09/08 F
... No time to ponder about that dream. I've got a bus and a train ride in my future.
Yu grabbed the luggage he had prepared and made his way to school...
Yu was sorted into a group with the other members of the Investigation Team, though none of them were seated near each other other ride to Port Island. They grouped up at Gekkoukan High's gate, in time for a speech from its principal. Yosuke seemed to stare at everything...
"Whoa, what's up with this place...? This school's way too big! Wait... If we can't beat 'em on size, we're totally sunk..."
The principal cleared his throat.
"Well, uh, next I will explain about the features of our fine educational institution, and the reasons for its establishment! Uh, I'd like to start with a proverb... 'If a job's worth doinnnnng, it's worth doinnnnng well'."
Chie yawned under the aging man's speech...
"Is this principal in love with his own voice, or what...?"
"Chie! He'll hear you!"
He'll also hear YOU if you shout at Chie, Yukiko.
"Ah-hem... Our school is closed today, but, ahh, because of this rare opportunity for cultural exchange... Some of our students will walk you through these halls. First, though, a student body representative will say a few words..."
With that, a girl walked up from his side towards the assembled Yasogami body...
"Thank you, Principal. Welcome to Gekkoukan High School. My name is Chihiro Fushimi. I'm a third-year student, and the Student Council President here at Gekkoukan. It's an honor to meet you all today."
Student Council President... That's a pretty big deal at schools this size, actually... Not like Yasogami's three kids in a broom closet.
Yosuke's eyes widened.
"Holy crap, that girl's unbelievable!"
Kanji nodded.
"Yeah, you're right... She IS cute..."
"I gotta say... She's the most bewitching bespectacled beauty I've ever... Beheld..."
Don't say that when we all wear glasses on a fairly regular basis, Yosuke. I don't want Chie to destroy your groin, or Yukiko to get angry...
Chie fumed...
"You guys... Stop overreacting!"
Chihiro continued.
"This is the first time our school has invited another student body for a true cultural exchange. To learn about others is to learn about oneself, and is the first step on the road to self-betterment... This I believe. To ensure a worthwhile experience for each and every one of you, we will do our best to help you accomplish that. So, let us enjoy our time together! Thank you very much."
The class clapped for a short while after Chihiro finished.
Chie hung her head...
"... She beat me in every category..."
... I can't get over her eyes... There's something about Chihiro that reminds me very much of Nanako, but I can't put my finger on it...!
Kashiwagi clapped her hands to call attention to herself.
"Alright, everyone get into groups with your classmates!"
Right as the students dispersed around the Investigation Team, Chihiro seemed to notice something...
"Oh no!"
The President walked up to Yu and his group...
"Excuse me, could I bother you for a moment?"
"Hm?"
"This is today's schedule for everyone. Could you hand it pout later, please? I forgot to do it myself..."
Chihiro handed Yu a small stack of paper...
"Sorry to be so disorganized. And you all came so far..."
"Don't worry so much. You're doing a great job."
Chihiro laughed a little.
"Thank you. But I'm not- I'm still struggling. Even with everyone's support, I'm barely pulling through. I used to get nervous very easily... And I once had a phobia of men, too. In fact, I didn't write the speech on my own. One of the former Student Council Presidents helped me. She was the President my first year here, and she was amazing... I always looked up to her. I should call her later, and tell her the speech was a success! Oh, I'm sorry! Listen to me, going on and on about myself... I have to stop babbling when I get nervous. Um, your group is scheduled for a special lecture soon. The classroom is on the second floor. I have some arrangements to make with your student council, so please excuse me."
Well, she's quite a sweet girl, at least.
Chihiro nodded and walked away. Yosuke seemed a little incredulous...
"... Did I just hear her say 'special lecture'? We came all this way to be lectured!?"
Yukiko examined the paper in Yu's hand...
"Let's see, our class is... It's being taught by Mr. Edogawa. The lecture's about... Qabbalah..."
"Kabawhat?"
Kanji smiled a little at the baffled Chie.
"You don't know? It's a casino."
... I don't think that's it either, Kanji.
