Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #24 - Nightmare Dragon Ango Natsume
For Yusuke to make the Calling Card on the words to say, Akechi hands it over to Zen to do the rest for the Phantom Thieves for Ango Natsume to see it at the next book signing of another book store, and then to fight his Shadow self in Jail to get everyone's Desires back. As well as Loki, Picaro, and Kaguya await for their return to get more answers about the twins' past with the Guyver twins too and the other little girl to learn more, and the third medallion to get next.
Keiko: Is it all set, Yusuke?
Yusuke: Yes, Keiko, it's done...I will entrust Zenkichi with the calling card.
Akechi: And for me to hand it over to do the rest.
Handing one thing to make and the other to deliver.
Yusuke: Regardless of what drove Natsume down this path...he has been gripped by vanity. Turned to evil.
Keiko: And greedy too sadly.
Yusuke: That as well. If he cannot see the distortion in his heart...then we will lay it bare!
And so Zen gets to work without anyone noticing at all but to love Natsume's work only. Wow, they were very brainwashed from this, huh? With a lot on this man's mind to hopefully solve one case with another one could be connected.
Zen: Here goes then... (Guyver twins and the other two girls who were once human to be Personas now. And the other ghost type to worry about his kind from some Gegasite bugs, super gross. Still, for what Goro and I found to try solving it. There's also another red-haired girl. Some research and my wife, and them, I wonder if they're all connected.)
Who's to say, but this won't stop Zen nor Akechi from figuring everything out somehow. Same with Loki, Kaguya, and Picaro as well. But getting the third medallion from Natsume Shadow is happening in order to save everyone's Desires from this sadly novel maker.
8 - August/4th/Friday (Sendai)
The next morning arrives, the book store gets filled with lots of Calling Cards all over the walls for everyone to see, for the editor to be seeing all of this to not know who did all of this, being Zen's doing. With Natsume arriving at a bad time for him to read out the Phantom Thieves message up close.
Natsume Editor: M-Mr. Natsume!
Ango: Good morning. I see there's quite a crowd today as well.
More of seeing his so-called work, and not really to get tons of Calling Cards from the Phantom Thieves.
Natsume's Editor: Um, yes...About that...
Ango: What is it? Wha...What? What is this?
Now he sees it to get a better closer look to read on what it says.
Natsume Editor: Well, when the staff came to open the store this morning, it was already like this...They called the police, but they were told to leave it as is...to preserve the crime scene.
And here's what it says on the card.
Ango: "To the ostentatious swindler, Mr. Ango Natsume...You are a depraved miscreant who holds others in contempt and steals their work, lining your own pockets all the while. We refuse to overlook the crimes you commit as you wear a false crown. Tonight, we take back the Desires you've stolen." ...Heh. Heheh. Ahahahaha! Honestly, how stupid can you get?! Dammit! What nonsense...!
With his real self getting the message, same with his Shadow self too.
Ango Shadow: I am the Monarch. My followers are loyal. That is...As long as I hold their Desires. No...Having those Desires is proof of my claim to power. Proof of my sovereignty! I won't hand them over...I won't give them up! You foolish heroes are nothing but talk. Come, then! I'll crush every last one of you! And if any woman I find more worthy of her beauty will be all mine.
It worked and for Natsume Shadow to have one of the female thieves as his girl, not happening! The Phantom Thieves meet up in the area to go to Natsume Shadow's Jail next. Ellen Guyver in her true form beats them to wait for their defeat in her hands.
Ellen: (Right, I will destroy all the Phantom Thieves to back Ango up. Even if there's no other female ones left standing.)
This was one mistake for three more were aware of her tricks to wait for her arrival in the Metaverse too 'three other Personas that is'. Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Sophia, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru were also ready to get going.
Yusuke: All right, his cognitions should be changed now.
And it's all thanks to Zen's help too.
Haru: Thank you for all of your help. Mr. Detective.
Akechi: We don't know what we would do without your help, Master.
Zen: *sigh* And with that, I've officially become an accomplice of the Phantom Thieves.
Hey, this was part of their deal.
Morgana: What're you complaining about? You're the one who proposed working with us, remember?
Futaba: As a reward, I'll try to start calling you Zenkichi instead of Gramps from now on, 'kay?
Seems like a fair deal there, huh?
Yusuke: Hmmm... "Inspector Hasegawa" is quite a mouthful.
Ann: Yeah, Zenkichi's good, don't you think?
Keiko: He still doesn't mind if I call him Zenny at least.
And the others called him by his first name.
Haru: Okay, then. From now on, you're Zenkichi-san, all right?
Sophia: [I'm looking forward to working together, Zenkichi.]
Akechi: I knew you would like the team.
He didn't mind getting used to their line of work.
