Chapter 15
I am butchering dialogue, battles, and s-links to get the novel version respectable. I can make characters more cynical, mean, out of character, and amusing. My character is "special" personality-wise.
This may be what some of you are waiting for. This is the lead-up to the Port Island Trip and the trip itself. The OC starts to gain a real personality… I think. Souji would have laughed at my stupidity, but then again, I am the epitome of Rion. Hope you like it.
P.S.- They can't use their Personas in the real world, obviously by the dialogue. But, I'm giving the liberty that they have the cards in the real world. Okay?
I own absolutely nothing of SMT and Persona. Call Atlus if you want some.
"Man… The first day of school is going to suck," Souji said as he walked down the flood plain towards Yasogami, "I don't even think Rion is that excited about it." Souji did not want to get up. He enjoyed sleeping in late, not really paying attention to anything, and hanging out with friends at any time he wanted to.
As he got to the gates, Chie and Yukiko were there to greet him.
"Mornin'," Chie greeted Souji.
"Good morning, Souji," Yukiko said.
Souji returned the greeting, "Hi. I don't really want to be here." He was happy to see Yukiko though. If only he didn't have to share with class time with Kashiwagi, it'd be much better.
Chie sighed, "Summer vacation is over already."
Yosuke and Rion walked up to the gates at this point and stopped by the silver-haired boy, the kung fu loving girl, and the inn keeper.
"Yo, guys. I got lost on my way here," Yosuke joked.
Rion responded, "He only got here because I found him." Souji could see him rolling his eyes.
"The vacation was pretty long," Yukiko replied.
"Not that long…," Chie shook her head.
"I wish it was longer," Souji said.
"Don't we all?" Rion asked.
"Do you?" Souji questioned Rion.
"It wouldn't have been too bad," Rion shrugged. He thought, "I could have made some more money."
As they turned, Souji thought to himself, "You learn something new everyday."
The five of them started walked up through the gates when they saw an unexpected person walking towards them. It was Naoto Shirogane.
"You got to be shittin' me," Rion thought to himself, "The new semester is going to suck."
"Good morning," Naoto said.
"Uhh…," Souji was surprised.
"You… You're that pint-sized detective!" Yosuke exclaimed. He was surprised too. No one could hear Rion chuckling on the inside, obviously.
"I beg your pardon?" Naoto seemed affronted, "My name is Naoto. Please, don't give people bizarre nicknames you make up on the spot."
Yukiko asked, "Um… You know this is a high school, right?"
Rion started laughing inwardly again. It took all of his control not to do a "Yukiko" and lose it right here.
Naoto looked unamused, "My cooperation with the police has come to an end. However, there are aspects of the case with which I remain unconvinced. There are some family-related issues as well, so I've decided to stay here for the present. From today forth, I'll be a first-year at your high school."
Naoto walked away a bit before saying, "I though I should at least introduce myself to you all. I trust my relations will be cordial, Senpai." Naoto walked off.
Souji and the other members of the group did not have a response to give to Naoto as the detective walked off.
"Senpai…?" Chie inquired, "That detective boy's… our underclassman?"
"You didn't know Shirogane was younger than you?" Rion responded, "It was pretty obvious."
"Shirogane… Rion?" Souji joked, "You sound closer than I thought to him."
"Don't think anything of it," Rion responded, "I just know things." "Conniving little…," he was thinking.
It didn't take long before Souji got stuck answer more annoying questions. It was when soccer was introduced into the Olympics. It was 1900, and he didn't even need Rion for that. Of course, being around Daisuke so often, it was easy for him to kick everyone's ass in soccer, especially with Rion on his team. Of course, Rion got a yellow card for slide tackling. That made Souji laugh.
After school, the older students met up by the shoeboxes. Souji was the one who was closest to the bulletin board.
"Man, school's as dull as ever," Yosuke admitted as he shrugged, "With the case closed, the days feel so empty all of a sudden." Souji could agree.
"It's not that bad," Souji said. He tried to find a positive side to it. He pictured a girl with long black hair.
"C'mon Yosuke, everything went back to normal. It's a good thing," Chie told the headphone wearing boy.
Yosuke defended himself, "I didn't mean it in a bad way. It's just…"
Yukiko told the group, "Hey… we're stopping by Junes later, right? Why don't we ask Naoto-kun to join us?"
"That'd be a disaster waiting to happen;" Rion thought, "Naoto would question us on our involvement in the case."
The rest looked confused until Yukiko explained, "Oh, I just thought… Since he doesn't know anyone yet, he must feel lonely."
"He feels lonely?" Souji asked.
Yosuke asked himself, "Didn't he say he came out to help out with the murder case? With the case closed, he's just an ordinary guy now. And if you think about it, it makes him a transfer student… just like us."
"I guess he is a transfer student," Souji agreed, "I don't see a problem with inviting him."
"Except for one key fact…," Rion was thinking.
Rise had walked up, "Hello, Senpai!" she told Souji.
"She's overly cheerful, like always," Souji thought.
Yosuke told the group, "Maybe he transferred here out of plain stubbornness. Cause' he doesn't seem like he's in it for fun."
"Alright. Let's see if he wants to hang out with us," Souji said. "We'll see if he actually wants to come, however," Souji thought.
"A celebrity coming to school is already a surprise, but a detective is even rarer," Chie told them, "I'm a little curious to see what his family's like, too."
"There's that, and the fact that he is a detective at his age," Yukiko seconded.
The group walked over to where Naoto was. Naoto was in the 1st floor of the classrooms and was being confronted by two girls.
"Holy shit! This is freakin' hilarious!" Rion thought as he saw the girls trying to talk to Naoto. Naoto seemed a little uncomfortable, but perfectly in control of the situation.
"Oh, speak of the devil. There's the little guy," Yosuke said.
"I think he's in a little situation right now," Souji said, "A precarious one."
The two girls were speaking to Naoto by the windows across from Class 1-2.
One girl said to the detective, "You don't the area yet, right? C'mon, we'll show you around." It was obvious the two were flirting with the new transfer detective.
The other said, "There's probably tons of places to hang out that only we'd know about."
Naoto rebuked them, "That won't be necessary."
"Oh… burned!" Souji thought.
Naoto continued, "I am not interested in "hanging out", nor am I interested in you two."
The girls did not look amused by Naoto's comments and rejection.
"Huh? Hey, what did you say?" the first girl asked.
The second girl asked Naoto, "What's with that attitude? We are just trying to be friendly."
"Ahh… I know why Naoto isn't interested…," Rion thought to himself, "Not like Naoto will explain, however…"
"Geez… way to make an impression," Yosuke muttered. He walked towards the detective and saved the detective from the girls who had moved closer, "Yo, Naoto-kun! How's it going?"
The first girl was taken aback by Yosuke's interference, "Oh, um…"
It became even more awkward as Kanji came by the group all of a sudden, "Hey guys. 'Sup!"
The second girl became nervous with Kanji around and shied away from him, "Uh, well, we'll be going now."
