Author Notes: It has been a significant amount of time since the previous time I updated this story. There were two reasons for that. The lack of reviews along with the fact I spent the second half of 2020 focused on completing "Past is Prologue". I ended that story partly because it was getting a lack of reviews, but I was passionate about reaching the ending point in that story, and I was successful in completing it. Despite my disappointment in the lack of reviews, I was still proud of the work I accomplished in that story, and the fact I was able to finally put it to rest.

My intention to completing that story was so I would be able to have an easier time focusing on both "The Kirita Chronicles" and "Into the Fog". While the lack of reviews I received chapter updates is disappointing, I have every intention of doing my best to see this story through. It may take a few more years to complete this story, but I look forward to being able to complete the journey someday.

Enjoy reading the chapter, and please leave a review. Your feedback is appreciated, and it makes it easier to write chapters because I know people are looking forward to reading the material.

/

Into The Fog

Story Arc VI: Transition

Chapter Thirty-Seven: New Steps – Part IV

/

Keep Moving Forward

Progress cannot be easy

However do not stop

/

Date: Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 – Night Time

Location: Inaba – Dojima Household – Rei's Room

It was another night at the Dojima Household, and it was another night of Narukami Rei attempting to make the most of her time. Nanako was focused on her TV program, so Rei didn't want to disturb her. Since midterms were over and finals were weeks away, Rei didn't need to worry about studying at the moment. Rei decided she might as well tackle a new job she signed up for. It was called Envelope Construction.

As the name suggested, Rei received a box of supplies and instructions. Her task was to construct all of the envelopes in her possession before returning them to the job counter back in the Central Shopping District. While there was technically no time limit, Rei knew the sooner she got this done the better. Preferably less than a week.

Rei laid out the supplies and instructions on the table in the room her Uncle was letting her stay in. She could see there was an awful lot that she needed to do. She sat down on her knees, clapped her hands, and slapped her cheeks. She could feel the energy running through her body.

While the job paid well, Rei could tell that this would prove to be the most mundane of any of the jobs that she had taken on. Regardless, Rei knew she needed to get these envelops done within a week to make the most amount of money. She'd get a bonus if she finished this job early. She could also get a little extra on top of that if she immediately took on another job.

While it appeared to be a simple job, Rei wanted to be sure that she had it all down. She read through the instructions once. She then constructed one envelope while gazing at the instructions. She appeared to be following them correctly. After she completed one, she then did another while looking at the instructions. For the third one, she decided to see if she could complete one without looking at the instructions. Thankfully, she was successful. She then started the job in earnest.

With every envelope Rei touched, she did her best to maneuver her fingers away from touching the edges. The lady at the counter warned her that it was easier to get paper cuts than one would think. The last thing she needed was a box fully of bloody envelopes. She was starting to wonder if this job was going to be harder than babysitting all those kids at the daycare. Regardless, Rei pressed on.

Thanks to Rei's meticulousness, the envelopes were being completed without issue, but it was taking a while. With each envelope Rei constructed, she remained focused on the money. By focusing on the money, Rei felt as surge in motivation. She was able to increase her pace and completed the envelopes a little faster. Before she knew it, she successfully completed more than half of the envelopes, and she believed she reached a good stopping point. It would be easy for Rei to finish these envelopes on another day.

Rei could feel doing this job made her more diligent. She was able to make it through a majority of this mindless task. She would be ready to handle more envelopes. For now, she needed to take a break.

Rather than going straight to bed, Rei decided she would like to watch a little TV. When she thought about it, she had hardly used the TV in her room besides watching the Midnight Channel, checking the weather, or making orders on the shopping channel. Rei decided she might as well check out the news. When the news returned from the commercial break, it served to remind her of the situation.

A female anchor spoke, "Over a month ago, the peaceful suburb of Inaba became the home of not only scandal but murder. Two bizarre murders occurred within one week of the other, and both victims were found hanging upside down. The first victim was former announcer Yamano Mayumi whose body was discovered hanging from an antenna. The person who discovered the body, Konishi Saki, became the second victim shortly afterwards."

As the reporter was speaking, Rei couldn't help but think, "Man, these guys really don't have anything better to do than just regurgitated old talking points, huh?"

The anchor continued to speak, "Similar to the first victim, Konishi Saki's body was discovered hanging from a telephone pole. In both cases, the autopsy reports indicated the victims died only a few hours before their bodies were discovered, but the reports have had difficulty determining the nature of their deaths. However, it is known that both bodies were discovered in the Central Shopping District. As of this moment, the police have yet to disclose any new details and the suspect remains unidentified and at large."

Rei leaned back and sighed, "Of course not."

It was then the reporter mentioned something that caught Rei's attention, "We were unable to have an interview with the second victim's brother, Konishi Naoki. He has constantly refused to make a statement."

Upon hearing that, Rei bit her lip. With how her teeth were pressing into her lip, it felt as if it could elicit blood at any moment before she said to herself, "Vultures." She then changed the TV to a random channel. It ended up being a magical girl show that was airing during the 'Spring 2011' season.

Rei glanced to the door and then shrugged, "Might as well."

/

Date: Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 - Lunchtime

Location: Inaba – Yasogami High

The following day was another day for Rei and her friends at Yasogami High school. Nothing special happened that day. They received another reminder regarding the upcoming school camping trip. When that was mentioned, Rei couldn't help but feel a little awkward as she glanced at her fellow Investigation Team members.

After it was time for lunch, Rei was quick to make herself scarce. While she was gone, Yosuke, Chie, and Yukiko decided to sit around each other while eating. Yosuke was the first to remark, "Where is Narukami-san anyway?"

Yukiko spoke up, "I think she went up to the roof."

