Chapter 40

Social Links (I need to level up!); Sensei-nee-san

June 25, 2021; Tuesday

(Morning)

Kyuto High; School Gates

Kazuhiko was walking towards the gates when he bumped into Yuriko and Sieglinde.

"Good morning you two. I see that you are well enough to attend today", Tyr pointed out.

Yuriko nodded with a happy smile.

"Yup! It's thanks to Sieglinde's amazing ability!"

Sieglinde smiled and placed her hand on her cheek.

"It's thanks to my Invigorate skill. Although, it takes a while to recharge."

"Huh, something that might be useful in the Mirror Dimension", Kaz said to himself.

"We won't be going back for a while, though, so I guess there won't be a lot of training for you. Maybe some working out could do the job?"

Yuriko nodded.

"Yeah, that sounds fine! What say after school?"

Kaz nodded and made his way to the front gate. However, someone abrasively stepped in front of him.

*SHOVE*

"Wh- hey!" Kaz turned around to see the disgruntled face of a tired and pissed off Soratsu. Tyr tensed up while Kaz formed his hand into a fist. Soratsu, however, paid him no attention.

"Beat it; I've got no beef with you."

He then turned to Yuriko and walked towards her. Yuriko looked scared, but did not give any ground. Only when Soratsu's face was mere inches from her own, did he stop. Then, he raised his fist.

"Kazuhiko! We should act now!", Tyr said.

Kaz nodded and walked towards Soratsu, ready to defend his new teammate until…

"Here, give this to her for me."

Soratsu dropped something into Yuriko's hand and stalked off. As he brushed past Kaz, he made sure not to bump into him again, but refused to make any eye-contact. Kaz, after making sure Soratsu was out of sight, turned back to Yuriko.

"What was that about?"

Yuriko looked at the item in her hand and shook her head.

"I can't believe he still had that", she said to herself.

She put it into her pocket and walked to the school building. Kaz, who was still left in the dark, shrugged and decided to ask about it on another occasion.

(Afterschool)

Pump-u-Up Gymnasium

Johei let out a low whistle.

"Damn, this place is pretty top notch!", he said.

Mikan nodded.

"I hear that it's next to impossible to schedule a workout here. How did you get by?"

Kaz scratched the back of his head.

"Well, let's just say I've got some friends with a ton of benefits"

Flashback

"I don't know how long I've had these things or why I'm giving it to you, but take it before I change my mind", Shirou told him.

Flashback end

"Dude, a friend of yours works here?! That's awesome!", Johei exclaimed.

"Yeah… let's go with that"

Kaz pushed open the door and entered the building with his friends. They all believed that the gymnasium looked impressive on the outside, but their expectations were quickly elevated when they saw the interior.

"Damn! They even have a basketball court in the back!", Yoichi exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

"I found something even better!", Loki said as he flew back to the group.

"Wait, where were you?", Skadi asked.

Loki shook his head.

"No time for that. Johei! We gotta get to the pool area!"

Johei's eyes went as wide as plates and he picked up his bag.

"I'llseeyouguysinafewminutesbye!"

Faster than the speed of sound, the hormone filled teenager ran to the pool locker rooms. Daichi sighed as he made his way to the pool locker rooms at a much slower pace.

"I'll go make sure he doesn't get into any trouble."

"Wait wait wait, why are you here?", Iselin asked.

"Surely you could not have forgotten our Master?", Munin asked.

"If there is a way to become stronger, Master Daichi will take it!", Hugin exclaimed as he spread his wings.

"He's got a broken arm that's still healing; He'd probably hurt himself more than actually train", Hildr pointed out.

"It was something on the ticket that Kazuhiko decided to make him come", Tyr explained.

Kaz nodded and pulled out his ticket.

"It says right here that we need a group that exceeds five people. For every person more, we get 15% back, maximum is 60%".

The group decided to get to work on their own; Mikan and Iselin working on the stationary bikes, Daichi giving support to Yoichi who was lifting weights, Johei feeling down in the corner (the pool only allowed one piece swimsuits for women; no bikinis), and Kazuhiko and Yuriko running on the elliptical machines.

