(Y/N's POV)

Gardevoir and I were back in Mementos, on the first floor. We made our way down to find any of those black monster guys to fight, it took a little while, but then I saw two of them, and I thought about going for it.

Gardevoir- Should we go for it?

Y/N- Hmm...yeah, let's go.

Gardevoir got ready and we both ran to them and she hit them with a Body slam, and they melted into the floor and came back with four shadows figures.

One of them was this pumpkin ghost-type creature.

Then the next two were these ugly sludge-looking motherfuckers.

The last one was this tiny fairy or something of that sort, all ready to fight.

Gardevoir waited for my command and since this was multiple enemies, I needed to use an area attack move so I looked on the moves list to see if I had any. She only has a few of them and this one called Mystical Fire was one of them so I had her use that move, she did it and it fired at them and looked deadly. The slimes and the pixie went down, only the pumpkin one standing and it didn't look like he took any damage at all, what the hell?! He went for the attack and a bright light came right towards Gardevoir, and it didn't look like it did a lot of damage, I checked her health bar and only four hit points were taken. I finished it with an Icy wind since I figured that he was a fire type and it worked like a charm, he went down and the fight was done.

Y/N- *Phew* Great work Gardevoir.

Gardevoir- Thank you Y/N.

I went to see if any money had dropped, and it did: 78,948 Yen or 500 US dollars, sweet. I also saw something on the ground. It looked important, so I picked it up. It was some kind of material, probably dropped from the creatures: a soft material and a small piece of metal.

Gardevoir- What do you think it is, master?

Y/N- Hmm, I don't know but I might as well keep them too, maybe it will be useful later. Well, let's keep going and...

*Beep Beep*

I heard the switch beep again and went to check and see what it was, and it showed on screen a new app that had a clipboard and pencil icon, I clicked on it and it showed the images of the enemies we fought.

"Battle Analysis #1: Shadow Enemies: One Pixie, Two Slimes, and One Jack O' Lantern. Earned 78,908 Yen(500 USD). Items Dropped: 2X Silk Yarns, 1X Tin Clasp."

Oh, so it shows what types of shadows I fought, how much money they dropped, and the type and amount of loot they dropped. Okay, I don't know why this showed up at this time and not from the beginning since I came here, but whatever—better late than never, I guess. I explored the app more, and it had all of these blank boxes, which could mean more info is missing. 

Y/N—Okay, it looks like we need to fight them often to find out more information on those shadows. Come on, Gardevoir.

Gardevoir- Right.

(No POV)

And so, with the two moving forward in Mementos, they encountered more Shadows and each time was a new one they had never seen before and ones they had already seen like Slimes and Pixies. Y/N switched up Gardevoir's moves, experimenting to see what worked and what didn't, and with each victory, the data the switch collected was updated with new info on the shadows plus updates on previous shadows that were already in the database. This new info proved to be a tremendous help for Y/N, and he could use more effective strategies in future battles. 

"Battle Analysis #4: Shadows Enemies: Two Bicorns, a Mandrake, and a Berith. Earned total: 157,930 Yen($1.000). Items Dropped: 1X Plant Balm, 3X Silk Yarns."

With Y/N having this variable tool on his side, he is beginning to understand Mementos a bit better, even if he will never really know what this place is all about. But with that thought out of his head, he continued down the path in search of more shadows to fight but then, to his left side view, he saw a strange-looking structure. It had a big bright star on top along with metal gears to the back, Y/N had to see what was it, treading carefully in case it was a trap of some kind he can never be too careful. When he got to the front of the machine, it had a wooden stamp handle and a piece of a blank canvas, Y/N had no idea what any of this was doing here or its purpose but he decided to stamp the canvas and came out a bright yellow stamped picture of a star and moon. Once that was done, the machine's star shined and made a bell-like noise, then the gears moved and it showed two small stars that stood side to the bigger star. The machine lights then dimmed, showing that it didn't work anymore, leaving Y/N more confused than ever, he stood back from it, and not even a second later, his switch made a notification sound.

