IX\ Biker gangs and tough guy

Today is Sunday again, and the rain was still here. I decided to head to Junes and called the others.

"So, what's up man?" asked Yosuke. "Since today we're free and it's rainy, we'll go and train to get stronger in the other world. Yukiko also have to adapt to the place so she doesn't die so easily." I explained.

"Psst Chie, does that mean that Yu wants me to die?" whispered Yukiko trying not to be noticed by me. "Actually no, it's just his way to talk. Don't worry; he's a real sweet-guy inside…" "What are you mumbling about, Chie?!"

If she thinks I'm a 'sweet-guy', then I'll prove her that she's damn wrong "N-Nothing Yu—Er, I mean, leader!" Anyway, we must get down to business.

"Alright guys! If we want to have a benefic training session, we must choose the best place. Since the Shadows in the Castle were the strongest so far, it is settled."

Once we went inside of the Castle, we were immediately greeted by Shadows. "I'll tell ya how we're going to proceed: we'll split up and fight Shadows individually. If anyone gets in trouble, he or she must contact Teddie so we can go and help him." Fortunately, there was no objection to the idea so we proceeded everything smoothly just as planned.

I went to the last floor just to see if there wasn't any Shadows there, and I found myself in front of some sort of King doll. Humph, some trash that I'll take care of.

"I've been beating your son, and now it's your turn!" He casted a Fire Wall on himself, letting me to deduce that fire was his weakness.

I rushed toward him and slashed him with my katana, but it seemed like the damage I dealt were almost nothing to him. "Darn you!" I jumped backward and launched a Zionga. At least it did something.

He then approached me and used a Kill Rush. I was sent flying to a pillar of the room. He tried to repeat the move but I dodged by sliding behind him.

I tried with a combo of eight hits, but there were still minor effects. He turned to face me and used a Hysterical slap, but I got down and smashed him right in the legs which caused him to fall on the ground.

I noticed that the red aura that enveloped him disappeared. Now was my chance! I used my Agi spell and… He drained it?! All what I dealt of damages was for nothing! "Do you even have a weakness, prick?!"

I quickly switched to Jack Frost and prepared to use a Bufula, but he used Kill Rush on me and I was sent hitting two pillars which fall with my contact on them and I finally crashed on a third one.

I quickly switched to Pixie and ordered her to heal me while I dodged yet another attack from the monster. When I felt better, I casted a Mind Charge on myself and got ready for another Bufula attack attempt.

This time the attack touched him and it was pretty effective. But, he quickly recovered and used Rampage which knocked me down. "Urgh… Curse you piece of shit!" he made some kind of laughing noise, surely it was mocking me.

Then, he approached me and before I had time to get back on my feet, he kicked my stomach repeatedly. I ended up coughing blood. He was about to give me another charged kick when I quickly switched to Izanagi and summoned him. He blocked the attack with his spear and used sonic punch on it, causing it to stumble backwards and made him fall on his back.

I hardly got back on my feet and took my Katana. I quickly change back to Jack Forst and Mind Charged, while dodging yet another a Kill Rush and used my Bufula on him sending him flying to the wall. Pixie healed me once more and I got ready to finish him; he wasn't going to live infinitely.

I Mind Charged once again and launched my ice skill on him, finally killing him. By the time it ended, I really was exhausted and panting heavily but at least I felt stronger than before! Well, there was still shame on me for telling the others to call if they were in trouble and not applying this rule myself…

I went to join the others, like nothing happened. Yosuke and Chie seemed to have improved since we entered and Yukiko wasn't bad at all. They were actually facing three Shadows and were having quiet a bad time. "Guys! I thought I told you to fight separately!" I yelled angrily.

"Sorry dude, but we had to regroup: they are too strong! Could you help us? Just this single time, pleasepleaseplease!" Was he kidding?! "No! Defend yourselves!" they kept fighting for a while until when I had a brilliant idea "Yosuke! Yukiko! I want you two to combine a wind and a fire attack now!"

They did as I ordered them to and the three Shadows were killed by a burning gust of wind. "Whew! That wasn't a bad idea at all, maybe we can try other combinations!" said an enthusiastic Chie. At last, they have finally used their brains.

That's how we created some fusion skills: burning tempest, frozen tempest, burning lightning… Combining attacks really is useful at times. Well, it is better than fighting mindlessly.

I can actually say that the training session was giving positive results, I'm kind of proud of my teammates. We headed back to the real world saying good bye to Teddie.

