-Summer Day 13-
They were coming in from Brazil, they both were supposed to be on a business trip. But once Dojima admitted that Souji was missing, his older sister Junko flew off the handle and cancelled the meeting the day before. She and her husband Richard hopped on the closest plane back to Japan without a further argument.
It was a reasonable reaction, Dojima would have- No, he did do the same thing when Nanako had gone missing, and sent himself to the hospital in the process. Parents always did irrational things when it came to the safety of their kids. Which is why Dojima didn't want Nanako with him here today. He had left her at home, not alone of course. Satonaka and her friends had heard from Amagi about the stay. That odd Teddie character and Miss Kujikawa offered to stay and keep her company.
Which was best…
Junko was furious with him, what mother wouldn't be? Siblings or not, her child was on the line and that would not deter her from tearing into Dojima herself if need be. The rest of Souji's ragtag team had offered to stay with him and meet them head on as well.
"We're as much to blame as well." Kanji had said.
So as they waited in a tense heavy silence for the incoming train, no one moved. Dojima wondered if they were just as anxious as he was, because honestly it wasn't often he felt this terrified. What would he say, what could he say to ease the pain of a bereft mother? Nothing could calm him when Nanako was in critical condition, the same was probably true for Junko.
Yukiko was breathing much too quickly for Chie's liking, and she was holding onto her hand tighter and tighter with each passing moment. She might just crush her hand when the train arrived. Kanji honestly felt a little sick, but it was probably too late to go to the bathroom right now. What really bothered him was Yosuke non-stop bouncing his leg. The older teen was chewing his lip and trembling only slightly. Naoto was too good at keeping her composure, but she sighed too often, a sign that she was off her game as well. Each tick of the clock was another second of agonizing wait and pressure.
The chime of the station signaled the arrival of an incoming train. Everyone stood much too quickly save for Yosuke who hadn't heard the chime initially due to listening to his headphones. The train pulled up with a slow screech and the sound of machinery coming to a halt. Yukiko's grip was killer on Chie's hand.
A few panicky heartbeats later, the doors slid open with a whoosh of air.
All of them had their own mental images of what Seta Souji's parents were like. Their leader was too smart, too cunning, athletic, talented, too perfect. So they had all assumed that his parents were alike in the same manner. Perfect parents for the perfect child.
They weren't wrong.
It was believable that Dojima and Junko were siblings just by looking at them. Her hair was mid-length and curled inwards and same coffee brown color as Dojima's. Looking at her, the whole of them could see Souji had his mother's eyes. Those steely grey eyes… They sent shivers down Kanji's spine. Despite being much shorter than her brother, she carried herself with confidence and pride, back straightened and nose in the air. She was above them all. Age hadn't overcome her just yet. With the aid of makeup she still looked surprisingly youthful for someone her age, her features delicate and soft. She was still wearing a business uniform, or perhaps it just looked so professional that it seemed that way…
The way her eyes befell them with such scrutiny no one could meet her eyes, when they fell upon Dojima, they widened with intense fury as she dropped her bag and without breaking her prideful stance, strode down the stairs to meet them.
Though the investigation team retreated a step or two, Dojima didn't move an inch, not even when Junko raised her hand and brought it across his face with such a crisp clear echoing crack that it made Naoto flinch.
He had deserved that…
Chie's eyes briefly scanned back to the train where Souji's father was and she gasped. Aside from his mother's eyes, Souji took after his father most. A regal atmosphere followed him, just as confident and as dignified as his wife, Richard stood tall, towering over them in height. He didn't look 100% Japanese, there were rough defined European features there that gave him such a distinguished look. Strong stubbled jaw, hard bridging nose, at the very least his bright blue eyes were gentler than his wife's. Now they knew where their leader got his silver hair from, Richard hair was a platinum blonde in the right lighting it looked nearly snow white.
He was just as beautiful as his wife. Though he seemed much more relaxed, but the way he narrowed his eyes at Dojima specifically, he was angry, and no one wanted to get on his bad side.
"What do you have to say for yourself?" Junko's voice was dangerously low and her lip trembled.
