Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #2 – A Phantom Thieves' Summer Vacation
7 – July/24th/Monday
OK, now Akechi is welcome back around the Yongen-Jaya and other parts of Japan for Keiko and Morgana to be taking the train ride today to meet up with her friends as promised and then Akechi will be joining them and the others real soon. Six months have passed since the entire event, huh? Lots have changed a little to see everyone else with some new changes as well; from living to a new home around the parts you were born at and with someone you love to be married soon must be special. For Keiko was ready to meet up at the hideout 'being at the Cafe Leblanc for where the Phantom Thieves hang out at' and Morgana to still be in his cat form and talking. Well...For others with powers to sense him and the team to see and hear him the most, others only hear Morgana meowing.
Morgana: Madame Keiko...It's been a while since we've been on the train, huh?
Keiko: It has Morgana. So much for us to see again, I can't wait.
Whispering at each other, soon an announcement was made in the train.
Announcer: [Now for today's Train News. Today's headlines are...Confession of document tampering! The Diet's in chaos over the Vice-Minister of Finance's confession, and the power struggle has flared. Members of the vice-minister's party have refused to comment across the board while the country awaits his court summons. In business news, fledgling IT company Madicce reported record first-quarter profits at a conference earlier today. Madicce's earnings have exploded largely in part to their new virtual assistant, which, if stocks are any indication, is gaining fans fast.]
From the IT politics thing again and something of their new AI to change something around the company today. This was very new to both Keiko and Morgana to hear about this.
Keiko: The IT...This sure brings back bad memories.
Almost to their destination, Keiko text messaged Akechi about it while he was still at work.
Morgana: We're almost there...We haven't seen everyone in so long! I know it's stupid, but I'm getting kind of nervous...
Nah, Morgana was just hiding his true feelings from Keiko, but she could tell about her little friend.
Keiko: Oh, Morgana...Still, I'm looking forward to it.
Morgana: Yeah! When the Phantom Thieves come together, it's never anything less!
Keiko: So true. (And we'll be seeing you later, Akechi.)
Soon the train stops...This was their stop.
Morgana: Ooh, Madame Keiko, we finally made it!
Arriving at the area for Morgana and Keiko to see at the Backstreets side of the area they used to live in...Yongen-Jaya itself. It's like a second home to Keiko 'to also seeing her parents from time to time which is good to be getting along now more than ever'.
Keiko: Here we are. Home sweet home, I guess...
Morgana: It does, a second home maybe. Ah, Yongen-Jaya...We may have been gone for only half a year, but it sure brings back memories. Okay, let's get to Leblanc posthaste. I wonder how the chief's been getting along...
Seeing Sojiro Sakura again who works and owns the cafe who takes care of Keiko? Let's hope so.
Keiko: I can't wait to see Mr. Sakura again. Let's go.
Walking around to see from the bathhouse, TV store, a small grocery store, Tae Takemi's Clinic place, and the Sakura home where Sojiro and Futaba live at - they see in the corner to be Leblanc itself for it was open for business with the sign being up. On the way there – Keiko thought she felt someone out to be hiding, to see who it was...but this being leaves in a hurry.
Morgana: Madame Keiko?
Keiko: Hmm...I felt someone spying on us. And now, they're gone.
Nowhere to be, for that wasn't the only one.
Morgana: Really? If you felt something over there, then I felt someone from above...It doesn't seem too dangerous. Let's just keep going.
Keiko: Okay. (I felt something to be like me almost. Does Morgana feel the same thing?)
It was hard to tell for the two to have powers to fly and hide very well. One was a male teen with long black hair in a ponytail with cool clothing on, but with red eyes. Same with another female with the same eyes and purple hair to dress all Hollywood women type. Just who were they...? Anyways, both Morgana and Keiko have finally made it to Leblanc at last.
Morgana: Well, here we are...Doesn't look like things've changed much. All right! Let's go!
