Part 113: January 3 - January 10: The Odd Couple

Doorbell: *BING BONG*

> It seems someone's at the door...

-Like A Dream Come True-


I hope we get along this year too! But I already said that!
Sorry to drop by unannounced. I thought about calling you, but we were already in the area.
Thank you for inviting me in!




There are a lot of mountains in the area, and it seems there are a lot of little ski resorts around here. It'll be a cheap trip because it's local, and the snow quality's supposed to be pretty good, too. What do you think?
Let's invite everyone.
Actually, I've already asked Chie and Yukiko about their schedules.
They both said that they're free too, so I'm going to start making serious plans for this. Yukiko's usually busy during this season, too. If she's free, I'm pretty sure everyone else should be able to come.
Ooooh, another overnight event. I'll leave ski tracks of love under the frigid sky! Hey, Yosuke. Do we have a plan for our second chance at a surprise sneak-in?
Oh Jesus Christ.
Why are you assuming that we're going to try that again...? What happened last time was bad enough.
It ain't over 'til it's over!
That...doesn't make much sense.
I mean, stop bringing that up. We're talking about skiing here!
Skiing?


Hello. Sorry for barging in...Oh, and Happy New Year.
Oh yeah, same to you. Well, we're going to go now. Sorry, but I'm leaving you to fend for yourself for a while. We should be back by the middle of the month.
Are you going on a trip?
Nah, we're headed to the hospital. Nanako was only allowed to leave the hospital for New Year's. I need to take her back.
Seriously!? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned stuff like skiing at a time like this...
Nah, that's...that's okay. Nanako's getting better, but the doctor wants to be sure, just in case. I'll be going along for physical therapy and to keep her company.
But I'm all better!
You don't want there to be any germs hiding away inside you, do you? Don't worry, I'll be with you. It won't be for much longer, okay? Well, then. Sorry, but I'll have to count on you to look after the house.
See you, big bro!


I know!
I'll stay here with you until Nana-chan and Pops come back!
Stay...? Wait, do you plan on moving in!? Don't be stupid. He already has to do all the housework. I can't saddle him with some burden like you!
Sensei...Your life with me will be priceless.
I appreciate it.
Woooweee! Now that's my Sensei!
You're agreeing, just like that!?
Man...I'm no Kanji, but you seriously are an easy-going guy...
Now that that's decided, I'm gonna go get my bear-longings and some snacks!


Look, just let him spend one day here, at least. If he bugs the hell outta you, you can send him back to me whenever you want.
And think about that ski trip! I'll send you an email once I've got all the details worked out.

> You are going to go skiing with the others. At the same time, Teddie will live with you while Dojima and Nanako are away...You hope things will be okay. When Teddie returns with his belongings, you spend time helping him unpack...

-Signs of Love-


You and me, sleeping under the same roof from now on! I'll stay with you until Nana-chan and Pops come home! Now you won't be lonely, Sensei!
Thanks.
Oh no, thank you! Since I'm not alone anymore now...This is just my way of returning the favor!
Don't try anything funny.
What do you mean by "anything funny?" Oh, do you mean my morning Teddierobics?
"I don't have any porn, by the way. That keeps coming up for some reason."

> Your chill seems to have gotten even worse at night...You should return to your room and rest...You feel dizzy...What's going on...? Your vision begins to waver...

Huh...? S-S-S-S-Sensei!?

> You can hear Teddie's voice from far away...This is...


Next comes...hmmmm...
Ah! This calls for a cold pillow! Hang in there, Sensei!
I'm pretty sure that ever since Nanako woke back up, Teddie believes the words "Hang in there" have miraculous healing powers.

> Your body feels heavy...Your vision blurs again...

-Girl of the Hollow Forest-



> This is...It looks like you are having another dream...

Well...I came to say goodbye. It's been fun.
Where are you going?

> You try to speak, but for some reason you are unable to...

...I'm sorry.
Don't worry. The fog in your world is gone. I'm sure you will have a peaceful future.
...It's a shame I won't be there to see it...
Thank you...I'm so glad to have met you.
So...let me end this while I'm still happy...Goodbye.
Ha, don't make that face. This is all for the best.
...Goodbye.

> Your vision begins to waver...You feel lightheaded. It's like everything is being shrouded in darkness...




Yeah...I think it's a cold. Winters around here can be pretty unforgiving.
Looks like the ski trip will have to be pushed back. There's no point in going without Sanzo, after all.
So, why did you put him under a kotatsu? Isn't that supposed to be bad for you?
Why not? A kotatsu's great when you're shivering from the cold!
That's THE cold, not A cold...




Dammit...It's pissing me off that I can't do anything about this.
...He should be okay. The medicine I picked up from the hospital appears to be working. It will still take a few more days, but Teddie is here to watch over him, so...
Teddie, take care of Senpai for me.
Leave it to Teddie! I've been sleeping with him every night!
...Fat lot of help that is.