Dojima had nothing to say, he couldn't excuse himself or give her any news that they were close to finding her son. The red welt that was forming on his cheek burned hot, but that wasn't as painful as the look of betrayal on his sister's face.
"Where were you Ryotaro?!" he voice was rising in intensity all the while Dojima stood there, taking the beratement like it was something he deserved, "We trusted you to look after our son, and now you say he's gone?!" Yukiko was finding it hard to breathe in this atmosphere as Junko's voice grew louder and louder.
"I-it's not his fault ma'am!" Yosuke hastily piped up in Dojima's defense.
That very moment Junko whipped around to look at them with a raging fire in her eyes. Yosuke decided to try and hide behind Kanji. Yikes if looks could kill.
"And who do you think you are?!" she demanded sizing them all up before scowling as if they were trash on the ground!
Clearing her throat, Naoto was the first to speak up, "Naoto Shirogane ma'am. And these are my friends, Yosuke Hanamura, Kanji Tatsumi, Yukiko Amagi, and Chie Satonaka." she was surprisingly calm in the way she spoke, trying to stand up to her in the same dignified manner.
Miss Junko's eyes narrowed at the lot of them an unbecoming snarl taking over her face, "And you all! You're his friends aren't you?! Why would you let him go alone?! You're as much at fault as he is!" she screeched with fury, startling Naoto.
They had just directed her fury at themselves without meaning to, a mother's rage sure was terrifying!
"Junko!" Dojima had put a hand on her shoulder to placate his sister or at least in hopes in diverting her attention back at him, "They're just kids, they didn't know it would happen. Don't take your anger out on them!" he pleaded in a hushed solemn tone.
at first she only glared daggers at her brother before shoving his hand away, "I don't want to hear it from you! Because of your negligence my son is missing! And what do you have to show for your efforts?! Nothing!" she punctuated her sentences by harshly jabbing her perfectly manicured nails into his chest before shoving him away.
She opened her mouth to say another poisoned declaration until a large hand came down on her shoulder gently, "Darling, think rationally here. Anger will get you nowhere." Richard's voice was low and smooth, and for a moment Yukiko let out a held in breath at the voice of reason.
"After all," he leaned down to whisper into her ear just loud enough so that he was certain everyone could still hear it, "The longer you stand here screaming your head off at him is another moment he's not out there doing his job and looking for our son." his words seethed with malice though his demeanor remained calm and prideful.
Kanji gulped.
Richard stood and cleared his throat, Junko's hand firmly on his own, squeezing tightly as she continued to leer at Dojima, "We'd like to go now. We'll leave you to your work." his eyes fell on Yukiko and Chie could feel her tense up, "You're heir to the Amagi Inn, no? Would you mind showing us the way?" he asked in a sugar-coated polite tone that was anything but sweet.
Yukiko slowly nodded, trembling and holding Chie's hand for dear life, "R-right this way, shall I help you with your bags?"
"No need, thank you though." he nodded his head, "Simply lead the way."
Yukiko was hesitant to release her best friend's hand, but it had to be done to lead the two vicious parents away to their temporary residence. Chie looked on in concern after Yukiko, her palm feeling cold where her warm hand once was. She couldn't tell whose was sweatier, Yukiko's or her own.
Yosuke had a few choice words to say once they were out of earshot, but out of respect for Dojima, he kept quiet for the time being. With a tired sigh and an even more exhausted demeanor, Dojima rubbed his face tenderly looking where his sister had just stormed off. He didn't need her to tell him he fucked up…
"Listen kids, uh…" he rubbed the back of his neck and cleared his throat, "Sorry you had to be here for all that…" he sighed, "I think I'm just- just gonna head back to the station. Please tell Nanako I'll be home late tonight." he looked so weary as he didn't wait for a response, he turned and trudged back to the police station with a slump in his shoulders.
The investigation team could only look on with worry as he did so. Only when he was out of sight did Yosuke finally speak up,
"W O W! That was the single most tense, horrific moment of my life! I honestly thought she was gonna rip into someone's throat!" he cried waving his hands in the air to cool his sweating palms.
Naoto herself let out a whoosh of air, "I had expected her to be on edge, but she was outright hostile. A normal reaction but… To such an extent…" she tilted her hat to cover her face.
