3rd POV

"You did!?" Chie exclaimed.

"Mmhmm." Yukiko responded.

"Oh my God congratulations! I told you he'd like you!"

"You didn't say that. You just said I should try."

"Well I said it in my mind!"

With Yu and Yosuke

"B-but partner. I thought we had something special. I can't believe you would do something like that. *sniffle* (voice breaking) Just when were you planning on telling me there was another!?"

"Dude! You're freaking me out! Quit it!"

"Haha sorry had to. But seriously, congratulations."

"I'm surprised she was attracted to me."

"I told you you were awesome."

"Yeah you did, thanks."

"What are partners for?" Yu stared at Yosuke seductively. "Yooooossssuuukkkkeeeee-kkkuuuunnnnn!"

"Dammit Yu!"

"I'm gonna hang out with Chie today, I take it you'll be with Yukiko?"

Yosuke blushed "Y-yeah I guess."

"Aww I remember when I was like that. Good times."

"You used to be like that!?"

"When I first started dating Chie, I was nervous too. She was, or rather is, my first girlfriend. I didn't have many friends before I came to Inaba, where I was forced to become extroverted. I didn't have friends, how would I fare with a girlfriend? But, everything turned out okay. And she was nervous too. You're Yukiko's first boyfriend, she's as nervous as you are. Treat her well." Yu smiled kindly.

"Right. Thanks Partner."

"In fact… you guys should come with us!"

September 05. Paulownia Mall Daytime

Chie's POV

"YYYYuuuuuuuu."

"Yes?"

Chie's stomach growled.

"I'm huuuuuunnnnngggrrrrryyyyy."

"*chuckle* I can tell."

"What!? Are you saying I'm fat!?"

"N-no." Yu raised his hands defensively.

"I will smash your head in!"

"Y-yes dear. Someone's having mood swings."

"What the hell was that!?"

"Nothing."

"Good!"

An awkward silence filled the air.

Yosuke tried to break the silence. "So Yukiko. You want something to eat too?"

"I'm good right now, thank you Yosuke-kun."

"Oh, so you're too good to eat Yukiko!?" Chie intervened.

"I never said that!"

"*sigh* I'm sorry Yukiko. I'm sorry Yu."

"No it's normal, don't worry about it." Yu reassured.

"It doesn't bother me." Yukiko smiled.

"I'm trying to apologize! Accept it damn it!"

"S-sorry!"

"Yes, dear. What would you like to eat dear?"

"Oh you don't know!? So in our year of dating you don't know me well enough to know what I would want!?"

"I'll go get some steak."

"No! My favorite food is pudding!"

"Wha- yes yes that's right. I'm sorry."

Yu left to get some pudding.

"Um Yukiko? Are we gonna be like that?"

"Unless you get me pregnant I highly doubt it."

Yosuke started blushing. Which caused Yukiko to do the same.

"N-not to say you should! Not to say I would be against the idea in a few years! Oh I just implied we would get married didn't I…? Not to say us getting married is bad but, Oh my God I'm creeping you out!"

"Don't worry about it. Y'know, you're pretty cute when you're flustered."

"You're pretty cute all the time."

"You are too! God I'm so stupid!

Yosuke and Yukiko continued to complement each other while berating themselves.

"Jackass. He should be able to tell exactly what I want at every possible interval of time. *sigh* I feel bad. I shouldn't be so mean to him. I can't really control it but still…"

"I got the pudding."

"I hate pudding you asshole!"

"I also got steak."

"I love you."

Back at the dorm

Rise's POV

He's so stubborn!

"Come ooonnnn!"

"No!"

Kanji…

"Why? Do you have something better to do?"

"No."

"Then why not? Me and kotone-chan and Ken-kun." Rise smirked. "You and Naoto-kun."

Kanji started blushing "Exactly! What if my shadow says something about her… I'm gonna be embarrassed tonight, why make things more awkward?"

"Kanji! She likes you! I promise you!"

"Sure Rise."

Ugh! Why are they both so blind!

"Kanji. Please come with us. Please..." Knowing that cuteness was Kanji's weakness, Rise gave her best puppy dog face.

"No."

Time for some whimpering!

"Dammit Rise!"

Rise hugged Kanji and looked up with her puppy dog face.

