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Persona - Chaos Butterfly 5.1

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Chapter 5: Dog-gone search. (Part 1)

Amagi Inn, late at night…

Shinjiro was awake, looking out the window. He woke up after having another dream about the unknown girl. This time she was with him and Akihiko at Hakagure, eating ramen together and having an overall good time. With a sigh he glanced at the others: they were fast asleep or so he thought.

"Still awake? Man, don't you get any sleep?" Akihiko asked as he sat next to Shinjiro.

"Actually. I've got more sleep these past days than in years." Shinjiro said looking at Minato who slept soundly a few feet away from them. "But he seems to still need to catch up with his sleep."

"Guess being a seal is tiresome, huh?" Akihiko said in a jokingly manner. "Ya know… He changed… And so did you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Shinjiro raised an eyebrow.

"Think about it. Minato was usually quiet, reserved and not one to express his emotions." Akihiko started. "But now he looks more talkative, more expressive... As for you…" He glanced at Shinjiro with a smirk. "Well, you still look and act a bit like a jerk, but now you're more like how you used to be when we started SEES with Mitsuru."

Shinjiro glared playfully at Akihiko and gave him a light punch on the shoulder. "Yeah, right…" He looked back at the window. "I do feel different, though… About Minato, it's just a guess, but it's probably due having Souji around."

"Got a point there. Souji is the closest person to a family he still has…" Akihiko said deep in thought. "They act a lot alike. Wonder if it's got anything to do with their Wild Card ability."

"I doubt it." Shinjiro said.

"And what makes you be so sure about it?" Akihiko asked.

Shinjiro was silent at first, reflecting about the mysterious girl from his dreams. "Cause the other Wild Card doesn't act like them that much." He finally replied.

"What?! You mean you know who she is?" Akihiko blinked surprised.

Shinjiro sighed. "Yes and no. Look, you probably gonna think I'm crazy, but… do you remember any brown haired girl with red eyes that often went walk Koromaru at the Naganaki Shrine with me? Or that went eat ramen with any of us at Hakagure?"

Akihiko gave his friend an odd look at first, but he suddenly recalled something. "You mean a girl with some barrettes on her hair and an mp3 player just like Minato's only red?"

Now Shinjiro was the one surprised. "That's it!"

"No wonder I got a weird feeling about her…" Akihiko stated crossing his arms.

"Huh? You're saying you saw her? When?" Shinjiro asked.

"Yesterday. After we left Nanako at her place." Akihiko explained. "It all happened too fast. She simply appeared out of nowhere while we were heading back to the Inn. She just smiled at us and then she simply walked away without another word. When we got back to the Inn, I asked Mitsuru about it and she said she had a feeling she knew that girl, like she'd been at the dorm before..."

"The dorm? But only members from SEES could be there!" Shinjiro retorted.

"Don't I know that already? That's the weird part…" Akihiko frowned. "When I first saw her, first thing that came on my mind was she hanging around the lounge chatting with everybody... Even you... And you kinda looked like you enjoyed hanging out with her."

Shinjiro was silent. If what Akihiko said was true, it could explain his mixed feelings about the girl. But… if she was part of SEES, why they couldn't fully remember her? "Tch… The more I think about it, the more messed up things get." Shinjiro muttered.

"Yeah, I know… At least we know she's here in Inaba so finding her and figuring out who she is shouldn't take long. Also, Minato and Souji seem to have an idea on who she might be." Akihiko pointed out, patting Shinjiro's back. "So, try not thinking too hard about it, Shinji."

"Whatever…" Shinjiro replied, but he was smirking a bit. Felt kinda good talking with Akihiko about stuff without them arguing for a change. "By the way… How are things going with you and Mitsuru?"

Akihiko stared at him surprised. "Wha?!" He nearly shouted as his cheeks turned light red. "What are you talking about?!"

"Don't play dumb with me, Aki. I can tell you two have gotten closer." Shinjiro let out a sly grin. "I always thought ya had a crush on her, but I never thought you'd get the guts to ask her out."

"S-Shut up!" Akihiko said really flustered. He looked around to make sure the others were fast asleep before looking at Shinjiro really serious. "Tch… Fine! Fine! I admit! We've been going out for a while! Happy now?!"

