Chapter 8
Disclaimer: same thing, I don't own Persona, I'm not doing this for money.
Author note: Things have been busy and I haven't had a lot of time to write with work and other things. However to make up, this is a really long chapter. As stated before this story is following the base outline of Persona 4 but there are little tweaks and new things here and there. Hope every one enjoys, feel free to review.
Yukiko wouldn't say it out loud, and even though the past few days had been the worst experience of her life...right now as she was being carried out of the retched place..she felt lighter and happier then she ever had. She couldn't hide the blush that she had on her face...the feeling of Yu carrying her. She hated to take advantage of the situation...but...
"Yu...your back..." She heard Chie say with concern.
"Ya...it's OK right now." Yu spoke softly, he is being so careful with me...she couldn't help but feel happy at the gentleness he was treating her with.
"Here.."Yoskue jumped in "Persona!" he said quietly, she felt a warmth surround her...some of her strength returned as well. "Hu..it didn't really heal it all the way..." Yoskue sound confused.
"He's holding Yukiko" a strange voice pointed out. "it probably weakened trying to heal them both."
"hmmm" Chie said "It doesn't look as bad, it looks like it'll be able to heal up naturally from that point."
"ya, I'll be fine. I'm glad we keep a change of clothes at the entrance...There is no way I could hide this from my uncle." Yu said quietly
"ya great call on that!" Yoskue jumped in "other wise people would defiantly notice if we came out from Junes looking like this."
"well after I ripped by uniform when your shadow attacked me" Yu explained "I figured we needed to have something here strictly for battle, besides the armor."
Yukiko zoned out of their conversation, she was mentally and physically exhausted what surprised her was how Yu seemed to know she would be tired, he wouldn't let any one ask her questions, he just let her rest...it really meant something to her...but when it came down to it. Why is he doing this for me?...he hardly knows me...yet he seems to have pushed the hardest to save me...despite the oddity of what had happened, she didn't feel overwhelmed by it all. She just felt at peace and...really really comfortable right now. She smiled to her self...
"hey...is she smiling?" Chie said quickly "maybe she is waking up!"
Yukiko giggled I've been awake this whole time!
"Chie..she never fell asleep, she is just tired..."Yu trailed off
Wow, how can he tell?
"o...oh " Chie let out a nervous laugh.
They kept walking, Yukiko was surprised how far they had to go. It had felt like they were walking forever...and yet time didn't seem the same here as it did in the outside world..come to think about it where is here..?
"Yukiko..?" Yu whispered quietly to her..
"hmmm?" She opened her eyes...is...is he wearing glasses?... she felt her blush deepen across her face ..oh..oh my.
He didn't' seem to notice "We are going to leave..I've got to go change my shirt, I'm going to put you down for a minute OK?" He said reassuringly
"mmhmm" she nodded as he gently knelt down laying her on the ground "Alright. Yoskue. Chie, keep watch while I change.." he had this sound in his voice when he spoke to them...it was inspiring yet it had authority "Just in case."
She opened her eyes slightly and looked around...it looked like they were on a stage,Chie and Yoskue were standing on opposite ends, they were both alert looking around. She looked over and noticed Yu was walking over to a small chest on the ground. She gasped as she saw his back..his bare skin was showing and it was black and covered in burns...she knew she should look away...but... he took his shirt off throwing the remaining bit on the ground . He turned towards them, she closed one of her eyes still looking as he threw on a white shirt and began to button it up...He's in really shape.... "Yoskue, Chie. You are up!" He quickly picked up his sword from the ground and stood watch as Chie went to one corner taking off her over shirt and replacing it with her green jacket.
"all done partner!" Yoskue called out..
Yu nodded, placing his sword near the chest. He turned and walked to Yukiko
"what...happened to your back..?" She said quietly so only he would hear as he came over to her. She couldn't remember what had happened very well.
He smiled as he knelt down looking at her...the glasses still on.. "well...you see..." he started off seriously, then laughed softly "I umm..tripped and hit the corner of a table in Junes." He said giving her a wink.
She couldn't suppress the laugh that boiled up inside her, she remembered her conversation with him at the flood plain..she couldn't hold it in as she started laughing...really hard.
"Y-Yukiko..?" Chie said take aback.
"o-oh... hah ha ha.. I …." She was laughing too hard, she couldn't even speak.
"Wow..."Yoskue whistled "She must be feeling better."
"She never does this around others.." Chie said seriously, still shocked at her reaction
Yu just laughed with her "I told you..." He said looking at her "that you wouldn't believe me even if I told you.."
