Chapter 9
Disclaimer: same as always.
Author note: Sorry for the delay, I scraped this chapter twice and finally came out with this, I was trying to rush to much and I realized that I want to take my time and focus on the two main Characters, so here it is. Please feel free to review, it really is nice to get feedback it helps me when I get a little stuck to see that people are enjoying what I am doing with this.
Yu looked at his ceiling his mind wandering to the day's events. It's to bad the shadows interrupted the talk he was having with Yukiko earlier. He had feelings growing for her, he wasn't sure what was going on with her but... He really wanted to have more time with her. He smiled to him self thinking about her I hate to admit it.. But I'm falling for this girl.
A couple more days passed by, Yukiko had found her self busy with the inn but she still was a little sad. Once school got out She didn't really get to see much of Yu he was always really busy right after school.
Luckily one day after school he had everyone meet up on the roof, she quickly made her way up the stairs to the roof, secretly hoping she would find him alone. She was disappointed to see Yoskue was the only one here.
"Yukiko-San!" Yoskue called out to her
She gave a small smile "Yoskue-kun."
"What's up?" Yoskue asked in his usual casual voice
Yukiko didn't know how to talk with him she shook her head "umm, nothing really.. Just getting ready for mid terms."
Yoskue groaned "ugh don't remind me..."
Yukiko let out a small chuckle "not very prepared?"
Yoskue hung his head "not at all."
"Then study some more" Yukiko said plainly
Yoskue just waved his hand "ya ya..." He looked at the door "jeez were is Yu?"
Yukiko looked at her phone, they had planed to meet at 3:00 it was ten minutes after already. Any other person it wouldn't be odd but Yu.. He was very punctual.
Yukiko heard the door open, she felt a little hope... Just to be disappointed as Chie walked through
"Hey" she waved as she walked out "Yu wanted me to tell you guys he will be up here soon. He had a couple things come up that he had to do."
"Man does that guy ever slow down." Yoskue said in awe
Chie sighed "nope"
Yukiko felt butterflies every time any one talked about Yu I wonder if he even feels the same.. She felt fear creeping into her stomach. It was all so new to her so she was still unsure how to handle it.
Suddenly the door swung open as Yu quickly walked over to them "sorry guys." He placed his school bag on the ground as every one sat down.
"I was thinking" he started looking serious "I don't know what is coming next when it comes to the murder cases." He took a breath "but after what happened to Yukiko and I, I think we should take some time to train in the TV world" he had concern in his eye "the shadows that came at me were stronger then anything we fought in the castle." He looked at them seriously "what do you guys think?"
Yoskue nodded "ya this is far from over yet and we need to be ready when the killer strikes again."
Chie nodded "I will also train out side the tv world...you guys are welcome to join. It wouldn't be bad for us to learn some hand to hand combat.."she looked at them all "just in case..." She added
Yukiko nodded "after what happened I want to learn what I can do." She looked at every one "and I want to help, you all risked your lives for me..." She looked at each one then let her eyes linger on Yu who looked back and gave her a small smile.
"You know.." Yoskue looked at her while tapping his head "come to think about it, what are you going to use in the TV world? For a weapon I mean"
Yukiko froze she hadn't thought about that..
Yu was thinking "if you'd like we could go check out the shop were we buy or weapons and see if we can find something that works." He looked at her
Chie grumbled "I'm hungry though... .." She got an evil look in her eye "Yoskue you still owe me for my food. Why don't we go eat while they go to the metal shop?"
Yoskue groaned "fine."
Yukiko kept her calm composure but she was really happy at the way this was turning out.
"Ok then, we will be at the shop if you guys need some thing." Yu said ending the conversation
Everyone nodded as they stood up to leave.
Chie and Yoskue quickly walked off together arguing about something. Yu was just watching them with a smirk "they'd make a good couple" Yu chided
Yukiko giggled at the comment "too bad they argue to much to see it." She said watching them leave
Yu snorted in agreement.
"W-well, should we go?" Yukiko felt her awkwardness kicking back in.