Kanji nodded in agreement, "She's out for blood that chick is." he rubbed the back of his head, "But her kid is missing, that's just what moms do right? When their kid is in danger?"
"Yeah…" Chie swallowed hard, "I understand she's upset, she has every right to be. I just hope she defuses in a bit." she straightened her shirt and brushed past the rest of them, "You all go back to Teddie and Rise-chan, I'm going with Yukiko, I can't leave her alone in the lion's den. We'll catch up with you later."
And with that she jogged off. If Yukiko caught the right bus already, it'd be another 30 minutes or so before Chie could meet up with her at the inn, but maybe she could catch up with them in time, it wasn't that far a run.
"We shouldn't keep Rise-chan waiting." Kanji muttered, "'sides, Nanako's gonna need a lot of company tonight." he added.
"Right," Yosuke nodded, "How about we pick her up something on the way there? Maybe she's hungry."
Naoto smiled gently, anxiety slowly ebbing away, "Good idea Yosuke-senpai. Lead the way?" she motioned for him to take the lead down the road.
"Why thank you Naoto-kun, let's go!" he declared with a smile as he spun on his heel to walk in the opposite direction.
It was all he could do to take his mind off his missing best friend and his grieving parents.
- o O o-
"Alright Nanako, pick a number!" Rise chipperly cried out offering an open cootie catcher to the young girl who pondered over the choice with thought.
"Four!" she then declared.
With an agreeable nod, Rise began to flip back and forth counting as she did so, "One, two, three, four!" she held it open one more time, "Alright, pick one more number!"
Nanako looked between the numbers and finally pointed "Two!"
Rise grinned brightly and peeled open the flap, "Alright, let's see what you got!" she took a quick peek at the flap and blanched, she was beginning to wish she had made one herself rather than printing out a pre-made template, "Something once lost will be found." she read aloud sounding unsure she should have.
Teddie made a face that it was a bad choice of words.
"Does it mean Big Bro?!" the hope in Nanako's voice was enough to shatter their hearts into tiny pieces.
Teddie pat her head tenderly, "Of course Nana-chan! These things never lie, so it's gotta mean Sensei will turn up at any moment!"
Rise would have told Teddie not to make false promises like that, but in this case she would allow it. Because no matter what happened, they would bring Souji-senpai home, even moreso now that they had a promise to keep to Nanako.
Not seconds later did the doorbell ring loudly. Nanako gasped and shot up faster than Teddie could blink curiously. Bolting for the door, she didn't even bother checking to see who it was before flinging the door open to see only a startled Yosuke with grocery bags in each hand. Naoto and Kanji looked equally shocked behind him, exchanging concerned glances.
Nanako didn't mean to let the disappointment and sadness show on her face.
"W-woah there Nanako-chan, are you ok?" Yosuke tripped over his choice of words.
She sighed dejectedly, "I'm fine…"
"A little bad timing on your part is all." Rise spoke up from behind Nanako, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Oh, yikes, uh… Sorry." Kanji averted his gaze apologetically.
Yosuke quickly held up the grocery bags as a diversion, "We brought food!"
"Ooooh! Thanks Yosuke, I'm starving!" Teddie butted in, worming past Rise.
Skillfully swiping the bags back, Yosuke held them high above his head, "No no no, these aren't for you bear! These are for Nanako-chan!" he adamantly stated.
"Yosuke-senpai there's plenty for everyone." Naoto smiled stepping past him and kneeling to Nanako's level, "May we come in?"
Looking up at her, Nanako's frown turned into a serene gentle smile, "Of course!" she giggled and stepped aside, allowing the three to enter.
Nanako hurried into the kitchen to fetch glasses and plates, pausing only to look at the coffee mug that belonged to Souji. She felt a pang of loneliness and desperation. But she was a big girl now, she wouldn't cry.
She set the glasses down and opened the fridge, "Does anybody want anything to drink?"
"Hey let us take care of that Nanako, you go sit down and have some fun!" Kanji ruffled her hair playfully and nudging her towards the table.
"Ok!" she beamed at him and took a seat among the others.
"So where's Chie and Yukiko?" Rishe asked twirling a lock of her hair between her fingers idly.