*Bing!*

He looked at the screen and saw that there was another new app on the switch. It had a star/moon and a golden flower icon on it. He clicked on it and saw three of the same star and moon stamps from the canvas. It showed that he collected three of them, whatever that meant. Y/N decided to move on from that and keep going. Maybe he'll find out what these stamps do sometime soon. He hoped that it gave him rewards instead of curses.

(Timeskip)

(Y/N's POV)

Gardevoir and I were making progress down Mementos, still making money, collecting loot, and also seeing if I could detect a new moon from the charm, but nothing on that yet. Gardevoir was on a serious roll, but it doesn't look like she is learning any more skills. Well, to be fair, I did have her learn every TM move back in the Galar region thanks to Oleana, so maybe that's why, but I still wish she could learn something here.

Gardevoir- Y/N, what seems to be troubling you?

Y/N- Hmm? Oh, nothing much I'm just wondering about if you were able to learn any moves that these shadows do, but I don't think you could. Could you?

Gardevoir—Hmm, no, I don't think so. I'm using the same moves as before, but now that you mentioned it, I think learning some new moves could make me stronger and allow me to protect you better than ever.

Y/N- Yeah, that would be nice but I guess we'll have to hope if that ever happens. 

I kept thinking about that until I felt Gardevoir's hands on my shoulder and had me stop in my tracks.

Gardevoir- Master, wait. I see something in front of us.

I looked to see what she saw and there was a floating shiny orb, just staying still not moving or anything and it looked like something was inside of the orb. I had Gardevoir let me go and I moved slowly to see what was inside, when I got closer to it the inside looked like golden flowers, I didn't know what kind of flowers but it wasn't sunflowers that's for sure. I reached towards it and it suddenly shrank to the palm of my hand, while it felt warm to the touch. The orb suddenly disappeared, my switch gave another notification, and I saw that the Star/Moon app had updated its info and now added another section called "Flower points". It showed that I had collected 5 flower points, again just like with the stamps I had no idea what in the world this meant. 

Gardevoir- What was that?

Y/N—...I had no idea, but at least it didn't harm us, so that's something. I hope it's used for something; I'll have to wait and see.

After that little situation, we continued our way down Mementos but I heard something to my left.

"Humming"

I stopped to listen closely and it sounded like humming, that had a soft tone to it.

Y/N- Gardevoir? You hear that right?

Gardevoir- I do, do you think we should investigate it?

I thought about that for a few minutes and if we could sneak close to the source of the sound and not be seen, we should be good.

Y/N- Yeah, let's see what it is but quietly.

Gardevoir- Got it.

We walked towards the sound, but it continued that same tone with no changes, at least ones that I'm aware of. Once we got close, I began to sneak and Gardevoir did the same and we both moved as slowly as we could, we got to a corner, and in front of us was a large shadow on the wall, I saw a place where I could quietly move my head to the side to see what was making that shadow, and I wasn't expecting to see someone again.  

It was that egghead-shaped kid, Jose. He was sitting on the top of his car's hood, swinging his legs while holding a large hammer. I didn't expect to see him, but what was he doing?

Gardevoir- Y/N, it's the strange kid again, do we sneak away or speak to him?

Y/N's mind- I think we should...

Then Jose stopped humming, but he still had the hammer in his hands.

Jose- Y/N, I know you're there, I can hear your companion speak to you.

Y/N's mind- Wait?! How?

Jose- Come on into my little spot, you are more than welcome.

I stood up and walked over to him, still confused about how he knew we were there. 

Y/N- Ok, you got us, which by the way, how did you find out?

Jose- Well, your companion or Gardevoir can use telepathy with you, and believe it or not, I can detect that from miles away, and I don't know why.

Gardevoir- Can you use it yourself?

Jose- No, not at all, I can only hear it when someone else uses it.

Gardevoir- I see.

Y/N- Well, that's one new thing I learned about you Jose, but anyway, besides that, how's it going?

Jose- Oh, actually I was just hanging out here, just relaxing until you came along and thought I could use a chat but then I realized you happen to collect my stamps and have some flowers on you.

