Chapter 59 / Contemplate
July 27th, 2012 / Late Afternoon
RISE'S POINT OF VIEW
When we came to a stop, we saw a stage, overly decorated as if it was the set of a musical. In large glowing golden letters above was the words Prince Charming, and the rest of the set was covered mostly in gold. It was overwhelmingly powerful, and had a rose motif woven through aspects of the stage. This was the stage prepared for Nozomi.
"Hey, look! Over there! That's Nozomi, right?" Kanji called out.
Nozomi, unsure of herself but no longer fully wrapped in those ribbons was shaking her head, "N-No! That's not how I...!"
"Hahaha..." the eerie voice could be heard from all around us. "I'm surprised you're putting up a fight. But I'm afraid you don't have choice. Or are you willing to show everyone how you really are?"
"Th-That's why I... I've been trying to talk to people, and..." Nozomi tried to speak back.
"Is that right? But doing so hurts you... Who's the one crying all the time because things never go the way you want?" the eerie voice challenged.
"Wh-Who... are you? How do you know..."
"You've always been like that, huh...? Afraid of people's gazes, afraid of people's words, afraid of people... Why hurt yourself? It's not necessary, Nozomi. If you just play your part, everyone will adore you. There's no need for the real you... Nobody wants her," the eerie voice told her.
"Nozo-chan!" Teddie called out.
Nozomi looked towards us and I stepped forward. She hesitates and steps back. I can tell from the look in her eyes, this was the same as what had happened with Sumomo. The words from that eerie voice had already made an impact. It was too late to stop the same thing from happening again.
"Hmhmhm... Come on, Nozomi. You get nothing out of trying to be yourself... Just pain. You can be great without any of that. Think about it... It's so easy for you to interact with people when you're THAT Nozomi, am I wrong? Here... Listen to everyone..." the eerie voice encouraged.
Like before, words of many different people seemed to surround us.
"Nozomin has an unusual appeal. She's a cute girl with the attitude and dependability of a cool guy," I could hear one clearly. These voices were only meant to drive the eerie voices agenda forward. But it wasn't like it fabricated what was said. These were likely real comments, just made by shallow, ignorant people. Ones that only saw Nozomi as a commodity to be enjoyed.
"Are these... Nozomi-san's fans?" Naoto muttered from next to me.
It hadn't been that long ago when I had been accustomed to hearing these types of things. There is an inherent problem between the relationship with an Idol and her fans, and that mostly comes from an Idol's gimmick, the appeal that the production company uses to sell the appeal and generate continued sales for them. My original run as an Idol saw me changing that mask while acting, modeling, singing and preforming on stage. I lost sight of myself then. I could more than relate to the insecurities of my kohai. And just like them, I had to face my securities, but not by choice. Just like now.
"You know, the best part about the whole Prince Charming is that she isn't self-conscious at all," a timid voice speaks.
"It takes a lot of guts to be that self-assured. Even if people laugh at her, she's strong enough to ignore it," a voice speaking as if it had an authority on the matter.
"I... I'm... not strong at all. I... I can't do it," Nozomi shook her head.
"See? It's the confident, uninhibited Prince Nozomi that everyone wants. As long as you cling to the 'real you,' life will be filled with pain... and sadness... and fear," the eerie voice urged.
"No... No! I-I don't want that!" Nozomi gave into the words by the eerie voice, and then once more wrapped in the ribbons and pulled into the air, binding her. Her eyes covered by the ribbon, she was unable to do much more than talk. "I'm scared... It hurts... I, I..." Shadows surround Nozomi as her form changes, and what is left was... a painting of Nozomi as her stage personality, Prince Nozomi.
"Ahahaha! Yes... THIS is how it should have always been! There's no point in life if nobody cares about you, is there? Of course, it's better for everyone to accept and desire you! Ahhh... This is the greatest feeling... Now, I invite you to join us... and connect with this bond as well," the new Shadow like image of Prince Nozomi spoke to us. The audience of Shadows were quickly filling the once empty stands and seating area around this stage.
I hung my head for a moment, "You know, Nozomi. If I had chosen a different path, I would have been like you. I had the fans, I had the fame, I was exactly who everyone wanted me to be. But it was empty, hollow affection that they gave me. That was why I had to quit being an Idol for a time. In the sea of expectations that were set, I lost who I was. I lost my motivation for becoming an Idol and my love of the music I sang. But this isn't right. The truth is it doesn't matter if people want you or not... The real you is never worthless. We idols aren't dolls. It's our job to work hard so those who see and hear us will accept us. Besides, you may not believe so, but the Prince Nozomi, and the shy Nozomi are both still part of the real you. It took me a lot of time to see that, and even longer to fully accept that."
"Listen to Rise, you idiot!" Kanji added his support. "This 'greatest feeling' isn't real. You know damn well you're lyin' to yourself!"
"Yeah! After I met Sensei, I got unsure about who I was, so I had to think and think real hard..." Teddie spoke up. "And now I'm the adorable bear I am today! It hurt a lot, and I felt miserable... but because of all that, I know just how important my actual self is. So don't say things like there's no point in your life. I can't bear to hear that!"
"I know words aren't good enough. So watch me, Nozomi. We don't have to lose our identity to be idols. Let me show you why I refuse to dance for anything other than my own conviction," I unconsciously summoned Kouzeon. One of my two personas. Kouzeon, born of my acceptance and facing myself, and then solidifying that resolve. Then there was Inahime, the side of me that desired to protect Kayane, to fight for him. If I didn't have the strength, then I would reach out and find it, one way or another. No matter what obstacles might lay ahead of us in the future, I was going to do all I could for those important to me. And while I had only known the girls of Kanami's Kitchen for a short time, I cherished the moments we've spent together. I got to see all of them for who they truly are and not just the personalities they donned on the stage. Even Kayane got along with all of them, and it truly warmed my heart to see Kayane getting along with others.
I know the others were talking, but I prepared the music and stepped forward, taking center stage in front of the Shadow image of Nozomi.
