04/15 Rainy

Knock knock knock

I woke up with a start and leaned up. I looked around my area and saw flashes of fog and mist. The walls of the room are plastered with pictures and a noose is in the center. I blinked and rubbed my eyes and that vision of mine faded away. I was in my room and I felt terrible.

Knock Knock Knock

"Come in," I called to whoever was knocking on my door. I'd assume it's Nanako from of the sound of the light tapping that can be classified as knocking. I looked up to my clock and saw that it's six in the morning meaning school starts in an hour and 15 minutes. I sighed and let my head fall down to my pillow and closed my eyes.

"Hello," Nanako called into my room before opening the door and coming in.

"Morning," I said back to her and rolled over in my bed. I faced her and opened my eyes as she stood by my table.

"Uh, dad was worried and he went out looking for you." That's what I figured. My mom would kill uncle if he messed up something as simple as watching out for me. I wasn't in any condition right now to get up so I can't really do much let alone call him to call off the manhunt. I need a couple more hours to rest before I can move so I'm going to miss home room for sure at school. I'm sure that Saki is in the same condition as me and probably won't be as school at all. I should visit her later once I get the chance to see if she's alright.

"You should head to school," I put on the best smile I could make at the moment.

"Are you okay?" She asked, but I remained silent for the most part.

I'm anything but okay, but I'm alive so that's something. After the ordeals of yesterday that flowed into this morning I'd like to say that I deserve a day or two of rest. Sadly if I'm going to put up the front that nothing crazy happened then I'll need to make an appearance at school if I can. Through sheer determination I climbed out of bed and threw my legs over the side. I noticed her looking upon me in worry. "I will be. Head downstairs and I'll be there…shortly." Isaid to alleviate some of her concern.

Nanako nodded and stepped back out of my room and closed the door back.

I willed myself up and winced at the soreness I felt everywhere. Never have I swung my sword more times in one sitting as I did in that world. Never have I been beaten, battered, and broken in such a way as I was this morning. That last Dia helped with my injuries and the muscle cramps before but after was a different story.

I'm a bit relieved I left most of the fighting to Saki after she used her persona for the first time. Saki is a badass, and I never would've guessed such a strong and independent woman was underneath all that country. My body is sore though, and I'll need three days of rest to recover.

I pulled my body off my bed and stumbled to my closet. I grabbed my of the extra yasogami school uniform and placed it on the couch. First I had to stretch out my muscles and get trendy for the day despite being sore like I am. I have energy, but I'm still mentally and physically drained. Spiritually I feel okay. I stretched until felt and sharp pain in my shoulder. I grit my teeth and gripped my right shoulder right where that shadow stabbed into it. It gashed it open and destroyed it that's for sure. I might need medical help with this.

I rubbed my shoulder and got dressed. I grabbed my book bag and walked down the stairs to Nanako eating a bowl of cereal. I sat down in front of her and grabbed the bowl she must have set for me and poured the flakes in. It's better than nothing but I'm for sure stopping somewhere on the way to school to get some bread at least.

I noticed Nanako was glancing up to me like the first day as if she wanted something. I don't have much understanding on what might be bothering her so I left it as is. I don't have the energy to talk much today anyway. We ate in silence right now and left the house in silence.

I walked silently though the rain without my music to keep my mind off the pain and what caused it. I have my player but not in the mood to listen. I stopped by the Central Shopping District and went to the small store and got myself some food for lunch and something to eat on the way. I ate my custard bread silently through the rain. Fog and mist early this morning and rain on the way to school, nice ninja.

I past a couple girls gossiping about policemen and a car zooming by one of their houses this morning for whatever reason. I passed by them and continued on to school.

"Morning stranger." I stopped and looked to my right and saw her.

"Saki-senpai, morning," I greeted her. I'm a bit shocked to see her up, but I guess if I'm up it's not to farfetched to expect her to be out and about as well. Saki was just at tired as I am. Her tanned skin is slightly paler than normal and her eyes don't have that much energy behind them, but we're alive so I'm counting my blessings.

Saki folded up her umbrella all of the sudden and joined me underneath mine. I looked at her and she looked at me back expectantly. "Well," she said expectantly. "What are you waiting for? Let's go." It seems I have no choice but to walk with her under a shared umbrella. This is a bit awkward I won't lie. "Come on, there's not need to be embarrassed. I won't bite," she said.

As far as I know she won't. I've the feeling that if I don't do this I might pay for it later. With a little hesitation I started to walk up the road to the school.

Saki chuckled a bit. "You really are my junior aren't you?"

I'm pretty sure we are the same age, because I could be third year if I so wished it. I'm just not bothering with the placement tests at the moment to move up a grade. I just never walked with a girl under an umbrella before. Kissing or doing a couple intimate activities isn't new to me but stuff that couples usually do like this or holding hands are lost on me. I'm not a romantic. I've never had a girlfriend and so know nothing of it's interworking. I've had at most a physical relationship with women, but I never placed emotions to it.

My mother would always warn me of city girls and their bimbo-esque ways. She drilled into my brain to keep my heart shrouded in stone until I find what I want. She's not much of a help on how this works. My dad isn't the prime example of how a healthy relationship should work. I was never taught or experience something like this but I know that misunderstandings are born from interactions like this. If Yosuke saw this how would he feel? If he got violent I'd have to beat him up and I don't want to do that. I'd feel bad after.

"Yesterday was… Different huh?" Saki said breaking up the silence. That's a word for it if a bit of an understatement. "All that shadow stuff you heard and… It was a bit embarrassing to tell the truth. To hear my inner feelings like that," she muttered under her breath.

"We all have masks we hide behind," I stated evenly. "Taking them off and embracing your True self isn't easy." I would know.

"Yes, but you heard everything. How much of a brat I am and how I feel about them. I really am a snake aren't I?"

"I bit," I said earnestly earning a sharp glare from her. That was but bit of an impulsive quip from me but the truth.

"Thanks for the support," she scoffed and I rolled my eyes. I think saving her life, carrying her halfway through the shadow world, and then carrying her home is more than enough support and then some. I didn't have to do either one of those things, but I did. I risked my life to save hers even after I got my bracelet back and this is how she thanks me. It's true, heroes are always undermined no matter the time or instances.

"Did you see your other self in that world?" She asked and I shook my head. "Why not? What makes you special?"