Yosuke huffed while leaning back on his hands, "Back at the Inn taking care of the dragon parents. They said they'd meet us later."
With a gasp Rise suddenly leaned in, "How'd it go? What were they like?!" she asked completely enthralled.
Just as eager to tell the event, Yosuke leaned in as well as though he had a secret to tell, "They're scary as hell Rise! They're too perfect, just like Souji! Like his mom looked like the scary CEO of some major corporation and his dad looked the same except maybe he could have been a model back when he was way younger! Now they both look like distinguished ol' millionaires that could buy this whole town and still have money leftover!" he then put his hands in his head, "It was so nerve wracking, I honest to god thought his mom was going to bite someone's head off."
Rise took a deep breath, "Oh my god…" she sounded both intrigued and appalled.
Yosuke broke into nervous laughter, "And that's not even the half of it, his mom blames all of us for him going missing." that laughter soon broke down into pained groans as he hid his face in his arms as he rest on the table.
"Wh-" Rise blinked, "But that's not fair, it's not our fault!" she was offended, "We didn't know that would be the last time we saw him!"
"I knoooowww." Yosuke groaned rubbing his face, "But this lady is out for us. One wrong move and it's off with our heads." he motioned his fingers across his neck.
"She sounds brutal." Rise frowned.
"She didn't even…" Yosuke furrowed his brows, "She didn't even cry Rise. Not a single tear. Like she was more angry than worried. What mom doesn't cry for their kid?"
Teddie pursed his lip, having overheard the entire conversation. Maybe Mama-Sensei was soooo sad she was just angry? Well, Teddie never had a mother, he didn't really know how mommy's were supposed to act. All he ever knew was Yosuke's mama and she was sweet and spoiled them both rotten.
Back in the kitchen, Kanji had already donned a rather colorful apron, oddly enough that was probably Souji's when he stayed here… Either way, Kanji had a determined fire blazing in his eyes as he looked at the food Yosuke had bought, "Alright Naoto, what can we make with this?"
"Wh-wait me?" Naoto looked up at him in surprise.
Realizing he had assumed that since Naoto was the best cook she would be helping and never personally asked her help. Right….
His face burned a tint of pink as he avoided her gaze, "W-well yeah. I mean if you're up to it since I figured that you're the best cook we got. You an' me could make something fit to be presented to a king!" he rushed his words, sometimes his words sounding garbled.
It took her a moment to process his meaning before she smiled wryly, "My cooking isn't the best, I'm just good at following the instructions in the book." she giggled tugging her hat off and setting it down away from the kitchen, "But I'll gladly lend my assistance. Let's see what we have to work with." she stood beside Kanji and rummaged through the bag, unaware of his face burning hydrant red.
"Here Yosuke, wanna play?" Nanako smiles holding out the same cootie catcher from moments ago.
Yosuke doesn't have the heart to say how childish it is, instead he nods wholeheartedly before Rise jams a hand in front of his face,
"Wait wait wait, how about we each make our own and we use those? So that was everyone gets a wide variety of fortune's!" she quickly offered recalling that the one in Nanako's hand was merely a template and had gotten her hopes up so high already. Best not to have a repeat.
Nanako beamed, "Yeah, yeah! I wanna learn how to make a cootie catcher!"
"You too Yosuke, no holding out ok?" Rise adds in with a mischievous grin.
He tries not to groan.
- o O o-
This is Yukiko's moment to show all she's learned about managing the Inn. Despite her fear of these two, she tries her hardest to steel herself for their harsh glares and silent disapproval. She's never had to act so professional in order to keeps these wolves at bay. She doesn't like it, she doesn't feel herself when she leads them into the Inn with a stern tone and stiff posture.
Even the way they look at the Inn, her home, it really puts her down. They look like they've seen so much better, they probably have considering they've traveled the world. Compared to the large cities they've seen, the fancy hotels they've stayed at, the Amagi Inn must look positively rustic. That still didn't mean they should look at it like it was worthless. This was her home and these people were her family.
They didn't speak a word to her the entire trip there, nor as she led them to their rooms. But she could feel their eyes hot as coals on her back. Scalding and scathing, she prayed for this moment to pass without seeming like she was rushing. Patience, patience, patience….