"hahaha...ya...haha" her laughs calming down "you're right." she said simply starring up at him
"Ummm" Chie said awkwardly "we should probably get her home..."
Yu's face quickly changed as he looked away a little embarrassed "*ahem* yes..of course, lets go" He looked down at her "Do you need help?" He said
".no I think I can stand now.."She said as he reached out for his hand, she took it pulling her self up to her feet...she felt really light headed.."whoa.." she grabbed his shoulder to hold her self.."O-oh! s-sorry!" She stuttered out
He just smiled "it's OK take your time." he looked back "Chie, do you mind supporting her, I'm going to see if the TV is clear."
TV...? Chie came over letting Yukiko put her arm around her .."...thanks Chie.." She said quietly as Yu walked away...hey...don't leave yet... she wanted him to stay with her...her face flushed Wow … she giggled quietly she was actually letting her self think about him!
"What does he mean TV?" Yukiko looked up at Chie
"it's..." Chie trailed off "a really long story, Yu will explain it all later..for now I need you to tell the police that we found you on the roof and that you don't remember anything OK?" her friend said seriously...
"OK.." Yukiko said softly
"Alright!" Yu called out "it's clear, I'm going through..bring Yukiko over here and I'll help her through."
"Come on Yukiko...lets get out of here." Chie said with relief
Yu was standing by a stack of old style TVs, he was looking at one of them as if watching something he turned and took his glasses off, "OK, I'm going through."He said
..what in the world?She watched as the silver haired boy crawled into the TV as it rippled around him. "...wha..." She stuttered out dumbfounded
"I promise we will explain..just...umm take his hand when it comes back through." Chie said scratching her head.
And sure enough..."Eeek!" Yukiko squealed a little...there was a hand...palm up waiting for her to grab..."uhhhh..." She couldn't move..she just starred at it.
"It's ok, It's Yu he'll take care of you, don't worry." Chie said with trust.
She slowly reached out and grabbed his hand
"OK now Yukiko just slowly walk and climb into the TV" Yu's voice came through the speakers calmly "It will be OK, just trust me." He added
She felt calm, the way he spoke...she felt like she could trust him..
"O-ok here I go..." she hesitantly started to crawl through..she was still in her Kimono and it wasn't exactly...flexible..
she felt an extreme sense of Vertigo as she came out and almost fell on the ground luckily Yu caught her, and helped her up...She heard a familiar tune...
"J-Junes?!" She said shocked trying to wrap her brain around everything "where...how...?" She started
"I'll tell you later...but for now we have to hurry. " Yu looked at her "I promise." he added reassuring her.
"alright..." Yoskue's voice came from behind her, she turned as Chie and Yoskue came out of the TV stepping onto the ground "We have to hurry, if anyone sees us here they will suspect it was us." He said quickly.
"Chie." Yu said quickly "like we planned you take her home, it'll be the least suspicious if you are the one to bring her home."
"You got it!" Chie walked over and looked her in they eye. "Ready?" she said softly looked concerned
Yukiko nodded.."I think I can stand now..." She felt determined "lets go..." She glanced over at Yu there were so many things she wanted to say to him...but there just wasn't time..Chie started walking.
Thank you...
Yu let out a heavy breath as he watched the two walking away, he folded his arms as Yoskue clapped him on the back "Ugh!" he winced
"Oh! Sorry! "Yoskue said quickly as he went quiet watching the girls leave the store. "we really did it...didn't we?" He said quietly
"ya...we did." Yu nodded, this proved what they had hoped, they could stop the murders. "Hopefully she will be able to remember something about how she got in there.." Yu said hopefully
Yoskue nodded "Ya, we may have saved her but we still have no idea about the killer..." he trailed off
"Lets call it a night ok?" Yu said as looked over "I am beat..."
Yoskue nodded.." Ya.. we have school tomorrow "he groaned "This is really tough isn't it...doing all this while having our normal lives.." He sounded tired just thinking about it.
"we can do it Yoskue." Yu felt determined.
Yoskue looked at him...his face changed to determination "You're right..thanks partner."
They parted ways, calling it a night.
The walk home was quiet it..almost peaceful, the town was quiet, and almost no body was out side. Yukiko still felt weak, but it still hadn't really hit her what had happened.
"T-Thank you.." Yukiko looked over at Chie who was still supporting her
"Hmm?" Chie looked over "Oh! Of course." Her friend smiled back warmly..she looked sad...
"Is something wrong..?" Yukiko's voice was concerned.
Chie slowed...she looked deep in thought. "there is something I need to tell you..."She trailed off. "But..I just can't yet, I will another time. I promise." Chie looked back at her.
