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Please leave a message here if you'd rather not have Akechi (Bad End) involved with your characters. All comments are screened, and anon is enabled.
Sticky: AU Info
Goro Akechi is from a Persona 5 Royal AU. This is what's known about the AU's basic groundwork so far. It is in the process of being developed, and things may or may not be subject to change:
SPOILERS FOR PERSONA 5 ROYAL'S THIRD SEMESTER!!!
-------
-It takes place post-Persona 5 Royal, during the timeframe when Persona 5 Strikers would have originally happened. As a result, Strikers and Tactica are not canon to this version of Goro Akechi (At least not at this point in time).
-Ren and the Phantom Thieves failed to complete Maruki's Palace in time for 2/3. As a result, Ren was put into an eternal sleep, and the world has forgotten about him.
-Now this would normally leave questions, so Maruki placed the newly actualized Akechi into Ren's slot in everyone's memories. Everyone believes that Akechi was the leader of the Phantom Thieves, that he led them to stop Shido, etc.
-Akechi himself also believes this, and has an entirely different background now thanks to Maruki's tampering. His mother is alive. He became a detective thanks to a childhood love of detective media. He was raised as a happy, loved child with no signs of misery to be seen. Everything is happy, or so he believes. His personality as a result is starkly different. Much more friendly, supportive, heroic, and something of an all-loving hero... though there are still flashes of his old, more cynical personality and memories that emerge at times. He also remains focused and curious, focused on solving mysteries and stomping out injustice.
-Memories in this world are kind of odd, particularly Akechi's. There are many, many holes, particularly surrounding the Phantom Thieves and their targets true crimes, but due to the fact that Maruki has easy ability to manipulate their thoughts and memories, it never causes any problems when people actually hit these mental snags. Akechi has the worst of it since he's central to so many alterations, including his own past.
-None of the Phantom Thieves have access to their Personas anymore. They don't question it, either, since they are convinced they already finished everything they needed to do, and now they can just rely on things being OK from now on. The world is great and fine and everyone's happy so nothing's wrong. Everything's fine. :)
-Akechi started noticing something was missing around graduation day, when he was trying to take the picture of the rest of the Phantom Thieves. He could sense someone was missing, but before he could really tell who it was, Maruki appeared and offered to take the picture for him. Ever since this moment, he started feeling strangely uneasy at random, increasing intervals.
-Akechi began to frequent Leblanc, feeling a strange draw there. At first it was just a couple random visits, but then he started visiting every single day he could, trying to figure out why. Why he was feeling uneasy, why there was the sense there was something missing, why he couldn't let go of whatever this was.
-Suddenly, one day, Lavenza appears in butterfly form to him, and this leads to him finding and remembering Ren in Leblanc's attic.
-He takes it upon himself to wake Ren up, and figure out the mystery of why he's stuck in this condition. This leads him down the path of realizing that the world has been altered, and that he needs to try to remind the rest of the Phantom Thieves of the truth.
-He does this, and this eventually leads to them eventually realizing that Ren is suffering from a cognitive distortion caused by Maruki.
-Now it's up to them to try to get him back and truly stop Maruki this time!
-------
I don't have much else established yet, but Akechi is meant to go through this whole arc about his identity and past being a lie, being horrified by his original self, and eventually having his Persona regress into a Shadow because of his own inability to accept himself.
He eventually does accept himself and gets a new Metaverse form, but almost all of my roleplaying with this version of Akechi is going to be either unaware of his past or he's in denial. I can use him after he remembers everything though, and that's the version of him I'll use in the event of any romantic scenarios.
He also gets haunted by dreams and flashes of his past, and most of his memories are locked away, unlike his friends'.
He is also a Wild Card, but his level is low thanks to Maruki's influence.
SPOILERS FOR PERSONA 5 ROYAL'S THIRD SEMESTER!!!
-------
-It takes place post-Persona 5 Royal, during the timeframe when Persona 5 Strikers would have originally happened. As a result, Strikers and Tactica are not canon to this version of Goro Akechi (At least not at this point in time).
-Ren and the Phantom Thieves failed to complete Maruki's Palace in time for 2/3. As a result, Ren was put into an eternal sleep, and the world has forgotten about him.
-Now this would normally leave questions, so Maruki placed the newly actualized Akechi into Ren's slot in everyone's memories. Everyone believes that Akechi was the leader of the Phantom Thieves, that he led them to stop Shido, etc.