The two girls walked quickly away from Naoto and passed the group without looking at any of them. Meanwhile, the group walked up to the young detective to speak to Naoto.
Naoto looked at them and said, "So we meet again. May I help you?"
"Hey, Naoto-kun! If you're not doing anything after school, wanna come with us?" Yosuke asked.
"Come with… You mean me?" Naoto seemed a little surprised.
"I believe that was the question that was being put forth," Rion responded. Souji noticed he tried to look normal this time, and was not looking like he was out to kill someone.
"Perhaps another time. I have some things to mull over," Naoto confessed.
"Things to mull over?" Rise looked confused herself.
Naoto told them, "I must go straight home today. I promised my grampa so."
"Grampa?" Kanji asked. He was trying his hardest not to run away. Souji think he understood where Kanji was coming from.
Chie looked resigned and said, "Oh well… That's that, then. Let's hang out some other time then."
Naoto nodded at the group, "I will think it over."
"Just you wait, Shirogane…," Rion said to himself, "I will expose you as the fraud you are."
Even though the group didn't include Naoto in the discussion, the group still met at Junes after speaking to Naoto. They met only a few minutes after that.
Yosuke told the group at their table, "Man, did you see Naoto's attitude? He totally blew his debut at school. Is he gonna be okay at Yasogami?"
"Not exactly the best first impression to make," Souji said.
Yukiko suggested to Yosuke, "He is different, but he has this… mysterious air around him that draws your attention."
"Whoa, Yukiko, I never knew… You like younger guys?" Yosuke asked inquisitively.
"No, that's not what I meant," Yukiko explained. "I like Souji! Idiot!" Yukiko thought to herself.
Kanji was complacent, and did not seem very willing to talk. Souji definitely noticed that.
"Naoto-kun said he has things to mull over, but he's gotta be talking about the murder case," Chie told them.
Yosuke looked at Chie, "He's some ace detective, right? I bet he's not satisfied… even though the case is closed."
"That's true… but…" Chie was saying.
"I'm not satisfied myself, but I need more information," Rion said.
"What? You think we're missing something?" Souji asked.
"Of course… There are always things that don't add up." Rion was thinking to himself, "Mental disposition, cause of death, and the reason why people died." Rion said, "That is why Naoto is acting like that."
"Oh…," Souji said. Souji shook his head. He did not really understand where Rion was coming from, but did Rion have an intellectual equal? Knowing Rion, not even Naoto was his equal.
"Anyways, this place isn't our special headquarters anymore," Chie said with her head down, "Eh, let's talk about something else."
"Isn't the class trip coming up soon?" Yosuke asked, "Um… Where are we going?"
Yukiko answered, "Tatsumi Port Island. I heard it's an artificial island that faces the ocean. It's a pretty big city."
"Huh? Port Island?" Rise asked, "I did tons of shoots there. It's just beyond the Moonlight Bridge, yeah? Should be lots of places to hang out there.
"Fun places to hang out?" Souji wondered as he said to the group. He thought, "Maybe I can sneak away with someone, no?"
"It's pretty big. It was built with a corporation's mandate," Rion told the group, "It grew out from there. I've been around there a few times as well." Rion felt a pang in his heart as he thought, "I never want to go back. I can not tell them… For their own sake."
Chie would ruin the fun, "Uh, actually… we may not have any time to goof off during this trip. I heard the school board is changing the trip's schedule this year. The idea is, we're going to visit a private school there. Like, to have local and urban interact or something. It'll be all about studying and serious business or something… Yuck."
"You got to be kidding," Souji said, "It sounds pretty stupid. It's not very smart to have a class trip based on that."
Rise looked pretty disgusted, "Ugh… They're totally missing the point of a class trip."
"What kinda place is this private school?" Yosuke asked.
"I heard it's really good. They have nice buildings and everything," Chie responded.
Rion muttered, "Rich kids go there on scholarship. Poor kids get left out and have to go to some other school unless your parents are dead."
"What the hell!?" Souji asked. "How does Rion know this?" he thought.
"The school is closed on the day we're going there. So, they're going the extra mile to make this work," Chie said.
"So, we won't actually interact with any students," Souji said.
"Figures…," Yosuke muttered.
"They want us to tour some factories on the second day, and then we're going back on the third day," Chie told the group.
"I refuse to follow that schedule," Souji said.
Yosuke complained, "That's no different from a social studies field trip! Urgh… I didn't want to know that."
"Can't expect much from a school-sponsored trip, I guess," Kanji shrugged, "Well, we'll be around, so if it starts to drag, we can ditch."
"I'll show you guys around!" Rise smiled.
"But we're in different years," Yosuke pointed out.
Yukiko told Yosuke, "Oh, didn't you know? The excursion will be like the campout. They are combining the first-years and the second-years. Since student enrollment is down, and they are short on funds, they've cut the excursion back to once every two years."
Kanji told Yosuke, "Well, at least we won't be bored with you around, Senpai."
Rise laughed, "Gosh, I'm trying to remember the last time I went to Port Island and I wasn't working. This'll be great."
"Yeah… great," Rion said sarcastically. No one noticed the sarcasm in his tone of voice.
Souji told the group, "I wish I was as excited as her. It just seems like a pain in the ass to me."
Chie looked at them, "Some people were against the proposition, but it's been decided. Oh, and guess who's idea it was? King Moron's. It's just the kind of thing he'd come up with."
Yosuke lamented, "No… King Moron! Why must you torture us from beyond the grave?"
Teddie came walking by the table suddenly in his bear suit, "No… King Moron!"
Kanji looked at the bear, "You don't even know who that is."
"Maybe he does," Souji responded, "We kept mentioning him as the third victim."
Teddie looked at the group, "Hey! Tell me more about this trip. Where is Port Island? What's there?"
Yosuke told him off, "Get back to work, will ya!"
Chie told the group, "Well, even though the class trip is coming up, it's still a ways away. What should I do until then?"
"Umm… Actually study for once?" Rion said under his breath.
Kanji looked at her, "Well, it's not like we got much to do here in the first place. Man is just an animal trying to figure out how to kill time through his days."
"Huh. You made that sound like you're being philosophical," Chie said.
"The fact of the matter is, is that it made no sense at all," Souji finished the statement.
"Sorry…," Kanji muttered.
"Snrk…," Yukiko started laughing.
"Great…," Rion muttered as the others tried to stop her laughing to no avail.
The day ended without much incident. Souji got up for his second day of school yawning repeatedly. Luckily, Nanako was there to make him breakfast and he didn't have to put much effort into anything.
Walking to school, Souji heard a lot of groaning from students about coming to school and entrance exams.
Some of the students in the school were just glad that the murderer was caught, "I wonder why Rion is so worried though?" Souji thought, "Probably just like Naoto is worried as well… why are they both worried, though?"
The school day was pretty boring and Souji went fishing after school. He started cussing after the fish got away. "Figures," he thought.
"Welcome back!" Nanako said after Souji got home from his futile fishing.
