Author's Note: Wow, guys! It's been just over a month since I started Persona Gaiden: New Class. Since then, I've gotten nearly 1200 views, and 420 visitors! Thank you all so very much for supporting the story. I really appreciate it.
To celebrate, I've written a brand new Prologue! You can find it at the top of the first chapter. It's pretty illuminating to the story, and I highly encourage everyone to read and enjoy!
I also want to take a moment to thank my greatest supporters, who've been kind enough to take time out of their schedules to read and review nearly every chapter. Thank you JustAFerret, Mysteryless, and Daniel Wilks! Your continued encouragement and appreciation gives me the fuel to continue this project.
On that note, I'd like to mention that it's you, the readers, the community, that keep these stories going. All of them. You guys have the power. Every review and favorite and follow is a vote for the story's quality that other readers will be able to see. So please, be generous. I can't wait to share the rest of the story with you! ^_^
XI
Tuesday
April 9, 2013 — Evening
Clear Skies
When Shou stepped outside with Kazami, the night air was cool, crisp. It was twilight; the last vestiges of day were mere purple smudges against the horizon, visible through the boughs of the cherry trees.
Together, they walked toward the square outside the Classroom Buildings, swapping stories of their meager upbringings. "My parents own a dry cleaning place," she said. "And they'll trade dry cleaning for anything. Food, haircuts, clothes, you name it. When I was a kid, that was how I got half my stuff."
Shou chuckled. He responded with a story about how his dad had always made a big deal about "Ramen Friday" when he was a kid. It had felt so magical back then; it was the only time they ate out, and he'd looked forward to it every single week. His dad told him they were eating at a special place that had the best ramen in all of Japan. It was only when he'd gotten older that he understood they had just been eating at the local Yoshinoya the whole time.
"Whoa, that must've hurt," Kazami said.
"Actually, it didn't," Shou said. He told her that it made him realize that what was important wasn't the ramen itself, but the memories he made with his father.
"What're you, some kind of philosopher?" Kazami asked.
Shou just shrugged.
They entered the square, with the potbellied statue of Morigami Yoshinori. For a moment, Shou paused.
The glowing blue door to the Velvet Room hung in the air across from the statue, exactly where it had been the previous night. Now that he had the key, could he enter at any time?
"What's up?" Kazami asked.
"Ah, sorry," Shou said. "Just thinking."
Kazami laughed and elbowed him in the ribs. "You really are a philosopher, huh? Head in the clouds."
Shou laughed too. He began to head down the path toward the dorms, then noticed Kazami wasn't following. Now that he thought about it, shouldn't she be in the budget dorm, too?
"This is where we part ways," she said.
He looked at her questioningly.
"I'm renting a one-room apartment with a roommate," she said. "Worked out cheaper that way. So I'm gonna catch the trolley into the city, okay? I'll um . . . I'll see you at work."
Shou nodded, and waved goodbye. She waved back.
The truth was, he still wasn't sure about this girl. He didn't know if he could trust her. And he had reservations because of what had happened to Kudo-sensei.
However, Igor had made clear the value of Social Links. For that reason, Shou knew he had to give Kazami the benefit of the doubt.
He wanted to be able to put his confidence in her.
But he just wasn't sure yet.
Thinking, he began his walk toward G Hall.
Inside the dorm, the lounge was bright and cheery. Little Yuto was positioned in front of the TV, watching a DVD of the latest incarnation of the Featherman series — Phoenix Ranger Featherman Force. He glanced at Shou, then immediately turned back to the TV, balling his little fists.
Shou wanted to be able to communicate with Yuto, but he didn't feel like his expression was strong enough.
On the nearby couch, Shou spotted Sato and Emi. Homework was laid out on the coffee table in front of them.
When Emi saw Shou, she stood, and looked awkwardly off to the side. One hand idly played with a strand of hair. "Um," she said, "I just wanted to say thanks." Her eyes were red and bleary. She looked exhausted.
Shou was confused. He asked her what she was thanking him for.
"Sayoko-san said she raised concerns about my scholarship, and you vouched for me," Emi said. "I . . . appreciate it." She inclined her head.
Shou nodded back. Then he gave Sato-san a brief, appreciative glance. "How are you holding up?" he asked.
"About as well as you'd expect," Emi said. "Which is awful. I've been crying most of the day. A part of me knew this was coming. So maybe I was a little bit prepared for it. But . . . still . . . I . . ."
"It's quite an ordeal," Sato-san said.
"Yeah," Emi agreed. She looked down at the floor. Then her face brightened. "Oh, I did manage to get something done today. I did a little research on . . . uh . . ." She trailed off, looking at Sato-san.
"Research?" Sato asked. "On what?"
"Nothing," Emi said hastily. "Just, um, a project. Something Shou and I are working on together. And Kouta-kun, too."
