Saturday, 5 November, Evening
Naoto's footsteps splashed in a staccato pattern as she raced down the street, umbrella in one hand, cell phone in the other. She barely noticed, too focused on speaking without crashing into something. Matters were coming to a head, in a way none of them had anticipated in their worst nightmares.
"Was that really Nanako-chan on the Midnight Channel!?" Chie said, astonished and distraught.
Fighting to keep her breathing steady, Naoto nodded, forgetting for a brief moment that the older girl couldn't see her. "I know it sounds ridiculous, but Nanako-chan does fit the pattern. She wasn't seen, but she was heard." She dodged around a light pole. "Do you recall the politician who came here a few days ago to investigate the fog?"
"Sure, but what's that got to do with. . .?"
"He always quoted a particular student he had spoken with," Naoto explained. "That student was Nanako-chan!"
There was a sharp inhalation; Chie understood what that meant, all right. "So she's. . . ."
Naoto silently cursed herself. "I was so hung up on people being 'seen' on TV that it didn't even occur to me this would qualify." She almost slipped and fell, catching herself at the last instant. "Nanako-chan wasn't identified directly, but a reporter found out about it and released her name and picture in today's evening paper. And even without that, this is a small, rural town; her identity must have been circulating for quite some time."
"Dammit." Chie sounded like she was about to cry. "What do we do? Souji-kun isn't answering his phone."
"Souji-senpai is working at the hospital tonight; we can assume he checked the Midnight Channel on his break. He'll probably try to call home, then head for the police station." Almost there. "I'm on my way to the Dojima residence as we speak; please contact the others."
"Got it." Chie still sounded afraid, understandably so, but she pulled herself together with commendable swiftness. "We'll meet you at the station."
Clicking her phone off, Naoto slowed to a walk. She could see the house now, and the door was standing open. Before stepping inside, she carefully examined the door. As expected, there was no sign of forced entry, which fit with the previous abductions.
Technically, there was no need to investigate further, but Naoto Shirogane prided herself on being thorough. Silently apologizing to Dojima (and, with an extra pang, to Souji), she took a slow step inside, eyes flickering about, one hand on the revolver concealed beneath her jacket.
Nothing. With a deep, pained sigh, she again pulled out her phone. If she was right, he would be reachable now. "Souji-senpai, it's Naoto. I have unfortunate news that you probably anticipated."
Souji felt a chill that had nothing to do with a rainy early November night. His beloved cousin Nanako, abducted by the man they had been pursuing all this time. His worst nightmare was happening right before his eyes. And worst of all, he wasn't at all sure his uncle could be persuaded as to just how the deed was done.
We will. One way or another, we will. Nanako-chan's life depends on it.
Sayoko hadn't even blinked when Souji told her he had to leave over a family emergency. Granted having the Detective "Prince" on the phone had likely helped, but Sayoko was a reasonable sort, and Souji had long since proved himself trustworthy. If he said there was an emergency, she believed him.
There. The police station was just coming into view, along with most of the rest of the team.
"Naoto-kun's not here yet?" Yosuke asked as they hurried inside.
Souji shook his head, gesturing with his still-active phone. "She's still checking out the scene. Uncle Ryotaro!" he called, seeing a familiar burly figure.
Dojima turned, visibly surprised. "What are you doing here at this hour? And with your friends yet?"
"Nanako-chan is missing," Souji said, holding out his phone. "Naoto's at the house right now."
Several shades paler than normal, Dojima snatched the phone. "Shirogane? What the hell is going on!?"
"I'm at your house now, and there's no one inside," Naoto said grimly. "I'm afraid Nanako-chan has been kidnapped by our serial killer." Dojima went rigid at that. "Surely you've suspected something, Dojima-san! The case isn't over yet!"
His face a mask of pain and suppressed fury, Dojima tossed the phone to a nearby table. Souji caught it before impact. "Is it true?"
Souji braced himself. "Yes. This . . . is going to sound very strange." Mindful of how little time they had, he launched into an abridged explanation of the TV world, its connection to the disappearances, and the power of Persona. His uncle appeared understandably skeptical, until Souji spotted a convenient TV and pushed his arm in up to the elbow.
"So he's been . . . been putting people in there?" Dojima said, sounding like he didn't believe what he was saying. Or seeing. Not that Souji blamed him.
"That's right," Souji said, growing more tense by the second. "We don't know why. That freak Kubo did kill Morooka, but it was a copycat. The real culprit is far more dangerous."
Dojima stabbed at a desk phone, his eyes hard. "Traffic division, Ohta speaking."
"There's been a kidnapping," Dojima said curtly. "I need officers in motion ASAP, and a roadblock on the highway."
"Whoa, a kidnapping?" Ohta sounded incredulous. "When? Has there been a ransom demand?"
Dojima ground his teeth. "The victim is a seven-year-old girl, my daughter!"
"Your daughter?" Ohta repeated. "Why would anyone take her?"
"I don't know, and I don't care!" Dojima snapped. "Look, this might be connected to the serial murder case!"
Ohta made a disbelieving sound. "What? Come on, we caught the killer months ago."
"Stop arguing and hurry!" Dojima snarled. With a vicious flick of the wrist, he ended the call and snatched up his coat. "You kids stay here," he said, already halfway out.
Tohru Adachi had arrived in time to hear most of the exchange. "Hey, where are you going!?"
The older man didn't spare him a glance. "To go look for my daughter," he bit out. "If this really is connected to the murders, the top brass won't believe a word until it's too late. I'm not going to wait for those clowns!"
Souji watched him go, suddenly filled with a furious helplessness. He'd had no choice but to tell his uncle the truth, but being told to stay at the police station only made things worse. Every moment they were kept there was another moment Nanako was in danger.
Uncle Ryotaro must think he can stop the killer in time, he thought. He still doesn't get it; we missed the bastard by minutes twice. He's already had more than enough time to throw her in.
"Man, what's up with him?" Adachi wondered, scratching his head. "Sorry about that. He just doesn't want you getting in trouble; you know how he is."
True enough, but it didn't make it any less dangerous. Fortunately, Naoto chose that moment to arrive, saving him from exploding in sheer frustration. On the surface she was cool and professional, but Souji could see the worry in her eyes. He hoped she wasn't too consumed with self-loathing.
"This was in your mailbox, Senpai," she said quietly, holding out a piece of paper.
A ball of ice forming in his gut, he took it and read aloud, "If you don't stop, someone close to you will be put in and killed."
He looked at his team, seeing the same mixture of fear and rage he was feeling. If there was any doubt the killer knew exactly who had thwarted him time and again, this dispelled it. Nanako's abduction was a personal act of revenge, of that Souji no longer had and question.
"I'd better take this to the crime lab," Adachi said, then looked at Souji. "You say this is the second one?"
Digging into a pocket, Souji handed it over. "It came in the mail a week before the Culture Festival," he said tonelessly. "I doubt you'll find anything useful."
"Maybe not. Still, gotta follow procedure."
"To hell with procedure," Kanji snarled. "A little girl's in danger, and we're just sitting here!?"
Adachi held up his hands defensively. "Hey, it's not my idea. Look, Dojima-san is trying to keep you guys safe. If I let you go off like that, he'll rip me to shreds."
"If you don't, Nanako-chan is in more danger than you could possibly imagine," Souji countered, his patience wearing thin. "Adachi-san, I've always respected you, but this isn't something the police can handle. We don't even know who the culprit is, let alone where he'll take Nanako."
Adachi was beginning to look acutely nervous, possibly because of Souji's unusual vehemence. Or perhaps it was because Kanji Tatsumi was starting to enter one of his more dangerous moods, never a good sign for anyone involved.
"Look, I can't just let you take off like that," the detective said, drawing himself up. "We just don't know enough."
Naoto immediately pounced. "Ah, so you agree to allow us to proceed if we do find a lead?"
Adachi paled. "N-No, not quite. . . ."