> You have been bed-ridden for a while, but it seems like you've finally recovered...


...*snort* Sensei...Don't worry...You have...me...

> It would seem that Teddie has been taking care of you...

Cell phone: *RING RING*


I apologize for disturbing your night. There is something I must inform you about Marie, so I decided to contact you directly.
I had a dream about her.
A dream?...I see. Perhaps that has something to do with Marie's departure. Unfortunately, I have yet to pinpoint her location. However, there is something I have discovered...Do you remember what I said before? I told you that if I led you to Marie, it may lead to danger. I am concerned that this may turn out to be true. It is most likely that her destination is not found in the realm of man. I believe it will be a true test of your Persona powers. So, until I come for you, I would suggest that you work to further your bonds with others. Gather your Personas in the time you have...so that you can be ready when the time comes. Now, if you would excuse me.

> It seems Marie is in a very dangerous place...You should work to strengthen your bonds with your friends until Margaret comes for you...

*snore*

> You carry Teddie to bed and decide to rest for the day...



> The third school term begins today. It seems that you've fully recovered.


Take care!

> You pull your winter clothes out of your dresser and leave for school...Obtained Midwinter Yaso.

-Snowflakes-


Are you feeling better? I freaked out when Teddie told me how bad it was...You were kinda groaning that day when I went to see you, too...Well, even if we didn't plan it, I'm glad Teddie was there with you. He put everything he had into taking care of you.
I'm sorry I worried you.
Don't sweat it! You're all better now.
Oh yeah, about the ski strip...We decided to hold off on that until another holiday. I'll set some of my New Year's money aside, so let's make our plans then!
There is that block of holidays in February...I think that might be the time to do it.

-Specialist-


Mr. Kondo: Did you all get to celebrate the new year in the proper way? By that, I mean did you get to eat all the right foods? I had zoni, osechi, and, of course, the toshikoshi noodles! You've got to have toshikoshi while the calendar's changing! But, I completely forgot to get the kagami mochi! Even if you don't eat it, that's important too, right? So...Amagi! No, wait, you look like you'd know...Genjo!


An orange.
Mr. Kondo: Hey! That's correct! Not just any orange, though. It's got to be a bitter orange, called a "daidai!" That means "several generations!" Of course, it doesn't taste very good, but the symbolism of the thing is what matters here, you know? Did you all get this? Don't make the same mistake I did when next year comes around!

-Snowflakes-

> The new term has begun. It's been a while since you've met everyone at school...
Back to the daily grind. Starting here, you have about four more weeks to take care of Social Links and other business.


Male student: I was wandering around the shrine for a while on New Year's Eve, hoping that girl I like would show up. But, in the end, she never did, and I caught a cold, too. It was the worst winter break I've ever had...There is no god!

> You gave him the Animal Guide.

Male student: Is this it!? You're amazing! Where did you find this!? I looked around all over for one, but I never found it. Yeah, once I give her this, she'll...Thank you, my cupid! Please...Take this!

> Received Mokoi Doll.

Male student: ...Be sure to treasure that. I kept that in my room, and I loved it. Now I'm giving it to you, Sanzo.


Mrs. Nakayama: I know, won't you do me a favor? You know how I had you bring me the Crystal Ball before? I don't know if it had any effect or not...Last year was kind of average for me. In addition, I had so many expenses during January...One of the books I was reading had something that increased your luck with money just by keeping it around! Supposedly it's called Golden Chains, but I want you to bring me 3 of it.
All right.
Mrs. Nakayama: Really!? You make me so happy. I bet they're chains that'll form an inseparable bond between you and your money! Well then, I'll be counting on you.

-The Baddest Man Alive-


Funky student: I'm putting my heart and soul into studying for college entrance exams! I'm burning with passion!...Actually, that's a big lie. Sorry. Didn't mean to fake the funk. My passion for school is just all burnt out, man. All that sparks my soul now are our riddle battles! I said I wouldn't let it, but me and the riddle game are still magnetic! I'm begging you, from riddle-laya to riddle-playa, step up to my challenge one more time!
(Accept the funk)
Funky student: I knew you'd do it, man! Outta sight! Riddle brother, you allllll right! Firin' the last riddle in my clip! This riddle's so parabolic, the energy'll blow you over even if you're brolic! I'ma put a bunch of things in order from greatest to least. You gotta give me the next item in the series. Can you dig it!? Brazil, Italy, Germany, Argentina...Will your answer be a miss or a hit tonight? Is this riddle cake or is this your riddle kryptonite? What comes next?
Uruguay.
Funky student: Some of the crowd are on the pitch, they think it's all over...well it is now! You've gotten 'round my back and scored. Correct! Brazil's won the most World Cups with 5, Italy with 4, Germany with 3, Argentina and Uruguay each have 2. And with that, you have earned the Golden Brain. You've unraveled all of my riddles. We are truly riddle brothers! No, I see now that you are more than that...You're a riddle hero, man! As the one true riddle hero, let me hook you up with this! It's a small thank you for all the battles we've had!