Everyone stared at Kanji for a few seconds, then back at Yu and the schedule. Yosuke spoke first...
"So... When's our free period?"
Chie walked a little closer to Yu to read off from the schedule...
"Uhh... We don't get one. We have classes all through today. Tonight and tomorrow, we'll be staying at a hotel... We'll have free time tomorrow and the day after until, we leave at noon."
Yosuke looked ready to cry...
"You gotta be kidding me..."
"Come on, guys! Let's focus on our studies for now, so we can enjoy our free time later!"
... Yeah, Yukiko's idea is the best one.
Yu and his friends found themselves in a classroom on the second floor of the massive school, a man in a rumpled white labcoat and thick glasses standing at the podium at the front of the room...
"Welcome... Nice to meet you all. A meeting is only the beginning stage of a parting, the Alpha of the Omega... My name is Edogawa, and I'll be keeping you company for this period. You are all from Yasogami High, eh...? Aaah, a high school of many gods..."
I forgot that there were teachers like this everywhere... Yasogami just has an unusually high concentration of them.
Edogawa continued.
"I had earlier considered a lecture on Qabbalah philosophy... But I have a better idea."
The man laughed ominously...
"Since I was able to meet you all today, I shall tell you a story of partings. One could say this is Japan's earliest tale of curses. You all know about the gods who created this country, I assume? The two gods who gave birth to this country are the god Izanagi and the goddess Izanami. They got along very well... But one day, Izanami died while giving birth to Kagutsuchi, the fire god. Extremely saddened by this, Izanagi left for the land of the dead to bring back Izanami. Yomi... The dark, dark underworld... There, Izanagi asked Izanami, who had become a dweller in that land of shadows, to come back with him to the lands above. The goddess replied by saying she would negotiate with the god of the underworld, and asked Izanagi to wait for her. However... Izanagi became curious to know what was going on, so he broke his promise and set his comb alight to look around. What he saw... Was the goddess Izanami, whose body was completely covered in filth and maggots! Terrified, Izanagi ran away, but the enraged Izanami chased after him! After dodging many demons sent after him, Izanagi reached the entrance of the Underworld, Yomotsu Hirasaka... He set in place a large boulder as a barrier between the two worlds, and got away unharmed. When the dreadful goddess reached the boulder, he said his farewell to her. This was the curse known as the 'kotodo'. Curses beget curses... And Izanami said to the god: 'If you're going to treat me this way, I will kill 1,000 humans in your world each day!' Izanagi regretfully accepted that the bonds between them were severed, saying: 'Then I shall give life to 1,500 each day'. Thousands die, and ten thousands are born. That is the curse upon this country... Many of you may have already known this famous story."
... Hmm... Well. If I'm Izanagi, then... Is there going to be an Izanami in my life?
Edogawa moved on-
"Now, the etymology... The names Izanagi and Izanami come from the word 'izanau', or 'to invite'. I'd be delighted if you accepted this story as an 'invitation' to acquiring knowledge. That reminds me... In the olden days, people took this story seriously. Things such as lighting only one fire at night and throwing combs were taboo. By the way, at Hana no Iwaya, the grave where Izanami is said to be sealed into the underworld... To this day, people decorate it with flowers when they hold festivals nearby. It may be merely ceremonial, but everyone wants to look beautiful. It's how they show their consideration to the goddess who may feel that way."
Edogawa chuckled again, as the bell rang.
"Ahh, is our time up already? I may have gone on too long..."
And with one final laugh, class was dismissed...
... Huh. He actually makes my usual teachers seem saner. Wow.
That night, in front of the hotel the class was to stay at...
Kashiwagi puffed herself up upon bringing the class to the hotel...
"Alrighty, here we are. The Seaside Clamshell Inn. We'll be staying here tonight."
A wave of agitation seemed to spread within the assembled students...
"Is this... Really a regular hotel?"
Kashiwagi just smirked to herself some more.
"So what do you think? It was me who found this place. It just opened not too long ago. It's got that modern look... And the price was right! Personally, I think it was an excellent choice."
More chatter spread among the students...
"We're staying here...?"
