Chapter Text
Deep down, the Thieves know they screwed up. They have violated Akira’s trust.
It hasn’t even been that long since each of them made a vow to their leader, promising to fight alongside him and stand by his side no matter what. And together, the Phantom Thieves of Hearts have uncovered the twisted game of a malevolent god, defeated him and saved the humanity from ruins.
Things have returned to normal soon after, even taken a turn for the better since the New Year. It was like all the bad thoughts and uncertainties of life have vanished along with the Metaverse. But of course, nothing is ever that simple.
In retrospect, the Thieves know they should’ve been able to snap out of the fake reality sooner than they did. It wasn’t like they were dump enough to not sense something wasn’t right in the past two weeks. The entire world has felt like a giant scam, everything too good to be true.
Be that as it might, they have chosen to ignore this nagging feeling resting deep inside their mind, and willingly let themselves be swamped in the false blissfulness Dr. Maruki tailor made for them. Akira has checked up on them one by one during those first few days, carefully nudging them towards remembering what was real and what wasn’t. But they all opted to run from the truth, ignoring his silent plead for them to come back to their rebellious spirits. They have betrayed the bond with their leader, essentially erasing all the memories created together by the Phantom Thieves over the past year.
In the end, it took them nearly two weeks to come out of this stupor, barely in time to join Akira, Akechi and Sumire in the battle against Scathach and Cu Chulainn. Once the fight was over, the trio has explained the whole situation to them, including Sumire’s true self and what has been learned out about Dr. Maruki so far. And with no way of moving forward with the Palace, the group of ten decided to retreat and regroup.
Which is why at the moment, they are all standing outside the stadium construction site in Odaiba. Akechi and Sumire have already left for the day, saying they would be in touch soon to discuss their next step. The rest of them should probably dismiss as well, especially considering how worn out Akira looks -- his shoulders hunched, his eye bags dark and swollen. It is obvious the past weeks have taken a tow on him, both physically and mentally.
Still, the Thieves can’t bring themselves to leave just yet. Glancing at each other, they know they all echo similar sentiments -- they need to have a talk with their leader. They owe him at least an apology.
“Er…Akira, you got time for a chat…?” Ryuji ventures after some hesitation.
“…There is something we want to talk to you about,” Makoto follows to back him up, but her tone is just as unsure.
Akira seems to know what is on their mind. Shaking his head slowly, he says in a soft voice, “No apologies needed, and there’s no need to explain yourself either. I don’t blame any of you. You were just under Maruki’s influence.”
Hearing his forgiving words should have been enough, yet none of them feel any better. Because the way Akira regards them is somehow different. His smile is too reserved, lacking the warmth that was once reserved for them, and he is looking at them like they are merely acquaintances instead of friends who have been through thick and thin; it reminds Ryuji and Ann of when they first met him back in April. Polite, indifferent, almost guarded.
Before they can say anything further, Akira turns to address the feline companion, “Morgana, do you mind staying with Futaba or Haru for a couple of nights?” At the cat’s questioning look, he explains, “I need some time on my own…to think.”
Morgana looks hurt at the request, but knows better than to push, so he agrees reluctantly, “If that’s want you want…But I’d prefer Futaba’s place, I want to stay close in case you need me.”
The leader nods in a courteous manner. Futaba crouches down to pick up the cat with both arms without saying a word.
“In the meantime,” Akira continues. “I’ll add Akechi and Sumire into our group chat so we can discuss our next step. See you guys later then.” Without waiting for their response, he turns to walk away. Some of the Thieves want to call after the departing leader, but he quickly disappears around the corner leaving them behind.
After a moment of silence, Yusuke speaks up, “Is it just my imagination, or does it feel like he is avoiding us?”
Makoto nods, her brows knitted in unease, “I feel that too...I thought I was being paranoid.”
“Maybe he’s just tired, not in the mood for chit-chats?” Haru offers, but she too knows it’s more than that.
“I don’t think so…” Morgana’s ears are flattened back. “He won't even let me stay with him. This has never happened before...”
Ann adds hesitantly, “It almost seems like…like he doesn't want to spend time with us at all...”
Futaba tightens her hug around the feline, looking small. “Is he…mad at us? For not coming around sooner...?”
No one wants to be the one to answer that question. The silence stretched on for a while as guilt wrecks each of them. Ryuji groans in frustration, kicking a small pebble off the ground. In the end, it is Makoto who speaks up, “Let's try to talk to him again tomorrow, maybe he'll be willing to listen to us by then.”