The next few days didn't have anything special, except that exams were coming. Anyway, one evening, as I was watching T.V with Nanako, we got a call. She got up and went to see who was calling: apparently it was Dojima-san and from Nanako's expression, I could tell there was nothing like good news. "He wants to talk to you." With a sad face, she gave me the phone and went to her room.

"So, what's up uncle?" "Oh Yu, well, there is a rookie that got sick so we can't really ignore the case he was taking care of. Conclusion: I fear that we'll have to cancel the trip we were getting ready for." "I see, well I'll try to cheer Nanako up." "Please do. And sorry." He hung up. Ah… Dojima-san, you really shouldn't make the same mistake my parents did with me… look at the devil I am! And damn that rookie! Ruining all the plans we had made!

Tomorrow, my prior mission is Nanako; I don't care about anything else!

In the morning I got up and went down stairs. Nanako was here, watching the T.V silently as usual. When I think of it more, we really have a lot in common and that's what scares me: I don't want her to be similar later in the future to what I am now.

She noticed me and greeted me. After that, someone knocked at the door, it was Lui—Chie. I really should stop with nicknames. "Cool, you're home! Well, we planned to hang out at Junes, Yukiko is coming too, are you coming?" Junes! That was the idea! "Hey Nanako! Are you coming too?" I asked immediately. "I really can come?" "Of course you can!" Then, without waiting anymore, we made our way to Junes where we met up with Yosuke and Yukiko.

Yosuke had to say the most random thing now "Why did you bring poor Nanako here, on Golden Week?" But Nanako gave him an answer that almost made him cry… of happiness, alas. "I love Junes!" "N-Nanako-chan…!" "But at first, we were about to go on a real trip. And make boxed lunches…"

She looked at me, so did everyone else after that, for the first time with them around, I felt my cheeks burning. Chie broke the silence "that's impressive, 'Big bro'!" and of course Yosuke had to say the gayest thing EVER. "Well, you do seem great with your hands—Um! Never mind!" "Of course, I am even greater with them closed!" I said, closing them into a punch. I could see him sweating now.

Yosuke's POV:

Oh god! I ended up saying something really 'yaoi' without noticing. Well, I wonder if Chie can cook… "Hey Chie, can you cook?" "Y-Yeah, I can cook pretty easily!" Umm… She doesn't seem that confident "I'm not so sure about that. Anyway, we can always have a cooking contest and Nanako could be our judge. Well, we might not compare to your mom's cooking though."

"My mom died in an accident long ago." She said. Oh god! I surely didn't say the best thing.

Yu must be mad; maybe I should look his way… Waaaaahh! Here it was! The face I tried not to get since we designed Yu as our leader. His eyes were like all red and a dark aura was enveloping him! It was like he was about to say "HUM! TONIGHT I'M EATING FRIED YOSUKE WITH ITS BLOODY SAUCE!" Just thinking of it made me tremble!

Anyway, I noticed something that I had to share with the girls while Yu was talking with Nanako. "Hey, didn't you notice that Yu looks like someone else when he's around Nanako?" Chie was the one who responded me "Yeah. A big bro in all the sense of the term… I'm jealous." Ouh! The opportunity! "I can always be you big bro Chie—" She knocked me down before I had the time to finish my sentence!

Back to Yu's POV:

God damn you Yosuke! I don't know why Chie kicked his ass, but he surely deserved it! Anyway, I think Nanako didn't take it that bad since she immediately said it was okay "My dad's still here. And now, I have a brother!" Heheh. 'Big bro'… For once, Chie said something interesting. And this voice again in my head! But this time, I don't really mind it.

One evening, Dojima-san entered home holding a— "Junes bag!" said Nanako. "Good eyes! Since it is Children's Day, I thought I should bring you something. Here." He gave Nanako a T-shirt with a picture on the front. "Hahah! It's funny, thank you dad!" At least, Nanako was happy. Then, my uncle faced me "I brought something for you too. Not that you are a child, but fair's fair." He gave me a swimsuit… Oh god… First Yosuke, and now him? "Thanks." "I thought you might need one soon." He seems not to notice what he's saying…

~The next day, one the way to school~

I was walking to school when I encountered Yosuke on his almost-dead-bike. "Yo, partner. Dammit! This bike's a real piece of crap now. I can hardly ride it." "Did you forget all those times when you crashed with it?" "Oh yeah… Anyway, sorry for what I said to Nanako-chan last time… Being with her really made all of us stronger in many ways… Let's do our best!" Ah, Nanako is really someone special since she made them realize the importance of the inner-strength: the willpower. "You got a point on this one; we have to put all our strength on this!"

