Persona 5 Royal: tmdrago Special Edition
By Tayla Drago
Episode #12 - A Start of a Whole New Beginning
A close call for getting out of the Palace back at the Metaverse of Suguru Shadow King 'for the time being'...since Ann has awakened to her Person powers of Carmen to aid Keiko, Ryuji, and Morgana. I would've done the same thing and retreat for today, but they'll be ready for the next move in stealing Suguru's Treasure for the real him to have a change of heart soon enough. As the four were back to have their normal clothes and Morgana as a cat, they made sure all was well for one another, they seem to be unharmed and still alive at least.
Ryuji: Which one you want?
Ann: Whichever's not carbonated.
Well, about that...
Ryuji: Uh, they're both actually.
Ann: Then...
She chooses one of them
Ryuji: Here ya go.
Keiko: Thanks, Ryuji.
Either way, Ann has something to drink for her, Keiko, and Ryuji but not for Morgana. It might not be good for him.
Morgana: What about me?
Ryuji: Huh? But you're a cat.
Ann: *giggles*
This has Ann laughing. As well as Keiko explaining half of everything so far to Ann, she understood that Ryuji offers her a drink, she doesn't drink too much with carbine in them, unless a quick can once in a while...she's modeling after all.
Keiko: Are you sure you're okay drinking those?
Ann: I am. Just a little. I am a model, but I need some muscles in me, just not too much. Thanks for asking, Keiko, after all...us girls need to stay in shape.
Keiko: Of course.
And Ryuji wouldn't have it any other way from two other hot girls, for one he really likes...Well, for Ann to like Ryuji a bit more than a friend to her.
Ryuji: Two hotties, but one's a total babe-!
Ann shoves Ryuji away from Keiko.
Ann: Please keep your hands to yourself, Ryuji...!
Keiko: (Ann can surely handle herself. And for me to befriend another girl, she's cool.)
For her to call Ryuji by his real name now to trust in them a bit more, same with him calling Ann by her first name too.
Morgana: ...Have you calmed down, Lady Ann?
Ann was fine being around Morgana to trust in him.
Ann: Um...Morgana, right? I really am talking to a cat...This feels so strange...Oh, sorry! You're not a cat, right?
Morgana: It's only natural that you're confused. Demanding that you understand all of this after what you went through is asking too much.
True, but she was staying strong to be a good thing.
Ann: Honestly, I can't believe what happened...And that power...my Persona...
Morgana explains the rest to Ann on how it did happen.
Morgana: It's the will of your rebellion, Lady Ann. With it, you'll be able to fight in that other world.
Ann: So if what you told me is true, we can make Kamoshida have a change of heart, right? Is it really possible...? Can we actually force him to confess his crimes?
If it's the only way to make Suguru stop hurting the other students and such and not for Keiko to be part of the team or becoming Suguru's woman, they have to do it.
Ryuji: For you, your friend, Mishima, the volleyball members, and Keiko's lives are on the line. The volleyball team's keepin' quiet about this, while teachers and parents turn a blind eye. If guys like us try and complain, they're just gonna shoot us down. Goin' all in on this plan is the only choice we got.
If so, then Ann wants to help out since there are other lives in danger because of Suguru's doing.
Ann: Then let me help too. I want to make him pay for what happened to Shiho. And to you too, Keiko, I won't allow you to suffer like I did! He just keeps going like nothing happened, even after what he did to Shiho...I'll never forgive him.
You heard Ann loud and clear; she wants to help them out.
Keiko: You want to, Ann?
Ryuji: Wait, did you say, "let me help"? You mean, you want us to take you along?
Ann really wants this as they do too.
Ann: Don't act like I'm going to drag you both down. Weren't you guys watching? I can fight too.
For Ryuji to look at Keiko, Ann was good to be on the team.
Ryuji: Ah, Keiko...?
Keiko: Ann, you're in. Your skills are very amazing in what you do best and to teach Kamoshida a lesson. With the four of us, we might have a fighting chance.
So welcome aboard, Ann Takamaki. Yeah!
Morgana: I agree as well. We are lacking in manpower, after all. Don't worry, I'll protect her.
With Ryuji to be worried about Ann and Morgana knowing she can fight back to still protect her, all was good.
Ryuji: Fine...You're in, Ann.
Ann: Then it's decided. Well, I hope we all get along! I'm going to make Kamoshida atone for what he did. Not just for Shiho's sake...but for everything he has done. I won't let any more people suffer because of him. I'll do whatever it takes!
It was good for Keiko to sense some strong feelings from Ann.
Keiko: (And with that being said and done, Ann's going to do great on our team.)
That she was...To go back to the present time on what's to be told for Sae to keep on listening to Keiko's stories.
