Chapter 39 / Abduct

May 2nd, 2012 / Morning
Airport

KANA'S POINT OF VIEW

"How is Kokoro this morning?" I asked my sister over the phone. Hamuko was in Iwatodai where our house was that we shared with Yukari. Funny that even though we primarily worked in the bigger cities, we took the long trip from Iwatodai anyway. Well Iwatodai was a pretty big city itself but our jobs were never around that area. I think we only lived there because it has to do with the fact that Yukari feels more connected to Iwatodai because of the past with her family and Minato.

"She's been a bit fussy, but she always settles down after a while. I think the two of us are going to have a girls day out. What about you? Mitsuru doesn't have you doing anything dangerous does she?" Hamuko sounded like she was currently juggling the phone and Kokoro. It was just like Hamuko. She often took Kokoro out to places whenever she was watching her. Whenever she was with Kokoro, she just seemed to be just happier in general. Maybe that alone should be an indicator that Hamuko needed something more in her life than what she had. I was hardly the right person to venture what that might be as I was still trying to figure my own life out and how to live it. Living for more than just protecting Hamuko. Although protecting her was still what I wanted more than anything.

"Nothing dangerous. We're just making sure nothing happens while they transport Labrys to the new facility," I said. It was probably a bit too much security. Well it seemed that way to me. But I wouldn't know what is an appropriate amount of security in this case. But nobody except the police should even be aware that we were transporting anything at all.

"Yeah? And how is Aigis taking this whole thing?" Hamuko was pointing out Aigis' discomfort of sending Labrys across as mere luggage. Even despite how Mitsuru had done what she could to comfort the mechanical maiden about this.

"I think putting her in charge of security detail has helped her a lot. At least in keeping her distracted. Still I think it will be better the sooner this day is over," I sighed slightly and watched as Aigis was talking to a group of individuals that had been assigned to work under us.

"Well, I won't keep you. Try and make it easier for her if you can. Kokoro and I have our own big day to get to," Hamuko sounded like she was smiling at the end with the prospect of spending time with the young toddler.

"I'll talk to you later, Oneesama," I said softly.

"Yep we'll talk later Nee-san," Hamuko added before she hung up on her side.

I ended the call and put the phone in my back pocket. Well it was supposed to be an easy job...go from point A to point B and activate Labrys. Easy, right? Well I knew that things hardly ever happened as they were supposed to when it came to things like this. The main problem was that most of the police force was aware that the Kirijo Group would be transporting sensitive material. But they didn't know what it was. Only the higher ups in the police force were privy to that information.

"Kana-san, was that Hamuko-san?" Aigis asked as she walked over to me. Her expression didn't betray her thoughts...so what she was thinking was something I couldn't guess on. I was still getting to know her after all.

"Yes, Aigis-san. Seems like she's going to take Kokoro out. Likely take her out shopping. It's been her go to activity when she's watching her. We still waiting for things to clear? Or..."

"Agent 5, come in," a new voice came over the radio.

"This is Agent 5, report," Aigis quickly responded. That's right...the Shadow Operatives all had numbers associated with them. So that way we could somewhat separate our lives from what we do as Shadow Operatives. Right now our numbers were small. And Mitsuru likely preferred it that way. But we would need more Shadow Operatives eventually. Though I wasn't sure how it worked. I was Agent 7. However, Hamuko was actually Agent 3. And with how it worked in the Shadow Operatives, the one with the lowest number present took operational control. Naturally Mitsuru was Agent 1.

"We've got a situation. Terrorists have hijacked Kirijo-san's plane," the man reported from the other side.

"Hijacked? But they haven't even taken off," I shared a look with Aigis. "It's not related to the luggage is it?"

Aigis thought for a moment, "I find that unlikely. Either way, Mitsuru-sama is on that plane." She looked to be quickly gathering her thoughts and what they would do. This was definitely not a situation they had expected to encounter. "Have they made any demands yet?"

"Negative, they haven't tried to contact anyone yet," the man reported.

Well it wasn't like it had been too long since they had hijacked the plane, right? Still why would they do so for a plane that hadn't taken off yet? That seemed strange in itself, but without knowing their motive it was hard to speculate either way. I had only recently learned about terrorists and situations like this in my studies with my tutor. Mitsuru had said understanding this aspect of humanity would be important for her to know. Because their work would likely come across many unpleasant sides of the human race.

"If they are simply terrorists, this situation will be easily dealt with," Aigis thought out loud as she looked to me.

