Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #31 - You're Cold as Ice
So...Good things to come around for the Phantom Thieves in Mariko Shadow's Jail of snow and a pure white of too much perfection, huh? Here's what happened...
Tayla: My listing on what has been happening so far.
#Morgana has done well from his weight to aid the team – from power, sliding down, tail whipping, and such
#Both Kaguya and Picaro have a cure made to save everyone from the Coco-Fudge curse
#Lots of Jack Frosts, Black Frosts, and King Frosts who are all force to make the mess up sweets
#Mariko Shadow with her snow magic try to eat others from over feeding them and Morgana to mostly
#Loki meets with Hans Guyver in person to be deadly in battle to complete the task for him and Ellen thing and other back ups
#Other Shadows to save into Personas
#3 cores from three Prison Keeps were found
#heaters are on to stop the snow storms and the icy walls to melt too
#Haru is also worried about Mariko on why she changed so much to make staff members work hard for her a lot without their wealth being
#having a cold temperature area is something else and new for the others to go through like this
And that's it. Back to the story now. With Keiko/Joker, Akechi/Black Crow, Morgana/Mona, Ryuji/Skull, Ann/Panther, Yusuke/Fox, Makoto/Queen, Futaba/Oracle, Haru/Noir, and Sophia/Sophie arrive back to Odori Park of Sapporo Jail to get to somewhere else since the cores of the Prison Keep, with another Sentry giant guard blocking their path. Hopefully...Loki, Kaguya, and Picaro will meet up with them in a bit.
Akechi: We should meet up with Loki and the twins here.
Keiko: For your Persona to come back. As well as Kaguya and Picaro should have made a cure from the Coco-Fudges by now for everyone to lose the fat...Oh! And you too, Mona. Sorry.
Morgana: Well, this wasn't the best way to do a phantom thief job like this, but I'm still alive and didn't eat the rest since. Unlike these guys...
Some who couldn't stop eating like this were getting worse and others to die from Shadows blowing up for over stuffing. Again, so gross.
Futaba: Hey! Stop eating those things already!
Like that'll do them any good.
Makoto: It's no use, Oracle. We need a cure. No matter what we say to them, they just won't stop eating.
Sophia: To be filled with Gegasites' blood is very bad for your stomach in real life.
So true, and yet for Morgana was very lucky to have his weight come in handy up to this point.
Morgana: Ah, yeah...Can we just fight on please?
And they do to be ready against this Shadow of Sentry.
Ice Gate Admin: The Monarch's gonna punish us because of you! You think you can just do whatever you want?!
Ryuji: Save that line for your Monarch. Better yet, we'll tell her-once we take you all out!
Turning into another giant Shadow of the Gegasites' doing of a Marth – Dark Sun and ready to fight.
Persona #48 - Mithra = powers of blessing
From more powerful light attack to come shooting out to shoot all the attacks with the Phantom Thieves' using their guns without stopping, even Morgana's powerful wind skills to aid them a bit more.
Yusuke: Incoming falling stars!
Ryuji: Shit! Shit! Shit!
Haru: We can't keep on doing this and fight all at once!
Trying to use their weapon to strike back, but it was floating around all over the area.
Ann: Hey! Hold still already!
Dark Sun: Try escaping fro my attacks now! You can do that or get me, but it'll coast everyone their lives.
This was a tough fight to not last long...until some help arrive to punch and kick all the attacks for Dark Sun to stop.
Keiko: Look! It's Picaro and Kaguya! They're here!
Picaro and Kaguya: And we will show you no misery, Shadow!
Dark Sun: Hey! No outsiders! Get outta my way!
Try to attack again, but Kaguya takes care of that part first with her own ability.
Kaguya: Lunar light Waves!
All the powers are gone along with Dark Sun's weapon in his hand, and then it was Picaro's turn to finish the fight.
Picaro: Black-hole Burst!
Well, that did the trick. Right...One more to kill off the Gegasite only to set this Shadow prisoner free.
Loki: Forgot about me too? Psycho Big-Bang-Boom!
And that one was dead.
Akechi: About time you came back, Loki. Now then, Joker, you're up.
Keiko: (Good they all made it and a cure for everyone.) Just in time. Right, first thing's first...Martha – Dark Sun, I've commit thee to join!
This at least have this Persona being to be grateful to the Phantom Thieves for saving Mathra's life.
Dark Sun: Thank you very much. I think I do need a break, the queen's insane. Please stop her madness and save all of us. The Jack Frosts aren't the only prisoners, others too like my kind.
If it's true, then Loki had a lead to remember this part well.
Loki: (More prisoners like him...? Good, I'm getting closer then.)
He still has a long way to go of course, but he wasn't in this alone.
Akechi: Is there a problem?
Loki: Nothing. I met with Ellen Guyver's brother who try to buried you all in snow. But I stop him, and yet he still got away from me.
This was very big news to hear about.
Ryuji: You meant the Hans got?! For real?!
Haru: Oh, my. So you saved our lives? Thank you, Loki.
Acting all shy to do care, he hides his true feelings in front of the Phantom Thieves, but Akechi and Keiko can already tell.
Loki: Please...I wanted to make sure you weren't dead and you didn't. Hey, Cat. I'm glad you did hold your own battle with your weight thing.
Patting Morgana from his big stomach for Loki to be teasing with him.
Morgana: Hey! Look, I just got lucky to not be defeated like this. And don' touch me there!
Futaba: Loki and Morgana sure hide their feelings very well. Anyways, about Hans Guyver...
Loki: Like with Ellen with her toy of ESP making with dark magic, Hans can use anything as a bullet to aim and fire at his target without missing. And what he and sister want is a better world while aiding two other scientists on something they all want to make all the worlds changed. Not in a good way. It's all for the boss name Mother. But that's this.
Hmmm...Not bad for some information to gather so far, with more to do.
Akechi: So he means business and Ellen really wants us dead. Hans Guyver, we should be careful around them both.
Keiko: Good idea, Black Crow.
Kaguya: Hans and Ellen Guyver twins...I do believe their names are familiar, but that's all.
A quick memory of them knowing each other their?
Picaro: Same here. Damn, it looks like we need to learn the rest of our memories on our own.
Makoto: It'll work out somehow, I'm sure of it. So Hans can fire anything as his own weapon, and Ellen can use black magic on her toys. They're like little children in an adult body. I hope you two do remember something.
It'll take time, but it'll happen again.
Morgana: So...Where's the cure?
Yusuke: I believe the bottle with some blue liquid could be the one.
It was – inside of it hand some things to make a type of tea cure on Coco-Fudge victims from over doing it. Like tea with herbs, snow, and other magic to work on some slaves of Shadows who loss their Desires on some to test it on a a male and female worked; although it was a few to still have others Desires to be rescued, the cure was still promising.
Ann: Is that the cure? Wow! You two made one. Will it be enough?
Picaro: Made more just in case. Worked on a few slaves, so we need to test it on Mona next.
Serving it up with a cup to be small for Morgana to hold, but with his tail to do the trick to drink kit all down.