Chie leaned back, "She hanging out with Ebihara?" There was a sense of bitterness in Chie's voice.

"I …" Yukiko awkwardly answered, "… think so. Why?"

"No reason." Chie leaned her arm on the desk and then took a bite out of her lunch.

"Speaking of other groups," Yosuke said, "I'm still confused. How exactly did Narukami-san end up in a group with a different class again?"

Chie reminded him, "King Moron offered us an exchange program with another class and Narukami volunteered."

Yukiko stated, "It was kind like the Exchange Student concept, but it has only between classes."

Chie pointed out, "She wouldn't have been able to be in our group anyway. They wanted to same number of guys to girls in each group."

"Hmm …Still something just doesn't …" Yosuke reluctantly conceded, "I guess there's nothing we can really do about. I wonder how it's going for her though."

/

It was going quite well for Rei. She was having a fun lunch time with Ai. Daisuke and Kou couldn't come, but that made it easier for them to have a discussion about what happened yesterday.

"You know … I still can't get over what I saw." Ai's voice was filled with awe and amazement. She was even having trouble putting the words she wanted to speak, "That world … You know it is hard to describe, but it was pretty crazy in there."

"Yep." Rei nodded as she casually took another bite of her lunch.

"I know it's a lot crazier than what I saw." Ai then asked the obvious question, "Do you really think you'll find out who the killer is by going in there?"

Rei spoke in a matter of fact tone, "We don't really have much of a choice. That TV World is how he's been doing his killing."

"He doesn't actually go there himself, right?" Ai inquired, "He just throws people in there, doesn't he?"

"We hope we'll find something." Rei then stated, "We have to. At the very least, we'll be able to save his victims. That alone might help us. Someone like him must enjoy killing, right? Otherwise, why would he keep doing this?"

"Ugh …" Ai could not hide her disgust, "Who could enjoy that?"

"I think you'd be surprised how many sick people there are." Rei grimly answered.

"Good grief." Ai scratched the back of her head, "I thought you were interesting when we first met, New Girl, but this keeps getting more intense every day."

Rei asked, "Do you want out?"

"Of course not." Ai bluntly stated, "Things will get boring for me again if I back out now."

"Glad to hear it." Rei replied.

"Besides," Ai crossed her arms, "I already told you I would, and that would be real nasty of me to just tell you I want out now. Not even I'm that bad."

"Well, hopefully you won't need to get 'too' involved." Rei attempted to sound optimistic, "If we keep saving people, maybe he'll get so desperate to kill someone he'll slip up. Maybe even the police will be able to catch him."

Ai felt the need to dampen that optimism, "That's a big if."

Rei scratched the back of her head as she replied, "Yeah …"

"Sure, but one more thing, Fred." Ai smirked as she asked, "Did you ever decide to have your team split up and search for clues?"

"Heh …" Rei chuckled before answering, "Sort of. I tried having Velma and Scrappy keep an eye on Shaggy in case the killer showed up, but Scrappy blew their cover."

"Yet again, I'm not surprised." Ai titled her head as she inquired, "So Shaggy really was in danger?"

"Oh, yes." Rei jokingly remarked, "It is a real shame he didn't have Scooby with him."

Ai then played along with the joke, "Of course. Then, they could have run away together."

"Heh." Rei couldn't help but laugh. "I could so see that. Oh man. How do you keep coming up with these lines?"

"Being around you just makes it all come naturally to me, New Girl." Ai stated, "Life just became more interesting the moment you bumped into me."

"It seems like I have that effect on people." Rei then stated, "Still, it is amazing you were able to figure out we were involved in the 'Murder Mystery'." She emphasized, "Not even my Uncle has a clue, and he's a detective."

"Wow." Ai dryly stated, "That's just sad."

"You can't really blame him or the cops." Rei pointed out, "It's not like anyone would suspect Shadows of the TV world being the murders."

"That may be true, but it's still pretty sad." Ai could see that Rei was not going to refute that statement which allowed Ai to continue, "Anyway, about your earlier question, it is a bit of a story, but the short boring version is that I figured something was up with you guys. I did see you get sucked up into a TV, and you were fine the next day. Then other people started disappearing and reappearing. After I put two and two together, I started coming up with ideas what to call you."

Rei asked in a deadpan tone, "And you landed on Scooby Doo?"

"It was the natural choice." Ai answered with a Cheshire cat grin.

"Man." Rei jokingly remarked, "You must've had a lot of time on your hands to come up with that."

Ai embraced it as she told her, "You wouldn't believe how much time I've got." Ai then stood up, "Anyway, I have to say New Girl, I really do appreciate that you let me pay a visit to your world."

"My world?" Rei couldn't help but feel taken aback, "That's not really …" Rei needed a moment to consider what she wanted to say.

"Oh yes it is!" Ai didn't give Rei a chance, "It's the world you and your Investigation Team think about when you're out here, right? Thinking about what to do there next. Needing to strategize. Got to play hero for whoever is trapped."

Rei uneasily replied, "I'd rather not think we're 'playing' hero."

"Okay fine. Being an 'investigator'." Ai then casually pointed, "Whatever, it doesn't really matter as long as you get the bastard in the end, right?"

"Yeah, all right." Rei conceded, "Anyway, it's true that we do think about that world a lot. We kind of have to. People will die if we're not ready."

"Didn't say otherwise." Ai sounded sincere as she stated, "Can't say I envy you. While this case is going on, you'll be forced to be part of it whether you want to or not. However, I can't help but think you do enjoy this."

Rei replied, "We're trying to balance things."

Ai remarked in a deadpan tone, "Of course you are."

Rei insisted, "We are!"

"Well based on your grades, I guess you must be doing a pretty decent job." Ai then asked, "What about the others?"