"That is if that is all they are right? Either way, what should we do? The police have jurisdiction over this right?" I asked her. I think she wanted to bounce ideas back and forth before deciding a course of action, but I probably wasn't the best one to do that with.

"The nature of our organization actually supersedes the police in order for us to do our work as needed. So we have the ability to take over jurisdiction of a particular operation. Although our organization is new so information about us is limited. Though with our particular skills we would be the most effective at detaining the terrorists without allowing any innocents to be harmed," Aigis was being logical, as she was more prone to being due to her nature as a Mechanical Maiden. Aigis shifted slightly on her feet and looked away from me. "Perhaps it would be better if I take some of the men to deal with this. You stay here and take charge of the cargo. It should be shifting through security soon. Although it might be halted due to this situation."

I nodded, "Alright. Be careful, Aigis."

She turned and headed off in a brisk pace.

I shook my head as she left. "Why not just admit you are concerned for Mitsuru-sama's safety?" Despite Aigis attempts to hide behind a mechanical voice all it ever served for her was a means to protect herself from admitting the truth of the situation. I guess that left this responsibility to me. Ever since they had learned more about the nature of the Mechanical Maidens it had brought up a lot of other problems. For one...the first few generations were complete failures. Despite the loss of life Kirijo Kouetsu had continued with it, and brought in a scientist from another company. His name Ikakure Renji. The Father of Ikakure Kayane, my friend and someone I met only completely by chance. Now, more than before I believed he also had the power of Persona. If he was linked to the Arisato family line through his Mother's side...then it was possible that like Arisato Minato and Hamuko that he found his way to the fight.

What would that mean if he was though? Just why did Shadows continue to cause trouble for humanity? What was its purpose? People died because of them, and their power was threatening and also enticing to those that encountered it. I felt like my own existence would only bring misfortune to Hamuko and the others that had been so nice to me. Perhaps it was better if I was not here. If I didn't exist...if all of Shadows didn't exist. Perhaps all their lives would have been a happy one. Perhaps Hamuko would be smiling for real.

I didn't know. How could I?

I shook my head. For now I would do everything I could to make it better. And that meant doing my best as a Shadow Operative.


May 2nd, 2012 / Morning
Kayane's House

The discussion with Naoto was still somewhat on my mind. And all I had was time today since Rise was at school and there was nothing really of importance for me to work on. I'm sure there was something I should be working on though. But Golden Week started tomorrow and Yu was going to be back in town. So they had made sure their schedule was clear to be able to spend time with him. So everyone had time off. Which left me at home, alone. Something I didn't much care for at this moment.

I was in the music room as I often was. Sitting in front of the piano, even if I wasn't playing it still made me feel peaceful. I wonder why though. Was there something related to the piano that made me feel more at ease when I sat in front of it? Perhaps it was something much more simplistic than that. When I was at the piano, nothing else in the world existed. I doesn't matter what is going on at the time. In this situation it was just me and the piano. So subconsciously I ran my fingers over the keys and then started to play. A somber tune, one that always seemed to be playing at the edge of my mind. It was serene, comforting and yet there was always a haunting edge to it. I began to sing.

"Darkness reigns the skies above
Piercing rain corrupts below
There is no hiding
There is no running
And I am a captive of this world
And I will not fight the dark"

That's right, these words represent oppression of life. The emotions an unending sorrow that for so long I felt surrounded me. How childish of me to believe that only I was the one ever affected. How stupid could I be to believe that my suffering was so much that no one else could ever understand. Idiotic, moronic, they didn't come close to that arrogance I had. I knew better now. I knew that my friends, Yu, Yosuke, Kanji, Naoto, Yukiko, Chie, Teddie and Rise...they had shown me something completely different. As my hands played the piano, slowly building to a faster and haunting tune as I continued to sing. My thoughts began to drift.

"Running over fields
Running over hills
To the sea
To the mountains
Where can I go where the sky cannot?

I find myself at a mountain
It's peak rises above the clouds
Could this be the path above the dark?
Do I dare to wish
Do I dare to dream
Or is the Darkness Reign absolute?"

A foolish dream that I could somehow conquer my fears and trials on my own. Never seeing how much the people around me wanted to help. Yet I feel like I alone had been suffering. I was stupid, ignorant and endlessly foolish. I believed that I had to be strong on my own, that I couldn't rely on the people around me. Yet I was so incredibly wrong. I can be stronger because of them, because they support me and are here for me. When I need to vent frustrations or speak of the nightmares that haunt me, they'll be there. For so long, I truly believed that without Miyuki I was alone. That was never true. Mom had been there from the beginning, fighting for me, trying to get through to me. To help me. Yet I had been the one running away from her, believing I could not be helped and turned away all her attempts to reach out to me. Mother had always loved me, and wished to be there for me, but I...simply turned away.

