We are finally getting started :D Hope you enjoy it. Also, leave a Review and if you want to read more about Persona, check out my other two fanfiction stories: "Our Lives Will Change Forever" (A Persona 5 fanfic) and "Persona High School" (an AU with all the protagonist of Persona and SMT. Pretty crazy, check it out)
Chapter 7: The Calm before the Disaster
Yu and Azami were walking back home, Yosuke give them umbrellas because it start raining, Yosuke pay for them as a way to thank Yu for saving him. While walking down near the flood plain, Azami let out a sigh while looking at the rain hitting her umbrella. He look at Yu, he had blood in his uniform and it worried her, even though Yu already explain to her what happen, which Azami was having a hard time believing must of it. Yu notice Azami staring at him and he starts talking.
"I'm sorry for worrying you like this but it's fine. The wound is gone like I say. I even showed you"
"I know, but... It's distracting" She said. "I mean... Part of what you say is hard to believe, but considering that you actually went inside the TV it gives you a point in your favor... Still, a world that goes by those kinds of rules... Shadows, Personas, and fog... It's a little challenging for my brain to even process. I think I need some time to even wrap the concept of what you actually explain to me with Yosuke... This goes beyond all those books I've read. I'll even dare to say that I'm questioning reality as a whole now and where the hell I'm even standing. I don't know how you are so calm right now, I can't believe you"
"Well, you know me. I'm a stone" Yu chuckled. "Remember? When we were kids and you use to tell me stone face because I never smile and you make fun of me? Those were... Good times. Good old times" Yu sigh. "Sometimes I wish those simple days never fade away when the only thing we care about was what we were going to do the next day after school. You and me, together against the world, having each other's backs... I really miss those days"
"... I miss them too. But we will never come back to those days again... Unless you have a time machine, we are stuck here facing the ugly real world" Azami close her eyes. "Yu... I... Never mind..."
"What is it?"
"I said never mind. It's something stupid" Azami walk away and Yu follow her. He stops when he saw Yukiko sitting on a bench. She was wearing a pink kimono, her red umbrella was next to her and the bench was under a little roof that protects her from the rain.
"Azami, wait. Look" He said and point at Yukiko.
"What?" Azami looks at Yukiko's direction. "Oh... It's Amagi. What's wrong with that?"
"She alone. Shouldn't we make her company? It's raining pretty bad"
"... Actually, you do it. I'll go back home and prepare the clothes for you. I'll rather hide that blood from Nanako... And Yukiko will obviously point that fact that there's blood in your uniform" Azami was right, still, Yu didn't want to leave Yukiko alone in the rain.
"I'll... take the risk"
"Suit yourself... Just come back quick, I'll make an excuse. Send me a message when you are near the door, I'll give you the other uniform you have" She turn around and walk away. Yu felt something weird, like that his relationship with Azami was fading away, little by little. He didn't want that, but he didn't know how to actually fix that issue. He pushes those thoughts aside for a moment and focus and Yukiko who was all by herself. He walks to her and she notices him.
"Yukiko-san" He said. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, I was just resting... Are you surprised to see me dressed this way? My parents sent me out on an errand" Yukiko look nervous when looking at Yu and he had his usual poker face. "Um... Are you getting used to your new town and school?"
"It's okay. I'll survive... Besides, this place is a nice change. It's so quiet, I like it" Yu express a little of happiness, he was being honest. Besides the murders, Inaba was pretty quiet and he like those kinds of places.
"Really? But... It must be difficult, moving to a place you know nothing about" She said.
"I'm used to that by now. So is not a problem"
"Really? I've never been out of Inaba, so I wouldn't know what it's like to transfer to a new school... Oh! Are you getting along with Chie? I mean, I always leave early, so... Umm..."
"We're getting along. She seems nice"
"I'm glad to hear that. Chie's very supportive, you know. It's always her who gives me the little extra push I need. We had homeroom together last year too, and I still remember how we'd cut class sometimes" Yukiko talk about her friendship with Chie. Yu smile and remain him a little of how he and Azami one time cut class.
