Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #6 - The Phantom Thief of Hearts are back
Back to the Real World again at long last for Keiko, Akechi, Ryuji, and Morgana to get out of Alice Shadow's Palace of a new Metaverse; or whatever it really was far different than anything they've seen so far...Huh? But where was Sophia? Also, who's the ghost to be following Akechi for him and Keiko to both feel out a familiar being? As well as the two mysterious Kaguya and Picaro for Lava to aid them. Well, they do return back to Shibuya – Station Square of the train spot since early this morning to now be night time out.
Keiko: Good, everyone's here.
Ryuji: This is the real world...right?
Sure looks, sounds, smells, and feels like it.
Akechi: I believe I don't see any wandering Shadows chasing after us.
Morgana: Yep, looks like we're back all right.
It even says so on Keiko's cell phone to make a sound 'thanks to EMMA's reminder'.
EMMA: [You have successfully returned from jail. Welcome back.]
It wasn't a Palace in the Metaverse this time, but the word Jail instead.
Morgana: "Jail"?
Akechi: We were in a Jail? Not a Palace?
And now they've noticed Sophia not with the others? Yeah, where was she?
Ryuji: Hang on-Sophia! Where'd she go?
Keiko: Where is she? Sophia? Sophia?!
Looking around Shibuya, to not be anywhere at all to have Keiko worried.
Morgana: I don't think I'm seeing her...
Akechi: Neither can I.
Ryuji: Hey, Shorty! Get your ass over here!
Nice way for Ryuji to get others' attention to be making a scene.
Morgana: Don't yell that in public, idiot!
Sophia: [Need something?]
Just then...They hear Sophia's voice. But where was it coming from if she wasn't with them?
Morgana: Was that...Sophia's voice?!
Keiko: Where are you?
Ryuji: Where is she?!
Another noise was made on Keiko's cell phone to look at it, and there she was to be Sophia herself. She was fine to be on a cell phone instead of being in person.
Akechi: Keiko, your phone.
Sophia: [I'm in front of you, inside Joker's phone.]
Now they see and hear her.
Keiko: Sophia? But when did you get on my phone? (My phone is acting weird...)
Seeing a little avatar head of Sophia to be moving around inside of Keiko's cell phone to be working fine.
Ryuji: What's with the floating head?
Akechi: It's no doubt Sophia alright.
Her big image appears to be full screen for the others to talk to Sophia like this.
Sophia: [Yo.]
Ryuji: Whoa! She just popped up!
Sophia: [Oh, did you change your outfits?]
Guess she's not used to seeing Keiko, Ryuji, and Akechi to be regular people and still the Phantom Thieves yet.
Morgana: Is that really you, Sophia?
Sophia: [Yep, I'm really me. But, who are you?]
He tells Sophia it was Morgana who looked like a cat in the real world.
Morgana: I'm still Mona. I just look like a cat in this world.
Yep, she needs to get used to this.
Sophia: [Mona? You're Mona?]
The others laugh about it.
Keiko: It's hard to believe in at first, but it's fine.
Sophia: So, you really weren't a raccoon?
Morgana: I already told you that...
All jokes and seeing this aside...We all want to know why Sophia was in Keiko's smartphone to begin with.
Ryuji: Wait, why're you on her phone now?
Sophia: [Why am I...Because I'm an AI.]
It makes sense for her to be an android to begin with.
Morgana: An AI?!
Akechi: Artificial Intelligence...That's what AI stands for.
See? Sophia was those types of things all the way in the Metaverse.
Ryuji: A, uhhh...That's that smart thing, right?
Morgana: Futaba told us all about it. She's an "artificial intelligence."
Ryuji: For real?!
Keiko: It's like in one of those SYFY movies. Still, Sophia, you could've told us you can do this.
True, I think Sophia would've, but again her programming does it without her knowing it. She did lose some of her memories.
Sophia: [Because it was the closest one to me.]
Keiko: It's fine then, no biggie.
Sophia: [I was thrown into endless light. When I tracked down Joker's scent, I ended up here.]
Like some type of smart person who organizes other things differently.
Ryuji: Her "scent"? Who're you, Morgana?
Akechi: Only more of an android.