Morgana: Ah...Give me! I don't care if I'm big, I can drink it like this. Still...I'll miss the whole tail whipping skills. But that's all I did like of being like this for now. Nothing else.
Kaguya: Then please, Mona. Go right ahead and drink it all down to turn back to normal. For the Jack Frosts slaves in this Jail, we must save them all.
Loki: Slavery in Monarch's Jails...Now that's a real problematic.
Before we get to the next topic, Morgana needs to recover first as he drinks the whole cure down to his body.
Sophia: First thing's first. Look, Mona's drinking the cure against the cursed Coco-Fudge.
Morgana: Please work... *gulp*
Once he drinks it all to give it a second...Morgana's stomach started to shrink down to look normal again from his weight was normal again and no longer big, tall, or fat anymore. But in the air from his height from earlier...he falls down for Akechi to save his life, by a grab hold of his tail.
Akechi: And...you're welcome again.
Morgana: Hehe...Thanks, Black Crow.
With Morgana looking into a icy wall for those to stay there to see his reflection, he was back now.
Haru: Mona-Chan! You're back!
Morgana: Oh yeah! I'm back to being good old Mona! Yes! No longer a fatty! Just me on the team! Thank you, ladies!
Dancing with joy for Sophia, Futaba, and Ryuji to join in with Morgana...all was well again. And in any case...
Makoto: Quickly, it'll be safer to drink the rest so we won't become victims from the Coco-Fudge like the others have.
Good idea. And so, the rest of the Phantom Thieves do since both Kaguya and Picaro already have. And Loki to do it in seconds.
Loki: I did it on my own without getting into...anything to fatty.
Futaba: Welcome back, Mona.
Ryuji: No longer a Garfield in the group.
Ann: You're back to normal now.
Sophia: What joy.
All was well for Morgana to still have his powers and such to fight on.
Morgana: Yep, I'm back to normal! For now on, regular good food and sushi will be my only meal to dine on...From time to time.
Keiko: And thanks to the cure type of tea, we won't let the Coco-Fudge take affect on us either. We better figure out the rest to save everyone else back in the real world too.
Akechi: And one for Master. I don't think he will, but I don't want to take any chances. Now that we've learned about Hans Guyver so far thanks to Loki's help, I believe the twins have something else to say next.
Now with that part done, it was time for the twin girls to say something to the Phantom Thieves and Loki before continuing on. About the whole Jack Frost slavery thing to be going on and force to make the Coco-Fudges, right...?
Yusuke: Thank you for everything. Now what's the other problem about the cure? How did you make it?
Picaro: It's truly hell, not in a good way. A group of Jack Frosts are all prisoners of Hyodo Shadow to make those gross treats with the Gegasites' blood to not stop. They gave us a cure in return we all save their lives for freedom. Damn her!
Using her powers to destroy an ice statue in anger for Picaro to do, with Kaguya to look down for them to be right on what they're saying.
Haru: Slavery Personas?! How horrible...!
Morgana: A group of Jack Frosts?
Kaguya: If they're one of them in this world, then other Personas are also slaves. Not just the Jack Frosts, Black Frosts, or King Frosts either...In other Jails for some we have saved and from Joker's powers from those the Gegasites have controlled, it'll be worse if we don't save all of them from any Jails from the humans' distorted desires. We have to do what's right. Please, Phantom Thieves.
Upsetting there, huh? Just like the one Persona just explained.
Ryuji: You two're shitting us...!
Akechi: I had to say this, Skull, but they're not making this one up.
Sophia: Slavery...
Even Sophia learned of the word on her own. They needed to aid the twins of the girls, the other ones, the real master mind, EMMA's powers, and save other Personas too.
Picaro: Look, it sucks to ask you guys about all of this. And still, we want to owe the snowmen everything for helping us. Just a bit more...!
Kaguya: In order to gain all of our memories back too.
Futaba: I think we should do so. For what we've seen so far and been through, it doesn't look like it's not ending at all.
Even if their mission has a lot more to be done, they will have it done no matter what it takes, for hat's what the Phantom Thieves do.
Ann: What do you think we should do, Joker?
Keiko: …. (We can't let this go on forever...) Yes. Let's save every good Personas. The Gegasite and the Fake Shadows are our enemies this time, not to the ones who slaves. We have a cure thanks to the Jack Frosts to save Morgana and now everyone else.
The right answer – the others were on Keiko's side too.
Yusuke: Yes, they've done so much for us without any question. Then we must make it up to all of them.
Makoto: We can also cancel out the Coco-Fudge curse affect with everyone else back in the real world.
Yep, they were all in on this one.
Akechi: If Joker agrees, then the rest of us will follow her.
Sophia: Yes, let's save the other Personas.
Loki: Letting them becoming something they're not like my kind, then the Monarchs are more shittier than other Shadows. That includes the Gegasites...!
From the other members to agree with all of this 'and even Loki to see his true feelings more and more', this made both the sisters very happy.
Kaguya: Thank you, Joker. And to the rest of the Phantom Thieves. Thank you very much.
Picaro: Sweet. Then let's do our best saving lives, kick some asses, and get every mission parts done little at a time. Hell yes!
Morgana: It's only right since you've found us to request help in return. So you two can count on us for sure.
Seems like it, so now what? More business to be done.
Akechi: Then we should see what we can do real quick before heading back to the real world. We'll meet back tomorrow to get the next destination.
Loki: Then I'll be seeing everyone later.
With one leaving for more search to be done on his end...
Picaro and Kaguya: And we'll meet again, Phantom Thieves. We help all of you and you'll help us out in return. Farewell.
And then the twin girls were next. For the ten Phantom Thieves 'and Morgana being himself again', it was time to head to the next location since they've all three cores now.
Morgana: Wow...It feels so much better to be my normal body and not so fat anymore. I'm glad to be old me again!
Keiko: It sure is, Morgana.
Morgana: I'm as fast and light as a feather again. Hahahaha!
A good thing to come out of this mess so far, huh? That's our Morgana. And how to cure the other people back in the real world somehow. Besides the other Shadow slaves would have to be a team afford later. With Keiko, Morgana, Akechi, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia make their way around the Sapporo Jail down town area of ice...The next part was to get to Mariko Shadow's birdcage before sending out the Calling Card.
Yusuke: Excellent. It seems the walls are no more.
No more icy walls to have all the heaters turned on and running that is.
Ryuji: Then let's get our asses in there!
Morgana: Yeah, let's not waste any more-
But before that...a single jingle goes off in town to hear Mariko Shadow's announcement for today.
Mariko Shadow: How do you do, everyone?
Haru: That voice...Mari-san?!
Mariko Shadow: Are you working hard to keep Sapporo clean? To make it a glistening, fifth-free city?
Is that what she thinks of Sapporo in the real world?
Akechi: A filth-free city? I've heard all mayors are doing their best, but not to say such harsh words like this.
