Author's Notes:
Sorry that this chapter is late. I was working on editing my previous chapters, along with my review for Yakuza 0.
Also, I recently looked and this story now has over 200 views. Thank you all for your continued support.
I also want to say Happy belated Birthday to my favorite trash husbando Adachi. I can't wait to write his birthday chapter, it's gonna be interesting to say the least. I may have to put a warning though.
Now let us continue.
Disclaimer: Persona 4 and its characters and settings are owned by Atlus, and JoJo's Bizzare Adventure is owned by Hirohiko Araki. The only things I own are my OC's.
Chapter 7: Reunion with an Old Friend and Secrets Revealed
12/25/2011
Weather: Party Cloudy
(Yui's POV)
She'd gotten up and was ready for the day ahead, she was invited to go and visit Rin with Adachi and Yuri today. Although, she hadn't met Yuri herself; she did hear about her in Rin's letters though. She wasn't too sure when they were suppose to meet up, she probably should've asked Adachi-san for his number yesterday. Well, she'd meet up with them at the hospital later anyways. She put on a long sleeved dark plaid shirt with a light yellow blouse underneath, and a long black skirt that went to her knees, and black leggings.
She grabbed her stuff, and the gifts before heading on down to join the Dojima's for breakfast. "Merry Christmas!" Nanako said, excitedly. "Hey, Merry Christmas." Dojima said, giving her a smile. "Merry Christmas, to you too." She said, returning it in kind and putting her stuff down; before sitting down at the table. The three of them spent Christmas morning together, they ate breakfast and exchanged gifts. It was pretty enjoyable, and Dojima and Nanako seemed to like the gifts she got for them. She had gotten Nanako a cute pink scarf, and Dojima a ashtray. They really appreciated the thought, and thanked her.
She also liked the gifts she received from her uncle and cousin. Dojima got for her, it was a journal with a yellow cover. He figured she could use to write about her time here in Inaba. Nanako made her a cute drawing of when they spent time together in the kitchen. She was grateful for the presents she received, and thanked them.
Time had flew by, and it was already into the early afternoon. When she went to go grab her things, Dojima noticed this and asked her where she was going. She told him she was going to go visit a friend of hers, her friend was in the hospital at the moment and she didn't want her to spend Christmas alone. She hoped that would be enough for Dojima to let her go, and it was. She thanked him, before she got her stuff along with her gift to Rin; and let them know she'd be back later as she left.
--
Yui headed to the shopping district, and waited at the bus stop for it to take her to the Inaba Municipal Hospital. She figured that Adachi-san and Yuri-san were probably there by now. It took a bit but the bus finally came, as she got on it took her towards destination. Having arrived at the hospital, she got off and headed inside. Seeing the young detective as she entered, along with a young woman in her late twenties, with long brunette hair tied up in two buns and violet colored eyes. She was pretty, but just looking at her you could tell she was full of energy to the point where it was radiating off of her. she wore a orange long sleeved brown shirt with an orange blouse underneath, a brown skirt with dark brown leggings, and a burgundy coat. Standing next to the one of the receptionist desks. She called over to them, alerting them of her presence. They turned around, greeting her with a smile. But, before either one could get a word in; the young woman took hold of her. "Oh my gosh! It's so great to finally meet you, Naru-chan. I've heard so much about you from Rin." The young woman squealed with delight, as she hugged her. The young woman's actions had left her speechless, "Heh, sorry about that Narukami-chan. Yuri's been like that for as long as I've known her." Adachi said, apologizing to her. "I-its fine." She said, her voice returning. "So you must be Yuri-san, then?" She asked the young woman, "Yup! Though, that's just what my friends call me. I'm Totsuka Mayuri." Yuri said, introducing herself to her; after finally releasing her. "It's nice to finally meet you too, Mayuri-san. Rin mentioned you a lot in her letters." She said, returning the greeting. "Oh, no need to be so formal with me Naru-chan. Just call me, Yuri." Yuri said, cheerfully. "Ok, then. Yuri-san." She said, still a bit dazed from Yuri's antics; feeling as if she's gone through a whirlwind. "Well, let's get going. Don't want to keep Rin waiting." Adachi said, "Yeah, just let me sign in real quick." She said, before heading over to the reception desk. After she signed in, they headed on up to the room Rin was in.
