A/N: Feels like it's been forever since I last updated. January was by far a hectic, stressful, draining, and emotional month for me. I lost my pet Cat early on and still no luck with getting a new job. It's tough, but I gotta keep going. And speaking of, we're almost done with this first half of the story. This is the Penultimate chapter, so I hope you enjoy it. I've been looking forward to this revelation for quite some time.

Chapter 35

01/05

Cold steel has torn into flesh. The sound of a young lady's scream catches everyone on the battlefield's attention. The fog that had riddled nearly everyone's sights wanes quickly.

"Rise!" Souji calls out. The others turn, spotting her, and the red haired fiend, but the blade that thrusted forward didn't run through her chest.

"You…!"

The aggravated Sho realizes… it was Hiraku who stopped the blade… with his own body.

Sho's weapon pierced through Hiraku's upper torso; opposite of where his heart was.

"Masamune…!" His eyes looked dimmed, yet still he held on to his will to fight. Masamune and he still had a contract.

His Persona returned and sliced downward, forcing Sho to back away, the sword remaining in place.

"You fool!" Minazuki abruptly changes mid sentence. "You idiot! Why the hell did you do that? I wasn't trying to kill you!"

"You're not harming anyone… Sho…" Hiraku's breathing got heavier, yet he stood as tall as his body allowed.

"H-Hiraku!" Rise moves beside him.

"You're wasting your life like this! You and me are better off without this world!"

"If you killed everyone… would you really be satisfied with that? You'll just be bored… won't you?"

"Huh?"

"You love fighting. I've seen your type before. You won't like that world of isolation." His legs feel weaker by the second; his Persona barely holding its presence together.

"Tch… you honestly think I'd–"

"Hiraku-san!" Both Aigis and Labrys fly down and get ahead of him, standing between the pierced ally and Sho.

"Son of a-To hell with this! You better not die on me, Hiraku. We, all of us… aren't done! The Sho's only over for now!" Fog surrounds the manic man, leaving a silhouette that also fades as quickly as it appears.

Hiraku feels the adrenaline losing its edge, turning to his right and seeing a familiar, scared face beside him.

"Rise… are you okay?"

"U-Uh-huh…"

"I'm… glad…" With that one question answered, his body and consciousness give in, as he collapses on his opposite side.

"Hiraku!" Rise shrieks, descending quickly and kneeling beside him, tears welling in her eyes.

"Rise! Hiraku!" Souji is now on their level, immediately using two of his fingers to check for a pulse on his neck. "He's still got a pulse!"

"Switching to vital scan mode!" Aigis statically speaks out. "Souji-san, I shall monitor his vitals! We must treat him right away.

Fuuka-san! If you hear me, please contact an ambulance immediately!"

"I have already alerted them, Aigis! They're on their way!"

"Aigis-san!" Yukiko and the others now arrive, all surrounding the injured ally. "I'll treat him! My Persona handles healing best!"

"Then begin, please! We must at least stop the bleeding before we extract him out of here."

"Hiraku! Hiraku!" Rise is an emotional mess, feeling weak for not sensing Sho, his control over her mind grows further today.

"Rise-chan… please calm yourself." Naoto calmly attempts to soothe the idol. "We'll stabilize him. Trust in Yukiko-senpai." The Innkeeper was giving it her all to keep her emotions in check too. This was not just a former employee of her's, but a friend. "Are you hurt? His blade didn't hit you?"

"Mm-mm… it was inches away from hitting me." And given their positions… it would have struck her heart. A fatal end for her was assured if he didn't reach her in time.

"Yuki-chan! The bleeding isn't stopping! Shouldn't we pull out the sword?"

"Teddie-san! That is not recommended! Such actions will only allow more blood to leave his body sooner. Hiraku would likely die of blood loss before we reach the Hospital!"

"Teddie! Just help out Yukiko for now!" Yosuke kept his cool as best he could, proving his second in command status well.

"Souji-kun… Aigis-san… the bleeding is slowing, but we must get him out of here soon! Even my Salvation skill isn't working as great as I thought."

"That's most unusual. Why could that be?" Naoto turns around to see if Hiraku's Persona was still there, but it was fading out of existence, barely an outline. "Could it be…?" She needs to test something. "Everyone! If you have a healing skill, please use it now! All must focus on Hiraku-san alone!"

"Acknowledged. Switching to Athena."

"I'll use Kohryu. Yosuke, help us out too."

"Okay!"

"If I recall… Non-Persona users cannot be affected by our support skills that well. His Persona is fading, but…" she can't finish that thought aloud. To imply his potential death… unacceptable. "Do it now!"

"Right!" Souji uses Salvation, Aigis uses Diarahan, and Yosuke uses Youthful Wind. All their efforts center on the downed friend; slowing the bleeding to a standstill the ultimate goal! His Persona is fading still. It must work!

"Guys! I think the bleedin' has stopped!" Labrys exclaims. "Keep it up! We gotta give the Paramedics a fightin' chance!"