Sato smiled. "Project? I do love a good project. Care to elaborate?"
"Oh," Emi said. "Uh . . ." She stared at Shou, making an expression that urged him to jump in and save her.
Shou took Emi's hint. She had to be talking about Shadow stuff. "Well . . ." he said.
Luckily, before he had to come up with some outrageous lie, Hasumi-sensei entered from the dorm kitchen, ringing a hand bell. "Dinner," she yelled. She paused by the stairwell to the next floor and repeated, "Dinner!"
"Perhaps I should be—" Sato began.
"Ah, Sayoko-chan," Hasumi said, "what a pleasant surprise to see you here."
Sato made a small bow. "Nice to see you, Hasumi-sensei," she said.
"In the dorms, you can just call me Kumiko-san. And now that you're here, you must stay for dinner."
"I wouldn't want to impose," Sato-san said.
"Don't worry about that," said Hasumi-sensei — Kumiko. "There's more than enough food."
Ten minutes later, they all gathered around the ten-person dinner table, set with plates, chopsticks, water glasses, and tea cups. Kumiko, Yuto-chan, Shou, Emi, and Sato were the first to sit. Kouta arrived soon after.
Then, over the next several minutes, three more students filtered in.
Ariwa Reiko was the first of the unfamiliar students to arrive; she was a slender girl with a fall of wavy, night-black hair; a dark beauty mark lay beneath her left eye. She reminded Shou a bit of an actress from old movies; there was a certain charm and mystique about her.
The next was Itami Dai, a tall, boisterous biker type with dyed dirty-blond hair, done in a pompadour. He looked every inch a delinquent. And as soon as he saw Kouta seated at the table, he said, "Oi, this guy's here? He's gonna eat all the food!"
Kouta shot to his feet. "I could say the same about you, Itami!"
"Say that to my face, Hayabusa!"
"I think I will!"
The two ran at each other and began to grapple.
"Boys, boys," Kumiko-san chided. "Behave yourselves, or it's to bed with no supper for you." She spoke in a soft, but authoritative tone. Still, Shou didn't think it would ever get through to those two.
To his surprise, however, both of them immediately stopped what they were doing. Shou was impressed. With sheepish looks on their faces, the two suddenly threw their arms around each other. "Aw, we were just messin' around, Kumiko-san," Itami said.
"Yeah," Kouta said, "no harm done."
Briefly, they both glared at each other, then smiled at Kumiko.
"Then take your seats," the teacher replied.
They did.
The last person to arrive for dinner was Endo Takeru, the boy from Shou's class with the glasses and slicked back hair. The one he'd spotted lurking around Sato-san.
Endo spotted Sato at the table as he was coming down the stairs. In his shock, he slipped, and thudded down the last few steps on his behind.
"Oh my goodness, are you all right, Endo-kun?" Kumiko asked. She rushed over to him, while Emi and Sato stood in concern.
Endo waved her off. "I'm okay," he said. He winced, then managed to get to his feet.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Takeru-kun," Sato said.
Immediately, Endo turned bright red. All hint of pain or dismay vanished. "Y-yes, Sato-san," he stammered. "I-I'll be more careful in the future!"
Sato chuckled, and offered him a nod.
Introductions were made all around. Shou learned that Endo was a member of the school's Disciplinary Committee. That's why Sato had referred to him so familiarly. She worked with him on a regular basis. As for Ariwa-san, Shou's instinct had proven right; she was the most prominent actress in school. And Itami was vice-captain of the school baseball team.
Shou was pretty interested in baseball. He asked about tryouts.
"Tryouts? A week from today, after school," Itami said. "But jus' so you know, our captain's a real stickler. So be good, or go home. 'Cause Ryuu ain't easily impressed."
Shou nodded. So the captain's name was Ryuu? He would make sure to remember that.
Once everyone was settled, Kumiko-san brought the food in from the kitchen. There was miso soup, grilled salmon, curry rice, and pickled vegetables, all in copious portions. Everything looked delicious; the salmon was crusted with herbs; the curry was garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley. She also brought in a traditional-style teapot, and graciously poured for everyone.
Shou inhaled deeply, savoring all the smells. He couldn't believe he'd missed out on this the past couple of days. From now on, he was going to try his best to be home for dinner.
"Yuto-chan," Kumiko said. She patted her son on the head.
At this prompting, Yuto got up onto his knees in his chair, and lifted his chopsticks. "Itadakimasu!" he said.
"Itadakimasu," everyone echoed.
Shou couldn't restrain himself a moment longer. The curry was amazing. It was homemade, not store-bought. Chunks of beef floated in the sauce, and when he tried some, the meat fell apart in his mouth. As he ate, he was able to discern subtle notes of vegetables — carrot, onion, potato — as well as hints of red pepper, garlic, and, he thought, a touch of red wine. He'd never before had such a discerning palate; was this the power of Kumiko-san's cooking?
