mask of calm

   oh, that wink is too much. you avert your gaze, a brilliant red blooming across your cheeks like a rose unfurling its petals– an apt description of akechi, ironically. the boy’s a very pretty rose hiding his thorns… you hate that he has this effect on you; able to render you speechless with but a simple action. if it were simply that you found him hot, that would be one thing. but you don’t. well, you do. but there’s more to it than that.

   it’s all a mask. you know it is. every one of those dazzlings smiles are false– save for the ones in the metaverse, you’ve noticed; the ones when he’s cornered a poor shadow and ready to land the final blow. ( and even those are attractive, you hate to admit. there’s something in them that just hits you, despite knowing he can and will turn his blade on you with that same smile. ) every kind word is calculated, and despite knowing full well they’re all carefully crafted you find yourself eating them up anyways. his intelligence is attractive, too. he might keep beating you at chess, but you’re able to at least keep him on his toes, which you hope he appreciates. you wonder how he’d fare at shogi, and make a mental note to invest in your own game set to try it out. or ask togo-san if she has a spare she’d be willing to sell you.

   it’s all a lie, but… constantly, constantly, you’re holding onto the hope that that might change. he’s lonely deep down. you’re sure of it. fame can be isolating enough on its own, even without whatever deep, dark secret he’s hiding and how far he’s willing to go to achieve his goals in relation to it. perhaps if you extend your hand enough times he’ll take your hand in the end and face the light rather than continue skulking in the shadows.

   … you’re thinking like an rpg again. god, you’ve been playing too many video games with futaba.

“i like driving, though,” …even though makoto banned you from the wheel once she joined the team. “so i wouldn’t mind it. but yeah, something small to start off would be nice. it’d be cool to visit kyoto… ooh, or osaka!”

   it’s a fantasy, you remind yourself. don’t get excited over this.

   the thought of trying takoyaki from osaka, however, is difficult not to get excited over.

“but yeah, look a few places up. i’ll take you anywhere you want, akechi.”

   … so please change your mind. stay with us instead.

Akechi wonders why Hibiki averted his eyes. Perhaps he was feeling unwell? He dismisses the idea when Hibiki speaks, however. He sounded perfectly fine. Excited, even. He should’ve been braced for this outcome. He was the one who prompted the notion of the round trip, and now he’s being asked to look up a suitable route. A route for a trip that he knows will never happen. 

Why, oh WHY, does he keep doing this to himself? This wasn’t the first time he spoke about doing something or going somewhere once his stint with the Phantom Thieves was over. It’s what normal, cliched teenagers do, don’t they? They make plans for the future without considering the possibility of those plans falling through. And any ideas they spawn will inevitably be lacking vital facts or details. Akechi had spent so much time perfecting his “normal” persona that it felt like he was simply reading off a script he’d wrote. The words, although carefully crafted, weren’t his. It was no more than a script written to satisfy the audience’s expectations.

(It was, wasn’t it? This was all an act. It was all it ever would be.)

No matter how much he got into character, there came a time when the stage lights faded out and the curtain descended. This play would come to a close, and he would never have to spout his lines again.

Soon. Very soon.

“I certainly will. I must say, I’m looking forward to it. It’s been awhile since I last traveled somewhere new.”

What the hell? “Looking forward”? Do I really have to promise that!? 

No, of course he did. If he said anything else, he risked giving away the ruse. He couldn’t possibly know about the traitor, or the fact that the Phantom Thieves’ criminal streak would be coming to a swift end. This was all to take down Shido. The ends justified the means.

I can’t change my mind. My revenge ... it’s all I have. 

“I prefer being called Akechi, actually.”

This lady was ... a bit TOO friendly, honestly. She literally launched herself into first names and spoke as though he’d recognize the names of her friends. Like they’d known each other for years and he was expected to pick up where they left off. It pissed him off that she was so pretentious, so sickly sweet. He assumes plenty of men fell for that nauseating act. Plenty of women had fallen for his, after all.

“And ... a horse? I’m afraid I never quite learned how to ride one, no.”

Was that sarcasm Alfonse detected in the Hero’s voice? He couldn’t be certain. “Think nothing of it. I’ve yet to grow accustomed to the new title, myself.” He waved away any true concerns Akechi might have had, leading the way through the castle to show him the key areas he would be spending time in if he elected to stay.

