Chapter 52
June 26, 2011
Disclaimer: The Persona series is owned by Atlus and its parent company which is currently Sega. JustCharles owns Reiko Setsuka, but I do own any OCs that I will be using including Dylan, Stephen and Roz. Anything else that I reference is the property of their respective authors.
Amagi Inn
Hikaru was woken up by the sound of his cell phone ringing. Not wanting to disturb his wife, naturally, he got out of bed quietly before putting on a robe and reaching over for his cell phone.
"What's all this about? I was kind of hoping for a lie-in but…." Hikaru began before he was interrupted.
He could hear Gregory's voice on the line. "Hikaru, right? Just wanted you to know that my wife and I will be going to Japan a little earlier than expected. There's some urgent business I need to take care of. Well, it would be because of business stuff but you'd know plenty about that, huh? Given your previous line of work."
"Did your parents not teach you proper conversation skills?" Hikaru smiled.
He heard Gregory making a noise expressing his anger at the comment. "What's that supposed to mean? You think you're better than me?"
"Oh no. It's just interesting given the class of people that you associate with. Mob bosses, gangsters, war criminals, paramilitaries, terrorists and such like." Hikaru's voice dropped down.
Gregory's laughter pierced through the room like a knife. "That's no concern of yours is it? Given my recent travails and the murders and kidnappings in your little jerk-water burg I just thought that I'd better be bringing along my own protection."
"Given my former work, I've probably run into or read about some of your more unsavoury associates outside of the D'Amico family." Hikaru let the comment linger for a minute.
He heard a derisive snort from Gregory. "Have you now? Like Kosilich? Like the McIntyre brothers? For your information, my lawyers have exonerated them of all charges against them. Unless you object to their presence."
"If they're here for your protection, then it would be unjust of me to deprive you of that protection." Hikaru gently tapped the nightstand by the bed.
The voice on the other end was positively dripping with condescension. "They're for your family's protection as much as mine. Just so you know, there's a contingency plan that you should be aware of. If anything were to happen to me and my wife then my associates are allowed to go after the people they deem to be most responsible at that given moment. And I wouldn't want you and yours to come to harm, especially when we're dealing with delicate matters like a marriage. Or the possibility of one."
"I wouldn't worry about your safety. The person responsible for the murders seems to be laying low for the moment. However, I understand that a man in your position would have to take some precautions. You can never be too careful after all." Hikaru was the perfect picture of understanding.
Gregory laughed. "Well, I am glad that we understand each other! Especially seeing as your daughter's going to be marrying Dylan. Or everything will be finalised by the time my visit's done."
"Well, they're both a little young to be married. Then again, they love each other so I wouldn't object if they did. But, the betrothal would be the first step." Hikaru continued.
He could sense that Gregory had agreed. "Of course. Look, I'd better get going. Got a lot of things to do. You know what they say, there's no rest for the wicked!"
Gregory had ended the call and Hikaru got back to bed. He looked and saw Mariko sitting up and blinking.
"That was Gregory wasn't it?" She asked.
Hikaru nodded. "It was. It's approximately 6 AM as of about half an hour ago. And I wasn't exactly planning on waking up until later."
"Alright. Just, try not to disturb me, alright?" Mariko yawned before going back to sleep.
Hikaru nodded before going back to sleep himself.
….
A few hours later, Dylan and Yukiko woke up in the bed in Dylan's room at the Inn. The blonde brushed his hair out of his eyes and sat up.
"That was fantastic. My jaw's a little bit sore though!" Dylan stretched.
Yukiko blushed. "HEY!"
"What? I may as well put my mouth to work right? Besides, I didn't hear you complaining last night!" Dylan grinned triumphantly.
Yukiko giggled "You KNOW what noise I was making last night!"
"I think the whole world probably heard it. Just saying." Dylan whistled.
The dark-haired girl pouted. "Are you always like this? I've been meaning to ask, but I just want to make sure."
"I am, as a matter of fact. Most people I've met seem to think that's a good thing though. And they're not wrong." Dylan responded.
Yukiko got up and got dressed. She was wearing a red skirt along with red shoes and a black t-shirt as well as a hooded sweatshirt. "That would really explain a lot."
"Obviously. So, what do you want to do today?" Dylan asked as he got out of bed.
He put on a pair of ripped jeans, a studded belt, black motorcycle boots and an AC/DC shirt that he'd bought in Okina one weekend as well as a brown leather jacket which was another more recent addition to his wardrobe.
