... In which Akechi and I, together with Kasumi, explore the strange Palace that has manifested outside the Metaverse, to investigate the new and terrifying threat to the very fabric of our reality . . . and just how far Akechi is willing to go to dissuade me from pursuing him.

******************************************

It takes far too long, and not nearly long enough at the same time, to get to Odaiba—not least because Akechi doesn't speak for the entire trip. He doesn't even look at me. If I claimed it didn't hurt, I would be lying.

But I would also be lying if I claimed it surprised me—even now. If you had thought this through better . . . you'd know that there is nothing I can offer you besides more heartache. The words have ingrained themselves in my mind; they sink in slowly like stones, heavy and noticeable in the pit of my stomach.

Nothing besides more heartache. I inadvertently raise a hand to brush it against my still-prickling lips. It is true that he has given me heartache . . . so much heartache. I look ahead at him—walking with the same confidence as always—and, for the first time, wonder if I may have given him equally as much heartache in return. If I hadn't insisted on deepening our bond and pursued him with as much determination as I did—if I hadn't given him reasons to get attached to me—could I have spared the both of us from pain?

I think about the way he looked at me in the laundry. The way he said "believing". Maybe, in that sense, my belief really was the bane of his existence. It is only then that I fully understand that both of us suffered considerably for simply . . . getting attached to each other. Because we weren't meant to, whispers a voice in my head. Because we were meant to be adversaries, pitted against each other in some stupid bet between a couple of self-important gods who didn't seem to have anything better to do. Because we were meant to be . . . each other's ruin.

. . . What exactly would we unleash if we chose to be anything else?

I suddenly regret having skipped over everything that Igor revealed earlier for the sake of brevity. I want to tell Akechi, to ask him about his own pain. So badly that I almost do—catch up and grab his sleeve, pull him to the side, and speak—but I don't want to keep Kasumi waiting much longer.

Someday, I will ask. I stuff my hands into my pockets instead. And when I do, I will also tell him that, while we have given each other heartache, we could . . . we already have given each other so much more. He's given me so much more, I think with conviction, just as I spot the outskirts of the construction site in the distance and smile.

Yet as soon as I look closer, my smile falls, to be replaced by an anxious frown . . . because it's not just the construction site that I see.

"Amamiya-senpai!" A cheerful voice diverts my attention away from the glowing, transparent dome of the palace over our heads. I spin around and see Kasumi running in my direction. "Senpai!" She huffs, coming to a halt in front of me. Then she spots that I'm not alone. "And . . . Akechi-san?"

"We just happened to be together when she got your call," he says, and I swallow. If Kasumi knew what we were actually doing, that took us so long . . .

Akechi is more occupied with the faint structures above us than anything. "First, I end up in that fantasy with a human cat and a dead woman walking," he says. "And now a Palace appears . . . Intriguing." He speaks the word like he actually meant to say something else—far less pleasant.

"Akechi-san . . ." Kasumi tilts her head, and I brace myself for awkward questions regarding human cats and dead women. ". . . You know about Palaces?" she asks instead, and I breathe out in relief.

Akechi regards her with a shrug. "Would it help you grasp the situation if I told you that I have the same powers she has?"

Kasumi's jaw drops, and she clasps a hand over her mouth. "Really!? Does that mean you're also . . ."

But Akechi cuts her off: "I'm not a part of the Phantom Thieves," he says curtly, and I can't help but add "yet" in my head. Now that he's back, as transformed and clear-minded as we hoped he'd be, it may be time to rekindle that old dream. "However," Akechi continues, "since you seem to have already grasped the concept of them, I wager you are a fellow Persona-user?"

"Um . . ." Kasumi clasps her hands together, looking at me like she has any reason to be nervous.

I take a step closer to Akechi and slide my hand around his arm. He tenses up, but at least he doesn't push me away. I look at Kasumi encouragingly.

> "You can tell him!"

"He knows everything."

Kasumi looks at us curiously, and I wonder how surprised she might be if I told her everything regarding the two of us. She asked us if we were dating when we all met up last time, after all. I recall the memory fondly, but also bittersweetly. Like everything that happened before . . .

"Yes," she finally confirms. "I can use a Persona as well. I'm not a part of the Phantom Thieves either, though . . ."

For her too, I can't help but add a "yet" in my mind. I look back and forth between the two of them . . . Am I about to get a chance to spend some quality time with the two people I've always wanted on our team, but who have yet to join us?

"I just so happened to slip into this Palace with Amamiya-senpai and Morgana-senpai a while ago," Kasumi adds, and my heart suddenly starts racing. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself; maybe I should be more worried about whatever is happening to reality, but I can't help the anticipation that floods me all of a sudden. Because, despite the unusual situation, I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for months.

For a moment, my doubts about whether we did the right thing when we accepted her rejection to help us in the confrontation against Shido resurface, but . . . it was her decision. And . . . I can't help but feel that the fight with Shido was far too personal for each of us to drag her into it. I throw her another look and wonder once again why she disappeared around Christmas when we really could have used her help.

