Thursday, 19 May, After School
"So, you got something for us, partner?" Yosuke said as they took their seats at the usual table.
Souji took a sip of soda before responding. "I ran into that guy from the shop near the entrance," he said. "Seems Kanji has some kind of complex; he got really defensive when asked if anything strange had happened."
"Yeah, we kinda noticed– what the hell!?" Yosuke interrupted himself.
Souji couldn't help smiling. Crouched next to his chair was a familiar lean mass of red-and-white fur, the fox he'd encountered at the Tatsuhime Shrine. It gazed at Yosuke with what almost looked like vulpine amusement.
Chie was less restrained. "How'd it get in here!?" she demanded.
"Hold on," Yukiko said, raising a hand. "I've seen that apron before." The fox cocked its head, and she nodded. "Yes, it's the one from the Tatsuhime Shrine. I've seen it a couple of times on the way to the textile shop."
"More to this fox than meets the eye," Souji said, scratching the animal behind the ears.
He was still wondering about that. Foxes were highly intelligent, to be sure, but this one seemed to go far beyond the norm for the species. It had already displayed an understanding of events around the shrine that suggested almost human-level intelligence, which by rights should have been impossible.
Another mystery. "I don't know how, or why, but it seems to understand us, and is willing to help. For a price," Souji added with a wry smile. "To help restore the shrine. I say we let it do what it wants."
"I agree," Yukiko said. "I'd feel bad if we trapped it."
Yosuke grunted. "If we could. Seeing as it got clear to the roof, I'm betting it'd see any trap coming a mile away."
The fox let out a satisfied-sounding yip. "Yes, we understand," Souji said, scratching its ears again. "Just don't go wandering off."
It appeared to consider that, then let out another yip and dropped lightly to the floor, before trotting off in the direction of the electronics department.
"This is officially weirder than some of the stuff we've seen in the TV world," Yosuke said, shaking his head.
"I hear that," Souji said. "Let's go see Teddie. We have a job to do."
Teddie was waiting for them when they arrived, looking far more cheerful than he had in some time. Perhaps the realization that he could still do something to help had improved his spirits. Whatever the reason, Souji was glad to see it.
"You have something for me?" the bear said as they approached.
"A little," Souji said. "I don't know if it's enough, but we it's interesting." He summarized what the mysterious boy had told him.
Teddie's face scrunched up. "Hmm. It's a bit bear-ren, but it might be just enough." He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sniffed in a way that Souji privately found unnerving. "Hmm. . . . Hmm. . . . That's it!" He pointed off past Yosuke's shoulder. "That way!"
If this was reality for Kanji, Souji decided a few minutes later, he was really not looking forward to the Shadow's true form. At first glance it seemed like an ordinary bathhouse, a design common in most of Japan. The castle Yukiko had been trapped in had taught them not to judge by appearances.
It also introduced a complication Souji hadn't thought of, and he mentally kicked himself for not thinking of it sooner. Their glasses did away with the normal fog of the TV world, but did nothing to mitigate ordinary steam. Visibility was thus significantly reduced.
As if on cue, soft music began playing, accompanied by a macho-sounding voice. "C'mere, pussycat," it said.
"Oh, such well-defined pecs." The second voice was more suave, but still male.
This is not going to end well, Souji thought, glancing at his companions uneasily. Teddie appeared unaffected, but since he wasn't human that meant little. Yosuke, by contrast, appeared to be sweating just a bit more than the steamy atmosphere could account for. Souji didn't blame him in the least.
"There's no need to be scared," the macho voice said.
"Uhhh. . . ." Though incoherent, Chie was expressing the general sentiment. Her face was starting to turn the same color as her windbreaker.
Souji felt slightly ill himself. He'd never really been comfortable in bathhouses to begin with. Combined with the disturbing implications of Kanji's Shadow, and he would be fortunate if he was able to avoid throwing up during the operation.
Yosuke took a step back. "H-Hang on! I-I don't wanna go!"
Appearing to agree, Yukiko looked at teddie. "Um, Teddie, is Kanji-kun really in here?"
Teddie nodded firmly, oblivious to the others' discomfort. "The nose knows."
I don't even care about the bad pun. That's the least of my worries right now.
Yosuke was beginning to shake. "W-We seriously have to go in there? I can already feel the sweat running down my back."
Chie made an impatient noise. "That's just because it's so hot."
At that moment, what Souji Seta wanted more than anything else was to go home and crawl into bed. Even taking a repeat exam would be heaven compared to this crazy bathhouse, he was certain. Unfortunately, as the leader of their little band, he didn't have that option.
"Come on, guys," he said, doing his utmost to keep the nausea out of his voice. "The sooner we find Kanji-kun, the sooner we can say goodbye to this place."
Leading his team into the steamy hallways, he swiftly concluded this bathhouse from hell had been constructed by Kanji's Shadow to annoy him personally. He could think of no other explanation for the ambiance that had him feeling like he was in bed with a swarm of cockroaches.
Case in point, the first Shadow they encountered. It was humanoid, looked like a twisted parody of an American professional wrestler. Souji, caught by surprise, was knocked off his feet; fortunately, Yosuke had the presence of mind to hit it with a strong wind spell, at which point Chie delivered a punishing kick that sent it flying.
"I am so taking a long shower when I get home," she said, shuddering.
"No argument from me," Souji agreed, shuddering.
They soon had reason to curse the reduced visibility. Blind corners led to more than one surprise attack; only Souji's quick thinking and Chie's martial artist's reflexes kept it from being a total route. By the time they'd cleared the first floor, Souji took to turning corners sword-first.
"Teddie," he said as they emerged on the second floor, and saw no sign of their target, "do you have any idea where Kanji is?"
The bear sighed. "It's hard to tell, but he's not on this floor." His nose twitched. "Sensei, I think this place is bigger than Yuki-chan's castle."
"What!?" Yosuke said indignantly. "That's crazy! We only barely rescued Yukiko-san!"
"Calm down, Yosuke," Souji said. "We'll take things as they come. Throwing in the towel won't help anyone." To be sure, he was no happier about it; he was already wondering how he was going to explain his sweat-soaked clothes to his uncle.
One thing at a time. Uncle Ryotaro knows I'm an athlete, so I can probably fudge an explanation about practice.
"That said," he went on, "we're probably going to have to take this one more slowly. I don't want any of us collapsing from heat exhaustion."
Yukiko winced at that. She would know, Souji realized, since the Amagi Inn had a hot spring on-site.
"So, how far are we going, then?" Chie asked.
Souji pursed his lips. "If we haven't found any sign of Kanji by the fourth floor, then we'll call it a day," he said. "I don't think we can manage anything more right now."
They resumed the trek, keeping a wary eye out for more Shadows. So far, they'd only been marginally stronger than the sorts Souji and his friends had encountered in Yukiko's castle, but he doubted it would last. Only a fool, he thought, would assume otherwise.
"Sensei, watch out!"
Teddie's warning came barely in time. Souji threw himself to one side, narrowly avoiding a veritable sheet of fire. Hastily switching Personas, silently blessing whichever deity had granted him the Wild Card, he was unable to dodge the second blast, but the more fire-resistant Persona kept his injuries minor. Yukiko dealt with the burns, while an enraged Chie froze the Shadow solid.