Souji hung out with Dojima and Nanako that night. They talked over coffee and played some games.
Saturday was a day to hang out with Rise. They just went out to the Central Shopping District and had ramen when she was ambushed by her former agent on the way home.
"I'm not coming back!" Rise yelled.
"But… Everyone…," the former guy who must have been her agent.
"Inoue! I don't care! I've made my decision already!"
"You were perfect for that role! You were perfect for that movie!" the man named Inoue said.
"I've decided that when I've finished high school, I'm marrying this man," Rise answered. She locked her arm with Souji's.
This shocked Inoue. "Is this true?"
"Uhh…," Souji thought. Souji went along with it for the moment so Rise wouldn't look stupid. The manager looked dismayed.
"I'll be back… but not today," the manager said.
Rise seemed happy that Souji went along with her. He just did it to be nice. He was Rise's friend after all.
He also found out that another idol was becoming popular and was stealing Rise's thunder as they walked back. Rise didn't know how she felt about this.
She started to have feelings of going back into modeling, acting, and everything else.
The next day would make Souji extremely happy. But, he couldn't tell anyone about it.
"Hello?" Souji had picked up the phone.
"Hello, this is Yukiko."
"Good morning, Yukiko."
She asked him, "Umm… can I meet you today if you have some free time?"
"Sure, no problem."
"Okay, I'll see you in a bit."
The two of them decided to meet that day at the Tatsuhime Shrine. Yukiko wanted to pay her respects to something.
"Are you going to wish for anything, Souji-kun?" Yukiko asked.
"I'm going to wish for you to be happy…," he told her. He was a little surprised he had said that, but now was a good as time as ever.
"Wha!?" Yukiko said. She was blushing red, "Thanks…"
"Well… I'm wishing for everyone's health. For Chie, for you, for the others… and for everyone at the inn. And I'm wishing to be become a woman worthy of you, Souji. Finally, I wish for everyone to be able to smile together." She looked at Souji, "Let's start our prayer." Her wish made Souji smile.
They prayed at the shrine together as they folded their hands and said their words in their mind.
After the prayer, Yukiko had something to say.
"I've decided not to leave Inaba," She said, "I never really objected to being the inn's manager per se," she told Souji, "I just didn't like the fact that it wasn't up to me. I felt like my life was on rails. And I thought running away was the only option for me. But no longer, I want to protect the family inn. After all, it's near to my heart." She looked at Souji again, "Thank you, Souji-kun. I think it's because of you, that I realized this. Because you were always at my side."
"I was glad to help you Yukiko," Souji said. Souji felt rather fulfilled with what Yukiko was saying. He was able to help the person he cared about the most.
She was smiling at Souji gently.
Though she looked stronger and more confident, Yukiko suddenly blushed at Souji. "Umm… I wanted to ask you this before," she was extremely nervous, "Why… Why are you always with me?" She was blushing profusely now, "Is it okay for me to ask…?"
"I really like you, Yukiko," Souji responded, "I've always liked you." Souji was in glee in his head, "Finally! I was finally able to say how I felt."
Yukiko backed away in surprise, blushing, "Huh? You like…? Me? "
She was blushing like crazy as Souji grasped her hands, "Of course I like you, Yukiko," Souji said calmly.
"Uh… umm… I feel the same way… in that respect…," Yukiko told Souji, "I thought my heart was going to stop. Umm… stay with me… just a little longer."
"Of course," Souji told her. He moved close to Yukiko and tilted his head. At first, Yukiko was taken aback and was blushing even more. She composed herself enough to move her lips forward enough to make contact with Souji's lips. It was a light kiss, but Yukiko was turning as red as her lips. They spent a long time just holding each other. "Yukiko," Souji said to her.
"Hmm…," she was enjoying hiding in his shoulder where no one could see them at the shrine.
Souji asked her, "Can we not tell anyone about this for a while?" He moved his arm away for a second, "I don't want to hurt anyone by them finding out without having a good way of telling them."
"Are you sure?" Yukiko said, "It may end up being worse. You don't want to anyone to know? So I can't tell Chie?"
"I only trust one person not to tell anyone. Otherwise, they'll find out too soon."
"Alright, who is that?" Yukiko inquired.
"Rion… He wouldn't tell anyone, though he'd laugh at me. He wouldn't tell anyone even if you tortured him."
"That's probably true. Okay, then," Yukiko agreed, "Though maybe you shouldn't tell him."
They spent a little more time together, mainly Yukiko just being held in Souji's arms and went their separate ways after Souji walked Yukiko to the inn.
He spent most of Monday and Tuesday in a daze. He didn't really pay attention to the questions asked to him in class. He just hung out with Yosuke on Monday. Yosuke questioned why he looked so happy, and Souji just said he just felt happy today. Yosuke shrugged it off.
He spent more time with Yukiko on Tuesday. He couldn't wait for Tuesday really. He spent time snuggling under the trees in Samegawa with her in seclusion. She was completely in Souji's hands. He didn't mind that at all. He was thinking of asking her to come to his house soon, but after the school trip. "This feels so good," he thought to himself stroking Yukiko's hair as she lay against his stomach. Tuesday was much better than Monday. Though, he'd have to deal with Rise eventually.
Wednesday was the day before the class trip. He saw Kanji and Yosuke on his way to school.
"Mornin', Senpai," Kanji greeted him.
"Yo," Yosuke said.
"Hey guys," Souji said with a smile. He was smiling a lot lately.
"So are you ready for the trip yet?" Yosuke asked, "This guy won't shut up about it."
"I guess so," Souji responded.
Kanji chuckled, "Yosuke-senpai hasn't even started packing yet. He's all like, "Was that tomorrow?" 'Sup with that?"
"I don't know. I haven't really packed much either," Souji shrugged. Souji was concentrating on other things. What do you think Souji was concentrating on?
Yosuke looked at Kanji, "You are way too excited about this. I mean, you're even worried about how many boxes of animal crackers to bring." He commented on his worries, "We're only going to be there for two nights, dude! Besides, I'm pretty sure they have convenience stores in Port Island."
"I don't think you'll run out of penguins before the end of our trip, Kanji," Souji chuckled.
Kanji looked at them, "For serious? I've never really left this place, so...," Kanji seemed to be thinking, "Huh… I wonder if the murders here got as much play over there, too." They looked at them inquisitively and Kanji answered, "Like that Mitsuo Kubo dude. They're still showing him on TV here. Every time I switch on the tube, the news is showing like, what he wrote in his yearbook. Pisses me off, man."
"I kind of doubt it, Kanji," Souji replied, "Inaba is sort of small compared to where we are going."
"I mean, the frickin' media is slapping together anything to make this guy look like a natural born criminal," Kanji looked disgusted.
"Well, it's natural," Souji replied, "People can say what they wish about a criminal if this person looks like he was one all of his life."
"I still hate the guy's guts, ya know," Kanji said, "But, I dunno. After getting involved in this stuff, I started to realize how off-based all these rumors are. It's so messed up," Kanji muttered and confessed.
