Strife Arc:
Chapter 70: Contest from the Front
"We were so preoccupied with the battles against Revelation that we failed to see some of the lines has been fulfilled,
The set of First Verse is extremely literal; about the light and darkness, hope and desire,
Yet why the Second Verse suddenly became unpredictably different?
We can mark out the lines about the men of prophecy, but some just don't add up.
Why break the foretelling into two parts? Is there order on which verse to read first?
What makes the second one so important, Kandori had to hide it from Nyarlathotep's eyes?
Curious, but I have time to take my mind off Erio and Naoya."
-Eriko Kirishima, page 14 of 'Prophecy Unsealed' Journal
Tatsuya Suou
Sunny - Morning - 1/12/2012(Saturday) - Mask Shop, East of Sumaru
(6 days before Strife's arrival)
Tatsuya found his first guardian upon descending the staircase, where the storage room hid the true entrance. A brown cat resting on the stacks of boxes glanced up and growled.
"Let me see Zula," Tatsuya said. The cat immediately went quiet, then jumped behind bundles of abandoned furniture at one edge of the room, where the hidden hatch was.
The descending ladders were short, and Tatsuya's eyes immediately darted to the oversized squared room with a fainted bluish glow on the wall. He stepped to the center of the chamber, waiting to be transferred.
In a blink of an eye, the room change to a long Velvet hallway, small chandeliers hanging on the ceiling in imitation from the forgotten past.
Velvet Sanctuary
A faction of cats glanced at him in surprise but moved away when they recognized him. Lieutenant Zula truly meant his words when he promised a complete army in this place.
Another turn of the hallway led him to a chamber full of tamed demons he captured months ago, carefully monitored by another Ulthar Force, who had diminished since the last war they fought years ago. Best not to mention it to the Lieutenant. The old cat was still traumatized by the victory costing most of his brethren against Zoog.
He was thankful the Lieutenant was in the strategy room as usual, though he heard a few voices inside as well. He knew respect when he needed to be, plus there was a bench nearby for him to wait.
...The child was there, on one of the four padded seats. Tatsuya cursed, looking away from the abomination that haunted him a year ago. It had gotten worse since meeting his family.
It was crying again. He was fortunate this hallway was rarely used, but it brought little comfort.
What took Zula so long? It cried even louder, and Tatsuya resisted the urge to closed his ears. He tapped his foot, clawing his sleeves in arm fold, and he took-
The child was speaking.
"...Papa..."
"Get out of my head." He responded a little too loud, then winced at his own tone. The child had disappeared, trailed by the sound of the doorknob being turned.
A cat peeking out of the strategy door yelped when he looked up at his face. "Nyan! M-Mister Tatsuya! I apologize for not noticing you! How long have you waited here?!"
"Are you done with the meeting?"
"No, but w-we would be happy to let you join us!" The cat fervently pulled open the door.
Lies. Nobody would be eager to see him. However, seeing as the cat announcing the others of his presence, it would be rude to walk away now.
Six pairs of eyes trailed him as he entered the small room. Lieutenant General Zula -dressed in military uniform filled with badges- was noticeably older than the rest of his generals with his long whiskers. He had seen more death than most humans, yet he brought an effort to curved his small lips upward at him when the door was shut behind. Despite his grim stares, he was thankful to him. Without Zula, the Ulthar Cat would never agree to fight against the False Messiah.
"Who invited the Destroyer...?" One of the generals whispered.
"He didn't overhear us, did he?"
"One more Great Ones down, in just weeks?"
"Shut it. He fought the Crawling Chaos..."
"Generals, manners," Zula called out, shifting his large eyes, "How was the reunion?"
"Brief, but good enough," He quickly changed the topic by reading the map on the large table, "About that cult, I've been hearing..."
Zula turned mute like the rest of them. Tatsuya narrowed his eyes. "Who is it? Who started playing with fire?"
Zula sighed deeply with a meow, "Rihito Shimizu."
He cursed, "I knew that man was a little violent."
"He did it for you and Kazumi," Zula tensed his voice but subsided, "But yes, I admit it is... violent."
"And Kazumi won't budge, else he removed the whole team from this..." He clenched his fist, "Perhaps we need another 'conversation'."
"No," Zula shook his head furiously, "You will have to admit this soon. We're up against a man with the guidance of Nyarlathotep and the Seven Seal itself. War is inevitable. You can't expect us to prepare an army down here, then told the Masquerade above to make a peaceful protest in public? As much as I disagree with Rihito, I understand his choice. We all do. Humans do listen to violence, even if it is for peace."
"Nonsense," He cut immediately, "Mia Kaneda was nearly kidnapped by those Mayan cults if Eikichi didn't intervene. True, It's all part of Father Time's loop, but how far Nyarlathotep's influence will reach them? What if he uses them against us?"
Zula took a deep, forceful breath, meowing intensely, holding his temper, "Then what are you suggesting, Destroyer?"
"The rumormongers will control the media. Yukino Mayuzumi is one of the many. We will use the armies but at the right moment."
"And when is this right moment?" Zula asked.
Tatsuya watched the rest of the generals, shying them away from him. Zula meowed again.
"Leave us," Zula said. The rest complied and left.
He immediately reached for his pocket the moment the door was closed. Sealed in a small envelope, he gently pulled out the content.
The lieutenant jumped and meowed the moment he saw the tarot. Uncaring, he dropped the card on the table. Some colors and properties of the space around the cursed tarot card were distorted. It was the most cursed object he ever attained.
The Sun Arcana of Azathoth Deck.
"Unbelievable!" He meowed in a mix of horror and excitement, "I salute you, sir! You nip the power of Nuclear Chaos himself!" He began growing thoughtful, "Yes, if we use the card to disrupt Nyarlathotep's influence at the right moment, maybe-"
"Don't dream on it," He said, "This is my trump card that Carter promises to forge."
"Carter's not here-"
"Then his words, if you please."
Zula grumped, taking out a small box made of violet glass. He has seen enough use of Mind Trapezohedron to be awed by it. Zula clicked something on one of the surfaces before speaking, "Randolph Carter?"
No response at first. Zula called out again.
"Carter, are you-"
A loud buzzing sound dominated the room, followed by a coughing sound. The voice of Randolph Carter (Initial Persona: Noden) was husky.
"Transmission disrupted. Limbo is completely unstable," The ancient voice responded, "Lieutenant General, I suspected my student is there?"
"You got it right," Zula nodded.
"I got what you ask," Tatsuya slid the Sun card under the Trapezohedron. It glowed the moment it connected, gushing out ominous black smoke. It faded as soon as it appeared.
"Brilliant, The prototype Tarot itself," Carter murmured impressively, "How did you fare against him?"
"...If it was the old Nyarlathotep, I would have beaten him easily," Tatsuya confessed.
"But my arsenals, my elder gods, do you put it to good use?"
Tatsuya barked a small laugh, "Noden's much more powerful than I thought. I won't forget this debt."
"If you like it, you may keep it for a while longer."
He frowned, "But Noden's your persona."
