Yay. The first chapter. IT's always an exciting day... kidding aside, here's the first but hopefully not the last. Enjoy!

Soji Seta, his silver, matte grey hair sticking to the sides of his head, wiped his hand across both eyes, the light colored irises barely open. It was early in the morning, around 6:30, to be exact; and his mind was blank for the exact reason. The lukewarm water, while refreshing, wasn't pushing life into the stiff body, only furthering to sooth him into another level of lethargy. He stood against the tiled wall, his head hanging down, breathing slowly, the rhythmic beating of his heart occupying his mind. A voice sounded from the far depths of his mind, it familiar, bringing on a shadow.

"Soji-san!" There it was again, beckoning him to something that he could never originally fathom. "Soji-san. Get out of the shower, now!" It was only the voice of Ryotaro Dojima, his guardian for the past year. That's what it was, the last day in the town of Inaba, a tumultuous town, yet it held something for him. He didn't bother ignoring the voice any further, choosing to exit the small bathroom. It would be the last day he would see both Dojima and little Nanako, his young cousin.

One foot stepped out, the small mat on the floor absorbing any of the excess water that fell of his body. Wrapping a towel around himself, he continued to leave the area, moving out into the living area of small house, only the owner of the place occupying the combined kitchen and recreational room.

"Good to see you're up."

"No thanks to you."

"Heh. It's your last day. Why not start it off well?"

"Well? Whatever." He grabbed his mug, the one that Dojima had given to him, a personal momento, earlier in the year. The coffee pot, a usual spot of congregation for the workaholic family, was full, only one cup gone from the black liquid. Soji filled his, taking a small sip of the pyrrhic liquid. "What time are you going to take me to the train station?"

"Not going to."

"What do you mean?"

"Change of plans. Your parents are going to come into town to pick you up. They have some business in the city near here. Said it'd be easier for both of us."

"When they coming?"

"Later in the day. Probably a little after dinner."

"So, that gives me more time to say goodbye. Yay…"

"You don't want to say goodbye?"

"Would you? That's a stupid question…"

"No it's not. I would feel apprehensive about leaving a large friend base I just got, you know. I remember at the beginning of the year… When you and that one kid, um… Yosuke Hanamura, were brought to the police station."

"Hehe."

"You could see them again, too. It's not like you will be leaving them forever…" A sound of a door creaking interrupted him, breaking off the conversation. Almost as if trying to be stealthy, the young cousin had been trying to listen in on their conversation.

"Nanako-kun's up."

"We'll have to leave our talk at that. She's all ready feeling horrible about it and really wants you to stay."

"I can imagine."

"You've gotten really close to everyone in town, you know… More social than I was at your age."

"I wonder why?"

"I'll ignore that and leave you alone. Breakfast is in the fridge if you want it. Clean up after you're done."

"Thanks." Ryotaro didn't bother give him a response and walked off into the small bathroom, leaving him alone. It was around 7:00, the sun easily shining upon the city. Unusual, considering how dark and gloomy the town often was, thanks to the rampant overcastting clouds or massive sheets of fog that permeated the entire area; still, all that was going to start changing. The town owed them a great debt. Surprising him, the polyphonic ring tone of his cell phone rang out, a text message having entered his inbox.

"Hey. Come down to Junes when you can."

-Yosuke

He was expecting something like this. A leaving party or something to help him remember the times he had, depressing him further. Quickly working his fingers over the number pad, he gave a reply, nothing fantastic. Hell, it was a little cut-and-dry, almost out of his usual character. Soji left the residential area, his spring recreation welcoming the cool atmosphere. He would check by Chie's house, of course. She would probably be at Junes, all ready waiting for him to show, but it couldn't hurt to check at her place.

Yosuke and Kanji sat across from each other, loudly arguing of something as Rise, Teddie and Yukiko were getting a few things together, a little celebration set up in the food court of the massive mega-store. The mood they shared was different from the porcelain façade they all wore. Sadly, they all hated what they were doing. It was basically a push that would send their friend further away from Inaba, hundreds of miles at that.

"Where's Chie-chan?"

"She's at her house, waiting for Soji-kun. She's going to be the one who brings us here."

"Wow. She's off easy. Why are we stuck here doing all the regular work and getting the place ready? Knowing Chie-chan, I be she is sleeping still."

