Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A beaten down Chrysler, a cheating scandal, a dead body. 

Diana doesn't want to believe the three things are connected. But she's lost her faith. 

Swathed by the Nevada heat, Akane’s proximity is smothering. Mira settles behind them, expressionless. 

Actually, Akane might be uniquely suffocated. 

This isn't real. Diana’s not real, the passengers behind her aren't here. And she didn't hit someone with some shitty car.

“Get out,” Diana raises her voice. 

“What do you expect us to do?” Mira asks, eyes on the windshield.

“You can hitchhike for all I care.” 

“Oh, but you don't really–”

“Get. Out.”

Akane hasn't said anything since this fucked up road trip started. She speaks up now.

“Mira’s right. We should check–”

“And what good is that gonna do!?” Other than putting a bounty on her head.

“It may be someone you know all too well.” 

With that ominous declaration, Akane secures the car door and stands in front of it. Headlights highlight her features: soft, but drawn. Rain stains the open highway. Akane’s cheeks are wet, but her eyes aren’t puffy. Other vehicles pass in the opposite direction.  

Diana and Mira follow to see–

–Of course.

Who else could it be?

Her captor, her son: Delta.

“Interesting,” Mira muses.

Akane bends down to the corpse’s level, then places a finger to his neck. She reports a lack of pulse.

“Did you really believe he was alive?” Mira points to the puddle of blood beneath the body, alongside mud and dirty water.

“He could’ve played dead,” Akane’s tone darkens. 

She raises her leg and pummels the corpse. Kicks him again, again, again–

–Diana grabs her by the shoulders and wrestles her away. Akane is soaked to the bone, hair slicked back. 

“What are you doing?”

Akane doesn't resist. She leans into Diana’s touch. “What does it look like?” She makes a “tch” sound with her front teeth. 

Diana doesn't know what Delta did to Akane. All she can focus on is the scent of her perfume, the wind’s embrace, the clouded sky. 

She pushes Akane into the passenger seat, then climbs into the front. Best not to keep her in corpse kicking distance. 

Turning the key into the ignition, she–

It doesn't work.

As if today couldn't end up any shittier. 

They checked into a motel per Akane’s suggestion. They're lucky she's loaded with money and deception. 

The car was towed, so all that's left is themselves, the clothes on their backs; Delta’s corpse an anchor in their minds. 

She’s in the bathroom, wringing her hair. Once that’s done, she plugs in a pink blow dryer from the drawer. 

The walls are a repulsive shade of green. Her reflection isn’t any better. She slackened her sidetail prior, now combing through grease and dead ends. 

There’s no shock in her eyes, compared to Diana’s. All Akane can find is a vacant spot where her emotions could be. The child inside her protests, but she doesn’t listen. 

“I figured this would be a good time to recuperate. Consider our options,” Akane says when she’s done. She nears the edge of a serviceable bed.

Diana shakes her closed fists. “What?”

“Hey, can you not sound like a business email for five seconds?” Mira says. She leans on flower themed wallpaper. Narcissus, from the looks of it. 

Akane crosses one leg over the other, hands by her knees. “Moving on–”

“Sleeping arrangements!” Diana throws up her hands. She points to Mira. “We can take the bed.” To Akane: “You're going on the floor.”

“I’m sorry?” Akane turns to Diana. 

“There's no need.”

“This is inhumane.”

“Like you haven't done worse.”

She doesn’t protest further. There are more pressing concerns to be addressed.

“What I want out of you,” Diana throws at Akane from a short distance, “is a motive.”

She doesn’t have one. But that's not a well crafted argument.

“Which of us,” Akane paces around the room, “do you think will die in the next seventy two hours?”

“I don't know what I ever saw in you,” Diana turns off the light.

She doesn't know either. Her winning, decayed personality? Diana must have felt bad after Akane parted legal ways with Junpei. 

Akane could evaluate it in her mind all she likes. But it gets her nowhere, unless she can convince the others to cooperate. 

Mira didn’t know Akane smoked nicotine. 

She’s stationed in front of the motel’s entrance. What was it she said? That she wanted to get some air?

“You get more irresistible each day.”

Akane takes a drag. “Is that your attempt at a joke?” 

“Just trying to lighten the mood.” 

She looks unamused, but the pink tint on her cheeks says everything. 

Mira extends her palm. Akane tells her to get her own. 

“I’m sorry, do you think there’s a convenience store in this heap?” 

