[insert lyrics here]

[fabrications]

If this is the afterlife, it's probably the afterlife he deserves. If is the operate word there, however, and a pretty vital one at that. This wouldn't be the first time he's been dropped into a strange new world with no clear idea of where he is or how he got there, though rather than the often surreal landscapes of the Palaces and Mementos this town seems fairly normal.

Aside from the monsters, of course, but even those creatures don't bear much resemblance to Shadows. They look more regular wildlife but twisted and wrong, half rotted in some parts, bloated with decay in others, and haphazardly mashed together with other creatures. Shadows could be bizarre and even frightening, but this is a level of disturbing Akechi has only rarely encountered.

His tricks for dealing with Shadows don't work on these things, either. They don't seem to be as intelligent, but the natural ebb and flow of combat in the Metaverse doesn't apply to them. Akechi's not one to underestimate his own abilities, but even he thinks he'll start having trouble before long - especially when there's a blizzard and he's in clothes best suited for a mild winter. His gloves haven't saved him from frostbite so much as they've delayed it, and his loafers are doing approximately nothing to keep the snow out. He's already shivering hard enough to making walking in a straight line an effort, so it won't be long before combat is out of the question.

That brings him here, to the first unlocked door he's found in this stupid town. Barging in when he's not even sure what sort of building this is or where this door leads (though he has a strong suspicion it'll open up into the back room of a shop or office, based on what he's been able to glimpse through the snow) isn't very smart - but staying out here when he's just managed to lose those monsters is flat out idiocy. He'll take his chances with yanking open the door, slipping inside, and shoving it closed behind him.

So there he is: the second generation detective prince himself, soaked, shivering, and slumped against the door with a still-bloody serrated sword in hand. Despite the clear signs of exhaustion in his body language, he's alert and focused. Anyone that comes to investigate the noise, or that's already in the room, will find there's no hesitation before Akechi turns his attention on them.

Comments

[fabrications]

Well, he guesses the cat's out of that bag, but it's really hard to care right now. Instead he's considering Shido's words and proposed course of action. There's a lot of reasons for Akechi to not want to leave right away. He's still soaked, which will just makes the risk of hypothermia worse. He still doesn't know anything about this world. He's exhausted, the sort of exhausted he's used to only feeling in the Metaverse, the sort of exhausted that makes something as simple as walking feel like a chore.

But the real reason he doesn't want to leave is that it's Shido's idea.

"I would enjoy blindly stumbling around in a blizzard even less." His tone is notably more caustic now, not quite aggressive but definitely lacking his usual mask of pleasant niceties. "Especially when those things out there are so active." So he'll stay here for now, thanks.

[makejapangreat]

Ah...

He really should've known better. The boy truly does take after his mother.

Despite that, he can't help but give a little smile as he sighs.

"Very well."

It may be selfish, but for now, he has his son. There may yet be more people in need of help, but here, Shido can keep an eye on him. He can know his condition, and if he is in imminent danger.

He takes a seat on the floor with his back against a wall.

"I'm sure you've many questions."

[fabrications]

And now Shido is just agreeing with him? Akechi's beginning to revisit his afterlife idea from earlier, though a bizarre hallucination as he bleeds out in Shido's Palace seems more likely.

Well, whatever it is, he has to deal with it. He can worry about the what and the how and the why later. For now he's got a chance to rest. As much as he can in this situation, at least. There's another deliberate pause before Akechi finally sets the point of his sword against the floor, then tips it against the wall. Movements brusque, he starts to strip off his gloves.

"What is this place?" Much as he dislikes the idea of potentially playing into Shido's hands, he does need information. So he'll put up with it for now.

[makejapangreat]

He takes out a smartphone-looking device that definitely does not resemble the one he had back home and begins to use it.

"Tartarus."

And then he puts the device away and looks at Goro.

"A rather hellish land where we are the playthings of people who call themselves scientists— though they're more like sociopaths.

It's a run-down town with sparse supplies and, as you seem to have discovered, powerful creatures that have gone mad and turned into little but killing machines."

He closes his eyes.