Once Keiko opens the door of Leblanc to enter inside...it was dark with no windows open or lights on. Huh? All seemed to be fine and clean 'along with the Sayuri painting still hanging on the wall still', it looked empty with customers to be around right now. However...they soon hear someone counting down to still be in the room.
?: ….two, three!
The lights go back on to set the poppers off and everyone says it together.
Phantom Thieves: Welcome home!
Showing out of their hiding spots for everyone was here! Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru. This sure has gotten Keiko and Morgana's attention.
Keiko: Ah! All of you are here!
For Ryuji to hang his girlfriend he has made 'and once had a crush on' to always be happy seeing Keiko again.
Ryuji: Surprise, Keiko! We gotcha or what?
This had Keiko smiling.
Keiko: Yes! Very surprised!
Next, Futaba walks up to Keiko to say hi to her and Morgana next.
Futaba: Big Sis...We missed ya!
Same with Yusuke walking up to his two dearest friends.
Yusuke: It's been a while.
Soon the other three girls - Haru, Makoto, and Ann also said hi to Keiko too.
Haru: Hello, Keiko-Chan. Did you get taller?
Makoto: Looks like you've been doing fine.
As Ann said hi to pat Morgana on the head 'to liking it and acting like a real house cat' for he still liked her 'even though Ann and Ryuji were a couple'.
Ann: You too, Morgana!
Morgana: Mrooow!
He was happy. In fact, everyone else was happy to see Keiko and Morgana again. Also, Akechi made a video to say hi to everyone else as well which was live on Keiko's cell phone.
[Akechi: Hi, everyone! It's great to be back. I'm glad to have good friends. Princess, you be good and wait for me while I gather some police work on some big case to be going on in the past few months. Please forgive me...Morgana, watch her for me. Ryuji and Yusuke, it's good to see you fine gentlemen again without fighting over Keiko anymore. And all of you girls Makoto, Haru, Ann, and Futaba. I just wanted to say thank you for allowing us to have a fine Summer vacation I've been meeting to have for a long time now, see you all later.]
The video stops with Akechi blowing a kiss to Keiko to make her blush, as well as knowing about the wedding happening in the future. Oh! And let's not forget about Sojiro showing up to be smiling to see Keiko and Morgana again, as well as Akechi doing the same thing.
Keiko: Ryuji. Yusuke. Futaba. Ann. Haru. Makoto. It's good to see all of you again. (And thank you for the sweet video, Akechi-Cun, we'll hang out together real soon during our summer break.)
And they will too of a summer they'll soon won't forget. As well as Akechi telling Keiko some shocking news of the cops to be watching on Keiko herself? Hope so is all I can say for right now. For something like a good reunion to be happening is something to be happening now rather than worrying about something later on, but it will come around for this whole story to begin real soon. Yeah, you'll all know when soon enough.
Ann: Ahaha! Boy, were you surprised, Keiko!
Nice planning there, Ann.
Morgana: You guys did all that for us?! Talk about a greeting!
He loved it a lot.
Keiko: Well I love it, to see our friends again.
Ryuji: We hadn't seen ya in so long, we knew we had to do somethin'! We figured the best way to getcha was to have Boss let us in early!
A big plan out for Sojiro to aid the others.
Sojiro: Well, you're looking prettier than ever, Keiko. Hi.
The two then hugged it out since Sojiro was like a second father to Keiko to still be part of the family.
Keiko: Mr. Sakura! Hi! It's been a while.
Sojiro: It has. I've heard from your parents for you to be seeing them more and getting along, good. And Akechi's treating you well I hope.
Keiko: He has...
Sojiro: Even though it's only been a couple of months, it feels like it's been a really long while. I'm sure you all have plenty of catching up to do...But I've got to open up soon. Go ahead and take it upstairs...After all, it's your room. Have a good time.
Hey, someone has to make a living working a lot and keeping the others who are the Phantom Thieves a big secret.
Keiko: My other room...Thanks again, Mr. Sakura.
