(11/12/10)

Monday...

I awoke early in the morning and got ready. Truth be told, I was so excited with today that I couldn't get enough sleep. But as I took a bath, I thought I'd get enough of it on our way to wherever the hell we were going.

I got my luggage, a giant blue travelling backpack, and set it in the living room and ate some cereal with Leah and Akihiko. A little while later, Minako came knocking.

"Hey guys!" She greeted cheerfully as Leah opened the door, "Hey Minato!"

"Someone's awfully cheerful today." I said as I munched on my bacon.

"Why shouldn't I be cheerful?" She said as she set her khaki trolley down with mine, "Thanks Leah!" She said after Leah handed her a bowl of Froot Loops with cold cereal.

"So, where's Junpei?" Minako asked.

"Yeah, I haven't seen him up yet." Akihiko said.

"Could it be possible he woke up early and got there first?" I said.

The guys looked at me and we all laughed at the thought.

"Nah, he's probably still asleep..." Leah said, still tearing up with laughter, "I'll go wake him up!"

She went upstairs as we chatted lightly, until we heard a thud and an almighty scream.

"What happened?" I asked as Leah went down.

"Oh, he opened the door and I told him to get ready." Leah said.

"And?" Minako said.

"Oh, he said he'll sleep for five more minutes and I grabbed him, threw him on the shower and turned it on." Leah shrugs.

"Ouch, he must be freezing his butt off..." Akihiko said.

"I know right?" Leah said dryly.

Junpei later came down, bleary eyed, shivering and fully dressed.

"Good morning, sunshine!" Leah said brightly.

"Good morning, sunshine..." Junpei muttered mockingly in Leah's voice.

"What was that?" Leah said sharply.

"Good morning, Leah!" Junpei said mirthlessly, adding a gleaming smile.

"Good." Leah said.

"You ready, Junpei?" Minako said.

"Am I?" He said excitedly as he opened his big duffel bag, revealing a rather plentiful amount of cameras.

"Now that's a lot of cameras." I said.

"I guess I know where the stereotypical Japanese tourist was born..." Minako said, "Some Westerners must've seen Junpei abroad..."

"Now all he needs is a pair of thick glasses." Akihiko mused.

"You going with us Senpai?" Junpei said, "Oh yeah, you can't!" He said and laughed jovially.

"Hmph. Whatever." Akihiko said as he read Iwatodai News.

After eating, we said goodbye to the duo.

"Bye guys. Bring something back for me, okay? Not a shirt though..." Leah said.

"Sure. What do you want, Leah-nee?" Minako asked.

"Hmmm... Either a Yankees baseball cap or a baseball shirt. Or just anything from the Yankees." Leah said.

Minako made a disgusted sound, "Yankees stuff? Sorry, I'm not a fan of the Yankees, but I'll get you one anyway." She said as she dragged her trolley out the door.

"Senpai? Anything you want?" I said

"Get me some protein supplements. I'd love to test out the difference between Japanese and American brand supplements." Akihiko said

"Okay, I'll grab some if I see any." I said.

"C'mon Senpai! I know you just want to grow out your man-boobs!" Junpei said.

"What are you talking about?!" Akihiko said hotly.

"C'mon, Leah-nee would still love you even if they're small!"

Akihiko's face looked bewildered as he looked ready to punch Junpei in the face.

"Quan's here!" Minako said as she pointed an SUV where a man with blazing ginger hair drove while a red-headed kid waved from the window.

"Bye guys!" I said.

"Seeya later!" Minako said.

"Have a safe trip!" Leah said.

"Be safe." Akihiko said.

"Play nice, you two." Junpei said as Akihiko turned red in the face.

"You little-"

But we couldn't hear as Quan's car pulled up. Quan had offered to pick us up with his father, since the meeting place was past our house.

We entered the SUV. Quan rode shotgun beside Professor Peter as Pinky sat behind Quan. Minako took a seat beside Pinky as Junpei and I took our places in the back of the SUV, with Mnako's trolley.

"G'morning guys!" Quan said jovially.

"Hello guys!" Pinky chimed.

"Wotcha, fellows? Glad to see you guys turned up!" Professor Peter said amiably.

After greeting them as well, we set off.