"Azami and I cut class once too. We end up staying at the rooftop for almost a day. It was a Monday and I didn't want to be in class that day, then Azami grabs my hand and took me there, once we were there we start playing random names to pass time and even tell horror stories... It was her last year in Elementary School and she feels like breaking the rules at least once before moving on, so she grants me my wish of not going to class that day. It was a nice day, one that I'll never forget"
"Your sister doesn't look like the kind of person that would do that"
"That's because she went through some rough stuff and... She changes... A lot. Now I'm lucky if she even wants to do the stuff we use to do. We still talk and do some things together, but I miss those days when we didn't care and do whatever we wanted to do... Things changes, people change"
"Yes, that is inevitable" Yukiko look down, she saw her watch and it was already late. "Oh, I should get going. I need to make tomorrow's arrangements with our head chef. Our inn can't function without me right now" She smiles at him and take her umbrella. "Say... When things at the inn calm a little... Do you want to spend the night there? Bring your sister too, I bet she'll love it. I'll also invite Chie. We can spend some time together and talk more calmly"
"That... would be great" Yu smile. "Thanks, Yukiko-san"
"Call me Yukiko, it's fine... Um... I'll see you at school then, Narukami" Yukiko open her umbrella and leave, she didn't want to get late to the inn. Yu smile as she leave, he like the idea of spending the night at the inn. It would be nice.
"... I better get going too or Azami will yell at me"
Almost ten minutes later, Yu get back home. Before going in, he texts Azami and tells her he was already outside. Yu look at the window of their room and she throws him another white shirt and the school's jacket. He takes out the bloody clothes and put on the new one as soon as possible. He hides the other clothes in his school bag, he makes room for it and goes inside. Luckily for him, Dojima wasn't around, he hasn't come home yet. Later that evening, Yu, Azami and Nanako spend the rest of the evening looking at the TV in the living room. They all were quiet.
"Dad's late..." Said Nanako with sadness in her voice, but her face isn't showing that.
"Don't worry, he must be really busy" Said Azami. The news were on.
"Our next story is an update in our ongoing report on the bizarre murders occurring in Inaba," Said the Announcer. "At around 7:00 A.M., local high school student Saki Konishi was found dead in Inaba's residential area. Since the body was positioned similarly to the last victim, and since Ms. Konishi was the one who discovers that body, police are proceeding under the assumption that this may be a serial murder case related to the death of Mayumi Yamano. The coroner's report has established Ms. Konishi's time of death at around 1:00 A.M. last night. The body went unnoticed until this morning as a result of the heavy fog blanketing the area" The Announcer keep talking.
"Another incident... Dad won't be coming home tonight" Said Nanako with a sigh.
"Don't worry, we are here for you, right Azami?" Yu said and look at his sister for support, she simply nodded.
"Sure, don't worry about it" She said and keep looking at the TV. The news changes the subject very quickly and show the Amagi Inn.
"... Amagi Inn, located upstream of Samegawa River, is the town's oldest historical landmark" Said the Narrator. "Vacationers are known to travel surprising distances in order to visit its open air, radium-rich hot springs. After the incident with Ms. Yamano, the manager has stepped aside, leaving her daughter Yukiko to fill her shoes" The camera showed Yukiko on TV, she was wearing the same kimono when Yu talk with her not that long ago. "In other words, she's a manager who's still in high school. Now that has a nice ring to it... Let's see if we can interview her. Excuse me!" The Reporter gets closer to Yukiko with the cameraman pointing at her.
"Hm...? Um... Are you speaking to me?" Yukiko asks, not paying attention to the camera.
"We've heard that you're the new manager. Is it true you're still in high school?" Ask the reporter.
"... That's the dumbest question I have ever heard" Said Azami and Yu nodded in agreement. "Of course she is"
"Oh, well, I'm only filling in temporarily..." Yukiko explain.
"Someday, though... That aside, wow! You're looking gorgeous in that kimono. You must have had a lot of male visitors"
"Huh? No, um..."
"He's pushing it too much" Said Yu.
