9/13
When Yui attended Basketball Club, she noticed that Kou was strangely absent from practice. She would later find him on the rooftop, lying on his back and looking at the afternoon sky.
"Hey, is practice over?" Kou said casually.
"It's been over for hours now. Were you here the whole time?" Yui asked.
"Give me a break, will you?" Kou said, laughing humorlessly.
Yui sat down next to Kou, prompting him to sit up and talk to her.
"I don't know if I like basketball anymore. It's not because of my family, they told me I could do whatever I wanted now. It's funny how they were so against me playing basketball, but now they just let me. When I tried shooting some hoops, I didn't feel anything. No joy, no fun, not even boredom." Kou told Yui.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Kou." Yui said.
"You know, birds have the life. They can fly as high as they want. But me, I feel like I've sunk to the bottom of the ocean." Kou said as he watched a flock of birds.
"We should go do something you find fun. It doesn't have to be basketball if you don't like it anymore." Yui suggested.
"We should go on a group blind date. Find me a nice girl, find you a sweet guy." Kou said.
"Uh...let's not." Yui said, shaking her head.
"Yeah, stupid idea. Did you come up here looking for me?"
"It was the only place left to look. But I figured you needed someone to check on you."
"Thanks, Yui. I'll be at the next practice, I promise."
"OK then. See you then."
"You know, Narukami…" Dojima said to Yui while she was preparing tea.
"What is it, Dojima-san?" Yui asked.
"I've noticed that Nanako is different now. She's stronger, more mature. I can't help but feel I've been missing out."
"Well, you have been making amends. You and Nanako-chan seem like a true family now."
"You know it's because of you, right? Ever since you came, you brought us closer and closer together. I've wanted to get that back more than anything else, and yet I feel like I was dodging it this whole time."
"You wanna know why you've been doing that?"
"Why's that, Narukami?" Dojima asked, grinning.
"Because you were cowardly. Always afraid to commit to being a parent." Yui stated boldly.
"You're a punk, but you're right!" Dojima said with a hearty laugh.
"In all seriousness Dojima-san, I'm happy you and Nanako-chan are on better terms. And...I'm happy to be a part of the family too."
"You are. You are family, Narukami."
Yui watched the news on TV after watching Dojima drink until passing out.
"Today's special feature is an interview with The Detective Prince: Naoto Shirogane!" The reporter announced.
"Thank you for having me." Naoto thanked the reporter.
Yui was instantly intrigued by this, as she found it a bit strange that Naoto was accepting to do something as public as an interview.
"Tell us, is it true that the murder case is finally closed?" The reporter asked.
"Personally, I think not. When viewing the case as a whole, I cannot come to the same conclusion as the police." Naoto stated.
"What do you mean by this?"
"I cannot make a concrete statement yet, however, something feels...off. I believe we must pursue any and all inconsistencies." Naoto explained.
"What are you doing, Naoto-kun?" Yui asked aloud.
9/14
Yui and her friends ran into Naoto near the school entrance after class, talking about the TV interview he had.
"I didn't take you for someone that would take the spotlight like that." Yui said.
"Truthfully, I don't." Naoto stated.
"Then...why?" Yui asked.
"If I could have a moment of your time?" Naoto said.
"Sure, make it quick though." Yosuke said with a nod.
"I wanted to discuss the murder case with you further." Naoto stated.
"Hey man, the case is closed, isn't it?" Yosuke said.
"You did say on TV that something felt wrong." Yui noted.
"Indeed. There are the commonalities to note. The victims were always kidnapped before they were murdered. They were locals who had suddenly obtained fame through media attention. Some of you fit this profile, don't you?" Naoto explained.
"How do you figure that?" Yosuke asked with a raised eyebrow.
"There was a lengthy gap between the second and third murders. But there was not a gap between the number of disappearances that fit these criteria. Yukiko Amagi, Kanji Tatsumi, and Rise Kujikawa. All three of you went missing after you were featured on TV. And yet, you survived. Or perhaps...you disguised yourselves as victims to avert police suspicion." Naoto stated, staring from underneath the brim of his hat.
"What are you trying to get at?" Rise asked.
"Are you saying you thought one of us was the killer?" Chie asked with a furrowed brow.
"I had considered that possibility, but now I believe the exact opposite. You were not the killers, but rather people who were able to pursue the culprit. There is also the case of Morooka's muder. He did not get media attention, nor did he ever go missing. There was also an inconsistency with his body." Naoto explained.
"Huh? How can you say that? He was hung upside down, just like Ms. Yamano and Konishi!" Yosuke stated.
"We were unable to identify the cause of death for the previous two cases. However, in Morooka's case, we discerned that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. The police were unable to satisfactorily resolve this issue, but they were also desperate to close the case."
"What are you trying to say with all of this?" Yui asked Naoto.
"Action must be taken to obtain conclusive evidence."
Naoto began to walk away, muttering to himself:
"I wonder how this will pan out…"
"Hey! Where are you going?" Yosuke called out.
Naoto made no response, leaving the others with suspense and dread.
