The next morning, Francis sees two familiar faces on the way to school.
"Francis-san!" Yukiko calls out to Francis cheerfully from a distance, who smiles weakly and waves.
Chie and Francis stare at one another for a short while.
"Morning." Francis greets Chie weakly, who greets him back in a similar manner.
"I am feeling better now." Yukiko says as they walk. "If possible, can you teach me more about Personas?"
"Sure." Francis replies.
"I can't wait to test out my new powers. I heard you all are gonna try and stop the criminal. Be sure to count me in!" Yukiko keeps going.
"I want to be useful to you, Francis-san." Yukiko says happily while smiling.
"You don't need to go that far." Francis replies weakly.
"You saved my life, even while facing terrible pain yourself. Helping you is the least I can do." Yukiko replies.
"It's dangerous in there, Yukiko." Chie speaks up anxiously.
"That's why I am going with you guys." Yukiko says cheerfully.
"Sure thing." Francis replies weakly.
While Yukiko tries to talk as the three walk, Francis and Chie both give weak replies.
"My family was actually shocked seeing me change so much!" Yukiko says cheerfully as they approach the school.
"They were like 'Yukiko, what happened to you?'"
She pauses and smiles.
"I just feel I can do anything right now." She says bashfully. "It's still gonna be a while until I can tell them what I want though."
"That's great." Francis and Chie both reply.
"Oh, Amagi, it's good to see you." A boy calls out to Yukiko.
"Thank you." Yukiko replies with lady-like composure.
"Was she always like this?" The boy asks his friend as the trio keeps on walking.
In class, Francis and Chie both greet Yosuke weakly. As they sit, they hear some chatter about Yukiko's shift.
A couple of boys talk about her as Francis takes out his stationary. "Was Amagi always this cheery?"
At homeroom, Morookin greets Yukiko with surprising cheer.
"Good to see you back, Amagi!"
In response to this, Yukiko thanks Morookin politely.
As a response to Yukiko's manners, Morookin keeps going fiercely.
"You are some of the more well mannered ones, unlike a certain unruly someone."
After speaking, Morookin gives Francis the stink eye. Francis simply eyes Morookin, feeling a frown on his as he does. Seeing this, Morookin keeps on going.
"What's this? You had more spunk last time."
Francis replies gloomily. "Not in the mood."
Morookin raises an eyebrow. "Well, whatever. Speaking of unruliness, does anyone know about one of Japan's most unruly gods?"
The classroom remains silent. Seeing this, Morookin complains. "Kids nowadays."
He then keeps going. "The answer is Susanoo, the God of Storms! The asshole flayed a horse and left the corpse in his sister's front yard!"
He calms down and speaks sternly. "Maybe I should put this for the next test."
During lunchtime, Yukiko stops the rest of the group.
"Maybe we can talk more about what happened?" Yukiko asks calmly. The group decides to head up to the roof.
"You sure seem pretty enthusiastic about this, Amagi-san." Yosuke speaks out cheerfully.
"Um, well, I mean you guys did save my life." Yukiko replies with embarrassment.
"I am just glad you came out okay." Yosuke says kindly. He then keeps going calmly.
"I am gonna cut to the chase. Did you go into the TV by yourself, somehow? Sorry if this brings back bad memories, but we are trying to stop the culprit and we need every lead we can get."
"As a matter of fact, I have no idea what happened really." Yukiko replies with composure, smiling as she speaks.
Yosuke keeps asking politely. "What do you mean?"
Yukiko keeps going. "I was on my way back after getting the spice and then I blacked out somehow. When I woke up, I was at the castle with my Shadow in front of me. It was then the emotions I have always suppressed came bursting out. As they were overwhelming me, I came up with the idea of… you know."
"I understand." Yosuke says kindly.
"But." Yukiko keeps on going.
"At first I was told all I needed to do was wait. I don't know long passed, but after a while my Shadow informed me that Chie and Francis-san were inside the castle."
She turns to face Chie for a while before looking at Francis.
"She told me that you two would bring me back. In my despair, I gave up and decided to accept my fate."
She pauses to breathe before continuing. Meanwhile, both Chie and Francis carry looks of depression on them.
"It was then a female voice talked to me and told me I did not need to go back. She told me that she could give me the power to stay. I accepted her offer and she gave me Amaterasu, who is the giant bird you all fought."
"What?" Yosuke replies with surprise.
"I mean, I did hear voices, but they did not offer me anything, neither did my Shadow have a name." He then turns to Chie. "What about you, Satonaka?"
Francis stares at Chie for a bit. She simply shakes her head.
"My Shadow…." She looks at Francis, who averts her gaze.
"Did something…" As Yosuke goes on, Yukiko tugs at his shirt. Yukiko whispers something in his ear, with Francis making out the word 'gap'.
"Sorry, we…" Francis says weakly before coming to a pause.
"We had a disagreement. We just need some time to calm down." Chie explains. "My Shadow…" She looks back to Francis again for a short while before averting her gaze again.
"Her Shadow was nameless like Yosuke's." Francis blurts out.
Yosuke looks at Yukiko. Before he can speak, the bell rings.