"Okay! Fine! Just stop looking at me like that!"

"Yay!"

kotone POV

Knock Knock

"Come in." Naoto quietly said.

kotone entered Naoto's room and sat on her bed. Naoto started hugging her again.

"It's good to see you too Na-chan."

"I remember. It was so long ago, but after Senpai mentioned your name, I remembered how you, me, and Ma-kun would play all the time. I also remember when you all left and… never came back…"

"I'm sorry Naoto."

"It's not your fault. I'm not mad. I'm just so happy to see you again."

"So. Ken-kun, Rise-chan and I are hanging out today; do you wanna come with us? I heard that Kanji-kun is coming too."

"…Mi-chan. Can you keep a secret?"

"Sure."

"I am infatuated with Kanji-kun."

"Oh my God!" She yelled sarcastically.

"You don't sound surprised."

"Rise-chan told me. She said we could have a double date. And Ken-kun would be our wingman.

"...I think he hates me."

"Who could hate ace detective Naoto Shirogane? Maybe your beauty just makes him flustered."

"I am not beautiful."

"What's next? You're gonna tell me the sky isn't blue? You know us Shirogane are blessed with good looks."

Naoto smiled at her older sister.

"Hell, Rise-chan told me how both boys and girls were all over you. Trust me, you're beautiful."

"Thank you, sister."

"I'm just stating the facts. Now come on, do you have anything better to do?"

"Well, I guess not."

"Then let's go!"

kotone grabbed her sister's hand and ran out the door.

Labrys POV

"So Junpei-san. Everyone else has left, so it seems it's you, me Teddie, and Emerald-chan."

"Seems like it. Yo Teddie, Emerald, you guys up for it?"

"I'm very prebeared JunJun!"

"AWO!"

"…Teddie. Please never call me that again."

"Labby-chan! Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"

"Hm… why don't we check out dat shrine?"

"I haven't been there in a while." Junpei added.

Teddie ran over to the door.

"Ladies first Labby-chan!"

That's sweet of him.

"Thank you Teddie. Let's go to the shrine."

Back at the mall, it seems everyone has calmed down

3rd POV

"Hey Yu! Let's go to the print club! That looks fun!" Chie exclaimed.

The four of them entered the shop to take pictures. The first picture was normal, just everyone smiling at the camera. Then Chie and Yu both decided that would be boring, so they both put their left hands into fists, put it to the left of their heads, and duckfaced trying to look sassy. Yosuke stared at them as if they were insane, while Yukiko tried her best not to laugh. For the third, Chie and Yu put their right hands in a gun pose, and put it under their chins. Yosuke and Yukiko put their hands into fists, and put it under their chins as well, looking serious. Next, Yu put his hands in his pockets, looking deadpan as possible. Yosuke crouched down, put his right hand in the air, and grinned. Chie gave a thumbs up, and Yukiko faced her back to the camera and turned her head to face it. For the second to last one, the pairs stood back to back looking serious. Before the guys could react, put girls kissed their respective boyfriends on the cheek, causing everyone involved to blush, and that ended up being the final picture.

"PFTHAHAHAHA! You guys look so surprised!" Yukiko yelled.

"Well you kinda kissed me out of nowhere!" Yosuke rebutted, still blushing.

"Well it's not my fault your cheeks are so soft…" Before they knew it, Yosuke and Yukiko were kissing again.

"Aw they remind me of us!" Chie said.

"Where should we go now? Yu asked.

"Hmm. Let's go to that coffee shop! I heard it makes people feel more attractive!"

"I'm not sure that's possible for you Chie."

"You're such a flirt! Come on let's go! Yukiko! Yosuke!"

"Oh! Sorry Chie!"

The four entered the café and started drinking coffee. Except for Chie who was drinking milk.

Yu was the first to speak up. "It seems we can't stay out of trouble. I mean, we go from Izanami, to the Malevolent Entity, and now this. I wonder if we'll ever just be able to live in peace…"

"Whoa partner. What's with the depressing stuff all of a sudden?"

"I'm sorry. That just came to mind…"

Chie hugged Yu, trying to make him feel better. "But we got out of Izanami alive. I'm sure we can take care of the Malevolent Entity and whatever we're dealing with here."

