A/N: Feels like the gap between each chapter grows longer, more and more. This is merely the warm up, and I'll be honest. I have to wonder if the tempo for combat in this chapter and the next one I'm writing are a bit too fast. But you all can let me know if that is the case. Right now this is where the fun begins, so let's see how it unfolds.

Chapter 33

01/04

In times past, the fog that blanketed the entire TV world has made it difficult to see what was coming. Even with the glasses, it still only helped them see so much. Observing their immediate surroundings was no trouble, but farther beyond that was like trying to see beyond a veil in the distance. Difficult and not worth the effort.

So seeing what was coming from a mile away was something all the main members of the Investigation Team save for Teddie was still a new experience.

"We're coming up on a location. It looks like… castle walls?" Souji gives a description to Fuuka, who is currently still remaining in the car to shield herself from the cold.

"I see. Could this be because someone else got thrown in?"

"Unlikely." Naoto interjects. "Outside of this group, there were only a handful of others who fell in. And they're either safe due to us saving them… or are victims of the murder incident. Where Sho ambushed us was one of the locations of said victims. Mayumi Yamano…. The other would be Saki Konishi. Her location would be somewhere else entirely."

"I see… then this would be highly unusual. Rise-chan, do you detect any other life signals?" Fuuka requests a second opinion from her support partner.

"...No. It's just us. I don't detect anyone else."

"Then I believe we need to investigate this. If Sho dragged an innocent civilian into this…"

"We'll save them, Naoto. Just like always." Souji's words assure everyone. Remaining composed is necessary for success.

"Of course, Senpai."

"Let's move on." Souji's hand signals remind everyone to stick close and proceed with caution, two fingers straightened and swiping downward.

Aigis, being one of the remaining main Shadow Operative members who has not seen the Investigation Team in action like this, finds their coordination impressive; a wave of nostalgia rushes through her processors. Labrys takes notice, her red eyes focused on her sister's azure colored gaze.

"What's up, Sis?"

"Ah. These friends of yours… remind me of my first missions with Mitsuru-san and the others. It was a few years ago when I was part of a group much like this."

"Oh yeah… I remember hearing about that before. They got a lot of chemistry for the time they've known each otha."

"Indeed. Much like our own conflicts… their own must have formed strong bonds. I can only hope Masato-san can find a way to blend in with them."

"E-Everyone! I'm picking up on the source! It's at the center of the area!" Rise alerts everyone; the steps of the entire team changing from a casual walk to pacing with intent to stay alert.

"Rise. Do you sense any Shadows inside?" Souji asks, sword hilt in hand.

"Hm…. no. I sense some that are a little too far to become immediate threats. But that might change once we get closer."

"Alright. Let's go inside, everyone. Even if this isn't Sho, something isn't right…" Souji's tone was still sternly unafraid, but caution still etched the waves of his voice. "Yukiko, Yosuke, Kanji; stick by me. We'll be the front group." A shout of confirmation is heard from the three in unison as they form up around him, expecting to be the ones chosen.

"I believe I know what you are aiming for, Souji-san." Aigis nods before spending a single second calculating what group would suit her best. "Masato-san and Chie-san, you shall stick with me. My Sister shall have Naoto-san and Teddie-san to bring up the rear."

"Ya got it, Sis. Then our entire group will be fortified enough for whatever comes our way, yeah?"

"I believe that was your intent, Leader?" How long has it been since she last said that? Souji really does remind her of him…

"Yeah. This might not be too dangerous, but I'm never taking chances here unless I have to."

"A viable motto to live by. Let us proceed then." Aigis comments as the three groups pass the front gate, filed by their groups one by one.

Stepping forward, the second and third groups only see the main group's initial reaction.

"Whoa…"

"Yo, this is… unreal." Kanji and Yosuke's reactions are by far the loudest.

"What's going on, you… guys…?" The sight catches Chie off guard as well.

"Flowers? Do plants normally grow in this world?" Aigis' curiosity is piqued; as the unusual environment is unexpected, but definitely not unwelcomed.

"I've seen plants before, but only when the setting fits the locale."