"Yes." Shinjiro snickered.

Akihiko glared at his friend. "Look, don't even think about telling this to anyone! Especially Junpei!" He hissed. "Mitsuru will have me executed if anyone finds out!"

"Man, you two are dating and she can still scare the shit out of you with her 'executions'?" Shinjiro smirked. "That's just priceless."

"Shut it, Shinji…" Akihiko muttered still blushing.

Shinjiro just chuckled, getting a kick out of teasing his friend. Akihiko glared at him, but he soon joined him and both friends kept chatting about trivial things until they fell asleep again.

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The next day, right after he had breakfast, Souji left Nanako at a friend's house and headed for the Amagi Inn. Yukiko had asked him to go see her at the inn before they met up with the others to go look for the unknown girl. Since he did long for some time with her, he had agreed.

As he walked, Souji tried to figure out the mystery of the Wild Card girl. There was something familiar about her. Both he and Minato felt that, but the only reason he could imagine for that feeling seemed too impossible for him. Then again, he had seen the impossible happening several times ever since he first came to Inaba, so he couldn't discard that theory for the time being.

As he arrived at the inn, Souji found Yukiko at the entrance wearing her trademark pink kimono. "Hey, Yukiko." He greeted her with a smile.

"Oh, Souji-kun, good morning." Yukiko smiled at him. "Thanks for coming."

"Anything for you. I really wanted to see you anyway." Souji smiled warmly before kissing her forehead.

Yukiko blushed madly at that. "You really like embarrassing me, huh?" She said before smiling. "But, that's one of the things I like about you… You're so nice to me…"

"I try." Souji said rubbing his arm. He wasn't wearing a jacket today so the bandages were visible.

Yukiko frowned slightly at that. "How's your arm?"

"The cuts are healing slowly, but steady. My arm gets a bit sore every now and then though…" Souji replied studying his arm.  "The doctors said it could happen due the fracture especially after I change environments."

"I see…" Yukiko said before she headed to a small cupboard behind the counter, looking over vases and bottles in search of something. "Please, sit down a bit. I've got some medicine to help you."

Souji cocked his head confused, but did as he was told.

Yukiko soon sat next to him holding some bandages, a small bowl filled with water, a clean cloth, and a vial with some ointment. Yukiko's "medicine" was really water from the inn's hot springs kept in a bottle mixed with several herbs from the garden. "Can you get the bandages off?" She asked softly as she dipped the cloth on the water a bit.

"Sure…" Souji said as he easily removed the bandages. He was glad the cuts didn't start bleeding again.

"This may sting a bit." Yukiko warned him. At Souji's nod, she gently started cleaning the cuts, being careful not to hurt him further. Carefully she then poured a bit the ointment on his arm, gently massaging it with almost a ritual sense in her movements.
Souji couldn't help but blush faintly as Yukiko finished applying the bandage to his arm. "How exactly does this help, may I ask?" He asked trying to disguise his blushing while playing with his bandage.

"Don't mess with it," Yukiko scolded as she returned everything to the cupboard. "The ointment will take care of open wounds and the pain. Your body will heal itself."

"I see… Thanks, Yukiko." Souji said as Yukiko knelt down beside him again. "So, how are Aniki and his friends doing?"

"After we returned yesterday, Minato-san and his friends stayed up talking until really late." Yukiko replied. "They all sounded so happy together. Especially Yukari-san. She must've missed him terribly these two years… I can't even imagine how she felt…" She looked at Souji. "If anything like
that happened with you… I… I…"

Souji just held Yukiko close. "I know, Yukiko… I know…" He whispered. "I'm here now…"

The young couple had no idea how long they just stayed like that, but they were suddenly brought back to reality when they heard Minato's voice. "Oh, Souji-kun, you're here already?"

Quickly they broke off the hug. "Oh, hi Aniki, Yukari-san…" Souji said blushing as he and Yukiko got up. He noticed Yukari was next to him, holding hands with him.

Minato chuckled softly while Yukari giggled. "Be glad it was us who found you two, not Junpei." Yukari said.

"Meh, can't be worse than when Rise and the others found out about me and Yukiko dating." Souji rolled his eyes at the memory. The group had caught them kissing while they were resting after a training run at the TV world. Until then, their relationship had been secret to all their friends. Of course, before anyone could make a bigger fuss about it, Souji casted one really serious glare at them, making the group quickly drop the subject and make a break for the exit.

