Persona 5 Strikers – From Light and Dark
By Tayla Drago
Episode #72 - And the Best is Yet to Come
8 – August/31st/Thursday Yongen-Jaya
The last day of Summer vacation before every kid and teens go back to school first thing tomorrow. With Keiko and Akechi packing up to leave Cafe Leblanc of their spare bedroom attic; along with Morgana, Sophia, and Raiho following them 'or being carried' outside to where the others waited for them to say their goodbyes to them once more. Well, they will be back on some holidays like this one was. Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Sojiro waited for them to do so. Well, it was far from this goodbye to happen here, so not yet. And you'll all see soon enough.
Akechi: How sweet. Thank you for seeing us off like this.
Keiko: We hope to see each other again. Well, that and text messaging to phone calls are still available.
A little joke, they get everything there.
Sojiro: Well, be careful on your way back. Morgana, take care. Keiko, stay safe with your parents not so rough on you.
Keiko: No, not anymore, Mr. Sakura. We're great getting along again. Without the change of heart business.
Sojiro: I'm happy to hear. And Akechi, keep making this girl happy.
Akechi: I will, Boss. Thanks again for liking me for who I really am.
Saying it with a bow to Sojiro to give to him. Now for everyone else to say their goodbyes.
Ryuji: See ya, Keiko. You too, Akechi my dude. It was a real blast.
Yusuke: Drop us a line whenever you're back. No matter what we're doing, we'll drop it to meet you both. Ms. Keiko and Akechi's happiness.
Makoto: We'll be waiting to hear from you. Akechi-san, please don't over work yourself for Keiko-Chan's sake. I'll tell Sis you said hi.
Futaba: Are you gonna be back for winter break too? You both know you two could come back sooner, right?
Keiko: We know, Futaba, we know.
A good way for others to care like this.
Akechi: Give Sae-san my regards, Makoto. Thanks again. And I would never let Keiko worry about me working a lot, not too much.
Sojiro: The attic's all your whenever you two like-it'll only cost you, Keiko, a few hours behind the counter.
Keiko: I don't mind working hard again at Leblanc at anytime.
And she won't lose her skills on working hard at all.
Ann: You take care too, Morgana!
Morgana: Lady Ann! While it pains me to leave you with Ryuji, but still treats you so much...I must keep watch over Madame Keiko...Same with Akechi if he does perverted things to her sometimes.
Ryuji: Oh, shut it cat!
A little joke there, but Morgana still trusts in Ryuji of his love for Ann.
Haru: See you later, Mona-Chan! Listen to your owners, okay?
Morgana: No, THEY listen to ME! And I'm not a pet!
Akechi: But it's funny hearing you get angry so easily.
A very funny way to laugh it up.
Makoto: Keep an eye on these three for us, okay? Sophia? And you too, Raiho.
[Sophia: Okay, I've got it. Both me and Raiho do.]
Soon enough, Futaba remembers what she wanted to say to everyone else about Sophia. Huh?
Futaba: *gasp* I almost forgot!
Yusuke: What's the matter?
Futaba: I have a present for Sophia!
Really? A present just for Sophia that Futaba did foe her?
[Sophia: A present?]
Futaba: Indeed! I didn't get a chance to give it to you yesterday-
But then, a incoming phone call.
[Sophia: Oh! One moment, Futaba-there's a message from Ichinose!]
Akechi: A message from my aunty?
Keiko: I got this.
Seein through Keiko's cell phone, Ichinose texts this to her...
[Ichinose: Sorry this is so sudden, but...Could you and my nephew meet me in front of Shibuya Station? Bring everyone else too, if you can. I promise not to take too much of your time. Well, hope to see you there.]
Hmmm...Sounded important.
Haru: What'd Ichinose-san have to say?
And so, Keiko and Akechi tell them.
Akechi: She wanted to meet us at Shibuya Station.
Keiko: Not just us, but all of you as well.
Ryuji: Sure didn't except that...
Then it does sound serious for Raiho can't wait to see what it was.
[Sophia: Let's meet her, Keiko. I'm curious.]
Makoto: I admit I'm curious as well...Are any of you too busy to join us?
Yusuke: Not at all-in fact, this seems right.
Haru: Yes, one last little farewell trip together.
One thing to hug and say goodbyes to Sojiro for Keiko to be doing, and a hand shake from Akechi to then leave with the others.
