A/N: This chapter was going to be much longer, but I figured a split right where things get good was for the best. But hey, we're finally moving past the 25th! Feels like forever, but we're almost done with the Summer Vacation arc! I had to make some tweaks to fit the canon, but we should be good. You'll see what I mean in the next chapter. Anyyway, here's Chapter 15! Please share your thoughts as wel as follow to keep up to date with the story!

Chapter 15

07/25

Who would have expected this? Fighting for their lives at noon, then saving a friend in the afternoon, and now in the evening, everyone is staying for a surprise visit at the Amagi Inn. The Shadow Operative members had all stepped downstairs to change and get ready for their unexpectedly extended stay in Inaba. The Investigation Team was alone in the discussion room, contemplating what to think about the whole situation now that things have calmed down.

"So… Do you all still trust them? I'm still not sure at this point." Yosuke's eyes browsed his friends to gauge their reactions. Despite what happened, he still had some suspicions; especially if they knew what was going on.

"I wonder if Mitsuru-san is indeed hiding things from us… but for now, I believe she means well for us. If I can get some access to relevant information, perhaps I can turn over some details."

"Naoto. Yosuke." Souji called them both out. "I understand your concern but I believe we shouldn't start anything with them."

"Yeah, sorry. Still can't say I'm a hundred percent clear of my concerns."

"It's okay, but if we have a problem, we should ask directly and go from there. I think Mitsuru-san wants to trust us. And we've proven ourselves to her."

"Souji-kun." Yukiko now interrupted their conversation. "Can you come with me? Mother and Father wish to discuss with us the situation about Mitsuru-san and Masato-kun."

"Alright then."

"Wait, why just you two!? Shouldn't we go as well?"

"Yosuke. We'll tell you about it later. Just trust them."

"...Alright then. I hope this goes over well…"

"It will. I'll make sure of it." Souji got up with his beloved.

"Kasai-san will be coming for you all to take you to your rooms and get you changed." Yukiko reminded those who would stay behind. "We'll be back." The young couple take their leave and head downstairs, going to a smaller room to discuss matters. When Yukiko opened the door, Souji was surprised to see Masato already there, expecting him to be the last to arrive. Perhaps he's feeling better now that he's out of the TV World. Yukiko's parents are obviously here, but Mitsuru was the last and most important guest of them all.

"Yukiko, please sit! Both of you." Kaede was all business as the two entered and sat beside each other. across from them was the Parents, to their left was Masato and to the right was Mitsuru.

"Now, I take it you need to ask something of me, Yukiko?" Akio sounded a touch more cutthroat. Was this how he acted when he was on the job?

"Yes. How did Masato-kun get to work here so easily? We… learned Mitsuru-san had a role in it."

"Well, I suppose that's for me and her to explain. Is that acceptable with you, Kirijo-san?"

"I'm prepared to explain what needs to be said, Amagi. Allow me…" Mitsuru was already dressed in the light Yukatas they wear in the Ryokan establishments like this one. It hugged around her body very well. Teddie would go berserk from such a sight.

"I can't divulge everything in front of your parents, but… when we learned of the danger that was here, I personally approached your father about planting Yoshida inside the Amagi Inn. Not as a demand, but a favor."

"A favor?"

"I think I need to add on to this." Akio took his turn, clearing his throat. "This business is beyond me, and Kirijo-san requested I not inquire further about it. But you know, and I shall trust you both… But after you returned to us, I received a call to head to Tokyo. And I met the Boss herself alone when she asked me to hire an unknown person into the Amagi Inn. She insisted Masato-kun was more than capable… but if he was not up to our standards, I was always allowed to send him back. But Masato-kun has served our Inn well, and has been kind to you and your friends. I know not what has transpired, but it seems to me that his cover has been blown."

"It has, sir. And… I think I will be returning to Tokyo now. I have things I must train for. I hope that is acceptable." Masato's words were not what Yukiko and Souji were hoping to hear right now.