"If only that were the end of it. The experiments they run have vary wildly from even stronger monsters to psychological and physical torture. Deaths are... common, but not permanent. Even that is not an escape.

Our only hope is that all the people who have been dragged here have banded together... And among the chaos and hell, we try to protect and support each other while trying to find a way to end all this."

[fabrications]

That's a more thorough answer than Akechi expected, and he learns more from it than just the meaning behind the words. It's not like the words themselves don't tell him plenty, too. Scientists, experiments, non-permanent death, and what sounds like a happy little community of survivors.

It's kind of disgusting hearing all of that sentimentality coming from Shido.

"A perfect politician's answer." But of course it can't be genuine, not from Shido. So Akechi will keep right on with his cynicism, and amused smile crossing his expression. "You guessed that I would still be able to use my power. I take it I'm not the only one capable of such things here?"

[makejapangreat]

"Hmm," he responds mildly to the snark. "Once a politician, always a politician, I suppose."

There's no effort to defend himself. Words would be rather meaningless in this instance. Goro would only ever learn through Shido's actions, if he gave him enough opportunity to show them.

"That's correct. People of all different races and origins are able to use their powers here, and they find they are able to do so irregardless of restrictions that they may have had back home.

You may as well brace yourself now for things you've only ever seen in fiction to be revealed as reality— whether you see it for yourself or whether others speak of their lives."

[fabrications]

That didn't get a reaction out of him either...? Maybe he did have a change of heart. Shame it doesn't seem to have done him much harm.

Though the warning about encountering things normally only seen in faction... well, that makes Akechi huff out a soft laugh.

"That won't be a problem." From the first time he stumbled into a Palace to awakening Loki to all of the various Shadows he's encountered along the way, he's had plenty of encounters with strange, reality-defying incidents. He's sure he'll encounter things he's never heard of, and just as sure that we won't be too startled by any of them. "You said resources are scarce, but the other residents will work together to acquire them?"

Despite just saying he wouldn't have trouble adjusting to unknown circumstances, the apparent cooperativeness of the prisoners here has him sounding... not quite skeptical, but like he's waiting to hear the catch. While he waits his gloves get tossed onto a counter by the back door and he starts working on his coat buttons next.

[makejapangreat]

No, he supposes it wouldn't be for Goro. For as much as Shido learned of the Metaverse and its inner workings, he never experienced it firsthand. There was nothing to prepare him for the utter insanity he encountered when he was taken away to his first new world.

Goro was young, too. So adaptable. Shido was well past his prime and very set in his ways... until his world had been turned upside down.

"Mm."

He puts a hand to his chin.

"Perhaps 'scarce' isn't the right word, exactly. There is a limited supply of them, but they are known to refresh on a daily basis. However, we really only can get a hold of bare essentials. Anything else is either unavailable so far as we have found, or in particularly dangerous areas.

"Danger lurks nearly wherever you may go, however. Few places are ever completely safe. People regularly partner or group together for that reason, especially if a trip to a highly dangerous area is in order."

[fabrications]

Hmm. That makes a bit more sense, then. Fighting over resources is one thing, but fighting over resources that you have to fight to acquire in the first place... well, if Akechi could work with the Phantom Thieves, he's sure whoever else has ended up here could set aside their differences long enough for that.

Akechi slips his coat off and sets it aside, as well, then finally gives up on standing and slides down the floor. He may as well have a seat if they're going to be here a while.

"And you? I'm sure you've found yourself plenty of allies." Akechi's just wondering if Shido is willing to share that sort of information.

[makejapangreat]

It's a small thing, but Shido's glad he's able to lower his guard, even if it's only a little. He doesn't move from his spot, though he does take his device back out to send a message.

"Most of the people here are rather agreeable. Some more predisposed to teamwork than others. I think just about any one of them could be considered allies. We all share a common enemy, after all. Infighting is meaningless. We're far too busy fighting off the things that come after us anyway.

"Now, if you're asking about trustworthy people, Dr. Jude is a fine young man who speaks his mind and is straightforward and honest. On top of being a medic, he's also a skilled fighter. We live together with a spirited young woman by the name of Mulan. She knows her way around a sword. You'll find her just as trustworthy... if a bit mischievous."