Keiko: Got to go, Mr. Sakura. Goodbye.
Akechi: Farewell.
Morgana: Bye, Chief.
They all go to the station together.
Sojiro: Bye now! You too, Keiko! Take care! Until next time.
Now walking to the train and ride at Shibuya Station to wait for Ichinose as promised. On a hot day still, and sitting in the sun might be a bad idea to do right now. Ouch.
Ryuji: She said to meet here here, right?
Akechi: Yes, I believe so.
But there's no sign of Ichinose just yet.
Ann: Yeah, but I don't see her...
Makoto: Maybe we just beat her here. What do you say we wait for a bit?
Just not under the sun for Raiho feels bad for them 'and he would've melted'.
Futaba: Soooo hoooooot...Meeeeeltiiiing...I'm evaporating in five seonnnnds...
Haru: Perhaps we could find a spot to stand and wait that isn't directly in the sun...
Good idea to do. As they moved away, something shows up on the building screen TV.
Ann: Huh? Wait-look at that!
They all watch and listen in...
Street News: [We now bring you breaking news-A shocking turn of events in the political realm. Moments ago, an arrest warrant was issued for legislator Jyun Owada. And his former partner, Sango Ichinose. The charges against Mr. Owada span from bribery and tax evasion to...forcing a woman to take control on blackmailing too on the public people of the world, she agree to turn herself in for her crimes against Owada, in return of giving a lighten sentence...]
Wow, I think all is well there.
Keiko: No way!
Makoto: That's...
Street News: [A fleet of police vehicles have encircled the Diet Members' office building, which is reportedly being searched at this time. We now take you to the investigation team's press conference, live at their headquarters.]
Goes to the part of Miyako making her speeches of the event that happened with some good news. She did it! With Sae, Zen, and Akechi's help.
Miyako: [We have uncovered evidence that shows Mr. Owada illegally accepted funds from the company Madicce. Additional investigations into his numerous other charges are currently underway. Regarding the specific hit-and-run incident two years ago wherein Mr. Owada secretary claimed to be the culprit...And an eye witness of Sango Ichinose was there during the time. We have learned the true culprit was Mr. Owada himself, driving his own vehicle with under the influence of alcohol. Seeing his work and hers to use, allowing Sango to keep things a secret up to this point. Using her love to have her killed, she caught on a agree to stop Owada in exchange of serving time in prison. While Owada will be sentence to life. The concealment of this fact involved multiple high-ranking members of the police force-all arrested for conspiracy to conceal evidence. I cannot apologize deeply enough for the flagrant, abysmal, disregard for truth and justice from this department. We intend to follow our investigations to the absolute end, not only for justice's sake, but for that of the people and their faith in the police.]
There you have it. They finally did it to everyone else's surprise from all of this. Sango serves some time in jail, and Owada's going away for good.
"Whoa, is this real?"
"Wait, THAT Owada?!"
"And the police were in on it?"
"Isn't this, like, a huge deal?"
More to say next on the news...
Street News: [Furthermore, there are claims that Mr. Owada's criminal activity extends well beyond that with Madicce...For Sango fell for blackmail from her parents' death. Including suspicions that he ordered the murder of his secretary two years ago, as well as...]
Such amazing news to be hearing.
Akechi: If it wasn't for me and Master's help, then the police from Ms. Kaburagi would've been worse. But she'll be just fine now.
Ann: Isn't that-?!
For Miyako and Zen did their parts.
Haru: Zenkichi-san did it...He finally got the person he's been after for so long!
Keiko: Score one for Zenkichi aka Zenny!
Akechi: And serves Owada right.
I think Akane will be very happy to be hearing and seeing this too.
Ryuji: Yeah, Gramps pulled it off! That dude really is badass! Not bad for a step-father, Akechi, not bad at all.
Akechi: He's the best father to me.
Yusuke: The perpetrators finally caught under the light of truth...A job well done.
Futaba: Looks like he wasn't just trolling us about his skills! No wonder he made such a good part of our team!
Makoto: He's finally avenged his wife.
Morgana: Yep, just like he promised Akane and Akechi helping him out-not only was the killer caught and Sango give herself up for a brand new change in her, but hee was the one who collared him! Owada of all people!
Haru: I'm so happy for Zenkichi-san...
All to be happy for, and then finally...Ichinose arrived as promised to talk to the others.
