"Oh, are you going out?" Nanako asked.
"Yeah, I'll see you tonight Nanako." Yu said calmly.
"Ok." Nanako said. "See you later big bro."
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"Oh Yu-kun, good morning." Yukiko said with a small smile.
"Morning Yukiko." Yu said. "Are you looking for a certain book?"
"Oh well actually I already have it." Yukiko said while taking a book on job certifications out of her bag. "Sensei recommended this one since it has a lot of options for me."
"Sensei?" Yu asked curiously.
"The school career councilor, I sometimes ask for his advice." Yukiko said before looking down. "I still remember what my shadow was talking about, and she was right."
"You mean about you not wanting to inherit the inn and wanting to do something else with your life?" Yu asked.
"Yeah, I do love the inn and everyone there is so nice, but I just can't stay there." Yukiko said. "That's where this book comes in."
"I understand." Yu said calmly.
"Thanks." Yukiko said.
Thou hast strengthened thy genuine bond… It leads thee closer to the truth… Thou power to fuse Priestess Personas has increased.
"Well it was nice to see you this morning Yukiko." Yu said with a smile.
"Yeah, I'll see you later Yu." Yukiko said before walking off as Yu walked towards the Velvet Room.
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"Hello, as you can see my master is not currently present. If you have business in the Velvet Room I would suggest you return at a later time." Margaret said calmly before looking down. "No nothing that occurs in this room is due to coincidence. Welcome to the Velvet Room, I am Margaret."
"Is everything alright?" Yu asked.
"Yes, in fact our meeting here may have a deeper meaning." Margaret said before chuckling to herself. "Now that I think about it, you are the first person to be welcomed here by someone other than my master."
"I see, well I'm honored." Yu said politely.
"The honor is mine, perhaps there is a deeper meaning to you visiting the Velvet Room when my master was away." Margaret said calmly.
Thou art I… And I art thou… Thou hast established a new bond… It brings thee closer to the truth… Thou shalt be blessed when creating Personas of the Empress Arcana…
"Maybe, like you said I'm the first person to be welcomed by someone other than Igor." Yu said. "Which would mean you're the first person other than Igor to welcome someone into the Velvet Room."
"Indeed, it seems our fates are intertwined as well." Margaret said with a small smile. "Perhaps we can continue this conversation another time."
"Sure, that sounds good to me." Yu said calmly before leaving the Velvet Room.
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"Hey Chie, do you have a minute?" Yosuke asked.
"Huh, what's up Yosuke?" Chie asked.
"You sounded like you wanted to talk yesterday and I just wanted to make sure everything's ok." Yosuke said. "I mean you ran off all of a sudden and it doesn't take a genius to tell something was up."
"Oh yeah everything's cool." Chie said. "Anyway how are things with you?"
"Chie, something's clearly bothering you." Yosuke said. "You're my friend if I can help you out then let me alright?"
"I know, well I guess I'm just still upset about what happened at Junes." Chie said.
"Oh, that." Yosuke said. "Well those two haven't improved much but we have more important things to worry about so don't let it bother you."
"I know, but you really didn't deserve to be put in that kind of situation." Chie said.
"Thanks Chie, I appreciate the thought." Yosuke said quietly. "I actually need to head to Junes, I'll see you later."
"Yeah, see you Yosuke." Chie said quietly.
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"Huh, Adachi-san?" Yu asked.
"Oh, what are you doing here?" Adachi asked. "Wait what am I talking about, you're probably coming back from getting something to eat."
"Not exactly, I was talking to a friend of mine." Yu said. "What are you doing here?"
"Me?" Adachi asked. "Well that's obvious. I'm investigating the case."
"Right, you're really dedicated to the job aren't you?" Yu asked.
"Well I mean someone has to make sure Inaba is safe, and between me and Dojima-san we'll solve this in no time." Adachi said with a grin. "Oh but in case he was asking you didn't see me here ok?"
"Alright, whatever you say Adachi-san. Good luck with your investigation." Yu said calmly.
"Right, thanks." Adachi said with a grin.
Thou hast strengthened thy genuine bond… It leads thee closer to the truth… Thou power to fuse Jester Personas has increased.
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"Welcome home big bro." Nanako said happily.
"Thanks Nanako." Yu said. "Is your dad home?"
"I am now, is something wrong?" Dojima asked walking into the house.
"No nothing's wrong, I was just wondering if you had time to talk." Yu said.
"Oh, actually I have something to take care of tonight." Dojima said apologetically. "Sorry."
"No I understand uncle." Yu said. "Well in that case I think I'll head to bed. I'll see you two tomorrow."
"Ok." Nanako said calmly before turning back to the TV.
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"What are you thinking Marie?" Margaret asked.
"It's something you said before, when he mentioned any of us could leave this room whenever we want." Marie said. "So far you and the Nose have been here all the time, so was that just so he'd agree to take me around?"
"Not entirely, however as you know your destiny is intertwined with his." Margaret said calmly.
"Then what about you two?" Marie asked.
"Perhaps that is something you will learn of in your own time." Margaret said. "Though if you don't mind me asking, how is your poetry coming along?"
"What are you talking about?" Marie asked defensively.
"It's nothing." Margaret said with a small smile.
(Yu has strengthened the social links he has been forming over the course of the year in Inaba. Next chapter another aspect of the power Igor granted the Investigation team will be revealed to them. As always any reviews or critique is appreciated.)