"And I am long retired. You need him more."
Tatsuya shrugged, "Well, if you insist-"
"But I'll not say you earn it yet," He added, "You still see the child?"
Chill ran down his spine, "You'll know if I lie."
"It has gotten worse, isn't it?"
"We're not here to talk about me," Tatsuya changed the subject, tapping his finger on the Sun Arcana Card, "Can you make it?"
"I won't make a promise. Making persona of this caliber is no small feat," Carter's voice sounded cold, "Without Yog-Sothoth, Limbo is breaking apart. In mere days, the boundary between reality and the subconscious realm will be no more."
"I'll talk to Igor."
"Won't fix a thing. It will break. You best prepare when it happened," Carter's voice softened, "What skill you need inheriting?"
"Nova Frost." Tatsuya answered quickly, "Will that be all?"
"Listen here, my dear Tatsuya," The ancient persona user spoke with a hint of scold, "The choice you made, sometimes it is not always the best way, even if you have the will. I know the dedication you have all these months came from your desperation, not courage. Don't let it destroy you."
He paused at this. Zula remained silent in his seat, trying to pull his eyes away from the conversation. Carter's silence told him how much the ancient man knew him. But he had to push further. Better be a destroyer than destroyed.
"I'll keep in touch," He said, leaving the card and Zula in the room. He heard a loud argument the moment he stepped outside, eyes immediately fixed on two figures arguing. Yukino was clearly out of place but refused to be bested by a paled hair girl as the argument heated.
"An outsider is an outsider, a persona user or not!" The girl appeared not enough to be adolescent, but her eyes were ancient, as her sisters.
"You don't appear the be the authority here, either," Yukino scowled, "All I want is to see Tatsuya."
"You don't have the permission to see the Champion of Sun!" The girl replied, "If you refused to back down, I will have to force you-"
"That's enough, Lavenza. She's with me." Tatsuya said. They both turned to him with wide eyes.
"Champion of Sun..." Lavenza (Wild Card) bowed slightly to him, "But, I thought you forbid anyone from entering this sanctuary?"
"The law ends yesterday, didn't you hear?" He narrowed his eyes, "Or were you sleeping again?"
Lavenza's face turned bright red. Whatever curse she intended to say, she buried it quick with a sigh. "I... apologize for my inadequate. Please accept my pardon, persona users."
The girl hurried off, too ashamed to look back. She didn't resemble Margaret at all in personality, but still training to be so.
"Champion of Sun, Destroyer; you were a lot busier than I thought," Yukino finally spoke after a long stare at him.
"Those titles don't mean a thing to me," He took out the lighter and fidgeting it, "Is the Collector to your service?"
"Brilliant, but rumors around here made me worried," Yukino said, "Who's Rihito, and what did he do?"
'Quick to listen...' He thought in surprise, "Allies, supposedly. Too rash, start riots instead of protest. He was ready to go to war against Takaya at the risk of innocents lives. Remember the rise of the Mayan cult, about the rumors of this world ending on 21st December? That's him."
Yukino turned quiet but wasn't surprised. "So he's dangerous."
"Will be, soon enough," Tatsuya nudged her shoulder forwards, "Come on, we're done here. Time to do your job."
"At least tell me why they called you the Destroyer."
"You don't need to know that," Tatsuya glared, began strolling to the exit, "I need to finish my work before going to Inaba. Hopefully, that ace detective knows her stuff."
Naoto Shirogane
Sunny - Morning - 1/12/2012(Saturday) - Shirogane Residence, Inaba
(6 days before Strife's arrival)
Naoto Shirogane felt no pride in being a step ahead of her friends most of the time in most cases. No, she never referred to them as dumb. Foolish to be humble, the detective prince was simply versed in her profession, barring her adored senior Yu.
And yet, when she read the first line of the email from the former vice chief that early morning, she stiffened, as though he was insulting her directly instead of her friends:
"Shirogane, I need you to do something with a strong warning to refrain this from your friend, seeing as they were not your intellectual equal. Understand that this task required extreme caution, and you know it best.
There's a man named Ame Hitoshi, whom I had long suspicion working with the enemy. I'm however unable to find much of his direct superior, though it's most likely Karu Juugo.
His brother, Umashi Hitoshi, is a mystery. I had no doubt he must have had a persona, whose special ability must have been potent enough to elude the laws for years. I can't prove he's the one behind Junpei Iori's beating, but there's one clue I shared with you alone. I asked Kirijo to send Junpei Iori for Inaba to assist your investigation.
Would you do it?"
"Don't belittle my friends like that..." Naoto cursed as she locked the front door and left her residence. Something must have happened to that man. His writing changed too drastically. Or was this another trick? Tatsuya Suou was a difficult man to read.
A more important matter, how will she make use of Yukiko's information? She will have to use it soon, else Sho Minazuki will leave his hideout. She knew her leader, but should she be direct? Or sent a spy? Her heart ached at the thoughts of hiding this from the Investigation Team.
'Stop. You can think about it after the exam.' She mused, hastened herself to school, and began running.
She felt sudden chillness and searched around, but only saw reeds and overgrown plants around her house perimeter. She often trusted logic than guts feeling.
That moment, she was convinced she was being watched. It was not ridiculous to assume she was targeted for her skill. Had the False Messiah found her? Or someone else?
Naoto bolted, hoping the large trees will cover her presence, unaware of tall presences watching over her from the distance.
"How about her?"
"Delightful." The entity suppressed its excitement.
"Are you certain? There are many others; more suitable, stronger."
"I waited long enough. Anyone is acceptable. I want my own vessel today, or the pact is done."
"Then, I supposed we're killing two birds with one stone," The man lifted a finger, "I give her to you by the end of this day. Make it count. Don't kill this one too fast."
The entity smirked.
Yu Narukami
Sunny - After School - Train Station, Inaba
He suppressed the urge to yawn in exhaustion as he leaned his back at one of the metal pillars, waiting for the three friends who were yet to arrive. Yosuke expressed the opposite reaction, pestering Teddie about the competition he promised against Tengu at the bench nearby as he pressed the button on a vending machine earlier. Teddie looked more sullen than usual, though he suppressed it with an annoyed look.
The rest of his friends were chatting about going home as he approached his partner. "Yosuke."
Yosuke turned to him, pushing Teddie away like a doll, "Tomorrow, we'll find Marie's temple."
Yosuke looked away, recollecting the conversation yesterday, "Oh yeah. You did say that. Wait..." He narrowed his eyes, "...You were serious, weren't you? Do you even know where to go?"
"Trust me. I've waited long enough. After we find the temple, we'll head straight for Yomi," He raised his palm and clenched it, "She's waiting for me, I know."
"Look, I know you're worried. Everyone is," Yosuke pushed one can towards his chest. Yu grabbed it as he continued, "But chill out, partner."
Yu smiled, only then noticed the missing members already arrived in a hurry. Naoto was tense as ever, but Yukiko and Chie were being trailed by...
"Tengu?" Kanji called out, cutting his conversation with the idol short. He could see Rise resisted the urge to snuggle on Tengu's fur, and Teddie's jealous eyes on the mascot.
