WEEK 1

[strangerpeople]

WEEK 1

[You now know why you're here, Titled. The question now is, is there a way to get out of here without invoking the rules? What will those who brought you here do to get you to kill?

Time will tell.

There are fifteen strangers in this place.]

Comments

[theirmagic]

... 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.

[foolishjustice]

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.

[theirmagic]

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.

[foolishjustice]

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.

[theirmagic]

... 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!

[beguiledcard]

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.

[foolishjustice]

[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.

[theirmagic]

[ 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!

[beguiledcard]

[ He smiles in return. ]

Of course.

[ It's a couple of seconds after Ursula's impressive speech, he nods. There's nothing he could say to top any of that, honestly, so he settles for: ]

We've got your back.

[ And his head tilts to the side, his smile softening around the edges as he glances to Ursula. ]

You're pretty amazing at this. [ A quiet chuckle. ] I'll have to learn from you.

[theirmagic]

...

[ She clears her throat. Oh god she got too passionate, didn't she? ]

A-ah, well--I just... I understand that sort of thing. As a teacher.

[ Lying liar who lies. ]

[foolishjustice]

[He sighs, but something about it seems almost happy. The look he's giving both of them is definitely fond.]

Thank you. I do appreciate both of your support.

[beguiledcard]

I find it admirable.

[ The look he gives Akechi in return is almost matching perfectly in terms of fondness. ]

No need to thank me, Akechi-san.

[theirmagic]

We'll do more than support you!

[ She's got a lot of fire behind that sentence. ]

If you need anything at all, please, come to us, okay?