Zen: Fine, whatever. You've already dragged me along this far, dammit...Goro, you sure got me into something big here.
Akechi: I've chosen to become a detective and a Phantom Thief because I have real friends. And the woman who I'll be marrying soon.
So true, Akechi was saved thanks to them.
Keiko: It's true.
Yusuke: Now then, the Desires should have materialized at this point. It's up to us to take them back and return them to their rightful owners. And in doing so, we'll set his distorted heart straight.
Keiko: We'll bring Natsume to his senses. Let's do this. We're taking back those Desires.
It was time to go to the Metaverse Jail of Natsume Shadow to do so, transforming time.
Zen: Best of luck to all of you then.
Let's not forget about the Arcana/Confidant of Yusuke's he did with Keiko to talk about next since he wanted to save Natsume.
The Emperor
The Emperor sits on a ram-adorned throne, a symbol of Mars. Another ram head can be seen on his cloak. His long white beard bearing the symbol of "wisdom". He holds an Ankh scepter in his right hand, and a globe, symbol of domination, in his left. The Emperor sits atop a stark, barren mountain, a sign of "sterility of regulation, and unyielding power." He symbolizes the top of the secular hierarchy, the ultimate male ego. The Emperor is the absolute ruler of the world.
While Zen himself waits for their return and hard work...
Keiko: Team, let's move out.
Akechi: Here we go.
A new thing for Akechi to join in with Keiko, and transform together for those two. And then transforming into their Phantom Thieving outfits.
Keiko and Akechi: Suit up! Code names - Joker and Black Crow!
Morgana: Suit up! Code name – Mona!
Ryuji: Suit up! Code name – Skull!
Ann: Suit up! Code name – Panther!
Yusuke: Suit up! Code name – Fox!
Makoto: Suit up! Code name – Queen!
Futaba: Suit up! Code name – Oracle!
Haru: Suit up! Code name – Noir!
Sophia: Suit up! Code name – Sophie!
Arriving back in the Metaverse of Natsume Shadow's Jail, they headed back to the Birdcage Jail entrance to finally be opened at Mt. Aoba. All set and ready to go with Ellen Guyver following them from behind.
Ellen: I will strike the Phantom Thieves before they get to the novelist pervert.
Off they go then.
Yusuke: Let's go. We're taking back those stolen Desires!
Futaba: Yeah, Natsume won't know what hit him!
Keiko: Then let's get to our destination.
And they do, from the castle to have the lock and chains removed from the Birdcage of Natsume Shadow's Jail, another job well done with one more to go now. Same old path on the chains to getting to the main entrance.
Futaba: Whoa, check out that statue that totally ate it! And hey, doesn't that remind you of how we got to the top in Shibuya? Ready for round two?
Climbing up to the Sendai Jail – Aerial Corridor to get to the Jail for good, only to get attacks from a toy boomerang of Ellen Guyver is back for round two.
Akechi: It's Ellen Guyver!
Ellen: Hiya, thieves! Ready to get cut in half by my brand new toy? Here...Catch!
Trying to control its movements to hit the Phantom Thieves for Sophia's yoyo's couldn't stop them for long with a bigger one coming in.
Sophia: Look out!
This one was too strong to destroy, well...lots of Gegasite Shadows attack too...For Loki stops them all in time in his Berserker mode.
Loki: Not happening, you goddamn fools!
As for the weapon, the twin girls enter in to stop Ellen for the Phantom Thieves to keep on going.
Ellen: My toy! Hey!
Picaro: Ever heard of following the rules before throwing your toys around the room? You might poke your eyes out.
Kaguya: It would seem you're still a kid in a teenager's body. And because of your bad behavior, we need to teach you a lesson.
This makes Ellen mad to almost win, but to be stopped by three Personas.
Ellen: Grrr...! Damn you losers!
This was the Phantom Thieves' chance to get to Natsume Shadow right away.
Loki: What are you waiting for, Black Crow? You, Joker, and your merry gang go stop the novel perverted man already. Go! get the third medallion already to get the twins answers and set the stupid Desires free!
Wow, Loki is changing a lot for a wandering Persona ghost with a change of heart too. Akechi smiles to show how much he has given this Persona-User his powers to change a lot after death.
Akechi: Thank you, Loki. You three stay alive. Just stop Ellen by any means.
Keiko: Up we go then! (Be careful you three, Ellen's very tricky with her items mixed in with black magic.)
The ten do so, leaving Ellen Guyver to deal with Loki, Kaguya, and Picaro in battle.
Loki: I won't go easy on you because you're a girl...Whatever you and your brother turned into. Whenever you're ready, then bring it on.
Ellen: Tsk...! Idiots! Fine, Ango will deal with them and then me once I kill you leftovers! Let's go. (I got something to spare against them, this will save me the trouble of having my Brother love me more.)