"I mean, the sign says 'hotel', but..."
"It opened recently...? Dude, this totally looks like a lov-"
"You there~ Don't just stand there! Keep marching in."
Yu and his friends were the last to enter- After Kashiwagi and the other students had entered, they stayed outside it just a little longer...
"... Isn't there something... OFF about this place?"
It COULDN'T be a love hotel... No one's that thick, not even Kashiwagi.
Chie scratched her head.
"Is there? We don't have these modern hotels in Inaba, so I can't tell."
Rise blushed scarlet.
"Um... This area is called 'Shirakawa Boulevard', and it's-"
Yosuke was visibly sweating.
"Th-that's alright, Rise. I don't think I want to know..."
Suddenly, a chuckle sounded from out of sight...
"... Faster than I expected. This is quite the hotel. If they were to meet me... I wonder, what would the look on Yosuke's face be...?"
"Wa- Who's that!?- Look! Up there-"
Yosuke pointed to the roof of the building next to the hotel.
Yukiko gasped.
"It can't be...!"
"Hyaaa!"
And with that, a rounded blue shape leaped down, smashing some trash cans upon landing, before walking up to the Team...
"Hmhmhm... Shoo bee doo bee..."
Kanji was the first to react.
"Teddie!? What're you doing here!?"
"The lonely bear inside of me went stir-crazy!"
But still... How!?
Rise seemed upset.
"Grr... If only I could detect people in the real world..."
Chie seemed stunned.
"How did you come here!? Do you have some special ability!?"
"No, I took the train. I swore off Topsicles and saved up the money I got working at Junes. I knew where you were going, thanks to Yosuke's 'Trip Guide'. You guys have free time tomorrow, right? No use hiding it! I already know!"
The train, huh?
"How did you make it here, looking like, well, yourself? Why bring the bear suit?"
"I almost got thrown in the trash a couple times. But I kept hanging onto the promise Chie-chan made to go on a date with me! That's what gave me strength to carry on!"
"Uh... G-good job, Teddie... D-did I promise that...? Oh yeah... I do remember saying that I'd go out with you someday..."
"Wheeeee! You remembered, Chie-chan! Is it okay with Yuki-chan and Rise-chan too!?"
Man, if you weren't so clueless about what you're actually asking, I think I'd deck you right now.
Yukiko nodded.
"Let's all go together, then. Is that all right with you?"
"Mhmm... It's a deal!"
Yosuke and Kanji seemed a little more uneasy...
Rise seemed rather excited about everything-
"I've been here before, so I'll show you around tomorrow. I guess we can go shopping first. And I know a GREAT place we can hit later on."
"Ooh, shopping. That sounds great!"
Teddie gave an elated giggle.
"The other students don't know Port Island that well, so they're just gonna go wherever the school recommends."
Yosuke nodded to Chie.
"Well, I guess a shopping spree beats a factory tous. Alright, we're in, too."
With another little laugh, Rise nodded in confirmation.
"Leave it to me!"
Well, Rise's considerate enough not to take us someplace where Yosuke or Kanji would have a cow... Yeah, this'll work. But...
"Right then. Now... How do we get Teddie inside?"
"Can't he sleep outside for the night? That suit should keep ya nice and cozy."
Teddie was stunned by Kanji's words.
"Cruelty to animals! You don't know how much I went through to get here! I took the slow train all this way! Do you hear!? The SLOW TRAIN!"
Just then, Kashiwagi walked out of the hotel...
... No.
"Now now, you kids aren't bickering about your room allocations, are you?"
Chie muttered under her breath.
"Crap...!"
"What's the matter? ... Oh? What's this giant teddy bear?"
C'mon, think fast, Yu!
"Hm? This is, um... Something I made in class today!"
No, stupid!
Kashiwagi brought a lot more breath to her voice...
"My... You must have some... Nimble fingers..."
The woman laughed.
Stop that!
"Alright, now hurry on inside with it. By the way, these rooms are amazing! Every room has a waterbed! But don't flip on the wrong switch when you're turning on the lights, or your bed will start spinning."
... Well, that just confirms my worst suspicions.
