I should warn you now that some of Raven's social links will be OCs. I'll do my best to make them similar to the NPCs from P4. I might even use a bit from P3. There are some characters where I couldn't decide the Arcana, so I might've given them two. Also, halfway through this chapter, I realized that I screwed up and gave Raven Artemis when it should've been someone else due to her Arcana, but too late now… ._.

Time: 2300 hours

Date: April 18, 2011

Location: Titans' Room, Amagi Inn

Raven sighs, looking up at the sky. Her hand rests on the balcony railing, her other hand clutching her injured shoulder. She could've sworn it was just yesterday when she was looking out under this awning, steeling herself for the little adventure she took into the TV later that night. So much has happened since then. Chie had left several hours ago, deciding that she wouldn't find any more clues at the inn. Raven's pretty sure she left to restrain herself from leaping into the TV. Her thoughts stray over to Yu, debating if she should contact him to keep an eye on Chie in the off chance that she does something rash.

"You okay?" Raven jumps in surprise, not expecting to hear him.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," she replies to Robin as he steps onto the balcony.

"You don't look like it. You seem kinda restless."

"You've only been back for two hours and you've already noticed that?" Raven asks, turning to him.

"I'm the leader of this team. If I can't even notice something as simple as that, then there's something wrong with me," he replies matter-of-factly, leaving Raven with a small chuckle. "So what's going on?"

Raven sighs, turning back to look out at the forestry around the inn. "It's just…we're still not fully healed and we don't know when our time will be up. Yukiko could turn up dead by tomorrow for all we know."

"But Cyborg's awake."

"He can barely stand."

"He did stand. He managed to walk a few steps-"

"Then crashed into the closet and stumbled into the restroom, lodging his head straight into the toilet," Raven argues.

Robin stands there in meek silence, recalling how difficult it was to pull Cyborg out. After several pulls from Starfire, the duo had comically flew out backwards and crashed into Robin. The three laid in a heap on the futons as Raven stood to the side, having narrowly sidestepped the incoming "target" despite her injuries. "Then you can take Star or-"

"No."

"But Raven-"

"No 'but's', Robin. I'm not risking another teammate's life. Focus on finding Beast Boy first. I don't want him to get kidnapped."

"What if you get hurt and can't get out?"

"In case you forgot, I'm not going in alone. I'm going in with Yu and his teammates. They have the same acquired powers as I do and we'll be fine," she insists. Robin scowls, still unsure about this.

"It still doesn't feel right," he repeats.

"And no matter how many times you tell me that, I'm not going to risk any of your lives. Besides," she begins, "do you really think you can stop me?" Robin is suddenly lifted in the air from his cape, Raven's powers suspending him.

Robin struggles for a moment before relenting. Raven lets him land and he turns his head to the side, looking into the room. "All right, fine. But if you get hurt, I'm gonna be nagging you for the rest of this mission."

"Roger that, master," Raven answers sarcastically, also saluting him. Robin raises an eyebrow in surprise at Raven's comment. "Whatever you say, master. Now come on, let's head to bed."

Time: 0700 hours

Date: April 19, 2011

Location: Dojima Residence

Yu stares out the window, contemplating on what to do. His thoughts are shattered when his phone starts buzzing in his pocket. He pulls it out, scowling for a moment at the unidentified number. Ignoring any doubts, he flips open the phone and brings it to his ear.

Margaret's familiar robotic voice begins speaking. "Hello. I realize this is sudden, but there is one important point I forgot to warn you about, so I thought it best to contact you immediately." Yu frowns, unsure of what she's going to tell him. "Going to save your friends is a selfless and noble deed. By all means, we encourage and support you in regards to this matter. But to proceed too hastily in that quest will mean facing one battle after the next. Though you may be pressed for time, devoting yourself to battle will not quench your heart's yearnings. The bonds created through Social Links are another important means of strengthening the powers of your Persona. Do not hasten heedlessly through your days, and remember the importance of moving at a sustainable pace. Please remember that. Well then, if you'll excuse me…"

A click can be heard from the other side and Yu puts his phone away, processing the information. So, Margaret is basically saying, "Make new friends instead of charging straight into a fight." Digesting the information, he resumes preparing for school and leaves once he's ready.