"Bet their reaction was priceless." Minato smirked.

"After Souji-kun scared them off with a glare, yes." Yukiko giggled, trying to suppress an incoming laughing fit.

"Figured as much." Minato chuckled. "It's almost time to go meet the others."

"O-Oh?! Is it time already? Let me go get changed." Yukiko blushed as she left for her bedroom. She soon came back wearing more casual summer clothes. "Sorry for the wait."

"No worries. That was pretty quick. By the way, Yukiko, wouldn't you get tired of walking around in a kimono all day?" Yukari asked curious.

"Well, when you are raised to wear one, you get used to it." Yukiko replied. "Do you like to wear one, Yukari-san?"

"Please, just call me Yukari." Yukari replied. "And, yeah, I do, but only on special occasions."

Minato and Souji looked at each other, and then at the girls. "We don't mind you girls wearing kimonos at all." said Souji.

"Yeah, you should wear one more often," Minato added.

This earned both boys a swift smack on the head from the girls, which ended up in the four of them laughing.

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The two groups gathered at Junes to discuss their next course of action. Souji and Minato described to their friends what the girl looked like and their run in with her at the Yasoinaba Station, without mentioning her behavior towards them or Shinjiro due obvious reasons, and in turn, Akihiko  and the others told them about meeting the same girl after they left Nanako at the Dojima Residence. Needless to say, they were all surprised at the girl's friendly attitude towards them all and her cheery disposition.

"Dude, this is really weird… I kinda had a 'Déjà vu' feeling when I saw her." Junpei scratched his head. "Like I knew her from somewhere, but couldn't figure out where."

"The plot thickens…" Souji said. "I don't think she could simply act the way she does if she weren't acquainted with you all."

"Then, this means that girl doesn't only have ties with me, Shinjiro-Senpai and Souji-kun, but to every member of SEES as well…" Minato said.

"I believe the fastest way to gather information about unusual sightings and the whereabouts of the Wild Card wielder would be splitting up in several parties and searching around town." Naoto stated.

"In that case, we should pair off in small groups and start exploring!" Teddie said.

At that moment, Souji, Yosuke and Kanji glared at Teddie who sweatdropped. "What?"

"This ain't gonna be like the last Summer Festival, is it Teddie?!" Kanji crossed his arms.

Teddie, however, shook it off and continued to spill out his plan. "Friends reunited, emotions tied up, the memories of everyone's past...the atmosphere of love is upon us!"

The younger group just shook their heads. Minato and his friends, however, looked at each other, amusement appearing on each of their faces. "Hey, is he like this all the time?" Junpei asked.

"Sadly, yes…" Yosuke answered with a sigh.

"At any rate, he does have a point. If we split up we'll have a better chance of uncovering anything." Mitsuru said.

Everyone looked at each other. After much discussion, and plans to meet at the Restaurant Aiya later and then heading for the TV World for training, everyone went off in their own little groups: Rise and Teddie went with Aigis, Metis, Koromaru and Ken; Yosuke and Chie went with Fuuka and Junpei, while Kanji and Naoto headed off with Mitsuru, Akihiko and Shinjiro. That left Minato and Yukari, as well as Souji and Yukiko.

"Am I the only one that thinks they paired us up on purpose?" Minato asked amused.

"Personally, I don't mind." Souji smiled. "While we search for clues we can also talk."

"Yeah, that's fine with me," Yukiko said looking at Minato and Yukari. "I'm interested in hearing about you two."

At this, both Minato and Yukari blushed a bit. "Well…" Yukari started "It would be nice to hear about you two as well."

Souji and Yukiko immediately turned the same shade of red as the other two. Talking and laughing, the four of them started to head to the Shopping District for their search.

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In front of Junes...

"Ken-kun, you are just too cute!" Rise's outburst of energy brought a smile to Teddie, Aigis and Metis' face, and a bright shade of red to Ken's. "You're sooooo mature for your age, not like someone ELSE I know," Rise gave a playful glare to Teddie.

"Aw, c'mon Rise-chan, Teddie can be really mature too!" Teddie said trying to use his sparkly charm.

