Whew! Sorry guys, I meant to have this up yesterday, but I wasn't quite sure where to stop, so I kinda just kept writing. Anyways I'm going to take the time this time to acknowledge and respond to my reviewers, I really appreciate y'alls continued support as I tackle this thing. I'm having fun writing this, and I want you guys to get as much enjoyment out of it as I do! Anyways, in no particular order, a sound off to my reviewers!

Meia42: That's good to hear! Frankly I don't know why some chapters are harder than others. I guess it feels like some scenes should be preserved while others are open to a little more interpretation I guess. Anyways, thanks for your continued support!

MasterBlaster01: That's what I'm hoping for! I'm glad that you're enjoying the story so far. Random side note, have you played Master Blaster on the psone? I freakin' loved that game back in the day!

Pinpon: I'm glad you think so! While I still have a ways to go before I can hang with the real greats of this site your words are certainly encouraging! Thank you!

Elia950: Better than the game you say? That's high praise indeed, and I am truly flattered. Truthfully I can find enjoyment in pretty much all the pairings. Chie's definitely my favorite though!

And last but not least thanks to my Alerters/Subscribers, those emails are encouraging as well! Well, enjoy the latest chapter and if you like it or have any suggestions please let me know!

"Alright, so what the hell is going on?"

The Investigation Team was gathered on the roof along with Kanji, the group preparing to explain the secrets of the shadow world.

"You've heard about the murders right?" Yosuke began. Kanji nodded, prompting Yosuke to continue. "Well it turns out that the victims were kidnapped and dumped into the TV world. The rest you've seen for yourself."

Kanji's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you're sayin' that that those shadow things… killed 'em?"

"Exactly," Yu replied. "The victim's shadow's would get more powerful the more they were denied, eventually overpowering them entirely. In your case, you managed to face yourself, so your shadow instead became your persona."

Kanji cracked his knuckles in anticipation. "So you're sayin' that now I can kick some shadow ass and give the killer a poundin' like he never knew?"

Yu chuckled at Kanji's enthusiasm. "Well, yes. That is, if you're willing to join us. You've seen how it is in there so you know as well as we do how dangerous it is."

Kanji slammed his fist into his palm. "Hell yeah!" Suddenly becoming uncharacteristically awkward he continued, "That is… if you'll have me…"

Yu extended his hand towards Kanji, prompting the younger teen to grin. "Welcome aboard Kanji."

"Thanks senpai," Kanji said appreciatively. "So when're we gonna get started?"

"Any time you're up for it let us know and we'll see if we can do it," Yu responded.

"Just tell me when and I'll be there!" Kanji said.

"Well alright then, if one of us calls you, head to the Junes food court, we meet up there before going in."

Kanji nodded. "Gotcha senpai." Suddenly shifting nervously Kanji said, "W-well, I gotta head home… Ma said she needs some help around the shop so…" He trailed off, waving awkwardly as he left the roof.

Yukiko smiled. "It looks like he really hasn't changed all that much."

"Yeah I'll say," Chie said. "He might put on the 'tough guy' act but I'm willing to bet that he's really just a big softie!"

"Whatever the case, try not to give him too much of a hard time about it," Yu said. "If his shadow was any indication, then I'd say that's a sensitive topic."

The rest of the team nodded in agreement. Chie had to hand it to Yu. He always seemed to have a handle on people, no matter who they were. Breaking the silence, Yu announced, "Well, we should all probably get some studying in, with exams starting Monday."

The mention of the tests was enough to elicit a groan from Chie and Yosuke and a firm nod from Yukiko. On that note, the Investigation Team split up to attend their real world commitments.

As Chie made her way home along with Yukiko, her friend extended an invitation to study at the inn. Yukiko was known for consistently having top marks on exams, so Chie gladly accepted, hoping that some of her friends smarts would rub off on her in the process. As they made their way inside, they were greeted by one of the inn's attendants.

"Good afternoon Kasai-san," Yukiko greeted, bowing politely.

"And to you as well Yukiko-chan! I see you've brought Chie-chan as well!"

Yukiko nodded. "We're about to study for exams."

"Well then, study hard! Let me know if you plan on getting together with the chefs, I'm sure this boy of yours would appreciate it after the tests are over!"