"Yeah! Give it all you got, guys!" Souji speaks with a confident tone, keeping their morale high in this unnerving situation.

"Rise-chan. Believe in everyone, okay?" Naoto assures her. They're not letting his action cost everything!

Wiping her face with the sleeves of her jacket, she musters up a response past her sniffling. "Y-Yeah." It's not easy putting up a Brave face, but she must at least believe in Hiraku and everyone else.

"Everyone! The Paramedics will be here in minutes! Please bring him towards the television! We cannot take him back the long way."

"Can we even carry him out? What about the bumper?"

"We'll have to leave it here, Yosuke. There's no time. Hiraku's life is more important." Souji stresses. "Aigis-san. Can you and Labrys take him?"

"Affirmative. We can handle it."

"Alright. Chie, Kanji. Watch for any Shadows. Naoto, head out first and prepare for us to follow behind you."

"Right!"

Flashback to 01/01

The bright snow blanketing the surface, women in Kimonos coming and going to the Shrine; either alone, with friends or family, or maybe even a special someone in tow… it was New Year's alright. And this wasn't how Hiraku expected this day to start at all. He was waiting for his date to come meet him here. And she insisted he wait here despite her home being down the street. The morning chill was still rather strong, even if it was getting closer to the latter portion of morning time.

"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting!"

Now there's the person in question. Turning around, Hiraku sees her. The charming idol all dolled up in that fabled Kimono the others rumored on about.

"Don't I look pretty good in this? I was confident I could pull it off for you!" She's garbed in a royal blue kimono, her hair put up in a single ponytail with a blue flower accessory where the knot forms. "But enough about what I think. I want you to tell me how you feel, Hiraku-kun!" She was jumpy as she said that, saying his real name out here like this… it feels good to say. And no one is around right now, so it's totally fine!

The Imposter was… flabbergasted. It took all his will not to let his jaw fall and pierce six feet under the ground from how gorgeous she was in that outfit. But staying silent might be seen in a bad light… he can only say the first thing that comes to his mind.

"...You leave me breathless."

"Haha, did you get that from a show or something? It's so corny!" Rise giggles, amused by his blunt, raw emotion. "Still… I'm glad you like it. I thought about it and decided to go for a more elegant look instead of my normal cute style." She seems proud that her choice paid off here.

"Well, mind if we begin?" He asks, taking a step forward and now almost beside her.

"Yeah; let's do it!" Her first shrine trip with a boy she likes! It's an exciting first memory to get this new year going!

It was time to walk past the Torii and begin the first visit of the year.

"I've never done this with a boy before. So all I was thinking about was trying to look great so I can impress you, get a compliment out of you, and… make a very special memory together." For all her confidence, she openly shares a moment of insecurity. Something even some of her closer friends don't consider to be a possibility with her. For as open about her interests and intentions as she is, she still keeps the little details to herself.

"Rise… I'm glad you thought of me all this time. I'm happy you asked me to do this. Relationships are new to me as well. I… wasn't sure if it would be appropriate to even ask since we only just started getting more serious, haha!" His sheepish smile matches her own.

"Senpai and Yukiko-senpai make this look so easily."

"Hah. I bet even they had growing pains." This comparison actually calmed them down a bit. Yet their hearts still race as they reach the offering box.

"So…. What's your wish going to be, Rise?"

"Oh, I already made up my mind on that one! I'm going to wish for both of us to be happy together forever!" Cooing with no hesitation, Hiraku is taken aback by her nonchalance about a wish you generally expect to hear with a relationship that's been around for a while.

"Well, your wish makes mine sound a lot more selfish, haha…" He musters a meek laugh.

"Really? Tell me what it is then!"

He pauses, tongue tied on how to express this right…

"I want to be more honest with everyone. No more hiding who I am. And I still haven't told you why I have the name change. I want all that to change soon. And hopefully, when you all know… everyone will be okay with it. It's not something easy to talk about…" His voice shakes up at the end. What could have pushed him to do this, she wonders…

Still, Rise listens with intent. She doesn't need to spend a second thinking how to respond.

"It's okay, Hiraku-kun! I'll support you, no matter what. Our friends will accept you, I promise." She shifts her angle to face him directly, completely confident in her statement.

"Yeah… I believe you. I'm just scared of the possibility."

"That's understandable. If it'll help push you… then I say wish for it!"

"Yeah! It's a promise then. Let's both work hard to make our wishes come true!"

"Mm! Let's do it together!"

End of Flashback

Inside the Inaba Municipal Hospital, Hiraku is placed in the ICU, receiving immediate surgery from staff directly connected to the Shadow Operatives. Likely to make sure any major or unusual injuries don't catch the attention of any local residents or more familiar staff.

Everyone remains outside while they merely wait to hear if Hiraku will pull through; the hours pass with no change in tension. The night sky was cloudy, no stars in sight from the windows. The air is heavy, just like on December 3rd.