She had more toys to throw at them, but they were ready to fight back. From a lot of merry-go-round toys to trap them in a circle for Ellen has them now to use her hip type of ribbon in battle. Trying to break through or pass it, will only cut them to pieces like the rock was or leave them with cuts on their hands. Ouch!
Picaro: Ouch! Damn, she means business.
Kaguya: We can't kill her, there's something about her and Hans we must learn about even more.
And they will too in any other way. Keiko/Joker, Akechi/Black Crow, Morgana/Mona, Ryuji/Skull, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, Haru/Noir, and Sophia/Sophie have made it to the top.
Morgana: Great! Looks like the Desires materialized!
Futaba: Go get 'em, guys!
They entered the castle of the Jail of Ango Natsume Shadow's awaits for the Phantom Thieves. As for Loki, Picaro, and Kaguya can handle Ellen on their own, with Hans already aware of his sister to take on the task alone. Worried and knew she would go this far for her love. Arriving there to have a ruler's things of a ball of a congratulations sign hanging from above, the main chair, lots of bookshelves, and Natsume Shadow awaits of the Phantom Thieves' arrival to free the Desires and get the third medallion, for the fights will keep on getting harder and harder to face with.
Ango Shadow: Hmph...You certainly took your time, Phantom Thieves. Or should I say, chosen heroes?
Ryuji: Bout time we met, eh, Mister Overlord?
Keiko: That still sounds annoying to me.
It kind of does.
Ann: You're gonna give back all those Desires you stole!
Keiko: I hope you're ready. Let's settle this. We'll take them off your hands.
Sounding tough and beautiful for Natsume Shadow's love, the female ones admire their looks.
Ango Shadow: Look at you, ladies. So pretty, lovely looking, and breathtaking. Please...One of you or you all become mine. Hot cat in red, tough fighter, hacker girl, a pure warrior, cute doll, and...I love the one in black the most. Come to me, there's a lot of the Overlord as myself to go around to love-!
Trying to feel loved and blowing kisses as the girls, it's so wrong. Firing a warning shot at Natsume Shadow's face a little to hit the window instead.
Akechi: Touch any of them or Joker, and you're dead...!
Ryuji: Keep your hands off of 'em, you sick bastard!
Yusuke: They're all with us.
Morgana: And we'll never let you have your perverted ways with any of the girls! You're no gentleman, you're a perverted show off!
Ha! That's to say it to the likes of him to be a no go.
Ann, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia: And you're not our type!
Keiko: Sorry, but flattering will get you nowhere.
So instead of being shut down, he just laughs about it.
Ango Shadow: Heheh...Hahahaha! Such foolishness. You haven't the slightest idea of what you've just walked into. I will get what I want the easy way, or the hard way.
Yusuke: That appearance, that stance...This is no doubt the Overlord from "Prince of Nightmares."
Matching the cover front of the book, it was the same look from the novel itself.
Haru: He certainly gives off that impression...But weren't the Fearsome Four just dressed like normal people?
Futaba: Yeah, thinkin' about it, those guys didn't get much love from the author, did they?
They were just henchmen to Natsume Shadow while he dressed up in their world as the Overlord.
Ango Shadow: Heh...You've come all this way only to fall right into my trap. This world belongs to me and me alone. It takes shape solely according to my design. Here, the Overlord rains justice upon the holier-than-thou heroes who would dare brand him as evil. Here, you are nothing more than flies to be swatted. I'll enjoy hearing those filthy screams as you atone for your transgressions.
Like he's the one to talk all big.
Makoto: That's hold for someone who stole others' Desires just to satisfy their own selfish wants.
Ryuji: Yeah, if you're really the Overlord, ain't this the part where you get your ass kicked?
Ango Shadow: Hmph...Tell me, how many of my demon brethren have you slaughtered while spouting such despicable hypocrisies?
Futaba: Wow...This guy's reading right from the handbook, isn't he?
And he's still annoying in this world too.
Yusuke: Enough of this. It's time we fought. No matter how brave a facade you put on, it's clear you're just afraid of losing that hollow throne you're so proud of.
Ango Shadow: What was that...?
Akechi: Yes, we know what drove you to this path. It's sad for your own editors to talk dirt behind your back.
So he has been found out by them.
Yusuke: Your reign is naught but an illusion...Allow us to show you the truth!
Looking at the thieves, Natsume Shadow means business now. Say, is it just me or is Natsume Shadow's stands a bit odd? His head moves but not his body a lot. Super weird...
Ango Shadow: I'm so sick and tired of people looking down on me...! Yes...The time has come for my true power. You shall all witness...MY FINAL FORM!