"Running over fields
Running over hills
To the sea
To the mountains
Where can I go where the sky cannot?

Rain turns to ice
Winds fight me to turn back
I climb the heights
I fight the dark
There is no choice
I've abandoned all for hope
I'm losing strength
I'm losing thoughts"

That's the real truth of these words. I spent so long attempting to make it on my own. No, I never even tried. That was why when I finally realized their could be more, I was stagnated. I heard her voice. The voice of Kujikawa Rise on a day my Mother asked me for a favor. It was that voice that felt like it opened my eyes, that maybe I could find a way to push forward. But that is what led to this. These lyrics...this song was about me trying to reach her without ever looking around or attempting to figure out how to do just that. I was ignorant to how to live. So I thought by making my own music I could find a way. But it was always more complex than that. Nothing is ever that simple.

"Can I reach the top?
Will you greet me there?
If I only reach your light
Above the dark eternal night

I've ran over fields
I've ran over hills
Across the sea
To scale the mountain
Can I reach above the sky to where you are?

Can I reach the top?
Can I reach the top?"

I played the last portion of the song. The melody a haunting one, meant to convey the desperation and sadness that I felt when I wrote those words. What a stupid song. Yet even now I felt it still resonated with me and who I am. I played the last note and then heard clapping from the doorway. I looked over to see an individual...make that two.

"You should really make sure your front door is locked, Kayane-san," it was Hamuko, she stood juggling Kokoro in her arms. It was impressive she managed to clap with the young girl in hand.

I got to my feet, "Right I went outside for a jog this morning and forgot to lock it when I came back."

"Jog, huh? Training for your pop idol career?" she grinned.

I found myself chuckling at the thought, "I figure stamina is going to be important moving forward. Isn't this a bit out of the way for you to be here on just an average morning?"

She stepped in as Kokoro shifted slightly in her arms and was now looking at me. "This little one was up early and I decided we'd go for a trip. I thought that visiting you would be nice since you have the next few weeks off. And I figured you'd be alone since Kujikawa would likely be at school. So it all sort of just worked out this way." Kokoro was now extending her arms out to me. "Looks like she wants you to take her."

"Take! Take!" Kokoro urged.

I blinked a couple times before shaking my head, "Aren't you a demanding one? Reminds me of someone I used to know." I stepped closer and took the young girl into my arms.

"Play!" Kokoro said.

"Eesh, you just want everything, don't you?" I found myself laughing. "She's certainly gotten more active than the last time I saw her."

"She has been worried about her Mom. She's a smart kid. It will be rough for her though," Hamuko commented and took the moment to sit in one of the chairs nearby. "When Yukari looks at her, its both heartwarming and tormenting. She can see Minato in her."

That made a lot of sense, "To be constantly reminded of not only what you have but also what you've lost at the same time. I think I can understand it in a odd way. Though not nearly as deep as Yukari-san does."

Kokoro grabbed my nose, "Play." She demanded again.

"Alright, fine," I said as I pried her nose off and then walked over to the piano. I sat down and put Kokoro on my lap. "Now hold still while I..."

Kokoro immediately began putting her hands on the keys and playing random notes. She was smiling and giggling as she did so. I found myself laughing as she did this.

"Looks like someone found what you were playing as something fun she wanted to do," Hamuko was back on her feet and standing next to the piano. "You know, you look a lot different when you're playing."

I looked up at her as Kokoro bashed her hands on the keys again, "What do you mean?"

Hamuko smiled as Kokoro grabbed my hands and put them on the keys. "Looks like she wants you to play."

As odd as it felt I started playing with the young toddler on my lap, she thankfully became more entranced as my hands moved across the keys and stopped trying to add her own notes. "Do I really look different when I'm playing?" I looked up to Hamuko, although I continued to play a continuous and soothing melody to keep Kokoro occupied.

"Its because you stop thinking," Hamuko said with a smile. "You look better when you aren't thinking about how people see you or what others think. Even though we haven't known each other that long, I can see a difference."

"When I'm not thinking huh?" I looked down back to my hands as I was playing. "Music has always been my one escape since I was a child." I found myself saying and for a moment I didn't register the words. How could I have not realized this? It was the reason I retreated to my music when I was overwhelmed. The answers were more obvious than before. "My Uncle signed me up for piano lessons, simply to get rid of me for a few hours. Yet, it is essentially the only good thing he ever did for me."

