Disclaimer: I don't own Persona. I own Reiko Setsuka.

Chapter 37
May 17, 2011

Mayonaka, Yukiko's Castle

"So there's nothing in here of interest?" Mitsuru asked through her Persona, Artemisia.

"Just a few Shadows, but they're staying away from Junpei, Koro-chan, Ken, and I." Yukari said.

"Too bad, I wouldn't mind smacking a few Shadows around. Show everybody Junpei is the Man!" Junpei said.

"We KNOW you're the Man, Senpai," Ken said. "Just show it to the Shadows."

"As usual, Ken is more mature than you, Stupei." Yukari sighed.

"Hey!"

Koromaru barked in happy agreement.

"Well, I know when I'm licked," Junpei said. He learned one basic rule with keeping on the ladies' good side… Don't hurt Koromaru's feelings. Or at least he said that. The truth was a lot more compassionate than that.

"Arf!" Koromaru said, happy that Junpei knew who the clear winner was.

"Well, Yuka-tan, let's say we leave here and kick back in the hot springs."

"Umm…Stupei, did anybody think of how we ARE supposed to get out? Because we fell and landed outside here and if the entrance is an exit, it is way up there?" Yukari said, uneasily.

"I have already determined that," Mitsuru said. "It appears that I am in an area without Shadow Activity, a safe zone if you will. There does appear there are three…1950's or 1960's American TV's piled here. I have placed my hand in it and it appears to be an exit, but it may not lead us to the same place we came in."

"So, we might end up…in London?" Junpei asked.

"I sincerely doubt it. Between Artemisia and Yamagishi, we've been able to determine that while the Midnight Channel is worldwide, the effect is only here in Inaba, as I called Reilly in Boston and asked her to touch a TV as she was using her webcam. Nothing happened."

"Is Reilly almost ready to join us?" Ken asked.

"Yes, Ken, however I believe that she is still saying her final goodbyes."

"At least she has a family." Ken was orphaned years ago, when Castor, Shinjiro's Persona ran wild and killed Ken's mother. Ken blamed Shinjiro for that for a long time and plotted to kill him. Only…

Strega had showed up to kill both Ken and Shinjiro. What's worse, Ken no longer had the heart when he saw Shinji WANTED to die to pay for Ken's Mother's death. The leader was going to shoot Ken, but Shinjiro flew himself into the bullet's path. The bullet hitting Shinji's pocket watch that Minako had found for him, still had enough force to shatter the watch but with the bullet slowed it was no longer fatal. Though blood loss had Put Shinjiro in a coma.

Ken decided from then on, he would honor his mother's memory by no longer embracing darkness and despair. Instead. He helped SEES quite well against the fall…

And he and Shinjiro were never better friends.

"I know how you feel, but we're your family now."

"Damn straight!" He said happily.

"Junpei, I better not find out you were responsible for that…" Though Mitsuru sounded amused.

"I had nothin' to do with it Senpai! Honest!" Junpei said.

"Tres Bien! Now, please make way to where I am, using your cell phone's map feature. This fog may be dense, but at least our equipment still works. And I would take care to proceed with dispatch. There is an anomalous reading, and it appears to be headed my way but from a different direction."

Koromaru whimpered at that. Then growled at a Shadow trying to get ideas.

The shadow slinked away.

Mayonaka, Entrance

"Wow, Senpai, You're right. There are TVs stacked here," Yukari said.

"Yes, well we must make haste. It appears the anomaly is getting closer. It doesn't read as a Shadow…"

"…But Koro-chan's growling as if it is one," Fuuka said.

Then Koromaru barked happily. Aigis, who had been with Fuuka and Mitsuru said, "Koro-chan says that it is friendly."

"I would prefer not to engage it at this time, as we do need to discuss what we found while you others were at the castle."

They entered the TVs.

Teddie showed up just as Koromaru was the last to leave.

"Sensei…Are you here. Did you bring new friends?"

Teddie noticed…

"Nobody here. I feel beary lonely. Charles is the only one who visits. I hope he made up with Sensei. He felt beary sad. I'm beary sad. Who am I?"

Teddie didn't have an answer. All he had was a headache. Then he gave himself a worse headache as the smells were human, except two, but he wondered why they didn't want to talk with him. Especially if they weren't sent by Sensei.

Teddie wished he had more of that treat "Aspirin" Charles gave him.

Yasogami High

Minako was fidgeting. She knew their secret. It involved a TV. She didn't know how the others got their Personas, but the TV had something to do with it.

Minako calmed down and frowned…she made it sound like Ringu or The Grudge. She didn't want it to sound all horror-movie.

"Hey, Mina, how are you doing?" She heard Charles ask.

"I'm fine thank you. And how are you doing?" She said flashing a convincing fake smile.

"I'm fine…Though you look a bit tense."

"Maybe it's wondering when they'll post our grades."

"Somehow…I don't think that's the only thing concerning you."