We chatted about some random stuff.

"Where are we going exactly, Prof?" Junpei said.

"Ah, tis a mystery Junpei!" Professor Peter said, "The game is afoot."

"Where are we goin' Professor?" Pinky asked, "This isn't the way to the meeting place!"

"We're picking up your friends Kenji and Rio, remember?" Professor Peter said kindly.

"Oh yeah!" Pinky said.

We went in Kenji's neighborhood and went by his house.

Rio and Kenji were in Kenji's from the lawn, texting and talking.

Quan opened the window, stuck his head out and waved like he did a while ago, until he fell back choking on something.

Pinky responded quickly by slapping him hard on the back.

He had a coughing fit, until he finally took a deep breath.

"What was that?" Junpei said.

"I...swallowed a bug." Quan said, "Happened twice today."

"You should stop doing that." Minako said, "Otherwise, we'd be calling you Rango."

"Hahahaha! Good one!" Professor Peter said, "That makes it twice now, son."

"Dad!" Quan cried.

Professor Peter honked three times as Kenji and Rio went out. Though Rio's knapsack was considerably bigger than Kenji's, she had no trouble carrying it as Kenji panted with every step.

Rio took a seat beside Minako and Pinky as Kenji opened the back door and entered.

Then Sachi, Kenji's little sister, rushed towards the car.

"Big bro, you forgot your wallet." Sachi said.

"Oh, thanks Sach." Kenji said, "Bye now, kiddo, don't do anything with Nikko-kun that I wouldn't approve of."

Sachi slapped him in the back, "You filthy hypocrite! What about you and Rio-chan thrashing about the house like a pair of eels?!"

Rio turned pink.

"Yeah, yeah... Rio and I snog about the house, big deal!" Kenji said, "While you're at it, why not mention that I sometimes sleep on the couch with Rio-chan as well? Or maybe that I cook for her too?" Kenji said crossly, "Or that we snuggle in the kotatsu, why don't you tell them all about it!?"

Rio sank to her seat with every word.

"You're such a mean big brother!" Sachi said as she stuck out her tongue and ran back inside the Tomochika residence.

After that drama, Professor stepped on the gas as we played some music on the way.

We arrived on the Iwatodai station and parked in the Private Parking area, owned by the Kirijo Group.

There were three school buses parked, Ms. Toriumi's Camry, Mr. Edogawa's Volkswagen, Mr. Ono's Honda Civic and Mitsuru's Bently. Other cars included those of the faculty and those old enough to drive.

The students were hanging in the parking lot, chatting and waiting for the scheduled train to arrive; it'd be a good forty minutes before it would arrive, then we would go to the nearest airport and go to wherever we were going.

Yuko, Kaz and the rest of the team were warming up, while Bebe and Hidetoshi chatted lightly. Everyone else seemed calm.

Minako, Pink and Rio went to meet with Fuuka and Yukari, leaving us bots to look for Lee.

we found Lee hanging out behind the bus labelled "WESTERN BOYS DORM", with some of his underclassmen from his dorm.

"Hey guys! Over here!" Lee hailed us as we went to him.

He glared at the guys beside him, "Move over, Richard, let them sit down, asshole." He hissed.

"Y-Yes Big Boss." The sandy-haired underclassmen said sycophantically.

We sat next to Lee.

"Sorry... I have to look after these morons for the trip..." he said resentfully, "Adachi, go grab these guys some Cielo Mists! And be quick about it!" he snapped at a kid with messy black hair.

"Y-Yes sir!" he said nervously as he scrambled to the nearest vending machine.

"Where do you guys reckon we're going?" Lee asked.

"Probably somewhere boring." Junpei said.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Quan muttered, "Not that I know anything! Pop's been yapping about it at home."

"Is that so? Hmhm... So long as Fuuka-chan's near me, I'd be happy." He smiled wryly, "She's a firework."

"So, you and Fuuka-chan, eh?" Junpei teased, "You sly dog, you! Making moves behind our backs!"

Lee blushed as his underclassmen congratulated him.

"She's not like the other women I've met... She actually makes me work for her love." Lee said, "I mean, I never expected that from Fuuka!"

"Good one, Boss!" Lee's kohai said.