--
Once they got there, they opened the door; she couldn't believe at what she saw. Her mouth agape, she was utterly and completely dumbfounded at the sight before her. She knew that Rin was sick, but didn't know the full extent of what was wrong with her. She could see why Rin never told her, it's not something that was easy to explain unless you saw it with your own eyes.
She tried to speak, but no words came out. "Yeah, pretty shocking isn't it? I was the same way when Dachi first showed me." Yuri said, "And this isn't the weirdest part." Yuri stated, it was then that the room started to change around them. Taking them to who knows where. The hospital's walls and ceiling was replaced with a beautiful starry night sky, and a spacious room before them. Despite the room already containing: a house, a beautiful garden filled with many different types of fruits and vegetables, along with various types of flowers, and a training ground. It still looked like it could go on for miles. It was completely vast, like a great ocean; and where they were standing felt like they were on the shore of an island. It was baffling, to say the least. "Where are we?" She asked, wondering where they were taken. Before she could get an answer, a young woman who looked to be in her early twenties. She came up to them, and greeted them with a gentle smile; which for some reason felt familar to her. "Merry Christmas, everyone." She said greeting them, "Merry Christmas, to you too. Rin!" Yuri exclamed, before bringing her in for quick hug. "Merry Christmas to you too, Rin." Adachi said, before he kissed her. The realization dawning on her that the boyfriend that Rin had mentioned in her letters was none other than Adachi-san, and that the young woman in front of her was none other than Rin herself.
Rin's gaze finally fell on her, taking notice of her presence. Rin walked up to her, taking a closer look at her. "Yui-chan? Is that really you?" Rin asked, She nodded, before Rin wrapped her arms around her and wept tears of joy. "Happy Birthday, Yui-chan. I'm so happy to see you." Rin said, "Thanks, and I'm glad to see you too." Her bewildered expression had been replaced with a small smile, returning her gesture in kind. With all questions she previously had were put on hold for the moment.
Rin let go of her and turned around to face Adachi, Is this the surprise that you mentioned yesterday?" Rin asked, "Well, it's one of them." Adachi said, "There's more?" Rin asked, curious of what other surprises Adachi had in store for her. Adachi nodded in response to Rin's question, before Rin turned her attention back to her. "Come on inside, we can talk in there. I know you probably have a lot of questions you want to ask." Rin said, gesturing them to follow her into the house. Which they did so, though not before the girls put their bags down; and took off their shoes, scarfs, gloves, and coats off.
"Make yourselves at home." Rin said, before going to the kitchen. She and Yuri sat on one of the adjacent sofas, while Adachi sat on the other. Rin had returned to the living room, after making a few trips; bringing out trays of food for them to enjoy. Along with plates and utensils for them. "Feel free to get dig in." Rin said, as she gestured before sitting next to Adachi on the other sofa. It looked absolutely amazing, it had been years since she's had Rin's cooking; it honestly didn't feel real to her. "By the way, Yui-chan. If you're wondering, yes the food is real." Rin said, she was taken aback by this; it was as if she had read her mind.
They went and took the food from the trays, and put the food on their plates. "So, you're probably wondering where we are? Aren't you? Yui-chan." Rin asked, she nodded; with plate in hand. "This place, is known as The Celestial Realm. A separate plane of reality where those of my race, who have Celestial blood within them are sent to during their transformation state." Rin explained, this had taken her aback; that Rin wasn't human. She had no idea, for she didn't look any different from everyone else. "Wait? You're not human?" She asked, "Well, I'm actually half human. But, yes. I'm sorry that didn't tell you in my letters, but this was something I needed to tell you in person." Rin said, picking up a piece of food from one of the trays; and putting it on her plate. "I see, so what are you then?" She asked, "I'm a Draconian. Well, half Draconian anyway." Rin stated. "I didn't even know myself until I was fifteen, my mother never got the chance to tell me. It's also one of the reasons why a trail of blood has followed me like a dark cloud. It also didn't help being the granddaughter of the current ruler of Oupavia, Luna Alucard as well." Rin explained, this both shocked and saddened her. She could understand now why she didn't tell her. Like her Rin was an only child, she had no siblings and her Dad was always busy with work; even when he wasn't he was distant towards her. She was alone, isolated, an outcast. She desired companionship, but no one gave it to her in return. Those who did, usually turned her away after seeing her true nature. The only ones that didn't were the ones that Rin considered them as family, and the fear of losing them absolutely terrified Rin; especially after what had happened to Mai. But she never expected her to also be royalty as well, however what did she mean by the 'trail of blood'.