Yukiko nodded It seems like a lot has happened since I was kidnapped. Those three seem to be closer and it seems like they have been through a lot together.
"A lot has happened..."Chie said as if reading her mind. "I don't know if I could tell you everything, when you feel better...I'll have Yu explain it, he has..."She trailed off looking for the right words "All the details I guess."
Hmm? I don't mind that Idea... She had to admit, letting her self think and dream it felt very refreshing and as childish as it was to her to dream and think of a boy..she really liked it. "Tell me about him.." Yukiko said quietly.
"Hmm?" Chie looked confused "Who?" She cocked her head..
Yukiko felt a small blush "Narukami-Kun." she said shyly looking down.
She could feel Chie tense up a little "He..." she started off "He is really different then almost any guy I've met. He is mature, quiet and he doesn't seem to have anything to hide. He has this drive...to do 100% and he always pushes him self hard." Chie explained. "But at the same time I know nothing about him..."She sounded a little sad "He never talks about himself and its as if...you can't get to close to him...it's hard to explain I guess."
Yukiko felt a little bit of jealousy, Chie seemed to have had the chance to spend some time with him. Which oddly was all that Yukiko wanted right now.
"I see..." was all Yukiko could manage to say.
They continued walking in silence as they made their way to the Inn Yukiko groaned How am I going to pull this off..wait...
"Chie.." She hadn't thought to as this. "How long was I in there?"
Chie flinched "um..." She looked like she wanted to cry again "I'm so sorry we tried to hurry! we really did...but there were..." Chie started apologetically "Complications..." She finished..
Yukiko kept looking at her friend who sighed
"It was about a week...or so." Chie was cringing a little bit.
Yukiko froze A week! How...
Chie panicked "I-I-I'm sorry! It just...it just..." she didn't have words.
Yukiko let a soft laugh "Chie..it's ok." She looked up "I'm here and you guys saved me. Its ok." She reassured her friend "I'm just not sure how I am going to handle...this.." She pointed at the inn
"You can do it!" Chie looked better as she said with excitement
"mmm" Yukiko nodded I hope so.
Things are getting complicated.. Yu was laying sideways on his Futon, his back was still tender. His uncle had come home and told him Yukiko had come home, Yu slipped and didn't act surprised like he had planned as his mind was drained from the TV. His Uncle was starting to get suspicious, more and more. That was part of why Yu had decided to leave his weapons and armor in the TV world. They could go missing but at least he could replaced them. If Dojima found it...he could be thrown in prison or into a mental home if he tried to explain what was going on. He let out a sigh, already he was shouldering a heavy burden leading the group, he had joined the basketball team and was trying to decide if he wanted to join the drama club or the music club. Then School, mid terms were soon and he also had to start working part time, to keep the team equipped all while working on relationships with people...which frankly wasn't happening very well.
But he didn't have any other option, if he wanted to succeed in what he could feel was going to be a long journey he had to do everything he could. Yu knew how to push him self, he didn't have to lean on others, he knew how to get the job done no matter what. He would keep pushing him self no matter what...but if he couldn't find some type of break, even he would crack.
Maybe I should pick up Guitar again...He had played a lot when he was in Junior High, he had even played a piano that his parents had in one of their homes. He had taught him self and it was perfect, it was something he could do alone and just relax his mind... he nodded to him self Ya..time to pick those back up.
He gently rolled over, looking at the time 12:00..."ughhhh" he groaned even when I am exhausted I can't sleep...Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Yukiko woke up the next day, she still felt horrible...but she really wanted to go school, she wanted to talk to him..she wanted to hear what had happened, what he had been through, how they found her. But her body refused. She knew that it was going to take some time to get her strength back. She heard a light tap on the door "Yukiko..?" Her mother's voice came through her door softly.
"come in.." Yukiko's voice was groggy as the door opened her mother came in...she was crying
"Y-Yukiko..." she fell to her knees next to her "I'm so glad that you are home and safe I just can't believe you really are back...I was so worried about you.." Her mother was looking at her with sadness in her eyes " are you sure you don't remember anything..?" She asked
I'm...sorry mom "mmm mmm" she shook her head "I'm sorry...its just all so blurry."
"It's fine..." her mom looked down "I just wish we knew who did this.."
Me too.
"Yukiko...who found you by the way? You came with Chie but...we never talked about who found you." Her mother cocked her head.
Yukiko felt a small blush cross her face. Most people wouldn't notice...but her mother perked up and smiled "was...was it a boy..?" She said teasingly
"M-Mother!" Yukiko was taken aback by the shift of conversation.