At first, I didn't know what he meant by that but then I remembered that strange stamp machine and that floating flower orb, does he know about it then?

Y/N- You mean these?

I opened up the app on the switch, he looked at the screen then looked at me and nodded.

Jose- Yup, that's what I mean, You seemed to have found one somewhere along your travels here, I have the stamp machines placed all over Mementos and the flowers can appear anywhere you go. And this strange device you carry can store them without me giving you this book.

Jose got to his car and pulled out a book which he opened up and had blank pages on it.

Jose- Remember when I said before that if we ever saw each other again, I would offer you an opportunity to earn some cool stuff you may need?

Y/N- Yeah...I do remember you saying that, I wondered what you meant by that at the time, but now I'm guessing these stamps and flowers have something to do with it right?

Jose- Yes, let me show you something.

He pointed his hammer at the ceiling of the place, and suddenly a swirl of stars and moons showed up, almost blinding my eyes.

Jose- You can exchange flowers for items that are useful mainly for battles, with each rarer item costing more flowers but I say it is worth your while to seek them out and collect enough to buy them. As for the stamps, I can make Cognition changes to Mementos that can have special effects for you like better money rewards after battles, more item drops from shadows, etc. 

Y/N- Wait, hold on. Can you do all that with just stamps and flowers?

Jose- Yup!

Well, I'm not even gonna how that is possible, as if this place is making any more sense to me.

Y/N- Sick man, well I gotta say you make a great sales pitch.

Jose- *Giggles* Funny thing with the book, it's a stamp book I was gonna give you so you can go and collect stamps but your device did that for me so that's not needed anymore. Well, what do you say Y/N? You in?

He extended his hand to me and after listening to him explain the use of these stamps and flowers, I think it's a solid deal.

Y/N- Hell yeah, let's do this.

We shook on it, I think this will be worth seeking them out.

Jose- Amazing, here as a token of our new mutual partnership, I'll give you this on me.

He handed me a strange-looking glass vial, I took it and the switch told me what it was.

"Acquired Sleep Vial L: This item can have a medium chance of inflicting Sleep on all enemies."

Y/N- Sweet! Thanks, Jose. 

Jose—That's no problem. It was nice catching up. We'll meet soon enough once you collect more Stamps and flowers.

Y/N- For sure, say how would I know to find you once I do have enough? 

Jose- Well, I won't be found here, I travel all over Mementos and can be in any part of the floor but I will give you this to let you know if I'm near.

Jose went to his car and pulled out something out of his bag and he got out this charm in the shape of a Star. 

Jose- Since you wear bracelets, I figured that this little star can have a purpose. I found it one time and never had any use for it but now it falls to you. Wherever you are on any floor, if this charm has a yellow dull glow, it means I am at the floor you are. If that happens and you need to see me to exchange your stamps or flowers, just follow the glow until it glows a bright yellow, then I will be there when it shines all the way, and we can do business afterward. 

Y/N- Awesome, thanks.

I took the charm and put it on next to the Moon charm, it looks good not gonna lie.

Jose- By the way, nice moon charm, where did you get it?

Y/N- Well, let's just say someone gave it to me to help me find the source to get me back home.

Jose- Ah, I see. Well, I wish you luck in that and hope you get home.

Y/N- Thanks, catch you later.

Jose- Yup. See ya later!

I turned around and headed out back to the main path.

Gardevoir- Now, we have a mutual Ally to count on for goods exchange.

Y/N- Yup, now we collect any that we come across and can get sweet stuff for it.

Gardevoir- I'll keep an eye out too in case you happen to miss any.

Y/N- Appreciate it, well let's keep moving.

Gardevoir- Understood.

(Minor Timeskip)

We walked some more with only one battle encounter but that's about it, strange as we encountered many along the way. Then, I saw ahead were escalators down, and no other path was shown on both sides, the only way was down. Could this be the end of this floor? I walked closer and saw only a red portal-like path that was most likely the next floor. 

Y/N- Whoa, kinda freaky but it seems we have made it out of this part of Mementos.

Gardevoir- Yeah, it looks that way.

