I'm not sure if I've ever realized this until now, but I really hate dogs. They bite, snarl, bark, and dirty little animals. Massive dogs that breathe fire and spit poison only served to make that hate fester. I waited in my boxer stance at the ready for the dogs of the Apocalypse to bring Armageddon upon my imprudent soul. The mist was pushed away with the reveal of Shadow Yosuke's true form and my power felt bolder with my glasses off. My clarity full to the point that I can see the features the glasses hide from the wearer. The dogs though remained from some reason. They didn't charge at me for some reason. I narrowed my eyes at the dogs. I took a couple steps towards them and the dogs started growling at me. I stepped back, and they simmered down. "So, you both want me to stay out of this?" I asked the dogs.
"Yes," Death growled at me. I could hear him clearly seeing that I have my earphones on. I broke my stance. I don't like this. I don't like to not do anything, but it seems I've no choice. I can fight these dogs, but Shadow Yosuke did make a good point. This isn't my place or my battle. Not truly. If anything, I'm curious about these dogs. I walked up to them and they growled at me. I rose my hands at the dogs to show that I'm not willing to fight them. Not without an edge. I thought this as I drew ever closer to them both.
"Listen. I'm not going to get involved with them. I'd rather talk to you both instead," I said to the shadow dogs.
"We don't want to talk, discuss, or converse with you," War barked at me.
"Why not," I questioned the dog as I drew closer to them.
"You must, you need, and you will stay out of this," War snarled back at me.
"Back," Death growled.
"You need to be care," I heard within my mind. "Be cautious but demanding," I heard within.
"What if I don't back off? Are you going to kill me?" I asked the two dogs.
"Tempted," Death responded.
"You'll fail. I'm a lot stronger than both of you," I promised. I rose my hand just to show them and they growled at me. A card appeared before me. I kept it up though without issue. My aim wasn't to summon my persona though. I want to experiment a bit to see if this would work; just releasing the pure soul energy I have left to bare down on my foe like in anime. Almost like what happened when I first summoned my persona the sand around me lifted up pushing away from me. I pushed them back a bit I think getting my point across.
"Strong," Death muttered.
"I'm not afraid, fearful, and intimidated of him," War barked at me.
I dropped my hand and approached a bit closer. I stopped almost directly in front of them but between them instead. They remained still and glared at me. I didn't mind and turned my attention to the fight before me. Saki seemed to be doing fine with this being her first BBM. Her Persona and her movements sloppy flow from one to the other. She left most of the elemental skills to me seeing that fire was her main one. Sadly, it seems to be ineffective against a frog knight like that one.
Yosuke looked unsure of what to do and seemed to cheer her on during her fight. He told her to be careful a lot and continued to bad mouth his shadow. I don't have much soul power left. Maybe enough for two power charges but that's it. I noticed Ose to my right with his arms crossed and twin swords tabbed into the dirt. They're not actually there, but still this cheetah twin sword fighter was still imposing.
I heard a loud scream as Saki was forced back. Wind is her weakness it seems. Most of the shadows didn't use wind skills so I wouldn't have known. Yosuke came to Saki's defense but was smacked away with ease by his shadow. That time though gave Saki her opening to recover back into her stance.
"Why do you persist to protect her?" Shadow Yosuke questioned as he glared at Saki with a smirk forming on its mouth. Its black helmet was something you'd see on a viking almost so we could see his jaw line easily. "She's not worth it." The Shadow spat Saki's way quite literally. A large stream of greenish liquid shot from it's mouth like a turret past its lips.
Saki rose her arms and took the hit.
"Saki-senpai!" Yosuke yelled and looked around. He looked until his eyes settled on something. That something happened to be my sword which was stabbed into the sand not to far from him. Yosuke shot up to his feet and picked up my sword. I can tell that he doesn't know how to use that. He's holding it too tightly and has it up like he's about to stab someone with a butter knife. Despite this, Yosuke charged at his Shadow. "Stop. Now!" Yosuke stabbed my sword between the armor of the frog knight's chest armor.
"Ahh damn it," Shadow Yosuke cried. He was in pain just from that. I wondered why until I spotted a smoking visual from where it was stabbed. I guess red iron doesn't agree with frog physiology. Shadow Yosuke glared down and smacked Yosuke away. I'm gonna give it to Yosuke though. That had to hurt and he's still holding firm to defend Saki.
The turret stopped revealing a steaming Saki and she looked to be very unhappy. Saki stomped her feet into the muck a couple times. She almost slipped into the muck on her fifth. The frog sprayed her with some disgusting smelling liquid. I covered my nose a bit when it hit me. I'm relieved that wasn't me. Suddenly she summoned her Persona and a blast of hot air filled the arena from a massive Heat Wave attack. The muck below her heated to the point it hardened almost to stone.
"Huh," I mused at what I just saw. I didn't see that coming.
Saki is clever and thinks on her feet, like always. The Shadow Sneered at Saki again. Saki rose her arms again just as the shadow show upward and slammed its foot down cracking the stone. A massive blast blew towards me, and I felt it push me back a step. Saki took the full blunt with her arms still shielding her face and head. She was pushed back to the end of the area a bit still very much alive. That armor she has is beyond my expectations. How it's still together, I'll never know. Even her bandana never moved from it's place over her nose.
Yosuke climbed back up to his feet but appeared to be a bit weak at the knees. He held my sword up and moved the best he could to Saki's side. I'm too far to hear what they have to say. I might need to help them though. Yosuke doesn't have Persona, and Saki is letting her anger get the best her. I know she doesn't care for Yosuke that much, and his Shadow is hitting her with that logic and truth every second he could. He'd slander her and call her a sickness. It's sort of like how her parents treated her. To hear this from Yosuke though is taking her to a new edge.