"*huff* *puff* *huff*"

Kazuhiko breathed heavily as he completed his fourth simulated mile. He then turned to the treadmill next to him to see Yuriko running along just fine.

"Wow", he thought

"She's really holding up pretty well after all this running"

Then he snuck a peek at her resistivity level.

"Aaaand that explains why", he thought to himself.

After another half hour, the two called for a break and were resting in the break room. Kaz took out two bottles of Gatorade in his bag and handed one to Yuriko, who accepted it with pleasure.

"Thanks, Kaz-senpai."

They both took a swig before starting conversation.

"Man, you guys are really tough if you can just rush into that world at any time and fight shadows."

Kaz shrugged.

"Well, after gaining our Persona, we feel a lot lighter than usual. I think it's that they take most of the strain off our backs."

Yuriko nodded in understanding and the continued to stand in silence.

"Say, what was it that Soratsu-san gave to you?", he asked.

Yuriko pondered upon herself before answering.

"It's something that he planned to give Hikari… when we were all on good terms"

Kazuhiko stared at Yuriko, waiting for a response.

"You all were friends before, if I remember correctly. Soratsu had a crush on Hikari, but thought he needed to be tough to win her over. What was on her mind when he started changing?"

Yuriko had a sad smile on her face.

"Well, I knew for a fact that she did like him back already, but when he changed… "

Flashback

"Yuriko, can I talk to you?", Hikari asked.

The two were on the roof when the conversation had started.

"Yeah, what's up?"

Hikari slightly blushed.

"Well, you already know about my feelings for him… "

"Ah, so you decided to confess to him? About time!"

Hikari's face started to flush a violent crimson. She desperately covered her face as she sputtered words.

"N-no! I mean, yes! Oh, will you stop teasing me already?! This is serious!"

After having a good laugh, Yuriko turned more focused.

"Something's happened to him. He seems more tough than he usually is. I mean, I thought he just got contacts when he wasn't wearing his glasses, but he's been bumping into everything now. Then he changed his clothes and hair, it's just worrying me."

"'Sup, guys!", Soratsu said as he walked towards his two friends.

He was sporting a new bruise on his face and some blood on his shirt as if he just got into a fight. Hikari gasped as she examined his cut. Yuriko looked incredulous.

"Soratsu, what happened to you?!"

Soratsu just shook his head.

"Nothing, I just walked into a corner again."

Yuriko raised her eyebrow.

"Did it put up a good fight?"

Soratsu tensed at the mention of the word. Hikari, however, was more occupied in getting some tissues to clean off the blood on his face.

"Honestly, Soratsu; What happened? You've been late to classes, your grades have been slipping, and you always look like you lost a bout with Segata Sanshiro."

Soratsu looked as if he was deciding whether or not to tell the truth until Hikari let out a sharp gasp. She held onto his hand, then moved them to his fingers; more specifically his pinky finger.

"Soratsu, please tell me I'm just imagining things", she said as she brought his hand closer to her face.

Yuriko took a quick glance at his hands and felt saddened that her suspicions were right.

"... why? Why are you with them?"

Soratsu took back his hand and shoved it into his pocket.

"It doesn't matter right now. The point is, I'm different from before. Hikari, you like me more now, don't you? I'm a lot tougher than before, and I'm not a nerd that embarasses you guys all the ti-"

*SMACK*

Soratsu stopped speaking when Hikari's hand came into contact with his left cheek. Yuriko could already see the red handprint forming, but even that wasn't enough to make her sympathize him. Hikari, however, was on the verge of tears.

"... y… you… "

She couldn't finish her sentence as she dashed towards the staircase, covering her eyes as best as she could. Soratsu looked back at his pink-haired friend.

"Was it something I said?", he asked.

Yuriko felt infuriated and looked around for anything that she could throw at the thug. Then, her eyes settled on her textbook.

*BONK*

"Augh! Hey!", Soratsu said as the heavy school material made contact with his forehead.

Yuriko picked up her book and stormed to the staircase.

"Just how stupid can you get?!"

Soratsu was left all alone on the roof. He rubbed the welt that was now forming on his head and stood there in a daze. Sighing, he pulled out the item he was planning to give to Hikari.

