Saviour Of The Broken

As such he would set aside his notes and open the door to whomever it was on the other side. Knowing whomever it was would be wishing to talk about the phantom thieves in one way or another.*

*Maruki had a feeling that Ann was in turmoil but the male couldn’t help her through it unless she spoke about the situation. Still, counselling wasn’t about forcing people to talk about their issues, no it was a safe place so she could take all the time she needed to get the words out in her own time.

“ I am finally coming to terms with the fact that I am not cut out to be a productive member of society.”

“You have no idea how much this would mean to me. I hate pants.”

“Try to use their nostalgia and insecurity over their broken dreams to get them on your side.”

“I wanted to tell you again that I am completely serious, just in case you didn’t believe me.”

“I was a little offended that he had so grossly underestimated my ability to accurately assess pain.”

“My body doesn’t seem to understand that the antibiotics are on its side.”

“Okay then, if you don’t want to fail, I would suggest not dying.  Nobody wins if you die.“ 

“If you are one of those people who is diametrically opposed to change, I am sincerely sorry.”

“I am now somewhat competent to oblige your wishes.”

“Raw stupidity coupled with an unrelenting devotion to my olympic pipe-dream got me out the door.”

“If only I had known what a fickle stroke of luck this was.”

“Only after my hydration status had returned to normal could I see the error of my judgement.”

“When someone who looks like a character from a horror flick asks you to do something, you don’t ask questions.”

“Well, if you ever wondered, calling Poison Control is not nearly as fun as you’d think it would be.”   

"No _____, I don’t think you are going to die.  You might throw up, though." 

“At 6:00 AM, this kind of behavior is alarming and unnecessary.”

“Are you high? Why would I want you to do that?”

“Let’s just say that if my account balance was a pile of rocks, I would not have a very big pile of rocks.”

“ My moral standards get a little hazy when I am facing this kind of deprivation.”

“I didn’t even mind that I was sitting on a week’s worth of Burger King wrappers.”

“This was completely unnecessary and awkward, but I admired your chivalry.”

“Because of your bravery and quick, instinctive action, I hereby grant you 400 full repetitions of the chorus to "Yellow Submarine” free from my judgement.”

“I am not saying this to be mean, but you seriously sound like a cross between a fog horn and a chainsaw.”

“You smelled like beer-sweat and failure.”

“Why is it that I always rely on old-timer expressions to avoid awkward moments?”

“I used the spatula to scrape off the worst of the mess. It didn’t really work. I just destroyed the spatula too.”

“If I tilted my head just right, I couldn’t even tell that it was irreparably damaged.”

“Sadly, all the ingenuity in the world cannot make up for a total lack of foresight.”

“It was a quadruple-dog dare.  I didn’t want to look like a coward.”

“My best efforts at attractiveness only succeeded at making me look vaguely like something you’d see in Cirque de Soleil.”

“I feel thoroughly confident that I have already experienced the rock-bottom of my life.”

“ The ridiculousness of it all is overwhelming.”

*From the way Naoto was speaking it seemed that there was indeed such a world, one that materialises a person’s desires although she wouldn’t confirm anything just yet. A wise decision to be fair, if a stranger came to him like he did to her Takuto doubted that he would be as open as the first detective prince.

So he would explain about his past minus the real situation with Rumi. After all she was no longer in his life and it was for the better, at least it was for her. After all that the male would try to summarise his current progress.*

“In truth, not much…all that I know is purely theoretical. I have, of course spoken to others in the same field as I and we all agreed that there could be a world that manifests humankind’s desires. I posed that this world could be used to help those who are suffering mental traumas.

Why should anyone have to carry their past scars when it could hold them back from achieving their full potential? As to how exactly it will work is something I’m working on but I hit a roadblock so I’m at a standstill. Also all funding for this research has been rescinded so I’m continuing this on my own.”

