Holy fucking shit ass outta my mind, I took WAY too long to make this. Stupid writer's block setting in mixed with laziness... Anyways, here's Chapter 10...
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Chapter 10
Samegawa Flood Plain, Early Morning, 04/19
As me and Narukami walk down the flood plain road to school again, a male student in a what seems to be like a jock outfit passed us by, going next to a guy in dark blue hair wearing the traditional school uniform. They appear to have an interesting conversation, so we stuck close, eavesdropping slightly.
"Yo." The jock said. "Oh, sup? Got morning practice or something?" The dark-blue haired guy responded to him. As we heard more of the two talking, a certain topic came to their minds. "You know how guys can join the sports club starting now, right? I thought, if I ran, it'll make for some good promotion, eh?" the jock inquired. Sighing, the dark haired boy responded, "Dude, if you run around in that outfit, how're people going to know which club you at?" The jock was shocked, finally realizing that. "I…never thought about it, actually." he said in dismay. His friend could not help but laugh. "That so classic you. I hope that our club gets some fresh blood too. It gets everyone hyped!" he said. "You guys not going to try and get some people to sign up?" the jock inquired. "Dunno about that. Everyone was suggesting they want a girl to be our manager, though. But enough about that! Let's stop by the shrine in the shopping district on the way home today! Might as well pray for some newbies to show up, right?" his friend replied. "We're seriously leaving it up to God, now? Ah, fuck it. I'm game. Oh, right, heard of that rumor? About that thing that lives in the shrine?" the jock told his friend. "Yeah. Wonder if it's true, though?" his friend responded, wondering.
"So, Narukami, planning to join some sports club? I'm not gonna, since it'll interfere with most of my own life and all. Got a lot of games to be playing, you know?" I said to him, knowing that sports will bore me, mostly because I got more strenuous and more fun activities than what sports could give me. I'm a craftsman, for crying out loud! I make stuff! Out of other stuff! Which requires a lot more manpower than you think! Narukami replied, "Dunno, checking them out today after school, plus that shrine rumor sounds interesting to me, checking out that too." "Ah, well, good luck with that. Anyways, we gotta head for class, come on!" I said, running ahead of him. He just nodded, and followed suit.
Brenwing Residence (aka My House), Evening, 04/19
"Man, I'm so bored!" I whined, because after flooring some scrubs in fighting games, I pretty much had nothing to do. My homework was done, my Trick Batons were maintained, everything was good. Then I saw a Japanese slide door, the one they use in some houses. That door had led to an empty room which I never use. Come to think of it…That room's empty, and Dojima said I could do whatever I want with that room, so…I got it! I thought, a revelation coming through me. I went to my laptop. "Time to remold the house into a lair!" I said, ordering some stuff online. This is gonna help the team later, I know it. After that, I hit the sack.
Samegawa Flood Plain, Early Morning, 04/20
"Yo, Yu, Tyzell!" Yosuke called out to us while we're walking to school. "Wanted to ask you guys something." he said. "Yeah? What's on your mind?" I asked him. "You know how we can enter TV's now? Have any of you guys tried sticking your hands in when the TV's still running? And by that, I mean when the Midnight Channel's up." he inquired. "Oh, yeah, I did." Narukami replied. "Nah, man. Ain't risking myself getting possibly bitten again." I answered. "Cool, cool. Interesting. So you couldn't go to the place shown on the TV? Shame, that means my idea of a shortcut to where Yukiko is won't work." Yosuke said. "If you think about it, it's kinda good that doesn't happen, actually. And I'm not saying that because of the easy income source. We get to train which means if we got strong enough, we can just one-shot Yukiko's Shadow, though seeing how she's some sort of boss, I doubt that's gonna happen." I told Yosuke, explaining why, besides the good income (Seriously, the money I earn is good compared to any other part-time job.), taking the long way to find Yukiko is a good option. "Plus, even if the shortcut works, we're possibly hilariously underpowered to her that a sneeze from her might kill us, so no." I continued.
"Fine." Yosuke gave up from looking into an argument. "Looks like we gotta suck it up and march straight on ahead into the castle. Not like we'd complain, Yukiko-san has it WORSE than us!" he added. "Damn straight. We got this, right Narukami?" I asked him. "Right, Tyzell. We'll save her." he answered, as we arrive at school, and on time too.
Yasogami High: Class 2-2, Afternoon, 04/20
Today's teacher was…an odd one, to be fair. He had droopy hair, ridiculous glasses and a puppet that looks like him. He's like a real life Mr. Garrison from South Park. I had the urge to make a gay joke, but I resisted myself.
