awashlogs | Even when the starry sky dissolves at dawn

[Because it's just the polite thing to do! Akechi is the pleasant boy here!

Akira listens to his explanation quietly. So Akechi feels like everyone else here? That's a bit strange, indeed; Akira thought he wanted to be seen as special.

But then, someone treating you like a person, treating you like you're valued and wanted... that's special in its own way. He feels that with his friends and confidants, and he hopes they feel that way with him.]

I see. ...Though, I feel like you're closer to people here than to Boss.

[Surely, the connections he's made here can't be the same as Sojiro's endearingly indifferent customer service.]

[ And Akira is the attic trash who doesn't care about societal rules! ]

Closer...? [ The words do have an impact on him, though, and he trails off for a moment, diving head first into his thoughts. His memories.

A few different faces come to mind in brief flashes, snippets of moments and experiences this place has bestowed upon them. Someone he shares a house and his troubles with, a boy who nags and confronts him like a normal friend... A man who claims they're family, and another who physically treats him as one... Yes, he has spent time with these people, and learned more about them, but is that really getting close to them...? He's not sure.

He's not sure he should be getting close to anyone, either. Bonds, friendship, family... He's never had any of that, and so he's learned to rely on himself only. That's where his strength comes from... isn't it? ]

I... suppose I have had the chance to talk to some people more often than I ever did with Sakura-san, yes. Given our circumstances, that is often out of necessity, though.

[ Often, but not always. It's an ambiguous answer, and it works for him, for the moment. ]

Ah, but speaking of close, are you sure you don't want to sit down? You would be more comfortable.

[ You know, unlike this conversation. ]

[Only in private!

That answer is... a bit disappointing, though not surprising. Considering how reluctant he was to accept that it was okay to reveal his identity in order to rescue someone, it follows that he would be reluctant to acknowledge any of his relationships as more than necessary collaboration.

Akira is a bit lost in his thoughts when Akechi invites him to sit down, and his eyes widen a moment. This is more surprising, but he appreciates it, nonetheless.]

Thanks.

[He sits, settling down next to Akechi's nest of blankets, just close enough that the fabric brushes against his hoodie. It is much better like this.]

Necessity only... I wonder if they feel the same.

[ What's so surprising about this, Akira, he does have manners, you know...

Akechi notices how close he's settled in, quickly figures he must still be feeling cold, and for a moment, he even wonders if he should share his blankets, but then Akira picks the topic right back up, and he feels a lot less inclined to be generous. Seriously, isn't he going to give it a rest...? ]

I don't think it is necessity only. [ He did say it was more often out of necessity, but he can at least admit that's not all it is. Whatever their reasons, be it guilt, morbid curiosity or genuine care, some people had shown concern for his well being when he lost his color. Maybe there are even some people he's grown to enjoy having around... on occasion. Deep down, he's still too much of a lone wolf.

Still, it doesn't feel so bad, to have some momentary relief for his loneliness every now and then. ]

Likewise, I don't believe the same applies to everyone else. If anything, Guren-san is very vocal about his feelings. [ You know, with the whole family deal. ] Others may not say much, but their actions speak for themselves-- they're almost too effusive and friendly, nothing like what is usual in Japan. There are people from many worlds and all walks of life in this place, and getting accustomed to such diversity is quite challenging.

[ That's a good excuse to justify his own inability to handle affection, isn't it? ]

[He might have manners, but he half thought Akechi was just going to keep having him stand in an effort to eventually chase him off.]

Hmm... I guess.

[Akira hasn't experienced as much of that himself; Guren said they were family to him, too, but he hasn't experienced quite what Akechi has. Still, he can understand where he's is coming from.]

It's a lot to deal with at once, huh?

[Especially for someone like Akechi, who has never known anything at all like this.]

Hmm. Quite so.

[ And that's actually a huge understatement, especially because Akechi is the way he is-- jaded, wary of others, and completely unfamiliar with any kind of genuine affection, prior to coming to this place. Dealing with so many people and their claims that they care for him despite barely knowing him, or without any conscious effort to earn their attention... It's overwhelming, and too good to be true.

Life can't be so simple and easy like that. His, at least. ]

But, I imagine this shouldn't be nearly as troublesome to you. [ The usual plastic smile makes its grand return, as Akechi is just about ready to switch this conversation into something else, far less focused on himself. ] Considering the kind of person you are, you must have adjusted to such diversity rather easily. I'm sure there are quite a few people you have grown close to.

Mmm... I guess.

