[Makuyo Yuki (MC) POV]
I shook my head and decided not to fry my brain over local gossip. If someone from the Kirijo Group was actually showing up in Inaba, I would figure it out when the time came.
I made my way up the cracked gravel walkway to my weather-beaten front porch, unlocked the deadbolt, and stepped into my climate-controlled sanctuary. After putting away the pharmacy supplies in the sleek stainless-steel fridge, I dropped onto the plush couch and grabbed my 3DS.
For the next couple of hours, I simply lost myself in playing games.
'Being able to do this without getting exhausted is the best feeling in the world.'
Back when I was stuck in a hospital bed, holding a controller for more than fifteen minutes would leave my frail wrists aching and my fingers trembling from sheer fatigue. Now, sitting on a comfortable sofa with full reflexes, healthy stamina, and zero pain, something as ordinary as gaming felt like pure luxury.
Knock, knock, knock.
The sudden rapping at the front door cut through the game audio. I paused the screen, set the controller down on the cushion, and walked over to the genkan to unlock the door.
Standing on the porch was a small, elderly woman wearing a wide-brimmed sunhat and a faded floral apron. It was Mrs. Moriyama, one of my quiet neighbors living a couple of plots down the lane. Looking past her toward the road, I noticed her husband was nowhere in sight.
"Ah, Moriyama-san! Good afternoon," I said with an easy, welcoming smile. "Is everything alright? I noticed your husband isn't with you today."
The elderly woman gave a polite, slightly weary bow, her hands clutching the hem of her apron. "Good afternoon, Makuyo-kun. I'm terribly sorry to disturb you at home. My husband caught a sudden, nasty fever this morning and is completely stuck in bed. Our vegetable patch really needs tending and harvesting today before the weather turns foul again, but my old back simply won't let me do the heavy lifting alone..."
"Say no more, I've got you covered," I answered without a second of hesitation.
I stepped back into the entryway to slip on a pair of sturdy outdoor boots. "I was just taking it easy anyway. Let's go take care of that garden."
A warm, relieved smile spread across her wrinkled face as she bowed repeatedly. "Oh, thank you so much, Makuyo-kun. You are always such a kind boy."
Walking over to the Moriyamas' adjacent plot, I pulled on a pair of gardening gloves, rolled up my sleeves, and knelt down into the rich, dark soil. Taking hold of the leafy stems, I began carefully pulling up the ripe daikon radishes and clearing away the stubborn weeds around the cabbages, thoroughly enjoying the simple, grounded work under the cool open sky.
——
[Ken Amada POV]
I knelt down on the tatami mats, slowly running my fingers through Koromaru's thick white fur.
He leaned into my hand with a soft, contented sigh. Wearing his familiar red hooded coat, his tail tapped lazily against the wooden floorboards of the rented house. He was always well-behaved, but after sitting quietly through the long train ride from the city, I could tell he had plenty of restless energy waiting to get out.
Across the low wooden table, Mitsuru-san smoothed down the front of her tailored crimson coat.
Even while taking time away from the Kirijo Group's headquarters, she carried herself with effortless elegance and poise. Her long, vibrant red hair cascaded neatly over her shoulder, catching the soft afternoon light. Though she was dressed in refined casual city wear rather than formal executive suits, her presence was just as commanding and dignified as ever.
"Ken," she said gently, her voice calm and level.
"Remember why we came out here. Officially, this trip is purely for sightseeing and recuperation."
I looked up from Koromaru and gave a respectful nod. "I understand, Mitsuru-san."
"The branch directors and staff in the city have everything well in hand for the coming week," she continued, looking out through the sliding glass doors toward the quiet lane outside.
"You've been training and studying without pause back at school. Use this time in the countryside to relax and clear your mind."
"I will," I replied, offering an honest smile as I stood up.
Over the past few years, I had grown quite a bit. I wasn't the small elementary school kid who had to crane his neck just to look everyone in the eyes anymore.
"Since we finished unpacking our things, do you mind if I take Koromaru out for a quick walk?" I asked, looking down at the white dog looking up at me attentively. "It'll give him a chance to stretch his legs."
Mitsuru-san gave a gentle, approving nod. "A sensible idea. Just stay mindful of your surroundings. Inaba may seem peaceful and secluded, but you shouldn't let your guard down in unfamiliar territory."
"Don't worry, we won't go far," I promised.
I clipped the sturdy leather leash onto Koromaru's collar. Hearing the metallic click, he immediately stood up, letting out a short, muffled huff of excitement.
Stepping through the entryway, we walked out into the crisp, cool air of Inaba.
The contrast between this countryside town and the bustling streets of Tatsumi Port Island was incredible. There were no rumbling monorails overhead, no towering skyscrapers blocking the sky, and no crowded crosswalks buzzing with noise. Everything here moved at an easy, unhurried pace.
Koromaru trotted faithfully at my side as we made our way down the paved road.
We walked past a local gas station with bright red signs and fuel pumps, where attendants in matching red uniforms were busy wiping down car windows. Continuing past a quiet row of family-run storefronts, we turned into a residential lane lined with weathered wooden fences, traditional tiled roofs, and small garden plots.
