Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #32 - Snow Empress Mariko Hyodo
From hearing and see on Mariko's Trauma Cell of two men hiring others cheap-like to make a ice sculpture which broke and killed Kano a young girl, to black mail Mariko Hyodo who's the mayor of Sapporo to make everything so perfect, hard on her staff members, and over stuffing the people to be brain washed too from the Coco-Fudge, vote for her, and keep everything too perfect. Haru feeling upset – she, Morgana, Keiko, Akechi, Sophia, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Futaba can now send out the Calling Card right away. Elsewhere down town, Zen reports back while also heading out to bump into Hans Guyver of all people. Not good.
Zen: (This feeling...!)
Hans: Hi, can I help you?
Zen: Sorry, I...drop my pen. I'm an officer and such so I'm a bit clumsy lately. Yeah, that's it.
Hans: Hm, you just need to work hard and get a woman in your life, sir. Never forget that.
Snapping his fingers to get any pretty girls he sees to come to him, like a real chick magnet to love having this type of thing. Get as many girls to bare his child with while making a whole new world is his true goal. So gross!
Zen: Wow! A lot of girlfriends with a woman you're in love with?
Hans: Oh no, these are all my girlfriends who love me so much.
Zen: That's a lot!
Hans: It's my thing. I have a Sister to care for and a life to go through, it's how in the Saitou family name...if you want to call it like that. Now lose the goatee and get a woman already. Please excuse us.
Leaving to have a fun time 'and do something as part of Hans gain', Zen didn't like him as Hiroko Saitou at all.
Zen: One of Goro's friends...? (What a weirdo, but if that's his thing while caring for his twin sister...) Hey! What's wrong of my goatee?!
Well, that was a close one, huh? But Zen did felt something off about Hans in his human disguise alright. Yeah...Sharp as he is, he might've awaken to his powers. While also – Ellen was spying on her brother to make a life to care for her true love. So mess up there!
Ellen: …. (Brother.)
Now back with the Phantom Thieves in their Featherman RV hideout to talk about on how to send the Calling Card to Mariko? But how? She's a mayor...If they do it, then they'll get arrested for sure. That wouldn't be good at all.
Ryuji: So, what do we do for the calling card?
Anyone got any ideas?
Akechi: Sending it ourselves could be a problem. I could try, but chances are very slim.
Ann: Maybe we shouldn't go overboard with it. I don't really see her as a bad person.
Keiko: Because she isn't.
The men who are blackmailing are to blame.
Ryuji: Yeah...The real bad guy here's the one who took to bribe.
Futaba: No, it's more just that. The guy who offered the bribe in the first place is the true villain.
She's right, it was the guy.
Yusuke: Was it not the shoddy contractors who built the sculpture? They deserve the most punishment.
Haru: ...
This was still getting harder on Haru to be hearing all of this.
Keiko: Haru, I know. It's horrible.
Soon to be outside of the RV was Zen himself to make his way to see the Phantom Thieves again.
Zen: ...You guys sound pretty heated. Who's to say one man's more evil than the next?
Akechi: Master, please come in.
They do to have a talk with Zen on the next task to take care of before going back to Mariko's Jail to changing her heart, and getting everyone's Desires set free. No more mind control and all after this.
Makoto: So, you were here all along.
Akechi: He likes to butt in out of nowhere the last minute. That's my Master for you.
Keiko: Long time no see, Zenny.
It was odd for a cop to come out of nowhere too, and he has to keep people like them out of trouble.
Zen: Yep, Amamiya. Sure has been awhile. I did a good deed for Goro to give everyone the cure of the Coco-Fudge. Back to normal now to not look like fat asses.
Morgana: It makes me puke after what I been through.
What happened to Morgana then from Sapporo Jail, stays there.
Zen: Oh...Sorry. Now, with that joke for you guys almost forgot about me, didn't you.
Akechi: No we haven't.
He did do a good job on his end to see no longer craving hungry people of that sweets to be no more thanks to the cure taking affect and to never hurt any of them ever again.
Zen: Then why would you not get in contact with me?
Keiko: But we have to make sure Morgana gets cured and everyone else. There was also the whole thing with Mariko in her Jail.
This was perfect timing for him to show up now at least.
Ann: Well, now that you mention it and since you did give everyone in Sapporo a cure...
Futaba: Gramps, you completely slipped our minds while we were working.
Zen: All right then. Maybe I'll forget to keep you from getting arrested!
Ryuji: Okay, we're sorry.
Either way, Zen was only playing around.
Akechi: Master won't really do it, hes just saying things out of his mouth again.
Zen: Ah, forget it. Goro's right about that. We have a deal. So what's our situation?
Keiko: Well, here's the thing...
Getting all the details down and such, Zen sees on what happened before and afterwards. On a so far, and so good kind of thing.
Zen: Now I get the pictures. So that's how Mariko Hyodo became a Monarch...That would explain your debate as to who was the worst of them all.
Akechi: And a coast of another life of a child...
Hearing the news already, Zen gets how Akechi was feeling right now.
Ryuji: What's your take on it, Gramps?
Zen: ...My take is you kids are naive.
Ryuji: Whaddya mean?
Keiko: But-!
He wasn't being mean about it, but Zen had a saying to it all.
Akechi: Wait! Master has something to say, it's not a bad one. I promise you all.
Keiko: Okay then, Akechi-Cun. So Zenny, why do you think we're being naive?
