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  April 11th, 9:40 pm
Suramā Prison Facility, Visiting Area

---Music: Detention Center ~ Rhapsody of Darkness ---

"I didn't expect to be back here again so soon," Maya comments as her eyes wander to observe different parts of the room.
"You and I seem like magnets for detention centers, huh..." I conclude.
This room is much eerier while masked in the darkness of the night. The tension feels higher, too. It was one thing feeling anxious about meeting a potentially dangerous criminal like Shido, but the uneasiness I feel right now is of a different nature. I'm actually kind of upset, to be frank.
"I thought normal visiting hours ended at 8:00 pm here?" Maya recollects.
Another voice speaks up. "They did. We won't be normal visitors, tonight."
I see Sae Niijima sitting down in one of the chairs on the side of the room to the right of the door we entered. She stands up and approaches us. "We're going to one of the interrogation rooms to meet with the accused."

---Music: Suspicion ---

I can feel the corner of my lip twist in my skepticism. "Niijima-san, you've got so much explaining to do that you may as well be the one we're going to interrogate."
"Nick, let's just hear her out, first..." Maya urges. I look at her and see on her face that she wants me to tone things down a notch, so I collect myself.
Sae's eyes lean downwards in regret momentarily, before she collects herself as well and looks me in the eyes. "I understand that you are confused right now. And I promise you, everything will be explained."
Her assurance is accented by opening the door to a new hallway and gesturing Maya and I to enter. "The room is down this way."
We enter and she closes the door behind us, and walks alongside us. It's a quiet walk at first, until I strike conversation to discuss important details. "Niijima-san, is this interrogation room recorded? Won't that make it difficult to discuss the finer details of this situation?"
Sae gets what I'm trying to ask. "There will be a camera on the visuals of the rooms for our safety, but there won't be any audio recording. So if you have any concerns related to the finer details, you can feel free to discuss them openly once we enter the room."
I nod slowly. "I understand."
We approach a guard standing at a door on the side of the far end of the hallway. "Ah, you again. You brought Kurusu-san's legal representative... -s?" the guard blinks, trying to make sense of what he sees. "Are all three of you going to represent the accused?"
Sae shakes her head. "My colleague, Mr. Wright, here, is going to be Kurusu-san's lawyer in court."
"Wait, I didn't agree to that--" I protest reflexively, but Maya nudges me in the side.
"And this is his assistant, Miss Fey. Mr. Wright has contacted me as a legal consultant, as I have represented their client previously."
"Well, alright," the guard shrugs as he opens the door and leads us in, "As long as you have Kurusu-san's approval."
"Maybe it's my approval you should be worried about," I grumble.

---(Music End)---

  April 11th, 9:42 pm
Suramā Prison Facility, Interrogation Room

I see a young adult sitting at a table, and two empty chairs on the opposite side. "Sorry, we don't have enough seats for all of you," the guard apologizes.
"I'll stand," I reply curtly. I cautiously eye the man sitting at the table. He's dressed... like a stereotypical burglar. He's wearing gloves, has plainly colored clothing, and his hair is ruffled as if he's been wearing a hat, or a beanie. There are heavy red marks around his eyes... he was probably wearing some sort of night vision goggles, judging by the shape and location.
As Sae and Maya both take seats at the table.
"Now this brings back old memories," the man chuckles with a tone that makes it sound like he's spiting himself.
"Indeed," Sae nods.
The guard behind us closes the door.

  ---Music: Interview Tragicomedy ---

  I know these rooms are soundproof, so I don't waste any time starting. "Miss Sae, tell me exactly what is going on here. Is this the leader of the Phantom Thieves? Or are you their leader?"
"Let's just calm down and listen to what they have to say, Nick," Maya encourages. It's unusual that I'm the one wound up and she's the level headed one this time around.
I pull my emotions back a little bit. "... I'm listening."
"My name is Akira Kurusu," the accused announces. He looks as if he's trying to put on an air of composure, but I can tell something is really under his skin. "I've heard a lot about you. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I wanted to thank you for defending Mishima."
"Is Mishima a Phantom Thief, too?" I question.
"Actually, Mishima-kun just runs their fan website," Sae answers.
I genuinely don't know how to respond to that.
"Listen, Mr. Wright," Akira address me, "I'll take full responsibility for breaking our promise. I understand that we said we wouldn't break any laws. But, you saw just as clearly as we did, that we were running out of options..." he tries to explain, but his voice trails off and he sighs deeply. "... Not that it matters anymore. We lost the pearl."
Oh, well that is just icing on the cake. "So, the curator still has it? Or what?"
"Another thief beat us to it," he answers, biting his lip in frustration.
I close my eyes and shake my head, swinging my arms horizontally back and forth. "Ok, time out," I assert, "Pardon my language, but what in the hell happened tonight?"

---(Music End)---

---Music: Ringtone ~ Steel Samurai Theme ---

Maya pulls her phone out of her pocket. "Huh... I wonder who is calling at this hour..."
*Click*
"Hello?"
Maya listens for a few moments.
"Nick, it's Miss Andrews!" Maya cheers, "I'll put her on speaker."
I can only pray that she has good news to bring. Anything, please.
"Miss Maya! Mr. Wright! Sorry I took so long to call back!" I hear Adrian explain, "But I have very good news! You know how I told you about my associate? Well, he was able to help after all! I just got off the phone with him, and he confirmed with me that he was able to obtain that pearl you needed!"

