Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #8 - Celebrate Outtake
And now...I guess the Phantom Thieves are going to do a little searching around the area of Shibuya Station Square 'to find out if the other fans of Alice were fine in the real world'. Spit up and search! Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru went on ahead, as Akechi tries to find something down at the police station.
Akechi: (Good luck, everyone. Please be careful.)
Leave it to the young detective to find other things differently...While Loki as a ghost was looking around by floating, or trying to.
Loki: Searching around places as a ghost is kinda boring.
He'll be fine, that only leaves both Keiko and Morgana to search outside of the rain station to look on their end as well 'with Sophia backing them up'.
Morgana: Looks like everyone's out gathering intel already, Madame Keiko. Let's not fall behind!
Keiko: Okay, then let's get to it.
And now...let the searching begin! Everyone was upset to talk about how great Alice is, doing her shows, her singing, buying her CDs, and so on all over the area for Keiko and Morgana to pass by. So many people love Alice Hiiragi to think she's great, but not seeing her do much in person; next they see how Futaba was doing on her end 'to still be a bit scared of being around crowded people like' and sitting around the other train line station area. Can't say I blame her.
Morgana and Keiko: Futaba?
Futaba: Futaba: Ughhh...I can't do this...There's too many people...I want to go home...
This doesn't look good for the other two to make sure Futaba can do this type of work alone.
Morgana: Hey, hey...Are you okay? Didn't you get used to it from going to school?
Futaba: I underestimated summer vacation Shibuya...The pressure from the lively and cheerful characters...I can't even think of a way to go up to strangers and chat with them for information...
But she wasn't alone to have good friends to hear this girl out.
Keiko: It's okay, Futaba. Please don't overdo it.
Morgana: Right, leave this place to us, you should focus on investigating on the internet.
Not just them, but Sophia as well.
Sophia: [I'll help too. I can be useful.]
Futaba: Big Sis. Oh, thank you Sophie! You and I are the cyber squad!
Calling Sophia to be 'Sophie' there as a little nickname, huh? Cute.
Sophia: [You can count on me, I'll do my best to back you up.]
Now she's not alone to have Sophia backs Futaba up this time.
Morgana: I'm glad you two can make a good combination. We're counting on you two.
Futaba: ...I feel better after talking, I think. Thanks, I'm fine now. Right, I'll give you this, Big Sis! A reward for helping me. Drink this and do your best at info gathering!
Giving Keiko something to drink to keep on going, she'll use it for Futaba to make sure her sister/friend was all good to go, for a Soul Tea Papaya item.
Keiko: Thanks again, Futaba.
Futaba: Right! Send me data about incidents that have been occurring around here, Sophia.
Leave it to Sophia to help Futaba out.
Sophia: [Roger that. I'll send you to you from Joker's smartphone. I'll leave the analyzing to you, Futaba.]
While Futaba was working, Keiko and Morgana looked around some more to hear more events of Alice's appearances lately to other fans. As both Keiko and Morgana see Yusuke to be staying around the other path way of the downstairs other lining train station, with some art work on the wall to his liking...they go to see what he has found.
Yusuke: Alice's popularity is greater than I anticipated. I hear rumors about her whether I want to hear them or not while walking around...Alice in Wonderland, huh...It's indeed a very peculiar motif...
Keiko: And one of my favorite books to read. We'll keep looking around, Yusuke, and yes. Her name is always like that of children's story books all the time.
Who doesn't love that type of story...? I love it. Nothing much to hear from anyone other than being hot outside today, leaving Keiko and Morgana to check in Central Street next for others who have signs on how Alice was great to them, then getting a group text message with her friends to see if they've found anything 'with Sophia added in now'.
[Ryuji: Dude...I think I found someone that was in the Jail. Can you come to the alley behind the Airsoft Shop, Keiko?]
He meant for Keiko and Morgana to meet up with Ryuji where Munehisa Iwai's shop - the Airsoft Shop was in the area they were in right now 'to be close by'.
Keiko: I think Ryuji might've found something.
But before they could meet up with Ryuji, first they see Ann near her favorite crepe shop to pick something while still hearing what others were saying about Alice in line at Million Sweets.
Ann: I knew Alice was popular, but there really is...something's wrong I think.
Keiko: What is it, Ann?
Ann: Someone's boyfriend gave up everything he owned to support Alice, he almost became bankrupt or something. I heard he became hospitalized because he didn't drink or eat...Did Alice really do something...? Why would she do that...? ...I guess it's no use thinking about it now. Oh, right, aren't you hungry, Keiko? They say something about an empty stomach right? Let's have a crepe to get motivated! Chocolate sauce and plenty of creme, they said strawberry toppings are free right now!
