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memestertrucks2025-03-15 03:07 pm
monstertruckers) wrote in memestertrucks2025-03-15 03:07 pm
Entry tags:
MARCH TDM
After tumbling through shadow you find yourself in a shrouded, ruined garage. It’s full of shattered windows and broken mechanical equipment, with all sorts of sharp edges to watch out for. Between that are strange symbols scrawled into the ground. Outside is cloudy weather and the beginnings of a storm flickering and rumbling.
Beyond the rundown garage is a rundown gas station surrounded by rolling, grassy hills. Close by is a Convoy of vehicles, either parked or driving up to station.
01: SUMMONING CIRCLE
This time the summoning circle and car garage is attached to retro diner, and an old wind turbine, barely still spinning and providing fading power. There’s also a broken radio playing a message about Nirvana and imploring people to head north. In fact, there’s a large amount of broken electric equipment in here and spitting sparks.
A fan circles overhead, stirring those sparks and creating a breeze. Trails of paper are attached to the fan, spinning lazily about. If Drifters choose, they can easily retrieve those paper talismans with little more than a slight static shock. While the paper is tattered and smeared with ink and blood, the following can be made out: “Broken in two […] Nothing to lose-“ “Moon mourns, call her down, ease her pain-“ “Need […] Better vessels from afar. Stronger souls-“ “Imbue with moon sigils, Give blessings of moon, share her pain. Put the ritual right.”
Hard to say what that all means, but it seems to have something to do with the summoning circle here. And there’s lingering power crackling through the building. The sort that makes the lights flash and flicker… And line up eerily with flashes of thunder on the horizon.
A fan circles overhead, stirring those sparks and creating a breeze. Trails of paper are attached to the fan, spinning lazily about. If Drifters choose, they can easily retrieve those paper talismans with little more than a slight static shock. While the paper is tattered and smeared with ink and blood, the following can be made out: “Broken in two […] Nothing to lose-“ “Moon mourns, call her down, ease her pain-“ “Need […] Better vessels from afar. Stronger souls-“ “Imbue with moon sigils, Give blessings of moon, share her pain. Put the ritual right.”
Hard to say what that all means, but it seems to have something to do with the summoning circle here. And there’s lingering power crackling through the building. The sort that makes the lights flash and flicker… And line up eerily with flashes of thunder on the horizon.
02: START UP
New arrivals will have a similar experience to before; a Convoy waiting outside for them, and a collection of vehicles, one of which feels like it belongs to them. The key to the vehicle may already be in the ignition, on the dashboard… It may have even been on their person, ever since they woke up in that garage. Either way, Drifters have the keys to the vehicle now.
…But there’s a few rough edges on these vehicles. Flat tires, cracked windows and mirrors, maybe some stuck doors and locks; all of them requires two pairs of hands and supplies. The garage can take care of the supplies… Now it’s just a matter of finding some extra hands.
…But there’s a few rough edges on these vehicles. Flat tires, cracked windows and mirrors, maybe some stuck doors and locks; all of them requires two pairs of hands and supplies. The garage can take care of the supplies… Now it’s just a matter of finding some extra hands.
03: STORM WARNING
There’s something odd in the sky; it shifts between a dark cloud, and a collection of birds. As the thing draws closer, it clearly becomes a mix of both. Car-sized, dark feathered birds and skeletal avians fly in a thundering flock, and turn the sky stormy in their wake. That alone is bad… But what’s worse is how the shiny chrome of the Convoy and vehicles draws the birds. As they dive towards the ground to snatch at the shiny metal, they pull the storm and bring a tornado with them. The Convoy does its best to anchor to the ground, but lighter vehicles and Drifters might not be so lucky.
The garage and diner takes it worst of all: the electric devices start spitting sparks and can even act as homing beacons for lightning strikes if a Drifter with electric abilities gets too close to them. Any remaining, intact windows shatter as the storm winds pick up, pelting Drifters with razor shards. And water starts pouring in, further shorting electric equipment and soaking anyone to the bone. There’s even a strange droning, siren like noise to warn about the storm and cut into one’s hearing. It’s difficult conditions for anyone caught up in the blow-out.
