A/N: So, first things first is that I must address a detail I got wrong. Orion Record is merely the record company that distributes Rise's Sapphire album in P5. Her actual company she works under is called Takura Productions as stated in P4DAN. I corrected it in updated versions of chapters 2 and 3, but it's still a bad enough mistake I need to point out. Just so that way anyone who didn't know doesn't get confused. Also the fic is available on Ao3! So feel free to follow it there if you prefer that as your site, but for now, this is going to be ahead of that one. I plan to upload a chapter a week there until it catches up. Maybe two if it starts to pick up momentum over there. So, here we have Chapter 5. A Big warning, however, as there is a mental health issue that pops up. If Panic attacks bother you, then I ask you do not read the Rise portion. But I think most are fine with it, but I'm giving the disclaimer all the same! Hope you're ready!

Chapter 5

05/03

The P-1 Grand Prix was over and done with. The Fake Teddie was partially the Shadow of Labrys, and both she and Rise were rescued, with Souji fighting tooth and nail to become the champion. This was in the report Masato was given by Mitsuru and Aigis. It was only the women in the fancy hotel they rented in Okina, but he needed his next instructions in person.

"So… you want me to stay here and watch over the area just in case the culprit makes another move?"

"Yes. Labrys' kidnapper must have some ties here. They targeted those students as well. With a small fixation on some of the members in particular."

They wouldn't be the first. Many flock to him. Even Masato was not immune to his aura.

Mitsuru could easily see why that is. He reminds her so much of someone they all used to know... but now was not the time for reflecting. "Understood. And now that they know who you are, do I tell them my identity?" Masato inquired, a torn look was on his face.

"...I believe it best you keep your cover for now. I do not want them to be involved anymore than they have been. The true culprit wants me, after all. There's no need to drag them into this if it can be helped. This has and should always be a Shadow Operative problem."

"...Very well. I will take my leave, then."

"Thank you for your continued efforts, Yoshida." Mitsuru would speak with such sincerity, but it was not what he wanted to hear. He wanted better opportunities. This just prolonged his efforts, making them feel less valid.

As he left, Fuuka would ask Mitsuru a question while the two sisters spoke to each other.

"Um, Mitsuru-senpai? Is he not ready to try for his Persona once again?"

Mitsuru would sigh before speaking, "I am not opposed to it, but he never was able to summon one back then. If it manifests incorrectly, it could hurt him just like the others. And… I believe we need him to be our eyes and ears here. I know Yoshida does not like this, but…" Mitsuru would trail off. "But we all have our own duties, our own roles to fill."

His desire to do more, to contribute like everyone else. Now it made sense. But what can he do now? Ask her again later? Maybe ask the Investigation team to help acquire his own Persona? No, that would be even worse. He can't even go into the TV World... He tried already. Labrys was only able to because her persona was partially awakened and whatever it was that put her there had distorted her heart to make it possible. What can he do…?

It was now night time, as an angry Sho Minazuki barking in frustration in his isolated hideaway outside the city limits of YasoInaba. A voice coming from the TV speaks through the speakers would resonate to calm him down.

"Sho, calm yourself. Our plan was not all for naught!"

"But how are we gonna get them to fight again!? We barely got any of them to hold any animosity towards one another. No one even got close to hating each other! That's what you needed, right?"

"It is. But, we still acquired some of my power."

"Wha-how!?"

"When any here have feelings of hatred, I grow in strength. This cannot be undone. And when you possessed Labrys, everyone realized you exist. Even if they know not what you look like, as long as they have someone to pin their blame and anger on..."

"Ohhhh… Fo'Sho, ahaha! Now I get it!"

"Because of that, I was able to regain some of my power. It is small, but I can help grant you the ability to enter the TV on your own. The Power of Personas… can be yours."

"Whoa! My own Persona'l power? Ya shouldn't have!"

"Your circumstances are different, however. Because of how you were affected by those experiments, I cannot promise you can control it just yet."

"But then won't it kill me like the other Kirijo victims? That ain't gonna help us at all!"

"...Perhaps that Plume of Dusk within you can serve this purpose."

"Yeah? Well, tell me more, already!" He smacked the TV, giving it the old Percussive maintenance treatment.

