Chapter 11

Time with Yukiko

A joint work between RionAgrias and Kisdota- The Freak Gamer

If I owned Persona… I don't.

Thoughts

Emails… Souji= Seta/ Yosuke= Hana/ Chie= KungFu/ Yukiko= Amagi/ Kanji= Tatsu/ Teddie= Smooch/ Rise= Risette/ Naoto= Shiro

Shadowspeak

Personalities of people are changed slightly due to situations in said world or worlds. So… if it's really off base, get on me about it… if it's a slight change, I am not a punching bag, kiddos. Traveling times are ridiculous enough in Devil Survivor, 30 minutes between prefectures! I'll shorten it a little, but come on…

The –san and –chan jazz and what not will be used by Persona 4 ppls, not in places where you don't hear them. Alrighty?

If you want more of it 'Japanese-ish' or the reversal names… Look, unless you ask me to, this is the story in English. I'll give you what Persona game play gives you, nothing more. Otherwise, I'd be translating my story into Japanese for you.

P.S. How I am making the COMPs work is my business. So...:-p

P.P.S. My poll about the relationships with Souji will affect the story.

Souji had plenty to worry about as he lay his head down for the night. He had to figure out what he was going to do with Yukiko tomorrow and see what sort of cracks in Rise's demeanor he created when he abruptly left Marukyu. He worried about leaving Nanako behind for selfish reasons yet again.

The one thing Souji did not expect was to wake in a room awash of blue, sitting in a dark blue chair. Awaking in the blue room, he knew that in front of him was an extremely beautiful woman in a short blue dress with luscious blond curls. However, the hobbled old man with the long nose was not with her.

The extremely beautiful woman named Margaret was the one who kept the Compendium before it was ripped apart by Loki. She was the person who had recorded every Persona Souji had ever summoned and worked alongside the man who fused his demons and deities.

Souji did not know why he had been summoned here tonight by this woman exclusively, but it did not matter; he was lost in Margaret's glistening eyes and shining curls.

The woman on the right side, sitting on a velvet couch, said to Souji, "I am sorry to disturb you, but I summoned you in your dream yet again."

Souji didn't quite shrug, but he said in response, "I don't mind. It's a change of pace."

It is better than the usual crap.

"The reason I have summoned you today is check on your progress with fixing the Compendium," Margaret told Souji.

"We found another world when we entered one of the holes. It is a world in lockdown. We were unable to use our Personas in the typical fashion, but we met up with people who were able to use demons in a different fashion. Soon after, we were able to use demons as well and are now fighting forces that have malicious reasons for wielding demons. I met up with a member inside the group we are fighting who is actually on our side who is trying to find pages of the Compendium that might have landed in there," Souji explained his journey so far.

Margaret looked both a bit grateful and a bit apologetic, which was a surprise to the silver-haired young man. She said, "I apologize for sending you on this mission; we are still trying to figure out Loki's rationale for coming and trying to take the Compendium in the first place."

I don't know anything about the real Loki… only the mythical Loki. If this was last year, Igor and Margaret would be telling me to figure it out on my own. Was it because it all happened before I came back that they are even trying to help a little?

"I'll do my best to help figure out what's going on as well," Souji said while exhaling.

Margaret gave a small smile, "The best thing you can do at this point is work on getting the pages back in the Compendium."

She's right… obviously.

"I understand, Margaret," Souji nodded.

If this was last year, they would have more to talk about, or even registering in a non-ripped Compendium to do. Now, there was nothing but silence between them as no topic of conversation came to Souji's mind. It left an unsatisfying feeling in his psyche as he was whisked away back to his futon.

Souji would have preferred to stay in the Velvet Room, to not have to deal with what would come in the morning. Yet, a few hours after he was sent to the Velvet Room in his dreams, Souji was awake in his room and readying himself for some alone time with Yukiko.

The silver-haired young man buttoned up his shirt and popped his collar. It was still relatively early, mid-morning to be exactly, as Souji went down the stairs to meet his young cousin, Nanako. He had no idea how she would react when she saw him because Souji felt bad enough in his own right. The whole time he had visited Inaba… Souji had barely spent any time at all with his cousin. The small amount of time they were together, they were with all of the other Persona-users, which was acceptable. Yet, Souji felt that he was still abandoning her. He… he wanted to know her feelings... to make sure she felt alright.

