Persona 4 Novelization Chapter 29
I own absolutely nothing of Persona, SMT or the above. Atlus does.
So, there is not much left in the story. Really, only a few chapters left, and this one is another short one.
If you have been faithfully following this story, I thank you. If you have only just started reading recently, I thank you for reading so far. For those of you who have become curious and wonder why I would ever waste my time writing all of this… I felt like it would be interesting to use my talents, what little I have, to do so.
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Time passed quickly after Christmas for Souji. Souji shared much of his time with Yukiko. He even helped Rion with his studying for entrance exams; imagine that, Rion studying for something. Souji also spent a lot of time with Nanako as well. All of his friends made time to spend with Nanako. It made Nanako really happy, and that made Souji happy.
Yet, as it got closer to the date when Souji had to leave, Souji felt pain in his heart. He would have to leave his friends. He had grown so close to them, but Souji felt like he was abandoning them by leaving in the spring. But… what could he do about it? It was not like Souji had a choice. At least he was not the only one who was leaving in the spring. He had that to hang over Rion's head.
March 20th came far too fast for Souji and that was the day before he would have to leave. "Where did the time go?" he thought. It was a beautiful day with the cherry blossoms in full bloom and the people enjoying the sunshine. It seemed Souji was sucking in all of the gloom.
Dojima, Nanako, and Souji were sitting around the kotatsu. They were just about ready to put it away, but with no central heating, it would be needed for a few more days.
Dojima asked Souji, "All done packing? Well, if you forget anything, I'll mail it to you."
"I think so," Souji responded. "I even saved some of that ramen from Aiya just in case," he thought to himself.
The doorbell rang, and Nanako asked, "Can I go answer the door?" Nanako was definitely changed by what had happened to her this past school year.
Dojima said softly, realizing that, "Oh yeah… That's right. Sure, go answer it. There's nothing to worry about anymore." Dojima turned to Souji, "Seeing her so cheerful like that. Nothing makes me happier."
"I agree with you," Souji smiled back at the cheery Dojima.
Dojima explained to Souji, "I've already bought your train ticket for tomorrow. It leaves at nine o'clock in the morning from Yasoinaba Station. Today's your last day here. Don't worry about Nanako. You can leave her to me."
"Nine o'clock, okay," Souji nodded.
Dojima told Souji, "Go see your friends. This might be your last chance to see them."
"Now that's depressing," Souji thought. He said to Dojima, "Okay… I'll go. I definitely need to see Yukiko, at the least."
As Souji started walking out, Nanako was coming back in. Nanako said to Souji, "Are you going out? Be careful!"
"I will, little sis," Souji told her.
Souji decided to start where he already was. He decided to visit Nanako and Dojima first. Would people think it was weird that Souji considered his cousin and uncle his good friends? Every one of his friends considered his "little sis" one of his good friends, and through everything, he formed an "unbreakable bond" with Dojima.
Souji walked up to his little sis and said, "Hi Nanako."
"Big bro…," she responded.
Dojima asked if he had seen everyone, and he responded "No". It looked like he wasn't ready to say goodbye to his relatives yet.
"Make sure you say goodbye to everyone," Dojima told him.
"Okay, where should I go?" Souji thought as he walked away.
Souji headed to the place where all his adventures took place. Souji took a bus to Junes and headed over to those good old metal chairs and tables near that large covered table at the food court.
Of course, Teddie and Yosuke were there, "I guess it's time to say goodbye to them," Souji thought.
Teddie wearing his bear costume was laughing at Yosuke. He had made a joke about his relationship with Chie, and Yosuke was frustrated. Souji wanted to laugh too, if he could.
Teddie noticed Souji walking up first, and then Yosuke turned around and said to him, "Yo, Souji!"
"Hey, Yosuke… Teddie," Souji greeted.
Teddie waved and exclaimed, "Sensei! I'm super-duper happy that you came to see me!"
They all sat down at the far table, well Teddie stood, because he couldn't sit down.
"Going around saying goodbye, huh?" Yosuke asked with his arms crossed.
"I guess so," Souji said with a sigh.
Yosuke smirked, "What do you think of the sleepy, peaceful version of Inaba? It must seem weird to you."
"There are qualities to that I like," Souji responded, "No fear of death, or the world ending."
"Yeah… I wonder why it began as soon as you arrived," Yosuke pondered.
"I don't know," Souji said.
Teddie looked at the pair and reminisced, "I remember the first time. Sensei and Yosuke, braving the TV world alone. Boy, I feel nostalgic!"
Yosuke nodded, "Yeah… Ever since then, it was just one surprise after another."
"Tell me about it," Souji shook his head.
Yosuke sighed, "I can't imagine what it's going to be like, living here without you."
"You'll be okay," Souji said, "I'll be back." Souji knew he would come back.
"A quiet, peaceful town, with no need to use our Personas anymore," Yosuke sighed.
"That's a good thing… when you think about it," Souji told him.
"I can't imagine it either," Teddie agreed with Yosuke.
Yosuke nodded, "That's right. We were right in the middle of the case when you came over to this side. A lot of stuff has happened. Facing my true self… And you and me got into a fight too."
"Don't remind me…," Souji shook his head, "Nanako had to clean up all the blood."
Teddie looked shocked, "Yosuke, did you smack Sensei!? How reckless!"
Yosuke looked at Teddie and said, "Of course, moron. Best friends gotta fight sometimes to be best friends."
Teddie turned to Souji with a scary look on his bear face, "Why didn't you say so earlier!? Sensei! Bring it on! Let's fight!"
"C'mon," Souji rolled his eyes, "I don't want to be mauled."
Yosuke saved him from the pain, "Don't hurt him, man. He's gotta get on the train tomorrow."
Teddie stopped preparing for a fight as a sad face formed, "Sensei… You're really leaving, huh? I'm glad I met you and Yosuke." When they looked at him, confused, he said cheerfully, "You two completely changed my life… And Nana-chan, Yuki-chan, and the others, too… They all helped me… They gave life to me."
"Life? Come on, man," Yosuke said disbelievingly, "You were the one who wanted to change. That's why you tried so hard to make it happen."
