War Arc:
Chapter 51: Doppelganger
Yu Narukami
Heavy Rain - Afternoon - 27/11/2012(Tuesday) - Yasoinaba High, Inaba
(3 days until War's arrival)
"...What? But why?"
Yosuke was the first to voice out his thought when Yu informed them of his activity today. The rest of the Investigation Team that surrounded his table merely nodded in agreement.
"I told you, didn't I? I talked to Marie yesterday," Yu answered, but clearly, it wasn't the answer they want.
"But to specifically tell you to go to the mountain... Are you sure that's Marie?" Chie asked, "I mean, what if it's not her? That therapy sounded suspicious."
"He could have fooled you into thinking that it's her. Scammers did that all the time via hypnosis," Yukiko said after nodding at Chie.
"Yeah, senpai! You need to be extra careful," Rise joined the conversation, "Though, it's too strange for him, the one who helped the residents here, to do such thing..."
"Maybe he has a motive?" Kanji said.
"Guys, you're thinking too much. Senpai might be telling the truth," Naoto said.
"Thank you, Naoto. I know it's her. She was talking to me. Her voice, her posture, there's no mistaking it."
"And?" Naoto said, "What did she want you to find at the mountain?"
"I don't think there's anything in the mountain," Chie rubbed her chin, thinking.
He wasn't sure how to answer his teammates. Truth to be told, he wasn't sure if yesterday event was real or his imagination. But he had faith that whatever in that mountain was important.
"A shrine," Yu finally said, "Marie's own shrine."
All eyes around him widened in surprise. Marie was a goddess, that is to be expected. It is natural for a Japanese god to have a shrine. What interested them was that it was something Marie never mentioned, not to mention she was not a 'normal' god, but the kind born from collective unconsciousness.
"...Does it really have to be today?" Yosuke said, turning to the window outside. It was raining heavily a while ago, forcing them to eat their bento in the classroom instead of the rooftop.
"Strolling on a mountain is extremely dangerous during rain. Landslide, slippery soil, maybe lightning strike!" Rise warned.
"Lightning strike is extremely unlikely to happen," Naoto sweat-dropped.
"A-Anyway, we know Marie is fine. Isn't that good enough?"
"I guess..."
He could not shake off the uncanny feeling he had.
Perhaps he should pay a visit to Umashi Hitoshi's house again.
"Let's go tomorrow then," Yosuke suggested, "I'll come with you."
"Don't we have an exam to study?" Chie said.
"Who cares? I can't memorize all of them."
"Then, I guess I came with you, but only when the rain stops. I don't want to dirty my clothes," Chie said before turning to Yukiko, "Want to follow?"
"Sorry, I can't," Yukiko lowered her head, "The inn is really short on workers right now. Maybe I won't have enough spare time."
"That's too bad," Rise said, "I was getting busier with year-end programs too."
Everyone knew that their days were numbered due to the prophecy. But even without it, their daily school lives will come to an end.
Sunny - Afternoon - 27/11/2012(Tuesday) - Iwatodai New Dorm, Tatsumi Port Island
(3 days until War's arrival)
"Guys, we got a call!"
Fuuka shouted from the lounge. Yukari, followed by Kikuno, and Labrys, rushed for the phone. It was Mitsuru, who did not update her status at Sumaru City since last night. Fuuka spent the entire night tracking her, which she happily announced that Mitsuru and the rest were safe.
However, they appeared worried when they heard that Junpei was ambushed by a mysterious man with a beast mask. Moreover, they needed to stay for another day to find a track about Sho Minazuki.
"Keep yourself distant from anywhere which might expose your position. In fact, I have prepared another resident for all of you to live for the time being. Takaya already attacked the dorm before, so I already had this plan in mind. However, it seemed I need to move you earlier than scheduled."
"You're right. Though..." Yukari paused, "What about Minato?"
Minato is still here, in the Abyss of Time below the dorm.
"Don't worry, I will have my personal guards guarding the place for the time being."
"I trust you on that."
The only thing to do is to wait, which Yukari hated more than anything. The rest seemed to have expected this as well.
"Well?" Labrys asked, "When will we be moving?"
"Mitsuru said today. We will be moving to a motel, not more than a mile away from here."
"That is still far..." Fuuka responded, "Ken-kun will have it rough to go to school. Koromaru might not like the new environment to go for a walk."
"It can't be helped..." Kikuno, who remained silent since the start, spoke, "By the way, can I ask about Minato Arisato's location? I heard Mitsuru-san talked about him a lot, yet I did not see him anywhere."
"Sorry, Kikuno," Fuuka said, "That's a private information. We don't want you to get harmed by knowing it."
"Forgive me for asking then," Kikuno bowed, "Yukari-san, do you still want to return to your work?"
Yukari's gasped in excitement.
"Can I-"
"No, you may not. Kirijo specifically forbade you for now."
"Then why mention it?" Yukari sighed in disappointment.
She wasn't a workaholic, but the lack of works to do was tormenting her. A model, an actress; at least these jobs kept her mind off the trouble at work or in the Shadow Operative. Now that it was gone, she was frustrated and felt useless.
Yukari took a weak step to her room, preparing to pack her things for the new place, which might be her new home until the prophecy is over. If the world ended when the prophecy is done, this moment might be the last time she'll get to see this place.
Her room wasn't big, but it was comfortable. She tried hard to make it appeared the same as her original room back in the old dorm. She glanced at her bed and remembered her embracement on Minato's chest when she first laid eyes on him again. She could feel her cheeks reddened and began repacking.
It was then that she felt a stare from somewhere in her room. In reflex, she took a battle stance. and turned to any place that might harbor a person.
She saw herself in the big mirror. But then, a chill ran down her spine when she swore another her in the mirror was not mirroring her motion.
There was another her. She turned to where the 'other' her was and saw no one.
"Is it my imagination?"
Yu Narukami
Heavy Rain - Evening - Hitoshi's Residence
"Huh? He's out."