"That is a shame, Masato-kun. You have become an important piece of the cooking staff. The Head Chef speaks well of you. So is this your immediate resignation?"

"...No. I would like to return one day. I owe you all as much as I owe Lady Mitsuru." The CEO let a small smile slip by, appreciating Masato's willingness to grow and welcome others fully at last. A small step in the right direction.

"Very well. Then we'll call this a leave of absence for now… if you wish to return, we'll always be willing to have you back. Isn't that right, Kaede?"

"Of course. Any friend of Yukiko's is a friend of ours… isn't that right, Mitsuru-san?"

"O-Oh, of course… Kaede." She still isn't used to this. Aigis might be cracking a joke about this now that this situation has sunken in properly. Does she already sense their kinship?

"Wonderful! To think, my daughter got to meet and befriend my Husband's boss! What are the odds? It's like some supernatural work at play!" Kaede laughs boisterously to herself, much to their chagrin. That simile hit harder than usual, close to the heart of the matter, in fact.

"Masato-kun, since this is most likely your last day, why don't you help the team out one last time? It'll be a great time to get some closure; and I'm certain Kirijo-san would love to see your skills on display."

"Yes, sir. Then shouldn't I get started right away? It's already dinner time." Masato got up quickly, followed by Akio after the Matriarch gave a nod of approval. "By your leave then, Kaede-san, Lady Mitsuru." He bowed to them both. "I'll give it my all tonight." The two depart, leaving the rest by themselves, with the Okami-san giving off another laugh.

"Well, I suppose the business side of things is over and done with. Shall I show you to your rooms?"

"That would be nice, yes." Souji felt relieved on one hand, as this didn't delve into more serious matters, but it felt a bit anticlimactic. "Is there enough room for us all?"

"Of course! We don't have rooms to accommodate more than four people at once, but we have two rooms for the men and two rooms for the women. I think that will suffice."

"I see."

"Oh, and… I shall tell you all myself when you shall have the springs to yourselves. We wouldn't want a repeat of last time, yes?"

"...Of course." Souji's face became a smidge more stiff at the recollection of the last time he was here with his friends.

"...Is it best to not inquire about this?" Mitsuru comments, sensing tension in the room, her Persona not needed to figure out that obvious fact.

"Oh, it's no trouble, Mitsuru-san. Let's just say the hours got mixed up by my daughter and-"

"Mother!"

"Ohoho!" She was hoping her daughter would react like that. "It would be best for you all to enjoy yourselves in privacy. It's not often we have a major VIP such as yourself in our care."

"...I see, that's understandable." She hasn't had an issue of guys or anyone else trying to catch a peak of her in the Hot springs before, at least, no incident she could recall, but perhaps Akihiko might have a different perspective of that.

"Well, let's get you moving along then. Come with me." Kaede and the rest would rise up and depart at once. Everyone was fitted into their Yukatas, albeit Aigis and Labrys had to be dressed with more discretion, and all had reconvened in the Dining Hall, the loud atmosphere a welcome sight compared to the rest of the day's events. Residents and Guests alike would chat away with each other as the food brought out was some of the best they've had in a long time! Masato gave it his all in the kitchen as he promised; with the CEO being impressed by how much he has improved in such a short amount of time. He was a mere amateur when he joined the Amagi Inn, but now he seems like one who has worked the line for years! There was still a long way to go until he was a true professional, but he was no slouch. C'est Magnifique!

It was almost 9PM now, everyone was now in their own rooms, waiting for their turns at the Hot Springs since they would all own it for one hour and no more.

For now, the boys were in their rooms, being connected to each other by a door on the side; it was open and all were huddled together in a circle, discussing various topics, but it all led back to waiting for their turn.

"Hey, so… we're not gonna get hit by buckets again, are we?" The Pelting storm of last year still traumatized Teddie and Yosuke.

"Wait, what happened?" Akihiko asked with genuine intrigue, while Masato was also somewhat curious.