"Quit kissing my ass and get me some peeled grapes from the bus, Woozy!" Lee barked at a short-haired guy wearing glasses.

"Yes sir! Whatever you say!" He ran and got to it.

Lee sighed as he lit a cigarette and smoked.

"What am I gonna do with these idiots... They're driving me up a wall..." Lee muttered.

"Lee- you smoking?" Ms. Toriumi shouted.

"Yes Miz Toriumi, I am."

"Well, put it out!" Ms. Toriumi hissed.

"Why?"

"It's against school rules!"

"Well, we ain't in school!" Lee retorted.

"Put it out! NOW!

"Sheesh, alright, alright..." Lee muttered as he stomped it out.

The underclassmen arrived with the goods

We all ate the food, as the train announced its presence by sounding the horn.

As we walked towards the exit, a red SUV pulled up and rolled down the window.

It was Quan's mom.

"Quan, you forgot your vitamins." She called out.

Quan turned as red as his hair, "Thanks mum..." He mumbled.

Quan's mum kissed him on the forehead, "Have fun, baby boy."

"Mom!" Quan complained.

She saw the Professor and kissed him too, "Don't you go boozing around while you're "there"!"

"I won't, dear." He said and kissed her again.

"Way to go, Professor P.!" Lee cheered as Quan's mum drove away.

"Thanks, I-" Professor said, "Are you smoking? Put it out! That's an insult, I'm a teacher!"

Lee stomped his smoke sheepishly.

We rode the bullet train to the Narita International Airport.

It took but thirty minutes or so. Reminded me of my trip going to Iwatodai.

We went out and walked to the airport, which was relatively nearby.

When we went in, we had to pass a detector.

"If we passed that, would they see our bones and innards?" Junpei said.

"Fool, that's an X-ray." Minako, who reappeared beside us with the rest of the girls, said.

"Wrong answer. That's a metal detector." I said.

"Man, why'd you have to keep busting my balls?" Minako complained.

"Hey Minato-kun!" Yukari said.

"Hey Yukari-chan!" I said.

"A metal detector, eh? To see if we're packing bombs?" Junpei said loudly.

Lee, Kenji, Quan and I clamped his mouth shut. A guard glared threateningly at us.

"You're not allowed to say "bomb" in an airport, Stupei." Yukari said.

"Why can't you say "bomb"?" Minako asked loudly.

"Zip it!" Yukari and I said at the same time.

"Please remove all metals." The guard said.

We removed all the metals and passed.

"You'd get busted for a bomb threat." I said after we passed the detectors.

"Wait... If I'm playing "Bomb" by Chris Breezy, featuring Wiz Khalifa, and my earphones come undone, who'd get arrested? Me or Chris Breezy?" Minako asked.

"I dunno... Chris Breezy I guess...?" I said, "Because he was the one who said 'bomb'."

The guard went forward, "Sir, you say that word one more time and I'll arrest you."

I nodded sheepishly and pulled Minako's ear.

"Jerk!" She spat at me.

After realizing that I forgot to get my watch, I went back to get it.

"Sir, I'm afraid no firearms allowed in the airport." The guard said to a familiar pint-sized androgynous version of myself.

"Is that so?" Naoto's cool voice said, "Can't there be an exception? I'm a Detective, a member of the illustrious Shirogane family, and a cousin of the heiress of the Kirijo group."

The guard looked at Naoto dubiously.

"That's true." Mitsuru's equally cool voice said.

"I'm sorry Madame, but Airport rules are very clear from here. I'm afraid that I cannot allow this." The guard bowed.

"I see..." Mitsuru said, and turned to a dark-skinned man beside her wearing a suit, "Bernard, kindly take care of this."

"Very well, Madame." The man bowed.

Naoto looked wistfully at her 38. revolver before handing it to Mitsuru's butler.

"Ah, Minato-san." She extended her hand and I shook it.

"Hey Nao-kun. Hey Mitzy." I greeted, "You're not coming with us?"

"Yes and no. I have business to in New York and-" her eyes widened.

"Aha! So we are going to New York!" I said.

