[open] someone once said burn my dread, babe

[simulatio]

Who: Goro Akechi + y'all 👀
What: early December prompts + future catch-all
Where: Throughout the Void
When: "December"ish
Content Warnings: N/A (yet)



A. Wall Market Bathhouse

[Whilst in the Mementos-that-wasn't-Mementos, Goro Akechi died.

He's no stranger to death; people die all the time. In his experience, rarely do they come back. He'd spent the time after his death with the other Phantom Thieves, doing his best to pretend that everything was normal. If he'd been more withdrawn, less prone to smile his princely smile and converse pleasantly, perhaps he could be excused. The deepest, darkest parts of his soul had been wandering around without him for a time, after all.

But he certainly can't hide forever, and the lack of showers in the apartment he shares with Ren drives him to the bathhouse. It's one of the most comfortable places for him, especially now that there aren't fish swimming in the bath. He sinks up to his chin in the warm water and closes his eyes, as relaxed as he can be in a public space.]

B. Mortis Lake

Stop following me!

[Akechi is trying his very best to sound as pleasant as possible, even as he waves his arms in an attempt to frighten off the winged giraffe-like creature that's taken to following him through the forest of trees. It's almost comical how annoyed he's getting as the animal continues to follow him, large doe-like eyes wide with interest as it pads along behind him. Every now and then, it flaps its wings to glide awkwardly over the ground to make sure it keeps up, plaintively letting out a mournful cry whenever Akechi gets too far away from it.]

Would you go find the rest of your herd already? [he snaps as it catches up and tries for a friendly nibble at the back of his hair.] What the fu-

[He freezes upon realizing that he has an audience nearby and clears his throat with a cough, correcting his tone to a more pleasant,] Pardon me. Could you give me a hand?

C. Heavenly Blanc

[Some time ago, Ren had sat outside the bar/café working on a shogi board. Now it's Akechi's turn with the same piece of wood, though he's taken over one of the tables inside. He's working on the other side of the shogi board to create a grid with fewer squares, tracing thin lines with one of the large knives from Heavenly Blanc's kitchen while using his cell phone as a guide.

Once he's done outlining the board with the knife, he goes back over the 8x8 grid with a marker, the cap held between his teeth as he concentrates. Beside him are gemstones from the Academy's store, separated into two sets of what look like clear diamonds and deep red rubies, marked with English letters: several marked with the letter "P," two each labeled "R, B, Kn," and one each "Ki" and "Q."]

A chessboard, [he'll explain to anyone who happens to glance over curiously, though he doesn't stop working.]

D. Gymnasium

[Akechi's never really been one for team sports, but the cycling machines attract special attention. Dressed in a spare gym uniform from the Academy (washed beforehand, of course), he's currently working through a rather challenging-looking course on one of the bikes. Loose strands of his hair, the parts that escaped being drawn back into the small ponytail at the base of his neck, stick to his cheeks as he huffs for air, pursuing an invisible finish line that only he can see.

It's only once he's finished that course and is taking a drink of water from a water bottle that he notices he has company, and offers an easy smile.]

Care for a race? They may be stationary machines, but we could always compare times.

E. Wildcard!

[I'll be adding additional prompts in comments as needed throughout the month, but feel free to use this post for just about anything involving Akechi! Feel free to chat with me @jaderhade if you want to do anything with this nasty man. As always, I have a screened spoiler opt-out page for anyone looking to avoid Persona 5 or Persona 5 Royal spoilers!]

Comments

b, god speed to you goro akechi

[menaretrash]

[ Unfortunately for Goro, he's not alone. Ann's been out and about, scoping out the very creatures who are currently harassing him. Well... one is, at least. Ever since Seto Kaiba threw one at her and cheated in the race that she was winning, she's been a little... jealous. He's got this amazing giraffe thing that she's dubbed Toby whether he likes it or not, and she hasn't been able to get one for herself.

