A/N: So for those of you who have played P3, you'll know that there's a lot of drama in Yakushima. What I've done in this chapter basically compresses most of that drama into what I hope is a concise manner. I've altered it a bit to make it feel less like I'm just following the game as well.

Also as a disclaimer and possibly a spoiler for those who don't know, Kikuno is not an original character created by me. She is from the Arena series. You don't see her in P3 at all but I wanted to include her here just so that Mitsuru has someone she can confide in. I have not planned for her to have too much of a role but it may change.

Anyway, read on and enjoy!

The Kirijo vacation home, also known as the Kirijo Mansion, was massive. Double storeyed and overlooking the beachfront with an outdoor patio that spanned the size of a basketball court, it was a majestic piece of architecture. The same could be said for the interior too; the foyer an area of the mansion Mitsuru was particularly fond of. A grand hall with classy chandeliers, it brought back memories of her childhood with Minato. Hiding behind the line of white pillars on either side of the room that provided structural support for the second floor, hoping that the maids would not find them. Climbing the balustraded staircases near the entrance and then running past the exquisite plants, the pieces of rare art hanging above the antique furniture, and the doorways leading to different rooms without a care in the world.

Life in those days were now so alien that Mitsuru could not fathom how she had been that childish. And as she led her dorm mates around the mansion, the memories popping into existence whenever they stopped to examine something, she could only ask herself: was that really her? So shy yet so carefree? Maybe. But that's why I was hurt so much back then. I wasn't being realistic.

And I suppose now you are? the other voice in her head asked. Thinking that he feels that way for you? You know you're better than to fall for that.

Mitsuru considered the words of her subconscious and thought back to when she was alone with Minato in the medical ward. She admitted some of the confusion surrounding the Shadow's illusion had cleared up, and if what Minato had tried to ask her was any indication, it had cleared up by a substantial margin. But was it reasonable to assume his feelings were genuine yet? Probably not. For all she knew (and as silly as it sounded), he could have been asking her what Student Council matters he had missed out on. Arriving at the center of the foyer's first floor, her eyes fell onto her personal maid and childhood friend, Saikawa Kikuno. Perhaps I should ask her what she thinks.

"Well then, I think that's all I have time for," Mitsuru said, addressing the others. "You'll all be okay in not getting lost?"

"I think so," Fuuka said. "Our rooms are in the east wing and the dining hall is just a couple of rooms down from there."

"Wow Fuuka, you're pretty good," Yukari said. "I'm still having trouble remembering where everything is."

"Heh, Yuka-tan's lost her way as well," Junpei said with a smirk. "Man it feels good not being the only one."

Yukari shot him one of her killer stares. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"N-Nothing!" Junpei said, waving his arms in front of him.

"If you do get lost," Kikuno said, "there will be maids stationed throughout the mansion. So ask them if you need any directions."

"We'll be fine," Akihiko said. He turned to Mitsuru. "You should get going."

Mitsuru nodded and without any delay, turned and headed towards her father's office with Kikuno. Between the girls' interest in exploring the mansion and its many rooms, Akihiko's insistence on checking out the gym, and Junpei's eagerness to hustle to the beach, the few minutes allocated to showing them around almost became half an hour. And while she hadn't planned on visiting her father in the first place since she did not want to ruin his vacation, she supposed the Chairman was right. It had been a while since she had last spoken to him in person – which was way back when he informed her of Yukari's arrival in the dorm – and with everything that had happened since Minato's arrival, she was curious to hear his opinion about it all. As well as to inform him of their progress in eliminating Tartarus and the Dark Hour.

"They're quite a lively bunch aren't they?" Kikuno said as they walked through a hallway with glass windows on the left that allowed a view of the ocean. She was a few inches shorter than Mitsuru, with short navy blue hair and maroon eyes. As Mitsuru's personal maid, she wasn't dressed in the standard attire of a black dress and a white apron but rather, a professional business suit; dark pants, and a white blouse underneath a black vest.

