AN: Sorry this took so long but I will say that this is more so a side thing for me, so I get little bits done at a time. Also this chapter going to be a bit shorter than the first one, apart from that, grab yourself a warm glass of milk or a hot chocolate just relax and enjoy yourself.
4/7/2009
6 AM, this was a thing that Chie had come to dislike over the years and her female companies shared the same feelings this morning. The reason for this was because of their currently… shaggy state, the boys however felt that 6 AM was a wonderful thing this morning, why? A kind lady by the name of Kitamura Mitsuko was why.
"Bunkichi, why are there four boys sleeping in our living room?" Bunkichi gave his wife a very guilty smile.
"Oh, they were part of a group of children I picked up last night. I could have sworn there was more though, did they leave in the night maybe?" Bunkichi's face has turned thoughtful; Yu starts to open his mouth to explain the situation to her.
"Good morning kind miss! Thank you for letting us stay the night!" Teddie was quicker however.
"Sorry about imposing on you like this but we had nowhere to go last night and it was getting quite cold." Yu says quickly before Teddie can continue to try and use his charm on the old lady.
"We tried to turn down his offer, but, he got really persistent. So just let me know if you need anything done around the house!" Mitsuko looks surprised by Kanji's words
"Yeah, maybe we should introduce ourselves first guys." Yosuke's looks slightly embarrassed at how the situation unfolded, the boys quickly give out their names once again without a family name.
"You are a polite bunch aren't you? My name is Kitamura Mitsuko and I'm sorry if my husband was a bit pushy last night."
"I didn't push them dear, I would have remembered if I did something like that, the most I did was a pat on the back." Mitsuko shook her head softly.
"There you go again, anyway boys. My husband said there were more of you here?" Yosuke nodded
"We have four girls with us but… I think we should avoid them, for the moment at least." It seems Yosuke had a flash back to the morning after mystery food X, Yosuke is afflicted with fear.
"Not the morning type I guess, well I think we can let them have a sleep in. Some breakfast might be in order, though. Do you boys have any problems with omelettes and toast?" The boys all shook their heads, Mitsuko walked over to the kitchen and started to grab the necessary ingredients.
"Ah Kitamura-san? Do you mind if I help out? It's seems kinda of uh… rude, you know, to not help cook and all, since we got to stay here for free and… Well." Mitsuko put down the eggs she was carrying.
"Thank you for the offer Kanji-san but cooking in the morning just wakes me up! I remember when our son brought his friends over as a child and…" Mitsuko face loses a bit of its pleasantness and starts to drop into a frown.
"I know what you mean Mitsuko-san, I used to do something similar." Bunkichi face quickly shifts from sad to grateful to cheeky.
"Oh? Was it a girl?" Yu quickly explains before things take a turn for the worse.
"Ah, it was just a younger cousin of mine; I used to stay with her family." The conversation turns to lighter subjects soon after, Mitsuko finished cooking breakfast and called everyone up to eat. One bite in and pure bliss was found dancing in the boys mouths like a waltz to the opening song of Fantasia.
"This, this is!" Teddie started.
"I never thought I'd able eat food like this outside of partner's cooking!" Yosuke is crying tears of joy.
"I was going to be happy just eating food that didn't look purple but oh man this takes the cake!" Kanji is nodding his head in approval.
"So this is what it's like, to receive something so small but to be happier than before because of it!" Yu seems to have made a new memory. It was then that the girls made an appearance, albeit a slightly awkward one. For some reason Chie, Yukiko, and Rise are afflicted with silence.
"Ah, please excuse them." Naoto says after an awkward pause.
"My name is Naoto, and don't worry about them. I think they just weren't expecting to see, well…" Naoto gestured to the three boys and furless bear still in a bliss induced daze.
"He he he, you're just as polite as the boys Naoto-san. May I ask for your names as well girls?" that snapped the three of them out the silence, one quick introduction later and Mitsuko had learned all their names.