—-
Tayla: From her hearing about Keiko having more people on the team to have four members so far and growing to stop Suguru's madness by working together. And to unlock their powers out of nowhere because of it. From Keiko herself, Ryuji, Morgana, and now Ann was going to be tagging along. And for Keiko to have another slot open, meaning that Ann was now the Confidant of the Lovers this time…
Sae: I doubt something as dangerous as your group could've been pulled off with orthodox methods. It wouldn't be odd if you had someone that was proficient in deceiving the eyes of others...If you're listening, then answer me!
I am thou, thou art I...Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Lovers Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...
Tayla: Lovers Arcana #3 – Ann Takamaki/Panther
In tarot readings, the Lovers Arcana initially represented two paths life could lead to, and thus a symbol of standing at a crossroad and needing to make a decision. Today, however, it is portrayed more of a symbol of love and romantic relationships, although it can also be a symbol of finding agreement with an ordinary friend or even two conflicting elements within.
Her Arcana and Confidant goes up to the first part of level 1.
Ann: Just let me know when you're heading back in...Oh, wait! We don't have each other's info. Hey, Keiko, give me your number and Chat ID. And, um...
Like with Ryuji, Keiko does it with Ann next for all three of them to contact each other at any time.
Keiko: Here you go, Ann, I hope we can also hang out with both you and I.
Ann: Of course and working together. I'll be counting on you, then. Ryuji, the same. And the same goes for you too, Morgana.
For Morgana to be respectful to Keiko and in love with Ann, he would do anything for her.
Morgana: The pleasure's all mine, Lady Ann.
Ann: Then I'll be seeing you guys later.
She takes off leaving another member to join and Morgana having a big crush on Ann.
Morgana: What a kind girl...Such admirable consideration for others...And the innocence to cast herself into the jaws of death to achieve her goal. She cares about her friends, and she's beautiful to boot...What a girl! She's captured my heart...As for you, Madame Keiko, I still respect you very much for getting the job done.
For Keiko to see how kind Morgana was to her and loving to Ann, for Ryuji to find this to be wrong to him.
Ryuji: Dude...Besides being lovey-dovey and all...we should probably get together as a group.
Keiko: Good idea, to keep this to ourselves without others seeing us or Morgana like this.
The plan can work out for them.
Morgana: True, we should have a secret hideout to discuss these things more privately. The school rooftop would work...No one goes up there a lot. So for now on, that'll be our hideout.
Then it's settled, the school rooftop will be the four's hideout.
Keiko: Okay.
Ryuji: I like that idea already.
And now for something else for Morgana to say next.
Morgana: Also, I can't contact you guys from the other world in this one...That being said, I need someone to take care of me. I'm picking you, Madame Keiko, you should be honored.
He'll be staying with Keiko at Cafe Leblanc for now on.
Keiko: You're going to live with me...? Even if you're not a house cat, I never took care of one before. Not that I don't mind. I love animals.
Ryuji: It's all on you, Keiko, I don't think he'll be good back at my place. It's too small. Either way, let's meet at the hideout tomorrow. Take care of yourself with the cat!
With the train calling out the location, Ryuji takes off next.
Morgana: OK! Let's go look at my new residence for this world.
Keiko: Ah...If you say so, Morgana, let's go.
Taking the train back home for Sojiro was working with one costume left for Keiko and Morgana 'to be hiding inside her school bag' to see. Who looked like...an adult punk wearing doctor of some kind 'to be very important later on'.
?: ...Thanks, I'll see you later.
Sojiro: Come back again.
For her to leave afterwards for someone like Sojiro to know her very well as the new doctor in the area.
Keiko: Mr. Sakura, who was that person? She looks like a motorcycle member.
Not really...
Sojiro: Oh, the woman just now? She's the head doctor over at that clinic down the streets. Rumor has it she gives pretty crappy examinations, and sells some weird homemade medicines on top of that. At least, that's what I've heard. I haven't been there myself. They should just leave her alone. It's not like she's getting in the way of their lives...
For him to tell Keiko about the strange lady doctor doing her job normally to ignore the rumors. And then Morgana asks Keiko what's going on through Keiko's school bag.
Morgana: Hey, are we there yet?
Sojiro: Huh?
Keiko shakes her bag to tell Morgana to stay quiet for only Sojiro hears his meows.
Keiko: (Morgana, keep it down!)
For him to be hearing something to close the store and head on home, Keiko rushes back upstairs.
Keiko: Okay, Mr. Sakura, you take care and I'll lock the place up when you leave...Good night!
Rushing back upstairs for Keiko opens her bag up for Morgana to come out to be all cleared and to see his new place to look...not what he imagines it to be like.
Morgana: What the...?! What is this place?! Is this some kind of abandoned house...?!
Keiko: No...Just something I gotta clean up if I'm going to live here for a while. Sorry, Morgana, but this is the best room I can get. I'm not living in a poor house at least.