"I see." She said, it was Rin's turn to be shocked; before bursting into tears. Knowing that she didn't need to say anything else; for it didn't matter whether or not she wasn't fully human or whether or not she lived a normal life. To her she was just Rin, and that's all that mattered to her.
"So, when did Adachi-san and Yuri-san find out?" She asked, "Tohru found out the same time I did, and Sis found out not long after I had turned sixteen when one of my family servants tried to bring me back home. Even though I was already planning on transferring to my homeland for my second year of high school, so I could get to know more about my family, our race, and my abilities. There was only so much that Big Brother Damian and Uncle Wakabe could teach me, but unfortunately I could only stay for a year; before returning to Iwatodai but it was enough." Rin explained, "Why only a year though? Did something happen?" She asked, "Actually, something had already happened at the time. When I was little my mother was researching creatures known as Shadows alongside the Kirjo Group." She was astonished at this, the same company her Dad worked for were researching the same creatures that she and Adachi-san fought the other day. "What?! Why were they researching those things?!" She exclaimed, "They wanted to know more about their abilities, however my mother and one of her colleagues weren't like that. They wanted to know more about the Shadows thoughts and feelings, but something went wrong and because of that it brought about the creation of the phenomenon known as The Dark Hour." Rin explained, both she and Yuri were taken aback by that. "Does that mean that she's a Persona user too?" She thought, "Later on, ablity users wielding a power known as Personas came into being; both naturally and unnaturally. I, like you and Tohru awoken mine naturally during the start of my third year." Rin continued, answering her question; she wondered if maybe Rin was psychic. Not even missing a beat she'd answered that one too. "And yes, I am psychic. One of the many abilities my race wields: along with shift-shaping, clairvoyance, mind reading, incredible strength, and summoning weapons. Those were the main abilities of our race, of course there were also those who could utilize elemental abilities, and healing as well." Rin continued, she was amazed at her friend.
"What's a Persona?" Yuri asked, Rin's eyes lit up at her question; then put down her plate and went to move away from the table. A summoning circle surrounded Rin, "Now, cone forth Minerva!" Rin called out, bringing forth the roman goddess of wisdom. "What the hell is that thing?!" Yuri asked, "It's a Persona, a physical representation of the mask one wears to face life's hardships." Rin said, they looked at it with awe before it disappeared. "I figured the best way to answer your question was to just show you. It's much easier to understand once you've seen it with your own eyes." Rin surmised, "I guess that makes sense." Yuri said, "So, both Dachi and Naru also have one?" They nodded, "But the way we summoned ours was different than how Rin did it. I'm not sure how we even summon ours." She said, "Well, if anyone would know how it'd be Rin." Adachi suggested, he was mostly quiet throughout the majority of their conversation: enjoying the food before them eating his fill and listening to them. "Well, what did you two use to summon them?" Rin asked, "I think we used these to summon them." Adachi said, before pulling a card out of his pocket. "A card? Huh, its definitely different from how my siblings summoned theirs." Rin mused, while she looked it over. "How'd they do it?" Adachi asked, Rin grimaced at that. "It was pretty horrifying, they had to pretend to shoot themselves." Rin said, their stomachs lurched at that statement. "It really scared me when I saw my siblings first do it. They never heard the end of it from me, which is why I came up with a different method utilizing both the teachings from my homeland along with my mother's research and thus this was one of the results." Rin said, "One of them? What was the other?" Adachi asked, before she gave him a sly smile. "I'll show you later, once we've finished eaten. But back to the matter at hand, after taking a closer look I think I figured how you two can summon your Persona." Rin said, "Really? How?" Adachi asked, "It's actually quite simple, you just need to crumple it up like a piece of paper: while calling your Personas. Though, since the card is made of glass it will most likely shatter; but don't worry it won't break it will simply reform itself once you've sent it back inside you." Rin explained, before giving Adachi back the playing card."Is it really that simple?" They thought, as Adachi held the card in his hand, while she took out her own. They might as well give it a try, they put their plates down on the table before getting up and moving away from the table. They held their cards in hand, and doing what Rin suggested. "Izanagi!," She cried out, "Magatsu-Izanagi!" Adachi did the same, as well. It seemed to have worked, their Persona out in full display; and when they disappeared the cards regained its glass-like shape. Now all they needed to was hone their new found powers. Rin looked at them with awe and admiration. "So that's what yours looks like." Rin murmured as she beamed at them, looking at them eagerly. Rin really wanted to put their skills to the test, and the best way to do that was through some good old fashioned sparing.