“It’s not so bad,” Akane looks away from the parking lot to Mira. 

“How sweet,” she says in a sardonic tone. 

Diana–pure, innocent, Diana–exits their respective motel room. Key in hand, her disheveled appearance is notable. Haggard eyes, unkempt hair. 

“Is this some secret meeting I’m not supposed to be a part of? Oh, I know, you planned this together.” 

“That’s not–” Akane protests. 

Mira covers her mouth. She awaits Diana’s next words. 

“Whatever, I’m going to get breakfast. I expect you to join me.” 

“I’ll pass,” Akane says. She sounds smaller than before. 

“A cigarette isn't food.” 

She storms off. Mira elbows Akane’s shoulder. 

“How dumb can you get? You almost revealed our plan.” 

“More like your plan. I have no part in it.” 

Hilarious. How Kurashiki-esque. 

“But you betrayed her trust, didn’t you?” 

Akane turns away, whistles through her teeth. 

It’s fun to watch her writhe. To know that she can’t wash the blood from her hands. 

It’s pitiful. Men have always been worthless pawns to discard, but women can put up a fight. Akane scrapes the surface. Can’t tell friend from foe. A pathetic quasi-human. 

“You coming?” Diana asks, firm this time.

Best to follow her orders for now. 

Hell has frozen over. 

They sit in a booth at an old fashioned diner. Advertisements plaster the otherwise vacant walls. That and a rushed paint job. 

Diana sits by herself. Across from her are The Lovers incarnate. Akane’s head rests on Mira’s shoulder. 

They order first. Black coffee for her and Mira, a glass of water for Akane. 

“So,” Mira starts, “Brother, I mean, Delta.” 

The name feels foreign and familiar at the same time. Her coffee tastes lukewarm. Akane gazes away from the group.

“What about him?” Diana takes another sip from the mug. Bitter, yet nostalgic. 

“You’re his mother, aren’t you? I’m not like you weirdos, but I recalled something from when we jumped. I just… find it interesting.”

“It’s a long story.” 

If she’s going to be that way, Diana should divulge information herself. 

“Heart Ripper,” she points to Mira with her free hand. Mira’s expression strains. 

“Hold on,” Akane says. “We should exchange information.” 

Diana releases her grip on the mug. “Right. You weren’t alive in that history, were you?” 

Akane must be playing dumb. There’s no way she wasn’t aware of Mira’s crimes, unless–

The waiter comes back to ask for their order. Diana waves them off, tells them they’re still deciding. 

“He abducted my brother and I with the help of Cradle Pharmaceuticals.” 

“That one kidnapping case?” It would explain Akane’s aversion to hospitals and Cradle manufactured medication. 

Akane doesn’t respond. 

Diana was fifteen when she heard that several children her age were kidnapped. There was no conclusion to the case, besides the fact that everyone survived. Akane is one of those children, so–

“Yeah, I heard about that,” Mira adds. Diana presses a finger to her lips. 

Chapter Text

“If you think about it,” Mira says, “we could take advantage of Brother’s inheritance.”

They retrieved the car via a towing service close by. Mira and Akane found a remote place to bury Delta’s corpse. They used shovels from Home Depot, which Mira expressed her disapproval of multiple times. Now they’re back on the road.

Akane raises an eyebrow. “Are you not on a real name basis with him?”

“Seems you’re not as bright as I thought.” 

Akane turns to Diana for input, but she says nothing. She focuses on the empty pavement in front of them. 

Thinking about what Mira said, Akane has no reason to accept the money. But Diana does. She’s his mother. It gives her an excuse to leave the wreckage of her previous marriage. As for Mira, anyone would want the blood money of a shady deceased cult leader. 

“You’re leading a cult, aren’t you?” Mira asks. 

Akane grimaces. “Crash Keys is not a cult or terrorist organization. We have no interest in a strict doctrine, or disturbing the natural order.” 

“So, a good cult?” 

“There’s no such thing.”

“Will you two be quiet?” Diana asks. She sounds calm, but she eyes Mira through the rearview mirror. 

“Think about it. The rich women we could become. But I suppose Akane doesn’t need to worry about that.” 

Diana holds a part of her head as she parks near a gas station. The scenery is an arid wasteland, so this was a refreshing change of pace. No employees are close by, and Akane can’t see anyone through the storefront window. 

“We might be fugitives,” Diana’s register deepens. 

“Not with that attitude,” Mira says. 

“They’re not going to show mercy for vehicular manslaughter.” 

