Chapter Text
"Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine, as long as it's contained. Crushing hope is a dangerous thing, because it means destroying someone's reason for living. You should never crush another person's hope. It's one of the worst things you can do." - Suzanne Collins.
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Makoto Niijima
Makoto Niijima tries to steady her shaking hands as she reaches for the handle of the grocery store door. She can't believe the words that have just been spoken to her by Ren. Everything she has known is a lie. The perfect world she lives in is nothing but an illusion created by Dr. Maruki.
As she walks through the aisles of the store with her sister, Sae Niijima, Makoto's mind is in turmoil. She can't shake the feeling that everything around her is fake, and it's a struggle to maintain her composure.
"Makoto, are you okay?" Sae asks, concern etched on her face. "You've been really quiet all of the sudden."
Makoto forces a smile and shrugs. "I'm fine," she lies. "Just a lot on my mind, that's all."
But the truth is, Makoto is struggling to come to terms with the revelation that has been dropped on her. She has always known that something was off about this world, but she never could have imagined the truth. She can't bring herself to tell Sae, not yet.
As they make their way to the checkout, Sae puts a hand on Makoto's arm. "Seriously, Makoto. Something is obviously bothering you. You can talk to me, you know."
Makoto hesitates, not sure if she's ready to share the truth with her sister. "I'll tell you later," Makoto says, trying to put on a brave face. "Right now, I just want to focus on getting a present for dad."
Sae nods, a look of understanding on her face. "Okay, Makoto. But remember, I'm here for you whenever you're ready to talk."
When they return home, Makoto puts on a brave face as she stands in the kitchen, chopping vegetables for dinner. She knows that she will have to leave her family behind if she's going to help Ren destroy the false reality. The thought of saying goodbye to her father and this kind, gentle version of her sister is almost too much to bear.
As she cooks, Makoto's mind races with thoughts of the life she has known and the life that's waiting for her on the other side of this false reality. She knows that she has to make a choice, and it's a choice that will change everything. When they sit down to eat, Makoto struggles to hold back the tears that well up in her eyes. She listens as her father and sister talk and laugh, knowing that this could be the last time she will be with them like this.
"So, Makoto," her father says, a proud smile on his face. "I heard you and Sae went shopping today. What did you get me for my award, huh? Please tell me it wasn’t anything too extravagant darling."
Makoto forces a smile and reaches for the present that is wrapped and sitting on the table. "We wanted to get you something special," she says, trying to keep her voice steady. "We hope you like it."
As her father tears off the wrapping paper, Makoto can't help but feel a sense of sadness wash over her. She will have to let him go. The thought is painful and she has to take a deep breath before she can continue.
She knows it's necessary in order to restore the truth.
After dinner, Makoto retreats to her bedroom, unable to shake the feeling of impending loss. She sits on the edge of her bed, tears streaming down her face. As she sits there, she hears a knock on the door. Sae walks in, a look of concern on her face. "Makoto, what's wrong?" she asks, sitting down next to her sister and placing a comforting arm around her shoulders.
Makoto sniffles and wipes away her tears. "It’s nothing." she says, shaking her head. "But… are you happy, sis?"
Sae looks at Makoto in confusion, but then laughs and nods. "Of course I am! Why would you even ask that?"
Makoto can't bring herself to reveal the truth to Sae. She can't bear the thought of taking away the happiness that her sister has in this false reality, even if it means living a lie. "I just wanted to make sure," Makoto says, forcing a smile.
Sae hugs her sister tightly, sensing that something is still bothering her. "Makoto, you can tell me anything. I'm here for you."
Makoto sighs and leans into her sister's embrace. "I know, Sae. But there are some things that I just can't tell you. I hope you can understand."
Sae nods, a look of understanding on her face. "I'll support you no matter what, Makoto. Just remember that."
With a heavy heart, Makoto slips out of her bedroom and into the cold afternoon. As she walks through the streets, she can't help but think about the life she is leaving behind. But she also knows that she is doing the right thing, and that thought gives her the strength to keep going.
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Five years later
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Keiji Fujii
As the sun sets on a small town in Japan, the sky begins to fill with dark, ominous clouds. The air becomes heavy with the anticipation of rain. The streets are empty as people hurry home, seeking shelter from the impending storm. Or worse.
The first drops of rain start to fall, lightly at first, but quickly picking up in intensity. The sound of the rain is a constant roar, like a million tiny drum beats all at once. It beats against the windows and the roof of the houses, making it feel as though the entire world is shaking.