Time: 0730 hours

Date: April 19, 2011

Location: Samegawa Flood Plain

But how exactly is he going to go about that? He could always join some clubs or sports...but then again, he knows close to nothing about this area.

Just as he is beginning to weigh his options, a classmate with short brown hair wearing a blue sweatsuit runs by, slowing down as he keeps pace with his friend, a boy with navy hair who is wearing the Yasogami uniform. "Yo," he begins.

"Oh, what's up? You got morning practice?" his friend asks.

"You know how guys can join the sports club starting today, right?" Yu looks up, listening carefully to their conversation. Could this be his chance? "I thought that maybe if I ran around a little, that would be some good promotion."

His friend only grimaces. "Dude...if you run around in that, how're people gonna know which club you're in?"

The student looks down, pausing. "...I didn't think about that."

"Haha! That's classic you. I hope our club gets some fresh blood, too. It gets everyone excited!"

"Are you guys not going to try and get people to sign up?"

"I don't know about that. Everyone's saying they want a girl to be our manager, though." He pauses, remembering something. "Oh, hey! Let's stop by the shrine in the shopping district on our way home today. Might as well pray for some newcomers."

"We're leaving that up to God now? Well, all right." The student in the sweatsuit seems to recall something else. "Oh yeah, did you hear that rumor? About the thing that lives at the shrine?"

"I did! I wonder if it's true." As the pair of athletes diverge from the topic, Yu begins to think it over. Judging from the students' conversation, it's no surprise he never heard about the clubs until now. They'd only just become available. At least now he knows where to go.

Time: 1550 hours

Date: April 19, 2011

Location: Amagi Inn, Titans' Room

Raven stifles a yawn as she finishes her meditation, sitting by the table in their room. Robin had told her to stay and rest up while he and Starfire headed out to search for the killer and Beast Boy. Her shoulder throbs dully, the pain nearly gone now. She slowly arches her back as she stretches the rest of her body. Glancing around, she notices that Cyborg is still resting, even though he's been out for more than twelve hours. Her eyes soften when she notices Beast Boy's futon lying neatly on the floor. Where could that green stain be?

She mulls over what to do next when a jingle begins. She turns back to the table, noticing her T-Communicator buzzing and she picks it up. Flipping it up, she stares at a black screen even though there is still noise. Tensing, she waits to see if anything happens. Margaret appears on the screen, causing Raven to jump almost into the ceiling. "What-?" she stammers, almost dropping the T-Comm on the ground.

"Hello, I am Margaret. I am not sure if you remember me…"

Raven, finally finding her voice after a brief moment of shock, begins, "You were in that limo...with that Igor guy."

"Correct. This was the only way to contact you. I apologize if this is rather odd for you."

"Uh, it's fine…what's wrong? Did something happen in the TV World?" she asks, instantly on edge.

"No, my master and I are not to involve ourselves into your mission. We can only help you along the way with advice."

"So…"

"I am here to inform you that while going to save your friends is a selfless and noble deed, if you proceed too hastily in that quest, it will mean facing one battle after the next. Though you may be pressed for time, devoting yourself to battle will not quench your heart's yearnings. Creating bonds through Social Links are another important means of strengthening the powers of your Persona. Do not hasten heedlessly through your days, and remember the importance of moving at a sustainable pace. Please remember that."

"Got it. But, how would I-?"

"It is up to you how you want to handle the days. My master and I are merely your guide through this journey," Margaret answers. "Well then, if you will excuse me…"

There is static on the screen and there is only darkness left on the screen. As Raven stares at the T-Comm, she spots Cyborg shifting around in her peripheral vision. "You alright?"

Cyborg sits up, opening his eye and turning towards her. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Still a little tired. How long was I out?" he yawns loudly.

