Part 116: January 17 - January 19: Teddie's Sorrow

-The Path is Open-


The finalized design for Kamui, Teddie's awakened Persona. This design was inspired by the image of a bear god.



-Like A Dream Come True-


Studying, lessons, and all that crap...I think I'm gonna keep doing it all.
You can do it, man.
Thanks. Until now, I've been doing those things because I felt kinda obligated to. But if I put my mind to it, I can be good at anything I want, right? I've gotta be at the top of my game so I can be the "big brother" the next master of the house deserves.

> Kou is smiling cheerfully...

Hey, you got some time later? There's something I wanna give you.

-Smile-

> Yasogami High rooftop...Kou asked you and Daisuke to meet him here.


My parents, my grandma...I sat them down, and I asked, "Do you guys even want me anymore? Did you ever want me?" That's when all hell broke loose. My mom started crying, and then she was all like, "Of course we want you, stupid!" She was practically yelling. Man, what is with people calling me stupid lately?
Kou, it's time you learned the truth. You're pretty stupid.
Ha, well, I'm starting to think so too. I thought I had it all figured out, but I just didn't get it. Y'know, it's really the people around me who've shaped who I am. I bought into the same crap artists are always writing or singing about. They're trying to "find themselves." So I thought I knew all about how to "find yourself." I thought I got it. But...Really getting it is totally different. I mean, really finding yourself.
Without you guys, I probably never would've figured it out. I would've just kept pretending, and I probably would have given up on the people I care about most. So...Thank you.
Man...You say some mushy stuff sometimes.
Yeah...So while I'm on a roll...I want the two of you to hold onto my letter from the orphanage.
D-Dude...We can't take this...!
(Accept it)
Yeah, but...
This way, I'll never forget that I'm not alone...Please.
Fine, but this is just for now, man.
I know. I'll ask for it back when I feel like I can stand on my own two feet again. So, uh...You better stick around till then.

> Received the Letter to Kou. You feel an unbreakable friendship has formed between you, Kou, and Daisuke...



-The Path is Open-

Strength does not come from physical capacity.



It comes from an indomitable will.



-Smile-

> The three of you passed time conversing with each other...

-Sky Full of Stars-



> ...You remember falling asleep in your bed, but you feel more awake than ever...







> Is this a dream...? You think back on your memories of Marie...




I apologize for interrupting your morning. I thought it would be best to inform you of my progress in the search for Marie. Locating Marie's whereabouts has proven to be more difficult than expected. It seems that she left our room with an incredibly strong will...No. Her fate lies with you. She has "left you," to be exact. She must have had a very strong reason to do so. Please allow me some more time to pinpoint her location...Now, if you will excuse me.

> Why did Marie leave...? You have no choice but to wait until Marie's whereabouts have been discovered...

-Like A Dream Come True-

> You came to the beach with Teddie...


Wait...The salt was actually me sweating. It's tough to skate against the wind!
Wow...The winter sea is really cool, too. Coming here with everyone was fun, but it's exciting to be here alone with you, too. This must be the true charm of the winter sea!

> Teddie is in high spirits...

Sensei, over here! Let's do that thing people are supposed to do on the beach and run around in the surf! C'mon, try and catch meeeee!

> You played with Teddie for a while...


Because the world is huge.
The world...I know what that is. It's where everything is, and everything in it is connected.

> Teddie gazes out over the horizon...

The sea's sparkly.

-Smile-

I didn't know anything about anything until I met you and everyone else. Fun things, feelings that make me want to cry, how the sea is so beautiful...I didn't know anything, and I never thought about wanting to learn, either. I can feel all kinds of things in me now. All these feelings, created after I met all of you. I think that's...my life. It's these different feelings that keep me going. There's still tons of things I don't understand, and I don't know what I'm gonna do from here, either...But I've decided that I'm gonna do the best with this "life" that I can. Even though I was scared, I took a step forward and discovered such a wonderful, shiny world...
That's why...you too...Sensei...S-Sen...Senseeeeeei!

> Teddie is shedding large tears...

Because you're going away soon, I want you to know, Sensei...But I felt like if I told you, then you'd leave for good...Waaaaaaaaah!
It's still a long way off.
How...How long is that in Topsicles? If I stop eating them, will it never come...?

> Teddie is sobbing convulsively...

But I'll be okay...It's sad, but being sad is part of life, too. I've made my decision to stop relying on you so much, Sensei. I will now enter the Independent Teddie Chapter of my life...so that this time, I can be your Sensei!

> Teddie smiles cheerfully...

-Strength of Heart-



> Teddie's heart, having developed over this difficult year, attains greater power...



> Teddie's Persona has been reborn again...! Kamui has transfigured into Kamui-Moshiri!



Kamui-Moshiri, the heavenly avatar.



_{Side effects may include fully restoring all enemies' HP, or inflicting Down, Dizzy, and/or other random ailments on all allies. Do not attempt to operate heavy machinery or battle bosses within thirty minutes of use. If feelings of impotent rage persist for longer than three hours, discontinue use immediately. Kamui Miracle is not right for everyone. Ask your Velvet Room attendant if Kamui Miracle is right for you.}

-Smile-


I'm an all-new model now! Teddie version 3!...Or is it 4?
Maybe I should study counting, first. Oh, but even though I've entered my independent phase, I'm still gonna have Yosuke take care of me. I'm not THAT independent yet.

