Wings of Rebellion

by aiyumi

Contains major spoilers. Sequel to "Unfiltered." Akechi has had enough. So, he... tries to be a better person. Can he mislead the Conspiracy, and prevent the Phantom Thieves from falling into the trap? He isn't sure, but this is his last chance to do something right for once, and he has no intention of wasting it. His mind is set. This is his resolve. Crow's wings of rebellion.

32. Angel with Crow Wings

A/n (2020/06/13): hi! I hope everyone is well.

Everything is fine here, and I finally, finally got my copy of Persona 5 Royal! After two delays, the release here in Brazil happened on May 22nd, 2020, but because of the pandemic, the store took almost one week to get the game in stock and ship it, and the shipment took another whole week to arrive. But now it's here, and I can finally check the new story developments for myself. Still in Kamoshida's Palace, though. It'll still take a while...

As for the fic, this chapter isn't as long as the previous one, but it's still more than 19k words. Enjoy!

---

Wings of Rebellion

Written by Aiyumi

Disclaimer: Persona and all related characters are property of Atlus. Any trademarks that may be referenced in this fan fiction are properties of their respective owners. I am just a fan and do not have any relations to said people/companies.

Chapter 32: Angel with Crow Wings

Thursday, November 3

While he was having breakfast, Akechi got a call from the TV studio telling him they needed to record an interview that would be airing later. Since he would have to leave school during lunch break and wouldn't need many study materials, he took only the suitcase with him.

When he arrived in Shibuya and would change lines, he ran into Kitagawa.

"Good morning, Akechi. It is nice to see you here. I hope you have been doing well."

"Good morning, Kitagawa-kun. I'm doing fine. What about you?"

"I am greatly enjoying the part-time job you recommended to me at the flower shop. Actually, there is something I would like to tell you. We have decided to hand out next year calendars to customers at the end of the year, with a flower illustration and a positive message for each month. I am the one responsible for designing the illustrations."

"Oh, this is great. It's interesting how you got to use your artistic abilities at your job besides making flower arrangements."

"Yes, it has been a great experience, and I am still grateful to you for having recommended the job to me. I am finishing The designs, and the calendars will be mass printed soon. You will be the first person to receive our finished calendar."

The thought that Akechi might not be alive to see the following year caused a look of apprehension to cross his gaze.

This didn't go unnoticed by the attentive artist's eyes. "Actually, I was also thinking about you while designing the calendar."

"... About me?" Akechi uttered in surprise and tried to disguise his apprehension.

"You had mentioned that next year may be a hard year for you. When the shop owner suggested handing out calendars to customers, I immediately knew we should create a motivating calendar. As difficult obstacles appear throughout the year, I would like you to look at the calendar and have the flowers' gentle beauty soothe your heart, as well as get strength and motivation from the positive message for the month. I hope the calendar's art will resonate with you the same way as the 'Desire and Hope' painting did."

Kitagawa's speech was deeply touching. Akechi certainly wasn't expecting that. But once again, one of the Phantom Thieves was giving him undeserved kindness.

"Kitagawa-kun, this is... is..." Akechi wanted to argue but was unsure what to say.

Lost in his own world, Kitagawa didn't seem to be listening, either. "Even though the main idea was to create a calendar to help you, I hope the art and messages will manage to comfort other people's hearts as well. If it happens, it will be thanks to you."

Indeed, this was too much. "But I didn't do anything... I only suggested you try working at the flower shop..."

"Ha! If you had not given that suggestion, I would not have gone to work there, and the calendars would never have come to existence. What you did may feel like a small action to you, but it means a lot."

Kitagawa didn't know the truth and was getting inspiration from the wrong person. Akechi still wanted to argue, but Kitagawa's passion for the endeavor and will to support him were quite powerful. When Akechi was about to open his mouth and try to continue arguing, the vision of the Emperor Tarot card startled him to indicate the Confidant had ranked up.

"I am giving my best in this calendar project. Hopefully, you will not be disappointed!" With that, Kitagawa walked away towards his line, and left a stunned Akechi behind.

... ... ... ... ...

---

Akira was talking to her friends on lunch break at the school's rooftop.

"I wonder how Crow spends his time when not with the organization nor with us," Haru said.

"I asked him about that, but he said it's irrelevant and refused to give a proper answer." Morgana replied. "I just hope he isn't doing anything harmful to himself... people with complicated emotional problems tend to turn to things like addictions to feel some relief."

"That is true." Makoto agreed. "It is worrisome. Even more so considering that he believes he won't live long. He may be neglecting his health since he thinks he will die soon anyway."

"'My past condemns me and I can't have a future...'" Haru echoed Crow's words. "He says such sad things... but it sounded as though he would like to continue living and have a nice future, doesn't it?"

"Yeah... you know what'd do him good? Spending his free time with the person he likes!" Ann gave her input. "It'd be the perfect 'therapy' for him!"

"Hey." Ryuji interjected. "Think the person he likes can tell he's interested in her? And does she know he's behind the mental shutdowns and stuff?"

"She would know only if she were also involved with the organization, since outsiders are unaware of what he has done." Makoto reasoned. "As he has said she hasn't made any mistake, it means she hasn't done anything wrong. Thus, she can't be in the organization."

Akira had been deeply moved the moment Crow talked about the lengths he would go for that person. She hadn't put much thought into it after she had figured his identity out, but what if his very special person was actually her!? She didn't think she was that special herself, but his words went to show how much he cared, and this new perspective made them even more touching. Akira was overwhelmed at all the feelings, and couldn't even join her friends in the conversation.

"Isn't this bad!?" Ryuji exclaimed, completely unaware of the turmoil in Akira's mind. "I mean, is she even gonna trust him if she finds out he... you know."

"Might this be the reason he said his past condemns him?" Haru spoke. "Even if he gets a chance to start over, whoever finds out about his past actions will look down on him."

"It'd be really hard for him!" Ann said. "He'd need someone who really really loves him, accepts him for who he is, and that'd be by his side no matter what. She'd need to be someone like that. What if she doesn't accept him, though?"

That shouldn't be a problem. Akira was willing to support him through whatever.

"No matter what happens, though, he'll have us," Morgana said before Akira could manifest her opinion. "Crow is proof that people can change. This makes us Phantom Thieves so proud!"

"Yeah!" Ryuji agreed. "We know what it's like to have society looking down on us. If we don't support him, who will, right?"

"And if she doesn't accept him, then we can find a way to convince her of what a great person he is!" Ann added enthusiastically. "I think he deserves to start over, and deserves to be happy beside the one he likes!"

"Akira, is something wrong?" Makoto suddenly addressed her. "You have been too quiet."

"Huh?" Akira jumped slightly. "No, I'm fine. I was just remembering how touching it was when he told us about that special thing he's investigating... of course I support him too... because of the criminal record, I really get how it feels to be labeled. No matter what others say, he'll have my full support. Um, the hardest part is to make sure he'll actually get a second chance, though..."

Ryuji raised a hand. "Wait, come to think of it, can he actually prove that he was behind the breakdowns and shutdowns? This Metaverse stuff is hard to prove, isn't it?"

That was a good point, and a small flame of hope lit up in Akira's chest. If the justice system couldn't prove that he had killed people, they might let him go.

"He had said he could bring police forces into the Metaverse." Morgana reminded them. "If he were to turn himself in and show the Metaverse to the police, they may consider it to be enough proof."

Akira disagreed. "Proving that the Metaverse exists still doesn't actually prove that he was behind the breakdowns and shutdowns, though."

"Even so, there are organization members in the police who may become eager to get rid of him after learning of his betrayal." Makoto added. "If they can't find proof, they may fabricate it."

And there went Akira's small flame of hope... Makoto was probably right.

"Then, there's no way out!" Ryuji snapped. "What should we do!?"

"Believe we can do something," Morgana, who hadn't been present during Elizabeth's Tarot reading, said. "This is all we can do... for now, until we find something concrete. I'm the one who can do the least. In this form, I can't even testify in his favor! But still..."

These words deeply touched Akira, and a wide smile blossomed on her face. Before she could say anything else, though, the chimes rang. Lunch break was over, and they had to return to class.

---

Akechi went about on his day as normal. On lunch break, he excused himself from the school and recorded the interview at the studio. On his way back, he spotted Takamaki-san walking a bit ahead of him. He was considering whether he should greet her when a male teenager ahead of her began speaking.

The teenager yawned. "I'm so bored... I wish something exciting would happen. Like a new move from the Phantom Thieves, or maybe another mental shutdown..."

Akechi tensed slightly, but Takamaki-san seemed to have taken it the worst.

She quickened the pace and glared at the male teenager. "A mental shutdown? Are you out of your mind!? Do you have any idea of what you've just said!?"

"Hmm?" The boy stopped walking and glanced sideways at her. "What's with you all of a sudden?"

"I should be asking you that! What's with you? This isn't a game. If a mental shutdown happens, it means someone'll die!"

"So what? People die every day, everywhere." The boy replied nonchalantly.

Takamaki-san was indignant. "How can you say that!? You mean you don't care as long as you don't know any of the victims? What if it were one of your friends? What if it were someone in your family!? For all we know, you might even be next. Would it still be fine to you!?"

Akechi was frozen in place. On one hand, logic urged him to stop Takamaki-san before that argument turned into a fight. It could be dangerous. What if the boy was violent and decided to hurt her! On the other hand, her outburst just showed how angry she was about the mental shutdowns. This only strengthened Akechi's belief that their bond would break if she were to find out he had been the one who had caused them.

Logic eventually won by a narrow margin, and Akechi managed to drag himself closer to the two.

"H-hey..." The boy actually seemed a bit spooked by Takamaki-san's last comment. "Um, perhaps you should tell those things to Akechi over there... the cases that made him famous were the mental shutdown ones, right? I bet fame's all he cares about!"

That statement hit Akechi hard, and paralyzed him once again.

Fortunately, the boy had gotten uncomfortable enough to briskly run away, and left Takamaki-san and Akechi behind.

"A-Akechi-kun?" Takamaki-san turned around in surprise. "I hadn't noticed you were there..."

"Uh, um..." Akechi shuffled awkwardly. "I was only passing by, and..."

"Don't let that guy's words get to you, okay? He's not in his right mind."

Akechi's guilt gnawed at him again, and when he realized it, he was already talking. "He's right, though... I didn't care about what happened to others. All that mattered to me was getting popular, even if it meant I'd have to cheat."

Takamaki-san stared at him solemnly. "Akechi-kun... you had said you cheated to boost your reputation." She hesitated. "Um, did that have anything to do with... the mental shutdown cases?"

Only then, Akechi realized he was saying too much. That conversation was getting dangerous.

As he took too long to respond, she added, "A few days ago I remembered what you had said, and have been thinking it might be it."

Akechi was lost for words, and it was already too late to try giving an excuse. His silence was enough confirmation.

"How did you cheat? What did you do?" Of course she had to ask for details...

"I... I did as I was told, in exchange for exposure on the media."

"This has to do with the shady people from the TV staff, doesn't it? What did they had you do?"

She was getting dangerously close to the truth. Akechi needed to be extra cautious.

Akechi lowered his voice. "They had me close the cases in a way no one would suspect them to be involved." This already sounded dishonest, but at least it was better than saying he had done it all. "This is the reason I don't deserve the title of 'Detective Prince' at all. My most famous cases are fake."

"Oh..." To Akechi's relief, Takamaki-san just gave him a worried stare, not an accusatory one. He was sure it would have been different if he had told her the worst part of the truth, though. "But did you even have a choice? Couldn't you have refused?"

"I was so obsessed with fame that refusing didn't even cross my mind. But even if it had, this option didn't exist. I was already aware of things the public shouldn't know, and there was no way they'd simply let me walk away freely."

"So, this is the reason why you can't quit..." She concluded.