Zen: It's clear that Mariko Hyodo was cornered by a pair of rotten scumbags-tragic, I agree. And the over stuffing Coco-Fudges, I agree there too. It was really killing people. But what is she doing in response? Isn't it just as wrong to change people's hearts and manipulate them?
Well...He's somewhat right, that's all I'm saying.
Ann: That may be true, but...
Zen: Furthermore, that accident was her responsibility, being that she's the top of command. Regardless of who did what, a real leader takes the fall.
Ryuji: But, even so!
Akechi: Master may have a point. People can agree or disagree either way. It's just how life works, Ryuji. He's saying it like it is for our on life lessons.
He was right, it was for Zen wasn't wrong or being mean about it. Just saying it on how it really is.
Zen: It may be a bitter pill to swallow, especially for a group of justice-loving kids operating outside the law and my step-son/student. But the real world isn't so cut-and-dry. And the longer you keep up this hero charade, the harder it'll bite you in the ass down the line.
In other words for most things in life...it does suck.
Futaba: Zenkichi, that's terrible! Take it back!
Akechi: Futaba! Please calm down, it's okay. I know. We're all aware.
Keiko: We all are, Futaba...So, Zen, answer us this next question...Is that what you really think?
I guess some get it and others don't, and for Zen's answer of it all is this...
Zen: Not really, Amamiya...Sorry, Might've overstepped my boundaries a little.
Makoto: No...I can understand your line of reasoning too. You're saying that the world isn't nearly divided into good and evil. But that won't stop us from fighting. If we give up now, then the people who are counting on us won't have any hope left.
Yeah, they still want to do this for that reason only.
Ryuji: We help people in a way no one else can. That's why the Phantom Thieves exist.
Zen: I understand you all take this very seriously. Then tell me. Either way the cards fall, you're not letting Hyodo get away with what she's doing, are you?
Not even close, the same on Haru's end too.
Haru: Correct. We're gong to stop her.
Ann: Haru...
Keiko: We have to do this.
Akechi: With reasons why than just her perfection madness.
So much to save her and stop those who blackmailed her.
Haru: What Mari-San is doing is forcing her warped intentions onto other people. And we can't let that happen, no matter what the reason.
Morgana: Right. We're the Phantom Thieves, and we fight for what we believe in. Yes, we're gonna stop Hyodo, but we'll do it in a way that's true to us.
Akechi: Well said, Morgana.
Keiko: Yes. We'll wake Hyodo up to the truth. So, let's take back all the Desires.
Because that's what the Phantom Thieves do best.
Yusuke: I have no objections. It's decided, then.
Haru: Thank you, Keiko-Chan and Akechi-chan.
The next part was this...
Sophia: [So how will we send the calling card?]
Futaba: Maybe we could send it over with some curry to the mayor's office?
Oldest trick in cartoons only.
Ryuji: What are we, a catering service? If anything, it should be ramen.
And that still won't work either, Ryuji...
Makoto: It might be better to avoid closed spaces, actually. After all, she'll probably be outside prepping for the election most of the time. There's no point sending a calling card if the target doesn't see it. Wonder if we can send it somewhere on her campaign route.
Haru: Like somewhere she's bound to pass by...
Then...an idea came to mind.
Keiko: Got something, Haru?
Haru: I do! How about where the Suzushino posters are? I'm sure she'll have a speech over there.
Keiko: That's a great idea.
Akechi: Good thinking, Haru. Let's go with that.
It's just crazy enough to still work.
Morgana: Yeah. And if we time it with her speech, it'll be perfect.
Yusuke: The question is, who's going to place it there?
Akechi: I think of one person to do just that...
Staring at Zen to do it again in town this time, he didn't want things to get worse. Or get into trouble.
Zen: No...Not again. Seriously?
Akechi: Sorry, Master, but you're the only one who can pull it off.
Ryuji: Thanks in advance, Gramps!
He'll do it for them somehow since they're all helping out one another.
Zen: Really, Goro?! Now hold on just a minute. Didn't I already pull this stunt for you in Sendai?
Makoto: Consider it a favor, then.
Futaba: Yeah, for being such a meanie earlier.
He did went over the line there a little.
Ann: Shouldn't you own up to it?
Keiko: Sorry, Zenny. Just help us out? We're all aiding each other.
Haru: There's no need to worry either. We'll make the calling card for you.
Yusuke: We'll be countin' on you, Gramps.
Now he really needs to do it, fair is fair after all.
Keiko: You might as well say yes, we need your help.
Akechi: You're our only hope, Master.
They win, now Zen has to do it.
Zen: Argh...You little weasels...All right, fine, FINE! I'll post the damn calling card!
Akechi and Keiko: Thank you.
Haru: We really do appreciate it!
Zen: How'd I let 'em twist my arm like this...Whatever. If we really doing this, it'll be early in the morning. Don't be late.
Enough for Zen to do so while the others set up the Calling Card for him. Well, this will work out just fine then.
Keiko: That was easy.
Morgana: Hyodo's speech is tomorrow morning. That's when we'll make her aware of the calling card. We only have one shot at this. Let's make sure we're prepare before we send Zenkichi out.
Sounds easy enough, gt everything all set for battle and then send out the Calling Card next. With everything they for this battle of gear, items, and Personas 'on Keiko's end', everything was all set to go to send the Calling Card out.
Akechi: Is everyone ready then. Master is whenever we are.