"I have to agree with you. It's not something that was easy," Souji replied to him.
"Well, I gotta admit, the news can be pretty out there," Yosuke agreed with Souji. Yosuke turned around and noticed Naoto coming by, "Hey, it's Naoto!" Kanji noticed, and turned away, looking nervous.
Naoto came up, hat on, and the detective briefcase in hand. Souji wondered if Rion was going to pop up next. That was wishful thinking, of course.
"Yo, how's it going?" Yosuke asked the detective as Naoto walked towards them.
Naoto was answering, "Good morn…"
Kanji interjected nervously, "Oh yeah, I'm on duty today. Hehe… Well, see you later."
"That was only slightly odd," Souji muttered as Kanji ran off in haste. He thought, "Duty for what?"
Yosuke sighed as Naoto looked confused, "He's the messed up one."
"I don't know," Souji thought to himself, "Rion called me and said he had some rather big suspicions about Naoto. I'm getting some rather big suspicions about Rion." Souji shook it off, it didn't matter.
The remaining three walked off towards school. The school day ended without incident and Souji had to go home quickly to pack. Even though it was for only a few days, Souji hadn't really packed much at all. So, Souji went home soon after school.
"You're going to be gone tomorrow?" Nanako asked when Souji came in.
"Yeah, I'll be gone for a few days," Souji responded as he started dinner.
"I'll watch over the house then," she said before turning to her favorite quiz show.
The next morning was the start of the school trip. "I hope this doesn't suck," Souji thought as he got to the meeting site. They rode a bullet train into the school, "Freakin' awesome! This is what I'm used to," Souji thought as they train stopped at the station and they shuttled out.
"That was nicer than I expected," Souji said, in a more composed manner than his thoughts.
"I thought it was great! I didn't know they had such an awesome train!" Yosuke told the group.
"This is amazing," Chie said.
"I never thought I'd be back here," Rion thought. Rion then shook his head and said, "Souji is used to this sort of transportation. Trains like this are commonplace here."
They made a short walk from Iwatodai to the high school they would be staying at for the day. Now, at the Gekkoukan High School entrance, the Principle of the school and the President of the Student Council were waiting for the incoming Yasogami students. The students were a bit surprised by the structure of the school. The principal and a young girl were standing next to their slut of a teacher, Kashiwagi. The students themselves, were standing around haphazardly in the front to allow for them to stand with their friends.
"Whoa, what's up with this place?" Yosuke asked, "This school is way too big," he remarked, "Wait… If we can't beat 'em on size, we're totally sunk."
"Did you expect us to have a bigger school?" Rion asked, "Their school was built by a grant given by a corporation. The corporation that funded this school is one of the richest in the entire world. It's a conglomerate."
The principal started speaking in a nasally and annoying voice as he stood in front of the Yasogami students, "Well, uh, next I will explain about our fine educational institution and the reasons for its establishment!" The guy was annoying to Souji, "Uh, I'd like to start with a proverb, "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well.""
Chie yawned and asked Yukiko and Souji, "Is this principal in love with his own voice or what?"
"I don't think he knows how to shut up," Souji responded.
"Chie! Souji!" Yukiko warned, "He'll hear you!"
The principal started again, "Uh-hem! Our school is closed today, but, ahh, because of this rare opportunity for cultural exchange. Some of our students will walk you through these halls. First, though, a student body representative will say a few words."
The smart-looking girl started speaking, "Thank you, Principal." She then stepped forward to speak to the students. She was wearing the school outfit, which consisted of a black blouse and skirt, with a red, white, and black patch, with a red ribbon. She had brown glasses on and long flowing brown hair. "Welcome to Gekkoukan High School, "she greeted them. She went onto to say, "My name is Chihiro Fushimi. I'm a third-year student and the Student-Council President here at Gekkoukan. It's an honor to meet you all today."
"Holy crap! That girl is unbelievable!" Yosuke was stunned at the girl's appearance. Chie glared at Yosuke's reaction to her..
Kanji was blushing as well, "Yeah, you're right… She is cute…"
Chie glared again when Yosuke went on to say, "I gotta say she is the most bewitching bespectacled beauty I've ever beheld."
Chie finally interfered, "You guys… Stop overreacting." The others could tell she wanted to say more about her.
Chihiro went on, "This is the first time our school has invited another student body for a true cultural exchange. To learn about others is learn about oneself, and is the first step on the road to self-betterment… I believe. To ensure a worthwhile experience for each and every one of you, we will do our best to help you accomplish that. So let us enjoy our time together! Thank you very much."
Random clapping was heard throughout the crowd of students. The Yasogami students seemed impressed by her speech.
"She beat me in every category…," Chie sighed, "Including looks," as she saw Yosuke staring at Chihiro in a daze.
Kashiwagi directed the students, "Alright, everyone get into groups with your classmates!"
The other students wandered off to get into their assigned group. Chie, Yukiko, Rion, Kanji, and Yosuke were in Souji's group. Chihiro noticed something. A mistake, perhaps to Souji's eyes.
"Oh no!" the glasses-wearing girl said all of a sudden.
Chihiro walked up to Souji after noticing her issue and addressed him, "Excuse me, could I bother you for a moment?"
"Sure, I guess," Souji replied.
The group had crowded around Chihiro after she had addressed Souji.
"This is today's schedule for everyone. Could you hand it out later, please?" Chihiro asked, "I forgot to do it myself."
Souji took one of the schedules from Chihiro to glance at it, "I don't that will be a problem."
"Sorry to be so disorganized," Chihiro apologized, "And you all came so far."
"I wouldn't worry about it," Souji told her.
She chuckled, "Thank you." She motioned to the group, "In fact, I didn't write the speech on my own. One of the former Student Council Presidents helped me. She was my president my first year here, and she was amazing. I always looked up to her. I should call her later and tell her the speech was a success." Chihiro suddenly looked annoyed at herself, "Oh, I'm sorry! Listen to me, going on and on about myself… I have to stop babbling when I get nervous. Um, your group is scheduled for a special lecture soon. The classroom is on the second-floor. I have some arrangements to make with your student council, so please excuse me."
Yosuke turned to the group, "Did I just hear her say, "special lecture"? We came all this way just to be lectured?"
Yukiko walked around to face the group, "Let's see, our class is… It's being taught by someone named Mr. Edogawa. The lecture's about Qabbalah."
"Kabawhat?" Chie asked.
"You don't know?" Kanji looked at them, "It's a casino."
"Qabbalah is a form of…," Rion started, "Oh never mind…"
"Of course Rion knows what is… We should just say Rion is teaching it instead, and just ditch," Souji thought.
"So… when's our free period?" Yosuke asked.
"A free period…," Souji said, "I do not comprehend."
Chie walked up and looked at the schedule, "Uhh… We don't get one."
"Typical," Rion shrugged.
