I'LL KILL HIM
"M-Minazuki?" Kou questioned as he pulled himself "H-Hang on...you're..."
"Indeed...I am Sho Minazuki"
"So you are the one behind it all!"
"You're the one throwing people into the TV!" Kou shouted
"Not exactly accurate, but nevertheless..." Minazuki led on "I brought you here so we could talk"
"W-What the hell do you want with me you bastard!" Kou roared, backing away slightly as he saw two swords sheathed on Minazuki's hips
"I want you...to help me..." Was his simple statement
"Help you?!" Kou spluttered "Like hell you bastard!"
"Why not?...Don't you want Yu Narukami dead?" Minazuki asked
"W-What? N-No!" Kou shouted "I-I-I don't want dead! I-"
"You despise him with every inch of your being..." Minazuki reminded "But that world...the one you want where he never took her...it can happen...we can make it happen..."
"Y-You mean that world without love crap?!" Kou snapped "Like hell, like you-Wait, how did you know about that...and what do you mean we?"
"He means...I" Came another voice that walked towards Kou
"W-Who are you?" Kou asked
"I know you Kou Ichijo..." The voice of the Gas Station Attendant rang "And I know what you will do to secure what you want...you cannot have Chie Satonaka...so why should Yu Narukami?"
"It's..." Kou muttered "It's..."
"Do you accept the fact that you lost her?" The Attendant asked "Do you accept the fact that you will never have her...?"
...
"I..."
"Your hesitation has already provided us with the answer" The Attendant stated "We can make that world where your pain doesn't exist...we can stop the pain..."
"Damn it, I'm not going to kill him!" Kou roared
"If that is what you think..." The Attendant stated as he walked towards Kou "Then allow me to give you a glimpse"
"Wha-!" Kou gasped as his head began to pound "Argh! W-What did you do to me?!"
"All we desire Kou Ichijo...is to change the world..." The Attendant stated as Kou fell to his knee's "And you can help us..."
"You will join us Kou Ichijo..." Minazuki stated "You will kill Yu Narukami..."
"I have given you a glimpse of the world you desire..." The Attendant stated as Kou fell to his knee's, various visions running through the boys head "You can feel it can't you...?"
"I..." Kou muttered as he saw vision after vision, each one of a peaceful world... "I...won't be tricked by the two of you"
"There are not two of us..." The Attendant stated as he pointed his gaze towards the shadows "There are three of us"
Kou proceeded to follow his gaze and eyed a figure covered by the darkness
"Who...who is that?" Kou asked
"That is the man you truly seek...the one who murdered Mayumi Yamano...and Saki Konishi, Ai Ebihara...he did it" The Attendant stated
"W-What?!" Kou gasped as he gazed at shadowy figure "W-Who are you?!"
"That is not important...look at those visions I gave you...do you honestly not believe that is a better world?" The Attendant asked "That world...would not only benefit you...it would benefit mankind..."
"I..." Kou muttered once
"Give it a few days of thought..." The Attendant stated as he stood up "But of course...if you tell anyone about us...we will have to kill you..."
And with that, in a reverse of the events that just occurred, Kou fell outcold and awoke within his home
JULY 31/ JUNES
"So what do we do now?" Yu asked "Minazuki is out there somewhere and we can't do anything"
"It all really depends on whether or not Mitsuru-san allows Labrys to stay here..." Yukiko sighed "At least it's peaceful for now...We really went through a lot…"
"Like scoring with guys!" Teddie piped in
"Oh, come on!" Yukiko groaned "Will you ever let it go?"
"What…? Scoring with guys!?" Kanju spluttered
"Y-You don't need to know the details." Yukiko stuttered "I'm sure you'd like us to forget the sauna incident too… right, Kanji-kun?"
"Urgh…W-Well…" Kanji gulped
"That's not fair…" Rise whined "I wanted to see everyone else's too!"
"That's right. We three are the only ones who saw everyone's secret." Chie noted before turning to Yu "Hey, so what was Yosuke's like? C'mon, it's about time you told us."
"Wha-Hey!" Yosuke shouted
"Pretty much like the rest" Yu shrugged
"Y-Yeah! Okay! Let's leave it at that" Yosuke stated in exasperation before he too turned to the silver haired leader "Speaking of which, nothing really happened in your case, huh?"
"No...and I still don't get it" Yu sighed
"Really…Wait, really?" Rise questioned "Is there something special about Senpai after all?"
"Sensei is da man!" Teddie cheered
...
"Hey, why don't we have a celebration?" Rise suggested "After that Grand Prix business, I'd say we earned a break..."