Mariko Shadow: Well, it's time for our regular cleanup! Anyone who calls themselves a proud member of my staff must take imitative! That means no slacking off, and not a single mote of dust left on the premises! I want this place spotless! Turn Sapporo into a paradise as pure as snow!
Soon enough, something was making their way in the area. It was time for them to hide.
Morgana: Huh? Something's coming. Hide!
Hiding in the area to see...tons of Jack Frosts walking all over town to get cleaned with pure snow itself. All of them were chanting "hee-ho" a lot. Like Jackie, but these were different to have some of them as slaves. Don't forget.
Jack Frosts: Cleanup, hee! Cleanup, ho! Cleanup, hee-ho, here we go! Bury them in pure, white snow! Heeee-HO!
Mascot of the series itself here. So many of them, and yet it's kind of cute.
Ryuji: What's up with these little freaks!
Futaba: They're everywhere...The hee-horde from hell!
Akechi: A lot of Jack Frosts do remind us of her...
From Atsuko Sakurai/Junko/Jackie/Janet/Mochizuki/Witch/Lilith. Yeah...We all remember her.
Yusuke: I an hardly believe me eyes!
Keiko: I can't believes some of them are hanging in there for working with Hyodo like this.
So much to be covering the entire town's road all over.
Morgana: They're chanting about some cleanup routine. Maybe this is is periodic security measure? At any rate, it's too risky to charge in now. Let's head back to reality and see what we can do. The cure of the people who ate the Coco-Fudges need to get cured first.
Keiko: Yes, there's nothing we can do now but to do it again tomorrow. Ah...Hee-ho!
Now that was silly for Keiko to say out of nowhere.
Akechi: *chuckle* Now that sounded adorable coming from you, Joker.
Keiko: Was it really? Those Jack Frosts are still cute.
Then everyone else joins in with Joker for the heck of it.
Sophia: Hee-ho!
Futaba: Hee-ho?
Haru: Hee-ho!
Ryuji: Heee-haww!
Yusuke: Hee-ho!
Okay, now that scene was pretty funny.
Ann: They're infected!
Makoto: All right, good bit-now it's time to go.
Ryuji: Ho-kay...
Getting hit on the head by Akechi's doing.
Akechi: No more please. Thank you.
Morgana: And one more thing, Skull...
Ryuji: What's up?
With Morgana's claws out to feel happy and giving Ryuji the grinning look on his face, it was pay back time for him to go a little easy on him for Ann's sake.
Morgana: MEOW! THIS IS FOR CALLING ME FAT! PAY BACK TIME!
Futaba: Skull, you should've apologize to him like I did already.
He should've done so unlike Futaba already did with Morgana, but Ryuji got his face all cuts all over his face, but he'll live. Now it was back to the real world 'and Sophia back on Keiko's call phone again'.
Ann: Serves you right. Please remember to be nice next time, I mean come on.
She does kiss Ryuji on the end Now back to the real world to be night time out in Sapporo City. With the cure in Akechi's hands now will come in handy to free the curse of Coco-Fudge eating habit people. The question was this – how to give it to them without any of them noticing? Now that part will be hard to do.
Ryuji: Man, I thought we'd get somewhere today. That mess was wack.
Akechi: A bit chilling over there.
Keiko: And Morgana was proven from his weight size to fight back.
So it was more of a mess they were in? Besides Morgana roving he can still stay strong.
Futaba: A mess?! It was snowmageddon, I tell you! Oh, the hee-horror...!
Akechi: And the Jack Frosts' saying will never get old.
No, not really to have the Jack Frosts say those words.
Yusuke: Based on the timing of the announcement, I'm sure it was temporary. They were only a cleanup crew.
Keiko: I bet the Gegasites were controlling those poor things.
Morgana: Them to use as slaves, it is awful. Then let's call it a day. We'll use this opportunity to rest up and prep for tomorrow.
Akechi Good idea, let us head to the RV and motel then.
With Morgana in normal shape again from the Metaverse and the real world of his cat form, he sure looked happy. Getting back to the area...
Ryuji: All right, whaddya say we hit the bath and-
But Mariko was sounding angry to yell at another staff member nearby. Not good...!
Mariko: Ugh, how many times must I repeat myself?!
Ann: Wait, is that...?
Yep, she was behind straight ahead to have something going on out of nowhere.
Makoto: Mariko Hyodo?!
Akechi: But what's wrong with the staff member?
Not good at all to look very weak.
Mariko: Did I not tell you our citizen suffer every time our personnel slacks off?!
Sick City Employee: Forgive me... *cough* *cough*
Mariko: What? You think I'll give you preferential treatment just because you're sick? Stand up straight and get back to doing your job. Our citizens would be ashamed of this.
This was bad...! This staff member was really sick.
Haru: ...
Mariko: Might I remind you that you'll be working through the night to make up for lost time.
Sick City Employee: I'll do better... *cough*
This was looking really bad here.
Yusuke: Will that employee be all right?
Keiko: I don't think he's not doing so well.
Morgana: And not if he keeps working in that condition...How can anyone survive like that?
Keiko: We need to stop this now. This inhumane.
Not good to watch, they have to help the man out.
Akechi: I can't stand watching...! This is inhumane. Let's go, this man's about to collapse.
Arriving to the man's side, this surprises Mariko to not see Haru and the others to meet with again.
Mariko: Oh, it's you children.
Haru: Mari-san, how could you allow such a horrible thing?
No kidding, she was doing a very bad thing.
Mariko: Horrible? Oh, no, no-Haru-chan, you misunderstand. I derive no pleasure in being so harsh. But it is a necessary measure to keep our city functioning. You see, we've been doing a campaign where our staff cleans up around the city for a month. Not only does it keep our staff in line, it Chancellorsville safety as well. It's such an important job, yet this incompetent bungler here still has the nerve to show up late! How can I take pride in such poor behavior? All he seems to be capable of is making excuses!
Still, it's no right for a mayor to push them a lot until they die! It's wrong! They're not like Jack frost in her Shadow's Jail.
Morgana: A cleanup campaign, huh?
Futaba: Could this be related to the hee-horde?
Seems like it for they were force to work with tons of energy, but not back in the real world at all.
Mariko: I won't say it another time. Quit groveling and get back to work!
Akechi: This has to stop now!
Leave it to Haru to try to say something to Mariko on the man's condition.
Haru: But he doesn't look well at all!
Mariko: The unfortunate thing is, Haru-Chan, everyone working for Sapporo City Hall is a worthless piece of garbage. If I didn't set them straight, who knows that kind of mischief they'd cook up? They might betray me in far more crucial matters.
Ryuji: Sounds to me like you're making up bullshit to justify yourself!
Yeah, the staff member needs treatment right away.
Yusuke: This man needs medical attention. He's in no condition to work.
Makoto: I'll help you. Come with me.
Akechi: I call the hospital, let's go.
With that quick thinking on Akechi's end, the man goes with the group to help him out.
Sick City Employee: Sorry to trouble you...
Keiko: It's okay, sir. We want to help out.
This has Mariko confused for she's glutton by perfection way too much.