"Come on! You have never showed any interest in boys...tell me, who is it?" her mother said in a teasing voice
Yukiko loved her parents..they had always treated her well but she had always treated them...as work, she hated to think of it that way but when she was here that's all that they talked about, that's all they asked her to do etc. So when her mom started asking her personal questions, she really wasn't sure how to respond.
Yukiko couldn't speak..she just starred at her mothers expecting eyes. "I...uh..its..." Yukiko looked away Jeez this is embarrassing
"Amagi San!" A voice came from the hall "Can you come here real quick?!" It was one of the workers
Oh thank heavens!
"ahhh.." her mother looked disappointed "We will talk about this later...get feeling better." her mother closed the door, allowing Yukiko to relax. She hadn't ever realized it..but she really wasn't that close to her parents...
She sighed as she turned over welcoming the chance to just lay down and rest for once.
A couple days passed, Yu kept him self busy as usual, studying and hanging out with the basketball team and Yoskue every once in a while. School had ended for the day and he decided to go to the roof of the school to think for a little bit..it was so weird going from ignoring every one to trying to be close to everyone, so he sometimes needed time away. He sat outside letting the sun warm him up as looked over the town. This really turned out different then I had expected he chuckled softly to him self he allowed his mind to clear as he looked out on the landscape
"it's really nice isn't it?" He heard Chie come up behind him.
"Chie." He smiled at her.."it really is. "
"I come up here all the time after school to get away from everything for a little bit" Chie said softly "it's a nice spot hu?"
Yu nodded "Ya., it is."
Chie looked uncomfortable "can.. I ask you a favor?" she asked
"of course what do you need?" Yu turned towards her
She sighed "I was supposed to take the home work assignments and notes to Yukiko..but uh" she scratched her head "I haven't really taken any notes, and I am supposed to go home today..and study. my parents are cracking down a little on me for not trying very hard in school" She smiled sheepishly
Yu chuckled, he hated to admit it but it sounded like a wonderful opportunity. "Of course, I'd love to. I wanted to see how she was doing any way." Yu looked away.
Chie looked uncomfortable still but she didn't' look like she wanted to talk "W-well...I'll let her know that you are coming in stead of me. Ok?" She asked
"Ok, Thanks Chie." Yu nodded as she passed him the assignments. "have a good day." He waved over his shoulder
She smiled and turned away looking over the town.
I wonder...Yu could see a difference in her...she looked lonely. But he still couldn't figure out exactly it was. As he made his way down the stairs to make his way to the inn.
Yukiko sort of felt better she was laying in her room still, she had sweats on and a size too big shirt to relax in. Chie was supposed to be bringing over the homework she had missed and the notes of the lectures, she had missed thus far.
"Yukiko!" Her mother's voice called out from down stairs...she sounded really excited "Some one is here for you!"
"Tell her to come on up mom!" Yukiko called back
Her...?
"Just go up the stairs and her door will be to the left. Ok?" Mrs. Amagi sounded...happy.
Yu froze. "uh...are you sure?"
she started laughing "of course, don't worry" She smiled at him waving him off.
"Thank you Mrs. Amagi" He bowed "I will hurry, I don't want to disturb any of you."
She smiled "don't worry about that, she could use the visit..." her voice trailed a little sad "She needs friends to come see her."
Yu nodded as he started up the stairs "Thank you again, Mrs. Amagi" He called back.
Yukiko froze...Did I just hear... "Ahhh!" she yelled quietly as she panicked, she looked the mirror her hair was all over, she was in her PJ's "Chie..." She groaned Why didn't you tell me! "um um um um" Her brain was going a million miles and hour but absolutely nothing was coming from it.
Tap tap tap
She froze...What do I do...she quickly jumped in her futon and covered her self with her blankets. "c-come in.." She squeaked out weakly
Yukiko couldn't believe the luck...or the curse of what was happening, he was here but he was seeing her like this...I am so embarrassed
He just stood at the door "uh..." he was looking at her, he looked just as embarrassed. "I'm sorry if I surprised you.." he looked down..." Didn't Chie tell you..?" Yu asked cautiously
Chie! Yukiko's eyes narrowed did she plan this..or? Yukiko shook her head "n-no.."
He looked embarrassed "oh..umm well sorry about just dropping in on you. She had to go home and she asked me to bring the work you have missed while being out." He explained
he looks so tired...She couldn't help but just watch him.
His eyes changed to concern "But how are you feeling?"