The streets are slick with water, reflecting the neon lights of the town in a dazzling display. The smell of wet concrete and ozone fills the air, a sharp contrast to the usual scent of blooming flowers and incense.
As the night wears on, the rain shows no sign of letting up. It continues to pour down in sheets, drenching everything in its path. The wind picks up, bending the trees and shaking the branches. Lightning splits the sky, illuminating the town in a brilliant white flash.
Despite the ferocity of the storm, there is a sense of peace that comes with it. The rain washes away the dust and grime of the day, leaving everything fresh and clean. It is a reminder of the cycle of life, the constant cycle of growth and renewal.
Keiji Fujii watches the scene from the safety and warmth of his car, thinking he will soon experience some of that renewal himself. He looks around, hoping his surroundings are deserted. He doesn't want to be interrupted. He adjusts his tie, takes a deep breath to calm the fear rising within him, and takes out his gun.
He hefts the weapon in his palm, testing its weight. His fingers twitch as he checks to ensure it is loaded, then raises it to his temple. He knows one shot will be enough to silence his inner turmoil forever. A sense of dread fills him as he feels the cold metal pressing against his skin. His heart races and his thoughts try to reason with him, begging him to calm down. His finger moves closer to the trigger, slowly and cautiously. The sound of the rain fills his ears, soothing him for a few more moments.
Then, the radio crackles to life with a burst of static, followed by a voice. "Fujii, do you copy?"
Keiji gasps for air, quickly lowering the gun to his side. "Yes, yes!" he stammers out. "What's up, Himeno?"
Himeno chuckles on the other end. "Bad timing?"
Keiji stares at the gun in his hand for a moment. "I guess you could say that."
"Well, tough luck. We've got another one for you?"
"Another?" Keiji sighs. This would be the sixth today. "Can't you handle it?" he asks. "I'm kind of in the middle of something."
"It's Matsuda.” Himeno replies. “The politician, remember him?"
Keiji's eyes bulge in surprise as he takes a few seconds to process the information. "Are you sure?" he asks, still unable to fully believe what he is hearing.
"Affirmative. Hurry up, you don't want to miss out on this."
"On my way."
"I'll send the address to your phone."
Keiji starts the car and follows the GPS directions, his mind racing with thoughts. He can't believe what he's heard until he sees it with his own eyes. He grips the steering wheel tightly as he drives, trying to calm his nerves. He glances frequently at the GPS, willing it to go faster as he anxiously anticipates reaching his destination. His heart races as he contemplates the possibility of what he might find there. Could it be true?
As he approaches the house, the bright red glow of sirens illuminates the area. Policemen on the scene motion for him to stop, but a glance at his badge earns him passage through the blockade. He can't help but notice the sheer number of officers present; he's never seen so many at a crime scene before.
His jacket offers little protection from the rain as he enters the house. "Over here!" he hears Himeno's voice nearby and follows it into the victim's bedroom. "Took your time, huh?"
"Enough, Himeno."
Keiji takes in the scene. The victim, a middle-aged man, lies on the bed, his eyes staring lifelessly at the ceiling. A dark pool of blood has formed around his head, and his face is contorted in a grimace of pain. It's truly him . Keiji crouches down beside the body, his nose wrinkling at the metallic smell of blood. He reaches out a gloved hand and gently turns the victim's head to the side, searching for any signs of injury.
Himeno watches as he examines the man's neck. "Can't cheat your way out this time, huh?" she says to the dead man. "Fucking bastard."
After a few moments, Keiji stands up and shakes his head. "I can't find any obvious signs of trauma," he says, frowning. "But we'll have to wait for the coroner's report to be sure."
"Who cares about that?" Himeno responds. "Enjoy the moment a bit, will you?"
"Himeno..."
Himeno looks back at him, annoyed. "Have you forgotten who this is?"
Keiji fakes a smile and breaks eye contact with his partner. He knows all too well who this is: Matsuda Yushima, a notorious corrupt politician who was proven guilty in court but managed to go free due to a technicality. Like many others before him, justice has failed to keep such a man behind bars.
Himeno laughs. "I can't wait to see Niijima's face when she hears about this."
Keiji grumbles. "You mean Yoshida."
"Huh?"
"Yoshida is the one who got him out. Niijima has her fair share of clients, but not this one."
"Whatever."
As he continues his search, his eyes fall on a small object lying on the nightstand. He leans in closer, his heart racing as he recognizes it.
A calling card. The Phantom Thieves' calling card.
For the first time in years, Keiji genuinely smiles.