Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Nanako Dojiima watched sadly as Yu Narukami, her older cousin, who she considered like a brother, was escorted to the police station by her dad, Ryotaro Dojima. 

She didn’t know what happened exactly. Yu got a letter from an anonymous source. Daddy read the letter, and got angry, and demanded Yu come with him to  the station so he could get some answers. Nanako was worried, but they assured her that they weren’t fighting, and that they’d be back soon. So, she reluctantly watched them leave.

“Oh man… I really hope Dad and Big Bro are gonna be ok,” She mumbled. “I wonder what the letter said…” She sighed. Not like she could do anything about it… Well, she’d wait for them to come back. 

Nanako decided to clean up the table, putting everything away. As she put the leftovers back into the fridge, she caught sight of a pack of Chocobars… She smiled bittersweetly at them. Jibanyan’s favourite… She tore her eyes away, and closed the fridge door. 

After that reminder, she didn’t feel like doing anything. She looked at the floor… before tears began to fall from her eyes.

“...It’s not fair…” She silently sobbed. 

Nanako missed them both so much… it had been nearly 7 months since Whisper and Jibanyan had left her… Because of that jerk McKraken… she could never see them again. 

Come on, Nanako, it’s ok… you’ve got Big Bro now… he and his friends are there for you… right? Dad and him are going to just talk it out, and it’ll be back to normal…

Nanako swallowed her cries that were threatening to break loose, and rubbed the tears from her eyes.

“I’ll just… go to sleep…” she said, walking to her bedroom…

…when the doorbell rang.

“Delivery for Yu Narukami!” 

‘Big Bro ordered something?’ Nanako thought, as she approached the door… when the phone rang. ‘What now?’ “Uh, one second!” She quickly ran over to the phone, receiving it. “Hello?”

“NANAKO!” A voice yelled into the phone. One she recognized.

“Wait, Shirogane-san? What’s wrong?” Nanako asked, concerned.

“Whatever you do, don’t leave the house! Stay inside, and stay away from the TV!” The girl yelled, her voice out of breath. 

“What, what’s going on-”

Nanako never got to finish that question, because the delivery man had kicked the door open, and was headed right for her.

“AHHH!!!!”

“NANAKO?! NANAKO!”

–*–

There weren’t many people outside during a rainy night like this. With how dark it was, and the roads all soaked, everyone preferred to stay inside.

On the streets, however, were two Yo-Kai, happily moving to their destination. 

“We’re going to see Nanako again! We’re going to see Nanako again!” The two happily sang.

This was Whisper, a ghost-like creature with a white body, a black stripe connecting his eyes, and blue lips, floating aside Jibanyan, a red anthropomorphic cat with a cut ear, two tails that had blue flames at the end of each one. He wore a yellow haramaki.

“Nyan! I can’t wait to surprise Nanako when we get there!” Jibanyan happily said.

“She must've been missing us for such a long time… according to what I read, it’s been nearly 7 months! Oh, how I can’t wait to see her again!”

“Nyeah… she must’ve been really lonely…” Jibanyan said, making the two stop, and sigh sadly. 

7 months without any Yo-Kai friends… Nanako must’ve been truly miserable. She didn’t have many friends in school, her father was always busy at work, and her mother passed away when she was young… she used to stay all alone at home.

“No! No no no, we can’t greet Nanako like this!” Whisper shook his face. “We have to greet her with a big, happy smile!”

“Nyeah, you’re right! Come on, we’re near her house-”

A shrill scream rang through… and worst of all, Whisper and Jibanyan recognized that scream.

“NANAKO?!” They immediately started rushing to her house, to see Nanako struggling against a man, taking her to a delivery truck. “NANAKO!” They rushed to the truck, just as it started to drive off!

“GET ON, JIBANYAN! WE NEED TO CATCH THAT TRUCK!”

Jibanyan immediately hopped onto Whisper’s back, as he flew at the truck as fast as he could! “Trucks… it's always trucks!” he growled. “A truck took me away from Emi… I won’t let it take Nanako from me, too!”

They kept the chase on, trying to reach the backdoors of the truck! When lights flashed behind them, they turned around to see Ryotaro in a car, chasing after the truck as well! “Ryotaro! Nyan, we’re getting closer!” 

They’d almost gotten close enough to phase through the trunk doors when suddenly, the truck swerved, and toppled over.

“NANAKO!”

–*–

After the truck crashed, Jibanyan and Whisper immediately opened the back doors. “NANAKO? NANAKO!” They searched it, but didn’t see her! All they saw was just a pile of knocked-over boxes… and a TV. “WHERE’D SHE GO?” Whisper frantically yelped.

“Whisper, her dad’s injured!” Jibanyan noticed. The man was lying on the wet road, groaning as he crawled out of the crashed car. Right behind him, another police car drove up, and out of it came Detective Adachi, and a group of teenagers!

“Huh? Who are those guys?”

The group of teenagers rushed to Ryotaro’s side, worried. 

“UNCLE!” The white-haired one gasped, as he and Adachi kneeled beside the injured detective.

“Did he just say uncle , nyan?” Jibanyan said in surprise. The blue-hat one quickly flicked out their flip-phone. 

“Hello? We need an ambulance! An adult male is injured!” They continued to give details.

“Ah, right! I need to call for backup as well!” Adachi realized. 

“Nanako… where’s Nanako…?” Ryotaro slowly said, with great pain evident in his voice. More teenagers came rushing, shocked by the scene. 

“Oh god… what happened?” asked a girl in green.

“I was headed to Namatame’s house…” Ryotaro grunted out. “Saw him pass me… gave chase… and he… damn it! Where’s Nanako? Where’s Namatame ?” He coughed, his voice cracking slightly. “Find them… Please…”

“But how-” A lanky young man with blond-dyed hair looked at the truck. “Right, there might be clues here!” The teenagers quickly ran to said truck. The Yo-Kai watched as they searched around.

“Do you remember any of these people?” Whisper asked Jibanyan, who shook his head. The teenagers took note of the TV for some reason, and found a notebook written by the kidnapper, whose name was Namatame.

The diary had the addresses of random people they didn’t remember, and on the latest entry:

“I can’t believe that a young girl appeared on it… I must save this child, no matter what…” the blue-clad teenager read out. “The police are catching on… this may be the last time I ever write in this diary again…”

“Is this… about Nanako-chan?” the girl with the green jacket realised.

“How do they know Nanako?” Whisper wondered.

“I get it now… it was the same trick on all victims,” piped up a boy with headphones around his neck. “He’d ring the doorbell, like he was doing a normal delivery, then throw them into the TV.”

“Did he just say throw them into the TV ?” Jibanyan blinked.

“What have we missed?” Whisper wondered.

“Namatame is the killer!”

“WHAT?!?!” Jibanyan and Whisper shrieked hearing that. A killer had kidnapped Nanako?!

“Then let’s go right now! Just jump into that TV, and-”

The silver haired boy stepped up to the truck, only for another blond-haired kid to stop him. “Sensei, we wouldn’t know where we’d land! This is a different TV! We could end up somewhere dangerous!” he said. “Tomorrow it won’t be foggy, so then we can go.”

“But…”

“Hey, hey, hey… look, I know you’re all really worried, but freaking out isn’t gonna help right now,” Adachi said, raising his hands. “For now, you guys should go home and rest. It’s been a tough few hours for us all.”

“Hell no!” the skull shirt boy protested. “We can’t just-”

“If we fail, who’s going to save Nanako-chan?” A girl in a red dress yelled. The green-jacketed girl scowled.

“Tomorrow, our priority will be saving Nanako-chan. We’ll let the police handle the search for Namatame,” The blue-haired teen said.

“You heard her. Come on, I’ll go with Uncle Dojima to the hospital,” Yu said.

“Let’s follow that guy, Jibanyan!” Whisper said, the cat spirit nodding at that. They rode atop the ambulance to the hospital, and for once, Jibanyan was relieved to have anything to do with an automobile.

–*–

At the hospital, Jibanyan and Whisper stood beside Ryotaro’s bed, along with the grey-haired boy and the blue-haired girl. Ryotaro regained consciousness, looking at the teenagers. “You guys…” Ryotaro said weakly.

“Are you alright?” Yu asked.

“I must look like hell right now…” Everyone was silent. “Nanako… she’s my reason for living… if I lose her… I might as well be dead…” His face contorted, near tears. “God… she must be so scared… waiting for someone to save her… and I’m stuck right here-” Ryotaro coughed roughly. 

“Don’t push yourself, Dojima-san,” Naoto requested.

“When she’s in danger, I’m helpless… What kind of father am I? I can’t even protect my own daughter!” 

“Oh, Ryotaro… you had no idea this would happen,” Whisper said, patting the officer on his shoulder even though he wouldn’t feel it. 

“Yu…,” The man turned to the grey-haired boy. “You can save her, can’t you? I trust you… please, you have to save Nanako! You’re the only ones I can turn to… please…,” Ryotaro pleaded, slowly raising his arm. 

Yu held his hand, nodding with a determined look. “I promise, uncle. We’ll save her as fast as we can. Right now, just get some rest.”

“It may take some time, but you must put your faith in us and wait for us to return with her,” The blue-haired girl said, and Ryotaro nodded. The two teenagers left the room, leaving the man to rest. Jibanyan and Whisper remained.

“Nyan… just when we finally got to see Nanako again, she got kidnapped…,” Jibanyan moaned.

“We can’t just sit idly! We have to help save her!” Whisper said.

“Yeah, I know that! But how? Where could Nanako be?” Jibanyan reminded him of the dilemma. Both Whisper and Jibanyan left Ryotaro’s room, when they overheard the two teenagers talking.

“Naoto. Tell everyone that tomorrow, first thing in the morning, we’re going in,” Yu said, his expression fierce. Naoto nodded, and the two walked away. Hearing that, Whisper and Jibanyan looked at each other.

“Going in…?” The two found that familiar… They racked their heads, trying to remember where they heard such a thing…

“THE TV!” They both yelled at the same time. 

“They mentioned something about throwing people into a TV, right?! So Nanako must’ve been thrown into a TV as well, nyan!” Jibanyan put together.

“But a world inside the TV?! That makes no sense! We’ve never encountered such a thing before!” 

“Maybe it’s a new thing?” 

“Perhaps… that boy, Yu… he must know something about this TV World… Let’s follow him tomorrow!” Whisper told Jibanyan, who nodded, and the two followed Yu back to the Dojima household. 

“Hey, I just realised, Nanako never told us about her having an older cousin.”

“Oh, she probably just never got to meet him before. I wonder how long he’s been staying with Nanako…”

When they reached the Dojima household, Whisper and Jibanyan felt nostalgic seeing it again. “Ah, how I missed our home!” Whisper smiled.

“Nyeah, you said it!” Jibanyan added as they entered the household. There, they found Yu looking at a picture. Whisper flew to look over his shoulders, and saw it was a picture of him, Nanako and the teenagers from before. 

“Hang in there, Nanako,” Yu whispered. “Big Bro’s coming to save you.” He put the photo back and walked to his room. Whisper and Jibanyan entered Nanako’s room, where there was a surprise waiting for them in Nanako’s closet.

“Hidabat!” They recognized the Yo-Kai that Nanako allowed to live in her closet. Hidabat peeked out, waving hello to them. “You already settled back in?”

“Yes… but I couldn’t find Nanako…,” Hidabat whispered. 

“It’s bad news, Hidabat. She’s been kidnapped!” Whisper informed him. Hidabat paled in horror.

“No… really?” Whisper and Jibanyan explained what they found out had happened, when it happened to Hidabat, who got more and more miserable hearing that. “No… we didn’t even get to say hi again…”

“It’s so unfair!” Jibanyan agreed.

“And she missed us so much… Look,” Hidabat pulled out a small book from the shelf. He opened it, showing it to Jibanyan and Whisper, who were surprised to see what the contents were.

“It’s drawings… of all of us!” There were pictures of Jibanyan, Whisper and Nanako playing together, Hidabat in the closet… all her Yo-Kai friends. 

“Nyan… She never stopped thinking about us…,” Jibanyan said.

“Oh Nanako…,” Whisper quietly said, before taking the sketchbook, and putting it away. “Don’t worry! We’re coming for you!”

“NYEAH!”

“Yeah…!”

–*–

The next day, Yu headed out immediately to JUNES, while Jibanyan and Whisper followed him. Hidabat stayed back due to his preference to not be in the daylight. Yu ran to the food court, meeting the rest of his friends. All the teenagers had strong determination present on their faces. 

“So, Nanako-chan is on the other side, right?” The boy with headphones asked everyone.

“Definitely. There’s no mistake about it,” The blonde boy said.

“While the police search for Namatame, we will focus on saving Nanako-chan,” Naoto said.

“We’re the only ones who can!” The girl in the green-jacket said.

“And us!” Jibanyan added, even though the teenagers couldn’t see them.

“We’ll save her no matter what!” The girl in the orange dress said, clenching her fist.

“I thought it might be impossible, but it appears we’ve finally cornered the culprit…,” The girl in red admitted. “We’ve come so far… We won’t let him take Nanako-chan’s life!”

“Yeah, this is it!” The boy in the black jacket said. “Let’s go all out and get this done!”

“I promised Nana-chan that we would play again, and that everything would be ok… and I intend to keep that promise!”

“So let’s go save her. Not just for her and Yu, but Dojima-san too. Heh, he’ll owe us another watermelon,” The headphones boy joked.

“Oh, I’ll buy it,” Yu smirked back.

“Back to the task at hand, we must do whatever we can with what we have right now. This is something only we can accomplish,” Naoto said. 

“Nyan! And we’ll help you guys out in secret!” Jibanyan added. The teenagers nodded to each other, confidence coming to them. 

“C’mon, we can do this! No problem!” The girl in the green jacket said, pumping her fist. 

“Yeah, this isn’t any different from our normal missions. We just have to get Nanako-chan out of there before the next foggy day ,” The headphones boy explained.

“So there’s a deadline…,” Whisper took notice. The headphones boy turned to Yu.

“Partner, this mission is really personal to us all, especially you, but we have to stay calm and careful,” He told Yu. 

“I know. We’re gonna go as far as we can all make it today,” Yu told everyone, who nodded. “Alright. Let’s get in there.” With that, everyone walked into the JUNES TV Aisle. Jibanyan and Whisper followed the group, watching them as they stopped in front of a big flat screen TV. 

“So, this must be the part where they enter the TV… How do they do it?” Whisper wondered.

Just to see Yu stick his head in and disappear into the screen.

“Oh. It’s that simple.” One by one, each teenager entered the TV, until finally, Naoto went in last. Jibanyan and Whisper walked over to the TV, looking at it uncertainly, then at each other. 

“Whisper, are we sure this is safe?” 

“Well, they mentioned this is another mission to them, so they must’ve done this multiple times,” Whisper said.

“Alright, nyan… Let’s go!” Jibanyan took a few steps back, before running forward and diving into the TV screen! “NYAAAAA-”

“We’re coming, Nanako!” Whisper flew in a loop, and then joined Jibanyan into the TV!

Chapter Text

“AHHHH!” Jibanyan and Whisper screamed as they fell through the TV. There were no other words to describe it, it felt trippy. The surroundings were almost entirely monochrome, with TV-shaped outlines that spiraled around and around… 

“I PREFER USING MIRAPO!” Jibanyan yelled; Whisper would’ve voiced his agreement if he was not too busy screaming. Soon, there was a flash of light, and then-

THUD!

“Ow…: Jibanyan and Whisper hit solid ground, landing on top of each other. “Nyargh… get off, Whisper!” Jibanyan pushed the Yo-Kai off his back, as they recovered. They looked around the area they had landed in, which was just… weird.

They were on a platform, one that resembled a TV Studio. Around them, there were stage lights, steel bars, and bridges that lead off to unknown areas. The air around them was yellow, with an ominous fog around it…

“Whoa… is this what was inside our TV?” Jibanyan said.

“A whole world inside the TV… I never thought I’d see such a thing. But how?” Whisper wondered. “This wasn’t here before!”

“Maybe a Yo-Kai made this place?” Jibanyan suggested.

“That can’t be! All the Yo-Kai returned to the Yo-Kai World when the elevator was sealed! No Yo-Kai could’ve made this… right?”

“Nyuh-uh! But… I can’t think of any ideas right now either...” Jibanyan shrugged, and Whisper decided to leave it be for the time being. For now, the two were more focused on where the teenagers went. 

“They must’ve taken one of the paths here… but which one?” The two walked around the platform for a bit, before Jibanyan had an idea.

“Hey, Whisper! I think I know what to do! Hand me the medallium!” Whisper took it out and handed it to Jibanyan, curious on what the Yo-Kai was planning. Jibanyan flipped through the pages, and found what he was looking for. “Nyohoho! Maybe he can help us!” 

Jibanyan pulled out a medal of an odd creature. It had the picture of a short blue oni with a single red eye, black horn on his head. He had an unwavering grin. One of his arms was tiny, carrying a tourist flag, while the other was large and motioned around as if waving to someone. Whisper’s eyes widened in recognition. “Ah, Leadoni! Of course! He could help find where they went!” 

So they summoned the Yo-Kai. Leadoni hopped around the platform. “Heehee! What do you need?”

“Leadoni, could you help us find where this group of teenagers went?” Whisper pulled out a picture of them on his Yo-Kai pad (Jibanyan wondered when he took that picture). “Nanako has disappeared, and we believe they have the key to finding her.” 

Leadoni’s jaw dropped. “Nanako is in danger? Don’t worry - I think I know where to find her! Follow me, follow me!” Leadoni scuttered off, as Whisper and Jibanyan made haste after him.

–*–

Leadoni had led them to a beautiful area. A white gate stood, covered in flowers and fauna. Islands floated above in the clear, bright blue sky. A massive beanstalk towered above. The pathway leading to the gate had a shallow pool of water, with broken pillars and more flowers growing on them. There were even two rainbows that looked like arches. 

Whisper and Jibanyan were speechless. “This place is… so beautiful.”

“Nyeah…”

“This is where they are, this is where they’ll be! Good luck!” Leadoni wished the two, and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

“Hey, Whisper? This place looks like what humans call Heaven, doesn't it?”

“Indeed…” They couldn’t help but keep looking in awe for a while, before eventually shaking themselves out of their amazement. “No, no, no ! As beautiful as this area is, we can’t just stand around admiring it! If Leadoni is correct, then Nanako’s friends must be here!” 

“Nyeah! Let’s go!” Jibanyan said, and the two dashed into the area!

–*–

Right as they entered, Jibanyan and Whisper could tell… this was an odd place. 

It was like a maze, multiple narrow paths branching in different directions. And oddly, on the walls were murals and floating statues of Yo-kai, like Komasan, Damona… “How odd… why are there Yo-Kai images here?” Whisper murmured. Jibanyan simply shrugged at that, not having any good theories.

But what really concerned them was that they weren’t alone in the maze. 

“Whisper. What the heck is that thing?” Jibanyan asked, pointing towards the odd creature. It was misshapen, blobby, and pitch black with a creepy mask.

“Why do you expect me to know?” Whisper pulled out his Yo-Kai Pad, showing there was no signal. “All I know is… that thing is certainly not a Yo-Kai!”

“It’s so creepy…” Jibanyan walked over to it to get a closer look. The creature turned around, startling him. It kept staring… and then it just moved away. “Hey! It saw me, but it didn’t do anything!”

“Maybe they’re friendly? Oh, then Nanako won’t be at risk from being attacked by those things!” Whisper breathed a sigh of relief.

“Yeah, but she’s still been thrown in here by a murderer.”

“A-Ack! I’m aware!” Whisper yelped. “I was just trying to ease some of my worries.”

“Ok, sorry about that, Whisper. Anyway, let’s keep going, nyan.” The 2 Yo-Kai continued walking through the maze, seeing more of those odd creatures… but not finding an exit. “Ugh. Where’s the next exit?” Jibanyan groaned in annoyance from walking around for hours.

“I know...” Whisper agreed, before turning to one of the creatures. “Hm, perhaps we could ask one of these fellows for directions?”

“You sure? I don’t think they can even talk. Besides those weird, gurgling noises.”

“Well, it’s worth a shot!” Whisper flew over in front of one. “Excuse me, good… thing!”

“Real smooth there, Whisper.”

“I was wondering if you have seen a group of human teenagers? We’ve been looking for them,” Whisper asked. The creature kept looking at him… and then shuffled away.

“H-HEY!” Whisper balked, flying in front of it again, now agitated! “Excuse me, I was talking to you! Could you please answer my question?!” The creature kept staring silently, further angering Whisper. “Why you…”

“Uh, Whisper, maybe you should calm down-”

“TALK, YOU STUPID THING!” Whisper snapped, grabbing and shaking the creature’s arms… before it dissolved. “WHAT IN THE-”

“DID YOU JUST KILL IT-”

The creature dissolved into two separate entities that had the same mask, yet completely different bodies. One looked like a snake that had a female gender logo wrapped around its body, and the other looked like a robot from a sci-fi film.

Jibanyan and Whisper shrieked at its transformation. The two creatures looked at them… before lunging forward to attack! 

“RUN!” The two Yo-Kai immediately bolted, running away from the monsters that gave chase after them! “WHY’D YOU HAVE TO BE A JERK TO IT?!” Jibanyan yelled.

“IT WAS BEING RUDE, TOO!” Whisper tried to excuse himself.

“THAT’S NOT AN EXCUSE!” 

“WELL- WAIT, LOOK!” Whisper pointed to a door, on the right! “IN THERE!” Jibanyan and Whisper immediately took a sharp turn, and dived through the door! “SHUT IT! QUICK!” They quickly slammed the door shut, blocking out the monsters! After that close shave, Jibanyan and Whisper stopped to take a breather, sliding down against the door.

“Oh jeez… That was scary...” Whisper panted.

“Yeah… no thanks to you !” Jibanyan snapped.

“How was I supposed to know that they’d become… whatever those things were?! I just shook it a little!”

“Well, it clearly didn’t like that, nya!” The two bickered for a bit, before groaning again.  “Ah dang it… This is going to be hard…”

“I hope Nanako hasn’t run into any of these things… We have to find her first!” Whisper said. The two finally looked around the room they had entered, and noticed the giant beanstalk in the middle of it. “How did we not notice that before?”

“We were too busy running for our lives.”

“Ah. Good point. Where does this lead?” They got up, and ascended the beanstalk, and climbed to the next floor of the area. “Huh? Is this another floor?” 

“So this place is like a building?”

“A maze that has multiple floors…” Whisper hummed in thought, before reaching a conclusion. “Ah! Then Nanako might be at the top floor!”

“You think so?”

“I have a gut feeling about it! When have my gut feelings ever steered us in the wrong direction?”

“...”

“...we don’t have time to argue about this, do we?”

“Definitely nyot.”

–*–

On the Paradise #3 of Heaven, the Investigation Team were currently battling Shadows they encountered. “It’s weak to electricity!” Rise Kujikawa informed the fighters.

“Got it. Kanji!” Yu called out.

“On it, Senpai! Rokuten Maoh!” Kanji Tatsumi crushed the floating Emperor Arcana Card in front of him, summoning his Persona. “Maziodyne!” Rokuten Maoh raised its sword, summoning bolts of lightning from above that struck all the enemies, knocking them down.

“Good. Everyone, All-Out Attack!” Yu commanded, as he, Naoto Shirogane, Kanji and Yukiko Amagi rushed at the knocked-down Shadows, attacking them ruthlessly while they were down, kicking up a cloud of dust! When it cleared, all the Shadows disappeared. 

“Uhh… oh, good job, everyone!” Rise absentmindedly said, which everyone caught on. 

“Rise? What’s wrong?” Yosuke Hanamura asked.

“It’s just…” Rise turned to everyone, looking worried. “I think we’re being followed…”

“Followed? By who?” Chie Satanoka asked. Everyone looked alarmed at the idea that they were being followed. 

“Is… is it Namatame?! Did that son of a bitch wait for us?” Yosuke growled. 

“No, I don’t think it’s him,” Rise shook her head. “Ever since we made it to the second floor, I’ve been feeling this presence. But it’s different… it’s not a human presence, nor is it something like a Shadow. It’s something… I’ve never felt before.” She closed her eyes, summoning her Persona Himiko again. Himiko placed the headset over her eyes, as Rise concentrated, trying to locate that odd presence she felt. After a short moment, she gasped.

“Guys! That presence… it’s coming in our direction!” She informed them all.

“What should we do?” Teddie asked nervously.

“Let’s be prepared. Chances are, it’s most likely an enemy,” Yu said. Everyone pulled out their weapons again, ready to face whatever fearsome enemy came their way…

They heard footsteps get louder and closer, as they gripped their weapons tighter. It was nearly here-

“NYAN! RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN!” 

“What the hell?” Kanji blinked. So did everyone else.

Whatever they were expecting, they certainly did not see a small, anthropomorphic orange cat, and a ghost-like creature running away frantically, coming towards them! They turned back, looking at the Shadows that were currently chasing them. “COME ON! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!” the orange cat cried out.

“I DON’T THINK THEY CARE!” the ghost screeched. They didn’t turn in front of them, as the Investigation Team were too dumbstruck to move, they inevitably-

BAM!

The two creatures collided into Yu and Teddie, bowling them over. “Oof...” The weird ghost thing groaned.

“What- what the hell is that thing?!” Yosuke sputtered out.

“IS THAT A GHOST?!” Chie nervously held Yukiko’s hand, stepping back a bit. Whisper and Jibanyan pulled themselves off Yu and Teddie, massaging their heads in pain. 

“Nyargh… please tell me we didn’t run into another one of those things, Whisper...” The cat groaned. The ghost called Whisper looked around, seeing the teenagers, before sighing in relief.

“Oh, it’s just Nanako’s friends!” Whisper said, and Jibanyan breathed out in relief as well.

And then the meaning of what Whisper just said hit them fully.

Whisper and Jibanyan slowly turned around, making creaking noises as they faced the confused Investigation Team.

“Are those Shadows?” Yukiko asked.

“Whisper. Can they see us right now?” Jibanyan slowly asked.

“Yes we can!” Yosuke answered.

“But- that can’t be! None of you wear a Yo-Kai Watch!” Whisper said.

“A… Yo-Kai Watch?” Kanji repeated, confused.

“Ok, what the hell is going on?!” Chie yelled. Before anyone else could say anything, Rise interrupted them all.

“Uh, guys? Before we question any further, we got Shadows coming our way!” She pointed to the Shadows running towards them! Jibanyan and Whisper shrieked, holding onto each other.

“AH!! THEY FOUND US!” 

“Great… Everyone, focus on the Shadows for now! We’ll deal with them later!” Yu decided, as everyone got ready to face the monsters. Yu summoned his Fool Tarot Card…

“Izanagi! Mazionga!” Crushing it in his hand, he summoned his main Persona Izanagi! 

Needless to say, Whisper and Jibanyan were blown away. “NYA?! WHAT’S THAT THING SUPPOSED TO BE?!” Izanagi cast bolts of thunder that electrocuted the Shadows; however, it didn’t do much damage.

“Thunder won’t work? Ok, leave this to me, Sensei! Kamui, Bufudyne!” Teddie clawed at the Star Arcana card in front of him, summoning his Persona!

“THERE’S MORE OF THEM?!” The Persona encased the creatures in ice and then shattered it, knocking them down!

“Good job! You know what to do! All Out Attack!” The teens commenced their All-Out Attacks again, attacking and killing the Shadows in a dust cloud of violence! When it cleared, the Shadows disappeared. 

“Woah…” Whisper and Jibanyan said in awe, their eyes sparkling. 

The teens remembered they had company, and immediately turned around and pointed their weapons at the Yo-Kai, making them shriek and hold on to each other again! “You two. What are you all?” Yu asked. His glare was terrifying!

“Now, hold on a minute, Yu, let’s calm down and put away the weapons...” Whisper nervously said.

“What the- how do you know my name?” Yu narrowed his eyes further, making them sweat bullets even faster.

“Er, funny thing, you might not believe this… we’re Nanako’s friends?” Whisper shrugged. The Investigation Team lowered their guard, looking baffled.

“… are you messing with us?!” Kanji growled.

“NONONO! I MEAN IT! LOOK!” Whisper quickly pulled out something shaped like a tablet, and quickly pulled out the gallery on it. “SEE?!” He held it out to everyone, who looked at it… and were surprised.

The tablet showed pictures of Nanako, Whisper and Jibanyan. From more common posing happily together to things like her eating doughnuts with them, catching bugs, at JUNES… with even more strange creatures present in some of the pictures! 

“What the hell?” Yosuke asked, puzzled.

“These…these pictures were taken in the real world...” Naoto noticed. “And it doesn’t seem to be edited, either, but…” Yu kept staring at the pictures… and then it hit him.

“… I’ve seen them before!” Yu realised, confusing them all.

“What the? Partner, you’ve met these things before?!” Yosuke asked.

“Not exactly. I’ve seen them in Nanako’s drawings!” 

“Her drawings?” Yukiko repeated, confused. This made no sense to them… They turned to the creatures.

“What are you all?” Yu finally asked again.

“We’re what you humans call, YO-KAI!”

Chapter Text

“So… where would you all like us to start?” Whisper asked the group. After hearing that they were Yo-Kai, they all agreed to teleport back to the entrance of Heaven so they could get explanations without being interrupted by Shadows.

“For starters, what do you mean by ‘Yo-Kai’?” Yosuke questioned. “I thought those things were old folk-tales.”

“It’s exactly what we mean! Yo-Kai are everywhere!” Whisper said, waving his hands around for emphasis. “Have you ever randomly had a problem or a change in attitude? Maybe your hair was messed up, getting tripped up, getting a flat tire? Did your socks ever go missing in the dryer? Well, oftentimes such irregular behavior is due to a Yo-Kai inspiriting you! There’s a Yo-Kai for all kinds of everyday activities, whether it be one that causes disharmony amongst a family, or one that makes you forgetful. Chances are, you have a Yo-Kai around you!”