"I'm..ok I'm surprised how tired I am still..." Yukiko said looking up at her ceiling
He nodded in the corner of her eye. "Ya...that place will do it to you, it gets easier the more you go in." He said simply
She still couldn't believe that there was a world inside the TV. "Did that really happen...?" She was almost starting to doubt her memory
He nodded slowly "Ya...it did." He went quiet
Yukiko had never really been alone with boys before and yet here he was, and now that he was here..she didn't know what to say.
He cut the silence "I'm sorry again to surprise you like this..." He reached into his school bag. "Here." He pulled out a stack of papers "These are the assignments that you missed while you were gone, and I also left my notes from the lectures that you missed." He placed the papers on her desk. " Hope they are clear enough for you to understand" he gave a hopeful grin
Yukiko nodded.."thank you." Her voice came out quiet as the silence came back.
"um.." He started "well, I'll get out of your hair, I bet you are exhausted still." He smiled warmly at her
No! Yukiko wanted him to stay...to spend time with her and talk Come on Yukiko! Think! Don't freeze up now! But she didn't know what to do.
He turned towards the door "If you need anything, please just let us know ok?" he started opening the door.
"W-Wait!" she blurted out.
"Hmm?" He turned looking at her curiously.
"I..." Come on come on...what should I say... she was too nervous. "...Thank you for bringing that..and for checking on me." She smiled weakly
"Of course." His eyes were warm "If you need anything else let me know."
She nodded as he turned and went out her door, she sighed listening to his soft steps walk away and down the stairs. Why did I have to be so awkward.. She groaned stuffing her face in her pillow.
Yu let out a deep sigh as he stepped back out into the sun. Well... That went smoothly he was mentally punching himself for not knowing what to say to her. He quickly pulled out his phone and looked at the time 5:39 hmmm I should probably get home and make dinner. He quickly started down the road towards his uncle's home.
The one person he had been able to really form a good relationship was surprisingly Nanako. She was a lot like him and she had a lot on her plate like he did at her age. He tried to help out as much as he could and he liked to cook for her every once in a while so she didn't have to eat processed meals all the time. He smiled thinking about how excited she was for golden week. Dojima had promised that he would take her to June's and he would take some days off. Yu frowned remembering how she voiced her concern to him that her dad would bail out due to work. He had a plan if that happened
"I'm home!" Yu called out through the door
"Welcome home!" Nanako smiled up at him
"You ready for dinner?" Yu took his jacket off and hung it on a rack. "I'm sorry I ran a little late I had to stop by a friend's place."
She shook her head "it's ok!"
"We'll then!" He clapped his hands "what do you want to eat?"
"Hmmmm" she looked deep in thought.
PI PI PI PI
Yu's phone began to ring.
"Hello?" Yu answered the phone.
"Hey man! It's Kou!" His basketball teammate's voice came through the phone. "Wanna get some grub with Daisuke and me? Yu looked over at Nanako she was looking away at the TV she looked disappointed
"Sorry guys I have other plans" his eyes still on Nanako who looked over in surprise
"Awe man! Ok well next time! Later!" Kou quickly hung up
"You can go if you want..." Nanako said timidly "I don't mind."
Yu shook his head "no this is more important." He gave her a smile as her face lit up " so did you decide what you want to eat?"
Time moved quickly, Yu soon joined the music club, his experience with different instruments allowed him to help out a girl who was struggling with the trombone. He was busy all the time, if he wasn't helping somebody he was studying, and at nights he was doing a small job making envelopes in his room.
For Yukiko, April was almost over and her body felt in tip top shape, she was excited. Tomorrow she would be going back to school and meeting the people who had saved her... Especially Yu.. She hadn't seen him since he brought the school work over. She hardly knew him.. But she missed seeing him already.
Yu quickly made his way up to the roof. Yukiko had come back to school, she looked healthy as ever. They had planned to meet on the roof to see if they could make some head way on the case. Yoskue was the first the join
"Yo!" He yelled coming through the door giving him a wave
"Hey Yoskue." Yu nodded as the boy walked up to him
They made idle small talk as Chie and Yukiko came up to the roof and sat down, they both had instant ramen... Yu could smell it.. He was so hungry, he had spent lunch helping the 1st year in his music class. She was going to do a solo and she needed a lot of practice. He quickly shook his head ignoring the smell that made his stomach grumble.
"Ok." Yu nodded to all of them "we are all here." They all looked at him intently "so I hate to jump right in... But Yukiko.. Do you remember anything from the night you were kidnapped?"
Her brow furrowed "I-I'm sorry.. I thought about it over and over and I don't know.. The last thing I remember I was working the front desk... Some one came to do the door and that was it..." She looked down "I'm really sorry..."