"Alright, aaalright. Settle down, everybody. Class is now in session." the teacher said in a dull voice. "My name's Mr. Hosoi, and in this class, you'll learn about contemporary writing. We'll have fun learning this subject." he introduced himself. "I know this is off topic for a second, but what's the point of applying for colleges outside Inaba? Why even bother at all, I say? Nothing ever good comes out of competing with city-folk. The countryside is all you ever need." he said. Well, it's because more profitable jobs are out there. Sadly, this is the truth of the country against the illustrious city. I thought.
"Well, since this is our first lesson, why don't you show me how much you already know, eh? Now then…how many parts are there in Murakami's novel "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle"? Hana-chan, I'm calling on you because I get the feeling you're not much of a reader." Mr. Hosoi said, calling out Yosuke. "Hey! I read! I mean, not books, but…" he responded, but later whispered to Narukami, "Hey, help me out here!" as if he's slightly doubting his answer. Nevertheless, Narukami just sighed and whispered back, "Three." Yosuke said the answer, and Mr. Hosoi responded with, "Very good, Hana-chan! Either you are more literary than you let on, or that was a lucky guess. Now, a fun fact. "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" was released as three separate stories. It's the eighth out of his twelve literary works. His latest one, "1Q84", was published in 2009. And it's first printing sold out on the very first day it was sold! And that's not counting all his short stories and essays, but I don't have enough time to get into right now."
"Whew, thanks Yu, you're a lifesaver, man." Yosuke said to him. Hmm, a fact I don't know about. Must be getting smarter by the day, I thought, as I also got a lot smarter, knowing that fact. Also, is it just me, or is it Yu's getting slightly more open than he already was?
Yasogami High: Class 2-2, After School, 04/20
"Okay guys, ready to rescue Yukiko?" Narukami asked Chie, Yosuke, and I. "Hell yeah! Let's do this!" Chie responded. "Alright! To Junes, to assess the plan before going in!" Yosuke said. "First: Yosuke, that was too long. Second: I don't think we need the food court as a base anymore." I said, confusing everyone. "Wait, what do you mean by that?" Chie said, obviously confused. "Let's go to my house. There, I can show you something…awesome. It's not what you think, by the way." I said to them. "Okay then, let's go and see, team. Whatever he has planned, it could be both outrageous or really useful. And honestly, after the Trick Batons, I'd wanna see what he could create." Narukami said. "Alright then, let's move." I said, as the team headed to my house.
Brenwing Residence (aka My House), After School, 04/20
As they stepped into my place, they were in awe. "Wow, you're place is certainly…decorated." Yosuke commented, as the living room looked way too modern, the kitchen too good, and the others, well…the amenities were certainly better than what would you expect in a typical Japanese home. "Where'd you get the time to do that stuff?" Narukami asked. "Well, using the money I earned fighting Shadows on my spare time-" I said, before someone interrupted. "YOU FOUGHT SHADOWS ON YOUR OWN TIME?!" Yosuke yelled at me. "Don't worry, I brought Teddie along. I didn't get lost. Anyways, using the money, I was able to buy, fix up the house, you know, stuff. What, you think I'd spend all my money in games? You crazy, guys. Now, before I give you the complete house tour, let me show the reason why we're here." I said as we arrive to a normal Japanese slide door. "Behold…" I said as I opened the door to reveal…
Brenwing Residence (aka My House): Investigation Room, After School, 04/20
"The new lair of the Investigation Team, the Investigation Room!" I introduced to them, as everyone's jaw dropped at the sight of it. It was certainly a room I purposefully differ from the others. The room was big, big enough for a conference for 9, with of course, table included with a leader chair over at the very end. There was a gigantic computer on the left wall, of which I overclocked and setup so that in a way, the computer itself can technically "see" the Midnight Channel, and calculate coordinates all across Mayonaka. The lighting was magnificent, and of course, there was a fridge, and various other stuff for fun.
"Okay, I've heard of taking things too far, Tyzell, but this is WAY TOO FAR! Like, corporation-level too far!" Yosuke said in shock. "Where did you get enough time to set all of this up?!" Chie said, almost the same feeling as Yosuke. "Well, first, yesterday, I had to express order a bunch of stuff. Hefty sum, that was. Then, on the morning before school, like, way too early, they arrived, and took time to make the room before going to school. Since I'm a craftsman, this is what you get." I explained about the room's creation.