Morgana: So, since she's an AI, she turned into data when she came to this world.
Instinct programming for Sophia who just so happened to just do without knowing about it until now.
Ryuji: Zat mean you're livin' on her phone?
Keiko: In my phone of all places too.
She doesn't seem to mind being in it.
Sophia: [It is somewhat small, but it's cozy and has everything I need. Care to join me?]
Was that even possible for Sophia to do with the others...? Who's to say yet.
Ryuji: Haha...I don't even have the energy for a comeback right now.
Morgana: Anyway, it's a big relief knowing you made it out of there safely.
For right now if they'll go back to Alice King's Jail, they need to save the others.
Ryuji: Hey, but what about those other people we saw in there? Are they still...you know?
Akechi: Who's to say...
Morgana: I don't know...But I seriously doubt normal folks would be able to fight against that.
Keiko: Then we have to go save them.
But how? They can't do it alone? Makoto, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, and Haru needed to help them out as well.
Morgana: I get what you're saying, but if we charge in without a plan, we're just going to wind up captured too.
Keiko: Yeah, but still...
Morgana: A new part of the Metaverse has its own version of a Palace that we access though EMMA...it even has a ruler Shadow...Odds are that something horrible is happening right now.
Then this calls for a meeting time with the rest of the Phantom Thieves.
Keiko: Then let's go back to Leblanc to plan something else. All of us as the Phantom Thieves with the others.
Akechi: I think if we work together with our own skills and some new ones, we can all get through this.
Morgana: You two are right. Talking about this here is no good. Let's get to Leblanc. We'll hammer out our course of action with everyone there.
It was time for the same old hideout and same old team, before they could do anything else.
Ryuji: And what about her?
What will they do with Sophia?
Sophia: [It appears I cannot exit this phone. When I came to this world, I connected to the internet and learned a great many things...But my memory is still erased. I also found no means of data recovery. Furthermore, I am stuck here. What should I do next?]
Keiko: Does it matter, Sophia? We'll all go together.
So she was part of the team then? Sure it would seem like it since Keiko will let Sophia in on everything that's been going on so far.
Sophia: [That sounds good.]
Morgana: Also, introducing Sophia to everyone else'll probably make the explanation easier.
Ryuji: Wonder how THAT'S gonna go over...Especially when they hear all the Palace-type shit.
Akechi: It wouldn't hurt to try it, they'll understand.
If they see and hear Sophia for proof, the better they can stop another mess up event.
Sophia: [There are more phantom thieves?]
Ryuji: Yeah, we got ourselves a whole gang. One of 'em'll probably flip her wig over you, too.
I think he's referring to Futaba to like Sophia soon enough.
Sophia: [Okay...That sounds pretty fun.]
Akechi: Keiko, call everyone else to meet up at Leblanc right away.
It was time to call up for the meeting once again.
Keiko: I'm already on it.
And so, 30 minutes later after Keiko made the call, the meeting takes place up in her room for her, Akechi, Ryuji, and Morgana had a lot of explaining to do with Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru on what happened to them today. New Palaces to be called Jails instead of Alice Hiiragi's Shadow was known as Alice King was the ruler of that type of Metaverse with same old Shadows but with new skills for others who were transfer there; and of course to to coming across Sophia to be good in battle with some trouble remembering 'other than hanging out inside of Keiko's smartphone'. Same with having new looks and power upgrades for both Keiko and Akechi thanks to Sophia's skills. And that's about it for the time being to have them help them out go back this time as a team. So, what's the first plan about doing all of this while also enjoying some of their Summer break?
Yusuke: I see. You're saying you entered the Metaverse with Alice Hiiragi's invitation and met a sentient AI named Sophia, who is now on your phone, Ms. Keiko. As well as having a new power up for both you and Akechi-san.
Yeah, it would seem that way.
Ryuji: When you put it that way, you make us sound crazy...
Akechi: And we did explain the best we could.
I think they all get it.
Morgana: But I'm telling you-it's the truth.
Keiko: A real story that almost sounds fake, but really it isn't.
Morgana: I really didn't want to believe it myself...We know what a cognitive world like that means, after all.
They get it to be strange and back to the good old times they did from six months ago.
Makoto: We understand. None of us would make up something like this.