Ryuji: Yeah! I'm ready any time!
Yusuke: Haru...I take it we can leave this card's contents to you?
More than anything to say it for Mariko to read it well.
Haru: Yes. I want to show Mari-San how I feel personally. You ought to rest-I'll get to writing.
Morgana: Good. Tomorrow's the big day...Let's give it our all, guys!
All set and such, with Haru still feeling down in the dumps.
Haru: ...
That doesn't look good at all for Keiko to feel out, even for Akechi by his lover's side.
Akechi: Princess, go to her. Haru needs a friend to get her through this upcoming battle.
Keiko: Right, Akechi-Cun. I'll be back for bed in a bit.
Late in the night...
With Keiko and Sophia seeing where Haru was outside of the RV and finish writing the Calling Card, she texts Keiko to have a talk.
[Haru: Good evening, Keiko-Chan. I'm sorry for the short notice, but could we meet up? I'd like to talk to you. If you have time, it would make me quite happy. I'll be waiting in front of the fountain.]
Meeting up near the water fountain...
Keiko: I'm here, Haru. What's up?
Sitting down to have their own girl talk together.
Haru: ...I'm sorry to call you out so late. I know talking to Sugimura-Chan would be better, but I have to stay strong to talk to a friend instead.
Keiko: It's fine really. I was worried about you, we all are. So...What's on your mind.
Haru: I wanted to talk to you about Mari-San. It's strange...how I couldn't remember Mari-San until now. Even when Hasegawa-San said her name, it didn't quite occur to me who she was. But the moment she called me Haru-Chan...Suddenly, it felt like a lid popped open in my mind, and my memories came pouring out. I remembered all these things about my childhood...about Mari-San. How could I forget someone I loved so much?
It is rather sad huh?
Keiko: Out of nowhere here, huh? Still, it happens to the best of us sometimes.
Getting up to tell it like it is next.
Haru: I think what happened with y father affected me more than I realized. All the times we spent together...and the moment he passed away...I must've suppressed those memories deep within my heart. At some point, I got used to hiding things away, and I even forgot a good friend like Mari-San.
Keiko: Haru...You did what you could. That must've been hard.
Haru: No...I feel like...Like I was running from it all over again. A long time ago, I remember tagging along with Mari-San and my father during a golfing trip. I was so happy running around that I ended up tripping and falling. Then, of course, I started crying. Then all of a sudden, Mari-San came up to me and said, "Stop crying and get back up!" That shocked me at first because I always thought of her as an extremely gentle person. But because I knew she was so kind, I managed to stop crying and eventually got back up. I remember thinking Mari-San would never say anything out of place. I trusted her completely. At this point, Mari-San hugged me and said - "No matter how many times you fall...You can always get back up and start again. Never forget that." Can you believe it?
Keiko: I do.
That's some story to bring the good and sadness from Haru to remember it all.
Haru: I didn't quite understand back then, but I think I do now. There's more to good character than kindness. Being good means dealing with the bad in front of you. It means to take a stand even when all you want to do is run away. To realize nothing will change if you keep ignoring reality.
Keiko: Wow...You're right. You're so strong, Haru. I'm here, Sugimura's thinking about you, and all of us being friends. Please don't be too hard on yourself a lot.
Yeah, it's not good for anyone at all. With Keiko getting up from sitting down like Haru, they both know what they needed to do.
Haru: ...It's too late to save my father. But it's not too late for Mari-San. This time, I can change things around. I want to tell her exactly what she told me, all those years ago.
Keiko: Then let's change her heart together. But we better rest up first to do so for tomorrow.
Haru: Yes. Thanks for hearing me out, Keiko-Chan.
Keiko: Anytime. (Haru's a smart, kind, caring, and does things for others before herself. She's a true friend.)
Haru: Tomorrow, I'm going to for my absolute best. But for now...good night.
Taking off to the RV to get some sleep, I think Haru will be fine now.
Keiko: Good night. (It's late...I should rest up for tomorrow too.)
But before that, Sophia wanted to ask Keiko about something after the talk with Haru.
Sophia: [Hey, Keiko.]
Keiko: What is it, Sophia?
Sophia: [Why is Haru so upset over Mariko Hyodo? I don't have a heart, so it's hard to understand. Why do people try so hard for others? I wonder if I'll ever know...]
Keiko: Hey, I feel you there. And please don't give up just yet. Soon, Sophia, you will. Eventually, you will.
Sophia: [Really? I guess even real people have trouble empathizing from time to time. It may seem like a simple concept to you, but to me, it makes my mind go BZZZZT. But I am humanity's companion. I am here to learn and grow.]
And she's learning little at a time with their help for Sophia to grow.
Keiko: Yeah, you're getting there little by little.
Laughing together to then going to sleep for them both, Keiko with her Akechi in a motel and Sophia charging up from a phone charger plug. Sleepy time now...With Haru to get strong, for another Confidant of her Arcana to talk about to be the last one to be awaken from a friend to help from the original game. The next day, was to change Mariko's heart and free everyone's Desires too.
The Empress
According to Waite's The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, The Empress is the inferior (as opposed to nature's superior) Garden of Eden, the "Earthly Paradise". Waite defines her as a Refugium Peccatorum — a fruitful mother of thousands: "she is above all things universal fecundity and the outer sense of the Word, the repository of all things nurturing and sustaining, and of feeding others."