"Guess I'll just have to wait for another time."

Flashback End

Yuriko held out a pair of golden rings in the palm of her hand. Kazuhiko looked at them with much interest.

"My goodness, these must have cost a fortune.", Tyr said.

"You can tell just by looking at them?", Kazuhiko asked.

Tyr shrugged.

"I was worshiped by Vikings, people who raided others for a living."

"I guess that makes sense… "

Yuriko nodded.

"They cost a lot, since they're gold and custom made."

She put them away and picked up her water bottle.

"He finally realized what Hikari meant, but he thinks that he can't dig himself out. That's why I'm going to help him."

That made Kaz's eyebrows stick up.

"Wait, you're going to try and get him out of the Yakuza?"

Yuriko nodded.

"Do you have a plan?"

Yuriko looked at the ground and shook her head

"... no, but that doesn't mean I should just abandon him. I know he hurt me, but he's still my friend. Besides, I said some horrible things to him too… "

Kazuhiko continued to stare at his kohai, then settled for shaking his head.

"Well, I just can't leave you alone to do this by yourself; That would be irresponsible of me as your senpai. Count me in too."

Yuriko looked at Kaz with a smile.

"Well then, let's shake on it!"

She stuck her hand out to which Kaz took it and they shook hands.

Suddenly, time stood still.

"I knew it"", Kaz thought.

A tarot card materialized before his eyes as a voice resounded in his head.

I art Thou, Thou art I

Thou hast established a new bond

It shall be the strength of the heart to break free from the chains of despair

I present to thee the Lovers Arcana

The card revealed itself as the Lovers Arcana before disappearing in an instant.

Yuriko tried tugging her hand out of Kaz's grasp, but then slightly thought against it.


(Evening)

After working out, Kaz had went to the showers in the locker rooms with the other guys and headed back to his hotel room. He tried to study, but his head just wasn't in the game at that time. Tyr, was probably one of the contributing factors.

"Don't you find it strange that Yuriko-san didn't remind you about letting go of your hand during one of our, ah, sessions?"

Kazuhiko sighed as he took his eyes off his book for what seemed like the hundredth time.

"Tyr, if you have something you're trying to hint at, just say it."

Tyr chuckled like an old man that has seen almost everything in his long life.

"What I'm saying is that she might be smitten for you."

Kaz turned back to his book.

"The answer is correct! Give the Persona his prize! So what?"

Tyr floated right next to Kaz.

"Come on, Kazuhiko. At least humor me a bit. It's been so long that I have seen such genuine attraction between two people."

"But what about Johei and Mika-senpai?"

The two stood silent for a moment until-

"AHAHAHAHA!"

"AHAHAHAHA! I was totally kidding!"

After recovering, Tyr bounced back to the topic.

"Seriously, though, what are you gonna do about it?"

"Nothing for now; It's too soon to start an intimate relationship if that's what you wanted me to do."

They continued for a few minutes of complete silence until Kazuhiko let out a deep breath.

"Ah, who am I kidding? I already know this stuff cold."

He grabbed his jacket and headed for the door.

"Where are we going now?"

"Checking to see if anyone is available right now. The arcade's not too packed right now, so I guess I can take my mind of things by playing a few rounds."


Nuzoko Shopping District; Arcade

"Hey, Sukima-senpai!"

Filipe waved to Kaz as he got off the Space Hazard arcade game. Kazuhiko smiled at his underclassman and pulled out a few yen bills to make change.

"You feel up to a few shootouts? I'm in a good mood today, so everything's on me!", he said.

Kaz nodded his head.

"Sure, but how about we try the rifles this time around?"

After playing a few games of Big Game Hunter, the two started to take a break.

"Man, I couldn't have been more out of practice!", Filipe said in an exasperated tone.

"Out of practice?", Tyr asked.

"He hit every target dead on!"

Kazuhiko sat in a chair and pondered on their previous conversation.

"So Filipe, how's your father doing?"

Filipe's expression quickly deteriorated.

"Well, he's doing fine, I guess… "

He set his drink down and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"He has enough time to talk with me, so I guess that's alright."

"I'm sensing a 'but' here."

Filipe smiled.

"Yeah, but it's nothing really important."