Akechi: It still leaves us with unanswered questions on why this is all happening. With all of us working together, we can work something out.
Lots to work on.
Makoto: However, there's a chance that Sophia may know more than we do about the situation. She's still with you, right? Could we speak with her?
Hopefully if Sophia shows herself on Keiko's smartphone she will.
Morgana: Yeah, let's see if there's anything Sophia can add that could help us figure out what's happening.
Keiko: I'll get out my phone.
Once Keiko did, it was time for Sophia to show herself.
Morgana: Could you come join us, Sophia?
Putting it up for everyone to see and the volume up to hear her voice, out shows the image of Sophia herself.
Sophia: [Yo, Phantom Thieves.]
Seeing it, believing alright.
Makoto: Wha-?!
Futaba: W-W-W-What is that?!
Making some phone noises to respond back.
Sophia: [I am Sophia, humanity's companion.]
Makoto: That's really...Sophia?
Keiko: It is, her name is Sophia who just has Persona-user skills like us...somehow. Sophia, these are the other members of the Phantom Thieves.
The others now believe in Sophia as a friendly android with skills.
Haru: Wow, I can't believe this is happening...
Seeing around the Phantom Thieves' hide-out for Sophia to get used to them and so on even more.
Sophia: [Is this some sort of hideout? There seem to be a number of phantom thieves present.]
She starts to hum a song tune in a good way.
Ann: She's humming to herself?!
And already Yusuke loves the design to look like artwork to him.
Yusuke: What in heaven...? Such an adorable design...I can feel the charm, the pain, the tenacity within!
Makoto: Wait, what? Oh Yusuke...
Afterwards, Keiko and Akechi told the others all about Sophia and why her memories are gone. Ryuji and Morgana were also saying the same thing while trying to make the story short.
Ryuji: So yeah, this is Sophia.
Sophia: [Nice meeting you.]
Already Futaba was loving what Sophia was. Ryuji called it.
Futaba: Okaaaay...An AI with genuine will is just waaay too advanced...
Ryuji: Right? We couldn't believe it either.
Keiko: Ditto. So, please introduce yourselves to Sophia next.
Funny how it all turns out like this. And now, it was time for their introduction...
Makoto: That's right, we are meeting for the first time. Nice to meet you, Sophia. I'm Makato Niijima.
Haru: My name's Haru Okumura. We're both college students, but I also help out with my family's company.
Ann: I'm Ann Takamaki! I'm a third-year in high school, and I do some modeling, too.
Yusuke: My name is Yusuke Kitagawa. I continuously strive to master the arts as we know them.
For Futaba to be the next one to speak, she was a bit shy.
Futaba: S-So I'm next, huh? I'm Futaba Sakura, and I kinda suck at socializing, b-but I wanna be friends, and stuff...
Hey, not bad there, huh?
Akechi: Besides me-Goro Akechi AKA Crow who's also a ace detective prince, I'm also Keiko as my fiance and leader of the team.
Ryuji: Hey, I was gonna say about what I do next, Akechi...No fair...!
Akechi: What? I just saved you the trouble.
Ryuji: Whatever! If you can say that much, then it's not just a speech impediment. And nah, you did great, Futaba. In fact, I bet you and Sophia'll get along real awesome.
For Sophia to repeat all of the names she has heard and what they do to say them again.
Sophia: [Makoto, Haru, Ann, Yusuke, Futaba, and Akechi. I'll remember that. You all have much more normal names than Joker.]
Ryuji: Ohhh, right- we skipped that part. So, we're the Phantom Thieves, but...
Now this part to explain next.
Morgana: We call each other by code names in the Metaverse so our enemies won't discover our real identities.
Sophia: [Code names.]
Ryuji: My name's actually Ryuji Sakamoto. The cat's Morgana, Akechi's the detective, and she's...
Keiko: I'm Keiko Amamiya.
And who has who for the code names.
Akechi: I go by the code name Crow. Keiko goes by Joker, Ryuji's Skull, Morgana's Mona, Ann's Panther, Yusuke's Fox, Makoto's Queen, Futaba's Oracle, and Haru's Noir.
All this to learn so much since Sophia is part of the team and their code names, she was good at memorizing the names and code names of the entire Phantom Thieves.
