Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #25 - Festival Celebration and Convention Speech
From one victory to the next of two people's hearts to change and their Shadow selves to saving everyone's Desires in the Metaverse from the Gegasites to drain their energies to making them into the Monarch's slaves, and not mess up even more in the real world...Ango Natsume was stopped to see if everyone was normal again and hear his confession tomorrow, the Phantom Thieves now have three of the Medallions Kings of the Golden Key of Sages. With Ellen Guyver giving Hans the data he needed 'to also admire the Phantom Thief girls'; while Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia go see for themselves. And what are the results...?
Dissatisfied Woman: So you know how I was all excited for the Tanabata festival that's coming up? My boyfriend says he's already got plans.
Manga Fan: Oh, by the way, did you ever finish reading that manga I lent you? I got someone else who wants to borrow it...
It doesn't seem to not have any weirdos of loving Natsume's book happening in downtown as much as the other parts were before, well not anymore.
Akechi: Normal behavior, less talk about Natsume himself, no crazy lines for any book selling...Hmm...What does everyone else think?
Ann: I'm not a hundred percent sure, Akechi...but...I think it worked?
Seems like it should be told right away.
Morgana: Yeah. Doesn't look like anyone's talking about Natsume anymore.
Yusuke: Then, all's as it should be. Attaining fame through some deceptive power doesn't fit his image.
Makoto: This wouldn't have been possible without you being there to open his eyes, Yusuke.
Futaba: You really took charge today, Inari.
He did from a third and new attack from him and talking to Natsume Shadow to take a hint already, well done today Yusuke.
Keiko: That's our Inari, he was a real hero today. And your words were rather touching.
Futaba: Yup. Chosen hero Inari restored peace and harmony throughout the land!
Akechi: Something from a real RPG game to come to life.
For Yusuke to have such good friends, Makoto, and being a Phantom Thief member.
Yusuke: ...Thank you, everyone.
Keiko: We all did well today to see the rest of the results tomorrow. (I can feel a strong bond with my friends...)
Yeah, and they needed to make sure of it before leaving in a little while.
Yusuke: However, we're not finished just yet. We must confirm whether the change of heart was a success.
Morgana: For now, we'll just have to wait and see how things turn out.
Seems like it, but somehow it did work in any other way.
Ann: Whew...Well, since we've got some free time, can we unwind at a bathhouse or something? I'm totally beat.
Haru: Good idea. We can freshen up a little before we head back to the car.
Futaba: You heard 'em, Sophia. It's all you!
Leave it to their AI friend to find the nearest bathhouse to go to.
Sophia: Okay. I'll find the best bathhouse in the area.
Ryuji: Sweet, we could all use a nice bath there.
The girls side and boys of the bathhouse to relax in 'for Morgana to stay with the guys of course', while Sophia sees the outside of the place and learns more about it on her own. With Ann, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru had a good one and the same with Ryuji and Yusuke on their ends – the same with Keiko and Akechi to then join together afterwards in their motel rooms to get some sleep for tomorrow morning, and see the news on Natsume's heart really changed. Still thinking about Kaguya and Picaro's memories and the Guyver twins to gather up so far for Akechi and Zen wanted to solve this case in any other way.
Akechi: (Ellen doesn't seem to remember her past self. Could it be the same with her twin brother? He did seem to assassinate one of the Gegasite from gathering information from it. I know what I've been seeing in my dreams lately.)
A lot to be on his mind for Keiko to sense out too.
Keiko: Hey, Akechi-Cun. I hope the memories to learn about the Guyver twins and the other girls of being humans at one time. The only thing to be left unsolved yet is...
Akechi: Between three people who aided the five kids...One looked like my Mother.
Keiko: Your Mom?!
From a few years ago before the whole Shido thing and her un-timing death? It looks like Kuon Ichinose who almost looks like Akechi's mother.
Akechi: Yes, she was once a researcher, I didn't think she worked in this type of work before she tried to raise me and was poisoned by Shido.
Keiko: And Kuon Ichinose almost looks like her...Sorry, I should've brought it up.
He would never get mad at his lover for understanding each other a lot.
Akechi: No, Princess, it's fine. It's just luck Kuon looks a lot like my Mom. It's odd...And the other thing was the other two she once worked for...There's this odd woman who always stayed quiet and her boss was a man in a long coat. I have a feeling they're alive today. I wish I knew what happened to the little red-haired girl, but the other four are alive to be twins.
Keiko: ….Two who are our enemies who are aiding their boss who calls herself Mother, whoever she is. And two more to be girls who are Personas to aid us like we are with them too. From this, both you and Zenny are trying to solve this case no matter what, right?
Hugging each other to sit on the bed next.
Akechi: We do. No matter what it takes. It might have some connections with Master's other case he's been working on.
Keiko: Really? Well, I hope we can all solve it together, Akechi. You have me and the Phantom Thieves. We're all in this together. So is Zenny.
She was right. Any words for Keiko to say to Akechi to make their friendship and love even stronger.
Akechi: Yes, I'm glad to have all of you. My Princess, I love you no matter what we encounter next.
Keiko: And I love you too. You're always getting me through anything like this.
Akechi: Then let's keep on solving this case...Together, because I have what the other two researchers don't have – love and friendship.
Keiko: Yes. Now let us cuddle until we both fall asleep.
They hug and kiss until they both fall fast asleep for their love is still strong, and friends with the Phantom Thieves – Keiko and Akechi will keep on going to get to the truth to learn more about the Guyver twins and the two female Personas. And Loki trying to learn about his family whereabouts for a wandering ghost? He won't move on yet until he finds them and kills the main leader of the Gegasites once and for all.