"Oooh, a party! That sounds great! Let's go all out!" Chie said happily
"Ooh, ooh! I wanna go to Yuki-chan's house!" Teddie piped in "Gorgeous dinner, hot springs, table tennis, yukata! Geisha, Fujiyama, full wootness!"
"You're right, Yukiko-senpai's family runs a hot springs inn…" Kanji noted before a blush slowly crept onto his cheeks "A-A hot spring that…Yukiko-senpai bathes in too…?"
"Hey, keep it to yourself…" Yosuke groaned "You're sounding like a creep."
"I-It sounds fun, but I don't think it'll be possible" Yukiko said sadly
"Yeah, it's summer vacation. All the rooms must be occupied..." Chie noted
"We can't do a sleepover…?" Teddie pouted
"Maybe next time. I promise." Yukiko smiled
"Hey, why don't we hit your place instead?" Yosuke suggested "Oh, but will your uncle get suspicious? Like, why are you all celebrating?"
"I'm sure my Mom wouldn't mind" Yu shrugged "Besides, I think Uncle is working late tonight"
"Then it's settled." Yosuke nodded "Nanako-chan can join in, too."
"Oh yeah, if your uncle's a detective, he might not come home tonight…" Chie observed "Nanako-chan might be getting hungry."
"Hey, then why don't we make dinner together?" Yukiko suggested
"Wow…are you good at cooking, Senpai?" Rise asked
"W-Well…sort of?" Chie shrugged
"What are you saying?!" Yosuke shrieked "Did you already forget the tragedy of the school campout!?"
"W-We already told you that was an accident!" Chie snapped
"She's right! We just got a couple of the ingredients wrong!" Yukiko defended
"Guys, please don't do this, I'm begging you…I don't need another trauma to deal with…" Yosuke begged
"Hey, I'm a good cook too!" Rise added "I'll make something for you, Senpai."
"Tadaaaah! Teddie has a great idea!" He shouted as he popped up "Let's have a cooking battle! The winner will be crowned Iron Cook Inaba!"
"A cooking battle? Now I'm even more worried…" Yosuke groaned
"S-Sure, that sounds like fun." Chie muttered
"Aww, but I'll win hands-down. You sure you want to make it that easy?" Rise giggled
"Dude, listen to me, for the sake of our stomachs, you have to cook something too..." Yosuke begged Yu "Help us Yu Narukami! You're our only hope"
"Well...I guess" Yu shrugged
"Then you can represent the guys' team." Chie smiled, aware of Yu's cooking skills "Nanako-chan will be our judge!"
"I can be a taster too!" Kanji stated
"Teddie can be a tester too!" He added "At the end, you're supposed to say, That was delicious! right?"
"Woo! I'm getting all fired up!" Chie cheered "Alright! Let us advance forth into the grocery section downstairs! Chaaaarge!"
"Dojima residence...oh hi!" Nanako greeted "Yeah, he said he's gonna be late today, but Auntie Motoko is here...huh…? Dinner? You're all going to cook?"
"Ask Nanako-chan what she wants for dinner!" Chie asked Yu
"What do I want…? Um…Anything's fine."
"She's just being modest! Ask her again." Yukiko stated
"Well, umm…an omelette. I wanna eat omelette with fried rice...okay, I'll be waiting!"
"Fried rice omelette…an excellent choice, Nanako-chan. With a dish that simple, I doubt we'll get a second helping of Mystery Food X." Yosuke stated before noticing the nervous expressions on Chie and Yukiko's faced "Huh? What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing." Chie defended "Alright, let's go get our ingredients."
"Uh…If they're all making the same thing, why are they splitting up to different parts of the market…?" Yosuke questioned as the girls took off in different directions before he turned to Yu"Looks like you'll need all the help I can give you…hey, what kind of omelette are you making? I'll go get the ingredients for ya."
"Well..." Yu began to list and soon the girls returned with their itmes
"Foie Gras?!" Yosuke gasped as Rise put it in the card
"Quite an eye you got there, Senpai." Rise giggled "It's a must-have for my special omelette Don't worry, I'll let you have a taste. Ooh, or maybe I could spoon feed you. I heard last time you choked down something so awful that words couldn't describe it…"
"It was horrible…" Yosuke and Yu muttered in unison
"You poor dears…who would do such a horrible thing…?" Rise asked
"R-R-Rise-san? This is gonna be the only chance you get to gloat, is that clear?" Chie glared
"I'll crush you with one strike." Yukiko muttered darkly
"Whoa…you guys look like you're ready to enter the Ultimate Frying Championship." Kanji stated as he returned with his items
"Kanji-kun! That's alcohol!" Yukiko gasped
"Huh…? Oh, uh…hahaha…" Kanji chuckled "H-How did that get there, I'll just...put it back"
"By the way, where's Teddie?" Chie asked
...