"When it is active, a new personality will be born within you that is capable of controlling it. But you will not be awake for it. Your memories will be separate, for how long, I cannot say. Is this acceptable?"

"'Long as I can watch everything I hate burn at the end, I couldn't give less of a shit! Let's do it!"

"Very well. Then step into the TV. Soon, you will be able to do so with ease and without my support."

Their scheme was not thwarted fully. The dangerous duo of a vengeful god and mortal was only just getting started.

05/04

The day after the incident. The team had just waved off the Shadow Operatives in their large limousine. They had their own things to do, however; such as enjoying a big hangout at the Dojima residence tonight, but they all split off for now. Souji finally would have a moment with Yukiko, although Teddie and Nanako went along with them, with the spirited duo now playing by the river while the couple were under the gazebo.

She had her hand atop his as they watched the two, a smile of contentment shared between them both.

"Are you enjoying the peace now, my 'Champion'?"

"That depends. Does my prize include me staying here with you forever?"

"I'm sorry, but the prize you have requested is currently out of stock."

"Then it wasn't worth it." She would giggle at his remark.

"Souji-kun, you know that's not true."

"Yeah; we did learn of other Persona users. This was also a big win for science fiction nerds out there. Robot girls are real, and lethal." And there were at least two of them... things would get out of hand if other people knew.

"They wouldn't believe you if you said that."

"Hah, you're probably right."

"...You know, when I first saw you yesterday, I… just wanted to hug you, despite all those people and our friends watching. I was so close to just…" Her tone was rather uneasy.

"Same here. But we had pressing matters to deal with… this might be our only chance together." He too, sounded tense, but that feeling will alleviate itself. They both knew better at this point.

"I know. And I'm just happy to have you here like this." She rested her head on his shoulder.

"You've grown up a lot, Yukiko. So much for being meek and 'gloomy'." He teased before turning to her direction, kissing her head, letting go of the fear of being outed for this moment. He won't be deterred today.

"Hmhm… I had to start believing in myself someday. That belief led us to being like this, didn't it?"

"I suppose so... Hm, I still remember that moment we got together like it was yesterday."

It was so clumsy when you think about it. Nothing like the movies where they have the right moment set up; in the ideal setting and lighting, and the guy confesses first, while the girl always had that same feeling within her. Or, they simply just embrace the moment and each other, kissing then and there. The relationship establishes right after.

That wasn't the case here. There was no sunset shoreline, or starry night sky… just a visit to a rustic shrine after school; making a wish through an offering, and just a simple question being put forward… "Why? Why are you always with me…?" That was anything but cliche in their minds… but it worked. And who can argue with results? Not a Seta, or an Amagi, that's for sure.

"...I can't believe that even worked."

"But it did."

"Mhm… it sure did." She exhaled a relieved sigh, she could still feel how hard her chest was pounding that day. "Nanako-chan's been looking forward to seeing you, and here she is, just playing with Teddie. I was expecting not to have this time with you because she told me how much she wanted to spend all week with you."

"I think just me being here is a lot for her right now. I told her last night I'm coming back for Summer. And that's even more time for us to be together. …She wants you with us too." Nanako is so spoiled. But she's got such a big heart at the same time.

"She really loves us. All of us."

The sight of Nanako running around with Teddie attracted some more kids, their parents looking and pondering what the Junes mascot was doing here.

"It seems we're attracting a crowd." Souji noted, the eyes thankfully focused on the Big Red Bear instead.

"Well, isn't it almost time to go?"

"...Just a few more minutes like this… please?"

"...That's fine; just a little longer."

Those few minutes turned into half an hour of calm chatting, and witnessing Teddie be pushed to his limits. Though the bear didn't seem to mind keeping kids entertained. And Nanako even spotted her friend Miwa-chan in the mix, a wonderful surprise to be sure.