He did not know how to bring up that he had no inkling as to Akechi’s powers, so he was grateful when the newcomer offered to enlighten him. Of course, it was not an ideal method. Akechi might overestimate abilities he had -as humans were wont to do- or hide certain details from him, for reasons known only to him. He would certainly not be the first Hero to try that.

Still, it was the best source of information Alfonse had until he could confirm with Hibiki -or Futaba, he realised, whose native powers of intelligence would have gathered her a more complete overview- and if something was up, it would be best not to show his hand- or even that he was holding cards. He nodded.

“I would appreciate that, yes. Your world is unique in that very little if any information about it appears in our records. For any other Hero, I would look up your name, history, and documented abilities in our library, but… well. Quite obviously, that is a source I do not have in your case. Anything you would be willing to divulge would be more than welcome.”

“However, let me put any potential concerns to rest first.” This was an easy routine, even with the deviation that he would have to be educated about the Hero he was speaking to rather than doing the educating. He’d introduced Heroes to Askr before, assuaged any concerns they had, and either assigned them their quarters or forwarded them to Coralin to be sent home. Even while keeping his guard up, he could give a genuine smile while speaking truthfully on this matter. “Unusual may be the proper word, but you and your powers will face no judgement of value or morals. The Order houses and employs Heroes from all walks of life, and while it is true that most wield orthodox weaponry and magic, there are certainly more esoteric individuals and abilities among the mix. We would welcome you regardless.”

So, king was a recent title for him? Akechi made note of that fact for later. If need be, he could slip that fact into a conversation. He’d make it seem entirely in passing and innocuous, and then extract whatever he could from the person answering him. The more he knew about those in power here -- namely the royals of Askr and heads of the Order -- the easier it’d be for him to navigate this new world. Or perhaps find loopholes in its system, allowing for his true power to be restored. 

Information was power, after all. And he intended to get as much of it as he could. He supposes that, to gain information, one must also give some in return. Thankfully, he’s well accustomed to presenting his powers in a friendly way, making himself seem meager but earnest. He would give the impression of being merely another hero in the Order’s barracks. He had some power, yes, but nothing to write home about. 

Thus, the ruse that he crafted for the world’s eyes would continue in this realm. In Japan, he was already pretending that he was a naive, mild-mannered student. It caused his ratings to soar, and for key figures to let their guard down around him. Wearing that persona was second nature to him at this point. He could perform his charade with meager effort.

“You have nothing to fear about my power,” Akechi says with a slight chuckle. He forced himself to laugh, just to seem more friendly. It was part of the routine. “I believe, however, that the fastest way for you to comprehend it is for me to demonstrate it.”

If he was going to be part of the Order, he might as well show them the powers at his disposal. It was going to happen one way or another, and, if they did not find Robin Hood to their liking ... ah, he would cross that bridge when he got to it. Really, all he wanted to do right now was hit something. Hard. And to watch his foes BLEED. 

“You have an Order dedicated to those like me, yes? Am I to take it that you’ve an area for training regimens? Or perhaps ...”

A place like Mementos, teaming with specimens to battle, torment, KILL ... 

“‘Sir isn’t needed, I assure you. Merely ‘Akechi’ will do.”

Akechi gives her a sweet smile in return. In truth, he wasn’t happy to be in Askr, but this girl had nothing to do with that. She and many others had extended their well wishes to him. The Order itself was surprisingly pleasant, despite its many empty promises. Saving worlds? Did those in the Order truly think such lunacy possible?

Ah, that was neither here nor there. 

Robin Hood symbolizes obvious heroism. Robin Hood is an iconic folk hero, recognizable by almost everyone. In Akechi’s context, Robin Hood is his way of saying to the Phantom Thieves, “look, look! I’m a hero! You can trust me, see!?” Robin Hood also fits the motif of the initial personas that the Phantom Thieves use: a famous noble thief from folklore.  It’s his way of pretending to be like them. In essence, Robin Hood is the act of his treachery given form.

There’s a second part to the heroic symbolism: that of Akechi’s childhood. Robin Hood was Akechi’s first persona. In my headcanon, young Akechi loved superheroes and daydreamed about them as a kid. It was his way of coping with his awful foster families. Robin Hood also symbolizes Akechi’s wide-eyed wonder at heroes, and the white color represents the innocence he had as a child.