"Oh sure, like when you try to compete with Kanji-kun on who eats more Topsicles?" Rise said mischievously.

"W-Well, it was a challenge!" Teddie said in self defense. "Real men don't back away from a challenge! That was what Yosuke told me anyway…"

The duo's hyper attitude brought a smile to everybody's face, but for some reason, Metis seemed uncomfortable constantly adjusting the red summer dress Yukari had given her as well as playing around with the red ribbon that now adorned her visor.

Trying to stop blushing from Rise's praising, Ken glanced at Metis and noticed her troubled look. "Metis-san, you're okay? You've been quiet this whole time…"

Everybody turned their glance to the younger android who looked down, trying to think on her words. "I… I never apologized to you or the others, did I, Ken-san?"

"Apologize? For what?" Ken asked confused.

"For what I did when I first met you and all of my sister's friends… I was really… mean with you all…" Metis replied. "And now, you all treat me so nicely… Fuuka-san and Mitsuru-san talk with me about all sort of stuff, trying to teach me about anything I ask, Yukari-san gave me this pretty dress and the ribbon; Akihiko-san and Junpei-san talk to me like I had always been part of the group, you and Koromaru-san are also really nice with me..."

Ken was silent at first. "Well, you really gave us quite a scare back then, but we weren't exactly nice with you either." He finally replied. "You gave us a reason to distrust you, but we also gave us a reason to you dislike us. In the end, we realized you weren't a bad person, like you realized we weren't bad either."

Metis was surprised at that. Ken continued. "I'm not exactly the best person to say this, but you simply acted like a lost child that was trying to protect what mattered the most to you, that being Aigis-san. Thinking back on it, your actions did protect her."

"Really?" Metis asked looking at Aigis. "Is that true, sister?"

"What Ken-san said is true. Recalling the incident, you reminded me of several things that meant a lot to me and that I had forgotten." Aigis stated. "In a way, your actions did prevent my death, the death of my heart, to be more exact."

"Even with all the trouble I cause to you and your friends?" Metis was in disbelief.

"Everything pretty much started from a misunderstanding. I made that mistake with Shinjiro-san as well and he forgave me for that." Ken smiled. "I think Akihiko-san and the others would agree with me when I say that we all have already forgiven you for what happened that day."

Koromaru barked in agreement making Metis look at him surprised. "H-Huh? Are you sure about that Koromaru-san? You're saying that you agree with Ken-san and that I shouldn't refer to you and the others as my sister's friends, but my friends because that's what you are?"

Koromaru nodded as if saying that Metis was right. "See? Koro-chan agrees with me, so you don't need to worry about that, Metis-san." Ken smiled. "We're friends now, right?"

Metis smiled and nodded. "Right! Thanks, Ken-san, Koromaru-san!" She said hugging both really happy. Koromaru simply enjoyed the affection while Ken blushed deeply at that.

Aigis. Rise and Teddie smiled at that. "Wow, Metis-chan understands Koro-chan just like Ai-chan does!" Teddie was amazed. "You two are really smart!"

"Of course they're smart, silly. They're sisters." Rise said before turning to Metis. "If you ever need any help about clothes or anything else, Metis, you can ask me. I have some outfits that will look sooooo cute on you!"

Metis smiled and nodded. "I'll remember that, Rise-san. Thank you."

The group continued to socialize until they had to meet up with the others.

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Shopping District, North Area…

"I see… Thank you for the information, Yakushiji-san." Naoto was talking on her cell phone with the secretary of the Shirogane Estate. "Please, only tell my grandpa this information if he questions about it. I don't want to concern him with this for now. I understand. I'll be careful. Thank you."

Naoto hung up and looked at the others. "According to Yakushiji-san, there are many ghosts and spirits at the Shirogane Estate in the night." She stated, her usual hat pulled down in front of her dark blue eyes. "But that would be because we try and bury our deceased family members somewhere on the grounds whenever possible, to keep them closer to home."

"Your grandpa knows about this?" Kanji asked.

"He's currently on a trip as his detective services were required in another city so he doesn't know about it at the moment." Naoto replied. "Of course, when he returns, he'll most likely notice this strange phenomenon."