"Is it that obvious? All right. I'm also concerned because I don't know if Yu-kun is interested in me."

"Oh…that. Yeah, I think he's interested. He hasn't told me much, but I think he does want to spend a little more time with you."

"Well, I wish he would tell me."

"I think Mina for him…you need to do more than bat your eyelashes and look sexy. It's a start don't get me wrong, but Yu seems like the type of guy who got that a lot from girls who thought that was good enough. Try to engage him on his level…If you can because he's hard to read."

"You give good advice," She said in wonder.

"And yet, I've never been on a real date."

She looked at Yukiko who was talking to Yu and Yosuke at the back of the classroom, "Then maybe you should."

Charles turned around. "Yosuke's not my type."

"Yukiko…All right, then maybe not a REAL date, but definitely do something together, like shopping. That's enough of a date for you two. Especially since you both have broadcasted at various times you wanted to take it slow."

"Well, Thanks Mina…only I hope it's not a day when the Inn is busy."

"Sunday would be your best bet, but I'm sure you would want to spend time with your other friends," Minako said.

"Such as you?" Charles said, getting the hint.

"Maybe, but not this Sunday…I'm going to Okina."

"All right, Mina, be sure to call me when you want to, but don't be hurt if someone else asks me. Do you need my number?"

"Yu gave it to me, already. I think it was by mistake."

"I don't believe that."

"Then you must have great faith in your friend."

Charles was looking at Yu and smiled, "The greatest."

Earlier

Charles had told Yu on the way to school that he had forgiven him. Yu still felt bad for what he had been before.

"Yu, most people don't GET time travel as an option to redeem themselves. Besides, Yu acted the exact same way I did when I didn't want friends and pushed people away…Okay, maybe not exactly, since I didn't use someone as a whipping boy…but you know what I mean. I would be a terrible person to condemn you and yet you had forgiven me for making the same kind of mistake," Charles had said.

"But…" Yu protested.

"Look Yu, You made a big mistake, but that's in the alternate past now…Oh God, Did I just say that with a straight face."

"You did, Chuck," Yu said with a smirk.

"This place has totally redefined 'logic' for me."

They then entered the school

Now

"Morning, guys!"

"Morning, Charles-chan," Yukiko said with a smile.

"Hey, what's up, Chuck!" Chie said.

"Mornin'" Yosuke said tiredly.

"Well, if that's the greeting I'm going to get Hana-chan, then we're breaking up!"

"All ri… HEY!"

Classes proceeded normally from there.

After school, Chie, Yu, Yosuke and Yukiko were gathered at the gate. Charles was sitting on the wall a little away from them, though he stayed within earshot.

"Has the target arrived at school?!" Chie whispered as if she were part of a military op.

"Yes ma'am, Visual Id confirmed!" Yosuke replied. "Target arrived in-zone near the end of his mess break, with mother-issued rations in hand."

"Stay frosty," Charles said, in imitation of "Soap" McTavish from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. I wonder if the third one's going to be any good without Infinity Ward's founders.

Yosuke continued his recon report, "Current status: in the bathroom, fixing his hair. The target was acting nervous. I left my position before he had a chance to pick on me."

Charles facepalmed at that. Yosuke, afraid of a Kohai. The world had gone mad.

"I wonder what kind of plans they made… It didn't seem like he knew that boy very well," Yukiko mused.

"Well, I think there's something more subtle…" Chie said.

"Oh, he's here!"

"Tango spotted at 11 o'clock," Charles didn't want to spy on Kanji. But he didn't say he wasn't going to make light of those who did.

Kanji was walking down the school entrance. At the same time, walking up the hill was Naoto.

"I didn't keep you waiting, I hope?" Naoto said. She looked at the four standing there, but it appeared to Charles she didn't see them as suspicious…even though they were staring so wide they could have had big manga/anime eyes.

"No, I-I just got here too…" Kanji said nervously.

They both walked off, Naoto ahead of Kanji. Charles waved a polite salute and said, "Good day to you both."

Kanji blushed for some reason and Naoto didn't look back, though Charles wasn't sure… was there a faint smile to her face?

"Wh-What in the world was that…?" Yosuke asked.

"Anyways! We gotta hurry after them, or we'll lose them!" Chie said.

"All right, then as agreed we'll split into two groups. One will follow Kanji, the other will stake out the shop," Yosuke said.

"Roger that! How should we split the teams?" Chie asked.

"Well, Charles and Yukiko are already set to stake out the shop. One can go with them. I don't think we need three for following Kanji. It would look too obvious," Yosuke said.

"I'll go with them," Yu said. Charles and Yu planned it that way so Yosuke and Chie would have some time together!"

"Sure, fine by me," Chie said. Then she realized… "Oh man, they're almost out of sight. C'mon Yosuke!"

"Soo… I'm pairing up with Chie… Ehh why not. We'll pretend we're on a date to make it look natural!"