"Alright, Tyzell. Show me how this room will help us." Narukami said, unfazed. "Well, even with your jaw dropped, you're still unfazed. Well, this room provides efficient findings of people on the Midnight Channel via computer, also we got a holo-table I set up using various strings of code and Shadow loot that Narukami gave me before selling it to Daidara for new weaponry." I said, giving them the tour. "Oh, so that's why you asked for it the other day." Narukami said. "No, not only that Narukami, but then again, updates on items that can be made with Shadow loot will be received soon. Anyways, the holo-table is used to set up game plans for each floor, including boss floors. Based on the info we got, we can assume that Yukiko is on the top floor, since that's where a very important boss-fight usually happens." I continued, as the holo-table showed an exact replica of Yukiko's dungeon, with all floor layouts included. "Wow…" Chie said in amazement.
"Then, I had the comfort of installing Tele-Chairs, chairs that will instantly teleport us to a safe spot in Junes near the entrance TV so that NO one can see us coming in. Thank Yosuke for that, by the way." I said. "Huh, guess I did something useful." Yosuke said, rubbing the back of his head. "Then, there are the others. A fridge for drinks, a replicator for food using Shadow-fused technology, great ventilation, and so on and so forth." I said, ending my tour. "A replicator? Doesn't that exist in only sci-fi movies? But then again, you did say Shadow-fused technology, so it's possible. At least Chie will always get her steak now, so hey, Yosuke's saved." Narukami said. "Seriously, thanks, Tyzell, I think my wallet can't handle it anymore." Yosuke whispered to me.
"Okay, now that we're done with the tour and the planning will take up too much time now, let's get on our Tele-Chairs. Narukami, your chair's the obvious throne-looking one, Chie, you'll be sitting in front of Yosuke while I sit next to him, so, yeah." I said, assigning ourselves to each position. As we sat, I said, "Now guys, open your armrest to the left." They did, and they found a button. "Now, press it." I said, as we pressed the button, teleporting us to Junes.
Junes Department Store, After School, 04/20
"Wow, that was something." Yosuke said as we arrived at the TV after walking out of our safe spot moments after teleporting. "I know, I got the chills a bit, but then here we are." Chie acknowledged him. "Enough guys, let's just head into the TV." I said, as we headed in back to Mayonaka.
Mayonaka Lobby, After School, 04/20
"You guys are late!" Teddie said when we arrived at Mayonaka. "Sorry, had to show something awesome to the guys." I explained to him. "I was gonna cry when you guys didn't show time." the bear responded. "Teddie, there's no time for tears." Narukami said. "Huh? No time for tears? Not even for wiping them?" Teddie questioned. "Teddie, lost girl, remember?" I said to it. "Oh, yeah, right! Time to go save that lost girl! I'll take you to the castle!" Teddie acknowledged. "Much appreciated." I replied, thanking him, as he lead us back to Yukiko's Castle.
Yukiko's Castle: 2F, After School, 04/20
After recapping Chie on Persona usage (her element was Ice, pretty weird considering) and how to use them effectively along with armed (or in this case, unarmed) combat, we decided to go back to the last floor we've been, all the while kicking Shadow ass and gaining loot. (Narukami remarked that despite my lack of Persona, I was a skilled combatant. Unsurprising, given I had to train here to earn money.)
"Careful guys, I sense a presence in there." Teddie said as we approached the door. "Wait, haven't we beaten Chie's Shadow? There's no way something's in there!" Yosuke asked, confused. "Unless…an encounter, a pre-boss encounter with the boss itself, should I say." I said to him. Which means Shadow Yukiko is right behind that door. I speculated. We opened a door to find a princess-like figure standing, but I can sense it emanating a dark aura. Nailed it. I thought.
"Yukiko?" Chie said, hoping that the figure was her best friend. We approached her, slowly. "Yukiko-san, are you okay?" Yosuke asked. That ain't her. You should know by now that the damsel in distress isn't rescued this early. I thought, given that I was the only one not to fall for her ruse. The figure didn't respond. "Yukiko…what's wrong?" This time, Chie asked, worried. Then, the laugh gave it all away. The distorted, evil laugh that all Shadows gave.
"Oh my, special guests? I wonder how they'll play into all this?" Shadow Yukiko said, her voice is as bit as crass or unsophisticated, a voice that unnerved me a bit, to say the least. After a chuckle, she continued. "Things are really heating up! Okie-dokie! I'm going back to hunt that Prince Charming of mine! Oh, where could he be? This place is so huge, and so exciting, yet it makes it sooo hard to find him! Ooh, maybe he's just probably playing hide and seek in all this fog! Ready or not, here I come!" This Shadow's crazier than Gasai Yuno! And that's lacking the kill-crazy part! I thought. She then said, "Let's go further in, shall we?" as the title "Princess Yukiko's Hunt For Her Prince Charming!" appeared above her. Everyone acknowledged this.