"Um …" Rei took a moment to consider to answer, "I think … I guess it's going okay for them. Hanamura still helps out his family at Junes. Amagi-san's family let's her have more freedom outside the Inn. Kanji-san is technically part of a 'club', and his mom's happy about that. Satonaka got her Karate club. They all did pass their midterms, including Satonaka, so that's good."

"Heh." Ai almost laughed, "I'm sure that was a miracle."

"It probably was." Rei scratched the back of her head.

"Right." Ai then stated, "No, I guess this is like some kind of breather period for you between kidnappings.

"Breather period … Great …" Rei sarcastically remarked, "You know I'd rather our group try to prevent someone else from getting kidnapped."

Ai bluntly pointed out, "Based on your present track record, that doesn't seem too likely."

"Ouch." Rei put her hand on her heart.

"I'm just messing with you." Ai nudged Rei, "I'm sure you'll end up catching that son of a bitch at some point. It'll only be a matter of time before you close the net on him. Like you said, he's bound to screw up sooner or later and give himself away."

Rei simply stated, "I can only hope."

"That's what I hope I can do for you." Ai then said, "Hopefully, a nice rumor will give you a tip."

Rei inquired, "Speaking of, anything yet?"

Ai shook her head, "Afraid not, but I'm sure you didn't exactly expect me to come up with something so quickly, right?"

Rei replied, "I'm … No."

"Glad to know you're being realistic." Ai smartly replied before assuring her, "I'll let you know if I hear anything."

Rei could sense the sincerity in Ai's voice as time came to a standstill, and the voice in her head informed her that she advanced the social link between herself and Ai again. At this point, Rei was used to seeing time stop. As soon as time returned to normal, she did her best to pick up where the conversation had left off, "Yeah. Don't be picky about what you tell me. If you're hearing rumors of someone in trouble like how Kanji-san was in trouble. I want to hear about it."

Ai questioned, "You think stuff like that could be a lead on the killer's next target?"

"It's always possible." Rei then inquired, "What about those transfer students you told me about? New kids are always the most vulnerable."

"Now that was kinda creepy. Ai replied in a deadpan tone.

"I …" Rei was briefly at a loss for words before she shook it off, "Whatever. Do you know anything yet or not?"

"I don't know their names yet, but I do know there are two of them at least." Ai could see where Rei was going with this, "Think they could be targeted?"

Rei stated plainly, "They'd be fresh meat, and they probably wouldn't expect it. If you find out more, please tell me right away."

Ai remarked, "You can count on that, New Girl. I won't be much of a team player if I held out on you, would I?"

Rei chuckled, "Nope."

Ai patted Rei on the shoulder, "We'll make a real Mystery Inc. out of you guys yet. All we'll need is a Mystery Machine."

Rei couldn't help but laugh. She was really glad she wasn't eating anything at that moment.

Ai then decided to ask, "So how does it feel like to fight in that world? The TV World?"

"Hmm … That's a good question." Rei took a moment to eat some of her lunch as she came up with a response, "It's a lot different from any kind of fighting I've ever done in the real world."

"Oh?" Ai raised an eyebrow. "So you have experience fighting?"

"Well um … Yeah." Rei corrected herself, "I did Karate back in Kyoto."

"I see." Ai almost sounded disappointed as she remarked, "That makes sense."

Rei did her best to get it back on track, "Anyway, no amount of real world fighting can prepare you for what's in there. The fights even the small ones feel out of this world."

Ai jokingly pointed out, "Aren't they literally out of this world?"

"That's beside the point." Rei stated, "The point is you can't compare the two. The TV world feels like we're in some kind of fantasy world mixed in with sci-fi and supernatural."

Ai decided to make a comparison, "So it's like your living in some kind of anime or Shounen manga?"

Rei replied, "Pretty much, but I don't see an end date for this anytime soon."

Ai then stated, "As long as you stay alive and keep doing what you're doing in there, I'm sure you'll make it."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence." Rei honestly couldn't tell if Ai was joking.

"No. I'm being serious, New Girl." Ai leaned over to Rei, "I'm sure you'll get to the end of this at some point. It does seem like you've come pretty far."

"Maybe," Rei massaged the back of her neck, "But you know at the same time I also feel like I got a long way to go."

Ai simply stated, "Progress is progress, New Girl."

"Hmm … You know you're right." Rei then stood up, "You know it's probably almost time I help Kanji-san make some progress in controlling his Persona."

Ai asked, "Does that mean …?"

Rei grinned, "Yep. In a little while, I think it'll be time for him to get a little bit of hands on experience."

/

After school that day, Rei wanted the entirety of the Investigation Team to get together for a meeting, but Kanji had to decline. He promised his mother that he'd help her make a few new products to sell for the shop. However, he promised he would be available the following day, so Rei decided a delay was necessary.

As the remainder of the group was walking outside the school grounds, Rei couldn't help but remark, "It's a shame Kanji-san couldn't come today. I was kinda hoping to talk about his Persona today."

"Yeah …" Yosuke replied, "I'm sure you'd have a lot to say."

While Rei would not exactly claim to be the best at reading the room, it was easy for her to sense the awkwardness. Rei then asked, "I'm sorry, but is there a problem?"

Yosuke stopped walking as he brushed his hand through his hair, "Not exactly."

Rei leaned forward, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Chie decided to butt in, "He's saying he's still surprised that you volunteered to join a team in another class."

"Satonaka …" Yosuke vainly said her name as he slumped over.

"I see …" Rei put her arms behind her head as she replied, "What did you guys expect me to do? You three are pretty much the only people I know in our class. I couldn't be in our group, so I just decided to take my chances elsewhere."