        ❝I suppose in some ways utilizing such a method to have patients face their traumas for some could be useful, although others may not be able to take such a strain.❞ After all, some who were forced into the TV World weren’t able to awaken personas, instead seeming to fall ill from the effects. And although Naoto could sympathize with his sentiment, the detective did have a few arguments.         ❝Some need those scars to overcome them. Without the trauma, some wouldn’t have reason to improve themself and strive for more.❞ Those who could overcome their traumas and accept them after all were likely the only ones capable of making it through. ❝With what you’re looking into … I’m not sure money is even really an obstacle. More-so you would need to find an entry point. I wouldn’t recommend it though. With all the good that potentially could come from something like this, you have to weigh the risks as well.❞       While Naoto still held hesitance saying any real details regarding the subject, she figured if someone was going to continue research on the topic, she’d like to be in the know. Just in case … 

*It seemed that Naoto was bringing up points that most people who questioned his work did. It was something Takuto expected but nonetheless felt tired of repeating.*

“In most cases the evidence points that people can’t overcome the events that caused the trauma. They would rather wish for a way for it to disappear...that being said I am aware there are small cases where people will overcome the event and become stronger for it.

Still, even then I’m certain they would probably habour doubts on whether or not they did the right thing. Wouldn’t it be better if everyone could achieve their dreams without having to worry about any of that? It would also end having others be simple tools for others to succeed.

As for the final point...money isn’t an issue for me, as I said I’m continuing this research myself without any funding. I made up my mind a while back that I would continue this research for the betterment of mankind, the risks will be kept to a minimum though.”

“Just don’t overdo it, it won’t do you any good if you suddenly pass out and that goes for Yuko as well.”

*It suddenly dawned on him that the roles normally tended to be the reverse. Shibusawa would be the one to worry about his mental and physical wellbeing. Still, what he said was what he truly felt. Takuto didn’t want his friend to basically work himself to death.*

“I don’t think it’s that cliche, honestly I think having it during Hanami is romantic. I’m more surprised to hear you say it’s cliche than anything else. I would have figured you’d pick that setting just because that’s who you are.”

“Don’t worry about it, Tak. As long as I get enough sleep I’ll be good for the day. Same with Yuko, she stays home for work most days. Always napping on her breaks.” Shibusawa waves a dismissive hand at smiles at him. He should be fine… He’s just waiting for the holidays to pass. Then all should settle down, hopefully.  It was a busy time year after all. 

But onto important matters! Wedding talk and catching up! 

“Aren’t spring weddings cliche, though? You never see couples getting married in the winter or fall months. There are also summer weddings but I don’t think both I and Yuko wanna have a fancy beach wedding.” Sounds like Shibusawa and his fiancee was planning for an outdoor wedding with some sort of floral aesthetic, common for most weddings. 

*He would have probably droned on but the following comment threw Maruki for a loop. Did he hear that correctly?*

“I’m glad to be given such an honour, of course it’s no pressure.”

*He would thank her for opening the door for him as he entered the café. However Takuto felt like she was getting the wrong impression of him nonetheless it would be rude to not answer her questions.*

“I tend to become hyper focused on something once it catches my eye…my colleagues and former classmates from college can vouch for that fact. So for my paper I was looking into cases that could be considered unnatural. While the missing people was never made public knowledge by means of the news there are still records of their disappearances.

I thought it seemed too suspicious that there was a long period of no deaths and yet the kidnappings continued. So it was presumptuous of me but I concluded that the kidnappings and the murders were connected.

As for the fog, the fact it had persisted in one region for years was curious. You would think that the fog wouldn’t last that long but it did. Then there was the fact when the fog cleared that’s when the bodies were discovered.

That could’ve been chalked up to poor visibility but…the way they were hanged, no human could do that with such perfect accuracy not while using the cover of the fog anyway. With that in mind I connected that the events may have all been connected.

Please don’t misunderstand though, I’m not looking to recreate any of this. That’s probably what this is coming across as so I need to clarify that. I’m simply trying to confirm the existence of another realm, one connected to the minds and hearts of the people.