This song was a remix of my earlier work when I was still an idol. But I never truly thought about its meaning until after I had walked away from it. Not since it was Kayane that had brought the sword forward again as an idea to remix and bring back to the work of Sychronicity. Why? Because the message fit with a lot of the songs that he had written with the album. When I looked over the lyrics after he had said that, I saw the song in a much different light. It is called 'Now I know.'
"Just a little glimpse
A moment in time
A blink, not long at all
Just a touch of sky
Planting a seed of hope in me
Curious how it stings
My eyes as the light
Breaks through the clouds and falls
Round me like a spell
Telling me I'm forever free
Roaming wide here I come
Setting my sights on the sky, cause I know
There are miracles waiting for me
On the weathered road that I will tread
And these wonders one by one will become just a part
of me I know, now I know
There are crazy hazards ahead yet
I don't really fear them as I should
Not that now I have unshakable faith that inside
Of me the sky is shining bright
Just because now I know
Now I know, yeah now I know it
Now I know, I know now
Now I know, yeah now I know it
Now I know, I know now"
Kayane stopped playing the piano and turned to look at me. I wasn't sure why he had stopped but I knew he was thinking of something. Something he wanted to tell me. I wish he could just speak his mind and tell me those thoughts he holds in his head. But how truly difficult it had to be to spend so much time alone, having no one to talk to. He was used to not speaking his thoughts, because no one had been there to respond to him, to comfort him. That is not something you can overcome overnight, even months, possibly years. I could only be patient.
"Rise, we should use 'Now I know' for the album too," Kayane finally spoke.
I blinked, "One of my old songs?"
He nodded, "I've been playing around with the original composition so I think if we do it a certain way it will work well musically with the rest of the album. Plus, it has a good message to it. The confidence to face what life has yet to throw at you, even with the doubts you know that you'll likely have."
"It has been so long since I have sung that song, I never really thought about it," I admitted.
"I know," Kayane turned back to the piano. "When you sang that song, you didn't believe it. You had already lost your purpose and desire to sing. That's why you have to sing it now. I know you'll be able to fully bring out the potential of this song."
That's right. Kayane had been my biggest fan. Maybe not outright but there was nobody in the world that had ever listened to my songs and notice such a subtle change in my voice. He had been able to pinpoint exactly when I started lacking confidence. When I had begun to question who I was. And wondered if my fans saw me at all. I told Nozomi that we idols weren't dolls. Because back then, I thought that I was a doll. That I could be changed, prettied up and exchanged for whatever producer that wanted to use me. But you can't recognize or change those thoughts on your own. Especially when you keep it to yourself. But its difficult to open your heart to others. To show your vulnerability and insecurities, exposing yourself where other people could so easily hurt you.
All of this are things that, as the song goes, now I know. You have to take that chance, to open yourself to the critics and negative people that will ultimately try to put you down. Even the ones you love can hurt you. But you can't take things at face value. You don't know what other people have faced. Sometimes people speak out because they've been in that situation, they've been laughed at or mocked because they showed their own interests, shared their heart and was cruelly hurt. But that is why you can't hold back. You have to take that risk. This song could give someone the courage to take that first step.
Do you understand Nozomi? This dance and song are meant not just for fans, but people like us. Fellow idols that fear the crowds, that fear repercussions of rejection and not being popular. It is in a lot of ways, our lifeblood on the stage. But is it worth sacrificing who we are to appease them? To fall into the tiny box that people put us in? No, it isn't. Not if it means removing everything that brought us here. The proud Prince Nozomi has a place as part of you, but it is just part of you, a representation of you trying to come out of your shell of your shy self. Why shouldn't everyone see both sides of you? Be proud of who you are, every part of you.
"Just a little glimpse
Less than a blink
But clear as azure skies
Saw the puppeteer
Playing the part he holds so dear
Guessed his little scheme,
Caught onto his game
His need to chase the prize
Smiled and told myself
Ain't it great now that all is clear
All carefree
Here I go
Setting my sights on the world, cause I know"
"I'm a burden, even if nobody would say it. That is what I am. You can disagree if you want, but it won't change that it is how I see myself. My point is that... making someone feel important... and having them believe it are two very different things," Kayane said it so plainly... like the words he said truly meant nothing. I found myself tumbling into the room suddenly. I felt on the edge of tears.
"What are you saying?" I spoke before I could stop myself. Kayane, he just looked over and smiled at me. I made my way over to him and he effortlessly was at my side and pulled me into his arms.
"Words carry a heavy weight, don't they, Rise? You hear one side of the conversation and it brings a plethora of emotions to you," he pulled back and looked into my eyes. "But nothing is simple... and words can carry more than one meaning. As I said, I see myself as a burden to others. And I feel like I could be ruining your career. However, there is also the part of me that doesn't care about that. I want to be selfish and hog you all to myself. It's also why I want to go and perform with you. Because over everything I believe that my place is right by your side."
I blinked for a moment. Had he known I was listening in? What was wrong with me? Of course, he would have doubts about it. That was completely normal, things were different for me because I had been an idol... I had been successful as an idol. To me... success wasn't as important. Going forward with Kayane... that was the highest priority in my mind. "Kayane... we need to talk." I whispered against him. He nodded.
"I believe Yu and I should go. We had a lot of fun tonight. Thanks for inviting us over, Senpai and Rise-chan," Yukiko bowed as Yu was getting to his feet.
"Yes, thank you," Yu bowed as well next to his girlfriend. "I think I'm more than ready to move forward now, thanks to you two."
We saw them both to the door and said our goodbyes once more as the two of them left. My hand was clutching onto Kayane's as he led me back to the studio. He let go of it as he sat in front of the piano as he often did. "Kayane..."
He looked at me for a moment, "It's kind of weird to think we've only been dating for six days."
I shook my head, "If anything I feel like we started dating months ago, around when we first met." That was the honest truth.
He chuckled, "You might be right... I distinctly remember our fellow Investigation Team members referring to us as a couple on a few occasions back then. But that is how its supposed to happen right? Two individuals brought together for one reason or another and then find themselves inexplicably drawn closer and closer to each other? Though I suppose it doesn't always happen that way. And our circumstances are hardly normal. And I know that I make things more difficult for you." His tone dropped.