Sojiro: You can just pay me back by working the counter.
Fair enough that Keiko didn't mind helping out Sojiro in the cafe like always, it was time to take the rest of the reunion upstairs.
Futaba: Deal! Now, Thieves-to the hideout!
Everyone heads upstairs to Keiko's other room right away 'besides having the big bed put in', Sojiro was really happy to have Keiko visiting again.
Sojiro: Great. Just when I was enjoying the peace and quiet...
Same old room, same old tale, with chairs, and same old memories for all eight of them to be laughing the day away with snacks and drinks to enjoy. It still makes you wonder how everyone else has done at their schools since Keiko and Akechi left.
Ryuji: I flunked three of my finals in one day, too. I was really freakin' out. I had so many makeup lectures in a row, I almost wasn't able to come over today...
Ryuji was very lucky in his end. And what about Ann?
Ann: Heheh, then I win! I only flunked ONE final!
Makoto: You two are the same as always. Can't you at least take your classes a bit more seriously?
Good old Makoto is still studying well on her end.
Futaba: Watch out, Miss President's gonna unleash her fist of justice!
Get it? Makoto's code name Queen of her Phantom Thief to fight in combat and kick ass? Ha!
Makoto: Geez...Will you please forget about that already? Keiko-Chan, it seems both you and Akechi-san have been studying now from what I've heard.
Keiko: Yes, we both have. I'm passing with my regular grades back in my other school. I'm sure you guys will do fine, as both Haru and Makoto have already agreed. Congrats!
Right...Haru and Makoto already finished high school to go to college to follow their own goals to work hard, but still being members of the Phantom Thieves and part of the team as good friends to Keiko and everyone else.
Morgana: So, is college life all it's cracked up to be?
Makoto: Yes, it's going well. I've been using the time to take care of the core curriculum.
Haru: I've been busy too, but it's also a lot of fun. For example, I've learned how to selectively breed certain vegetables.
They seem to be doing well. As for Makoto to study hard, and Haru making her own garden by hand to sound tasty.
Yusuke: Oh-ho! Yielded any results yet?
Ryuji: Boy, that got HIS interest...
Then Futaba had to ask the two older girls something during their college events.
Futaba: Wait-aren't you in the management program, though?
Haru: Yes, but students are allowed to make courses beyond their own programs if they feel so inclined. They even offer agricultural science courses. You can learn all sorts of neat things, like the correlation between soil nutrients and yield...
Morgana: Guh. That'd put me to sleep in a minute flat...
He sure doesn't like to hear long stories to sound a bit boring 'but not really to Keiko didn't mind'.
Keiko: Not for Futaba. She's already starting her first year in high school.
Yeah, she has been for the past six months after Keiko left.
Makoto: And you, Futaba? How's school been for you?
Futaba: Mweheheh, too easy! At this point, the only hellish parts are the commute and P.E.!
Keiko: Amazing, Futaba. Keep it up for the next semester.
Someone sure was very happy.
Futaba: Uh-huh, uh-huh! Praise me more, keep it comin', Big Sis!
Ryuji: Well, how 'bout you, then? You're the one we're the most curious about. You doin' okay back home, Keiko? How are your parents liking your soon to be husband and Mona?
A lot has happened...
Keiko: My parents trust me more now to like what Mr. Sakura did for me. As well as liking both Morgana and Akechi a lot, they'll be coming to our wedding for sure with my brother and sister too. So, yeah...I really missed you guys.
Futaba: Ooo...Wedding plans, do tell. What a coinkydink! Me too. Me too, Big Sis.
Of course they'll all be invited to the wedding already.
Ryuji: So much going on and the wedding, nice. And well, I've been gettin' by too, but...Without you around, it's sorta like stuff is just kinda...bleh.
Keiko: Thanks, Ryuji. I miss all of you guys too.
Futaba: Of course! She's our leader, it's only natural!
Keiko Amamiya was the leader of the Phantom Thieves being the one and only Joker.