Yukiko looked at his boots and continued looking up. "Well, maybe we could go to Okina for the day and take your motorcycle. Steve's checking on Rise, Kanji's helping out in the textiles place, Chie and Yosuke are spending the day together and Roz is hanging out with Teddie. Not sure what Yu's doing though."
"He's probably spending time with his family and with Marie later on." Dylan responded.
Yukiko understood. "Ah. I'm sure he needs a break from all the hero stuff."
"I can imagine. I've got this weird feeling, like this is the calm before the storm. I don't know. Maybe it's nothing?" Dylan briefly lapsed into a thoughtful silence.
Yukiko patted him on the shoulder comfortingly. "I wouldn't worry about it just yet. Whatever happens, happens."
"I suppose you're right. C'mon, let's go." Dylan grabbed his keys and opened the door for her.
After they exited his room, they walked towards the lobby of the Inn. After having reached the lobby, the couple went out to where Dylan had parked his motorcycle. The blonde handed Yukiko a helmet.
Yukiko accepted the helmet gratefully. "Thanks! You know, I've never been on a motorcycle before so don't go too fast."
"I wouldn't dream of it. Just grab onto my waist and hold on tight." Dylan said.
They put on their respective helmets and got on the motorbike. Yukiko wrapped her arms around the blonde's waist before they set off.
Kubo Residence
Mitsuo woke up, only to find a muscular man with tattoos wearing motorcycle gear and a black balaclava sitting across from him.
"Glad you decided to wake up you little shit. Kujikawa got rescued, despite getting to her before her rescuers realised what was going on." The man in the balaclava growled.
Mitsuo tried to move but was stopped when the man pulled a gun on him. "Who the hell are you? Why don't you just show yourself? Oh, you're not tied with the Blake family are you? I've done some research you know."
The man in the balaclava removed the balaclava and grinned malevolently at Mitsuo.
"My name's Adachi Hiroki, but you can call me Hiro if you want. Listen "buddy", our mutual friend isn't going to tolerate any more screw-ups." Hiroki's countenance took on an expression of menace.
Mitsuo was taken aback. "I thought that he WANTED me to get information! What else does he want?"
"Well, Gregory and Miranda Blake are coming to Inaba right? Why don't you help us kidnap them, and even kill one of them? That way, his associates will go after the people they think are responsible. Which would be the people trying to investigate what's going on! It's the perfect crime!" Hiroki exclaimed.
Mitsuo glanced nervously at the door. "Shit! What if my parents hear you?"
"They won't. Because they're not here and I took care not to make too much of an intrusion. Even had spare keys made too!" Hiroki jangled the spare keys.
Mitsuo shrank back. "Okay. Okay, I'll do it. Please don't hurt me!"
"Oh, relax. We won't hurt you." Hiroki stood up, holstering his gun.
Mitsuo drew the blankets over himself as he watched Hiroki leave his room. He'd resisted the urge to vomit but he was shaking and covered in sweat.
Dojima Residence
Yu was currently wearing his casual gear, and he was pouring cereal into a bowl out of a plastic container.
"Lucky Charms, one of the best cereals ever in my humble opinion. They're magically delicious!"
The silverette smiled as he recalled that conversation with the old Dylan. The one he knew before….
No, it's best not to think about that. He was the one person I couldn't save before, even though he saved me without asking. The rest of the team was shattered after it happened.
It was too late for regret. He could only worry about what was happening now and he had nothing to worry about at least for now. Rise had been rescued and Teddie had found out who he was.
"Big Bro!" Nanako rushed into the room.
Yu put down his spoon. "Is Uncle awake yet? He seemed a little bit out of it last night."
"That happens sometimes." Nanako was downcast.
Yu was genuinely surprised. "I didn't expect that he'd still be feeling Aunt Chisato's loss so much. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. Maybe it's the pressure of the case that's getting to him."
"Maybe. Dad says that his job doesn't get to him, but it does sometimes." Nanako remarked.
Yu remembered having the same conversation with Nanako before. In a different time, at least. "There'd be something wrong if it didn't get to him. You wouldn't expect him to be 100% comfortable with every case he has to investigate."
"I know that. But, I wish that Dad didn't have to investigate stuff like that." Nanako attempted to explain.
The silverette understood perfectly. "Yeah. Then again, someone has to do it."
"Like the team on Criminal Minds, right?" Nanako wondered.