-Akechi himself also believes this, and has an entirely different background now thanks to Maruki's tampering. His mother is alive. He became a detective thanks to a childhood love of detective media. He was raised as a happy, loved child with no signs of misery to be seen. Everything is happy, or so he believes. His personality as a result is starkly different. Much more friendly, supportive, heroic, and something of an all-loving hero... though there are still flashes of his old, more cynical personality and memories that emerge at times. He also remains focused and curious, focused on solving mysteries and stomping out injustice.
-Memories in this world are kind of odd, particularly Akechi's. There are many, many holes, particularly surrounding the Phantom Thieves and their targets true crimes, but due to the fact that Maruki has easy ability to manipulate their thoughts and memories, it never causes any problems when people actually hit these mental snags. Akechi has the worst of it since he's central to so many alterations, including his own past.
-None of the Phantom Thieves have access to their Personas anymore. They don't question it, either, since they are convinced they already finished everything they needed to do, and now they can just rely on things being OK from now on. The world is great and fine and everyone's happy so nothing's wrong. Everything's fine. :)
-Akechi started noticing something was missing around graduation day, when he was trying to take the picture of the rest of the Phantom Thieves. He could sense someone was missing, but before he could really tell who it was, Maruki appeared and offered to take the picture for him. Ever since this moment, he started feeling strangely uneasy at random, increasing intervals.
-Akechi began to frequent Leblanc, feeling a strange draw there. At first it was just a couple random visits, but then he started visiting every single day he could, trying to figure out why. Why he was feeling uneasy, why there was the sense there was something missing, why he couldn't let go of whatever this was.
-Suddenly, one day, Lavenza appears in butterfly form to him, and this leads to him finding and remembering Ren in Leblanc's attic.
-He takes it upon himself to wake Ren up, and figure out the mystery of why he's stuck in this condition. This leads him down the path of realizing that the world has been altered, and that he needs to try to remind the rest of the Phantom Thieves of the truth.
-He does this, and this eventually leads to them eventually realizing that Ren is suffering from a cognitive distortion caused by Maruki.
-Now it's up to them to try to get him back and truly stop Maruki this time!
-------
I don't have much else established yet, but Akechi is meant to go through this whole arc about his identity and past being a lie, being horrified by his original self, and eventually having his Persona regress into a Shadow because of his own inability to accept himself.
He eventually does accept himself and gets a new Metaverse form, but almost all of my roleplaying with this version of Akechi is going to be either unaware of his past or he's in denial. I can use him after he remembers everything though, and that's the version of him I'll use in the event of any romantic scenarios.
He also gets haunted by dreams and flashes of his past, and most of his memories are locked away, unlike his friends'.
He is also a Wild Card, but his level is low thanks to Maruki's influence.
Entry tags:
(OOC?) Dove Memory Tapes
MEMORY TAPE: "Wavering" (For Kira)
The atmosphere of Jazz Jin is unforgettable, the lighting, the singer on the stage, the bubbly drinks. It’s just as perfect as usual, and yet, the atmosphere surrounding two of the customers is as dour as could be.
Ren and Akechi, a frequent duo, find themselves sitting in practical silence as Akechi’s favorite song floats about in the background. It should be a nice night, or at least, the usual between them. A night full of philosophy and a bit of banter, and yet… neither of them have found words to speak.
“...”
Akechi stirs his glass slightly, shifting his eyes to look at the singer. You’d think he’d at least somewhat enjoy the music, but judging by the look on his face, the hollow look in his eye… none of it seems to matter in the slightest to him at the moment.
Ren, too, seems to be looking off to the side, rubbing the back of his head. He’s unable to look Akechi in the eye, despite how hard he tries.
“At least they’ve got a singer here tonight, right?”
“...So it seems.”
As Akechi says that, he can’t help but glance quickly at his phone under the table, a habit he’s found himself falling into more and more as the days pass. Today? January 26th. So close to the deadline…
He raises his eyes back up to meet Ren’s, quietly stuffing away his phone as he tries to find the words he wants to say. There’s so many things he could– should say. And yet… the closer they get to the deadline, the more often he finds himself thinking…
-...Does it even matter? It’s too late.-
But soon enough he finds something to say, looking directly at Ren, not quite mustering the intensity he desires.
“You’re planning to continue our infiltration efforts tomorrow, aren’t you?”
Ren’s eyes finally snap towards him, looking at him with an almost anxious look as Akechi continues looking back at him with that tired, almost disappointed expression of his own.
“Yeah, of course. Why?”
Ren answers as if there’s nothing wrong. As if their– Akechi’s fate isn’t on the line. Not that Ren should know about that, of course. Akechi has been keeping his lips sealed, in hopes Ren won’t falter. And yet…
“...We have a single week left. You should know better than anyone that we don’t have the time to waste here.”