Analyzing the flavor, Shou felt his understanding increase.
They finished the meal in silence, save for the clattering of chopsticks on plates. His father had once said to him that you know the food is good when people are too busy eating to talk. Needless to say, his meals with his father had often been filled with conversation.
One by one, each person slumped in their chair and rubbed their bellies. Kouta and Itami were the first to clear their plates, of course, but they quickly went for seconds, and then thirds. Luckily, Kumiko-san had made enough. She must have known the two boys well enough to be prepared.
Kumiko began to take away the dishes. "Dai-kun," she said to Itami. "It's Tuesday. Your turn to help."
"Wh-what?" Itami cried. "Y-you're kidding me! It's that day already?"
"Come put those strong muscles to good work," Kumiko said. "Scrubbing."
"Aw, maaaaan . . ." Itami wilted, like a flower without water. He loaded up his arms with dishes. Then he ambled into the kitchen after Kumiko-san.
For someone who looked like such a delinquent, it seemed Kumiko had Itami remarkably well-trained. Was that the strength of Kumiko-san's personality? For such a mild-mannered person, there were some amazing qualities about her. Shou was actually glad he didn't have her as a teacher; it was far more interesting to get to know her in this setting. He didn't feel he yet had the understanding to appreciate the challenges of being an adult, and mother, but he decided he would make an effort in the future.
As for Yuto-chan, the little boy hopped down from his seat, which was way too big for him. He looked over the table once, as if making sure everything was in its right place, and then headed back to the TV to watch more Featherman.
A moment later, Ariwa stood. "Please excuse me, everyone," she said. She beamed, and it looked like a real movie-star smile. "I have to get back to working on my scene, for next week's drama auditions."
"I'm sure you'll get the lead, Rei-chan!" Kouta exclaimed.
A conflicted look flickered across Ariwa's face, but it was quickly replaced by an expression of good cheer. "Thank you, Kouta-kun," she said. She smiled, and even though it wasn't directed at Shou, he felt himself blush slightly. "I'm happy to know that you're cheering for me."
Kouta's face reddened. "Uh, uh, um . . . thanks," he said. He chuckled, abashed. "Say, I don't even know what play the school's doing."
"Romeo and Juliet," Ariwa replied.
"Wow," Kouta said. "I don't usually go for that, uh, Shakespeare stuff."
"That's too bad," Ariwa said. She looked genuinely disappointed.
"W-wait," Kouta stuttered, "b-but for you, Rei-chan, I'll make an exception. Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
Ariwa inclined her head. "You're a gentleman, Hayabusa Kouta," she said. "I'll be counting on you." She paused, and waved. "'Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow,'" she quoted. She smiled again.
"Good night," everyone replied.
Shou watched Ariwa-san leave. There was more to this girl than met the eye, he knew. Not that he suspected her of wrongdoing; no, it had to do with the way she presented herself. It was amazing how elegant Ariwa was. And well-spoken. It was as if all her answers to Kouta had come from a manual of perfect replies; only, when Ariwa delivered them, they came off as genuine.
Well, she was the best actress in school, Shou reminded himself.
But he'd seen a slight crack in her façade. For a moment, she had flinched when Kouta called her "Rei-chan." She would have to get used to that if she wanted to be an actress, or idol, wouldn't she? At least for the time being. Shou couldn't help thinking that the way Ariwa carried herself, she hoped to have a long career that would stretch far past the youthful years where she would be most popular as an idol. He had to admire her dedication to presenting the image.
Only, it appeared as though she had some reservations. He wondered what they were.
When Ariwa was gone, Kouta said, "Man, Rei-chan is amazing! So pretty. And so much . . . what's the word?"
"Grace? Poise?" Sato suggested.
"Right, exactly!" Kouta said. Then, he realized what he'd implied. "Not that you don't have grace and poise too, Sayoko-chan!"
"It's a good thing you said that," Sato said.
"O-of course," said Kouta.
"And me?" Emi asked.
"Y-you too," Kouta said. "Absolutely!"
Sato and Emi traded a look, then began to laugh.
"You should've seen your face," Emi said.
"I admit, your expression was quite amusing," said Sato.
Shou grinned. It was good to see Emi enjoying herself, even for a moment. He was still worried about her. He wondered what she had been trying to tell him earlier, before they were interrupted by dinner. She had made it seem like it was important.
Sato-san, apparently, hadn't forgotten either. "So, before dinner, you were talking about some sort of project?" she asked.
"Oh, that?" Emi asked. She looked away guiltily. "It was nothing, Sato-san. And I'm sure you're tired. Why don't I wait outside for the trolley with you?"
