The Aeon, Rank 7: To Climb Back
The slightly dizzying sensation created by moving between a budding Palace and Mementos quickly passed as the cat bus reached its destination. The isolated, closed off area was just the same as any other where Shadows cultivated their individual wickedness, with a single differentiation: this time, there were two Shadows.
"There. It's the Shadows of Kana-chan's parents." Said Oracle, looking at the couple standing near-still further ahead.
"Why are there so many parents who try to exploit their children?" Asked a repulsed Queen, fists ready.
Akechi had to repress a dark chuckle. Oh, Nijima junior, how naïve and foolish you are.
"Don't overthink it. Let's worry more about helpin' their daughter." Asserted Skull.
"We have to change their hearts if we want to save Oracle's friend!" Agreed Panther, all fired up.
What a pity they were so focused on the little, insignificant things. Even as they were on a dangerous deadline with Sae-san's Palace, they still took a precious time being slaves of the whining masses unable to solve their own problems. Though, on this case in particular, Akechi found himself much more inclined to consider it worthwhile. Maybe that's why he asked Joker to be part of the frontlines. That, and he needed the Phantom Thieves to be as trusting of him as he trusted them to fall for his deception.
"Let us approach carefully. There is no telling what tricks two complementing Shadows may have in reserve." Advised Akechi.
"Your concern is duly noted, Crow."
Contrary to her words, Fujimaru's tone was cold and almost dismissive. Perched upon her enormous centaur-like Persona as if it was a steed, she dominated both the Shadows and the Phantom Thieves as if it was all beneath her, not even riding with them in the cat bus. An impression strongly reinforced by her attire. A princely attire, not unlike his own. A blue coat with gold decorations and embroideries above a pure white shirt adorned with a bow tie, white gloves, black pants, and a red-white band across the chest maintained by a metallic star, reminiscent of a military decoration. A white and gold mask covering the upper part of her face, eyes included, further removed her from the darker and yet more open masks of the rest of the team.
It was fascinating. That girl who pretended to be ordinary, who outwardly seemed to take no offense mingling with trashes and outcasts, was one whose representation of her rebellious spirit suggested something that couldn't be more removed from them. This wasn't the attire of a Phantom Thief, or any sort of secretive, underhanded representation. It was that of a ruler. A ruler of Personae and not men, maybe, yet what where Personae but the hearts of men? Unlike Joker who lied, cheated, and tricked the Shadows to obtain new masks, from what he has been told Fujimaru used her authority to make Shadows submit and become her servants. Not unlike a Palace Ruler, in a way.
Akechi focused on the two shitty parents, who had just finished babbling their puke-inducing inner thoughts and transformed into a Succubus and Incubus.
"Robin Hood!" Proclaimed Akechi, taking the initiative.
Arrows of light shot from his muscular Persona's bow and pierced both targets. Pathetic weaklings, Loki would have eviscerated each of them in a single stroke! The Succubus opened her mouth and sang, unnatural slumber trying to take a hold on him and failed. Which was not the case for all of them as the monster cat creature fell face first on the ground with a snore.
"Come on Mona, wake up!" Noir brought out an oversized fan and stroke the creature, awakening him immediately.
"Sorry Noir!" Apologized the cat.
"You're mine!" Cockily declared Joker as he summoned King Frost. Frozen statues of Jack Frost fell upon the Shadows, partly crushing them and knocking the Succubus down, her pitiful scream indicating a clear weakness to ice.
"Nice! Pass the baton and follow up!" Commented Oracle as Joker spun around and high-fived Noir.
"Milady!" The dress of the headless Persona opened to reveal a veritable arsenal…
"Left twice and up!" Commanded Fujimaru from the backline.
A triple hail of bullets was unleashed upon the two Shadows. The Incubus tried to dodge in the exact directions predicted and was shredded without mercy, putting him down as well.
"Your turn Mona!" Instead of taking the opportunity for an All-Out-Attack, the Okumura girl gave the monster cat the initiative.
"Alright! Witness my resolve!" Zorro manifested with pride and with a swing of rapier sent powerful tornadoes, the spell smashing the foes and fizzling their Shadows' forms.
Of course. She must have realized a combined beatdown carried a risk of damaging the Shadows too much, which could have led them to suffer death and a mental breakdown. And just as that deduction appeared in the detective's mind, both Shadows transformed back into their owner's appearance, begging for mercy and apologizing for their wrongdoings. Repugnant. Akechi would have just put a bullet through their unconscious brain here and there had he been alone. Not both, but at least one of them. The father, certainly, for no particular reasons at all.
