A/N: At last, the climax of the Summer Vacation arc! At least in terms of action. Did you all like the outfits? I posted a link to the artist and source of the image that inspired me. Note that they aren't all one to one in terms of me following those designs to the letter. Anyway, here's Chapter 14! This is where the Fun begins! Do pay attention to the Shadow's words, by the way. They're a little important.

Chapter 14

07/25

It's almost showtime. Those who could not follow were on their way up the stairs to observe from the higher floors, while the group of Souji, Yukiko, Rise, Akihiko, and Labrys had stood before the Butler keeping watch of who could enter the Opera house from this side.

"All of you are present and accounted for. Very well. You are free to enter… please enjoy the Show." The doors opened behind it on their own as the Shadow stepped to the side to grant them passage.

With a nod from Souji, the group walked through the doors, going into a dark hall that led them to the front row seats they had been designated to… and to where Masato had been stowed away in.

Before they entered, the Shadow had stepped closer to its true self, eager to tear into him and make the real Masato break.

"You're a fool, thinking this will give you power and purpose... What? Do you think everyone will suddenly clamor for you now that you have a Persona? That you are a part of that group?"

"No… I already know that Mitsuru… was right. Attachments like that… only get in the way of the mission."

"Hahahaha… yes. You don't need them. When did you ever need people like them? They all leave you in the end. All of them… hate you. You know this, as do I. It's good to see you actually admit to your feelings. But we are not done yet… You know how deep these issues run."

"I know… I don't want to talk about that."

"Oh, but I do. I want to know… how do you feel about them not knowing the truth? Not what they know now… but what you're still hiding from them."

"No… you don't mean-!"

"Aha, but I do! I mean your real-!"

"Masato-san!"

"Masato-kun!"

"Masato!"

"Souji… everyone!?" They actually came. He hoped for it, but he did not actually expect them to come search for him… but only some were here. Souji, Yukiko, Rise, Akihiko, Labrys… where are the others? Did they not want to see him after all that happened?

Loud clapping was heard from behind him as laughter now filled the hall.

"Ahahaha… at last, they are all here. Shall I tell them? Your real-"

"Don't you dare!" Masato snapped, his body tensing up as now he turned defensive.

"Mhmhmhm, ahahaha! You hide by that mask ever still? Why won't you let it go? Is it because you fear them hating you further when they see how many more lies you have hidden beneath you!?" The Shadow took a glance upward, seeing the other guests were indeed above, following the 'rules' set by this domain. Good, they won't interfere, but more importantly… The real Masato thinks they are not there. "I see it in your eyes… Masato." There was mockery in its tone as it called him by his name. "They aren't here. They hate you. You were right… So why do you care for them still? Turn your back on them like they did for you!"

"What is he talking about…?" Akihiko asked, unfamiliar with this side of the business.

"The Shadow speaks his deepest thoughts… Does he think we're the only ones who came for him?"

"Masato-kun! The others are-!"

"Silence!" A wave of the Shadow's hand created a shockwave to force the VIPs back. "I will not let you ruin this!"

"Rise-chan… Rise… let me deal with this fake!" The Shadow laughs almost as maniacally as Sho would, his body starting to twist in dynamic poses, like a comedic Jester laughing at his own jokes.

"'Fake'? 'FAKE', HE SAYS! Oh, that's precious, coming from you! You're more fake than I can ever be! You lived this whole new life just to serve under Mitsuru's heel! All so you can find the answer to one question you're too afraid to find out for yourself!"

"Masato-kun… does he not like Mitsuru-san?" Yukiko pondered, her fan already pulled out.

"Nah, no way… he's got deep respect for her. He's told me before. Her goals and his… cross together in some ways."

"His… goals?"

"That Kirijo Group really put us through the worst of it, huh? Do they not know of that as well? Or do you simply hide away from that truth yourself?"

"They don't need to know that…!"

"Of course they don't. They don't care for you! If they cared, they would care for Masato, not you!" He points sharply at his true self, feet firmly planted into the wooden flooring.

"Shut up! Stop talking, already!"

