Part 20: May 18 - May 19 Part 1: III. The Empress

-Deduction-


Given the pattern so far, Kanji's already inside the TV...
I wonder what the Midnight Channel really is...
Hmm...
At first, I thought it was one of those "paranormal" things, but when I gave a try...it was real.
Turns out it's actually connected to another world...
If there's a rumor going around, that means a bunch of people are watching it.
How did the rumor go? If you stare into a turned-off TV on a rainy night...
No one in their right mind would try something that ridiculous, don'tcha think? Unless someone urged them to.
But if you actually try, it does work. And not just once. If this rumor spreads and everyone starts watching the Midnight Channel...
It could cause a huge panic...
If Teddie is right, the missing people themselves create the stuff we see. So it's not random. It's specifically related to whoever goes missing.
*sigh* Yukiko had a show too, but she doesn't remember doing anything like that.
Um, this might be a little off subject, but the culprit is probably watching the shows that come on...right?
No doubt. He's probably sitting back and enjoying--
Wait a sec--I bet he IS enjoying it! He's probably laughing his head off watching the "show" that comes on after he throws people into the TV!
Ahhh, I get it. Yeah, it's definitely possible. Ugh...Now when I think of the killer, I get this image of a total sicko!
As opposed to the pillar of the community we were expecting before.
"I wanna see everything about you, Yuki-chan!"
Urgh, ugh, ugh! Wait, so if people saw Yukiko's show, do you think people were watching what happened to me too!?
Oh, that is IT! That killer is dead meat! I'm gonna leave footprints all over his face! Guys! First, we save Kanji! Then, we crush the killer! Finally, we crush the killer and send him to hell!! Got it!?
Nobody in the classroom even looks twice at Chie roaring about vigilante justice at the top of her lungs. It's just another typical Wednesday.

> You've all strengthened your resolve to save Kanji...


Heehee...
Ch-Chie, those last two were the same thing...
Uh...I know...


Oh...Yep. I think someone's here.
You think? Do you know where he is?
I dunno.
We think it's a boy named Kanji...
I dunno...
What's wrong? Not feeling well?
Well, I sniff and I sniff. But I still can't tell where the smell comes from.
Aren't you thinking too much about too many things? I mean last time, you were wondering about who you really were and how long you've been here. Your head's empty to begin with, dude. Don't stress out over stuff too much.
You're right...
Whoa...He's seriously down about this.
If you can't figure out where Kanji is, we're in deep trouble. We can't just wander around aimlessly in a place like this...
I know what might help! You should give me a clue about this Kanji person! It's just a feeling I have. I think I could concentrate better with it. Do you have anything that could give me a good understanding of him?
Something about Kanji, huh? I can't really think of anything besides all the rumors about him.
Yeah, it's not like we know him that well.
I just need some sort of hint...Something that tells me what he's really like.
Why don't we just ask around and find people who know Kanji-kun personally?

> Teddie may be able to grasp Kanji's location if he gets more information about Kanji. But what kind of information does he need? You decide to ask around town about Kanji...

-How Much?-


I thought I saw him on the TV a while ago but maybe it was someone else? If you see him, could you tell him that I'm worried about him? It'd be nice if I could see that he was okay...



These new ailment cures will be handy, even if it's a little worrying that Sanzo can just buy sedatives over-the-counter.


That boy...It may seem that he's up to no good, but I can tell that he's an extremely bold young man under that. All of a sudden he decided to settle it with those biker gangs, and he took one of my good shields. He used it in a fight against children! It's an insult to my art...

-Your Affection-

There's only one lead today: Kanji's mom.


Mrs. Tatsumi: Sheesh, I wonder where he's wandered off to now. He's always like this. You know, there was a small boy who came in asking about him not too long ago. I talked to him too, but I haven't seen him around lately.

> A boy who talked to Kanji...Could it be the small boy from before? If it was him, and he was with Kanji, he might know something. You decide to search for the boy...


Customer: Ah yes, I've seen him. He's been hanging around here lately. Even asked me all this stuff about that...incident. He was just over there a little while ago, but...Maybe he'll be back tomorrow?

> You decide to return here tomorrow.

That's all the progress we can make on the rescue today, but there are a few other things to take care of.