Chie was the first to break the awkward silence after Kashiwagi had gone back inside.
"A-anyways, I'm looking forward to tomorrow..."
"Yeah, but I'm exhausted... For so many reasons..."
No one likes a whiner, Yosuke!
The rest of the party went inside, leaving Yu to deal with Teddie...
Well, how hard could this be...?
Yu patted Teddie on the face...
... He's staying still remarkably well.
"... I gotta pee."
"Aw, crap."
Yu worked himself hard to get Teddie to his room as quickly as possible. On the way, a fifth Star card appeared before him...
...k you...
... ou...
09/08 F
Clear
... Man, we did a lot today. Paulownia Mall, that strip mall with the fancy sweet shop... That dog we saw near the shrine seemed a little... Odd. Can't quite place it... Heading back to a mall for a nightclub, though... That seems a little... DANGEROUS.
That night...
"Whoa...! So this is club...!"
Kanji's eyes widened the moment the Team entered Club Escapade...
"Whoo! I'm totally ready for this!"
Yukiko echoed Chie's excitement in her own way...
"There's nothing like this back home..."
The group turned to walk towards the stairs to the raised lounge, when Naoto bumped into them, on the steps...
"Is it permitted for high school students such as yourselves to be here?"
Ahh, look, you scared Kanji. He can't even look at you. Poor, lovesick kid... And really? Why act like that?
Yosuke seemed to agree.
"Wh-what!? Dude, look who's talking! You were here before we were! That's right... I guess if the first-years came on the trip, you'd be here too..."
Naoto looked a little to his left, then back to Yu's group.
"The clientele here seems above-board, so I don't expect there'll be any problems.
The Detective nodded and began to make his way to the door. Chie seemed a little confused...
"Huh? You're leaving?"
Yukiko smiled warmly.
"Why don't you join us?"
"Are you... Asking me to stay?"
"Uh-huh. We didn't get to chat last time."
Naoto blushed crimson at Yukiko's offer...
"Ah... I... I-it's just that I had some matters to attend to that day."
"Well, you're free now, right? I was really eager to talk to you. I'm curious how someone my age is working as a detective."
Yu nodded slightly after Rise finished.
"How about it?"
"Hmm... Very well, if you insist."
Yosuke grinned a little.
"Huh? What's up? You look a little red..."
"Th-that's not true!"
Doesn't sound very convincing when you're sputtering like that... Are you really just shy, Naoto?
Rise faced to Yu and Naoto.
"Wait here. I'll reserve the area upstairs for us."
How thoughtful...
"Thank you- Wait. Reserve?"
"Yep. Don't worry, I think I can pull some strings."
With that, the Lovers walked off...
"Urgh... Ugh..."
Yosuke noticed the extremely uncomfortable-looking Kanji...
"What's wrong, man? Stomach pains?"
Kanji peeked over his shoulder, catching Naoto's glance for the briefest of moments, only to turn his head back...
"Th-that ain't it."
I think it's cute, Kanji.
Rise brought everyone up to the upstairs area and had a tray of drinks brought in. Everyone raised a toast, then settled in a little. Chie was the first to speak after the cheer-
"Are you sure this is alright? Isn't it expensive?"
"No worries. Two years ago, when I had a secret show here, the power went out in the middle of it, and the gig was cancelled. They still owe me from then, so they're willing to put this one on the house."
Everyone seemed a little perked up from that news, especially Chie.
"Well, in that case, I'm gonna order more!"
"Whooo! I'm not gonna hold back either!"
... Teddie? What was with that voice?
Kanji stared at the Star...
"Dude... You sound even weirder today..."
"Awww, you're sho cold, Kanji... Hm...? Kanji? Kanji, Kanji... I Kanj-ecture that something's up!"
Teddie sputtered into a giggle fit.
"That's a great one!"
Yosuke sighed a little.
"Man, you're already in high gear..."
"... Snrk."
Oh, boy. Not Yukiko...
"Kanj-ecture... Snrk..."
Yukiko burst into a terrible laughing fit.
"She's looser 'n usual, too!"
