'm not sure if I can call it an answer to some of those questions, but...Thanks to you two, I think I realized something. When I first saw that piece, I kind of fell in love with it. And um...It's a little embarrassing to say this, but...My first thought was that I couldn't wait for you to see me in it, Kiwa. And to see how Keiko thinks of my taste in clothing. I wondered what kind of face you', Keiko, made or how you'd react...And for Kiwa...I wanted to see that side of you more, and I did.

Kiwa: When you were...You sure did...!

It was a very cute scene there

Keiko: And I was blown away.

Sumire: Oh, um-I don't mean anything weird by that. I just wanted to...show myself off to my boyfriend and my best friend, I guess. To see you two, and be seen. The more I thought about it, the more important that feeling became. And then, suddenly, I just...realized I wasn't nervous anymore.

Not a bad way to help Sumire get through something she wanted to do.

Keiko: I see...Well played.

Kiwa: So that's how it was. Not bad, Sumire.

Sumire: You see? I've always been really bad at making decisions on my own...I mean, Kasumi always picked perfect things for me anyway. I never really knew making my own decisions could feel validating. So I didn't really feel a need to choose anything for myself. After all, nobody expected me to. But today, I picked something because I liked it. And I felt confident in that. Even if you didn't like it...I don't think that'd change how I feel about it.

Something to learn on your own today, to get better at it again tomorrow.

Keiko And that's how it should be.

Kiwa: Sounds like progress.

And the more for Sumire to be true to herself still.

Sumire: Yes! And I feel great about it! Is this what Coach meant? About Kasumi wanting me to see how she felt...?

Kiwa: I believe it was.

Sumire: If that's true, then...did she really think I was...? ...Well, I can't say for sure...but I think as long as I've got you supporting me from a friend and boyfriend, then I'll be okay.

Keiko: Glad to hear it. (I can sense a deep bond of trust from Sumire...)

A fun day that was, with the Arcana and bonding of Sumire's going up to eight this time.

Sumire: Now, we should head home. Come on, Kiwa, we got some time for another date. And, Keiko...Thanks again for coming out with me today. Oh, should we go buy some clothes for you next time?

Keiko: I'll think about it when I'm free.

Sumire: Good. You could always try on that savannah ensemble. I think it might even suit you better than me...maybe. Or Kiwa's in a male's outfit.

Maybe not for them in those bad clothing there.

Kiwa: We'll pick out our own clothes if we need to. See you later, Amamiya. Sumire and I got another date.

Sumire: See you!

Keiko: Bye, you two. (Such a cute couple.)

Going back to Leblanc to text Akechi to be doing well, for Keiko gets another phone call of Sumire to check on her friend.

Morgana: It's Yoshizawa calling.

And Keiko answers the call...

Keiko: I'm back, Sumire. Did you and Kiwa had fun on your other date?

[Sumire: Keiko, hi! Thank you so much for going shopping with me and Kiwa today. Having you watch helped me find something I really liked. And Kiwa to say such sweet things to me...Oh, um...When I say it like that, it's actually a little embarrassing...B-By the way, where do you like to get your clothes from?]

Keiko: The resale shop a little with Ann's help when I need it or online the most.

[Sumire: I see. Well, online shopping more definitely convenient. But don't you get worried? The clothes always look so different in person than they do in the display pictures...Us girls have to get something nice from time to time. I'd love to hear what you sometimes consider when you're picking things out.]

Keiko: I have to shop when I have to really.

[Sumire: Isn't it so fun to pick out clothes, though? That one I bought today was so gorgeous. It's almost too nice tor me to actually wear it. Though I guess that defeats the purpose, if I want people to see me in it...ahaha. Oh, I guess I'd better let you go. Talk to you later, Keiko. Bye.]

Keiko: Bye, Sumire. Same here.

Hanging up now for Keiko helps out Sojiro around the cafe until a little late in the afternoon.

Sojiro: Keiko, you're a real life savior.

Keiko: It was nothing really.

While in other parts of Japan of people going out drinking a lot, without a care in the world for Daisuke to see this.

