Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #71 - Akechi's Guide for the Gifted Ones
Tayla: Half of the last episodes will be short chapters/episodes left. So keep in mind to end this well for this and the last one for sure. So, let's continue on. And don't mind the date thing if I posted late here, it makes more sense and such, it's almost over anyways.
8 - August/29th/Tuesday Yongen-Jaya
Wow, what a battle, huh? From doing something before leaving the Metaverse to go back to normal, and near the Tokyo Radio Towers...Everyone was back to normal, the two worlds no longer fused at all. Oh! As well as EMMA's apps are shut down for good this time since the Phantom Thieves stopped the false god in the end. So much to be going on all right. Once Makoto reached to Yongen-Jaya area to bring the RV back 'by parking it somewhere' for Sojiro to give it back to the person in a bit. As she, Yusuke, Haru, Ryuji, and Ann headed back on train to going back to their homes 'while Haru and Makoto stayed somewhere else for a visit'...Leaving Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, and Futaba 'along with Sophia and Raiho from Keiko's phone' to come back to Sojiro while working at Yongen-Jaya.
Makoto: Well, I'll park this somewhere. We'll see you guys tomorrow.
Ryuji: Laters!
Ann: It was a fun ride home!
Yusuke: We shall celebrate together again!
Haru: Careful on the way home, everyone.
Off those five go for today, needed to unpack and rest up next. Same with the others.
Keiko: Cafe Leblanc where Mr. Sakura awaits for us.
Futaba: With some coffee and curry to have real soon.
Morgana: There's no place like home.
From all what Akechi went through to work and still have some fun, he was happy to see some good changes to Zen and Akane the most, as well as saving Hans, Ellen, Kaguya, and Picaro by solving the long awaited case at long last.
Akechi: It sure is. Come along, we got to go greet Boss for what we've went through on our trip. I could use a nap while giving both Sae-san and Ms. Kaburagi the paper work. You don't mind during the time, right Keiko?
Keiko: Not at all, Akechi. Take plenty of your time.
Inside of the cafe they go into where Sojiro was working at the booth as he always does when the place is open for business.
Futaba: Uh...We're home...
Keiko: Mr. Sakura. (Good, he's okay. He must've put up a fight for this neighborhood and aiding the other girls. What a battle they must've been. Only he, Akane, Sae, and this Miyako character must've had it rough.)
Yeah, but they all pull their weight on their own. Turning around, Sojiro was worried to be complaining at them again for nothing.
Sojiro: What were you thinking, coming home a day late? You didn't even call me to let me know.
Akechi: Oh right...About that... (Should we remind him what we and him went through again?)
So Futaba does it for them in her own words.
Futaba: S-S-Sorry Sojiro we had to fight this massive god and beat it and save two of our world and the other from getting brainwashed from a cursed box and and and...
Morgana: Futaba, please remember to breathe when you speak up.
Getting out of Keiko's bag to say so for Morgana, and Sojiro's head to have a sweat drop, I think he already gets it.
Sojiro: *sigh* Sheesh...Well, at least you guys're safe. Welcome back, kids. Oh, and you too, Keiko.
Nice of him to mention to Morgana too. He can't understand him talking, but he does sense his feelings.
Morgana: Meow!
Keiko: (Right, lease the battling for your lives be for now.)
Akechi: Good to see you too, Boss.
Keiko: Sorry to worry you. And let us tell you this. Man, was that a blast!
On other fun things, not the whole world in danger part almost.
Sojiro: Ah, I figured you'd make sure they had a safe trip. How was it, by the way?
Futaba: Sojiro, it was amazing! There's SO much I gotta tell you! But I'm too wiped out today. I just wanna eat until I pass out into my curry...Sojiro...Curry...
Sojiro: Already got it ready for ya-just give me a sec to heat it up.
Prepared as always. Futaba is always in a mood for Sojiro's curry to eat.
Futaba: Woo- *yawn* Sojiro, you're the best...
Akechi: Smart and a well prepared man, not bad.
The smell in the cage is always a second home to Keiko.