"It's part of the deal. They'll give me a certain degree of freedom as long as I continue doing what they want. If I were to quit, they would take it as betrayal."

Takamaki-san continued giving him a worried stare. "Akechi-kun, I get how it feels to be forced to meet the unfair demands of someone with authority. You've heard about Kamoshida, right? The abusive teacher who was in charge of the volleyball club at Shujin. Shiho... my best friend was a very dedicated player, and earned the main starting position. But Kamoshida demanded that I went out with him, and threatened to remove her from the team if I were to refuse. I know this sounds like cheating too, but I was sure Shiho really deserved the position, and I ended up agreeing, because it was all I could do for her. But it got to a point Kamoshida's demands... became too much, if you get what I'm saying..."

Akechi nodded at the implications.

"I couldn't take it anymore. But when I refused, Kamoshida decided to take it out on Shiho. It was the last straw for her too, and... she jumped off the school's rooftop..."

Akechi gasped. "I remember having seen some news saying that a Shujin student had attempted suicide at that time, because of Kamoshida's abuses. You mean..."

"The media didn't disclose the name to protect her privacy, but yeah, it was her."

"... I'm sorry to hear..." Akechi said genuinely.

"Thankfully, she survived. She had to go through excruciating rehab sessions, though. She's been regaining her movements little by little, and can walk very slowly now, but I don't think she'll be well enough to play volleyball for a while, if ever. She kept saying volleyball was the only thing she was good at. Now, she can't even do that anymore..." Takamaki-san looked both sad and frustrated. "Even now, I still feel bad that I couldn't do anything for her. I couldn't do anything about Kamoshida, and couldn't be there for Shiho when she most needed help. If only I had noticed she had begun thinking of suicide, I could've stopped her. I get worried thinking that the same thing might happen again and I may fail to save someone else... maybe I should try to understand the subject better, like learn how to tell if a person is having suicidal thoughts..."

"I think you shouldn't," Akechi found himself saying.

"Why?"

"Because you'll only have a full understanding of it once you experience the feelings for yourself, and I wouldn't want you to go through that."

Takamaki-san's expression darkened. "Wait. You're talking like... you mean, you already...?"

"Tried it? Yes, I did. It was during foster family hell. I was sick of it all, and wanted to escape, wanted it all to end... so, one day, I... purposefully ran into traffic. Well, since I'm still here, you can imagine how it went." He chuckled bitterly, even though his joke attempt wasn't funny at all. "I don't know how, but nothing broke, no after effects or anything. The worst I got was a painful scolding from the family. Why didn't I succeed that time? Things would've been much better that way..."

Takamaki-san's eyes widened in horror. "Don't say things like that!" She startled him by pulling him into a hug, and it was Akechi's turn to have his eyes widen. Thankfully, no one was passing them at the moment. "Akechi-kun. I'm glad to have met you and gotten to know you better. Akira, Futaba, and all of us think the same way, I'm sure. You're important to us. So, please don't talk as though your life doesn't matter."

Akechi was sure his life shouldn't matter, though. If he had died back then, he wouldn't have fallen to the blasted entity's temptation of power, and wouldn't have caused the breakdowns and shutdowns. There wouldn't be that chaos because of the breakdowns. Sakura-san would be able to stay with the love of his life, Futaba would still have her mother, Murakami-san and two others wouldn't be in a vegetative state, and others wouldn't have died. Actually, it would have been even better if Akechi hadn't been born to begin with. This way, he wouldn't have burdened his mother, or the families that didn't want him anyway.

"Akechi-kun." She forced him to look her in the eye. "I know you've gone through a lot with the foster families, and that things have been hard for you because of the shady TV staff and all, but you can't give in! Please, don't try to kill yourself ever again. Having one more friend go through that'd be too much for me."

Her action had been so unexpected and touching. Akechi could tell she was really concerned with him, and the Lovers Confidant ranked up.

"Takamaki-san... don't worry. I've come this far, and am not about to throw the towel just yet. I have important things to do, and am determined to see them through to the end."

"If you begin having those bad thoughts, be sure to contact either of us. We'll always be here for you."

"Uh, thanks..."

She let go of him. "That reminds me. I still don't have your phone number. We should trade contacts."

He agreed, and they did just that.

"Um, Akechi-kun, if... if another mental shutdown happens, what will you do?"

"I hope another one won't happen. Either way, I'll be sure to do the right thing next time," he said with determination. "If the fact that I cheated comes out to the public, my detective career will be over, but still..."

"I also hope another shutdown won't happen." She smiled brightly and dispelled the dark mood. "Even if those cases were wrong, I'm sure you're a great detective, and still have a bright future ahead! Oh, and don't give up on Akira, okay?"

"Uh, w-what do you mean?" Akechi had a hint of suspicion.

"You're interested in her, right?" His suspicions were confirmed. It had to be the annoying "shipping" thing again... "You're very important to her, and I'm sure she'll support you even if you tell her about the wrong cases. Don't worry. Do your best, and everything will be alright. I mean about your future with Akira, and your detective career too!"

Those words didn't assure him in the slightest. Akira might overlook the wrong cases, maybe, but the rest was a whole different story... and Akechi couldn't have a future. In fact, he believed Takamaki-san's friend had much better chances of having a bright future than him.

"I need to be going," Takamaki-san said. "I'll have a photoshoot in twenty minutes."

"Good luck with the photoshoot." Akechi felt the need to add, "As for your friend, she shouldn't give up, even if she doesn't fully recover her movements. If she really likes volleybal, there's still Paralympics."

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that. I'll tell her."

They parted ways, and Akechi headed to Mementos, to do one of the important things.

He interrogated two more Shadows about Akira's false charges incident. Thanks to the second Shadow, he learned the name of a police officer who might know something! Akechi couldn't be happier!

But he was having a hard time finding said officer's Shadow, and decided to resume the search the following day. For the moment, Akechi was satisfied. Just finding out a likely relevant name was huge progress already.

Akechi left his Mementos entry spot and was heading to the line to ride a train home when Haru bumped into him. It looked like that was the day he would keep running into members of the Phantom Thieves.

"Oh, I am sorry!"

"It's okay, Haru."

"Oh, Akechi-kun, it was you! Sorry, I was distracted!" She smiled sheepishly. "It is the first time we run into each other on the street like this, isn't it?"

"It is."

"You look cheerful today." She noted.

"I've just gotten a lead on an important case, that's all."

Haru got on edge. "Is it... the Phantom Thieves case?"

"Well, no..." Technically, it was about their leader, but Akechi wouldn't go into detail. "I have other cases besides the Phantom Thieves one to solve."

"Right, o-of course..." If Haru was trying to disguise that the Phantom Thieves investigation was an uncomfortable subject to her, she wasn't doing a good job of it at all.

Akechi took the initiative and changed the subject for her. "You seem a bit out of it, though. Did something happen?"

Haru regained her composure. "Oh, I was just lost in thought. Do you remember when I said I would like to open a cafe? My grandfather owned a small cafe. It had a cozy atmosphere, and the customers loved it. I would like to create something similar. The problem is, I don't have a knack for managing the business side of things, and would rather take care of managing the products. I'm thinking I'll have to look for a business partner to handle that other side. Even though my father has many contacts, it seems they would be more interested in the profit rather than customer satisfaction. Of course profit is also important, as the company must be able to sustain itself and pay its employees. I know it's still some time before I can actually start a business, but what if I can't find anyone whose views align with mine?"

"Hmm? You already know a promising future entrepreneur, though..."

"Huh?" Haru perked up.

"Akira. She aims to be a businesswoman in the future. Hasn't she talked to you about this?"

"Akira-chan? Oh, I do remember she had mentioned something along those lines, but we haven't talked much about it."

"She's been working so diligently towards starting a business, and even skipped a school trip to attend an entrepreneurship course. She had said she still doesn't know what business she wants to have, but maybe she can help you? She already has 'cafe training' at Leblanc, too."

Haru chuckled. "I hadn't thought of that, even though I had asked her to take me to Leblanc so that I could get advice from Sakura-san. I'll talk to her." She smiled. "By the way, it is heartwarming to see the admiration on your face when you talk about Akira-chan."

"Admiration?" Akechi had no idea where she had gotten that from. "You must be imagining things. I wasn't doing anything different."

"You were. You still are, actually. There is this gentle expression and this glint in your eyes..."

"... Huh?" Akechi was flabbergasted. Were those subconscious actions? Thanks to his TV training, he used to be so mindful of his expressions. Was he losing control of his expressions this much? He hoped he wasn't showing any "weird" signs to the organization as well.

"That reminds me. You are interested in her, yes? Have you told her what you feel?"

"Ugh..." An annoying light blush crept into Akechi's cheeks. Why did the subject had to turn into that? "Uh, I-I'm not sure... what I feel."

"Then maybe you should talk to her. She might be able to help you figure your feelings out. You know, she has this way of listening to us and helping us find solutions to our problems. Actually, you also do, now that I think about it..."

"Me?"

"Yes, you keep giving me good advice."

"Advice? What are you talking about?" Right of the top of his head, he couldn't remember what other advice he had given her.

"At the culture festival, you suggested I take a picture of the flowers to show to my father."

"Oh, that." Now Akechi remembered it. It had been a rushed, and rather insignificant suggestion.

"I took a picture both of the entrance garden and the plants at the rooftop. He was really amazed! He used to be so busy with his work, but now he has been setting some time aside for me. I'm so happy! I'm grateful that you suggested showing him the pictures."

"Hmm..." Akechi hummed in wonder. It sounded like Okumura was exploring new horizons, or rather, galaxies, by following his daughter's life closely. "My suggestion was nothing out of ordinary, though."

"Sometimes simple things just fail to cross our minds. I don't know if I would have thought of taking pictures and showing him if you hadn't suggested it. I don't think Akira-chan considers her advice 'out of the ordinary,' either. To both of you, it may be just a small nudge, but to us, it is exactly the nudge we need to find the right direction. Yes, you two are quite similar in some aspects. You may indeed be perfect for each other!"

Her last comment caused the blush to resurface full force.

"Wh-what? That's too much... a-and what kind of criteria is that? We're nothing alike!" Akechi blurted out.

Haru simply smiled. "I hadn't thought much of romance at first, but later I realized I wouldn't be happy if I had to stay with someone I don't love. It must feel really nice to have found someone you want to be with. Not everyone is lucky enough to experience that. So, I think you shouldn't waste this opportunity!"

Akechi wanted to say that he had already discussed romance with Akira and that they couldn't be together, but as it always happened around any of the Phantom Thieves, Haru didn't seem willing to listen. She had a dreamy expression, and even seemed a bit envious of him because she thought he had found a perfect match and she hadn't. When Haru brought up having to stay with someone she didn't love, could she have been referring to the arranged marriage contract she had mentioned at her father's Palace? Akechi decided he wouldn't ask, as he wasn't supposed to know about it.

"You could start by giving her a gift, or maybe a surprise dinner!" Now, Haru was the one with a glint in her eyes. "If you would like, I can help you out with a restaurant voucher."

Akechi's eyes widened in shock at the offer. Haru probably meant a fancy, romantic restaurant. She was going overboard with that idea!

He frantically shook his head. "Uh, thanks, but you don't need to worry about it!"

Haru giggled. "Oh, perhaps you would prefer a more 'homely' approach? You may surprise her with some homemade food as well. It means a lot when someone important to us cooks something special. You can do it! Those meat dumplings you brought to Leblanc were quite good."

"... Thanks..." He was a bit embarrassed, both because of the annoying subject of romance, and because of the compliment.

"I could help you get ingredients as well. I know of good quality ingredient suppliers. Meat, pastry, baking ingredients, organic eggs, fruit and vegetables... you name it. If you need something, just ask."

"Uh, thanks for the offer..." He responded awkwardly.