"Right, let's go back." Yosuke says before the group makes their way back to class.
After school, the group continues their chat as they leave the school. Yosuke continues asking about what happened to Yukiko.
"Do you remember why you blacked out?"
"No." Yukiko answers calmly.
"Do you remember if someone else did it?"
Yukiko ponders for a bit as Yosuke waits for her. After a while, she says with a lack of confidence.
"Sorry. I don't know."
Yosuke smiles kindly. "It's fine."
He then grumbles. "But still, no leads, huh?"
Yukiko continues to look down sourly. "I am sorry."
After Yosuke reaffirms her, Yukiko decides to tell him and the others about her Persona, Konohana Sakuya.
"Fire and healing?" Yosuke exclaims. "Nice, now we have more coverage."
"Maybe we can go into the TV so that I can learn more about her?" Yukiko asks.
At Junes, the group runs into Adachi, who greets Francis playfully in English.
"What's up?"
Seeing him in a group, Adachi switches back to Japanese.
"Hello there, I am Adachi, his uncles' sla- I mean, partner. Oh, and glad to see you are well, Amagi."
Yukiko greets Adachi politely. "Detective Adachi, if I recall correctly."
Yosuke decides to raise some questions. "Detective, do you happen to know what happened to Amagi-san?"
"Well, based on how she just dropped the spices on the ground, we did surmise she was taken suddenly. We are still unable to track the kidnapper, however." Adachi replies.
"What about," Yosuke pauses, gritting his teeth as he does.
"Do you know anything about Konishi-san?" Yukiko asks. "Sorry if this is intrusive, seeing my classmate was friends with her, we really want to know what happened."
"Sorry. But we have no solid leads on that one. We did assume it had something to do with Yamano's murder, but like I said, nothing solid." Adachi goes on.
"I see. Thank you." Both Yosuke and Yukiko thank Adachi politely.
"If you don't mind. Can I talk to Yamada for a bit?" Adachi asks kindly.
As the three walk to the side, Francis spots Chie eying him, but averting her gaze soon enough.
"Did something happen?" Adachi asks kindly in English.
Francis sighs.
"A girl I like seems to think I…" He pauses. "I don't know how to say it, like there's a gap, no, multiple gaps between us."
"Girl problems, huh?" Adachi sighs, a weak smile on his face.
"Sorry. I had a girl once, you know, while I was in the city. I think you can imagine she wasn't happy with me moving here. If you ask me, just widen your reach. Both of the girls seem interested in you, so why don't you try your chances?"
"Wait, really?" Francis asks in surprise.
"What, you didn't notice? I might be wrong, they might just be looking in your general direction." Adachi says kindly, with slight humor mixed in.
"I… I don't know." Francis replies weakly.
"Hey, take your time. That's one of the benefits of being young." Adachi lightly pats Francis on the shoulder.
As he leaves, he turns around.
"Forgot to mention, but Mr Dojima should be able to go home in time tonight. Mind telling Nanako for him, would make my life easier." Adachi says with a hint of humor, prompting a smile from Francis.
"I am kinda tempted to make it harder for you." Francis jests. Seeing Adachi's eyes widen with horror, he keeps going. "Just pulling your leg. I will remind Nanako."
As Francis reunites with the group, Chie comments.
"He can speak English really well, huh?"
"Ya." Francis says rather energetically, realizing he's feeling better.
"Amagi-chan!" Kuma shouts excitedly seeing Yukiko.
"Hello, Kuma-san." As Yukiko greets him back, Kuma hands her the glasses.
"It is good to see you back, Sensei." Kuma greets Franics energetically.
"Hei there, Kuma, good to see you." Francis replies, his voice still laced with fatigue.
"Yosuke and Chie-chan." Kuma smiles at the other two. While Yosuke replies enthusiastically, Chie replies weakly.
"Say, why are you only calling me by my last name?" Yukiko complains to Kuma.
"What's a last name?" Kuma asks innocently.
"You don't know?" Yukiko asks with surprise.
"I just call them what is easier for me. Their other names are a mouthful, after all." Kuma explains cheerfully.
"Oh ya, both of your names have the same syllables." Yosuke comments to Yukiko.
"Indeed." Yukiko nods. She then faces Kuma. "Kuma, call me Yukiko."
"All right, Yukiko-chan." Kuma replies.
"So, where are we going for training today?" Yukiko asks Francis, who is silent.
"Uh… s**t, good question." Francis mutters in English. He tries to think, but nothing comes up.
"Listen, why don't I make the decisions today?" Yosuke voices. "No offense, but you two don't look too good."
Francis nods.
"Did something happen between Sensei and Chie-chan, kuma?" Kuma asks innocently. "Is this what they call a break…"
"We are not breaking up!"
Everybody looks to Chie, who just shouted panickedly. Chie then looks to Francis with sad eyes.
"We are not breaking up, right?"
"No, of course not." Francis tries his best to reassure her.
"Kuma-san, come with me." Yukiko drags Kuma along, who follows her while still in shock.
As Kuma and Yukiko talk, Yosuke checks on the other two.
"You think you two can fight today?" He asks with concern.
Francis thinks for a bit.