Sounds good, just not over too much on what's in it.
Keiko: Ah...That might give me a heart burn.
Ann: Really? Then let's go for a summer mood triple ice cream with deluxe berry toppings!
More like keep on searching around to get back to hanging out again later.
Keiko: Ah, I have to meet with your boyfriend. Ryuji might've found something, Ann. So just keep listening to more information.
Ann: Go it. I'll ask around again after I get some motivation. It's hot so you take care too, Keiko. And you too, Morgana.
Asking other people about Alice, for one high school looking girl does. saying that the boys at her school are big fans of Alice Hiiragi to even have one of her friend's boyfriend go crazy for their relationship to fall. Really? More on the guys than the girls? Which means the percentage search is now up to 006% so far, slowly to go up, but it's a start so far. Next, Keiko and Morgana meet up with Ryuji at Airsoft to see this person.
Ryuji: ...Look, the brown haired guy. Wasn't he at the Alice event?
Seeing the guy...For Keiko, Morgana, Akechi, and Ryuji might've to be one of Alice King's victims.
Keiko: I believe he might be Ryuji. Let's listen in quietly.
And they did it because this guy was talking to another male to ask for him to lend one with the brown hair some money. It all has to do with seein Alice in person. A bit too much, you think? Now he wanted an Alice production thing for her to buy, way too much to get.
Ryuji: This loud brown haired guy was there that time, right Keiko?
Keiko: I think it is.
Listen to some more...for people to get into idols way too much can ruin their lives, way too much to take all of the money to even use it a lot more from the black market.
Morgana: ...He's even getting loans from black markets to buy clothes from Alice.
Ryuji: This isn't normal at all. Apparently he started acting strange just recently.
This could only mean one thing then...
Morgana: Could it be...? That the Metaverse had an effect on him...?
So if the Shadows who work for Alice King hurt the humans in the Metaverse to take their wishes in the form of gem hearts and become Gegasites, could this be the results?
Keiko: You could be right, Morgana, we're getting somewhere with all of this. Ryuji, see what else you can find out. We'll hear more from other people in the area.
Ryuji: Right, Keiko. Still, I thought something was wrong when I saw these crazy eyes of his, so I was right. There was another guy like that around here, this can't be a simple coincidence.
Off they go again, which now goes up to 052% this time. Getting out of the area, to be back in town and Haru shows up. How was she doing on her search?
Haru: I went to look at a shop 705 just now and a customer had that invitation card...It looks like her friends might be increasing more and more...
She does make a good point. Don't special events like those only happen one time only and not a lot? Keiko and Morgana continued with their search about the famous Alice to be spreading world wide to be a big group, a whole lot! Talking to another woman, who too doesn't like Alice Hiiragi a lot to not care on how much she gets to want only money, up to 054% now; to then see Makoto to be near the movie theater – Tokyo Cinema for the two hear her out on her results next.
Makoto: "Like a Gentleman"...5 stars. Now playing...But it's awkward to go in alone...
Maybe later for Keiko to go to any type of movie theater when she can.
Keiko: Sounds like a fun idea to do, Makoto, maybe later?
Makoto: It's a deal, Keiko-Chan. Speaking of this place...I heard a lot of employees at this theater were laid off from here. A rumor claims that it's because they weren't fans of Alice...Getting fired is such a reason, I can only think that something must have happened.
Nice! More and more Keiko, Morgana, and Sophia were getting about how everyone 'mostly the guys' were going crazy over Alice so much. Next thing was seeing a clothing store for Keiko and hearing someone saying they were all out of Alice already in just ten minutes!
Morgana: All sold out in ten minutes?! That fast?!
Keiko: I would never do such a thing to just have one if I was a fan of something.
Morgana: I guess it's not impossible...But it does seem like Alice's fans are really crazy! Let's remember this, Madame Keiko.
Keiko: Good idea, Morgana.
Enough to now go to 085% this time. Now where else to go next...? Coming through a water fountain of a dog statue to be there.
Sophia: [So that's what a dog looks like.]
Something like, sure. To see another male fan of Alice's to look way different from the look in his eyes to talk about her a lot.
Male Fan: I love you, Alice...I'll buy anything for you...Do anything for you! All of it!
Trying to wave her arms and snapping Keiko's fingers next to the man's face, but nothing was working.
Morgana: This guy...something's wrong with his eyes. It doesn't even look like he sees us...