War and Death faced the battle and watched with me. We're all but forgotten and maybe that's the point. Callipso said I needed to understand, and I've learned so much about Yosuke and Saki as people. I believe if not for those visions, those emotional instances, and reliving Yosuke darkest memories I'd be fighting these dogs to the death then helping Saki against Shadow Yosuke. I'm not though. I'm not even worried about what might happen if they fail. I'm not even scared of the complications it'd put on me for Yosuke's and Saki's death. What's happening here needs to happen. I have no place in this war of souls. Yosuke needs to face himself and accept himself for who he is. He too needs to accept Saki for what she is. I won't judge either of them for the outcome. If anything, I want to help Yosuke get through his horrid family life and over Saki. I want him to find a nice girl and stop caring about his crap parents. I want us to have an easy life, but this is their lives. How they use it isn't my choice.
Shadow Yosuke chuckled at the two of them. "Come on partner," the shadow walked towards them. His armor clanged and clunk with ever step as a reminder of how heavy the burden on Yosuke truly is. He's encased in this armor with all the power to remove it but once he does what's underneath waiting for him? He's afraid and I can see why. He's placed so much into the stereotypical "getting the girl" mentality despite the damage it can do to him. He pities Saki's position even though his isn't much better. He manages the best he can but still its hard on him. I feel if he doesn't accept his shadow, or Saki pushes him to the edge, his end will be bloody. Though this is just pure speculation. I can't see the future after all.
I crossed my arms over my chest as Saki and Yosuke stood before the approaching shadow. "You can't help her partner. Fuck her partner. We got enough on us already. This bitch ain't worth it and you know it. All the lies, deceit..."
"Shut Up!" Saki rose her voice this time and charged at the shadow. Shadow Yosuke rose his feelers on take her down only for Saki to slide clean underneath it. She stopped in a sprinter's stance and shot towards Shadow Yosuke before he could turn around. Shadow Yosuke was large but slow. What he lost in speed he gained in power. Saki aimed a sharp kick to the back of Shadow Yosuke's leg forcing the leg to buckle. "Now Hana-chan!"
"R-right," he said and charged at the shadow. Shadow Yosuke grunted and placed his feelers on the dirt. In a blast of wind Yosuke's approach came to a stunning halt. Saki climbed up atop Shadow Yosuke and jumped up. She fell and stomped down on Shadow Yosuke's helm forcing it down to the dirt. Saki fell off to the ground into a roll back into a crouch. Suddenly, her persona spawned sending a shockwave through the arena. A heated fire skill burst from the staff of her persona forcing Shadow Yosuke back. Yosuke saw an opening and charged again with my sword up. Just as Shadow Yosuke looked up Yosuke shoved my sword into the eyehole of it's helm.
"AHH!" Shadow Yosuke cried as he shot back in shock and agony. Yosuke held up halfway before the sword dislodged from Shadow Yosuke's eye. Yosuke fell to the cracked ground and hit hard.
"Yosuke. Are you okay?" Saki ran up to him and helped him up. "Come on," she dragged him away.
"I can still fight senpai," Yosuke said between pants. I know he's injured more severely than he's willing to show. Yosuke trying to be the hero. This guy is unbelievable.
Shadow Yosuke's eyes glowed as he glared at the two. "Time to end this. Since you won't see the truth, you idiot, then I won't be you anymore!" Shadow Yosuke climbed up to his feet. He pulled his feeler from his face. "I'll be me and no one else!" Shadow Yosuke was suddenly encased by a red dragon ball z energy. Talk about going kaioken. I wonder if that's a power persona can have because that'd be sort of cool.
Damn it, I need to focus. I shook my head of these thoughts. This isn't an anime.
"AHHHH!" I heard a scream then blinked in response. I blinked and saw that Shadow Yosuke was on on his rear in pain. I could see blue electricity striking around his armor more than likely cooking him from the inside out.
"That's enough," I heard a strong and very much unhappy voice that followed.
Jorōgumo was behind her with her nagimata pointed at Shadow Yosuke. Instead of aflame it was crackling with the pure form of fire, lightning. Jorōgumo walked over Saki and stood between Saki and Shadow Yosuke. Before, Jorōgumo would hold her head down as if sad or in pain, but not this time. Her head was up and eyes glowing I think reflecting what could be described as cold fury. Shadow Yosuke must have hit a nerve on Saki to push her to this limit. Enough to even accept herself in such a way.
"My heart is set," Jorōgumo spoke much like the last persona Saki had. Her voice though was lithe, silky, and smooth vs the deep, honey like, and mature tones of Lady Kitsurobo. Lady Kitsurobo's voice was as sweet as poison is deadly. Jorōgumo's voice though was sad to the point I sort of wanted to give her a hug knowing full well it's a trap.
"I am awaiting your return… to my open arms." Jorōgumo continued in the most sorrowful yet hopeful tone possible. She rose her hand to her heart and dropped her chin. A soft blue aura surrounded Jorōgumo heavenly. That was a mind charge.
"I am awaiting your return… so I may hold you tight to keep you warm."
Her tone shifted from sorrowful to hopeful to hold this unspoken person in her arms.
"Whoa," Yosuke stood aghast at what she said.
"I am awaiting your return… so I may kiss you softly and smother you with LOVE."
I gulped a bit from that I think everything that constitutes as a male did the same thing as me. Her tone suddenly grew menacing and yet sustained the same hopefullness as before. Jorōgumo drew her eyes up to Shadow Yosuke and even he shivered before this Persona. One that's has legs encased in fire and lighting crackling at the tip of her spear. Jorōgumo's thorax wasn't red with fire but instead black. The many hairs that made that triangle blue on top are blue now with that very same lightning from before glowing like never before. I could practically feel the sinister smile on her lips as her eyes seemed to flowed every which way. Saki's Persona is evolving almost because it grew in size a bit and her slouched over stature seems like a thing of the past.
