Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Goodbye, Doctor
Shujin Academy, 11/18
Akira sighed as he watched Dr. Maruki pour him a cup of tea. Today was the last day that Dr. Maruki was going to be at the school, which Akira saddened him.
Him? No, that wasn’t right.
Her.
Thanks to the good doctor, Akira had finally realized what was wrong with her state of being.
Akira had never truly thought of herself as a boy, but couldn’t really explain it until now.
Now that she was a rebel fighting an unjust world, especially in a country where conformity was strong.
Although the concept of being transgender and open about it was rather new worldwide. Even those living in countries founded on the concept of induvality faced their share of challenges.
Reality was pitted against her, so she was slow to grip this realization now. But she made her resolve, she would begin her personal journey once her duties as a phantom thief came to a close.
“I’m glad we’re meeting before I leave this place” Maruki said while setting down the tea cups, “Have you thought about what I said?”
“Yes” Akira nodded, “I realized who I truly am. I’ve notified my physician about it as well and will sign off once the time is ready.”
“That’s good to hear” Maruki nodded, “I will write my letter for documentation sake, but you’re vision is clear.”
Akira nodded at his statement.
“Have you told my teammates?” Maruki asked.
“My...teammates?” Akira blinked. Did he find out?
“Oh I’m sorry” Maruki chuckled, “But after all the time we spent together, I was able to deduce that you were the Phantom Thieves. Take a look at my paper.”
Akira scooted over to take a look at his work, her eyes beading on the details.
“This….ability to change the hearts of others is really fascinating” Maruki commented, “To think that a person’s cognition can materialize into something...tangible is something beyond comprehension.”
“You’re not wrong” Maruki frowned.
“And through mysterious means, you change things for the better” Maruki noted, “I wish to do the same.”
“Huh?” Akira blinked.
“I wish for a world without suffering” Maruki replied, “And with my research, I know there is a way. I am determined to find it.”
“But that’s---” Akira gasped.
“You don’t agree?” Maruki noted.
“No, not exactly” Akira admitted, “But what it sounds like to me is utopian in nature. And there is a saying that one man’s utopia is another’s dystopia.”
“...I see” Maruki nodded, “Perhaps you’re right, but I am determined to push forward. You’re free to change my heart if you like.”
Akira frowned without a word.
“Well then, if there isn’t anything to discuss I bid you adieu” Maruki stood up,
“Wait” Akira interjected, “Something you just said triggered another thing that is bothering me.”
“Hmm?” Maruki sat back down.
“There’s this girl I really care about who’s recently gone through some hard times” Akira spoke up, “On the surface, everything looks normal but...her view is distorted.”
“Distorted? Are you planning to change her heart?” Maruki asked.
“It’s not a distortion that I can solve” Akira admitted, “It’s...different.”
“I see” Maruki.
“I know it’s not your place to discuss things with doctor confidentiality, but it’s a person we both know. One Kasumi Yoshizawa” Akira said.
!!!
“I’ve found out about the death of her sister” Akira added, “The real Kasumi Yoshizawa, the identity that Sumire has taken up….in all senses of the word.”
“....You’re right about confidentiality” Maruki admitted.
“So….she really thinks of herself as her late sister” Akira frowned, “That isn’t right.”
“...” Maruki frowned, “What kind of relationship do you have with her?”
“I’m her senior and friend” Akira answered.
“Close? Like in a sisterly way?” Maruki pondered.
“I guess?” Akira blinked.
“I see” Maruki sighed.
“Perhaps in a different reality I could be her literal sister” Akira joked, “But I don’t like seeing her living a lie that is that distortive.”
“I see” Maruki nodded.
“I...think I will be going now” Akira stood up, “I have some business to take care of tomorrow.”
“Alright, don’t get too wound up” Maruki bowed. Akira smiled before leaving the office, leaving Maruki to his thoughts.
“A sister” Maruki hummed, “I could see it.”