---Music: My Homie ---

My jaw drops. "Wait... what?!"
"Mhm!" she confirms with happy pep.
I turn to Akira. "Didn't you say... a different thief took the pearl before you did, Akira?"
He's perhaps even more shocked than I am. "Yes... yes, they did. He was a slippery bastard, too. I still don't understand how he got away."
Wait. A thief who could out-thieve the Phantom Thieves. An associate related to Adrian Andrews.
Oh my lord. Don't tell me. Please, don't tell me...
... I'm almost afraid to ask, because I'm even more afraid I already know the answer. But I bite. "Miss Andrews... who exactly was your associate...?"
"I'm sure you remember Ron, right? Ron DeLite?"
My jaw drops even harder. If I take a third shock, my jaw is going to dislocate.
"No way!" Maya shouts. She's way too excited about this. "Mr. DeLite?! You mean at long last, Mask☆DeMasque has struck again?!"
I hear a loud slam and turn to see that Akira is standing and his hands are flat against the table. He's lost his composure even more than I have. "What did you just say? You know Mask☆DeMasque?"
"That's right, Maya!" Adrian confirms, "I'm not exactly proud of his means, but he managed to get a hold of exactly what you wanted! He wasn't able to contact you directly, for some reason."
"Nick's phone broke," Maya comments.
Can we please just let the phone thing go already?
"Oh. That would explain it," Adrian brushes aside, "Anyway, Ron says he is going to lay low for a few days until things simmer down. I gave him Maya's number, and he says he'll call you to set up a meeting when he gets a chance."
Akira sits back down, props his elbow against the table, and grips his temple with his palm while staring blankly into the table. "I don't even know what to think, anymore," he mumbles meekly.
  I, on the other hand, raise my forearm and press it against the wall at a height where I can bury my head into my sleeve in complete and utter defeat. "Maya... why are all of our friends criminals..." I moan.

---(Music End)---

Adrian seems to backtrack regretfully. "Oh, I just assumed... I'm sorry, I didn't think... well, it was an emergency, and given the situation, I just figured..."
"It's ok, Miss Andrews!" Maya reassures, "I think this is a good thing... kind of, at least. We'll be getting our hands on that pearl, right?"
"I... appreciate your efforts, at least, Miss Andrews," I finally manage to speak.
"Well, uh, given how many voices I've been hearing, I'm going to assume you are busy. We can talk out the details later, right? Just call me back when you get a chance."
"We will. Thanks for everything!" Maya tells her in appreciation, and the call ends.
I lightly tap my forehead against my arm repeatedly, in a light simulation of bashing my head against the wall. "It turns out, no matter what happens, we're complicit in someone's crime."
"Nick... on the bright side," Maya asserts, "We've got the pearl! That's exactly what we needed to continue our investigations!"
I shake my head. "That's not the point, Maya."
"Allow me, Miss Maya," Sae takes over.

---Music: Reminiscense ~ Each of Their Feelings ---

  "I can understand why all of this is bothering Mr. Wright so much. As a legal professional, we uphold the law. It's our duty, as well as our passion. To ask lawyers like us to get involved in criminal activities... is the same as asking us to forsake not only our pride, but our values."
Well, I guess it's helpful she's putting into words what's spiraling in my brain like a tornado right now.
"When I found out that my own younger sister was a member of the Phantom Thieves, I was so upset and confused that I could barely hold myself together. However, I was able to trust in her, and in Akira, and in the friends we care about... all of whom had the best interests of not only myself but the world. I had support, and I knew that I was doing the right thing and helping the right people."
Maya frowns and looks over in my direction. "I... see. I get what you are trying to say."
"Exactly," Sae nods, "Mr. Wright doesn't know any of us. What little trust he was willing to put in us was betrayed. And it sounds to me like he didn't even have the same luxury of the trust of those he cares about. If I heard correctly, one of your acquaintances, or perhaps a friend, went and committed the same crime."
"A friend who was supposedly reformed from crime, at that," I scowl, "I'm pretty disappointed in him, as well as everyone else right now."
"That's a difficult feeling to overcome," she replies. "After years in courtrooms, justice can feel black and white. In a situation like this, it's tricky to see a grey sort of vigilante justice."
There's a brief few moments where no one speaks, until Sae resumes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put words in your mouth, Mr. Wright. But I'm fairly certain we're on the same page."
I take a deep breath in and sigh, not to make a scene, but to try and calm my thoughts. Sae is right.
"Nick..." Maya whispers, before speaking up, "I'm sorry. I got wrapped up in the excitement of it all. I didn't think of things from your perspective."
"So," I begin, "What is it you want my help for? To stand up in court for someone who I know for fact committed a crime? Or, wasn't it multiple crimes you said? I even heard murder. Am I expected to defend a murderer in good conscious?"
"Absolutely not," Sae rejects firmly, "Akira is no killer, that I can swear to you."
I think on everything that was just discussed. "Miss Niijima. You've don't at all seem like a bad person, and I feel a camaraderie with you. But I don't know this man, and he's given me no reason to even give him the benefit of the doubt."
Sae looks like she wants to interject, but doesn't quite know what to say.
"It's ok," I hear Akira announce. He seems to be much more composed, now. "That's entirely fair of you to assume the worst out of me. My whole group has been dishonest with you. So, if you'll allow me, I can change that. I'll tell you all about myself and what I've been through, and answer any questions you have to ask. If there's anything I can do to resolve your doubts in the Phantom Thieves, just speak up."
Well, I better get asking.