"I comprehend. Fuuka-san. Is all still well?"

"Ah, yes. I'm detecting that same presence Rise is focused on. The shadows remain calm for now. This might be the best chance to investigate!"

"Then investigate we shall." Aigis is excited for answers; and soon, they all might have them!

Marching forth, Souji spots something ahead that is one of the last things he expected to see.

"What… is that?"

"Pardon me." Naoto rushes to the front once she hears Souji's question. Even her eyes shift in perplexment. "What is the bumper of a car doing here…?"

"That's a bumper? Where's the license plate and stuff?" Kanji asks, noting the distinct piece missing that otherwise makes this look like a bent piece of scrap.

"A good observation. Why is it lacking that piece? This looks like it's been here for so long. While there's no rust, it looks to have been removed and dumped here. This dent here must be from the impact of falling from above." Naoto points without touching the bumper directly, keeping distance.

"Excuse me, Naoto-san. But there is another one on the other side. Is that possible given the circumstances?"

"Hm… I don't believe so. Something else must have caused this. Let me move closer so I can–What-?"

"Naoto? What's wrong–?"

"Senpai! Something's here!"

"Shadows? Or is it Sho?"

A detached voice makes that answer clear.

"T… The Rainbow is gone… where is the light of my garden…?"

"Who goes there!?" Masato scans his surroundings, only to see something emerge from the ground and take the shape of a woman laying on a comfy looking bed.

"A shadow! I think another one is coming; but, these readings…! They're not right-!"

Rise's tone grows shaky; bewildered by what's looking to be an anomaly.

"Where is it…? I must protect her… no matter what!"

"Her…?"

"Anyone who brings harm to our garden will face justice!" Another voice garners the attention of everyone as a new Shadow emerges; a castle stone golem holding one large sword in one hand, and a scale-cross in another.

"They're Shadows, but… something is different about them! Please be careful, everyone!" Fuuka warns. "I'll try and analyze them!"

"Alright everyone. Get ready for combat!" Souji pulls his sword out, eager to do battle. Others brandish their weapons… all except one.

"Sister… Do you sense it? Something is different this time."

"Yeah, I hear ya… still, we gotta remove all hostilities!"

"Masato-kun! Where's your weapon?"

"I didn't think I would need one!" A beginner's mistake at the worst possible time.

"Give her back! She's all I-!" The larger shadow winds up for a heavy, one handed swing; aiming for the greenest member of the team.

"Masato-kun, look out!" Rise warns.

"Alright! Block it, Amatsu Mikaboshi!" Crushing the card that appeared before him, his cloaked Persona emerged, swinging the broken blade to match this heavy one, a deadlock formed, but the Shadow was clearly having the edge.

"Ugh! Little help here, please!" Masato could tell… his Persona can't hold this strength for much longer.

"Aaalrighty! Only because you said please!" A peppy voice spoke out as the Shadow was instantly encased within a bone chilling block of ice, the only thing not in it was the sword itself.

"Thank you, Teddie!"

"We aren't done yet! Kanji!"

"Oh, hell yeah! Here we go!" Kanji's bulky Persona grabs hold of the frozen block, flipping it on its head before jumping as high as it could.

"Here's my Icebreaker!"

With a hard SLAM into the ground, the Ice Shatters with the Shadow feeling every bit of that impact and then some.

On the other end, Souji just narrowly avoided a nuclear attack from the feminine Shadow.

"Fuuka-San! You find anything out!?"

"I have! But you should defeat them first. Just know if this isn't dealt with ASAP, the other shadows will notice and converge on your location!"

"Got it!" Souji ceases communication while focusing on the Shadow before him.

"Let's do this, Ariadne! Friela!" Her Persona lays a quick strike… that is ineffective! "Wait, it ain't workin'!?"

The shadow quickly retaliates with a technique she's seen with Masato's shadow! Psio struck home! Knocking the android down on her knees, the Shadow speaks frantically!

"Where… is… safe!?" Her voice sounds muffled at times. In pain. But it continues its attack regardless.

"Sister!" Aigis leaps forth, calling out Athena to block the attack with its shield.