"Probably."

"She's got the most important job of us all."

"To flirt with Soji-kun?" Almost everyone rolled their eyes, both Rise and Teddie laughing. Everyone knew about their relationship, no matter how much Chie tried to keep it under wraps.

"Come on and help me with this. Kanji-kun, you too."

"God…" The blonde-haired male stood up, dark circles embedded underneath his eye lids. All of them were tired, if not stressed. Naoto walked up on them, a few different food items underneath her small arms. She sat a few things down upon a table, yawning largely as rubbed both eyes. The ambiguous girl had taken a few strides to be more feminine, starting with dressing more like a female. Although her taste in clothes was a little far-fetched than the usual norm, it was a start. Both Naoto and Kanji had started getting close to each other, hanging out and socializing with one another. Most of the time, you could not find them apart from the other, as if they had each become a half of the same circle.

"Naoto-chan. Glad you could join us."

"Was that sarcastic? Please, it's early."

"All right. But, thanks for bringing a few extra things. I don't believe that we need anything else."

"Oh Naoto-kun…" shouted Teddie from across the way. He was beaming from ear to ear, his perfect hair held in place, defying the wind that swept across the plaza. Table umbrellas gently blew, the matted cloth swishing up and down.

"What's with him?"

"It's a party, what else?" Both girls shared a few small laughs, all trying to wake up and cheer up at the same time. Anything to forget the looming feeling that held its long head above them, all that would destroy each other's connection with them, only a few tethers of communication keeping them within contact. Both continued getting ready for the party, if you could call it that. It was more a celebration, or a going-away notice. Sad, none the less.

Chie sat in her room, the green jumpsuit jacket hanging from the stained wooden door that blocked off the hallway to each other's room. She was alone; her parents had gone out for breakfast, leaving the teenager to fend for herself. But, she was just fine with that task, as she had an important job to do. And the doorbell rang, breaking her blank and tired mind away from the swirling abyss of nothingness, and the brunette girl went down to answer it.

Peering out the small porthole in the top of the door, she smiled. The grey haired male that stood before he was expected, and all of them anticipated that he would visit her house before listening to the text that Yosuke was suppose to send.

"Soji-kun", she spoke, swinging the door wide. "Good to see you this morning."

"You too. Can I come in?"

"Sure." She closed the door behind him, leaving them awkwardly smirking at each other in the silent house. Both searched the nooks and crannies for a conversation or ice-breaker, nothing popping up or making itself evident. "So…" she started. "What brings you around this fine day?"

"Nothing much. It's my last day, you know."

"Yeah…" She was trying to avoid that, instantly unsuccessful in her pathetic attempts. For her, it was the worst news she had heard all year, beating every other instant that had happened in their adventures. "When are you leaving?"

"I don't know. My parents are coming into town after they visit Okina City."

"Weren't you supposed to take the train?"

"Originally, I was. I guess this gives me a little more time to hang with you guys. I was going to leave before noon."

"Really? This is the first I've heard of that."

"Sorry. I just didn't really want any big deal made out of me leaving. I probably couldn't handle that."

"…" Her mind ran rampant with thoughts, the news mentally disturbing to her. "How could he not tell us the original plan? I thought we were all friends, no secrets lost between us… I can't believe it."

"Chie, please. Don't get mad. I did it for you."

"No, you selfishly did it for your own sake."

"Hey, don't snap at me! You think this is what I want to happen? I-I…I love it here, okay? If it were up to me, I wouldn't leave."

"Then why don't you ask to stay? Please, for me?"

"I doubt my parents would agree. They would sacrifice anything for the sake of their business or job or whatever. It's getting very frustrating." The conversation had fallen in the wrong direction, taking a wrenching turn towards where both of them had been trying to steer away from.

"…"

"…Sorry for the sobering news. I didn't mean to get this started with you, at least not today." She laughed, quickly, in her head, the young man trying his hardest to revert the conversation to its start.

"Where are my manners? Would you like anything to drink?"

"Thanks but no. We have to get down to Junes in a second. Yosuke wants me for something." He squinted his eyes, turning slowly to directly face the girl. "You're in on this aren't you?"

"Maybe."

"What are you planning?"