This isn't getting anywhere. "Okay, guys, let's take a deep breath here." It was amazing how level his voice was, given that he actually felt like a spring ready to snap, but it had the desired effect. Even Kanji visibly calmed, though still shooting an occasional glare at Adachi.
Good. "Let's review what we do know," Souji said. "From what we've been able to figure out so far, we're dealing with a male assailant acting alone. Given how quickly people seem to end up in the other world, he probably has a TV with him."
Naoto nodded. "Agreed. His vehicle would have to be of decent size to be practical, probably larger than a sedan."
"And still be inconspicuous," Rise pointed out. "The kind that wouldn't look out of place even in a small town like Inaba."
"Excellent point, Rise-san," Naoto agreed. "What kind of vehicle would fit those criteria?"
To his immense frustration, Souji found himself drawing a complete blank. A vehicle large enough for the killer's purpose would almost by definition not be inconspicuous. He himself hadn't seen very many that were much larger than his uncle's SUV.
Kanji snapped his fingers. "Now I remember! A delivery came that day I got snatched! We're looking for a delivery truck!"
"Sounds right," Rise said, her usual exuberance completely absent. "Nobody looks twice at a delivery truck, no matter where it's parked."
It all made sense. With a chill, Souji recalled a delivery driver asking for directions mere days before. To think he'd been so close to the truth, that it was right in front of him, and he hadn't even thought about it.
"Adachi-san, is there anyone who matches this description?" Naoto asked.
Adachi blinked. "From a profile by a bunch of high schoolers? Take it from a detective, it isn't that easy. . . ." He trailed off, eyes going wide. "Hey, looks like you're on to something after all. I gotta go talk to Dojima-san!" He dashed away.
Slipping neatly past him, Naoto looked at the document on the table. "After being fired from his previous job, he went to work for the family business. Before that he was . . . a council secretary!" Naoto clenched a fist. "Taro Namatame!"
A wave of mixed shock, fear, disbelief, and cold-blooded rage washed over Souji like a tsunami. Namatame, who'd had an affair with the first victim. It had seemed too obvious, to the extent that the police had dismissed the idea early on. And yet, it fit perfectly.
And now he had Nanako at his mercy.
Plodding footsteps announced Adachi's return, his expression a mixture of annoyance and chagrin. "Man, I give him a clue, and he still chews me out."
"Adachi-san, we can't wait any longer," Souji said. "Nanako's life is at stake, and we know how to stop him. Please, there's no time!"
Adachi looked at him for a bare instant, then turned away with a sigh. "Guess I'd better get these to the crime lab," he said, scooping up the warning letters.
Silently blessing the older man, Souji waved his friends forward. "The shopping district is our best bet. Let's move!"
In a small but welcome change, the rain had stopped while they were arguing. Footing was still uncertain, but there was no hesitation as they ran. So focused was he on the chase, Souji didn't even notice the burning in his lungs, the soreness in his legs. All that mattered was catching Namatame.
They were just passing Marukyu Tofu when they saw it. Smoke, less than a kilometer away. "What the hell?" Yosuke breathed.
"An accident?" Naoto said, inhaling sharply.
His blood again running cold, Souji led the way at a slower trot, and found his uncle's car awkwardly pushed up against a light post, what he presumed to be Namatame's truck also damaged nearby. Dojima himself was propped against the back of his car, clearly in pain.
"No. . . ." Naoto breathed, whipping out her phone. "There's been an accident; one adult male is injured. We need an ambulance, quickly!"
Souji knelt by his uncle. "Uncle Ryotaro, are you all right?"
Dojima groaned softly. "Where's . . . Nanako? And Namatame?"
"That's what we're going to find out," Naoto said, reaching for the back of the truck.
"Hey!" It was Adachi; Souji hadn't realized his uncle's partner was there. "You'll contaminate the crime scene!"
Naoto was undeterred. "I'm a professional myself, Adachi-san," she reminded him, producing a pair of gloves. "And we can't afford to wait; if it rains again, we risk having evidence literally washed away."
Her logic was impeccable. Confident in his friend's ability, Souji focused on keeping his uncle comfortable until the ambulance arrived. It wouldn't be long, he knew; the local hospital wasn't that far away, and it had been a quiet night up to that point. Serious accidents weren't particularly common in Inaba.
"There is no one inside, but I found a diary on the driver's seat," Naoto said. "I presume it to be Namatame's." She flipped it open. "'I learned of the existence of another world. It may be the only way to save those people.'"
Yosuke made a strangled sound of incredulity. "That bastard thinks he's saving people!?"
Naoto turned the page, her face grim. "There is a list of names and addresses of the victims. Even those who survived and never released to the public are recorded here. I note Mister Morooka is absent from the list."
"Guess that settles it," Adachi murmured.
"The last entry is dated today. 'How could a little girl be in such danger? Nevertheless, I have no choice but to try. This will likely be my last entry.'" Naoto snapped the diary closed.
A spike of pure, white-hot rage lanced through Souji. That bastard! He thinks he's "saving" people!? I'll show him "saving"!
"There's a TV in the back," Yukiko observed.
Naoto's lips compressed. "Indeed. One large enough for someone of virtually any size to fit through."
"Then what are we waiting for!?" Chie demanded. "Let's go after them!"
"No." Souji stood. "We rest for tonight, and go in tomorrow like normal."
Chie stared at him in clear disbelief. "What are you saying!? You of all people!"
"You think I like this!?" Souji retorted, voice cracking more than he liked. "If we go in now, unprepared, we're as good as dead. Who'll save Nanako-chan then!?"
Teddie stepped up. "Sensei's right," he said quietly. "Remember, she'll be okay until the fog lifts there. We can do it."
The wailing of an ambulance siren cut off further conversation. With a heavy heart, Souji stepped aside to allow the paramedics through. He didn't know how bad his uncle's injuries were, but they undoubtedly paled beside the emotional wounds. Namatame, he thought coldly, was going to pay.
It was far from the first time Naoto had heard the slow, steady beep of a heart monitor. Her line of work all too frequently meant visiting hospitals, be it to interview injured victims or interrogate injured criminals. This was, however, the first time the subject was someone she knew personally.
Dojima's injuries were not life-threatening, but he would likely be bedridden for some time. Gazing down at him, Naoto felt sick, to see a powerful, vital man reduced to such a state. And more, fear for Nanako's safety, anger at herself for missing the signs, and at Namatame for abducting a little girl.
"Uncle Ryotaro?" Souji said quietly. "How are you feeling?"
Dojima's dark eyes slowly opened. "I . . . spotted Namatame's truck in the shopping district," he said, his voice weak and thready. "I gave chase, but the road was too slick from all the rain. We," he coughed, "both crashed. I don't know what happened after that; the next thing I knew, you and Adachi were standing over me." He looked Souji in the eye. "You really . . . know how to find her?"
Souji put a hand on his uncle's shoulder. "We know," he said quietly, his eyes shimmering ever so slightly. "We'll find her and bring her back. Trust us and get some rest."
Dojima coughed again. "Nanako . . . she's my reason for living. If something happens to her . . . I'll make Namatame pay."
He would likely have to get in line. Mixed with the pain in Souji's eyes was a murderous fury that Naoto would have found frightening if she didn't know him so well. For that matter, she felt the same, and suspected it would be much more difficult than usual for her to refrain from shooting the suspect out of hand.
She brushed that off as best she could. What mattered more than anything else was Nanako's safety. Taro Namatame would keep.
"Shirogane." Dojima's voice stopped her at the door. "I have a favor to ask."
Unusual, coming from him. "Dojima-san?"
"Could you . . . stay at my house, at least for a few days?" He offered a weak smile at Naoto's look of surprise. "Souji, you can probably tell he's taking this a lot harder than he's letting on. You've been around him long enough to see how close he and Nanako have become."
Naoto nodded. "One could be forgiven for assuming they really are brother and sister."
