XIX - The Sun / Character Profile: Taiga Baisotei

A third-year student at Yasogami High School, and a member of the Investigation Team, Taiga has dreams and aspirations that far outlay the confines of small town Inaba. She's a gentle soul with only the best intentions for those around her, but tends to forget herself in fretting over others. Contrary to her dainty stature, she wields a powerful mallet in battle, and her Persona Amunet is quick to come to aid with Light attacks.

Scene 1: Tatsumi Textiles

It's a little cloudy today, and I fear it might rain. I usually don't mind a little drizzle here and there, but I forgot to bring my umbrella and… Well, I suppose there's still a part of me that regards rainy days as an omen. It's silly, especially since it's been well over two months, but… Old habits die hard, and that whole fiasco isn't something one can easily forget.

I'm sure you can remember, even if Inaba is quite small—the murders of a news reporter, a school girl, and a teacher. There were many a kidnappings in between, though they went unreported or disregarded by those not directly involved. I was one. I… I'm still ashamed to recall what occurred on the Midnight Channel while I was in the TV, however… It's a part of myself. I'm still coming to terms with the aspects of myself that I'm not proud of.

My father is a pilot for the Air Force, but he went missing several months ago during a mission. A storm swallowed up his plane and neither it nor his body has been found. They say it's more likely than not that he's dead—but I still have hope. It's true, that I held disdain for him and my brothers for being away so often, that I may still hold disdain for them, but my friends have helped me come to terms with it. I'm not alone in my endeavors, and I've come to recognize that by holding back I am becoming the burden I wished to avoid.

My greatest friends are those who rescued me from my own fears and reservations. The investigation team is like my second family, and without them I would not be where I am today.

Of all my new and wonderful friends, I have known Chie-san the longest and the best. We grew up together, had classes with each other, shared stories and other friendships. Her cheerfulness and optimism have kept me strong, though I know that she worries about me often. She does still yell at me when I call her Chie-san ("I've known you since we were three! You're making me feel like an old woman!"), but I hope she knows how much I truly value her friendship.

Rise-chan is the only person I feel completely comfortable around. She's happy and outgoing, with honesty that makes me want to open up to her. She can get me to admit things I would never think about—which is both embarrassing and a little refreshing. She's the only one I've confided in about my desire to leave Inaba, and she's been nothing but supportive. She tells me it's okay to be a little selfish sometimes, which is difficult for me to wrap my head around, but… I know that Rise-chan means the best.

Our parents are close friends, so Kanji-san and I have spent much time together since we were children. We are… Well, I'm not completely certain to be honest. Kanji-san has a very special place in my heart, but I can't quite put to words how or where or why. His growth over the past year has been incredible to watch, and he says it's the same for myself, but I find that very hard to believe. He was the first person I saw after I woke up from being rescued, and we've spent considerable time together since then. He confides in me and I try my best to confide in him, but it's gotten a little more difficult lately.

I'm still working at Tatsumi Textiles. They don't need as much help as they did in the past, especially since Kanji-san has become so active, but I enjoy it. Lately I've been working on applications to different universities, in the larger cities in Japan. I've also contemplated some out of the country schools, but… I'm admittedly a little hesitant to work on those. Rise-chan has helped me realize my true desire to leave Inaba, but part of me has grown deeply attached to this little town I've always known. Or perhaps just to those within it.

I still have to look over my application to Tokyo University before I send it in tonight. I'm currently finishing off my afternoon shift at Tatsumi Textiles, cleaning and removing dirt from the displays around the store. It isn't too busy today, so Tatsumi-san might let me off early.

▶ "… The Midnight Channel last night…"

My heart leaps. Surely I must be hearing things…?

▶ "What!? I thought that had been shut down a couple months ago, though."

"▶ Oh no, my husband was watching some TV and happened to stumble across it. It's some bizarre show now…"

I swallow thickly as I glance at the two women out of the corner of my eye. Hmmm, I doubt it's actually the Midnight Channel. I mean, we got rid of it, right? No, I'm sure we're just fine. No big deal. I take in a deep breath, try to settle the thoughts and fears swimming through my mind, and continue sorting through the scarves. My fingers are still shaking.