I continued playing, and for a few minutes there was silence and when I looked to Hamuko she was keeping her eyes down. It looked like she was paying attention to my hands but, why? What was on her mind?

"Kayane-san, if there was something you knew...something potentially life changing but you also know it will lead to questions you can't answer...what would you do?" Hamuko asked but still wouldn't meet eyes with me. Was something wrong? Was this why she was here?

"So you know something that could change someone's life, but at the same time you can't answer them if they have questions about it?" I asked trying to clarify exactly what she meant.

"Because you literally can't tell them how you came across the information," Hamuko said after a moment.

"So they wouldn't have a way to verify the information you gave them? That sounds like a frustrating situation for you and the other party involved. Though I guess you haven't told them if you are asking this," I was still playing the piano and Kokoro still seemed to be entranced by it but was holding on to my sleeves. It didn't hinder me though.

"I don't want to give half answers or lie to them. Yet, because of my predicament, that is exactly what I would have to do," Hamuko shook her head. "Sorry, its a frustrating situation that I wish I could do something about but doing anything could only cause problems."

"So give it time, I guess. Maybe your situation will change. Or maybe find a way to tell them indirectly without tipping that it is coming from you," I said as I slowed down the melody from the piano. I noticed that while Kokoro was still clinging to my sleeves that she wasn't really moving. Looked like she had now fallen asleep. "If you feel like its information that they need, I'm sure you could figure out a way."

"Indirectly?" She shook her head once more. "If I had thought about it a bit more I should have figured that out myself. I think its mostly because I want to tell them directly. But in a lot of ways I would bring a lot of problems to them as a result. Yet at the same time, I don't want them to find out from anyone but me...which is incredibly selfish of me."

"So you have to decide to tell them and ask for them to understand that you can't tell them anything more beyond what you tell them. Maybe having them understand that portion before you tell them. But I guess depending on what you say, you know it would be a problem," I stopped playing and realized Kokoro was now completely passed out against me in my lap.

"I think I'll just have to wait and see if something changes," Hamuko sighed before coming closer to look at Kokoro. "Looks like she finds your music relaxing. Usually takes a while to get her to nap. You don't mind if I stay here at your place with her for a while do you? Kokoro needs to nap and then I need to feed her after."

"No, its fine. Make yourself at home. Maybe we can go watch something in the family room. I can make some tea. Or maybe you want to use the kitchen to prepare her lunch?" I asked as Hamuko got closer to me and gently took Kokoro from my lap, although she was still somewhat grabbing my sleeves she eventually relented. Hamuko smiled briefly looking at the sleeping Kokoro.

"Thanks, Kayane-san. I hope you don't mind but I dropped my and Kokoro's stuff in the family room. Oh and tea would be wonderful. I'll just head back to the family room," Hamuko took her time and left with Kokoro in her arms.

I watched her disappear out of the door of the studio. I knew there was a lot more on Hamuko's mind. And obviously whatever it was that she knew was eating away at her. And whoever it concerned, she didn't like the fact that she couldn't tell them. Yet there would be a potential problem upon telling them, and it was obvious to me that even if she wanted to, it wasn't something that she could share. No doubt it was really bothering her. Still I suppose the least I could do was be a good host and maybe ease her mind for a bit.

I got to my feet so I could head to the kitchen. I guess my day was going to have more to it than I thought. I'm glad Hamuko came over...it gives me time away from the stupid thoughts I have when I'm by myself. And strangely...my Shadow had been incredibly quiet since Hamuko showed up.


May 2nd, 2012 / Late Afternoon
Airport Conference Room

KANA'S POINT OF VIEW

"I'm sorry. this is all my fault. If I had been paying close attention then she wouldn't have been taken," I was bowing. I didn't know what else I could do. But the danger of the situation as well as the motives behind it were all too much for me to handle. Labrys, the 5th Generation Anti-Shadow Suppression Weapon had been taken.

"Kana-chan, you don't need to apologize. Honestly, we were all misled in this situation," Mitsuru let out a sigh after a moment. "What of the hijackers? Has the interrogations led to anything?"

"It only just started, but so far they all claim that their memories at the time were very foggy. So they've been sent in for evaluation. The psychologists who interviewed them think it's possible they're not lying," A man in a black suit reported from one side of the table.

"So none of the five involved with the hijacking have any memory of what happened," Mitsuru averted her gaze for a moment. "Normally this would be preposterous. But more than likely the one responsible is more than aware of exactly what they were doing and their aim. If their aim was her, they are likely armed with more knowledge than most. So likely those five were nothing more than decoys. Have we learned anything else?"