And yet, Akechi finds that his anger evaporated a long time ago, replaced by an utter lack of energy. He looks to Ren, hoping for a spark, a reminder, drive, something to remind him of what he’s fighting for.
He feels ashamed, having succumbed this much to the reality around him. He wants to live. He wants to have that chance, that life free of sin. He does. He was so stalwart in the beginning. So why…? Why does he waver now?
As Akechi loses himself in his inner monologue, Ren grows pensive.
“Hey, are you…”
Akechi cuts him short, standing from his seat in a sharp movement.
“Tomorrow, Ren.”
Without even giving Ren a chance to respond, he leaves Jazz Jin, stepping into the cold, snowy night. He grits his teeth, his hands ball into fists, and walks away as he tucks said hands into his pockets.
--
--
--
--
--
MEMORY TAPE: "Resolve" (For Maruki)
This tape begins.
February 2nd, 2017.
Akechi’s head is lowered, his eyes obscured. The words in the background have all blurred together, none of them retaining any meaning as he finds himself lost in thought.
It’s over. It’s all over.
He failed.
In the end he couldn’t keep his resolve, and stand in the face of losing all he is. He’ll become just a marionette, dancing to Maruki’s song without a care in the world. It horrifies him, how far he’s fallen.
All of the talking has faded, his surroundings have become almost meaningless as the weight of it all crashes down on him.
What’s he supposed to do? Just… sit and take it…?
Sit and…
…
No, no… He can’t. He can’t do this. He needs to do something, he can’t just say he did nothing! All of the heat he had lost over the course of this last month, all of the intensity he thought had vanished rekindles in his chest just enough for him to shove through the attic, and down the stairs.
He almost thinks he hears someone calling for him, but… he can’t stay. He can’t sit around whining and moping and mourning and—
So he ends up in the snow, the cold, and with all the fire he has left, he marches down the path, down the way to the station in Yongen-Jaya. It all feels that much more silent and freezing in the dark of the night, and strangely not a single soul seems to stir as he continues on, trying to board the next train to Odaiba.
Not a single one is scheduled. Of course not. Maruki has other plans, it seems.
As Akechi silently curses to himself, he leaves the station and continues on his own, walking through the snow and ice, refusing to quit.
He needs to send a message, he needs to say ‘I fought, and I fought, and I—’
But… it grows darker, and darker. And it grows colder and colder. The world begins to wobble and twist around him, and he knows what it means.
“No… I…”
He tries to keep moving, but soon enough he just can’t. It’s growing harder and harder to fight it, and he falls to his knees. All of that energy, that drive… It leaves him, leaving his core just as cold as freezing snow.
There is no time, there is no strength. He… he can't keep going further.
He's alone, in the silence.
There’s no time left as his thoughts are drawn to the Phantom Thieves, to Sumire, to Ren.
Ren… In Maruki's world, will he…?
…It all goes dark…
…
…
…Someone calls to him, and his eyes snap open. He’s at Leblanc, apparently attending a party alongside the rest of his friends. He feels as though he’s woken up from a long dream…
Akechi smiles warmly as he feels the comforting and familiar surroundings, but as he does he can't help but pause as he does a mental headcount.
…
…Is… someone missing…? He was thinking of someone in particular just now, wasn’t he? Or maybe that was just a dream…?
Before he can linger on that question long, his attention is severed by one of them, and he’s assured there’s no one missing… and his growing worry is replaced by thoughts of celebration at the drop of a hat.
Surely he wasn’t thinking of anything important… right? If it was, well… he wouldn't have forgotten.
The atmosphere of Jazz Jin is unforgettable, the lighting, the singer on the stage, the bubbly drinks. It’s just as perfect as usual, and yet, the atmosphere surrounding two of the customers is as dour as could be.
Ren and Akechi, a frequent duo, find themselves sitting in practical silence as Akechi’s favorite song floats about in the background. It should be a nice night, or at least, the usual between them. A night full of philosophy and a bit of banter, and yet… neither of them have found words to speak.
“...”
Akechi stirs his glass slightly, shifting his eyes to look at the singer. You’d think he’d at least somewhat enjoy the music, but judging by the look on his face, the hollow look in his eye… none of it seems to matter in the slightest to him at the moment.
Ren, too, seems to be looking off to the side, rubbing the back of his head. He’s unable to look Akechi in the eye, despite how hard he tries.
“At least they’ve got a singer here tonight, right?”
“...So it seems.”