"Stop that," I moved and sat next to him at the piano, facing the opposite way from him, but reached over, putting my arms around his chest and leaning my head on his shoulder. "I didn't fall for you because of any one thing. Things have always been difficult for you. I know I started off in a different place when it came to you. I just wanted to be a pillar of support... a friend you could rely on. I thought I could be something that no one else had ever tried to be for you. But then I learned more and more about you. At first I didn't know you loved music. When I found out... I thought that us performing at the culture festival would be the perfect way to make you feel like you belonged with not just me, but among the Investigation Team. That was my only reason I had pushed it. Then... we started to spend so much time together. I was over here... at your house, every night after school. Because of that I got to see more and more sides of you."
Kayane didn't say anything he just sat next to me as I was speaking. There was so much I wanted him to know. "Before I knew it... I would search for you whenever I entered a room, even if I already knew you weren't there. I would seek to stand by you when we were with the others. And I wanted to learn more and more about you. Do you remember the night I stayed here during that thunderstorm?"
"Of course, that was when you told me about how you all figured out it was me that had been thrown into the TV," he said simply.
"It was also the night I had realized... just how much I had already fallen for you," I breathed. Lately I had been thinking about that night... the bath... that was probably the point I had been most aware of my attraction to Kayane. For... uh... reasons. Then wearing his clothes and being in his room. And seeing that a poster of me was the only thing up in his room. I felt... elated. Like I had won some big competition and was miles ahead of any competitors. "If you had asked me out then... or maybe even before then... I probably would have said yes."
Kayane had doubts so early on. They had never really gone away. I just never knew how to approach him about them. It was too easy to forget. I was used to the life of an idol, the busy work and expectations. And even with the support I tried to give him, it probably hadn't been enough. It was why he had start cutting wasn't it? No, that fake Shadow, it had to be the one who drove Kayane even further. That meeting before we came to the midnight stage... if they were right then this fake Shadow was after Kayane's power. I don't know just how badly the Shadow tormented him. But I had kept that information to myself even as I knew he was slowly falling apart.
No, I would not make that mistake again. See this, Nozomi, my emotions and feelings, I flow to this dance as I do only because of what I have experienced and felt. It was hard, and it continues to be, but if I didn't love Kayane or know what it means to be accepted for who I am then I might have wanted to do the same as you. But I know that everything that is worth having, you have to fight for. Nothing is ever given to you for free. So please, I need you to see the truth of this.
"There are greater things waiting out there
On the hardened road that I will tread
And these wonders one by one will become just a part
Of me I know, now I know
There are crazy hazards ahead yet
I don't really fear them as I should
Not that now I have unshakable faith that inside
Of me my smile is shining bright
Just because now I know
There are miracles waiting for me
On the weathered road that I will tread
And these wonders one by one will become just a part
Of me I know, now I know
There are crazy hazards ahead yet
I don't really fear them as I should
Not that now I have unshakable faith that inside
Of me the sky is shining bright
Just because now I know
Now I feel it, I can see it
Bright as day, it's clear now
Now I know I'm on the right track
Fearless cause I know now"
The song started to come to an end, and I spun and posed as my Persona amplified my expression of dance and song, the influence going over the waves of the Shadows and Nozomi. It banished the shadow like being of Nozomi as the girl landed on the ground, collapsing to her knees. I took a deep breath and felt the tears from my eyes. But I ignored it as I moved and knelt down next to Nozomi.
"Ahh... I-I ran away... again... Why am I always like this...?" she sighed.
"Nozo-chan! It's okay! You got what we were trying to tell you. That's all that matters," Teddie and the others were behind me. Naoto placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Rise..." Naoto started but I held up a hand.
"I think I needed that dance just as much as Nozomi did," I smile slightly. "I'm glad you understood what that song meant, and what it means to me."
"Rise-senpai, that was a new take on an old song... wasn't it? There was so much... emotion... than before," Nozomi looked to me.
"I'm a much different person than I was when I first sang that song," I smiled at her.
"I-I'm horrible at talking to people... I'm always like this... when I'm out of character..." Nozomi admitted.
"If that's how you are, then I think it's perfectly fine," Naoto interjected. "You should be proud of it."
"Okay... I'll try... I-I'll do my best..." Nozomi nodded.
"Man, even bugs are louder than her... You sure she's gonna be okay?" Kanji says, and Nozomi immediately reacts. "Huh? What?"
"You're mean... Scary," Nozomi said.
"What was that!?" Kanji raised his voice.
Naoto on her feet gave an elbow to Kanji's gut.
"Ugh... what was that for?" Kanji turned to the detective.
"You have no tact, Kanji. Can't you see she's trying to change?" Naoto glared at him.
"Wha...!? Wait, why am I bein'-"
"No excuses," I got to my feet and turned to him. "Nozomi's trying her best, so work with her."
"Arrrgh! Fine, whatever, just shut up," Kanji looked back to Nozomi. "So, ugh... well... K-Keep at it, alright? I'm rootin' for ya."
Nozomi's expression then turns a 180 and lights up with a smile, then she moves over to him and looking him straight in his eyes, "I'll do my best... Thank you."
Kanji immediately gets flustered by this tactic, "S-Stop lookin' at me like that! So you're happy! I get it! Th-That's enough, dammit...!"
He really does have no idea how to deal with a girl like Nozomi, does he? She moves back towards me, "Scary again."
"Non non non! Nozo-chan, let me give you a lecture on how a guy's heart works. Kanji is just embarrassed, that's all! It's hard to see past his crude demeanor, but he really does accept you! So there's absolutely no reason to be scared of him."
"It's true. Kanji's pretty bad at expressing his feelings, too. He's such a handful," I added.
"Wha...!? Sh-Sh-Shut up, you two!" Kanji's face looking to be a brighter red with each passing moment.
"Then... you like me?" Nozomi looks somewhat sheepishly towards Kanji.
Kanji completely flustered tries to say something but it comes out as just a series of sounds.
"Y-You're embarrassed, right? So... I wondered if... I was your type... and... I, uhhh...! S-Scary..." Nozomi shook her head. This causes the rest of us to have our eyes widen at this response.