---Music: Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 2001 ---

"Kurusu-san," I begin.
"Just Akira is fine," he offers.
I nod. "Akira. I doubt the Phantom Thieves would trust just anyone with such a daring heist. Who are you to the group?"
The motion of his head exudes a sense of collected confidence as he answers my statement. "Since the earliest days of our group, I was appointed as the leader. And, really, everything started with me to begin with. A friend and I were the first two to enter the Metaverse, and I was the first of us to awaken to our special powers."
"Hold on, now, back up," I request, "Akira, how exactly does your group operate? If there's any chance of us seeing eye to eye, I'm going to need you to explain everything to me about your group and how they work. I more or less understand what the 'Metaverse' is, but how did you go inside of it? When you went into the 'Metaverse,' what exactly was it you did to change people's personalities?"
"One day, a mobile phone app inexplicably appeared on my phone, and it wouldn't go away. Upon learning how to use it, that app eventually acted as a means to enter the parallel world known as the Metaverse. Shido probably told you enough about how it's a world of cognition, and a reflection of how various people see the world around themselves."
"He touched on it, but I feel like I didn't understand as much as I could have," I admit, "Namely, how you actually entered this parallel world."
"Well," Akira continues, "The Meta-Nav app is what let us enter the Metaverse, provided we had enough information. Firstly, we needed to know the name of a person who we knew had a warped and corrupted view. Then, we had to determine the real world location of which that person had distorted in their mind. Lastly, we needed to deduce what it was their subconscious thought that place was. It took some mental work, but with those three pieces the app would activate upon our command. Sooner or later it spread to all of our phones like some sort of virus, and we were all able to access the app and use it in this fashion."
Maya adds to the conversation. "So this world physically manifested as places you could enter, like a boat?" she recollects, hoping for some clarity.
  "I'll explain through example. The first target we ever defeated within the Metaverse was a real piece of work. He was a volleyball coach at my old high school who was using his position and power to abuse students, knowing nobody would stop him. Because of his immunity, he felt like he was a king and that the school was his personal castle. So, upon entering his name, and the keywords 'school' and 'castle,' the Meta-Nav transported us to a reality in which there was literally a gigantic castle for us to explore."
He holds his palm to his face and closes his eyes to laugh lightly while he shakes his head. "Sounds crazy, I know."
"We've already gone this far down the rabbit hole. I'm still willing to believe what you say," I say as I scratch my chin and process what I've been hearing. "So this one one of the 'palaces' Shido spoke of. And this castle would have been where you met a 'shadow' version of the real person?"
"You catch on quick," Akira smirks, "And the palaces were overrun with shadows who were under the command of the person in control of the palace. My friends and I had to learn how to fight just to stay alive. I quickly learned my way around a knife and a gun. Well, model replicas at least. In the Metaverse cognition is reality, so enemies simply thinking we had real weapons turned them into real weapons."
"I see. So, my next question is, how exactly does one 'change a heart?'" I ask, hoping that the answer doesn't involve stabbing or shooting people...
"Well, that's a phenomena I have to thank one of my partners for," Akira chuckles, "It was originally just a theory on his part, but after we pulled it off, we knew it was the real deal. The short version is this. Nobody starts out with a corrupted world view. There was always something that gave birth to it. Some sort of item or device which acted as a trigger to set them down a path of corruption. This was their original 'desire,' and desires are what fueled the Metaverse into what it was. And you can bet that every time there was a palace, there was a desire hidden somewhere within it that existed as a tangible object. In a way of speaking, the original desire is what would give birth to a palace, and we called it a 'treasure.' So naturally, if we could locate and steal this twisted desire--this treasure--away from someone, it more or less took away the source of their evil."
Maya seems like the whole thing has finally clicked. "Oh! So that's why you called yourselves Phantom Thieves. Stealing treasure from evil folks in order to turn them good, I see!"
"I can follow that much," I explain, "But I want to know more about this phone app. I'm assuming it's supernatural in some way. You said it just appeared on your phone one day?"
"I may know where the Meta-Nav came from, but more importantly, I'm positive that we were given access to it with a purpose. I know that it appeared to us in real life because of the work of a man I see in a world within my dreams."
Now that complicates things. "Tell me more about that. Is that the Metaverse you see in your dreams?"
He shakes his head. "No. It's something else entirely. It's a world painted in deep blue, and I can guarantee it's supernatural as well. It's called the 'Velvet Room.'"
Maya cocks her head to the side in peculiar curiosity. "So there's a SECOND parallel world you guys could enter...? Was this world involved in changing hearts, too?"
Akira looks off to the side. "Er, not exactly. I don't think the Velvet Room is quite the same thing. The owner of the place says that it is beyond time and space, and for the longest time, I was the only person who was able to enter. Near the end of our days as Phantom Thieves, my friends were able to enter and see it for themselves just once."
"Now it just sounds like we're discussing a cult," Maya comments.
  "It would certainly sound like that, wouldn't it?" Akira admits, "It may not be directly related to what we did as Phantom Thieves, but I do know that world has everything to do with what is going on right now, with the mystery we are all trying to solve. And I'm positive I can trust him as an ally. I even visited that world again, tonight, the moment my fingers touched the Orb of Heart."

---Music: Logic and Tricks ---

That comment caught me by surprise, but contextual awareness makes it easy to realize what he means. "You're talking about the pearl, right? Is that what we're calling it now?"
"Going by its origins, that was the name that the original creator of the pearl called it," Akira explains. "Did Shido tell you anything about Wakaba Isshiki?"
"That was the researcher who pioneered Cognitive Psience, right?" I remember.
"Exactly. She's unfortunately not with us anymore, but... in the brief moment I touched the Orb of Heart, she appeared to me. And now, more than ever, I'm positive that the Orb is what we need to gain possession of at all costs."
"So we're finally back to the present situation at hand," I recognize, "And I'm glad this Orb is finally coming up. Both your group and mine have been placing a lot of stock in this Orb. And, up to this point, I'm not entirely sure why. I knew it would be a potential lead on these murders, but as to why or how, I'm totally in the dark."
Akira no longer looks as assured as before. "In truth, I'm still trying to make sense of this myself. Everything I'm about to tell you is information I've learned... well, less than thirty minutes ago, really."
"Well, we'll work on making sense of it together!" Maya encourages.
Her pep definitely gets a smile out of him. "Sounds like a plan," he nods, before getting into the details. "So, what I'm lead to believe is that the Metaverse as I knew it was broken apart and returned to its original, physical form in our world. That form was of two Orbs of immense power which manifested into existence as a result of Isshiki-san's continued efforts into researching the psyche."
"Even with everything we've already discussed, that's a hard pill to swallow," Sae announces from the corner of the room. "This is my first time hearing any of this, as well. To think that not only could alternate universes exist, but that one of them originated from two pearls that came out of nowhere..."
I think back to what I felt during Maya and my observation of the Orb earlier that day. "It gave off a mysticism unlike anything I've ever seen, and I'm willing to buy what Akira is saying."
  I pause before slightly shifting subjects, "Speaking of, you mentioned two of them, right? So the one that Mask☆DeMasque is the Orb of Heart... so what is the second one?"
"And on top of that," Maya adds, "What do either of them actually do?"
"Well," Akira begins, "The second is the Orb of Mind. The two Orbs originally combined their aspects and that is what gave birth to the Metaverse. As far as I know, both of them reflected their respective namesakes. The Mind being the source of cognition, and the Heart being the source of emotions and desires."
"Sounds like both of those things would be pretty necessary for the Metaverse to have existed how it did," Maya reasons.
"That's what I understand, at least," Akira furthers, "So I'm not entirely sure what kind of powers or effects just one of the Orbs could have without the other Orb's influence. But I do have a theory that either Orb may have enough effect on someone's mind or heart to manipulate them."
I think I know where he's going with this. "So now that we know there is a second Orb out there somewhere, that means someone out there potentially has means similar to the ones you used in the past."
"Exactly," he agrees, "Someone out there could have access to powers similar to our own, even if we don't know what those powers are yet. But we know that the possibility is there, and that seems to be the most likely explanation for how so many bizarre cases have been happening involving betrayals and unexpected behaviors, and how almost all of the incidents have ended with death or murder."
"So we were right in thinking that something fishy is going on!" Maya affirms, shaking her two fists with vigor.
"That's the best theory we've got, so far," Akira nods once more.