Mariko: Excuse me?! What do you think you're doing?!
Haru: Just stop this, Mari-san!
Wow! She just snapped back! Nice one.
Mariko: Haru-chan...?
Haru: The Mari-san I saw just now...Was nothing like the Mari-san I used to know. What happened to the Mari-san that treated everyone around her with kindness? You used to be surrounded by smiles. Everyone who met you was touched by your warmth and compassion. the way I remember you, Mari-san...You were like a sun that shined down on me. Why did you become like this...? Why did you become so cold?!
From those words, Keiko and Akechi both felt something on why Mariko was acting like this.
Keiko: Ah! (I sense so much pain to make Hyodo into what she is right now. It's sad, and someone made this woman do something horrible.)
Akechi: Keiko, you and I felt that.
Keiko: I guess we did, Akechi. It was a painful feeling.
Mariko: ...
She got upset like so for Haru had to talk some sense into this woman.
Morgana: Haru...
Haru: ...
This made this poor girl crying.
Mariko: I...I can't stop now. For her sake. Excuse me, but I'll be going now.
Haru: Mari-san!
Well, there she goes. Did Haru do the right thing for Mariko to see in her ways so far? The change of heart will still have to happen. With other mysteries still left unsaid so far.
Keiko: Haru, it'll be okay. I promise.
Morgana: Madame Keiko's right. Don't pursue her, Haru. She's the Monarch of the Jail-in other words, our target. The only way we'll change her heart is in the Jail.
Haru: ...
This was hard, that can't be helped right now.
Ann: I know how you feel. But right now we need to get this man to the hospital.
Haru: You're right.
Leave it to Sophia to guide the others to a nearby hospital for Akechi to call up, and the phone number of this location.
Sophia: [I have a list of hospitals nearby for the one Akechi just contact with. Let's move.]
Working together, the man was fine to recover with plenty of treatment and rest. With Akechi aiding him, the others head back to the RV on what they needed to do next for tomorrow back at Mariko Shadow's Jail.
Keiko: (We took the sick staff member to the hospital and returned to Odori Park...) At least the staff member will be fine now. Good thinking, Akechi-Cun.
Akechi: It was all in a days work really. Thank you, Princess.
A good smile on Akechi's face for Keiko always make him happy, and his good friends.
Ryuji: Who does she think she is, treatin' a sick worker like dogshit...
Ann: ...Ryuji.
They all get it, just not to argue too much in public, and to not make Haru upset either.
Haru: ...
Ryuji: ...My bad.
Makoto: It's strange how she's so nice to us but so unforgiving with her staff...
Haru: ...I don't know...I don't know what's making Mari-san ace like this.
It's like Mariko's attitude changes from on and off light switch type.
Akechi: So she was different than what Mayor Hyodo is right now.
Haru: She wasn't always like that. She used to be kind to everyone. What happened...
We all wish to know why too.
Keiko: There must be a reason, Haru. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough.
Haru: Mmhm...I hope so too, Keiko-Chan. I wonder if something horrible happened to make her the way she is.
Yusuke: The reason will become clear as progress. Until then, we move forward.
They will go to the bird cage of Mariko's next and see the Trauma Cell before sending her the calling card next.
Morgana: Even though we had an unexpected obstacle, we managed to secure a route to the castle. Tomorrow, let's infiltrate that castle and head straight to Hyodo's cage.
Tomorrow it is then.
Akechi: I'll keep Master posted with the cure to deliver out to everyone and the rest back in the Jail.
Keiko: And the slaves to rescue all the Jack Frosts. For now, let's get some sleep for tomorrow. Good night, everyone.
Off to sleep they go.
Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru: Good night.
Sophia: [Pleasant dreams.]
With the other sleeping in the RV for the girls, the top one for the boys, and both Akechi and Keiko in their motel room to cuddle...All will work out to save Mariko and such, and other Shadows from their stole Desires and slaves in the Metaverse. Gegasites' doing! Oh! And saving the Jack Frost slaves too. A plan will come around with some backup as well.
8 - August/11th/Friday (Sapporo)
It was morning for things to be done before heading back to Mariko Shadow's Jail. With Akechi altering Zen about the whole Coco-Fudge thing 'to not eat one himself at all', to try to spread the cure to everyone somehow...
Zen: Ah, sick! I'm glad Morgana's okay now. But still...
Akechi: Master, can I trust you to give the cure to others all over town while we continue with out job? Please, this is very important.
Zen: This stuff? It's like tea. Alright, I get it. I'll see what I can do. Just don't go telling Kaburagi about this.
Hmm...For him to use the Phantom Thieves under Miyako's orders, huh? Does Akechi know anything about this?
Akechi: …
Zen: Ah, Goro?
Akechi: Sorry, I'm just so busy to keep up with almost everything so far during the summer break. But yes, your secret is safe with me, Master.
Zen: Awesome. Leave this one to me, and...I'll chat with you guys later. Good luck on the other cure in that other world now. And the other thing to take care of as always. Later.
Off he goes to do something, and Akechi to be aware to get something from his cell phone with some help...
Akechi: (Master? Are you really doing what I think you're doing behind our backs?)
Not completely...? I don't know and hopefully not entirely. With Keiko, Morgana, and Sophia gathering items to heal up SP and HP; and some shopping to do from Sophia's online shopping for weapon, gear accessories to use for their return back to Mariko Shadow's Jail, they need to find her Birdcage of the Trauma Cell next, for the third time now. Oh! As well as Ryuji trying out some ramen all over town.
Ryuji: So tasty here...! Here babe, try some.
For Ann and him to be dating and enjoying the meal. For Ryuji loves it, and Ann eats little as she wants to 'to watch on her figure'.
Ann: Mmmm...More favorable in Sapporo. Not bad.
Fun time at least, also I do keep the request things besides some certain Shadow battles only to be a different in my story. For Ann to enjoy her beauty care to get.
Ann: So much to try out.
Makoto: Not expensive ones, Ann.
Haru: Something sweet and okay on your skins.
And some to smell way too much.
Futaba: Ew! Not me, thank you!
Yusuke: As long as it body spray, no perfume.
As for getting a medicine for the staff members health request at the hospital for a Sapporo pharmacy nearby, Akagire to have this person get better now.
Sophia: [The man we've helped out since last night is all better now. The medicine will do the rest for him. With more rest for a few more days at the hospital, he'll be back on his feet again to work easy now. He's also grateful on what we've all done for him.]
Keiko: Good to know, Sophia. Thanks for the feed back.
Morgana: From other helping hands, it feels great to do it. Outside as the Phantom Thieves secretly, and more in the Metaverse. We're just that good.
Next was seeing the nice garden making all over town to be pretty how it was all set up, a little too perfect to me though.
Morgana: Nice gardening here.
Sophia: [Hey, Keiko. What do you say we look for a four-leaf clover?]
Keiko: What for?
It just a made up thing to bring you good luck back in Ireland.
Sophia: [I hear it brings luck to those who find it, and I want good things to happen to each of you.]