Yu felt bad he didn't want her to beat herself up about it "hey.." He said gently "don't worry, you are safe and that's what matters most, don't worry about It OK?" He said sincerely as Chie and Yoskue gave affirmative smiles to Yukiko.
Yoskue sighed "but.. That leaves us at square one.. We still have no idea who the murderer is and what their motives are.." He looked down a little frustrated
"We didn't come out of this empty handed Yoskue" Yu said quickly as they all looked at him "think about it, this proves that if nothing we can stop the murders from happening." Yu said hopefully
Chie nodded "He is right, Yukiko is safe and we now know we can do it." She gave a fist pump of enthusiasm.
Whoa... They are investigating the murders... Yukiko sat and watched Yu in a totally different light then she had seen before. A leader, watching him speak and the way he was handling everything..What can I do... She let her mind wander, as her thoughts rested to the persona that she had gained, the power she felt from it. She slowly nodded her head.
"I want to help" Yukiko's feminine voice quietly said
Everyone looked at her surprised
"If there is some body that hated me enough to try and kill me..." Her voice trailed off "then if nothing I want to find out why." She locked eyes with Yu
"What do you think ..leader?" Yoskue winked at Yu
Yu now realized why he couldn't keep a cool head with Yukiko.. It was her eyes, he didn't know how to explain it but they way she looked at him, the shape of them, they almost hypnotized him .. he noticed Yoskue and Chie were giving him funny looks. He quickly broke his train of thought
"It's very dangerous" Yu warned "you realize that right?"
Yukiko didn't break eye contact as she smiled "yes"
Yu sighed "we really could use you..welcome aboard!" He smiled at her.. She was still starring him.. This seemed unlike her.
Chie was looking back and forth between the two
"Soooooo..." Chie broke the silence "what now?"
Without missing a beat Yu jumped in "we have to wait for the killer's next move."
They all nodded "as much as I hate waiting.. He's right we have nothing to go off of.." Yoskue added in as everyone agreed
"Heeeeey!" Chie said an idea popping in her head. " why don't we show Yukiko the TV world today!" Excitement in her voice
"Ya! There is no better way to explain it then to see it!" Yoskue jumped up ready to go.
"Hold on!" Chie demanded "we still have our food.." Chie said with contempt motioning to Yukiko.
"Ahhh man... I forgot about that.." Yoskue's head drooped down. "it...it smells really good.." Yoskue leaned towards Chie "can...can I have a bite?" Hunger oozing from his voice
"NO!" Chie snapped putting her leg up in defense of her food Yoskue looked crushed "ugh..." She grumbled putting her leg down "fine..." She passed her bowl to Yoskue.
"Would you like a bite?" Yu's heart froze for a second as Yukiko's soft voice came from to his left.. He looked over to see her sharp eyes looking at him...there was something in there..a little spark, he couldn't explain it.
"U-uh..." Yu didn't know what to do. "N-no thats ok." He smiled
She stood up "nonsense..." She walked to him extending the bowl "Have a little!"
Yu nodded...You must use Control...self control, just because this is a big bowl...one bite..that will be it...he slowly opened the lid...the smell...the heat ...his stomach roared in anticipation...he slowly took one bite...then two..NO! STOP! Then three..four. Five. His eyes widened..it was too delicious, he couldn't stop... He looked at Yukiko who was watching him in pure horror...NOOOOOOOO! He froze...looking down...I...I ate all of it...He drooped his head in shame.."Y-Yukiko-San...I...I'm sorry..." He passed her the bowl..
It appeared that Yoskue had done the same "YOU ATE ALLLL OF IT?!" Chie exploded
"I-I-I-I'm really really sorry..it was just sooooooo good I couldn't stop!" Yoskue tried to defend him self..
Yukiko was pouting "My tofu..."
"We will make it up to you!" Yoskue was sweating bullets "R-right?" he looked at Yu
Yu quickly nodded "Yes! W-Whatever you want!" Yukiko perked up a little hmmm? What was that...
"steak..." Chie said pouting. "not the cheap kind, I want the best kind!" She stomped her foot.
There goes my pay...He could see Yoskue cringing too... he was thinking the same thing.
"So..." Yukiko walked forward "This is the TV world."
"Yep." Yoskue nodded
"How did you guys find this place?" Yukiko turned towards them all
Chie smiled "I'll let Yu tell you that story."
Yu chuckled and scratched the back of his head "It's a funny story, I'll tell you some time."
"Promise..?" Yukiko looked at him...that look was in her eye again.
"Promise." Yu nodded.
"Hey..." Yoskue looked around "Where is Teddie?"