That night, upon tuning into the Midnight Channel, Yui saw the static riddled silhouette of a young boy in a hat and jacket, a striking resemblance of a certain detective.
9/15
"You all saw Naoto on the Midnight Channel last night, right?" Chie asked the others after class.
"Yes, I asked Teddie, and he said no one was in the TV world." Yosuke stated.
"But didn't we already catch the killer?" Chie asked in concern.
"If the case is closed, why did Naoto-kun show up on the Midnight Channel?" Yukiko asked.
"Come to think of it, what exactly is the Midnight Channel anyway?" Yosuke asked.
"So many questions. Maybe this is what Naoto-kun intended to show us." Yui said.
"Show us what?" Rise asked.
"That the case isn't quite over yet…" Yui said ominously.
Yui tuned into the Midnight Channel again, and instructed everyone else to do the same. Much to her dismay, she saw Naoto again, in clearer detail.
"Good evening everyone. I am Naoto Shirogane, the Detective Prince. Welcome to the experiment of the century: The Genome Project. I shall hereby undergo a body altering operation. Everyone will witness me embark on my new journey! Join me as I walk down a new path in life!" Naoto recited as he lay on an operating table.
The Midnight Channel turned off, and Yui's phone rang.
"Hello?" Yui said.
"Senpai! I saw Naoto, clear as day! Didn't we catch the killer?!" Kanji shouted.
"Calm down, Kanji-kun. Naoto was right after all. This is proof." Yui told Kanji.
"What good is it if he's trapped like this? This is pissing me off!"
"You know what we have to do. Gather at Junes."
"Yes, senpai!"
9/16
"There's definitely someone in here." Rise said, using Himiko to survey the Shadow World.
"So it's still going on…" Yosuke muttered.
"Is this why Naoto went on TV?" Yukiko asked.
"Only locals who have aired on TV were kidnapped. I get it now. He was using himself as bait to lure the true killer!" Yui stated.
"He wouldn't do that, would he? He could get killed!" Chie exclaimed.
"That idiot! The least he could have done was warn us!" Kanji said angrily.
"He must have know we'd come for him." Yui said.
"It's no use. I can't get any idea of where he is." Rise said sadly.
"It's not safe to just wander around hoping we'll find him. We'll get lost in the fog forever!" Teddie exclaimed.
"We don't have a choice. Let's go back, find some clue that'll help us find him." Yui ordered.
9/17
Yui and her friends had asked around about Naoto for a day now, but with little luck. Despite being a distinct figure, it seemed no one knew a lot about him. They met up at the Junes food court to talk about their findings.
"I don't know if this has anything to do with Naoto, but I noticed people in town are acting strange." Yukiko stated.
"What do you mean?" Chie asked.
"They're always talking about other people, and they seem almost...paranoid?" Yukiko said with uncertainty.
"I talked to a police officer. He told me that Naoto had a habit of arguing with the police, criticizing their handling of the case. We sort of knew that already, but he went so far as to say that Naoto's obsession with the case was abnormal." Yui told everyone.
"I wonder why Naoto-kun was so fixated." Yukiko said.
"It might have to do with the fact that they treated Naoto-kun like a child. And get this, the cop that he was arguing with the other day? It was Adachi!" Yui said further.
"I see. So Naoto-kun is stubborn and surprisingly emotional, despite appearances. I think I'm getting a better picture of him." Rise stated.
Rise stood up from the table.
"OK! I'm ready to try it again! Let's go into the TV world!" Rise said confidently.
When Rise searched the TV world again, she was able to pick up Naoto's location much easier, bringing the team to a strange-looking fortress that resembled a base from an action show.
"It's almost like a villain's secret base from Phoenix Ranger Featherman R!" Chie stated.
"We might not be rangers, but we're braving the fortress either way!" Yui said as they entered.
The base was constructed almost entirely of metal, with steam and dust lining the labyrinthine hallways.
"Teddie, you said that the places in the Shadow World are made from people's repressed emotions, correct?" Yui asked Teddie.
"Yes, sensei!" Teddie stated.
"I remember Naoto saying on the Midnight Channel, 'Join me as I walk down a new path in life!' I thought Naoto was rejecting his life as a boy detective." Yui thought aloud.
"What are you saying?" Yukiko asked.
"Look at this place. It's a secret lab that's just like the ones you see on action shows, where detectives solve cases. There's something else he's hiding…" Yui explained.
Just then, a red light started flashing and an alarm began to blare.
"Intruder alert! Intruder alert!" A voice boomed over the speakers.
The large screens in the lab turned on, revealing Naoto's face.
"Naoto!" Yui called out.
"Ah, I was getting tired of waiting for you. I've had just about enough dealing with this child…" Naoto said.
Naoto stared at his Shadow self, curled into a ball on the floor and whining.
"No! No! Don't go!" Shadow Naoto cried.
"Senpai! Watch out!" Rise warned.
Shadows began to seep from the ceiling, taking on the form of DNA helices with faces.
"Come on! Let's go!" Yui commanded, prompting everyone to run away in search of Naoto.