"Akihiko-san, just what is this Shadow talking about? What did the Kirijo Group do-"

"Silence, audience! The show has already started and you are interrupting it! You need only watch."

"Don't you dare tell them a thing, Akihiko!"

"See? Even he doesn't want you to know! What kind of a friend is that? Ahahaha…! Oh, it's so sad…" His tone took a darker, depressing tone, shoulder drooping as the mask changed to all black. "It's so scary… wanting to be their friend, but knowing that once they all figured it out, nothing but pain awaited me… Poor Masato… Poor me…!" The color turned to all white, the body language more expressive than when the mask was blackened. "If only they knew the real me! Maybe we could be friends! Maybe I can find a place to be me at long last!"

"Masato-kun…" He was struggling with his roles. Rise could see a little of herself in him. Her superficial roles imparted on her by her agency. They were all parts of her, but to him… they sounded like burdens he never truly wanted.

Back to black. The mask changed colors again. "You asked for this… not because it was what you wanted." Now, to white. "But because of one little reason. I didn't want to live as myself anymore."

"Stop it…! Just… stop!"

"Then admit what I… what we know is the truth then."

"I… can't!"

The mask blackens. "All that talk about accepting me… we told you… it wasn't going to be a simple matter. You... I… We… Does it really need to be spelled out? You saw it happen already… the consequences of connection." The mask brightens to white. "The day I tried to start living as me… they turned on me. They rejected Masato, and thus, myself… ourselves…! Mitsuru was right!"

"Ugh… you're right. They… all turned on me. Their looks… their words… I wanted nothing more than to be their friend truthfully and sincerely…" His body dropped, on his hands and knees with tense breathing.

"And when we pulled out all the stops to make it so… they turned on us… on you! Bonds should mean nothing to you! You don't need them!" The dressed up Shadow's mask changed back to black. "They hate you… so why not just… run away? It's what you do best, after all."

"I…"

"Masato-kun! We don't hate you! I don't hate you!"

"R-Rise…!?"

"Don't listen to it! Believe me! We all have come here to save you!" Her eyes shared a fierce resolve alongside her friends.

The masks blend back together into Black and white on each end. "Silence, you…!"

"No, you shut up! Don't you dare lash out at her!"

"Ah, yes, you care for her immensely… She's the first one to truly put the effort into knowing you. So, what will you do about it? I know you can't tell them… you refuse to live freely… just living by a role to escape your true self… to escape…" His mask turns all white. "Me."

"You…"

"When Yosuke called you a coward, it brought up a memory you long looked away from… Remember when She called you that?"

"What!? How do you…?"

"How many times must I tell you? I am you. And you're me… And the reason why you are hesitant of connections… and why you ran away from your old life that was taken from you, and then given back… It is because you are, Afraid."

"Shut up! You're–!"

"Masato-kun! Don't say it!"

"YOU'RE NOT ME!"

"No!" Now it was too late, Souji already pulled out his sword that was hidden away. It was time to fight.

"Ahahahahaha, Hahahahahaha! That's right! If you can't accept us, then we'll be our own self! This is the end of the First Act!" Black mist and pieces of Shadows would fly in as the spotlights all focused on the Shadow, masking melding between black, white, and both at once as the body was consumed by the mass of negative emotions.

"Get ready, everyone!" Souji ordered as Akihiko had his fists up, Yukiko's fan was long prepared, and Labrys' Axe popped out and descended in front of her for the android to catch and enter battle position.

"Masato-kun…!" A shockwave rocked the imminent area, the real Masato was launched stage right, as the Shadow's being took proper form. It was much larger than the original body, the suit looking like it was metallic and bolted on, four white masks adorning the chest area, of a happy, sad, angry, and surprised expression respectively. A long black cape with a red interior descended like a stage curtain, touching the floor as the Shadow was levitating like it was lifted by a cable. Its mask was now completely white as it gazed down on its targets, who now took the stage for themselves. The others above could do nothing but watch as the doors were now locked. Spotlights focus on every major player in this 'Performance'; The Shadow itself, and each of the Persona users that were opposing it.

"I am a Shadow… The True Self… It's now time for the Second Act! And you all are now a part of the Show!"

