Back then, I had narrowly saved Goro Akechi from death. I remember it well, how close I was to losing him not only physically, but also mentally. His plot for revenge had shaped him into a weapon, designed to murder countless lives for the sake of his own retribution. I got him through that, and with some patience, we discovered a relationship that fell beyond the boundaries of friends. But it didn't last forever. His last words to me were his refusal to watch me serve jailtime for the crimes he commited at the Phantom Thieves expense. Before I could argue, he left, allowing Sae Niijima to take him in. But now, all of a sudden, my days change. Akechi and I both have a choice, one that will shape our future forever. The question is...what do we really want? Justice, or freedom?

Today was the day of all days. Valentine's Day. And after everything Ren and I had been through: countless Palaces and escaping death at every turn, it was our first holiday to spend together. ....but what could I possibly do to surprise him?

Ren Amamiya returns to his hometown and makes a new deal. Goro Akechi awakens in the Velvet Room with his soul-bonded missing. Arsene is released and immediately sets off to find the truth. And the threads of fate twist and weave from afar, forever watching. --- (Shuake's in the background, but sorta not in the background... it's like the driving force.) Warning: endgame spoilers, and languages, and blood. I do not own Shin Megami Tensei, Persona 5, or any of the characters from it. This storyline is mine, though. If I'm going to get sued, please PM me, and I'll take this down. That's all! Enjoy!

"I joined recently, and even now I can't tell why you let me join you" Akechi stuttered slightly. "You're a part of the phantom thieves because I want you to be. I rather enjoy having you around. I am not the ace detective, but I can read you when you come to me. You're touch-starved" Akira explained.

In a strange turn of events, Goro Akechi managed to avoid death. But how? It seems as if Akira knows more about the Meteverse than anyone else and at the same time, his friends know nothing about him. What'll happen once they try to steal the heart of a corrupt surgeon? How will Goro's feeling toward the Phantom Thief leader change? ---- I've been thinking of this book idea for months and it's finally ready! Get your tissue boxes ready and enjoy!

Goro Akechi is dead. Shot by his cognitive self. That is until he is given a second chance at life to follow through with his own rehabilitation, but only if he can gain the forgiveness of those he has wronged, truthfully or through more deception. -Spoilers for Persona 5 (not royal) -Akechi X Akira (protagonist)

I have but one goal, and no one will keep me from achieving it. I will burn my stepfather, Shido, to the ground with my bare hands. In order to further this, I decide to befriend the Phantom Thieves. I spend time with them, befriend them, laugh and joke with them, and even strategize with them as we dodge in and out of Palaces, taking hearts where we please. But I never lose sight of the real reason why I'm using them. We get closer and closer, and Ren Amamiya, the leader of the group, peaks my interest. We finally become friends, and suddenly, something changes. I must choose what side to stand on, and whether or not using the Joker and his friends is still my destiny.