"Since last night. You've been asleep the whole time and I didn't wanna bother you while you slept." Raven notices that Cyborg barely registered her answer. "Wanna talk?" Cyborg looks up in surprise. Raven hesitates when she sees his expression, "W-well, I won't push you. We can talk when you're ready." Cyborg gives her a small smile as he looks down at his hands. As he stares at the robotic palms, Raven crawls over to his side and places her hand on his left palm. "I'll be here."

Cyborg's smile widens as he turns to look at her. "Thanks, Rae. We can talk after we rescue Yukiko." As Raven nods in agreement, everything suddenly slows down, also dimming. A bright flash of light blinds her temporarily as she sees a tarot card in front of Cyborg and it flips around, revealing a young woman holding up a beast that resembles close to a lion. As she stares at it confused, she hears Artemis's voice.

Thou art I...And I am thou…

Thou hast established a new bond…

It brings thee closer to the truth…

Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Strength Arcana…

She reaches towards it, but the card vanishes into a small ball of light which floats towards her chest, melding into her heart. As the dimness fades and time begins to flow again, Raven senses a tugging at her heart. She begins to wonder if it's possible someone else could have this power.

Time: 1600 hours

Date: April 19, 2011

Location: Yasogami High School Gym

As Yu looks around, he begins to wonder if he had made the right decision to join basketball instead of soccer. A student jogs over to him and he vaguely recognizes him as the student from this morning.

"Yo," he greets. "What'd you think of your first day here? I'm Kou Ichijo. Second year, same as you. Nice to meet ya. Good to see someone else take an interest in the team."

The gym doors open, another student walking in. Yu recalls him from this morning as well. "Kou, are you done yet?" He stops in front of them, noticing Yu. "Is this the new guy?"

"Yeah, can you believe it?" he answers excitedly. "He's the transfer student."

"Hmm, that's cool." He turns to Yu. "Daisuke Nagase. Nice to meet you. Soccer team, second year. Kou and I go way back."

"Yeah, too far back. I'm getting sick of seeing your face," Kou jokes. Daisuke disregards it and wonders about Kou's teammates. "Yup. I suggested we work on rebounding, but they were all like, 'That's too tiring.' So all we did was take a few shots...But I shouldn't scare Yu with my bitching on his first day! We've got a lot of members who don't show up to practice, but basketball's fun! You've played before, right?"

"I used to play all the time," Yu answers.

"Seriously? I can't wait to play you!" As Kou is laughing, time suddenly comes to a stop. Yu, accustomed to it by now because of Yosuke and Chie, simply waits for the new Arcana to appear. This time, it reveals itself to be a young woman holding up a lion and he hears Izanagi's voice again. This time, however, as the new Arcana disappears, he senses something different. He wonders what it might be, but he assumes it's possible that it was someone from the Titans. Is it possible that one of them is a wild card as well?

Once time resumes, Kou continues on, explaining their practice schedules while also complaining about having a small team. "Are you stuck polishing the balls again?" Daisuke asks, not even surprised.

"Yeah, while they go to their parties, I get to stay here and play with balls. I loooooove them balls," Kou jokes. He pauses and complains about wanting to go to parties too.

"I'll help you. Let's get this done and get outta here."

Yu also offers to help out. "You'd do that? You're a real pal, man. I think I'm tearing up." The three set to work, letting the time slip by.

By the time they finish, it is evening and Yu departs, returning home.

Time: 1200 hours

Date: April 20, 2011

Location: Amagi Inn

Raven sits cross-legged, her bow sitting in her lap. A small container of wax is by her side as she is staring at the laptop in front of her. She scowls, listening intently to the video instructing her on how she should clean the bow string. She grabs the small container, uncapping it, and briefly wonders if she could summon Artemis to have her do it.

She shakes her head, realizing that the entire room would immediately drop to below freezing and only she'd be able to handle it. She pauses the video as she mulls that over. Strange how she's affected by the fire while Cyborg isn't, but she isn't affected by the ice while Cyborg is. "Interesting…" Deciding to test out some theories against the Shadows in the future, she resumes the video.

