middaeg | ( closed ) they never saw it comiiiiing~

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( closed ) they never saw it comiiiiing~

Who: Kurusu Akira and Goro Akechi
When: 5/10
Where: Outside the city.
What: Taking on the Wilders recruitment test!
Warnings: None at the moment.

[ Akira isn't quite sure how he ended up in this situation.

Well, correction—he knows how. There was a flyer posted up in a shop window, announcing recruitment for the Wilders, and he figured... why not? For over half a year, his life has been a colorful mingling of mundane intertwined with danger and combat. There's plenty to learn and investigate inside of the city, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't miss the feeling of the more exhilarating portions of his life back home, too. Or that could just be that he's been feeling a little more froggy than usual since he arrived here. Hard to say.

The real question is why, that when he meets up with the Wilder overseeing the test, Goro Akechi is also present as his apparent partner for the mission.

It's true that they've formed a tentative sort of agreement: one to share whatever information they find out during their time in the city. Something mutually beneficial that also allows Akira to keep an eye on Akechi while trying to determine if his motivations have truly changed. Still, he wasn't exactly aiming to get into a potential combat situation alongside him when he's been stripped of most of his powers.

But Akira's used to rolling with it when his luck goes south. He only offers a quip about fate before Akechi can get one in, and they're off to the Wilde.

Thankfully, their goal today turns out to be negotiation. The briefing they receive at the destination makes it sound simple enough, but the sobs nearby don't seem like those of someone who really wants to talk. ]

How do you want to do this?

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[Well, fuck. At least Akira leaves it to him. On the other hand, he doesn't really have a satisfactory answer, either. They can only protect the merrow so much but they're both rather powerless here at the moment. Maybe if it was another time, he'd have some confidence in their ability to pull off a promise like that but it isn't.

So, a mix of truth and lies. Right. He should be good at this.]

I don't know how much we can do without them. We don't think you're wrong to feel the way you do about them, though. [He hesitates. Breathes in.] At the same time, we're no one special here. They by far have more resources to help. But—! [He's quick when he notices the sparks starting up again. At least the merrow likes them enough to keep listening.] —we'll stay with you. I realise how little it is but...

[Akechi tilts his head. What would work on him? He closes his eyes and breathes out a laugh.]

We're coming along with you, so feel free to attack us if you really feel like we're not pulling our weight. As you saw before, we won't fight back. But we're going to do our best.

[ Funny, Akira wouldn't have expected to rely on Akechi this much during this mission, but his silver tongue has proven invaluable. He can't help but think that if he were at this alone, or even with someone less persuasive, he'd be halfway drowned by now.

The confirmation that they're intending to return to the Coven sets the merrow on edge again, black claws flexing. Akira's got his own reasons for not believing everything the Coven has told them, but the merrow's distrust is something he'd like to dig into, as much as he knows that he can't right now. Not without risking the tentative, fragile thread of trust they've started to build, and not with the Wilder just out of view but probably still within earshot, gauging their performance.

Despite the tension that seems to build, the merrow is willing to hear Akechi out. Even so, they seems torn by the decision placed in front of them, caught between fear of the transformation edging over their body and fear of what the Coven may do to them. ]

... You have to keep fighting to survive, even if you're scared. [ Staying here in the Wilde is tantamount to giving up, and they all know it. ] But you don't have to do it alone. We'll go together.

[ There's a prolonged moment where Akira thinks he's about to be treated to another water jet, but it lags, and the merrow lowers their arms. ]

[Glancing at Akira, he can't help but feel something odd at the words, a strange tight pressure in his chest. The words have the same feeling as the ones he and the other Phantom Thieves offered him, the ones he turned away in the end. He looks back at the merrow: injured, past the point of no return, weak, afraid and distrustful—the same state, really. It might as well be a mirror. The merrow will let them protect it, let them try at least. But at the time, he couldn't let them. If something had happened to them, if they all failed their mission and were hurt or worse because he was a burden, too worthless to add any value, too stupid to fix his own problems—

Akechi lowers his head for a moment, running a hand through his hair, trying to shake the thoughts from his head. He breathes in, deep and slow. This isn't the time for that. He needs to focus. Akira is relying on his assistance. He swallows, waits a moment, and exhales. Then he raises his head and smiles.]

Thank you. I think you would have regretted it, if you let yourself fade away now.