Y/N- Well, do you wanna go for it or should we stop and continue this another time?

Gardevoir gave some thought to it and looked like she was fighting two answers at once.

Gardevoir- To be honest with you, I want to continue in hopes we find a moon or get even more rewards from battles but I am really tired from all of that and I don't want to faint in front of you, making me look weak.

Whoa, I wasn't expecting that from her but I needed to let her know something.

Y/N- Gardevoir, look. It doesn't matter what I want ultimately, what matters to me is that you are happy and healthy and if you are feeling tired from all of that fighting then tell me and we can get out of here and you can rest until you are better. We are a team and while you call me master, I'm your friend and we help each other out. So, let's get out of here and get back to the normal world, ok?

Gardevoir had a big soft smile on her and her eyes were full of light.

Gardevoir- Yes, yes let's go. Thank you...Master.~

Y/N- Nice.

I took out my switch and opened up the map to see how far we went in Mementos, we made it pretty far but it would take so long to walk back. Then, I saw a white flag icon on the map, I tapped on it and it showed an action that said:

"Fast travel back to Main floor"?

I can fast travel now? Well, what the hell, let's use it.

Y/N- Hold my hand Gardevoir, we are speeding this trip back in a breeze.

Gardevoir- Ok.

She held my hand tight and I pressed the "Yes" button and away we went.

*Zoom!*

In just about 10 seconds, we were back on the main floor of Mementos 

Gardevoir- We made it.

Y/N- Yeah, I can't believe that worked. There's the portal back to the guest room, lets go.

Gardevoir- Right.

We walked to the portal and entered in and in no time flat, we were back in Hifumi's house and it was about to be morning as the sun was letting up.

Y/N- I'll get us a hotel room today as we have more than enough money for one, in the meantime, let me get you back in your Pokeball from my backpack until we get there so that you can rest.

Gardevoir- Ok, I'll see you in a bit Y/N.

Y/N- Yup, have a good rest Gardevoir.

I took out the ball and she entered inside it, then I put the ball back into my backpack. With Gardevoir out for a while, I should tidy up the room and tell Hifumi that I'm heading out to a hotel when she wakes up. After I fixed the bedsheets from before, put my other clothes back in the backpack, and turned off every lamp, I exited the room and headed downstairs in a quiet manner so I wouldn't be loud since I think Hifumi was still asleep. I went to the kitchen to make myself a quick breakfast, I found some cereal, went to grab milk, and poured myself a bowl, I went to the dining table and began to eat my food while playing some games to pass the time. I was just half done with my breakfast when I heard a door open and close, which meant she was awake I heard her coming down the stairs and she was wearing her school uniform again.

Hifumi- Good morning Y/N~ 

Y/N- Morning Hifumi, school day?

Hifumi- Yes, and I won't be able to cook you a fine breakfast like yesterday, unfortunately.

Y/N- It's fine, I don't mind small meals. Speaking of which, I got to tell you something.

Hifumi- Yes?

Y/N- I am gonna move out of here today and move to a hotel room.

Hifumi lost her smile in a snap of a finger.

Hifumi- Oh....do you want to move out here? I can provide everything you need while you're here in Japan, I don't mind and my parents won't mind either once I explain to them when they get back.

Y/N- Look, while I truly do appreciate the kindness and hospitality you gave me, I think I should be on my own exploring the rest of the city. Don't get me wrong, yesterday was one of the best and showed me a lot about this place, but I think it fits me to explore solo. I'm going to be fine out there, I can take care of myself.

She continued to stare at me and the table with a strange look on her face, it was a solid one minute of pure silence, like only the AC in the background of the house was heard, it was that quiet. Then, she stood up and said in a straight manner.

Hifumi- Wait here.

She went to the back of the house to some other room and I heard rumbling back there, I wondered what she was doing. Then, seconds later she got out a large wheeled red suitcase and opened it up.

Hifumi- If you want to go out on your own again, then it looks like I can't stop you but let me remind you of when you came to me after you didn't like the motel I showed you, you said it was sketchy and greasy and asked if I would be able to stay with me, I said yes. Do you want to risk that again and I won't be there for you next time?