"If there's anything else you require, please don't hesitate to call upon our services." Yukiko finished with a low polite bow.
They said nothing, didn't even look her way, not Junko nor Richard. She took it as a cue to close the sliding door shut and leave them to their privacy. She upheld her composure down the hallways, down the stairs, to the back of the Inn where her room was. Only then did she gasp for breath, and sink against the wall to her floor, head in her hands. Dealing with these folks are going to lead her to an early grave! How did Souji ever live with them?
Perhaps such strict parents are why he was so cold and silent when he first transferred here…
The phone in her bag was ringing silently, just enough for Yukiko to hear the vibrations. She dug through it pulling out the small phone, seeing it was Chie calling! She scrambled to answer and let out a sigh of relief!
"Chie thank goodness, it's so great to hear your voice right now." she almost wheezed.
"Yukiko you sound winded, are you ok?! I swear I'm on the next bus over, I'll be there soon!" her voice sounded panicked and concerned, "Ooooh if they did or said anything to make you cry just you wait, I don't care if they ARE Souji's parents I'll give 'em a wallop!"
Yukiko laughed out cheerily, good ol' Chie coming to her rescue as always… She smiled to herself and cradled the phone affectionately, "I'm fine Chie, they didn't say anything actually. But I'd still like to have you over, besides your stuff's still in my room from yesterday."
There was a pause followed by a chuckle, "Oh right, I forgot I planned to stay over anyway." Chie admitted bashfully.
"A-anyway I'll be there soon!"
Yukiko nodded, "Ok, I'll meet you outside. See you soon."
There was a moment where she ended the call and let out a huff of air, sitting on the floor only a moment longer to regain her composure and to collect her thoughts. After a bit of meditation she pushed herself from the floor and took a deep breath, turning around and leaving her room to meet her best friend.
- o O o-
"Yikes Dojima-san, your face looks like you had a run-in with an awol train." Tatsuya ogled the bright red handprint on Dojima's cheek.
Well not very subtle… Dojima only raised his eyes to shoot him a skeptical look before shaking his head in aggravation, "I think I'd prefer a train. But no, just… Just my sister."
Tatsuya opened his mouth to say something, but promptly decided to settle for a sympathetic, "Ooooh…"
"Until we find Souji-kun… She'll turn this town over brick by brick to find him." Dojima sounded exhausted, he looked it too. Had he ever rested since this case began?
"Hell hath no fury like a bereft mother…" he muttered to himself.
A warmth was at his back, he could feel Apollo towering over him, putting clawed hands on his shoulders, "The urgency in which we find this Seta Souji is drastically increasing with each passing day. There are too many pawns on the board now, too many that hold a strong connection to him that can be pulled into the danger." Apollo uttered in a low serious tone.
Tatsuya could only nod to himself, not wanting Dojima to hear him speak to his own Persona.
"Don't worry sir, We'll find him soon. I've got a good feeling about this."
"And you're asking me to trust this… Intuition of yours?" Dojima didn't seem to appreciate Tatsuya's attempt at cheering him up.
With a nonchalant shrug, the younger officer offered a small smile, "When I have a feeling about something, it's usually justified… Good or bad." he added in a hushed voice to himself.
He turned around and left the office with only another cheer of "Hang in there."
This Seta kid better make himself found fast. So many people are hurting because he's gone. You have great friends and family kid, don't leave them like this…
-Summer Day 16-
It had been three days since any clues had surfaced. The Investigation Team searched high and low in the Theatre labyrinth for something that could give them even the tiniest advantage. But all there was to find were the momentos that he kept from each of his closest friends. Even then they were locked tightly in glass cases that wouldn't budge and the glass simply wouldn't break!
Well, to say that they found nothing wasn't entirely true. The movie posters hanging abound at the front of the theatre. The one labeled "The Storyteller" had been X'd out with red paint. And the main golden framed poster labeled "The Silver Tongue" had now met the same fate. But aside from it were all pictures depicting Souji in some form or manner. "The Freak Show", "The Star", "The Sacrificial Lamb", "The Accomplice", "The Riddler." and so many others.