---Music: Detention Center ~ Elegy of the Captured ---

  He looks down into the table and he punches his fist into his palm before looking back up at us. "So, this Mask☆DeMasque person is someone you know, right? Are they trustworthy?"
"That's... a complicated question to answer..." I sweat nervously, scratching the back of my head.
"Ron is definitely a good person!" Maya announces decisively, "And he did what he did because he wanted to help us out!"
I think for a minute before deciding to agree or not. "He doesn't make the best decisions, but... he does have a great heart. We can definitely count his as a friend, and if he has the Orb, then his goal is definitely going to be to hand it over to Maya and me whenever he gets the chance."
Akira takes a deep, relaxed breath. Though he had been extremely anxious when we arrived in this room, he is much calmer now. It makes sense. He knows the Orb isn't lost, so he has regained his composure. So that makes one of us.
  If the last few days hadn't have been what they were, I would have never believed a word of anything he just said, because it all sounds insane. But, from what we've experienced, the information we have gathered... I don't think he has been misleading us. With disbelief suspended enough to give credence to the idea of alternate universes, all of this comes together to make much more sense of the events going on in the world right now.
But, I'm being very generously lenient by taking all of this at face value. I still don't know how far I should go in trusting this man, if at all.

---(Music End)---

I straighten my tie. "Akira. We've discussed quite a lot. I believe we're almost on the same page here, as far as this investigation goes. You and I both have the same suspicions of foul play, and we've both made great strides in getting to the bottom of these mysterious crimes. However, even if you are telling the truth, you're sitting here in this room because you've broken the law, or perhaps even several laws."
I turn to Sae. "Miss Niijima, one more time: could you tell me the list of charges?"
She looks at me with a dire expression, but her nod communicates that she understands my intentions, and answers my request. "Breaking and entering, destruction of property, theft, and murder--" she explains, but sharply cuts herself off, "But I swear to you on my career and my honor that Akira-kun is no murderer."
That brings up a question that I hadn't considered yet. "Miss Niijima, who actually died tonight? A security guard? The curator?"
"The victim wasn't part of museum staff. They are still trying to ID the body, and we don't know why he was at the museum after closing. Still... Akira would never take a life, for any reason."
Between Sae's affirmation and my gut instinct, I feel inclined to believe at least that much. But we'll see. I nod my head and my gaze returns to Akira on the other side of the small table, who is still looking at me, with his hands folded.

---Music: Confess the Truth 2001 ---

"Akira, I just have a few last questions," I explain, "And I need you to be one hundred percent honest with me."
"Of course," he nods.
Well, this is it. I don't even know what happened at the museum tonight, but I'm going to find out. And the first step is understanding Akira's involvement.
  My Magatama is going to tell me everything I need to know, and I grip it tightly within my pocket.
"Did you kill anyone tonight?" I ask bluntly.
He shakes his head decisively. "No. Absolutely not."
The Magatama gives no response. I expected as much, given Sae's impassioned assurance. There's moral ambiguity here, sure, but he doesn't seem to be the type to kill someone.
There's still more left to confirm, even if it's a foregone conclusion. "You broke into the museum tonight, correct?"
He nods his head. "That's correct."
The Magatama still stays dormant. He's not hiding anything from me. So... that part is good, at the very least...
Well. There's one last question to ask.
"Akira. You come to me knowing you're guilty. And by asking me to defend you anyway, you are asking me to go against what I believe in as a lawyer."
"But Nick, think about the bigger picture here..." Maya reminds me.
"I do recognize that, Maya," I reply with a nod before returning my direction to Akira, "I understand that all of us are in pursuit of a greater evil that needs to be stopped. But I do not agree with the methodology. So I ask you: am I to expect that the Phantom Thieves will continue to disregard the law while continuing down this path?"
Akira... doesn't say anything. At all. He's just, quiet. I even give him some time, yet he says nothing. He just stares into the table.
So I continue speaking. "Akira, I'm even willing to believe tonight was a mistake. Just a poor decision made in haste, and that something like this won't happen again. But I need to hear it from you, their leader. Am I going to be working with criminals?"

---(Music End)---

Akira raises his head to lock eyes with me, addressing me with an intense glare. "My friends are not criminals. Maybe it's your friend you should be asking about."
... Still nothing out of the Magatama. He may have taken offense to my question, but he honestly believes what he says, and he isn't trying to hide anything, as far as I can tell. And I guess, technically, he's right about his friends. No one else broke in but him.
"Rest assured, I'll be having a long talk with 'Mask☆DeMasque' when this is all over," I verify, "But right now... I need to hear from you. What you are thinking, and how you feel about everything that has happened tonight."
He blinks a few times and shifts his head to the side. "If you're wanting me to own up to the fact that I broke into the museum, and that I messed up, then I won't deny it."
"It's not your innocence I question, we already know that. It's your character. I want to understand you more clearly. And given the circumstances, I want to cut you some slack. At the very least, do you regret what you've done tonight?"
No answer from him.
  *!*
My vision fades to pitch blackness around Akira and his form is the only thing I see in front of me. As usual, ethereal chains eject from nothingness to constrict Akira.

---Music: Psyche-Locks ---

  I patiently anticipate the appearance of Psyche-Locks, but... they aren't arriving?
I don't get it. As Akira sits silently, bound by chains, the locks never arrive. What kind of secret is he keeping that has nothing protecting it?

---(Music End)---

  A deep voice bellows so loudly it feels as if it surrounds me from all directions.
  "And who, pray tell, spoke of secrets?" it echoes.
What in the hell? What is going on?
I get a cold chill down my spine. Whatever I just heard gives me the feeling that things are about to take a turn for the worse here...

  To be continued...

  ---Music: Jingle ~ That's All For Today ---

Would you like to save your game?