"That was beyond jumping to conclusions. I'm not sure how to process this," Naoto shook her head.
"Hrrmmm, she really is something else when it comes to talking... That was a classic communication breakdown," Teddie added.
Either way, we had saved Nozomi from the eerie voice. That meant that the only one left was...
"Ahh, Nozomi... You've been poisoned as well..." the eerie voice cut through the discussion and brought my attention back to the moment.
"You're still here...?! I won't forgive you for putting Nozo-chan through all this," Teddie and the rest of us all moved protectively around Nozomi.
"Hahaha... There's no need to get so worked up. If you're not interested in a bond with us, that's fine... Do whatever you like..." the eerie voice said its piece and was gone.
"Ugh, that punk just up and left again-" Kanji frustrated was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a door. "Wh-Whoa!?"
It was a door to Takura Productions dressing room, just like we had seen after rescuing Sumomo. If things are consistent then...
"I say we should enter. I see no signs of Shadows in the vicinity. As long as we stay on guard, we should be all right," Naoto speak out loud what I am thinking before we all go inside.
Just like the other one, and the two doors that Yu-senpai and the others had gone in... it was identical to a dressing room at Takura Productions. Identical in fact. This place had to be of significant importance to the existence of the midnight stage. That was the thought I got from seeing it so many times up to this point.
"I don't hear that creepy song. I wonder why these rooms are so special," Teddie seemed to be picking up on the same line of thinking that I and likely Naoto was too.
"Huh... So far, this door's been showin' up every time we save a girl," Kanji pointed out.
"I wonder if it is plausible that they have been deliberately hidden from us until we do so," Naoto speculated. "Or was there some other reason we were unable to detect them? Another possibility is that Sumomo-san and Nozomi-san's release caused the doors to come into existence somehow."
"Ya mind puttin' all that in simpler words? Whaddaya mean, 'some other' and 'somehow'?" Kanji shook his head.
"If I knew, then I wouldn't be having trouble working out the details. I can't say for sure at this point," Naoto shook her head. But as she does her eyes wander to the mirrors, and then remembering what we found last time I look over as well. Nozomi seems to have already moved to it and was looking at it. The note attached to the mirror of a makeup station.
"What... is this...?" Nozomi was leaning towards it.
"I should have mentioned it before Naoto, but Yu-senpai and the others found notes in identical rooms like we have. And each one has come with a similar note," I tell her.
Naoto nodds, "I see. But each probably is unique in its message. This says, 'I want a bond. I want to connect their hearts with mine. But it's too late. There's nothing I can do now. I changed the lyrics to hide everything. I'm nothing but a liar. I should end it all.' That is what is says."
"God, just listenin' to it is puttin' my stomach in knots... The writer's even more stressed than last time," Kanji shakes his head.
"Kanji-kun, have you noticed? The person who wrote these notes- Well... We've yet to confirm that this individual is human," Naoto seemed to have a hypothesis.
"N-Nao-chan, what did you find? In simple, bear-friendly terms, por favor," Teddie asked.
"The content of this particular note, 'bond', 'connect'... Do these sound familiar to you?" Naoto was asking, more than likely so she could also work through her thoughts out loud with everyone and put them on the same page. Naturally, I knew what Naoto was talking about, because it was all we had heard from it.
"It is what that eerie voice keeps bringing up," I provided.
"Indeed. The content of this note matches up quite neatly to that voice's words," Naoto nodded.
"You're saying it is possible that the voice is the one likely to have written the notes," I figured it might be possible, or that it was the truth, but I doubt that was the only thing there was to it. When it comes to the world of Shadows and Persona's, nothing could be taken at face value.
"I have no definitive proof, but it certainly seems to be a possibility. And..." Naoto stops as we hear a clapping coming from the entrance.
"Whoa! Occhy!?" Teddie's alarmed voice match how we all felt. She was really here, when she should have been with the others not too long ago. But distance in this place was hard to judge. And as I had discussed with Yu, Ochimizu seemed to be uninhibited in her movement around this place.
"Occhy?" She shook her head. "No, never mind. I'm glad to see you've rescued Nozomi as well. Which means that all four idols are now safe. I'm very grateful."
"Senpai and the others finished up a long time ago, huh? Heh... guess we still ain't on their level." Kanji seemed amused.
"Excuse me, Ochimizu-san. Are you saying that you went to check on Yu-san's group before you came here?"" Naoto asked. A natural question as I hadn't told Naoto about my conversation with Yu and the others yet. It was a little intimidating how much information I was getting in this place. My power seemed so much more amplified here. I was able to keep tabs on both groups and deeper in where I sensed Kayane.
"Yes, that's correct," Ochimizu confirmed.
"Everything should be fine. I've been keeping an eye out in the places we've been and where the other girls are and they are all safe. The Shadows aren't replenishing here. Once we defeat them, they are gone for good. At least as far as I can tell. But we aren't done here. We have to meet up with Yu-senpai and the others so we can rescue Kayane," I didn't want to wait anymore. "Ochimizu-sama, can we leave Nozomi to you?"
"You didn't have to ask. After I make sure Nozomi is okay I'll meet back up with you," Ochimizu's tone didn't give much room to argue.
"Hey, we don't need ya-"
"-In case you don't know," Ochimizu cleared her throat. "Ikakure Kayane is the son of my best friend. So I would think twice before saying something so shallow as it isn't any of my business. As far as I'm concerned, only Rise has as much invested in rescuing him if not more than I do."
Perhaps it was her delivery of the line made if feel cold and off putting, but having seen her work with Kayane's Mother, I knew that this was more of a facade she wears when working. She likely cares a lot more than she would ever openly admit. I think I understood her a lot more because of my time with Kayane than I would have otherwise. That mask you wear to make sure others don't worry you... to keep your real feelings hidden. It was no secret that Kayane had likely done this with me. Making me feel like he was doing better, but in secret he suffered. I had been waiting for him to come to me, to admit that he had been cutting himself again. to tell me that he needed my help. I was a fool to wait.
"That's not fair, Ochimizu-san. He's one of our best and closest friends, and we will all save him," Naoto retorted back in anger. It surprised me.