"He's right, you know," Souji said, "You made the most effort."
Teddie nodded, "Thank you so much, Sensei and Yosuke! I love you."
Souji was completely crept out. He wanted to back away.
"Love is kinda strong for this," Yosuke said.
Teddie said, "I'll take off my outfit if you want!"
Souji did about run away at that.
"L… Let's not," Yosuke told him.
As he was talking to the pair, Yosuke asked, "By the way, is it okay for you to chill here? Don't you have others to talk to? Like… meeting someone?"
"Do you want Teddie to come with you?" Teddie asked.
"No, I think Teddie has to work," Yosuke sighed.
"Okay, I'll head out," Souji said.
"Say hi to Chie for me," Yosuke told him as Souji waved.
Souji walked off. He realized how much he'd really miss Teddie and his bear-puns. He would not have Yosuke to try and take control of the situation anymore. It would be boring without the pair.
He went to Yasogami High next. It was so pretty in the springtime, much nicer than the school he'd be returning to.
He went over to the shoeboxes. He saw the girl he skipped classes with at least ten times… Ai Ebihara.
"Hey…," Souji greeted her as he walked up to her.
"Oh hey, I was going to look for you later," Ai told him.
"I came to say hi," Souji said.
They walked up to the rooftop where they reminisced.
"Do you remember when you stopped me from jumping off?" Ai asked.
Souji remembered that terrible incident. Kou liked Chie instead of her, and he had to stop Ai from jumping off the top of the school.
"Yes…," Souji said.
"Thinking back on it… It was pretty dumb," Ai told Souji as she turned around, "Thank you. You stopped me, and listened to me. I've been thinking about the future and all of that. I want to become a nicer person." She flushed, "Does that sound like a weird goal?"
"No, not really," Souji shrugged.
Ai chuckled, "I'm glad I met you. I wasn't sure what I'd be like if I had not met you. I might been totally into that Midnight Channel and spreading rumors."
Souji rolled his eyes.
"I could never see myself doing that now," Ai told him, "I must have gone through a pretty drastic change."
"Only you can decide if you have," Souji explained.
Ai sighed, "All over. I was so nervous. I'm sure you have a lot of other friends you have to say goodbye to. I think I'll head home."
Souji waved goodbye to Ai and started searching out for other people who might be at the school. He went to his classroom. In his seat, he found none other but Hanako! She was in his seat!
"What!?" She asked when he came up.
"What are you doing here today?" he asked.
"Th… This is your seat? I just got it wrong…," Hanako said nervously, "Stop looking at me! Y… You don't suspect me, do you? I… I'm not the one who put something in your shoe locker! I… It wasn't me!"
"Oh god!!!" Souji thought as he ran away.
"Oh… Senpai," Naoto looked surprised when Souji came by on the first floor. She was standing where Rion used to come to tease her.
"Hello Naoto," Souji said.
"Do you have business at school as well?" Naoto asked.
"You could say that," Souji answered.
Naoto realized what it was, "That's right. You're leaving tomorrow. Saying goodbye to your teachers?"
"Well… not my teachers," Souji smiled.
"Having one last look at the school, huh?" Naoto said sadly, "Do you mind if I come with you?"
"Of course you can come," Souji said.
Souji ended up on the roof again. At least he was getting exercise.
As they stared off at the town, Naoto said to Souji, "This town has become so peaceful."
"Anything wrong with that?" Souji asked.
"I'm not disappointed," Naoto shook her head, "It's just that to remain here, without a case to solve. I feel somewhat listless."
"I don't think you're the only one," Souji said. He thought of Yosuke, and was thinking of how Rion must feel.
Naoto continued, "I know how this sounds awkward, since we've already discussed it before and came to a satisfactory conclusion… that the reason for me for being here had nothing to do with the case."
"It's because of Rion," Souji told her with a smirk.
"Hey! Don't joke like that," Naoto blushed.
"Still… I think your departure is making me feel lonely," Naoto said, "But I apologize."
"No, it's because Rion's leaving tomorrow too," Souji explained.
"You're not helping…," Naoto said, exasperated.
"Still, I appreciate your concern," Souji said, seriously this time.
"It's not your fault for moving home. This won't be the last time you or I will face a situation like this."
"Probably not," Souji nodded. "I think she's really affected by us leaving."
Naoto proclaimed, "I'm remaining here in Inaba, Senpai. Of course, from time to time, my services will be required elsewhere. But Inaba is my hometown now. I want to treasure the time we and our friends shared together, solving the case. The Midnight Channel, Personas, and Ameno-sagiri… My duty is stay here and get to the bottom of these mysteries. The thought of it makes me a bit lonely. Don't forget your time with everyone."
"I won't," Souji said to the detective. She was definitely not the defective.
"I'll be at the station with the others tomorrow," Naoto told Souji, "I'd say this would be our last chance to talk face-to-face, but I can visit you when I want, and vice-versa." She looked at him, "Senpai, you have other farewells to make, don't you? I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, goodbye Naoto," Souji waved as he left.
Souji left the school to go search for some of his other friends.
He found Chie Satonaka near the Daidara Metalworks. "Figures…," Souji thought.
"Whoa!" Chie was surprised by Souji's visit. He was getting a lot of these today, "You caught me off guard."
"That's not good for a martial artist," Souji said, "Yosuke says hi."
"Okay… But, you just suddenly showed up," Chie said, "Tomorrow's the day, huh?"
"Yeah," Souji said.
"I ended up here when I thought of the group. Memories and all," Chie said sadly, "It was "What can I do for you?" and all the sappy stuff just wasn't worth it. So I decided that I'm going to use what you taught me. I bought a book."
"I taught you to read?" Souji looked confused.
Chie hit him on the head, "It's called, "How to Become a Police Officer!" I told you I wanted to become strong so I could protect what matters most to me, right?"
"That's what I remember," Souji said.
"I want to protect this town," Chie told him, "We all worked hard to win this peace… I want to keep it this way. You can't be certain that no incident like this will never happen again, right?"
"I hope nothing like this happens again," Souji nodded.
