Chapter 15: Zoo Typhoon
Within a few days, the Velvet Room assault is still fresh on their minds with Yosuke taking a walk with his girlfriend Alice in Inaba. "Gee, that was insane. I hope this doesn't come to Inaba but they have no threats here worth going after," Yosuke said.
"Hey dear, are you okay?" Alice asked.
"Yeah I am fine, I got some things on my mind," Yosuke said as Alice has a worried look on her face.
"I am sorry for being a burden to you. I cause a bit of trouble with you," Alice said looking sad about what happened at the festival.
"It's okay, we should focus on making the best out of a bad situation," Yosuke said as they can sense some people giving them questionable looks.
"You know nasty speech about foreigners are on the rise within this nation. Those Lone Stars are kicking up a storm of hate over people like me, who don't fit their ideal Japanese woman," Alice said as Yosuke takes her chin to look deep into her brown eyes.
"You are real beauty to me, who cares what those idiots say," Yosuke said as this made the chocolate beauty smile.
"Thanks, you are so sweet even though you are being pervy," Alice laughs as Yosuke rubs his nose.
"Hey, can you blame a guy? Those legs were betting to be stared at," Yosuke said lightly as Alice laughs at him.
"Oh you," Alice said as they went to the local shop to notice a sign that made her disappointed. "Oh my," Alice said sadly.
"No foreigners allowed. Freedom of speech my ass," Yosuke said not being happy with this.
"It's okay, just what you can and we can leave out of here," Alice said as this does bother her.
"Alright, I will be right back," Yosuke said as he goes into the shop to see the shopkeeper to watch a Lone Star Rally on the TV screen. "Of course, they are watching the Lone Stars," he thought grabbing his stuff to overhear the rally leader talking about keeping Japan pure and simple. "Gee man, just say what you mean. When you are bigoted just be honest about it and then we can run as far away as possible," Yosuke thought.
He buys his stuff to meet up with his girlfriend outside as the shopkeeper noticed the brown-skinned lady outside. "You better come in here lady, I mean it," the shopkeeper said with a strange amount of spite in his voice.
"We are going, come on," Yosuke said.
"Hate is like a poison and the Lone Stars are spreading it to people," Alice said.
"Can't believe people are dumb enough to fall for this crap," Yosuke said.
"I want to love this country but it seems like they don't want to love me," Alice said sounding depressed about this.
"Hey, don't worry, not everyone is like this. You are a hard worker and get good grades in college. You will fit in just fine in time," Yosuke said trying to comfort her.
"Thank you, you are too kind Yosuke," Alice said as she wanted to believe him. "My parents' relationship is not looked upon fondly by some people," she said.
"It's none of their business," Yosuke said.
"Yeah, I know but mixed-race couples are so rare here. We are following in their footsteps here," Alice said as she fears their relationship will be mocked by people or worse things could happen.
"Yeah even my parents were hesitant at first but they see you as a good reliable person," Yosuke tries to keep her at ease.
"Yes thankfully, well let's go back to your place and watch some movies. We can order some pizza too," Alice said.
"Yeah that would be sweet, come on," Yosuke said as Alice sighs at this.
"Oh Yosuke, not everyone is cool like you," Alice placing her hand on her chest feeling anxious about the rise of the Lone Stars and the hate they spread across the nation like a virus.
Elsewhere Other Yukiko and Other Chie are on top of a building looking out into the mountains. "Wow, this place is beautiful," Other Chie said.
"All the more reason to protect this place against the Chaos. We managed to destroy the Velvet Room and killed off the people inside besides Elizabeth. She wasn't there," Other Yukiko said.
"I heard from Taichi, she is with another group of Persona Users called the Shadow Operatives trying to seek a way to save their old leader Makoto," Other Chie said.
"Seems like they are busy at the moment. We don't have to worry about dealing with them," Other Yukiko said.
"What about the Phantom Thieves?" Other Chie asked.
"They are currently inactive at the moment. No Fusion Gems, they are no threat to us. Too weak to stop us," Other Yukiko said.
"Gee, that traitor has done some damage to us. We lost a bunch of people along the way," Other Chie said feeling sad about their comrades falling to their alternative selves.