"That's just … I get it, but you assumed you'd be left out?" There was a sense of feeling dumbfounded in Yosuke's voice as he asked that question.

"…" Neither Chie nor Yukiko said anything as they looked over to Rei.

"Well …" Rei casually replied, "I might've already said it, but do you honestly see Satonaka and Amagi-san being on a separate teams?" Rei then grinned as she looked over to the duo. "They're joined at the hip, especially Satonaka."

Chie was about to open her mouth when Yukiko put her hand on Chie's shoulder only to shake her head. Chie then proceeded to close her mouth without saying a word.

After seeing that display, Yosuke couldn't help but reluctantly concur, "Yeah … I guess …"

As expected, Rei was brutally honest as she gave her assessment, "Amagi-san is nice, but she lacks any ability whatsoever to interact with other people. She's better off with you two even with a new guy in the group."

"…" Chie's mouth was agape upon hearing that.

"Um …" Yukiko slowly asked, "Did you actually think of that?"

"Of course." Rei stated, "You're making a lot of progress, Amagi-san, but you've got a really long way to go."

Yukiko wasn't sure how she should feel as she looked over to the side, "Um … Thank you …"

Rei didn't quite pick up on the potential distress as she replied, "Not a problem."

Yosuke then stated, "You know it is kinda scary how much you thought this through. Did you honestly think of all that before volunteering to help out another group?"

Rei scaled it back, "Most of it."

"Hmph." Part of Yosuke couldn't help but marvel, "You know that is oddly impressive but still …"

Rei leaned forward, "Still what?"

"You know what. Never mind." Yosuke shook his head as he conceded, "You probably made the right call. I gotta get going to Junes. My shift is come up. Later." Yosuke then took off to the bus stop.

"Okay." Rei waved him off as he ran, "See you later." With Yosuke gone, Rei decided to look at the remaining two members of the party and made the inquiry, "You two are okay with me joining a different team, right?"

Chie merely replied with, "I guess."

Yukiko answered, "I'm okay with it."

"I figured you would." Once again, Rei felt the need to remind them, "I mean you know we can't all be on the same team, right?"

"Yeah, we got that. I was just …" Chie specified, "I didn't think you would be the one to volunteer going to another class."

Rei reminded them, "I wasn't the only person who did that."

Chie stated, "Maybe not, but it did feel kind of weird."

"Yeah." Yukiko sounded understanding to an extent, "I know why you did it, but it does feel kind of weird."

"Kind of weird?" Rei was drawing a blank on what they were getting at. "How … Never mind. I'm sure we'll be able to help each other out when we're on the mountain, right?"

"Maybe." Chie shrugged, "I don't have a clue."

"Right." Rei suggested, "Well the Camping Trip isn't until next week so why don't we just forget about this for now?"

Chie simply stated, "Sounds good to me."

Yukiko concurred, "Okay."

"Then on that note." Rei decided to turn her attention to Yukiko, "I got something to ask you, Amagi-san."

"Me?" Yukiko did not expect the focus of the conversation to turn to her.

"Has anyone at the Inn said anything to you about the …" Rei glanced over her shoulder before leaning forward to Yukiko, "You know?"

Yukiko shook her head, "Nope. Everyone has been taking it easy on me ever since I got back."

"That's good, but did anyone say anything that could be a lead?" Rei reminded Yukiko, "You did tell us that you remembered answering the door before you were kidnapped."

"Well …" Yukiko attempted to think it over, "No. I don't think so. Everyone has been acting normally. At least as normally as possible. They haven't told me anything. Haruto-san did apologize for not being there when it happened, but I told him there was nothing that needed to be forgiven."

"That's really nice of you, but maybe that's worth looking into." Rei then pointed out, "Whoever kidnapped you must've known where you were. Let's not forget that one of the other victims was a guest."

"It might …" Yukiko considered Rei's words as she recalled, "Yamano-san's disappearance was rather sudden. I remember how everyone had no clue where she was when she didn't return to her room. We may not have had any direct involvement but that doesn't change the fact that a person died while they were our guest."

Chie put her hand on Yukiko's shoulder, "That's not your fault, Yukiko. You had nothing to do with that."

"That doesn't matter." Rei bluntly pointed out, "It's all about association with those assholes in the press. They were reporting on the murders last night, so they'll go after anything."

Yukiko's voice sounded down as she concurred, "She's right."

"Ugh …" Chie instinctively groaned in disgust before inquiring, "Don't tell me those bastards are still hounding you."

Yukiko assured her friend, "The heat has died down over the past month, but we do get the occasional unwanted guest."

"Those blood suckers can only keep milking a story for so long before it gets stale." Rei then gave a stern warning, "Still, best to keep your guard up. They may try to reinvigorate the story to get more viewers in some kind of special segment. After all, Yamano was technically a celebrity, and they just love to find ways to milk celebrity scandals and deaths. Since Yamano-san was mixed in a controversy before becoming the first victim of the serial killer, I think you know where I'm going with this."

"I do." Yukiko nodded as she sincerely replied, "Thanks for the advice."

"No problem." Rei pointed to her chest with her thumb, "If you ever need help, feel free to give me a call."

"Thank you." Yukiko couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort as she chuckled. "You know it's kind of funny."

Rei tilted her head. "What is?"

Yukiko admitted, "I've only known you for two months, and now I can hardly picture things without you around."

"R-" Rei's head moved back as her cheeks blushed red, "Really?"

"I'm not the only one." Yukiko looked over to Chie, "Right, Chie?"

"Well um …" Chie lightly blushed as she scratched her cheek, "I know things definitely wouldn't have turned out as good without Narukami-san around. Umm …" Chie pulled out her phone, "Is that the time? I gotta get going. I promised my dad I'd be home soon." Without waiting for either to say a word, Chie rushed again, "Later!"