[There are a few people, at least - Guren, Minato - that he puts enough trust in to show his true sides. And there are a few, like Kaoru, that he feels great attachment to. He hopes he can get to know them better over his time here, and everyone he's met here.]

It's been easy to make friends when everyone has to work together like this. I think it's good.

[He pauses, then lowers his voice, talking about secret things.] Bonds are good for a Phantom Thief, too.

[He wonders if Igor ever told Akechi that. He has a feeling he didn't.]

[ It's easy to keep up with his charade, the plastic smile held firmly in place, but only because he's so practiced at it. Inside, he feels only the most unadulterated bitterness, concocted from a deadly mix of jealousy and anger.

How can this idiot be so carefree, and befriend just about anyone without knowing or caring about their past? And why do they all keep coming to him, when he's nothing more than a mediocre guy with a criminal record and no remarkable traits to speak of? How can such a worthless piece of trash so easily have everything he's always wanted-- everything he can't have, no matter how hard he works for it!?

And why is Akechi so angry that he can't be one of those people, too...? ]

For a Phantom Thief...? [ His own voice drops to a whisper, too, and the slight change of topic works as a welcome distraction from his convoluted feelings. ] I'm afraid I don't really see how.

[ Of course "Igor" never told him anything, he wanted to keep Akechi miserable and fueled by lies only. ]

Hmm...

[Akira thinks of how best to explain this. Usually, any time he mentions Igor or the Velvet Room, the others look at him like he's joking or making things up. But Akechi is a wildcard too, right? He should be able to understand... even if he can't admit it.]

...You know how I can summon multiple Personas?

[It's easiest to start there, since Akechi knows full well.]

Each Persona is aligned with an arcana from the tarot. And each person who I form a strong bond with is also represented by an arcana.

[He looks away, playing with his bangs so he doesn't have to look at Akechi. This part is a bit weird, even for them.]

I don't really know... how I know. It's like, someone tells me who is what. Like a voice in my head. Once someone is bonded to me, a confidant... I learn their arcana.

[He finally lowers his hand and looks back at Akechi, smiling just a little.]

You're Justice. If you were wondering.

Edited 2018-05-22 03:00 (UTC)

[ Well. Now this is brand new information.

Hard as he tries, he can't conceal his surprise; more than just paying attention and trying to make sense out of those words like Akira might have come to expect from someone who is unfamiliar with the Velvet Room, Akechi just stares as the explanation keeps coming at him, a vacant look that's almost too revealing. He's lost in his own memories, thinking back on the voice inside his own head that he had long since begun to question, then cast aside like yet another part of his addled mind.

But, if that's really true, if there is such a voice, then... when was it that he had first heard it? ]

Justice... So what you're saying is that you have formed a strong bond with me?

[ Ah, right. It was... way back then, when a group of teenagers from Shujin were taking a tour in the TV station, wasn't it? When one peculiar frizzy-haired student stood up during his interview-- stood up for the Phantom Thieves, and against Akechi. It was way back then, when Akechi first took an interest in him. But the voice... what was it that it said?

The Fool. Heh. How appropriate. ]

Still, confidants, arcana... It all sounds like very specific information for you to have simply picked up on it as you traversed the Metaverse.

[ Because Akechi certainly didn't-- not in the two years he's had ahead of Joker, and it was not once mentioned to him, either, be it in the Velvet Room or even in Wakaba's research. So how?

He turns to look at Akira in the eye, and what lies beyond his own calm exterior is more than just an ember of curiosity. It's burning and all consuming, far more than his alleged will to see the truth. ]

Who told you about this?

[ It's anger. ]

[Akira had been expecting curiosity. He'd been expecting, perhaps, a revelation on Akechi's part. He'd even been expecting confusion - maybe Akechi knew less about the Velvet Room and all the things that come with it than he and Minato do.

But he wasn't expecting anger - but then, maybe he should have.

He hesitates a moment, trying to keep his expression neutral. It helps if he looks back out at the stars, so he doesn't have to make eye contact with Akechi.]

You know... when I seem to stare into space for awhile, outside Sae's Palace, and afterward I have a new Persona?

[The others have all come to simply ignore him when he does that, seemingly uninterested in his explanations about it. He's long since lost his self-consciousness about it, though he does try to swing by the entrance off Central Street when he has time. It's less awkward without an audience of friends; passersby probably assume he's a druggie and ignore him.]

There's... a place I go when I do that. And inside is a strange man. He told me all of this.

