The Shadow Chasers

Chapter 15

"My drivers can give everyone rides to where they need to go," Mitsuru announced, then took out her phone to make the calls.

"Wish I could hang out some more, but I guess we're all beat and need to get going," Sam said a bit sadly, looking around the large group. Her mind was still reeling from the events that had just happened, but her nerves were finally calming down.

Jerry smiled in understanding. "When you've said goodbye, I'll fly you back to the hotel and we'll go back home," he offered.

Alex nodded to Jerry, then turned to Aigis and surprised her with a big hug. "I'll miss all of you," she said, breaking the hug to pet Koromaru briefly, than stand to look back to Aigis. "Thanks for everything back there," she added.

"My pleasure," Aigis said happily. "You and your friends have an amazing bond," she added.

She stumbled a bit, still reeling from the effects of the damage taken in battle. Labrys was quickly at her side, and Aigis slung an arm in appreciation over her shoulder for support.

"Thank you, sister," Aigis said wearily to Labrys. The other android nodded with a firm smile.

"We'll get you repaired as soon as we get back," Mitsuru said, looking at her damaged friend with concern. Labrys looked from Mitsuru to the spies, shifting her weight to better support Aigis.

"Yeah, I'm glad I met you guys! And that we made it through in one piece," Labrys said, smiling.

"Same here," Sam consented. "Thanks so much, Labrys," she added.

"Glad ta help," Labrys replied enthusiastically.

Junpei used his bat to lean on as a makeshift cane, also a bit weary from the ordeal.

"You three are something else," Junpei remarked enthusiastically. "Beautiful, brave, and heroic. If it weren't for my girl, Chidori..." he started, then trailed off with a grin, and shook hands with each of them.

"That's sweet of you Junpei. You take care," Alex said to him warmly.

Yukari stepped forward and bowed slightly to the spies. "Thanks so much for helping us out. And not even being Persona-users-" she said, hands clasped behind her. "Such cool outfits... and... do you go to college?" she asked.

Clover fiddled with her remaining earring, and managed to understand most of what was said.  "Our pleasure. Yeah, we're in college. I'm majoring in fashion design. You?" Clover replied.  "By the way, can you speak English?  My earring translator is acting up a little, and the other got damaged,"  she said.

Yukari nodded in response. "Sure, I've been taking English for a while. This is good practice," she replied and smoothed out her hair a bit.  "I'm a student and do some fashion modeling. And acting for a kids' action show.  That's where I got this," she said, and gestured to her unusual outfit.  She took a seat, still winded from the battle, and Clover did the same.

"No way! That's awesome," Clover replied. "Let me get your email and number," she said excitedly, digging into her backpack for her X-Powder.

Akihiko shifted his weight slightly and rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess this is goodbye," he said a bit gloomily. The girls looked at him with interest.

"Alex, I could tell from the battle that your fighting skills are second to none. You remind me of my friend Chie. Good teaming up with you," he said warmly.

"Sam, your leadership and intelligence remind me of Mitsuru," he said with warmth.

"Oh thanks, I'm going to miss you!" Alex replied.

"Thanks!" Sam added, smiling at the compliments.

Clover finished typing in Yukari's contact info and looked at a slightly flustered Akihiko.

"Clover... you were great too. Hope we meet again sometime," he added bashfully.

She stood up and beamed. "Thank you. Definitely on meeting again," she added with a dreamy look in her eyes. Mitsuru blinked, then cleared her throat.

"I can never thank you enough for what you've done," Mitsuru said to the spies. "And though we've just met, I feel as if we're already good friends," she added.

The girls voiced agreement, and Mitsuru gave them each a handshake.  Alex surprised her with a hug, then suddenly remembered something.

"We forgot to give you the weapons back," Alex said, starting to remove her backpack. Sam and Clover started to do the same.

"Please, keep them. I hope to see you again someday. Best of luck back home," Mitsuru said with a smile.

The spies thanked her, boarded the jet with Jerry, and the engines started, causing a quiet whooshing sound. Mitsuru's group gave a final wave goodbye to them before walking over to the cars waiting nearby. The WOOHP jet took off for the start of their journey back home.

Clover winced and groaned slightly as she put her hands to her lower back. She saw Alex was gritting her teeth in discomfort as well. "Now that the adrenaline's worn off, I'm feeling the burn from that monster squeeze," Clover said to the others.

Alex grimaced a bit. "And the heavy lifting afterwards," she added. Sam took both their hands in concern.

Jerry looked at them sympathetically. "Oh dear, we'll have the WOOHP medics take a look at you two back home," he said.

"I didn't get grabbed by any monsters, and didn't even offer to lift... a person. I'm sorry," Sam said, looking sadly at Clover then Alex..

"It's alright Sam. Things were crazy in there," Alex replied. "Let's just get home," she said expectantly.

A/N: Thanks again for taking the time to read this.  Please feel free to comment if you like.