Reverse Tarot - goro-akechi

Well, I suppose a conversation between us is pretty long overdue.

Oh, you think so? Is that what you think?

I probably don't need to remind you that you didnt reach out to me, either.

You're right, I really should have reached out to someone I thought was dead. This was all on me. I definitely dropped the communication ball.

....You're angry because of that?

12:45 AM

I thought you were only talking about recently, for as long as we've been in the chatroom together.

You've been a bit absent, but I've had my hands full since I got here.

12:46 AM

Not all of us can avoid responsibility by being marked as missing.

I think you're making a lot of assumptions about what's been going on on my side during all this time.

12:47 AM

That being said, I'm not above apologizing for not contacting you sooner.

12:47 AM

I didn't really think you would want to hear from me.

What gave you that impression?

Given how our last encounter went, I don't think it's a very farfetched thing to think.

So you just decided to tease me in public, instead.

12:49 AM

Knowing I know who you are.

You did the same to me.

I had to make sure it was you.

I know it's hypocritical of me to say this, but you could have talked to me. Like this.

You're right, it does make you sound like a hypocrite. Next question.

It wasn't really a question.

12:52 AM

There's not much for me to say...

How about, what the fuck happened? Where were you?

Well, you saw what happened. Most of it, anyway.

12:54 AM

But I'm not delusional. I know taking the proverbial bullet to allow you all a chance to go on isn't the same as redemption.

That doesn't answer the question.

....it's a lot to explain over text.

12:56 AM

Why is it that you're so curious?

You really think Oracle is going to let you come here to explain in person?

No, I don't.

12:58 AM

I don't expect you to want me to come and explain in person, either.

You wouldn't start a fight in a cafe, would you?

Why would I?

A quaint little coffee shop, no less.

12:58 AM

I don't trust you.

Oh my, I couldn't have guessed that one on my own.

1:00 AM

When have I ever caused a scene in public?

You're right. My arrest wasn't exactly public.

There's nothing I can say that will satisfy you, Akira.

1:02 AM

If you want to meet in person I will. But I don't think it will satisfy you.

1:02 AM

I can't take back what already happened.

Satisfying me won't make up for putting my partners in danger.

1:02 AM

You can at least explain how you're not dead.

I know it won't. Because nothing can. Right?

1:03 AM

And has it occurred to you that maybe I'm not even entirely sure myself?

You're a detective, aren't you? So detect. You have to have theories by now.

Theories aren't answers.

1:04 AM

What will this do for you, Akira?

1:05 AM

Make you sleep better at night?

It's not like I'm sleeping, anyway. Why do you think I'm awake while Haru and Yusuke are sleeping? For fun?

1:06 AM

Theories aren't answers, but if you're physically using a phone, you're somewhere.

If you're trying to make me feel guilty by saying things like that, then you can save yourself the trouble.

You don't know what guilt is.

Excuse me?

1:08 AM

What makes you so sure of that?

What other explanation is there?

For what I did?

1:09 AM

The answers are in front of you. I shouldn't have to put those pieces together for you, at least.

1:10 AM

I can share my theories with you, but you'll have to give me time to assemble them into something cohesive. I would prefer to do this in person, as I think it would be much easier that way. However, I'll settle for a phone call if you understandably don't want to meet up in person.

We meet in person, in public. Away from LeBlanc.

You would prefer that?

Does that bother you?

Of course not. I'm the one who said I would prefer meeting in person first, after all.

1:13 AM

I'm just a touch surprised.

I've got nothing to be afraid of.

I never used the word afraid.

1:14 AM

I don't think you're afraid.

Then what do you think I am?

At the risk of sounding dramatic, I would have used a word like disgusted, or maybe indignant.

You're right, that does sound dramatic.

Aha, you didn't tell me that I was wrong, though^^

Even if I did, you would have taken it as confirmation.

Confirmation of what?

That I'm disgusted, or maybe indignant.

Contrary to what you might believe, I do actually listen to the things you tell me, Akira.

Is that so?

It is.

Hm.

Hm?

That is what I said.

It just isnt much to go off of, is all.

What do you want me to say? I forgive you? Don't worry about it? Water off a duck's back?

1:22 AM

You can do whatever you want to me. But they were in danger. Do you understand?