[The merrow scoffs. "It wouldn't have been fading..." but despite grumbling that, it doesn't seem like it will fight now. Maybe it's just tired. Fighting the disease and its own madness must be exhausting. Understandable.]

We do have to go get assistance to escort you, but we're going with you as well.

[Then he looks at Akira and nods. He supposes they've made more work for themselves with promising to go along but at the same time, it could be viewed as a success, he thinks.]

[ The motion catches in the corner of his eye, overt in the taut air of the conversation, where every movement could be a moment's warning of danger. But Akechi only seems to be taking a moment to collect himself. An unfamiliar sight, to say the least, and yet another observation that Akira has to shelve for now in favor of the task at hand. ]

Thanks for hearing us out. [ The chill that's still residing under his skin was a small price to pay for this outcome.

He notes Akechi's nod. Right—it's probably best is the merrow doesn't realize this was a planned test. ]

Can you give us a few minutes to go get help? We'll be back soon.

[ They doesn't seem to keen on the idea of being left alone (ironically, considering how hard they had to try to convince them to come along), but concede with a nod, and he motions for Akechi to follow him towards the direction they approached from earlier. ]

Edited (i misread >:U) 2019-05-13 06:15 (UTC)

[Though he can't blame the merrow, he feels his head clearing once it is out of sight. Akechi gives the rundown to the Wilder waiting for the return, though it really isn't necessary when their guide heard and probably saw the whole thing, but he does want to add something.]

Please take a several extra minutes to gather your escorts. It would make this look too planned and lose the trust we've built with the merrow. If this part goes well, we can see about asking again how it became infected before you all "arrive".

[Technically, the test doesn't end until they've secured the merrow, so he doesn't want them to lose now at the finish-line. They might yet find out the cause of this. The Wilder agrees to the plan, though they won't leave them alone it seems but gives them space to discuss their final move.

Akechi sighs, brushing some of his hair over his shoulder. It's still damp.]

How should we ask? There must be an angle we haven't thought of yet.

[ Now that they're out of sight, he allows his shoulders to relax, sinking into his usual slouch as he slips from being poised to dodge. They're not quite out of the woods yet, that much is true, but it does feel like an accomplishment so far.

This honestly would've been simpler had they been asked to fight something.

Akira is trying to wring some of the water from the side of his shirt when Akechi's question gets him glancing up, thoughtful. ]

... We could say that we don't want the same thing to happen to anyone else. [ The water that drips down his fingers leaves frost seeping beneath his skin; he shivers slightly. ] It wouldn't be a lie.

[Akechi wants to wring out his clothes but considering he got completely soaked, he feels like he has to wait until later.] True. Do you think it might be protecting someone?

[If so, it might still be difficult to get the information but they can try at least. Thinking of problems ahead of time means they know how to respond.]

I'm not sure why else it might not what to talk about it.

[ He shakes the droplets from his hands, and—somewhat counterintuitively—wipes them dry against his thighs. Well, it's better than before, at least. ]

Maybe... [ It seems like a logical enough conclusion. There's always the possibility that it's just a bad memory they don't want to recall, but Akechi's suggestion seems more likely.

His now dry fingers come up to worry at a lock of hair as he considers that train of thought. ]

But if they're protecting someone, they might be infected, too. [ Akira knows that wouldn't technically be their problem, considering it wasn't a component of the test, but... it kind of does feel that way to him. ]

[Even if Akira doesn't voice the thought, it does become the natural line of thought. It isn't their problem and making it one might get them hurt. But at the same time, he knows how Akira feels about helping people.]

Remember that we do have to be careful. We aren't... exactly in the best shape at the moment.

[Physically, they're fine. Akechi knows if he grabbed a sword, he could fight. But he has always mixed his Personas into his fighting, always, and not having them feels like he has lost a limb. Considering they are part of his soul, the metaphor isn't even that far off.

And the magic he has been left with can't come close to replacing it in usefulness yet.]

I know.

[ It comes a little quick, like Akira isn't too pleased with that fact himself. Probably not with the fact that Akechi is serving as the voice of reason right now, either.

He can feel it, too: the acute absence of something that should be there, a power that Akira could sense even outside of the Metaverse, residing deep within him. Though not as much as his missing confidants, it smarts.

His mind drifts back to earlier, the brief moment that Akechi let something underneath peek through. There's a moment of pause before he speaks. ]

... Are you feeling okay?

Ah...

[Of course Akira noticed that. He has always been more observant than he lets on and now, he has even more reason to pay attention to him.