And a huge power wave hits all over the room to see and feel out too. For that to then disappear, the others couldn't tell where he went. Then the ground started to shake from above...Incoming dragon! It flies by them to be none other than Ango Shadow's fighting mode. Here comes Nightmare Dragon Ango.
Persona #40 - Mammon = the Greed of Magic
Keiko: Natsume's a dragon!
Flying around to be all armored up, huge, posing weirdly, shining up too brightly, and roaring to be ready for a fight.
Nightmare Dragon: You ignorant whelps dare to challenge the great Overlord himself?! Imbeciles! I will feast upon your bones! And you too, pretty boy!
Futaba: Holy crap! It is a dragon! Be careful, guys! This one's really tough!
Tayla: The Phantom Thieves vs. Nightmare Dragon Ango Natsume! And...begin!
A dragon battles for the others to watch themselves and try to attack back at Natsume somehow. For him to have the strength and power to fight for a giant.
Akechi: Get back! Watch out for his claws!
He can surely cut and crush anything in his way for the candle holders and lamp all destroyed in seconds.
Morgana: Hey, he's writing something!
Somehow Natsume Shadow can write anything quick enough to use deadly attacks to fire out.
Futaba: Is he building up energy?! Crap, you've gotta stop that pen of his!
From multiple fire blasts, to then charging up to use an energy blast for the others to move to the stands to keep their distances away from it all.
Keiko: Stay in your spots until his attacks fade out.
And they almost burned them all into ashes. All fired out from all over the body, and armor too.
Futaba: Whoa, he's powered up like crazy! He must be getting serious! We gotta slow his momentum! Can you target his weakness and knock him down?
From swords sticking out of the grounds and ice shards too, this was their only shot and attack back.
Keiko: Futaba, power our SP, HP, upgrade our offense and defense too! Akechi, Yusuke, Sophia, and Haru - to the ice shards! Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Makoto with me with the swords!
Moving to their positions carefully - Keiko fires off some swords to hit Natsume Shadow in his dragon form. The others join in next to hit his tail and four feet.
Keiko: Daggers of Darkness!
Ryuji: Raging Storm Clash!
Morgana: Furious Fangs!
Ann: Burning Claw!
Makoto: Venom Blast!
So far it was working, like the other Personas avoiding Ellen's toy whip to surround her back outside. While this dragon wanted some more.
Nightmare Dragon: Mere child's play! I was born of nightmares blacker and darker than darkness itself! Watch as I unleash hell!
Morgana: He's got the advantage while he's in the air! Oracle, is there anything we can do?!
From flying, talking, attacking, and with hair and armor...there has to be a while to stop him. While trying to scan some more on Futaba's end, using the ice shards to break and spread at Natsume Shadow did the trick to freeze his body thanks to Akechi and the others; and then attack him on their end now.
Akechi: Follow my lead! Saber Sword Slash!
Yusuke: Aqua Typhoon!
Haru: Lily Whip!
Sophia: SP Piercer!
Using another fire blast to hurt Natsume Shadow again, he fires blasts again at them.
Nightmare Dragon: Take this!
Only for Futaba's shielding and her skills tries to pull the dragon further away, just until he cuts loose to be restrained a little.
Futaba: Ah no you don't! Cyber Net Strike!
A lot harder for Ellen to not give up either like Natsume Shadow was with another all attack she throws at the twins to get hit and hurt, this was bad. And back at the inside Jail to be a battlefield now.
Nightmare Dragon: Hahaha! How was that?! If you thought that was Agidyne just now., think again...It was Agi!
From his fire attack? Oh, boy.
Futaba: Oh boy...I've definitely heard that line before!
Trying to watch out from his clawing skills and tail whacking, for Ryuji holds on to dear life.
Ann: Skull!
Ryuji: This is nothing...! Ouch!
Leaving Haru and Sophia to use their weapons and powers combined against this dragon to hurt, and then the lovers to shoot him up.
Haru: Bad dragon.
Sophia: My ESP skills are slowing this dragon down.
The wings of Natsume Shadow's are strong gusts to push the thieves aside, hang in there...!
Nightmare Dragon: Guh...These swords were once wielded by past heroes! Even in death, they continue to defy me!
Ryuji: Yo, what the hell's he talkin' about?
Yusuke: It seems he's added some backstory. That said, those swords work quite well against him.
From the ice and sword weapons to slow the dragon down for the others to attack him.
Ann: Yeah...looks like it. We should probably keep using them like we did before, huh?
Might as well do as many times as they can fight back with it. More power beams and fire balls to avoid more and more to go faster to attacking them to even getting to Morgana's tail on fire.
Morgana: Aaaaah! Hey! Natsume, that hurt!
Nightmare Dragon: Hahahahaha! I've done it! No greater masterpiece has ever been written!