The Empress is a mother, a creator, and nurturer. In many decks she can be shown as pregnant. She can represent the creation of life, romance, art, or business. The Empress can represent the germination of an idea before it is ready to be fully born, and the need to be receptive to change.
The Empress is associated with the planet Venus in astrology.
8 - August/12th/Saturday (Sapporo)
Well, today's the day. Haru's writes things on the Callin Card, Akechi gives ti to Zen, and he does the rest. Now the Phantom Thieves get ready to make their move for Mariko to see it during her morning speeches down town. So here goes nothing.
Mariko: Good day, everyone! Are we ready to make Sapporo a paradise as pure as snow? Then remember - on election day, please vote Mariko Hyodo!
But some people were looking at something to be posted on the billboard nearby.
"What is that?"
"A calling card?"
"Whoa, it's real..."
Mariko: What's going on?
Leaving this mayor confused, she walks over to see what they were looking at. Seeing the Calling Card and reads it.
Mariko: "Mariko Hyodo, the false empress with a frozen heart...You are a cold manipulator who treats people are tools to be discarded and over doing their lives with poison food. We find this unforgivable, and will end your reign of abuse. In fact, we will take back the Desire you stole this very night."
Well, she read it.
Mariko: This is-
And within the Shadows back in the Metaverse of her Shadow being was also aware of this.
Mariko Shadow: The Phantom Thieves? And they say they're going to steal my Desires? What a bald-faced lie! Those Desires are mine and mine alone and my tasty Coco-Fudges. How dare they destroy them all! As long as I'm the Monarch, I won't let anyone stop me! Very well. I was just beginning to work up an appetite. I wonder what you'll taste like...Perhaps I should gobble you up and find out!
Even Hans felt that one out from afar.
Hans: (Looks like the Ice Queen of Gluttony has found the Phantom Thieves' Calling Card. Not bad...I'll see what happens first, and then later on...Yes, I'll choose the right girl for me from one of them.)
That doesn't sound good at all, but Mariko comes first. As this Calling Card made Mariko very mad.
Mariko: Why are you just standing there?! Take these wretched things down!
The other three staff members do so. As the Phantom Thieves sees this too, it was time to move out.
Keiko: It looks like she read it.
Haru: Wait for us, Mari-San...It'll all be over soon.
Keiko: Let's begin the operation.
Morgana: Let's do this.
Akechi: Let's go.
The fourth medallion to get next, so to the Metaverse of Mariko Shadow's Jail they go. For Loki, Picaro, and Kaguya to arrive in the main Birdcage to be unlocked now and more help to arrive in no time.
Keiko: 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!
Arriving back at the Jail to go to the destination to free everyone's Desires, stop the Gegasites, freeing everyone from being mind control, and getting the fourth medallion with two more to get later on. With Mariko Shadow to fight will probably be happening with no more Jack Frosts slaves anymore or Coco-Fudges happening as well. To the Former Government Office!
Haru: Let's go. We need to change Mari-San's heart.
Futaba: Okay, let's get going!
Getting there from the checkpoint as their short cut to head on down there where the Phantom Thieves left off at, the chains were removed to go on up and inside the building.
Akechi: I think it worked.
Futaba: Look, Joker! I think you can climb up those chains!
Climbing up from the chains and all the way to the top, it was time to do their job. Into the Cage of Gluttony then. Yeah, I knew she was going to be nickname of it. Inside of this place, Mariko Shadow was there, and what was she doing...?
Ryuji: Sorry 'bout the wait! We're here to kick ass and-Whaaaa?!
Seeing her was a bit...ah, heavier of her Shadow self in this world. All the food she was eating, gross! Not a good sight to see the firs thing of coming indoors, huh?
Keiko: Is she eating at a time like this?
Akechi: I think it's making me sick just watching her eat.
She talks while eating. Dude, don't talk with your mouth full!
Mariko Shadow: Silence, impudent whelp.
Ryuji: Wh-Who the hell is she?
Haru: That...That couldn't be...Mari-San?
Unfortunately, it was her Shadow self in person.
Mariko Shadow: Mmm...
Akechi: I hate to admit it, Noir, but it is Mayor Hyodo's Shadow.
Makoto: What on earth happened to her?
Morgana: I'm guessing this is Hyodo's distorted form. Man...! And I thought it would've been worse on my end than what she is now.
Adding more Coco-Fudge spice of chocolate in her food and drink, it was ten times worse.
Keiko: She's becoming a real pig fest! She's eating and drinking way too much Coco-Fudges!
The leftover ones that she could gather.
Mariko Shadow: What do you people want? You had best...Best not get in my way! I'm almost there...Only a few more votes and I'll win re-election! And since you've destroyed my Coco-Fudge creation, I have to save leftovers on my other victims. But I will eat you and the your weirdo cat too!
Morgana: Not happening!
From almost getting him a few times, Morgana wasn't falling for it again. And with the cured they've taken, they won't get affected at all.
Haru: This is wrong, Mari-San. Those votes you gathered by twisting the people's hearts are worthless!
Akechi: As well as over stuffing people to death while you take their Desires, it makes all brainwashed to follow your words only!
Makoto: And if you don't stop your tyranny, your staff will collapse one by one!
Ann: I get why it's hard for you to trust people, but you still have to treat them with decency!
Like that'll make her stop, she even a giant fork and knife to eat her food.