That evening, the whole team gathered at Souji's home, a big feast was cooked by him, with Yosuke aiding him in knife work, Naoto with the instructions as he needed them, and Nanako was the moral support. This event tested them, and some showed signs of still being bothered by it. Rise's pep seemed a smidge lower than usual and Yosuke wanted to stay by Souji, insisting he wanted to help. He had to pay it no mind, as there was much on his plate, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. His thoughts recalled Masato. If only he were here to help out. A true cook of his caliber could easily help with this spread he had planned out. The night continues all the same, the evening was to be a great one, despite the adversity they had all faced, hopefully the Investigation team will not need to assemble again to deal with the one who tried to sow Chaos and disarray in this crazy town. Souji wanted to take Mitsuru Kirijo at her word… especially since she was her parents' boss. Of course, she didn't need to know that. But knowing how in tune with the world she is, she can probably figure out the bizarre coincidence on her own.

Later that night, everyone would go back to their respective homes, and Nanako was put to bed. Souji had just finished taking care of the dishes as Dojima had coffee on the table for his nephew. Once Souji sat down, he would immediately reflect on the night.

"The house hasn't been this loud since March. I finally got used to the peace and quiet." He gives up a small chuckle before sipping his coffee.

"It was fun. I needed that, if I'm being honest."

"I bet. We got the call from Kujikawa's idol company to file a missing person's report just before she appeared again. Thank God you guys found her. I was not ready for the storm that was the Tokyo paparazzi coming back here again."

"Yeah… That would have ruined my whole trip here."

Dojima was ready to shift the conversation to something Yukiko mentioned the other day.

"Hey, so… how is it back home? Your new school and whatnot. Make any new friends?"

"I'm back at Kosei High, and I didn't find any new friends. The friends made me their new friend first."

"Hahaha! This ain't like finding a pet, Souji!" His dad question got Souji engaged with the conversation.

"But, I wanna know how your parents are. My Sister and your Dad." This made Souji let go of his mug. His body tensed up. He really didn't want to ruin this night.

"They're… the same as always. Machines more than people."

"C'mon, Souji. I know your dad is a bigger hardass than me, but I'm not gonna let you say bad things about my sister."

"I'm not. She's just been the same, if not worse. Both of them see me as an investment. And that bothers me immensely."

"What? Your mother always talks good about you, Souji. Always did in the past."

"And what about now? She forgot your own daughter's name."

"What do you-"

"She never even says my name. I'm just 'son' to her. Everything she asks is always connected to if it affects my future." Souji's pace of speaking started to pick up. His tone was also getting agitated. "And yet she doesn't do anything to directly support it."

"Souji, calm down."

"My father just returned. And he wanted me to stay there. All because the people here aren't worth a damn. Mere rabble as he called everyone. I wanted to snap on him so bad, Uncle. He controls my life, while Mother cares not for opposing his word." Control and Apathy, two opposite sides yet they put Souji in a pinch. A

"Souji. You're gonna wake Nanako."

He stopped himself. He took another hard gulp of his coffee before concluding his frustration.

"I can't ever come to care for my father. If he found out about Yukiko, I know he would stop it. He wants what is the best 'outcome' for me… I don't want that. I want what I want. Not what he wants."

"...I see. Your Dad has been like this for as long as I knew. At least, wanting to be the most respected and shooting as high as his body would carry him… but recently he's gotten worse. For a couple of years now, he's been climbing up the rankings as hard as he could, last I heard."

"...He's on the board now."

"What…!?"

"He got promoted earlier this year. I live in Roppongi now. Those apartments near the Mori tower."

"God damn… when you left he was just a respectable Director. Now he's a C.O.?"

"Yes. And Mother is running the treasury now. Most transactions get run by her."

"Her too? That's… and you're in a multi-million Yen apartment now?"

Souji would nod, Dojima leaning a bit back from the shock of this. And she didn't even bother to tell him?

"For the past couple of years, they both started taking initiative with trying to make something really special for themselves on the Corporate ladder. And that's why you were here in the first place. Osamu took the chance to go to Korea for a business partnership, but to think he did it so easily…"

"And not just there, but America as well. They haven't missed a beat."

"Do you want me to talk to her? Your dad won't listen to me, but I'll talk to my sister."

"It won't change anything."

"You forget who I am?" A noise from the side of them got both their heads to turn. It was Nanako.

"...Are you two fighting? I thought I heard Big Bro angry…"

Souji felt his throat get heavy. He couldn't speak.

"...It's nothing Nanako. Souji is just bothered that he has to leave so soon after not getting much time to play… isn't that right?" Dojima was covering for him.

"...Yeah. I was hoping we would have another day to play, Nanako."