I don't know what would give you the impression I was expecting anything like that at all. I'm the one who said I don't understand why you have any desire to see me or talk to me at this point. I'm under no delusions that you want anything to do with me.

1:24 AM

I don't want to do anything to you or your friends. If I did I would have tried to find you much sooner than this.

So why did you keep baiting me if you didn't think I had something to say to you?

Old habits die hard, perhaps? I wasn't trying to bait you at all. I don't have any grand schemes.

1:26 AM

I was thrown into this mysterious app without an explanation just like you.

1:26 AM

I'm not trying to get anything from you.

Are you sleeping alright?

1:26 AM

... Do you sleep?

1:26 AM

Are you actually alive?

I'm not sure where this question is coming from...

1:27 AM

I do sleep. I'm alive.

1:27 AM

But I don't sleep well.

1:27 AM

I never really have.

That's no help.

1:27 AM

Have you been having nightmares recently?

You'll probably say this is no help as well, but I've always had nightmares.

1:28 AM

I've never slept well and I've always had nightmares.

You're right, it is no help. I can't gauge anything with that statement.

What are you trying to gauge?

1:29 AM

If you let me know then I can probably give you a better answer.

...

1:31 AM

I've been having nightmares since this installed itself in my phone.

1:31 AM

Bad ones. They've gotten worse. Everyone else is having them, too. (edited)

Hmmm...

1:32 AM

By everyone else, do you mean your friends?

You know who.

1:32 AM

Everyone always refers to the Thieves.

I just wanted to make sure you weren't referring to other app users you may have been speaking to in private as well.

I don't speak to many people in private. For some reason, people seem to think I'm unapproachable.

Aren't emojis supposed to make one read as more approachable?

1:36 AM

Perhaps you've been using them wrong.

Apparently they read as "hard to read". Ironic.

Well, they certainly do leave room for one to be purposefully obtuse, as you pointed out.

1:37 AM

I'm sure I don't know what you mean.

There can't be three people who use emoji. You're banned.

It's never come terribly naturally to me, anyway. I think I can bear that.

Emoji license revoked.

1:39 AM

Go back to being verbose or whatever.

How unfortunate. I'm not sure how I'll manage from here on out.

You'll have to perish.

Well we can certainly try and see if it works this time around.

There's a joke in here somewhere about getting a life.

1:47 AM

I hear they're on sale at the thrift store.

I'll certainly stop by at some point to see for myself. Maybe we can go together when we meet up so you can get one for yourself, too?

It's so sweet of you to consider my health like that. I'm fine with my current life, though.

1:56 AM

If I lost any of my partners, I would probably die.

They matter that much to you, hm?

1:57 AM

It makes sense, from what I've seen.

We've been through a lot. Too much.

1:58 AM

You've never felt the same?

Once, maybe.

2:01 AM

I've never had many friends to feel that way about.

There's nothing stopping you from making more.

2:02 AM

Other than being a missing person, that is.

That's a rather terribly optimistic perspective on my situation, don't you think?

2:04 AM

You've met me, right?

I believe I have, at least.

Then why are you asking me that question?

Probably because I'm not a terribly optimistic person^^

It's time to start getting optimistic, then.

2:06 AM

You've already died once. Is that a way to spend the rest of the time you've got?

Well, you're optimistic enough for the both of us, it would seem.

Someone has to be.

2:08 AM

It keeps me occupied when I can't sleep.

Well maybe I can give it a try too, at least when I can't sleep.

2:09 AM

...it's because of the nightmares that you can't sleep?

... Yeah.

Truth be told, my dreams have actually been a bit different recently.

2:14 AM

I didn't think much of it at first, since nightmares aren't uncommon for me.

2:14 AM

But they aren't quite the same as the ones I've had in the past.

Care to share?

Aha...it's a bit difficult to explain^^;

2:18 AM

To keep it brief, I typically have dreams that are more...abstract, I suppose? And many of them focus on emotions I felt when I was young.

2:18 AM

Not all of them...but many.

2:19 AM

To be candid here, it isn't uncommon for me to have dreams involving you. I hope I'm not embarrassing myself by saying that?^^;

2:19 AM

But recently, you've appeared in my dreams quite a bit more.

2:19 AM

I thought maybe it was because I was talking to you in the chatroom that it had been fresh in my mind...