Yu nodded " ya lets go." They started walking opening the door stairs down. As the came to the first floor Yukiko couldn't help but notice they were getting a lot of looks. "Lets hurry." She whispered, he seemed to notice as well as he nodded quickening his pace.
It was silent for a little while as they walked Yukiko had no idea as usual what to say to him.
He cleared his throat, "so how have you been?" He awkwardly let out trying to start a conversation
Hmmm maybe I'm not the only that struggles in this conversation she giggled a little "I've been good... Things are a little busy with the inn..." she couldn't help letting a little darker tone enter her voice
Yu noticed "do you like it there?" He asked simply
Yukiko hesitated, her feelings about the inn were complicated, it was "home" by definition.. but it was just work she also didn't want to sound like a whiner about her life "I..." She started "I'm not sure." She said honestly
Yu nodded "I understand that feeling."
"Really?" She said surprised
He nodded again "my home life was interesting as well." He looked up "it never really felt like.. 'Home' if that makes sense" he gestured with his hand at the word
Yukiko was surprised "yes it does...very much so." She said quietly
"Same for you hu?" Yu said as he looked at her
She nodded slowly as they both went silent. ever since her shadow, she had been wondering what her true feelings were about the inn.
"Here it is." Yu said taking Yukiko from her thoughts as she looked up at a store with a burly man at the counter "shall we?" He motioned to the door as she quickly walked in.
Yukiko felt very out of place, the room was dark and slightly smokey from a fire in the back, weapons and all types of armors were hanging on the walls and on racks. Yukiko didn't really know what she could use to fight, she wasn't by any means a brute force type of person. Yu looked over at her "you know..." He started "I can't see you using really any of these." He motioned to the weapons "we need to think outside the box..." He tapped his head "have you played any sports...?" He asked
Yukiko shook her head "no.. I haven't."
Yu's brow furrowed as he was thinking.
Yukiko strained her brain..what could I use? She recalled a fan that her mom had given her for a ceremony they had done, she giggled thinking about using it to attack things.
Yu cocked an Eyebrow at her "What?" he smiled as he looked at her
She started laughing, she could see it in her mind. May as well lighten up the mood "I have a fan I could use" She said laughing
Yu sat there for second w-wait..is he taking me serious He nodded "You know that actually could work." Yu said seriously
Yukiko froze "What?" she said dumbfounded "H-how?"
Yu smiled as he pointed "Look over there."
she followed his finger as he pointed out...she started laughing "He seriously has those!" She started laughing as Yu joined with her. There in a corner was a stack of red fans
Yu walked over to the burly man "Tell me about those." he pointed to the fans
The burly man looked embarrassed "O-oh" his deep voice came out "Ya..uh those..." he cleared his throat "look I just had an idea to make a fan that could be used if a girl was ever cornered.." He scratched his head "It is heavier and is a much stronger material then a regular fan, it also has a sharp edge on the the bottom where it opens and the fabric on the top has a sharp edge that would allow anyone weak or strong to cut just about any one."
Yu smiled "We'll take them." He nodded "That really is a great idea, do you think you could make more like them?" Yu said to him seriously
"Well if you keep bringing me new materials like you have been, I'm sure I could make something stronger." The man said to him seriously
Yu nodded "Of course, now." he turned to Yukiko "we need a light but sturdy armor for her. Something that she can move quickly in but would be able to protect her really well."
"hmmm." the man looked deep in thought "ah! I have just the thing. One second." The man quickly went in the back
Yukiko was shocked at the casual nature that Yu had with this man over weapons...he was in high school yet the man didn't seem to care. "uh..." her jaw was hanging open "so he doesn't think this is strange?"
"Hmmm?" Yu looked at her "What do you mean?"
Yukiko chuckled "you know...high school students buying weapons and armor..." she trailed off with a little sarcasm
Yu let our a nervous laugh as he scratched his head "O-oh of course...he never asks, he just loves what he does and I bring him new material to work with. He likes making new things, and we need stronger weapons and better armor...so it just works out. No questions ever asked " Yu smiled
"Wow..." Yukiko shook her head "that is extremely convenient."