"Apparently these two went ahead of us while Yukiko-senpai's Mom stopped Souji-senpai and I to talk real quick… and they found the girls in there. They said it was their hour, but her Mom had to settle the matter. Souji-senpai and I dodged one hell of a bullet… or a slew of'em…" Kanji laughed shortly to himself.

"You two shoulda been there! We didn't deserve that!"

"Just be glad Yukiko's Mom settled it and gave us some time to enjoy the bath. It could have been a lot worse, you know."

"Ugh, I suppose so…"

"Didn't you say Yuki-chan's Mom was going to make sure we all get a turn?"

"Yeah, I think she's gonna call one of us when it's time." There are still a few minutes until the hour will change. And they didn't know if it would be the guys first or if the cliche Ladies' first trend will win out once again.

"Oh man, this reminds me of my own scary incident at a Hot Springs Inn."

"Ooh… What happened? Did it involve Mit-chan?" Teddie asked with an eager fervor. Was he hoping to hear about her figure?

"Something like that. Me and some friends of mine were at this Big Inn in Kyoto for a high school trip, and it had a huge Hot Spring area. You could put a bus full of people in it… Anyway, this guy named Ryoji had us come during the wrong hours on purpose in hopes of seeing some of the girls, and it happened…" Everyone was listening with pure intent, unsure if this was a nightmare or a good story.

"Aigis, Fuuka, Mitsuru, and another girl we know all entered at once. My friend Minato had to guide us to avoid their detection until they just up and left out of fear due to how late it was. It's not often I get scared, but when it comes to Mitsuru's executions..." His tone indicated nostalgia, but a hint of fear as well. "I don't wanna be anywhere near that kind of situation ever again."

"W-What? So that e-execution stuff… is real?" Yosuke assumed it was nothing but mere hyperbole. After all, who actually would be known for such a gruesome act?

"Yeah. I… don't think you guys should look into it…"

"Damn… she really is some kind of ice queen." Kanji remarked.

"Yo, Kanji… there's something I've been meaning to ask." Akihiko shifted topics, realizing something he has been curious about for a while now.

"Yeah?"

"Your hair, why's it black now?"

"I-It's always been like this! I just don't think I need it to be bleached anymore to look or feel tough. A real man don't need rough looks to be strong! Strength comes from being honest and fightin' for everyone else!"

"Hah, well said! I can respect that!"

The hour changed and it was the girls who got the call to enter first. The androids were the fastest, although entering would be purely for recreational purposes. Labrys didn't fully enter the water, as she wondered if she was fully waterproof or not. After them, Chie, and Rise were out and in the water, enjoying the much needed soak, although Naoto and Yukiko weren't far behind. Fuuka tends to not last long in these so she opted to hop in a few minutes later. The last to enter until that time comes was the Empress herself, and she had all their heads turning.

"Whoa… Mitsuru-san… you're so pretty!" Rise spoke in awe, feeling like they all got blown out of the water.

"Drop dead gorgeous, more like!" Chie comments, Mitsuru slowing down from entering. "You've got both the biggest set I've ever seen and features that show you're strong in every way! It's not fair…"

"Come now, there's no need for any of that. You're all beautiful in your own ways Kujikawa, Satonaka." Slowly, she lets herself in the warm pool with her fellow Persona users.

"Mitsuru-san is quite the 'specimen' as some say. I can confirm she has the biggest-"

"Aigis."

"It's alright, Mitsuru-san. I went through this myself when I first came here. The girls will be a while before they get this out of their system."

"...I see." A sigh escapes her lips. "Well, at least we can all enjoy ourselves. I think we all could use this moment after the day we had."

"I couldn't agree more, Mitsuru-san."

"So this whole Shadow self… how does it work? It's more different than how we got ours."

"Well, it speaks of things you suppressed or don't want to accept. If you deny its existence, it grows stronger and must be subdued. And if you acknowledge the weakness within your heart and accept it as a part of you, that is our way of acquiring a Persona." Naoto explained.