"Just what are we dealing with here?" Yukiko asked.

"I really wish I knew…"

"Well whatever the monster of the week is, we've got it!" Yosuke announced. "Last time there were eight of us, but now we have 13!"

"Yu. Let's not dwell on the depressing stuff! Let's think about happy things!" Chie smiled at Yu.

"Right… sorry guys."

"Haha don't worry about it. All three of us have basically told you our life stories; it's only fair you tell us when you have issues."

"Hey Yosuke!" Chie yelled offended.

"No offense."

"Just 'cause you say 'no offense' doesn't mean there's no offense!"

Upon watching his girlfriend and best friend argue as usual, Yu couldn't help but smile at his friend's antics.

"Bleh! I don't even like milk!"

"Then why are you drinking it Chie?" Yukiko asked.

"Pregnant woman shouldn't drink caffeine." Chie answered. "Better safe than sorry. Plus I figure milk would be good, but it tastes so bad!"

"I'm surprised you don't drink milk considering how fit you are." Yukiko said.

Chie finally finished her glass. "Oh god! Was milk made by the devil or what!?"

Yu chuckled. "Is it that bad? I like milk."

"…Oh god…"

"What?"

"Suddenly I'm craving more milk. I hate life."

"Ha!"

"Shut up Yosuke!"

Meanwhile, with Rise, kotone, Ken, Kanji, and Naoto

"I rarely eat out, so this is a new experience for me." Naoto explained.

"The restaurants here are great Na-chan!"

"kotone-Senpai and I come here every now and again. Usually she cooks for me though."

"Ooo kotone-chan you can cook? You should cook for me too." Rise said smirking.

"Haha. Maybe later."

"Senpai's a great cook!"

"We've actually been here before." Said Kanji. "Only once though. I remember the ramen being really good! Gah, I hope they hurry up!"

"Kanji! Have some manners!"

"S-sorry."

"Sorry about the wait! Here is your ramen!"

"Finally!"

With that, Kanji started digging in to his food.

"Whoa, someone was hungry!" kotone laughed. "Quite the keeper eh Na-chan?"

"K-koko…"

"Aw please don't call me that. I just realized yesterday how embarrassing that is."

"Aww I think it's cute!" Rise said poking kotone's cheek.

"Then I'll call you Rice."

"Yeah let's not."

"You like Kanji-san Naoto-san?" Ken asked.

Naoto choked on her food at this accusation.

"Yes she does Ken-kun. And Kanji has liked her, even when she used to dress up as a boy." Rise explained.

"Must you tell everyone everything Rise-san? And how many times do I have to tell you. Kanji-kun does not like me."

"Wait. You used to dress up as a boy Naoto-san?"

Naoto sighed. "Yes."

"How did you hide your…"

"Hide my what?"

"*giggle* He's talking about your boobs Na-chan."

"Wait. What about boobs?" Kanji asked getting up from his bowl.

"Nothing!" Naoto exclaimed blushing.

"Okkkay. Another round here sir!"

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable Naoto-san."

"N-no. It's fine. It just surprised me. I used binding"

"Didn't it hurt?"

"At first. But then I learned how to do it more efficiently."

"Why did you do it?"

"Sexism. I wouldn't be respected as a detective as a female. But now, I simply don't care. My senpai taught me to be myself."

"Oh... I know how it feels to be treated badly because of something you can't control. And trying to change yourself. I once tried to act older than I was to get respect, but now I understand that it's ok to like things that make me seem like a kid."

"It seems we've both learned to be ourselves." Ken and Naoto smiled at each other.

"You're such a ladies man Ken-kun." kotone smiled.

"But I could never her away from Kanji-san."

"Really Ken-kun? Really?" Naoto said slightly annoyed. Everyone laughed, except Kanji who just finished.

"Wow, you guys eat slow."

With Junpei, Emerald, Teddie, and Labrys.

"Labby-chan NOOOOOO!" Teddie dived onto the puddle in front of Labrys.

"Um, thank you Teddie but... I can just walk around it."

"So independent!" Emerald and Labrys walked around the puddle, and Junpei picked up Teddie.

"Dude. Y'know you're supposed to put your shirt on the puddle, right?"