"We know that the storage cased holding the 5th Generation is too large to transport by personal auto, we narrowed our search to large vehicles that left the airport. That combined with the testimony from our observer and data from the transmitter allowed us to pinpoint the vehicle in question. The police are already pursuing it via the N System. This is the most recent photo," The man handed a tablet over to Mitsuru.

"The Inaba area? Wasn't this the place where...Kana. This is where your friend, Ikakure Kayane lives, correct?" Mitsuru got to her feet.

"Yes, but why would they want to take Labrys there?" I asked, not really making sense of this.

"Hmm it is a coincidence that your friend also happens to be the son of the scientist that created Labrys. But that also could be a reason they brought it there. What do you think, Arisato?" Mitsuru asked as the black haired woman, Arisato Isako came to the side of the conference table.

"That may be a coincidence, but more than likely it might have to do with the Shadow activity we believed to have happened there. Either way, going over what they learned from those five men makes me believe that whoever is responsible is capable of manipulating memories," Isako put a folder down on the desk. "Whoever this is, they could be former members of the Ergo Research Department, or some other place that your Grandfather had hidden away. And they knew exactly what they were doing and that they were aiming to take Labrys."

"I don't think there is much to doubt in that regard. But at this point we're steps behind and we're still playing catch up. We're we able to find out more about Labrys' capabilities? All we have is speculation, we aren't 100% positive as to why she was sealed. All we know is that she was the first to be fitted with a Plume of Dusk and is the basis of her self awareness. And that she was created by Ikakure Renji. We know that also arranged for the death of Ikakure Renji shortly after he was forced to leave based on his objections for the experiments they planned to conduct on her," Mitsuru was being thoughtful, but her disgust of the Kirijo Group's past actions were clearly on her mind.

"We do know she was forced to destroy all of her sister models of her generation. And that the result of that caused them to seal her. But there are no records of her progress, either how well her personality was developed or if she was capable of using a Persona," Isako sighed slightly. "That was why it was imperative for us to get her back to our facility to give her a ideal environment to re-activate her."

"So what is the chance that the person responsible is going to hurt my sister?" Aigis asked.

"Hurt her?" Isako blinked looking over to Aigis. She shook her head, "I would wager they plan on using her, possibly attempt to re-program her."

"I see, so they want to manipulate her?" Aigis eyes fell.

"Aigis, I want your help on this but there is likely to be combat involved. Will you be all right with that?" Mitsuru asked her frankly.

Aigis and Mitsuru shared a long look between the two of them. After a moment more, Aigis speaks, "I thank you for your concern, but I'll be fine. I will do my duty."

Isako frowned, "Mitsuru-sama, I understand your concern of possible blow back from this but let's just take this a step at a time. Until deemed otherwise, this situation is rescue operation."

"I..." Mitsuru nodded. "Of course, that is my goal as well. For now, let's prepare. As soon as we are able to confirm that Labrys was truly taken to Inaba, we'll depart. I already talked with Akihiko and he should be back within the country by the end of the day."

"Akihiko-san is coming back?" Aigis asked.

She nodded, "With Yukari working, Hamuko is looking after Kokoro and I believe Junpei is busy coaching his team for a tournament so that leaves us with little options. So I arranged to get him here as soon as possible. I was amazed I was able to get a hold of him actually."

"He was determined to become stronger," I found myself saying. "Seeing the world and how others approached their problems, that might have been his real intent."

Mitsuru smiled, "Hiding behind a quest to challenge those stronger than him. Yes perhaps even he doesn't realize why he left. I'm sure he'll be fine."

"Excuse me, there is a Shirogane Naoto asking permission to see you," A man said from the doorway.

"Ah, yes, please let her in," Mitsuru nodded and the man opened the door. A young woman in blue stepped in.

"Pardon the intrusion," she said politely as she entered.

"I was informed you were the reason we have a tracking beacon on the truck in question. We owe you greatly for your quick actions," Mitsuru said it in a way that showed gratitude and also explained who she was. This was Shirogane Naoto, a hired observer, rather a detective with a renowned track record at solving cases. She was even part of the investigation in Inaba.

"I'm more impressed that your agent was able to quell the hijacking without anyone being harmed. Still who would have expected an entire hijacking to cover up the theft of some cargo? I must apologize to you as well. I was the closest at hand when it happened," Naoto gave a slight bow but Mitsuru shook her head.

