A/N: After much planning, I think I have most of the Summer outline reworked. Let's hope this pans out well. For now, let's start the next chapter.

Chapter 8

06/19

During Lunch break, he had informed his friends in Kosei the details about this argument. And Katashi was naturally the first to reply.

"Dude, no offense, but your dad sounds like a fucking prick."

"No offense taken. He's been worse about this. I remember he was against my initial trip to Inaba, but there was no choice at the time."

"Hmm… and you're sure no one can help you?"

"Yeah. If I tried to leave, he'd know. He has a curfew and everything. I can't even leave the apartment building without saying where I will go."

"Damn, dude… this is fucked."

"Souji-kun!" Ayame tried to interject. "What if you asked your Uncle to invite you all as a family? Then you could go."

"They're too dedicated to work. And if they ever do feel stressed they just take advantage of all the recreational facilities at the apartment complex."

"Hmm… this is a toughie. I'm not sure what you can do." She knew how much Inaba meant to him. But they all were stumped. It would take a miracle at this point to block that influence. That, and some choice words.

06/22

Naoto was shopping for Groceries, spotting Yosuke by pure chance. And he was alone putting up items in the produce section, looking dour in expression and possibly fatigued. This was her chance to confirm or dismiss her suspicions of approaching him, it seems that he sensed her presence, but didn't realize it was her until she was before him.

"Oh, hey Naoto. Everything good?" His first thing he noticed was that she had them restrained like usual. Perhaps the other day was an exception due to all of them being away from any who may recognize her? Eh, best to let her be on that subject.

"Oh, yes. I was merely procuring things for my meals this week. Are you busy?"

"A bit, but I can talk and work unlike Teddie." Cue a chuckle from the Detective from his jab against Teddie's work ethic.

"That sounds about right. Is he working right now?"

"Nah, he's off today. I think he went to play with Nanako-chan and her friends for a birthday party. Miwa-chan, I think it's for."

"Ah, I see. Teddie sure does love dealing with Children."

"Yeah. He may be a pervy nut, but he gives it his all keeping kids happy. I just wish he put that effort into the rest of his job." He sighed between each sentence, but Naoto couldn't tell if it was from bending down frequently or because of his gripes with Teddie.

"Seeing you two give it your all the other day was entertaining. I didn't get a chance to race, you know."

"My bad, I got so engrossed in knocking that bear down a peg or three I forgot to let you and Kanji have a turn."

"It's fine. Kanji-kun did show me some games. And Masato-san showed me this one puzzle game that was rather engrossing…." She didn't want to admit the puyos looked cute; especially in front of one she had doubts against.

"Ah, yeah. I remember you picked up on it fast. We had to wait a bit before you finally stopped."

"Hmhm, my apologies. I didn't think the arcade would be so fun." She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before transitioning to a different aspect of the subject. "Speaking of Masato-san… does he get along with you?"

"Yeah, we're cool. He's older than us, sure. But it's not like he's a middle aged guy. He gets along with Souji well."

"...How did he become friends with Souji-senpai?"

"Oh, I remember Masato saying that he's working with Yukiko at her Inn. And she's dating Souji, so…" The rest can be put together by the Detective.

"...Really now?" If it was a low ranking job like a cleaner, then that's reasonable.

"Yeah, he works as a cook! Souji says he's really good at it! He keeps up with the rest."

That's unusual. Someone at his age is working at a well regarded location like the Amagi Inn? Now this was something she needed to follow up on. Something isn't right here. Who works a job like that at eighteen years old? Unless he's some culinary prodigy, this is suspicious.

"Something wrong, Naoto?"

"No, nothing at all."

"Okay, then. Well, I gotta go back with my dad. Apparently some families from the Shopping District are going to discuss some important things with us. Sorry for cutting this short."

"Oh, it's fine Yosuke-senpai. I appreciate the idle moment." He gave her much to ponder. Now the trail is reaching up to the Amagi Inn. The truth will be laid bare soon.