That’s true, but Delta is the leader of one of the most influential cults in the world. They would want him dead or alive first. 

“It was in self defense,” Akane says. 

“You’re wrong,” she leans her head on the wheel. 

“I’m trying to help.” 

“You’re making us get away with murder is what you’re doing.”

“In any case, we need a plan. A search for Delta’s inheritance–” 

“Wouldn’t that make us more suspicious!?”

Akane exits the car. The dry Nevada air is tolerable compared to Diana’s theatrics. 

Akane leans forward, face to face with a hotel toilet. 

This happens sometimes. Her temporal lobe submerges any lingering logic, replaced with nausea and sweat and pain and–

Someone ties her hair back. She turns around to see Mira. 

“You look like shit,” she comments. “I didn't know you got motion sickness. It's kind of cute.” 

“Ha, ha.” Akane uses the side of the sink to orient herself. She places a hand on her forehead. It doesn't matter how many times she checks. It’s never a high fever. 

“Are you here to check on me?” Akane asks. “Or did Diana send you?”

“Neither. I wanted to take a shower.”

Right. They need to get ready for tomorrow once Diana’s made a decision. She's fine with going last. 

Akane locks eyes with Mira. It's not long before their lips brush against each other. Mira’s back meets the glass surface from the shower door. Akane’s hands rifle through Mira’s hair. Mira cradles Akane’s chin as the kiss intensifies. 

Akane pulls away to catch her breath. Mira laughs. What kind of joke did she think she pulled? 

“If you wanted to take a shower together, you could have just said so.” 

In another part of the room stands Diana, lost in thought. It would be best for Akane to ignore her, but that's impossible.

God placed them in this room from above for a reason.

While behind her, Akane locks her arms around Diana’s waist. She doesn't resist.

She’ll make it right. It's necessary. 

“If we find Delta’s inheritance, you can leave everything behind. Your ex husband will never find you. I’ll make sure of it.”

“You're just saying that,” Diana pricks Akane’s fingers from her torso. 

“I’m not.”

“What's your aim?”

“This is about you.”

“Didn't you hear me before?”

“I can get us out of trouble.”

Diana sits on the edge of the bed. Akane joins her. The tips of her fingers make contact with Diana’s chin. 

“I'm worried about you.”

Diana’s eyes droop, filled with tears. “Then why did you…?”

It’s the question that never leaves Akane’s mind. She loved her, or what she assumed was love. It was different from Junpei. It wasn't forced, manufactured.

Then Mira entered her life. She was irresistible.

“You can't hide from it,” Akane says. “From me. The morphogenetic field. If I can–”

“–I understand.”

“Leave everything to me.”

“Akane–”

“You need to make a decision.”

Chapter Text

Mira raises a champagne glass in her hand. 

“Why do you two look so upset? We’re supposed to be celebrating.” 

She stands tall, whilst Diana settles for the edge of the bed. Akane sits on the floor. Diana stares through the reflection of her glass. 

Mira ignores Akane’s fierce gaze. She raises her glass again. “To Delta, for turning us into complete fuck-ups.” 

She and Akane clink glasses. Diana raises her glass with reluctance. 

“That’s more like it.” 

“I assume that includes you as well,” Akane says. 

“Aren’t you a control freak?” 

“I love you too.” 

“Your heart would feel soooo good in my hands.”

“I’ll be sure to dig your grave.”

“You guys are terrible,” Diana sets the glass down on the empty desk.

Akane mentioned she has friends in high places. 

Diana doesn’t understand her motives, and neither does her “connection.” 

Akane grits her teeth when the man–Seven–asks her if he was getting kidnapped again. He must have a penchant for dark humor, because Akane responds with, “I have a job for you.”

His desk is filled to the brim with sticky notes scrawled with illegible handwriting. The blinds beside them are drawn, as they reveal a mediocre view. There are some factories in the distance, and a healthy sapling near the window. 

“You were on Free the Soul’s trail, weren’t you?” Akane asks. Seven raises an eyebrow. “Junpei told me. Well, we found their leader dead in the middle of the road.”

“You killed him, didn’t you?” Seven says. 

Akane laughs as she shifts in her seat, a black leather chair. “I wish. Diana hit him with her car.” When Diana opens her mouth to protest, Akane continues. “It was an accident, of course.” 

She doesn’t wish to feel it, but her head feels tender, hollow. Akane has spoken at length of the morphogenetic field’s effects on the nervous system. They established a connection while they were dating, but why is she experiencing it now? 