I suppress the urge to ask, reminding myself that it's not really so surprising that someone would disappear over the holidays. And I told myself I would not ask if she didn't tell me of her own accord. There's no reason for me to make her feel guilty for celebrating merrily instead of helping us save the world. In the end, we achieved it either way.

But even despite my failing at recruiting her into the Phantom Thieves so far, I treasure my bond with Kasumi far beyond gymnastics lessons—which I suck at so much that I still feel sorry for putting her through the labor that is trying to teach me anything related to coordination. It becomes easier in the Metaverse, but even so, I can only dream of being as light on my feet as she is.

Then again, I admire Kasumi for more than her grace and her patience with me. She is such a sweet girl with so many invisible burdens, which she persistently refuses to share. I can't deny that the way she insists on calling me Senpai, even though I've told her many times before that she doesn't have to, makes me want to live up to her expectations and help her as best I can. But even though we've made considerable progress, I feel like she's still not letting me in entirely. The same goes for Akechi . . . I throw him a covert glance. The only time he did anything close to opening up was in Shido's engine room . . . and that resulted in a psychotic breakdown and his near death.

Briefly, I wonder what it might take for either of them to open up to me genuinely . . . in a controlled and comfortable environment. Instead of dwelling on the thought, I listen to the two of them discussing the appearance of the Palace and the public's seeming apathy toward it, and slowly but surely I begin to worry again. Last time the public was ignorant toward Metaverse-related things showing up in reality, we ended up fighting a god.

We all quickly conclude that it is the best course of action to just go into the Palace, hoping it will have some clues as to what's going on. But when I take out my phone to check the Nav app, I barely believe my eyes.

"Huh, it looks . . . different," says Akechi, and I stare at the glowing white icon on my screen, wondering whether this has anything to do with Yaldabaoth's removal from Mementos—I haven't actually checked the app since then.

I watch Akechi walk Kasumi through navigating the search history and although it lets us use it to enter the Palace, we discover that the ruler's name has been . . . censored somehow. Whoever this is—I stare up at the glowing, transparent structure—they have to be incredibly powerful to possess the ability to do something like this.

When Kasumi asks us to bring her along to the palace, I nod enthusiastically. It's not like I ever planned on excluding her in the first place!

"What's your call?" Akechi turns to me immediately, like his own opinion isn't even worth stating. I look at him curiously, but in the end, I don't ask about it. Instead, I grip his arm tighter and snatch Kasumi's arm with my other hand, smiling brightly.

"Infiltration time!"

> "Bonding time!"

Kasumi laughs, and Akechi raises an eyebrow. "Don't get ahead of yourself," he grumbles as we watch Kasumi activate the Nav. "You're still not grasping the fact that this is a bad idea," he says quietly, and I know that he doesn't mean infiltrating the palace. "I wonder just how much it will take . . ."

I can't quite catch if he says anything else because then we fade into the Metaverse, but his words rekindle my frustration. Here we are again: me trying to convince him to give us a shot, and him trying to dissuade me. I sigh, straightening my mask. Right back where we started, I think. Maybe I can at least bring it all to a better end this time.

***

As soon as we've oriented ourselves, the three of us come up to an elevator, and Kasumi stops first. "Now that I'm getting a second look here . . . this place is really mysterious. What could this building even be?"

I shrug. Usually, it's pretty obvious what a Palace is supposed to be and what the Ruler's distortion is . . . but this one? I didn't have a clue the first time, and neither do I now.

"It depends on what the Palace's Ruler thinks of the place," Akechi replies, taking a step forward to stand between Kasumi and me, then crosses his arms. Although he is facing away from us, I could have sworn he throws me a quick look through the red-tinted slit of his horned black mask. "We'll likely find that out if we keep pushing forward."

I don't know why my heart decides to skip a beat at the realization that he is wearing this outfit instead of his other one.

"Is that so?" Kasumi turns to face him and I can see the surprise in her face as she takes him in. Well . . . I smile covertly; it's probably not the look she expected, considering she hasn't really seen him be anything but polite and graceful.

"What's the matter?" Akechi asks and I could have sworn there is an ever-so faint note of concern in his voice, as though he can't make up his mind about whether to care about her opinion.

Kasumi shrugs. "Well . . . I'm not sure how to put it . . ."

I lean forward on Akechi's other side, with my hands clasped behind my back, and smile brightly.

> "I like this outfit better!"

"So, you're not holding back anymore?"

"We're all so gorgeous in black!"

"This outfit?" Kasumi's eyes widen, but I just shrug. I'll have to explain eventually . . . but not right now. We have a more important task on our hands . . . Instead, I briefly allow myself to become lost in looking at Akechi, wondering whether the mask can be lifted and lowered like a visor or if it doesn't connect to the helmet at all. Against my better judgment, I'm tempted to raise my hand and try it.

"Oh, you mean this old thing?" Unconcerned, Akechi raises a hand adorned with a clawed glove. For a second, he regards Kasumi, then his gaze meets mine and the edge of his mouth twists up. "Sorry, but no one currently present is worth upholding the pretense of a righteous, sincere Detective Prince for."