I can tell she is trying to tempt me to stay by reminding me about that night, well while I thought her choice of the motel was strange and her wording of it is kinda scary, I don't think she meant to do that and it was the motel's fault of being very dirty and sketch, bad business right there.

Y/N- Like I said Hifumi, I'm gonna be fine, I have an online map of the city already and can look up the best-rated motels and hotels in a pinch so I am going to be more careful in my choices. You don't have to worry about me that much.

Hifumi only stayed quiet and just looked at me with a look I'm kinda familiar with by now but still don't understand what it means, I'm not that bright when it comes to that regard.

Hifumi- Very well then, just pack all of your stuff including from yesterday, I'll be right back to give you something special. 

She went upstairs and I did exactly that, I packed all of my clothes into the suitcase and it reduced my backpack weight by a lot, it zipped up fine and it was ready to go. Not long after, Hifumi came back downstairs with a pretty-looking object.

Hifumi- Here.

Y/N- What...is this?

Hifumi- It's a Kanzashi, a traditional Japanese decorative hairpin, it's been part of Japan for centuries and means a lot to women on special occasions, holiday performances, and parties.

I felt it; it was soft and smooth, and the flowers were also on point.

Hifumi- It was my mother's when she was around my age and she gave it to me when I was in middle school and has been with me ever since, until now.

Y/N- Wait wait, you mean you're gonna give me something that is most likely valuable to you and your mom, and me, a tourist and an American. Really?

She nodded her head without any hesitation.

Hifumi- I do, and the reason is that even though we have only known each other for a couple of days, in that time you have shown me you are an honest, trustworthy, and overall good-hearted boy which is very rare in this day and age, so by giving this to you, it's me telling you that I hold the upmost trust in you and consider you a person I can count on.

Wow, I mean wow. I never really had anyone put that much level of trust in me, not back home or even in my other travels as far as I'm concerned.

Y/N- *Whew* I mean...I don't know...what to say.

She got close to my face with hers and locked her hands in mine.

Hifumi- You don't have to say anything, I trust my gift says it all.~

She backed away and walked me to the door, I put my shoes on and before I headed out, I needed to do this.

Y/N- Before I go, I was going to give you my phone number so we can chat with each other whenever, and to meet up again when you have time too. This isn't goodbye and I will let you know when I'm going so we can maybe spend one last time together just like yesterday. 

Hifumi smiled brightly this time and quickly wrote her number down for me, while I did the same. We exchanged numbers and we were connected in no time.

Hifumi- Then, I look forward to that day Y/N. Please stay safe and text me when you arrive at wherever you stay.

Y/N- I will and oh, and one more thing.

I got out my money and began to give her some of it I said to myself that I would do.

Hifumi- Oh? What is this Y/N?

Y/N- For you, also as a way for me to show my thanks for doing everything for me and providing me with food and a place to stay. 

Hifumi- But Y/N, I don't want to take the money you need for your trip.

Y/N- No, It's completely fine that I have plenty to survive on, please take it. For me?

She looked at me, still hesitant to take the money, but after some more insisting she caved in and took the money.

Hifumi- Gosh, well...thank you Y/N. I mean it all the way through.~

Y/N- It's no issue at all, well I got to get going, I'll catch you later Hifumi.

Hifumi- Same to you Y/N, Don't forget to text.

Y/N- You got it, see you later.

I opened the door and headed out to the front gate then I was back to the road once more, I turned to see Hifumi wave bye to me to which I did the same, then she went back inside the house and I began to pull up the map on the switch to find some good hotels.

Y/N's mind- Now, which way to go?

(Hifumi's POV)

As I watched him go on his own by the window, my heart was aching by just seeing him go and my vision of him was getting smaller as he took each step. Then, he wasn't there and I shut the window blind down and walked around the house without hardly any emotion. I wish that he wouldn't be so keen on setting off on his own again but I realize that he has a free and adventurous spirit and forcing him inside here wouldn't be the best idea as I didn't want to change him negatively but there has to be a way to get him to see that he is happier with a companion by his side. Well, as a matter of fact...I might just do that.~

It was almost time for school but I think I can spare a few minutes late today, as I need to do something really quick. I went to the guest room that he stayed at and in no time, I jumped on the bed, taking in the warmth that he left behind.