"Thanks, both of you," Souji said, wincing from the residual heat.
Chie grinned. "Hey, what are friends for?"
They resumed the slog, fighting through several more Shadow clusters before they reached the next stairway. More than once Souji had to remove his glasses in order to wipe them clean; the heat was really starting to get to him.
When they reached the third floor, teddie began sniffing intently. "Sensei, I'm pretty sure he's on this floor. Or at least his Shadow is."
I don't know if I should be glad of that or not. If it's him, good; if it's his Shadow, I'm going to need a barf bag.
"Guess we'd better get it over with," Yosuke said, resigned.
The third floor was noticeably more straightforward than previous areas; Teddie's sniffing ended at the first door they found. Souji drew his sword and looked back at his team. All three looked squeamish but determined, the best he could hope for under the circumstances. Grimacing, he braced himself and pushed the door open.
The sight that greeted them was in some ways more horrifying than any corpse.
It was Kanji. Or rather, it wasn't Kanji, but the same towel-clad doppelganger they'd seen on the Midnight Channel. Souji immediately had to suppress the urge to throw up. A task that grew more difficult when the Shadow turned to face them.
"Ooooh, I'm so glad to have your undivided attention," it said in a faux-dreamy voice. "I've finally penetrated the facility! These images are coming to you live from inside this steamy paradise."
"Paradise"? I'd rather listen to one of Sloth-face's lectures.
"But I've yet to find any charming encounters," the Shadow went on; Souji suddenly noticed it was holding a microphone. "Could this hot fog be the cause?'
No, I think it's because you're about as charming as a flu virus, actually.
"It's like steam rising from sweat. My body is just tingling with excitement!" Souji heard a strangled retching sound behind him at that; probably Yosuke. Not that he blamed his friend in the slightest.
Right on cue, a stylized sign appeared above the Shadow. "Men Only! Kanji Tatsumiin Rosy Steam Paradise!"
It was apparently too much for poor Yosuke. "Dammit, this is so wrong in so many ways."
"You said it, Yosuke," Chie agreed, shuddering.
And then, as if to make things worse, there was an all too familiar roaring of sound. Unintelligible voices, like they'd heard in Yukiko's castle. Combined with the atmosphere, it was enough to make Souji's head hurt.
"This is bad," Teddie said. "The Shadows are getting agitated."
"I've been wondering about those voices, though," Yosuke mused, briefly distracted from his nausea. "Are they people watching the Midnight Channel or something?"
Souji shook his head. "Not likely. There would be more talk at school, and so far it's just been the same stuff about soul mates."
Yukiko raised her eyebrows, impressed. "You're good at picking things up, Souji-kun."
He waved it away. "When you grow up in a corporate family like mine, you learn to keep your ears open." Taking a deep breath, he focused on the Shadow. "We've got more important things to worry about."
The Shadow was speaking again. "That elusive thing I've been yearning for. . . . Will I find it here?" It laughed. "Well then, onward and deeper to further realms of romance! Let's get going, dammit!"
Let's not.
Souji did not want to follow that Shadow. There were few things he wanted to do less than follow that Shadow. Unfortunately, they had to if they wanted to save Kanji, and as the leader it was up to him to take the first step.
"All right," he said, swallowing. "We'll clear things up until the fourth floor, and then call it a day. I don't think we're up to anything more just yet."
The sound of Yosuke losing his lunch was all the proof he needed.
Friday, 20 May, After School
Another delay. This time two of their number were out of action; Yosuke and Yukiko both had to work. Souji might have tried to scout a floor or two with just one member absent, since they'd rescued Yukiko with only three, but not when he was two down.
With nothing of importance on his schedule, he wandered into the shopping district. Some Aiya, he decided, would hit the spot.
He stepped through the door, and almost crashed into Daisuke Nagase. "Hey, look who's here," the soccer player said with a grin. "C'mon, join us."
Kou was already seated at the counter. "Hey, Souji," he said, lifting his soda in greeting. "Sorry I bailed on you last time."
"It's fine," Souji said, picking up a menu. "I know how complicated family can be."
Kou smiled without humor. "My grandmother is the family matriarch. Everybody follows her orders like she's the law." His lip twitched. "I had to go dress up all formal again. With my family, it's always tea ceremonies, formal receptions, that kind of stuff. To them, I'm always the prim and proper 'Kou-sama'."
Daisuke stared at him. "'Kou-sama'?" he repeated incredulously.
"Yeah," Kou said. "Crazy, isn't it?"
"Not as crazy as you might think," Souji said. "My family's the same way, except not as strict. Long line of samurai from the Sengoku period up until the late nineteenth century." He smiled. "Once, we were samurai; now, we are salarymen."
Kou stared blankly for a few heartbeats. "Samurai . . . wait a sec. Your last name's Seta; you any relation to Hironobu Seta?"
"My father," Souji acknowledged. "He and my mother are working overseas right now; some kind of new business venture or other. That's why I'm here."
"I knew I'd heard that name before," Kou said. "I met him once, 'bout three years ago. Seemed like a nice guy, for a corporate big shot."
Souji took a gulp of soda. "Like I said, my family aren't as strict as yours. Their only real concern is that I uphold the family honor; fair enough, I guess."
Daisuke shook his head. "Man, do I feel low-class right now," he quipped. "So, Souji, that mean you're going into business when you graduate?"
It was a question that had been on Souji's mind more and more often of late. Am I? His parents would have approved if he did, certainly, but had also made very clear that it was his decision. As he'd told Kou, the only condition was that he uphold the family honor.
"I don't know," he said at last, half to himself. "I'm not sure it feels right."
Kou chuckled. "Man, you've got it all laid out, but you don't know which way to go. Me, I thought I knew; see, my parents weren't able to have a child of their own, so I was adopted as the heir." He took a bite of his dinner, apparently lost in thought. "Then they had a little girl after all. She's two now."
"So you're feeling adrift," Souji said. I can relate.
"Something like that," Kou said. "Don't get me wrong, Sachi's cute, and they still treat me pretty well. It's just. . . ." He trailed off, shrugging helplessly.
Typical of the old families, Souji knew. For all the emphasis on honor, his own family was an exception. He'd been through his share of tea ceremonies and receptions, but that had always been for the benefit of outsiders. His home life, when his parents managed to be present, was fairly relaxed.
"All I can say is, you shouldn't let it get you down," Souji said. "If you don't mind the cliche, keep on smiling. Stay cheerful."
Kou laughed. "Cheerful? Man, I've got more cheer than I know what to do with!"
"Always knew you were crazy," Daisuke said with a grin. "Just remember, we've got your back, got it?"
Kou sobered . . . slightly. "Yeah, I got it. Thanks, guys."
Saturday, 21 May, After School
This time Yosuke and Yukiko were free, so they could make at least a little project through that hothouse. First, however, Souji decided they needed more information on the Shadows and Persona, information as far as he knew only one source had.
Feeling a little silly, Souji stood outside an antique shop in the shopping district, fingering the Velvet Key that he always kept with him. His goal wasn't the shop, of course, but rather the ornate blue door that only he could perceive.