"Tell me about it..." The reporter's rambling goes further and further off subject. Nanako changes the channel and the evening went as quiet as possible. Later that night, Azami was laying on the couch of her's and Yu's room. She was staring at the ceiling and Yu was walking around the room while the TV was showing the news, he seems nervous and the rain outside didn't help him at all.
"Are you nervous?" Azami asks him. "I don't think someone will appear so soon on the Midnight Channel"
"Who knows? We have to make sure..." He stares at the TV and the news were on.
"In other Inaba-related news, meteorologists are predicting heavy fog throughout the year," Said the Weather announcer. "The region has seen an abnormal amount of fog over the past few years, and the cause of the climate change is unknown. Whatever the reason, residents of the Inaba area Should be extra careful. Our broadcast tonight was extended to bring you up-to-date news on the incident in Inaba. The time is now midnight" Yu turn off the TV and stare at the screen. Azami sigh and did the same. The TV turns itself on and shows a blurry silhouette of a woman, it looked like she was wearing a kimono.
"Son of a bitch..." Azami whisper. The image was so out of focus none of them could tell who that person was. The image fades away soon after. "... Another person... So that means it's going to be another victim"
"Not if we can stop that from happening" Said Yu. "I'll talk tomorrow with Yosuke about it"
"Don't forget that Tamara wants to talk about this too... And considering she forces me to be in her club, I'll be the one that takes you there"
Shortly after that conversation, Yu and Azami went to bed. Yu had troubles closing his eyes, especially when he stares at Azami. She was already sleeping without any trouble at all. He sighs as he watches her sister, he remembers what he saw in the other world, those memories coming back at him. He tries to ignore them, to momentarily forget about them and close his eyes. It took him a while, but he finally falls asleep and when he thought he was going to have a calm and quiet night of nice dream, he ends up in the Velvet Room. He finds himself sitting in the moving limousine again with Igor and Margaret in front of him.
"This was... Unexpected" He said and stared at Igor, his blood-shouted eyes scare him and his long nose was so distracting. "... Hello?"
"Welcome" Said Igor with calm. "Do not be alarmed. You are fast asleep in the real world... I have summoned you within your dreams"
"Yeah, I figured that much..."
"And so we meet again" Igor's smile grew wider.
"This is a space that only those who have, in one way or another, entered into a contract may enter..." Said Margaret. "In your daily life, you subconsciously heard the call to awaken, and you chose to follow the destiny of your inner voice... Thereby enacting your glorious awakening to your power" At that moment, Igor moves his hand in the air and a key appears out of nowhere, floating in mid-air.
"Hold on to this..." The key fly toward Yu and he grabbed it. It was a blue key. "From this night forth, you are our guest in this Velvet Room. Your destiny will require you to hone your power, and for that, you will inevitably require our help. There is but one price for this assistance..."
"... Please, tell me is not my soul. I don't think is even worth all the troubles" Yu whisper to himself. Margaret hears him and chuckled, Igor hear him too and also let out a little chuckled.
"You must abide by your contract and assume responsibility for all decisions you may make" Said Igor and Yu sigh in relief.
"I understand. I will take full responsibility for my decisions and any action I may make" Yu agreed with Igor.
"Very well... The Persona you have acquired it is a side of you that shows itself when you face the world around you. Perhaps you can think of it as... a facade of determination you wear to face various difficulties in life. You Persona ability, however, is that of the Wild Card... Compared to that of others, it is very special" Igor explain. "It is like the number zero... empty, yet holding infinite potential within itself"
"... Special?" Yu asks. "I think I understand what a Persona is but... Why am I special? And what that even means?"
"The Persona ability is the power to control one's own heart... And the heart is strengthened through bonds" Igor keep explaining. "As you form bonds by becoming involved with others, your own Social Links will gradually develop. The power of these Social Links is what will determine your Persona's abilities... I think you have already felt it. Your "decaying" bond with your older sister, is a bond that grand you with power, but it's fading faster than expected"
"Azami? Control one's heart?" Yu aks. "Why my bond with her is decaying?"