How am I supposed to know that? I don't know why I can enter the television while Chie and Yosuke couldn't. I don't know why I have a Shinto God as my persona while she has some woman I don't even know. I don't know why I have more than one persona versus her one. I don't know why all this weird stuff is happening around me. The truth is out there somewhere, but I ask myself whether or not it's worth chasing after. I'm exposed to the other world now and I'm thinking about going in again so maybe I have no choice but to follow along with it.

"Well, whatever. I guess it's fine as it is. Has your guardian questioned you yet?"

"No," but he will. I'm just waiting for it. It'll probably be this afternoon when I get home that he'll decide to grill me for information on my whereabouts last night. "I told my mom and dad that I was out with a friend."

"That won't help," I declared.

"Huh? Why?" She questioned.

"Because, my police detective of an uncle started a manhunt to find me. That mean's the police will be looking for you and last I checked you went missing as well," I pointed out.

"Yeah," she nodded. "My mom and dad call the police and told me I was missing. I can be smoothed over right?" She asked me a bit hopeful.

"No. We will be taken by the police and when we're questioned about our disappearances last night it will be done by them. We need to collaborate to fashion a story together to explain our injuries, bruises, and cuts same with our whereabouts from school to earlier this morning. If we fumble this it might not end well for either one of us."

"Hm, okay." She nodded understandingly. She's not ignorant and seems to be more insightful than I first assumed. She knows I'm a transfer student meaning that I'm here without my parents but have to be watched by a guardian. My uncle is obviously my guardian as well. I half expected her to question me on who I have to answer to but she put it all together well enough.

I'm beginning to realize that Saki is pretty reliable. At first I thought I'd be the only one able to defend us both, but she stepped up in the midst of the madness. She didn't even back down when it came down to our survival before. She might have been tired from being in the world longer than me, but still she took the baton when I couldn't fight for much long. She didn't seem comfortable with fighting but didn't hold much back when the shadows swarmed us. She put her feelings aside so we could escape. I think we came to a consensus that if we are insane that we're going to live with it by any means necessary

"Fine me later at classroom 3-C at lunch time. Then we can talk." She instructed.

"That would rouse suspicion don't you think? The new transfer student meeting with you might make rumor's worse on you Saki-senpai."

She waved off my worrying. "I don't care," she paused for a moment. "Well, I feel numb to it now. Just make sure to bring some of the custard bread you have as well." I looked at her aghast. "What? I don't have lunch and you do. If we are partners in this then at means you have to give me 50 percent of the take."

The safety of our freedom and the topic of my food are completely different subjects. I worked hard to get the hefty sum of money I have on me now and even more to drag myself to the market for medicine and some lunch as well. It was a bit out of the way but still did it, and she has the gull to request, no, demand food from me? She has a job as well but she uses the money to help support her family and its shop. Maybe even save up for that college guy she's enamored too.

I rubbed my head and took a breath. I'm letting my selfishness and self-preservation get ahead of rational thinking again. I took a couple breaths and thankful a softly smiling Saki waited for me to come to terms. Those eyes… and that smile… "Fine," I relented and Saki winked at me.

I felt myself die a little inside.

I noticed people looking at the two of us as we walked past the gate and whispered to each other. More than likely about us. Saki didn't pay them any mind and seemed to bask in the attention without batting an eye to their prattle. When we past the doors and made our way inside Saki stepped away from me with her fist out. She placed it at my heart and smiled at me one last time. "Lunch time, you got that Naru-chan?" I nodded solemnly. "I'm counting on you."

"Right," I said but suddenly I felt something in my heart. I don't understand what this feeling is but I do know that Saki is putting her trust in me. That's something.

Saki kicked off her boots and put on her shoes leaving me at the front. I put my umbrella away to the side and removed my shoes as well.

"Yo, Narukami!" I cringed when I heard that voice. I turned my head and he was there.

"Yosuke," I greeted the prince of Junes. "Good morning."

"Dude!" He walked up to me, and I got ready for it. Whether he hits me or questions me I came up with the proper response to both of these and stood ready for anything. "Dude you disappeared on us man. Where did you go?" I blinked and looked into his eyes. I didn't see anger but a bit of shock and worry as well. He must not have saw the interaction that took place between myself and Saki a minute ago. Or maybe he's just acting like he didn't.

"I went to the world behind the television," I decided to be truthful with him. I know he's not going to believe me. Whether or not he will doesn't matter to me.

Yosuke lost a bit of his smile at my answer and regarded with uncertainty so I clarified a bit. "When you and Chie weren't looking I climbed into the television seeing that I could fit into it. Once I was there I wandered around the happened upon someone there. You'd know her because she knows you." Yosuke's eyes widened and his fists clenched. "I found her in at world and saved her from a shadow of herself. Then we made our way out knowing that the police are on the lookout for the both of us. We are going to fabricate a story for us to give the police when they question us. That's why we are meeting together at lunchtime. I'm sure you overheard us."

I tested him this time. I'm not sure if he was listening in on us or if it was a coincidence that approached me with questions a minute after Saki left. Life is never that simple. Yosuke stared at me as if he couldn't believe me but seem to reserve his judgment from later. "So you both…were in a world behind the television? That's why she's counting on you?"

So he was listening in then. I don't like eavesdroppers that much but I've done it more than once or twice in my life so I can judge.

"That's crazy Narukami, just crazy."

I shrugged at him and walked past him. "You can believe me if you want Yosuke. I won't force you."

"Show me." I said.

I stopped and turned back around. "What?"

Yosuke faced me. "Show me this world you're talking about?"

"Dare I ask why? What would be the point?" He has no business going to the other world. He has no reason to enter the backside of the television. Why does he want to suddenly enter the world where I almost lost my life?

"Because I think you plan to again and… what if you take Saki-senpai."

"She's older than you and able to make her own decisions. Whether or not she does is her choice. Even if I choose to go back I don't plan to have anyone follow me. That world is dangerous. I almost died. How do you think we got this on our necks?" I pulled back my collar to show him the purple and red bruise from when that cold hand Shadow Saki nearly choked me to death with. It left a mark but thankfully the burn healed leaving just the mark.

"Then I need to… I don't know. See what it's about. Protect her if I can." I looked at Yosuke and sighed. I shrugged and waved for him to follow me. It was about time for us to get to class.