“So, what? That means every time a small inconvenience happens to us, a Yo-Kai is causing that?” Chie asked.

“Well, nyot every time,” Jibanyan amended, shrugging, “but it’s a pretty likely chance.”

“Ok, so Yo-Kai exist…” Rise hummed for a moment. “With everything we’ve seen so far, this doesn’t sound too far-fetched, actually,” The rest of the team murmured in begrudging agreement.

“They took that pretty well,” Whisper said in surprise.

“I have a question; how come if humans can’t see Yo-Kai, Nanako-chan could see them?” Naoto asked.

“Because Nanako found something that belonged to her mother.” Everyone’s eyes widened as Whisper pulled something from his hammerspace. “Behold! The Yo-Kai Watch!” 

“Hey… you mentioned this thing before!” Kanji recalled.

“This device’s origins are mostly unknown, but it was made with the purpose to allow humans and Yo-Kai to communicate with each other. Nanako’s mother, Chisato Dojima, originally was its keeper,” Whisper said. He smiled, as he remembered his time with her. 

“I remember when I first met Madame Chisato… she was walking around in a forest, when she discovered a gachapon machine in the middle of the woods! She decided to try it out, and when she opened her prize, she freed me from my prison!”

“Your… prison?” Teddie tilted his head, confused.

“Yes. Nearly 2 centuries before meeting her, I was mistaken for an evil spirit and sealed away by a monk. Somehow, I ended up in the Crank-A-Kai machine, and that’s how she freed me! As thanks for freeing me, I gave her the Yo-Kai Watch, so we could communicate with each other and other Yo-Kai, as well as becoming her Yo-Kai butler!”

“So you knew Nanako-chan’s mom for years, huh…” Chie mused.

“Indeed! I watched her grow up, become a lady, even saw her marriage to Ryotaro, and seeing Nanako when she was born! It was so beautiful… albeit a bit gross, that last one.”

“But then...” Whisper’s expression saddened. “My mistress was slain . I was too late to push her out of the way when… she was hit by a car. Before she passed, she gave the Yo-Kai Watch to me, telling me that… she wanted Nanako to have it.”

“Really?” Yu whispered.

“She knew how badly this would affect her family… so she hoped that I would be able to help Nanako through her loneliness. And I promised Chisato to do just that!” Whisper shrugged. “And a year before you came, Yu, Nanako found the Yo-Kai Watch. She took the existence of Yo-Kai… surprisingly well for an 8-year old. From that day on, she spent her time getting to know the Yo-Kai world, and meeting every Yo-Kai in Inaba as well!”

“And that’s where I come in, nyan!” Jibanyan jumped in, proud. “I was Nanako’s first-ever Yo-Kai friend! I first met her at my old home, a street I used to stay in. I was busy training!”

“Training? How?” Chie asked, intrigued.

“By fighting TRUCKS!” Jibanyan clenched his paws, a new fire in his eyes.

“...I’m sorry, you fought WHAT?”

“He didn’t win against any of them, he kept getting sent flying,” Whisper deadpanned.

“WHISPER!”

“Why… were you trying to fight trucks?” Yosuke sweatdropped.

“Well, you see… Before I became a Yo-Kai, I used to be a housecat called Akamaru, to a girl called Emi! We were best friends, and we did everything together! But one day, Emi was running across the street, and a truck was going to hit her! So I pushed her aside to save her, but…”

“You died...” Rise slowly said. Everyone looked at Jibanyan, feeling bad for him.

“The last thing I heard from Emi was…”

“I can’t believe you got hit by a truck… lame.”

“WHAT?!?!” Everyone yelled, horrified. How could a girl be so cruel to a pet that had given their life to save them?!

"Well, I knew that Emi wouldn't have said that if I was strong enough to survive that hit!" Jibanyan cried out. "So I decided I'd fight trucks to become strong to prove myself to her! And Nanako saw me training, and instead of making fun of me like all the other Yo-Kai were doing, she respected my determination!"

“Aw… Nanako-chan was there to support you throughout, huh?” Yukiko smiled.

“Yep! And so, I gave her my Yo-Kai Medal!”

“A medal?” Naoto repeated. Jibanyan pulled out said medal to show everyone.

“A Yo-Kai medal is the symbol of friendship between a Yo-Kai and a human,” Whisper explained. “It also means that by inserting the medal into the Yo-Kai watch, the user can summon the Yo-Kai to assist them!”

“So, Nana-chan made friends with a lot of Yo-Kai, then?”

“Indeed! She’s such a friendly girl…”

“You got that right,” Yu nodded. “But I’ve got another question. When I met Nanako, she wasn’t wearing that watch. Why didn’t she have it then?”

“Nyan… that’s also a long story,” Jibanyan groaned. “See, while there are friendly Yo-Kai, there are also Yo-Kai that believe humans and Yo-Kai cannot co-exist.”

“More like some of them thought it wasn’t as profitable…” Whisper grumbled. “Most recently, there was an attempt to sever such relations by Chairman McKraken, a cruel Yo-Kai that wanted to take over the human world!”

“Woah, for real?!” Kanji said, shocked.

“Nanako was called to assist in stopping him, and we were able to defeat him in the end!” Whisper proclaimed. “However, this peace was not won without consequences. We had to seal the elevator that connected our worlds together. So all Yo-Kai were forced to return back to the Yo-Kai realm… us included.”

“I… I can’t believe Nanako-chan fought someone like that and WON,” Chie slowly said.

“Nyeah, she did… but because of that jerk, we were gone for nearly 7 months. Nanako lost all her Yo-Kai friends, and was stuck being all alone...” Jibanyan moaned.

“... when did this happen?” Yu suddenly asked.

“Hm, if I’m correct, I think it was March 15th.”

“I arrived in Inaba on the 11th of April… just a few weeks after you all left,” Yu informed them. “That explains why she was so sad for the first few weeks I stayed… she must have been mourning you all.”

“Nyan… we saw her drawings when we followed you home.”

“You WHAT?”

“What? We lived with Nanako! Where else would we stay?”

“... fair.” 

“Man, I’m still having a hard time believing Nanako-chan’s been having crazy adventures way before us.” Yosuke rubbed the back of his head.

“Nyep! When we get her back, we’ll tell you all about the adventures we’ve had together!”

“We’ll hold you to that.”

“Alright, now that we’ve given you our story, I do believe you owe us yours ,” Whisper said. “Pony up! What on Earth is this TV World? What is this area? What are those creatures, those spirits you summoned?”

“Oof, if you thought yours was a long story, wait till you hear ours…,” Yosuke shook his head. “Have any of you heard of the Midnight Channel?”  

Jibanyan and Whisper tilted their heads to the side.

“Nyope.”

“I can't say I have.”

“Well, the Midnight Channel was a rumor across town. It’s said that if you look at your TV on a rainy night, at exactly 12, you’ll see your soulmate,” Yu explained. “When I was told this rumor, I decided to check it out for myself during my first days. And I saw a girl… as did Yosuke and Chie.”

“Your soulmates were the same person?” 

“No. Because a few days later, during a foggy morning… The dead body of that girl was discovered.”

“HUH!?” Jibanyan and Whisper paled (even though Whisper was already white). 

“Yeah… she was my senpai…,” Yosuke sadly said, looking at the ground. Yu put a comforting hand on his shoulder. “A day before her body was discovered, me, Yu and Chie were in the TV aisle of JUNES. And somehow, Yu had managed to stick his hand into the TV. We panicked, and then we accidently fell in.”

“How do you accidentally fall into a TV?” Jibanyan said, deadpan. 

“Shut up! How else were we supposed to react to that?! It was freaky as hell!” Yosuke defended himself. “Anyway, while trying to find a way out, we met Teddie here.” The bear-suit waved to them. “He apparently lived here, and he kicked us out quickly.”

“Hold on, you lived here?” Whisper asked Teddie, before realizing something. “Wait a minute, where’s that other boy who was with you all in the food court?”

“Oh, that’s…” Teddie reached for his head, and pulled it off, revealing said boy under the suit! “ME! Hee hee! Surprised?”

“How did you… you weren’t wearing that before!”

“We’ll get to that part eventually,” Yu told them. “After Saki Konishi passed away, we came to the theory that any time someone appears on the Midnight Channel, they will die after a set amount of time.”

“You saw those creatures, right? We call them Shadows. How did they react to you at first?” Yosuke asked.

“Well, they ignyored us at first… But when Whisper ROUGHLY SHOOK one…” Jibanyan shot a look at the Yo-Kai. “They turned all freaky and tried attacking us.”

“You burned one with your tails!”

“Unlike what you did! That was an accident!”

“Can you two please pay attention?” Naoto sighed. “The reason the Shadows didn’t attack you at first was because of the fog. The fog here seems to keep the Shadows docile, and they normally don’t attack humans. But when a foggy day occurs in the real world, the fog from the TV World clears, making the Shadows go berserk and kill the human inside it. Then, their body is ejected into the real world, hanging from telephone wires.”

“Nyeesh… sounds really scary,” Jibanyan shivered.

“Yeah, it is. So, we came to the conclusion that whoever the killer was, they were behind the murders, and they were throwing people into the TV. Since we were the only ones who knew about the TV World, we decided we’d put a stop to the killer.”

“Why didn’t you tell the police?” Whisper asked. “Ah, wait - for the same reasons nobody would believe you if you told them about us, I presume?”

“Correct,” Yukiko responded. Gesturing to herself, Kanji, Rise and Naoto, she explained, “We ourselves were nearly victims of the killer. He threw all of us into the TV. But Yu-kun led the team to save each of us, along with Teddie helping find us as well.”

“Ah, so you’re the leader?” Whisper floated over to Yu, who nodded. “But how did you fight these creatures in the first place?”

“With our Personas.” Yu summoned the Fool Tarot Card in front of him, and crushed it. With a burst of blue flames, came Izanagi. Jibanyan and Whisper were in awe. “Personas… they’re the mask we wear to protect ourselves from the world. They are us, we are them. Consider them the manifestation of our personalities.”

“Ah, hence the name Personas! I see… How did you get them?” 

“Well, we had to… face ourselves.”

“Huh?”

“When we were thrown into the TV, our Shadow Selves manifested. They are an exaggerated manifestation of our innermost, darkest thoughts, insecurities and feelings,” Naoto said, putting a hand on her chest. “To gain a Persona, you must face your Shadow Self, and accept it as yourself. If you don’t, they will go berserk, and kill you.”

“Woah… you guys had to face your Shadow Selves to get those Persona thingies?” Jibanyan asked.

“Yeah. It wasn’t easy… we all denied them at first. But after Yu and the others would defeat them, we’d find the strength to accept them as ourselves.”

“Weirdly, Partner never had a Shadow Self to begin with… maybe cause he just moved here when we first entered the TV World. He’s also got a special power. Usually, we can only summon one Persona, but Yu has the power to summon several different ones!” 

“Really?!” Yu summoned a new Tarot Card to demonstrate, summoning Trumpeter. “WOAH!”

“My Persona is a supporting one, and Teddie…” Rise trailed off. “He’s a different case. He was actually a Shadow that managed to grow himself, a human body, and a Persona!”

“Wait, WHAT? You’re one of those things?” Jibanyan and Whisper turned to Teddie. 

“Yep! It’s beary cool, right?” Teddie asked, but the two groaned at that pun. “Rude!”

“That pun sucked, bear… okay, so we got the whole Persona thingy, but what about this whole area? And why was Nanako thrown in here?”

“Well, we eventually were able to deduce a pattern on who was going to be kidnapped next. We discovered that the people who died, and the ones who were kidnapped were people who were seen, or at least heard on TV. Then they would appear on the Midnight Channel. And recently… Nanako appeared on it.”

“Which meant the killer would come for her next…” Whisper slowly realized.

“And when Nanako was thrown in, this area spawned.”

“Huh? How?”

“This whole area is the materialization of Nanako’s dreams and desires… based on Heaven. We theorize it’s because she misses her mother…” Yu trailed off, and the Yo-Kai's expressions saddened further. “And you guys.”

“That’s right… there were statues of Yo-Kai in the maze!” Whisper remembered.

“So that’s what those things were. We were confused about what they were supposed to be at first,” Kanji said. Yu cleared his throat, bringing everyone’s attention to him.

“Ok, now that we’re all caught up with each other, we should continue our exploration. Rise?” He turned to the Navigator, who nodded. “Rise can teleport us to the last floor we reached.”

“So, we’re heading back in?” Jibanyan and Whisper nodded. “Then let’s get going! We have no time to lose!”

“Nyeah! LET’S GO!”

Chapter Text

Now that the humans and Yo-Kai could communicate, they began working together to get through Heaven. This time, it was far easier for the Yo-Kai, since Rise was helping navigate their way through, and the Investigation Team battled the Shadows. When Jibanyan found out Rise was Risette the Idol, he went fanboy mode immediately, and Rise happily indulged him with stories.

“...And I also really loved your album with Next HarMEOWny! You girls were so cool together!” Jibanyan kept gushing.

“Aw, you’re such a sweetheart! All the girls in Next HarMEOWny were so fun to work with!” Rise giggled. “Fiona was my personal favourite.”

“No way, I love her too! She’s so cute!”

“Yeah yeah, we get you’re having fun, now can you ANALYSE THEIR WEAKNESSES, PLEASE?!” Yosuke yelled.

As they continued, Jibanyan and Whisper named each of the Yo-Kai that were present as statues and murals. 

“And that’s Cheeksqueek… We don’t like him.”

“... why is his face like that?”

“Take a wild guess.”

The 2 Yo-Kai being part of the group now helped… lighten the mood. Before, it was tense. Yu was deathly serious, as he rushed through the dungeons and made the team have a hard time keeping up. Any Shadows that they ran into were defeated quickly. But Whisper and Jibanyan being there, telling them short stories of the adventures they had with Nanako helped calm him down.

Eventually, they found the staircase to the next floor. When they climbed up, Rise gasped. “Senpai! I can hear Nanako-chan’s voice!” Rise told everyone.

“WHAT?! WHERE?!” Whisper yelled.

“I can’t make it out… We need to find out where it’s coming from! It’s on this floor!”

“Then what are we waiting for?! CHARGE!” Everyone ran as fast as they could through the hallway, even trampling an unfortunate Shadow doing so! Eventually, they reached a door, which they opened up. And that’s when they heard it more clearly…

“Mom…”

“That’s Nana-chan’s voice!” Teddie realized. Everyone looked up to the sky. 

“Mom, where are you? Why did you disappear? Why did you leave me?” Nanako’s voice tearfully rang out.

“Are these… Nanako-chan’s feelings?” Chie slowly asked.

“Oh, my… she’s thinking of Madame Chisato…” Whisper realized. Jibanyan’s ears fell.

“But I’m not lonely. I have Dad with me. I know he’s always late coming home… and he never plays with me because he’s always busy. He can’t cook or do the laundry, either. He tries to be nice, even though he’s a little scary sometimes… but I still love him.”

“Oh, Nanako…” Yukiko whispered.

“But there’s also Jibanyan and Whisper!” The mentioned Yo-Kai perked up at the mention of their names. “Jibanyan may eat all the chocolate, and Whisper might be a real know-it-all… ” Suddenly the Yo-Kai felt a little less sad. “But, they were also there for me… and now they’re gone, too. I miss them a lot, Mom… almost as much as I miss you.”

“Nanako…” Whisper and Jibanyan felt as if they were about to cry. 

“I also have a big bro now… but… First I lost you, then all my Yo-Kai friends… I don’t want to lose Big Bro as well… I don’t want to be alone again…” And Nanako’s voice faded away. Everyone was silent, until Kanji broke it with his voice cracking slightly.

“A little girl, losing everyone she cares about… scared to get attached and become lonely again…” Kanji slowly said.

“Nana-chan…” Teddie said. Whisper and Jibanyan were crying waterfalls of tears. To think Nanako had been suffering internally so much…

“Come on, guys…” Yosuke declared. “We can’t meet Nanako-chan crying like this! We gotta give her a big smile!” His attempt to lighten up everyone’s spirits didn’t work as well as he hoped, unfortunately.

Suddenly Rise snapped her head up in alarm, and began looking around the area.

“Is something wrong?” Naoto asked.

“Something’s not right… Someone else besides Nanako-chan is here,” She informed the group. Everyone snapped to attention hearing her. Whisper and Jibanyan stopped crying. “It was faint at first, but now I can tell for sure. There’s someone else here. And whoever it is, their power is getting stronger.”

Yosuke gasped. “Could it be Namatame?! Did he duck in here, like with Mitsuo?”

“Who?” Whisper asked.

“We’ll tell you later,” Naoto said. “Perhaps Namatame did… he seemed particularly determined to kidnap Nanako-chan.”

“But why? If he’s the real culprit, he should know the dangers of this world,” Yukiko said.

“Well, her dad’s a detective, so he probably decided to jump in to avoid getting caught, nyan,” Jibanyan suggested.

“A good theory. He might’ve entered through the TV near the crash site…” Naoto’s eyes widened in horror with a realization. “Which means Nanako-chan is in grave danger!”

“NYAH?! WE HAVE TO HURRY!” Jibanyan screeched, running around in panic before Kanji grabbed his head, stopping him.

‘Damn, his fur’s fluffy…’

“Everyone, move out!” Yu ordered, and the group started running again. They didn’t hesitate to strike down any Shadows that stood in their way. Whisper and Jibanyan straight up threw one off the edge. 

As they continued their ascent, they heard the thoughts of Namatame in the air.

“No… that’s not it… I just wanted to live peacefully…”

“Hrnk… Nanako-chan’s presence is being drowned out…,” Rise grunted. “Nanako, if you can hear us, please answer! We’re all coming for you!”

“This place, it’s so quiet… I wish I could’ve lived here, together with…”

“Together…? Does he think he’s with Nanako-chan? Gross!”

“Nyohhhhh, this dude’s gonna get a Paws of Fury to the face when we find him!” Jibanyan snarled, clenching his paws.

Soon, the team reached the 7th Paradise of Heaven. The sky was now an orange sunset. “I’ve discovered the new world. I must save people… Yes, only I can…”

“A savior complex, hm?” Whisper frowned. “He must not realize the harm he’s caused everyone!”

“You got that right!” Kanji agreed. But to everyone’s surprise, Nanako’s voice rang out!

“I want them all to come back… Please come back, Whisper… Jibanyan…”

“Nanako-chan’s signal is getting stronger!” Rise told everyone. “We’re close!”

“Don’t worry, Nanako! We’re gonna see you again, nyan!” Jibanyan yelled into the sky, hoping Nanako would be able to hear him.

After fighting a strong Shadow, they found the stairs to the 8th Paradise of Heaven. 

“I won’t hand over this girl… This time, for sure, I'll…” Namatame’s voice trailed off.

“What, is he planning to commit suicide with-” Rise absentmindedly thought out loud, before stopping and realizing what she just said.

“GAH! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO PUT THAT IDEA IN MY HEAD, MISS RISE?!” Whisper screeched, shaking the idol.

“Sorry!” Rise pushed Whisper away from her. “But now’s not the time for wondering what he’s planning… We have to keep going!”

Now they were on the 9th Paradise of Heaven. “Mom, I’m scared!” Nanako’s voice rang out. “Dad…? Jibanyan…? Whisper…? Please… help…”

“NANAKO! WE’RE NEARLY THERE!” Yu yelled.

“THAT MAN WON’T HURT YOU!” Whisper yelled alongside him.

“She’s just up ahead!” Rise said. 

“Well then, let’s go!” Whisper said.

“Hold on- Senpai!” Yu turned around to face the team. They all looked tired, panting. “None of the team are in any condition to keep going. We have to retreat!” Rise said.

“RETREAT?! OUT OF THE QUESTION!” Whisper yelled. “Nanako is right ahead, as you said! We can’t abandon our journey here!”

“Dude, don’t worry,” Yosuke said. “We can teleport back here after leaving. We won’t have to start from the very bottom again.”

“Even still, you can’t seriously think we should leave Nanako here overnight!” Yu protested.

“Yu-kun, I know you want to save her,” Yukiko said. “But none of us have the stamina to continue. If we run into Namatame and have to battle him, we will certainly lose our lives!” 

“Sensei, I know you’re worried, but we gotta head back for now!” Teddie sighed.

The Yo-Kai and Yu wanted to protest… but they knew the team was in no condition to continue. “… okay. Let’s… let’s go.” He pulled out a Goho-M, and they were all back at the entrance of Heaven.

“Hey, talk about handy!” Jibanyan commented. “But how do we get out?”

“Leave that to Teddie!” Teddie spawned a stack of TVs from thin air. “Just hop in!”

“… I’m not even gonna question that, nyan.”

–*–

Everyone exited the TV smoothly, no customers seeing them. It was evening now. “We’ve made really good progress for the first time entering the dungeon,” Yu told the team. “Again, tomorrow after school, we’re going back in.”

Nobody argued.

But Whisper had a thought, as he flew in front of Yu.

“Yu, can you still see us now?” Whisper asked.

“Uh, yeah. We can still see you both,” Yu asked, a little confused. 

“Interesting…”

“How’s that interesting?” Chie asked.

“I think I see what he means,” Naoto said. “Before, we were unaware of Jibanyan and Whisper following us. After meeting them in the TV World, however, we could see them. Perhaps due to meeting them in the Midnight Channel, we can now see them in the real world as well?”

“Nyan? How does that work?” Jibanyan asked.

“I’m not exactly sure. Either way, this will be more convenient. It would feel odd, talking to thin air.”

“Either way, it would look like that to other humans, nyan.” Jibanyan reminded them.

“Great… hopefully people don’t notice and think we’re whackjobs,” Yosuke groaned.

“Nya, Nanako had to deal with this all the time before…” That got a small chuckle out of them all, and they all returned home.

–*–

Soon, Yu and the Yo-Kai had returned home. As Yu was ready to go to bed, Whisper and Jibanyan stopped him for a moment. “Hey, Yu… I know you’re worried, but…” Whisper and Jibanyan clenched their fists, with determined expressions. “You don’t have to worry! We’re gonna save Nanako tomorrow, for sure!”

“Nyan! Nobody’s gonna separate us again!” Jibanyan added. Hearing their determination, Yu smiled.

“...Thanks, guys. Nanako is lucky to have good friends like you.” 

And with that, they went to sleep, readying for tomorrow.

Chapter Text

The next day. Everyone met up at JUNES, ready to go in. “This is it,” Yu proclaimed. “We’re going in, right now. Nanako comes home today.”

“Damn right!” Kanji chimed in.

“Namatame…” Yosuke growled. “That bastard is going to answer for everything! The murders… kidnapping Nanako… he’s going to pay!”

“Now, let’s head in there!” Whisper declared. “CHAAAARGE!”

–*–

Back on the 9th Paradise of Heaven, the group was able to find the stairs to the next floor quickly! “Come on!” 

Reaching the top floor, this time, there was an island with a golden gate. “I can sense her! Nanako is definitely behind those doors!” Rise told everyone.

“Which means Namatame should be there as well…” Yu narrowed his eyes dangerously. “We’ve checked everywhere else here - this is the only place he could be. Get ready, everyone.”

“Oh, we’re ready, ” Chie grinned.

“Nyan! Let’s get that punk!”

“Actually, wait!” Naoto told the group, as everyone turned to the detective. “If the killer sees us approaching, he’ll take Nanako as a hostage to prevent us from attacking him.” 

“If that bastard tries anything like that, I’m going to kick his damn face in!” Chie snarled.

“But… he wouldn’t see Jibanyan and Whisper coming...” Everyone turned to the two Yo-Kai in question, who looked confused. “I have a plan to get Nanako away from the killer, should this happen.”

“What’s the idea, Naoto?”

“Allow me to explain…”

–*–

The Investigation Team rushed over the bridge, reaching the sole island it connected to. The island had several angelic statues circling the edge, and a staircase that led to a huge podium in the middle of it all. And right at the foot of the stairs…

“Big bro!” Nanako yelled, grappling with a man in a bright-green delivery uniform. She struggled as much as she could, but couldn’t break out of his grip.

“NANAKO!” Yu yelled.

He was about to dash forward, when the man pulled her back. “STAY BACK! ALL OF YOU!” he yelled.

“You… you must be Taro Namatame!” Yu hissed, wanting to sock the man in the face, and hard .

“So you’re the killer,” Yosuke snarled.

“You come into my world,” Teddie growled out, “you hurt my friends, you take them and nearly get them killed…”

“Let her go, NOW!” Yukiko demanded, her hand reaching for her tessen. 

Namatame looked at the teenagers, before he madly grinned.  “Ha… you’re all the ones I saved before… Don’t worry, I’ll save this girl too…”

“What the hell is this guy talking about?” Kanji asked, before shaking his head. “Quit talking crap, and let the girl go!”

Namatame tightened his grip, bringing Nanako closer to him. “STAY BACK!”

“Kanji-kun! Don’t approach him now!” Naoto said. “He’s too unpredictable right now… let’s keep him talking!” 

“Alright…” Yu thought for only a moment. “Namatame! What is the Midnight Channel?”

“People needing to be saved appear…” Namatame explained. “That’s why I have to put them in the TV…” 

“ Saving ? What does he mean by that?” Teddie whispered.

“Hrng…” Nanako kept trying to pull herself out, but it was useless. His grip was too strong. But in the corner of her eye, she saw something moving. Was that…?

“Why are you doing this?” Yu asked another question.

“ As I said … I have to save them all…”

“You put the people you saw on the Midnight Channel into the TV, am I correct?” Naoto asked.

“Of course I did! They were asking to be saved…”

“Funny, last I checked, I didn’t ask for saving!” Rise snapped.

“And you didn’t save shit !” Kanji yelled. “You did the opposite !” 

“If I didn’t put you all in… where would you have been right now?” Namatame countered.

“Wait…” Rise mumbled. “Are you saying if you didn’t put us in, we wouldn’t have been able to face ourselves?” 

“WHAT?! But that nearly got us killed !” Yukiko protested.

“No… you came out fine ! Happier !”

“So you kidnapped people who appeared on the Midnight Channel… why didn’t you save Saki?” Yosuke demanded.

“On rainy nights, they signal me… they’re begging to be saved…”

“Goddammit…” Kanji grumbled. “What's with this saving bullshit?! Is saving supposed to mean killing?” 

“ No ! I… I’m saving them…” Namatame breathed out.

“ Bullshit ! People have died because of you!”

Namatame shook his head. “Heh… you can believe whatever you want… but I know that you’ve come here to kill her…”

“WHAT?!” Nanako yelped. “Big Bro’s not a killer!”

“No… he’s not who he seems… I have to save you! I won’t let you hurt this girl!”

“Funny, we were about to say the same thing!” A voice that Namatame couldn’t recognize rang out. Namatame whipped his head around, and-

“PAWS OF FURY!”

He was struck by Jibanyan, right in the face! “Grk!” He let go of Nanako, and Whisper flew in, grabbing her hand and pulling her away!

“Whisper?!” Nanako’s eyes brightened, seeing her Yo-Kai friend come to her aid! 

Jibanyan continued to pound away at Namatame’s face, as the man struggled to get him off.  “NYANYANYANYANYAH! TAKE THIS, NYAMATAME!” he yelled, as Whisper set her back down in front of the Investigation Team.

“Big Bro!” Nanako shrieked, running over to her cousin.

“Nanako!” Yu immediately grabbed Nanako and hugged her tightly, as the Investigation Team gathered around.

“Oh thank god, you’re ok!” Yukiko breathed in relief.

“That was too close!” Chie couldn’t help but cry.

“You’re all safe now, Nana-chan!” Teddie added.

“We gotcha, Nanako,” Kanji assured her.

Naoto smiled. “The plan worked… good job.” Jibanyan jumped away after pummeling Namatame to the other side of the platform, joining the rest of them.

Nanako turned back, to see Whisper and Jibanyan right in front of her. “Whisper, Jibanyan… is it really you guys?”

“In the spirit and flesh, Nanako!” Whisper smiled, doing a bow.

“Nyuh-huh! We missed you so much!”

“But… how?”

“The Yo-Kai Elevator! It got repaired!” Whisper explained. Nanako looked at them, her eyes quivering… until finally, the dam burst.

“WHISPER! JIBANYAN!” She cried as she hugged the both tightly. “I MISSED YOU GUYS SO MUCH!”

“WE MISSED YOU TOO, NANAKO!” Whisper cried back, a waterfall of tears coming from his eyes.

“YOU WON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT LOSING US AGAIN!” Jibanyan added. The 3 kept crying happily at their reunion, while the Investigation Team watched with smiles. After they were done crying at their reunion, Whisper moved back, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes.

“Now, I think you’ll be needing this!” Whisper pulled out the Yo-Kai Watch from his hammerspace, and held it out to Nanako. The young girl’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“The Yo-Kai Watch!” Nanako took it, and put it on. When she strapped it to her wrist, the watch glinted in the light. “Man… feels good to have this back on!”

Unfortunately, the heartwarming reunion was cut short, as Namatame recovered from Jibanyan’s assault. He looked at them all, growling, huffing and puffing like a madman. “No… I can’t stop… I won’t let you monsters kill that girl!” he roared, before a dark aura suddenly surrounded him! He looked down… before turning back up, his eyes now shining yellow!

“Huh?!” The 3 non-Persona-users gasped, while the Investigation Team pulled out their weapons. “What’s up with him now?!” Nanako quickly pulled up the Yo-Kai Watch and activated the light. She shined it on Namatame, but nobody appeared! Nanako looked around the area, but still no luck.

“Nanako…” Whisper told her. “This isn’t a Yo-Kai! It’s something far stranger!”

“What a wonderful world… An unknown, unreachable place with pleasant fog… Here, I’m a savior…” Namatame grinned, his voice now dark and distorted. “It’s filthy out there… so many villains… That’s why I have to save them… I’m the savior … a righteous hero…” 

“Is this a Shadow Self?” Yukiko wondered.