Tengu was avoiding eye contact with them. On closer look, he was averting his eyes from the train station itself. He was unable to hide his round body behind Yukiko as they approached.
"Did they arrived yet?" Naoto asked when she reached them.
"They said they took a stop at Okina," Rise answered, glancing at Tengu, "The next train will come shortly."
"And who's bringing the bird?" Kanji asked, nudging his chin at the bird mascot.
"He said he wanted to come as my guardian, but..." Yukiko glanced at her back, "Tengu, we're here."
"Y-Yes! I understand, Yuki-nee!" Tengu slowly peeked out of Yukiko's back, making a bad attempt to hide his visibly tremble, "W-Well! I'm here!"
The voice of the announcer resounded at the station. From the distance, they could hear the sound of the railing tracks approaching.
At the same time, Tengu jumped and leaped behind one of the pillars in panic. Everyone turned to each other as they realized the truth.
"You're afraid of a train?" Chie asked.
"Monsters! That thing!" Tengu fearfully replied, "Metals, big, dangerous! Like denizens of Yomi! Curse those things! It's huge, and- Ah! It's here! Yuki-nee, run!"
The train from Tatsumi Port Island arrived with thundering sounds, muffing the sound of Tengu failing to drag Yukiko out of the station. From the window, two figures were waving frantically at them.
Junpei Iori and Labrys stepped out of the train, carrying with them large baggage.
"Hello, everyone!" Junpei screamed excitedly.
"We'll be in your care for a week," Labrys bowed, before her eyes locked on Tengu, "Oh, new friend."
"A doll made of metal?" Tengu said in horror, still attempting to pull Yukiko away. Labrys gasped, surprised her yellow long blouse and sleeves didn't fool him. It was an impressive disguise, but not to those who had seen her true appearance. Tengu had a sharper sight than he let on, "Yuki-nee, the creature just spawns a robot and a clown! Quick!"
"A clown?" Junpei widened his eyes, "He's not talking about me, is he?"
"Calm down, Tengu. They're our friends," She resisted the pull, and dragged him to the two figures, "They're going to stay in our town for a while."
"The motel at the east side?" Naoto asked.
"Yeah. A shame we can't stay at Amagi Inn," Junpei glanced at Labrys, "Hey! Not your fault, though. I need some privacy myself."
"Yeah," Labrys weakly smiled, attempted to hide her sullen, "It's not like I can enjoy hot spring."
"But you can enjoy cuddling with me!" Teddie nudged towards her, "Don't you want your present, ME?"
"Oh yeah!" Labrys perked up, pulling a large wheeled suitcase from behind her, "I brought presents for everyone from the city next town! Don't worry, I'm sure I picked the best for all of you." She glanced at Teddie and nodded.
Yu smiled as he received his small yellow box with gold ribbon. For some reason, Yosuke received the largest box from the girl, who excitedly hugging it tightly, ignoring the envious stares from Teddie and Kanji.
"Whoa, you weren't kidding!" Junpei exclaimed the moment they left the station, observing the dense plants filling the town, "Feels like walking into a village in the middle of a forest."
"People called it 'Inaba's Early Spring'," Yukiko added, almost proudly as they began walking, "Coined by Taro Namatame, our mayor."
"That's what everyone thought," Chie plucked a leaf from one of the oversize trees, "But... this has to do with the prophecy, right?"
"To be honest, I'm kinda scared," Rise said, "We all heard the riots happening outside the town. What's happening in Tokyo?"
"Don't know much, but Mitsuru had a plan, supposedly," There was uncertainty in the batter's voice, "Eh, I'm not even sure where I need to begin here."
"Wait, what do you mean?" Yosuke paused in his tracks, "Aren't you here to help us free Marie?"
"Uh... That's part of it," Junpei stuttered.
"But?" Kanji tipped his glasses slightly at him. Everyone turned to Junpei, then to Labrys. They both averted their eyes sheepishly. Was there something else they need to do?
"We can't question Kirijo's order," Naoto suddenly interjected, "Whatever mission she gave them, it's secretive to Shadow Operative only." She assured them, "We're the independent, Investigation Team. We have our own tasks to worry about. I'm sure they have something personal."
"...Yeah, you're probably right," Kanji finally sighed, "Well, I gotta go. My business is getting worse lately."
"Yeah, I need to train for tomorrow," Chie said.
"Wait, aren't we forgetting something?" Rise suddenly raised the question, "Isn't today..."
"Yeah!" Teddie leaped in front of them, "The contest between me and Tengu to become the best mascot in the town, today!"
"You're still on about that?" Yosuke grunted, "Who's going to pay for those?"
"Teddie, you can't decide on your own," Yukiko grimaced, "Tengu need a say in this-"
"I accepted your challenge!" Tengu said, "On a condition, you will leave Yuki-nee!"
"I will be the best mascot in town, ever!" Teddie pointed in at Yosuke, "Yosuke, encore!"
Yu couldn't help chuckling at his frustrated friend. Perhaps they need the tournament for a little breather. He didn't see Umashi Hitoshi lately. What happened?
Evening - Samegawa Flood Plain
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the battle between your favorite mascot, Teddie, against the challenger, Tengu!" Teddie's voice rang across the plain, "We will be having three contests to determine who gets to be the one true mascot of the town! Give your applause!"
Only one clap was heard. Teddie surveyed his surroundings and saw only Tengu, Yosuke, Yukiko, and Chie standing as the audience. More insulting was the clap belongs to Tengu.
It made sense, considering the amount of oddness in this area as he stood near a small swamp that occurred near the plain; caused by multiple giants trees on both sides of the plain, serving both as a barrier and wall to the river at the center. The biggest sign of Early Spring out of all the locations in Inaba.
"I've never really been here since the exam started," Chie said, caressing one of the large brown trees nearby, "It's way too tall, like a palm tree."
"Didn't we pass this area on our way to school every morning?" Yukiko raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, but not that close," Chie suddenly leaned closer in a whisper, "Some fisherman tried fishing in this area and caught some weird fishes. The water was clean, but they can't see the bottom."
"It's getting deeper?"
"I don't like being here," Chie admitted but paused when Teddie began ranting again.
"Y-Yosuke, I told you to invite everyone!" Teddie ranted, storming his feet on the small podium.
"I did, kinda..." Yosuke sighed, "Did you really think everyone will come to your show today? It's cold! The fog started to get dense again."
"I'm surprised you came," Chie said, "Honestly, I am curious about the result."
"I thought you said you come for the eating contest?" Yukiko commented. Chie immediately laughed nervously.
"Well, it was a free challenge!" The carnivore admitted, "Though I'm not sure there's enough seat for the December special bowl."
"A bowl?" Tengu jumped excitedly.
"A special offer at Aiya, Chinese Diner," Chie explained, "Owner said business is bombing since Early Spring happened. People are taking deliveries like crazy. So the boss decided to make a new challenge called 'Divine Beef Bowl'."
"Which is...?" Yosuke raised his eyebrows, already knew the answer.