It's not fair, she thinks. At least she can borrow Toby, probably, but it's not the same. She wants a winged giraffe thing of her own, a pet, if you will. So, here she is, out in the wild, trying to find one. Or two. Or ten. It doesn't really matter. She just really wants to get them to like her.

She hears Akechi before she actually sees him, and she turns to stare at him. Her eyes go wide when she sees that yes, somehow, he, too, has managed to unwillingly befriend this one of these majestic creatures. ]

Why? It loves you, Akechi-kun! Don't you realize how fortunate you are?!

C

[bazooker]

[Meanwhile, as Haru entered the building, it didn't take her too long to become interested in what Akechi was doing. At first, she wondered if she should approach him but it had to be done.

There was something she had to talk to him about.

With that, she gave a small smile his way] I see. It seems like you're really into it, Akechi-kun.

D

[realway]

[ the creation of a gym has become ahsoka's new favorite spot in the void, and today is no exception. she's not expecting to see akechi there - though she mistakes him for someone else at first with his hair tied up - but the offer of a race gets a smile drawn out. ]

Never seen a bike that looks like that. [ even stationary, it doesn't look modeled after a hoverbike. do people really just ride a bike with wheels? ] I'm up for a race though.

C

[blue_eyed_obsession]

... It's... debatable. [As a chess board that is. The pieces all looking the same wouldn't make it the easy to differentiate between them, the letters didn't do much for them. At least the guy had used capitals, otherwise the pawns and bishops would have been impossible to tell apart.] ..but passable. [It would serve in a pitch, Kaiba assumed.]

Are you any good at the game..? [Suspecting that Akechi might be, because why else would he go to all that trouble otherwise? That and he just seemed the sort.]

Mortis Lake

[bridge_princess]

Why? It's kind of fun to see you fussing around for once, you know and arguing with a giraffe.

[She was laughing, which... yeah. Parsee had apparently figured out how to do that non-ironically. It was something of a miracle in a way, but she was really slowly getting out of that shell of hers. And this shit was funny.

Finally, she started to walk over, making shoeing motions at the thing.]

Where'd you get your friend?

d

[selfloveable]

( Babe watching is not entirely what she came all the way down here for - she's starting to get antsy and there's only so many times she can visit the same shop to stare at the same items before she starts getting a little tired of it - but that's exactly what it's turned into. She's similarly in one of the gym uniforms, third year's green.

Gosh, hardworking boys really are the best...♪ )

Only if you promise to go easy on me ☆ I've never used one of these before. ( She doesn't usually go to the gym, frankly - her participation on the track and field team covers her exercise requirement. ) You were sooo impressive... Do you race?

c

[abeautifulgame]

So I see.

[he knows what a chessboard looks like. never mind the fact that that's not offered unkindly. he seems -- quiet, at the moment, if nothing else. maybe a little tired, though not physically. the last couple of months have been -- something, and he's a little hurt Akechi never came to see him, while he was healing. or that Ren kept him from him. or whatever the case actually was]

[rather than get into that, however, he just asks:] But where did the stones come from? [clearly, he hasn't seen them on his trips to the mall -- or hasn't cared enough about them, for all that they're worthless here, to really register them]

[simulatio]

I'm not interested, [he snaps, turning sharply on his heel to get his hair out of reach of the creature's maw and leaving it biting empty air. It lets out another quiet noise of interest and starts circling around him, as if this is some sort of game. Which of course only serves to irritate Akechi further.]

I'm not even certain it would be wise to ride something like this. It can barely support the weight of its own wings.

[And while he might be cruel to Shadows, he's not so far gone to want to snap the spines of these annoying giraffe-like animals by sitting on it. That might change if this creature keeps trying to eat his hair, though.]

[simulatio]

There's a certain satisfaction to be gained in a job well done, don't you think?

[His voice remains carelessly impassive, even as he glances up to meet her eyes and feels his back stiffen ever so slightly. The beginnings of a response to a threat, he observes with detachment, which is almost laughable. He already knows he can destroy Haru in single combat, even more easily now that their Personas are once again locked away. But the social ramifications of her deciding, rightfully so, to put a target on his back? Disasterous, no matter how carefully he'd curated his image here in this Void.]

