call me out: garbage boy edition

[raygunner]

get in the fucking confessional akechi

(obligatory spoiler warning: there are a Lot)

Comments

POKEMON: VICTORY ROAD OR AU

[raygunner]

[ Akechi usually hangs out in big cities. Often, he can be found in the Trendiest Spots--particularly coffee shops, or high-end restaurants. Where does he get all the money? By battling, of course. Akechi's got a pretty well-rounded team, so he can definitely afford to throw around money.

He also goes cycling often, so maybe you see him around on his shiny red bicycle. Akechi's also made it his goal to investigate Team Rocket and their evil deeds. A little hypocritical, isn't it, considering he tends to take Pokemon from openly abusive trainers... but that's good, isn't it? He's helping them by giving them a better home.

Aside from that, he's a very pleasant boy who's prone to striking up conversation with a stranger... though sometimes, he trails off into thought, so there might be some lulls in the conversation. ]

Au

[le_mat]

[trendy coffee you say? Well there's a young in training barista that works at the one he pokes into the most. A fellow trainer too.

... one that seems to have different pokemon around every time akechi sees him. Strange... ]

The usual?

[raygunner]

[ That's certainly odd, but it's not his place to pry. Besides, he's just here for the coffee. Give him the coff, Kurusu-kun. ]

Of course. You do make it best, after all.

[le_mat]

No, Sojiro-san does. But I guess I manage.

[smirrrrk... While he goes to get things brewing.

While he's working his Umbreon, one of the few constants, comes sniffing around]

[raygunner]

You're more than a worthy apprentice, in any case.

[ Akechi gives him the smallest smile before he looks down. Ah... it's the Umbreon. Kneeling down, he pulls a puff from his bag and holds it out. ]

Your Umbreon is exceedingly well-trained, by the way. I'm impressed.

MURDERGAME

[raygunner]

Name: Goro Akechi | Champion Charismatic Detective
Age: 17 | Height: 5'10" | Weight: 141lbs
Species: Human | Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
Occupation: Detective, Phantom Thief
Likes: Winning, being wanted, solving cases, cycling
Dislikes: Being unwanted, Masayoshi Shido, losing, spicy food
Traits: Mysterious, thoughtful

Regains: Silver briefcase, tan peacoat, toy raygun, laser sword, Crow's Mask, Princely Attire

[ Goro Akechi spends most of his time around other people. They like him here, and why wouldn't he? He's likeable, a thoughtful boy who's always there to lend a hand and an ear. He often makes tea for those in need and makes sure things are in order. Akechi is attentive to those he becomes attached to, maybe just a tiny bit too much...

During trials, he's sharp, though his deductions are often punctuated by long silences.

And as the weeks stretch on, he seems to be less put together... He's more agitated, prone to speaking sharply. But he's still as observant as ever. Still, it's obvious that something is very wrong with Goro Akechi, and should anyone confront him, he'll not take that well. ]

late game motive reveal?

[emotionalrecall]

[Mao Ninagawa is someone who is also attracted to the company of other people. It's not that much of a surprise considering she's the Champion Actress that she'd be sociable. Actors need fans to be popular, to be a brand. That never changes even as the weeks pass though, like him, things are taking a turn for the more sharp when the weeks drag on. That's probably normal due to the stress but after the last motive?

Things take a change. Something about unlocking the true power of the Champions to use as they saw fit.]

This is so inane. It's as if they don't think that if they do us a favor we won't turn on them.

[raygunner]

[ They make quite the pair, don't they? The Champion Actress and the Champion Charismatic Detective, who hasn't really shown his true face to anyone...

Anyone who's still alive, anyway. Akechi is more than content to leave it that way. Idly, he fiddles with the buttons of his jacket and tries not to look unaffected. It's so, so tempting. So tempting. If he had access to Loki, he could kill everyone and be done with it.

It would be so easy. Child's play, really. ]

Hmm. [ He brings his left hand up to his chin. ] I doubt that hasn't crossed their mind. They're not that foolish.

[emotionalrecall]

[Only three people had ever truly looked at Mao's real heart and none of them were here. The only proof of that fight was the ring on her finger. The mark of how the Reflector's were using her power, even if she wasn't with them in person. She shouldn't have access to that sort of power in the 'real' world but...

It would be easy to flatten the building with her power. It would be so easy to escape.]

Honestly, I wouldn't be so sure. If they were careful they wouldn't have given it back.

[raygunner]

Perhaps.

[ He makes a thoughtful noise. Really, he's far too calm. He's always been far too calm, among those who are still with them. Akechi chalks it up to his experience as a detective; he's seen so many horrible things, after all. ]

Consider the possibility of a contingency plan, however. Should you go against them, it's likely they may force your powers to backfire.