"Don't worry, man! I'll snap you out of it! Just hang in there." Akihiko declared, his hand already on his Evoker.

"Masato-kun… I'll save you, I promise!" Rise staggered with her words, but was determined to give it her all!

"Have you memorized your scripts? Then let's begin!"

The Shadow makes the first move, opting for a Mask Change. The arms start to close in with the cape folding up to match the width of the body. Its left forearm was pointing upward, elbow facing the team, while its right hand was pressed against where its heart would be.

"Heat Riser!" All its stats would jump from the start; not wasting any time to get setup.

But of course, Souji was not one who would let opportunities like that slip from him. Tam Lin was always equipped between battles. And his blessings have kicked in; all their stats are now raised to even the playing field.

"Change! Yoshitsune!" He opened up with his best Persona to charge up and get ready for the next attack.

"Ariadne! Dekaja!" Labrys cleared the board of stat buffs upon Shadow Masato. Now it was time to further bring him down.

"Masakunda!" Akihiko called forth Caesar to lower the evasion of the Shadow.

"Mind Charge!" Yukiko also opted to set up as well, as their next attacks will easily bring the pain.

The Shadow's head would tilt and turn, as if cracking its neck. It was time for it to make its moves.

"Dekaja!" It fully removed all the stat buffs to Souji and the team... But it was not finished yet.

"Magarudyne!" A gust of wind would push through them, coming from the back of the stage! No one was hurt significantly, but it was still more than modest damage.

Souji scoffed, ready to hit this Shadow as hard as he could.

"Hassou Tobi!" His strongest attack, Souji's Persona slashed through and around Masato's Shadow, attacking eight times in succession.

"Ziodyne!" Akihiko was not letting up with the pressure, setting up Labrys for an even harder follow up.

"Blast off! Beast Weaver!" Labrys opted for an aggressive opener, burning up a lot of her energy as red strings quickly weave off of Ariadne's hand and then form into a bull-shaped design, charging straight into the chest of the Shadow, causing it to stagger back, with its Attack stat dropping.

"Salvation!" Yukiko must take a supportive turn as the others burn some of their stamina to make this strong pushback possible.

"All I wanted was to be your friend… I wanted to…"

Mask Change! The mask changes its color to an ivory shade. Its right arm moved back, forearm and hand raised directly skyward, while a cutlass appeared in its left hand, aiming downward.

"You refused me! And now I will be rid of you! Your bonds are not needed anymore!"

"Masato-kun… that can't be how you really feel…" Yukiko felt stung by the Shadow's stance.

"Don't listen to him! This is just his Shadow's feelings being dialed up to eleven!" Souji tried to assure Yukiko of any doubts.

"Masato-kun… Huh?" Rise took another look and something seemed off about the Shadow beyond its stance and attitude.

"Riot Gun!" Heavy gunfire shot from the dark backside of the stage, laying into all their Personas; even Yoshitsune was taking Damage.

All the users groan in pain, save for Labrys, as Ariadne seemed to be taking the hits well compared to the rest.

"Ugh! How is Yoshitsune being hurt by this!? Isn't this a physical attack!?"

"S-Senpai! This is something new! I believe this is a Gun type attack! Be careful! Labrys is the only one who resists it!"

"Tch! Looks like he's done warming up!" Akihiko stood firm despite the attack he just took.

"Then I'll keep him down! Debilitate!" If they can't raise their own stats, then they'll lower the Shadow's own instead.

"Then let's keep pushing back! Ziodyne!" Lightning would strike twice, hitting Masato's Shadow like last time, yet electricity still remained on its body… it was Shocked!

"Ooh! Here's my Chance! Check this out! Freila!" Unstable looking, sky blue energy descends upon the Shadow and explodes right in its face, and considering the shocked status, it deals even more damage than it normally would!

"What's that? I've never seen that kind of attack before."

"Fuuka-san calls it a Nuclear type of attack! When we tried it out for trainin', it does more damage if something is burned or shocked!" Labrys answered Souji's confusion.

"Then I'll burn this to ash! Turn to Scarlet!" Yukiko seized the opportunity and used Blazing Petals to set the Shadow ablaze!