Firing more gun shots to suddenly bounce off from his armor to reflect them all.
Makoto: Can it reflect off?!
Nightmare Dragon: Hahahahaha! Pathetic humans! Gaze upon my magnificence! I, the Prince of Nightmares, carry the blood of a dragon in my veins! No mere human could ever defeat me! Lay down your weapon and submit! Do so, and your lives will be spared! And if any women in the group, or your leader...Become my bride!
Like that'll ever happen!
Ann: Like we'd ever join you? Thanks, but no thanks! Learn to take a hint!
Ryuji: Besides, the evil Overlord's destined to get his ass beat! That's fantasy rule number 1, dude! And no one's takin' my Panther or our team mates!
Grabbing hold of Keiko with his giant paws for she couldn't break free from Natsume Shadow's grasp.
Keiko: No!
Natsume Dragon: Say you'll marry me now and I'll spare the others...I don't wish to crush you, but if I must little...
But instead, Akechi uses his sword of Robin Hood and Loki's powers combined to break the armor from one of his feet to save his Keiko from danger.
Akechi: Gotcha.
Natsume Dragon: AAAAAAH! Damn you, pretty boy! She's mine!
The same for Loki to use his new attack to destroy all of Ellen's toys in seconds.
Loki: Psycho Big-Bang-Boom! (Oh, I got a new attack for a dead ghost like me. Nice...!)
Still, Ellen Guyver wasn't down to have a few more toys to shield her from danger, but for how long? The battle back in the Jail continues.
Akechi: Are you okay, Joker?
Keiko: Black Crow. (Wow…What a man...) Thanks for the save.
Akechi: Anything for the woman I'm in love with. For you and our friends will never fall for the likes of him.
Keiko: That's why I fell in love with you.
Now he has gone and done it.
Yusuke: Ango Natsume, you are a shameful despot who stepped in vanity. Today, your rule comes to an end!
Moving in fast to have more sword and ice combined to hit Natsume Shadow a lot more, with more charging up for another attack coming up.
Nightmare Dragon: Gah! Ergh, why you little...Why would the gods favor you over me?!
Using more writing, Akechi finally sees his skills up close.
Akechi: I found it!
For him and Keiko to hold the tail aside, the others see it now to be more than a tail.
Ann: Wow, how was he doing that?
Futaba: His tail is a pen...?
Incoming tail of pen ink to spray all over to get it on the others to feel odd but Keiko, Akechi, Makoto, and Yusuke to avoid getting hit.
Makoto: Ink!
Keiko: His tail is a pen ink! He's got to everyone but the four of us!
Keep your eyes open without being blinded too badly.
Futaba: Watch out! He's trying to blind us with his ink!
Reminds us of one of the moves from Madarame, huh? With the others trying to shoot at Natsume Shadow again to come at them, Makoto rides Johanna to try using her own smoke screen of snake venom all over of her own.
Nightmare Dragon: Hold still! Witness as I pen the legends of the great Overlord!
Using more of his tail pen ink, Makoto confuses Natsume Shadow...allowing for Keiko and Akechi to give this guy a total beat down really hard. And then Keiko uses a Persona of super strength to throw this dragon to the ground with ink on his face. And Yusuke removed the other ink off of the others with water and ice combined.
Yusuke: The ink is now faded into water.
But they're not done with the dragon next...move aside, everyone.
Nightmare Dragon: Kgh...Blasted little rats! Those with talent are always being dragged down by those without. How can you be so ignorant?!
Incoming flying and charging on feet rampage from this dragon, move away from him! Using the shield powers of Futaba and Keiko 'with one of the Personas to aid the others to see again'.
Keiko: This thing's power up his offense! He's more like a raging bull than a dragon now!
Yusuke: Villain, you have no right to say such a thing!
Incoming pen tail attacks again, only for Makoto to run over it and Yusuke to freeze it up temperately.
Makoto: Now we got you dry!
Nightmare Dragon: My tail! W-What? Are you a fox boy suggesting I have no talent?!
Yusuke: And what talent do you claim to possess? Stealing others' work for your own selfish interests? You've cast away both your soul and your pride...You've no place calling yourself a writer!
The tail was not all covered in water so as not to ruin the ink.
Nightmare Dragon: Dammit...Dammit, dammit, dammit! You're just like them! You're just like those bastards who denied me! You think you're better than me?! I'll show you how wrong you are! All of you too! Witness as I pen the legends of the great Overlord as much as I have enough ink in me!
As he tries to fight back, Ellen tries to have her other weapon side crushed too by the twins breaking free by reversing the wind's directions. They attack back now.
Ellen: What?! No fair...!
You strike back, girls.
Picaro: Black-hole Burst!
Kaguya: Lunar light Waves!
Ellen: Ah! Aaaaah! Dumb bitches! Shit...!