The two continued on chatting like nothing happened, until Kaz brought up the subject once again.

"What does your father do?"

"He mostly does odd jobs, but he already gets retirement money from serving the military."

"Is that why you're so good at shooting games?"

Filipe tensed up at the mention.

"It's… just a hobby of mine."

Another moment of silence before Filipe broke the ice.

"Listen, I just don't like talking about my old man that much. Sorry if I seem pretty harsh."

Kazuhiko nodded in understanding and Filipe returned a smile.

"Thanks. I'm glad you understand."

He chugged down his remaining soda and threw the can into a basket with perfect accuracy.

"Alright! Time to get back into the game!"

Kazuhiko endured another hour of getting his ass handed to him before calling it quits and retreating to the hotel.

Emperor Arcana Rank Up!

Social Link Level 3!


June 26, 2021; Wednesday

(Lunchtime)

Kyuto High, Hallways

"Man, was Ozuma-sensei stricter than usual today or what?", Johei complained as he and Kaz walked out of class.

"How would you know?", Loki asked

"You're rarely awake in his classes"

"He actually got someone else in the head with his chalk."

"It's because of Finals being just around the corner. You sure you've been studying?"

Johei nodded.

"Yeah, I'm a whiz at math now!"

His impulsive friend pumped his fists and gave one of his infectious smiles. Seeing it, Kaz couldn't help but smile himself.

"Well then, maybe we can hang out later?"

"Aw hells yeah! You have no idea how long it's been since we had some time to catch up!"

The two made their way to the lunch stands.


(After School)

Nuzoko Shopping Center; Batting Cages

*PINK*

Johei sent the last pitch straight at the target with expertise. Kazuhiko did likewise with his last ball and ended the round with a tie.

"Man, you still haven't given any ground, have you?", Johei asked as he opened the batting cage and set his bat down.

Kazuhiko shook his head.

"Nope, I can't let you win without giving you a challenge."

The two chuckled as they checked out their stuff at the counter. Then, they walked outside and talked about random subjects, such as who they really wanted to see again, or reliving moments in their elementary school year.

"Oh, I got the teacher so good that one time!"

"Yeah, so good that you got detention for a week."

They walked in silence until Kaz spoke up.

"Say, there's something that I wanted to talk to you about", he said.

They stopped and sat down at a bench.

"Yeah? What's up?"

"Well, it's really strange that I remember all of these things, but I can't remember what happened towards the end of the school year. Some bits and pieces in the middle, I can't remember either."

Johei's face became serious.

"That's pretty strange; I can't seem to remember what happened either. Whenever I try to look back, it's just all hazy and I end up getting a headache."

Kaz pulled out the photograph that he received from Junn and Kokatsu and stared at the woman circled in red pen.

"I mean, this lady is really familiar to me, for some reason. I don't remember the sound of her voice, but I can feel that she was kind and spunky. Her smile was warm and caring, and her red hair always made me think of how unique she was. Yet, I just feel like I'm going crazy whenever I can't remember her."

Johei took the photo and stared at it constantly.

"No… she doesn't ring a bell… wait… hold on… "

He brought the picture closer to his face and he noticed a little trinket hanging from her neck.

"That thing… that mp3 player… wait I remember now!"

Kazuhiko's eyes went wide.

"You remember? Who is she?"

Johei nodded his head.

"Yeah! Don't you remember that one prank I pulled? The one with the frogs in the desks?"

Flashback

"EEEEEK!"

A girl jumped onto her chair and pointed at the reptile crawling out of her desk. Several female students were panicking as well when the same happened to them. Johei, Kazuhiko, and the rest of the boys were laughing.

"Hey, why don't you kiss one?", Johei asked

"Maybe it'll turn to Prince Charming!"

After that remark, the boys laughed even harder, while the girls screamed louder. The teacher shook her head and took a jar to put the frogs in. After returning the frogs to the pond, the teacher came back with her arms crossed.

"Okay, who did it this time? Shiroka-kun? Sukima-san?"

Both boys shook their heads in unison; they were already used to being accused by the teacher. Then again, they were used to lying about pulling pranks, and they were rather successful at covering their tracks as well.