"No, you did more than enough. It's thanks to your sharp eyes that we're able to track the suspicious vehicle now. I'm impressed that you realized in all the chaos that the cargo was the true target. You even spotted their getaway truck," Mitsuru was giving honest praise. This was all thing I should have been able to notice. Now Labrys was likely in danger.

"Our next step should be to interrogate the suspects in custody and..." Naoto started but Mitsuru interrupted.

"Sadly, it won't be that simple. It appears that so far all of them seem to be unable to properly remember anything surrounding the event. It's curious but they are going to be examined further. It appears it will take more time," Mitsuru answered easily enough.

"Mm. If they were prepared to risk their lives for this operation, I supposed they won't break so easily," Naoto speculated out loud. That was definitely a sound observation from her side, but the situation was more complicated than what they could tell her.

"We made an error in judgment. We didn't take into account that someone would try and steal..." Mitsuru shook her head.

"But since they targeted something so unusual, and what is by and large a secret, that should narrow down the suspect pool," Naoto pushed a bit more.

"Yes, it is more than likely someone connected to the Kirijo Group," Isako stepped forward.

"Thank you for your assistance, Shirogane. I'm sorry to have involved you in this mess, but the professionals will take it from here," Mitsuru sounding more assertive than normal stepped forward.

"I suppose that means my work here is done," Naoto gave a slight shrug. She seemed one that would be willing to help, but in the business of Persona and Shadows it would be too much. While there was an understanding that what we were dealing with was dangerous, attempting to explain that would be ultimately pointless. You can't expect people to believe things they can't see after all.

"I'm afraid so. We do value your cooperation," Mitsuru added.

"Then that is all there is to it. I wish you for success on your investigation," Naoto gave a slight bow before turning around and disappearing.

"Mitsuru-sama, you realized that Shirogane might have knowledge of the case in Inaba, correct?" Isako asked.

"Indeed, but as it stands, she is currently under orders from the police, no doubt. She's smart, and her insight would have been a benefit to the Inaba region. However..." Mitsuru looked somewhat torn about the decision as well.

"I get it, considering the curiosity of some of the police officers, we're still under extreme doubt. So more than likely they wanted Shirogane to get close to learn more about us," Aigis shook her head. "This seemed needlessly complicated just so we can help people."

"If this is trouble I have to face, then so be it. Minato would have never backed down. He never did. No matter what he faced," Mitsuru turned away from us. It was easy to forget and be focused on the present but the motivations for the Shadow Operatives maybe wasn't as clearly noble as one might see. Individuals that wanted to help safeguard the world. It was what they had done for a majority of their life. But they carried a terrible burden of truth with every day that they lived. This world only existed because of the sacrifice of Arisato Minato. Every day that continued to come was only here because of him. And as long as their leader continued to protect them, protect the world, then Mitsuru would honor him by doing all she could to do her part. So in some small way, perhaps his sacrifice would give the world a chance to be better. Only time will tell.

In the meantime I would do my best to try and make Hamuko's life better. I never knew Minato, but I only was here because of his twin sister. And if I had the power to do something, I was going to do that. And if I could help by fighting in my sister's place so she wouldn't have to be in danger. Then I would do all I could.


May 2nd, 2012 / Evening
Kayane's House

"Thanks for allowing me to come spend time here today. I know Kokoro enjoyed herself too. Although she is too tired to tell you so," Hamuko giggled as the slumbering toddler was in her arms as Hamuko juggled her bags on her other shoulder.

"You sure you don't want me to walk you to the train station?" I asked, but she definitely looked more than capable. Every time I had seen her I had only witnessed the air of confidence that seemed to surround her. Rise was standing next to me. She had come straight over after school today. She was surprised that Hamuko had been there but immediately got taken hold of by Kokoro and had essentially been taking care of her since she arrived. And the look on her face told me that she both wanted Hamuko to go and stay at the same time.

"It was great to see you. I hope we can see each other again soon," Rise smiled.

"Well you never know. And I got it, trust me. You two have a good night now," Hamuko gave a final smile before disappearing out the door and into the night. Well the sun was only just setting. Still we shut the door and turned back to the kitchen.

"This day seemed a lot longer than usual," I said as I went to collect all the dishes from the table. Having eaten with Hamuko it had been quite some time since we had anyone over that wasn't a member of the Investigation Team. I frowned, I guess the Investigation Team didn't really exist anymore. How long had it been since I had even thought about it? I gathered up the dishes and brought them over to the sink where Rise was already running the water to help me clean up the kitchen.