[jaillbaiting]

[It's trial time! Time to cast votes on whomever it was as the murderer for this particular week!

No signs point to Akechi. Not a single one. Every bit of evidence, regardless of everything else, says it's someone entirely unrelated. Therefore...]

Champion Charismatic Detective.

[He has done this every single fucking trial. Every. Single. One. From the first one to now. And he's done it with the same shit-eating grin every time.]

[raygunner]

[ ......

Sighs. ]

You know, the novelty of your inaccurate accusations wore off after the third time, Kurusu-kun.

[jaillbaiting]

[Funnily enough, despite the fact he has done this every time, he hasn't actually told anyone why he accuses Akechi. Not directly, at least; most of the time he just shrugs. He's probably making himself out to look like a bad guy, but... totally worth it.

If he ends up a victim, he can go out with an 'I told you so' on his tombstone.]

A stuck clock is still right twice a day.

[raygunner]

Hm. For once today, you're right. Unfortunately, we both know the evidence points at someone else, and not me.

[ He brings his left hand up to his chin. ]

I wonder why it is that you're so determined to convict me...? [ That's bullshit, they both know it. ] At first I thought it was some bizarre flirtation, but now, I'm not so sure.

MMMMMMMMMMMMM

[rainorshine]

[Liking or disliking-- putting it that way is complicated. It's true she absolutely can't forgive him and has made a habit of keeping a close eye on him here. However, she has no intention of sabotaging his relationships with others unnecessarily. Rather... she'd like to have answers. For that reason she'd rather he didn't die until there was some kind of closure. It's selfish but it's the truth.

...that doesn't make it any less awkward when they run into each other. Given a little time she could probably adjust but now--]

Oh! Ah-- Akechi-kun...

[...That sure is a drawn out awkward silence.]

this is already bad

[raygunner]

Ah, Okumura-san. Good morning.

[ Ever the polite tone. See, Haru? He's behaving himself. He hasn't killed anyone. He's been perfectly pleasant, a shoulder to cry in. And so, so detached from everything that's happening here. Because Akechi doesn't want to get attached to anyone here, least of all Haru Okumura.

He has a cup of coffee in his hand, and he's smiling. ]

I assume you've come in for breakfast? There's quite a spread in there.

[cellkey]

Fuck.

Akira was a goddamn idiot. Granted, he had every right to be violently distracted by what had just occurred. After all, he found Akechi... fucking alive, down in Mementos, and... wearing his goddamn uniform, of all things?!

He doesn't even know why he bothered to exchange any words with him. It's obvious that he's been confused by some Shadow down here, because the nonsense that had come out of his mouth was absolutely asinine. Though it did beg the question of why he was down here, alone... and where the hell he managed to get those clothes.

It didn't matter.

He was about to turn his gun on Akechi— "I don't know how you survived the first time, but you won't get so lucky a second time" when he hears a soft jangle of chains behind him.

Heh, the Reaper... usually isn't this sneaky.

And it's backed them into a corner, too. Of course it has. Akira would just run and let Akechi fend for himself otherwise, but no, things can never be easy for him, can they? He can never just fucking gets what he wants, and now he's staring death in the face. Like hell... not after all that hard work, it wasn't going to come to an end here!

Is what he'd like to say, but the Reaper apparently has other plans. Plans like putting a hole through his torso with One-shot Kill.

Which is exactly what it does.

A stunned, pained choke comes out of him, Arsene fading away. His hands come and grip at his side, where he feels a warm stickiness— of course the armor he had on was no match for the Reaper... and he falls to his knees, gritting his teeth and glaring at the Reaper through watering eyes as it lifts a gun at him once more.

"...fuck you... fuck... this whole damned world..."

Don't worry, Akechi, your time's coming soon.

[raygunner]

What the fuck?

Apparently, it hadn't been enough for the goddamned world to play a years-long trick on him. Apparently, it's not done screwing him over. Akechi had thought--foolishly--that things would be fine and locked in after he'd put a bullet in Kurusu's head. But then Shido had called him, told him to--

Goddamnit. God. Damnit. Akechi's pissed--all his hard work, all the time he'd spent inserting himself into the Thieves' little group, it had all been for nothing. Absolutely fucking nothing. He'd gone into the Metaverse with the intention of ending the whole thing, but then he'd ended up, somehow, in Mementos. And he'd faced down Kurusu, who'd been acting downright wrong.

Kurusu sounds like him. Through the haze of rage, he recognizes that. And it pisses him off so much more.

Akechi draws his own pistol and points it at the Reaper. It's laughable, really, that he thinks he can face down this thing himself. But right now?