"A-Aigis…!"

"Aigis-san! Leave her to Yukiko and I!' Souji stakes his claim, eager to put this Shadow down for the count.

Returning to the other side of the conflict; the Overprotective Giant Swings its blade to push Kanji, Naoto, and Teddie's Persona back. But in that effort, it was not anticipating another attack from behind.

"Chie! Let's go!"

"Yeah! I'm ready, Yosuke!" Susano-o and Haraedo-no-Okami rush forward, with Yosuke's Persona using a Garudyne to launch Chie's own even faster, forming a kicking stance.

"HI JUMP KICK!" And this technique crashes into the back of Giant, launching it yards from its original position. Cracks formed around the main impact area.

"Masato-kun! Finish it now!" Chie exclaims, the newcomer can only nod and steady himself.

"Fatal End!" Amatsu Mikaboshi moves big into the air and brings its sword down with one hard swing, slashing through the body from where Chie struck it. "Alright! That should do it!" Redemption! Masato is thrilled to take down his first Shadow with the help of his stronger allies.

Souji switched Personas, electing to use Yoshitsune to finish the job.

"Yukiko!"

"Of course! Burn!" Yukiko goes for the hardest hitting attack she's got. The Burning Petals overwhelm the Noble Mother, setting up Souji to finish her off now!

"Let's end this… Hassou Tobi!"

One slash; two; three; and many more until… eight strikes in total! The shadow was at her seams. "Yukiko! Blast her!"

"Mm! Agidyne!" One more concentrated attack to launch the Shadow back towards its other. Victory was theirs.

Everyone gathered in front of the downed Shadows, but before any attempt to deliver a finishing blow was made; Fuuka interrupted them.

"Everyone! They're not Shadows! They're… part of the environment!"

"What? But they look like Shadows."

"Confirmed. The surrounding Shadows must be influencing their appearance."

"But… They look like normal people ta me!"

"Wait… what? But they look like Shadows to us?" Souji is baffled. The androids see one thing, but the humans see another.

"What's going on here, then? How do you two see such a different sight from us?"

"Naoto-san, this is merely a hypothesis, but I believe this has to do with your cognition."

"Cognition? You mean our comprehension skills?"

"Indeed. All of us have the ability to acquire knowledge, understand thoughts and experiences. But in this case… we Anti Shadow weapons can detect and distinct Shadows. It is our primary function to seek out and eliminate all hostile Shadows. But upon their defeat, these "Shadows" are no longer hostile and their true selves have been revealed."

"But… Shadows are all we've ever seen here. Is that why we're seeing them as only Shadows?"

"That is a likely possibility, Naoto-san. Unless that perception is challenged, you may see anything that is threatening here as a Shadow. This phenomenon is new to me. I believe I shall 'coin the phrase' and dub these things as 'Cognitions'."

"Aigis-san. Can you tell us what you see from these Cognitions?" Souji asks. "We can discuss theories in detail later. For now, we need to know why these things were hostile when we got near that bumper."

"Indeed. Unfortunately, these Cognitions only seem to recur phrases. I have them all recorded and can transcript for you later. They are to disappear back from whence they came any second now."

"Save… is… safe? It's not your… fault…."

"I will… find… you…!" The female and male looking Shadows speak out as their bodies begin to wane out of existence.

"What do they mean…? It's as if they're parroting these words…" Naoto is perplexed, and the others also seem to be at a loss for words.

Slowly, they break apart into nothingness. Gone as quickly as they came. These things held less power than they had anticipated. But regardless, it was time to focus on what got their attention in the first place.

"Well… allow me to look at this. Aigis-san; Labrys-san, please come with me." The trio step up and begin to inspect the separated bumper.

"So, uh… why were they talkin' all that nonsense? The chick Shadow sounded like she was afraid and in pain."

"That cognition… I wonder what it looked like. Aigis-san said it looks like a person." Yukiko pondered.

"It sucks we couldn't see. It might have been a real person! Maybe someone got stuck here long before the murders happened?"