"Their deaths will not be in vain. We will complete our mission and save this world from Chaos," Other Yukiko said.
"I wonder who will be chosen to complete the demonic seal over Inaba," Other Chie said.
"We got a few choices and now we will sort it out. Then we make our moves, the towers are almost here. Four more left and then this town is gone," Other Yukiko said as they resume their operations.
Elsewhere the moon is high in the sky, and Yu and Rise are closing the Tofu shop getting ready to get comfortable with movie night. "Oh boy, so many customers coming here today," Rise said as she takes off her apron to pat down her green pants.
"We managed to do with a lot of traffic. I am pretty hyped about hanging out with Nanako at the zoo nearby Okina City tomorrow," Yu said as Rise giggles at this.
"Oh, it will be so cute seeing her having fun with the animals," Rise said as they go turn off the lights on the first level and went up the stairs to be in the living room setting up the TV and a stack of Blu-Rays. "So Senpai I have to ask something," she said.
"Oh, what's up?" he asked.
"Those four Personas you were using before. Undine, Ishtar, Cybele, and Cleopatra, they are so beautiful. Did you do anything weird with them?" she asked as Yu had a funny look on his face.
"Where did that come from?" Yu asked as Rise is pouting at this.
"Kind of weird you got a bunch of sexy Personas around you especially Cleopatra her boobs are huge. Like your own little harem," Rise said.
"Are you jealous?" he asked lightly.
"A little, you don't need those Personas to give you attention. I am all your need," Rise said walking up to him in a seductive manner to trace her skinny finger along his chest.
"Well, of course, those females are for combat. Nothing more," Yu said.
"Then why are they so sexy and make weird moans? How do you make these girls?" she asked as Yu points his finger at her. "Wait a minute, I help make these?" she asked.
"Yeah, all four are based in the Lovers Arcana which is based on your bond with me. You are my strongest bond and make the strongest Personas I can use. Cleopatra is a prime good Persona and she is very strong. One of the strongest I have and it's all thanks to our bond," Yu said as Rise feels happy to hear this.
"Thanks, Senpai. Glad my love is being put to good use but I guess should have figured I can help make such lovely women such I am a piece of work myself," Rise feeling proud of her beauty with Yu rolling his eyes.
"Perfect blend of cute and sexy," Yu said stating like a fact as Rise kisses him on the lips.
"Damn straight, come on. I going to get the popcorn ready and we can watch some romcom movies," Rise said.
"Summer vacation is right around the corner. Nanako is very excited," Yu said.
"Yep, we got a lot of things to do like head for the beach and see the boardwalk with all the shops and food stands. I want some funnel cake so bad," Rise said with her mouthwatering just thinking about it.
"You seeing you a bikini again would be a real treat for me," Yu said.
"So smooth, yes I agree. I have a bunch of new bikinis I brought recently, I think you will not be disappointed," Rise said as she puts popcorn in the microwave to wait for it to cook. Yu approaches from behind to pat her on the rear. "Baby," she protested but she is enjoying him caressing her butt which is soft and round to his touch.
"You know you like this," Yu said as he can see her pants show off the curves of her behind and hips which are a feast for the eyes.
"Yeah only when you do it though," Rise said as they go back to the coach to put one of the movies. "Stars in the Sky, one of my favors," Rise said as she lays on the couch with Yu getting the popcorn from the microwave.
His phone begins to ring as if it's Adi calling him. "Yo," Yu said.
"Hey there, put it on speaker. Rise, can you hear me," Adi said as Rise noticed her voice.
"Hey there Sensei, we were going to watch some romcom movies," Rise said.
"I figured, I was just checking in to see if you are okay after what happened not too long ago in the Velvet Room," Adi said.
"I am doing fine, I haven't used that form in a long time," Yu said.
"Yeah, it packs one hell of a punch. It will be useful in the tougher fights. Sadly, the Velvet Room can't be saved," Adi said.
"Oh, I see," Yu said sadly as he has the image of Margaret's dying face burned within his memory.
"Marie checked it out but she can't go inside due to the crazy amount of demonic energy. Everything is lost inside, I doubt Philemon and the others could come back due to the demonic energy collapsing them in the end," Adi said.
