Hey guys! I know I said I'll have this done before Christmas along with my Persona 3 Portable story but my WiFi has been a bitch to deal with over the last few days. Also, I'm stuck with Xmas shopping and on New Years I'm planning on going to a family thing and following that is a friend's birthday in January so it's been busy these last few days. Probably might go on a small hiatus till I'm not that busy but I'm still doing this in my free time so I hope to update regularly in the New Year. Anyway, I'll let you read the chapter!

Entering the house, I see sitting near the TV was Nanako. Her gaze focuses on me with a happy face but it quickly morphed into a sad expression. "... welcome back, Yui!" I can feel the disappointment in that. "You okay, Nanako?" I walk up to her and got to her height, "Yeah, I'm fine!" her forced smile turned into a blank expression as her head shifted to the television. "Dad's late…" So that's the root of the problem… "Our next story is an update in our ongoing report on bizarre murders occurring in Inaba." The news station goes on about Konishi~Senpai's death. She was found at 7:00am this morning and was hanging from an antenna and her presumed time of death was 1:00am this morning. Because of it being similar to the previous case, police are going under the assumption that this is a serial murder case. Now, if the TV is linked to the murders, why would the killer bring them out? It just doesn't make sense if you throw someone in another world, with no way out, for murder, just so you can hang them up in that fashion. Then again, this guy maybe crazy… I should ask the maids back home to send some police files that were shared with the Narukami family. Then again, we don't have much but less is better than nothing.

"Another incident… dad won't be coming home again tonight…" Nanako's soft voice snapped me out of my thoughts. That's right, I keep forgetting that Dojima's on the case. "I'm here with you, Nanako!" I cheerily say as her smile appears more genuine, "Thanks, Yui! Say, I'm gonna do some chores around the house, can you help me please?" Oh my God, another thing I forgot is how reliable she is and she's around six. She's more reliable than I was when I was her age, I blame my parents for making me be raised the way I was. I never was able to experience things like chores and such. I know, mediocre and people would want to live like me and tell me I'm privileged. But I don't like it one bit. I don't even see my parents on a daily basis like most normal families. I look over at Nanako as I see the girl who just wants her dad. I get how she feels, distant parents in general just doesn't know what goes through their child's mind compared to parents who even through work, have time for their child/ren.

"Amagi Inn, located upstream of Samegawa river is the town's oldest historical landmark. Vacationers are known to travel surprising distances in order to visit its open-air, radium-rich hot the incident with Ms. Yamano, the manager has stepped aside, leaving her daughter Yukiko to fill her shoes."

The TV shows Amagi in a pink kimono, she looks good in it too.

"In other words, she's a manager that's still in high school. Now, that's got a nice ring to it… let's see if we can interview her. Excuse me!"

"Hm…? Um… are you speaking to me?"

"We've heard that you're the new manager. Is it true that you're still in high school?"

"Oh, well, I'm just filling in temporarily…"

"Someday, though… that aside wow! You're looking gorgeous in that kimono. You must have a lot of male visitors."

"Huh? No, um…"

Wow, it's the same reporter that did the thing for Konishi~Senpai. Still scummy. Probably a pedophile too. With a sigh, Nanako switches the channel as it shows an ad. Not the Junes ad but it features two familiar people. One shot shows them at the beach, playing volleyball, as it cuts to them running to an umbrella. It shows them each drinking a can at the same time and then facing the camera at the same time.

"We're tired of diets, enough with going to the gym. Good thing there's something we can handle!~"

"Slim down this summer with a fresh taste of Calorie Magic!"

Now I remember! It's the Kujikawa twins, Rise and Ryuto, though their stage names are Risette and Ryu~Bo. I met them when we were kids but we had to separate because of their careers as child idols and now teen idols. Haven't seen them since, hope they're doing well. "Risette and Ryu~Bo are so amazing!" Nanako's reaction to seeing those two make me smile. The next ad was the Junes ad and yet again, Nanako and I sang the song. "Oh! The dishes! I just remembered," The young girl stood up and walked into the kitchen. Oh, God. I'd feel bad if I did nothing. "Hey, Nanako! I'll help you with them!" Her eyes lit up with a giant smile being evident.