"Gragh! You shall all pay! Pay for hating me!"

Mask Change!

"Pay for… Pay for…" The Shadow's tone sounded weary, the posture of it reverting to what it was before. "I… just want to be alone."

"...Aha! Senpai! The Shadow's mask change affects how it attacks! It's not a physical attacker in this stance!"

"Got it. Then I'll switch to a Persona that can take magical attacks better."

"Mind charge!" It was electing to prepare for the next attack, but it had one more issue to plague the team with. "Matarunda!"

"Careful Senpai, your attacks are weaker!"

What mattered more at this point was getting ready to endure what was coming next. The Shadow was preparing for something hard hitting. All they could do was prepare as best they could.

"Change! Izanagi! Marakukaja!" It was the best he could do, to raise their defense so that they are more likely to endure what was coming next.

Akihiko put his arms in an X-shape, ready to guard against whatever would come next.

"Friela!" Labrys had made the choice to stay aggressive and hit the Shadow more, while Yukiko opted to guard alongside the others.

"Mapsio…!" That name was unfamiliar to everyone, as large, bright spheres of peculiar energy formed around them. Four spheres composed of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black mixed together span around each of them individually, picking up speed before hitting each of their targets one at a time, Labrys getting knocked down.

"T-That's Labrys' weakness? Senpai, look out!"

The Shadow had got One More! chance to strike again! And strike it would!

"Ice Dance!" Blocks of ice came hurling at their Personas, indiscriminately, striking Akihiko and knocking him down, then Yukiko, and finally Souji took a hit, yet he found himself immobile as he was frozen in place. In fact… this only hit the three yet all were frozen stiff!

The Shadow had another move to make! And everyone was incapable of avoiding this attack. The battle has taken a very dangerous turn.

Mask change!

"It's time for the Final Act! Your exit is nigh!" The Shadow brandished it's cutlass as it aimed for the one standing member left… Rise.

Souji squirmed against the ice that enveloped his body. None of them were stuck in a block of ice, but rather it was draped around most of their bodies, keeping them in place. "R-Rise…!"

The Shadow was ready to bring the sword down! Rise's Persona was not a combatant, it's durability is nonexistent compared to Fuuka's or even unlike everyone else's. She felt fear, but now she had to make this attack not go through!

"Masato-kun, don't!"

The blade stopped a few feet away from striking at Kouzeon, the Shadow's arm was shaking, as if being held tight by something to not move any further.

"...R-Rise…?" The Shadow hesitated, its body not leaving that spot.

There's still a part of him inside there! This might be what could turn this all around, and this moment must pay off!

"Change! Kohryu! Salvation!" The largest Persona Souji had brought healing bliss to the entire team, curing the icy status of his partners.

"Kouzeon!" Rise had entered to directly empower her allies! This granted everyone a full Power Charge and Mind Charge effect, with Akihiko being the first to exploit these benefits.

"Ugh, Let's turn this around! Primal Force!" Akihiko pulled out his strongest move, aiming for the knockout punch as Masato's Shadow was pierced by pure energy and pushed back

Labrys was next, armed with a fierce glare, ready to follow it up as she stood back up!

"Beast Weaver!" Her bull shaped strings of red energy forced their way through to further weaken the Shadow.

"Let's end this!" Yukiko dropped the strongest Blazing Petals she could muster, igniting the Shadow to be the prelude to the Finale!

The mask on its face started to alter on its own, rapidly shifting from white to black, and back again, until both were sharing a segment of it. Souji seized the opportunity to drop the coup de grace on their opponent!

"Izanagi! CROSS!" A firm grip of his weapon, Izanagi cleaved through the Shadow's metallic enforced figure with a hard, horizontal swing, disappearing instantly; a second passed, and Izanagi was high above the Shadow, Lightning coursing through the bladed portion of his weapon. This was the final blow! "SLASH!" The Persona descends with the force of an asteroid, smashing through the Shadow head first, launching it back, a loud groan of agony to signify its defeat. The Hesitation against Rise gave the team the chance they needed to reverse the momentum and overwhelm the Impostor's Shadow.

