Chapter Four: Samegawa

"Wow," Souji said, "This place hasn't changed one bit." The Samegawa flood plain was still its peaceful self, even after all these years.

"Things in Inaba rarely do, Senpai," Rise said, "It's one of those small town qualities."

"I suppose it is," Souji answered, "You don't get to breathe air like this in the big city. It's pretty nice around here without the life-threatening fog."

Chie laughed and smacked Souji on the arm. "You shouldn't make jokes about that, Souji-kun," she said grinning at him.

"Yeah," Yukiko said, "We shouldn't make jokes about the dead." She winked at him and smiled. She had been able to delegate her management duties to another employee for a few hours, so she had joined them at the flood plain.

"He didn't make any jokes about the dead," Yosuke cracked, "He made a joke about the fog." He grinned at Chie to show that he was just kidding.

"Right," Chie said, before appearing to notice something, "Are you all right Naoto-kun? You seem distracted."

"Huh?" Naoto asked, "Oh yes. I simply feel uncertain. I apologize for troubling you, Chie-san."

"Uncertain?" Souji asked, "What about?"

"It's nothing," Naoto said, "A bad feeling. Probably just nerves."

"Sometimes nerves are worth listening to," Kanji commented, "You shouldn't write them off so quickly."

"Perhaps you are right," Naoto said, "But please, don't let me spoil your good time."

"You're not spoiling anything," Yukiko answered, "Please don't worry Naoto-kun."

"I'm going to go to the riverbed for a while," Naoto said, "Please do not follow. I need some time alone."

"Take your time," Souji answered with an encouraging smile, "We'll all be here when you get back."

"Do you think Nao-chan is all right?" Teddie asked.

"She'll be fine," Souji told him, "She's probably just worried about her current case. She takes her work very seriously."

(Naoto's point of view)

Naoto stared at the river, deep in thought. It had been good to see everyone again, but she couldn't stop thinking about the murders. It was seven years ago all over again. Of course, this time the murderer had employed mundane means, but something still didn't feel right. The crime scene had been impersonal and detached. No sign of the rage that typically accompanied murder. As if the murders themselves weren't the goal, but just a means to some end. What could that be? There were too many question without many answers. Evidence had been sorely lacking. Not even a single fingerprint. The killer certainly knew what they were doing.

Naoto was broken out of her thoughts by an unpleasant feeling. Someone else was here. She felt her heart begin to pound. This felt like the feeling she'd had the time Namatame had kidnapped her. Fear. Cold, paralyzing fear. She tried to shake it off and keep her wits about her. "Who's there?" she called out, "Show yourself." She looked around the riverbed, but saw no one. Perhaps it was just her imagination.

(Chie's POV)

Chie was starting to worry. Naoto had been gone for a half an hour. Chie knew Naoto was prone to going off on her own, but she wouldn't have left for too long. It was their first group reunion in a while and Naoto wouldn't have missed it for the world. Chie decided to go to the river to check on her. She told the others she'd be right back and went towards the river bank. As she walked, she heard the sound of Naoto's voice calling out. "Naoto?" she asked as she ran to the riverbed. Naoto was standing there by herself. "Are you all right?" Chie said, "I thought I heard you call out."

"I'm all right, Chie-senpai," he said, "I thought I heard someone following me, but it turns out that it was nothing. I apologize for worrying you. Let's return to the group."

"Right," Chie said, leading the way back to the flood plain where the rest of the group was gathered.

A/N: End of chapter. Sorry for the delay. Been busy with college.