"Excuse me Ma'am, can I eat this?" Teddie asked
"Of course you can, dear. Eat as much as you like!" The Sample Tray Ladie smiled
"You're such a nice lady. Is this one cooked already?"
"This one's ready too." She giggled "Oh my, are you hungry for more? Here… I'll open this one too."
"You're so beautiful…" Teddie stated
"Oh my, no! No, I mustn't! I've got a husband and a son!"
"But I really want this meat… And I want you to cook it, Miss."
"Ohhh, I couldn't possibly. The manager would get so upset."
...
"I'm gonna knock the stuffing out of that bear..." Yosuke growled
"H-Hey...should we call up Kou-kun and Daisuke-kun?" Rise asked "I mean..."
"No" Was Yu's stern statement
"O-Okay" Rise gulped
"Maybe it's best we don't talk to them for a while..." Yosuke muttered "Give 'em some time to cool off..."
"If they ever..." Kanji groaned
DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"Wow! It's really Rise-chan!" Nanako piped as she and Teddie sat at the table, observing the others in the kitchen"
"I should go back over there soon…" Teddie said
"Are you going somewhere?" Nanako asked
"Yep…" Teddie nodded "They kept their promise so I need to go back over there and check if everything's okay..."
"A promise, huh…" Nanako muttered "What if you made a promise with me? Could you stay then?"
"Huh? A promise...with Nana-chan?" Teddie questioned
"Don't worry about it Teddie" Yu smiled as he walked over
"B-But…a promise is a promise…It's not good to break them…" Teddie stated "I need to go back there and check-"
"You promised Nanako…" Yu stated
"S-Sensei…my promise with Nana-chan…I made a promise to play with her…can I really stay here…?" Teddie asked "It wasn't just my promise. Nana-chan made it with me…I'm really… really happy…thank you…! Hey, Yosuke… I have a new promise to keep…s-so, I wanna stay here a little longer! Is that okay with you, Sir!?"
"Huh? What're you talking about? You're not going anywhere." Yosuke groaned "You can't just quit your job like that. In any case, if you left-"
"It's reeeeeaaaaadyyyy! Incoming food! Out of the way, Senpai!" Rise called
"Whoa! Ow!" Yosuke yelped as he was jabbed out of the way
A FEW MINUTES LATER AT THE DINNER TABLE
"Bon appetit!" Rise smiled as the food was layed out on the table
"W-Well, wait a sec." Yosuke interrupted "Asking Nanako-chan to jump in and try these for us is kinda…unethical."
"D-Don't look at us like that!" Chie snapped
"Ohhh…so it's our job to taste it first, to make sure we can keep it down." Kanji noted
"Hey! That's mean!" Rise pouted "Then try mine first, Yosuke-senpai. It's guaranteed delicious!"
"You don't mind me going first? Actually, I've been looking forward to yours. I mean, Risette cooked it herself. Can you imagine how many guys would kill me if they found out?" Yosuke laughed before stabbing his fork into Rise omlette "Well then, chow time!"
...
"Urgh…I-I…can't give this to Nanako-chan…"
"Ooh! It's so delicious that you won't let anyone else have a bite!?" Rise cheered
"I-I guess I should try it too..." Yu muttered as he put a piece in his mouth
"How is it Senpai?" Rise asked
...
"You ever seen those guys at the circus eat the flaming torches?" Yu squeaked as he fled to find some water
"H-Huh?!" Rise gasped
"It's like lava..." Yosuke muttered before he ran over and fought with Yu to get the last bottle of water in the fridge
"Here, try mine next." Yukiko suggested
"I'll take this one." Kanji nodded as he cut the omelette in half
"K-Kanji…that's a lot…" Yosuke observed as Kanji stuck half the omelette in his mouth
...
"H-Hey, say something." Yukiko said as Kanji swallowed it
"Well…uh…how do I put this…?" Kanji pondered "It tastes really, um…boneless…?"
"What!? That's not a word you use to describe taste!" Yukiko shrieked "Does it taste good or not!? Tell me!"
"Here Senpai, you try" Kanji said as handed Yu a piece
...
"Well...it's an improvement over Mystery Food X" Yu stated as he swallowed "But there was absolutely no flavor whatsoever..."
"Not good, that's for sure. It tastes like…like I'm eating plain oatmeal…" Kanji muttered "It's pretty impressive that you put so many ingredients into a dish and it came out tasting like nothing."