06/25

Homare Seta, the most Frantically Efficient worker this side of the Kirijo group, had finally stopped only because the time of day dictated as such. She quickly finished her bento in record time. But now she wanted to return to her duties when her phone rang by her desk. Rushing to it with a brisk walk and answering it as she sat on her rather pricey swivel chair.

"Seta speaking."

"Forgive me for the intrusion, Seta-san. There is someone here on the line for you."

"During Lunchtime? Is this a client or higher up?"

"No, but it's a member of some police force in the rural area."

"Ah, my brother Ryo?"

"He said his name is Dojima, but I assumed it was a prank. You never get calls like these. He… seems irritated by my efforts."

"Let him through. And remember the name from here on."

"Of course, one moment." The sound of the phone clicking would ring in her ear while another phone line went through.

"Hello, Sis?"

"Ryo. Good afternoon. It's been too long."

"Oh, come on, Sis. You sound more stiff than a board. You could pretend to be happy that it's me."

"I am happy."

"...Right." This tone is not what he was used to. "We haven't spoken since February. You sound even more stoic than before."

"Well, I was just about to continue work while everyone else was eating. This is an opportune time to work in less stressful conditions. And work that requires silence is much easier-"

"Homare, what the hell are you doing? You should enjoy that time to relax." He dropped his formality, slapping his knee in irritation by her workaholic habit.

"Oh, um… work is never done, so-"

"So, what? You work way too much. Souji said you got worse with your habits. And I guess I owe him an apology since he was right after all."

"...My son spoke about me?"

"About both of you." He groaned. "I can't say a damn thing to your man, but you… you're my sister, damnit." His leg was getting jumpy, burning that excessive energy forming due to Souji actually being right. What happened to his sister? "Why are you so focused on work and going higher up the ladder? Sure, you were always a go-getter, but this… feels excessive."

"Because… Osamu and I want to make a true impact."

"Impact? On what?"

"...That's something I'd rather not tell you right now." Her tone shifted to something more lulled. Finally, some humanity was coming out of that shell.

"...Fine, I understand that. But it won't mean anything if all this status you get drives you away from everyone you love." Souji said something along those lines too… Was he right?

"My Son said something similar before. Did you teach him that? He has never been this talkative, bold, or easier to provoke than now. What happened while he was there?"

"You shouldn't be asking me that, Sis. You should ask your own son, who has a name."

"I know he has a name. I gave it to him after all."

"And yet you haven't said his name once since I called." She gasped at his words. Her heart felt tight. She can't argue with that accusation. "Don't back down from this, either. I'll drive over there if I gotta snap some sense in ya, Homare. Your security won't stop me."

"...Souji doesn't talk to me about anything."

"Then you need to talk to him sincerely. Show some effort. Show some compassion. You've always been more logical than me, sure. But when you showed him to me when he was a baby, you had such a glow about you. Chisato looked up to you because of that. Told me she wanted to look at our first child that way back then, long before Nanako was born. She and I were just married not too long when we saw him for the first time, remember?"

"...I remember." Her wall was being smashed apart by this Stubborn Ox she calls her little brother. "She told me that when I saw Nanako six years ago." Her eyes were tearing up, but was it from her faults being exposed? Or something else awakening beneath her veil of stoicism?

"Where's that same Homare we knew back then? Last time I ever saw you show any emotion was when-"

"Was when Chisato made the news. I know. I can… never forget that day, Ryo." She cut him off, but he was hoping she would. "That day… when Osamu and I cried hard."

"I heard he's worse too. Now he doesn't like Inaba that much?"

"I… don't think so. He just wants Souji to be a part of the business world."

"...Has Souji ever said that's what he wants?" His tone shifted to a stern pitch once more.

"...No. He's been built up for it for years."

"Homare. A while back, my Senpai on the force taught me an important lesson. Everyone is born with talents and abilities. You have to choose which to nurture, set aside, or just disregard completely. Sometimes it's obvious, and other times, not so… But maybe Souji doesn't want to do this. He has something else he wants to do instead. If you're his mother, you should be proud of him regardless of what he wants to do in life. Maybe he has a talent elsewhere that sure, may not get him the money and power of a high business; but if it makes him happy, then that's all you should be asking for." His tone was reflective of his senpai's tone when he learned the day he wanted to go beyond the role of a simple cop and immerse himself in the ways of being a Detective.