It’s now she realizes how good of an actress Akane is. She’s always known, since she strived to ease Akane’s burdens. Was she of any help? 

“I’ll get to the point,” Akane tethers Diana to reality. “We’re looking for his inheritance. We want you to know if you have any leads.” 

Seven scratches his head. “I stopped trackin’ them down when you and Junpei foiled their plans. Speakin’ of which, how’s he been?” 

Akane doesn’t respond, other than staring through him. 

Diana leans forward. She shakes Akane with a light amount of force, her fingernails through her skin and hair. 

“I’m sorry,” she says, monotone. “I don’t wish to speak about that now.”

Diana and Mira stand outside of the agency, in a parking lot with the highway behind them. Akane informed them that she still had business with Seven, but requested that she speak with him alone. They respect  her wishes, much to Mira’s chagrin. 

“You had to deal with that while you were dating her too, huh?” Mira asks. A car passes by. 

“I am a nurse. I have to deal with all kinds of people.” 

It’s an odd way of phrasing, but she responds anyway. 

“That stunt she pulled back there, I mean. She’s fucking crazy. Goes from zero to one hundred real fast. I can’t keep up.” 

“What…?” This is the first time she’s heard this. From what Diana has observed, they were very touchy feely with each other. It must be different behind closed doors. 

“You know, I think she has a split personality. It would explain so much.” 

Akane swings open the agency’s door. 

“Speak of the devil,” Mira says. 

“Sorry for the wait,” Akane’s eyes lower, a hand in her pocket. “It was personal.” 

Diana nods in understanding. She's unsure if she wants to tell her about Mira or wait for a better opportunity. Akane’s naivety speaks volumes. But it can't persist.

“Welcome back,” Aoi says when Akane returns home. She can't imagine being this patient. 

He sizes her up and down. “You look tired. Somethin’ happen to you lately?”

“You could say that,” Akane throws her keys on the wood table. She didn't realize it was noticeable. It's difficult for her mask to slip. She molded herself as such.

The apartment is the same as always. A homey space, with a couch long enough for a guest to sleep on. Usually Aoi allows Junpei to sleep there for some reason. The walls are decorated with childhood scribbles. There’s a picture frame of the whole family by the television set, an older model. 

Akane drags her feet in the direction of the bathroom. She twists the bathtub’s handle, but it doesn’t feel like her actions. Her mind is heavy with thoughts that weigh her down: Diana’s distorted perception of her, Mira tormenting her, Seven’s offhand remark. 

The mirror is caked with dust, but she can still see “her” reflection. 

“I’m making dinner,” Aoi calls from the kitchen. “You want anything?”

“Make whatever you want, I’ll be there in a moment.” Her body is used as a mouthpiece. She allows it. 

When the tub is filled with an adequate amount of water, she pulls off her clothes and steps into the bath like new skin. It purifies her senses, scalds her current thought process. The smell of bubble bath intrudes her nostrils. 

Akane leans her head back as water fills her ears and lungs. Two voices speak in her head at once. They sound  like her.

“I can help with the body. You don’t need to strain yourself.” 

“I don’t think that’s necessary.” 

Akane closes her eyes, and the voices cease. 

Diana recalls sitting on her couch with Akane’s head on her lap. 

They were watching shitty B movies, but Akane was less focused on the wide screen in front of them and more on Diana’s features. 

“Do you want me to get some more popcorn?” She asked as she was about to get up.

Akane shifted her weight. She clung to Diana like a small child. 

A laugh. “I see how it is.”

Despite the circumstances of their meeting, Akane was surprisingly affectionate. She chalked it up to inexperience, but she feared it may be something more. Parental neglect, bullying, separation anxiety, the like. 

“You can come with me if you want.”

Akane pulled Diana’s arm down. “I don't want anything. Just you.” 

She’d gotten better with vulnerability. Diana made sure she wouldn't judge Akane for her wants and needs. Her expression softened as she returned to her spot on the couch. 

The television brightened their faces as they focused on the events through the screen. 

For Diana, it was like night and day. Welcoming, but uncanny. 

Akane’s face was inches away from hers. Diana moved her head. 

“Nene, can you–”

“–kiss me.”

The way Akane looked at her. So full of longing and acceptance. It was enough for Diana’s temperature to rise. 

She accepted the invitation as Diana’s lips traced her own. Akane cupped her fingers around Diana’s cheeks as she pulled her closer. When they stopped, Diana could still taste her cherry lipstick. 