"Social Links are necessary for more than strengthening your Persona" Margaret explained. "At times, they will help light the way to the truth you are searching for. Your bond with your sister can be fixed... But it will take some things to repair the broken relationship between you two. A bond she so desperately wants to cut from the root... Is up to you to find a way to fix the problem before is too late..."
"Where will you awakened power of the Wild Card take you...?" Igor chuckled. "I look forward to traveling the road of your destiny together... 'Til we meet again..." Before Yu could even keep asking, his consciousness fade and he found himself laying on his futon...
"... Dammit Igor" He whispers and go back to sleep.
4/16 Saturday
Yu and Azami walk to school, there was a big silence between them. None of them want to talk about what they saw in the Midnight Channel until they meet with the others. Azami had a lot of things in her mind at the moment, all of them focus on that world Yu describe and the dangers. She didn't want to be involved in this, it goes against what she wanted to do, but now that Yu was involved, she will find herself in the middle of the whole thing with him sooner or later. Azami sigh, letting out her frustration. Yu notice it but didn't say a thing. He was thinking about what Margaret said about Azami. It makes him question what was going on inside her mind, he wanted to know and even if he asks her, he won't get the answer. He knew that Azami went through a lot a couple of years ago and that is why she keeps her distance from everyone and everything and might pose a threat to her.
"I wonder... Will I be capable of doing something for her? I want to help her" Yu thought. At that moment they heard a little bell behind them. They turn around and saw Yosuke on top of his bike.
"Yo!" Yosuke stop and say hi to them "You two saw what was on last night, right?" He asks
"Yes, we saw it" Said Yu.
"I couldn't tell who it was, but if someone's shown up on TV, we can't ignore it" Said Yosuke and Yu nodded.
"Yes, we can't. Let's talk about it after school. Also, we need to see that girl, Tamara, and tell her the details" Yu remind Yosuke about Tamara and he sigh.
"Man... She was the last person I wanted to know about this. She's too curious and she won't rest until she has what she wants" Yosuke looks like he knew Tamara for a while now. Yu ask him that.
"How well you know her?"
"Well, she was the first person that actually talk to me after I move here. She shows me the town and we sorta become friends, before I even realize it. When she told me she needs a job, I offer her a part-time job at Junes and she jumps right in. She's a nice person, but sometimes I think that she's a pain. She talks too much"
"That's something good" Said Yu. "Not a lot of people are like that"
"I know. She's nice and even though we don't talk too much lately, she's someone I can rely on... I just hope she doesn't get in troubles. If she wants to see the other world, I will find a way to stop her. That place is dangerous"
"I know it's dangerous. We barely made it out"
"Yeah... Once we are done with Tamara let's go to Junes. Maybe Teddie can tell us something about this person that showed up. If it turns out someone was thrown in again, there really might be a culprit behind all this. Even if it is something about that place that's killing the victims... If someone's using that world as a weapon, that's unforgivable. We need to find the culprit... no matter what it takes! There's no way the police can do it... Who'd believe that the murderer kills people by throwing them into the TV?"
"I would believe it, it seems logical to me," Said Azami sarcastically. "In all seriousness though, even if the police discover this I doubt they will be able to find some clues. If anything, they'll think Yu is the culprit because he can do it"
"Yeah, only we can do this. Let's find that guy" Said Yu
"Hehe... Cool. It's reassuring to hear someone else say it. You know, I tried sticking my head in the TV last night, the way you did, and it actually worked"
"What, seriously?" Azami was surprised by that. "Is it because you have a Persona?" She asks
"I think so too" Said Yosuke and look at Yu. "Then again, you managed to go inside the TV and get your Persona first. I feel like, as long as you're with me, I can find the culprit and crack this case. Let's do our best"
"Yeah" Yu give Yosuke a handshake. "Even with so much mystery swirling around, Yosuke is trying his hardest to move on..." Yu thought. Yu felt a bond between them... A power growing inside him. Yu saw how everything around him stop and a card show on top of Yosuke's head, a tarot card... The Magician. Yu then hear a voice very familiar...