An instant later, he found himself in the richly-appointed limo, still cruising through the seemingly endless fog. He'd been there a few times over the past month, but only for the most basic of orders, "fusing" Personas as Igor had put it.
"Welcome, young Souji," Igor said. "I see you are here for more than my normal function."
Perceptive as always. "I need to know more," Souji said bluntly. "What exactly is going on here? Why do I have this power?"
Igor sighed. "Your questions are very difficult to answer. Some answers I cannot give, some I simply do not have."
He should have known it wouldn't be that easy. "Then what can you tell me?" Souji pressed. "Mine isn't the only life at stake here; I can't afford to be ignorant."
Igor clasped his hands. "I can say that your presence here is no accident," he said. "Why you were chosen, I truly do not know." He offered a reassuring smile. "I assure you, however, that I will continue to do my utmost to see that your quest succeeds."
Souji nodded slowly. "Even though you can't tell me everything you do know."
"Alas, yes," Igor confirmed. "To do so would harm you in the end. Your growth would be stunted, and you would be unable to face the greater challenges in your future."
He has a point. Unfortunately. "Then I'll work with what I have," Souji said. "I'm not alone in this."
"And that, my young friend, is your greatest strength of all," Igor reminded him. "Now. Since your current situation is so urgent, perhaps we should attempt a triple fusion. With the right ingredients, it could unlock even greater power."
Worth a try. "All right."
Igor smiled that mysterious smile of his, and began laying out cards on the table.
This . . . is . . . getting . . . ridiculous! Souji's blade slashed through the leg of another wrestler-type Shadow. As it collapsed, Yosuke finished it with a gust of wind. Yukiko, with Chie standing guard, incinerated another two.
They'd managed to ascend an additional four floors, but despite a brief encounter with Kanji's Shadow, culminating in a fight with a superpowered wrestler type, there seemed to be no end in sight. Souji was beginning to feel like he was taking personal lessons from King Moron.
"Damn, this is endless," Yosuke groaned. "Teddie, are we any closer to finding him?"
The danger past for the moment, Teddie closed his eyes and sniffed deeply. "It's hard to tell, but I think so." He took several more sniffs. "Hmm, yeah. . . ." His huge eyes opened. "He's not on this floor, but we're definitely closing in. We're almost there, so grin and bear it!"
This is not the time for your puns, Teddie. He left the thought unvoiced, though. It's the heat, he thought morosely. The heat and the humidity are seriously getting to me.
"All right," he said. "If the forecast is right, we still have a few more days before any extended rain. Let's try to climb a couple more floors and call it a day; if it's anything like last time, we need to be as fresh as possible when we find Kanji."
Naturally, it wasn't as easy as that. Through the next door, Souji very nearly too a bullet to the head when a Shadow vaguely resembling a police officer started shooting at him. Biting back a curse, he dove forward and to the right, rolling into a half-crouch behind the Shadow.
His timing was nearly perfect. Yosuke skittered forward with an oddly crablike gait, driving one knife into the ersatz revolver and slashing the other across what passed for the Shadow's belly. The attack would have gutted a human, and while a Shadow lacked such vulnerabilities, it was still visibly injured.
Which was enough for Chie to take a flying leap and stomp its head into a mass of black ichor.
"Yuck," she muttered, drawing a giggle from Yukiko.
In the end, they were able to make it to the ninth floor when Souji called a halt. They were all sweat-soaked and exhausted; even Teddie, who wasn't even human, seemed to be breathing hard. Not to mention he had other concerns.
"Probably a good idea, partner," Yosuke said, leaning heavily against the wall. "If we have to fight at the end, I don't think I could manage it right now."
"Same here," Chie agreed, hands on her knees. "This damned heat. . . ."
If it hadn't been necessary to put up a good front as leader, Souji would have been leaning on his sword. "I have to at least try and get home before Uncle Ryotaro, anyway," he said. "We can't afford to have him getting suspicious."
"Guess you can't be too careful living with a cop," Yosuke conceded. "Same time tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Souji threw a look down the hall. "We're almost there."
Evening
To Souji's immense relief, his uncle was not home when he arrived. Nanako was immersed in whatever TV show she was watching, but looked away long enough to give him a cheerful greeting. Souji returned it absently, promising to help with dinner after he'd had a chance to shower.
A few minutes later and he was back in the kitchen, feeling renewed save for a bit of lingering fatigue. Nanako, always eager to help out, fetched the ingredients he requested. A simple curry, he decided, would hit the spot after such a long day.
"Big Bro," she asked when they were seated, "are you an only child?"
Souji took a bite of his dinner. "Yeah," he said quietly. He had a feeling he knew where this was going.
"So you're like me," Nanako said, looking older than her six years. "Dad told me our family won't get any bigger," she went on in a melancholy tone. "That it'll always be just the two of us." She brightened then. "But now you're here, so I don't have to be alone."
Souji covered a wince, knowing he would have to leave the following spring. No sense dwelling on it now. "That's right," he told her, smiling gently. "As long as I'm here, you don't have to be lonely."
"Right!" Nanako said, a wide smile on her face.
For another hour they sat and chatted, the brief sadness forgotten. Souji spent the evening just enjoying his cousin's simple cheerfulness. He found it refreshing after the chaos at Yasogami. It was easy to see why her father doted on her when he could.
Tuesday, 24 May, After School
The moment of truth. They'd spend the last couple of days conquering the remaining floors, and had found the chamber where Teddie insisted Kanji was waiting. Reluctant though he was to leave someone in there any longer than necessary, Souji had decided they should rest up, so as to be absolutely certain they were up to the task.
"I hope Kanji-kun is all right," Yukiko said as they finished a hurried meal.
Yosuke leaned back in his chair. "He'll be fine, Yukiko-san. We got there with time to spare, and he's too mean to just roll over and die. We'll save him, no sweat."
"Lots of sweat, you mean," Chie muttered.
Souji's lip twitched in a brief smile. "I finally have a feel for what we can do, so here's the plan. Yukiko, I'm going to have to ask you o stay back, attack with your fire abilities and heal when necessary. Chie, stick with your martial arts unless the target is strong against physical attacks and/or weak against ice; your magic abilities are the weakest we have."
Chie visibly didn't like anything about her being called "weak," but she couldn't dispute the point. "Gotcha, Souji. I'll punt that freak to the Moon if I have to."
"Yosuke and I will take point," Souji went on. "He's pretty balanced, and with my Persona-switching ability I can adapt to just about any situation."
Yosuke raised his eyebrows. "Sounds like you're expecting trouble right away," he observed.
"After fighting your Shadow, Chie's, and Yukiko's? Seems like the smart thing to do." Souji finished his drink. "Kanji might not reject his Shadow, but I wouldn't bet on it. Accepting yourself isn't easy at the best of times, and he obviously has issues."
His friend winced. "Can't argue with that."
"We may have to change things on the fly, depending on what we're facing, but this is a good baseline," Souji said. "Any questions?" General headshakes. "Let's go."