She remained silent as he spoke. She was following Osamu's wishes, believing they were the right way.

"Ryo…"

"You know he's coming back right? This town changed him; he became a man here. He made so many friends here, in this small 'hole in the wall' we call home."

"...He won't be able to go back."

"Wha-why?" His tone shifted back to inquisitive.

"Osamu has deemed it as such. He wants him to be here; to strive at becoming the Businessman he wants him to be. Inaba is merely a distraction from that goal."

"And you just sat there and let him say that? What did he even say? Recount it for me; I know you can do that." She would sigh, recalling the one time she was called a Judge's clerk because she could follow a conversation and type it down almost to the pace of said conversation. So she regaled him in what happened, not missing out on any details. Dojima stayed quiet until she finished the events of last week.

"...If I told him I wanted him here to see Nanako… how would Osamu react?"

"He would likely argue with you and deny the motion."

"...Homare, I'm going to be honest with you, your Husband is sounding like a thorn to me. I always knew he was a stickler for having things his way, but he made compromises. This is excessive. This is… controlling. That's not good in domestic households. You know what I'm implying here."

"Ryo, he would never go that far."

"I hope so. If he hurt you or Souji, I would haul his ass down the streets of Tokyo by hand."

"Ryo, please… that implication upsets me."

"I know; I'm sorry. I've dealt with members of the force who get to deal with those now and again." He tried to shift focus back to the main issue. "Is he still there?"

"For now. On the First of July, he will be leaving for Seattle, but… Souji does not know of this. He won't be back until September most likely."

"Then perhaps you should let him come see us. I doubt you'd come, but he should at least be given the chance. He deserves it."

"But…"

"If you care for your son, then you'll do what you gotta do." He pushed forth a heavy sigh. This conversation had him more spent than interrogating a criminal. "Look, I gotta go back to work. And I'm sure you do too. Just, think about what we talked about. Remember what you were before. What you are now… is just going to make your son despise you. You shouldn't change your husband, but you can at least change yourself for the better. I hope to see him in July. His friends have a little surprise for him in store."

"His friends…? I'll see what I can do then… for Souji."

"Atta girl. Sometimes I wonder which one of us is the Elder sibling." He chuckled to himself. "Alright, take care, and talk to Souji soon." With that, he hung up on her to return to his job, and it took her a few seconds to put the phone away to return to her own. She felt shaken, as if he was there shaking her by her shoulder personally. What snapped her out of this trance was a knock on her door. She quickly composed herself and stood. It was time to get back to work. But this time… she had other matters to consider atop the ones plaguing the Kirijo Group.

06/28

"I'll see you later, Masato-kun! Thanks for hanging out with me today."

"Sure. I hope to see you again real soon." The young man nodded as last year's favorite idol turned away and walked back into the studio. She was here all day, missing school and while he was enjoying his off day playing at the Arcade, she texted the Impostor, asking to join him for her break. But it was already past 3PM. Any later and Inoue might start to worry! So after a quick lunch, they finally parted ways. He had somewhere in particular in mind that he wished to visit before heading home. He was on his way towards the Music store next to the bookstore in Okina station. He wanted to pick up a certain Alternative Rock band from the west's album that he had lost years ago. And maybe pick up another album if it catches his eye. He has plenty of money on hand this time around, and something recreational isn't going to be a problem while he works.

Minutes of walking through the lively street, and he finds himself inside the album store, slow steps were taken as he made his way to the Western Rock section and found the band his mother enjoyed a lot, especially when she met her then Husband, the Foo Fighters. It took him a bit of digging, but he found the original album "The Colour and the Shape" in new condition and also on sale! What a steal; as there were plenty of songs to enjoy here that were not only hit singles, but also great songs that were slept on by some of their fans. He also picked up their Best of Album, which included a couple of new songs, but mostly hits that are beloved by the general community.