2:20 AM

That still could be the reason. But I figured it was worth mentioning, at least.

Me..?

2:21 AM

Hm.

2:21 AM

I see. Thanks for sharing.

2:21 AM

It might be a good idea to keep that to ourselves for now. I think I've got a couple people on my tail, and that could make them more suspicious.

Well, it's not like I have many others to share that information with at all^^;

2:21 AM

I was planning on keeping it between us.

2:22 AM

Does that information help in any way?

It... might. I need to ask more people about what their nightmares are about.

2:22 AM

But I have a suspicion.

2:22 AM

A theory, if you will. A hunch.

Well, I know how that goes.

2:23 AM

....Akira?

Mmh?

Of course I'm not expecting you to share anything. But I am a detective.

2:24 AM

If you think you might need assistance in investigating what's going on here or piecing together what you know...

2:24 AM

Well, I have the experience.

A lot of it is bits and pieces that don't seem to be related, but Futaba's been keeping notes.

2:24 AM

She even tried hacking the app or getting a source code. No backdoors. Nothing. Just like the other one.

I had a feeling that would be the case.

2:26 AM

Regardless though, I may be able to help with connecting those pieces together if you decide you need assistance.

2:27 AM

It also might be worth investigating whether this phenomenon is exclusive to those who have had relations with you or if other people in the app you haven't met in person are experiencing similar things.

I don't think I'm the cause of a bunch of nightmares. I can't be.

2:28 AM

.

2:28 AM

I can't be.

2:28 AM

Pancake didn't know me before he started getting them.

2:28 AM

But... he knew Haru.

With what little information I have, I doubt you're the cause of these nightmares. I was thinking more something along the lines of the target, perhaps.

If I were the target, why would my partners be experiencing them?

Proximity, would be my best guess. Whether that means physical proximity or emotional proximity would depend on the perpetrator's motives and the way this app and whatever other forces at work here function.

2:31 AM

If my recent dreams are connected however, then I would assume physical proximity wouldn't have much to do with it, considering we haven't been close physically in some time.

2:31 AM

We could test that though... (edited)

We're meeting up already, aren't we? Would the test be to see if they get worse?

That's what I was thinking, yes. It wouldnt be a proper experiment, but it's probably the closest we can get to one given the circumstances. I'll also see if I can talk to others in the chatroom you don't have a prior connection to, see whether they've been having similar nightmares or not.

That's pretty much everyone.

2:34 AM

has met me in person, might be worth checking out. So has

.

2:35 AM

Aside from my partners, no one else has been anywhere near me. Or knows me that well.

Alright. I'll keep that in mind then, thank you.

2:36 AM

I'll be sure not to let on that I'm feeling out whether their dreams might be connected to you, too.

2:37 AM

I'll look into them as well as others who havent had much contact with you, and we can see how my dreams are affected after we meet.

Yeah, sure. As long as you keep me updated.

Well, it wouldn't be a very productive investigation if I didnt now, would it?^^

You're the detective.

2:41 AM

I'm simply the suspect again.

No, you're not the suspect.

2:42 AM

You're a victim.

2:42 AM

I don't believe you're the source of the nightmares, Akira.

Is that optimism I smell?

2:42 AM

Akechi, you shouldn't have.

It's realism, actually.

2:43 AM

There's no reason to believe you're the source of the nightmares at this point, especially when you're suffering from them as well. (edited)

2:44 AM

It's much more likely that you're a target and others are suffering from them due to proximity, or that there's a shared reason between you and the other victims.

Let's hope it's one of those.

2:45 AM

If it's a shared reason, or if I'm a target, we'd still need to find the source.

If I had to bet, I would certainly wager on one of those two options rather than you being the source.

2:45 AM

And yes, that's true. That's what the investigation is for.

How much?

Hm?

How much are you betting?

Metaphorically or literally?

Either.

Literally speaking, nothing. Unless you would be willing to match my bet?

I wouldn't ask you to bet if I wasn't putting down the same.

2:48 AM

What's your poison? Dinner? Money?

I don't have much of an interest in betting with money.

2:49 AM

Dinner is clearly the more intriguing option.

I was going to offer something else, but if dinner's what you want.

2:49 AM

If you turn out to be right, I'll make you dinner.