"Alright that's four more omelettes and toast, what a big breakfast! Me and Bunkichi haven't had this many guests over in a while." Yukiko starts to smile kindly.
"Let me help with that Mitsuko-san. It wouldn't be right since we got to stay for free and-" Yu snaps out of his daze.
"Yukiko, maybe you can help cook some other time." Yu said with a slightly strained voice, the other boys and bear also come back from their daze.
"Actually next time Mitsuko-san cooks, we can all help." Yosuke said after getting a quick read of the situation, Yukiko actually thinks this over.
"Well, I guess but it feels a bit wrong not to help now." Yu breathes a sigh of relief, and shortly after he hears Chie mumbling.
"How come my cooking doesn't get that reaction?" Rise is patting Chie on the back, after everyone eats breakfast Bunkichi asks a question.
"While I'm glad this all worked out but, what were you kids doing out so late?" The Investigation team start to frown at this.
"We… recently got caught up helping a friend of ours, and we can't go back to our families because of that now." Naoto eyes widen slightly at Yu's explanation, Mitsuko and Bunkichi don't notice however. Naoto quickly takes over Yu for the story that she was guessing was going for a vague version of the truth.
"While we won't name tell you our friend's name, I will say that he lost quite a few valuable things and as of yet. None of us have been able to find what our friend lost." Bunkichi's face started to turn into a frown.
"But why wouldn't you still be able to go home because of that, what could this fellow have lost that it would leave a group of children out on the street at night?" Naoto looked slightly to the side, she started to reach for hat but remembered that she was currently hatless.
"Thank you for the concern Bunkichi-san but, what our friend lost was truly something precious and has asked us to keep it a secret to all but a select few." Everyone in the Investigation Team was fidgeting apart from Yu and Naoto who keep themselves still under Bunkichi and Mitsuko's thoughtful gaze, eventually Mitsuko looks to her husband.
"Dear, I think this must be a sensitive subject for them." Bunkichi's gaze becomes a bit unfocused
"I wonder if there will be a sale at the shops today…" The team was through off by this but Yu quickly smiles.
"Thank you bunkichi-san." Mitsuko is softly shaking her head once more but is also smiling.
"Did I remind you of a sale that's going today?" It's seems Bunkichi honestly forgot what the topic at hand was.
"Ah guys, I hate to bring this up but where are we going to stay tonight?" Rise brings up glumly.
"You could stay here again for the night." Mitsuko shakes her at this.
"While it was nice that you gave the children here a place to stay for the night, we won't be able to support eight growing teenagers dear." Kanji nods in agreement.
"Don't worry about us Bunkichi-san, we'll find a place to stay again." Bunkichi faces then lights up.
"I remember last night I said if you wanted to pay me back you could get some part time jobs! And soon enough we'll be opening up a book store soon, you could help us out there too!" Yukiko looks slightly shaken.
"Bunkichi-san… Why are recommending all this?" Bunkichi's face goes from smile brightly to smiling softly.
"Honestly, I think it's because you children looked so out place. I see lots of people on my night time strolls but you children just looked so lost and, my son did the same once for some of his friends. Hmm, I guess it's harder to explain than I thought." Mitsuko starts to frown a little.
"Well, I guess if you were bringing in money then it wouldn't be too much of a problem but, Bunkichi dear. They can't stay here forever, they'll need to find a place to stay as well." Mitsuko states firmly to her husband.
"That honestly sounds like a good idea to us, don't worry Mitsuko-san we'll be out of your hair in no time!" Yosuke says happily.
"Yeah, and if you ever need a hand, just give us a call and we'll be there in a flash." Chie is smiling at the old couple warmly.
"But Chie, they don't have our number, so how can they call us?" Chie looks at Yukiko in shock.
"Actually that's a good idea, does everyone have their phones here?" The Team nods brings out their phones, one quick phone number swap later.
"Well, now that's settled. Bunkichi-san, would you happen to know of anywhere we might be able to apply for work?" Bunkichi looks thoughtful but Mitsuko starts to talk before he can say anything.