"It's where I met all of my best friends," Chie said, "So I thought maybe I'd become a cop, and have Dojima-san put me through the wringer!"
"I'll be glad to be protected by you," Souji smiled.
Chie smiled back, "Go home proud! We'll be fine here… We'll be waiting for you when you come back."
He saw something scary as he walked away from Chie. He had created some mad fusions, and he saw Margaret by the Velvet Room. This was a scary sight to see her outside the Velvet Room. Was something wrong?
"Hello?" Souji asked disbelievingly.
"Oh… Hello," Margaret greeted.
They talked by the Velvet Room.
"You have come…," Margaret said, "I was waiting for you."
"Well… I did see you there," Souji responded. "She was waiting for me?" Souji thought, "Is this a pedobear moment, just with Velvet room business? She has to be older than me."
"I wanted to see you before you left," Margaret told him, "Though, parting words aren't what I have for you."
"I'm officially scared now," Souji thought, "Omelets don't compare."
"Remember?" Margaret asked, "The heart is shaken more by a single action than by a thousand words."
"Yeah…," Souji thought, "That night with Yukiko."
"Do you know what action will shake both of our hearts?" Margaret asked.
"I really don't want to know," Souji thought. He went to shake her hand.
Margaret chuckled, "For us residents, I'm sure this is a sin. Now… Close your eyes."
"I'm scared," Souji thought. Souji asked, "Why?"
"Why, you ask?" Margaret put forth, "So you don't witness any sinfulness."
Now Souji wanted to really run away.
Margaret kissed him! She kissed him! It wasn't a bad kiss… actually it was amazing. But, where'd she get the practice? It wasn't with Igor, because she wouldn't even be able to reach his lips with that nose of his. Souji just would never let it slip to Yukiko.
"Why did I steal a kiss?" Margaret was still very close to Souji, "Is that what you were going to ask? But it's you who were the thief."
"I don't understand," Souji said. He really had no idea.
She chuckled, "Will I ever see you again, I wonder? Well, then… Farewell."
She walked back into the Velvet Room. "That was creepy," Souji thought.
He found Rion and Rise next to Marukyu Tofu. Of course, they were together. Rion would be spending his last day here with his girl. It would pretty much be a break-up after tomorrow. Rion would be headed to an amazing university soon, not to mention the official training for London. Who could blame him?
"Souji," Rion nodded at his presence.
"Senpai! Where are you going?" Rise said cheerfully.
"Hey guys," Souji said, "I came to see you two."
"Glad to see we matter," Rion smirked, pushing up his glasses.
"That's like you came to say goodbye!" Rise exclaimed, "Both of you are leaving! Not fair!" "This won't be the last time we meet, is it Senpai!?" She asked Souji.
"Of course it won't be," Souji responded.
"It does make me sad, though," Rise said, "I told you before, right? That I'm returning to showbiz, starting spring."
"That's great," Souji told her.
"I went to voice training today to prepare myself for that. You see, I'm re-debuting with a new album. I'm writing all the lyrics myself!"
"You got a D in composition," Rion chuckled.
"Okay, so they aren't exactly masterpieces," Rise hit him on the head, "Rion-kun helped me out on a few. The headliner is the one we worked on together." She smiled as she held his hand. Souji was disturbed.
"I'll have to look for it and then listen to it," Souji eventually said.
Rise said, "But you know, a lot of stuff's happened while I was on break. I made friends… great friends… Everyone was so nice to me. I want to express that to everyone who will listen. My deepest feelings in my own words. Ahh, I'm scared! I'm scared of putting the real me out there for people to see!"
Rion rolled his eyes, "You aren't scared… Don't lie to Souji. Your music proves otherwise."
"I can't give into that fear, can I?" Rise smiled, "I'll work hard for all of my fans out there… I'm gonna make a huge comeback! Wish me luck!"
"You better, Rise-chan," Souji said.
"Thanks, Senpai!" Rise smiled and blushed slightly, "At least I know I'll have people watching me on the other side of the camera. It'll keep me going."
"You should appear in a commercial for Junes," Rion suggested.
"That's a good idea," Souji agreed, "Considering how much time we spent there."
"You're right," Rise said, "You'll remember all the times we were together. But will we feel lonely after together?"
"We will come back," Souji smiled.
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay? I'm so glad the fog is gone," Rise said, "It's foggy over there still, but it's clear here. We can see you off on a happy note."
"We all are," Souji said, "I like happy endings."
He turned to Rion, "I guess this is goodbye for the both of us."
"Yeah. Don't do anything stupid while I'm gone," Rion smiled, pushing up his glasses, "I won't be there to save you. That goes for me too."
"You read my mind," Souji said. He always did that. He smirked, "You better win over the summer."
"You expect me to lose?" Rion chuckled, "Come see me in London, then. It has to be more enjoyable then where you'll be."
"We'll see," Souji shook his head, "I like the happy you better. It seems when you're with a girl, and you're not working on a case… You're much nicer."
"You just figured that out?" Rion shook his head, "Well, expect me to turn into a jerk again in a day or so. I'll miss someone calling me a smartass everyday. But, what can I do? I'll see you tomorrow to say goodbye."
"Likewise…," Souji responded, "What would I do without someone making subtle comments? It's going to be weird indeed. I'll see you."
He only had three more to see. He was a little hungry, so he popped into Aiya's. Who was there, but Kou and Daisuke.
"Whoa!" Kou said in amazement. It seemed that everyone was just shocked to see him.
"Haha, what a coincidence," Daisuke said with a chuckle.
"I like how you guys you were that surprised," Souji smiled.
"We were just talking about you. You should come chill with us for a bit," Kou suggested.
Souji sat down and ordered one last bowl of ramen. He'd need it pretty shortly, anyways.
"W… Well," Kou started saying, "You see, we started talking about if all that crazy stuff that happened here was really over, and…"
"We were consoling each other about Souji leaving tomorrow," Daisuke finished.
"That's kind of creepy," Souji responded.