Yosuke's eyes widened at Kanji's observation.
"Hey, wait a sec! Are these liquor...!?"
"I-I told 'em to give us soft drinks! They're non-alcoholic!... I told them. Really, I did! Really!"
Rise... Don't cry... But geez, you're looking flushed.
"Aw, sheesh... I was wondering why it's so hot..."
Kanji stared at his glass after Chie's complaint...
"Is this seriously booze? But the smell's-"
"King's Gaaaaaaaame!"
... Rise, how sloshed are you?
The idol continued.
"Times like this, adult's play the King's Game. It's the law..."
Rise hiccuped and went on with her ramble...
"What's their problem...? They make me act like a ditz, call me Risette and stuff, and then say I'm a kid..."
Another hiccup.
"It's so obvious... Those wrap parties get a lot funner after I go home! Moroooms! I'm gonna play the King's Game now and ain't no one gonna stop me!"
... Yet another facet of Rise exposed... I wonder if she knows what she's really saying...
"Kanjiiii! Get the chopsticks ready!"
"Wha-!?Why me...?"
"The King's word is law! Chop-chop!"
... Oh boy.
"... It's already started?"
Everyone watched as Kanji wrote down on a number of bamboo chopsticks...
"U-um... What's this King's Game again?"
Yukiko flailed excitedly at Chie's question.
"Okay... One chopstick makes you the King if you draw it, and the others have numbers on 'em... The King picks a number and says what that person has to do. But who has which number is a secret until the King gives the orders!"
"Senpai, you're such an adult! You tell 'em!"
... Rise, you're freaking me out here a little.
Chie was aghast-
"Y-Yukiko!? Where'd you learn this stuff!?"
"C'mon, everyone draw!"
Alright, alright Rise... I'll pick... The far one... Number one.
Rise clapped her hands after everyone drew.
"Okay, sooooo... Who's the King?"
"Teddie's is red! Red! Is Teddie the King!?"
...... No. This is just a bad dream, right?
"I, the King, command thee to smooch the King without delay! Smoooooooch!"
"S-s-s-smooch!?"
Chie could barely hide her shock.
"Please God... Grant me a girl! Number 1!"
... Well.
Yu stood to his feel upon being called.
"I meant Number 2!"
"No take-backs!"
Yosuke, you're Number 2, aren't you? Huh, both times he called out a guy. Well... I guess it won't be the worst thing I've ever had to do.
Yukiko seemed to be enjoying herself...
"Smooch, smooooch!"
"A bear's chastity:
True love needs a sacrifice
Just for you, Sensei. 'Teddie'."
Teddie then pounced-
"Ow, hey! Not me! ...Ngh!"
... Wow. Poor Kanji. Teddie looks like a poor kisser...
Rise seemed impressed.
"Ohooo... Only the first round, and two contestants have dropped out already!"
"Huh? I-is it that kind of game?"
I thought you'd be angrier, Chie. Then again, Yukiko and Rise are scaring the hell out of me right now, too.
"On to round two!"
I've gotta be very careful here... Near stick... Red crown! I'm the King!
"Who's the King?"
Yu raised his hand at Rise's question...
"Phew, someone decent... No crazy orders this time..."
Yukiko flailed again, eager to interject after Chie.
"That's not how it goes! If the last King demanded a smooch, then the next order's gotta be more extreme. Chiiieee, don't be such a party pooper...."
Yukiko started laughing again... Rise started giggling a little, too...
"Heyyy! The person who gets picked next should have to rest their head on the King's lap."
"No, make 'em sit on his lap."
"Oh! Or, they could have to hug 'im!"
"Better than that... A piggyback ride!"
Everyone sober stared in fear at Yukiko and Rise...
"C'mon, King! Who's gonna do what!?"
Dammit, don't put me on the spot like that, Rise! Uh, hmm... Well, maybe I should go for the least extreme option here.
"... Number 1 rests their head on my lap?"
"Yesss! I'm Number 1!"
Rise drunkenly staggered her way to Yu and rested her head on his lap...
She's like a really contented cat... But this isn't at all bad, is it, Yu?