“But you’re in the way… give that girl back… I HAVE TO SAVE HER!” Namatame roared. The dark aura surrounding him disappeared. In its place, red and black clouds began to enter him forcefully. Namatame yelled in pain as the red shadow clouds began to move into him; more and more appeared, and everyone shielded themselves from the clouds as they watched him twitch, slowly being raised into the air…

“What’s going on…?” Naoto yelled, as she held onto her cap. As Namatame rose into the air, his body began to mutate, distorting and growing…

“We have to do something, right now!” Teddie told everyone. “His powers are attracting Shadows to him!”

“Huh?! Shadows? Big Bro, what is he talking about?!” Nanako asked.

“We’ll explain later… first we need to stop him!” Yu decided.

“Yeah, but do we have any ideas on how to do that?” Chie asked.

“He’s merging with the Shadows?” Rise realized. 

There was a flash of bright light. As everyone re-opened their eyes, they saw Namatame was gone… and in his place, was something so much more scary.

It was a massive, towering humanoid creature. It had pitch-black skin with red lines all over it. It wore a white shirt with a heart symbol, an ampersand under it, and a peace sign under the ampersand. It had small, red wings on his back. His blood-red eyes were misaligned, and the top of his head was cleanly cut off. Instead, there was a massive, rotating set of red gears in the style of a halo, and the top of his head was attached onto it.

“GAH! WHAT IS THAT?” Nanako shrieked, as Whisper and Jibanyan clung to her.

“NYIKES! And I thought McKracken was ugly!” Jibanyan screeched.

“I AM KUNINO-SAGIRI… I’m going to save her… DON’T INTERFERE!” the creature screeched.

Nanako couldn’t help but scream.

Yu protectively stood in front of Nanako, and he and his friends readied their weapons! 

“Whisper, Jibanyan, take Nanako and run! We’ll handle this!” Yu told them. 

Yosuke nodded. “I’ve got Trafuri ready to go-”

“What?! Big Bro, I’m not going to leave you guys behind-”

“Don’t worry, Nanako! They can handle themselves!” Whisper said, grabbing her hand. Nanako looked back at everyone, who nodded. She didn’t want to leave… but she trusted them. So she nodded back, and ran with Whisper and Jibanyan…

BONK!

…only for them to run face first right into an invisible wall! “Ow…” Nanako pulled herself off, and pushed against it to no avail. “Are we locked in here?!”

“Like I said… I won’t stop until I SAVE YOU!” Kunino-Sagiri boomed.

“I don’t need your saving!” Nanako growled out. “That’s it…” She reached into her pocket, only to see she had nothing in them. “Oh no! I don’t have my Yo-Kai Medals anymore!”

“Not to fear, Nanako! Because you see...” Whisper smiled, as he handed a large red tome to her. “I had the feeling you might need this!” In it were several small medallions, all neatly arranged. Nanako awed, before grinning at Whisper. 

“The Medallium! Thanks, Whisper!” Nanako said, giggling as Whisper bowed. She picked out some medallions, before holding them in her hands, and raising her watch. “Now that I’ve got my Yo-Kai Medals back… let's stop him!” Nanako declared.

“NYEAH!” Jibanyan yelled, getting pumped up.

“Wait, Nanako, you can’t fight! Stay back and let us-” Yu tried to say.

“No way, big bro! You’ve been doing a lot of cool stuff with your friends… so let me show you what I’ve got!” Nanako stepped forward, and showed off her watch, as it began to glow. 

“Ooh, she’s going to bring him in!” Whisper excitedly said. “You’re going to see how she summons her Yo-Kai!” He told the Investigation Team.

She brought it down with a trail of rainbow light, holding it in front of her. She clicked the side of the lid, opening it up! 

Then in her other hand, she held the golden Yo-Kai Medal. “Alright… come on out, my friend…” She flipped the medal up high, revealing its symbol. “VENOCT!” The medal fell back down, as Nanako caught it, and inserted it into the watch’s slot. “Yo-Kai Medal, set on!”

As soon as she inserted the medal, the watch’s hands began to spin and spin at high speeds! Soon, bright swirls of neon kanji came from the watch, as the Yo-Kai she summoned appeared in a bright light! Everyone watched in amazement as the Yo-Kai manifested.

It had snow-white skin and golden eyes, long dark teal hair that covered most of its face, with a ponytail. It wore a dark-purple kimono and a black overcoat hanging off its waist, tied together with a white belt. But what really stuck out was the cyan blue scarf around it, which had snapping dragon-heads. As it landed on the ground, it announced its name. “VENOCT!”

“Incredible… it’s like summoning our Personas!” Yukiko breathed.

Venoct turned to Nanako.

“Are you alright, Nanako?” He asked.

“Mhm! I missed you, Venoct! Now, I need your help to take down that jerk who kidnapped me in the first place!” Nanako pointed to Kunino-Sagiri. Looking at it, Venoct narrowed his eyes dangerously.

“Very well. But I can tell that’s a very strong foe. I won’t be able to handle it on my own.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll summon more Yo-Kai!” Nanako assured him.

“But I’m more worried about you .”

She tilted her head at that. “The air in this place… it’s unlike anything I’ve seen… and it’s certainly not safe for you, given your weaker body.”

“I have just the Yo-Kai to deal with that. Come on, Mama Aura!” With another medal, Nanako summoned a human-like Yo-Kai, who sat in a golden cloud.

“Woah! What kind of Yo-Kai is that?!” Yosuke asked in amazement.

“Who knew Nana-chan had so many ghost friends?”

“Mama Aura, use your magic to make sure Nanako’s health remains fine, while she summons other Yo-Kai to help fight this abomination with me,” Venoct said. Mama Aura nodded. A yellow aura enveloped Nanako, making her feel relaxed and healthier.

“Thanks, Mama Aura!”

“No problem, dearie. I’m here for you,” Mama Aura kindly said.

“Now with that out of the way… Jibanyan, go help Venoct!”

“On it, nyan!” Jibanyan rushed to his side.

“Kunino-Sagiri! You will answer for putting a friend of mine in harm’s way!” Venoct declared.

“Yeah! Bring it, nyan!” 

“Wait! Nanako, we’re helping your Yo-Kai friends as well!” Yu told her. 

“Are you sure big bro? That guy looks really scary!”

“Yeah, well, we’ll see who’s scary after we pound in his face!” Kanji punched his fists together. 

“Ok, then! Now, let me summon the rest of my friends!” Nanako inserted the rest of her medals, summoning Blizzaria, Kyubi and Cruncha. The 3 summoned Yo-Kai joined Jibanyan, Venoct and the Investigation Team in battling Kunino-Sagiri. 

“My, it seems you can’t keep yourself out of trouble after all, Nanako,” Kyubi said.

“Can you save the attitude for later? We have an enemy to take down!” Blizzaria scolded.

“Pah! Any threat to Nanako is an enemy of ours!” Cruncha growled, his pincers clicking together.

“Guys, my big bro and his friends are going to help you take on that bad guy! Work with them!”

“The little girl… she’s brainwashed by these monsters! I won’t let you stop me from saving her!” Kunino-Sagiri roared at the Yo-Kai.

“Calling us monsters when you look like that? Oh, how rich,” Kyubi scoffed. He lit a flame in his hand, pointing it at Kunino-Sagiri. “You need to work off that ugly tan of yours.”

“Alright… everyone, let’s get him!”

–*–

Kunino-Sagiri was one of the most difficult fights the Investigation Team had yet. With his ability to drain the stamina from them, nullifying their resistances to his elemental attacks, he was truly a difficult foe.

But Nanako’s Yo-Kai were able to help. They had Kyubi and Blizzaria, who Inspirited Kunino-Sagiri to not only whittle down his health, but also his strength and speed. Venoct and Cruncha, meanwhile, Inspirited the team to increase their stats, making them feel far stronger! 

“Alright, this Inspiriting thing RULES!” Chie cheered, as she summoned Suzuka Gongen to hit the monster with a God’s Hand.

Nanako was playing a support role, helping the Yo-Kai by throwing them food from Whisper’s hammerspace that healed them, along with telling them where to aim, all while Mama Aura made sure Nanako’s health was fine.

Their fighting styles were also unique. Kyubi battled elegantly, flying around as he attacked with his flames. Blizzaria fought from a distance, aiming her blizzards precisely at the limbs to freeze him in place. 

Jibanyan, Venoct and Cruncha attacked close range. Whereas Jibanyan would zip around, attacking Kunino-Sagiri everywhere, Cruncha quite literally would go for the throat with his pincers. Venoct was quick, and striked with precision. Any attack aimed at him would be skillfully dodged.

As Nanako supported them, she also watched as her Big Bro and his friends fought the monster with awe. To think Yu and his pals were so cool! When did they get those powers? They didn’t look like Yo-Kai… especially with those cards they summoned from thin air. 

She had SO MUCH to ask Big Bro when this was over.

Soon, Kunino-Sagiri was on his last legs, and Nanako was ready to end it with a bang. She raised her Yo-Kai Watch, pressing a button as the watch began to glow blue! “Alright, Jibanyan! Ready for the finale?” Nanako yelled.

“NYEAH! I’ve missed doing that! Bring it!” Jibanyan nodded back. Blue flames came from the watch and were absorbed by Jibanyan, who felt his power grow stronger and stronger! 

“NOW!” Nanako yelled, as there was a burst of blue light! Jibanyan jumped up, right in front of Kunino-Sagiri’s face!

“TAKE THIS! PAWS OF FURY!” Jibanyan roared, as he unleashed a flurry of furious punches right on Kunino-Sagiri’s face, and with one final punch, he sent Kunino-Sagiri sprawling out. 

“NO… NO!!!” Kunino-Sagiri screamed as he collapsed, his halo falling apart, before fading away. Left in his place was Namatame.

“Dammit… why?” He weakly asked, before collapsing.

Chapter Text

Nanako was… very befuddled right now. “What happened? How did he become that… thing?” She yelped. The other Yo-Kai moved cautiously towards the man, leering at him.

“How odd. Since when were humans capable of that?” Blizzaria wondered.

“What a sickening power…” Venoct narrowed his eyes.

Kyubi folded his arms. “We’ve been gone from the human world for far too long. Who knows what cursed beings have been causing trouble…” 

“We’ll have time to think about that later!” Whisper said, patting Nanako on the shoulder. “What matters is you’re safe from that man!” 

“Close enough… we’ll let the police deal with him,” Yu said as he looked at the man. Kanji hauled Namatame on his shoulders. He turned back to Nanako, smiling. “Let’s get out of here.”

Nanako’s eyes brightened with a smile. “Ok! How do we do that though… Oh, maybe I can call Mirapo!”

“I assume that’s another Yo-Kai, but we have our own way of leaving. Senpai?” Naoto turned to Yu, who pulled out a Goho-M.

“I suppose we’ll take our leave now. Take care, Nanako,” Venoct said, as he and the other Yo-Kai disappeared with a puff.

“Bye! Thanks for the help!” Everyone waved goodbye. With a flash of light from the GOHO-M, they were all back at the entrance to the Midnight Channel. Nanako’s eyes widened, looking around in shock. 

“Huh?! How did-?”

“We’ll explain everything later, Nanako-chan,” Yukiko said. “Teddie?”

“On it!” With a wave of his hands, Teddie spawned a stack of TVs! 

“Now I’m even more confused… Why have Teddie summon a bunch of TVs?” Nanako muttered, massaging her head. “So, uh what do we do?”

“Go through the TV! Come on,” Yosuke gestured, as he entered the TV to demonstrate. The rest of the team headed through, leaving Yu, Whisper and Jibanyan. Nanako kept blinking.

“Come on Nanako.” Yu reached a hand out to her. “Let’s go.” Nanako took it, as she walked over to the TV… and threw herself into it!

–*–

“Oof!” Nanako grunted as she landed on the floor of the JUNES Electronics Department- Wait, JUNES? “Huh? How did I get to JUNES?” She muttered. 

“Well… this is how we get to the TV World in the first place.” Nanako turned up to face Yosuke and the others, who stood in front of her. Namatame laid unconscious on the ground as Naoto called the police. Yu, Whisper, and Jibanyan hopped out behind her.

“Don’t worry, Nanako. We’ll explain after we get this punk-” Kanji jostled the unconscious Namatame. “- to the police.”

“Let’s go,” Yu bent down to help up Nanako. “Uncle’s waiting for you.”

“Daddy… wait, why wasn’t he with you?” Nanako asked.

“Well, he’s… in the hospital.”

Nanako’s heart shattered. “He’s what?!”

–*–

“DADDY!” Nanako yelled as she stormed into the hospital, only to quickly apologize to a nurse for shouting. Everyone trailed after her, and Yu took her hand. 

“He’s this way. Come on.” They reached his hospital room, and Nanako rushed in immediately.

“DAD!” Ryotaro shot up immediately from the hospital bed, and his eyes widened when he saw Nanako.

“Nanako…?” He rose up, coughing a bit in pain as Nanako rushed to his side, and immediately hugged him, Ryotaro reciprocating immediately. “Haha… oh, my god… you’re OK!” The man was near tears with happiness and relief as he clutched Nanako tightly.

“Yeah… all thanks to Big Bro!” Ryotaro looked up at the smiling boy, his eyes watering. 

“Yu… god, I don’t know what to say… how could I ever thank you-”

“You should know you don’t have to thank me,” Yu interrupted him. “We all were going to save Nanako, no matter what.”

“Yeah! Nana-chan is super-duper-precious to us all! We’d never let her get hurt!” Teddie happily said.

“No way we’d let Namatame hurt Nanako…” Yosuke nodded. “But gotta say, Nanako was putting up one hell of a struggle against the dude.”

“Mhm! She’s a fighter, Nanako-chan!” Chie added. Ryotaro turned back to Nanako, before noticing the watch on her wrist.

“Hey, you’re wearing Chisato’s watch again! I was wondering why you took it off in the first place…” Nanako’s face paled a little, realizing when she lost the watch, she had lied about keeping it back in the attic. Ryotaro was a little confused with that excuse, but he didn’t question her decision any further. “That watch… It's like a good-luck charm.”

Nanako grinned. “Yep… more ways than you know, Daddy!” 

“She got that right,” Jibanyan whispered to Whisper, who chuckled.

“Hey, what’s going on-” Adachi walked into the room, wondering why there was so much noise, before freezing at the sight of Nanako. “Oh my god…” Nanako turned to Adachi.

“Hi, Adachi-san!” Nanako waved. Adachi was frozen, before laughing. 

“You’re okay! I was really worried, but you guys somehow did it!” Adachi kept laughing, more so in relief than amusement. “Jeez… glad you’re ok, kid. I better call a nurse.”

“Why call a nurse?” Teddie asked.

“Well, she got kidnapped… better make sure she didn’t get hurt or anything by Namatame…”

“Hmph,” Ryotaro scoffed. “All it took was me getting hospitalised for you to be more mindful.”

“Can I not get crap from you just once?” He mumbled, before calling over a nurse, who Nanako went with. 

–*–

“Well, all in all, Nanako seems to be perfectly fine,” The doctor said, making everyone breathe in relief. “However, she’s showing signs of exhaustion… I recommend that she takes some time to recover at home.” He handed a doctor’s notice to the group, excusing Nanako from school for a time so she could recover.

After that, Nanako spent time with her dad in his hospital room until they were told it was time to go home. They promised to drop by again tomorrow, as everyone went to the Dojima household. 

“Yay… home at last!” Nanako sighed happily, running to the couch and plopping onto it with a groan. “Man… I’m really tired…”

“Well then, don’t stay up too late! We’ll go to bed early today,” Whisper said, floating beside Nanako, as Jibanyan joined her, slumping down on the couch. 

“Nyan… I could use a BIG nap!” Jibanyan took out a Chocobar and began chowing down on it.

“... is it safe for him to eat that?” Yosuke sweatdropped.

“Yo-Kai can eat anything, he’ll be fine,” Nanako told him. “It’s great to have you back, Jibanyan… eating Chocobars felt weird without you.”

“Nyawwww! I missed eating them with you, too!”

“Then again, it was more like you ate all of them before I even had one. Dad kept thinking I had a chocolate addiction and banned me from eating it for a whole week!”

“Nyahaha, good times…” Nanako pouted at Jibanyan, before bursting into laughter with him and Whisper. “I’m so glad you guys are back… But I’ve still got a question. Big Bro…” She turned to Yu and his friends.

“WHAT WAS THAT?” She burst out, making everyone fall back from her shout. “Those crazy spirits you guys summoned, the weird thing Namatame became, WHY WERE WE IN A TV-” Before she could finish, Nanako began coughing, drawing worried looks from everyone. 

“We’ll tell you everything tomorrow, Nanako-chan, first thing in the morning,” Naoto said. “For now, let’s all go home and rest. It’s been a very long day for us all…” With that, everyone left the Dojima household, leaving Nanako, Yu and the Yo-Kai. 

Nanako went to her room, saying hi to an elated Hidabat and Mirapo, and then proceeded to collapse into her bed in exhaustion, falling asleep the second her head hit the pillow.

Yu watched from the open crack of the door, smiling before gently closing it, going to sleep himself.

Finally, Yu could sleep easily again.

–*–

On the rooftop of JUNES, two Yo-Kai stood.

“Did you check on Namatame?” Venoct asked, as he looked out on the sleeping town of Inaba. 

Kyubi nodded. “Something was off about that man. That power he held when we battled him… it was gone. As if it was temporary… or perhaps beaten out of him?” He let out a grim chuckle. “He saw me outside the window. Gave the fool a scare.”

Venoct turned to Kyubi. “I checked the world inside the TV. This fog that was in that world is unnatural… no human could normally survive there, yet those teenagers did, even without the help of a Yo-Kai.”

“Clearly, they’ve been in that world before. They must’ve adapted to the environment.”

“Perhaps. Another thing… I felt a presence. Like that monster we battled. In the human world.” Kyubi jerked his head up in alarm. “It was tempered. But still there. I wasn’t able to tell who had the presence, however.”

“Tch. What has been happening in the human world while we were gone?” Kyubi sighed, holding his head in his hands. “We have to do something. We can’t just allow those teenagers to handle it all on their own. Think they’d let Nanako help them again?”

“I doubt it. That environment wasn’t safe for her. If Mama Aura wasn’t there, then Nanako might’ve not survived,” Venoct mused. “No chance they’d allow Nanako to help.”

“Who knows? Nanako has a knack for changing people’s minds.” Kyubi smirked at Venoct. 

The Yo-Kai remembered his first time meeting Nanako. When Ancient Enma’s son was brought into the Yo-Kai world by Nanako and Whisper, he was furious with their actions, bringing their last hope to stop McKraken into the Yo-Kai Realm! Even when Nanako defeated him in battle and befriended him, he still doubted her power.

And yet, she proved him wrong. She stopped McKraken for good, saving both humans and Yo-Kai. A young girl saved them all… from that day on, Venoct’s respect grew for her.

Maybe Nanako could help them. But Venoct shook that thought away. “For now, let’s gather information in the morning. Someone in this town must know something about the TV World.”

“Well, where better to start than with the teenagers we saw there?”

“Good point. Let’s get to work.”

Chapter Text

Nanako yawned as she rose up from her bed, stretching her arms. “Wow… that was a good sleep…” She groggily opened her eyes… and caught sight of the Yo-Kai Watch on her wrist.

Now fully awake, she grabbed it… and beamed. “IT WASN’T A DREAM!” Nanako cried out in happiness.

“GAH! What’s wrong?!” Whisper immediately flew over to her side, concerned. Nanako took a look at him, her smile brightening further! Whisper could swear her smile was as bright as the sun. She immediately tackled Whisper into a hug!

“Morning, my best pal and my awesome Yo-Kai butler Whisper!” Nanako cheered, jumping up and down, clinging onto Whisper.

“Ah! Nanako, you’re squeezing me too hard!” Whisper coughed, making Nanako quickly let him go. He stretched his body back into shape again. “Oof… what’s got you so excited?”

“Nyan… what’s the deal?” Jibanyan mumbled as he woke up. He let out a squeak of surprise as Nanako picked him up and began squeezing him with a hug! “NYOW! What’s with the hug?!” It was like how Amy liked to hug him…

“Just happy to see you guys again!” Nanako chirped.

The duo’s expressions softened. “Aw, we’re super happy to be back with you too!” Jibanyan chirped.

“We were so worried how you were doing while we were gone!” Whisper patted her head.

“Nyeah, but looks like Yu really helped you out!” Jibanyan added.

“Mhm! He’s an awesome big bro!” Nanako nodded. She and her friends walked down to the living room, to see that Yu had set the table, and left a still-hot breakfast on it, as well as a note. Nanako picked it up to read it.

I had to leave to go to school, and I decided to let you sleep in, since you’ve got Whisper and Jibanyan with you. Me and the others will explain everything that happened yesterday, and then we’ll visit your dad. Until then, rest up for today!

“Aw, Big Bro made me breakfast!” Nanako sat on the table, picking up the utensils. “Thanks for the food!” She dived in, eating her breakfast. As she did, Whisper flew around the living room, looking at the new photos, while Jibanyan decided to get a Chocobar.

It was just like how it used to be… Nanako wouldn’t have had it any other way.

–*–

Yu was usually a very patient person during school. Where as Yosuke would listen to the teacher with a bored expression, or Chie nearly falling asleep- multiple times- Yu was always alert.

Today, however, Yu was tapping his foot against the floor impatiently, hoping for the day to end quickly. He wanted to check on Nanako again, to make sure she was still okay.

Feeling too anxious to focus in class, he looked out of the window, and nearly gasped out loud.

That Yo-Kai that Nanako had summoned, the one called Venoct, was floating outside the window, staring right at Yu. Seeing that the teenager had finally noticed him, one of Venoct’s dragon scarf jerked itself upwards, as if it was trying to tell him something, before flying off.

‘Does he want me to meet him on the roof?’ Yu guessed. ‘I’ll get everyone else to the roof after school, then…’

–*–

After school, Yu gathered the team to meet on the roof of the school, and his hunch was correct. Venoct and Kyubi stood in front of them.

“Good. You came,” Venoct said, folding his arms.

“Hey, you were that Yo-Kai Nanako-chan summoned… Venoct and Kyubi, right?” Yosuke asked, and the Yo-Kai nodded.

“You remember us, lovely. Let’s get to the point.” Kyubi floated towards them, looking down with a steely stare. “You all seem familiar with that Other World we were in yesterday. In that atmosphere, a human would not be able to survive for a long time, yet you all did. Nanako only made it out alive due to Mama Aura’s assistance.”

“God… if it wasn’t for that Yo-Kai, Nanako could’ve…” Kanji didn’t finish that sentence. But they knew what he was going to say.

“Indeed. What’s troubling us is that I sensed a presence, just like that of Kunino-Sagiri in the human world,” Venoct said.

The teenagers were alarmed, hearing that. “There’s more of what we just dealt with?” Rise gasped.

“It seems so. Which is why we need your help. You clearly know a lot about the Other World… so explain it all to us,” Venoct asked.

So they did. They explained how it all started, how the Midnight Channel worked, their Personas, everything. “Curious… I’ve never heard of such a thing in my time staying in Inaba,” Kyubi put a paw on his chin, thinking.

“This world must’ve appeared recently. Likely after the Yo-Kai Realm was separated from the human realm.”

“But why would it appear suddenly?”

“We dunno. It was all just a rumor before,” Chie shrugged. “Never expected it to be real…”

“Hm. Well, it’s clear you’re all experienced in fighting, and you know how the Midnight Channel works…” Kyubi tapped a finger against his arm. “Hm. So, what is your next move?”

“We’re planning to interrogate Namatame on his motives for kidnapping us and Nanako-chan,” Naoto stated. “The way he spoke of saving… something is off about that all. We have doubts about his motives. When we take Nanako-chan to the hospital to visit Dojima-san, we’ll go question Namatame.”

“Hmph. A good move.”

“So, is that it? You just wanted to know what was going on?” Kanji grunted.

“No. We’d like to assist.” The Investigation Team raised an eyebrow, curious at that. “Oh, don’t look so surprised! I’ll have you know we’re quite fond of this town,” Kyubi waved a hand.

“And we cannot allow a risk to both Yo-Kai and humans remain. We will assist you in finding and stopping the killer.”

“Huh… Alright, guess we can work with you guys,” Yosuke shrugged, everyone nodded.

“So, are you planning to tell Nanako all of this as well?” Venoct asked.

“No. We’re not involving Nanako in this, especially after what happened,” Yu shook his head.

“Oh, please,” Kyubi scoffed. “Now that she’s seen the TV World, she’s going to keep questioning you about it, and will demand that she help. She’s a very tenacious young girl, you know.”

“Ok, fair, but we can’t bring her into the TV World! It’s dangerous, and she can’t fight!” Yosuke protested.

“Who said she’s going to fight? Remember, she can summon Yo-Kai. We fight for her, and she plays support. Much like your friend did,” Venoct’s scarf gestured at Rise.

‘Damn… that’s a good point.’ They all looked at each other, then the Yo-Kai. “Give us a second.” And they quickly huddled up.

“Are we still going to bring Nanako-chan to help?” Yukiko asked.

“No. I won’t bring her into a dangerous situation like this,” Yu firmly said.

“I know you’re all worried, and so am I,” Naoto started. “But we’ve heard the tales from Whisper and Jibanyan. Nanako-chan has battled dangerous foes before, and won.”

“Yeah, but this stuff is different! Nana-chan could get badly hurt if she gets into a fight!” Teddie said.

“But it’s like they said. Nanako-chan’s going to be in the back, summoning the Yo-Kai to fight!” Rise reminded them. “Like me! She could just stay beside me during battles. She’d be fine then, right?”

“But…” Yu let out a sigh, before turning back to the Yo-Kai. “I’m not fond of the idea, but fine. But we’re asking Nanako if she wants to help, and only if she says yes we’ll let her join.”

“Acceptable,” Venoct understood. “While you try and find the murderer, we’ll search for that presence.” Kyubi and Venoct nodded at the teenagers who nodded back, reaching an understanding, before flying off.

Yu took a deep breath in, then sighed. “Well… let’s take Nanako to visit Uncle Ryotaro. We’ll explain everything to her after we return from the hospital.”

I really hope she says no…

–*–

“Of course I’m going to help!”

Dammit.

When they went to the hospital, Yu and Nanako went to stay with Ryotaro, while the others questioned Namatame.

The Investigation Team had explained everything to Nanako, who was in awe of what she was hearing. So that explained why her Big Bro and his friends were so strong and cool… to think they had been doing all that, stopping the murderer from hurting more people.

And when Venoct and Kyubi suggested Nanako lend a hand to help stop the true killer, she immediately said yes.

Yu could respect Nanako’s courage and kindness to immediately accept helping them stop a dangerous killer.

But DAMN it, he really wanted her to say no. Not even a moment’s hesitation before she said yes.

“...Nanako-chan, you understand that this will be very dangerous, if you are to help us,” Naoto repeated.

“Yeah, so? We’ve faced worse!” Nanako held out her hands to Whisper and Jibanyan, who high-fived her. “Like McKraken, Slimander, Massiface…” She began to list the super strong Yo-Kai she fought with her fingers.

“Seriously, how many of these things have you beaten?!” Yosuke asked, eyes wide.

“A lot, nya. And that creepy thing wasn’t our first fight!” Jibanyan puffed up his chest, putting his paws on his hips.

“Indeed! We refuse to stand by and let a killer remain loose!” Whisper added. “... Namatame isn’t the killer, right?”

“No, he wasn’t the killer,” Naoto folded her arms. “It appears there’s a third party that can enter and force others into TVs… yet, how they got away with it, we don’t know yet.”

“Well, in Detective Loveline, it’s always the person people never think of...” Nanako muttered. Everyone couldn’t help but sweatdrop.

“Nanako… This isn’t Detective Loveline, even if that show rocks,” Chie said.

“Ok, let’s just go over everything we know,” Kanji said. “So, this killer must’ve had some connections to Mayumi Yamano and Saki Konishi, and the threats mean they had to know about the TV world.”

“They likely knew what Namatame was doing, and wanted to watch what he’d do. Who could know these things?” Yukiko wondered.

“Another odd thing is that there were no witnesses, which is weird. You think someone would notice someone delivering a letter to your house...” Yosuke added.

“Nobody unusual was seen around Saki or Yamano, when there were all those police officers conducting an investigation,” Teddie further added.

“Wait… what if the killer was a detective, nyan?” Jibanyan proposed, and everyone shot up at that. “Like, a cop asking someone about the dead body they found doesn’t sound unusual, right?”

“You’re right… But who could fit all these conditions in the police force?”

Ryotaro Dojima didn’t fit at all… he would’ve put Nanako at risk, which everyone knew he’d never do, so he was crossed off the list immediately. Every other police officer Naoto brought up, nobody knew enough about them, until…

“Tohru Adachi…” Naoto suggested, and Nanako coughed at that. “Are you ok, Nanako-chan?”

“Yeah, it’s just- You can’t seriously think Adachi-san would kill people, right? He’s not like that!” Nanako protested.

“She’s not wrong about that. I mean, Adachi?” Yosuke didn’t believe it either. “Dude’s like the textbook definition of a lousy detective.”

“Yeah! Adachy-baby looks like he couldn’t hurt a fly!” Teddie said.

“You did not just call him that…” Jibanyan deadpanned.

“But his position as a detective would’ve been an advantage in murdering them…” Whisper reasoned. “That’s why no witness reports were taken, and perhaps why Namatame’s truck was not reported. Add being in a small town, meaning everyone would know who he is…”

“… so nobody would’ve thought of him as suspicious, us included,” Yu finished. “He could’ve used his position to tamper with evidence that would’ve exposed him otherwise.”

“I don’t buy it… Adachi-san’s not a bad person… right?” Nanako mumbled, looking down. Yu leant down to put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her.

“I… I know this might be a bit difficult to accept, but we must confirm it for ourselves,” Naoto said.

“Still, I don’t believe it myself either,” Yukiko said uneasily. “Adachi was the one to escort Ms. Yamano after the scandal-”

And that small bit of information confirmed it all.

“WHAT?!” Naoto jumped up, looking at Yukiko, alarmed. “When the announcer was staying at the inn, was he staying as well?!”

