15strangers | WEEK 1

I've never heard of any concrete evidence of it existing. People suspect the Phantom Thieves use supernatural means to cause their targets to feel regret for their crimes and confess, but there's been no solid proof of their methods.

... Didn't your profile list you as one of those? A "Phantom Thief", I mean.

[ She DID actually bother to read them eventually. ]

Yes, but...

[He shakes his head.]

I have no recollection of being one of their number. In fact, the last thing I remember, I was part of an investigation into their actions.

... Isn't that a bit strange? I can't imagine they'd list you as part of them unless it was true... in which case...

[ GLANCING AT AKIRA. ]

Edited 2017-11-29 04:09 (UTC)

[He follows her glance, but doesn't say anything. He...could share his suspicions about the profiles of the Phantom Thieves, but he won't. He has no reason not to leave whether or not to confirm that detail up to Akira.]

It may be intended to confuse us, but...I do agree that it seems strange, that they would ruin the credibility of their knowledge regarding us with clear falsehoods...

[ I dunno, you TOTALLY look like you'd be a phantom thief to her, Akechi. Being a detective would be super good cover. But she'll be nice and keep that to herself. ]

... It is a little strange. I admit the only inconsistency on my profile is because of recent events that happened here. My relationship with Professor Croix has been a bit... complex, as of late...

[What, does he seem like he'd be into the sort of theatrics and drama associated with the phantom thief lifestyle?]

I suppose the possibility is...worth considering, though I can't imagine why I would have done such a thing.

... Maybe you were under cover? You are a detective, aren't you?

Perhaps...at my last recollection, I didn't consider them a sufficient threat to motivate such a thing, but I suppose things could have changed.

[He doubts that, though. Unless he's seriously misjudged Akira...]

Well, I doubt they'd be that big a threat either...

[ EYING AKIRA AGAIN... he seems like such a sweet young man. But then she turns her gaze back to Akechi. ]

But perhaps the possibility is there that you were asked for whatever reason. It's certainly something to consider, if nothing else.

[That thought seems to make him uncomfortable, and he watches Akira for a second before looking away.]

I...suppose it's possible. There are certainly others in positions of authority who still regard them as being dangerous.

Well... it's either that, they got your profile wrong on purpose when many of the rest of ours are at least somewhat accurate, or... you really did put on a mask and start doing whatever it is a "Phantom Thief" does. I imagine you'd cut a dashing figure, if nothing else.

[ She chuckles a bit. ]

And being a detective would certainly give you ample cover for the job.

[ Is that a glint in her eye? ... No, you're imagining it. ]

[That gets a bit of a nervous chuckle out of him.]

Perhaps. I don't believe the group has any ill intentions, even if they do take the law into their own hands to some degree. Maybe I simply joined them for the sake of ensuring they don't stray too far into vigilantism.

Edited 2017-11-29 23:03 (UTC)

[ ... She looks like she's giving Akechi and appraising through for a long moment, before she finally says: ]

... Of course. I could never see you doing anything improper.

I do take my profession seriously. The only reason I'm even willing to give consideration to the idea that I might have joined them during the time period I don't recall is that I do believe their motivations to be just, despite their...unorthodox methods.

Might I ask what makes you think that, detective? I'm sure you've got good reasons. I'm curious about these so-called Phantom Thieves in the first place. They sound like... interesting people.

Simply put: because each of their targets has committed some form of crime, while remaining out of reach of ordinary investigative methods. Phantom Thieves is merely what they call themselves. They claim to steal not objects, but hearts...or rather, their target's motivations to perform evil acts. Shortly after they send their calling card, their target has something of a change of heart regarding their actions and publicly confesses to them.

They even caused a yakuza don to turn himself in with a full confession, after he had successfully eluded our attempts to locate him for quite some time. Seeing as the results of their actions have uniformly been for the betterment of society and the safety of its citizens, that is why I believe their motives to belong to the realm of justice.

... I say that's a fine reason to join them, if they're out there helping people and fighting the fight the police can't.

[ She rests her hands on her hips. ]

Authority is good, but sometimes it has its limits. Sometimes, to do the right thing, you only need one person to stand up first.

I wouldn't be surprised if that was part of their motivation. Why make such a public spectacle, if it were simply for the purpose of revealing the criminal's true nature, while also keeping their identities a secret? It seems likely to me that they wish to make it known that even criminals who are untouchable by the law can be punished for their crimes. It's caused quite a bit of public stir. Although, it's a little embarrassing, as a detective, to be shown up that way.

I wouldn't consider it them showing you up. As a matter of fact, if anything, it sounds more to me like they're helping you. Phantom Thieves in the books and movies always flaunt the things they steal to the police's face and make fun of them, but it doesn't sound like these people have made fun of the law very much, have they?

They're probably people that want to help. If anything, I would consider it them assisting you.

That's...an interesting viewpoint. Of course, nobody has ever seen the Phantom Thieves themselves in person. Well, not knowingly, anyway.

[Just. Going to pointedly ignore that it's obvious he already knew about Akira.]

And the public certainly seems to see it...somewhat differently. They regarded the Thieves being the downfall of a criminal who had actively eluded the police for quite some time to be a sign of our failing. It was quite bad for their faith in our abilities.

... Well, forget those people! They're not the ones who matter, detective!

[ There is so much passion in her voice right now, good lord. ]

You're doing your hardest work out there to help people! And you're so young! It's admirable and dedicated, and if anyone has anything to say about it, they can answer to me!

She's right, you know.

[ Akira's finally walking over, drink in hand. He's glancing from one to the other while taking a sip of it. His gaze finally comes to rest on the good detective as he says the next part, drink lowered. ]

It's not always about being acknowledged or having a bunch of random strangers on your side.

[ A thoughtful, perfectly innocent expression. ]

You could just use it to your advantage, too. [ Glancing at his drink, swirling the contents gently, almost like he's holding a damn glass of wine......... ] When people don't expect much from you, it leaves room for surprises.

[Ursula's words manage to stun Akechi into complete silence, enough so that he doesn't even try to speak before Akira steps in. He glances from Ursula to Akira, awkwardly brushing a bit of hair away from his face.]

Haa...I often wish it was so easy. It's difficult for someone in my position to completely divorce myself from the opinions of the public. I...don't really have anyone I can seek support from, should my fans turn against me.

[He turns a faint smile toward Akira.]

Excepting you, of course, Kurusu-kun.

[ Are you ready for this, Akechi. Ursula slams a hand against her chest real quick after that comment. She'd quieted down when Akira arrived, but-- ]

You can rely on me for that support! You're a very strong, gifted young man who, if I might be blunt, couldn't have gotten that position so early without working very hard for it! If they have a problem with you, then they have a problem with me. And I'd like to see them become detectives at your age. Most of those people are just whiners, anyway, always complaining and never actually doing anything, never giving anything constructive, they just want more out of you and half the time, even if you give them more, they don't even KNOW what they want.

Don't listen to their negative criticism! Never let it bring you down!

[ Does she sound like she's speaking from the heart here? She sure as fuck is. ]

Listen to your friends, like me and Mister Kurusu!

WEEK 1

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