"Really? Weird."

"And diving into it isn't?"

"Not really."

"*sigh*"

The four entered the shrine.

"AWO!"

"It is pretty ain't it?"

"Ooo let's draw a fortune!" Teddie suggested.

Labrys was first to draw her fortune.

"Continue to pursue your dreams. Kinda cliché. "

"I'll go next! Sometimes subtlety makes a bigger impact... I don't get it."

"Guess I'm last. 'You da man'? Haha hell yeah I am!"

"Well that was weird." Labrys stated. "At least my fortune was decent."

"It's a small shrine, there isn't much more to look at." Junpei said.

"Hey! Is that who I think it is!?" Teddie exclaimed.

"Buddha?" asked Labrys.

"No! Emmy-chan!" Teddie ran over to greet her, while the other three followed.

'Wha? Oh you."

"Hi Emmy-chan! This is Labby-chan, JunJun, and Ema-chan!"

"...Too hard. You're blue, you're hat, and you're fox."

"Forward as always Emmy-chan! What are you doing here?"

"Yu is here right? You're all here and you didn't invite me?"

"Sorry! We're here on important stuffs!"

"How did you find out anyway?" Labrys asked with a hint of irritation.

"Margaret told me you guys would be here." She responded not noticing Labrys' irritation. "She said I should meet you guys here."

"Margaret? Sensei's mysterious beartiful friend?"

"If you wanna call her that. What's so important at this shrine?"

"Well nothing here, but-"

"Junpei-san. We shouldn't just tell anyone what we're doing."

"Huh? But she's friends with the investigation team."

"Don't worry Labby-chan! She knows all about personas!"

"Do you have a persona Marie?" Asked Labrys.

"Actually I do."

Huh?!" Teddie yelled in confusion.

"What? I gave Yu his persona. In a way I faced myself. Why is it so farfetched that I have a persona?"

"That makes sense! Then you can help us!"

"Ted, we've got enough people already. " Labrys interjected.

"But we could use all the help we could get!"

"I don't really care what you have to say blue. I'm going to help."

Labrys glared at Marie. Junpei tried to break the tension.

"S-so Emma-tan. Why don't you draw a fortune. Teddie, go with her."

"Aye aye JunJun!"

"Sure."

Marie and Teddie walked off. Labrys started to follow.

"No Laba-tan, you stay here. What was that all about?"

"She's rude as hell!"

"She wasn't really rude until you started acting up. Weird, but not rude."

"AWO!"

Labrys started blushing.

"Hell no!"

"What?"

Emerald gestured to Teddie, then at Labrys.

"Wait... are you implying that Labrys is jealous!?"

"*nod*"

"No I'm not! I'm just wondering why Teddie's being so nice to such a bitch."

"Whoa Labrys! You got it bad haha!"

Back with the fantastic four

"Yuuuuuuuu."

"Yes?"

Chie's stomach growled.

"My tummy hurts."

"Gee I wonder why." Yosuke said sarcastically.

"What?"

"Well..." Yukiko started. "You did drink about a gallon of milk total."

"In the span of 30 seconds." Yu added.

"Well I can't control my cravin- *urp* Oh God sorry!"

"PFTHAHAHA YOU'RE SO FUNNY CHIE!"

"Chie, I know a good remedy for a stomach ache." Said Yosuke.

"What?"

"*snicker* Milk."

"...I hate you."

"PFTTHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"What? I'm just trying to help you Chie, my 'dairy' friend."

"YOSUKE-KUN YOU'RE KILLING ME!"

"Can you believe them Yu?"

Chie looked at Yu and saw that he was laughing too!

"It was kinda funny."

"...Wahhh!" Chie started crying.

"I-I mean it was stupid!"

"Very stupid! I'm stupid Chie!"

"I was laughing because it was so stupid! See!? PFTHAHAHA that was so stupid!"

"*sniff* AERITH DIED!"

"Huh?" Yukiko asked.

"That's what you're crying about?" Yosuke asked a little annoyed.

"Mmhmm."

"She's alive!" Yu reassured.

"She is?"

"Yeah! She's at hollow bastion!"

"Oh yeah she is. Yay!"

Everone sighed of relief.

"Yu do you still have that raw steak?"