"Gee, thanks for telling me," Yu said.
"No problem. I must tell you. It's only going to get worse from here. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for this," Adi said as Yu nods his head.
"I know," Yu said.
"Do you? You look like you were going to cry for Margaret when she died," Adi said.
"I can take it," Yu said as Adi doesn't believe him.
"You know, your friends will be hurt and even died on this new journey," Adi said as Yu shakes his head not wanting to think about his friends dying.
"I will not let that happen," Yu said.
"Let's hope not, see you later," Adi cuts off the line as Rise raises her eyebrows.
"Very ominous of her," Rise said.
"She is always like that but things are starting to heat up here," Yu said.
"Yeah, I got your back like always," Rise said as the couple enjoy their movie night while getting ready to take Nanako to the zoo in the morning.
Morning has come with Sunday being bright and warm with the summer heat beating into the grass. Rise is getting ready to go out as Yu goes up to the door to see Nanako waiting for her on the doorstep. "Hey Big Bro, I just got here," she said with a happy smile.
"I see, well how about we hang out at the zoo today," Yu said as Nanako jumps up for joy.
"Oh, I want to see Oscar the Elephant," Nanako said. The young lady gets inside the shopping area as Yu is already in his causal clothing waiting for Rise to get into her outfit. "So much Tofu here," Nanako said seeing the food kept in storage.
"You can get some later once we get back from the zoo. You can take some to your dad," Yu said as Nanako miles at this.
"Your tofu is amazing. I can't get enough of it," Nanako said as they went up the stairs to get to the second floor. They wait in the living room for Rise to get ready with her outfit.
"Hey, you look pretty cute Nanako," Yu said commenting on her blue dress which made her look cute along with her long brown hair tied in a side ponytail.
"Oh, thank you, this is my favorite," Nanako said blushing from his sweet comment as they see Rise appear in the living room.
"How do I look?" Rise asked to be wearing a purple tank top, a blue knee-length skirt, and black sneakers with her long brown hair being nice and straight.
"You look so pretty Rise," Nanako said.
"Pretty amazing," Yu said as Rise glows in the face feeling humbled by their sweet words.
"Thanks, you too. I wanted to look good for my Senpai. Come on, the bus will take us to the zoo," Rise said as they leave the house to go to a bus stop nearby which will take them to the entrance to the zoo. Rise noticed a small section of the city has been cut off by barriers with warning stickers on them. "Demons are right under our noses, keeping everything quiet. Makes me sick," she thought.
"Big Sister, are you okay?" Nanako asked as Rise snaps out of it to turn to the young teenager.
"Oh, it's nothing, sweetie, oh look at that," Rise points out signs on the side of the street to see they are close to the zoo. The bus stops for them to get off at the stop to see the entrance of the Okina Zoo.
"This is pretty neat," Yu said for them to go inside. Rise buys tickets for all three of them to go inside to see the colorful signs that show the different exhibits within the Okina Zoo.
"This is so cool," she said to go to the reptile house which has some nice displays of different exotic animals. They go inside to see it's dim and lights showing off glass cases with all the different reptiles inside.
They go up to see a weird-looking lizard showing off bright colors. "This is a chameleon, it uses camouflage to hide from predators," she said.
"Very pretty colors," Rise said to see the young lady looking in wonder at the wonderful colors the little lizard is casting.
"This looks cool," Yu looks over to see a display that has a few geckos clinging to the walls and ceiling of their little habitat.
"Oh, they look cute," Nanako said seeing the little pads on their hands and feet sticking to the surface.
They move deeper within the reptile house to see the main attraction inside for there is a large exhibit housing a huge reptile.
"Oh my, it's so big," Nanako's big eyes looked amazed by this creature for it pops its fork-like tongue from its mouth to crawl on the rocks to go nearby the water to be drinking it.
"It's a Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard on the planet. It has shark-like teeth and has a venomous bite that takes down its prey," Yu said reading the panel on the side.
"That's pretty cool," Nanako said going up to the glass to see the powerful creature.
"It looks scary," Rise commented.
"I heard these things can track you all over the entire islands where they come from," Yu said as Rise looks more worried.