    Yes No

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  April 11th, 9:40 pm
Suramā Prison Facility, Visiting Area

---Music: Detention Center ~ Rhapsody of Darkness ---

"I didn't expect to be back here again so soon," Maya comments as her eyes wander to observe different parts of the room.
"You and I seem like magnets for detention centers, huh..." I conclude.
This room is much eerier while masked in the darkness of the night. The tension feels higher, too. It was one thing feeling anxious about meeting a potentially dangerous criminal like Shido, but the uneasiness I feel right now is of a different nature. I'm actually kind of upset, to be frank.
"I thought normal visiting hours ended at 8:00 pm here?" Maya recollects.
Another voice speaks up. "They did. We won't be normal visitors, tonight."
I see Sae Niijima sitting down in one of the chairs on the side of the room to the right of the door we entered. She stands up and approaches us. "We're going to one of the interrogation rooms to meet with the accused."

---Music: Suspicion ---

I can feel the corner of my lip twist in my skepticism. "Niijima-san, you've got so much explaining to do that you may as well be the one we're going to interrogate."
"Nick, let's just hear her out, first..." Maya urges. I look at her and see on her face that she wants me to tone things down a notch, so I collect myself.
Sae's eyes lean downwards in regret momentarily, before she collects herself as well and looks me in the eyes. "I understand that you are confused right now. And I promise you, everything will be explained."
Her assurance is accented by opening the door to a new hallway and gesturing Maya and I to enter. "The room is down this way."
We enter and she closes the door behind us, and walks alongside us. It's a quiet walk at first, until I strike conversation to discuss important details. "Niijima-san, is this interrogation room recorded? Won't that make it difficult to discuss the finer details of this situation?"
Sae gets what I'm trying to ask. "There will be a camera on the visuals of the rooms for our safety, but there won't be any audio recording. So if you have any concerns related to the finer details, you can feel free to discuss them openly once we enter the room."
I nod slowly. "I understand."
We approach a guard standing at a door on the side of the far end of the hallway. "Ah, you again. You brought Kurusu-san's legal representative... -s?" the guard blinks, trying to make sense of what he sees. "Are all three of you going to represent the accused?"
Sae shakes her head. "My colleague, Mr. Wright, here, is going to be Kurusu-san's lawyer in court."
"Wait, I didn't agree to that--" I protest reflexively, but Maya nudges me in the side.
"And this is his assistant, Miss Fey. Mr. Wright has contacted me as a legal consultant, as I have represented their client previously."
"Well, alright," the guard shrugs as he opens the door and leads us in, "As long as you have Kurusu-san's approval."
"Maybe it's my approval you should be worried about," I grumble.

---(Music End)---

  April 11th, 9:42 pm
Suramā Prison Facility, Interrogation Room

I see a young adult sitting at a table, and two empty chairs on the opposite side. "Sorry, we don't have enough seats for all of you," the guard apologizes.
"I'll stand," I reply curtly. I cautiously eye the man sitting at the table. He's dressed... like a stereotypical burglar. He's wearing gloves, has plainly colored clothing, and his hair is ruffled as if he's been wearing a hat, or a beanie. There are heavy red marks around his eyes... he was probably wearing some sort of night vision goggles, judging by the shape and location.
As Sae and Maya both take seats at the table.
"Now this brings back old memories," the man chuckles with a tone that makes it sound like he's spiting himself.
"Indeed," Sae nods.
The guard behind us closes the door.

  ---Music: Interview Tragicomedy ---

  I know these rooms are soundproof, so I don't waste any time starting. "Miss Sae, tell me exactly what is going on here. Is this the leader of the Phantom Thieves? Or are you their leader?"
"Let's just calm down and listen to what they have to say, Nick," Maya encourages. It's unusual that I'm the one wound up and she's the level headed one this time around.
I pull my emotions back a little bit. "... I'm listening."
"My name is Akira Kurusu," the accused announces. He looks as if he's trying to put on an air of composure, but I can tell something is really under his skin. "I've heard a lot about you. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I wanted to thank you for defending Mishima."
"Is Mishima a Phantom Thief, too?" I question.
"Actually, Mishima-kun just runs their fan website," Sae answers.
I genuinely don't know how to respond to that.
"Listen, Mr. Wright," Akira address me, "I'll take full responsibility for breaking our promise. I understand that we said we wouldn't break any laws. But, you saw just as clearly as we did, that we were running out of options..." he tries to explain, but his voice trails off and he sighs deeply. "... Not that it matters anymore. We lost the pearl."
Oh, well that is just icing on the cake. "So, the curator still has it? Or what?"
"Another thief beat us to it," he answers, biting his lip in frustration.
I close my eyes and shake my head, swinging my arms horizontally back and forth. "Ok, time out," I assert, "Pardon my language, but what in the hell happened tonight?"

---(Music End)---

---Music: Ringtone ~ Steel Samurai Theme ---

Maya pulls her phone out of her pocket. "Huh... I wonder who is calling at this hour..."
*Click*
"Hello?"
Maya listens for a few moments.
"Nick, it's Miss Andrews!" Maya cheers, "I'll put her on speaker."
I can only pray that she has good news to bring. Anything, please.
"Miss Maya! Mr. Wright! Sorry I took so long to call back!" I hear Adrian explain, "But I have very good news! You know how I told you about my associate? Well, he was able to help after all! I just got off the phone with him, and he confirmed with me that he was able to obtain that pearl you needed!"

