If it weren't for the alarm that went off at 9 in the morning, Marcus would have slept through the morning. However, this morning he wanted to catch the train that was departing at 10, so the young man threw on his casual jeans with his favorite hoodie and quickly went out the door. Traffic was not kind going through town, and Marcus was barely able to purchase his ticket and board before the doors closed and the light rail began to move.

I've taken that route countless times, and traffic has never been that bad. Guess weekends are busier than I thought. I would've got up early, but I've been so tired lately…stupid dreams…

Even though the details had gotten fuzzy as with most dreams, the feeling of dread they had given Marcus lingered. Hunched in the seat closest to the window, Marcus felt as though a claw was running down his spine, making him tense as though a target was on his back. Closing his eyes, he forced himself to take slow deep breaths, recalling the martial arts training he had to calm his agitated nerves.

After slowing his heart rate down, he opened his eyes and looked over the notes he had made from the meeting the other day…

So I'm going to Inaba to question a former police officer Adachi Tohru. According to the Kirijo Group, there were several cases of kidnapping and murder that were connected to Adachi, and the town is still trying to recover from the incidents. That's a lot of activity for a small town like that, and a particular group that Mitsuru encountered before were the ones who solved the mysteries. I'd call that crazy, but I've seen plenty of that already.

Since it would take a few hours for the train to arrive at Inaba, Marcus decided to listen to some music to try to keep his thoughts away from red eyes that seemed to exist every time he closed his own. When the announcer called his stop, Marcus sighed and got up, exiting the light rail onto the Inaba platform. A few seconds later to get his bearings, he looked around before glancing at the names he had saved on his phone.

These are the people that I'm supposed to meet up with, at least from what Naoto told me. She said they would be at the platform, but…

"Marcus! Hey, where are you?!"

"Geeze, will you quit shouting? You're making a scene!"

"Well how else am I supposed to find him? He could be anyone!"

Hearing the voices go back and forth, Marcus turned his head and raised his eyebrows at what he saw. Three people, two girls and one boy, were standing at one end of the platform; one of the girls was standing slightly apart from the other two as they continued to bicker. Curious, Marcus approached the group, looking between the two arguing individuals before clearing his throat.

"My name's Marcus. Would you guys be the people Naoto told me about?"

The boy turned in his direction, and did a double take, having to look up at Marcus who was about half a head taller than him.

"Woah, definitely not what I expected; I was figuring you would be some boring business guy with a suit and tie."

"Hey, that's rude Yosuke," chided the girl he had been arguing with, turning to Marcus and looking surprised as she looked him up and down, not noticing her cheeks as they turned pink. "B-but he's certainly different. Naoto didn't mention he was a hottie…"

"Now who's being rude? Seriously Chie, do you ever think before you do or say anything?" Yosuke retorted, rounding on Chie again, looking to start another round of argument.

"Will you two stop it already? You both can't take a break for five minutes?" The third girl interrupted as she stepped between Yosuke and Chie. "I'm sorry; my friends can be rowdy if you leave them alone."

"It's alright, I find it rather refreshing," Marcus replied, smiling at the girl in front of him. "A little excitement never hurt anyone, although I'm a bit more reserved usually. Who might you be?"

"My name is Yukiko," said the raven haired teenager, smiling up at the boy. "It's a pleasure to meet you and I hope you enjoy visiting Inaba."

"Well, that depends," Marcus said, his stomach growling audibly. "Do you know any good places to eat? I kinda missed breakfast on my way here."

"Certainly, I can help you with that," Yukiko responded, grinning as she looked him over like Chie did a moment ago. "I imagine you have a healthy appetite to keep up a physique like that."

"Geez, not you too Yuki-chan," Yosuke sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry man, I don't know what's gotten into them."

"No problem, this is something I've had to deal with every now and again," Marcus answered, giving Yukiko a wink which caused her to giggle and blush. "Anyway, if we could find a place with some really good meat, that'd be great."

"Oh, I know just the place!" Chie exclaimed suddenly, her face lighting up at Marcus' last comment. "Let's go to the Junes Food Court! They have great stuff there, and we can meet up with everyone else there too!"

"I was going to offer visiting the Amagi Inn, since my family owns the establishment," Yukiko added, recovering from her bout of giggles. "It's known for its excellent service, and I have been improving on my culinary skills. I would love for you to try some."

"Good timing with the offer," Chie muttered, glancing away with a nervous look. "She's gotten a lot better this summer. We no longer have to serve 'Mystery Food X' to anyone, if you know what I mean."

"You're one to talk," Yukiko retorted, frowning as she glanced at Chie. "You were no better than me last year, and I don't nearly have as much enthusiasm with food as you do."