Rise was crying, the young men were mostly silent, Naoto was pondering, and the two sisters have now just returned from their business outside.

"I have informed Mitsuru-san of the situation. She is en route to our location as we speak."

"I see." Souji's exhausted sigh is all he could muster up.

Yosuke looked on edge. Emotionally and literally on the edge of his seat. He had something he wanted to say, but before he could push himself to speak what was on his mind, the doors to the Operating Room open; not quite like how you see it in Soap Operas, but it definitely generated more tension like one.

"Doctor; how is Hiraku-kun's condition?"

The doctor took a deep breath after hearing Fuuka's inquiry. Souji didn't recognize this one. He used to work the evenings in this very Hospital last year, yet he doesn't recall seeing this man. The Doctor must be tailored to the Shadow Operatives.

"Using your Personas to treat his wounds before the medical team arrived likely saved his life. I am not sure if he would pull through had you all not minimized the bleeding." A ton of weight lifts off their shoulders. Eyes light up, presuming the news he's about to say is the best outcome. "You all should be proud of yourselves. Hiraku-san will pull through. We are currently stitching up his wounds. The sword has been removed from his body. I assume the Kirijo Group will study it?"

"Yes."

"I had a feeling. It's separated and ready for pickup. What happens to it afterward is up to your discretion."

"Doctor." Souji now gets his attention. "Is there any damage that could be long term?"

"Ah, yes; about that.

While all vital organs were missed, he still took damage to his pectoral muscle area. It's not completely torn, but regardless, a minor tear will keep him sidelined for many weeks. Maybe even a couple of months."

This wasn't as bad as the alternative. The doctor continues, explaining how a complete tear would keep him out for half a year at least.

"...Perhaps your powers kept it from reaching that situation as well, but that's merely speculation. He will need some rehabilitation, but I believe Hiraku-san will not suffer any long term damages from this. He is unlikely to awaken anytime soon, however. But that's nothing to be concerned over."

Souji nods, but Aigis shifts her stiff gaze to him and his friends.

"It is getting late. Would you all like to return to your homes? My Sister and I shall keep watch over him."

"It's okay, Aigis-san. I don't mind–"

"Senpai." Naoto, of all people, cuts him off. "I believe this may be for the best. Hiraku-san is unlikely to awaken tonight. His condition is stabilized; and I must get this blood sample analyzed as soon as possible. I believe the early rest is exactly what everyone needs. We shall likely have a long day tomorrow."

It's hard to argue against her logic.

"Naoto-kun is right. I trust Aigis-san and Labrys-chan to keep us updated should anything change." Yukiko stands up, her legs feeling heavy now that the stress of not knowing his condition has been answered. "We can all gather in the morning, can we not?"

"...Right." His grayed eyes stare at the idol, whose face is still mostly covered by her hands. "Some of us could use this. Alright, is everyone ready?"

"No! I'm going to stay here." Rise declared as she wiped away her tears.

"Rise-chan…" Yukiko mutters, facing her.

"He saved me! He saved us all! Sho ran off once he stabbed him… but he was trying to attack me, and probably go after everyone else next."

The group falls silent. It's hard to push out a retort to points like that. He almost died for her. The Imposter No More lived in that moment for everyone's sake. Now Hiraku is fighting for his life. A fight he should win, but it isn't over until he awakens.

"...Rise-chan. Do you think Masat-, Hiraku-kun would understand?"

"What? Yeah, of course he would."

"I agree. But I think he would ask you to rest too. Staying here won't make him recover faster. But you should take care of yourself so when he does come around, you can greet him with that smile we all know and love."

"Yukiko's right. We're all not in the best shape after that last battle. We're not leaving him alone because we want to. He made his choice to keep us safe. We need to make his decision worth it."

"Senpai…" They both have made good points of their own. She's definitely shaken up from this. And who can blame her? That blade was an inch away from reaching her. "...Okay. Then I'll be back first thing in the morning."

"That's fine. We'll all be back."

"We shall keep you all updated should anything change." Aigis salutes, assuring that all will be well.

"Let's head down to the lobby." Souji suggests. "We'll see you girls tomorrow." The Investigation Team parts with the members of the Shadow Operatives. It was a quiet parting, but the team continued to discuss matters as they descended down to the first floor lobby. Once there, a feminine voice called to him.

"Souji-kun. I'll take Rise-chan home." Yukiko is still concerned for her friend's state of being. Kanji approaches afterward, perpendicular to them.

"Hey, I'll tag along too. Since I live down the street and all."

"Oh, that's fine. You two go on ahead. I need to ask Naoto about something from earlier."

The trio all say their goodbyes, and once they leave the vicinity, Souji brings up something that's on his mind.

"Before we go… there's something I want to make sure with you all."

"Is something concerning you, Senpai?" Naoto cocks her head.

"Sho seems to know so much about us. And about the Shadow Operatives. Especially Hiraku. In fact, don't you find it odd how fixated he was with him?"