"I'll think about it but more than likely Saki-senpai won't want anything to do with that world. I can guarantee it." There's no way she'd wish to go back. That would be insane. "So calm down Yosuke and don't worry about it. It's over and if I do go back I'll be fine and you won't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

Yosuke chuckled all of the sudden. "You know, this is the most I've heard you talk man." I blinked. I didn't expect to hear that. Thinking back on it for the most part I've let both Chie and Yosuke do most of the talking. Only a few times have I really interjected in the conversation. I kept to myself mostly because I didn't feel I had a place in their conversation. I've always been a bit of a loner and minded my own businesses when I could. I never really talked to people that much and I guess the same transited here. I talk when I have to and not when I don't have to. It hurts my throat after a time as well.

"I'll meet you and Saki then and see. If she goes then I'm going to," he said firmly and I nodded.

That was fine after all she's not going back.

Yosuke and I went to class and I fell into my seat and took my usual dignified sitting position in my chair with my back straight and hands at my knee but feet apart six inches. I pull books out from my bag and sat them down on my desk before nodding my head down and resting my eyes a bit.

"Narukami!" I opened my eyes as Chie noticed me and jumped into her desk and talk to me I guess. Sometimes I miss Tokyo. No one bothers you without reason especially when you're visibly tired. Then again that can be anywhere. "Where were you! Where did you disappear to? What happened? How did you get those marks on your neck and cheek? Are you alright because you look a little pale?" She asked too many questions at once.

"Chie," I said quickly and she winced at my tone. "I've had a very long day yesterday and an even longer night. Can you please tone it down to like a 4?"

"Uh, yeah. Sorry bout that?" She laughed with a sheepish expression on her face.

"I appreciate it." I closed my eyes once more and rested my head down.

So tired.

Before I knew it the bell rang for lunch time and I was up on my feet in seconds. I dragged myself and my bag through the door and up the stairs to where the third years are. I past a few that I was much taller than and earn the stink eye from a lot of my seniors. The inner bastard in my reveled in this and took in everything.

"Because you know you love the attention. It makes you feel whole." I heard in my head and rubbed it. I can't say it's just a voice anymore because it originates from someone or something within me. In the corner of my eye I was a devilishly charming and admittedly alluring creature floating with her back on the wall. She gazed upon me with her arms crossed and devilish grin on her lips. "Isn't that right summoner? You love it." The little demon glided towards me without even flapping her pitch black wings with purple webbing beneath.

I can't say she's wrong because she isn't, but still I'm a bit unsure of what this is.

"You can call me Lilim." She introduced herself as she stopped on front of me. She rose a single hand up from chest. One hugged by a pure bite and extremely skin tight body suit. Her body was an eye catcher. She used her fingers to push her midnight black hair from the right side of her face behind her ear. Her eyes peered into my own with the color of amethyst in the faint light. "I am you and you are me," she stated as her hand came up to rest under my chin. It felt comfortable warm as well. "Shall be fall in within the wiles of debauchery together? I can make sure you charm any little girl you come across if you accept," Lilim giggled mischievously. "I'll even help you until you get an Empress persona to back you up."

"I appreciate the offer," I said dryly to the persona. "But I was warned against making deals with the devil." Lilim smiled at me then faded away from view but didn't fade away. Instead I felt a pressure on my shoulders and heard a soft humming in my ears. I guess this Lilim is going to stick around for a bit. Man, having a woman inside me is a bit strange, but I'll get over it.

"Hey, you!" I drew my eyes to the left and noticed a girl leaning on the wall next to a vending machine. The girl has messy short orangey-red hair, a nose piercing on her left nostril, chain like choker on her neck, and a sly smirk on her lips. "You're ol' Konishi's newest toy huh?"

'Ohh, I like this one,' I heard in my ear. 'This conquest will be simple if you follow my lead," Lilim chuckled as she flew around the girl and became the devil on her shoulder instead. She rested her elbow on top of her left shoulder and the other on the air but that didn't stop her from overlapping her fingers and placing her chin on top as she laid down on her air bed. I dare say if it wasn't for that sensual look in her eye Lilim would be cute. 'It'll be fun,' Lilim grinned at me. I thought on the persona and her offer then relented.

'Why not?' I said within my head and Lilim smiled at me. I'm fascinated to see where persona can take me outside the Shadow World.

"I'm no one's toy," I declared to the girl who happens to be my senpai as well with a Chie short skirt just without the spats. She didn't' appear to be wearing the under shirt for her blazer strangely enough and even had the top button undone to show a bit of cleavage.

"Really," she mused and pushed off the wall. "You're a little cutie aren't ya?" She walked up to me. She noticed quickly that I'm taller than her like most of the students here other than a few. I could probably count the amount on both hands. "I noticed you this morning being a little bitch and saying you will feed her like the princess she claims to be. You even held the umbrella for the both of you like a good little tool," the girl said with an almost cocky grin on her lips. "Adding you to the list of boys fawning over her just like The Prince and that guy from Iwatodai."

Saki doesn't claim to be a princess or anything of the sort. She hides behind a mask of independence and at times denseness. I feels like nothing gets past her enough to affect her that much. This girl doesn't know her or what she goes through. I think I'm the only one who does.

'Question her on why she's talking to you?' I looked at the devil on her shoulder and nodded.

"So why are you talking to me, your junior? I'm sure you have better to do than bother someone like me." I said.

The girl didn't seem to like my tone and glared at me. "Careful with how you talk to me. I might cause you a bit of trouble if you don't." This girl warned.

I felt a very hold feeling in my gullet flare up. 'Yes,' Lilim grinned. 'Challenge her on this and smile pleasantly with a touch of innocence.'

"Trouble goes both ways," I stepped closer to her with I nice-guy smile on my lips. The demon on her shoulder helped me mold that into an evil grin instead that's extremely out of character coming from me. "And my kind of trouble topples skyscraper including girls that believe themselves untouchable." The girl adopted an uncertain expression as I drew a bit closer using the lessons and advice from my persona to being the "conquering" process. According to the devil with in me and resting on her shoulder all I need is a week to conquer her and get her in bed with me though I'm not doing that. That time can go into finding a job or exploring the shadow world.