"It's okay, Big bro. We can play all during Summer instead." This was what killed that conversation, and it was for the best. Souji would help Nanako back to bed before returning upstairs. That outburst felt so out of character, but he needed that hot air to escape. Especially because of his return home tomorrow.

05/05

How quickly time flies. Yesterday was so peaceful apart from the late evening, and yet now it was almost time to say goodbye. He spent the morning with the Dojima family to have Nanako content as possible before his departure; but now, at 1PM, he was getting one last look around the Shopping District before he would have to head back to grab his things for the trip back home. His train would leave at 3:30PM.

As he stepped out of the Shiroku store, picking up some snacks his Mother had messaged him to bring before coming home. He spotted someone exit the Tofu store. It was…

"Masato-san! It's been too long!" His green eyes were a dead giveaway. Such eye colors were rare in Japan, but not so if your family originated from the Hokkaido area.

"Oh, Souji-san! Indeed it has." He sounded enthused for a second before coming back down to earth. His cover must remain. "Have you been well?"

"I have been well, thanks. What are you doing at Marukyu?"

"Oh, well your friend Rise-chan kind of strong-armed me into buying tofu some time ago. I finally got a chance to bring some home for Mapo tofu aaand she's not here. Her grandmother told me she's at Okina right now, but she wasn't seen all day back on the third. Do you… know anything about it?"

"...I do not. She did come back in the evening."

"Oh, of course. I was just a bit concerned is all. She's been pretty nice, after all."

"I see. Have you spent time with her?"

"Only that day I told you about. She seemed to have a storm of questions for me." He shrugged.

"Yeah, she tends to do that once you get her curiosity going." Souji's head drooped and shook, fully aware of this habit first hand. "I feel for ya."

"It wasn't too bad. She seems sweet. At least, she seemed that way to me."

"Careful, Tiger. You might not be ready for that storm."

"Just what do you mean by that…!?" His face changed, completely defensive now thanks to that implication. He can not try anything like that. It would jeopardize the mission… and she's out of his league anyway.

"I'm just messing with you."

"Bad enough Rise tried that on me, man…" his hand rubbed the back of his head, the other resting on his hip.

"I bet she did." No doubt that was her pushing any button she could find to see what would get him riled up. "Anyway, you work today?"

"Yeah. I had to call in the other day and I need to make up for it big time. I was going to make something out of this later." He lifted the plastic bag in his hand. "What about you? Are you going back home? It is the last day of Golden week."

"Unfortunately, yeah. I was hoping to share with you some stories of the arcade games I found in Shibuya."

"Oh, man. I wanna play some new games! Been too long since I've been to Tokyo."

"Hopefully next time. I need to go back soon. My train will be here in a couple of hours. I hope we can get a chance to hang out when I return for Summer break."

"Oh? That sounds good to me. You take care, Souji-san."

"And you as well, Masato-san."

The two would part, and before he knew it, it was time for Souji to board the train back home. However, not all of the team could make it. Rise had training to make up for, and Chie… well, apparently she told Yukiko she had something to take care of. Naoto also had to report something of importance to the Prefectural police by this time. So only Kanji, Yosuke, Teddie, and Yukiko would be here alongside the Dojima family.

"Sure is a thinner crowd this time around." Dojima takes notice of what stands out here, the missing friends Souji knew that saw him off last time were not here

"Seems we're all getting busy with our lives already." Souji notes, spotting Yosuke with a somewhat somber expression, but it might not be because of Souji himself leaving.

"Thanks for stopping by, dude. It sucks that we couldn't spend it properly like we intended."

"It's alright, Yosuke. I'm just glad to be here at all. Thank you all again."

"You're comin' back though, right Senpai?"

"Of course, Kanji. Summer looks too promising to pass up."

"Souji-kun… I look forward to your return. My parents want to meet you when you come back."

"Oooooh!" Yosuke and Teddie would cut in with their chance to tease the couple.

"You two-" She was about to commit arson, but Dojima cut in just in time.

"Your train's about to go, Souji. Better hop on."

"Goodbye Big bro! I'll miss you!" Nanako said with a more hopeful tone this time."