"Speaking with you is meaningless. I am leaving now." Naoto said as he began to walk away.
"Why? Why am I always left alone? Why do I always get left behind?" Shadow Naoto whined.
"We share the same face. It's as if you're trying to tell me that you are me. But as long as you act like a child, we are not the same!" Naoto declared.
Shadow Naoto started chuckling, catching Naoto off guard.
"Who are you trying to fool? You know the truth, don't you? I am you!" Shadow Naoto stated with a glare.
Meanwhile, Yui and the others were fighting off the other Shadows, Yumiko and Take-Mikazuchi electrocuting every Shadow that attempted to swipe at them.
"Naoto-kun! Don't argue with him!" Chie warned Naoto.
"No! Let him! This is his trial to face! We all had to do the same..." Kanji stated, much to everyone's surprise.
"Remember what people always say! 'You're just a kid!'" Shadow Naoto told Naoto.
The floor of the operating room began to rise, lifting Naoto and his Shadow self into the air.
"People only care about your intelligence. Once they have no need for you, they send you back home." Shadow Naoto reminded Naoto.
Naoto began to lose composure, limbs shaking and pupils constricting.
"There's nothing you can do about society's double standards. I want to become a man right now! I want people to see me for who I truly am! I want a reason to live!" Shadow Naoto said boldly, his face flashing on every screen in the room.
"Stop it! I can choose my own reason to exist!" Naoto retorted.
"No you cannot! How can you change the fact that you are a child?" Shadow Naoto asked, knowing Naoto had no answer.
Naoto clutched his head, his breathing becoming irregular.
"You admire those cool, strong men in the detective novels! It's proof that you consider yourself as a child, deep down!" Shadow Naoto stated.
"You're lying!" Naoto shrieked.
"Naoto Shirogane...what a cool masculine name!"
"No! Don't!"
"But you can't change the truth. You're not a guy at all!" Shadow Naoto declared, a sickening smile twisting.
Naoto gasped for air, wallowing in the despair of the truth.
"You'll never be a man!" Shadow Naoto shouted.
The others gasped in shock at this revelation.
"What?! You're...not a dude?" Kanji asked.
"I don't intend to whine about it. That won't resolve anything…" Naoto said weakly.
"You've had people tell you that a lot, haven't you? 'Whining won't solve anything'. Doesn't that make you cry? What are you trying so hard to protect?" Shadow Naoto said mockingly.
Shadow Naoto grabbed the sides of Naoto's face, bringing her up to the same level.
"You don't have to struggle so much anymore. I know exactly how you feel. Because I AM you!" Shadow Naoto said with a toothy grin.
"No! NO!" Naoto shouted.
"Don't do it, Naoto-kun!" Chie cried out.
"No, it's alright! Let her get it out, or else she'll keep on suffering!" Kanji said.
Yui and the others sprinted towards the operating room, in hopes of rescuing Naoto from her predicament.
"You are not! You are not me!" Naoto shouted.
Shadow Naoto cackled in sadistic delight, transforming into a robot with laser guns, rocket boots, and a jetpack. At this moment Yui and the others broke down the door to the operating room, determined to stop the Shadow.
"We just have to do our thing! Let's kick this Shadow's ass!" Kanji shouted.
"How dare you act all high and mighty?! I loathe violent men who let their emotions get the better of them!" Shadow Naoto said angrily.
Shadow Naoto began manipulating the machinery, taking hold of Naoto and strapping her to the table.
"No! Stop it!" Naoto pleaded.
"Let's go everyone!" Yui commanded, prompting everyone to call upon their Personas.
"What's this? More people tired of their pathetic lives? Let the operation begin!" Shadow Naoto shouted.
Shadow Naoto fired laser bolts at Yui, which Yumiko promptly blocked. Despite successfully deflecting the attack, both Yumiko and Yui felt weakened.
"What is this? I feel fatigued…" Yui muttered.
"Begone!"
Shadow Naoto fired lightning from her guns, sending Yui to the floor. She attacked with a barrage of plasma shots, causing the remaining team members to scatter. She then flew over to Naoto on the operating table, manipulating the saws, drills, and other nightmarish implements.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Time to operate!" Shadow Naoto said.
Take-Mikazuchi launched a bolt of lightning at Shadow Naoto, breaking her concentration.
"Hey! Don't forget about me!" Kanji taunted.
Shadow Naoto responded by firing a powerful rail at Take-Mikazuchi, knocking Kanji into a wall. Yui managed to recover, sending Yumiko after Shadow Naoto.
"Annoying fly!" Shadow Naoto exclaimed.
Yumiko and Shadow Naoto spiraled around each other, trading blows.
"Senpai! She's going to attack with fire!" Rise warned Yui, using Himiko to predict her next attack.
"I'll protect her!" Chie cried out, sending Tomoe to assist Yumiko.
As Shadow Naoto fired flammable energy at Yumiko, just as Yumiko became engulfed, Tomoe cast a cool aura to extinguish her. Yumiko attempted to retaliate, but Shadow Naoto was quick to evade the electric bandage.