Daisuke: (Son of a bitch...! Is there no end to this? Guess not. Unless we have to say anything about ti to stopping it real soon.)

Boy, he can say that again. Another fishing time Keiko and Morgana to go out to stay warm and get some fresh air before calling it a night. And hey, Morgana gets to eat some well cook fish with Keiko's good cooking skills.

Morgana: Meow...! Madame Keiko, once again you've out done yourself cooking such great food!

Keiko: Thanks, Morgana. I'm glad you like it. I'll make something even better with the others later on.

Morgana: Good idea.

And now to call it a night...

Year 20xx

Day #283 - January 1/17th – Tuesday

With Keiko and Morgana walking to the school's building to be cold a bit snow outside, Makoto sees the two.

Makoto: Good morning, Keiko-Chan.

Keiko: Good morning to you too, Makoto.

Another person to talk to? Probably...

Makoto: I'm glad I found you. I wanted to speak with you.

Keiko: Something to discuss? What's up?

Morgana: I hope it's not trouble.

It doesn't seem like to be so badly...

Makoto: No trouble at all, Morgana. I just want to talk, that's all. If you have the time...Is that okay?

Keiko: It's fine. I'll get back you for us to talk.

Makoto: Thank you. Then let's keep moving for now.

It was time to go to their school, for the hours to pass by and then another group text message to do during class time.

[Ryuji: Dude, something is WRONG with Ushimaru.]

[Makoto: What do you mean?]

[Ryuji: I dunno, something's up! I guess it's not wrong, but he's all different!]

[Makoto: Anyone know what he's saying?]

[Futaba: Ushimaru who?]

[Keiko: Our social studies teacher, a very strict teacher who also throws chalk at some students.]

[Sumire: He's awfully strict like Keiko said, isn't he? Even the freshman have heard stories.]

[Akechi: What a type of teacher throws chalk at his own students? I find that to be a assault and battery.]

[Haru: What exactly is different? His personality?]

[Ann: What, he's super nice now?]

[Ryuji: That's just it! He's so nice, it's creepy! And no matter who I ask, they tell me he's always been like this! We got people saying he's basically the school's own Buddha!]

[Junko: Seeing people's opposite side is very wrong, it just give me the shivers a little.]

[Yusuke: It does sound as if he's been enlightened, I suppose...]

[Haru: So Dr. Maruki has changed someone's personality?]

[Makoto: If he really wanted to change, then yes, it's possible...]

[Ryuji: What?! Ushimaru, of all people?!]

[Sumire: It's like how I wished to be Kasumi...]

[Akechi: It's like your own situations, most probably. Something in his past must have been overwritten.]

[Junko: That figures...It's also possible his personalty just changed independent of any external events.]

[Ryuji: You figure the real Ushimaru went through something bad?]

[Futaba: Maybe he was so nice to everyone, the students took advantage of him and went full delinquent?]

[Ann: Ugh. That WOULD be traumatic.]

[Akechi: Well, we can speculate all we like. He's the only one who could say for sure what's changed.]

[Yusuke: It's still difficult to understand...So if it would serve their happiness, even one's personality can change...]

[Keiko: So right now...That's not Ushimaru. I bet he's happy still, like a not good change of heart.]

[Ryuji: I guess, though it's not like Ushimaru was full-on evil. I'm gettin' so mad, I'm gonna go to sleep.]

[Futaba: Is that even a thing people do when they're mad?]

[Makoto: Honestly...You could always just pay attention in class.]

Things might be getting worse, huh? Ushimaru might be a jerk, but he's only doing his job to be a strict only.

Morgana: Is there nothing Maruki can't do to be too much on others to change if they don't want to?

It was hard to say really. With the hours to pass by and school to be done for today and playing a crane game to win another toy, Keiko goes sees Ryuji to talk to him next while Morgana goes to wonder off on his own for a bit.

Keiko: Ryuji? We can talk today if you want to.

Ryuji: For real? Sweet. Yeah, I got a lot on my mind to talk to you other my hottie Ann. I want you to hear about it first. Come on, we'll go to my house.