"Um, Akechi-kun, perhaps, does that important case you mentioned have something to do with Akira-chan too?"

"Huh?" Involuntarily, his head shot up slightly. "... What makes you think that?"

"You showed the same kind of enthusiasm about the case as when you were talking about her!"

"I did?" Akechi gave in. "Um, actually, yes... I'm trying to find out who accused her falsely. I've been at it for a while now, and believe I have gotten a lead at last."

Haru's face lit up. "Oh, this is great! This is huge, Akechi-kun. It may be a great start too! You help clear her name, then tell her your feelings, and then offer her a special dinner! This has to work. I will be rooting for you!"

Akechi wanted to say he had no intention of getting in a romantic relationship with Akira, or preparing her fancy dinners or anything like that, but all responses he considered giving died in his throat. Haru's support and wishes to him felt genuine and pure, and Akechi felt bad about arguing and ruining them. Once again a Tarot card invaded his vision, and the Empress Confidant ranked up.

"I will be on my way. Akechi-kun, good luck!"

---

On the way back from school, Akira handed Shinya a calling card he had requested, meant for his bully mother.

Back at Leblanc, she was helping Sojiro tend to customers when an interview with Akechi came on TV.

"A surprising move from the Phantom Thieves is yet to happen," The TV show hostess said. "You had been so confident when you had stated the Phantom Thieves would make a surprising move."

Akechi slightly narrowed his eyes. "I'm sure the Phantom Thieves are also watching these interviews. After all, I have always been opposing them ever since. Something tells me that they are deliberately going against my theories just to mock me... so, I have decided I'll stop stating my theories on the media from now on. Openly disclosing my theories might be harming my investigation. I'll continue investigating in secret, and only make a statement if something really happens."

"Hmm?" Something occurred to Akira, and she wondered whether Akechi's decision of not discussing the Phantom Thieves on TV for a while had something to do with the mastermind's calling card. Maybe stop bringing the Phantom Thieves up on TV for a while, but not long enough for people to forget about them. And when the public least expected, the Phantom Thieves would drop the epic bomb that would be the mastermind's calling card. If Akechi was planning something like that, it would be a surprise to everyone. It would be awesome! And if this wasn't part of his plan, maybe Akira should give him the suggestion...

"Oh, I see. It makes sense." The TV show hostess responded. "Then let's move on to another subject. This year unexpectedly became election year, with early elections scheduled for mid December. Many people aren't interested in politics, especially those young enough not to need to vote. You also still don't need to vote, but since you are so well-informed, you must be following the politics events closely as well. I'm curious to hear your opinion."

Morgana also looked curious. "Oh, I don't think we've ever heard him talk about politics before."

"Well..." Akechi began. "I know I disagree with most people about certain subjects, like the Phantom Thieves... but I'm sure we can all agree on this: the wish for a capable administration for this country."

"Certainly!" The hostess replied. "Akechi-kun, if you could give your vote to someone, anyone, even if the person isn't a candidate, who would it be?"

Akechi frowned. "It's a difficult question, and I don't want to say a name so as not to influence voters... even if the person is not a candidate." He chuckled. "But if I could vote, I'd certainly choose to give my vote to someone who I believe is dedicated to making this country a better place."

"Oooh... you know? I was half expecting you to give the vote to yourself!" The hostess chuckled. "Don't you have any intention to get into politics in the future?"

Akechi made a genuine embarrassed face, not his celebrity mock-embarrassed face. "No, no. I prefer being a detective. It is too much responsibility having to make big decisions that impact so many people. It is not something for me. I don't have what it takes. Isn't this what our votes are supposed to be for? To place our trust in someone that we believe has what it takes?"

"That boy is so young and so wise..." A woman commented to a male customer.

"I've heard he's a regular here too. This means he also knows to appreciate good coffee!" The male customer replied.

"Oh! I hope I can talk to him here one day. If only my son were as well-behaved and polite as him... his parents must be so proud!" This last part caused a pang in Akira's chest. "Boss, thank you for the coffee and the sandwich!"

"Thank you for the preference." Sojiro responded in a business-like way.

The two customers left, and only Akira, Morgana and Sojiro remained.

"Akira, help me do the dishes," Sojiro said.

"Right on."

"Hmm." Sojiro furrowed his brows. "That boy's really something. He has answers for everything, doesn't he?" To which Akira nodded. "He seems to be having it rough with those interviews, though. I hope that his decision of not speaking on TV as often really means he can take a break."

"I hope so too."

Morgana climbed on a stool. "The interviewer asked him about politics. I wonder whether he knows about the evil politician guy. The mastermind..."

Sojiro raised an eyebrow. "You guys are really going to target that mastermind, huh?"

"We are." Morgana responded. "Only, we still don't know who the mastermind is!"

"Huh?" Sojiro deadpanned. "You even know it's a politician but don't know who it is?"

"Crow didn't give us the name." Morgana argued.

Sojiro frowned. "What's he thinking? If you guys have to go after the man, the name is the minimum you should know, right?"

"I think that's why," Akira said. "We asked him the man's name once, but Crow refused to answer. He said he doesn't want us recklessly charging at the mastermind because he's too powerful for us. It's been a while since then, though. I believe we're ready now!"

Sojiro thought hard, then heaved a sigh. "There was this man from the time I worked for the government. He still wasn't very big in politics, but already had shady connections and did dishonest stuff. Apparently, he had always been interested in Wakaba's research. If there was someone who'd want to get rid of Wakaba and take her research to use for his own gain, I think it would be him. I've always suspected him, but couldn't do anything because of how dangerous he was. He's basically the reason I retired and fled with Futaba to hide here in this Yongen corner. His name is... Masayoshi Shido."

"Shido..." Akira echoed. She recalled Yoshida-san mentioning that name a couple of times... and... Ouhya too?

"It's him." Sojiro pointed at the television that was still on. Akechi's interview had already ended, and the screen was showing a bald man giving an enthusiastic speech.

"This situation cannot continue! If I become prime minister, I will see to it that..."

"Crow said the mastermind's aim was to become prime minister. It has to be that man!" Morgana concluded.

That voice... Akira thought. There was something unsettling about the man's voice.

Akira suddenly began feeling dizzy, just like during the presentation at the culture festival, when she tried to recall the false charges incident... at this thought, a hazy image from the night of her false charges involuntarily flashed before her eyes, and she felt as though a memory was about to surface... however, what surfaced was a strong headache.

"Aaah!" Akira brought her hands to her head and abruptly let go of the cup she had been rinsing, which fell and rolled into the sink.

"Akira!" Sojiro also stopped what he was doing to tend to her. "What happened?"

"I don't know..." She uttered weakly. "My head..."

Sojiro looked at her in concern. "I'll finish the dishes. Go take a rest."

Akira threw him a grateful look and headed upstairs, with Morgana following her closely. She collapsed on the bed and shut her eyes tightly. Unlike during the culture festival presentation, though, the dizziness and headache were refusing to go away.

"You should ask Takemi to come over." Morgana suggested. "You're lucky to have a doctor right next door!"

"Good idea..." Akira took her phone and called Takemi.

Minutes later, Takemi came to Leblanc. Akira explained the situation, and Takemi quickly examined her.

"Hmm, I see. You seem to be suffering of acute stress disorder. It is usually caused when experiencing or recalling a traumatic event. From what you've told me, this seems to be the case., and the quick examination ruled out some other possibilities."

"Oh, it makes sense... what should I do, then?"

"Don't worry. The symptoms should go away on its own after a good rest." Takemi assured her.

"That's it? Sounds easy enough... ugh, if this headache actually lets me rest..."

"If the symptoms don't disappear, we'll have to do more extensive examinations, but hopefully it won't come to that. I wish you a good recovery, my little guinea pig."

"Thanks for the reassurance. If the symptoms don't go away, I'll call you again."

Takemi went downstairs. As Akira remained in bed, she heard the doctor's voice faintly, presumably explaining the situation to Sojiro.

Akira shut her eyes and resumed trying to rest. Morgana glued to her and began gently rubbing his cheeks against hers. This gesture soothed her, and she surprisingly fell asleep a few minutes later.

---

Akechi returned home and took a shower. He had just left the bathroom when his phone rang. A quick glance at the screen revealed an unknown number, and he sighed with a hint of annoyance as he picked the call up.

"Hello."

"Hey, Akechi. It's me, Sojiro Sakura."

His annoyance morphed into surprise. "... Sakura-san!?"

"I got your number from Futaba." Sakura-san was quick to explain. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine."

"Good. The same can't really be said for Akira right now, though."

"What?" Worry kicked in immediately. "What do you mean?!"

"She's gotten a little sick today. A doctor examined her a while ago. It doesn't seem to be anything major, but Akira needs a good rest. She still isn't feeling very well, though. Would you do me a favor and look after her for me for tonight? I think she'll feel better if you come to see her."

Her disappointed expression from their last talk at Leblanc flashed in Akechi's mind. "Uh, I-I don't know... we had an argument the last time I was there." Not to mention the barrage of painful words he threw her at the Metaverse. She wasn't supposed to know it was him, and they were supposed to have made up already, but that event still weighed heavily in his conscience. "I'm not sure if she'd want to see me right now..."

"Your interview aired earlier, and she was watching it with interest. I don't think it'd be the case if she were angry or upset at you."

"Uh, but I-" Akechi tried to argue and find an excuse not to go.

Apparently, Sakura-san wasn't willing to hear any excuses. "I'll head home in an hour, and she'll be there by herself. Well, Morgana will be there, but he can't exactly care for her if she gets worse, you know. So, would you look after Akira for tonight?"

"For tonight?" Only after Sakura-san had uttered those words for the second time, it sank in for Akechi. "Wait, you mean..."

"Yeah, I'm telling you to stay the night at Leblanc. It's the only way you can ensure Akira's okay the whole night. You may also use the stove if you need to. Akechi, I'll entrust Akira and Morgana to you."

"Sakura-san, wait..." Akechi tried to protest, but Sakura-san hung up and didn't give him a choice.

It was odd. Sakura-san could very well stay at Leblanc and care for Akira himself, but he insisted on shoving the task into Akechi's hands instead, even after knowing that Akechi was Crow. It felt so wrong. Sakura-san shouldn't be doing that. He wasn't supposed to be trusting Akechi this much. On the other hand, now that Akechi knew Akira wasn't well, he would keep worrying about her the whole time unless he went there to check up on her for himself.

With a sigh, Akechi changed into his casual clothes, and proceeded to place his school uniform and materials in his bag to be able to go from Leblanc straight to school the following morning.

---

Akira groaned as she woke up.

"Akira, are you okay?" Morgana asked softly.

She took a few seconds to confirm her situation. The headache was gone, as though it had never happened. "Yeah, I'm okay. Somehow, the headache's totally gone..."

She checked her phone and saw a message from Ms. Kawakami asking Akira to request her services because she needed to do extra shifts. Since Akira never asked much from Ms. Kawakami's maid services, the shifts at Leblanc actually helped the teacher relax. On further thought, having someone do today's light chores sounded like a good idea...

As Akira arrived downstairs, Sojiro greeted her. "Oh, you're awake. Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah. The pain's completely gone. I'm fine."

"Good." Sojiro sighed in relief. "I'll head home. Take care, and don't push yourself, alright?"

Once Sojiro left, Akira took a quick shower, then used the phone to request Ms. Kawakami's maid services.

"Hello." She mimicked a boy's voice as someone picked the call up.

"Oh, it's you again, young boy!" The man who picked the call up sounded like he was having pervy thoughts. "Akira-kun. Calling to request for Becky again, yes?"

"Yeah." Akira responded with an amused expression. She hadn't even needed to lie about her name since it was unisex.

"Gotcha. We'll be sending cute Becky over so she can please you." The man laughed. "She'll be there in a few!" And the call was over.