Time passed as we did the dishes. I washed and rinsed them while Nanako dried and put them away. It got boring pretty quick so I asked Nanako to get my phone and play some tunes on random. The two of us danced while doing the dishes. Heh, it was fun. I placed the last plate on the drying rack and I watched Nanako dry it while taking off the gloves"I'm going to bed, Nanako. Don't stay up too late!" Nanako grins and we exchange good nights. I'm not actually going to sleep, I've got some books I need to finish so I can get some more. They're mainly graphic novels, too. What should I read?... Aha! 'The Cake Knight Rises'! It's about this kid who grew up with baker parents but was killed when he was young. The kid grew up, training to get revenge on the ones who killed his parents but then he gained a friend who taught him how revenge isn't right. He clashed with the one who killed his parents a few times but because of his friend, he's hesitant on killing him. It's quite interesting. I think there's a movie about it coming soon as well.

Reading the last few chapters, I lost track of the time. The moment I put the book down, the TV switched on. The Midnight Channel. Wait… someone's on the TV! It's a girl in a kimono… Amagi! Though… others can wear kimonos… not enough proof it is Amagi. Wait, what would happen if I stick my hand into the TV when the Midnight Channel is showing someone. I do so and the image was replaced by a ripple effect. Immediately, I pull my hand out and the Midnight Channel stopped airing. My phone shows 12:01am. With a yawn, I go to sleep.

My eyes begin to flutter open and I see the Velvet Room. This time, it's not just Margaret and I as Igor is now here. "Welcome. Do not be alarmed. You are fast asleep in the real world… I have summoned you within your dreams." Now that makes me feel better… "And so we meet again". "This is a space that only those who have, in one way or another, entered into a contract may enter… in your daily life, you subconsciously heard the call to awaken, and you chose to follow the destiny of your inner voice… thereby enacting your glorious awakening to your power. Also, you have witnessed this with someone you have started a bond with. My master wished for you to be summoned here," Margaret took a sip of the wine next to her, while looking expectant at her Master. "Hold onto this…" He says as a key appears floating in front of me. It moves towards me. The moment it touches my clothes, it forms into a necklace.

"Your contract has yet to be signed… rest assured, the moment is soon approaching. Because of this, I will allow you access to the Velvet Room. However, you will only have one privilege until the contract is signed. Now, Margaret says you have a questions for me from when you last arrived." Huh? Oh, that. "Why am I here? Why am I a guest of this Velvet Room? Why has fate chose me to be a wild card?" Taking a deep breath, the old man with a long nose begins, "The cards help with choosing fate. Whatever they say to me, I repeat back to you. I have no clue why fate chose you. All I know is that your fate was already scribed in the Akashic Records even before your great, great, great grandparents were born. Have you heard of them?"

I shake my head, "The Akashic Records in simple terms are the human events that happened in their past, present and future." So my fate was already in the Akashic Records? Actually… "Is there a way to make the Akashic Records be wrong by going against the 'fate' it laid out?" "In context, yes. But consequences will follow. You don't want to be on the receiving end of those consequences, do you?" That sounded creepy… maybe I shouldn't go against the Akashic Records, "Anyway, it's time for us to say farewell." Igor's words faded along with the Velvet Room.

4/16

Yosuke and I began talking about the Midnight Channel when Satonaka rushed into the class to us. "Ah! You guys are here! Thank goodness," she goes up to me and hugs me. I was shocked for a second but I gave in and hugged her back. "We're okay, Chie. You can let go of her," Satonaka laughs awkwardly and let go of me and afterwards the three of us laughed. "Anyway, I didn't come and laugh. I came to talk about the Midnight Channel…" She began to look at us with worry, "We were just talking about that. You got any clue?" He asked while Satonaka just stood there for a second. "I… I think it was… Yukiko…" That took both Yosuke and I by surprise, "I kinda thought that, too… she was on the news last night, wearing a kimono and the figure did have similarities to Amagi. Fashion and style are two things I grew up with, so that's where I got the similarities. But, there's not much evidence that it IS her…"

"Actually, where is Yukiko~San? I always saw her at school even if she left early," Yosuke's question made Satonaka's expression change drastically. She didn't even know and her thoughts turned dark, "Satonaka, are you o-" "Oh c'mon, Yosuke! Don't put that thought in my head! You already got me worried when you said that the Midnight Channel shows people that die, I don't need that!" Her loud voice cut me off, "Maybe she had to help out at the inn… I'll call her!" She dials the number, hoping for it to be picked up. Her expression showed fear as she retells to us that it's her voicemail. Students walk in, "Whoa, are you serious? Then is Yukiko~San-" he get cut off, "Don't go there!" the students look over at us as Satonaka apologises. "I'll try the inn… where's the number…" Dialing a number, we hope for it to pick up. "Hello? Yukiko?... Oh! Okay! No, it's fine. Have a nice day!" She hangs up.

