Chapter II: Meeting The Gang

"WHAT!? You put it on my account!? What the hell, Chie!? I never said you could do that!" A yell was heard from the South Shopping District as many people turned to look at what the commotion's about. There was a group of teenagers in front of the Shiroku Store, and there seems to be a lover's quarrel with the way those young teenagers are fighting at. The tall, silver haired boy, who was overlooking the scene, sweatdropped and issued them, especially to the one who screamed loudly, to calm down.

"Calm down, Yosuke. I'm sure Chie and Yukiko have their reasons." He said, all the while eating a Topsicle. As it turns out, his two friends bought some clothes for the bear, who recently grew a body, and apparently charged it using his name.

The brown haired teenager, wearing an orange pair of headphones clipped at his neck while sporting a white, designer t-shirt and viber red pants, turned to the teen, and nodded. "R-right…deep breaths…deep breaths…" Yosuke Hanamura tried to breathe deeply through his nostrils, but the girl he was arguing with seemed to have lit a fuse too.

"What else were we supposed to do!? This stuff was expensive, even for Junes!" Chie grilled to him as she stomped her feet angrily, her face flushed. Yosuke charged back, "That freaking money is going to be used for my motorcycle!"

"Oh, that… You don't need one."

"Who said so?!"

As the two continued to bicker, and a certain blond-haired boy got caught up in it too, somebody tapped onto the other teen's shoulder. He turned to look at a pretty faced, raven haired young woman, who wore a charcoal blouse and clean white skirt. She has a red head band pinning her hair in place while her petite brown eyes.

"Let's go on ahead, Narukami-kun… I think they're going to be at it for awhile." Yu Narukami nodded at Yukiko's statement as the two walked away to the shop next to Shiroku. Kanji took the bear, Teddie, to get more topsicles, while Yosuke and Chie continued their fight. As soon as they reached the Tofu Shop, a boy around Teddie's height (he can't say age since he doesn't really know how old Teddie is anyway) came out of the shop. He stopped a bit upon seeing the two.

"Ah, I had a feeling you'd come here." He looked like a vision of cerulean blue, with his hued polo-shirt and yellow tie, as well as that dark blue hat with an off-color fringe. "You're..!" Yukiko started, obviously stunned to see this boy again, as the boy walked down the steps of the shop and stood in front of the two, hand placed at his hip as he stared back uncomically. "Are you here to ingratiate yourself with Rise Kujikawa now?" The question was directed to Yu, who inclined his head at him in confusion.

"Geez… Why did the clerk even let them charge it to someone else…?" Yosuke managed to get away from Chie for once, although the girl did catch up to him to give him another 'stomping'. But as soon as their eyes met the blue-haired boy's sharp ones, the two were mentally taken aback. "Huh? W-Wait, you're that guy we saw with Kanji…!" Yosuke blurted suddenly, as the other looked at him and nodded curtly.

"Precisely. I don't believe we've met since then. In fact, I don't believe I've ever introduced myself. My name is Naoto Shirogane. I'm investigating the multiple murders that have occurred here." He tipped his hat in response, to which Yu bobbed his head at. "Mind if I ask you a few questions on the subject?" And before they could even reply, the small detective continued on, "The latest victim, Kinshiro Morooka… He was a teacher at the school you all attend, correct?"

"S-so what..?" Chie gulped anxiously, afraid of the detective's sharp mind.

"The public is focused on the fact that he is associated with the second victim's school… But in truth, that's irrelevant." Naoto eyed them all as if he's trying to see their very souls. To this, Yukiko partially took a step back. "What intrigues me is the inconsistency."

"This Morooka… has never appeared on television." He said sternly, making everyone flinch at the last remark. Naoto gazed at them with a calm look, "What do you make of that?"

Yu opened his mouth to protest when, "How are we supposed to know?" Yosuke countered back, hands crossed over his chest with a determined look at his face. Naoto stared at him for a while before closing his eyes and sighed. "Well, we'll leave it at that. For my part, I'd like to solve this case as quickly as possible." He then nodded and began to walk away.

"I'll be keeping an eye on you all." He said as he tipped his hat again, "Well then, until we meet again." He marched away with head held high and disappeared when he rounded a corner. Everyone let out bathed breath and sighed. "Who is that guy…?" Yosuke mumbled to no one in particular, rubbing his head in frustration.

"It felt like he completely saw through us… He even knew about the TV thing." Chie said, completely disappointed with the conversation they had with Naoto. Yukiko looked down with a frown as they began to enter the shop. But as soon as they even moved, somebody came out, wearing an orange tee and white leggings. The one and only, Rise Kujikawa.

