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P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 25: Only The Beginning

On Friday, the rain continued to pour down. Yua couldn’t help but look out the window. Yosuke approached her and put his arm around her shoulder. “It looks like it’s going to get foggy soon.” Yua nodded. “Good thing we saved Yukiko, huh.”

“Yeah,” Yua agreed.

“Something the matter?” Yosuke wondered.

“Not…specifically…” Yua answered.

Yosuke took his arm off of her. “Go on…”

“Well…” Yua replied. “We saved Yukiko now, but…I guess I’m just wondering what’s coming up.”

“Hmmm,” Yosuke said. “I can’t say I’m not, but I think we can handle it.”

“Yeah,” Yua agreed. “It’s just a little scary when you don’t know.”

“Yeah, I know the feeling,” Yosuke replied. “But that’s why we’re doing this: To know.”

Yua smiled. “Thanks.”

Chie came over. “Yukiko’s coming back tomorrow, so I’m going to go spend the night at her place. You know, make sure everything’s OK.”

“That sounds nice,” Yua said.

“Do you want to come over?” Chie said. “Girl’s night?”

Yua shook her head. “Maybe some other time. Yukiko’s still recovering a little. Besides, I’m still getting used to the area here. I don’t know if my uncle wants me out after a certain time,”

“I get it,” Chie said.

“Don’t forget,” Yosuke said, “we’re meeting after school tomorrow to fill Yukiko in on the situation.”

“I know,” Chie said. Yosuke nodded.

Yua also nodded. “We’ll have a lot to discuss. Hopefully we’ll figure something out.”

Morooka came in. “Enough yammering! Get in yer seats and SHADDUP!” They took their seats, and the day began.

Once the day ended, Yosuke offered “Um, do you wanna hang out again?”

Yua thought about it, but shook her head. “I think it’s better for me to go straight back. Calm the nerves, you know. Besides, not much we can do when it’s pouring down like this.”

“Fair,” Yosuke said. “Well, see you tomorrow then.”

“Later,” Yua waved goodbye. She headed out, and went back to the Dojima residence. She hung around for a little while, working on homework, as well as finding other ways to amuse herself. She found herself appreciating the quiet. Back in her hometown it would be fairly loud and somewhat distracting, even at home. She liked the peace in Inaba. And even though the rain was pretty loud, it wasn’t miserable. In fact, it felt poetic in a way.

Eventually Nanako and Ryotaro came back. The three of them ate dinner while watching TV. The weather report mentioned fog rolling in, and Yua breathed a silent sigh of relief. Nanako then changed the channel. “Hey!” Ryotaro chastised. “How many times have I told you not to change the channel suddenly?”

The advertisement on the TV began “At Junes, we’re open during Golden Week. Come stop by to see our holiday specials. Every day’s great at your Junes!”

Nanako repeated the jingle. “Every day’s great at your Junes!” She turned to her father. “Dad! Did you hear that Junes is open during Golden Week?”

Ryotaro chuckled. “I heard. Do you want to do something for the long holiday?”

Nanako nodded. “I wanna go to Junes!”

“Heh, uh,” Ryotaro chuckled nervously, “we can go to Junes any time.” Nanako slightly pouted. Ryotaro relented. “Fine.” He looked at Yua. “You’re coming too, OK?”

Yua nodded. “I don’t have anything better to do.”

“Great,” Ryotaro said. He stood up. “I think it’s time for bed.” He started heading towards his room. Nanako followed suit. Yua headed upstairs to her room as well. However, she wasn’t going to go to sleep right away.

Since it was a rainy evening, she decided to watch The Midnight Channel. She hoped no one was on it. They had just rescued someone. To have to rescue someone else straight away, maybe even someone they didn’t know as well as Yukiko, would be harrowing. Still, she had to do it.

Once the clock struck midnight, she looked at the TV. It went all staticy and started buzzing, but no one appeared, not even a silhouette. Yua sighed, relieved. As she was about to turn in though, she heard a voice. “Hmmm,” the voice said. Yua turned back around. “Perhaps next time it shouldn’t be someone so beloved. Then again, fate is the one who decides these things.”

“‘Fate’?” Yua wondered. “How is fate deciding this?”

“Oh?” the voice repeated. “Are you the savior?”

“If I am?” Yua replied.

“Heh. Well, I’m here to have fun,” the voice answered. “Maybe you should learn to do the same.”

“Who are you?!” Yua demanded.

The voice scoffed. “Wouldn’t you like to know…” The static faded, and Yua could clearly see her reflection in the barren TV screen once more.

Yua pounded her fists in anger. “Izanagi!”

“Yes?” Izanagi said, appearing.

“You heard all that, right?” Yua inquired. Izanagi nodded. “Was that person in your world?”

“No,” Izanagi said. “But I did sense a connection.”

“How so?” Yua wondered.

“Do you remember when we first got here we had that weird dream?” Izanagi said.

“You mean with the fog, the doors, and that antagonistic voice?” Yua remembered.

Izanagi nodded. “Yeah. That one. I think it might be the same person.”

Yua grew confused. “How come this hasn’t happened before?”

“I suspect whoever this voice is was looking through a TV of their own,” Izanagi said. “Or at least in some way connected to the other side.”

“Hmm,” Yua said. “This is troubling.”

“If it helps, I don’t believe they know who you are either,” Izanagi said.

“I guess that’s reassuring,” Yua shrugged. She yawned. “Just one more thing to discuss with the others. She started getting ready for bed. “Goodnight Izanagi.”

“Goodnight,” Izanagi said. He faded. Yua got into bed, and fell asleep.

The next morning Yua was heading to school, when she heard Chie yell “HEY!” She turned around to see Chie approaching her. She giggled. “Guess who’s back?” She stepped aside to reveal Yukiko walking over.

Yua smiled. Yukiko approached her. “Welcome back,” Yua said.

“Thanks,” Yukiko said.

Yua got a little more serious. “How are you feeling?”

Yukiko slightly frowned. “I’m…feeling alright, but…you heard all that stuff…stuff I didn’t want anyone to hear…stuff that I didn’t even know I had in me.”

“We all have stuff like that,” Yua said. “What’s important is how you deal with it.”

“Hmmm,” Yukiko said. “Well, I have been thinking about it. A lot. When you’re recovering, there’s a lot of time to think. But I think having that time to think was beneficial. Before, I never really thought of what I wanted. I just went along with it. There was a part of me that resented it, but I just kept going, because, well, what was I going to do anyway? But seeing it explode like that…it made me consider actually giving some thought to everything.”

Yua placed a hand on Yukiko’s shoulder. “It sounds like you’re miles ahead of where you were already.”

Yukiko chuckled. “I suppose that’s true. But I’ve still got a ways to go.”

Yua nodded. “Don’t we all?” Yukiko nodded.

“C’mon!” Chie interjected. “You don’t want to be late on your first day back, do ya?”

“Oh. I guess not. Let’s go!” The three girls charged ahead.

After school, Yua, Yosuke, and Chie were gathered on the roof. Yukiko then came up with some soba for Chie and udon for her. “Here you go,” Yukiko said, giving Chie’s bowl to her.

“Oh MAN!” Chie yelled, excitedly. “I’ve missed this.”

Yukiko chuckled. “Well, you’re going to have to wait a little longer. It’s still a little too hot.”

“Mmmm,” Chie pouted. “Well, I’m just glad you’re back.”

“Speaking of,” Yosuke interjected, “what do you remember about…you know…getting kidnapped?”

Yukiko froze for a second. “It’s a bit hazy. I remember hearing the doorbell ringing, someone calling for me, and then…that’s it, really. The next thing I recall was waking up in that castle.”

“Hmmm,” Yosuke grimaced.

“Well, what happened at the castle?” Yua asked. “You mentioned meeting Madrid?”

“Madrid?” Yukiko wondered.

“That woman wearing those headphones,” Yua clarified.

“Oh, right,” Yukiko remembered. “Well…” She began regaling the story of her awakening in the castle.

Yukiko woke up in the throne room. “Huh? Where am I?” She looked around. “This doesn’t look like the inn.”

“Correct,” Madrid said.

Yukiko turned towards her. “Who are you?! Did you bring me here?”

“Hm hm,” Madrid chuckled. “Silly child. I don’t have the capacity to bring people in here. But now that you are, we need to discuss some things.”

“Like what?” Yukiko asked, tentatively.

“Well,” Madrid said, gesturing to the castle, “what do you think?”

“What do I think?” Yukiko replied, confused.

Madrid nodded. “This is your castle after all.”

“It is?” Yukiko wondered.

Madrid nodded. “However, it’s only yours temporarily…” She drew her bell. “Unless you agree to follow me to salvation.”

“What do you mean?” Yukiko asked.

Madrid shook her head. “Dear child, everyone in town knows you as the heiress to the inn.” She raised her bell up. “But you don’t have to listen to them anymore. You don’t have to listen to anyone. You get to make the rules.”

“Uh, I mean, sure?” Yukiko replied. “But, um, I’m fine?”

Madrid lowered her bell. “Are you?” She approached her. “You always let others tell you what to do. You let the world tell you that you’re going to be the next person who will run the family inn. You let Chie decide what you do when you hang out.”

“You leave Chie out of this!” Yukiko demanded.

“Oh? Struck a nerve, did I?” Madrid replied. “Well, it just so happens that Chie also has voices that she’d like to shut out. And when she gets here, I’ll be more than glad to shut them out for her. And once she’s with me, you’ll have no choice but to follow.”

“Chie’s stronger than this,” Yukiko said.

“Is she now?” Madrid replied. “Or is she just leaning on you, pushing you down?”

“That’s enough!” Yukiko snapped.

“Heh heh,” Madrid chuckled. “Well, you have some time before the shadows frenzy. I’ll check in with you beforehand to see if you’re ready.”

“My answer will be ‘no’,” Yukiko determined.

“Hm. So you say,” Madrid said. “But let’s take a peek at what’s really going on.”

“Good evening!” Yukiko’s voice rang out.

“Is that me?” the real Yukiko said.

“Tonight, Princess Yukiko has a surprise for you! I’m going to find my own Knight in Shining Armor! Welcome to ‘Not a Hoax, Not a Dream, Princess Yukiko’s Hunt for Her Prince Charming!’ And might I mention that while this lovely dress is very demure, I do have on some lacy unmentionables to help score my stud! I’m off to catch a whole host of dreamboats who will make my dream come true! Here I goooooo~!”

“Wha-What was that?” Yukiko said.

“It’s your desire made manifest,” Madrid said. “She’s the one that runs this castle. You can, of course, usurp her.” she waved her bell around, “but that requires you to shut out the voices that oppress you.” Yukiko was concerned. “But while your ears still function fully, maybe you need to listen to what you really think. Seeya!” She started walking away.

Back in the present, Yukiko finished her story. “And then my Shadow came, and started talking to me. I ignored it as best I could, but when you got there…”

“I see,” Yosuke said.

“Sorry,” Chie said.

“No, it’s fine,” Yukiko replied. “I needed to face that part of myself. Besides, you all saved me from being trapped in there, right?”

“And eventually dying, yes,” Yosuke said. Yukiko seemed concerned. “Saki-senpai and that announcer were also forced into the TV world, and that’s how they ended up dying.”

“Oh. Oh…” Yukiko reacted.

Yua nodded. “But that’s why we’re on the case. We’re here to stop whoever is throwing people in the TV. I mean, I love my uncle and all, but I don’t think he, or the rest of the police, are going to believe any of this.”

“True…” Yukiko said. “Alright, count me in!”

“Huh?” Chie said.

“I want to figure this out as well,” Yukiko said. “Whoever’s doing this is hurting real people. If I have the opportunity to help others, I will. Besides, they tried to kill me, and have killed two other people. And like you said, the police won’t buy any of this. So it’s really up to us to solve this. And I don’t intend to look back.”

Yua smirked. “Well then, welcome to the team.”

“Thanks,” Yukiko said.

Crocodile-Investigation Team: Rank 2

“So, where are we in the investigation so far?” Yukiko wondered.

“Oh right!” Yosuke said. “We’ve been mulling over some of the details. I think our biggest lead so far is that everyone this person has kidnapped is a woman who is related to the first incident with Yamano. Yua and I were trying to figure some more stuff out earlier, but it just drove us in circles.”

“Also…” Chie said, “whoever’s been kidnapped was seen in The Midnight Channel. Even before they appeared on the other side.”

“Right,” Yosuke said. “We saw you, Yukiko. That’s why we tried warning you.”

“I see,” Yukiko said. “Well, since we know that, maybe we could use that to our advantage.”

“You mean, the next time we see someone on The Midnight Channel, we can try to intervene?” Yua wondered.

“That’s what I’m thinking,” Yukiko said.

“But they got you answering the front door,” Chie said.

“Yeah,” Yosuke said. “Talk about bold.”

“How did no one else notice?” Chie wondered.

“Well, it was pretty busy,” Yukiko said. “A lot of people were coming and going.” The others pouted. “But maybe the next person they target won’t be at a busy location. So I think it’s worth a shot.”

Yua nodded. “I agree.”

Yosuke looked at Chie. “By the way, shouldn’t that be ready?” He pointed to the soba bowl.

“Huh?!” Chie reacted. “Oh! Yeah!” She and Yukiko opened their bowls and began chowing down.

Yua’s stomach growled. “Eh heh. I…don’t suppose you have a spare bowl.”

“Mmm,” Yosuke groaned. “C’mon. Let’s go to Junes. We’ve been upping our steak game. I think you should try it.”

“Steak?!” Chie said. “I want steak!”

“You have that soba,” Yosuke said. “Don’t worry, I’ll let you eat it at Junes.”

“Mmmm,” Chie pouted. “Well, this soba is really good.”

“So is this udon,” Yukiko pointed out. “Sorry. I should have gotten more food.”

“It’s fine,” Yua said.

“Well then, off to Junes!” Yosuke declared. The four of them headed out. Once they arrived, Yosuke announced “And here we are! Are you ready for some steak?”

“Yeah!” Chie said.

“I was asking Yua,” Yosuke said. “Besides, you have your…” Yosuke noticed something. “What happened to your bowls?”

“We finished them,” Yukiko said.

“Yeah, we chowed down while we were walking here!” Chie said. “So…steak?”

Yosuke sighed. “I can’t believe you’re still hungry. Fine. Besides, I have your Trial of the Dragon here anyway!”

Chie gasped. “You do?!”

Yosuke nodded. “I said I’d replace it. What do you take me for? Just wait at the table while I get it, and some steaks.”

“Got it!” Chie said. The three girls took a seat, while Yosuke went off to get the food and Chie’s replacement DVD.

Once he got back, he started promoting the store’s steaks. “We’ve been doing our best to honor the town’s signature dish. We didn’t want to just go with any old steaks, so we got the best of the best. Plus, they are grilled on our signature grills.”

“This is just a yakisoba griddle,” Chie pointed out. “But steak is steak.” The three girls started eating.

Yukiko swallowed her steak. “So, anything else about the culprit?”

“Huh? Oh yeah,” Yosuke said. “What about that singer, Hiiragi?”

Chie swallowed her steak. “Um, she had an alibi though. Plus, it seems like she and Namatame were already split up.”

“Really?” Yosuke said. “You’re really on top of things.”

“I do my research!” Chie defended.

“So, does that mean that Saki-senpai noticed something?” Yua wondered.

“Probably,” Yukiko said. “But ‘what?’ is the mystery.”

Meanwhile, Adachi loudly walked about. “I thought this town would be dull, but it seems like it’s anything but. Oh man, they updated their menu?!”

The team looked over. “Isn’t that that detective?” Chie asked.

“How do you know him?” Yosuke wondered.

“Chie and I saw him blow chunks when investigating the muder of Miss Yamano,” Yukiko informed him.

“Huh. Well, he also talked with us when we were nabbed by the police,” Yosuke replied.

“You got arrested?” Yukiko wondered.

“It’s…nothing,” Yosuke said.

“Yosuke was waving around some weapons, and the cops thought they were real,” Yua told her.

“Hey!” Yosuke said. “She doesn’t need to know that.”

Adachi noticed Yua sitting with her friends. “Huh.” He walked over. “Oh hey. You’re Dojima’s niece, right?”

“Yeah?” Yua replied.

“Tell Nanako he’ll be home on time,” Adachi said.

“Oh. Well that’s good to know,” Yua said.

“Say,” Chie interjected, “do you think Saki-senpai was killed because she noticed something.”

“Oh,” Adachi responded. “Going straight for the jugular, eh? Well, I guess so. It seems to be the most reasonable conclusion. After all, there’s no reason for Miss Hiiragi to go after her of all people. Besides, she’s not even here. I think it might be someone who knew Miss Konishi fairly well. I mean, why else would she have been killed so soon after Miss Yamano?

Oh crap! I’m going off again, aren’t I? Well, uh, just forget you heard this, OK? And if you have to remember, you didn’t hear it from me. Have a nice day!” He started walking off.

“Hey Chie? Yukiko?” Yua asked. “He gives off big bottom energy, right?”

“Not this again,” Yosuke said.

“What?” Chie wondered.

“Yua seems to think Adachi has a thing for her uncle,” Yosuke said.

“Well, I’m just hypothesizing, Yua said. “I don’t entirely think he does, but I feel like there’s more to him than meets the eye. I just want to believe it’s a crush. You know, feel a little less alone in the world.”

“I see…” Yosuke reacted.

“Hmmm,” Yukiko pondered. “I think he’s more of a power bottom, if you ask me.”

“Really?” Chie said.

Yukiko nodded. “He gives off beta energy, but he’s just waiting for someone to take his bait.”

“Huh. Interesting,” Yua pondered. “Maybe he’s hiding his dominant side for someone special.”

Yosuke sighed. “Whether or not that’s the case, can we please let him have his private life? I don’t think it’s good to spread rumors like that.”

Yua shrugged. “Fair enough. Let’s get Yukiko suited up.”

“Huh?” Yukiko said.

“We’re going into the TV world to get you more acquainted with Teddie,” Chie explained.

“Oh, I see,” Yukiko replied. She got up. “Let’s go.” Yua nodded, and stood up. The others followed, and they headed to the electronics department. Once they made sure the coast was clear, they slipped into the TV world.

Teddie approached the group. “I see Yukiko-chan’s back on her feet!”

Yukiko nodded. “Hello again. Teddie, was it?”

“Yes ma’am!” Teddie replied. “I’m so glad you remembered me!” Chie placed a hand on Yukiko’s shoulder. “Yukiko here’s going to join our cause!”

“I see…” Teddie said. “To be honest, I had a feeling that was going to be the case. So I made these!” He handed Yukiko a pair of pink glasses.

Yukiko put them on. “Oh wow! You really can’t see the fog here with these, huh. It’s like night and day.”

Yua chuckled. “I think Chie said the same thing.”

“So,” Yosuke wondered, “are you making these?”

“Correct!” Teddie responded. “I don’t have much to do here when you’re not around. So I do stuff like this.”

“But how can you see?” Yukiko asked. “Surely you need a pair of glasses.”

“A great question!” Teddie said. “You see, my eyes are the lenses.”

“Well, I guess it makes sense,” Yosuke said. “He is from here after all.”

“Precisely!” Teddie declared, striking a dramatic pose.

As he did, something fell out from one of his pockets. Yukiko glanced over. “What’s that?”

“Oh!” Teddie said, noticing what he had dropped. “Those are a pair of glasses that I kinda screwed up.”

Yukiko picked them up, looked at them, and put them on. “How do I look?”

“Yukiko…” Chie said.

Yukiko giggled. “I kind of want to wear these instead.”

“Well, sorry to disappoint,” Teddie said, “but like I said, I screwed them up. They don’t work.”

Yua snickered as well. “They do look good on you though, Yukiko.”

“Really?” Chie said.

“Do you want to try them, Yua-chan?” Yukiko offered.

“Sure,” Yua said. Yukiko gave her the glasses. “Ta-da!”

Yukiko snorted. “You look excellent.”

“Yua took them off. “Now you try it!” she said, forcing them on Yosuke.

“Uh-WAIT, what do I have to try it?”! Yosuke asked.

“Captain’s orders,” Yua answered.

“Mmmmm,” Yosuke groaned.

Yukiko snicked some more. “Lookin’ good, Yosuke!”

“Ugh…” Yosuke grounded some more.

Chie chuckled. “You know Yosuke, I think these suit you better than the pair you have.”

“Mmm,” Yosuke grunted. “Why don’t you try them on, if you like them so much?!” He put the glasses on Chie.

Chie was unamused. “Do you want me to kill you?”

Yosuke chuckled. “I gotta say,” he replied, “you sound a lot less threatening with those on.”

Meanwhile, Yukiko burst out laughing. “Ch-Chie!...Your glasses…They’re…” She continued laughing.

“Great,” Chie said. “She’s in another one of her laughing fits. Although this is a special occasion, as I don’t think she’s done this unless it was just the two of us.”

“Well, I guess she’s made a full recovery,” Yosuke said.

Yua nodded. “It’s nice to see her in such high spirits. Yukiko continued laughing.

Chie took the glasses off. “Well, as lovely as that all was, I think we should head back. And remember, we gotta keep an eye on The Midnight Channel, OK?” Yua and Yosuke nodded. “Good.” Yukiko was still in her fit. Chie sighed. “I guess I gotta calm her down, huh.” The four of them left the TV world.

Once outside, Yua nodded. “Well, seeya soon!”

“Oh, hold on!” Yosuke said. He took out a DVD. “Here Chie.”

Chie was surprised. “Huh.” She took the DVD.

“You didn’t believe me?” Yosuke asked.

“I believed you,” Chie said. “It’s just…a pleasant surprise. I mean, having your best friend taken from you by some maniac who can put people into TVs really makes little things like this stand out.”

“Oh,” Yosuke said. “Sorry…”

“No, it’s alright,” Chie said. “I’m glad I didn’t have to press you further.”

Yosuke smirked. “Of course.”

Yukiko giggled, although had since come down from her giggle fit. “You’re such a sweetheart, Chie.”

“I, er, wha?” Chie replied, slightly embarrassed.

“Hm hm,” Yukiko continued. “I know you like to seem tough, but you have a heart of gold.”

“Oh,” Chie replied, blushing even more. “Th-thanks… Anyway, we should probably head home.” They all nodded, and then headed back to their homes.

Meanwhile, in an unknown location, the fragments were gathered. “Nice going, Madrid!” Ursula chided.

“Like you did any better,” Madrid replied.

“Well, at least she didn’t give away our names,” Able stepped in. “Honestly, if you want to give yours away, that’s fine, but be more reasonable.”

“You know she doesn’t listen,” Ursula said. “She thought she could get two people, and ended up with zero.”

“Look who’s talking,” Madrid replied.

“It’s not my fault she came in here when she did,” Ursula said. “I probably could have gotten through to her if I had more time.”

“And that Yosuke kid was what? An afterthought?” Madrid sniped.

“Well, I can’t say he wasn’t on my radar,” Ursula replied. “But my goal was just her from the start.”

“Enough!” the one with one arm said. “We still have the upper hand.”

“She is right,” the animal-like one said. “They still can’t track us. They aren’t closer to knowing who’s putting people in here. And even though they know we’re parts of her, they still have no idea why, or how, or any other piece of that particular puzzle.”

“Although they seem to be getting a hold of things quicker than expected,” the one with the stone mask said. “Perhaps we underestimated them.”

The one in a wheelchair with no legs pouted. “You’re no fun.”

“November is right though,” the one carrying her own head said. “We can’t assume they’ll fall easily. Nor whoever gets put in the TV next.”

“I do kind of wish that happened more frequently,” the animal-like one said.

“That is not up to us,” the one with one arm said.

“I know,” the animal-like one pouted.

A ninth voice echoed through. “Dear children. It’s alright. This is only a minor setback.”

“But Mistress…” Madrid said. “We failed you.”

“You did no such thing,” the mistress replied. “You still have your domains, and I still have you.”

“But what about Yua?” Able said. “She and her friends are going to interfere again.”

“Of course they will,” the mistress said. “That is nothing to worry about.”

“What makes you say that?” Ursula wondered.

“Do you doubt me?” the mistress asked.

“N-No,” Ursula answered, nervously. “N-Not at all.”

“Hm,” the mistress chuckled. “Just remember, you are strong. But she is you. So she is strong.” the fragments nodded in unison. “However, I still have all the cards. And I still have all of you. As long as I have you, she will be empty, and won’t hold a candle to me.”

“Mistress,” November said. “What if she fills the void with something else?”

“Do YOU doubt me?” the mistress said.

“Not at all,” November answered, succinctly. “I’m just weighing all possible outcomes.”

The Mistress chuckled. “Of course. Ever the pragmatist. Hmph. While that is a concern, we have bigger fish to fry. As long as this little mystery is going, our plan will operate in the background uninterrupted. So just go along with it for now. We don’t have much to worry about for the time being. Are we clear?”

“Yes ma’am!” the fragments said in unison.

Back in Inaba, at the Dojima residence, Ryotaro was reading the paper, when he remarked “You know, I think I can get the 4th and 5th off.”

Nanako seemed excited. “Really?!” When Ryotaro didn’t answer, she repeated in a more somber tone “Really?”

“What, you think I’m lying?” Ryotaro remarked.

“It always gets cancelled,” Nanako told him.

“N-Not always…” Ryotaro said, unconvincingly. “I know you wanted to go to Junes, but we could also take a real trip.”

“Really?”! Nanako said, again excited.

“Yeah,” Ryotaro said. “It’s nice to go out every once in a while.”

“Yay!” Nanako cheered. “I want boxed lunches!”

“Well, that sounds good,” Ryotaro said, “but I’m not much of a cook, and you aren’t that skilled yet.”

“I could probably make them,” Yua said.

“You’d do that?” Ryotaro said.

Yua shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

Ryotaro smiled. “Thanks, kid.”

Nanako turned to her. “It’s nice having you around.”

Yua smiled back. “Thanks.” The evening continued, slowly turning to night.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 24: Clear as a Rainy Day

After school Thursday, Chie looked over at Yua and Yosuke. “I’m going to go check on Yukiko. I think she’ll be coming back to school either tomorrow or the day after.”

Yua smiled. “Well that’s wonderful!”

Chie nodded. “Yeah. But since it is raining, we should check The Midnight Channel to make sure no one else is in there.”

“Yeah…” Yosuke said. He sighed.

“Something the matter?” Chie asked.

“Not in particular,” Yosuke said. “I’m just…thinking about Saki-senpai again…I’m glad we haven’t lost Yukiko as well.”

Chie pulled Yosuke in for a hug. “Don’t worry. We’ll bring whoever did this to justice.”

Yosuke gave a nervous smile. “I guess that’s all we can do. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be sorry,” Yua said. “I get it.”

“Thanks,” Yosuke said.

Chie picked up her bag. “I should get going. Yukiko’s mom wants her to get adequate rest, so I have to show up during visiting hours.”

Yua waved goodbye. “Later!” Chie walked out of the room.

“Say…” Yosuke said. “Do you want to stop by Junes? I…just wanna talk…”

Yua shrugged. “OK.”

Yosuke nodded. “Thanks.” He stood up. “Let’s head out.” Yua stood up, and both of them headed to Junes.

They found a table under an umbrella. They got some food and sodas, and started eating. “So,” Yua asked, “what’s on your mind?”

Yosuke looked troubled. “Like…hmmmmm…. I know why you to an extent, but why us? Why Chie and me?”

Yua was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Well, why is it us that got dragged into this?” Yosuke asked.

“I guess…” Yua pondered. “It’s because you indulged me.” Yosuke was confused. “Like, I guess it didn’t have to be you, per say, but it was you because you wanted to help me.”

“Well,” Yosuke said, “that’s mainly because you helped me. But…I guess I needed it, to a degree. I mean, most people would have left me by the wayside. And to an extent, I feel like they’d be right to do so.”

“How come?” Yua inquired.

“Really?” Yosuke said, gesturing to Junes.

“Oh. Yeah…” Yua said.

Yosuke sighed. “I guess Chie was in a similar boat. You didn’t know until her shadow said anything, so she thought maybe she’d make a good first impression.”

“I guess that’s true,” Yua said. “But I’m relatively new to this town. Anyone could make a good first impression on me. Well, except for Mr. Morooka.”