"Meat, lots of meats!" Chie jumped eagerly, "Come on, Teddie, that was the first challenge, right?"
"You bet!" Teddie pointed a finger at Tengu, "Today, we will compete in three challenges! Whoever wins two out of three will be crowned the best mascot in town!" He entered dash position, "The first challenge is Divine Beef Bowl! Whoever runs there, then finished the bowl first win! Yosuke, the whistle!"
"I didn't bring any whistle!" Yosuke said.
"I do!" Chie raised her arm, revealing a small whistle, "Ready..."
She blew the whistle.
Challenge One: Divine Beef Bowl
By the time Teddie and Tengu had started leaving the plain, Chie was nowhere on sight, leaving only trails of smoke towards the Central Shopping District. Yukiko made her way towards the shop at a calming pace, while the disinterested Yosuke returned home, more excited by Labrys's gift. Teddie and Tengu, struggling to walk with their small legs, bumped each other in their paths.
"Tengu, look! A car!" Teddie pointed in one direction.
"Ah! Where?!" The bird paused, frantically searched around. His attention was shifted only a moment before Teddie nearly disappeared behind the trees. Tengu cursed, "You cheated!"
Yu Narukami
Dojima Residence
The funky sunglasses, gifted from Labrys, looked bright in his room, even with the lights off. Yu chuckled to himself when he saw the unremoved pricetag on the side. Seemed like something Teddie would give. Still, a gift is a gift. Only Rise was willing to share her gift. A good sight. A few more of those before Hitoshi's therapy would gain a positive mindset.
Who was he kidding? He was concerned about the few interactions he had with Marie. Something ominous was interfering with their meeting, and with Marie's herself. It... just wasn't like her. Who knew her best if not her own counterpart?
He took the Contact Card and summoned the Japanese god of creation. Izanagi floated casually in the dense room, his spear nearly poked the wall, and blue fog around him glowed despite the warm light outside.
"So, I'm talking to you again, Izanagi. You see, we got only a week left before Marie's soul be sacrificed for good. Is there no other way to help her?"
"She beckons you..." He answered. "A sin unforgiven."
"I saw her, in my dream, but she was quiet. I need to help her, Izanagi; before it's too late. Give me your answer, tell me the truth. What sin is she talking about?"
At this point, Izanagi was silent, so queerly 'human' the way he tilted his head sideways.
"Thee memories... faded," Izanagi said, "A promise unkept, a word unsaid. But what? Thou art I, the sea calling..."
Was it his persona speaking, or the Izanagi from collective unconsciousness?
"By the way, I'm going to Hitoshi's counseling session again. Perhaps that will open up our communication together. I will see her again, and when I do, I don't think I will hold back from taking her, even against the black horseman. When that time comes, I only ask that you lend me your full strength. You were there for me in everything."
Izanagi gave no response.
"So... that's it I guess," Another conversation failed, Yu sighed in disappointment, "Shadow Operative is still looking for Sho Minazuki. Tatsuya-san won't be coming with us, unfortunately. There's a business he had to attend beforehand."
Giving no further response, he unsummoned his persona and threw the card back on his desk. What should he bring to Hitoshi's residence today?
Aiya Chinese Diner
Impossible. Beary impossible.
Only a few could challenge him in Beef Bowl Challenge, and Teddie was a VERY heavy eater. He is a bear, how can a bear lose to a bird in a food contest?
"Teddie? Teddie! He's catching up!" The sitting Chie cheered not far from them after complete her own Divine Beef Bowl Challenge. Yukiko, who was sitting a while ago, was standing in strange excitement at the scenery.
"Didn't he come a few minutes late?" Yukiko gasped, "Tengu, your manners! Don't get choke!"
Teddie turned to his rival and saw a destroyer, ready to slurp down the bottom of the bowl. He smelled his own fear, watching his bowl waiting for a few more swallows.
No, he won't lose! He's the mascot of this town, he had an image to carry-
"Tengu win!"
A few customers inside the shop jumped in celebration as Tengu raised his empty bowl. Teddie barely touched the bottom. Nothing could hide his shame at his loss, despite attempting to cheat. Chie and Yukiko looked so proud of the bird as if he was always part of them. What happened to their lovey-dovey promise together?
"Yuki-mee, I won!" Tengu bragged with his mouth stained with the sauce on. The opening on the mouth was too small to see within, but it will take days to wipe away the smell.
'Too strong!' He thought. 'Must make a new strategy!'
"Ahem!" Teddie fake coughed loudly. Their cheering stopped and turned to him, "Congratulations, Tengu! The first point goes to you. But for our second challenge, we'll be competing for... dancing!"
Hanamura's Residence
Yosuke wondered if he had received the wrong gift. After all, what girl would give away such a big gift to a man? The ecstasy a while ago was replaced with confusion. It didn't take long before a shocking realization dawned on him. No one else knew his taste, and it certainly not his partner.
Inside the big box was a costume of a nurse; the kind wore for cosplay events, added with a syringe and some bondage. A small note, written in small handwriting, was inside: "Someone told me you enjoy nurse, so I hope you like it!"
"TEDDIE!" Poor Labrys misunderstood Teddie's ridiculous suggestion. Why did she have to pick the worst person to help her choice? No wonder the bear was busy on the phone yesterday! Yosuke gritted his teeth and dialed his phone.
"Hey, what's up?" Chie's voice tune-up in his call, "Damn, you should be here! Tengu just made a record at Aiya Dinner!"
"Teddie's there?"
"They just left for some dancing session- What's that? Oh! At Junes!" Chie was talking to someone, probably Yukiko, "Right! Yosuke, don't you want to see it? Teddie got sling hard!"
"You bet I'm coming!" Yosuke replied and prepared to go outside, bringing his kunai with him. Someone needed a clean shave for embarrassing him with that costume. What would Labrys think of him now? How is he to face-
He opened the door to the outside and ran face-first towards a figure. The skin was so hard, he almost blacked out by the impact.
"Ouch!"
"Oh! Sorry! ...Hanamura-san, are you alright?"
Still sitting on the ground rubbing his forehead, he glanced upward at saw the last person he wanted to meet. Seeing Labrys's genuine concern forced him to bury his shame. He reluctantly took the hand the girl offered him. "What are you doing here, Labrys?"
"W-Well," Labrys averted her eyes, "About the gift I sent you. I believe I've made a mistake."
"Well, yeah..."
It's not for you, isn't it?" Labrys crouched down, "I heard men had certain 'taste' for it."
His face was boiling red, "Can we please forget about it? Help me up."
"Oh, right!" She pulled him up with her solid hand. "You're in a hurry."
"You know Teddie and that weird bird had a contest today, so I'm checking on them. He's my employee, after all."
"Can I tag along?" Labrys asked.
"I'm glad to have company. Now, about the costume..."
Another five minutes later, they were taking the lone road to the Junes, where Teddie was last seen. Labrys was holding the box as she giggled at Yosuke's request. Even a machine, a girl is a girl.