Keiko: I can't even make this guy blank.
This was getting far worse now.
Morgana: No matter how much you like Alice, it's strange to go that crazy, isn't it?
Keiko: It sure is.
Now up to 100% completed and done to get their answers 'enough of it', Keiko gets a group text from her friends to see what they've found as well.
[Makoto: How is the information search going? Why don't we meet up and share what we're gathered so far? ]
I think it was best to do so for Loki as a ghost has seen a lot on his end to return with the others to report back.
Morgana: Hm, I think Makoto is right. Should we meet up soon?
Keiko: Let's go meet up with everyone.
Morgana: Alright, let's get together at the Shibuya walkway then.
And off they go back to that area in Shibuya 'from their old second hideout'...And how was Akechi doing? He gets a call from an old friend to help him out to find some dark things about Alice Hiiragi to discover on his own. A lot to be surprised about what's really happening and hiding from the entire public.
Akechi: (Now I see what's going on...) Oh! Sae-san. Hello. It's been a while. Listen, I need for you to look up something for me, or rather a person to be causing trouble again in the area but we're on it if you know what I mean. A famous girl named Alice Hiiragi. TDo you think you can get something for me? Thank you, that'll be great. Alright, I'll see you later. (If she could find something else on her end, I found something even more with these files. Master...)
Now why does Akechi bring up his master? It was good that Akechi gave Sae Niijima a call there. But this teacher who raised and took him in as a detective? Was he here with him? Later, he soon gets a group text message to meet up with the other Phantom Thief members right away, all of them back to report about Alice's strange popularity.
Keiko: Good, everyone's here. Now it's time to get back to business...I think we've gotten enough evidence about Alice Hiiragi...
One by one, the others do their best to talk about what they've also learned on their end to find some evidence.
Makoto: So, how'd it go? Anyone learned anything useful about potential victims?
Ryuji: Yeah, we spotted a couple familiar faces.
A lot for Keiko, Ryuji, and Morgana to remember the faces of.
Morgana: We found some of the people who were attacked in the Jail.
Keiko: A lot of them are guys to have less effect on the girls.
From one guy to crazy over Alice, and the other two girls to ignore the whole thing.
Ann: You really found them?!
Loki: But they're not themselves is what you're saying. From the clothes, her popularity, all of the males going crazy over this human woman, and losing their money. She sounds like a real whore...I just looked around all over town, it was a real mess.
That aside, they are learning a lot from what they've seen and heard of so far.
Yusuke: Which means, the ones ambushed in the Jail were indeed only their Shadows and not their human forms.
Ryuji: But, there's still one thing...They're all actin' real weird...
Haru: Weird how?
For the guys who were attacked by Shadows to hurt their Shadows selves, to be turn completely different besides weak Gegasite slaves in the Metaverse.
Keiko: It was like...they were out of if with only one thing on their minds. From them to turn into something weak, and then they change in our world.
Ryuji: They're all totally crazy for Alice. They're even gettin' loans so they can buy more shit at her store. That's pretty weird.
Just those things only and nothing else to even dump their own girlfriends, and losing their jobs. Or worse, forgetting about their families to go to school even so.
Yusuke: Hmm...Now that you mention it, I saw others behaving similarly in Shibuya.
Akechi: Anything else?
He wanted to hear more from the others to see what else Alice was like for every other guy.
Ann: Yeah...like this one couple nearly splitting up when the boyfriend bought everything Alice-related he could find...
Makoto: There were even people let go from their jobs because they weren't Alice fans themselves.
Futaba: I've even found some reports of Alice fans straight-up assaulting out-spoken critics of hers.
From messed up fans, lots of supporters non-stop, and people getting fired who weren't fans of Alice to be all messed up.
Haru: At first, I figured Alice was just the latest fad, but...this seems so much worse than that.
Morgana: Maybe the people who had the Desires taken from and turned to those Gegasites then went crazy?
So there was an effect from the Metaverse to cause all of the men to change.
Akechi: Only targeting the males, losing their jobs, buying so much for money for Alice to like only, and too famous for doing one thing to perform so much. It would take a year or two to start off like that...There's no doubt in my mind. I found a couple who were attacked by their Shadows of becoming Gegasites are also in prison today, they wouldn't stop talking about Alice.
Loki: And this is why it's best to love one person only...
Staring at Loki, he was only proving a point about it.
Keiko: Really, Loki?
Loki: I was only joking! I'm just proving a point that some humans are worse like this from when I was messed up.
True, moving on again...
Makoto: If that's the case, then we have to do something.