Old man: Thanks to you, I can play with my grandchildren. You really helped me out! Praise to the gods here who brought the two of us together! I started maintaining the shrine again, since it's not doing so good...I wanted to make it better, but I don't have the money. That's why I decided to put a relationship fortune box here as a little fundraiser. Normally, we only put it out on special occasions like New Year's, but this is for the gods! We get the fortunes from a shrine famous for its relationship fortunes, so they're bound to work! You should take one. I'm sure you'll get closer to whoever you're interested in. Oh, but we put the box away on rainy days, so be careful. Now, I gotta go play with my grandkid again! See you!

> The old man walked off energetically.

I'm not really sure what the point of relationship fortunes is supposed to be. They're the slowest way to boost a Social Link, and they cost money.


Love note sender: The confession! It worked! I can't believe it! I'm so happy. I'm glad I got his shoe box confused with yours...Oh, that's right! I need to give thanks at the Tatsuhime Shrine! My wish came true! I'll make a big offering!

> You accomplished the request written on the ema! The monetary offerings have been increased. You should report back to the fox...

I wonder if Sanzo will get a cut of that. That's something for another day, though.



-Like A Dream Come True-


Mr. Kondo: Whatever. Hey, good news--you're getting a team manager. Now you guys won't have to take turns doing all the work anymore. You can thank me later! Go on, introduce yourself.


Mr. Kondo: Great! You can take it from here. I'm going home!


I wouldn't be caught dead watching out for a bunch of sweaty guys.
Huh? Then why'd you...?
I've missed too many days of school. But they'll let me move up if I manage a team. But don't expect me to put any effort into it. For the most part, I'm not even gonna be here. Well, see ya. Or not.
...Yeah, that's about what I expected when I saw Ai here. So much for having a manager. Anyway, I'm hungry. Let's grab some food.

> Central shopping district, Chinese Diner Aiya...


...How'd it go?
What, the dream? Oh, you mean with my family? Well, it's...complicated.

> Kou is laughing...

Daisuke told you all about it, right, Sanzo? My family's pretty interesting. Arranged marriages for political gain are pretty standard with us. Just the other day I was greeting people at one of those high society gatherings. Can you imagine? Me, at one of those things?
It's hard to imagine.
Seriously, I have to laugh at myself sometimes.

> Kou smiles wryly...

Anyway, if you ever run into anyone in my family, don't tell them I eat here or talk like this. At home, it's nothing but studying, tea ceremonies, and lessons. To them, I'm the prim and proper "Kou-sama."
"Kou-sama?"
Yep...That's what they call me. I know it sounds crappy, but hey, they feed me and give me an allowance. I need to do my part too, y'know.
I don't know, man...
Ahh, it doesn't matter. It might all be over soon anyway. We're an old-fashioned family, so the Ichijo name has been passed from generation to generation. But the last male of the family, my dad, didn't have any kids to pass the name on to. Well, they weren't going to let the Ichijo name just up and die, so they adopted me.
And then what do you know? My dad ended up having a kid after all. A girl. I guess you could say she's a little sister to me...Her name's Sachiko. She's almost two, and she's really cute, y'know?

> Kou tries to sound cheerful...

That's good for you.
Isn't it?

> Kou smiles...

It's better this way. Becoming the successor would be a major hassle. And really, it should go to a blood relative...Sorry. Didn't mean to put a damper on the mood. C'mon, let's eat!
...Yeah.

> Your heart-to-heart talk with the players showed you Daisuke and Kou's trust...


Just forget I said any of that stuff. Oh man, did I tell you guys about the one-in-a-million shot I made?

> You talked about practice with Daisuke and Kou. After saying goodbye, you decided to go home.

-Sky Full of Stars-


Drunk subordinate: Please let me go home! I heard there were some scary biker gangs around here...
Drunk boss: Gahahahaha, who cares about them! We can be just as loud as those schmucks!
Drunk subordinate: You can be loud by yourself!


Lady in white: But, as I was praying, a cat took the fish I had...Do you have any Amber Seema you could spare? Th-Thank you very much...This is a token of my thanks...Please, take this...

> Obtained Yazu Stone.

-Like A Dream Come True-


Dad's late again today...
Phone: *RING RING*


Dad!
Huh...Really!?
Okay...Okay, I understand. Dad's coming home now. I need to get dinner ready.

> Nanako is in high spirits.