Yu mused disappointedly at the door when he realized the gate was locked. He should expect him to be a busy man, but the thoughts of Marie out of his reach frustrated him. His phone was unreachable, despite already calling him thrice. Where could he be?
"Hmm? Is that you, Narukami?"
He turned to the voice not far from him and couldn't help but smiled in relief. Umashi was arriving in a car and stopped not far from him with his window opened.
"Mr. Hitoshi, sorry to disturb you. I was planning on trying the session again today."
"You mean the hypnosis?"
"Yes," Yu glanced at the back of the car and saw a large bag, "But I may have come at the wrong time."
"Oh? It's nothing," Umashi saw Yu's glance at his bag, "I was traveling; business. I can make the session, but you will have to wait an hour or so."
"Ah, it's okay! I will come by tomorrow," Yu bowed slightly. It was then, his sharp eyes caught some bruise around Umashi's neck, "Forgive me for asking, are you in a fight?"
"Hmm?"
Yu rubbed his neck to hint at him. Umashi touched the bruise and laughed.
"Don't worry about this. You know, some people are really aggressive when it comes to robbing. A guy and a dog attacked me in an alley."
"That... sounds terrible."
"As I said, there's nothing to worry about. See you tomorrow then, if you want. Don't stay too long in this rain or you'll get sick."
Yu bowed. Wondering what he should do next. Sure, those from Sumaru City and Tatsumi Port Island were taking cares of their share of their problems, but he couldn't stand still and do nothing.
Who knows, maybe an enemy had already infiltrated the town?
Heavy Rain - Late Evening - Amagi Inn
"Tengu, how is he?" Yukiko asked Tengu in a low tone.
"He's going into his room now!" Tengu said upon entering her room. Upon those words, Yukiko sprang from her seat and exited her room, followed closely by Tengu from behind.
Her destination was only one, to that man's room. No, that wasn't right. It was to the front of that man's room. After confirming that he was already inside, Yukiko took it upon herself to eavesdrop any conversation he had.
Hours ago, when Sho Minazuki was taking a long bath in the hot spring, Yukiko had informed several workers to change the wooden door of his room. It was a thinner door despite the same design, and absolutely not soundproof. If he snored even a little, his voice will echo through the long corridor. The chance of him finding out is low as long as the outside was not noisy, plus his room was far from the rest of the guests.
In other words, as long as Yukiko remained stealth and quiet, she will be able to hear his conversation that she swore she heard last night.
He was talking to someone, and she will find out about it.
"Tengu, stop."
She whispered, stopping her tracks not far from Sho's room. Indeed, he was talking to someone with a low tone, almost like a whisper.
"It's too early... What? Now? Ah, I'm bored as hell. When can I return? ...Are you really sure? ...What if someone sees you? ...Fine, fine! I'll leave it to you. Go out, enjoy yourself."
After a moment of silent, an odd sound was heard from inside the room, followed by the sound of walking.
He's leaving the room, which surprised her, knowing that he never ventured out of his room at night before.
"Tengu, let's hide!"
"Eh?"
Jumping into the nearby storeroom, Yukiko and Tengu remained silent as she took a peek at the outside. There, Sho Minazuki walked out of his room and walked away to an unknown destination.
Perhaps since she had seen different types of customer every day, she was able to differentiate, although barely, the personality of each individual. Which was why she was able to tell the difference.
The Sho Minazuki that exited the room a while ago was... a 'different' man. His eyes were rounder, his expression was more passive, and his motion was more well-mannered than usual.
She couldn't believe her eyes.
"Tengu, can I ask one more time? I just want to be sure."
"Anything, Yuki-nee."
"When you said you saw Sho Minazuki months ago, are you really sure he was carrying a cargo with him?"
"I would never lie, Yuki-nee!"
"Then it's on," Yukiko slid open the door, "I'm going to talk to him."
"W-Wait! Isn't that dangerous? Why not bring the whole team and interrogate him?"
"I..." Yukiko couldn't answer.
He was right. Why didn't she tell the whole team? What did she see that made her sympathized with him? Was it the scars on his body? Or did he remind her of someone?
"...I guess you're right. It's too dangerous," Yukiko nodded, opening the door, "He'll be staying here until Thursday. Maybe I talk to my friends tomorrow-"
The moment she opened the door, she almost screamed.
Sho Minazuki was standing in front of her, glaring at both her and Tengu with menacing eyes.
"I knew I heard something," Sho Minazuki said, yet with a voice slightly different from her memory, "What are you doing here?"
"I was... uh..." Yukiko looked around the room and saw Tengu's hiding behind her. She had to think of an excuse, "I was cleaning! Look at how untidy this room is!"
"A worker cleaning alone at night? Who is that behind you, co-worker?"
"Of course! He's here to help me," Yukiko stood up after being frightened and lost her footing, "This is our beloved inn, so I got to take care of it!"
"Then, clean somewhere else. Causing more trouble, and I will complain to your boss."
"Eh?"
Yukiko widened her eyes. Telling her boss? But, he should already know...
"You don't know who I am?"
"How is that matter?"
"Are you really Sho Minazuki?"
"What are you trying to-" Suddenly, he swallowed his words and widened his eyes as if he realized something. There was a change in his tone, "Yes, I am Sho Minazuki. Yes, I know who you are, miss Amagi. Forget our conversation."
With a quick pace, he left the hallway.
Now, Yukiko knew for certain. For a moment, he didn't recognize her. The 'new' Sho Minazuki was not the same as the man she knew in the daytime.
And yet, the scar on his face was the same.
What happened to him?
"Tengu."
"Yes, Yuki-nee?"
"I will talk to others tomorrow."
Yu Narukami
Cloudy - Night - Central Shopping District
It was a troublesome errand for him to buy some food for his uncle. He wanted to return to his work by tomorrow, saying that some of the escaped criminals during the explosion at the police station were found and sent to other prisons. Of course, Yu forbade that and convinced him to at least do his work at home, where he was safer from outside threat.
In exchange for that, his uncle demanded a bundle of coffee and some snack for late night work, which was why Yu was sent as an errand boy to buy some for him. The night was young, yet some of the stores had begun to turn off their lights.