"Please don't tell anyone about this," Yosuke pleaded, "This thing is something personal."
"You mean, manly personal? I didn't know," Labrys looked too guilty for such small things, "I was planning on something big because of your help long ago."
"Eh, not a big deal," He relaxed slightly, though Labrys, shifting uncomfortably in her long yellow robe and hood, still held something in her mouth. It's incredible how human she appeared without metal showing. She finally spoke, "Can I ask something?"
"Yes?"
"D you guys have plans for tomorrow? ...Yosuke-san?"
He nearly stumbled in shock. What's with these moods?! Was he just being asked out on a date? Why-
"Just wondering what you'll do while we were scouting here."
Ah. It's not. Yosuke composed himself and sighed once he understood, "Yu's planning on saving Marie tomorrow."
"That soon?"
"We're already late by a wide margin." Yosuke checked the watch, feeling the urge to hasten towards Junes.
"Is there a plan? How can I help?"
"Well, it was a last-minute decision, but your help would be great."
Labrys giggled excitedly, but her eyes trailed someone not far from them. Yosuke followed her line of sight and saw Yu, dressed casually, walking somewhere, unaware of them.
"Yu?" Yosuke widened his eyes, "He must be meeting the Hitoshi again today."
When the girl remained silent, he realized Labrys's face darkened.
"Let's follow him," Labrys suggested.
Yosuke raised an eyebrow.
"I'll explain to you later, but we need to follow him. Come on."
Junes
Challenge Two: Dancing all Evening
"The first challenger is... your beloved Tengu!" The bird climbed on the small stage inside the mall. A shame, seeing as the larger spot at the roof is inaccessible due to heavy fog. Still, Yukiko realized Tengu was ecstatic, despite the smaller audience. Despite his croaked voice, there was a strange charisma when it came to gathering attention. Yukiko remembered the first few days of his presence at the Inn. He was an attention-seeker and succeeded so in his strange mania. If only he could resist worshipping her so much.
"Huh, so people do wants to see," Chie nudged her at the side as Tengu awaited the song. From Yukiko's point of view, most of them were mostly familiar faces from Yasoinaba High, finding relief in the competition from the long stressful year-end exam.
Yukiko glanced down at the palm-sized bronze trophy in her hand, given to her by Aika Nakamura from Aiya Dinner, who in turn received from an anonymous sponsor. It was a statue of a hare, the plate written with laser cut; "The Best Mascot in town". Either direct to Teddie or Tengu, the sponsor was certainly generous enough to make one beforehand.
"But who?" That was the bigger question, which she saved for later as Tengu began to dance.
It was... oddly mesmerizing. The large bird costume didn't hamper his movement at all. The elegance was fitting with the classic Shinto music. If only the costume wasn't there, Yukiko could imagine a dance made by Ame no Uzume, the goddess that tricked Amaterasu to leave the cave and restore light to the world.
'But not her...' She thought, then froze. Whose thought was it? Was it really hers? Tengu finished his dance and left the stage tirelessly. She chuckled, shaking her head in a stupor.
"Was it really funny?" Chie shook her shoulder, mistaken her laughter.
"O-Oh? No, it's actually good," Yukiko said.
"Hmm, not to me," Her best friend confessed, "Almost hilarious. Oh, Teddie's next!"
The bear jumped on stage and began posing, "Your favorite mascot is here! Let's get to it!"
A piece of pop music, and a move set filled with past experiences. The dance was mild at first, but then Teddie made use of his advantage. "Let's get loud!"
Unhindered by the bear suit that he cast aside, the blonde-haired bishounen moved with insane fluidity. The envious Tengu at the side watched helplessly at the support garnished. Everyone was cheering.
Then a blackout happened. Only a faint evening light from the windows pierced through, but not enough to see much.
"Huh? The lights!" She heard Chie shrieked next to her, and a familiar hand gripped her shoulder. The sudden grip made her dropped the trophy in her hand.
"Ah, Chie! I dropped it!"
"What? I can't see you!"
"But you can hear me! The trophy's-"
The lamp returned, showing the panicked crowd searching for friends among them. The fearless Teddie on the stage jumped angrily at the interruption. Tengu rushed towards her in joy once his eyes found her.
"Yuki-nee, you're safe!" Tengu leaped, but Yukiko pushed him away before he could slam on her.
"How did it get so far?" She found the trophy on the ground a few steps away from her. "Oh, it's safe." She hurried after it and was glad to find it intact.
"It happened again..." Someone muttered.
"Those outbreaks came from those trees outside..." Another voice said.
"Third times in a week. Someone needs to clean those leaves from the ventilators. It stinks!" The third stranger spoke.
"Well, who won?" One high schooler turned to the two mascots.
"Oh, is it for me?" Tengu exclaimed, seeing the trophy for the first time. He reached out for it, but Yukiko pulled it away, shaking her head.
"Now hold on! There's still one more challenge!" Chie argued, "And we still need the audience to decide who won."
"Is it not me?" The human form Teddie posed.
The audience, roughly 30 of them, pointed at the winner. Tengu truly wanted this accomplishment, ergo Yukiko wasn't pleased to see another match had to be made, as the score tied between them.
Yu Narukami
Near Hitoshi's Residence
"Not at home. All sessions are suspended and delay to tomorrow. Apologize for the nuisance.
-Umashi Hitoshi"
That was etched upon a small paper pasted on the front door of Hitoshi's residence. Yu, who was already walking away from the residence, took it well, but the disappointment was visible on his face. He didn't promise her when, but he knew Marie was waiting for him greatly. One chance to tell her had to be thrown away for good. If only...
He felt something warm in his pocket. The Contact Card glowed, as though disturbed by a presence.
"Izanagi? What is it?"
I felt a sudden pain on his shoulder, like a bullet piercing through him. He ached, nearly dropped the card, as a quick image flashed through him.
A door was opened outward. The head of a blue-haired boy appeared from behind the door.
The glow faded shortly afterward, along with the image.
"What was that?" Yu examined the card, "Wasn't that..."
Near the forest area
"I've never been to Hitoshi's house before," Yosuke whispered to Labrys as they both hid behind a large tree, where Yu was last seen.
"Did he say what it looks like?" Labrys asked.
"Nice house, had a garden," He sighed. "I don't understand," Yosuke continued, facing her, "Hitoshi brothers help this town a lot, since the Tragedy. I've seen what they did for the town. Even the cleaning boat they sponsored around the plain have cleaned more rubbish in the river in decades."
"Do you believe them?" Labrys replied, "How can you be put so much trust in strangers?"
Yosuke was lost for words at first, "Yu's been oddly depressed lately. The only time I saw him happy was meeting with Hitoshi-san. Umashi-san helps him a lot. I just... can it be a mistake?"
"I don't know," Labrys confessed, "I heard only little of it from Naoto-san."
"Her plan?"
"No, Tatsuya-san."
The boy widened his eyes, "Naoto thinks it's a trap, and... she baiting him, isn't she?"
"Hmm? Baiting? Like fish bait?" The girl glanced around curiously.