▶ "Woah—! Watch where you're going!" The first woman yelps and scowls when Chie-san comes barreling through the door, panting and heaving. She must have just finished one of her afternoon workouts.

I smile at her in greeting as the women exit the store, grumbling to each other. "Hello, Chie-san. What are you doing here?"

Chie holds a hand to her chest as she leans against one of the displays.

▶ "H-hey Taiga-chan! Umm, is Kanji-kun here?"

▶ "Kanji-san? No, I don't think so… He might still be at home with his mother. What's wrong?"

▶ "Oh! Um, it's nothing!" She laughs and waves her hand dismissively. "Just checking~"

The nervousness stirring within me peaks.

▶ "Chie-san, what's wrong?"

She fiddles with the sleeves of her jacket, rolling and unrolling them. It's a nervous habit she picked up ages ago, and it does nothing to reassure me about whatever is happening.

▶ "Well, it's just that… Yosuke told me his mom couldn't find him, s-so I thought I'd check here…"

I can feel my brow crinkling.

▶ "Oh. W-We should try to find him then, shouldn't we? He… He could be hurt! Well, no, perhaps he's alright… Kanji-san can still be a bit of a truant, even with his mother… No, there's nothing to be worried about." I don't realize I'm talking to myself until Chie-san accidentally knocks over one of the stands.

▶ "Chie-san… I, ah… I heard something a little bizarre just now. Well…" My cheeks turn pink in embarrassment. "I heard something about the Midnight Channel. But it couldn't be, right?"

Her eyes widen, confirming my fears.

▶ "The Midnight Channel? Well, actually I think I heard something about that too… But it's just a rumor, right? I-I mean, we got rid of it…" She sighs to herself and rubs her neck. "Sheesh… A-Anyway, I gotta go. If you find Kanji-kun, tell 'im I say hi!" Her smile is forced, but she bears it as strongly as she can before she waves goodbye to me.

▶ "Bye, Chie-san! Take care!" Once she's gone, I bite down on my lower lip.

I'm sure he's alright… I mean, he couldn't possibly… And it… No, I'm sure it's just a coincidence.

A customer walks in, and I do my best to look as composed and put together as I can. "Welcome to Tatsumi Textiles!"

Scene 2: Taiga's Room

I try to remain calm and logical through the day, but the possibilities continue to tug at my mind. My heart rate speeds up and doesn't slow down, and I'm so distracted that I don't notice when Tatsumi-san returns. The mere chance that the Midnight Channel could be back terrifies me, and consumes all I think about. At night, I pace back and forth in front of my TV, hoping for the best. Or, at least, anything but the worst.

▶ "Perhaps I should call Rise-chan and see."

I need someone to be a voice of reason, since my own thoughts are so jumbled right now. I pull out my cell phone and dial in her number. I wait as patiently as I can while the phone rings, but in the end all I get is a voice mail.

▶ "That's bizarre… She always answers." With a resigned sigh, I put my phone to the side, sit in front of the TV, cross my legs, and watch the screen. "Perhaps it isn't completely inconceivable…" My fingers find a bracelet I've been working on, weave and knit out of impatience—when the screen suddenly flickers.

▶ "Oh… Oh no."

It's some strange promotional for a fighting show, but as I lean in closer… I see that the contenders are members of the Investigation Team…! And… myself!?

▶ "T-The Passive-Aggressive Do-Gooder!? What in the world does that even mean?" Of course, it isn't nearly as insulting as the others', but…

▶ "If they're in there, then… Kanji-san and Chie-san… But I thought I just saw her…? And where's Rise-chan?" I scratch my head. "Well, perhaps if I just peek in, and see if anyone is actually there or not… Yes, that should be fine. Yes, alright, then. Tomorrow I shall go into the TV."

It all sounds reasonable and logical when I think it through, but nothing can quell the anxiety and fear creeping upon me. I can only hope for the best.