Sato chuckled. "We've shared a meal, now," she said. "Sayoko will be fine." She glanced at Shou and Kouta. "That goes for all of you." Then she looked at Endo Takeru, who was the only other person remaining at the table, sitting awkwardly by himself at one end. "Including you, Takeru-kun. For about the hundredth time."
At this, Endo perked up. "I couldn't!" he said. Then he blushed and looked away. "I'd never dream of addressing the Class President so casually."
"He has a point," Emi said.
"Don't be so stubborn," Sayoko said. "It's important for any politician to be a person of the people. So, as your Class President, I order you to call me 'Sayoko.'"
Silence. Shou thought he could hear crickets in the distance.
Sayoko began to laugh. "Oh, come on," she said. "I thought that was funny. The juxtaposition of statements, one appealing to the public, the other representing complete authoritarianism? The paradox? I've always found that incongruent elements are a sure way to create humor." She looked around, her face lit with enthusiasm.
But she received no response.
Sayoko sighed, and shook her head sadly. "Or not," she said. "It was worth a try."
"Sorry, Sayoko-san," Shou said. He winced as he said it.
"It's fine," Sayoko said. Amusement played across her features. "My parents are really the only ones who find my jokes entertaining. But I thought it was worth a try."
"W-well, I thought it was funny," Emi said. "Really funny!" She forced a laugh. "Right, Kouta-kun?"
"Oh yeah," Kouta said. "Hilarious."
"I thought it was brilliant," said Endo. "The careful play on discrepancy! The eloquence of the delivery! Truly the most magnificent of jokes. Far beyond the vulgar, limited appreciation that is simple laughter!" He shot up from his seat, pumping his fist.
Everyone stared.
"Oh, I, uh . . ." Endo's eyes widened as he recovered himself. "I . . . I . . ." He searched for words. "I have to go study! That's right. I'll um, uh . . . Good night!" His face brightly flushed, he scurried up the stairs.
"Don't mind him," Sayoko said gently. "I . . . suspect he has something of a crush on me."
"Ya think?" Kouta asked.
"Well," Sayoko admitted, "I suppose it's more than a suspicion. But when I explained to him that I wasn't interested, he denied it. I . . . think I embarrassed him. I'm not always the best with interpersonal matters. So, since then, I've tried my best to make him feel comfortable." She frowned. "I'm not sure it's worked."
"I'm pretty sure he still likes you, Sayoko-chan," Kouta said.
"Yes," said Sayoko, "I do believe you're right. And I'd greatly appreciate it if we could move on from this topic."
"Oh my gosh," Emi said. "I'm so sorry!"
"It's fine," Sayoko said. "But if you really want to make it up to me, tell me about what you were going to discuss earlier. You're so dodgy about it, you've seriously piqued my interest."
Shou grimaced. How were they going to play this one off?
"Well, um," Emi said, "it's kind of morbid."
"That's okay," Sayoko said. "I have a strong stomach."
Shou didn't want Sayoko to think they were crazy, so he didn't think that telling her the truth was the best option. But he wasn't about to lie. He was just no good at it, and he wouldn't want to anyway. He supposed they would just have to see if Sayoko would believe them.
He also decided he would observe her reaction, and try to gauge whether any of this was familiar to her. He still couldn't be sure she wasn't part of Hope/LESS.
"I guess . . . I guess I can tell you," Emi said. "It's just, you're gonna think I'm nuts or something."
"No judgment," Sayoko swore.
Emi sighed. "Okay . . ." She reached for her bag, and withdrew her phone. She began to tap at the screen. "Have you heard about 'The Vanished,' Sayoko-san?"
"That rumor?" Sayoko asked. Her expression quickly became incredulous. "The one where people disappear and you can hear their voices in the metro?" She chuckled. "I admit, I'm not really one for superstition and tall tales."
"I think the story actually has some credence," Emi said. "Look." She held up her phone, and one-by-one began to scroll through different articles. The words "metro" and "suicide" jumped out in all of them. "There have been six cases over the past year."
"Emi," Sayoko said. "How do I put this? This really isn't my strong suit . . ." She took a deep breath. "I know that you're hurt. And that your strong feelings require an outlet. But are you sure you should be looking into this? Perhaps it's better to—"
"It's important," Emi said. Determination shone in her eyes. "Just listen."
Shou watched Sayoko carefully, but he didn't see a hint of anything other than concern on her features.
Could she be trusted?
"At first the suicides seemed random," Emi continued. "An office worker. A waitress at a restaurant. Both times, family reported that the person had shown no sign of suicidal tendencies in the weeks leading up to it, but that each of them had complained of nightmares in the days before they disappeared. I've found there's no set number of days between vanishing and reappearing to commit suicide, but I'm certain those cases are connected."