8 - August/5th/Saturday (Sendai)
Sendai
Press conference Venus
And a new day happens for Ango Natsume makes a speech from a live panel about his work, for him to have a change of heart and confesses about his crimes and tries to make amends with his fans for better or worse in the future...After he pays back from his bad deeds first until a brand new day arrives for him someday.
Ango: ...Thank you, everyone, for coming. I've called this press conference to give an announcement, as well as a formal apology. First, my novel "Prince of Nightmares" was recently bestowed the honor of receiving first place in the Soukaisha Awards...I have decided to give the award back...
Once he said it, everyone questioned all over the room and took tons of pictures too. Continue with the speech.
Ango: I've also decided to really all published copies...not to mention take the necessary steps to refund everyone's money. I'm sure you all want to know my reasons for doing so. The truth is...My book, "Prince of Nightmares," only won because of my statue as Sogo Natsume's grandson. In short, the competition was fixed. In addition, I've also stolen the work of countless other authors, word for word. Lastly, the story I told about writing to inspire a hospitalized girl was nothing but a lie to garner sympathy. This fabrication allowed my book to sell a number of copies it nowhere near deserved. I wish to apologize for this scandal. And I'll start to personally see to it that everyone who bought my book is refunded. I promise, my writing career ends here! I am deeply sorry for all that I've done! To all of you!
Bowing for forgiveness for the editors are going to be exposed.
Natsume Editor: H-Hold on, Mr. Natsume! What do you think you're doing?!
Stout Editor: Hey, time to wrap it up! Get everyone out of here now!
But Natsume won't take anymore of their words but his own.
Ango: Please, don't interfere. This is my way of taking responsibility!
This was really happening for the others to hear Natsume to be telling the truth, everything.
Doubtful Reporter: ...Hey, something doesn't seem right here. Mr. Natsume's the one who put this thing together, right?
Speculative Reporter: Do you think the editors were just trying to profit off Mr. Natsume's family name?
Ha! Busted!
Natsume Editor: ...!
I guess they now know it's the editors more. Soon to hear Yusuke's voice, he and Keiko go up to talk to Natsume himself to not give up on his real life long dream.
Yusuke: Hey!
Keiko: Please don't give up on your own dreams!
This is where Natsume recognizes the two – one he was scolded and the other to almost hit on.
Natsume's Editor: Huh?! W-Who are you?
The others were on standby to listen and watch for Akechi to keep an eye on this whole thing to go down.
Yusuke: I will not allow this.
Ango: You...You're the one from the party and the woman with black hair. I'm so sorry for what I said back then. And for the young lady to belong to the great Goro Akechi, forgive me for hitting on you.
Keiko: Hey, water over the bridge, right? I get it.
His Shadow self did more of the mess up things besides a little of his real self.
Yusuke: I will not allow you to cower and run away, Ango Natsume. You intend to make a comeback, do you not?
Ango: ...Huh?
His instincts feel like he remembers the promise. They don't remember from their Shadow selves, but their senses of what they do triggers it from within them.
Yusuke: When you do return to the literary world, I want to see a book with your name on it, not your grandfather's!
Ango: ...!
The other Phantom Thief members were touched by Yusuke's words.
Makoto: Oh, Yusuke...
Akechi: (A nice way to push your words right into his head, Yusuke. A weird one but you do care for others like Natsume.)
Continuing with Yusuke's word of the heart.
Yusuke: You're going to write a novel that you can be proud of, are you not?!
Keiko: He's right, Natsume. You're not alone. We'll be waiting on your real work, so give it your very best.
This touches Natsume's heart to feel grateful to them both. With Akechi giving Natsume a peace sign, it shows the others believe in this guy doing the right thing.
Natsume: ...Thank you. Thank you so very much.
The other reports were left confused.
Doubtful Reporter: Who are they supposed to be...?
Ango: Then I've decided...Once everything is rightfully resolved, I will make my return. Even if there's just one person out there waiting to read my stories...No matter what, I will keep writing. I only hope that I can one day save someone's soul the way my grandfather's novels saved mine when I was young...That is why I write!
And so for the cameras to take lots of photos of Natsume to keep his work, he turns himself in to write ideas down and gives back the money to others who bought the books. The editors were all in big trouble. Later at night time for Zen was pleased but didn't think Yusuke and Keiko would say those words to Natsume in public. But it had to be done for Akechi to get them both covered for his teacher to understand.
Zen: ...Sheesh, you kids are something else, barging in on a press conference like that.
Yusuke: My apologies. It was imperative that I speak with him.
Akechi: Master, it all worked out in the end.
He gets it to be a nice friendly talk of course.
Zen: Eh, it's fine. Still, from what I'm working on and the other thing, Goro, let's do our best.
Akechi: Yes, Master.
Zen: All right, well, I've gotta run. I have to go question Natsume.
A lot of time for him to do until he can write a real novel again.
Ann: Oh, right...Yeah, I guess it wouldn't end with just an apology.
Futaba: Zenkichi's really doing his job! It's almost like he's an actual cop or something! Like teacher to student.
Akechi: I was taught by the best.
Even Zen himself hides his true feelings from others.
Zen: I AM an actual cop. Anyway, it won't take long, so go on and wait for me back at the car.
For him to meet them at the parking spot, the others walked around for a bit downtown before meeting up with Zen for a bit.
Ryuji: Guess we should get rolling, then.
Makoto: Right, we'll leave the rest to him.
Off Ryuji, Ann, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Akechi headed out first. Well, before Keiko, Morgana, and Sophia do too...Yusuke had something to talk to Keiko about first.