"Well, with you and Senpai around we'll probably get to the bottom of this case in no time so ya don't have to worry him." Kanji grinned yet showing a faint blush on his cheeks. "If any detective can solve this, that's you, Naoto."

Naoto was surprised at Kanji's sentence. Sure, after Souji left Inaba she hung out a lot with the taller teen who started acting less shy towards her, but she wasn't used to be praised like that, let alone by him.

"So you work as a detective, yes?" Mitsuru was interested in Naoto's situation. "It's connected to your family too? I guess with have something in common." Naoto looked up to see Mitsuru giving back a warm smile.

"Detective, huh? I'm hoping to become one too, someday," added Akihiko. Naoto looked at him with a bit of red in her face.

"Naoto knows a lot about tinkering with mechanical stuff too." Kanji said to Naoto's surprise. "She once whipped up a little robot with a secret spot inside to store candy for Nanako-chan. It even got a detective badge on it that flashes!"

"K-Kanji-kun..!" Naoto stuttered with her face red. She continued to pull down her hat over her eyes; she still wasn't the most social one.

"There is no need to be shy about your skills, Shirogane," Said Shinjiro.

Naoto looked up at the beanie wearing teen, rather surprised. "If ya got a talent that helps people or make them happy, you should be proud of it, no matter what it is." Shinjiro also gave Naoto a reassuring nod. Akihiko, Mitsuru and Kanji nodded as well.

Naoto began to warm up, and asked each of them to tell her and Kanji more about themselves. So for the next hour, the four of them and for the first time in a while, Naoto smiled.

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Samegawa Flood Plain…

"W-Whoa, check that out!" Chie shouted pointing at the riverbed.

Yosuke, Junpei and Fuuka did so and were surprised to see the shadowy glimpses floating above the Samagawa River.

"Whoa, what are those?" Junpei was in awe.

"I think they're water spirits." Fuuka replied. "It's almost like they're playing with the fishes that made a home in this river."

"Man, it's just like what Souji said…" Yosuke said. "But why those things are appearing here if something is happening on the other side?"

"The concept of nature spirits and ghosts were originally created by humans to try to explain strange and mysterious phenomena they couldn't explain through logical thought, Yosuke-kun." Fuuka explained. "You said that other side represents the collective of mankind's heart and mind so this disturbance on the other side might have to do with why these supernatural things are manifesting in our world."

"So, that could be the reason why our personas are based on beings from myths and legends?" Chie said looking at Yosuke for reassurance who nodded in agreement.

"I think so, Chie-chan." Fuuka replied. "A persona is a side of your personality and since myths and legends are created by human thoughts it does make sense that this side would take such form."

"Speaking of which, you guys said that you had to accept your shadows to get your personas, right?" Junpei asked. "What was that like?"

"Not a pleasant experience that's for sure." Yosuke forced a laugh. "Long story short, ya need to accept the darkest side of your personality that took form of a shadow and that isn't easy. It also usually leaves you pretty drained afterwards."

"Kinda reminds me of the first time I used my evoker." Junpei said. "It scared the hell outta me and I was beat after that. That reminds me, when I was holding it, I kept thinking. 'I gotta stop being a kid so I can really be a hero and do something important!' and stuff like that. Maybe that's why we can use our persona when we use those."

"The method differs, but the outcome ends up the same then." Chie pointed out. "But I still think you guys' method is still harsher than ours."

"Ya get used to it eventually, but it is nutty." Junpei shrugged. "Whatcha gonna do?"

The four chuckled at that and resumed talking as they walked along the flood plain.

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Shopping District, near the Bus Stop…

Minato's group walked down the street talking about trivial things when they heard two male voices.

"Yo, it's Souji!" The first said.

"For real? Nice!" The latter said.

The four turned around and Souji smiled. Before them were the grinning faces of Kou Ichijo and Daisuke Nagase, Souji's friends from the basketball and soccer teams respectively.

"Whoah! Dude, you never told us you were coming back so soon!" Daisuke was at his side instantly, slapping his back enthusiastically in greeting.

"Hey! Don't knock him over, you lug!" Kou shoved the soccer player away, and Souji could only grin at their antics.

"To be perfectly honest, I wasn't expecting to be back so soon, but stuff happened," Souji shrugged, not bothering to go into the details. "And here I am."