"Good, then I expect to see results. Now get moving, the sooner this is over, the better," Ochimizu looked unaffected. "Nozomi, let's get you relaxed, we still want to make sure you're properly rested in case you have to preform upon our return back."
Turning to the exit I don't waste any time and leave the dressing room. The others quickly followed.
"Umm... Is Occhy always like that? I mean not just her acting frosty, but she's in a strange world and she doesn't think twice about wandering around... She's too fearless," Teddie speaks up.
"Is that how you see it? If I didn't see how she acts around Kayane's Mother, then I might think the same thing but..." I shake my head.
"But the Shadows don't seem to attack her, yeah?" Kanji pointed out a different point.
"Now that you mention it... We were thrown off by her boldness, but if you think about it, that is quite strange. There must be some reason that the Shadows don't attack her," Naoto brought up.
"Maybe it has to do with why this place exists anyway," I didn't know, and I didn't care. I just wanted to get to Kayane now. With all the girls saved that meant I could focus my attention on getting to him.
"Kanji-kun? Is there a problem?" Naoto asked Kanji. I guess he had an expression that prompted Naoto to ask the question. I kept us moving though.
"Nah' just thinkin' about somethin'. Y'know how that rumor talks about the 'other side'? That's here, yeah?" Kanji brought up.
"Do you mean the Love Meets Bonds festival rumor? If I remember correctly it went... 'When you look at the website at midnight, an unfamiliar video plays, and in that video, you can see a dead idol dancing. And anyone who watches that video is taken to the 'other side,' never to awaken again.' I believe that is the best summary I have of the rumor. Now back to your question... From what we've experienced, yes, we believe that we're on the 'other side'. Why?" Naoto asked him.
"Well, we haven't run into much here... Just the idols we saved, that damn voice, and those weird-ass ribbon Shadows. But the chumps who watch the video are 'taken' here, right? Then... where the hell are they? Shouldn't we be savin' them, too?" Kanji brought up a good point but...
"From what I've gathered, the victims are left in a comatose state. I came across no reports of missing persons. There was an eyewitness account of a victim being pulled by something, but he was in a coma, just like- No, wait... You're right. It IS strange," Naoto's expression becomes more serious.
"Nao-chan, what's wrong?" Teddie looks over.
"Rise, do you remember the first time we came here?" Naoto speaks up to me.
"Huh? Umm, yeah. That video in the rumor actually popped up," I wasn't sure where she was going with this.
"Then those ribbons ensnared us, pulling us into this world. Unlike the other victims, we didn't fall into a coma," Naoto started to lay out her thoughts. "The next victims were the idols of Kanamin Kitchen, and Kayane. They went missing, and now we've found all but senpai, here in this world. None of them fell into a coma, and neither did we, just like out first time. That's why I missed it. Are any of you familiar with the condition known as Apathy Syndrome? It appeared a few years ago around Tatsumi Port Island. Victims lost their sense of self, unable to even speak."
"You mean everything we heard about Mitsuru-sama, the Shadow Operatives... as well as Kayane's sister Setsuko was a part of? It was a result of the Dark Hour," I think I knew what she was referring to now. Having heard nearly all about it because of Kayane's Sister and the events surrounding Labrys the red fog and moon that had appeared over Inaba during Golden Week.
"Indeed," Naoto nodded. "Apathy Syndrome was caused as a side effect of Shadows leaving the human body. As we all are aware from personal experience, Shadows and our hearts are closely linked. We came to face and accept our Shadows, thus attaining the power of Persona. The same could be said of Mitsuru-sama and all those under her, as well as Kayane's sister having obtained the power of Persona, even if obtained in a slightly different matter. The effect would still be the same. Plus think about Kayane's power Symphonic Discord. We know it could have a devastating effect on a Persona user. But this power, doesn't seem as potent, but all the same, what would happen if the Shadow of a average person was forcibly removed?"
"That could explain also why the fake Shadow of Kayane is using this world. To obtain Kayane's Persona ability by separating it from him," I shook my head.
"That is what I believe. With the new knowledge we have about Shadows this all seems to line up with previous incidents. Only the method has changed, as violence is not involved. Unlike when people were thrown into the TV, the Shadow has no means to attack their real self. So after their Shadow is taken, they are returned to the real world, but in a comatose state. Just like the Apathy Syndrome. However, we have control over our Shadows, keeping us from falling victim in the same manner. Such a difference would explain the discrepancies in this so far. Kanamin Kitchen would be considered special cases. Both Sumomo-san and Nozomi-san were shocked when that voice brought up their most private information. It would be natural to think that the voice knew them from the start and pulled them in here deliberately. In addition... when Rise, Yu-senpai, and I were pulled in here, it was around midnight. But for them, it must have happened earlier-between our initial meeting and the time they were reported missing. Kayane being among them. And so that means they were pulled in outside of the time frame that is stipulated in the rumor."
"B-But... how come they're so special!?" Teddie asked with wide eyes.
"That would be because they are the main guests of this Midnight Stage," Naoto cleared her throat. "That voice called this place the Midnight Stage. Naturally, a stage exists for the sake of the performer using it, and the audience watching it. The four members of Kanamin Kitchen were summoned here for a purpose: to fill the role of performers for these stages. I suspect the same is held true for Rise and Kayane each. Although it seems the fake Shadow of Kayane has convinced that voice to let him go forward with his own plans for Kayane."
"Considering the stage we saw when we were pulled in that night, I can't disagree with that logic," I nodded.
"And if they're the performers, are the Shadows the audience? Where did those guys come from, though?" Teddie shook his head.
"Exactly. Do you recall how that voice talked about Shadows coming to this world looking for bonds? And I'm sure we all wondered why we seem to be able to communicate our feelings to these Shadows. There is but one explanation to it all. Suppose that, like the times we each faced our own Shadows... These Shadows, too, are entities which share a close connection with the human heart," Naoto's words finally resonated with me.
"They're the Shadows of people who saw the video on the LMB site, and fell into a coma..." I come to a stop, shocked by this realization.
"So that's what it means to get 'taken'!?" Kanji shook his head.