A rush of heat spreads across my face at the words. Yet before I can respond, Akechi pivots away from us. "Enough chatting. Let's move out."

He brushes past me and strides toward the elevator with such shameless confidence that I momentarily remain frozen in place. Only when Kasumi taps my shoulder do I wake up from my daze, and the two of us run ahead to catch up with Akechi.

It only takes a few seconds to ride the elevator up, and we face the same flight of stairs that I recognize from the last time I was here . . . Although I don't recognize the treasure chest waiting on our left.

However, a quick climb to the very top of the stairs reveals that new treasure chests are by far not the only change in store for us. "This place feels different than it did last time . . ." Kasumi mumbles, staring at the flock of . . . people examining multiple rows of presentation boards adorned with what appears to be research notes, diagrams, and other informative materials.

"That was a few months ago, wasn't it?" asks Akechi. "There could've been a change of heart since then. Do you remember how far in you went last time?"

My eyes fly to the large door to our left that we couldn't open before, as do Kasumi's. "I think it was just beyond that door," she says. "That's where Senpai came to help me."

"I see." Akechi passes by the people without paying them any mind, coming to a halt in front of the door. "So you're only familiar with the area close to the entrance. Anyway, let's keep going." He gives the door a push, and surprisingly, it creaks open.

Yet I'm drawn to the people and the information boards instead. Kasumi follows me as I approach two men examining a board on the far left. "Apparently, anyone who comes here can become happy . . ." one of them mumbles. "I wonder if that's really true—although everyone here seems to be having fun . . ."

Kasumi and I exchange a confused glance. "Happy . . . ?" she mumbles, and I shrug, recalling my own theory about wishes being granted. So, is that what those boards are advertising? I skim one, and it indeed turns out to be some kind of research on the topic of happiness. The more I see, the more certain I become that the Ruler of this Palace really is the one responsible for all of this.

"Happiness for everyone, huh?" the other man says. "Maybe it really can happen. Maybe even I can get a better life . . ."

Upon those words, compassion floods me. With a wistful pang, I recall my attachment to my own wishful dream world and wonder just how many people have experienced the same. And whether there are any . . . downsides to indulging in it for too long.

Yet before I can hear what his companion replies, I'm startled by a violent crash. I jump around and find one of the information boards collapsed to the ground with a red, jagged blade sticking out. "Is there any particular reason for this holdup?" Akechi asks frigidly, ripping his blade out of the board. "Was there anything of use on those boards?"

"N-Not really . . ." Kasumi replies while I'm distracted by the notion that none of the people around us seem shocked or frightened by the ruckus. In Akechi's face, I see that he's taken notice of this too.

Then, without giving me another opportunity to talk to the people or even search for loot, he grabs me and pulls me toward the door. "Then stop wasting time."

I stifle a giggle, then sigh, glancing over my shoulder wistfully, bidding all the unfound loot that he's forcing me to leave behind a silent farewell. As soon as we're through the door, all that is forgotten, though.

"There are so many people here . . ." Kasumi mumbles as she enters behind us. "This is definitely different from the last time."

I stare up at an enormous, heart-shaped clock flanked by a pair of even bigger security cameras. "Welcome, and thank you for coming, patients." An announcement reverberates in what appears to be a grand entrance hall. It feels welcoming yet sterile and impersonal at the same time . . . Just like this entire palace, actually.

To my immeasurable disappointment, Akechi releases my arm. "Patients . . ." he mumbles, taking a step forward. I look around, and even though he's only repeated one word, I know what he's thinking: Is this Palace a . . . hospital? The sleek, clean design and the blinding white surrounding us did make a similar thought cross my mind. Something about being here makes me feel like I'm in a fragile glass bubble, safe yet surrounded by watchful eyes on all sides.

"You will be guided to one of our specialty care facilities according to your individual desires," the announcement continues. "We will assist each and every one of you. Rest assured. Everyone can become happy. Should you have any questions about the facilities, feel free to bring them to our staff members nearby."

"What a strange announcement," says Kasumi. "Become happy?"

Well . . . when viewed in light of our theory about wishes from earlier, it is not actually so strange. In as few words as I can, I fill Kasumi in on it without actually mentioning that I've experienced it for myself.

As I conclude my explanation, she looks at me wide-eyed. "So . . . you mean, whoever this Ruler is, you think they're trying to grant everyone's wishes?"

"That is what we believe," Akechi says. "Although the means by which they do so remain unknown." Then he picks up the pace again, taking point. Kasumi and I follow on his heel as he crosses the room in a straight line, ascending the short staircase ahead, two stairs at a time. I don't attempt to steal the lead away from him; if he is confident in his direction, I am more than willing to follow, honestly.

Yet as we approach another large door, we're suddenly stopped in our tracks. A Shadow in the form of a patrolman in a lab coat spawns directly in our path. "Those guises . . ." it says. "You aren't among those who desire salvation."