"So you're looking for a pattern in . . . suicides?" Sayoko asked.
"Yes," Emi said. "Because I don't think they're suicides at all. I think someone's been causing them."
Shou felt a chill. Someone . . . causing them?
A . . . murderer?
"Causing them?" Sayoko repeated. "Emi . . ." She reached across the dinner table and patted Emi's hand. The gesture appeared to make her nervous, but she did it anyway. "I know it may be hard to accept that your brother did this himself. But you have to."
"No," Emi said. "I won't." She met Sayoko's eyes with such fierce dedication that the Class President herself looked away first. "Now let me tell you the rest."
Emi detailed how, in her research, she'd discovered that after the second victim, the suicides had begun to relate to Morigami. As if there had been a deliberate shift. Not only that, but there had been several disappearances that hadn't resulted in suicides. Each time, the person had been a Morigami student, and they, too, had complained of nightmares like the others. Only, they'd all reappeared not long afterward, none the worse for wear, and claiming that they'd just had the flu and had been in bed the whole time.
Of particular note were the Morigami twins, who Shou had seen briefly. Yoshiro had vanished first, for only two days, while Yoshino had disappeared next, for nearly a week. Yoshiro going missing had caused something of a panic in the local papers; he was the heir to the Morigami Company. But after his return, he claimed there had been emergency business for which he'd been required, even though he was only a high school student. As for when it happened to his sister, he assured the public that Yoshino was simply taking some time off at a spa.
Emi read the rest of the names on the list of those who had disappeared, but returned. "There's Aizawa Azumi, an upperclassman, and a computer whiz who lives off-campus. And Itami Dai . . ." She noted their looks. "Yes, that Itami." She glanced at the kitchen door.
Kouta whistled.
"And there's two more," Emi said. "One is really interesting. Kageshiro Ryuu. It was barely reported on, so I called up a friend of mine who's obsessed with the baseball team, and she told me there was a game last spring where Kageshiro-senpai was terribly off. The next day, he didn't show up to school, and only appeared in the evening, citing the same story about being sick and needing to take a day."
"I don't get it," Kouta said. "What's so weird about that?"
"He's the only one that's reappeared within the course of a single day," Shou said. He didn't know what that meant. Had Kageshiro accepted himself, and gained his Persona on his own, as Shou had?
"Right," said Emi. "And Kageshiro-senpai's also the first one to be targeted at Morigami. All the others happened after him. Kageshiro, then Itami, Aizawa, the Morigami siblings . . . And there's one more."
Shou nodded. He already knew who the final name would belong to.
"Kazami Kaede," said Emi. "She vanished last October, and reappeared four days later. I think she's the girl who was on the roof."
"She is," Shou said.
Briefly, he explained how he'd met Kazami today, and how he'd been able to glean very little, unfortunately, about her motives or comrades. All he had was her group's general philosophy, which wasn't very helpful. However, Kazami being on Emi's list made it look a lot more likely that the other names were correct.
"I'm sorry, now you've lost me," Sayoko said. "What is this about a roof, and . . . Kazami Kaede? The girl from the school store?"
"I don't really know how to explain this," Emi said. "I don't expect you to believe me. But we met her, Kaede . . . in another world. A Shadow world."
"Shadow . . . world?" Sayoko looked completely bewildered. If Emi's list wasn't confirmation enough, her lost expression convinced Shou that Sayoko wasn't involved with Hope/LESS.
"I know it sounds weird but . . ." Emi began.
Sayoko began to laugh.
Shou, Kouta, and Emi traded glances. They didn't know what to make of her outburst.
"Oh my goodness," Sayoko said, wiping tears from her eyes. "You guys . . . You were very convincing, you know? But I get it now."
"Get . . . it?" Kouta asked.
"Dokyu no Majo no Burairu," Sayoko said. Then, phonetically, in English: "Burair Witch Project!" She smiled. "I'm a big fan of horror films. You're doing a 'found footage' movie, aren't you? But you're keeping it a secret so that you'll frighten everyone when you release it."
"Uh," said Shou.
"Um . . ." said Kouta.
"Er . . ." said Emi. Then, after an excruciatingly long pause, she exclaimed, "That's it, Sayoko-san! I can't believe you figured it out."
Sayoko sighed in relief. "I'm glad you three don't actually believe all that," she said. She paused, then took up a careful tone. "But Emi, are you certain it's all right for you to mourn like this? Maybe you should take some time to think about it."
"Thank you," Emi said, "for being concerned. But I can't just be idle. This is the best way for me to deal."
Shou exhaled. Emi had played it off well.
"Well, as long as you've considered your condition," Sayoko said.
"I have," Emi said.
"Good," Sayoko said. She looked thoughtful. "You know, Aristotle once wrote about this. How to effect the purgation of pity and fear — negative emotions — through drama. Perhaps this is exactly what he meant."