Souji was smiling as he stepped onto the train, turning to face his friends one more time. "Take care of each other until I get back." The doors closed slowly as he finished his sentence. This time his friends would not run after him, although Yukiko did take the first steps once more, waving goodbye at him. Their time together was short, but she was fine with that, especially at the promise of his longer staying return for the Summer. It was good to be back, but now… it was time to return and finish the job back in Tokyo. Back to school, and back to contemplating what is next for him afterwards.

05/08

Another Sunny day was here for Inaba to bask in, and yet one of its residents didn't care for it like she usually does. Rise Kujikawa, the returning idol, was slowly walking back from school, alone with no training today either. She was recommended to take today off to help herself relax and be ready for the Photoshoot. Participating felt vital to her, but this sticking feeling of sadness and… helplessness was eating away at her. Fuuka was so great with her powers, being able to use her supportive abilities even from the real world, putting in more effort to free Labrys' mind and body from being controlled after the android got her Persona. That exhaustion must have left her open as the voice claimed it couldn't do the same to healthy Persona users. They gloated how capturing Labrys to exploit her powers was a part of their plan and was so easy to take from the Kirijo Group's custody... But when it looked at her, what it told her when those cold eyes gazed into her spirit, it sent shivers down her spine as he spoke directly towards her to belittle her already broken spirit.

"But you were the easiest of them all to bring here. You're weak. Maybe I should have killed you, after all. Might have gotten a bigger reaction from that."

Even now, she felt that dread in her chest, her heart wanting to burst open and escape. Almost there… She's only at the flood plain. Surely she can make it to her home to comfort herself. But her body felt weak. Her long legs, covered by her black thigh highs, started to stumble. No… she had to sit down. She spotted the gazebo facing the river and walked there as slowly as she could. She couldn't take it anymore. That fear was eating away at her; the anger towards herself slowing her down, the self hate of being helpless…

Her breathing was starting to hasten with every couple of steps she took. She would remember being taken into the TV world against her will by that Fake Teddie. She was shopping for groceries at Junes in the night hours on the day of her kidnapping. She thought she heard him calling and when she went upstairs, she saw the TV acting up. The circle pattern appeared when people entered it. So she assumed Teddie fell in and when she got close enough, she felt a hand grab her. It was hot, and when she came too, she was stuck inside a replica of Yasogami; cold, alone, and afraid. When she tried to leave the room, the Fake Teddie threatened her in disgusting detail of how he would harm and break her… or worse.

"You try that again, and making a comeback will be the least of your worries…. You useless, pathetic excuse of a Persona user!"

She doesn't care, someone just get her far away from here.

She tried to catch her breath as she sat on the bench trying to let go of the anxiety that plagued her; her fingers clasping in and out, back and forth. With Namatame, she had no recollection, which was for the best, but this was so scary because of that anticipation and the pain she felt as her arm was yanked by that Fake Teddie. She knew not to blame the real one, as he was dragged into the mess too, but… she was pulled in to make her teammates, her friends battle one another with her fake saying misleading things to push them further. And she heard every single reaction, every bit of dialogue, from each perspective. Souji and Yukiko's was the least problematic, but when Chie and Yosuke had to square off, it felt cruel hearing the things they said. In fact, they were a bit distant during the dinner at Souji's house. She didn't want to make it worse by speaking up about it, but… she was concerned. But her immediate concern was her rising pressure from within, the Idol's breathing pattern starting to come in and out of her mouth at an escalating rate, her eyes starting to well up with tears. And her body felt heavier.

Someone, anyone… help her. She doesn't care who.

Someone please get her FAR away from here. Here where these feelings were trying to consume her whole.

But along the path, no one would be passing. No students, or normal, everyday citizens… but after a minute, someone did see her by pure chance.

That person would come closer, seeing her head drooped and face covered by one hand while the other was on her thighs.

"Rise-chan…!" It was him; the imposter of a friend. He tried to sound casual, until the sunlight reflected the tears coming from her eyes. Then he realized something was wrong. Her breathing was hard, rapid, and thus unnatural. Something was very wrong. Her body was tensing up and shaking. Something was very wrong.

"Rise-chan! Are you okay!?" He moved with haste, coming to lower himself to her. "Rise-chan, what's wrong?" The mission didn't matter anymore, this was a person in distress. It was time to be himself; to be brave. "Rise, talk to me, please…!"