"Y-Your palate just isn't refined enough!" Yukiko snapped
"I think it tastes good." Nanako smiled as he ate the rest
"Nanako-chan…!" Yukiko gasped in happiness
"O-Okay…try mine next." Chie stated as she pushed hers to the center of the table "Urgh…I dunno about this…but I think it'll taste good! This time for sure!"
"I'll give it a whirl." Teddie stated as he ingested a piece
"H-How is it…?" Chie asked
"Wow, this tastes awful!" Teddie said joyfully "You have to try this, Yosuke."
"Dude, not after you say that…" Yosuke groaned before turning to Yu "You do it, she's your girlfriend after all..."
...
"Y-Yeah" Chie nodded as Yu nervously stabbed his fork into it "It won't be that bad...right?"
...
"It's..." Yu muttered as he stuck it in his mouth "An improvement over the curry..."
"Yeah, thanks for the consolation…I feel soooo much better…" Chie groaned
"I think this tastes good too." Nanako smled as she ate a piece
"Nanako-chan…!" Chie gasped
"Oh yeah, they're right…" Yukiko said as she swallowed a piece "They're totally right! It tastes awful! Ahahahaha!"
"Then try Rise-chan's I bet you anything mine tastes better than hers!" Chie shouted as Yukiko did just that
"U-Urhg…" Yukiko groaned as she hunched over
"S-Senpai!?" Rise gasped
"Sure enough…one strike." Kanji observed
"Well, Yukiko and Chie's didn't taste good either…but at least theirs didn't cause any casualties..." Yosuke stated
"I-It's a taste too subtle for kids! It's a mature flavor!" Rise cried "You guys are just kids…I, I…Waaaaaaah!…"
"What're you crying for?!" Kanji snapped
"It's spicy, but it's still good." Nanako stated as she ate a small bit
"Nanako-chan…!" Rise popped up happily "I knew it! Nanako-chan's the most mature person in this room!"
"C-Crocodile tears!?" Chie spluttered
"Oh yeah, didn't you make one too Senpai?" Kanji asked
"You did!? Ooh…" Nanako stated as she ate a piece of Yu's omelette "This is really good! I've never had an omelette with fried rice this good! It's amazing!"
"Are you full, Nanako-chan?" Chie asked as the girl practically wolfed it down
"We're still starving…" Yosuke groaned
"If you're so hungry, then help yourself to an awful-tasting omelette! Hmph!" Chie grunted
"U-Uh, I have a suggestion…" Yosuke said with a raised hand "You guys know about the festival they're holding in the shopping district, right? Why don't we all go?"
"Oh, that sounds good!" Rise said happily
"Whoa! Does that mean the girls will be wearing yukata!?" Teddie gasped
"A festival…" Nanako mumbled
"We'll bring Nanako-chan along too." Yosuke stated
"I can come?" Nanako asked
"We wouldn't dream of going without you" Yu smiled
"Really!? Yay!" She cheered
"That settles it, then." Kanji nodded "Festival food always tastes great for some reason, even if it ain't anything fancy...whew…we'll finally be able to get some edible food for once."
"Alright, August 20! Save the date!" Yosuke stated
AUGUST 1/ HILL OVERLOOKING TOWN
"The other day...I went to visit Dad's grave." Kanji stated "It's the first time I went on my own...well, I had a lot to tell him."
"Tell him?" Yu questioned
"'Bout you, about everyone...and...that I found my own answer to what he said." Kanji sighed
"Dad told me somethin' right before he died; If you're a man, you have to become strong." Kanji stated "I felt like he was telling me I wasn't a real man. Pissed me off. So, I changed my looks and pushed myself away from people...fighting gangs, thinking I was protecting Mom...tryin' to catch this killer...I thought all'a that was how I was becoming strong. That I was really making up for all the trouble I caused...I was drunk off my power. But...that wasn't it. That ain't what Dad meant, I still don't really get what bein' strong means, but I'm gonna start by not lying to myself. No more being scared of everyone, hiding my hobbies, staying away from people. Anytime, anyplace, I'm gonna bust right through as my own self! That's the way to deal with that other me in the TV world. As long as there's someone like that snot-nosed kid to accept me, I ain't afraid of nothing!"
"I'm happy for you" Yu smiled
"Sir! It's all thanks to you!" Kanji smiled back "Oh yeah. We're gonna put those dolls of mine up for sale at the shop. They were a big hit with that kid and his mom...they called me just to say thank you... Heheh, I got a kick outta that. Oh, I gotta go buy supplies...I need to jet."
