[ Maruki leans back against the wall of the cramped bathroom, watches Akira rummaging around. It's wholly unnecessary, he really is fine, but he'll allow it twofold– because he understands the anxiety driving Akira to not want to believe something he can't see for himself, and because it blooms a strange sort of pride in his chest. He really was the leader of such a cohesive team, made up of people who adored him so wholly. How he must have cared for them with this same fervor.

Akira is the best of everyone. Maruki's only trying to keep pace with him. ]

No Persona, no. Wouldn't that have been something?

[ He laughs, quiet and a little uneven, as the rest of Akira's words try to sink in but keep getting caught.

Maruki looks at him in the mirror, brows pulled down just the same. ]

And his teeth seemed normal. What's that about tally marks...?

[ Seriously, what the hell, Joker. Is this another Wrath thing??? ]