The cool breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the distinct murmur of voices from just around the corner.
"...you really are such a blessing, Makuyo-kun. I honestly don't know what I would have done with these heavy radishes by myself."
"Haha, don't worry about it at all, Moriyama-san! To be honest, pulling weeds and digging through the soil is actually a lot of fun when you've got the energy for it."
The sound of that voice hit me instantly.
'Wait... that voice...'
A sudden wave of warmth and familiarity hit my chest all at once.
Beside me, Koromaru froze mid-step. His ears shot straight up, his nose twitching frantically as he caught the scent carried on the wind. The second he recognized it, his eyes widened with pure, overwhelming excitement.
Woof!
With a sudden burst of speed, Koromaru lunged forward. The sudden tug yanked the leather handle right out of my hand before I had a chance to react.
"Koro-chan! Wait! Stop!" I shouted, immediately chasing after him down the gravel path.
Koromaru didn't slow down for a second.
Kicking up small puffs of dirt, he dashed straight through an open wooden gate and bounded into a lush vegetable garden.
I rounded the corner of the fence a moment later, skidding to a halt on the packed dirt.
There, kneeling right in the rich soil with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows and dirt smudging his work gloves, was a boy with familiar dark hair, a small silver hoop glinting in his left ear, and a bright, easygoing smile.
Koromaru had already reached him. Barking happily with his tail wagging so fast it was practically a blur, he planted his front paws firmly against the boy's knees, panting with pure joy as he buried his snout straight into Makuyo's chest.
My breath caught in my throat as I stood frozen on the dirt path.
I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. It felt like my mind was playing tricks on me, dragging up memories of someone who was supposed to be gone.
I remembered the desperate battles from our past, the crushing weight of the Dark Hour.
We had spent two years believing he was lost to us forever.
Yet here he was, alive and breathing in the middle of a quiet countryside town, wiping garden soil from his brow.
What made it even more jarring was his appearance. He looked younger than the Makuyo i knew.
"Whoa there, buddy! Aren't you an energetic one?"
Makuyo let out a bright, ringing laugh, pulling off his cotton work gloves and tossing them onto the grass.
He wrapped his arms around Koromaru's neck, happily scratching the soft spot right behind the dog's ears.
Koromaru whimpered with pure affection, his tail beating steadily against the dirt as he leaned his entire weight into Makuyo's hands.
Swallowing the knot of emotion in my throat, I took a slow step forward into the garden patch.
"Excuse me..." My voice came out tighter than I intended.
Makuyo looked up from the dog, his dark eyes bright and clear in the afternoon light. He tilted his head with an easy, curious smile.
"Do you... do you remember anything?" I asked, my fists clenching slightly at my sides. "Or... do you remember who we are?"
Makuyo blinked, looking genuinely surprised. He glanced down at Koromaru, then back up at me, scratching his cheek with an apologetic grin.
"Remember? Sorry, I don't think we've ever met before today," he answered, his tone completely open and sincere. "Did I bump into you earlier around town or something?"
'He really doesn't remember. Not a single thing.'
A sharp pang of confusion and ache hit my chest, but seeing his bright, unburdened expression kept me from pressing further. I took a steadying breath, gathering my composure.
"No... I apologize. You just looked a lot like someone I used to know," I said quietly, offering a polite bow. "My name is Ken Amada. And this is Koromaru."
At the mention of his name, Koromaru let out a short, proud bark, leaning affectionately against Makuyo's knees.
"Nice to meet you, Amada! And you too, Koromaru," Makuyo said cheerfully, standing up and dusting off his trousers.
"I'm Makuyo. Makuyo Yuki. Just living around here for now."
Before I could say anything else, and Elderly women made her way over from the cabbage rows, wiping her hands on her floral apron with a warm smile.
"My goodness, Makuyo-kun, it looks like you have company," the elderly woman said with a gentle chuckle. "You've already pulled up most of the radishes and cleared out the heavy weeds for me. I can easily manage the rest from here on my own."
"Are you sure, Moriyama-san?" Makuyo asked, glancing back at the garden rows. "I really don't mind finishing the patch. It's no trouble at all."
"Nonsense, dear," she insisted with an appreciative wave of her hand. "You've done more than enough heavy lifting for an old woman today. Go on and spend time with your new friends."
"Alright, if you say so. Thank you, Moriyama-san!"
Makuyo stepped over to the outdoor faucet by the wooden fence, washing the soil from his hands and drying them on a small towel. Slipping his casual jacket back on, he walked over to join me on the paved residential lane.
With Koromaru trotting contentedly between us, matching our stride with a rhythmic bounce in his step, we started down the quiet street together.
"So, Yuki-san, have you lived in Inaba for very long?" I asked, trying to keep my tone natural.
Makuyo glanced over and let out a lighthearted laugh, waving his hand dismissively. "Ah, just 'Makuyo' is totally fine! No need to use stiff last names with me."
"If you're calling me by my last name while telling me to use your first name, that feels a little unfair," I said, a faint smile breaking through my serious expression. "Since you're older, you can just call me Ken."