"I probably can't." He replies. Chie gives a similar reply as well.
"Right. No worries. I suppose you two can go back." Yosuke says kindly. "Just thought you two might wanna rest."
Francis and Chie remain silent.
"Leave me alone with him." Chie says somberly. Yosuke looks to Francis, who nods his head.
After Yosuke goes, the two simply stand in silence, with a certain degree of distance between them.
"Are we really following Yosuke today?" Kuma asks with concern.
"Unless we encounter another powerful Shadow we should be fine." Yosuke says with reassurance. He then asks Kuma in annoyance. "You really don't have faith in me, do you?"
"No offense, Hanamura-kun." Yukiko replies in a deadpan manner, with an expression to match her tone.
"You too?!" Yosuke shouts in defeat.
Yosuke then pauses and thinks, tapping his feet and scratching his chin =.
"Say, Amagi, we forgot to bring it up, but do you have a weapon?" Yosuke asks.
"No." Yukiko replies. She then looks down, like she's thinking. After some thinking, her eyes widen. "Oh ya, I just remembered that Francis-san had a katana with him."
"Well, damnit." Yosuke curses.
"Why?" Yukiko asks curiously.
"Francis and Satonaka were the ones that convinced the smith to give us weapons. He's the one with the money to buy them as well." Yosuke grumbles.
"Guess we need Sensei, after all, kuma." Kuma says cheerfully. Yosuke glares at him after he does.
The trio decides to talk with Francis.
While the others were talking, Francis was looking at Chie, who averted her gaze. Seeing this, Francis averted his.
"Francis."
Chie calls out to Francis while the others are still talking. As Francis looks at her, she speaks timidly.
"I...uh…. Do you….I mean… Are you…"
As she pauses, Francis tries to speak. However, the words feel frozen at his mouth. Chie's eyes widen before she looks away once more.
"Sorry."
Francis turns to Yosuke, who just called out. They tell him about getting Yukiko weapons.
"We can try talking to him." Francis replies.
"I don't think we will have much time left to train if we go now." Yosuke comments.
"Let's just get me something first so that we can train afterwards."
Hearing Yukiko's words, the group decides to go to the smith. As they leave, Francis notices Kuma eyeing them sadly.
"Yosuke." Francis calls out. As Yosuke looks at him, he gestures to Kuma.
"I don't think he trusts me that much." Yosuke says with a lack of confidence in his tone.
"Can you come with me at least?" Francis asks.
"I can come with you." Yukiko butts in.
The trio looks to Chie.
"I will come."
"You feeling okay, kuma?" Yosuke asks as the group stands close to Kuma.
"Well.." Kuma stammers.
"You can talk to us." Francis says kindly.
"I am just so lonely, kuma. A lonely bear in a lonely world…." Kuma says sadly.
"Didn't you live here by yourself?" Yosuke questions Kuma.
"I've always been lonely, kuma. But now that Kuma knows what it's like to have friends, the loneliness is worse, kuma."
Yosuke sighs. He rubs his forehead as he does.
"What about this, Kuma?" Yukiko asks. "You be a good bear and wait for us here. We promise we will come back for you." Yukiko says kindly.
"Really, kuma?" Kuma says excitedly.
"Of course." Yukiko replies kindly.
"Can I go on a date with you, Yukiko-chan? I would love to go with Chie-chan, but she's already with Sensei." Kuma asks with excitement.
"A date?" Yukiko asks with surprise.
"What the hell?" Yosuke butts in annoyingly. "Do you have any idea how many people wanna go out with Amagi? I didn't even get to go out with Amagi!"
"That's cause you are Yosuke!" Kuma shouts at Yosuke with beady eyes.
"Oh, that's it! You are on, you stinking bear!" Yosuke jumps at Kuma, easily knocking him down.
As he falls, Kuma's mask goes off. After both Yosuke and Yukiko take a look, they both gasp in surprise.
"What is it?" Francis asks as he and Chie walk closer and take a look.
"Oh, it's empty." Francis comments with fatigue as he sees that there is nothing beneath.
"What do you mean oh, it's empty?" Yosuke shouts with annoyance. "I get that you are depressed, but that's too calm of a response."
"We have seen weirder things." Francis comments.
Kuma simply goes and puts his mask back on.
"How dare you bully the weak, Yosuke?" He complains once his mask is on. "That's why you don't get to go on a date with Yukiko-chan!"
"You little…" Yosuke growls before jumping at Kuma again.
"Help, he's committing animal abuse!" Kuma shouts in desperation as Yosuke jumps on him and tickles him.
"Do you think they will be fine, Francis-san?" Yukiko asks cheerfully, walking next to Francis as she does.
"Sorry, I don't know." Francis replies. He looks back to Chie, who is standing at the back. Chie looks at him as well. Their gazes match and remain locked.
Francis tries to get closer. Meanwhile, Chie simply stands there. Francis soon gets close to Chie and the two avert their gazes once more. The two stand quite a distance to one another, remaining silent.
As Francis turns to face the others, he notices gloom on Yukiko's face, which is facing his direction. The expression lasts for a short while before Yukiko turns over and goes to stop the other two.
"S**t." Francis mutters.