The garage and diner takes it worst of all: the electric devices start spitting sparks and can even act as homing beacons for lightning strikes if a Drifter with electric abilities gets too close to them. Any remaining, intact windows shatter as the storm winds pick up, pelting Drifters with razor shards. And water starts pouring in, further shorting electric equipment and soaking anyone to the bone. There’s even a strange droning, siren like noise to warn about the storm and cut into one’s hearing. It’s difficult conditions for anyone caught up in the blow-out.
04: WEATHERING
Once the main force of the storm hits, the following happens:
Diversion: Those with Fast cars can drive away from the station and divert the birds. They’ll want a second Drifter to come along; either to snipe at the pursuing birds, or keep eyes on the terrain! Eventually the birds will tire or get culled enough that the storm disperses.
Updraft: There is the risk of getting swept up in the tornado winds. Damage, injuries… And a particular quirk this storm has. Drifters who spend more than a minute in the storm winds will find that they begin to take on traits from the Harpy monster. These traits increase in potency if the Drifter experiences hunger or violence. As the weather clears and days become calmer, the traits fade.
Downburst: If Drifters get slammed into the ground by the storm, or the dark birds flying about. They may also find themselves drenched with rain. Any injury they take mends quickly, but is replaced with scales, as the Drifters begin to resemble a Naga monster. These changes grow worse if they tell lies, but disperse with the storm.
BIRDS: The birds themselves are vicious: those afflicted with Naga traits are seen as prey, while Harpies are seen as rivals. The birds are deadly, but also clumsy if forced to the ground. The screens on the Convoy recommend crippling the wings before finishing the bird off on the ground.
Diversion: Those with Fast cars can drive away from the station and divert the birds. They’ll want a second Drifter to come along; either to snipe at the pursuing birds, or keep eyes on the terrain! Eventually the birds will tire or get culled enough that the storm disperses.
Updraft: There is the risk of getting swept up in the tornado winds. Damage, injuries… And a particular quirk this storm has. Drifters who spend more than a minute in the storm winds will find that they begin to take on traits from the Harpy monster. These traits increase in potency if the Drifter experiences hunger or violence. As the weather clears and days become calmer, the traits fade.
Downburst: If Drifters get slammed into the ground by the storm, or the dark birds flying about. They may also find themselves drenched with rain. Any injury they take mends quickly, but is replaced with scales, as the Drifters begin to resemble a Naga monster. These changes grow worse if they tell lies, but disperse with the storm.
BIRDS: The birds themselves are vicious: those afflicted with Naga traits are seen as prey, while Harpies are seen as rivals. The birds are deadly, but also clumsy if forced to the ground. The screens on the Convoy recommend crippling the wings before finishing the bird off on the ground.
04: MONSTER SHIFT, NAGA
This month, Drifters will have access to the serpentine Naga. On top of all Naga species traits being available, the following occurs:
+Cold Blooded: the rain and storms can potentially make Naga slow and sluggish, or inclined to sleep or seek out other heat sources to gain energy; this includes basking in body heat from others!
+Water Divert: With their water shaping, Naga can divert falling rain and even ground saturation to make the area or other Drifters more dry. They can also concentrate water into different areas, and can also change water into mist or ice.
+Blue shift: the scales of Naga become more vibrantly blue, or a strange mottled combination of blue and stormy gray, the more intense the rains become. These scale colors can also reflect their moods.
+Extra arms that are painful and disorienting to grow, and can result in coordination issues.
+Scale Pains: Pain and discomfort when scales grow in, as well as fangs or talons!
+Water glide: during floods from the rains, Naga find they can easily traverse deep water as though they were simply walking (or slithering) across it.
+Thermal vision, making it easy to track others in the middle of storms. Vision may also become disorienting, and eyes become slitted.
+Cold Blooded: the rain and storms can potentially make Naga slow and sluggish, or inclined to sleep or seek out other heat sources to gain energy; this includes basking in body heat from others!
+Water Divert: With their water shaping, Naga can divert falling rain and even ground saturation to make the area or other Drifters more dry. They can also concentrate water into different areas, and can also change water into mist or ice.
+Blue shift: the scales of Naga become more vibrantly blue, or a strange mottled combination of blue and stormy gray, the more intense the rains become. These scale colors can also reflect their moods.
+Extra arms that are painful and disorienting to grow, and can result in coordination issues.
+Scale Pains: Pain and discomfort when scales grow in, as well as fangs or talons!