"It seems like she needed a change of scenery," Rise said as I put the dirty dishes into the sink, to which she immediately scooped up the first to clean it. "Can't say I'm super excited about you being alone with her."

I couldn't help but chuckle, "Ha, as if you have anything to worry about." She giggled next to me.

"Oh but I'm still jealous. I mean she got to spend the whole day with you and I had to be at school," Rise pouted slightly as she handed me the clean plate for me to dry.

I took it as I picked up a towel we used to dry dishes. "I think you just wanted to spend more time with Kokoro-chan," I certainly had noticed how much more Rise had been smiling with the young toddler in her arms.

"Oh but she's just so cute, how could you resist her?" She was smiling again. "But why was Hamuko-san in town? It seems like it would be out of her way."

"Well I think you are right, she needed a change. She seems stressed, so she left for a change in the environment. Though she couldn't really tell me what's wrong with her, she has something really weighing on her," I admitted. "Something about wanting to tell somebody something but telling them would lead to questions. Questions she says she isn't allowed to answer."

"So its something she wants to tell, but basically can't...because she can't explain how she knows it?" Rise stopped briefly before continuing to clean the dishes. "No wonder she seems so stressed."

"Yeah, it never felt like she really relaxed while she was here," I said thinking about it for a moment. She felt like she had gotten comfortable, but didn't really relax the whole day.

Rise glanced at me, "I think it was good you were able to at the very least change things up for her. Who know, maybe it will help her in the long run. Say I got this, could you go warm up the bath?"

"The bath? I guess that means you are planning to stay here tonight huh?" I eyed her before putting the towel down.

"You bet. Plus we're meeting up with Yu-senpai in the morning along with everyone else. So it might be better if I am here to make sure you get up. Since your Mom won't be home until after the holiday anyway," Rise gave me a smile, one that I couldn't help but love every time I saw. It was hard to ever fight her on anything when she was wielding that smile like a weapon.

"Not that I'm going to refuse more time with you, but shouldn't your Grandmother be a little more hesitant to let you stay here alone with me?" I took a couple of steps away but turned back to her as she looked over at me.

"Maybe if you weren't you," Rise giggled a bit. "Grandma trusts you. And she knows we're more responsible than to get ourselves into anything we aren't ready for. Maybe she'd feel a little bit uneasy if you were putting the moves on me." She gave a playful wink and a grin. I knew that look, she was inviting me to do just that. I knew more than anything that Rise wanted me to do something, for us to be more physical in our relationship. She wanted more than just kisses, she wanted us to be more intimate and I knew that.

I turned away, "Maybe I'll have to work on that a bit more." I try to be a bit playful before walking out of the kitchen and down the hall to the bathroom. It isn't like I didn't understand her frustration because I had to admit that it was equally as frustrating to me.

It wasn't like I didn't think about it at all. I was definitely attracted to Rise. I thought about kissing her, holding her. I was a teenager after all. I had definitely thought about doing more than just that. However, those thoughts often came with images I saw as a child. So how was I going to find a way to deal with that? If I could figure out a way to get past that. But how? It wasn't like I could just forget about it. But maybe that was the wrong way to think about it.

"Oh, I want to touch her, kiss her, taste her...how can I do so without being the utter scum of the earth I'm sure it will make me become?" My Shadow taunted as I moved into the bathroom and turning on the water.

"So now you want to come out? Funny how quiet you've been today," I muttered as I checked the temperature of the water. My Shadow was already gone though. Suddenly, I felt a chill, something felt wrong. I turned off the water. The next moment I heard a loud crash...and the unmistakable cry of Rise. I was on my feet as fast as possible and out of the bathroom. I went straight to the kitchen. A broken plate on the ground, the water still running. I made my way over and turned the water off before I sprinted outside, and stumbling as I slipped on my shoes. I looked down the street, it was already this dark? "Rise! Rise!"

I could see them...down the street someone was running. And it was obvious they had someone with them. Carrying them. I couldn't just run blindly after them. I ducked back into the house and grabbed my bag that was next to the door. I locked the door behind me and began sprinting down the street. I didn't have time to think and just focused on catching up. Everything had happened so quickly. Why Rise? Why would you take her? And how long had they been waiting? Had they been watching? Waiting for a moment that she was alone? Was it some crazed fan? Just what was going on? How did it happen so fast? I hadn't been out of the kitchen for that long.