Yosuke chuckled. “Yeah, King Moron does not make a good impression.” They both shared a chuckle. “Back to my original point though, I think it’s because we needed to really evaluate ourselves and what we want. I think that’s sort of what drew us to you. Birds of a feather, and all that jazz.”

“I see,” Yua replied.

“And that’s also what’s kind of happening with Yukiko,” Yosuke continued. “And to an extent, Miss Yamano and Saki-senpai as well. I mean, I can’t speak to them with 100% certainty, but from what we’ve seen of Yukiko’s Castle, it feels similar.”

“Hmm,” Yua thought. “But you know, I think everyone has that in them to some extent.”

“Maybe…” Yosuke said. He got an idea. “But, there is something else that sticks out.”

“What is it?” Yua asked.

“Wel, you’re new here,” Yosuke said. “That’s generating buzz. I’m also sort of new here, and my dad owns Junes. Chie’s, well…”

“You can say it,” Yua said. “She’s trans.”

“Yeah!” Yosuke said, nervously. “But…I don’t know how loudly I should be saying it.”

“Fair…” Yua replied.

“Anyway, it’s not just that,” Yosuke said. “Yukiko’s mom is pressuring the whole town into going along with it. And Yukiko herself is the daughter of the owner of the biggest attraction in town. The story of Miss Yamano has been going around, and, well, we heard what the people were saying about Saki-senpai behind her back.”

“So, you think it’s people with a buzz around them?” Yua replied. “Honestly, that might make sense for the victims, but for us? Well, you two, anyways?”

“Hmmm,” Yosuke said. “Well, maybe you found us first.”

“As romantic as that sounds,”Yua began.

“R-romantic?” Yosuke wondered.

“Not like love, but like,” Yua said, “you know, idyllic. Picture perfect. But as neat as that sounds, I also found Yukiko first.”

“Mmmm,” Yosuke grunted. “I thought I had something.”

“Maybe you do,” Yua said. “But we don’t know how all the pieces fit together yet. But I do know that my piece fits with you and Chie, and we’ve already saved Yukiko, and we can continue on from there.”

Yosuke smiled. “I guess that’s true.” He sighed. “I guess I’ve been too busy looking at the bigger picture to see what’s in front of me. I’m missing the trees for the forest. I kind of just wrote myself off as this invasive person that I never thought someone might be genuine friends with me. I guess it just took a special kind of person to break me out of that.”

Yua blushed slightly. “Well…I don’t know how special I am…”

“Well, you’re special to me,” Yosuke said. “And no matter what happens, you’ve helped change me for the better.”

Yua smiled. “Thanks.”

“No,” Yosuke replied. “Thank you.”

Magician-Yosuke Hanamura: Rank 3

Yosuke sighed. “I wish we were somewhat closer to figuring this out. But I suppose once we ask Yukiko what happened we’ll find something.” Yua nodded. “Hm. You know, I came into this just wondering what my place was here, but it turned into all of this.”

Yua shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

Yosuke smirked. “I know you don’t. I don’t think I’d tell someone else all of this.” Yua giggled. “Still, I’m glad to have someone,” Yosuke said. “Like I said before, I didn’t think I really had anyone to count on. And despite the circumstances, I like that we became friends.”

Yua giggled. “Me too.” They finished eating, and headed home for the evening.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) The Chariot and The Muzzled Lion (Part 2)

Tuesday evening, Chie had gotten a text from Kou.

Kou: So there was an incident this afternoon.

Kou: Ai snapped at Yua.

Kou: We sorted it out, but I feel like we should talk.

Kou: Are you free after school tomorrow?

Chie was concerned. She responded quickly.

Chie: Yeah. See you then.

Kou: Great!

Chie let out a frustrated sigh. “I KNEW I shouldn’t have trusted her! Hmph. Well, he said it was fine. Mmmm. Well, I’m sure we’ll figure this out.”

The next day after school, she was just about to get ready to leave when she noticed Ai at the door to their classroom. “There you are.” She approached them, looking at Yua. “We need to talk. Let’s go.”

“Hold it!” Chie objected. “If you have something to say, you can say it to us.”

“Yeah,” Yosuke said, backing Chie up.

“Um, no?” Ai replied. “In case she hasn’t told you, she’s the deputy sports team manager, and I’m the sports team manager. And right now, we’re going to have a conversation regarding sports team management. So that doesn’t include any non sports team management people, which is you.”

“Well, what if we were her deputies?” Yosuke asked, indignant.

Ai was confused. “Um, that would have to go through me, which…yup, I just decided, no.”

Yua stood up. “It’s OK. I’ll be fine. Worst case scenario, I can just leave.”

Ai was even more confused. She muttered under her breath “...please don’t…”

“Are you sure?” Chie said.

Yua nodded. “Positive.”

“Well, OK then…” Chie relented.

“Don’t hesitate to call one of us if things go south,” Yosuke said.

“What makes you think things will go south?” Ai asked, indignant.

“Every interaction I’ve had with you,” Yosuke said.

“Huh?” Ai reacted. “I don’t think I ever talked to you.”

“This is what I mean,” Yosuke replied.

“Well, whatever,” Ai huffed. “Yua! Let’s go!” Ai started leaving. Yua followed her. As she was leaving, she gave Yosuke and Chie a thumbs up to assure them she’d be OK.

Chie let out a sigh. “Do you really think she’ll be OK?” Yosuke asked.

“I mean, she said she would,” Chie answered. “We can’t treat her like we’re doting parents and she’s a child. If she’s going to lead us through that crazy world, I think we should give her enough space to handle things on her own.”

“Mmm. You’re probably right,” Yosuke said. “It’s just difficult sometimes, knowing what I know.”

Chie looked at him. “What do you know?”

Yosuke responded “If she hasn’t told you yet, I don’t think I should be the one to say it.”

“I see,” Chie replied. If I had to guess, it’s probably about the attempted suicide. She stood up. “Anyhoo, I’ve got someplace I gotta be.” “Where?” Yosuke asked.

“Secret mission,” Chie replied.

“Ugh,” Yosuke said. “Why can’t you keep me in on this?”

“I have my reasons,” Chie said.

“Ugh. Whatever,” Yosuke said. “I’ll figure it out sooner or later.”

“You wish,” Chie teased. “Later!” She rushed off. She was meeting with Kou about what happened with Ai and Yua yesterday. Despite saying she didn’t want to be this doting parent to Yua, she wanted to keep this connection to make sure Ai didn’t get too nasty.

Once she met up with Kou, he said “Hey Chie!”

“Hey,” she replied.

Kou looked puzzled. “Did something happen?”

Chie sighed. “Ai came in to talk with Yua. Yosuke and I tried to join, but she was adamant on having a private conversation.”

“How’d that turn out?” Kou asked.

“Yua said she would be fine,” Chie told him. “I decided not to push the issue further.”

“Yua’s a strong girl,” Kou assured her. “I’m sure she can handle it.”

“Well, what happened yesterday then?” Chie inquired.

“Well, she came by to help the basketball team,” Kou explained, “but Ai chewed her out, and told her she’s only supposed to support the soccer team. Yua headed over to the field, while I gave Ai a stern talking to. It took some doing, but I managed to get her to apologize. However, when we got to the soccer field, the team informed us that Daisuke took her out for tea to calm her nerves. So we met them at Junes, Ai apologized, and things calmed down.”

“Huh,” Chie reacted.

“I just figured you’d want to know,” Kou said. “Seeing as you set up this little arrangement.”

“Right…” Chie reacted. “But, um, if she’s not going to be working with the basketball team…?”

“I see what you mean,” Kou responded, “but I think we can continue having these talks. I mean, Daisuke and I are best friends, so we talk often enough. Besides, we don’t have to just talk about Ai. We can just talk about whatever. I mean, it doesn’t hurt to have another person to lean on if you need it.”

“Hmmmm,” Chie pondered. “I see your point.”

“But it’s up to you,” Kou said.

Chie thought about it some more. “Well…I don’t mind having another person to talk to. For a while, the only person I could talk to at length about stuff was Yukiko. But since she’s…been absent from school, I’ve had a harder time expressing my thoughts. Although I’ve grown more accustomed to talking with Yua and Yosuke as well. But like you said, it doesn’t hurt to have another person to talk to.”

“Right. Yukiko,” Kou said. “How is she?”

“She’s doing better,” Chie informed him. “I think she’s about ready to come back to school.”

Kou smiled. “Well that’s good.”

Chie nodded. “Still…It’s given me time to think about a lot of things.”

“Like what?” Kou asked.

Chie grew a little flustered. “I…still need to think on that.”

“Hm,” Kou smirked. “Well, when you’re ready, you know I’m here for you.”

Chie smiled. “Thanks.”

The Muzzled Lion-Kou Ichijo: Rank 2

“I should head out soon,” Chie told him. “I still gotta take Yukiko her homework. You know, midterms are coming up soon, and I know she’d hate to be hindered by this.”

Kou chuckled. “You’re a good friend, you know that?”

Chie blushed slightly. “Th-thanks… Well, seeya!”

“Later!” Kou called out. Chie left, and Kou headed out soon after.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 23: Moonlight Shadow

After school Wednesday, Ai burst into the Class 2 classroom. She spotted Yua. “There you are.” She approached her. “We need to talk. Let’s go.”

“Hold it!” Chie objected. “If you have something to say, you can say it to us.”

“Yeah,” Yosuke said, backing Chie up.

“Um, no?” Ai replied. “In case she hasn’t told you, she’s the deputy sports team manager, and I’m the sports team manager. And right now, we’re going to have a conversation regarding sports team management. So that doesn’t include any non sports team management people, which is you.”

“Well, what if we were her deputies?” Yosuke asked, indignant.

Ai was confused. “Um, that would have to go through me, which…yup, I just decided, no.”

Yua stood up. “It’s OK. I’ll be fine. Worst case scenario, I can just leave.”

Ai was even more confused. She muttered under her breath “...please don’t…”

“Are you sure?” Chie said.

Yua nodded. “Positive.”

“Well, OK then…” Chie relented.

“Don’t hesitate to call one of us if things go south,” Yosuke said.

“What makes you think things will go south?” Ai asked, indignant.

“Every interaction I’ve had with you,” Yosuke said.

“Huh?” Ai reacted. “I don’t think I ever talked to you.”

“This is what I mean,” Yosuke replied.

“Well, whatever,” Ai huffed. “Yua! Let’s go!” Ai started leaving. Yua followed her. As she was leaving, she gave Yosuke and Chie a thumbs up to assure them she’d be OK.

Once Ai had found a secluded spot, she stopp. Yua did as well. “So,” Yua asked, “what’s this about?”

Ai sighed. “I’m sorry…”

Yua was surprised. “Is this about yesterday?”

Ai hesitated. “Y-yes and no.” Yua was confused. “It’s a little more complicated than that.” She sighed. “I should have made it clearer from the start. I only wanted you to help with the soccer team.”

Yua was even more confused. “Um, why?”

“Well, partly because when the principal asked me to bring you on, he told me that I should keep work light for you,” Ai explained.

So he did actually ask her to do this?

“I figured focusing on one team is easier than multiple teams,” Ai said. “But both teams are fairly self-sufficient. So the other reason is…well, I just needed time away from the soccer team.”

Yua was curious. “How come?”

“W-well…” Ai said, flustered, “I just do, OK?!”

Yua was a little surprised by the intensity. “OK...”

Ai nodded. “OK then. …So, as your friends may have pointed out, I have a certain reputation. But I feel like if we’re going to work together, we need to be on the same page. So, maybe we should spend time getting to know each other better.”

Yua was a little stunned. “Are you saying we should become friends?”

“Well, I might not use those words,” Ai said. “But if it works for you, then sure.”

Yua nodded. “Alright then.” She reached her hand out. “Let’s get to know each other.”

Ai was a little confused, but then shook Yua’s hand. “Let’s.”

Thou art I… And I am thou…

Thou hast established a new bond…

It brings thee closer to the truth…

Thou shalt be blessed by The Moon Arcana…

Moon-Ai Ebihara: Rank 1

“Well, I suppose that’s enough for today,” Ai said. “I’ve got an appointment later, and can’t stick around. Seeya!” She walked off.

“See ya,” Yua said. Ai didn’t stop. Yua stood around for a minute, before heading off herself.

She found her way to the principal’s office. She knocked on the door. “Come in!” the principal said.

Yua entered. “Um, hi.”

The principal nodded. “Hello.”

“I’m Yua Narukami…”

“I see…”

Yua was a little nervous. “Um, did you ask Ebihara to ask me to be the deputy sports team manager?”

The principal was a little stunned. “I did. I’m surprised she waited this long to ask you.”

“No no,” Yua interjected. “She asked me about a week ago. I just…didn’t think to ask you about it until now.”

“How come?” the principal asked.

“Mainly because everyone I’ve talked to about it suggested that this was a scheme Ebihara cooked up herself,” Yua answered.

“I see,” the principal said. “Well, I did ask her to do it.”

“Why?” Yua wondered.

The principal looked at her intently. “To be honest, I have been made aware of your circumstances, and I wanted you to feel welcome. I didn’t want to push you in any direction, but after Miss Konishi’s untimely death, I wanted to make sure we didn’t have a second student ending up in the obituaries.”

“Oh…I see…” Yua replied.

“Of course I didn’t tell her about your circumstances,” the principal continued. “I know Ebihara can be a bit ill-mannered at times, but I trust the team members enough to be upstanding people. Besides, I imagine having someone around would help Ebihara straighten up a bit herself.”

“Hmmm,” Yua thought.

“Is there anything else I can help you with?” the principal asked.

“Huh? Oh. Not right now,” Yua said.

The principal nodded. “Well, if you need anything, don’t be afraid to come and ask.”

Yua bowed. “Thank you.” She left.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 22: Heating and Cooling

Tuesday after school, Yua decided to take up her duties as deputy sports team manager. She headed to the gym. When she entered, she saw Ai and Kou discussing something. She approached the two of them. “Hey.”

They turned towards her. “Oh, hey Yua!” Kou replied.

“What are YOU doing here?!” Ai snapped.

“Ummm, I’m your deputy?” Yua said. “I thought since I helped out with the soccer team last time, I’d help out with the basketball team.”

Kou nodded. “That makes sense.”

Ai huffed. “Your job is to help the soccer team, got it?!”

“But, um, shouldn't I help manage all the sports teams?” Yua asked.

“I’M in charge, got it?!” Ai said. “So you do what I say! And I say your one and only directive is go help the soccer team!”

“Ummm, y-yes ma’am,” Yua said, somewhat shook. She left the gym, and headed out to the field.

As she got there, she saw the soccer team practicing. Daisuke noticed her, and broke off from the team to rush up to her. “Hey Narukami-chan. What’s up?” He noticed her looking a little pale. “Is something the matter?”

Yua was still a little stunned. “Um, maybe. I don’t know.”

“Wanna talk about it?” Daisuke offered. Yua nodded. She explained what happened. Daisuke sighed. “I was afraid something like this might happen. How are you feeling?”

“Um…a little shook up honestly,” Yua said.

“That’s understandable,” Daisuke said. “Listen, don’t worry about helping out today. We can take care of things. You just wait here, and we can go get some tea after practice.”

Yua shook her head. “It’s OK. I can help.”

“I insist,” Daisuke said.

Yua was shocked, but in a different way. “Are…you sure?” Daisuke nodded. “Well then…”

“Yo,” another soccer team member said. Daisuke and Yua turned to see that the rest of the team had gathered around. “What’s going on?”

Daisuke huffed. “Ebihara yelled at Narukami-chan.”

“Oh,” the team reacted.

“I’m going to take her out for tea after practice,” Daisuke explained.

The rest of the team kind of whispered among themselves. One of them turned back, and said “You can go now.”

Daisuke was confused. “Are you sure?”

They nodded. “Yeah. I mean, you’re the captain. You can afford to miss practice once or twice.”

“Besides,” another member said, “as captain, you are kind of responsible for the welfare of the team. And despite Narukami just joining, she is part of the team.”

Daisuke sighed, smiling. “Thanks guys.” He turned back to Yua. “Well then, you wanna head out?”

“Uh, sure. I guess…” Yua replied.

Daisuke nodded. “Then let’s go.” The two of them headed out.

The two of them found themselves at Junes, drinking tea together. After a sip, Yua relaxed, saying “Ah! That hit the spot.”

Daisuke smirked, but then frowned again. “...Sorry about what happened with Ebihara…”

Yua was a little surprised. “I-I mean…it-it’s alright…”

“No. It’s not,” Daisuke insisted. He sighed. “I know you’re new here, and maybe don’t want to rustle anyone’s feathers, but it’s important that you stand up for yourself, you know.”

“Mmm,” Yua grunted.

“Listen,” Daisuke said. “I know it’s not easy. But that’s what I’m here for. That’s what all your friends are for. It can be hard to stand up for yourself, but with others supporting you, I know you can do it.”

Yua smiled. “Thanks. …For a while, I didn’t have that many friends. So while I tried standing up on my own, I just couldn’t after a while. That’s part of the reason I moved here. Heck, that’s part of the reason I took Ebihara up on her offer. I thought I could maybe make a few friends. And to be fair, I did.” She looked at Daisuke.

Daisuke smiled, and blushed slightly. “Well…still…”

Yua pouted. “I know. I shouldn’t let Ebihara treat me like that. I’m still learning to make my way around here. So thanks for helping me out.”

Daisuke nodded. “Of course.”

Strength-Daisuke Nagase: Rank 2

Daisuke's phone went off. He answered. “Hello?...Kou?...Where am I? I’m at Junes getting tea with Narukami. Why?...Oh, I see…Of course…See you soon…Bye.” He hung up. “Sounds like Kou’s coming to meet us soon.”

Yua nodded. “Alright.”

A little later, Kou and Ai arrived, surprising both Yua and Daisuke. “Ebihara?” Daisuke reacted.

Kou looked at Yua. “Ai has something she wants to say to you.” He nudged her gently.

Ai rubbed the place she was nudged. She then turned to Yua, and said “I’m…sorry for yelling at you like that. As the team manager, I need to set a better example.” She bowed. “I hope that you can forgive me.”

Yua was surprised, but this time less shook. “I’ll, uh…I’ll consider it. Thanks for apologizing.”

“Hmph,” Ai reacted. “I…guess that’s all I can ask for at this point.”

“I gotta say Ebihara,” Daisuke said, “I didn’t expect this coming from you.”

Ai was surprised. “You…you didn’t?”

Daisuke nodded. “Good job.”

“Oh, uh, thanks,” Ai said, a little more flustered.

“Well, I had to convince her to do it,” Kou said.

“Still,” Daisuke said, “when has she ever listened to us?”

“I-I listen!” Ai snapped.

Daisuke decided not to fight her on this, since today was already full of drama. “Well, you did a nice thing. Do you want to join us for tea?”

“Oh, um, sure…” Ai said.

“How ‘bout you, Kou?” Daisuke said.

“Of course,” Kou said.

“Well then, let’s get some more tea,” Daisuke said. They ordered some more tea, and relaxed for a little while. Eventually, they had to leave for the day. It was a bit rocky at the start, but it ended up being a nice time.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) The Magician and The Blazing Light (Part 1)

Monday at lunch, Yosuke headed off on his own. “I’ll be back in a moment,” he told his friends. He found someplace secluded, took out his phone, and made a call.

The voice on the other side answered “Hello?”

“Hey dad,” Yosuke said. “Um, I know I’m helping out at the store, but, um, well, would you mind if I started doing some extracurricular activities at school?”

There was a pause. “Go nuts.”

Yosuke was surprised. “Huh?! Really?”

“Yeah,” his father replied. “Frankly, it’s long overdue. I mean, we’ve been living here for six months, and yet you still think we got here yesterday.”

“Sorry I haven’t adjusted to your standards,” Yosuke said, bitterly. “I mean, it’s not like I was given much of a warning.”

“This is our new home,” Yosuke’s dad said. “You need to start acting like it.”

Yosuke wanted to keep up the back and forth, but knew it could go for hours, and he didn’t have that kind of time. Instead, he sighed, and said “I’m trying. Thanks for letting me do this.”

“Don’t mention it,” Yosuke’s dad said. “Have a good day son.”

“Thanks,” Yosuke said. “You too.” He hung up, and sighed once more. “What’s with that guy? Honestly, it feels like we’re not even father and son at times.” He walked back to the classroom to eat lunch with his friends.

After school, Yosuke found himself standing in front of a door. The sign on it read “Drama Club”. He sighed. “Am I really going to do this? I mean, Yua seems interested in doing something. Heck, even my dad said I could. Mmmm.” He hesitated. He started to turn around, but then remarked to himself “If I leave now, he’s just going to be like ‘so, you couldn’t commit.’ Tch. Like it’s my fault. I had a bunch of other commitments, but then someone decided we’re moving out to the sticks” He huffed. “Fine, I guess we’re doing this.” He opened the door.

When he entered, he saw the club gathered in a circle. “Alright,” the leader said, “let’s move on to tongue twisters. Ready? The sixth chick cheek’s shixth cheep…Arugh!”

One of the girls laughed. “The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep is sick. Honestly, how are you the club leader if you can’t manage that?”

“Mmm,” the leader grunted, rolling his eyes. As he did, his eyes caught a glimpse of Yosuke. “Oh? A new member?”

Yosuke, now noticing all eyes were on him, was a little nervous, but went into it. “Uh, yeah. I’m Yosuke Hanamura. Second year from class 2.” There were some murmurs among the club members, no doubt due to his family’s reputation.

“Hey!” the brisk girl from earlier interjected. “If he wants to join, we should let him.”

“You just want another person to out-perform,” another club member said.

“Even if that is the case,” the leader said, “Ozawa is right, we should let him join.”He reached his hand out. “I’m the club president, Nagai.”

Yosuke shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Once they broke it off, Nagai continued “We don’t have a script just yet, so for now we’re just doing exercises.”

Yosuke nodded. “Uh, just so you know, I might not be able to show up at every practice.”

“That’s alright,” another girl said. “Like we said, we don’t have a whole lot going on at the moment. But I’m sure if you come every so often, you’ll improve your charisma a bit.”

“Oh,” Yosuke replied. “Thanks.”

The kind girl giggled. “Don’t mention it.”

Nagai turned towards her. “See Mi-tan? You’re doing a great job as vice president.”

She got embarrassed. “I told you not to call me ‘Mi-tan’ in front of others.”

“Oh right,” Nagai said. “Sorry.” Both of them started blushing. “Um, anyway, let’s get back to it.” Yosuke joined in the activities for the day.

After a while, Nagai instructed “Alright, I think that’s enough for today.” He turned to Yosuke. “As for your paperwork…”

“I can take care of it,” Ozawa said.

Nagai looked at her. “Are you sure?”

Ozawa nodded. “Yeah. It’s fine.”

Nagai nodded. “Well then…” he turned back to Yosuke. “See you around, I suppose.”

“See you around!” Yosuke replied. The rest of the club headed out.

Ozawa turned toward Yosuke. “Why don’t you practice a little more while I go get your paperwork?” She headed off before Yosuke could answer. He sighed, and then decided to do some of the exercises he was taught.

Ozawa went down to the faculty office to pick up the paperwork. On her way back, she passed by Yua and Ayane. She was a little taken aback by the difference in their stature. “That’s one heck of a dichotomy.” She returned to the club room. “Here you go!”

Yosuke stopped practicing. “Oh. Thanks. He took the paperwork and started filling it out.

Ozawa chuckled. “You know, I wasn’t expecting you to actually practice.”

"Well, I had nothing else to do,” Yosuke said. “Besides, since I might not be here all the time, I might as well practice where I can.”

“Yeah, why are you here if you’re not committing?” Ozawa said.

“Well, uh, part of it is that I have a new friend,” Yosuke said. “She just transferred here, and yet she’s making brigger strides to ingrain herself in the community. I figured I should do the same.”

“I see,” Ozawa said. “Well, if you need any pointers, I’m your girl.”

“Oh,” Yosuke said. “Thanks, um, Ozawa, was it?”

She nodded. She reached her hand out. “Yumi Ozawa.”

Yosuke shook her hand. “Yosuke Hanamura.”

Yumi chuckled. “You told us that.”

Yosuke broke off, slightly embarrassed. “Oh…right…”

Yumi chuckled some more. “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“Same here,” Yosuke said. At that moment, Yosuke felt a surge of energy.

Thou art I… And I am thou…

Thou hast established a new bond…

It brings thee closer to the truth…

Thou shalt be blessed by The Blazing Light Arcana…

The Blazing Light-Yumi Ozawa: Rank 1

“Well, since it’s just the two of us,” Yumi offered, “do you want to improve your form a little more before we leave?”

Yosuke was a little puzzled. Well, if I stay longer, my dad might be upset… Ah, what the heck, he told me to do this, so it’s his fault. “Sure.”

Yumi giggled. “Alright then.” The two of them practiced a little while longer before heading out.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 21: Part of The Band

Monday morning, Yua, Yosuke, and Chie congregated in their classroom. “How’s Yukiko doing?” Yosuke asked.

“She’s doing OK,” Chie answered. “Her parents are a little worried about her returning to school.”

“I can imagine,” Yua said. “If your child went missing, you’d probably be very concerned.”

Yosuke nodded. “Well, at least she’s not in danger any more. I hope she recovers soon. I really want to talk to her about what she knows. Maybe we’ll figure out something that can help us take out Mandy, or whoever.”

“Madrid,” Yua corrected. “But yeah.”

Chie sighed. “Well, like it or not, Yukiko needs time to recover, so we just have to wait.”

“Ugh,” Yosuke groaned. “Waiting sucks. What am I supposed to do?”

“Well, maybe you can join a club or something,” Chie said. “I dunno. It might pass the time.”

“Hmmm,” Yua said. “Maybe I should.”

“Are you in any clubs, Chie?” Yosuke asked.

She shrugged. “Not really.”

“Then why are you lecturing us?” Yosuke asked.

“Well you’re the one wound up so tight you’re pooping diamonds!” Chie snapped back.

“I wish…” Yosuke said.

“I think it’s at least worth trying,” Yua told Yosuke. “I mean, we’re both new here. It might be a good way to make friends.”

“Mmmmm,” Yosuke reacted. “Well, when you put it like that…I guess it couldn’t hurt. I’ll think about it as well.”

Morooka entered the room. “Alright, pipe DOWN ya little brats! Class is in SESSION now!” The students begrudgingly started paying attention.

After school, Yua headed over to one of the club rooms. She looked at the sign. “Symphonic Band.” She sighed. “Here goes nothing.” She opened the door.

As she wandered in, the club was in the middle of practice. It sounded pretty decent. Once they stopped, the band leader instructed “Alright, great job everyone. The timing’s a little off, and I heard a few sour notes, but nothing a little more practice won’t help. Oh, right, and uh, Matsunaga, can you stop by the faculty office for the key?”

A short girl near the front of the brass section nodded. “Yes sir!” She set down her trombone, and started heading off. Unfortunately, she wasn’t quite looking where she was going, and ran into Yua. And due to their size difference, she face planted into Yua’s breasts. Once she backed up and realized the situation, she got embarrassed. “Ehhhhhhhhh. S-sorry.”

Yua also got slightly embarrassed. “It’s…fine. It happens all the time. So, um, I’d like to join the club.”

Matsunaga was a little more surprised and a little less embarrassed. “Oh. Um, OK.” She turned over to face the others. “Captain!” The leader walked over. "We have a potential new member."

He looked over Yua. “So, you want to join the club?”

Yua nodded. “That’s right.”

“What do you play?” the captain asked.

“Trumpet,” Yua answered.

“Hm. I see,” the leader replied. He reached his hand out. “I’m Daichi Kuroda, the club leader.”

Yua shook his hand. “Yua Narukami.”

Daichi smirked. They let go. “Well then.” He turned to the club. “Attention everyone! We have a new member! Please welcome Yua Narukami!” The club welcomed her. Daichi turned back to Yua. “Why don’t you just watch for today? You can join in next time. Oh, and uh, why don’t you go with Matsunaga when she gets the key to file the paperwork for you to join.”

“Um, wasn’t I supposed to get it now?” Matsunaga asked, sheepishly.

Daichi shrugged. “It can wait. For now, let’s show our new member our chops!”