As Akechi says that, he can’t help but glance quickly at his phone under the table, a habit he’s found himself falling into more and more as the days pass. Today? January 26th. So close to the deadline…
He raises his eyes back up to meet Ren’s, quietly stuffing away his phone as he tries to find the words he wants to say. There’s so many things he could– should say. And yet… the closer they get to the deadline, the more often he finds himself thinking…
-...Does it even matter? It’s too late.-
But soon enough he finds something to say, looking directly at Ren, not quite mustering the intensity he desires.
“You’re planning to continue our infiltration efforts tomorrow, aren’t you?”
Ren’s eyes finally snap towards him, looking at him with an almost anxious look as Akechi continues looking back at him with that tired, almost disappointed expression of his own.
“Yeah, of course. Why?”
Ren answers as if there’s nothing wrong. As if their– Akechi’s fate isn’t on the line. Not that Ren should know about that, of course. Akechi has been keeping his lips sealed, in hopes Ren won’t falter. And yet…
“...We have a single week left. You should know better than anyone that we don’t have the time to waste here.”
And yet, Akechi finds that his anger evaporated a long time ago, replaced by an utter lack of energy. He looks to Ren, hoping for a spark, a reminder, drive, something to remind him of what he’s fighting for.
He feels ashamed, having succumbed this much to the reality around him. He wants to live. He wants to have that chance, that life free of sin. He does. He was so stalwart in the beginning. So why…? Why does he waver now?
As Akechi loses himself in his inner monologue, Ren grows pensive.
“Hey, are you…”
Akechi cuts him short, standing from his seat in a sharp movement.
“Tomorrow, Ren.”
Without even giving Ren a chance to respond, he leaves Jazz Jin, stepping into the cold, snowy night. He grits his teeth, his hands ball into fists, and walks away as he tucks said hands into his pockets.
--
--
--
--
--
MEMORY TAPE: "Resolve" (For Maruki)
This tape begins.
February 2nd, 2017.
Akechi’s head is lowered, his eyes obscured. The words in the background have all blurred together, none of them retaining any meaning as he finds himself lost in thought.
It’s over. It’s all over.
He failed.
In the end he couldn’t keep his resolve, and stand in the face of losing all he is. He’ll become just a marionette, dancing to Maruki’s song without a care in the world. It horrifies him, how far he’s fallen.
All of the talking has faded, his surroundings have become almost meaningless as the weight of it all crashes down on him.
What’s he supposed to do? Just… sit and take it…?
Sit and…
…
No, no… He can’t. He can’t do this. He needs to do something, he can’t just say he did nothing! All of the heat he had lost over the course of this last month, all of the intensity he thought had vanished rekindles in his chest just enough for him to shove through the attic, and down the stairs.
He almost thinks he hears someone calling for him, but… he can’t stay. He can’t sit around whining and moping and mourning and—
So he ends up in the snow, the cold, and with all the fire he has left, he marches down the path, down the way to the station in Yongen-Jaya. It all feels that much more silent and freezing in the dark of the night, and strangely not a single soul seems to stir as he continues on, trying to board the next train to Odaiba.
Not a single one is scheduled. Of course not. Maruki has other plans, it seems.
As Akechi silently curses to himself, he leaves the station and continues on his own, walking through the snow and ice, refusing to quit.
He needs to send a message, he needs to say ‘I fought, and I fought, and I—’
But… it grows darker, and darker. And it grows colder and colder. The world begins to wobble and twist around him, and he knows what it means.
“No… I…”
He tries to keep moving, but soon enough he just can’t. It’s growing harder and harder to fight it, and he falls to his knees. All of that energy, that drive… It leaves him, leaving his core just as cold as freezing snow.
There is no time, there is no strength. He… he can't keep going further.
He's alone, in the silence.
There’s no time left as his thoughts are drawn to the Phantom Thieves, to Sumire, to Ren.
Ren… In Maruki's world, will he…?
…It all goes dark…
…
…
…Someone calls to him, and his eyes snap open. He’s at Leblanc, apparently attending a party alongside the rest of his friends. He feels as though he’s woken up from a long dream…
Akechi smiles warmly as he feels the comforting and familiar surroundings, but as he does he can't help but pause as he does a mental headcount.
…
…Is… someone missing…? He was thinking of someone in particular just now, wasn’t he? Or maybe that was just a dream…?
Before he can linger on that question long, his attention is severed by one of them, and he’s assured there’s no one missing… and his growing worry is replaced by thoughts of celebration at the drop of a hat.
Surely he wasn’t thinking of anything important… right? If it was, well… he wouldn't have forgotten.