"Oh they are quite a handful," Mitsuru said. "Managing them all can be stressful at times. It makes me wonder how Arisato does it."

"Well he does have a natural flair of making others follow him. But you should know this milady. You've had firsthand experience in becoming friends with him. Remember? That day in school? When you– "

"I remember very well Kikuno. Honestly, I thought you promised me that you wouldn't bring that up again."

Kikuno chuckled. "My apologies. It's just that when you talk about him, it's hard not to reminisce. He was one of the biggest influences in your life after all."

"I guess you have a point," Mitsuru said. She stopped walking and looked out the window, admiring the blameless blue sky. "Actually, there was something I wanted some advice on."

"Advice milady?"

"Well maybe not advice as such but more..."

More what? Clarification? Mitsuru creased her brow as she struggled to find the right word that described what she really wanted out of Kikuno. It would have been an easy task but with the memory of Minato grasping her hand so affectionately replaying over and over again in her mind, she found it hard to think with any logical reason. Not to mention what she wanted, and was about to do, contradicted her protocol. Telling Kikuno that she, the daughter heir of the Kirijo Group, had boy problems and required help? Completely irrational. She turned to look at Kikuno and shook her head.

"Never mind. It's nothing," Mitsuru said. She began to move but Kikuno stood in front of her and gave her a stern yet compassionate look.

"I know that face when I see it milady," Kikuno said. "It's okay, you can tell me whatever's bothering you."

"I can't possibly–"

"Mitsuru."

The strong tone of Kikuno's voice made Mitsuru flinch. She hadn't heard her maid speak her name like that in several years. The last time Kikuno had done so – if her mind could get over the memory of the medical ward and to another extent, what happened in the Shadow's illusion that is – was back in elementary school. When she had been friends with Minato for some time and refused to tell her father and Kikuno why she had been spending all that time around him. Upon hearing it again, Mitsuru decided to give up in trying to hide her thoughts.

"Alright. What I wanted to ask you was your perspective on something that happened," Mitsuru began. "It goes back to our most recent operation in Shirakawa Boulevard. There was a Shadow there, one that was unusually stronger than the ones you can find in Tartarus. Anyway, because of our carelessness, we allowed ourselves to be ambushed by the Shadow. I'm not sure if Takeba and the others went through the same ordeal, but what I felt from an illusion it created was..." She paused for a moment, thinking about how unlike herself she was being right now before continuing. "...Arisato's feelings for me. It was so strong that I almost thought it was real."

Kikuno was taken aback though she quickly regained her composure. "I see. I'm sure it was just the Shadow's way of trying to demoralize you. What you experience in an illusion cannot be real."

"I know," Mitsuru said, folding her arms. "I came to that same conclusion. What I'm confused about is that earlier today, Arisato tried to ask me something. He didn't get the chance to but from the way he took my hand and acted so nervous, I'm beginning to question the conclusion that the illusion was just that."

"So whether or not he feels something for you is what's bothering you?"

"Yes." Mitsuru sighed and laughed a little. "You must think I'm crazy, being so concerned about something like this."

"Well milady, I can't really speak for myself since I haven't been in a close relationship but I'm sure it's only normal to be anxious about all this," Kikuno said. "Maybe something similar happened to him. And he's asking you for clarification."

"You think so?"

Kikuno nodded. "I'm quite sure of it. Though if he's attempting to find out where you stand, then I think you had better find that out soon. You'd want to be able to answer him right?"

Mitsuru wasn't so sure. Yes she did think of him in a different way compared to someone like Akihiko (a relationship in which she knew exactly where the boundaries were), though whether it was to the point of, dare she say, love? It was an uncomfortable thought. That was not to say she didn't care for him – because she did – but if Minato had indeed asked her, she would have been unable to give him a clear answer. Which was, she thought, just as good as turning him down.

"I suppose I'll have to give it some serious thought," Mitsuru said. "Thank you Kikuno. I'm not sure what I would've done without your insight."