Yusuke: ...Do you have a moment, Ms. Keiko?
Keiko: What's up, Yusuke?
Yusuke: Something about Natsume's been bothering me...What he did was no doubt unforgivable. Nothing will change that. However, was he really like Madarame? Can he truly be called evil like the Palace rulers we've confronted in the past?
Keiko: Ah...Madarame did a very bad thing, but Natsume was a bit different.
Yusuke: I suppose so...Had he simply ignored his editors, would he have strayed from his path? Or...Am I perhaps just sympathizing with someone who pursues the arts like myself?! Ms. Keiko, what do you think?
Madarame was far worse than Natsume was doing something he was forced to do, not on his own.
Keiko: He wasn't a bad guy, just thought of things without knowing what was right or wrong. Not until we changed his heart.
You see? Far different from the subject.
Yusuke: So you think so as well, Ms. Keiko? Then, what is the purpose of these Jails?
Keiko: We still have a long way to go, Yusuke.
Yusuke: Ah well, I suppose there's no point thinking about it right this second...Forgive me, I didn't mean to hold you up. We should return to the car as well.
Keiko: Okay! (A lot to think about who's good and bad, we can see through their eyes the most.)
A lesson to learn for someone to make a big change, for Alice and Natsume did some bad to learn something important in the end to try to make a change soon. Doing a bit of shopping on some of the things for next time 'along with some food and drinks', it was time to head back to the Featherman Mobile to meet up with Zen on what to talk about next and what to do.
Morgana: Let's go have another meeting, Madame Keiko.
Keiko: Good, everyone's here. (After some time, Zenny came to the hideout...)
With Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia together inside the mobile to hear what Zen told them about what happened so far and what they needed to do next once he got some confession out of Natsume, for Zen to tell them everything that happened in a nearby police station.
Zen: ...And that about sums up Natsume's confession.
Akechi: Basically, Master and I can gather this much information about it. The EMMA app was made, famous people found something special about it, but not with powers but their Shadow selves, friends who love their work. While at the same time Gegasites took over the Shadows' bodies for energy once their Desires were taken. Zombie in the outside world and slaves in the Metaverse of the Monarch's Jails.
Nice solving on the first half there, Akechi, that's our ace detective prince for you. It makes sense why everyone wasn't themselves at all. From Alice, Natsume, and who's to say about other people like them.
Morgana: So once people friended him through EMMA, they'd become Natsume's fans.
Ann: From Akechi's words and what Zenkichi has gotten for us, it's just like what Alice said too.
Futaba: And Natsume's smartphone worked the same as Alice's too. There wasn't anything off about the EMMA app or the phone itself.
Keiko: It's like it's hiding very well we cannot look up on.
Ryuji: So we got nothin' again...?
Hey, this wasn't going to be so easy to solve or do. For Futaba was finding some of the things at a time.
Futaba: I didn't say that. Just like before, there were traces of someone snooping around in there.
Like the Guyver twins, it could be the Hooded Man, Mistress, and/or Mother boss.
Ryuji: For real?!
Keiko: Is it the mastermind, other baddies, or the other twins? Futaba, do you know who it is?
Akechi: I wish I knew right away if this entire case with the other one wasn't so hard.
A long way to go then.
Keiko: So what does this all mean? It's the same as Alice was. Did Natsume and her have the same stalker or someone different?
Futaba: No, Big Sis. Sorry. I'd say this confirms that we're dealing with something much bigger than a stalker. Maybe Ellen and Hans Guyver, their mother boss, or other bad guys working for the three of 'em.
Giving Alice and Natsume powers for what the Phantom Thieves have seen so far.
Yusuke: So the same occurred with Natsume's phone as well...
Zen: Well? Any idea who it is? Is it the case both Goro and I are working on? The four twin siblings, the missing girl, the other mysterious people? Anything...?
Nothing yet but those things and what Akechi along with the Kaguya sisters got to remember so far.
Futaba: ...Sorry, I got nothin'. All I found were traces. That's it.
Morgana: So Alice and Natsume were being watched by someone...From the Guyvers, Gegasites, Pandora's Box history, the other kids from the researchers from long ago, and EMMA. Hey, Zenkichi, did the police know about that? What about you, Akechi? Anything else?
Akechi: This is all I know of and see in my dreams so far.
More on that part for later. Then on Zen's end?
Zen: No. The only reason we know this guy exists is because Sakura sifted through Alice's smartphone. And Goro, don't worry. We'll get our answers real soon again.
Akechi: Thank you, Master.
Morgana: It's fine. So aside from the fact that they both used EMMA and connected to the other brother and sister twins, this mystery observer is the only thing linking Alice and Natsume together. If the police didn't know that, why would they assume these two or three cases are related?
Yeah, why was that for three different mysteries? Are they separated or related to this entire thing?
Zen: Well, these are some very peculiar cases...But mainly it boils down to the nature of the crimes and the timing.
Haru: The timing?
What did Zen mean by that part...?
Zen: Think about it. All of the Change of Heart indents occurred at roughly the same time, that being within the last three months. Didn't I tell you?
Three months ago when EMMA app was made on all devices.
Futaba: Three months ago was around when EMMA was released.
Akechi: Along with Alice's popularity was up the charts and Natsume's novels were selling lots of money.
Zen: You got it, Goro. Well, EMMA is being used to perpetrate the crimes, so that makes sense.
Keiko: Could someone be exploiting it like the twins are for their boss's sake? They're behind something shady and not doing this alone.