"Even I forget myself sometimes," Dojima said, chuckling just a little. "I don't think . . . he should be alone right now, and I've seen how he is with you. If anyone can keep him steady now, it's you." A wan smile. "I know it sounds selfish, but there's no one else I can ask."
Though Dojima had no way of knowing it, the request struck very close indeed to feeling Naoto had not had time to sort out. Souji's words the last time they had spoken socially still rang in her mind, and she had no idea how to cope with the change. Nevertheless, there was only one answer she could give. "I will," she said quietly. "Souji-kun is dear to me as well."
Visibly relieved, Dojima finally allowed himself to relax, just a little. "The spare key is behind the mailbox. And Shirogane, thank you."
The moment he stepped inside, Souji felt a powerful sense of wrongness. Nothing appeared out of place, yet there was something missing, something vitally important. It was, quite simply, too quiet. Too empty. An essential part of his life was missing.
Nanako. Nanako wasn't there, no cheerful, "Welcome home, Big Bro!" He'd known how it would be, of course, but the reality of it still hit him like a speeding truck. Souji's vision blurred, and he fell to his knees beside the couch, choking back sobs.
An eternity later, he heard soft footfalls nearby. "Senpai?"
The sheer unexpectedness of it was enough to get his attention. "Naoto?" he croaked, incredulous. "Why . . . what are you doing here?"
Naoto set a bag on the floor. "Your uncle asked me to," she said. "He said you shouldn't be alone right now. I agreed."
Ordinarily, Souji would have been delighted that she was keeping him company. After his faux pas at the shrine, he was no longer sure. No longer sure of where they stood, and certainly in no condition to attempt to clear it up. He could barely think straight.
"Sorry," he managed at last, wiping his face. "You shouldn't have to see me like this."
There was a whisper of movement. "Everyone has a breaking point, Souji-kun," Naoto said, crouching down next to him. "You wouldn't be human if you weren't affected by this."
Souji took a long, shuddering breath. "It's like I've been thrown back to the beginning," he whispered. "In the blink of an eye, I'm all alone again."
"That's not true." Naoto's tone was sharp, enough to bring Souji's head around. "You aren't alone," she said more gently. "I know it's hard to believe right now, but you aren't alone. We're all behind you, Souji-kun."
He chuckled weakly. "Never thought I'd hear you of all people talking like that."
"It doesn't come easily," Naoto admitted. "When your uncle asked me to stay here, I wasn't sure at first what I should do, or say, or if there was anything I could. Then I remembered what you had said to me before."
Souji met her steady gaze, and felt a sudden jolt through the haze of pain and fear. Something in her eyes told him that his words at the shrine hadn't been a mistake after all.
"I really don't know how to go about this, or where we go from here," Naoto said. "For now, I just want you to know, you aren't alone, you won't be alone again."
It was like a dam had broken. For the first time in longer than he could remember, Souji Seta let himself go and broke down in tears.
Sunday, 6 November, Early Morning
Something was amiss. Naoto wasn't sure where she was, but it definitely wasn't her own bed. It felt more like a sofa of some kind, but her mind was still too foggy with sleep to really process it. Blinking, she focused on the familiar smell of coffee and bacon wafting toward her.
As the room finally came into focus, so did her mind. Nanako-chan's kidnapping, Dojima-san's accident, his request that she stay at his house, to keep Souji company.
Which didn't explain why she was on the sofa. Her last memory was of awkwardly attempting to soothe her distraught senpai. In all likelihood she would simply have collapsed on the—carpeted, fortunately—floor, if only from sheer exhaustion.
"Morning, Naoto-kun," Souji said from over by the stove. "Breakfast is almost ready."
Naoto sat up, wincing at sore muscles. "Senpai? How. . . .?"
"You can drop the 'Senpai' here, Naoto-kun," Souji said. "You fell asleep about five minutes after I calmed down, so I put you on the couch for the night and dug up a spare blanket."
Even when consumed by grief and fear (Naoto knew perfectly well his apparent calmness was largely a facade), Souji always thought of others first. "You didn't have to do that, Souji-kun."
He set two plates of bacon and eggs on the table, followed by two mugs of hot coffee. "Yes, I did," he disagreed. "You're a guest in this house, and I take that seriously. Besides," he looked away, "you're the only reason I didn't lose my mind last night. It was the least I could do."
Well, when he put it that way. "You still shouldn't trouble yourself too much," Naoto said, sitting across from him. "How are you feeling?"
He took a sip of coffee. "Better than last night," he said. "I'm still terrified of what Nanako is going through, and ready to cut Namatame's head off, but I can at least think straight."
Naoto took a bite of bacon. As always, Souji's cooking was excellent. "I presume we begin the rescue operation today."
"That's right," Souji said. "I called Yosuke an hour ago; the others will meet us in the Junes food court at noon." His lip twitched in what was almost a smile. "He wondered why I would wait that long, until I pointed out we all need to be at our best if we're going to pull this off. We're no good to Nanako if we collapse from low blood sugar or something."
An excellent point. "Especially Chie-senpai," Naoto agreed. "Her fighting style is very energy-intensive."
Souji actually chuckled at that. "Yeah, that's pretty much it," he agreed, taking another sip. "How is your breakfast?"
"Excellent, as always," Naoto said. "If I'm not careful, I could get used to it." It was meant partly as a joke, but she could see in Souji's eyes that he got the subtext.
"Glad to hear it," he said. "Once we're finished, I'll clean things up, and we can get moving." The fear and pain had vanished under raw determination. "I won't let it end like this."
Daytime
The fear was still there, but it was kept securely leashed. Souji was thus able to remain composed when they gathered at Junes, to the evident relief of his friends, especially Teddie and Rise. He caught a couple of sharp glances from Yosuke when he and Naoto arrived together, but the Junes Boy made no comment.
Just as well. He was more hopeful about their relationship, but it wasn't the time. "We all know why we're here," Souji said. He looked at Teddie. "Nanako-chan is on the other side, right?"
"Definitely," Teddie said firmly. "No doubt about it."
"Then our objective is clear." Naoto said. "The police can handle Namatame, so we should focus on rescuing Nanako-chan."
Chie nodded sharply. "There's nobody else who can do it."
"For sure!" Rise agreed.
"We're finally nearing the end," Yukiko murmured. "I never thought I'd say this, but we almost have the culprit."
"Then let's go all-out and get it done!" Kanji said, slamming one fist into an open palm.
Teddie, for once, was looking pensive. "I promised Nanako-chan that we'd play again, that everything would be okay. I'm gonna keep that promise!"
Yosuke grinned. "Then let's do it. For Dojima-san, too; he'll owe us another watermelon."
"All right," Souji said, hefting the bag that held his sword concealed. "We're going in. Teddie, I want you to kick your nose into high gear; no offense, Rise-chan," he added, giving the idol a brief, apologetic look, "but I'd feel more comfortable if you were both searching."
She waved it off. "No worries, Senpai. I don't mind backup if it means we find Nanako-chan quicker."
Souji barely noticed the twisting sensation as he climbed into the TV, so focused was he on his goal. He landed without incident, quickly unpacking the silver katana and belting it around his waist. Around him, he saw the others following suit; Teddie was already in costume, claws bared. Kanji had appropriated what looked like a dumpster lid, typically unsubtle. Yosuke's knives were visible at his belt, while Naoto checked out her revolver.
"Man, fog's thicker than usual," Yosuke said.
Yukiko frowned, clearly uneasy. "Could it have anything to do with the commotion on the other side?"
"It might," Teddie said, shifting his weight nervously. "There's definitely something weird in here."
"Worry about that later," Souji said. "Teddie, Rise, start searching."
While Teddie sniffed around, Rise's familiar radar-faced Persona faded into view. For a few moments there was only silence, as if they were having difficulty getting a fix. Since both knew Nanako very well, it was likely the unusually thick fog causing interference.
"That way," Rise said, pointing just as Teddie stopped in his tracks, ears quivering. "I can sense her, and . . . a warm feeling. I don't quite get it."
