Whew, sorry about the lateness of this chapter once again. Bet you guys are getting tired of that excuse. It's also why I wrote a long one this time. Thank you to thelovelydissidiacharacters for the dialogue as well. Well, I won't keep you any longer. Thanks to all the favorites and alerts. Remember to review, every one counts!

The Amagi Obsession

Chapter 6: Jealousy

It had been about a week since Chie's disappearance. With nothing to go on, the Inaba Police Department was growing hopeless. This wasn't the first time they had been in a situation like this. None knew this feeling better then Ryotaro Dojima.

Chie's was the ninth disappearance this year and he once again found himself spearheading the search effort. Out of all nine who had gone missing, only two had perished. Dojima wanted to avoid adding another victim to that list at any cost. He owed it to his nephew, Yu. Without him he didn't know if Nanako would have managed to survive her own ordeal a few weeks back.

Dojima was also plainly aware that Chie is his nephew's girlfriend.

He must have been hurting just as much as her parents were. It was up to him to solve this case, but with each passing day the trail was growing colder. At the present he had the police out flipping tables. They had been around the entire town questioning the sketchiest people Inaba had to offer left from right. Dojima initially started at the Amagi Inn, the last place Chie had been before she disappeared. However, he hadn't been able to get much out of the employees or guests.

Next, he moved onto the people closest to her. When questioning Chie's parents, they also hadn't the slightest clue what could have caused their daughter's sudden disappearance. Friends as well. The behavior of the perky girl had been the same as always.

This case puzzled Dojima more than anything.

It was evident Chie didn't have any personal animosity towards anyone, so what could have happened?

With Adachi's arrest he assumed that the kidnappings would stop. With the news the killer had been caught, the dark cloud of tension in town was beginning to dissipate. Things were finally returning to normal.

The vanishing of Chie Satonaka threw a wrench in all of that.

He hated seeing Inaba this way.

Could they have arrested the wrong guy?

"No." Dojima grunted, rubbing his head. Adachi had confessed to everything. "No sense in doubting it now."

If they released him from prison, the town would go into an uproar. Faith in the police department would be lost and he would surely be out of a job. They had to keep searching, poking at all possibilities. She would turn up, he had to keep the faith.

Dojima thought back to the teen, Mitsuo, who claimed to be the killer. He wondered if it was possible for there could be a copycat killer. If so, this town was really cursed. The police had to pick up their pace. Referencing the previous cases, it took approximately two weeks for the missing person to turn up deceased.

His train of thought was broken with the sound of a knock at his door.

"Probably more files to look through." Dojima grumbled. Sighing, he took one last huff of his cigarette and put it out. "Enter."

To his surprise the ace detective, Naoto Shirogane entered through the door. This was the last person he expected to see today. Dojima hadn't had much contact with his junior since she had been kidnapped.

Naoto looked well enough despite the steely look in her eyes. She had been hanging around his nephew and his friends lately. In Dojima's eyes a suitable activity for someone her age, rather than clamoring around a police station. You only get to enjoy youth while you're young.

"Shirogane? Why are you still hanging around here?" he asked.

Naoto placed her hands to her sides and politely bowed to Dojima, then calmly asked. "Dojima-san, I would like permission from the police to investigate the disappearance of Chie Satonaka."

Dojima had figured this is what she had come for. He wondered secretly if Yu had put her up to this.

"Huh, why would I allow that? You may be an ace detective, but you're still a kid Shirogane." He replied. "Look, I know you're worried about your friend, but you can leave this one to us. Besides, your emotions may override your ability to make concrete decisions."

Naoto rose back up, her voice remained firm. "Though I may be young in body, my mind is wise with experience. I am quite confident in my ability to keep my emotions in check. I've handled several cases more severe than this."

"True, but…" Dojima sighed, scratching his head. He knew Naoto to be just as stubborn during their previous case together, but he just didn't like the idea of a child snooping in the adult world. This case was just too close to home, for both of them. "Isn't Satonaka one of your friends? What if she doesn't turn up or worse, she's found dead? Will you be able to handle that?"

Naoto kept her face straight and her eyes determined. She didn't flinch one bit at Dojima's words unnerving him.

"If that happens," She spoke coolly. "Then I'll do what is necessary for me to solve this case. Grieving will have to come later."

Naoto's words made Dojima speechless.

"Chie-senpai wouldn't want me to grieve for her loss until I found the person responsible for her disappearance…" she paused. "Or murder."