Sighing in defeat, the teacher had no choice but to go back to the lesson. Afterschool, the boys were leaving the classroom until a voice called them.

"Hold on you two. I need to have a talk with you."

They locked eyes and realized that they had been caught. Reluctantly, they turned around to see the college intern smiling at them.

"Well, that was definitely the prank today, don't you boys think?"

They remained silent. The girl continued.

"I'm really impressed that you were able to get into the classroom during recess without the teacher noticing. But you didn't notice me when I saw you to enter with a croaking box."

The boys looked down at their shoes and sighed, as if they were criminals that were on the run for years and had finally gotten tired of running. Johei looked up with teary eyes.

"Are… are you going to punish us?"

The girl with scarlet hair shook her head.

"No, I'm not. I actually thought it was pretty funny!"

This was an unexpected reaction that the boys were used to. They looked up with surprised faces as the girl laughed.

"Ah, well, remember that pranks are meant to be fun, alright boys? In the end, try to make a prank where everyone laughs."

The boys nodded enthusiastically.

"Thank you, sensei!"

The girl waved her hand and sighed.

"You don't have to call me sensei, I'm not a teacher yet. Instead, how about you two call me Nee-san!"

Flashback End

"And we called her nee-san ever since then, that is, until she left to graduate and become a teacher."

Kazuhiko shook his head.

"How do you know all of this better than I do?"

Johei shrugged.

"I guess I just have better memory. Anyways, what's the reason why she's circled?"

"That'll remain a mystery, for now, I'm afraid."

Johei looked at the picture with a fond smile.

"She became the reason I continued making pranks. I guess, the thrill of tricking people wasn't why I kept on doing it, but it was really seeing people smile that gave me a purpose. And it was all thanks to her."

Johei smiled and gave Kaz the photo, who put it back into his backpack.

"Welp, there's something to run off of, I guess."

Kaz nodded.

"Yeah, and I guess that I learned something new about you that I never did. It's like I'm meeting you all over again."

Johei chuckled.

"Dude, don't make this gay."

After cracking some more jokes, they seperated for the time being and left for their respective quarters.

Magician Arcana Level Up!

Social Link Level 2!


Meanwhile…

Ken was putting away the last of the dishes on the rack and closed up the café. He had closed earlier than usual due to unexpected events; An old friend of his was just moving in and he wanted to greet them.

"I should probably go get Koromaru-san too. He'll definitely want to see her."

He unlocked the door to his apartment and let the old Inu Shiba out. Koromaru jumped up and licked his face to greet him.

"Hey! Down, Koromaru! Yeah, I'm glad to see you too! Let's head out, yeah?"

The two jogged towards the subway station and checked the clock.

"Darn, the trains are late. Guess we'll just have to wait for a little bit, pal."

They waited on a bench for some time, watching passengers pass by. Still no sign of her. Then, out of sheer exhaustion, Ken closed his eyes, just for a rest.

He didn't know when he dozed off, but he realized that quite some time had passed when he arrived. Looking around, the subway seemed pretty empty, save for Koromaru and himself.

"Must have missed her… huh?"

Okay, scratch the last remark, he was the only one in the station; Koromaru was nowhere. This wasn't something that the Inu Shiba usually did.

"Koromaru! Koromaru! Come here boy!"

"Aww, who's a good boy? Who's a good doggy?"

Ken turned to the sound of the voice and noticed a woman with short red hair tied into a ponytail. She was dressed in a beige colored blouse and plaid skirt with white leggings that reached just past her knees. Her eyes were red, just like Koromaru's, and she had an air of innocence around her, as if she were just a loveable five year-old under that mature mannerism.

Skeptical, Ken walked towards her and faked a cough to get her attention.

"Um, are you… "

The girl looked up at him and smiled.

"Wow! Is that you, Ken? You've gotten so much bigger since I last saw you!"

He was immediately tackled in a warm embrace. Ken smiled at his senpai and returned the hug.


June 27, 2021; Thursday

(Lunch time)

Classroom 2-B

"So you hear? We've got a new teacher!", a student behind Kaz said.

"Really? No way, where did you even hear that?"