Ichinose: Hey, been waiting long.
Keiko: Look! There's Kuon Ichinose now.
Same with Raiho pointing out too.
Haru: Ichinose-san!
Walking up to them as she tells the others what she has been doing since Ichinose came back to her home town.
Akechi: What do you need to tell us about, Aunty?
Ichinose: Akechi, hi. Well you see...Wrapping up the paperwork at the police station took a lot longer than I'd expected.
Makoto The police station?
Now why would Ichinose go and do lots of paper work over there for?
Ichinose: I actually went straight there and turned myself in the moment we finished our conversation.
Shocking truth there, huh? You know?
Ann: Hang on, but what you did was...
Akechi: But, Aunty-!
Morgana: Hold it. Konoe was the one who abused EMMA's power and Sango ruined it more. If you turned yourself in over all that...
Wait, there was more to this story.
Ichinose: Setting EMMA loose upon the world like I did would have led to its destruction if not for you all, or you too, Akechi. I know that's true. Not only that-there's no denying I directly hurt you all as well. I thought it was only me, but it was Sango's all along. I also thought I should be punished for that, at the very least...
Even Sophia and Raiho didn't think so either.
[Sophia: Ichinose...]
Ichinose: So, I confessed everything to the police...Big surprise-they didn't believe anything I said.
In the end, Ichinose learned, tried, and normal people with no powers wouldn't get it.
Makoto: Well, it's not exactly the easiest story to buy...
Akechi: Please don't scare us like that again.
Keiko: You did what was right really.
With a good ending to what happened to Ichinose after that.
Ichinose: I even tried to get Hasegawa-San to help with my confession. He just laughed it off. "The police are too busy for fairly tales right now."
Akechi: Oh, Master...
Good, he was happy to have his other aunt nice to be part of his family still.
Ann: That sure sounds like Zenkichi.
Ichinose: Anyway, I originally planned to do this once I was released from Jail...But I'm thinking of taking a journey of my own.
A new change for her to do.
Akechi: A journey?
Yusuke: A journey, you say?
Keiko: But where to?
Ichinose: It'll be okay, Akechi. You got your Keiko and friends to always see. I'll come to visit again.
Akechi: Yes, please do.
And what journey will Ichinose be doing?
Ichinose: Yes, a sort of quest to learn about the human heart.
[Sophia: ...!]
This gave Sophia an idea for Raiho to agree with it all.
Ichinose: I thought EMMA really would guide humanity to a better world. But once Sophia changed my mind and see the wicked ways from Sango, that was when I noticed something...The eyes of everyone "saved" by EMMA...They just looked cold and dead from the curse to be trapped in a world unknown. But you all, Sophia included...Your eyes were so brimming with hope that it penned my own. Sophia learned about the human heart by joining you on your journey. You shared good times and bad, you were there for each other when you needed it...and you learned to understand watch other. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that kind of thing...But I want to speak with other people about the heart when learning this time-try and really do it right. I just needed to make sure I apologized to Sophia and you all properly before I depart. I truly am so, so sorry for putting you all through so much pain.
From the first time seeing her and learning a lot 'and more', they all understand.
Keiko: Don't sweat it, Ichinose. We get it.
Akechi: Really, it's all in the past. So please forget about it, Aunty.
They all get her no problems at all.
Ryuji: Yeah! We sure forget shit fast enough.
Akechi and Ichinose hug each other once more of a true aunt and nephew they are.
Ichinose: Thank you, Akechi. Thank you, everyone...
Just then, Raiho tells Sophia to say it. With her wanting to do something on her own with some company of hers.
[Sophia: Hey, Keiko...I have a request of my own.]
Morgana: Really? What is it?
[Sophia: I...Well...I want to join Ichinose.]
But how? She was still stuck on Keiko's phone. Only for Raiho can go anywhere else electronic-like.
Akechi: You do?
Keiko: Go with her? Raiho can do anything, but you can't.
Ann: Huh? You mean go with her on her journey?
And how can she really...?