"Unlikely, Chie. There would have been a dead body here." Yosuke replies nonchalantly. "The only reason the dead bodies appeared on our end was 'cause of Adachi. It doesn't seem like Shadows eat us or anything like that." He shudders at his own thoughts.

"Ewww! Why would you say that, Yosuke!" Chie is grossed out frame one by that line of thought.

"Gosh, Yosuke! I may be a grizzled bear in the making, but people would never be on my diet! The nerve-!" Teddie scoffs at his notion.

"Stuff it, you dumb bear! That wasn't meant to be a dig at you!"

"Enough, guys." Souji demands the bickering to cease. "I'm plenty curious myself, but we can ask for details later. Right now, we-"

"Impossible!"

"N-Naoto-kun? What's wrong? Rise almost jumped at that abrupt yell of shock.

"We need to get this out of here! There's… blood on here!"

"What!?" The entire group collectively shouts.

"I can confirm it as dried blood. I cannot determine how long it has been here, but it is well preserved." Aigis calmly states while continuing to analyze the piece of metal. "That explains the condition this is in. Perhaps the vehicle this bumper was attached to had struck someone. And the person disposed of part of the evidence here."

"Is that true, Naoto-kun?"

"I cannot confirm anything yet, Yukiko-senpai. But I believe we must bring this to the real world for analysis. I need my kit to extract some of the blood and get it studied at a lab… I shall bring it for a presumed return trip. But if this is connected to a murder… then someone might be using the TV world for nefarious purposes again."

"But that can't be, Nao-chan!" Teddie interrupts. "I always check here nearly every day! If someone fell, even for a little bit… I can always smell them and the location they form! No one has fallen since the Summer! That's beary unlikely!"

"Naoto… Teddie brings up a good point. Perhaps someone did this before the murders took place."

"It can't be Adachi-san. He has no reason to hide another victim. And Namatame was also innocent of intentional wrongdoing… gah! Questions for later. Please, I need to extract this sample ASAP."

"Wait, we can't haul this thing back over there! That's nuts!" Kanji now interjects. "If we pop out of Junes with this, we're gonna get all sorts of looks."

"Kanji-kun is right…" Chie shakes her head. "But we can't leave this here, either… Grrr! This is so annoying!" Her hands each clamp onto opposite sides of her head. No one could present a solution… even at its slowest, they can't sneak through all of Junes with scrap that was taller than them.

"Um, if I may…" Fuuka chimes in as their talking pauses. "I have a question. Teddie, can you not make another exit?"

"I can only make one! And if I made it here, there would be no TV on the other side for me to act as a way to connect it."

"Connect it?"

"Yeah! The area where we enter is perfect because of all the TVs in Junes! Even if my entrance were to move from its current spot by a meter, there's a TV we could still pop out from. But I don't sense a spot where I could deploy my exit here. You can fall in from any TV out there, but you need a TV in here to get out!"

"I see." Fuuka remained silent for a few seconds. "I actually was working on something that could circumvent that. I'm making a TV set that is meant for traveling in and out of the TV World."

"Oooh! Any TV would do."

"Well, I am making a set of two. One we keep on this side and one you can take over there. As long as they're close in proximity like how we are now, it should be possible to serve as a way in and out, yes?"

"Hmmm…. I think it might work!"

"Then, please return to this side. We need to properly plan a strategy to extract this. I think it's what's causing all the Shadows to lurk around it." She stops her train of thought, with the support's tone changing immediately. "Everyone, you need to push through. Some shadows are coming from the direction you entered from! I'm counting about thirty of them!"

"Well, looks like they won't make this easy, after all. Get ready everyone!" Souji shrugged, cracking the joints around his neck and shoulders.

"Battle positions! Here they come!" Aigis returns to a firm battle stance as more, likely stronger shadows come from different directions. Each group plans to handle ten shadows each. The main and rear group so far face no challenges, but the center group is facing a pincer attack!

"Aigis-san! I got this side!"

"Then I shall cover this side, Chie-san!"

Masato had checked their six, the rear group facing their own set of Shadows, but something caught his attention. Naoto had her Persona taking care of a Shadow shaped like a Samurai warrior, but behind her, a Gigas type Shadow was aiming to flank her. He must step up and help the other group!

