Leviathan: A Persona 5 Goro Akechi x Amamiya Ren Original

9: The True Beginning of Hell

(Flashback, Ren's P.O.V)

Everything was different once I woke up. Minutes and hours passed. The evening passed. Morning came - 

But I was just...awake.

I had no need to sleep. I wasn't compelled to sleep. I wasn't exhausted, or fatigued, even after spending the entire night pacing my room.

Why?

Why am I awake all of a sudden? 

I remember that night....the night we went to the very top of Paradise in an attempt to take Maruki's heart.

Despite my unwavering unsurity all throughout our time infiltrating the Palace, I had come to the conclusion that taking Maruki's heart was for the best. Akechi and I had spoken, and agreed that even if he would suffer in the end...

It was worth it. Crow's decision would never be changed.

Hesitancy and that gut feeling of doubt remained inside me, even as we made that final trip through the Palace on the elevator, then stepped out into the deranged Garden of Eden. We rushed up the stairs....

I was ready. Even if my heart was telling me this was wrong - 

I forced myself into it. I couldn't step back now.

....but then, Maruki showed us everything. Our true destinies - where Ryuji would never run again, and Yusuke would fail to become an artist...

Akechi and I would struggle. So often, I would be left in his shadow while he suffered, day in and day out...

........
....
..

"No..th---this..... isn't th-the way it ends..."

The pain in my ribs was excruciating. Now that physical pain was compiling onto the fact that our true reality was going to end in turmoil for my relationship, I was overwhelmed. Unable to keep my cool, collected demeanor, I began to stutter. My heart was the only thing powering through this mess of a situation - 

But even in the midst of pain, I wasn't going to give up. No matter what it took. No matter how much I suffered.

"Ren? Don't....don't stand up so quick-"

Akechi was beside me, trying to keep me calm through the racing of adrenaline in my veins. I pushed off from him and got myself to my feet. 

I still don't know what my answer is. Everyone else wants to revert - but me? I can't choose, because both realities will bring turmoil.

But I won't let some altruistic god force my hand. I won't let you make the choice for me.

Gritting my teeth, I narrowed my eyes at Maruki. 

"I won't.....I-I won't...let it end this way..."

"You're fighting a pointless battle, Joker." Of all the responses I could've pushed out of the councillor, he remained quiet while Kasumi jumped in to interrupt. She stepped forward, placing her hand on the hilt of her sword in warning.

"Dr.Maruki has shown all of you what the true reality will become: nothing more than pain, misery, and disappointment. It's childish to believe that going back to the true reality will bring you happiness."

Her eyes were filled with worry, even as her stance remained collected and firm. 

But I wasn't immediately phased. I respected her as a friend, but I couldn't will myself to make the same choice she had.