"Yeah, why do you have to blurt that stuff out!? That's embarrassing, man! To be honest, though… I did want to see you one last time, but I figured you would be too busy," Kou complained and explained, "The next thing I know, you walk right in! It's like man, I was being thoughtful for nothing!"
"I could still leave," Souji said sarcastically.
The three started joking around.
"Yeah, my sister has started training to take over the family," Kou said.
"What do you think about it?" Daisuke asked.
"It's alright," Kou answered. We're gonna miss you at basketball, though."
"We'll suck without me," Souji said.
"Thanks," Kou responded with a smile, "Though we have to come and visit you sometime, Souji. But enough of this sad crap! Let's be how we normally are and send him off with a smile! So Souji, call me if a cute girl is available, okay?"
"Will do," Souji answered.
"Huh? I thought you liked Ch..," Daisuke tried to butt in…
Kou hit him as Souji said, "She goes out with Yosuke." That surprised Daisuke and Kou shook his head.
Daisuke said, "Speaking of which, what happened to that promise of yours? You're the one who said we'll go on another group date."
"You mean you were serious?" Kou looked at Daisuke, shocked, "I mean… Souji has a girlfriend."
"Of course," Daisuke answered.
Kou shook his head, "Then I have one thing to say: Stop wearing the same damn training clothes!"
"Thank you!" Souji exclaimed.
Kou asked Souji, "Souji, do you think you can give Daisuke a nice pair of pants and shirt for a farewell present?"
Daisuke was not amused, "Hey, I've got more clothes than this, ya know?"
"I bet they're all sportswear," Kou responded.
Daisuke sighed and Souji chuckled.
Kou sighed as he said to Souji, "You better come visit. I can't handle the dating scene with Daisuke alone."
After saying goodbye to each other, Souji went looking for his last party member he had not talked to. Of course, before he got there, he went to the shrine. He found out that the fox had cubs.
"I didn't even know it was a girl," Souji thought.
He got to surprise someone else. Kanji was quite astonished to see his leader speaking to him.
"Hey Kanji," Souji said to him at the Textiles.
"Whoa, Senpai… Wh… What are you doing here!?" Kanji asked.
"I came to talk," Souji told Kanji.
As Souji began to talk to Kanji, Kanji's mother came up. Kanji's mother greeted Souji, "Oh, hello Souji-kun."
"Hello, Mrs. Tatsumi," Souji nodded.
"I heard you're leaving tomorrow," Kanji's mother said, "You know, Kanji's been acting all sad and lonely lately."
Kanji looked embarrassed, "Sh… Shut up, you old bat!"
Souji thought the whole thing was funny. "They all care in their own way," Souji thought.
Kanji's mother reprimanded Kanji, "I told you not to speak to me in that way!" She calmed down, "Anyways, have you told him about the handicraft class?" She turned to Souji, "Thank you for being such a role model, Souji-kun."
"You're welcome," Souji said.
"Come visit here sometime, all right? Goodbye now," Kanji's mom took her leave.
Kanji sighed, "Y… You didn't hear what she said, did you?"
"A handicraft class?"
Kanji shook his head, "Ugh…" He explained, "See… A buncha customers liked those knitted dolls we sold, and they asked me how we made them. S… So I'm gonna hold a class on how to do it." He looked at Souji expectantly, "L… Laugh it up already!"
Souji didn't laugh, and Kanji respected that. "Senpai… It was my decision though. If people wanna learn, and if I can teach 'em… Hell, why not, ya know? It's still kinda embarrassing though."
"Not really," Souji said.
"But, uhh… It kinda feels good to do something for other people," Kanji told Souji.
"Good for you," Souji said.
Kanji chuckled, "It's only cause of you that I could face up to who I am, Senpai. Thank you very much!"
"No need to worry so much," Souji responded.
"Well, this isn't the last time we're gonna meet, so yeah. Amazing how a murder case made our friendship so deep."
He had one more of his Persona members to meet with, and this was the hardest.
Souji would eventually have to talk to her, so he made his way to the bus stop. The bus stop that would take him to Yukiko. "It's so hard to make this trip," Souji thought, "It's going to be so hard for her too."
When he went to see Yukiko at the Amagi Inn, she was dressed in the same kimono that she was thrown in the TV with.
Yukiko didn't know who had come through the door at first when Souji entered. "Welcome to… Hmm? Souji-kun… That's right, you're leaving tomorrow." She had a sorrowful look on her face.
"I am…," Souji said.
"Thanks for coming to see me before you leave," Yukiko smiled, "It means a lot to me."
"It's one stop I wasn't going to miss," Souji told her.
Yukiko looked at her feet as she said, "I… I was thinking of spending today as just another day. Helping with the housework, taking a long bath, and going to sleep… So I can… I can say goodbye without crying…" Her face had a solemn look.
"Please don't cry, Yukiko-chan," Souji tried to smile.
"As you see… I failed miserably. I kept thinking about you," Yukiko chuckled, "On top of that… Here you are, right in front of me. You're not helping at all."
"Well, I'm sorry," Souji smirked, "I could leave."
"You're so mean," Yukiko frowned.
"Sorry…," Souji said.
Suddenly, Yukiko's face screwed up seriously as she exclaimed, "That's it, I'm leaving town with you tomorrow!"
"Sure… Come with me," Souji smiled.
Yukiko chuckled, "Just kidding… for now." They both knew that they weren't kidding.
"If you change your mind," Souji grinned.
Yukiko said to Souji, "You know… After I decided to stay here and become the manager, I realized how afraid I was. Whether I can meet all the responsibilities… Whether I'll be able to support the whole staff on my own. I never thought of things like that."
"You'll be able to do it," Souji reassured her, "You know that."
"I've made my decision. Now, I have to make an honest attempt at it," Yukiko smiled, "I'll do my best to overcome my fear."
"You will," Souji said, "If anyone can… You've proven it to me."
She smiled, "And you'll be in my heart while I do, Souji-kun. We'll be together… even when we're apart. I promise I won't turn away from my problems and fears. I'm going to meet every challenge head-on, no matter how hard it seems. Remember what Ameno-sagiri said? "If mankind so wishes, I will return at any time." That's not what I wish for. I'll face myself, no matter what happens. Souji-kun… Thank you."