Akechi hesitates and decides now is a good time to at least dry his hair so his ears and face don't feel freezing. There would be no other reason why he has to start ruffling his own hair now and making it more difficult to read his expressions.]

My apologies. I became lost in thought before. It shouldn't happen again. I was— [Ah. No that would say too much. But he can't really think of a good way to end it otherwise, so it's a little awkward as he continues.] It just reminded me of something but yes I'm fine.

[ He's coming to expect this—that every time Akechi comes seemingly close to revealing something a little too personal, he jerks back from that point.

Akira wonders if Akechi wasn't more forthcoming with his thoughts before he supposedly saved his life. ]

Alright. [ It's really not the time or place to press him about it, and he trusts that Akechi can stay focused on the task at hand. But he still can't resist reflecting his previous statement back towards him, a gleam in his eye. ] Remember, we have to be careful.

[While that might be fair overall, he can't help huffing out a short breath.]

I know. I won't do anything reckless. I want the mission to succeed and I don't have my sword right now anyway.

[Though he does have his gun but he didn't think to mention that.]

Good, we're on the same page.

[ At least this he knows to be honest. Akira manages to suppress any amusement he feels at Akechi's vague annoyance, glancing off towards where he knows the merrow to be, out of sight. ]

How much longer should we wait?

I'm not sure. [He frowns and sighs.] Too long risks the merrow having second thoughts or entertaining doubts. Too soon and it begins to make us look like we planned this all along. I admit it would probably be easier to deal with the former than the latter but in either case, I think we can handle it...

[Despite his annoyance a moment ago, he makes a thoughtful sound as he glances at Akira.]

You're a rather good negotiator, though. I suppose if we run into difficulties, we can handle it.

[ The compliment is acknowledged with a small shrug of his shoulder. ] You did most of the work back there. [ Credit where credit is due. ]

And I'm more worried about the former. [ If the merrow suspects them of lying and becomes hostile again, they can always subdue them. Not a course of action Akira wants to resort to, but it's most important to get them help.

Second thoughts, on the other hand... ]

If they change their mind, they might try to run. [ And if they run off while the two of them aren't looking, finding the merrow out here isn't going to be an easy task, nor a safe one. ]

[He can't help a soft laugh. Opposites even in their worries, huh? But it isn't a bad point. It covers the gaps they might not otherwise see. Likewise, Akira might think Akechi did the most work but he feels Akira's aid had been invaluable—promising to go with the merrow and protect it were things his own heart wouldn't have come up with so easily, not the way Akira's simple but firm one did.

Those are things he can appreciate now, even if he wonders what it will take to catch up to Akira at this rate. In his eyes, more gaps remain on his own side than Akira's. But he can't worry about that right now.]

Hmm... [After a moment of thinking, he tilts his head.] I think... perhaps we should go now and you can try reassuring it again. I don't think you realise the power your promises have. It's sort of innate to you, I'm afraid. It should be enough to reaffirm our dedication.

[ Well, it's at least good to know that despite how he feels about everything that's happened the past ten days, it at least looks like he knows what he's doing. Enough to apparently inspire confidence in his claims, anyway. ]

Let's go, then.

[ And when they make the brief trek back to the merrow, he's relieved to find them still there, waiting anxiously—and indeed looking a little confused at how quickly they've made their return. ]

We found a scouting Wilder not too far from here. [ A smooth lie, one he doesn't necessary want to have to lean on but necessary for a positive outcome, much like many of the ones he told back home to protect the Phantom Thieves' identities. ] They'll be here soon.

[It strikes him as a little amusing that Akira's style of lying matches his own—he also prefers not to give away too much or keep it more to half-truths than outright lies. The closer to the truth, in fact, the better, though their reasons for that are probably vastly different. Well, isn't that how it tends to be with them?

Breathing in, he smiles and tries to be soothing, which isn't actually very hard with his boyish voice.]

Before they arrive... I want to ask you a question we already asked. [Perhaps sensing what it is or simply recalling, the sparks start again but Akechi is quick to raise his hands.] Please. We won't force you. But it could be helpful. We still don't really... understand all of this. But we'd like to. We'd like to help you and anyone else with this illness.

[After a moment, the merrow huffs. "Don't really see how it will help but...," they sigh. After a long moment, the merrow begins to explain. About their travels with their bonded witches and the trouble they found. Akechi frowns slightly as he listens but he doesn't interpret with his thoughts or do more than indicate he is still listening. As the merrow finishes, they shakes their head. "So. That's how that happened."