"See ya" Yu waved him off
AUGUST 2/ DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"Um...I lost the paper I was supposed to return to school..." Nanako muttered, looking as if she was on the verge of tears "What should I do? The teacher will yell at me."
"I'll help you look" Yu nodded
"Thanks, big bro!" Nanako smiled
"I'll look in this pile" Yu stated as he shifted through the papers Dojima kept on the table
"I'll look over here" Nanako stated as she left to observe elsewhere
Sifting through the papers, he stumbled upon one with Parent Survey Regarding Scheduling of Parent-Teacher Interviews hidden among them...noticing the word "anytime had been written in the 'Day Requested' box. Realizing this was the paper Nanako was looking for, he pulled it out of the pile, only for something hidden in the papers to fall out too
A photo...
"I found it..." Yu called to Nanako as he also picked up the photo
"You did?" Nanako asked happily as she ran over to him
"And this too..." Yu stated as he handed her the photo
"It says Anytime... I'll try, on it. So... he can come anytime? I see..." Nanako said with a happy giggle "And this is a photo? Oh, this is...Mom...this little baby in the middle...that's me...Dad's smiling...why did Dad stop smiling...?"
...
"I think your dad's lonely" Yu told her
"Dad's...lonely?" Nanako questioned "After Mom died, I was lonely, but...I'm not the only one who's sad that Mom's not here any more...Dad...he was lonely, too...I'm sorry, Dad..."
"Your dad..." Yu muttered
...
"Mom, Dad?!" Yu cried out as he ran down the stairs "What's happening?!"
"You have to understand, it was just a fling!" Shinya Narukami cried as he dodged the glass thrown at him
"GET OUT! GET OUT YOU PIECE OF SHIT" Motoko screamed
"Motoko! Please just calm down!"
"YOU FUCKING CHEATED ON ME YOU BASTARD! YOU LEFT ME AND YOUR SON IN THE DARK WHILE YOU WENT OFF TO HAVE SEX WITH SOME BITCH!"
"It wasn't like that! please just-"
"GET OUT! GET OUT!"
...
"Big bro?" Nanako asked he appeared to lost in thought
"Huh? Oh..." Yu muttered "Sorry, I was just...thinking about something..."
"Thank you, Big Bro" Nanako smiled before looking at the photograph "Will Dad ever smile like that again?"
AUGUST 3/ KOU ICHIJO'S HOME
"Dude...where are you? Seriously, your families getting worried man...Just call me back, okay?"
BEEP
Ignoring yet another message from Daisuke, Kou sat in the corner of his house
"You will join us...you will kill Yu Narukami..."
"If you tell anyone about us...we will have to kill you..."
"Kill..." Kou muttered "Can I..."
"A WORLD WITHOUT LOVE IS ONE WITHOUT HATE"
"Could I...could this world really..."
JUNES
"We've come to an agreement..." Mitsuru sighed as she and Labrys stood before the Investigation Team "Labrys will stay..."
"Really?" Rise questioned
"But...should we hear nothing of Minazuki within a month, we will return for her" Mitsuru stated "Until then...farewell"
"Thanks 'gain Mitsuru-san" Labrys bowed
"Just remember...we will find Minazuki" Mitsuru stated as she began to exit "We've all got things to deal with back home, we wish you the best of luck"
"Well Labrys, guess you're one of us now..." Yosuke noted
"Yeah, looks like it" Labrys smiled "I'll make sure to weat this coat all the time so no one knows I'm a...you know..."
"Yeah" Kanji nodded "But there's just one thing...where's she gonna live?"
"Hey, yeah...we didn't think of that" Chie groaned
"She can't stay with me, I've already got Teddie" Yosuke stated
"I...hang on..." Yu said "I've got an idea
...
KNOCK KNOCK
"Hello?" Adachi asked as he opened the door
AUGUST 4/DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"Your Greek cousin? Really?" Dojima asked
"Yeah..." Adachi said
"How long she's staying with you?"
"At least a month..."
"Well...good luck with that, I have to go" Dojima sighed as he hung up
HILL OVERLOOKING TOWN
"I read the letter Ayane's mother left me..." Yosuke said
"You did?"
"Yeah..." Yosuke sighed as he pulled it out of his pocket "Ayane wrote it herself...before she was kidnapped"
"So...what was it about?" Yu asked
"Read it" Yosuke said as he handed it to him
Yosuke-senpai, I'm sorry that I can't say this to your face, instead, all I ask is for you to read this and then you can do whatever you want, feel free to ignore me or talk to me whenever.