Ann: That's right!
With friends and her true love to lead the Phantom Thieves to victory.
Keiko: Hey, you guys are making me blush.
Good heroes never die for everyone knows all about the Phantom Thieves to trust in them to bring justice, even if they only know about who Joker's identity is.
Ryuji: Heheh! Once a phantom thief, always a phantom thief!
The next thing to talk about was the planning of their Summer vacation to make all of it count for fun, lots to talk about.
Makoto: Well, what say we start coming up with summer vacation plans? Anyone have any ideas?
Ann: Ooh, right! We should figure that stuff out!
Leave it to Keiko to help them decide easily.
Haru: Keiko-Chan, you're fine to stay here through all of your vacation, right? The same with Akechi-san too?
For Haru to say so to Keiko - for her, Makoto, Ryuji, Ann, Morgana, Yusuke, and Futaba all looked at their friend/leader.
Ryuji: How 'bout a trip, guys? C'mon, we've got a whole month to rage!
Makoto: Um, aren't you forgetting about your homework?
I think she was talking about both Ryuji and Ann the most. Ouch...!
Ann: Bluh.
Makoto: Not only do you have homework, but you're third-years now. You need to start thinking not just about graduation, but post-graduation-Like Keiko-Chan is with hers in her hometown? She and Akechi-san are both doing well.
Not a good time to hear this, not even to Ryuji either.
Ryuji: Ah! No, stop! Don't bring that up, not now, please!
Morgana: Ryuji never changes.
More of the school work later, first it was summer break.
Yusuke: Back to the topic at hand-If it's alright with you, Ms. Keiko.
Keiko: Yes please.
Yusuke: Thank you. If I may suggest Kyoto. I'll find an abundance of inspiration if we tour each temple and shrine. Oh, the sheer wealth of beauty I can witness in a whole month! I can hear the treasures of our history calling to me!
Here we go with Yusuke's fine art again, but I like them too.
Futaba: Yeah, if it's a month-long art tour, I'm totally gonna pass.
But Futaba was only teasing Yusuke to see some of it later on.
Ann: A trip does sound nice, but what if we all went camping first? We can all go hiking and stuff during the day, and even throw together a barbecue at night!
A camp out with BBQ making food sounds like fun.
Futaba: B-B-Barbecue?! Aren't those always b-big gathering for people who socialize IRL?
Haru: *giggle* Sounds fun. You can leave the firewood-chopping to me.
She was good at chopping wood to have plenty in her room, that's Haru for you.
Ryuji: Kickin' summer off right with a barbecue buffet! Sounds badass to me-how 'bout you, Keiko?
Some meat food and some other things to eat as well.
Keiko: Some meat, just not too much. I still want some cooked veggies please.
Morgana: Look for decent marbling in the cuts! That's how you get the real good stuff. Trust me on this.
Keiko: Just not in real life from the dream world of the Metaverse once, remember...?
Yeah, from almost getting eaten too. Ew. It was best not to not over do it at all...Ann. Ryuji. Makoto. Morgana.
Ann, Ryuji, Makoto: We won't!
Morgana: I mean-I'll eat some meat on my end is what I meant to say. Yeah.
I think they know what to do just in case.
Makoto: It does sound rather fitting for the summer. I like the idea, but we'll need an awful lot of vegetables to balance it out.
Yusuke: Ha...A barbecue is one of the few things in this world that could pull me away from art. Our history's treasures can wait a bit longer.
Futaba: Choosing food over art? You sure your priorities are solid there, Inari?
Ha! Good old name calling again for Futaba to say to Yusuke by nicknaming him 'Inari'.
Ann: All right, our first reunion party has been unanimously decided - we're going camping!
Futaba: And with that settled...
Keiko: I think we have our first summer planning.
Soon, Futaba calls up an app to say something on her phone. Something brand new.
Futaba: EMMA, list recommended camping gear.
EMMA? What was an EMMA? Once Futaba asks something through her new app, EMMA responds back.