"M-Masato-kun, I… no…!" His voice sounded like a distant echo at first. Her right hand tried to cover her face more, with her left trying to shove him back. "D-Don't look… at me….!" She felt ashamed that this newer friend saw her in this state. It felt so wrong, like her impression would topple over because of this moment of weakness.

"Rise, please; breathe. Breathe deep and slowly." He's seen this before. Years ago, he dealt with people having similar situations like her's. People like him. He didn't know her problem, but that didn't matter. For now she needed help. And he will be here.

Grabbing her hand to offer some sort of comfort, he repeated his instructions.

"M-Masato… I-"

"Shh, it's okay. Take your time. Calm yourself. I'm not leaving you alone. I will never leave you alone. Breathe deeply and slowly. You can hold my hand if you need to."

"Uh-Mhm…" She gripped his hand tightly, reciprocating his grip, not wanting to let go. And she tried her best to follow his instructions. His comforting green eyes looked straight into her brown, reddened pupils.

"It's okay. I'm here."

He meant it. So far, his advances on everyone was just for the benefit of learning more about the facts surrounding Shadow-related incidents. But this was different. It hit him on a personal level. Rise started sobbing as she felt fear consume her. Masato was the only one here to keep those dark thoughts at bay. He was on one knee the whole way through, not moving from his spot at all.

Minutes later, after much reassurance, supportive words, and a compassionate presence… she would start to calm herself. Her breathing was coming back down to a normal pace.

"Rise… can you talk to me?" His tone was much more clear, concise and caring… It reminded her of her Senpai.

"Masato-kun… thank you. I'm sorry, I…"

"Don't blame yourself, please. I don't know what happened, but you can speak to me about it if you want. Or we can call for someone who you want to speak to instead. But I won't leave you alone regardless." He would stand up after so long of being before her, now sitting beside her, still holding her hand for comfort. Anyone who might see this could infer it as a romantic gesture, but this was just Masato, the real person beneath the mask, comforting her in any way he can.

"Thank you… I want you… to talk to me."

"Sure. Talk whenever you're ready." He pulled a handkerchief from his left coat pocket, giving it to her. Nice save.

"I… was remembering what happened the other day… I was kidnapped while in Junes."

"What?" He already knew this from the report, but he was surprised that she spoke of it. This was the source of her anxiety. "Were you harmed?"

"N-No. Only threatened. I was rescued by… Souji-senpai."

"I'm glad you're safe then. But please, feel free to withhold whatever info you must. Whatever you're comfortable with now is all I need."

"Thank you…" Apart from having the gist of it, this gave Rise the okay to withhold TV world business. Which in her mind, he had no clue about.

"When I was rescued, the kidnapper stated that… I was weak. And that they should have killed me. Nobody knows who it is… and I can't let my manager or anyone know the truth. Or else my comeback will be put on hold…"

He only nodded, wanting her to say everything she wanted.

"I can't do that. People believe in me… and it would worry everyone more, too… I'm so scared."

"It's okay to be afraid. It was a scary situation. But it's alright now. You're safe, and I'm here to protect you."

"Masato-kun…" He looks fearless. She doesn't know him well, yet, it's almost a bit familiar. But comparing him to Souji was now being disrespectful to Masato. She tried to see him as himself; not by comparing him to another man she used to love. This man had the look of a battered soul, still fighting for others who suffer. It was… completely different from what she had as her last impression. Wrong again. "You're so nice to me."

"But that's because you were nice to me of all people."

"What do you…?"

"...It's nothing. We should stay here until you calm down. I'll walk you home if you want me to."

"Mm… thank you, Masato-kun…" She was wiping the tears away with her sleeve as she thanked him. "You're so… you knew what to say to help me calm down. How…?"

"Well… a long time ago… I knew others who had gone through things like this. And I was there for them, and I'll do it all again for you too, Rise." It reminded him of his past life, and how horrid it was to see others like him deal with the stress, the pain, and the fear that was always trying to break and swallow them into the pits of despair. The things he and they went through were a living nightmare; but to see anyone hit those lows regardless of circumstance reminded him of those feelings; so he will always spring into action, consequences be damned, and even damn the mission in this moment.