"No…!"

With resolve, he ordered Amatsu Mikaboshi to charge forth, dropping a Fatal End on the back of the Shadow!

…But it barely flinched.

Tightening its dark muscles, it pushed back against the Persona's dull blade.

"What!? But my attack-!"

The Shadow boasts a prideful chuckle as it lunges for a mighty punch!

"Masato-san!" Aigis calls from behind him as Athena's large shield stands between his Persona and the hardest knockout he's ever seen.

"Aigis! I-"

"There is no time! Strike while possible!"

"R-Right! Then… Psio!" He opts for a magical attack since physical strikes didn't work! Bright, odd colored balls of distorting energy surround and slam into the Shadow, phasing it more than his physical attack, but it only causes it to step back from Athena.

Electricity coursed through its biceps, pointing at Masato's Persona was struck by a Ziodyne! Masato shrieks in agony, collapsing and now Down.

"Masato-san!" Is this another weakness of his? No, the reports said it was Nuclear attacks! Did they not try Zio attacks? "Garudyne!"

A strong gale upends and downs the Shadow, with one more following up to finish it off.

"Thanks for the assist, Naoto-san!"

"No, thank you two for covering me. Please tend to Masato-san!" Naoto tips her cap, shifting immediately to clean up the rest of the Shadows.

"Let's get you back up… Diarahan!"

Bit by bit, the shadows are whittled down until the threat subsided. It seems the rest are uninterested in the team for now. Their presence is no longer attention grabbing.

"Masato-kun! Are you okay?" Chie asks out of concern now that things have settled down.

"Yeah. My attacks felt weak. Perhaps I'm not cut for the front lines still." And he got to attack a Shadow from the back. And it still didn't help him do good damage. His ego is bruised.

"It's alright. Just stick with us and your Persona should keep growing. That's how we all grew, even if some of us didn't see as much action as others." Chie sounds like she knew from experience.

"Everyone! Please hurry! You may have only bought time before more Shadows become aware of your presence."

"Fuuka-san is right! We need to all go back!" Souji rallies the team. "We can discuss everything once we put good distance between these things."

"Souii-san is correct." Aigis concurs. "Let us move, double time, as they say!"

With haste, the entire group books back from the direction they came, heading to the entrance while Fuuka makes her way back to Junes. Rise kept track of any closing shadows but any that were encountered seem to be acting on their own and not part of the horde.

After nearly 20 minutes of power walking, everyone at long last reached the exit, leaving the TV world to meet with Fuuka in the Food Court. The cold air was welcomed in this instance, as some were feeling exhausted and needed the chance to cool down.

"Ugh… that was a thing. All this peace time made me realize I was starting to get out of shape." Yosuke groans, realizing he started to cut too loose after the incident with the LMB Festival.

"Fuuka-san, about that idea you wanted to propose…"

"Oh, right! Allow me to explain, Souji-kun." Fuuka would open her laptop and an image was already on display, waiting for this very moment to be elaborated upon. "This is a prototype I've been making since the last time we came here. It looks like a TV and has most of the properties. However, it does not actually work."

"So, it's a fake!?"

"Sort of, Teddie…." Fuuka forced a meager laugh. "Well, if I wanted to I could make it a real TV, but then it would be heavier and thus make it harder to carry around. It can be taken apart or folded up to be ferried wherever you need to take it. Teddie said that we need two to be able to make a way in and out… so I have one and another halfway way finished. They're a bit crude, I'll admit. If I had more time and better materials, I could have made something more elaborate."

"Are they here?"

"The complete one is in the car. But I felt I should not have brought it inside the store."

"Yeah, that's for the best. Last thing we need is the staff to be suspicious of you guys again." Yosuke shrugs.

"Um, if I may…" Yukiko speaks up. "What exactly did you have in mind with these? Is it for an emergency exit?"

"Well, they can be used like that, but I was considering a different use in regards to this situation."

"I see… you're suggesting we take one into the TV World and set it up so we can pull it out from the real world location via the matching replica TV."