"No need to thank me milady," Kikuno said. "It's my job to look after you. Now, we should probably not keep your father waiting any longer."

The two then continued down the hallway. With her troubles spoken, Mitsuru felt odd. Never before had she been so open to talk about her inner conflicts in such detail. Even though it was to Kikuno of all people, someone whom she felt it was okay to share her secrets with and had done so in the past, something about telling others your problems seemed unusual. How could you grow as a person if you passed the burden onto others? The problems were yours to begin with so it was only fair that you were the one to solve it. Mitsuru could not understand the logic of involving others in private affairs, regardless of the many times her father had reminded her to abandon that way of thinking. She admitted that it did feel somewhat better though, as if tiny cracks were beginning to show on the cage of ice that trapped her heart.

Arriving at the door to her father's office, Mitsuru watched Kikuno open it for her and they both stepped in. The room was abnormally large and decorated for a study, the walls decorated with more pieces of art; the paintings on the right flanking a portrait of Kirijo Kouetsu. Mitsuru eyed her rather plump grandfather with disdain before turning to look at the man gazing out the window – which presented a view of the forest and the mountainous terrain of Yakushima – in front of her.

"Father. I'm sorry for being late. I thought it best to show them around," Mitsuru said.

Kirijo Takeharu turned around. With grizzled hair and a commanding aura about him, he certainly did not appear to be a man in his mid forties. Mitsuru wasn't sure if it was the grey business suit, the eye-patch covering his right eye, or the amount of stress plaguing his face that made him appear so but nevertheless, she was happy to see he was in good health. Especially when she considered the amount of pressure the Group was currently facing.

"It's quite alright," Takeharu said, moving to sit on his desk chair and gesturing for Mitsuru to take a seat. "You're on your summer break after all so you should relax a little. I presume our guests are residents of the dorm?"

Mitsuru nodded as she sat down. "I had to bring them all because of what happened." She tensed as an image of Minato's unknown Persona bearing its katana at her sped past in her mind. "I'm sure the Chairman informed you."

"He did," Takeharu said, shooting a quick glance at the photo depicting himself, Mitsuru, and Minato's family taken many years ago on the left side of the elaborate, wooden desk. He sighed. "Arisato Minato. Never would I have thought something like this would happen to him." He then gave Mitsuru a stern look. "You said this wasn't the first time you saw that Persona, correct?"

"Yes. It made its first appearance when he awakened to his power. Akihiko and I thought it was just an anomaly since there are different side effects for everyone when they summon for the first time. But this and the fact that he can summon more than one confirms that there is something..."

Wrong with him? No, wrong isn't the right word. How about–

"You don't have to finish that sentence if you don't want to," Takeharu said, interrupting Mitsuru's thought process. "I know how hard it must be for you." He paused. "How much does he remember?"

"Close to nothing," Mitsuru answered, crossing her legs. "From what he mentioned, he can only recall fragmented memories of that incident. He wants to know what happened. How his parents died. It's actually what made him agree to fight Shadows with us."

Takeharu gave a slight nod. "And his overall behavior?"

Mitsuru exchanged a glance with Kikuno, who remained by the doorway, before looking at her father. She felt as if telling him about the happenings at Shirakawa Boulevard was a good idea but decided against it. What would she say anyway? That Minato had intimate feelings for her? That Minato looked after her exclusively? Her father would think she had become one of those...what was the word for it? Well whatever it was, her father would think her as that naive girl all those years ago. And though that wasn't the case at all, Mitsuru knew she would have difficulties in coming across as a person unsure of what the illusions meant. No, there was no need to add more complications to her father's ever growing list of problems.

"He's...retained some of his earlier qualities I suppose," Mitsuru said. "He fights well just like I thought he would, is at the top of his class, and is still protective of everyone." Especially me. She shook that thought off. Her father did not need to know that either. "If it weren't for him, we wouldn't have had the same success in eliminating the Shadows as we do now."

Takeharu folded his arms. "It's reassuring to hear he hasn't changed a whole lot." He then looked at Mitsuru, a smile attempting its very best to form on his lips. "He's been looking after you hasn't he?"