Akechi doesn't know what to think. Was the merrow abandoned on purpose? He doesn't know enough about this whole Bond thing to say what it all means. There could be more generous interpretations of the events that exist beyond the unkind one that the merrow has taken as truth.

But Akechi knows people and if this is indeed the truth, it wouldn't surprise him. People are cruel. They abandon others in a heartbeat. They use and turn against each other. Even if those particular witches didn't, what about the other witches who left this merrow to rot? Abandoned?

Although he tries to keep his voice calm, some of the anger seeps in. Perhaps he relates a little too well to their story. Perhaps he can too easily imagine those feelings.]

I am sorry you were betrayed by such sickening people. If the witches don't help you now... Well, we're going to make sure they do.

[It comes out before he can really think through the words. Well, his mood has been unstable since arrival for a reason.]

[ Doubling back on the subject before the Wilders arrive is a good call, one that pays off.

Akira listens just as quietly, trying to make sense of the situation with the little context he has regarding this culture. It seems the merrow isn't trying to protect anyone after all. If anything, it sounds like they were too distressed about the situation to talk about it before. Perhaps the small glimmer of hope they've managed to instill was what pushed them into opening up.

In the end, Akechi beats him to a comment—and that may be a good thing. The certainty behind his words is absolute. Akira really doesn't think it came from a place of trying to appease, and the merrow seems to feel the same, judging by the hesitant but sincere thanks they give in response. ]

There are a lot of bad people out there in the world— [ It's a bit of a generalization, but Akira has seen the terrible things people are capable of inflicting on others for their own sake. ] —but there are just as many good ones. You might even find some of them before you get better.

[ It'll probably be a while before they're able to warm up to Witches again, understandably, but Akira can hope.

Their timing is excellent. He's barely finished speaking when the Wilder finally returns, ready to lead them back to the city. ]

[Good timing, because judging from Akechi's expression, he wouldn't have been able to hold back from commenting on that idealistic notion. Even if one argued his life had been unlucky, he had known so many, many bad people and not a single good one until, well, recently. The thought has him glancing at Akira before shrugging. They promised to accompany the merrow and so he doesn't see any point in dwelling here.

Though they can't really chat much on the way. It makes sense but he feels a little bad, too. The merrow seems more resigned than anything and he understands that feeling, so he does the only thing he really knows how to do: talk about useless things. He tries telling the merrow about home but only things like the trains or the Shibuya Scramble, things that aren't very important but might at least keep the merrow's mind occupied. It seems to work well enough. It doesn't exactly improve the merrow's mood but they nod or prompt him to talk more.

He doesn't exactly mind when they reach the Coven but he frowns, too.]

[ And that's probably a good thing, because the merrow doesn't need to see dissent between them now, not when they're this close to getting them back to safety. Akira reads the skepticism on Akechi's face and simply gazes back, unflinching, as if to express the strength of his own belief.

The walk back is uneventful. Akira goes back and forth between listening to Akechi's descriptions and supplying brief details of his own, to observing the slums as they progress closer to the city, filing away more details from the sad state of the shacks at the outermost edge of the area to the wary and frightened reactions of those who see the partially transformed merrow passing through.

It takes a while to get all the way back to the Coven, and their companion seems to grow especially uneasy as they come up on the building. Akira wishes he could offer something more substantial, maybe a touch on their shoulder, but they've already been firmly reminded of the contagious nature of the sickness. He has to settle for a reassuring smile as they're led inside and received by the Witches in charge of treatment efforts. ]

We can't stick around past here... [ Which the merrow realizes as well, their opinion of being left with the Witches plain on their face. ] But I'll come visit soon. So do your best.

[ It's a decision he makes on the spot. As far as the mission goes, there's really no need to, but Akira knows he'll be left wondering how the merrow is faring. They might also recover better having something positive to look forward to. ]

[Probably for the best they don't argue now. They could debate worldviews for hours and possibly even have, given that Akechi wouldn't have totally erased his more cynical views during the time together. But it's mostly avoided in safe topics. Akechi takes his own mental notes as they go but for the most part, does his job of trying to keep the merrow's spirits up.

A job he will gladly pass along to Akira now. That really is not his forte in the slightest. He did well enough for today but he doubts his ability to continue it. Left to his own devices, he'd probably just worsen their mood with his own thoughts. So he smiles.]