"I see. It's much more different than our way. I used my Persona to pick up pieces of the conversation. That's how I learned of Yoshida's concerns."

"Do you have powers like Fuuka-san or Rise-chan?"

"To an extent. My powers are basic compared to theirs, but it's serviceable if I'm ever alone or with a small team."

"Ooh, ooh! Can you tell me how you met Masato-kun, Mitsuru-san?" Rise pushed herself into the conversation.

"I'm actually curious, as well." Yukiko added, the other girls from Inaba huddling for answers.

"I'm afraid that's not for me to speak on."

"Aww, c'mon!"

"You're very curious, Kujikawa. Why is that?"

"I wonder about that myself. Could she be intrigued by his very being?" Aigis suggests, the other girls are now interested in this potential scenario.

"Ooooh." Now things are heating up!

"H-Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Rise had a blush on her face, and that wasn't due to the water.

"If I recall, you were most adamant about Masato-san's insistence according to other's testimony. If that were the case, that explains many things!"

"Who told you that, Aigis!?"

"A-Anyway-!" Chie interrupts that question. "What about you, Mitsuru-san? Do you have someone that you're with?"

"You all are so inquisitive… it's a little endearing." Mitsuru chuckles to herself, surprised they're all so bold to ask her of all people. Perhaps this is from them being fellow Persona users? "Well… I was initially in an arranged marriage during my third year in High school."

"What? But you're so young at that point."

"At the time, it was to help secure the future of the Kirijo Group. And I didn't want it to fall; especially after the loss of my father… But then I met another young man who helped me realize my then fiance was a bad decision for both the company and myself. His name was Arisato. He meant a lot to me… to all of us." She angles her head skyward, the stars calming her down as she reflects on the incident of 2009. "Minato was one who fought alongside myself, Aigis, Akihiko, Yamagishi, and the others."

"Was?" Rise asked, to which Aigis replied.

"During our final battle… he gave up all he had to save us from Death itself. A being called Nyx."

"W-Whoa, Death!? That's… so he…"

"Yes. He gave his own life to protect us all, preventing Nyx from destroying the world."

The group fell silent. What a sharp turn of events.

"My apologies. I did not intend to bring down the mood."

"N-No! It's fine! We should be apologizing for bringing up a touchy subject." Chie tried to apologize on everyone's behalf… despite it being mainly her and Rise to blame.

"Well, let's make it fair, Satonaka. What of you all? Are you seeing anyone?" Mitsuru turned this all in her favor, albeit to cut that tension from earlier short. "How about you, Shirogane? Is there someone who has your attention?"

"W-What!? Where'd this come from!?"

"Oh, don't mind Naoto-kun! She's just a little shy about it. There is someone we think she's cute with…"

"W-Wait! Don't say anything, Rise-chan-!"

"Is it Kanji-san?"

"Ding-Ding-Ding! Aigis hit it dead center! How could you tell?"

"By calculating your positioning and body language, I deduced a 40% likelihood that they were the remaining ones. The probability of Chie-san and Yosuke-san is… 70%!"

"Wow! Aigis knows her stuff!" Rise claps in anusment.

"I'm surprised. You all seem to get along so well with one another.

"H-Haha… I guess I walked into this one." Chie blushes before lowering herself deeper into the water, sinking past her lips as bubbles formed in front of her.

"Rise-chan, then how about you and Masato-san? It isn't fair that I'm the only one being put in this situation."

"Shirogane has a point there, Kujikawa. Why not share your honest thoughts? I won't speak of it beyond here… such a thing is best kept amongst us women, right Ladies?" Mitsuru's tone sounded like it demanded their privacy and respect.

"Yeah, I'm pretty curious, Rise-chan!" It was Fuuka coming in at long last. "I must have missed out on some good stuff! Aigis, can you tell me what's going on?"