[Though it's never been Igor's voice telling him about the bonds. It's no voice he knows at all, actually, and yet it feels strangely familiar every time he hears it. Like he knows them, whoever they are, though they've never met.

He looks back at Akechi now, to gauge his reaction. If he really does have access to the Velvet Room, and Igor never told him this... that's troubling news, indeed.]

[ If they had access to the Velvet Room right here and now, then Akira might almost think this is what Akechi was doing, staring off not into space without a single sound. But they don't, and he's not; it's only his own thoughts, getting the best of him again.

So it was that old man, after all, the same one who only ever gave him more questions than answers-- and yet, it seemed even he favored Akira instead, telling him such valuable information and leaving Akechi to his own devices, his own luck. Or was this how he tried to make their rivalry more balanced-- give Akechi more time and experience, and Akira, an easy access to strengthening himself? Was he even the person who had given them those powers, to begin with? There's so much even now he can't understand, so much of the truth he wasn't even remotely close to finding...

And yet, there is one more question plaguing his mind: even if he knew of the power of bonds, would that make any difference? ]

I see. [ He finally answers, his tone lacking the usual forced friendliness. It's not hostile, by any means, but it's almost... empty. ] I suppose that kind of knowledge would only be available to someone with your powers.

[ But... he had heard that voice again, hadn't he? Back in Tokyo, it was only ever around Akira, but in this place... yes, he definitely thinks he's heard it, too. A Fool, a Chariot, an Emperor, another Fool... There might have been others, but these are the ones he has committed to memory, somehow. And in that case... ]

But, if I'm to take your word for it, then that means only someone with those same powers could benefit from forging strong bonds. [ And then it's all back, the plastic smile, the friendly laugh, and every other pleasantry Akechi can so easily use. ] And as you know, I'm just like the others-- and a rookie at that, too.

[ In that case... Does that mean Akechi, too, can grow stronger like this...? ]

[That quiet, empty tone... the way Akechi stares into space...

He's upset, but at who, Akira isn't sure he can truly say. At him, for having access to this knowledge that Akechi didn't? At Igor, for never telling him this? At the world in general, for seemingly being unfair to him once again?

He's able to slide his mask back into place impressively (and depressingly) quickly, and then he's Goro Akechi, the Detective Prince, once again. Someone who doesn't have the power to switch Personas, who knows nothing of the Velvet Room.

Akira regards him coolly for a moment, then shrugs.]

Everyone benefits from having strong bonds. That's what I've been trying to tell you.

[They've had this conversation a lot recently, but maybe this time it will hold new weight for Akechi, now that he knows how Akira has been able to grow so strong so quickly.]

[ Indeed, they have been having this conversation a lot, and that is... suspicious. If all he wanted was to tell him about arcanas and confidants, then wouldn't it have been a lot easier to go straight to the point front he start? As far as he's concerned, this is just like sharing the information with any other of his Thieves, a small piece of trivia that wouldn't really be relevant or even make much sense at all, but with how obstinate he's been, it's almost as if...

... hmm. Full of secrets, so many of them. ]

In a broader sense, yes, I agree. [ No, he doesn't, really, because he has never had any such strong, in the first place. But, if he's to keep acting like a well adjusted person, then this is just one more lie he has to tell. ]

However-- [ Here, he leans a little bit closer, his voice lowered just as Akira did when be brought up secret topics: ] --as far as the Phantom Thieves go, you are the only one who can draw strength from different arcana. After all...

[ His eyes are fixed on Akira's now, as though daring him to either avert them or lie. ]

You are the only one who can summon multiple Personas, correct?

[Akira doesn't avert his eyes, instead looking back into Akechi's calmly. After all, he has no reason to panic.]

In the Phantom Thieves, maybe. [There's nothing suggestive to that "maybe," even though it's not a lie. He's still looking in Akechi's eyes as he continues.]

But I'm not the only one who can summon multiple Personas.

[And that, too, is not a lie. He's entirely truthful as he says it, and it's clear on his face.]

Oh?

[ Hmm. So Akira hasn't resorted to any of the usual techniques-- no dodging the question, no looking away, either. By all means, it looks like he's telling the truth. That leaves him with two working hypotheses, and the first is: ]

Have you met someone else with your same powers while in this town? Or--

[ As for the second hypothesis... well. That is far trickier, and maybe a little far-fetched, but: ]

Have you been hiding information from me?