“I’m so grateful,” Akane said. She curled up next to her, eyes shuttered closed.

“I figured you needed a break,” Mira says. Akane isn’t amused. 

She laughs, a forceful sound. “A park? Are you trying to kill me?” She looks to the ground, where a snail crosses the pavement.

“There you go again. This is what I’m talking about, mi amor.” 

Akane’ face is streaked red by the pet name. The park is an open area, and the equipment isn’t refurbished. Streetlights irradiate the sidewalk. The evening makes it a perfect place for adults to jog around the area. 

They trek toward a statue of a man holding the hilt of a sword, the tip inside a woman’s chest. Some may find it morbid, but Mira believes otherwise. She can imagine herself as the man. The knife would dance around in Akane’s abdomen. Her blood must be beautiful. 

Akane crouches down, head in hands. Mira lowers herself to her height.

“Apologies,” she says, unmoving. “I just felt… like someone was stabbing me, over and over. I should be used to it, but–” 

“–is that because of your ESP bullshit?”

“Bullshit? You experienced it, didn’t you?” 

That’s true, but she doesn’t remember much about the experience. Other than a mild headache twenty minutes later. 

Akane continues. “I didn’t see anything, but I have every reason to believe this has to do with the future.” 

Mira helps her up. “Is it because we’re looking for Brother’s inheritance?” 

“That may be so.” 

“You know…” she says. “Maybe you were a witch in your past life and that’s why all of this is happening to you.” 

Akane blinks, like she said something surprising. “That would explain… a lot, actually.” Her hand covers one part of her head, like she’s checking her temperature. 

She walks away from the statue, and Mira follows. 

Diana deletes pictures featuring Akane from her phone.

She doesn't know why she didn't before. It could be nostalgia, a second chance at nothing. She wishes they were in physical form. 

Despite Akane’s aloof nature, she was photogenic. She can acknowledge that, even after what she did. These moments in time show both at their happiest: at the mall, when Diana helped Akane pick out clothes. She claimed that she grew up too fast, and didn't get to have many things for herself. There was also the aquarium, where Akane would talk about many marine related facts.

How dare she throw it away for another woman, a serial killer?

A knock at the door. She steps forward in caution, until she reaches the handle. 

Akane stands at her doorstep. She wears a frilled blouse from their first date; A long pleated skirt they got at the mall. 

“It's in the guest room,” Diana says. Akane sweeps past her. She steps out of the way, and she's gone. Despite her chagrin, she follows her into the other room. 

It's an old T-shirt Akane forgot to take with her. Diana lent one of her own in exchange. Like any couple, they would wear each other’s clothing. 

“Brings back memories, doesn't it?” Akane interrupts the silence. She turns to face Diana, shirt in hand. “It looked better on you than it did me.”

“Yeah…”

Akane holds out her hand for Diana to take. 

“One last dance?” 

Diana hesitates. Memories cascade through her mind. Ones where they would dance in the living room, with Akane taking the lead.

But this is no longer a duet. 

“I can’t.” 

Akane’s eyes dilate, then return to emptiness. She walks away, and Diana swears her expression glowers.

Chapter Text

Akane finds Junpei at the train station. 

She missed her stop. Now she fidgets as Junpei looks into her eyes. He breaks into a run, away from her. But she snags his collar. 

The sudden movement causes her to run out of breath. She pulls away, hands on her knees. 

“I…” 

She exhales. 

“I need your help.” 

“I apologize for contacting you on such short notice,” Akane says when they reach her residence. “I just… saw you and I thought–” 

“–You don’t need to be so formal, you know,” Junpei says. 

He’s right. But they haven’t spoken since their divorce. They aren't on bad terms, but she keeps her distance. That's what he should want. After that stunt near the hospital, there’s no way she can crawl back to him. 

So she makes tea, because that’s what you’re supposed to do. Black, of course. She hands it to him in a mug that says “World’s Best Grandpa.” Junpei rolls his eyes, and Akane tells him it’s the only clean one they had. 

As for Aoi, he went to get groceries, so he doesn’t force himself to look at Junpei. She doesn’t think his feelings are one hundred percent negative. 

Akane stands in front of the couch. She told Junpei to make himself at home, because that’s what you’re supposed to say, right? He leans toward the arm rest as he holds the mug in his dominant hand. 