It drops down to its knees, mask breaking off to reveal piercing green eyes that were initially perceived as yellow due to said cover up; the head bowing like a tragic character resigning themselves to fate… the spotlight was all on the Shadow as its body began to crumble away.

"That got'em! Did we beat it?" Labrys pumps her fist in the air, her dominant hand lets her axe firmly rest against the ground upside down.

"Look! It's returning back to its original form!" Akihiko notes as the Shadows that initially formed the larger body would begin to dissipate, indeed returning to the shape it had before.

From the corner of their eyes, the real Masato stepped out from behind the curtain he was pushed through from the initial shockwave.

"Masato-kun!" Rise called out as her Persona receded, the sound of doors opening behind them rang around the large room.

"Ugh… I… I'm not…"

"Masato-san… you can't deny it again. You need to accept it." Souji spoke with a firm, yet consoling tone. How many times has he seen this song and dance? He's lost count at this point.

"...Masato-kun, please don't be afraid." Yukiko reached out to him as well. "You were there for us… we'll be here for you too."

"Souji-san… Yukiko-san…" His eyes blink slowly, trying to collect himself. Rise moved closer to him, only a yard or so to his side.

"Masato-kun… I believe in you. Please, believe in yourself. You're not alone anymore. I… we won't let you be."

"Rise…" Off behind her, he saw the other members of the team alongside Fuuka run between the seats and reach the stage as well.

"Masato!" Yosuke called out, Chie beside him while the rest were more scattered. Everyone was now here, before him.

"Masato… I'm sorry. After the day we had, I took out that frustration on you. Truth is, I'm still a little upset that you didn't tell us. But… I see you did mean well by your intentions. You considered how we felt and really meant to be our friend."

"Yosuke…" Masato's feet felt like they were being downed by cinder blocks, an uneven posture likely caused by being knocked back and unconscious moments ago.

"I also must apologize as well, Masato-san. I didn't believe in your intent from the start. I should have requested more clarification from you yourself rather than the others."

"Naoto-san…"

"I believe I owe you an apology as well!" That voice came from behind everyone, from the area of the exit as heels clacking against the floor echo with the voice.

"Is that… Mitsuru!?" Akihiko was the first to recognize it and Masato's eyes looked more alert upon this surprise appearance. She was approaching slowly, also wearing a black dress in the style akin to Yukiko's, but without the cape-like veil. Aigis was beside her, wearing a shorter dress like Labrys did.

"I heard everything through using my Persona."

"We apologize for being 'fashionably late' as they say. Kikuno-san had to really book it in the Helicopter to get us here in time." Aigis spoke with a possibly purposeful robotic tone, as if to ease the tension. "Please refrain from checking the local news tonight."

Mitsuru cleared her throat, wanting everyone to ignore Aigis' wisecracks.

"Yoshida. I believe my warning pushed you down this isolated path. When I asked you to be wary of forming bonds with the people here, I didn't mean that you should see it as a hindrance to the mission. But rather, I wanted you to be as yourself if you did. If you stayed as is, of course they would be hurt."

"Mitsuru-san…!" Both of the final guests had climbed to the stage floor.

"You should not give up your humanity to us… if that was the cost for accomplishing our goals, I would cease all operations. You are a person first, Yoshida. And I apologize for making you feel that you could not be you while you took on these roles for our like minded goals."

"Lady Mitsuru… then…" He shook his head, turning to face his shadow, which never broke contact from him once.

"You were right. I was afraid… I still am, in fact." His eyes look away to see the others, a comforting aura eases him into continuing. "I got pushed back once and I ran. I didn't fully stand my ground and try to break through to everyone. I really am a… Coward. But I will not run away from the truth anymore. I won't run away from you… who I left alone long ago."

"Will you tell them everything?" The Shadow posed a question that still stirred within Masato's mind.

"I… want to."

"Masato." Souji approached him, Masato's shoulder felt the Wild Card's hand rest on it. "You don't have to share everything right now. I trust you. And I know you'll tell us one day when you're ready. All you have to do is take the first step and never turn back."

Masato was silent, processing Souji's compassion, with Rise now clinging onto his other free arm with her hands.