"Damn she's fast!" Yui cursed.
Yumiko attempted to cast Sukunda in order to slow Shadow Naoto down, but was met with a plasma ball to the chest.
"Shit!" Yui shrieked as she fell backwards.
"Yui!" The others cried out.
"Stop it! Don't hurt them anymore!" Naoto pleaded.
"They need to stand still...so I can fill them with holes!" Shadow Naoto angrily stated.
Naoto started to breath heavily again.
"Ever since I was little, I've been bad at making friends. Even after my parents died in an accident and Grandfather took me in, I never made any friends. Grandfather would secretly let me help with his client's cases. Soon enough, I was the Boy Detective!" Shadow Naoto said, thinking back on the past.
Yukiko did her best to heal Yui and the others with Konohana Sakuya.
"At first, everyone went crazy over me. But then they started to look down on me because I was a child and a girl! In time, I'll become an adult, but I will never be able to do anything about being a girl! That's why I'm going to give you a new life, as my gift to you!" Shadow Naoto declared.
Take-Mikazuchi tossed a boulder at Shadow Naoto, interrupting her again.
"Hey! I suck at making friends too! So friggin' what?!" Kanji shouted.
"I hate crude simpletons…" Shadow Naoto grumbled, taking aim.
Shadow Naoto fired a merciless barrage of electricity at Take-Mikazuchi, knocking Kanji over and paralyzing him.
"That does it! It's my turn to help! Energy Shower!" Teddie shouted.
Teddie summoned Kintoki-Douji and had him invigorate the team. With a newfound strength and speed, the other Personas charged toward Shadow Naoto.
"What's this?! Stay away!" Shadow Naoto shouted, firing back at the Personas.
Each of them took turns striking at Shadow Naoto, each hit slowing her down more and more.
"She's becoming weak! Now's your chance!" Rise told Yui.
"Kanji-kun! Get Naoto out of here! I'm charging up something powerful!" Yui told Kanji.
Kanji ran over to the operating table and had Take-Mikazuchi break the restraints holding Naoto. As Kanji carried Naoto out of the room, Yumiko began to charge up a powerful attack.
"Everyone run! Megidolaon!" Yui shouted.
Yumiko screamed as she released the energy within her, enveloping Shadow Naoto in a catastrophic blast that leveled the entire base. As everyone stared in awe at the devastation, Naoto came to her senses.
"So now you all know my story…" Naoto said, staring at the ground.
"Do you hate being a girl, Naoto? Is that why you dress as a boy?" Chie asked.
"Being a girl doesn't align with my image of a cool detective. If they had any more excuses to slight me, they wouldn't need me anymore." Naoto said sadly.
"That's all in your head!" Kanji stated.
"It's not that you want to become an adult, or that you want to be a man." Yukiko said.
"It's time to face yourself." Yui told Naoto.
Naoto turned and saw her Shadow self, dissipating and head hung low.
"Face myself, huh? It's true. You are me. And I am you. I want to accept you as you are." Naoto said with a confident smile.
"I want to become an awesome detective someday!" Shadow Naoto said with a smile.
Shadow Naoto burst into a shower of energy, taking on the form of a suit-wearing insect. The Persona transformed into a tarot card with the arcana of the Wheel of Fortune, floating down into Naoto's hands.
"You're a slick bunch, keeping this whole thing a secret until now." Naoto said in amusement.
"Not a soul would have believed us." Yui stated.
"No wonder the police couldn't do anything…" Naoto said, her voice becoming weak.
Naoto started to collapse, but was caught by Kanji before falling.
"I can't believe you put your life on the line like that…" Chie told Naoto.
"I knew you would come for me. Now you know...that the case is far from over…" Naoto stated.
"Yes. You proved that to us. Thank you, Naoto-kun. Er, Naoto-chan? Never mind..." Yui said in confusion.
Yui came home to a cheerful Nanako, a disgruntled Dojima, and a drunken Adachi.
"What a relief!" Adachi said, munching on dried seaweed.
"What is?" Yui asked.
"Shirogane! You know, the Detective Prince? He went missing for a bit, but they just found him!" Adachi stated, though it was difficult to make out.
"I didn't even realize." Yui lied.
"You think he got depressed about getting taken off the case and ran away from home? I was afraid that he'd been kidnapped and murdered!" Adachi asked.
"Kidnapped? Murdered?!" Yui said, pretending to be surprised.
"Adachi…" Dojima warned Adachi.
"We haven't found concrete evidence with that boy. I wonder if we can even prosecute him. I bet Dojima-san's hunch is right and the real killer is still..." Adachi continued to spout.
"Don't make me say it again! Shut the hell up!" Dojima shouted.
"Sumimasen!" Adachi replied.
"Hey, don't worry about the case. You keep studying like a good student." Dojima said, referring to Yui.
"Uh, of course, Dojima-san." Yui said with a nod.
"I'm going to bed." Dojima grumbled, getting up from the couch and going to his bedroom.
Yui looked down at the table in guilt.
"Dojima-san's right, you know. Leave the case to the cops. It'd suck if you got caught up in it, don't you think?" Adachi said, taking another bite of seaweed.