Keiko: Let's do it then. (She's like a child more than an android doll.)
Looking around for it as the three try their hardest with some clover with four leaves on it to have...and with luck, they got one.
Morgana: There it is!
Keiko: Yes! (It's a four-leaf clover!)
Sophia: [I'm glad you managed to find one. I sure hope something good happens...]
That one is a keeper to have, huh? A one four-leaf clover. Everyone was all set to go, and the Velvet Room for Lava to help out Keiko on the Personas as well. What was Yusuke up to?
Akechi: What are you doing, Yusuke?
Yusuke: That Shadow stampede, or "March of the Frosts" as I've come to call it, was nothing short of a marvel.
Akechi: A marvel?
What does that mean?
Yusuke: Sorry, Akechi, I'll explain. Simply replaying it in my mind's eye fills me with the deepest passion...and makes me want to shout from the rooftops-Hee-ho!
There it goes again...
Akechi: Just like the Jack Frosts saying.
Yusuke: Ah, travel is wonderful. Seeing new things stimulates the senses like none other.
OK then...? So what of Haru? How was she this morning other than shopping?
Keiko: How are you holding up, Haru?
Haru: Oh, Keiko-Chan. I'll be all right. But...Mari-san is making her staff clean up this flowerbed up too...
Not good from the sound of it either.
Keiko: Haru...
Sophia: [Are you okay, Haru? I don't know what to say, but somehow I'll find a way to be useful.]
Haru: Sophia...Thank you. And I'm sorry. I need to keep it together.
That's one way to cheer up a friend.
Keiko: Yeah, Sophia. You're doing just fine with your words. Trust me.
Haru: Of course she is.
Sophia: [I'm glad I am useful even more.]
And now with everyone gather back at the RV...
Akechi: The cure on the other victims to the Coco-Fudge is set for Master to deal with here, we have others back at the Jail.
Keiko: Right. We leave that part to Zenny. Now let's head back to Hyodo's Jail. Team, let's move out.
Time to transform!
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!
Back in Mariko Shadow's Jail to go back to Odori Park to be clear from the slave Jack Frosts to been cleaning a lot, it should be fine again now and to still be on their toes at all times. From the park area, they rush to the next part they needed to be in...Sapporo Jail – Former Govt. Office. Getting there to be a nice looking ice wonderland paradise look of a kingdom with some parts of a fork and knife statues sticking out. A lot of food habits here, huh? For the twin girls Picaro and Kaguya fly there to go save the Jack Frost slaves and the cure to be spread from the Coco-Fudge victims too, as well as Loki joining in. Let's do this and the Birdcage of Mariko Shadow first.
Keiko: Hey! Look, over there! (This must be the main Jail.)
Haru: That's Mari-San's castle...
Yusuke: Its appearance is rather striking...The closer we get, the more vivid its detail.
That's a problem since there were more icy walls sticking out from the grounds, and blocking their path to get inside.
Futaba: Detail aside, we can't get in again.
Akechi: I think these ice won't melt, we need to make a bridge. Finding Mayor Hyodo's Birdcage if first.
Time for plan 'b' then...
Makoto: Then let's search for another entrance.
At the front entrance of the castle, the Phantom Thieves do just that. Find another way inside.
Keiko: The twins and Loki will be here soon. Give the slaves the cure, save the Jack Frosts, and find Hyodo's Birdcage. Let's go.
More items, treasure chests to get, Shadows to beat up, and continue to move forward. With Morgana feeling good to complete with this mission without fail to move freely...And turning into a car to run over the other remaining Fake Shadows.
Morgana: Ah...It's good to be me again.
So far to get inside of the building, by climbing up one end to getting inside of the ice room somehow.
Ann: Oh, can we get in from up there?
One problem there...No stairs to have trouble climbing up any further.
Ryuji: How're we gonna reach it, though? There anything we can use like a platform?
Looks like it for Akechi tries it out to push the ice statues from one side to another.
Akechi: These ice statues, they slide. I think we can use these to give us the boost. Care to lend me a hand.
Sophia: Nice thinking, Black Crow. Lets lend him a hand.
From side and other ice statues to remove, the Phantom Thieves push on part from the other to make some room. From some items to get for the girls, the guys do the rest of the work to make an edge to getting inside the building now.
Keiko: It worked.
Morgana: We go in here and up to the roof top. Joker, you know what to do.
Akechi: Then let's be the real thieves we are and carefully break inside.
They've made it inside the Jail to look around to also getting to the top of the icy building next to still feel chilling inside.
Morgana: All right. Infiltration successful.
Another room filled with ice in the Great Dining Hall. Nice, if it wasn't run by a mad woman's Shadow in this world that is. One room had a big lamp above them to climb on top of, after they fight off against Sentries first.
Sophia: Shadows spotted ahead. Be careful.
Tons of Kaiwans, guards, and robot dogs ready to fight them off. But the Phantom Thieves got the hang of this 'as always'. By working together! Let some of the members have their turn.
Ryuji: Lighting Flash Attack!
Ann: Flame Shooter!
Lighting powers to weakening Shadows, Fake ones, Gegasites, or Sentries, and fire to burn them up in defeat. Into the Main Hall to enter next, nice to see the scene when nothing's trying to kill you.
Keiko: Look at this. (Not bad for something's created by the Monarch of a mayor.)
Ann: Wow...It's beautiful.
Akechi: Like a real dream in the holiday season.
Yusuke: Yes. Such a magnificent design.
Going up some more...But more Sentries, Fake Shadows, Gegasites, Mothmans, and a Lilim show up.
Makoto: This is no time to be distracted by architecture! There are enemies here!
Incoming to go after Morgana to try to feed him more Coco-Fudges, but none of it doesn't work on any of the Phantom Thieves or him anymore to all be cured and unaffected by any from the sweets now. It was pay back time.
Futaba: Not this time to over feed us to death. Web Cage!
Lots of them down, and Morgana takes out the last one to not get capture or eaten this time.
Morgana: I'm not on Hyodo's menu! Blaze of Rage!
Blowing the rest away to some eating the Coco-Fudge to affect them and blow up badly.
Akechi: Sorry, we're on a diet on those things.
Morgana: And tell your Monarch that her perfection dies down soon, because we're coming for her next!
One Gegasite escape in fear to do just that, for Mariko Shadow will not try to eat Morgana either way or looks anymore.
Keiko: Hehe...Nicely done, Mona.
Yes, he still got it. Entering inside the Corridor of Ice now...Climbing around to see around and getting more things, other Sentries were ready to fight them next, two of the Sentry helicopter drones.
Morgana: Shadows! Wipe 'em out!
Incoming more Sentries, Kaiwans, Lilims, Mothmans, guards, and drones to fight off...Next team up to get rid of them.
Yusuke: Frozen Waves!
Makoto: Viper Sting!
From water and ice to over freeze these guys to drowning them in seconds, and Makoto's poison stings them a lot of times to be venom to their dooms. Again, they did great and the door to be right there.
Ann: Hey, do you think we could reach the outside from that window?