> Received three Soul Food.

Funky student: Thank you, Riddle Hero! That last battle was just what my soul needed to stay fresh. You know, studying for college entrance exams will be a breeze compared to the riddle battles against you! Much love!

-Snowflakes-


Ms. Sofue: Won't you help me out again?
Sure.
Ms. Sofue: Mm, that is truly honorable of you...The dowsing rod's I've been using until now have gotten quite damaged. I'd like you to find the ores that I will need to create new ones. According to the book I have, the Orichalcum would be best. I know it's rare, but I have high hopes that you'll be able to obtain them. Of course, I have something even rarer prepared as a reward for you.
I'll go look for it.
Ms. Sofue: Ah...I am truly grateful, Sanzo. Well then, I ask that you bring me one Orichalcum.


Male student: I just happened to be listening to my crystal radio. I always find it soothing for some reason. I keep hoping that I'll hear that girl's voice, too...

> Handed over Old Ore.

Male student: This...This is it! Where in the world did you--? Ah, no, it doesn't matter! I can recreate the crystal radio from my childhood with this! I can't wait to listen to it...Thank you, thank you, thank you! I don't know if this is enough, but please, take this...

> Received Spirit Radio.

Male student: Of all the radios I've built, this is the best...It'll still break almost immediately, though...


Homely student: My hands were shaking so much that I accidentally hit it with a hammer the other day. What should I do!? If I bang myself up any more, no man will want me!

> You handed her the Classy Lumber.

Homely student: Wow...! I'll be able to make an excellent shelf with this! Hehehe, I can't wait to see the look on my dad's face! Thank you, Senpai! Here's...something for you. As always, thank you so very much!

> Obtained Assault Signal x 3.


Please don't strain yourself. I'll help however I can...Of course, I'll assist you to the fullest of my ability.

> You feel that the bond you have with Naoto is something that can never be replaced...


I'll become stronger, too, so I can accept all the bad things about me and not run away. Thank you, Senpai...For finding me.

> You feel that the bond you have with Rise is something that can never be replaced...

-How Much?-


Will you let me take a look at it? You have it right now!? Well? Will you let me have it? So this is it...The fish they call the Guardian of the Samegawa...! Hey, wait right there for a sec!

*BONG* *CLANG* *CLONG*

Sorry about the wait! Inspiration suddenly struck and I had to go make something with the materials I had in the back. I want you to take it as a token of my gratitude.

> Obtained Guardian.

I sure asked a lot of favors of you, huh? Thanks for all the help!


Man, it's so damn cold lately outside! Not in here, though. My burning hot heart pumps a hard, beautiful beat every day! What? You think it's because of the furnace heat? Well, it is close to 1000 degrees...

-Snowflakes-


Refreshed old man: What's this year gonna be like...? Nah. I'm not gonna think too much about that just yet. I plan to just enjoy this quiet snowy scenery for a while.

> You gave him the Modest Lamp.

Refreshed old man: ......

> The man is looking at the Modest Lamp...

Refreshed old man: Thank you...Really, thank you so much. I didn't give ya much to go on, but you brought me exactly what I wanted. It isn't much, but...Please, take this.

> Obtained 45,000 yen.

Refreshed old man: ...I'm gonna give this to my wife. She passed away, so...I thought she might like some light. Thank you so much.


Yes, that was me.
Frantic middle-aged woman: Aha! I knew it! The police at this station are useless! You have to help me! It's my Minori-chan! She's missing! I thought she'd be fine, since Hikari-chan was with her...But she goes wandering out sometimes by herself...What if she winds up in Inaba and someone kidnaps her!? You can go further on that bike, can't you? Go look for my Minori-chan in Inaba!
Sure.
Frantic middle-aged woman: Thank you...I'm counting on you. If you call her name--"Minori-chan"--she'll answer...She really likes fish. I hope she isn't eating stuff off the ground that she's not supposed to...
Some people just should not have pets.



> Maybe you should try calling its name...

(Call a bunch of names again, just like with the dog)

> There's no response...Should you wait until it notices?

(Yeah sure I guess)
Unfamiliar cat: Mew.

> It seems to have noticed you, but it is more interested in the fish in the river...Should you give it a fish to try to catch its attention?

(Give it a Red Goldfish)
Unfamiliar cat: Mew!

> The unfamiliar cat carried the fish off somewhere...You don't think it'll be back today. You decide to come back another day.
Looks like I'm not done fishing after all. Unlike the last cat, this one only wants five fish--but five different kinds. And Hachiro Octopus will scare it away for the day. I could give it my Guardians, but they're good for a full SP restore. Cats don't need SP!