From gravity pulls to hurt Ellen Guyver a lot, and strong ocean waves wash this twin sister up really hard. She couldn't fight any more to make a quick retreat with a stuffed bear to replace her real body with.
Loki: Coward! Come back and fight back!
Only to throw his tail around, Akechi and Keiko shoot from side to side to have Natsume Shadow's armor get destroyed, and the beat down from Makoto's knuckles crushes his tail to no longer shoot out any ink anymore.
Makoto: Joker, do it!
Keiko: Hey, Natsume...Talk about getting burned like this!
Using a Persona with fire powers to have the ink be flammable to start hurting Natsume Shadow's entire body all over.
Nightmare Dragon: Gyah! D-Damn it...You made me lose my edge! I can't put out this fire!
Futaba: His buff's gone! Time to put the hurt on him!
With the armor getting melted for the rest, Yusuke has another attack to use for his own third move.
Yusuke: Here's my chance...Tsunami Blast!
Strong water of a whirlpool type of water and ice to hit Natsume Shadow so much to finally be down for the count. It stopped the fire and he was at his limit now.
Nightmare Dragon: Aaah! My armor! The hell are you-I mean...Keep your filthy hands off me!
Yusuke: So even that golden coat of yours was a sham. You're a fraud to the very core...How pitiful.
Makoto: (Good work, Yusuke.) Seems everything's finally been revealed. Time to finish him off!
For the two lovers here to work together for Makoto with more of the venom touches and Yusuke's water and ice combined, it finally overlord Natsume Shadow's powers...he blows up. Boom! He was finally done for. And the others who were covering the ink were now free to see again for it to fade away.
Keiko: Fox and Queen did it!
Nightmare Dragon: Gah...! This can't be...The great Overlord...Defeated...
His armor to show his hair and boxers are left on this dragon to be down for the count. As for Ellen, she flees back to the hideout to be by Hans' side. For all the data she has gathered, it was good.
Ellen: Grrr...Stupid side characters...! But our fight is only the beginning! I will be back and so will my Brother. I got everything I need from you guys. The next time we meet, you're all done for...!
Playing it cool to recover from cute sweets to heal back up, only one thing was left out from her for the twins and Loki to hold on to, one of her ripped up gloves.
Loki: A piece of her fancy glove? Hey, you twins better go find more about the past since the thieves slain the dragon.
Off they go while Loki gets his own answers too. If he didn't save them, this would all be for nothing.
Kaguya: Of course. Thank you for saving us, Mr. Loki. Picaro, let us be off.
Picaro: Yeah, she was a piece of work...! I bet her brother will be too. I'm coming! And see you later, myth dead god thing.
With the racing to the Jail, the other Phantom Thieves have beaten another Monarch once again. With a few more things to be done before leaving next. Keiko/Joker, Akechi/Black Crow, Morgana/Mona, Ryuji/Skull, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, Haru/Noir, and Sophia/Sophie have the dragon corner now.
Tayla: Nightmare Dragon Ango Natsume – Defeated!
Ryuji: Game over, Mister Overlord.
Keiko: (Good, everyone's okay.) Is that all you've got, Natsume? Accept your defeat.
Still standing and back into his original form, or was he...?
Ango Shadow: W-Wait! We can rule this world together! You can have half...
Looks like it was only cardboard of this guy hiding from behind with his head popping out in a hole. Yeah, it makes sense.
Akechi: Let's see what the upper body really looks like.
Firing one more shot, the cardboard falls down the stairs with Natsume Shadow too, showing him being a weak one in his boxers. How sad. Arriving with the twins to see the results at the end of the Phantom Thieves' battle.
Picaro and Kaguya: Natsume!?
Keiko: Don't ask, please. And Ellen Guyver?
Morgana I have a feeling they drove her off with Loki's help. Well done, girls.
Yeah, this is what he really looks like.
Ango Shadow: M-My mantle! My magic armor! D-Don't look at me! Don't look at me!
Surprising turn of events here, huh?
Makoto: Is that...his true form?
Morgana: Looks like it. So, in the end, even his identity was just a cheap imitation.
Akechi: It is a very sad one.
It sure was. For Yusuke to walk up to Natsume Shadow, telling him to give up on his defeat now.
Yusuke: It's over, Ango Natsume.
Ango Shadow: You're just a bunch of stupid kids. You don't know how much I've suffered! It's not too late for me. I've still got my reputation as a writer! I've won an award! I've sold books! It's not too late...It's never too late!
Like that'll make him really happy.
Yusuke: ...And that's good enough for you?
Ango Shadow: ...!
Yusuke: This fame you've acquired through deception and the brainwashing of others...Is that truly what you wanted? What was the real reason you started writing novels?