[Sophia: You've all done so much for me. You accepted me when I had nowhere to go. You said I was your teammate and friend...You gave me a home. It made me so happy. I constantly felt warm and fuzzy inside. However, everyone now has their own path to the future. Thanks to you all, I've learned so much. I've even found my pat to follow...The path I need to take as humanity's companion. I want to be able to lend a helping hand to anyone who strays from their own heart, just like you all do. Since the Guyver twins and their older sisters are doing the same thing, then I will too. I want to help people find their way so they can find their happiness. If Ichinose is trying to find her way, then I should be there for her. Just like you were for me. I want to become more like you...So I can be the self that I want to be. And since Raiho can move anywhere, he'll see us and you guys still.]
Ichinose: Sophia...
Moving around other phones on Raiho's end, Ichinose was touched by Sophia's words to do so. Sad for Sophia to leave the others, but she wanted this.
Haru: Does that mean...We're saying goodbye to you too now, Sophia?
Makoto: But, I thought she was struck in there...
Akechi: That is a problem...Futaba?
However, Futaba knew what to do for Sophia since yesterday to say it, but couldn't. But now she can say it to everyone.
Futaba: Mm-mm. That's not an issue...Sophia, do you remember the first night we met? The full scan of you? In Leblanc's attic? Well, I've only been able to hammer away at it little by little, but...since that day...I've been working on a program to...to get you outta there.
Keiko: You can?
She is a smart hacker and such to do those things.
Ryuji: *gasp* Dude...for real?!
Futaba: I-I tried telling you guys, a whole buncha times, but...I didn't think it'd wind up bein' a goodbye gift...
Makoto: Futaba...
A sad thing, and yet it was the only way to get Sophia on to Ichinose's phone once Futaba sets it up completely.
Akechi: Very well then.
Morgana: Sophia's decided what she wants to do. She's found her path in life.
Yeah, so allow for their teammate to do this.
Ann: So we should congratulate her and send her off with a smile. Right, Futaba?
Futaba: Yeah...You're right...
Crying, but Futaba will hang in there.
Ichinose: Are you sure this is what you want, Sophia? They're clearly really going to miss you...
[Sophia: Yes, it's what I want-but, first...I need to hear it from you, Keiko. May I go with Ichinose?]
Keiko: I understand, Sophia. Of course.
Akechi: You got it. Keiko and I hope we'll meet again, keep an eye on my aunty.
Well, it's finally been decided.
[Sophia: Thanks, Keiko. Akechi. Raiho, I hope we do meet again. Take care.]
Shaking on it with a hug too, the little Persona in his avatar form takes off. And now going to Akechi's phone now to watch over the other three taking off.
Akechi: Welcome aboard, Raiho.
[Sophia: I will, Akechi, I promise. Sorry, everyone-I haven't been able to show my appreciation for what you're done for me.]
Ryuji: Aw, what're you talkin' about? You know that's not how friends roll!
Far from it really...
Morgana: Yeah, friends AND members of the Phantom Thieves!
Ann: Mmhm, you'll always be part of us!
Yusuke: Nothing could sever the bond we forged over such high stakes.
Haru: And we'll never forget the great times we had together.
Makoto: I know you'll be a fantastic companion to Ichinose-san.
Futaba: Sophia...Stay safe out there!
Akechi: We'll miss you, Sophia. You too, Aunty.
They hug once more.
Ichinose: Goodbye, Akechi.
Keiko: Good luck and take care. And Sophia...Thank you for everything.
[Sophia: Thank you...]
Doing so to have their goodbyes count, Futaba does it. Ichinose now has Sophia on her phone now and Raiho waves a goodbye.
Ryuji: Laters.
Ann: Take care.
Yusuke" You'll always be a friend to us.
Akechi: No matter what.
Morgana: Well, all that said then done.
Haru: We'll always be a team.
Futaba: Yeah! No matter what.
Keiko: Friends forever.
A nice way to see each other off like this too.
[Sophia: Thank you all. I promise, I won't forget you. Or our time together.]
Keiko: Of course.
[Sophia: We'll meet again.]
Keiko: Like a doll you are, you have a true human heart.
All of them agree, Sophia will come back one day and Ichinose as well.
Ryuji: Yeah! No matter what!
Hearing those words had Sophia smiling.
[Sophia: Okay, no matter what.]
Ichinose: Well, goodbye.
With her bowing to everyone too and Sophia to smile, they leave on their own journey to take together. But Sophia sends Keiko something for her and for the others to see...A group photo of Keiko, Morgana, Ryuji, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, and Akechi to smile for their AI friend to keep forever.
Keiko: (None of us will never forget you, Sophia. Nor Ichinose.)