~O~

I told them everything that I could remember, and I decided to join their team. But then, I almost forgot about grandma's errand.

"Oh, sorry, guys. I have to pass on going to Junes with you. My grandma gave me some stuff to do." I said apologetically, clasping my hands together as I bowed. Chie-senpai gave me a smile and said, "Oh, it's alright. Want me to come with you?" She offered as I beamed at her.

"Sure, thanks, senpai."

"You should tag along too, Kanji-kun, since she's in the same year as you. You two should get along." The martial arts lover snapped to the rebel, who rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Yeah, yeah…" We then promised to meet up at Junes afterwards for a party celebration as the three of us walked in the direction to the station. I got myself acquainted with Kanji and Chie-senpai, as we talked of various things such as school and the TV world. "Are you sure you're okay now, Rise-chan? The TV world is a little exhausting; you might need more rest." Chie-senpai said in a worried voice, but I shook my head. It was just a good night's sleep, and I was as good as new.

We neared the station when I saw three figures sitting by the steps of the station. "Uh, hey, is that them, Rise-chan?" Chie-senpai muttered to me as I looked on curiously. Two have rich, blue hair, both untidy, but I found myself liking it despite not knowing who they are just yet. The other has dark brown hair, like chocolate, and tied into a short ponytail pinned together with the roman numerals XXII. The first to notice us were the twin haired boys, who looked up instantly as soon as they heard their footsteps. I noticed their eyes are rather different than each other; one has steel blue orbs, cold and calculating, the other has a darker shade, mischievous but a little frightening. But to the one with the brunette hair, hers has warm, fiery red eyes that seemed to melt the two's ice-like ones. I was immediately embarrassed, because as soon as I met my gaze at the first one, who has looks that could kill, I turned away and forced a smile up to my face.

"Yup, that's them, alright." I went up to them and waved, "Hey there." The brunette girl stood up on her feet instantly with a large smile at her face. "Oh my gosh, it's Risette! Risette is right in front of my eyes!" She squealed happily, looking at me from head to toe. I heard someone chuckle, as we looked up at the blue haired twin, the one with those predatory eyes. "Well, I didn't know our escort would be the Risette, it's practically an honor." And suddenly out of nowhere, he came up to me, took hold of my hand and gingerly kissed my wrist. My face flamed up at once as I snatched it back and looked away. I can feel the other one looking at me.

Why is he looking at me like that?

"Y-you're a little too forward, huh...geez..." I mumbled as Kanji let out a soft snicker. "I have never seen you fluster like that, Rise. I thought senpai's the only one who could make you like that. I guess I spoke too soon." He said with a smirk as I turned around and blew a raspberry at him when I heard my name being called.

"Risette-san," I jumped as I turned back to look at the other twin, whose eyes are still boring into mine. "My name is Minato Yuki, and these are my siblings. Makoto, my twin," He gestured at the smirking blue haired male beside him, who winked flirtily at me. I decided to ignore him for now. "And my younger sister, Hamuko." The brunette girl, Hamuko, bounded at me and shook my hand almost enthusiastically. "Risette-san, this is an honor to meet you! Will you please give me an autograph?" She smiled happily while I resisted the urge to sweatdrop. But I did it anyway.

"These are my friends, Chie Satonaka," I motioned to Chie-senpai, who nodded proudly to the others. "And Kanji Tatsumi." Kanji grinned at the siblings as he waved his hand. "Yo." He greeted as Minato shrugged.

"Now's not the time for introductions. My siblings and I should go to the shop now and unpack our things." Minato-san once again snapped at me and I flinched, disbelieving his attitude. "Risette-san, I think it's about time you take us to where the shop is." He added as I slowly nodded at him though I really don't like the way he's speaking to me. Chie-senpai nudged at me, telling me to say something as I turned back to them, forcing another smile.

"Oh, right! Yes, well, follow me." I said hurriedly, randomly picking a box and walking ahead, leading the others. I glanced back to Minato-san. His face is really stern, but there is something about him, like something is misunderstood. Chie and Kanji were trying to lighten the atmosphere to the twins, but apparently, Makoto-san is talking back in a sarcastic tone. Ugh, am I really going to live with these people for the year?

"Hey, Risette-san!" I heard a voice coming from my left as I turned to face their little sister, Hamuko. She's looking at me with this dreamy look at my face; one that I'm very accustomed to when meeting some fans. "How are you related to us, by the way?" She asked, admiration in her eyes.