“Yes… he was assigned to protect her from the swarming paparazzi. But he didn’t stay the… night…” Yukiko’s eyes widened, catching on, as the others did as well.

“Wait, Adachi questioned Saki-senpai after she discovered the body, right?!” Yosuke asked.

“Multiple times… why would he question someone with an airtight alibi that many times?”

“Unless he wanted something else from her...” Chie muttered.

“Well, that means he had connections to the 2 victims, doesn’t it?” Whisper asked. “But what about the investigation you were all running?”

“...I remember! We encountered him multiple times, and he would give out information about the cases to us by mistake!” Yu realized. “He must’ve done all that to throw us off the trail!”

“And he could’ve dropped that letter off, anytime he wanted, and nobody would’ve questioned it!” Rise finished it off. And right at that moment, Venoct and Kyubi phased through the roof, startling everyone.

“Apologies for dropping in like this, but we’ve confirmed something important,” Venoct said.

“We’ve found out where that dangerous presence is coming from. A police detective, it seems.”

It shouldn’t have been possible for everyone’s eyes to widen any further, and yet they did. “Their… their name wouldn’t have been… Tohru Adachi?”

“You know that man?”

There was something sad that crossed over Yu’s face. “... we thought we did.”

–*–

The Investigation Team with Nanako arrived at the hospital after an officer informed them that Adachi was there to oversee Namatame’s transfer, refusing to waste a second. Adachi turned around after talking to a nurse, and smiling awkwardly when he saw the group of teenagers. “Oh, hey guys. What are you all doing here?” He said. “If you’re looking for Dojima-san, he’s hobbled off somewhere… Jeez, the nurses are at their wit’s end with him.”

“Yes… I heard Namatame has already been relocated?” Naoto asked.

“Yeah… better to make sure he’s not near Dojima-san, right?” He weakly chuckled. “Don’t worry, Nanako-chan, you won’t run into that guy anymore.” Nanako looked away, an uncomfortable expression on her face. “Aw, you worried about your dad? Don’t worry, he’s gonna be okay, he just needs to stay in bed…”

“I don’t need that now!” Speak of the devil… Adachi turned around and flinched when he saw Dojima hobbling over. “Adachi… where’s Namatame?”

“Dojima-san- what are you doing here? Namatame has already been relocated… I came here to inform you about that.”

“And who the hell gave you permission to do that?! I have questions of my own for him!” Ryotaro growled.

“Gah! Give me a break, I was just told-”

“The 2 murders don’t make sense! Namatame’s alibi was solid, and his motives didn’t add up… he couldn’t have killed those girls…”

“Come on, give me a break… this more of your detective’s intuition?” Adachi muttered.

“Actually, we had questions about that ourselves,” Yu firmly said.

“Are you- ok, you know what? You’ve all had your fun playing the detective, but we’ve got the culprit, so how about you all run home? Nanako-chan is RIGHT here!” Adachi hissed. There was some irritation coming out, but also… nervousness? “We can discuss this another day!”

“Adachi-san…” Nanako closed the lid of her watch. “Did you kill those people?” She simply asked, shocking everyone.

“What the- Nanako?!” Dojima’s eyes widened.

“What-” Adachi growled, turning to the teenagers. “What the hell have you been telling her?! Yeah, I put them in the TV and killed them!”

…

“What?!” Everyone yelled, even Adachi himself.

Why did Adachi suddenly say such a thing? Because Nanako had summoned none-other than Tattletell, the Yo-Kai that forced a person to admit their secrets. The tiny, granny-like Yo-Kai was hanging onto Adachi’s face the whole time, inspiriting him and making him confess.

Nanako nodded at Tattletell, who gave a thumbs-up as she let go of Adachi’s face, disappearing.

“Did… did you say you put them into the TV?” Dojima slowly asked. “Did… did you know something about the method behind their murders?”

“Ah. You know something, Adachi-san?” Naoto stepped forward, her eyes narrowed. “When I read the notebook Namatame left at the crash, it noted all the victims, even the ones that had survived and were never released to the public. And you simply said, ‘Well, that settles it.’ But the police had no idea that there were other murder attempts - something you raised no objection to. Can you explain that?”

“I… I don’t-” Adachi’s face paled, as he slowly backed away. “You’re all insane!” He rushed off, shoving a nurse aside as he ran down the hallways!
“Adachi! Get him!” The teenagers made chase for Adachi. Ryotaro attempted to follow suit, only to trip, feeling weak in the knees. Nanako immediately rushed to his side, helping him up.

“Daddy! Are you ok?” Nanako worriedly asked.

“Nanako… why did you ask Adachi that question?” Ryotaro panted.

“Uh… it’s a long story.”

Chapter Text

“Damn it, where the hell did he go?!” 

They had chased after Adachi, and he ran into the room Namatame was being held in. When they followed him, it was as if he had disappeared into thin air. The windows were closed, he wasn’t hiding under a bed… so where could he have escaped through?!

“Hngh…” They turned around to see Nanako helping Ryotaro enter the ward, along with Whisper and Jibanyan. “I contacted security… nobody’s seen Adachi leave the premises… he has to be here somewhere.”

“Huh? But we’ve checked this whole room…,” Chie said.

“That bastard…” Ryotaro weakly growled, before coughing.

“Dojima-san!” A nurse ran in, looking furious. “For heaven’s sake, what are we going to do with you?!” She reprimanded. 

“Sorry… got carried away,” Dojima sheepishly apologized.

“Are you TRYING to cause permanent damage?! You must get some rest!” Nanako handed Dojima back to the nurse. She supported Dojima over her shoulders. Before going back to his hospital room, Ryotaro turned to the group.

“I don’t know how you all got Nanako involved in this, but… I need you all to catch Adachi. I need to square this away with him,” Ryotaro said, and everyone nodded. The nurse carried him out, and the group caught eyes on the TV…

“Do you all think that…,” Yukiko started.

“Yeah, I think so too. If he’s the killer, he should be able to go through.”

“It’d be the only way to escape without being seen, nyan.” Jibanyan walked over, tapping the TV screen, making it ripple.

“He was cornered with nowhere else to hide… If he’s on the other side, then that guarantees he’s the killer,” Naoto concluded.

“Damn, we were right…,” Kanji breathed out to calm himself. “So, what’s the plan?” He asked, turning to Yu. 

The silver-haired boy took a deep breath in. “...We go in tomorrow. If we go in here, we’ll have no idea where we’ll land, nor can we confirm it was this TV specifically,” Yu said. “We’ll go in through JUNES, like we always do.”

Everyone nodded, and they went back to their respective homes.

Nanako and Yu couldn’t bring themselves to say anything. Jibanyan and Whisper really didn’t know what to say either. Nanako clinged to Yu’s sleeves, as they walked home, the realization truly settled in.

They never knew Adachi at all.

–*–

The next day, after Yu left for school, Nanako was sitting at the dining room table.  Just… staring at the living room table. Whisper and Jibanyan took notice and were concerned. “Uh, Nanako? You haven’t touched your food at all,” Jibanyan commented.

“...That was where Adachi-san used to sit, whenever he’d visit,” Nanako slowly said. Whereas Whisper still looked concerned, Jibanyan scowled at the mention of the detective.

“Whenever he’d come to visit, he’d sit there, with his normal expression. He made jokes with me, showed me magic tricks whenever I got sad…”

“Oh, Nanako…” Whisper put his hand on his shoulder.

“...Was it all just a lie?” Nanako’s eyes watered, about to burst into tears again. “Did he actually care about us? He looked so sincere when he saw me safe at the hospital… but was that also an act?”

“...Nanako, I don’t… dang it, I don’t really know what to say,” Jibanyan’s ears fell, feeling sad he was unable to help his friend. 

“Me neither… the only thing we can do is find out why he did this, Nanako,” Whisper shrugged.

Nanako was not looking forward to that.

–*–

The team was now back in the TV World, with Kyubi and Venoct joining them. Teddie had made glasses for Nanako, so she could see through the fog in the TV World as well. Nanako summoned Peppillon this time, the butterfly Yo-Kai inspiriting to keep her condition stable while she was there.

Teddie was able to sniff Adachi out, and not long after, they found him in the room where Teddie had first met Yosuke, Chie and Yu. 

The room gave everyone the creeps… While it seemed like an ordinary bedroom, there were torn posters, like it was ripped apart by a savage animal. Red marks all over the walls… It was truly disturbing.

And there was Adachi, sitting on a chair, one leg resting on his other as he sadistically smirked at the group. He held his gun in his hand, resting his chin on the other fist.

“Oh, you’re all here. Aren’t you the persistent ones?” His eyes flickered to Nanako, who steadied herself under his stare. “You even bought Nanako? Seriously, and I thought-” Then he finally took notice of Whisper, Jibanyan, Kyubi and Venoct. His twisted expression disappeared, replaced with genuine surprise. “Wait, what the hell are those freaks?”

“Freaks?! Why you…” Jibanyan snarled. He roared as he jumped at Adachi… only to phase right through, landing on the other side. “HUH?”

“That’s… that’s a projection of Adachi!” Rise realised. “He must be somewhere else!”

“Wow, congratulations!” the corrupt detective sarcastically clapped. “You get a prize! Eh, I actually don’t care what the hell you freaks are.”

“Adachi,” Yu said, his voice firm. “Give it up. We know you’re the killer.”

“Huh? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Adachi playfully pretended to not know.

“Shut up! We know it’s you! You killed Ms. Yamano!” Yosuke growled. Adachi simply laughed in response. His laughter chilled Nanako… it really wasn’t the same laugh Adachi would have when playing with her.

“Hey, what else was I supposed to do? She started struggling, creating a scene… what a bitch. She was a cheater, and got mad when I wanted a shot with her?” Nanako didn’t understand, but everyone else was both horrified and disgusted by what he just said. “Eh, whatever. One less whore in this town.”

“You repulsive man,” Kyubi snarled. “You killed a woman because she wouldn’t go after you?” Kyubi may have been a flirt in his human disguise, and regularly played with women’s hearts, but he would never even think of treating a lady like that.

“Hey, she betrayed me ,” Adachi shrugged. “I was just giving her some due punishment!” 

“And what about Saki-senpai, huh? Why’d you kill her?” Yosuke demanded, stepping forward.

“Oh, that kid?” Adachi tapped his chin in mock thought. “I was just bored.”

“You… WHAT?!” 

“Yeah, I was getting bored out of my mind with interrogating her, so I thought why not have some fun and push her inside the TV as well?” Adachi chuckled. “Let me tell you, it was way easier. High-school girls are way lighter.”

“You son of a BITCH!” Yosuke screamed.

“Oh, come on. I didn’t know it was dangerous inside the TV!” The detective rolled his eyes. “I just wanted to teach those bitches a lesson for being greedy.”

“SHUT UP! You knew from Yamano’s death that the TV World was a death trap!” 

“Eh, so? I still think I did the town a favor.”

“And after that… you tricked Namatame, didn’t you?” Yu asked.

Adachi snickered. “Oh, that was totally me. How lucky was I to get that call? All the cops in the station and I got lucky enough to pick it up!” Adachi looked gleeful just remembering it. “If someone else knew of the TV World, but they didn’t know it was dangerous… why not string ‘em along and have a little fun with it?”

Adachi burst into laughter all over again. “He wanted to save people so badly… so I said go for it. Just had to push him in the right direction… make him throw people into the TV because it was ‘safe.’ And the best part? You guys encouraged him!” The Investigation Team gasped at that revelation. 

“The more people you saved, the more he was convinced he was doing the right thing! I got free tickets to the biggest dumbasses in Inaba, duking it out with each other, both sides thinking they were doing the right thing!” Adachi clutched his stomach as he doubled over in laughter. 

“Why?” Nanako slowly asked. “Why did you do all that?”

“Why? Hm…” Adachi shrugged. “Well, why not?” Everyone’s eyes widened in horror. “It was fun, I guess.”

“You killed all those people… cause you could?!” Chie cried out.

“Come on, I didn’t exactly kill them. I just put them in the TV. Namatame and the Shadows here did all that.”

“What- that makes no sense!” Whisper sputtered. “ Oh, I just fired the gun. The bullet really killed them ! Such logic is nothing short of asinine! All that blood is on your hands!”

“Yeah, yeah, shut up, Stay Puft.” Whisper grew even more infuriated. “Gotta say,  didn’t think you’d chase me here. And you even brought Nanako?” Adachi snorted. “What, couldn’t handle me without your little baby cousin?”

“Well, given I just made you confess to your crimes yesterday, yeah, I could take you!” Nanako stamped her foot.

“Yeah…” Adachi scowled. “I don’t know how you actually managed to get that out of me, kid, and I don’t like it. Just like the damn Kubo kid… Little bastard was about to ruin the game, turning himself in, so I had to get rid of him quickly. Threw him into the TV when the lights were off.”

“So you threw in another person so your fun wouldn’t end?!” Yukiko yelled.

“Yeah. I had to have some source of entertainment, you know? This town’s boring as shit. But once again, you all had to ruin it, and Kubo was announced as the killer.” Adachi’s insane smirk came back to him. “But Namatame still kept saving people! Was he doing it for the thrill? Probably not - I think he mighta developed one of those saviour complexes. I don’t give a shit, but at least my favourite show was back on!”

“You murdered innocents for nothing but enjoyment,” Venoct coldly said. His eyes flashed. “You’re a sad, sad man. You’ll answer for everything you did.”

“Oh, really? Doesn’t matter in the end, since this place will become our ‘reality’ soon enough.”

There was a pause. “ Explain ,” Kyubi snarled.

“Didn’t you notice? The fog from this world is leaking out into the real world. You know what that means?” Adachi smirked. 

“...You’re going to merge the realities together?!” Nanako’s eyes widened. 

“Wow, you’re actually pretty smart for your age!” Adachi laughed. “Yeah, these worlds are going to merge together eventually, and soon, nothing will be left. I don’t mind, though - gotta say, this world is pretty cool. It’s like it gets me, you know? The monsters here don’t attack me… I think they know we’re on the same side.”

“The same… side?” Jibanyan repeated, looking confused. 

“By the end of this year, Inaba’s going to be swallowed by the fog. This is going to be reality soon enough.”

“So that’s your goal? To destroy Inaba?” Yosuke growled.

“Well, guess what!” Nanako pointed at Adachi. “I’ve dealt with bigger and uglier things than you, Adachi-san, and I’ve beaten them all! I’m putting a stop to your stupid plans! You can count on it.”

Everyone except the Yo-Kai blinked in awe at Nanako’s declaration. Even Adachi was a bit surprised, before smirking with confidence, bending down to look Nanako, eye-to-eye. Nanako didn’t break eye contact, nor did she let her conviction waiver.

“Aw, that’s adorable. The little runt thinks she can take me on? Then you know what? Come on kid, make my day.”

Adachi walked away, before turning his face around at the heroes. “I’ll be waiting for all of you. This world has a mind of its own. Let’s see who it favors.” And with that, Adachi faded away.

“HEY! Don’t just-” Kanji snarled, but he was already gone. “DAMN IT!” Reeling from all the information they received, everyone huddled up to discuss it.

“What was all that he said about… merging realities together?” Yukiko asked. 

“And by the end of this year?” Chie added.

“I think he means… this world engulfing the human world,” Teddie spoke up. “The people in town were acting all weird… Just like how when the Shadows that emerged from people went berserk. If the fog gets thicker, and this town is completely shut off from the outside world… then the other side will be filled with Shadows.”

“Everyone will turn into Shadows?!” Rise gasped.

“Damn… that BASTARD!” Kanji growled, punching a wall in frustration. Venoct and Kyubi looked at each other, their expressions grim. 

“All this time, all this effort, and it was all just him pulling our strings this whole time?!” Yosuke ran his hand through his head, feeling too angry to even do anything.

“No. We’re ending this,” Yu coldly said, his eyes darkening. 

“Yeah… let’s stop this bastard!”

“While you all take on Adachi, me and Kyubi shall get the Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls clans ready for battle,” Venoct mused. “There’s no telling when he’ll act. So we’ll get them prepared at a moment’s notice.”

“He said at the end of the year…” Naoto put a hand on her chin in thought. “Then that means he might act on December 25th, at the very least.”

“That’s enough time for us,” Kyubi said. “Good luck capturing Adachi.” And so he and Venoct disappeared.

“There’s a Yo-Kai army?” Teddie asked Whisper. 

“Sort of. Yo-Kai align themselves with 2 factions, the Bony Spirits and Fleshy Souls… but that’s a discussion for another day,” Whisper explained.

A tear in the wall appeared, leaving a red and black portal. “Nyuh?!” 

“It’s a path we can take… I get it.” Rise frowned. “Adachi’s taunting us.”

“Oh, bring it on, asshole!” Kanji punched his fists together.

“Not now!” Naoto firmly said. “We must prepare, first and foremost. We can’t risk him getting the upper hand in any way. He has to be stopped, and we will throw our full power at him!”

“Yeah. I’m still a little worried about what he meant, ‘by the end of the year’, but we can deal with that later!” Chie nodded, jumping on her feet. “Let’s get prepared- no, OVERprepared, and kick his teeth in!” Everyone nodded at that, their determination strong. Adachi was going DOWN.

“Listen, Senpai, Nanako,” Naoto began. “Do not go into the TV alone. I understand this is deeply personal, since you both were closest to him, but still.”

“That makes sense… I did feel a presence like Senpai’s… Adachi must be calling to him,” Rise absentmindedly stated, making everyone turn to her in shock. She quickly realized what she said. “Uh, forget I said anything! We’re all going together, ok?” 

“Ok,” Yu and Nanako said, but Yu’s ‘ok’ was shaky.

“Partner.” He turned to Yosuke, who looked at him sternly. “Promise it.”

“...I promise.”

–*–

‘Remember when you said "I promise" to Yosuke?’ Izanagi rumbled in Yu’s head, sounding disappointed.

‘I don’t feel great about it, either…’ Yu responded, and Izanagi sighed.

When they got home, all Yu was thinking about was what Rise said. Adachi could be calling to him…

Despite the fact that he shouldn’t do it, he promised Yosuke… he couldn’t help it. He needed to meet Adachi again.

He carefully walked through the living room, reaching the door…

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“GOD-” Yu jumped, turning around to see Whisper staring right at him! Nanako and Jibanyan, armed with disapproving looks, were also present. “Jeez… you gave me a heart attack…” Yu panted, putting a hand on his chest.

“You’ll live. Didn’t you promise Yosuke that you wouldn’t go without the rest of us?” 

‘See?’ All his Personas mentally deadpanned. 

Yu chose to ignore them. “I just… I need to know what Adachi wants. I need to know why he did this.”

“Why? You heard him! He’s a jerk who had fun hurting other people, nyan!” Jibanyan said.

“There has to be more. I’m sorry, but… I have to meet him.” Nanako tapped her feet rapidly, looking disappointed, before sighing.

“Fine, but I’m coming with you.”

“What?! Absolutely not!” Yu said. “This has to be done by me-”

“Nope! Adachi-san betrayed me, too!” Nanako yelled back, making Yu flinch. “I trusted him, he made me laugh when Whisper and Jibanyan were gone, and he did all of that in the meantime, right under Daddy’s nose!” She huffed. “If you’re going, I’m going as well! Or I’m making you stick to Yosuke’s promise, because I’ve got hundreds of Yo-Kai friends to stop you from leaving!” Nanako challenged. The two stared at each other… 

And Yu conceded. “...Get changed. Let’s go.”

–*–

Yu, Nanako, Whisper and Jibanyan arrived at the JUNES TV aisle. Nobody was around… “Come on.” And quickly, they all entered the TV.

Not realising that Yosuke was watching from the corner.

“Dammit, partner…”

–*–

They were in the Desolated Bedroom again. The 4 looked around, seeing no sign of Adachi. “...Where did he go?” Yu muttered. 

When suddenly, the portal was closed, bringing back the windows. Everyone flinched seeing that. 

“This is a real problem.”

‘Adachi!’ Yu whipped his head around, but didn’t see him at the entrance. “What?”

And then he heard the click of a gun. “Where’s the rest of your pals? Freakin’ buzzkill.” Adachi was pointing a gun behind them. “I mean, you brought your little cousin and her merry band of freaks, but not even the JUNES boy?”

“We wanted to talk to you. Privately,” Yu said.

“Ugh, boring.” There was a whoosh noise, and now Adachi had appeared in another spot. He was leaning against the wall, spinning the gun in his hand. “The whole party should be here, right? Beating the big bad together, through the power of friendship, love, whatever. You guys seem to dig that crap.”

“Adachi-san… you came to our house. You ate with us, laughed with us…” Nanako slowly said. “Was that all just a lie?”

“Hm…” Adachi went. “The free food was nice. Other than that, though, I guess it was.” There was a bit of hesitation in his answer. 

“We believed in you. Uncle believed in you,” Yu narrowed his eyes. 

“Oh, really?” Adachi rolled his eyes. “Just what made you believe in me so much, anyway? What, you think trying to make me feel bad is gonna magically make me stop and turn myself in ?” He said the last part in a mocking, childish voice. “If that worked, we wouldn’t need the police!” He shook his head derisively. “That version of me you guys believed in so badly was just a version you all created in your mind. You believed in that version, and it betrayed you, so you came whining about it to me. Why’d it have to be me?”

“Is that what you’re going to tell Sir Ryotaro?” Whisper snapped.

“You’re one sad, sad human,” Jibanyan snarled, his fur raising.

“‘Sir Ryotaro’?” Adachi scoffed. “You’re saying the dumbest shit. God, people who think that they can ‘turn me around’ and crap, like naive brats pisses me off! Grow up.” And then, he whipped out his gun, pointing it at Yu. Nanako and the others got ready, only for Yu to put a hand out to stop them.

“Let me ask you this. What do you think would happen if I shot you, right now?”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Nanako cried out.

“It’d just be another crime you committed,” Yu said.

“There, see!” Adachi cruelly grinned. “You got it right.” And with that, Adachi pulled the trigger.

“NO!”

But the bullet barely grazed Yu’s cheek, hitting the window behind him instead.

“That was a WARNING shot.” Adachi stepped forward, the gun still raised. “Next time? It’s going to be right in there. Get it? WE’RE done talking.”

That wasn’t an empty threat. Yu knew that he couldn’t talk to Adachi any further. He felt his relationship with Adachi change dramatically… 

The Jester Arcana shattered, replaced by the Hunger Arcana. Adachi’s true nature had been revealed.

“...Fine.” Yu went to reach for Nanako’s hand, only for Adachi to stop him.

“Up-bup-bup! I said WE’RE done talking. I actually want to have a little chat with Nanako.” 

Yu’s eyes widened in horror. Nanako looked ready to fight, as Whisper and Jibanyan protectively stood in front of her.

“No. Stay away from her,” Yu growled out.

“You want a Paws of Fury, pal?! Come on, nyan! I’ve been itching to pound your sorry face in!” Jibanyan hissed.

“Oh, shut up. I said I wanted to TALK. About that stupid little watch you’ve got.” He gestured to the Yo-Kai watch. 

“Before this, you were a normal kid. Then you got that watch right after being saved from Namatame, and suddenly you changed. You exposed me in front of your dad, and then even had the guts to challenge me. Now you’ve got these weirdos following you around. What’s so special about that watch?”

“You wanna know that badly?” Nanako spat. “Fine!” She told him about the Yo-Kai Watch, and Adachi looked a bit surprised.

“Well, ain’t that something. Summoning spirits because you’re friends with them…” He scowled. “What a load of bullshit. You think getting a fancy little watch from Mommy Dearest after she kicked the bucket makes you special?”

“WHAT?! HOW DARE YOU, YOU-” Whisper screamed, but Adachi quieted him with a gunshot to the ceiling. 

“Let me tell you something kid, without that watch, you were NOTHING. Just a bored kid, sitting at home. And you should’ve STAYED that way.” He shook his head. “You could’ve saved yourself the trouble, been a good little girl, go to school, study and all that shit. But you just had to stick your nose in. Why?”

“Gee, stop a killer who’s been hurting everyone around town, or sit at home when I could’ve done something about it? What would I pick?” Nanako deadpanned. 

“Tch. You’re just a little girl trying to play hero. You don’t fight, you just let your ghosts do the work for you. They’re basically your slaves, aren’t they?” Adachi cruelly grinned, hoping to break Nanako’s spirits.

“Nope. We’re not doing that stupid thing,” Nanako put her hands in a time-out position. Adachi blinked. “You think you can try to make me doubt my bonds with my Yo-Kai friends? I know for a fact I’m friends with all of them. I’ve battled with them, I’ve helped them… If you think you can make me doubt my friendships with them, you’re dead wrong!” She yelled. Yu smirked, proud of his cousin.

“Ugh, you’re so lame…” Adachi pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“But what about YOU, Adachi-san? What makes you so special that YOU want to decide the fate of the town?” Nanako questioned. “Nothing. You just sound like a school bully, who picks on people weaker than him so he can have a power trip! How about you take your own advice and GROW UP.”

Yu had to restrain himself from cheering after that. Jibanyan and Whisper, however,  did not, cheering, “OHHHHH!”

Adachi kept scowling. “I liked you better when you didn’t have the watch.”

“And I liked you better when you were just bad at your job, but we don’t get what we want, do we?” Nanako smirked. Adachi had to restrain himself from shooting her, right then and there.

“God, shut the hell up… You know what? I’m bored of this shit. Come back after you bring your pals. Let’s see how tough you really are.” And with that, Adachi’s projection disappeared.

Yu turned to Nanako, smirking. “Not bad, Nanako. Not bad at all. Come on. I think we’ve said what we needed to.”

“Yeah… let’s go.”

–*–

They jumped out of the TV, back into JUNES. “Welcome back.” The 4 froze, slowly turning to Yosuke, who was waiting for them this whole time. He looked disappointed. Yu felt terrible again.

“I told you not to go… and not only did you do that, you let Nanako tag along anyway.”

“...I’m sorry,” Yu apologized.

“I wanted to come along with Big Bro! Don’t get angry at him,” Nanako defended Yu.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep this one a secret between us, ok?” Yosuke assured them. “Still… trust us more, ok?” They apologized once again. “Anyway, I’m just glad you’re safe. Now…” Yosuke cleared his throat. “Attention customers, it’s closing time! Please come visit again!” He grinned, lightening the mood a bit.

–*–

Back at the Dojima household, as Yu went to say goodnight to Nanako… “Big Bro?” Nanako called out.

“Yeah?” Nanako lifted her Yo-Kai Watch, looking determined.

“We’ll get Adachi-san… together.” Yu smirked again, which she mirrored.

“Yeah. Together.” The two fistbumped, and Jibanyan and Whisper ran over.

“Don’t forget us!”

“That man won’t get away with his insult to Madame Chisato!”

Count your days, Adachi, Yu thought, as all his Personas bellowed in agreement. We’ll put an end to whatever you’re scheming.

Chapter Text

Today was the day. After spending a whole day preparing, gathering supplies, weapons, they were entering the TV World. Ready to bring Adachi to justice. Once and for all. Nanako was inspirited by Mama Aura once again, keeping her health constant.

Now in the Desolate Bedroom, everyone readied themselves to enter through the portal. “Today’s the day. We go in there, and just rush for Adachi,” Yu briefed everyone. “We have to save our stamina and health for the real battle against Adachi. Fight as little Shadows as necessary.”

“I’m gonna enjoy kicking his ass,” Yosuke said, twirling the daggers in his hands.

“That jerkwad is going down! Not after how he nearly got Nana-chan killed!” Teddie waved his claws around.

“Yeah… let’s get in there!”

–*–

As soon as they entered Magatsu Inaba, they heard Adachi’s voice in the air. 

“Oh my god… You idiots actually came after me!” His sickening laughter could be heard ringing. “Wow… do you guys not have a life! What are you supposed to be, Mystery Incorporated? ‘Hey everyone, let’s go to our super secret hideout and solve the case!’ HAHAHA! Ah, my stomach hurts…”

“Sure, laugh it up, bastard! Let’s see how you enjoy us bashing your face in!” Kanji roared.

“Jeez, you’re all students. Shouldn’t you be studying for exams, get into college, get a good job, marry a cute girl… or guy, in some of your cases?”

“Listing the stuff you never accomplished?” Jibanyan shot.

“OHHHHH!” Everyone cheered Jibanyan for that. You could practically see the scowl on Adachi.

“I’m not taking shit from a ghost cat.”

“Out of all the things we’ve dealt with, this guy seriously pisses me off!” Rise growled. “Let’s go, everyone!”

They began their traversal through the dungeon. Everyone was horrified… this dungeon looked like Inaba, but was destroyed. Yellow police tape scattered everywhere, broken streets… “So this is what Adachi wants Inaba reduced to?” Yukiko whispered.

“This sick man… he won’t win!” Naoto gripped her gun.

Eventually, they reached the stairs, this time taking the shape of a portal. Jumping through it, they reached the second floor. Before they continued on, Rise gasped.

“What the… the stairs! They’re not here!” She was right! The stairs had disappeared!

“See?” Adachi smugly said. “Students should be at home, studying for school. How are you guys going to be well-behaved members of society like this?”

“As if a fiend like you would know anything about being a well-behaved member of society!” Whisper yelled.

“Eh, whatever. Have fun,” Adachi chuckled as his voice faded away. 

“Let’s see him keep up the smack talk when we get his ass!” Chie grumbled as they continued through the floor. Soon they found the next door, but when they tried to go through it, the police tape wouldn’t budge. 

“Looks like you guessed it! I’m waiting for you all, right beyond here!” Adachi said. “But you really thought I’d just let you in like that? Dumbasses.”

“Grr… There’s got to be another way in, guys! Let’s look for it!”

“Hm… I have an idea!” Nanako pulled out a familiar Yo-Kai medal. “Come on out, Leadoni! Yo-Kai medal, do your thing!” She inserted it into her watch, and out came Leadoni. The tiny Yo-Kai hopped happily on the spot.