"Oh, we were deducing who likes who. I calculate Naoto-san and Kanji-san are likely to become a pair… in about eight months. Chie-san is almost fully confirmed to be Yosuke-san. And I believe I have a one hundred percent reading on another pair, but we are currently pressing Rise to 'spill the beans'. An Idol interested in someone is absolutely scandalous! That makes this information 200% more intriguing to hear!"

"Aigis, you need to learn to not tease everyone so nonchalantly." Her robotic tone could only get away with so much.

Rise shook her head, her hair down and swaying with it. She didn't know how to respond.

"I comprehend. Perhaps a rephrasing is best. Rise-san, do you find Masato-san intriguing at least?"

"Mm… I think he's interesting." The truth comes out at last. "But after what happened, I'm not sure. I believe in him, but I'd still like confirmation…"

"Rise-chan…" Yukiko muttered, understanding why she wondered such thoughts.

"I see… I cannot speak to what happened between you all; but I can assure you, he is of sound character. His past is something I can understand to be difficult to tell, but regardless, he does mean well by you all. And I'm certain he does care. I've not seen him like this in… too long, I'm afraid."

"Did… something bad happen to him?"

"I cannot speak of the details, since that's his story to tell, not mine… but he has had his own share of ordeals that no person should go through." In her mind, Masato had suffered enough to not be involved in this. But it was at his insistence that he stick around. Perhaps these Persona users can be what he missed for so long…

"I… see."

"I agree with your sentiment, Kujikawa. If you need to speak with him… you have until we leave. Akihiko informed me that he wants to train him back in Tokyo." At that moment, Aigis' eyes lit up with a glow that would normally send a chill down Mitsuru's spine, but all seemed to be unaware. What was she planning?

"Right… he sounded like he always wanted a Persona."

"Yes. That is something he has wanted for a while, but when we tried, a Persona never appeared. Perhaps this method was the best way to get him to summon one."

"You all never faced yourselves?"

"In some regards, we did, but most of us acquired our Personas through resolve. I myself got mine from when I saw my Father in danger. I wanted nothing more than to save him at that moment, and my first Persona appeared before me."

"Wow… that's so cool!" Mitsuru couldn't help but smile at their awe. The methods were different, yet the reason was similar. To protect those they cared for. There was a deeper camaraderie between the groups than they initially realized.

"Well, regardless, if you wish to pursue him, I wish you well. You two… seem cute together." Now it was Mitsuru's turn to tease them.

"T-Thanks…" Now Rise was the flushing mess.

"Ah, wait a second… What about Teddie?"

"What about Teddie?" Chie pushed out of the water to jab at the bear's status before going back down.

"Whoa, that's a bit harsh, don'tcha think?" It was Labrys who stuck to his defense. "He's a lil' weird, yeah, but he's a nice guy!"

"Hm, then that means… Yukiko-san is with Souji-san? I calculate a 99% chance of this being the case."

Mitsuru turned to the Heiress of the Amagi Inn, to which she nodded with confidence.

"Mhm. He and I have been dating for a year now."

"Oh, my. You two do seem pretty close."

"We have been through a lot; all of us, even. But Souji-kun and I… I'm really happy to be a part of his life."

"That's wonderful to hear, Amagi. I wish you two well."

"Yeah! Senpai is really great! He's always been there for all of his friends here." Rise echoed.

"Actually, Souji-san reminds me a bit of Minato in a way. They both do not speak often, but they never give up on anyone they care for… it's nostalgic, in a way, to hear you all speak so highly of Souji-san." Aigis reminisces in her own feelings of the one she gave her all to protect.

"Indeed. You all are so close, regardless of status."

"Thank you, Mitsuru-san."

"It's wonderful to meet other Persona-users. We know of others around the country, but to see some as young as us when we started… it's almost ironic, in a sense."

"Should we call you our Senpai, then?"

"Oh no, that is alright, Amagi. I much prefer the way we view each other as is… I feel we've all grown closer from what has happened so far. The day was hectic, but now… it feels great to reflect with you all."

"Mitsuru-san… then let's all strive to be good friends while we work together!"