"I am awaiting… your return to remain by my side."
Jorōgumo rose her hand with it open and palm upward beckoning the Shadow Yosuke to come closer. I took a step back myself.
"Hmmm," I head behind me and glanced back. Death and War are behind me as well nearly cowering before Saki. She's had this kind of power and it took Shadow Yosuke dropping the truth, insulting her, covering her in sludge, and pissing her off for her to stop holding back. She could do this!? I just about rose my voice at her.
"And Once by my side… YOU will be able to leave me again."
Jorōgumo grinned but this time in a ominous fashion.
"Yeah, no." I shook my head at that.
Before Lady Kitsurobo made me feel like I was before an empress and fair lady. This is more like a seductive predator unlike anything I've ever seen. In this matter though Saki's new form of her persona is much more vicious and sinister in intent. Before she wanted to show herself as a powerful woman aiming to crush her competition towards Nobility. Jorōgumo though has emitting the intent to capture and to drain you til you're empty on the inside as much as out. I turned my eyes towards Saki just to see her reaction to this and saw her hand out. Her hair was shadowing her face and her bandana was over her nose and mouth. When she lifted up her face, I saw a flash of gold once more. She blinked, and it faded like before. She's accepted herself as a spider now, a Black Widow, instead of a snake, a Boa Constrictor.
Saki's card appeared before her once more. She cupped her hands together. "I'll suck the life out of you and shut you up once and for all," she promised. She brought her hands together. Before I could fathom what I've just seen, a large blast rattled Shadow Yosuke bringing everything to a pause. Shadow Yosuke was frozen in place from that massive lightning skill that Saki just used. Jorōgumo rose her spear up and slammed it down upon the down'd shadow in a massive cleave but much stronger.
Where was that power before midnight? Was she in conflict this entire time? I already knew this the answer to this question, but I never figured it distressed her to such a point that it cut her strength in half. Saki is… unbelievable. I wonder if she can switch from one to the other. From a sword and whip wielding fallen noble or a claw and spear brandishing abandoned lover.
Suddenly, a black aura flowed out of the shadow like I've seen before. The shadow was defeated. Jorōgumo prayed in the same position as Saki before fading away. Praying that her man would never leave her once he returns now that she's killed him and taken his head.
"Holy… shit," Yosuke took the words right out of my mouth.
"Hmm," I pat the head of the dogs behind me. I guess that's it. Yosuke will accept his shadow since Saki seemed to accept herself now. War laid down next to me and faded away same with Death in moments. The defeat of the shadow seemed to work out without me. Maybe this was what Calypso meant by understanding. I just needed to know when and where to come in. I think that's it.
"You're right," Saki scoffed as she walked up to the shadow. "If I'm going to accept myself, I need to accept my wrong doings," she said through grit teeth. "And I did wrong you and everyone else. I sucked the life out of you." I started to walk up but couldn't even make it a step. I wondered why until I glanced back to war. He had my pants in his mouth and last I checked I'm not a mail man. I guess it's not over yet. "I use people to get what I want," she confessed. "I used Yosuke knowing everything I was doing same with… same with Satoshi." Saki clenched her fists.
Okay, I missed a lot of talk from the distance. They got a bit closer during the fight, so it worked out for the end state at least.
"Yosuke," Saki said to the Shadow who was standing calmly before her. "I'm sorry, okay? I don't understand everything that I've done to you or what you've done for me but… I…" Saki closed her eyes and took a breath. She smiled and looked back up to the shadow. "Thank you so much for what you've done for me. Even though you called me a stupid cunt that should die last," she snickered a bit at that.
"Oh, that makes sense," I mumbled.
"That's not me Saki," the real Yosuke limped up to his shadow. "Not really." I half expected the shadow to grow angry but instead remained silent. Yosuke noticed this and got closer to him. "You shouldn't have done any of this. Your problem is more with me and while… you've said so much."
"It was the truth you idiot." Shadow Yosuke spat to the side with his head shot to the side. "You and I both know it. There's much more as well you need to understand about me Saki." The shadow pointed to the girl. "You don't know what I did huh. Well I'll tell you everything I gave and hide to protect your worthless ass. I've... GAH!"
My jaw dropped.
"The truth doesn't matter." Yosuke said coldly. "It didn't before and won't now. Nothing will change."
"Hanamura!" Saki screamed, horror at what she'd just witnessed.
I was frozen in place for only a moment before the realization hit me. Before the hate, spite, fear, and disgust slammed into my being. I was pissed and I wanted to hurt something. This wasn't from me but from somewhere else. I had to do something. Say something. "You… Fucking idiot," I growled and stomped up to him. I shoved Yosuke back and before I could stop it my fist flew into his face forcing him off his feet into the sands below. "What are you doing!" I yelled and I hate yelling I'm so much in shock that I can't even think straight. I clenched my fists as the anger, rage, and disgust came in waves. The stab… It hurts. I looked back to the Shadow. He seemed to be in as much shock at me. My sword was sticking out of his chest.
I reached for the sword to pulled it out, but the shadow suddenly dropped down to his knees. He remained in place before us surrounded by one who betrayed him, one who used him, and one apathetic to his plight. I didn't expect this to happen or even planned for this outcome. I thought it was going to be a simple beat the shadow and it'll be like Saki did. I didn't plan for Yosuke to do this to himself, his shadow.
"Heh." A smile, crooked and insane, formed on the lips of the kneel downed Shadow.
"Wha?" Saki stepped back from the Shadow.
"Heh heheh." We heard form the twisted clown before us. The Shadow suddenly began to chuckle before us. Like some sort of maniacal Joker that finally got what he wanted. In moments that chuckle turned into full out laughter. "AHAHAHAHH!"