Mariko Shadow: *slurp* You Shut your impudent mouths! I've done nothing wrong! I will wring out every last ounce of corruption from my staff by working hem into the ground! I'll silence all charlatans who betray me! I'll make more of sweets to over stuff my voters to keep me as their mayor no matter what it takes for me! And I will consume every last vote in the city, whether these people agree with me or not! Only the can I build a safe haven-a radiant snow city that sparkles like winter!
Keiko: But this isn't the way to do it. Now release the Desires you stole.
Akechi: And are you happy living a lie?
It doesn't look like she doesn't like facing the truth.
Mariko Shadow: What of it?
Haru: Listen to them. When you take away someone's Desire, you rob them of their agency-the ability to make their own decisions. Even with the Coco-Fudges to slowly killing them from it was all wrong. So what good does it do to turn your loyal citizens into mindless drones? Isn't it better to let them arrive at their own conclusions-to follow their own hearts?!
Mariko Shadow: How dare you lecture me!
Ha! Nice one!
Sophia: Good job, Noir. You tell her.
Haru: Mari-San. Say goodbye to the countless Desires you stole...Because Beauty Thief and the Phantom Thieves...Are about to take them back!
Using her Beauty Thief pose she does, it was time to fight. And more for Mariko Shadow to eat a lot more Coco-Fudges to consume within one gulp. Crap! Here comes her fighting battle mode to take on, a whole lot more.
Mariko Shadow: Honestly...They're all in my way...this is the last straw...ah...
The more she ate, the really big Mariko Shadow was getting. And ew, she was drooling all over.
Keiko: Not good...!
Mariko Shadow: You all made me so...very hungry...time for the main course...is you!
Turning big and into her fighting mode, of her stomach to have a eyes and mouth and many arms sticking out made of snow along with other weapon silver-wares she was holding. Eating all the foods, drinks, and table in one gulp of her long tongue to be ready now.
Akechi: Is this what the affects of the Coco-Fudge does?! She must be her source of power!
Blowing snow out of her mouth, she was now ready.
Morgana: We best not to get eaten!
Persona #49 - Bael = the Gluttony of Magic
Haru: Mari-San, what you're doing is wrong. So we'll be taking those Desires back!
Snow Empress: Shut your prissy little mouth! What would you know?!I will consume all who oppose me, no matter who they are! You rather eat or be eaten!
The Phantom Thieves vs. Snow Empress Mariko Hyodo! And...Begin!
Attacking them from her sliding speed and using her giant mouth to swallow anything whole or attack with her long tongue, this battle will be a tough one.
Ryuji: Whoa, what's with all the food?! I...kinda want some.
Ann: Now's not the time to stuff your face! Here she comes!
Who can eat anyways at a time like this? Oh! Mariko Shadow was also firing a lot of ice attacks at them for Yusuke to dodge some of it without any problems and Keiko's fire and Ann's to melt as many as they could. Or they get frozen up!
Futaba: Wow! Her ice attacks are cold as ice!
Keiko: Too cold!
Ann: My fire's not enough!
Yusuke: And neither is my ice attacks against this Shadow being!
Still, trying to get out of their with gun shooting and weapons and then attacking back.
Sophia: SP Piercer!
Ryuji: Lighting Flash Attack!
Makoto: Venom Blast!
It was hurting this big empress as many times they could strike, and then moving away when she tries to strike back.
Snow Empress: Stop that! Arghhhh...I've done nothing to deserve such agony!
From some attacks to work, just not all of them to not melt so easily, for Haru to keep her cool to use her plant powers to push back a little, but hasn't make a scratch on the empress at all. From Futaba's shielding, power ups of offense, defense, and her skills to aid the team.
Futaba: Gonna back you guys up! Techno Claws!
The attacks were stopped, but not Mariko Shadow to keep on attacking and chomping down to stay from behind to strike, not from the front end. From some attacks, and the third stronger ones for those who've awaken it yet uses it.
Morgana: Whirlwind Tackle!
Ann: Spinning Inferno!
Yusuke: Tsunami Blast!
From ice and body slamming, and then her body changes color into red. Not good...
Snow Empress: Why, damn you?! Why do you insist on standing in my way?!
Anger mode for more boost up powers for this woman was growing.
Futaba: Her attacks power's getting stronger! This doesn't look good, guys!
Trying to move away, but...Mariko Shadow's long tongue grabs everyone to swallow down whole buy Haru, Akechi, and Keiko.
Morgana: Oh, no!
Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, and Sophia: Ah!
This was bad. If the other four left don't save them soon, they'll freeze to death. So mess up!
Snow Empress: I got the cat and a little more, and now...for the main course...Once they're eaten by me, they'll die quickly within an hour or two. Hahaha!
Keiko: Guys!
Akechi: Get down!
Saving his woman from another chow down, this will be even harder to win this battle.
Futaba: Did she just eat them but Noir, Joker, Black Crow, and me?! Somebody help!
Haru: This is awful! How can we save them and stop Mari-San?!
While trying to avoid getting eating to shoot or attack Mariko Shadow isn't doing any good. Even with Keiko's other Persona skills weren't working at all.
Keiko: I can't restrain her to spit them out!
Akechi: Oracle, hurry. Find something...anything to make Mayor Hyodo spit our teammates safe and sound.
Snow Empress: Get...in...my...BELLY!