Mitsuru flushed and she looked away from his eyes. "Was it that obvious?"

"Quite," Takeharu said. He stood up and turned to look out the window once more. "As much as it makes me glad that he's fine, I want you to be careful Mitsuru. I'm not saying that you should avoid him. Or have no trust in him. But as you are the sole heir to the Kirijo Group, you have a responsibility to ensure our company lives on. Should anything happen to me, you know what you must do yes?"

Mitsuru nodded, feeling Kikuno give her a concerned look. Her betrothal was something that hadn't been brought up in years and hearing it now reminded her of how her story was already written. Become the chairwoman of the Kirijo Group and wife to a man she felt nothing for. She supposed most other people would be envious of the fact that she had her life figured but really, what was there to envy? The surprise, spontaneity and most importantly, the freedom of life was taken away from her. Being a Kirijo, she knew allowing her emotions to influence her decisions was forbidden but a part of her felt that for something as major as this, her feelings should have at least some say in the matter. Otherwise how were she and her proposed fiancée supposed to get along? It made no sense, considering that from the few times she had met him over the last couple of months, she was not impressed.

"Also, there's another thing," Takeharu said, turning around. "Why did you hide the details of the incident from them for so long?"

"I...I just thought that if they knew, they wouldn't have agreed to help us," Mitsuru said, reverting her attention back onto him.

"I've told you time and time again that you are not to blame." Takeharu walked over to the portrait of his father and studied it. "'Two in harmony surpasses one in perfection.' Our guiding principle ever since we separated from the Nanjo Group." He gave Mitsuru a sidelong glance. "You must learn to place your trust in others Mitsuru. No matter how many sacrifices you make, no matter how much you think you have a good grasp of a situation, there will always be times when you just cannot rely on yourself. There's a girl in your group named Takeba yes?"

Mitsuru nodded again. "Are you planning to disclose everything to them then?"

"I've already made preparations to do so," Takeharu said. "Tell them to gather in the lounge this evening. And steel themselves. They may be in for quite a shock."

When Mitsuru had told them to gather in the lounge – a wide room with a low ceiling, verdant plants scattered around, and a fountain at the opposite end of where the arrangement of couches were – and prepare themselves, Yukari thought it was in regards to what Mitsuru's father had planned to tell them. She did not think once that his demeanor was something she needed to prepare for as well; Takeharu's greeting coming across more as a threat than anything else. To her reassurance, she wasn't alone in thinking that. Both Junpei and Fuuka were just as startled as her; Akihiko a little less, likely because he had met Takeharu before, and Minato unfazed as usual. In fact, Minato (who was now dressed in his white-blue t-shirt and jeans) was so relaxed that he had the nerve to casually lean against one of the four pillars that were by the couches, hands in pockets, instead of sitting down like everyone else. Though what he was doing was none of her business, Yukari was uncomfortable with him being so carefree. And that Takeharu didn't even care. Surely not showing proper manners to their host would have some consequences right?

Apparently not, she thought. Then again, I'm sure Mitsuru-senpai would have told her dad that Minato isn't like other people. Oh well.

"So from what I understand, Mitsuru has already told you the essence of what we were trying to do," Takeharu said, looking around at everyone who nodded. "Well, it's true that we adults are to blame. I would atone for it with my life if I could but even so, I doubt it would be enough to forgive the burden we've placed onto all of you." He cleared his throat. "Now, what my father really wanted to do with the Shadow's power was to create a time manipulation device. Imagine if you could prevent any unwanted events from occurring or shape the future to your liking. It would be an extremely powerful tool that would guarantee a lifetime of successes for anyone. Unfortunately, my father lost sight of what he was doing and as a consequence of studying Shadows for so long, he eventually embraced Nihilism."

Takeharu then turned his gaze onto Yukari. "You're Takeba Yukari?"

"Y-Yes," Yukari said.