We're out of pickled radish...Dad'll be disappointed.
Let's go buy some together.
Really? Thanks, big bro!!

> Nanako looks really happy.

*giggle* We're going shopping together!

> You feel Nanako's affection for you...


Let's go, big bro!

> You went to Junes with Nanako. A while later, at the house...

I'm back.


Where did you go at this time of night?
Oh, uhh...Junes...
Didn't I tell you not to go outside this late?
B-But, you were coming home...so I...

-Traumerei-

No matter what your reason was, rules are rules. You promised me, remember?

> Nanako looks sad...

It's not Nanako's fault.
Big bro...

> Nanako looks relieved.

...It's not my fault? Then why is Dad angry? Why won't he listen? Dad's stupid! Stupid, stupid!



> You explained to Dojima why you went with Nanako to Junes.

Pickled radish...for me? Is that so?
But I still can't allow kids to be walking around this late at night. You know how dangerous it's been lately. You shouldn't be wandering around out there at night either!

> Dojima yelled at you, too...You decided to go back to your room.



-Your Affection-


According to the weather report, we won't have to worry about the fog for a while. Let's keep cool, like usual. We can save the day and still keep our skills sharp!
We should hurry.
What're we gonna do if we get nervous and start screwing up? The enemies are starting to get stronger, too. Let's be sure to use the time we have until the next foggy day to our advantage so we can save him for sure!
DO NOT QUESTION ME WORM

-Youthful Lunch-


Female student: They posted the test results!
Argh...The awful moment of truth. Oh well. Wanna check it out?

> You decided to check the test results...You got the highest score!


That's awesome! I'm just as happy as if I'd got the highest grade myself!

Acing a test earns you the adoration of millions.

Okay, not quite, but it boosts every Social Link you have at school and people all over the place will start giving you good stuff.

-Your Affection-



> The fog will come after several days of rain...You must prepare to take action. But first, you need to gather information for Teddie...



> You tell him what you talked about with the girl on the rooftop.

Male student: I see, so that's how it is...Ah, sorry! You really helped me out, though! Here, take this.

> Obtained Goho-M.


(Ask her out)
Huh?...With you?

> Ai is staring at you intently.

...Whatever. You should skip afternoon classes next time. We'll go somewhere far away.

> With your overabundant Courage, you're able to slip out of class with ease!

I'll invite you to come with me when I feel like it.


I'm listening.
Homely student: Thanks...Well, the thing is, my dad...suddenly started making these plastic models. That's fine and all, he can do what he wants, but...he got glue all over my desk! I can't put anything on my desk anymore. I want to replace it, but...I don't have a Fitting Board. The lumber store in the shopping district closed down, too, so I really don't know what to do...
I think I can help.
Homely student: Wow, really!? Can I count on you, then? He might get glue on it again, so a thin, cheap one is fine! You're the best!

Ms. Sofue is lurking in this corner by the upper hallway to the Practice Building. She's one of the people who has a reward for you when you get the highest score on an exam. She also has something else for Sanzo today.


Ms. Sofue: You really gave it your all, didn't you? You don't get scores like that through any normal methods...So, as I promised, here's a little something from my collection.

> Obtained Chest Key x 3.

Ms. Sofue: I'm looking forward to your next test, Sanzo. You must continue to etch your mark into history...Sanzo, can I look to you for some assistance?
Sure.
Ms. Sofue: Ah, that's very kind of you. Allow me to explain. The truth is...I need some new materials to build a new dowsing rod. The rod I've been using seems to have stopped responding to my power. That's why I thought it might be best to construct a new one, but...Special objects can only be created from special materials. Do you know anywhere you might be able to find rare raw materials, Sanzo? If you do, perhaps I can reward you with something from my artifact collection. I have some very special things you'll never find in stores...So what'll it be?
I might know a few places.
Ms. Sofue: Ahaha...then fate guides our hands as history's cogs turn. I'd like you to find me a Suspicious Pole if you can, please.

-Aria of the Soul-

> Something is different from usual...You don't see Igor or Marie anywhere.

I wonder what sort of poetry Igor would write. He seems like he'd appreciate e.e. cummings.