Yu peeked at the plastic bag that he just brought from the store and sighed heavily, watching his breath chilling from the coldness outdoor. His long coat wasn't enough to suppress the chill of the night.
"Now I'm thirsty."
He muttered upon the glimpse of vending machine not far from him. A shame that there's no hot drink, but he won't be picky.
Then, his eyes turned to a young, but odd, man banging on the vending machine at the coin inserter while pressing on a number on a soft drink's glass window. He appeared angry, yet maintained his volume to not alerting the surrounding people, which failed to stop Yu from approaching him.
"That vending machine only accept coins," Yu voiced out, "And it won't return change."
"...No wonder..." The man punched the machine again after turning to him. It seemed he had lost interest in it and began to walk away. But Yu took pity and stopped him.
"Wait," Yu pressed the number on the machine and inserted the coins for his and the stranger, "Here, it's on me."
"But I didn't ask you to," The young man responded.
"As I said, it's on me."
"I won't pay or thank you."
"Suits yourself."
The young man snatched the can from him and began gulping it. It was then that he saw a big cross-shaped scar on his face, the kind that you could get from nowhere else except battles or torture.
"Never seen you around before. Are you a tourist?" Yu decided to be friendly, seeing as the stranger was as quiet as a rock.
"I was forced here. I'm leaving this place in a few days."
"Why?"
"Do you have to know?"
Yu sensed some hostility emitting from him.
"Forget what I ask," He swallowed back his words. It seemed that the young man was eager to leave the place as soon as he could.
"Where are you staying?"
"At an Inn."
"Amagi's Inn, then? Their service is extraordinary. I hope you enjoy your stay here. A friend of mine works there."
"Is that so…"
The young man left immediately.
Morning - 28/11/2018(Wednesday) - Raku Hotel, not far from Tatsumi Port Island
(2 days before War's arrival)
Truth to be told, the hotel was too luxurious to be called as such. It stood a few stories high, painted in yellow and brown. It was stationed in the middle of a dense residence to ensure they can blend with the public.
Each member occupied a single room across a single floor. Which was why it was easy to regroup in case of emergency.
"Do you like it?" Fuuka immediately asked upon entering Yukari's new room. Yukari checked it a few more times and nodded.
"Well, it's a hotel. I don't expect anything. Still, it seems cozy," Yukari landed her torso on the single size bed, "I just hope that we can return home soon..."
"I'm sure we will. Though..." Fuuka checked her phone and her watch, "Mitsuru-san is awfully late. She should be here by now."
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Yukari responded calmly before she heard someone rushing to her door. It was Labrys.
"This is amazing! They made a special room just for me!" Labrys said excitedly like a child, "I can't wait to show this to Aigis!"
"I hope Koromaru won't be sad after returning from Sumaru City," Yukari replied, "Ken-kun dislike it, saying that it's a little too far, even by train."
"Poor them..." Labrys voiced out her thoughts. Then, she turned to the window, "Someone's coming! Maybe it's Mitsuru!"
To their shock, only Akihiko and Junpei, followed by Koromaru, left the limousine. It took Akihiko a long time to explain why Mitsuru couldn't follow, and why Aigis had to stay behind.
"WHAT?!"
They couldn't hide their shock.
Yu Narukami
Heavy Rainy - Afternoon - 28/11/2012(Wednesday) - Yasoinaba High
(2 days before War's arrival)
The rain was heavy again today. He wasn't sure when he'll be able to climb the mountain. Thus, it was only right if he paid a visit to Hitoshi's residence again today.
But that plan came to stop when Yukiko suddenly asked for him during the lunch break. Her face told him that it was serious.
"I'm not so sure myself, because I heard it from Tengu. It might be a different guy entirely, but I just had my doubt."
Yukiko began her story about the man named Sho Minazuki. It was difficult to contain his surprise when he remembered the man that he met last night.
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't have enough evidence to think it's him. So, I keep it to myself."
"Hmmm… I guess Tengu's words alone won't be convincing. Okay, I'll talk to Naoto and asked her to investigate. For now, keep an eye out for his activity."
"Thank you. *Sigh* Finally, I can study peacefully now that I've told you."
"Good for you. By the way, how do you plan on making him talk?"
"I have my way," Yukiko smiled. That was the look of a professional, and it was Yukiko's turn to ask.
"Are you going to the therapy today?"
"Of course. I want to try and talk to her again."
"Can you keep up with your study?"
"I'll manage."
No, he did not. Marie never came into sight, no matter how much he stayed in the therapy room monitored by Umashi Hitoshi today. Umashi didn't complain, but merely comfort him by saying it was not a bad thing, and advised to take the time slowly in doing everything.
For the first time, Yu was thankful for his advice. Prophecy, contacting Marie, finding the temple; it was all too much in the week of final exams.
After thinking for a long time, he decided to focus his study.
Afternoon - Raku Motel
The room was tense with the Shadow Operative brain-storming about the incident that took place. Junpei and Akihiko had just finished their stories in Sumaru City, where all eyes blinked a few times before they believed the story. Ken was not here, as he was busy in class, but Koromaru was present.
"A rumor?" Fuuka half-screamed at Junpei's words, "Are you saying, a rumor locked her in the city?"
"I told you it was a stupid idea!" Junpei turned to Akihiko, "What is Mitsuru thinking?! If only we didn't break into Takaya's room..."
"I don't know!" Akihiko, still sweating under his traveling outfit, responded, "We're just following orders. That's what we did. We can't blame anyone right now."
"Why only her, though?" Yukari asked, "If Aigis stayed only to protect Mitsuru, why is it only her that was trapped?"
"Takaya's trick, that's why," Akihiko answered almost instantly, "He probably knows he had a chance to catch Mitsuru when she's alone. Even the rumor stated it clearly:
"A leader of a famous Kirijo desired a stay within Sumaru until the leader of Nanjo meet her."
So, until she meets him face to face, Mitsuru will be 'locked' in the city."