Keiko: Lead the way.

Off they go, for Ryuji won't be hitting on Keiko the way they use to for them to be friends only.

Morgana: (Ryuji will always be our fool and the best in the group. I'm glad you're with Lady Ann, but you still better be nice to your girlfriend.)

With Keiko being welcome into Ryuji's house, to be a good home with his room to be...some guy things have for her to see but nothing dirty.

Ryuji: So, uh...how do I say this...

Keiko: Say what...?

Ryuji: ...

Keiko: Come on, Ryuji. Just say it.

She was waiting...

Ryuji: I ain't sayin' it because I don't want to! I mean, I guess it was weird invitin' ya to my room out of the blue like that, but don't get the wrong idea. Well, there's somethin' I wanna talk about. Since we're bros. an' all, I figured I'd just invite you over...Man, I would've when I had a crush on you once. Look, I...I'm sorry! I know I gotta apologize to you, Keiko!

Pleading with Keiko to say he was sorry to her.

Keiko: Oh, Ryuji...Please don't. I forgive you.

Ryuji: Geez, that fast?! You don't even know what it's about yet!

Keiko: Ryuji, do you know who you 're talking to?

Ryuji: Oh, right...Even though we're only friends now, I still love you. And not in love with you! I love Ann more! Look...just listen, okay? I want this apology to mean something, dammit.

Keiko: Go ahead then. Speak.

Time to get the feeling out of Ryuji's chest.

Ryuji: It's like, you know how things have been for me? From the new year to a little while ago? How Dr. Maruki gave me a dream life, and I just kinda...went with it? We basically spent last year together. And you supported me through a bunch of personal shit, too. I even told you I'd help whenever you needed it, and I now, well...Even I know I really let you down. I think you cried too...I makes me angry and sad when you cry.

Only when she was worried about her friends.

Keiko: But, Ryuji, you did help me. Don't worry about it. I wanted to make sure my friends were saved and I did it.

She just smiled to make Ryuji confused, but he was glad to see Keiko was still herself to still apologize.

Ryuji: Well, I guess you did not too late. So not bad. You'd already figured everything out. Knew from the start, right? I mean, sure, I could fight with the rest of the team like nothin's wrong...But I dunno. Feels like that'd be betraying all this stuff we built up together. Either way, I can't just let this go. Gotta settle things somehow. So watch this, Keiko! Hup! Hup!

He was doing a lot of swats for Keiko to make it up for everything.

Keiko: Ah...Ryuji?

Ryuji: Not...gonna stop...till you say I can. Can't...forgive myself...unless I do this! Can't believe...how lame I was...shitty thing...to do...

Keiko: Uh, you can stop. Seriously, Ryuji, this is a little weird you're doing. Still, this is the Ryuji I know.

He hears her loud and clear, for Ryuji was doing was a bit silly.

Ryuji: Huh...? Seriously, I took forever to think of somethin' that'd work...

Finally, Ryuji stops working out.

Keiko: Good, you stopped.

Ryuji: Urgh-I can't think and flex and the same time! Should've figured this'd be pointless. I tried to think of something' good, but even I know I'm dumb.

Keiko: Ryuji, you were never dumb. You're a dear friend to me.

Ryuji: Really? Man...So, I...I really wanted to keep going with the track team. Hoped I could keep it going, maybe get a scholarship, and be a star athlete in college. Make life easier for my mom. And yeah, the doc's big dream world would've made that happen. But still...I dunno. When I think about it, I realize maybe it isn't that hard a decision. I went through all that bad shit, got wrapped up in hating Kamoshida, turned into some delinquent...almost got the both of us expelled and that douche almost made you his slave, started hangin' out with Ann and Mishima more...and even had my big conversation with Nakaoka and Takeishi, even if they beat the crap out of me. Heh...But that's all part of my life. I still own that, y'know, Keiko?

Keiko: Believe me, I do.

Ryuji: It was a real shit show sometimes, but I came out of everything stronger. I'm here 'cause beat my problems. I can't just pretend they never happened. Wouldn't be right.

What a good way to say these things the best you can.