Salvation. I can't help but feel a longing pang at the word. But at the same time . . .

"Move; we have business here," Akechi cuts into my thoughts. He sounds like he's seconds from mowing the Shadow down for even assuming it could stand in our way.

I take a deep breath, approaching myself.

"Please get out of the way."

> "Won't you take us to your Ruler?"

"Leave," the Shadow insists. "You are unwanted intruders. Do not disturb our lord's research—this world's salvation."

A lord . . . But who could possibly—? My head is spinning with fear that we're only scratching the surface of what this place is when it already feels like too much to take in.

"The language of a Shadow is a hint into its Ruler's ideology," Akechi says, dropping the cold, impatient attitude for just long enough to remind me that it is an act . . . Is he trying to conceal his own distress and uncertainty about what is happening? "This one sounds rather cultish."

I nod, contemplating for how much longer we'll be able to avoid battle. But Akechi seems to have other plans. "Sorry," he sneers, "but we're going to pass through there now. We don't have the time to waste on peons like yourself."

And just like that, he has picked up the act again, so seamlessly that I wonder how many would have even noticed that it is one. I can't help but wish he would feel safe enough to show us—me—his true feelings without the need to hide behind yet another facade.

Then again, who am I to complain about how he wants to cope with this situation? And, well, there is something undeniably . . . appealing about this abrasive go-getter act. About the way he stands tall, staring the Shadow down and looking as unbothered as ever, almost bored. I can't take my eyes off of him.

"Why do you willingly strive for self-suffering?" the Shadow continues undauntedly. "Why are you reaching out to your own pain?"

Kasumi on my other side gasps, and I make a face, recalling losing touch with my own pain and needing Akechi to reconnect me with it. Reality isn't perfect, Amamiya. It's ugly and messy and difficult, there is no guarantee for anything. What is it that you really want?

The Shadow doesn't wait for a reply. It transforms, making it clear that battle has just become inevitable.

"Yoshizawa-san—you can do this, right?" Akechi asks, once again without a single drop of malice in his voice. On the contrary, the way he sounds reassuring makes me smile.

"Y-Yes," Kasumi hurriedly confirms. "Ready whenever!"

"It'll be too much trouble to go about this haphazardly." Akechi glances the two of us over, then looks back at the Shadow. "I'll provide the support." Before I can properly process what he means, a second Shadow spawns, and they make a taunting gesture in unison. Akechi pivots back around, giving them a vicious glare. "Look at this scum pile up . . ." He laughs, but it's not the friendly kind. It's the kind that sends a . . . not quite so unpleasant shiver up my spine. "Fine by me . . . Time for a bloodbath!"

Before I have time to move—or close my dropped jaw—he has already initiated battle. "Ha! It's been quite a while." Akechi points his jagged blade at the enemies. "Nothing excites me like this."

"A-Akechi-san?" Kasumi calls, and I would have probably said something if I hadn't been too taken up with trying to process that the way he stands, speaks, and moves now is new again . . . or is it? Images of the way he acted after our duel flash before me, and just like then, for inexplicable reasons, I hope he doesn't stop.

"Now, time to obliterate them!"

Upon his exclaim, Kasumi stutters, "A-All right!" and I almost burst out laughing.

Akechi doesn't waste any more time. He strikes swiftly, with so much force that it knocks out almost half of our enemies' health. Meanwhile, I am still gawking at him, my brain feeling like it's frozen and crashed like an old computer. Maybe I should be intimidated, it crosses my mind for just a moment. Maybe that would be a wiser choice than to stand here with my mouth agape, trying my hardest not to . . . blush.

"What's the holdup?"

It's Akechi's own voice that yanks me out of this daze; the look he's throwing me through the red slits of his mask is a mix between annoyed and amused . . . I think. In this outfit, so much of his face is covered that I have a harder time reading his expressions than usual.

Right . . . we're in battle. I force my attention away from him and fight a wave of crushing embarrassment. We're in battle, and I have nothing better to do than stare at him like some kind of lovesick fool! Didn't I pride myself on not being caught off guard by new sides of him earlier?

I quickly collect myself; I haven't fused new Personas since the confrontation with Yaldabaoth, and I am briefly taken aback by the fact that—despite how I distinctly remember her emerging out of who was once Arsené—I cannot seem to reach Sophia at this moment. I make a mental note to talk to Igor about it, then finally attack.

The Shadows are clearly no match for us, but they're still standing. Before Kasumi can prepare her own move, I feel a different presence by my side. "Hey—" Akechi says as he takes a few steps toward me and raises his blade. "Want me to kill them?"

My mouth drops open again . . . but I'm not about to stop him. I pass to him and step aside wordlessly; Kasumi and I watch Akechi annihilate the last of the Shadows with a single strike.

As soon as the battle is over, he brushes invisible dust off his sleeve before crossing his arms, visibly satisfied. "I think we handled that rather well, didn't we? Especially considering the last-minute arrangement of our team and all."