Chie continued, "We have classes all through today. Tonight and tomorrow, we'll be staying at a hotel. We'll have free time tomorrow and the day after, until we leave at noon."
Yosuke said in anguish, "You got to be kidding me."
"I guess this is your regular sucky school trip," Souji said. "Free time tomorrow, huh?" Souji thought, "I know what I want to do…"
Yukiko tried to cheer the group up, "Come on, guys! Let's focus on our studies for now, so we can enjoy our free time later."
In the second-floor classroom, their teacher had on glasses too. He also wore an ill-fitting lab coat. His black hair looked sideways on his head, like someone didn't cut it straight.
The teacher began with an annoying lecturing voice. It was a voice you could fall asleep to, "Welcome… Nice to meet you all. A meeting is only the beginning of the parting, the Alpha and the Omega. My name is Edogawa, and I'll be keeping you company for this period. You are all from Yasogami High, correct? Ah, a school of many gods. I had considered a lecture on Qabbalah philosophy, but I have a better idea," he chuckled and continued, "Since I was able to meet you all today, I shall tell you a story of partings. One could say that this is Japan's oldest tale of curses. You all know about the gods who created this country, I assume? The two gods who gave birth to this country are the god Izanagi and the goddess Izanami. They got along very well…"
"No shit, really," Rion muttered.
"But one day, Izanami died giving birth to Kagutsuchi, the fire god. Extremely saddened by this, Izanagi left for the land of the dead to bring back Izanami. Yomi… the dark, dark, underworld. There, Izanagi asked Izanami, who had become a dweller in the land of shadows, to come back with him to the land above. The goddess replied she would negotiate with the god of the underworld, and asked for Izanagi to wait for her. However… Izanagi became curious to know what was going on, so he broke his promise and set his comb alight to look around. What he saw… was the goddess Izanami, whose body was completely covered in maggots and filth. Terrified, Izanagi ran away, but the enraged Izanami chased after him. After dodging the many demons sent after him, Izanagi reached the entrance to the underworld, Yomotsu Hirasaka. He set in place a large boulder as a barrier between the two worlds, and got away unharmed. When the dreadful goddess reached the boulder, he said his farewell to her. This is the curse known as the "kotodo". Curses beget curses… and Izanami said to the god: "If you're going to treat me this way, I will kill 1000 humans in your world each day!" Izanagi regretfully accepted that the bonds between them had been severed, saying: "Then I shall give life to 1500 each day." Thousands die, and ten thousands are born. That is the curse upon this country."
"Overpopulation?" Souji whispered.
"Many of you may have already known this famous story. Now, the etymology… The names Izanagi and Izanami come from the word, "izanau," which means "to invite." I'd be delighted if you have accepted this story today as "an invitation" to acquiring knowledge. That reminds me… in the olden days, people took this story seriously. Things such as lighting only one fire at night and throwing combs were taboo. By the way, at Hana no Iwaya, the grave where Izanami is said to have descended to the underworld… To this day, people decorate it with flowers when they hold festivals nearby. It may be merely ceremonial, but everyone wants to look beautiful. It's how they show their consideration to the goddess who may feel that way," Edogawa chuckled.
At that moment of the never-ending lecture, the bell rang.
"Ahh… is our time up already?" the teacher asked, "I may have gone on too long… Eheheh."
Souji muttered, "Why do I feel like there is oil on my seat…?"
The endless strings of lectures finally ended when a riot broke out of angry students… well not really. One of the students fell over dead from the constant lecturing, and had to be carried away, so they canceled the rest of the twenty-hours of lecturing. You could hear a massive cheer from the Yasogami students and parades breaking out in the Port Island streets.
In the evening, a group of students walked towards a group of questionable hotels lead by Kashiwagi. She stopped by a risqué hotel with an archway.
"Alrighty, here we are. The Seaside Clamshell Inn," Kashiwagi pronounced, "We'll be staying here tonight."
The students in general looked very nervous at seeing this interesting, to say the least, establishment.
One of the females asked, "Is this really a regular hotel?"
The group of students was getting antsy when Kashiwagi asked, "So, what do you think? It was me who found the place. It just opened not too long ago. It's got that modern look and the price was just right. Personally, I think it was an excellent choice."
Another student said, "We're staying here…?"
The first female said, "I mean the sign says "hotel," but…"
The third student put in, "It opened recently…? Dude, this totally looks like a lov…"
Kashiwagi turned away from the place and at the students, "You there! Don't just stand there! Keep marching in!"
The students reluctantly followed the slutty teacher. Finally, Souji's group had gotten to their "hotel."
"Isn't their something funny about this place?" Yosuke asked.
"Is there?" Chie shrugged, "We don't have these modern hotels in Inaba, so I can't tell."
Rise blushed, "This area is called "Shirakawa Boulevard", and it's…"
"That's all right Rise. I don't think I wanna know," Yosuke cut her off.
Rion shook his head, "The people who stop her, aren't exactly planning on getting sleep."
"Ehh… thanks for the picture," Souji told Rion.
"Should be perfect for you and Yukiko to…," Rion whispered into his ears before Souji hit him on the shoulder.
"Shut up, Rion…," Souji muttered. "I shouldn't have told him," Souji thought. He had let it slip right before the trip, and Rion said little things ever since. Most of the things were congratulatory, but a few of them… Souji considered just plain evil.
While they were looking, a voice whispered in from the distance, "Hmhmhm… faster than I expected. This is quite the hotel. If they were to meet me here, I wonder what the look on Yosuke's face would be?"
Yosuke had just noticed the voice after that sentence had finished, "Who's that?" He pointed up high on the rooftop, "Look! Up there!"
Yukiko gasped at the sight, "It can't be."
The voice rang out, "Ha!" and jumped off into the distance.
The figure landed in a bunch of garbage bins a ways away. "That had to hurt," Souji thought.
The Teddie-bear walked towards them, "Hmhmhm… Shoo bee doo bee."
"I thought we'd be free of him for a few days," Rion muttered.
"Teddie!" Kanji exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
"That is a question I want answered," Souji looked at the bear.
Teddie responded, "The lonely bear inside of me went stir crazy."
Rise looked frustrated, "Grr… If only I could detect people in the real world."
Chie asked, "How did you come here? Do you have some sort of special ability?"
"No, I took the train," Teddie answered, "I swore off Topsicles and saved up the money I got from working at Junes. I knew where you were going thanks to Yosuke's "Trip Guide." You guys have free time tomorrow, right? No use hiding it! I already know."
Yosuke was dumbfounded as he asked, "How in the world did you make it here looking like that? I mean, why wear the bear suit here?"
Teddie whined, "I almost got thrown in the trash a couple of times. But I kept hanging onto the promise that Chie-chan made to go on a date with me. That's what gave me the strength to carry on."
Chie stuttered, "Uhh… good job, Teddie. Did I promise you that? Oh yeah… I do remember saying that I'd go out with you someday." She obviously didn't mean it.
"Probably after she's dead," Souji chuckled, "She'd never do that. Good luck Teddie."