Oh? I must admit I'm intrigued by what else you'd be willing to offer.

It's too late, I'm afraid. You picked dinner.

I wouldn't be opposed to raising the stakes if the options are enticing enough.

2:52 AM

Remember, if I lose then I owe you as well.

Sounds like you're getting a little hot under the collar. Keep your hands to yourself, tiger.

2:54 AM

You can't afford to raise the stakes.

Perhaps I just miss the thrill of the game?^^

2:55 AM

I wouldn't be so sure I couldn't afford it, but I won't press the matter if you've decided it's no longer something you're willing to bet.

Don't call me a coward. I'll bet anything.

Anything, you say?

2:57 AM

Quite a big claim.

What can I say? I've got desirable real estate.

Well, I for one wouldn't be opposed to raising the stakes.

2:59 AM

If you decide you're willing to bet more than just dinner, you can let me know.

I am letting you know.

Then what more would you like to put on the line, Akira?

3:01 AM

Anything.

3:01 AM

Whatever's going to motivate you.

It sounds more like you're the one with something specific in mind.

That sounds like your tired brain is talking. Are you pent up, Akechi? You should let your boyfriend know.

3:04 AM

Unless... am I the other man?

I

3:06 AM

Don't have a boyfriend.

3:06 AM

Or an other man.

3:06 AM

Or a girlfriend, for that matter

Thank you for clarifying on the girlfriend, too.

Were you...less clear on that one??

3:12 AM

I'm afraid you've lost me a little^^;

I didn't know you were polyamorous. Congratulations.

How can I be polyamorous if I'm not dating anyone?

Your theoretical boyfriend and girlfriend weep at your denial.

Well, I'm not denying anything, really.

Not with your words.

3:15 AM

We've gotten off track.

Right.

3:20 AM

So...whoever is wrong has to make dinner?

That's what we're settling on?

Unless you have anything else to propose?

3:22 AM

I thought I just did.

If you're seriously proposing something you might want to be a bit more explicit^^ After all, we don't want there to be any misunderstandings over what's at stake.

You're right. You probably couldn't handle the responsibility. Sorry for setting my expectations so high.

3:25 AM

I'll be expecting a nice, unburnt dinner for my sleuthing skills.

Well, you're the one who is refusing to he explicit with what you want^^

3:27 AM

I'll also be expecting a nice, unburnt dinner when my theories prove correct. (edited)

You're being purposely obtuse again.

3:27 AM

I work in a restaurant. You think I'd burn my food?

Am I? How coy of me^^

3:28 AM

And maybe to spite me, perhaps.

How coy, indeed.

3:28 AM

I can't burn food, even if I tried. Anxiety won't allow it.

How intriguing. I'll keep that information in my back pocket, then.

3:29 AM

I look forward to me delicious dinner.

You should. I've learned to cook more than curry since you've been gone.

Oh? Now you're getting me excited.

You weren't already?

3:32 AM

You're getting old, if the idea of a new case doesn't get you excited.

Don't worry, the case has me more than excited.

3:33 AM

The dinner is just the icing on the cake.

Good.

3:34 AM

... Make sure you don't disappear this time.

Well, I'm not planning on it as of now, anyway.

I'm holding you to that.

You can feel free to do so.

I'll think about it when we meet up.

Speaking of, you can feel free to arrange the situation so that it suits your comfort.

3:37 AM

You can let me know the time and location.

I don't suppose you want to meet at a diner?

That would be fine with me.

Great. I'll have a place by the time you get your theories together.

Sounds like a plan to me^^

I've got to get out from under these two and make breakfast.

3:42 AM

See you later.

Alright. I'll talk with you soon.

That emoji schtick of yours is quite something at times.

It's not my fault you lost the ability to read my

.

Like I said, I guess I'm a little out of practice.

12:37 AM

So do you know how long you'll be away for?

Like I said, it's up to my partners.

12:38 AM

So that's why I said we could meet up before my partners and I head out.

When are you heading out?

12:45 AM

Since you're packing it sounded like it was soon.

... I'll be honest, all I know is soon.

12:47 AM

I'm not even allowed to drive.

If youd like to meet before you depart, that's fine with me. You'll just have to let me know when and where.

Are you free tomorrow?

Tomorrow? That's rather sudden.