Yusuke: Yes, Ms. Makoto. Agreed. If such aberrant behavior continues to rise, we could easily find ourselves in an unwinnable position.
Morgana: With the Metaverse involved and what Loki has told us, we're the only people who can stop this.
The sooner the Phantom Thieves can fix all of this, the better and to get the master mind soon enough.
Akechi: We can't let this go unchecked then. I want to solve this case no matter what it takes.
Haru: Mmhm. We have to help!
Soon to be getting a sound from Keiko's phone for Sophia had something to say next.
Keiko: Sophia...
Sophia: [It looks like you've finished gathering intel on Alice's victims. Would you like to investigate her next?]
All according to their plan to do next before going back to Alice King's Jail again.
Keiko: That's right. That'll be our next step before making another move, all of us will be ready then.
Ryuji: Yep...Let's break for today and pick this back up tomorrow after your trip.
Leave it to Keiko, Morgana, Akechi, and Ann to be seeing Alice Hiiragi in person tomorrow as the others were on standby.
Makoto: Good luck with the Alice visit, you four.
Akechi: While Ann takes Keiko to have a look around, Morgana and I will see what else we can learn more about Alice little at a time.
Sounds like a very good plan to do as a team.
Keiko: Without her noticing a thing. Good thinking, Akechi.
Morgana: Thanks, we're on it!
Calling it a day, everyone else went back home.
Keiko: (I made my way back to Leblanc along with me, Akechi-Cun, and Morgana...)
Morgana tries to rest, Sophia in sleep mode from the phone, and Loki takes off to float around on his end until the next task to do tomorrow...
Loki: Get some sleep, kids. You're gonna be needing it.
This leaves Keiko and Akechi in the bedroom to be holding each other and hopefully solve the matter at hand in any way tomorrow, for they must be very careful around Alice Hiiragi herself.
Akechi: Princess? Is there something on your mind?
Keiko: Not really...I just hope we can pull this off.
Akechi: Are you jealous of Alice trying to get between our love?
For him to be making a joke like that, this made Keiko get a little shy and a bit upset about it.
Keiko: What?! No! I just don't want us to get killed by the new enemy who's much more deadlier compared to the last enemy we had to face! I hope Alice doesn't put you under her spell.
Akechi: Ah, no...My Shadow's been fixed, so I like to see her try. And seeing you act jealous to be blushing is always adorable.
Kissing Keiko on the lips to know it was all a joke.
Keiko: Oh, Akechi-Cun...Don't joke like that with me again please.
Akechi: But you know I'll never fall for any other girl but you. We're getting married soon, and these rings are proof to never tear our love apart.
For holding hands, it does prove a lot for Keiko and Akechi's love to grow more and more.
Keiko: You're right and I will always love you.
Akechi: Then maybe we can...
Kissing from the neck and touching so much to fall on the bed, for Keiko and Akechi to make their love count under the covers of their bodies to dance with passion.
Keiko: Take me away, Akechi-Cun.
Akechi: Yes, Princess.
From then on, they fall asleep in each other's arms to call it a night to be sleeping well, for night to turn to day.
7 – July/27th/Thursday
A good sleep for Keiko, Morgana, and Akechi got dressed, cleaned up, showered, and ate to go downstairs for Sojiro to open up shop for one customer to enjoy the handmade coffee and curry too.
Keiko: Mr. Sakura, we're going out now.
Sojiro: Oh, heading out? Don't be too late coming back.
He knows to keep things a secret about them very well.
Akechi: We'll be fine, sir. I'll keep an eye on this one.
There goes the three to meet up with Ann, as it was Zen to be enjoying Sojiro's curry and coffee.
Zen: Boss, this curry is fantastic!
Sojiro: Oh, thanks.
Hearing Zen's voice brought Akechi's attention a little, as if he was familiar with this person.
Akechi: (Wait...That voice...Could it be?)
Well for one thing-Who doesn't love the goods at Leblanc? And now – it's on to the next scene.
A Certain TV Studio - Recording Set
Back at the TV studios again for Keiko, Ann, Akechi, and Morgana got front row seats to watch the whole show on what Alice Hiiragi will be saying live on TV. This will be something else.
Morgana: So this is going out live, huh?
Keiko: It would seem like it, Morgana.
Morgana: Even I'm starting to get a little nervous...You still good?
Carefully not to stick out too much for Morgana to be hiding.
Ann: Hey! Stay in the bag. If they find out we bought a pet here, they'll kick us out.
Akechi: I would keep it quiet too, Morgana.