Ellen and Hans want to make a change to bring some good against the bad ones by finding the wielder and weapon. We still don't know who their Mother boss was. Or behind the clothing of the Hooded Man and Mistress.
Ryuji: Damn right, it does, Keiko. That company puttin' that thing out is suspicious as all hell. What's they called again? "Madames"?
Not even close to still make you laugh a little there.
Futaba: Madicce. Well, at least you got the "Mad" part...
Akechi: It was funny what you said there, Ryuji, not bad.
Moving on...
Zen: For what it's worth, I'm investigating on that front as well. Still, we're talking about a major corporation operating on a global scale. You can't just walk in and start poking around with reason.
Akechi: Master's right. We need more proof.
So could Madicce be where the other two people and the Guyver twins are running the company? All of it? Hmmm...
Haru: You haven't found anything suspicious yet?
Zen: Not yet, no. At least nothing's come up from checking the individuals involved. If our mystery observer of this mother and using the Guyver twins was connected to Madicce, though, then we'd have grounds to conduct an investigation...
Thinking hard, there was a lot on Zen's mind and Akechi's as well.
Akechi: Master?
Keiko: Zenny...?
Zen: Do you guys think there's someone pulling the strings in this case? Using the kids, something to do with the other twin girls, the Pandora's Box item, medallions, EMMA, and the Gegasites?
Still needed to find, learn, and Akechi to feel it out more like Kaguya and Picaro to be doing the same thing. And Loki trying to locate the leader of the Gegasites.
Morgana: We don't know for sure yet. The incidents are similar, but they could just as easily be unrelated. Well, some of it is.
Zen: Guess we'll have to see if the other incidents have any overlap as well. That's one of the basic rules of investigation - find what the incidents do and don't have in common then start narrowing things down. For now, looking into the other incidents is our best bet at scoring a lead.
Better than being stuck in a trap if so, it was their safe bet to keep on going.
Yusuke: ...This is true. We'll have to do what we can for the time being.
Makoto: And if we look into the other Jails and their Monarchs with the medallions, we might learn something new.
And the next location of the Monarch's location and Jail of the Metaverse is where at...?
Zen: Then, if we're all done here. I'm heading to Sapporo to see what I can find on our next target. We'll rendezvous on the 8th. I'll contact you the day of. Goro, keep me posted if any more...dream things of the case aside happens again. And Amamiya, keep your fiance safe too. He's my best student.
Plenty of time until then for them to get to their next destination.
Akechi: I will, Master.
Keiko: Of course, Zenny.
Makoto: Three days...Should be an easy trip with a car.
Zen: No need to rush. The target's not even in Japan until then.
So they needed to wait until then.
Keiko: I guess that makes sense not to make a scene there, at least not yet.
Good point. But before Zen leaves, he has one other thing to say to the others next...
Zen: Oh, right. Wasn't there a festival happening around here soon? Sendai's famous for its Tanabata festivals. Lots of good food lined up, too, or so I hear.
Yusuke: Yes, I did see decorations being put up here and there...
Keiko: Oh, a festival.
Sounds like something the Phantom Thieves can all do together.
Zen: Anyway, I'll see you in three days. Don't forget.
And off he goes for him to hear back from Akechi if the event happens with him again, then report back. With him, Keiko, Morgana, Sophia, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru about the festival to do before leaving Sendai would probably be for the best before heading to Sapporo next. Without raining on any of them this time too!
Makoto: I guess he wants us to rest up while we can.
Ryuji: ...Gramps is actually a pretty considerate guy, huh?
From Akechi to know Zen a lot more since he was young to be cared for and trained a lot. They're like a true family.
Akechi: That's my Master for you. (A tough guy, but he's very caring deep down.)
For now, the Phantom Thieves can do something fun while on vacation and working from time to time.
Ann: Well, since we're here, should we put on yukata and go to the festival?
Keiko: Right, us girls can pick them out together. (The weather's perfect to have a good one this year.)
Makoto: Yukata...I can't help but think of our disastrous fireworks festival last year when we got rained on.
When it happened last year it was a mess to be rained on around Shibuya, but not this time.
Ann: That's why we're gonna do it right this time! Besides, we didn't have Futaba, Haru, or Akechi with us back then!
Keiko: Yea! Akechi-Cun, Haru, and Futaba are with us this time!
She hugs her fiance to be happy to go this year.
Akechi: Heh...I did say I wanted to go with my Princess and my friends this year.
Haru: Count me in too! Going to a festival in a yukata sounds wonderful!
Keiko: Let's do it, everyone. I'll wear one too with the girls helping me out. I can't wait.
Then it has been all planned out to do so.
Futaba: Then we got a plan. Sophia, find us a shop that sells yukata!
Sophia: [I've got four hits. Allow me to direct you.]
Time to get some yukatas for the girls and some for the boys too, but Morgana and Sophia were unable to wear them. An upcoming festival to enjoy tomorrow night before leaving for their next destination and next Jail to find in the area they'll drive to next.
8 - August/6th/Sunday (Sendai)
Now happening the next night, tonight's it of Sendai's festival to be lots of people, food, drinks, games to play, and such for everyone to have a good time. With Ellen avoiding lots of guys hitting on her, but Hans didn't mind other girls' attention to find him handsome. As they blend in for their task to finish within the area until their next destination to go to.
Ellen: Hey! Brother!
Hans: What, dear sister? I'm just getting to know the tourists. The lovely ones...
This made her jealous again to make an excuse for them taking off now.
Ellen: Excuse us, girls...We're leaving now...!
Hans: Now, now, don't be that way. We need to blend in for us to find the wielder and weapon for Mommy. So let's explore a bit more.