"Before I tell you the truth, I'd like for you to understand that the research team was only being ordered by my father. Due to his madness, nobody could have predicted that the project would turn out this way.

"What do you mean by that?" Then, fearing she wasn't being respectful enough, she quickly added, "Sir?"

Takeharu did not answer and instead, grabbed the remote that was on the coffee table and pressed a button. Yukari had the faintest idea of what kind of device the remote belonged to but, that question was answered a few seconds later when she saw a screen descending from the ceiling on her right. Once it was in full view, Takeharu pressed another button and the screen came to life.

"What's this?" Akihiko asked.

"The only existing footage of the accident, recorded by a scientist at the scene," Takeharu said.

There was some crackling and buzzing before the screen displayed a clear image of a brown-haired, middle aged man. With eyes that suggested he hadn't slept in days and a white lab coat, he appeared to be another generic scientist. Yet even so, Yukari was a trifle suspicious. Being addressed by Takeharu in such a formal manner and then being shown a recording of the accident? Something was off and when the scientist began to speak, her heart almost skipped a beat.

"I pray that this recording falls into safe hands," the man in the recording said. "My employer has gone mad with his obsession over this loathsome idea. What we've done here will definitely result in an unprecedented disaster but hopefully what I've done may, at the very least, mitigate the consequences of this mess."

Yukari stood up, her eyes unbelieving of what she was seeing. "No...It can't be..."

"Whoever may find this, please listen carefully," the man continued. "The Shadows that were amassed here have been dispersed as a result of the explosion. To stop the world from ending, you must eliminate all of them!" The recording then wavered as smoke began to emerge from the console behind the man. "I am to blame for this. Even though I knew the risks, I was blinded by the promise of success. And so, I didn't raise any objections. To those burdened with cleaning up our mistakes, I am truly sorry. I–"

A shower of sparks fell, explosions erupted from all directions, and the recording cut off.

"...Dad?" Yukari said, her voice cracking. All her friends turned to look at her but she didn't meet their eyes. "Did you know about this Mitsuru-senpai?"

"Not at all," Mitsuru said slowly. She looked at Takeharu, who gave her a slight nod.

"Takeba Eiichiro was a brilliant and very talented man," Takeharu said. "Due to his skill set, the Kirijo Group recruited him, appointed him as the head researcher of this project, and pushed him to continue the research." He then looked at Yukari again. "Yukari, it is not entirely your father's fault. The Kirijo Group is to blame for everything."

"But he caused it all didn't he?" Yukari said, her voice shaking. "The Dark Hour, Tartarus, the accident. It's all his fault!" She turned her furious eyes onto Mitsuru. "Is that why you were afraid to bring up this issue senpai!? Because you felt sorry for me?"

"No Takeba, I–" Mitsuru started.

"I don't need your pity!" Yukari interrupted.

Her heart was broken. Her faith was shattered. Devastated by the revelation, Yukari ran out of the lounge. Without another word and without looking back.

After Yukari's departure, the lounge was at a standstill. Everyone remained quiet, not knowing what to say. Minato wondered if he could somehow squeeze in the question of how his parents died as well but as soon as he opened his mouth, Fuuka spoke.

"Um, shouldn't someone go after her?" she asked.

Minato glanced at Junpei, then Akihiko, and then finally Mitsuru. He knew none of them were in the right frame of mind to handle something so delicate as this so when Mitsuru met his gaze, he already knew what she would ask of him.

"I have to go don't I?" he said.

"Do you mind?" Mitsuru asked. "I doubt she'll listen to anyone else."

Minato considered her words. He did not doubt his ability to comfort her though whether Yukari wanted that was one thing, and whether that would have the desired effect of making her come to terms with what the Kirijo Group had done was another. Either way, he felt that this was something Yukari would have to overcome herself and any interventions made would serve to anger her even more. As he looked at everyone's solemn looks however, it was clear as day that he did not really have much of a choice.