+Water glide: during floods from the rains, Naga find they can easily traverse deep water as though they were simply walking (or slithering) across it.
+Thermal vision, making it easy to track others in the middle of storms. Vision may also become disorienting, and eyes become slitted.
04: MONSTER SHIFT, HARPY
The storm will bring a second monster this month, in the form of Harpy. On top of all Harpy species traits being active, the following occurs:
+Storm Rider: high agility and capable of flying through the storm winds without hindrance. Even tornadoes can be mastered!
+Feather pains: itching, or full pain when growing feathers or wings. Talons may also be painful when growing from fingers or from feet.
+Wind Affinity: able to shape wind, including diverting the worst of the storm winds, or summon and focus wind into razors.
+Warbling Voice: words may waver and slip into something more songlike, or even a damaging sonic scream if emotions are heightened.
+Height Call: a need to get higher into the air, whether through perching on buildings or the convoy, or through flight. A sense of euphoria as they go higher.
+Nest Building: a compulsion to create a nest out of spare and soft objects, and feeling more safe inside that space.
+Heightened vision like a bird of prey, able to pick out details even at great distance. This may be disorienting at first, as vision becomes telescopic.
+Storm Rider: high agility and capable of flying through the storm winds without hindrance. Even tornadoes can be mastered!
+Feather pains: itching, or full pain when growing feathers or wings. Talons may also be painful when growing from fingers or from feet.
+Wind Affinity: able to shape wind, including diverting the worst of the storm winds, or summon and focus wind into razors.
+Warbling Voice: words may waver and slip into something more songlike, or even a damaging sonic scream if emotions are heightened.
+Height Call: a need to get higher into the air, whether through perching on buildings or the convoy, or through flight. A sense of euphoria as they go higher.
+Nest Building: a compulsion to create a nest out of spare and soft objects, and feeling more safe inside that space.
+Heightened vision like a bird of prey, able to pick out details even at great distance. This may be disorienting at first, as vision becomes telescopic.
05: RAIN, SHINE, OR SALVAGE
Upon culling enough birds, the storm disperses. The monster avians dissolve as they drop into streams of energy, feeding into Drifter Sigils and providing limited healing. And handful remain intact when they hit the ground and can be harvested for meat, feathers, and possibly even talons.
There is one extra problem, in the form of falling debris. After being pulled up into the sky, wreckage (and possibly stray Drifters) are going to drop back down. It’s advised to look out for falling objects and people. It might be possible to salvage something in the form of scrap metal for any vehicle repairs, but such a task requires two.
There is one extra problem, in the form of falling debris. After being pulled up into the sky, wreckage (and possibly stray Drifters) are going to drop back down. It’s advised to look out for falling objects and people. It might be possible to salvage something in the form of scrap metal for any vehicle repairs, but such a task requires two.
06: STORM SHOT
The storm can be dispersed in one of two ways. One is waiting the storm out. The second is a battered collection of machines melted into the roof of the garage and gas station. When touched they burn the hands of Drifters, but also fire a jolt of lightning into the storm. One shot lessens the effects of the storm, repeated shots completely disperses the weather.
In the aftermath of the storm, something different rains from the sky in the form of glowing, quicksilver feathers. These feathers can suppress one avian or serpentine trait for a month, and can also drain away any Naga or Harpy changes from the event completely.
Alternately, the feathers will allow Drifters to temporarily access flight for one day. Doing so completely robs the feather of its magic: only one effect can be chosen from a feather.
In the aftermath of the storm, something different rains from the sky in the form of glowing, quicksilver feathers. These feathers can suppress one avian or serpentine trait for a month, and can also drain away any Naga or Harpy changes from the event completely.
Alternately, the feathers will allow Drifters to temporarily access flight for one day. Doing so completely robs the feather of its magic: only one effect can be chosen from a feather.
MICRO ENCOUNTERS:
PLEASE NOTE! These are small bits of set dressing for players to include in threads if they wish, rather than full fledged prompts or events. You may handwave your exploration of these areas, or thread them out.
Windy Days: Preceding the storm are gales of strong winds, enough to stagger Drifters or send them staggering into other people or other vehicles.