"Wheee!" Teddie exclaimed, "Is it okay with Yuki-chan and Rise-chan too?
Yukiko tried to make it a group thing, "Let's all go together, then. Is that all right with you?" Yukiko was actually kidding, "Sorry Teddie, but there's no chance in hell that it's happening."
Souji was thinking the same thing as Yukiko. "No way in hell," Souji thought.
"Mmm… It's a deal," Teddie agreed after some delibearation.
Rise looked at the group, "I've been here before, so I'll show you around tomorrow."
"I guess I'd prefer you show them over me, Rise," Rion said. His thoughts were clouded with memories.
"I guess we can go shopping first," Rise nodded, "And I know a great place we can hit later on."
"Ooh… shopping. That sounds great," Teddie chuckled.
Chie said, "The other students don't know Port Island that well, so they're just gonna go wherever the school recommends."
"I doubt those will be places you'd want to be," Souji said.
"Well, I guess a shopping spree beats a factory tour. Alright, we're in too," Yosuke agreed with Chie.
Rise chuckled, "Leave it to me."
"Actually, I don't know if it is a good idea, anymore," Souji was thinking, "Rise can be pretty crazy." He had gone shopping once before with Rise. The bags he had to carry with Rise was almost as bad on his back as he had gone shopping with Ai.
Yosuke sighed, "Now… before the fun starts… We got to deal with this guy." Yosuke pointed to the bear.
Kanji reasoned, "Can't you sleep outside for the night? That suit should keep ya nice and cozy."
Teddie looked affronted, "Cruelty to animals! You don't know how much trouble I went through to get here. I took the slow train all this way. Do you hear! The slow train!"
A scary moment ensued when Kashiwagi came through the front entrance and confronted the group and bear.
"Now now, you kids aren't bickering about your room allocations, are you?"
"Crap!" Chie whispered.
"What's the matter? Oh! What's this giant teddy bear?" Kashiwagi asked Souji.
"It's a souvenir I got," Souji replied to the teacher, thinking on the fly.
"My… It's so big," she replied.
"That doesn't sound wrong at all," Rion thought in his head.
"Go on, hurry on inside with it," she said. She continued, "By the way, these rooms are amazing. Every room has a waterbed. But don't flip the wrong switch when you're turning on the lights or your bed will start spinning."
"Again, that doesn't sound wrong at all," Rion muttered softly.
The group looked nervous, "Anyways… I'm looking forward to tomorrow," Chie said.
"Yeah, but I'm exhausted… For so many reasons," Yosuke commented.
The group started walking in except for Souji and the bear. Teddie had stopped talking, moving, and when Souji hit it; Teddie had no reaction to the contact. It seemed like Teddie was actually acting like a souvenir.
"… I gotta pee…," Teddie finally exclaimed.
Souji hurriedly tried to push the bear into the hotel, but damn he was heavy.
The next day started off with a shopping spree. They ditched the factory tour only to find out that the guys were to carry the bags of all the girls' wares. At night though, they ended up at Club Escapade.
People were dancing and singing randomly throughout the club, and random Japanese rap and rock was playing throughout the club. It was a neat little club, in Souji's mind. It was colored kind of oddly, however, it could definitely use a redecorating.
"Whoa! So this is a club!" Kanji exclaimed as the group walked in.
Rion looked bored out of his mind. Souji was thinking, "So, he isn't a dancing type? Or, he doesn't like being here in general?"
"Whoo! I'm totally ready for this!" Chie exclaimed.
"Should be fun," Souji said.
Yukiko looked astonished, "There's nothing like this back home."
They turned towards the stairs to see the second level only to see Naoto Shirogane, ace detective, coming down towards them.
The detective, who was now at the bottom of stairs, questioned them, "Is it permitted for high school students such as yourselves to be here?"
Yosuke questioned Naoto, "What? Dude, look who's talking. You were here before we were here. That's right… I guess if the first-years came on the trip, you'd be here too."
Naoto looked at them and responded, "The clientele here looks above-board, so I don't expect there will be any problems."
Naoto started to walk away when Chie stopped the detective, "Huh? You're leaving?"
"Why don't you join us?" Yukiko asked.
"Yes… join us," Rion said, no one noticing the malicious glint in his eyes. No one seemed to notice he had a backpack on his shoulders with something in it.
Naoto looked a bit surprised, "Are you… asking me to stay?"
Yukiko nodded, "Uh huh. We didn't get to chat last time."
Naoto looked embarrassed, "Ah… it's just that I had other matters to attend to that day."
"Well, you're free now, right?" Rise asked, "I was really eager to talk to you. I'm curious how someone my age is working as a detective."
"So, are you coming?" Souji asked.
"Hmmm… very well, if you insist," Naoto agreed and gave in.
Yosuke noticed the slight blush on Naoto's cheeks, "Huh? What's up? You look a little red…"
"That's not true…," Naoto tried to deny it.
Rise turned to the group, "Wait here, I'll go reserve the area upstairs for us."
"Okay," Yosuke said, "Wait… What? Reserve?"
"Yep, don't worry. I think I can pull some strings," Rise told him.
"I got some pull here too," Rion said, "I'll see what I can do." No one noticed him pull something out of his backpack.
Rise walked off to reserve the upstairs lounge. Yosuke turned around and noticed that Kanji was drooping over not looking at anyone.
"What's wrong, man? Stomach pains?" Yosuke asked.
Kanji turned his head slightly, Naoto noticed him looking, and Kanji quickly turned back. Souji was confused. Something was still wrong with Kanji. "I thought Rion acted weird around Naoto? Kanji is even worse around Naoto. I wonder if it's the after-effects from the time he spent in the Sauna. Well, he had those days he spoke to him before he was thrown in," Souji thought.
"That ain't it," Kanji muttered.
Rise got the upstairs lounge like she promised and Rion got the drinks. No one noticed how they got them, or what happened in between.
"Are you sure this is alright? Isn't this expensive?" Chie asked Rise.
"No worries," Rise told her, "Two years ago, when I had a secret show here, the power went out in the middle of it, and the gig was canceled. They still owe me from then, so they're willing to put this one on the house."
Rion nodded, "It's not hard when you used to be somebody. You can at least get one free round."
The group looked happy, "Well, in that case, I'm gonna order more," Chie responded.
"Whoo! I'm not gonna hold back either!" Teddie exclaimed.
"Dude, you sound even weirder today," Kanji told Teddie.
"Aww, you're sho cold, Kanji. Hm, Kanji. Kanji, Kanji… I Kanjecture that shomething's up. Heehee, that's a great one!"
"Ha!" Rion inwardly laughed, "It's started to work. It's so damn funny!"
The others hadn't noticed, but were in dismay, "Man, you're already in high gear," Yosuke said.
"….," Yukiko looked funny, "Kanjecture… Snrk… Bwahaha!"
"Yukiko, too! Perfect!" Rion thought.
"She's pretty loose too," Souji said.
Yosuke noticed and asked, "Hey! Wait a sec! Are these liquor?"