"I'm oba-san's granddaughter on my mother's side." I replied as politely as I can.

"Ah! Oba-san's our mother's aunt; I'm glad to be your cousin…" She sent a smile, one that is not a sunny smile, I noted, but a genuine one. I was amazed at her; I don't know why, but I guess it's because she seems too nice. I offered a grin back as I lead the three to Marukyu's. As soon as we got to the street of the South Shopping District, I could see grandmother waiting for us at the entrance.

"Ohayo, oba-san!" I greeted as I waved, while we placed their stuff on the ground to acknowledge her as well. Chie-senpai and Kanji-kun went to Shiroku to get some more topsicles while Minato-san formally bowed to her, "Oba-san, it's been a while." He said just as grandmother beamed warmly and patted his shoulder.

"Ah, Mina-chan…You've grown to be so handsome…" She slowly stood aside to let us in. "Welcome to Inaba, you three." Her toothy grin made Makoto-san chuckle a bit as he nodded.

"Mako-chan is so tall now, hm..." Grandmother looked at him through her glasses as he sighed and rubbed the back of his head, "Oba, me and Ato are twins; of course we've grown." His snide remark, however, made no difference to the older woman. She then turned to Hamuko-chan, who squirmed in her spot.

"And this must be Hamu-chan. My, my, my… The little babe I've accustomed to grew just as beautiful as my granddaughter, Rise-chan…" Hamuko blushed lightly, muttering a thank you as we both went inside the shop and upstairs to their rooms. Oba-san can't climb the stairs since it always aches her back, so I was left in charge of pointing out their own rooms. "Minato-san, you and Makoto-san will share the same room at the end of hall here…" I pointed in the direction of their rooms as they silently did what I said and went on their way. "Hamuko, you're going to stay in my room." I watched her look excited as soon as I said those words.

"Wow, seriously?!"

"Yup, it's just here." I opened the door and instructed her things she might want to know, such as the extra futon under my bed, the closet, and the bathroom. Just as I was helping her sort out some stuff, my phone signaled a text and I reached down to my pocket to read it.

"R u ok there? :o" Chie-senpai must have waited for me too long. I gasped at the time and made haste to prepare for the party. Hamuko looked up at me, worried. "Are you alright?" She asked as I ran a brush over my hair.

"Hm? Yeah, I'm okay. It's just that I have to go meet up with some friends of mine at Junes." I said hurriedly. When I was satisfied with my look, I turned to see Hamuko looking a bit glum. I was a little guilty for a second, since it is their first time back at Inaba, but it wouldn't hurt to have her come along with me.

"Hey, Hamuko," I raised my voice so that she could hear me through her 'gloominess'. "Do you want to come along with me and my friends at Junes?" I said sweetly, trying to coax that girl to say yes since I have taken a small liking in her. I've never met such an enthusiastic fan that not only idolizes me, but respects me and even gives me the space I rarely had. The brunette jumped from her spot and nodded feverishly. "Yes!"

~O~

The room is pretty much okay, there's a bunk bed on one side of the wall (Who's taking the top bunk now, Ato?) while a desk positioned by the window, which was closed shut. Minato was quietly placing his stuff inside the closet, while I climbed to the top bunk and rested my head on one of the pillows. "Koto, aren't you going to unpack your things?" Minato said, not even looking at me as he pulled out a neatly folded, Yasogami High uniform and placed it on a hanger. I snorted to him in reply, "I wouldn't even bother. Not until Risette gives me her number." I heard my brother sigh as he proceeded to empty out his boxes.

"She's at the other room then."

"Whoa, Ato! Are you seriously telling me to go get her number? We live in the golden age of Japanese men, my twin. One does not simply ask a young lady, a BEAUTIFUL young lady, her number out of the blue." I said, quoting a line from Game of Thorns while crossing my arms and nodding my head off.

"Golden age my ass…" I heard him mutter as he sat on his bed, staring at the window. It's this annoying habit of his, suddenly turning quiet and gazing off into the window or something. I opted to throw him a pillow, when I heard voices coming from the hallway. Since this town is too damn peaceful, I can hear perfectly well at Hamuko's cheerful voice, and that sweet tone such as that of Risette.

It seems that they'll be going out, might as well join the two. "Ato, get up, let's go." I jumped off the bunk and nearly dragged my twin out of bed, who was groaning and mumbling about needing to listen to his music. I guess Burn My Dread can wait later.

When I opened the door, I saw the girls about to head downstairs. Pulling out my signature smile, I managed to catch their attention. "Afternoon, girls. Where are you off to?" I said with that smirk as Hamuko waved her hand.