12:49 AM

I think maybe I could make some time in my schedule, though.

What could you possibly be doing that fills your schedule?

Wouldnt you like to know^^

Is it too important to tell your dear old friend?

It's not much interesting. Just looking into my various theories.

Somehow, I doubt that.

Why is that?

It just feels like there's something else.

As you put it, what else could I be doing with my time?

Plenty of questionable things. How do I know you're not actively hunting us down?

To be fair, you don't.

1:05 AM

But nothing I say here will make you think that any more or less, right?

Mmm, true. If I really wanted to know what was going on, I could just ask Futaba.

Would she be able to tell you anything substantial in this case?

Probably enough to put my mind at ease.

Well in that case, you should talk to her.

1:10 AM

I don't know what she would be able to tell you, given my limited knowledge of the situation.

1:10 AM

But if it helps then it's worth it.

You seem concerned.

About what?

My reaction.

I don't want you to be unnecessarily stressed out.

1:11 AM

The situation is already shocking enough for you.

Would you really use the word 'shocking' to describe my current state?

Would you use a different one?

Exhausted. On edge.

1:15 AM

Leaving town supposedly stops the nightmares.

Does it?

1:15 AM

You should let me know how it works

If it means everyone else gets some rest, I'm fine.

1:17 AM

I've... actually, nevermind.

No, tell me.

1:21 AM

You can tell me, I mean.

1:21 AM

I'm interested in what you have to say.

I was going to say that I haven't suffered any major injuries even though I'm tired, but that would have been a lie.

You've been injured?

1:26 AM

That sounds serious.

Was. I've healed, and only one of them left a scar. Nothing major.

Still, that's a bit concerning. It was because you were so tired that you were injured?

In one instance, yes. In the other... I'm not sure.

1:31 AM

It's still a sore spot for the Thieves, so...

Do you think there's a possibility it could happen again?

I'm not sure about that, either. It hasn't happened since, and I'm trying to keep it that way.

1:34 AM

I don't want my partners getting hurt because of my own weakness.

It sounds complicated...

1:36 AM

But I'm assuming it's something you'd rather I didn't pry into?

Correct. And if you meet any of the Thieves, don't pry.

If I won't pry with you then why would I pry with any of them?

It wouldn't be the first time that any of us were asked questions others wouldn't answer.

1:42 AM

People are relentless.

1:42 AM

... But you should know that.

I do.

1:42 AM

I won't pry. You have my word.

How much candy can I buy with that?

I'm going to guess not too much^^;

Well, that's no good.

Well, not many people's word can by anything material.

So, you're saying I can exchange your word for services, instead?

Well, you could certainly try.

Roughly what would one word be worth? Just a ballpark.

Well, wouldn't that depend on the word?

What's the weight of yours, Akechi?

Have you been well?

Things were fine while we were on vacation.

9:03 PM

What's had you so busy?

It seems like you were more the busy one to me^^

Try not to sound so upset, I wasn't gone long.

9:10 PM

It's been a while since we've been able to get away from things.

Don't misunderstand; I'm not upset. I was actually wondering if your vacation helped at all with your strange dreams.

While we were out, yeah.

9:14 PM

They've gotten worse since we've been back. I don't wake up feeling rested at all.

That sounds troubling...

9:15 PM

I guess at the very least it serves as evidence that the dreams are linked to this location.

And leaving made them worse, yeah.

This leads me to believe that in order to put an end to them we must search for the solution here.

Oracle's been doing what she can, but it's not turning up any results right now. She's working on something that she says can help, but isn't letting us see what's going on.

Has she given any indication of the nature if her solution?

Nope.

9:22 PM

I don't know if you remember being anywhere near her for longer than five minutes, but she's never been the type.

Well, hopefully she can come up with something...She's a smart one. And she cares for you a lot.

She will. She's been, and I quote, "elbow deep" in code.

9:24 PM

Hopefully she washes her hands before she eats. That's just unhygienic.

You should make sure to remind her to eat as well. I know when I'm "elbow deep" in my work I can sometimes forget.

So when's the last time you ate?

...

9:27 PM

Does it only count if it's a full meal?

Yeah.

I believe.....

9:28 PM

A couple days ago?