Matsunaga nodded. “Right!” She sat back down and picked up her trombone.

“Alright then!” Daichi instructed. “And a one, and a two…” the band started playing some more. Yua was enjoying it, tapping her foot to the beat. She noticed Matsunaga looking determined, but she seemed a little bit awkward.

Once they had finished for the day, the rest of the band left, leaving Matsunaga and Yua there alone. “Um, are you going to leave as well? Oh, uh, right, of course! Your paperwork. Let’s go!” She started heading out, and Yua followed. On their way, Matsunaga said “Sorry again. For earlier.”

Yua smirked. “It’s alright. Really. Like I said, it happens fairly often.”

“Sounds rough,” Matsunaga replied.

“It…can be,” Yua said. “But I manage.”

Once they got to the faculty office, Matsunaga handed Yua the paperwork. “I’m going to go get the key, so take your time and fill it out.” Yua nodded. She began filling it out, while Matsunaga went looking for the key.

“Annnnnnd done!” Yua said, after a while.

“I got the key!” Matsunaga said. Yua handed her the paperwork. “Thank you.” She looked a little concerned. “Um, while we appreciate you joining the club, you’re probably not likely to perform when we’re invited to do concerts.”

Yua nodded. “That’s fine. I just joined because I’m new here, and I wanted to make some new friends. I used to be in the band club at my old school, so this was a logical leap.”

“What made you come out here?” Matsunaga asked.

Yua didn’t really want to discuss the extreme part of her reasoning with someone she just met, so she was a little flustered to pair it down. “Well…my parents are working abroad currently, so I came here to live with my uncle.”

Matsunaga nodded. “I see. Well, I was just telling you that because I also don’t usually get a seat when the club does concerts. I just wanted to be honest with you on that.”

Yua smiled. “Well then, I think maybe we should stick together, don’t you? I mean, if we’re not going to be doing any concerts, we might as well make the most of it, right?”

Matsunaga was impressed. She nodded, determined. “Right!” She reached her hand out. “Ayane Matsunaga.”

Yua shook her hand. “Yua Narukami.”

Once they let go, Ayane giggled. “Let’s be friends from now on, OK?”

“OK!” Yua replied.

Thou art I… And I am thou…

Thou hast established a new bond…

It brings thee closer to the truth…

Thou shalt be blessed by The Sun Arcana…

Sun-Ayane Matsunaga: Rank 1

Ayane nodded. “I’m gonna go lock up the room now. You can head home if you want.”

Yua shrugged. “I’ll stick around. What are friends for?”

Ayane giggled. “Thanks.” They went to lock the door, and then started walking home together.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 20: Malaise Haze

On Sunday, Yua was walking around town. She wanted to clear her head a little. She and her team rescued Yukiko, and now they were waiting for her to recuperate. She’d hope maybe they’d get something out of this. However, something in her told her it wasn’t going to be that easy.

As she was walking, she saw Marie standing outside next to the door to The Velvet Room. She approached. “Hey,” she called out. Marie looked over at her. “Fancy meeting you like this.”

“Tch,” Marie said. “I just wanted to get out of there for a bit. Margaret was lecturing me again.”

“Well…” Yua said, “if it’s not too much trouble, would you like to hang out for a bit?”

Marie shrugged. “Sure, I guess. I’ve been hearing people mentioning Junes as they pass by. I wanna see what that place is like.”

Yua nodded. “I can take you there.”

“Well then, what are you waiting for?” Marie said. “Let’s go!”

“OK, OK,” Yua said. “Follow me.” Yua led the way, and Marie followed.

As they entered, they explored the store a little. Marie was intrigued by the quantity of items for sale, especially all gathered in one place. They ended up in the TV section. “This place has everything,” Marie noted. “At least, everything from how I understand it.”

Yua chuckled. “Yeah, Junes certainly has a lot.”

Marie turned to Yua. “Do you know what that time sale thing was about? Why did it make everyone go after the ‘sallah dressing’?”

“Ummm,” Yua said. “It’s kind of how things work around here. Like, for a limited time, the dressing will be sold cheaper.”

“Why would they do that?” Marie asked.

“So that they can sell more?” Yua replied.

“Oh,” Marie said. “Hmmm. What a clever trick.”

“I don’t know if it's a trick…” Yua muttered.

“Woah!” a voice yelped. Yua turned over to see Chie walking over. “What are the odds of meeting you here?” Chie noticed Marie. “Who’s she? I haven’t seen her before.”

“This is Marie,” Yua introduced.

“Oh,” Chie said. She reached her hand out. “My name is Chie. Nice to meet you.”

Marie was a little confused. She looked at Yua. Yua nodded gently. Marie carefully went over to shake Chie’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” They broke it off.

Chie giggled. “You know, you’re pretty cute.”

“Eh?” Marie replied, shocked. “Well, uh, so are you.”

“Really?” Chie replied. “Eh heh, thanks.”

“So, what brings you here?” Yua asked.

“Oh, right,” Chie said. “I was kind of hoping they’d have a sale on TVs to try and convince my parents to get a new one. But it doesn’t seem to be the case.”

“I mean, if they were, I imagine more people might come here,” Yua said, “which might disrupt our mission.”

“Wai-huh?!” Chie said. “You’re…you’re going to tell Marie about that?!”

“Well, she knows already,” Yua said. “In fact, she’s part of a team that’s helping me from the other side.”

“Huh,” Chie remarked. “So, she’s from the other side?”

“Well…” Marie said.

“We’re not sure,” Yua said. “She’s got amnesia.”

“Oh. I see,” Chie said.

“We’re going about town to see if things jog her memory,” Yua said.

“Do you think she’d know Junes?” Chie said. “It’s a fairly recent feature of the town.”

“Oh. Right,” Yua said.

“I wanted to come here,” Marie said. “I heard people talking about it.”

Chie nodded. “I get it. I mean, if I didn’t know where to look for something, I might be tempted to see where the people go. Do you want to talk about this more over food?”

Marie nodded. “Sounds good.”

“Great!” Chie said. “Let’s head over to the food court!” Chie led the way, as Yua and Marie walked over to get some food. Once they got their food, they started eating. “So,” Chie interjected, “how are things going so far?”

“Well, we’re just getting started,” Marie said. “I’m getting small tickles here and there, but nothing substantial.”

“Hmmm,” Yua pouted. “I get it. I feel the same way about our mission.”

“Well it’s still progress, right?” Chie said, attempting to lighten the mood. “I mean, yeah, I know it sucks that you’re not at your goal yet, but every little bit counts.”

Yua chuckled. “I imagine you know from experience.”

“Eh heh,” Chie chuckled nervously.

Marie went deep into thought. “Well…I know I enjoy moments like this. It feels like I’ve had moments like this before.” She sighed. “But I can’t access them for some reason.”

Chie chuckled again. “Sounds like someone else I know.”

“I don’t think she got her memories stolen like I did,” Yua said. “She just got attacked.”

“Wait, what?!” Chie reacted, confused.

Yua nodded. “She said she was attacked by a monster with a beautiful face.”

“I don’t remember much else,” Marie explained.

“Well, where’d you get your outfit?” Chie asked. “It looks really good on you. You’ve got that pop-punk chic vibe goin’.”

“Well, um,” Marie said, “I got this hat from Margaret. She said I needed it to represent the room. But, as for the rest of my clothes,” she shrugged, “I guess I always had them. Well, at least since I can remember. We’ve had to make some adjustments, but…yeah.”

“Oh…” Chie said. “Well, um, if you want to change your wardrobe a little bit, maybe we can go shopping sometime. Oo oo! Maybe once Yukiko fully recovers, we can all go shopping!”

“That sounds like a nice idea,” Yua said. She turned to Marie. “Are you alright with that?”

Marie nodded. “I think so. I mean, it might help me a little more on figuring out my memories as well.”

“Yeah!” Chie said. “And we can get you some cute accessories as well!”

“Accessories…” Marie reacted. “Now that you mention it,” she started digging through her bag. “I have this.” She pulled out a bamboo comb. “It’s the only other thing I have from before. Most of what’s in my bag was provided by Margaret, but this was always in there.”

Yua and Chie looked at it. “Oooo!” Chie reacted.

“It looks nice,” Yua said.

Marie nodded. “But why do I have it? Why was it so important to me that I held onto it?”

“Well, what do you feel when holding it?” Yua asked. “You haven’t shown this to me before.”

“Yeah,” Marie admitted. “I guess because it feels a little…bittersweet.” She looked at it. “Like, it feels like it’s mostly happy, but there’s also a big…negative feeling attached to it as well. Ugh. It’s hard. It…I normally want to remember things, but there’s a part of me when looking at this that doesn’t want to remember.”

“Yikes!” Chie said. “Sorry for bringing it up.”

Marie put the comb away. “No, it’s alright. I know I’m going to have to remember it someday. But when I do, I can count on you guys to be there for me, right?”

Yua nodded. “Of course.”

Marie smiled. “Thanks.”

Aeon-Marie: Rank 2

Chie looked confused. Marie took notice. “Is something wrong, Chie?”

“Hmmmm,” Chie replied. “Well…You two just met, right? Like, you just came into town Yua, and then all of this started unraveling, right?”

“Yeah?” Yua replied. “Why do you ask?”

“Well,” Chie replied, puzzled. “It’s just…the smile Marie gave off just now…It kind of reminded me of when Yukiko smiles at me.”

Yua was confused. “Smiles tend to look alike?”

“No no,” Chie objected. “Well, I mean, I guess to an extent… But this felt different. This felt like a smile between close friends. Like, you knew each other at some point.”

Marie looked at Yua. “Do you think that could be true?”

“I…don’t know,” Yua said. “Apparently, the truth is harder to grasp on than I had anticipated. But I think we’ll grab hold of it sooner or later.”

“Yeah!” Chie said. “We’re making strides left and right!”

Marie chuckled. “Well, it’s getting late. We should finish up. I have to go back to the room before sundown; lest the monster finds me in the dark.”

“Wait, monsters are roaming the dark now?!” Chie said, slightly worried.

“Well…” Yua reacted. “I imagine Marie gives off a specific energy that the monster might be able to track easier.”

“Oh yeah,” Chie said. “She’s connected to the other side. So, I guess that makes sense. But wait! If we spend too much time on that other side, will the monster be able to find us?”

“Hmmm,” Yua replied, intrigued. “I’d like to test that hypothesis.”

“Eep!” Chie shrieked. “No no no! We only go in when we need to, got it?!”

“But if this monster was responsible for Marie’s condition, maybe we can capture it to help her,” Yua pointed out.

“Ehhhhhhhh!” Chie groaned.

Marie chuckled. “It’s OK, you don’t have to do that for me. Besides, you’ve got enough problems to deal with.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true,” Yua said.

Chie sighed, relieved. “I’m glad we don’t have to face down a monster.”

Yua was confused. “We did it in Yukiko’s Castle.”

“Yeah, but we had powers!” Chie said. “I can’t summon my persona in the real world!”

“Oh yeah,” Yua siad. “I guess that’s true.”

“You JUST realized that?!” Chie yelled.

Marie chuckled. “Well, whatever happens, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, let’s just finish eating these steaks.”

Chie grew determined. “Yeah!” The three of them continued eating. Once they were finished, Chie headed home, and Yua led Marie back to The Velvet Room before heading back to the  Dojima residence herself.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 249: The Heart of The Cards

Chihaya was getting set up for the day. For most days as of late, she was focused on giving people fortunes and advice without having to worry about a shady cult leader breathing down her neck. It was tranquil. Well, as tranquil as running a fortune telling operation in Shinjuku can be. Still, she took each day with a smile on her face, and a can-do attitude.

She spent some time giving fortunes to passerbys. It was in small amounts, as a lot of her clientele came to her later in the day, but there was enough where opening up shop during the day made sense. However, someone came by that truly shocked her. “Yokada?”

“Hello Maide-...Chihaya,” Yokada replied. “I see your assistant isn’t here today.”

“Well, she is in high school,” Chihaya pointed out, “and it is during school hours.”

“Oh. Right,” Yokada realized.

“What brings you here?” Chihaya asked.

Yokada chuckled. “I thought you might have divined that. But then again, I guess your powers can’t see everything. Otherwise, you probably wouldn’t have fallen for the chairman’s lies.”

“Well…I’m not 100% sure about that,” Chihaya told him. “Like I said, I just didn’t want to be lonely, and that was an easy avenue to escape that. But I’ve learned that you shouldn’t always take the easy way out.”

“I guess that’s true,” Yokada said. “I don’t have as deep a reason for joining. My whole life felt a little bit humdrum, just kind of going through the motions. I wanted to be part of something bigger, and Chairman Fukurai made me feel like a part of something special.”

“Everyone has their reasons,” Chihaya said. “And the chairman was good at identifying them and using them to his own ends. But even though he’s no longer leading us, I believe if we stick together, we can make good things happen.”

“Hm,” Yokada chuckled. “You’ve certainly changed a lot. You used to be more about fate determining what would happen to us.”

Chihaya giggled. “You’ve changed as well.”

“Thanks,” Yokada said.

“Although,” Chihaya said, “I suspect that you didn’t come here just to reminisce. So, I’ll ask again: What brings you here?”

“Heh heh. Right,” Yokada laughed nervously. “As you may know, the chairman’s arrest was pretty big.”

“Right,” Chihaya nodded.

“Well, I’ve been talking with some news people about the affair,” Yokada continued. “I was fairly close with him after all, so it makes sense, but I think you might be better to share this story.”

“Oh?” Chihaya reacted.

“You can say ‘no’,” Yokada went on, “but you were the one that helped all of us break out of it after he was arrested. I probably still would have believed in him were it not for you. I just imagine you might have a similar reaction talking to the masses.”

“I see…” Chihaya replied. “Um, if I said ‘yes’, how do I get in contact with them?”

“Oh, uh, well, I can point you in the right direction,” Yokada said.

Chihaya nodded. “Alright then. I’ll need to think on it. But I should have an answer for you soon.”

Yokada nodded back. “Very well. I’ll look forward to your answer. You still have my number?”

“Yes,” Chihaya answered.

“OK then,” Yokada said. “Talk to you soon. And good luck today!”

“Thanks,” Chihaya said. Yokada walked away, as Chihaya waved goodbye. Once he was out of sight, Chihaya took a deep breath. “OK, let’s do this.” She started shuffling her cards. “I know I shouldn’t rely on fate alone, but I am kind of nervous. A country girl like me talking to news people? I’m not sure. But hopefully the cards have an answer…”

She did a reading. “Hmmm. Let’s see. The first card is The Devil, no doubt in reference to the chairman. The next card is The Fortune, symbolizing how we turned things around on him. And the last card is…The Sun. The Sun represents positivity on the horizon. Hmm. I think that means I should at least try and talk to them.

I mean, I guess that makes sense. Talking with new people was how I got out of the cult. I think maybe if I can talk with others, perhaps maybe they can escape whatever ails them. Hm. I guess I’m doing this. Maybe I should tell Ren the next time we meet up.

Speaking of… There is something I’ve been wondering for a little while now. I didn’t want to pry, but…well, I mean I know she’s dating a girl already, I don’t think knowing this would be more invasive.”

She shuffled her cards once more. She began another reading. “Hmmm. Usually the cards should be flipped one at a time, but I feel like flipping all three of them at once will tell me the story better.” She proceeded. “So, The Moon hides The Fool, which holds The Strength. Now, I think the only reason you’d need to hide is if you were meant to be a Phantom.” She smiled. “I guess that means she is a Phantom Thief. Well then. It seems like we’ll have a lot to talk about huh. But for now, I think I should get back to work.”

She reshuffled her cards once more, and then got back to telling the fortunes of others. But now, she was excited for the future, the new opportunities, and what The Phantom Thieves will do next.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 248: Letting It Out

The next day, Ren decided to go down to check on Shinya to see if his mom’s change of heart took effect. She was certain it did, but she wanted to make sure. Once she got to the arcade, she noticed Shinya playing Gun About. She decided to let him finish his game before interjecting.

Once he finished, Ren applauded him. Shinya turned around to see her. “Oh. Hey.” He put down his controller. “How’s it going?”

Ren chuckled. “I came here to ask you that same question. Did The Phantom Thieves change your mom’s heart yet?”

Shinya was a little surprised. “Yeah…yeah they did. How’d you know?”

Ren chuckled some more. “It’s a secret.”

“A secret, huh?” Shinya pondered.

“So,” Ren interjected, “how did it go?”

“Huh? Oh,” Shinya said, now trying to answer Ren’s question. “Well, um…hmmm. Can we go out and get a drink? This might take some time.”

Ren nodded. “Of course.” They headed out to the vending machines outside. Ren bought them some drinks.

“Ah!” Shinya said, after taking a drink. He pondered some more. “So, mom and I had a talk last night?”

Ren nodded. “Go on.”

“She…apologized…for everything,” Shinya explained. “She was crying. And, you know, it was the first time in a long time I saw my mom express her pain. For the longest time, she kept it bottled up, but I could always tell she was in pain. I guess I kind of picked that up from her. But after talking with you, I’ve started to learn that showing my emotions more, and not letting pride get the better of me is useful. And I think mom needed to learn that lesson too.”

“Hm,” Ren reacted. “Well, that sounds…I don’t know if ‘good is the right word, but…”

“It is,” Shinya said.

“Oh,” Ren replied, surprised.

“It feels good to finally let it all out,” Shinya said. He pouted. “For so long, I thought I was strong enough to bear the weight of the world. I mean, mom was after all. But I realized we both weren’t. And in admitting that, it felt good. And now mom feels the same.”

Ren nodded. “So, what now?”

“Well,” Shinya answered, “mom is going around apologizing to everyone about her behavior. She said it might take some time, but she’s going to try. And…I think I should be doing the same. I know emulating my mom hasn’t been the best in the past,” he smiled, “but I know it’s the right thing this time.”

Ren giggled. “Well, you know I’ll be there for you if you need help on your apology tour.”

Shinya nodded. “Of course. Thanks.”

Tower-Shinya Oda: Rank 9

“So,” Shinya said, slightly blushing, “um, do you want to play some Gun About today? I know it helps me clear my head a little, and I think I still need to clear it a bit.”

Ren smiled. “I’d love to.”

Shinya lit up. “Thanks.” The two of them finished their drinks, and headed back into the arcade. They played Gun About for a bit, but eventually Shinya had to head home. Ren decided to head back as well.

As Ren was heading back, she got a text message.

Haru: Pardon me, but I will be at Leblanc soon. Would you mind accompanying me?

Ren: Sure! I’m still out and about, but I’m almost at Yongen as well.

Haru: Wonderful! Can’t wait!

Ren put her phone away, and rode the rails back.

Once she got off the train, she headed towards Leblanc. As it just so happened, Haru was on her way from the other direction. They met up in front of the door. They shared a chuckle. “Hi,” Ren said.

“Hello,” Haru replied. “Well, shall we?” She gestured to the door.

Ren nodded. “Let’s.” The two of them walked in.

Sojiro was a little surprised to see the two of them. “What brings you here?”

“Haru asked me to accompany her,” Ren explained. “Although for what, I’m not sure.”

“Well…” Haru said, hesitantly. “How…how much would it cost to reserve the restaurant for an evening?”

“I beg your pardon?” Sojiro said, confused.

“Well, you see,” Haru explained, “my birthday is in a few days, and I wish to celebrate it here.”

“Oh,” Sojiro replied. “I see. Hmmm. Well, I don’t think you need to pay to reserve it. I’m happy to just let you have it.”

“I insist!” Haru said. “It’s my party, and I’ll pay if I want to.”

Sojiro was stunned. “Well…if you insist… I, uh, I need to think on it for a minute.”

Haru bowed. “Thank you. If I were to send some things over in preparation, would it be better to send them here, or your house?”

“Well, it depends,” Sojiro said. “What kind of things?”

“Just some steamers, some party favors,” Haru said. “Nothing too extravagant.”

“I see,” Sojiro said. “I think just sending them here then would work.”

Haru nodded. “Thank you.”

“It’s no problem,” Sojiro said.

Haru turned to Ren. “While we’re here, I’d like to talk to you about a few things. Would you mind discussing them over some coffee and curry?”

“Oh. Sure,” Ren said.

Sojiro nodded. “I’m on it.” He began working on a meal for the two of them.

Once they were sat down, Haru looked at Ren, determined. “I’m starting to get a hold of what I want, and how to do it.”

“Oh?” Ren said.

Haru nodded. “For a while, I’ve been too hesitant on what to do. Even after joining The Phantom Thieves, I still get worried. I suppose it’s just a part of being human. Even more so for me, being so sheltered. But I’m determined to change that.”

Ren smiled. “Good for you.”

Haru nodded. She sighed. “I was worried about losing what I had for too long. I guess in that way, I’m like my father. But unlike him, I’m taking advice from others. And besides, losing faith in my father led me to becoming friends with you all, as well as regaining the father I once knew, albeit behind bars.

So now, I’ve come up with a plan! As I told you at Ann’s party, Hiroki and I share a birthday. And as I told you at the batting cages, I think Hiroki and I might share feelings for each other. So, I’m going to start with crossing that bridge on our birthday; just cause it feels special. And then once that’s sorted out, I think I’ll talk with Takaura.”

“Woah,” Ren replied. “I gotta say, I’m impressed. But I gotta ask, why Hiroki first? I mean, I trust your judgment, but asking someone out seems like a pretty big deal. Not that I would know. Sumire asked me out. But it took a lot for her to do it.”

Haru giggled. “That sounds cute. I want to hear the full story someday. But to answer your question, there are a few reasons. Part of it is the shared birthday. I can’t resist an opportunity like that. But also, I’m more aware of Hiroki’s feelings. So it’s a safer bet. And when I meet with Takakura, I want to be completely honest with myself, and I feel like if I haven’t talked with Hiroki about that beforehand, I feel like I wouldn’t be giving it my all.”

Ren nodded. “Well then, I hope things work out. But even if they don’t, you know you have us.”

“Hm hm. Of course,” Haru replied.

“Order up,” Sojiro said, dropping off the coffee and curry.

“Thank you,” Haru said.

“Thanks boss!” Ren said. Sojiro smiled, nodded, and headed back behind the counter. Haru was about to dig in before she noticed Ren had her coffee cup raised. “To the future of Okumura Foods.”

Haru smiled. She raised her cup as well. “To the future of Okumura Foods.” They clinked their cups.

Empress-Haru Okumura: Rank 7

They ate their dinner, and then headed home for the night.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 247: 4 Targets (And a Test of Strength)

The next day, the thieves arrived in Mementos. “Alright!” Morgana said. “We know what we’re doing.”

“Wait!” Haru called out. “Should we go after our targets first, or should we take on Lavenza?”

“If I may,” Lavenza said, approaching them. “I would recommend going after your targets first. If there is any hesitation, I can bring you back to peak condition before we have our bout.”

“Well, I suppose that answers that,” Jose said.

“Well then, let’s head off,” Futaba said.

Morgana nodded. He posed. “Transform!” He transformed into his car form, and everyone else hopped in. They then started heading down into Mementos.

It took a little bit, but soon enough, they found their first target. “I take it that’s The King’s mom?” Futaba said.

“The Queen Mother, as it were,” Yusuke added.

Ren nodded. “Yeah, that’s her. And let me tell you, she can get really mean when she has to. Although, in fairness, I suspect that she’s acting like this because her husband left her and she’s unsure how to react rationally.”

“Soooooo, it’s like confronting a wounded animal?” Ryuji asked.

“A crude comparison, but accurate,” Makoto said.

Ren nodded. “Well then, let’s go.” The thieves nodded back. They approached Hanae Oda.

Hanae looked at them with disdain. “Who are you supposed to be?”

Ren struck a dramatic pose. “We are The Phantom Thieves!” She declared. “And we are here to steal your heart!”

“WHAT?!” Hanae yelped. “I KNEW that calling card wasn’t a lie! Those damn officers didn’t believe me!”

“What?” Lena wondered.

Ren leaned over. “She’s been known to excessively call 110.”

“That’s the emergency number, right?” Lena asked.

Ann nodded. “Like 911 in America.”

Hanae grimaced. “Heh. Well, I’m sure the cops will believe me when I bring your heads in!” She transformed into Dakini. “Bring it on, you BRATS!”

“Well, that was quick,” Futaba noted.

“Let’s make this quicker,” Ren instructed. They charged in. While Hanae was formidable, the thieves managed to take her down.

Once she reverted to herself, she began to plead. “Please! I’ve lost my husband…and with him, everything else good in my life vanished too. I can’t take it! If no one else will fight for me, I have to!”

Ren stepped up. “So, is Shinya not good?”

“Eh?”

“You said ‘everything else good’ in your life vanished too,” Ren continued. “Shinya’s still with you. Does that mean he’s not good?”

Hanae went pale. “Of course he’s good! But he’s a child! I can’t let him face this!”

“He already is,” Ren explained. Hanae was stunned. “He’s become the target of ridicule fighting for you. He still believes in you. But it sounds like you don’t believe in yourself.”

“I…I don’t want to admit that…I’m weak…” Hanae explained.

Ren smirked. “That is the first step in getting stronger. Trust me, fighting everything only takes you down a lonely road. You have to accept help in order to escape the darkness.” Hanae was still somewhat hesitant. “If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for Shinya.”

Hanae looked at her. “Alright. I’ll do it. For Shinya!” She faded away, and Ren nabbed her treasure.

“Whooo boy…” Ryuji said.

“I suspect that might be the easiest of the shadows we’ll face,” Jose lamented.

“Well, I’m sure we’ll win against them all,” Haru said, trying to inject some positivity in that statement.

“Well, regardless,” Morgana said, “we’ve gotta take them on sooner or later.”

“Yeah,” Ren replied. “And the sooner we do it, the sooner we can face off against Lavenza.” Everyone nodded. “So let’s roll!” They continued on down through Mementos.

Once they got to the bottom of their current level, they found another shadow. “That’s Yoshihito Wakasa!” Futaba informed them. “He’s the guy going around grifting old people!”

“The nerve!” Haru said.

“We’ll be sure to handle this with aplomb,” Sumire said. They walked over to Yoshihito.

Yoshihito looked at them. “I hate to tell you,” he said, “but I tend to prefer the company of people…older than you.”

“Hmph,” Ann huffed. “While normally that would be comforting, we know what you’ve gotten up to!”

“Yeah!” Ryuji said. “You’ve been going around taking old people’s money!”

“Heh,” Yoshihito laughed. “You don’t know what you’re saying. I just go sit with them. They give me their money because their own kids won’t listen to them. I give them something, they give me something. It’s just business.”

“Well, your ‘business’ is heinous!” Sumire declared. “And as The Phantom Thieves, we’ll make you stop.”

“The Phantom Thieves, huh?” Yoshihito said. “I thought you’d be on my side. The old guard let us down. I’m just taking what’s rightfully mine!”

“I thought this was a ‘business’,” Jose said.

“You’ll say anything to get out of this, huh,” Haru seethed.

“Tch,” Yoshihito reacted. “Normally, I’m more of a smooth talker, but I think this time I can make an exception.” He transformed into Chernobog. “Let’s see if you can stop me!”

“Let’s!” Ren declared. The thieves went in. Yoshihito was strong, and more introntrol of his attacks than Hanae was, but the end result was still the same.

“It’s not fair!” Yoshihito said. “Why am I the bad guy in this?!”

“While it is true that to an extent previous generations have undermined ours,” Yusuke said, “it’s more the fault of specific influential people, rather than your kind old neighbors from down the way.”

“Yeah!” Haru added. “The people you're scamming have probably also been taken advantage of by the system.”

“If you want to achieve meaningful change,” Morgana said, “you have to demand it from those in power.”

“But first,” Sumire said, “you’re going to apologize to everyone you took from, and give them their money back!”

“Heh,” Yoshihito chuckled. “Alright. I know when I’m beaten. You know, you kids are worth listening to.” He faded, and Ren grabbed his treasure.

“Two down, two to go,” Morgana said.

“And since we didn’t see them on our way down here…” Ren said. She placed her hand on the door, and it opened.

“We sure are getting deep in here, huh,” Ann said.

“And we figure Eris’ hideout is at the bottom?” Lena wondered.

“That’s our theory,” Morgana said.

“It did change with the emergence of Eris,” Jose said.