"ok!" the deep voice called "How about this? I made it with that weird...I don't even really remember what it was now that I think about it..." the man scratched his head, he was holding a slightly longer then normal black and red shirt ... it didn't look like it couldn't really protect anything...Yukiko gulped
Yu stepped forward and whistled as he took it from the man "Impressive...it looks like a regular piece of clothing..." he trailed off as he felt over the item "but yet it is extremely taught, tougher then leather but more flexible... well done." Yu smiled at the man who grinned back
"ya I am really happy with it." he brought over the fans "so is that everything?
Yu nodded to him
"Ok that will be 68,000 yen oh! And here, this is a pouch I designed for carrying the fans." the man said simply placing a small red shoulder bag on the table
Yukiko gasped That is so much money! I can't afford that...
Yu reached in his pocket pulling out his wallet as he counted out the amount and smile "thank you." he nodded as the man placed the items in a box and closed it off.
Yukiko felt embarrassed, how much he just spent on her so she could fight..she wanted to make it worth it. "Y-you didn't have to do that.." She said quietly
Yu just smiled "Don't worry about it." as they walked out into the sun to see Chie and Yoskue waiting for them
"Yo!" Yoskue waved two fingers, his head phones around his neck as always. "Find anything good?" he cocked his head
Yu beamed "Yep!" He sounded excited "I'm actually excited to see how she does with this." he motioned to the box. "lets get this stuff to the TV quick." he said seriously.
They all nodded "are we going to go train today?" Chie said punching her open palm
Yu nodded "as long as Yukiko is ok with that." He looked at her
She nodded "I guess I have to start at some point." She felt a pit in her stomach
Yukiko watched Yoskue and Chie climb through the TV as Yu and herself stood watch.
"Alright." He nodded "your turn." he was still scanning making sure no body was watching
Yukiko starred at the TV, unsure she could really go in...
Yu smiled at her "Don't worry...you can do it."
I'm really not to sure about this..she hesitated still looking at the blank screen
"Here" her heart fluttered as he moved to her gently grabbing her hand "Lets go." he pulled her to the TV as he placed her hand on the TV ..her eyes went wide as she felt it ripple under her touch "You have the same power as all of us." Yu explained "You can go in without anyone's help." He reassured her as he gently let go "Now hurry." he said gently
Ok...she pushed her self into the TV as she felt the vertigo as she stepped out onto the stage from the small TV's She hadn't realized it but she had been holding her breath. She breathed out in relief as she heard Yu come through behind her.
"Ok." Yu said walking past her "everyone gear up." Yoskue and Chie nodded as they went to different corners taking off their uniforms.
Yukiko couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable.. The group already had a system... plus Yu is here she wanted to impress him..she watched him as he took off his outer shirt
"Yukiko?" Chie was looking at her with surprise... Her eyes quickly looked at where she was looking "Yukiko..." She said quietly with a smirk "what Cha' looking at?" She said playfully
Yukiko jumped realizing she had been starring "O-oh nothing! I just was...uh... thinking"
Chie snickered "sure you are" as she put on her usual green jacket over her armor
Yukiko blushed, she slipped up a lot whenever Yu was around. She hated it but liked it at the same time.
"We'll If you are done gawking at Narukami-kun.." Chie whispered to her "maybe you should get ready" she winked at her.
"I-I wasn't starring!" Yukiko blurted out loudly as Yoskue and Yu both turned looking over their shoulders noticed the girls looking at them
"H-hey! Yoskue yelled "what are you looking at!"
"Definitely not you!" Chie bellowed out a small blush was on her face.
Yukiko noticed Yu was looking at her curiously
"U-uh ya!" Yukiko stumbled out "w-we just..uh.." She couldn't think of a good excuse... There really was nothing but fog around them any way
"T-Thought we saw Teddie!" Chie jumped in quickly "uh right Yukiko?"