As the instructor continues to speak, she starts to rub the wax across the string. After a decent amount is on it, she sets the container down and rubs her fingers up and down the string. Finished, she wipes her hand on a nearby napkin and picks up a piece of thread. She wraps it around at the top of the bow and slowly pulls the thread down the string. She repeats the process two more times and wipes off the excess wax onto a napkin.

Once she finishes, she pushes herself up, stretching her back. With a content sigh of relief, she places the bow on a makeshift peg next to Cyborg's brawler gloves. She examines the poison bottle next to the gloves, observing that there is still a lot of the liquid poison left in the bottle. She also glances over the spikes on the glove, bits of the poison still on the spikes.

The door to their room slides open, Cyborg walking in as Victor Stone. "You done?"

"Yeah," he replies, walking past her into their bedroom. He stands at the entrance, contemplating something. "When are you gonna go and rescue Yukiko?"

"I was planning on going out into the town to stock up and also meeting up with the others to figure it out. Wanna join?"

"I thought you wanted to do this alone."

"I just don't want you to get hurt in this particular one. You're still resting."

"You're letting me go out to stock up, but you're not gonna let me go with you?'

"We have to use the buddy system, Cy. We're in a town where we know close to nothing about it. If we're alone, there's a chance we'll be abducted instead."

"It's been two days, Rae; I'm feelin' a lot better now," he insists.

"There are three other people there."

"Are you scared, Rae?" he asks bluntly.

Raven pauses in surprise. Is she? Is she scared that her teammate could die because of her? Hell yeah. But it's not like...She stops that train of thought when she remembers her Shadow. Reluctantly, she sighs. "Okay, yes, I'm scared. I'm scared that you're going to die in that world because of me."

"C'mon, you gotta trust me."

"It's my fault we're even here in the first place. If I hadn't mentioned this to anyone, we'd be okay. I don't want to risk anymore lives. Beast Boy was right. We're just a couple of teens trying to solve a murder that even the police have no idea what's going on."

"Raven!" Raven jumps in surprise at Cyborg's voice. She stares at him as she waits. "Look, BB's just worried about us because we came back from an unknown place and almost dead. Of course he'd be like that. If it was Robin, it'd be even worse. The kid means well. Now, c'mon. Are you gonna let me come with you when you go in or what?" he presses her again.

Raven scowls as she weighs her options. It's possible that Cyborg and his Persona would be more useful than her when they go in. But at the same time, Cyborg and his Persona wouldn't be useful at all. "I don't want to gamble over this, Cyborg...especially because it involves your life."

"I'm willing to gamble with my life. Besides, even if you say no, I'll still tag along. It's not like you can stop me."

"Wh-"

"Well, without seriously hurting me. And I doubt you're going to do that."

She sighs, rubbing her temples. "All right, fine, you can go. But if you die, I'm going to drag your ass back from the underworld just to kill you again for not listening to me."

Cyborg chuckles, "Gotcha." Raven senses something and she hears Artemis's voice in the background.

Thou hast improved the bond between thou and thine friend. Continue and thou shalt become stronger.

Time: 1600 hours

Date: April 20, 2011

Location: Souzai Daigaku

"Yo!" Cyborg's loud voice echoes throughout the shopping district. Yu and Yosuke look up when they see Raven and Cyborg walking towards them. The two are wearing similar outfits the day they ran into the Investigation Team at Junes.

"Hey, what's up!" Yosuke greets, leaning back as he turns towards them.

Cyborg claps his hand on Yosuke's back in greeting as Raven simply nods to Yu. "Did you need something from us?" Yu asks, cutting straight to the chase.

"As a matter of fact, we do," Raven answers as Cyborg converses with Yosuke. "I was wondering when we were going back into the TV."

At this point, Yosuke redirects his attention back to the two. "It's up to the leader over here; whenever he thinks we're ready, that's when we go."