Keiko: I know what you mean, Ryuji. That's why I saved your heart. Still...You've really matured.

Ryuji: Ah, c'mon...Thanks, Keiko. So yeah, and that's why...I'll stick with the reality I fought for. The one where we went through all our shit together. That's where I belong.

Keiko: Thank you, Ryuji, you're a dear friend to me.

Like Futaba and Morgana, it was Ryuji's turn to have his Persona to change into the third form, from Captain Kidd and Seiten Taisei to become something powerful, with some new upgrades to his powers.

Tayla: Persona# 198 - William

As time went on, William Kidd's reputation as a pirate became the stuff of legends and folklore, with many tall tales being told about his adventures, most famously involving him burying plundered treasure to protect it from his greedy associates.

(Ryuji: Haha...What the hell, man? Didn't know I still had this much power in me. Not bad!)

The power of Ryuji's new skills and Persona was good, with the Arcana The Chariot card appearing to be all set to go.

Keiko: And that makes three so far.

Ryuji: Man, I feel way better now that I finally spilled my guts! Maybe tonight I'll finally get some sleep.

Keiko: That's all you needed? Oh, Ryuji. You're a simple guy, but it's a good thing.

Ryuji: You know it, leader babe! Better than stoppin' and overthinkin' everything. Uh...Sorry. Guess I just dragged you over here to listen to me whine. Look, I know sometimes I'm a real pain in the ass, but...From now on, I'm gonna run with everything I've got. So all you gotta do is count on me, Keiko! Now how about a nice hug.

The two do so and shake their hands to still be good friends.

Keiko: You changed, Ryuji. But it's a very good thing.

Ryuji: Same here, Keiko. Thanks for comin' over today. See ya 'round.

Three so far, seven more to go. Nice room Ryuji had there to be fine, you know? Heading back to Leblanc to clean up for Sojiro and then making come coffee afterwards.

Sojiro: You've gotten better at this, Keiko. I love this flavor.

Keiko: Thanks, Mr. Sakura, I'm glad you like it.

The taste and smell to be something else for Sojiro see on how Keiko was getting better making coffee, to keep the business going.

Morgana: Just smelling it is very relaxing.

And now it's time to call it a night...

Year 20xx

Day #284 - January 1/18th – Wednesday

Same morning and such for Keiko and Morgana to go to Shujin by train, with Haru joining with them to have something on her mind. For them to talk to each other later on. Sounds promising.

Morgana: Good morning, Haru.

Keiko: Hi, Haru.

Haru: Ah, good morning to you both.

She had the say the same thing to talk to each other later on.

Keiko: Haru...?

Haru: ...Keiko-Chan. Might I borrow you for a bit? I think we need to talk. Can you come to the roof after school when you have the chance?

Keiko: I hope nothing happened to you again.

Not this time, just something that Haru had to get off her mind.

Haru: Huh? Is that what you think? Nothing happened to me at all or anything else that's bad...Perhaps I phrased it a bit ominously, didn't I? No, I just want to talk to you, Keiko-Chan. Whenever you're free...I'll be waiting.

Keiko: Okay, Haru. I promise to get back to you when we do talk.

Morgana: Leave everything to Madame Keiko.

And she will to be in a bit.

Haru: I know it's a bit sudden...My apologies. Oh, looks like the train's coming. Let's line up. Until then, please keep me posted.

Getting to class and doing well in Mr. Inui's class for the day to go by quickly...Keiko gets a text message from Kiwa Tsuba to ask her favor about setting up the cafe meal and drink for him to invite Sumire over there for Keiko to serve the couple.

Morgana: Wait...Kiwa wants for you to set a cafe date for him and Sumire?

Keiko: Look like it, Morgana. I should meet up with Kiwa at Kichijoji's shopping district to plan the rest out. And then he wants for me to text Sumire to invite her with a surprise. Let's go.

Seems like the plan of Kiwa's was working...From him and Keiko meeting up to set up Leblanc to eat and drink at the cafe for another date to inviting Sumire by surprising her. Morgana then sees Sumire to finish practicing to hang out for a bit back at Leblanc; as she goes with Keiko and Morgana to see Kiwa there to set up something sweet there.