Excuse me. Do you have any business here? Mmm...As you can see, my master is currently away. If your errand isn't urgent, I regret to ask that you come back lat--No, that won't do. This room is bound tightly to your fate. Nothing here happens without a reason...There must be meaning in our meeting here alone.
Welcome to the Velvet Room. I am Margaret. I am the one who rules over power, invited here after my predecessor's sudden disappearance. You may be the first person who has ever been welcomed here by someone other than my master. The Velvet Room is inseparable from the heart of its invited guest. The shape of the room and its residents are selected by my master, based on the number of guests and their destiny...Shall we chat? I feel that is what I am called to do.

> A faint smile appeared on Margaret's face. Her eyes have a hint of gentleness in them, unlike her normal gaze...

-Strength of Heart-





The Empress is a feminine, motherly figure. This arcana represents nurturing, abundance, nature, and sensation.

-Aria of the Soul-


Recurring meetings, recurring words...By deepening your understanding of one another, your bonds strengthen. But sometimes the heart is shaken more by a single action than a thousand words. Do you understand?
Somewhat.
Hmhm...Today's meeting might be classified as that single action. I've decided. The strand of fate you follow...Entangle me within it as well.
Perhaps a new bond will be spun. There is something I have wanted to know, and you are the first guest I welcomed here. In light of today's meeting with my master absent...Hm. I believe we are both special to one another...

> Margaret is smiling...

I want to know more about you. First, I think I shall have you show me your rare Persona ability. Let me see...Show me an Ippon-Datara that knows Sukukaja.
The heart is shaken more by a single action than by a thousand words...Have you already forgotten? Hmhm, then I have something to look forward to. I wish you well.

I have all of Margaret's fusion requests already, of course, but I'd like to show the fusions themselves and Sanzo isn't quite high-level enough to start yet.

-Junes Theme-


Many people from the town come and meet here. It's a very convenient location, isn't it?

> Wasn't this the boy who met with Kanji some time ago? He may know something about Kanji...

You're asking if anything seemed strange when I spoke to Kanji-kun, yes? Hmm. Very well. It seems to be an urgent matter, so I'll simply tell you. If you're asking about recent events, then yes, there was something out of the ordinary. It was something I felt when I was with him...So I told him outright that he seemed to be an odd person.
"How did you survive!?"
After I said that, his expression changed all of a sudden...I was quite surprised. On that basis, I believe his actions were somewhat forced and unnatural throughout the time I was with him. He may have some sort of complex...Though I have no proof of this.

> It seems Kanji has a complex or something of that nature. Kanji's purported reaction to the phrase "odd person"...Maybe this is enough of a clue for Teddie to go on. You should report to Teddie as soon as possible. Call your friends to meet at the food court?


Whoa, something's here! A-A fox!? When did it...?

> The mysterious fox you encountered at the shrine is sitting next to you. Could it have followed you without you noticing?

Whoa, where did this guy come from!?
Dude, it looks scary too!
Oh, this apron...I think I've seen it at the shrine before.

> You told everyone about your encounter with the mysterious fox.

Huh? Cure us with leaves?
Huh? Cooperate with us...?
Are you serious? So it wants money in exchange for fixing us up?
*yip*

> The fox gave out a cry, as if in affirmation.

What's with this guy? It acts like it understands what we're talking about...
*yip*
It yipped again...Maybe it really does understand what we're saying!
B-But when you think about it, that means the police on duty and whatnot didn't find this fox, right?
If it followed after us, then it really is something...
*yip*

> The fox gave a confident cry.

Huh? Y'think it really understands us? What should we do...?
Well...I'd feel bad if we trapped it. It doesn't look like it'll do us any harm...What do you think?
Let's let it help.
Yeah. And thinking about what happened at the shrine...
Don't you think this "curing" would be a big help for us?
Huh!? Are you suggesting we take it into that other world?
Mmm...I guess that might work. It doesn't seem like it's going to leave that easily, either.
And I definitely don't want it being all sulky and getting up to mischief in the store...Who knows? Just add it to the pile of things we don't get.
But man, that Kanji...It was total chaos on that show. He seemed like such a badass before, too...
Anyway, we should concentrate on saving Kanji-kun before the fog appears, okay?
Y-Yeah...You're right. We gotta start from there.
I think this week's weather report went like...


That's our Yukiko.
That's not what you said when I told you the report!
Let's go.
I'm sure we'll be all right if we work together!