“But then that begs the question,” Sumire said. “Where did Eris come from?”

“What do you mean?” Makoto asked.

“Well, if she took over this place, she didn’t come from here,” Sumire answered.

“Huh,” Makoto remarked. “I guess that makes sense. I hadn’t thought about that.”

“Although now I’m wondering something else,” Haru said.

“What is it, Noir?” Futaba inquired.

“Why does she need this place?” Haru asked. “She seems adept at finding people to corrupt without it.”

“Well, maybe she uses this place to find people to corrupt,” Ryuji offered.

“I’m not so sure,” Lena said. “She told me I was the only one who could become my host mom’s crusader. That suggests a level of intimacy on the part of the palace ruler.”

“So, what does that mean?” Ryuji asked.

“If I may,” Yusuke said, “I think Cupid is trying to point out that not just anyone could be a crusader. It has to tie back into the palace ruler somewhat. If the palace ruler isn’t in here, how can they figure out who to corrupt?”

“Well, I wasn’t thinking that exactly…” Lena admitted, “but basically, yeah.”

“Plus, in my dream-slash-vision,” Ren continued, “I had already been summoned before Eris took over from Yaldabaoth. So I don’t think she’s using it to sniff out targets.”

“So that brings us back to Noir’s question,” Jose said.

“Should we just ask her the next time we see her?” Sumire wondered.

“She’s real cagey about these types of things,” Ren said.

“Oh yeah,” Morgana said. “She comes to talk with you a lot.”

Ren nodded. “And I’m not sure we’re going to find a suitable answer until we confront her head on.”

“Hmmm,” Morgana pondered. “I get what you mean. It’s frustrating because nothing seems to add up.”

“I mean, in fairness,” Sumire said, “she is the emissary of chaos. Does she need a reason to do the things she does?”

“She seems to have one,” Ren remarked. “Plus, like Cupid said, she was the only person to target her host mom. So even Eris is bound by some rules.”

“Hmmmm,” Sumire pondered. “Well, we’ll get the truth soon enough. By hook or by crook.”

“That’s right!” Morgana said. “In the meantime, I suggest we should travel down and find our two remaining targets.”

“Right,” Ren said, they headed down, and continued their trek.

Once they found their next target, Makoto told them “That’s Hikaru Arihara: The guy who’s been dating a bunch of women, and turning friends against each other.”

“Ugh, what a creep,” Ann remarked. “I can’t wait to take him down a peg.”

“Hmmm,” Jose pondered.

“Something on your mind, Sunshine?” Haru asked.

“Well, I’m just thinking…” Jose replied. “If he’s good at manipulating women in the real world, does that translate here?”

“I…didn’t think about that…” Makoto said.

“Hmmmm. That is tricky,” Futaba said.

“Well, let’s just see what he has,” Ren said. “We do have some strong boys on our side if things go tits up.” She snickered.

“While I hope it doesn’t come to it,” Yusuke said, “I’m prepared.”

“Ummmm, well I don’t mind you calling us strong,” Ryuji said, “it seems a little degrading on your part to discount yourselves?”

“I get what you mean Skull,” Sumire said, “but sometimes we have to rely on our differences to overcome certain obstacles.”

Ryuji nodded. “Right.”

Ann gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It’s OK sweetie. I get your concern.”

“Yeah,” Ryuji replied, smiling.

“Well then I think we should head in,” Morgana said. They all nodded, and confronted Hikaru.

“Oh, what’s this?” Hikaru said as the thieves approached. “A cavalcade of ladies heading my way? I see there’s a few men with you, but they can scurry off for now. Oh, but I don’t mind if the cat stays.”

“Grrrrrrr,” Morgana hissed.

Ann stepped out. “Enough! We know what you’ve been up to!”

“Yeah,” said Lena, joining in. “You’re going out with multiple women, and turning them on each other!”

Hikaru shrugged. “I can’t help it if the women I interact with decide to fight amongst themselves.”

“That’s bullshit, and you know it!” Makoto said.

Haru nodded. “You’re going to apologize!”

“Easy now,” Hikaru said. “I apologize if I seem crass, but I just know I’m talking with some high quality women. Perhaps if you give me a chance, I can show you just how wonderful you all are.”

“Eh heh, really?” Haru wondered, smiling from ear to ear.

“Well, that sounds ni-” Makoto said. “Wait, hold on!”

“GAH!” Ann said, snapping out of it. “He got me!”

“That’s it!” Ryuji said, furious.

“I hate to admit it,” Futaba said, “but he got me too.”

“Well then,” Yusuke said, “I’m ready to strike him down as well!”

“Uhhhhh?” Ryuji wondered.

“Don’t…don’t worry about it too much Skull…” Futaba insisted.

“Alright…?” Ryuji replied.

“Mmmm,” Lena said. “I know I’m mad at Goro, but that’s no reason to cheat on him.”

“He really is a smooth talker,” Sumire said. “He even had me in a trance for a second.”

“Really?” Ren wondered. “What is it about him?”

“Well,” Futaba said. “How do I put this?”

“He’s, um,” Makoto said, “it’s just…”

“He seems so nice when he’s calm,” Lena said.

“Plus, he seems interested in us,” Haru said.

“Not to mention, he does sort of look cute,” Ann said.

“Really?” Ren said. She looked over Hikaru again. “He just looks like a guy to me…”

“That’s it!” Sumire said. “You’re not falling victim to it because you’re only interested in women!”

“Oh!” Ren said, elated. “Well then. I suppose I should go and defend your honor.”

Sumire giggled. “Thanks.”

“Grr,” Hikaru said. “Batting for the other team, eh?” He transformed into Tam Lin. “Well, I think I’ll just take that bat and smash your face in! How does that sound?!”

“I won’t let you!” Sumire said.

“Don’t worry,” Hikaru said. “I’m sure we can figure something out.”

“Grrr,” Sumire groaned. “He’s doing it again.”

“Well then,” Ren said, “I suppose the boys and I are on the front lines. We can help shake the effect off you guys if it gets to be too much.”

“Right!” Sumire said.

Ren nodded. “Let’s move!” They began their assault. Ren and the boys surrounded Hikaru. The girls maintained a distance as to not get entranced, but they managed to get some good hits in as well.

Eventually though, Hikaru was defeated, and turned back into himself. “It’s not fair. Girls play these kinds of games all the time. Saying one thing and meaning another. Talking behind your back. Stringing you along. It sucks! I’m only doing what they’re doing!”

“Well, if you think what they’re doing is wrong, why are you replicating it?” Makoto asked.

“Eh?” Hikaru said.

“Plus if you’re only doing it because you’re miserable, the girls doing those things to you must be miserable as well,” Haru interjected.

“Damn, Noir,” Makoto said.

Hikaru was stunned. “Alright. I know when I’ve been defeated. I think I’ll go apologize, and turn over a new leaf.”

Ren nodded. “See to it that you do.” Hikaru gave them one last smile before fading away. Ren stole the treasure that remained.

“I dunno how to feel about that guy,” Ryuji said.

“Well, he is turning over a new leaf,” Yusuke pointed out.

“I think he’ll get on his feet,” Makoto said. “In some ways, he reminds me of me.”

“Really?” Haru said.

“How so?” Jose inquired.

“Well, I feel like he was lost for a bit,” Makoto said. “I was kind of lost too. But you all helped me find the right direction. And I think we gave him some direction as well.”

“Well that’s very sweet, Queen,” Sumire said.

“Yeah,” Ann said. “You and him are both smooth talkers.”

“Um, I’m not going to have to worry about Queen too, right?” Ryuji said.

“I hope not,” Makoto said. “I don’t even want to think about how Eiko would react to all of this.”

“It…it was just a joke…” Ryuji explained.

“Oh,” Makoto said.

“Don’t worry. I got it,” Ann said.

“Thanks babe,” Ryuji said.

“Well, I think we should head on,” Ren said. The thieves nodded, and they continued onward.

They found the next platform with a door. And right in front of it was their next target. “That’s Asakura,” Ann pointed out. “The Kameshido of show biz.”

“I wonder why he doesn’t have a palace of his own,” Ryuji said. “If he’s that bad.”

“Well, if I had to guess,” Morgana said, “I think he restrains himself in a way. Kobayakawa was letting Kamoshida get away with whatever he wanted. I imagine that as bad as this guy is, he wants to maintain some level of decorum.”

“I think Mona’s right,” Sumire said. “The world of show biz has no shortage of people with ill intentions. I think to even get to this point you have to be more vile than most of those people.”

“But if he’s in show business,” Jose said, “and is fairly powerful, why isn’t he on Shido’s ship?”

“That’s a good question as well,” Makoto said. “But I think maybe he’s more in league with the current government.”

Haru nodded. “He seems very old money.”

“Well, whatever the case,” Ren instructed, “we’re putting an end to his evil now!” Everyone nodded. They approached him.

“Hm,” Asakura smirked. “And just who might you be? Are you perhaps aspiring stars? Well, you got the looks. But that’s not everything. If you want, we can stage a private interview.”

“Gross,” Lena said.

Ren stepped forward. “We’re here to put a stop to your reign of terror!”

“I beg your pardon?” Asakura said.

“Well we aren’t giving you one!” Ann said. “You’ve harassed too many women in the industry! You fail to let them shine unless they bend to your will!”

“Sweetie,” Asakura said. “That’s just the cost of doing business.”

“This guy’s a lot less alluring than the last guy,” Haru remarked.

“Yeah, but he doesn’t need to rely on Charisma,” Futaba said. “His power in the industry is immense enough that that alone can coerce people.”

“I see you’re aware of my reputation,” Asakura said. “If you don’t want to get blacklisted, I suggest you move along. If you want to become stars, we can still make that happen.”

Ren shook her head. “What’s going to happen is we’re going to steal your treasure, and you’re going to confess your sins! For we are The Phantom Thieves!”

“Oh?” Asakura said. “Well, perhaps if I catch you, I could hand you over to some of my officer friends. That might help boost the current government’s numbers a bit.”

“Wow,” Lena said. “You were spot on, Queen.”

Makoto sighed. “Of course.”

“Do you want to give up now?” Asakura said.

“Hell no!” Ryuji replied.

“Well then…” Asakura responded. He transformed into Mara. “BRING IT ON!”

“With pleasure,” Ren replied. The Thieves leapt into action. While Asakura put up a good fight, The thieves still emerged victorious.

Once he transformed back, Asakura said “I…I can’t believe I did all of that. I thought…I thought that it was all genuine…I guess I was fooling myself…”

Ren nodded. “Now that you see the light, you’re going to try and make things right.”

“I…don’t know if I can,” Asakura said. “I’ve done some really bad things. But I can try.”

“That’s all we ask,” Ren said. Asakura faded. Ren stole his treasure.

“Hoooo boy,” Ryuji said. “I’m glad that’s over.”

“Yeah,” Lena said. “He was really tough.”

“I wonder how things will go for him,” Yusuke noted. “Will he still be in the business by the end of the year?”

Ann began to answer. “Whether he is or isn’t, him not doing his trademark bullshit anymore is a good thing.”

Yusuke nodded. “Right.”

“I’m sure we can figure it out if we wanted to,” Futaba said. “But I think we have bigger fish to fry at the moment.”

Lena nodded. “Shido…and Goro.”

Sumire nodded. “And then Eris.”

Ren nodded. “But for now, we have another opponent.”

“Oh yeah,” Jose said. “Lavenza.”

Morgana chuckled. “Well, we shouldn’t keep a lady waiting.”

“Uh, shouldn’t we try that door first?” Ryuji said.

“It’s probably locked,” Morgana countered.

“Well, even if it is, we’ll know for sure if we check it!” Ryuji rebutted.

“I suppose,” Morgana said.

Ren went over to try and open the door. “No luck.”

“See? That wasn’t that long,” Ryuji said.

“Mmmm,” Morgana groaned. “I don’t feel like fighting you now, let’s just go.”

“Sweet!” Ryuji exclaimed. The Phantom Thieves started heading back up to the top of Mementos.

Once there, Lavenza greeted them all. “Glad to see you’re all still in one piece.”

Ren chuckled. “Well, we still did go through a lot.”

Lavenza nodded. “Of course. Allow me.” She opened her book, and cast a spell, giving The Phantom Thieves their full HP and SP. “Are you ready?”

“Ready as we’ll ever be,” Ren said.

“Very well,” Lavenza said. “Follow me.” She turned and entered The Velvet Room. One by one, The Phantom Thieves did the same. Once they were all inside, the door shut behind them. “I will only let you out once this battle is finished. There will be only one battle. Win, lose, or draw, there will be no second chances.

The battle will be conducted in four phases. Each phase will be dictated by me when you get to it. You must get through each phase in a certain amount of time, apart from the last phase. Failure to do so will result in automatic victory for me. Do you accept these conditions?”

The thieves were a little stunned. They looked among themselves. Even though the conditions were a little harsh, they knew they arrived at the same conclusion. Ren, as the leader, answered. “We accept.”

Lavenza nodded. “Very well. Let us begin.” She summoned her book once more. “For the first phase, I will have my defenses up. You must try and overcome these defenses in the allotted time. I shall start.” She flipped to a page in her book. “Maziodyne!”  A wave of lightning flashed out, striking the thieves, and knocking Morgana down.

While waiting for Morgana to come back, the other thieves began attacking. “This isn’t working!” Makoto said.

“Well, she did say she had her defenses up,” Jose pointed out.

“Still, we can’t just brute force it,” Yusuke said. “Oracle, do you have any suggestions?”

“I’m trying, but we’re only just getting started,” Futaba responded. “Getting a good read on her is difficult.”

Morgana got back up. “Grrr. Garudyne!” As Morgana’s attack struck Lavenza, the thieves noticed that it did more damage than any other attack thus far.

“Well that’s interesting,” Haru noted.

“Yeah,” Lena said. “Why did that happen?”

“Heh heh,” Morgana said. “It’s because she attacked us with an electric attack. Her defenses are up on all types of attacks other than the opposite of the one she attacks with. Well, that’s my hypothesis anyway.”

“Let’s test it,” Ren said. She changed her persona. “Panta Rhei!” Sure enough, Lavenza was struck harder than she had been. “Yes.”

“So, we just gotta keep an eye on what she attacks us with, right?” Ryuji said.

“Maybe we should also focus on boosting the people who can pull off these types of attacks,” Makoto informed them.

“On it!” Ann said.

“Alright, we have a plan!” Futaba said. “Now, let’s put it in motion!”

“Hm,” Lavenza reacted. “Maragidyne!” The thieves were hit with a wave of fire, knocking Yusuke down.

“So now, we should focus ice!” Sumire said.

“I’ll get Fox up!” Makoto said.

“Oracle!” Sumire called out. “Can you give us a boost?!”

“With pleasure!” Futaba answered. She boosted the team’s stats.

Once Makoto assisted Yusuke up, he was ready to throw down. “Bufudyne!” Between the boosts given by his team, it damaged Lavenza even more.

Ren then took her turn. “Diamond Dust!” And again, Lavenza was hurt even more.

“Oh yeah, baby!” Futaba called out. “Now we’re cooking with gas!” Lavenza and The Phantom Thieves continued this exchange for a bit. The thieves coordinated their attacks to do as much damage to Lavenza as they could.

After a while, Lavenza smiled. “You’ve passed the first phase. Well done. Onto the next phase.” The thieves watched her intently. “In this next phase, you have to focus on tripping me up. I have seen your attacks as they are. So, try to catch me off-guard.” She readied another attack. “Mapsiodyne!” The psychic energy struck the thieves, taking Makoto down.

“I’ll get Queen up!” Morgana said.

“I’ll cover for you!” Ryuji shouted. “Ziodyne!” Ryuji’s attack hit Lavenza. Ryuji then noticed that the electricity had stunned Lavenza. “That’s it!” he shouted. “Look! See how she’s shocked? I think that’s how we gotta trip her up!”

“So, we just got to throw on some more status ailments?” Jose wondered.

“That’s what I’m thinking,” Ryuji said.

As this back and forth was happening, Morgana had successfully gotten Makoto up. Haru looked at  that, nodded, and then turned back towards Lavenza. “Well then Skull, let’s test your theory! One-Shot Kill!” The gun energy from Milady knocked Lavenza down.

“That seemed to have worked,” Lena noted.

“She is down,” Makoto said.

“See? We tripped her up!” Ryuji declared.

“I gotta hand it to you Skull,” Morgana said, “that was some smart thinking on your part.”

“Well, I’m just glad I’m more inclined to electricity,” Ryuji responded.

“OK, so the plan now is to inflict status ailments, and then respond in kind!” Futaba announced.

“It might be a good idea to boost our chances of getting these ailments on her,” Yusuke noted.

“Good idea Fox!” Futaba replied.

“Well then, let’s get this going!” Ren said. She switched personas once more. “Pulinpa!” Lavenza became confused. “Noir!”

Haru nodded. “Psiodyne!” Once again, that knocked Lavenza down. “Hm,” she smiled. The thieves continued this pattern, inflicting different ailments, and then taking advantage of said ailments.

After going through more of that, Lavenza smiled again. “Well done. You have made it past the second phase. As for the next phase…” The thieves waited with bated breath. “You have demonstrated your skill quite well. However, there is another component to success: Luck. Let’s see if you have it? Press your luck, and take me down!” She prepared another attack. “Agneyastra!” A swarm of meteors struck the thieves.

“Gah!” Jose reacted. “That’s a lot.”

“Yeah,” Lena agreed. “But if we don’t get lucky, that might be the least of our worries.”

“But how do we get lucky?” Makoto asked.

“Even if we figure that out,” Haru said, “is there a way we can manipulate it?”

“There’s gotta be,” Morgana said. “We’ve been tipping the odds in our favor since we started!”

Sumire took a breath. “We’re The Phantom Thieves! We just need to believe in ourselves!” She stared down Lavenza. “Sword Dance!” The swords struck Lavenza, and she fell over.

“Woah,” Ryuji remarked.

“What just happened?” Jose wondered.

“Violet just took Lavenza down with nothing but her own power,” Yusuke answered.

“That was a critical hit!” Futaba said.

“Do you suppose that’s ‘getting lucky’?” Ann wondered.

Sumire smirked. “She did say ‘press your luck, and take me down.’”

“That must be it, huh?” Ryuji said.

“Well, I don’t think we’ve got any better options,” Yusuke said.

“Let’s increase our chances of getting a critical hit!” Makoto instructed.

“Yeah!” Morgana said. “Let’s stack the odds in our favor!”

Ren swapped personas once more. “God’s Hand!” she called out. Lavenza was struck down once more. “Alright! Keep the pressure up!” The thieves kept assaulting Lavenza with critical hits, while also increasing their odds of landing one.

After getting tossed about some more by a slew of critical hits, Lavenza smiled. “My, you truly are a remarkable team. You have made it past phase three with aplomb. As for the final phase…” The thieves were anxious. The previous tests were tricky to figure out and implement. Surely, the final test would be much greater. However, Lavenza smiled. “There are no special stipulations. You just have to defeat me in the way you want.”

“R-Really?” Ryuji asked. Lavenza nodded. “Alright. But, um, how come?”

“Skull!” Ann said. “I’d thought you’d get it. The key to our success is being ourselves!”

“Oh! Right!” Ryuji replied.

“So, we just go all out?” Yusuke said.”

Seems like it,” Jose said.

“Well, this is a breath of fresh air,” Makoto said.

“We’re not out of the woods yet!” Lena said. “But I can see the light!”

Haru nodded. “Let’s strive towards that light!”

“Of course!” Morgana said. “By hook or by crook, that light is ours!”

“And once we have it,” Futaba said, “we won’t let it go!”

Sumire nodded. “I believe it’s time for our denouement.”

Ren nodded back. “Let’s make it one to remember.”

Lavenza smiled back. “I’m not going to go easy on you either.” She readied her next attack. “Megidolaon!” The burst of almighty energy struck the thieves.

“That was more powerful than anything she’s thrown at us so far,” Morgana reacted.

“Hm,” Ren chuckled. That just shows us how much she thinks we can win. So let’s prove her right, everyone!”

“YEAH!” they all cheered. They went on the offensive in their own ways. Their unique styles didn’t hinder their cooperation; in fact, it enhanced it. Still, Lavenza wasn’t giving up without a fight. However, neither were they.

Pretty soon, they had Lavenza on the ropes. They knocked her down. “Alright!” Ann said. “We’re almost there! I think just one last push, and we got it!”

“Hm,” Morgana smirked. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking, Joker?”

Ren smirked back. “Do you even have to ask?” The thieves stared down Lavenza.

In unison, they declared “ALL-OUT ATTACK!” They piled on her, doing massive damage. With that, Lavenza was down for the count.

“The Show’s Over!” Ren declared.

“Mission Accomplished!” Morgana screamed.

“OMG!! We are SO awesome!” Ann exclaimed.

“Freakin’ Boring!” Ryuji shouted.

“That’ll Teach Ya!” Jose said.

“Beauty is Devotion!” Sumire yelled.

“It Was Fun While It Lasted, Goodbye!” Yusuke called out.

“Justice has Prevailed!” Makoto roared.

“This is the Sound of Triumph!” Lena sang out.

“Git gud!” Futaba teased.

“Adieu!” Haru finished.

The thieves took a moment to catch their breath. As delighted as they were in their victory, it was hard fought. Still, they knew that if they could do this, they were ready for anything.

Lavenza got up. “Congratulations,” she offered. “You have won.”

Ren smiled at her. “Thanks. You put up a good fight.”

Lavenza smiled back. “Thank you.” She took a deep breath. “There is a part of me that wishes I had won. But I am glad you have found your strength as a team.”

“Hm,” Ren replied. She tousled Lavenza’s hair. “We wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you. You’re just as much a part of our victory as we are. And you’ll be just as much part of our victory once we deal with Shido, and Eris.”

Lavenza nodded. “I am looking forward to it. In the meantime, I will let you go home and rest. You still have a lot to do, and you need to be at your best.”

The door opened. “Thanks,” Ren said. The Phantom Thieves started to leave.

“Oh, and Trickster?” Lavenza asked. Ren turned back. “The next time we meet, I want it to be special. Do you think you can accommodate?”

Ren chuckled. “Of course.”

Lavenza nodded. “Thank you.” Ren waved goodbye, and headed out. The thieves then left Mementos, and headed home for the evening.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 246: The Hope Tomorrow Brings

After school Wednesday, Ren got a message on her phone.

Lena: Are you free?

Lena: I just need to vent for a second.

Ren: Of course.

Ren: Do you want Ann to come too?

Ren: She’s right here.

Lena: Sure. Maybe the three of us can hit up the crepe stand.

Ren: Sounds like a plan.

Ren: Meet you outside!

Lena: Roger!

Ren put her phone away, and then informed Ann on what was going on. Soon enough, the three of them were on their way to the crepe stand.

Once there, crepes in hand, Ren turned to Lena. “So, what’s going on?”

Lena sighed. “Well, as you know, I was going to tell my parents I wanted to stay.”

“Wait, I hadn’t heard that,” Ann exclaimed.

“Right…Sorry…” Lena said. “Everything’s been moving quite fast.”

“Mmm. Well, I forgive you!” Ann said.

“Did you back down?” Ren asked.

“Well, no…” Lena said. “Not really, anyway. I told them, but…I didn’t think I was fully committed.”

“So, you don’t want to stay?” Ann asked.

“Well, I do…” Lena said. “But…I found it a little hard arguing for it without being sure of what the future holds for me and Goro.”

“Ah,” Ren said.

“But hopefully, we’ll have figured it out by Christmas,” Lena said. “My parents are coming over to visit.”

“Woah!” Ann said.

“Well, the election is a week before,” Ren reminded her. “Assuming we can steal Shido’s heart before then, maybe it’ll be alright.”

Lena sighed. “I made a big deal about not just wanting to stay because of him, but he is a reason I want to stay. Arguably, the biggest reason. And that’s falling apart right now. Who’s to say everything else won’t fall apart?”

“Well, we are, first of all,” Ann said. “I mean, I guess I can’t speak for everyone, but I mean, I’m glad we’re friends. I don’t want to lose that. So I won’t if I can help it.”

Ren nodded. “Ann’s right. Even if you decide to go back to America, we’d still be friends. I mean, it’d be difficult to talk every day, but we’d still be there for you.”

Lena smiled. “Thanks.” She took a bite of her crepe. She sighed. “I have a tendency to just dive in headfirst into things. And I guess with everything that’s happened, I’m starting to look before I leap. It’s an odd feeling. On the one hand, I know it’s the smarter thing to do, but it also feels like I’m slowly losing a part of me.”

“Well,” Ann interjected, after swallowing some crepe, “better that you do it than someone else.”

“What do you mean?” Lena asked.

“I mean,” Ann continued, “I used to be fairly trusting of people, but because of what happened with Kamoshida, I’m learning to put up walls when necessary. And yeah, the death of innocence sucks, but I’d rather it be on my own terms. Besides, I don’t think we’ve lost Akechi yet. If we can get him back, maybe he’ll love the new you even more!”

“But also, change can be freeing,” Ren said. “Coming here was the best thing that happened to me. Now, I did need to get arrested to do so, but I’ve never felt more like myself than I do now.”

“So, I guess the question is, where do you feel more like yourself?” Ann wondered.

“Hmmm,” Lena pondered. “I’m not sure. I never had to think like this before.”

“Well, it’s OK,” Ren replied. “Take your time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Lena nodded. “It’s just so frustrating to not rely on Goro right now.”

“Well, if it helps,” Ren said, “based on what I saw, I’m sure he’s equally frustrated about you.”

“Hmmmm,” Lena thought.

“I know it’s not the most comforting thing…” Ren went on.

“No,” Lena interjected. “I think you’re right. Both of us were aspiring for a future with each other, but now that’s in disarray. And despite knowing that Eris corrupted him, I think I can still see him in all of that.”

“Well then, we just gotta force Eris out of him!” Ann said, determined.

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple,” Lena said. “After all is said and done, we’re going to need to talk. Cause I don’t want to do this again! If it seems like it could, then I think we’re through!”

“Woah…” Ann reacted.

“I mean,” Lena said, calming down, “I don’t WANT that to happen, but if it needs to…

Ren smirked. “I think you’ve got the right idea. Still, I’m hoping for a good outcome.”

“Me too!” Ann added.

Lena smiled. “Thanks, you two.” She sighed. “I just needed to clear my mind a little. But I’m feeling better.”

Ann giggled. “Of course! What are friends for?”

“Just say the word, and we’ll talk over crepes, OK?” Ren added.

Lena chuckled. “Thanks.”

Adjustment-Lena Minamoto: Rank 8

The girls continued eating their crepes. Once they finished, they headed their separate ways.

As Ren was on her way home, she received a phone call. She picked up. “Hello?”

“Greetings,” Lavenza answered back. “Would you mind escorting me somewhere tonight?”

Ren smirked. “Of course. See you soon.”

“See you soon,” Lavenza repeated. Ren hung up her phone, and rushed over to The Velvet Room.

Once she got there, she greeted Lavenza with a “Hi.”

Lavenza nodded. “Hello.”

“So,” Ren inquired. “Where do you want to go?”

“I wish to go someplace quiet,” Lavenza said. “Someplace with a nice atmosphere, nice food, and nice service.”

“Hmmm,” Ren pondered. “That almost sounds like Leblanc.”

Lavenza nodded. “I wish to go to Leblanc.”

Ren was a little surprised, but nodded. “Alright then. “Let’s go.” The two of them started walking over to Leblanc.

As they entered, Sojiro looked over to see them. He was a little confused about Lavenza. “Who’s this girl? Friend of yours?”

“You could say that,” Ren answered.

“My name is Lavenza. I shall be dining here tonight.”

Sojiro was still confused, but took it in stride. He nodded. “How eloquent.”

“Thank you,” Lavenza said. “I take it you’re the ruler of this place.”

Sojiro was even more confused. “Yeah,” Ren answered. “You could say that.”

“Fascinating,” Lavenza responded.

Sojiro looked at Ren. “OK, seriously, who is she?”

“I told you. My name is Lavenza.”

“Right…” Sojiro said.

Ren giggled. “She’s from the same place Morgana’s from.”