"She's at the inn. They were tied up with a group that came unexpectedly so they needed Yukiko, meaning she won't be here today or tomorrow. Thank goodness…!" With a sigh of relief, her face changes to rage at Yosuke, "I can't believe you, Yosuke! You got me worried over nothing!" I go up to her. "Don't blame Yosuke, Satonaka. He has reasons for thinking that way, I do too. Let's go and see Teddie after school, 'kay?" The way I called Yosuke by his first name took her by shock but eventually nodded with him. The first bell rang so Satonaka sat next to me and Yosuke behind me like usual. King Moron walked in and began the 'lesson'. I say 'lesson' but all he did was complain about his pay, swearing all the while. God, how is he still employed? Slowly, my gaze went to Amagi's desk. Was it really her on the Midnight Channel? What's going to happen? Either way, she's in danger. I can feel it. It's a gut feeling so it can't be wrong, right? I hope not…

School ended as the three of us headed towards the electronics department in Junes. It was much more crowded than before, Yosuke assumes it's because of the sales going on as Satonaka and I sigh. "How are we gonna talk to that bear?"I began to think after hearing Satonaka's question. "Guys, form a wall around me. I'll beckon him over and pretend to have my phone on speaker," they were confused but agreed to do so while I slip my hand into the TV screen.

*CRUNCH*

"Gah!" I tried to keep my scream in by clenching my teeth. Something bit my hand! "Holy crap! Are you okay, Yui?" "My God, it left teeth marks. That damn bear…" "I'm fine, I'll wrap it up later…" Quickly, I hold my phone out, looking like we're talking to someone on speaker. "Teddie, can you hear us?" I call out as his voice begins to make the TV ripple, "Ooh ooh, is this a game?". "No, it's not a game! Can you sense someone inside there right there?" Once again, Yosuke's impatient. "Who's "anyone"? I'm a lonely little bear like always. This land feels so bear-ren…" Huh? Wait, why did I chuckle at that? That was terrible pun… "Shut it! You sure no one's there?" Satonaka asked while Teddie repeated himself. Saying our farewells, the three of us went to the food court.

"This is so weird. If Yukiko~San isn't in the TV, who was on the Midnight Channel?" Yosuke's question sent me into deep thought. That has to be Amagi on the Midnight Channel, but how is she not in the TV?

*GASP*

The two look at me with a confused look on their faces, "What's up, Yui? You got and idea?". I nod, "What if the Midnight Channel shows people who would be in the TV in the future? Almost like a warning or something?" this situation I suggested looked like they were hit with a wave of realisation, "You may be right, Narukami! I would never have guessed that…" "Yeah, your grades show…" I couldn't help but giggle a bit while Yosuke was laughing so much and Satonaka glared at us. "Sorry, Satonaka. I shouldn't laugh at that, you shouldn't too Yosuke!" Giggling, I softly slap his forearm. "Say, what got you two that comfortable?" the girl asks so I told her what happened as she replied with an 'oh', "Anyway, we have to watch the Midnight Channel tonight. Let's disperse for today!" With my words, we separated.

"Yui!" turning around, I see Yosuke. "What's up?" I ask while wearing a smile, holding my arm behind my back and keeping my posture straight. Why? Well, I guess it's because of those proper posture classes my parents made me take when I was younger. "Do you want something to eat? I still owe you grilled steak and since Chie's not here, I can get you some!" Tilting my head, I think. "You know what? Sure! My uncle hasn't been home for a bit so I don't expect him to for a few more days," I tell him as he smiles so we go to the shopping district. With a bus ride and a small walk, we end up in front of a store that a good smell comes from.

Souzai Daigaku

"How many steak skewers you want?" Yosuke looks at me and I just put my index finger up. He knew I only meant one as he goes and orders. I had one while he had two. "Be careful, the steaks are tough to eat through. Classic country style," Heeding his warning I bit into eat. It is tough to eat, but it's good no doubt. "It's been a while since I ate meat, it's good though!" Yosuke looks at me in confusion, "Oh! I'm a vegetarian though, I'm a little lenient on that…" I return back to eating while two housewives walked by us, glaring in our direction.

"Oh, my, god. Why is HE here?"

"I know, right? Junes is running the shopping district out of business, he doesn't deserve to be here!"

"Sadly we can't do anything about it…"

Wow, so rude. "Heh, don't worry about it Yui. I'm infamous around here and I'm used to it," he looks down, "Still, you shouldn't have to deal with it Yosuke. It's not your fault!" I place my hand over his as he smiles. "I know, but I don't care. As long as people like you, Chie and Yukiko~San don't mind me, I'll be fine." Yosuke's free hand begins to scratch the back of his neck.