Nanako was waiting for Souji in the kitchen; she was sitting at the table with two plates of sunny-side up eggs and toast in front of and across from her. Souji's emotions were of worry when he saw that beyond the eggs was a face of contentment. It was a face Souji could not read and it worried him. His worries were abated, however, when Nanako laid eyes upon her older cousin. As soon as Nanako saw Souji, her lips twitched upwards to show a smile.

Does she forgive me for not being there or…?

Souji knew what it was as soon as he moved the chair across from Nanako back and sat down across from her. When he carried her upstairs last night, Souji was guessing that she had been awake when he laid her down on the futon.

Still though, I wasn't there…

"Are you going out again, Big bro?" Nanako suddenly asked before Souji could even contemplate how she was feeling.

Great… She would ask that.

Souji bit his lip, thinking about what to say to his cousin. He finally said, "In a little while, I'm supposed to go visit Yukiko…"

Nanako did not even seem fazed by Souji's answer; it was as if she expected Souji to go off and leave her behind. Her smile disappeared, however. Souji blinked and added after exhaling quickly, "I don't have to leave for a few hours, so we can go to Junes for a bit."

We were meeting at the Shopping District, but…

"Okay, Big bro…," Nanako's smile reappeared.

Souji and Nanako ate the rest of their breakfast almost in complete silence. Souji was waiting for Nanako to make some sort of slip that she was actually awake when he carried her upstairs last night.

He grabbed Nanako's plate when he took his own to the sink. After cleaning off the remnants of the breakfast into the garbage disposable, Souji moved towards the entryway. He slipped on his shoes and bent down to tie them. Nanako was right behind him, doing the same. The two of them left the house together, Souji made sure not only did he lock the front door before the pair left for Junes, but also that Nanako had a key as well. He was not really sure what they were going to do while they were at the mega-mart, but there was only one way to find out.

The two did not walk particularly fast on their way to Junes, passing through the Floodplains and other portions of the town, but they kept a steady pace. Souji did keep up a dialogue with his younger cousin. He was trying to make up for lost time. He thought he would have difficulty, thinking of things to talk about with Nanako, but… words just flowed out of his mouth as Souji asked about her school year, her friends, and other various topics. Nanako was just as vibrant when speaking to Souji.

I don't think I'll ever know why Nanako is drawn to Junes like a fly to incandescent light.

Indeed, he had no idea what the allure of Junes was to Nanako, but Souji toured the various areas of the megastore with her. They moved from the grocery to the home living and then to the consumer goods. All the while, Souji kept a close eye on his cousin. He just… had to keep her safe after what happened last November. He would never forgive himself if something like that happened again. Of course, losing her would be impossible because she kept close to him, even if she dragged him around to look at things. It was like Rise clothes shopping.

Was I ever this excited about things like this?

About an hour later, Souji's cousin noticed him wavering slightly and asked the question, "Do you want to get a drink, Big bro?"

Souji was indeed getting a little parched from walking around and the walk to Junes had been in the summer heat. He answered, "Sure… Let's get some refreshments."

With that, the two of them walked away from the consumer goods and towards the elevator. Going up a floor, Nanako and Souji headed outside and to the grill, sitting down at the roofed table that Souji and the other Persona-uers had used so often last year to try and solve the murder case. When Nanako positioned herself across from Souji, he asked, "What do you want? I'll get it for you…"

"A lemon soda…," Nanako said cheerfully.

Souji nodded, "I'll be right back."

He stood up and headed to the vending machines only a few meters away from where Souji was sitting. As he bought a lemon soda for Nanako and a grape soda for himself, he pondered if this was all worthwhile for her. If the time he was spending with Nanako today was actually enough to satiate her for now.

Souji shook his head as he took the sodas from the bottom of the machine and collected the change. He could not dwell on these thoughts right now, mainly because he had far too much on his plate already. He could not think about Nanako at every waking moment when Margaret was basically forcing him to patch the TV world for something that happened by complete accident. He would worry about Nanako when he had the time to. Besides, his main problem for his free day would be coming up soon enough.

Souji threw all of his worries about Nanako out for a moment, making him feel much better. As Souji turned the corner to reach the covered table where he left Nanako, he saw a person in a teddy bear suit, conversing with his cream-colored tank top wearing cousin.

Oh shit… Teddie is working today?