Something was… funny, about this latest arrival. Alfonse couldn’t put his finger on it. Coralin had said that between the way he dressed, the way he talked, the things he’d carried on him upon arrival, and the sounds that made up his name, he was not only from the same world, but also the same land as Hibiki. Their customs differed from the land she had come from, formality and respect being more important than familiarity.

And still he didn’t feel right with the way this Goro Akechi addressed him. It was too formal. Too stiff, even for a foreigner addressing a newly crowned king. You’re imagining things, he’d tried to tell himself, Zacharias made you paranoid. But he knew that wasn’t true, that he had recovered from that particular heartache-induced antisociability.

Something Hibiki had confided in him from his world came to the surface, and while it would be a great coincidence for this lad, no older than Alfonse himself, to be the one, he had decided it would be best not to tell him Hibiki was in Askr. Just in case.

Similarly, the more he concentrated his interest on Alfonse and the less on Coralin, the safer she might be. Or at least the less interrupted in her many, many duties, he told himself to sound less paranoid. Their campaign in Hel had really left more of an imprint upon him than he had hoped, clearly. “Yes, I am.”

“I am Alfonse, Prince-” He stopped short for a split second to correct himself. The change in title was still uncomfortable. “No, King of Askr. If you decide to lend your powers-” whichever those might be, because infuriatingly, Hibiki’s world was not documented and he could look up nothing about this Hero in the library, “-to the Order of Heroes, I will be your commanding officer. If not, I will arrange for you to be sent home. Until you make that decision, however, you may direct any questions you have to me.”

Or to Sharena, he would normally add, but he didn’t want someone who made him so uneasy to direct his attention to his little sister. Especially not after… well. Again, Hel. He’d come close to losing her once and he did not plan on turning into Líf in this timeline as well.

“Oh, the king! My apologies if I have acted impudently, Your Highness. I didn’t realize that I was addressing the very ruler of this realm!”

The second the so-called king brought up the “lending your powers spiel.” Akechi wanted to scream about the idiocy of that sentence. How could he reasonably expect a hero to help the Order when this realm held their powers in a stranglehold? He could’ve easily summoned Loki and induced madness in Askr’s enemies. Problem solved. But NO! This realm restrained him to the point of lunacy. Akechi was only just as strong as his weakest link: Robin Hood. The persona he wore to pretend he was as weak as the rest of the Phantom Thieves. And, now, everyone in Askr would only think him as strong as that pathetic persona of his. It was mortifying. 

THIS FUCKING SHITHOLE IS GOING TO ROT! GET ME OUT OF HERE! GET ME OUT!

Those were the words that came to his mind, but he didn’t dare give them voice. Instead, he bows his head respectfully. When in front of a king, one had to act befittingly respectful, yes? He hated the very act of bowing to another. It meant walking to another’s beat, submitting to the idiotic norms of society. Alas, this was what was expected of him. 

“Of course, I will do my utmost to help you. If you’d like, I can give you an overview of my abilities.”

There was but one reason he lingered here: power. If he’d learned anything from traversing the Metaverse, it was that other worlds granted one immense power. Even if he was limited to meager strength, he would still take the opportunity to glean whatever power he could from this realm. Besides, he had to hold his tongue regardless of whether he was here or in Japan.  

That was what was expected of him. 

“hey, don’t just dismiss the car like that. how do you think we’ll be travelling? you’re not gonna sprout wings and fly, are you?”

   the answer feels very… generic. a safe answer, to keep you under the impression that he really doesn’t have any ulterior motiives. you half expected that. japan’s second coming of the detective prince knows how to give interviews, he’s on t.v. all the damn time. he can say whatever he wants with that stupid, charming smile of his and the media’ll eat it up…

   ( so will you, admittedly, but you like to think you have at least half a brain cell left to remember this can’t last. )

   it’s weird, sometimes. you don’t remember shirogane getting this much attention from the media.

   yet he’s also being honest there, isn’t he? there’s a kernel of truth within his carefully crafted web of lies – to make him seem relatable, likeable, and lull you into a false sense of security – and… it pains you to realize that. you want to believe in him. you know he can’t just bounce back from the crimes he’s committed, but… he can atone, and that’s something.

   of course, if he won’t take the chance offered to him, that’s another matter entirely.