"Yeah! We'll always have your back, Masato-kun! Especially me!" She giggled with a playful tone.

"Rise…." He nods, turning to face his Shadow.

"I'll tell them. But I want to earn their trust the proper way first. Be a true friend to them. My old life may be gone… but I can always fight for this new one given to me by Lady Mitsuru, the Shadow Operatives, and now… my friends in Inaba. You already knew that though, didn't you? After all, you're me… right?"

The Shadow's mask shifts to black as it nods in confirmation. The Strength of Heart required to face one self of himself has been made manifest. His Shadow would transfigure into what he had yearned for so long… a figure cloaked in a battered Cape that encircled and covered his entire body, a masked face with piercing yellow eyes, adorned by a metallic hat, shaped like a sedge hat completed the look of mystery, as it returned into a card, of the Moon Arcana, now descending and merging into his body.

Masato had faced his other self. He has obtained the facade used to overcome life's hardships… the Persona Amatsu-Mikaboshi!

"I… got my own Persona now… at last…!" With a gasped exclamation of his personal victory, his body gave out, the Impostor now on all fours.

"Masato!" Akihiko started to run towards his downed comrade, Souji raising an arm to put him at ease.

"He's fine! This is just what happens when you accept your Persona…! We just need to get him out of here."

"I'm fine… Just, help me up." Masato tried to ease everyone's concerns, Akihiko and Souji both helping him stand up. "You know… I've been meaning to ask, but… what's with the outfits? Isn't this informal for a rescue operation?" He wheezed a joke, a dumb smile over his face.

"Dress code for this place. You made this location, so… blame yourself for that."

"Hah… Well, you all look great for it. I think I'll pass on Dancing all Night if that's okay with you."

"I agree… We've had enough 'dancing' to last a lifetime." Souji played along, turning to everyone. "You all ready to go back?"

"Yes, please… this dress is getting more uncomfortable to walk around in." Naoto whined, the heels and bold outfit were something she can never get used to.

"Yeah; this monkey suit is suffocating me, man…" Kanji shook his head.

"Haha, you just don't think you can pull it off, that's all." Yosuke jabs, causing Kanji to snap back.

"What was that!?"

"Guys, enough; save the arguing for later." Chie shook her head in mild disdain.

No matter the situation, the bickering never ceases.

One by one, everyone would leave the Extravagant Manor, their clothes changing back to what they wore originally; some wondered if they ever would wear outfits like that for an occasion while some were glad to be rid of them. But what was more difficult was getting out of the TV World and getting through Junes. It seems the outfits that some of them wore were getting attention as the busy hours would commence. Yosuke funneled everyone as best he could into the parking lot, where that limousine from before was. Who brought this one here? Mitsuru said they arrived in a Helicopter. Was this to bring them back? Regardless, everyone was ordered in so they could discuss things more properly where discretion could be granted. Mitsuru's suggestion? The Amagi Inn.

Yukiko was requested to find a location to house them all for the moment so they can discuss details in peace. She opted for the second floor, where she had the Ichijo family discuss those matters with her own family months ago. It was spacious enough for all, and Aigis this time was in more appropriate attire. Yosuke's going to have a field day explaining that to his dad.

Mitsuru was at one end of the table, while her allies were close by her, while the Investigation Team occupied the rest. Souji was on the other end, Yukiko and Rise were the closest to him. Masato was sitting beside her, pushed on by the Idol to be there.

Akihiko, Fuuka, and Labrys shared all they learned of Sho, but Mitsuru remained puzzled as to why he was so fixated on him. That name didn't sound like it was significant to her upon a first glance.

"Hm… this boy seems rather vexing. Did he act alone?" Mitsuru posed a question towards Akihiko.

"He mentioned a 'guy in the back', though, I doubt we can guess what that means with the little we have. Safe to say he's got some help from somewhere."

"Wait." Souji spoke up. "He mentioned that power that froze us… like it wasn't truly his. He definitely had to have someone helping him. Especially in corralling all those shadows like they were nothing. Even Adachi didn't muster that much in his area."

"I will look into this when I return. And I apologize for you all being caught up in this."