Yukiko nodded
"Pfft!" Yoskue let out "there are no path ways over here."
"Eh..." Yukiko and Chie both twitched
Yu just laughed "come on, lets hurry."
Yukiko and Chie quickly turned away
"Ugh Yukiko you made it awkward for both of us!" Chie whined quietly
Yukiko felt embarrassed "I-I know... Sorry...but it's not like anything indecent is happening... I mean.. He... Uh they still had their under shirts on!" Yukiko was tripping on her words
"Ahh" Chie exclaimed grabbing her head the blush more prominent "just stop!"
Yukiko quickly moved over to the corner... Now she was nervous... She quickly unbuttoned her cardigan over her uniform and replaced it with the armor. Looking around nervously she noticed Yoskue and Yu were laughing and talking to each other
She sighed I'm so embarrassing! She cried in her mind
"Ok.. "Yu nodded as they stood in front of the castle "do you guys want to stick together or split up on the bottom floor?" He asked the group
Yoskue groaned "if we stay together we won't get any practice in... " Yoskue motioned to Chie and himself "why don't we split but stay on the same floor"
Yu nodded "ok, who is going with who?"
Yoskue looked at the girls. " maybe Chie should go with Yukiko."
No. Yukiko hated to admit it but she didn't want this setup
"Wait a second!" Chie said "Yu has the most battle and persona experience, he really should stay with her.." Her face looked a little embarrassed "besides..I'm still figuring it out too."
Yoskue nodded "OK. Sure, that alright with you partner?" He looked at Yu
Yu was looking back and forth between everyone
Please say yes.. Yukiko wished in her mind
"Ok, you two just be careful ok?" Yu had concern in his eyes
Yoskue nodded "ya, we will... Ready Chie?" He looked at her, she seemed a little happy
She nodded "ya! Lets go beat some shadows senseless!" She kicked in the air
Yoskue sighed "you sure get worked up over this..." As he started walking
Yu was watching them, he looked concerned
"I hope they will be ok..." Yukiko spoke up quietly
Yu nodded "me too." He looked over at Teddie " you go ahead and stay with them, I know most of the shadows here.. We should be OK."
The bear turned towards him "are you sure sensei?"
Yu nodded "yes, they could use you."
The bear lit up "I'm on it!" He roared as he ran after Yoskue and Chie
Yu chuckled "He is a bundle of energy..."
Yukiko nodded
"Shall we?" Yu motioned towards the gate..
Yukiko looked up did I really create this..? the huge castle loomed over her, she felt sick..it made her feel so shallow and weak "I can't believe this came from me..." Yukiko said quietly
Yu looked over at her, but he didn't say anything.
Yukiko let out a sigh "...lets go."
He just nodded and took the lead, she reached down and pulled one of the fans from her pouch she had. As he placed the flat end of his sword on his shoulder as they approached the red and black vortex he stopped
"Ok, first things first" he turned towards her, he looked worried "The most important thing to me right now is that you stay safe in all of this"
Yukiko blushed a little "I-I'll be fine."
Yu wasn't convinced "The shadows, if they find us will not hesitate to attack us. You have to be alert, I will guide you as much as I can but in the end you have to make the calls on how you react." He explained
she nodded
"Just be alert and don't let your guard down ok?" His eyes were piercing hers
She gulped, she felt nervous being so close to him "O-ok." She said timidly
He sighed and relaxed "Sorry..I just don't want you to..." he started "Never mind, lets go." he turned and walked into the vortex
here goes nothing
Yu quickly scanned the area as he came through, he had to admit he was worried about Yukiko, she seemed so fragile to him and he was really worried about her getting really hurt. But he didn't want his protectiveness to get in the way of her desire so he was trying to keep a neutral position on the situation but in reality, he didn't like it. Which was funny to him, he hadn't cared to much about Yoskue, he had worried a little about Chie but no where near the same. It's not like we are even close...we have only talked a couple times.