Entry tags:
(VRDR) Surely I must be dreaming
It's been a long day, but satisfying day, Dove finds. He can't help but feel a bit exhausted, wanting nothing more than to spend his evening relaxing after attending Raven's party. So where else to go but to one of his favorite places, Jazz Jin? The calm air, the singer present, the nice drinks...
It's peaceful.
...
...But yet... He finds something missing. Again, as he sits at the usual table, he finds that he can almost see someone across from him. Black hair, glasses, a drink of his own, a small, but strong-willed grin...
...Ren Amamiya... The one from his world, the one he's been trying to awaken. He's been spending all of this time trying to awaken him, and yet he can't do a thing while he's in the Velvet Room. It's frustrating, infuriating even. He hangs his head slightly as he takes a sip of his drink, looking away from the empty seat across from him, and instead looking towards the cognitive singer.
People come and they go... Some people may stay with you though... I am all alone tonight... And I kept on asking myself questions...
...Ah, this song again. One of his favorites. Though... he must admit it's grown a bit painful to think too deeply about the lyrics as of late. He just quietly sighs to himself...
Suddenly he sees movement out the corner out of his eye, and he quickly snaps to attention. He turns his head, only to see a version of Ren wearing... pajamas? Familiar-looking pajamas. He looks tired as well, his gaze set on Dove with a quiet, tired smile on his face.
"...This seat taken?"
There's a small amount of humor in his voice as he stares straight into Dove's eyes, and Dove can only stare back. He goes to open his mouth, but stops as something within him stirs.
Ren Amamiya, The ???????? Arcana, Rank ??
His eyes widen as a rush of familiarity flows through him, and his mind catches up to the reality in front of him. He stands in a rush, meeting Ren's eyes at a closer level, and he can't help but speak up.
"Amamiya-san! You're... You're here? You're awake...?"
He can't explain it, but a rush of excitement tries to overwhelm him. He's practically trembling, and he can't explain why. And yet, he feels... He feels... impatient? He wants to say something, but he doesn't know what it is...
Ren blinks a bit slowly before going to rub his neck, somewhat awkwardly looking away. He looks a bit more downcast.
"...Got it in one, huh...? Yeah. I'm. I'm the one from your world... Surprise, I guess."
Ren sits down quietly, resting his arms on the table as he looks slightly downward. He's having a hard time looking at Dove now, and the awkwardness has only grown more palpable...
Dove, for his part, also sits back down, looking across the table at Ren with small smile. Something seems off about this whole thing, but at the same time it's just good to see him. Hear him.
"It's quite a relief to see you, you know. I've been searching high and low for a way to wake you up, but I was brought here before I had the chance... but... How did..."
Dove trails off as Ren slightly raises his gaze to look at Akechi, trying to take in what he's seeing. A genuine smile. A positive, upbeat tone. Sincere pleasantries. It's strange. Wrong. But at the same time, Ren finds himself unable to speak up about it.
Dove simply continues as Ren thinks to himself.
"...Ah, Igor brought you while you were asleep, didn't he? He did the same with me, as well. That said, I'm glad you're here. Now I have the chance to speak with you, to get to know you better. I've been eager to do so for quite some time...!"
As Dove says that, Ren frowns a bit. 'Get to know him better'... Perhaps Dove should know him better than anyone, he thinks to himself. Or perhaps... Perhaps Dove never knew him at all. It's hard to say, really. He's honestly wondering if it's better that he doesn't know.
And what does it say if Dove doesn't know him anymore? What about the rest of the Phantom Thieves? All his friends? Did they forget him, too?
He was told that Sumire was also continuing the Phantom Thief work, but...
Ren finally speaks up. He sounds tired, so, so tired.
"...Akechi... Why are you throwing all of this away?"
Dove stops in his tracks, his smile fading from his face.
"What-- I'm not throwing anything away."
He lifts his head up a bit higher, shooting a serious look at Ren.
"...You believe I'm throwing my life away? I don't understand, why are you...?"
He actually looks... hurt? That only causes Ren to flinch and look away.
"It's... Look, Maruki's... He's already won, Akechi. There's no way of stopping him. When February 3rd came around, everything changed. Permanently. Lavenza said that would happen. So... there's no point in trying to wake me up. Or stop Maruki. It's over."
As Ren says this, Dove looks at Ren's face, pausing a bit as compares the Ren in his memory to the Ren now. This Ren seems so devoid of the energy, the life, the willpower, everything he remembers. What on Earth happened...?
"Don't give up on it. Lavenza said she was mistaken. That there was, in fact, a way. Granted, I haven't found it yet, but... I believe in her."