There was, if possible, even more steam on the top floor, enough that Souji felt like he was having trouble breathing. Probably psychological, he knew, but it was a complication he really didn't need right then. As it was, he had to wipe his glasses again before opening the door.
As expected, the real Kanji was there, still dressed in a Yasogami uniform. He was looking rather haggard, as to be expected of someone trapped in such a freakish place for so long, but as near as Souji could tell was uninjured.
Of course, he wasn't alone. "Oh, come now, enough with the charade," the Shadow said with an eerie smile. "Isn't it terrible to deceive people? To deceive even yourself?"
Same as the others, Souji thought, trading grim looks with Yosuke. And Kanji doesn't look like he's feeling reasonable, not that I blame him.
"What's so bad about doing what I want to do?"
Quite a few things, actually, depending on what it is you want.
Kanji shook his head like a punch-drunk fighter. "That's got nothin' to do with it."
His Shadow smirked. "Oh, really? I'm what you really want, aren't I?"
That drew a stronger reaction. Kanji's fists clenched, and his lips drew back in a snarl. "Hell, no! It's not like that at all!"
The Shadow sighed theatrically. "Oh, I hate girls. They're so arrogant and self-centered! Cry if you get angry, gossip behind your back, they spread nasty lies. . . . They look at my like I'm . . . some kind of thing and call me a weirdo."
No offense, but you're not doing a good job of proving them wrong,. A bit unkind, he knew, but this was the most disturbing Shadow they'd yet faced.
"'You like to sew? What a queer!' 'Painting is so not you!' I hate it!" The Shadow's face twisted in fury. "What the hell does being a 'guy' mean, anyway? What does it mean to be 'manly'? Girls are so scary."
"I ain't scared of girls!" What control Kanji had was clearly beginning to fray. Souji and his team spread out, awaiting what now appeared inevitable.
The Shadow was smiling again. "Guys are much nicer. They'd never say such awful, degrading things. Yes, I vastly prefer men."
Souji tensed further; he could see exactly where this was going, and he knew it was not going to end well.
"To hell with that!" Kanji snapped. "What the hell makes you think you can spout BS like that with my face, huh!?"
Here it comes.
His Shadow laughed. "How? Because you're me . . . and I'm you. You know that, don't you?
Kanji shook his head violently. "No . . . there's no way in hell that you're me!"
That tears it! "Positions, now!" Souji snapped. "Don't let your guard down, and don't let Kanji die!"
More laughter. "I'm you, and there's no denying it!" The now-familiar wave of darkness enshrouded the room, fading to reveal what Souji supposed was the Shadow's true form. A gigantic muscleman type at first glance, bicolored, black on one side, steel on the other, with a rose garland around its neck. What made it more disturbing was the facsimile of Kanji's head and upper torso where the neck and head would be.
A pair of more "normal" musclemen, also bicolored, flanked it. Souji barely gave them a glance.
"Whoa!" He'd forgotten Teddie was behind them. "Sensei, this one is a lot more dangerous than Yuki-chan's was! Be careful!"
The bear's observation was one of the most redundant things Souji had heard lately. Only his Persona-enhanced reflexes allowed him to dodge the Shadow's initial attack, a swing with a gigantic male arrow symbol. What? He rolled to his feet, barely in time to block an attack by one of the lesser Shadows.
"Concentrate on the flunkies first!" he yelled. "Take them out one at a time! Yosuke, do you have any support skills?"
"Way ahead of you, partner! Jiraiya, go!" A gust of wind swirled around them, and Souji felt his senses sharpening. It was almost as if the Shadows had suddenly slowed down; he could see their moves almost before they started.
Perfect! He dodged another attack from the more aggressive muscleman and replied with a diagonal slash that bit into its arm. It stumbled back, letting out an inhuman howl of pain. And then sung a right hook that would in all likelihood have shattered Souji's jaw if he hadn't turned away at the last instant. As it was,, the impact made his left arm go briefly numb.
Then it was stumbling back again, courtesy of Chie driving a vicious kick into its face. She nimbly dodged a return strike, and followed up with a roundhouse to its midsection. "Take that, you damn freak!"
"Thanks, Chie," Souji grunted, taking a deep breath. "Everyone else okay?"
"Big banged up, but I'll live," Yosuke said, dodging a swing from the main Shadow. "Yukiko-san's healing power is really coming in handy."
Before Souji could check on Yukiko, the Shadow he and Chie had double-teamed was charging him again. He pivoted on his left foot, allowing the shoulder tackle to slide past, and slashed twice in an X pattern, carving a deep gash into its back.
"Go, Sensei!" Teddie cheered. "It's almost down– whoa!" His tone changed abruptly. "Watch out! The main Shadow is about to–"
He didn't have a chance to finish. With a high-pitched yell, Kanji's Shadow released a cloud of billowing purple smoke. Getting a lungfull despite his best efforts, Souji immediately started choking and fell to his knees. What . . . what is this!?
"Waaah!" Teddie yelped. "It's poison!"
Damn! Souji struggled back to his feet. To his dismay, the others were all affected as well. We can't fight like this!
"Not so fast! Come, Konohana Sakuya!" Yukiko was coughing, but her voice was strong and defiant. Her ethereal Persona manifested, sending a soothing wave of energy over them.
His breathing suddenly much easier, Souji met Chie's gaze. "Let's finish this one," he said in aa hard voice.
Chie gave him a thumb's-up. "Right behind you!"
In almost perfect sync, they charged the musclebound Shadow. Souji dodged a punch aimed at his temple and responded with a Persona-enhanced chop, taking the Shadow's arm off at the elbow. Close behind, Chie took a flying leap, slamming both feet into its face and driving it to the floor, where it finally dissolved into black mist.
"One down!" Teddie cheered. "Good move!"
Yosuke skidded backward. "Don't waste your time hitting the other one," he said tightly. "Just shrugs it off."
Fine. Souji concentrated, summoning a Tarot card before his eyes. "Izanagi!" he snapped, crushing it in his fist. The apparition of the creator god obediently struck with a bolt of lightning, staggering the remaining muscleman. Just as it tried to lunge forward, Chie froze it in place.
It wouldn't hold for long, Souji knew. As did Yosuke. "Jiraiya, blow him away!" he shouted, summoning a miniature tornado.
"Good hit, Yosuke!" Teddie said. "It's weakening now!"
Souji smiled tightly. "All right, guys. Hit it with everything!" He crushed the card again, summoning a second bolt of lightning. Before the loud crack had faded, Chie somehow produced a miniature ice storm, aided by another gust of wind from Yosuke. The Shadow's howl turned into a wail as Yukiko set it on fire for good measure.
Two down. Unfortunately, the remaining target was also the toughest, and it was looking angry. "Don't you understand . . . this has nothing to do with you anymore!?"
Uh-oh. Souji took a step back, bracing himself for whatever the Shadow was planning. Retaliation came in the form of a lightning storm far stronger than he himself was capable of conjuring. Souji felt more of a physical impact than anything else, thanks to Izanagi's electrical resistance, and Yukiko didn't seem too bad off, but Chie let out a loud yelp of pain, and Yosuke was thrown clear off his feet.
"Wow, that was intense!" Teddie gasped. "Are you guys okay?"