“I know you’re not going to like this,” she says, hands clasped together. “But… since you and Seven tracked down Free the Soul, I figured I’d–” 

She can’t tell if his smile is genuine or not. “Using me as a stepping stone for your plans? Lay it on me.” 

She holds her head down. “That’s not–” 

Her statement remains at an impasse when her eyes unfocus. A fog enters her mind, turns the world around her into two dimensional shapes. When she comes to, she sees Junpei at her side, the mug on the coffee table. 

“I can’t say I know where they are,” he says. “I stopped tracking them once we left the desert. But there must be other bases somewhere. He had followers from across the world.” 

Akane returns to her senses again, and she nods. “That gives me an idea.” 

“Wait!” Diana held her arms out. “Akane–” 

She shoved Akane to the ground. They stood on a resilient bridge near Diana’s workplace. She was about to find something to eat, but when she saw Akane teetering over the edge, she couldn’t resist. It’d happened before, as a nurse. Not being able to save the ones you swore to help.

Akane kneaded a spot on her head, muttered expletives Diana couldn’t decipher. 

“What do you think you’re doing!?” Diana placed her hands on her hips, mouth twisted into a grimace. 

Akane laughed in a grim manner. “What does it look like?” 

Diana looked at the bridge’s edge. The river surged below them. 

“But why…?” 

“Why do you care?” Akane’s tone was a stark contrast to the face she wore during Dcom. “Besides, I can just–” 

“–SHIFT?” Diana finished. “That doesn’t matter. People need you here.” 

Akane brandished a box cutter. The exterior was pink with white hearts. 

Diana lunged forward. They locked in a struggle before Diana came out on top. The box cutter rested in a hand behind her back. “Someone’s persistent.” 

“See what I’m saying?” Diana said. She stood a distance away in case Akane tried to get the blade back. 

“I don’t follow.” 

“Do you think you should admit yourself to the–”

“No.” 

“May I ask why?” 

“I believe ‘no’ is a good enough reason.” 

She would say ‘it really isn’t,’ but that wouldn’t work in her favor. She’d dealt with patients like her before. Deep breaths.

Diana crouched down and guided Akane to a wooden bench by a tree. Nobody bothered to intervene in their scuffle, aside from staring as they walked past. It wasn’t even 5:30 yet–

“Talking to someone helps.” Her hand was locked in her’s. Akane pushed it away. 

“That’s fine,” Diana said. “This is… progress. Well, I have a request, if you’re willing to hear me out.” 

She didn’t respond, which gave Diana an opening. “Could you come back here, same time tomorrow? By the bridge.”

“What are you–”

“Just do it,” Diana said, stern. “I don’t think I’m asking anything outrageous here. So could you please, Akane?” 

Akane’s eyes were unfocused, but she seemed to understand.

“Fine.” 

Mira was eight years old when she was taken in by Free the Soul. 

It happened during one of many outings; nights where she could find her next victim. She didn’t get far when a kid her age suggested she follow them. 

She learned about Free the Soul’s ideology, the people there. She attended classes exposing the truth of the world. That it was full of injustice; to combat that meant to execute humanity, start anew. Mira was willing to become a martyr. 

She looked nothing like the other members, with their pale skin and blue eyes. Like at school, they would question her nature, get into fights with her. It’s why she stuck around Brother. 

That night was different. 

Brother took her to an unused classroom in one of their bases. There was enough dust on the desks for Mira to sneeze, and sunlight streamed through the open blinds. 

Brother stood in front of an abandoned chalkboard. Mira studied one of the desks.

“What is this place?” She asked the obvious, but she did wish to know.

He didn't answer. Instead, he emerged from behind the podium and took Mira’s hand. She didn't resist. 

“I told you before,” He said. “You're special. That's why I prepared these lessons for you in mind.”

“Really?” It would make sense. She was the only one who wasn’t a Myrmidon. She didn’t know where she belonged in Free the Soul’s ranks. 

He grazed a spot that was unfamiliar to her, near her chest. What happened next was a blur, but she could remember that it was like several buzzing bees were taking residence throughout her whole body. And it never stopped. 

These “lessons” continued until she was old enough to speak out on it. It was then that she knew her place in Free the Soul. 

“So that's why I figured you would know,” Akane says as she’s surrounded by black-suited guards in Alice’s office. 

The ‘Alice’ in question narrows her eyes. Neat stacks of papers sit on her desk. “How do I know you're not working for them?”

“I don't think I would be here if I was.”

“Not even as an informant?”