"The hell is THAT?!" Yosuke asked, confused by the spectacle, although Chie was slightly unfazed by it. "You're not Yukiko…who are you?!" she asked the figure. Took THAT long to figure it out, didn't ya? I thought, my smart-ass side trying to get it out in words to lighten the mood. This did not faze the Shadow at all, though. "What are you talking about? I'm Yukiko, and Yukiko is me." it said after chuckling. "No! Don't tell me, are you…Where's the real Yukiko?!" she asked after her gasp of realization. Then, out of nowhere, voices, voices filled the room, and they sound like voices of a crowd, like a crowd wanting more and more. "What's with these voices?" Yosuke asked again in confusion. "The Shadows are getting agitated!" Teddie addressed us the situation at hand.
"Well, I'm off again! Hm hm, you'd better be waiting with bells on, my dear Prince!" the Shadow said before taking off. "Hey, get back here, you windbag!" I said, but it was too late, it took off. "That clearly wasn't the real Yukiko, so it had to be.." Chie said before I chipped in. "Well, I did say this was a pre-boss encounter." "Yeah, I think it was. It must've been the other part of herself." Teddie said. "Just like what happened to us…" Yosuke replied, thinking. "But…I don't think she's just excited for nothing…The real Yukiko wants to show something to us, I can feel it. It's hard to explain, but it seems like she has a real strong connection to this castle. This is a lot more dangerous than I thought…" it continued.
"Holy shit, Teddie, you just made a logical hypothesis. To simplify what I'm about to say to all of you, this dungeon, the form that Shadow Yukiko took, even the kind of show she was on…it's a manifestation of her hidden desires…something that she hides from everyone for a specific reason…all we have to do now is find out…and to find out, we have to hear it straight from word of mouth…thanks, Teddie, you really helped." I said. "Aw, it's nothing, Tyzell, it's just a hunch I made…nothing special about it." the bear responded gleefully. "Alright, now, let's move on, Yosuke and-where the hell's Chie?" I said, turns out, in my explanation, Chie had been gone ahead the moment the bear mentioned danger. "Aw crap! She went ahead again! And we just told her about this! Come on, let's catch up after her!" Yosuke said, and we bolted off, trying to catch up to her.
Brenwing Residence (aka My House), Evening, 04/20
After another exciting adventure (we got close to 5F before Narukami decided to retreat for the day due to fatigue), we went home, and of course, I maintained the Investigation Room before going to bed…after all that nonsense, we needed a rest. But before that, a voice came to my head.
"Aw, man. This is boring. I wish he would just continue more than end it on a stupid cliffhanger…this sucks…" the voice called out. It does sound like a girl…in fact, that was the same voice as the female in my vision. I would question it right now, but fuck it, I'm tired. I hit the hay after closing the Investigation Room door. This rescue's gonna get longer and nuttier as it goes on, isn't it?
Cliffhanger ending! Also, TWO DAYS in one chapter, what the balls is this?!
Explanation time:
Q: Why ditch the food court for a secret, in-house base?
A: It's an original idea I brought up to the plate. While the food court had it's charm to it, it felt less accomodating. (What with the entire fucking mall being full half the time, you'd think people would be suspicious of high schoolers going there, taking the same table, and talking like some cult-like shit, and even MORE when the fox and Teddie join in.) I decided that, while the Investigation Room feels too generic, it has it's own charm over time. Eventually, you won't even notice the generic-ness anymore. Plus, I feel like making new ideas, to divert from the fanfics of yore.
Q: Why does Tyzell not join a sports club? Don't tell me he just-
A: YES, he trains by kicking Shadow ass, and it's explained! GOD DAMMIT. Anyways, I did that to cut down Social Links again. Like I said, the Social Links will be restricted to the Investigation Team, and its members.
Q: Why do we have to tolerate these long waiting times?
A: You can read other fanfics while you wait. There are some great ones out there. This is simply a test gone right, and now I'd wanna see it through. Just please bear with me on this. The fic is not on hiatus, and it never will be. But college and other stuff bothered me a lot lately, so sorry.
Stay tuned for Chapter 11, where we HOPEFULLY FACE SHADOW YUKIKO AND HOPEFULLY END THIS! Seriously, I hate barring. Stay strong! -TrickyFanWriter