He heard her step in behind him, he looked over his shoulder as she nodded. He quickly assumed a more defensive stance and started making his way down the hall. The craziest thing about the castle was if you left a floor and came back...it was different. Things were quiet for the most part as they started walking. He kept his head on a swivel looking for any movement, for the most part it was empty Maybe Chie and Yoskue cleared most of them out.
Yu could feel Yukiko walking softly behind him, he could sense she was really nervous
"Yukiko.." He was starting to feel bad throwing this at her so quickly "if you aren't comfortable we can leave and try another time..." He trailed off looking back at her. His brain never seemed to work quite right with her, he wanted to treat her normal but his feelings were starting to complicate it
She looked at him, her gray eyes looking at his...Yu just looked back her eyes were timid... And a little sad. He snapped back as he saw movement from behind her. He quickly swished his hand in front of him changing his persona toObariyon as he ran at her quickly moving around her to block the attack from the shadow, the persona's ability to resist physical made it much easier to block and shove off the sword of a headless couple. He quickly brought his sword down on them as the shadow dissipated. He scanned around switching back to Izanagi.
"You ok?" Yu looked over at Yukiko. She had stumbled and fallen at the quick movement her eyes were wide
Maybe this wasn't a good idea
"Yu..." She said softly " I don't know if I can do this..." She looked ready to crack
His brain was moving quick..he nodded gently looking around "lets leave." He said reaching his hand to help her up, she was shaking.
She gently gripped his hand as he pulled her up, she didn't seem to want to let go. He couldn't blame her, from what he could tell, going from her lifestyle to suddenly fighting for your life really was tasking on the mind. He pulled her closer towards him "don't worry.." He reassured her " I won't let anything hurt you. I promise."
She nodded her eyes moving quickly around. As she moved closer to him, using him as comfort. He quickly started back the way they came, with just two of them it made it much more difficult to cover every angle, especially with Yukiko on the verge of cracking. He quickly went around the corner from where they had come. He saw two shadows had appeared at the exit. He was pretty sure he could handle them he turned to Yukiko whispering "there are two shadows ahead..." He motioned to them "I'm going to take care of them, then we will leave ok?" She remained silent as she nodded
Yu gave her a quick smile then gripped his sword, he was about to walk when her hand grabbed his arm "I-Im sorry... " she looked down
Yu shook his head "don't be... Everything is OK, lets just get you out of here."
She slowly released her hand and nodded again.
Yukiko's nature had always been far from Violent she hadn't ever really hit any one. She was timid and a little reserved and it really hit her that she was in an environment that she had to fight..she didn't know how.
She hadn't expected it to be so hard, just to push her self to lash out even though these things were attacking them...
She looked around, a little nervous She noticed Yu was moving up to the Shadows...they were strange one was a arm holding a large sword, the other was what looked like a strange masked creature but it had huge hands that came out of it's back that it could cover it's own body with. She had a really bad feeling about it.
She watched as Yu shot forward running at the creature with the large hands, slashing across it. It jumped back as Yu quickly moved out of the way as he summoned what looked like a red figured man with two swords who locked swords with the shadow with the sword. She noticed the the creature with the hands start to gather darkness around it as Yu was trying to fight the arm with his persona
"YU LOOK OUT!" Yukiko yelled
he can't hear me! Her mind imagined what was about to happen "no!" She yelled to her self I am NOT freezing up again! She started running down the hall towards the creature as she pulled out a fan, Yu's persona was thrown back, throwing him with it. The creature took the opening it moved forward and grabbed him with it's large hands as the arm started moving at him. She felt something inside her, she wasn't going to fail this time... a blue tarot card appeared in front of her
"PERSONA!" She yelled slashing it with her Fan as her persona sent out a wave of fire on the sword arm making it disappear in a cloud of smoke. She quickly looked over, the hand creature was starting to cover Yu with Darkness as he let out a yell of pain
"No!" she threw the fan at the creature slashing it's hands as it yelled in pain dropping Yu she quickly pulled another one out and ran towards it flipping the fan to the pointed side she stabbed it with everything she could in the chest as Yu turned and stabbed it at the same time. It disappeared in a cloud of dust. She froze...Did I just do that? She giggled a little that wasn't that bad at all she looked down at Yu, he had sweat dripping down his face but otherwise looked unharmed, he was smiling
"I guess you protected me this time." he said sheepishly scratching his head "But that was incredible Yukiko!" his voice was in awe as he stood up
She didn't know what to say. A small blush came over her face "I-I..just didn't want you to get hurt..." She said quietly
His eyes softened even more looking down at her "Yukiko..." He said quietly "wait..I get it now." he said looking serious
Yukiko jumped a little "um.. get what?" She said cautiously
"Why you could fight this time." he nodded to her
She froze oh no, he's on to me!