But since he's Yosuke, he couldn't stay serious any longer. "Hey, did you notice that Chie and Yukiko are closer… I mean, are you… Never mind! Anyway, I should be patient with this bike. At least, until I get my motorcycle license!" he said all enthusiastic… Wait! He said a motorcycle?! "Wow wow! God protect us all then!" he stared at me angrily "What's that supposed to mean?!" "It means: hurry up or you'll be late!" with that, I ran off letting him understand what I just said.

School was boring, as always. But you know what's even more boring? It is when your friends come to talk about exams with you. Chie proposed something clever to Yosuke "Hey, how about you ask Yukiko to help you with your studies? She always get the best grades" And Yosuke had to choose the worst phrases "Yeah, I could ask her for a private lesson." Yukiko heard it and gave Yosuke what he deserved: A bitch slap!

Now that I think about it, Dojima-san has been home more often in the evenings, lately. It's surely due to the fact that there's no one missing right now.

Well, we are a family after all. And maybe I'll get him to realize how Nanako feels about all the time he spends at work and that she needs him. "Uncle… How about we talk a little?" he looked at me with a smile "Well sure, have a seat."

Dojima-san looked like he was trying his best to find a topic for the discussion. "So, how is your school life? I hope you're not bored." "Actually, no. I can almost say it is pretty fun." He was nodding to himself saying that my 'school days' (oh gosh! Why do I always tremble when I think about this anime!?) would be over before I knew it.

Then, he moved to a topic that he sure wanted to reach from the beginning "Anyway, have you made friends? If so, the only thing I have to tell you is… Uhhh, you know… I'm not telling you who you can and can't hang out with…" don't worry, I know what you mean. "Yeah, I see where you want to get… It shouldn't cause troubles; I know on what side I am." "Good. It is quiet strange that the murders began when you arrived. I'll ask you not to get involved in those cases, okay?" He is right; it's quiet an irony that the murders began when I arrived and plus, I got my Persona without even facing my Shadow. "Okay, I'll keep away from those cases. Not that I got interested in them in the first place…"

I'm such a good liar… A devil I am indeed. Sorry uncle, but I'll do more than getting involved. As a detective, you should understand: Once you began investigating something, you can't turn back to the starting point like nothing happened…

"Hey, are you two fighting?" it was Nanako; she really thinks we are having a fight… "Come on Nanako, we are just having a little talk. Well, look at the time; you should go to bed soon." I said trying to reassure her. "Okay…" with that, she left to her room.

"Hahah… It looks like she is really taking a shine to you. As long as you're safe, it should be okay."

I felt a faint bond forming between me and my uncle. How do I know it? Ask the freaking voice in my head!

~Beginning of the midterm exams~

Today, I'm on fire! Let's kick some questions!

First day: Aced

Second day: Aced

Third day: Aced

Last day: OVERKILL

It was so easy! Now what's left to do is to see if everyone got good grades too. "So guys, how did you do?" I asked. "I compensated all my mistakes of composition with geography anyway." Chie said. "And I don't won't to talk about it now; we are finally free of those things!" that's the Yosuke I know. Yukiko seems to have aced her exams just like me.

Then, I heard some students talk about something that caught my attention. "Guys, did you hear about those reporters coming for an interview about the biker gangs?" one of them said. "Really? How do you know?" "Well, one of my friends is hanging out with them and I heard it from him." I was completely surprised: from the beginning, I was seeing Inaba as a calm town and the teenagers having their hormonal troubles, but at this point…

Then, Yosuke remembered something important "Anyway, tonight it should rain, so we'd better watch the Midnight Channel." Thanks to him, we won't forget it. He does have moments where he is important. "Guys, let's suppose that my theory was correct and let's watch the news before the MC, got it?" I said, still hoping that I reached a good part of this case. Who knows who's the unfortunate soul that will be targeted by the culprit this time…?

~This evening~

I returned straight home after school, and watched the news with my uncle and cousin: it seems today's program was focusing on the biker gangs, but more on a guy seemed to be giving those later a beating. He even got the guts to tell the crowd 'to get bent': If we save this guy and he joins our team, we will finally get some good assets…

My uncle knew him: His name was Kanji Tatsumi, a first year from our school. He was giving a hard time to the punks because they were disturbing his mother's sleep… That's an example of a guy who fights to defend his cause!