I am Thou... Thou art I...
Thou hast established a new bond...
It bring thee closer to the truth...
Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Magician Arcana...
Said the voice and the card face away, everything returns to normal, like nothing has happened. Yu recalls Igor's word about the power of his Persona and the bonds that strengthen it. After that, the three went to school. Azami saw the time passing so quickly she wasn't even aware of it until the bell ringed. When she realize that, she stands up and let out a sigh. Tamara walks to her and pats her on the back.
"Is something wrong, Azami?" She asks and Azami shakes her head.
"No, I'm bored. It's nothing"
"Okay... I'll wait for you all in the club" She said and leave as quickly as possible. Azami walks toward Yu's classroom and found them discussing something.
"I'm a little nervous" Said Chie. "Yukiko is alright, but... What if she's really the next one?"
"We can't jump into conclusion yet, first we have to deal with Tamara, then we'll go to Junes and talk with Teddie" Said Yosuke.
"That bear?" Chie asks and Azami join them. "... Hello, Azami"
"Hello... Listen, Tamara is already at the club. Let's do this so you can go to Junes. We better not waste any more time... What were you saying about Yukiko?"
"Chie thinks that Yukiko is the person that appears on the Midnight Channel" Said Yu.
"It was her. I'm sure of it" Chie almost yelled.
"Alright, calm down. Let's do this quickly" Said Yosuke. They follow Azami to the Occult Club and when she opened the door, Tamara was walking around the classroom, cleaning the place. She had already some chairs for them to sit.
"Woah, you arrive earlier. Sit down, let's talk about this" Tamara stop what she was doing and grab a notebook to write down everything.
"This place is... a little dusty" Said Chie.
"That's why no one wants to be part of the Club. Just for the record, there's no ghost here. Despite what everyone keeps saying" Tamara sit down. "Alright, leaving that aside, let's focus on this. First, I want to know every single detail"
"Why do you want to know?" Yosuke asks. "I mean. I know you are into all these weird ghost stories and conspiration stuff, but didn't you stop to think that maybe you shouldn't get involved in this?"
"To be honest, I did" Tamara surprise Yosuke with her answer. "I thought about it when I first saw the tape, but then my curiosity win. My desire to get out of the boring routine and to discover the truth about this, how should I call it...?"
"TV world" Said Yu, almost serious.
"Is that how you call it?" She asks.
"I mean, we go inside a TV, the world on the other side is a little twisted though" Said Yosuke.
"I see. Let me tell you this... I want to be part of this"
"Absolutely not" Said Chie. "This isn't a game!"
"I know is not a game. That is why I want to know. What I'm more interested to know is how that place actually works and why it even exist, because let's be honest... This phenomenon is not only weird, but who knows how reach it has. Sure, you discover this world inside the TV, but what makes you think that it's only happening here? Maybe that place is as big as the world itself. So, tell me everything you know and I'll help you with everything I can. Also, you can use this place to discuss about it"
"Having a safe place to talk about this issue sure is nice" Yosuke nodded. "Alright, we'll be brief"
Yu and Yosuke tell her everything. Yu tell her how he discovers his abilities to enter into that world, how the end up there and what they saw inside. Yosuke tells her how the world is connected to the murders and that there was someone throwing people in, also, that the Midnight Channel is somehow connected to the TV world in some way. He also mentions the Shadows, Persona and even talks about Teddie. Tamara write down everything as quickly as they explain and she had almost two pages of information and some rambling she writes about the issue. Once they finish, Tamara smile.
"Now, this is interesting. This whole world, those Shadows, and Persona... I heard the word Shadow before, but I don't actually remember where. I should investigate it" Tamara stand up, grab a marker pen and write every important detail on the whiteboard she had near the TV. "Alright, so the TV World is connected to both, the murders and the Midnight Channel, an urban legend. So, in the foggy days those Shadows go violent and attack everything that is in their way, if a person is there at the moment it will day and somehow its body will transport back to the real world, ending up in a telephone pole or hanging upside down in an antenna. It seems almost logical that the body will end up in both places considering they enter this world through a TV... There's someone doing this, meaning that this unknown person also has the power to go inside the TV. For some unknown reason he decided it will be funny to throw people in and kill them... And as for the Midnight Channel... I can't find the connection there, maybe the whole thing is kinda like a subproduct of this world, an anomaly perhaps... I think I have everything I need, but there's still information that we need to actually understand this world, why is the way it is and why those Shadow rule the place"
"You understood it pretty quickly" Yosuke was surprised.