"There's quite a few jobs being requested at Paulownia Mall but, Bunkichi and I are going to opening up a book store of our own, I'm sure we would be able to find some work for you kids to do there." Kanji looks at Mitsuko with determined eyes.
"I'll help out with the shop, just leave all the heavy lifting to me." Yu remembers how everyone was when they first arrived at the Velvet Room… Why not? Might as well help Kanji get Naoto to notice his affections.
"Naoto why don't you help out Kanji as well?" Naoto gives this a quick think while Kanji is temporally shocked.
"Hmmm, why not? I've always had a fondness for books, perhaps I could use this as a chance to get back into reading some novels." Naoto is oblivious to Yu's pretty blatant move to get Kanji with her, everyone else in the Investigation Team is now staring at Yu weirdly.
"Ah would you look at the time, Bunkichi and I are expecting a call soon to order in the last of the books. Kanji-san, Naoto-san, are you going to stay here or are you two going to see what your friends are going to do?" Bunkichi chuckles a bit at this.
"Now, now dear, I'm sure they'll be fine, plus I'm sure they'll find out later. It's not like they'll be staying here all day." Yu gets up and offers Chie his hand.
"I think we should be going now. Ah, if you wouldn't mind Mitsuko-san, could you please tell us where Paulownia Mall is?" Rise then whispers to Yu.
"Sempai, I think I'll stay here. People weren't sure of who I was last night but if I go out now someone will definitely notice who I am." Yu nods at this.
"Naoto, Rise wants to stay here as well. When we get back could you all help Rise out like she wanted?" The Investigation catches on quickly while the old couple are slightly confused.
"Sure thing Rise-chan, we're going to have a lot of fun when we get back!" Yukiko is smiling warmly at Rise.
"Don't get carried away now, we still have to go job hunting remember? The city is a lot more competitive about these types of things." The girls give Yosuke a blank stare, unreadable to all but the females… and Yu, don't ask why.
"Ah, we should probable leave now." Yu says hastily for an unknown reason.
Paulownia Mall
The Investigation Team look at the surrounding area in silent awe while looking around, Yu then decides to bring up what jobs they want to look for.
"So, do you guys have an idea of what you want to do?" Yu asks while surveying the shops.
"Well a change of pace from the Inn would be nice, maybe something musical? Hm, I think I'll have a look around before I make up my mind." Yosuke looks at Teddie with a slightly concerned face.
"Hey Ted, you've been a bit quite lately? What gives?" Yosuke then hears Teddies mumbling something about scoring with chicks and learning how to cook, Yosuke decides to leave him be and quickly looks for a shop to work at, his eyes land on Power Records.
"A CD store huh? Now that's something I can work with." Yu sees an opening, Yu takes the chance with gusto.
"Yukiko, why don't you go with Yosuke to the CD store? You might learn something new there." Yukiko and Yosuke are baffled by this, everyone else, besides Teddie, are simply staring Yu down with the 'What are you up to stare?'
"Okay partner, I know you're planning something, what are you up too?" Yu's been caught! Yu comes clean.
"When I woke up in the Velvet Room everyone was leaning on each other in pairs, and I remember at one point or another you guys brought up dating, so I thought 'why not?' and I tried to get you guys alone with each other to see how things would go." Yu said this with straight face, Yosuke sighs.
"Dude? Really, I mean, I guess you had good intentions and all but… there something called subtle, and I think you need to use that to make these things work." Chie nods at this.
"Yeah, I have to agree. I think you should been more subtle about this Yu-kun, other why's you'll have results that Teddie usual gets." Teddie lifts his head in response.
"You call Chie-chan?" Teddie is alight with sparkles that would make the manliest of man embrace the spirit of Christmas.
"Ah… Sorry Ted, I didn't call you but uh… Well…" Yu is looking at Chie expectantly.
"Ah… You see… Okay, yeah, there is no way subtle would work too well on us." Yu folds his arms in victory.