"We'll find out soon enough," Souji said. "Let's go."
Their destination was possibly the eeriest they had yet seen. A pale wall with a barred gate greeted them, flowers strewn about. Mist gently wafted through the open gate, much thinner than the fog to which they had grown so accustomed. There was even a rainbow visible.
"Is this . . . Nanako-chan's?" Yukiko breathed. "So beautiful, like a storybook version of heaven."
Souji tensed, a very ugly thought striking him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the same thing had occurred to Yosuke. "Heaven, huh," his partner said. "Deep down, Nanako-chan must really miss her."
"Aunt Chisato," Souji said, closing his eyes. "Uncle Ryotaro's late wife, Nanako-chan's mother." Something brushed lightly against his arm, and he opened his eyes to find Naoto looking at him worriedly. Can't get emotional now. "Okay, we know roughly where she is. I want to push as far as we can without overextending ourselves." He hesitated, just slightly. "I'll need all of you."
"Well, of course," Yosuke said with his usual jaunty grin. "We've come this far together."
Souji managed a smile in return. "One more thing," he said, hand going to the hilt of his sword. "Anything that gets in our way, goes down. Hard, and by any means necessary."
He saw in his friends' eyes that they would have accepted nothing less.
Beyond the gate was, if possible, even more unnerving. No Shadows were visible at first glance, and the general atmosphere was much calmer than they had yet seen. There was an odd, muffled quality about the place, an unreality even by the standards of the TV world.
"It's so calm, and warm," Rise murmured. "But, what is this bad feeling I'm getting?" She shook her head, as if to banish invisible demons. "Hang in there, Nanako-chan! We'll find you!"
Only a few Shadows greeted them as they rounded the first corner. Naoto's revolver barked before Souji even realized they were there, reducing one to smoke in an instant. A second came too close for the gun, but this time Souji was ready. A quick slash at the diagonal, a sidestep, and a heavy chop did the job.
He turned to face the third, but it was already going up in more literal smoke, courtesy of Yukiko's well-timed fire spell. The inn heiress smirked, looking quite pleased with herself.
Souji thought about reminding them it was only the beginning, but decided against it. They knew full well, and taking some satisfaction in the small victory would give them the mental strength to press on.
Which was more than enough to bring them to the second floor. As before, there were no Shadows in their line of sight, but that meant nothing. Also as before, that bizarre, damning calm blanketed everything, giving their surroundings a dreamlike quality.
"Anything new, Rise?" Souji asked, not looking at her.
He saw the flicker of a shaking head in the corner of his eye. "Nothing solid, Senpai. I'm just getting more anxious, and I can't figure out why. All I know is we need to hurry."
Probably the most obvious thing she'd said in ages, but true enough. Souji waved them ahead, eyes and ears alert for any sign of Nanako or Shadows. Naoto flanked him to the right, gun in a ready position, while Yosuke paced him to the left, unusually grim-faced.
"I can definitely sense Nanako-chan," Rise said when they reached the third floor. "But there's something, I dunno how to put it, weird, I guess. If this place came from Nanako-chan's heart, why does something feel off?"
"Any insights, Teddie?" Souji asked.
The bear shook his head mournfully. "Sorry, Sensei. This is all new to me, too."
Nothing to do but press forward. Souji had a feeling that he should have been noticing the exertion, but his movements were strong and sure as ever. Shadows that got within reach of his blade fell; he didn't get out completely unscathed, of course, but his injuries were minor.
Likewise his teammates. He'd never seen them so determined, save perhaps Chie when they were rescuing Yukiko all those months ago. Then again, with that same exception things had never been quite so personal for them.
Fourth floor. This time there was a change in scenery; the mist was thicker, with a faint yellowish tinge.
And a change in Rise. "I can hear her!" she said with a gasp. "This must be Nanako-chan!" A pause. "I can't quite make out what she's saying. Senpai, we need to find where the voice is coming from."
A bolt of lightning from Kanji cut off further conversation. For the next few minutes the only sounds were battle cries, explosions, and the loud bark of Naoto's revolver. Always, though, they pressed forward, kept on their feet by Yukiko's healing power.
Eventually, they reached a more open area, apparently devoid of Shadows. "Mom. . . ."
Souji froze. There was no mistaking it; that voice belonged to his dear cousin.
"Where are you, Mom?" the echoing voice continued plaintively. "Why did you disappear? Why did you leave me? No, please. . . . Come back."
It was the most painful thing they'd ever heard. "Are these really . . . Nanako-chan's feeling?" Chie whispered.
There was more. "But I have Dad with me," Nanako's voice said. "He comes home late, and he doesn't play with me. He can't cook or do laundry, either. He tries to be nice, even though he's a little scary sometimes, but I love him. And I have Big Bro, now, too. So I'm not alone."
Souji squeezed his eyes shut at that last, fighting for control. "That's a kid telling herself she isn't lonely so she doesn't fall apart," Kanji said, sounding like he was speaking from experience.
"Idiot, if you act all sad you'll ruin everything," Yosuke said, then turned to Souji. "Goes double for you, partner. You need to greet Nanako-chan with a smile."
Rise inhaled sharply. "Something's wrong; there's someone here besides Nanako-chan. It's faint, so I wasn't sure at first, but there's definitely another presence. And whoever it is, they're getting stronger."
Yosuke visibly bit back a curse. "If Nanako-chan is here . . . damn! Could it be Namatame!? Did he duck in here when Dojima-san caught up with him, like that bastard Kubo!?"
"It would explain why there was no trace of him at the site of the accident," Souji said grimly, his sword gripped in white-knuckled hands.
"Indeed," Naoto said, her lips compressed in a grim line. "He did seem particularly determined to kidnap Nanako-chan."
Yukiko shook her head in instant denial. "But why would he do that? If he is the killer, he has to know how dangerous this place is!"
Naoto shrugged helplessly. "We have no way of knowing. But, as Senpai said, he may well have entered directly through the TV in his truck." Her eyes briefly met Souji's. "Which means Nanako-chan may be in grave danger! We must hurry!"
Souji was already in motion. A Shadow of a type similar to the demonic samurai they'd faced before tried to blindside him, but he was too fast. Quickly pivoting, he whipped his sword around, decapitating the Shadow and injuring another, before bouncing off one that looked like a ghostly tank.
Immune to physical, and apparently most magic. There was one, however, who could handle it. "Come, Sukuna-Hikona!" Naoto shouted, and a wave of pure darkness enveloped the Shadow, snuffing it out like blowing out a candle.
"Thanks, Naoto-kun," Souji said, recovering enough to finish his previous target.
"My pleasure, Senpai."
In the clear for the moment, Rise chanced another scan. "Namatame and Nanako-chan aren't on this floor," she said. "I think we have a ways to go yet."
"I'm not sure how much farther we can manage today," Souji said reluctantly. "We have to find them quickly, but we'll still need energy for a fight." He sighed. "We'll check the next couple of floors, then call it a day."
They were ambushed by Shadows twice more along the way. It might have been Souji's imagination, but he had the distinct impression something—or someone—was more determined than usual to hinder their efforts. Certainly the Shadows were stronger than any they had yet encountered.
Once on the fifth floor, they heard a new voice. "N-No, that's not it." A man's voice. "I just wanted to live peacefully, that's all."
Then why did you try to kill all those people, you bastard!? Why did you kidnap Nanako, if you just wanted to live in peace!?
Rise grunted in anxious frustration. "Nanako-chan's presence is being drowned out. Please, Nanako-chan, answer us! We're coming for you!"
They had fought their way clear to the next floor when the man spoke again. "This place is nice . . . so quiet. I wish I could have lived here. That we could have lived here, together. . . ."
"Together?" Rise said, inhaling sharply. "Is Nanako-chan with him!?"
"To blazes with that," Souji said. "It sounds like we're closing in; let's move!"