Ellen: I would do anything for you and Mommy, Brother, but not those other two helpers.
The Hooded Man and Mistress are an odd type.
Hans: Dear sister...You let me worry about them, just do your job. Don't worry, we want to do this. We're all in this together.
With them touring around in their human form...On the other side of town – had Morgana, Akechi, Ryuji, Yusuke, and Sophia waiting for the other five girls to arrive with their yukatas on.
Ryuji: Dude, check out all the booths!
Yusuke: As one might expect from Sendai's Tanabata festival. It's quite lively here.
Akechi: I've done investigations in every festival from time to time, but never go here for fun...Until tonight that is.
For Akechi was holding on to Keiko's phone to keep the boys company, for Sophia tells the boys about the whole festival history next.
Sophia: [Apparently, the locals call it "Tanabata-san." And it's said to have originated from back in the Date Masamune's time.]
Ryuji: Hey, that's the dude from the statue, huh?
From the main part of the place, he was to be more than a dude thing.
Yusuke: He is not a "dude." He is Lord Date Masamune, the One-Eyed Dragon of Oshu.
Then get it right next time, Ryuji.
Ryuji: Geez, what are you, his retainer or somethin'?
Akechi: Then try to remember the name next time. It's for the best to not get to Yusuke so much.
Still, you have to love the good views of the whole festival's stands.
Morgana: There's so many booths. It's hard to pick what to see first. What do you think, Akechi?
Akechi: Let me think...For Keiko and me to see the most...Some masks, shooting gallery, and something called a Yakisoba.
Having yukatas on for the guys - Akechi with his striped black and white, Ryuji with his gray type of looks, and Yusuke with the white and blue rope to tie around it.
Yusuke: Ah, yes. Perhaps it's our experience with them in the Metaverse, but they always manage to catch my eye in one of those three.
Ryuji: Tellin' me. I already bought one. Reminds me of when I was a kid. Speakin' of which, ain't those guys here yet?
He was wearing an orange bird-like mask over Ryuji's head to get it for a reason.
Morgana: It takes time for a lady to get ready. They're not unrefined apes like the rest of you.
Ryuji: Who you callin' an ape? You're the unrefined one ya furball!
Morgana: Well, this furball's got claws, ya bonehead!
Always arguing like this at each other.
Akechi: Morgana's always like this to throw Ryuji under the bus to have them both caring as good friends.
Soon to be arriving, the girls are here with their yukatas on. Ann was red, Makoto was blue, Futaba was green, Haru was purple, and Keiko was wearing pink to look cute for Akechi to find his woman even more beautiful in person.
Ann: Sorry for the wait!
The guys loved it for their true love.
Ryuji: Eeee...Holy shit, Ann...! You're freakin hot!
Morgana: Oh, Lady Ann! Madame Keiko! You look absolutely gorgeous!
He was fine to still care about Ann at least, for her to hug and kiss Ryuji on the lips to feel loved.
Ann: *giggle* Thanks, Morgana. And you too, Ryuji, you're so sweet.
Yusuke: Oh my...Ms. Makoto, you're simply breathtaking!
Makoto: You're too kind, Yusuke, as always.
The two of them hugged it out.
Haru: Sorry. Tying the obi took quite some time.
Keiko: Yeah, but we did it together...So Akechi, do you like me in this one?
More than anything else to have him kiss and cuddle Keiko all over.
Akechi: My Princess...You're really like the real one! So cute! I can't stop hugging you!
Keiko: Really? (Oh, my Akechi-Cun!)
Akechi: This is worth the wait. It's fitting for the summer. I can get a closer look at you anytime.
As Haru will always love her Sugimaru, Futaba and Yuuki, and Morgana with Lava too. Love was so sweet and powerful.
Keiko: It's worth any wait for the summer time to do this.
Haru: Right, this outfit was made to be won during the summer, and it matches the festival atmosphere perfectly.
Yusuke: Absolutely picturesque. You've brought us a much needed air of refinement.
Ryuji: Yeah, according to someone, we're about as unrefined as it gets...
With the girls looking cool in their yukatas, so did the boys too.
Keiko: Akechi-Cun, you really look hot in that yukata.
Akechi: You like it? I'm glad you do.
For love and friendship.
Ann: Wow, Ryuji, that looks really good on you. Even better than your school uniform! Still love you.
Ryuji: Same...And come on. You don't gotta try'n make me feel better! ...Well, not a lot.
With the look and mask on Ryuji, he looks just fine. Was the mask from Phoenix's Featherman thing? Probably...
Futaba: You made a good choice with that mask, though. Yellow's good match for this season. I bought a water balloon, myself! You gotta get one when you go to a festival.
She got one to be a prize to keep.
Ryuji: Water balloon? Oh, you mean a "yo-yo."
Yusuke: No, isn't that called a "water yo-yo"?
Ann: Wait a sec, I thought it was a "yo-yo balloon."
Futaba: No...It's a water balloon...
So, which one was it? Not that's a big deal or anything.
Morgana: Madame Keiko, what do you call it? What about you, Akechi?
Keiko: I say it's both to be the main water balloon itself.
Akechi: Hmm...I think that the most. Other nicknames are sometimes a water yo-yo or yo-yo balloon.
Well, there you have it.
Ryuji: So...Which is it?
Futaba: I think Big Sis and Akechi might be right for me. Thank you.
What an odd and weird way to start things off and laugh about it.
Makoto: *chuckle* It looks like everyone's having a good time. We should have a little fun ourselves. Why don't we check out the food stands and get something to eat?