When he finally regained his composure Naoto patiently awaited his reply. Dojima scratched the back of his head surprised at how mature she had become in such a short amount of time. Her ability to keep her emotions at bay impressed him. Even if he wanted to turn her away, he couldn't now. Sighing once more he matched her cold silver eyes. "So, what can we do to assist?"

His words relieved Naoto. She loosened up a bit and he motioned her to take a seat at the helm of his desk.

Naoto took a chair and stated. "I want to take advantage of everything your department has to offer Dojima-san. I need to be treated as a real detective of the Inaba police department, an equal. This includes the right to detain suspicious individuals, issue warrants, and gather information through thorough means."

Dojima rubbed his eyes and sighed. "You're asking for a lot of Shirogane. What makes you think you can do better than any of the other detectives out there?"

Naoto didn't want to mention how she and her friends deduced that Adachi was the real criminal behind the Inaba murders. Nor how they had stopped the town from being consumed by endless fog. She knew Dojima was aware of the TV world to some extent, but divulging that information now would only bring up more questions. Naoto continued, "I have the better advantage speaking directly to our schoolmates; they'd be more comfortable speaking with me."

Dojima couldn't deny that. "Yeah, I guess, but the authority to detain and issue warrants?"

Naoto knew she was asking for a lot, but the young detective didn't want to let her senpai down. She maintained a firm stance and nodded once more.

Dojima let out one last sigh and folded. "Alright, alright, you're in. But only until Satonaka is found understood?"

He reached into the drawer under his desk and pulled out an Inaba police officer badge. He handed it to Naoto and gave her a stern look. "Use it with care."

Naoto stood up and bowed gratefully. "I understand Dojima-san, thank you for this."

Naoto left the office and stared at the badge he had handed her. Inside she screamed with excitement. This was the first time she had ever had a legitimate badge. The young detective had assisted the police on numerous occasions, but for the first time she was considered one of them.

Gripping tightly around the cold metal she shoved it into her pocket. She had a responsibility to not let Chie down. Naoto resolved to figure out this whole case. It was her first and upmost priority. "I promise, I'll find you senpai."

"First thing's first." she muttered under her breath.

She had to gather as much information together as possible. The police had taken their share of testimonies from family, friends, and acquaintances, but Naoto wanted to dig deeper. Reaching into her coat pocket, she found a square notepad. Flipping amongst the pages, she found a list containing several points and people of interest.

"Senpai's last known location was at the Amagi Inn. Perhaps Yukiko-senpai might know some more."

Naoto flipped out her phone and dialed Yu's number. She needed to get the Investigation Team together fast.

…

Yukiko sat in her room finishing up some homework. The assignment had been put aside earlier to help her mother. She didn't like to spend her days off studying, but she didn't have much to do these days other than work and hit the books. Without Chie around she didn't have many other friends to hang out with. Despite being on good terms with everyone in the Investigation Team, Yukiko usually only found herself spending time with Yu and Chie.

She couldn't help but feel a bit sour inside. Earlier she texted Yu and asked him if he wanted to go with her to Okina City, but he had yet to reply. She thought that taking his mind off things for a bit might be beneficial. Perhaps she had been too forward?

The girl tapped her pen on her desk repeatedly and caught a glance of a phone lighting up. She looked over to the wall where she had Chie's phone plugged in and saw in bold letters, '112 unread messages.'

She frowned. Most of those texts had probably been Yu.

She had the urge to grab Chie's phone and text 'that she never wanted to be with Yu ever again,' but it sounded too childish. That was unlike Chie. Yukiko laid down against the cold wooden floor and groaned.

Yukiko was jealous. She couldn't help it. Chie had everything she had ever wanted. A great social life, tons of friends, and Yu Narukami. Now that Chie was gone Yukiko wanted nothing more than for Yu to forget about her. Unfortunately, the more time passed, the stronger his resolve grew. It had been a week since Chie vanished and he hadn't let up one bit.

The Investigation Team meet ups were beginning to get exhausting. They went until late at night questioning and searching around Inaba. Yukiko was glad they had all but given up on the TV world. Luckily, Teddie hadn't let anything slip yet.

"When will he give up on her? I'm right in front of you dammit." She whispered. Yukiko tried her best to play it safe, but ever since the night she tried to kiss Yu, things had been different between the two of them. She hoped that he was starting to think of her as something more than just a friend. Soon Chie would be completely out of the picture, and it would just be her.

With the lie she planted Yukiko was sure of it.

There had to be a little doubt in Yu's head.

Her train of thought was broken by her own phone vibrating. Excitement welled in her chest. Yukiko fished around in her pocket for the device. She pulled the phone and to her surprise saw it had been Yu.