"That is peculiar." The Detective concurred. "He has gone on and on about wanting the world to be destroyed on top of everyone dying with it. But that changed slightly once he realized who Hiraku was. That led to an adjustment in his goal. Both of them were involved in something together without realizing who they were initially."

"So what, does that mean he knows something about Sho? Was that guy hiding more stuff on purpose? Any info on Sho would be pretty important!" Yosuke stresses.

"Yosuke-senpai, I doubt Hiraku knew. I believe Sho's methods of attaining knowledge he needs may have helped him realize they're connected."

"I think so too. Hiraku wasn't aware of his existence… but he mentioned something about a Father."

"Sho has a dad?"

"Sounds like past tense at this point. But Hiraku knew who he was. Regardless, I think we should ask Aigis-san and Mitsuru-san tomorrow. This information might be needed to understand Sho's plans and why he acts this way." Souji stretches his neck slightly, likely tweaking something, albeit nothing concerning. "I'll be honest with you all. I'm not doubting Hiraku. I hope none of you do either."

"Y-Yeah…" Yosuke retreats a step back.

"Senpai. I'll believe in him as well. I believe we need to hear his side at some point."

"I understand, Naoto." He's not surprised Naoto keeps some degree of uncertainty on her. It's not for personal reasons, merely keeping an open mind and the biases from influencing her. "I think he'll be more open now. At least, soon he will be."

"Of course. Let's go back. I believe rest is in all of our best interests right now."

"Yeah. Sounds good to me."

?/?

Blue. A familiar blue.

"Welcome to the Velvet Room."

Ah. He's back already. He's here again.

"Do not be alarmed. You are fast asleep in the real world. I have summoned you from within your dreams." The long nosed man repeats his now redundant line.

"You and your friends have helped a pebble who feared the flow return to the river's mercy. Well done." The golden eyed beauty speaks.

"You mean Hiraku? I'm not sure if we pushed him there willingly per se. I think… us being in danger pushed him. Or maybe… he finally pushed himself forward on his own."

"My, you are growing wiser by the day." Margaret chuckles. "Who can say? Regardless, you are still a fast learner."

"So he is one of the two you spoke of before."

"Indeed. The one you call Hiraku is one of the new potential guests."

"Is that so? Well, does that mean he will come here next?"

"Ah, about that. My master designs the room to fit each guest; it reflects their hearts. Every Velvet Room is personalized to each guest. I recall one guest had theirs look like an elevator for example, and yours is a vehicle that was driving through fog. What will his be…? I cannot say. Only my Master can determine that."

"I didn't realize it was actually true." He did recall her mentioning some of those details. But… the idea of other guests surprised him. Perhaps one of the Shadow Operatives was a guest as well? Aigis? Her Wild Card power does make it seem likely.

"He will appear when the time is right. He is recovering in your world, is he not? He should rest until then." Souji wants to correct her on that. The Velvet room residents could do the same thing to Hiraku right now and speak in his dreams. Why are they waiting?

"I have summoned you here to deliver a message." Igor cuts the conversation short. "A new great calamity is on its way. Your power will be tested greatly, I'm afraid. Everything is falling into place, and certain events are inevitable."

"Then I'll be ready. With my friends and my belief in the truth… we will always prevail." Souji's determination makes Igor push a laugh.

"How marvelous! You are still an exceptional guest!" He applauds Souji's mentality and drive. "However, this is not just your battle. Your new allies are critical to your victory. Do not forget that."

"I won't."

01/06

The morning for some, had arrived quickly, while for others like Rise, could not come quickly enough. The bitter cold could not stop the team from gathering and pushing forth together to the Municipal Hospital.

But as they are en route, the injured young man of the hour still sleeps. Aigis is currently monitoring him, anticipating this will not last much longer.

His eyelids twitch; the blonde was correct in concluding he will come to shortly. Slowly, they peel open, the former Imposter groaning with a groggy, shaking pitch.

"Hiraku-san! It is good to see you 'up and at'em', as they say." Her stiff tone is the same as ever.

"Aigis-san… where are we?"

"Your current location is the Inaba Municipal Hospital. You have been unconscious for over fifteen hours. Do you recall anything from yesterday?"

"Y-Yeah, I-ugh!" He tried to push himself up off the bed, but pain coursed through his right side as he tried to use his right arm.

"Hiraku-san, remain still. You suffered a near fatal injury in your pectoral region. It would be wise to wait for official instructions from your doctor as to not rupture your new stitches."

"I see…" He scans the environment. Yep, bland walls, ceiling, and the common hospital bed that is tilted up for him. "What about Rise? Is she alright? Is she safe?"

"You have none to fear. She is safe thanks to your quick thinking. Your precious Rise-san is likely en route here as we speak!"

He nearly yelps at her subtle jab of knowing the truth between the two, but such reactions only fuel Aigis' more mischievous side.

"That's good. And everyone else?"

"They are well too. I can confirm Mitsuru-san and Akihiko-san are on their way as well."