"Back off punk. I don't know where you get off…"

"You approached me," I reminded her. "Not the other way around. If you don't like me in your face," I leaned inward towards her and placed my hands on the wall she back up into. She maybe my senior in the school system but that doesn't get you far against someone like me. It showed when I adopted a different smile. I'm not sure what manner of smile it is but it made her seem to rethink her position.

'Keep going, but make sure to grease her palms. Fear, confusion, and vanity go hand in hand with the female species.' Lilim whispered in my ear next.

"You know, despite the small piercings and that choker you're pretty cute." The girl's eyes narrowed.

Lilim laughed a bit. 'Back handed compliment,' she laughed out.

Ignoring the devil I continued. "You're nowhere close to beautiful but you are attractive."

'Now go on the offensive and seal the deal heheheh.'

"Just enough to steal a kiss." I finished.

"Now wait a moment you…"

I rose my hand up and cupped her cheek and felt it warm up beneath my hand. Slowly, I leaned forward to kiss her but she quickly rose her hands and grasped the fabric of my shirt. That didn't falter my advance though. I put my arm around her waist and pulled her against me. Her grip tightened on my uniform and I felt her pulling more than pushing. It's that easy.

"Having fun?" I winced when I heard that voice behind me. Even Lilim winced before fading away while snickering at me. I leaned back and stepped back away from the girl on the wall. The girl was panting and gawking at me in disbelief and just a bit of excitement. What do you know? That Lilim might've been on to something. Saki stood behind me with her arms crossed. She turned her gaze to the other girl after giving me one of disappointment. "Why are you bothering him, Yuuki?" Saki walked around and stopped between us.

Yuuki rubbed her head through her short hair and sighed. She quickly fixed her sleeves and coughed to get her composure back. "What a bother. I'm out of here. Later Saki, hope you the best." This Yuuki character left us with her hand over her head but spared me a glance before walking toward classroom 3-A.

Saki followed Yuuki with her eyes as she walked away then drew them to me instead. "Be careful around her. She has a lot of boy and man friends and you might've just caused yourself more trouble than it's worth. That… slut." She spat out.

My, that's a bit of a severe slur to call something without reason. Funny thing is that from what I heard around the mill the same could be said about Saki. I believe that she has a guy in the city an hour from here by train that I pass by. Then Yuuki brought up one from Iwatodai as well I didn't know about. Seeing that I don't picture her with a guy like me or Yosuke without possible using them like a hopeless romantic, it might mean this men are older than us.

As for the trouble I might've gotten into. I'll too late for that for I'm in the midst of it sadly. I figured that Yuuki was one of those popular girls with guys. I can tell by the way she dresses and smells that she attracts every other guy she passes by. Her manner of dress is a bit provocative and loose so maybe she's more desired for than popular. I can see how the actual people of note are students like Yukiko instead of her. She's almost out the door and held up by her looks despite looking a bit like a punk. I've met her kind many times. They act tough like they have a thousand bodyguards to protect them from the consequences of their choices, but I've never been one to care about that. Its one reason I ended up protecting a girl from a gang without knowing it until it was too late. I was in the midst of it and suddenly kidnapped. I had to tell my mom I was with a friend for those two days.

"You appeared to be doing well for yourself though so maybe I shouldn't worry," Saki praised me sarcastically. "But we wasted enough time. I know a good place we can go to talk this through." I nodded and waved for her to lead the way.

"Oh, Yosuke is going to join us." I said before we hit the stairs up to the roof.

"What!" She shot back around.

I nodded and pointed back to Yosuke who was waving at Saki from his corner.

"H-hey Saki-senpai." Yosuke chuckled nervously as he approached us. "I-I got you some tea and bread for lunch so uh…" He stopped and bowed with his peace offerings presented to her.

Saki looked slightly annoyed but took it with a stiff thank you. "Why's he hear," she whispered to me as we climbed up the stairs.

"I told Yosuke what happened and he wanted help us make a back story for us?" I lied smoothly.

"How so?" She challenged.

"We can say that you were kidnapped. Yosuke was out looking for me for a while when I went into the television. We can say he was threatened along with his family if he talked after baring witness to your kidnapping. I was the one that was unnoticed and so made sure to follow and get you back."

Saki thought on my words and glanced back at Yosuke. "Hm, I guess that could work but we should talk once we get to the roof," she finished with a scoff before climbing up ahead.

"Right," I said and followed her lead.

"Dude, nice save." I gave Yosuke a thumbs up.

Yosuke listened to the uncut story of my entering the television in my room. I forgot to mention why I went in, in the first place. It'll stay that way. I've sentimental value in so few things and this bracelet happens to be one of them. This is the only item I brought because of the promise attached to it. I told him what happened when I climbed in and what I faced within the Shadow World. I told him of how it felt and how I happened upon Saki in that world. I left the details of her rescue to her and she evaded and avoided certain parts of it. Yosuke got the point and let the matter rest.

After a good couple minutes he understood that Saki would be dead if not for me. I feel he's both envious but grateful for me.

We fabricated a bit of a story for us to go and rehearse how we would relay this to the police. If I learned one thing from my step-dad it's how to avoid police incarceration and resist interrogation. I wasn't worried about Yosuke because he would for sure fumble this up but between the victims, being myself and Saki, our responses have to be parallel and similar enough to show me as the stupid teen that went to save the girl. The story of our escape and resistance included all our bruises and a few of my cuts including my shoulder's state. I'm sure that with x-rays the doctor will see a couple abnormalities I'd have to explain anyway. My shoulder has been on fire all day and I'm sure I'll have to go to the hospital soon and get this looked at.

Once the story was made we came to a question we've all been avoiding. "Saki-senpai, how did you get into the television?" Yosuke asked for me.

Saki leaned further into the fence that she's on and crossed her arms under her chest. "I don't remember."

I believed her. I like to say that I have a good lie detection system in my head and the alarm isn't going off. She truly doesn't recall how she entered but who in their right mind wishes to remember something that traumatic? It's leads me back to the question on how she entered on her own If she entered on her own. I can enter because of all the Velvet Room prattle, I think. What part of this involves Saki though? If someone did throw her in then my question is why. What's the purpose? Why throw that announcer in as well? Revenge maybe? A scandal works in every direction imaginable and there're as many guilty parties as there are furious ones. Anger breeds hate. Hate leads to vengeance.

"Try to remember something," Yosuke pushed. "Anything. Do you remember anything or anyone out of the norm?"