"No need," Souji said.
"I will always love you," Yukiko said purely.
"So will I. I love you."
There was an air… like there was a struggle not to break down and rush to embrace each other in front of the concierge. Eventually, they left each other's presence… Souji didn't want to.
He took a deep breath as he got off the bus from visiting the Amagi Inn. He went back to his temporary lodgings. It would be his lodgings for one more night. Scary thoughts… he was used to it by now.
"Have you said all your goodbyes now?" Dojima asked when he walked up to his uncle.
"Most of them," Souji answered.
"Did you cry?" Dojima joked, "Let me see your face."
"You wish I did," Souji smiled at him.
The three of them, Souji, Nanako, and Dojima all went to the Samegawa Floodplains to talk. They sat on the bench where Souji almost died from Yukiko's cooking and he took Nanako back when she ran away from home.
Dojima and Nanako were sitting down and Dojima said to him, "You look a lot more mature now."
"I do?" Souji asked.
"We've only been together for about a year, but kids grow up surprisingly fast," Dojima continued.
"I guess I had to become more mature," Souji thought.
Nanako sighed and Dojima said to her, "Nanako… Do you remember what we promised?"
Nanako didn't say anything until she nodded and said, "Take care of yourself, big bro. Don't get sick."
"I won't," Souji promised, "You too, little sis."
"Yup…," Nanako nodded. She looked downtrodden.
Dojima noticed as he said, "Don't look so sad, Nanako. We're all family, remember? It doesn't matter if we're apart. We can go see him when I get a vacation. Then we can talk about everything that's happened since the last time we saw him."
"He really means it," Souji thought. Dojima was spending more time at home and more time with Nanako since the incident.
"Yeah…," Nanako said slowly as she asked, "Will you remember me, big bro?"
"Of course I will, little sis," Souji responded. Who could forget her, especially after what they went through?
"It's a promise," Nanako said. She started to cry.
Dojima shook his head, "Ahh… Come on… Don't cry."
"I'm not crying!" Nanako protested.
"Oh well," Dojima shrugged, "I guess all kids end up being pushed around by their parents. Same goes for you, Souji." He looked at him and said, "Souji, it wasn't all that long, but all things considered, I did enjoy the time here with us. I really do think of you as part of the family."
"Likewise," Souji said.
"I'm surprised that my sister's kid would turn out to be such an upstanding kid," Dojima told Souji.
"I'm affronted," Souji smiled.
"Give Nanako a call sometime when you have a spare moment," Dojima suggested, "You're welcome to come visit us anytime. I'll leave your room as is. This is your second home, after all."
"Thanks…," Souji responded.
Nanako lifted her head and Souji got a startling response from her, "When I grow up, I want to marry you, big bro!"
"Wow…," Souji thought, "I wonder if I should tell Yukiko that she has competition from Nanako-chan?"
Dojima chuckled, "You're a stud, Souji. Sure, Nanako, if he's still available by the time you're an adult." He looked straight at Souji and said, "But that'll be a long time, won't it, Souji? Right?"
"Of course," Souji responded calmly. "It's like he expects me to go after a seven-year-old," Souji thought. Besides, he had another girl on his mind that had taken all of his attention away.
"Well, we'll be headed home," Dojima said, "If you haven't said goodbye to anyone yet, you should go ahead and do so."
Souji thought if he should go home. He had said goodbye to all of his good friends. He wandered around wondering what to do. Souji ended up at Junes. "What am I doing here?" "I don't need to be here." "But, I don't know… I feel like there is something left to do. I'm going to head to the food court."
As Souji walked out to the metal chairs, he saw a familiar face. It was Rion, smirking at him. He was sitting down at the "secret headquarters".
"Hey! Welcome to Nowheresville!" Rion waved, pushing up his glasses. Rion definitely was better when he was loved, Souji decided.
"Hey, smartass," Souji waved back as he sat down next to Rion, "Can you imagine how much time we spent here going over the case?"
"You mean how much time I had to waste listening to your bad ideas?" Rion responded, laughing.
"Shut up! I'm trying to reminisce," Souji punched him on the arm. It made Rion smirk and push up his glasses.
At that point, Teddie and Yosuke walked up from behind. They seemed shocked to see the pair, especially Souji, sitting there.
"Huh!?" Yosuke exclaimed.
As Teddie stood next to Souji, he said to him, "What a coincidence! It must be destiny!"
"I don't believe in destiny," Souji shook his head.
Next, Yukiko and Chie walked up from the right side. Yukiko had changed from her kimono. "Ah, so you guys came here too!" Chie exclaimed.
"It's our very own special headquarters… There are so many memories here…," Yukiko said.
"So many bad ones," Rion muttered, which resulted in a punch from Yukiko, "It's like you don't want to hear the truth!"
The rest of the group walked up next, Kanji, Rise, and Naoto. It was a barrage of first-years.
"Yo there, Senpai! Thought you'd be here!" Kanji told him as he came up from behind.
"We'd have a feeling we'd run into everyone if we came here," Rise said, a cheerful smile on her face now.
Naoto said to him, "We were planning on seeing you off at the station tomorrow… But I was feeling too restless, so I decided to come here."
"I think that relates to all of us," Rion said.
Souji responded, "You guys care… I'm touched." Souji really was happy.
"Well, since we're all here, why don't we have something to eat?" Yosuke suggested.
Chie decided to bug her boyfriend, "Ooh, let's have steak! Steak! And make Yosuke pay for everything!" She knew how Yosuke didn't like to pay.
"Will you shut up about your steaks…," Yosuke muttered. It made Souji chuckle to see that.
Of course, Yosuke bought Chie her steak, and Souji bought Yukiko her food. Souji knew Yosuke would cave in. The group started talking about the old times. The times they almost got frozen to death, shocked to death or how they had to tell Yosuke to shut up in general were all fun topics for the group to discuss.
"I really had fun in this world," Teddie said suddenly.
Yosuke replied, "Dude, your whole existence is about fun." He turned serious, "Well, what we've gone through wasn't all fun and games, but I've gotta say… I've never felt so fulfilled in my life."