Souji grunted, helping Yosuke to his feet. "I think so. Yukiko, give us some healing. Yosuke, as soon as your head is clear, recast that support spell. I think we'll need it."
"No argument from me," Yosuke said, still a bit dazed. "Jiraiya!"
Glaring back at Kanji's Shadow, Souji adjusted his grip on his sword. "Enough playing around," he growled. As he felt Yosuke's spell take effect, he kicked off the floor, a leap that allowed him to hack into the massive Shadow's right shoulder.
Chie's follow-up actually made Souji wince in instinctive sympathy. She lunged forward, nimbly ducked beneath an arrow swipe, and delivered a savage kick directly between its legs. Mental manifestation or not, it apparently duplicated its host well enough for that to be a vulnerable spot, almost dropping the arrows as it shrieked in agony.
"You enjoyed that, didn't you?" Yosuke said accusingly, still twitching a bit from the lightning attack.
Chie shot him a dirty look. "So what if I did!?"
Just keep at it, Souji told himself. He switched Personas, bringing the flame-based Pyro Jack to the forefront of his mind and unleashing a wave of fire. We're getting there. Don't lose focus.
The Shadow chose that moment to release another cloud of poison. Fortunately, this time they were prepared; Souji barely had time to cough before Yukiko cast another purifying spell, and set the Shadow's rose garland on fire. Yosuke's subsequent wind magic fanned the flames.
"It's weakening!" Teddie said for at least the third time. "We almost have it!"
Souji almost questioned the "we" part, but there was no denying Teddie's help was invaluable. Switching to a more physically-oriented Persona, he brought his sword up in a high guard, stopping one of the Shadow's arrows cold. Yosuke took advantage of the opening to slide beneath, driving his knives into its belly.
One more good hit! "Chie, give me a boost!"
She instantly guessed what he had in mind. "Got it!" she said, crouching slightly and holding out her hands.
Souji took off at a quick lope, one foot landing in Chie's grip, at which point she threw him upward. His sword came around, biting deeply into the Shadow's vulnerable neck, and then down its back.
It staggered. "Someone . . . accept me!" With a last, mournful howl, it fell facedown.
Feeling suddenly like a puppet whose strings had been cut, Souji sheathed his sword. They'd won. Their toughest fight yet, and they'd won. Kanji was safe; all that remained was to finish with the Shadow and get out. He could already hear his bed calling to him.
He heard a groan behind him; Kanji, struggling to his feet. "Dammit," the delinquent muttered. "What hit me?"
Returned to what passed for normal, the Shadow also rose. Souji almost went for his sword again; there was something not right about the doppelganger's posture.
"It's still coming at us!" Teddie wailed. "Kanji's still rejecting it!"
Yosuke sighed. "Can't really blame him with this many witnesses. . . ."
Which didn't change the fact that it was a serious problem. Souji and his team were exhausted, Teddie wasn't a fighter, and Kanji was in no shape to do anything. If it came down to another fight, it was likely to end badly. Not that Souji had any intention of giving up.
"Such a passionate approach." The Shadow's voice sounded almost dreamy.
Souji traded puzzled looks with Yosuke. Huh?
He soon got an answer, and wished he hadn't. "You three . . . would make wonderful boyfriends."
Normally, Souji would have taken such a remark as a compliment. Coming from a Shadow with issues he preferred not to think about, it triggered a reaction more akin to the time he'd eaten an egg salad that was past its expiration date.
"N-no way!" Yosuke stammered. "Y-you've got it all wrong!"
Kanji took an unsteady step forward. "Stop it. . . . What the hell are you blabbering about?"
"I don't care who," the Shadow said. "Someone, anyone, accept me."
Kanji gritted his teeth. "Stop it already."
The Shadow flung its arms out. "Someone accept me for who I am!"
Yosuke staggered backward, gulping audibly. "W-whoa, I-I really don't swing that way!"
"I don't think it's that cut and dried, Yosuke," Souji said, keeping a wary eye on the Shadow. "We can';t take everything a Shadow says literally."
Kanji had apparently had enough. "I said stop it!" he shouted, and drove his fist into the Shadow's chin, sending it flying backward. "Tch, can't believe a freak like this is inside me."
Souji instantly relaxed. Grudging though it was, Kanji's words meant the danger was truly passed. He raised his blade in salute, and resheathed it. We did it . . . again. Incongruously, his next though was, I'm ordering take-out tonight.
"I know, I've known the whole time I had something like you inside." Kanji appeared equally annoyed at himself and his Shadow. "It's not guys or chicks, I'm just scared of bein' rejected, so I try to make everyone hate me anyway." He snorted.
"You're not alone," Souji said quietly. "There are more people like you than you realize."
Kanji looked at him with an unreadable expression, then back at his Shadow. "C'mon, get up. Nobody who looks like me is so weak that he can't take a punch." He sighed when the Shadow obeyed. "I know. I'm you, and you're me. Dammit."
I really need to do some more research on this, Souji thought, seeing the now-familiar transformation. That's four in a row.
He hurried to Kanji's side when the delinquent collapsed. "We'll explain what happened once you've recovered," he said, offering his shoulder. "For now, we need to get you out of here."
To the surprise of no one, Kanji sank to the floor as soon as they were out of the TV. He looked like he was barely conscious, which wasn't really a surprised after that long in the TV world. It was a miracle he was even alive.
"Are you all right, Kanji-kun?" Yukiko asked worriedly.
"Dunno," was the reply. "Maybe if I sleep it off. . . ."
Yosuke offered a wan smile. "I'll get you home, big guy." He looked at Souji. "I can tell people I just happened to find him at Junes. Should pass, right?"
"Better you than me," Souji said, tucking his katana into his bag. "I live with a detective, remember, and while he doesn't know anything about the supernatural, Uncle Ryotaro isn't stupid. You going to be okay?"
"Eh, don't worry about it." Yosuke helped Kanji to his feet. "People expect me to do crazy stuff anyway. I'll be fine."
It was going to have to do. "Right," Souji said. "We'd all better get home before people start asking questions. See you guys later."
He stopped at a vending machine to pick up a soda; he needed the boost every what he'd just gone through. Preoccupied, he almost didn't notice that he wasn't alone until he almost tripped. And then again when he realized who it was.
"My apologies," the blue-clad youth said. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Souji shook his head. "That's all right. I've just had a long day is all."
That drew a faint smile. "Believe me, I understand. If you'll excuse me."
He watched the unnamed boy go, a slight frown on his face. Okay, that was strange. Is it a coincidence that I ran into him right after we rescued Kanji? Is this guy watching me? He shook his head at the thought. You're being paranoid, Souji. Comes from having to operate right under a police detective's nose.
A detective who was likely home, and could well be suspicious if Souji was late. Wincing at the thought, he headed for the door.
Evening
His uncle was indeed home. Fortunately for Souji's peace of mind, he only gave him an absent greeting before dinner. Feeling like he'd dodged a bullet, Souji sat down with his uncle and cousin.
"I forgot to tell you," Dojima said after a while. "Remember that kid I told you about, Kanji Tatsumi? The one who went nuts on the special report. Well, his family reported him missing, but he was found today. Thought I'd let you know, since you go to the same school."