"Hands I guess," she snapped at Yosuke. "I remember a bear," who's probably Kuma that chased after her. "Being lost." She listed off as well. "Almost being killed." She sighed.

The hands portion confused me. I think she's going in order of what she does recall. She saw hands, then kuma, and almost got killed. She was pushed or thrown into the television maybe and then she saw kuma and ran for the hills. She found her way into her liquor store for all animals run to familiar scenery when they are scared or confused. Then her shadow almost killed her until I intervened. This deduction is all from speculation but it's plausible.

"Hands? Someone put there hands on you?" Yosuke asked frantically.

I smiled a bit at this question of Yosuke's. I hand my hands all over her when I hand to carry her and when we rested together at the studio behind the Junes television. Saki glared at me and I quickly re-equip my stoic mask of total calmness. "I think so Hana-chan. I sort of remember hands being on me but I don't…." Saki winced and took her head in hand.

"Senpai!" Yosuke teleported in front of her. "Are you okay?"

Saki cringed and rubbed her head a bit more before nodding her head. "I'm fine. Just need a moment."

"Uh, yeah okay." Yosuke gave her some space and to the spot to my right. I've been standing here for the most part and getting tired of standing. "Narukami, what's your thoughts on this?"

"I think I'm going back to talk to Kuma later once the police question us. After that I'm going to continue living my student life the best I can. I'm tired and I just want to rest." I said restlessly. I turned around and walked away to the door down.

"Wait Narukami! Dude!" Yosuke got in front of me. "What about the guy that pushed Saki-senpai?"

"What about them? I don't know who they are, why they did it, and how they did it and neither does Saki. I've been in that world searching for hours and found nothing." Except that room with pictures of the announcer on the wall as well as the noose in the center of the room. I need to investigate that room later with the bear as well.

I placed my hand in my pocket and took hold of the key inside. Proof that my dream wasn't much of a dream. It's a world parallel to that of the shadow world maybe. It exists between dream and reality. Maybe with their help I can discover who and why before it spills over to the wrong person.

"You have no business going there and getting killed and the same goes for myself and Saki. I can tell you for the next couple days I'm going to rest, and so whatever you do don't go to that world. Don't try to enter your television. If you do whatever happens to you when you get there is on you, because I'm done." I explained this to the both of them firmly to get my point across. "I hope you both understand," I tested.

Best they don't further involved if they don't have to be. Igor told me that I'll have to take responsibility for my actions that means if they go because of me that will be on me. The death of someone is tragic, and I refuse to have that on my conscious. If they ignore me there's nothing I can do. Saki almost died and someone might try again, but if that happens she knows the way out and Kuma is there to escort her out. Also she's not defenseless. She has the power of persona like I who holds the wild card. Yosuke would end up dead for sure if he met his shadow. He'd be like Saki and reject it then die.

I guess whatever happens will happen though/

Before I could continue the tune of the intercom resounded. "Will Yū Narukami and Saki Konishi please report to the faculty office immediately?" The tune of it turning off resounded next.

"Show time." And it's done after lunch time as well. Should have known.

04/15 Inaba Police Department

I rested my head on my hand and my elbow on the metal table. I'm so bored right now that I'm afraid I might die from it. So far I've explained the same story over and over again in the interrogation room for maybe two or so hours being grilled by police for no reason other than to help them "cover their bases" and other bull they decided to feed me thinking I'm just an ignorant high schooler. They had the guts to blast me and question in such a manner. As if I had something to do with the death of the announcer and if I took part in Saki's kidnapping. They accused me of assisting the kidnappers and then threatening Saki to say the same rehearsed story we prattled. I stopped caring and it showed when I started to be belligerent. I'd remark crudely on the appearance of some of them and the marks on their faces. It's annoying to be honest. Being accused of a crime I had nothing to do with. Adults I swear.

"Answer me damn you!" The next interrogation expert that defies all logic and could have made the sickest of mad men confess to their crimes decided to enforce his will upon the table in a loud and powerful smack with his hand. My god the intimidation factor this man has was by far the most impressively dull and boring act I've seen like ever. I've seen enough TV to understand what he was doing.

I sighed and rubbed my head.

"I'm sorry am I boring you, you little shit!" the man yelled at me.

"Wow, am I that transparent?" I yawned and looked towards the door out with another police officer standing there to stop me from escaping. This guy could be more useful chasing poorly fabricated leads in the murder investigation than grilling me for information or a confession.

"You have something to do with all of this. None of this started until you arrived here in Inaba," the cop pointed out. That was true. The first death happened only a day or so after I got here being the announcer and later Saki was kidnapped and I went off the grid in search for my bracelet. One that I fiddle with every few minutes. I sort of wish they didn't take my music player. I'm pretty sure that's another one of my rights they violated.

One of them put their hands on my wrist. While I didn't plan to do anything, he touched the wrong wrist and I sprained his wrist in defense of this. It became evident that to touch me means to lose something. The fact I did this all sitting down made my resisting hard to prove. I haven't moved from my chair since I was put in the back of a police cruiser and escorted here. I need to get home to get my phone. It should be in by now.

"Taka let me take care of this, take a walk." The man behind that Taka fellow took his partner by the shoulder and helped him out before he jumped to try and kill me. I'd embarrass the hell out of him if he tried. Wouldn't be hard to hurt him even with my hands cuffed at the moment.

Taka snorted and stood up before leaving out the door. The other man, the good cop, sat down in front of me and sighed. "The more difficult you make this the harder this becomes Mr. Narukami. All we ask is that you cooperate," the good cop said smoothly. "Let's start over from the beginning because we tried to connect your witness Yosuke Hanamura with your claims but his story doesn't add up. He mixes up his locations and gets his lines mixed up if you don't mind me saying."

I shrugged. I wasn't counting on Yosuke to be able to relay is part smoothly but only to give them the crucial details like his worry for Saki and my part in her return which is backed up by Saki's story. Also his frantic search for us all of which happened to be in the wrong places like I told him to say.

"As we've questioned Saki Konishi her story aligned well with yours and bits and pieces of Mr. Hanamura's, but as I said it all sounds a bit fabricated. All I ask is you tell me what happened once more and clear everything up."

Like I did before a couple times already I recited my story from start to finish ending with me ending up in this office being grilled by stupid cops wasting my time. The detective didn't take offense to this.

"Once you saved her why didn't you call the police?"