Leblanc, 12/25
“Merry Christmas everyone!” Akira greeted as his friends entered Leblanc.
“Merry Christmas, Akira'' Yusuke greeted, “You look lively today.”
“Of course, it’s Christmas Inari” Futaba interjected.
“I know that…” Yusuke countered, “That’s not what I meant.”
“I will admit, Akira looks good in that get up” Ann said, “You really are one of the girls.”
“Thanks” Akira smiled. It had been only one day since he came out to her friends, but she realized she was on the fast track. She already was given some hand-me-downs from Sae, although only some pants and shirts. She wasn’t comfortable with blouses and skirts just yet, albeit she could see herself wearing the female Shujin uniform.
“But man….it’s going to take some getting used to you being on the other team” Ryuji sighed.
“You still have Yusuke” Akira reminded.
Barring!
“Don’t forget me!” Morgana said.
“Mona?!” everyone exclaimed.
“You’re...still alive?” Ann observed.
“It seems like only me in the metaverse vanished” Morgana answered, “I am glad I could be here.”
“If you were alive, then why didn’t you show up earlier?!” Futaba asked.
“...I woke up in Shibuya, it took me awhile to get back here.”
“Looks like this can be a real party” Sojiro smirked.
“Christmas and Akira’s coming out party, wrapped in one!” Futaba exclaimed.
“Sis, I have to agree with Ann here” Makoto spoke up, “Akira definitely fits well into those clothes.”
“It is a bit surprising I will admit, like if it was meant to be” Sae noted keenly, “But I guess it was as with everything else. By the way, I do bear some good news as a gift.”
“Oh?” Akira tilted her head.
“We were able to track the lady in your original case and she said was willing to testify against Shido and favor you. You’re a free woman.”
“That’s….great news to hear” Makoto softly smiled.
“Moving forward, I’ve quit my job as a prosecutor and will become a defense lawyer” Sae nodded, “As another gift from me, I got in contact with a colleague of mine that is an expert in the law that deals with name and gender change. They will file for you when the time comes.”
“I appreciate that” Akira smiled.
“Speaking of gifts, there is a package for you” Sojiro said, “It’s from Kasumi Yoshizawa.”
“Oh? The gymnast from Shujin?” Yusuke recalled.
“She’s a good friend of mine” Akira nodded. Inside the box was a unisex leotard and a Christmas card.
“A leotard?” Haru noted.
“That’s right” Akira laughed, “I did tell her about that.”
“About what?” Ryuji blinked.
“I will be learning how to do artistic gymnastics moving forward” Akira noted, “It will be a fun way to stay in shape while taking hormone blockers for the next year.”
“Hormone….blockers?” Ryuji blinked.
“It’s the first step in Hormone Replacement Treatment” Akira explained, “Once I graduate, when estrogen will be thrown in the mix.”
“Have...you discussed this with your parents?” Sojiro inquired.
“Not yet” Akira admitted, “But we will come to that crossroad.”
“I see” Sojiro hummed, “I should mention this as well, but you're welcome to stay and work here in the future.”
“Ah! Thank you!” Akira bowed as she understood his words. In truth, she was scared how her parents would act. Mainly her father, who was rather old-schooled in his mindset.
“I’m getting hungry, let’s eat!” Futaba pouted. Laughter filled the air in Cafe Leblanc, unaware of events going on in the background.
12/31
“I appreciate the invitation and hospitality” Kasumi said, “Although I feel like I am encroaching…”
“After what we have been through, you’re more than welcome here” Yusuke said.
“I was sad you couldn’t come to the Christmas party, I am glad you came today” Akira smiled.
“Thank you, senpai” Kasumi smiled.
It was a few hours before the new year, and Leblanc was livid. At some point, Akira pulled Kasumi aside to speak with her in private.
“Thanks for the gift and introducing me to the coach” Akira said to her.
“I was honestly surprised that you were interested in artistic gymnastics” Kasumi said, “But I look forward to seeing your new journey, especially on the vault.”
