Real & the Ideal: A Persona 5R Dark Sun Sequel (Goro Akechi x Amamiya Ren)

8: There's No Way I Could Lose

If your situation ever becomes too painful to endure, remember: it's okay to escape your problem...

(Akechi P.O.V)

My eyes came to rest on his face. Pale skin, thick, black rimmed glasses and slicked back brown hair.

My breath caught in my throat.

...there was no fucking way.

"Y-----You....!?"

The man nodded slowly.

"I'm glad to see your doing well. Knowing you, I figured you would end up infiltrating this place..."

My entire body was sweating; my mind distorted with so many emotions: confusion... surprise...

How did he..?

"Truth be told, this isn't how I was hoping we would meet again." The man frowned softly, and I had to look away. His expression sent a wave of nostalgia through me...

I swallowed heavily, unable to speak for a moment. How....How was this possible?

"Take your time." His cool, collected voice attempted to soothe me.

"You were never one for explaining your true feelings...even back then."

I took a deep breath, anger and pain bubbling in my chest. I began panting through the shocking emotional turn of events.

Get a hold of yourself Akechi.

I faced him once more, summoning all the strength I could.

"Why? Why are you putting me through this torture? I told you everything...I---!"

The man frowned softly.

"You always took that approach...but all of this is for you. For everyone."

I shook my head wildly.

"Dr.Maruki...How!? How are you the Ruler of this Palace!?"

Maruki paused for a moment, seeming to collect his thoughts and consider his words.

Then, he frowned once again.

"...Palace? I am not a corrupt King that holds distorted desires..."

I grit my teeth and swung my arm infront of me, refusing to believe his words.

"You liar! What you just showed me, with my own father--!"

Maruki shook his head.

"But isn't that what you wanted.. Akechi-kun?"

I was yet again stunned into silence.

The councilor stared at me, determination awash on his face.

"Ever since our first session, back then at the rehab clinic with your mother...all you wanted was to see your father again. To spend time with him, and get to know him, and have a regular father-and-son relationship.."

It suddenly dawned on me the volatility of my position.

This was dangerous. Dr.Maruki was the only one that knew the true me; the personification of myself as an innocent, misguided child. We had met so many years ago, I was sure he knew things I didn't even remember anymore..

He also knew my mother...

He tilted his head at me.

"That projection...that was a figment of a reality you wanted...a happy life, where your father loves you, supports you, and takes pride in you as a son..."