Diner Is Served: While the retro diner attached to the garage has only limited food stores, curiously there is a respectable amount of cooking equipment that can be plundered. Portable stoves, pots and pans, spoons, and the like are all available for the taking.
Fading Storm: In the aftermath of the storm, the garage and diner look like they’re on their last legs, barely held up by their shelving. Anyone who wants to try salvaging had better move fast and carefully, before the entire thing comes crashing down.
no subject
He takes another slow breath through his nose.
"And another thing. One man should not dictate the state of the world, or what is truly the 'happiest' outcome. Some of us value our growth more than we value escapism."
Maruki likely won't know what he means, but best to nip this in the bud, if he even can.
no subject
A familiar burning sensation tapers off in the back of his neck and he quickly brings his hand to attend to it, unaware of the burning sigil eye fading in and out. "Oh goodness this is..." he quivers a little again. "That's not good at all."
The bud is not being nipped alas, if anything what Akechi says makes Maruki's gaze narrow in confusion a little as he pinches the bridge of his nose and catches his bearings before finally straightening up to regard his question.
Dictate the state of the world...
He looks away for a moment and then focuses at one of the corners of the table. There-! A brown leather laptop bag is found unceremoniously lying on the flat surface. His eyes widen as he quickly grabs it and opens the flap.
"Phew." His research paper is still intact in there. That, some snacks, his smartphone and...he pats his backpocket. Yep. His pocket journal.
"Well I am no fan of wanting to stay behind in a hostile depressive environment," he remarks- turning around as he throws the bag's strap over his head. "I am guessing you mean you don't believe in this Nirvana then, hm? I understand that as well- its admirable that you want to face your challenges head-on."
"How are you holding up? I could only imagine how you must be feeling to even get a glimpse at what I will go through."
no subject
...Right. Maruki had asked a question. "Frankly, I see no reason in fretting over it. Perhaps it will even give you some... perspective. I simply warned you so you know the likely outcome."
Akechi looks over the parked vehicles as well. Maruki will have to drive something...
"You'll need to identify your vehicle and get it running, by the way."
no subject
That frustration will settle in at any moment.His nerves are still jittery but he's alright now! Atleast physically. "I really do appreciate that," he bows lightly- not wanting to accidentally ram into Akechi’s wings. He was atleast that aware after the repeated sad incidents that took place before the whole student body of Shujin Academy.
"Eh-?" He looks around and well yeah there were...cars. Other varieties of vehicles but surely they didn't have to be in that much of a rush. Each of them seemed unique with models that were only vaguely familiar to him. "Are we on the run or something?"
no subject
To Akechi's credit, he's retaining his composure. Part of it is just the overall bumbling demeanor. Is Maruki trying to disarm him? He can't lower his guard too much. This could all be a manipulation tactic.
"And that's another thing. You will need to fight, if you have any hope for survival."
no subject
Maruki’s smile twitched at the edges, the same way a thread pulled too tightly might fray. He gnawed at the thought, like a dog with a bone, trying to make sense of this utterly ridiculous predicament.
He was supposed to be home.
Back where he belonged.
He should be back home- back to the realm of hearts! He's finally found the key to achieving true salvation so why does he have to go through this wild chase?
Despite the itch threatening to tear him apart, the urge to just sink down on his knees, claw at his hair as he's scrambling to realize that his research is now put on an infinite hiatus because he's in some dystopian hell-
But instead, he just… scratched his chin awkwardly.
“Haha… well, violence really isn’t my way of handling any confrontation, Akechi-san.” His voice was light, but there was an unmistakable strain underneath. A bit too breezy, a bit too tight at the edges.
The convoy—ugh. He’d know it when he saw it, probably.
But for now, he was forever doomed to be a man in the dark.
Maruki let out a little chuckle, running a hand through his hair as he turned back toward Akechi. “I’m afraid I’m not quite as, ah, gifted in investigative work as you are. Trained police detective and all that. All I really know is at best how to swing a bat,” he continued and clapped his hands together, requesting very politely. “But I would be ever so grateful if you could teach me some tricks of the trade.”
Maruki’s gaze drifted across the lot of abandoned vehicles. "Its a bit strange though if I do find my old car here. I sold it like three years ago to afford rent without running on cup-noodles every day."
...It was black, wasn’t it?
Or was it silver?