Yosuke starred daggers at Yu.
"What!? Oh, man, you dunno how much I wanna trade places with you right now..."
Rise smiled wide and managed to blush even redder...
"... Senpai's lap is so warm! It feels so nice!"
After a few minutes of that, everyone got back to their seats and placed the chopsticks on the table...
"Ooh, me next! Me! I'm the King! Actually, the Queen!"
Yosuke responded to Yukiko, a little exasperated...
"You didn't even draw a chopstick!"
"Alright, then... Let's have someone talk about something really embarrassing that they'd never wanna tell anyone! Hrmmm, let's see... Ah! Naoto-kun! I choose you!"
The detective's eyes widened...
Oh, come on.
"She's breaking all the rules. You don't have to do anything, Naoto."
"No... No, that won't be nessacary. One stipulation, though: If I do this, the rest of you must reveal 'something' as well."
Rise nodded...
"Okaaay!"
Crap!
Naoto closed his eyes for a few moments...
"No particularly embarrassing experiences come to mind... Would discussing my life be fair game? It's the rare situation like this that gives me call to speak of such things."
Yosuke looked visibly uneasy...
"Damn... Way to kill the mood..."
Naoto ignored the Magician and continued.
"The Shirogane family has been detectives for generations now. We lend our powers to the police from time to time."
Chie seemed impressed-
"For generations? Wow, it's like that guy from a movie I watched before. What was his name.... Kuzu... noha?"
Wasn't that one of those weird fictionalized biopics? That's the only thing I can think of about that guy...
Naoto went on-
"In days gone by, when there were no crime scene investigators, consulting detectives were considered more valuable. Thus, my grandfather still has a strong connection with the police and looks after me, despite my youth and inexperience. But investigators nowadays are well versed in science and medicine, so I must further my studies."
... Man.
Yosuke seemed to agree.
"That sounds tough...... That it? No punchline?"
"Ahm... I fear you may be looking to thee wrong person for that."
... Well.
Yukiko giggled to herself anyway.
"That's sooo embarrassing! Isn't Naoto-kun embarrassing?"
Yosuke seemed on the verge of tears...
"I wanna go home..."
"Phew... I'm sleepy."
Rise started nodding off in her seat...
"Well then. It's your turn now. A straight answer, please. What is your true involvement with the murder case?"
... All business, aren't you, Naoto? I should've seen this coming...
Yukiko smiled happily...
"Weeeell, we go rescuing people who've been kidnapped by jumping into the TV! And theen, we do stuff like, 'Persona!' with our Personas, and beat the crap outta Shadows..."
... Yukiko! Why!?
Naoto sighed heavily.
"... Are you making fun of me?"
Rise jumped put of her seat-
"Ish true! Personaaaaa!"
... And fell asleep again.
"Sheesh! Somebody put these two drunks to bed already!"
Naoto fumed after Chie's outburst.
"... I see now that you had no intention of telling me the truth. But I'm curious... How DID you become so inebriated? This isn't alcohol."
"Good one, Naoto!"
Naoto glared at Yukiko...
"No, I confirmed it when I first entered. No alcohol has been served here since a rash of drunk driving last yea"
"Huh...? Does that mean we're getting drunk off the atmosphere?"
... That's EVEN WORSE.
Yukiko gave another giggle...
"Whooo caaares... Whee, I feel so good... Goood niiiiight..."
Kanji had huge beads of sweat dripping down his face.
"Hey, Senapi!... How're we gonna get back with two passed-out drunks!?"
Yosuke sighed...
"All this is giving me a big headache... Is this what a hangover feels like...?"
"Teddie's still totally okay! Lesh keep drinking 'til mornin'!"
Rise snorted through her snores.
"Bring it oooon..."
Naoto tensed up.
"As I said... You haven't been drinking alcohol! Are you a pack of imbeciles!?"
... I refuse to answer either way.
The night wore on a little longer, but the friends managed to make it back to the hotel not long after midnight...
Yu found himself in the Velvet Room, the same familiar music embracing his very soul as he opened his eyes. He found himself sitting in a chair, the legs of which seemed modeled after Izanagi's lance. Across from him sat not Igor, but a girl with short brown hair and stunningly crimson eyes...