Haru: Sure. I was starting to get hungry since everything smells so good.
So many try out one of them to eat.
Futaba: Look! They're got all the staples! Yakisoba, yakitori, shaved ice...They've even got konjac skewers! They are huge in Tohoku!
Ann: What are we waiting for?! Charge!
Off the girls and Akechi get going for the other guys to follow and Sophia to have a grand tour.
Morgana: Come on, we should get going too. I'm starving.
Ryuji: Hell yeah! Let's start from one end and get one of everything!
Yusuke: It feels as if we're forgetting the spirit of Tanabata...though I have no objections.
Sophia: [I want to see more of the festival too. Show me how to catch goldfish, Keiko.]
From one thing to another.
Keiko: Then let's go have some fun. Huh?
Lots to do and for the Phantom Thieves to run into the Guyver twins. Well the enemy thinks it is just Keiko and her friends going on a road trip, while the Phantom Thieves themselves think of them as regular Saitou twins for them to run into each other during the festival.
Ellen: Keiko? Akechi?
Keiko: Eiko? Hiroko?
Morgana: Is traveling with the twins again.
Acting well as regular human siblings and such for them and Sophia to feel odd to have some fun.
Sophia: [The Saitou twins again, for the third time now.]
Keiko: Well, more vacation family time to be in the festival tonight.
Ellen: Oh, yes! Brother and I are having fun. He's silly to get lots of girls' attention to find his soul mate. And some men can't get enough of me, I want to choose the right guy. Ah, how beauty gets to us girls these days.
Fitting in as much as they could, they were one good actors to also hide their true form and energy from everyone else.
Haru: Saitou twins?
Akechi: These two are Eiko and Hiroko Saitou. They travel a lot for brother and sister fun, like they used to do with their parents a while back.
Hans: I see you two soon to be married couples brought friends...
Introduction time...
Keiko: These are our friends who are traveling with us and our pet cat. You met Morgana. My friends are Ryuji Sakamoto, Ann Takamaki, Yusuke Kitagawa, Makoto Niijima, Futaba Sakura, and Haru Okumura. Guys, these are the twin siblings who are traveling on their own special event thing.
They all see some odd but good Ellen as Eiko and Hans as Hiroko.
Ryuji: Yo!
Ann: Nice to meet you, Eiko. I love the outfit with the yukata. It's super cute!
Yusuke: Well god style tastes for these two, I love it.
Makoto: Hello, Eiko. And to you too, Hiroko.
Futaba: A smooth player and a cutie pie. Watch out, Akechi and Big Sis. Don't let either of their hot looks get to you both.
Haru: For them to stick together is sweet. Making sure they both find love one day and still care as brother and sister is touching...
If only their sibling love was normal like others should be in real life!
Hans: As much as I do enjoy Keiko's company, I can never outmatch against the great ace detective prince himself.
Akechi: And I'm not the type for lots of girls to find me.
Opposite for those guys.
Ellen: And as much as I know who my soulmate will be soon. (Be mine, Brother...) I could never get any guy's attention until I found the right man.
Keiko: And Hans' good, but no hard feelings...You're just not type even if I didn't meet with my true love.
Their love was strong for Ellen was glad for Hans to not have Keiko belong to him at all, 'or had trouble not to do anything in public even if he could'.
Ellen: Life goes on... (YES!)
Hans: Ah, what a shame... (That doesn't mean I'll give up.) Come now. Let's get going. We have a festival to enjoy.
Akechi: You're right. Let's get going.
Keiko: Let's do whatever we want here for tonight. (Having two more people around, this will make things ten times more fun. I had fun with everyone at the festival.)
So many things to do for all ten 'or rather twelve people' on the many things to do at the festival. From trying out different foods for Ryuji and Morgana to enjoy. Sophia sees how Keiko and Akechi get a goldfish in the game; another game for Hans to shoot the targets without missing to win a prize for Ellen to love, other slushies to try out for Haru, Makoto, and Ann, while Yusuke looked at the great masks designs, and Futaba like the fan to carrying around and her other prize item too. Many treasure things to keep throughout the rest of their lives. During the whole thing Hans and Ellen were enjoying some fun to bring back some memories to them and the other sisters from back then.
Ellen: Brother...?
Hans: Yeah, I felt it too. More memories. We'll talk more about it later.
Ellen: Very well then. Still, these guys are fun to have, huh? Maybe we can keep them around after we change the world soon.
Hans: Good idea. In any case, I hope we'll meet with them again for some other fun things while doing our own job.
Without Hans trying to hit on his friends Keiko, Ann, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru for Ellen to make sure of it.
Ellen: Don't even think about it!
Hans: Oh come now, sister. Really? We should get going then until our next visit with them.
Ellen: Yes, let's get going. Keiko's a good person who does get us. Not bad.
And so they say where they'll be going next, they'll meet again for Ellen and Hans leave back to their hideout secretly – with a new enemy to bring out again. With the flashback memory they just had...was it real? Maybe...With the other Phantom Thief members going back to the Featherman Mobile to have a good time too tonight was the best; and liking the Saitou twins 'being the Guyver twins' on how they live in life.
Akechi: Hiroko and Eiko, they're odd twins who do things their way to live life to the fullest.
Keiko: I hope we do see them again for more fun. I agree, it's really odd for them to be friendly.
The other guys liked them too.
Morgana: Not bad for those two. I hope we see them again too, right?
Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru: Right!
Sophia: [Hanging out with friends...It is fun.]
Still a lot on Sophia's mind from the twins, but she couldn't tell what it was to remember it at all. Another big thing on her mind? Maybe...But for now, this won't let this get to the AI at all.