"Getting her home was my priority and the fact that the police failed to stop the first kidnapping of that announcer, then her murder, and finally Ms. Konishi being kidnapped didn't place so much of my trust in how you guys operated." I crushed him in my dull monotone.

The man nodded with a soft sigh. "That was unfortunate I will admit, but to take things into your own hands was exceedingly dangerous. What if they followed you?"

"Whether or not they followed me is irrelevant. They took her for a reason which means they know her, know where she lives, and probably knows what she ate for breakfast this morning. If they followed me home then so what? The moment I saved her I became a target for someone despite us taking care of the four men that had us put away."

"Where you said they took her and where you followed as well…"

"The park? Lots of activity goes down there at night little did you know/ and I soon found out." And since it's the park and didn't involve vehicles I won't have to worry about foot prints confirming my involvement or appearance there. The rain would've washed away all evidence and these men know this the moment I gave them my story. The only link to the murder they have now is Saki, who found the body and was later taken, and me, who became an unfortunate part in this. In the end they have nothing to go on other than our injuries and our word.

Speaking of injuries they were nice enough to get me a doctor to come here and look at mine. He asked me to come to the hospital once I'm finished for a scan and possible therapy to help heal my bones faster.

"I saw to that myself. There wasn't a trace and the rain this morning probably washed everything away. What footprints we found did little with furthering our investigation. I feel though you know more than you let on." I sat in my seat silently so the detective continued. "And you refuse to tell us. Sadly, I feel if we tried to find out more we'd go in a circle for hours, maybe even days if we could hold you that long. You're consistent with your tale and so is Ms. Konishi. I believe you did save her life and maybe overcame your captors, but you also made a note that you might not get targeted again. You or Ms. Konishi. What makes you say this?"

"I have a way with words and actions. I don't take myself or my family being threatened well." If this man did a background check on me then he knows my family and knows what we Narukami and Seta happened to be capable of. You threaten us or our people we destroy you. It's what we do.

"I'm sure." The man took a breath and stood up from the table. "Well, I'm done with you. I have your statement and your guardian has been called to pick you up. I can see that you're tired so you should take it easy, okay?"

"Sure." I rose my hands up and waited for them to take my cuffs off. The guard from the door walked over and placed a key into the cuffs. They fell off and I rubbed my wrists. I hate hand cuffs. That's the fourth time I've been in them and the third time I've been subjected to interrogation.

The door to the room opened up and there stood my Uncle. "Detective Dojima, he's all yours." The good cop picked up his file and note pad and left out the door.

My uncle sighed and walked up to me. "Are you alright?" He asked first and I shook my head. I'm really not alright. So much has happened in period of 24 hours. Too much if you ask me. "I heard you took a blow to the shoulder." He spied the bandages on my shoulder and I nodded once more. "Damn it Souji," my uncle took a seat in front of me. "I could have helped you. I'm your guardian and witnessing a kidnapping and taking matters into you own hands! That was brave but extremely stupid. You should have called us!"

"I'm sorry uncle but she'd be dead right now if I hadn't done what I did." I spoke truthfully. "I used my own sound judgement so to keep her and myself alive," I shot back at him with my desperate argumentative tone trained and near perfected.

My uncle scratched his head in frustration. "Yes, I get that you saved her and that you overcame her kidnappers but… damn it nephew you can't be going vigilante and taking something like this into your own hands. You could have ended up dead as well and where would that have left us!? With two dead teenagers and a lot to answer for without answers to give!"

"I'm sorry uncle."

"I heard you the first time," he snapped and climbed up to his feet. He was disappointed with me and it hurt to have those eyes on me. He took a deep breath and sat back down in his chair. "You take after your father just as much as your mother. I should have expected this but hopefully you won't replay this without consulting me first. Understand?"

"Yes sir."

My uncle nodded in approval. "Get your stuff and let's go. I'll drive you to the hospital." Uncle reached into his pocket and dropped music player on top of the table. He slip a phone towards me that looked brand new. "An unmarked package came in today. I didn't know you were at school so I thought it was from the kidnappers. It's a phone from your mother," he explained. "Pick it up and let's go."

"Yes sir." I picked up my new android and my music player. I cut the phone on and checked the settings and contact listing. I have a lot of numbers in this including the numbers of Yukiko and her parents interestingly enough. I shook my head, "Mom you conniving…" I smiled and pocketed the phone. I hung my head phones over my ears next. My uncle tossed me my book bag next and I caught it smoothly. I'm relieved I left my sword at the house. That'd be hard to explain.

I followed my Uncle out of the police station to his car parked in the very front. I noticed that Adachi fellow that was puking last I saw him waiting by the car. He put on a smile and waved at the both of us. "Dojima-San, how are you?" The man's happy tone was so fake that it was sickening.

"Fine Adachi. Let's go," my uncle dismissed that man.

"Right." Adachi took to the passenger seat of the car and waited for us. My uncle sighed and waved for me to enter his car. I climbed in back and rested my head back.

"So, you're the guy the saved that Konishi girl huh?" Adachi noted from his seat up front.

"That's what I told the police yes."

"Wow, you must be brave."

"That's a word for it. Most of the police would call me stupid." I recited for that word came up a lot today.

"I bet hehehe," Adachi chuckled.

"Leave him alone Adachi, he's been through enough." My uncle said as he entered the car. "Roger that." Uncle to the rescue.

I closed my eyes and rested back. I needed it.

04/15 Inaba Municipal Hospital

We reached the hospital in about 30 or so minutes and i groaned once we pulled in. "Souji I know you don't like hospitals but you need the shoulder checked out though," my uncle remarked and I groaned. I pulled myself out of the car once he parked and he followed. My uncle accompanied me into the hospital. I hate hospitals and the smell of drugs and alcohol in the area same with bleach and ammonia. My uncle walked up to the appointment desk to the nurse. "Hi there," he greeted the nurse and the chubby freckled nurse grinned up to him. I stepped back to let him take the blunt of that and let him confirm my appointment. I reveled at how the lady flirted with him and made him increasingly more uncomfortable by the minute.

I waited as the chubby nurse made a call on for the doctor over her phone who said he'd send a nurse to pick me up. I bet that nurse is going to be as unappealing as this lady trying way too hard to bag my uncle. I let my eyes wandered until they happened on one nurse in particular. She's more than appealing to the eyes with such soft but small smile on her puckered lips. She walked towards Dojima and I with a clip board cradled in her left arm and her hand resting over the top of it. She's gorgeous that much is for sure.