"Um, what?" Kouta asked.
Sayoko took note of the blank looks around her. "Sorry," she said. She actually blushed. "That was supposed to be helpful. I think."
"I get it," Emi said. "You're saying you support my decision.
"I'm saying there's precedent for this being an effective treatment," Sayoko said. Then, she amended, "Er, but yes. I think you should do it, if you're confident it will help. Just make sure it doesn't impact your schoolwork."
"I won't," Emi promised.
"But I do have one condition for my complicity," Sayoko said.
"What's that?" Emi asked.
"I want to be in it," she said. "As a version of myself who decides, as editor of the school paper, to aid in the investigation." Then, looking inexplicably self-conscious, she lowered her eyes. "I've always wanted to be a reporter."
Shou wasn't sure why Sayoko would be embarrassed about that. He thought it was admirable to have a passion for something. He still hadn't found a true passion in life. Except, maybe, for baseball.
"Um, sure, Sayoko-san," Emi said. "We'd be happy to have you aboard. But, uh, are you sure you aren't too busy? With all your responsibilities?"
"Oh, not at all," Sayoko said. "This'll be a fun diversion for me. I'll treat it with all the seriousness of a real case. I'll try my best to find some evidence that will make your story feel more convincing."
"That sounds great," Emi said.
They chatted for a little while longer, of lighter things. Shou couldn't help feeling immense respect for Emi. She'd kept her head, and she was putting on a strong face. He wasn't sure how she was doing on the inside, but he thought she would be okay.
Kumiko-san emerged from the kitchen, followed by Itami.
Shou, Emi, and Kouta couldn't help staring at the baseball vice-captain, and potential member of Hope/LESS. When he noticed their eyes on him, his fists clenched. "Oi, what's this, now? Why you lookin' at me like that?" He frowned. "Hayabusa, you spreadin' rumors 'bout me again?"
"As if I would do something like that," Kouta said.
"Damn straight you would!" Itami yelled. "Don't act so innocent."
"Boys," Kumiko-san said.
Itami shook his head. "Sorry, Kumiko-san." He glared at Hayabusa, then Shou and Emi. "I'm headin' ta bed. 'Night all. Good night, Haya-baka." He grinned.
"What did you just call me?" Kouta roared.
Itami said nothing, only chuckled and ascended the stairs.
Kumiko-san walked over to where Yuto was watching Featherman. "Yuto-chan, time to get ready for bed," she said.
"Kaasan, one more," Yuto begged.
"You know the rules," Kumiko said.
Yuto sighed. "Okay," he said, disappointed. He pushed himself to his feet.
Shou couldn't help appreciating what a well-behaved kid Yuto was. And that Kumiko-san appeared to have the mothering thing down, both as real mother and dorm mother.
Yuto-chan walked with his mother to the stairs, rubbing his eyes. "Good night, everyone," Kumiko-san said.
"Good night," they replied.
"And thank you for dinner," Sayoko added.
"My pleasure," said Kumiko-san. "Feel free to stop by anytime."
With that, Kumiko and Yuto headed off to bed.
Now it was just their small group left alone in the dorm lobby, and they decided to relocate to the lounge area in front of the TV. Shou switched off Yuto-chan's DVD. Emi and Sayoko took seats on the couch, while Shou and Kouta settled into the armchairs on either side.
"It's getting late," Emi said. "Don't you have homework, Sayoko-san? Or studying to do?"
"Try to get rid of me, are you?" Sayoko asked.
"N-no, nothing like . . ." Emi looked at Sayoko. "That was another joke, wasn't it?"
Sayoko let slip a small smile.
"Well, if you want to stick around," Emi said, "there is one more thing. A phone call to make. I can't promise it'll be interesting, but . . ." She shrugged. "If you want to stay, you're more than welcome."
"Now I'm even more curious," Sayoko said.
"I did a little digging on another incident that happened a few years ago, centered around Tatsumi Port Island, in Iwatodai," Emi continued. "An outbreak of something called 'Apathy Syndrome.' Whoever caught it basically lost the will to live. These days doctors say it was viral, except according to the info I've found, no one's been able to prove it. Meanwhile, there were all sorts of rumors about monsters appearing at night. Shadows. And reports of weird experiments done by the Kirijo Group. I think there may be a connection there." She glanced at Sayoko. "That is, you know, for the movie."
"So your thought is that whatever happens to these 'Vanished,' they are ultimately afflicted by Apathy Syndrome. Which causes them to take their own lives," Sayoko said.
Emi nodded.
"Very interesting," said Sayoko. "Incorporating a second urban legend that complements the first. I like it. And adding the central mystery about the Kirijo Group will keep viewers engaged. Frankly, I'm fascinated by the way you're deconstructing urban myth in our society, exploring how it grows and proliferates. It comments on our obsession with . . ." She trailed off. "I'm doing it again, aren't I?"