Morgana: Ahhh, that aroma of coffee and curry...This place really is comforting.
Sounds like Sophia knows what this means for Raiho to see and learn more in his surrounds in the human world more than ever now.
[Sophia: Coffee and curry? Does that mean Boss is behind the counter?]
Sojiro: Huh? Haven't I heard that voice somewhere before?
First time for Sophia to talk to Sojiro in person this time.
[Sophia: Oh, that's right. I never had the chance to introduce myself...]
Keiko: Go ahead, you two.
She shows Sophia and Raiho 'to wave to Sojiro' of him seeing another Persona and a AI.
[Sophia: Nice to meet you, Sojiro. I'm Sophia, humanity's companion and a member of the Phantom Thieves. And this is Persona friend Raiho the Jack Frost.]
Keiko: There you have it. (All of us, Sophia included, had a great time talking about the fun we had on our road trip...)
And what a story to tell. Sojiro liked it and learned why Sophia and Raiho were important on the Phantom Thieves' vacation and mission they had to do, and he told them what happened when the world was being saved. Well done, Sojiro Sakura. With him and Futaba heading home to sleep, same with Morgana, Akechi, and Keiko too up in their room attic again. While also Akechi reports everything back to Miyako to keep her and Zen posted on Owada, more proof. And Sae to get a prosecutor against him, while she find good people to testify in court.
Akechi: It's all in a days work, Ms. Kaburagi. And don't worry. From the event you, Akane Boss, and Sae-san all went through...The Phantom Thieves are still in good hands with me. And a bit from my Master, he's the real hero of this story, I just solved the case of the Roam Greek item.
[Miyako: Incredible. For you to say so and with this much proof, we got our guy. And Sango Ichinose too.]
Akechi: My other aunty will pay for her crimes, while Aunty Kuon takes her own journey to think things through. So...I guess we're innocent once again. I'll be heading back home with my fiance real soon. I hope to work and talk to you again soon.
[Miyako: If you say so, Detective Akechi. Don't work so hard, we'll talk next time. Good night.]
Well, from her smiling, she sees to be in good spirit. Miyako learned on her own too.
Akechi: Good night. (I guess we keep the whole battling from Pandora's curse to ourselves like Ms. Kaburagi's doing, will do.)
Soon for him to cuddle with Keiko to be sleeping together next, while Morgana was in his, while charging the phone for Sophia and Raiho were sleeping too. In Keiko's dreams, she visits the Velvet Room once again 'and one more time for now' for Lava had something to say to her human friend 'in her normal clothes on again'.
That night...
Keiko: Lava, hi. I knew I would be seeing you after saving the world...Good job for backing us up too. So, what's up?
Lava: Well, I have a lot to say, Keiko. You have accomplished your goal with magnificent aplomb.
Keiko: "Aplomb"...?
Getting to the point at hand...
Lava: Despite all manner of hardships, your bonds and your fortitude staved off the oppressive darkness, shining brightly for all humanity. You have again broken free from the shackles of fate and grasped your future for yourself. For love, family, and friendship. As a result, the god sought by many has returned to the void. The curse destroyed for the holder in spirit and her daughter can finally rest on. Some may be lost without it, with nary a hope to cling onto.
Keiko: But others have to learn of their own Desires to decided, not by force.
True there, it's the way of life and all.
Lava: Be that as it may...I believe the blazing will that you fostered throughout your journey has been embedded deep within the hearts of mankind...And will surely blossom into hope for them when they most need it, allowing them to face their own challenges with strength and grace. Thank you, Trickster. Allow me to praise you in my master's stead-You were truly a remarkable guest.
Keiko: And a good friend to me, Lava. Tell Igor I said hi. And Raiho's family too. I'll let Morgan know you'll visit him again later on.
Lava: Please do for me. May our paths cross yet again one day. Until then, sweet dreams, Keiko...
Leaving the room for another time in the future, Keiko sleeps well tonight. With Lava to work hard for Igor to return later on with some help of the Frosts this time. So all was well.