Like the chubby nurse here at Inaba Municipal Hospital she wore nice form fitting white nurse's outfit but she's the only one I've seen with a pink blazer on as well. She had short black tied into a ponytail and the milkiest chocolate browns eyes I've seen since arriving here. She has a beauty mark on the upper left side of her chin and her skin is fair and glowing. Her eyes brows as well are trimmed small and thin with a nice ark to right to the third quarter of her eyes.

"Uncle," I called.

"Yes, Souji," he said quickly. I think it's because I'm distracting him from his future lover.

"I think I might like this hospital," I admitted.

"Why's that," he questioned.

"Hello," the nurse stopped before us and my uncle turned around. His eyes widened a bit but I remained stoic and wavering. The nurse's voice was just as mature as you'd expect. I dare say this woman is second only to Margaret in the "Mature" woman category. Women over the legal drinking age is what I mean by this. The nurse examined the both of us. "Which of you two is… Narukami Yū," she asked.

"I am," I stated and stepped in front of my uncle before he could jump on this. I need help right now and I'd like to get going.

The woman looked me over a bit and nodded with a gentle smile. "I'm Nurse Uehara, please follow me Narukami-san." She stepped to the side and waved for me to follow her.

"Yes ma'am." I walked past her.

"Sorry sir, you'll have to wait here." The nurse said to my uncle.

"What? But I…"

"I'll be fine uncle," I said in a tired but strong tone. "Thanks for the support though."

"W-we can keep talking," the chubby nurse offered.

"You both do that," Nurse Uehara said before escorting me away. On the outside I was cool but inside I was laughing maniacally. The nurse led me to a back room and sat me down on a bed. She pulled up a Cardiac monitor in front of me. I put my finger in a clamp and she placed a thermometer under my tongue to get my temperature.

"Hm you have a temperature," she noted before placing a hand over my forehead. "You're about three degrees over." She looked to the Cardiac monitor next and looked at it perplex. "130 over 80 as well. Your blood pressure and abnormal high for your body type."

'Heheh,' I heard behind me and felt that pressure of that devil again. 'I bet you know why. You're staring,' Lilim muttered and turned my head away from her.

"It might be because of your fever though. I'll be sure tell the doctor when he comes in. Now," the woman sat down in front of me and narrowed her eyes at the mark around my neck. "Are in you any pain?"

"I lot of pain," I said earnestly.

"Really, can you show me were?"

'Yeah, show her,' I heard above.

"Only if you say please nurse," I felt a bit of my dad coming to light.

The nursed was taken aback by my response then giggled a bit at me with her fingers covering her smile.

"No need to cover such a sweet smile as well Nurse. It a very nice feature you have," I admitted for her smile was very pretty.

"Really," she purred as her gaze turned almost predatory. "You're a cute one," she lost that almost empty nurse tone he had before and adopted a new one. One that made me shiver a bit. Her eyes drew from my feet down to my head and she grinned. "Well please tell me where the pain is."

I felt like I could understand clearly where a woman like this would want to take this. I think its partly because Lilim was whispering these tips in my ear both for that Yuuki girl and now this woman. I wonder why only these two but left it in the air with the rest of my unanswered questions and missing information. Strangely enough I felt compelled to play this woman's little game but thought about the doctor and if someone might walk in.

"Don't worry about the doctor little boy," she teased. "He won't come here until I get him or at least 20 minutes from now."

"Hmm," I hummed a bit before standing up to face her. I reached up to the cuff of my blazer and undid the first button. "I'm in a lot of pain Nurse Uehara," I gazed into her brown eyes with my grey. "I might need some help to show you where though."

"Oh," the nurse narrowed her eyes a bit. I giggle a bit more before placing her clip board down to the side and standing up as well. "I best help you then… so to complete the examination," she reasoned to us both.

"Of course," I struggled with on hand to get my blazer open. I can use both but this give her the opening she needed to excite contact first. She didn't fail to disappoint me. She reached up and took hold of my collar. I "tripped" forward and she almost stepped back until I got close to her face and focused on her eyes as she undid my blazer.

"My," she purred a bit. "You're an interesting one," she giggled as she pulled me a bit closer with every button she undid.

"I try to be," I muttered as I took in her scent. He smells good. Like chocolate strawberries. "You smell really good Nurse Uehara."

"Please," she looked up to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Call me Sayoko," she murmured heatedly.

'Hm, not bad.' Lilim taunted with a scoff. 'Seal the deal once everything is off summoner then hold off. Make sure to tell her you'll be here a while as well,' Lilim instructed.

"Okay Sayoko," I said easily making her giggle again.

"Not even a flush or a break in your composure. How many girl's hearts have you taking," Sayoko teased.

"One or two," I admitted. Only a couple girls have gotten emotionally attached to me only for me to refuse them. It's a shame but I didn't desire a relationship like that in the first place. If they decided to get close to me like that its on them and their problem to deal with.

"You heartbreaker." Sayoko pulled my blazer off my body and sat it to the side. "What else," she asked fervently.

"My shirt," I answered. "My back and my shoulder really hurt."

"Ah," she reached up to the top of my shirt next. "I'll help you what that." One button as a time she took in my torso. I'd like to say I keep my body good shape with a decent amount of muscle. I'm not slim like Yosuke because I got a little more weight to my body than that. It shows in my arms and my torso. Sayoko licked her lips once she pulled my shirt open. I took her hand in my own before she could pull it off and slip it to my chest. Her eyes were stuck on mine.

"Sayoko," I breathed out. "My lips… they hurt a bit as well."

"Really? Anything I can do to alleviate that pain." She clenched her hands on my chest and I wrapped my arm around her to the small of her back. I didn't answer her and instead leaned down. Sayoko stood up to the tips of her toes to meet me with her soft and delicious lips for the taking.

'Aim for the cheek and then get back on course,' I heard from the devil and followed them. I leaned my head and pressed my lips on her right cheek. Sayoko's eyes flashed open startled by what I did. I adopted a smile from her questions gaze and stepped back from her before removing my shirt myself.