It was fortunate that he wasn't operating alone, else his single-minded fury may well have cost him his life. As it was, Yukiko had to heal him up several times, and once he nearly literally lost his head. After that, he took it more slowly, relatively speaking.
"I . . . discovered a new world." Again the man's voice, probably Namatame. "I must save people. Yes, I'm the only one who can. . . ."
Souji clutched his sword in white-knuckled hands at the man's sheer gall. "It'll be okay, Senpai," Rise said into his thoughts. "The voice is getting closer; we're almost there!"
With a surge of renewed energy, they pressed ahead, dodging Shadows when they could and slaughtering when they couldn't. Their coordination was better than ever; though they didn't come through unscathed, Shadows invariably came off worse.
A large door soon loomed ahead. "Turn back!" the voice said. "Stop getting in my way!"
Not a chance in hell. Baring his teeth, Souji kicked the door open with Persona-enhanced strength. Beyond was a larger version of the cross/balance scale types they'd seen before. He was willing to be it was also considerably more dangerous.
"Why are you getting in my way!?" the voice demanded. "I'm . . . I'm going to save this girl!"
As if to emphasize the point, the Shadow unleashed a blast of fire, knocking Chie off her feet. While Yukiko rushed to the other girl's aid, Souji took a long step forward, enhanced by Yosuke's power. He feinted with his sword, sidestepped, then crushed a card in his fist, summoning Izanagi for a lightning strike.
Its retaliatory strike, a gust of wind as powerful as any Yosuke could conjure, sent him flying back, landing with a pained grunt. All it did, however, was delay the inevitable; Naoto, her normally calm face set with cold fury, emptied her revolver into it, then summoned her Persona for a blast of pure force.
Wishing briefly that he'd thought to bring a water bottle, Souji wearily waved them forward. The way to the next floor was close by, allowing them a few moments to rest.
"I won't hand over this girl," Namatame's voice said when they ascended. "No matter what. This time . . . I'll. . . ."
"No more of this insanity," Souji snarled in return. "Come on!"
The next two floors went by with a minimum of fuss, as Rise's guidance kept them from Shadows outside the tightest spots. When they did fight, they were relentless; nothing was going to get between them and the little girl they had come so far to save.
At the tenth and final floor, Souji sadly called a halt.
"We'll come back tomorrow," he promised, holding up a hand to forestall protest. "As we are now, if it comes to a fight—and it almost certainly will—I'm not at all sure we can win, and we can't lose."
"Senpai is right," Naoto said, her own anxiety kept firmly in check. "We still have time, so we should come back after we've had a chance to rest."
Yosuke grimaced. "I don't like it, but you've got a point." He wiped sweat from his brow. "I'm dead on my feet as it is. Tomorrow, then?"
Souji nodded grimly. "Tomorrow." He glared at the gate just ahead. "Namatame is going down."
Monday, 7 November, After School
It was time. Finally, after so much effort, pain, and heartache, it was time. They finally had the culprit cornered, in a place from which there was no escape. Taro Namatame was within their grasp, and he almost certainly had Nanako with him. It made the situation that much more dangerous, but Souji refused to even consider the possibility of failure.
He looked at his team, one by one. No words were needed; they were ready. With a grim nod, he turned and smashed the gate open.
Sure enough, Namatame was there, clad in a nondescript delivery driver's uniform. He had a crazed look in his eyes, and clutched a struggling seven-year-old girl in one arm.
"B-Big Bro!" Nanako choked out.
Namatame only held on all the more tightly. "You mustn't go!"
Souji brandished his sword. "You're Taro Namatame, right?" he asked in a low, deadly voice. "Let Nanako go. Now."
"I'm going to save this girl!" Namatame retorted, not budging a centimeter.
Save her!? It didn't make any sense. The TV world was a death trap, that much they had determined at the start of their investigation. Anyone who lacked the power of Persona was doomed sooner or later; even if the normal Shadows ignored them, it was all over when the fog lifted.
"So you're the killer," Yosuke said, angrier than Souji had ever heard him.
"Let her go!" Yukiko shouted; if Nanako hadn't been present, Namatame would likely have already been transformed into a torch.
Namatame laughed, a manic grin appearing on his face. "Ah, you're the ones I saved before. Don't worry, I'll save this girl, too."
Kanji blinked, taken aback. "Is this guy high or something?" His expression hardened. "Quit with the BS and let the kid go!" He started to charge forward.
"Don't come near me!" Namatame shouted, clutching Nanako more tightly.
Naoto shook her head. "Calm down, Kanji-kun! We have to manage this very carefully. If we keep him talking, we may have a chance."
Talk was the last thing on Souji's mind right then, but he knew Naoto was right. Namatame was clearly unstable; one wrong move could mean Nanako's end. He had to choose his words very carefully, or everything they had fought for would come to naught.
"What is the Midnight Channel?" If anyone would know that, Souji reasoned, it would be the man throwing people in.
Namatame appeared to relax, just a little. "People needing to be saved appear. . . . That's why I put them in the TV."
Kanji nailed it, this guy's high as a kite. "Why are you doing this?"
"To save them." Namatame spoke as if it was self-evident.
Only a hand on Souji's arm kept him from erupting at the sheer arrogance. "You say you put the people you saw on the Midnight Channel into this world, correct?" Naoto asked.
"They all . . . want to be saved."
Rise's lip curled. "I never asked you to save me," she growled.
"And you didn't save us," Kanji all but shouted, "it was the exact opposite!"
Namatame shook his head. "Really? If I hadn't put you in the TV, how would you have ended up?"
Yukiko blinked in obvious confusion. "How would we have ended up?"
"Is he saying we wouldn't have been able to face ourselves?" Rise wondered.
"But that makes no sense!" Yukiko said. "We almost died."
The manic grin was back. "Exactly."
This is getting nowhere. Souji's mind whirled as he considered the possibilities. If it wasn't for Nanako's presence, subduing Namatame would have been trivially easy; he was clearly physically weak, and Souji and his friends were in the best physical condition of their lives after fighting so long. Dammit.
Yosuke took a step forward. "You kidnapped them. Yes or no?"
"Yes."
"Why target residents who appeared on the local media?" Naoto sounded confused. "Why did they appear on the Midnight Channel?"
Namatame's composure, such as it was, was beginning to crack. "On rainy nights . . . they signal me . . . to save them. . . ."
"Saving this, saving that." Yosuke's tone could have burned the varnish off a deck. "All you're doing is murdering people!"
Namatame's breathing faltered. "No, I'm saving them."
"Dead is dead," Souji bit out, tiring of the game. "That's all."
Again with that disturbing grin. "If that's what you think, fine. I know why . . . you chased us here. . . . Too bad. I'm going to save her. . . ." His grip on Nanako tightened, and a strange haze surrounded him. "What a wonderful world," he said in an echoing voice. An unknown, unreachable place, filled with fog. I'm a Savior there. . . ."
"Enough," Souji growled. "Yosuke, Kanji, take him down; I'll catch Nanako when she's free."
"Got it, partner," Yosuke said grimly.
Souji looked back over his shoulder. "Naoto, if Namatame looks like he's going to interfere . . . shoot him."
Her face was noticeably paler than usual, but she nodded. "Understood, Senpai."
With a loud bellow, Yosuke and Kanji charged, knocking a surprised Namatame off his feet. Souji was right behind them, catching Nanako before she could hit the ground. She was still breathing, but appeared barely conscious; it was all Souji could do to keep his rage under control.
"Bastard!" Chie snarled. "How dare you!"
Strongly suspecting a fight was coming, Souji gently laid his cousin behind Rise. "Keep her safe, Teddie," he said. The bear nodded wordlessly, and Souji rose, drawing his sword. "You'll pay for this, Namatame," he said icily.
"Give . . . her back!" Namatame glared at them all. "I'm going to save herrrrrrrrrrrr!"