"Yes, I have no reservations about that. Is that fine with you all, too?" A nod from both Fuuka and the android siblings confirmed they agree on their feelings.

"Ooh, now that that's out of the way… can you tell us how you got so fit and keep that beautiful look? I wanna know your secrets, Mitsuru-san!" Rise got close, pushing the boundaries already.

"K-Kujikawa-!?"

"Yeah! I wanna know too!" Chie poked at her shoulder. "Your skin is so smooth! You do all this fighting, yet keep such a fine look about you!"

"Satonaka, please-!"

"I'm curious, too! You're so endowed too! Even more than Naoto-kun!"

"Not you too, Amagi!"

"Please forgive them, Mitsuru-san. They don't mean anything nefarious. You just… have to endure it."

"This situation is entertaining! Shall I rank all your sizes from the smallest to largest?"

"A-Aigis… Let's save that for another time." Fuuka insisted, a stammer in her voice.

"Understood. This is also acceptable." It's not often anyone can see Mitsuru this flustered after all. "Mitsuru-san is currently being affected by an all-out attack!"

"L-Ladies, please-! D-Don't make me execute you…!" She's still smiling despite saying this, giggling as well.

"Looks like Mitsuru-senpai is down! Ahaha…" Fuuka giggles to herself as the night continues, showing to end on a more enjoyable note. What a long day. Tomorrow, there is much needed unwinding and relaxing to be had until the day of departure on Friday.

While others were enjoying themselves, be it the women chatting the night away, or the guys finally enjoying their turn in the water with an even more rowdy atmosphere, one young man was far from that.

"GOD DAMNIT!" Raging fists smack against a surface.

"You said you could do it. I warned you that such a crude plan would fail you."

"Aw, Shuddup! What do you know! I had them on the ropes until that dumb floating broad rode the lightning on top of my Shadows!"

"That woman… don't ever attempt to engage in any sort of provocation against her directly."

"Why is that? What, is she a freakin' god like you?" The voice remains silent at Sho's remarking question. "OH COME ON; I'M RIGHT!?"

"Indeed. She is a reborn version of my Mother, Izanami-no-Okami. She is the one who initially drowned both worlds in fog. And now she is known as Marie."

"And she can do that shit? Why are we even fighting if she can just leave us thunderstruck at any time?"

"Because she respects the wishes of man. And she is unlikely to interfere again if we play our cards right."

"Huh… Well, you were right about the fog. It's still here."

"That's some of her excess power… which I can make my own."

"You can!?"

"I will. This is perfect. I needed this fog to help complete my red fog. When the time is right, we can use it to rile up the Shadows further and beyond."

"Oho! That sounds good!"

"Rest for now, Sho. We shall aim to gather my power for now while we train your other self. We cannot amass a horde of Shadows like that for some time."

"Yeah, alright then. I'll be sure to Sho'w them a real good time next we meet! Ahahahaha!"

?/?

Blue. Bright, deep, blue. That blurry blend of branching colors was all Souji could see as he came to… the sound of a piano playing off a radio… he knows where he is.

"Ah… Welcome to the Velvet Room." Margaret was here! And no Igor? This is unusual. Souji's eyes scan his spot, yet no sign of him. Nothing but Azure blue.

"Did I startle you?"

"No, just a bit surprised I'm back here so soon." Yes… this wasn't his first time here this month. The night he arrived, and went to sleep back in his true home, he visited the Velvet room by surprise. But Igor was there compared to now… strange.

Flashback to 7/22

"Welcome… to the Velvet Room. Do not be alarmed. You are fast asleep in your world. I have summoned you, within your dreams."

"..." It's been too long. But, how does Souji even reply to this?

"My, you look happier these days. Did something truly joyous happen for you?" It was a blonde woman with piercing gold eyes who spoke with dry wit.

"It's good to see you too, Margaret."

"Hmhm… still as calm and in control as ever. You've learned how to live again. Appreciate the power and importance of bonds… how they shape you and your humanity… as well as the importance of the truth. I could go on, but we have more pressing matters."