"Looks like the secret is out." Mitsuru mumbled, "Anyway, I will only be until the Airport, but don't worry... The accommodations are Kirijo Group owned. And there's a world class hot springs. I stylized it after a wonderful inn I stayed when I had my trip to Inaba to visit the Shirogane Estate."

"Well, shall we go?" I said.

"My apologies. I must check in with the teachers. Naoto, you go with them." Mitsuru said.

"I'd rather go with you, if you don't mind." Naoto said.

"What's this? You don't want to socialize with Minato?" Mitsuru said.

"Of course I would!" Naoto said, standing defiantly at Mitsuru.

"Then go. A little socializing won't hurt you." Mitsuru said.

Naoto mumbled in assent as she turned to me, "Shall we go?"

I nodded as we said goodbye to Mitsuru.

"So, Naoto, do your parents approve of going to New York by yourself?"

Naoto's face darkened, "My parents died in a car accident."

I felt bad, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize..."

"It's okay. That was a long time ago." Naoto said sadly.

"If it's any consolation, my parents died the same way as well." I said.

Naoto looked at me and I sensed we shared a kindred spirit.

We found the gang in one of the cafés.

I was about to go in, when I had a wicked idea. The students of Gekkoukan were suppose to wear school uniforms to the airport, but Naoto wore the boy's uniform instead. And she looked strikingly similar to me. At school, I had more or less a few first years calling me Naoto at some point.

"Nao-kun, please go in first." I said.

"But-" she said, then her eyes narrowed, "You're not insinuating"

"C'mon, it'll be fun." I said.

She considered complaining, but she just nodded and went in. I went in with her and hid behind some sort of tropical ficus.

"Minato, over here!" Junpei waved.

"Come drink with us!" Lee said as he waved an unopened can of NesLo coffee.

"Drinks all around!" Quan cried.

Naoto sat down beside Yukari.

"Nice hat." Kenji said.

"Th-thanks." Naoto said.

"Did you get shorter...?" Rio squinted, "Nah, must be my imagination."

The guys seemed sold, and Naoto even laughed a bit at Junpei's corny jokes, but strangely, Minako and Yukari kept looking suspiciously at her.

"What's wrong, Yuka-tan?" Junpei said, still in a giggle fit, "Get it?"

"I do." Yukari said solemnly.

"...yeah." Minako said.

Rio raised an eyebrow, "What's with you two? You two are acting strange."

"I dunno... Something doesn't feel right..." Yukari said.

"Yeah..." Minako grunted.

Since the two looked ready to attack Naoto, I decided to show up before it turns into a scrap.

"Hey guys!" I said.

Goodness, how they jumped. Junpei actually tripped and fell over Lee, but Lee didn't spill his drink.

Everyone, except Yukari and Minako, had their jaws dropped.

"Man, that joint was tight! I'm seeing two Minatos!" Lee said.

"That's because there ARE two Minatos!" Junpei said.

"No Stupei, it's pretty obvious THAT," Yukari pointed at me, "is the real Minato."

"Yeah. Doppelganger there is too short and Minato isn't that white." Minako said.

"Guys, meet my friend, Naoto." I said.

"Pleasure." Naoto said.

"Man, they look so alike that even I, Minato's best friend, mistook them for one another." Junpei said.

"Dude, you'd mistake your own father for any drunken boozer holding a beer in the city." Kenji said.

Junpei narrowed his eyes, "Touché."

"But admittedly, they do look really alike." Kenji admitted.

Naoto huffed indignantly, "Well, yes, but other than the hair and the skin hue, we look nothing-"

But everyone started a heated debate about Naoto and I.

"The hair looks so alike!" Quan said.

"Not to mention her nose." Kenji said.

"And the uniform!" Pinky said.

"Pinky, you dummy, everyone's uniform looks the same." Quan said.

"... Alright, fine! Let's settle this, whoever noticed Naoto wasn't Minato, except Minako and Yukari, raise your hands." Lee said.

Adachi, Wu Zhi and Richard raised their hands.

"You fucking Judases! You've noticed that and you never told me!" Lee said, "How'd you know anyway?"

"S-sorry Big Boss... Naoto's our classmate." Richard said.

"Ah, yes. Richard Mueller, Airo Adachi and Woozy Mu. Pleasure." Naoto said.