"You'll see." That was more than reassuring for him, as he loved secrets and the enigmatic way a person could act in the presence of one. It was one of the most annoying things, or so he thought. "Now, you want to leave now or what?"

"Tired of me already?"

"That's not what I meant…" The little head-games both played were exhausting, and it showed especially on Chie, with her out of it most of the time. However, this was because she was unaccustomed to having someone close like Soji. Preferably, she would take the stress over the loneliness. Shaking her head, she left towards the door, her jacket still hanging on the door in her room. Taking a step outside, she realized she would need it.

"In a rush?"

"Well, you said we should leave pretty soon."

"Still, we could just chill for a second or two. They probably aren't expecting us anytime, you know?"

"Not really… Besides, how would you know if it's more than Yosuke?"

"Oh, I'm sorry but I forgot that I don't have any more friends than you and him."

"Argg…."

"I'm kidding. I'll go, okay. But, do you need your jacket? You look quite a bit cold."

"I can get it." She started back for the entrance.

"No, it's fine; why not let me get it?"

"Because it is my room. I don't need you rifling through it, just for my coat."

"You could tell me where it is."

"Still, I don't want you to go through the trouble. It will only take me a quick second anyway." She pushed past him, moving up the stair with loud, resounding steps. It echoed downstairs, sounding as if the entire ceiling would collapse. True to her word, she returned only ten seconds later, running as always. "See?"

"Okay. You got it. Ready?"

"You know it. Let's go, before we're too late."

"Late?" But, she didn't give him a reply. Chie had already run outside and to the sidewalk, jogging in place as she waited for Soji to catch up with her. "Lively as always, even if it's seven in the morning." By then, it was eight.

Mr. and Mrs. Seta sat side-by-side, driving a clean, white SUV through the winding highway roads of the countryside, only a few hundred miles out of Okina city. It was a silent trip, no music occupying their ears, no talk-show feeding their thoughts. Both were alien to the couple, a serious, trite group that preferred the solo appeal of their jobs to anything else in the world, let alone their son. However, both seldom spoke to the boy as they were often too busy, a choice they had decided upon early after he was born. All came from a family of workaholics, with Soji showing many signs that he would be the same. As a father, Mr. Seta could ask for nothing else.

He gently tapped the steering wheel as it cruised along, his eyes following the yellow road marker that painted the dilapidated asphalt that ran through the majestic countryside. Hypnotic and mysterious, it formed small swirls that danced for him.

"Tetsuo! Are you watching the road?" Mrs. Seta had been looking at him, his face lost in a daze that started to droop into a lethargic, cumbersome state that threatened to knock the man unconscious. In turn, they would drive off the road and crash, all of which was unappealing to both.

"Sorry. I was just zoning out for a moment."

"Be careful, okay? You'll get that 'highway hypnosis' or something. You know what that does to people in cars, right?"

"Yes, Miichi. I do."

"Hey, I care. That's all."

"I know, Miichi. I know." They kept driving along, the highway markers silently and slowly giving off hints towards their destination, Okina City only hundreds of miles away from where they were.

Both elevators raced up along each other, Chie and Soji lazily lying against the wooden paneling of the machine box, it slowly creeping up to the food court on the top level. Each floor pinged as the box rose up. Before long, both stood in front of the sliding doors, watching as the overcast skies pushed around the top of the world, rain gently threatening to scare everyone into the mega-store. Odd, considering the weather had taken a sudden turn for the worst. Still, both of them casually walked into the elements.

"Glad you could join us", yelled Yosuke from across the way, all of them taking shelter underneath on of the massive benches with the hanging rain guards. A drop hit the grey concrete, splashing lightly as another and another joined it. Slow and wispy, it gave the feeling of a certain mist, only serving to refresh the town.

"We're not late, I think…?"

"No, you're not. Just saying."

"Get over here, you two. Before both of you get pneumonia or something." Upon the tables behind the group were scattered amounts of foods and snacks, all waiting for them to feast upon them. Still, none of them actually had the appetite for the foods, them only garnering the attention of a few passerbies.

"So, what you want to do? We didn't invite you up here just to stand around."

"Really? But what if I want to?"

"Don't be smart." It was Yukiko who had said this, smiling, or rather stifling an outburst of laughter, as she said this. "Look at what we have set up for you, too." She pushed them down on to the bench, sitting them across from the others in their grade. Naoto and Kanji sat next to each other, closely watching Soji.