"Hm? What seems to be the problem? Is this tied to what happened in May?"

"Hm, still you rush. Always wanting to jump in at the first sign of danger." Margaret shook her head, yet that smile didn't look like it was condoning his actions. "Indeed it is. There is a continuation of the last ordeal approaching quickly in the coming days. We thought it best to warn you…"

"And let me guess, I can't ask who is causing it or when this will happen?"

"Now you're catching on. We can only guide you, but the rest you must find on your own."

"Well, that's fine. Is there anything else you can tell me?"

"In fact, I can share one thing. Or rather… two things. There are two people of great importance to this situation. One fears the world. The other… who rejects it."

"Fear? Reject?"

"Yes. The latter rejected our offer to become a guest. And the former… Well, I don't think they even want to look at the invitation, much less accept it. After all, they're hiding from their own self as well."

"I… see."

"You will understand soon. For now, our services may be needed for you again. But as for them… your actions will shape their destinies. The echoes that will ring throughout the world…. How will you shape them? And how far and long will they travel?"

"You should already know my intent by this point." Souji responds, not with snark, but with utter belief in Margaret's understanding of him.

"Of course. But if I may give you one piece of advice… seek out the one who fears himself and the world. With him by your side, you may have a chance to avoid certain ruin."

"I understand. I'll find them and keep the world safe."

"I'm so glad to hear that. Truly, you are still a wonderful guest…!" Igor spoke with joy in how firm Souji is in his belief. "While you have learned the importance of the truth, you will soon realize that it can be used to manipulate and ensnare people into believing the wrong things."

"Can it?"

"You have seen it for yourself already. The one who rejects the world uses their truth to live in hatred and sow spite around all they see."

"The true culprit… they did manipulate us into fighting one another… Then I know what to do. I'll find a way to combat the one that is twisting the truth and the hatred that fuels it."

"How marvelous! I look forward to seeing your answer to opposing such a concept!"

"And I as well. Perhaps once you help both of those people… they can become proper guests." Margaret adds, her book opened to a page Souji cannot decipher.

"You mean… guests of the Velvet room?"

"Of course… but that's a story for another day, I'm afraid."

"'Till we meet again…" Igor's words fade as Souji's sense also fade into the void

End of Flashback

"Now, have you learned anything in regards to what we discussed before…?"

"Is Masato… the one who fears the world?"

"Do you believe you have substantial enough truth to decide on that?"

"...No. But I believe I may be right. I'll trust that he will learn to believe in us and open up about his fears. It won't do us any good if we force him to."

"Such compassion is what gives you strength. Do not ever forget that."

"Yeah. I'm surprised you're willing to tell me that."

"For now, I am but a mirror… showing you what your own eyes cannot yet see."

"Hm, then I appreciate that. But now… I suppose you also have something you wish to tell me, right Marie?" His head turns to the one other person that was with Margaret.

"Sorry, I asked her to bring you here." She was donning her usual outfit when she was remaining in the room outside of reality. "It's about what happened today… that boy you fought. I sensed a power within him that felt… familiar."

"Familiar? You mean your memories as Izanami?"

"I believe so. I just can't narrow it down. But it's not good, I know that much."

"Thanks for the heads up, Marie. I'll be careful around him. He seems to be bothered by all of us."

"Hmhm… I think it's time you head back." Margaret cut their conversation short; like his abrupt visits to the Velvet room lasted longer than this anyway. "Until we meet again."

His vision starts to grow blurry while their voices start to fade. It appears this is why he believed in Masato. He saw something deeper within and followed Margaret's advice. But where they go from here… who can say?

07/26

All the Inaba residents depart from the Amagi Inn in the morning, having the whole day to themselves to show Labrys all the worthwhile spots in Inaba; but not before they head home to change clothes. Aigis elected to accompany them as well, sounding whimsical about it. The group first saw the hill overlooking the town, giving Labrys a sense of awe. In her mind, this could easily feel like a home to her. Despite how small it was compared to the city, it felt so cozy and intimate.