Yusuke: Ah, if we climb out through there, we may be able to ascend the outer wall.
Going to the door and outside of the building to feel, really cold still.
Ryuji: Damn, it's ass-bitin' cold!
Makoto: The wind is strong, too...
All of them stayed close to keep warm 'even for Akechi and Keiko's love'.
Keiko: Stay strong, everyone...!
Akechi: I got you, Joker. I will protect you and you lead us.
Keiko: Thank you, Black Crow. Up we go then.
Their love kept them going for Keiko to not give up at all. So up they go to one pole to another to reach to the top.
Haru: Careful not to fall, everyone.
Sophia: Going up.
Making it to the top and finally stopping two other Sentry helicopters who were ready to fight. Here we go, but...they all just said nothing for a few seconds.
Ice Castle Guard: ...
This one turns into a giant Kaiwan 'for a Gegasite to control it'.
Ice Castle Governor: ...
And one more to aid its partner, Principality from power and magic to be ready.
Ryuji: Uhh...Shouldn't you be threatening us by now?
Akechi: It doesn't seem like it.
Futaba: I don't think they're here to mess around! Be ready for a challenge!
From Divine Governor and Wishless Star attack them. Stop the two Gegasites and then save the Shadows, right now!
Wishless Star: Let's stop them together!
Divine Governor: Yes, let us do this!
Power and magic for them to be working together, dodging and shooting at them while also attack with their weapons was harder than it really looks. It was time for the remaining four members to take these guys down with their team work.
Haru: Petals of Doom!
One to take out the Wishless Star with many plant attacks...
Sophia: SP Piercer!
ESP more on Divine Governor to lose all control over...
Keiko and Akechi: Light and Dark - Energy Blast!
And the lovers to push them down as well as destroying the two Gegasites to be no more now, it was time to save the Shadows now.
Morgana: Do it, Joker!
Keiko: I'm on it! Kaiwan – Wishless Star and Principality – Divine Governor, I've commit thee to join!
Saving them into good Personas now and free.
Wishless Star and Divine Governor: We're sorry. Please forgive us.
That parts done with a few more things to go. From spreading the liquid cure on to everyone to drink and shrink back to normal size again from the Coco-Fudges for all the Shadow victims who are slaves still, but no longer hungry...
Sophia: Everyone is back to normal now.
The Jack Frosts, Black Frosts, and King Frosts rescued thanks to Picaro and Kaguya's team work...
Picaro: That should do it!
Kaguya: Be free now, little friends.
And one leftover Coco-Fudges of the making to get destroyed by Loki's doing with some samples to keep on hold and protected in some special item bag...
Loki: No more junk food here. Just bad memories.
And of course for Zen to pour the drinks going on for another one of Mariko's speeches tomorrow to toast her work, to drink and some are turning back to normal for no more Coco-Fudges. So bad to lick a little to hate the taste to be unaffected now to throw them all out; and Mariko to hear about it to ask one of her staff members to do so right away 'to be acting a bit sad and mad' and on what Haru said, it al turned out well. No more overfeeding food curse like those every again.
Zen: (Phew...That outta do it. I better hold on to these things, just in case it happens again. These can last for a life time.)
It sure can, now those things are taken care of.
Futaba: I got in contact with the twin girls, the slaves are free now. As well as we put the other ones on a special cure diet.
Akechi: Loki destroyed the cause of the whole thing. Master must've done the rest back in the real world. Good. We did it.
All those things are all taken care of that is.
Keiko: I'm happy. Picaro and Kaguya want for us to keep on going, to see them tomorrow, and the same with Loki too. Come on, we got a Birdcage to check out next.
Yep, finally to Mariko Shadow's Birdcage to see, hear, and feel what type of trauma on what made her into this and other things going on in town.
Ann: Everyone, look!
Seeing from on top of the building, another Birdcage of Mariko Shadow's Jail to be shown and keeping everyone else's Desires she's taken through the EMMA app.
Morgana: Oh, it's the Desires!
Keiko: We found it!
What luck to make it this far, huh? And for Morgana to not give up at all. This is turning out great for all of them.
Makoto: That means the throne room's just ahead. Let's not waste any time.
Morgana: So this is where the Monarch of Sapporo resides...
In a building all craved in ice too. So weird...
Ann: Is this all carved ice? It must be really cold...
Akechi: Must be a powerful type of freezer then.
Yusuke: A frozen cage that denies all entry...Does this represent her distrust for all others?
Seems like it, this only made Haru feel more sad about Mariko to have a Jail in the first place.
Sophia: Noir, you don't look so good. Are you all right?
Haru: ...Mmhm. I should be.
Yusuke: Then let us proceed as usual. Skull, it's up to you.
Wait, someone fills in for Ryuji to get...once, or rather twice shocked already. First one was Sophia doing it on her own with no affect, and then Ryuji had to do the second one. Now Akechi will go for it.
Akechi: Wait. I'll do it.
Ryuji: Thank you, Black Crow.
Keiko: Are you sure? I don't want you or Skull to get hurt.
Well, he wanted to study upon it and not affect Akechi in any other way what's so ever.
Ryuji: I don't know why they make me volunteerin' on shit like this.
Akechi: It's all part of my studies on solving one mystery at a time, like this one. Now allow me.
Going up to it and not hurting Akechi at all to turn the Birdcage of Mariko's...they hear all on what happened to her and such from the Trauma.
Sorrowful Voice: You did this! It's all your fault! How could you be so ignorant?! Did you not think a snow sculpture could collapse?!
Mariko's Voice: I...I apologize on behalf of our staff...!
Still listening in...
Ryuji: Here it comes!
Makoto: A collapsing snow sculpture...
From the accident that happened when the sculpture made of ice fell on the little girl and killed her. There was more to the story then, a whole lot more.
Sorrowful Voice: This is where she... *sob* It must've been so heavy...It must've been so painful! Give me back Kaho! Give me back my daughter-my precious little girl!
Mariko: The accident resulted from my own personal oversight...Truly, I'm so sorry!
For what happened, Mariko felt bad for everything to have taken a life.
Ann: Is that mayor the one apologizing?
Keiko: It is Hyodo's voice.
Haru:: Shh! There's still more!
And then what happened?
Passive Man's Voice: Well, I didn't think the statue'd fall on anybody...But isn't this the mayor's responsibility in the end? Besides, who can blame me? We don't get paid nearly enough. Nothing wrong with taking a little kickback here and there.
Moving away now to hear plenty, now Akechi knows how the while thing works.
Ryuji: How are you not faze by the shocking feeling there?!
Akechi: Me? I'm just use to feeling worse things sometimes. Hahaha!
Ryuji: OK then...? Sometime, Black Crow, I don't get you.
And the trauma from Mariko has been heard of so far.
Morgana: Those voices must be the root of Mariko Hyodo's trauma.
Ann: So that snow sculpture incident...Didn't we first her about it at the park?
Now they know just a bit more than seeing it.
Haru: We did, but I had no idea...Could Mari-San have really been involved?