Now I'm definitely not the only one staring at him, although Kasumi must do so for a different reason. I wonder if she's disappointed or maybe even glad that she didn't get a turn. "Yoshizawa-san?" he asks, like he doesn't know exactly what he just did.

"U-Uh, yes!" she blurts out, and I feel torn between breaking into laughter and attempting to explain. But it seems that I don't have to do that; the longer she looks at Akechi, the more her features relax again, and I smile, happy that she understands that neither she nor I have anything to genuinely fear from him.

As soon as Akechi notices her ease, his eyes meet mine. "And you—Joker?" He takes a step forward, and I have a hard time not retreating one back. "What's the matter? Are you scared yet?" The look he's giving me is unmovable and challenging—merciless.

But I don't back down. I hold his incessant stare, even if it means risking that my face betrays me, because I'm feeling all sorts of things, and none of them are fear. Maybe it's due to the deliberate, controlled nature of this . . . unhinged side. Or maybe it's just that I've witnessed him having a clear mind and a level head . . . on Christmas, and today, this morning, when he had it together better than even I did. And why wouldn't he, without any distortions to sway him?

It's clear that this new . . . facade is not any more or any less genuine than all his others, although its intended purpose eludes me. Is he just . . . having fun?

It is then that I stop caring about how visible my feelings are on my face or what Kasumi will think. All I know is that I haven't changed my mind since after our duel—this is a side that I wouldn't mind seeing more of.

"I wouldn't put it like that . . ."

> " . . .You're gonna have to try harder for that."

"Hah!" Akechi laughs. "Y'know, you should be scared. You should hate me." For a second, his smirk falls. "Who knows what I'll do if you keep provoking me like that? You better not take any chances."

I vehemently shake my head, then give him my brightest smile, hoping it conveys that I accept his challenge. Whatever he has in store for me . . . I'm ready, I think, feeling my face flush. This . . . I pause as I realize this is actually the most fun we've had together since we used to go out. Don't let it end, I think wistfully and feel my smile soften.

"So, anyway, that Shadow—" Kasumi cautiously resumes speaking. "It said something about research . . . And also something about pain . . ."

"It mentioned salvation as well." Akechi turns to her . . . perfectly normal again. "All this seems to indicate that the Palace's ruler is not in his or her right mind."

I stare at his pensive face, slightly irritated by how hard it is to make out properly beneath the helmet and the mask. This may just be a way for him to enjoy himself. To be the opposite of perfect and polite. Or maybe—

". . . Oh?" Kasumi and I watch Akechi take a few steps forward and pick something off the floor that may have fallen out of a passerby's pocket. "It's a map to this place," he says, twisting it in his hand. "Let's make good use of it."

Before I can make my way over to look at the map, Kasumi takes a step closer and whispers, still quite audibly: "Um . . . So, I've only shared pleasantries with Akechi-san . . . Would you say this is how he normally is? Like a, ah . . . ruthless sort of person?"

I stare at her, both perplexed and increasingly impressed, the longer I consider her choice of words. My gaze flies to Akechi, who still has his back to us; he seems engrossed in the map. Ruthless, I let the word sink in and realize that there is hardly a word that describes him better. Not inherently good or evil, but . . . willing to do anything for the sake of achieving his goals.

Still . . . I give Kasumi an amused look. What she's seen today is hardly an accurate representation of what and who Goro Akechi is in his entirety. I could probably write a whole book on that topic.

"It's much more complicated than that."

> "It's a . . . part of who he is."

"Oh, I see." She nods. "I figured it was something like that. But you know him better than anyone else, don't you, Senpai?"

My smile freezes on my face as she gives me an inquisitive look. "I know you said last time that the two of you were not in a relationship, but . . ." She turns to look at him, then back at me. "I hope I'm not prying, but is that . . . Uhm . . ."

Before I can scrape together a response that is both truthful and respecting of his—I should call it what it is—rejection, earlier in the laundry, Akechi turns, one hand at his hip. "What say we save the idle chatter for later and keep moving?" he says sourly, and a breath catches in my throat.

Kasumi jolts into an upright position, as though he caught her doing something forbidden. Akechi doesn't mind her, though. He takes a few steps toward us, halting directly in front of me. "Unless—" I catch sight of a raised eyebrow beneath his mask, "teaming up with a ruthless sort of person is too much for you to handle after all."

I stare up at him for a heartbeat, forcing a breath out of my lungs. Then, as opposed to retreating, I mirror his pose and take a step forward. Despite the fact that I'm so close to him that the collar of his helmet is nearly grazing my forehead, Akechi doesn't even flinch.

I tilt my head to look at him better and smile.

"Teaming up with you is always a pleasure."

> "Don't you know that eavesdropping is not nice?"

"Whoever said I was nice?" he replies without missing a beat, and my mouth snaps shut. Behind me, Kasumi suppresses a giggle, and I find it hard not to join in . . . until Akechi suddenly shifts, then raises a hand to point a finger at me.

". . . I'm not, which is exactly why I already told you that you should do what's in your best interest and keep your distance." With that, he pivots and strides off, once again without waiting for Kasumi and I.