Chie said to them, "It seems like we've been working on this forever… but at the same time, it felt like it went so fast."
"Was it only a year?" Souji asked, "Because sometimes… it felt like only a few days."
"We won't ever gather here again like this… or tear our hair out trying to solve the mysteries," Chie looked down.
Yukiko said, "Even if we wanted to talk about it all, there were so many extraordinary things that happened that no one would believe us. Come to think of it, I think it all started for me when Chie told me about the Midnight Channel."
"I think I heard about it from her too," Yosuke nodded.
"That's how I learned about it," Souji agreed.
He asked, "How did you learn about it, Chie?"
"I guess… It was just a random rumor? A lot of girls were trying it out," Chie said.
Kanji shrugged, "Huh. I wonder how it started, then."
"Who knows? Maybe someone accidently came across it?" Chie pondered.
"The Midnight Channel…," Yosuke said, "You know, that really was the cause of everything. I mean, the fog lifted after we caught Adachi, but there's still a lot of stuff that still isn't clear."
"Like the fog on the other side," Rion said.
"Some weird guy might try to use it to do bad things again," Teddie explained.
"We don't want that," Souji told them.
"Didn't that Ameno-something monster say… it granted us power?" Chie asked.
Naoto answered, "I bestowed power onto those who could brave the hollow forest. In other words, he gave the power to enter TVs to those who awakened to their Persona abilities."
"So we'd be his pawns," Souji muttered.
"But your hand slipped into the TV before anything happened to you, right?" Chie asked, "Does that mean you're an exception? Wait, what about Namatame and Adachi!? Those two could go into the TV before all this stuff about Personas, right?"
"What!?" Rise looked at them, "Then Senpai and the other two could do it for some other reason?"
Kanji looked at him, "There must be something you're not remembering. Anything come to mind, Senpai?"
Souji looked at the group; he saw Rion was in deep thought as well. "Figures…," Souji thought. He shook his head as he tried to focus. He was the exception of the group, and the only one besides Namatame and Adachi. "I got a letter," Souji said to them, "Nanako gave it to me before I left today."
Yosuke looked at Souji suspiciously, "A letter? Hey, this better not be another warning."
"The person who sent it is… Adachi!" Souji said in shock.
"Huh? This is… from jail?" Yosuke was confused, "You're right!"
Everyone was surprised by this development.
Souji read it out loud, "I'm sure you're surprised to get this letter out of the blue. I'm writing this because there is something I need to tell you. Every since I made it out alive, there are some things I understand now. It's true that my game is over. As you all insisted at the time, I'll abide by the rules of this world. But as long as I'm in stir here, I can't clean up after myself. So I hope this will give you something to think about, regarding the case. There's still this feeling that I can't shake. It's about how it all started… about that Midnight Channel. Now I remember… Someone told me about it when I first came to town… before I heard the rumors at the station. And I was intrigued when I noticed something similar was written on Namatame's reports as well. But… I can't remember who it was that told me. Since Namatame and I both gained our powers shortly after coming to Inaba… I have a feeling that has something to do with it. I don't know if any of this will be useful or not… But I hope it can help somehow."
Chie shook her head, "It's not very helpful that he can't remember who it was."
Yosuke said, "I'm not sure how to put it, but I kinda know the feeling." When they turned towards him, he said, "It's like… I don't know how to put it. Like something's connecting all of these things. Something beyond what we can see."
"A higher power, perhaps…," Rion opened his eyes. They looked at him strangely, but not as strangely as they might have a few months ago, "Anything is possible, now."
"I think Rion's finally lost it," Souji thought.
"That world, the Midnight Channel, the ability to enter TVs… They all feel like separate things. You know what I mean? First the rumors, then the serial murder, followed by us deciding to investigate the case… If they were really are separate, they wouldn't all fit together like this, right?" Yosuke put forth, "There has to be some kind of "conductor" behind all of this."
"So you think the person Adachi mentioned, the one who told him about the Midnight Channel, is this conductor?"
Everyone looked at her, and Chie got nervous, "D… Did I strike gold again? I… It's seriously something that just popped into my head."
"Senpai, is there anything like you can think of?"
"I just have to remember who that might be," Souji said, "I'm trying…" Souji thought that if the other two had heard about it as soon as they got here, and something had to have happened to them. Something must have happened to him. It hit him!
"There is something," Souji said, "I remember something."
"We were involved in a murder case last year, which we succeeded in solving. But the monster we fought last said we did well in "playing our parts"," Naoto deduced, "Perhaps this means Adachi and Namatame were "players" as well. Could it be that from the beginning, this serial murder case was merely a portion of a much larger scheme? And none of the people who were directly involved ever suspected it?"
"Until now," Rion said, "Trust a defective to figure something was up."
Yosuke gestured, "Hey, this "scheme"… Could it be the whole thing about filling both worlds with fog and turning mankind into Shadows?"
"Someone was behind the scenes then," Souji said, "Watching all of us… even Adachi and Ameno-sagiri."
"He manipulated Adachi and Namatame at the very beginning so the plan would work out perfectly?" Yosuke pondered.
Naoto suggested, "Let's go out into town. We might find something." She looked at Souji, "Although, you may be the only one capable of noticing it. Please contact the rest of us, should you come across anything."
Yosuke smirked, "We can't say our goodbyes tomorrow with this hanging over our heads! Let's go figure this out!"
As they were leaving, Souji thought, "I saw my relatives as soon I got off the train. I should talk to them first."
So, Souji headed out to try and find Dojima. Well, they weren't at the house like they said they were going to be. Souji ended up by the riverbed were he saw his cousin with Dojima nearby.
"Oh, Souji? Have you already finished seeing your friends?" Dojima asked as Souji came near.
"Just about, but I want to talk to you," Souji said.
"What's this about all of a sudden?" Dojima responded.
"The first day I arrived in town… What did I do?" he asked.
"The day you first came to town? We were the first ones to greet you, right?" Dojima pondered.
"Yeah," Souji answered.