The next few moments were perhaps the most surreal experience yet. Namatame let out a yell of rage that soon shifted to hoarse cries of pain. Dark shapes crashed into and through him, one after another, slowly lifting him into the air. A couple meters up, and he was unrecognizable.
"What's happening to him!?" Naoto shouted over the din.
"I don't know, but if we don't do something it could be bad!" Teddie said. "His powers are attracting more and more Shadows!"
Not good. Really not good!
Rise gasped in horror. "Look at him! He's merging with the Shadows!"
The . . . thing before them appeared only vaguely human. Larger than any normal person, it looked male, but almost mummified, with red-and-black-striped skin. It was clad in a white robe, and was suspended in the air by what looked like a giant peace sign of all things.
"Dammit, we've come this far, we're not losing now!"
Souji forced back his instinctive fear. "Yosuke, support spell, quick!"
"Gotcha, partner!" Yosuke clearly knew what he had in mind. "Go, Susano-o!"
With the burst of speed, Souji was able to take a flying leap, carving a deep gash into the abomination's side. It roared in response, whether in pain or rage Souji had no idea. He dropped back, just as Chie sped past him, aiming a flying kick. Somehow, she was able to jump high enough to strike the freak's head.
"It's called Kunino-Sagiri!" Rise said. "I don't know if that means anything, but I can tell it's bad news!"
No kidding! Souji was just bracing himself for another attack when a gust of wind knocked him sprawling. Pushing himself up to one knee, he quickly shifted Personas, barely in time to ward off another attack. A couple of meters away, Naoto's revolver barked, and more ichor burst from her target.
"Hear me, Amaterasu!" A wave of fire more intense than any Souji could recall seeing from her roared from Yukiko's Persona. Even the freakish Kunino-Sagiri seemed to stagger, caught off-guard by the blistering heat.
Now he was back on his feet, again switching Personas. "I'll put you on ice! Go, King Frost!"
The cold was so all-encompassing that the heat of Yukiko's fire was forgotten in an instant. It was enough to make Kunino-Sagiri freeze in its tracks, ever so briefly. Briefly, but long enough for Yosuke to recover, summon Susano-o again, and temporarily blind it with wind and debris.
Kanji grunted in sudden pain, staggering just a little. It appeared that, like Kubo's Shadow, Kunino-Sagiri had some telekinetic ability. Not enough, however, to stop Kanji Tatsumi. The former delinquent retaliated with a blast of electricity, then leaped back, smacking the monster's hand as he went past.
"It seems only barely injured," Naoto called. "Senpai, what now?"
Souji thought furiously. They had to end it as quickly as possible so they could get Nanako to the hospital, but it was hard to see any clear path. "Do you have any spells besides the instant-kill attacks?"
"I have one similar to what Rise-san described you using on my Shadow," Naoto said promptly, wincing as Chie stumbled briefly. "Not as powerful, but not weak, either."
"Good enough," Souji said. "When I give the signal, smack that thing with everything you have. Yukiko," he turned to the heiress, "once you have an opening, use the strongest first spell you have." The girls nodded, and Souji lifted his sword. "Yosuke, Chie, Kanji. We're going in right after." He thrust the blade forward. "Now!"
In the corner of his eye, he could see Naoto's Persona manifesting. "Sukuna-Hikona, go!"
She was right, it wasn't as powerful as what he had done previously. That, however, was relative; Kunino-Sagiri howled in pain at the assault, a howl that only doubled when Yukiko again blasted it with fire. Souji had to cover his face for a moment at the conflagration, suddenly very grateful indeed that Nanako was in a sheltered spot.
"My turn!" Chie made as if to launch another flying kick, then slid beneath their foe, spinning around and delivering a savage blow to its back. At almost the same instant, Yosuke drove both knives in to the hilt, Kanji following up with a roar.
Souji kicked off the ground, a by-now familiar tactic, and aimed a diagonal slash at Kunino-Sagiri's repulsive face. His blade bit deep, carving a hideous gash, but not quite deep enough. It swatted him back, but the thing that was once Taro Namatame was clearly beginning to falter.
"How . . . much more?" he gasped.
"It's definitely weakening," Rise said. "Hang on, it's. . . ." She hesitated. "It's like the air is changing somehow."
Exactly how became clear an instant later. A sudden gale came from seemingly nowhere, knocking everyone but Yosuke clear off their feet. Naoto, the smallest and lightest of them, nearly flew down the stairs, Yosuke catching her arm at the last second.
"I think we know what that change is," Souji said darkly. "Two can play at that game. Yosuke!"
"Way ahead of you, partner!" Yosuke slashed at the air. "Susano-o, blow 'em away!"
The resulting windstorm easily rivaled Kunino-Sagiri's; apparently it couldn't take what it dished out. Souji didn't pause to admire his friend's handiwork; he was already in motion once more, dodging or parrying a number of increasingly desperate attacks. One struck him full in the face, and while it hurt like hell, he was undeterred.
"This . . . is . . . for . . . Nanako!" he shouted, leaping into the air and bringing his sword down hard.
And, just like that, it was over.
Evening
Souji felt a chill as he cradled an unconscious Nanako in his arms. She had passed out somewhere along the way as they escaped that infernal place. She was, thankfully, still breathing, but showed no signs of waking. It took all his self-control to not dissolve in an unthinking panic.
"The police and paramedics will be here shortly," Naoto said. She bent to tuck Souji's sword in his bag. "I think it best if this remains out of sight," she said more quietly.
He gave an absent nod, still focused on his helpless cousin. She'd never looked so fragile, as if the slightest jolt would break her beyond repair. It was with a strange combination of reluctance and relief that he handed her over to the EMTs as they arrived with a police escort.
Waiting, he found an hour later, was the hardest part by far. Nanako was under close examination, with no visitors allowed, so the team stood listlessly in the hallway. Souji spent most of it running different scenarios in his mind, trying to figure out where he'd gone wrong, what mistake had led to this.
"She's still small, so her Shadow didn't appear like everyone else's," Teddie said, answering a question Souji had been wondering about. "And she got caught in all that. . . ."
Yosuke sighed. "Are the doctors even going to be able to help her? They couldn't even tell if that place affected us any."
"There's nothing more we can do," Chie said, brushing her hand against his arm. "Inaba's a small town, but the doctors here are first-rate."
Naoto was pacing back and forth, from all appearances oblivious. "A deliveryman named Namatame," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The possibility that Nanako-chan would be targeted. If I had only been more thorough!"
"You did what you could," Souji said. "All of you did. Teddie, without your knowledge of that world we would have gotten nowhere fast, if not dead." His eyes shifted slightly to one side. "Yosuke, Chie, Kanji, you've kept pressing through when no one could have blamed you for collapsing. Yukiko, your support has saved my life more than once. Rise, your Persona is the only reason we were able to find Nanako-chan at all. Naoto," he looked the Detective Princess in the eye, "your detective skills brought us farther in a shorter time than I would have thought possible." And you kept me going when I almost lost my mind, he added silently.
"Senpai," Rise said.
"What I'm saying is, don't blame yourselves," Souji said, with a calm he didn't quite feel. "It's no one's fault but Namatame's, and we finally caught him."
Yosuke grunted. "No way you're as cool as you sound right now."
"I'm not," Souji conceded, "but it doesn't matter." He looked up, seeing Tohru Adachi approaching.
The young detective blinked in surprise. "You guys are still here?"
Stupid question, in Souji's opinion. They were all worried sick about Nanako, so it was only natural they would still be haunting the hospital. On the other hand, Adachi wasn't exactly the brightest bulb on the force. Souji had figured out the logic of assigning him to a backwater like Inaba long before.
"Um, Adachi-san, have they found anything out?" Yukiko asked.
Adachi shook his head. "Dojima-san is talking to the doctor now, but they need to run some tests on her before they can really say much. And not just Nanako-chan; who knows when we're gonna be able to get anything out of the perp." He shrugged uneasily. "Anyway, it's getting late, so you guys better get home."