"So, we going to eat?"

"Go ahead", said Soji, pushing the plates out of his area. The small cup of coffee had done its job, filling him on acrid liquid rather than a normal breakfast should have.

"You guys don't want anything to eat?" He continued to push the foods away, shaking his head as he did. "How about you Chie-chan?"

"Nope. I'm good."

"Wow you guys. We set this nice party up for you-"

"Don't you mean him?" Chie, confused, looked back and forth, smiling widely at the young boy who sat next to him.

"Of course we mean 'him'. Sorry to include you, you know, make you feel like you are important. Sorry about that." He rolled his eyes while saying, Yosuke frowning all the while. His sarcasm never broke to bother the two.

"Pissed or something?"

"Nope, Obvious-chan."

"That's only cute for a little, you know. After a while, it just starts to wear thin and get a little annoying."

"To you."

"To everyone. Honestly, just be quiet." The unnecessary arguing was a common thing between the two; it wasn't a cry for attention, but rather a brother-sisterly contest of right and wrong, a sibling rivalry between those only-children who could never experience such things normally.

"Sorry about tweedle-dee and tweedle-dumb. You, of all people, should know that this would have happened." Yukiko was sane enough to try and continue without the two others. She generally helped with leading the group, having the patience to work with all the incessant little idiosyncrasies that proceeded with the mix-matched group.

"Don't worry about it", replied the smiling Soji. "I wasn't expecting anything else. It's not like I want you guys worrying about me or acting any different. That would just… worsen the experience."

"Leave that whole bad taste in your mouth?"

"Pretty much. I don't need your pity, nor do I need the sad factor of realization. I'm sorry if it sounds cold, but that's really how I feel it."

"Soji-kun, I really don't want you being so depressing, not today", shouted Chie, interrupting the pointless fight she was enveloped in. Of course, both were eavesdropping, or at least putting on a grand façade for the rest of them. Nothing new, just their general tricks and annoying quirks.

"I'm not depressed."

"Well, I don't want you depressing anyone here. That includes me."

"I wasn't planning to. My mistake if it sounded like that." And the rest of the day, or at least morning, continued as such, a nonchalant explosion of character that would serve to push the normal passerby away, only welcoming those associated with the group of eight. Everyone would try to speak over the last, leading to a massive outcry of attention, all directed at the grey-haired boy who simply smiled and watched. The mask he wore was starting to fissure and crack, almost as if it couldn't stand the pressure of the day.

Dojima rested his head in his hand, slowly waking himself up. He was on his fifth, no sixth, cup of coffee, the small black drink barely making an effort to help him gather himself. It was an odd day, giving the town a lethargic feel, except for a few areas of concentration, it slept in, although the clock slowly ticked down the minutes, noon languidly approaching. Nanako had visited him, asking something nonsensical, and then the small girl returned to her room, almost as if were an instantaneous reaction, her previous actions slightly sleep-walk-ish. But, he threw the thought aside, returning to the business beforehand; that is, he was going to slightly prepare for Soji's parents, slightly cleaning up the small house. His head faltered and fell over, sleep slowly falling into his body. And the phone rang, instantly shooting him upward. He stared at it, almost stupidly, letting it ring three times. Finally, his common sense kicked in, a long arm shooting out to pick up the receiver.

"Hello?" He slurred the words. Almost to an unintelligible point.

"Detective Dojima-san?"

"Speaking. How can I help you?"

"…Sir, we need you to get down to the station. It's very important. Something has come up."

"What?"

"A murder. The first in a few months."

"Murder." The word mulled around in his head, taking over five seconds to register what had happened, what was said. It was a word that he had once known, that he had once had in his "bed"; rather, it was a time of peace since the discovery of the murderer, all the heavy crimes leaving familiarity since previous times. "Murder…?" With a second thought, he snapped into his "mindset". "Where did it happen?!"

"Sir, somewhere around the highway entrance, north side of town. We have a few units on standby, waiting for the call. Another or two are at the crime scene. They've enclosed it off and are waiting for you there."

"All right. I'll be down there in sec. Get my Junior down there, too. Also, check the area prisons. Make sure that Adachi is in his max. cell."