Ango Shadow: I...I mean, I...Dammit...Dammit! I tried...I really tried. Just like everyone else! I read and read, all through the night! I wrote hours on end, like my life depended on it! And for what?! Nothing I wrote was ever "mine." It was just another work from "Sogo Natsume's grandson." No one! No one ever acknowledged my effort! Not my effort! Not my work! Not even me!
Yusuke: ...
Yeah, from there we do feel bad for Natsume only.
Ango Shadow: No matter where I look, all I ever see is a bunch of thoughtless idiots-slaves to appearances and nothing more...Acknowledge me, dammit! Acknowledge Ango Natsume's effort for once! I just want someone to see that I really try!
And why he wanted people to love him, even the girls. And from there, Yusuke says this next.
Yusuke: I do.
Ango Shadow: ...Huh?
Yusuke: It's very clear just how much work you've put into writing your novels. A life led by creativity is almost always a lonely one, no matter your profession. You were battling that loneliness. You braced yourself, pouring your very soul into your writing, bringing it to your publisher time and time again. I will gladly acknowledge such effort and determination.
Makoto: Oh, Fox.
For his girlfriend to understand her man, Yusuke's words were all true. Natsume Shadow finally gets it thanks to an artist.
Yusuke: There are many out there who give up that battle, even those of exceptional skill and creativity. To be able to continuously bring life to new works without giving up, however...That is perhaps the most exceptional talent of all. There was once a time when you kept fighting. That is one part of your career that could never be labeled a fabrication. So start over, Ango Natsume...Claw your way back up from nothing and move forward. After all, these are some things that simply cannot be painted without a blank canvas.
Ango Shadow: ...!
Akechi: If anything else, Natsume, I take Fox's word for it. He does talented things compared to you. So start over to do what you want to do, not to those who use you.
An artist and a detective both said a mouthful there.
Yusuke: It is because everyone believed in me that I was able to choose the path I walk today. With my dream, friends, and the woman I love. I stopped lying to myself and was able to begin anew. And so it is now my turn to pay it forward...Even if I'm the only one in the world to do so, I will believe in you.
Strong words to start over and make a right.
Ango Shadow: ...Heh...Stupid kid...Talking my damn ear off. But...You're right. This identity of mine was built on nothing but lies. I don't need it anymore!
Removing his two horns on his head with his two bare hands, he finally gives it up on everyone's Desires to go free, the Gegasites to die off, and the third medallion was next to go.
Makoto: A nice choice you've made.
Ango Shadow: I'll do it. I'll climb my way back up! And I'll do it on my own strength! I'll write a novel that'll capture the hearts of countless readers, just like my grandfather before me. I'll write something I can be proud of, to everyone...I swear it!
Yusuke: ...Good. And I'll be looking forward to the day I get to read it.
I think this guy learned a lesson today.
Ango Shadow: ...Haha. You know, I really am stupid. How did I let myself forget...? I know now...what it is I really wanted.
Now it was time to change his heart with Keiko's help and get the next medallion.
Keiko: We're all looking forward to it then. Rainbow of the Flaming Heart!
With Ango Natsume's heart to change to saving the Desires, freeing the Shadows of theirs, the Gegasites are dead, and a red type of medallion appears next. The Fire King of Attention - Ango Natsume. Having three down and one more to go to get Pandora's Box weapon next and the wielder was getting closer little at a time.
Ango Natsume: I hope my upcoming story later on, will be a very good one. Like in this world to almost be a dream come true for me, it'll be even better in the future. You have my word.
With Loki arriving now, the twins start to remember more...Only this time with the twins remember more of their past to be human once – from them, Ellen, Hans, and the little girl being taken in by one woman, another one, and a strange man to study on their gifted skills. From strength, smarts, powers, abilities, and such for a home to live in, some weren't as good but it was all for their little sister to get well, and not trust in the Hooded Man the most of his Mistress. From the lab getting burned down by the young Goro Akechi and Zen back in at the scene to be emptied and destroyed...Something must've happened to the five kids. But what...? It ends there afterwards.
Akechi: I saw it too. And thanks to Ellen, we're getting closer to the truth soon enough.
Loki: Test subjects...Could be the same with my people, so I better look into some more. Later. And...nice work today, Joker. You too, kid.
He takes off first, as Keiko, Akechi, and the others to see some good in Loki now to like this new side since his and the real self had a change of heart. As for the twins...
Kaguya: We got to go.
Picaro: Yep, more work to be done.
….They were the last to leave to let the Phantom Thieves know that everything will work out for everyone, in some way.
Keiko: I guess we'll see you guys later then.
Picaro and Kaguya: We're getting closer now. So we'll be back to aid each other again.
Now this was teamwork, huh? And a lot for Sophia to learn a lot after today's battle.