Looking after him, I blow out a breath and suppress the urge to pout like a child. I will do no such thing; I've already decided that for myself! And the more he keeps . . . I sigh and pick up the pace, running after him with Kasumi on my heel . . . well. I let the thought sink in that he may also be acting the way he is to . . . scare me off.

What would he do? I think as the three of us climb the stairs leading out of the main hall . . . If he knew that this act seems to have the opposite of his desired effect?

I recall my feelings from all the way back after our duel—the way he acted then really was not unsimilar to now, perhaps even in terms of motives. Back then, I tried to deny it because I couldn't be sure how serious his threats were yet—but I would be a big, fat liar if I claimed that he isn't unreasonably attractive when he acts this way. Little did I know that brief moment back then would only be the preview.

***

We run into a few more Shadows on the way, but none of them pose a serious problem. What I do find out through those battles, however, is what Akechi meant when he said he'd "provide support."

He balances fighting with analyzing and navigating battles effortlessly, as if he's done it his entire life. Some of the things he says make me smile, some make me blush, and all of them undermine the realization that grows in me with every word he speaks—I love listening to him, to the sound of his voice.

I couldn't care less if he's yelling threats, methodically listing enemy weaknesses, or insightfully leading me through Shadow negotiations. It's all him, and he's right there with me, supporting as best he can.

And all of a sudden, the battles against regular Shadows shift from something that I have always tried to avoid more than not to something that I find myself seeking out. I don't want to waste any resources, but I still attack every Shadow that crosses our path.

It only ends up being a few that we encounter before Akechi cuts in to point out a nearby safe room. I dip in, and my two teammates follow me. We find a kind of locker room this time, all in blazing white as the entire palace; the cognitive effects here are notably weak, and I breathe out in relief. I don't want to say that I'm already tired, but . . .

"It's a safe room . . ." Akechi steps forward, looking around as though he expects some kind of trap. When he finds none, he turns back. "Shall we take a rest?"

As soon as my two companions have settled, I plop onto a seat and stretch my legs. I almost forgot how exhausting it is to fight so many enemies that aren't complete pushovers.

"What's the plan?" Akechi asks, and before I can look to see if I've brought any healing items to offer the others, Kasumi asks about safe rooms. He explains willingly, and, despite already knowing everything he's laying out, I listen to him answer every one of Kasumi's questions with a kind of patience and diligence that clashes with the tough and determined front he's been displaying since this morning.

I watch the two of them with a smile, thinking about how immeasurably happy I am to have them here with me—no matter how much I crave to have my other friends back soon.

"Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?" Akechi asks eventually, and I shake my head. It's not quite time to heal yet.

"Thank you very much for your insight, Akechi-senpai." Kasumi rises from her seat and performs a quick, respectful bow, receiving a nod in return. Then she approaches the door, whereas Akechi remains behind, leaning on a wall covered in lockers.

When I take a step toward him, he throws me a sour look. "I realize that resting is important every so often, but do we really have the time to relax?"

I roll my eyes with a smile.

"I also wanted to thank you for your help."

> "I'm so glad that you're here with me."

"I'm grateful too for everything today as well."

Akechi looks at me like I've lost my mind. Then he shakes his head. "I'm here to find out the truth, nothing more. Do not misunderstand."

Watching Kasumi from the corner of my eye, I take a step closer. If we were alone, I may have raised my hand to see if his mask really lifts the way I think it does.

"Is there something wrong with your ears?" Akechi hisses, disconnecting from the wall, and before I know it, I find one of his clawed fingers on my chest, pushing softly but firmly. "I already told you to stay away."

I stumble back, and he brushes past me, out of the room. "We don't know what may be waiting for us," he says to Kasumi, who remains on his heel. "Let us explore carefully."

As though on cue, a Shadow spots us, and we don't get the ambush that time. Even though the battle goes smoothly, Akechi curses under his breath at the end of it.

Once it's defeated, I pause to catch my breath and peek at Akechi . . . I'm not going to let him scare me off. Once upon a time—I think as I watch him with a gentle smile—he was the one who flirted with me remorselessly, making me a flustered mess. He unleashed this, and he can tell me to stay away all he wants; he is not getting rid of me that easily. The tables aren't quite reversed now . . . especially because I'm still always the flustered one. Nonetheless, this feels like my well-earned payback.

For a moment, I wonder just what it will take to defeat his lacking belief in us . . . What will I have to do? To prove? With such thoughts, I approach him, holding a hand out. I'm not sure what I wanted to do—offer an item or simply check whether he's alright. But Akechi doesn't give me time to find out.

"Careful."

I inhale sharply as I find his jagged red blade at my throat. Step by step, he forces me to retreat until I'm against the wall. Now, the entire length of his blade separates us, the tip hovering inches above the small patch of skin exposed by my turtleneck collar.

"S-Senpai?" Kasumi exclaims, but before she can approach me, Akechi's arm jets out to block her path.