"I see…" his body still feels so weak.

"Please hold. I shall inform the Medical staff you have awakened."

Aigis steps back and exits the room, not giving the man a chance to say anything back. All he can do is close his eyes once more, wanting to drift back to sleep for another minute or so. On top of the pain in his pectoral muscle that lingers, he feels weary. But he hears the door slide open again. Is Aigis back already? The sound of footsteps indicate there are more than two people however.

"Is he… it is! He's awake!" Naoto deduces as the other file in, one pushing past them, almost like a blur.

"Hiraku!" A loud, bright voice gets his attention, nearly making him want to eject from the bed. However–

"Rise-san!" The blonde sternly called to her. "You mustn't cling to him. His wounds are barely stitched up."

The idol already had hands on his arm. The Detective's eye spots that detail immediately, those gentle hands fidgeting and tightening around his length. Could she be…?

"But…!"

"Rise. It's alright." Hiraku assures her, it's okay. "I'm glad to see you all."

"Masa–, no, Hiraku; you were pretty reckless out there, if I'm being honest." Souji sighed. "But that's what it took to keep one of our own safe. I didn't think you were like that at all. Shows what I knew."

Souji wasn't even upset? No he was definitely distraught from what happened.

"Thanks for saving one of my friends. I'm grateful you put your life on the line."

When the Wild Card displayed his gratitude, it felt like Hiraku's view widened. Like going from four-by-three to widescreen. He could see all of the Investigation Team, all dressed in their midwinter wear, gathering around his bed. His heart tightened, like it was a bit in pain. Also in his arm where–

"Hiraku, you dummy!" Rise's frustration burst free.

"R-Rise?"

"You almost died! We were all so scared, I… was so worried you might–" She's already in tears again. This time her face buried into his arm.

"Rise… I'm sorry for-" Just before he could finish that, he felt a hand smack him across the face from the other side. Not hard, but it was noticeable. "Y-Yukiko-s-"

"Hiraku-kun!" It was her. "Don't apologize for wanting to keep someone you care for safe."

"Uh… yes, ma'am." His voice sounds shaky. She's scolding him like a Mother.

"Well said, Amagi!" Another voice echoes from behind the door before it slides open once more.

"Lady Mitsuru!" It was the one and only. And Akihiko was behind her. Both were… actually dressed appropriately for once.

"Mitsuru-san? How long were you here?" Souji inquires, believing it unlikely they just missed a woman as iconic as she on their way up.

"We had just arrived, Seta. But it would have been rude to enter such a touching scene." Her little snark is hard to ignore. "Arakawa!"

"Yes, ma'am-!?"

"You have my sentiments and I am proud you are a member of our Shadow Operatives group…. However…

I do not approve of you willing to throw your life away so casually. Their frustration is justified."

"Lady Mitsuru…"

"We aim to build a future free from the harm of Shadows and those who wish to use them. That future doesn't mean we're not included. It's not a future I want if all my friends aren't there to witness and nurture it."

"I…"

"Arakawa. The first thing I wished to do was scold you for your actions. But now that I stand here…. I can't seem to muster up anything on that matter." She fidgets her head back and forth. "You've done more than just prove you're one of us. You've finally adopted back your true self."

"L-Lady Mitsuru…"

"Everyone… This is Hiraku Arakawa. The one who has been watching over you from the beginning, and now… wants to fight by your side. Will you accept him, despite the circumstances?"

A moment of silence smears the room, but one voice rings out in response.

"I'll accept him! No matter what!" It was the idol. Of course. Mitsuru and Aigis saw that coming.

"And I as well." Souji. His belief in others is one of his greatest qualities.

"Mm. I accept Hiraku-kun too. He has my trust." Yukiko now makes three.

"What the hell-my Senpai ain't ever wrong! Count me in!" Kanji pushes forward, pumped up and motivated.

One by one, each team member confirms their acceptance. Hiraku struggles to keep his vision straight and unblurred. Only one remained. Yosuke Hanamura.

"...Well. You stuck your neck out for a friend. That's more than enough proof for me to trust you." Yukiko exhales a sigh of relief. Even he has turned things around on Hiraku!

"Everyone… Thank you! I'm so… glad." His eyes close, giving some of the team a shock.

"I-Is he okay!?" The Innkeeper prematurely overreacts.

"All is well, Yukiko-san. He is simply exhausted. It will be some time until he regains all his strength." Aigis assures the young Lady Amagi.

"Oh…"

"Do not worry, Amagi. Arakawa is much stronger than many may suspect. Now, why don't we leave him be for now? I wish to discuss the incident with Sho Minazuki from your perspective."

"Very well. Hiraku needs his rest, so that's fine with me."

"I'm… gonna stay here. Is that okay, Senpai?" Rise requests, not moving from her spot.

"That's fine. We can explain everything and fill you in later." Souji nods, understanding Rise's feelings on the matter. But now, he and the rest of the team need to speak with Mitsuru about the events regarding yesterday.