Morgana stared at her in exasperation. "I still don't get how you manage to do that. Your guts and daringness are beyond me..."

Akira grinned at him. "Phantom Thieves gotta do what Phantom Thieves gotta do."

"What does this have to do with phantom-thievery?"

"Well, she's an ally, so."

Morgana couldn't argue with that.

They waited for a few minutes. As Akira was about to open the fridge to check what she could have for dinner, the chimes signaled someone's arrival, and it wasn't who she had expected.

"Akira!" A panicked Akechi came in.

"A-Akechi!" Morgana exclaimed while Akira gaped in surprise.

"Akira, are you okay? Sakura-san called me and told me you got sick..."

"You got worried, and decided to come to see me?" Her face lit up.

"Well, Sakura-san asked if I could... uh, come and help you out..." Akechi didn't confirm it explicitly, but worry was evident on his face. It went to show how much he cared about her, despite his envy and those harsh words he had directed at her at the Metaverse. It made Akira think that his fondness towards her might actually be stronger than his envy, and this deeply touched her.

Akira's lips curved into a wide smile. "I'm sorry that I made you worry, but I'm so glad you did."

"You haven't answered my question." He reminded her. "Are you okay? What happened?"

"Oh yeah. A strong headache started when I randomly thought about the false charges incident, and I couldn't even finish helping Boss with the dishes. The doctor said it was acute stress disorder, that must've happened because I recalled a traumatic event. She told me to rest for a few hours, and it's what I did. I'm feeling okay. Much better now that you're here!"

Akechi's expression hardened. "Hang on just a bit more. I swear I'll solve this case, and you won't need to recall that incident ever again."

"Oh my goodness!" Another realization struck Akira, and sent another wave of warmth into her chest. That special investigation he was doing in Mementos was about her false charges case, wasn't it!? "You mean, that investigation..."

"Huh?" Akechi seemed confused.

Akira balked at recalling that Morgana was there, and she wasn't sure whether she should blow Crow's cover. "Uh, you mean you're making progress?" She changed her question.

Akechi nodded determinedly. "Yes, I believe I've gotten an important lead. This is the reason I said, just a bit more..."

Akira smiled gratefully. "Akechi-kun, what you've been doing means a lot to me. I'm counting on you, and am sure you can solve the case. I'd still like to remember the incident, though. I want to eventually be able to think about it without feeling sick, and actually remember the details of what happened. No matter if I like it or not, it was an important event in my life, and I want to be able to face it fully."

Akechi let out a chuckle. "You're really strong..."

"Not yet. But I want to get there eventually! Hmm?" Akira noticed he had brought his school bag. "You brought your stuff?"

"Err, Sakura-san actually told me to... stay the night, to make sure you're okay," Akechi said awkwardly and left his things on a bench. "If you don't mind..."

"Really? You'll stay here! Yeah, I mind it! In a good way, of course! Seriously, what makes you think I wouldn't like that?"

Akechi hesitated. "Uh, well... I just don't want you to get the wrong idea. I made it clear last time, about... 'that.' I'm here only because Sakura-san asked me to come, and because I got worried and want to be sure you're fine and..." He blurted everything out hesitantly, totally unlike his celebrity self on the interview earlier, who talked well in public and seemed to have answers for everything, as Sojiro put it. "Ugh, I mean..."

Akira chuckled amusedly. "You mean you care about me, and it's all that matters to me."

"I never said I don't..." He was quick to blurt out again defensively.

"Yeah, not even 'last time,' so..." She smirked, referring to his outburst at the Metaverse.

"Don't get me wrong. I care a lot about you, and I can't deny it. The only thing is that we can't get... uh, you know, much closer, that's all. And I told you to forget about it..."

"Me? You're the one who's bringing it up." Akira shot back.

"You still seemed to be thinking of it." Akechi tried to justify himself. "The thing is, people keep bringing the subject up, and I'm getting tired of it. Even Sakura-san when he asked me to come here. I suspect he was thinking of the romance stuff too. You have many friends he could have turned to, but he chose to specifically call me, out of all people. Though he shouldn't have done that, as it doesn't make sense since he knows that-" Akechi balked and shook his head. "Err, sorry, I'm rambling..." He heaved a sigh. "I just want to stop hearing about the romance stuff. Can't we just enjoy spending time together like we used to?"

Poor Akechi. The subject must be very hard for him thanks to his predicament. He must be only wanting to have a break, and relax for some time without having to think about neither his situation or the romance stuff.

"Of course we can. Starting from dinner. Let's see what we have here..." Akira checked the fridge. "Oh. Lots of raw ingredients, but not many cooked stuff. What would you like for dinner?"

"Let me handle dinner." Akechi volunteered.

"Huh? But Akechi-kun..."

"I have Sakura-san's permission." Akechi responded firmly. "Just rest and don't worry about anything, alright?"

Akechi also checked the fridge. He analyzed the options for a while, then took some raw chicken and vegetables out.

"You helped me out at my apartment the other day. Now it's my turn." He closed the fridge and brought the ingredients to the sink.

"I wanted you to relax, too. Are you sure you'll have a good time while making dinner? I thought you didn't like to cook..."

"I thought the same, but if it's to see you smile..." He replied, apparently without thinking as he took a knife and was about to begin cutting some vegetables.

Morgana scoffed. "How come he doesn't want us to think of romance after he says stuff like that?"

The knife fell from Akechi's hand into the sink, and he tried to disguise his embarrassment. This proved that he had heard Morgana's comment perfectly.

"Is everything alright?" Akira asked.

"Uh, yes, I just dropped the knife... nothing bad happened. I have the situation under control. Just leave dinner to me."

"Okay. I can't wait to see what you'll make!"

"He's definitely trying to impress you," Morgana spoke loud and clear.

"Morgana, shhh..." She shushed him and whispered. "He's motivated and wants to be courteous. I say we let him. He's so sweet when he acts like that! Let's try not to ruin this mood..."

"Alright, alright. I'll leave the two of you by yourselves. Just don't forget my dinner, got it?" Morgana didn't wait for a response and scurried off upstairs.

Akira sat at the counter and observed Akechi as he worked. Once he had finished chopping the vegetables and the chicken, he put everything with water in a pot. Then, they would have to wait for the ingredients to cook.

Akira stood up and turned the TV on. A commercial for some Featherman merchandise finished airing, and a commercial for a toy gun started.

"Vanquish evil so that justice prevails. With this gun, evil forces will stand no chance! This is the weapon for cool and fearless heroes! Get yours, and become a cool hero yourself!"

As Akira walked back to where Akechi was, she found him facing the TV and spacing out.

"Akechi-kun, what's wrong?"

"Ah!" Akechi jumped. "Sorry, I got lost in thought." He seemed a bit hesitant to tell her what was on his mind, but gave in. "Um, the thing is, that commercial..."

"The Featherman one?" She deduced, since she knew he enjoyed watching Featherman with Futaba.

"No, the toy gun one."

"Huh? What about it?"

"It reminded my of the time my mother was alive." Akechi looked contemplative. "I had a toy gun which was very similar to the one from the commercial, and liked it a lot."

Akira recalled Akechi saying he and his mother basically made a "fanfiction" where Robin Hood had to learn to use a pistol because his bow had broken, and Akechi had said he had been inspired by his toy gun. That toy had to be the one! And obviously Akechi had imagined himself as Robin Hood! Now that Akira knew that Akechi was Crow, it made a lot of sense that he would have Robin Hood as his Persona!

"You had told me you'd prefer to be saved rather than become a hero yourself and save others, but from what you said about the stories your mom told you and the toy gun, you actually wanted to become a hero when you were little, didn't you?"

Akechi mulled over her question for a moment. "I guess so, come to think of it. I had totally forgotten about the hero thing."

Akira was convinced that, deep down, he still aspired to become a hero. Or why else was Robin Hood still there? Thanks to his situation, his colder, cunning and aggressive side was more apparent, represented by Loki. Still, he couldn't deny Robin Hood, representing his purer side, his justice, his heroic side.

Akira's mind was set. She would have to buy that toy gun for him. He could probably use it in the Metaverse, too.

She returned to the stool at the counter and continued watching Akechi work. He seemed a bit insecure about cooking, but he focused and powered through his nervousness.

---

Akechi intended to make a soup and provide a light meal for Akira, because she probably should be taking it easy after her episode. The problem was, despite his attempt to reassure her that everything was under control, Akechi wasn't really sure what he was doing. He just hoped that mixing all the ingredients he had chosen would work.

He checked the pot a few minutes later, and the ingredients were fully cooked. However, he got frustrated to find out he couldn't make good food out of determination alone. The soup was very dull when he tasted it.

Akira noticed his frustration. "Need help?"

"Stay where you are. I got this." It was not over yet, and Akechi wouldn't give up.

Akechi recalled his encounter with Haru earlier. It was ironic how he actually ended up trying to make dinner for Akira. He wondered whether he could take Haru up on her offer of getting him special ingredients to improve the soup's taste. On further thought, though, he hadn't gotten Haru's contact information... no, too much wishful thinking. It was really up to his skills. He would have to make do with what he had available...

He sliced an onion and added it to the soup for more seasoning. Even though the result improved a bit, it was still very dull. He considered adding more salt, but was afraid of making the soup salty and ruining it. It was so frustrating... if only he had invested more of his time in learning to cook better instead of repeating to himself that cooking was a drag and he wasn't good at it...

"Will you at least accept a suggestion?" Akira didn't wait for his response. "Add in a pinch of curry. That usually does wonders!"

Akechi didn't respond, but followed the suggestion anyway because he wasn't sure what else to do. Thankfully, the taste indeed improved and became more acceptable, even though it was still far from what he had wished. A bit of soy sauce and some tofu squares later, Akechi concluded the soup couldn't become much better in his current skill level, and deemed it finished.

"It didn't come out the way I had imagined, but it's not bad." Akechi admitted as he served the soup into a bowl for Akira.

She curiously tasted the soup. "I have no idea what you had in mind, but to me, it's good for what it is. And for warming my body and my heart! Also, extra points to you for having tackled something you're so insecure about!"

Akechi's confident facade broke. "Ugh. Did my insecurity really show this much?"

"Yeah, it was written on your face." He was really losing control of his expressions, wasn't he? This wasn't good... but Akira kept talking animatedly, unaware of his thoughts. "I was rooting for you the whole time! And you did it! I actually feel proud. It felt really nice to watch you tackle the challenge. I'm down for more repeats of this!"

"Yes, I would like it too... or maybe the opposite." These words escaped Akechi's mouth as he recalled how he had felt while watching her focused on driving the Monamobile.

"You mean, you watch while I work? That's good too. I feel encouraged when you're watching."

He was glad to hear that. Only, he had no idea what event she was referring to, unaware that it was the exact same one he had just recalled.

Akechi ate a spoonful of the soup. "I still think this soup leaves a bit to be desired, though."

"If you aren't satisfied, you have to practice more. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, right? You haven't tasted the worst of my coffee, but it was really meh at the beginning. Now, Boss has stopped saying that my coffee tastes bland, and it's an achievement to me. He used to say that every time! Akechi-kun, you're so skilled in everything you do, and I'm sure cooking will be no different once you get the hang of it."

It was since that egg sandwich that Akechi felt he should learn to make better food for Akira. Ideally, he should be prepared. What if Sakura-san were to ask him to watch over Akira again?

"Yes, I'll try." Maybe he could get some tips from Elizabeth, like that time she taught him to make those dumplings.

Akira stood up. "I'll get Morgana, or he'll be angry if I don't give him dinner!"

Shortly later, Morgana was with them again, and even asked to taste Akechi's cooking.

"Hmm. A bit weak, but it's okay. Better than having too much seasoning or salt, I guess!" And Akechi was glad he didn't add more salt.