To tell the truth, Souji did not really trust Teddie around Nanako. Sure, he ranked him well above Taro Namatame or Tohru Adachi, but… the Pedobear… he would rather that Nanako was never alone with him. Souji did not know what they were talking about, but the idea that Teddie could be putting on his super charm skills made the leader of the Persona-users dash towards the table.

Nanako, on the near side of the table, and Teddie, standing at the head of the table, were quickly met by an out-of-breath Souji. Nanako greeted her cousin, "Hey, Big bro!" She pointed out Teddie and said, "Teddie was taking a break and decided to say hi!"

Souji was a little weary as he greeted, "Hey Teddie…"

"Hi, Sensei!" Teddie waved his left arm.

Souji exhaled deeply as he handed the lemon soda to Nanako. Nanako thanked her cousin and Souji returned the sentiment. Before Nanako could open it, however, Souji remembered that running to stop Teddie had forced Souji to shake up the cans. He warned Nanako, "Be careful when you open the can. It might have been shook up a bit."

Nanako nodded, "Okay… I'll be careful."

Nanako was careful when she opened the can, taking her time and tapping it twice before opening the lemon soda. She smiled and thanked Souji again for buying her the drink.

Souji smiled back at Nanako's thanks. He turned his head to the mascot and asked, "Why are you working today, Teddie? Isn't this your day off?"

Mascot Teddie put on a frown. Souji always wondered how he made his bear expressions, but it was his true form after all. He answered Souji, a little forlorn, "Actually, I haven't worked in days, and Yosuke says that I have to work to make up for all that lost time."

"He's still making you work?" Souji asked. He thought that Teddie was spending all of his time in the TV world since it was changed into such a beautiful place.

Teddie must have read his thoughts because he answered, "Lately… I moved back into Yosuke's place."

I wonder if he didn't mention the TV world to not confuse Nanako.

"I see…," Souji nodded. Souji turned from Teddie to Nanako and asked, "It must be nice to see Teddie again, right?"

"Yeah!" Nanako responded cheerfully. No matter how much Souji tried to push them away, the two of them would always be friends.

The three of them began conversing about various things, most of them unimportant things and trival. Souji enjoyed not having to worry about the TV world or the alternate Tokyo. He was sure Teddie was glad as well. Nanako asked about Teddie going to school, and trying to find an excuse on why Teddie did not was an amusing experience. Eventually, Teddie had to get back to work. It involved Yosuke dragging him back forcefully, only greeting Nanako and Souji momentarily. Before the mascot of Junes left, he said to Souji, "Sensei… you never opened your drink."

"Oh… you're right…," Souji responded. He had been so engrossed in the conversation with the other two that his grape soda was untouched. He put his right pointer finger on the tab and pulled…

Shit!

He had forgotten that the can had been shaken repeatedly by his running to the table. It sprayed all over his face. His hair was dripping with grape soda and down his nose was running with the remnants of the can. It was beyond embarrassing.

Indeed, his younger cousin was laughing him. Though, if it was anyone but Nanako, Souji would have been even more embarrassed. That was when he realized that Teddie had not quite left yet, and that he was currently on the floor, rolling around.

I don't want to imagine Yukiko if she saw me right now.

"Big bro… you're dripping with soda…," Nanako had finally stopped laughing.

"Thanks…," Souji muttered sarcastically. He asked, "Can you help me out?"

Nanako did her best to put on a straight face, "I'll get some paper towels, okay?"

"Thanks a lot," Souji was sincere this time as Nanako left to get paper towels. Souji turned his attention to Teddie, who was still on the floor, and in a much serious tone, said, "Fat lot of help you are." He added, "Don't you need to get back to work?"

Souji finally got rid of the laughing whatever-you-want-to call him, but he did not think it would help much.

Great, when he goes back to work, he will just tell Yosuke. I will never live this down.

Thankfully, Nanako arrived a minute later with paper towels. He hurriedly tried to dry off as fast as he could. What was better was that she had brought some paper towels that she had soaked as well. She was really smart and caring. He did his best, but he still thought like he smelled like grape soda.

"Don't you have to meet with Yukiko-chan in a few minutes, Big bro?" Nanako asked as Souji used up the last paper towel.

Shit, I almost forgot!

Souji stood up and moved around the table. He asked hurriedly, "Are you sure you are going to be okay?"

Nanako nodded, "It'll be like going home from school."