"Is this a joke to you?" I asked with my eyes so wide that it hurt. My question thought fell on deaf ears for the Shadow seemed to busy laughing at us. Up to the point that it finally died before us. It died so suddenly that the silence that reined there after left a vacuum sucking life out of us all. It died just as Shadow Yosuke seemed to die before us, a wide smile marred his flips. His bloodshot yellow eyes remained stuck up gazing upon us all. I was shaken from this. I've seen a whole manner of crazy in my life from crazy ex-boyfriends to hired thugs. I've had guns pointed at me and knives flashed before me. I've seen it all and felt it all, or so I thought until this moment. Again, I'm at a loss of what to say or do. I'm not sure how to respond to this.
Leave… nothing… be done…
I rose my hand to my head with a sigh. I don't know what happens when your shadow dies. The body hasn't faded so maybe there's something we could do to save him. I reached for my sword and pulled it out. In my horror Shadow Yosuke's body faded away in an inky black mess much like many other shadows that came before him. I sheathe my sword with my eyes stuck on the spot of the fallen Shadow.
"Dude." Yosuke groaned as he climbed up to his knees. "Why did you hit me?"
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" I pointed at the fool.
"W-what?" Yosuke looked confused.
I glared at the fool. "Do you know what you've done?" I repeated but harsher than before.
Yosuke blinked on his knee before me until his expression turned dull and still. "I protected Saki." At that answer I shot to him with my fist back and he stared at me. I'm not sure what will happen to him at this act of self-destruction, but I guess what's done is done. I pulled my hand back and turned away from him towards the entrance. "It had to be destroyed anyway. That's what you came to do so help me right?"
"I…" I shook my head. "I'm leaving," I answered in a tired tone. I couldn't do this right now or even handle this right now.
"Narukami," Saki ran up to my side and took my shoulder. I glanced back to the worried expression she gave me. "What's going to happen?" She asked me this to no response. I couldn't respond for I don't fully understand this. I've acted on the guidance of powers I can't comprehend. I connected with the force that held this Living Nightmare together to nothing but a void within me now. We failed and the consequences, for once I fear them. I fear them to the point that I'm involuntary shocked into silence. "You're shaking." She informed me.
I looked down to my hands and I was indeed shaking. I'm shivering but unsure of where this stems from. What is going to happen next? I clenched my hands and shook my head once more. "Let's go." I walked out of her grasp for the stairs up to the door out. The stadium returned to it's original state. The single exit out of this world was before us in all it's hypnotic glory. I looked back to Yosuke who was still on his knees. "Let's go Hanamuru." I told him. Yosuke looked up to me and nodded. He stood up to his feet and followed after Saki and I to the portal out. I walked out without hesitation. I'm tired of this day and eager to get him and get some sleep.
Once I walked out the portal the entrance to the Circus of Values was before us. Teddy was standing outside the time rift awaiting our return I guess. Once I crossed the rift the bear ran up to me in excitement.
"Tatsujin! You're back. Did you do it."
"Kuma." Just like that the excitement in the bear died leaving a shocked visage. "What happens…" I took a breath. During that pause Saki and Yosuke emerged from the rift behind me. "What happens when the shadow self of another is destroyed instead of purified?" I thought back to Mayumi Yamato, the Announcer. Her shadow killed her but remained for a limited time. I think maybe two or so days after her real self's demise. I wondered now if the same could be said if the roles are reversed. I hoped for good news from the bear. He knows more than I first predicted so he may know.
"If a shadow self is destroyed?" Kuma questioned for me to nod. The bear leaned over to my side to the two behind me. His expression turned grim. "A shadow and real self are two sides of the same coin. One can't exist without the other."
My eyes widened and before I knew it my legs gave out. I was barely keeping it all together before until now. I prayed to a god I know doesn't exist for something but it's as I feared. A shadow can't exist without its real self and the real self can't live without it's shadow self, the true inner self. That means that Yosuke…
"Naru-chan!" Saki came to my side to help me to my feet. I climbed up with her help because I'm not sure if I could alone. I didn't know how to feel about this or what to do? I've never had to suffer something like this before. "Teddy. Are you sure!?" Saki was in the same hysterics as myself but showed it openly.
"I-I'm afraid so." The bear looked down solemnly.
"Th-then that means I…" Yosuke seemed to realize the weight of his decision. The coming consequences of his reckless action to keep Saki safe. He threw himself into the fire for her and for what? To keep his feelings shielded from her? "You can't know!" Yosuke stomped his foot in anger. "You can't know this! How do you know!?" Yosuke charged up to the bear. I rose my sword up in his way stopping him cold.
"Enough," I whispered. My tone was empty, and my spirit was drained. I'm too tired to keep this going for tonight. What's done is done.
"But he…"
"You're on borrowed time," I declared hollowly. "Don't spend it like that." I pulled myself from Saki once more and past the bear.
"Naru-chan!" Saki called out to me. She was close to freaking out. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going home. There's nothing I can do." With that I pulled my glasses back over my face to clear the path. "Let's go Teddy. You both as well. Let's get back to Inaba."
"I'll be fine!" Yosuke yelled at us, himself, and everything around him. "I won't just die or fade away like him."
"Yeah," I nodded but my response was insincere. I waved and Kuma was behind me in moments. He said sorry to the both of them before running up behind me to my side.
"What happened?"
"Yosuke struck down his shadow…" I looked down to my sword in it's sheath. My shadow slaying blade has been caked in the blood and insides of many shadows in every excursion into this world except one.
"He what!" Teddy panicked. "Wh-what are you gonna do Tatsujin?"
"Go home," I shrugged. "There's nothing more I can do."