"Is there going to be more scary stuff?" Nanako asked, a very concerned look on her face.
"Ah, don't worry about it! Nothing scary's gonna happen anymore! Leave it to me! I'm the smartest guy in the station, believe it or not!" Adachi told Nanako.
"Whatever…" Yui thought to herself.
9/20
Yui had finished Basketball practice when Daisuke came over to talk to her.
"Yui-chan! I got a surprise ready for you and Kou!" Daisuke said proudly.
"What is it, Daisuke?" Yui asked.
Daisuke motioned to a group of guys wearing basketball uniforms, ones that were notably not the same as Yasogami's.
"I got a team of players from another school! They're ready to play a game any moment!" Daisuke said with a smile.
"Wow Daisuke! You did all this for Kou?" Yui asked.
"You bet!"
"Wait, are you playing too? Do you even know how to play basketball?"
"Don't worry about that part! This is for Kou!" Daisuke insisted.
Kou came into the gym at this moment, visibly confused.
"Daisuke? This is the gym, not the field." Kou stated.
"I know that. I'm on the basketball team today. Game's about to start Kou!" Daisuke said, pointing towards the other players.
Kou seemed surprised at the situation, unsure how to respond.
"I know you always feel like no matter how hard you train, you're not accomplishing anything. But you can't do it all yourself. You've got us. And the other guys that came by. Don't forget that." Daisuke told Kou.
Kou agrees to the game, and he plays like never before, impressing every player on his team. Yui holds her own as well, putting up a formidable defense. Unfortunately, Daisuke's lack of experience holds the team back, and when it came down to the wire, the opposing team managed to fake him out and score the winning point. Yui and the boys go up to the roof to cool down and chat.
"I can't believe we lost, and me and Narukami were on fire out there too." Kou said in disappointment.
Daisuke looked away in shame, feeling responsible for their loss.
"I won't say any names, but someone didn't even know what traveling was." Kou said, eyeing Daisuke.
"Hey, shut up! We did this for you!" Daisuke snapped.
"I know...I don't know how to say it but, I don't feel alone anymore." Kou said gratefully.
Kou looks up at the sky, deep in thought.
"They took me in and raised me, hoping I'd carry on the Ichijo name. But then that girl, Sachiko was born, and now she'll be the successor." Kou thought aloud.
"Oh...is that what's been going on in your family?" Yui asked.
"What does that make me? I'm not related by blood, so do I even serve a purpose anymore?"
"You're overthinking it, Kou. It's not like your parents have been mistreating you, have they?" Yui asked Kou.
"No, they've been good to me. It's not them. It's me." Kou said.
"So what, you think just because they're not your real parents that they're not your family?" Daisuke asked.
"It's a load of bullshit…" Kou muttered.
"What are you talking about?" Daisuke asked.
"If we're family, why are they getting a tutor for a two year old?! Why is it suddenly OK for me to play basketball after telling me 'no' so many times?! I can quit my lessons, I don't have to attend the social gatherings anymore! It's because they don't need me anymore, right?! I've been replaced!" Kou shouted, becoming very upset at the situation.
"Kou!" Yui said firmly.
"Sorry, I know yelling at you guys isn't going to fix anything…" Kou apologized.
"What are you going to do now?" Daisuke asked.
"I'm gonna stop by the orphanage. Ask about my birth parents."
"Are you going to meet them?" Yui asked.
"I don't know…" Kou admitted.
"If that's what you need to do, then do it." Daisuke stated.
"Thanks, man."
"We're here for you." Yui said.
9/23
In the Velvet Room, Marie asked Yui what to do about her bamboo comb, and where else to look for hints about her past. After thinking about for a while, Yui was able to give an answer.
"There's this old man named Daidara. He makes and sells weapons, armor, and other things like that. He might know something about ancient relics." Yui told Marie.
"You think so? Then please take me to him." Marie asked Yui.
Yui and Marie took a look at the weapons on display at Daidara Metalworks. Marie somehow seemed more intrigued than Yui was.
"Do people really buy such things?" Marie asked.
"There's a niche market for weapons with no intention to use them." Yui replied.
"Ah, Yui-chan! Marie-chan! Good afternoon!"
Yukiko walked into the store, with Teddie following close by and carrying a few bags.
"Agh! Yuki-chan! This stuff is so heavy!" Teddie whined.
"Oh, relax Teddie! It's not that heavy!" Yukiko stated.
"What are you doing here, Yukiko-chan?" Yui asked.
"I'm buying supplies for the inn, and I just so happened to run into Teddie, so I asked for his help." Yukiko answered.
"Teddie?" Marie said in confusion.
"Ah, that's right. You never met Teddie outside his bear costume." Yui noted.
"Yep! It's me, Marie-chan! Isn't it love at first sight?" Teddie said flirtatiously.
"Has Yosuke been influencing you?" Yui asked jokingly.
"Red? I mean, Yukiko-chan?" Marie asked Yukiko.
"Yes, Marie-chan?" Yukiko said.