Stay calm. "There were some rumors floating around," Souji acknowledged. "He's apparently considered something of a legend for beating up those bikers. My homeroom teacher hates him, but then again," he allowed himself a wry smile, "Morooka hates everyone."
"I'm sure there are." Dojima ate in silence for a few moments. "One other thing. I've heard some people have seen you near his family's shop. It's not the kind of place students would normally visit."
That one he had a ready answer for. "A friend took me there," Souji said.
"A friend?" Dojima repeated. Then his expression cleared. "Oh, of course, the Amagi girl. The inn buys a lot of stuff from Tatsumi Textiles. Okay, I was just concerned is all."
"I'm not looking to get into trouble," Souji assured him. Which was true; it just had a nasty habit of finding him instead. "My parents wouldn't appreciate it if I dishonored the family name."
Dojima allowed himself a smile. "As long as you're safe," he said.
Tension flowing out of his muscles, Souji refocused on his dinner. It was fortunate he had athletics as an excuse; after the battle with Kanji's Shadow, he was downright ravenous. A huge bowl of ramen, he thought, was just what the doctor ordered.
"Say, Souji."
He looked up, briefly afraid his uncle had noticed something after all. "Yeah?"
Dojima smiled. "I heard you got top marks in your midterm exam. Have to say, I'm impressed; you've been juggling so much other stuff lately."
You have no idea, Uncle. "I always try to make time for studying," Souji said. "Ingrained habit, and I don't dare slack off with Morooka watching my every move."
His uncle chuckled at that. "Point taken. Anyway, I thought you've earned a little extra for all the hard work. You'll find a bit more yen in your pocket tomorrow."
Souji blinked. This was out of nowhere, not that he was complaining. Strictly speaking, he didn't need the money, but it was nice that his uncle was thinking of him. "Um, thank you."
"Don't mention it. Like I said, you've earned it."
Thursday, 26 May, Afternoon
History class was still one of Soujj's favorites, despite Ms Sofue's oddities. Glancing at Chie in the corner of his eye, though, he could tell she didn't share his enthusiasm. The martial artist's eyelids were drooping, just noticeably; it was a wonder she was awake at all. Yukiko, on the other hand, was obviously engrossed in the lecture.
The sound of soft breathing behind him made Yosuke's view clear. At least he isn't snoring.
"Now, please turn to page 150 in your textbooks, and look at the map of ancient Egypt."
Predictable. Sofue's knowledge of her subject was undeniable, but her fixation on Egypt was just a bit disturbing at times. Fortunately, it wasn't boring.
And I'll still take it over Sloth-face any day.
"As we previously discussed, early civilizations developed by the riverside," Sofue said. "Egypt, however, was a very special case."
Isn't everything about Egypt special to you?
"In order to predict when the Nile would flood, they created a calendar. Egypt introduced math to measure the land." Ms Sofue smiled dreamily. "Wisdom was born so people could live together with nature. There's so much romance in ancient history."
I actually agree with that, even if Egypt isn't my cup of tea.
"Some fools think to find romance in war," Sofue went on, shaking her head. "Can culture really be born from conflict? My brother seems to think so; he's a hardheaded samurai with no appreciation for the ancients. Always going about in that crude helmet. My Nemes headdress is so much more elegant."
Hey, I'm a descendant of samurai, Sofue-sensei, Souji thought. And that headdress is nice, but it makes you just as weird as your brother.
The teacher's gaze sharpened. "You! Did you really think I wouldn't see you spacing out, Mister Hanamura!?"
Souji barely restrained himself from turning around. Not that he really needed to; from the sound of it, Yosuke was so startled he'd almost toppled over in his chair.
Sofue's voice was stern. "Tell me, what kind of writing system did the ancient Egyptians use?"
Souji could practically feel the panic behind him. Yosuke, he knew, had a pronounced tendency to fall asleep during dry lectures, and now it was coming back to bite him. Which, no doubt, had been Sofue's intention all along.
Deciding it would be unkind to leave his friend in the lurch, Souji murmured, "Sacred carvings," just loud enough for Yosuke to hear. Relieved, the "Junes boy" repeated the phrase aloud.
"Oh, so you've been doing the reading after all. I'm impressed." Sofue nodded approvingly. "The Egyptians used a form of sacred carvings known as hieroglyphics. Inefficient by modern standards, perhaps, but elegant in their own way."
There was a soft thud as Yosuke slumped at his desk. "Saved my hide there, partner," he said quietly. "Guess I should open the book once in a while, huh?"
You think? Maybe then you won't be embarrassed after exams. "No problem," Souji murmured.
After School
It was just the two of them at the Junes food court; Yukiko was busy at the inn, and Chie had said something about a new movie coming out. Not there was anything urgent; Souji had checked in with Teddie, confirming the other side was quiet, but otherwise he and Yosuke were just hanging out.
"I still don't get how you can always be on top of stuff," Yosuke said, shaking his head. "You're busier than the rest of us combined, and you still get top grades and find time to hang out. Are you even human?"
Souji's lip quirked. "Sometimes I wonder." He shrugged. "It's really a matter of planning, and it's not like I'm the only one who's busy. You've seen how the Amagi Inn gets sometimes."
"Yeah, well, Yukiko-san's just got the one job, and it isn't always hectic," Yosuke disagreed. "You've got, what, two part-time jobs?"
"Three." Souji stopped at a vending machine. "Day care, a tutoring position, and nighttime cleaning work at the hospital."
Yosuke shook his head again in wonder. "See? How can you do that without losing it?"
"I grew up in a corporate family," Souji reminded him. "This is nothing by comparison."
It did, however, make him all the more aware that he didn't know where he wanted to go when he graduated. He still had almost two years of high school to go, but it was preying on his mind more and more of late. Just going into business still didn't seem appealing.
"If you say so," Yosuke said. "So, how'd things go with your uncle? You know, after we found Kanji."
Souji smiled ruefully. "Being friends with Yukiko had some unexpected perks. He was wondering about me being around Tatsumi Textiles, so I told him Yukiko took me there. Since the inn buys a lot of their stuff, it worked."
"Better you than me." Yosuke's expression turned pensive. "Y'know, it's not the same without Saki-senpai here."
Sensing it was serious, Souji at first made no reply. His partner wasn't normally one to get overly sentimental; indeed, since they'd rescued Yukiko he seldom spoke of Saki Konishi at all. Likely to avoid opening not-quite-healed wounds.
"I know, she hated my guts. Still." Yosuke sighed. "She was a part of this place, y'know? Hers as much as mine, least that's how I always thought about it. Now. . . ."
"We'll catch the one behind this," Souji said quietly. "We promised to, remember? Don't know about you, but I'm not a quitter."
Yosuke burst out laughing. The sound was so unexpected that Souji could only stand there and stare, uncomprehending, as his friend actually doubled over. He didn't think was he said was particularly humorous, but with Yosuke it could sometimes be hard to tell.
"Um, Yosuke?"
The other finally regained some semblance of control. "You, a quitter? Yeah, when pigs fly. I can't see you quitting anything."
