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"Hey, behind you!"
Zenkichi's voice echoed around the red and blue tinted metaverse underground, his arm slightly outstretched towards the out-of-it Sophia. She was clearly distressed - after what just happened anyone would be. Her head must be swirling. Her confused state led to her to slowly but surely stumble back, closer and closer to the edge of the large platform the thieves were all gathered, the platform they had been forced to battle her on.
Ryuji's eyeline raised, immediately locking on Joker's figure rush forwards towards Sophia in a hope to catch her before she fell. The thieves heard the AI's soft, almost broken voice whisper an apology, one full of regret and fear, then a gasp of desperation from their leader. There he crouched, his body slightly swaying as if his knees would give out any second. Close to edge...too close.
As soon as he realised, Ryuji stumbled to his feet, running as fast as his legs would take him towards his silent leader. It was now he was thankful that he had taken up physiotherapy for his leg, that his 6 months of training had helped his former track runner physic begin to reform. After his stunt in Shido's palace, having to physically stop his leg from giving out, he decided he needed to forget about Kamoshida and regain his strength. After all, he had promised Akira before he left that he would take up running again and Ryuji was not one to break promises. He had also promised Akira he would always be there for him, a promise both boys held close to their hearts. Even after Akira went back home, the two kept in touch - messaging everyday, video calling, falling asleep to each other's voices after late night calls. They were best friends, after all.
The blonde knew how Akira thought, how he reacted. If he didn't grab him soon, it could end badly. Ryuji had thought of two outcomes, neither that pleasant or hopeful. Joker would either jump after Sophia, or end up losing his grip after his knees gave out, falling into the depths unwillingly. Ryuji couldn't risk losing his best friend again. Even though he knew Akira's first 'death' was part of their plan...it felt too real, real enough for his heart to drop at the fake news. He hated that feeling, and he would do anything to prevent it happening ever again.
"Joker!" Ryuji yelled out the codename to help jumpstart Akira's senses, wrapping his arms around the said male's torso and pulling him back from the danger of the edge. The thief could feel Joker's body trembling, and he felt his heart sink, immediately hating the feeling. He slightly squeezed the boy in his grasp, resting his head on his back for a moment, his mask subtly shifting a little across his face. Joker was silent, like always, but his breathing was heavy, uneven. Ryuji kept his head rested for a little longer, almost for his own comfort, before lifting it up again, his gaze travelling to the edge. Sophia's body had only just gone out of view, causing a lump to form in his throat. She couldn't be gone...she didn't deserve any of this. Both males were unable to rip their eyes away from the depths that had swallowed the AI's body, as much as they wanted to. Joker bit his lip roughly, finally moving and slowly lowering his head. A shaky breath of disbelief escaped him as he now stared at the platform's ground that was only inches away from his face.
He could have saved her. If he was quicker, taller, better. Sophia would still be on this platform with the phantom thieves if he had gotten to her in time. If he had been better as a leader. If he had been able to help Sophia with her problems. It was like Morgana all over again, Akira could never help in time-
"Joker.."
Ryuji's voice. Ryuji's arms holding him. Akira took a few slow breaths, feeling himself relax into the blonde's hold that was slowly shifting to a hug.
Finally, Akira closed his eyes.