Ren turns to face Dove again, seeming somewhat disbelieving.
"She said that-- Wait, you're..."
Dove smiles again, nodding.
"I am, in fact, the next guest of the Velvet Room in your absence. It's in somewhat rough conditions at the moment, given humanity's state, but the fact it hasn't disappeared is proof that there is still hope, Ren."
Dove looks downward slightly, his eyes somewhat obscured by his bangs.
"...Please. Believe in me. I don't know what happened to you since you fell into that slumber, but trust in me. I wouldn't lead you astray."
And Ren just stares. And stares. This Akechi really isn't anything like the one he knows... The irony of those last words is disgustingly palpable to everyone but Dove, and Ren's own feelings are all a mess. Dove shouldn't be throwing it all away, he shouldn't... and yet... he's trying so hard to give Ren just a little bit of hope to hold onto.
...Maybe...
There's a long, long pause before Ren finally speaks up.
"...All right. I'll. I'll try. I'll even help with your memory, just... be careful."
It feels weird, actually relying on someone else for something. And yet... he just can't take the lead anymore. He doesn't have the heart for it, for some reason. It's like everything that made him himself just... vanished.
But Dove lifts his head again, though there's still a hint of pain in his eyes. Not that he can explain the feeling well...
"Thank you. And... Welcome back, Ren."
And yet, despite that sentiment, Ren can't find it in himself to smile... Not when his failure got them in this mess in the first place.
But even so, Dove led them into conversation through the night, questioning Ren on different aspects of their relationship, things they had done together, how they met, and more.
It's peaceful.
...
...But yet... He finds something missing. Again, as he sits at the usual table, he finds that he can almost see someone across from him. Black hair, glasses, a drink of his own, a small, but strong-willed grin...
...Ren Amamiya... The one from his world, the one he's been trying to awaken. He's been spending all of this time trying to awaken him, and yet he can't do a thing while he's in the Velvet Room. It's frustrating, infuriating even. He hangs his head slightly as he takes a sip of his drink, looking away from the empty seat across from him, and instead looking towards the cognitive singer.
People come and they go... Some people may stay with you though... I am all alone tonight... And I kept on asking myself questions...
...Ah, this song again. One of his favorites. Though... he must admit it's grown a bit painful to think too deeply about the lyrics as of late. He just quietly sighs to himself...
Suddenly he sees movement out the corner out of his eye, and he quickly snaps to attention. He turns his head, only to see a version of Ren wearing... pajamas? Familiar-looking pajamas. He looks tired as well, his gaze set on Dove with a quiet, tired smile on his face.
"...This seat taken?"
There's a small amount of humor in his voice as he stares straight into Dove's eyes, and Dove can only stare back. He goes to open his mouth, but stops as something within him stirs.
Ren Amamiya, The ???????? Arcana, Rank ??
His eyes widen as a rush of familiarity flows through him, and his mind catches up to the reality in front of him. He stands in a rush, meeting Ren's eyes at a closer level, and he can't help but speak up.
"Amamiya-san! You're... You're here? You're awake...?"
He can't explain it, but a rush of excitement tries to overwhelm him. He's practically trembling, and he can't explain why. And yet, he feels... He feels... impatient? He wants to say something, but he doesn't know what it is...
Ren blinks a bit slowly before going to rub his neck, somewhat awkwardly looking away. He looks a bit more downcast.
"...Got it in one, huh...? Yeah. I'm. I'm the one from your world... Surprise, I guess."
Ren sits down quietly, resting his arms on the table as he looks slightly downward. He's having a hard time looking at Dove now, and the awkwardness has only grown more palpable...
Dove, for his part, also sits back down, looking across the table at Ren with small smile. Something seems off about this whole thing, but at the same time it's just good to see him. Hear him.
"It's quite a relief to see you, you know. I've been searching high and low for a way to wake you up, but I was brought here before I had the chance... but... How did..."
Dove trails off as Ren slightly raises his gaze to look at Akechi, trying to take in what he's seeing. A genuine smile. A positive, upbeat tone. Sincere pleasantries. It's strange. Wrong. But at the same time, Ren finds himself unable to speak up about it.
Dove simply continues as Ren thinks to himself.
"...Ah, Igor brought you while you were asleep, didn't he? He did the same with me, as well. That said, I'm glad you're here. Now I have the chance to speak with you, to get to know you better. I've been eager to do so for quite some time...!"