Akane grits her teeth as she leans in her chair. If you could call it that. It's light and about to break.

“I was one of the missing children during the kidnapping case in 2018.”

“Can you prove it? Because I’m sure I contacted all of them.”

“My parents died when I was young, so,” Akane says, “it means I didn't have much in the way of documentation.”

Alice pushes out of her seat. “In any case, I would need to perform a background check.”

It's nighttime when Akane returns home. 

Aoi hasn't cooked dinner since he got back from his new retail job. It's why she hasn’t told him about her current venture. Best to keep the peace. 

“I saw your boyfriend earlier,” she says. 

“What the hell are you talkin’ about?”

“Junpei.”

He walks over to the kitchen table. “It's not like that. And, are you… sure?” 

“It's fine, I’m over it.”

“Did you not try to kill yourself because of him?”

“It has nothing to do with–”

“Fine, fine. I'm not cookin’ dinner tonight. You up for Chinese?”

“I'm good for whatever you want.”

His jaw remains firm. “I told you, it's okay to want things for yourself.”

He's right. He always is. But when you've never had anything for yourself as a child, it's difficult to start in adulthood. 

“Uhm… let's see, here–could you get some extra crab rangoon?”

A smile adorns his features as he grabs for the house phone.

Diana is alone in Akane’s private jet.

She didn’t know she had one. But she's here now, with Mira sitting on the other side. 

Akane walks between the seats. She wears a grey suit with a red necktie. Her hair is down without any accessories. 

Diana looks away, warmth spreading across her face. 

“I apologize for doing this on such short notice,” Akane says. She peels Diana’s face away from the window, chin in her palm. “But time is of the essence. We're en route to Albuquerque, New Mexico.”

She's doing this on purpose. If not, what could her intentions be? She mentioned it was because she was “worried” about Diana. That they're on one side of the double edged sword. 

“Where's the restroom?” Diana stands up. A flight attendant leads her to a gender neutral bathroom. It's brightly lit with little amenities. Just her, the mirror, and the light above. 

If Mira’s hypothesis is correct, then she must test Akane to know the answer.

She's already done so before, but it wasn’t enough for Akane to split before someone else took over. 

Today will be different. 

They're alone with each other. This would be a more intimate moment, but she can't. 

Akane doesn’t do anything as she sits in front of Diana’s seat. That's Mira’s cue.

“You know this is your fault.” 

“What are you talking about?” Akane asks, monotone.

“If you were better at keeping your mouth shut, we would've never had to use your resources. You told me Crash Keys disbanded.”

“It did. I still have some money leftover.”

“And you waste it to look for some dead dude’s inheritance?”

Akane stands up, hand on her chest. “This is for Dia, not you.” 

“Dia, huh? I don't think she’ll appreciate you calling her that.”

“You don't know what was between us.”

Mira laughs as she scratches the edge of Akane’s cheek with her nails. “I do. I know everything about you.” 

“You don’t.” 

“Don't be so coy. Why do you think he introduced himself as Zero II? I know, more than anyone, what kind of terrible person you are.” 

Akane holds one part of her head with a hand, digs into her hair. She chokes on a sob, head hung low. 

“I’m–I don't–”

Diana returns from the restroom. She doesn't have anything to say as she surveys the scene in front of her.

“Now, introduce yourself,” Mira says, nail underneath their chin.

Chapter Text

“Hold on, what?” Diana asks. “Mira, what did you–”

“See?” Mira says. “I told you.”

Diana opens her mouth, but no sound comes out. At the agency, Mira mentioned Akane having a “split personality,” but Diana thought that was a mean spirited joke.

“She's right,” Zero says. “Although ‘split personality’ is not the term I would use.” 

“Never mind that,” Diana says. “How did this happen? Why haven't you introduced yourself before?”

They laugh. It sounds unlike Akane’s, a sweet melody to her ears. This is a siren song. “What makes you think I would tell either of you such personal information?”

“How dramatic,” Mira says.

“Did I say you could talk? Anyway,” they lower their head. “I am Zero. I’ve been here for a long time, but it’s only now that I’ve been called to action.”

Diana stands between them. “I think it's best for us to understand Akane’s…” she searches for a fitting word to use until Mira interrupts with, “system.” 

“Yes! We need to understand Akane’s system. Zero… I’m sure she–”

“He.” Zero corrects Diana.

“I’m sure he doesn't mean any harm. We can talk through this.” 