I turned another corner...I saw them, they were heading to the outskirts of town. We already lived towards the edge of town so we were heading out, further away from Inaba. I reached for my phone and found that I didn't have it. Dammit. I should have called the police, or someone. No, I just needed to keep running right now. I saw them...but I was feeling exhausted already. Still I pushed myself to keep running. Where were they headed? We came up to the end of the road that led to...a junkyard. That's right, it was a place that the residents of Inaba used for larger junk. Most of it was old appliances and other things of the like. We didn't really have a way to deal with it out here, so it had all collected here and was supposed to eventually be picked up by the bigger city. But what was this person taking Rise here for?

I rushed to a different line and I saw it. Whoever this individual was...they went up to a large abandoned television. And without missing stride, they dumped Rise inside. They had put Rise into the TV.

"Rise! You bastard! Get back here!" I was sprinting but before I had even gotten close they were gone. Had they gone in the TV as well? Why the hell would they do that for? Did they know? They couldn't have...right? I came to a stop in front of the TV. My logical side was screaming at me to stop, to head back, to go tell someone. But I couldn't stop myself. Before I had even thought about it, I jumped into the TV. No, I wouldn't hesitate, I wouldn't take the safe route. I would save Rise, no matter what.


A/N:

Let me just start with saying I'm sorry for missing my last release. I think its the first time I've missed one but there was just a number of factors that got in my way. I won't go into all of it, but part of the problem was that I was sick for a large part of that time and it wasn't a sickness that allowed me to be able to work on changes at my work hasn't helped me either. So in the end there was just a number of factors that basically left me with having nothing to show done for my chapter. But I'm hoping to get right back into it and maybe try to get ahead of the curve. We'll see how that goes but lets get back to the chapter.

It's been a while since Kayane has sung, so as this is essentially the calm before the storm that is Arena, I thought it be appropriate. And just for fun add in Hamuko to the mix. And the young little Kokoro in her care. With Yukari and Kana both off and working has left her with the toddler in her care. But instead of just staying at home she takes off to visit Kayane. After all, Hamuko knows something about their relationship that he doesn't but right now, telling him is probably not a good idea from her point of view. After all at the moment they just believe that Kayane is just a regular guy, albeit a talented musician. The fact that Hamuko goes and visits him without telling anyone can tell us a couple things. For one, she obviously believes that visiting him is something the others would tell her is a bad idea. Well, Kana would probably be on board for telling Kayane everything, but Kana also firmly believes that Kayane has a Persona. As she almost blurted out before the last time they spent time with him. And I think its obvious by the conversation that Hamuko wants to tell him.

Think of it this way. If for your entire life you never knew who your family was, but then you find out you have a cousin. Not only that but you know where he is...how hard would it be for you to not run right to them and tell them the news? Most people I think this is hard to imagine because you've always known who your family is. Some that have been adopted I think can imagine this a little bit better but for the most part there is usually an option for even orphan's to find out about their parents in most cases (I know there are exceptions). Hamuko is an exception because as far as the world was concerned the girl known as Arisato Minako was dead at birth. The truth being she was given a different name and taken to a Kirijo Group facility so they could essentially experiment on her with pretty much no consequence. I've gone over most of this in previous chapters (if you haven't read Momento Umbrae you can get all the details on Hamuko's birth there). So you can see in the scene here just how badly it does affect her. In the end she opts to spend the day with him instead of telling him. Rough perhaps but is probably the middle ground she had given herself.

Meanwhile Kana has to deal with Labrys being taken. Originally I had considered showing that part and how that played out with Kana involved but I opted against it. Mostly because I feel like it wasn't that important to cover. Most of whats important is that Labrys is taken and no one really gets a good look at the person who takes her. Naoto, of course, makes a brief appearance and responsible for the Shadow Operatives being able to track the truck down to Inaba. Kana feels responsible for it but at the same time was not really ready for that kind of pressure. Not that it would be her fault to begin with. It was planned to compensate for them anyway. But we can go over that in a different chapter.

It takes a certain kind of individual to kidnap someone to begin with, but to do so right underneath someone is something quite different. That isn't just a determined individual, but one that has been calculating and has studied their target for sometime. In order to take Rise, they would have had to know that Tsukio Nanase wasn't in town. Also that it was just the two of them after Hamuko left with Kokoro. And somehoe timed it just right with Kayane going out of the room. That is a whole lot of stuff going your way. Makes you wonder just how much help our culprit had...

Either way we are jumping into the Arena arc and will be diving head first to the deep end in the next chapter. Sorry about the way but I hope you enjoy this chapter. I'll see you in a couple weeks with the next chapter. Let me know what you think in the meantime!