"Dude." I stepped to the left and Yosuke shot past me. I noticed him convulsing and shivering before me. I've seen this reaction before. It's the actions of a man that knows he's not long for this world. In this regard though it's more like a boy before a monster. Yosuke fell to his hands and knees before us. Teddy reached out but I placed a hand on his head. I simply walked past the man on the ground without bothering to help him up. I felt for him the entire time up but once he committed that sin everything turned blank as if it never happened. I thought back to the first time I saw him on such a position in defeat. It was when he broke that movie Chie let him borrow. He deserved that kick, but does he deserve to cease to exist?
I didn't have the answer. I walked past him because I can't help him now. I walked past him because this was his choice. One that he may or may not live with. I guess all I can do now is wait and see.
Once we reached the studio, I shed my gear until I was left in my underwear. I put on my uniform with ease and hung up my gear for the next excursion into this side of Inaba. I kept my sword with me though just incase. I placed it in it's baseball case and on my back. Silently Saki began to do the same with me to wait for her to change. Yosuke looked away as she did as well showing some respect, though I shouldn't be surprised. Teddy brought us our exit once she was done.
"Later Kuma," I waved at the bear.
"Thank you, Teddie," Saki said behind me.
"Yes," he said at dully as the rest of us. "I-I'm sorry." He said to Yosuke.
"Shut up bear," Yosuke scoffed.
With that we left the shadow world for the real world.
04/18 Night
Junes had a patrol of guards walking around but sneaking out wasn't difficult for us. I guided us through the store and out one of the many exits to the side. We walked together down the road to our homes. Yosuke though had to go different directions as Saki and I.
"Hey Yu. Man do you think I'm gonna…?" Yosuke couldn't even finish it.
"We'll see Yosuke." I turned towards Saki. "I'll escort you home."
"I'll come with you," Yosuke offered. I shrugged as a response. He can do whatever he wants. It's the least he deserves.
"You don't have to Hana-chan. Naru-kun can…"
"When do you both get so close," Yosuke interrupted Saki suddenly.
"Can we not do this right now," I sighed groggily.
"Why not since I'm on borrowed time!" Yosuke shot up to me with his fists clenched. "This entire time Saki-senpai has been on your heel, always looking towards you, and even supporting you in ways I've never seen before! Why?" He started to raise his voice in the middle of the night.
"Hana-chan it's not like that?"
"But it is just like it is with your college lover Satoshi!" He spat at her forcing her back a bit. Anger is taking him, not that I can blame him. I'd be quite furious as well to protect myself from despair. "You wanna get close because he can do things I can't!" Yosuke glared up at me. That bruise from when I hit him evident on his cheek in the lamp light. The street light above shadowed his eyes from view same with shown the fear in Saki's eyes at where this could go. I know where this was heading because I've dealt with jealous boyfriends before. Same with obsessive admirers.
"You've a grudge against me," I stated. I could tell when he approached me the morning Saki and I walked together. He wasn't happy with me. You could even call it envious.
"No," he denied strongly. "But why you? What make you special for Yukiko to talk about and defend? Chie even worried for you when you went missing. Saki-senpai is practically at your heels just like…"
"I know." I tilted my head a bit at his rage and rant. "I know Yukiko Amagi somewhat and familiar with her family, Chie is a good friend and worries for those she's close to, and I've saved Saki from death as you know."
"But why you!"
"Maybe because it was meant to be," I shrugged. "Maybe because of luck." I clenched my left hand to the shack of the bracelet around my wrist. "Maybe it's because of who I am." I yawned a bit but made sure to cover my mouth. "I just did what I felt I had to, like always."
"That's it?" Yosuke questioned.
"Should there be more?" I questioned dully. "I'm tired and want to go to bed. It's… past 1 in the morning and you're wasting your time." Suddenly, my collar was seized by Yosuke and my face in his. He's lucky I'm drained else I'd punch him again.
"There it is!" He growled.
"Yosuke!" Saki rose her voice next to us. Even her voice didn't deter him.
"You look so uncaring and talk like you don't give a shit! I can't stand you!"
I narrowed my eyes. In an instant the pommel of my sword stabbed straight into Yosuke's sternum forcing him back. I rose my sword up and smacked him in the ribs with it sheath right in the sweet spot earning me a yelp and cry. Yosuke dropped to his knee and gripped his stomach. "Don't do that just because you're upset," I fixed my collar that was messed up after Yosuke's little tantrum. "I didn't want most of this to happen, but it did. Assaulting me, the guy who risked his life to save your stupid one, is foolish. What's the point behind acting like this?"
"Because!" Yosuke roared. He dropped to his hands in a trembling mess. "Because, you act like I'm already dead. Both of you do!" Yosuke's bloodshot eyes shot up to the both of us. Moisture had gathered around the corners of his eyes and fell down his cheeks. He was crying for his burdens all fell before him in an instant. To be honest, it brought forth a question I've been meaning to ask.
"Yosuke, why did you enter that world despite my warning?" I kneeled down to his level for once putting us at equal height. I need to know why he'd risk his life and the life of Saki in such a way. "Why did you both of you go into that world in such a way?" I looked between the two of them for an answer. Who in their right mind goes to an alternate reality without proper motive or dedication?
"I-I wanted to…" Yosuke sighed and fell down to his rear. "I wanted to show Saki-senpai I could do it too." Yosuke confessed.
"You told me you wanted to look around for clues," Saki interjected. "To see if you can help jog my memory." The girl's eyes widened at the guilt that riddled Yosuke's. "What were you thinking Yosuke? Do you have any…"
I rose my hand up to stop Saki before she woke up the neighborhood with her yelling. I figured out that he was obsessed with Saki but to this end was almost insane. Was she really worth that much to him? Of course, I know the answer to that despite how much I don't understand it. In my mind I thought back to Her and what I'd do when someone bad mouthed her with me near. I died inside the day she did and never truly got past it. I can own up on it. I even risked my life for her memento much like Yosuke just for recognition.