"Haha, Ken it is, then," Makuyo agreed with a wide grin, clasping his hands behind his head as he looked up at the cloudy sky. "To answer your question, I lived here for as long as i can remember. It's quiet, the food is good, and people around here are really nice. What about you two? Just visiting from the city?"
"Yes, we arrived earlier today," I said, watching Koromaru happily brush his shoulder against Makuyo's leg as we walked. "We came out here for a short trip to get some fresh air."
——
[Makuyo Yuki (MC) POV]
As Ken, Koromaru, and I walked down the quiet residential street, my mind was racing trying to piece the puzzle together.
'Wait... why are members of the S.E.E.S in Inaba right now? In Persona 4 Arena, Mitsuru and the others only came out to this rural town because the cargo plane transporting Labrys was hijacked and crash-landed near the area. But that wasn't supposed to happen until next year. Did Labrys go missing early, or is the timeline just completely scrambled?'
A cold drop of water splashed against my cheek, pulling me out of my spiral. I looked up at the darkening gray sky as a steady, quiet drizzle began pattering against the pavement.
'Rain again...'
I glanced down at Ken, who had his hands tucked into his jacket pockets while Koromaru trotted faithfully between us. If there was ever an opening to plant a seed and start shifting the board in my favor, it was right now.
"Hey, Ken," I said casually, breaking the silence over the rhythmic tapping of raindrops. "Have you heard about that urban legend going around Inaba? The Midnight Channel?"
Ken looked up, his brow furrowing with mild interest. "An urban legend? No, we only arrived today. What kind of rumor is it?"
"People say that if you look into an unpowered television screen alone at exactly midnight on a rainy night, the screen turns on by itself and shows your fated lover."
Ken raised an eyebrow, a smirk touching the corner of his lips. "A soulmate broadcast? Have you actually tried watching it?"
"Yeah, gave it a shot last night," I replied with a light shrug. "Saw a blurry silhouette of a woman with short hair."
"So... you found your fated lover, then?" Ken asked, sounding amused.
My easy smile faded, and my tone dropped into something far more grounded and serious. "No. That's just the romantic nonsense people tell themselves. In reality... it's a broadcast showing someone's impending death."
Ken stopped dead in his tracks on the wet asphalt, his eyes widening in bewilderment.
"Wait... what? A death?"
"Yeah," I continued, keeping my voice low and steady. "The broadcast only appears when it rains at midnight. And the rumor says whoever appears on that screen ends up dead the moment the rain stops and the thick fog settles over town. If that's true, someone like—"
The rest of the sentence died instantly in my throat.
An agonizing, icy pressure suddenly clamped down around my heart like a vice of pure iron. The air violently seized in my chest, and my vision swam with dark spots as a sharp, metaphysical pain tore through my core.
'Guh... what the hell?!'
I clenched my teeth until they creaked, forcing my knees not to buckle in front of Ken. The world itself seemed to be violently enforcing the script, threatening to crush me if I spoke names that hadn't officially entered the tragedy yet.
'Tch... trying to force me on the rails of canon? Screw that. I'm going to change this whether the universe likes it or not.'
I drew in a slow, ragged breath, forcing my pulse to steady as the suffocating pressure gradually ebbed away.
"Makuyo-san? Are you alright?" Ken asked, taking a quick step forward with genuine concern in his eyes.
"Yeah, just... a sudden muscle cramp in my chest. I'm fine," I lied smoothly, waving a hand to dismiss it before looking him directly in the eyes. "Anyway, the rest of the rumor says that if someone with the right power can actually cross over into that world through the screen, they might be able to find and save whoever gets trapped in there. Supposedly, there's even someone watching over that other side who could help."
Ken stared at me, his gaze sharpening with an intense focus that belonged far more to an experienced Persona user than an ordinary middle schooler.
Realizing I was laying the clues on a bit too thick, I let out an easy, self-deprecating laugh and rubbed the back of my neck. "Haha! But hey, it's just creepy countryside gossip, right? High schoolers out here love making up spooky ghost stories."
Ken blinked, easing his guarded stance slightly, though a thoughtful crease remained on his brow. "Right... just a rumor."
"Well, I should probably get back home and rest up," I said, pointing down the road toward the edge of town. "I actually took today off from work because I was feeling under the weather."
"You should definitely take care of yourself," Ken nodded politely.
"By the way, Ken, who did you say you came to Inaba with?"
"Oh. I'm traveling with Mitsuru Kirijo."
'Figures.'
"Got it," I said, giving him a bright, cheerful grin. "Well, if you're free tomorrow, meet me by the Moel gas station around 6:00 PM. That's right when my shift ends, so we can hang out."
"Sure. I'll see you then," Ken replied, while Koromaru let out a short bark in agreement.
"See ya, Ken! Stay dry, Koromaru!"
I turned around and started the trek back to my house through the rain.
'Well... shit I guess?'
Pulling my jacket tighter against the damp chill, I picked up my pace toward home, fully intending to sit in front of the television again tonight. If Mayumi Yamano was going to appear on the screen, I wanted to see what her Shadow might actually be.