Time is time; I need to go to my room and wait for the MC while watching the rain falling. When the moment arrived, a figure indeed appeared on the screen of the turned off TV. This still hidden by shadows figure was Kanji's with no doubt: So I was right after all…

Not long after that, Yosuke called me. "Hey dude, you were right; Kanji appeared on the MC right after being shown on the news!" He said almost like he was hardly catching his breath. "Calm down now and get some sleep: Since tomorrow's Sunday, we'll gather at Junes and discuss the whole thing up."

I was about to hung up when Yosuke interrupted me "Oh one last thing! I know it is off subject but… Which one is your type: Yukiko or Chie?"

What's up with him? Does it really matter? Anyway, I don't have any interest in them, not a single tiny bit. "So, you are asking me who is better: A meat-loving Luigi, or a nerdy laughing-hyena? Well, what a poor choice. Neither!"

He waited for awhile and then he laughed "Hahah! That's kinda harsh, but what you said isn't a lie. Well bye—" Oh no, you're not getting away with this! "How 'bout you Yosuke? Which one is more fitting for ya?"

"Uhh… You know… She's can be really tomboyish… But… Uhhh…" Hahah! Such a naïve guy, he's about to say it! "Listen, I was just teasing ya. Don't answer if you don't want to. See ya!" I hung up.

Oh god, so he is interested in Chie… I should have guessed it. Anyway, something as crazy won't happen to me!*yawn* Time to sleep…

~The next day, at Junes~

As planned, we gathered for a recapitulation of the current situation. "I can assume that the person we saw last night was Kanji Tatsumi. The theory we elaborated lately was correct: Whoever appear on the news shortly before the rainy night will eventually appear on the Midnight Channel. The problem now is that our main goal is to arrest the murderer, and trust me; cleaning all the mess he leave behind by saving people won't help, in the other hand, it will raise suspicions! To avoid that problem we mustn't forget the main questions we have: Who is the culprit? Why is he attacking people who appear on the MC? But there is also an ultimate question: Why does the MC itself exists?"

They all looked at me with serious expressions, Yosuke then brought his part of the evidences "Your right partner, but our lack of clues leave us with no other choice but to keep 'cleaning behind the culprit'. Eventually, we might get closer to the truth each time. So now, we must focus on saving Kanji."

Before I could think about anything else, Yukiko pinpointed a thing that we all forgot about "By the way, didn't you notice something: When I appeared on the Midnight Channel for the first time, I was still in the real world. I was kidnapped only after the image became clear." "Which means, Kanji is still safe for now…" Just to make sure of this, we are going to pay him a visit.

"Does anyone know Kanji more personally?" I asked. "Oh gosh, I mean, didn't you saw him last night?! He really isn't the social type…" Yosuke cowardly said. For some reason, Yukiko wore a sad face "He wasn't like this the whole time…" I looked at her curiously "You know him Yukiko?" "Yes, but I didn't talk with him for a long time. His family is running a textile shop in the shopping district. How about we go there now?"

So that's how we made our way to speak with the tough guy.

When we arrived at the shop, there were only two people there: An old woman who must be Kanji's mother and a blue haired boy with a hat. "Well, if you'll excuse me, Ma'am. Thank you, you gave me plenty to think about." said the boy. I studied the boy from head to toe from a distance; come to think of it… he is quite short for a guy. As he turned and walked towards the door, he turned to make a small eye contact with me. My sliver eyes met his grayish-sliver ones. For the moment, I was quite stunned. Somehow, my mind is telling me that he isn't a male, but it can't be right? I mean he is wearing blue double-breasted coat for crying out loud!

"What's with him?" Chie asked. "I don't know… Weirdo…" Yosuke muttered.

Something tells me his or her gender is a mystery, Yosuke… and those eyes, they seem quite stunning… Argh! Why am I thinking about this! I slapped myself in order to focus on serious matters at hand.

"What's the problem, partner? There is Kanji! Let's hide!" We ran to hide behind the red mail-box. And we waited there listening to the conversation. Wait a sec! Since when am I scared of Kanji? And since when is Yosuke the leader?! "Uh s-sure t-tomorrow's fine. A-And of course I'm going to school!" "Good, then I'll see you tomorrow after school." said the mysterious boy before he left.

With that, he went to the textile shop and… He noticed us! "Hey! What the hell are you pricks looking at?!" he ran toward us "L-Listen leader! Sometimes, the best option for victory is to flee!" as much as I hate to admit it, Yosuke was right. So that's how we ran away from the tough guy.

"So what are we going to do now?" Chie asked. "First, we'll watch the channel again: If the image is still unfocused, then we still have time. Then, you heard like me that whoever-that-demon-was asked him out after school and that's how we'll proceed, we'll split into two groups: a group will stay in front of the textile shop to see if the culprit shows up. The other group will pretend to be dating in the same spot as them, just in case the 'guy' who asked him out hasn't anything to do with the culprit himself, got it memorized?"