Keiko: (EMMA?)
EMMA: [I have compiled a list of items recommended for camping. There is a sporting and travel goods store near 705 in Shibuya. Customer reviews rate this as the best relevant store in your area.]
This was new to Morgana and Keiko to learn about the new app phone.
Morgana: Ooh, what's that?
Futaba: The virtual assistant, EMMA. You haven't heard of it yet?
Ann: Oh, I think I have. It knows, like, basically everything and does all sorts of stuff for you, right?
It sounds like it's been a big hit in some Japan areas like Shibuya, Yongen-Jaya, and such.
Ryuji: Aw, yeah, it's got this eye that thinks for it, right?
Come again...?
Keiko: Ah, Ryuji, sorry...but I don't think it's a bit different.
Haru: She's right. I think you mean "AI", not "an eye."
Well, yeah. That's what AI stands for - artificial intelligence.
Futaba: Right. It stands for "artificial intelligence." It can search all kinds of databases, conduct navigation, manage your schedule, even talk out logic problems and stuff with you...The makers go on about how you can ask it anything and you'll get the best possible answer.
So it was kind of like Alexia, but much different.
Keiko: And what will they think of next?
Makoto: I remember seeing a demon on TV the other day. They were showing off its functions and talking about how it's the next big thing.
Futaba: Yep, that's it all right. Pretty solid tech, considering they're roughly a thousand times smarter than Ryuji.
Ouch, he just got served again.
Ryuji: Shuddup! It does sound kinda cool, though. I bet it'd tell us where all the best ramen shops are.
Futaba: Yeah, you should all download it! I'm tellin' ya, it's the bees' knees.
Makoto: I guess it can be very useful for our camping trip.
And so, everyone got their cell phones out to download it since it was free right now 'with each of them having great mobile sets for it' with luck.
Keiko: Just download the EMMA app on our phones for free, right?
Just then, the last group of the Phantom Thieves have finally arrived to do the same thing too.
Akechi: It would seem like it...I think I know what I'm doing.
But Futaba does it quickly for him anyway.
Futaba: You're welcome, lover boy.
Akechi: Ah, thank you, Futaba.
Everyone sees Akechi's arrival.
Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Haru: Hi, Akechi! Welcome back!
Morgana: It's about time.
Akechi: Sorry, I had to do something in between summer break and working a little to make a living.
Still, he has arrived to hug and kiss Keiko for her to still have the ring on her finger.
Keiko: Akechi-Cun! You've arrived!
Akechi: Princess. Boss let me in right away to talk for a bit, there's a case to be investigated and I'm their detective to try to solve something big.
Later on Akechi talks to everyone else to be happy to see each other again, and more about trying to set up the EMMA app next.
Makoto: Anyways...Now that Akechi-san's here, I suppose it'd at least be handy if we ran into any trouble while camping.
Akechi: Then I'll give it a try.
Morgana: That's a good idea. Why don't you get it too, Madame Keiko?
I think she'll give it a go on her end next.
Keiko: I'm on it, Morgana. And...I'm all set.
Once Keiko gets the app, the EMMA shows a naming company being 'Madicce' words to pop up and it talks to her next as well as the logo name EMMA to appear with a red dot next.
EMMA: [Hello, this is EMMA. I am pleased to meet you. Please provide me with your name.]
Everyone else does it and Keiko as well to also enter in her full first and last name.
Keiko: Keiko Amamiya.
All set up.
EMMA: [Thank you, Keiko Amamiya. Again, I am EMMA, your helpful virtual assistant.]
Akechi: A nice neat greeting from the AI itself.
Something to get used to and to help out the others on their phones, for emergencies only.
Futaba: Looks like you've got it figured out, Big Sis. I sent you all friend requests-please don't blow them off!
Morgana: "Displaying recommended camping items..." So, EMMA came up with all that?
Amazing on what an EMMA app can do, huh? Futaba seems to be enjoying it a lot more.