"I supposed they were too weak for caution to be truly warranted." He concluded, watching the proto-Treasure being taken by Joker. "Nonetheless, it is interesting to see how you deal with targets outside of Palaces."
"It's not as excitin' for sure, but it always helps someone." Chimed in the blonde monkey.
"Don't worry, Sae-san's Palace is still our priority. We just can't let things like that happen without reacting." Said Panther.
"Still, I believe this is the sort of things the police should be able to handle. It is sad to see they are currently all too preoccupied with salvaging their reputation through foul means to focus on honest investigations." Lamented Akechi.
Not that this was any change to the usual working of the police. How many times had those idiots dismissed him because he was 'just a kid', and tried to shut down his investigations because someone else solving the crime put them in a bad light? Serves them right, all of them, to be nothing more than blunts instruments puppeteered by those who were able to show real results.
"Let's go back to the surface. Tomorrow we'll burst Sae's rigged games." Announced Joker.
"Fine by me." Agreed Nijima junior.
"I approve." Plussed the painting weirdo.
"What about you, Master?" Asked Skull with a deferential tone.
In any other occasion, he would have laughed out loud at the supreme irony of the supposed rebels addressing someone with that nickname. Queen could get pass, especially in conjunction with the Joker already being present leading to a natural playing card connection. But Master?
"You can leave Mementos. I will continue my investigation."
Yet somehow, it sounded appropriate for the person talking to them from high. She was able to wield multiple Persona, which meant she was like Joker and himself. Yet, following another trend, they each seemed to possess different specialties. Joker was able to incorporate Shadows into his mask, granting him the ability to call forth many potential forms. It was just like him: that infuriating, doggy persistence and adaptability he has shown since they met the first time, always finding a way to make a positive out of a bad situation.
Through Loki, Akechi was able to trigger a berserk state in Shadows and provoke temporary Mental Breakdowns in their owner, as well as completely switch his Metaverse self between Robin Hood and Loki as if they were two entirely separate persons, unlike Joker who always remained the same. These powers were unique to him, powers none of the Phantom Thieves could match! Not even Joker, for all his cleverness, could conceive he could be lying through what should be the entire and unchanging truth. Too bad for him, Akechi was the who decided the truth.
Lastly, Fujimaru. At first glance, she also possessed the ability to assimilate Personae, though with a different process. He would need to witness it by himself and not rely on the uncertain reports of the Phantom Thieves, as each of her Personae he had seen seemed to follow a specific… theme, one would say. Moreover, she seemed blessed with the ability to manifest many of them at once for devastating results, as well as maintaining them for absurdly long durations. Akechi had to admit he would tire himself far too quickly trying to keep Loki materialized at all times, while Fujimaru seemed unbothered keeping the Persona Alloces present from the beginning of the expedition up to now.
"If that does not bother, I would like to accompany you."
"Are you sure?" Asked Nijima junior, surprised.
"Bad idea. Don't go and get too exhausted trying to follow her." Warned Mona.
"Do not worry. Master, a word?" Smiled Akechi. God, he hated the very idea of addressing anyone as 'Master'. "If you would allow me to mount with you, it would solve the matter of mobility quite easily. What do you say?"
Despite her mask, he felt the distinct sensation of her stare drilling into him. What was she thinking? Suspecting a trap? Perhaps weighting the usefulness of his presence? Or maybe the idea of using her Persona to carry someone else was a blow to her pride? Her response would give away more information…
"Very well. You shall ride beside me." Grasping her mask by the edge, she took it off briefly and called in a clear voice. "Eligos."
Another figure materialized by her side, an Eligor who bowed down after appearing. A knight and his mount. Appropriate, for sure, as the knight part of the Persona would likely act semi-independently and protect him when the mount could not. However, Akechi could see several possible hidden meanings. She denied him riding with her on the same mount. A question of trust or pride? She refused him riding on the same mount, a lack of trust was a possibility. Forcing him on a smaller mount, on what was possibly, if size was an indicator, a weaker Persona, would on the other hand reinforce the hierarchal part of their relationship she had enforced during their first encounter. Furthermore, should he try anything, the knight would be in perfect position to neutralize the detective before he could do any harm. What a deliciously cold-blooded reasoning. Was she playing a role like he thought after their first encounter, or was it a part of herself she did not let out usually? He was starting to reconsider his conclusions.