Ann: Mmm! That was sooo gooooood!
Futaba: Konjac, skewers, Ishinomaki, yakisoba, zunda cider...We basically ate our way through Sendai!
Besides Keiko and Akechi were careful with a few others - other than Ann, Ryuji, Futaba, and Morgana ate a bit more.
Keiko and Akechi: Not too much on our end.
Ryuji: And all of us doing so was amazing...Gotta hand it to old man Masamune, he is one cool dude.
Futaba: That's "Lord" to you! Did I do it right, Yusuke?
The way of the artwork for Yusuke to still love.
Yusuke: Am I that predictable?
Akechi: Well, maybe a little...
And for Sophia to learn so much at the festival.
Sophia: [Catching goldfish seems difficult. Is there some sort of secret to catching one?]
Makoto: Try to stay calm, then strike without hesitation. The trick is to catch them once you've read their movements.
Haru: Wow, that's impressive, Mako-chan...
She did well compared to Akechi and Keiko did too, and gave it all to the children to care for pets.
Sophia: [I see...We'll get it next time, Keiko. I want to see more.]
Keiko: That's fine. Giving the fishes to the kids was the right move, I'm not good at handling pets like them.
Soon, Keiko was getting a phone call.
Sophia: [Keiko, you're getting a call from Zenkichi.]
She answers it for the others to listen in to the phone call as well, with Zen having something big to ask the others to do for him.
[Zen: Yo. You guys having fun?]
Akechi: We're having lots of fun, Master. Thank you for asking.
Keiko: No worries here, Zenny. And how are you doing?
For the two soon to be married couple told Zen about it, he was glad to hear and he was doing well too.
[Zen: Just working. Moderately, anyways. Listen, I wanted to ask you guys a favor. I'm already investigating in Sapporo, but before you leave Sendai, I'd like you to stop by Toho University. Tomorrow, there's gonna be a session at the Mt. Aoba campus.]
This type of university was in Sendai for them to do so for Zen's to owe him one, to be even Steven.
Keiko: What type of session?
Akechi: It's around here. One of the top universities, the best of the people has talent to show up for conventional meetings on their line of work. It must be serious for Master to want us to do this for him.
Seems like it, for one of the important characters will be showing up.
[Zen: Right again, Goro. The CEO of Madicce is holding a lecture there.]
Keiko: Really?
[Zen: I'm still looking into them at the moment, but the more info we have the better. I'd like you to attend the lecture at my place.]
Keiko: All right, Zenny, we're on it.
Akechi: Please let us.
Sounds like a deal to do this for Zen.
[Zen: Thanks again, I'll treat you all to Hokkaido later. And just so we're clear, don't draw any unnecessary attention to yourselves. Just go and see if the CEO says anything strange.]
Any clue would be great, to give the Phantom Thieves a lead.
Akechi: Do you have a name? What else can you tell us, Master?
[Zen: The person you'll hear the speeches from...His name is...Akira Konoe. And he looks like a capable CEO, I'll give him that. Anyway, I'm gonna be counting on you kids. Goro, don't let me down. And again, try not to get carried away, all right?]
Keiko: By then, Zenny.
Hanging up now, the Phantom Thieves have a task to do for Zen tomorrow to see Konoe's speech and the head CEO of Madicce.
Morgana: So, what did he want?
Keiko: Well... (I told everyone about Zenny's call...]
For Keiko, Akechi, and Sophia to know about it to let the others in on the rest. They all get it.
Ryuji: Lemme get this straight, this guy's runnin' the company that made EMMA?
Akechi: I've heard about his work to see him a little in person before, just not a lot until tomorrow.
Makoto: I see...This might be a good opportunity to learn something new.
Anything was better to get something than nothing at all.
Yusuke: Hmm...I suppose we'll find out at the lecture tomorrow morning.
Futaba: Guess break time's over. Time to get back to work!
It was time to get some sleep after a fun night they all had, and now to get back to work. From in between to do their parts very carefully. What was going to happen at the convention meeting with Konoe's speeches was to find something of the head CEO guy himself.
8 - August/7th/Monday (Sendai)
University of Toho
Lecture hall
On top of the stadium for the Phantom Thieves to sit down from up top, with Akechi getting a VIP pass with his Keiko and the other with Sophia listening in. And Morgana too as he stays put in Keiko's bag like he always does. Down below the main stage has Konoe himself to talk about his latest work he has made - 'you know what'. Also I'm calling this guy Konoe to name the main character in the game as Akira Kurusu on my end, so yeah. And this guy is like Tony Stark/Iron Man Anime version too!
Konoe: ...As you all know, life is just an ongoing series of daily decisions. What's for breakfast? What should I wear today? Every day begins with these insignificant little dilemmas. But then there comes a time to decide your field of study, your place of employment, who you're going to marry. And it's these choices that matter. Yes, people are always looking for the "best choice" or the "correct answer." Madicce seeks to provide it, for everyone, through the power of AI. EMMA is a state-of-the-art AI designed to integrate itself into our everyday lives. By gathering and analyzing extraordinary amounts of data with perfect precision, EMMA can help everyone make the "best choices."
Being true and shows a jumbo screen size of the symbol of EMMA, for he keeps the system going from his doing.
Akechi: So this is Akira Konoe.
Keiko: I'd like to see our version of Tony Stark/Iron Man from Marvel comics.
Ha! He sure does, and the others see how Konoe works things in his company.
Morgana: ... "Capable CEO" Seems pretty spot-on.