"Kasai-san!" Yukiko squeaked, her cheeks flushed scarlet, prompting the older woman to laugh as she shooed them off to go study.

After walking a short distance Chie gave her friend a knowing look. "So what was that all about?"

Yukiko blushed again at what Chie was implying. "I-it's not like that! I… just wanted to learn cooking and, since I had never really expressed much interest before, the others assumed… well… you know!"

"Aww that's no fun!"

"Well… Yu-kun has been taste testing for me lately," Yukiko admitted. "I… well, I don't think I'm very good, and I didn't want to make anyone at the inn try it, and while I was talking to Yu-kun while we were searching for Kanji-kun it came up and…"

Chie felt a pang of some emotion… jealousy, perhaps run through her, though she quickly squashed the feeling and put on a smug grin, prompting her friends face to match the hue of her trademark cardigan.

"It's not like that though! Yu-kun is very nice," Yukiko began, seeing an opportunity to reverse the situation. "But, I'd say he already has his eyes on someone…"

"Huh? Really?" Chie asked, unable to conceal her surprise. Glancing at her raven-haired friend, she noticed that her expression of embarrassment had quickly turned mischievous. Chie quickly became exasperated. "Not this again! You're crazy, you know that!"

Yukiko shrugged, then giggled, "If you say so. Come on, we have lots of things to cover."

Chie shivered, "Ugh, I'd almost prefer to talk about your crazy ideas." Noticing her friend's playful gaze, "Almost…"

Yukiko shrugged as if to say 'suit yourself' as they made their way into her room to prepare for a last minute cram session.

Sitting down at Yukiko's desk Chie suddenly was reminded of the upcoming camping trip. "Speaking of cooking though, I saw that we're grouped together with the guys for the camping trip this weekend. Whaddaya say we cook up something, maybe show Yosuke that I CAN cook!"

Yukiko smiled, "I'll be looking forward to it!"

Exam week had been grueling. Chie currently had her head resting on her desk, hoping the cool surface would soothe the pounding headache that had accumulated after a week's worth of mental exertion.

"Whew, am I glad that's over!" Yosuke exclaimed, sighing with audible relief. "So how do you think you did partner? Easier than the stuff in the city maybe, but still…"

Yu shrugged, "It was pretty easy, I knew pretty much everything, though there were a handful of things I wasn't completely sure about."

"I'm sure you did fine," Yosuke said reassuringly. "Chie on the other hand…"

"Shut up," Chie replied, though the retort was half-hearted at best. Man, I am so screwed when grades get posted.

"Yu-kun, what did you put on the question about the tallest mountain in the solar system," Yukiko asked.

"Olympus Mons," Yu answered easily.

"Ah, good, that's what I put too!"

Chie meanwhile groaned. Dammit, Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain on earth not the solar system… Stupid, Chie, stupid! Chie berated herself mentally.

"Well, I doubt my score will be anything to write home about but, whatever. Hey gang, let's celebrate at our secret headquarters, my treat!"

The offer alone immediately got Chie's attention. "Why so generous all of a sudden?"

"Just got my check, and I have some spare cash after saving up for something I've been meaning to get for a while now! Soon, all the ladies will be swooning over me and my new motorcycle!"

Chie rolled her eyes as she began gathering her things. "Whatever, as long as there some meat in the deal, I could care less."

Yosuke went on ignorant of Chie's disinterest, animatedly talking with Yu about getting their licenses together as they made their way to their frequent haunt at Junes.

After indulging themselves with the Junes food court's new selection of steaks, inspiration struck Chie. "So are you guys ready for the camping trip?"

"You mean by picking up crap all day to build 'town pride' or something? I was pretty excited till I heard about that…" Yosuke groaned.

"Well yeah, but hey, we're all grouped together so it should be fun! The first years are coming too, so maybe we'll see Kanji-kun too! By the way, Yukiko and I were planning on cooking for all of us!"

Suddenly Yosuke perked up, while Yu paled visibly. "Really? I don't know about you Chie but Yukiko-san's got generations of Amagi hospitality behind her!"

"Hey!"

Yosuke went on, unabated by Chie's protest. "By the way, on the last day we have some time to goof off right?"

Chie glanced at Yosuke suspiciously. "Well… yeah, people usually go swimming in the river or something. Why?"