I don't feel completely sure about letting her go off on her own, but I know she will be adamant about her decision. Ever since last November…

"Be careful," Souji said, trying to think of someone who could walk with her. He asked, "Are you sure you don't want me to find someone to walk home with you?"

Nanako shook her head in response, standing up as well. She replied, "I'll be okay." His cousin had obviously no recollection of what had happened to her when she in the TV. The memories… of being kidnapped… they fade away and disappear.

Souji even thought about asking Yosuke if he could borrow Teddie from his job just to walk Nanako home. This was Teddie! Souji had no recourse but to let Nanako go on her way and head towards the bus stop in the Southern Shopping District.

At the bus stop, Souji had a chance to recollect and reminisce about his past time with Yukiko. Towards the end of their mystery-solving last year, Souji became romantically involved with Yukiko. It was both a fulfilling and wild couple of months where he had watched his girlfriend yell at news reporters for belittling her inn and being jackasses in general. There were plenty of times where the pair of them snuck off, hiding away from the troubles of the murders and other worries to 'have fun'. Souji's relationship with Yukiko culminated on Christmas Eve. It was a time he would never forget. All things come to an end, however, when Souji left for his hometown for the beginning of his final school year.

Do I still care for her as much as she cares for me? I don't know. Ehh… I wasn't sure about accepting this 'thing' in the first place, but still…

Souji sighed as he looked around him, waiting for Yukiko. A lone male high school student was standing off to the side; he was probably not waiting for the bus, but instead loitering for the hell of it. In the other direction was the gas station from the dark pits that had sent Souji onto the fast track of toil and suffering for an excruciating period of time.

If I knew what I wanted… I could find something to take my mind off what I have to do every once in a while…

Though Souji was still unsure about just how much he wanted to be here, he was still a bit relieved when Yukiko stepped off the red bus. If it ended up being that much of a bother in the end, it would be over soon enough and Souji could get back to fighting for his life.

Clad in black and red with a short skirt, Yukiko smiled at Souji as soon as she saw him and moved quickly towards the silver-haired young man. She met him three-fourths of the way and said, "Thanks for meeting me today, Souji-kun."

"Of course, Yukiko-chan," Souji responded. He had no idea what this meeting, date, or whatever the hell this was; he had no idea what it entailed. There was only way to find out.

Where are we going?

Souji tried to answer his thoughts by asking, "So… where do you want to go today?"

It looked like Yukiko had a plan, but she was thinking better of it. After a few seconds, she responded to Souji, "Let's go to Samegawa. The bench by the Floodplains?"

Souji nodded and said, "Okay then…"

"Can we go through the Shopping District?" Yukiko asked him.

"I guess…," Souji answered.

She just wants to walk by Marukyu with me. Make Rise jealous as she strolls by… It's all so pointless.

Yukiko's smile widened as she started to walk past Souji, but not before tugging at his white short-sleeved button-up. The silver-haired young man had no choice but to follow Yukiko at a very close distance as she pulled him away from the bus station and the Moel Gas Station; he was only a few centimeters from having his arm brush up against hers.

Yukiko did not have her fingers on his shirt, but Souji believed she would try and keep him around if did not follow her. The two of them passed Yomenaido, the small bookstore, and then the room only Souji could see; it was the Velvet Room. Walking slowly, they passed Daidara's and to the store Souji thought that Yukiko really wanted to pass by.

Well… here is Marukyu…

Marukyu Tofu was where Rise Kujikawa worked and lived with her grandmother, and it was where Souji spent a few excruciating minutes last night. It was excruciating in the fact that he was left confused and unsure about himself, while Rise was left melancholy and downright lost.

That was why as they walked, Souji looked close to see if Rise was in viewing distance. He really did not want her to be there; he hurt the girls' feelings often enough already and he did not want it make any worse than it already was. Yukiko appeared to be looking for Rise as well; Yukiko wanted her to see the two of them together. Luckily for Souji, he did not see the young idol working in Marukyu at the moment.

Thank god… I don't see Rise…

The lack of Rise in the area lifted Souji's spirits slightly. After passing the tofu store, Yukiko picked up her pace and forced Souji to increase his tempo to keep up. They quickly moved by the Shiroku Store and into the second half of the Shopping District.

I wonder if Yukiko is disappointed that she could not walk by Rise with me.