Once the door closed, Rise clasped his hand; the hand of her dear. Exhaling slowly, her eyes close for a few seconds before speaking some of her thoughts aloud.

"You're so cool… and such a fool…"

In a room where many are free to make coffee, heat up food in the microwave and sit with others… the two groups finish their recap of yesterday's extreme events.

"I see. So Sho Minazuki is even more dangerous than last time. A new Persona that can keep up with anyone in a duel situation."

"Yeah. Aigis and I struggled against him. If circumstances were different, maybe we can beat him alone. But it's not something I recommend any of us try."

"That is most wise, Seta. Yesterday is likely the weakest he'll ever be. His power is likely going to grow after this."

"Mitsuru-san. And what of Hiraku? Do you trust he will stick with us for the times to come?" Souji was presuming his health may be concerning to the CEO.

"If he is willing and able, I will not protest as long as the mission allows it."

"Heh… I'm glad he finally came into his own." Akihiko scoffs with pride. "Hiraku is gonna be a great partner to aid us."

"Mitsuru-san. What do you plan to do with the weapon that remained in his torso until recently?"

"It should be taken to a lab to be analyzed. If there's any chance we can learn more of Minazuki this way then we shall pursue any course of action, Shirogane."

"Very well. I plan to have a sample of dry blood analyzed privately. It shall take a little longer, but I believe being discreet is best for now."

"Oh yeah, you guys found part of a car inside there? That's very strange."

"We doubt it's connected to the murders from two years ago… but it's something that must be checked out all the same."

"Good call. Maybe Sho was involved."

"Perhaps. My grandpa is returning today, so I shall pass the sample onto him once I return."

Souji's phone starts to vibrate in his coat pocket. Is it Dojima calling to ask about why he left so early?

"Excuse me. I'll be back."

Yukiko offers a puzzled look when Souji abruptly leaves the room. He trudged on, immediately answering the phone without reading the contact.

"Seta."

"Son. I assume your vacation goes well?"

"...Father." Even worse.

"You sound surprised. Is now a bad time?"

"No, Father. I am preoccupied, but I can manage for now."

"Then I shall keep it brief. Your Mother and I will be en route to Inaba tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? Wait, tomorrow?"

"Yes. Souji, you're usually on point with events. Did you forget already?" Osamu sighs with disappointment in his breath. "Well, I'll assume whatever you have preoccupying you is to blame. Recall, your Mother and I are overdue on a meeting with the Amagis. We all discussed it, and decided on tomorrow. I tried calling you about it last night, but you never picked up. Your uncle told me you were busy with something for a friend."

Souji was vague with Dojima on purpose. Now that's come back to bite Souji somewhat.

"Anyway, Junichi won a three night stay from a holiday drawing at work. So it's perfect timing. Your mother and I will only stick around for two nights. Since you'll have school resuming on the tenth."

"That's fair."

"Very well. I already informed Dojima, so he should be preparing for our arrival as well. I'll let you deal with whatever is in your way right now. Have it resolved by tomorrow. Bye."

"Goodbye." No tact or no respect. How did he get this position at the top of the board again? He should ask Mitsuru while he has the chance. No… probably for the best not to-that is surprising. Upon reentering the room, he notices Mitsuru and Akihiko are getting ready to leave.

"If you'll excuse us. There's something we need to check out. Akihiko, Aigis, and I will return soon." Mitsuru politely bows, taking her leave and passing by Souji. He still needs to inform the others.

"What's up, partner? Was it Dojima-san on the phone?"

"No. Far worse, actually. It was my father." That got everyone's attention. Well, except for Labrys who didn't know anything about Osamu.

"Souji-kun… is it about…?"

"Yes."

"Tomorrow?"

"You knew about it, Yukiko?"

"This morning, mother said that we should be expecting them. It sounds like they settled on it while we were busy. I wanted to tell you after we checked on Hiraku-kun."

"It's alright. I'm not mad at you for it."

"Senpai… ain't he the prick who grilled your ass over that stupid shit involving the magazine?"

"Yes. Yukiko's parents want to meet him and my Mother to discuss… personal business." His tone remains stoic, but it does irk him. This inevitable meeting. The Wild Card does not believe it will end well.

"It's not surprising, given the status of Yukiko-senpai's family… one of the two Dynasties of this town." Naoto speaks as if Yukiko wasn't even in the room. "But you are the son of a member of the board. I can't imagine qualifications being an issue."

"Naoto." Souji frowns, the Detective hitting the brakes on her thought process.

"My apologies, Senpai."

"So uh, what are you gonna do, partner? You can't just not show up."

"I know. I'll have to prepare for tomorrow then." Souji sighs, resigning himself to the fate he wants nothing to do with.

This meeting is long overdue. His Mother hasn't even seen Inaba since that incident happened. The couple's union is culminating in this inevitable collision course that is their parents meeting for the first time since they started dating. While their ideas of the future are settled, their parents will soon discuss if it is ideal for their children's sake. Tomorrow is coming, whether anyone likes it or not.