"Alright, we're leaving you on your own. Let's meet tomorrow before the Palace." Said Joker before climbing back into the cat mobile. Upon his nod, the Phantom Thieves jumped into the vortex and disappeared, leaving Akechi alone with Fujimaru in the secluded space.
"My thanks." He said respectfully. "Though, I have never rode a horse before, only a bike."
"Your riding skills are irrelevant. I will direct the mount."
"As you wish." The detective sighed as the Eligor took him by the collar and placed him on the horse.
"Good. Now hold on."
Following her command, the Persona he was on neighed and jumped ahead. Passing through the exit of the proto-Palace was even more dizzying than in the car, but Akechi kept his composure until they came out and started to ride in the dark atmosphere of the labyrinthic network.
"Oh my. This is more comfortable than I expected."
It was much closer to riding a bike than being cramped in the small cat bus. Meeting the air of the tunnels as if it as wind, the direct and close view on the road, the horse's throbbing muscles replacing a motor's vibrations. It was, in fact, quite enjoyable. Akechi surprised himself thinking back to some childhood delusions of playing the valiant and righteous hero atop a mighty and immaculate steed under the sun. And here he was, an assassin riding upon a demonic horse in the dark tunnels of the metro. If irony could kill, he would be dead and buried. Well, just buried for now.
"We are approaching the next floor."
Despite the wind and the sound of hoofs on the ground, Akechi was surprised to hear the voice of Fujimaru clearly and distinctly coming from behind him. Did she just channel her voice through her Persona? Not that Personae were entirely without voices, Akechi would always remember the day Loki appeared and sealed their contract. But to speak through them was something he never thought of.
"If I may, what exactly is it you investigate in Mementos? Though I understand their position, the Phantom Thieves were not quite as forthcoming as I hoped." Akechi spoke clearly but not as loudly as he could, curious to see if Fujimaru could hear as well. Curiosity rewarded when she answered his inquiry.
"I have two objectives. The first is finding traces of the Black Mask." Good luck with that, snickered Akechi from the confines of his mind. "The second and most important is finding answers to Mementos itself."
"If I may object, looking for a murderer's whereabouts does seem more important."
"The Black Mask is but one man. Uncovering the truth of this Prison is a graver matter."
"Prison…?" Wondered Akechi aloud.
Did she know something he didn't about the Metaverse? By extension, did the Phantom Thieves as well? This could complicate things. His reflections were interrupted by the full sprint the Personae suddenly started as they moved in the metro descent leading to the next floor, ignoring the stairs the Phantom Thieves used. Gripping the demonic horse as strongly as he could, Akechi tried to measure their speed. A difficult task given the natural tendency of the brain to underestimate when inside a closed vehicle compared to a bike, or currently a horse. Nonetheless, the detective's estimations were enough to realize they were going much, much quicker than the fastest he has seen the cat bus reach. The darkness of the tunnel receded, and the new floor welcomed them… with a single, straight line, stretching as far as the eye could see, populated with Shadows surrounded by a red aura.
"What an unusual floor. And these Shadows appear stronger than usual." Remarked Akechi, a dark feeling sinking in his stomach.
Something was wrong in the air. A pressure he was not used to have on the edges of his mind, something making his hair stand as the Persona he was riding slowed down to almost a standstill.
"There are too many enemies here. I would suggest retreating for today." He added after gauging the enemies barely out of range.
They weren't just strong, their number was worrying. He doubted he would be able to handle them with Robin Hood. Maybe with Loki… no, not that many, and the path was simply too long. Megidolaon was powerful, but the path wasn't that narrow, it wouldn't destroy enough of them before he tired himself, and the Shadows would just re-appear and trap him.
"Too late. We must break through." Declared Fujimaru with a steeled tone. "Full speed, no looking back!"
"Wait-"
A guttural howl carried by the rattling of chains echoed behind them. Akechi's blood froze. The Reaper? As the Persona he was mounting rushed forward, he allowed himself a single look behind. The Shadow had almost appeared on them, only Fujimaru's quick thinking avoided them being ambushed.
"Robin Hood! Megidola!" Shouted Akechi as they crossed past the first Shadows and alerted the entire corridor.
The explosion happened right before the Shadows could entirely shed their masks, stunning and wounding them. The giant centaur-like Persona of Fujimaru trampled them for good measure as they moved forward, but many more foes finished to transform and were waiting or rushing them, taking the form of a floating alabaster woman on her knees with a large red hat and cape.
"Caim! Murmur! Phenex!" Commanded Fujimaru, taking her mask off.