“of course i’d go with you. a road trip across japan - incognito, of course - would be fun. don’t you think? takeshi was thinking of doing the same thing with his college buddies this summer. oh, uh, that’s my brother.”

   …and then you went and ruined everything by causing a family emergency.

“but if you wanted to leave the country, i guess a car wouldn’t help much… unless we were to rent one in another country. so the driver’s license is still a perfectly good option here! seriously, though… going anywhere with you would be a blast. i’d love every second of it.”

   you know full well this is all fantasy. when it comes down to it, your paths are going to diverge and he’ll show his true colours as an enemy. but… for just this moment, you want to pretend that you’re two teenagers without a care in the world.

Akechi had simply spoken in idle musing. Even so, it made him happy to hear that Hibiki shared his sentiment. He truly enjoyed his time as a Phantom Thief, wearing a mask and costume akin to the heroes he’d loved while growing up. It made him feel like he was doing good, even though he was logically aware his cause was anything but. He supposes that the novelty of being heroic is affecting his judgment at the moment. Despite that he knew how it’d all end, he felt strangely at ease. As though being here -- acting for all the world a mild-mannered and cliched teenager -- was enough to sate his ambitions. 

No matter. The sentiment will run its course.

After all, his ultimate goal was too important to relinquish.  Once the Phantom Thieves were gone, and their leader dead, he could accomplish what he set out to do. He would topple Shido. He would destroy the world’s order, on his own terms, and shape it by his own will. 

Until then, he had to maintain the ruse. 

And, so, Akechi pretends to be interested in those petty concerns. Or so he thinks. In truth, he IS interested, he always is. He likes the false life he’s leading and acting the part isn’t as nearly as difficult as it should be.

He laughs at Hibiki’s joke about him sprouting wings. it wasn’t that hard to do. He actually did find it funny. 

“My goodness. I didn’t think you’d take it that seriously! It was just an idle thought, but I do agree that it’d be enjoyable.”

“If you do get your license, we could look into a short road trip. I wouldn’t want you to be stuck behind the wheel for hours on end. That’s no way to celebrate getting your license, is it?”

Why is talking to him so ... easy?

Normally, pretending to be so nice disgusted him. It sickened him to the point of needing aspirin and a lot of sleep. But here ... it was easy. He found himself wanting to be nice.

“Prince Alfonse ... a pleasure.”

Akechi flashes the prince a seemingly kind smile. In truth, it hid the threat of his wrath. It was the forced kind of smile that one performed when paired with someone they despised.

“I have you to thank for the fact that I’m in this world, yes? Do I have that correct?”

And, oh, how he already hated it here. It was bright, filled with the false promises of greedy bastards in power. Worse still, he could not call upon Loki’s power here. His abilities were restrained by whatever powers presided over this world, and the notion of it sickened him. Already he was playing by someone else’s terms. He wanted to scream. To scream and lash out with his anger, destroying whatever or whoever was in his way. 

“I suppose so, yes.”

His answer was oh-so-cliche, and that was what he intended. Akechi was careful not to relinquish the ruse he so painstakingly set up. To Hibiki and his foolhardy thieves, he was a kindhearted detective with a mild-mannered deposition. it couldn’t be further from the truth, of course, but he maintained it nonetheless.

Although ....

There was one time when cracks appeared in the mask he wore. That time when he told the Phantom Thieves how he hated the cruel adults who held society under their thumb. He wasn’t lying when he said he wanted his vengeance upon them. But how he would attain it was a different story altogether. One thing was for sure, though: his victory would be built upon the sacrifices of his teammates. After all, those were Shido’s orders. As much as it galled him to follow the man, he had no choice at the moment. 

As he nodded and smiled at dear, naive Hibiki, his purpose rushed back to him again. He knew that he’d have to kill him. That was his task. He had to. 

“What I would want is more than a mere car,” Akechi says. The calm in his voice masks his thoughts perfectly. To others, it would seem like he was charmingly talking in rhetoric. “But if I had to answer in kind ... I suppose I’d want to go abroad. Away from here.”

Away from Shido.

“The fame really gets to you after awhile. Even I could use a break.”