Kazuhiko sighed and walked over to Iselin's desk. The SPT members were gathered there to chat for a little while.

"Hey, you changed your cast!", Iselin said, pointing out the arm brace that was on Daichi's forearm.

"Oh, this? Yeah, the doctors said that I healed faster than expected, so I moved onto the arm brace. I can't do very well in the other world, but I can write now."

"Praise be to the sun! Our master is well again!", Hugin rejoiced.

"Where did you learn that?", Hildr asked the crow brothers.

Johei sighed and rubbed his eyelids.

"Just another quirk they developed. I lent Daichi my copy of Rising Sun Ninja and they haven't stopped raving about it."

"What about the rumors?", Daichi asked

"The ones about getting a new teacher. I heard that she's fairly young."

"We haven't gotten any new teachers on our end", Yoichi said.

"Besides, we'd usually be informed a week or two in advance if we were to have a new teacher."

Everyone nodded and Kaz excused himself from the discussion.

"So, what are your thoughts on this whole matter?"

Kaz shrugged.

"I'm not really sure, but I am curious as to where these rumors came from."

They walked towards a vending machine and looked over the drinks remaining.

"Pepshu, Diet Pepshu, Quelorie Magic, ooh, Water of Revival."

Kaz put in his yen coins and made his selection. Upon the drink being dispensed, it somehow popped out and rolled down the hallway.

"Aw crap!"

He chased it down the hallway until it hit the shoes of a teacher.

"Ah! I'm so sorry sensei… "

He woman looked up at him and smiled. She had red hair tied up and a white collared shirt underneath a red jacket. She picked up the can and shook her head.

"It's alright. Besides, don't you remember that your Minako-nee-san is a forgiving person?"


Aaaaaaaaaaaaand we are back! Few! I had quite the time at my school; Not only are we bombarded with tests and homework (I fully blame my AP teachers) but also the SAT and college applications! Yipes! Anyways, I was pretty tied up and had writer's block on how to do this chapter and span everything to summer break in the story. So Minako is here! WHAT?! Well, I always believed that the P3 story should have both of them in it, but Minato is the protagonist. Also, Soratsu never actually was dating Hikari before, but that time that Yuriko called Soratsu her boyfriend was kind of a running joke between them. Hope that clears everything up. Finally, shout-out to Esper Add and Psychorex for recently joining the family; There is no escape now you two. HAHAHAHAHAHA! Just kidding, glad to have you guys on board. I really apologize if this chapter wasn't up to snuff for you guys. I promise, I will be back to the groove of things in due time. But first, I think it's time we interviewed our latest member of the SPT!


The After Show with Dangstaboy and Special Guest: Yuriko Ikebukoro

Dangstaboy: Sorry guys, I was running late. I lost my way here and e-

Yuriko: About time, slowpoke. What took you so long?

Dangstaboy: Wait, how are you here before me? I'm supposed to invite you here!

Yuriko: Well, I just found the front door and here I am. Are we gonna get this over with or what?

Dangstaboy: *sigh* fine. Let me just get my script. And get out of my chair.

After several minutes of prepping…

D: Okay! So, it's nice to have you here Ms. Ikebukoro!

Y: So, is this some kind of interview show? Love the decor, by the way.

D: …

(Tears start streaming down the author's face)

D: You… you wonderful blessed soul… *sniff*

Y: Yeah, I was just kidding. You think this piece of crap is worth anything?

D: Why thank you. That was a gift from my late grandfather before he died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. How do you feel now?

Y: … Let's just get on with the questions

D: Okay, I guess so. Hey, wait a second! These questions are only from one person! Geez, you know what? I'll probably have to call you again after this.

Y: Wait, what? No! I don't wanna come back here!

D: Too bad. First question! What exactly is the effect of Mirror Edge?

Y: Oh, that? I'm not really sure. I was pretty tuckered out after it, though.

Sieglinde: I believe I can be of assistance here. Mirror Edge is a move that reflects all kinds of attacks. The cost, however, is 90% of the user's HP and SP. Definitely something that shouldn't be used very often.

D: Oh yeah, I always wondered why there wasn't a fail-safe move in Persona. I guess I just came up with that on the spot to BS your fight a bit. Anyways, next question. Is there any relation to you about the Ikebukuro District in Japan? And what is your opinion of it?