Five Persona at once?! Akechi watched in disbelief as a crow wielding a sword, a cyan armored soldier with a crown ridding a large vulture and a fiery phoenix emerged from above before flying down on the Shadows. Banshee screams, fire breathes and cyclones clashed with ice storms and slashing waves created by their foes.
"Megidola eastward twice!"
"I'm already doing that!" Retorted Akechi before hissing as his Persona recoiled, hit by one of the stray slashes. "Robin Hood!"
Two more Megidola on the right places and the shockwave of the Alloces' stomp damaged several Shadows, but it still wasn't enough! Multiple ice shards thrown at him were broken by the Eligor's spear and he shot several times with his pistol while recuperating. Why were these dammed Shadows so strong? He had never fought anywhere as hard all these years!
"Gusion! Orobas! Zepar!"
And what the flying fuck is that by the way? Screamed Akechi inside as Fujimaru summoned even more Personae. A man horse, a lupine headed baboon and a red armored soldier appeared and flanked the Shadows launching Mabufudyne. The ones in the air increased their pressure and an opening appeared.
"Th-!" Before he could even finish the two Persona serving as mount already charged in.
A splashing sound signaled the appearance of more Shadows, barring their route. And the sound of chain was getting closer! If their momentum kept slowing down, they will get caught!
"Glasya-Labolas! Agares! Halphas!"
A massive dog with metallic griffin wings, an old man in blue riding a crocodile and a black stork in a musketeer outfit loomed from around Fujimaru and dived in the fray. At this point Akechi had stopped trying to memorize or even analyse the offensive and defensive abilities they displayed and entirely focused on survival. He needed to keep on with the Megidola, but Robin Hood wouldn't take much more hit! Even the massive ride of Fujimaru has endured several large wounds, it was a miracle she managed to even maintain it!
"Almost there! Rest Area ahead, the Reaper won't follow!"
He had no idea how she was able to tell but he didn't care, if that was true they just had to hold a bit mor- A bright explosion almost blinded him as he was about to look back, followed by a deathly howl. The damned Reaper just threw Megidolaon and almost got them! How was the bloody thing still on their track, was nothing slowing it down?
"Focus, Crow!"
"I'm on it!" Snapped Akechi, shooting the rest of his laser pistol's ammo. "Manifest!"
Robin Hood came and shot a massive arrow at a Shadow and pushed it back with the force of the Megaton Raid. God dammit, he was so tired!
"Alloces, Eligos, all on defense!" There was no mistake, Akechi could finally hear exhaustion in Fujimaru's voice. "One last push!"
A luminous barrier appeared before them as their mount charged right toward the last Shadows barring the way. The creatures raised their hands, readying their assaults… In an instant of clarity, Akechi realized the shield wasn't going to hold. There were too many attacks coming in. Time seemed to stretch as he considered his options in panic… before letting a cry of rage and frustration swell, sweeping everything away. He was not going to die like this!
"Slaughter them! LOKI!"
The blurry silhouette of his true self appeared, brandishing the brilliant sword before slamming it down brutally. Incandescent bolts of lightning like kinetic energy crashed down and exploded, knocking down some of the Shadows and destroying others. Right after that the rest unleashed their blizzard, the multiple Mabufudyne clashing with the barrier which cracked… and held! Pushing everything away with sheer mass and speed the Persona broke through. Akechi did NOT yelp when the Eligor took him by the collar and threw him on the platform at the same time Fujimaru slided down Alloces. The detective took her outstretched hand and got up with a snarl, both of them running in the dark stairs leading down and leaving the fading Personae and sounds of fighting behind.
With adrenaline and the euphoria of barely escaping death pushing them forward more than the energy left in their body and only their ragged breath breaking the silence, the pair marched on. In any other time, Akechi would have snapped the other person away. He didn't need anyone to support him, and he didn't want to carry a dead weight. Right now? He didn't give a shit Fujimaru helped him walk straight, and even less that he kept her up and standing. Light. A faint light at the end of the stairs. A Rest Area, just like she said. Tumbling the last few dozens of meters, the two collapsed on chairs, exhaustion catching up at last. Head on his joined hands and catching his breath, the detective slowly reorganized his thoughts, staring attentively at Fujimaru.