Kiwa: Surprise, Sumire.

This has Keiko and Morgana happy to see this.

Sumire: Oh, Kiwa...What a lovely setting...Did you do all of this for me?

Kiwa: A nice dish of home made curry and a cup of coffee made by Keiko is waiting for us. Come, Sumire, I'll seat you.

Doing this to her liking, for Sumire love this scene.

Sumire: Thank you for making this date happen, Keiko.

Keiko: You two have fun.

Morgana: While we eat our own meals of leftovers.

As the two sit across the other room, this has the bar seating all to Kiwa and Sumire to enjoy their time together for this also counts as Keiko bonding and Arcana of their friendship to soon grow.

Sumire: It was really nice what Keiko did for us. And for you, Kiwa, to come up with all of this...Wow. I hope it's not too much trouble.

Kiwa: Oh no, I wanted to do this all for you. We'll call it holiday hours for Keiko to say it.

A little joke there...

Sumire: Thank you again. I just needed to talk to you about something in person, Keiko and I already had a good talk on the way here. Wow, it smells great...Thank you.

Still loving that fresh coffee smell for her.

Kiwa: So what do you wanted to talk to me about?

Putting down the cup first.

Sumire: Mm...It's really good. Something about it is relaxing. Oh, yes. The talk I needed to tell you about next. And if you wouldn't mind, I'd like you to be there when I do...Is that okay?

On whatever it was, Keiko was in to ask Kiwa it next.

Kiwa: Of course, Sumire. Definitely.

Sumire: Great! I'm so glad...But that's not what I came here to be surprised and treated to also talk about something too. Do you remember what I said when we went clothes shopping the other other day? I talked about wanting you to see me, and how that helped me stop worrying?

Kiwa: Of course I do. It was hard, but you did find something nice in the end. (And what a looker she was...)

Sumire: I'm so glad you remembered. I was thinking about Kasumi...I wondered how she must have felt. Thinking she didn't want to lose to me, and wanting me to watch her...Maybe that's what we had in common. We both wanted someone specific to see our efforts-to see us as we are. As long as we have that someone watching us, we can stay strong. Like you did for us.

Kiwa: And I loved you a lot more.

How they met and such that started it all.

Sumire: Yes you did. So I finally realized something. I think part of Kasumi's strength came from that...I was the one she was thinking of. I never heard her say it, but...Maybe she'd been trying to tell me through her performance. Haha...I can't believe it took me this long to figure it out...I'm such an idiot. But I'm glad I finally realized it. Even as worthless as I am, hope I still helped Kasumi somehow...

She was never an idiot to begin with at all. Sumire just found out now for Kasumi's performance was proof, and plenty to see the whole thing in person a while back.

Kiwa: Sumire...You're not worthless or ever will be and I know you did. This is a new beginning.

Sumire: Yes...I think so too, Kiwa...Kasumi's beyond any apologies I could give her. I can't tell her how I feel. She'll never see me perform. That's reality, and it happened because of me. I've been running away from that for a long time...But I'm done running now. It's time to stand on my own two feet. I want to live for both of us now. For the sake of everything we wanted.

Kiwa: I'm sure Kasumi's watching over you right now.

That seems to be a gut feeling about it.

Sumire: I believe so too. I want to grow even stronger. Even if I end up in tears from failing at a meet, or if the pressure's too much for me sometimes...With Kasumi's confidence, and the grace she recognized in me...I'm going to keep moving up. I'm going to show Kasumi who Sumire Yoshizawa really is.

Kiwa: Yeah, then she'll know you from up there.

Keiko: (I can sense a strong resolve from Sumire...)

From her bonding and Arcana goes up to nine. Cool!

Sumire: Um...Kiwa...and so...Now that I'm committed to, you know, not running away from my feelings...I, um...Th-There's something I need to tell you!

Kiwa: Go ahead. You can tell me anything, Sumire.

Here comes the more closer in love part.