"Then meet him," Labrys said, but Fuuka shook her head.
"Kei Nanjo is currently in a coma. We don't know when he'll wake up."
"Ah, you did say it before..." Labrys mumbled.
It was then, Yukari's phone rang out. She checked her phone and was annoyed to see her director.
"Don't you want to answer it?" Junpei asked, but she shook her head.
"It's my director, for the Featherman Ranger. I wanted to go, but..." Yukari sighed, "I guess Mitsuru won't let me."
"But you are healthier," Akihiko said, "You look much better than days ago."
"Must be because of that medicine Aigis gave me," Yukari said. Checking her phone, it seemed that the ringing had stopped. Guilty for leaving her director hanging, she returned the call and excused herself.
"Hey, boss. Sorry, I didn't hear you the first time."
"Ah, Takeba-chan! It's alright! The shooting is already over, anyway. We're just wondering if you want to join us for lunch today. The shooting was pretty bad because the sky was too cloudy."
"Huh? Oh, you just want me to come for a lunch. I'm sorry, but another time."
"Oh, I see. Fine, but schedule as usual, alright?"
"Got it."
It was then she realized something was amiss during the conversation.
"Wait, 'schedule as usual'? What do you mean?"
"What? Now I'm confused. We already go through our schedule earlier."
"I know that, but as I said, I'm on leave for a few days. So, I don't know our new timetable."
"What do you mean? You were there on the set this morning when we were briefing about our next movie. Don't tell me you forgot you came to our shooting today?"
Yukari widened her eyes.
"But... but I never go anywhere today..."
She had no idea what to think or react. How was she at the set, playing as her, when she was here in this building. Did she forget that she went to the shooting today?
"N-Never mind, boss. Forget I said anything!"
After she hung up the phone, one thing crossed her mind.
The scene yesterday in her room was vivid.
Another her in the mirror...
Yukari immediately rushed to the room where the rest of her friends are waiting, "Guys?"
"Hmmm? What's wrong? You look pale," Akihiko spoke upon seeing her face. She didn't even know where to start.
"Fuuka, you're with me this whole morning, right?"
"Yukari? I don't understand. Of course, you're with me the whole day today."
"T-Then..." Yukari took a deep breath, "My boss just told me I'm attending the shooting today. Who was that person then?"
All eyes locked on her.
"Uh oh..." Junpei was the first to speak, "Somebody has a doppelganger."
"Or... another Nyarlathotep?" Labrys, who remained silent for a while, spoke.
Yukari sprang into actions, followed by Labrys and Koromaru to meet with Yukari's boss.
Fuuka's phone was ringing afterword, but at the time, she was too busy managing other stuff. Shirogane didn't manage to reach her.
Late Evening - Tatsumi Port Island
Yukari, followed by Labrys and Koromaru, walked the street without muttering a single word. Their conversation with the director was bizarre and confusing. The crew even played the scene where 'she' supposedly acted.
The resemblance was uncanny.
It was 'her', from the head to toe.
"I don't think Nyarlathotep would do that," Labrys commended, remembering the over-flashy acting the 'other' Yukari made, "There's no motive behind it."
"Woof!" Koromaru barked as if to say that he agreed.
"Then..." Yukari spoke but paused immediately. She remembered contacting the crews and some of her modeling partners, and all gave the same result.
"I thought you were here yesterday!"
"You help me a lot yesterday!"
"Thank you, Yukari-chan, for helping me out!"
All sorts of praises showered her through the phones, despite her remembering none of it. The 'other' Yukari clearly filled in all the activities that she missed during her sick leave for the past few days. In fact, there's not a single negative comment about her.
"Labrys," Yukari turned to Labrys who was walking behind her, "It is possible for your shadow self to manifest in the real world?"
"Huh? I don't know why you brought that up, but if you're talking about the 'other' me, that's impossible. Shadows are one and the same with us. I never heard of anything like your inner-self walking in the real world- Ah!" Labrys finally realized, "Are you saying that the imposter that replacing you today is your shadow self?"
"See, yesterday, I swore I saw another me in my room. When I think about it, this 'imposter' has been doing everything I wanted to do for the past few days. Going to work, hanging out with my co-workers, 'she' did everything. What if she is my shadow self who wanted to do all those things?"
"But it was sudden..." Labrys commented before turning quiet as she was in deep thought, "Could it be a side effect of the antidote you drank that day?"
"When you say it like that..."
Yukari wanted to continue the conversation, but it will be dusk soon. They needed to return home.
Night - Amagi Inn
Tonight was the last night Sho Minazuki will stay in her inn. She was glad, but at the same time was discomforted by the sense of impending danger of letting him leave. But what right did she have to stop him without further proof of his identity?
Besides, the police can do nothing to him, seeing as he didn't commit any crime, at least not yet. The only way to do was get close enough to find out anything she could.
Such as, currently, pouring a sake for him for his last dinner. The rest of the staff refused to attend to him, so Yukiko took the opportunity to serve him herself. It was a risky move, but her time was running short.
On the other hand, Sho was the usual bratty man she knew, not the 'other', more mysterious side of him. He was sitting with one leg up, a somewhat unethical position, but Yukiko let it slide. It was his constant glare that bothered her, as if curious about her sudden action to serve him, not even sensible to realize his stares were disturbing.
"Anything else, sir Minazuki?" Yukiko asked after finished pouring his sake.
"What's your motive? Suddenly serving me?" Sho asked before he chuckled, "What? Don't tell me you're going to miss me?"
"Since your behavior pushed the other staffs away, I find it reasonable to serve you myself."
"Yeah, yeah. I get it. I'll be out by tomorrow. You can enjoy being 'IN your Inn'."
"..." Yukiko stared, "Is that a pun?"
It was his turn to stare, "Yeah, so what?"
"That was..."
That was a terrible pun. Yet she felt it a waste of time to comment on it. But Sho detected her thoughts and voiced himself in bad temper.
"Can't laugh? It was a good pun, dammit! I planned it for the whole day!"