A part of himself was screaming that he should end it here and there. Put a bullet in her head, cut her to pieces and throw the body in the sewers. Another part whispered to him, that he should pry as much as he could of her in her weakened state. The secret of her strength, the depth of her abilities, steal and make his own the power she has shown. And Akechi did nothing. Nothing but stare dispassionately, letting silence seep in and around. He wasn't entirely sure why, just that he didn't want to. As if a third voice, faint and firm, spoke in the silence. That perhaps, this one bond did not need to break. And so, the assassin stayed his hand and watched, waiting in comfortable calm, in comfy distance, for the other to make the first move.
"…"
The orange haired girl turned her head toward him, her mask preventing him from seeing if her eyes opened or not. She took something from… he wasn't exactly sure where inside her coat. A small thermos she opened with a plop, a familiar smell filling the sitting box. Coffee. Leblanc coffee.
"Truce and truth?"
The full meaning of her words did not escape him as she presented him the thermos. She noticed, despite the confusion amidst the life and death situation. Perhaps she already deduced everything. Yet she offered peace or rather, the word was telling, truce. And despite his own bias, Akechi could only admit, despite the wound it dealt to his pride, that she was not doing so from a position of weakness. Two, five, eight… how many Personae has he seen her command, simultaneously? Even with Loki, even with his true strength, it wasn't a fight he was confidant to win. She must have thought of dealing with him right now, just as he fantasized. She didn't, just like him. For what reason… he wasn't sure. He was unable to predict what she thought or wanted. He could see nothing past her formal exterior, that cold attitude she had been showing him at every single interaction with the Phantom Thieves. Just like in their first meeting, until… well. Nothing lost, nothing gained.
"Deal."
Grabbing the bottle, Akechi drunk around half of the near-burning liquid, his body and spirit warming up. Returning it to Fujimaru, he watched her swallow the rest of the coffee before putting the thermos down, then reaching for her mask. Without hesitation, she took it off and revealed her amber eyes, her sharp and piercing stare that seemed to dig behind his facade without effort.
"Taking your mask off? Could have given me the wrong idea." Sneered Akechi, making a show of taking the hand off his gun.
"Please. Even if Loki isknown for not thinking things through, you're smarter than that." She shot back instantly with deadpan tone.
Now she was herself again, or rather, she was back to her usual self. That's really how it was, then. She would keep giving him the cold shoulder as long as he kept up the charade and not show his true self.
"Not a lot of ground to stand on yourself with all those Ars Goetia Personae. Now what does that says about you?"
"You're the detective, I'm all ears."
She was challenging him openly with a smugness that made him smirk. Oh, he was going to appreciate that moment.
"I think you have a completely different goal from those goody two shoes. You don't give a shit about their childish attempt at reforming society, you are just using them to gain a deeper access into Mementos. You didn't even spoke up when I asked them to disband after Sae's Palace during Shujin Festival. What's funny is you don't even have to pretend it; these idiots are just that clueless despite you refusing to risk your skin into Palaces."
She wasn't smiling anymore. He was right on the money; he just knew it.
"I bet you could wipe all those sad little weaklings out by yourself if they tried stopping you, but it's easier to use them, isn't it? Honestly, if they were to disappear, you wouldn't be impacted in the slightest. You'd just continue without those dead weights and find another solution, or perhaps another ally allowing you to progress deeper in Mementos. Maybe, you will do that yourself once you reach the depths of Mementos, if such a thing does exist, so you can keep what's there for yourself. Should I keep going?"
Oh, the payback for last time felt great, seeing the careless and unattainable Fujimaru on the backfoot, her façade cracking as he laid down all his observations and deductions.
"No need, it's my turn."
"Oh really? Let's hear it, then."
"You're the unknown Persona user that has been wandering the Metaverse for two years, using your powers to commit blackmails, psychosis, and assassinations. Even ignoring you certainly created the incidents you solved to catapult yourself to fame as the Second Detective Prince, your targets, including but not limited to politics, industrials and various civils, were either done under the order of a political conspiracy seeking to overturn the current government, or commissioned by third parties linked to that conspiracy to advance their own personal agendas. You killed Wakaba so your patron could steal her research, you killed principal Kobayakawa because he was going to rat the conspirators, and you killed Kunikazu Okumura both to destroy a future rival of your patron and to shut him up about commissioning you to destroy his market competition."
"That's some grave accusations. Anything else you'd like to share?"
"You have no idea." She retorted challengingly. "You are like Joker, someone with the ability to wield multiple Persona, two I know of; Robin Hood and Loki, with the later probably the source of your ability to create psychosis. You knew the identity of the Phantom Thieves a long time ago, and you don't care about them disbanding after Sae's Palace because you're going to use it as a trap and arrest them all. Once they're behind bars you will be lauded and respected more than Naoto Shirogane ever was while your patron will be free to keep using your services to secure victory in the upcoming election, and probably clean-up all the loose ends afterward. You'll have everything, and Joker, the only one who could rival you, will have his life ruined for good and unable to ever catch up to you anymore. That's the game you play. That's how you want to win."