"What's going on?" Teddie is afflicted with confusion.
"Partner is trying to get us to date each other." Teddie looks at his beloved sensei with more sparkles than a moe character in comedy anime.
"S-sensei! Thank you!" Teddie tries to hug Yu but Yu is pulled to the side by Chie.
"Sorry about that guys, still I don't it's a bad idea, can you at least give it a try?" Everyone but Teddie and Chie look uncom-fur-ble with this, the reasons being Teddie finally gets to try and date someone and not be shot down while Chie knows that Yu and her are already a couple.
"Well, I'll give it a try but Yosuke." Yosuke snaps to attention.
"Please be a gentleman at all times, okay?" Yukiko's voice while sweet, contained an edge that made Yosuke say.
"Y-yes ma'am!" The pair walk towards the CD store in slightly awkward fashion, Yu then turn to Teddie.
"Teddie, do you know a place where you and Rise might like to work at?" Teddie proceeds to make over the top gestures of searching the area, until he points to a certain blue store.
"… Really?" Yu sighs in agreement with Chie, Teddie has picked out Be Blue V however Teddie doesn't seem to notice what's wrong with this.
"What's wrong sensei? Is this store not Bear-y good?" Yu shakes his head.
"No, this actually might be good for you Ted, maybe even more so for Rise." Chie looks at Yu with a confused expression.
"Got any reasons for this Yu-kun?" Yu nods and looks at Teddie.
"Well, Teddie helped out with some of the decorations for events at Junes and Rise has given as good fashion advice whenever we asked for it. This looks like an accessory shop for the window displays, it'll give Teddie something new to learn and can maybe help Rise teach Teddie something about fashion and acting in public." Chie looks skeptical.
"Did you make any of that up?" Yu shakes his head.
"No, that and most of my reason is that I also want to see what's going to happen if Rise and Teddie get a job like this." Chie gives Yu a dead pan look, as Teddie had already wondered into the store while Yu was talking.
"Well, we should probable get onto looking for work." As if in sync Yu and Chie's eyes land on the Chagall Café.
"I have the perfect reason to help improve you're baking skills now." Chie looks defeated.
"Yu-kun~" Yu grabs Chie's hand and walk towards the café. Lady luck was on their side this day, and all of them went back Bunkichi and Mitsuko with a job, even Teddie, how he got his job though may lie in the fact that people who don't know him well can't resist his sparkle, sparkle.
The Kitamura Residence
The girls quickly hurry Rise into the spare room they slept in, Yu delivers the good news in this time.
"Talk about good luck, so all of you kids have a job now." Yu nods.
"That you work from around launch time to late afternoon." Mitsuko questions.
"Yup." Yosuke confirms.
"Even Ted?" Kanji looks amazed but skeptical, as he should.
"I even got Rise-chan a job their too." Yu sighs in pity for the store owner, they have no idea what they've unleashed. The door to the spare room opens with a re-styled Rise walking out.
"It's a bit hard to see like this Yukiko-sempai, I mean I like the pony tail at the back but the fringe at the front covering my eye? I'm still not too sure about that." Naoto shakes her head at this.
"I understand that it may annoy you a bit Rise-san but if people can't get a good look at your whole face then less people will think of Risette and will simply pass it off as a coincidence, plus the different hair style will also throw off people looking for the distinct hair style of Risette at the moment." Naoto explains with a light style, apparently proud of helping create her friend's new look.
The day slowly drifted away with the Rise, Kanji, and Naoto finding out about Yu's dating plan for them, getting the same reactions he got at the mall. Night came as did the dark hour but so did sleep, and in the Investigation Team's sleep, they were finally called to service. They finally arrived in the Velvet Room.
?
"Welcome my new staff." Yu slowly wakes up in the Velvet Room, with everyone else slowly joining him. Yu takes in the Velvet Room's surroundings noting it looks to be a elevator with furniture being put in, only to realize for once, he was on the other side of the room. The side that waits for its guest, he also notices that he wearing Velvet Room clothes but being on the resident side was still higher on the priority list; Yu sees Igor and Elizabeth walking over to them from the other side of the room.