Oh, good grief, he was going to have to check every single one, wasn’t he?
no subject
His face contorts into a tight, pinched scowl. "Then find a bat or another blunt object and start there. Or you could simply stay back and let the rest of us do the dirty work."
Hmph. He's not obligated to train Maruki like some wise, patient mentor.
"You may well find your old car, or something reminiscent. Perhaps you've already got keys in your pocket. Start there, if you must."
no subject
He resists the urge to wander down that pipeline.
“Ahaha, I suppose that’s fair. I wouldn’t want to slow anyone down, after all. If it ever comes to it, please don’t hesitate to prioritize yourselves over me.” His smile wavers, not quite reaching his eyes. “I already appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.”
He exhales through his nose, shoulders slumping just a little as he digs into his pockets again.
"But, you know..." He hums, pulling out the usual loose change and receipts before feeling the distinct shape of metal pressing into his fingertips. "Even if I’m not cut out for combat, I do have other strengths."
A pause, before he offers Akechi an easy, lopsided grin. “You might be surprised how useful a little emotional support can be in a place like this. Psychological stress, trauma, uncertainty about the future—it’s not good for the mind, you know?”
He wiggles his fingers slightly before pulling out a familiar bundle of keys—except... there was something new attached.
Maruki blinks.
“Oh, hello.”
A sleek, unfamiliar key fob now dangles from the set, looking just a little too pristine compared to his usual collection of well-worn keys. His brows knit together as he experimentally presses the unlock button.
Nothing.
Or—
BEEP BEEP.
A loud chirp echoes through the air, and Maruki instinctively turns toward the sound—only for his entire body to stiffen at what he sees.
“...Huh.”
Parked neatly among the scattered vehicles was a taxi car—or at least, something eerily reminiscent of one. A boxy black frame, pristine white roof light spelling T A X I, the kind of design that had become so iconic in the city.
no subject
Other strengths... Like manipulating vulnerable people, making them believe they're someone else. Hmph. As if he'd ever consider willingly being one of Maruki's guinea pigs.
The sound from the car seizes his attention, and he balks at the sight of the taxi.
"...A cab. Your designated vehicle is a cab." How absurd.
1/2
Maruki stands there for a beat, fidgeting with his keys, staring at the cab like it might somehow offer him an explanation. His mind latches onto the absurdity of it—out of all the cars in this lot, this is what he gets? A taxi?
But that sharpness in Akechi’s voice—that is what really catches him off guard.
His fingers momentarily freeze against the key fob, his gaze shifting toward the detective. It’s not just irritation in Akechi’s expression. No, there’s something deeper there, something simmering beneath the surface.
Maruki blinks.
2/2
He doesn’t press further—at least, not yet. Instead, he focuses back on the car, drumming his fingers against the frame. It’s real. Sturdy. Solid. Definitely not a figment of his imagination, though in a place like this, who could say for sure?
“I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised,” he muses with an easygoing smile, stepping back to admire the vehicle. “I wouldn’t have minded something flashier, of course—maybe a sports car, something sleek and modern—but I suppose you can see the logic here, right? A taxi is practical. It’s meant to take people where they need to go. Accommodating others is, after all, what I do best.”
His voice is light, warm, just a touch self-deprecating.
Then he turns, meeting Akechi’s gaze with a pleasant, inquisitive tilt of his head.
“But let’s go back to what you said earlier,” he says, voice smooth, just the slightest hint of curiosity creeping in. "I simply offered my services as a counsellor to Yoshizawa-san."
no subject
Those talons flex. A toothy smile peels across his face.
"You made Yoshizawa-san believe she was her dead sister instead of actually helping her process her grief. This, in turn, hindered her performance as a gymnast. Everyone around her knew she was Sumire Yoshizawa except her, and you think that was helping her?"
no subject
Oh dear. He’s certainly struck a nerve, hasn’t he?
For all his initial surprise, he recovers quickly, smoothing down the front of his coat as he offers a small, sheepish chuckle. “Ah—my apologies, I wasn’t expecting quite that level of, er...passion.”
Still, his gaze flickers downward, watching as Akechi’s talons flex, the way his muscles tense beneath his coat. Predatory. That smile—those teeth—Maruki has a sudden, unpleasant realization that if he were to push the wrong button here, really dig in…
Akechi could very easily tear him apart.