Next they paid a visit to the river, where Aigis and Labrys jumped across it using the small rocks that stuck out from the calm water's surface. Teddie tried and almost fell in if not for Labrys' clutch save. And finally they all paid a visit to the Shrine. While Labrys was learning how to make an offering from Yukiko, Souji made a sharp whistle, and suddenly, a Fox appeared from the top of the Shrine.

"Whoa! That's a Fox!" Labrys points out in surprise as it descends to the surface.

"Souji-san, are you fluent with animals?" Aigis asks as the Fox stares at the two in a perplexing matter.

"I can't understand what it says, if that's what you mean. But I did help it before and it helped us while we went to the TV world. It understands how we feel. It's very smart."

"Oh, you speak the truth. This Fox confirms what you say!"

"Wait, you understand it?"

"Indeed. I can understand animals. My sister should be able to as well."

"I ain't as fluent in Fox, to be honest. I can barely understand little dogs."

The Fox yips as it notices more money is in the offering box, likely thanks to everyone here.

"It appears to be thanking us for our support of the Shrine." Aigis nods, seeing Masato also surprised about this Fox. Perhaps he didn't know of it either. But as everyone was huddled around the Fox before it departed to return to its kin, her eyes lit up like yesterday. She turned to Rise, gestured for her attention and beckoned her to come closer.

"Rise-san. Have you said your piece to Masato-san?"

"What? Are you talking about last night?"

"I have an idea. I learned about many things today… Kanji-san lives there at that Textile shop, yes?"

"Um, yeah? What about it?"

"I comprehend. Then please get ready. I will be your 'wingman' here!"

"A-Aigis, what do you-!?" But it was too late as Aigis had already begun her mischievous scheme.

"Sister! I have an idea on something we can acquire as a souvenir."

"Whoa, really? What did you have in mind?"

"Let us get you something that you can take home like a special fabric. Kanji-san wouldn't mind it at all!" The blonde android pulled her older sister along, while Kanji shouted his opposition.

"H-Hey hey! My Ma don't know you two are basically Terminator robots! Get back here!"

"Movie reference, appropriately humorous, but I must acquire something for everyone back home. It is now my mission!"

"We ain't a clothes shop! You gotta get fitted and order something to be made…!" Kanji trailed after them while the others followed in amusement. Masato was behind them, but Rise tugged at his shirt to make him stop.

"Hey… Can I borrow you for a moment? Since we're alone and all…" She may owe Aigis big time for this. There was no way they all would leave them be without one or both of them getting teased for this.

"Uh, sure. I was… hoping to speak to you too." He turns completely as they linger around the area as the last of the group turns the corner, out of the shrine's vicinity. This is what both were due for. They did promise to speak to each other again, though what happened after that moment definitely re-contextualized this whole situation. How will it play out now after all that has changed since then?

A/C: Aigis is the Ultimate Wingman! Or Wingwoman? Whatever, so we're finally addressing this relationship! Truth be told, I was feeling like this should have been pushed further back, but my Beta writer Brooke brought up a good point to have them speak now. How will it go? You'll find out next time. As for the bonding events between the guys and girls... did you like them? The men were due for a hot spring scene, but I realized there's a critical detail I need to push back for later, so I'll use that as a relevant flashback perhaps. But isn't it nice to see Mitsuru's icy demeanor be thawed, so to speak? The girls are going to have different relationship levels, right now I can tell you Rise sees her as a figure worth aspiring to in some regards, despite her brimming confidence, Mitsuru's is just so natural. Yukiko and Mitsuru will play out in ways I'd rather you see for yourself, and Naoto will keep a formal relationship, but personal details will be exchanged.

Today's Musical reference is "Hotel California" by the Eagles. Great song, and I felt it works here.

You already know what's coming. And that chapter will be up this weekend. So... have fun waiting!