Yu nodded. "I suppose. It'd apply more to my group to be honest."
"So, you're Hotch? And Dylan's Rossi?" Nanako's eyes lit up.
Yu laughed. "Maybe. I'm more like a combination of Hotch and Gideon really."
The conversation was interrupted by a hung over Dojima staggering into the kitchen, dining room.
"I need some coffee. How much did I have to drink last night anyway?" Ryo shook his head groggily.
Yu thought of an answer. "A lot? You were gone most of the night after all."
"I know. I've been under a lot of pressure lately, but that's no excuse." Dojima sighed.
Yu smiled. "That's no problem. I'm glad that you've recovered."
"Thanks. I've probably got some paperwork knowing my luck." Dojima griped.
The silverette chuckled. "Probably. Don't worry, I'll look after Nanako if you have to go and work some extra hours. What with the case and everything."
"Much appreciated. I'll be back later." Dojima walked out the door, leaving Yu and Nanako by themselves.
Yu wasn't sure, but he felt like he'd earned some of his uncle's trust again. He also knew that trust would be useful in the times to come. For now though, he was looking forward to spending some more time with his family and later with Marie.
Satonaka Residence
Chie and Yosuke had agreed to spend the day in relative quiet after having gone for a run around Inaba. Currently, they were sitting on Chie's couch watching martial arts movies.
"That is seriously impressive. Actually, is he really doing that or is it just a bunch of wiring and editing magic?" Yosuke asked.
Chie looked at him. "Editing magic."
"Ah. Well, whatever it is, I'm just glad we're having a break." Yosuke yawned.
Chie couldn't help but agree. "Yeah. Yesterday got a bit heavy for my tastes. What with being in the creepy strip club and everything."
"The bathhouse was way worse. I wouldn't mind dealing with something a little bit more normal." Yosuke remarked.
Chie wondered if such a thing were possible. "I don't know about that. Things have been different since Yu, Dylan and Steve showed up here."
"I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks so." Yosuke replied.
Chie blinked. "Why?"
"Things have definitely changed around here. I mean, Yu and Dylan are on some Good Samaritan kick and Steve, well…." Yosuke trailed off.
Chie was curious as to what the pause could signify. "Steve's got secrets? Or maybe they all do."
"Like Dylan and Steve sort of resembling each other? If you look at Steve's eyes, you could almost see little flecks or flashes of blue amongst the brown." Yosuke speculated.
Chie was momentarily stunned. "What? So, they're….?"
"Most likely, yes." Yosuke responded.
Chie took some time to fully process that information. "Holy shit. So, are we going to tell them? And should we tell Yu?"
"Definitely not." Yosuke imperceptibly shuddered at the thought.
Chie sighed. "Hmm. It would be better to tell them. But, I can see why not. Let's just watch the movie, ok?"
With this agreed, they snuggled up together and turned their attentions back to the movie, grateful for some more downtime.
Marukyu Tofu
Stephen had spent the day helping out Rise's grandmother seeing as Rise was still recovering from being abducted, facing her Shadow and having to deal with Shadow Teddie.
He didn't mind the work, he was just happy that Rise was alright.
Stephen looked up and saw Spencer with a blonde haired woman dressed as a flight attendant.
"Hey buddy! So, I heard that your girlfriend got rescued. Well, I guess that EVERYONE probably has." Spencer smiled.
Stephen laughed. "That's because she was an idol singer before deciding to give it up."
"I'll introduce myself seeing as Spencer forgot. My name's Elizabeth." Elizabeth extended her right hand towards Stephen, who shook it.
He looked at the couple. "So, how long have you two been going out? And do Aunt and Uncle know?"
"I already told them. And we had dinner together yesterday along with Uncle Shiro, which is always an interesting experience." Spencer joked.
Elizabeth inspected Stephen's eyes, seemingly oblivious to the conversation. "Your eyes, they've got flecks of blue. Odd."
"Now that you mention it, they do. It's weird, but I remember my parents talking about this court case about a decade ago and they've been talking about it since. I think it might have been about a paternity suit. Actually, it was…." Spencer trailed off.
His cousin didn't like where the conversation was heading. "So, my dad isn't really my dad?"
"If you want to put it that way." Spencer responded.
Elizabeth elbowed Spencer sharply in the ribs. "What's that even supposed to mean?"
"I didn't want to tell him the truth okay! At least not like that!" Spencer hissed.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Oh, well, that makes it okay then?"