The P.A. boomed, "Flight 614A begin boarding."

"Ah, that's our flight." Naoto said.

We all stood up and went to the boarding area. After stamping our passports, we climbed the plane, until a red headed woman accosted me.

"Get the group and head to the first class cabin and lock after yourselves."

"Yeah, sure." I said.

I whispered it to the gang and we snuck in the pressurized chaos.

We shut the latch and locked it.

It was absolutely fabulous. There were couches, beds, and even a jacuzzi. A wide-screen TV was in the very front.

There were few people, including the teachers, student council members, including Hidetoshi, who was fast asleep, and Mitsuru, who was comfortably sitting on her seat, and a wierd guy with a guitar.

"Pretty fancy, eh?" Mitsuru said.

"Great place. But wouldn't the others complain of favoritism?" I said.

"No one will know. Right?" Mitsuru said to the teachers.

"If anyone asks, only the top students with high marks are here." Miss Toriumi said as she enjoyed a cake.

"Yes... This place gives me enough light for my research." Mr. Edogawa said.

"I agree. The music selection is stellar as well." Professor Peter said.

The teachers mumbled assent.

"Whoa! This place is just huge!" Fuuka gasped.

"Yeah... Like the Boeing I jumped out of." Lee mumbled.

"Yeah Boss..." An awed voice said.

"Wha- I can't seem to get a break from you morons!" Lee cried, "Whatever, just sit anywhere but next to me."

After putting my pack in the compartment, I noticed Yukari having trouble putting hers. I quickly helped her put it.

"Thanks." She said and sat down at the end of the three seats.

I took a seat in the window as Minako looked balefully at me.

"Oh, want to sit here?" I asked.

She nodded.

"Okay." I said and let her sit.

Fuuka and Lee sat together, as did Rio and Kenji, Pinky and Quan and Junpei said with the Kouhai at the last aisle, which had four seats. Lee told Junpei he could boss them around.

I sat in the middle of Yukari and Minako.

We bantered with each other and watched a few films.

After which, the strange man stood up and went to the Economy class.

The P.A. sounded, "Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. We're flying up from 20,000 feet, moving up to 30,000 feet and we have clear skies all the way to New York. Now for some in-flight entertainment... One of our first class passengers would like to sing you a song inspired by one of our coach passengers...and since we let our first class passengers do, pretty much, whatever they want. Here he is."

The man began singing a very touching song about growing old together, that actually made Fuuka, Yukari, Rio, Ms. Toriumi, Mitsuru and Pink cry.

While he was singing, there was a minor scuffle, but it sounded well. The man did not return though.

"Wait, we're going to New York?! That's my turf!" She cried.

I was forced to listen to her promising to show me every place she hung out.

I listened to music and it was top-notch.

After a while, I began to feel drowsy and fell asleep.

After some time, like a few hours, give or take, I woke up and found both my shoulders bearing the weight of Minako and Yukari's heads as they rested on either side of my shoulders.

All was well.

A/N: Gah! Finally.

A/N: I have a request for those who favorite and followed the story; Please review. Even at least one review would be nice. Pretty please? But of course, I find your reviews great.

Also, everyone please vote at the poll. Very important later on.

And how does everyone feel about Makoto Yuki to be Minato's name in Springs of Birth? As for me, it'll always be Minato.

Atlus sure sucks with naming characters lately, and Makoto Yuki is their all time low.

Also, I don't know much about Japan, but I would like to. If any are from the area of Tokyo, please correct me on my geographical errors. And I made up a hotel, so citizen's from N.Y. please don't give me any grief.

Also, starting today, I have decided that I will answer FAN REVIEWS. So, if you guys have any questions, feel very free to ask and I'll reply via Author's notes.

UPDATE: 5/19/13

-changed a few grammatical errors and spelling errors.

-added a few lines to Kenji's rant.

-added a line in the "bomb threat" scene.

-corrected Naoto's line about socializing.

-added a line on the 'Wedding Singer' reference.

-changed 'Tokyo International Airport', to 'Narita Intnernational Airport'. credits and much thanks to KazuyaYamura for the big FYI to the Cipher.

Anyone who'd like to make mince meat out of the maestro for any errors I made, then put it in your review and I'll give you full credits.