"Alright, simmer down ladies," Yosuke said impatiently before Chie could retort. "Let the guy make up his own mind. So what do you want to do?"

"I want this to be a casual visit," Marcus replied, smiling at the group in front of him. "Let's go to the Junes Food Court. If you could let your friends know that were going that way, I'd appreciate it."

"Alright!" Chie cheered, hopping in joy. "You're gonna love it there, I promise!"

"Sounds good," Marcus said, turning to Yukiko who looked disappointed. "Next time I'm in town, I'll visit the Amagi Inn. I look forward to trying your cooking."

"Okay, thank you for saying that," Yukiko replied, perking up at Marcus' words. "I have a ride waiting for us outside the station. We can all take it to Junes. If you will follow me, I can take us there now."

True to her word, there was a car waiting for them: a black limo, complete with a chauffeur to open the door for them.

So she's one of those kinds of people. Yet she seems so much more relatable than Mitsuru. Maybe it's the small town atmosphere that helps her out, Marcus pondered, sliding in next to Yosuke and opposite Chie and Yukiko.

"I like your headphones, by the way. I've been thinking about getting a new set. Where'd you get them?" Marcus asked as the limo set out.

"Oh, these old things?" Yosuke responded, grinning as he adjusted the headphones hanging around his neck. "My dad manages a department store in town. They work amazing, though they don't come cheap. I managed to get a discount since I work there, but you'll have to pay full price I'm afraid."

"That's cool man. I recently got hired for a new job, so I'm thinking of stuff to get with the paycheck that goes with it," Marcus said lightly, admiring the interior of the limo.

"Congratulations. What kind of work do you do?" Yukiko asked, tucking her skirt in around her legs.

"I'm a consultant for the Kirijo Group," Marcus replied, giving Yukiko a small smile. "I set up business contracts, manage investment projects…basically I work with a lot of numbers."

"Sounds tough," Chie said in awe, looking at Marcus in admiration. "If I look at numbers too long, I start getting a headache. They just don't make sense to me sometimes."

"I like to think of math as a second language," Marcus explained, giving Chie a knowing look. "If you keep working at it, eventually it starts to make sense and you can see the patterns and systems it contains."

"Hmm, I never thought about it that way," Yukiko mused, tilting her head as she considered Marcus' comment. "Perhaps that kind of approach will help me run the business my family owns one day."

"Okay, I let the rest of the gang know where we're headed, and they'll meet us out in front of the Food Court," Yosuke said, putting his phone away in a pocket of his jacket. "So I hear you're also a member of that group we ran into inside the Midnight Channel. What's it like working with them? They seemed really cool to me."

Marcus gave Yosuke an amused look, and explained some of his experiences with the Shadow Operatives as they made their way across town. Eventually, the limo stopped in front of the Junes Food Court and the chauffer opened the door, letting the kids out and then pulling around to park next to the shopping complex.

"Here we are, one of the best eating places in town," Chie cheered, looking around in excitement. "Now where is everybody else? You said they'd be out here right Yosuke?"

"Well that's what they told me," Yosuke responded, frowning as he looked across the street. "I don't think they'd change plans on us without letting us know."

Just then, the doors to the Food Court opened, and four people stepped out, heading towards Marcus and his companions.

"I'm impressed. You guys made it here faster than we expected."

The boy who had spoken seemed to be the leader of the group, as Marcus figured due to the way he carried himself; from his school uniform to the way his gray eyes (which matched his gray hair surprisingly), had a calculating and all-observing fierceness to them, this was one who shared something similar to the Kirijo member: a feeling of kinship he couldn't quite understand. Judging by the look he got from the boy, the newcomer must have felt the same way he did.

"Yeah, you guys made record time," one of the other boys commented, a huge smile on his face. He appeared to be the youngest out of the group, wearing a white-collar shirt with a rose pinned to his chest, which complimented his sweeping blonde hair and bright blue eyes. He gave Chie and Yukiko a look of pure adoration as he swayed from side to side. "I bet Chie and Yuki-chan couldn't stand to be away from me a second longer."

"Give it a rest Teddie, we talked about this," The third boy retorted irritably, scowling at the flamboyant youth next to him. He had a similar uniform to the leader, wearing his jacket around his shoulders and showcasing a t-shirt with a skull and crossbones on it. His scar over his left eye gave him an intimidating look, which his receding widow's peak and dark eyes added to the almost gangster appearance he had. Having his share of experience of bullies growing up, Marcus decided to keep an eye on him and how he behaved. "Do you always have to try hitting on every woman you see? It's really awkward man."