“Gotcha…” Sojiro responded, understanding to the best of his abilities. He sighed. “Well, if you need anything…”

“Actually,” Lavenza said, “I am under the impression that one sells food and beverages here.”

“That is true,” Sojiro said. “Do you want some?”

Lavenza nodded. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“What do you want?” Sojiro asked.

“Ummm,” Lavenza pondered. “This place has a specialty, right? I’ll just take that.”

Sojiro was curious. “I’ll gladly make you some curry,” he said, “but you still look a little young to be drinking coffee.”

“Man…” Lavenza said.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine if she has some,” Ren said.

“No,” Lavenza refused. “I must follow the words of the ruler.”

“Ummmm, you have been helping us fight other rulers though…” Ren pointed out.

“True,” Lavenza said. “But those rulers were unjust. If you trust this man enough to tell him about what’s going on, surely I can trust him on what he wants to serve me.”

Sojiro smirked. “She’s smart.”

Ren chuckled. "Fair enough then. Is there anything you want to drink?”

Lavenza turned to Sojiro. “Do you recommend anything in particular?”

“How about milk?” Sojiro offered.

“Sure,” Lavenza replied.

Sojiro nodded. He turned to Ren. “And you?”

“I’ll take the specialty,” Ren responded.

“Very well,” Sojiro said. “Coming up.” Sojrio got to work.

Ren turned back to Lavenza. “So, what made you want to come here?”

Lavenza giggled. “Well, for one thing, it’s your base of operations.”

“Right…” Ren replied.

“But also, this place has a unique atmosphere,” Lavenza said. “We’ve usually been going to places where there are more people. I don’t think I need to tell you that being able to relax is something valuable.”

“True,” Ren admitted.

Lavenza looked around. “I am amazed that such a place has been cultivated.”

“Well, if there’s a will, there’s a way,” Ren replied.

Lavenza smiled. “That is very true. In fact, that might be humanity’s most defining feature.”

Ren was curious. “What do you mean?”

“Well,” Lavenza began, “humans have come together in order to achieve things that they could not do alone. It created this wonderful world you’ve shown me.” Ren chuckled. “However,” Lavenza continued, “human will has also caused conflict. When one person and another person have two opposing viewpoints, it causes them to clash with each other. Thus, their will fuels the fire of conflict, and oftentimes, it is the person whose will is stronger that comes out victorious. Although, even if that person is considered morally in the right, they may have done some questionable things in the fight.”

“Hmmm,” Ren reflected. “I see. I can’t say I disagree with you. The world is a complicated place. People can come together and fall apart in an instant.”

Lavenza nodded. “Still, I think humanity is worth fighting for. I mean, I wouldn’t be working for my master if I didn’t believe that was true. But getting to spend this time with you, it only reinforces that notion.”

Ren nodded. “Once again, I agree.”

“Here you go,” Sojiro said, giving them their food and drinks.

“Thanks Sojiro!” Ren exclaimed.

“Thank you,” Lavenza said. Sojiro nodded, and headed back behind the counter. Lavenza played with her curry for a little bit. “My, this is an unusual food.”

Ren giggled. “Maybe you should eat some instead of just tossing it about.”

Lavenza nodded. “I suppose I should.” She took a bite. Her face was overcome with euphoria. “This…is…AMAZING!”

Sojiro nodded. “Glad you like it.”

Lavenza chuckled. “Thanks.” They continued eating for a bit. Lavenza then perked up. “Oh yes, I almost forgot. I was so distracted by this curry. This delicious curry. But anyway, it seems like we are on the precipice of a few war of wills soon.”

Ren nodded in agreement. “Akechi, and Shido.”

“And then after that, Eris,” Lavenza continued.

“Right,” Ren agreed.

“Still,” Lavenza went on, “I believe you can do it.”

Ren smirked. “Thanks for your vote of confidence.”

“Of course,” Lavenza replied. “I have observed you thus far. I have no doubt that you are capable.”

“Well, I’m only capable because of people like you,” Ren said. “Believe me, if I was by myself, I’d have just curled up into a ball and started withering away at this point.”

Lavenza pouted. “I sometimes feel like that too. But because of you, I’ve felt that less and less.”

Ren chuckled. “Well, I suppose that’s the power of friendship.”

“However,” Lavenza continued, grabbing Ren’s attention, “there is something I want to ask of you that will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that we’ve both come far.”

“Oh?” Ren wondered. “What is it?”

“The next time you come to Mementos,” Lavenza said, “I want to challenge you.”

“Hm,” Ren said, intrigued. “Interesting. I think I can take you up on that.”

“It won’t be easy,” Lavenza responded.

“Trust me,” Ren said, “I’d feel insulted if it were.”

Lavenza chuckled. “Hm hm. Thanks.”

Strength-Lavenza: Rank 9

Just then, Ren got a message on her phone. She grabbed it, and checked.

Futaba: Sorry!

Futaba: I figured out that guy who was tricking old people out of their money last night, but I got distracted.

Futaba: His name is Yoshihito Wakasa!

Sumire: Good going Futaba!

Makoto: Now we can get to work.

Ann: I’m free tomorrow if that works for everyone.

Jose: Me too!

Lena: Sounds like a plan.

Ryuiji: Hell yeah!

Ren glanced over at Lavenza. “It seems like the challenge is coming sooner, rather than later. Lavenza smiled. Ren got back on her phone.

Ren: I’m available for it.

Haru: Tomorrow works for me as well.

Haru: But, if you don’t mind me asking, what distracted you?

Yusuke: I did.

Haru: Huh?

Futaba: That’s not entirely true, Inari!

Futaba: I just bumped into Yusuke when I went out.

Makoto: Wait, like out out?

Futaba: Well…yeah…

Futaba: I’ve been working up to it.

Ren: Congratulations!

Futaba: I know I still have some fear in me, but I’m giving it everything I got!

Ann: Hell yeah! You go, girl!

Lena: Maybe helping you explore more can be part of our girl’s day!

Futaba: Maybe…

Yusuke: Are you backing away from me already?!

Futaba: No, dummy!

Futaba: We’ll still hang out and stuff.

Futaba: Besides, it’s not like this hasn’t happened before.

Ryuji: Um, am I missing something?

Futaba: It’s not important right now!

Yusuke: You are missing something, but to be fair, so are we.

Ryuji: Huh?

Futaba: Just forget it for now!

Ryuji: Um, OK…

Ryuji: So, Mementos tomorrow?

Futaba: Yeah.

Ryuji: Alright then.

Ren: Before we go, there’s something I need to inform you of.

Ren: Lavenza issued us a challenge the next time we go into Mementos.

Ren: So be prepared.

Sumire: Really?!

Ren: Really really.

Sumire: Huh.

Sumire: Alright then. Bring it on!

Makoto: Someone’s excited.

Jose: Who wouldn’t be?

Jose: Lavenza is very powerful.

Jose: To even be issued a challenge is a testament to how much she believes in us!

Haru: Well, we shouldn’t disappoint.

Haru: Let’s give it everything we got!

Haru: Both when taking care of the requests, as well as facing off against Lavenza!

Ren: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Ren put her phone away. “Well, it seems like we’re all fired up.”

“Hm hm. Good,” Lavenza said. “I can’t wait.” They continued eating their curry. Once they finished, Ren took Lavenza back to The Velvet Room, before heading home for the night.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 19: A Barely Finished Puzzle

Once they had left the castle, Madrid appeared in front of them. They were shocked. “Hm,” Madrid scoffed. “It appears you have rejected my gifts.”

Yukiko stepped forward. “I wouldn’t call what you were offering a gift, but yes.”

Madrid pouted. “Be that as it may, I really wish you would reconsider.”

“And if we don’t?” Yua wondered.

“Well…” Madrid admitted, “there’s nothing I can really do.”

“Hold on,” Yosuke protested. “Didn’t Apple, or whoever, threaten to cut our eyes out?!”

“Her name is Able,” Madrid clarified, “and yes. But that was before our meeting with the mistress.”

“Who is this ‘mistress’?” Chie wondered.

“Heh heh,” Madrid chuckled. “You don’t need to know just yet. But she is our leader, as you can presume. And she wants us to only fight back when necessary. She wants you all to accept our gifts willingly.”

“And if we refuse?” Yukiko wondered.

“Refuse all you want,” Madrid retorted. “Sooner or later, you’ll find out that the truth is not worth preserving. However you choose to lie to yourself is up to you. I came here because I thought I appealed to you.”

Yukiko frowned. “Well…you did…but with everyone else here, I’m learning to embrace the truth. So thank you for…whatever this is, but I’ve outgrown it.”

“Hm,” Madrid smirked. “Hopefully you’ll hear me out sooner or later. I’ll be here if you need me.” She disappeared.

“Yukiko…” Chie remarked.

Yukiko sighed. “It’s alright.”

“Did…you meet with her before?” Yosuke asked. “It seems like you did.”

Yukiko nodded. “She…came to me when I first got here, but…”

“It’s OK,” Yua said. “We can save it for when you’re well rested.”

Yukiko nodded. “Thanks.” They continued on to the exit. Once they exited the TV world, Yukiko asked “Where are we?”

“We’re in Junes,” Chie answered, looking around. “Phew. It looks like nobody’s here.”

“Is that a concern?” Yukiko asked.

“Sort of, but not really,” Yosuke answered.

“I see,” Yukiko said.

Yua turned to Chie. “Can you get her home?”

Chie nodded. “Yeah.”

Yua nodded back. “Then I suggest that we go our separate ways for now. Let’s meet back tomorrow to debrief, and then we’ll figure it out from there.”

“Got it!” Chie said. She turned to Yukiko. “Are you ready to go home?”

Yukiko smiled. “You know, for the first time in a long time, I can honestly say yes.” The two of them headed out.

Yosuke stretched. “Boy, that took it out of me.”

“Me too,” Yua admitted.

“Still, I’m glad we were able to rescue Yukiko,” Yosuke added.

Yua smiled. “Me too.”

“Still, there’s a lot we need to consider,” Yosuke said.

“Which is why I asked us to meet tomorrow,” Yua told him. “Weren’t you paying attention?”

“Oh right,” Yosuke said. “Ugh. I’m more out of it than I had thought.”

“That…is also why I put it off until tomorrow,” Yua said. “I need some sleep.”

Yosuke nodded. “Well then, goodnight.”

“Goodnight Yosuke,” Yua said. The two of them headed home.

As Yua arrived, Nanako greeted her. “Welcome back.”

Yua mustered a smirk. “Thanks.”

“You look tired,” Nanako said. “Would you like me to make you some tea?”

Yua sat down across from Nanako. “I’ll be alright.” She looked around. “I take it your father isn’t home?”

Nanako shook her head. “He called earlier, saying something came up.”

“Well, at least he called,” Yua noted.

“Yeah…” Nanko said. “He also said he was bringing dinner home.”

“Well that’s nice, I suppose,” Yua replied.

Nanko nodded. “I wonder if something good happened.” The door opened. “Oh, that must be him now!” She looked over at the door. “Welcome hooooooooooooooome…”

Ryotaro was standing there, dinner in hand, alongside Adachi. “Oh good. You’re both home,” Ryotaro said. “I got us some dinner.”

“Yay…” Nanako said.

Ryotaro glanced at Adachi. “I invited Adachi over to celebrate. I hope that’s alright…”

Yua grew curious. “Celebrate what?”

“Oh yeah,” Adachi said. “We found your friend Yukiko just now. I was just going to go down to the bar and drink, but your father invited me over for dinner instead.”

“I see…” Yua responded.

“Although…” Adachi continued. “I AM glad that Miss Amagi is safe, but there’s no evidence to suggest where she’s been this whole time. Almost as if she disappeared completely. And she disappeared in the middle of a busy event too. Something’s afoot.” Ryotaro elbowed him. “Ow!”

“We’ll figure that all out later!” he told him. “For now, we’re just going to celebrate that we’re not taking a third body to the morgue.”

“Yes sir!” Adachi said, still slightly in pain. He sat down at the table.

Ryotaro set the dinner down, and then took a seat himself. “Alright! Let’s dig in!”

Nanko grabbed some of the food. “Thanks dad!”

Ryotaro smiled back. “Of course.” They proceeded to eat dinner. Afterwards, Adachi decided to sleep on the couch instead of going home for the night. Ryotaro and Nanako went to their rooms, and Yua  did the same.

Once in her room, she called out “Izanagi!”

“Yes?” Izanagi said, appearing before her.

“I just have a few questions,” Yua explained.

“By all means,” Izanagi replied.

Yua nodded. “First, let’s talk about the outer circumstances. Whoever is putting people into the TV world has the same power that we do, right?”

“That would track,” Izanagi said.

“Well…” Yua countered. “You manifest for me, right?” Izanagi nodded. “So, theoretically, could you do it on your own, or do you need someone to do it for you?”

“I beg your pardon?” Izanagi said.

“Like, could Madrid, or one of the other pieces of me, do it on their own?” Yua clarified. “Could they come into this world, and then sneak off with someone?”

“Ah,” Izanagi said. “The answer to that is no. Beings that originated from the other world are intangible here, if they can manifest at all. They could, perhaps, do some minor things here and there, but nothing like kidnapping a person.”

“Hmmm,” Yua said. “So there IS someone on this side putting people in. But then who would they give that power to? Who would I, or at least a part of me, trust?”

“Well,” Izanagi interjected, “it might not be them. They mentioned working for a mistress. Perhaps it's her who gave the others their abilities.”

“So, that was going to be my next point,” Yua said. “Do you have an inkling as to who this ‘mistress’ might be?”

“Hmmmm,” Izanagi thought. “I might.”

“Who?” Yua asked.

Izanagi looked at her, intently. “Well, as you know, my destiny is linked with yours, which is how I can manifest for you.” Yua nodded. “I don’t have any solid proof, but if we are linked, then perhaps this mistress is my wife, Izanami. You are familiar with the story, aren’t you?”

Yua nodded once more. “I believe that she was trapped in Hell, and you went to go rescue her. As you were taking her back, you looked back at her, and she recoiled because she was ugly due to her time in Hell. She attacked, and then you locked the gates to Hell. She then threatened to take 1000 of your subjects every day unless you unlocked the gate you put up. And then you said that for every 1,000 subjects she kills, you’ll make 1,500 new ones.”

“A little unvarnished,” Izanagi said. “But accurate.”

“So, she has someone on this side working for her?” Yua wondered.

“Probably,” Izanagi explained. “But there’s something else. If she’s controlling pieces of you, she must have gotten to you somehow at some point.”

“When?” Yua wondered.

“I don’t know,” Izanagi said. “But I suspect that she might have taken that from you as well.” Yua sighed. “I know you don’t like not having answers, but I’m not pleased with this either.”

“No, I get it,” Yua said. “This is just something I have to deal with. I’ve dealt with plenty of things before.”

“Yes, but this time, remember you’re not alone,” Izanagi said. “Even though I’m just ostensibly a voice in your head, I’m here for you. So is Yosuke, Chie, Ryotaro, Nanako, and everyone else.”

Yua nodded. “Thanks. I’ve felt alone for some time now, so it’s nice to know I’m not.” Izanagi nodded back.

Fool-Izanagi: Rank 2

Yua smirked. “Thanks again.”

“No problem,” Izanagi replied.

Yua yawned. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Izanagi responded. He faded away, as Yua got ready for bed.

The next day, Yua, Yosuke, and Chie met up at Junes to go over everything. Yosuke turned to Chie and asked “How’s Yukiko doing? She wasn’t at school.”

“Well, she was in there for a while,” Chie remarked. “She’s taking some time to rest. Not to mention the police talking to her about her disappearance.”

“Right,” Yosuke said. “I just hope she has enough common sense not to say anything about that other world.”

“I'm sure she understands,” Chie replied. “Also, I did tell her not to, so we should be fine.”

“Did she say anything to you?” Yua asked.

Chie looked nervous. “I asked, but…she wasn’t feeling up to it.”

“I see,” Yua said. “Well, we should talk to her when she’s ready.”

“Of course,” Chie said.

“With that being said,” Yosuke continued, “let’s talk about the matter at hand.” He turned toward Yua. “So, those women with missing features…are you?”

“Well, in a sense, yeah,” Yua said.

“But why are they asking us to follow them?” Chie wondered.

“Especially into a world of lies?” Yosuke added.

“I don’t know,” Yua said. “And I suspect that if I did, we wouldn’t be in this predicament in the first place. Well, I don’t suspect, I know…”

“I see…” Yosuke said.

“Hold on,” Chie said. “My shadow was only one person. Madrid is part of a group, right?”

Yua nodded. “I talked to Izanagi last night. Madrid and the others are all pieces of me, and are working for a ‘mistress’.”

“Right. She mentioned as such,” Yosuke said.

“So, our current working theory is that this mistress somehow contacted me, and stole pieces of me to act as agents on her behalf,” Yua explained.

“Wait!” Chie blurted. “Does that mean that they could be kidnapping people?”

“I thought that too,” Yua said, “but no. Izanagi says that beings that originate on that side don’t have that kind of power.”

“Drat!” Chie cursed.

“So, does that mean that whoever this mistress is gave someone else the same power you have?”

“Again, that’s our theory,” Yua said. “But finding out who is a whole other ballgame.”

“Hmmmm,” Chie pondered. “Yeah. Cause it has to be someone in town, right? I mean, I know this isn’t a big city, but investigating everyone who lives here is still a tall order.”

“And doing so discreetly is also a challenge in itself,” Yosuke added. “I don’t want to get taken down to the station again.

“Plus, we still have school to worry about,” Yua added. “I don’t think we could get away with just ditching class.”

“Yeah,” Chie said. “If we were caught, we’d get a talking to from King Moron. Which,” she shuddered, “is almost worse than fighting those weird shadow things.”

“Yeah,” Yosuke said. “And that goes double, what with midterms coming up.”

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” Chie said.

“I’m not looking forward to it either,” Yosuke said. They soured a little. “So, good old fashioned detective work is out of the window. How else should we figure this out?”

“Well, we could start from the initial case,” Yua said. “The affair between Namatame and Yamano.”

“Yeah!” Chie said. “I mean, Saki-senpai found her body, and she was staying at Yuiko’s family’s inn. Maybe there is a connection!”

“I’m not so sure,” Yosuke said. “I agree it’s logical, but there’s something that bugs me about it.”

“What?” Yua inquired.

Yosuke looked up at Yua. “Well, if you are at the center of this, why does Yamano matter? Why do ANY of the victims matter? If this mistress wants you, why does it matter who ends up on the other side?”

“Hmmm,” Yua pondered. “I guess that’s a fair point.”

“But where does that leave us?” Chie asked. “Another dead end?”

“Not necessarily,” Yosuke answered. “We just have to figure out how the mistress got a hold of pieces of Yua in the first place.”

“Good luck with that,” Yua said. “She probably stole the memory of when we met.”

“Well…” Yosuke responded. “Maybe we just need to jog your memory a bit.”

“And worst case scenario,” Chie said, “we just have to get stronger to fight those pieces of you.”

“I suppose,” Yua admitted. “Maybe we could get some more information from Yukiko. See if we can’t connect a few more dots that way. Maybe we can get a good leg up on when this happens next time.”

“Sounds like that’s all we can do for now,” Yosuke relented. “But I think we have a good base for what we need to do.”

“I’ll say,” Chie added. She sighed. “Honestly, this feels like we asked more questions than we answered.”

“Yeah,” Yosuke admitted. “But I suspect that anything involving an alternate reality isn’t solved overnight.”

“I guess that’s true,” Chie said.

“Oh yeah,” Yosuke said. He took some flyers out.

“What’s this?” Yua asked.

“These are flyers for part-time jobs,” Yosuke replied. “I thought if either of you were interested…”

“Aren’t we already pressed for time?” Chie asked.

“I thought so,” Yosuke said, “but we managed to rescue Yukiko while managing our time.”

“True…” Chie admitted.

“I just brought them in case anyone was interested. Yua and I talked about how working here at Junes might be a bit much for her, but there are some nice positions here.”

Yua shrugged. “I’ll take a look. No harm in that, right?” She grabbed some of the pamphlets. She took a quick glance. “I think this is as far as we’re getting for today.”

“Well, it’s a good start,” Yosuke said. “I think I have a better understanding of things, but it’s still all up in the air.”

“Well, we saved Yukiko,” Chie said. “And that’s good.”

Yua nodded. “Yeah. Despite still being in the dark, we are closer to figuring this out on multiple ends. Plus, it gives us assurance for when this happens next time.”

“Oh yeah,” Yosuke said. “We should still be on the lookout for that.”

Chie nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on The Midnight Channel.”

“I think we all ought to do that,” Yua said. “Maybe we should figure out the origins of it as well. I mean, it’s connected to everything, so it has to play a part, right?”

“Hmmmm,” Yosuke thought. “I guess it makes sense. But how do we go about figuring that out?

“Maybe the library has something on it?” CHie said.

“Maybe…”

“Well, maybe one of us should check it out,” Yua said.

“I can do it!” Chie offered.

“Are you sure?” Yosuke said.

“I know what I’m doing!” Chie snapped.

“Just making sure,” Yosuke said. “We can’t be too careful here now, can we?”

“Mmmm,” Chie groaned. “I guess. I do want you to have more faith in me.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” Yosuke said.

Chie nodded. “Apology accepted.”

“Well, I suppose that’s it for today, “Yua said. “I should get going soon. I offered to make dinner tonight.”

“Oh,” Yosuke said. “Seeya!”

“Bye!” Chie said.

Yua smiled, and nodded. “Bye!” She got up, and left. She went back to the Dojima residence to make dinner. Since Yukiko was now no longer missing, Ryotaro was able to join her and Nanako for dinner. It was a nice dinner, although somewhat less lively with the lack of Adachi. But it was touching, since it was more of a pure family moment.

A little while later, Yua was in her room looking over the pamphlets Yosuke gave her. There were some good opportunities. As she was looking things over, a thought crossed her mind. My bonds are my strength, right? She took out her phone, and made a call.

“Hello?”

“Um, hi,” Yua replied. “Miss Fujioka?”

“Yua?” Aimi replied.

“Yeah…” Yua replied.

“Well, it’s nice to hear from you,” Aimi continued. “So, how’s Inaba so far?”

“It’s going pretty well,” Yua said. “A bit hectic at times, and not entirely what I expected, but I think it’s been a good experience so far.”

“Well that’s good to hear,” Aimi said.

Yua paused for a moment. “Listen…I never really got a chance to say it, but…thanks…for finding me up there…”

“Oh?” Aimi said.

“I…wasn’t in a good place,” Yua said. “I…felt so alone…I thought I could handle it, but I couldn’t. I just wanted the pain to end. But after moving here, making new friends, and just getting a chance to relax a little, I feel like the pain did end. And it’s because of you that it could. So thank you…”

There wasn’t an answer for a little bit. Aimi then sniffed. “Sorry,” she said, crying. “I…I just don’t know what to say…”

“I’m sorry for worrying you like that,” Yua said.

“Oh, don’t be,” Aimi replied. “God knows you’ve been through enough as is. I'm just glad I made it in time.”

“Yeah…” Yua said.

“You know…” Aimi said. “I was sort of looking forward to getting to know you this year. But this is for the best.”

“Well, um, I could always give you a call, you know,” Yua said. “I probably should have called earlier, but I was getting settled in.”

“I get it,” Aimi said.

Yua nodded. “I feel like I should keep you updated on how I’m doing. I feel like it’s the least I could do.”

“I appreciate the sentiment,” Aimi said, “but you really don’t need to worry about me too much.”

“Hm,” Yua chuckled. “I kind of feel like doing it more for myself. Keeping everything bottled in was how I ended up on the roof in the first place.”

“Well then, by all means,” Aimi replied.

Yua smiled. “Thanks.”

Thou art I… And I am thou…

Thou hast established a new bond…

It brings thee closer to the truth…

Thou shalt be blessed by The Councilor Arcana…

Councilor-Aimi Fujioka: Rank 1

Yua yawned. “I should get some sleep.”

Aimi chuckled. “Well, good night, Yua-chan.”

“Goodnight Miss Fujioka.” Yua hung up, and went to bed.

[vgckwb]

P4G: Mirror Mirror (A FeMC Story/P4G Rework) Chapter 18: Yukiko's Castle

As Yua, Yosuke, and Chie gathered at their desks the next morning, Yua looked at them both and said “Alright. Today’s the day!”

“Yes!” Chie cheered. “We’re coming, Yukiko! Don’t you worry!”

“Um, before we jump in, we should make sure we’re fully prepared,” Yosuke said.

Yua nodded. “I’ll make a few quick stops, and then straight to Junes.”

Chie turned to Yosuke. “And you’re sure no one’ll stop by the electronics department. I don’t wanna pop out with someone around.”

“Like I said, that place is a ghost town,” Yosuke said. “We’ll be fine.”

“I sure hope you’re right,” Chie replied.

Yua sighed. “Remember, the most important thing is getting Yukiko. We’ll figure everything else out once we get there.”

Chie nodded. “Right.”

Yosuke nodded. “For sure.”

Yua smirked. “Good. See you after school then.” Chie and Yosuke smiled. The school day started.

After school, the three of them headed out. “Chie and I will go on ahead. You gather the supplies, and we’ll meet you at Junes.”

Yua nodded. “Seeya soon.” They parted ways, as Yosuke and Chie headed for Junes, while Yua headed to the shopping district. As she was gathering supplies, Izanagi appeared to her. Yua looked over at him. “What do you want?”

“I just want to keep you company.”

“I’ll be fine,” Yua said.

“You can be honest with me,” Izanagi said.

Yua sighed. “OK I am worried about doing this rescue mission.”

“Who wouldn’t be?” Izanagi replied.

“But we have to do it,” Yua continued.

“Do you have any other trepidations?” Izanagi wondered.

Yua pouted. “All of this seems to be happening really fast. I sort of feel bad that Yosuke and Chie got dragged into this.”

“Hm hm,” Izanagi chuckled. “They didn’t get dragged into it. They chose to help you. They chose to be your friend.”

“But if they knew it would be like this…” Yua continued.

“I doubt you knew it would be like this,” Izanagi said. “Just relax, OK? No matter what happened before, we’re all in this together now.”

Yua smiled. “Thanks. I guess I’m just not used to having people around me.”

“Well things are different now,” Izanagi said. “You’re forging friendship left, right, and center.”

“Yeah,” Yua replied. They kept shopping.

Meanwhile at Junes, Yosuke and Chie were waiting for Yua. Yosuke turned to Chie. “So, um, what made you decide to be a girl?” Chie looked at him, dumbfounded. “Well, er, I, I mean, I just want to try and understand you better, you know?”

Chie sighed. “It’s not a decision,” she explained. “It’s a feeling. A feeling I had to chase down.”

“I see,” Yosuke said.

“But it’s not simple,” Chie explained. “At least, it wasn’t for me. I mean, I’ve always…felt different, but it took Yukiko to fully coax it out of me.”

“Oh?” Yosuke wondered. “Is that why you’re so close?”

“No!” Chie said. “Well, I mean, kind of. But it’s not just that, you know? I mean, we’re not just friends with Yua because we’re trying to solve all of this.”

“Huh. I think I get it,” Yosuke said. “So, um, why didn’t you tell us?”

Chie was confused. “I was scared! I didn’t know how you’d react. A lot of people don’t like me, but grit their teeth because Yukiko’s parents pressure them to. And while it’s nice to not feel their vitriol directly, I can still sense their displeasure. I didn’t want you two to project that energy as well.”

“Hmmmm,” Yosuke pondered. “Well, I might have…”

“Eh?” Chie said, surprised.

“But after what happened when I faced my shadow,” Yosuke continued, “I realized I have to work on myself too. I’ve been feeling way too detached from everything since moving here. I didn’t care about anyone except myself. But I’m working on trying to extend an olive branch.”

Chie glanced at him. “Well, you could use a few pointers, but you’re doing good so far.”

Yosuke smiled. “Thanks.”

Yua arrived. “Alright, I’m here!” Chie and Yosuke nodded. “Ready?”

“Of course!” Yosuke said.

“I’ve been ready for a long time!” Chie said.

Yua smiled. “Well then, let’s go!” The three of them headed into the TV world.

Upon arrival, Teddie was there to greet them. “Hello there!”

Yua nodded. “Hi Teddie.”