"Don't worry, she's quite alright," he says calmly, yet holding the blade steadily, allowing the tip to graze my skin. "But look, Yoshizawa-san." For a moment, his eyes dart over to her. "See, your Senpai is doing a really bad job right now. Take my advice and don't follow her example, which is ignoring all sense and reason for the sake of incessantly pursuing someone who is clearly bad for you."

With that, he removes the blade from my neck, and the moment it's gone, I nearly break into a giggle, shoving my mask up to hide my hot face in my hands. Nonetheless, I'm greatly anticipating what he'll do next if I keep not listening.

"Oh, I see." In Kasumi's eyes, I see a hint of concern but mostly amusement. "But . . . Akechi-san, wouldn't someone who is truly bad for you . . . not try to warn you away from them?"

Upon that, the pent-up laughter breaks out of me, and I nearly keel over, still with my face buried in my hands. Akechi freezes in his tracks, glaring at the two of us sourly before turning away. "Careful, or you'll both end up being bad influences on each other."

I recompose myself somewhat, leaning back against the wall he pinned me to earlier. Kasumi and I stare after Akechi as he strides off, mumbling something about looking for more patrolling Shadows lest we get ambushed again. Then she throws me a curious look. ". . . You're not going to stop, are you?"

I take a deep breath and push off the wall so as not to fall too far behind Akechi, then vehemently shake my head, smiling. Kasumi smiles back, and I prepare to pick up the pace when she suddenly has me by the sleeve. "So . . . Senpai, you two weren't dating before, but now you are . . . well . . ." She fiddles with her rapier apprehensively, and I frown, realizing that I can't see Akechi anymore; he must be around the next corner just up ahead. When I turn back to Kasumi, she is looking up at me, restrained curiosity shining in her eyes. "Does that mean you're into . . . uh, bad boys?"

I halt in my tracks abruptly, feeling my face flare. My mouth opens, but . . . what could I possibly say to that?

"Oh, no, she's not into bad boys."

The two of us jump around when Akechi chimes in; he leans on the wall, arms crossed, next to the corner behind which he evidently heard everything Kasumi just said . . . again.

"Trust me when I say that she," he raises a hand to indicate me, "is into Prince Charming's—y'know, the kind who will hold her and carry her out of bed every morning."

My mouth snaps shut. If it were possible for my face to flush even more, I am positive it does. The self-satisfied smirk I catch sight of on Akechi's face confirms that he knows exactly how low a blow this was, and part of me wishes to sink into the floor in shame . . . Another part wishes to come up with a reply that will wipe it off his face.

I don't get the chance for either since Akechi goes back to business, pushing us to keep going. We run into a few more Shadows, but they're fairly weak—"pathetic trash", according to Akechi. It isn't until we make our way deeper that he's compelled to stop.

"What's . . . ?"

"That voice . . ." Kasumi steps forward, past him. "Look!" Her eyes are glued to a large screen that hangs in front of us. I recognize the man on it immediately—it's Shinichi Yoshizawa, Kasumi's dad.

And, as though it has been waiting for us to arrive, a video starts playing. All throughout, I feel uncomfortable, as though I'm witnessing something intimate, not meant for my eyes. And maybe I am, since the video is about . . .

When it ends, Kasumi asks tonelessly, "Why?"

"That was your father in the video just now, wasn't it, Yoshizawa-san?" I turn to Akechi, who inspects Kasumi with vivid interest. "And the one he was speaking about . . ."

". . . Sumire," Kasumi says, casting her eyes down. "My younger sister . . . Sumire Yoshizawa." She explains in brief words that her sister is dead, which seems to surprise Akechi more than I assumed it would. I could have sworn he mentioned being acquainted with her family last time we met.

"But how was this video—" Kasumi shakes her head, then cries out, clutching her head as though it hurts. Both Akechi and I step closer, alarmed.

> "Are you okay?"

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry . . ." Kasumi sniffs. "I don't know what's been wrong with me lately. I've been getting this feeling like . . . like I need to remember something, but at the same time, I oughtn't remember it . . ."

I frown, sensing a wave of concern for her. But before I can think of something to say, Akechi beats me to it. "Can you still walk, Yoshizawa-san? Whatever is happening, we have to keep going if we hope to learn more about it."

She looks up at him and stands straight again, then a faint smile darts across her face, and I realize that I'm smiling myself. I look over at Akechi and feel my heart warming at the almost . . . gentle tone of his voice. Ruefully, I understand that I've never given thought to how he would sound when expressing genuine care and concern.

Kasumi takes a deep breath, then nods. "Yes. I'm all right! Let's go." This time, she is the one who strides off ahead without waiting for us.

I'm not sure what I expected, but certainly not for Akechi to turn my way. ". . . Hey."

I whip around to him, unable to quench a wave of excitement. He is keeping his distance, even leaning away from me a little, but . . . "When was it that you said you became acquainted with Yoshizawa-san?"

My smile falls, and I frown, trying to remember.

"Last spring."

> "After transferring here."

Akechi turns from me again. "I see . . ." He taps a clawed finger on the hard material of his collar. "Anyway, let's—"

He freezes when I grab him by the arm. I peer ahead but Kasumi is already around the corner, out of sight.