"I suppose, I get it." I climbed back up to my feet. I showed Yosuke my wrist and pulled my sleeve up to show him her memento. "Read this." I showed him the inscription on the beads once I turned them over to the white side. One side out of four each with a different color and phrase as I switched them. Gotta love the Japanese language some days.
"Life, end. Death, choice." He read off.
"Live life to it's eventual end but leave your death up to you and no one else. How you go out should be your choice. Anything less perverts that blessing of choice." I let my sleeve go to shield my bracelet from view. "She told me that before I got this, and it's been with me ever since."
"She?" Saki questioned. I refused to face her lingering gaze on the back of my head.
"I'm not getting into that further," I waved off her curiosity. "I understand you Yosuke and why you did what you did." I let out a hard breath before placing a hand on his shoulder. I could feel nothing for him other than pity for what's to come. "I'm sorry." I meant it this time around. If anyone deserves a fate worse than death, it's not Yosuke. I'd choice King Moron or anyone else over Yosuke. I sort of wish I could just revive his shadow. Right now, he seems okay. Even as he sobbed before me, he seems alive enough meaning we have time before he fades away. I'll have to talk to Igor about this matter for some guidance. I can't give up just yet.
"I'll see what I can do for you Yosuke," I pat his shoulders with a nodded. I'm determined to find something, anything to save his soul and life from the abyss. I'm not sure where the shadows I've defeated go or even where people go when they die, but I'll do my best to save Yosuke from this fate. I'm a zero, meaning I have infinite potential to do anything. They told me I've already surpassed my limits before to gain the shadow of another. Maybe there's more I can do if I just unlock it. I'm on a time table. "I promise."
Yosuke bowed his head before me. He shoulders slumped and I felt the other thing keeping him up was my hold on them. I can't let everything amount to nothing. Not just yet no matter how much I want to. Also, if Yosuke dies, I can only imagine the backlash we will face especially since we were probably on the midnight channel. Someone might've tuned in to watch us without us knowing. If Yosuke joins his shadow that person may step up against me. I don't look good in cuffs or behind bars in white pinstripes clothes.
"Thanks man."
"Thank me once we find a way to save you. Until then I want you to… handle your family like you should have. I'll try and find something." I instructed him. His relationship with his mom and dad is still tense so best he'd try and smooth it out before the end. Thinking about it Yosuke could die any moment nor or maybe three or four days for now. The shadow lasted that long so maybe it's the same for Yosuke. I still time is of the essence. I pat the guy's shoulders again before pulling myself up. "Get home Yosuke. Get some sleep."
"He's right Hana-chan. You should get home and rest. You've… you've been through a lot," Sake supplemented in hope to drive Yosuke to leave. Yosuke silently stood to his feet and nodded to the both of us. We both watched him turn away and leave with a weak wave of goodbye. Once out of sight Saki leaned towards me and said, "I'm scared of what's going to happen Naru-kun." She's not alone in this. I'm stumped at what I can do to cheat the natural order or rather supernatural order of things. If my other self died or was killed by me, I'm not sure what I'd become. I'm not sure who I'd be. I don't even know who I am even with a persona. I can't imagine what Yosuke is feeling…
Maybe that's the issue. Before Yosuke killed himself, I could feel and experience what he did. Afterwards I felt empty on the inside as if I lost who or what I was. I felt like a void that will never be full again. If this is what Yosuke is feeling, then I know what road he's going down. We don't have much time to save him.
"We'll go back to the Shadow World," I declared firmly. I thought back to the sections with anomalies and overly strong shadow within. I remember passing by a couple zones but couldn't translate the words or noise within before. Maybe I can this time around now that I've had a taste of an empty person. Maybe I just need to fill what's not empty before it's too late. "Anyway, I'm going home. I'll see you tomorrow." I waved at Konishi and began to walk to the direction of my home.
"Narukami," Saki ran up behind me and snagged my sleeve. "Can you walk me home?" She asked. I was about to tell her no but took note of her tone. It was frail and terrified. She's on the ledge right now while I'm stepping back away. I can't on good conscious let a beautiful and mind screwed woman walk around past midnight by herself.
"Oh course." I said with ease. Saki gave me a small smile before taking my hand in hers tightly. She grasped my hand and nodded when she was ready to go. I closed my fingers around her hand like she did me. Saki closed her eyes and walked with me silently down the street. While I like the quiet and all I did have on question about what I've seen in the visions. "Satoshi," I said and Saki's grip slackened a bit. "I saw much of what Yosuke did and I read the letter you wrote to your College boyfriend."
"Still blunt and invasive I see," Konishi scoffed.
"Why did you do it? Use Yosuke in such a way as well as get money out of Satoshi in such a way." I waited for an answer during our walk to nothing, so I continued. "Your Persona changed from a constrictor to a spider Saki. That's a massive shift and…"
"Naru-kun," Saki said my name dully. "I know."
I let the topic drop and shrugged. I know there's more story I'm sure but not sure of the specifics. Maybe I should find that Satoshi guy and throw him in the television and use Calypso to read his connection with Saki. Then again, the invasion of another people's business isn't something I'm keen on. My mom would commend me, but dad would hit me. "Alright sorry Saki." I clenched her hand and she returned it instantly.
"Can we really help him?" She questioned.
"I don't know." I said honestly.
"What if he dies?" She asked the serious question.
"We deal with it and try to keep yourselves out of the blast," I said evenly. It can be seen as insensitive or apathetic, but I'm not getting in the middle of a literal death.
"Okay."