"It's not- Urgh..." Yukiko rubbed her eyebrows. Trying not to anger him anymore, Yukiko decided to fake it, "Ok... Hahaha, it's funny. Are you happy now?"
"You freaking fake it!"
"It was-" Yukiko almost wanted to scream in anger, but her motto here in this inn remained the same. The customer is still king, "I apologized for my manner. Please help yourself with your dinner."
"No, no, no! You're not getting away!" Sho said, "I'm telling you another pun, so you better laugh!"
"Ok..." Yukiko returned to her seat next to him and waited. Sho began after a few coughs.
"Why does the rabbit need a shaver?"
"I... don't know?" Yukiko responded with a weak tone.
"Because he's very HAREry. Get it, Hare?"
"…Ah, I forgot to laugh."
Sho eventually took the sake on his plate and gulped it down in frustration. The redness on his cheeks hinted of his eventual drunkenness in a few more drinks. Yukiko had no words to break the awkward silence that filled the room.
"Screw it, you wouldn't understand," Sho Minazuki finally said, waving his hand to push her away. It seemed that his mood had dimmed more so than she expected.
"Sorry for NOT laughing at your joke," Yukiko tried to sound polite, "I'm sure your family would be happy to listen to your puns."
"Shut it."
Sho suddenly raised his tone, surprising her.
"I got no family."
It was then sadness and despair reflected deeply in his eyes.
"Must have been great having a family to give you all of this," Sho examined around the room, but was actually referring to the entire inn, "A chance for an ordinary life, a family to laugh with, and a choice to live it how you please."
For a moment, Yukiko felt sympathy from listening to his background.
"There was one guy who I see as my father. But he's a piece of sh*t! He doesn't care about me! I'm just a toy to him! And he can kick me out however it pleased him! That bastard!" He cursed, but soon his voice became soft, "But screw me, he's still my 'father'. I got no one else besides him... The story of my boring life."
"I'm sorry-"
"Don't pity me. I hate it. Heh, why am I telling you this? Damn it, I must be getting drunk," Sho waved his hand away, "Shoo, go away! I want my privacy! And pour me more!"
Yukiko complied and added more into his cup. In truth, there was another reason why she offered so many refills. Drunk customer tent to spew secrets that they will never admit while sane. The plan will fall apart if he was resistant to sake, but it seemed that she would not have to worry. She was hesitated now to expose his secret after listening to a small part of his life, but she refused to let it clouded her plan.
"I can't just leave you like this," Yukiko replied, "Someone needs to get you to your room when you're finished in case you were too drunk to move."
"Ah, shut up! I'm strong!"
"Then," Yukiko began her plan, "Seeing as I had to stay here with you, how about you share with me a bit about your purpose here?"
Dark Hour - Raku Hotel, Tatsumi Port Island
Yukari woke up to the sound of someone laughing in her room. Startled at first to see that it was Dark Hour, she soon rested on her bed and observed the room.
She widened her eyes when she swore she saw many figures in her room, all bearing her faces. Rubbing her eyes, she sat upright on her table and saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"My imagination?" Yukari mused before a loud thud came from the door.
"Yukari-san! Wake up! There's an emergency!"
It was Kikuno's voice. Curious, Yukari reached for the door, where a stern-faced Kikuno was standing in front of her.
"Yukari-san, the rest of the team required your presence absolutely. Aigis is not here to help us! Can you provide backup and monitored us?"
"What are you talking about? What happen?"
"It one of those giant shadows again! Like Temperance and Devil Arcana Shadow!"
"What?!"
Kikuno brought her to the temporary meeting room before excusing herself, where many pieces of equipment that Fuuka brought from her office was placed neatly here. The rest of the team had already prepared their gear.
"Which one is it?" Yukari asked the concerned team. Akihiko was the one who answered.
"Arcana Tower. This one's big. Really big. Better watch out."
"You detected it?" Yukari turned to Fuuka. But she gave a weak nod.
"I don't think my detection skill was needed in the first place."
Fuuka turned to the monitor and gestured Yukari to look at it. It was a drone camera, capturing images from the air.
The moment she saw it, everyone seemed to expect her surprised reaction.
Through the drone camera, she could see a huge pillar-like object in the middle of the big river that surrounded Tatsumi Port Island, not far from the Moonlight Bridge. But the way it swung its top clearly showed that it was not an object, but a living creature. There was a huge mask on the side of its structure, and it gave the impression of a giant, thick worm.
"It's heading for the Moonlight Bridge, expected to crash in 40 minutes. We have to stop it, but with it traveling on water, our formation with be difficult."
Akihiko was selected as the temporary team leader for the operation in Mitsuru's absence. His order was stiff and strong, but the difficulty of the mission didn't change.
"Is there a boat we can use?" Junpei said, after observing the camera a few times.
"Currently, we only have two boats that operable in Dark Hour," Fuuka explained, "However, judging from the distance, I don't have to be on board."
"But we lacked Aigis, remember?" Ken said. He was sitting not far from the monitor, "Mitsuru told us to seal the Arcana Shadow instead of killing them."
"But can't she seal them too?" Junpei said, turning to someone. Eventually, all eyes locked on the sister of Aigis.
"W-Wait! Me?" Labrys widened her eyes, "No way! There's no way I can do it!"
"But you're an Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon like Aigis," Yukari said.
"But I'm an old model! You can't compare me with Aigis! That's not fair! And where do we seal it, anyway?"
"Guys, please don't pressure Labrys anymore," Fuuka said, "We have a container that might be able to seal the shadow. It was an old technology by the Kirijo, but we modified it for this purpose."
The face of the team cheered up upon that fact.
"But how are we going to contain a Shadow of that size?" Yukari pointed to the screen again.
"25 percent," Fuuka answered, "Drain the Shadow's power to below 25 percent, then it may be possible for us."
"Can we even beat that thing, to begin with, with fewer members?" Ken asked.
"Don't be so down," Akihiko finalized, "We have our objective, a time limit, and a target. So, let's get this mission ready! And Yukari, I placed you here in this room to be our eyes from the outside of the zone."