Good advice. Souji nodded to his friends, and they dispersed. Most of them, rather; Naoto remained close by Souji's side as he made his way home. He appreciated her company more than ever; it made the trip a little bit less lonely. His uncle was right, leaving him alone would have left him worse off.
He saw the knowing look Yosuke gave them at the hospital entrance, but ignored it.
"I'll make breakfast in advance," he said when they were about halfway back. "After today's insanity, I'd rather keep the fuss before school to a minimum."
"Except the coffee," Naoto said firmly. "You have considerable culinary talent, Senpai, but I highly doubt even you could make stale coffee palatable."
Souji felt a smile tugging at his lips. It was, he reflected, a welcome change after the last few days. "I'll keep that in mind," he said. A few minutes later, as they were reaching the door, he spoke again. "Naoto, I just want to say thanks. For sticking with me. I'd have lost my mind otherwise."
She blushed faintly. "It's my pleasure, Senpai."
Tuesday, 8 November, After School
In the wake of the battle with Kunino-Sagiri, school felt almost eerily mundane. None of the teachers were any weirder than usual, nothing particularly dramatic happened. Even Yumi Ozawa's life seemed to have quieted down for the time being, much to her relief.
Nonetheless, Souji was slightly on edge. Naoto had approached him at lunch, and in rather cryptic terms asked if he had time to spare after school. When Souji had expressed some confusion, noting that she was staying at his house, she had replied that there was someone she wanted him to meet. Still puzzled, he had agreed to join her at the flood plain after school.
That someone was the same man who had given him the first card, and later appeared at the Tatsuhime Shrine. "I am Yakushiji, secretary to the Shirogane estate," he said, bowing slightly. "I must humbly apologize for what happened at the shrine."
Naoto looked at the ground. "I, too, must apologize," she said. "Though I was unaware, I involved you in this. It was all an act my Grandpa put on."
Souji tilted his head. "An act?" he repeated.
"My master has grown increasingly worried about Naoto-sama of late," Yakushiji explained. "Lacking anyone in whom to truly confide, she has devoted herself to her work to the exclusion of all else. Shirogane-sama wanted her to regain the joy she felt in times past. To regain the feelings from when all she wanted was to be a detective, regardless of her gender or heritage."
The pieces were falling into place. "And you used me as a way in?"
"Precisely," Yakushiji admitted. "Believing you to be trustworthy, I involved you at my own discretion. Please forgive me." He offered a deeper bow.
Souji shook his head. "I had a good time, and it helped me figure out where I want to go in life. If it helped Naoto, too, so much the better."
Yakushiji smiled. "I am very pleased to hear that, Souji-san. You have my gratitude." With another bow, he departed.
Catching Naoto's eye, Souji nodded to their favorite table by the riverbank. He waited until she seated herself, then sat across from her as usual. It was routine, yet he could tell something had changed, something he had only dimly perceived through the crisis surrounding Nanako.
"I received this from Yakushiji-san," Naoto said, setting a card on the table. "The final challenge."
Souji picked it up. "I did what you can't stand to at a place you'd be fond of. But underneath, rather than inside." "Cryptic as usual," he said, handing it back, "but I guess it would be too easy otherwise."
"True," Naoto agreed. "A place I'd be fond of. . .?"
A stray memory clicked. "Somewhere high, maybe?"
Naoto's face brightened; clearly she was pleased he remembered. "That would be my thought," she said. "The highest place around here, if my memory is correct, is the hill overlooking town, a place I believe you have been known to frequent." She frowned. "As to what I 'can't stand to do,' there are a number of possibilities."
Dressing in girlish clothing and parading around in public leaped to mind, given the recent Culture Festival disaster. That, however, seemed unlikely in the extreme, certainly not the kind of thing a man like Yakushiji would do. It had to be something less embarrassing, and more subtle.
Then it hit him. "Throwing things away."
"T-That's right," Naoto said, smiling through a blush. "Did I mention that before?" She quickly calmed. "The most logical explanation would be a trash can, and I think I have an inkling as to what is hidden there. Let's go, Senpai."
The hill wasn't all that far away, and the walk in the brisk autumn afternoon was pleasant enough. Sunlight shone down from a clear sky, keeping things from getting too cold. It was enough to ease most of the tension from Souji's body, leaving only a sliver of worry over his uncle and cousin.
"I had forgotten it even existed," Naoto murmured, gazing at the item they had founded taped to the underside of the can. "The last of the seven tools, the 'Detective's Pocketbook.' Everything I had forgotten about is packed in here. Grandpa, I think, wanted to remind me of them." She shook her head, irritated. "What a childish game, how selfish of him. Forcing me to recall all this when I was trying so hard. Not to be underestimated, nor condescended to. . . ."
Souji touched her shoulder lightly. "He did it because he loves you," he said in an even, quiet voice. He led her to a nearby table. "He wants you to enjoy your work, not just obsess over it."
She appeared to resist at first, but then slowly nodded. "Yes, of course. As always, Senpai, you are very perceptive."
"You're giving me too much credit," he said with a light chuckle. "It just comes from dealing with Uncle Ryotaro and Nanako so much."
"Perhaps," Naoto conceded, then sighed. "I was sure that if I solved Inaba's murder case, everyone would accept me. They would acknowledge me as the fifth in the Shirogane detective lineage." She looked at her hands. "At least, that's what I told myself."
Souji looked at her profile. "And you lost something along the way?"
She nodded. "I just wanted to be accepted, to be needed. That's why I was so obsessed, focusing only on solving the case. But in the process, I forgot the original reason I wanted to become a detective. It was because mysteries intrigued me, and in solving them I could help people. Finally, I remember."
"Just like your grandfather hoped," Souji observed.
Naoto looked at him. "Do you recall when I faced myself in the TV world?"
He winced slightly. "Hard to forget. Not as overtly disturbing as some, but definitely creepy."
"Indeed," Naoto said. "My task was to accept the part of me that cried, 'I want a reason for me to stay!' However, that reason is not merely solving a crime." She met his gaze. "You . . . everyone . . . you all gave me a reason to stay. A place to stay."
Souji smiled. "I'm glad to hear that, Naoto-kun. And I know how you feel."
"I have to be an adult. I have to be a man." Naoto shook her head. "I was only running from myself with such an attitude. There was no need to look for something to change or accomplish. I need only have faith in myself." She stood and turned to face him. "I think . . . I'm finally ready to accept myself. That I'm a woman, that I haven't yet become that detective I so wanted to be."
"Naoto." Souji found himself at a loss for words.
The Detective Princess took a deep breath. "I am a woman, and a detective. One who is seeking the truth, with you and the others. My friends," she said with a wistful smile. She looked away. ". . .When I'm with you, I become scared. Afraid that the instant I admit the truth, everything will spill out."
Souji held his breath, his heart pounding. Does this mean. . .? Is she really. . .? He sternly ordered himself not to get his hopes up.
"But . . . I need to say it. My true feelings." Naoto looked him in the eye. "I love you." Instantly she again averted her eyes, blushing fiercely. "Err, at least that seems to be the truth."
In that moment, there were a million things Souji wanted to do. Seize her in his arms, kiss her senseless, a hundred other things he didn't dare even think about. Instead, he held his peace. Naoto, he knew, was even more unsure about the whole thing than he was, and it would be some time before she was ready for more than very subtle displays of affection.
Souji could live with that. What mattered was the barrier was broken. At last, he found someone who could truly be a partner, someone who understood him in ways no one else could, not even Yosuke or his own parents. Even the knowledge that they would be parted, while painful, didn't faze him; any such separation would be temporary. They could make it work.
"Hmph," Naoto said, smiling wryly through her blush. "I'm so embarrassed, I could die."
"It's new for me, too," Souji said. "What really scares me, though, is the idea of meeting your grandfather. Shirogane patriarch and all that."