"... Hello. You don't know me, and I don't really know you... But I wanted to say... Thank you. My friends and I had to make a lot of sacrifices to make this world safe, and... I'm very happy to see that there are others who would do the same."
The girl smiled warmly... Yu only then noticed that she was trapped in her chair by a pair of arms that extended from the back, the hands clasped as if in prayer.
"You're..."
"I chose my fate of my own free will. So will you- Though I'm certain you won't need to lose as much as I had to... Your friends are the most precious thing you could ever have. Always remember that."
The arms drew tighter...
"I... I have to go back to sleep again... But I'm glad I could talk to you."
The girl gave a smile and a tiny laugh.
"You need to wake up and find your future soon. Remember, no matter what- You're never alone."
The arms drew themselves around the girl completely...
09/10 Sa
Clear
... That dream... No. Couldn't have been a dream. I need to remember it, no matter what. I think I know what happened here last year now...
Yu gave a nod of resolution to himself.
Nothing can be too hard, if she'd be willing to do something like that.
After another busy morning, Rise brought the Team to the Hagakure, a ramen restaurant. They even managed to rope Naoto along...
"Mmmm! Oh man, this is really something!"
No kidding. This is lovely.
Rise nodded to Chie.
"This place serves the best ramen in town. When we were filming, a lot of times I came here instead of eating boxed lunches... Hmm? You're not hungry?"
"... Um... What happened last night...? I don't remember much about it..."
Yukiko held her head while facing Rise...
"Oh, I think the two of us fell asleep pretty quick. I heard it got pretty wild, though."
"I see... I don't remember at all..."
Rise gave a concerned look and went back to her bowl...
"Ahh, this flavor never changes. I couldn't come here too often because it's high in carbohydrates, so being able to eat as much as I want is like a dream!"
Yukiko finally got back to her food...
"Oh... This is delicious! It has an interesting flavor that makes you hungry for more."
"See? See?"
Teddie nearly cheered as he finished his food-
"Another bowl, please! Keep the noodles hard!"
Another customer walked in and ordered a "Hagakure Bowl".
Rise's eyes widened...
"The Hagakure Bowl's a regular menu item now...!? Argh, I should've asked!... Oh well. This is just as good."
Yosuke faced Rise...
"Hey, is it okay for you to be out in the open like this?"
"Sure, no prob. See those signing boards? My autograph's up there, too, but the cook doesn't give me a second glance. That's just how it is here. Plus, I'm barely wearing any makeup."
Huh. There's a bunch up there... Maya Amano, Kei Nanjo, Mitsuru Kirijo... A lot of pretty big names have eaten here.
Yukiko nodded as she read the autographs herself, when Chie chimed in.
"Y'know what I think? The reason they don't notice you is 'cause this bear sticks out like a sore thumb... I guess if he wore that over here, he'll have to go home wearing it..."
But did you have to wear it inside the restaurant, Teddie...?
Kanji cocked his head to one side.
"Isn't it all steamy inside from the ramen?"
"Huh...? Where's my bowl? You didn't eat it... Did you?"
Just as Yukiko's words left her mouth, Teddie stiffened up...
"Y-you didn't finish, so..."
The bear laughed nervously.
"I was going to finish it!"
Yosuke seemed a little upset, too.
"Hey, didn't you just order more a second ago? How many have you eaten?"
"... I dunno how to count."
"You little liar! Gimme that check! Let's see here... One, two... T-ten bowls!?"
The Star smiled proudly.
"Yuki-chan's makes it eleven."
... Where does it all go? You're making Chie look like a lightweight.
Yukiko nearly sobbed.
"I was going to finish mine..."
Chie was quick to notice her friend nearly crying.
"Th-there, there..."
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but it's close to the meeting time."
Chie seemed surprised by Naoto's words.
"Awwww.... Already? I thought the trip was gonna be a bore... But now that it's over, I actually had a good time."
Chie turned he stool around and faced Yu.
"Hey, let's buy a souvenir at the station. I bet Nanako-chan will be expecting one."