Heading butting to hit her face instead to missing them again, strong impact can work than an icy wall, but something much stronger. Futaba picks up on something...From the others were hanging in there, she found another way.
Futaba: I got it! Drop that chandelier on her! Make her spit up from the impact!
Keiko: Got it!
There were four up there, so it was time to loosen the chandeliers for Haru to do, while keeping Mariko Shadow busy.
Haru: I'm on it! Petals of Doom!
Hanging by a thread now and trying to whip her plants at Mariko Shadow to keep away.
Snow Empress: A whip?! You try to fight back and all you can use now it a plant-like whip?! Ha! How foolish can you be?!
Enough for Futaba to drag Mariko Shadow around the room to get hit four times.
Akechi: Not much, just enough for Joker and me to do this to you...Saber Sword Slash!
Two hit Mariko Shadow hard, for Haru to push her a bit more on a few more to come crashing down.
Keiko: And two more! Daggers of Darkness! Spit out my friends!
And with two of them to fall on top of Mariko Shadow, it worked. Strong impact like that and eating a lot made her puke out the others. All snow covered to not be real puke.
Morgana: We're free! Nice job!
Ann: Thank god!
Yusuke: How disturbing.
Makoto: We're all okay.
Sophia: Not a fun time playing in someone's insides.
Ryuji: Ah...I came out of her mouth right? I just took a shower this mornin'...
Ha! Funny...This has the enemy on the ropes now and not to get eaten alive again.
Snow Empress: NO! My meals! Give them back to me!
Haru: We did it!
Futaba: Talk about losing your meal in the end. Now she's dizzy to strike back at her!
Enough to do so and more to avoid her moves and many more ice attacks this time.
Makoto: She's fully consumed with rage...Everyone, keep your guard up!
Futaba: Queen's right, everyone! Look out! She'll eat you again if you touch her!
Not happening this time but to eat other things in the room only.
Morgana: Not again! Getting eaten is the last thing we want. Can we use anything as a shield?!
From other ice shards to slow Mariko Shadow for a bit to get a beat down to work for the time being.
Snow Empress: It's getting to hot in here...I'll cool it down!
Wow! An ice storm was being made and it was hard to see in the room from where Mariko Shadow was at.
Keiko: A snow storm!
Ann: It's freezing! Why's there a blizzard in here?!
It was time to find another heater in the room, it has to be in there somewhere.
Futaba: I was able to back the heater to the northwest! Got turn it on before we all freeze!
Akechi: Quickly! Follow me!
Trying to rush for one to work to try it all out, but one out of four turns on to warm up the room again.
Sophia: The snow storm is gone.
Ryuji: Aww yeah! Payback time!
Snow Empress: Hey! I want it cold, not hot! It's not fair!
Using one of Keiko's Persona of fire and fighting skills combined to punch her out.
Keiko: Do yourself a favor, mayor, and...GO! ON! A! DIET!
Working out so far, the fire won't melt Mariko Shadow but it will slow her down. And still very made to use her tongue of ice to try their feet, all of them.
Akechi: Our feet are stuck!
It was hard to melt all of the icy grounds too.
Ann: I can't...melt it!
Snow Empress: Now I got you all...More...There's still more...I must eat every last one of you! Meaty thieves, on ice! My favorite.
Lots more ice, weapons, tongue, snow arms, and power to not stop attacking them. Futaba uses her cybernetic shield to keep them safe, but not for long.
Haru: Please stop, Mari-San! I know you're still kind deep down!
About to swallow them all whole to destroy Futaba's shielding skills, something happens...Powerful snowballs come flying at Mariko Shadow's back to get her attention.
Snow Empress: Hey...I'm eat here-HUH?!
Tons of Jack Frosts, a few Black Frosts and a little of King Frosts arrive to get pay back at their ruler who hurt them a lot. I think the twins and Loki made their own army. Awesome!
Keiko: It's Kaguya and Picaro!
Akechi: Also Loki!
Haru: And a lot of...Jackies...?!
Morgana: No, a lot of Jack Frosts they've saved. They're helping us! They're helping!
With Loki using his skills to free the others from the icy grounds...
Loki: Now hold still...Psycho Big-Bang-Boom!
They're free now, for it was time to fight back.
Snow Empress: What...? What is all this?! I'm your mayor and you'll all work for me! How dare of your betrayal!
From them throwing more snow balls to push Mariko Shadow back many times to have trouble moving, allowing for the twins to destroy the arms and weapons next.
Picaro: We made an army, so...you're all welcome. Black-hole Burst!
Kaguya: Thanks to them, they've all want to aid all of us in return. Lunar light Waves!
She was weakening to have one more to finish things off since Mariko Shadow falls on the heater to have trouble moving now.
Snow Empress: Stop it! Stop this at once!
Soon for Akechi grabs her long tongue to place the cure liquid down Mariko Shadow's throat.
Akechi: And now it's time to take your medicine. Let's finish this.
Spreading it all over for this woman won't swallow it, but someone will make her with a new power up for Haru's other plant powers to make her final move on Mariko Shadow for the cure sink into her big body system to be no more.
Snow Empress: Not that...Anything but this!
Haru: I will save you...Daisy Vines!
Lots of vines shoot out to hurt Mariko Shadow a lot to swallow the cure and did the final hit.
Snow Empress: No...This cannot be...If I fail...What kind of monster will...?