Y: Well, I'm not related to the Ikebukuro District; My last name is spelled Ikebukoro, not Ikebukuro. As for my thoughts on it, it's really cool!

D: Wow, really? Same here! My friends went there before and sent me a bundle of pictures. Wow, we really are quite alike.

Y: My favorite place is the cat cafe!

D: And now you're my least favorite character.

Y: What? What's wrong about cats?!

D: They just hate humanity! They act like we're their servants! A cat next-door really hates me and goes out of its way to shit in my yard!

Y: Well, that's probably because you've got really shitty taste. The cat's probably helping you out.

D: You know what? Screw this. Next question. What's your favorite flower?

Y: My favorite flower is the pink Hyacinth. It symbolizes playfulness, so I guess I match that up. That, and these cute pair of panties that I one time stole has some on it.

(Yuriko pulls out a pair of unmentionables and holds it in front of the author)

D: AH! Uh, why do you have that on you? *wipe* *wipe*

Y: Relax, I didn't wear them. Unless you want me to…

D: Jesus Christ! Of course I don't want you to do that!

Y: What? Are you saying that I look ugly?

D: No!

Y: *gasp* you dirty old man!

S: I think we should step aside from that subject, Ojoh-chan.

D: Thank you!

S: Especially since this pair that I swiped is even cuter!

D: Will you stop that?!

(After several minutes of getting panties out of the picture…)

I knew what you were thinking; Don't deny it you filthy pervert.

Yuriko! Get off my computer!

D: Hokay! Next is the largest parfait you ever ate and what is your favorite flavor?

Y: I've eaten a bunch of parfaits before, but one that was even bigger than the Yggdrasil one. It was in France and it was called the "Seigneur Parfait". It had 10 layers and was mango flavored! My favorite flavor is chocolate, though.

D: How… how did you even finish that one parfait?

Y: Oh yeah, it was so tasty, I ordered a second one.

D: WTF?!

(After recovering)

D: So why did you blush when Kaz carried you bridal style. And what about Sieglinde teasing Loki and flirting with Tyr? Are you lesbian or bisexual?

Y: Um… well… Senpai… I'm… He's… handsome?

D: Yeah, she's got the hots for him.

Y: Wh- hey! Don't just say that out loud!

D: Why not? We're in Limbo, so nobody can possibly hear us!

In another dimension…

Rise Kujikawa: Teehee, that's what you guys think.

Kanzeon: Okaa-san, what are we looking at?

Rise: Oh, nothing really. Just a show that recently came out that I really like.

Kanzeon: Is it like the Midnight channel?

Rise: No

Futaba: Hey! Move over, you're getting in Prometheus' signal connection!

Prometheus: Yeah! You're getting in my signal connection.

Kanzeon: How dare you speak to Okaa-san like that!

Prometheus: You wanna go, you noob?!

Kanzeon: I have no idea what you just called me, but I guess it's justification for me to hit you!

Rise: Ah! Wait, they were just getting to the good part!

Back to the show…

D: Also, what do you think of Johei?

Y: Who?

D: Johei. You're teammate. The one with the spear?

Y: There's someone like that on our team?

D: *sigh* never mind.

D: Anyways, Sieglinde, are you a Yaoi fan? If you are, you should ask Loki for some links.

S: Well, I'm okay with Yaoi; I've done much worse, anyways. And who's Loki?

D: Johei's Persona.

S: Who's Johei

D: *sigh* I'm so sorry Johei.

D: Finally, we have a gift for you.

Y: Ooh! What is it!? Tell me tell me!

D: It's something called a chrome-pink Benefactor Panto with sticker-bombs. Can we bring that in please?

(Staff drives in the mini car)

D: Oh, looks pretty neat.

Y: Aw hell yeah! I'm gonna burn some rubber with this baby!

(Yuriko gets into the car and turns on the engine)

D: Wait wait wait wait! Don't drive it in here!

(Yuriko drives through the wall, breaking the stage and my wallet)

S: Have fun! Make sure to wear your seat belt!

D: My wallet, my money… my poor poor funds…