They went to rejoin the others, "So, how did you guys awaken yours. I know now that Rin awakened hers not long after she went back to her hometown, and that you guys awakened yours just recently. But, how exactly to you all gain that power?" Yuri asked, curiously. "It's actually quite an interesting story. You see, a few days after the new term started; during the Dark Hour my older brother Akihiko encountered one of the Twelve." Rin began to regale her tale to them, "The Twelve?" They thought, wondering what Rin meant. This, however wasn't new to Adachi as Rin had already told him how she obtained her Persona and about The Twelve and how her and her siblings were tricked into defeating them by Shuji Ikutsuki.
"However, he got injured and had to return to the dorms; but he ended up leading it back to us and we had to evacuate up to the roof. But, there were actually two of them and the one that Akihiko faced made its way up to the roof. It was then, that both my little brother Minato and I awoken ours during the fight." Rin said, having finished recording her tale to them. It was now their turn, they recalled the events from the other day and infored Yuri about how they wound up in the world inside the TV, how they came across the cell, how they ran into Shirobana-san, and encountered several different creatures including a strange bear; which lead up to their awakening.
This astonished Yuri, as frustratiion lined her features. "So that's where they were hiding." Yuri murmured, Rin's eyes held a stern gaze, "What do you mean by that?" Rin asked, with a hint of irritation in her voice. Yuri looked away, she hesitated for a moment before letting out a sigh. "I guess it's my turn to come clean." Yuri said, with a sad smile. This confused her and Rin, while Adachi looked like someone preparing for an explosion to go off. "You see, three years ago. I was brought on by the Iburoku Intelligence Agency they thought my skills as a journalist could be used for info gathering and reconnaissance. I've been working with them ever since, and one of my recent assignments was to follow up on a rumor about a Mokushiroku base here in Inaba. It's been almost two years since then, though I did take up smaller assignments I couldn't find a single lead. But as it turns out they were right under my noses." They let the information sink in for a moment, then Rin spoke, "Who was it that recruited you? Was it my uncle or was it Matsuo-san?" Rin asked, her voice steady and calm; but her eyes held a steel gaze. It was like a calm before the storm. "It was Matsuo-san, why? Does it matter?" Yuri asked, "Not really, because either one will get their butts kicked once I get out. The nerve of them bringing you into this. I swear... If something happened..." Rin trailed off, fighting back the tears that wished to spill out. Yuri chuckled at this, "It's ok, I knew the risks going into it. Even still, I just couldn't sit back and do nothing. You don't have to worry about me, I can take cate of myself; besides I have my own set of ablities I can use against them." Yuri said, they were taken aback by this. "What?!" they exclaimed, "Yep, turns out I had the prowess to wield spirit energy. I mostly use it through my camera trapping my enemies, and analyzing their spirit energy through my photos. Those are just a couple of methods, pretty cool huh?" Yuri said, they were stunned by this. "Thank you for telling us Yuri, but even though you are strong; please be careful." Rin asked, worried for her older sister. "Don't worry, I will be." Yuri reassured her. "I know, but the main reason why I'm worried; is because you could be one of their potential targets." Rin said, "What do you mean?" Yuri asked, they