Akechi couldn't help himself. He clapped. Slowly, deliberately, and to his own surprise, genuinely.
"Congratulation, Ritsuka Fujimaru." Akechi's smirk grew vicious. "Let's pull the curtain on what's left of the farce, shall we?"
Black and red flames emerged and devoured his white prince costume, darkening into something more familiar and comfortable. Blue and black strips all over the tissue, sharp finger gauntlets, a tattered dark cape. The red mask was last to be consumed, replaced by a black horned helmet with an elongated nose and chin pieces, open enough to reveal his predatory smile.
"Crow does fit you well."
"Flattery won't help you." Adjusting his gloves, Akechi crossed one leg above the other, conveniently hiding view of the gun at his side. "What a funny situation we are in, isn't it? Should I dispose of you down there…"
"If." Corrected Fujimaru as a matter of fact.
"Tch, fine. If." She was all too aware of her position of superiority. Better let her become overconfident. "I dispose of you down here, my cover will be blown for sure. There's no way the Phantom Thieves will believe I got away and not you." Maybe one of the bleeding-heart idiots would, but not Amamiya, and he was the only one who mattered.
"And should I do the same, your little conspiracy will come after me and the Phantom Thieves. You're too important for them to lose track of."
"You, killing me? Do you even know what it is to look someone in the eyes as life leaves them, as they process their last moments?" Akechi mockingly leaned on the seat, ready to taunt her further, but the sound died in his throat when he stared into her eyes, her dispassionate and cold eyes.
"He.. Hehe…" He couldn't contain it, he laughed, roared with laughter, holding his head in his hand. "Huahahahahaha! I can't believe it! You do know! You are a killer like me! Hahahahaha, what an absolute joke!"
Akechi barely managed to regain control of himself, to not choke on the hilariousness of that revelation. He stood up and walked to her, closing the distance and leaning down until his helmet almost touched her face, and he whispered madly.
"Tell me, how did it feel? What was it like to kill someone knowingly, deliberately? How was it to look into their eyes as life fled their body?"
She held his gaze for a moment, unblinking and silent, his impatience growing by the second until finally…
"It was exhilarating."
Fujimaru spat her answer as if it was a curse, eyes so harsh and voice brimming with such grudge and rancor that Akechi just knew she was remembering the exact moment it happened. Shivers descended the assassin's spine as he stepped back, an indescribable feeling coursing through his mind.
"You know… I think there is a solution that could work nicely for us both. We'll keep what we both learn under wrap, of course." Seeing her listening, Akechi developed carefully. "Let's say I'll satisfy myself with only Joker, inadvertently letting the rest of the Phantom Thieves escape. I'll make sure my, boss, leave them alone, seeing how pathetic and spineless they will be without their leader. I don't need the entire group behind bars after all, just Joker, and for the group to stop operating. Even if I wanted, I couldn't do more. The stakes on this operation are too high, and the police need a culprit to regain their sullied pride. When I told them they were preparing false proof for arrests, I was sincere."
"Noted." She sighed. "What else?"
"Once that business is taken care of, I'll introduce you to my associates. This will both take you out of their target list and have the nice benefit of assuring a nice future for you as well as your family. Even leaving our special abilities aside, I'm sure that bastard will be happy to have a bright and talented young at his side to compensate for all the incompetent old crooks."
"I take it you are the only reason they can do anything. Add to that you will help me get at the bottom of Mementos." She both complimented and threatened him in a single breath. "And what do you want out of this?"
"I need your help accessing a Palace." Something that irked him to no end, but desperate time called for desperate measure. "Don't worry, it belongs to one of the conspiracy member. Their lead researcher in cognitive psience, in fact. And I need him out of the picture yesterday."
"And what, exactly, should convince me to help you in yet another murder?"
"I can't tell you yet. Not until you accept." Denied Akechi. "But don't worry, he deserves it. This is all I want from you. To help send a piece of shit to the grave it belongs. No double cross, no tricks. Believe me, this one will be justice."
Fujimaru rubbed the back of her left hand, evidently in deep thoughts. She didn't immediately reject his offer, though with what Akechi learned, he now understood the girl in front of him was lot greyer than he thought. She was unexpectedly closer to him than he would have suspected, in more ways than one.