"You'd be surprised," Souji said, but he smiled anyway. "How about some grilled steak? My treat."
"You're on."
Friday, 3 June, After School
Over a week had passed since they'd rescued Kanji, and things seemed to have calmed down. Souji had dropped by Tatsumi Textiles a couple of times, always with Yukiko along to stave off suspicion. Kanji's mother had assured them that the delinquent was recovering nicely, and would be returning to school before long.
Smiling a bit ruefully at the thought of the chaos that would likely result, Souji wandered down to the riverbank. Lately he'd taken to fishing, though he had yet to catch anything of any real significance. Today, though, he just wanted to watch the rain come down.
His cell phone chimed, a tone he hadn't expected to hear. His eyebrows practically climbing into his hairline, he pressed the "accept" key. "Mom?" he said carefully.
"I know you didn't expect to hear from us yet," Aoi Seta said. "If you're wondering, things have hit a bit of a lull, so I thought I should take the opportunity to check up on you."
Souji frowned slightly at that. Workaholics that his parents were, the word "lull" didn't seem to fit. "Are negotiations proving tougher than you thought?"
"Oh, nothing like that," his mother assured him. "Your father and I have things in hand; it's just a minor complication." Which was no doubt true; Hironobu and Aoi Seta had a knack for double-teaming recalcitrant negotiating partners. It was scary sometimes. "How is Inaba?"
That was a question to be handled very carefully indeed. Much as Souji hated dissembling with his own mother, he had little choice. "Livelier than I thought it would be," he said, glad she couldn't see him. "I arrived just in time for a double murder."
There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. "Murder?" his mother repeated.
"I'm not in any danger as far as I know," Souji said. Only half true, of course, given his extracurricular activities. "The first victim was a local TV announcer, the second a girl from my school. Uncle Ryotaro is handling the case, but as far as I know they haven't turned up anything."
"I see." There was a pause. "You're sure you're all right?"
Souji took an unobtrusive breath. "I've made sure to stay well clear of the police investigation," he said. "Most of my time has been spent playing basketball, keeping my cousin Nanako company, hanging out with friends, and studying." The truth, just not all of it.
Apparently it was enough. "I'm glad to hear it. I don't want you hurt, and your uncle wouldn't like it if you were mixed up in his job." Her tone lightened. "You've actually made friends there?"
It surprised me, too. "A couple," Souji acknowledged. "The son of the local Junes branch manager, and two local girls. They showed me the ropes my first week here."
"I'm glad." He could almost see her relieved smile. "I know the constant moves have been hard on you, Souji. It's good that you've been able to make some real friends."
Every so often, Souji was reminded that his parents really were caring human beings, despite the way their jobs dominated their lives. It gave him the strength to keep going, often as not.
"To be honest, I think Inaba was just what I needed," he said after a moment. "It's different enough that I've been able to let go a little. Murder case or no, I haven't really felt this calm since I was little."
"Good." Aoi sighed. "I wish we didn't have to do it this way, but I'm glad you've been able to salvage something from it." Souji heard another voice, too distant to make out. "I'm sorry, Souji, but it looks like my break is over. Take care."
Smiling, Souji pocketed his phone. Lying by omission hadn't been a pleasant experience, but he'd gotten through it, and his mother's reaction to his news had made the whole thing worthwhile. Part of him hoped he would someday have a chance to introduce his Inaba friends to his parents. It would, he thought, but very interesting, possibly in the Chinese sense of the word.
And Nanako-chan. Can't forget her. As far as he knew, his parents had never met their young niece, was really a pity. His mother in particular would probably adore the spunky six-year-old. Maybe he could convince them to come to Inaba the next time they had a real vacation. Such things were known to happen, albeit rarely.
Chuckling to himself at the possibilities, Souji made his way home.
Evening
"Welcome home, big bro!"
Souji smiled at his cousin, then crossed to the table where Dojima sat reading the evening paper. He dropped into a free chair, accepting a mug of coffee with a nod of thanks. They'd settled into a comfortable routine over the past month, at least when Dojima wasn't busy. Instant or not, the detective made good coffee.
"School go well today?" Dojima asked, looking over his paper.
Souji sipped his coffee before answering. "Aside from Morooka being obnoxious as usual, it was pretty quiet. Some rumors here and there about Kanji Tatsumi, but nothing major."
"Good. I hope this is the end of it." For all his grousing, though, Dojima appeared more relaxed than he had been in some time.
That reminds me. "Oh, I forgot to mention, my mother called earlier today."
Dojima's eyebrows went up at that. "Did she? Is there a problem?"
"She was just checking up on me," Souji assured him. "She did sound worried when I mentioned the murder case, but I made sure to tell her I was staying clear." A wry smile touched his lips. "I'm not insane enough to step out of line when I'm living with a detective."
That drew a soft chuckle. "I'm sure. You know, our parents hoped I would go into business, too, but I'm just not cut out for it. Being a small-town detective suits me just fine. Your mother, now, she always had a gift for that kind of thing. I've always thought that was part of why she hit it off with your father so quickly, not that I would ever claim that's all there is to it."
Something Souji knew well, of course. For all that Hironobu Seta was a workaholic, his job didn't define who he was, and he had more than once told Souji to remember that fact.
"My work is important," he'd said a couple of years before. "But that isn't all there is to life. Sometimes that can be difficult to remember."
Dojima laughed suddenly. "Listen to me, reminiscing without thinking about who I'm talking to. I hope I'm not boring you too much."
Souji quickly shook his head. "Not at all. I said before that I wanted to learn more about you."
"Even if you're just saying that– yes, I know you're not," Dojima said before Souji could protest, "I'm glad to hear it."
They were briefly distracted by a soft cheering sound from Nanako; something on TV had her excited. For once, it wasn't Junes. Seeming to sense that she was being watched, the young girl turned to give them a brief, sunny smile.
"So, have you decided where to go from here?"
Souji looked back at his uncle. Dojima appeared serious, but not in a hostile way. "Pardon?"
"You're into your second year of high school," Dojima clarified. "College isn't that far off. Are you planning to follow your parents into business?"
Souji took another sip of coffee, trying to gather his thoughts. "I don't know," he said quietly. "Business doesn't really appeal to me, but beyond that. . . ." He shrugged helplessly.
Dojima nodded. "Sometimes the path in front of you isn't the right one," he said. "All I can say is you should keep looking until you find the right way." He glanced at the clock. "Later than I thought. I'm guessing you'll want to get some studying in."
"Yeah." Souji stood. "'Night, Uncle Ryotaro."
Sunday, 5 June, Daytime
The bright early June day found Souji in the nearby city of Okina. Yosuke's idea, actually; he'd broached the subject at Junes that morning, and Souji having nothing better to do at the time, agreed. After over a month in Inaba, the contrast was a bit jarring, Okina being significantly larger.
Yosuke took a deep, satisfied breath. "Ah, it's been a while since I breathed this kind of air. Guess I'm really a city boy, drawn to that urban scent." An expression of vaguely comedic worry crossed his facer. "Hang on, am I starting to sound like Teddie?"
Souji raised one silver eyebrow. "I think you're getting hairier."