"Yeah. I gave you the free samples and bought one for later."

"Can I eat it?"

"No."

"What happened to having a stomachache?" Yosuke asked.

"Oh yeah. Oww."

"Haha, let's go home guys. We should relax before the mission."

"I wonder if their shadows will be any different." Yukiko thought out loud.

"I hope so." Said Yosuke, even though he wasn't going.

"It'll probably have something to do with their crushes on each other." Chie theorized.

"Wait, Naoto likes Kanji?" Yu asked.

"Called it." Yosuke smirked.

"Ooo! Maybe they'll finally confess their love for each other!" Chie said hopefully.

"If they can get over their emotional constipation."

Everyone laughed at Yosuke's joke before going back to the dorms.

With kotone and friends

"So... Who's paying?"

"..."

"Kanji! You're the man here!" yelled Rise.

"What!? No!"

"Kanji-san. Only true men pay for meals. Please, do the task I was too cowardly, and broke, to do."

"...Yeah! I am a man! I'll pay!"

"*sigh* Kanji-kun."

"Oh, Kanji. He's so silly. But he is cute."

"Y-yes I... Suppose he is." Said Naoto blushing.

"Hey!" kotone yelled offended.

"Don't worry kotone-chan. You're cuter."

"I better be."

"Naoto-san, anything you want to say to Kanji-san?" Asked Ken trying to play matchmaker.

"Thank you for paying Kanji-kun."

"Keep going." kotone whispered.

"You're very responsible."

"Good one Naoto-kun. Finish him off!"

"And...good at smashing things!"

"So close yet so far." Ken sighed.

Kanji seemed a little disappointed. "Well as long as we're throwing compliments, I think you're be..."

"Be...?"

"Be... Be...lievable! You're honest!"

"I see. Thank you Kanji-kun. "

kotone, Ken, and Rise all facepalmed and decided to go home.

With the Junpeinors

"Kaguya? I think I remembear Sensei using that persona."

"Well we both have that one apparently."

"That's the first I've heard of two people with the same persona. Then again you're like a God or something right?" Junpei asked.

"Basically. So you guys are here about some sort of shadow thingy?"

"Pretty much sums up my life." Junpei laughed.

"And we'd love to have you!"

"Speak for yourself." Labrys mumbled.

"Sure I'll help you out."

"Thank you beary much! Good timing too, we have a mission tonight!"

"Didn't she already say she would?" Labrys mumbled again.

"Do you have a weapon?"

"Yes. I use one-handed swords. I tried to use two-handed, but it didn't really work out."

"What happened?"

"Why do you need to know!?"

"Ah! Sorry!"

"Don't yell at Teddie!"

"Whatever. Where are we going?"

"We'll lead you there." Junpei said.

"...You need to fix that attitude of yours."

"What attitude?"

"Emmy-chan isn't trying to be mean Labby-chan, that's just how she talks."

"Marie, I'm gonna assume you're not an idiot. You've probably seen people get upset at something rude you've said right? Are you honestly telling me it's never occurred to you that you may have hurt someone's feelings? Are you that bad at reading people? I ain't no saint either, but at least I have common decency. It's not that hard to learn how to bite your tongue. You know you're bein mean, you just don't give a shit. It's too much work to be nice? It's too much work to give people the same kindness they give you? 'Cause that's really freakin' selfish."

Everyone was shocked by Labrys' sudden outburst.

"*sigh*. Sorry. I didn't mean to go off on ya. I knew people who didn't give a shit about other people's feelings. I know you probably didn't mean any harm."

"That's ok." Marie smiled. "Y'know, no one's ever talked to me like that before. It was... interesting. "

"I'm sure Yu-san and the others would love to see you."

Marie, Junpei, and Emerald walked off.

"Sorry for embarrassing you Ted..."

"Thanks Labby-chan! Even if I didn't need it, it still made me happy."

:"No problem Teddie."

Back at the dorm in the command room.

"Are you feeling better Chie?" Yu asked.

"Yeah, thanks. Thanks kotone-chan."

"kotone, how many medicine fields have you studied in?'

"Hm... Let's see... Gastrology, obstretics, neurology, gynecology, Cardiology. .."

"Um, never mind."