"Did we stop anywhere along the way?" Dojima wondered, "I'm pretty sure me and Nanako left home that afternoon, picked you up, and came straight home." He laughed, "Now that I think back to that night, I was called straight back to work as soon as I got home, so I couldn't talk much. The very next day… Those murders started. A lot's happened since then, it's been one heck of a year, hasn't it?"
Nanako asked, "Hey, big bro? On that first day, didn't we stop at that one place? The gas station… I used the bathroom there."
"That's right," Souji responded. He started thinking back to the time he was at the gas station, but it was so long ago.
"You were talking to that weird attendant when I came back," Nanako continued.
"That weird attendant?" Souji asked.
Nanako nodded, "Yeah… When I first met you, I remembered the gas station attendant because he was weird."
Souji tried to remember meeting that gas station attendant.
Dojima said to Souji, "Hmm, now that you mention it, I do remember that… I filled the tank before we went home, huh? Yeah, I remember you talking to the attendant there. I didn't remember seeing him much before, so he stuck in my mind."
"That attendant…," Souji said to himself.
"But I don't know about calling him "weird"… It wasn't like he looked weird or acted funny. Yeah, come to think of it, I never saw that guy again."
Nanako cut in, "Umm… it wasn't really the attendant that looked weird. But after you talked to him, you looked sick, big bro."
"I looked sick?" Souji asked.
"You don't remember? I asked you on the way home "Are you carsick?" You said you were okay, but… That attendant… He was just a little scary for some reason."
"Hmm… I didn't know about that," Dojima shook his head.
"Really… I forgot," Souji commented.
Dojima continued, "I'm surprised you're asking all of these questions. I thought you just came here to reminisce. So why are you looking for the person you met first? Is something going on with that attendant? Is it someone you know?"
"It might be important, but you never know," Souji said. "Is this what we're looking for?" he thought.
Dojima had a frown on his face, "Well, just remember you're leaving tomorrow. I don't know what you're up to, but you should come home early tonight. There are some dark clouds on the horizon. It might rain soon."
"I understand," Souji said to the pair.
"Okay!" Nanako responded cheerfully.
"Well," As Souji started walking away, "Let's head to that gas station."
When he walked to the Shopping District, he decided to stop by the Velvet Room.
"Welcome… to the Velvet Room," Igor said as Souji entered.
"Hello," Souji replied.
"How may I help you?" Igor asked, "You have solved the mystery and deflected the fate that nearly fell upon you. Is there something else beyond this that you need our assistance with?"
"I don't think we're quite finished," Souji responded.
"There was something that led you here?" Igor pondered, "Well then, let's take a look and see what it is you might be sensing."
"Okay…," Souji nodded his approval as Igor held up his hands.
Shards of power appeared as Igor tried to see Souji's internal workings.
Margaret gasped at what she saw. Igor said, "Ah… This is a surprise. These are shards of power, allowing one to see through to the truth of things without being swayed by hollow rumors. Interesting… Indeed you have come here today for a reason."
"How does it relate to what I'm thinking?" Souji asked.
"I shall play my part as well," Igor nodded as he moved his hands. The shards of power came together to create an orb, "That is a crystal of power which you have nurtured through your journey. An orb that repels fabrications of all sorts, dispels lies, and shines upon the truth."
"Thanks…," Souji said as he pocketed the little, shining orb.
Margaret said to him, "Truth is a thing which only appears to those who have observed, considered, and made a choice. At the end of the path you chose lies the truth… Believe in it, and continue without faltering."
"I understand," Souji nodded.
"How marvelous," Igor chuckled, "It seems that you will reveal the journey's true end, one beyond our predictive power. Now go… To the place where everything began."
"I will," Souji said.
As Souji left the Velvet Room, it began raining.
He decided to go back one to the Room one more time. He had a feeling he should.
Only Margaret was there when he entered.
"Uh… hi, Margaret," Souji said.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room," she greeted him, "I wonder how many times it's been that we've seen each other like this."
"Many times," Souji responded.
"Apparently, we have met for a purpose after all," Margaret said, "Do you remember? The Velvet Room is inseparable from the heart of its invited guest. The shape of the room and its residents are selected by my master, based on the number of guests and their destiny. But my predecessor is gone from this place for a completely different reason."
"Why?" Souji asked.
"No one ordered her to leave… She left of her own free will, to accomplish her own ends. Such a thing cannot happen to the residents of the Velvet Room. So I wished to know the reasons behind it. This predecessor's name… was Elizabeth. My sister," Margaret explained.
"Your sister!?" Souji exclaimed.
"My ultimate aim was to bring that foolish girl to her senses and return her here. To do so, I had to know why she left. And I felt that the key to understanding rested with you," Margaret continued.
"With me, how?" Souji inquired.
"But now, I'm even more confused," Margaret said, "I can't say, whether her choice was, in fact, foolish or not. All residents of the Velvet Room are destined to find themselves. It was true for her as well. Why did she suddenly give up on her quest? That was my greatest worry. But then again… Maybe my premises were flawed. Maybe she found her answer, and so left this place. In which case, my role is not to blindly bring her back." She asked herself, "What is it that she gained? And… Who am I?"
"How are you going to find out?" Souji asked.
"What I may receive from you will most likely show me the answers to those questions," Margaret said.
"Not another kiss, I hope," Souji thought.
"That is why fate brought a guest who not only talks, but one who holds unmatched power," Margaret explained, "I would like to issue a request to you. Not as my master's guest, but a personal request from me to you."
"What would that be?" Souji inquired.
"Would you fight a match against me?" she asked.
"What the…!" Souji thought, "Fight Margaret!"
"I won't force you, of course. There's no reason for you to go that far. After all, if we were to clash… I might sever your thread of fate," Margaret told Souji.
"Great, she'd try to kill me," Souji thought.
"But encounters always bring change to both sides. If you emerge victorious, you will surely gain something as well," Margaret tried to persuade him, "Please consider this offer carefully before making your decision. Should you opt to accept my request… Bring this to me where I will wait."
Souji got an invitation from Margaret. It was colored blue and said, "I will be waiting for you at Heaven's End." He thought, "Okay, she'll be in Heaven. That's where I'll be if I fight her."