"I want you to tell me something. And answer me honestly. I understood you believed in retributive, punitive justice, but justice all the same." She stood up and walked to him, determined and unafraid. "Once all is said and done, will the ones responsible for of all these crimes pay?"
Akechi didn't expect that question, no, he didn't expect for that question or for it to be so layered. She was suspecting, not knowing, or else she would have bluntly told him, yet Fujimaru proved once again to understand him more than anyone he has known in the past.
"Everyone will suffer the full consequences of their actions. That, I will personally make sure of." Promised Akechi, tacitly confirming the unsaid.
This seemed to be the tipping point. Fujimaru extended her hand, in a strikingly similar fashion to the end of their last encounter, a somber and solemn expression on her face.
"Deal."
"Good." Akechi returned a malicious smirk and shook the hand. "I expect this will be a great partnership, my dear accomplice."
Time seemed to stop. This time Akechi managed to capture the moment, to grasp what was happening. Something was changing within him. For a terrible instant he went from surprise to rage, to bewilderment, until… a voice. A voice he never heard before, and yet he recognized clear as day. The silent voice that has plagued him since that day, it was… Time resumed, and their hand separated. Akechi grinned, grinned like a madman. That was it. That was why. He understood now.
"Let's get out of this garbage dump."
"Can't approve enough. And this time, you come with me. I'm too tired to give you your own ride." Taunted Fujimaru in return as she put her mask back, the two taking the stairs back up…
Leblanc's attic was crowded, as usual when the Phantom Thieves were together. Though the atmosphere has not been great in the last meetings, in no small part due to the circumstances and the presence of Akechi, when they were together things didn't look so dire. They felt as if they had a chance to turn things around. And yet, none of them had imagined that things could be this bad. Staring at the phone at the center of the table from which Fujimaru was calling, the entire group was left stunned by the revelations they received.
"Dammit! How dare that guy be ramblin' about justice!" Ryuji exploded, hitting the table with both fists. "He was the criminal all along! He's an effin' murderer!"
"He really did it… He really killed mom so someone could steal her research…" Half whispered, half growled Futaba.
"We all suspected he was linked to the Black Mask, but… this is beyond anything I could have imagined." Said Makoto with bewilderment.
"That's not all. If he told Fujimaru-san the truth, there is a sizeable political force hiding behind the scene, far beyond what we estimated." Pointed out Yusuke. "It is imperative we avoid any suspicion until our own plan comes to fruition."
"Dude, how can you stay calm? I'm not sure I'll be goin' to the Palace tomorrow, because I'll kick his effin' teeth in if I see him! I'm really goin' to-!"
"I share your anger, but we cannot afford to let ourselves slip!" The artist's palpable fury shook Ryuji, who closed his mouth. "I never thought to find another injustice in the world reaching the same wrath and disgust I feel for Madarame, and yet I will control myself. Do not come to the Palace if you must, but we have to adhere to our plan if we want to see justice be done."
"… Akechi…" Growled the blonde before sitting down.
"I still cannot believe he admitted everything. I mean, you saved his life and him yours, but still…" Muttered Haru to the phone.
"Honestly if he didn't slip with that second Persona, I would have had next to nothing to stand on. I'm glad already he fell for the false Persona suits the Pillars projected." Fujimaru said through the phone. "Though I'll be clear on that front: you guys have zero to slim chances to beat him. I barely got a look at Loki but I can tell he's a lot stronger than Robin Hood."
"So a direct confrontation would not be to our advantage either…" Acknowledged Morgana. "We will really need our plan to work perfectly."
"Also, one last thing. Don't jump to conclusions to fast, alright? I made a deal with Akechi. Alsoblondiesaysforreal."
"For real?" Exclaimed Ryuji in disbelief before registering. "Not funny, Ritsuka…"
"What sort of deal?" Asked Ren, listening attentively.
"Sorry, couldn't resist. Anyway, open your ears wide. Basically, Akechi will only go after you, Amamiya-kun, and let the rest of you escape. He also promised to not go after any members of the team afterward, be it himself or the police."
"This will considerably facilitate what we are preparing…" Noted Makoto.
"He sincerely believes you'll be too scared to do anything, that should help you get under his nose. The big problem, on the other hand, is that he'll be keeping a serious eye on me. Count me out for the daring escape plan."
"No plan B? This whole thing is going on Joker Must Die difficulty…" Complained Futaba.
"That aside, in return for not interfering he will introduce me to the conspiracy. Just in case the spying app isn't enough, I may be able to get the info."