Everyone nodded.
Sayoko giggled. "Sorry. I have many skills, but I'm afraid socializing isn't chief among them. The truth is, I haven't enjoyed a casual evening with friends in quite a long time." She hesitated. "Is it . . . all right that I just called you my friends?"
"Of course, Sayoko-chan," Kouta said.
"It's our pleasure," said Emi.
"We're glad to have you," said Shou.
In his mind, he suddenly heard a loud snap.
He knew what that meant.
Thou art I . . . And I am thou . . . Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Fool Arcana . . .
The Fool Arcana, huh? He smiled to himself. He supposed he could be satisfied, then, that Sayoko-san was an important addition to their team. He didn't know why, yet, but he was certain it was her that had prompted the growth in his Social Link.
"Anyway," Emi said, "I looked up the number for the Kirijo Group's corporate offices. I thought we could try giving them a call. See if we can pry any information . . . material, that is, from them. For the movie."
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Sayoko asked. Mischief glinted in her eyes.
"Here goes nothing, I guess," Emi said. She punched a number into her phone, then set it on the table and put it on speaker.
"Aren't you going to film?" Sayoko asked.
"Oh, uh, yeah," Kouta said. He took out his own phone, and held it up.
"Thank you for calling the Kirijo Group," answered an automated directory service. "Please listen carefully to the menu, so we can better direct your call."
Emi waited patiently, then hit the button for an operator.
"All operators are currently assisting other callers," said the automated voice. "Your call is important to us. Please stay on the line and we will get to you as soon as we can. Or visit our online help center, at . . ."
The minutes stretched on. Elevator music played, punctuated briefly by a reminder that all operators were still assisting other callers, and it started to make Shou feel a little stir crazy. He didn't think they could rightfully expect anything to come of this, yet he couldn't help but be excited.
Click. The sound of the line being picked up.
Everyone leaned forward in their seats.
"Good evening, and thank you for calling the Kirijo Group," said a woman's voice. "My name is Hisakawa. How may I help you?"
"Hi, Hisakawa," Emi said. She looked at the others, and mouthed, What should I say?
No one replied. Shou didn't have the first clue.
"Hello? Still there?" asked Hisakawa.
"Um, yes," said Emi. "See, I have, uh . . . I have something weird to ask. It might not make any sense to you, but I have to try."
"What is it?" asked Hisakawa.
"We're having some, uh . . . Shadow trouble," Emi said. "I don't know if you can help us with some information, or—"
"May I ask where you're calling from?" Hisakawa interjected.
For a moment, everyone stared at the phone. Had the customer rep really just asked that? She hadn't questioned what Shadows were, or anything else.
"Um, Morigami Academy," Emi managed, after she recovered from her shock. "In Morigami City."
"Thank you," said Hisakawa. "And your name?"
"Tachibana Emi."
"Please wait," the Kirijo rep said, "while I transfer your call."
The on-hold music played again. Everyone shared quizzical looks. Shou had no idea what to expect. Was this . . . really turning out to be a legitimate lead?
They waited again, and this time five minutes stretched into ten, and ten into twenty.
"You think that lady's messing with us?" Kouta asked. "Maybe she thought we were making a prank call, and she decided to get back at us. Put us on an infinite hold loop."
"Certainly a possibility," Sayoko mused.
"Come on, guys," Emi said. "Be optimistic."
"Yeah," Shou said, "be optimistic."
Emi gave him a grateful glance.
Shou grinned back at her. That Emi had been able to say something like "be optimistic" after what had happened today . . . It warmed his heart. Now he was positive that she was going to be okay. Maybe not today, or tomorrow, but she would be. Sooner or later.
"Hello," said a voice.
Everyone jumped.
It took Shou a second to realize the voice came from the phone.
"Am I speaking with Tachibana-san?" The voice was female, husky, mature. And completely matter-of-fact.
"Um, yes, this is Tachibana," Emi said.
"I appreciate you taking the time to call," she said brusquely. "However, I must ask you why you have decided to contact the Kirijo Group for your situation." She spoke without hesitation, easily skirting around words like "Shadows."
"I, uh . . . Um . . ."
"You see, there were some rumors . . ." Kouta said.
"Quiet," Emi hissed.
"Geez, sorry," Kouta whispered. "Just trying to help."
"Understand," said the woman on the phone, "that we, at the Kirijo Group, take these sorts of calls with utmost seriousness. If you've called here as a prank . . ."
"Y-yes?" Emi asked.
"Please inform your classmates that any further calls of this nature originating from Morigami City will be brought to the attention of the police. The guilty parties will be prosecuted for harassment," said the woman.