"Huh?! I'm being left behind again?! But-" Yukari retaliated, but subdued her patience, "...Fine, I'll cover you from here."
"Thank you for being understanding," Fuuka said happily.
Half an hour later...
The moment the connection was lost, it was then that she felt that she should have gone with them, regardless of her condition.
The Shadow Operative was losing.
Dark Hour - Great River near the Moonlight Bridge
Arcana Tower was one of the new Arcana Shadow that appeared after Nyx two years ago. A being after the original 13, it is one of the more powerful shadows, incomparable to the others. Temperance and Devil Arcana Shadow proved that a mere carelessness would be fatal. But Shadow Operative always strived for a better chance. Which was why they were a renowned team that Kei Nanjo and Katsuya Suou would praise greatly.
However, they failed to grasp the power of Arcana Tower.
First would be the lack of a few members on their team. Mitsuru and Aigis were strong members. Even the loss of one of them was noticeable. Yukari's didn't fit the large role like Mitsuru, but her long-range capability was truthfully the most suitable for the fight with this shadow on the boat.
Second would be the Arcana itself. The Tower was no mere arcana. It is the symbol of destruction, like the Crawling Chaos. Akihiko overestimated themselves.
"Everyone, wake up…"
Labrys checked the states of her fallen comrades and tried to cheer on them, but the severity of the situation forced her to realize that it was hopeless.
The two boats chasing after the moving, living tower were stranded at the middle of the river. Fuuka, who was tracking them in a car, repeatedly called out to them. None of them, including Labrys, answered. Even if she told them not to give up, the Arcana shadow was already nearing the bridge, ready to take away countless lives with it.
Labrys was the first to fire up the engine, to make a chase for the shadow again. After starting up the engine, she shook the body of the fallen Junpei and Koromaru.
"Guys, stand up! We're not losing yet!" She heard Fuuka screamed from the headphone as she pointed to the visible bridge, "Still ten minutes before impact! You can do it!"
"Urgh... Easier said than done," Junpei stood up from his place before the shaking from the boat dropped him again, "Akihiko-san, Ken-kun! Are you okay?!"
On another boat, Akihiko and Ken emerged, clenching their heads in pain.
"We heard you, Junpei! I just need some time to recollect myself from that wave!" Akihiko lifted Ken from his seat before reaching for the engine and tapped his hidden mic, "Fuuka, do you know how to counter that attack?"
"I'm sorry, but unless we took out the spire at the top of its body, I don't see any other way."
"Sh*t..."
The Impregnable Fortress, its skill, was the skill that broke all formation organized by the team. Perhaps if they fight on the land, they could find a way to penetrate the powerful defense, but it was almost invulnerable in the water. It allowed the Arcana Tower to repel any attack with a short cooldown, meaning that only a continuous attack could land a damage on it.
The source of the skill came from the spire at the top of it. Which was why Yukari, in particular, was a valuable member in this operation. No guns they had could penetrate the glass shield protecting the spire, plus Labrys was not equipped with firearms like her younger sister.
"All we need is two penetrations!" Akihiko commanded, "One is to break the glass shield, second is to break that spire! Fuuka, please estimate again the time before impact!"
"What are you planning, Akihiko-san?" Fuuka asked through her mic.
"I'm going to jump on it."
All eyes turned to him.
"Sanada-san, we must think of the consequence of the action before deciding it," Ken, sitting next to him, objected, "Are you sure there's no other alternative?"
"Alternative or not, we're out of time," Akihiko removed his coat, revealing his naked upper body, "Ken, move closer to it!"
"You can't seriously be thinking of swimming in the sea of blood during the Dark Hour..."
But Ken complied and started the engine again.
Shadow Operative VS Arcana Tower
The red 'armor' made of metals and dark slime around the walls were thick, but a few visible gasps every time it shifted its position allowed Akihiko to climb around the wall and reached up. But the tower, which was over 15 meters tall, had a trap of its own. From the artificial 'windows' it had around its body, shadow sprung from inside and aimed for Akihiko. Some even jumped on the boat to attack the rest of the team.
"Hyah!" Labrys swung her axe and decapitated a few beast-shaped shadows, at the same time peeking at Akihiko who was still climbing the tower, "Someone helps him!"
"On it!" Junpei, who was steering the boat, leave it on auto and decided to make a jump on the tower as well, "Here goes..."
Junpei reached the tower, but his bruises from days ago didn't fully heal, so he almost lost his footing and fell into the pitch-black river, "Woah, woah! That was close! Damn Shadows, take this!"
Junpei sent Hermes to kill a few shadows nearby Akihiko, though the athlete didn't struggle until a few other hordes of shadow overwhelmed the entire structure.
"Sh*t, if only Yukari was here..." Akihiko cursed his decision, "Junpei, hang on tight! I'm punching this thing!"
"What?!"
Junpei's scream was overlapped with Akihiko's attack with his persona.
"Caesar!"
With one strong punch, Akihiko attacked the tower, but its skill was activated, negating Akihiko's attack like nothing. But that was what he intended.
When the Tower Arcana activated its skill, the tower bent slightly backward from the attack, as if to absorb the impact. In this situation, its skill forced the shadow hanging by its body to fall into the river, while also changing the terrain of its wall, giving Akihiko the chance to leap slightly faster to the top.
"That's it, keep at it!"
Fuuka cheered from the hidden mic, but Akihiko was too focused on the climb to respond.
"Sanada-san, look out!"
It was then, a light came out from one of the 'windows', but the sound it made gave the impression of a loaded cannon. The sound was deafening, and Akihiko knew it was a laser that could cut metals like butter.
"Junpei, out of the way!" Akihiko screamed at Junpei who was following behind him. Junpei was late to react, forcing Akihiko to ignore him and jumped downward, nearly tore Junpei's shirt by Akihiko hanging behind him.
"What the hell?! What if I fall down, idiot?! Don't grab my back like that!" Junpei screamed.
"That laser nearly cut me- Junpei, to the right!"