"Do you know what this is?" Marie asked, holding out her comb.
"What a unique looking comb. What about it?" Yukiko noted.
"We were wondering if you'd know anything about it." Yui said.
"I'm afraid I wouldn't. It's a very pretty comb, though." Yukiko said regretfully.
"Can I help any of you?" Daidara asked from behind the counter.
"Sir, do you know anything about this comb?" Marie asked politely.
Daidara took a long look at the comb, rubbing the scars on his face thoughtfully.
"This one's a beaut. Pretty old, and yet it's in perfect condition. Too perfect. Where'd you get this?" Daidara asked.
"Do you happen to know anything specific about it?" Yukiko asked.
"Not particularly. I can tell you what it's made of though. It's something similar to a rare bamboo type that grows in the Chugoku region. Whatever it is, it's not normal bamboo. Almost like something from another world." Daidara stated.
"Another world? I don't understand…" Marie mumbled.
Suddenly, Marie began to wince and clutch at her head in pain.
"Marie-chan! Are you alright?" Yui asked.
"I'm un-alright! My head hurts!" Marie said, struggling to get the words out.
"Hold on there, miss! I have a first aid kit around here!" Daidara said, looking around for medical supplies.
"I'll go ask the neighbors for some medicine!" Yukiko stated, leaving the store immediately.
"Wait for me, Yuki-chan!" Teddie called out as he followed her.
Marie continued to struggle until the pain began to subside.
"Did you remember something just now?" Yui asked Marie.
"I thought I did, but the moment it popped up, it disappeared! I almost had it!" Marie said in frustration.
"Take it easy. Straining yourself won't help you remember."
"I didn't even do anything! It just happened!"
Marie sighed in discontent and began walking out of the store.
"I'm going home…" Marie muttered.
"OK."
Yui and Marie explained the situation to Yukiko and Teddie, and after ensuring Marie would be alright, they said their farewells.
9/24
Yui brought Marie to the Samegawa Riverbank to talk about her current condition.
"Has your head been OK, Marie-chan?" Yui asked Marie.
"I guess. It doesn't hurt as long as I don't think too much…" Marie replied sadly.
Marie seemed particularly irritable today, asking for absurd requests such as wanting to see a dolphin, as if Yui were capable of making one appear on demand.
"Marie-chan...I know this is really frustrating, but…" Yui began to say.
"Whatever...it doesn't matter anymore. I've stopped trying to remember. What's the point?" Marie said in a defeated tone.
"Please don't give up, Marie-chan."
"What am I supposed to do then? No matter what I do, I can't remember anything about myself!"
Marie began to strain again, causing Yui to attempt to comfort her.
"Don't touch me! Idiot!" Marie lashed out.
"You're hurting again!" Yui said in concern.
"Just leave me alone! Leave me alone already…" Marie whimpered, tears beginning to form.
Marie quickly wiped away her tears, her breathing slowly normalizing.
"I'm scared that I can't remember anything. Everything I have now is on loan from that room. The comb, my duties, my name, even my clothes. If I return what I borrowed, I won't have anything anymore. I feel like I'll fade away…" Marie stated, sounding more solemn than she ever had before.
"That's why you want to remember so badly, isn't it? To give you something to cling onto." Yui guessed.
"Yeah...hey! Isn't this that one place?"
Yui and Marie stood atop the hill that overlooked the town.
"Ah, that's right. I took you here after getting steak skewers." Yui stated.
"Fusuteki...yeah. I feel like I've known this scenery for a long time." Marie stated, cheering up a bit.
Yui's eyes widened when she came to a sudden realization.
"Wait! Marie-chan! That's it!" Yui exclaimed.
"What's it?" Marie asked.
"You remembered us going to this hilltop! That counts as a memory!"
Marie stared in surprise at this notion.
"I...I remembered! A memory of you and me! A memory of the past!" Marie told herself.
"We still don't know about your past before you met me. But maybe...it's alright to make new memories. To make a new past to remember by." Yui said with a smile.
"Heh...I guess I'm not in a hurry anymore. I can just make more memories." Marie chuckled.
Marie continued to look out onto the town, her smile slowly growing.
"What's on your mind?" Yui asked.
"Sorry. It's just that I'm happy. For the first time in eternity." Marie said.
"Spoken like a true poet."
"Stop reading my poems…"
"Why? You don't even read your own poems."
"Stupid jerk…"
"*laugh* You're welcome."
Marie chuckles again, taking pleasure in her new revelation.
9/25
When Yui came home from hanging out with her friends, she was surprised to see a small, pink cake sitting on the table. She watched Dojima setting out plates and utensils and got his attention.
"Hi Dojima-san." Yui greeted.
"Oh, hello Narukami…" Dojima responded.
"What's all this?"
"Ah, this? You'll see. Could you go get Nanako? I asked her to wait in her room."
Yui went to get Nanako, bringing her to the living room.
"A cake?! What are we celebrating?" Nanako asked, a delighted smile on her face.
"Well...today is a special day for us. Today, we become a family. You, me, and her." Dojima stated, motioning to Yui.