"I've contacted Mitsuru-san." Labrys stated. "She asked if we needed anyone else to come in, but I told her to focus on those bastards who caught me, we'll handle this. She's grateful for your help."

"I'm sorry I couldn't help last time Senpai. But I'm here for you now!" Rise smiled at Yu.

"Of course you will. I know I can count on all of you."

"Naoto. Kanji. Are you sure you want to do this?" Yu asked.

"Yeah Yu-senpai!"

"We're both ready Yu-san."

"I guess there's no point in delaying this. Let's go."

"Why do you always say 'let's go'? Come on Narukami get some new material."

"..."

At midnight bridge with the open portal. Naoto and Kanji had already entered.

"Yosuke. Teddie, wait here."

"Yeah, yeah we know good luck."

"Good luck Sensei!"

The world of people's bonds

The world had red walls with masks. The left walls had sad faced masks; the right had happy faced masks. Roses, violets, lilies, and chrysanthemums were spread throughout the walls.

"Ken, kotone, and Marie, you're with me."

Floor 1

Why can't he talk to me? Did I do something?

"Get ready! There's a magical magus!"

"Kala-nemi! Primal force!"

"Orpheus Telos!" "Floria!"

"Kaguya! Wind break!"

The shadow used a new skill! The skill created an artificial moon! A ray of moonlight rained on the protagonists! No body was weak to it.

"Change! Futunishi! Primal Force!"

kotone observed Yu trying to learn his abilities.

"Kaguya! Garudyne!"

"Orpheus Telos! Morning Star!"

The shadow wss defeated!

"Good job everyone."

"You weren't so bad yourself Naru-kun!" kotone said.

"Naru-kun?"

"Yeah! I think it's cool!"

Floor 2

Kanji-kun... I just want you to like me. I don't care if it's friendship or more.

"Little blue seems to really like Oldy."

"I'm impressed that she hid it for so long." Yu replied."

Floor 3

It's not his fault. I've never been the best at expressing my feelings.

"Expressing your feelings..." Marie looked down.

Floor 4

I remember when I first met them. I was so cold. Perhaps that's why.

Floor 5

I'm sorry I'm so hard to approach...

"Senpai... this is the last of Naoto-kun's floors. Kanji is the floor after next."

Floor 5

The floor was silent and white, just like last time.

Floor 6

I've known Naoto for what, a year? And I still can't talk to her? I'm so stupid...

"'Talking to people'..."

Floor 7

What if... I just told her. Quit being a pussy!

"Wow, Kanji is harder on himself than I am to him!"

Floor 8

How would she react though?

Floor 9

What if she hates me?

Floor 10

I'm so pathetic...

Floor 11

Next floor was the boss. Rise teleported everyone to the top.

"Are you ok Marie?"

"Huh? I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

"Then let's... Um. Let us commence?"

"Still needs work."

Floor 12

Suprisingly, the shadows wore no costumes.

"N-naoto?"

"Yes Kanji-kun?"

"Never Mind!"

"I'm sorry Kanji-kun..."

The shadows turned to face themselves.

"Just tell her! Is it that hard!? That pisses you the hell off! That you can't tell her!"

"What did you do to Kanji-kun? Why is it so hard for him to talk to you? What's wrong with you?"

"Look! You made her feel like shit! All because you couldn't tell her."

"Maybe you should have told him. Maybe things would be ok if you got your head out of your ass!"

They both started talking.

"Everyone could see it but you! You're both so stupid! "

Both the shadows went beserk, knocking out Kanji and Naoto! Shadow Kanji was large and muscular, looking like a giant, humanoid version of his persona. Naoto was smaller, but also looked like a more humanoid version of her persona.

"Prepare for battle everyone!"

"We are shadows! The darkness in your hearts, and the breaker of bonds."

"We'll crush these idiots, if you're in our way, you're going down too!"

"Don't worry, it will be painful."

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So, I've got some splain to do. Labrys' rant is basically how I feel about the character. Don't worry fans of her; I'll try to keep her in character regardless. Fun fact, I'm not too big on Yukiko or Rise either. I don't hate them though. I've never played Golden so forgive me if Marie is off. I also had trouble with the Shadows in this one, because I don't have a lot to work with. I think that's everything, so see you next time!