Raiho: Hee-ho! Hee-ho!
A little sound for Raiho to make once more in this story. And there the ending credits happen. Photo vacation side show time and such, to show scenes from the game too. From battles, new friends, powers, topping bossing, beach, shows, festival, shows, walking around town, working hard, and then some that has happened to all of them.
[From the Phantom Thieves...With others areas too at a time -
Sendai - the Natsume statue, outside mall, and Ann enjoying her sweets with Morgana.
Sapporo - The parking spot areas, nice city buildings, and Ryuji enjoying ramen with Akechi, Keiko, and Sophia to watch them eat regularly.
Kyoto - Zen's powers awaken and Akane to hang out with the Phantom Thieves in person.
Okinawa - beautiful island view, having a beach time, and watermelon game with Keiko, Makoto, and Keiko to enjoy playing and waiting it while Yusuke painted the Shiisaa things.
Osaka - other things all over town, food stands to buy or eat there, and Futaba and Haru teaching Zen how to cook by hand.
Others - fireworks, saving Ichinose's life, and battling against EMMA on everything that went down.
Shibuya - shopping parts in the area, other parts in the summer time, and everyone on another photo with Raiho and Zen of a art work of him as a dog face.
Yongen-Jaya - the town itself, the cafe of Leblanc, and Keiko with Akechi relaxing in the RV. ]
Lyn - Towards a Dream
Keiko 'singing': My earliest memory
Doesn't know who I used to be
I take a glance at the trail left behind
I trekked on and on
Living a world of influence
For what feels like eternity
I let their every word control me
But even now I hold close words of my own
Sentiments hidden away within
It's time to recollect again
The dreams I had almost forgotten
Then step towards another day
My heart will guide the way
Never meant to be revealed
Emotions always kept concealed
Lost in my tracks with no sign to pursue
Lingered in silence
Not one single beacon glows
For what feels like eternity
I let their answers cradle me
But now I'm going to disclose answers of mine
Heed my inner voice and face ahead
It's time to recollect again
The dreams I had almost given up on
Then I may learn to be brave
Thus keeping hope alive
Whenever we're lost
Whenever we're hurt
Times can be really tough
Hard to stay strong enough
However I won't give up and I will believe
Believe in this resolve of mine and mine only
For what feels like eternity
I let their every word control me
But now I'm going to embrace words of my own
This is where I will begin my life
It's time to recollect now
The dreams that sheds a light on my path
Then I may learn to love myself
A little more than before
Good side show memory photos, huh? I love them all! Elsewhere...Lots of media people of microphones, cameras, and photo shots for Zen to see. He has done it.
"He should be out any second..."
"There!"
Soon they surround all over, leaving Zen to smile of his job finally done to take off on foot. Owada in jail to be in a car by the police and Sango to be taken in another car while being treated a bit normally. What a day Seeing the rest on the news, it was all in a days work for the Phantom Thieves.
Akechi: Well done, Master.
Keiko: Yep, you have a great step-father.
The two kiss and hug each other. Now this was their real goodbyes.
Morgana: It's about time we got going too, huh?
Makoto: Seems like it.
Yusuke: So we'll go our separate ways once more.
Haru: It's a little sad saying goodbye I mean.
Futaba: Come on! It's never goodbye forever! We'll be back in a flash.
Ryuji: You got that damn right!
Ann: Sure will.
Akechi: We are friends and the Phantom Thieves.
Keiko: Yes. Always have been, always will be.
With Ryuji leaving first with his thumb up from behind and in the air, the rest do the same thing on their own path to take. Akechi and Keiko hold each other on their way out. With Morgana being carried and Raiho was going to like their journey of their new home life style. Saying the last thing out loud at the same time...
Keiko, Akechi, Morgana, Ryuji Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, and Haru: Until next time, Phantom Thieves.
Raiho: Hee-hoo!
OK, that last time for Raiho to speak there. And so, that's it. Phantom Thieves are gone to be back again one day soon. For Keiko and Akechi with their living lives to be married soon for Morgana to keep them company still, and in touch with good friends, and others. With good worlds of any kind with another happy ending once again.
Fin.
Tayla: With one more scene of the shadow figures of Sophia and Ichinose standing together to be holding hand and laughing with joy. Yep, they'll be just fine for those two. And that's the end of this story. Thank you for reading! Bye! :D