"Thanks. Now that I know the basics of what is actually happening, I would like to talk with that "Teddie" guy. You are going to Junes, right?" Tamara asks.
"Yes, want to ask something too" Said Yosuke.
"Alright. I'll go with you"
And so the group went to Junes to talk with Teddie. Chie was convinced that it was Yukiko who appear in the Midnight Channel, but she was still at the Inn. No one knows if she was going to be the victim or just another person. Just in case they need to confirm it with Teddie and see if there was someone already inside or not. Once they got to the Electronics Department they were received by a huge crowd of people inside. Some Part-time workers were coming and going around the place attending the customers.
"Shit" Said Yosuke. "I forgot there's a sale in the electronics department today..."
"So, what do we do now?" Chie asks. They walk toward the TV they enter yesterday. No one was even checking out the TV, it was the most expensive thing in the store so no one would even bother to try and buy it, or even considering it. Yosuke took that as his advantage.
"I got it! Everyone, C'mere a sec" Yosuke said and grab Yu's hand. He got closer to the TV "Try sticking your hand in and calling him over. I bet that bear's wandering around the entrance anyway. Hey Chie, Azami, Tamara. Stand over here. Make a wall with me. Good thing we are a big group, no one will notice this, not even the cameras"
"Good thinking, Yosuke" Said Tamara and make a wall with the rest so no one could see Yu sticking his hand in the TV. Yu put his hand in and it lasts a couple of seconds until he retrieves his hand immediately, followed by a curse.
"Damn it!" He whispers.
"What's wrong!?" Yosuke asks and Azami look at Yu's hand
"What the!? Did something bite you?" Azami look at the teeth marks Yu had in his hand.
"Damn those are teeth marks? Are you okay?" Chie was concerned about Yu
"... I might be dying" He said with his usual Poker face
"No you are not" Azami and Chie said at the same time
"Ooh ooh, is this a game?" Teddie ask. Only his voice could be heard through the TV.
"No, it's not a game! Can you sense anyone inside there right now?" Yosuke asks
"Who's "anyone"? I'm a lonely little bear like always. This land feels so bear-ren"
"... Pfff... Bear-ren..." Tamara was chuckling. "That was a good pun"
"Oh! A new voice. Who's she?"
"Shut it! Now's not the time for that. So there's no one inside? You're sure?" Chie ask
"I'm not lying! My nose is running as good as ever!" Said Teddie.
"Don't be hard on the little guy" Said Tamara and get closer to the TV. "Hi, Teddie... My name is Tamara Rabinovich. It's a pleasure to meet you"
"Oh, how polite. Nice to meet you too" Teddie seems happy.
"To be quite honest, I want to go in and have a talk with you, but now is a little complicated, so maybe tomorrow we can talk. I want to know you and that world of yours"
"You can come in whenever you want. I'll be waiting for you and the rest" He said and leave. They didn't hear him anymore.
"I'm gonna go warn Yukiko anyway" Said Chie "Since she'll be busy this weekend helping out at the inn, I doubt she'd go anywhere alone, but still..."
"Yeah... you'll walk with her to school on Monday, right?" Yosuke asks
"Sure, I'll go pick her up at her house" Chie answer
"Maybe we'll find out more on tonight's Midnight Channel" Said Yosuke "Cross your fingers that this is all just a misunderstanding..."
"Sure... Let's hope" Said Azami.
Yu and Azami go back home shortly after checking on Teddie. Yosuke stay at Junes to help a little in the Electronics Department, Chie went check on Yukiko and Tamara was walking with them. Her house, oddly enough, was near Dojima's house. On the way, Tamara asks a lot of questions to Yu while Azami just stares at the road.