---Music: My Homie ---

My jaw drops. "Wait... what?!"
"Mhm!" she confirms with happy pep.
I turn to Akira. "Didn't you say... a different thief took the pearl before you did, Akira?"
He's perhaps even more shocked than I am. "Yes... yes, they did. He was a slippery bastard, too. I still don't understand how he got away."
Wait. A thief who could out-thieve the Phantom Thieves. An associate related to Adrian Andrews.
Oh my lord. Don't tell me. Please, don't tell me...
... I'm almost afraid to ask, because I'm even more afraid I already know the answer. But I bite. "Miss Andrews... who exactly was your associate...?"
"I'm sure you remember Ron, right? Ron DeLite?"
My jaw drops even harder. If I take a third shock, my jaw is going to dislocate.
"No way!" Maya shouts. She's way too excited about this. "Mr. DeLite?! You mean at long last, Mask☆DeMasque has struck again?!"
I hear a loud slam and turn to see that Akira is standing and his hands are flat against the table. He's lost his composure even more than I have. "What did you just say? You know Mask☆DeMasque?"
"That's right, Maya!" Adrian confirms, "I'm not exactly proud of his means, but he managed to get a hold of exactly what you wanted! He wasn't able to contact you directly, for some reason."
"Nick's phone broke," Maya comments.
Can we please just let the phone thing go already?
"Oh. That would explain it," Adrian brushes aside, "Anyway, Ron says he is going to lay low for a few days until things simmer down. I gave him Maya's number, and he says he'll call you to set up a meeting when he gets a chance."
Akira sits back down, props his elbow against the table, and grips his temple with his palm while staring blankly into the table. "I don't even know what to think, anymore," he mumbles meekly.
  I, on the other hand, raise my forearm and press it against the wall at a height where I can bury my head into my sleeve in complete and utter defeat. "Maya... why are all of our friends criminals..." I moan.

---(Music End)---

Adrian seems to backtrack regretfully. "Oh, I just assumed... I'm sorry, I didn't think... well, it was an emergency, and given the situation, I just figured..."
"It's ok, Miss Andrews!" Maya reassures, "I think this is a good thing... kind of, at least. We'll be getting our hands on that pearl, right?"
"I... appreciate your efforts, at least, Miss Andrews," I finally manage to speak.
"Well, uh, given how many voices I've been hearing, I'm going to assume you are busy. We can talk out the details later, right? Just call me back when you get a chance."
"We will. Thanks for everything!" Maya tells her in appreciation, and the call ends.
I lightly tap my forehead against my arm repeatedly, in a light simulation of bashing my head against the wall. "It turns out, no matter what happens, we're complicit in someone's crime."
"Nick... on the bright side," Maya asserts, "We've got the pearl! That's exactly what we needed to continue our investigations!"
I shake my head. "That's not the point, Maya."
"Allow me, Miss Maya," Sae takes over.

---Music: Reminiscense ~ Each of Their Feelings ---

  "I can understand why all of this is bothering Mr. Wright so much. As a legal professional, we uphold the law. It's our duty, as well as our passion. To ask lawyers like us to get involved in criminal activities... is the same as asking us to forsake not only our pride, but our values."
Well, I guess it's helpful she's putting into words what's spiraling in my brain like a tornado right now.
"When I found out that my own younger sister was a member of the Phantom Thieves, I was so upset and confused that I could barely hold myself together. However, I was able to trust in her, and in Akira, and in the friends we care about... all of whom had the best interests of not only myself but the world. I had support, and I knew that I was doing the right thing and helping the right people."
Maya frowns and looks over in my direction. "I... see. I get what you are trying to say."
"Exactly," Sae nods, "Mr. Wright doesn't know any of us. What little trust he was willing to put in us was betrayed. And it sounds to me like he didn't even have the same luxury of the trust of those he cares about. If I heard correctly, one of your acquaintances, or perhaps a friend, went and committed the same crime."
"A friend who was supposedly reformed from crime, at that," I scowl, "I'm pretty disappointed in him, as well as everyone else right now."
"That's a difficult feeling to overcome," she replies. "After years in courtrooms, justice can feel black and white. In a situation like this, it's tricky to see a grey sort of vigilante justice."
There's a brief few moments where no one speaks, until Sae resumes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put words in your mouth, Mr. Wright. But I'm fairly certain we're on the same page."
I take a deep breath in and sigh, not to make a scene, but to try and calm my thoughts. Sae is right.
"Nick..." Maya whispers, before speaking up, "I'm sorry. I got wrapped up in the excitement of it all. I didn't think of things from your perspective."
"So," I begin, "What is it you want my help for? To stand up in court for someone who I know for fact committed a crime? Or, wasn't it multiple crimes you said? I even heard murder. Am I expected to defend a murderer in good conscious?"
"Absolutely not," Sae rejects firmly, "Akira is no killer, that I can swear to you."
I think on everything that was just discussed. "Miss Niijima. You've don't at all seem like a bad person, and I feel a camaraderie with you. But I don't know this man, and he's given me no reason to even give him the benefit of the doubt."
Sae looks like she wants to interject, but doesn't quite know what to say.
"It's ok," I hear Akira announce. He seems to be much more composed, now. "That's entirely fair of you to assume the worst out of me. My whole group has been dishonest with you. So, if you'll allow me, I can change that. I'll tell you all about myself and what I've been through, and answer any questions you have to ask. If there's anything I can do to resolve your doubts in the Phantom Thieves, just speak up."
Well, I better get asking.