Before he could answer, Akihiko pulled his body to the right side, avoiding the laser that was aiming at them. Junpei found his hand slowly going numb from hanging too long.
"Akihiko-san, I can't hold on any longer!"
"Then jumped back on the boat!" Akihiko commanded. But then, he felt the absence of a presence next to him, "Junpei!"
Junpei was struggling to swim in the black water that he fell. Luckily, Koromaru, who was fighting alongside Labrys against the Shadow, pulled him out and rested him on the small boat.
"Thank you, Koromaru... Well, that doesn't look good."
Junpei pointed at the front. The Moonlight Bridge was in sight and so close to crash with the tall tower.
"Guys," They heard Fuuka's voice through their hidden mic, "It pains me to say this, but you won't make it."
Their heart sank when they heard those words from Fuuka.
"This job is a failure, huh?" Akihiko, who was still hanging on the Arcana Tower mused.
"I'm sorry, but for now, prioritize on defeating the shadow- Huh?!"
"Hmmm? Fuuka-san, what is it?" Labrys asked, almost clearing out the Shadows that were attacking them.
"I-I sense a presence coming from the bridge! This reading, a persona user?!"
"!" The Shadow Operative turned to the center of the bridge and jaw-dropped at the sight of that entity.
Someone was holding a bow and an arrow.
"Guys, it's Takeba!"
In a flash, a few arrows landed on the laser 'windows', disabling a few lasers at the same time. Some leftover Shadows were eliminated by the arrows. Then, with one more shot, one powerful arrow landed on the spire but was blocked at last second by the glass wall.
Joy filled their faces when they recognized the arrow. However, the moment they turned to Yukari and focused on her, confusion replaced their joy.
"Why... why is she wearing that?" Junpei asked, but nobody answered.
The one standing on top of a car on the bridge, armed with bow and arrow, was not 'Yukari'. Rather, it was...
"Do not afraid, for the Phoenix Ranger Featherman, Pink Argus, is here to save the day!"
"...Hah?!"
The one with Yukari's voice was wearing a full gear Pink Argus uniform, with its color didn't dim out by the lack of light in the Dark Hour. She posed over-dramatically on top of a car as if trying to draw attention to her.
"Shadow Operative, do not fear! The victory is achievable, even now! Isis: Garudyne!"
Again, the team failed to comprehend the situation. But Yukari's accurate wind-cutting shot from the distance towards the spire improved the moral of the team.
"Yukari, cover me until I get to the top! Then, shoot the glass wall and let him activate its skill! I will immediately land the killing blow!"
Yukari nodded from the distance. Akihiko made his way to the top, where multiple Shadows failed to stop him. The rest of the team supported from their boats, but it's clear Yukari went all out for this mission.
Finally, Akihiko reached the top, where a small metal spire attached at the center. The invisible glass wall prevented him from reaching it, but Yukari was fully prepared.
With one shot, an arrow pierced through the glass, wiggling the tower like a worm from the attack. Akihiko wasted no time to call forth Caesar.
"Caesar: Fist Master!"
He could hear the crispy sound of shattering coming from the spire. Its skill Impregnable Fortress was deactivated for good. Even the construction of the tower began to fall apart.
"All formation, All-Out Attack!"
Akihiko jumped from the top of the tower and, along with the rest of the team, blasted their attack on the defenseless Shadow.
But after a moment...
"What?!" Labrys gasped.
The Arcana Tower was still standing.
"It received damage, but that's not enough! Yukari, get out of the way! It's going to crash!"
Cue to Fuuka's word, the gigantic Shadow, albeit slow, crashed onto the side of the bridge. Yukari dashed away from the scene, watching the bridge slowly breaking apart from the side.
"Wait, this reading?!"
It was then, something happened in an instant.
Even after the entire night pass from the mission, none of the Shadow Operative understood what happened. Around that time, Arcana Tower showed no sign of stopping.
Until, a Deja vu from their fight with Arcana Devil, returned to them.
A lighting.
It happened so fast, that Fuuka couldn't read the origin of the attack. But it was powerful. The lightning strike, bright as a day, sounded so loud it could bleed the ears, completely stopped the Shadow, pushing it into the sea.
"Fuuka, what is that?!" Akihiko asked as he saw the Arcana Tower slowly sank into the deep river.
"I don't know!" Fuuka answered, "But it's incredibly powerful, unlike anything I've ever seen!"
"...Is that it?" Labrys asked, "Is the Shadow gone?"
"We did it," Junpei responded, "Guys, we did it!"
"But the Shadow... It's not dead! It's leaving the map!"
Cue to Fuuka's words, a big tide occurred around the water, where something swam with an extremely high speed. Luckily, the boat was intact and operable.
"Ceh, miss our chance," Akihiko said in disappointment, but cheered up afterward, "But at least we stop it from completely destroying the bridge. And Yukari? You did well!"
Akihiko turned to the bridge and searched for Yukari, but he wasn't there.
"Wait, where is she?"
"Strange, I don't sense her anymore. How did my radar miss her that easily?"
For now, the Operation was a success. When they reached home, they will have to thank Yukari for her help and changing the tides of the battle.
After Dark Hour - Raku Hotel
"Yukari, you did great!" Fuuka said upon seeing her waiting on the meeting room. Kikuno was absence, where she said that Yukari requested her to give her some space in thinking.
Yukari, however, wasn't in the mood for celebration. Her face was pale, where her eyes constantly shifting between her friends and the monitor.
"Yukari, good work out there," Akihiko said, "Although I told you to stay back, you came to save us."
"Heh, you look too surprise, Yuka-tan," Junpei voiced out when he examined Yukari's face, "What's wrong? Oh, are you finally embarrassed wearing that outfit?"
"...That wasn't me."
They all narrowed their eyes upon Yukari's words.
"But you are acting as one of the Featherman Ranger, right?" Labrys asked.
"But that wasn't me!" Yukari jumped from her seat, "I was sitting here quietly when that person reached the bridge. I don't know how to reach you and tell you!"