"I'm accompanying Rise-san to Junes; she said her friends are going to have a party." She replied, curiously looking at Minato and apparently wondering why he's slumped against the wall. I raised a brow at her; since when did she call the Risette, Rise-san?

"I see, is it okay if we go with you guys?" I asked politely when Minato coughed behind me. I glanced back and gave him a sardonic look, to which he just ignored and muttered something inaudible under his breath. I used my free hand to go around my back and flipped the finger at him. "I don't see why not…" Risette sighed, shaking her head as she allowed us to come with her.

"Sweet."

We put on our shoes at the entrance as that girl earlier, Satonaka, noticed us from the Shiroku store. Nipping her heels is that rebel guy, Tatsumi. "Hehe, I thought you forgot about us." Satonaka said, hands on her hips as she gave the idol a knowing smile.

"I'm really sorry senpai. Let's go?" Risette hopefully said as we chatted along the way to Junes. I suddenly became aware of Hamuko talking to that Tatsumi kid with interest. Luckily for me, Ato took the signal and stayed dangerously close to the two, an invisible yet frightening aura began to take place whereas his eyes glowed maliciously at the two.

Minato and I were quite fond of our sister, so much, that in fact we're very, and I mean VERY obsessively protective of her. Although Ato would not admit it, I on the other hand admit that I dearly love my sister to the point that stray wolves should back off from our pet lamb. Wolves meaning me and Ato, and the lamb, well, you get the idea.

Not only that, it was also a way to protect her from, cough, heartbreak, cough. During our Junior high, to which Hamuko is just in middle school back then, there was this moronic guy, who took the chance of dating her. Being said, and despite our harsh warnings to her, they became a couple, but not until they entered high school, where that bastard had some iron guts to cheat behind her back. Hamuko was extremely devastated, so much, that she stopped talking to people and only confided in her brothers.

While Ato was busy comforting our immouto, I however, thought differently and decided to 'pay back' this loser. On our last week staying at Iwatodai, I found his house, drugged him, placed him in a sack, and took him to a very famous place called Shirakawa Boulevard. That's where I persuaded the people working there to give him a, 'service', took some pictures, and posted it up on the internet.

The next day, he was expelled from our school, and the one called 'Blue Sword' in the internet? He became a living legend.

And also the next day after that, Minato was beyond furious.

We both vowed to never speak of this incident again, especially to our sister.

~O~

I was so happy when Rise-san asked me to call her by her name, to which I joyfully did.

We're on our way to the Junes food court, as Chie-san explained along with Kanji-kun. Kanji-kun is really sweet, and he talked to me all the while going there.

"Is this your first time here in Inaba?" He asked as we waited for the stop sign to go green. I shook my head. "I don't know, though. My onii-chan said that I was here when I was still a baby, but I don't remember any of it." I replied, the ends of my lips curving into a quaint smile. The other suddenly looked away, and I was a bit surprised because I thought I might've hurt him somehow.

"A-are you all right..?" I timidly asked as he then turned back, wiping something from his nose.

"Ah, er, its nothing..!" He said roughly. I think it was my imagination, but is he embarrassed?

I shook my head at the thought. I really do hope it's not what I was thinking.

"Okay then…"

As soon as the sign said go, the group and I began our stride, me being careful to not step on anyone's shoes so that I won't be scolded. It was a common habit of mine to do this when I was a child. Every time I walked across a road, I will always be holding to the hands of my brothers, or of my parents when we walk. I was really small, and when I look up, I could only see the shadows of their faces.

Now the only shadows I could see were of my brothers, and of mine.

Chie-san led us to an elevator as soon as we got to the Junes establishment. Iwatodai recently built one, but we left the day it opened. Shame though, since Minato-nii was quite interested with a modern convenience store in our place. "Wow, neat place." I giggled at Makoto-nii's awed voice and expression. Hands in his pockets, he continued to look around with Minato-nii. Rise-san smirked a little at their actions.

"You two are like kids in a candy store, huh…" She said as we all squeezed inside the elevator, I myself took hold of my brother's hand for fear of tight places; the two looked at me with an affectionate gesture.

The door opened and we are greeted by a warm ray of the setting sun. The food court looked normal enough, several tables and chairs alike were scattered around at different spots, while a few stores are opened, the smell of sizzling meat cooking away made my stomach growl in hunger. There are only a few people around, since it's nearly evening, but there's a small crowd of teenagers gathering around one table, their voices and laughing reached my ears. No doubt that these are Rise-san's, Chie-san's and Kanji's friends as we strolled over to where they are seated.