"We'll go tomorrow. I was actually going to call Chie and give her the heads up. Are you guys healed up, though? We can wait a bit longer."

"We're ready whenever you and your team are," Raven answers. "The sooner we get your friend out of that place, the better. We don't need a repeat of the last time…" The two of them glance over to the two companions, engaged in a conversation on the food.

"Yeah, dude, they make the best steak croquettes in the area."

"Well yeah, since it's the only place that makes them," Raven cuts in.

Yosuke pauses for a moment, realizing what he had said. "Oh...good point."

"Do you need anything else?" Yu asks, changing the subject before the atmosphere can get too awkward.

"We just need to restock on some supplies and then we'll be ready for tomorrow," Raven answers. "Wanna come with?"

"We're good for now; besides, Old Man Daidara doesn't have much in until we bring him new resources."

"Really?"

"Yeah, so we're kinda hoping Yukiko's place is gonna have a lot of materials from the Shadows," Yosuke chimes in, leaning back against the wall.

"It's not like we need new stuff," Cyborg begins. "We're low on some of our goods, like the poison for my gloves and arrows for Raven."

Yu visibly jerks, remembering something. "What's wrong?"

"Have you been in a limo?" he asks cryptically. Cyborg and Yosuke stare at him in confusion.

"Uh, we flew here by the T-Ship. Besides, a limo here would be bringing attention to ou-"

"As a matter of fact, yes, I did," Raven interrupts Cyborg, crossing her arms. "What of it?"

"Let me show you something," he offers. Cyborg's eye darts between the two of them as he tries to discern Yu's motive. "Don't worry, I'm not going to kidnap her."

"She's my sister; I'm not going to let her get hurt."

"It's okay, Cyborg, really. I know what he's talking about," she stops him from pummeling Yu.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive. Just stay here with Yosuke and I'll be right back." Yu shifts and gets off of the crate he is sitting on, turning around and heads towards Daidara's shop. Raven follows, feeling Cyborg's gaze on her back.

"So where are you taking me, exactly?"

Yu doesn't respond, only moving to a spot between the weapons store and the bookstore. He extends his hand out as it disappears in the air, ripples appearing around his wrist. Raven recoils in surprise, her hands glowing. "Don't worry, just stay calm." A blue doorway appears, gold lines intricately etched onto it. Yu "pushes" the door and the door is replaced with a white light. He takes a step onto the doorway and extends his hand out to Raven, who takes it. The two enter and no one seems to notice.

Time: 1615 hours

Date: April 20, 2011

Location: Velvet Room

Raven open her eyes as she takes in the familiar surroundings. "Welcome...to the Velvet Room," Igor greets the two. Raven glances to her left, seeing Yu sitting there. Both Margaret and Igor are sitting in the same location as before, only this time, there's a new person. "It seems both of you have finally met at last."

Igor closes his eyes, waiting for Margaret. "Both of your Persona abilities are of the Wild Card. If you strengthen your bonds properly, their power will help you overcome any ordeal. Our role is to facilitate that."

His eyes open again as he continues the explanation. "My contribution...is to give birth to new Personas." Raven slightly frowns as she tries to figure out what Igor means. "By mixing together multiple Persona cards, I can transmute them into a new form...This, in other words, is the fusion of Personas."

"Wait, that's possible?"

"Why, of course. Because you have the abilities of a Wild Card, you have the power to hold multiple Personas and to use them accordingly. When you defeat an enemy, the seeds of possibility you attain will appear before you as cards. At times, they may be hard to grasp...but you must master your fear and reach out to them. When you obtain new cards, please do not hesitate to bring them here."

"They told me this last time before we went in when Chie obtained her Persona," Yu adds in an anecdote.

"If you have been developing your Social Links, then your Persona will gain even more power...They will be one of your chief sources of strength...You would do well to take this to heart." He turns to Margaret, nodding.