For me, it's just been an hour since you turned me down at the riverbank. Since I told you that I loved you and you rejected me
But that's okay
I'm upset you don't return my feelings, but I don't blame you for anything. I was just happy that I was able to tell you, you're the one who gave me the confidence to even say these things. I can't blame you for not loving me
Now, I don't even feel angry. In all honesty, I'm happy that I was even able to say it. Thank you Yosuke-senpai. And don't feel guilty.
Love whoever you want to love...
Ayane
"Yosuke..." Yu muttered as he put the letter down
"So that's that then...apparently, I'm not supposed to feel guilty" Yosuke hummed "Then why do I..."
"It wasn't your fault she was thrown in the TV..." Yu said to him "That and you turning her down were two completely different things..."
"Still feel like shit" Yosuke piped "Then again, I'm talking to the master of turning girls down here...
...
Shit, sorry...I-"
"It's okay...you're not wrong" Yu admitted with a guilty chuckle
"Not everyone can be as lucky as you when it comes to relationships..." Yosuke sighed before admiring the view "So what do I do man..."
After a few second of silence, Yosuke spotted the letter beginning to drift away in the wind, he turned to Yu...
"All you can do is move on..." Was the silver haired boys statement
"Heh..." Yosuke smirked "Thanks..."
AUGUST 5/ OKINA CITY
"Do you come here often?" Yu asked
"Yeah. You know there's not much of a selection where we live, right? Since I've got a mule with me today, I think it's time for a shopping spree!" Rise giggled
"Is Inaba not good enough?" Yu asked
"No way! All they have is Junes! Every day's great, but it's not THAT great!" Rise said "Though the sweats they have over there aren't bad..."
"What are you looking for anyway?" Yu questioned
"A one-piece, of course! Make sure you take notice when I wear it, okay?" Rise said with a naughty smile
"I-I'm in a relationship Rise" Yu blushed
"Oh, I'm only kidding" Rise giggled "Oh, come to think of it, where does Kanji buy his clothes You can't find pointy stuff like those at Junes, can you? Does he buy them online?...Maybe he makes them?"
"E-Excuse me" A young man declared as he walked up to them "Are you Risette? I...I-I-I-I..."
"No...I'm not..." Rise said sternly as she took Yu by the arm and walked off "Let's go Senpai..."
"They just never learn!" Rise groaned "But I told them! No, I'm not, You're mistaken, I'm not Risette!...and it's true...I'm no longer Risette...I'm just an ordinary girl"
"And are you okay with that?" Yu asked
"It is" Rise smiled "I never thought I'd be out in public like this. I love Inaba, Senpai...you see the same faces every day, rumors spread fast, and there are times when it gets on my last nerve...and sometimes I feel I might be better off if I was in a big city full of strangers...but even then, I love that town. You're there, Grandma's there...and above all, there's something I can do there. I can fight now, which means I'll be on the front lines with you now...let's keep at it, Senpai!"
"Of course" Yu smiled with a nod
"I didn't see any one-pieces that clicked with me, so I guess we should go home." Rise sighed "Let's go, Senpai."
AUGUST 6/ DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"The newspaper article...?" Dojima echoed "Ohh...yeah, I found it. Were you worried about it?...It's about Chisato...my wife. When she was killed by a hit-and-run..."
"N-Nanako mentioned that..." Yu muttered
"I told you before, right? About the case where we never had a suspect?" Dojima sighed "Get it now...? There's nothing more I can say about it in this house. Let's stop there..."
"Then let's go outisde" Yu stated
"Heh...fair enough" Dojima chuckled as he led Yu to the patio where the two sat down "She...Nanako's mother was run over on her way to pick up Nanako from nursery school. It was a cold day, and there was no witnesses, so they didn't find her until much later. Until they got word to me, Nanako was waiting all that time at the nursery...all alone. Waiting for a mother who would never come...I couldn't tell Nanako that her mother was killed. That her father, whose job is to catch criminals...couldn't find a single lead...but I haven't given up. I'll catch the guy. I don't need a private life to do that...Nanako will understand."
"Is that what she wants?" Yu asked
"Even if it isn't...she'll understand someday" Dojima sighed "I have to tell myself that...
...
Sorry, could you just...leave me alone for a while"
"Of course" Yu nodded as he began to leave
"Yu" He called out, causing his nephew to halt "If you really love this Chie girl...treasure her, never take her for granted...always tell her that you love her"
"I will..." Yu said as he left his uncle alone
AUGUST 7/ SAMEGAWA RIVER BANK
"It's good...I promise" Yukiko stated as she handed him a boxed lunch
Yu took it and admittedly feared the worst when he put a small bit in his mouth
But much to his surprise...
"It's...good!" He said in disbelief "Like...really good!"