8 - August/30th/Wednesday Yongen-Jaya
A brand new morning has started now! With Keiko hanging out with everyone else up in the attic to get some snacks and drinks on another fine job they all did. Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, Sophia, and Raiho were having a good time. Getting out for a walk on a hot day to take take of the things and come right back at Leblanc 'while trying not to get sun burned a lot'. Ha! What's to talk about on the last few days of their summer vacation almost over...? Is anyone going to say anything?
Ann: Ahem...
Ann does first by clearing her throat.
Ryuji: Keep quiet, my Ann babe had somethin' to say.
Ann: This crazy summer's given us a whole lotta grief, but our mission was a success, and we made a buncha great memories together, so...Let's get this celebration going!
Futaba: Wooooo! Applause, applause!
Everyone raise their drinks and cheers.
Akechi: I'll drink to that.
Ryuji: Woo...
Almost everyone was happy and tired too.
[Sophia: What's wrong, Ryuji? You don't appear to be your usual self.]
Ryuji: Man, I could NOT fall asleep last night...My bed at home just wasn't doin' it for me.
Keiko: Feels different now we're all back home now.
A lot from the RV to get use too and more back home.
Futaba: I gotcha. Our bodies are all specced for the Feathermobile at this point.
Changing the names again? Even this leaves Raiho very confused.
Haru: I find myself missing the Feathermobile too.
Keiko: Ah, changing names again I see.
Ryuji: Why'd ya change the name when we don't even got it anymore?
[Sophia: Isn't it called the Phantommobile?]
Even Raiho remembers the name too.
Keiko: It was called that, I remembered.
Makoto: That was true-at least, for a little while...
From what they did to remember and some others, not everyone else remembers what really happened to them, yet again.
Ann: Anyway, it looks like nobody besides us Thieves or a few others remembers what happened at the Tokyo Radio Tower, just like last time.
Ryuji: *sigh* That sucks, considering it was our asses on the line an' all...
Akechi: But living normal lives and being other groups to keep everyone else safe is our goals.
Yusuke: Patrolling society from the shadows, slaying evil in secret? I admit it sounds rather alluring.
Ryuji: Well yeah, but don'tcha want some kinda recognition everyone once in a while, too? Y'know, like...fan girls and that kinda stuff? Not for you and me with our girls that is.
Imagining it a lot, I think some have their own thing already.
Akechi: Not for me thank you.
Keiko: Enough fan girls away from my man.
And for Akechi and Keiko's love was enough.
Morgana: I would fight for Lady Lavenza.
Futaba: Mishima-san!
Haru: And my Sugimura-Chan.
Yeah, that was plenty there for others.
Ryuji: I would fight for my Ann!
Yusuke: And my for Ms. Makoto as well.
Haru: Still, we made all sorts of unforgettable memories. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
A memory of this event to never forget at all.
[Sophia: Same here. It was a new experience at every turn. It was the best.]
Same with Raiho to be dancing around with joy.
Makoto: Mmhm, and we can rest easy knowing we did everything we could to help. Any loose strings left are in the middle of being warped up.
Ryuji: Man, Gramps woulda really helped to turn this party up, huh?
Akechi: Still calling my Master by that nickname?
Ryuji: He's still your dad, I know Akechi.
Patting his head, it was fine with Akechi to hear Zen being called by 'gramps' for fun.
Akechi: I guess you're right.
Ann: And I bet he'd say he's too busy trying to bring in Owada to attend a celebration just yet.
Akechi: It'll happen soon enough. On the bright side of things, Ellen and Hans are doing a good orphanage home for children to have reading, clothes, and fun time. All thanks to them aiding Hyodo, Alice, and Natsume. So with Kaguya and Piccaro leaving us emails, we have nothing to worry about. That goes double for Master. We'll celebrate for him.
Fair enough, for the other four kids to be fine as well on their ends...even toys made on Konoe's end during him in jail, what one nice thing he's doing.
Futaba: Four other power houses on charity? Good for 'em. And we're al partyin' while Zenkichi's still bustin' his buns on the case? Now I'm feelin' a bit guilty...