---Music: Cross-Examination ~ Moderato 2001 ---

"Kurusu-san," I begin.
"Just Akira is fine," he offers.
I nod. "Akira. I doubt the Phantom Thieves would trust just anyone with such a daring heist. Who are you to the group?"
The motion of his head exudes a sense of collected confidence as he answers my statement. "Since the earliest days of our group, I was appointed as the leader. And, really, everything started with me to begin with. A friend and I were the first two to enter the Metaverse, and I was the first of us to awaken to our special powers."
"Hold on, now, back up," I request, "Akira, how exactly does your group operate? If there's any chance of us seeing eye to eye, I'm going to need you to explain everything to me about your group and how they work. I more or less understand what the 'Metaverse' is, but how did you go inside of it? When you went into the 'Metaverse,' what exactly was it you did to change people's personalities?"
"One day, a mobile phone app inexplicably appeared on my phone, and it wouldn't go away. Upon learning how to use it, that app eventually acted as a means to enter the parallel world known as the Metaverse. Shido probably told you enough about how it's a world of cognition, and a reflection of how various people see the world around themselves."
"He touched on it, but I feel like I didn't understand as much as I could have," I admit, "Namely, how you actually entered this parallel world."
"Well," Akira continues, "The Meta-Nav app is what let us enter the Metaverse, provided we had enough information. Firstly, we needed to know the name of a person who we knew had a warped and corrupted view. Then, we had to determine the real world location of which that person had distorted in their mind. Lastly, we needed to deduce what it was their subconscious thought that place was. It took some mental work, but with those three pieces the app would activate upon our command. Sooner or later it spread to all of our phones like some sort of virus, and we were all able to access the app and use it in this fashion."
Maya adds to the conversation. "So this world physically manifested as places you could enter, like a boat?" she recollects, hoping for some clarity.
  "I'll explain through example. The first target we ever defeated within the Metaverse was a real piece of work. He was a volleyball coach at my old high school who was using his position and power to abuse students, knowing nobody would stop him. Because of his immunity, he felt like he was a king and that the school was his personal castle. So, upon entering his name, and the keywords 'school' and 'castle,' the Meta-Nav transported us to a reality in which there was literally a gigantic castle for us to explore."
He holds his palm to his face and closes his eyes to laugh lightly while he shakes his head. "Sounds crazy, I know."
"We've already gone this far down the rabbit hole. I'm still willing to believe what you say," I say as I scratch my chin and process what I've been hearing. "So this one one of the 'palaces' Shido spoke of. And this castle would have been where you met a 'shadow' version of the real person?"
"You catch on quick," Akira smirks, "And the palaces were overrun with shadows who were under the command of the person in control of the palace. My friends and I had to learn how to fight just to stay alive. I quickly learned my way around a knife and a gun. Well, model replicas at least. In the Metaverse cognition is reality, so enemies simply thinking we had real weapons turned them into real weapons."
"I see. So, my next question is, how exactly does one 'change a heart?'" I ask, hoping that the answer doesn't involve stabbing or shooting people...
"Well, that's a phenomena I have to thank one of my partners for," Akira chuckles, "It was originally just a theory on his part, but after we pulled it off, we knew it was the real deal. The short version is this. Nobody starts out with a corrupted world view. There was always something that gave birth to it. Some sort of item or device which acted as a trigger to set them down a path of corruption. This was their original 'desire,' and desires are what fueled the Metaverse into what it was. And you can bet that every time there was a palace, there was a desire hidden somewhere within it that existed as a tangible object. In a way of speaking, the original desire is what would give birth to a palace, and we called it a 'treasure.' So naturally, if we could locate and steal this twisted desire--this treasure--away from someone, it more or less took away the source of their evil."
Maya seems like the whole thing has finally clicked. "Oh! So that's why you called yourselves Phantom Thieves. Stealing treasure from evil folks in order to turn them good, I see!"
"I can follow that much," I explain, "But I want to know more about this phone app. I'm assuming it's supernatural in some way. You said it just appeared on your phone one day?"
"I may know where the Meta-Nav came from, but more importantly, I'm positive that we were given access to it with a purpose. I know that it appeared to us in real life because of the work of a man I see in a world within my dreams."
Now that complicates things. "Tell me more about that. Is that the Metaverse you see in your dreams?"
He shakes his head. "No. It's something else entirely. It's a world painted in deep blue, and I can guarantee it's supernatural as well. It's called the 'Velvet Room.'"
Maya cocks her head to the side in peculiar curiosity. "So there's a SECOND parallel world you guys could enter...? Was this world involved in changing hearts, too?"
Akira looks off to the side. "Er, not exactly. I don't think the Velvet Room is quite the same thing. The owner of the place says that it is beyond time and space, and for the longest time, I was the only person who was able to enter. Near the end of our days as Phantom Thieves, my friends were able to enter and see it for themselves just once."
"Now it just sounds like we're discussing a cult," Maya comments.
  "It would certainly sound like that, wouldn't it?" Akira admits, "It may not be directly related to what we did as Phantom Thieves, but I do know that world has everything to do with what is going on right now, with the mystery we are all trying to solve. And I'm positive I can trust him as an ally. I even visited that world again, tonight, the moment my fingers touched the Orb of Heart."

---Music: Logic and Tricks ---

That comment caught me by surprise, but contextual awareness makes it easy to realize what he means. "You're talking about the pearl, right? Is that what we're calling it now?"
"Going by its origins, that was the name that the original creator of the pearl called it," Akira explains. "Did Shido tell you anything about Wakaba Isshiki?"
"That was the researcher who pioneered Cognitive Psience, right?" I remember.
"Exactly. She's unfortunately not with us anymore, but... in the brief moment I touched the Orb of Heart, she appeared to me. And now, more than ever, I'm positive that the Orb is what we need to gain possession of at all costs."
"So we're finally back to the present situation at hand," I recognize, "And I'm glad this Orb is finally coming up. Both your group and mine have been placing a lot of stock in this Orb. And, up to this point, I'm not entirely sure why. I knew it would be a potential lead on these murders, but as to why or how, I'm totally in the dark."
Akira no longer looks as assured as before. "In truth, I'm still trying to make sense of this myself. Everything I'm about to tell you is information I've learned... well, less than thirty minutes ago, really."
"Well, we'll work on making sense of it together!" Maya encourages.
Her pep definitely gets a smile out of him. "Sounds like a plan," he nods, before getting into the details. "So, what I'm lead to believe is that the Metaverse as I knew it was broken apart and returned to its original, physical form in our world. That form was of two Orbs of immense power which manifested into existence as a result of Isshiki-san's continued efforts into researching the psyche."
"Even with everything we've already discussed, that's a hard pill to swallow," Sae announces from the corner of the room. "This is my first time hearing any of this, as well. To think that not only could alternate universes exist, but that one of them originated from two pearls that came out of nowhere..."
I think back to what I felt during Maya and my observation of the Orb earlier that day. "It gave off a mysticism unlike anything I've ever seen, and I'm willing to buy what Akira is saying."
  I pause before slightly shifting subjects, "Speaking of, you mentioned two of them, right? So the one that Mask☆DeMasque is the Orb of Heart... so what is the second one?"
"And on top of that," Maya adds, "What do either of them actually do?"
"Well," Akira begins, "The second is the Orb of Mind. The two Orbs originally combined their aspects and that is what gave birth to the Metaverse. As far as I know, both of them reflected their respective namesakes. The Mind being the source of cognition, and the Heart being the source of emotions and desires."
"Sounds like both of those things would be pretty necessary for the Metaverse to have existed how it did," Maya reasons.
"That's what I understand, at least," Akira furthers, "So I'm not entirely sure what kind of powers or effects just one of the Orbs could have without the other Orb's influence. But I do have a theory that either Orb may have enough effect on someone's mind or heart to manipulate them."
I think I know where he's going with this. "So now that we know there is a second Orb out there somewhere, that means someone out there potentially has means similar to the ones you used in the past."
"Exactly," he agrees, "Someone out there could have access to powers similar to our own, even if we don't know what those powers are yet. But we know that the possibility is there, and that seems to be the most likely explanation for how so many bizarre cases have been happening involving betrayals and unexpected behaviors, and how almost all of the incidents have ended with death or murder."
"So we were right in thinking that something fishy is going on!" Maya affirms, shaking her two fists with vigor.
"That's the best theory we've got, so far," Akira nods once more.