As Dove says that, Ren frowns a bit. 'Get to know him better'... Perhaps Dove should know him better than anyone, he thinks to himself. Or perhaps... Perhaps Dove never knew him at all. It's hard to say, really. He's honestly wondering if it's better that he doesn't know.
And what does it say if Dove doesn't know him anymore? What about the rest of the Phantom Thieves? All his friends? Did they forget him, too?
He was told that Sumire was also continuing the Phantom Thief work, but...
Ren finally speaks up. He sounds tired, so, so tired.
"...Akechi... Why are you throwing all of this away?"
Dove stops in his tracks, his smile fading from his face.
"What-- I'm not throwing anything away."
He lifts his head up a bit higher, shooting a serious look at Ren.
"...You believe I'm throwing my life away? I don't understand, why are you...?"
He actually looks... hurt? That only causes Ren to flinch and look away.
"It's... Look, Maruki's... He's already won, Akechi. There's no way of stopping him. When February 3rd came around, everything changed. Permanently. Lavenza said that would happen. So... there's no point in trying to wake me up. Or stop Maruki. It's over."
As Ren says this, Dove looks at Ren's face, pausing a bit as compares the Ren in his memory to the Ren now. This Ren seems so devoid of the energy, the life, the willpower, everything he remembers. What on Earth happened...?
"Don't give up on it. Lavenza said she was mistaken. That there was, in fact, a way. Granted, I haven't found it yet, but... I believe in her."
Ren turns to face Dove again, seeming somewhat disbelieving.
"She said that-- Wait, you're..."
Dove smiles again, nodding.
"I am, in fact, the next guest of the Velvet Room in your absence. It's in somewhat rough conditions at the moment, given humanity's state, but the fact it hasn't disappeared is proof that there is still hope, Ren."
Dove looks downward slightly, his eyes somewhat obscured by his bangs.
"...Please. Believe in me. I don't know what happened to you since you fell into that slumber, but trust in me. I wouldn't lead you astray."
And Ren just stares. And stares. This Akechi really isn't anything like the one he knows... The irony of those last words is disgustingly palpable to everyone but Dove, and Ren's own feelings are all a mess. Dove shouldn't be throwing it all away, he shouldn't... and yet... he's trying so hard to give Ren just a little bit of hope to hold onto.
...Maybe...
There's a long, long pause before Ren finally speaks up.
"...All right. I'll. I'll try. I'll even help with your memory, just... be careful."
It feels weird, actually relying on someone else for something. And yet... he just can't take the lead anymore. He doesn't have the heart for it, for some reason. It's like everything that made him himself just... vanished.
But Dove lifts his head again, though there's still a hint of pain in his eyes. Not that he can explain the feeling well...
"Thank you. And... Welcome back, Ren."
And yet, despite that sentiment, Ren can't find it in himself to smile... Not when his failure got them in this mess in the first place.
But even so, Dove led them into conversation through the night, questioning Ren on different aspects of their relationship, things they had done together, how they met, and more.
Entry tags:
Social Links
Will actually flesh this out later, but Social Links for the Persona DR:
Doveren: -------- ?
Devilkira: Death 4
Sparrow: Hanged Man 1
Makoto: Hermit 1
Phoenix: Temperance 1
Hannei: Mirror 1
Doveren: -------- ?
Devilkira: Death 4
Sparrow: Hanged Man 1
Makoto: Hermit 1
Phoenix: Temperance 1
Hannei: Mirror 1
Entry tags:
Inbox (Velvet Room DR)
Akechi doesn't seem to be present at the moment, but you can hear his voicemail soon enough.
"Hello, this is Goro Akechi. It seems like I have my hands full at the moment, so please leave a message. I'll respond as soon as possible."
It's only then that you hear the beep for your message to go through...
--
Perhaps text would work better instead? It seems like he's entirely open to messages...
(Please specify which!)
Contacts:
Akira Kurusu:![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
thedevilinyourdetails
Makoto Yuki:burnmydreadbabe
Falcon:gorobo
Crow:fogbornphantom
"Hello, this is Goro Akechi. It seems like I have my hands full at the moment, so please leave a message. I'll respond as soon as possible."
It's only then that you hear the beep for your message to go through...
--
Perhaps text would work better instead? It seems like he's entirely open to messages...
(Please specify which!)
Contacts:
Akira Kurusu:
thedevilinyourdetailsMakoto Yuki:
burnmydreadbabeFalcon:
goroboCrow:
fogbornphantomEntry tags:
Permissions Post
PLAYER
NAME: CrystalMemoria, Crystal, Crys
CONTACT: CrystalMemoria on Discord
ACTIVE TIMES/PACE: I'm online a lot, but I'm busy on Tuesdays and every other Friday. I may not be able to post as much as I like on those days. Timezone is CST.