As he talks about them, there's a small smile coming to his face and something warm and.. fond in his tone.

[fabrications]

... Gross. He shouldn't have asked, not if he was going to have to deal with a display such saccharine sentimentality from Shido again. Still, it tells him something - mostly that Shido seems to have odd taste in roommates. A scrappy doctor and a swordswoman prone to mischief, huh? Akechi can't make any further judgement before he meets them, but they at least sound useful.

As for the rest of what Shido says, he's never been an idiot. It was even Akechi's own mistakes that had him being found out by the Phantom Thieves in the firstplace. If he believes that the other people in the town can be trusted then they probably can. But the fact that he even says that is just so...

Well, there's no more getting around it. Akechi's asked as many practical questions as he thinks he can spare for the moment, so there's no sense in avoiding that question any longer.

"What happened to you?" His tone is cool, not a trace of concern or contempt to be found. There's really only one thing that makes sense, but he may as well hear it straight from the source.

[makejapangreat]

Ah. He gives a small, amused smirk, as if Goro had just appealed to an inside joke without knowing.

"A lot," he starts, his gaze sliding over to the brunet.

"I said I arrived here a couple months ago. While that is true, it was not our Earth from which I was taken. I've not been to that place since..."

He hums thoughtfully.

"Well, time has gotten strange in multiple parts of my travel. Let's just say it's accumulated to about two year's worth of experiences, shall we?

"But to answer the most obvious question: yes, it did start with a Change of Heart." His gaze becomes a little distant. "I was whisked away shortly before I was to be executed after I had confessed."

[fabrications]

Two years...?

Even if he ignores the 'multiple worlds' thing that still explains a lot, especially if those years started off with a Change of Heart. It's interesting to hear Shido was going to be flat out executed; even if he confessed to orchestrating and ordering Akechi's various assassinations, proving it was bound to be difficult.

"Prosecutor Niijima must have worked hard." He doesn't know that she was the prosecutor in charge of his case, but he can't imagine anyone else doing it. At the very least, Sae would have fought with everything she had to take charge. "Just as much as the Phantom Thieves."

That information is useful to have, though it does anything but make Akechi happy. If Shido had a Change of Heart then that means what he's seeing is real. The empathy, the affection for other people, the hints of selflessness, all of it. It should be a relief, but it's not. Even with the knowledge of his change of heart Akechi still can't feel anything but contempt for Shido, yet Akira and his friends had so readily given Akechi a chance to start again without any indication that he was willing to take it.

It should be a relief, but Akechi can only think that the Phantom Thieves utterly disgust him. Frustration and confusion and rage darken his expression, but they're gone half a heartbeat later as he closes his eyes and tips his head back against the door.

"Is there power in this town?" It's a sudden, jarring, and very obvious attempt to change the subject and Akehci doesn't care one bit. He doesn't want to think about home anymore, and the fact that this room is pleasantly but unnaturally warm is as good a thing to focus on as any.

[makejapangreat]

A soft hum at that; he never did know the woman well. Only that she was a coworker of Goro's— And then, the one who condemned him.

As he'd rightfully deserved.

The change of subject doesn't surprise him, and he doesn't try to force the discomfort. It's a lot for him to swallow, and he'd need time to digest it all. It isn't every day someone you thought you knew well has a complete heel-turn.

"There is, though the grid is deteriorating, so there are patches of areas with power and patches without."

He's content to let Goro believe they merely got lucky, since everything associated with him is tainted by default.

"Thankfully, a good portion of the residential areas do have such access, and I know of a couple people who are maintaining the grid, and trying to repair it as well."

[fabrications]

"Hmm." Well, that's handy to know, but Akechi can't bring himself to make any further commentary on the subject. Or any commentary at all, as it turns out. He stays silent unless spoken to, and even then any responses he gives are short and to the point. He doesn't move from his spot, either, keeping his head tipped back as he focuses on the sounds of the storm outside. He tries to avoid it, but suspects that he dozes off at some point anyway.