Oh ya..where is that bear..
"Teddie...?" Yukiko looked confused
"It's...better if you just meet him.." Chie said shaking her head, she looked in pain just thinking about him I can't blame her.
"SEENNNNNNNNNNSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !" the whiny voice came from the fog
"Speak of the devil." Yu muttered putting his hand on his hip. He reached in his pocket and put on his glasses. He could see Teddie running right at him.. "OHHH CR-" Teddie bowled right into his chest throwing him back a little "ugh!" Yu coughed the air knocked out of him.
"SENSEI SENSEI!" Teddie yelled breathing heavy "There is a strong shadow that appeared in Yukiko's castle!" He calmed down "I think some of them followed me but I'm not sure..." He was cowering behind Yu I still can't breath... He moaned as he stood.
"It's fine Teddie, we will deal with that later." Yu said calmly. Yukiko was starring at the bear..
"what...what is that?" She said pointing at teddie.
"Well I never! I a-" Teddie spun around and froze looking and Yukiko "Well hellllloooo..." Yu shuttered, it sounded like Teddie was trying to flirt...but it sounded like a 5 year old.
"Shut up you stupid bear!" Yoskue yelled at him. "This is Yukiko, remember.?"
"Oh! Of course!" Teddie lightened up "here I have something for you!" he walked over to her and gave her something...She started laughing as she turned away from them
"Oh! So these are the glasses that every one is wearing..." She turned towards them Yu started laughing, The glasses Teddie had given her were gag glasses, they had swirls for the eyes and a large nose with hair hanging out of it..
"Snrk..." Yukiko stifled a laugh "How..pfft do I look?" She turned towards Yu.
he couldn't help but laugh harder "I think you should wear those every where you go!" Yu encouraged her
She laughed "See it even has a nose guard!" her laughing was getting worse
Chie sighed "Here we go..."
"ahahahahaha...coul...d. You...hahah imagine.." Yukiko was laughing so hard she could hardly breathe
Yu had to admit, he liked what he was seeing in this girl more and more...
"Teddie! Give her a real pair!" Yoskue slapped the bear on the back
"Fine, Fine! Those don't even work any way..." Teddie grumbled "Here!" He took a pair of red glasses out which she put on
Dang...she looks...really...really good in glasses. Yu couldn't help but stare a little bit.
"Oh wow!" She exclaimed "That's why you guys wear these in here!" She was looking around.
"Oh shoot!" Yoskue called out looking at his phone "I've got to go back, I was supposed to help out tonight! Is it OK if I bail out? He looked at Yu
"Of course, we will be fine here." Yu nodded
Chie looked over "Hey.. I need to get going too..." She grumbled "I have to go study..."
Yu looked over at Yukiko, they would be safe as long as they stayed in this area
"Ok. I'll bring Yukiko up to speed with everything, and we will meet up tomorrow ok?" he said to Chie and Yoskue
"Ok!" they both nodded and said goodbye as they left through the TV.
Yukiko couldn't believe the luck, she was getting exactly what she had hoped for...Just don't freeze up...just talk, you can do this! She mentally pumped her self up.
Yu looked over at her "So, what questions do you have." He looked around "This is a lot to take in, so shoot."
She thought for a minute. "how did all this happen..?" She trailed off.
Yu laughed "That is a long story, but I will try to summarize it for you..ok?"
She nodded as he walked over and sat on the ground and motioned her to come sit, she sat and began to listen, how he had put his hand in the TV, how he had fought Yoskue's shadow and then Chie, then up to her. It was incredible, he explained the day he saw her was they day he fought Yoskue's shadow hence the wounds. When he finished She just looked up "wow...I almost can't believe it..." her voice had disbelief "How have you done this?" She motioned to the world around them "How have you kept such a level head?" She asked sincerely looking at him
He frowned and looked away "It's...kind of a long story, I'm just used to it I guess." He seemed to want to leave it at that.
Hmmm I am going to remember this
"thats doesn't really answer the question you know..." Yukiko trailed off.
"Yes..." He nodded "You are right. But...it's really not important, it just needed to be done and so I will do my best to do it." He said simply
"hmmm.." she let her thoughts trail off.
"SENSEI!" Teddie yelled from the other side of the stage area "Shadows are coming!"
Shadows...? Yukiko didn't get it...but he did. Yu quickly jumped up
"how long?!" Yu yelled as he stripped his shirt off throwing on chain mail and grabbing his sword
"they are really close!" The bear whined cowering behind the stack of TV
"Yukiko!" He called out to her "Get over where Teddie is!" It wasn't a question, it was an order and she happily obliged
She could hear strange voices, noises coming closer to them. But she couldn't locate them
"Teddie.." Yu growled "how many are there."