Futaba: It takes into account the season, the weather, your personal profile, and even your location for all its recommendations.
Ryuji: For real? Damn, that thing's eye's crazy!
Akechi: Eye...?
He didn't get the love part words besides EMMA being the AI app for cell phones.
Keiko: It's best not to ask. Trust me.
Ann: Ah, not "an eye"...Oh, Ryuji, you silly.
All good to have item listings of camping things from the looks of it so far.
Haru: Well, should we split up and buy everything EMMA's listed for us?
Ryuji: Aw, can't we do it tomorrow? It's so hot out...I bet Keiko's beat from the travelin', too. Same with Mona and Akechi. We just went through all the effort to meet up at the hideout, yeah? So let's make the most of it!
Like they used to do when they each became Phantom Thieves, good idea.
Yusuke: Indeed, I have an absolute plethora of discussion topics for us to mull over. I know you'll like them, Ms. Keiko.
Akechi: Us too.
Yusuke: Particularly, matters such as modern art and the possibilities within it in our current age...
Some art works are fun to see from time to time.
Akechi: As long as you don't ask my fiance to strip naked for your art work, then we're good.
Well, the guys better not have Keiko do anything perverted on their minds anymore. Otherwise, Akechi will mean business.
Ryuji: Yeah, anything about that.
I don't think Yusuke will be thinking of doing it to either of them girls and for Makoto to still love Yusuke.
Keiko: Just make your art like you always do, Yusuke, it'll be fine. (We all had a great time catching up together...)
A fun time talking and hanging out for Sojiro ended up making curry for them all to have some coffee to drink some 'but not for Ryuji'. He still hates it. Hours went by to become the evening now for everyone else goes back downstairs for Sojiro to see them still hanging out this late.
Makoto: Thank you for treating us all to curry, Boss.
But he didn't mind doing it for them at all.
Sojiro: Don't worry about it. Just think of it as a sort of "welcome back" gift. Plus, with Keiko and Akechi hanging around again, it'll be a nice feeling like old times.
Ann: Same here! Thanks again, we'll be back soon!
Calling it a day for Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Haru were all heading back home to see Keiko again later.
Ryuji: Welp, see ya tomorrow, Keiko.
Akechi: Seems to me we're going to have the best summer break for all of us.
Ryuji: And y'know...It was nice talkin' after so long.
Everyone else agrees too.
Ann: Okay, let's get to shopping first thing tomorrow.
Ryuji: Yeah, we gotta get everything EMMA listed up for us, right?
Ann: Yep.
Those two understand each other way too well to make it cute.
Ryuji: Then we should meet up by the Buchiko statue in Shibuya, Keiko.
Akechi: *chuckle* I don't think that'll be a problem there at all.
Ryuji: See ya then! Don't go forgettin', kay?
Keiko: We won't, Ryuji.
All good to go tomorrow and to be ready.
Sojiro: And don't go forgettin' about helping out behind the counter either, Keiko... 'kay?
Keiko: Right, those things...Then I better get to work. See you all tomorrow, guys!
Man, Keiko was sure working hard to get the store clean up to aiding Sojiro out again.
Morgana: And there she goes. See you all later.
Akechi: Good night.
For them to leave and Futaba to be helping out at the cafe for a bit, for Akechi, Morgana, and Keiko to make themselves at home once again.
Keiko: (I was a bit rusty at first, but I still helped out around the cafe before returning to my room...But not alone, Akechi was with me in a special bed Sojiro got for us. And Morgana with the same old cat bed.)
A very nice way to help out Sojiro at Leblanc's again and to see her friends again. Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru were all going for their upcoming camping trip to do in the Summer of their vacation time first. Seems to be good to have the EMMA app installed on each of their phones, and will Akechi tell Keiko about the event he just learned at the police station...? As well as the two twins hanging around with strange powers? Well, who's to say yet. But stick around, more to come next time so I hope you guys are enjoying this so far.