At the rate Yukiko was taking through the Northern Shopping District, Souji barely noticed Aiya's or Tatsuhime Shrine. Souji did, however, notice Tatsumi Textiles.

I wonder how Naoto and Kanji are doing right now.

By the time the pair of them reached the Samegawa Floodplains, Souji felt a little winded. He snuck a glance at Yukiko; she looked slightly out of breath as well. Souji could hear the flowing Samegawa River, moving listlessly in the summer. He almost wished it was spring as Yukiko led him to the covered bench at the Floodplains. Truthfully, he did not need to follow her, but… he did agree to this 'date' or whatever it was.

Souji sat down on the bench when he reached it and Yukiko sat next to him. With the two of them sitting side-by-side, Souji was glad she did not have a boxed lunch for him to try… he hoped. Yukiko suddenly shifted her weight to her right side and placed her head on Souji's left shoulder, surprising him for only a moment.

"Souji-kun…," Yukiko's voice was soft and kind; he had not heard that tone since April.

Souji was not sure how to respond, mainly because this was how Yukiko acted when they were together. He finally said in a calming voice, "Yukiko-chan… What do you plan on doing when I leave Inaba after this mission?"

"I… I don't really know," Yukiko sighed, but finally answered, "Wait for you to return…"

How do you know I am going to return to Inaba when I don't know even know that I truly love you.

"I see…," Souji said, acting ambiguous as possible.

Yukiko tried to wrap her right arm around his left and asked, "What do you plan to do after you finish school?"

I'm not sure, more school? In what though?

"I guess… University… somewhere, doing something," Souji answered.

"That sounds interesting," Yukiko said, "I hope you come back to Inaba soon."

I might… just I really don't know if I will for you.

Souji did not really know why Yukiko was having this discussion with him now; the mission of fixing the TV world was nowhere near finished, and until then… he was not leaving. It was a discussion Souji did not really want to have.

"Yukiko-chan…," Souji turned his head slightly, "How would you feel if I never came back?" There was a good chance Souji would not return to Inaba after high school. Why should he?

Yukiko frowned, "I don't think… I said I'd inherit the Inn, remember? It is up to you, after all."

Of course… she's inheriting the Amagi Inn, and if I don't come back to Inaba... where does that leave her?

"Nothing is easy to figure out, understand," Souji said to himself.

The rest of the discussion between the two of them was quiet and more of the same. Though, the direction of some of the conversation was more direct and less affectionate by Yukiko. The Persona-user with the popped collar was able to detach himself from Yukiko at the end of the conversation, removing her arm from his; Souji forced Yukiko to lift her head off his shoulder as well.

With the conversation over and the two of them physically linked no more, Souji stood up from the bench, with Yukiko following suit. Staring into Yukiko's eyes, he said to her, "I will see you tomorrow, Yukiko-chan."

Yukiko nodded and smiled, "Thanks… Souji-kun…"

As Souji was turning, he could tell Yukiko wanted to reach out and touch his hand, but Souji would not let her. He was far too… he could not get too committed to anyone. He would see all of the others tomorrow. It would be tough enough to face Rise, and now… he would have to face Yukiko.

Souji's gait to the Residential District was far slower than it was when Yukiko was driving the tempo. Regardless, Souji made it well before the sun set. Dojima was not present when he opened the door, but his favorite younger cousin was present. He greeted Nanako and helped her make dinner. It improved his mood greatly to eat with her while watching TV and spend some quality time with her. Eventually, Nanako went to bed and Souji was free to shower to get rid of the grape-like smell that was still somewhat emanating from his hair. He had a lot of work ahead of him for tomorrow, but he still headed to the couch and read a little of an unfinished novel. In the alter Tokyo, Souji would wait for more orders by Akemi and hope for some good news by Amane; it would depend on what comes for Souji tomorrow.

As Souji shut his book, he heard a car pull in past the residence; it meant that Souji's uncle had finally returned. Souji thought about greeting him, but decided against it. Dojima would probably be grumpy and annoyed after working for so long, and Souji thought he should rest. Leaving his uncle alone, Souji stood up from the couch and pulled the covers of his futon back. He slipped in and tried to get some meaningful rest.

Souji was not bothered by a trip to the Velvet Room, or any other scary dreams that threatened his rest. As he dressed in an old Yasogami summer uniform, he grabbed his trusty baseball bat and put his silver COMP in his left shirt pocket. As he headed down the steps, both Nanako and Dojima were waiting for him.