"I look forward to seeing you again," Margaret said as a farewell.
"Oh god…," Souji thought, "Here we go… fighting Margaret. Maybe I should send Rion to fight her. He'd kill her, but I'd feel bad sending her to an early grave."
Souji began walking over to the gas station. At the gas station, was the "weird" attendant. "It's time to get some answers," Souji thought, "I want to find out what the hell is going on."
"Hi there, can I help you?" the attendant asked.
"Isn't this where I first…," Souji tried to question the attendant.
"First? What are you talking about?" the attendant looked confused, "Oh? Is this about the part-time job? I'm sorry, we don't have an opening yet."
"Not quite," Souji answered, "Do you know Tohru Adachi?"
The attendant looked puzzled for a second and then said, "Ah, that serial murder suspect? A real tragedy, wasn't it? But the case was solved, right? Thank goodness."
Souji didn't move, so the attendant asked, "Is there something else I can help you with?"
"Did Namatame and Adachi come to this gas station?" Souji asked.
The attendant said to him, "Well, that's a weird question to ask. I don't know if it was right here, but I might have met them before. I've been in this town a long time, so yeah, there's a good chance. But it's not like I knew them personally." The attendant sounded annoyed, "If you've got nothing else, do you mind leaving me alone?"
Souji thought, "This has to be the guy."
When Souji pestered the attendant again the gas station manager brought up, "You need something else? Hey, I asked you to leave me alone. Did you miss that?"
"No, I'm not," Souji responded, "Did you do anything to those two when they came here?"
"Huh? To those two?" the attendant questioned. The attendant suddenly said to Souji, "Ah… That's right, I remember now. I think I met them when they first came to town. So I greeted them saying, "Welcome to Inaba". But that's all. Just that." The attendant laughed, "What about it?"
"Then what did you do to me?" Souji asked.
Again chuckling, "What did I do? You don't remember? I met you here when you first came to town, and did the exact same thing as what I did to those two. I greeted you, that's all. Remember? We talked for a couple of minutes." Looking at Souji, "Hey, mind if I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is it?" Souji responded.
"Why all these questions?" the attendant inquired, "Is there something that's bothering you? About the time when we first met?"
Souji nodded, "Did you give me the power?"
The attendant broke out in laughter, "Amazing! You've reached me at last. Let's drop this charade," as the attendant chuckled, "To be quite honest, I was waiting for you to come. Adachi… Namatame… And you, Souji… It is I, who awakened that power within you three. The ones who had potential. But having said that, I am rather surprised."
Souji faced down the attendant. "This is it," Souji thought. Here was the person that started it all, the person that caused everything.
"So the last battle wasn't enough for you?" the attendant asked.
"I'm just trying to find out the truth," Souji answered.
"You certainly have the powers I was expecting," the attendant continued.
Souji asked, "Who are you?"
"You must know by now. Isn't that why you came?" the attendant answered, "Your friends were drawn to the spark I stirred in you. That's why they are here now with their awakened powers. Still, I didn't think you'd make it all the way to me. Indeed, I never expected this at all. You're really something."
The attendant started to walk forward, and Souji readied himself.
The attendant said, "What, you don't remember? When you first came to town, I gave your power a gentle push. Just like… this."
---
Souji's mind suddenly went back to when he met the attendant.
"Are you in high school?"
"…," Souji nodded.
"Does it surprise you to see how little there is out here? There's so little to do, I'm sure you'll get bored fast. You'll either be hanging out with friends or doing part-time jobs. Speaking of which, we're actually looking for part-time help right now."
Both had walked up as the attendant had said, "Give it a thought, why don't you? We don't mind if you're a student." They had shook hands, and that's when Souji had felt sick.
---
Souji started feeling sick again, really dizzy.
"You're not the only one I welcomed to town with a handshake greeting," the attendant told Souji, "I did the same for a few other outsiders like you. A handful of strangers was more than sufficient to stimulate a small place like this."
The attendant started walking away from Souji. "But it seems the stimulus was stronger than I imagined… enough to envelop this town in fog, and later lift it. Not only that, you now stand in front of me as if your assigned part wasn't enough for you. What for?"
"To learn the truth, and end everything," Souji said from his knees.
The attendant turned around and said, "The fog has lifted, and you are still not content? Why such greed? I guess it's the foolish nature of being mortal."
"Being mortal? Oh god… Rion was right," Souji thought, "Damn…"
The attendant started changing, and was suddenly floating in the air, wearing a robe.
"I am… Izanami," Izanami said, "Ameno-sagiri, ruler of the fog, is merely an aspect of myself that I birthed long ago."
"Damn Rion, I hate when he's right," Souji thought.
"You awakened to a power I had not imagined," Izanami told Souji, "And now you face me with it. I can no longer ignore this situation as mere foolishness. This may be fate, as decreed by the world. Very well… This time, I shall pit my full strength against you. But in return… you must come prepared to follow through in your futile resistance." Izanami chuckled, "I'll be waiting for you." Izanami disappeared.
Souji shook his head as he was still dizzy. He could hear his friends yelling for him. Rion, Yosuke, Chie, and Yukiko ran up to Souji.
"Hey, are you alright!? Who was that you were just talking to!?" Chie asked worriedly, "Did she just disappear!? Wait… don't tell me!"
"That was Izanami," Souji explained, as he got to his feet, "She's the one who was behind it all. She gave the power to us all. She's on the other side."
"I was right about the higher power, I guess…," Rion pushed up his glasses, "I guess it isn't over, either."
Yosuke asked, "You're saying this so-called Izanami is the conductor, and she's waiting for us in the other world?"
"Yeah," Souji nodded.
"If we don't beat her, I'm sure it will just happen again," Yosuke said.
Chie said nervously, "O… Okay. The others aren't far off, so I'll call them up."
"Tell them this is the end of it all," Souji said.
"Right…," Yukiko said, "We'll put an end to her for sure."
"Alright, then once we're ready," Chie said, "Let's head to Junes."
Souji shook his head, as he thought about the fact that he had more battles to fight on the eve of him leaving.