“Yay! Nanako is okay!” Leadoni cheered. 

“Aw, he’s a cute one!” Rise gushed.

“Thanks, Leadoni! Whisper and Jibanyan told me about how you helped them… so do you mind helping again? We need to find another way to that room,” Nanako requested.

“Okie dokie! Leave this to me!” Leadoni ran off, motioning for them to follow him. He brought them to a hole in the middle. “Jump in, jump in! Gotta get in here to go there!” He hopped into the hole to demonstrate.

“Is he sure about this?” Yosuke asked Nanako.

“Unfortunately, yeah. Leadoni is really good in mazes.”

“Works for me. Come on!” The team jumped down into the hole, while Nanako and Jibanyan clinged to Whisper as he floated down the hole. 

Now they had reached a darker area - Magatsu Mandala, World 1. Leadoni disappeared, his job done. “Pff. Needed your little friend to help you? Too stupid to figure it out on your own?” Adachi scoffed.

“We don’t care how we do it, we’re gonna stop you!” Kanji said.

“We need to be careful… This area seems to be under Adachi’s control!” Rise informed them. They kept on going, until finding the next portal.

World 2. 

“Wow, you guys keep going…,” Adachi said, faking his impressed tone. “What do you guys think you’re accomplishing, doing this? For justice? Please, you’re just bored kids who want spice in their lives. What’s the difference between us, really?”

“He truly is a cartoon villain, speaking this drivel…” Whisper rolled his eyes. “You’re way worse, for starters.”

“Even if we can’t deny what he said, that doesn’t mean he can get away with this. Right, everyone?” Rise said.

“Yeah!” The gang continued further, finishing off a few Shadows before finding the next Shadows.

World 3. 

“Still here?” Adachi drawled. “Waiting for you guys is getting boring. Say, I got a game to play! How about we see you get to the next stairway without fighting a single Shadow?”

“What-”

“3-2-1, GO!” The detective counted down, his laughter fading away.

“God, he’s a pain in the ass!” Yosuke growled. They decided to follow the rules of the game, avoiding every Shadow that they encountered, before reaching a closed-off room.

“Hey, you guys win!” Adachi fake cheered. “As a reward, I’ll fight you now.”

“Alright! Get over here!” Jibanyan demanded, his voice becoming gritty when he said that, they rushed in.

Only to find a Chaos Fuzz Shadow.

“I lied. The only thing you’re fighting are these losers,” Adachi snorted.

“Grr! He’s bear -y annoying!” Teddie childishly stamped his feet. The Chaos Fuzz was annoying, with how it summoned back-up, but they eventually defeated it. 

“Alright, not bad. But how long can you keep this up?” 

“As long as it takes to stop you,” Yu muttered.

World 4. 

“You know, I have to ask, have you guys even thought about the ‘truth’ you so desperately want? Who else wants it? Just you guys. What good is the truth if only you get satisfied by it? Sounds selfish if you ask me…”

“I don’t know what he’s getting at… but we have to stop him! For the families he’s hurt, and so the victims can rest in peace.”

“Damn straight.”

World 5.

“‘Namatame was the true killer.’ That’s what everyone thinks of as the truth. Let’s say you do catch me, and prove that truth false. What do you think is going to happen?”

“They’ll know who the real monster is!” Yukiko replied.

“Naive bitch… they’ll just latch onto that truth instead. Nothing will change in their lives. That’s the truth.”

“Smartass.” Rise rolled her eyes. “All this talk doesn’t distract from the fact that he’s the killer, and he’ll pay for that!”

“Indeed! He’s going to answer for it all!”

World 6. 

“Everyone! I sense something from the end of this floor!” Rise informed everybody. The team headed on, and found a giant Shadow, looking like the Tokyo Tower.

“Shadows are so weird, nyan…” Jibanyan’s sentiment was echoed by everyone.

Despite its goofy look, the Envious Giant hit like a truck with its Megidolaons. Resisting nearly everything except Physical attacks, it took a Power Charge boosted Hassou Tobi to finish it off.

“Good work, everyone!” Rise congratulated the group. “The seal should be gone now…”

“It’s time… let’s get Adachi,” Yu sheathed his blade.

“This ends now!” Nanako added, pumping her fist.

–*–

They had reached the top of Magatsu Inaba. Adachi stood waiting for them, in the middle of a circular platform. It overlooked all of Inaba. “Well, congratulations!” Adachi slowly clapped. “Surprised you made it this far.”

“Allow us to confirm the crimes you committed so far. You had suspicions this world was dangerous, yet you threw Mayumi Yamano into the TV,” Naoto started off.

“And knowing that she died in there, you still threw in Saki-senpai!” Yosuke snarled.

Adachi simply sighed, as if it was all just one big annoyance.

“Then when Namatame called, you manipulated him into murdering people for you, all while you watched!” Chie added.

“But when Senpai and the others kept rescuing us, you tried to spook us off by sending a threatening letter,” Kanji growled.

“Then when Mitsuo came in, trying to take credit, you used your position to toss him in the TV as well!” Teddie said.

“2 people have died, Nanako-chan barely made it out okay, and now you’re planning to destroy this whole town!” Yukiko continued.

“All while you revel in the chaos, just like the criminal you are!” Yu finished.

“Ok, so? Yeah, I threw people into the TV, but I didn’t kill them,” Adachi waved all of it off. “It’s this world that does that.”

“Even with that logic, neglect of duty is serious,” Whisper countered. “If you truly aren’t a murderer, you’re still an accomplice to it!” Whisper countered.

“Don’t you know this world is reflected by the thoughts of everyone in town, you all included?” He asked. “Doesn’t that also make you accomplices to murder?”

“Nyan, for a guy who acts all unbothered by the killing he does, he’s trying pretty hard to deflect the blame,” Jibanyan pointed out.

“Shut the hell up!” Yosuke roared. “You knew what you were doing! If that’s not a crime, then what is?!”

“Jeez, you’re all so self-righteous,” Adachi sighed.

“What the- you’re a POLICE OFFICER!” Chie screeched.

“And? Just cause I’m part of the police? Not every single one of them is some agent of justice,” Adachi rolled his eyes. “I only joined so I could legally hold a gun. You’d be surprised how many other people joined for that reason alone.” He stepped forward, putting everyone on guard.

“I thought the job would be fun, but turns out everyone around me was a moron. One tiny mistake, and suddenly I’m booted all the way to Nowheresville! You have no idea how bored I was until I got this power.”

“For crying out loud… why the hell did you get that power?” Kanji asked.

“Dunno. Probably an apology for being sent to the stinkin’ boonies.” Adachi shrugged. “I had to entertain myself somehow. When stuff got interesting, I watched.”

Yosuke flinched the most at this admission. It echoed a lot of what he’d felt about Inaba, and what his Shadow Self had revealed about him - what he’d denied about himself.

“Is that all?” Yukiko spat, disgusted. “What about what happens to the real world?!”

“Oh, let’s be real. The real world? It sucks . Boring and dull. Nobody likes that reality. They only accept it cause they can’t do anything about it. People who actually succeed in life?” Adachi scoffed bitterly. “They have an instant-win ticket called ‘talent’ . Either accept that, or deny it and suffer the ultimate game-over. What a shitty reality… wouldn’t it be better to wipe it away?”

“Oh, shut up!” Jibanyan snapped. “Who gave you the right to be the mouthpiece for all of humanity, nyan?”

“God… people like you, all self-righteous, pisses me off. You guys may have these hopes and dreams, but that’s because you know nothing about reality. Eventually, you’ll be stuck with that reality, no matter where you look.”

“The only boring thing here is YOU!” Kanji yelled. “You wanna disappear so badly, fine! Stop bringing everyone else into it!”

“Jeez, shut up for once. I get you want to hide your fear, but do ya have to yell?” Adachi groaned. “Seriously, think about it. A life where people are genuinely oblivious to everything around them… not any different from how life is now. That’d just make it easier for us all.”

“Easier?”

“Think about it. Who out there actually thinks about right and wrong? Next to no one, I bet. And why would they? What’s the point in doing that? You don’t get anything from facing reality, and you can’t change it, either. What’s the point of brooding over things you can’t change? That’s why people believe only what they want in life. Doesn’t that sound way easier? The average life span is just 80 years. I think it’d be so much easier to become Shadows, then. No more holding back, no more pretending we don’t see things.” He turned to the heroes. “That’s what everyone who’s scared to death wants… and I might as well give it to them, right?”

“... you know what, Adachi-san? I think I understand you better now!” Nanako admitted, shocking everyone.

“Nanako-chan?!” Naoto asked, baffled.

“See? The 9 year old is smarter than you all-” Adachi smugly said, only for Nanako to shut him up.

“YOU’RE JUST A SAD OLD MAN!” She bellowed.

“...What?” A dark aura surrounded Adachi. His eyes grew yellow, as he bared his teeth in anger. But Nanako refused to back down.

“What? Your life turned out to suck, so you decided to attempt mass murder ? That’s stupid! You’re stupid!” Nanako continued.

“Damn, Nanako-chan…”

“Your life turning out boring was your fault! You’re facing the consequences of your actions, and you couldn’t handle it! So you had to make it everyone else's problem!” Jibanyan joined in. “Living sucks for you, but you also don’t want to die? It’s a horrible limbo, yeah, but that doesn’t give you the right to do what you’ve done!”

“Shut the FUCK up! What does a Yo-Kai know about life?!” Adachi roared. “You guys are immortal! You can do whatever the hell you want!”

“Even then, ya don’t see us killin’ people or each other ‘cause we can ! That’s just you!”

“Tohru Adachi… at the end of the day, you’re just a killer, scrambling for a reason to justify his actions,” Whisper stated, as a matter of factly.

“Shut up! I don’t need a reason! I’m doing this cause I want to, bastard!”

“Then why are you constantly bringing up your ideals? Saying Shadows are best for mankind, you being the one to deliver it to them? It’s like you’re trying to excuse yourself. And you call us hypocrites? Who gave you the right to play god and decide people’s fates for them?”

“You’re not some mysterious, scary killer, Adachi-san!” Nanako proclaimed. “You’re nothing but a bitter, spoiled man throwing a temper tantrum because he never got to do anything with his life!”

“DAMN, NANAKO! GET HIM!” Kanji whooped.

“Whoo, Nana-chan’s got him nailed!” Teddie hopped on his feet, impressed.

“You think you know more than me, you little shit?!” Adachi was huffing and puffing like a rabid animal. “You think your mommy giving you a hand-me-down watch makes you special?!”

“Nanako may be only nine years old, but she knows more about life than you ever will!”

Yu stepped forward to join Nanako. “Adachi-san, people can never live alone. If you’re going to complain about life being hard, that’s one thing, but if you cut ties with everyone, there are consequences to your actions.”

She put her hand on her chest. “People, Yo-Kai, we all live together, for each other and with each other. I was miserable when I lost Whisper, Jibanyan, and all my other Yo-Kai friends. But I still kept living for them, so I could see them again! And I have!”

“Oh, shut up with the sappy bullcrap already!”

“But you chose to live alone! You chose to ignore all the friends you could’ve made, and where did that get you in life, Adachi?”

“You claim life is a bother, yet you were one to everyone around you,” Naoto stepped forward as well. “Nanako-chan is right. You are just a whiny brat, at the end of it all.”

“Oh, really? Who the hell do you think you are?!”

“I know who I am, Adachi. We all know who we are,” Nanako narrowed her eyes. “The question is, do you?”

“SHUT UP!” He began scratching and rubbing his hair as he twitched around, like an insane person. He was one, anyway. “What do you idiots know?! You’ve got no idea what I’ve been through!”

“You just told us!” Yosuke scoffed. “What garbage. You’re nothing but a criminal, that’s all!” 

“Nngh… NNGH… AGH!!!” Adachi roared. Just like with Namatame, dark red clouds engulfed his body…

“Here he comes! This is it, everyone… We have to give it all we’ve got!” Rise announced. 

“I plan to.” Nanako pulled out her Yo-Kai medals. Everyone pulled out their weapons and charged at Adachi!

Adachi stepped forward, a sickening, taunting grin on his face. 

“The world is about to change!” Adachi roared. “Your existence won’t belong there! I thought I’d just let you be, but you’re all like a plague… I’ll kill you all!”

“ YOU’RE THE PLAGUE!” Chie yelled back.

“I wish we could kill you…” Yosuke murmured, “but you have to pay for what you’ve done!”

“We must work together… then we can put him down!” Naoto said.

“Shut up! Get out of my face!” Adachi screamed, jerking his gun at them.

“I’ve got the Yo-Kai to take you down, you hack!” Nanako announced. She flicked it up into the air. “Come on out my friend… SHOGUNYAN!” The medal fell back down. She caught it, and inserted it! “Yo-Kai Medal, set on!” With the swirls of runes appearing again, a figure formed.

The Yo-Kai that appeared was similar to Jibanyan. A dull-blue cat, wearing turquoise samurai armor with gold accents. At the center of the helmet was a golden crescent. An orange rope was tied around his waist, where his sword was sheathed. The flames on his tail were golden. “SHOGUNYAN!” The samurai announced his arrival.

There was a beat of silence, as everyone looked at Shogunyan with various reactions. All tension went out the window.

“... is that a samurai cat?” Kanji finally asked.

“Indeed! I am Shogunyan of the Brave Tribe, a Legendary Yo-Kai! The fact Nanako has my medal is a testament to her worthiness!” Shogunyan proudly said.

“... you look like Jibanyan,” Yu said.

“Well, he’s supposed to be my ancestor, so yeah,” Jibanyan casually said.

“Huh, so that’s why Yoshitsune is so excited right now.” Suzuka Gongen in Chie’s mind was also just as excited.

“Ooh, if I were you, I’d start running, Adachi!” Whisper taunted.

Except Adachi was laughing hysterically. “HAHAHAHAHA!” he cackled. “You ACTUALLY think that a cat in a cosplay can take ME ON?! What a joke!”

“Cosplay?!” Shogunyan’s temper flared. “You dare insult me?! Then come forth, and I shall show you who the real joke is!”

“Fine by me… ” With a sudden howl of pain, Adachi was enveloped in a familiar aura, from which a blood-red version of Yu’s original Persona appeared. “ Mangle them, Magatsu Izanagi!”

“He has a Persona too?” Rise gasped. “That can’t be!”

“One that’s identical to Partner’s as well!” Yosuke growled, gripping his kunai.

“Calamity and creation…” Whisper muttered.

“VORPAL BLADE!” Magatsu Izanagi savagely rushed at Shogunyan, ready to slash the Yo-Kai to bits…

CLANG! 

“PERFECT PARRY LUNGE!” Shogunyan held his sword with a single hand to fend off Magatsu-Izanagi, narrowing his eyes at the Persona. 

“WHAT?!” Adachi couldn’t believe it, and neither could the others. 

“Woah… he parried the attack immediately!” 

‘As expected from a fellow master swordsman like Shogunyan,’ Yoshitsune smirked in Yu’s mind.

‘Were you guys always aware of Yo-Kai? Why didn’t you tell us?!’

‘It didn’t concern you at the time,’ every Persona Yu had said, eliciting a groan.

“If this is your power, then I’m very unimpressed.” Shogunyan quickly slashed at the Persona with the velocity and ferocity of lightning, forcing it to block his attacks. Adachi grit his teeth. 

“So your stupid cat’s got some skills, big whoop! That won’t stop me from killing it!” 

“Then this will!” Magatsu Izanagi turned around, only to get kicked right in the face! Reeling back from the blow, another body zipped in and punched it in the gut, sending the Persona skidding back to its user.

Landing on opposite sides of Shogunyan were Komane and Komiger! They stood strong, ready for combat. “Here to help, Shogunyan!” Komane declared.

“Yeah! Let’s take him down!” Komiger added.

“Sure you don’t want to give up now, Adachi? It doesn’t look good for you,” Yu said, brandishing his sword as he and the Investigation Team readied for battle, alongside the Yo-Kai.

“Let’s see, a bunch of amateur detectives, a 9 year old with a dumb watch and a few ghosts?” Adachi smirked. “I like my chances!”

–*–

Adachi must have been terrible at math.

He was strong, granted, and that was undeniable. His Persona hit hard, with no weaknesses to take advantage of. He would hit them with the Fear status effect and try to follow it up with a Ghastly Wail to instantly kill them, but Yukiko quickly prevented that with Amrita.

It wasn’t just that. Whereas the Personas and their users fought together in sync, Adachi had to wrangle Magatsu Izanagi more often. Izanagi’s rival was more focused on beating down the Shogunyan, as if trying to prove its superiority. Yet the Legendary Yo-Kai kept a cool head, dodging and counter attacking every move, all while Komane and Komiger would focus on blitzing alongside him.

All those factors combined, Adachi was slowly getting overwhelmed.

“Bastards… there’s no way I can lose!” Adachi growled.

“Believe it! You’re done for!” He whipped his head at Nanako, who looked pretty smug.

“You’ve been a real pain in the ass, kid…” He aimed the gun right at Nanako. “So do me a favour, and FUCK OFF!” And then he fired it.

“NO!!!!” Everyone screamed, running to Nanako.

It was like in slow motion. Adachi’s mad grin grew even further as the bullet travelled. Yu desperately tried to stop the bullet, swinging his sword at it but missing... Kanji was ready to dive and take the shot… Nanako’s eyes grew in horror, when…

Whisper dived in, and took the bullet! “GAH!” Whisper yelled in pain, falling to the ground.

“WHISPER!” Nanako and Jibanyan rushed to his side. The Yo-Kai butler turned around, looking weak. “No no no, Whisper!” Nanako begged.

“Ugh… I don’t regret it… I promised Madame Chisato I’d protect you till the end… I guess this is the end, then…” Whisper weakly chuckled, his eyes fluttering.

“Whisper… please…” Nanako was in tears, holding Whisper’s hand. The Investigation Team were nearly about to cry themselves. They were going to lose a friend…

Whisper’s eyes slowly closed…

… until Jibanyan said, with a deadpan expression: “Whisper, you’re a Yo-Kai. You can’t die.”

Everyone blinked. Whisper’s eyes snapped back open. “Oh, right! Silly me!” Whisper stuck out his tongue with a cheeky expression, putting his hands on his head.

The bullet casually popped out of his body, with no actual damage. Nanako facepalmed. How did she forget such an obvious fact about Yo-Kai?

“YOU JERK, YOU SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF US!” Kanji yelled, everyone’s tears were gone. Most of them were conflicted whether they were relieved, annoyed at that scare, or just feeling stupid for thinking a simple bullet could kill a Yo-Kai.

Adachi facepalmed. “I’m so done with your bullshit…” 

Reminded that Adachi tried to shoot Nanako, everyone turned to Adachi, with murderous expressions.

“You attempted to kill a child…” Shogunyan pulled out his sword.

“Wouldn’t be the first time!” Yosuke piped up.

“Filthy coward. I SHALL STRIKE YOU DOWN!”

“BRING IT!” Magatsu Izanagi charged at Shogunyan, his blade raised. The Yo-Kai rushed at the Persona, their blades to clash, and then-

A ring of metal was heard throughout the TV World. Shogunyan and Magatsu Izanagi stood still. Nobody knew who had won…

Until Shogunyan sheathed his sword. Magatsu Izanagi’s blade shattered, the Persona horrified! “You’re centuries too young to be challenging me,” Shogunyan coldly said. “Komane! Komiger! Now!”

“RIGHT!” The brothers jumped at the Persona, their fists lighting with blue fire and lightning respectively! They grabbed its head, slamming it into the ground. Komane and Komiger let out roars of strength, torching and electrocuting Magatsu Izanagi! Unable to take anymore, Magatsu Izanagi let out an unholy scream of pain, before shattering into pieces.

Adachi groaned, stumbling back as he felt Magatsu Izanagi return to him, knocking the wind out of him. He went to raise the gun again, but Naoto was faster.

“Not this time!” She fired right at Adachi’s hand, knocking the gun out of his hand. He cringed in pain, but he didn’t have time to process it, as Naoto kept shooting at him as she approached. She made sure not to hit any vital areas, but every bullet was pressure-pointed to down him. Even more so when she kicked Adachi in the stomach! He spun around, coming face to face with Teddie!

“That’s for shooting at Nana-chan!” Teddie scratched at Adachi like a savage animal, and his final hit had him slap Adachi, making him face Kanji.

“Take this, you son of a bitch!” Kanji slammed his shield right into Adachi’s face. He could hear the ringing in his ears, and he followed up with a kick to the gut, then punching him right in the face. 

“For everything you’ve done!” Yukiko dashed in, slashing at Adachi with her tessen, slapping him backwards.

“Hiya!” Chie then proceeded to make true on her promise, and kicked in Adachi’s teeth. He was lucky they didn’t fly out. “Yosuke, tag in!”

“THIS IS FOR SAKI-SENPAI!” Boosted by Jiraiya’s Wind magic, Yosuke was a miniature tornado as he slashed Adachi with his knives. 

In lieu of words, Yu dragged his sword against the ground, collecting electricity from Izanagi, and swung right at Adachi!

The final hit landed on Adachi! He clenched at his chest, groaning in pain as he fell to his knees.

The dark aura disappeared from the detective. “Damn it… damn it! Talk about lame…”

“Now stay down!” Nanako told him.

“Eh… Our world’s gonna disappear anyway, no matter what. Not like I had anything to return to…” He weakly chuckled. “Everyone’s gonna turn into Shadows… heh.”

Then his expression suddenly changed. He froze in place, not moving at all. “Nyan? What’s going on?” Jibanyan asked.

And then his body began to twitch unnaturally… before becoming pitch-black. “Gah!” Everyone backed away in alarm. Adachi’s body rose up into the air, his eyes glowing and golden, holding out his hands as he floated…

“All humans… will become Shadows… and I shall descend upon the united world… as the master of order…” Adachi spoke. His voice was now distorted… 

… if this was even Adachi.

Venoct and Kyubi had teleported to their location. “What’s going on?!” Kyubi demanded. “We sensed that-”

Venoct stopped Kyubi, and pointed him towards the floating Adachi. “It appears the presence has made itself known,” he growled out.

“Descend? Order? What’s up with Adachi now?!” Yosuke groaned.

“This isn’t Adachi… it’s something different!” Rise said.

“It’s like what happened to Namatame… when he became Kunino-Sagiri…,” Naoto noted.

“Correct. I am Ameno-Sagiri.”

Chapter Text

“I am Ame-no-Sagiri… Ruler of the fog, awakened from mankind’s desires…” the being spoke.

“Nyaw, come on!” Jibanyan let out a huge groan. “There’s another one behind it all?”

Chie scratched the back of her head, groaning, “There’s always got to be a secret villain at the end, huh…”

“Do what you will, but your world’s erosion will not be stopped. It is an inevitability…” Ame-no-Sagiri declared. “You played your parts well, stirring up the will of the masses into madness. But that will soon come to an end. Mankind will soon become Shadows and live on in the darkness of the fog, oblivious of their reality…”

“Huh? What the hell are you talking about? Why are you doing this?!” Yosuke demanded.

“I am the one who shepherds humanity to their true desires…” explained Ame-no-Sagiri. “Though their hearts longed for peace, it could never be attained. So they tore down the wall between image and reality. This is the outcome desired by mankind… and I will grant them such desires. So I expanded this world…”

“Back up! You’re the one who created this creepy ass world?” Kanji said, shocked.

“This world is part of a sea of unconsciousness that exists within human hearts. A hollow forest born from bloated desire and false imagery… humans view things as they see fit. Denying the truth, they prefer the undesirable aspects to be hidden in the fog.

“Yet humans still fear what they do not see. That yearning for the truth, brief may it be; becomes a ray of light which breaks the fog and torments the Shadows…”

“So that’s why they go berserk and kill anyone nearby,” Yukiko realised. “A hollow forest… then, this place isn’t affected by people’s hearts… it exists inside of them?”

“Abandoning its pursuit of truth, Mankind placed itself in the depth of chaos and falsehood. My strength has grown for it, and thus, the fog will not lift. Your world will be engulfed by the hollow forest.”

“Oh, shut your trap already!” Chie snapped. “We’ll just beat you the heck up and get this over with!”

“I bestowed power onto those who could brave the hollow forest,” Ame-no-Sagiri continued, unbothered by Chie’s threats. “That is what allowed you to come in contact with this world… And you all have done very well since.”

“‘Come into contact with this world…’” Venoct realised it. “I see. So you granted them access to the Other World?”

“So this Midnight Channel phenomenon was your doing as well?” Kyubi snarled.

“Humans fail to see things as they truly are. They choose to see only what they wish. I acted only in support of this,” Ame-no-Sagiri confirmed. “A world filled with desires, viewed through a window from which one sees what one wishes to see… humans departed from reality of their own volition, craving more false images.”

“What they want to see…” Naoto muttered.

Rise gasped, having put it together. “So that’s why people who were famous appeared on the Midnight Channel… it was all in people’s minds!”

“Then, does that mean our Shadow Selves… were they also influenced by the perception of others?” Naoto pulled her hat down, grimacing. “Damn it… we let ourselves be deluded.”

“Exactly…” Ame-no-Sagiri tonelessly confirmed. “The more false images one yearns for, the more one stops yearning for reality. And so the forest grows on… that is the expansion of this world.”

“Enough of this bullcrap!” Kanji yelled. “You’re the one behind this, we got it!”

“I don’t know what you exactly are, but you’re still going down!” Yosuke joined in.

“Since when did all humans want to be Shadows? What, you saw one nyutjob and decided he’d be the example to follow?” Jibanyan shook his head.

“We’ve all fought hard to get to where we’re standing! We won’t let you win!” Yu yelled.

“That I did not foresee. The ability to master your own Shadow that emerged to kill you, and use its power… new and uncertain facet of mankind… Is it worthy to put my trust in, or not…? It must be tested …”

“Oh, no…” They didn’t like the sound of the ‘tested’ part.

And they were right about it.

A fiery aura enveloped Adachi, the Shadows flying at him and being absorbed. His body began to morph, twitching and shifting, as a pitch black pool began to spread out. Everyone stepped back cautiously, and then Adachi’s body fell into the pool.

The blood red sky turned into a sickly yellow, as the ground began to rumble. The pool bubbled, as a giant object emerged from the shadow! The Shadows poured off the being, revealing its body.

It was like a giant eyeball. With changing rainbow outlines, and tubes that hissed out steam, it’s eye opened, staring at the heroes. Nanako screamed, hiding behind Yu.

“This is what was controlling the fog the whole time?!”

“Come… let me test your worth,” Ame-no-Sagiri challenged.

“Like we give a damn!” Yosuke yelled.

“You’ve done whatever you wanted, but now we’re gonna kick your ass!” Kanji declared.

“Precisely!”

“We know what we gotta do!”

“I don’t want people to become Shadows!” Teddie protested.

“A hideous being like you has no right existing in this world,” Kyubi said, lighting his fist on fire. Venoct’s dragon heads sparked with lightning. Komane and Komiger let out yells as they called upon their strength, creating an aura of blue fire and electricity! Shogunyan pointed his blade to the enemy, the edge shining. Jibanyan joined in, the fire on his tails burning up with determination!

“Let’s finish this,” Yu declared, and they charged at the enemy!

–*–

“To defy me is a senseless act that goes against your world’s wishes…” Ame-no-Sagiri rumbled. “Let everything vanish into the sweet fog of illusion…”

“No way! Get lost!” Chie yelled.

“And I thought Kunino-Sagiri was big…!” Teddie commented.

“Let us begin…”

The fight was tough. Ame-no-Sagiri used the strongest variations of all the elemental attacks. Even though he could not move, he could attack quickly, leaving little time to dodge the attacks he sent. His God’s Judgement attack cut their health into half, and Nebula Oculus was a devastatingly strong eye laser!

Yukiko, Teddie and Yosuke focused on healing and buffing the teammates, as the others continuously attacked Ame-no-Sagiri. They were doing good damage, until…

“How foolish. Your actions will only draw many back into suffering and strife… Do you not understand?!” Ame-no-Sagiri bellowed. 

“You don’t get to decide that for others!” Yu yelled.

“You leave me no choice then…” From the vents attached all around his body, he released a fog that covered his entire body.

“You think that’s gonna help?!” Kanji summoned Rokuten Maoh for a Vile Assault, but the attack went right through Ame-no-Sagiri! “Wait, what the shit?! Aggggh, of course it actually helps!”

“How did he-” Rise stopped when she noticed an orange aura surrounding the spirit. “Guys! He’s buffing his attack! Guard!” She urgently called out. Everyone quickly guarded, just as Ame-no-Sagiri used Nebula Oculus, hitting the entire group hard!

“Grah!” Venoct groaned in pain as he was sent flying back.

“He’s using the fog to shield himself from attacks…” Shogunyan deduced. “What a cowardly move!”

“Great…” Yosuke grumbled, taking out a Soma and crushing it, re-energizing everybody. “We gotta deal with that now?”

“Hm… What if…” Whisper looked at the vents, rubbing his chin (or at least what he had that was close to a chin), thinking of an idea… and his antenna turned into an exclamation mark when he got one! “Ah! Nanako!” He quickly flew to her, whispering his suggestion. Nanako paid attention, then gasped. They looked at each other, grinning.

“Alright, nice idea, Whisper!” She pulled out another Yo-Kai medal. “Come on out my friend!” She inserted the medal into the watch, as another Yo-Kai came out! With a burst of bright light, a giant made of brown dirt punched Ame-no-Sagiri right in his giant eye!

“WHOA!” The Investigation Team gasped.

“That thing is BEAR-Y big! Is that actually a Yo-Kai?!” Teddie said, shaking.

“That’s Dromp!” Nanako told everyone. “The biggest Yo-Kai friend I’ve got! Now, get him!” Dromp nodded. A giant boulder formed in his fist, before he broke it over Ame-no-Sagiri’s body.

“Damn, I would not want to fight that thing,” Kanji admitted.

“Accursed Yo-Kai… out of my sight!” Ame-no-Sagiri cast Garudyne, forcing Dromp away from him! Everyone quickly shifted out of the way to avoid being crushed by the Yo-Kai!