Yosuke grinned broadly. "Oh no reason." Glancing at his phone he abruptly got up, slinging his Junes apron over his shoulder. "Well I'm back on shift, so I'll catch you guys later!"

Watching him go, Chie eyed Yosuke. Something doesn't quite seem right, Chie mused. Shifting her glance to Yu she asked, "Hey, you've been hanging out with Yosuke long enough to know he's up to something, right? What do you think his play is this time?" Yu responded with a shrug and Chie sighed. I guess we'll find out sooner or later. "Oh well, anyways," Chie looked over at Yukiko, her tone becoming excited. "What do you think we should make Yukiko?"

Yukiko appeared deep in thought for a moment. "How about something simple, like curry?"

"Oh yeah, that sounds good! C'mon lets go get ingredients!"

"I'll tag along," Yu offered, hoping that he could save their stomachs from impending doom.

"Well, alright," Chie agreed. "But let us do the shopping, Yosuke will never let me live it down if he found out you helped out." Yu only sighed in response as they made their way to the grocer section of the store. "Let's see," Chie mused, glancing at all the sheer amount of possibilities offered in front of them. After some deliberating, Yukiko and Chie opted to make a slightly more unorthodox curry. Unbeknownst to the pair, Yu merely watched in utter shock as the two gathered a strange motley of ingredients that would definitely NOT make an edible form of curry.

With as much stealth as possible, Yu quickly tried to replace the chocolate sauce that Yukiko selected with mirin, only to be caught red handed by Chie.

"Hey, just what are you trying to pull!"

"Err… well, I just thought that this would complement the other ingredients better," Yu replied sheepishly.

Yukiko quickly joined in. "Do you not trust us Yu-kun?"

"N-no, it's not that I was just… trying to help," Yu stammered, looking guilty.

"Well we don't need it!" Chie said firmly. "If you're just gonna interfere then get lost!"

Yu sighed in defeat. "Alright, but if you need any pointers-"

"Save it," Chie cut off. "You just wait, it's gonna be delicious!"

Yu only sighed as he made his way out of the store.

"I don't know Chie, maybe we should have listened," Yukiko mused. "Of all of us Yu-kun seems to have the most experience cooking."

"Maybe," Chie admitted. "But I'll be damned if I let Yosuke get the last word in! We can do it right!" Yukiko nodded firmly. "That's what I thought! Now, I heard adding coffee is good for adding flavor…"

"Maybe some sea food would add more depth," Yukiko suggested.

As Chie took a cautionary sniff at the concoction brewing in front of her.

"Do you think we should taste it first?" Yukiko asked hesitantly.

"Well… let's just see what the guys think."

Yukiko nodded slowly, and they quickly prepared two servings of their 'curry.'

"W-well dinners ready!" Chie announced.

"Oh man, I've been waiting all day for this!" Yosuke exclaimed.

"Uhh… we made it with a lot of love!" Chie offered weakly.

"Well that's a little cliché, but hey, time to dig in," Yosuke went on, quickly moving in to devour Chie and Yukiko's creation. Putting the food in his mouth, Yosuke instantly went blue in the face, quickly leaning over the bench and spewing out the contents. "Wha- what the hell!" Yosuke cursed after he had recovered. "Curry is supposed to be spicy or mild, not... slimy and gritty at the same time! Pointing a accusing finger at the offending pot, he went on, "That, is NOT edible!"

Chie guilt quickly turned into anger. "That's only what you think!" She gave Yu a hopeful glance.

"Dude… don't. I'm saying this as your friend!" Yosuke warned.

Still faced with the expectant gaze of Yukiko and Chie, Yu was left with little choice. Gulping, he moved fast, taking a bite before he lost his nerve and then swallowing quickly.

Chie stood in total awe. Hey, he ate it!

Weakly Yu said, "W-well, it's not too-"Suddenly he collapsed onto the bench.

"Partner!" Yosuke panicked. "Great, now your Mystery Food X took out Yu!"

"Umm, is he okay?" Yukiko murmured.

Chie quickly approached Yu's supine form, noticing the slight rise and fall of his chest. Exhaling in relief, "Well he's still breathing."

"With whatever you guys whipped up, he's lucky to have even be alive!" Yosuke shouted.