Shou's eyes widened. Could the Kirijo Group even do that? That was awfully harsh for prank calls!
"So, consider it your responsibility, from now on, to dispel any rumors in your school that associate the Kirijo Group with the term 'Shadows.' I'll be counting on you, Tachibana-san. Remember that our company has very long reach."
Emi went pale.
"Now then," said the woman, "I've wasted enough time. Fare—"
"Wait," Shou said. He couldn't let it end like this! He was sure this woman on the phone was someone important, someone who might actually be able to help.
A pause. Then the woman asked, "To whom am I speaking now?"
Shou screwed up his courage. "Tanimoto Shou," he said.
"Tanimoto," the woman repeated. "I'll note your name alongside Tachibana. Was there something more you wanted to say?"
"This isn't a prank," Shou insisted.
"Shou!" said Emi. "Didn't you hear what she said?"
"But we're telling the truth," Shou said.
"Is that so?" the woman on the phone asked. "Then tell me something that will convince me."
Something that would convince her? Like what? What could he say that would provide incontrovertible proof?
He thought about mentioning Igor and the Velvet Room, but as far as he knew, he was the only one aware of it. Emi certainly hadn't seen it, even though she was a Persona user . . .
Wait, that was it!
"Shou, say something," Emi said.
He nodded and spoke one word: "Persona."
There was another pause. Then the woman on the line said, "I see."
"Does . . . does that mean you're gonna help us? Or what?" Kouta demanded.
"I apologize if I came off overly harsh before," the woman said. "Understand that we can't afford to be inundated with false alarms. Now, listen to me carefully. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to handle this matter yourselves. Stay safe, and keep your distance from anything related to the Shadows. I'll dispatch two Shadow Operatives immediately, to assess the situation. Is that clear?"
"Yes," said Emi. Her voice was hoarse.
"If you should need to contact me again, dial extension #111," the woman said. "If I'm unavailable, leave me a message."
"Um, will do," said Kouta.
"What do we call you?" Shou asked.
"Mitsuru," said the woman. "Remember, stay safe."
Click. The line went dead.
For a while, no one spoke. Shou couldn't believe what he'd heard. The Kirijo Group actually knew about the Shadows. They had . . . Shadow Operatives? Who could they be? Were they Persona users?
Sayoko broke the silence. "Incredible," she said. She began to clap her hands. "Very impressive. And your impersonator of Kirijo-san was impeccable. I've listened to her speeches before; she's something of a role model of mine. And Shou-kun, that 'Persona' line . . . I don't know what it means in the context of the film, but it was suitably mysterious."
Shou wasn't sure how to respond. "Um, thanks?"
"Wait, wait, back up a second," Kouta said. "Did you say K-Kirijo-san?"
Emi didn't say anything; she looked completely overwhelmed.
As for Shou, he wasn't sure what to think. Had that really been the future CEO of the Kirijo Group?
Sayoko snapped them out of it. "I have to know," she said, "how in the world did you manage to set up a fake call like that on such short notice?"
"Uh . . . friends in the drama club?" Emi said.
"Ah. Of course!" said Sayoko. "Well . . ." She glanced at the wall-mounted clock. It was already almost 2200. They'd spent the better part of an hour on hold. "I guess I should be heading back now." She stood, and gave a slight bow. "It's been . . . enjoyable. I hope that we can do it again, sometime." She smiled. "That is what one says when they want to spend more time with friends, isn't it?"
Emi beamed. "Absolutely."
Together, Emi and Sayoko went outside to wait for the trolley. Shou watched them with no small degree of apprehension. He didn't think that they could afford to wait for the Kirijo Group's people. Not after what he'd heard today from Emi. That someone was causing these suicides. That someone was targeting the students and faculty at Morigami Academy. There was no proof — not yet — but Shou couldn't help feeling Emi was on to something.
He had to be vigilant. Danger could come at any time, from any direction.
Briefly, he thought about Sayoko. Their story about a movie wouldn't hold up for long. Sayoko was too smart for that. He thought the only reason she'd even bought it was because the truth was so implausible. But did adding her to their circle make her a target? If it did, he and the others had a responsibility to make sure she was protected.
"We're not actually gonna stand back and do nothing, are we?" Kouta asked.
Shou shook his head. No chance in hell, he thought.
They would keep fighting.
No matter what.
Next time, on Persona Gaiden: New Class . . .
The "Days of Spring" mini-arc begins! New Social Links and S. Link Ranks, new teachers, and new developments! Shou counts down the days until the baseball club tryouts, and his first face-to-face with Kageshiro Ryuu.
Stay tuned!
Social Links
The Fool — Morigami Exploration Team — Rank 2!
The Magician — Hayabusa Kouta — Rank 1
Justice — Kazami Kaede — Rank 1