I don't suppose you know how to play.

[simulatio]

Truly?

[Ah, that's right; Ahsoka does come from a future that sounds like something out of the science-fiction movies he enjoyed as a child.]

I'd be quite interested in hearing more about the bikes you're accustomed to, Ahsoka-san. Do they fly? Or perhaps travel through water?

[As he speaks, he mounts the same bike he'd been using before, gesturing for her to mirror his position at one of the others.]

There should be enough residual electricity from the last storm to power another course, I think.

[simulatio]

I'm so pleased to have met your approval. I was thinking of marketing it to you as the latest product for your company.

[The sarcasm is hidden beneath the thinnest layer of saccharine earnestness. A token effort not to sound rude, really, but Akechi's enough of a perfectionist to be a little offended to hear his work described as "passable."]

I never had time to fully dedicate myself as a "champion" or anything of the sort, but I'd say I'm quite good at it, yes.

[simulatio]

I'm so pleased that my predicament is amusing to you.

[It's just a few levels more polite than a true snap, but it's still hard to keep his annoyance out of his voice. He tries to grab the creature's muzzle with one hand, but he's not fast enough; it darts away, and somehow, the weird noises it makes almost sounds like laughter, too.]

It simply started following me not long after I entered the forest. Perhaps its been separated from its herd.

[Flock? What, exactly, is the proper term for winged giraffes?]

[simulatio]

[Akechi laughs politely, his smile as earnest as its ever been for the television cameras.]

Not professionally, no. I used to ride a bike around the city quite frequently, though. There's something to be said about the freedom permitted by using a bicycle, instead of simply being confined to where the train stations are.

[It's easy to fall back into the old habits of the Detective Prince, play into the desire to be liked and admired. Nevermind that it's not the real him; most people tend not to like the real him. As he'd told Ren once, there's nothing wrong with presenting oneself in a more favorable light.]

In any case, I'd be happy to show you how to use these machines. First, might I ask your name? My name is Akechi.

[simulatio]

Underground. There's a jewelry store, of sorts, near the school. It seemed a bit nicer than simply using rocks, no?

[He picks up one of the rubies, the one he'd labeled Kn, and rolls it absently between his fingers. He wouldn't say he's anxious, far from it. But the muscles in his back are tightening the same way they used to when he was preparing to be scolded by whomever his foster parent of the week was, the sense that he's done something wrong without realizing.]

It's good to see you, Damien-san.

D

[bluecastleace]

[This guy again.

[Yeah, sure. He’ll kick your ass.

[Iwaizumi climbs onto one of the bikes next to him and nods.]

Alright. Name the course. [Punk.]

[abeautifulgame]

Much. [he pauses, a wry smile touching his lips] Though, I hadn't noticed the jewelry store. [and that's funny, isn't it? if he were still in Chicago, he would have noticed an unattended jewelry store, and once he made sure the cameras weren't working, might have strolled in and taken his share. he's always been more interested in digital currency, for how much easier to get his hands on and harder it is to track, but -- ]

[ -- but this is all redundant. he's overthinking it, as not to dwell on his hurt. and between him not checking in and, before, Loki telling him Akechi wasn't his, it is hurt. maybe he let it be anger, at some point, but that passed when the tired set in. Akechi's not in any danger, however cursory, from him at this point]

[(maybe it's better there was some time between them. maybe he's a hypocrite, for all that he avoided Tifa, this last month, and for much less.)]

Mind if I sit with you?

[bazooker]

Yes, there is and knowing how your efforts have paid off in the end.

[This was dangerous waters she was threading on. She had no idea how continue with their little conversation nor did she know how it will end. Instead, she just looked at the board and then back at him.

She did know how to play but should she carry on?]

I do. Shall we have a match?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

Chess in general is archaic, and overdone. Try Milton Bradley.