"Huh …" Yukiko glanced at Chie's retreating figure as she remarked, "I didn't know she promised her dad anything."

"I think she made that up." Rei shook her head as she figured, "No. Definitely made that up."

Yukiko then spoke to Rei, "Anyway, even Chie thinks you've done great things for us."

"Hmm … Well," Rei pumped up her chest as she remarked, "I guess I do have a tendency to leave a big impact on people or something."

"You definitely left a big impact on us already." Yukiko cheerfully told Rei, "Chie may not want to admit it, but none of us would've been able to create this Investigation Team without you. Not to mention, there's a pretty good chance if you never came to our school, I'd be dead by now, and so would Kanji-san."

Rei waved it off, "I try not to think too much on the 'what ifs'. What happened has happened, so let's do our best and move on from that."

"Wow …" Yukiko sounded genuinely impressed, "That is really a great way to think of things, Narukami-san."

Rei put her hands on her hips, "It just makes life easier. You'll scare yourself if you try going over all of the 'what if' angles. We need to focus on what actually happened."

"That's a good point." Yukiko grimly remarked as she looked down.

"Anyway," Rei put her hand on Yukiko's shoulder. The moment Rei made contact, Yukiko looked up, and Rei had her undivided attention. "I want to help you out, Amagi-san. You're a good person, and I know you aren't sure about what you want to do with your life. I myself have gotten a couple of part-time jobs to make some extra money." Rei let go of Yukiko's shoulder as she pointed at her chest with her thumb, "Believe you me, getting that extra cash is really rewarding."

"Huh … part time work." Yukiko mulled it over in her head. "What have you done, Narukami-san?"

Rei answered, "A few things actually."

That only made Yukiko became more intrigued as she inspired, "Oh really? What are they?"

Rei scratched the back of her head as she took her time to answer, "Well … I help out occasionally at the Tofu place, and I help out at the daycare."

"Oh …" Yukiko's train of thought seemed to stop in its tracks after hearing that, "… I see."

Rei was able to catch on, "Would either of those jobs be a problem for you?"

"Not exactly a 'problem' in the strictest sense of the word. However, they are a little …" Yukiko leaned forward as she asked in a hushed tone, "You know … Noticeable?"

Rei could see what Yukiko was getting at, "You think someone at the Inn would notice?"

Yukiko answered, "Probably."

Rei made another inquiry, "Would that really be a problem?"

"I don't know …" Yukiko glanced down, "But it could get a little awkward. While the staff have allowed me more free time, they might notice me doing something else. They might not like this."

"It's your life." Rei plainly stated, "You should be able to make these decisions."

"I know, but …" Yukiko was reluctant. Despite facing her shadow, it didn't mean that Yukiko was capable of changing in the blink of an eye. She needed help.

Seeing the distress in Yukiko's voice, Rei suggested, "If you really feel that weird about it why don't you just ask your mom? I'm sure she could give you permission to do something different. The schedules for both my jobs are very flexible. As long as I come at least one or two days a week they're fine. Additionally, the days they actually want me to come are specific. Just like anything else there are days they would prefer you, so it's all good."

"Well …" Yukiko seemed 'slightly' more open to the idea. "I might ask my mom, but um …"

Rei was getting an understanding of what Yukiko was trying to get at. "You want to gauge how your mom will react or you'd try figuring out the right timing?"

"Yeah …" Yukiko clarified, "To both. Things haven't exactly been easy for my mom either."

"Say no more." Rei suggested, "Try in like two weeks or so. That might give you an idea."

"I think you might be right, but I kind of want to get some kind of side job sooner rather than later," Yukiko's mind was trying, but it was drawing a blank, "Is there something I can do that's less noticeable?"

A light bulb went off in Rei's head immediately, "I know. Why not 'Envelope Construction'?"

Yukiko raised an eyebrow us she repeated, "Envelope Construction?"

Rei explained, "You pick up a box of unfinished envelopes, follow the directions, then deliver them back to the job counter. There isn't really a time limit, but they prefer you to get your box done in a week. They might give you a bonus if you finish early."

"Huh? Yukiko considered this possibility for a few moments before voicing her thoughts, "It would be pretty easy to hide a box of envelops wouldn't it?"

"Yeah." Rei suggested, "If anyone noticed you have a box, you can say it's a package for you or something you got from the Central Shopping District."

"And that wouldn't be lying." Yukiko sounded eager, "That could work."

Rei felt the need to tell her this, "Now I should warn you that the job is both tedious and repetitive. Don't be surprised if you get a little bored."

Yukiko replied, "I guess that shouldn't be a surprise."

"That being said," Rei grinned, "I have a solution."

Yukiko raised an eyebrow. "What would that be?"

"I concentrated on the endgame. Completing the envelopes equals one thing." Rei rubbed two fingers together. "When I focus on that, I feel more motivated to get the job done. If that doesn't work, you can try listening to some music to make it more pleasant."

Yukiko inquired, "That's worked for you?"

"Oh yes. Plus, you should also try not getting the job done in one shot." Rei advised, "Try to take a break like I did. I did about half the job last night, and I'll take care of the other half later. By pacing myself and getting to a good stopping point, I felt good about my chances. I can hand it in before the week is over, and I can get a bonus."

"I see …" Yukiko nodded her head.

"Also." Rei then stated, "I also think doing this job has helped me."

Yukiko's interest was piqued, "Besides making money?"

"Yeah. I feel like it's made me more diligent." Rei leaned forward and rubbed her head, "It feels as if it increased the endurance of my mind. I know if I keep my eyes on the prize, I can pull it off."