Bafflement appeared on their faces. The posture of the woman was definitely her, but the face was obscure at best. There's no way to tell if it's the real Yukari.
But then, Ken voiced out.
"Could it be the same doppelganger that took over your jobs days ago?"
"Then..." Labrys half-screamed, "That was her!"
"But who is she?" Fuuka wondered, "There's no reason for her to help us. So why?"
"I believe I can answer that."
The voice of the mysterious man from the door jerked them away from him and they took a battle stance instantly. However, his attire reminded them of someone, but couldn't remember him well.
"...I'm sorry, but who are you again?" Akihiko asked as the leader. The man in the velvet suit didn't hide his displeasure.
"How rude, but I shall forgive you. My name is Theodore, a resident of the Velvet Room, here to invite Yukari Takeba into the Velvet Room with me," The man bowed. It was they remember about the siblings from the Velvet Room.
"Why do you need me?" Yukari asked.
"I believe coming with me should instantly answer all your questions. Will you trust me?"
Truth to be told, Yukari didn't trust him, neither did the rest of the team. But she realized that the man had no ill will towards her. There's no risk in believing in him.
"Alright," Yukari nodded.
Yukari left the room, where Fuuka immediately spoke up.
"By the way, Shirogane from Inaba called me this evening," Fuuka said, "But I was too busy to answer. Maybe I'll reach her the moment the Dark Hour end."
Velvet Room
"Welcome to the Velvet Room, Yukari Takeba," The man with the long nose named Igor welcomed her, "Perhaps this is the first time we have a conversation face to face."
"Uh, the pleasure's all mine," Yukari struggled to reply in her seat. Igor seemed to chuckle at her response. In addition, Theodore and another woman -she introduced herself as Margaret- did not interfered with their conversation, merely bowing in respect.
"So... what's this all about?" Yukari asked. Cue to her question, Igor turned to Theo, and the young man bowed before heading to a door to Yukari's left.
"... AH!"
The one appeared from behind the door was none other than 'herself'. She was wearing a full Pink Argus suit, her helmet removed revealing an identical, but a healthier expression.
"Y-You! You're the one that fought the Shadow a while ago! And you're the one who took my job!" Yukari left her seat and turned to Igor, "What's going on?!"
"Calm down, Takeba-san. We will explain it to you carefully so that you will understand," Margaret said, "For now, please sit down."
"...Alright," Yukari sank to her seat, at the same time examined her doppelganger.
"Now, let me explain," Igor replied, "This girl is part of you. She came from the collective unconsciousness of your domain and materialized into the real world. Basically, she is you but materialized all the way to the core like a real being."
"So... she's me. Like Metis is to Aigis."
Igor and his two attendants nodded. Yukari once again looked at her other self. Then, finally, the new 'Yukari' opened her mouth at last.
"Hey," She said softly with a smile on her face, "Sorry if all of this still confuse you. When I appeared days ago, Igor found me and took care of me. It was then I remember which part of 'me' came from you. Remember all those frustrations of not being able to do anything when you lost your persona and gotten sick? I was born from that strong desire to be helpful to those I care about. That why I did all those things you can't do because I'm you that you want to be."
"You did it for me..." Yukari said, "You are my Shadow, the self I want to be."
Without waiting for her response, Yukari went and hugged her other self, "Thank you, and I'm sorry for thinking that you took away my life for a bit."
"I know, don't worry about it," The second Yukari said, "But I guess my work here is done. I can finally return to you."
White glows appeared around the second Yukari. She recognized this scene once upon a time when Metis merging with Aigis, her true self. Surely, this time was no different.
This time, she will stand up for herself. The second Yukari already did much for her. She may now rest peacefully inside her heart.
...But this was not how she expected.
The second Yukari was still here. They removed from each other's hug and stared in confusion.
"Strange, I'm supposed to return to you, but..."
"...It works."
They turned to Theo who spoke it.
"It works!" Theo screamed in joy, "Sister, it's working!"
"Mine your manner, Theodore," Margaret calmed him without averting her eyes off the two Yukari, "It seemed that the 'emperor', Naoya Toudou, had succeeded."
"W-What's going on?" The second Yukari worriedly asked, "Am I not supposed to return to her?"
"True, but not now," Igor said. His hands stretched across the table as he arranged his cards while gesturing them to return to their seats, "Please listen to my explanation carefully and we will talk."
Yu Narukami
Rainy - Morning – 29/11/2012(Thursday) - Yasoinaba High, Inaba
(1 day before War's arrival)
"Yu."
Yukiko called out to Yu and the team when they reached the school gate. The rain masked the noise and their voices, but Yukiko's voice was firm and strong.
"He left," That was all Yukiko said, "Sho Minazuki, that man left before sunrise."
"So he disappeared," Yosuke said, "I have never seen this man, but apparently some guy just quit halfway through school yesterday. Based on your description..."
"No, he is the one," Naoto intercepted their conversation, "Kirijo was searching for this man too."
Naoto revealed the images and information on her phone to the team.
"He's the one! And he was lodging in Yukiko's Inn too!" Chie said.
"Why was he here, though?" Kanji wondered, "Do you think he put another bomb here? Maybe in Yukiko-senpai's Inn?"
"Don't say that!" Rise stopped him, "Yukiko-san, Yu-senpai said you had a trick to make him talk. How did you do it?"
"I heard you use sake," Naoto answered it for her, "That is quite effective if he had a low tolerance for it."
"Trust me, he did," Yukiko sighed, "Almost too weak that I had to dragged him to his room with several staffs."
"So..." Yu asked the main question that their short gathering today wanted to hear, "What did you find out about him?"
"Honestly, I don't really understand, but here goes..."
Yukiko began to explain the truth behind Sho visits and his 'purpose' within the secret organization.
A/N: That should warp up this chapter. Sorry for the late update, quite busy for the past few weeks. I don't think there's much to talk about in this chapter except for Sho and Yukari. Sho had left Inaba, while Yukari had a doppelganger filling her spot. What caused her to materialize? Who shot the lighting at Arcana Shadow?
Please wait for the slow update.