Keiko: Good for them, Akechi. And no worries, Futaba, we do this now to carry on with our lives later.
Makoto: Maybe because you remembered school's starting back up soon? And doesn't that go for all of you?
Right, school starts back up for everyone else besides college for Haru and Makoto. Not Morgana, Sophia, and Raiho don't go.
Ryuji: Oh! Yeah, that reminds me-when're ya to headin' home, Keiko?
Morgana: Tomorrow.
Sadly, Keiko and Akechi have to go back home for work and school to do like the others with their schools and college. Morgana was going with them too.
Akechi: More detective work and finishing our school years is very important.
Ann: Huh? Really?!
Keiko: Sadly, but true. Sorry.
A sad thing to think about again, with some luck to come back again someday. Even Raiho stays strong for the three for him to see things with Sophia in their hometown of Keiko's.
Haru: Time sure did fly by...
Keiko: We'll be back, promise.
Akechi: We'll miss you guys.
Having Futaba hugging Keiko to be patted on the head in a sister bonding kind of way.
Futaba: Hmmm, me too...Make like a perennial and be sure you come back, Big Sis. Okay?
Keiko: We will, Futaba, I promise.
Yusuke: Sophia, will you and Raiho be joining them?
Seems like it since they're in Keiko's phone after all.
[Sophia: You got it.]
Ryuji: And what if she ends up sniffin' out a Jail in her hometown, huh? With the ace detective prince's help?
Ah...I doubt that'll be happening at all.
Makoto: *sigh* Like that would ever happen.
Akechi: We'll be just fine.
Even Raiho agrees with them. Soon there was something on Ann's mind to ask herself about of Sophia was found in Shibuya Jail.
Ann: Now that you mention it, I wonder why Sophia was in the Shibuya Jail anyway, of all places...
Keiko: I don't know. I just found her by luck.
Haru: Good point...
Then one thing got on Yusuke and Akechi's minds...
Yusuke: Well, Ichinose did mention that she used to live in Shibuya. Perhaps Sophia was originally located within her house.
Akechi: She did try to get rid of her from Sango's orders and then we found her. Hmmm...Must've been luck like Keiko said.
Morgana: So when EMMA picked up on Sophia's existence from the Metaverse side, that cognition...Ah, this is all speculation. And even if that's how any of it worked, it'd have to be some sort of miracle.
Then another thing for Makoto to ask Sophia about after the battle she heard something only she can hear when EMMA was stopped, but what was it.
Makoto: Since we're on the topic...Sophia, you seemed a bi distracted after we defeated the Demiurge. Did something happen?
Same with Raiho wanted to know too on his end.
[Sophia: Oh, that. I heard EMMA's voice.]
Ann: Huh?!
Shocking to everyone else. Why though? EMMA was Pandora's Shadow and Sophia the wielder of it, so what did EMMA say to her after she was destroyed in defeat?
Ryuji: You mean the one only you can hear?
[Sophia: Yes. I was issued a final request... "Please follow your heart to save humanity." I'm also gave the power up for Pandora and Mia to finally pass on peacefully.]
Makoto: EMMA asked you that?
Seems like she realize of what's true to make your own desires than forgiving on someone in the very end.
Yusuke: Had we been able to reach a mutual agreement, perhaps EMMA could have followed Sophia's path rather than face destruction...
[Sophia: I believe this is proof of the true power that the Phantom Thieves hold. Artificial intelligence is not the enemy of mankind. We were born to help people. But just like people, we are capable of errors in judgment and can stray from the right path. Our users, their input, our experience-these all mold us to take a wide variety of beliefs. If only EMMA had learned and grown with a good companion...]
Akechi: If only Pandora didn't suffer so long to make a Shadow version to blame on others on the curse. Aunty Kuon wanted to do so much good, I think I can understand.
Yeah, some good to bad things in life for man or machine. Just then...Morgana brought up an idea.
Morgana: Then why don't you give yourself the directive to show others how it's done?
[Sophia: What?]
This leaves Raiho in so much confusion right now.
Morgana: Since you're such a good companion to humanity, you can be a positive role model for how AI and humans can work together. I couldn't even count how many people that'd end up helping in the end.