---

The soup tasted a bit weak like Morgana had said, but Akira didn't mind. What mattered was that the soup was warm and comforting, and had been made with so much care. Akira was touched that Akechi had gone as far as to prepare dinner for her despite being insecure about cooking.

They finished dinner, and Akechi didn't let Akira help him with the dishes. Once again, he told her to rest.

"It's getting late." Morgana pointed out. "Shouldn't Kawakami have arrived by now?"

Worried, Akira took her cellphone and called Ms. Kawakami's personal number. "Hello, Ms. Kawakami?"

However, it wasn't Ms. Kawakami who picked the call up. It was a woman Akira didn't know. "Hello, is this Kurusu-san?"

"Yes. You are?"

"I am the nurse tending to Kawakami-san in the hospital."

"H-hospital!?" Akira stuttered in shock.

"She had taken the phone and said she needed to call you and cancel an appointment, but she collapsed from exhaustion before she was able to call you."

"Wh-where is the hospital?" Akira asked, with her worry increasing each second.

The nurse gave her the hospital's address. Akira thanked her for the information and hung up.

"I have to leave for a bit." Akira announced.

"Wait, what?" Akechi hastily put the last washed dish aside to dry.

"I've just gotten the news that my teacher is in the hospital! I want to go see her!"

Akechi was incredulous. "Don't tell me you intend to go out at this time of night!"

"But I'm worried! She's overworked and collapsed from exhaustion!"

"Akira, if you don't take care of yourself, you may be the one ending up in the hospital! What if you feel sick again?"

"I'm fine." Akira insisted. "Everything's normal now. It's as though the pain had never happened. But my teacher isn't fine, and I won't stop worrying until I see her for myself!"

Akechi gritted his teeth. "You aren't taking no for an answer, huh?" He took a deep breath. "... Fine. But I'll go with you. There's no telling what time you'll return, and no way that I'll let you wander alone so late at night! Not only because Sakura-san is trusting me to look after you, but if something bad were to happen to you, I..." He stopped once he realized he was rambling.

"Thank you so much!" Akira grinned, both in triumph and joy. She tackled Akechi into a hug.

This stunned him for a second, but he managed to regain his composure and roll his eyes at her. "I'm here worrying so much, and you don't even seem to be taking the situation seriously!"

"Of course I'm taking it seriously. Just... I'm very grateful to have you here with me."

Akechi heaved a sigh in defeat, and hesitantly pried her away from him. "Whatever. Let's go already. The sooner we go, the sooner we return."

There was the matter that Ms. Kawakami's whole situation was a secret, but Akira believed they wouldn't need to mention those specific things.

"Morgana, look after the house, okay?" Akira grinned playfully at the supernatural kitty.

"Leave it to me! Akechi, take good care of her, got it!?"

Akechi smiled at Morgana. "I don't know at what time we'll be back, but I'll make sure she comes back safe and sound."

Even though it was a generic response, Akira was sure Akechi had understood what Morgana had said.

... ... ... ... ...

They stood inside the train. Akechi remained very close to Akira the whole time, and kept glancing at her to make sure she was really alright. Since she felt perfectly fine, Akira thought Akechi was worrying unnecessarily. Still, she felt happy to know he cared about her this much. The way he acted protective of her also brought flashbacks of sleepy Crow in Mementos, and made his actions even more adorable.

"Hmm?" Akechi noticed she was staring.

"It's so sweet when you act like that..."

"Like what?" He asked cluelessly.

"Protective, like, hmm, let's see... maybe a guardian angel?"

Akechi scoffed, the same way he usually did in the Metaverse. "That's the worst metaphor ever. I've told you I'm not a saint, much less an angel. I'm far from being anything like one. Very, very far."

"A fallen angel, then?"

---

Ironically, the idea of falling really fit Akechi. He had fallen in several ways. Fallen to the temptation of revenge, power and fame, which led him to ignore his morals. This caused him to fall from the 'grace' of an exemplary kid, and fall to the same level as Shido...

"Well, that'd be way more appropriate." He admitted.

Unexpectedly, Akira's reaction was to smile at him. "I wouldn't mind my guardian angel being a fallen angel. Actually, I think it'd be even cooler! I've read about an angel that fell from grace after rebelling against god. There were various theories as to his reason. One was that he rebelled because he was sick of the pressure and responsibility god placed on him for being the best in whatever he did. Another theory was that he was really rebellious and immature, you know, like a teenager who still hasn't found his way in life. A third theory was that he only rebelled because he found out the god he had been serving was fake. Either way, I think all of these theories are very relatable, for different reasons."

"All three?"

"Yeah. If it was because of pressure, then it'd mean that he just wanted freedom, and rebelled to show he wanted to take control of his own life, instead of just fulfilling the purpose that was given to him. If it was because he was immature, then it'd mean he still had a lot to learn, and might even change his mind once he learns what's what. If the god was false, then it'd mean the angel had rebelled for a good reason, right?"

Akechi chuckled bitterly, not realizing that he was acting more and more like his Metaverse self during that conversation. "Your point of view is really interesting. If you were to ask me, I'd say what he did was wrong and his reasons don't matter. Maybe except for the last theory, but again it depends on what he did while rebelling. Some things are simply unforgivable."

"I was hoping you wouldn't say that." Disappointment was apparent on her face, but she disguised it and shrugged it off. "Welp, I guess that's what I'd get for asking someone of the Justice Arcana..."

"Justice Arcana?" He echoed.

"Yeah, people that have this Arcana attributes standing out tend to value righteousness, or have black and white views of stuff. What's right is right, what's wrong is wrong, period. No middle ground. And there's also the reversed Justice card, which can mean a selfish, blind justice, wanting to take justice into own hands at all cost, stuff like that."

That description caused chills on Akechi. It fit him so perfectly to the point of being scary. "I didn't know you were so much into Tarot."

"I'm learning Tarot from a fortune teller friend. I haven't studied all Arcana in depth yet, but I can tell that Justice's your Arcana."

"I-is it? I didn't know." He assumed it was the Arcana of his Confidant bond with her. "Um... I have studied many subjects, but Tarot wasn't one of them..." Akechi admitted awkwardly. The Tarot card visions from his Confidants kept reminding him of the Arcana, but it hadn't so much so as occurred to him to look into the Arcana to see if they made any sense. "Your Arcana is the Star... uh, I mean, Elizabeth had said so at the culture festival..." He tried to justify how he knew of her Arcana. "I don't know much about Tarot, but I think the Star fits you. You're bright, just like a star."

Akira smiled, with her eyes glinting like two little stars behind her glasses. "Justice fits you too. And you know what? Good news! It had been reversed before. Not anymore, though! Still too strict, yeah, but it's upright now. Congrats on turning the tables. I mean, the card! Back to the fallen angel theories, I think your case's closer to theory 2, the 'he was immature' one. But now you've matured, found the right way, and are trying to rise back to grace. Not everyone tries to get up after falling hard. So, more points to you. Your wings broke when you fell, but I'm sure they're healing and are almost ready to fly again. And then you can rebel some more, for the right reasons this time. Your wings of rebellion! Once they heal fully, no one can stop you anymore! Doesn't it sound cool?"

Akechi stared forward, stunned for a moment. Wings of rebellion. These were the words he kept hearing every time a new Confidant started. The bonds he got were supposed to become the wings of rebellion that would break the chains which were keeping him captive. He doubted those "wings of rebellion" would be enough to free him from his past and change his fate, though.

Akira patted him on the back, where angel wings were supposed to sprout. "Just know that if you fall again, I'll be here to help you up, okay?"

Akechi doubted he could ever rise back to grace, or that Akira could help him in any way. In fact, if she were to find out the wrong things he had done, he didn't think she would still want to help him to begin with. But what she said was touching, and Akechi found himself lost for words once again.

The train arrived at their destination.

"Let's go." Akira's voice reached his ears.

Just when Akechi thought he had managed to regain his composure, he felt her fingers gently wrapping around his hand, and this somehow left him dazed. For a moment, he couldn't even resume trying to recompose himself, and all he could do was let her pull him along.

---

At the hospital, they got permission to enter the room assigned to Ms. Kawakami, and it was what they did. The teacher lay on the hospital bed, and really looked tired.

"Ms. Kawakami!"

"Akira-chan!" Pleasantly surprised, Ms. Kawakami addressed Akira by first name like during the shifts at Leblanc, and unlike in class.

"I got really worried when I talked to the nurse on the phone and she said you had passed out! Is everything okay?"

"Yes... I'm just tired... I only need some time to relax and recharge. What a surprise, though. I hadn't expected you would come to see me, let alone at this time of night."

"Well, Akechi-kun was here to escort me." Akira grinned slightly at him. "Akechi-kun, this is Ms. Kawakami, my homeroom teacher."

"It's nice to meet you, Ms. Kawakami," Akechi said politely.

The teacher seemed a bit confused. "It's nice to meet you too, Akechi-kun. I couldn't have imagined that you and Akira-chan had known each other."

"We met during her school trip to the TV studio. That reminds me, you were also there."

"Oh yes, I was..."

"I'm glad to see you're okay," Akira said. "We'd better be going and let you relax, right? Then-"

The room's door opened abruptly and interrupted Akira. A well-dressed but seemingly bad-tempered couple came in.

"Long time no see, Ms. Kawakami." The woman greeted derisively. These new visitors didn't seem willing to let Ms. Kawakami relax.

The teacher gasped in shock. "... Mr. and Mrs. Takase...?"

Akira froze at the mention of that last name.

"We were wondering why this week's payment still hadn't come, and when we called your number, a nurse picked the call up..." The man spoke as disdainfully as the woman.

Akira couldn't contain herself and snapped. "Don't tell me you came all the way here only to threaten her about the payment! Couldn't you at least show a bit of concern? Can't you see that she's here because she had passed out from exhaustion, because she's working herself to the ground to get that money for you!"

---

Akechi's eyes widened in shock at Akira's sudden outburst. Akira was a kind person, and so far, Akechi hadn't seen her snap at anyone without good reason, like when confronting targets' Shadows in the Metaverse or that incident with Tsukasa. It could only mean this couple was trouble, and Akechi gritted his teeth. The last thing Akira would want would be to get in fights and more trouble after her false charges. She shouldn't jump head first into arguments like this!

The man turned his scorn at Akira. "Oh, so she's screwing yet another student, huh? Stay away from her, or the same thing that happened to our son may happen to you!"

"Don't you know?" The woman added. "This woman is the reason our son died!"

Akechi couldn't avoid being shocked at those words. What had the woman meant by that, though?

"No, please stop..." Ms. Kawakami protested weakly.

Akechi was unable to stop himself from intervening. "Um, could you please refrain from shouting in the hospital?"

"... Akechi-kun?" Akira uttered in surprise at his intervention.

"Hmm?" The man stared at him for a couple of seconds. "Wait. You're that young detective from TV, aren't you? I've heard you work for the police too. This will make things easier." The man pointed accusingly at Ms. Kawakami. "Our son died because of this woman! He had no time for studies. His obligation was to work and support us financially! Since he isn't here anymore, then she has to do it in his stead!"

"Huh?" Akechi was incredulous. Those things sounded outrageous for a parent to be saying. It felt as though they didn't care about their son at all and were only thinking about the money both their son and Ms. Kawakami provided them!

The man glared at Ms. Kawakami. "I don't care what happens to you, or how you get the money. Sell your stuff, your house, whatever! If the money isn't in our account by Monday, we'll sue you and the Board of Education! And we'll report you to the police." He looked at Akechi. "If it comes to that, I hope you can help us contact the police and get things done quicker, detective boy."

"... What?" Suddenly dragged into the argument, Akechi didn't know how to react.

"Please, stop." Ms. Kawakami protested. "I understand. I will send you the payment..."

"Good." The man nodded with scorn. "This was what we came here to hear. We will be waiting."

The couple left.