"He texted me!" She squealed then glanced at the clock. It took about an hour to get to Okina City, and it was already 3. Yukiko didn't mind at all.

She flipped open her phone to read the text, but the smile that crossed her lips quickly faded.

"Hey sorry about replying so late, I was just busy looking for clues. We won't be able to go to Okina City today, maybe some other time."

Yukiko read the text more than once, spiting Chie with every word. Why was he so stubborn? Another text came in as soon as she was about to reply.

"Also, we're meeting up in Junes in 30 mins. Naoto has something to tell us. Will u be able to make it?"

As much as Yukiko hated going out and searching for clues about Chie, she loved being paired up with Yu. The constant searching was a bore for her. She knew all along where Chie was, but she had to keep up appearances. This could also be an opportunity to get closer to Yu.

"I'm not working at the moment. So, I will be able to make it. :D"

"Alright, see u in a bit."

Yukiko slipped into some blue jeans and began to brush her hair. Even though it wasn't under ideal circumstances she was still going to be able to hang out with Yu today. Still inside, there was uneasiness eating at her heart. She wondered what sort of news Naoto had to tell the rest of the Investigation Team. Had she found something?

"No, no." Yukiko murmured. "I covered my tracks; everything will be okay."

…

It didn't take long for the team to assemble in Junes. They all sat at an empty table amongst the even emptier food court. Everyone was on edge; it had been a week since their friend's disappearance, and they had yet to find anything that could be helpful to the investigation. Everyone was either agitated or worried, except for the Amagi heiress of course. Who watched them semi amused.

Yosuke started. "Okay guys it's been a week, and we know nothing about what's going on with Chie."

Kanji slammed his fist on the table surprising everyone.

"Dammit, haven't the police found anything yet?! All this damn questioning they've been doing you think they would've found some shit out already!"

"Kanji." Naoto spoke calmly. "The police are doing all they can, but there isn't enough evidence to go on yet."

"THAT"S SOME BULLSHIT NAOTO AND YOU KNOW IT!"

Naoto was taken back by his retort. Keeping composed she murmured. "Please calm yourself Kanji-kun."

"Yeah, calm down Kanji!" Rise was the next to speak, looking fairly annoyed at the young teen's outburst. The idol wasn't intimidated by the delinquent in the slightest. "Everyone's been worried and is working really hard. It's not just the police's fault. Teddie and I just haven't been able to find anything either."

"Ye-yeah." Teddie replied nervously glancing at his friends. "I've been working beary hard! So hard in fact, I haven't even had the time to get free icicle pops and steak for the ladies!"

Yukiko rubbed his head smiling triumphantly. Teddie's silence wouldn't break so easily. She needed him to stay silent. "Yes Teddie, you've been working beary hard lately."

Yu sighed catching the attention of his friends. Their leader's composure was faltering by the day. No one really noticed when the team first assembled, but Yu was beginning to look pale.

Yukiko hid her smile. Her venom was beginning to take effect.

"We've been searching wildly, and we haven't found anything… Chie…" Yu whispered.

Yosuke rubbed his back. "It's okay partner. Don't wor-"

"No, it isn't!" Yu shouted, smacking his hand away. "We don't even know where she was before she vanished!"

"Actually, we do." Naoto interrupted the two. Naoto turned her cross hair over to Yukiko who tensed up. "She vanished right after she left Yukiko-san's home, isn't that right senpai?"

Yukiko suppressed the lump caught in her throat. She hadn't expected Naoto to turn the focus of conversation on her. Calmly she replied. "Yes, it is…"

Naoto nodded to Yu calming him a bit.

He apologized to Yosuke.

Naoto continued. "Actually senpai, if you don't mind, I would like to come over and investigate the Amagi Inn today."

"Excuse me?" Yukiko exasperated without thinking, her voice high with tension. "Why would you need to do that Naoto-kun? The police have already investigated the inn and found nothing. It would be a waste to have you come by." She laughed nervously.

"Hmm, that is a possibility." Naoto rubbed her chin. "But even so, I just want to make sure that they didn't miss anything that could be of importance to the case. Even the tiniest of things would be helpful. Like a witness testimony or any of Chie-senpai's belongings. No stone should be left unturned."

"Oh, I'm sure there's nothing like that there; the maids clean the rooms spotless every single day of the week. I'm positive there isn't anything there." Yukiko waved off Naoto's suggestion eager for their conversation to end. She couldn't stand her being so persistent.