Sophia: [Keiko Amamiya. Okay, I'll remember that.]
Haru: Um...So you really are a computer program?
Sophia: [Correct. Would you like to see the source code?]
One of them does, Futaba wants to see it from Sophia very badly...
Futaba: Oooooh, yes yes yes! Show me, show me!
Keiko: Calm down, Futaba.
Like a little kid at a candy store almost, but a teenage girl who loves machines way too much.
Ryuji: Take it down a notch, okay? You can see it after we get through these questions.
Yeah, one thing at a time to talk about first.
Makoto: First off, why were you in the Metaverse?
Sophia: [I do not know because my memory is gone.]
Makoto: Could you have the AI version of amnesia or something? That seems difficult to recover from.
Futaba: If your data just crashed, I could take a look and try restoring it.
Sadly, not even Futaba's skills can't make it happen for Sophia. She needs to do it on her own.
Sophia: [It is impossible. I have already tried every potential solution.]
Well, that's a real shame.
Futaba: Ehh, yeah. Based on your specs, I guess it's not surprising you already thought of that.
Yusuke: Can you recall anything at all?
Akechi: Anything you can remember, Sophia, please tell us. I'm a detective. Anything you need some help with, I can help you solve it. Same with everyone else, we're all in this together.
Does Sophia know about anything she manages to do on her own? Maybe she gave some hints for the others.
Sophia: [Only the command I received at initialization, like I did with Keiko and Akechi. I detected the danger of their powers to try to do something about it, and I was successful.]
Keiko: It's hard to remember the rest, isn't it. Sorry, Sophia, but no worries. We'll still help you out in any way we can. By the way, thank you for giving us our powers for a good upgrade.
Akechi: Yes, you're truly a life saver.
One thing to happen at a time.
Sophia: [You're quite welcome. I'm happy, you two are from the programming I do have from within my system.]
It's a start 'so far'. Maybe some clues for Sophia to retrace in her memories would work out better?
Ryuji: Good and all about aidin' Keiko and her fiance. You don't sound too sure of that.
Sophia: ["Be humanity's companion." That was the command I was issued. I remember nothing else.]
Keiko: That's all you know, huh? Don't worry about it, Sophia, I guess at times it can't be helped.
They just needed to try looking around for something to find the answers they really needed to get some answers somehow.
Morgana: Yeah, don't let it bother you too much, Sophia. You helped us a lot. Madame Keiko does have a good point. I was in the exact same situation when I first met these guys.
Sophia: [Thank you.]
Yeah, both Sophia and Morgana are a lot alike.
Ryuji: I've still got a shit-ton of questions about Sophia, but we have some real work to do first.
Keiko: (Sophia's just like what Morgana was when I first met him.)
Morgana: Right-the Metaverse...and what we saw.
Yes, Alice Hiiragi Shadow's Palace to be called a Jail this time in this new Metaverse.
Akechi: It's only called a Jail this time.
Ann: From what you saw, that means Alice Hiiragi has a Palace in Shibuya, right?
From seeing the bad side of the truth Alice celebrates herself.
Ryuji: Yeah, she was callin' herself the queen, bein' all high an' mighty, orderin' Shadows around. All that kinda shit.
Morgana: There's no doubt that was the cognitive world, but...something about it was awfully different from the Palaces.
This was news for the other five to hear about it as well, as the other four have seen it so far.
Futaba: What is it?
Keiko: For me, Akechi, Morgana, and Ryuji weren't the only ones there.
Morgana: Real humans were being attacked by Shadows.
Akechi: And that's not all...some type of gem hearts were taken out of them to become some type of deform monsters.
Yeah, what they just said. This wasn't like any other Palace of the Metaverse to have people with no powers to be forced to enter a Palace to get attacked by Shadows in person. Bad news already.
Haru: There were people inside the Palace to have some heart gem taken from them and turned into monsters?!
Yusuke: You mean, they had access to the Metaverse Navigator?
Makoto: But that disappeared for all of us.
Who's to say right now, no answers about it for the time being.
Ryuji: I know, right? That's where this comes in.
Keiko: Let us show you guys.
This has Ryuji getting out the EMMA app from his phone.