A couple of minutes later, Yu recovered from his Mystery Food X induced coma, washing the taste out his mouth with water.

"Man, now we have nothing to eat!" Yosuke groaned. "I'm so hungry…" He whimpered.

"We're sorry," Chie said apologetically.

"Well, I might have prepared some back up boxed lunches, just in case," Yu offered.

Yosuke beamed at Yu, "Really? Way to go partner, our stomachs are saved!"

"Yeah, thanks," Chie grumbled. "So you knew this was gonna happen?"

Yu sighed. "Not even I could have made anything out of the stuff you guys bought." Retrieving four bento boxes from his bag he returned to their group's table. "It's… curry…"

Yosuke quickly tore open his box and got started on his. "Man! Now that's curry!"

Chie groaned. Insult to injury…

The sun had long since set, with the boys and girls of all classes being separated on different sides of the camp. Yukiko and Chie were grouped in the same tent, although unfortunately they had to share with Hanako Ohtani, an infamously large and, as they discovered, loud student.

At the moment, Chie was trying her best to cover her ears from snoring loud enough to wake the dead. Nothing they had done had managed to rouse the sleeping giant, and Chie would be hard pressed to sleep in their current predicament. Letting out a cry of frustration, "I can't take this anymore!"

"What should we do," Yukiko whispered.

Chie was about to say something when a loud footsteps accompanied by heavy breathing could be heard. "I'll show that frickin' punk, I'm ten times the man he is!"

Huh? Kanji? Chie thought in confusion. Suddenly the zipper to their tent was opened, and Chie instinctively delivered a strong kick to the intruder. As Chie examined the now unconscious form of Kanji, she sighed. "Man, now we definitely can't stay here!" Weighing her options, she moved to get out of the tent. "C'mon Yukiko let's get out of here!"

"But where are we going?" Yukiko asked.

"To Yu and Yosuke's tent."

"But if we're caught-"

"Shh!" Chie hushed, noting a teacher patrolling nearby. Once they had passed she continued. "Don't worry, we'll be out before sunrise, and I'll make sure they don't try anything funny," Chie reassured. Hoping that that she had remembered the right tent, she whispered into the night, "Hey are you guys in here?"

"Chie?" A muffled Yosuke replied. "What the heck are you doing out there?"

"Never mind that! If we get caught out here we're gonna be in serious trouble!"

"Wait Yukiko-san is with you too! Dammit, just hurry up and get inside!"

A lamp within the tent turned on, prompting Chie to enter quickly. Pushing aside the tent flap, she found Yu and Yosuke seated inside, obviously having had no more luck than they had getting sleep.

"So what're you guys doing here?"

"Well we can't exactly go back," Chie explained. "It was weird, all of sudden, Kanji-kun ran into our tent and… uh, passed out!"

Yu sent a sharp look to Yosuke, who proceeded to rub the back of his neck sheepishly. "Oh, well… that makes sense I guess… that would look pretty bad wouldn't it? Still, we could get in some serious trouble!"

Suddenly a voice tore through the night, "Do I hear students out here?"

"Shit, it's King Moron!" Yosuke yelped. Looking at the girls he said, "Whatever you do, don't say a word!" Quickly turning off the lamp, they all waited. The footsteps drew closer, sweat visibly appearing on Yosuke's brow. "Eh? Hanumura's tent?" The voice slurred. "Hanamura! Are you asleep? You better answer me!"

"Uh, y-yes sir!" Yosuke managed.

"No you're not! Now shut 'yer trap and get to sleep! Ugh, damn, musta had too much to drink…" Slowly Mr. Morooka's footsteps died away, prompting everyone to breath a collective sigh of relief.

"Man that was way too close," Yosuke breathed. "Well I guess if you guys are staying we'd better get comfortable…"

"You guys stay on that side," Chie said. "And don't even think about coming over!"

"Man, we bail you guys out and this is what we get?" Yosuke complained. "Whatever I'm beat, 'night everyone."

Everyone exchanged their goodnights and then attempted to get some sleep. Minutes passed, and slowly everyone began to drift off, save for Chie. She shifted aimlessly in an attempt to find a comfortable position, eventually sighing and giving up. She looked over at her friends, all sleeping peacefully. Yukiko's expression was as graceful as ever as she slept, and Yosuke was the polar opposite, drool drifting down the corner of his open mouth. Yu's expression was the most peaceful she had ever seen it. Their leader's face was often wrought with concentration or resolve when not in his trademark calm. It was strange, but something about it put Chie at ease, and she quickly found herself drifting off as well.