"No matter how much scrubbing and vacuuming one does, it doesn't erase fingerprints or blood stains. Even the most miniscule of-"

"I SAID THERE'S NOTHING THERE!" Naoto was cut off by Yukiko's outburst. Everyone was taken back by the Amagi heiress's sudden change. Yukiko huffed heavily before composing herself after realizing what she had done. The entire Investigation Team looked at her with surprised expressions.

"Are you okay senpai?" Rise asked with a concerned expression.

"I'm fine." She lowered her head and whispered. "I'm sorry Naoto-kun. I didn't mean to explode like that. Forgive me."

Naoto lowered her head as well. Mentally cursing herself, she had upset both Kanji and Yukiko. "That's quite alright… Perhaps I was too direct in my way of asking. My apologies senpai."

Narukami scooted over to where Yukiko sat and rubbed her back. He gave her a reassuring smile making her face turn beat red. The leader addressed the group. "All right everyone, Yukiko is obviously upset about this more than anyone. Badgering her anymore won't help anyone. Let's just try to be optimistic about this."

Kanji nodded in agreement. "Yeah… good thinking. There's no need to worry Yukiko-senpai!"

Yosuke followed in unison. "Ye-yeah Yukiko-san, I'm sure she's fine. Chie's probably thinking about some food she wants to eat or something. Probably some steak!"

"Yeah totally, or she's out practicing some kung-fu moves on someone as we speak!" Rise said with a smiled.

The mood was starting to lighten up.

"Yeah, YEAH! She's beary fine Yuki-chan!" Teddie smiled cheerily.

Yukiko eyes had gotten misty during her argument with Naoto. She wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded. "Yes, I'm sure she's fine. There is no need to worry."

Inside Yukiko sighed in relief. She was happy that no suspicion had been cast on her. That outburst had startled even herself. She needed to be more careful with her emotions. Naoto pushing her buttons like that was the last thing she expected.

The conversation continued like normal until Naoto revealed she had gotten special permission from Dojima to join the Inaba police's task force. She had gotten all the rights of a full-fledged detective when it came to investigating Chie's case. Everyone was in disbelief until she passed around her badge to show her friends the proof of her word.

Yukiko held the badge staring at her reflection from its shiny metal. Her expression was cold. She had to be more careful with what she said from now on. Even though the subject had been dropped, Naoto had the Amagi Inn in her crosshairs. Naoto eyes were on Yukiko, she was sure of it. Inside her room Yukiko still had all of Chie's belongings stashed away in her closet.

Having Naoto find them now would be too dangerous. She would be sure to throw them away as soon as she got home. Yukiko handed the badge back to Naoto with a smile. "Congratulations Naoto-kun."

The day proceeded as normal with the group separating into teams and questioning Inaba's citizens. Yukiko was put in a team with Kanji, much to her dismay. They spent around three hours questioning people to no avail. The girl felt like she didn't accomplish much today while not being placed in Yu's team, but Rise was so adamant about it that Yu gave in. She had to keep her eyes on her. It was apparent the idol had feelings for him.

Yukiko sighed; today's investigation had been a waste of her time. She had to get out of this slump if she expected to get anywhere with Yu.

…

When Yu got home, it wasn't until around 10 PM. He got scolded from Dojima for coming back so late when he had school the next day. "I told you that you need to leave it to the police! We are on top of this. I need you home with Nanako until Satonaka is found."

Yu tried to argue his. "Nanako will be fine! I'm not just going to sit at home and do nothing. Chie needs me and I intend to find her!"

Dojima was getting fed up. "Look I know she's your girlfriend, but when you're living under my roof, I need you to follow my rules!"

When Yu tried to refute his uncle, he immediately stopped, they were both interrupted by the appearance of Nanako. She young girl had woken up from all the noise they had been making.

"Are you two arguing again?"

Dojima cast a 'we will talk about this later' glance at Yu. Then turned his attention to Nanako. "No sweetie, not at all."

His phone began to ring and Dojima cursed. "Shit, I have to take this. Keep an eye on him for me Nanako."

Yu wanted to object, but Nanako watched him with curious eyes. "Would you like some dinner big bro?"

The teen sighed and gave a gentle smile to his younger cousin. "Yes, I'd appreciate it Nanako."

Nanako reached into the fridge and pulled out the plate of food she prepared earlier. She went over to the microwave and heated it up for him. Then proceeded to tell Yu all about her day. This lightened the mood a bit, but she could tell her cousin was still troubled.

Dojima had told her what happened to Chie. Nanako was just as worried as everyone else but had faith that her daddy would find her.