"I see…" Kou said looking at Yukari and Minato. "Oh, hi there, I'm Kou Ichijo. Lumpy here is Daisuke."

"Daisuke Nagase. Nice to meet ya." Daisuke said. "You two are Souji and Yukiko's friends?"

"I'm Minato Arisato and this is Yukari Takeba" Minato replied while Yukari nodded with a smile. "And while I met Yukiko-san recently, Souji-kun and I go way back."

"That's pretty cool, man!" Daisuke grinned.

"So Souji, are you coming back to the basketball team for this season?" Kou asked.

The silverette shrugged again, he hadn't really decided on anything. "I don't know yet; I'm still getting settled."

"That's cool. The season doesn't start for another two weeks after school starts, so take your time." Kou said.

Souji nodded. "Sounds good." He replied when he realized immediately that whatever was going on was serious when Daisuke nudged his friend to start him into talking.

"Hey, Souji. I know that you have a sharp sense when it comes to weird things, so you're the only one I can go to."

"Huh?" Souji asked.

"Remember when we went to that fancy school in Port Island last year? You kept saying ya had an odd feeling about that place like something serious had gone down there." Daisuke said. "Kou and I did some research and it turned out there was several cases of a strange illness people called 'Apathy Syndrome' around three years ago in that place. And they were pretty much like the cases of illness caused by that funky fog that covered Inaba back in December last year. There was also a freaky cult about the end of the world going on too and according to the site we found there were a lot of things alike with the incidents in town."

"Must be the same paranormal site Junpei showed us." Yukari said suddenly before looking at Minato. "He found a site that was gathering information about strange events: People falling ill suddenly, rumors spreading around about the end of the world, and the increase in fog. That's what gave Mitsuru-senpai the idea to come to Inaba this summer to get more information about it."

"So that's how you guys came to know about the Midnight Channel?" Souji asked which Yukari nodded in response.

"It is similar to the Dark Hour when ya think about it." Minato stated before looking at Kou and Daisuke who looked confused. "Yukari and I, as well as our friends, have some sort of connection to the events you researched about so we are aware of what you're talking about."

"Well, in that case ya might be able to help us too, man." Kou said looking back at Souji. "You were involved with what went down here last year, weren't you?  You know most of the people who disappeared for up to a week, or had some kind of interaction with the ones that were killed. I started putting it together when your cousin, Nanako-chan, went missing." This drew alarmed looks from both Yukiko and Souji as well as concerned looks from Minato and Yukari, and Kou raised his hands to forestall anything they were about to say. "But then, the murders and disappearances stopped, and everyone was ok, so I didn't bother to say anything."

"So, if you figured out that we were connected with the case, what's stopping anyone else from doing the same?" Yukiko asked worried.

Daisuke held his hand, shaking his head. "Because only Kou and I knew all of you as a group. Since Souji and Yosuke both came from the city it was only natural they became fast friends. You and Chie have been best friends almost since you were kids, and were in the same class; so of course you'd know each other. Kanji Tatsumi is seen as a thug turning his life around by taking you," The soccer player pointed in Souji's direction. "As a mentor or role model figure."

"Rise Kujikawa lives with her Grandma on the tofu shop which is near to the Tatsumis' Textile shop at the shopping district so it's a place where people go often not to mention she's taken quite a liking to you. Your friend Teddie lives with Yosuke and works at Junes which is a place you hang out usually. Naoto Shirogane knows you through your uncle, Detective Dojima." Kou continued where Daisuke left off. "But because you've become so popular at school, with the clubs you joined last year, all the part time jobs you took and the fact you're a genius to boot, well, all the connections leading to Souji seem coincidental at best."

Daisuke shrugged. "You don't have to say anything about the case if you don't want to. You're our pal so we know you're not doing anything nasty."

"Thanks, guys." Souji smiled weakly, relieved. "I don't think I'd have the words to explain what happened, and I don't think you'd believe me even if I tried."

"No problem." Kou smiled back at Souji. "Ok, since we went off on a tangent, I haven't told you yet."

"Uh, told me what?" Souji asked.