“I take it you’re here to save Yukiko?” Teddie asked.

“You bet!” Chie said.

Teddie nodded. “Well then, I’ll be there to assist.” He saluted. “Teddie, reporting for duty!”

“Let’s hope your skills have improved,” Yosuke remarked.

“Hey!” Teddie chided. “My assistance is BEAR-y good!” he stomped. “So don’t go making fun of it!”

Yosuke sighed. “Hey,” Yua said. Yosuke looked over. “He’s part of the team too.”

Yosuke nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“That’s more like it!” Teddie said.

Yua turned to Teddie. “You be nice to him too, OK?”

“Of course, Sensei!” Teddie replied.

Yua nodded. “Well then, let’s head off.”

“Right this way then!” Teddie said. He guided them to Yukiko’s Castle. “Here we are.”

They looked up at it. “Hm,” Chie remarked. “It’s hard to believe this came from Yukiko.”

“Believe what you may,” the figure wearing headphones. “This is her sanctuary.”

“It’s only masquerading as a sanctuary!” Yosuke shot back. “It’s nothing but torturous!”

“Silly boy,” the figure said. “One person’s pain is another person’s pleasure.”

“If it means submitting to you, it’s just pain!” Yua spat back.

The figure laughed. “You sure have a lot of spunk in you, considering you’re empty!”

“I’m not ‘empty’!” Yua shot back. “If I was, I wouldn’t have the fight in me to oppose you!”

“Oooh, clever,” the figure responded. She summoned her bell. “She’s still up there. Waiting for her prince to rescue her. Perhaps that could be one of you.”

“Oh, we’ll rescue her alright!” Chie said. “Rescue her from YOU!”

The figure chuckled. “You’re all quite a lively bunch. But alas, as the princess’s consort, I have considerable sway. I’ll make sure she can escape. In fact, I already have the route drawn up. But she’s hesitant to go. Still, I’m sure we can convince her before the frenzy.”

“You better try convincing her before we get up there!” Teddie shot back.

The figure laughed aloud. “By all means, try. But getting to the top will be difficult at best. And then you’ll have to deal with the princess herself. And let me tell you, she can be a bit capricious.”

“Yukiko’s NOT capricious!” Chie argued.

The figure shrugged. “Well, don’t let me stop you. There are plenty of shadows to do that for you anyway.” She started turning around.

“Hold it!” Yua shouted. The figure turned back. “Who are you?!”

The figure smiled. “Are you asking because you don’t know? Or do you just want confirmation?”

“The latter,” Yua admitted with no hesitation.

“Heh heh. Very well,” the figure said. “Your suspicion is correct. I am a missing piece of you.”

Yosuke, Chie, and Teddie were surprised. Yua nodded. “Thought so.”

Yosuke readied his weapons. “Well, if she’s a piece of you, let’s take her for our own!” He started to rush in.

Teddie stopped him. “Hold it!” Teddie yelled. “She’s WAY too powerful for us!”

“Your friend is right,” the figure said. “I suggest that if you want to save the princess, you should conserve your energy.”

“Grrr!” Yosuke howled.

“Well don’t you worry!” Chie said. “After everything you’re putting Yukiko through, we’re coming back for you!”

“Heh heh. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Hmmmm,” Yua pondered. “By the way…do you have a name of your own? Or am I going to have to call you all ‘Yua’?”

“I suppose that’s fair,” the figure replied. “You may call me Madrid.”

“That’s a weird name…” Chie said.

“On its own, perhaps,” Madrid replied. “But I am just a piece. If we were all together, you could probably figure it out. And since I’m feeling generous, the one you met with their eyes torn out is Able, and the one whose mouth is sewn shut is named Ursula.”

“Why are you telling us this?” Yosuke wondered.

“Because once you go into the castle, you’re not coming out,” Madrid said.

“And you think I’m cocksure,” Yua remarked.

“Well, I am you,” Madrid said.

“Touche,” Teddie said.

“Well, regardless,” Yua said, “if you’re not willing to fight us, step aside, and let us have our fight.”

Madrid nodded. “Very well. Don’t be afraid to chime in if things get too much for you. I am willing to let you escape with me and the princess.”

“Sorry,” Yua said. “But your offer has fallen on deaf ears.” Madrid chuckled before disappearing. The others looked at Yua, unsure of how to proceed, “Let’s go.” Yua instructed. She started walking in. The others followed her.

As they were walking through the first floor, Teddie glanced over and asked “Um, Sensei?”

“Hm?” Yua wondered.

“Are…you alright?” Teddie inquired.

“Hm,” Yua huffed. “I’ll be fine.”

“Um…she did say she was a part of you…” Chie chimed in.

“I know,” Yua told her.

“And that doesn’t bother you?” Yosuke wondered.

“I mean, it does,” Yua said. “You know it does. But it is what it is. I mean, just look around. We’re in an alternate universe inside of the TV. Honestly, outside of you guys, it’s the most sense anything has made in a while for me. Knowing that there is a reason for what has been happening to me for…years it seems like, feels so freeing. Because I know what it is, and I know how to deal with it.”

“Sooooo, how do we deal with it?” Teddie asked.

“I mean,” Yua continued, “I assume as we continue down this road, we’ll figure it out sooner or later. But trust me, getting this far is a testament itself.”

“No, I get it,” Chie said. “I get it…”

Yosuke nodded. “I’m not sure I fully understand, but I believe you.”

Yua nodded. “Thanks. For now, let’s focus on saving Yukiko.”

They all nodded. “Speaking of…” Chie noted. “Have you seen this castle?”

They all looked around. “Oh yeah,” Yosuke noted. “How did I not notice all this before?”

“Probably because we were frantically chasing Chie,” Yua said.

“Mmmm,” Chie pouted.

“It’s OK Chie,” Teddie said. “I understand why you did it.”

“Yeah, that may have been too harsh,” Yua said. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine,” Chie said. “But something seems off about this castle, you know?”

They took another look around. “It looks like a regular European Castle to me.”

“See, that’s what bugs me,” Chie said. “The Amagi Inn is very Japanese in terms of its design, service, all that stuff.”

“What do you suppose it means?” Teddie asked.

Chie thought about it. “I’m not sure…”

“I think we’ll figure it out as we go,” Yua said. “The sooner we get to Yukiko, the sooner we can figure this out.”

Chie nodded. “Right.” They kept venturing through the first floor. They found the stairs once again, and then headed up.

They looked at the door on the second floor. “This is where we encountered Chie’s shadow last time,” Yosuke said.

“And I sense something there this time too…” Teddie said.

“Maybe it’s your Shadow,” Yosuke joked.

“Don’t be ridiculous!” Teddie said. “You think I wouldn’t know my own Shadow?”

“Well, I don’t think there’s a secret passage,” Yua said. “So we just have to open the door, and leave luck to Heaven. Are you ready?” The team nodded. Yua nodded back. She opened the door.

On the other side, there was a figure in an elegant dress. She turned around. Yua recognized her as the Yukiko she saw on The Midnight Channel. “Yukiko?!” Chie wondered.

Midnight Channel Yukiko chuckled. “Yes, it is I! Yukiko Amagi! And I’m searching for my Prince Charming!”

This caught Chie off guard. “You’re not Yukiko…” she rationalized.

“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” laughed Midnight Channel Yukiko. “But I am Yukiko…and Yukiko is me!”

Chie got frustrated. “So, YOU’RE the part of Yukiko she hates!” She readied a fighting stance, alerting the others. “Well then, bring it on!”

Shadow Yukiko chuckled. “Silly Chie. If you want to get close with me, you have to prove yourself first.”

This confused everyone. “What do you mean?” Yosuke asked.

“He he,” Shadow Yukiko giggled. “Why, it’s the whole point of this show.” She used both her hands to blow a kiss, with a title appearing above her reading “Princess Yukiko’s Hunt For Her Prince Charming!”

An unseen crowd cheers. “Where’s that coming from?” Yosuke asked.

“It’s the shadows!” Teddie said. “They’re getting riled up!”

“I can’t imagine why…” Yua remarked, sarcastically.

Shadow Yukiko giggled some more. “If you think you three have what it takes to be my Prince Charming, well, you’re going to have to prove yourself!”

Everyone seemed confused. “Um, two of us are girls,” Yua pointed out. “You know that, right?”

“Hm hm,” Shadow Yukiko chuckled. “Silly Yua. ‘Prince Charming’ is merely a title. I don’t care about silly little things like gender. Anyone can be my Prince Charming, they just need to meet the requirements.”

Everyone was confused once more. “What…are these requirements?” Yosuke asked.

“Tch. I don’t want to ruin the surprise,” Shadow Yukiko said. “Duh!”

“Oh…of course…” Yosuke replied.

Teddie stepped forward. “Um, could I also be your Prince Charming?”

Shadow Yukiko took one look at Teddie and said “No.”

“WAHHHHHHHHH!” Teddie reacted.

Shadow Yukiko giggled. “Well, if you aren’t interested in being my Prince Charming, I guess I’ll have to keep looking. But if you want to rescue me, feel free to continue.” She turned around, and headed up the stairs.

Chie groaned. “Yukiko…”

Yosuke turned to Teddie. “You know what that was all about?”

“Hmmmmm,” Teddie pondered. “I think this castle is a manifestation of Yukiko’s desires. Or at least, this part of her.”

“So like the Shopping District we saw?” Yosuke asked.

Teddie nodded. “Correct.”

“Hang on,” Chie said. “You saw the Shopping District?”

“Right, you weren’t there for it,” Yosuke said. “When we went in to investigate Saki-senpai’s death, we found a place that looked like her parents’ liquor store.”

“But then why does Yukiko have this castle?” Chie wondered. “I mean, if it’s a manifestation of what one desires, why is it this, and not the Inn?”

“Well…” Yua responded. “I can’t say for certain, but I have a guess.”

Chie nodded. “Go on.”

“Well…hmmmm,” Yua continued. “If what Teddie says is true, this place is a representation of what the Shadow wants.”

“So, you think the Yukiko we saw wants something like this?” Yosuke wondered.

Yua nodded. “I think so.”

“But that doesn’t make sense!” Chie said.

“I mean,” Yua reacted, “I’m just spitballing. We might need to ask Yukiko herself once we find her.”

“Yeah,” Yosuke said. “And besides, I don’t think Yukiko wants exactly this. I think if her Shadow made this, it’s not fully her, you know?”

“Hmmmm, I guess…” Chie said, still unsure.

“Well, the only way out is through,” Yua reminded them. “If we want to save Yukiko, we should continue one. Even if that means somehow proving ourselves as Prince Charming.”

Yosuke turned to Teddie. “You must be pretty stoked. I mean, Yukiko’s Shadow mentioned needing to pass some requirements. I don’t imagine it’ll be a walk in the park. So since she doesn’t see you as a potential ‘Prince Charming’, you get to sit back.”

Teddie sighed. “The grass is always greener on the other side.”

“Huh?” Yosuke wondered.

“Nevermind,” Teddie said. “Let’s just go.”

“Right!” Chie said. “We’ve gotta save Yukiko!” She started on ahead, while everyone else caught up. Teddie was the last to catch up, as he stayed back to sigh in self-pity for a moment longer.

Once they got near the top of the stairs, Teddie shouted “Hold up!”

Everyone stopped. “What is it?” Yua wondered.

“I sense something from this next floor,” Teddie explained. “Perhaps it’s a challenge of sorts.”

“What do you mean?” Chie asked.

“I sense a really strong presence on the next floor. Not any really big shadows, but something. It’s more like the floor itself is a kind of shadow…”

“Hmmm,” Yosuke grunted. “Well, do you think we can handle it?”

“It doesn’t seem to be too treacherous,” Teddie said. “But it seems more like it tackles mental acuity.”

“Great…” Yosuke said.

“Can’t wait…” Chie added

“I’m sure we can figure it out,” Yua said. “I don’t think Yukiko would throw us school problems.”

“Mmmmm,” Yosuke said. “But Shadow Yukiko?”

“Actually, Yua has a point,” Chie said. “Yukiko is normally good at school. If her Shadow is the part of her she doesn’t want people to see, then school wouldn’t be involved.”

“I see…” Yosuke pondered.

Yua nodded. “Well then, let’s go.” They all nodded, and finished climbing the stairs.

Once they got to the top, they saw a stained-glass portrait of a sad Yukiko, with a heart-shaped piece missing around her chest. “Well that’s…foreboding…” Yosuke remarked.

“Hm hm hm hm!” Shadow Yukiko’s voice rang out. “On the other side of this masterpiece is the stairs to the next floor. But as you can see, it’s missing a very important piece.”

“So where do we find it?” Yua asked.

“Hm hm,” Shadow Yukiko chuckled some more. A set of three rooms appeared to the left of the portrait, labeled “Chie”, “Yosuke”, and “Yua”. “You shall find them in the adjoining rooms. But make sure you find the right piece. Otherwise I can’t be held responsible for what might happen.”

“Ummmm,” Yosuke wondered. “Do all of us need to do this, or just one of us?”

“All of you,” Shadow Yukiko answered.

“Figures…” Yosuke said.

“What about Teddie?” Yua asked.

Shadow Yukiko sighed. “If he’s that important to you, I suppose one of you can bring him along.”

Yua nodded. “Thanks.”

“Well then, let’s get this show on the road!” Chie said. She walked into her room.

“Now aren’t you glad you’re not involved?” Yosuke remarked, heading over to his room.

“Mmmmm,” Teddie groaned. “I’d like to be considered at least…”

“Whatever,” Yosuke said. He walked into his room.

Yua walked over to her room. She couldn’t see inside of it, no matter how hard she tried. She sighed. “Well, here goes nothing…” She crossed the threshold. Once inside, the world around her changed. She was in a pitch black voice, standing on a column of blue light, and right in front of her was a stained-glass portrait of herself, with a missing heart-shaped piece in her hand.

Suddenly, an assortment of glass puzzle pieces encircled her. They looked like they could fit in the heart, but not all of them. As she was trying to figure this out, some writing appeared in front of her in light. It read “What can you do to fix the Princess’ heart?” Yua was stunned. “Huh. Well then…I suppose I should get looking.” She started looking over the pieces.

Yosuke faced a similar sight. “Hooo boy…” he lamented. “How am I supposed to know what I can give Yukiko? But it seems like I have to if I want to save her. Let’s see if there’s anything that makes sense here.”

Chie also faced a similar scenario. “Hmph,” she huffed. “The real question is what wouldn’t I do? I mean, even just some of this wouldn’t be enough. Hmmmmm. But this is supposed to be a challenge. So what can I give her the most?” She started looking through the pieces.

As she was parsing through the pieces, she suddenly remembered a conversation they had once upon a time. She was modeling her new school uniform now that she was going to be Chie in public. “What do you think, Yukiko?”

Yukiko chuckled. “You look cute. Honestly. …Say, are you…sure you’re ready?”

Chie was stunned. “What do you mean?”

“Well…from how our parents were talking about it, it seems like it won’t be too easy,” Yukiko answered. “You know I have your back, but…”

Chie grasped Yukiko’s face. “Look at me. This is what I want. And sure, it may be scary, but since starting this, I can’t live any other way. I even wanted to run away to make it happen. Well...I didn’t want to run away, but I didn’t not want to be Chie more. So I’ll face down whatever in order to be me!”

Yukiko chuckled. “I’m sorry. I was just worried.”

“Eh, no worries!” Chie said. “That’s just who you are.”

“Maybe,” Yukiko said. “But sometimes, I wish I had an ounce of your courage.”

Back in the present, Chie was still looking at these mysterious pieces. She grew confused. “Where did that come from?” Chie wondered. “I guess Yosuke and I were talking about it earlier.” She smirked. “Still, it gave me an answer, and I’m gonna stick with it.” She began looking for pieces that added up to courage, or at least a synonym. “THERE!” She assembles a glass heart with the word “Courage” written inside. Once placed in the stained-glass Chie’s hand, it turned gold, and was given to Chie. She smiled, turned around, and left.

Once she was back in the hall, she saw Teddie. “Oh. Hey Teddie.”

“What’s in there?” Teddie asked.

“Am I the first one out?” Chie wondered in response.

“Um…yeah,” Teddie replied.

“Huh. Well, I guess that makes sense in some way,” Chie remarked.

“Well?!” Teddie insisted. “What WAS in there?!”

“Oh, right!” Chie replied. She began to explain.

Meanwhile, Yosuke was looking through the pieces, unsure of how to make sense of this. “GAH!” he belted. “How am I supposed to know what could fix Yukiko’s heart?! I mean, I’m trying to save HER, but… Gah! I’d think that would come after. But I guess if I want to rescue her, I’d also want to fix her heart. But what would I do to save her?

I’d…treat Chie to dinner for a year? I’d…get kicked in the crotch by every girl in school? Mmmm. Man, I’d give up Junes if it meant rescuing her.” Just then, he noticed a piece of a heart “King”. He looked closer, and found the pieces that spelled out “My Kingdom”. He assembled it, placed it in the hand of the stained-glass Yosuke, and it turned gold, before Yosuke was given it back. “Well…that’s something. Can’t complain though.” He turned around and left.

As he entered back into the hall, he saw Teddie and Chie. “Welcome back Yosuke!” Teddie said.

“Oh? Is it just Yua left?” Yosuke wondered.

Chie nodded. “Seems like it!”

“Figures,” Yosuke said. “She knows Yukiko the least of us three.”

“I’m sure she can do it!” Teddie insisted. “You gotta believe in her!”

Yosuke nodded. “Fair point.” They waited with bated breath to see if Yua would come out.

Yua was pondering the pieces surrounding her. “Hmmmmmm,” Yua wondered.

“Problem?” Izanagi asked.

Yua glared at him. “I doubt  you could figure it out.”

“Well, you don’t know until you try,” Izanagi insisted.

Yua sighed. “I just don’t know Yukiko well enough to know what I could answer with.”

“Well then,” Izanagi said. “Let’s start with what you do know.”

Yua thought about it. “She’s…a bit reserved. She seems a little oblivious at times, but remains confident. She works at her family’s inn.”

“If I recall, her working is what’s standing in the way of you two getting closer,” Izanagi noted. “Perhaps she could use a break. It seems chaotic at the inn.”

A thought occurred to Yua. “Or maybe it’s the other way around! Chie mentioned that this recent conference is something that happens once a year. Maybe her helping at the hotel is regimented to such a degree that maybe I can invite a little chaos into it, you know?” She started looking for pieces. Soon enough, she had enough to make “Cause Chaos”.

“Go figure,” Izanagi said.

“Well, I wouldn’t have gotten here without your help,” Yua remarked. “So thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Izanagi said. Yua placed the heart in the hand of the stained-glass Yua. It turned to gold, and then it was returned to Yua. She left as Izanagi faded away once more.

As she arrived, everyone else was there to greet her. “Welcome back,” Yosuke said.

“I knew you could do it, Sensei!” Teddie yelled. “Yosuke thought you couldn’t!”

“Wha? Hey!” Yosuke objected. “I didn’t say that!”

Yua chuckled. “Well, it…wasn’t easy.”

“Well, you got through it!” Chie cheered. “Now we can keep going!”

Yua nodded. “Right.”

“Let’s just hope this works,” Yosuke said. They presented their hearts to the stained-glass Yukiko. They suddenly started floating on their own. They then merged together to form a gold heart that fit in the empty space. The stained-glass Yukiko became happy, and the portrait slid over, revealing a set of stairs. “That was something,” Yosuke remarked. He turned to Teddie. “Any more floors like that?”

Teddie focused intently. “I can sense some, but nothing exact.”

“Well, it’s a start,” Yua said. “Besides, it sounds like the next floor isn’t that, so that’s something.”

“Back to fighting, eh?” Chie challenged.

Yua nodded. “Let’s head on up.” The group walked up to the next floor. It was another regular floor, complete with shadows and all. Still, it wasn’t anything they couldn’t handle.

As found the stairs, Teddie said “Hold on!” Everyone looked at him. “I sense that the next floor is another challenge floor.”

“What else are we willing to give her?” Yosuke asked.

“Um, Yosuke,” Yua said, “I’m not sure they’re going to repeat challenges.”

“Well, whatever it is, we’ll be ready for it!” Chie said, determined. Yua nodded, and they headed up.

Once they got to the 5th floor, they noticed a giant set of doors. Above them was a sign that read “Colosseum: Fight For The Princess’s Heart!” “So, it looks like more fighting,” Yosuke said.

They heard some commotion. “They sound really tough,” Chie said.

“Don’t tell me you’re scared now,” Yosuke chided.

“It’s not that!” Chie said. “I mean, if we want to get to Yukiko, we should conserve as much energy as possible. We shouldn’t waste it on something if we don’t need to.”

“Hm,” Yosuke relented. “I guess that’s fair.”

Shadow Yukiko started speaking from the void. “Attention: Today’s Tournament will start shortly. Contenders are battling for what they’re always battling for: The Key to My Heart! Which, conveniently, is also the key to the next floor.”

“Hmm,” Yua grunted. “I think this just became necessary.”

Yosuke sighed. “Good things never last, do they?” They entered the colosseum.

As they got to the desk, Yua said “Excuse me?” A shadow wearing a squire’s uniform looked at them. “We’d like to sign up for the tournament.”

“Of course!” the shadow said. “Individually, or as a team?”

They looked at each other, a little flabbergasted. “Ummmm…team,” Yua said.

“Heh heh,” the shadow laughed. “Suit yourselves.” They added the team to a tournament bracket. “We’ll tell you when you’re needed.” Yua nodded, and they went to sit down.

As they were waiting, the sounds of battle were more intense. Yosuke gulped. “Hey!” Chie said. “We got this!”

“Mmm. Yeah,” Yosuke agreed. “It’s just…a little nerve-racking.”

“Hey!” the shadow squire called out. “You’re up!”

Yua stood up. “Thanks.” She started walking, and the group followed suit.

As they entered the arena, they saw a crowd of shadows in the stands, and above, in a private box, was Shadow Yukiko. The crowd cheered. “Alright ladies and gentlemen!” Shadow Yukiko called out. “It’s time for the last match in the first bracket! Are you ready?!” The crowd erupted. “Hm hm. Good.”

A group of shadows appeared before Yua, Yosuke, and Chie. “What the?!”

“Annnnnnnnnd…BEGIN!” Shadow Yukiko said.

Yua and Chie charged in. Yosuke was still panicked, but caught up with them. “Hang on!” It was intensive, but the three of them stood their ground!

Shadow Yukiko giggled. “Well well! It looks like we may have promising new champions!”

“Hmph!” Chie huffed. “You bet!”

“Oh?” Shadow Yukiko remarked. “Someone’s confident! But after that performance, I get it. But let’s see if you can make it through the next two rounds to win!”

“We will!” Chie challenged.

“I’m just glad there’s only two more rounds,” Yosuke said.

“I doubt it’ll be easier,” Yua pointed out. She headed back to the waiting area. Yosuke again stood still for a moment before following. Chie stuck around to stare down Shadow Yukiko some more, but left, and caught up with the rest of her team.

“Man, I can’t WAIT to get Yukiko out of here!” Chie exclaimed. “That other Yukiko is so…”

“Remember,” Teddie pointed out, “she’s also Yukiko. At least, a part of her.”

“I know…” Chie admitted. “But…something about her drives me up a wall.”

“If you feel like that, imagine how Yukiko might feel about her,” Yosuke mentioned.

“Mmm, yeah,” Yua admitted. “I don’t know if we can get to Yukiko without her being a problem.”

“Well then, we can rely on what Madrid said,” Chie replied.

The others were confused. “You…want to escape?” Yosuke said.

“Not that!” Chie replied. “When we first came here. She said something about if I were to join her, Yukiko would join too. While I think Yukiko wouldn’t just blindly follow me, she would listen. So if things go belly up, I could help soothe the tension.”

“I see what you mean,” Teddie said. “You’d be the best candidate to convince her to accept herself.”

“Exactly!” Chie said.

“Alright!” the shadow squire called. “You’re up for the semifinals!” They all nodded and walked out.

Once again, Shadow Yukiko helmed the announcements. “Alright everyone! It’s time for the second round of the semifinals!” The crowd cheered. “These three contenders amazed us last time, but can their hot streak continue?! Or is this a case of beginner’s luck!”

Yua readied her sword. “Let’s find out!”

“OOOOOOOOOOOO!” Shadow Yukiko said, excited. “How DARING! Let’s see if you can put your money where your mouth is!” A smaller, but more robust, group of shadows appeared.

Yua charged in. “YAH!” Chie and Yosuke followed suit. It was a more difficult fight, as these shadows were trickier, as well as stronger, but in the end they were no match for Yua, Yosuke, and Chie.

“Well well, it looks like our final round is set!” Shadow Yukiko. “Let’s give our incorrigible challengers a break before fighting The Champion!” The crowd cheered some more, as the fighters went back to rest a bit.

“One more round, and then we can continue on our way,” Yosuke said.

“But it sounds like you’ll be facing a heavy hitter,” Teddie said. “I don’t think Yukiko would call someone a ‘Champion’ for no reason.”

Yua nodded. “Teddie’s right. We have to keep our guard up.”

“Hmph,” Chie huffed. “I’m interested to see who Yukiko calls a ‘Champion’. I’m sure I can take them out with one kick!” She kicked the air for emphasis.

“Sounds like you’re a little jealous,” Yosuke said.

“I’M NOT JEALOUS!” Chie snapped back.

“Um…” the shadow squire interjected. “You’re on!”

Yua nodded. “Thanks.” They entered the arena once more.

The crowd erupted once again. “They must really love us,” Yosuke pondered.

“Of course!” Shadow Yukiko said. “It’s been a while since they saw a team as feisty as you three! Hopefully, it won’t be all for naught!”

“Well let’s hope not!” Yosuke countered.

“Oooooo! Strong AND clever!” Shadow Yukiko remarked. “Is there anything you CAN’T do?!”

“Yeah!” Yosuke said. “I can’t STAND YOU!”

Hmph!” Shadow Yukiko huffed. “How rude! Let’s see if The Campion can wipe that big smirk off your face!”

Suddenly, a large knight on a floating horse, both wearing armor, appeared before them. “Me and my big mouth!” Yosuke lamented.

“So YOU’RE The Champion!” Chie shouted. “BRING IT ON!” Chie charged in, while Yua and Yosuke followed suit. This fight was brutal, and had all three of them on the ropes at various points. However, through grit and determination, they managed to take down The Champion. Once they were defeated, Chie let out a guttural roar.

The crowd was stunned, as was Shadow Yukiko. Still, she composed herself. “Hm. Well, it looks like you won!” She took out a key from her cleavage. “Here!” She threw it to them. Yua caught it. It was a blue crystal key with a red heart at the end of the handle. Shadow Yukiko winked.“Now, GIVE IT UP FOR OUR NEW CHAMPIONS!” The crowd let out thunderous applause. The team decided to soak it in, but in doing so, lost track of Shadow Yukiko, who had disappeared.

“Drat!” Yosuke said. “I thought we could get her now!”

“We’re not even after that Yukiko,” Yua said. “We need to find the real Yukiko.” She held up the key. “And this just got us one step closer.”

“Yeah, but still…” Yosuke lamented. “...That was a lot…”

“Even so, we need to keep going!” Chie insisted. “For Yukiko.”

“Right,” Yosuke said. “Just…let me catch my breath for a second.” They slowly walked out of the area, and then out of the colosseum as a whole.

Around the corner, they found a door with a heart emblazoned on it, and a gold chain wrapped around it, connected by a lock. “Well, we know what the key’s for,” Yua said. She took the key, placed it in the lock, turned it, and then the door completely disappeared, leading to a set of stairs. “Well…that’s something…”

Yosuke turned to Teddie. “Hey!” Teddie looked at him. “Do you know how many more floors we’ve got?” “Hmmmmmm,” Teddie said, trying to focus on what was coming. He looked struck by something. “I think we’re getting close. I can sense that the next floor is a regular floor, then another challenge floor, and then on the floor about that I can sense another person like you!”

“Yukiko!” Chie exclaimed.

Teddie nodded. “But I’m also sensing her Shadow there too. And while I can’t sense Madrid, I have a suspicion she’s not far behind.”

“Mmmmm,” Chie groaned.

“Don’t worry,” Yua said. “We got passed that Champion. I’m sure we can get through this too.”