It didn't take long for Yu to finish the meal Nanako prepared for him.

"Thanks for the dinner Nanako. It was delicious." Yu waved to Nanako and headed up the stairs.

The little girl stared worriedly at him one last time before going to wash the dishes.

Yu got to his room and closed the door.

"Dammit!" he yelled, punching the wall. He hated seeing Nanako look that way and hated it even more when he was the cause of it.

He went over to drop his bag off on his bed and took a seat on the couch. Yu covered his face and tried to fight back the wetness building in his eyes. When he was alone like this, he couldn't help, but think of the worse possible scenario. The thought of finding Chie dead in a ditch somewhere kept lingering in the back of his head.

Yu glanced towards his bed. His phone was there, in his bag's outer pocket.

In the last week he had probably sent Chie at least a hundred text messages to no avail.

Without thinking he was on his feet and already had the device in his hand. He stared at it and pulled up her contact. It felt like another hopeless cause.

"But still-"

Yu felt his fingers moving towards a green button. What would happen if he called her?

...

Yukiko had just gotten out of the hot springs when she got back to her room. Today she hadn't accomplished what she wanted. The plan to get paired with Narukami was a bust thanks to one Rise Kujikawa.

Yukiko was impatient.

It seemed like the gap between herself, and Yu was never going to close.

The girl walked towards her vanity mirror and grabbed the blow dryer. Her hair was damp from washing it earlier. Even though Yu had yet to notice her, she wasn't going to give up so easily. She didn't have anyone in her way anymore. There was nothing stopping her. Aside from maybe Rise, but that was just insecurity.

"I can't give up." she muttered.

Yukiko was just curious as to what he saw in Chie and not in her.

"Hmm... maybe I will pay Chie a visit soon." Her train of thought was broken by a cell phone vibrating obnoxiously. Yukiko shot a glance over to the wall and saw it was Chie's phone buzzing wildly. It was playing the same 'Trial of the Dragon' theme she was so used to hearing.

Yukiko sighed, placing the blow dryer down, and headed over to the phone. Chie's parents had called trying the phone numerous times before, but that was when Yukiko had Chie's phone turned off. She didn't know what possessed her to even charge the device. Maybe it was curiosity before deciding to cast it into the local river forever.

When she flipped the phone open, she was surprised to see it was none other than Yu Narukami calling! In her surprise Yukiko pressed the green answer button and the phone tumbled to the floor.

The girl stumbled back and stared at the phone in horror. "WHAT HAVE I DONE!?"

"Hello!?" She heard Yu's shocked voice from the other side. "Chie! CHIE!? ARE YOU THERE!? ITS ME, YU!"

Yukiko scurried over to the phone and quickly pressed the end call button. She stared at the phone still trying to process what had just happened. Yukiko dropped the device once more and pulled at the roots of her damp hair. She answered Chie's phone. "What did I do? This is bad! What do I do!?"

The phone rang three more times and Yukiko watched it silently, growing more horrified with each vibration. With her idiotic actions, Yu's faith had been restored. Yukiko stood up and grabbed Chie's phone. "I have to get rid of this..."

A flurry of text messages caught Yukiko off guard. She stopped at foot of her room door and glanced once more at the vibrating device she tightly gripped.

"Throwing it away won't cut it." More texts came, one after the other. "I have to stop this."

Yukiko opened the phone with a wry smile. She thought back to the night that Yu came to her home, she knew exactly how to stop this.

"Chie are you there? Everyone is worried sick! Nobody has seen you in a week please be okay."

Yukiko's smile grew more twisted. She knew exactly how to navigate this situation. She made her way back towards the bed and sat down. Perhaps Chie's phone could be an asset in all of this.

"Hey Yu." She texted back.

The response back was near instant. "CHIE? Where are you? What's been happening!?"

"Look... it's none of your business Yu. I'm in a place where I can be happy away from you and your friends."

Yu's reply was thunderous. "WHAT THE HELL?!"

"Chie what the hell are you talking about?"

"What place are you talking about?"

"Never mind just come back Chie... everyone misses you."

"I miss you."

"Please, Chie."

Yukiko stopped.

The young heiress didn't know why, but this was getting difficult for her. She could feel Yu becoming more and more desperate with every text. But isn't this what she wanted? She had to stay calm. Yukiko continued to type on Yu's phone. She had to do this if she ever wanted Yu to be her own. Hesitantly, she typed out the last text and hit send.

"Yu... I-I can't... it's not you. It's just... we can't be together anymore."

"I'm sorry. Goodbye."

...

A/N: Chapter updated 7/3/2023