Rise looked funny too, "I told Rion to get us soft drinks. They're non-alcoholic. I told him. I really did. They wouldn't serve us alcohol. They know he isn't of age."
"Aw, sheesh, I was wondering why it was so hot," Chie admitted.
"That makes two tipsy girls, one guy who's out of it, and one girl who's noticed it. Not to mention two guys who are confounded, no make it three," Rion thought as Souji spoke up, "This is rather messed up."
"Is this seriously booze? But the smell's…," Kanji asked.
Rise stepped forward and exclaimed, "King's Game!"
"Haha! You got to be kidding me! King's Game!? I can't wait to see what they try to pull on the other guys… This will be perfect to pull off the other parts of the plan," Rion's brain was working a mile a minute, "I'd rather Naoto be tipsy, but I can still try to pull it off."
"Time's like this, adults play the King's Game. It's the law," Rise hiccupped, "What's their problem? They make me act like a ditz, call me Risette and stuff, and then say I'm a kid." She hiccupped again, "It's so obvious. Those wrap parties get a lot funner after I go home. Morons! I'm gonna play the King's Game now and ain't no one gonna stop me."
"Yet another side of Rise exposed… I wonder if she even knows what she's saying?" Yosuke asked.
"I highly doubt it, Yosuke," Souji said. He thought, "What the hell is this King's Game!? Do I even want to know?"
"Kanji!" Rise exclaimed, "Get the chopsticks ready!"
"What! Why me?" Kanji asked.
"The King's word is law. Chop Chop!"
"And why are you the King?" Souji asked, "Or should I say, Queen?"
"It's already started?" Yosuke asked in bewilderment.
They got the chopsticks, but most of them were confused at what was going on. It seems that it wasn't only Souji that didn't know how to play.
Chie looked to Yukiko and asked, "Umm… What's this King's Game again?"
Yukiko tipsily told Chie, "Okay… one chopstick makes you the king if you draw it, and the others have numbers on 'em. The king picks a number and says what that person has to do. But who has which number is a secret until the King gives the orders."
"Senpai, you're such an adult! You tell 'em!" Rise exclaimed.
"Yukiko… where'd you learn this stuff?" Chie asked.
"C'mon! Everyone draw!" Rise commanded
Everyone one picked a stick, and Souji picked a stick from far away.
"Okay… So, who's the King?" Rise asked.
Teddie stood up, "Teddie's is red! Red! Is Teddie the King?"
Yosuke grumbled, "Ugh… We're already doomed from the get-go."
"I, the King, command thee to smooch the King without delay! Smooch!" Teddie said vehemently.
"Smooch?" Chie said questionably, "He gets to kiss someone!?" She hung her head, praying it wouldn't be her.
"Please God… Grant me a girl! Number 1!" Teddie told the group his choice.
Number 1 was Souji's number. He stood up and showed his number.
"I'm number 1," Souji said. The others looked horrified, Teddie included.
"I mean number 2!" Teddie tried to change his number.
"No take backs," Yosuke said.
"Smooch smooch!" Yukiko said tipsily.
"A bear's chastity: True love needs a sacrifice. Just for you. Sensei," Teddie told Souji.
"Oh, no shit!" Souji thought.
He jumped toward Souji, and hit… Kanji! Teddie smooched Kanji instead.
"Ow, hey! Not, me!" Kanji exclaimed while Teddie jumped on him, "Ngh…"
"Awkward…," Rion said. He was the only one standing, and was standing next to Naoto. He dwarfed the midget detective.
"Oooh! Only the first round and two contestants have dropped out already," Rise chuckled.
"Huh?" Chie looked confused, "Is it that kind of game?"
"On to round two!" Rise jumped into the air.
"I need to watch what I pick, or who knows what is going to happen to me," Souji thought to himself.
Souji picked a stick close to him, and it was the red chopstick. Souji was the king. "I have the power, I guess," Souji thought.
"Who's the King?" Rise asked.
"I have the red stick everyone," Souji told the group, "I'm the king."
"Great…," Rion shrugged. "I may have to break the rules to make this fun," Rion thought.
Chie looked relieved, "Phew… someone decent. No crazy orders this time."
Yukiko interjected with a slur, "That's not how it goes! If the last king ordered a smooch, then the next order's gotta be more extreme." Yukiko laughed, "Chie… Don't be such a party pooper."
Rion noticed that the alcohol had no effect on Souji, "Well, it can't hurt I guess," he thought.
Rise suggested, "Hey! The person who gets picked should rest their head on the King's lap."
Yukiko put in her own suggestion, "Nah, make 'em sit on his lap."
"Oh, or they could have to hug 'em," Rise gave a second suggestion.
"Better than that! A piggyback ride!" Yukiko exclaimed.
Yukiko gave another suggestion, "Make out with them."
"C'mon King! Who's gonna do what?" Rise asked Souji.
Rion rolled his eyes. "With my luck, that'd be me," Rion muttered.
"Oh man…, What do I pick?" Souji was thinking, "I would be greedy and pick the make out, but I should…" He said, "Number 3 gets to hug me."
"That's me!" Yukiko exclaimed.
Yukiko went up to Souji, sat down, and hugged Souji.
"Ooh… so warm and cuddly!" Yukiko snuggled up close to Souji. She didn't appear to be in any rush to leave. Souji didn't mind. It wasn't like it'd be any different if she was sober.
"Aww… not fair!" Rise pouted.
"You're so lucky!" Yosuke exclaimed, but Chie glared at him.
After that, no sticks were drawn but Yukiko exclaimed after she finally left Souji's side, "Me next! Me! I'm the King! Actually, I'm the Queen!"
"You didn't even draw a chopstick!" Yosuke told her.
"Alright, then… Let's have someone talk about something really embarrassing that they'd never wanna tell anyone," Yukiko told the group, "Hrmm… let's see. Ah! Naoto-kun, I choose you."
Yosuke told Naoto, "She's breaking all the rules. Just ignore her, Naoto."
"No… No, that won't be necessary," Naoto replied calmly. Souji swore she was Rion's double, "One stipulation, though: if I do this, the rest of you must reveal "something" as well."
"Okay…," Rise said easily.
"No particular embarrassing experiencing come to mind… Would discussing my life be fair game?" Naoto asked.
"Only if you share "certain" things about yourself," Rion thought.
"It's the rare situation like this that gives me that gives me the call to speak of such things," Naoto said.
"Damn, way to kill the mood," Yosuke muttered. He rolled his eyes.
"The Shirogane family has been detectives for generations now. We lend our powers to the police from time to time," Naoto
"For generations?" Chie wondered, "Wow, it's like that guy from a movie I watched before. What's his name, Kuzunoha?"
"Are there 14 of you? Or 17 of you?" Rion muttered.
"In days gone by, when there were no crime scene investigators, consulting detectives were considered more valuable. Thus, my grandfather still has a strong connection with the police and looks after me, despite my youth and inexperience. But investigators nowadays are well-versed in science and medicine, so I must further my studies," Naoto continued.