“It should be a fun experience” Akira smiled.
“May I tell you something secret?” Kasumi asked.
“Anything” Akira nodded.
“Ever since I got to know you and after that bizarre adventure in the other world, I’ve started to see you as an older sister” Kasumi admitted.
“I feel the same in the reverse for you” Akira admitted.
“I see” Kasumi hummed, “So this is what they call sisterhood, bonds that go beyond lineage.”
“I agree” Akira smiled, “Just like the concept of brotherhood.”
“So….sisters forever?” Kasumi tilted her head.
“Of course” Akira smiled, “You mean a lot to me.”
Kasumi smiled before leading them back to the party. Once the festivities were done, Akira got dressed in her new night clothes.
“Hey” Morgana spoke up, “Even when I vanished, I was still conscious. I was afraid I would be alone in a void. I was really happy I was able to return to you guys.”
“I’m glad you’re here to stay” Akira smiled.
“I was thinking….I want to come home with you” Morgana said, “I don’t want to be alone anymore.”
“That’s fine by me” Akira said, “My parents love cats.”
“I’m not a cat….Ok, I guess I am” Morgana partially rebuked.
“I am glad I can move past this year” Akira said, “A new life awaits me and everyone else.”
“Yawnnnnn, I agree” Morgana said, “We should get some sleep.”
“Mhmm” Akira nodded before falling a sleep….into a new reality that would trap her in a prisoner’s dilemma.
1/1 Leblanc
Morgana stretched his paws as he woke up, quickly noting the absence of Akira.
“She must’ve gotten up early to help the Boss” Morgana noted.
As he walked down the steps, he noticed an auburn haired woman cooking curry while Sojiro prepared the coffee.
“Looks like the cat is up” Sojiro noted.
“Good Morgana!” the auburn haired woman said, “Here’s a plate for you.”
“You know my name?” Morgana asked.
“Why wouldn’t I?” the auburn haired woman spoke.
“Lady Makoto? Why are you working here?” Morgana asked.
“I’m not Niijima silly” the auburn girl laughed, “It’s me, Sumire Yoshizawa. Don’t you remember?”
Something was really wrong, Morgana realized. Sumire Yoshizawa was the real name of the redhead, Kasumi was her late sister. More importantly, she was working for the Boss? Where was Akira?
“I’m sorry...my head is really fuzzy....” Morgana lied.
“Maybe you should join my sister and I at the Meiji Shrine? We’re going to make New Year wishes” Sumire suggested.
“Alright” Morgana mumbled. Okay, so Sumire’s sister is still alive?
Brrrng!
“Good morning, sis” Sumire greeted.
“Good morning” Kasumi smiled, “How are you doing?”
“Good, just helping Sojiro prepare for the day before heading to the shrine” Sumire answered, “Just give me ten minutes and I will get my matching kimono on.”
Sumire made her back upstairs to get changed, leaving Morgana and Kasumi alone.
“So, Sumire lives with the boss, but that doesn’t explain Akira’s disappearance…” Morgana said to himself.
“Who’s Akira, Morgana?” Kasumi pondered. That startled the black cat.
“You can understand me?” Morgana exclaimed.
“Yeah, ever since we went into that palace with my sister” Kasumi recalled, “I will admit, I was kind of shocked to learn that she was a Phantom Thief. Then again, she was unjustly accused of assault when she was living with our aunt the previous year.”
“Assault…..wait, that can’t be can it?” Morgana thought to himself.
“To think Shido was behind all of the mess, maybe I should’ve assisted her when she offered?” Kasumi frowned.
“Okay, I’m ready” Sumire cheered as she walked down the stairs. Morgana had to admit, the sisters were stunning in their attire.
Unfortunately, it was stained by the fact that apparently Akira no longer existed, being replaced by Surime(?) Yoshizawa.
A/N: Surely the Wild Card will come to her senses, right?