He already knows of the drill.
Morgana: A pet?
Keiko: Just be good, Morgana, and you'll be fine.
Morgana: Awww...Well, I guess if I can't be seen...You three do your best to blend in, too.
That's why Akechi was acting like a detective to watch over any mess up fans to get too close to Alice 'to act like it'.
Ann: We're fine...All we're gonna do is watch.
Oh, and let's not forget about Sophia being on standby from Keiko's cell phone.
Sophia: [Should I also make efforts to "blend in"?]
Keiko: It's for the best.
Ann: Yeah, just hand tight for a bit, Sophia.
All she could do right now was to watch everything else.
Sophia: [No prob.]
Morgana: Oh! Here she comes!
And now, on with the show...
Staff Member: Miss Alice, on the set!
Everyone cheers 'and a lot more with the boys' for Alice comes on to the show live to take her seat in today's episode.
Ann: Holy crap...She really is adorable!
Akechi: Careful, Ann. Don't be fooled by her appearance.
Staff Member: Cutting back from commercial! Back in five, four, three...
2, 1...And back to the show for Alice to be appearing as today's guest star.
Female Host: And now, onto the "Hottest meet-and-Greet" segment of the show. We have a special guest with us today. She has taken the fashion world by storm and conquered it! Please welcome the designer, Alice Hiiragi!
Everyone cheered again and Alice was waving to the audience.
Alice: Thanks for having me!
Male Host: Thank you for joining us, Alice. You sure have been keeping busy these days, haven't you?
She didn't mind it to let others know to be a big show off 'without seeing the real truth about this girl'.
Alice: It's only thanks to all my fans that I've been able to do what I do.
Male Host: And what a number of fans you have! Talk about strong support! Am I wrong to presume that you designed the outfit you're wearing today?
So it was more than being a star, but with fashion clothing as well.
Female Host: It's just so cute. Very expressive.
Alice: Thank you so much. The theme of my current line is "Alice in Wonderland." I feel like fashion is a rare and beautiful thing that can take anyone into a world built on their dreams. You can find a side to yourself that maybe you didn't even know you had...Fashion can do so much for us. I try my hardest to focus on that whenever I design a new piece.
Although the scene of hers was true, and the rest must be a darker part around it.
Female Host: Such wise words from a successful industry veteran! What inspiration originally spurred you into fashion design, if you don't mind?
Alice: To be honest, I was very shy growing up. I didn't have any friends at school...I would get so lonely. I wanted to change so much, but I just couldn't figure out how to do it. One day, I saw the most beautiful dress in a shop window. When I put it on, the whole world felt new. It was like I was hit with this blinding ray of light. "I really can change!" That's what wearing it made me think. I strive each day to give that same feeling to every person who tries on one of my designs. I want to give that ray of light to others! That is what inspired me to enter the fashion industry.
Is that when Alice's King or Shadow has lost it because of some dress?
Ann: Really...Huh.
Keiko: (If what Alice is saying is all true, I think someone slipped something on a random dress to awaken her powers. I bet Akechi-Cun's thinking the same thing too like I am.)
Continuing on...
Male Host: Now I can see why the young people love you so much! How do you handle all the dating rumors...
Alice: …..
Being a bit quiet, to have the male host to sound a bit off suddenly...
Male Host: Unh...What-? ...
This has the other female host worrying about her TV partner's behavior.
Female Host: ...Hmm?
He kept on doing it again.
Male Host: ...
Akechi: ...! (This is bad!)
From the sound of things...his Desire was being stolen to turn into a Gegasite in the Metaverse from his Shadow, and then mind controlled by in the real world has taken effect.
Vague Woman: What's going on? I don't get it...
Gossipy Woman: Is this some kinda scripted thing?
That was weird and very odd on why everything went so silent.
Ann: I wonder what's wrong...
Keiko: I think there's something very wrong.
Is the show going to continue on or what?
Female Host: Ah...Are you okay?
The man then tries to say something on live TV.
Male Host: Alice...I...I love you, Alice! Please spend your life with me!
Just going down on his knees to crawl over to Alice and says he loves her to her surprise. Or was it...?
Alice: What?!
Female Host: Hey, uhhh, what is all this?!
Male Host: I didn't realize until now...I love you!
Like I already said, I think this guy's Shadow was attacked by those who work for Alice King's army.
Alice: Uh, this is really out of the blue...
Female Host: Stop iiit, heheh! This bit's going on a little too long...
Male Host: I mean it! I can't live without you!