"Yes! That's why I asked you for details on how entering the TV World works a while back. I didn't consider this scenario, but this might work out."

"Fuuka-san. Can you complete the last TV then?"

"Yes, I will make sure it's ready. And I'll bring the one you can take into the TV World here when we regroup."

"Then we have our game plan. This might be the source of what's causing the Shadows to act up. Extracting this may make them calm down." Souji realized this is merely a hypothesis, but it's worth the effort. "Either way, something about that thing is suspicious. Perhaps we can inform my Uncle about it afterward."

"I concur. Dojima-san will learn on his own once I call for an Investigation. Perhaps there is a cold case that this is tied to that went cold because of this circumstance."

"Maybe so. If there's nothing else… Why don't we break for today? We all need to rest and prepare for tomorrow."

"Souji-san is correct." Aigis nods with a slight stiffness. "It will be ideal for you all to be as ready as possible. We must not eliminate the chance that Sho Minazuki is involved."

"That's true."

"We'll all meet up after lunch time, yes?"

"That time should work. The crowds will thin out by that point." Souji sees his team nod in agreement. "Alright. Let's be back here tomorrow."

With confirmation from everyone, they all disperse either one by one or in some pairs. One pair in particular, remained inside, where it was warm.

"Masato-kun… about earlier, are you okay?" The perky idol was aware of his distant silence.

"Rise; nothing gets past you, eh?" He grimaces a smile. "I don't think I'm as ready as I thought I was."

"Aw, is that-" Her cheering tone cuts itself off when she sees his expression look truly disappointed in himself. "Hey, so… you're not weak or anything. Everyone who joined us was lagging behind at first. Then they caught up. You'll do the same, so just stick by us, okay? No one is gonna judge you for today."

"Rise… my attacks didn't help at all. I tried to help Naoto-san, who was about to get blindsided, and all it did was make me the target."

"You were brave, Masato-kun. Naoto-kun thanked both you and Aigis, didn't she?" A question popped into Rise's head as she considered his feelings more. "Hey, um… were you afraid?"

"Afraid?"

"Oh, not of the Shadow, but Naoto-kun getting hurt?"

"I, uh…" Afraid. Afraid. What could he be afraid of? It wasn't his neck on the line initially, and he wasn't afraid of that. But when he noticed the Gigas was targeting her… he felt like he was failing everyone. And especially the Detective. That word might be the proper descriptor.

"Never mind! It just popped into my head and all."

"It's fine. I just… I don't want to see someone get hurt if I can help prevent it."

"I see. Well… you'll keep me safe while we're in there, right?" Her tone shifts to a flirty tone, a sign both their moods were changing. Now there's a smile on his face.

"Of course. I won't let anyone harm you, Rise."

"Heehee, now you sound like the Masato-kun I know and like." Giggling, she stands up. "Hey, wanna walk me home?"

"Sure. You want to go now or…"

"Eh, there's no rush! Let's have a little fun here before we go back!"

"Heh… okay then. Sounds good to me."

The day continues a little while longer. But everyone knew tomorrow was going to be an important day.

And that was putting it lightly.

01/05

The day came quickly. And one final decision was made before the operation was to begin. Some people would stay behind with Fuuka and travel with her to help extract the bumper. Kanji would provide support as the muscle, but Labrys also went along, more than capable of doing it herself. With that decided, it's time to begin. The main group enters the TV World, opting for a brisk pace to get to the location sooner. On the other side, the trio of Fuuka, Kanji, and Labrys had to bring out the second replica TV, as this one wasn't as easy to take apart and carry around given it was the recently completed, albeit hastily, model.

"So uh, where do we leave it?" Kanji asks, Labrys right behind him holding it like it was a lightweight.

"Good question… oh! There's the remains of a small building. Why not there? And we can adjust if necessary afterward."

"No problem, Fuuka-san!" Labrys eagerly rushes forward.

"Hey hey hey! Not so fast! You gotta be gentle with that thing!" Kanii barks, finding Labrys haste to be like playing with fire.