"That sounds tough," Yosuke said.
"It would seem like you would have work hard, and study quite a bit to be a good detective," Souji replied. "Then why are you at Yasogami of all places?" Souji thought.
"No punch line, though," Yosuke muttered.
"I fear you may be looking to the wrong person for that," Naoto told Yosuke with a smile.
Yukiko laughed, "That's so embarrassing! Isn't Naoto-kun embarrassing?"
"Ehh…," Rion said. He was thinking, "Not yet though."
"I wanna go home," Yosuke muttered.
"Drunken Yukiko is scary," Souji thought.
"Phew… I'm sleepy," Rise admitted. She started snoozing on the couch.
Naoto gestured to the non-sleepers, "Well then, it's your turn now. A straight answer, please. What is your true involvement with the murder case?"
Yosuke told the detective, "You know, you're so good at killing the mood that it's almost funny."
Yukiko happily admitted, "Weeeell, we go rescuing the people who've been kidnapped by jumping into the TV! And theen, we do stuff like "Persona!" with our Personas and beat the crap outta Shadows."
Yosuke muttered, "You idiot…"
"I knew we'd get something like that," Souji muttered.
"You know Naoto isn't going to believe that," Rion thought.
Naoto sighed, "Are you making fun of me?"
Rise stood up, "Ish true! Personaaaa!" She fell back down to sleep.
Everyone else looked nervous.
"Sheesh, somebody put these two drunks to bed already," Chie said.
Naoto looked annoyed, "I see now that you had no intention of telling me the truth."
"I guess now is as good as time as ever," Rion thought. He put forth his words, "Well, if you really wanted to know something embarrassing about Naoto… I could tell you that Naoto is really a…"
Before Rion finished the sentence a fist reached his mouth and drew blood. Naoto had punched him straight in the mouth. Rion touched his upper lip and wiped the one drop of blood from it.
Souji showed shock at Naoto's actions towards Rion. Souji wanted to know what Rion was going to say, but he wanted to know why Naoto hit him.
"Heh… you almost drew blood, Naoto. I see you hit just like a…," Rion was talking in a condescending tone.
The fist came again at Rion, but this time Rion caught it with ease. Rion rolled his eyes at the detective.
"Everyone gets one free shot. If you really didn't want me to tell them, you should have said so," Rion chuckled. He thought to himself, "How boring…"
"What was that about?" Souji thought, "What in the hell is going on!?"
"Man, that was violent," Chie said.
"How juvenile," Naoto said as she removed her fist from Rion's hand, "…But I am curious now… how did you become so inebriated? This isn't alcohol," Naoto asked.
"Man, good one, Naoto!" Yukiko exclaimed.
Naoto rebuked her, "No, I confirmed it when I first entered. No alcohol has been served here since a rash of drunk driving last year."
Chie looked confused, "Huh? Does that mean we're all just drunk off the atmosphere?"
"Who cares…," Yukiko said, "Whee… I feel so good. Good night!"
"I'll tell you that you aren't drunk off the atmosphere," Rion chuckled, wiping his lip of the small amount of blood.
"What?" Yosuke asked.
"What do you mean? Do you mean to say our drinks were spiked by the bartender?"
Naoto inquired, "If so, I should report this."
"We've been drinking booze?" Kanji stuttered.
"The bartender didn't spike your drinks," Rion pulled out a clear bottle and put it on the table. "I did…" He chuckled.
This shocked Souji. "What in the hell is going on!?" Souji thought, "Rion spiked our drinks. I think there'd be only one reason why, and it wouldn't be because of us. He's crazy."
"I put booze in all of your non-alcoholic drinks. Some of you feel a buzz, some are very affected," Rion pointed at Rise, Teddie, and Yukiko, "and some could care less", pointing at himself, Souji, Yosuke, Kanji, and Naoto.
"No way…," Souji said, "You have got to be kidding me."
"Come with me, Mr. Ishinata!" Naoto stood up, tried to take Rion by the arm, and only got him to come downstairs when he came down willingly. Souji saw a gleam in his eyes that wasn't exactly happy.
"What do you think you are doing!?" Naoto asked. The voice drowned out by the music, "I could have you arrested by the administration."
"Good luck," Rion responded, "And I'm sure you'll be glad to say what… that you were drinking it too."
"Unwillingly!" Naoto exclaimed, "I know you have clout in this school. I know about that, but that doesn't matter!"
"Listen, Detective Princess!" Rion sneered, "You're the only reason I didn't skip the damn trip all together."
"What!?" Naoto was confused, "Why!? And why the hell do you think it matters that you know my gender?" She still looked nervous and insecure about it though.
"Because you're the one who's playing the damn game here!" Rion yelled, "You pretend to be so smart and ingenious, but you're a fool. You trick people and hide behind that damn hat and shirt! God knows what else you're hiding…," Rion rolled his eyes.
Naoto slapped him. Rion adjusted his glasses.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Naoto commanded, "I'm in control of my life. You're being superfluous with your actions. If it was so important to talk to me about it, why did you have to involve the others in it?"
Rion shook his head, "It was the only opportunity to try and reveal you to everyone. You owe it to Kanji, regardless. He's suffering, you midget."
"Don't call me a midget…," Naoto yelled. She sighed, "This is my life. My actions are my own. Leave me alone, Rion."
"Tch… You won't be able to forever if you think I'm involved in the case, especially if you aren't satisfied," Rion smirked.
"What!?" Naoto looked surprised, "What is your involvement? You know they aren't being truthful."
Rion handed Naoto a little silver card.
"What's this?" Naoto asked, slightly calming down, "What is this supposed to mean?"
"You wanted to know what we do, right? This is enough of a clue for you. You're the detective, Princess, figure it out," Rion told her as he climbed back up the stairs. Naoto followed shortly.
"Don't call me Princess…," she muttered as they started walking back up the stairs.
"What happened?" Souji asked. He was now really curious about what happened now. "It was either really painful or really hot… Though, Rion has a red mark on his cheek now. There goes the chance for the hot part…"
"Nothing," They both answered in monotone voices. They tried to ignore what happened.
"Okay… whatever," Souji responded. Souji immediately knew he was not going to get anything out of them.
"Hey, Senpai? How the hell're we gonna get back with two passed out drunks?" Kanji asked Souji.
"All of this is giving me a bad headache… Is this what a hangover feels like?" Yosuke sighed.
"Teddie's still totally okay!" he exclaimed, "Lesh keep drinkin' 'til mornin'!"
"Bring it on!" Rise countered, but fell asleep again.
"Well, I didn't bring that much," Rion shook his head.
"You guys really are imbeciles, aren't you," Naoto looked at them. Naoto saved a glare for Rion.
"Well, who wants to get who back to the hotel?" Rion asked.
"Umm… I'll get Yukiko to the front gate," Souji replied.
"Chie should get Rise back to the love shack then," Rion replied, "I'll help Teddie."