We walked the rest of the way in silence under the faint moon light. Once we reached her house Saki gave me a hug. I returned it before she made her way inside. With a that I left back to my uncle's home and arrived in ten or so minutes. I jogged the rest of the way back without even realizing it and shot up through the door.
"Nanako, again." I found the little girl passed out at the table with the television in. Uncle Doujima was missing so she was home alone. I might have to start bringing her with me whenever Uncle Doujima is out working. I picked her up and took her back to her room. Afterwards, I ran up the stairs and dropped my sword on my table. I shed my clothes and laid down on my bed with a grunt. I wanted to get to sleep but know I can't. I need a bath, so I stood back up and went back downstairs to shower. After that I ran back upstairs and dropped into my bed. I got the sweat, blood, inky black mess, and dirt off my body before hitting my bed.
I closed my eyes and in moments to nothing.
"Hey Narukami!" I heard someone calling my name and opened my eyes up. I rested my head on my hands a little too comfortable to move anything other than my eyes. I peered up to the sun above through my sunglasses. The sun was a beautiful sight to behold and it's warmth was amazing. Next to the cold of the Shadow World this heat was truly a blessing. But, someone called for me and it sounded like a girl. Maybe a cute one at that. I can hear her walking up to me even now and stopped at the foot of my sun seat. I uncrossed my legs and peered down with a drop of my chin. My eyes widened at that I saw.
"Come on lazy get up," the girl before me put her hands on her hips. Clad in her signature green track suit and bowl cut hair style happened to be the one and only Chie Satonaka before me. While this wouldn't' be strange I'm a bit shocked that she's standing before me in nothing but that track top. "Um, are you okay Narukami?" She asked with a confused face. I looked around to see if I was to realize that I'm on a beach right now. I'm in grey basketball shorts. I don't ever wear swimming trunks to the beach. That lining within is annoying and a bother on my package. Basketball shorts are much roomier.
"Hello," Chie waved a hand over my eyes drawing my attention back to her.
"Yeah," I coughed and leaned back up from my chair. "Uh, what's up?" I'm confused on how I got here or when, not that I'm complaining or anything. This was very strange thought.
"Well then lets go," Chie reached down with a wide smile on her lips. She grabbed my hand and hoisted me off my chair to my feet. My naked feet touched the warm sand and sunk in with ease.
"W-wait, Chie where…"
"Let's get to the water! It's nice and cold," she smiled to the point her eyes closed a bit.
"But I…" Chie suddenly pushed me in front of her.
"Hehe," she chuckled. She winked at me as she reached up to the top zipper of her track top and pulled it down.
"Oh wow." I stared.
Chie flushed a bit and covered her chest from view. "Stop staring, idiot." She said cutely. I knew that Chie has an athletic build but to have a four pack and such angular curves as well, this was shocking. More surprising though was what she hid under her top. She wore a navy blue bikini swimsuit with a frilly tie in the center of her cleavage. She narrowed her eyes at me and stuck out her tongue playfully. "I guess you like Naru-kun?"
"Ah, yeah." I nodded my head.
"Well, you can have a closer look if you want." I nearly boldly accept if not for the fact she threw her top at me forcing me to swat it away. "Beat me to the water and you can haha!"
"What the…" I shot my eyes to the running girl as she laughed at my expense. I smirked a bit before launching out after her. I past by her with ease. I'm a pretty good runner. I have to be to run away from the many thugs that have chased me before.
"If I tag you before it doesn't count!" She changed the rule suddenly and started to chase me instead. I looked back to her and she was very… pretty in a cute way. I started to smile and run to the water with her right behind me. "GOT YA!" I felt a pressure on my shoulders dragging me down. My feet left the sandy slope and my back hit the water hard making me gasp. I think she might've suplex me or something. Still, just how could she catch up to me with my massive lead in the beginning. I pushed my head out of the water before it entered my ears to get up.
"Uhh," I grunted as something slammed right on top of me and hands pressed down on my chest.
"Heh good attempt but you can't get away from me for long." Chie smirked down at me while she straddled my waist. Her hands were warm same with her butt right on my groin. She moved a bit earning a groan from me. "Looks like you got that closer look after all," she teased. I shook my head at this situation I'm in.
"I guess so," I conceded defeat. She caught me and threw me down. I know when I'm beat.
"So, I guess that means I get a close look instead." Her tone shifted a bit to something as bright as it was hot. Her hands gripped my shoulders and she leaned it a bit. "Can I?" I have no idea what's happening or how this happened, but this was nice. I boldly accepted her request without hesitation. This would be a very good distraction from what came before. "Good. Now… hold still." She leaned inward and I closed my eyes for this closer look of hers.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
I eyes shot open. Instead of a face of a cut girl in a blue swimsuit I saw a while and slightly chipped ceiling. I blinked to find the sensations from warmth of the sun's rays, cool relief from water around me, and the comfortable of a cute girl all missing. I felt warmth on my lips though and touched them with my fingers to test them out. My ears burned same with my cheeks. I looked down and groaned at what I saw. "I'm too old for this." My heart was actually racing right now and it's all because of a dream. It was all a dream, about Chie no doubt.
'Why?' I asked myself audibly. Out of all the cute girls in that school and met in my life what made me have a dream about Chie like that? We're not even that close, but I do feel like this dream might have helped. I'm very curious to see if my dream can come into fruition. That'd be very… interesting. "Just a couple seconds more," I groaned. If only.
For now, though I climbed up out of my bed and rubbed my eyes. It's been only a couple hours since I passed about according to my clock. I got at least five hours which is go. Better than previous long nights. I still feel drained though. I forgot to use the last of my soul power to restore my vitality. Damn, I can feel it now. The soreness of my muscles and aching joints. I heard a second series of knocks so I grit my teeth to help me on the way up to my butt. I grabbed the sheet on my bed and covered myself. I was so tired that I forgo underwear.