"No it doesn't. Look, if he wants to know more it's his choice." Spencer added sullenly.
Stephen seemed to understand. "Yeah. Well, I'll be sure to talk to Aunt Kathy tomorrow and see what the full story is. Or as much of it as she wants to tell me anyway."
"I guess. See you around cuz." Spencer left, linking arms with Elizabeth.
Stephen went somewhere with a mirror to check his reflection. Sure enough, Spencer was right, his eyes did have flecks of blue if they were observed closely.
He stared at his reflection despairingly. "Fuck. What do I tell Dylan? What do I say to everyone else?"
Maybe there were no easy answers.
Junes Food Court
Teddie, meanwhile was enjoying rediscovering his humanity. And the attention he was getting because of his dapper appearance. Wearing a suit when he got his body back was a good idea.
"You okay there Mr President?" Roz looked expectantly at him.
Teddie sighed. "I'm alright. I'm just thinking of everything that's happened since my death. I probably won't be able to see my family anymore, at least until I'm dead again. But, I'll always remember them. And Franklin did a good job as President from what I know anyway."
"You mean Franklin Delano Roosevelt?" Roz was only just starting to understand Teddie's new way of talking.
Teddie took a big bite of steak. "Naturally. You know, I've been meaning to thank Yu for helping me discover who I was. However, I doubt I'll be calling him "Sensei" anymore because I'm a lot older than he is."
"I forgot about that." Roz scratched her head.
Teddie tilted his head to get a better look at her. "Oh, there's no need to feel badly. I'm sure you're just getting used to me like this."
"You're definitely different to what you were before." Roz blushed.
Teddie understood her remark as a compliment. "I'm glad that's to your liking."
"Me too." Roz whispered.
Teddie finished his steak and took a gulp from a can of soda. "Hmm. I'm glad that we're able to spend time like this. Without all the dangers that come with trying to solve a mystery like this."
"Thanks." Roz tried not to look anywhere but Teddie's eyes.
The former bear noticed. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine! C'mon, I still haven't shown you the rest of Inaba. We've got the hill to see and everything!" Roz paid for the food and stood up.
Teddie followed her lead with a smile on his face. Being human again definitely had its positives.
Seventh Star Pizza, Okina City
Dylan and Yukiko had gotten their own both and had made their orders. Yukiko had gone for an anchovy pizza while Dylan went for a meat lover's pizza. They'd seen a movie and looked around the malls for a little bit but they decided to get a bite to eat before going back to Inaba.
"Thanks for everything, Blondie. It's been a really good day." Yukiko smiled.
Dylan took her hands in his own. "You're very welcome. I really enjoyed today actually. I just wish that we could spend more time like this, especially with my folks coming over soon."
"Yeah. Let's just try and make the best of it, okay?" Yukiko gave Dylan's hands a gentle squeeze.
The blonde sighed. "I suppose. Dad can get pretty demanding sometimes, and I hope your dad has the patience to deal with him."
"He will, don't you worry." Yukiko reassured him.
Dylan grinned. "Awesome. We probably need to have an itinerary planned right?"
"We do. Maybe we could see the sights or something? And, as you said, your parents will probably want to see things or get a better idea of what I'm like as a person." Yukiko paused.
Dylan's grin grew wider. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do fine. My dad's an asshole but my mom's nice."
"That's good." Yukiko brushed some strands of hair back from her face.
Dylan looked as the waiter brought their respective pizzas. "Well, that's excellent service."
"It is! And the food tastes great too!" Yukiko took a slice of pizza and bit into it.
Dylan did the same, and instantly agreed. "Damn right. Speaking of which, there's a few really good places back home. Hey, visiting New York at some point would be a good idea. Maybe not now because of the investigation and everything, but…."
"I'd like that." Yukiko interrupted.
There was about thirty to forty five minutes of silence as the couple finished their meal as well as the sodas they'd ordered.
Dylan burped. "Sorry about that! I'll pay the bill and then we'll get back to the bike."
"You're wonderful." Yukiko gave him a look of gratitude mixed with love.
The blonde paid the bill and left a small tip for the waiter before they left. Yukiko linked arms with Dylan as they walked back to his motorbike. Her thoughts turned to a variety of different things, including the visit of Dylan's parents and what their married life would be like. She definitely liked the sound of being referred to as "Mrs Dylan Blake". Naturally!