Haru: Wow...He's so composed. He's practically overflowing with confidence. Look how clearly he states his company's outlook and principles. He's got everyone's attention.
Makoto: You're right. He's not saying anything particularly suspicious, though...
Nothing much about it just yet.
Futaba: Well, thanks to EMMA, Madicce's stocks have shot way up. You can bet they're one of Japan's bigger enterprises right now. That said, I feel like a company with this much going for it wouldn't have much to gain from changing people's hearts...
Yusuke: Perhaps, but that doesn't change the fact that EMMA is still a key factor in the Jails. It is through EMMA that people are allowed access. To then become mindless zombies trapping them.
Makoto: Right, for the Gegasites to steal their energies to become their slaves in the Metaverse of the Monarch's Jails. Madicce is connected to all of this one way or another, be it directly or indirectly...
It all makes sense on how it's all created.
Morgana: Hey, Madame Keiko, do you think there's a real culprit behind all of this, like some kind of mastermind?
Keiko: I'm not sure. We don't know who the real mastermind is but someone calling herself "mother". The Guyver twins are helping her out find the wielder and weapon of Pandora's Box.
Yeah, for what Ellen has told them a little about and what Akechi can remember from the dream so far, more with the twin girls the most.
Akechi: From those two and it might lead us to the mastermind, for they're not working alone.
Morgana: Yeah, I think so too. Even if we beat the Monarchs, change their hearts, and free everyone's Desires from Gegasites slaves from there and the real world, the Jails don't disappear...There's gotta be something keeping them here.
Maybe it might be the Hooded Man and Mistress controlling their boss of Mother to be the real mastermind and hiding behind the shadows.
Makoto: So you're saying the real culprit's the one doing that?
Morgana: I don't know. But do you remember how even the Monarchs themselves didn't know much about EMMA?
Because Hans and Ellen gave their Shadow selves of powers to not have the real ones not to remember at all.
Yusuke: That's right...Alice and Natsume said the same things in their testimonies.
Morgana: And if that's the case, then the Monarchs might not be the only ones manipulating EMMA.
Someone else was aiding the twins and other minions on the outside in the real world.
Haru: Which means it could be someone at Madicce...
Makoto: Or our mystery observer...
Futaba: Or our head honcho down there...
Yusuke: Or perhaps someone completely different...
Could Konoe be working for the Guyvers on some of the parts with the Hooded Man's help? Do Picaro and Kaguya know about that part yet?
Ryuji: Yeah, well, we just gotta stick to what Gramps was tellin' us, right? All we can do is keep solvin' cases and collect more info. Long as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts do what they do best, we'll set this shit straight.
This has Ann loving Ryuji more, besides his strong words he just said.
Ann: Wow, Ryuji. That was pretty insightful. I'm surprised. That is what makes you cute among other things.
Ryuji: Well I meant every word there, Ann. Just saying...
Makoto: He's right...And in that sense, attending this lecture is a valuable use of our time. Let's make sure we pay attention all the way to the end.
And so they do to hear the whole thing. Can the Phantom Thieves get something from Konoe's speeches? It's hard to say for sure yet. The Guyver twins stayed for a bit to keep their eyes in check for he was their backup to aid Hooded Man to do the work while Hans and Ellen handled the rest together. For the next Jail of the Metaverse was cold to not affecting the twins of the temperature levels with the third medallion on hold from a bigger Monarch to take control and a lot more on some Shadows to feel a bit bloated on their end with their Desires being taken away and the Gegasites in control of their energies. Huh? It wasn't like the Slime Shadow, but far from it.
Ellen: Man, that speech was boring.
Hans: It was. Still, that man is our source of power to complete our goal. He sees the heroes in us in return to stop the evil. Or whatever he said...
Ellen: For you Brother, I get it. We need his work for now. He's so not my type...Hey, Ice Queen! You're up! Keep your support on the humans and meals intact and give us what we need with the wielder in order to find Pandora's Box soon.
Some type of snow queen of cold ice was eating a lot to be ready to use her skills more and gathered more people as mindless zombies.
?: Finally...More power to make a meal bigger for them to become my meal here. And in the other world, "she" will do the rest for all of you to gather for the phone app. Fair enough, dear children. I got this under control. And if anyone who stands in my way, I can choose who to eat?
They didn't care, as long as they all played their parts well.
Hans: Do as you please.
?: And you can leave everything to me since the other two were weak, but I won't be. I will make this country perfect.
She disappears from the snow storm to carry her off with the food too. And this time, the Phantom Thieves will be seeing the other Guyver twins next.
Ellen: Weirdo bitch.
Hans: Dear sister, why don't you explore the other side of town to take a break from the last mission you did. Leave this next one to me. Pretty please?
Ellen: Oh, Brother...Very well, I will do anything for you. I want more cute things and other girl stuff to buy, and as always...I'll keep you posted on the weapon search to keep the other two busy.
Patting Ellen on the head, Hans takes off once they've arrived at the new area.
Hans: That's my sister, now if you'll excuse me. (Enough to learn about these thieves and more about the ladies.)
Ellen: Good luck. (Aw...He patted my head...! So lovely...!)
Yeah, she has a problem. With Ellen out for this next one, it was Hans and the third Monarch with her Jail in the Metaverse to take over, to be the fourth medallion to get next. As well as Picaro, Kaguya, and Loki to be on the lookout as well. From the logo of Madicce was one of the clues to find as a poster in that world too.
Loki: (Madicce...) We got losers from the outside and the inside of two worlds working with each other.
Another clue maybe? And more to come up next time on what the Phantom Thieves do after sitting through Konoe's speech.