“YOU WILL NOT BRING HUMANITY HARM ANYMORE!” Dromp roared, before entering a tussle with Ame-no-Sagiri.

“Quick! While he’s holding it down, attack Ame-no-Sagiri!” Rise commanded everyone, who nodded. They began their assault, as the ruler of the fog struggled to hold them off.

“Impudent beings, you leave me no choice! I will bring the deaths of all those who would keep true peace from the world!” Ame-no-Sagiri attempted to release the fog again… but it could not! “What?!” The vents on his body were frozen shut!

Two extra Yo-Kai flew in front of Ame-no-Sagiri. “Hello,” Blizzaria said. Besides her, another yuki-onna appeared. She was nearly identical to Blizzaria, except with a black robe and dark purple hair. 

“A giant disco ball? That’s the bad guy you’re dealing with?” She scoffed. 

“Great job, Blizzaria and Damona!” Nanako said. While Dromp, the Yo-Kai and Investigation Team assaulted Ame-no-Sagiri, Blizzaria and Damona took advantage, freezing every single vent on his body as fast as they could and ensuring he wasn’t able to use the fog to hide again.

“We’re ending this, now!” Yu declared. He knew which Persona to finish it with, the one he had gotten from maxing out Teddie’s Social Link… “HELEL!”

Helel appeared, towering over them all. Everyone was amazed by his Persona, how majestic it was. “MORNING STAR!” Yu called out. From the heavens above, a bright light shined, and then a beam of Almighty power struck Ame-no-Sagiri! Ame-no-Sagiri let out a monstrous scream of pain as the explosion enveloped him! The shockwaves from the impact sent everyone flying back.

When the dust cleared, the heroes were standing strong, and Ame-no-Sagiri was weakly looking at them all.

“I… see… what strong powers you all have…,” Ame-no-Sagiri admitted. “Power like yours comes from the heart. You have proven yourselves, humans and Yo-Kai… very well. I shall abide by your demands, and lift the fog from the place you will return to.”

“Wait, really?” Nanako said in surprise, as was everyone else.

“Mankind’s desires are my desires. If mankind wishes, I shall return to them. I will always be watching…”

“Well, don’t wait up!” Teddie scoffed. “We’ll make sure that doesn’t happen at all!”

“Time will show the path humanity takes… Children of the new potential…” Ame-no-Sagiri never finished, as he faded away into bright orbs of light. And from it all, Adachi fell down onto the ground, groaning in pain. All the wounds he had received during battle, the gunshots, scratches and stabs seemed to have healed, but he was still exhausted.

“So, was that thing controlling Adachi-san?” Chie asked.

“Perhaps,” Naoto mused. “It could’ve also been his own decision as well.” Everyone walked over to Adachi, who just groaned further when he saw them standing over him.

“Ugh… this is it?” Adachi weakly said. “Fine, live however you guys want. You think you can change the future, then go on right ahead.”

“We all have the power to do that,” Yosuke scoffed.

“Heh…” Adachi coughed. “Get outta here… the Shadows are gonna finish me off. That’s what you guys want, right?”

“What? Hell no.” Kanji scoffed at the detective, tone derisive.

“If we left you here, and your dead body popped out into the real world, then what? How’s that gonna help anyone?” Yosuke questioned. 

“Your game is over,” Naoto said. “We’re taking you back, so you can face your punishment in the real world. As how it should be.”

“That’s what uncle Dojima would’ve wanted as well,” Yu nodded. He walked over, kneeling down to look Adachi in the eyes.

“Look at us…” Adachi managed to remark. “We both had the same power, but everything turned out so different…”

Yu shrugged. “It’s because I had my friends with me.”

“Friends? Ugh, that’s the last thing I want to hear right now…” Adachi moaned. “But maybe… if I was a bit more like you, things wouldn’t have gone down this way…” He gave a weak smile. A true, sincere one this time.

The case was finally over.

–*–

When they had exited to JUNES, a policeman was waiting for them to return so he could take Adachi away. He would be moved into protective custody… as per the request Dojima had made.

They all left JUNES (disappointing Nanako a little), and walked right into the street. The day was beautiful. With no fog, the sun shined brightly. “It’s gone… the fog’s really gone!” Chie said.

“We did it… This time, it's for real…” Yukiko breathed. Yu turned to Rise, hearing some sniffling noises from her.

“Rise, are you ok?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah, I’m just…” Rise swallowed. “It's been so long since the sky was that blue…”

“We’ve really done it…” Yosuke’s grin grew into a giant smile.

“...Thank you all.”

“Aw, don’t get all sappy,” Yosuke chuckled. “We did this together…”

“Yeah!” Nanako cheered. Everyone looked at each other, before putting their hands together.

“Wait, what are we doing?” Kanji asked.

“Ooh, what’s this?” Teddie asked.

“Alright, ready? Everyone ready!? Here goes…” Chie looked like she was about to combust on the spot with her excitement. “We did it, woohoooooo!”

“WOOHOO!” Nanako, Whisper and Jibanyan all cheered, throwing their hands up… except the others didn’t do it as well.

“Why didn't you guys say it?” Whisper asked.

“Yeah, you all did it when Rise-chan did it!” Chie huffed.

“Um… I think that was a little too hard to get on the spot,” Rise admitted, scratching her cheek lightly.

“Which part did you mean for us to say?” Naoto asked.

“The ‘woohoo’ part!” The four who did the cheer yelled together.

“Hmph! Only Nanako-chan, Whisper and Jibanyan get how fun it is!” Chie pouted, folding her arms and turning away. Yukiko chuckled lightly, as she patted Chie on the shoulder.

“Can we get a do-over?” Kanji asked.

“Do-overs kill the fun of it!”

They still did it a few seconds later. Even if it was with less vigour than the first time, there was no less relief.

The fog had disappeared for good.

Chapter Text

With Adachi in custody, the kids could rest easy. Yu double checked, and noticed that the Midnight Channel wasn’t showing up anymore, much to their relief. After that, the Investigation Team had been spending the days getting to know Whisper, Jibanyan and the other Yo-Kai more.

Nanako showed them how she used to teleport around town with the help of Mirapo, demonstrating it by teleporting from her room, to JUNES, to her school, and back home. “To be honest, having to walk everywhere again killed me a little inside,” Nanako admitted.

“Man, that’s trippy,” Yosuke mumbled, feeling dizzy from the spinning.

She then showed them all the places she would go to with the Yo-Kai Watch, like the Crank-A-Kai.

“This was where Madame Chisato and I first met! Ah, how nostalgic…” Whisper reminisced.

Frostia’s Snack Bar was next, in Okina City. “Why did you go to a snack bar?” Yukiko asked.

“To get food for Yo-Kai and me,” Nanako said, as she opened a packet of chips and began eating from it. It was on the house from Ms. Frost, who was very happy to be back and working again. The Investigation Team had the feeling Ms. Frost wasn’t who she seemed, but Nanako assured them she was a very nice lady.

Then they met Mr. Goodsight, who was the one who upgraded the Yo-Kai Watch when Nanako needed it. “Come visit again, Nanako-chan!” He said as they all left.

Then they met Detective Hold-it. The eccentric ‘detective’ was happy to see Nanako with her Yo-Kai friends again. When asked where he had been while the Yo-Kai were gone, he dodged the question. He immediately reappointed Nanako as Detective Nanako, much to her delight. “We got some Yo-criminals runnin’ around again, so I’m counting on you, Detective Nanako!”

After all that, they went back to JUNES to grab a meal, as they all told each other about their adventures. “Man, I wish I had a Persona now,” Nanako huffed. Then quickly, her eyes lit up with an idea. “Wait, can we go back into the-”

“NO!” The teenagers immediately shot her down, making her pout.

“Seriously, we only let you come along because you insisted on it, and you wanted to help stop Adachi. We’re not gonna let you go back into the TV, especially now that the case is closed for real!” Yosuke firmly said.

“Aw come on, I’ve dealt with dangerous stuff before!”

“Like what?” Whisper, Jibanyan and Nanako side-eyed each other, as old memories came back.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nanako was sweating as she and Komasan slowly balanced on the steel beam, trying not to fall down multiple floors while ascending an abandoned building. Whisper flew behind her, ready to catch her in case she fell. “Oh, geez…”

“Oh my swirls…” Komasan nervously muttered.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“AH!!!” Nanako screeched as she avoided Dr Maddiman’s claw-swipes. The eagerness to take her heart was frightening…

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“AH!!” The trio screamed as they ran from Gargaros, who was chasing them yet again in Terror Time! “I JUST WANTED DOUGHNUTS!” Nanako wailed.

“TOO BAD! YOU’RE NOT MEANT TO BE OUT AT THIS TIME!” Gargaros roared.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nanako had a feeling they wouldn’t let her go anywhere without supervision if she told them the true scope of their adventures. “Anyway…” Nanako tried to think of a way to change the subject, when Yu ended up unintentionally coming to the save.

He got a call from Ryotaro. Picking it up, he had a quick conversation with him, before hanging up. Yu had a big smile on his face. “Guess what? Uncle’s being discharged from the hospital so he can spend Christmas with us all.”

“Really?” Nanako’s eyes brightened, her smile growing even further.

“Yep.”

“Aw, yeah! This calls for a Christmas party!” Chie cheered.

“And that means we’re going to need a cake,” Yukiko mentioned.

Everyone except Naoto, Whisper, Teddie and Jibanyan suddenly paled. “Guys… please tell me you’re not gonna…” Yosuke stammered, suddenly feeling fear.

“We’re gonna make one!” Rise confirmed their worst fears. The boys were visibly pale now, and Nanako was sweating with fear.

“Wow, I get to eat food made by the Risette?” Jibanyan’s eyes sparkled. “Nyeah! Talk about being the luckiest cat ever!”

“Aw, just for that, Jibanyan, you’re going to get an extra-large piece!” Rise happily said.

‘Rest in peace, Jibanyan… well, you’re actually already dead so… rest in peace again? Or is that insulting to a Yo-Kai?’ Yu wondered.

“Hold on, this is a really tall order for you girls-” Yosuke objected.

“Oh shush. Come on, Naoto! Let’s go grocery shopping!”

“But I’ve never baked a cake-”

“Don’t worry, neither have we!” And with that, the teenage girls ran off into the JUNES Department.

“...Uh, why are you all so scared?” Whisper asked, as the boys looked towards him with pale expressions.

“Whisper… their cooking is… let’s say I’d prefer Terror Time over their cooking.”

“... suddenly, I feel nyervous.”

“What’s Terror Time?”

–*–

It was evening at the Dojima household. Ryotaro had returned to everyone’s delight, and soon enough, the cake had arrived. “Woah…” The cake was quite big, with white frosting, strawberries and chocolate decorating it, and a card saying ‘Merry Christmas’ on it.

“Hey, that’s bigger than I imagined,” Ryotaro commented. They handed out a slice to each person, and Nanako secretly took two slices and handed them to Jibanyan and Whisper. She’d take some extra slices to give Mirapo and Hidabat later.

The cake actually looked pretty good… but Nanako was still a little apprehensive about it. As was everyone else, except for Jibanyan and Whisper.

“...Well, here we go.” Nanako cut off a piece and bit down on it. Everyone looked at her with bated breath…

When her eyes widened! “Oh my god…” A huge smile grew on her face. “This is delicious!” The boys were very confused, which only grew further as Whisper and Jibanyan took a bite. 

“NYEAH! This tastes awesome!” Jibanyan said, as he scarfed down the cake excitedly.

“Indeed!” Whisper added. “And you made us all nervous for no reason!”

“No… have they lost all sense of taste?” Yosuke breathed. The boys decided to dive in, nervous… and to their shock, the others were right! “Did you girls actually make this? Like, for real?”

“Huh? Of course we did!” Chie defensively yelled.

“Does it actually taste like something?” Yukiko asked.

“What? It’s… it’s not hot, right, Kanji?” Rise nervously asked.

“It’s amazing!” Kanji said. “Naoto, how’d you do it?!”

“Hey, why’s she getting all the credit? We helped too!”

“I just… made them follow the recipe,” Naoto sighed. “The other attempts… I thought it was an exaggeration, but they take too many creative liberties.”

“It wasn’t that bad.”

“You tried to add spice to the batter!”

“Ah…” Whisper and Jibanyan had an idea on how it could’ve turned out, if not for Naoto. Everyone made a note to make sure Naoto always stuck with them when cooking…

“Oh, by the way, Nanako-chan, I made…” Teddie pulled out a mini-plush of his body from his pockets! “This! Tada! It’s a Christmas gift from moi !”

“Wow…” Nanako held the Teddie plushie… it felt so comfy in her hands. “You really made this for me?”

“Yeah! And it’s made of 100% natural Teddie fur! I only use natural material!”

“That’s really nice of you, Teddie,” Ryotaro smiled, before blinking when he realized what he just said. “Wait, Teddie fur?”

“I love it… Thanks, Teddie!” Teddie’s smile grew bigger.

“I have to thank you all again…” Ryotaro nodded. “Adachi confessed to the two murders. He insists it was him who hung the bodies, too. There are still things that are unclear about his story, but he's most likely gonna pay for his crimes. Though…” He groaned, putting a hand on his face. “I still can’t believe some of this. A world inside the TV… God, it sounds so weird.” Nanako had insisted on keeping Ryotaro in the dark about Yo-Kai, since it would be way too much for him to handle. His brain would’ve probably broken from the influx of information. “And I don’t know how Nanako got him to confess so easily, but… I guess I’ll just deal with that another day.” Looking up, he mused, “Back in the day… my own senpai on the force told me something. ‘There's an underside to everything that you can never see.’ This case has made me think about a lot of things… Yu, you've helped us out so much… even if it was meant to be the other way around, really.” He chuckled. “There isn’t much time ‘til spring. Hopefully, I can catch up before then.”

The reminder hit them brutally. “Oh right… you’re only here ‘till spring,” Chie quietly said.

“Senpai? You’re going back?” Rise sadly asked.

“It won’t be the same without you…” Naoto looked away. Nanako was especially sad hearing that, because she’d be without her Big Bro…

But Ryotaro simply smirked, and turned to Yu. “You want to tell them now?”

“Well, no better time than now,” Yu said, before reassuring everyone with a smile. “Uncle talked with my parents, and they decided it’d be better if I stayed here until graduation.”

Everyone’s heads snapped up. “Wait… does this mean?” Yosuke slowly said. 

Yu nodded. “Yup. I’ll be staying in Inaba for the rest of my high-school career.”

There was a moment of silence, before everyone cheered, “YEAH!” Naoto joined in this time.

“Of course, I’m still going to visit my parents for the Spring, but I’ll be back before the 3rd year starts.”

“Oh, yeah, where did your folks move anyway for work?” Kanji asked.

“A city in America called Saint Peanutsberg.”

“What.”

“Yeah, that’s actually what it’s called.”

“Wait, Peanutsberg ?” Yukiko began giggling. “Hahaha! Like, peanuts! That’s so funny- hahaha!” It then evolved to her chuckling and snorting at the name.

“Not really…” Yosuke muttered with a sweatdrop. 

“Still, big bro gets to stay! This is the best month ever!” Nanako cheered. Her Yo-Kai friends were back, they saved Inaba yet again with Big Bro and his friends, and now he was actually going to stay? 

Things were looking up for Nanako Dojima!

Chapter Text

“Happy New Year!” Nanako cheered, the second she woke up, she was full of energy!

“Happy New Year!” All the other Yo-Kai in her room greeted. Yep, it was officially 2012! Just on New Year’s Eve, they had gone to celebrate at the shrine.

“So, what’s everyone’s New Year’s resolution?” Whisper asked.

“I’m gonnya eat more Chocobars!” Jibanyan cheered.

“That’s not a resolution!”

"And I'm gonna finally beat a truck!"

“I’m… gonna make sure my company is doing well again this year,” Hidabat said. Right. He ran a massive company in the Yo-Kai World.

“I uh… I don’t really need any resolutions,” Mirapo commented. “Sleep more?”

“...Really?” 

“Well, I vow to keep making more Yo-Kai friends!” Nanako cheered. “Now that Adachi-san has been stopped and no more Midnight Channel, we can go back to having awesome adventures again!”

“Hear, hear!” Whisper said.

“By the way, Whisper, what’s your resolution?” 

Whisper proudly smiled. “I, of course, will keep dedicating myself to being an excellent Yo-Kai butler as usual!”

Nanako and Jibanyan side-eyed each other with a deadpan expression. “...Well, you keep doing you, Whisper!”

“I will indeed- wait, was that sarcasm?” He was about to pester further, but Nanako had already left. “Nanako!” 

–*–

Soon, the family was going to be eating breakfast. “Alright, everyone ready?” Ryotaro asked. “Happy new year!”

“Happy new year!” Yu and Nanako cheered.

“We’ll still probably be a pain for you, but at may things go well this year.” Yu simply chuckled at that. “You’ve changed a lot over this past year. You’ve got a man’s face, and it took me being hospitalised to see it.” Ryotaro smiled. “I've been so relieved since then.”

“You can always leave it to me, uncle.”

“Heh, you really are like my sister.” He shook his head good naturedly. “Ah well, let’s eat now. Those guys at JUNES working during the holiday are lifesavers. I found New Year’s food as well.” And so the family dug in.

–*–

The days passed, and on 3rd January, Yosuke and Teddie had dropped by. “Hey, Happy New Year!” Yosuke greeted them. “Oh, wait, already said that.”

“Hi, Yosuke!” Nanako waved.

“Nyan, what’s up?” Jibanyan asked, all the way from the sofa. 

“We were gonna call you, but we were already in the area, so why not drop by?”

“Thanks for inviting us in!” Teddie said as he walked in.

“You’re meant to wait for them to invite you before you say that!” Yosuke scolded. Everyone sweatdropped at Teddie’s behavior.

–*–

“So, do you guys have any plans for winter break? Because if you guys don’t, we had an idea. Going skiing!” Yosuke suggested, and their eyes lit up. 

“Really?”

“There are a lot of mountains in the area, and it seems like there’s a lot of little ski resorts around here. Won’t be too costly, with it being local, and the snow’s quality is pretty good!”

“Wow! That sounds super fun!” Nanako excitedly said. 

“What about everyone else?” Yu asked.

“Chie and Yukiko are free as well. Yukiko’s usually really busy around this time, so if she’s free, then everyone else might be able to come!” Yosuke said.

“Another overnight event! I’m gonna leave ski tracks of love under the sky!” Teddie declared. “Hey, Yosuke, are we gonna do another raid this time?”

“No. Just, no, Teddie.” Yosuke facepalmed.

“This guy’s got issues, nyan.” Nanako couldn’t help but nod to that. Teddie could be quite the odd one.

“Plus, who cares about that stuff? We’re going skiing!”

“Skiing, huh?” Everyone turned to see Ryotaro enter the room.

“Oh, hello Dojima-san. Happy New Year. Sorry for barging in,” Yosuke apologized. 

“Same to you. Well, I’m gonna have to leave for the hospital.”

“Huh?” Nanako gasped. “But I thought you were okay now!”

“I am, but they want me to do some physical therapy for a while. Sorry for having to leave you guys to fend for yourself again, but I’ll be back by the middle of the month. Promise,” Ryotaro explained.

“We can visit you and give you some company, uncle,” Yu said.

“Sure, I like that. Anyway, guess I’m leaving the house in your hands once again. See you.” Ryotaro left as everyone said goodbye back.

After everyone left, it was just the Dojima family and the Yo-Kai. By evening, Yu was going to go back to his room…

‘Ugh…’ When he felt dizzy all of a sudden. ‘Where did this come… from…?’ Nanako looked at Yu. 

“Big bro?” She said, concerned. Yu stumbled back… before falling. “BRO!” Whisper and Jibanyan rushed to his side immediately, grabbing him before he collapsed and quickly setting him down gently. 

“Yu?! What happened?!” Whisper asked, but Yu just groaned in pain, his eyes clenched shut.

“Is he sick or something?” Jibanyan worriedly asked.

“Let’s first move him under the kotatsu!” Nanako said, and the Yo-Kai did just that, setting up a makeshift bed for Yu. “Big bro…”

“Nyan, one problem after another since we’ve come back…” Jibanyan muttered.

“This is no time for complaining! Let’s see, his temperature, a wet towel on his forehead, now… Ah! A cold pillow!” Whisper ran off to get one, as Nanako knelt beside Yu.

“Big Bro… you’re gonna be ok…”

Yu didn’t respond.

He kept sleeping.

–*–

Nanako was worried sick. Yu had a fever, and he had been asleep for a few days now, showing no signs of waking. “Man… what made this happen?”

“He was perfectly fine a few days ago…” Whisper mused. Nanako scoured the house for a Yo-Kai, every nook and cranny, but found none, ruling out a Yo-Kai interference.

–*–

Yu didn’t wake up from his sleep till the 9th. He could remember hearing Nanako, Whisper and Jibanyan around him.

The others would sometimes come to visit. He heard them discuss their worries. He felt bad for worrying them, but something else was nagging at him during his fever.

That dream about Marie… What did it mean?

He pulled himself out of bed, and noticed that Nanako was sleeping on the couch, snoring away. So was Jibanyan and Whisper. He was a little taken aback that Whisper’s sleep had him rock back and forth through the floor…

His phone ringing broke him out of his thoughts. He received it. “Good evening.” Ah, it was Margaret, his Velvet Room attendant. “I apologize for disturbing your night. There is something I discovered about Marie, so I had to contact you directly.”

“I just had a dream about her, actually,” Yu said, as he walked away from the sleeping Yo-Kai and Nanako to not disturb them.

“A dream?” Margaret sounded surprised. “Then that perhaps has something to do with Marie’s departure.” She hummed in thought. “I have yet to pinpoint her location. However, I have discovered something…”

“I’m listening.”

“Do you remember what I previously said? I mentioned that this could potentially be dangerous. And it appears it may be true. Where this will lead us will not be in the dimension of man. It will be a true test of your Persona powers… until I come for you, keep cultivating your bonds. Be ready for when the time comes.”

“Got it,” Yu responded.

“Oh, and one more thing. Your cousin wields a Yo-Kai Watch, correct?” 

“Yeah?” Why was Margaret asking about that? Wait, how did she know about that?

“I would request you bring her along,” She said.

“What?!” Yu growled.

“I believe her bonds with Yo-Kai… they might be able to help save Marie. I know you are worried, and not fond of the idea-”

“Damn right I’m not! She’s already been through enough these past months!” Yu hissed. “I’m not bringing her into something this potentially dangerous!”

“She has proven herself to you in defeating Ame-no-Sagiri and Kunino-Sagiri. She could be vital in saving Marie… please.” Margaret’s tone was softer now. Yu hated the idea… but he also wanted to save Marie from danger, and if Nanako could help…

“... we’ll see.”

Chapter Text

Everyone was relieved to see Yu had made a perfect recovery. He apologized for making everyone worry, and for causing the ski trip to be delayed. “It’s fine. We’ll go after exams! We’re just glad you’re ok,” Yosuke assured him.

Yu made sure to do what Margaret said, and cultivated his bonds further with the Investigation Team. They apparently underwent something called a 3rd Awakening, where their Personas evolved even further. I wonder if Izanagi will transform as the others’ Personas have, Yu wondered.

Give it time.

Yu would’ve questioned that, but he decided he’d focus on his advancement exams for now instead. 

Soon, the exams had ended, with Yu feeling good about how they went. And finally…

“HERE WE GO!” Yu and Rise jumped off the moving ski lift, and began skiing down the snowy hill! 

Yeah, it was finally time for their ski trip!

And so far, they were having the times of their lives. Yosuke and Chie were racing down a hill on their snowboards, Yukiko and Teddie were doing the same; if Teddie won, he’d get to score, which only drove Yukiko’s ambition to defeat him. Kanji was trying to teach an anxious Naoto how to ski, both becoming very flustered.

And Nanako?

“YAHOO!” She yelled, as she slid down the hill on her sled! Whisper and Jibanyan were on it as well, screaming as they clung onto the front for their afterlife, the cat Yo-Kai being reminded too much of the bicycle rides she went on with Emi when he was still alive. 

The group eventually skidded to a halt, reaching flat ground. “Man, that was fun! Let’s do it again!” Nanako cheered.

“NO!” Whisper and Jibanyan protested.

–*–

Soon, it was evening. Everyone, tired from all the skiing they did today, were now discussing in the room about the whole day. “Hey, where’s Teddie?” Yosuke asked.

“He saw a bunch of college girls and said he’d hold out in the bath until they showed up,” Kanji sighed.

“That guy is weird…” Jibanyan muttered, lying on Yukiko’s lap as she gave him scratches.

“I bet Yosuke wishes he was with him, huh?” Chie teased.

“Hey, what’s that for?” Yosuke sat down on the chair at the end of the table. “Hey, speaking of that, where’s Nanako-chan?”

“She said she wanted to get something from her room,” Whisper said. “Apparently she had an idea, but wanted to keep it a secret.”

“Huh, wonder what she’s up to.”

“What do you guys want to do now? I mean, come on, look at this awesome place! We’re staying here overnight, and it’s co-ed! We should do something like-”

“No!” Yukiko immediately shot down.

“I didn’t even finish!”

“Oh, were you going to suggest playing cards?” Yosuke grumbled under his breath.

“Let’s watch Next HarMEOWny! I wannya see their nyext music video!” Jibanyan said.

“Next HarMEOWny is kinda overrated, honestly…” Chie muttered.

Jibanyan gave her the most murderous stare he could manage. “Nyever utter those words in front of me. ”

Chie nodded fervently, hiding behind Yu.

“What about night skiing? I’ve always wanted to try that!” Rise suggested.

“We’d have to take another bath, and honestly, I’m pretty exhausted,” Yu said.

“Then why don’t we do what people normally do when they’re together at night?” Kanji suggested.

“Tell ghost stories?” Yukiko excitedly said.

“I don’t know!” Chie squealed. “I mean… isn’t that a summer thing?”

“Yeah, I have to agree as well…” Rise nervously said. 

“Are you guys scared of ghost stories?” Yosuke asked.

“No way!” Rise stood up in protest.

“And, we already know ghosts are real, so there’s no point in telling stories to leave people in suspense…” Naoto said, hiding the fact that she was shaking slightly.

“Wouldn’t that make it scarier? The idea of knowing that a specific Yo-Kai is out there, hiding, actively targeting people, knowing that nobody could stop them sounds quite scary to me…” Yukiko cooed.

“She’s good at being ominous without even trying…” Whisper noted.

“It makes me wonder if all the spooky things that happened in our inn were the cause of a Yo-Kai… Maybe I should ask Nanako-chan to see it once. Like how one man said that his restroom was too dark, but the room he was staying in didn’t have one! Oh, and how in that room, when you take pictures there during Obon, they don’t come out right!”

“Ah! Yukiko, you’re creeping us out!”

“Oh, and how I heard in these mountains the haniwa are occasionally found here. They say this area could’ve been home to a grave site long ago.”

“FOLKLORE-” Naoto stood up in alarm, before clearing her throat with a cough. “Folklore has very little scientific evidence-”

“You really think that we obey science?” Jibanyan commented.

“AND any ancient burial site could simply be a temple, so um…” Naoto stuttered.

“... you’re scared as well, aren’t you?” Yu deadpanned.

“... yes.” She sat down, flustered.

“Aw, this is getting good!” Yosuke laughed. “Wait, wait, Whisper, how many scary things have you and Nanako ever encountered?”

“Hm, there are quite a few I would say are scary.”

“You gotta share them-”

“Gah, shut up!” Chie kicked her feet in the air, plugging her ears. “I don’t wanna hear this! Lalalalalala SHUT UP!”

“You guys faced what was essentially a god, how are you scared of ghost stories?” Jibanyan questioned.

“Plus, isn’t it scarier to hear ghost stories like that, with only bits in between?” Kanji added.

“Shut up Moronji! Why are you guys pushing to tell ghost stories so bad?!” Rise screeched.

“QUIT CALLING ME THAT!” After that brief spat, they decided to start with Yosuke.

He told a chilling story he heard from one of his friends who talked about how a group of girls had bullied a girl at their school. But one day, his sister locked herself in her room, muttering “It’s my turn next…” But when the friend went out to ask the sister’s friends, one by one they were hospitalised.
Then one day, the girl who locked herself in her room began screaming “SHE’S CALLING ME! I CAN HEAR HER!” But the boy couldn’t hear anything. His sister ran out of the house. And by morning, she was found unconscious at the school gates. She was hospitalised and recovered… but the girl they were bullying was dead.
Some people believe that she became a spirit that haunted them one by one…

“AH!” Chie cried out, burying her face as she rocked in her seat! Somehow, Yukiko was laughing hysterically at that. Even Jibanyan was freaked out by that story.

“That’s absurd!” Naoto stammered. “Your story is full of inconsistencies- wait, I think I read a police report like that…”

“You’re just supporting him, Naoto!” Rise yelled.

“Hm, I wonder if she became a Yo-Kai after that…” Whisper took out his Yo-Kai pad to search it up.

“Actually, my friend said she might have survived?” Yosuke said. “Eh, I don’t remember how it ended. Still, not bad for a leadoff, eh? Ok, Whisper, hit us with a story.”

“Hm, let’s see…” As Whisper began to think of what story to tell, the door slowly creaked open.

“AH! What was that?!” Chie cried out. They stared into the darkness, when-

“Hey guys-” Teddie popped in from the side with a smile.

“AHHHH! GO JIBANYAN!” Rise freaked out and threw Jibanyan at Teddie without thinking. 

“ACK!”

“NYOW!” The two hit the ground, groaning in pain. Rise then realised what she had done.

“Ah! I’m so sorry Teddie, Jibanyan!”

“Yeah, what was that for?!” Teddie grumbled. “What were you guys doing?”

“They were telling ghost stories, and they couldn’t handle it.”

“Ooh, ghost stories? Count me in!” Teddie excitedly hopped over. “Uh, once upon a time, there were these ghosts that liked to haunt a house! And they especially-”

“You’re terrible at this,” Yosuke sighed, while Yukiko kept laughing.