As he turned to prepare to check out, he spotted a special sale! Something uncommon was being sold for a limited time only. He didn't need to step forth to see what it was, as it was a pretty big item that stood out, even in this store. It was an acoustic guitar; classic colors, strings, and the sale included a bag to carry it in for free.

He stood by it for a few minutes, thinking if this could be worth getting for himself. This would be using his money he earned from the Amagi Inn, not using any money he received monthly from the Shadow Operatives.

"Hmm…." He pondered, being tempted by the very relaxing instrument. He wanted to learn music since Middle School, but circumstances years ago robbed him of that opportunity. To top it all off, this was the only one left in stock. He considered and made his choice in a few minutes.

When he purchased everything, he was also given a booklet on learning how to play the guitar as a bonus.

As he stepped outside of the store, bag of CDs in hand and the guitar placed neatly inside its carrying case, he was so glad he didn't bring his scooter today. This is much easier to bring back home with the train than with that.

He can't wait to start practicing. This might take a while to get a good grasp of. But acquiring new skills was just part of the job. So surely he can learn it. It may be a great way to unwind. Yosuke will for sure like it.

07/02

Another day at Kosei high was in the books, and after finishing practice for the day, he returned home to no one. His father was not here. In fact, he hasn't seen him since the end of June. What's going on here?

As he was working on dinner, he heard the Front door open. Which one will ruin his day now… only one way to find out.

"I'm home…" It was a feminine, static voice. When the source entered the kitchen, he confirmed it was his Mother.

"Welcome home, Mother."

"Is dinner almost ready, Souji?"

"Yeah, just about-" He stopped at that moment. He had barely made contact with her since that argument, and now he noticed something. She called him by his name. That's a first.

"Something wrong? Did the cat get your tongue?"

"No, no, it's nothing."

The two would settle in and eat in mostly silence. But when they finished, Homare asked her son to remain seated.

"Your father is gone. He left for America overnight on the thirtieth."

"I see." He wasn't here to stop him anymore. Osamu was across the Pacific.

"Mm. Can I ask you something, Souji?"

"...Sure." Did hell freeze over?

"Inaba... What was it like for you?"

"Didn't we talk about this before?"

"Yes, we have. But I want to know more. Talk to me about it, Souji."

"...Is this an order?"

"No. It's a request."

This would be the part where he declines and leaves, but she had her brother's eyes. That fierce urge to know details. With a deep breathe, he spoke. "Well, what first?"

"Tell me about the school. What clubs did you join? What were your friends like?"

"Very well." He released a deep sigh, realizing he wasn't leaving his seat anytime soon.

?/?

Something insidious has come of this pact. Another being was born from within Sho… or rather, re-awakened. Kagutsuchi was baffled. His idea was already not just possible, but it had happened before. But, what puzzled him the most was that he could not uncover this truth. He had to inquire Sho on what was going on here himself.

"Sho, there is something I wish to know." His incorporeal voice rang around the red maned boy.

"Know? Don't you know everything, man? Everything you've taught me about the world, and what happened to me has been through you." Sho even gave him a skeptical look, as he should.

"Correct. I can acquire any truth I desire. But there is a point in your life that I cannot learn about. I have tried before, but…. Your mind draws empty."

"You mean the time when I was knocked out for years?" In reference to his comatose state.

"Not just that, but the time before that as well… Do you have any recollection as to what had happened?"

"...Nah, I don't. I just know Pops wasn't pleased with what happened after he put the Plume of Dusk within me. Next thing I knew, I got knocked the hell out and didn't wake up until you came along."

"Your connection with this Minazuki is weak, but I sense the power of Persona deep within. It may take longer than expected, but I believe he will appear one day in full strength. Keep training your body until then. You're not quite up to the power you possessed before you fell into your deep slumber."