"Yes. However, judging from the fact that some saw the video yet remained conscious... We can conclude there is some method to the selection of those that were 'taken' here," Naoto elaborated a bit more.
"Hrmmmm... Now I see why those Shadows felt different from the ones I know!" Teddie said.
"As long as there are people who try that rumor out... this world will keep being flooded with their Shadows. Even if we rescue Kayane and go back... it will only keep gathering victims," I knew there had to be more at stake here. I should expect as much when it comes to Persona. We couldn't call this resolved unless we found the root of this world and stopped it. The ground around us started to shake violently. "There is no time! We have to keep moving!"
"Something might have happened, let's catch up to Yu-senpai and the others," Naoto called out as all of us started running.
I could still feel Kayane off in the distance. He was still distressed... in pain. Hold on, Kayane. I will save you.
July 27th, 2012 / Late Afternoon
Takura Productions Conference Room
SETSUKO'S POINT OF VIEW
"It's just as we expected," my Aunt, Arisato Isako, spoke as a few more had gathered here, members of the Shadow Operatives, plus my Sister and I.
"The Apathy Syndrome," Mitsuru sighed and folded her arms. "Yamagishi, any luck establishing communication with them?"
Fuuka, who was sitting with her laptop in front of her shook her head, "While we confirmed the rumors were true about the Love Meets Bonds festival rumor is linked to the cause of the resurgence in Apathy Syndrome, I can't get any readings from our usual scans."
"We do know that this is similar to the TV world in Inaba," Hamuko spoke up, leaning against the wall. "At the same time, it shares a similarity to the Dark Hour. The victims that have fallen comatose all did so at midnight, as the rumor states. Everything points to Shadow activity here, but as Narukami Yu and the others stated, violence is outlawed in that world. It's possible the nature of that Shadows could have a different reading as a result. Is that a possibility, Fuuka?"
She shook her head, "I don't know. It isn't like..."
"Let me help," I spoke up.
They turned to me, with Mitsuru being the last, "Kasamatsu-san, what do you have in mind?"
"I can cross reference your scanning equipment with the information with my Father's research and the data he has on Shadows. Plus, I can have Yurika run simulations on possible other readings that could be similar to Shadow readings for anything in between. She is also quite familiar with my Father's research and Shadows," I explain as I pull out my phone and unlock the screen. "Yurika, you been keeping up with the conversation?"
"Of course, Setsuko," Yurika's voice came from my phone.
"An artificial soul, created with a Plume of Dusk," Fuuka smiled. "Yurika, how is it like to not have a body?"
"I do not understand. This is how I have always been," Yurika replied curtly.
"Yurika's identity has always been tied to a computer, so a physical identity is not a conscious concept for her. Her natural development would have been different and more intellectual and based on learning the ins and outs of computer process and the interpretation of data," Yoko spoke up. "From the small amount I've seen of the research Setsuko's Father had on Yurika, a lot of her early years was spent helping her understand the different languages that make up the internal systems of a computer. We see things in a visual format, but Yurika sees it all as language. Binary, Japanese, English, and so forth. But also programming languages, database languages, how to differentiate between what is safe and what is a hostile program such as a virus, trojan horse and things of that nature. Also keep in mind she was stuck on an enclosed network system, so she could only learn what they provided her."
"That is an impressive diagnosis," Mitsuru smiled.
"Father's discovery of the Plume of Dusk and it's capacity was an accident to begin with," I spoke up, remembering the entries in Father's research related to Yurika and her early years. "The integration of the Plume of Dusk initially seemed to be a plausible part for a computer. Its processing ability is higher than even what is capable today, or likely what will be possible for the foreseeable future. So, it was more of a side project that Father had as part of the Nanjo Group. So, you could imagine the surprise when using the computer with his experimental processor when it asked him a question. Anyway, Yurika is my assistant. And while I don't doubt any of your skills, I believe that this situation might fit my skills and knowledge better. Once I can establish something of use then Yamagishi-san should be able to use her Persona and have a better chance of getting through."
"That... sounds like a good idea," Fuuka nodded. "Kasamatsu-san, I'll lend you my laptop. I just upgraded it and I have access to the Shadow Operative database, so Yurika should be able to use it effectively."
"That will have to do for the plan of action for now. As much as it pains me to have to sit around and wait for something to happen," Mitsuru got to her feet from her seat at the end of the table. "Which leads to the issue of the Love Meets Bonds Festival. I had to throw some weight around as the Head of the Kirijo Group but I extended the Festival by a day. The official reason will be that the success of the Festival Sales had led to a demand for more tickets. So new performers and an extra day was added to the Festival in response. While a little unusual, it is the Kirijo Group fronting the bill for all the additional costs and can be seen as a PR stunt for a company with a hurting reputation."
"Using the bad reputation of the Kirijo Group to hide the true intentions of the extra day. The media is gonna jump all over that story," Hamuko was grinning.
Mitsuru shrugged, "Which also keeps the eyes off the fact that the main stars of the festival are missing. It will shift the media off of the event itself and questions will be more directed at me."
"Which means you are trying to handle all of it on your own again," a new voice entered the conference room. Standing there was Yukari. "First you pull strings to bring me here and make it an official job through my agency, and now you're directing the possible backlash onto you, which means if something bad happens the Kirijo Group will be the one to blame again. Seriously, do you always have to take the hard option?"
"It will be fine. I have faith that Narukami and his friends will succeed. But we have to make sure they have the time they need," Mitsuru smiled turning to Yukari. "I'm sorry Yukari."
Yukari groaned and shook her head, "When are you going to learn that you are supposed to talk about these things with your best friend, not tell her after the fact. And stop apologizing. I'm always going to be here for you, whether you like it or not."
"In the meantime," Isako interjected. "I've already alerted the other members of the Shadow Operatives response team. They should all be arriving by tonight. Sanada Akihiko should be here within the hour. I also have the mobile command center heading this way. Kasamatsu-san it should have enough to serve as a temporary lab and maintenance area for Mechanical Maidens."
"Thank you, Arisato-san..."
"Please, Kasamatsu-san, we're family. Well I suppose me referring to you the same way isn't selling it very well. Setsuko-chan," Isako corrected herself at the end.