"Not in a million years! There'll be no need for that if we stay out of sight," Chie responded. "Sheesh! Let's hurry up and go!"

They both ran after Kanji and Naoto.

"I wonder if those two will be alright…" Yukiko said doubtfully.

"Don't worry, Yuki-chan…We know they're doomed!" Charles said cheerfully.

Yukiko looked around and then noticed they were the only three there.

"Oh… U-um, that leaves us in charge of staking out the textile shop," Yukiko said uncomfortably. Then she calmed down and smiled. "So… Shall we?"

What bothered Charles was she was looking at Yu when she said that.

Tatsuhime Shrine Gate/Tatsumi Textiles

Yukiko was running to Yu with two bottles of Soda in her hands. Charles had already gotten one with her. And decided to look from across the street.

"Sorry about the wait… This one's for you." She handed Yu a soda.

"Everything seems fine at the shop. I hope it stays that way…"

Yu glanced significantly at Charles across the street and said, "No worries, Charles will protect you. I'll be the Cavalry."

"It would be scary if the culprit did show up…" Yukiko looked troubled. "But if they do, I'll do what I can to help you catch them."

"We appreciate that," Yu said.

"You all saved my life… I don't want to be the only one doing nothing. I mean… I'm sure there's something I can do… Oh…Sorry. I went on and on without realizing… I-I guess I'm a little nervous."

She turned slightly away, "Other than Charles-chan…I've never chatted with a boy my own age like this before… Chie, of course, has no problem getting along with guys because of her personality…"

"But I think she's had more fun hanging out with you, Chuck, and Yosuke, lately."

Then she smiled with her squinting blush and said…"The same is true for me…Especially Charles-chan."

From where he was Charles saw Yu stiffen up.

"Why does he call that a bonding moment? What, is he experiencing a new emotion?"

"I love Charles-chan so much…and I know he feels the same for me. I just wish he could take me into his arms and kiss me…" Yukiko said, before she said… "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that in front of you like that!"

"It's fine, I'm keeping my options open. But I would like your number for the investigation."

"Oh, yes, that would be nice. I won't be available all the time, because I may be working at the inn, or talking to Chie or Charles, but please feel free to call anytime."

"So, take you into his arms, eh?" Yu asked after numbers were exchanged.

"Oh God, I can't believe I said that out loud to someone OTHER than Chie. I also feel embarrassed how I acted yesterday. I should have more faith in him. I…worry, because there may be a day where I won't be there to cover his back…and he'll pay the price."

"I don't think that'll ever happen."

"Maybe not. Umm…I wonder how Chie and Yosuke are doing."

Samegawa River

"This looks totally weird," Chie said.

"Duh, of course it does."

Chie and Yosuke were behind a tree. Chie was on her knees and bent over… Yosuke was behind her. In a VERY suggestive position.

Minako thought it was hilarious. She was watching from the other hill. The one that did not have the picnic tables. She was wearing her baseball cap, sunglasses, t-shirt, and jeans. Oh and her flip-flops. Never can do static recon if you're not wearing flip-flops.

She was using her cell as a directional microphone. It could pick up sounds from 733 meters away.

Meanwhile, Kanji and that strange boy were walking ahead. "Tell me," the boy asked Kanji, who visibly started. "Do you mind if I cut to the chase."

"NO! I mean them! There's something weird about them!" Chie said.

"Like what?" Yosuke asked.

"Ohhh, I don't know. I'm getting the munchies." Chie's stomach growled.

"Then order delivery." Yosuke was not taking any nonsense.

"We're at the flood plain, HELLO!" Chie reminded him.

"Aika says her restaurant will deliver anywhere."

"They do, well in that case…" Pulling out her cell she dialed and said, "Hello, I'd like to order delivery. I'd like two orders of Nikoudan, please."

"Hey, I didn't order anything," Yosuke protested.

"I ordered both of those for me, idiot."

"Well, of course you did!"

"Yes, I'm at the Flood Plain near the hill over…"

"Hello there," An ominous voice said.

It was Kanji.

"Just what do you think you're doing?"

"Nothing, we're just a couple of lovebirds out on a date," Yosuke said nervously.

"Who are you calling a bird?" Chie said.

"Just play along birdbrain."

Minako noticed the small boy roll his eyes at the situation and leave. She took a few pictures of said boy and then let him leave.

There was something about him…

"Hey, weren't you the ones I chased off yesterday?"

"No, we were just happening along, it's not like anything strange is going on," Chie said.

"Strange?!"

"Yeah, it's not like you're gay or anything," Chie continued. I mean, whatever you're into, that's cool."

"Gay? You think I'm gay?"

"Chie, now you've done it. I'm outta here." Yosuke started to run.

"Wait, don't leave me here." Chie followed suit.

"Hey! HEY! Come back here!" Kanji said. "I know what it looks like! But it ain't like that! You got it all wrong!"

He was chasing after them… Knowing his rep… they didn't want to know what would happen if he caught them.