"... What was that about?" Akechi was still overwhelmed at that event. Those people seemed deranged, to say the least. And Akira was clearly siding with Ms. Kawakami. Akechi had known he should be neutral about the situation, but he was tempted to side with Akira's justice. "This is making no sense. From the way they were well-dressed, it didn't seem like they were poor people in need of financial support. And what's this about their son? Ms. Kawakami, do you mind elaborating?"

The teacher looked scared, as though she were afraid of Akechi really reporting her. After a long moment of silence, Akira nodded supportively at her, and she finally spoke up.

"This isn't something I would tell just anyone, but you've witnessed the interaction with the Takases... since things may become worse if you misunderstand the situation, I'll tell you. At the previous school I worked at, the administration tasked me to have Takase-kun, who was a rumored problem student, transfer away. He had the worst grades and skipped school a lot. But as I got to know him, I learned that he wasn't a problem student at all. The truth was that he didn't dedicate himself to his studies because he had to work at several part-time jobs every day to financially support his parents. He was actually willing to learn, and I decided to tutor him. As his grades improved, he became even more motivated to study. But then, people began spreading rumors that he was a delinquent, and that I might be getting involved with him... you know, in a way a teacher and a student shouldn't. And the school's administration said that rather than getting Takase-kun to transfer away, I was giving him special treatment, and that I had to stop teaching him before things could complicate further."

"Did you continue anyway?" Akechi took a guess.

"I wanted to. I really wanted to continue helping Takase-kun and see him succeed. But I was scared of the rumors, of the backlash. It had always been my dream to be a teacher, and I was afraid of losing my job. So, I stopped. Takase-kun was really disappointed when I called him to cancel our next lesson and told him my decision. That same day, he died in a car accident." This got a gasp from Akechi. "It's my fault. Takase-kun's attention slipped because he had been exhausted from having to study. I failed him. So his parents say. All I can do to make up for it is to pay them apology money..."

Akechi had known all too well the guilt of having led someone to death. But unlike in his case, Ms. Kawakami was not at fault.

"And now, you are the one overworking at several part-time jobs a day to pay them." Akechi concluded. "But this makes no sense at all! You said it yourself. It was a car accident. It wasn't your fault, or anyone's fault, for that matter. You were only doing your job, your dream job of teaching and helping your students. There's nothing wrong about that!"

His outburst seemed to have caused an effect on her, but she still argued back. "But this is the only way I can continue teaching. If I don't pay them, they will sue me, I'll be fired, and won't be able to teach anymore..." Ms. Kawakami seemed totally defeated and broken. She closed her eyes in resignation and began mumbling to herself about her next steps. "This week's payment is 150,000... I'll need to get more shifts and-"

"150,000!" Akechi heard it. "No, they definitely aren't in need of financial support at all. This is extortion!"

"And you said more shifts? No way! You can't even handle the current ones!" Akira argued. "Ms. Kawakami, this isn't right. This isn't what you want. They keep running all over you because you let them! What happened isn't your fault, and you owe them nothing! You have to stop paying them and stand your ground!"

"You still have a chance to continue following your dreams. So, go and do it." Akechi spoke firmly.

Ms. Kawakami was silent for a bit, then a weak smile eventually formed on her face. "Thank you, both of you. But I can't think straight right now. I guess I really need to rest..."

Akira nodded. "Yeah, we'll leave you alone so that you can rest. I need my teacher, so please take care, okay?"

Ms. Kawakami chuckled. "Akira-chan, thank you. I'm glad that you came to check up on me. Akechi-kun, sorry for having made you listen to my troubles. Be careful on your way home, both of you."

They left the hospital and were walking to the train station.

"Akechi-kun, I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Your teacher is feeling guilty for something she didn't do, and to make things worse, those two keep pressuring and blackmailing her..." Akechi spoke with narrowed eyes. "I know I have nothing to do with this, but can you keep me posted on what happens? Now I want to root for her."

"Sure thing."

"That aside, you scare me, Akira. You got involved in a dangerous argument again!"

"'Again?' What was the other one?"

"I mean the one with Tsukasa." Akechi deadpanned. "I can't believe you don't even remember! You're really too careless about these things..."

---

Of course she remembered. The problem was that other such incidents had happened after that one with Tsukasa. Akechi would flip if he were to find out Akira had had a gun pointed at her when she tried to help Iwai!

Akira laughed awkwardly. "Sorry. My will to help always speaks louder!"

"Akira, please." Akechi stopped walking. He placed a hand on Akira's shoulder, and forced her to also stop walking and look at him. "Hadn't you said you were scared of having your reputation ruined in a blink again and losing everything? If you keep going out of your way to jump into trouble and you really end up losing everything, if all turns out to have been in vain, then why the heck I'm doing all this-" Akechi stopped abruptly.

But Akira caught it. "Huh? Doing all this what?"

"Uh, all this worrying, escorting you, you know..." Yes, she knew, and she knew better. He must be referring to the way he had been sacrificing his own reputation to protect her and the other Phantom Thieves, and also looking into her false charges case.

"You're one to talk, aren't you?" Akira shot back. "You're exposed to a lot of danger at your work..."

"I have no choice. You have, though. So, choose to stay safe, please."

"Akechi-kun..." His words touched her, and Akira realized he may be right. She shouldn't risk herself so much, or all his protection might be in vain. "Okay. I get it. I promise I'll be more careful. There's so much I still want to do, and I can't risk having everything just go down the drain." Not to mention she should stay safe and strong so that she could be there for him."

Akechi nodded in approval. "Good. I just hope you'll keep your word. Be sure to remember what you've just said." He turned around and prompted her to resume walking.

... ... ... ... ...

Minutes later, they were back at Leblanc, and were preparing to go to sleep.

"Akechi-kun, your surprise visit was the best thing that happened today. I'm really glad to have you here with me." Akira hugged him and whispered in his ear. "Thank you for worrying, for escorting me, for 'all those things' you said, and for all the others you didn't say. I'm very grateful, and so happy to know how much you care about me. Now go take a rest, because you deserve it." She patted him on the head before breaking the hug. "You may take the bed. Go on ahead. I'll be at the attic in a few minutes."

"A-alright. Thanks." He threw an awkward glance at Morgana who had been watching from the stool at the counter, then turned and climbed the stairs.

Akira proceeded to gather ingredients from the fridge and prepare lunch for both her and Akechi for the following day.

"So, how was Kawakami?" Morgana asked.

"Exhausted. Defeated. Broken. And to make things worse, the Takase couple had to come all the way to the hospital just to threaten her and be deranged jerks all around. Since Akechi-kun was there during the commotion, she had to tell him the whole story later too."

"Jerks all around?"

"I mean like Phantom Thieves target level. If she can't talk it through, then it'll be Phantom Thieves time! I'll tell the others to leave their schedules open tomorrow. We have enough requests piled up. It'll be a good time to handle them all!"

"I only wish Crow would fulfill more requests with us. I wonder if he'll be in Mementos tomorrow."

"Something tells me that he will." Akira smirked. She would make sure he would.

She filled two takeout boxes with some rice, cooked chopped vegetables and some meat.

"Alright. I'll sleep down here, and leave you and Akechi alone," Morgana said unexpectedly.

"Huh? Are you sure?"

"Don't worry about me. I'm small enough in this form to fit practically anywhere."

"Okay then."

Even so, Akira made sure to get a cushion upstairs so that Morgana would have a more comfortable surface to sleep on, then headed to the attic.

She removed her glasses and climbed on the empty space on the bed next to Akechi, who was already asleep. He must be tired. Poor detective...

---

Akechi's eyes half opened as he felt the movement to his side. "... Akira? What are you doing?" He mumbled.

"I want to stay close to you."

Akechi was sure Akira was still thinking about romance, much to his annoyance. "Akira, no, you shouldn't..."

"Why not? Hadn't you come here to make me feel better? Comforting you has a therapeutic effect on me too."

He wanted to argue, but the sleepiness was getting the better of him, and a groan was all that left his mouth.

"Awww, I'd ask for a good night kiss, but since you seem too tired to move, you get a free pass this time. Sleep well, my dear chess knight."

It took a second for Akechi's mind to register the unusual way she had addressed him. Just when he realized something was off, Akira placed a gentle kiss on his face and sent him into a daze. He was unable to resist or to react. All thoughts and feelings slipped out of his grasp, and the only thing Akechi could do was succumb to all that comfort and let sleep overtake him.

... ... ... ... ...

X:X:X:X:X

Akechi dreamed that he used the Metaverse app to enter Mementos. As soon as he stepped into the Metaverse, he saw Akira, or rather, Joker, there. She was alone, and much to his alarm, with her eyes shut and clutching her head in pain. Where were all the Phantom Thieves when she most needed help? He had to do something. This was the reason Sakura-san had asked him to keep an eye on her, after all.

"Joker!" He gasped and hurried over to her. "What happened!?"

Joker didn't respond. She only continued wailing in pain and clutching her head. It was as though she hadn't even noticed that he was there.

"Joker!" Worried, he didn't think twice and hugged her. "Joker, please, say something! Joker!"

X:X:X:X:X

"Joker, Joker!"

"Hmm..." He finally heard her mumble. "What's it? I'm here."

"Thank goodness... ah!" Akechi gasped, only then realizing that he was no longer in Mementos. He was awake, at the attic in Leblanc, lying next to Akira on the bed. At least he wasn't hugging her like in the dream...

"Everything's okay. It's okay, Crow."

Akechi thought his heart would stop right then and there. "... Crow?"

"You used my code name, so..." She stated matter of factly.

"... C-code name?" Akechi stuttered at the realization he must have shouted her code name in the real world. "S-sorry, I... I don't get what you're talking about..."

He knew he wasn't being convincing at all, but on further thought, Akira was acting too calm, as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. If his slip had had revealed his secret identity to her, she should be shocked at least, horrified at most. Perhaps, she was half dreaming, and he was still safe. So he hoped.

Akira chuckled. "Yeah, of course you get what I mean. Phantom Thieves."

Akechi did his best to regain his composure. "Akira, you aren't making any sense."

"I'm making perfect sense. I'm sure I heard you say my code name." She insisted.

"I don't know what you're talking about. You must be dreaming."

"Akechi-kun!" She whined.

"Just go back to sleep, alright?" He spoke to her as gently as he could.

"No." She shot back stubbornly.

Akechi failed to contain a grunt of irritation, and his gentler facade broke. "Akira... why do you have to be so difficult?!"

"You're being difficult. You've said my code name. Just admit it."

"Again, I have no idea what this code names business is. You must've dreamed." Akechi insisted as firmly as he could. He needed to convince her that it had been a dream. If she were to begin suspecting him to be Crow, it wouldn't be good. Their friendship would be at risk.

"Akechi-kun."

He cut her off as he glanced at his phone's screen. "Akira, it's three in the morning. I want to sleep. You should also rest well, remember?"

"... Okay." She finally acquiesced, much to his relief.

Akechi was glad to have won the argument for once. Hopefully that crisis was averted. He inched a bit away from Akira and closed his eyes.

---

Akira was disappointed. After that little, and quite funny, slip, she had thought Akechi would have no choice but to admit he was Crow. After all, only someone in the Phantom Thieves would have known her code name, and she obviously knew who all the other members were. She had thought she could have him know that she had unmasked him and he would realize she cared about him the same way, no matter if they were in the Metaverse or not. However, this wasn't what happened, and he kept feigning ignorance and being as stubborn as ever. Akira would let him have his way this time, but was determined to find a way to have him reveal his secret identity himself.

Akira remained awake for a while, but Akechi fell asleep quickly. Something was off, though. He began cowering as though in fear. Was he having a nightmare?

"Akechi-kun." Akira whispered and lightly tapped on his shoulder.

Instead of waking up, he shrank even more. It was as though he were fearing her.