then explained how people were being thrown into the TV. Yuri gasped at this, not only were they using that other world as a base; but were also using it to hurt innocent people. A fire burned within Yuri's eyes, her determination never wavered. Yuri asked if they've found any leads so far, the only thing they had to go on was some urban legend known as The Midnight Channel. Yuri had about this before, but she had no idea what this alleged Midnight Channel was. Adachi explained it to her, that on a rainy night if you watch a blank TV alone at midnight you'll see your soulmate; however it maybe that those who show up get thrown into the TV. A chill ran down their spines, "Ok, then. Whenever it rains, we'll need to make sure to check out the Midnight Channel." Yuri declared, they wanted to say something but knew her mind was already made up. "Also, in case Rin isn't out by then; someone will need to keep an eye on the monitor and let her know." Yuri stated, "Do you know how much longer it will be?" She asked Rin, before Rin could answer Adqchi butted in. "About that, I found out yesterday that it won't be that much longer now. It'll just be a few more weeks until then." Adachi said, giving them the good news. "Really?! That's awesome!" Yuri exclamed, "That's good to hear." She said, happy for Rin. "Finally, I thought it never finish." Rin said, relieved to hear that. "I'm assuming that was what the other surprise was." Rin surmised, "Yeah, it was." Adachi said, "By the way, you said earlier that you sent to this during your transformation phase. But, what exactly is that? And how long have you been here?" She asked, "Well, to put in layman terms; it's pretty much our races form of puberty. And I've been in here for almost two years now. It was around the end of the school year that it happened, it was also when my little brother Minato had died." Rin said, somberly. They were silent at this, she and Yuri had no idea; and most likely didn't want to talk about what happened. With the tension weighing down on them, Yuri changed the subject, bringing the tone back to a lighter note. "Hey, you know what? Why don't we throw a party for Rin, once she gets out? After all, it will most likely be around her birthday at the time. So, why not?" Yuri suggested, trying to cheer us up. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea. Plus, you'll be old enough to drink too." Adachi said, not opposing the idea. Rin chuckled at this, "I'll need to make sure to bring some non-alcoholic stuff for Yui-chan. But, do you mind waiting until I get settled in first?" Rin asked, "Sure, no problem. Just let me know, and we'll work out the details from there." Yuri said, cheerfully.
The rest of the time they spent together, was much more light-hearted. She and Rin had finished eating then went abd exchanged gifts amongst themselves, she had received a cute white lily flower pin from Rin; she would definitely wear it whenever she got the chance. She then gave Rin a origami shaped owl, ever since they first met she would make her something. She didn't care if it was childish, Rin enjoyed them and even started a collection of the crafts she'd make for her. Adachi went and gave Rin a beautiful star shaoed charm, littered with blue and purple gems. While Rin gave Adachi a red tie and gave Yuri some really cute beads that had rabbits lined on it; and Adachi gave Yuri a really cool looking fountain pen.
After that they put away the trays and put their dishes in the sink. Then Rin suggested that they do some training, she really wanted to see their abilities in action; not only that she wanted to put her own skills to the test. They agreed to this, and went outside to the training grounds.