"The tome you see in my hand is the Persona Compendium." She holds up the extremely thick, brown book. "Registering the Personas you hold will allow you to recall them at any time. Please see me when you wish to use it." Raven nods, waiting for them to introduce the third member.

"Ah yes, allow me to introduce you to a new resident of the Velvet Room, who will be helping you on your journey." Yu shifts in surprise, squinting at the third figure.

"Yu?"

"What happened to Marie?"

"Marie?"

"She was here last time," Yu recalls, visibly agitated. Anger attacks Raven as she tenses up, expecting a conflict.

The three other members in the limousine stare at him unflinchingly. "Marie is a member of your Social Links; this man is Raven's," Margaret explains calmly. "Now, please, introduce yourself." The man, who looks more like a teenager at the same age at Raven, glances up, his gray eyes boring into her. He is wearing a long-sleeved white shirt, black trousers, brown belt, and a pair of black, formal shoes. He also has a black vest on top of the shirt and a navy blue tie worn on him. He has short, dark blue messy hair, which the majority is obscured by a blue hat. He has a perpetuating frown on his face and continues to stare at the spot between Raven and Yu.

"Feh," he scoffs, looking away. Margaret clears her throat meaningfully and he looks back up at her. "Fine, the name's Tadashi."

"Forgive me; his attitude is very similar to that of Marie's," Margaret apologizes. "I can assure you that Marie is safe and that she will be back once Raven has properly introduced herself to Tadashi."

Raven gives a small nod, making eye contact once more with Tadashi. She stiffens up as she stares into his eyes. The emptiness behind them threatens to swallow her up, but he blinks, looking away. The atmosphere shifts noticeably as Raven glances around, feeling trickles of sweat down her face. "You ok?" Yu asks, noticing her mood.

"I'll be fine," she whispers to him before facing Tadashi again. "I'm Raven Roth, glad to meet you." He gives her a sideways glance and the burning question forces itself out of her. "Why are you here?"

"How'm I supposed to know? Doesn't matter, though."

"Excuse him," Margaret apologizes once again. "His soul is still very young and-"

"Shut up! She doesn't need to know more than she needs to," Tadashi growls.

"As you can see," she resumes. "He may be curt at times, but please understand that he is also only an apprentice and forgive him for his impoliteness."

"It's fine," Raven answers. Margaret goes on to explain Tadashi's skills of how he can help Raven forge new skills onto Personas.

"Also, I am sure that he will help you form a bond between yourself and the 'outside world'. He will most likely contact you at a later date."

Igor suddenly jumps in, reminding the both of them about what he had told him about their upcoming future. He adds on that he looks forward to seeing them soon, chuckling as they leave.

Time: 1700 hours

Date: April 20, 2011

Location: Central Shopping District

"Took you long enough!" Cyborg exclaims from the side. Yosuke is trailing behind him.

"Sorry...we were...a bit preoccupied."

"Where'd you even go?"

"It's this weird place where we can recruit new Personas," Raven explains without going into full details.

"Could we go in?"

"I'm...not too sure myself," Raven hesitates, also debating if she should tell Cyborg everything, including Tadashi. The first impression she had of him was that he was very rude and short-tempered. But when she had made eye contact with him...there was a connection. She shakes her head, deciding that she'll see how far this companionship with Tadashi gets before she mentions him.

"It's getting late. Yosuke and I are probably gonna head on home. We'll see you guys tomorrow?"

"Sure. What time?" Raven asks as Yosuke trades positions with her.

Yu mulls over it for a moment. "3? We meet on the roof of Junes before we head in."

"Got it, we'll wait for you there."

The four say their farewells and separate, each of them mentally preparing for the rescue tomorrow.

Lots of shifts, I know, but this chapter is kind of a filler while also establishing some more Social Links for Raven and Yu. I tried very hard to try and sync up their Social Links moments, but there's no guarantee it'll be like this in the future. Also, I got the name Tadashi from a certain movie with a certain robot and a certain really smart boy in a certain city called "San Fransokyo" ;)