"Yeah, yeah...Well, bring on more Shadows! Gotta keep fighting till I drop or they all do!" And then, something struck into his mind. "Hold up, I think I gots me an idea!" He had a scheme forming! It might be time for his debut soon! One day, he will be able to formally introduce himself to those uppity brats… The show's going to start soon.

07/05

A bright afternoon sun draped the Yasogami high roof, as one man stood before the fence, facing the direction of where students were leaving, going back home or wherever they wished to go.

Yosuke was alone here, waiting for something. Or rather, someone. And when the sound of the door opening rang in his ears, it looked like his wait was coming to an end. The footsteps got closer, he knew who this was as he turned himself around.

"Hey, Chie." He spoke with a hushed, yet deadpan tone.

"H-Hey…" And she sounded much more on edge.

"I hope I'm not bothering you. I know you were trying to put all you got into final exams."

"Yeah, but you said it was very important. Is this about what we all planned together for Souji-kun's return?"

"Mm, it's tied to that." He nodded briefly, his eyes focused back to the town beneath them. Chie would walk to share that same view, but notably standing a few feet away from him.

"Then this is fine. What did you wanna talk about?" She also didn't look at him.

"It's about what happened in May… I take it you don't want to talk about that still?"

"...No. I'm not sure where to get started." Her body would fidget like she wanted to just go back already.

"No prob; but I was thinking… I think everyone else knows except him, so…"

"Yeah, I think that's for the best."

"Heh, glad we're on the same page then, Chie. Best not to kill the mood. It's been too long, after all."

"Yeah. We'll play it off for now and then we'll see what happens next."

"Yeah. Thanks, Chie..." He sounded defeated, as if knowing this was how the conversation would end up.

07/07

A rainy Saturday, the day of the Tanabata Star Festival. It seemed to have been effective as there were a bit less at the arcade. But the fact that final exams were approaching for many students was likely a possible deterrent. Souji had come to unwind after preparing for the exams which would begin on the twelfth of July. Five long days from now. For many, they would likely be scrambling like chickens and are overworking themselves to cram as much info into their brains. But for Souji, it was a ritual at this point. He can enjoy an afternoon to himself; especially without his father breathing down his neck.

So as he walked to his favorite part of the Shibuya arcade, he spotted a familiar face!

"Masuda-san. Are you a fan of rainy days?" The man would quickly turn around as he heard the Fool's quip, recognizing who said that with ease.

"It's a coincidence, I promise. Good to see you again, Souji-kun. You here for another race?"

"Of course. I need to unwind from studying." Souji's smile looked weak, but he did need to burn the stress away.

Their race was sloppy. Well, his racing was. He got thrashed. His game was so off point, that when Masuda crossed the finish line he turned to Souji with a bit of concern.

"Hey, Souji-kun. Everything alright?"

Souji let off a heavy sigh, his face was completely obvious on how off he was from his normal composure.

"You wanna talk about it?" The man would ask as he took his tie down from his head and back to its proper place. "If you can't talk about it, it's alright. I won't force you to, Souji-kun.

A fresh perspective might be helpful here. Especially since he's much older than Souji is.

"Sure. It's a long story, however."

"No problem. Let's go to the benches over there. Just in case someone else wants to play."

Minutes later, the two would get a drink, per the Salaryman's treat. He got himself a Cola while Souji took a melon cream soda. Souji retold everything from his desire to go back to Inaba, and his father's abuse of authority.

"Jeez, you got a crazy situation on your hands, kid."

"Tell me about it." The idea returned to his head. The idea that he could just leave, damn his father's inevitable wrath.

"Well, he is gone, right? For months, yes?"

"Yes… But my Mother remains here. She could always tell him."

"And what can he do from America? I've dealt with his kind before. Once they commit, they can't back off even if they want to."

"How would you…?"

"I'm a businessman too, remember? May not be a board member of the biggest company in Japan, but I've been around this block a few times too many." He shrugged amusingly, his tone lightening up. "There's somethingI'd like to know. How much does Inaba mean to you? There are people who mean that much to you?"

"It means a lot to me. And yes, I have friends and family that mean the world to me there." His tone was straight and narrow, unphased.