Female Host: Wha-What in the hell?! And what about ME, asshole?!
She was mad and this guy was ignoring his partner to keep staring at Alice. The audiences 'for some' were left stunned. Seems like those two co-host of the show were going to get married. And now, this has become a big mess.
Vogue Woman: Is this real?
Gossipy Woman: Those two were engaged already, right?
Worried Woman: Wow, what a train wreck...I can't believe this.
Time to end this TV show right away.
Staff Member: Cut to commercial! NOW!
It was hard to cut the camera off from this part.
Male Host: I'm begging you, Alice! PLEASE!
Female Host: Just SHUT UP already! What has HAPPENED to you!?
Nothing she was saying was getting through this guy.
Ann: What is this mess?
Soon to be smirkingly sneaky-like, Alice had another male victim under her spell. Now they know the whole thing...
Alice: ….
Yep, this was bad.
Keiko: (She did something to him...Why that little bitch!)
Akechi: OK, everyone! Nothing to see here! Please remain calm!
Nice way to keep people under control, Akechi. Now he and the other Phantom Thieves know of Alice's true colors.
Keiko: Good thinking, Akechi. Once they leave, we'll see Alice a bit more... (They canceled filming on the spot and escorted everyone off the set...)
A few minutes later...Once all was clear for Akechi, Keiko and Morgana to have a look around the backstage of the TV station, with Ann joining them for they've witnessed all that just happened today.
Ann: That...That was actually live on TV, right?
Akechi: We all saw it unfortunately.
Keiko: It really did happen.
So much for Alice to act innocent, but she really wasn't.
Morgana: I can't believe he spilled his beans like that...Even I thought he went overboard with it.
Ann: So...Then do you think...That host has his Desire taken and turn into a Gegasite slave by Alice?
If it was true for one word from the man who made it all happen, then it must be it.
Keiko: I saw Alice smirking...It could have been it then, another male victim.
Ann: Yeah, but...I sure can't think of any normal reason a TV host would do that.
Not one bit it, for that scene wasn't normal at all.
Morgana: True, he didn't seem like he was in his right frame of mind. Like he wasn't even there and someone else was controlling him...
It might've been true for Alice to make him say it by force.
Ann: Morgana! That's it!
Akechi: Yes, it all makes perfect sense. A personality change like someone who had a change of heart by having their Treasure get stolen. From emotions and making something happen with one snap from Alice's fingers.
Ann: I don't know if all this is right, but his personality changed like when someone's heart was stolen...After the Treasure...? Maybe Alice can control anyone whose Desire she steals! And then leaving their Shadows into deformed mindless slaves.
Akechi: It could be the feelings of someone saying it to make it all come true.
One of Alice King's powers probably? They just needed to know how she got all of the power in the first place.
Morgana: I see, that would really explain how it's done in person. Amazing as always, Lady Ann.
Keiko: And you too, Akechi-Cun. Once again, your detective skills always amazes me.
All of the thinking was getting them somewhere so far.
Loki: Boring...Look, I'll see what I can find in the area where this Alice girl likes to shop to find something odd of the power she has, so...Be back.
Off Loki goes again as a ghost to search all over, he'll be fine.
Keiko: Anyways...I take it from our enemy's main Gegasite can have people's Shadows to do anything to take away people's Desires into deformed slaves.
Ann: But that would mean...
Keiko: She's changing their hearts. Ann. Morgana. Sophia. Akechi. I think we have enough evidence we need to stop Alice King.
Ann: Yeah...Looks like it...Alice said...she wants to be a ray of light for people. That's what I've always wanted too...
Something was on Ann's mind.
Akechi: Is there something troubling you?
Ann: I read about her in a magazine once, and...I just really felt she was coming from. It's why I asked to come to the show in the first place. I wanted to see her in person. But now...I wonder if that was all just...
I guess Ann used to be in a mess once to change well, but not for Alice to be in a bigger mess like this one.
Morgana: Lady Ann...
For Morgana to still have some feelings for Ann to make sure she was a happy, very caring guy. Soon, they hear Alice's voice down the hallways saying things alone 'but she wasn't'.
Alice: Ahahaha! Man, that was great!
Ann: That was...Alice?
Keiko: She's down the hallways.
Sure sounds like her to be very loud when she talks sometimes.
Ann: Quick! Hide, Keiko!
Hiding to also stay close with Alice seeing them, Akechi moves in closer to listen in a bit more just in case.
Akechi: Shh...I'll hide in the closet over there, you guys stay in the corner. Don't move.
Walking by the hallways, Alice was happy and her agent was telling Alice about what just happened on TV today.
