-----------------------------------Chapter 9: A New Mystery----------------------------------------

-----------------------------------8th January – near evening----------------------------------------


The group were seating and resting in the 'newly ruined' world. Everyone seems to be tired. Kanji and Chie are finally awake.


Yosuke:…………Why?.......................

Rise: I just don't get it……

Souji:………..

Chie: Well…...Look on the bright side. At least we defeated that shadow.

Yosuke: Correction. Shadows.

Yukiko: Yes. After we took out the shadow that attacked you and Kanji, a few more came.

Kanji: What is happening?

Naoto: I don't know. The world that we saved has once again turned into a forest of mystery. Who or what did this?

Teddie: I'm worried sensei. Why don't we go back first.

Yosuke: He's right. There doesn't seem to be anywhere else we can go.

Souji……-nods-


Everyone went straight home. No one could think clearly anymore. They promised to gather at Junes the following day.

The next day, at the Junes food court…….


Yosuke: So, anyone slept soundly last night? I sure didn't.

Chie: I doubt anyone did. I only slept like for around 4 hours.

Naoto: Me too. But I did some research.

Kanji: Huh? About what?

Naoto: Do you remember what were the signs last time.

Rise: Signs?

Naoto: I mean, last time, before we went into the tv we would watch the midnight channel right?

Kanji: So, you want us to watch the midnight channel?

Naoto: Exactly. But the midnight channel disappeared when the world was at peace. So, I assume it must be back. We shall watch together. I read that tomorrow is going to rain the whole day. We can watch it at my house. I'm sure my grandfather won't mind.

Yukiko: Hmm…..It's worth a try.

Chie: Yeah, we should watch it tomorrow.

Souji: -nods-

Teddie:……………

Rise: Teddie…You didn't say anything this whole time.

Teddie: I'm sorry. But, I'm just so worried.

Rise: Come on. The best thing to do right now is to pretend like it didn't happen and wait until tomorrow night.

Yukiko: I agree.

Naoto: Me too. We shouldn't worry about this too much. We still don't know what happened in the first place.

Yosuke: Yeah. Tomorrow, we go to school like usual and act like usual. We would just have to worry when we watch the midnight channel.

Everyone: Right!


The next day, after school, the group is in Souji's class.


Chie: Aw, man. That lesson seemed extra long. I have a butt-cramp.

Yosuke: You're not the only one.

Kanji: Well, my class was interesting.

Yukiko: Obviously, since you have the best teacher.

Naoto: Our class was rather slow but Rise skipped half of it. A teacher called her , why did you get called out?

Rise: Oh! Well, my application on creating a new club has been approved.

Yosuke: Oh, that's right, today is registration day for clubs. So, what's your club about Rise?

Rise: It's a dance club.

Chie: Then, wouldn't that club be low on members because the drama club also has dances.

Yukiko: And the recommendation to create a club is that at least 10 people wants to join it.

Rise: I know. So, I signed you guys up.

Everyone: What!?

Rise: Aw, come on. It's going to be fun.

Kanji: You couldn't at least ask us first?

Rise: You guys would say no. Come on, don't be a spoil sport.

Yosuke:………Well, at least that's one club less to worry about.

Rise: What other clubs are you joining senpai?

Souji: The basketball club and……I guess….your dance club.

Rise: Great!!

Chie –talks softly-: I bet this is another stunt to get Souji.

Rise: Oh, yeah. I'm getting a professional instructor to come. He said that we need pairs. And I picked for all of you.

Yosuke: !? Not this too……Who am I with?

Rise: The parings are….Yosuke and Chie….

Yosuke: With her!? Why not Yukiko?

Chie: Yeah! I don't want to be stuck with Sir 'trips a lot'.

Yosuke: Hey!!

Rise: Then, we have……..Yukiko and Teddie.

Yukiko: Teddie!?

Rise: Yes, he can join too. And he wanted to join.

Yosuke: Wait, how long did you plan this?

Rise: The next pair is Kanji and Naoto.

Kanji: Oh, ok…-blushes-

Naoto: Oh…..fine…..

Rise: Then, we have….Ai and Daisuke.

Yosuke: Daisuke!?

Rise: Yes. I asked him and he said ok.

Yosuke: Doesn't sound like Daisuke to me….

Rise: And the best pair of them all…..Me and Senpai!!!

Souji:……..-smiles wryly-

Naoto: Well, that isn't really fair. You did pick all the pairs by yourself.

Rise: Yeah. But I need to pick pairs that would likely work with each other.

Chie: So, your giving me Yosuke!?

Rise: And to build a strong bond.

Naoto: Then, how do we know that you and Souji can work well together.

Rise:……..Well, it is up to senpai……..So, do you want me as your partner senpai?

Souji:…….-nods-………

Rise: Yay!!! See, I told you!!!

Naoto: But……!

Yukiko: JUST SHUT THE BLOODY HELL UP!!!

Everyone: -gasps-

Chie: Whoa, Yukiko. Chill. It was just a friendly argument.

Yosuke: Yeah, don't go overboard.

Kanji: That was some rough language.

Yukiko: !?....I….didn't think when I said it. It was…as if….it wasn't me speaking….


Meanwhile, in the other world….

The trees that were blocking one of the roads just moved aside, letting the road connect to the other side. And a name appeared on the pavement.

YUKIKO AMAGI.


Well, that's the end of this chapter.

Next week's one is going to take a little longer.

Hope you like it!!!