"Oh, look, they're here!" I heard someone say, and it's a teenager wearing an orange pair of headphones clipped at his neck, all the while donning a white, designer t-shirt and bright red pants. He has shaggy, unkempt hair a bit like Makoto-nii's, but a little shorter and thinner version of it. "What took you guys so long? The food's already here." He joked about when he finally saw the three of us. I fidgeted on my feet, feeling a little self-conscious when they're all staring at us.

"My grandma made me run an errand to fetch these guys from the station, Yosuke-senpai. They're new to Inaba too." Rise spoke in a carefree manner, to which everyone is relieved to hear.

"Minato Yuki. Pleasure."

"Makoto Yuki and don't you forget it, smart-alecs!"

"A-ano, my name is Hamuko Yuki. Nice to meet you!"

"Nice to meet you too!" They sang in chorus as blond haired boy stood up and waved his arms energetically at us. Everyone stared. "Mademoiselle Hamuko, you can call me, the one who raised myself to the stairway of maturity, Teddie!" Everyone sweatdropped at Teddie's outburst. I blinked at him, who outstretched his hand for me to shake.

"Uhm, nice to meet you too then, Teddie." I said carefully, but I gently shook his hand. "I hope we can be friends!" I said with confidence as Teddie nearly fainted.

"The stars have actually given me another chance to score!" He said in a sing song voice, where a girl next to him popped an irritated chip at her head. Hers is black, black as ebony, while her skin seemed to be as smooth as down and as white as snow. Her very features reminded me of Snow White. Her blouse is black with short, poofy sleeves and a white, clean skirt, along with a pair of white sandals. "Can you please just shut up about the whole scoring thing..?" She sighed miserably before turning to my attention, her pretty face broke into a dazzling smile.

So pretty…like a phoenix…

"Hello, welcome to Inaba. My name is Yukiko Amagi, my family runs the Amagi Inn." She said as Chie added, "It's Inaba's famous inn. Well, I think it's because of the Inn that Inaba became so famous anyway." She giggled as Yukiko-san laughed as well.

The teenager who calls himself Yosuke stood up suddenly. We stared at him as well.

"Now that everyone else has been introduced, I would like to personally welcome my friend here," He placed his hand on a shoulder of a silver-haired teen. "Yuki siblings, this is our great friend, Yu Narukami. He transferred here to Inaba too from the city." He said proudly as the one called Yu stood up and bowed.

He's a tall fellow, taller than Yosuke-san, but not tall enough for Kanji-kun. He also has silver-gray hair, which I get it rather odd, (but in my brothers' case, I think it's fair enough) and gray eyes just like Minato-nii's. He wore a simple white polo and brown jeans. There is this certain aura about him that I find rather charming, but intimidating.

"Nice to meet you." He said calmly, eyes filled with kindness to which the three of us nodded.

We had a fun time trying to get to know each other, as the day ended with Yosuke-senpai chasing Makoto-nii, who took a picture of him when Rise-san told a really funny joke, and TaP soda came out of his nose when he laughed. I joined along with them, feeling very euphoric just being around these people.

I looked at Yu-senpai once again, who's trying to calm down a frustrated Yosuke, while telling off Makoto-nii, who is still laughing his head off. There's something about him…that intrigues me.

I have a feeling that, fate made us meet this person…

~O~

"Master…"

"Master Minato Yuki…"

"Master Makoto Yuki…"

"Master Hamuko Yuki…"

~O~

Author's Note: So, Rise is their cousin, and then four Wild Cards meet together in one universe! Wow, weird. I had a fun time writing this, although research is getting a little frustrating to get their exact responses and actions. As some of you know, Makoto is really dangerous to both women and men. So, the story is a little dark when it is Makoto's POV.

droffatsstafford: Hai, thank you for your review.
JoseiHero-XXII: I've been thinking of creating this story a long time ago, but I'm glad I was able to pull it off. Thank you for your review.
Takerfbi: Makoto really is badass, but badass characters usually have the saddest past story, no? Oops, no spoiler, lol. To make it balanced, all of them would be sad past stories. Anyway, thanks for the review.
Prince Of Snow: Aw, thank you! But I really do hope I didn't overdo it, especially when it comes to other characters such as Rise and Yu from now on. Thank you for your review.

Please Review! I am truly inspired when somebody gives the time to review. So, it means that, more reviews, faster uploads of chapters. And thank you to those who Favorited and Followed this story.

This is the story of a broken mirror, with three-fourths of a reflection.