"What about before?" Nanako asked.
"Um...today is the day it becomes 'official.'" Dojima said.
"Hmm, I don't really understand. But I'm happy!"
"Good! Let's have some cake then. To us!" Dojima said with a smile.
After eating some of the cake, Nanako went back to her room, leaving Yui and Dojima alone.
"Hey, sorry for making you go along with this." Dojima said apologetically.
"I didn't mind. I'm happy that I'm 'officially' family now." Yui replied.
"Thank you. I wanted to do this because...I wanted Nanako to know how important she is to me as my daughter."
Dojima grit his teeth as he reflected upon Nanako's growth.
"She has her smile, her strong attitude. It was so hard for me to look at Nanako because she reminded me so much of Chisato. Chisato died because she went to pick up Nanako, like any mother would. But then again, she's saved me just by being there, more times than I can count." Dojima muttered.
Yui simply sat and listened attentively.
"Can I be honest with you about something? If I were living by myself, I never would've considered taking you in. I think I was...scared. Scared to have another person around. I was afraid we'd become a family...and then I'd lose it all again." Dojima stated sadly.
"I see...but it was worth it, wasn't it?" Yui asked.
Dojima thinks for a bit before nodding firmly.
"Yes, it was. I've spent all this time running away, chasing a guy who was also on the run. I won't do that anymore. Starting tonight, I'm keeping close to my family and holding tight." Dojima said with conviction.
"That's good. I'm happy...and proud of you."
"Thank you...Yui."
9/27
At basketball practice, Kou told Yui that he would be stopping by the orphanage today. Yui interpreted this as him saying, "Don't follow me". After practice ended, Yui went with Daisuke to Yasoinaba Station, where they waited for Kou to return by train.
"What are you two doing here?" Kou asked as he walked out of the station.
"What do you think we're doing?" Yui asked rhetorically.
"You both came all the way out here just to worry about me? You're all losers…" Kou said jokingly, but his smile told the truth.
Kou leaned against a wall and started telling them about the orphanage.
"The orphanage is still the same as it always has been. The teachers even remembered who I was, and were really nice to me." Kou told them.
"That's good." Yui said.
"When I asked them who my real parents were...they said they couldn't tell me, or why they left me there." Kou stated.
"Seriously? Why not?" Daisuke asked.
"They gave me this though."
Kou took out a letter from his pocket.
"It's a letter from the person who left me at the orphanage. I was too scared to read it by myself." Kou said, a sad look on his face.
Kou sat down on the steps leading to the station, inviting Daisuke and Yui to sit next to him.
"I'm...I'm gonna read it now." Kou said.
"Go ahead, Kou." Yui said with a nod.
Kou took a breath and began to read the letter.
"Dear Kou-kun,
By the time you read this, you'll have grown into a fine young man.
Your parents named you Kou, because they hoped that you would always be in good health.
They considered health more important than fame or wealth, because health is much harder to keep and maintain.
Your parents were very frail, and they passed away about half a year after you were given up for adoption.
They always wanted you to know how sorry they were that they couldn't raise you themselves.
They loved you very dearly.
Kou, know that you are your parents' ray of hope.
No matter how difficult things get, hold your head high and keep pressing onward. Never lose hope.
Both of them would undoubtedly say, 'We will be watching over you, always'."
Kou reached the end of the letter, noting that there were no names signed at the end. While he sat there, feeling downtrodden, Daisuke sat quiet and Yui choked back some sobs.
"I was half-expecting it to be like this, but it's still pretty shocking. I really do have no one…" Kou muttered.
"That's not true, Kou…" Yui said, after collecting herself and wiping away her tears.
"You think so? I really don't know anymore…"
Kou put the letter back in his pocket.
"Even so, I'm glad I have this now." Kou said with a gentle smile.
"Hey, let's go home. It's getting dark out." Daisuke said.
"Yeah, sure thing. Thanks for checking on me, guys…"
9/29
"Hey, Yui."
"Yes, Dojima-san?" Yui asked as she sat at the dinner table.
"Why don't we take a walk outside? You, me, and Nanako." Dojima stated.
"That sounds like a good idea." Yui said with a nod.
"Oh and also, I want you to have something."
Dojima stood up from the table and walked over to the cupboard. He took out a coffee mug and put it down in front of Yui.
"It's the same kind of mug Nanako and I use. Feel free to write your name on it later." Dojima said with a smile.
"Thanks." Yui simply said.
Yui took out a small blue ribbon from her pocket and tied it around the handle of the mug.
"There. Now you know for sure it's mine." Yui stated.
"Heh, great! You're family now. WE'RE family now. I'll fill your mug along with Nanako's anytime."
Nanako came into the room, eager to leave the house.
"Ready, Dad?" Nanako asked.
"Yeah, let's go!" Dojima said.
Dojima took both of them to the Samegawa Riverbank. Though the night made the surroundings a bit scary, it also made them peaceful.
"Why did we come here?" Nanako asked Dojima.
"I've been thinking. Why don't we come here again on a nicer day? Have a picnic." Dojima said.