His fingers twitch slightly at his sides, but outwardly, his friendly, amicable demeanor remains intact. He tilts his head just so, his expression softening into something carefully neutral. “Now, now, Akechi-san,” he soothes, lifting his hands just a bit in a placating gesture. “I do try to respect my patients’ privacy, you know. Even if you work with the law enforcement, it wouldn’t be very professional of me to discuss the specifics of Yoshizawa-san’s treatment in detail, now would it?”
There’s no outright denial in his tone—no defense, no justification—just a carefully measured response, mild and unassuming.
His fingers curl lightly around the key fob in his palm, the smooth surface grounding him as he offers a small, good-natured laugh but it teeters off into something meek. “Besides, I wouldn’t exactly say that’s how I see it, but... well, perception is a funny thing, isn’t it? Two people can look at the same situation and come away with entirely different conclusions. Unless it is something pertaining to the future which I will be honest- it's a little unfair, ha- um.”
He lets the words settle, watching Akechi’s expression closely, as if gauging how much further he can tread before those talons stop merely flexing and start acting.
“I do appreciate the feedback, though,” he adds lightly.
no subject
"I saw your treatment. You saw a grieving girl and encouraged poor coping mechanisms. Rather than giving helpful steps to process her grief, you humored her guilt and made her into her 'sister,' in such a manner that she could not truly consent."
He steps closer. "Your idea of bringing people happiness follows the path of least resistance. Your machinations to erase all pain and suffering, to create the 'perfect' world rely on stubborn sentimentality with little regard for the individual agency of those around you."
no subject
It’s easier to focus on them, to remind himself that they’re in a place far removed from reality—where even he has somehow been assigned a cab of all things. But Akechi’s movement forward shifts his attention, and Maruki realizes, with some amusement and a touch of wariness, that he’s quite literally being backed against his own car.
That said, everything Akechi just said… well. He won’t lie—it stings.
Poor coping mechanisms? Couldn’t truly consent?
That was her wish. That was her cognition. If Sumire Yoshizawa wanted to live her life as Kasumi, as the sister she so adored and aspired to be, then who was he to deny her that? And once his research was perfected—once he had everything in place—then all the problems she faced, all the conflict and distress she endured due to the current cracks of his treatment, would simply fade away.
But then—there’s something else. Akechi’s words, his sheer certainty, the way he speaks of Maruki’s work as if he’s seen it all before. Even if it isn't possible.
For a moment, Maruki simply watches him, silent, his mind connecting the dots in the way only someone in his field can.
He knows too much.
Akechi isn’t merely hypothesizing, isn’t working off reports or secondhand accounts. His critique—his scorn—is personal.
Maruki's eyes sharpen, his usual placid expression gaining an edge of keen, measured interest.
"...You’ve tapped into my cognition."
It’s not a question. It’s a realization.
His gaze flickers over Akechi, assessing. "You’ve traversed into the other world—of course, that makes sense, considering your history with the Phantom Thieves. You went missing after their leader—"
He stops himself. Right. He had already sent a message, had reached out to check on his well-being. The whole ordeal had been terrifying, uncertain.
"Er, well—I’m not quite sure what happened, exactly, but you also mentioned Personas. And if you’re this familiar with my work—" He exhales, something clicking into place. "Then it’s entirely possible you’ve seen the world my own cognition would thereotically manifest in the collective subconscious."
It’s fascinating. Genuinely fascinating.
Even with his hands raised in a placating gesture, his back against the car, there’s something thrumming beneath his skin now—excitement, realization, understanding.
Still, Akechi’s earlier words gnaw at him, an irritation that lingers beneath the surface of his ever-friendly expression.
"...You don’t agree with my research, huh?"
His voice is mild, with only the faintest tinge of disappointment—like a teacher gently acknowledging a student’s misplaced doubts.
no subject
He slowly inhales through his nose. Composure, composure. He can do this.
"Your little 'procedure' didn't mend her pain. It concealed it between layers of paper and glue. She still struggled with her gymnastics, still had moments of self-doubt. Eventually, cracks formed in that feeble shell, and you forced her traumatic memories upon her to try and get her to beg for you to 'fix' her again."
Not that Maruki went through any of this yet. Still, he sees no reason to hide it.