"I'm not sure if you've heard anything yet, but I've been seeing some pretty weird things around the Ichijo Estate. It's kind of cool, but still weird." Kou sighed heavily. "My family has been in Inaba for a long time, for generations, so the estate we live on is old; some of the trees in the back gardens have been there, untouched, for at least a few hundred years, probably more. Well, it's only been in the last day or two, but at night, I've been seeing some lights. They look like floating balls of white fire, drifting around without a breeze."

"He even brought me by last night to check and I saw them too. It freaked the shit out of me." Daisuke cut in.

Kou rolled his eyes at that. "Thanks for pointing out that extra detail, numbskull."

"Anytime." Daisuke grinned.

"Anyway, I've also seen some shadowy figures in the koi ponds, when nothing's there." Kou continued looking at the group.

Souji folded his hands together, tapping his fingers together as he thought of Igor's warnings and Yukiko's stories about lights at the Inn. This was another sign. He looked at Minato who nodded in agreement.

"It's the supernatural. Ghost lights and spirits. The walls between our world and the other world are being damaged, affecting both worlds. This is bad."  Minato started looking serious. "It is probably related to what happened in Port Island three years ago and the incidents in Inaba last year."

Neither Kou nor Daisuke responded right away, a little stunned. They certainly hadn't expected this!

"I need you guys to please keep your eyes and ears open for anything out of the ordinary. I've been warned that this could escalate from the harmless ghost lights to something worse. I just don't know what, yet." Souji knew he was taking a huge risk by telling his fellow athletes even this much of the truth, but since they had come to him in the first place, he was willing to take that risk.

With a frustrated sigh, Kou rubbed at his eyes. "Dude, this is some heavy shit you're involved in now."

Souji grinned at that. "Heh, you're telling me."

"Why?" Daisuke asked;

Yukari blinked at Daisuke. "Huh? Why what?"

"Why you guys? No offense, but what's so special about you guys?"

Souji took a few moments to collect his words to answer. "We have found our true selves, and sought out the truth from the very beginning, overcoming all the obstacles in our path. We freed ourselves from the fog of deceit and ignorance, seeking that truth, and not even gods could stop us."

Yukiko smiled weakly at his carefully chosen words, appreciating the subtlety that gave the athletes across from them no details of the hardships they endured. With one hand, she gently squeezed the silver-haired teen's knee. Minato and Yukari also smiled as that could also be said about the hardships they and the rest of SEES had endured.

"That was smooth, my friend." Kou said with a grin. "You didn't say a word of a lie, but you didn't give us anything, either. Ok, I won't ask again, until you're ready to tell us."

"We're gonna trust ya on that one." Daisuke added.

"Thanks, guys." Souji smiled grateful.

"Oh, by the way, Yukiko-san, how is Chie-san doing?" Kou asked. "She's still training with Yosuke in the afternoons?"

"Chie? Oh, she's doing fine, and yes, she and Yosuke-kun train together nearly every day." Yukiko replied.

"I see…" Kou said.

Souji looked at Kou concerned as he recalled Kou's crush on Chie last year. Seeing that, Kou grinned at Souji. "It's cool, man."

"Hey, we gotta jet. Kou and I are supposed to meet up with Ai and Yumi for some Movies in Okina." Daisuke replied. "They call it 'double date'."

"Yumi and Ai?" Souji grinned. "You guys are dating them?"

"Nice going, you doofus!" Kou blushed nudging Daisuke. "Ya had to say that?!"

"What? It's true." Daisuke shrugged before looking at Souji. "After ya left, Kou decided to apply for the Student Council with Yumi. From that, they started becoming good friends. As for me and Ai, we started talking one day when I decided to help them put away the balls after basketball practice and she turned out to be a really nice girl. She and Yumi are good friends along with Ayane. In fact, she and Naoki were gonna join us, but she had band practice and he had to help at his parent's liquor shop. The guy is really trying hard to help out his folks so we stop by to check on him every now and then. He and Ayane are really hard workers so it's no wonder they got a lot close."

"Okay, enough with the love life bulletin, man." Kou's face was a deep shade of red. "If Yumi-san or the others find out that, we're so in trouble. But then again, they'll be happy to know Souji's back to town. We should go eat at Aiya's some other time to celebrate."

"That'd be great." Souji smiled. "You guys have fun and give my regards to Ai and Yumi."