Yosuke's POV

Her hand is so warm. Her face shows a worried expression, why all of a sudden is she being this friendly? "Hey, Yui? Why are you so friendly now compared to last time?" now her expression showed shocked like, 'why would you ask that?' but to a sweet smile. "It's because it's kinda refreshing. Back in the city, I had these two friends named Machi and Kimi. Let's just say, they aren't the nicest people on Earth… they used me for my parent's money and my connections to famous people. However, they were the only ones who cared about me in the beginning. That's why I became their friend, even though they were toxic…" while she spoke, her hand grasped onto mine. As if this is the first time she's ever done something like this with a friend. "Anyway, thanks for the skewer and hearing about my past. Seeya tomorrow!" As she takes her bag, I grip on her hand. She looks at me, "I'll walk you home again, Yui." then smiles.

Rank 2

? POV

My gaze is focused on the two people sitting at Souzai Daigaku. On held onto the other's hand, making me tense up. She goes to leave but the two ended up leaving together, hand in hand. Gritting my teeth, a tear rolls down my face.

He likes her, huh?

Yui's POV

After saying my farewells, I walk inside the house. Nanako is yet again in the living room watching TV. With a smile, I go upstairs to take a bath.

Elsewhere

No One's POV

Dojima and his partner, Tohru Adachi, are in the rain near the site of Saki Konishi's body. "Looks like we've found all we're going find we've still got nothing that points directly to a suspect…" The meek looking detective started a conversation, "We don't even know if this is a homicide." Dojima mumbled. "Well, what else could it be? There's no way a body could end up like that by accident!" he also knew that is has to be a homicide, no matter if there was no evidence to support it. With a sigh, "…I know. We haven't found the cause of death for the first vic, and now we've got a second one just like it… If this is a murder case, there's no doubt we're dealing with a single perp. But if that's true… what the hell is going on?" "You know, I thought at first that this all spun out of that love triangle." with a stern look, Dojima shook his head.

"No. That singer-Misuzu Hiiragi-has a solid alibi. She was performing overseas, and her phone records prove it. And remember, the only reason the scandal went public was because Hiiragi herself broke it to the media. No one would put themselves under suspicion that way if they had murder on their mind." Of course, Adachi agreed. "Same with Taro Namatame, her husband. No matter how much we shake him down, nothing links him to the murders. He's been working in the city for the past six months. Seems he was here recently because of the scandal, but he was swamped with work back home at the time of the incident. There are eyewitnesses and other evidence placing him at his office the night that Mayumi Yamano died. And we can't find anything that shows Yamano making contact with Namatame before of after her disappearance…" Dojima continued with Adachi finishing, "You hear Namatame's career has also been killed stone dead? He's been fired from his position as secretary. He's practically as much of a victim as the Yamano girl.".

"Yeah, I agree… Then we have the second case, regarding Saki Konishi… She's the one who discovered Yamano's corpse… But I don't buy the killer shutting her up as a possible motive. She was killed well after she reported the body, and the culprit didn't hide her. It's like they were meant to be found." Looking at the other police officers, he took a deep breath, "The only other connection is that she attended the same school as the daughter of the inn where Yamano was holed up. But that hardly points to a motive. Coincidences like that are common in a town as small as ours." "Yeah… I heard about that angle on the news, too." That response took Dojima by shock, as he thought the story of the inn would wait until the whole murder was over. "Okay, I got it! How's this?Maybe there was something about the corpse that only Saki Konishi knew! And our perp killed her to keep whatever it was from leaking out!" Though Adachi's story was plausible, Dojima internally face palmed and looked away.

Looking at the moon, he mutters, "…Either way, all we can do now is keep investigating anyone involved with the victims…Our perp… It has to be someone in Inaba."

Yui's POV

The rain doesn't seem to be letting up. All of a sudden, the TV switched on. Yukiko was clearly on the screen but she was wearing a pink princess dress and a crown on her head while holding a microphone.

"Good evening! Tonight, Princess Yukiko has a big surprise! I'm gonna go score myself a hot stud. Welcome to not a dream, not a hoax. Princess Yukiko's hunt for her prince charming! And I've come prepared!" with a free hand, she begins to press into her skirt near her thighs and then cup her breasts. "I've got my lacy unmentionables, stacked from top to bottom! I'm out to catch a whole harem and the best of the lot is gonna be all mine! Well, here I go!"

That was indeed Amagi… oh god...

I hope you enjoyed this! Now, I'm gonna do the same thing I did for Akano, a profile! I might go back and put voice actors on Akano's one so you guys can get what they sound like, both Japanese and English. Also more of a description like the Megami Tensei Wiki on Fandom. Anyway, have a nice day!