"No, we did promise to stay out of your way and trust you on this, so we should apologize too to an extent. But now, I don't think we can back down now. This guy wants us all dead."

"Indeed. I regret asking this of you since you are still in high school, but… I humbly request your aid in the capture of this Sho Minazuki." Mitsuru gives a formal bow, feeling like she was left with no other option.

"We would be glad to. But… even if you told us to stay out of this, we couldn't do that. Especially not after they harmed one of our own, as we told Akihiko before."

"Souji-kun…" Labrys mutters.

"So we're in. Our Team is back to solve this case."

Yukiko gave a hushed squee of excitement. The Team was back in business!

"I thank you, Seta. I will see to it that you all are honorary Shadow Operative members until the culprit is subdued and captured."

"W-Whoa, really!? So we're like, secret agents now!?"

"Not quite. I apologize if I dashed your hopes, Hanamura."

"Does this mean we can share information with you all at all?" Naoto posed a question, trying to gauge what this status truly meant.

"Yes. If we need you to apprehend Sho Minazuki outside of here, we can call for you, or you can call for us now. And, I will see to it that there may be a place where we can convene more easily."

"Mitsuru-san… I believe in Okina City, there's a building you have that can be used for such a thing."

"I see… I will look into that. Perhaps that can be where we meet and plan our next course of actions. Junes might attract too much attention for us." Especially since Mitsuru is the CEO of one of the biggest companies in all of Japan.

"Whoa, we get our own special headquarters?" Chie asked with awe in her tone. Mitsuru laughs to herself softly, amused by their childlike wonder. They are still young after all.

"They are all quite the odd bunch. I enjoy their wild imaginations." Aigis spoke to her sister, a smile etched on her bright pink lips as she thought of the days in the Dorm.

"They're my kind of posse, Sis. I wish I could stick around with'em a while longer." A small pout seemed to have formed on Labrys' own face.

"Sister, what seems to be the problem?"

"I figured we're leavin' early tomorrow, but they all promised to show me around town when things calmed down."

Mitsuru picked up on this between all the chatting. But Aigis eyes indicated something devious.

"It is no problem, Sister. Mitsuru-san would fully understand. After all, you helped expose the true culprit and saved a comrade! Perhaps we should stay a while longer while Masato-san recovers."

"Aigis, I understand."

"Oh, good. I was afraid I would have to resort to telling everyone here how we landed and me having to carry-"

"Enough, Aigis." She cleared her throat with clear irritation. That was an embarrassing moment due to their rush to aid everyone and follow from the source of Masato's last known position.

"Oooh, tell me, Ai-chan!" Aigis' head turned to hear Teddie looking with curious blue eyes, that reminded her of her own.

"When we reached the spot where Masato-san disappeared, there was no suitable spot to land, so using my rocket boosters, I-"

"Aigis!"

"My apologies, Teddie-san. My lips are to be metaphorically sealed!" And literally if she kept this up.

"Labrys, I suppose we can stay tomorrow. But we must leave the day after. Am I understood?"

"Yeah! Thanks Mitsuru-san! You're the best! Hear that everyone? We can all hang out and see Inaba!"

"Oho! Labby-chan can finally go places with us!"

"Ooh, we gotta show her the good food-Oh wait." Chie realized why that won't work.

"Yeah, sorry; I can't eat food."

"Hmm… where will you all stay? Will you stay here? It's pretty slow right now, actually!" Yukiko suggested.

"Hm… if it's no trouble, Amagi, I suppose we could stay here." The Hot Springs actually are a good enough reason alone. Mitsuru could use the chance to relax; no, she NEEDS it. "I think we'll need to speak to your parents anyway. I believe an explanation is due for you."

That thought was in the back of her mind, after all. What did her father know? Does he know about Personas as well?

At the other side of the table, Rise looked up at Masato with something on her mind as well. Especially with Labrys' concern being pushed to the side for now… but it still was on the Idol's own.

"Masato-kun… are you going to go too…?"

"I… need to think on that one. My cover's already blown, and you all are now part of the group, so there's little point in me staying here…"

"Masato-kun…!" Her eyes looked pleading, pestered by the thought of him wanting to leave. Although in his case, that was for a promise Akihiko made for him.