"Does your father know this? You didn't tell him?"

This struck a chord in Souji's mind and heart. Why is he so afraid of speaking the truth to his father? Years of trying to tell him time and time again when he was shuffled around the country as a boy took his toll. It was futile in his mind; not worth the effort.

"...If you can't answer, it's fine. But I do wanna know this; is there someone you love over there? Friends are one thing, but you seem way more compelled for simply just that." This guy was much more sharp than he lets on. Almost like his Kendo Sensei, as that man is always aware of any physical cues that suggest many things from injury, to someone's desperation, hesitation, etc. Masuda was much more aware of someone's spirit than his initial impression would have you believe. A Middle Aged Elder in the flesh; quite the paradox. "If that's too personal, don't worry, I won't pry if it's a no go for you." His tone sounded very introspective, but also casual.

"...It's fine; it's good to get this out there and off my chest." He sighed to center himself before coming clean. This wasn't telling a classmate, but a mere arcade acquaintance. "I have someone I care for immensely. Her name is Yukiko."

"Ah, I see." Now things made more sense for him.

"I want to go back to see her and all the other friends I made along the way. My father made me lose many others, but I won't let him take these friends away." It could easily be interpreted as being possessive, but Souji long knew about that risk in his battle against Izanami. Their bonds will always remain strong. But Osamu was simply forcing a wall between them where it had no place. Circumstances are the only valid deterrent. This was artificial and anyone can see that.

"You love this girl and all your friends, don't you?"

"I do."

"Then what do you want to do?"

"I want to go back. As soon as Summer Vacation begins, I want to leave, even if I must sneak out."

The Salaryman breaks out into a laugh, quickly coming down. "You surprised me. I didn't take you for the bold type, kid."

"Is it not worth trying?"

"Trying? Do it if that's what you feel is right. Let me give you a piece of advice, kid. Life without risk is boring. You want Love? You've got to fight for it!" He spoke as if from personal experience, but his words were clear as day. Those words gave him a moment of empowerment, realizing the validity in them. Love is worth fighting for, no matter who or what. He already proved that against the Gods themselves. Surely he can do this against the one person he could never best.

"Thanks... I'll think about that." But a question of his own formed in the back of his mind. "What about you? You spoke as if from experience."

"I suppose that's fair. I had my share of romance and heartbreak, but I don't regret it. It felt great in the moment, but it could never go the way we wanted. Sometimes it was our fault, and sometimes it was just circumstance. Either way, it was a risk worth taking. I don't know if I'll ever find romance again at my age, but I'll be fine." He played it off as cool as he could. "Maybe one day I'll tell ya about it. Hopefully when you're old enough for a proper drink."

"Hah, that would be an interesting time." It seems Souji's spirit has calmed and his composure has returned to him.

"Look at ya, you look like a million yen. How about a proper race once we finish these?"

"Sure. But this time, I'll be taking home the win."

"Atta boy, Souji-kun. Now you're beginning to learn!" The middle aged Salaryman was fired up from the student's shift in attitude. It was time to unwind with drive and adrenaline!

A/C: We're almost done with Spring! I know the action still hasn't kicked in yet, but I assure you, it's coming; but it will be here in moments, much more scattered in game time compared to mainline Persona games do. I actually had another scene with Yukiko like with how she dealt with those guys, but I couldn't find a spot to fit it, so it's likely scrapped, pushed somewhere else, or if I ever make a ARL: Sub-stories or whatever I call it for pure filler that I feel like writing is a thing. I mentioned before I think that Masuda is based on the Pokemon bigwig somewhat but I also gave him this wiser beyond his years aura that makes him for a great mentor figure Souji has while he's here in Tokyo. We're seeing him again one day, but not for a while.

Oh yeah, this is Chie's debut in the story, but she's very... different now. What happened between those two?

Today's Musical reference is "Cold as Ice" by Foreigner.

Next time we conclude the Spring 2012 arc with family drama, a resolution coming alongside major risk, and well, the end of the beginning.