Keiko: It's possible, Noir. It was Hyodo's voice, I felt so much sadness with her heart. What happened was no accident to make it look like one, and a co-worker said something about her not paying them. My God...!
Makoto: Is that the source of her trauma? Taking the blame for that incident?
Remember...It was a lot more than that, someone else said something big too and Keiko heard it it out as well.
Ryuji: Don't forget the guy's voice. Sounded like he was tryin' to pass the blame on someone.
Akechi: A very important one in fact like Joker said...
Morgana: At any rate, this is vital information. Let's go back to reality and confirm the truth.
Heading back to the real world now, with Loki waiting for them and the twins have something in mind with all the slaves to be free now.
Loki: Jack Frosts? What is this?
Picaro: Duah, Loki. They're the slaves we saved? The question is this, what do we do with all of them now?
Kaguya: Calm yourselves, you two. They want to stick around with us. In fact, I think I have an idea we can all agree upon...
Oh! Sounds like Kaguya had something in mind for all of the Jack Frosts, Black Frosts, and King Frosts to tell both Loki and Picaro about right away. I hope it was good. And now back to the real world for Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sophia now needed to find Mariko's Trauma Cell of it's location next in Sapporo somewhere. Well, they do see tons of people loss the weight and back to their normal selves to eat and drink fine without anymore Coco-Fudges. Good, they must've been all thrown out for good.
Akechi: Everything seems to be back to normal now.
Morgana: I never want to think about Coco-Fudge ever again.
Keiko: I know, Morgana. So, Futaba. Did you find anything?
Leave it to Futaba on what she did dug up on Mariko, a lot more.
Futaba: ...I dug up some articles about the snow sculpture incident. Lemma fill you guys in.
Keiko: Then please tell us.
From her phone, this is what Futaba found out.
Futaba: Two years ago, a large snow sculpture collapsed during the December Snow Festival sponsored by Sapporo Central City. Kaho Nanase-chan, a nine-year-old girl, was caught in the collapse and died...Despite Mayor Hyodo's apology, the accident was ruled as an unforeseeable disaster. Therefore, she wasn't held liable.
Ann: Oh...So that's what the flowers in the park were for...
From the woman and other child placing the flowers there from Kaho Nanase was killed at. So sad...
Haru: I wonder if the voice accusing Mari-San was the poor girl's mother...So this is Mari-San's trauma...
Akechi: A child to get killed from something to look like accident? Mayor Hyodo didn't know and it just happened...
Sad to have a child gone for a mother's grief there, huh?
Futaba: It is...That park where the Snow Festival was held is probably where the accident happened.
Keiko: Then let's head over there now. And is it at were those flowers were place?
Morgana: Most likely. Let's go see if there's an entrance.
It was time to get to work.
Akechi: One more thing...Let's think Master after delivering the cure for everyone who were affect by the Coco-Fudges. They're all gone now. (From one child to end up dead, I know it's not Mayor Hyodo's fault...! The co-workers will pay for all of this...!)
Hey, I don't blame him there one bit. Now then...it's time to get to work. For whatever happened to Mariko there, must be worse still compare to Alice and Ango to go through so far, still...the Phantom Thieves have to do this.
Morgana: So the accident happened in Odori Park. Then let's gather at the hideout first and head over. There should be a warden guarding the place, if the last few times is any indication.
Keiko: Right, Morgana. Let's get to work.
Once to finish shopping online with Sophia's help...
Sophia: [You're all set, Keiko. Thank you again for buying.]
Morgana: Good. Don't skimp on the prework, Madame Keiko. You got this.
From the armors, weapons, accessories, Personas 'with Lava's help', and it was time to get a move on. For Keiko, Morgana, and Sophia meet up with the the other members to get things done to get down to the real business at hand. With Akechi not wanting to see another accident happen 'even to children', he knows what he did some other research on to keep in mind for later, right now it was time for real business to take care of. Going to the area where Kaho was killed at where the flowers were, the others know this has to be Mariko's Trauma Cell.
Akechi: This is it...
Keiko: Akechi?
Holding hands to try to stay strong from this mess to get through.
Akechi: Keiko, I will get back the co-workers who did this to Mayor Hyodo and the poor child. All of it...But this comes first...!
Keiko: And you will, I promise.
Akechi: You're the best as always.
Yes, the other mission must happen before that.
Ann: This is where the accident happened, isn't it...
It must be, even Sophia was ready to help out.
Sophia: [If we put in the keyword here, we should be able to access the Trauma Cell.]
Morgana: There may be enemies ahead. You sure you guys are ready?
Keiko: All of us are ready. Let's confirm the truth.
All set and ready to go then.
Haru: That's right. I want to see what happened to Mari-San with my own two eyes. The keyword is "Snow City"!
All on the EMMA app to get the keyword in.
EMMA: [Keyword successfully entered. Beginning navigation.]
In they go and transformed already to see the Trauma Cell of Mariko's. Inside to look like weird coloring snow on a flashback.
Yusuke: What is this?
Keiko: It's...snow.
Seeing and feeling it out with Keiko's hand to tell from them both.
Haru: It looks like this is the Snow Festival...
Ryuji: Check out those two suits over there.
With lots of working things all over the place. From there, they see two men in business suits talking to each other on what happened.
Well-Dressed Man: I didn't know you were accepting rebates. Haha, I see a career man in the making..
Listless Man: Sir, would you please be discreet about this...
Well-Dressed Man: I can do that. But in return, you need to do me a favor. I want her to make full responsibility for the incident. That way she'll resign. Once that happens, I'll be the new mayor in town...and you'll be my well-paid associate. You will cooperate, won't you?
Listless Man: Yes...Yes, of course...
And for Mariko bumps in their conversation to hear everything they just said.
Mariko's Voice: What did you just say?
Listless Man: Ahh! Mayor?!
Busted, but like the other one cared.
Well-Dressed Man: Oh, it seems I've been found out.
Listless Man: I-It's not what it looks like, Mayor! This is merely-
Yep, they were talking to Mariko herself.
Morgana: Mayor...Does he mean Mayor Hyodo?
Haru: Then...Mari-San saw this happen?
This made Akechi mad to have his hand tighten into a fist in anger.
Akechi: Damn them...!
Continuing to listen in to the rest of this.
Mariko's Voice: I had no idea you were behind this-that anyone was behind this!
Listless Man: ...You really don't get it, do you?This festival is held by the city, meaning it comes out of the taxpayer's pocket. I figured, why not lower costs and hire cheaper construction? And what's wrong with getting compensated for it? The rest of our staff makes these deals all the time! So what's the harm in one little mishap? That sculpture collapse was just bad luck!
And this guys goes with the loser's plan? Really?! From a listless man and he's really a callous city employee.
Mariko's Voice: I can't believe what I'm hearing, I'm calling the police!
Callous City Employee: Fine...Go ahead and do it. But I'm bringing you down with me!
Mariko's Voice: What...?
That was blackmail there!