Sumire: Th-Thank you very much. The nervous sweats just kicked in. I guess...I realized it was less a matter of showing off, and more wanting someone to watch me...That is, wanting someone special to watch me. Someone I'd want to have eyes only for me. And I thought to myself, well, for me, that special person's obviously you...Kiwa Tsuba! So...I think that means...I'm really in lo...l-l-lo...I'm in...lo...

Kiwa: What? In luh?

Go on, say it...

Sumire: I...I am in love with you for so long!

Kiwa: You are...? (I knew it!)

Sumire: Um, but...The last thing I want to do is make you more uncomfortable, so...

Responding back to her for the right answer.

Kiwa: I love you too. I have been in love since we meant and Kasumi hooked us up together, Sumire, I love you so much.

This made both Keiko and Morgana to hear about it too.

Sumire: Wha...? Y-You...really love me back?! Oh. Huh? S-So...I guess that means it's mutual, then? We're boyfriend and girlfriend couple now?

Kiwa: It is for us.

Sumire: So, um...wh-what happens now? Wait, does that mean...you'll be my boyfriend?! Really!?

Kiwa: Yes I will.

Sumire: W-Well, um, I mean, I guess that's what I'm hoping for? So...Oh...what am I saying...?

One thing at a time, but those two were really made for each other.

Kiwa: Calm down, Sumire. *chuckle* Take your time.

Sumire: S-Sorry I'm the one who confessed, and now I'm totally messing this up...Honestly? I never expected I'd get this far. Phew...Kiwa, would you...look at me for a moment?

Kiwa: I'm looking...at what now?

Sumire: I want to know if...if it'll feel any different, now that we're...Wow, I don't know what I'm saying anymore...You know what, never mind...

Moving a bit closer to her.

Kiwa: Come on, you can tell me anything.

Sumire: Eep!

A bit to close again.

Kiwa: What?

Sumire: U-Um...

A bit more closer up.

Kiwa: Ah...I'm way too close aren't I?

Sumire: I-I-um-you-

Kiwa: So? Any different? Wow...You are so red right now...Sumire! You're so cute.

Saying this to Sumire, Kiwa was laughing in happiness he was in to be in love.

Sumire: Wha-I-I can't take it...I feel like I'm melting...

Kiwa: It's okay, calm down.

She does to feel a bit better now.

Sumire: What do I do...? I'm so embarrassed, but...I want to be even closer to you, Kiwa. My love. My own senpai...I love you so much, Kiwa Tsuba. I'll always want your eyes on me...

Kiwa: Same here, Sumire...In a lovely relationship we're in. (Finally, it happened.)

Sumire: Um...I think if we get any closer, we'll bump our heads at each other...I could take off my glasses for you.

From them hugging and kisses for Keiko and Morgana go upstairs for a bit until they were all done 'for some alone time making out.'

Morgana: I'm so happy for those two. Kiwa's plan worked for him and Sumire to finally live happily ever after...So far.

After an hour or so...

Sumire: A-Anyways...I need to get going to practice, Kiwa. Sorry...Bye Morgana-senpai and Keiko.

Kiwa: See you two later and thanks. (Yes! I got my girl! This is much to get use to with no trouble at all.)

Taking Sumire to the train station, all worked well. For Keiko and Sumire talk to each other on the fun to be so happy to have true love for them both.

Sumire and Keiko: It's great being in love!

What a good date to end so sweetly for them, huh? Almost done bonding for Keiko to do with her friend Sumire, maybe tomorrow might be it...? Could be. With Keiko and Morgana hanging out for Kiwa to make them coffee and to go fishing once again, the two walk back to call it a night.

Morgana: Love is pretty, love is great. The matter of the heart is at stake. Can't deny on what find, because love is great...

A little made up song there.

Keiko: Heheh...Morgana, that song was funny and cute.

Morgana: Cute...? Madame Keiko, it was suppose to be romantic to sing to my Lady Lavenza...I'm sure she'll love it.

Whatever makes him happy and for Keiko to love her Akechi, more to come next time to finish up the other few days to go - until Mementos and more Maruki's Palace as well.