"So, let me get it straight. The Shadow comes out and tries to kill the host when he or she deny it?" Tamara asks. She finds interesting the Shadows and how they are and more importantly how they react.
"Yeah, Yosuke's Shadow came out when he knew what Saki think about him. Looks like the Shadow came out if the person experiments some kind of stressed situation or at least i think so" Yu explains in the best way possible.
"Mmm interesting... what would mine say?" Tamara asks to herself. "Is hard to know... I barely have something to hide or something I deny about myself"
"Everyone has something to hide" Said Azami. "Everyone has secrets, some darker than other"
"True... Anyway, I think we separate here" She said as they get closer to the corner of the street. Tamara had to go left while Yu and Azami had to go right. "Check the Midnight Channel today"
"We will. See you later" Said Yu.
"Goodbye" She leaves and they go back home. Nanako was alone again and Dojima was having a hard time in work thanks to the murders taking place. They had dinner in silence, only the TV was making noise, it was an awkward evening. Shortly after dinner, Azami helps Nanako with the dishes and the housework. Later that night, Azami and Yu were waiting in front of the TV for the Midnight Channel to appear.
"It's almost Midnight... I hope nothing happens at all" Said Yu.
"Me too..." Azami actually didn't care, but she had to show that she care at the very least. The clock hit Midnight and the TV turn on for itself again... Only this time what it shows wasn't what they were expecting at all. They blurry TV static was replaced by a very clear image of a red castle and Yukiko appear in the screen with a pink princess dress and a microphone, she looks at the camera like she was the host of a TV show.
"Good Evening, tonight princess Yukiko has a big surprise," Said Yukiko on the TV
"... The Fuck...!?" Azami was genuinely confused now. Yu couldn't even believe what he was seeing either.
"I'm gonna go escort myself a hot stud. Welcome to "Not a dream, Not a hoax". Princess Yukiko will hunt for her prince charming and I came prepared" Yukiko keep talking in a weird manner.
"The hell is she talking about!?" Azami asks. "Does this have anything to do with the Shadow thing you talk about?"
"I don't know! Yosuke Shadow wasn't like this at all. Something is happening..." Said Yu. They look again at the screen and saw Yukiko running toward a castle. "Well... This escalated quickly. This really went out of hands..."
"No shit... I can't even... I mean... What!? What just happen!?" Then Yu's phone starts to ring. It was Yosuke. "Put him on speaker"
"H-Hey, did you see that!?" Said Yosuke. "That was Yukiko-san for sure! It looked like her... I mean, she even said her name!"
"Calm down, Yosuke. We'll go after her tomorrow, first thing in the morning" Said Yu
"Call Chie, she must be worried" Said Azami
"Yeah, you're right. I'll call her. Let's meet up in Junes tomorrow morning" Yosuke hung up. Azami receives a call too, it was Tamara. She answers the phone.
"Hello?"
"... Did that just happen?" Tamara asks in disbelief.
"Yes..."
"Good... Then I wasn't dreaming... So Yukiko is in the other world?"
"I think so"
"I see... What are we doing now?"
"Yosuke told us to go to Junes in the morning. We'll talk about it there" Azami explain.
"Good, see you tomorrow there... Also... I find out something interesting"
"What is it?"
"... Looks like I record the whole thing" Tamara chuckle. "That's awesome! Hey, you want a copy?"
"... Not really... And this is serious"
"I know, it's just... I can't believe it actually happens. I thought it was impossible... Another mystery to be solved I guess"
"Go to sleep. Tomorrow we'll talk about this"
"Sure. See you tomor-" Azami hung up before she could finish the sentence.
"Was that Tamara?"
"Yes, she saw the Midnight Channel too and she finds out something stupid"
"What do you mean?"
"Looks like you can record what happens in the Midnight Channel and even ask me if I wanted a copy"
"... Why I didn't think of that earlier?" Yu whispers
"What?"
"Nothing"