Just then, Sojiro comes upstairs to hear something to check on Keiko to see her with a cat for Morgana tries acting like a house cat type of pet.
Sojiro: Hey, are you-I was wondering why I heard meowing...
Too late hiding it now.
Keiko: Ah, Mr. Sakura...
Sojiro: Keiko, what did you bring it in here for?!
Keiko, come up with something and fast...
Keiko: Wait! This cat was abandoned for me to find it on the streets, I couldn't let it starve with no home to live in.
Looks like it worked for him to understand.
Sojiro: Oh, I see...But still, Keiko, this place is a restaurant, animals are a no-go...Though I guess you might stay on good behavior if you've got a pet to take care of...Fine...But keep it quiet when we're open for business. And don't let it roam downstairs, or I'll toss it out. Oh, and I'm not gonna take care of it. That's all on you.
It's a deal.
Keiko: I can handle a pet, yes.
Once Sojiro leaves to hear Morgana tell him how he feels about Sojiro.
Morgana: Was that the ruler of this place?
Keiko: Yes, his name is Sojiro Sakura. But I call him "Mr. Sakura" for short. He's in charge of Cafe LeBlanc to own and works to take me in. Pushy at times, but he means well to let me live here for free in return for getting some chores done.
Morgana: He seemed pretty understanding for someone who keeps you cramped up in this dump. Then again, I suppose to normal people I just sound like a meowing cat.
For Sojiro to come back upstairs to give Morgana some food for him to eat, for he thinks he was begging for some from his meowing.
Keiko: You're feeding him?
Sojiro: What of it? Seriously...I had to keep calling in that cute little voice...Keiko, make sure you wash that dish for me afterwards. By the way...have you decided on a name?
Already taken care of anyways to know of Morgana's name to tell Sojiro about it.
Keiko: I was thinking...Morgana would suit this cat.
Sojiro: Morgana? Huh...I was hoping I'd get to name it...
With Sojiro to be leaving now to go home, Morgana was happy to see how kind he can be for Keiko to live with her.
Morgana: Looks like the chief likes me compared to you, Madame Keiko, but I see why deep down he does care. And to be honest, this place is heaven compared to Kamoshida's cells...Remember how you guys asked me before about what I am? To be honest...I don't remember anything about my birth. I think the Metaverse's distortions made me lose both my memories and my true form.
Keiko didn't know for Morgana was telling the truth on how hard his life has been to not finding or turning back at all.
Keiko: I'm sorry, Morgana... (I didn't know...) So is your form human?
Morgana: It has to be. I mean, why else would a cat be able to talk like this? There's no possible explanation. There's no doubt that the distortions were what caused me to lose my real self. I'm sure that once they're purged, I'll finally be able to get that self-back. And I have a pretty good idea on how to do it too. That's why I was in the castle in the first place.
Looking at the food that Sojiro left for Morgana, he was getting hungry to be new to him.
Morgana: Come to think of it, I didn't get hungry over in that world...
Keiko: Really? You never had food before? Well, for you to be on some diet just in case in a cat form would be a wise choice. Try it out, Mr. Sakura makes great meals.
For him to try it out, he likes it for Keiko to clean out the dish afterwards and close the place next.
Morgana: Not bad...Okay, Madame Keiko, let's talk to both you and me. Let me make myself clear - Your taking care of me won't be for nothing. It'll be give and take.
Keiko: Excuse me?
Morgana: Due to my knowledgeable and dexterous nature, I have a lot of Intel on infiltration tools.
In other words, Morgana knows how to make weapons by hand really well.
Keiko: Oh, wow! I didn't know you could do that.
Morgana: You better believe it, Madame Keiko.
Keiko: Could you tell me more?
Before he could, there was one thing Morgana wanted to lay down on Keiko.
Morgana: Hold up...I can't tell you unless we make a deal first.
Keiko: Before that, here's a question...Can you bathe, go to the bathroom on your own, and not go downstairs during Mr. Sakura's work time?
That would be easy for him to be no trouble for Keiko at all.
Morgana: Oh, please...I'm good in this form to do anything. From giving myself a bath from the tub to use. And the bathroom, I can do it in my sleep from the toilet and cleaning out my paws...and I'm quiet all the time to behave myself and to always tag along with you stealth-like. Now then...Here's the scoop – In exchange for you keeping me here, I'll teach you about these tools. How does that sound?
Looks like for Keiko and Morgana to come to an understanding, the deal has been set.
Keiko: Let's do it. (It could be useful for us to use in battle.)
This makes Morgana smile.
Morgana: I like that answer. Hehehe...Then it's a deal.
Keiko: (Morgana seems happy to be living with me. And if he's happy, then I'm happy too.)
Sure looks like it...And another for Sae to hear about from Keiko's story back in the present time, as well as another slot of the Confidant was open...