In Hiraku's room, Rise sat beside him, the man awakening once more after a short rest.

"Hiraku, how are you feeling?"

"Better… since you're here." A smile slips through. Of course, she can't help but giggle at his response.

"You're really trying to be flirty in your condition?"

"No. Sadly, I'm not. Just being honest about how I feel." His words push out. Talking seems to burn more energy than before.

"Then maybe I'll stick around all day and all night! Just so I keep you company."

"Rise… thanks."

"I should be saying that to you, silly. After what happened… I really did get scared for you."

"I know. I… was afraid too if I'm being honest. But I'm glad you're safe. That's all that matters to me. I am sorry I worried all of you."

"It's okay. As long as you get better. The doctor said you're going to be here for at least a couple of weeks. Maybe a month."

"Yeah. And then there's a little bit of rehab along the way. But it's fine, as long as I can help you all again."

"Hiraku-kun…"

"Rise. Once I'm better… I want to go back to the TV World. There's something I have to do."

"You're not trying to go after Sho, are you?" Such an urgency to go back immediately concerns the idol.

"No. It's… got something to do with my Persona. I'll explain it to you all later."

01/07

Noontime. The pieces were falling into place. At the Amagi Inn, Yukiko's parents were starting to prepare for the evening arrival of the Setas. Kaede making sure her staff was on point while her Husband was inspecting the areas not viewed by guests. Yukiko remained at home as well, having no choice but to not see Hiraku once again. That's okay, however, since Rise was covering for just about everyone else; with Naoto and Kanji accompanying her. The Shadow Operatives also remained in the Hospital, keeping him safe, but also questioning him about his encounter with Sho and his new Persona.

"So he seems to know about you now. Or so he claims."

"Yeah. But something else caught my eye, and I lost myself in anger. He said he… knew Ikutsuki. And that he's his son."

Mitsuru and Fuuka gasp, Aigis and Akihiko look stunned, while Labrys and the others don't understand the significance of this revelation.

"It can't be… Ikutsuki never had any entanglements whatsoever. This can't be!" Mitsuru cannot comprehend this as truth. It contradicts all that she knows about that traitor!

"Aigis… are there any reports on him having a kid? There's no way he had one back then if this guy is in our age group." Akihiko asks, trying to remain composed.

"Negative. I have spent this time searching for details on the matter, but what logs remain do not indicate any personal attachments. I believe the culprit is, as Souji claimed, 'playing him'."

"I don't think he was lying, though."

"Regardless… This changes things. If he knows anything about Ikutsuki… we must capture him. Minazuki must have been hidden away somewhere… somewhere with documents or information that might not have been destroyed." Mitsuru's tone sounds strained. She isn't as in control and calm like she always is.

"Excuse me, Mitsuru-san. But who is this Ikutsuki person?" Naoto questions, the others also have a clear view of perplexing expressions.

"Yes. You all could not know him."

"Mitsuru-san, is sharing this information acceptable?" Aigis cuts in, finding this information to be just outside their agreed terms. Such information is only meant for full members of the Shadow Operatives. Not part timers.

"It's alright, Aigis. If what Minazuki says is true… then we must all be on the same page." She sighs, facing the Detective and her friends. "I'll have to explain it to the rest of your friends later… but the short answer is he was once our ally. A former scientist who studied Shadows but used us to call upon Death to our world. We were used and the truth was manipulated to make us do exactly what he wanted."

"He played us all like a damn fiddle." Akihiko's hushed anger can't be hidden. "He died a few years ago. And he committed plenty of unspeakable crimes against humanity. One of our goals is to uncover just how much harm he caused on the world… and the people." He casts a glance at Hiraku, who also looks uneasy, the opposite of composed, even if he's still in a hospital bed. "We should probably save the full story for when your other friends are here, like Mitsuru said."

"When you say Death… you mean like, some kinda God or something?" Kanji can't quite wrap his head around this, fiddling with his glasses.

"That is correct. There is a being called the Embodiment of death. A Personification. It took all we had to stop it. And at any time… it can return." Aigis recalling him while elaborating on this made it harder to continue speaking.

"Shit… I didn't think I'd hit on the money."

"It's as Aigis says… he almost pushed the world past the brink. Which is why we always will continue our search to find out every unspeakable act he's ever committed."

"I see. Then, let me assume he is not lying or attempting to merely provoke Hiraku-san out of pure malicious intent." Naoto had her metaphorical and literal thinking cap on. "Why tell you this? Was he trying to expose you to us? Or perhaps… to yourself? Does this Ikutsuki person have a relationship with you?"

"...Yes. That man… is the person I despise the most. I… he is the reason I even know about Personas and Shadows."

"Is… that so?"

His face's muscles tense up… as does his arms.

"...I don't know if I can say more about him yet."

"You… can't?"