"Oh, this is something I don't want to see in the middle of the night," Rise said as she has shivers up her spine about it. They finished to go to the bird section to see a pond that has a bunch of flamingos.
"Oh, look at that," Nanako said going to the railing to marvel at the pretty bird standing on one leg in the water.
"Yeah, it's a lovely view," Rise said for Yu sees her skirt brushing against the wind along with her long brown hair dancing against the wind. Her warm brown eyes shine against the sun for she looks like a real beauty queen for Yu.
"I prefer your view Rise because that one I think is priceless," he flirted to see her butt filling out the back of her skirt and her tank top showing some good deep cleavage with her cheeks glowing red.
"You are too much," she said in a lighthearted way.
"Well, you make me feel that way, Rise," he said for she goes up to him to kiss him for his sweet comment.
"You know how to make a girl smile," Rise said showing a bright smile which he feels very pretty.
"Just being honest about my feelings," he said as they look at the other exhibitions with a bunch of birds called Toucans sitting on trees having bright colors on their feathers and beaks.
"They are so pretty," Nanako said as the two looked at the little lady to find this very cute. They go to the mammal area to see a group of monkeys eating some fruit. "What are those?" she asked as Rise goes up to the display to see the name called Macaque.
"These little guys are called Macaque, they come from Southeast Asia. Cute little monkeys," Rise said as Nanako is excited for them.
"Yes, they are so cute," Nanako said as she sees them leaping and climbing up the trees within the enclosed space.
Yu looks over at a sign to see it goes to something called an Elephant Stage. "What is this?" Yu asked.
"Oh, it's a famous show here at the zoo. The elephant Oscar is the star of the zoo and does performances for the crowds here," Rise said as Nanako hops for joy at this.
"That sounds cool, let's go there," Nanako said sounding excited.
"Of course, sweetheart. Let's go see Oscar," the trio goes off to see a small arena to enter inside to see a lot of people coming inside to see the elephant. The stands are loaded with people as the trio takes their seats to await the show to begin.
A guy just behind is trying to look down her tank top to see her ample cleavage. "Damn, this chick is stacked as hell," he thought trying to get a better look as Yu taps him on the shoulder.
"Hey dude, she is my wife. Show some respect," Yu said as Rise turns around to give the man a nasty look as the man backs away to go to another place.
"What a weird man," Nanako said.
"What a jerk," Rise said.
"I know right," Yu said as Rise has a playful smile on her face.
"You would do the same thing," she said.
"I am your husband, not some punk," Yu said as Rise giggled at this.
"I know, I don't mind if it's you who were peeking," Rise said in a low tone which made Yu's voice race from her sexy velvet voice.
"Indeed," Yu said as they see the stage set with the trainers coming out and the star of the show Oscar the elephant appears to wave to the audience with his truck.
"Hello everyone, welcome to Okina Zoo. I am the head trainer to our favorite friend Oscar here. Oscar here has been born and raised within this zoo; his parents were saved in Africa by poachers who wanted their tusks for money. They manage to escape and be sent to live in peace along with Oscar here who was born not too long then his parents showed up," the female zookeeper said.
"That is so sad," Nanako said looking sad herself as Rise gently pats her on the back.
"He is safe now, sadly parents died a while ago," Rise said.
"That sucks but he is safe and happy here in the zoo," Yu said as Nanako nods her head.
"Yeah your right," Nanako said as the show ended within 30 minutes. Nanako is hopping around with joy for they are at a café to enjoy a nice meal together. "Oscar was so cool, he was doing tricks with the ball," Nanako said to eat her chicken tenders.
"Yeah, it was pretty nice. Elephants are very smart Nanako, they have a very good memory too," Rise said taking the mozzarella sticks she is sharing with Yu.
"This is fun, thanks for taking me out today," Nanako said.
"No problem Nanako, it's our pleasure," Rise said as they enjoy a meal together for them looking over a map to see all the different sections of the zoo. "So much to do here," Rise said.
"We are almost done here, just a few more places and we can get out of here," Yu said as the day went by pretty fast with someone watching on top of the roof of the building.
"This is the perfect place to do some experiments," a woman said as she has a big grin on her face.
Rise, Yu, and Nanako went back on the bus to head back home to Inaba to enjoy their time together.