1/2
His expression wavers, just slightly, before he reins it back in—only the faintest tightening of his jaw betrays him. His hand settles over his bag, fingers curling protectively around the strap, as if grounding himself with the weight of his thesis. Distorted? He doesn’t understand that sentiment at all.
"I see," he says at last, though the words carry no agreement. His tone is light, amiable as ever, but there’s a quiet, almost stubborn edge beneath it. "Helping others who suffer from their pain is a desire I hold dearest, but I suppose it’s clear our ideals don’t quite align."
Still, his shoulders remain loose, his expression open—there’s no anger, no offense, just that same mild, thoughtful air about him. Even as Akechi’s words press against something raw, something indignant, Maruki merely tilts his head, his ever-present patience intact.
Because really—what Akechi describes?
Absurd.
Totally, utterly—absurd.
"She was drowning in despair," he says, tone gentle, like he’s explaining something simple, obvious. "Lost in guilt, in grief, in self-loathing. At the time, I didn’t have the means to do the impossible—but I could give her stability." Because I could see what her other option was going to be. "A path forward. If she could soar to new heights as Kasumi Yoshizawa, if that was the identity that brought her strength, then why—"
He stops himself, exhales lightly through his nose. His lips quirk into something softer, and he finally steps forward, away from the car, regarding Akechi with that same easy warmth.
no subject
It didn't matter.Cognitive pscience would fix any and all flaws.
"If anything, I’d much rather we get along, Akechi-san."
no subject
Still he tries, tries to retain his composure. Violence won't... fix anything. It'd maybe give him temporary catharsis, but what would Joker think?
Joker, ever the paragon. Joker, who extended kindness to one who nearly killed him, who wished for Akechi...
Just as Akechi wished for him.
Tch. The tension gripping him drops with a harsh sigh. This is so irritating, but it is what it is. A cosmic joke, no doubt.
"Let me make one thing clear. We're not friends. There's little sense in harming you, but I truly hope you do some genuine self-reflection while you're here."
no subject
Empower her in other ways... But would that have done anything besides force her to suffer through the unbearable all over again? To relive the weight of her grief, to be crushed beneath the guilt of her own words—that she was responsible for her sister’s death?
No, no. That was the whole point, wasn’t it? She did feel empowered. She found strength in Kasumi. That was her truth, subjective or not. That was why she came to him.
Akechi-kun, for someone who claimed to know Yoshizawa-san so well, had a far more radical take on her choices.
"What I’d ask from you, at the very least," he says, mild as ever, "is that you don’t judge her for it. Whatever discrepancies I may have with my patient, I do try to remain professional. Confidentiality is important, you know?"
Then, a contemplative hum, almost to himself, almost absentminded.
"...Though, does it really matter now?" His gaze drifts, unfocused for a moment, voice dipping into something softer, something musing. "Seeing as you’ve already seen into my cognition..."
For all of Akechi’s sharp words, for all the weight of his criticisms, Maruki doesn’t seem disheartened. No—if anything, the gears in his mind are turning faster, his curiosity alight. The circles under his eyes tell a different story—a man who has spent sleepless nights poring over his research, a man who has fought for his ideals with every fiber of his being—but his smile remains, unfaltering.
Then, as Akechi relents—if only slightly—Maruki's expression shifts. His shoulders ease, his fingers flex against the strap of his bag, and—
no subject
He rocks on his heels, hands now fidgeting with the keys in his hand as he exhales through his nose. "But, you know—I actually wanted to approach you back when we were both at Shujin Academy. And then you went missing, not even a month later. And now—" His eyes flicker, really seeing Akechi’s wings for the first time. His gaze lingers, fascinated, taking in every detail, every feather. "Now we’re here. In this...current upheaval."
A pause. And then—
"Well, I suppose I’ll have plenty of time to reflect here. Work on my thesis. Maybe I’ll gain some profound new insights on how cognition manifests here since clearly you have a persona," The cognitive world can't be traversed easily without one, judging from the sheer experience in Akechi's tone as well as the fact that he worked with the phantom thieves. "—or maybe I’ll just end up turning into some funny little sludge monster instead, huh?"
no subject
His gaze sharpens again, lingering.
"But she isn't here to speak for herself, so I suppose it's a moot point for now. Let us hope she's spared this unfortunate predicament."