"Yes, sir. I'll have Miyazi down at the scene in minutes."

"Thanks." He hung the phone and turned around, the T.V. on in the background. How Nanako snuck behind her back, he couldn't fathom. But, upon looking at the small digital clock on the microwave, he gave a silent, stilted gasp. It was well over 3:00 P.M., his slight dozing-off proving more of a deeper sleep than originally anticipating. But, the young daughter hadn't bothered showing herself around the small home, hiding away from the older man. He didn't look for her and left, grabbing his black coat on the way out of the door. The small SUV roared to life, backing on to the road and turning away. From a shaded window in the house, Nanako solemnly watched the white vehicle disappear out of sight.

Dojima arrived at the scene, turning of the main road. Four other men waited for him, lingering pointlessly around. However, his partner wasn't around, her car nowhere to be seen. Almost as soon as he mentioned it, a small black hybrid drove up, buzzing along as it slowed to creep, pulling up next to his own car. His new Junior slowly got out of the car, heading down to greet the group.

"Hey, Juniko-chan! Over here." She smiled, waving at him as she came. Juniko Miyazi was a 35 year-old woman who had spent most of her life working as a Junior detective. She was not beautiful, but slightly cute, nothing out of the ordinary. However, what made her stand out was her ability and personality. She was aluminous in every aspect, sterling in intelligence. The girl had excelled in school, getting a full ride through what ever college she had hoped to attend. Within a few years, she had risen through her ranks in the police force; her subordinates were, however, negative to her, resulting in quite of bit of unrest between her and her superiors. Thus the reason she was still a Junior detective.

"Dojima-san. Good to see you this afternoon." His hair was a mess, paling in comparison to the shoulder-length black strands of well-kempt hair. She was smiling wide, a congenial feeling in her.

"You too." Both were the same age, take a few years. Both complemented each other, looking like a couple rather than partners.

"So, what do we got here?"

"Don't know. Been waiting for you to show. However, the guys ahead have been checking the area for witnesses. Nothing yet…"

"Oh, well." They came up to the yellow tape, a few police cruisers sitting around the scene. Another car was with them, a dark colored sedan, brand new. Blood was splattered around the ground near the wheels, the sanguine liquid growing as it spread upon the grass off to the side of the road.

"Hey, Tate-san. What's the good word?"

"Dojima-sensei." Tate Ruki was one of the trainees that were under Dojima's supervision. Both got along well, having a few years of work underneath their belts. "Can't say there's any good news, but we got the bodies all ready for you."

"Bodies? There's more than one?"

"Yeah. There were two that were killed. A man and a woman. We haven't found the means of murder. Nothing on the bodies."

"Did you guys check over them?"

"Just a quick look."

"All right. We'll get a better look." Both moved in, looking with apprehension at the two bodies that lie face down into the ground. There was blood, yet there were no visible means of how they were killed. It was like the murders that had occurred in the previous months, all the odd perceptions filled.

"Boss. You want me to check the I.D.?"

"Go ahead. I'm going to go see if Tata-san had found anything." He marched off, leaving the young girl behind. Juniko moved towards the bodies, carefully moving the bodies of both different people. Stopping herself, she grabbed the wallet and checked the purse of the woman, both surprisingly still on their persons. Even the money was remaining, a few crisp bills standing out amongst the silver and gold plastic cards. Grabbing the laminated license card, she held up to her face and studied the printed words. They both read Tetsuo and Miichi Seta. For Juniko, both of the names didn't ring a single bell. She would tell Dojima and then have him look over the bodies.

Soji had left Junes around 2:00, after wasting more time than he should have listening to the morose comments and pointless arguments of his comrades. More than that, he realized, or was reassured, how much he would miss the group, their antics and just how much excitement they had brought into his life. Even his relationship with Chie would change, leaving him with something to be desired. She would probably end up with another guy, while him with another girl. Sure, they had both decided to continue dating until it got to "that point" but he could already tell how awkward it would be.

He had decided to shop, or rather bum around the town's shopping district. Finding nothing appealing, he decided to visit the Samegawa Riverbed. Take a stroll and immerse himself in the town's environment one more time, getting a better feel before leaving. Sure, it would only serve to further depress him, but it was then and now that he would rather feel.