9:28 PM

But I've eaten since then, just not a full meal all at once^^;

Are you going to eat, or do I have to make you something?

Ah, I would never expect you to do that for me^^

I could change my mind.

You already had your mind set?

No, I offered because I wasn't seriously considering making extra dinner.

Ah, as I expected, then.

Care to elaborate, or are we opting for unnecessary vagaries today?

There isn't much to explain, I just didn't expect you to want to make me any food in the first place.

Not much of a point in trying to work together to figure this out if you're dead a second time, is there?

I could say the same to you^^ How much have you been eating recently?

9:35 PM

And no, coffee does not count as nutrition.

Hey- what? Why not?

Because it doesn't have much nutrition to speak of^^

Sure it does. It gives me energy.

Caffeine and calories are not the same type of energy^^;

9:38 PM

Please get something solid in your system as well.

I'm making curry.

For yourself?

Myself, Lotus. You. (edited)

I thought you weren't making any for me?

I said I might change my mind.

Well, you can let me know if you do^^

9:44 PM

But in the meantime make sure you eat some yourself.

The whole point was a romantic dinner, so I'll be eating.

Perfect, then^^

9:45 PM

I hope you two enjoy yourselves.

If he doesn't, I'm probably the worst romantic partner on the planet.

Why do you say that?

My partners are important to me. If they're upset, I'm not doing a very good job at being a boyfriend.

I think that logic might be a little faulty. Sometimes people are upset for reasons beyond your control.

So? That doesn't mean that I can't try to comfort them.

That much is true. But I wouldn't go so far as to say it makes you a bad partner if they still aren't happy.

9:50 PM

It's a bit of a generalization.

Mh. You don't get it.

Perhaps I don't^^

Go outside and touch grass.

I don't quite see how that will help me understand any better.

Understanding me is a pretty lofty goal. Touching grass isn't.

Ah, so they aren't related.

9:55 PM

I've touched grass before.

Oooh, defensive.

9:57 PM

Have you?

I actually quite like the outdoors.

I bet you're out there right now, touching grass while you message me, just to spite me.

How did you guess? You must know me so well.

Oh, I do. Better than you know me, apparently.

Now, what makes you say that?

Easy. See above.

10:01 PM

But it's expected, you did kind of try to kill me.

I just think it might be a bit presumptuous, is all. Even if I don't understand you, I'm not so sure how well you understand me.

Has there ever been a time where I haven't made a presumption?

Once upon a time, perhaps.

A long time ago, before I had a criminal record, no doubt.

Hmm, I suppose so.

Besides, I'm an adult now. Who's stopping me from presuming? Is it you?

10:10 PM

What will you do?

I didn't say I was stopping you, just that it was presumptuous.

10:11 PM

It was nothing more than an observation.

10:11 PM

You're no fun.

That so?^^

It is, yeah.

10:14 PM

Anyway, I'll package your portion and leave it out front, if you feel like dropping by.

Really?

Yes.

10:15 PM

Can't let you in, but.

I wouldn't expect it^^

10:24 PM

I highly doubt I would be welcome.

Oracle wouldn't appreciate it, and I'm not sure if my guest should... you know.

Don't worry, you don't owe me an explanation^^

Mh.

10:26 PM

Are we going to arrange a time to meet up?

That would probably be a good idea.

When are you free?

My schedule is flexible. It would probably be more effective for you to let me know what works best for you.

I'm free as early as tomorrow afternoon, unless I need to work suddenly.

I can come tomorrow afternoon.

Secondary location, remember?

Right. Do you have any suggestions?

Burger.

....burger?

Correct.

You mean Big Bang Burger?

Can you think of another place that sells them?

....is this a trick question?

So Big Bang Burger, I guess.

I thought so. My treat.

How kind of you.

Sounds like you're the one wanting to treat me to a meal. Is there something I should know?

You got all of that from "how kind of you?"

10:48 PM

It's your tone.

10:48 PM

You're pretty mellow tonight.

You think so?

Yeah. Something bothering you?

Not really. I guess I'm just in an introspective mood tonight.

Well, nothing I can do about that.

Don't worry, I wasn't expecting anything.

Ah. I see.

11:01 PM

Food'll be ready soon. Don't let it get cold.

I'll try my best^^

11:04 PM

Thank you for your generosity.

Sure, yeah.