Teddie seemed to be looking around...was he...sniffing?
"I smell four enemies! Sensei!" he reported quickly to Yu.
She watched Yu, he was alert, he was watching everywhere...Suddenly he jumped and rolled..she didn't see it..
"Ahhhh!" Yukiko let a scream escape her as a sword landed right where Yu had just been.
"PERSONA!" Yu bellowed as he smashed a card in his hand, she could hear glass shatter as she saw a masked swords man appear locking swords with the shadow. "ARGGH!" Yu yelled as the swords man pushed the shadow away striking it down as it quickly disappeared in a cloud of darkness. She saw him scanning around again.. things were quiet.. Didn't he say 4... Yukiko felt her heart beating, she felt vulnerable she didn't know what to do.
"Yukiko!" Yu yelled her name "this is as good of time as any." He was still scanning around "Remember that power that you felt after you faced your shadow?" He asked intently, trying to be clear while focusing on any incoming attack.
She nodded to her self "Y-YES!" she yelled back
"You need to summon it!" He dodged quickly as what looked like a dog in a police uniform tried to hit him with it's pistol
H-how...she felt the self doubt clouding in, she didn't know how to do it...
"I-I Don't know how!" She called out in despair as the other two shadows appeared surrounding Yu
"You can do it!" He yelled as he was scanning the enemies surrounding him
I...can't I can't feel it...She saw Yu get shot right in the shoulder by the Police dog
Yu yelled out in pain as he used his sword to block what looked like a gust of wind
"NO!" She yelled out watching him as he was trying to fight
Come on...Come on! She was mentally yelling at her self as Yu got hit again throwing him back..
No no no no...She felt more afraid now then when she had been in the castle He is going to die...! the fear took over her as she crumpled I'm worthless...I really can't do anything!
"IZANAGI!" YU bellowed out as lighting came down on the remaining shadows as all but one disappeared into a cloud of dust, the last shadow was knocked down on the ground as Yu walked over and stabbed it with is sword, it to disappeared.
He stood there for a second and took a deep breath
"Sensei!" the bear ran out from next to her "That was amazing! Those were strong shadows!" The bear complimented him
Yu smiled at him "ya..they were strong that's for sure.." he let a light chuckle come out as he started walking to her "phew..I'm really sorry about that...they usually won't attack here bu-" He came around the TV's "Yukiko-San..?" he voice was soft
She was clutching her skirt "I-I-I'm so sorry..."
"Hey..." He said softly "It's OK, it's not easy to do..Summoning your persona...is unique you have to learn how it works for you." He knelt down "but you see what I mean...it is dangerous here."
"I-Im sorry Sensei" the bear spoke up "I shouldn't have led them here, it was my fault..." Teddie sounded really sad
"It's fine Teddie, Yukiko is ok, your ok and now we know that they can find us here if we let them." Yu said reassuringly "and I know how to fight new shadows now, that is a good thing." He smiled
Yukiko felt frustrated, she just wanted to do something! But it was too late, she missed her chance...she looked up at Yu
"Your shoulder.." she instinctively reached out for it.
He shook his head "it's not to bad. It's kind of normal now days" he laughed softly
I just wanted to help him! That is all! She looked at the wound in his shoulder, the cuts and nicks on his arm and face. Just looking at it she wished she could some how fix it..if there was anything she wished more was that she could make him feel better for protecting her.
I am thou...
A soft voice came to her head...
and thou art I
then she felt it..."Persona..." she said quietly as she felt the power inside her form into the same red figure she had seen before, it turned to Yu whose eyes were surprised at the sudden appearance of the persona and quickly surrounded him in light.
What..what did I do she watched the light dissipate from around him...She gasped, the wound was gone, he looked..completely healed of everything.
Teddie let out a whistle
Yu was frozen for a second before he beamed at her "THAT WAS IT!" He yelled with Joy "That was perfect...literally I have never been able to heal like that...even using different personas.." he trailed off "Yukiko we need you. You have a power that no one else does." He smiled at her reaching his hand down "I think this is more of the real 'Welcome to the team'"
"I-I did it?" Yukiko felt a smile creep across her face "I really did it!" she jumped up in excitement as she grabbed onto Yu as she felt her face go red at the contact "b-be more careful next time..." she said quickly letting go turning away. But she had to admit, whatever just happened helped her more to let go of her old self...she could do something, it may not have been fighting but she made it as if it never happened. And that, to Yukiko was more important.