"Oh... right um... Oba-san," I said after a small hesitation. "How is Tsukio-san doing?"
"It was a lot for her to take in. The information about Persona and Shadows is hard to explain but with all the things that happened around your brother since he awakened to her Persona, it filled in gaps for her. Plus, his long coma in the hospital definitely wasn't normal," Isako sighed. "When you can, go and talk with her. I know you have only started to get to know your brother, but she has been taking care of him for so long that it has been a shock to her. You know more about what Kayane went through. I'm positive it would do you both some good."
"You're right," Yoko stepped in. "Arisato-san, how long till the command center is here?"
"Should be about two hours," she answered.
"Good," Yoko took my arm. "I'm going to take Onee-chan to go see Tsukio-san. We'll start up the plan and use the command center shows up."
Mitsuru nodded, "That's a good idea. Everyone should take a break and get some lunch. I know a number of us have neglected eating today. But it won't be any good if we are all malnourished when they need us the most. This is an order. Also I've decided to accept your application Kasamatsu Yoko, as of now, you are the psychologist and assistant to Kasamatsu Setsuko for the Shadow Operatives."
I blinked and turned to my sister, "Yoko? When did you do all that?"
"My Onee-chan and Kayane-chan are working as Shadow Operatives. And while I'm still finishing school for Psychology, I was able to convince the benefits of me working while still in school. Plus, I have preexisting knowledge about the world of Shadows and Persona's, and so it makes it easier to keep watch over me," Yoko waved me off.
"Saying it like that makes me sound like some controlling dictator," Mitsuru shook her head. "Plus, it was your choice and I respect your dedication to the important people in your life. Also, you have a stellar grade point average and we know you work well with your sister. It was an easy decision to make. Now get going, you all have two hours. Then it's back to work."
July 27th, 2012 / Late Afternoon
Takura Productions Dressing Room
KANA'S POINT OF VIEW
I felt helpless, again. How many times had things occurred that I couldn't stop? The others were in another world, to save those girls and Kayane. He was an important friend to me too and yet I could do nothing to help. I suppose we still had a part to play in all of this. Giving them the time, they needed to rescue everyone and not let the information go public. That didn't make me feel like I couldn't do more though. Kanami, who had changed out of her Idol clothes, revealing a much different looking girl than what she looked like on stage. I could only imagine how rough it had to be to go through a change like that when on stage. Although the modeling jobs I do could be considered the same as I have taken on a great different number of looks on my many jobs.
"Thanks for the lunch. But we haven't heard anything from the others. Are we sure they are okay?" Kanami asked us.
I nodded, "You bet. And others have already arrived to help them."
"Right, the others left to go talk about it, right?" Kanami asked.
"Yeah," I turned to the small area that Yukari had made to give her daughter Kokoro a place to rest. Pillows and blankets in the corner of the room where the small girl was now sound asleep. "They'll rescue everyone."
"Dammit... Where'd he go!?" A voice could be heard yelling from outside the dressing room. I immediately tensed up.
"The cops! Call the police! This is no good at all, we gotta hurry and find him!" Another voice could be heard but was moving away from us.
"What is going on out there?" Kanami wonders aloud and goes towards the door.
"No, wait, Kanami," I started but was too late, the next moment the door is open and a man with a wild look in his eyes immediately grabs Kanami and puts something up to her neck.
"Where's Kanamin!?" he demands as I notice the door to the dressing room had stuck open. He must have unintentionally caused the door stopper to activate. When neither of us answer immediately he continues, "I'm talkin' about Mashita Kanami! The one who's signed with Takura Productions. Who the hell are you two? Why're you here in her dressing room!?"
"Why don't you calm down?" I do my best to sound calm and keep my eyes on him. The others weren't here so I needed to deal with this.
"No! I need Kanami's blood to lift the curse! I accidentally saw that video! Without her blood, I'll be taken!" the man sounded desperate. Wait, video? He was talking about that rumor about the website. So, there was something else going on about what to do if you had seen the video? Except if you hadn't been 'taken' after watching the video then you were safe anyway. But the average person wouldn't know that. And the amount of people that had gone comatose as a result would be alarming to anyone. How had this man gotten so far past security?
"Just relax," I tried to sound soothing. Still he couldn't recognize that Kanami was the one he was holding. And if he wanted her blood then it was best to keep the attention away from her. "Why don't you tell me what's wrong? Maybe I can help?" With my hands up I slowly move towards him. He hesitates for a few moments but then pushes the blade back against Kanami.
"Don't come any closer! I'm serious! There's no way I'm letting some dead idol kill me!" He was in a panic, he looked to be sweating profusely and shaking. This wasn't good, if he was pushed too hard then he might cut Kanami, even unintentionally. But, dead idol? Right, that was supposed to be what showed up in that video of the rumor. That wasn't important right now.
Then the situation changed. A man came in and with precise movements grabbed the one that threatened Kanami, pulling the arm with the knife away and in a fluid motion whipped the man around. He cranked his arm causing the knife in his hand to fall to the ground and this gruff looking man had pinned down he one who had threatened Kanami's life. Wait, I knew who this was. The man was none other than Narukami Yu's uncle, Dojima Ryotaro. I had seen him only in passing before. I knew he was a detective, but I was impressed at how skilled he was at not only subduing him but ensuring that Kanami had not been hurt in the process.
"I took vacation days to come out here," Dojima shook his head. He looks up at me, "Hey can you- Wait I know you, don't I?"
"Umm yes, I'm Takahashi Kana. A friend to Yu-san and Kayane-san," I answered with a bow.
"That's right, and no need to be so formal. Anyway, can you call the cops? I'm sure a couple guys would be enough to keep this one in line," Dojima asked me.
"I will take care of it," I say as I pull out my cell phone and instead called Mitsuru.
"Takahashi?" Mitsuru picked up.
"Mitsuru-sama, there has been an incident in Kanami's dressing room. A man came rushing in and threatened Kanami. He's been subdued but..."
"Got it, I'll have Aigis come to your location to retrieve him. We can talk more about this later. I'll also have to reinforce security it seems," Mitsuru audibly sighed.