"Boys will be boys, I guess," sighed the only girl who had walked out with the group of boys, smiling as she shook her head. She wore an outfit similar to her friends, with her auburn hair pulled up into two ponytails. Marcus recognized her as Rise Kujikawa, more widely known as 'Risette' to loyal fans. Even though she had left the life of being an idol a few years ago, anyone who saw her perform would remember that smile and those eyes of chocolate. "I hope this isn't too much for you, I know you have some important business today."

"Thank you for your concern, this doesn't bother me at all," Marcus replied kindly, smiling at everyone gathered around. "I like meeting new people, especially when they're as interesting and fun as all of you. Next time I visit this place, I hope it'll be for pleasure and not business."

"Uh, yeah…sure thing," said the tough-looking guy, looking away as Marcus glanced at him, his face reddening slightly. "Geez, you remind me of Senpai, with your nice words and good looks…"

"See, Kanji thinks so too! I'm not crazy, Yosuke!" Chie declared triumphantly, planting her hands on her hips with a smile.

"Two Senpais? That's incredible!" Teddie added in amazement, gazing at Marcus with wonder. "The ladies won't be able to resist the attraction of two Senpais, giving me an even better chance to score a date!"

"Seriously, sometimes I wonder if anything besides girls and food goes through that head of yours, man," Yosuke sighed in resignation, rolling his eyes. "If you were any more of a womanizer, they would have restraining orders all over town with your name on it."

"Don't worry about it; Teddie may be enthusiastic, but he's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet," said the leader of the group, moving forward and shaking hands with Marcus. "My name's Yu Narukami, and I officially welcome you to the Inaba Investigation Team."

So this is the group that Mitsuru encountered. They're still kids, still full of hopes and dreams…I miss those days, Marcus thought sadly as he hid it behind a smile as he returned the handshake.

"Well, now that we've all been introduced, let's celebrate with some food. I hear the Junes Food Court is one of the best eating spots in town," Marcus remarked cheerfully, leading the group into the restaurant.

Hanging outside the Food Court, Marcus was feeling more relaxed than he had been all week: talking with the others and hearing about their experiences and lives had helped ease the tension that had gripped him like a vice since the incident involving the Kirijo Group. Despite all the different personalities the Investigation Team had, they all had a bond of friendship that spoke volumes on the level of trust each person had in each other. Reflecting on his place with the Shadow Operatives, Marcus felt there was something missing; it was as though there was a gap that separated him from everyone else, a feeling of detachment that lingered despite his friendly interactions. The void terrified Marcus, though he would not admit it.

"You doing alright? You've been out here for a while; everyone else is wondering about you."

Yu had followed Marcus out the Food Court and was now standing next to him with a look of concern.

"I needed a moment to myself. It's not that I don't like you guys, I really do. It's just…seeing you guys reminded me of a friend I…used to have."

A moment of silence passed between them, and Yu's face briefly showed sympathy.

"I may not have the answers you're looking for, but I can tell you this: when I moved here, I didn't know anyone, and I made the friends I have now by being myself and open to new possibilities. There's always someone out there you can connect with, sometimes it just takes time for that bond to be made."

"Thanks, but it's not just that. I have been looking to improve my situation for a while now, yet I haven't had any success. I feel like if I can't make it now, after all my efforts, I never will."

"I don't believe that at all; you are one of the most sincere people I have ever met, and I can see your optimism even now. Through all the pain, you are still willing to put yourself out there for others, and that is the kind of attitude that makes great friends, I know it."

Yu stepped forward and smiled at Marcus, extending his hand once again.

"If nothing else, you've made a friend in me. No, not just me, but everyone else in there, because we have all been through what you have in our own way, and I want you to know: you are not alone."

Marcus was left with no words to say, and after a moment shook Yu's hand with a smile slowly lighting up his face.

"I…thank you…that means more than you know. Now let's head back in, I want to try out more of that takoyaki thing that Chie was having." Marcus turned back and headed into the Junes Food Court with Yu beside him.


Wow, it's 2016 already. Hard to believe I started this story last year. I've been setting this up for a few years now, and I have to thank my friend SuperSonic 22 for introducing me to fanfiction. This story means a lot to me, as Persona 3 is one of my favorite games of all time and I'm trying to incorporate some of my own experiences into this story of mine. Between two jobs, college and thinking about finding a different place to live, there's a lot of anxiety and uncertainty that I think everyone can relate to. If there's at least one person out there who enjoys my story, that makes all this effort worth it for me. Comments are welcome, although if you have nothing nice or constructive to say, go away. No one forced you to read this story, and this is my first one after all. There's plenty of room for improvement, and I hope to keep enjoying this story until it's done.