"Like hell I'm letting you finish him off!" Akechi snarls at the Reaper, breathing heavy and hard. Behind him, Robin Hood materializes.

Goro Akechi is ready for battle.

great googly moogly everything's gone to shit

[arraignments]

He'd been dodging the Reaper for the better part of the last thirty minutes; maybe that's where all his luck has been sent into for the day, because he definitely hasn't felt lucky in a lot of other areas. First, he lost his friends; that's the part that has him most concerned. Then, well... as mentioned before, he's had the fucking Reaper managing to keep up with him...

...Better him than the others, of course, but why the hell does he have to appear at all while they're separated!?

Tch. Well. In any case, he's surprised when things suddenly go a bit quieter -- he can hear the Reaper, but he's moving further... and further... away? Maybe if he knew it was just him in here, that would be a relief -- still odd, but... a relief. He'd be rushing for the exit (that said Reaper has been so kindly blocking). But! As the lack of luck in this area, tonight, would have it? There's a damn high chance this persistent bastard has zeroed in on some other intended victim. Goddamn it... He'd like nothing more than to just be able to take this thing out himself, honestly.

But, there's no time for dwelling on what can't be immediately changed.

He's moving as quickly as he can, as quietly as he can; he should be careful not to draw its attention just yet, in case a sneak attack could benefit him once he sees what the fuck it's trying to do. He just hopes he didn't notice it drawing further away too late -- or stall too long, for that matter. Which... it would seem so?? His eyes widen when he sees... Kurusu of all people. Shit... If he reveals he's alive, that could be ba-... d...?

That's-...

... Okay...

Well, it's not okay, per se, but it's also not enough to have him suddenly deciding he shouldn't step into action. Hell, if anything, the sooner he gets them out of this mess, the sooner he can maybe figure out why there are suddenly two of him?? With that, he's launching into action. During his time running around, he'd switched to Girimehkala -- it's the only one he has right now that stands the biggest chance against this thing. But... He's switching out to Narcissus. With the Reaper's attention still focused on the pair:

"Mediarama!" There... feel better, you two?

Ah-... Well, apparently the Reaper has issues with being sneaked up on. It's quickly turning on him -- Goro's flashing a smirk right at its ugly face, already in the process of switching back to Girimehkala. Here's to hoping it just tries for a lot of physical and gun? Not as though he doesn't have some growing experience with being shot at, now. This time it can at least be at the real him, and everything!

Anyway, he's tossing out an order: "You two retreat! I'll keep him distracted for now."

He doesn't plan on sticking around and actually fighting the thing -- ah, it looks like he has a bit more luck on his side, too! The gun attack is repelled right back at the Reaper, earning another smirk from this guy. It'd be wise not to push his luck, so if those two could kindly get the hell out of here, he'll be taking his own leave as soon as fucking possible.

[cellkey]

...what... the fuck?

He must be losing blood at an incredibly rapid pace, because he actually hears Akechi's voice come from two different directions. Granted, tunnels... things are bound to echo in here, but no— he's distinctly sure, in fact, that the source of his voice is both at his right side... and in front of him, several feet away.

The Mediarama's not enough to heal the gunshot wound, but it temporarily alleviates the pain, at least. He looks up, and... yes, that's Akechi. Wearing his stupid princely outfit.

He looks over to his right, and yes, that's Akechi, wearing his clothes.

What the fuck.

He has no idea what's going on but he already hates it? He hates it because has no idea what's going on but he also just hates it, period. He's sick of Akechi as it is, and now there's fucking two of them?!

He manages to stagger to a stand, still clutching at his side, and while he still doesn't have the fucking slightest what's going on... He'll obey that order for now. If only because he can't die here. If only so he can shoot Akechi in the back of his fucking head...

Shoot them both in the back of the head, actually. How generous of the world to let him kill his second-most hated person not once but twice.

He won't do it yet, though, because then the Reaper will turn his ire back on him, and he needs to survive, at least a little bit longer... Also, this fucking gunshot wound stings like hell and the Mediarama did practically nothing for it. Even with the bit of pain relief that the spell did provide, there's no way he'll be able to run like he usually does... which means... damnit, he'll have to go straight for the exit, won't he? He can't risk lingering around here.

Fuck this...!

i'm very sorry

[raygunner]

... There's a lot going on here. Even Akechi can tell that, even though his ears are ringing and he's holding his gun so tight his hand aches. He doesn't feel much of anything except for a searing rage at seeing himself, apparently, healing the goddamn enemy. Wielding a persona that isn't Loki or Robin Hood. Wielding two that aren't the aforementioned.

What the actual fuck.