"19." Naoto muttered to herself.
With the exclusion of the crossed out two, there was 19. Almost the same amount that Suou-san had predicted. So then were these all hints at the facets of Souji's personalities that they've yet to face? If that was the case, which one would be the one they faced next? And from what of it's title and poster could hint at to what they'd have to expect?
"Suou-san said that they were based off Tarot cards, right?" Chie asked putting her hands on her hips and tilting her head as if looking at the posters from a different angle would show something that she hadn't seen there before.
Naoto frowned and tried thinking long and hard, Tarot readings were only pure superstition and held no real value in the topic of fortune telling. After Suou-san mentioned them, she did only a quick brief-over to confirm that there were indeed 21 main arcanas, but she neglected to look into each individual meaning.
"Well thing is, if it's going in order." Kanji pointed out with a shrug prompting all eyes on him as he looked at the poster carefully, "First shadow acted like a damn clown, and the whole circus gig going on, that might've been the Fool. Second guy was obviously a magician, so I'm gonna guess he was the Magician. So that means the High Priestess is next."
At the sound of silence, Kanji slowly turned around to find his friends staring at him incredulously.
"Wh-what?" his face turned bright red, "I might've looked into them a bit and they're really fuckin' interesting I've found out." he crossed his arms adamantly and pouting.
Rise broke out into a bright smile, "That's incredible Kanji! Your hidden talents never cease to amaze!" she skipped over and gave him a quick hug causing his skin to burn bright red.
Naoto smiled with a nod, "Indeed, so if it's following an order, we can know what to expect."
"Yeah, that'll make these next 19 battles a little more bearable." Yosuke declared eagerly.
Teddie nudged him playfully, "You mean BEAR-able?"
"I walked right into that one…" Yosuke sighed.
"So now we just have to wait for the next rainy day and see if our suspicions are confirmed!" Yukiko cried out excitedly looking to each of her friends.
With a skip in his step, Yosuke marched on back to the meetup point, "Sounds like it, unless they'd like to meet us head on in one go and get it all over with."
Naoto followed suit with a small frown, "That would be a very bad idea, we'd be hilariously outnumbered and even with all of us against one, Senpai's shadows are not to be taken lightly."
"Well now we'll see 'em coming from a mile away, and if we can predict them, maybe we can catch Souji-kun early on!" Yukiko smiled happily following close behind.
"And when we do-" Chie came up with an energetic punch-kick combo to the air, "We'll bring him home kicking and screaming if we have to!"
Kanji pumped a fist in the air, "Hell yeah we will!"
Rise looked back to the theatre, 20 posters in all, but 21 arcanas… One's missing.
Wait did the others just overlook that?Kanji himself just said there was 21! And Naoto confirmed there was 21, so why weren't they saying anything about the missing one?!
"Wh-what about the missing one?" she finally called out, halting her friend's progress.
Chie furrowed her brows, "Missing… One?"
Slowly they all walked back to the theatre entrance and Naoto inspected the posters. Wait… One of them was missing! But she was certain she counted all 21! Which is the one that disappeared?
"I'm not seeing it, all the same ones are here!" Teddie called out looking them over.
"Yeah all the ones I remember seeing are here." Chie agreed on the other end.
That can't be right, if all of them were there then there should be 21 total. So why was everyone only counting 20?
Teddie growled worriedly, "This… Doesn't bode beary well…" he muttered still counting over and over.
What really bothered Naoto was she couldn't recall which one was missing, had she really miscounted? But she could have swore she counted 19, including the two crossed out! Yosuke hummed with worry and turned to the others,
"Maybe we should come back another time? No matter how many times we count we're short one." He offered, "If we stay here looking for it, we might just go crazy." he chuckled nervously.
"Yeah…" Yukiko agreed unsurely, her gaze lingering far too long before turning her back to this odd and confusing place.
No, no no this was going to drive Naoto crazy, she knew she counted 21! Kanji's hand brushing against her wrist brought her back to reality, she looked to him with shock.
All he could do was offer her a sympathetic look as he nodded his head towards the others who were already walking the red carpet out. The one that was missing… Which one could it be?