Joker's Fate

Prologue

Author's Note: I know I have a bunch of stories I need to update, but I'm in a bit of a slump for all of them. I know I want to do and where to go, but I don't know how. I've had this story written up for quite a while. It's not done, but it's almost halfway through and it's something to update while I work on everything else.

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Akira smiled as he celebrated with the rest of his friends, the rest of the Phantom Thieves. Everything is looking up for the better, Yaldabaoth has been stopped, the mental breakdowns are no more, Akira has finally been found innocent of his assault charge and his record wipes clean, and Shido, the one responsible for it all, has finally been brought to justice.

His only regret, is losing Goro Akechi in the process.

Yes, Goro was a traitor and a spy, not to mention a murderer but, he was Akira's friend, and, in the end, Goro did the right thing. But at the cost of his life.

Akira had always considered Goro a friend, traitor or otherwise. And the leader of the Phantom Thieves knew that everyone else feels the same way. So, while they celebrated, they also all quietly mourned the death of their friend.

Looking over to his nightstand, Akira picked up a photo, a picture of all of the Phantom Thieves, all gathered together in Leblanc. Akira couldn't help but smile at the picture.

Everything isn't perfect, it wouldn't be life if it was, but, for now, everyone is happy, and all their current problems have been solved.

Suddenly, a blue light appeared in the shape of a door, no longer the jail cell door that Akira was once familiar with, Lavenza standing right beside it.

"You are needed.", she states clearly, but her voice and eyes are solemn as she whispered her next words, "I'm sorry."

Akira would be lying if Lavenza's apology didn't rattle him with her sincerity. Something's wrong, and Akira has a feeling it's going to somehow be more challenging than the fight against Yaldabaoth.

But Akira knows his team, his friends and family, and he knows himself. Whatever it is, they'll get through it.

So, Akira got up to his feet, and turned to the others with a smirk, watching as they smiled and nodded back as well, most likely having all come to the same conclusion as Akira.

"Let's go guys."

The group cheered all heading towards the door, only for Lavenza to stop them, her expression turning pained.

"I'm sorry, but it's just you.", Lavenza said sadly, "You've been chosen and... I'm not supposed to say this, but there's a high chance you won't come back. I highly suggest you say goodbye before leaving. If things turn bad... there's no coming back."

Akira felt as if a bucket of ice water had just been dumped over him, he slowly turned to the others, all of them staring at both Akira and Lavenza in mixtures of shock in fear.

"You have to hurry.", Lavenza said urgently, "There's not much time."

A lump formed in Akira's throat that he struggled to swallow down. But he managed as turned to his friends, only for Ryuji, of all people, to crash into him first. Arms wrapped around his shoulders in a tight hug.

Usually, Ryuji would've argued and fought tooth and nail, wanting to know the reasons behind everything. But it looks like the hard headed teen knew that whatever was going is urgent and dangerous. He didn't want to waste his time fighting.