"That's not a bad idea, but still, are you sure it'll be okay? I can't imagine going undercover like that…" Shivered Ann.
"That's because your acting sucks…" States Ryuji.
"Moving on. The real meat of the matter comes now. He wants me to help him take down a Palace. More specifically, the Palace of the conspiracy's head researcher in cognitive psience."
"That doesn't make sense. Why would he want you to go after his own allies?" Pointed out Makoto.
"This is looking suspiciously like a trap. Are you certain he is not aiming to betray you?" Added Yusuke.
"I don't think so, he is really motivated about bringing that guy down. Call it a gut feeling if you want, though I'll shamelessly admit I consulted the Pillars about it. As for why, I'm sure he'll tell himself."
"This is an opportunity." Understood Ren.
"I see. Since he will be occupied with another Palace, he will not be able to focus on us at the same time. And you will be able to keep an eye on him as well. This is very dangerous… do you think it will be okay?" Asked Haru.
"Haru my dear cinnamon roll with an axe, don't worry about me. You have enough on your own plate as it is." Despite the light tone, it was clear Ritsuka was concerned. "Do you even sleep enough? Those company meetings must go on and on and on…"
"Oh, I'm fine, thank you. I'm managing." The unprepared heiress tried to smile, visibly forgetting her interlocutor was only in a vocal call.
"Alright, if you say so. Hey Ann, Makoto, give her a hug or two on occasion. You too Morgana, purr therapy is all the rage these days."
"Eh?"
"I'll make a waiting list. Such schedule must be prepared carefully." Said Ren with utter seriousness.
"Oh yeah, you as well Amamiya-kun. I'm sure she won't mind."
"Eh?" Repeated Haru with rosy cheeks, completely unprepared as the rest of the group devolved into giggles.
"Hehehe… Thanks. I think we needed that." Said Ann with a smile.
"You're welcome. But seriously, guys… be careful. You must succeed, no matter what."
"Got it. Don't worry, I'm not letting that guy get away." Reaffirmed Futaba with a grim determination.
"Good… one last thing." Ritsuka's voice changed. More careful. "There is… another reason I think Akechi thinks he can trust me. Something he figured out, and I think is only fair you should know, before it can come out the wrong way."
Ren was all ears, his brain frantically trying to guess what could possibly connect Akechi and Ritsuka. Their family life couldn't be more different, while they both had a drive to excel their relation to that success were wildly apart, they both had a lot to hide…
"Come on. Can't be all that bad, right?" Said Ryuji hesitantly.
"I have killed someone before."
That bomb instantly dropped the room's temperature near absolute zero.
"K-killed? I mean, kill kill, not just, you know…" Stuttered Morgana.
"That bastard had murdered my best friend moments ago. Many other had been hurt because of him. My love pushed himself to suicide, just to give me a chance to stop him."
They were all shocked. Not just by what was described, but the tone, the voice, the raw hatred dripping from the phone speaker, it gave Ren shivers.
"And you know the worst of it? After the deed was done, all I wanted was to vomit. To cry. I was exhausted, empty, disgusted. I think I would have preferred him to live, in the end. To live so he could suffer and atone for everything he did, for everything lost because of his actions. Yet at the very moment I did it, when I smashed his heart to pieces… all I felt was joy. And it felt even more miserable realizing that. I'm jealous of you, sometimes. That you can have justice without having to resort to that extreme."
"… I get it. When we cornered Kamoshida's Shadow in his Palace… I wanted nothing more than to end him at first." Confided Ann.
"We can all understand the temptation. I can't imagine what I would have done if I had my father's murderers before me at the time." Admitted Makoto.
"You are nothing like Akechi. Please, don't compare yourself to him again." Requested Haru.
"We aren't going to think less of you." Concluded Ren, getting a round of approval from the rest.
"You guys will become saints one day, at that rhythm." Her voice came back, soothed and grateful. "So please… keep it up. Don't become like me or Akechi. You have the chance to have another option. Even if it's tempting… don't waste it."
Confidant: Ritsuka Fujimaru
Arcana: Aeon
Rank: 7
New ability: Observing the Boundary
Chance to negate one enemy's resistances (Resist/Null/Abosrb/Repel) at the start of each turn.
"I hear Mom is coming. See you later."
The call ended. Looking at each other grimly, but motivated, the Phantom Thieves once again returned to the preparations they needed to return the trap laid for them against their adversaries. With the knowledge that once again, they had no choice but to succeed…