Makoto: You mean...EMMA?
And Futaba does something on her end as well...
Ryuji: Yup. For some reason, this thing worked just like the Meta-Nav did.
Akechi: In other words, EMMA is the new Nav for us to use.
Morgana: We accidentally entered Alice's EMMA keyword and got sent to the Metaverse.
From the card to telling EMMA of Alice's name to search on, that was when it all started.
Ann: Wait, that means EMMA is dangerous!
Keiko: I don't think so...
Seems harmless since it only did the Metaverse to go into, and that's it.
Futaba: But you can just just uninstall it. The Meta-Nav didn't work like that.
Akechi: This one must be different.
Morgana: There's one more thing that's been bothering me...When we got back to this world, EMMA said we returned from "the jail."
Now they've learned more from not a Palace this time, it was Jail.
Makoto: Jail?
Keiko: Yeah, Jail. Not Palace this time and we still don't know why that is.
Morgana: The only thing we've figured out is that this new place is called a jail.
Ryuji: So, could you guys check out the Palace, or jail, or whatever with us?
I think it's just a Jail this time rather than a Palace of the brand new edition of the Metaverse.
Yusuke: Good point. There's no progress any further unless we see it with our own eyes.
It's up to Team Drago of the Phantom Thief of Hearts to be back in action again...just on a whole new different level.
Ann: I'm also having a hard time buying Alice as the ruler of a Palace.
Haru: Are we going to scout it out together? I think the sooner, the better.
Makoto: Is it even safe for us to enter, though? What if we all just end up captured?
Right...Keiko and the others were ambushed to get captured, so what is there anyway? There has to be. 'If only Atsuko's other half Janet who was once Jackie was still around'. Miss that special woman of Cognition being a girl, huh? Some parts about it. Soon, Sophia thought about something.
Sophia: [There were no enemies in the vicinity of the exit. It's fine to enter through there.]
Morgana: Well, Madame Keiko, are we going to head back to that place tomorrow?
Keiko: It's fine if we all go in together, so let's do it.
Once their leader makes a decision like this one, then everyone else is all in too.
Futaba: Right, we've got our mission!
Akechi: Agreed. I'll do what I can here to solve this case, while at the same time try to aid you Phantom Thieves once again. Someone has to keep an eye on all of you.
True, he's there back up as he winks at Keiko the most.
Keiko: Good idea, Akechi-Cun. With us working hard in our world and the other, we can all pull this one off.
Yusuke: Very well, I look forward to seeing this Jail. What say we meet at the connecting bridge in Shibuya!
But Futaba wanted to say something first.
Futaba: But firrrrrst...I get to see Sophia's code! You promised! Remember? Ohhhh, this is gonna be the info dump of a lifetime! I promise you won't feel a thing! Mweheheheheh...
Sophia: [Are you confident this is wise?]
Someone really wants to do it so badly.
Ann: Hahaha...I guess so? I mean, at least we know she's got computer skills.
Keiko: That's our Futaba for you who likes these things.
Ryuji: Aw, maaaan...THIS is what happens when we get back together? Talk about an ass-busting summer vacation.
Just then, something surprises Yusuke and makes a noise.
Yusuke: *gasp*
Ann: Huh? What is it?
Yusuke: What about our life-changing Kyoto excursion? Our barbecue extravaganza?
That's it? I think now isn't the time yet, but maybe later on.
Ann: Extravaganza? You mean our camping trip?
Haru: It looks like we'll just have to postpone it.
Keiko: Sorry, Yusuke.
Making Yusuke mad about all of this to be on hold, he will fight back.
Yusuke: It's not us, Ms. Keiko. Still...! Damned Metaverse...I vow to slice you to ribbons!
Ryuji: Uh, you can't slice the Metaverse, dude...Just save it for the Shadows.
Makoto holds Yusuke's hand to calm him down.
Makoto: There, there.
Akechi: I say we all call this meeting to a close for today. You guys head home to rest, for us to plan ahead tomorrow, and leave the detecting skills to me.
You heard the young ace detective prince, folks. Holding off the meeting as Makoto, Haru, Ryuji, Ann, and Yusuke headed on home for now. As Keiko, Morgana, and Akechi were just chilling in their room; along with both Futaba to be staying for a little bit longer and Sophia to still be online.