BRACKETS/PROSE: I tend to write prose.
OFFENSIVE SUBJECTS & TRIGGERS: I don't handle triple sixes, detail about demons (Including Biblical), spiders/arachnids, or sexual content.
CONTACT: CrystalMemoria on Discord
ACTIVE TIMES/PACE: I'm online a lot, but I'm busy on Tuesdays and every other Friday. I may not be able to post as much as I like on those days. Timezone is CST.
BRACKETS/PROSE: I tend to write prose.
OFFENSIVE SUBJECTS & TRIGGERS: I don't handle triple sixes, detail about demons (Including Biblical), spiders/arachnids, or sexual content.
IN CHARACTER
PHYSICAL AFFECTION: Open to it so long as the characters know each other pretty well. In-character he's not super fond of it, but not necessarily against it either.
PHYSICAL VIOLENCE: I prefer a warning, but I'm not against having him fight.
RELATIONSHIPS: Leaning towards no. Please don't try to establish one with him. Platonic relationships are fine though!
PSYCHIC & PSIONIC INFORMATION: Please let me know so I can work with you on it!
MAGICAL INFORMATION: This Akechi is a Wild Card, though he's new to it. His main Persona is Robin Hood with no Loki or Hereward in sight at this point in the timeline.
MEDICAL INFORMATION: Akechi suffers from bouts of depersonalization and derealization at times, as well as nightmares his memory of varies. He's arguably considered an amnesiac due to the holes in his memory in regards to his past (He has vague, broad concepts of his past firmly in mind, but pressing for it results in no specific memories). He has deeply suppressed trauma that may come into light in certain subjects, which can result in headaches, discomfort, and spaciness. Physically he's fairly fit and is capable of defending himself, but less than he would like to admit.
OFFENSIVE SUBJECTS & TRIGGERS: Suicide, loss of control, abuse, neglect, and murder.
PHYSICAL VIOLENCE: I prefer a warning, but I'm not against having him fight.
RELATIONSHIPS: Leaning towards no. Please don't try to establish one with him. Platonic relationships are fine though!
PSYCHIC & PSIONIC INFORMATION: Please let me know so I can work with you on it!
MAGICAL INFORMATION: This Akechi is a Wild Card, though he's new to it. His main Persona is Robin Hood with no Loki or Hereward in sight at this point in the timeline.
MEDICAL INFORMATION: Akechi suffers from bouts of depersonalization and derealization at times, as well as nightmares his memory of varies. He's arguably considered an amnesiac due to the holes in his memory in regards to his past (He has vague, broad concepts of his past firmly in mind, but pressing for it results in no specific memories). He has deeply suppressed trauma that may come into light in certain subjects, which can result in headaches, discomfort, and spaciness. Physically he's fairly fit and is capable of defending himself, but less than he would like to admit.
OFFENSIVE SUBJECTS & TRIGGERS: Suicide, loss of control, abuse, neglect, and murder.
OUT OF CHARACTER
BACKTAGGING: Open to it!
THREADHOPPING: Open to it, but I will ask others first before doing so myself.
FOURTHWALLING: Not really interested in this.
NOT INTERESTED IN: Torture, sexual content
THREADHOPPING: Open to it, but I will ask others first before doing so myself.
FOURTHWALLING: Not really interested in this.
NOT INTERESTED IN: Torture, sexual content
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
VISUAL: Something similar in style to his winter uniform, but not actually the school uniform (No school emblem, etc.).
AURAL: His voice is very similar to his Pleasant Boy and Detective Prince Persona for the most part, but he sounds more friendly and optimistic.
OLFACTORY: He's always wearing some sort of subtle cologne, and is always well-kempt thanks to a careful routine.
DEMEANOUR: Akechi is careful and tends to keep his direct thoughts to himself, but is also a rather friendly individual with a genuine passion towards helping others and pursuing justice. Overall he seems well-adjusted at a first glance, and has a graceful sense of confidence.
AURAL: His voice is very similar to his Pleasant Boy and Detective Prince Persona for the most part, but he sounds more friendly and optimistic.
OLFACTORY: He's always wearing some sort of subtle cologne, and is always well-kempt thanks to a careful routine.
DEMEANOUR: Akechi is careful and tends to keep his direct thoughts to himself, but is also a rather friendly individual with a genuine passion towards helping others and pursuing justice. Overall he seems well-adjusted at a first glance, and has a graceful sense of confidence.
☆ code by kimmiserate ☆