Chie smirked, and nodded. “Yeah.”

Yua nodded back. “Let’s continue on up.” They walked up the stairs and continued their journey. They walked and fought their way through the 6th floor, eventually finding the stairs to the 7th.

“Hold it!” Teddie said. “The next floor is a challenge floor!”

“Um, we know,” Yosuke said. “You told us as such.”

“Yeah!” Teddie rebutted. “But this feels different.”

“What do you mean?” Chie asked.

“I…feel like there’s a bigger power to this one,” Teddie explained.

“What kind of power?” Yua wondered.

“I’m not sure…” Teddie said. “But it is more powerful than what we’ve seen before.”

“Oh great,” Yosuke lamented. “We BARELY got past that Champion. I don’t know if I can take someone even stronger.”

“No, the shadows aren’t more powerful,” Teddie said. “The floor itself wields more power. It’s going to inconvenience us until we figure it out.”

“Well, I’m sure we can do it,” Yua replied. “After all, this appears to be the last thing before we get to Yukiko.” They all nodded. Yua took a deep breath, and walked up. The others followed her.

At the top of the stairs was another staircase. “Huh?!” Teddie reacted. “That seems a little too easy, right guys?” He turned, and realized it was just him. “Uhhh guys?!” He looked down the stairs to see if they fell behind. “If this is a joke, it’s not funny!” He looked around more. “Ooooo, this is just un-BEAR-able!”

Yua found herself in a grand dining hall. Facing her was a giant portrait of Yukiko looking at her intently. Yua looked back and found no stairs to retreat to. “Well, this is ominous.” She approached the portrait. Below it was an inscription. “What Does The Princess See In You?” “Well, that explains the eyes,” Yua remarked. “I wonder if the answer is hidden here, or if I have to answer it myself. Either way, I’ll look around. I mean, I doubt I was brought here for no reason.” She began looking around the room.

Meanwhile, Yosuke was brought to a ballroom, again with the same portrait and inscription. “What?!” Yosuke said, reading the inscription. “What do you mean?! Yukiko rejected me! TWICE!” He sighed. “Well, there’s no point in wallowing in self-pity. There’s got to be a clue in here somewhere.” He started looking around.

Chie found herself in an elegant bedroom, again, the same portrait with the same inscription bearing down on her. “Huh?!” She looked around. “Why is it just me?! I mean, I guess it makes sense. If Yukiko sees different things in the three of us. But then why ask us? Unless…the answer is somewhere in here. But why am I in the bedroom? Is that significant, or is that just flavor? GAH! I can’t think about that too much. For now, let’s see what I can find.” She began looking around the room.

As Yua was searching the dining hall, she wasn’t finding anything that stuck out to her. “Hmmmm,” she pondered. She looked back up at the portrait. “Hang on…” She approached the portrait again. She glanced up at it, and noticed where Yukiko’s eyes were looking. She looked out and found that they were pointed at the cloche at the center of the table. She walked over, and took off the cloche. Inside was a cooked turkey. “Hmmmm. I don’t…think Yukiko sees me as a turkey. But maybe there’s more to it. Perhaps I…have to eat the turkey? That seems outrageous. But I can’t think of anything better to do, so…” she grabbed a leg, “bon appetit.” She began eating.

As she was eating, Yukiko appeared across from her. She giggled. “You sure seem to enjoy that turkey.”

Yua was surprised. “Yukiko! Is that…really you?”

Yukiko shook her head. “I’m another part of this illusion.”

“I see…” Yua replied. She kept eating.

Yukiko smiled. “Still, I admire your tenacity.”

“Come again?” Yua wondered.

“Well, it’s just…” Yukiko continued. “You moved here kind of suddenly, right?” Yua nodded. “It sounds like your life was a little hectic before.”

“And it’s not now?” Yua retorted.

Yukiko chuckled. “Fair point. But you told me that coming here was a breath of fresh air. So I don’t imagine what happened before was a walk in the park.”

Yua swallowed some turkey. “Yeah, you could say that…”

Yukiko looked at her intently. “But it seems like you came out the other side alright. I think that’s the thing that intrigues me the most. There are times I want to give it all up, but I’m scared of the unknown. But if I had someone like you with me, I know I could make it.”

“So,” Yua said, “that’s what you see in me.” She continued eating.

Yukiko smiled. “Mm hm. You’re honestly quite remarkable. I know I haven’t hung out with you in earnest, but you leave a lasting impression. At least on me. I hope that once this is all said and done, we can get even closer.” Yukiko faded.

Yua was surprised at the sudden disappearance of this illusory Yukiko. She looked down and was even more surprised to see that she had eaten the entire turkey. “Huh. I guess exploring this place really takes it out of you.” Suddenly, Yua heard the sound of a door opening. She looked over at the other end of the room to find an exit that wasn’t there prior. “Well, I guess that’s my cue.” She got up, and walked out.

Yosuke was looking around the ballroom. “Hmmm. Nothing. What am I missing?” He looked up at the portrait of Yukiko. “Maybe I need to get in the middle to line up her eyes with mine?” He went out to the dancefloor, inching backwards to line himself up with the portrait. Suddenly, as he backed into the center of the dancefloor, a spotlight shone upon him. Yosuke was stunned. “Ummmmmmm…”

“Excuse me,” Yukiko said. Yosuke turned around to see the version of Yukiko he recognized. “May I have this dance?”

“Yukiko?!” Yosuke wondered. “Thank goodness you’re here! We’ve gotta find a way out!”

Yukiko shook her head. “Alas, I am not the Yukiko you’re looking for. I am a mirage made to test you.”

“Oh…” Yosuke said, deflated, but also a little concerned.

“So, I will ask again,” Yukiko replied. “May I have this dance?” She offered her hand.

Yosuke shrugged. “I guess so…” He took her hand, and the two started to dance.

Yukiko chuckled. “You’re surprisingly good at this.”

Yosuke chuckled. “Well, when you attend some of your dad’s high end parties, you pick up a thing or two.”

“I see,” Yukiko said.

“So, um, do you really see something in me?” Yosuke asked.

“Of course,” Yukiko replied. “You have the strength of a good leader.”

“I…do?” Yosuke asked.

Yukiko nodded. “But you’re also humble enough to recognize when you should follow.”

“Huh,” Yosuke responded.

“You’re tenacious, but not so headstrong that you think you’re better than others,” Yukiko continued. “You’re so kind and genuine. You help others like it’s the right thing to do.”

“I see…” Yosuke said. “I guess that’s fair. Even though I’m not 100% sure I see myself that way.”

Yukiko giggled. “Well, I’m sure you’ll see it in due time.”

Yosuke smiled. “So, um, why did you reject me then? If you felt that way.”

Yukiko frowned. “I’m not brave like you. I was afraid to take a chance on…well, anybody. Not just you.”

“I see,” Yosuke said. “Well, I’m sure you’ll get there too.”

Yukiko giggled. “Thank you. And thank you for this dance.” Yukiko faded away.

Yosuke was flabbergasted. “Huh.” Suddenly, the door opened behind him. He turned to face it. “Well, I guess I should get out of here.” He walked out the door.

Chie was looking around the bedroom, but wasn’t finding anything. “GAH!” She screamed. “This makes NO sense!” She looked up at Yukiko’s portrait. “What do you want me to do?!” She waited. “Mmmm. I guess you’re not answering because you’re a portrait.” Something came to Chie. “Or…ARE you answering?” She noticed that the eyes were looking directly at the bed. She sighed. “Maybe I do need a nap. That Colosseum took a lot out of me.” Chie walked over and got under the covers.

Once she was situated, she heard Yukiko say “Hello!”

Chie looked over and saw Yukiko in the bed next to her. “Gah!” She paused for a moment. “Oh, sorry. I thought you were Shadow Yukiko for a moment.”

Yukiko shook her head. “But I’m still not real.”

Chie nodded. “I know. Well, I had a feeling.”

Yukiko chuckled. “Still, it’s been a little while since we did this.”

“Did what?” Chie said. Yukiko gestured to the bed. “Oh. Yeah. Well, you’ve become very busy. We haven’t had a lot of time for sleepovers.”

“Yeah…” Yukiko lamented. “I miss it.”

“I miss it too,” Chie said. “I know it might be hard to convince your parents, but I want to do it again. And after all of this, I’m gonna talk her ear off until we can.” Yukiko giggled. “What’s so funny.”

“It’s just,” Yukiko answered, “this is very Chie.”

“Huh?” Chie wondered.

“Well, you’re just so…” Yukiko continued, “determined. When you want something, you fight for it tooth and nail.”

Chie pouted. “You do that too, Yukiko.”

Yukiko shook her head. “Not in the same way you do. You are so multifaceted, but every facet works together to make an incredible person. I wish I had even half your determination.”

Chie clasped Yukiko’s hand. “You do. I know you do. And I’m going to prove it once we get out of here.”

Yukiko smiled. “See, this is what I mean. But if you want me, you’re going to have to fight a little longer. But I know you can do it.” Yukiko faded from the bed.

“YUKIKO!” Chie called out. “Mmmm. I knew she was fake…but it felt so real.” Suddenly, the door opened up. Chie sighed. “Well, I should do as Yukiko says. After all, if I want to prove her right, I have to save her.” She got out of the bed, and walked out of the door.

Yua, Yosuke, and Chie walked out of their doors at the same time. Yua’s door was on the left from the stairs they came up, Yosuke’s door was on the right, and Chie’s door was right next to the stairs going up. Teddie looked at all of them, confused. “Where were you?!” he demanded. “I was so scared…”

Yua shrugged. “It seems like the floor split us up into three rooms.” She looked over at Yosuke and Chie. “Did your rooms have portraits of Yukiko as well?”

They both nodded. “And,” Yosuke continued, “I assume we also saw visions of Yukiko.”

“You got that right,” Chie said.

“Honestly, I was a little surprised,” Yosuke said. “But it was comforting. In a way, it felt refreshing.”

“Weirdly, I feel the same,” Yua said. “I had to eat a whole turkey.”

“Wait, you got food?!” Yosuke said. “Was I the only one who had to dance?!”

“Sounds like it,” Chie said.

“Well what did you do?!” Yosuke asked.

“I just sat in bed with Yukiko,” Chie answered.

“WHAT?!” Yosuke said.

“Alright, enough,” Yua said. She turned back to Teddie. “You said that she’s up on the next floor, right?”

Teddie nodded. “Correct.”

Yua nodded back. “Well, it sounds like this was our last test before the grande finale. Are you ready?!” Yosuke and Chie nodded, determined. “Good. Then let’s head up.” Yua started walking up the stairs. Yosuke, Chie, and Teddie followed suit.

Once they got upstairs, they were presented with a large door. Yua tested it a little and notified the others that it was unlocked. Yua nodded, and Yosuke, Chie, and Teddie nodded back. Yua then threw the door open, and the four of them charged into the room.

The room itself was a throne room, with Shadow Yukiko sitting on the throne. Meanwhile, the real Yukiko, who was in her kimono for working at the inn, was at the foot of the stairs leading up to the throne. “YUKIKO!” Chie called out.

Yukiko looked back. “...Chie?”

Yosuke looked up at Shadow Yukiko. “Let her go!”

Shadow Yukiko. “Silly Yosuke. You know I can’t do that.”

“Grrrr,” Yosuke hissed.

Shadow Yukiko smirked. “But I’m glad you’re all here.” She looked at Yukiko. “Look at that. Three Princes to take us away…and a stuffed toy.”

“Hey!” Teddie objected. “Who are you calling a ‘toy’?!”

“Hm,” Shadow Yukiko smirked. “Sounds like putting a label on you hurt. But don’t worry. They won’t have to for long. All you gotta do is hear the bell ring.”

“Mmmmmmm,” Yua groaned.

Shadow Yukiko chuckled. “I’ve been trying to get this one to listen to me,” she said, gesturing towards Yukiko, “but alas, she seems dead set on not listening to reason.”

“What reason?” Yukiko countered. “You’re not making sense.”

“Hm. Am I not?” Shadow Yukiko said. “I told you, it’s going to clear up soon. And when it does, us shadows here frenzy. And then you will be no more. However, if you escape with us, like you’ve always wanted, you can live. You can be FREE! Again, we have three princes to accompany us.”

“Bullshit!” Chie said. “We’re going to take Yukiko home!”

“Chie…” Yukiko said.

“Hm,” Shadow Yukiko replied. “I like how noble your intentions are. And you passed the tests this castle provided to prove that you are indeed pure of heart, and strong of will; qualities that I look for in a Prince. But a Prince should listen to the Princess. And this Princess wants to leave it all behind.”

“Huh?” Yua asked. “I don’t understand…”

“Well, whatever she’s saying, we’re getting out of here,” Chie said. “Right Yukiko?”

Yukiko stood up. “R-right…”

“Tch tch tch,” Shadow Yukiko condescended. If you want to go back to your town, I’m afraid I can’t let that happen. I don’t want to go back. Or should I say ‘we’ don’t want to go back.”

“Well WE aren’t here to listen to you,” Yosuke said.

“But don’t you want to know why the caged bird sings?” Shadow Yukiko replied. “Hm. ‘Future manager of a historic inn.’ ‘You must be so proud.’ ‘You’re the lifeblood of this town.’ ‘You’re going to make us proud one day.’ Do you know how HARD it is to bear those chains?! Do you know what it’s like to have everyone place their expectations on you without even knowing anything about you?! Do you know what it’s like to have everything in your life decided for from the cradle to the grave?!”

Yukiko was stunned. Everyone else was trying to leave, but Yukiko was frozen stiff. “Yukiko?” Chie wondered.

Yua grew determined. “Don’t let what she says get to you. She doesn’t have your best interests at heart.”

“Au contraire, mon chéri,” Shadow Yukiko stated. “I think I’M the only person who’s thinking about Yukiko’s interests at all. I mean, we didn’t ask for this life. We didn’t choose to be born here. We are just the product of a cruel joke from the gods. We are but a puppet on a string that can’t do anything on their own.”

“That…” Yukiko meekly objected, “that’s not true…”

“That’s why we need a Prince,” Shadow Yukiko continued. “We can’t escape on our own. If we could, we would have done it a long time ago. We would have left that wretched inn behind and never looked back!”

“Stop it!” Yukiko commanded. “I don’t know who you think this ‘we’ is, but I am proud of my family’s inn!”

“Awwww,” Shadow Yukiko replied. “You’re only saying that because everyone tells you it’s something to be proud of. Deep down though, I know you despise it as much as I do. After all…I AM YOU!”

“No!” Yukiko protested.

Yosuke grew alarmed. “Wait, no no no no no n-”

“You’re not me!” Yukiko went on.

Shadow Yukiko’s power grew immense. “Hm. This is so interesting. Maybe I should have tried it sooner. Ah HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!” She seemed to vanish.

Everyone looked around to see if they could find her. Suddenly, the chandelier crashed down from the ceiling, separating Yukiko from the team. Atop the chandelier was a birdcage, and inside was a red bird with Yukiko’s face and hair. “Well now, my Princes. You’ve made it this far. Let’s see if you can make it through the fires of my disdain!”

“Yua smirked. “It’s not a question of if, just a matter of when.”

“Hm hm hm hm hm hm hm!” Shadow Yukiko chuckled. She spread her wings. “I AM THE SHADOW! THE TRUE SELF!”

Chie made the first move. “TOMOE!” She hit Shadow Yukiko with a Bufu, causing her to faint. “LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” The team rushed in for an all-out attack.

After the attack, Shadow Yukiko recouped. “Well then, how about THIS?!” She erected a White Wall. “Now your icy blasts won’t do as much.”

“Grrr,” Chie fumed. “What do we do?!”

Yua raised her sword. “We do what we’ve been doing: overwhelming them with sheer determination.”

“Yeah!” Yosuke said. “We almost have Yukiko back. We aren't going to give up now!”

Chie smiled, and nodded. “Right. Let’s give it all we got!” They continued fighting Shadow Yukiko, taking advantage when her protective wall was down.

During one such occasion, they noticed Shadow Yukiko was on the ropes. Yua smirked. “Alright Team! One final push, and this victory should be ours!” Yosuke and Chie nodded. All three of them unleashed a full barrage.

“AUUUUUUUUUGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” screeched Shadow Yukiko, knowing she’s been defeated.

Once Shadow Yukiko was down for the count, Yua, Yosuke, and Chie rushed for the throne Yukiko was on. “Yukiko!” Chie called aout. Yukiko stood up. “Are…are you alright?”

“I…I mean…” Yukiko said, a little concerned. “That thing…”

“That thing is you,” Yosuke insisted. “Whether you like it or not. I know because I had to face the same thing.”

“Me too!” Chie insisted. “I…I’m sorry!” She started crying. “I was so focused on my own issues I didn’t notice you were also in pain. Or rather, I slightly enjoyed it. I wanted you to lean on me more, but I was always the one leaning on you. I was jealous. But now I hate not having you around! I hope you can forgive me!”

“Chie…” Yukiko replied. “I…was caught up in my own troubles as well. I thought you could be everything I couldn’t be. I thought I could contain you, but I know I can’t. So I’m sorry too.”

Yukiko looked over to see the reformed Shadow Yukiko wearing her Princess dress. She walked over to her. “I owe you an apology too. I…do feel like that. I thought I could just go along with it, but I see now that I was just hurting myself and everyone else around me. Will you ever forgive me?”

Shadow Yukiko nodded. She began floating and changing form once again. However, this time, she transformed into what looked like the Pink Featherman with a set of pink feathers on a ribbon attached to her wrists encircling her. She transformed into a card, which Yukiko grabbed, and then absorbed. “This is…my persona. Konohana Sakuya.”

Yukiko started to collapse. Chie intercepted her. “Gotcha!”

Yukiko smiled. “Thanks.”

Chie smiled back. “Anytime.”

Teddie walked over. “So, do you know who kidnapped you?”

Yukiko seemed confused. “Who are you?”

“Oh. My apologies,” Teddie said. “I’m Teddie. So, do you know who kidnapped you?”

“Mmmm,” Yukiko lamented. “I’m sorry. It’s all kind of a blur. I remember hearing my name. I followed. Ugh…”

Yosuke sighed. “Of course.”

“Well, we know that this isn’t incidental anymore,” Yua said. “We know someone had to put her in, right?”

“I thought that was obvious,” Yosuke said.

“Well, if I had the ability to wander in here, maybe she could have as well,” Yua pointed out.

“True,” Yosuke said.

“But whoever’s doing it has to be doing it from your side,” Teddie informed them. “I only sensed her coming in. Same with the other two.”

“Hmmmm,” Yua pondered. “That is troubling.”

“Hang on,” Yosuke said. “You said you couldn’t fit into your TV at home, right? So whoever’s doing this must have a big TV that they can access. I don’t know how many people in this small town have something like that.”

“Well…” Yukiko interjected, “as amusing as this is, I am this close to passing out.”

“Oh right,” Yosuke said. “Sorry. We should head out.”

“Agreed,” Yua said. “We can fill you in once you’re rested up.”

“I can fill her in,” Chie said. “I mean, someone’s gotta give her her homework and stuff.”

Yukiko giggled. “Thanks Chie.” The four of them started leaving.

“Hang on!” Teddie said. “You’re going to leave me here alone?!”

“What do you mean?” Yosuke asked. “You live here, right?”

“Well yeah…” Teddie said.

“Besides, don’t the shadows frenzy when it clears up here?” Yua asked.

“Yeah, why don’t you get targeted by their frenzy?” Yosuke wondered.

Teddie pouted. “They just ignore me…”

Yukiko smiled. She walked over and patted Teddie on the head. “Teddie, was it?” Teddie nodded. “Well then, I’ll be sure to come back to see you. So be a good bear while we’re gone, OK?”

“O…OK!” Teddie said, slightly blushing. “Hm hm. Alright.”

“I…think you might need some alone time anyway,” Youske said. “Let’s get out of here.”

“Right,” Yua said. “Thanks for helping out, Teddie.”

“Oh, uh, of course!” Teddie said. “Bye!” He waved goodbye. The four students made their way out of the castle.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 245: Futaba's Big Day Out

After dinner that evening, Ren, Futaba, and Sojiro headed out after cleaning up, and checking on Sae. Once they were home, they were settling into their evening routines, getting ready to go to sleep for the next day. As usual, Ren, Morgana, and Sojiro fell asleep, while Futaba stayed up late into the night. Since she was a shut-in, she didn’t really have anything to do, and she liked being up late because it was less noisy. Although, since it was Tokyo, there was still noise, just not as much.

This particular night, Futaba was fishing for information on a potential Mementos target. She had been working a few leads, and now it started to bear fruit. “Alright, I think I got something… Bingo! Yoshito Wakasa. Heh heh. Well, now that we know his name, he’s primed for a visit from us!” She took out her phone to message the others, but then thought “I should wait until morning.”

She yawned. “It’s kind of late anyway. I should maybe get to sleep.” She got out of her computer chair, placed her glasses in their case, and headed for her bed. “Hmmmmm,” she groaned. “If I want to go back to school eventually, I should start going to bed earlier. I do like the stillness of the night though. But I guess being in my room all day, there’s not a lot of motion regardless of time. But I’ve been working on that. But am I ready for it?

I guess you’re never ready for anything. I mean, I doubt that Ren was ready to get arrested and all that. But I have seen her grow as a person. Just like I have. And Kana. Heck, even Sojiro’s changed. Hmmm. I guess things are what you make of them. And maybe with other people, the creation process is…I was going to say ‘better’, but the people that blamed me for mom’s death made it much worse. But with the right people, it’s better.”

She flopped down on her bed, and sighed. “I have gotten a lot better since they stole my heart. But I guess that only happened because I wanted it too, and reached out for help. I also reached out to Kana because I wanted to. I think making my intentions known yields the best results. I should tell Sojiro about wanting to go back to school.

Hmmm. Is there anything else I want right now? I want to bring the people who killed mom to justice, but we’re working on that. I want to know what happens in the next episode of Featherman, but I have to wait. Oh! I know! There’s a new game I want. Maybe I can go down to Akihabara to see if I can get it on my own. Plus, I can see if there’s anything new I can add to my PC repertoire. I tried that before, but after everything that’s happened since, I think this is a good test! Alright, that’s the plan!” She tucked herself in, and fell asleep.

The next day, at breakfast, Futaba looked at Sojiro and said “Sojiro?” Sojiro looked up at her. “Ummm, if it’s possible, I want to start attending school.”

Sojiro smirked. “Of course. It’s not gonna be easy, you know that?”

Futaba nodded. “I know.”

“Hm,” Sojiro grinned. “Well then, we can get started on the process.”

“You’ve already started, haven't you…” Futaba inferred.

“...Yeah…” Sojiro admitted. “But I didn’t get too far. If you weren’t ready, signing you up for the applications would have been a disaster to say the least.”

“Yeah, I guess that’s true,” Futaba replied.

Ren chuckled. “Well, good luck Futaba!”

Futaba nodded. “Thanks.” They continued eating breakfast.

After Ren and Morgana left for school, and Sojiro left for Leblanc, Futaba was left alone, as usual. However, Futaba was on the verge of doing something drastic. She walked to the front door, looked out, and then took a deep breath. “It’s now or never…” She opened the door, and walked outside. She looked around. Ever since her change of heart, she hung around the neighborhood, so she was used to it. But soon, she would venture outside of it on her own. Still, she knew that even hanging around outside would have been too much for her this time last year, so she knew she was moving up.

She locked the door to her house, and then headed over towards the train station. She was nervous on the train, but she remained vigilant and determined. She kept track of where she was and where she needed to go. Once she got to Akihabara, she left the train in a huff. “Whew! Alright Futaba! That’s step one! Now, time to find that game!” She headed over to the department store in order to find the game she was looking for. She was a little nervous with all of the people around, but she remained determined. She wanted to prove to herself that she could be out in public again, but there was also a part of her that was grateful that this could be a quick in-and-out thing.

She got to the video game section. “Yes!” she muttered to herself. She searched a little bit before finding the game she wanted. She quickly picked it out, paid for it, and then started making her way out. “Heh heh! I can’t WAIT! To go home and play you!” As she continued walking, she saw someone that caught her attention. “Is that…Yusuke?”

Sure enough, it was. He was looking around the place, seeming like he wanted to go somewhere specifically. Futaba curiously approached him. “Yo, Inari!”

Yusuke looked at her. “Futaba?! What are you doing here?”

“What are you doing here?” Futaba asked back. “Don’t you have, like, school or something?”

“Ah, yes, well,” Yusuke began, “we were given some time today to look for inspiration around the city.”

“And you came here?” Futaba asked.

“Well, kind of,” Yusuke explained. “I like people watching, of course. And Akihabara has no shortage of people. It also feels different from other parts of Tokyo. However, I also came here to buy a heater for my dorm room.”

“You don’t have one?” Futaba said.

“Well, I did,” Yusuke replied. “It was left over from when I was living with Madarame. It broke, and when I tried to get it fixed, the person told me it would be outside my price range to fix due to its age.”

“I see…” Futaba said. “I guess it’s for the best. One less piece of Madarame to hold onto, right?”

“Well…I guess,” Yusuke said. “As much as I despise him, I have to admit, he had his positive qualities.”

“Eh?” Futaba wondered.

“My relationship with him is complicated,” Yusuke said. “But I think you have a point. I don’t want to spend money fixing something to keep a part of him.”

“Hmmmm,” Futaba pondered. “I see… Well, um, you want help picking one out? Or at least some company?”

Yusuke nodded. “Sure. I’m sure you have a good idea what heater I should get. After all, you’re cooped up in your room all day. I remember your room having phenomenal AC.”

“Oh, um, well,” Futaba said, “the reason my AC game is on point is because my machines get kinda hot. And since I don’t really open my door that much, the heat kind of permeates the room. SO I don't really use a heater.”

“Huh,” Yusuke reacted. “I…I’m not really a computer person, but I don’t think that’s good for the computer.”

“I take care of my computers!” Futaba countered.

“Ah! My apologies,” Yusuke offered. “Of course I trust you to know how to take care of your machines. But I’m not sure that’s sound advice for someone like me who, as I stated previously, is not a computer person.”

“Mmmmmm,” Futaba responded. “Yeah. Yeah it’s not… But I got it under control!”

“Of course,” Yusuke said. “Shall we have a look then?”

Futaba nodded. “Of course.” The pair went off in search of a heater for Yusuke.

After doing some comparisons, they eventually found a really good one. Yusuke chuckled. “Despite not having a heater in your room, you still came in handy.”

“Well, I knew what heaters Sojiro gets, so it was fairly easy,” Futaba said.

Yusuke smiled. “Still, it was an amazing coincidence that you were here in the first place. Which reminds me, why are you here?”

“Oh, right,” Futaba said. “I wanted to pick up a video game.” She showed off her game.

“Couldn’t you just order it?” Yusuke asked. “Or get it digitally?”

“Well, yes…” Futaba admitted. “But I also wanted to prove to myself that I’ve changed. And that I can go out again.”

“I see,” Yusuke said. “How do you think that went?”

“Well…” Futaba reflected. “I think it went alright. It’s a process, but I managed to get here on my own. I might have been a little more nervous than anticipated, but it was going alright. And when you showed up, I just went with you.”

“Hmmm,” Yusuke said. “Well, it’s good progress at least.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Futaba admitted. “‘A journey begins with a single step’, right?”

“Of course,” Yusuke agreed. “Still, it was a little odd that we crossed paths. Some good fortune, I imagine.”

“I’ll say,” Futaba replied. She then gave Yusuke a peck on the cheek. Both of them were stunned, and immediately turned a shade of pink. Futaba nervously turned away from Yusuke.

“Futaba?” Yusuke wondered. “Did…did you just kiss me on the cheek?”

Futaba lowered herself a little. “N-No…”

“Then who kissed me on the cheek?” Yusuke asked. “Because I know someone kissed me on the cheek, and I assumed it was you because you’re the closest person to me, but if you didn’t-”

“OK, I did!” Futaba said, turning back in a panic. “But i-it didn’t mean anything!”

“What do you MEAN it didn’t mean anything?” Yusuke retorted.

“I don’t know!” Futaba shouted. “I just kind of did it! …Did you hate it?!”

“I don’t know?!” Yusuke replied.