> You sense an unchanging strong bond with Teddie...You and Teddie sit and talk about all kinds of things until the sun begins to set...

-Sky Full of Stars-


I came here for a book...but I seem to have been a little too late.


He was a cool, tough private detective, who made frequently impulsive decisions when pursuing his suspects...
*chuckle* I think I can see one or two similarities there.
Really? It reminds me of you.
Huh...? You must be joking. I-I'm not anything like him. A detective must be stronger than myself. My grampa and Sam were both tough inside, after all.
Oh...Sam is the fictional detective's name.

> Naoto seems embarrassed.

Do you read detective novels, Sanzo-san? If so, I can recommend some favorites...

> You enjoyed your idle chat with Naoto...

My, it's getting late...
I seem to lose all track of time when I'm talking to you. We never want for subjects to discuss. Ah yes, I'd like you to have this.

> You received Mini Mechavator from Naoto.
Sweet! Now I can...mechavate more efficiently than ever.

I hope it'll be of some use to you. Please, take it.

> You saw Naoto off and then went home...



-Specialist-


Let's make sure this year is relaxing. Last year was too hectic, with all that crazy stuff that went on. Last year's zodiac symbol was a little bunny, and it was just like that: just running around all over the place. Hey, did you know that other countries have their own zodiacs, with different animals? Do you know any, Sanzo-kun?


Cat.
That's correct. In Thailand and Vietnam, the kitty cat is in the zodiac instead of the bunny. They're both cute...Would you rather see me in a bunny outfit, or a kitty outfit? What? No response...? You're all no fun...

-Snowflakes-


That reminds me, Sanzo-kun. Your second semester exam results were impressive. I'll continue to expect great things from you? But, don't let your guard down, okay? I'll give you some one-on-one lessons to keep you on your toes.
Besides the Gekkou Uniforms as test rewards, Ms. Kashiwagi has some other costumes for the girls in exchange for side quests. They are -tastic without exception so I won't be bothering with them.

-Like A Dream Come True-

> Yasogami High shoe lockers...You decided to go to Okina Station with Ai. Someone else has approached Ai...


......
Smirking senior: What, you gonna play hard to get now? I see how it is! You think I didn't hear about your new arm candy? That transfer student, Sanzo, right? Are you seriously dating that loser?
...We're not dating. And don't talk about him like--
Smirking senior: Coulda fooled me! Heh, not that I'm worried or anything...I mean, come on, me versus him? Not even a contest! I could show you stuff you've never even dreamed of, babe.
Stop it. Geez...There's nothing going on between you and me. Never has been.
Twitching senior: Hey, listen. I can only take so much of your mouth. Come on. Now.
Forget it. I'm not going anywhere with you.

-Border of Insanity-

Twitching senior: Hey...Hey! What the hell!? You had me wrapped around your little finger and now you're gonna act like this!? You want me to leave a mark on that precious face of yours? I'll call up some friends! It'll be a party!
I don't care about your stupid threats. Why don't you just do it already?

> Things don't look good...You feel Ai is in danger.

(Help her)


Twitching senior: I'm officially pissed off now, you little shit!
If only Sanzo knew any scarier-sounding threats than "Don't make me call my girlfriend."





> Ai was struck...

Twitching senior: Y-You got what you deserve, bitch!



~AFTER A BRIEF INTERLUDE~

-Smile-


Uh...Sorry, was that unnecessary?
Are you all right?
I'll be fine as soon as I get some ice on it...

> Ai smiles bravely...

D-Don't worry about it. I just thought...Maybe I could do something to help you, for once. Well, I guess I didn't really think that far ahead. It was kinda like a reflex...
I wonder if my face is gonna get all swollen...
Oh well.

> Ai is laughing, despite her swollen cheek...


Let's go somewhere close by. I don't want anyone to notice...Funny, even with a face like this, I still want to be with you...

> You talked with Ai at school, and parted ways after walking her home...

-Signs of Love-


Tomorrow is the day Nana-chan leaves the hospital. She's coming home!


But today's the last day I'll be staying here...*sniff* That's a little sad.

-Sky Full of Stars-


Hobby shop owner: Just knowing that you're lining them up on your shelf and admiring them once in a while makes me feel better. If only my daughter was skilled in crafts...


I'm just hangin' around. Kinda cold outside, though.


I ate 'til I couldn't move. Ain't nothin' like Tatsumi Mochi, after all! Oh, Tatsumi Mochi's a thing I came up with. You throw some grated radish on the mochi, then sprinkle some ground red pepper on. It tastes so damn good!
That does sound good.
Heh, doesn't it!? I knew my senpai would be down! I recommend adding some chopped green onions, too. That's the Tatsumi Mochi Deluxe!

> Kanji is happy.

But man, I love mochi. So how come people only eat it on New Year's? I'd eat it every day if I could. 'Course, I like to eat ice cream in the winter, so...

> You enjoyed your idle chat with Kanji...

Damn, it's late.
We got into a real deep conversation there. Time just flies when I'm with you, Senpai. Oh yeah, I want you to have this. Seein' as how you're always so patient with me...

> You received Medical Kit from Kanji.

Well, be careful on your way home!

> You part with Kanji and go home...