“... wait, I just realised. How come Nanako isn’t back yet?” Kanji pointed out.

“... oh god, we need to check up on her-” Yu rose from his seat, and then the lights suddenly began to flicker. “What the…” They kept flickering… until they went out entirely.

“GAH!” Chie immediately clung to Yukiko, as everyone tried to find something in the darkness to see with. “Wha- what’s going on?!”

“I think it’s just a blackout,” Yukiko said.

“Of all the times to have a black out, we have one NOW?!” Rise cried. Suddenly, at the end of the hallway, a faint blue light lit up. Everyone slowly turned towards it…

To see a human faced dog, staring at them.

“AHHHHHHHH-!” Everyone began screaming, seeing the hideous creature! 

When the lights finally turned back on. And then it was revealed. It… was still very ugly, but wasn’t that scary. In fact, it looked like it was just a human face attached to a brown poodle’s body and had the animal’s ears. It wore glasses as well, with a dull red stripe across its face.

“Manjimutt?” Jibanyan blinked.

“... that’s a Yo-Kai?” Yosuke asked. Behind Manjimutt, came out none other than Nanako herself. 

She had the biggest shit eating grin, much like a certain anime character . Looking at everyone’s faces, she burst into laughter. “HAHAHA! I GOT YOU GUYS!” She even doubled over, clutching her gut in hysterics.

“... she was planning this the whole time…” Kanji realised, facepalming.

“Nanako! You. Are. EVIL!” Chie yelled.

“Worth it! You can come out, Illoo.” From the lights, a short and strigine Yo-Kai popped from the shadows, flying over to Nanako. “Thanks for helping me, Illoo and Manjimutt!”

“No problem, Nanako! This was funny!” Illoo guffawed, and disappeared.

“... so am I gonna get paid for this?” Manjimutt asked. Nanako huffed and forked over a wad of yen. The dog Yo-Kai took it. “Pleasure doing business-”

“ STAHP RIGHT THERE !” The door was kicked open, making everyone jump again. And in came Detective Hold-it! “Hold it right there, Manjimutt! You’ve escaped the law for the last time!”

“Officer! I can explain, Nanako summoned me-” Manjimutt stuttered.

“No excuses!” The detective handcuffed Manjimutt, before carrying him out.

“WHY ME?” Manjimutt wailed, being silenced by the door slamming shut.

Everyone was still as they stared at the door, processing what the hell just happened. “...How did Detective Hold-it get here?” Naoto finally asked. “He wasn’t wearing any winter clothes. Did he just walk all the way here?”

“...Let’s all just go to bed.”

Chapter Text

After the mind-fuck of a night that was yesterday, everyone was looking forward to another fun day of skiing. 

Today was another eventful day, with Kanji teaching Naoto how to ski and Teddie sliding down the mountain on his bare stomach. Nanako was snowboarding, Jibanyan went to the Yo-Kai World to get his own skis, and Whisper decided to do some sledding.

Eventually, the sun was going to be setting soon, and Yu decided he wanted to have one last trip down the slope with Nanako and the Yo-Kai. After a few rounds, Nanako skid to a stop. “Wow, I’m all out of energy now,” She said. “But this was super fun!”

“Indeed! What a fun way to celebrate the end of exams!” Whisper agreed.

“Glad you’re all having fun,” Yu smiled.

“You know, big bro… I was really miserable before you came along,” Nanako admitted. “When I lost all my Yo-Kai friends… Jibanyan, Whisper, I felt… it felt like I lost family again. And I didn’t know if I’d be ok after all that…

“But then you came along. And I felt like I might have found someone… who actually was here to stay. And you are!” Nanako hopped on her feet, smiling. “I’m so glad you’re gonna be my big bro for real, now!” Yu smiled, ruffling her hat. “And now I’ve got Jibanyan and Whisper back… It’s like the stars are finally aligning for me!”

“Heck nyeah! Nyobody can break up this team!” Jibanyan said, puffing his chest up, and everyone laughed.

“Well, it’s getting late now. How about we head back to the lodge?” Whisper said.

“Right.” Yu looked around… only to blink, realizing something he had forgotten.

“...Where is it again?”

“Huh? You forgot?” Nanako said in surprise.

“Uh… I don’t remember either, nyan.”

“Me too!”

“...Oh, darn.” Well, this was a fine pickle they got themselves into…

“Um, I think it’s… that way?” Yu pointed to the right. 

“You don’t sound very confident…”

“Well, I doubt we can get lost!” Whisper assured them. “We’re in the ski area, so what’s the worst that can happen?”

–*–

“You had to jinx us, didn’t you, Whisper?” Jibanyan yelled over the howling blizzard. 

They had gotten lost. The snow was coming down hard, and they couldn’t tell where the lodge was. Nanako, Jibanyan and Yu held their equipment, all while shivering intensely. 

“Aw man… I’m feeling too cold…” Nanako said, sniffling. “And sleepy…”

Yu swore under his breath. “Keep trying to stay awake, Nanako!” Yu looked around frantically, trying to find any shelter… and then he found one! “There’s a cottage nearby! Whisper, help Nanako!” Whisper helped Nanako to the house. Yu rapped the door urgently. “Hello? Is anyone there?!”

The door opened with Yu’s knocking. ‘Nobody’s here?’ He opened the door, getting Nanako into the house, before shutting it quickly. “Nanako, are you ok?”

“Uh, I’m fine… still a bit cold,” Nanako mumbled. “Is there anything here to make it warmer?” They looked around the abandoned cottage, before they caught sight of a hearth. “Huh? What’s that?”

“A hearth. We can make a fire with this!” Yu explained. He got some old newspapers and placed them on the hearth, Jibanyan ignited a fire using his tails, and soon, they were all sitting near the fire. 

“Brrr… it’s still cold…” Nanako shivered. 

“The blizzard outside isn’t showing any signs of stopping…” Whisper observed. “Will we have to stay the night here?” 

“Nyikes! We can’t stay in this cold!” Jibanyan yelped. 

“Yeah, I don’t know if this fire’s gonna help us stay warm for long…” Nanako mumbled. Yu looked around the room, maybe something could help them. Some dusty cloth, a flashing TV, some matches-

Wait, what?

“Did you just see that TV flash?” Yu asked.

“Uh huh!” Nanako nodded. 

“I’m gonna go check it out.”

“Oh, I’ll join you!”

“Well, got nothing else to do, so I’ll join you guys as well, nyan.”

“Very well, let’s investigate this!” Yo-Kai and the cousins walked over to the TV.

BANG! “Uh, big bro? What are you doing?”

“Trying to-” Bam! “See if I can enter it…”

“You’re just ramming your head against it! Let me try!” Crash! “Ok, that didn’t work.”

“Nyan, maybe we should step back? I think we’re gonna nyock it over doin’ this…”

“Hold on, let me see if I can-”

Suddenly, the door slammed open! “There you guys are!” Yosuke yelled. 

“What are you guys doing in here?” Chie asked. The whole Investigation Team had arrived, as the stranded group turned around.

“What?! How did you guys get here? The blizzard’s raging out there!” Nanako asked.

“What do you mean? This building is right behind the inn we’re staying at,” Yukiko said.

There was a pause. Nanako, Yu, Whisper and Jibanyan’s eyes turned to dots. “ What ?!”

“This is a storage shed. It’s unlocked because the workers are always needing to come in here,” Naoto explained. 

“And it ain’t really that much of a blizzard,” Kanji added.

The residents of the Dojima household suddenly felt very stupid. 

“...Uh…” Yu began to explain all the events that lead to their current situation.

“So you guys got lost, and ended up here, and then you saw the TV flash?” Yosuke summarised.

“Yes.”

“But the case is over. You guys must’ve seen a reflection of the ski lights or something.”

“Nyo, dude! We know what we saw!” Jibanyan yelled.

“Well, Yu-kun and Nanako-chan aren’t ones to lie, so maybe we should check it out as well,” Chie said.

“Why thank you, Chie!” Whisper said, waving his arm. “I’m glad you believe-”

Suddenly Whisper felt something grab his arm. He turned around… to see a hand coming out of the TV.

There was another pause of silence, and then-

“ARGH!” Everyone screamed at the top of their lungs in horror! The hand that grabbed Whisper began tugging him into the TV!

“GAH! HELP ME!” He cried out. Everyone quickly grabbed hold of Whisper, trying to pull him out of the grip of the hand! 

“What the hell?!”

“It’s not letting go!”

They kept tugging, grunting with effort… 

…Until they noticed that Whisper’s arm had extended, already inside the TV. “What the hell-” And at that moment’s hesitation, the arm from the TV won the tug of war, pulling them all into the TV!

All they could do was scream in shock.

Chapter Text

“Urgh…” Everyone groaned, stirring back into consciousness. “Ow, that hurt…” Yosuke grumbled, raising his head up… and coming face to face with an odd looking  statue. “Huh?!”

Everyone raised themselves up, now looking around the area. “Huh?! Where are we?!” They were in a bamboo forest, snowy falling down. More of these odd statues scattered around the area. “What are these things?” Chie asked.

“These statues seem to be haniwa , if I’m correct,” Yukiko deduced. As they looked around, their eyes settled on a giant dome in the distance. 

Just where were they?

The snow crunching behind them snapped them out of their thoughts. “Hello.” They all turned around, and Yu immediately recognized who it was. “My apologies for my slightly impolite introduction.”

“Woah, she’s beautiful…” Yosuke muttered.

“Now hold on just a minute! Were you the one to grab me?!” Whisper demanded.

“Correct.” 

“Why, you-” Whisper fumed, but before he could burst into a rant, Yu stepped in front of him. 

“Why are we here, Margaret?” He asked.

“Wait, you know this woman, senpai?” Kanji asked.

“You know whenever you guys see me stand still and stare off into the distance randomly during our TV outings?” Yu asked. “Yeah, she’s the lady I meet when I do that.”

“… she’s real?” Yosuke squawked. 

“Yes. I have come to guide you all,” Margaret confirmed. “I apologize for taking so long.”

Yu remembered what Margaret said. “Is this… where Marie is?” Everyone shot up in surprise at that name, but Jibanyan and Whisper were confused.

“Hm? Who is Marie?” Whisper asked.

“Marie is… a friend of mine,” Yu explained. “When we first met her, she didn’t really remember much. She and I hung out a lot, and I showed her around Inaba, while also trying to help her get her memories back.”

“Yeah, I remember her, she was the girl with the blue postman’s hat…,” Yosuke recalled.

“She had amnesia? What happened to her?” Chie asked. Margaret turned to the dome in the distance.

“This is the Hollow Forest. A closed realm created by her in the TV World, the world of the human mind…” She turned back to the group. “It would seem Marie shut herself in here after leaving us.”

“What? Why?” Yu asked.

“I do not know. As you mentioned, she was searching for her memory. When she opened her heart to you, she regained her memory.” Margaret’s expression turned grim. “But it appears it wasn’t what she was hoping for.”

“If Marie-san willingly came here, doesn’t this mean she has a Persona?” Naoto asked.

“No… Marie was originally a resident of this side,” Margaret said. Everyone’s minds were blown away, even Yu’s.

“Hold on, what kinda girl were you showing around town?!” Yosuke yelled.

“Wait, we’re inside the TV, right?” Yukiko asked. Margaret nodded. “But, doesn’t that mean there are Shadows here?”

“Wait, then…”

Yu put it together. “Marie is in danger!” 

“No, I will not say she is in danger,” Margaret said. “But for all of you… If you wish to proceed ahead and search for Marie, you must have adequate resolution.”

“So that’s why you bought all my friends?” Yu asked.

“If you wish to see her again, my role is to help you. Hence, I thought it best to invite everyone who accompanied you on your journey here.”

“I see… You’re giving us all the information and letting us choose what to do from here. You aren’t here to stop us,” Naoto concluded.

“Correct.”

“Well, we certainly can’t just let a young girl stay in this place for too long. We’ll get this Marie girl out as soon as possible!” Whisper said.

“You won’t have much time, actually,” Margaret informed them. 

“Eh?”

“The Hollow Forest is a closed realm. In time, this place will seal itself again.” Everyone gasped.

“So, we can’t just come back in and out?” Yosuke asked.

“Yes. It seems there is little time before the Hollow Forest completes itself… once that time passes, this area will be closed off forever, and you will never be able to visit this place again. And if that occurs, Marie’s existence will be entirely expunged from your memories,” Margaret explained.

Everyone was horrified hearing that. “Wait, we’ll just straight up forget her?!” 

“No chance!” Yu refused.

“I understand your conviction, but the chances of that are quite low. The closing of this forest marks the fact of Marie’s erasure. Any memories you have of her will disappear, and you will return to your peaceful days.”

“What?! That doesn’t make any sense!” Chie cried.

“I have only come to fulfill my promise. What you all choose to do is entirely up to you. I have made a link from the television in the mountain cabin to this world. This will be the only method of entering this place.”

“So, we can’t use the Junes TV?” Rise asked.

Margaret nodded. “This world and your world’s screens are linked, place to place. It is a fact.”

“She’s right! I can’t smell the other places from here! It really isn’t connected!” Teddie confirmed. 

“Allow me to repeat once again. Marie shut herself here. You all have no obligation to risk your lives for her… and I am sure she would not want that, either,” Margaret said. “Please, treasure the normal lives you have. It is…” She swallowed, trying to get the words out. “It’s what she would want. If you’ll excuse me…” Margaret turned around, and walked away.

“Hey, hold on!” Nanako tried to reach for her, only for there to be a bright blue flash… and Margaret disappeared, leaving behind a singular TV.

“This TV… it must be the exit, like the ones Teddie can make,” Naoto guessed.

“So what now?” Chie asked.

“If that Marie chick is in here, then we gotta get her out, right? We can’t just let her get attacked by Shadows!” Kanji said.

“Nyeah! What are we waiting for?” Jibanyan said.

“Hold on, it’s not that simple,” Naoto stopped the two. “Let’s leave for now. We can’t run in blindly. We don’t have any weapons.”

“Right. If we’re gonna do this, we do this at full power!” Yosuke agreed.

“For now, let’s head back.”

–*–

Everyone groaned as they landed back in the cabin, scattered around. “Owie…” Nanako moaned as she was leaning against the wall. 

“I think my head’s indented… want to see?” Teddie asked. Rise proceeded to give him a light smack.

“Stupid small TV…,” Kanji muttered.

“Come on guys, no clowning about! We got a meeting to start!” Chie reprimanded. Everyone quickly pulled themselves up… only to realizing something odd.

“Wait, what are we gonna talk about?” Kanji asked.

“Well, uh…” Chie blushed a bit in embarrassment. “Well, we always have one!” Everyone sweatdropped at that.

“Nyan, did you just to be the one to say it?” Jibanyan asked.

“Yeah, that makes sense. More sense than Chie coming up with good ideas,” Yosuke snarked.

“You little-” Before Chie could kick Yosuke where the sun didn’t shine, Yukiko and Yu quickly held her back. 

“Still, learning Marie-chan is a resident of the other side is crazy…”

“The TV World is the world of the human mind, huh… Not really sinking in.” Kanji scratched the back of his head.

“ I couldn’t even tell!” Teddie added on.

“Right, uh, sorry for keeping this a secret. Well, it’s more that there weren't any chances to explain…” Yu sheepishly said.

“Nah, dude, we get it. How would you explain this in the first place? ‘Oh, she’s from another world?’” Yosuke jokingly said. “That would’ve made a question mark appear over my head, one so big you’d see it from orbit.”

“Going back to Marie-san’s situation… Why would she willingly put herself in a dangerous area like that?” Naoto wondered.

“I’d get it if she was thrown in, but to enter the TV willingly?” Rise shook her head. “Makes no sense.”

“Uh, didn’t you mention that Marie-san had lost her memory?” Nanako asked. “Maybe she remembered something that had to do with the TV World?” Everyone began thinking to themselves… until Chie’s eyes widened with horror.

“Uh, guys?” She shakily said. “Margaret said that… if the world she’s in closes, she’ll disappear from our memories, right? Isn’t… isn’t that the same as dying?”

Everyone paled, the implications hitting them.

“Wait, you don’t- she’s trying to-” Yosuke sputtered.

“I… think that’s what she wants.”

“She wants to kill herself and make sure none of us remember her?!” Yukiko repeated. “Why would she want to erase herself from existence?”

“I think… Emmy-chan’s like me,” Teddie said. Everyone turned to him. “When I first found out I was a Shadow, I was traumatized.” Rise patted Teddie on his head in an attempt to comfort him. “I don’t think Emmy-chan is a Shadow, but I think she’s feeling the same way I did. That, you know… I shouldn’t exist.”

The atmosphere was heavy. Everyone was silent, until Nanako spoke up. “Well, we can’t let her stay like that. We’ve gotta save her!” She said, “I know I didn’t know her much, but I’m not just gonna let someone die, not when I can do something about it!”

“Yeah… I think I can relate in a way as well,” Rise admitted. “Not having someone know the real you, being alone… even when people are being friendly, feeling something’s wrong… If I hadn’t met you guys, I would’ve thought the same as her.”

“Me too…” Kanji added. “I got sick of people misunderstanding me, so I began biting back. I was afraid people wouldn’t accept the real me.”

“And there’s a lot of Yo-Kai out there, just like that. Some still not ready to accept their deaths, their new identities, yearning to go back to how everything was before…” Whisper said.

“Yeah… we’re all like that,” Yukiko nodded. “All of us… the living and the dead, all suffering in some way.”

“But we were capable of change,” Naoto said. “Even when we hated it, we faced ourselves and accepted them. Because of our friends.”

“Yeah… I get it now!” Chie nodded with everyone else.

“We’re the only ones who can save Marie. And that’s what we’re going to do,” Yu said.

“But we gotta think this through. We need to know what we’re getting into. It’ll make things a little easier on us at least.”

“We should devote a day to it,” Naoto suggested. “Rise-san, Teddie, can you scan that world? From the usual spot, of course. The rest of us will prepare for exploration in the meantime. If there are Shadows in there, we can’t avoid fighting them.”

“Then let’s do this!” Nanako declared.

“Yeah! Heh, reminds me of how we used to do these meetings, actually,” Kanji reminscened. 

“Alright, it’s super sniffing time with Rise-chan and Teddie! I will use my superduperhyperuber-patented TEDDIE NOSE!” Teddie announced. “With this, I can detect even the slightest scent! The only downside is that if I don’t get a scent, I just get a lot of snot in my nose.”

“Gross,” Everyone said. Rise pushed Teddie away from her.

–*–

The very next day, they all met up at the school roof to confirm some things. No missing persons report. That meant this was different from the kidnapping cases. “Rise, Teddie, how did your scans go?” Yu asked.

Rise shook her head. “I could feel the Hollow Forest far away, but that’s it.”

“And I couldn’t sense Emmy-chan at all!” Teddie added.

“Seriously, that place is huge… I’m glad we didn’t just jump in there without preparing.”

“The Hollow Forest, huh…” Chie muttered. “Hey, if all those dungeons in the TV World were formed by our feelings… then did Marie-chan create that place?”

“The Hollow Forest… didn’t that creature, Ameno-Sagiri, mention that place?” Whisper asked.

“Yes. The place that gives birth to those who answer the ‘desires’ and ‘wishes for lies’ of humans…” Naoto pondered.

“But Marie wasn’t with us! How could she have created that forest in her mind, nyan? What does that mean?” Jibanyan asked.

“Who… who is Marie, exactly?” Nanako wondered.

“We may be going to save her… but it doesn’t seem like it'll end there. If there is a chance she is related to those monsters, we need to learn more,” Naoto said. “Who is she? What is she doing?”

“We’ll have to get the truth from her directly,” Yu said. “So let’s go.”

–*–

Soon, they were back in the Hollow Forest. “Hey, it’s snowing,” Chie noticed.

“Ah, you’re-” Yukiko stopped, before narrowing her eyes at the falling snow. “Wait a minute.”

“These aren't snow. These are flower petals,” Naoto said, catching one. 

A voice could be heard in the air. 

Listen… to my voice… 

My shouting, bellowing voice… 

Here I am pouring my blood into my worlds, yelling at the very edge of the world…

I am the little mermaid… Unable to return, the little mermaid…

Fated to foam, the little mermaid…

“Is that Marie-chan’s voice?” Rise asked, and Yu nodded. “She sounded so sad…”

“Was that some kinda poem?” Jibanyan asked.

“Yeah… she likes writing poetry.” Yu looked towards the dome. “Alright, let’s go.”

“Careful… I’m getting bad vibes from that place,” Rise muttered.

–*–

Now they were in the Hollow Forest’s first floor, Memories of Parting. Marie’s voice rang out. 

Where am I going, you ask? Don’t ask stupid questions.

I don’t need a map. I throw away my compass. 

My heart will show me the way.

I walk by myself. Am I not lonely, you ask? Yeah, right! 

I scorn the company of my own shadow.

Why don’t you try and hold me down? 

I will die magnificently in front of you.

No one can break my wings. 

I don’t need anything. I just walk by myself.

“That was her voice…” Yu said, when a gasp from Rise rang out. 

“Everyone, all our items are gone!” She cried out. Everyone whipped their heads around. 

“What?!” Everyone scrounged their pockets, but all they had were their weapons. Nanako checked her pockets. She still had her medals, but nothing else! Whisper still carried his Yo-Kai Pad, making him sigh in relief. “Didn’t Marie-chan say she didn’t need anything, she just walked by herself… Does that mean we’re being affected by her denial?”

“Aw, come on!” Yosuke groaned. “This never happened in any of the other dungeons!”

“Damn it… we gotta keep moving, still.”

“Be careful… I’m getting a bad feeling from this place!” The group walked through the dungeon. There were piled up tables, street signs and lamps, broken metal plates at every corner… Why? 

Soon, the group reached an area that was blocked off with a rope. “Huh? That’s weird, I can sense Shadows, but I don’t see any here…” Rise muttered.

“Well, perhaps it’s just a trick of the mind!” Whisper wasn’t convinced. The barrier opened at his touch, and then popped out three Lying Hableries! 

“...You were saying?” Rise asked, raising an eyebrow. Whisper just shrieked and quickly retreated.

“Quick, come on out, Gleam!” Nanako inserted the Yo-Kai’s medal in, and Gleam popped out! In a flash, he quickly sliced at each Shadow! 

“Yoshitsune! Myriad Arrows!” Yu summoned the general, raining arrows upon the enemies! They were quickly dispatched by the team.

“Good job, every-” Whisper was about to say, before noticing how exhausted everyone besides Gleam was. “-one? What’s got all of you tired?”

“How?! Their stamina has been cut in half!” Rise analyzed. 

“So that’s why these small fries tired us out? Why’s this happening?” Kanji asked.

“I don’t know… We better be careful! This seriously limits the skills we can use…”

“Well, Gleam looks ok. So Yo-Kai aren’t affected,” Nanako observed. “Ok! Leave most of the fighting to me!” Having no way to fix this, the team continued on, deciding they had to avoid battling too many Shadows. Rise noticed that during battle, the SP would recover at a slow rate. But then they found items in the dungeon that would help recover SP faster, luckily.

Memories of Pain. 

You are a murderer.

By your silent smile, by your composed voice,

By your dark eyes, by your bashful fingers

I am slain.

I am a corpse.

Foolish, wretched, happy.

Surely, I’ll simply rot away…

My last words…

Adieu, au revoir… mon chéri.

“Man, this Marie chick sounds like an emo…” Jibanyan muttered, feeling weirded out by the depressing poems.

“Yeah, her poems were a little depressing at times. She’d get so annoyed and flustered at me everytime I read one…” Yu chuckled.

Memories of Grief.

For mornings when I can’t see you

Spicy mint tea…

For brunch a marmalade muffin.

A touch of bitter fits my mood.

A sigh is stardust.

It’s like our own Milky Way.

I can’t catch up to your distant back.

Look! Twilight creeps up on us.

The distance to you

Is like an eternal night…

“Why are her poems ringing out, of all things?” Whisper wondered.

“It must symbolise something… what is it?” Naoto wondered.

Memories of Sorrow.

Hey, you!

How long you gonna wear that ugly mask?

You know you ain’t got the guts for this task.

Cover yourself with paint

You’re acting like you ain’t

Afraid of whatcha got in store for your fate

You think you got me? Well, that’s too bad!

‘Cuz I ain’t stupid enough to get had!

So drop the pathetic act

I wanna dance and that’s a fact

I am a clown.

A pathetic clown, dancing forever.

“...Senpai, Marie created this place, right? That’s the Junes sign, right there, and other stuff from the shopping district here and there,” Naoto said. “What does this mean?”

“I don’t think it symbolises ruin, like Adachi… There’s gotta be something to it all.” 

During their excursion of this floor, they ran into one particularly annoying Shadow that required several All-Out Attacks to damage! Chie, Jibanyan and Kanji were so annoyed that they just began kicking the Shadow while it was down, before finally killing it.

Memories of Love.

The hated.

Cold things living a lie.

People wearing a mask of deceit.

That is me. That is you.

The liked. 

Warm things, living a straightforward life. Kind people who engulf everything.

That is you.

“Uh, big bro? Are you ok?” Nanako tugged on his shirt sleeves.

“Yeah, I’m… I’m good.”

“We’ve still got a long way to go… Keep your guard!”

Memories of Suffering.

The fallen angel is chained down.

Her wings torn off, eroded by prejudice,

Her last breaths full of black despair…

Do you know her name?

Will she eventually return to nothing,

Forced into the realm of oblivion?

No!

Her requiem will become a roar

And tear away the mask of hypocrisy!

You should know her name, she who closes her eyes and dozes off into a dream…

“...Senpai, you said Marie-chan had lost her memory, right? Does that mean this place is her memory? That’s… that’s really sad.”

Memories of Anger.

RELEASE YOURSELF!

FROM DESIRE! FROM IMPULSE!

RELEASE YOURSELF!

YOUR HEART’S VOICE! YOUR INTERNAL SCREAM!

IN EXCHANGE FOR A LOST VOICE

GRAB HOLD OF YOUR PROOF OF LIFE!

And with that proof in your heart, come with me…

This floor had a long straight path, and at the end, they saw a figure. “Who is that?” They ran closer, seeing the figure more clearly… in a white cloak, covering most of their body.

“Who’s there?” The figure demanded.

“Marie… is that you?” Yu asked.

“Ah, is this Marie? A pleasure to meet you, young lady!” Whisper happily said. "Though I wish it was in better circumstances."

“We’ve been looking for you!” Yosuke said. “What’s with the getup? Something wrong?” They all stepped closer.

“Stay back!” Marie cried.

“Marie… let’s go home,” Yu said, holding out his hand. Marie seemed to hesitate… before turning around, revealing her face. 

“What the hell? That eye…” Kanji gasped. One of Marie’s eyes had changed!

“I have no home. You don’t get it,” Marie said. “Damn it… Why did you all come? Why?!”

“Marie-chan, listen…” Chie requested. “We don’t know what memories came back to you, or how bad they are. But locking yourself away like this won’t help anything!”

“We know we’re being meddlesome, but we want to help you!” Yukiko said.

“Meddlesome is one way to describe you all,” Marie bowed her head down, shaking it. “You thought I was in danger? That the Shadows would kill me? Well… they should. This place is a grave… my grave . I’m going to die here.”

“Like hell that’s happening! Ya can’t just give up on life so easily!” Jibanyan yelled. 

“Shut up, Yo-Kai! You know nothing!” Marie roared.

“Marie-”

“Marie isn’t my name! I… I remember everything. I am Kusumi-no-Okami,” She said. “You all fought those things, Kunino-Sagiri and Ameno-Sagiri, right? Well, I’m the same as them. The ones who covered your town in fog.”

“ Huh ?” everyone yelled, shocked.

“You’re supposed to be… our enemy? No way!” Chie stuttered.

“You serious? Kunino-sagiri and Ameno-sagiri were those fog monsters that came from Adachi and Namatame!” Yosuke recalled.

“That’s right… sneaking into the human world, sensing the will of man… My role was to inform the Sagiri what the wish of the people was. Hence, I appear human. Even without my memory, my body fulfilled my role. I’m what you would call a spy.”

“You were spying on the world without realizing it?” Rise whispered.

“How cruel! Taking advantage of an amnesiac…” Whisper frowned.

“Want to know something good, though? If I die, your world is saved. So… don’t come chasing me.” Marie turned away, and with a flash of light, she disappeared, leaving the others behind.

“Marie-” Yu stopped himself, his arm falling to his side.

“Our world will disappear? The hell does that mean?” Kanji asked.

“We know she’s one of the monsters, like those that came from Adachi-san and Namatame… she may have a valid reason for shutting herself here,” Naoto pondered.

“Who cares about validity?! She’s gonna kill herself! We can’t standby and let that happen!”

“Yes, either way, we cannot let her be. Let us hurry.” They continued on. But now they could see Marie was serious about wanting them out, as every time they opened a passageway, they ran into Shadows.

Memories of Loneliness.

I am the queen.

This world belongs to me.

I don’t need anyone else. My world is already complete.

I am the queen.

This false world belongs to me. The lonely queen…

No-one knows the real me.

Don’t take my cape away. Because underneath, I am nothing. 

Don’t chase after me… Please.

“I don’t understand… Why does she think her death will save the world? There must be a better way!” Nanako said.

“Yeah, and we’re gonna show her that way.”

Memories of Invitation.

Do you not get it yet?

This is the day the world changes. The unprepared will be left behind.

I am already ready. There is nothing I can do anymore.

If you’re scared, close your eyes. Shut that gibberish-spouting mouth.

I’m going. To a world you don’t know.

To a world you can’t go.

Goodbye…

Let’s meet again…

“I feel her… Marie-chan is close by!” Rise said. “Just a little further!”

Memories of Meeting.

“Marie-chan is right ahead!” Rise confirmed. In front of them was a dome, surrounded by the same statues they saw outside. 

“Let’s go.” The group rushed into the dome.