"Don't worry, Rise. If I go, it's for a good reason. And I'll come back as long as you all are here."

"Mm, you better…" There was a pout on her own face now. Does he not realize the storm's coming for him? Souji gave him a glance, a small glimpse of concern was on his face, but it seems now Masato decided to be dense. Even Yukiko spotted it; the irony given what he asked her before… they both can't help but wonder when those two might become an item.

"Yuki-chan! Can we all stay at the Inn?

"Um… I'm not sure if we have that much room for everyone…" Five members was enough as is… but adding in the other eight might be pushing it.

"Excuse me." Someone was at the door panel. Yukiko recognized that tone… and gulped. The door would slide open before anyone could say anything, revealing the person who called out to them all.

"I couldn't help but hear you all wish to stay… I can easily arrange that for you all, Kirijo-san."

"Ah, I appreciate that, Amagi-san-"

"Kaede, ma'am. You are my Husband's boss, after all. We are above such formalities."

"I see. Thank you regardless, Ama-"

"Kaede, ma'am." A cold smile is on her face, insisting it's her way and her rules in this establishment. No one is immune from this, not even the CEO of the Kirijo Group.

"...Kaede. Thank you."

Aigis had a rare shocked expression on her face. Same with Akihiko. Mitsuru had been outbossed by the Okami-san of the Amagi Inn.

"...I am… dumbfounded." Aigis expresses her astonishment at the moment she witnessed. There was no witty joke for this. Her data banks were drawing up blanks for now.

"Then it's settled! You all are welcome here! I shall have rooms prepared for you all right away! Now, if you'll excuse me…" She would slide the door, leaving the area in a wreck. Now she was a storm. No, a hurricane is more likely the correct term here.

"...What just happened?" Yosuke asked after a moment of awkward silence."

"It appears that Mitsuru-san has met her match. There is a Person who can handle even someone as strong as her. The probability of such an encounter was 0.000008 percent… Is this feeling… awe? This is a 'once in a lifetime' moment, I believe."

"...Aigis."

"...She looks a bit scary now." Rise whispers in Masato's ear.

"...Akihiko told me that she can execute people. I hope that doesn't happen tonight…"

Now look at what they've been roped into. This is definitely shaping up to be one unforgettable Summer! And Souji was barely about halfway done with his vacation here. The Evening continues… from hectic to relaxing. Well, he needs to make sure of one little thing first.

"Yukiko… Can I ask a favor from you?"

"Hm? Sure, Souji-kun. What's wrong?"

"...Can you please make sure not to mix up the schedules this time?" He overheard those two whispering. And that title of Imperious Queen of Executions… this was a rare moment of genuine fear for Souji. His unlimited wellspring of courage… would mean nothing against the CEO.

"...I'll do my best." Yukiko forced a smile, eyes closed and almost as cold as her mother's. Akihiko pondered asking Souji what this was about… but he recalled a memory from the last time he came to a Hot Springs Inn with Mitsuru… Yep, this young man knows not to risk anything here. All Akihiko can hope for is that tonight goes by peacefully…. For all their sakes. The guys would not survive the Execution.

A/C: Do you like my little twist at the end? We got another go at the Amagi Inn! This time, nothing should go wrong, right? Anyway, Amatsu Mikaboshi, we need to address this now. I know some who know obscure P4 spinoffs recognize this name. Yeah, Naoto had this Persona in the non-canon Persona x Detective novel series, but that ain't what I'm going for. We can do better than that! Speaking of better, now the P5 Elements of Gun, Psy, and Nuclear attacks are into the fray! They won't be everywhere as Souji can't fuse anyone who has them, but there's Nuke on our team already, and Aigis technically covers for it as well. Psy you'll see later on.

Today's Musical reference is "Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet. I was torn on two others but this one felt perfect.

Next time, we got some light discussions going around between the two teams, but this is also where we prepare for their departure. The Summer vacation arc of Late July ends in two chapters! What? We gotta get to August and burn through it ASAP because P4DAN is problematic somewhat.