I mentioned this already but all I want to do is to help people overcome their past traumas no matter what they may be so all can live their best lives. I mean no ill will…”

So he would explain about his past minus the real situation with Rumi. After all she was no longer in his life and it was for the better, at least it was for her. After all that the male would try to summarise his current progress.*

“In truth, not much...all that I know is purely theoretical. I have, of course spoken to others in the same field as I and we all agreed that there could be a world that manifests humankind’s desires. I posed that this world could be used to help those who are suffering mental traumas.

Why should anyone have to carry their past scars when it could hold them back from achieving their full potential? As to how exactly it will work is something I’m working on but I hit a roadblock so I’m at a standstill. Also all funding for this research has been rescinded so I’m continuing this on my own.”

*Luckily for the male he didn’t have long to wait to see his companion for the day. Upon seeing Ren Takuto would make his way over and returned the wave as a form of greeting.*

“It’s no problem at all Amamiya-kun. Wait, do you always bring your cat with you, even to school?”

*Now that he thought about it that could explain the faint meowing the facility members were talking about, not that he was going to tell anyone that. Although that brought its own set of questions that probably wouldn’t be answered even if he asked.*

“He… likes to feel included,” Ren explained very seriously, pushing up the brim of his glasses. Yeah, Ren was going to just leave it at that. He didn’t get the impression that Dr. Maruki would go and rat him out over it anyway. “His name’s Morgana, by the way. He loves being pet and cuddled.”

False. Morgana didn’t like that kind of attention much at all, when people treated him like a cat… But it was fun to fuck with him, so, whatever. Ren had a good feeling he did actually secretly enjoy it and was just being tsundere about it.

Although do you think he would mind if I went to pet him? I tend to have a love-hate relationship with cats, I like them but they tend to hate me for some reason...”

*He would be thinking about their current topic when Ren reminded him why they’re there. So after thinking about it for a moment he would allow himself to grin.*

“Then what shall we talk about…? Ah, I know, Akechi-san how well versed are you in music? I happen to know a slight bit about the subject if it’s something you want to talk about. Not that I can play anything…or sing for that matter.”

“I like…. Jazz…” He responded as it was the truth. The detective honestly enjoy listening jazz in his spare time and even went to a jazz club which had a live performance as he found it relaxing.

Of course there was another type he liked but he wasn’t going to admit that he enjoy that type of music as it didn’t fit the image.

Ah, before you ask my favourites would be classical and it’s a bit embarrassing to admit but also punk rock. I’ve been told that those two couldn’t be any more different but at its core all music is meant to express one’s self after all so in actuality they’re not.”

“It’s not well known but what I’m studying is cognitive psience. As for what I was looking into, it was a method to help people with their mental trauma that cannot be done by traditional means. It does sound implausible but I do believe it could be done.

As for why I think the Inaba case could help me is that while on the news there were two reported murders there seemed to be many incidents where people vanished for a short period of time. At first I thought that it was unrelated but what if the victims were meant to meet the same fate but somehow they didn’t?

There was also the issue of the unrelenting fog back then in the area as well if I recall correctly…all those occurrences when put together could be pointing towards some means of cognitive psience. Although, that is once again me hypothesising…that hopefully helps you to answer my query. Thank you once again for this.”

“I tend to become hyper focused on something once it catches my eye…my colleagues and former classmates from college can vouch for that fact. So for my paper I was looking into cases that could be considered unnatural. While the missing people was never made public knowledge by means of the news there are still records of their disappearances.

I thought it seemed too suspicious that there was a long period of no deaths and yet the kidnappings continued. So it was presumptuous of me but I concluded that the kidnappings and the murders were connected.

As for the fog, the fact it had persisted in one region for years was curious. You would think that the fog wouldn’t last that long but it did. Then there was the fact when the fog cleared that’s when the bodies were discovered.