After some careful maneuvering, the Investigation Team managed to brave the night and the ensuing morning without a single expulsion. Yosuke had quickly suggested that they all meet at the river bank, seeming far more excited than usual.

"Man the water looks great!" Yosuke noted, taking in the beautiful surroundings. "So who's up for a swim?"

"Count me out," Kanji groaned. "Man am I sore…"

Yosuke shrugged, then shifted his gaze to Yukiko and Chie. "How about you ladies?"

"Go swim by yourself Yosuke," Chie replied, not sharing the brown haired boy's enthusiasm.

"Well, I'd say you owe us after yesterday. If partner hadn't saved the day, we would have starved. And thanks to us, you didn't get in trouble for wandering around last night!"

Chie gritted her teeth. Dang he's got a point. Quickly thinking of some way out of the predicament, Chie suddenly blurted out, "Well… yeah but… Yukiko and I forgot our swimsuits!" Her friend nodded in assent. "Yeah, sorry about that!"

"Not a problem, a coworker picked out these from our summer clothes line!" Yosuke exclaimed, producing a pair of women's swimsuits.

"Wait, is that what you picked up while you were 'on the clock?'"

"Maybe… go on, put 'em on! I mean, it's the least you can do," Yosuke reasoned.

Chie growled resignedly. "Fine! But I so much as here a twig snap from this general direction-"

"Alright, alright, no peeking I get it," Yosuke interrupted. "Geez," He muttered his expression suddenly becoming wan. "Trust me I know better."

Chie let out a final huff before storming to a secluded area to change. As she changed into the swimsuit, she cursed at Yosuke mentally. Once she was done, she examined herself, grudgingly admitting at the very least the suit didn't look to bad. Still, she could already feel Yosuke's prodding eyes examining her. Yukiko stepped out from behind a tree, also done changing.

Her friend's face was nearly beet red from embarrassment. "So, h-how do I look?" She stammered.

"You look really good Yukiko!" Chie said sincerely. Her expression quickly soured. "I just wish it were under better circumstances… Well let's get this over with."

Making their way back to the clearing by the river bank they were quickly greeted by the sight of a dumbfounded Yosuke and Kanji. Even Yu's expression seemed far less placid than usual. Chie felt her cheeks burning at all the ogling. "Quit staring and say something already!"

"You look good Chie," Yu commented softly, his tone slightly less level than normal.

Chie's cheeks burned even hotter at Yu's compliment. "H-heh… well… thanks," She managed.

Meanwhile, Yosuke finally managed to pick his jaw up from the ground. "Woah! I thought you guys would look good but man! I'd never have guessed this good!"

Chie quickly felt anger surfacing at Yosuke's antics. Alright, you've had your fun!

"I mean you guys are still just little girls, but still, give it a couple of years and they'll really be something huh, partner?"

Now even Yukiko was becoming enraged, which did not go unnoticed by Yu. "Um… yeah, uh Yosuke I think that's enou-"

At Yosuke's 'little girls' comment however, Chie had already gone nuclear. "Alright, I've had it up to here with you!" Yosuke's face quickly became panicked as the girls rushed toward them, sending them both careening into the water.

"Hey what'd senpai do to deserve that?" Kanji asked turning to look at the girls.

Yukiko turned aside, embarrassment evident on her face, "I guess I got a little carried away…"

"Heh, I'll say," Chie giggled. Noticing the streaks of blood running down Kanji's nose she quickly did a dispositional one eighty. "Kanji!"

Kanji looked at them for a moment puzzled. "Wha-" He began, before suddenly finding himself joining Yu and Yosuke in the water.

"Geez, what a bunch of pervs," Chie muttered. "Hey what's that noise?" In the distance they could hear the distant sounds of someone being relieved of their stomach's contents. Chie's eyes widened, "Is that… King Moron? What's he doing to the river?" Taking a closer look, she gasped. "Blegh, there's no way I'm going in the water now… c'mon let's go Yukiko."

Her friend nodded, and they made their way back to camp to the sound of the boy's bemoaned cries.