Hmm... I remember them stocking T-shirts, lamps and mochi there... She doesn't need a new shirt, and what kid wants a lamp? Besides, I saw some very interesting flavors there.
"Alright, let's get going. C'mon Teddie, we're leaving."
Yosuke noticed something odd about the bear and walked up to him...
"Yo... Hey, Ted!"
"Don't make me rub your fur the wrong way, you little-"
Kanji also got up to deal with Teddie...
"... D-dude... Hey, he ain't moving! I-is he hibernating!?"
... What!?
"Hey... D-don't tell me... I-it's not because he's been in our world too long, is it!?"
Rise seemed shocked by Chie's theory.
"Are you serious!? Teddie!"
"... Urrrp... My tummy's heavy."
... Don't scare us like that, Teddie!
"Leave it behind."
... Don't scare us like that, Yukiko!
"I ate too much... Can't move... Someone carry meee."
"I'm mustn't be late for our rendezvous. Please excuse me."
Naoto got up and left, and Yukiko and Chie weren't far behind...
"H-hey, I really can't move! And I don't have the money for a return ticket!"
The remaining four Team members gathered around Teddie. Yosuke performed a eulogy for him-
"Farewell, Teddie... We shall leave you here, along with our memories of youth...
Everyone bowed to him and began to leave...
Ugh, man... Poor Teddie, bawling his eyes out like that. I think I shouldn't have played along with Yosuke at the restaurant... Then again, it got him to chase after us, so there's a small victory.
Yu opened the door to his home...
"Welcome home! Did you have fun?"
Nanako...
"Yeah- Come with me next time."
"Yep, for sure! Um... I wanna go to Destiny Sea, too! There's this roller coaster that goes WHOOSH into the water, and..."
Nanako continued talking about other vacation spots she wanted to visit...
Oh, right.
Yu handed Nanako the bag of mochi he had bought for her.
"Wow! Thanks! Ooh, it looks so good! I'm gonna eat some right now!"
Right then, Dojima came home.
"Oh, hi Dad!"
"Ah, Yu. You're back. We just missed each other, huh?"
"Look! My Big Bro got me a souvenir!"
"Hey, nice. Did you remember to thank him?"
"Of course!"
Yu nodded.
"Yeah, Nanako's a good girl."
Nanako smiled and blushed, then said she was heading upstairs. Once she left, Dojima continued talking to his nephew.
"Heh, I guess that came out of your own pocket. Thanks. You went to Tatsumi Port Island, yeah? Well, I guess the city was no big deal for a guy like you. By the way... If the first-years went along with you, Naoto Shirogane must've been there too. You talk to him much?"
Well...
"I guess so, yeah."
"He's mature for his age, but he's still a year younger than you... Try to make friends with him, will you? He's a cocky brat... But he's honest. The higher-ups are losing their patience with him... It doesn't matter if his arguments hold water or not. At this rate, he won't accomplish anything but getting booted off the team... Adults can be a selfish bunch."
... Wait. If Dojima ALSO thinks something's up with the case...
Dojima seemed to be hit by sudden realization.
"Oh, sorry. You must be tired. Why don't you take a bath? Oh, but don't forget to make your stuff upstairs."
Yu nodded. Dojima turned to face the stairwell.
"Nanako! Can you get the bath ready!?"
Yu's Level: 48
Current Personas
Oukuninushi
Succubus
Hokuto Seikun
Black Frost
Cu Chulainn
Dis
Dominion
Triglav
Parvati
Leanan Sidhe
Genbu
Hanuman
Social Links:
Fool: Rank 7
Magician: Rank 7
Priestess: Rank 6
Empress: Rank 6
Emperor: Rank 6
Hierophant: Rank 9
Lovers: Rank 7
Chariot: Rank 6
Justice: Rank 9
Hermit: Rank 6
Strength: Rank 6
Hanged Man: Rank 5
Death: Rank 6
Temperance: Rank 8
Devil: Rank 7
Tower: Rank 7
Star: Rank 5
Moon: Rank 6
Sun: Rank 8
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