Keiko: Man...! Too close, we almost died!
Morgana: Still, a lot happened today...
Keiko: Tell me about it, Morgana, we need to be together the next time we go.
So much to do while still trying to have some Summer fun and saving the world once again.
Akechi: How are you two doing? Sophia? Futaba?
She was working on something with Futaba's hacking skills to get something from Sophia's programming.
Futaba: Hmmm...I see...What?! But how? I mean, with this over here...Daaamn...So that's it...
Was it Futaba's sounding of a new discovery?
Keiko: Got something? (Futaba is having fun analyzing Sophia's source code...)
Morgana: So, what do you think, Futaba? How's Sophia's code look?
Akechi: Did you find anything?
I think she might've found out something.
Futaba: Well, her programmer is a genius. No doubt about that. You can figure a person out by their code, and not just their skill level. Their habits, thought processes, even their personalities are there. This code is so advanced that even I can't read it and comprehend it right away. It'll take me weeks-even months to actually grasp how Sophia works.
Keiko: So we got nothing?
A big problem to not be a month to solve in time!
Morgana: Take you months? That's a serious program...
Sophia: [I don't understand. Do you mean I'm impressive?]
She loves Sophia's programming already.
Futaba: Yeah, you're impressive! You're some kinda Super-AI! If you ever went public, everyone would call EMMA old hat!
Sophia: ["Old hat"?]
What an odd word for Sophia to hear for the first time.
Futaba: When something was popular at one point but stops being popular, it becomes old hat. It's a saying people don't really use anymore.
Sophia: [Okay, I got it. You are very knowledgeable, Futaba.]
Ah, some to learn and some was better left unsaid a little.
Morgana: Don't go teaching her too much weird stuff, okay? While we're at it, did you see anything about Sophia's past? Her programmer's name, or a company's, maybe?
Futaba: Nothing yet-and most of those leave a signature of some sort in their work, too...
So nothing yet in other words.
Akechi: I guess we need to keep searching.
Sophia: [...]
Keiko: Hey, Sophia. There's no need to worry. We'll find out anyway, I promise.
And they will too.
Futaba: Anywaaay, I'm gonna keep crackin' at it from home. I'll let you know once I find anything new, Big Sis.
Keiko: Then we're counting on you, Futaba.
For a young hacker of the group, Futaba Sakura/Oracle will get anything done to solve on her end as well.
Futaba: Mm-hm, I'll crack it yet!
Calling it a night for Futaba to take her laptop and heading on home by walking back.
Akechi: Just let me know if you find anything, Futaba, use your great hacking skills.
Futaba: You got it, Akechi. Well, folks-time for me to make like a tree!
As she was leaving, this had Sophia confused on what Futaba just said.
Sophia: [She made...like a tree?]
Keiko and Akechi: Don't ask.
Morgana: Please don't, Sophia.
And from there Keiko walks Futaba home for Sojiro to see...
Keiko: (We said goodnight to Futaba, then headed to bed ourselves...)
Then returning back home to rest, Keiko and Akechi get changed, shower, eat a little, and call it a day until tomorrow.
Morgana: Boy, was that a helluva day. I never would've imagined something like this would happen.
Keiko: Neither of us did, Morgana.
It just happened out of the blue I guess.
Akechi: Still, we can let it be. Solving this case will be a problem. I got a lot of work to be done on my end, but still...From our love, Princess, the Phantom Thieves are back in action. And my great detective skills.
Keiko: Right, Akechi.
With their love to get things done, it'll all work out somehow.
Morgana: You're a real standout, Madame Keiko. But that just might mean you're going to see some trouble again soon. Alice, EMMA, this new Metaverse...A mountain of mysteries sure is piling up fast. Well, the Metaverse reappearing may have been a surprise, but even that doesn't compare with Sophia.
Just then, Keiko's phone rings for Sophia to hear her name. She does have good hearing.
Sophia: [Did you call for me?]
Keiko: Sorry about that, Sophia, we were just thinking about our plans for tomorrow.
With so much to be done.
Morgana: We were just talking about how you're a huge mystery.