-Like A Dream Come True-

> You attended band rehearsal. Ayane's trombone is playing a beautiful harmony...


Huh? R-Really?
Band captain: Yeah, I got totally lost in your solo. You've been working hard, and it sounds like it's been paying off. Your tone is much better than before, and if I didn't know better, I'd say you're actually enjoying it now.
Th-Thank you very much!
Band captain: That reminds me. I've been thinking about getting us a manager. You've done a lot for us, Ayane, but it's about time you moved on.
Huh? U-Um...Y-You mean...you don't need me...anymore?
Band captain: Wha...? Er...no. You've got the wrong idea.
I like doing those things...Cleaning, balancing the budget, setting up our performances...I thought I was helping out...
Band captain: Uhhh, listen, what I mean is...You've done a great job. I just think we've been too reliant on you. You're an able musician now, and we shouldn't be making you do all the grunt work by yourself.
Captain...
Band captain: ...Well, uhhh, okay. That's that. That's a wrap for today, guys! We're done! Go on, go home!

-Smile-


It's like I'm a different person now. This might be the first time I've actually...liked myself. And it's all because I met you...Umm, here...Take this...

> Ayane put something in your hand. Obtained Handmade Ticket. It reads: "Ayane Matsunaga In Concert--Date: TBA"

D-don't laugh, okay...?

> Ayane is laughing awkwardly...

That...That's proof of my determination.
I figured it was time to grab ahold of my dream. I'm always using the word "if" when I talk about my music reaching someone...But from now on, it's gonna be "when." To really make it happen, though, I know I have to keep trying. I can't just look the other way anymore. I made this for you...because, um...You're the one who taught me all those things. I'm going to keep playing my best so that someday you'll be able to hear my music for real!

> Ayane is looking up at you with admiration in her eyes...



-The Path is Open-



The sun also rises.



-Smile-

I hope I can help you like you helped me, Senpai. If there's ever a time when you're in trouble...Like, maybe you lose sight of who you really are, the way I did...Please think about me. Think about how I was able to muster up my courage.
...I'll always be rooting for you!

> Ayane nods firmly...You passed some special time with Ayane...

-Signs of Love-


Oh, that's right! I heard from Nana-chan a while back that you're raising vegetables!
That's not fair! I wanna grow veggies too!

> Teddie went outside...You can hear Teddie's voice...

Wooooo! It's cold! What's this!? Sensei, look at this! Come on! Dig with me! Oh, hold on! It's cold, so I'll go change! You just got better, so you'd better dress warm!


Look, Sensei! Something's coming out!

> You found a hibernating bug in the ground!
You can catch bugs for fishing here, now that it's too cold for veggies and the leaves are off the trees.

So when it snows, bugs burrow into the ground...
Heeheehee, they're so shy! I bet Nana-chan will be surprised when we tell her we harvested a bug!
Hrgh...Sensei, my hands are getting cold...We can't have you getting sick again too. Let's go back inside and warm up with the kotatsu.


My hands are freezing, and we weren't able to raise any vegetables...
But it was fun! Let's do it again sometime!





> You placed your collection of Persona figurines here. Seeing it fills you with a sense of accomplishment.
Five Persona dolls is enough for another boost to all your social stats. The Mokoi doll actually does a little dance whenever you focus on your shelf.

-Tanaka's Amazing Commodities-



-Sky Full of Stars-


Yep.
Drunk boss: Gahahaha! That's great! You have to find the fun in things, or it's all a waste! My subordinate was never good at that. Always alone at work, always alone at the bar...just a real antisocial guy! But he's getting better at it. Now he's hanging out with people by choice! Means I don't have to worry about him after I transfer outta here! Gahahahahaha!


Well, there aren't that many places to go around here, so I guess it's not a big shock. Well, you have time, right? C'mon, let's chat. Well, of course you do. You're being asked by me, after all.


I'd heard rumors about it, but I thought it was just a prank.
I went to the shrine for hatsumode with my family, and I saw it on the roof. A real fox! Imagine that. When he saw it, my dad put a lot of money in the offering box. He said this shrine must be really lucky.
The other guests also dropped in lots of money, too...That fox seems a bit too cunning, don't you think?
I'm impressed by his backbone.
Backbone? My dad or the fox?
Oh, but my dad was impressed by the fox. He says that the fox understands the needs of the consumer.

> Ai is laughing.

That fox cried out happily when we gave our money. It was like he understood what was happening. The timing was perfect. My mom swooned, and we all gave more money.

> You and Ai got better acquainted over small talk...

Wow, time sure passes quickly when I'm with you.
This is a little something for you.

> You received Sincerity Cookie from Ai.

I know it's not much...but it's the thought that counts, right? Well, let's go.

> You saw Ai home and headed back to your own home...