Naoto laughed. "I doubt he will give you much grief, Souji-kun, especially after Yakushiji-san gives his report. It's my cousin Minato you should fear; remember, he too has the power of Persona. I would hate for the two of you to come to blows."
"I'll make sure to avoid it," Souji said with an answering laugh. Calming, he decided to test the waters a little, and reached out, brushing his fingers against her hand.
She blushed more deeply, but her hand awkwardly caught his. "I don't know where we go from here," she said, "but I am looking forward to it."
Souji smiled and gently squeezed. "So am I, Naoto-kun."
Friday, 11 November, Morning
Despite his uncle and cousin still remaining hospitalized, not to mention the extremely damp weather, Souji couldn't remember being happier. For all he cared, a typhoon could have swept through, as long as it didn't threaten the hospital. He had what he wanted most.
The others noticed, of course. Yosuke, unsurprisingly, was the first; he knew Souji probably better than anyone else (barring Naoto), and had seen the signs before Souji himself had realized what was happening. The "Junes Boy's" only comment was that it was about time Souji found someone.
Chie picked up on it quickly enough, though she practically had to draw a diagram for Yukiko to see anything. Souji had struggled not to laugh at that, recalling Yukiko's utter obliviousness to Mitsuo Kubo's clumsy attempt at asking her out. Regardless, both were happy to see their loneliest teammates find some measure of companionship.
Despite her previous expressed interest in Souji, Rise took the change in stride. Amused at her friends' puzzlement, she explained that she'd realized she wasn't right for Souji, that his love of peace and quiet wouldn't mesh with a celebrity girlfriend.
Kanji, for all his odd interest in Naoto, accepted it without comment. Souji suspected he had simply drifted away before it could even become an issue; the onetime delinquent had been helping out more at the family shop of late. Seemed he really had turned over a new leaf.
Unsurprisingly, Teddie was the only one to cause any real problems. When he learned of it (through a squeal from Rise), he peppered both of them with questions neither wanted to answer. Souji half-expected Naoto to draw her revolver when Chie had pointedly intervened.
Even Teddie, however, knew not to say a word where Noriko Kashiwagi could hear it.
"Sometimes a person's name expresses their characteristics," the teacher in question was saying. "It's certainly the case here. Robert Koch discovered tuberculosis; doesn't that sound similar to 'cough'?" She giggled.
Just a little bit too morbid there.
"He's one of the best examples I know. But then, I'm sure you all know someone like that."
Teddie, I guess, since he's a bear.
Kashiwagi smiled. "There's even someone here at school who might fit that description. But don't try to find out, 'kay? That's a real no-no."
I'll remember that, as long as it keeps me away from you.
"One time a teacher, Mrs. Nakayama. . . ." She trailed off. "What's the matter, Souji-kun?" She actually cooed, a sound that turned Souji's stomach. "Silly boy, don't look so bored; we're in class right now."
Stifling a groan, Souji pushed his chair back and stood. She's pushing it even more than Sloth-face did.
"Who was it that discovered the mycobacterium, tuberculosis?"
The usual cheap way to make sure he was paying attention. "Robert Koch."
Kashiwagi offered a nauseating smile. "Good job! I'm glad you remembered." Another giggle. "Earnest boys make my heart beat faster."
Slutty teachers make my flesh crawl.
"All right, let's continue. Louis Pasteur was a researcher of equal renown. Together they are known as the pioneers of modern bacteriology, with many discoveries to their names."
Souji made a conscious effort not to fall into his seat. Kashiwagi knew her stuff, granted. If only she could teach without coming across as a desperate streetwalker.
Saturday, 12 November, After School
Though Naoto had been staying at the Dojima residence for a week, she had not yet set foot in Souji's room. Indeed, she had made a point of not doing so, respecting his privacy in such a trying time. Even after they started dating (a thought that made her heart skip), she hadn't had occasion to step past that particular boundary.
Now, however, she had reason to. There was something important she wanted to discuss, and a more intimate setting seemed appropriate.
"So, this is where you live," she said, her eyes flicking around the small room. "Temporary lodgings, of course; there are a number of touches that don't fit your tastes. Judging from the position of the TV, you watch the Midnight Channel from—"
"Is it really that interesting?" Souji asked, a lopsided smile on his face. He was sprawled on the couch, his school blazer tossed aside. Unusually messy for him, but it was probably due to fatigue.
She blushed a little, but smiled in return. "Very much so. It gives me greater insight into your character, which will be of great help going forward."
Souji chuckled. "Always the investigator. Why not sit down and relax?" He waved at the spot beside him.
Naoto's blush intensified, and she felt her heart rate speed up. "T-There!? Err, that's a bit close." She quickly shook it off, or tried to. "A-Anyway, I apologize for the intrusion. I w-wanted to give you something, and this seemed like the best place for it." She dug into a pocket, retrieving a carefully-wrapped package. "I made this especially for you."
The item was a detective badge, much like the one she had made for herself long ago. Souji opened it up, and smiled when he saw "Detective Seta" in neat printing.
"It's been a long time since I crafted such a thing," Naoto said, smiling as her mind drifted back. "If I had gone back to the estate, I could have added a camera and transceiver." Her blush returned, just a little. "I thought it fitting since you expressed interest in detective work, and made myself one to match." She looked away. "Please don't say it's stupid or childish."
Souji shook his head. "It's not childish at all, Naoto-kun," he said. "It's very you, and you're right, it fits me—us—perfectly."
His words did a lot to lift Naoto's spirit. "The title of 'Detective' became a burden," she said quietly. "I thought that was all there was to me, that I was a detective first, last, and always. But you, you gave me reason to look beyond that." She looked into those gray eyes once more. "Senpai, being with you, I felt glad to be a detective."
"I'm glad I could help," Souji said, and this time she sat at his invitation, her pulse again quickening. "And it wasn't one-sided; I don't think I would have been able to figure out what I wanted to do in life without you."
Naoto felt like her face was going to ignite, but otherwise she was able to maintain her calm. Barely. "Do you . . . find my voice strange at all?"
Souji appeared to ponder that. "You should do whatever is most comfortable, but since you asked, the higher tone sounds more natural."
"I-I see," Naoto said. "I suppose . . . I could get used to it." She chuckled. "Something I would never have thought possible just a couple of months ago."
She felt Souji's hand cover hers. "Every so often, life throws you for a loop," he said. "Sometimes, it works out for the best."
"Indeed," Naoto said, and deep within, she felt a profound change. This bond, she realized, had affected her more deeply than the merely emotional. It made sense, though; Persona was ultimately a matter of the heart.
She sensed Souji looking at her. "You okay?"
"Yes," she murmured. "This potential, was still dormant within me. You helped me awaken it." Naoto took a deep breath. "I wasn't paying attention to things as I should have. People who care about me, even myself. The detective, the child, the woman, the 'me' who existed before all of them." She looked at her Senpai. "I am simply myself. I'm glad to have met you."
"Naoto," Souji said, his voice just above a whisper.
There were a hundred things she could have said, yet had no idea how to say. No idea just how to express how much Souji had come to mean to her in the short time they had known each other. To think it was a murder investigation that had brought them together.
"I'm not really sure how to put it," she said after a while. "The puzzle of my emotions has been solved already, but. . . ." She shook her head; that sounded like babble. In the end, there was only one thing she could say.
"I love you."
Author's note: First, let me say no one is less happy than I over how I handled the fight with Kunino-Sagiri. Major Shadow battles, I must admit, are growing increasingly difficult for me to write, due to the way they're structured. On the plus side, only a handful remain.
With that out of the way, this chapter is a major milestone: the purpose for which I started this fic has at last been realized. It isn't the end, of course; I would be remiss if I didn't chronicle the rest of their journey. Nor do I intend to leave Souji and Naoto's relationship as-is and only touch on it occasionally from here on out, as so often seems to happen once people are paired up. There is still room for growth, and their lives together will be entwined with the overall narrative to the best of my ability.
Until next time. ~D.S.