"Oh, I… I'm glad you're here, Masato-kun."

"And I'm glad you trust me, Rise."

She held onto his hand with less force than before, but still maintained some clinginess. Her anxiety was beginning to dissipate, like a coiling python releasing her from its grip.

She did not leave that spot for another twenty minutes. The sun was already well on its way to the horizon at this point, but Masato never flinched from his spot.

When Rise asked him to walk her home, she saw an undaunted smile on his face. He pulled her up and then she let go of his hand, insisting it was okay to walk back home without his physical support. The walk itself was slow, but she kept up a conversation with him as best she could, her voice somewhat shaky. It was like they swapped places. When she was teasing him before, it was he who sounded so clumsy from her remarks. Now he was showing no hesitation in his tone, and maintained resolve. For a first year college freshman, he had his act together.

When they arrived in front of Marukyu, the rush of mothers and returning students was long gone. The sun was already closing in on the horizon. She turned to face him, a look of gratitude and pleading for something was clear on her face.

"Thanks… would it be alright if I-" She gulped in nervousness, a first for her, "-could I have your number?"

His eyes indicate a look of surprise. He can't deny her request. Nor should he.

"Sure." He would pull his phone out as she did with her own, and begin changing numbers. Their phones would be back in their pockets seconds later.

"Masato-kun… Can we talk again someday?"

"Of course. Whenever you need me… Rise."

Eyes blinking twice in succession; something in her mind pushed her forward when he said her name so calmly, embracing him as tightly as she could. Even the Masato beneath the mask had no clue what to do here. Clearly, it was not romantic. Anyone with context could see that. The girl just had a breakdown, after all. And right now, she didn't care what conclusions any witnesses might come to from this. She wanted to thank this man for being the person she needed most.

"R-Rise…!" The personas of Masato melded in this moment. His hands move to return her feelings to comfort her, his palms now on her back. To Rise, it felt like minutes passed, but the long hug was only for about ten seconds as she let go. It didn't look like anyone saw. It would be her first scandal if that was the case.

"Thank you, Masato-kun. You're so… amazing. Let's talk again soon." Her composure was returning.

"Of course. Call me anytime, okay?"

"Thanks. I'll see you later." Her tone would swoon, a return to form as her brighter self. With a big smile against her tears, she stepped inside. She had much to reflect on. As for Masato himself… it was time to put the mask on once more; to blend in with the surroundings.

With a deep breath, he turned to walk north. It was time to get a snack or something before heading back home. He needed a drink too. Something carbonated.

However, despite their belief that there were no witnesses… someone inside the bookstore saw, just as they peaked out from the door. Something short, someone with a lot of blue on them.

"Hm…" It was the Detective Prince, Naoto Shirogane, who saw it all. Who was this man who embraced her friend? And why was she crying? She shall inquire about these things… at the proper time. Rise should have cared about those conclusions she disregarded.

The game is afoot, Impostor. Watch your next steps.

A/C: I bet you weren't expecting such a whiplash of emotions, didn't you? Yeah, you got the wholesome Souyuki that took 3 chapters to get to after the first one, just for it to lead to a Rise Panic Attack. That was my first time trying to write one of those, so do let me know if I handled it properly. If I need to write adjustments post release, I will. And I hope you took note of Masato's words and actions throughout that moment. It was very fun to sneak some foreshadowing and stuff in that.

So if this wasn't clear enough, I have broken off the Ultimax path. Some ideas will be back, but most will be changed or taken away. I want to give Sho more depth to his character and make Kagutsuchi a true threat that grows over time. He is the opposite of Izanami, who held all the cards from the start, as he is trying to build himself up into a powerful threat. And his methods for that are different than the "Persona Fragment" BS. That's a stupid gimmick. I want it to tie to the fic's themes, so you'll see it soon enough And I did skip the Arena arc itself. I could have written that, but with everything going on at once, even if I tried to keep the most crucial stuff, it would still wind up being about 4-6 chapters so I ain't doing that. Some things will be appearing in flashbacks as needed.

Today's musical reference is "Be Quiet and Drive(Far Away)" from Deftones. I had another song in mind, but that's going to be used way later in the fic's lifetime.

It's back to business in the next one! In fact, we need to start setting up the Summer Vacation, don't you think?