Persona 4 - Reach out to the Shadow

(Author’s note: I’m not using most honorifics because I forget who uses what for whom.)

“Yaso-Inaba Station Terminal. Please ensure you have all your personal effects as you exit the train. Have a pleasant day.” The voice rang out over the train speakers.

Yu Narukami stepped onto the platform, stretching after a long trip. Five years had come and gone since the **** cases in Inaba had been solved and it had been several years since the last time Yu had seen his friends from Inaba. School had kept him occupied and the others had their own lives and goals and since the investigation team had nothing to investigate, there had been no real reason for a reunion. Yu decided to change that during this autumn, contacting his friends and scheduling a meet up at Inaba and Halloween was the time decided.

Yu picked up his suitcase and walked out of Inaba station. It was the afternoon, with startling warm weather, the sky was partly cloudy, though there didn’t seem to be a threat of rain. Yu took out his smartphone and dialled a familiar number.

“Hello, you’ve reached the Dojima residence.” A young feminine voice was on the line.

“Nanako-chan, is that you? It’s Yu.” Yu spoke in slight surprise at how the little girl’s voice had matured in 4 years.

“Oh wow, big bro? It’s been ages! How are you?”

“I’ve been doing well. University has been pretty work heavy. What about you? Shouldn’t you be in school now?”

“They had to close the school for a bit. Something about a gas leak. We’re still getting assigned reading and stuff through the school site. Hey… are you actually in town now?”

“Yeah, I just got here. We made plans kind of last minute, because of everyone’s schedules. I tried to call earlier, but no one answered.”

“Dad had to go out of town for a police conference thing. I’m not sure when he’ll be back. Your room is still available, but it would need to be cleaned and stuff would have to be moved around before you could use it. I’m sorry I can’t do it for you.”

“That’s okay, Nanako-chan. I didn’t want to cause you any trouble, so I made arrangements to stay at the Amagi Inn. We’re all meeting up there and staying through until after Halloween.”

“Oh… Okay.” The disappointment was audible in her voice, but it quickly lifted. “I have some shopping to do, so if I see Yosuke-san at Junes, I’ll tell him you’re here. If I can, I’ll stop by the inn later and say hi.”

“I’ll stop by to say hello one way or another. So, we’ll see you later.”

“Later, big bro.”

Yu made his way to the Amagi Inn by foot. He passed by many locations that he nostalgically remembered. To him, Inaba hadn’t changed much from his time staying there and yet he could feel a more vibrant atmosphere. There seemed to be more people milling about and there was just a cheery energy in the air.

At the Amagi Inn entrance he spotted a middle aged woman sweeping the pathway.

“Oh! Narukami-san!” The lady greeted him cheerfully. “Yukiko-sama had said you were coming today.”

All the Inn staff were familiar with Yu because of his friendship with the proprietress’ daughter, Yukiko. Yu had no reason to question any of them recognizing him. The lady hurried inside to get Yukiko.

Yukiko quickly emerged from the inn. She wore her long, black hair in a neat bun, wearing a snow white dress and sky blue cardigan. She had a mature, graceful look about her and an aura of confidence. She stopped for a second, seeing Yu, her eyes widening slightly.

“Yu…” There was a faint blush to her cheeks as she smiled at Yu. “It’s great to see you. You look… good.”

“Nice to see you too, Yukiko-san.” Yu smiled back. “Am I late?”

“Not at all, you’re the first to arrive, in fact. Come on in. Saeko-san, could you please take his bag to his room, please?” Yukiko motioned Yu inside.

“Of course, Yukiko-sama.” The woman names Saeko took Yu’s luggage. “I hope you’ll treat the lady gently, sir.”

“S-Saeko-san!” Yukiko protested, blushing furiously. “It isn’t like that!”

“Some things never change, eh?” Yu chuckled beside Yukiko, who groaned lightly, burying her face in her hands.

“Hah…” Yukiko sighed dejectedly. “We have a large dining room we were going to use for the reunion. Chie and Yosuke should be along soon.”

Yukiko ushered Yu inside.