"Seriously!?" Yosuke laughed. "Okay, I might've seen a bit of fuzz when I washed my face this morning." He punched Souji's shoulder lightly. "Gotta watch my step around you, partner."
"Not as much as with Chie," Souji said mildly. "I'll just zing you; she'll punt you over the Moon."
Yosuke winced. "Don't remind me." He waved it aside. "Anyway, that aside–" He broke off at a beep from his phone. "Must be a text message." He pulled the device out, and his mouth twisted in mild disgust. "Spam. Figures."
Souji tilted his head. "You don't block it?"
"No point. They'll just find a way around." Yosuke snorted. "And I can't change my number, 'cause then I'd have to update all my friends. Be a real pain." His expression turned pensive. "To tell the truth, though, I can't really remember what we used to talk about. Can't really call 'em friends."
"I know what you mean," Souji said. "I hadn't met anyone I really wanted to keep in touch with before I came to Inaba." He smiled a little sadly. "You and Chie, Yukiko and Teddie, you're my first real friends."
Yosuke shook his head. "Not sure if I should feel sorry for you, or take it as a compliment. Er, I'm not trying to knock you or anything."
Souji's lip twitched. "I'm not Chie; I'm not going to smack you over some awkward phrasing." He grimaced slightly as a car went by. "I'd already forgotten how noisy the city gets."
"Yeah, sometimes being out in the boondocks has its good points," Yosuke agreed. "Hey, at least it's not a bunch of bikers."
As though his words had sprung a trap, a half dozen motorcycles drove past in quick succession. None of them looked like the Yankee type, but the noise was still overpowering.
"You just had to say it," Souji said, shaking his head in an attempt to stop the ringing in his ears.
"Okay, you've got me there," Yosuke admitted with a rueful laugh. "Stuff like that makes you understand Kanji a bit better, eh?"
Souji smiled, recalling the stories he'd heard about the younger student. Had Kanji been there, there was at least an even chance those bikers would have been laid out on the pavement with varying injuries. Which in turn would have led to yet another police probe.
Speaking of whom. "Have you heard anything about him lately?"
Yosuke shrugged. "Not at Junes. Chie told me he's probably going to be back in school soon; I guess she heard it from Yukiko-san."
"It would make sense, since she goes to the textile shop regularly," Souji agreed. He grinned. "At least this time he won't be chasing you all over the shopping district."
Yosuke groaned. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
"Nope."
Monday, 6 June, After School
Anyone who had met Kanji Tatsumi before would have been astounded at his demeanor when he met them on the roof. The infamous delinquent first year was downright subdued, a stark contrast to the hostility he'd displayed when the team visited his family's shop.
"H-Hi there," he said, not quite meeting anyone's gaze.
Chie laughed. "How come you're so nice all of a sudden?" she asked in a teasing tone.
Kanji scratched his head, looking a bit sheepish. "Well, I didn't know you guys were my senpai," he admitted. "'Cept maybe for Yukiko-senpai, and I hadn't seen her in years." He appeared to shake himself. "Anyway, thanks. I don't really remember what happened, but I owe you guys my life."
"For starters, who was that boy you were with?" Chie said. "You know, the one who wanted to meet you after school."
Kanji shrugged uncomfortably. "Dunno. I've only met him twice, and he never told me his name. Pretty sure he ain't from around here, though."
"He isn't," Souji put in. "I've run into him a few times over the last month or so. He's even newer here than I am." He raised an eyebrow. "So, what did he want to talk to you about?"
Kanji ran a hand through his bleached hair. "Same stuff you did, wanted to know if anything unusual had happened lately. Told him I didn't know squat; yeah, I knew about the murder case, but I didn't think it had anything to do with me."
Yosuke cocked his head. "Even with the scarf Ms Yamano ordered from your family shop?"
"Didn't think it mattered," Kanji said, waving his hand. "Small town like this, anybody could've sold her somethin' without makin' a fuss. Nah, I just told the guy it was all the same every day." He shook his head. "Damn, I must've been in a fog. Next thing I knew, I was blurting out that I wanted to see him again."
It was Chie's turn to raise an eyebrow. "To a guy."
"Well, I'd never got along with girls," Kanji replied a touch defensively. "They think my hobbies are all weird. Hell, you know most of it, after what that 'Shadow' thing blurted out. 'Course, it was all just stuff in my own head that got twisted around."
Souji nodded. He recalled the Shadow's ranting very clearly, and quite honestly wished he didn't. "What about later? After you chased us away, and said you'd take us out?"
"Huh?" Kanji looked briefly embarrassed. "Well, I went home. Figured I'd try and cool off for a while, that kind of thing. Uh, I think somebody came to the door."
"Right to the door!?" Yosuke said. "Who!?"
Kanji shook his head. "Dunno. Thing is, I didn't really see anybody. More like a feeling I had, if you can believe it."
"Kanji, we jump through a TV set into a world where we fight manifestations of the human subconscious by summoning our own inner power," Souji said dryly. "Trust me, after the kind of things we've seen already, just having a 'feeling' someone was there is nothing."
The younger student chuckled. "Thanks, I guess. Anyway, next thing I knew I was in that freaky bathhouse place. You guys know the rest." He grimaced. "I told the cops the same thing I told you. And they looked at me like I was crazy."
"Can you blame them?" Yosuke said. "I thought it was crazy until we fell in the first time."
"It's still crazy," Souji said. "Doesn't make it any less real. Anyway, thanks, Kanji. You've given us a lot to think about."
Kanji smiled. "Don't mention it. Least I could do after you guys got me out of there. And helped me get my head on straight." His smile turned rueful. "My family's been in the textile industry for a long time. My parents are always saying stuff like, 'Cloth is the center of the universe,' and 'Dye is alive.' That kinda thing."
"I've heard it before," Souji said, and smiled at Kanji's look of surprise. "I'm from a corporate family, so I see all sorts of people."
"Right, I should've figured," Kanji said. "So, you guys playing detective or something?"
Yukiko smiled. "Well, we don't see it as 'playing,' but we're trying to find out who's responsible, yes."
Kanji raised a fist. "Anything I can do to help?" He wore a look of grim resolve. "I want to see that bastard behind bars, and not just for me. Somebody like that, nobody's safe as long as he's walking the streets."
Determination, and the power of Persona. Exactly what they needed for the battles ahead. True, Kanji was unlikely to be much on the investigative side (not that he was stupid by any means), but there were times when a bit of extra muscle would prove useful.
Souji stood, and offered Kanji his hand. "Welcome aboard, Kanji," he said. "My uncle's a detective, so I might be able to ease your problems with the police a little."
Kanji gripped back firmly. "Glad you'll have me along. I'll put my life on the line for you guys."
They all knew the case was far from over. Nevertheless, with each new member they felt a bit more confident, more optimistic. It would serve them well in the trials to come.
Author's note: And so, after much unpleasantness, Kanji Tatsumi joins the team. I hope I portrayed him properly; he's a difficult character for me to write. A bit on the short side, but it would likely be a while before I found a convenient end point, so I figure a bit shorter than normal is better than interminably long.
As always, I welcome suggestions for improvement. Until next time. ~D.S.