"Come in," I said the little alarm clock I have.
"Are you up," my little cousin asked as she opened the door. She examined me a bit and then the state of my room. I had clothes in the floor and my sword on the table. Normally I'm neater than this and hide that sword but it didn't cross my mind before I passed out. "Are you okay?" Nanako asked, reeking with innocence and purity. I took a moment to think of a good response to give you. I have no wish to lie to her so bit the bullet in this one.
"Not really," I admitted with a sigh. Everything that could've went wrong with the rescue did and we might pay the price for it.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" My little cousin asked. She wished to consul me it seems even though she probably doesn't understand what that means. I thought in it a bit and nodded. I don't see why not. I remember telling my tale to Yukiko and she accepted it well. If I tell Nanako who would really believe her in the first place. "I will over breakfast. Give me a moment to get dressed, please."
"Okay," Nanako smiled. I think she's happy I'm willing to trust her enough to out my feelings in display. This might be childish to some, but I need to talk to someone about this. Nanako won't comprehend it and that's fine. It's more for me than her. Nanako closed my door and left me alone to get my clothes in and grab my book bag. I snagged my phone and laptop before heading down stairs to see Nanako boiling water and rice.
"Huh?" I didn't even know she knew how to cook rice. Before when we cooked together she couldn't fry the meat patties or beat dough. I guess boiling rice isn't that difficult. I placed my bag down in the counter and helped her with the toast and cooked the eggs scrambled this time with peppers and cheese. An American style I learned years ago I let stick. Nanako watched me quietly as I cooked, tryingto figure me out. It's only been a few days since I've arrived but it feels much longer than that. We set the table and to ready to eat as quietly as we cooked. Nanako still glared softly at me, waiting for me to begin my story. I sighed lightly to start.
"Have you heard of the midnight channel, Nanako?" I asked first.
"Mhmm," she nodded her head up and down. "I heard friends at my school talk about it."
I scoffed a bit. Even little elementary school kids are talking about it? Wow.
"Have you seen it?" I asked playfully. I doubt she stayed up that long to watch the channel. I waited for an answer inky for Nanako to avert her eyes from mine. I narrowed mine a little bit at this. "Nanako," I said firmly. The little girl ducked down a bit at my tone. I cleared my throat to soften it a bit. "Nanako, have you been staying up late to watch the channel?" I thought back to the two times I've found her at the table asleep with the television on. Both times was when I was in the Shadow World. If she was watching the Midnight Channel during my voyages in then maybe she saw something she shouldn't have. Now that I think of it I recognized Saki clearly in it. It's not a stretch to assume it's the same when I'm on. Maybe I should where a mask or something fir now in after midnight.
"I… I saw… something." She answered vaguely.
"You're not in trouble for watching television that late," I put on my best smile to ease her nerves. "I just wanna know what you saw, okay?"
Nanako gave me a fearful look, but little by little she calmed down. "Uh, I saw." She paused and moisten her lips a bit and gather her thoughts. "You. I saw you." Of course she did. I'm the star of the show. I chuckled a bit at my little joke which eased Nanako further. "I saw that lady from before too."
"Saki or the Announcer?"
"B-Both." That confirmed my suspicions and fears. If anyone else saw the midnight channel then more than likely the know my face. "I saw figures and faces in the fuzz. It wasn't very clear." I let out a breath of relief. So my battles are covered up for the most part. That's good.
"Well, I'm a TV star," I jested with my arms out. "What can I say?"
"Really?" Her eyes sparkled.
"In a way. The Midnight Channel is connected to what's troubling me. Wanna know the story?"
"Ahuh ahuh, I want to know."
I smiled at her radiant excitement. "Okay, the story began with a television. One I could walk into…" So I told the delusional Nanako about the Midnight Channel, what I did in set, and the supernatural monsters I faced with the power of Persona. Nanako ate it all up and seemed to love the story. It told her the story up to Yosuke and his issue as well. That he wasn't long for this world unless j can figure something out. By this point Nanako went quite with her chin down. I let her childish mind bring it all together to see where it might go.
"You're a hero." I was taken back by her declaration. I appear as a hero in her mind. That's cute, but I'm not a hero and never will be one. That's a cliché I can't stand. I did save Saki but more out of duty that was beat into me for years. Yosuke needed saving because that idiot is connected with us in that false kidnapping. If he goes missing or dies, I'm the first they'll question. Unless I can plan out his death so it can't be linked to me, I need to find a way to save the life he forsook. "You'll save him in your show. I'll watch you." Now I felt a bit guilty for my thoughts. Nanako believes I can save him but I'm not sure I can.
"Well, just make sure you keep this story between us. Okay, Nanako?" I leaned inward. "Can this show stay between us?"
"If you take me to Junes." She responded with a smile. I just looked at her. "You promised to take me yesterday. I wanna go today. I won't say a thing." She worded childishly. The innocence was so powerful that the degeneracy was almost untraceable. Her aim is clear though. Is this little brat extorting me right now? The thought seems ludicrous, but she said it. She'll stay quite if I follow through with my word. I do remember telling her I'd take her, but assumed she'd forget an hour later. I guess I underestimated her love for that store.
"Sure," I conceded to her will once more. "I'll take you today."
"Pinky promise." The girl rose said finger to me.
"Lock and key huh?" I snickered a bit. "Fine." I rose my pinky and shook with her. She gave me a happy sound plastering a smile on my lips. I think some time away from the Shadow World will do me some good. But for now, it's about time we left. I'm gonna be late to school most likely but she can make it still. "Let's clean up and get going to school."
"Okay," she giggled happily.
A/N: Gonna get away from the Shadow World for a bit.