Keiko: Yeah..You can do it, Sophia.
Akechi: Good luck and we'll have your back.
Some good idea for Sophia to do a lot more could come in handy on other areas some day.
[Sophia: Thank you, everyone!]
Akechi: Don't mention it, Sophia.
Same with Raiho to liking the idea too, but with one little problem...
[Sophia: Oh-but, I can't leave this smartphone. Nor can Raiho. That's a shame. Being a role model and helping countless people will have to wait. For Raiho is in the Metaverse and I'm special to there and on a digital item.]
That's not good. Well, maybe not for Futaba has something on her mind next.
Futaba: Mweheheheh...Not so fast, Sophia! I've cooked up an ultra epic-
But then Ryuji interrupts the big news 'for now' to try changing the subject. Really
Ryuji: Argh, shut up, shut up, shut up! This is gettin' TOO close to bein' a downer! This is a celebration, right?! Celebrate! C'mon...Yusuke! You, me! Soda chugging contest! Now!
Akechi: "Soda chugging contest"?
Not a good idea to do.
Haru: Um...I don't know if we're ready for that...
Well, Yusuke likes to give it a try.
Yusuke: Such idiocy...To think you could consume more than I!
Ann: Hey, you better not spill any of that!
And so they do it, to be a real mess.
Ryuji: *cough* Hrghk! Bleeyagh!
Yusuke: Hrglph! Blorgh! *cough*
All over the table and Morgana! Gross!
Morgana: You idiots! You got soda all over my fur!
Ann: *sigh* Not exactly the celebration I'd planned...
This has Akechi to clean up and smack some sense into both Yusuke and Ryuji on the heads, he then acts calm like it was nothing to him.
Akechi: Ah, look at this. A draw, too bad. Now please don't get soda on our clothes next time, thank you.
Ryuji and Yusuke: Ouch...!
Keiko: (Almost looks like you got really mad there.)
And so to have fun celebrating, Akechi had something to say to the others next besides seeing Picaro, Kaguya, Ellen, and Hans to be just fine on their own now. Same with Kuon Ichinose, Sojiro 'on some parts', Sae, Miyako, Zen, and Akane too.
Akechi: Listen, I wanted to say something to all of you My friends. My Keiko.
So, what is it? Raiho moves in closer to the screen to hear everything...
Keiko: What's on your mind, Akechi?
Akechi: Right, I'll talk. Since we met each other from friends, not knowing you're Phantom Thieves, to see everything else about all of you little at a time. Under cover, what your true goals are, stopping the murders on the real ones to clear your names, saving my life from my Shadow self to be brought back to life, his family, stopping Shido, seeing my aunty while her other sister pays for her crimes, showing Master the ray of light in his work, and knowing I'll never be alone again. Without me becoming a Phantom Thief and still doing my job as detective, then I wouldn't be around today. Like the made up Junko, she brought her fate upon herself, but not me. Thank you everyone from then and during out summer vacation, all of it. Raiho, never forget you're a member as a special Jack Frost in the group. Sophia, you will one day help out others on your AI skills with a pure heart. Ryuji, annoying you can be sometimes but you are a good friend. Ann, you have a good boyfriend and a good modeling job. Yusuke, try saving up your money on important things while becoming a great artist. Makoto, you're going to make your dream come true as well as working with your sister. Futaba, you changed a lot to proof you can do so much more, so please keep it up. Haru, make your food company name a place to have others be happy. Morgana, cat or not...you are still human to all of us with a special gift. And to my Princess—Keiko Amamiya. My love, my wife to be soon, with the same powers we're born with together, and life we're still living in now while almost finishing high school. You save me as I saved you too, to love a family who understands you more now and my Mother along Mrs. Hasegawa can both finally rest easily. Along with Shuzo and the real Kano Guru too. After saving Aiya, Hitomi, Ellen, and Hans...I feel so much better having a good life now with a great team and friends. Thank you all.
Saying those words mean well, even Raiho to cry with tears of joy. From there, the others join in for a group hug besides Sophia and Raiho on the side.