“Eh?!” Futaba responded.

“I mean, how am I supposed to react?” Yusuke asked.

Futaba looked away sheepishly. “...You…You could say you liked it…”

“I don’t know what ‘it’ is!” Yusuke shouted back. They noticed they were starting to draw a crowd. “...Maybe we should take this elsewhere.”

“Agreed!” Futaba said. They rushed over to the train station. They rode the rails in awkward silence until they hit Central Street in Shibuya. They left, and went to the diner.

After getting some water, Yusuke took a sip, while Futaba downed half her glass. “Guh!” she let out after finishing her chug.

“Are you…alright?” Yusuke asked.

“Yeah…I’m fine…” Futaba said in a staccato that indicated she was not.

“Alllllllllright then…” Yusuke responded. “So, um, about what happened…?”

Futaba groaned. “I knew you were going to bring it up…”

“...Did you not want me too?” Yusuke wondered, confused.

Futaba put her head in her hands. “Ugh.”

Yusuke grew concerned. “If you don’t want to talk about it…”

“No!” Futaba admitted, lifting her head up. “We’ll talk about it…”

“Alright then,” Yusuke replied. “So, um, why?”

Futaba sighed. “I…I’m not 100% sure.”

“Are you sure you want to talk about it?” Yusuke wondered.

“Ugh, this is what I mean!” Futaba said. “Like, I know why I did it to an extent, but I don’t know what it is.”

“OK?” Yusuke wondered.

“I mean,” Futaba started, “I’m out here working on myself, and then you come along, and then we hang out…”

“Would…you have done it if it was someone else from our group?” Yusuke asked. “Haru, for example?”

Futaba hesitated. “I mean, it’s not 100% no, but it would be less likely.”

“Huh,” Yusuke said. “Didn’t expect that one. So, what is it about me?”

“Well…” Futaba began, “I guess…you’re just…kind of free?”

“What?”

“I mean! …I just…feel like you’re always…yourself, you know? And you’re not afraid to be that. And I feel like when I’m with you, I’m not afraid to be myself either. I know I feel like that with everyone else, but…you bring it out in me a lot. I think the only person who brings it out more is Ren, but A. She’s dating someone, and B. She’s…kind of like my sister at this point, and it would feel a little peculiar.”

“I see…” Yusuke said, processing all of this.

“So, um, did you like it?” Futaba wondered.

“Well, I didn’t hate it,” Yusuke said. “But it was a little sudden.”

“...Sorry,” Futaba said.

“No, it’s quite alright,” Yusuke said. “I just wasn’t expecting it. I’m sure if it happens again, I’ll enjoy it more.”

Futaba went face down on the table. “Ughhhhhhhhhhh!” she groaned.

Yusuke took Futaba’s hand. Futaba looked up. “What I mean is I wouldn’t mind trying this again…whatever this is…” Futaba looked at him, confused. “Truth be told, I admire how passionate you are, and how willing you are to keep going.

I can’t say that what happened to me holds a candle to what happened to you, but I see you now, and I am amazed. I know how hard it can be to fight for something like this, but I’ve seen you fighting like Hell, and that’s amazing to me. I think…there is something here…I just don’t know what it is. But I am willing to foster it in order to see what it becomes. That is, if you are too.”

Futaba was stunned. She then smiled. “Yeah. Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.”

“Hmm,” Yusuke smirked. He lifted his glass of water. “To this.”

Futaba did the same. “To this!” They clinked their glasses. Yusuke took another sip, while Futaba finished hers. “Ah!” Yusuke looked at her, and smiled. He knew this was the beginning of something special. And when Futaba caught him smiling, she realized it too.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 244: Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

Tuesday morning before Ren left for school, she got a text message.

Makoto: Hey, um, can we talk?

Ren: Um, alright?

Ren: What do you want to talk about?

Makoto: I mean at school.

Makoto: I need your help with something.

Ren: Oh. Well, OK, I guess.

Makoto: Meet me in the student council room for lunch.

Ren: You think this’ll take up the lunch period?

Makoto: Perhaps not, but it’s better to have the time and not need it than to not have the time and need it.

Ren: True.

Ren: Alright then, see you at lunch.

Makoto: Thanks!

Ren put her phone away, and headed off to school.

At lunch, Ren showed up to the student council room to find a distressed Makoto. “Arrrrrrrrrre you alright?” Ren asked.

“Huh?!” Makoto looked up at her, surprised. “Oh, right…”

Ren entered more and took a seat. “What’s got you like this?”

Makoto hesitated for a moment. She sighed. “Today’s the day Eiko and I are telling sis and Riko about our relationship.”

“I see,” Ren said. “Sounds like a big deal.”

Makoto sighed again. “I’m just…I’m freaking out! I just…I dunno…”

“Hey!” Ren interjected. “It’s OK. I get it. I felt the same before telling my parents.”

“How did you end up doing it?” Makoto asked.

“I, uh, I just kind of blurted it out,” Ren responded. “You know, the whole ‘rip the bandage off’ approach. But that wasn’t intended. It…just sort of happened.”

“I see…” Makoto said.

Ren sighed. “It’s not easy. But speaking as someone on the other side of that ordeal, I’d say it’s worth it.”

“Mmmm,” Makoto groaned. “I know. It’s just…Sis is all I have left. In terms of family, I mean. I know I have all of you, but…she and I…we’re sisters, you know? I’d hate to lose that.”

“Yeah,” Ren said. “I get that too. But I’m sure she’ll understand.”

“You’re right,” Makoto said. “I know you’re right. But the illogical portion of my mind keeps freaking out.”

“Well, if it helps, I could be there for you,” Ren offered. “I could also bring along Sumire and Lena if they aren’t busy.”

Makoto was stunned. “Really?”

Ren nodded. “Really really.”

Makoto sighed, relieved. “Thanks. I just need to get out of my own head on this.”

Ren giggled. “Of course!”

“Well, as long as we’re here,” Makoto said, “wanna, you know, eat lunch?”

“Certainly!” Ren replied. They ate their lunches, and then headed back to their classrooms.

After school, Eiko walked up to Makoto and asked “Are you ready?”

“Almost,” Makoto replied.

Eiko was confused. “Almost?”

“It’s fine,” Makoto said. “We’re just…some of my friends are coming along.”

Eiko was even more confused. “What? But…this was supposed to be about us!”

“And it is,” Makoto assured her. “And I know I have to do it, but at the same time, I can’t. Not without help.”

“I’m here!” Eiko argued. “I’m your girlfriend. Is that not help enough?"

“Eiko…” Makoto said. She grabbed her hand. “Of course you’re enough. You’re more than enough. But this is very difficult for me. I need all the help I can get.”

Eiko glanced away, and then sighed. “Fine. I guess if it’s helpful, I can’t really say no, can I?”

Makoto smiled. “Thanks for understanding.” She gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Now let’s go.” The two headed out.

At the gate, they met up with Ren, Sumire, and Lena. Ren nodded and asked “Are we good to go?”

Eiko was a little confused. “Are we not getting more of your friends?”

“Well, these are just our fellow LGBT members,” Makoto said.

“At least the out ones,” Lena clarified. “There might not be people who are ready to come out.”

“Right,” Sumire said. “It’s important to keep that in mind.” She winked at Ren, who gave an eye-roll and annoyed look.

“I see,” Eiko said. She turned to Makoto. “Are we stopping by our place first?”

Makoto nodded. “We need to get Riko. She needs to hear this too.”

“Right,” Eiko said. They headed off to Makoto’s house.

Once they arrived, Riko was there to greet them. “Oh! I didn’t know you were having so many friends over.”

“Actually,” Makoto said. “We were going to talk with sis today, and we’d like you to come along.”

"Oh. I see,” Riko said. “Well then, no time to waste, I suppose.” She got herself ready, and then headed out with the rest of them. “Does Sojiro know we’re coming?”

“Yeah,” Makoto said. “I told him last night. We should be good.”

Riko nodded. “That’s good to know.” They continued on.

Once they arrived, Ren looked around to make sure the coast was clean, and then headed in. Sojiro and Sae looked over, and Sojiro noted “you brought quite a crowd, huh.”

“We go where we’re needed,” Ren said.

Sojiro nodded. “Fair enough.”

Makoto, Eiko, Ren, Sumire, Lena, and Riko moved in further. “So, what is it that you wanted to talk about?” Sae wondered.

Makoto was nervous. She looked over at her friends. They were smiling, assuring her silently. She looked at her girlfriend, who nodded back at her. Makoto returned the nod. She looked back at her sister, and took a deep breath. “There’s something we need to tell you.”

“Oh?” Sae wondered.

“Yeah…” Makoto said. “To be perfectly honest, Eiko and I are not just friends…” Sae and Riko were a little confused. “We’re…dating…” Makoto continued. Sae was stunned silent. Makoto went on. “I don’t know how you feel about this, but I know I don’t want to lose you. But I will if I have to. Because I need to stand up for myself. I can’t go back. I won’t go back! I-”

“Makoto!” Sae interjected. Makoto stopped talking. Sae sighed. She stood up, and gave her sister a hug. “It’s alright. It’s alright.”

“Sis…”

Sae loosened her hug, but still held on. “I’m glad you told me. I’m glad that you felt like you could tell me.”

“Well…” Makoto responded, looking nervous. “I wasn’t sure if I could.” Sae was surprised again. “It took Eiko and everyone else convincing me it was a good idea to even make an attempt. And I was still scared.”

“Scared?” Sae wondered.

Makoto paused. “Well, um, it’s just…I know that this kind of relationship might be frowned upon by people, and I didn’t know if you fell into that camp. I mean, I know you accept me as a Phantom Thief, but that was after everything fell apart in front of you. I just…I keep feeling like sooner or later I’m going to disappoint you for being me.”

“Makoto…” Sae replied. She frowned. “I understand that I might be a little…uptight, but…” she sighed. “I don’t want you to feel like I don’t care about you. I care about you a lot.” She frowned. “I guess my hubris got in the way of a lot of things, huh.”

“Hubris?” Makoto wondered.

Sae nodded. “I…guess you know some of it, but after dad died, I kind of snapped. I thought if I could get into a high enough position, I could change the world to be one where you wouldn’t have to face any hardships. One where you can be who you were always meant to be.

And between you graduating at the end of this school year, and hearing you taking on different challenges anyway, I thought I had failed. Hmmm. I guess I was always a little jealous of you. I felt like the day dad died, a part of me did as well; the part of me that was to be the best I could be. So I wanted to nurture that part in you. But I guess it just didn’t work out…”

“Sis…” Makoto said, consoling her sister. “I…know that we lost a lot when dad died, but I was afraid of losing you too. I don’t want you to think that you couldn’t be yourself just for my sake. I felt a little guilty about being a burden to you. That you had to do all of this just for me. I know you want to take care of me, but you shouldn’t have to put aside taking care of yourself.

And, as far as facing those obstacles, I…I want to do it. I appreciate your help, but I don’t want to be complacent. I need to face challenges in order to be the best I can be. Because win, lose, or draw, I learn something, and I can take it forward. I know it’s not easy, but I deserve to try.”

Sae was stunned. She smiled, and pulled Makoto in for a hug. “You’re right. I’m sorry I didn’t recognize this sooner. I’ll try to be better about all of this.”

Makoto chuckled. “Me too.”

As the sisters shared an embrace, a sniffle was heard. They looked up to see Eiko crying. “I’m sorry…” she apologized. “It’s just…I’m so used to being a disappointment to my family that I didn’t think this would be that big a deal. I-I didn’t know that families could be this close. I’m sorry Makoto. I…I…”

“Eiko…” Makoto replied.

Saw smirked. She waved Eiko over. “Come here.” Eiko slowly did so. Sae extended the hug to Eiko. “If you’re going to be part of this family, you deserve to be cherished just as much.”

“Sis!” Makoto said, slightly embarrassed.

“You know I’m right,” Sae retorted.

Makoto chuckled. “You usually are.”

Eiko chuckled. “I think I’m gonna like this.”

Makoto locked her hand with Eiko’s. “I know you are.” The three shared a giggle.

Judgement-Sae Niijima: Rank 4

Meanwhile, Lena, Sumire, and Ren were looking on, touched by the affection in the air. Ren then glanced over at Riko. Riko was also happy, but Ren could tell there was a forlorn look in her eyes.

Makoto turned over to Riko and asked “Oh, uh, you’re OK with this too, right Riko?”

“Huh?” Riko said, snapping out of her trance. “Yeah. I’m…I’m very OK with it.”

Makoto chuckled. “Great!”

“Hmmmm,” Sae noted. She averted her gaze and started blushing. Riko did the same thing.

“Ahem,” Sojiro said. “I hate to break such a happy mood, but this place has another appointment, soooooo…?”

“Oh, right!” Ren said, remembering that Futaba was meeting Kana here today.

“I…guess it’ll still be a bit before we can have moments like this to ourselves again,” Sae mused.

“Trust me,” Makoto replied. “We’ll get there sooner than you think.” They both nodded and smiled at each other. Sae headed back up to her room, while Makoto, Eiko, Riko, Sumire, and Lena left, with Ren walking them out.

As everyone else was heading down the alley, Riko turned to Ren and said “Thanks for allowing us to do this.”

“You should thank Sojiro,” Ren said. “It’s his restaurant.”

“Well, tell him I said thanks,” Riko said.

Ren nodded. “Say…um, as long as it’s just the two of us, do you mind me asking something?”

“What is it?” Riko asked.

“Um, do you, by chance, perhaps…like Sae?” Ren wondered.

Riko was shocked. “What?! Eh heh. I mean…”

“It’s OK,” Ren said. “I like girls too.”

Riko pouted. “Yeah…”

“Have you told her?” Ren wondered.

“Not…really…” Riko said. “Partially because of the whole Eris thing.”

“Right. I get that,” Ren replied.

“But you know,” Riko said, “with this coming out, maybe I have a chance, but…I kind of want to get this sorted out first at least. I know I feel like I’m just delaying it more, but if the answer is still no, I don’t want Sae to have to worry about Makoto and Eiko being alone.”

Ren nodded. “I see.”

“Still,” Riko said, “despite all the negativity, I think Sae, and Sojiro, and you Phantom Thieves are like the kindest people I’ve met. So, in a way, I’m sort of glad this happened.”

Ren chuckled. “I understand completely.”

“RIKO!” Makoto called out. “ARE YOU COMING?!”

Riko chuckled. “Sorry.” She turned towards the alley. “BE THERE IN A MINUTE!” She bowed. “Thanks again.” She left.

Ren waved goodbye as Riko caught up with everyone else. Once she was out of sight, Ren pulled out her phone and started texting.

Ren: It’s almost time. Do you want me to come get you?

Futaba: No.

Futaba: It’s not that far away.

Futaba: Besides, this is something I want to do.

Futaba: I should be able to do it on my own, right?

Ren: Well, I’ll be waiting for you then.

Futaba: Seeya soon!

Ren nodded, put her phone away, and then stepped back into Leblanc.

About 10 minutes later, Futaba showed up. “Alright! I’m here.”

Sojiro looked at her. “Well, you still have some time before your friend shows up. How are you feeling?”

Futaba sat down next to Ren. “Honestly? It’s a mixture of a lot of different emotions. I’m glad this is happening, but I’m still nervous and afraid. But I’m determined to see this through!”

Sojiro chuckled. “You sounded just like your mother just now.”

Futaba was confused. “I…did?”

Sojiro nodded. “You sure did.”

“Huh,” Futaba said. “I thought she was a little more…you know…in control of things.”

“It might have appeared that way because you were young,” Sojiro said, “but she was human, just like anyone else. But that didn’t stop her from being extraordinary.”

“I see…” Futaba pondered.

The door then opened up, and Futaba and Ren looked over to see who was entering. They saw a young girl, about their age, with short, messy, unstyled black hair, minimal make-up, except for some rather notable black eyeshadow, a black frilled shirt, dark blue jeans, a red purse, and some black and white tennis shoes. She walked over to where Futaba and Ren were sitting and took a seat across from them. “...Futaba? Futaba Ishiki?”

Futaba snapped from her confusion. “Oh, uh, yeah.”

The girl chuckled. “You haven’t changed too much from elementary school. It’s me: Kana. Kana Magario.”

“I, uh, kind of figured,” Futaba said. “I asked you to meet me here.”

“Of course,” Kana replied.

“Also, um, it’s Futaba Sakura now…” she explained.

Kana was confused. “Did your mom get married? Wait, did YOU get married somehow? Is that why-”

“No no!” Futaba responded. “My mom…died two years ago.”

“Oh!” Kana said, stunned by the news. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s…fine…” Futaba said, awkwardly. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“I know, but…what else do you say when that happens?” Kana asked.

“Yeah,” Futaba agreed. “But afterwards, I got adopted by Sojiro over here.” She gestured to Sojiro.

“Hey,” Sojiro said.

“Hello,” Kana replied, waving. She turned back to Futaba. “It really has been a while, huh.”

“Yeah…” Futaba said. “But I never forgot you.”

“Hm,” Kana smirked. “Based on how you memorized books, I don’t think I had a chance at being forgotten.”

“Heh heh, right,” Futaba laughed nervously. “Um, well, sh-should we talk about the elephant in the room?”

“You’re talking about my parents?” Kana asked.

Futaba nodded. “How are things going?”

“Well,” Kana said, “I don’t have to tell you they weren’t going well for a long time.”

“Yeah…” Futaba replied.

“But after The Phantom Thieves changed their hearts,” Kana continued, “things…have been getting better. I mean, I don’t…think I can ever 100% forgive them. But they’ve taken great pains to apologize and try to make things right. They’re backing off a bit, and actually allowing me to go to school again.”

“Well that’s good at least,” Futaba said.

“Yeah,” Kana replied.

“...Sorry…” Futaba said.

Kana was confused. “For what?”

“For not doing anything sooner…” Futaba explained. “I saw what you wrote, and-”

“Hey!” Kana responded. “Like you told me, it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know how to deal with it, much like I didn’t know how to deal with it. I took it out on you unnecessarily. And honestly, I consider that to be the worst moment of my life.”

“Wait, really?” Futaba wondered.

Kana nodded. “Don’t get me wrong, my parents put me through absolute Hell, but when somebody could have helped me, I just turned them away. I actively shut out any hope I had for getting out of my situation. So I should be the one to apologize.”

“Oh…” Futaba said. “Well, um, you did say you didn’t know how to deal with it. So, um, maybe it wasn’t really your fault either.”

“Heh,” Kana scoffed. “I know you’re just trying to make me feel better, but let me have this.”

“Oh…OK…” Futaba replied.

Kana sighed. “If I could take back that moment, I would. But I just didn’t know what else to do. So, I’m sorry.”

“Well then, I forgive you,” Futaba said.

“That easily?” Kana wondered.

“It wasn’t so easy,” Futaba protested. “I mean, I had to find you for starters. And I had to work up the courage to talk to you again after I noticed The Phantom Thieves took care of your parents. After what happened when I read your diary I was scared. I…I kept telling my mom we got along partially because I didn’t know what to do, but partially because I wanted to believe it.

I didn’t…I didn’t want to be in a world where we didn’t get along, and I was scared that regardless of your parents’ change of heart I would have crossed the boundary from uncertain to certain. Yes, things went terribly when I saw what was written, but…I always held out hope that things could be fixed. And I wanted to fix it, but I didn’t know how. There was a lot in my life that I wanted to fix, but I didn’t know how. But now, I feel like I have the tools to fix the things that I want, and that starts with forgiving you. Because If I couldn’t forgive you, how could I forgive myself?”

Kana stared at Futaba in awe. She sat there for a moment before she could say anything. Once she finally found the will to speak, she said “Well…that was a lot, wasn’t it?”

“Sorry…” Futaba replied.

“You don’t have to be sorry,” Kana said. “You were just speaking the truth. This was a lot. And it sounds like you’ve been through a lot as well. And I’ve been through a lot too, so I know what it’s like to be so consumed by it all. But from all of that, I think you’re in a better place than I am right now.”

Futaba was a little surprised. She then replied “Well, I guess that’s a little fair…I mean, I started really escaping my trauma back in August. So I’ve had some time to grow, and learn, and process everything. But with how things are, I’m sure you’ll figure things out as well.”

“Hm,” Kana smirked. “Well then, would you want to help me along on this journey? I mean, I’m sure you know it’s not exactly easy.”

“Boy is it not,” Futaba remarked.

“But I think if you were to help me, I could get a better handle on things,” Kana finished.

Futaba nodded. “Yeah. I mean, after all, it took Ren here to help me get through some things.”

“Oh right,” Kana said. "I was wondering about you. What’s your deal?”

“Oh, uh, well, it’s complicated,” Ren said. “Um, I guess the simplest explanation is we’re friends who also live together?”

Kana raised her eyebrow. “She’s also been through a lot,” Futaba explained. “She’s from the country, and due to some unfortunate circumstances, she had to come here, and Sojrio took her under his wing.”

“That’s the basic gist,” Sojiro said. “There’s a lot more, but I don’t think we should bother with it now.”

“Yeah,” Ren said.

“I see…” Kana said. “Well, maybe we could get to know each other better at a later time?"

Ren smiled. “Yeah. That sounds nice.”

“You know,” Futaba said, “she, and I, and some of our other friends are planning a girl’s day. If you wouldn’t find it too uncomfortable, maybe we could bring you along.”

Kana smiled. “That sounds nice. But maybe not right away. I just kind of want to take things slowly for a bit.”

“That’s reasonable,” Futaba said. “By the way, I do like your new look.”

“Really?” Kana said. Futaba nodded. “Well, the outfit is a little plain, but I like it like that. I’ve had to wear so many flashy outfits that I feel caged by them a little. And the hair…well, I dyed it black, again because I could, and didn’t feel like keeping my old style. I also tried cutting it myself, but it didn’t turn out like I wanted.”

“If I may,” Ren said, “even if you don’t end up coming with us for girl’s day, I could recommend a hairdresser for you if you want. I’m sure they’d understand your request.”

“I might take you up on that,” Kana said.

Futaba smiled. “You know, I kind of missed this.”

Kana smiled back. “Me too.” She yawned. “Boy, it’s getting kind of late, huh.” She stood up. “I should get going. I don’t want to fall asleep on the train accidentally. But thanks for reaching out. I’m glad we could make this happen.”

“Me too,” Futaba replied. “Now keep in touch, OK?”

Kana smiled, nervously. “Yeah. Will do. Thanks again!” She started to leave.

“THANK YOU!” Futaba called out, waving goodbye. Once Kana was out of the building, Futaba smiled, relieved.

“That went well,” Ren remarked.

“Yeah,” Futaba agreed. “Thanks for being here.”

Ren chuckled. “No problem. But you seemed to have handled it yourself fine.”

“Well…that’s only because you were here,” Futaba said. “Like I said, I was scared. But you, and everyone else, you make me feel less scared.”

Ren smiled. She patted Futaba on the back. “You’ve certainly come a long way, Futaba.”

Futaba smiled. “Thanks.”

Hermit-Futaba Sakura: Rank 9.

Futaba’s stomach growled. “Eh heh,” she laughed, nervously. “Sojiro!”

“Already on it!” Sojiro called back.

“Thanks!” Futaba replied. Soon, they were eating dinner, before they headed home for the night.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 243: Like Looking In a Mirror

After school Monday, Ren headed for Akihabara. She looked around cautiously for any signs of Shinya’s mom. She didn’t notice anything at the outset, but was still weary of the prospect of her jumping out from somewhere and chewing her head off. She headed into the arcade with trepidation.

She approached Shinya, who was playing Gun About, as usual. Shinya looked over, and was surprised. “Oh?”

“Hi.”

“What are you doing here?” Shinya asked.

Ren looked around, and then covertly gave him a Phantom Thieves calling card. “Here.”

Shinya was confused as he took it. “What’s this?”

“That, my good sir, is an official Phantom Thieves calling card,” Ren explained. “For use on your mother, courtesy of The Phantom Thieves themselves.”

Shinya lit up like a Christmas tree. “Woah, really!”

Ren nodded. “Really.”

“Huh!” Shinya exclaimed, looking it over. “Wow…I almost can’t believe it.” He then stared off into space.

Ren caught onto this. “Something the matter?” she asked.

“No,” Shinya said. “Quite the opposite, really. I’m just thinking.”

“What’s on your mind?” Ren inquired.

He sighed. “For a while…it’s just been me and my mom, you know. And mom’s been acting out, and so have I. But then I met you, and I had someone else. I’m just thinking…maybe mom would feel better if she had someone like you. But she won’t listen to anyone like I’ve been listening to you.”

Ren smiled. “Well that’s what The Phantom Thieves are for, right?”

“Right,” Shinya nodded back.

“But,” Ren interjected. Shinya was confused. “That’s just the first part,” she continued. “You have to continue working to make things right once The Phantom Thieves come in. It’s not like everything will magically get better.”

“Yeah…” Shinya said.

Ren grew determined. “But I know you can do it!”

“How do you know?” Shinya asked.

“Because you put in so much time and energy into Gun About,” Ren assured him. “You’re a determined person. If you want something, you know how to work for it. I’m sure you can do it!”

Shinya smiled. “Thanks.”

Tower-Shinya Oda: Rank 8

Ren nodded. “Well, as much as I’d like to stay and play a few rounds with you, I think I should get going before your mom finds me again.”

Shinya looked at the calling card. “Yeah, I think I’ll head out anyway. I’d like to get this to her as soon as possible.”

Ren nodded. “Well then, see you on the other side.” Shinya nodded back, and then they both left the arcade.

As Ren was heading out, she got a text.

Chihaya: Do you mind coming out here?

Chihaya: I wanna talk to you.

Ren: Sure!

Ren: I’m on my way.

She put her phone away, and then headed up to Shinjuku.

Once she got to Chihaya’s booth, Chihaya looked up and said “Hi!” Ren waved back. “Hi.” She took a seat next to Chihaya. “So what’s up?”

“Hmmm,” Chihaya furrowed. “There’s a lot I’m processing, and I just need someone to bounce things off of.”

“I see,” Ren said.

“I’ve still been telling fortunes,” Chihaya said, “but is that everything? But then again, doing just that might not be so bad after everything with the foundation. Mmmmm.”

“Well, if you want my advice,” Ren said, “maybe for now, just take it a day at a time. After all, the future could change at any moment.”

Chihaya smirked. “I guess you’re right. You know, it’s been a while since things have seemed stable. For a while people called me a ‘monster’, and so I left. But then they started calling me ‘Maiden’, and while it seemed affectionate, it still felt…insincere? Maybe that isn’t the right word, but it felt like they were still talking about my powers over me. But then again, I’ve been letting the power dictate how I interact with people for a while.”

“I beg to differ,” Ren said. “I saw how you handled that crowd.”

“Right,” Chihaya said. “But before then…you know, when I was still a full-fledged member of the cult. You know, if it wasn’t for you, I’d probably still be in it.”

“Well, what are friends for?” Ren replied.

Chihaya giggled. “In all seriousness though, you’ve been teaching me how to harness myself. That I am not just at the whims of what these powers of mine or other people dictate.”

“Well, for what it’s worth,” Ren responded, “I think you’ve been helping me too.”

“Oh?” Chihaya inquired.

“The night we met for one thing,” Ren said. “You helped me and my friend hide from that cop. That alone was major. But from our meetings I think I’ve been learning to refine myself a little more. I mean, we’re both small town exiles, so I see part of you in me. I guess just having someone who understands that side of me is helpful. Especially when it comes to adapting to the city.”

Chihaya smiled. “I get it. It’s not easy being alone. And I think that’s why we both like helping people. Although I think we were both a little lost when we came here, so we needed a push of some kind. Although mine was in the wrong direction. But still, I’m glad our paths crossed, and you pushed me in the right direction.”

Ren smiled back. “Me too.”

Chihaya took a deep breath. “Still, I might be a little too reliant on those pushes. I should focus on what I want to do. And for right now, that’s fortune telling. And if something else comes along, I won’t let it push me there, I’ll chase it if I want it.”

“That’s the spirit!” Ren said.

Fortune-Chihaya Mifune: Rank 9

“It’s getting late,” Chihaya said. “You wanna grab something to eat?”

“Sure,” Ren said. She and Chihaya shared a dinner, and then Ren headed home for the night.