Don't worry. He might seem quiet but he's an excellent conversationalist and debate partner. I'm sure he'll be wonderful company.

[Even if he can't do much himself, in his opinion, he reaffirms that to let them know they're in good hands in at least one thing. The merrow still isn't happy but Akechi and Akira kept this promise and have been, as far as they know, honest with them. So in the end they give a nod and mutter to come back soon. The witches have to take it away to get the disease contained properly with their sincere thanks but it does feel like a somewhat bittersweet ending to a mission.

It could have gone worse, for sure, but he doesn't know how it could have gone better. Not in these circumstances.]

[ Akechi's vote of confidence is a small consolation. Goodbyes are quickly exchanged and the merrow is led from view, leaving Akira with the same sort of bittersweet feeling. They've achieved the goals laid out for their test and seen their new acquaintance to what he can only hope will be a place where they can recover, but the merrow's story and another taste of what the Cwyld does to its victims are hard to swallow.

The Wilder who accompanied them on their mission is ready for a fast debrief, but before that, Akira catches one of the Witches, wanting to inquire about the treatment. Like most of those at the Coven, she seems more than happy to share the information, describing the extensive, tiring process they plan to undertake. It's a small comfort, knowing what they intend to do—and that he's indeed permitted to visit in the future.

A little while later, once they've finished speaking with the Wilder and officially turned loose from their test outside the doors of the Coven, Akira speaks up. ]

Good work today. [ Not unlike wrapping up a trip to the Metaverse, maybe. ]

[For the most part, Akechi keeps to simple questions during the debrief, just to confirm that they passed and will have future opportunities to work with the group. It seems like it will be a good job for intel gathering and also allow for more freedom than most jobs, while possibly playing to their more dubious strengths.

With that done, Akechi lingers, unsure exactly what to do now. It really is strange being here with no goals to drive his schedule. It's been years since he lived like this and even before then, he was at the cruel whims of caregivers with no actual say in things. This should probably feel more freeing than it does but instead he feels lost.

Akechi glances at Akira when he pulls him from his thoughts. The familiar words bring a smile and an easy but sincere reply.]

It goes for you as well, not that I would expect anything less of you, of course.

[ Akira presses out an amused breath at the response, a familiar sort of flattery from the time that they worked together during the casino infiltration. Honestly, the entire thing has reminds him of that period—and not necessarily in a bad way. He's well aware that it was all part of the scheme, that Akechi was purposely playing along with the team with an ulterior motive. Still, it doesn't change the fact that having him along often felt... perhaps not right, knowing what he knew, but he was an asset to the team and there were moments in the midst of battle or during particularly funny exchanges where he could almost forget that it was all part of a bigger plan.

Which is exactly why he can't let himself slip too far into the feeling that lingers once their mission is done. ]

Thanks. [ Akira pauses, fingers coming up to brush at his hair. ] I'll let you know how they are later on, if you want.

[ He can't be sure that Akechi cares that much, but some of the anger he expressed on its behalf seemed genuine, so maybe. ]

[It would be hard to miss that or perhaps Akechi has just been far too in-tune with the emotions of people around him for too long—at least when it comes to the less positive ones. Even if it makes sense and he would even encourage it if it came down to that, something tight still squeezes between his lungs, that ever-present awareness of rejection and walls when he hides behind his own.

But he smiles, the easiest thing in the world for him, as he gives a light laugh. Those irrational feelings bother him yet he won't dwell on them. Better to just ignore them and busy himself like usual.]

Yes, of course. I might not be able to help them the way you will from here on out but please keep me informed. I do hope for... positive news no matter what. [He taps his chin.] Ah, and I'm going to keep looking into these matters, so I'll let you know if any interesting information comes out of it. Do the same for me, too.

Sure. I'll keep you updated on both fronts.

[ That's the type of correspondence they've committed to before, after all. There's a tiny part of him that wants to seek the company of the only other person from his world, right alongside the one that wants to believe everything Akechi told him back at the bonfire, but it's impossible to overlook the things he knows to be fact.

Akira drops the hand to slip it into his pocket (the side that isn't still vaguely damp; who would've guessed that magical water would take even longer to dry than usual), regarding Akechi with a tip of his head.

At least the old pretenses of collaborating on that mission made parting ways after infiltrations feel more natural than this right now. ]

I'll see you around, then.

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( closed ) they never saw it comiiiiing~

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