"No, I don't mean literally," Yosuke hated how he found humor in her innocence, "Well, I guess Naoto had a good reason-"
"Shhh..."
Yosuke peeked to the side to see his partner leaving the forest with obvious disappointment. That strange card was in his hand again, examining it like a prized possession.
"He didn't go today. Why?" She said.
"Not at home probably," Yosuke watched Yu walked away, unaware of them. "We'll tell him once Naoto had the proof, right?"
"Yeah, we will," Her sharp eyes trailed Yu as he disappeared behind the trees, "Come on!"
After waiting for a while for Yu to leave, they made a small hike into the deep forest, and a sense of peculiar began to overwhelm him. It was a secluded part of the town, but not this level of obscurity. Yosuke realized there was no grassless path, a tree density thick enough to blocked their sight. Reeds were tall around certain places; a marking of something he couldn't comprehend.
It took him a while to realize he had long seen his destination at the small plain. Goosebumps overcame his thoughts in instant.
"There's nothing..."
Only a large old TV on a wooden chair was seen at the center of the treeless area. It was quiet, and the area around it was thick with reeds. It felt like the trees should occupy this spot, yet there was no trace of tree stumps.
"Yosuke-san, why did you stop?" Labrys called out behind him, peeking slightly to see, "Where's the home?"
Cautiously, he approached the old TV, a screen big enough to fit 3 people at once. It's a wonder how the chair didn't break under the weight of it.
"Yu said there was a house," Yosuke commented, stroking the side of the TV. Labrys examined the large device by pressing the button on the side. Her hand reached for a large dial on the upper right and twisted it.
The screen flickered to light. They both jerked away in shock. Yosuke glanced at Labrys, but she shook her head in denial.
The screen began to form images. A small, bright house appeared on the screen. It became crystal clear, a graphic none of the latest TV could recreate. Labrys stepped forward and reached out her hand towards the screen. True enough, her metal hands dipped into it.
"It's never outside," Yosuke said, "The house is inside the TV world."
"Did Yu-san knows about this?"
"I don't think so," He reached out into the screen as well, "Let's investigate."
Hitoshi's residence
And thus, all the small details Yu spoke of the house came into view. The small garden brimmed with strange flowers and reeds sprouted from the edge of the borders. On the second inspection, a cottage was the better word for the building.
Yosuke and Labrys made little noise as they trotted on the stone pathway. There was a large glyph-like pattern on the wooden door, painted in yellow. A large paper was glued directly below it with a message:
"World Broadened again; Abandon tasks; Stage 2 in process."
"The hell?" Yosuke squeezed his eyes slightly. Was this a puzzle? He turned to Labrys, "Now what?"
"We go inside, the investigation," Labrys said curiously, as though it was the obvious answer as her hand trying the locked doorknob.
"I don't know, shouldn't we come later?" Yosuke suggested.
"But we can still go inside. I think there's a window nearby."
"Oh, man. This isn't some game, okay? We're detective, not thieves," He glanced around, feeling the chill from the thick forest blocking the house from everywhere else, "And we don't know when those brothers will come back.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you," She smiled, "I'm strong, even without my axe."
"That's not-" He chuckled instead at her insistence, "Alright, but we're leaving as soon as we can."
True to her words, the low window had no lock, leading to a small reading room; walls painted in white, a few neatly arranged bookcases, though the number of books was scarce. There was no study table, plus the room looked old, abandoned.
The pair stepped into the room and immediately realized it was larger than the outside. The door to the current room was one of the many doors in the long, lonely hallway. Yosuke thought he misheard some noises from distant rooms, but Labrys suddenly went stiff.
"Yosuke-san, I detected a few presences up ahead," The girl said, "And... I don't think they're humans."
"Where?"
Labrys pointed her fingers at the end of the hallways, which intersected with two other paths on left and right. True enough, he heard a familiar noise approaching them.
Then it happened. A large blob of Shadows seamlessly passed through the hall to their left, not noticing them.
"Oh god..." Yosuke gasped and whispered when the truth came to him, "It's a dungeon. Their dungeon. A Shadow guarding the place."
Labrys turned to him in shock, gazing at her palm. "Ariadne won't be enough without my axe."
"Let's go, we back away slowly where we came from-"
The wood beneath their feet cracks. They turned to the creature at the end of the hallways, and a pair of wild eyes gazing back at them.
"RUN!"
Cloudy - Late Evening - Central District
Final Challenge: The 'Wrestling' Match
Teddie couldn't drop his smug look after winning a score against Tengu as he stood at the center of the chalked white circle. A crowd in the empty parking lot formed themselves around it as they began adorning their wrestling gear. Yukiko found herself grew anxious at the size difference. Despite the overbearing costume, Tengu had a smaller build than the bear, and Teddie had experience. She never asked the bird about his skill. Or did he had any at all? This match will answer it.
"Two sessions, three minutes each. Whoever scores the most points at the end..." Chie explained, acting as the judge as she read the manuals on the internet. She suddenly grew bored and shut closed her phone, "You know what? Let's make it sumo instead. You won't remember the rules anyway."
"Yeah! Huh? Sumo?" Teddie turned to her.
"Whoever throws the other out of the ring the most win. Easy."
"Yeah!" Teddie roared, and the surprising number of fans cheered around them. Tengu, small in his suit, warily walked to the center of the ring.
"Go, Tengu!" Yukiko cheered and received a look of betrayal from Teddie. Chie ignored the wild crowd and shouted.
"Begin!"
Yu Narukami
Near Dojima Residence
The Contact Card was glowing again, this time much brighter than earlier. The vibration had grown terribly strong, that it emitted a curious noise.
Yu examined the card with more inspection. There was a voice, deep within him, calling out to tell him something. Almost like a plead.
Almost like a warning.
"Izanagi?" He whispered. Like a sign, a thunder sounded above him, faint at first. He failed to notice another presence in front of him, approaching him like a patient hunter. Yu glanced up from the card and saw the man he least expected to see, blocking his path. Ame Hitoshi had a comforting smile as he walked towards him like a stride, using a black umbrella as a cane.
"Surprised to see you this late, Narukami," He nodded, "How was the exam?"
"Good Evening. My exam is well," Yu bowed, "I was visiting your home, but your brother is away."
"Ah, I see," Ame nodded, "My brother told me you wish to find your missing friend."
Yu barked a chuckle, "It may sound odd, but I have a lead." He glanced upward, "It was nice to see you, but I think it's about to rain soon..."
"World broadened again," He spoke, tapping the handle of his umbrella in a strange rhythm.
"...What?" He frowned.
There was a sudden silence. Ame's smile faded, but the amusement remained in his eyes, "Pardon me, just speaking to myself. We never really talk, do we?" He folded both hands on top of his umbrella.
"Some other time," Yu replied in a hurried tone. Why did he start sweating, despite the cold weather?
"I'm afraid not," Ame shook his head, "Our next meeting will be... perverse."
Yu didn't reply this time and let him continued.
Entrance to Hitoshi's dungeon
Carrying Yosuke on her shoulder, Labrys jumped through the screen and returned to the real world, gently dropped him on the ground.