"Also, it was Narukami Yu's Uncle, the detective that took him down," I added.
"I see," Mitsuru pauses for a moment, likely processing the information. "Don't say anything for now. If anything, I will speak to him personally if he investigates any further."
Mitsuru hung up and I put down my phone. I had stepped away from Dojima to make the call and he seemed to be talking with another individual who had come on the scene, Inoue-san.
"So just stay with him for now. And don't worry this man is Narukami Yu's Uncle," Inoue was talking to Kanami. Others were helping restrain the man on the ground and letting Dojima up and stepping away.
"Inoue-san, if you just hold him outside there will be someone here shortly to take him," I quickly say.
"Got it, thanks, Kana-chan," Inoue gave a smile as he and a couple others took the man out of the room.
"Um... Thank you very much," Kanami bows to Dojima.
"Don't worry about it. That must have really shaken you. You're safe now. The city's no less dangerous than it always was, but... I didn't think I'd stumble across a disturbance this fast," Dojima shook his head.
"It is an important festival, and people seemed to be very on edge because of that LMB rumor," I spoke up. "It seems he believed he had witnessed it and that he needed Kanami's blood to save himself."
"That..." Dojima put a hand to his head. "People will believe anything they hear, but to act so rashly like attacking someone?"
"Dad? Is it okay if I come in now?" A familiar girl pokes her head in.
"Of course, sweety," Dojima eased a bit and the little girl came in. "Right, Takahashi and Mishita? I'm Dojima Ryotaro, and this is my daughter Nanako."
"I'm Dojima Nanako," Nanako bowed, although I had met her before. Her eyes went to Kanami, "Are you Kanamin?"
"Wait, huh!? Yes, that's right! You know who Kanamin is!" Kanami smiles.
"It really is Kanamin! Dad, it's Kanamin!" Nanako beamed.
"Kanamin...? I know Yu was here to perform to support his friends first performance and debut of their band. And they had mentioned who else would be there before, but I swear I've heard of it before. Hmm, I do remember an event at the Inaba Police Station with some honorary Chief that got canceled. So, you're with one of the other groups then?" Dojima asked.
"Yep! Even if I don't look like it, I'm an idol," Kanami smiled but then tilted her head. "But why was the Police Station event canceled? Sorry, I can't remember now. But so you're from Inaba, Dojima-san? I've heard a lot about it from Kayane-san. It sounds like a nice place."
"Kanamin, you're friends with Kay-chan?" Nanako eyes widened.
Kanami nodded, "You betcha. Actually, Kayane-san and I knew each other when we are younger, even though we don't remember it. But here we are going to perform on the same stage together."
"That's so cool! Kay-chan is friends with Kanamin! Isn't he so cool? I helped him and Risette make their band," she said proudly.
"Is that right?" Kanami was smiling. "Actually, how did Kayane-san and Rise-san even meet?"
"I think I can answer those questions a little better than Nanako-chan," a new voice came from the door of the dressing room. Hamuko and Yukari stood in the doorway. As if on cue, Kokoro seemed to wake up and start crying, causing Yukari to quickly cross over to her.
"Don't worry, Kokoro. Mommy is here," Yukari smiled a bit.
"Oh, and you are?" Dojima asked.
"Takahashi Hamuko. Kana is my twin sister. Also, Kayane-san is our cousin, I think Yu-san probably told you about how he's found out a lot more about his family recently," Hamuko moved in and I felt relieved. I wasn't sure how to approach or join the conversation. I know that with the way things are that Kanami's mental state was a concern. But information about what was really happening needed to be guarded. Dojima was a detective and would likely put together that something was wrong with this whole situation.
"Oh no! I have dance practice to get to," Kanami says suddenly looking at the clock on the wall.
"That's why we're here to get you," Yukari said as she was bouncing Kokoro in her arms to calm her.
"Yu-san and the others are going to be a while before they can meet up, so how about Nanako-chan and you come with us Dojima-san?" Hamuko asked smoothly.
"That sounds like a good idea. What do you say, Nanako? You get to see an idol at work," Dojima seemed to like the idea.
"R-really...!? Yes! Let's go! Yay! I get to go watch Kanamin!" Nanako smiled big, excited to see the star at work.
At least with this, it could keep them all occupied and not worried about where everyone really was. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Kayane and the other girls taken. And what was the fake Shadow Kayane truly after? Was it Kayane's power? And what would it do if it had it? That feeling of helplessness washed over me again. Kayane... please be okay.
A/N:
What? Another update so soon? Crazy. Things have been rather up and down in my life so working on writing is difficult. But I won't go too much into it. I'm hoping to increase my frequency of the updates as we're really getting towards the end to this fic. Well, it will still be a good amount of chapters ahead to get there but the end is in sight. Anyway the chapter.
If there is one thing I always found odd about Dancing All Night is the amount of time that goes for the entirety of the story. If you look at the layout of the story that is in the game you should notice it very quickly. Two whole days pass by the time the Investigation Team rescues all 4 girls. Why does this stand out to me? For a couple reasons. One, the Team never sleeps. They take moments to rest but that's it. So could there be some sort of difference in the way time moves? It could work in the same way of the Dark Hour in Persona 3. Which if people recall when you have to rescue Fuuka in that game that while she had been gone several days it had only been hours for her. The problem with this being the case for Dancing All Night is that the rules here are inconsistent as the Midnight Stage takes both the girls of Kanami's Kitchen and Kanami herself outside of the time it claims outside of the time it claims the coma victims. This adds more support that the time is likely more one to one than anything else. The second thing I have a problem with is that after returning to the real world, none of the Investigation Team makes a comment or is surprised by the passage of time. Either way there is a clear lack of knowledge we have about how the world of the Midnight Stage works in conjunction of the real world.
So, I have purposely changed how the time frame of this all works. Clearly I have characters involved here that were not involved with the original game. Either way, we have come to a point where the game's story and the one for Last Symphony will start to truly look different. And I hope you are all looking forward how it is going to go.
As always, thanks for your time to read my fan fic. Let me know how you feel about it and see you next chapter.