"Hello there, my name is Elizabeth. My Master Igor tells me you're to aid us and our guest, please enlighten on how you plan to do this." Naoto steps to the front of the group.
"Margaret, from our time of course, explained that we will be assisting in his creation of new persona and we'll also be their to make sure he won't be attempting to fight a foe he can't overcome." Igor walks to middle of the room and sits on the chair that is placed there. Everyone stops to look at Igor just in time to see him pulling out a deck of tarot cards.
"I'm guessing that your own power will be used during the fusion process, thus augmenting the persona's power, I wonder... could one of you come over here please and Elizabeth please summon two personae from the compendium. I would like to see what my future self came up with for this fusion process."
"Personae? Wait, I mean, I'll give this a shot." Yosuke looks to everyone to see if there okay with this, apparently everyone but Teddie was okay with this.
"Wait! I want to go!" Teddie has a serious look on his face, the Investigation Team can guess why he wants to though.
"You're trying to impressive Elizabeth aren't you?" Teddie acts like he wasn't totally transparent about his intentions by looking very, very shocked.
"How did he know~?" Yosuke shakes his head and finally walks over to the table.
Elizabeth puts the two personae, Pyro Jack, and Jack Frost, on the table in front of Igor.
"Now, how shall we go about this?" Yosuke then thinks of an idea.
"Wait a sec, I'm going to call my persona." Yosuke closes his eyes in concentration and slowly a card appears in front of Yosuke.
"Here, usual I smash this to call out my persona but this might be what Margaret was talking about." Igor takes the floating card out the air and puts it on the table, the cards now in a triangle, Igor starts the fusion. The cards start to rise and glow, then the card Yosuke summoned breaks and unleashes a torrent of air catching everyone off guard.
"PARTNER!" Yu calls out.
"YEAH?!" Yosuke calls over the torrent of gales.
"I THINK YOU HAVE TO CONTROL YOUR POWER FOR THE FUSION TO WORK LIKE MARGARET SAID WOULD MOST LIKELY HAPPEN!" Yosuke looks up and reaches his hand out and beings to focus, willing for the winds to die down.
"ALRIGHT!" the gales die down to a gentle breeze and Yu quickly checks to see if everyone is okay.
"The power you put in is still apart of the fusion process, interesting. This new fusion isn't over yet, please keep the power under control until the end, I believe we will be rewarded with a new possibility once this is over." Igor raises his hands and seems to be forcefully completing the fusion with a differentiate type of power. After a big flash of light everything dies down and so does a single persona card which land on the table, Igor picks up the card and begins to examine it.
"Master what has happened to it?" Igor doesn't reply for a few more seconds until.
"Amazing! You've truly augmented the persona in a new way! You've added you're element to it!" No one but Igor himself seems to know what he's talking about.
"Ah, I apologize, every persona has an element that makes up aspect of their being. This young man's element is wind as I'm sure we just learned." Igor chuckles slightly while the Investigation Team remains silent.
"Now why this is amazing is because no one persona, not even some of the more powerful ones that wildcards call upon, can have every element. Most only have one that will empower, protect, and serve them and while fusion does give persona the ability to use other elements and sometimes on a rare occasion protect them from the element that harms what in essence it's very being." The Investigation Team turn to Yu to translate, which lead to a short analogy about ice cubs gaining the ability to block and absorb fire.
"Master, that was very long winded. Perhaps you should take this young man's lead, Yu Narukami I believe his name was." Igor glares silently at Elizabeth for a moment before continuing.
"In short, you've added a new element to the persona. Which was impossible, until now it seems." A ticking sound soon resonates through the room.
"It seems our time is up, after all. Time marches on in your world but please make some time tomorrow though, we have much to do." and then darkness fell.
Thank you for reading, I hope to see you again