"Alright then," Minato said with as little reluctance as possible. He leaned off the pillar and was about to leave when he remembered something: Yukari spent a lot of time with Fuuka. Perhaps he'd have more success if she tagged along as well? Figuring it was worth a try, he spun and looked at the green haired girl. "Fuuka, do you mind coming along with me? I'm sure Yukari would feel better if she talked to someone she really trusts."

Fuuka exchanged a glance with Mitsuru before standing up. "Sure, I'll go with you."

And with that, the two left the lounge in pursuit of the fading echoes of Yukari's footsteps. The search was more difficult than they had anticipated; the Kirijo Mansion being so large that the footsteps could have been emanating from any room with tiled floors. They passed through several halls and corridors, checking the main dining room, the gymnasium and the outdoor patio without any success.

"This is getting ridiculous. She could be anywhere," Minato said as they entered the foyer. He then chuckled. "If only it was the Dark Hour. You could then look for her, right Fuuka?"

"I probably could," Fuuka said. "I'm actually surprised none of the maids saw– Oh Kikuno-san!"

Minato looked in the direction Fuuka was facing to see a slender woman with dark blue hair approaching them. For a moment, he thought there was something familiar about this person – the way she dressed differently compared to the other maids maybe – but the feeling subsided instantly. He didn't know who this was at all.

"This is a surprise," Kikuno said. "I thought you two would be with Kirijo-sama."

"We were but Yukari then ran off when Mitsuru's father told us about what happened in the accident," Fuuka said. "Have you seen her?"

"Yukari? I think I saw her leaving the mansion. I'm not sure where she was headed but I would assume it's the beach."

"Okay. Thanks so much Kikuno-san."

Kikuno inclined her head. "You're welcome." She took a cursory glance at Minato, and then left to continue her business.

As Minato followed Fuuka outside and down the path leading to the beach, something about the way this Kikuno had eyed him would not leave his mind. While it had been no more than a glance, it felt as if he was being studied like the way a biologist studies an organism. He had heard from the others that Kikuno was Mitsuru's personal maid and childhood friend so was it possible she was sizing him up? And then secretly telling Mitsuru her observations? You're over thinking this. She was just looking because she hasn't seen me before. So let it go and focus on getting Yukari back.

Stepping onto the fine sand, the late night ocean breeze greeting them with its salty flavor, they looked down both ends of the beach. And as Kikuno had told them earlier, Yukari was here, standing on the far left with the waves sloshing around her feet. Minato and Fuuka looked at each other and with a nod, they began to approach Yukari.

"How do you think we should handle this?" Fuuka asked as they trudged along the beach.

"What do you mean?" Minato said.

"Well, since I'm not really good at cheering people up, I'm worried I might say something that might make her even more upset."

Minato stopped walking and turned to face her. "Oh. In that case, just let me do the talking and back me up when you feel it's right."

"O-Okay then," Fuuka said.

They then resumed walking. Once Minato felt that Yukari was within earshot, he called out to her and she turned her attention on them.

"Oh, it's you guys," she said with a sigh. "I had a feeling someone was going to come after me. Let me guess, Mitsuru-senpai asked you two to bring me back. Am I right?" When Minato nodded, Yukari looked out to where the ocean met the sky. "I knew it. Well, you can tell her that...that..."

"I'm not telling anyone anything," Minato said, his tone firm enough that Fuuka glanced at him nervously. Seeing her concerned look out of the corner of his eye, he lowered his voice and continued, "I know it's hard accepting all this but you have to. It's the only way you'll be able to move on."

Yukari scoffed and took a few steps toward him. "You think I don't know that? You think I haven't tried? Well guess what? I have. But you wouldn't know how hard it is anyway because nothing ever fazes you!"

Minato held her gaze; the confidence he had earlier in his ability to handle this situation jumping out the window. What made him think that he could handle Yukari and her mood swings, he had no idea. Perhaps it had something to do with the way he handled Mitsuru's case. That one had gone by quite smoothly – if the horrible ending was ignored of course – but alas, Yukari did not hold the same level of composure that Mitsuru did. Whatever he said, he had to ensure it didn't strike Yukari's sensitive side; something which was impossible to do since her mental barriers were as thick as a snowflake.