Panicked Man: M-Miss Alice! This is a public hall! Please, you must keep your voice down!
Alice: Eh, it's fine. See? No one in sight.
Good for these Phantom Thieves to be hiding.
Panicked Man: But still...!
Alice: All those cushy talking head types make the best faces when things finally stop going their way.
Panicked Man: Miss Alice...Do you think you could stop doing these things?
Like she'll listen to reason from anyone at all.
Alice: Huh? What do you mean? I was the victim onstage. What is it that you want me to stop doing?
Panicked Man: I...I don't know how you're doing it, or why...But, after seeing that...There has to be something. You...
Alice: Oh. So you want me to punish you again?
Acting sweet and innocent to starting to slowly walk up to the man to fear the worse, to try moving away from her slowly. This doesn't look good at all.
Panicked Man: Ah! Please, I'm sorry!
Falling down for Alice to place her foot on top of her agent's chest really hard. Ouch!
Alice: Oh, whoops! What a terrible accident. Just like what happened on set. A terrible accident. I'm still upset over it, too, you know. Isn't it your job to take my side? Or are you asking to end up broken, like my last manager? Do you want to get stuck up in your room like he is?
Panicked Man: Gh...
Alice: Well, it doesn't matter anyway. I don't want toys that don't do as they're told.
She made the pain on the guy even worse.
Panicked Man: S-Stop!
Alice: Then beg me to forgive you until it hurts as much as you hurt me with your words. Why don't you do what you did yesterday? Grovel with your face all messed up with snot. I'll take another video if you'd like. C'mon, beg! Do it! Do it! I'm not going to stop until you do, got it?
Panicked Man: Hrrrgh...
I don't think she wants to stop at all.
Morgana: Hey, the guy sounds like he's in real pain. If she doesn't cut it out...
This leaves Keiko, Ann, and Morgana having no other choice but to step in to rush to the man's side, and stop Alice from hurting him anymore.
Ann: Hey, stop!
Keiko: Foot off the man now, you damn brat!
Wow, she just said it out loud for Akechi to step in as well.
Akechi: Alice please, this man has learned his lesson. No more.
Letting go of the guy to get back up, she sees the others who go in Alice's way.
Alice: And who is this...?
Akechi: Me doing my job from the events to be going on, as well as not having you hurt others before they hurt you more.
A lot of Keiko felt bad about what she just said without thinking.
Keiko: Ah...Look, Alice. That's enough. So cut the fake acting crap! (Oh, boy...I can't believe I just said that!)
Ann: It was WAY too far! You said you wanted to be a ray of light for people. How the hell does THAT help?!
It doesn't, it was all a lie maybe. For Alice was caught trying to try lying her way out of it again.
Alice: ...Oh! Haha, we were just playing around. Weren't we?
Panicked Man: Y-Yeah...
Alice: So you'll go get the car now?
Lying to the others about it, the man was really hurt.
Ann: Oh! Hey, wait!
Alice: Hang on...Are you Ann Takamaki? And you, ace detective prince - Goro Akechi?
Surprising for Alice to know about Ann and Akechi already.
Ann: Wha...You know who I am?
Alice: Yeah! I know all the models! I read every fashion magazine the day it comes out! And you, detective, you have such a cute fiance. Congratulations to you both!
Akechi: Ah, thank you...?
A nice way to put it for her to say those words.
Alice: You're quite welcome! Actually...I really admire you very much, Ann-chan. Would you like to be friends?
Soon she gets out her cell phone to have the app already on there.
Morgana: The EMMA app...
Alice: You're obviously got EMMA, right? My keyword is-
Yeah, after what they just saw today and already know of...not happening!
Ann: Don't bother. I'd never accept someone who treats another person like that.
Akechi: Same here.
I guess she takes the whole news seriously to not snap.
Alice: Aw, too bad. But I do appreciate honesty, Ann-Senpai and Akechi-san. So how about you, girlfriend? Would you like to be friends?
Keiko: Forget it! Now apologize to your manager and stop what you're doing. Also, I meant what I said to you.
Alice: Like I said, we were just playing around. Hang on-you were at 705 the other day, weren't you? And did call me a "damn brat", right?
Remembering Keiko and Akechi at the event the other day, this was their chance to make a run for it right away.
Ann: ...We're done here. Let's go, Keiko!
Keiko: Excuse us, Alice, sorry to trouble you for nothing.
Before leaving though, Alice smirks again to have one thing up her sleeves.
Alice: Oh no, I'm more sorry for...this!