"Yeah! That's a great idea!" Nanako cheered.
Nanako ran up to the river, taking care not to fall in.
"That look on her face. I haven't seen it in a long time." Dojima said proudly.
"So, what now?" Yui asked Dojima.
"I'm...I'm going to keep searching for the criminal who ran over Chisato. But this time, I'm doing it because it's my job...as a detective. You helped me remember what's important to me, Yui. I owe you for that."
"Dojima-san, taking me in and caring for me like a third parent? That's all I could ever ask of you." Yui stated.
"This town is my town, and where you and Nanako live. I'm going to protect it, as a detective, and as a father." Dojima proclaimed.
Suddenly, the two of them heard a commotion going on up the hill.
"Hey! Stop, thieves!" A police officer shouted.
"Hm? What's going on?" Dojima asked.
Dojima looked up and saw a police officer chasing a pair of juvenile thieves that had been making the news.
"Looks like trouble! Hey, take Nanako home. I'll be right back." Dojima told Yui.
"Go get em, Dojima-san!" Yui said with a smile.
Dojima ran up the stairs and joined in the chase.
"Hey, you punks! Stop right there!" Dojima shouted, following close behind.
"Where's Dad going?" Nanako asked Yui.
"Stopping the bad guys!" Yui said.
"Let's get the bath ready for him when he gets back!" Nanako said with a smile.
"Good idea."
9/30
Yui was hanging out with Rise after school when Rise asked Yui to sit down on the park bench and talk about something important. Naturally, Yui agreed.
"Senpai, I've thought about a lot of things. Mostly about me quitting being an idol." Rise told Yui.
"Yeah? What of it? Have you changed your mind about anything?" Yui asked.
"I ran away from showbiz because I was tired of being an idol. But when I heard what was going on with Kanamin, I got so angry. Why is that, do you think?"
"To tell you the truth, I've thought about it a little bit when I had nothing else to think about. When you try to get away from a life you didn't like, to be something different, better. I know you made a point of saying that 'Risette' wasn't the real you, how it was a manufactured image. But when you really think about it, no matter how much you might have disliked the experience, that's still a part of you. It still made you who you are today."
Rise smiled, knowing that Yui hit the nail on the head.
"That really is how it was. Risette's name in bright lights, idolized by the masses. I didn't want to lose that. All this time, I've been trying to become how I wanted to be. I pick a role, and when I'm tired of that, I continue chasing the 'real me' by picking another role. But the truth is, all of those roles are me. I played those parts." Rise stated.
Rise looked at Yui with determination.
"I've decided. I don't want to run away anymore. I'm not going to search somewhere else for my true self. I'll be my best, right here, in this town." Rise told Yui.
"That's it, then. Time to own who you are, right?" Yui said.
"Hey, senpai? Can I tell you something a bit personal?"
"Sure."
"I uh...I don't know how to say this. I...kind of like you? Like if you weren't already dating Chie-chan, I'd have asked you out by now. But..." Rise said with rosy cheeks.
Yui giggled at this confession.
"Rise-chan, I knew for a while. Subtlety is not your forte. It's...kind of adorable." Yui said with a sly grin.
"Senpai! Why do you have to be so mean?" Rise said, feigning annoyance.
"I'm glad you're just coming out and saying it, rather than bottling it up. It's fine. You're somehow not the first girl that's been attracted to me. I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that any girls like me at all. But I'm hoping you're fine with being friends. Because you're a good friend to me."
"Yeah, you're a good friend to me too, senpai."
"God, imagine if Chie-chan heard you saying this. I don't know whose ass she'd kick first."
"*giggle* Don't worry senpai. I won't ever come between you two."
"Onee-chan! Let's make dinner for Dad!" Nanako told Yui.
"You're pretty cheerful today, Nanako-chan." Yui stated.
"Are you able to make a salad, onee-chan?"
"Sure can!"
"Great! I'll make sunny-side up eggs!"
"Onee-chan! I want you to have this."
Nanako handed Yui a copy of her family photo, tucked neatly into a frame.
"One day, let's get a picture of you, me, and Dad together." Nanako stated.
Nanako looks up at Yui in adoration.
"Onee-chan."
"Yes, Nanako-chan."
"I know now. Both me and Dad have been lonely ever since Mom died. But I want to do everything I can to make sure he's not lonely anymore! I love my Dad, onee-chan!"
"That's great!"
Nanako walks up to Yui and reaches out to her, causing Yui to instinctively kneel down and hug her.
"Also, I love you, onee-chan!" Nanako chimes.
Yui found herself crying, despite her best efforts not to.
"I love you too, Nanako-chan! You're the sister I always wished I had." Yui told Nanako.
After sharing a tight hug, Yui and Nanako got to work making the best dinner they could.
Author's Note(5-27-23): This chapter had a lot going on it seems. I don't have too much to say about it, but I will say this: Naoto's character and development is pretty important to a lot of people. It's especially important to me personally, as someone who recently discovered that they're pretty gender non-conforming. I can only hope to do this character justice in this humble little internet fic.