"Is it good? Really? Thank goodness..." Yukiko sighed "Er, well of course it is...half the cooking was done by the head chef...he took over again. But he told me I've gotten a lot better! I'm also thinking of continuing my studies for a job license. I don't plan to leave anymore, but I thought I might as well. I'm glad I realized sooner...If I'd struck out on my own, I know I would have regretted it. I wanted to become completely self-sufficient. But I think I was being too presumptuous. I have the inn, I have my family, I have the waitresses and chefs...I am who I am now because I was raised by such a kind group...when I think of it that way, my problems aren't just my own. That's why... I'm going to stay here. By my own will."
"You sure?" Yu asked "You said you were going to travel the world and then decide..."
"I have...this is my home...I can't leave" Yukiko nodded "Everyone is here, including you...I think of you as an irreplaceable friend. No matter how far apart we are, even if we never meet again, that feeling will never change. You're dear to me...and your dear to Chie, I won't interfere with you two. I'll accept you two are together. I'll always be happy for you, and in about 20 years, I'll be the cool Auntie Yukiko to your children!"
"L-Let's not get ahead of ourselves here" Yu gulped
AUGUST 8/ DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"Umm, you know the photo you found before?" Nanako asked "I gave it back to Dad. He looked happy and smiled at me. Big bro...I love my Dad."
"I know" Yu smiled back
"And I love you too Big Bro!" Nanako smiled as she wrapped her arms around him
"And I love you too" Yu laughed as he hugged her back
"Dad didn't forget about how we used to pick flowers at Samegawa." Nanako said as she broke off the hug "He smiled at me and said, You remember, too? Dad loves Mom...I feel sorry for him, losing someone he loves."
"He still has you" Yu told her
"Yeah! I won't go anywhere!" Nanako nodded "I'm glad to be dad's daughter"
"Motoko...I love you...I want to put his behind us..."
"Shinya...I can't forget what you did to me...and Yu...and you have another kid out there? I just...I can't..."
"Please...let's just take this job and-"
"Big bro, you're spacing out again" Nanako pointed out
"Sorry...just..." Yu muttered "Remembering..."
AUGUST 9/ KOU ICHIJO'S HOME
"KOU! OPEN THE DOOR!" Daisuke roared as he pounded on the door "KOU!"
...
"Shit..." Daisuke grunted as he stepped back "I'll pay for the door later bro..."
BAM
"Kou!" Daisuke shouted as he booted the door open and observed the empty apartment "Kou!"
...
"Shit!" Daisuke cursed as he pulled out the phone and called Kou's number "Come on, come on..."
...
"Hello?"
"Kou! Thank christ, where are you?!"
"I took a trip, wanted some fresh air..."
"All by yourself?! And without telling anyone?" Daisuke questioned "No, bullshit, what's going on, man?"
"Don't worry about it man, I'm fine..."
"Kou..." Daisuke warned
"It has nothing to do with Narukami or Chie...don't worry about that..."
"Kou..."
"I'll be back soon okay?"
"Where are you?!" Daisuke demanded "K-"
CLICK
"Kou!" Daisuke shouted as Kou hung up, his instincts told him to call up the others and ask for help, but his own personal feelings about Narukami nulled that
...
"Now..." Kou muttered as he stood before The Attendant and Sho "Tell me...about this world..."
AUGUST 10/ DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"I got a phone call from Dad. He's coming home." Nanako smiled "Let's make dinner together, big bro! There's a lot to do today! I brought a bunch of dishes, pickled radish, and veggies at Junes! Big bro, can you make a salad?"
"Of course" Yu nodded
"Can I help too, Nanako-chan?" Motoko asked
"Of course, Auntie!" Nanako nodded happily "We have to start eating our vegetables from now on. A well-balanced diet is important!"
"I'm guessing a teacher told you that?" Yu chuckled
"My teacher said that families help each other." Nanako nodded "After Mom died, Dad and me have both been lonely, but...but I have Dad! And you too Big Bro and you Auntie Motoko! And I need to do my best so Dad doesn't feel lonely either! You're my family, too, so...let's work hard together!"
"Don't strain yourself Nanako-chan" Motoko giggled
"I won't" Nanako pouted
LATER
"I'm home." Dojima called
"Dad! Welcome home!" Nanako cried as she wrapped her in a hug
"Y-Yeah." Dojima stuttered
"I made dinner with big bro and Auntie Motoko today! We made salad and, um, um, a bunch of other stuff!" She said as she led Dojima to the table
"I see...good work, Nanako." Dojima smiled
"Go wash your hands! Hurry, sit down!" Nanako commanded
"She's really cheerful." Dojima chuckled as he turned to Yu "I'm sure it's thanks to you."