"That's interesting …" After a moment, Yukiko affirmed, "Okay. I'll do it. Thanks a lot, Narukami-san."

"Of course." Rei smiled as she asked, "What're friends for, right?"

Yukiko softly replied, "Friends … Right."

Rei almost sounded concerned as she asked, "Are we not?"

"Oh no!" Yukiko held up her hand and shakes both her head and hands as she told him, "We are friends. It's just … You know it feels odd. In a good way."

"This will just take getting used to." Rei stated, "Kanji-san feels the same way."

"Right. Thanks for understanding." Yukiko was genuine in her words.

Rei smiled, "Of course."

/

Date: Wednesday, June 8th, 2011 – Night Time

Location: Inaba – Dojima Household – Rei's Room

It was the week before the camping trip and Narukami Rei couldn't help but feel a little awkward. She didn't do anything wrong. There was nothing she could have done. She kept going over it in her head. They were all told they would be divided into groups of four. They were expected to have the teams evenly divided with two boys and two girls each.

In the case of Rei's class, there was an odd girl, so she raised her hand to volunteer to be in a group with the other class. She couldn't be in the same group as Yosuke, Chie, and Yukiko even if she wanted to. They wouldn't allow three girls and one boy on a team. She did the right thing by volunteering herself. Despite knowing that, why did she feel so awkward? It's not like this was entirely her desire is the first place.

Rei was also ecstatic that she ended up being in the same group as her other group of friends. With her in the group, they would perfectly even between boys and girls. As far as Rei was concerned, everything worked out and everyone should be happy, but Rei understood that wasn't the case.

The silver haired girl wasn't entirely sure what she should do. Her Uncle was busy with his investigations. Nanako was too young. Teddie was literally in another world. She considered talking to Yosuke or Kanji, but she decided it was better to talk to someone not in the Investigation Team. Rei was about to call either Ai, Kou, or Daisuke, but she realized calling any of them might make the upcoming camping trip unnecessarily awkward for her camping group. The last thing she needed was there to be any uncomfortable silence while they were picking up trash on a mountain.

Rei's other options weren't promising either. Her thoughts brought her back to Nanako, but quickly rejected once again. She had to remind herself for as mature as Nanako was, she was way too young. She needed someone else. She reconsidered her Uncle. When she was about to press the button to call him, she thought she might upset him if she disturbed his work. Not to mention, a part of Rei was still pissed at him for breaking his work to Nanako during Golden Week.

Rei had gone over many options. Her mind move through them, and she systematically eliminated most of them for one reason or another. Rei realized there were a few options left. There was Sakoto and Risette or rather Rise. Rei decided to send Rise a text to find out if she had a free moment. When Rise replied she was free, Rei immediately called her.

On her usual bubbly voice, Rise answered, "Hey Senpai! What's up?"

Rei got to the point, "I need some help with something. I needed an outsider's perspective on this. Do you mind being that outsider?"

"Um … Okay." As unexpected as this was, Rise was eager to be of assistance, "That sounds serious. Did something bad happen?"

Rei reflexively answered, "No! I mean … Maybe? I don't know. It's just a bit of a mess. You see there's this camping trip that coming up, and we're all put into groups."

"Okay." Rei could picture Rise nodding her head on the other end of the phone.

Rei explained, "You see there was a rule they were doing with the groups. Only two boys and two girls in a group."

Rise replied, "Go on."

Rei then stated, "The group I usually hang out with is four people, but we make up three girls and one boy."

It wasn't hard for Rise to understand the issue, "That would be a problem."

Rei couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication, "That's what I thought, so I decided to take an initiative."

"An initiative …?" Rise inquired, "What does that mean?"

"Well … I'm the odd girl out. I just moved to Inaba." Rei rationalized, "Amagi-san and Satonaka have known each other since they were kids. Hanamura-san have known them for six months longer than me. So I decided to take myself out of the equation. Another class was in need of extra girls, and our class needed an extra boys. I volunteered to be one of the girls that would help out a group in the other class. Do you follow me?"

Rise replied, "I follow."

Rei then asked the question, "So I haven't done anything wrong, right?"

"No." Rise affirmed, "You haven't, but I'm guessing your friends weren't too thrilled about what you did."

"Nope, and I don't get it." Rei combed her hand through her hair, "If anything, I did them a favor. It's not like we were all gonna be in the same group anyway."

Rise then said, "I take it your friends still weren't too thrilled with your choice."

Rei replied, "It was a bit of a mixed bag."

"I see." Rise then asked, "Did you immediately volunteer?"

"Um …" Rei was hesitant to give an answer.

Rise decided to press the issue, "I mean did you raise your hand as soon as your teacher asked for a volunteer?"

"Well, yeah." Rei answered, "I figured I might as well do it right away. It was like a band aid. Right off."

Rise stated, "I think I get it."

Rei raised an eyebrow, "Get what?"

Rise remarked, "You didn't do anything wrong, but it rubbed your friends the wrong way."

"I got that. But why?" Rei was still feeling dumbfounded.

"The fact you were so eager to volunteer might've been the issue." Rise explained, "It's possible your friends might've thought you were eager to get away from them."

Rei reflexively moved her ear from the phone as she spoke out loud, "Get away from them? Seriously?"

"Think about it." Rise wanted Rei to reflect as she asked, "You've known them since you transferred to Inaba, right?"

Rei shrugged, "More or less."

Rise asked, "You're about to go on a camping trip, and you decided to do something like that without discussing it with your any concerns you have before you volunteered, right?"

Rei replied, "Right."

Rise's follow-up question was, "The moment you had a chance to volunteer to be in another group, you jumped on it, right?"

Rei replied, "Yes."

Rise inquired, "Do you see the problem here?"