Akira recalled Morgana's words from the other day. "Well, it's normal to have a side one doesn't want to show to others. He probably fears your rejection!"

Could this be his reason for having been so evasive earlier? He still wasn't aware she had figured his identity out. Was he afraid of her reaction upon finding out that he was Crow? Could he be thinking that she might reject him for some reason? She had even hugged him in the Metaverse, though. Hadn't this proved that she cares about him? Poor detective. He was so traumatized by people rejecting him all his life that he was fearing rejection by not only her, but also all the Phantom Thieves, even though he should have realized that he had no reason to fear.

"Don't worry, Crow." She whispered and began petting his head. "I'm on your side. Even if the whole world were to reject you, I'd be here for you. I know what a good person you are, and I'd do all I can to show this to others too. You can count on me."

He didn't respond. Akira wasn't sure if he had heard her, but he eventually relaxed and fell into a more peaceful sleep. Relieved, she planted a caring kiss on his face and went back to sleep herself.

---

... ... ... ... ...

Friday, November 4

Akechi's eyes opened and he glanced at his phone to check the time. It was still a bit early. He tried to go back to sleep and dozed off a few times, but kept waking up worried that he might mutter things he should in his sleep again. He eventually gave up on trying to sleep and got up.

He stealthily made his way out of the attic.

"Yo, Akechi. Up already?" Morgana greeted him downstairs.

"Oh, so you were here." If one thing, Akechi was glad that Morgana hadn't been at the attic when that embarrassing slip happened.

"I stayed here downstairs. I hope you've had an enjoyable time alone with Akira."

Akechi held himself not to bit his lip in annoyance. Of course that had to be the subject... as he searched for something to change the focus, he recalled having seen Akira leave the shop's key on the counter.

"I'll see if I can get some bread for breakfast or something. I'll be back soon." With the key in hand, Akechi opened the door, left the cafe and locked it back.

On his way to the supermarket, Akechi ran into Sakura-san.

"Hey. Out and about already, huh?" Sakura-san approached. "Where are you going?"

"Good morning, Sakura-san. Since it's still a bit early, I thought of getting something different for breakfast."

"Hmm. Then, both of us had the same idea. Let's go." Sakura-san led the way into the supermarket. "So, how's it going? Did you sleep well?"

"Yes."

"How was Akira?"

"She was fine." Akechi opted not to reveal that Akira had gone out at night. "She... said she was glad that I came. And she treated me so well, too."

"This is good."

"No, this is not. It's wrong..." Guilt began speaking louder inside Akechi again. "Sakura-san, I don't understand. Even though you know what I've done, you still trusted me to look after her... and even suggested me to make dinner and stay the night!"

"How could I not trust you after everything you've been doing? I have to trust you with all those guys' lives already, right? Asking you to look after Akira for one night is nothing compared to that. Sure enough, you came and did everything just the way I expected. I knew you would, because of how much you like her. And I was also sure she'd be glad to have you here.

"But Sakura-san, neither you or Akira should-"

Sakura-san cut him off. "You know what? Considering your situation, I think you're missing a unique opportunity and wasting precious time. You should grasp this chance now and date her. Make the most of your time with her while you can, or you may regret it later."

"What? That'd be dishonest! It'd be as though I were taking advantage of her... I know that she wants to date me. Actually, she already asked me out. She thinks so well of me, and would surely be glad if I were to say yes... but if we start something and she learns the truth of what I've done, she'll be devastated. I don't want to hurt her feelings..."

"Hmm. She has asked you out, huh? Say yes, then. You'll hurt her feelings if you don't date her." Sakura-san suggested as if it were that simple.

Akechi rolled his eyes. "Sakura-san..."

"I'm serious. Honestly, you should say yes, but also tell her everything."

Akechi shook his head. "No, I can't..."

"If you won't tell her, then I will."

Akechi's eyes grew wide in alarm at the threat. "No, please don't!"

"I'm willing to keep your secret for a bit longer, but on one condition. You have to promise that you'll tell her yourself."

"But...!"

"I'll give you one week. So, no use trying to stall it forever, got it? If you don't tell her in one week, then I'll tell all the Phantom Thieves. And if you don't promise to tell her, I might as well tell them today." Sakura-san gave his ultimatum.

Those words hit Akechi like a blow to the stomach. How unfair and harsh of Sakura-san. The mere thought of having not only Akira, but all the other Phantom Thieves learn the truth at once chilled him to the core. He could only imagine them accusing him of deceiving them, saying that after all the horrible things he had done, he still dared hang out with them as though it was normal when he was a terrible person, the kind of person they would never want to be friends with. His bonds with them would break, he would lose everything he had thought he had achieved, and would be back to having nothing like always.

"Do you promise or not?" Sakura-san pressed. "You have until we leave this supermarket to decide."

Such pressure. Akechi was basically between a rock and a hard place. If he were to make the promise, he would have at most one week before Sakura-san disclosed the secret to everyone and the inevitable happened. If Akechi were to tell Akira before the deadline, she would surely tell the others, and they would know the truth soon enough. If he didn't promise to tell her, Sakura-san would tell all of them, and the things Akechi dreaded would happen even sooner. Apparently, his best bet would be to make the promise and only tell her in the last minute, before Sakura-san had the chance to tell everyone at once. This way, Akechi would at least have one more week to enjoy his friendship with the Phantom Thieves.

Sakura-san bought a few sandwiches, and they left the supermarket.

"Have you made up your mind? How is it going to be?"

"... I get it. I promise to tell her." Akechi responded in defeat.

Sakura-san locked eyes with him and held his gaze for a few uncomfortable seconds before nodding. "Good. This was what I wanted to hear."

At least the promise seemed to be satisfactory enough, because the Hierophant Confidant ranked up.

They arrived back at Leblanc and set the bag with the sandwiches on the table.

"Morning!" Akira came downstairs cheerfully. "Akechi-kun, you're up early! I didn't notice when you left."

"Morning..." Akechi replied awkwardly as memories of his earlier slip resurfaced. His paranoia kicked in, and he stared at Akira for a few seconds, but she showed no sign that anything was bothering her. He quickly came up with something to say and justify his stare. "Are you feeling well? Didn't the headache come back?"

Akira responded with a wide smile. "All normal. Thanks for asking! Excuse me, I'll be back in a few." And she dashed to the bathroom.

"Say, isn't it worth it to see her happy face?" Sakura-san spoke up. "How about you try brewing some coffee and surprise her?"

"Brewing coffee? Me?"

"Akira is learning, and so can you. I'll walk you through the process."

Akechi wasn't sure about it, but decided to try if only for distraction. Sakura-san had him weigh coffee beans on a scale, grind the beans, and was guiding him through brewing when Akira returned from the bathroom.

Morgana called out to her. "Hey, Akira, look who's making the coffee today!"

"Oh, awesome! I'll get to try Akechi-kun's coffee for the first time!"

Sakura-san discreetly threw him a "I told you she'd be surprised" look.

"Just don't get your hopes too high, alright?" Akechi warned.

The chimes suddenly rang, and Akira wasn't the only one surprised anymore. "Whoa! My lil' big bro's making coffee!"

"Futaba!?" Sakura-san exclaimed at the unexpected arrival.

"Futaba-chan? Why a-are you?"

Futaba hopped in place with excitement. "I knew you were here, and I decided to get up early to see you!"

"Good thing we got extra sandwiches." Sakura-san commented.

As Akechi stared at Futaba, he smiled involuntarily at the recollection of her handing him the burger.

"Huh? What's up?"

"No, it's nothing..." Akechi discreetly looked away from her.

"You should keep a closer eye on the water temperature." Sakura-san's voice pulled him back to focus.

"Ah, right..."

Once the coffee was ready, everyone sat at the table. Futaba pulled a chair and sat to Akechi's left, Akira to his right, and Sakura-san sat across from him.

"Aaah... someone get me a piece of that sandwich!" Morgana whined from his position on the ground, and Akechi had to hold himself not to do just as Morgana said. Proving that he could understand the supernatural kitty's words would be another dangerous slip.

"Okay, Morgana, come here." Akira cut a piece of her sandwich. Morgana climbed onto her lap and she fed the sandwich piece to him.

Sakura-san took a sip of the coffee. "It's a good start, Akechi."

Akira agreed. "Yeah, better than my first attempts!"

"My lil big bro, I'm proud."

Akechi was getting uncomfortable at all those comments. His coffee didn't deserve so much praise. "I had Sakura-san's guidance during the whole process. If I were to do everything alone, it'd be a whole different story."

"A story in the making, right?" Akira chuckled at her own comment. "Coffee making needs lots of precision in measuring beans, water and temperature, and you must be good at this kind of stuff, from how precise and methodical you are. I'm sure that if you keep practicing, you'll catch up with me in no time!"

"Akechi, you can do it." Futaba encouraged him.

As undeserved as the praise was, Akechi couldn't avoid being touched by all those kind and supportive words. Even so, a pang of sorrow invaded his chest. Akira and Futaba were looking fondly at him. But in one week, the truth would come out, and he doubted they would give him that caring look ever again.

... ... ... ... ...

After breakfast, Akira went to the attic, Akechi to the bathroom, and both changed into their respective school uniforms. They reunited back at the cafe, and were about to leave for school.

"Akechi-kun, this is for you." Akira handed him a takeout box. "I put it together last night when you went to sleep upstairs. It's to say thanks for having come to visit me and made my day."

"Uh, you didn't need to worry about it."

"But I wanted an excuse to give you something! At least let me use this one!"

Akechi released a burst of laughter. "You don't need to give me anything, nor to give excuses, but thanks."

"Boss, we'll be going!" Akira said to Sakura-san who was preparing to open the shop.

"Oh. Flip the sign to open for me, alright? And Akechi, you're off to a good start in coffee making. I'm eager to taste your next brew attempts and follow your progress."

"Boss, you didn't say anything like that to me when I began!" Akira whined playfully, then smiled gently at Akechi. "But yeah, I'm eager too."

Her comment caught Akechi's attention. Once they were out of Leblanc and Akira had flipped the store's sign, he asked, "So, Sakura-san didn't encourage you when you started learning to make coffee?"

"Nah. Like I already told you, he only said my coffee tasted bland and that I had to practice more. No encouragement at all! Actually, he had been really cold towards me in the beginning."

"Really?" Akechi uttered in surprise. "I had thought you had always gotten along with him. How did you get to stay at Leblanc? Is Sakura-san friends with your family?"

Akira shook her head. "Nope. Just an acquaintance of an acquaintance... when I was about to be sent to Tokyo, my parents didn't know what to do, or where I could stay. The only person from here they knew was one of Boss' customers, and this person convinced Boss to let me stay here for a year, on the condition that my parents'd send him money to pay for my school expenses. At first, he viewed me only as a troublemaker who had been expelled from my previous school. The day I arrived, the attic was a dirty mess, and he told me he would at least give me sheets to sleep in and I shouldn't complain. He said he'd only let me stay here, and that I should take care of myself because he wouldn't care for me if I were to get sick. I only began learning to make coffee because he told me to help out at the cafe in exchange for him letting me stay here, and he mostly acted as though I was only doing what was expected of me."

"I couldn't have imagined you had gone through things like that. It must've been hard. I know all too well how it feels to be treated that way. You didn't deserve it."

"You didn't deserve it, either. You've been thrown from family to family for like what? Almost ten years? I've only experienced a small fraction of what you have. But yeah, it was rough. When I brought Morgana home, needless to say, Boss got angry. But Morgana somehow won his heart quickly! Actually, I think Boss liked Morgana more than he liked me..."

"I only wish he hadn't kept treating me like a normal cat!" Morgana chimed in from Akira's bag. "Yes, he was too harsh to her, though."

"Boss began warming up to me as my coffee improved, but it was only a few months later, when Futaba began breaking out of her shell and I began hanging around her, that he finally got to trust me."