Akechi considers shooting both of them. Apparently Kurusu can see the impostor, so it's likely that it isn't some fucked-up hallucination. And it's ordering him around, and that much is like pouring gasoline on a raging goddamn bonfire.

"I don't take orders from fakes!" Akechi replies, practically shrieks. He's pissed, pissed that Kurusu is showing his moronic face and spouting bullshit that's not lining up with his character. Akira Kurusu has never been angry at the world, that's what had separated them, right? Akira Kurusu had maintained charm and bravery and kindness, to an infuriating point.

Akechi keeps his gun pointed at Akira, and he pulls the trigger. But then again, his hand is shaking so badly that it's not impossible for him to miss. How's your luck, Akira?

for cellkey

[raygunner]

So.

He's dead.

He can't say he didn't see it coming, but there it is. He's a little pissed at himself for how it happened. He won't be able to see the look on Shido's face when he pulls the trigger. Won't be able to see his long fall. Won't be able to do much of anything now.

... That also pisses him off. But right now, honestly, Akechi's too tired to truly feel much of anything except disappointment. Now that he thinks about it, he's been tired for a very, very long time.

Even now, though, can't he get some goddamn rest? He's on some fucking train, and all he wants is just to--

... He doesn't know what he wants. Akechi picks at the seat he's sitting on, and when he hears footsteps, he looks up. And he bristles.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

[cellkey]

Akira's also dead, and good riddance to bad trash.

Honestly, he was beyond done with living anyway. Sure, there had been disappointment that he wouldn't get to bring down Shido himself, but mostly... what had flooded him at the end as the cold overtook him wasn't fear or rage, but relief.

...heh, though, a funny sort of feeling welled in him while he heard the cries of the others as life slowly left him. What stupid, naive, sentimental idiots... wasting their breath over him. He never deserved to be a part of their stupid team in the first place.

Apparently he's on a train now, though? It... seems to be empty, however, and outside the windows is just... darkness. He can't even see if there's a starry sky, or the ligths of a city, or... anything, really. The darkness somehow doesn't seem like the darkness of a night, but maybe more like... the darkness of a long underground tunnel that hadn't been lit.

He'd been here for awhile, actually. Not... too long, probably an hour? If time had any meaning here. In that time, he'd laid on the chairs and just quietly took in the fact that he was— he was dead, right? What a strange afterlife this is, though, if it is one. Was he simply— going to be alone here... forever?

Not like loneliness is new to him.

He does eventually decide to see if he can find... anything, though. Anyone. Anything that's not just an empty car of a train going who knows where. He goes through a few cars and they're all... identical, and empty. It's a little unnerving, actually...

Eventually, though? He does come to one that's occupied... with the last person he would expect, actually. Wearing— the same clothes he is...?

He doesn't answer at first. He just regards this Akechi, looking at him with angry eyes and an angry expression, wearing that outfit, spitting heated words at him... It's almost like looking in a fucking mirror, except his mirror had mr. protagonist's face on it.

... he has to admit, he wears that outfit much better than he does.

"I'm dead, obviously," he responds coolly, hands in his pockets. He'll see what this strange Akechi has to say before he jumps to any conclusions, but he's already getting the feeling that this isn't the one that he's familiar with in particular.

[raygunner]

He could hiss insults, snarl biting words, but the only thing he does is curl his hand tight, tight, into a fist on his thigh. His nails dig into his palm, and he draws in a shaky breath. Lets out a laugh, one that isn't entirely sane. God, this whole fucking thing is just one huge joke, isn't it?

Akira Kurusu, speaking without any warmth. Akira Kurusu, wearing the same goddamn outfit.

Akira Kurusu, dead.

"That makes two of us, Kurusu-kun." Ah, there's that fire. It crawls up his throat, demands to be released, and Akechi does just that. "What, did my dying not satisfy you enough? Did you have to go and follow me? All of that bullshit for nothing."

He's so angry, it rattles his bones when he speaks. Akechi draws in another sharp, scathing breath. It's clear now that he'd been completely insane to entrust taking care of Shido to this... idiot. Complete idiot.

[cellkey]

Does it...

Akira watches him, expression unchanging as he makes such an uncharacteristic laugh and then spews the honorific of his name with such virulence. It doesn't remotely seem like the leader he knows... not that he knew him that well, all things considered.

It could be. It just didn't seem likely.

"Funny, pretty sure you were still alive after my cognitive self shot me." His tone is so... aloof, because why bother getting angry over this? Unlike this Akechi, who still seemed to harbor a raging fire within him... Akira's was mostly extinguished.

He finally decides to take a seat in the chair on the other side, letting out a small breath.

"Thought the leader of the Phantom Thieves was made of tougher stuff than that."