Callous City Employee: I'm going to testify that I did it under your orders. Then you'll be ruined. After all, you're the one in charge here. See, I even have the papers you signed, right here.
Well-Dressed Man: Such an unfortunate turn of events. Sorry to say, but you're finished, Mayor.
Mariko's Voice: ...You're a councilman, aren't you? Don't you want to do the right thing?!
I guess the other guy was the councilman then.
Councilman: As far as I'm concerned, that's whatever's right for me.
Walking up to the mayor to make their demands next.
Callous City Employee: Well? Are you finally ready to listen? Answer me, Mayor!
He becomes a Warden with four big shields in his four hands and ready to fight.
Keiko: Black Crow, please fight by our side. We'll deal with the men later, I promise!
Akechi: Of course, Joker! I'll take all my anger out on this thing!
Yusuke: Now be ready!
Changing the Trauma Cell for battle.
Lock Keeper: How can you blame a peon like me? We don't get paid enough for this? This world revolves around money...Money talks, bullshit walks, Mayor!
Firing off a warning shot from Akechi's gun...
Akechi: Shut up! She's doing the best she can to ay anyone to make a better city! You damn fools care about more cash than people's lives! A little girl died because of your recklessness!
Ryuji: Bastard...So he threatened the mayor, is that it?!
Haru: I had no idea Mari-San went through something like this...Something so awful.
It is, and they still need to do this.
Morgana: Think later, act now! We've got a real fight on our hands here!
From fighting off other Fake Shadows and Gegasites for cutting or hitting down, and shooting off the rest too. Hitting this Lock Keeper has its defense stronger on the third thing.
Keiko: Heads up! Careful, this Lock Keeper can speed up to use his shielding to crush our bones! Stay on guard!
Without getting run over or crushed to death.
Lock Keeper: Report it if you want. I'll take the mayor down with me!
Morgana: He's up to something! Can anybody stop him?!
From cutting or shooting at this thing, Akechi couldn't lay a finger on this Lock Keeper. What a tough one.
Futaba: The defense of the nearby Shadows has gone way up! Be tactical!
How? They have to try destroying his weapons in order to stop the Lock Keeper somehow.
Lock Keeper: You want to stay mayor that badly! What a greedy woman you are!
Makoto: He's attacking with the shield, too! Watch out, everyone!
More of the armies were closing in, but Futaba makes a move to back them all up. From a shield and then using her attack on all of them.
Futaba: Cyber Net Strike! Now! Try taking out the shields as a team and then strike at thee!
It was worth a try to have the skillful ones to do so, Keiko has a ESP Persona to do the trick. The others back her up.
Keiko: I'll keep this one busy while the rest of you guys back me up! Now then, team. Attack!
Morgana: Furious Fangs!
Ann: Furious Fangs!
Yusuke: Aqua Typhoon!
Sophia: SP Piercer!
With the shields out of the Lock Keeper's hands, Akechi and Keiko destroys them all, leaving the others to give this one a total beat down now. No more weapons now, this guy can still fight.
Lock Keeper: You're guilty too, right, Mayor? She died because you gave your approval! Hahahahaha!
Ann: This guy's atrocious placing all the blame on the mayor!
Haru: We're here to set Mari-San right. Listening to thugs like you is a waste of our precious time!
No kidding!
Futaba: The birdcage should be open once we beat him. Everyone, do your best!
Ryuji: Raging Storm Clash!
Makoto: Venom Blast!
Haru: Lily Whip!
Keiko: Daggers of Darkness!
Hitting the Lock Keeper a few more times, seems to be working. Leaving one more hit to do on Akechi's end...
Akechi: This ends now...! Saber Sword Slash!
A quick hit from Akechi's attack of light, cuts the Lock Keeper in half to take out his anger on it, and will still work as a detective on the two co-workers who were blackmailing Mariko will pay for this.
Keiko: Nicely done, Black Crow. And I know how you really feel right now. I'm sorry. (Poor Akechi-Cun, it must be hard on some cheap thing to be build to kill a child. With Mayor Hyodo to make her confess, the co-workers will pay more than with her to admit everything they've done.)
Akechi: Phew...That felt better. And thank you, Joker. I just needed to get it all out. We'll deal with the rest later. (I think since my heart was changed by my Princess, I felt more free will to know what I need to do or don't.)
A lot has changed, huh? Well, another Lock Keeper was defeated for the Birdcage to have the chains break free back at her Shadow's Jail so they were all good to go.
Morgana: That's all of them. We can get into throne room now.
Ryuji: Who were those guys? They were arguing with the mayor just now.
Two of the business men who worked on something not so well.
Makoto: One was a city employee. The other must've been a councilman-someone higher up on the ladder. Anyway, it seems this employee accepted an illegal donation from the contractor who ended up building the sculpture.
What gives? Were those two being cheap like Mr. Crabs in Spongebob Squarepants?
Yusuke: Payment for landing them the job-in other words, bribery. We don't know if the sculpture collapsed due to a structural issue or a general lack of care. The result is still the same.
Makoto: Either way, the councilman was in the know. Not only that, he tried using a fatal accident to take Mayor Hyodo's position. ...Something along those lines.
From there to cause about three people now to become a victim.
Futaba: Grrrgh...Unforgivable.
Keiko: How could they?
Now they get everything on what was making Mariko act like this.
Morgana: ...Everything makes sense now. Hyodo overheard this conversation by chance and found out the truth about the accident.
Akechi: But it wasn't an accident, it was set up cheap-lie for them to kick Mayor Hyodo out of office.
Morgana: Right. Not only was it someone from the city, but even her own staff had blackmailed her.
Ryuji: That's messed up! These greedy assholes only wanted money and power!
It's how it sadly is in life.
Yusuke: ...Now I have a better understanding of what Hyodo must be thinking. When she found out those around her were immoral, she became determined to purge the corruption above all else.
Haru: That's why she's overworking her staff and trying to push her ethics bill through...
Keiko: Using the Coco-Fudges of a curse to over stuff others to try getting over the event from a few years ago, but it won't get rid of the past.
And that's not all...
Morgana: And on top of it, she's trying to manipulate the people into re-electing her.
From threats, making things perfect, mind control, and sweets of too much fattens. It all makes perfect sense now.
Haru: Mari-San...
Morgana: Well, no matter what the reason, the birdcage is finally open. Let's head back to the hideout and discuss the specifics of the calling card.
Akechi: Then let's head back. And Noir, we'll save her. I promise you.
Back to the real world for the Phantom Thieves go back for the nest part to take care of 'and Sophia in Keiko's cell phone again', the Calling Card. Will the ten find some way to make it happen? What is this idea for Kaguya has in mind with the Jack Frosts slaves for both Loki and Picaro to hear about? Will Mariko have a change of heart? More about the past to discover with the next medallion to have? And what of Hans' job while Ellen waits around? For Hans to go out again around Sapporo down town, only for Zen bumps into him with them encounter to hopefully not be a bad one at night time.
Hans: ….?
Zen: Sorry. (Weird what is this bad feeling I'm getting from this guy?)