"Good morning, Big bro!" Nanako greeted, making toast and eggs as usual.

"Morning, Souji," Dojima nodded. He was sitting at the table in the kitchen, across from where Nanako was making breakfast.

"Good morning, Dojima-san, Little sis…" Souji greeted his uncle first, and then Nanako before taking a seat next to the red-tie wearing man with flecks of gray in his hair. He placed his bat beneath his seat.

Dojima seemed to have notice the bat, because he asked, "Are you playing baseball today?"

"Something like that," Souji answered with his eyes darting back and forth.

I'm going to hit something.

Souji swore he saw Dojima smirk when his uncle responded, "I won't ask…"

It seemed that Dojima did not want to bother with what Souji was going to do, considering that Souji had saved Nanako through suspicious reasons. If he was going to do something, Dojima did not want the details.

Nanako pulled out the just-finished toast and walked over with the plates of eggs and toast. She placed the plates in front of her dad and cousin, "Here you go, Big bro."

"Thanks," Souji nodded.

Souji ate his breakfast expediently and thanked Nanako again for the meal. "I'm going now," he said as he stood from his seat, while picking up his bat simultaneously.

"Take care," Dojima said as he looked at his nephew, and then added, "I may not be back tonight, so take care of Nanako for me, will you?"

"I will…," Souji responded and then turned to Nanako, "Goodbye, Little sis."

Nanako smiled, "Bye, Big bro!"

After Souji left the Dojima Residence, he took yesterday's Yukiko-like pace to reach the Junes Electronics Department. Thankfully, there were very few people around the Electronics' Department, and no one around by the TVs. Again, no one was present by the covered bench or the largest TV when he got there, so Souji entered the TV by himself.

Souji was used to having many of the other Persona-users already in the alter Tokyo, or in the first of the five holes that had formed in the TV world. That was the case, as he landed in the TV world, the only two Souji saw were Naoto and Kanji. The two of them were standing at least two meters apart. Naoto did not look amused.

Are they having a lovers' quarrel?

Souji decided to walk over to the person he was closer to, which was Naoto. As Souji moved towards her, the female detective in a light blue button-up with a yellow tie noticed him and turned. Her expression brightened slightly, but he could tell that it was still darkened.

"What's wrong, Naoto-kun?" Souji asked, looking down to Naoto, "Did something go wrong yesterday?" Naoto had reluctantly agreed to a soiree with Kanji, who had a crush on her, yesterday. It probably went as well as the 'date' Souji had with Yukiko, just worse.

Naoto sighed, "At least he tried to treat me nice… and talk to me this time."

Oh dear… what's up with her today?

"Why don't we just head towards the 'hole' and we can talk about it later, okay?" Souji said.

Naoto nodded and Souji moved away from her to move southeast. Souji was going to where Yukiko's castle used to be, but before he could reach the 'hole', he was stopped by Kanji. The very tall shock-blond young man had an almost threatening look on his face. Souji raised an eyebrow as he faced Kanji and stared straight at him.

And what's up with him? What's up with both of them today?

"Umm… Kanji?" Souji did not like using the –kun suffix around him.

"I don't want you hitting on Naoto anymore, okay?" Kanji told Souji.

Souji had just lowered his eyebrow only to raise it again after hearing Kanji's demand. He replied, "O…kay… I'll try not hit on her," Souji never thought he really hit on Naoto; it was not like he even knew if he liked Naoto in the first place, so he did not even have a reason to hit on Naoto.

"Just letting you know," Kanji said.

"Right…," Souji said with a fleck of undetectable sarcasm.

With not being hindered by Kanji, Souji finished his short walk to where Yukiko's castle used to stand. In its place stood a dark, sinking 'hole' that enveloped everything in its path. Souji swallowed and moved towards the 'hole', ready to be taken to the alter Tokyo, and if it was the same as the last two times… Roppongi.

Now… to get my emails from Akemi, hopefully very soon.

Souji put his left hand into the 'hole'; it immediately started to envelope the rest of his body. He turned his head momentarily to see Kanji, in his black tank top right behind him. Souji turned back, just in time for the 'hole' to cover his head.

I have been sick and very busy. Hopefully you have enjoyed reading this and if you want more, tell me what you want. The action returns next chapter and in full force. We are nearing the end of this world, so enjoy it while it lasts.