The blizzard worsens at first, leaving Akechi wondering if maybe it wouldn't have been better to leave when Shido first suggested. But some time after that - another hour or two, he thinks, though the fact that it's long enough for him to dry off is all that matters - the winds start to die down, and before long the blizzard seems to have reached a proper lull. Akechi finally opens his eyes, staring at the ceiling and drumming his fingers against his knee.

"We should go." Akechi can't believe he's actually considering leaving this room in Shido's company, so he reminds himself that he needs to confirm that Shido's knowledge and connections are real. Once he's done that, he can make a more informed decision that, with any luck, will lead to them parting ways for good.

[makejapangreat]

Shido doesn't pester him. It seemed this Goro was unfamiliar with different worlds outside of the Metaverse, so... he can only guess at his condition. The way he dozes off really drives it home.

He doesn't move to stir Akechi at all, simply closing his eyes and resting. He doesn't dare to fall asleep, lest he doom them both to freeze to death. Unlikely, but just in case.

When he's come to, Shido glances over. There's a nod at the words, and Shido gets to a stand. going for the door. When he moves to open the door, it sticks a bit, but with a solid shove of his uninjured shoulder, it swings open just enough for them to get out.

Shido doesn't hesitate to step out first, eyes scanning the environment for danger. Once he's confirmed it, he waits to hear Goro's footsteps behind him before he glances over and nods, then starts to lead them away from the house.

He might notice Shido breathing a bit heavier than usual, and it sure is interesting that that warmth is following them, isn't it?

[fabrications]

When Shido stands Akechi starts to gather up his coat and gloves, pulling them back on with practiced ease. He doesn't hesitate to lean into Loki's power once Shido starts shoving the door open, and by the time the older man glances over there's not a trace of Akechi's normal clothing to be seen. He doesn't offer any explanation for it, just makes sure he has his weapons before he moves to follow Shido out the door - though he's sure to leave some distance between them.

He doesn't miss Shido's heavier breathing, nor the fact that the odd warmth from inside seems to be following them. For a moment he wonders if it isn't some quirk of his Metaverse outfit... but he'd been freezing before, and the air still feels warm against his face. There's really only one thing that even kind of makes sense right now, and much as he hates the idea of acknowledging it he hates the idea of ignoring it even more.

"It wasn't the power keeping the shop warm, was it?"

[makejapangreat]

The look in Shido's eyes at that outfit. is one unlike Goro has ever seen... especially directed towards him.

A bit of fear. Or perhaps even... respect. Maybe both.

With the blizzard having calmed a bit, it was possible to see more than five feet in front of them, for which Shido was grateful. He seems fairly certain of where he's going as they move forward.

The question gives a soft, amused noise.

"Can't imagine why you'd think that."

[fabrications]

For maybe the first time since he got here, Shido's reaction doesn't surprise Akechi. He's aware of how it looks (he relies on it, in fact) so he's not going to let himself think that it's strange or hope for a different reaction.

That answer, though... Akechi's expression darkens behind his mask, and he's glad that it's the sort of that covers his entire face. He's pretty sure he's doing a bad job of keeping the annoyance, frustration, and confusion at that answer hidden. It's obviously Shido's doing, though Akechi can't begin to imagine how, so the fact that he won't admit to it gets under Akechi's skin. He's silent for a moment before he clicks his tongue.

"If you wear yourself out, I'm not slowing down for your sake." Telling him to stop is as bad as admitting that he dislikes it, so he'll focus on the practical aspect instead.

[makejapangreat]

Not that Shido has to hear the words to know it. His time with Goro at the beginning had been less than benign for sure, but either way, he'd known the teen for many years. His tells are quite obvious to Shido by now.

"Fair enough," is all he says in response to that.

Once they actually get to the house, he opens the door to usher the teenager in. He glances around before coming inside...

And then immediately closing the door and leaning against it heavily, breathing much harder and heavier than he was moments before.

He gives an exhausted laugh, and says breathlessly to no one in particular:

"Seems I'm out of practice..."