Yosuke looked at me with puppy eyes "Oh! Partner, can I be in the group that will spy on Kanji? Please please please PLEASE?" Oh god… Is this the only thing that interests him?! "Fine!"

Chie stared at Yosuke with anger "I get it! Leader, I'm pairing up with him!" Yosuke looked at Chie, shocked "W-Why?! I wanted to pair with Yukiko…!" "That's exactly what I wanna prevent!" will the two of them stop arguing like an old couple?! "That's enough! You two pair up and that's all, lovebirds!"

Oh god… I should have watched what I said… 'Cause now "Tssss… Hahahahahahahahah! Lovebirds… HAHAHAHAHAH!" Now the laughing-hyena was on the job… "Yukiko!" "HAHAHAHAH!" "Yukiko!" "HAHAHAHAH!"

I had no choice "NEEEEEEEEEEERD!" Then, she stopped laughing "What?" Thank god…

We returned to our homes before the rain started. As I checked the MC, there was still Kanji's face, clearer, but still not completely focused. Tomorrow, we must make sure that the operation goes smoothly. We have to.

~The next day, after school~

As planned, we waited in front of the school gates, unnoticed by Kanji and the mysterious… Charming… Arrrgh! Will I stop thinking this way?! That's my karma for teasing Yosuke and Chie and thinking that Yosuke was… W-Whatever, they went to the Flood Plain, from what I could hear.

"Alright, Yosuke and Chie, you know what to do. Act just like you were a couple enjoying a date, try not to argue and if you really can't, then try make it sound like an old couple arguing; which means act like always."

They both starred at me, furiously "What's that supposed to mean?!" they said at the same time then looked at each other "Stop copying my lines!" growled Chie "What?! Speak for yourself!" replied Yosuke. I clapped with my hands "I knew I could count on you!" long story short, they went to play their parts of the operation.

Me and the hyena where left to wait for the culprit. "Hey, do you think he will show himself? I mean the culprit." She asked after a moment "I'm not going to lie. During daytime, with all those people around, the chances for that to happen are weak…" "You are right; he would easily be noticed by the crowd. By the way, I wanted you to know that I'll do whatever it takes to help you with the case. You all saved me… Sorry, I think I'm a bit nervous; I never talked to a boy my age like this before…" and here she goes… This time, Chie is not going to save me. And those voices in my head aren't of any help, you know?

We waited a little longer before seeing the lovebirds rushing back "Don't say a thing: You failed, right?!" "Please, forgive us leader. He noticed us and ran after us and-." "Shut up, lovebirds! Now, we have no other choice but to run away and go to the TV world to save him. But to do so, we must be prepared."

We ran away as fast as we could, who knows what would happen if he caught up to us.

~This evening, in Yu's room~

I was waiting for the MC to pop up again. Before that happened, I got a call from Yukiko who informed that Kanji was missing, now.

When the special program appeared, the image was clear and I could see Kanji wearing only a bathtowel… in a bathhouse?! Oh gosh, this sounded so gay! Err… I think that after what happened today I'm nothing better than him…

*PiPiPi*

This was Yosuke "D-D-Dude! I-I mean—" "First, calm down! Second, we still can save him! Let's discuss all this tomorrow."

So Kanji disappeared too… Maybe we failed to prevent that, but we are going to save him and put an end to those murders… I swear it!

So that's it, second chapter made with defog2000! Today, we experienced Yu's first encounter with Psst *thegirlhestildoesn'tknow*. Psst

As you noticed it, I didn't mention some social links here because they are a waste of time when you think about it. Also, only the important events of the links I sited are going to appear.

About Yu's personality, I don't know if you see it like this but I'm trying to make him more childish than badass for reasons that you'll understand a little later

Yu also experienced a critical failure to prevent Kanji from being thrown inside the TV world!

Yu: Hey! The failures are Chie and Yosuke! Those lovebirds… something's sure, nothing like this will happen to me!

Me: Oh really? 'Those grayish-silver eyes…'

Yu: Argh! You've been spying on me!

Defog2000: Wrong! WE are spying on YOU!

Yu: Damn you, go away!

Defog2000: Manners, young man… Do you want my persona to silence once again?

Yu: Argh! *flips table*

Hahaha! Anyway don't forget to read, enjoy and review. And check defog2000's story as well, trust me you'll enjoy it too!