Rei simply stated, "Not sure. I kinda think I had to volunteer on the spot."

Rise couldn't help but sigh loudly on the other end of the line, "Honestly, Senpai. For someone who is as smart as you are, you can be quite a dope sometimes."

Rei couldn't help but feel reflexively offended, "Hey!"

Rise stated in a matter-of-fact tone, "You're having trouble putting two and two together, so I will. Your friends really did think you were eager to get away from them."

Rei felt her head move back again, "Didn't you just say that?"

"Yes, but I'm pretty sure that's the case. Just think about it." Rise was basically begging for Rei to think this through, "You've been hanging around them for about two months. After you volunteered to join another group so quickly, it looks as if you were in a hurry to get away from them. Do you get it?"

"I guess …" Rei then stated, "But that's not what I intended."

"Oh! I believe you, Senpai." Rise emphasized, "I really, really do. You're way too honest and adorable to be malicious like that. At the same thing, I think you failed to realize how much your actions could inadvertently hurt someone else."

"Heh." Rei scoffed, "Sounds like someone I know."

Rise immediately inquired, "What was that?"

"My Uncle …" Rei bluntly explained, "He's busy with work a lot, and he keeps breaking his promises to Nanako-chan."

"Oh …" Rise couldn't help but feel she stepped on a landmine, "I see …"

"I get that my Uncle is a busy detective with the police, but he's been neglecting his daughter for a while." Rei then remarked, "I've probably spent more time with her these past two months than he has the entire year."

"Oh." Rise sounded concerned over the other side of the line.

"Hold on." Rei cleared her throat, "Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining about spending time with Nanako-chan. She's my loveable little cousin. I wish I knew her earlier, but it's just a real shame she doesn't get to see her father more. I think he really should make more of an effort. He has to."

"I never thought you had any issues with Nanako-chan, but I feel like this is different than what you actually wanted to talk to me about." Rise pointed out, "Didn't you want me help with your other friends?"

"Um …" Rei sheepishly replied as she scratched the back of her head, "Right. I almost forgot about that …"

Rise replied in a deadpan tone, "Sounds about right."

"Hmph." Rei then asked, "So what should I do?"

"You could just apologize to them. Just tell them how you had good intentions. Tell them how you thought you were doing the right thing, and you didn't mean to hurt them." Rise strongly suggested, "You should probably do it in person as well. It wouldn't mean much if you just tell them over the phone. It might not mean as much."

"I see …" Rei genuinely sounded impressed as she told her favorite idol, "You really know your stuff, Rise-san."

Rise didn't mind tooting her own horn in situations like this, "Well I've been pretty good at reading the room since I was a kid."

"That's impressive." Rei then said, "I feel like some other people I know could really use that skill."

Rise cheekily asked, "Besides you?"

"Yeah. Besides me." Rei then sincerely spoke, "Thanks so much for listening."

Rise stated, "It's the least I can do for you, Senpai. I'll see you soon."

"I'm looking forward to it." Rei eagerly replied before hanging up the phone.

/

Thanks to Rise's suggestion, Rei was struck with inspiration. She knew exactly what she need to do to salvage the situation. Before they would head off to the camping trip, Rei would arrange the Investigation Team together for another a team building exercise. She also knew the perfect venue. While not everyone would be enthusiastic, it would be good for them all.

Even though Rei wished to speak with all of them, she knew she needed to speak with Kanji first. She knew this particular idea might not sit well with him, but he needed to be onboard with it. The following day, Rei asked the others to wait about ten minutes or so before coming to the Karate club room, so she could have a private meeting with Kanji.

When the two were alone in the meeting room, the first thing Rei asked was, "How are you feeling?"

"Oh um …" Kanji massaged the back of his neck, "Okay … I guess … I just … I …"

Rei assured, "Take your time."

"Hmm …" Kanji awkwardly answered, "I guess ever since I got my Persona that I feel a little off." Kanji couldn't stop himself from involuntarily glancing to the side as he spoke to his Senpai.

"There's no need to feel ashamed, Kanji-san. You're just a … Hmm …" Rei momentarily couldn't come up with the right word to use.

Kanji titled his head, "A what?"

"Hold on." Rei held up her hand, "It's on the tip of my tongue … What do you call something that you haven't finished yet? 'Incomplete' isn't the word I'm looking for …"

Kanji suggested, "A work in progress?"

Rei felt the light bulb go off in her head and snapped her finger as she exclaimed, "That's it! That's exactly what you are! You are a 'work-in-progress', Kanji-san. You of all people should know that isn't a bad thing."

"…" Kanji's silent made it clear he wasn't convinced.

"Think of all the good stuff you and my mom have on display in your store." Rei pointed out, "All that stuff was a work in progress at some point, wasn't it?"

Kanji answered, "Yes …"

Rei attempted to sound encouraging as she reminded him, "I'm sure none of that stuff looked that great while you were making it, right?"

Kanji admitted, "Not all of it …"

"Exactly." Rei patted his shoulder, "The same applied to you. What kind of finished product you'll be will depend on you."

"Heh …" Kanji chuckled, "You really do have an interesting way of putting things, Senpai."

"I can't help but feel the more you say that, it isn't a good thing." Rei almost sounded concerned as she inquired, "You're not bored, right?"

Kanji immediately denied, "Of course not. Not at all."

"Glad to hear it." Rei then stated, "Anyway, I have an idea of how we can help you make some more progress."

Kanji raised an eyebrow, "How? Do you have a place in mind for us?"

"Actually, yes." Rei's voice suddenly became sheepish as she rubbed the back of her neck, "But it is a 'place' that you would probably be familiar with." Rei added, "Very familiar."