"Naoto-kun…" Rise calls to her, her eyes telling the Detective all she needs to know.

"...Right. My apologies."

"It's alright. I'll tell you all more one day." As he said this, something else came to his mind. "By the way, about my Persona… can anyone else talk to theirs?"

"Talk? Why yes, it's possible. We used to speak to our Personas. Mainly to guide us. Now, we trust our own judgments, so they don't talk as much. But, with that said… if we ever need that help, we can always speak to them, even here. Albeit, only we can hear our own." Naoto explained, going into as much details as she deemed necessary.

"I see. My Persona talked to me before I called upon it… and it told me that it would only aid me for that battle. So I think it's gone now."

"Gone? That's not possible. If it was gone after you gained it… did you reject yourself?"

"No… it was a deal. I need to go back to where I got my first Persona… I think. There's something I gotta do there." However, as to what needed to be done… the answer eludes him at the moment.

"That's a rather… unorthodox method."

"I agree. Arakawa, do you plan to seek out your arrangement?"

"Yes, Lady Mitsuru. I must. If this guy is as dangerous as we think… I refuse to stand by and do nothing."

"Excellent. Apathy is death, after all. First, you need to recover. Focus on that and your rehabilitation, then we can consider your Persona afterward. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Mitsuru nods, satisfied to see Hiraku isn't acting reckless like she expected. Perhaps the Idol beside him is keeping him calm.

"Now, with all that out of the way. May I ask where the others are? I recall hearing Amagi was busy with important guests yesterday."

"Oh, yes. Souji-senpai's parents are arriving from Tokyo to meet her parents. The Amagis requested many months ago."

"Seta's family? I assume this in regards to their relationship?"

"Yes. It's nothing super serious like marriage considerations or anything else of the sort."

"I understand." Seta Souji… his mind is polished and sharp like his blade. Mitsuru cannot help but recall how similar he is to the member of her board by the same last name. "About his parents…" No way. The odds of that are virtually impossible. "Shall I presume we'll not see them at all today?"

"I'm afraid so. They are likely to meet up with his Uncle Dojima before going to the Inn."

"I see. I did not get a room this time with the Amagi Inn; we're not quite sure how long we shall remain here. And Yamagishi mentioned rooms are still quite scarce." The first week of the new year is busy, after all.

"Kaede Amagi-san also is quite the challenge for Mitsuru-san." Aigis exposes the biggest reason of them all, causing Mitsuru's brow to twitch in irritation.

"My Ma and her go way back. I know firsthand how much of a handful Amagi-san is." Kanji shrugs, relating to Mitsuru's struggle.

Farther away from the gathering at the Hospital. A train was pulling into the station.

"YASO-INABA! YASO-INABA!"

The intercom chants as a business couple steps out. The Duo is hardly carrying anything. Enough for a day, maybe two's worth of clothing and essentials. It's clear they won't be here for long. The woman takes a deep breath, the nostalgia of her hometown rushing to her.

"Inaba… it has hardly changed."

"You think so? It looks… older than before." Despite this only being a few years since they last came together.

"Mm. You insisted we go to my brother's home on our own. Are you sure you're fine with that?"

"I… figured you'd want to take in the scenery while we can. Today is busy after all. And our evening will not get easier."

"Hm, that's fine with me. Shall we get going then, Osamu? I am very much looking forward to what today has to offer."

And she has every reason to feel that way. Seeing her brother for a better occasion, her young niece, and soon enough… the classmate who is now the mother of her son's beloved.

Yes, there is much to look forward to.

A/C: We have lots to unpack, mainly in Masato Yoshida being in reality, another person. His true name is Hiraku Arakawa. Admittedly, I should have put more effort in the last A/C section, but there was a lot to cover as is. So allow me to cover what I missed here! If he had a VA, I would pick Ray Chase to fit the role. Dude has range and you may have heard him as Roy or Alfonse in Fire Emblem Heroes, or Bruno Bucciarati in Jojo part 5. His character, naturally, will be elaborated on in the story soon. But I hope you're all interested with how this is shaping up. Not just for Hiraku, but for the story in general. Feels like I'm barely getting past the surface here!

Happy Persona 3 Reload release month! I'm playing it too, and it's the perfect time to be honest. I'm enjoying the new stuff that gives the cast more depth. The inevitable P4 remake that may come years down the road, I hope to god they give it the same amount of love and extra stuff. You KNOW I'll be there no matter what.

Today's musical reference is "Be Yourself" by Audioslave. I was going back and forth between so many options. I was considering using this song for later but now I think it is best to use it now. As it's very fitting for the moment with Hiraku AKA the Imposter no more.

Next chapter is the final chapter for the First half of the story. The end of the first year of the story, if you will(fiscally speaking). We got the family reunion between the Dojima siblings, The Setas meeting with the Amagis, as well as other things that may have slipped your mind in all the chaos. And as a reminder, I will be taking a short break to plot the outline and such after chapter 36 goes up. See you all then!