Zero smiles wide. “There is nothing to talk about. Not with her.” He points to Mira. 

“She didn't do anything wrong.” 

“Are you kidding?” He places a hand to his chin. “It seems you don't know. To be fair, I don't plan on telling Akane or Murasaki.”

Murasaki?

“I sure hope you being named ‘Zero’ isn't a coincidence.” Diana says.

Zero says nothing. He stares, eyes glazed. Until–

“Where–” Akane(?) says. “What are you guys talking about?” 

Diana leads Akane(?) to a seat behind her. She(?) looks exhausted, and it’s difficult for her(?) to look at the duo. 

“I think we should shelve this conversation until they’re feeling better.” To them: “How are you feeling? This is Akane I’m speaking to, right?” 

“Of course it’s me.”

The confrontation, funnily enough, dredges up a memory from Diana’s mind. 

“I mean it,” Akane said. “You saved me.” 

She held Diana’s hand as they headed toward the water’s edge. It was another successful date, and Akane had the urge to wander, with poor Diana chasing after her. 

The water reflected  off the moon, which hung low in the sky. Akane prevented that fate long ago. She still remembered how it felt in Rhizome-9. The same environment day after day. The highlight of her days were Kyle’s excitement, a patched up family photo. 

The cityscape glowed behind them, but Diana’s eyes were easy to get lost in. 

“I only did what I had to do.” 

“You misunderstand,” Akane tightened her grip on Diana’s hand. It was soft, in contrast to Akane’s rough edges. It wasn’t her fault that she and Aoi had to recreate the REDs and DEADs on their own. “Not many people would save a suicidal person.” 

“Uhm, I think–” 

“Regardless,” Akane cut her off, “I want to make it up to you.” 

“You already did. When my ex showed up to my apartment, you taught him a lesson. He hasn’t come back since. Although you could have made it less violent…” 

“I only did what was necessary for the occasion.” You couldn’t negotiate with a stalker. Shoving a pocket knife to his face was the only solution. 

“Are you sure you don’t want to accept my funds, though?” Akane asked. 

Diana looked down, lost in thought. “You said it was money you got from Cradle Pharmaceuticals’ stock, right?” Akane flinched at the name, but she tried not to make it obvious. 

“It’s not drug money,” she joked. “I can tell you that.” 

“But isn’t it important to you? You said you grew up poor, so…” 

“If you wish, we could share it. For the future.” 

“Are you saying–” 

What was she saying? She didn’t know if marriage was the right option. It had its upsides. Akane could provide for Diana; her crazy ex could leave them alone. But the two of them have faced too much strife in the name of holy matrimony. 

Akane shook her head. “I don’t know.” 

Diana placed a finger to Akane’s lips and shushed her.

“It’s okay. Just know you’re my knight in shining armor too.” 

Blood rushed to her face. She resisted the urge to squeal. “Could you say that again?” 

“You’re my knight in shining armor?” 

“Again!” 

“You’re a knight in shining armor, Nene!”

“...thanks.” 

They arrive at the hotel after the plane’s landing. Dusk follows them from outside.

It’s fancier in comparison to the motel. The bedsheets are linen with a desk near the edge of the wall. Mira turns on the remote to the flat screen in front of them. 

Diana’s anger has washed away since last week. She still wishes to know why it happened, but she’s tired. With Mira and Zero around, she doesn’t have the opportunity to speak with Akane. 

Akane releases her grip on the two suitcases in her hands. She still looks exhausted, which Diana attributes to jet lag or dissociation. Lying or not, she seems to have no idea what happened while Zero was fronting. At least, that’s the term Mira used. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Akane interrupts Diana’s racing thoughts. 

“I’m sorry,” she shrinks down, akin to a small animal. “I just wanted to know if you’re okay.” 

“Yes. I’m just thinking about where to go from here.” 

“I don’t mean that.” 

“Then…?” 

Automatically, her thumb rests on Akane’s cheek. Akane stiffens, but soon leans into the touch. 

“How are you doing?” 

“I’m not sure…” Akane grasps the top of her head. 

Diana turns away. She searches for somewhere to sit, until–

Akane slits Mira’s throat. It’s a terrifying display of stealth, in such a short amount of time. Blood gushes from Mira’s neck, and stains the dark floor. Diana backs away until Akane paces toward her. Lithe hands form an arc around her neck. 

She chokes, unable to get a word out. A bruise forms where Akane places her hands. 

“This history–” 

“–it’s a dead end.”