"Thank you for reassuring Kasumi."

> "That was really nice, what you said to Kasumi."

Akechi looks down at me with an unreadable expression. "Kasumi," he says, like he's never heard the name before. Then he withdraws his arm from my grip, and the corner of his mouth twitches up. "You know that I can be nice if I want to. That doesn't mean you should read anything genuine into it."

What he's saying is true. In fact, I remember a time when I thought he was all nice. And while he wasn't being fully genuine back then . . . There is no imaginable ulterior motive for him to be nice to Kasumi now.

I tilt my head and smile.

"You can't fool me."

"Why do you hide your kindness now?"

> "But it was genuine."

Akechi flinches, raising a hand toward his mask. "Do you ever give up?" I vehemently shake my head, and he groans. ". . . Of course not." Then he looks back at me with an expression that burns with so many emotions that it sends hot shivers up my spine. I see desire and disdain, desperation and apprehension and affection, so much of it . . . love?

Before I can make it out clearly, I startle as Akechi takes a step forward, grabbing the collar of my coat. He nearly lifts me off the ground before he knocks me off my feet and drops me on the floor. I gasp, but the breath lodges in my throat when the blade of his jagged sword rams into the ground, inches to the left of my head.

I can do nothing but lie there, staring up into his face, into his narrowed eyes that glint crimson beneath the horned mask . . . and swallow hard. My heart hammers so violently that I fear it may break through my ribcage. But the emotion driving it isn't fear.

"You really should, before this . . . game becomes more than you can handle." Akechi hovers over me, leaning on the hilt of his sword. Then the corner of his mouth twists up into a wicked smirk. "What, are you having fun?"

I bite my lip, and my stomach tightens with an unprecedented ache. But I can't look away from him. I will pass out and die before I do that.

> ". . . What if I am?"

". . . I can handle more than you think."

The words slip out . . . Part of me thinks I should regret them, but honestly? I don't regret a single thing. Before today, I don't think I was quite aware that I had this kind of . . . preference. But it is in that moment that I, with utter certainty, understand that I would let him do absolutely anything to me. Here and now . . . on this flipping floor, for all I care.

A silent moment passes, then Akechi drops to one knee, still above me. I suck in a breath, feeling the faint sensation where the beak of his mask almost grazes my forehead. ". . . What am I going to do with you?"

My mouth falls open; I think a sound escapes me that I hope, with all my heart, nobody heard. Rather than anything, it is the way he speaks the words that feels like he closed a hand around my beating heart and gave a gentle squeeze. I can't remember the last time I heard his voice sounding so soft—a perfect contrast to the fire in his eyes . . .

> "Anything . . ."

"Whatever you want . . ."

Akechi looks at me like I have lost my mind . . . At least, I think that's how he meant to look at me. But beneath his frustratingly powerful layer of composure, I see that a part of him wants to accept this challenge, to test just how much I can handle. If Kasumi wasn't waiting for us . . . I wonder if I would have stood a chance.

". . . Is that what you want?" He retreats a few inches, and his smirk widens. "Do you really want to find out what happens if you say things like that to me?"

If only he knew that I want nothing more than that right now.

Then again . . . he looks at me like he knows. Like his mind is venturing to the same place as mine. He stares down at me with an intensity that makes my flushed face begin to prickle. For one unbroken moment, he looks at me almost wistfully—another silent "what if?" Then Akechi grabs me by the arm and pulls me up with himself until we are both back on our feet.

For a moment, I am dazed. I let him release me and watch him rip his blade out of the ground. "Look at all the time you made us waste, Joker." He pivots back to me, and I see that the wicked smile has reached his eyes. "Now Yoshizawa-san will wonder what's taking us so long. All thanks to you."

Without waiting for a reply, he turns ahead and strides off, his long, jagged blade nonchalantly shouldered. I automatically hurry to follow behind, trying my hardest not to trip over my own feet.

We find Kasumi in the next room, which is a walkway of some kind. She beams at us, proudly announcing that she took out the Shadow that patrolled it all on her own. "Can you tell if I've grown stronger?" she asks, and I nod, returning her smile, although I also feel a pang of guilt for leaving her alone with an enemy. I hope she can't see that my face is still burning.

We catch up with Akechi through the next door . . . The adjacent room is tinted purple, and he is already fixating on another Shadow that has its back to us.

I come up beside him, waiting for the enemy to turn. The way he looked at me burned itself into my mind, as did the fact that I enjoyed every second of it. The strange bolt of longing for what could have been if I didn't still have to fight against his resistance tugs at my heart again.

Still . . . how dare he assume I can't handle him? The thought makes every inch of me tingle with excitement, and I hope the look I throw him is as challenging as I intend for it to be. If he wants me to believe that, he'll have to prove it.

And, whatever I'll have to do to get through to him, I want him to prove it. I smile as I scoot closer until my arm brushes against his. I want him to show me what he can do . . . and drive me off the rails insane.