Hifumi- Mmm....Y/N~ You feel so nice.~

I took all of my time, each second was well spent just lying still where he slept. I knew I had to see him soon, I never thought a boy would make me so giddy and happy, not even Ren made me feel this way and he is a kind boy as well. I used to have Ren considered but that has changed, he has been replaced in my mind for Y/N L/N. Now that has been decided, I have to put in work to my new change in direction, and that is to have Y/N like me the same way I like him.

Hifumi's mind- Y/N, you're going to be mine.~

(Timeskip)

(No POV)

Y/N traveled to Shibuya to find a decent hotel and there were plenty to choose with one being a 5-star but too much money, so he was looking for a 3-star one. One of the hotels he read about was called Sora Hotels, it was a 3-star hotel with most saying the simple yet clean rooms, friendly staff, and cheap rates, it was recommended for travelers staying in the country. Wanting to give it a shot, he walked over to the location and soon arrived and saw that this was much better than the other one. He went over to the receptionist's desk to rent a room. In contrast, the receptionist was a bit confused, about what is a young teenager doing at the hotel getting a room by himself. Still, it wasn't their job to question anything as long as the teen customer in question was decent and Y/N was the most polite and decent customer by far cause he asked about how much to rent the room for a whole week and if he could make additional payments after that timeframe in a friendly manner. Well, they were surprised and relieved that Y/N was the first customer in a long while that wasn't a complete ass, they not only gave him great advice on how to approach his situation but also gave him a discount on the house. After talking it out, the receptionist gave him a one-week stay package for about ¥39,357(250 USD), and for any nights after that, only about ¥14,113(90 USD). Y/N happily agreed to this and paid the money for the week, with exact change and they gave him the keycard and pointed to the nearest elevator. Y/N thanked them for the help and headed over there, with excitement to have his room. As he made it to the second floor and headed to the room, assigned to him, room 202 he tapped the card to the electric lock and entered the room. Unlike the other one, the room was reasonably comfy, not too luxurious but not sketchy.

Y/N- Not bad, well let's get settled in.

He closed the door and unpacked his stuff, it took a little bit but it was done and now he was set for a while. But...he didn't realize that...

Y/N- *Deep yawning*

He felt very tired as he forgot that he didn't get a wink of sleep as he was in Mementos throughout the night. Even though it was around 9:30 am, he was going to sleep and call it a day. As Y/N got into pajamas, he went to brush his teeth, get some water provided by the room and lay down on the first bed. As he went on his phone for a little bit, something on his mind was trying to remind him that he forgot to do something else before he hit the hay but he forgot what it was and spent some time trying to remember but then he got too tired to try anymore so he let the thought go and maybe something will let him know what he forgot to do. Oh well, he turned off the lights except for one lamp, laid his head on the pillow, and slowly, went asleep.

Y/N- ZZZZ...

But as he was peacefully sleeping, someone in the distance of the hotel was staring at the building like someone they were looking for was at the hotel. Wearing a big hat, dark-shaded sunglasses, and smoking a cigarette, the figure was waiting patiently for a time to do whatever the figure planned to do. Whatever it was, it wasn't gonna be a normal one, that was for sure.

"I finally found you again...Y/N.~"

(End...for now)

Ah yes! The first chapter post of 2025! I am so happy to finally have this out after many delays, holiday celebrations, and still unemployed and broke, taking my time to find work and doing side hustles to make by, I have finally done it! First off, thank you all for being this patient and I hope this chapter will bring you excitement as before and more to come, with no set date as usual. This is a late one but happy 2025 everyone, and to all of my older followers, thank you for your support, and to anyone new joining this writer's page, welcome to my Wattpad page and I am excited to have you read my work and hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing them. Well, until next time, I will to ya'll later!!

See ya!! :) :)