"…" It took Kanji a few moments before his eyes widened and softly protested, "Oh no …"

Rei sighed, "I knew you wouldn't be up for that part."

"You've got to be kidding me!" Kanji sounded exasperated.

Rei explained, "I was talking to Teddie, and it looks like we have a new Shadow that decided to move in your Bath House."

"Are you serious?" Kanji sounded more surprised than anything.

"Yes." Rei then stated, "The same thing happen after we rescued Amagi-san."

That caught Kanji's interest as he asked, "What'd you do?"

Rei punched her fist into her palm as she declared with a grin, "We kicked that Shadow's ass."

"Huh …" Kanji didn't have any other words to say.

"Amagi-san used that Shadow as practice for her to get use to her power." Rei suggested, "You feel like doing the same?"

Kanji took a breath, "If Yukiko-san could do it, then I can to."

"Good because we will be going in there when we head to Junes." Rei stated.

"…" Kanji flexed his hand, "If that's what we gotta do then let's do it."

"Now that's more like it." Rei put her hand on Kanji's shoulder as she assured him, "I know what happened in that crazy bathhouse was embarrassing and all, but I know you can handle this."

Kanji sighed as he softly admitted, "But I just really wish we didn't have to go back there …"

"I know you don't want to, but this is important." Rei reminded him, "Those places in the TV world are there. We might as well make use of them, so we can become stronger and take down the killer when the time finally comes. Am I right?"

"Fine, fine." Kanji sounded a little more willing, "If it'll help us take down the killer, I'm game."

"I just knew you'd get it." Rei sounded rather proud.

Kanji reiterated, "I still don't want to go."

Rei did her best to tell him, "Understandable, but we need to."

Kanji then asked, "Just to be clear, something like this happened with Yukiko? Some kind of replacement Shadow took over the place I was taken to kind of thing? Is this a weird Shadow pattern of something?"

"Probably." Rei stated, "I don't really get it, but this is almost exactly the same. It's like the Shadow decided to move in and become the new king or something."

"So …" Kanji decided to ask, "Is this doing this now sort of becoming an initiation?"

"I never really thought about it." Rei admitted, "I guess you could say that. The same thing didn't quite happened to neither Hanamura-san nor Satonaka, but I guess rescuing Amagi-san was our test to see if we had what it took to solve this case."

"Okay." Kanji then took a deep breath.

Rei asked, "Nervous?"

"More uncomfortable than nervous, but …" Kanji admitted, "Yeah, I'm a little nervous."

Rei nodded, "Good."

Kanji titled his head, "Good? How is that good?"

Rei stated in a matter of fact tone, "It means you're not stupid."

Kanji simply said, "Right …"

"Now that I have you on board, it is time for the meeting." Rei stated.

/

A few minutes later the remaining members of the Investigation Team entered the Karate room. Even though Chie was meant to be the President, she was sitting down along with the other members. Rei was the front and center.

"Okay everyone." Rei spoke loudly and clearly, "We have no idea when the killer will strike again or who his next target is. While most of his targets have been girls, he's clearly fine with targeting guys as well. I think this goes to show that even though this killer is a coward, we can't underestimate him. We've probably damaged this killer's pride, and they say wild animals are at their most dangerous when they're cornered or injured, so we'll need to be ready for anything."

Chie was the first to speak up, "Not that I disagree with, but what exactly do you have in mind?"

"I realized that since we saved Kanji-san from his Shadow, we have been neglecting the TV world." Even though everyone knew what Rei was getting at, she said it anyway, "We might as well use this time to get some training done. Plus, this will Kanji-san a chance to use his Persona."

Chie didn't say a word, but she nodded.

"Sounds like this might be fun." Yosuke sounded eager, "I'm game."

Yukiko concurred, "It wouldn't hurt to get stronger in case we have to fight anymore big Shadows. Maybe we'll learn a new move or two."

"So we're all in agreement." Rei raised her fist into the air, "In that case, we're gonna head out now!"

/

While Rei and Kanji were in the Karate room, there were students who Kanji attended class with chatting away about him while they were walking home from school. The fact that the known delinquent appeared to be playing the good student after supposedly disappearing for a few days was enough to catch anyone's attention.

A boy with glasses asked, "Hey, don't you think Tatsumi has been acting a little 'weird' lately?"

His friend had a red backpack remarked, "Yeah. He's actually been coming to class every day. I bet his mom gave him hell for skipping out so much."

The one with glasses stated in an exasperated tone, "Not that. He doesn't seem to leave school right away anymore. I thought he was part of the 'Go Home' club."

"Huh …" The one with the red backpack admitted, "Now that you mention it …"

The third friend had went passed his neck stated, "He joined up with that new 'Karate Club'."

All three of them stopped walking as the one with glasses turned around and asked, "We have a Karate Club?"

The one with long hair stated, "We actually used to have one a few years ago, but it closed down. Some second year was trying to get it revived, and it looks like she succeeded."

"You sure know a lot." The one with the red backpack almost seemed in awe.

"Heh." The one with long hair grinned, "With all the crazy stuff that's that been happening around town lately, I figured it'd be fun to learn about all the rumors I can. Did you guys ever hear about the Midnight Channel?"

His two friends shrugged, "Nope."

"Well it's actually really crazy, but here's what I heard." He began enthusiastically explaining what he had heard. These three wouldn't be the only ones interested in the sudden change in one Tatsumi Kanji.

/

Author Notes: This update has been a long time coming, and I'm glad to finally update it in time for the anniversary.

I have written rough drafts for a few upcoming chapters as well as for scenes in future chapters as well. Here's hoping I will be able to complete them without too much of an issue.

As usual, I hope you enjoyed reading the chapter. Please leave a review because your feedback is greatly appreciated.