The form was one for Mariko Shadow to turn back to normal to lose the weight for good, and the Coco-Fudges are all melted from the heater to ruin it all. The Jack Frost slaves all celebrate with joy.
Picaro: Hell yeah!
Kaguya: Well done.
Loki: Heh, I'm glad we got some back up, just in case we need them again.
Hmm...I think Loki might have a new group to aid beside saving his other family.
Haru: Hooray! I did it!
Morgana: Way a go, Noir!
Keiko: You were amazing today!
Akechi: And with the Coco-Fudges finally gone and the cure working on the main boss here, we've all done well. (I'll get back at the two men as soon as we go back to the real world next.)
Only for Loki to save the left over bad ones on his own, so whatever. With Mariko Shadow out of juice now, it was time to free the Desires and get the medallion next.
Mariko Shadow: Wait! Not yet! I won't let it end this way! I need to wipe out all of Sapporo's injustice!
Still going on with that? Well, it was Haru's turn to speak up.
Haru: Please stop...Haven't you done enough?!
Mariko Shadow: What?
Haru: You're a kind person, Mari-San, and I know you've tried to shoulder all of this alone. The staff member who took bribes, the councilman who tried to set you up...Even the girl who died in the accident...
Mariko Shadow: ...!
She was surprised they've found out.
Akechi: It's them to blame, not you.
Haru: Each of these things grieved you. And in order to make a city where none of it could reoccur, you took action as you saw fit. Am I right?
All of this was true.
Mariko Shadow: ...As the mayor, I know very well that little girl's death was ultimately my fault. But my staff betrayed me! All for their insatiable greed!I thought I could leave that awful position behind. Unfortunately, it wasn't as simple as that. Had I gone, I'd only be replaced by greedy scum! That's why I never stepped down! In this world, it's either eat or be eaten! And with circumstances so cruel, I decided I'd be the one doing the eating! Those who get me, I had to force a little on them to eat to be like me. Even if every last one of my votes were false, at least I could use them to make the world a better place! But if I was replaced as mayor...who would be there to honor that little girls' memory? An innocent girl lost her life, yet I could do nothing to stop the evil still afoot!
It's sad, yes. They need to do things right to make it up, not to hide from it all forever.
Haru: It's not too late to set this right. First, you must tell the people everything that happened! Then can you get a fresh start, but this time, on your own strength!
Mariko: That would be...impossible. I cooperated with those awful men to hide the truth...that way I could continue being mayor. There's nothing I can do...
Doubting yourself now? Well, not on Haru's watch.
Haru: ...Stand up, Mariko Hyodo!
Wow! She shouted for the others to jump and Mariko Shadow too.
Keiko: Noir...
Mariko Shadow: ...!
Haru: Are you just going to stay knocked down?! You are a kind and strong woman, not someone who collapses over mistakes! So stand up, and hold your head up high! Because no mater how many times you fall, you can always back up and start again!
Right away, Mariko Shadow recognizes Noir's voice as Haru herself.
Mariko Shadow: Isn't that...
Haru: Yes. You said that to me a long time ago. Even if you told the people the truth about the incident, there are those who would still see the good in you! Don't let your position ruin you. Think back to what you stood for!
Ryuji: She's right, Mayor! You can't give up!
Ann: If you tell everyone your side of things, they'll listen!
All of them will and both Akechi and Zen can arrest the other two men who are blackmailing Mariko a lot to finally stop.
Keiko: Yes, please do it.
Haru: When my father died, I felt like my heart was going to break...But thanks to the Phantom Thieves, I was able to stand strong and move forward! That's why I know you can too! Remember the part of you that taught me to get back up, no matter how many times I fall!
And finally, she knows what needs to be done now.
Mariko Shadow: Yes...You're right. Thank you, Haru-Chan. What I've done...was wrong. I drove my employees to the brink and used a strange power to manipulate the votes and their stomachs. I need to lose some weight too, no. I want to go on a better diet now. The tea was very tasty to drink it for now on and eat well. I was so driven by my personal agenda, I lost sight of how I originally felt...And why I ran for mayor in the first place. To make a city beloved by everyone...To give back to the home where I was raised...That's reason enough to take another stand. I won't make this mistake again. I never needed this power from the start!
Dropping her crown to be done now.
Akechi: Thank you, Mayor.
Mariko Shadow: Don't mention it. Haru-Chan...You've grown so much. Your father must be so happy in heaven...
Keiko: You'll be fine afterwards, we all know it. Rainbow of the Flaming Heart!
From Mariko Shadow changing her heart to lose weight right away and little to do carefully, her fourth medallion appears to for the Phantom Thieves to hold on too. The Water King of Perfection - Mariko Hyodo. Four down, and two more to go.
Mariko Shadow: It's fun to learn a lesson about what to eat and what not anymore. I want my people to stay healthy and let someone run as a mayor to make the perfect-no. The best they can as a team in Sapporo than just pure as snow.
Tayla: Snow Empress Mariko...Defeated!
Off she goes now to make some rights.
Haru: Mari-San!
Sophia: Happy...?
Sounds and seems like it for Haru was not upset anymore to save Mariko. Okumura if he lived today, would've been proud of his daughter today.
Loki: I got a lead at least...We should do something with the free slaves here. Oh, the flashbacks.
For the twin girls felt it out...It was the four kids to be used a lot by the Hooded Man and the Mistress to be two real back guys from the looks of it to be with their boss Mother, along with Ellen and Hans. They discovered something to give some power until they all went missing.