"Sure thing, man. We'll see you around." Daisuke grinned.

"Basketball team this year; think about it!" Kou said and then they were gone, leaving the four alone.

"Quite a duo they are." Yukari said amused.

Minato smiled a bit. "Kinda reminds me of Kenji and Kazushi."

"I guess, but I sure didn't see that coming…" Souji said still soaking up all the details regarding that conversation.

"I know." Minato said noticing the seriousness on Souji's face.

"Do you think anyone else has made the connections?" Yukiko asked softly, glancing sideways in Souji's direction.

Souji could only shrug. "Dunno. My Uncle Dojima already had his suspicions; kept trying to interrogate me every so often, but after we saved Nanako-chan, I think he stopped caring."

"Go figure." Minato said. "Well, at least we got more information."

"Which reminds me..." Souji looked at Yukiko. "Since when Yosuke and Chie are training together?"

Yukiko giggled; "I was gonna tell you that. After you left, Chie was kinda upset she had no one to train with. Me, Rise-chan and Naoto-kun tried to help, but it's too hard for us to keep up with her. Kanji-kun and Teddie tried too, but after a few times, they were too scared to spar with her anymore." She explained. "So, Yosuke-kun offered to train with her. He said it was a good way to get rid of boredom and with his knifes sheathed he could fight without having to worry about hurting Chie. In turn, Chie helps him out at Junes whenever she can, but I personally think they are both enjoying each others' company."

"Are those two going out?" asked Yukari.

"No, they are just good friends, but after this, who knows," replied Souji, trying hard to suppress a grin, and failing miserably. "Gotta talk with Yosuke about that later."

Yukiko pounced on that. "I KNEW you wanted the two of them to be closer! Why did you never tell me?" Yukiko pretended to pout.

"Because, then you would tell them, and my secret matchmaking plan would be ruined," Souji teased back and proceeded to pick Yukiko from behind and lightly swing her around in circles.

"Souji-kun, stop it or I'll get sick!" Yukiko giggled as Souji's hold tickled her.

"Sorry, sorry," Souji put her back on the ground and stood back a little,

Not too soon, Yukiko ran back at him and circled her arms around him. "I never said you could stop holding me," she said with a bit of embarrassment making Souji smile.

Minato and Yukari looked on, both with smiles on their faces. Minato turned to Yukari. "Hey, was I ever like that?"

"No, you were quiet and just held me," Yukari replied with a fake angry voice. "But..." she said with a blush," I liked it."

With that being said, Minato pulled Yukari into a warm hug. "Like this?" He asked before kissing her cheek.

Yukari smiled and blushed. "Yeah… Just like that."
EDIT: not many major changes on this one. just preparing things for the second part. Enjoy!

I decided to upload this part of the chapter since it was the one giving me the hardest time and due size reasons. Next part should be completed soon if my schedule allows me. Some characters are hard to write about. Well, more explanations, some romance hints and funny stuff. Battles should begin on next part.

BTW, I still need to find a translated game script for Persona 3 Portable. I lack info regarding the Social links' interactions for Minako. If anyone finds any, please, let me know.

A few other warnings:
-There will be spoilers for all games! You've been warned.
-The Main characters from each game in this fanfic are called Minato Arisato (P3:FES), Minako Arisato (P3P) and Souji Seta (P4)
-There'll be some cursing. (Anyone that played any persona games knows that some characters on it curse quite a bit.) as well as some heavy subjects.
-Main Pairings in this fanfic: MinatoxYukari, ShinjiroxMinako, SoujixYukiko, KanjixNaoto, AkihikoxMitsuru, YosukexChie.
-Hinted Pairings: JunpeixChidori. (Hinted because Chidori doesn't appear much on this story)

Have fun ya guys.

Persona series and all its characters (c) Atlus
© 2010 - 2024 Star-Ninja
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CaressOfAmaranth's avatar
Oh, did you happen to get P3P yet? Cause I got it and I got a few of the links down with the party. (but only a small chunk)

I guess I'll put them here in case you didn't.
Junpei=Magician
Akihiko=Star
Fuuka=Priestess
Saori=Hermit
Rio=Chariot
The old couple's hirophant again.

Can't remember other than that. Sorry.