"Thank you, no I have pain in my shoulder, neck, back, and right ankle that I'd like to have looked at. The pain is sitting at about a 7 out of ten. As you can see my shoulder is a bit disfigured so more likely than not you'll have to break it the put it back in place. Do you understand Nurse Uehara?" I questioned and waited for her to come to her sense.

"What... wait what about…"

"Sorry nurse I need medical help for right now." I sat back down in my seat with her still standing before me. She blinked at me then adopted an expression like that of a lioness moments from pouncing.

"I see Narukami-kun. But I'm going to have to examine those portions of you though," she recalled from earlier.

"Of course. Here's my shoulder and back." I turned around in my seat to let her see.

"Oh my," she gasped. "What happened?" In a quick one eighty she went from an imposing temptress to a caring nurse. Her hands touched my shoulder gently and with great care but it still made me hiss. "Sorry about that."

"It's fine. I'm alive that's all that matters."

"Still though. You're have quite the pain threshold to not be screaming in pain right now from what I'm seeing. You mentioned your ankle as well I believe. Remove your shoes and socks please."

"Yes Nurse," I said evenly. I did as told and rose up the foot I dealt with in the field. She looked it over and frowned.

"You have a bit of swelling her but nothing major. Probably just a sprain at most." If only she knew. I let the nurse gather her notes and jot down my numbers and information.

"How long have you been here in Inaba," she questioned.

"About three days," I answered. "I came from America before coming here," I added in as well.

"So your body is still adapting to the changes of elevation and environment. I wager you came from a warm climate as well so the humidity must be hampering you." I nodded. She's right about that. Ever since I got here it's felt like I've been swimming on dry land with all the humidity in the air. "We'll have to give you a couple shots for the serious excoriations on your back and chest in case of infection. Did you come into contact with metal or anything rusty?"

I thought back to my time in the shadow world and shook my head. I didn't hit any metal mostly rock, concrete, and cardboard.

"That's a relief. How long are you going to be here?"

"I planned for a year but I might say here longer for you," I said slyly.

"Tee hee," Sayoko giggled a bit. "Stop being charming while your injuried… but a year huh?" She jotted down a couple more notes. "You're a high schooler aren't ya," she asked knowing full well I am. "Are you looking for a job soon?"

I rose an eyebrow at this. I've pondered on getting a job for a while now but haven't had the time to look into it. "Yes," I said though loosely.

"We're going to be hiring night time janitor soon," she leaned in turning back into the temptress from before. "My shift is normally at night but I took today's for a friend." Convenient I'm not gonna lie. That did perk my interest though. I don't like hospitals but I might deal with it here for some money and interesting conversation.

"I'll definitely look into it," I smirked at the woman with maybe as voracious a glare as she used before.

"Please do. We need strong young men to… handle the messes and potential messes," she implied something and I felt eager to find out.

"Yes Sayoko." I responded feverously and she purred a bit before giggling softly to me.

"I'll be back with the doctor," she stood up and strut slowly to the door. That sway in her hips was deliberate same with her glances back to observe my reaction. I held none and wouldn't give her the satisfaction of one.

She left the room and I was left to my own devices. 'Heheheh,' I heard Lilim giggled as she laid down on her air bed before me. She swung her feet back and forth past her knees playfully. "Not bad summoner. Let's have all the fun in the world." She tempted me.

I scoffed with my mouth closed and my eyes followed. The doctor came back and soon my peace and that sense of pleasure I held before faded away. I was subjected to five shots in total, they held me down to dislocate my shoulder and snap it back into place, my wounds were doused in disinfectant, and was forced through a mock physical to check over my body. The entire time the doctor was lifeless and a bit of a dick. This is why I hate hospitals.

A couple appointments were set so the doctors here could examine me in a week's time and again in a month's time just to make sure I'm not having any complications. Thankfully I can use a sword with my left hand just as much as my right. When I saw Link from that one game wield the Master Sword with his left arm I thought it was confusing but cool. If he could do those incredible feats left handed then why couldn't I? In few days I will come in for another checkup. I left that alone though.

I need to go into the television to see if I can meet up with that one shadow. The Shadow of the announcer woman I saw in the Shadow World. She might know something.

For now I sat in the waiting area as my uncle lefted to finalize everything and grab my perscriptions. He basically left me with Adachi.

"Shame about the announcer eh Narukami?" Adachi asked me out of nowhere for almost no apparent reason. I still can't get a read on this man. He fumbled around like a fool but the looks I've seen him make along with a couple creepy smiles I noticed once when he looked at my uncle left me a bit more on guard around this man. I don't know him but I feel its best I keep it that way. Then again, I don't know him and I could be just overthinking this like any green would.

"She was really pretty," I said instead of a direct answer to his question. "Too bad she decided it was a good idea to sleep with another man. Women," I sighed with a shake of my head.

"I know right? Women do some of the craziest of things. It make me wonder why they do what they do."

I decided just to follow along with him banter and responded, "Maybe the same reason any human does what they do? We have free will to make our own choices."

Adachi chuckled at me and cupped his forehead. "You're a kid so it's understandable if you feel that way but you need to wake up. Life isn't that easy."

"Trust me," I reached up and pulled down my collar to show off my bandages from my "Battle wounds" that the doctors wrapped for me. My neck, chest, and leg are wrapped in dressing. My arm being in a sling as well sucked. "I know life isn't that easy. It hurts like hell."

"I bet, but you're a tough kid to defend yourself and that Konishi girl from your kidnappers. How did you discover that she was taken again?"

"Yosuke witnessed it and told me while was I waiting for him to buy a drink where and when it happened. I followed instead of him and told him not to cause a panic like reporting me missing while I looked for her."

"And you, on foot, followed a car to the Recreational Park of Inaba?"

"Not on foot I can tell you that. I don't like walking long distances or running and even in emergency I try my best to avoid it."

"So how you do it?"

I smiled as disturbingly as Adachi did not too long ago. "Now that would be telling and a magician never revels all of their secrets."

Adachi laughed this time and pat me on the back. "I like you Narukami."

"I'm not sure if I like you though Adachi. I feel you might stab me one day," I spoke my mind earnestly.

"That's fine. I got that same vibe from you as well."

I feel we are going to get along just fine.

"You two having fun," came the unamused voice of my uncle as he walked towards us.

"Uncle," I greeted.

"Hey Dojima."

"Let's go you two."

"Sure," we both said.

A/N: A little longer and revised.

Please review