"That's not true," he said. "I've been challenged like this before."

"Oh yeah?" Yukari retorted. "And what would that be? Your parents dying?"

"Yes."

Yukari froze and glare subsided. Neither of them nor Fuuka said a word; the silence filled by the waves continuing their fruitless and noisy competition of who could reach the highest point of the shore. At least a minute passed before Minato finally spoke.

"It's probably not the same as learning someone close to you was responsible for creating a phenomenon that could end the world but, it was enough to traumatize me," Minato said.

"I...I'm sorry," Yukari said. "That was really rude of me." She then let out a strangled cry and sank to her knees. "Why my dad? Why not Mitsuru-senpai's father instead?" When Fuuka moved to kneel beside her on the right, and Minato sat down on her left, Yukari continued, "I'm a horrible person aren't I?

Fuuka shook her head. "Not at all Yukari. It's only natural for you to think that. I mean, when I was younger and saw how lucky all my cousins were, having doctors as parents, I sometimes wished that I was born in their family instead. And that they were born in mine. It was pretty silly now that I think about it but...um..."

"That's how people are," Minato finished for her and Fuuka nodded.

"You're just trying to make me feel better," Yukari said. Her voice was on the verge of cracking. "I just...I just don't know what to do anymore." She looked at Fuuka and then to Minato, the glow of the moon reflecting the gleam in her eyes. "Tell me, what should I do?"

Minato stood up and held out a hand. "Stay with us and fight. Not because I'm telling you to, or because Mitsuru-senpai requested it of you, but for your father. Do it for him." In saying so, he saw something amid Yukari's teary eyes. A spark of determination perhaps? Minato hoped it was.

"...You're right," Yukari said, taking his hand and getting to her feet. "It's what my dad would have wanted." Once Fuuka had got up as well, Yukari moved so that she could look at them both. "Thanks you guys. I'm sorry for dragging you two all the way out here and being all...you know."

"It's alright," Fuuka said, her face brightening up. "We're just happy we could help."

"No really. Doing stuff like this on a vacation is just wrong. We're supposed to be having fun and I'm ruining it."

"Well to be fair, I think Junpei's got that covered with his maid obsession," Minato said.

Both Yukari and Fuuka giggled before stopping abruptly as they saw a figure running towards them. Wondering what had caused them to do so, Minato spun and saw that the figure was Junpei.

"Sheesh man," he said, huffing and puffing. "What's taking you guys so long? Senpai was getting worried and plus, it's almost the Dark Hour." He inhaled deeply and let the breath out. "Please tell me Yuka-tan's feeling better now."

"Don't worry Junpei," Yukari said with a small smirk. "I'm more than ready to jump on whatever dumb thing comes out of your mouth."

"Oh crap, she's back. And even meaner than before."

As they all made their way back to the mansion, the frivolities of Yukari and Junpei returning immediately, Minato felt uneasy. The feeling had been bothering him ever since he set foot onto the beach but he had ignored it in favor of dealing with Yukari first. Now that that was settled though, the feeling of being watched crept back into his bones and he stopped in place, turning his attention to the looming trees on the right. There was something there. He was sure of it.

"Is something the matter Minato?" Fuuka asked, noticing that he was lagging behind.

"I thought I saw something but I guess it must've just been my imagination," Minato said. Still, in saying so, the feeling remained. He considered speaking of it but decided against it. Too many things had already happened today and adding something like this was unnecessary. "Come on, let's head back."

Unseen by Minato and the others, a figure stood between two trees. It had witnessed it all: Yukari's outburst, Fuuka's comforting words, and Junpei's entrance, though it was not interested in either of those three. Its interest lied in the blue haired boy. And when said boy had turned in its direction, his cool grey eyes scanning the darkness of the forest, unknowingly looking into its own, it was overjoyed. Why?

"Because I have found you."