doublecrowss | Inbox for awash

[... Oh.]

Yes, we're friends. You were all together, then?

[Minato knows they were in a group, and he's already gone to check on Ryoji, so logically...]

Yes. It was only myself, Mochizuki-kun and Guren-san for a while. Until we ran into this archway.

[ Hmm. How should he word this... ]

We had to battle these shadows. They were demons, according to Guren-san. But considering you are friends, I assume he has told you about it already?

[... Hm.]

Yeah, I've heard a bit about it.

But...believing in something that took the form of someone you care about isn't weakness, Akechi-san. I don't think so, anyway.

[ ... ah. ]

Mochizuki-kun didn't fall for it, though. He was hesitant, and he tried his best not to hurt the replica, but in the end, he did what was necessary. That is certainly not weakness.

[ What he's leaving implied here is that Akechi, on the other hand, did fall. He was weak. ]

[That... doesn't that seem like a really tough way to look at things?]

Are strength and weakness about comparing yourself to other people?

[ That's Akechi to you. ]

It's not about comparisons. Even without taking the others into account, my personal shortcomings are fairly evident. There is simply no arguing with facts.

[Akechi...]

Sorry, I don't think I understand. I don't see where there were any shortcomings in wanting to trust someone precious to you.

To me, that doesn't sound like a fact, it sounds like an opinion.

[ "Someone precious" might just be the reason why Minato doesn't get it. That guy isn't precious to him. That guy is his enemy. Just someone to be eliminated, really.

And that's why it bothers him so much, that he had been so weak. ]

There were signs, enough to clue me in on the demon's true identity. But I didn't catch them in time. For a detective, that is shameful, at the very least.

[ But hey, at least he has a handy excuse. ]

[He sure does have a handy excuse. Minato just tilts his head a little, and:]

Do you mind if I ask you a question, Akechi-san?

Not at all. Go ahead.

[ But whether he will answer truthfully or not, well. ]

Why are you so hard on yourself?

[ Yup, time for more lies! ]

Back home, I've been called an ace detective, because of my ability to solve cases even the police weren't able to. People rely on me to find the truth, yet this time I was completely blind to it. I don't think this is being too hard on myself, when I feel like I have failed not only my teammates, but all those people, as well.

[Somehow, it doesn't really feel like that explained anything at all.. Minato's processing the words, but where in there does that talk about Akechi's own feelings, instead of just what's expected of him?]

I guess I don't really understand. Sorry if I'm just being a little too slow.

But I still don't understand how you feel about all of this. Not...about other people. Just you yourself.

[ Um, but he has? Are all Persona protags so pushy?? ]

Feeling like I have failed other people isn't just about them or their expectations of me, though. It is about myself, as well. My reasoning and logic are my strongest suits; without them, there's very little else I can offer.

[ Well. Questioning his self-worth is... not entirely a lie... ]

[Yes, duh.]

I see... [He doesn't, but he really doesn't know Akechi well enough to push. It still feels like there's more there, but he really has no idea what it could possibly be.

... Well, doesn't that just mean he has to get to know Akechi better?

Still, there's one point he just can't quite let go.]

Have you asked Ichinose-san and Ryoji if they feel like you failed them?

[ Gotta work on that social link a little harder, Minato. ]

I haven't. But as much as I respect their opinion, I don't think it would make me feel any different either way.

[This is progress.

Slow...slow progress.]

I'm sorry to say it, but... that seems a little selfish to me, Akechi-san. Deciding for them that you failed them, without letting them have their say... I don't think that's very fair.

[And most of all... he doesn't think either Ryoji or Guren would let Akechi continue to believe that.]

[ Very... very slow... progress... ]

This isn't about deciding for them. It's true they might think otherwise, out of kindness or sympathy, but ultimately, if you're asking me about my personal feelings, I can never give you a fully objective and unbiased answer.

[ However... ]

Since you seem so persistent on the matter, though, would it appease you if I asked them?

[There are some...Things, that make him wonder about Akechi. He doesn't know enough about him, and he can't come up with anything concrete.

But... even so, why is this about appeasing Minato, exactly? When was the last time Akechi did something for his own sake? He's...curious, now.

But he's pushed far enough for today.]

I'd appreciate it, yeah. I think that you might be surprised by what they have to say.

[As for Minato... he needs to learn more about Akechi, doesn't he? Now... now, he thinks he really, really needs to.]

[ The last time Akechi did something for his own sake? Save for his plans for revenge, then possibly not since he was a very small child. Too long ago. ]

I don't know about being surprised, since I don't believe they will blame me. I even remember Guren-san took full responsibility for it, at the time. But I will ask them, and listen to whatever they have to say. It is the least I can do.

Besides, I do wish to return Mochizuki-kun's scarf, as well. It was very kind of him, but I'm sure he must want it back by now.

[... Good for Ryoji. Even hurting, he was that sort of kind, generous soul, right...? Minato can't help but feel incredibly proud of him.]

I'm still grateful for it. Thank you, Akechi-san. And thank you for talking with me, too.

There's no need to thank me. If anything, shouldn't I be the one to thank you for checking in on me? Even though we have barely just met...

[ And since Minato seems so keen on getting some truths out of him, Akechi supposes he can offer him this much: ]

Besides, I know this may sound strange, but you feel somewhat familiar to me. I'm not sure why.

[... Huh. Somewhat familiar, is it? Somehow, he almost feels like he's been told that before, but when he reaches for the memory, he can't grasp it at all.

...Strange.

Regardless:]

I don't really know why, but I'm kind of glad to hear that anyway. I'd like to keep getting to know you better, at least, if I can.

I would like that, too. I feel like we could have interesting conversations.

Besides, it's not just about anyone who has the guts to call me selfish to my face, haha.

[ Rank 1 unlocked?? ]

[A brand new Justice Social Link, oh boy...!!

I am thou, thou art I, etc etc.

... And he doesn't really regret saying that to Akechi, though maybe it was a bit blunt. Oh well. (It's because he doesn't have a guts stat at all.)]

I was just worried, that's all. Sorry if it was kind of rude, though.

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