Sophia: ….
The Jail was shaking for the Metaverse part to remain the same, and the rest of the power to fade out. Meaning of the Desires to get everyone Shadows Desires back, and the Gegasites all dead now, in the area.
Yusuke: The cage is collapsing. Come on, we're leaving!
Cool to get new skills for the Phantom Thieves to get their Personas stronger and new attacks of three in total, huh? With the three Personas off again in the Metaverse to do more work, the ten Phantom Thieves return to the real world again with three of the Golden Key of Sages from the Six Medallion Kings. Long name, I know. As Ellen comes back to take her bath and heal up quickly...
Ellen: Brother, sorry. I'm bathing now to recover with plenty of data I've gathered for now. I had to retreat.
Hans: It's fine, Ellen, you're safe. That's what matters the most. Get some sleep and we'll have pancakes tomorrow mornin.
This made the sister very happy.
Ellen: Of course. Good night... (Ah! Brother, you're such a sweetie to me! This is why I love you so much! Just watch, I'll save you from Joker and the other bitches and friends. Next time, I'll be ready to fight back.)
Using the bubbles to make images of her enemies to pop one by one...While Hans sees the data of the way the Phantom Thieves fight, weapons, guns, powers, Personas, and their code names more and more now...
Hans: (Joker...Both strong and beautiful.)
While back in the real world – Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia all did another fine job.
Ryuji: Whew...Looks like it's over for now.
Sophia: [Mission complete.]
Akechi: We're just getting closer to solving this mystery either way.
So far, they were to learn even more next.
Haru: I wonder if everyone's Desires have been returned yet?
Futaba: Probably. They all went flyin' out of the cage, after all.
Nothing much is going on yet.
Keiko: I hope to still more, makes me worried...But we can wait for tomorrow.
Makoto: Right, Keiko-Chan. Maybe we should check on the people back in town, just to be safe.
Morgana: Good idea. That said...The Jail didn't disappear this time either. Now I'm sure of it. Jails really aren't the same as Palaces.
Far different really...the person having the EMMA app can have people's Desires to be taken as a friend request as mindless zombies to love them or their work. With their Shadows in the Metaverse Jail of theirs to take the gem and Gegasites to take over their bodies for harvesting energies for Pandora's Box and the wielder to control.
Akechi: With Jails taking people's Desires, Palaces from back then hides the crimes they do. Hmmm...This is getting more and more mysterious to learn about even for me.
Ryuji: Well, we can worry about it later.
Yusuke: Indeed. Let's go.
Ann: OK!
They go see for themselves down town, with Keiko and Morgana stopping real quick for Sophia to have something to say next.
Keiko: Sophia?
Sophia: [Hey, Keiko. I feel as though I'm restless right now. Do you know what this is?]
For what Yusuke and Ango Shadow talk about? There was plenty to know about there...
Keiko: Restless...? Is something bothering you about it?
Sophia: [I'm not sure what's wrong. Natsume tried his hardest, but somewhere along the way, he lost sight of what mattered to him. He is a strange person, Natsume.]
Keiko: He did some bad things for a crook, but there's some good in him. Natsume won't waste his real talent anymore. This is a new start for him.
Yeah, with a new change of heart to do so.
Sophia: [Yes, he did say he would climb back up. Yusuke said Natsume lost his way because he was alone. Whenever I think about that, I feel restless inside. Even though Natsume hurt a lot of people and was, for some time, one of our enemies...What is this feeling?]
Keiko: Maybe it's sadness, Sophia? It's the same Yusuke had.
It sure was, the same goal and dreams to follow.
Sophia: [The same as Yusuke...? I see. So that's why Yusuke saved Natsume. It was because Natsume's reason for doing all those terrible things was really sad...I think I understand now. Sadness can hurt people, but it can also save them. It can give humans a reason to support one another.]
Keiko: Couldn't have said it better. I think you're right, Sophia. The more you're learning about human emotions, the better.
Sophia: [You can count on me.]
She hums with joy once again.
Keiko: Cute humming you make.
Sophia: It's what I do when I do good. Okay, we should probably get going, Keiko.
Morgana: Let's hurry.
Keiko: Right, let us see how everyone's doing now with their Desires back.
And they catch up to the others right away, with a lot of learning Sophia did today. Learning more of the human heart and feelings to mean so much in person. From Kaguya and Picaro to learn about the pasts 'to hopefully have Ellen and Hans remember theirs too'; for Akechi and Zen want to solve this with the other two enemies aiding the boss. From the past long ago, were they still alive? And Loki to find his kind to be alive by luck? It looks like Yusuke did great today like the other thieves, but more with him in combat and in his words with a new attack too like Morgana and Ann. More to come for the aftermath next time to end this fake novel in one book to say the least.