"Dad, big bro, hurry, hurry!" Nanako demanded
"I got it, I got it. Let's eat, then." Dojima chuckled
AUGUST 11/ DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"A cake!? Wow! What are we celebrating!?" Nanako asked
"Uhh, well...today is a special day for us." Dojima said as he and Motoko sat around the table
"A special day...?" Yu asked
"That's right." Motoko nodded as she pulled out a photo of home, not too dissimilar to the Dojima home
"What's this?" Yu asked
"It's a house, same size as this one, three minutes down the road...it's ours Yu" Motoko smiled
"Huh?" Yu questioned
"It's our home" Motoko confirmed "I sorted it out last night..."
"H-Huh?! You're moving?!" Nanako cried
"They're not going far Nanako" Dojima stated "They'll be just down the road, you'll still see them everyday"
"Besides, it isn't like we're moving in tomorrow, we still need move everything from the old home" Motoko told her "We'll still be here for a while"
"This...is a surprise" Yu stated
"Nothing will change...we're staying in Inaba" Motoko smiled "All that's changing is that you'll have all your stuff back"
"I'll still see Big Bro everyday?" Nanako asked "I-It's okay then!"
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of taking him away honey!" Motoko laughed as she wrapped her niece in a hug
"Come on..." Dojima chuckled "Let's eat"
AUGUST 12/ DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"And now the weather, The week ended on a wet note as rain clouds moved into the area.
As a result, a thick fog is expected to form in the Inaba region later tonight…"
"Fog..." Yu muttered
MIDNIGHT
"Nothing..." Yu sighed in relief as the Midnight Channel ended, his phone ringing right after
"Looks like they're all safe..." Yosuke sighed "We're good"
"Yeah..." Yu sighed "That was the most difficult yet...I'm only now recovering from using Izanagi-no-Okami"
"I'm just glad...wished I could've-"
"Don't blame yourself about Ayane" Yu told him once more
"Yeah..." Yosuke sighed "Yeah...'night"
"See ya" Yu said as he ended the call
AUGUST 13/ DOJIMA HOUSEHOLD
"Wow, I've never seen so many pieces of fatty tuna" Adachi observed "What a great spread!"
"He got off the same time as me so I invited him over" Dojima stated "Though I thought I told you bring your cousin, what was her name again? Labis or something?"
"Oh, she doesn't really eat...anything" Adachi gulped
"Alright, alright, If you keep running your mouth, the sushi's gonna dry up!" Dojima groaned
"Oh, you're right. Sorry!" Adachi apologized
"C'mon everyone, eat up." Dojima said
"Well, since you asked…" Motoko laughed
"Huh? You don't like sushi, Nanako-chan?" Adachi asked
"There's wasabi in it…" The girl muttered
"Ahh, that's right. I forgot to tell them to hold the wasabi." Dojima sighed "Here, I'll take it off for you. Which one do you want? Hmm?"
"Halibut!" She told him
"Excellent taste, Nanako-chan." Adachi smiled "As for me, I'll go for sea urchin…"
"Hey, there's only one of those!" Dojima snapped
"Too late! First come, first serve." Adachi laughed
GAS STATION
"I won't do it"
"Excuse me?" The Attendant asked
"I won't do it..." Kou echoed "I hate Narukami...but I won't kill him
"May I remind you of what he did to you?" The Attendant questioned
"I know...I hate him, despise him, but I can't kill him...I-I..."
"Pathetic" Sho spat "Alright then...Plan B..."
"What?" Kou questioned as Sho held a photograph
A photo of his family
"H-Hey! What the hell?!" Kou roared
"That world...I know you desire it...but you lack the gall to complete the task" The Attendant said "So now, we'll give you motivation..."
"Kill Narukami or Mommy. Daddy and precious little sister dies" Sho laughed
...
"I won't..." Kou spat "I'll get the others, we'll stop you"
"Let me show you how that will go..." The Attendant stated as he gripped Kou's head
"W-What are you do-" Kou began to yell before another vision was granted to him
A vision of his family dead, lying before him
"O-Oh god..." Kou gasped as the vision ended
"Your love for them will cause you to mourn..." The Attendant stated as he let go of Kou "Either they die and you mourn...or Narukami dies and you will feel no guilt...and no anger, nor will anyone else and your family will live...Now...what's your answer?"
...
"I'll do it..." Kou said with a deadly glare to the Attendant "I'll kill him..."
See what happens when life doesn't get in the way? I CAN BELT THESE OUT IN A DAY, BHOY!