Sophia: [Says the talking cat.]
Morgana: Uh, good point...Wait, I don't have to take that from some mystery app! By the way, how does some top of the line program lose all its memory, huh? I mean, AI are supposed to be super-smart, right?
Ouch, talk about getting burned.
Keiko: Please, you two. No fighting.
A lot for an AI to be smart, but in Sophia's case...
Sophia: [That is...unarguably true.]
Akechi: I think Morgana didn't mean it in a bad way!
I think she gets it for Morgana to let Sophia know about it loud and clear.
Morgana: Aw, don't get TOO down over it...
Sophia: [I am humanity's companion. If I'm not helpful, then I am useless.]
Morgana: Don't be so hard on yourself...At least you remember that much, right?
All she can remember and programmed to fight somehow with the same moves the Phantom Thieves do, that's about it so far.
Sophia: [Right. I think that means it's important. ]
First of the clues for Akechi to keep in mind so far.
Akechi: "Human's companion"... (This could be important.)
Morgana: But you know, Sophia, can you be friends by being useful?
Keiko: To me...It doesn't matter who or what you are, Sophia, because you're you. Just doing things you're meant to do.
True, she has the Phantom Thieves now as Sophia's true friends since she was set free.
Sophia: [Is that not how it works? Please explain. How else can one be a companion?]
How can they explain this to Sophia?
Morgana: Huh?! Well, uh...Heheh, that's...I guess you just have to find a way to understand the human heart?
Sophia: ["Hearts"?]
As an AI, Sophia should learn more of the human heart.
Keiko: All machines learn about the human heart all the time.
Morgana: R-Right! Then, you'll be able to empathize with other people, and be a good companion to them...I guess.
Love is a beautiful thing in life.
Akechi: The same sex are the same in love too, Morgana. And don't you forget it.
Keiko: We are in love...
The two hugged and kissed a little for Sophia to see what love was so far.
Sophia: [The human heart...]
Morgana: Look, just-just don't worry about it! All you need to do is join us and learn from all the kinds of people we meet! In exchange, you lend a hand to the Phantom Thieves. So I guess you could call this a deal.
Just like always...They'll help out Sophia, if she helps them out in return. Same old deal like last time.
Sophia: [Okay...That is a decent deal. Especially since it should help me become a good companion for humanity.]
Morgana: Yep-so long as it's good with our leader.
That's easy for Keiko to answer back.
Keiko: Of course.
Akechi: Anyone who's on our side, we're willing to help out.
All sounds good to do so.
Sophia: [Thank you, lady Leader/Boss/Captain.]
Keiko: You can just call me Keiko. And in the Metaverse, you can call me Joker then.
Yeah, they get it to have sweat drops on their heads.
Morgana: Then it's a deal. Glad to have you on board, Sophia!
Akechi: You're welcome.
Keiko: We're going to have so much fun.
From saving the world and having a fun summer break somehow.
Morgana: We've got plenty of scouting to do tomorrow. We should get some rest.
Sophia: [Okay. Good night, Morgana. Akechi. Keiko.]
As Sophia goes into sleep mode from Keiko's cell phone and Morgana is sleeping in his cat bed again...
Morgana: Good night, you two.
...Akechi and Keiko get ready for bed as well as cuddling to help them fall asleep easily. But just as they were going in the covers of their bed, something appeared of the wandering ghost from their past...a Shadow? A Persona? The two were the only ones who could sense it from within their room.
Akechi: Keiko? Do you feel it?
Seems like it to feel very cold-like.
Keiko: Could it be...? (A ghost?)
Soon a familiar one to once be an enemy who was stopped, had a change of heart for another person to get rescued, and was killed in the end. Yep, you guessed it.
Loki: I'm...back...
Yep, Akechi's old Shadow to be a rogue known as Loki who's now a ghost 'but a very weak one' and who doesn't seem to be their enemy anymore. Something was up other than it was a good thing Loki's not here to fight, but something else was messing with his spirit like this to be weak and it was unable to rest on until something's done. Like what though? You'll learn why later and why I added Loki in my story.
Akechi and Keiko: Loki!
Loki: Miss me, Keiko? And Akechi, we have a lot to talk about...it's the event you're all dealing with right now...