"The TV, shut it down!" Yosuke screamed, watching a large amount of Shadow pursuing them from the inside the screen. Labrys immediately spun the dial, flickering off the screen. Unforgiving enemies, it's a wonder they escape from the nest. Wondering into a dungeon without Teddie or Rise was asking for death.
"I guess that proves it," Labrys spoke, "Hitoshi brothers are enemies."
"No kidding." Yosuke felt his heartbeat drumming like mad as he stood up. "Let's not do it again."
"They put it here like a secret hideout."
"No," He approached the large TV, "Entering TV from different places lands you on a different spot in the TV world. Hitoshi put it here because they knew it leads directly to their dungeon. Funny, usually it doesn't need to turn on..."
He snapped a few pictures on the TV with his phone as another realization dawned on him, "Yu is in danger. He walked into that place without knowing it's a dungeon. They manipulated his thoughts."
"We need to speak to your friend, fast." Labrys agreed.
They bolt to Yu's house.
Central Shopping District
Everyone was cheering for Teddie when he scored another point by pushing Tengu outside the ring. It was 4-1 in the first session, and Tengu, despite maintaining his breath, was on losing streaks. The cheering of the crowds deafened the sound of thunder above. The large costume served as their shield in exchange for balance, like seeing two dolls bumping into each other, hoping their weights would carry them.
"Go Tengu, you can do it!" Yukiko screamed.
"Urgh! AHHH!" He screamed, avoiding the spear from Teddie, nudging him out. A point to Tengu, and the battle intensified.
'But the bird is not of us...'
"Hmmm?" Yukiko turned to her side. She paused, her face whitened. That was certainly coming from her head. Her voice, but not her thoughts. Was she growing senile? Who was it?
She examined the standing Tengu, who began to regain his momentum. Then, the battle shifted to his side, and he grew faster.
"Oh! Tengu scoring up!" Chie commented, "Teddie, let's go!"
"I-I won't lose!" Teddie made another spear and dashed towards him.
They all gasped at the next scenery.
Tengu leaped over Teddie with a high jump. It happened unexpectedly, that silence trailed the audience as the bird leaped above their heights. Teddie stumbling outside the ring as Tengu landed safely back at the center of the ring. A thunderous cheer occurred.
"He flies!" Yukiko found herself shouted, then burst into a laugh, "He flies like a chicken, wearing a bird costume! Hahahaha!"
"A score! The score is tied 6-6 in the second session!" Chie checked the time, "Go, some more time!"
The moment Teddie rushed back into the ring, Tengu made another leap and jumped straight for the bear, this time faster than eyes. Another gasp ensured.
During that split second, Yukiko wondered if she's the only one who caught a glimpse of a pair of luminous wings flashing out of the bird's back.
The victory could have gotten to Tengu instead until an unfortunate event happen.
A police vehicle passed by the parking lot, doing their rounding patrol. While the cops ignored the tempered crowd, Tengu went ballistic at the sirens. His great leap fell short and missed Teddie, slamming into the outer ring and nearly crashed on the crowd, leaving Teddie in the safe zone.
"The sirens! Monsters incoming!" Tengu shrieked. The audience laughed.
Chie blew the whistle. And the stunned Teddie began to celebrate.
"Standing here in joy, while the Fuji trembled this instant..."
She went silent. That voice was hers, but not her thoughts. For some unknown reason, she realized the voice faded away, unanswered.
Yu Narukami
Near Dojima Residence
"Define truth to me, Narukami," Ame approached him before leaning on the wall nearby, "Where is the border between truth and lies?"
A philosophy question? "I'm not certain what you're getting at."
"Your idea of truth, Narukami."
"My answer won't satisfy you, Ame-san." Yu politely replied.
"...I think I understand you a little more," Ame smiled, strangely satisfied with his answer, "But do you understand yourself? Do you truly believe the truth you have is the real truth?"
Yu narrowed his eyes at this, "Ame-san, I really need to be home-"
"Do you believe saving your friend is the right choice, Narukami?" Ame asked, "Are you certain she wants to come back? She never belongs here, no matter how."
Yu widened his eyes.
"What makes you think she resisted returning home? Nobody stopped her except herself. Have you tried to understand that? She wants you but doesn't need you. But do you?" Ame tensed his face, "Does Izanami ever forgive Izanagi for what he did to her? Does Izanagi ever regret it? Or was there more?"
Yu took a step back as fear cloaked him, "You're with them."
"No," Ame shook his head, "We're on our own, but we need you."
"Need me for what?"
"To know the truth within you," He lifted on hand, caressing his blinded white eye, "A truth that will cost you dearly." He rubbed it, as though hidden memories itched in it. Yu didn't reply.
Ame Hitoshi turned serious, "I assume you will try to save Izanami tomorrow. I'll be waiting there. If you succeed, I'll tell you some secrets. I hope you're good at keeping them."
He heard someone screamed his name. When he turned around, Yosuke and Labrys were running towards him in horror.
"Yu, stay away from him! He's an enemy!" Yosuke screamed.
When Yu returned his attention to the man, he had already flung up his umbrella and opened it. In a single breath, a card appeared above his other hand.
"Ame-no-Tokotachi." He shattered the card.
The rain came down like a storm, washing over him like a shower. He was slow to react to a sudden dash of a mysterious figure. The elderly persona pressed his palm towards his chest. There was no pressure from the touch, but a blast of images flashed through his mind.
An abandoned shrine in the middle of the wood wasn't there in the beginning. Who build it there, and why? Izanami's rotten face was furious, eyeing two children within the shrine. A large black bear was inches away from where the younger boy laid. The montage images flashed so fast in his mind, he felt like a thousand hands pulling his head from all sides.
Promise unkept; vengeance faded; seal broken.
One of the boys, the blonde, was screaming, clawing his right eye.
"No, I've seen enough! Izanagi, STOP!"
"AHHH!" Yu shrieked, stumbling down the flooded street. Yosuke's concerned face was above him soon after, with Labrys running past them, chasing someone.
"Hey, partner," Yosuke pulled his torso up, "What did that thing do to you?"
"I don't know," He answered, "My house..."
"He's gone," The machine girl returned with an alert, "He was fast. The rain's getting heavier!"
"Come on, find shelter!" Yosuke lifted Yu to his feet, "You're not gonna believe what I saw at Hitoshi's house."
"So it is true..." Yu muttered as he began running.
Hitoshi brothers were enemies.
Yosuke's phone rang, but he was too distracted to answer it.
Central Shopping District
"Ahem, I would like to thank everyone here for supporting me, to be the best mascot in town. Hehe!" Teddie's grin was wide, waving it at Chie and Yukiko. He triumphantly stood on a wooden box, cradling the trophy happily. "As your number one mascot, I will promise to... Eh?"
His joy was cut short when the thunder resounded again. When his fur felt the first raindrop, the crowd began to disperse. Soon, it was only him, Tengu, Yukiko, and Chie who hurriedly raised her umbrella as the rain flooded the town.