[Sophia: Your words mean well with meaning, Akechi.]
Ryuji: Annoying...? Ah, you mean it, dude.
Ann: It's nice we had something to spy on us, turn out to be a great member of the team.
Yusuke: And some good advice on future notices for all of us.
Makoto: He does work for my sister from time to time.
Futaba: I knew you were right for Big Sis to fall for.
Haru: My Father would've been happy to hear you say those words.
Morgana: Yeah, human heart. Not a cat, human. Akechi gets me.
Keiko: Then know we all love you, just the way you are, my Akechi-Cun. (I love what he said to me. To all of us, really. And to those to finally rest on and to be doing right now.)
A good moment to last as well.
Akechi: Well, the food isn't going to eat itself. Let us finish up and the drinks.
Laughing it off and cheering, they continue on and soon to be night time for Akechi, Keiko, Morgana, Sophia, and Raiho hanging out in the attic to be ready for bed next. What a day to then leaving right away in the morning, so they must get plenty of sleep next. From showering and in their PJ's and Morgana showering too on his own with his tail's help.
Keiko: There you are, all cleaned.
Akechi: Haha, and no longer smell or feel like soda.
Morgana: Good as new for me. Geez, thanks for ruining the celebration for me, Ryuji...
At least he was cleaned now.
Keiko: I think both Ryuji and Yusuke are to blame. *chuckle*
What a fun time they all had today, for Raiho was having fun as well.
[Sophia: But it was fun. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.]
Morgana: Yeah...I guess I had fun too.
[Sophia: So, will the Phantom Thieves be disbanding tomorrow?]
Seems like it now for the next time, who knows for the time being.
Akechi: I'm afraid so.
Morgana: We don't have a choice, with school and everything starting back up. Ryuji and Lady Ann already have their latest full with homework as it is.
Keiko: I think they'll do all right. Ryuji and Ann have gotten better the last time they studied with us.
Yeah, they have gotten better. Ann a lot more beside English and Ryuji...on some other subjects.
Morgana: Heheh, me too. They are good and a good couple. And Yusuke? I'm sure he's ready to get back to his artwork. Makoto and Haru are heading back to college. I wonder what life is like there...
Akechi: I bet it'll be really fun for those two. I know Makoto and Haru is still head strong as ever.
Morgana: Well, they didn't seem too bummed on their deal. Sure they complained from time to time, but it sounds like they're having fun, overall. And Futaba seems to have gotten a lot stronger too, huh?
Keiko: Yes she has, Morgana.
Morgana: Considering how she seems now, she's not gonna have any trouble at school making new friends.
Keiko: I agree with you there, They'll be fine.
And for Sophia was surprise that her human friends all have their own goals.
[Sophia: Everyone has found their own path...]
Keiko: Sophia? What's up?
[Sophia: Well...I was wondering what my path is. Raiho is aiding the Metaverse world on other parts to keep guard on, he has his own goal already in mind.]
For Raiho has one, but not Sophia's yet How sad.
Akechi: Now, now, it'll be okay. Raiho chose his path, and so will you in no time. Don't give up.
Morgana: What he said. You'll find it soon enough, Sophia. Like with Raiho, you will real soon. Until then? Feel free to stick with Keiko, Akechi and me.
From there, Sophia will never be alone again even Raiho thinks so too.
Keiko: That's right. There's no need to worry.
Akechi: Please don't trouble yourself over it.
[Sophia: Thanks, you three. And you too, Raiho.]
All aside to leave soon, it seems so.
Morgana: We're really heading out tomorrow...I still wish we had more time, but we ought to get some rest. Good night.
Off to bed now for the three and the phone charging up with Raiho sleeps up right away.
[Sophia: Good night.]
Akechi: Good night, Princess.
Keiko: Good night, Akechi-Cun.
With the two making quick love and quietly for Keiko and Akechi to then sleep on so sweetly. For the next thing will end the rest for the sun to arise of another brand new day to happen. Almost done here...In the next chapter/episode will end it all for sure.