—-
Tayla: For Sae to understand that Morgana was supposed to be human to be stuck in some creature form to become a house cat in the real world. For Morgana who could make tools for her was something else, and for the lawyer to have trouble understanding all of this at first, was something big for Keiko, Ryuji, Ann, and Morgana to use back in the Metaverse when they fight back. For another slot to be open for Morgana to become friends with Keiko in a new Confidants of Morgan this time.
Sae: Skillful infiltrations and escapes to all manner of places...There's even the possibility that you used special tools and had someone who manufactured them...Answer me!
I am thou, thou art I...Thou hast acquired a new vow.
It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.
With the birth of the Magician Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power...
Tayla: Magician Arcana #4 – Morgana/Mona
In tarot readings, the Magician Arcana is commonly associated with action, initiative, self-confidence, immaturity, manipulation and power (more specifically, the power to harness one's talents). Personas of the Magician Arcana are commonly Personas excelling towards Magic, particularly towards Fire-based elements. As the name suggests, mythological figures associated with the Magician Arcana are often associated with magic themselves, though some are fire deities rather than magicians.
Seems like Morgana's Arcana and Confidant goes up to the first level 1. Having four more people in the slots now for Keiko to make friends with, things are looking pretty well so far.
Keiko: Four new Confidants for me, this is great.
Morgana: I'll lecture you about the infiltration tools over time. By the way, the powers you used in the Palace, Madame Keiko, were seriously amazing.
Keiko: You really think so, Morgana?
Keiko was getting better at it and so will the others over time.
Morgana: I do. The stronger your power gets, the more reliable it'll be as a trump card. All right, I'm gonna stick with you wherever you go from today on. Personas are the strength born from one's heart. Depending on what kind of life experience you gain, I bet it'll affect that power as well! And if you become acquainted with capable people, you might learn various useful skills, too...You got it, Madame Keiko?
I think she gets the idea already.
Keiko: Understood, I guess...
Morgana: Then I except great things from you. Don't let me down now, OK?
She gets it.
Keiko: Sure thing.
Morgana: Also, I'll accompany you when you go out. Don't worry, it's free of charge. Getting around in cat form sounds pretty inconvenient, though…Well, it is what it is. I'll just have to deal with being carried in that bag of yours.
It was all good for Keiko and Morgana to make a pack and for him to be living with her as a house cat to act like one, and after text messaging both Ann and Ryuji to be ready to go to Suguru Shadow's castle again next time.
[Ann: Thanks for everything today, Keiko. You saved me, and I didn't even thank you properly.]
[Keiko: It was nothing, Ann, but you should also thank Ryuji too.]
[Ann: Yeah, I did a moment ago with him. Anyway, I wanted to let you know at least. See you tomorrow.]
A nice way to make a guy for a friend first, and now a girl just like Keiko to get along with more.
Morgana: You guys send messages to each other with that thing, right Madame Keiko?
Keiko: I do.
Morgana: I want in too, so I'm gonna have to ask you to type for me. Since I can't do with cat paws.
This made Keiko laugh a little.
Keiko: I get, Morgana. I'll do some for you.
Morgana: At any rate...Is this really a place for someone to live? Anyways...Tomorrow's going to be a busy day. So keep it together, all right?
Keiko: Yes, good night now. (Ann...Ryuji...We can do this.)
Morgana: Madame Keiko, I'm all for teaching you how to make infiltration tools, but you really need to clean your room first...
Keiko: We'll do so when we have some time, Morgana, I promise.
In addition to sitting on the couch, we can also talk to Morgana for some more flavor text related to what we're currently doing.
Morgana: Good night.
Also Morgana wants to get in on the text message chit chat too. And now it was time for both Keiko and Morgana to get some sleep together in bed for Keiko to try to stay strong from Suguru heavily hurting her way through all of this to be stopped, and Morgana lays down on the blanket by Keiko's side.
Keiko: (I feel a strange weight pressing down on my body...Is this the stress of Kamoshida's threat weighing on me…?)
Before the four of them could go back again to the Metaverse, there were a few things to take care of in the next few days to be prepared for anything. Like having some items, weapons, armors, and so on...Just for the first start of stopping a person's desires 'by stealing the treasure from them that is'. Suguru won't get to Keiko at all nor Ann either, expelled Ryuji and Yuuki, or get to anyone else after they're done with him! It will happen real soon. While at night time near the moonlight for the strange female being who was flying around again to watch over the entire city to feel out others who had powers to deal with the issue right away, by any means on what she had in mind.
?: Hmmm...Those gems won't do well from those with twisted desires, so I'm going to need some backup. I better start searching elsewhere.
Whoever this woman had in mind; it could only lead to trouble. Just who was this creature to watch over the real world? And what did she mean by "gems"?