"It took a while, but at least you managed to earn his trust. I wish I had managed that with at least one of the families I stayed with..."

"You've won Boss' trust, though. And in much less time than me! He doesn't trust others easily. So, it has to mean something!"

Akechi wasn't sure what it meant or how it happened, but it felt wrong how Sakura-san seemed to be trusting him so much.

"I still don't understand how that happened. In the past, I had tried so hard to get people's recognition, with no results. Now that I'm not doing anything, this happened. How come?"

"Maybe this is the secret? You're being authentic, not trying to force anything anymore. You can actually reach people's hearts this way. I'm sure you'll have an easier time getting people to accept you from now on!"

Now it was too little too late, though...

They got to the train station. Some politics-related news were being displayed, and prompted Akira to change the subject.

"Oh yeah, I watched your interview yesterday," she said. "Politics, seriously? What's with that question, anyway? If you could vote on someone, who would it be... it sounded like they were trying to influence the voters!"

"They were, for sure."

"You gave a sensible response, I think."

"It was the politically correct response. May people take it as they will. But you know what? If I could vote on someone, even if the person isn't a candidate, I'd give my vote to you. I'd rather you don't get into politics, though. Too many games of interests and other nasty things. But it doesn't matter. I'm sure you can make the environment around you a better place either way."

"Awww, thanks. I feel so moved when you say things like that. As for me, I know a politician I'd trust my vote to. Toranosuke Yoshida. Ever heard of him?"

Akechi thought for a second until it clicked. "Ah. Yes, I've heard of him. He was involved in some scandal in the past, wasn't he?"

"He was. He became a politician for the wrong reasons and did stuff he shouldn't have done. But he's learned from his mistakes and from life experiences, and now wants to come back to politics, for the right reasons this time... but he's having trouble to get supporters because of the reasons you pointed out, and to make things worse, no one gives him any credit because of his previous reputation. I can tell he's a humble and simple man now. He puts his heart into his speeches at the Shibuya Central Square. He becomes ashamed and freezes up when people harass him and call him out on his past mistakes. He was surprised when I approached him and asked him to teach me public speech techniques..."

"Public speech techniques!? You're learning from him?"

"I am! Or did you think you were the only one receiving training to speak in public?" Akira winked, then went back on track. "He said he was unsure why I'd have wanted a washed-up politician like him to teach me. His touching speeches are awesome, though! I'm not sure he'd be able to handle becoming something like prime minister from the get-go, but I'm sure he's really worried about the people, about the country. If I could, I'd give him my vote, hands down."

"Hmm. What makes you so sure of his intentions? Perhaps, do the Phantom Thieves have anything to do with his drastic change?"

"Uh, I don't think so. Wouldn't this be even more the reason to admire him, though? It's not every day that someone changes their heart on their own. I've been thinking about this a lot lately. It must be very hard to admit to one's mistakes and willingly take action to change without anyone to give a little push. There must be a lot of arguments that pop up, like, 'What's the use on changing now that the damage's already done?' or 'I've come too far to change now,' or, 'Even if I change now, no one will give me credit...' right?"

Akechi was feeling uncomfortable. A lot of those questions had popped up in his mind during his internal conflict as well. "Uh... why do you have to make it into a question?"

"Huh? Because I want to hear your thoughts, duh. C'mon, not willing to debate with me anymore, detective?"

"No, because I agree, and there can't be a debate without antithesis." He answered quickly.

Akira laughed. "Oh, this brings back memories. There can't be a debate without antithesis... you had said this when we met at the TV studio! It's been a while since then, hasn't it?"

Morgana startled and gasped from inside Akira's bag.

Akira turned her attention to the bag. "... Morgana?"

But the supernatural kitty didn't respond.

The train reached the Shibuya station, and Akechi parted ways with Akira.

---

Akira took the train to Aoyama Itchome. It was only aboard the train that Morgana spoke up.

"I remember now... a memory came back to me...!"

Akira leaned into the bag. "Huh? Do you mean about your past?"

"No, about Akechi." Morgana whispered. "You mentioned that trip to the TV studio, and I remembered something. At some point, Akechi had made a comment about pancakes..."

X:X:X:X:X

"Are you going to have some cake now?" Akechi asked out of the blue, in that awkward way he used to try to spark conversation in hopes of fitting in. "I'm also hungry. I still haven't eaten anything today..."

"Cake?" Ann was as confused as everyone else at that out-of-nowhere question.

"Huh?" It was Akechi's turn to be confused. "Have I misheard? I thought I had heard someone mentioning something about a cake... or was it... pancakes?" He chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, never mind."

X:X:X:X:X

It registered in Akira's head. "Oh, now I remember it too."

"And it turns out he hadn't misheard. Actually, he had heard too much."

Akira didn't understand what Morgana was getting at. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"I don't know if you remember, but the thing is... I was the one who had mentioned pancakes. I had said something like, 'What's that place we passed that opened recently? It looks like delicious pancakes...'"

Akira gaped. "I really hadn't remembered that! You had indeed mentioned pancakes."

"Yes. Me and no one else. Can you get the implications?! This can only mean one thing. Akechi had understood what I said, and there's only one way he could've achieved that. He had to have seen me and heard me talking in the Metaverse previously. This means... Akechi is a Persona user! No, he had been, since that time... we kept planning to take him to the Metaverse, but he had already been going there, for who knows how long..."

"Uh, y-yeah." Akira stuttered, taken aback. How hadn't she remembered that pancakes comment before? If only she had, she might have figured out Akechi's identity as Crow sooner. She let out a chuckle. Like his slip today, that one had been rather funny, now that she thought about it. "What an epic slip he made with that pancakes comment, though..."

"Akira, this is important!" Morgana didn't see anything funny about it. In fact, he seemed to be getting scared. "He must know all our identities, too!"

"Probably," Akira said, not worried at all.

"This means his investigation about the Phantom Thieves is really advancing!" Morgana whispered frantically from inside the bag. He seemed so shocked at his new discovery that he failed to connect the dots.

The train arrived at its destination, and Akira unboarded it.

Morgana clawed at the bag from inside to grab Akira's attention. "If he's a Persona user and knows we also are, why didn't he talk to us about it? He must be planning something... if the people he works for really have ties to the evil organization, he may have told them our identities!"

"He wouldn't do that. While he had been misguided, maybe, but not now. I'm sure he hasn't told them, though. If he had, they'd surely have come after us, and could easily have gotten rid of us."

It was a good argument, but Morgana didn't seem willing to listen. "This is bad, really bad! Akira, you're taking this too lightly!"

"Morgana, c-calm down..." Akira patted the kitty's head, taken aback at his panic.

Morgana let out a frustrated grunt and looked away from Akira. He curled up inside the bag and remained quiet.

Akira hadn't expected Morgana would react that way. And she realized this might be the reaction Akechi had been dreading. She needed to talk it through before Morgana could begin distrusting Akechi.

She silently headed to Shujin. Once there, Akira checked the time on her phone. Still around 10 minutes until the start of classes. She headed to the rooftop to talk to Morgana properly.

"Why, Akechi, why?" Morgana murmured sadly, still curled up into a ball. "What is the meaning of this? What of all our interactions until now?"

"I believe all of them were genuine." Akira fully opened the bag and stroked Morgana's head comfortingly.

"Hmm?" Morgana slightly raised his head to look at Akira in the eye.

"Do you resent him, Morgana?" Akira's gaze was gentle but serious. The question was obvious, and didn't need an answer. "I think this is the reason why he didn't tell us. I think this was exactly what he didn't want to happen."

"Akira, this makes no sense. I know you want to find a reason to defend him, but-"

"No, it actually makes a lot of sense. Your pancakes memory explains everything! Now, it all adds up. You say he must've seen us in the Metaverse previously, right? That trip to the TV studio was right after we had changed Madarame's heart, meaning Akechi-kun must've seen us around the time we were in Madarame's Palace. And we already know who had been spying on us at that time..."

Morgana jumped to his paws and his head shot up in realization. "... Crow!"

"That's right! Oh, and another thing. Remember that time you ran away, then Crow saved both you and Haru at Okumura's Palace? That day, Akechi-kun showed up at Leblanc. He insisted and insisted and insisted we should look for you, as though he had known you might be in trouble. Then, it means he really knew!"

"He... did that? I had been so wary of Crow when he showed up... at that time I had thought no one cared about me, he, out of all people, was worrying about me?" Morgana's face lit up more at each sentence.

"And you know what happened today? I think he was having a nightmare or something. He woke up in the middle of the night, desperately calling my code name!"

"For real!?"

"Yeah. I tried to have him admit it and reveal his identity, but he kept feigning ignorance and acting like I was the one dreaming. Ah well, change of plans!"

"Akechi... it... it had been Akechi all along..." Morgana chuckled. "If only I had followed my intuition... there were a few times when a random thought would pop up in my head. The thought that Akechi might be a wild card, but it was so absurd that I ignored it... and when we asked Crow about Akechi, he only spat out harsh words..."

"He's too ashamed of what he did in the past," Akira said. "I think I can understand why he wouldn't want to tell us. You, Futaba and I are the people closest to him. Futaba views him as a brother. I think he's scared of revealing that he's the one who... you know..." Pain flashed in Akira's gaze for a second. "And I don't like how his situation turned out, because thanks to the wrong stuff he did, there's no telling what'll happen to him after the mastermind's change of heart, and... well..." If no one managed to save him, he would... leave them, for good.

Akira could tell Morgana was feeling sorry for their poor and broken detective friend... or maybe they should say, secret agent friend.

"Then, all that stuff on TV had been to stall and mislead the corrupt guys..." Morgana mumbled. "Not to betray us, but rather, to protect us."

"He's sacrificing all his fame and reputation for us." Akira emphasized.

Morgana sighed, then looked away from Akira, at nothing in particular. "Sorry, Akechi. I'm sorry for having doubted you for even a minute. You've been doing so much for us. You're like a guardian angel to the Phantom Thieves." Morgana chuckled in embarrassment. "Err, this was cheesy. Uh, whatever..."

"No, you're right. He may be a fallen angel, but is still an angel... with crow wings."

Morgana turned his attention back to Akira. "How should we tell the others about his identity? Should we corner him?"

"I don't think it's a good idea. If we try to corner him about it, he'll only get more scared and keep running away, like he did this morning when he didn't want to admit he had said my code name. I think the best thing to do is make sure he gets comfortable enough to reveal his identity himself. I'm trying to come up with a plan."

"Alright. Sounds good. But let's leave discussing the plan for later, or you'll be late for class!"

"Ah! It's almost time!" Akira hastily put the bag on her back. "Let's go!"

She hopped on her way to class with a smile on her face, glad she had prevented Akechi's bond with Morgana from breaking.

---

Akechi had taken his seat at the classroom when an unexplainable oppressive feeling took over his chest. It hurt, and he felt as though something inside him would break. It lasted for a few gruesome minutes, until it suddenly went away, equally unexplainably. A Tarot card invaded his vision, and the Magician Confidant ranked up out of nowhere, even though Morgana wasn't even there with him. Akechi honestly had no idea what was going on...

The teacher arrived, and Akechi was forced to set this event aside and focus on class.

---

A/n: the toy gun commercial thing was inspired by the Proof of Justice anime OVA.

Finally, the moment many had been waiting for (and asking me about). The pancakes! Akechi was so worried he had called Akira by her code name outside the Metaverse, when he had made that epic pancakes slip all those months ago!

Sojiro gave him one week to tell Akira the secret, but Akira already has other plans.

Sojiro, Sae, Akira, Morgana... the number of people who know Crow's identity is increasing. And next chapter, yet another person will find out!

Akechi's Confidant rank-ups in this chapter:

- Emperor 4

- Lovers 6

Empress 5

- Hierophant 7

- Magician 8