In violent rage for Keiko to try moving away, Alice had sharp nails on her fingers to leave a big scratch on Keiko's face to hurt a lot.
Ann and Akechi: Keiko!
Morgana: Madame Keiko!
Sophia: [Oh...!]
That really has to hurt.
Keiko: Aaaah! God! Son of a bitch!
For her friends to help Keiko out to stop the bleeding on her left side, Akechi helps her out for Ann to follow them out of the studios.
Alice: Now we're even.
Laughing at Alice's mess up rage, Akechi gets mad to grab hold of Alice's hairpin to lose some parts of her hair leaving Ann to get Keiko out of the way.
Ann: Got her!
Alice: Aah! Bastard! You ruined my hair!
Now they've seen a bit more of Alice's true colors up close.
Akechi: Do that to the woman I love again, then I'll have you arrested for assault! I don't care if you're famous, I won't fall for your trickery. We're leaving so you can't sue us even if you try to.
Ann: Nice talking to you... (Bitch.)
Damn, I don't blame them for Alice to calm down after seeing them leave in a hurry.
Keiko: Ouch...!
Morgana: Just hold on, Madame Keiko. We'll stop the bleeding!
Sophia: [Hmmm...Alice Hiiragi...]
Seeing as though Keiko didn't lose her entire skin, she was going to be fine and also not bleed a lot.
Keiko: I'm okay you guys, thanks for worrying.
I guess was only the beginning for Alice to do such things to some people to get her way, and without putting anyone pressing charges on her 'sadly'.
Alice: Bye then... *sigh* That's a bummer. But...I know I gave her one of my cards...I should've just given it to Akechi-san instead and yet he's not fazed by my powers. Oh well. But for the girl with glasses, why doesn't she me...? She's too cute to be with Akechi-san. I want her as my real life doll.
What was on Alice's mind to think about not getting to Keiko at least? Doesn't it work on guys more than women? Weird. As Ann gives out the first aid kit to patch up Keiko's face, she was really good at it.
Ann: Here, Keiko. This might sting a little.
This was nothing that Keiko can't handle the pain off than what Alice did to her.
Keiko: ...Ouch! How is it?
With one more thing, Morgana places a few bandages on Keiko's face until it heals to be good ointments to have to be treated right away.
Morgana: That should do it. Man, talk about a close call there.
For Akechi to feel upset to see Keiko get hurt because of Alice's bad behavior to lose it almost, leaving him to kick over a trash barrel to rip up a poster of Alice.
Akechi: Dammit...Damn! Damn! DAMN! How dare she-!
This leaves Keiko to go up and hug Akechi from behind to calm down.
Keiko: (I don't blame him...) Akechi-Cun! It's okay, I'm fine. I'll get better. So please don't blame yourself. We'll get back at Alice King in order to solve all of this and save the victims' Shadows to becoming her slaves. I promise.
He does stop to let that part out only.
Akechi: Sorry...I didn't mean to. You're right, Princess.
Placing his hand on Keiko's face.
Keiko: It doesn't hurt when you touch me.
Akechi: *chuckle* I'm glad you're there to put a smile back on my face. I hope I didn't scare you two.
Not even slightly.
Ann: It's fine, Akechi-san. I didn't like what Alice did either to her own manager or to Keiko just now.
So everything is fine, or rather it will be fine soon enough.
Keiko: I'm okay, really.
Hugging for Akechi to cry a little, it'll work out. Time to get back with everyone else back at Leblanc hideout next.
Morgana: Now that all of our anger is out of your system, let's meet with the others ASP.
Another meeting will be happening next with enough evidence they've gotten so far.
Akechi: Let's get back, we have a lot to talk about. Princess, I'll have a talk with the Chief to explain what happened for you.
Keiko: Then we'll both be together with him. Good idea.
Yeah, Sojiro will get it with them telling him about today.
Ann: I'll message everyone else to meet up. Alice's not going to get away with this. Not to other guys, us, or her mess up desires.
All taken care of and off to the hideout they go. For Keiko, Morgana, Ann, Akechi, and Sophia have enough...Or rather-they have seen enough proof of Alice's messed up ways to take people's Desire to put an end to it all. For them to have lots of proof, and something else for Loki to look up on at the clothing store from some piece of it to get something, not so normal at all.
Loki: Well, well. What do we have here?
A piece of power from the original Yaldabaoth, to be a busy looking thing of a dark energy to be overflowing with power to look like...a demon type of bug, part of the real world form of a Gegasites? Yuck! More to come next time.