While that was going on, the main team reached the center of the Cognitive domain. Naoto opted to waste no time, using her kit to extract a blood sample to be analyzed for later just in case something were to go wrong. Souji, Aigis, and Masato reassembled the replica TV together and once the pieces were placed, Fuuka chimed in. "Everyone, is it ready?"

"We just put it together. Will it work?"

"We can test it if you wish. Why not push an object through?" But before Souji could offer a reply, he would be interrupted.

"Ooh, ooh! I'll try it!" Teddie forces himself through the Leader.

"Teddie-?"

"Oof, this is gonna be a tight Squeeze!" But the bear won't be beaten. "Hnng!" Powering through, Teddie slowly vanishes out of sight.

"Oh my, Teddie has successfully left this realm!" Aigis comments. "Fuuka-san; does Teddie appear on your side?"

"Yes! The TVs are connected! This can work!" The technical support sounds ecstatic that her gadget has come in handy.

"Excuse me, Senpai. I'll head back to the other side. I must secure the blood sample, but feel free to begin carrying it through. I shall inform Labrys of her goal." The Detective's gaze shifts to the blonde android. "Aigis-san. Please note you are the only one who can carry it through on this end, as you and Labrys are the only ones without fingerprints."

"Understood. I shall exert the proper strength required to move it and not cause any additional damage."

"Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me." Naoto pushed through the TV to make her exit and inform the other side about the game plan.

"Well, while she's doing that, we should all get everyone in position. The shadows will eventually notice our presence the more we linger here." Souji turns, facing the team.

"Yeah, we got this, partner. We still got plenty of people here to keep them at bay.

"Last time we got too close to it, those cognitions appeared. We should be ready in case they come back."

Yosuke nods in agreement to Souji's words of cautions. They all know he is right. Be ready and stay alert.

The group surrounds the bumper, Rise confirming no Shadows are closing in. Fuuka contacts them after to declare all on her side was ready to recieve the bumper. It was time to begin.

"Aigis-san. Go ahead."

"Roger." Aigis hands rotate, her body lowering to grab the estimated just over 30 pounds or a little under fifteen kilograms worth of metal. It was a wide object so balancing was key as to not cause any more damage. Preservation is key!

"You got it! Careful now, Aigis-san. All is well so far." Masato comments, Aigis now has reposition herself to aim the end of the bumper towards the television.

"Ugh!" Rise suddenly winced, catching her hidden boyfriend's attention first.

"Rise, what's wrong?"

"I'm getting interference on my Persona's vision."

"What!? Fuuka-san, can you see anything?" Souji's call to the support on the other side falls on deaf ears. Nothing. "Fuuka-san! Fuuka-san…!?"

"Souji-kun! I think we should take battle positions. Something must be doing this deliberately!" Yukiko's words ring with wisdom. "Fuuka-san must also be dealing with this too."

"...You should listen to your girlfriend… partner." A distant voice speaks.

"Who's that?" Masato turns around, back forth as does everyone else. But it seems like Souji recognized that tone instantly… as did Rise; who was shivering.

"No… it can't be."

"Up here, idiots!" His voice sounded like it was less all over the place and from up above. On the top of one of the higher points of the damaged castle walls stood the man they had been searching for. His distinct red hair and the scars across his face were dead giveaway features.

Leaping from the edge, he descends to face all who were in attendance.

Landing with his steps making a loud impact, he faces the Investigation team with a smile and two words spoken.

"Hello there."

A/C: Dun dun dun! Sho is here at long last! And now details are gonna ramp up, so do strap in. So this is a phenomena that happens in Persona 5, but cognitions were a thing that happened in Palaces. While Shadows do exist in dungeons in P4, they never really took a life of their own. But now we've seen two that break this trend. And when you think about it, we saw them before... sort of. Remember those Shadows in Masato's dungeon? Technically those fell under a similar role, but not completely. They could still fight decently well.

Today's Musical Reference is "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead.

The next chapter is what I refer to as "The Big One". The backstreet brawl chapter was another one of the Big One chapters I've been planning out since I first started this damn thing. So it's gonna be great. Be ready for twists and turns! The ride stops for no one.