–*–

Inside the dome, stood Marie at the top of the stairs. She turned around, irritated. “Why are you here? I told you I’m an enemy! So don’t bother with me! Why did you come this far…?”

“Because we’re not done talking, Marie! I’m not just going to let you die here!” Yu yelled.

“Heh, I see… You’re all searching for the truth. Sorry, but I’m… I'm too tired. I want to end it all.”

“In no way will we allow you to do such a thing!” Whisper said.

“Marie-san, even if you’re one of those creatures, that doesn’t mean you can just end it all. The Sagiri creatures are gone! You’re-”

“Free? Is that what you think?” Marie scoffed. “I’m not like you all. I don’t GET freedom. I told you all. If I don’t die, your world dies. We had more to do then simply find out the wishes of man. We had to control that fog, bring those wishes into fruition.”

“Wait, control the fog?” Rise questioned.

“Don’t you find it strange, how the fog remained for months? How it never went away? The Sagiri created the fog. And I absorbed it,” Marie explained. “The same fog that changes people to Shadows.”

“Wait, so when the fog cleared-” Yosuke realized.

“You took it all in?” Yukiko whispered.

“That’s right. When Ameno-sagiri was defeated, there was no further need for the fog. I heard a voice… then it all flowed into me.” Marie put a hand on her heart. “Even then, the fog rages on. It remains inside of me.”

“So, we just made it your problem?!” Chie gasped. 

“When my mind is overpowered by the fog, I will disappear, taking the fog and this Hollow Forest with me. I am a being… destined for ‘non-existence.’ That is what I remember. And I will save this world.”

“So that’s why you left…” Naoto realized.

“Ah, quit it already! We ain’t gonna just let ya die!” Jibanyan snapped in annoyance. “Quit saying you deserve to die, and that you’re a bad guy! The way Yu and his friends talk about you, you don’t seem like one to me!”

“What good is world peace if we have to let people die to achieve it? That’s not right!” Nanako said.

“This is why I left! Because if I have to keep seeing you… we’ll just hurt each other!” Marie cried. She bowed her head, sniffling. “It’s fine… I’ve made enough happy memories…”

“And you deserve to make even more! That’s why we’re here!” Yu said. Marie turned her head up, looking at them gravely.

“Then… if I have to make you leave by force, that’s what I’ll do. Just… understand me…” Marie floated into the air, spreading her arms out.

“Damn it! It ended up like this?! What’s the plan, partner?” Yosuke asked.

“We have to save her. By any means necessary!” Yu said, whipping his sword out.

“Yeah! If we give up, then what was the point of us coming here?!” Chie added.

“Nobody else should suffer from that fog, any longer!” Yukiko said.

“Then let’s go.”

“YEAH!” And so they charged.

Chapter Text

Marie floated in the middle of the battle field. “I just don’t want you all to suffer anymore… Why do you resist?!” She cried out.

“Because peace shouldn’t come at the cost of someone’s life!” Yu countered.

“Yeah! And we’re gonnya make nya listen, one way or the other!” Jibanyan added. Marie released a burst of blue energy.

“Fine… I’ll do this for all of you!” Marie raised her hands, and summoned lightning from above! The lightning struck most of the fighters, knocking some of them down. Seeing them in pain… Marie couldn’t help but look on sadly.

“Marie-san… I don’t think you want to fight either,” Nanako pointed out, as she summoned Damona, Gleam, Elder Bloom, Robonyan, Kyubi and Azure Dragon.

“Shut up! Shut up ! I’m doing this to protect everyone!” Marie screeched. 

“What kind of friends would let their friend die for their own happiness? We can’t just stand back and let you do that!” Chie continued.

“Damn it… Just leave me alone!” Marie cast Shell of Denial, causing all their elemental attacks to be repelled right back at them. 

“Looks like only physical attacks will work on her now… Senpai, here!” Rise called out, as she charged Yu up.

“Yoshitsune! Hassou Tobi!” He crushed the card, and Yoshitsune quickly blitzed Marie, slashing at her 8 times. Marie resisted it, but it still did a number on her.

“Why… why do you still keep coming? Just abandon me!” Marie wailed. Now she was blocking all the attacks they sent at her, even Almighty attacks!

“We’re not leaving without you!” Yosuke yelled, casting a Diaharan on Kanji.

“Please… leave…” Marie’s will to fight left her body, as her body went limp, only turning her head up slightly.

“How’s that, you punk?” Kanji yelled. “Now are you gonna listen to us?!” 

“Why… why?!” Marie cried out. “It doesn’t matter what happens to me. Hurting yourself like that… that’s stupid. What’s the point of my death if it won’t make you happy?”

“Stop saying you’re going to die!” Teddie yelled. “Don’t worry! I used to be a Shadow too. But even I could change… Emmy-chan, you have to believe!” 

Marie looked away, silent.

“Teddie’s right, ya nyow,” Jibanyan added. “We may just be Yo-Kai, but we’ve made friends with humans! And we’re living together in harmony!”

“What good is BELIEF?” Marie scoffed. “You save me, the world dies. Is that what you want?! That’s what’s gonna happen if you make me LIVE!

“I was so stupid. Afraid to live off borrowed life, afraid of disappearing… Thinking I could remember something and have a life worth living. It’s funny…” She let out a hollow laugh. “I finally have a role… and it’s to die. I shouldn’t have been remembered…” She shook her head. “It’s better I’m forgotten!”

“Marie-chan…” Before they could say anything else, Marie let out a cry of pain, as she clutched at her chest, doubling over! A white aura began engulfing her. “Huh?! What’s wrong?!”

When Marie spoke… her voice was distorted. “That’s right… There is no need for the truth… Ignorance is bliss… There will be no pain if you never try to find out…”

“That voice… that’s not Marie-chan!” Yukiko realized.

“Oh, let me guess: another deity of the fog is possessing Marie right now…” Whisper grumbled in annoyance. “Do you mind? We were in the middle of a heart-warming speech!”

“Come on, snap out of it!” Yosuke and Yu were about to run to Marie’s side when she held out her hand.

“No! Don’t… come near me!” She groaned in pain. “Just… go home! You losers… can’t you quit it for once? I shouldn’t have met any of you… I hate you all!” She lied through her teeth, hoping it’d be enough to drive them off, but it didn’t. Yu’s resolve steeled.

“Hate me all you want, but that won’t stop us,” Yu firmly said.

“He’s right. We can tell you’re not being true to yourself. Maybe take some acting lessons,” Rise added.

“Stop… lying to me,” Marie grunted.

“It’s not a lie,” Yukiko shook her head.

“Marie-san, you know this world is a product of your feelings, correct?” Naoto asked. “The tomb, the flowers around it, all created by your resolve to die.” Marie flinched. “Yet… we saw things that don’t fit a tomb. The Junes and Souzai Daigaku signs, the bench on the hill, electric poles, mirrors and school desks… all from the town, home to the people you claim to hate so much.”

“Nya! You still want to see more of Inaba, don’t ya? Well, we’ll be there to show ya!” Jibanyan smiled, jumping to get her attention.

Marie’s anger faltered, replaced with sadness. “...I can’t. I have to die…” She muttered.

“That’s not true!” Yu said. “There’s another way!”

“Another… way?”

“Yeah, he’s right. You don’t have to go away forever. Just the fog inside you.” Yosuke said.

“Now, can you think of any method to rid it?” Whisper asked.

“...No. It’s impossible. If we keep wasting time, the fog will be freed and take over my mind… If that happens, I’ll become a monster… I won’t be able to stop myself.” Everyone thought it over… before Yu came to an idea.

“What if we defeat that monster?” he asked, and everyone looked at him in surprise, realizing what he meant.

“Wait, so we should wait for her to become a monster controlled by the fog, then beat it to a pulp?” Rise asked. “Senpai, that’s still her body. If we fight the monster, then…” Rise trailed off.

“... what’ll happen?” Kanji asked Marie. 

“I… I don’t know. But… maybe you might be able to,” Marie said. “I’ll put my mind to sleep before the fog overpowers it. The fog will take over my body, but my mind will be safe. Then… it all comes down to luck, I guess. What will give out first? My life, or the fog?”

“This is a serious gamble… what do we do?” Yosuke asked.

“I’d rather not hurt Marie-san… But if it comes to that, then we’ll have to have faith that it will work,” Yukiko said.

“Better than watching her die!” Kanji protested.

“And we won’t let that happen!” Chie nodded. “Our friend’s life is on the line! We won’t fail!”

“Friends…” Marie muttered, looking away. 

“Marie.” Yu’s voice cut through to her. “Are you okay with this?” Marie thought it over… and she nodded.

“I trust you all. It’s better than letting the current situation go on, even if I die… But you guys don’t get to die!” Marie doubled over, as the fog finally took her over… and she transformed.

Now, she was a giant hulking humanoid being, covered in some kind of armor. It gripped its helmet, clawing at it, as a long flowing cape surrounded it. It roared with an inhuman scream of agony.

“Gah! Are we sure this will work?! Emmy-chan’s gonna be ok, right?” Teddie nervously asked.

“Marie’s put faith in us… so we can’t let her die! Let’s go, everyone!”

“YEAH!”

–*–

“WHAT GOOD IS IT TO LEARN THE TRUTH?” Kusumi-no-Okami’s distorted voice rang out, as the fighters surrounded her. “YOU EXPECT ME TO THROW AWAY MY WORTHLESS SELF-SATISFACTION IN EXCHANGE FOR ETERNAL SUFFERING AND DESPAIR?! I DON’T NEED IT… I DON’T NEED ANY OF IT!

“WHAT’S WRONG WITH TURNING A BLIND EYE TO SUFFERING? I DON’T WANT A PAINFUL TRUTH, I WANT A PEACEFUL LIE!”

“Enough of this! You can’t just accept falsehoods to please yourself!” Whisper said. “That’s not going to ease your pain!”

“Yeah! You can’t look the other way because the truth hurts!” Chie nodded. “Hang in there, Marie-chan! We’re gonna save you!”

“Emmy-chan, it must have been hard for you…” Teddie muttered. “But it’s okay! We’re here for you now!”

“What kind of feeling is this?” Rise muttered. “It’s like she’s not even seeing us! Suffering, denial and rejection… She’s denying everything! Be careful, everyone! Normal tactics may not work here!”

“Grah… GRAH!!!” Kusumi-no-Okami screeched, as she began slamming her fists on the ground, shaking it, swiping at the team, as they did their best to dodge.

“I DETECT BARRIERS THAT WILL REPEL OUR ATTACKS. WE MUST DEAL WITH THAT FIRST,” Robonyan informed everyone. 

“Hey, hold on a minute…” Yosuke scrounged through his pockets, before pulling out an Wind Breaker. “Ah ha! The breakers we collected, use ‘em!” He used it, nullifying Kusumi-no-Okami’s wind resistance. “Now, Garudyne!” He cast. Following Yosuke’s lead, everyone used the Elemental Breakers, allowing them to finally cast spells and deal damage to Kusumi-no-Okami! Yu and Naoto switched to Almighty Attacks. As the rest attacked, Elder Bloom focused on healing and buffing the team.

As the battle progressed, Kusumi-no-Okami’s actions were odd. Sometimes it would attack, other times it would claw at its own face, letting out inhumane screams. “I think Marie-san’s ego is struggling for control,” Naoto guessed. “She must be fighting the fog still, allowing us to attack as much as we can!”

“Poor child… We will put an end to this!” Elder Bloom said, casting a healing spell over the team.

As they continued their assault, Kusumi-no-Okami roared as it raised its arms, generating a mini black hole, sucking up energy from the Yo-Kai and humans! “Gah! She’s draining our stamina!” Rise grunted, while helping Nanako save Whisper from being sucked in as well. The monster’s body began breaking from all the fog it was absorbing!

“WHY DON’T YOU GET IT?! THE TRUTH DOESN’T HELP ANYTHING! HYPOCRITES!” Kusumi-no-Okami slammed her fists on the ground as everyone jumped back to avoid her. “PEACE AND TRANQUILITY LIE IN THE FOG!”

“Nobody listen to her! That’s not the real Marie talking!” Yu yelled. Kusumi-no-Okami covered itself with its red cape, making her immune to any damage.

“Gah, stupid cape!” Damona grumbled. 

“I say we get it out of the way,” Kyubi nodded at Damona. When Kusumi-no-Okami unveiled the cape to run amok, Kyubi and Damona flew at the hem of the cape, grabbing it! “I don’t think you need this!” Freezing and burning it together, both tugged at it, ripping it off Kusumi-no-Okami, making her screech in agony.

“We’re nearly there, everyone! Just another push!” Rise informed them.

“Let’s end this!” Yu summoned Izanagi. “Izanagi! CROSS SLASH!” Summoning his Persona, Izanagi slashed with all its might at Kusumi-no-Okami!

With that final slash, Kusumi-no-Okami screamed, collapsing to the ground!

–*–

“Did we do it?” Yosuke asked, as everyone was panting from the battle. Kusumi-no-Okami was lying on the ground… before it rose up, screaming once again as bright light came from its body! It illuminated, before exploding into wisps with a flash of light…

And above the altar was Marie. Her eyes were closed, as she slowly descended… before plummeting to the ground! 

“MARIE!” Yu quickly rushed over, catching her before she hit the ground!

“Marie-chan!”

“Is she okay?!”

“Big bro!”

Yu gently set her down, supporting her head with his hand, holding her up. Marie was still unconscious… “Marie… come on, wake up!” Yu hoarsely begged.

“... guys? Why isn’t she waking up?” Jibanyan nervously asked. Teddie ran to her side, in her personal space.

“No! What did we do wrong?!” Teddie cried, as he slumped. Everyone was horrified, saddened that they couldn’t save their-

“G…”

Never mind. Everyone’s eyes widened, as they immediately paid full attention to Marie, who began grunting. 

“Get offa me!” Marie yelled, grunting as she pushed Teddie away from her!

“MARIE!” Everyone cheered! Teddie ignored the shove he received. “SHE LIVES!” Marie’s eyes widened, remembering what happened.

“Oh, right. I…” She trailed off.

“You sleep way too much,” Yu grinned. Marie looked away, blushing.

“Well, everyone gets to sleep in once in a while, right?” With that, Marie gave Yu a big hug, surprising everyone. “… thank you.”

“WHOO!” Whisper and Jibanyan cheered with the others. After a bit of Marie not letting go, Rise and Yosuke stepped forward.

“Alright, that’s a nice moving hug, but uh… you should probably let Partner go,” Yosuke coughed.

“Yeah!” Rise huffed.

“Nope,” Marie smugly grinned. “I’m tired of moving! Especially with getting up! Good thing there’s someone I can even hug!” Before Rise and Yosuke could protest, the dome began shaking.

“Uh, I take it that an earthquake is occurring?” Whisper asked. 

“No shit!” Kanji facepalmed. “But why the hell is one happening?!”

“Oh god, is this like in the movies, where when the bad guys are done for, their evil  fortress self-destructs?” Yosuke guessed.

“Oh right…” Marie casually got up. “Sorry, I forgot to mention. I don’t need this place anymore, so it’s gonna disappear.”

“AND YOU DIDN’T THINK OF TELLING US THIS BEFORE?!” Damona screeched.

“I didn’t expect that you’d be here.”

“WE’RE GONNA DIE HERE!” Jibanyan ran around in circles, panicking with Teddie! The other Yo-Kai teleported away, while Whisper frantically looked through the medallium, looking for the medal they needed, and he found it!

“NANAKO! MIRAPO, NOW!” Whisper quickly handed her the medal, as she jammed it in. Mirapo popped out!

“Where would you all like to-” 

“ANYWHERE!”

And with that, everyone jumped right into Mirapo, just in time!

–*–

To everyone’s surprise, they were right back at the cabin. Somehow. Everyone groaned as they landed safely. “Ugh… didn’t this happen before?” Yosuke groaned, rubbing his butt. Yu sweatdropped at that.

“Are these really your friends? They’re so weird,” Marie asked. “Also, why do you have a bunch of Yo-Kai with you, and… isn’t that supposed to be your little cousin?”

“It’s too long of a story to get into…”

“Yeah- wait, this was all your fault, you know!” Kanji said in annoyance. As everyone got up, the TV screen in the cabin suddenly shattered.

“Woah, the TV just exploded!” Jibanyan yelped.

“That was never a TV. The Hollow Forest is gone. Because… it doesn’t need to exist anymore,” Marie explained.

“Yeah, we DID IT!” Chie cheered. “How does it feel, knowing your fate has changed?”

“... weird. It feels weird. After all, I’m alive.”

“Well, that’s why we went all the way for you!” Nanako cheerfully said. Marie looked sheepish at that, turning her head downwards.

“Uh, about that… thanks for saving me… and I’m sorry,” Marie squeaked out. All of the Investigation Team looked at Marie in shock at what she just said. Seeing the shock, she demanded, “What- why are you all looking at me like that for?!”

“No way…” Yu breathed. “You know how to apologize?”

“Huh?”

“And she said it so politely, as well,” Yukiko observed.

“None of us saw that coming from you,” Yosuke snarked.

“What?!” Marie snapped, indignant. “Oh, youstupidjerksIhateyouallsomuch!”

“Well, at least we heard it once.” Everyone laughed, much to Marie’s dismay.

“Oh, what the hell’s up with you all? You jump in to save me, and you get nothing out of it! I don’t get it!”

“Hm? But we don’t need a reward,” Yu said. “We just heard a friend was in danger, and dropped everything to save you.”

“...Really?”

“Well, we were a little hesitant when we heard you were from the other side,” Chie admitted. “That was pretty confusing. But to not save you because of that? That’s not how we roll.”

“If we just blamed someone else and looked the other way, nothing would change,” Yosuke said. “You were in trouble, and we saved you. That’s what matters.”

“Tch…” Marie sighed. “I still don’t get any of you.”

“Then let’s change that! Let’s get to know each other now!” Nanako smiled. “We’re gonna show you everything awesome in this world!”

“Like Next HarMEOWny and Chocobars!” Jibanyan showed off his collection.

“...The hell is a ‘Next HarMEOWny’?” Marie raised an eyebrow.

“You have much to learn…”

“Hey, it’s clear outside,” Chie noticed, looking out of the window.

“Oh, I have to do the laundry,” Yukiko remembered, making everyone sweatdrop. She was thinking of chores after all of that?

“I’m starving, though! Let’s get something to eat,” Yosuke suggested, everyone nodding at that suggestion.

“Sounds good! On you, of course.”

“Grah! Stop expecting me to buy you lunch all the time!” Yosuke chased after Chie, as everyone followed, leaving Marie and Yu behind.

“Heh…” Marie shook her head, a faint smile on her face. “Well, I guess we should go with them.”

Yu smiled back. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

And the two left the cabin, as the TV inside disappeared for good.

Chapter Text

Soon, it was March 20th. Tomorrow, Yu was leaving, returning back to his home. He’d come back early April for his third year of Yasogami High.

It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining brightly. There were sakura petals in the air, and people walking about, enjoying their day. 

But one was not enjoying it as much, as Nanako Dojima frowned, swinging her feet as she sat at the bench in the Samegawa Flood Plain. With her father, Whisper and Jibanyan, they were going to talk to Yu, right before he left the next day.

“You look a lot more mature now,” Dojima said, smiling. “You’ve only been living here for a year, but kids grow surprisingly fast.”

“Hrng…” Nanako held back a sad moan. 

“Nanako… Remember what we promised,” Dojima reminded her.

“Yeah… Big Bro, be safe. Take care of yourself,” She mumbled.

“You too, Nanako,” Yu responded. It didn’t ease Nanako’s sadness.

“Come on, Nanako, don’t feel so sad! He’s coming back in just a few weeks,” Dojima said. “He’ll be staying here for another year, and hey, if I get enough vacation-time, we can visit my sister overseas. Sightseeing in America would be fun, wouldn’t it?”

“...I guess,” Nanako nodded.

“Nyaw, man,” Jibanyan said. “Even though we didn’t get to know you as well, we’re gonnya miss ya too, Yu!”

“Indeed! When you come back to Inaba, we’ll take you on all the adventures Nanako and us usually go on!” Whisper said, doing a loop in the air.

“Yeah… I’ll look forward to all the adventures we’ll have,” Yu said.

“Adventures, huh?” The teenager flinched, remembering that Ryotaro couldn’t see Yo-Kai, so it looked like he was talking to thin air. “With the murder case that happened this year… don’t you feel you’ve had your fill of adventure?”

“Uh… I don’t know about that,” Yu awkwardly said. Ryotaro laughed.

“Yeah, well, eh, you’re young. Why not? Anyway…” He let out a sigh. “You should get going. We’re going home too.”

“Right. I think I’ll meet everyone at the JUNES food court one last time. Bye, guys,” Yu waved goodbye as he walked off. When he disappeared, Ryotaro turned to Nanako.

“Are you feeling ok, Nanako?” He asked.

“Yeah, don’t worry,” Nanako nodded. “I’m just gonna miss him for a bit, that’s all.”

“That’s fair. Hey, just a few weeks, and he’ll be back.” Ryotaro ruffled her hair, as she let out an indignant cry at that, making him chuckle. “Anyway, how about we head-”

“Oh, Nanako-san!” 

Nanako looked at the head of the stairs and saw Mao Hikage waving at her, smiling. “Hey! It’s Mao-kun!”

He was the one who informed them of McKraken’s takeover, and as the son of the Ancient Enma, he was a beacon of hope for Yo-Kai during those times.

When he had disappeared into the Yo-Kai World when the elevator disappeared, the excuse was that his family was moving away. Only Nanako knew the truth.

 Nanako excitedly ran up the stairs, Whisper and Jibanyan following her. “Mao-kun! It’s been so long!” She happily said.

“Hi, Nanako-san. It really has,” Mao chuckled. 

“Oh, Nanako, talking with one of your friends?” Ryotaro said, as he walked up the stairs. 

“Yeah! Dad, this is Mao Hikage, a friend from my class. He moved away last year, but now he’s back!” 

“That so? Well, nice to meet you, Mao.”

“It’s a pleasure, Dojima-san,” Mao nodded. “Hey, actually, Nanako, I just realised something. I have something to tell you. Is it ok if you come with me to the shrine?”

“Yeah. Can I, dad?”

“‘Course you can. Just don’t stay out too late, ok?” Ryotaro left shortly after, as Nanako quickly waved a bye to him, before following Mao.

–*–

“So, what is it, Mao?” Nanako asked. The group had reached the entrance to the forest near the shrine.

“Well, it’s lovely to see you again,” Whisper agreed. “If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have been able to see Nanako again.”

“Yeah, it may have taken a long time, but at least it worked,” Mao nodded.

“Wait, how come we haven’t seen ya around here till nyow? The Yo-Kai elevator has been fixed for months!” Jibanyan asked.

“Well, I still had to deal with the falling out from McKraken’s defeat with Lord Enma’s help,” Mao sighed, rubbing the back of his head. “His troops, making sure he had no way of escaping, the works. It took a long time to tie up all the loose ends he left.”

“Man, that sounds really gruelling,” Nanako commented. “But that means we won’t have to worry about him anymore, right?”

“Yep. He’s in the Infinite Inferno for his crimes,” Mao explained. Seeing their confused looks, he further explained: “It’s basically Hell for Yo-Kai.”

“Woah! That sounds super scary!”

“It is. But there, he shouldn’t be getting out anytime soon.” Mao reassured them.

“Good riddance, I say!” Whisper nodded.

“Well, actually, while I was perfecting the stabilisation of the Yo-Kai World, I was informed of the… other things that were happening in the human world by Venoct. Apparently some guy tried to unleash a deadly fog from a TV dimension onto this world and turn people into these weird beasts called Shadows?”

“Ugh, that’s a whole can of worms that I don’t think we’ve got time to get into,” Jibanyan moaned.

“All you need to know is that me and my Big Bro and his friends dealt with that already!”

“Yeah, I heard- wait, when did you have a big brother?”

“Oh, that’s just what she calls her older cousin,” Whisper explained. “We’ll explain everything in greater detail later, but long story short, we won’t have to worry about them anytime soon.”

“Well, that’s a relief. Good job, guys,” Mao said. “Well, I called you here for something I’ve been planning for a while. Come on.” Mao walked off, as they followed him.

“What is it?”

“Well, I was thinking, you never got properly thanked for your help against McKraken, so…” Mao smiled, as he moved aside the leaves to reveal the Crank-a-Kai, and-

“SURPRISE!” The party poppers went off, as several Yo-Kai revealed themselves from hiding! Cadin, Walkappa, Komajiro and Komasan, Dismarelda and Happiere, Blizzaria, Blazion, nearly all the Yo-Kai Nanako had befriended were here, alongside a table filled with snacks.

Nanako’s eyes shined with amazement. “Huh?”

“Hey, she's surprised! Good job, everyone!” Mao said, the Yo-Kai cheering in response.

“Woah… what’s this for?”

“Like I said, ever since we came back, we’ve wanted to thank you for saving the two worlds,” Mao explained. “But then came the whole TV World stuff, and then having to stop that guy, and I had to deal with fully stabilising the Yo-Kai World- you get it. So, it took way longer than we hoped, but we finally managed to find a good time.

“So, Nanako…” Mao held out his arms, gesturing to the area, as all the Yo-Kai smiled brightly.

“THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU’VE DONE FOR THE YO-KAI WORLD!”

“This… this is amazing!” Whisper said, awed.

“Nyeah! Talk about sweet, right, Nanako-” They turned to Nanako, to see that she was crying silently, looking at the scene. “Huh?! Nanako, what’s wrong?”

“I- I’m fine, it’s just…”

It hadn’t truly hit Nanako until now. 

Nanako Dojima was a girl who kept experiencing loss. She had lost her mother, lost her Yo-Kai friends for a while, and nearly lost her big bro.

She was still feeling miserable, knowing her big bro was leaving for a while. But seeing all her Yo-Kai friends, back and happy to see her as well…

She finally realized it.

She wasn’t going to be alone again.

“I’m fine, it’s just…” She turned her head back up, smiling through her happy tears. “I’m so glad to be friends with you all!”

And she ran towards the group, laughing freely.

The picnic was one of the best days she ever had.

The food was delicious, and playing with all her Yo-Kai friends was incredibly fun. She watched the Brave and Tough tribes go at it, drank tea with the Heartful tribe, played a lot with the Charming Tribe. Most of the Shady and Eerie tribes hadn’t appeared, but she enjoyed Hidabat, Insomni and Eterna’s company.

Wiglin and Steppa had a dance off to win Rhyth’s affections, while Jibanyan fanned the flames by rating them. Manjimutt was also there, but under Detective Hold-it’s supervision. Kyubi showed up to try and flirt with the female Yo-Kai, but then Casanuva showed up, leading to them fighting. Venoct had to break up the fight, sighing at the prospect. 

Eventually, it was time to wind up, so most of the Yo-Kai left, with Nanako, Whisper, Lucas, Jibanyan and Venoct remaining, cleaning up the picnic area. “Mao-kun, this was so fun! Thank you all so much!” Nanako said.

“You deserved it. The Yo-Kai World is in debt to you, for saving us from McKraken,” Mao said. 

“Ugh, everytime I thought about him while you guys were gone, I felt like punching something,” She scowled. 

Well, Chie’s training lessons did help with that.

“Yeah, you and nearly every other Yo-Kai in the realm. If I hadn’t sent him to the Infinite Inferno, his face would’ve become everyone’s new punching bag.”

“Well, good riddance to bad rubbish, I say!” Whisper did a loop in the air. “At least we won’t have to deal with something like him anymore!”

“Heh heh,” Mao awkwardly laughed. “Yeah, good riddance. Anyway, it’s getting late, you should probably head home now, guys. It was great seeing you again.”

“Bye, Mao! Let’s hang out again, later!” Nanako, Jibanyan and Whisper waved goodbye, as they left the area. Mao waved back until they had disappeared, and Venoct turned to him.

“Mao. You didn’t tell her about the vision?” Venoct asked. He flinched, being reminded by the Yo-Kai.

“Well, I… it didn’t seem like the appropriate time to bring it up,” Mao said, scratching the back of his head. “After a celebration, you don’t just tell someone, ‘hey by the way, I foresee great danger in the future’ .”

“Even still, we must warn her eventually.” Mao sighed, as he looked back at the dream.

A red fog covering Inaba.

An empty town.

A giant tower, reaching to the blood red sky, under a sickly green moon.

And a flaming red creature screaming as it flew into the blood-red sky as Nanako-

Mao gasped as the vision cut off. “Mao?” Venoct went to his side, only for him to hold a hand up. 

“I’m fine, it’s just… that dream is still unclear to me…” He frowned, thinking everything over. “You said you already defeated the being that controlled the fog, correct?” 

“Yes, and Kyubi was called in to make sure it was truly gone in the battle against Kusumi-no-Okami.”

“But how did it return… and why was it red? And that tower…” Mao frowned. “But Nanako… she seems to tie into this, somehow.”

–*–

Meanwhile, Nanako was walking back home with Whisper and Jibanyan, feeling content. “Man, that was such a fun picnic!”

“It was very nice of Mao to hold that for us!” Whisper said. Nanako opened the door to see Yu sitting on the couch, letting out a sigh. “Oh, hello Yu!”

“Hey, guys,” Yu mumbled. Nanako thought he looked like Dad when he came back from a long day after work. “Where were you guys?”

“We had a fun picnic with our friend, Mao! He also knows about Yo-Kai, too!” Yu blinked.

“Oh… you never introduced us to him.”

“Well, he just came back from the Yo-Kai World- long story,” Jibanyan said, looking at Yu’s confused expression. 

“Well, I’m glad you had fun, guys. So, Nanako, how are you?”

“I’m okay, big bro,” Nanako said. “And I’m gonna be okay! Because with you and my  Yo-Kai friends, we can do anything!” Yu smiled.

“Yeah. Yeah we can,” Yu said, as he ruffled Nanako’s hair.

“So, how come you look so tired?”

“I had to fight a god.”

“WHAT?!”