Chie had decided to continue with out with him, leaving the other six people behind to clean up or do whatever they would do. She was more than glad to leave them, annoyed to spend her time detracting away from Soji's. There was an uncomfortable silence that loomed around their heads. Talking wasn't anything that they had wanted to do. Eloquently, she opened her mouth, stuttering something inarticulate; his phone attracted his attention away from the girl stumbling to gather up what little composition she had left. It was a phone call.

"Hello?"

"Seta-san?" It was a high-pitched voice, only a year or so older than his own. The number was an unfamiliar one.

"This is him. May I ask who is calling?"

"Oh, I apologize for my rudeness." He coughed, clearing his throat. "My name is Niji Yoko, an officer under your guardian, Dojima-san."

"Hmm…"

"I'm supposed to relay to you that he has something for you down at the highway. There was an incident and you need to see him."

"What happened?"

"A murder. The identities of the bodies are disclosed to the public. However, it's important for you to know."

"Why? Do I know them?"

"… You'll see upon going down there." His voice abated a little, almost as if it held some sadness or pity. He couldn't tell. "Dojima is down by the highway at the north side of town. They've sectioned it off as much as they could so it should be easier to get to them."

"Well, thank you for the news."

"Yes. You're welcome. Please, just don't keep Dojima-san waiting. He is expecting you immediately." With haste, the young officer hung up, almost as if he had wished to end the conversation.

"So?"

"So, what?"

"What was the phone call about?" She pressed him with an interesting amount of pressure, an eager smile spreading across his face. Sadly, Chie had misunderstood what was happening.

"A murder." He said it with a flat tone, almost as if it was hard to say. It's not as if they all thought they had brought about world peace, just that they had reduced the amount of trouble that would be in Inaba.

"Murder? What happened?"

"I don't know. He just said that something had happened down by the highway. No specifics or anything."

"Can I come with you?"

"Yeah, that'd be great. We just have to go now. My uncle's expecting me right as we speak."

"Okay. Wanna race to the highway?" He didn't bother an answer to her asinine question. He only smiled and shook his head.

They both arrived at the scene, all the police cars and crime paraphernalia obviously marking where it had happened. A few different people marched and buzzed busily around the area, many different suits and colors flashing before the two. Soji easily spotted Dojima and his new partner amongst the others, moving his way towards the two. Soji and Juniko hadn't formally, let alone casually, met or introduced each other, the unfamiliar stranger making him uncomfortable. They all still remembered what had happened with Adachi, a case that was soon forgotten by all but a select few.

"Soji-kun. Glad to finally meet you." Juniko smiled, interesting considering the circumstances.

"Ah, you must me Juniko Miyazi." He extended a hand, his personality a little more sobering than her's.

"Yes. Your uncle is quite the fellow. I'm glad I was assigned under him. He's a little more tolerable than my last boss."

"Oh, come on Juniko. We don't have time for that anyway." He grabbed Soji by the shoulder and pulled him away from both women. Immediately, they started talking about some nonsense.

"Are you and Dojima-san's nephew dating?" It was a quick question, almost accusing her of nothing.

"Yup. We've been together for a few months. How come?"

"No reason really. I was just wondering, especially since you came along with him. Just a little curious, I guess."

"Hmm."

"Don't worry. I'm not making a big deal out of it."

"You have something for Dojima-san, don't you?" She shot that question out of her ass, bothering her with something pointless. No matter how smart she appeared, she was still a gossiper, a bothersome one at that. Even more, she was easy to read.

"Wow, you're a friendly one, aren't you?"

Dojima brought the young boy out of ear-shot, stopping him near the white SUV. He couldn't tell if his face was sad or happy; it was an indifferent mask. Beyond him, two bodies draped in body bags sat, no wind bothering them. The blood that was on the ground had been cleaned away, leaving the area spotless.

"Soji-san. I have some bad news for you."

"Can it wait? Today's not the best day. My parents are probably on their way here."

"No, you don't understand. Your parents…" He cleared his throat, a single tear welling up in his eye. "They were killed. They are the murder victims."

"What?" The words didn't register to him. But, he believed them. And, after taking a follow-up glance at the covered bodies, confirmed it.

"I'm so sorry."

Finally, My P4 story. Please, tell me what you guys think of it! -AMP