[Said with his characteristic smirk. Although Kaiba still doubted the sincerity behind Akechi's words, he answered it straight. Besides it let him get in a dig at another company for good measure. If the other male truly wanted to impress him then try engraving, or making your own molds to give the pieces some individual character. That or invent an entirely new game.]

Underselling? [Asking a bit curiously since Akechi had a tendency to leave out key details when it came to his abilities. At least if their discussion months ago about combat strengths was any indication. For his part, Kaiba had utterly destroyed a chess champion- it's how he'd arranged for the adoption of both himself and his brother. He was confident in his capabilities.]

[bridge_princess]

Girl's gotta find her laughs somewhere, hehe.

[She was snickering all the same. It was kind of fun to see him annoyed like this. Almost certainly not as bad as it could get, she'd imagine While he talked, she was clearly staying amused, looking over at the creature.]

Maybe it thinks you have treats?

B

[halloflamer]

Pfff-- [Do you really want "a hand" from Blue right now, gripping his sides and snickering at the scene?]

I think she likes you, [He comments helpfully, unhelpfully biting his bottom lip in a piss-poor attempt to hold back the incorrigible grin breaking out regardless. When Akechi jumps away from her, though, he finally takes a step forward. This guy had a real temper, and he didn't want the poor Girafirig getting swatted.] Hey, come on, don't be mean--

[Blue steps over and reaches a hand out for the young giraffe to sniff at, fingers balled, and then gives an encouraging stroke over her long nose.] See? You never know, Akechi-kun~ Maybe you'd be a great trainer if you tried it!

[selfloveable]

Oh, where are my manners... Arashi Narukami. ( with a hand over her heart, a slight bow. ) But please, call me Naru-chan!

( That's the one Kimihiro went with that's the one she's gonna get everyone else to use too if they don't mind it. Izumi and Leo call her Naru-kun and Naru respectively too... It's okay. )

You can rest a little longer, by the way. I know I totally interrupted your break. Sorry!

[simulatio]

Shall we do one simulating mountainous terrain? Fifth one down.

[The latest storm seems to have left enough residual energy to power the bikes, but there's no knowing how long that will last. Akechi abandons his break early, setting aside his water bottle and towel to mount the bike once again and toss the other an easy smirk. He's not stupid -- he's well aware that Iwaizumi doesn't like him -- but he's the type that's fun to poke at until they explode. He's curious just where that point may be.]

I used to ride my bike quite often through the city, [he continues conversationally,] but I rarely had the time to explore anywhere much more rural than Inokashira Park. It's nice to pretend with this kind of course, isn't it?

[simulatio]

[Akechi snarls something that sounds suspiciously like shut up at Blue's laughter. What the fuck. How dare he laugh at him! It's not like he asked to be followed around by this stupid giraffe!!

He takes the opportunity to smooth his hair, checking only a little anxiously to make sure it's not been chewed irreparably.]

I don't doubt my potential skill, but I'm not interested in taking care of a pet. [Perhaps he can be forgiven for sounding annoyed at just how easily Blue seems to tame the giraffe, the animal nosing at his fingers and nibbling affectionately at them.] You're more than welcome to take it yourself.

[simulatio]

Certainly. Ladies first.

[He divides the diamonds from the rubies, passing the clear stones across the table to her with the intent of her taking what would traditionally be the white pieces to set her side of the board. Clear, white, same thing. He's working with the resources available, after all.

He has to wonder if the "match" is going to be confined to the chessboard, or if their words will have more to do with it. Either way, it'll be interesting.]

You seem to be adjusting well to existence in the Void.

[simulatio]

Never heard of them.

[There is a popular board game company where he's from... what is it called again? Bilton Madley, perhaps? But it doesn't matter overmuch. He rests his chin in his hand, elbow on the table, and matches Kaiba's smirk with one of his own, as if to say whatever company you're talking about is insignificant, just like your own.]

Care to play? You can determine my abilities for yourself, if you like.

[And he is confident in his own abilities. He's telling the truth, he's never played against a professional, or really dedicated too much of his time to it, but it's an engaging past-time about tactics and strategy -- excellent training for combat and a worthy use of his time.]