---Music: Detention Center ~ Elegy of the Captured ---

  He looks down into the table and he punches his fist into his palm before looking back up at us. "So, this Mask☆DeMasque person is someone you know, right? Are they trustworthy?"
"That's... a complicated question to answer..." I sweat nervously, scratching the back of my head.
"Ron is definitely a good person!" Maya announces decisively, "And he did what he did because he wanted to help us out!"
I think for a minute before deciding to agree or not. "He doesn't make the best decisions, but... he does have a great heart. We can definitely count his as a friend, and if he has the Orb, then his goal is definitely going to be to hand it over to Maya and me whenever he gets the chance."
Akira takes a deep, relaxed breath. Though he had been extremely anxious when we arrived in this room, he is much calmer now. It makes sense. He knows the Orb isn't lost, so he has regained his composure. So that makes one of us.
  If the last few days hadn't have been what they were, I would have never believed a word of anything he just said, because it all sounds insane. But, from what we've experienced, the information we have gathered... I don't think he has been misleading us. With disbelief suspended enough to give credence to the idea of alternate universes, all of this comes together to make much more sense of the events going on in the world right now.
But, I'm being very generously lenient by taking all of this at face value. I still don't know how far I should go in trusting this man, if at all.

---(Music End)---

I straighten my tie. "Akira. We've discussed quite a lot. I believe we're almost on the same page here, as far as this investigation goes. You and I both have the same suspicions of foul play, and we've both made great strides in getting to the bottom of these mysterious crimes. However, even if you are telling the truth, you're sitting here in this room because you've broken the law, or perhaps even several laws."
I turn to Sae. "Miss Niijima, one more time: could you tell me the list of charges?"
She looks at me with a dire expression, but her nod communicates that she understands my intentions, and answers my request. "Breaking and entering, destruction of property, theft, and murder--" she explains, but sharply cuts herself off, "But I swear to you on my career and my honor that Akira-kun is no murderer."
That brings up a question that I hadn't considered yet. "Miss Niijima, who actually died tonight? A security guard? The curator?"
"The victim wasn't part of museum staff. They are still trying to ID the body, and we don't know why he was at the museum after closing. Still... Akira would never take a life, for any reason."
Between Sae's affirmation and my gut instinct, I feel inclined to believe at least that much. But we'll see. I nod my head and my gaze returns to Akira on the other side of the small table, who is still looking at me, with his hands folded.

---Music: Confess the Truth 2001 ---

"Akira, I just have a few last questions," I explain, "And I need you to be one hundred percent honest with me."
"Of course," he nods.
Well, this is it. I don't even know what happened at the museum tonight, but I'm going to find out. And the first step is understanding Akira's involvement.
  My Magatama is going to tell me everything I need to know, and I grip it tightly within my pocket.
"Did you kill anyone tonight?" I ask bluntly.
He shakes his head decisively. "No. Absolutely not."
The Magatama gives no response. I expected as much, given Sae's impassioned assurance. There's moral ambiguity here, sure, but he doesn't seem to be the type to kill someone.
There's still more left to confirm, even if it's a foregone conclusion. "You broke into the museum tonight, correct?"
He nods his head. "That's correct."
The Magatama still stays dormant. He's not hiding anything from me. So... that part is good, at the very least...
Well. There's one last question to ask.
"Akira. You come to me knowing you're guilty. And by asking me to defend you anyway, you are asking me to go against what I believe in as a lawyer."
"But Nick, think about the bigger picture here..." Maya reminds me.
"I do recognize that, Maya," I reply with a nod before returning my direction to Akira, "I understand that all of us are in pursuit of a greater evil that needs to be stopped. But I do not agree with the methodology. So I ask you: am I to expect that the Phantom Thieves will continue to disregard the law while continuing down this path?"
Akira... doesn't say anything. At all. He's just, quiet. I even give him some time, yet he says nothing. He just stares into the table.
So I continue speaking. "Akira, I'm even willing to believe tonight was a mistake. Just a poor decision made in haste, and that something like this won't happen again. But I need to hear it from you, their leader. Am I going to be working with criminals?"

---(Music End)---

Akira raises his head to lock eyes with me, addressing me with an intense glare. "My friends are not criminals. Maybe it's your friend you should be asking about."
... Still nothing out of the Magatama. He may have taken offense to my question, but he honestly believes what he says, and he isn't trying to hide anything, as far as I can tell. And I guess, technically, he's right about his friends. No one else broke in but him.
"Rest assured, I'll be having a long talk with 'Mask☆DeMasque' when this is all over," I verify, "But right now... I need to hear from you. What you are thinking, and how you feel about everything that has happened tonight."
He blinks a few times and shifts his head to the side. "If you're wanting me to own up to the fact that I broke into the museum, and that I messed up, then I won't deny it."
"It's not your innocence I question, we already know that. It's your character. I want to understand you more clearly. And given the circumstances, I want to cut you some slack. At the very least, do you regret what you've done tonight?"
No answer from him.
  *!*
My vision fades to pitch blackness around Akira and his form is the only thing I see in front of me. As usual, ethereal chains eject from nothingness to constrict Akira.

---Music: Psyche-Locks ---

  I patiently anticipate the appearance of Psyche-Locks, but... they aren't arriving?
I don't get it. As Akira sits silently, bound by chains, the locks never arrive. What kind of secret is he keeping that has nothing protecting it?

---(Music End)---

  A deep voice bellows so loudly it feels as if it surrounds me from all directions.
  "And who, pray tell, spoke of secrets?" it echoes.
What in the hell? What is going on?
I get a cold chill down my spine. Whatever I just heard gives me the feeling that things are about to take a turn for the worse here...

  To be continued...

  ---Music: Jingle ~ That's All For Today ---

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