"It's because some one was in danger..." he tapped his head "The only reason I have really been able to fight is because somebody is in danger and they could loose their life."
Yukiko breathed out "Y-ya.." she smiled timidly at him that wasn't the only reason...
"regardless though that was fantastic." Yu shouldered his sword "And it looks like your persona can use fire. That will be very useful." he nodded looking her over
"W-what..?" She was embarrassed as he looked at her
"O-Oh sorry!" he said quickly "I didn't.. ugh I wasn't...umm" he stumbled He sighed and took a breath getting his composure "I have learned that your persona is literally an image of your personality." he smiled "Fire hu?" he chuckled
Yukiko blushed "I-I don't get it."
Yu laughed "You will." he looked at the entrance "Before we leave...try and summon your persona again, it would be good for you to have control over it." he said seriously
"Hmmm" Yukiko went deep in thought she wasn't sure what made her able to summon it.." I'm still not sure how it happens."
Yu sat there for a second. "Tell me what has happened when you have summoned it before."
She cocked her head starring into space "Well I always have this powerful desire to not be..." she trailed off worthless... "..weak I guess." she said
Yu just looked at her, he didn't buy it "Yukiko.." she felt butterflies in her stomach "You are a horrible liar." He chuckled
Just with you... she groaned "I...I know, I just don't want to talk about it yet." She left it at that
Yu nodded "Well my only advise...would be..." He sat there looking at her, it was like he could read what she was thinking "don't doubt your self." he said simply as he turned away "You can do whatever you want, and put your mind to...the fire your persona is able to use shows that to me."
Yukiko froze she had never believed that way "W-what makes you say that?" what he said made her feel good...and she believed it when he said it.
He looked away "You have a fire in your eyes that no one else seems to see, including your self. I can tell you doubt your self...don't. if you want to do something., then don't stop your self, you aren't as weak as you think... you just proved that" he motioned to where the shadows had been.
Yukiko was stiff How...how does he know all this...?
"HEYY!" Chie yelled from behind as she came running up, she looked sweaty but mostly unhurt Teddie and Yoksue following behind
"Hey!" Yu yelled waving at them "how'd it go?"
Yoskue groaned "Chie hogged like every shadow we found!" Chie grinned at the comment
"Ya!" Teddie Chimed in as well "Yoskue still sucks without you telling him what to do!"
Yoskue slapped the bear "Come on!" He groaned "give me some slack."
They all laughed Yu was surprised how close nit the group was getting so fast
Chie looked at Yukiko "how did it go?" she said with interest
Yukiko smiled "it went...good?" She looked at Yu
Yu beamed "She totally worked two shadows!" he said with enthusiasm "She summoned fire out of no where, she actually saved me."
Teddie gasped "Yukiko-Chan...you are amazing."
"Cut it out Teddie." Chie shut him down as she turned to Yukiko "That's my girl, great job!"
Yukiko smiled "Thanks everyone...I'm actually kind of excited for next time." She looked at Yu with gratitude "this really helped."
Chie and Yoskue chuckled as they looked at each other
"oh.. um.. Lets go shall we?" Yu said quickly with a smile.
Author note: The next chapter will have the rescue of Kanji and then after that will be a lot of fun moments of Yu X Yukiko stay tuned!