Kaguya: Oh, my...
Picaro: Who the hell are those other guys?
Akechi: Two other people with the five kids to go missing from something of a flash of light...I don't trust them or their boss.
Picaro and Kaguya: Mommy...
They said something to have the other left confused.
Keiko: "Mommy"?
Picaro: Ah...Nothing! Look, we're getting somewhere with the flashback here to get some answer. Kaguya and I need to get these guys to the Velvet Room to be safe at. So, see you all next time!
Kaguya: Please keep us posted as we will too. We're all in this together, after all. Come, my friends. Let's take all of you to a special head quarters.
All the Jack Frosts and the a few other ones followed the twins to go to Velvet Room for Lava to do her job carefully. Leaving Loki to take off first, before the place started to shake.
Loki: Well, until next time.
And now, they have to get out and see all the Desires are back to everyone as always.
Ann: This place is collapsing! Let's go!
And so...the Jail still stays to also have everyone else's Desires back to the right humans to be themselves now. The Phantom Thieves go back to the real world 'and Sophia back in Keiko's phone', for all was well now.
Keiko: I think we did it. And the twins seem to found something big.
Akechi: The two other people who took the five children in, they're likely suspects. I'll also go find the men since Master I've for me right now.
Keiko: I knew it'll work out, Akechi-Cun. That's good to know.
Akechi: I do compare for anything, Princess. It solves everything too.
Good idea to do next, but first...
Yusuke: Well, that took us quite a while.
Akechi: I think Haru's a real hero and her words were amazing.
Makoto: Haru. You were fantastic.
She's both kind and strong to fight back the way she did today.
Keiko: A job well done, Haru. That was cool today and you did great.
Haru: It was only because you were all with me. But I do wonder if Mari-San will be okay...
I think Mariko is going to be just fine now.
Ryuji: I'd say so. Her Shadow disappeared like they always do.
Morgana Yeah, your feelings definitely reached her. I'm sure her heart has changed for the better. And her stomach now of her Shadow self. I guess this wraps up the mission.
Makoto: We still need to confirm that the citizens are all back to normal. It'd be nice if we could do that right away...
Ryuji: Can't we grab somethin' to eat first? I'm hungry enough to pass out here.
A fine battle for them to go eat something right away.
Yusuke: He has a point. Battles can't be fought on an empty stomach.
Ryuji: The battle's already over, but still...No more Coco-Fudges to make anyone else fat or us, so we can eat regularly now.
Morgana: Hey...Can we try jingisukan-that delicious lamb barbecue dish?!
Well, that changes things to be hungry right away.
Keiko: Hungry already, huh?
Futaba: Ooh, that's a must in Hokkaido!
Yusuke: What?! I thought we were finally getting lobster hot pot...
Ah...Never brought that up at all.
Akechi: No one did say lobster...
Ryuji: And since when did we decide that? And why would we, when it's so damn hot out?
Futaba: But if you think about it, isn't jingisukan also sorta like hot pot?
Ann: No way! Isn't it supposed to be barbecue?
It was hard to know what was what with those foods.
Makoto: Well, cooking jingisukan does require a utensil called a jingisukan pot...and you can't barbecue in a pot.
Keiko: Then it really is a hot pot than a barbecue. And what about sukiyaki?
Makoto: True. Though sukiyaki is served hot pot style, its etymology does refer to grilling. I wonder why.
Morgana: Does it even matter?
Not at all. This does have Haru laughing to be herself again.
Haru: *giggle* Ahahahaha!
Akechi: Someone's happy again.
Futaba: Hey! Was that a smile just now?
Keiko: I like seeing you happy, Haru. You have a great smile.
Who doesn't? It's good to see Haru as herself again.
Futaba: Yeah, Big Sis! Straight from Sapporo, it's Beauty Thief's award-winning smile!
Makoto: I'm relieved too. I thought you might be weighed down by all that's happened.
But she really wasn't to fight back.
Yusuke: Indeed, she was so weighed down that she met up with our leader Ms. Keiko for a private midnight chat.
Haru: Huh?! Were you watching?!
I guess they were to have a friend girl talk.
Keiko: I guess they did.
Akechi: I just standby.
All of them laughed, but they know they will always have each other's backs.
Keiko: Well, we all trust in each other at least. (I can feel a strong bond with my friends and my Akechi-Cun...)
Futaba: Mwehehehe...All right, Sophia. Find us the best jingisukan in Sapporo!
Leaving to her, or so it didn't look like at first...
Sophia: [...]
Futaba: Sophia?
Sophia: [Ah, sorry. Okay, I've got it.]
That was odd, but not in a bad way for Akechi and Keiko to keep to themselves for now. Time to eat and then go to sleep, while Akechi and Zen do something before it got late out for tomorrow to see to happen, a good thing really. More on that next time...But with Lava to have the Jack Frosts, Black Frosts, and King Frosts all working hard in the Velvet Room for Igor and Lava to make more Persona allies in the group.
Lava: I see the twins and Loki have all been busy lately. Not bad.
With the twin girls to felt something from their past and more with Akechi too, we'll see what happened next. And for Mariko to do the right thing with a change of hear and confess. As for everyone's Desires are all back to not eat anymore Coco-Fudges, for all of them are all in dumps and not good to have anywhere else. Yeah, good call. And not to make you feel sick of over eating anymore. What luck. Ha!