"Yukiko-chan, Chie-chan! M-My speech!" Teddie dropped fell from his podium, nagging. The two girls sighed, walking towards him. Tengu trailed behind Yukiko cautiously, expecting another vehicle to cross by.
"Well, it's late. Sun is going out soon," Chie checked her watch, "You're going to make Yosuke worried like this."
"Yeah, I'm so tired," Yukiko yawned, "Tengu, let's get you dry out."
"Forgive me, Yuki-nee! I'm not removing my suit, no matter what! My iron codes!" Tengu denied strongly.
"It'll smell!" Yukiko scolded, but paused, "Oh, wait. You're hollow inside, aren't you? That's why you never take it off. Like Teddie before..."
Tengu didn't answer and averted his eyes away. Yukiko tilted her head in curiosity, "Hmmm? Tengu?"
In the midst of the rain that grew heavier, Yukiko's phone suddenly rang. Naoto never called her during such a peculiar time, "Yes, Naoto?"
"Yukiko! Is Teddie or Tengu there?! Do they receive any trophy from a stranger?!" Naoto's voice was in a panic.
"Huh?" Yukiko glanced at the trophy in Teddie's hand, "Yeah, Teddie's holding it right now. How do you know-"
"Destroy it! Destroy it now! It's a switch! It's- Bzzzz..."
"Naoto?!" Yukiko said, but the line was cut. Fear flooded over her. Naoto had a reason for it. He faced her baffled friend, "Teddie, give me the trophy."
"What does Naoto want?" Chie asked as she approached Teddie.
"She told me to... destroy the trophy."
Teddie looked horrified, "N-No, I won! This's trophy's mine!"
"Just let me see it.
"No!"
"Yuki-nee, let me help!"
One hand holding an umbrella, Yukiko tried to pry away the trophy from Teddie's hand. Tengu assisted and the pulling match escalated quickly turn sour. They heard a crack. The head of the hare figure broke apart, forcing three of them apart onto the wet concrete floor. Teddie's eyes nearly popped out of his sockets when he saw the headless trophy in his hand. Tengu was holding the head of the hare and gulped. Chie immediately lifted the fallen Yukiko.
"Yuki-nee, are you alright?" Tengu turned to her.
"Did Naoto really said that?" Chie asked.
Yukiko nodded, turning to the bird, "Tengu, I'm fine... Huh? What's that?"
The four of them spoke nothing. Inside the broken part of the bronzed trophy was a nearly invisible thin steel wire.
"That's weird," Teddie finally spoke.
The rain was getting heavier as they returned home. Yukiko wondered who really sent the trophy to them.
Naoto never answered the call.
Yu Narukami
Heavy Rain - Night - Dojima Residence
It was fortunate his uncle never question why he was late for home, drenching in rain with two companies stranded in his house. Both Labrys and Yosuke had left a while ago, leaving him in the living room with his uncle. Nanako had already gone to bed, but uncle Dojima insisted on staying late. The bandage from a weeks-old wound on his hand was still visible underneath his green shirt.
The dinner was a take-out and nothing interesting on TV. He had no mood to make conversation with his uncle when he asked, "How was the exam?"
"Good."
Mr. Dojima was watching him, "Did something happen?"
"No, nothing," Yu leaned against the wall as he sat opposing the TV, "I was... uh..."
"I know you long enough, kiddo," Uncle Dojima patted the spot next to him at the small table, "Talk to me."
Sighing, Yu walked towards the table and sat. He spoke nothing, but his uncle waited as long as he could as he pushed a teapot towards him. He poured himself another cup of tea on the table, though it had long become lukewarm.
"Someone told me my friend needs me, and I need to save her," Yu spoke without making eye contact with his uncle.
"So?"
"I just found out today that this someone is... untrustful," He felt his uncle's eyes on him, "And now I'm not sure if I should save my friend."
"But you want to."
Yu nodded slowly.
"Then why hesitated?"
Why? Did he fear trap? No, that was an excuse. Something was telling him to go. However, it was an odd sense of thoughts, like two minds clashed in his head, arguing against each other. The strange images of two boys at the shrine intruded his mind as well. Which part of it wanting to save Marie? Which part of it was his? What did Umashi do to him that...
One of the thoughts just won. Yu nodded slightly, almost to himself. "Yeah. I guess I just need an assurance from someone."
His uncle smiled, stretching his hand, and patted him on the back.
"I'm getting a coffee," Yu stood up and went to the kitchen, wondering there's enough coffee powder. He heard his uncle's ringtone. Well, Mr. Dojima was too important to be left alone.
"Yes, Dojima here."
What kind of coffee should he make? Perhaps something light? He should sleep early, seeing as he needed to hike the mountains tomorrow morning.
"...I see? And? What's the urgency?"
Then, if Junpei and Labrys were willing, two more members will guarantee success for Marie's rescue mission. Now, where was that sugar?
"...Namatame? What do you mean? I saw him yesterday."
The fridge was almost empty. He needed to shopping soon-
"What?! When?! Who knows this?"
Yu shifted towards his uncle. Whatever news he heard, it was terrible. Yu abandoned his coffee and approached his uncle.
"Yeah. I understand," Uncle Dojima nodded grimly, glancing up at his nephew, "Thanks for letting me know."
Yu stared at his uncle, who cautiously avoided his eyes. Something bad happened, something his uncle couldn't tell him.
But he had to know.
"What happened to Namatame?"
Uncle Dojima looked pale when he revealed, "Taro Namatame was shot in his residence today. He's currently in ICU. The suspect went missing following the incident."
Yu widened his eyes. Could it be them? "Who? Who would do such a thing?" He asked.
This question, however, was much harder for him to answer. His heart sank. Was it truly the brothers?
"For your sake, I will have to refrain from answering that."
"But why?!" Yu raised his voice, "Who shot him, uncle? WHO?" Yu gritted his teeth, "I'm willing to hear it. Trust me. Who did it that you afraid I know?"
There was pain and guilt on his face. Yu felt his breath quickened, suspense building in the atmosphere. His uncle opened his mouth to argue, but Yu never broke his gaze from him. The eyes of the detective searched for an escape, but ultimately faith in his nephew dragged his eyes to the young man.
"Tell no one of this until I say so," Uncle Dojima warned, pointed dagger at him, "I mean it."
"You have my word."
He lighted up his first cigarette for the night, "The servant of Namatame's mansion was the one who claimed to see the suspect with a gun on the mayor. There's no one else when it happened. Only one suspect."
With a heavy heart, he dropped the name.
"The one who shot Namatame... is that ace detective, Naoto Shirogane."
A/N: Another chapter after months of no update. Deeply sorry for the slow chapter. Too much work, too much routine. Life is tough, but still, I hope you enjoy this fairly average chapter.
Teddie and Tengu had (somehow?) settle their fight, and Yukiko seemed to have found a voice in her head. Now that the Hitoshi brothers revealed themselves as an enemy to the Investigation Team, what course of action will they take?
What happened to Naoto? Was it really her who shot Namatame? Please wait for the next chapter patiently.