[ If Akechi has powers he doesn't have, then couldn't the same apply to Akira? Could he perhaps sense that Akechi had access to multiple persona? Or could it be that the thing he had figured out and hidden from Akechi all this time was... Hmm. ]

[Akira shakes his head at that, though he hopes that the lie doesn't entirely show on his face this time. Well, he has been keeping lots of information from Akechi, not all of it related to knowledge of his identity as the Black Mask, so maybe, even if he picks up on it, he won't entirely catch on.]

It's not that I've been hiding information... but just like I don't reveal yourself or Yusuke to others, I don't want to reveal this person without permission.

[That part, at least, is true. He's not in the business of outing Minato if he doesn't want others to know, just as he trusts Minato not to do the same. It's becoming more and more clear here that most people aren't concerned with the Phantom Thieves, but it still pays to be cautious.]

[ Lots of information, indeed-- and it looks like he's doing it again right now, perhaps not outright lying, but certainly omitting. Akechi can't help but wonder, why he's changed so much from the ever earnest Akira he had come to know, back home... ]

I see. [ It's short, but unlike last time, there's a lighter flair to his tone, acknowledging the explanation without any slips of his mask. ]

But, now that you have mentioned it, I have recently met another Persona user in this place. I believe it's someone you know, as well.

[ And all things considered, it really isn't that hard for Akechi to connect the dots. He is not a hundred percent sure yet, but this does reinforce his suspicions... ]

Huh.

[He wonders if it's Minato; he seems less reluctant to let others know about it than Akira. Though he wonders if Minato has shown Akechi how he summons - it looks terrifying, and scared Akira the first time he saw it.

But if it's not Minato, he doesn't want to give him away on accident.]

There are more of us than we thought. Maybe we should start a club.

A club, you say?

[ Heh, so that's how he wants to play it? Well, that's just as fine. Akechi can surely make jokes, too. So, rather than chiding him for his casual brushing off of serious matters, Akechi simply offers a soft laugh at the response, and then: ]

I certainly hope you are planning to make it more inclusive. It wouldn't be much of a club with only two members, now would it?

[ (Unbeknownst to either of them, that club already exists, and it's called a Secret Sewing Society.) ]

[A shrug.] Didn't say it was for Tricksters only.

[Though even if it were, it would still have more than two members...

Though more seriously, it is worth a thought.]

If we combined our strength with the other Persona users here, we might be able to accomplish a lot, in keeping the town safe.

Trickster? [ A blink. ] Is that how you call yourselves?

[ Hmm. Looks like he keeps learning new information tonight, though he had to admit he likes the sound of that. It's highly appropriate, considering who his original Persona is. ]

As for combining as strengths, you do have a point but-- [ Here, his eyes narrow down, and he thinks back on past events and incidents. ] --save for that one time when shadows went loose, it seems most of the dangers we have faced inside the town itself are more closely related to personal weaknesses-- our deepest secrets and fears, that is. As such, our Personas might be useful in dealing with what lurks inside the woods, but for everything else, we must strengthen our own hearts first.

[ And that means eliminating weakness, like the one sitting next to him right now. ]

[He raises an eyebrow, and then his lips quirk up at the end.]

Now you sound like Ann.

[Is Akechi about to start asking him to yell things at him?

But he's not wrong - this town is definitely targeting their specific mental weaknesses. It seems whoever brought them here knows a lot about their hidden fears and secrets, more than any normal human could. Maybe it's a god, who's in charge of this place...

It's a lot to think about. He nods, looking thoughtful.]

Relying on each other for that too, though... that would also help.

[ That first comment only earns a curious blink from Akechi, but that's quickly brushed aside when Akira resumes their original topic.

Huh. That "relying on each other" bullshit talk again. How many times was going to shove it down his throat with pretty words but no action whatsoever? ]

Relying on each other is an effective notion, but it can only do so much when we are specifically targeted for matters we would rather not share. Everyone has secrets of their own, some of which they might not reveal even to the person they are closest to, let alone a mere teammate.

[ There's a pause, and Akechi turns to face Akira again, eyes seeking his. ]

Even you do, Kurusu-kun.

[ And, considering some of the secrets a certain door spilled some time ago, it might be especially him. ]

[Ah... Well, it was foolish to think Akechi would never pick up on it.]

It's more like... my secrets aren't worth burdening anyone with.

[A light smile.] Don't tell Yusuke that, though. He probably wouldn't be very happy with me.

[He definitely wouldn't be happy if Akira confided in Akechi first, not that he plans to. At least, not about the things that happened in his recent past, and Akechi's immediate future. Not if he wants to try and improve this boy's mental state, rather than ruin it.]

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