That could’ve been chalked up to poor visibility but…the way they were hanged, no human could do that with such perfect accuracy not while using the cover of the fog anyway. With that in mind I connected that the events may have all been connected.

Please don’t misunderstand though, I’m not looking to recreate any of this. That’s probably what this is coming across as so I need to clarify that. I’m simply trying to confirm the existence of another realm, one connected to the minds and hearts of the people.

*Seeing that the emotional walls were too high for Maruki to even reach he relented and allowed the young man to not talk about what happened, that didn’t mean he was going to leave though.*

“Fair enough…I don’t want to force you into talking about things are aren’t ready to talk about it. Still, I think it’s a good idea for you and I to talk in general. It doesn’t have to be anything in particular either, at least until you’ve regained your composure somewhat. Is that fine with yourself?”

There was part of Akechi that felt relief that Maruki won’t keep pressing forward on the issue since he didn’t want to talk about his problems with anyone at all… It was a waste of time and nobody really cared.

The detective gives a small nod of his head as he’s willing to talk as long it wasn’t about his problems.

“That’s a great idea, truthfully I have been too busy for the last few days to do much outside of work and going to a café sounds perfect. I’ll just have to close up for the evening though, I hope you don’t mind waiting for a few minutes.”

“Wonderful! Oh, no I don’t mind at all! I’m so glad you’ll be able to get some time to go to a cafe to relax a bit, Maruki-san! I’m also very excited to teach someone about different kinds of coffee!” 

“Might you be Victor? I was told to talk to you regarding this trip that you’re planning by Leon. I don’t see why he suddenly instructed me to go on this cruise but I suppose I should trust him on this…”

Futaba was a little bit nervous about this. She'd never tried therapy before, but everyone else said that talking to him was helpful and insightful. So why not try it herself. Besides he was researching cognitive psience to. Maybe he knew something more about her mom's research.

I tried to voice my opposition but no one would listen. This person whoever they may be is someone powerful...that much is certain.”

Ann Takamaki was standing outside of the counselor’s office. This wasn’t her first time visiting the school’s counselor. She visit after what happen with Kamashida’s arrested a while back. When his heart was changed by the phantom thieves. But now that the phantom thieves that were once popular are now label as murderers. Her and her friends were label as murderers. They still didn’t know what happen with the last palace. It should have happen the same way as changing Kamoshida’s and the other adults’s hearts. But it didn’t. Now someone is dead. You may be asking ‘is Ann here to turn herself in?’ No, of course. She couldn’t help but worry now police have been showing up here at the school nearly almost everyday. It’s really scary and she couldn’t be the only one feeling a bit unease about this. So the blond lovers came here hoping to have some form of answer or something to ease her mind a little. But she would have to figure out how to chose her words carefully. She just has to keep a cool head and everything should be okay. Let’s get this over with. 

As such he would set aside his notes and open the door to whomever it was on the other side. Knowing whomever it was would be wishing to talk about the phantom thieves in one way or another.*

“I haven’t been able to keep up with a lot of anime and manga recently so some recommendations would be more than welcomed. The last few I watched were Bleach, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood and Fruits Basket.

I think you can tell one is different than the others but there is a reason for that. Although we can leave that conversation for another time. I don’t think I’ll be cosplaying any time soon though, most people like to call me Aizen just because of my hair and glasses. I don’t take offence to that but it has put me off the idea somewhat.”

“Oh! Those are some good animes even if you don’t keep up with them! I honestly love watching the old classic like Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Kill la Kill. I also read some of the manga in those series and a few other such as Death note.”

She hum happily whilst listing a few animes and manga she seen in the past. She watch and read so much to a point where she could make a short list of anime and manga that she haven’t watched or read.

As for being called Aizen…I’m used to it by now and I don’t mind especially after reading the ending of the manga. He wasn’t redeemed per se but at least he helped. I won’t say any more in case you haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.

To go back a bit before the conversation got derailed by my ramblings do have a preference when it comes to anime and manga or is it by chance you watch something and get invested?”