Before they started Rin took her hands, as a blue fire surrounded her hands and a katana was forged. Rin handed it to her, accepting it. Then they went and took their stance, each one was different. Her stance, strong and firm. Adachi's was bit more loose and chaotic. Yuri's was more upbeat and bouncy. And Rin's was serene and peaceful, but it felt that there was a great strength hidden underneath her calm exterior. As if, she was looking at a true master. "Alright, come at me with everything you've got. Don't hold anything back." Rin stated, she stood there looking for an opening. While Adachi went and made the first move, he summoned his Persona and imagined the same feeling he felt back in the TV world. He commanded his Persona and brought down a blast of magic. However, Rin blocked it easily. This annoyed Adachi, "Not bad, but you'll need to do more than that if you wish to beat me." Rin chided, it was then that Yuri launched a surprise attack; and then unleashed a barrage of punches at Rin. Rin blocked them with ease, her moves held grace and finesse. It was during this she brought Izanagi and sent a bolt of lightning at Rin. Rin barely dodged it, and Yuri was able to get a hit in; this took Rin by surprise that Yuri was able to hurt her. Yuri followed up with a blast of spirit energy, She utilized great speed and dodged the attack. Then summoned a pistol and shot a blast of energy, Yuri barely dodged it, it was then they realized that Rin was holding back herself. "I'm impressed, you almost had me there; you even got me to bring out my pistol." Rin said, but there was something off. Like a switch had turned off in her brain, and looked like she was enjoying herself. Adachi had a sadistic grin on his face, before going on the offensive again. His movements fast and frantic, but was able to push Rin back. She followed up on the momentum, backing Adachi up; she sent another blast of lightning at Rin. She tried to dodge it, but Adachi wasn't gonna let her get away so easily and rushed at her. Yuri used that chance to catch her off guard with a blast of spirit energy. This went on for a while, until Rin brought the match to an end. They ended up working up quite a sweat, but it was a lot of fun. "Good, but you guys still have a long way to go before you beat me." Rin said, having analyzed their progress. This lit a fire in them, wanting to become stronger so they can beat Rin.
--
Once they finished, they gathered their things, and thanked Rin before they bade her goodbye. They then left and were sent back to the hospital. The feeling having coming out of that strange realm, was absolutely bizarre. Shaking out of her stupor she was about to head home, but before that. "Hey, Adachi-san. About the other day, thanks, you and Shirobana-san really helped me out. I was weak, and I was so scared that I couldn't even move. If I hadn't summoned my Persona I know I would've died. I was weak, I'm sorry. I held you back, but I'll get stronger so that I won't hold you back." She said, with determination. Adachi chuckled at that, before rubbing her head. "Don't worry about it, Narukami-chan. You actually did pretty well, despite it being your first time." Adachi said, reassuringly. "Yeah, even during our spar with Rin you did great Naru-chan. We just gotta get stronger, and will show those jerks what were made of." Yuri said, confidently; as she praised her. "Right." She said, "Oh, here give me your phone real quick. I'll give you mine and Dachi's number. Of course, I'll need yours as well." Yuri said, as she took her phone and put in their contact info; then inputed her number into her phone and then sent it Adachi befote handing the phone back to her. "There we go, now if something happens we'll be able to contact each other." Yuri chirped, before they left the hospital. By the time they left it was already into the evening, they had no idea it had gotten so late. "Do you need a ride Naru-chan?" Yuri offered, she took her up on that. They got into her car before making their way towards the Dojima household.
--
Having arrived at the Dojima residence, she thanked Yuri for the ride. She went inside and let Dojima and Nanako know that she was home, before taking off her shoes and coat; then took her bag and the pin. Before heading upstairs, putting them away then got out the journal Dojima gave her. She at the desk, and began to write about the day's events; with a smile gracing her features. When she had finished, she got ready for bed; though not before receiving a text. She looked to see who it was from, and saw it was from her Mom wishing her happy birthday and a Merry Christmas. Along with letting her know how she was doing, and that she hoped she was getting along with Dojima and Nanako; though she didn't need to worry about that. So far they were getting along pretty well, her mom told her goodnight as she had to get back to work. She was glad she'd finally got to hear from her mom, she closed her then headed onto bed.
End of chapter.
Author's Notes:
Sorry that this is a heavy exposition chapter but I had to get this out thete. It was a bit rough, but I enjoyed writing it nonetheless. I also was able to fully introduce Yuri as well.
Now the next chapter may be the last interlude chapter before I return to the main plot. Unless its a shorter chapter then I might just go ahead and get back into it, we'll see.
If you all enjoy the story please feel free follow, favorite, or leave a review.
Until next time, farewell.
Next chapter: The Beginning of A New Year
