Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The lights in the briefing room were yellow and harsh. Though the equipment has always been up to date, the designers of the building refuse to switch to fluorescent bulbs, stating the incandescent bulbs don’t produce as much blue light, which are harmful for eyes.

Goro Akechi, curled into his seat and hiding his eyes in his elbows, was nursing yet another headache. Well, more like a hangover. He’s always on time despite his nighttime habits, but mornings are always a struggle. As long as he is able to make it to work at least fifteen minutes early and makes enough to afford his antics, he sees nothing wrong with this lifestyle.

At least, until the building’s harsh yellow lighting greets him with prodding fingers, spreading its tendrils beyond his eyelids and leaving the afterimage of circles in its wake.

“Good morning, Detective! Coffee?”

Yoshizawa sits in the seat beside him in the auditorium, not waiting for a response before pushing the paper cup in his narrow line of sight. She’s far too kind for her own good.

Goro sits up slowly with narrow eyes and takes a sip. “Morning, Yoshizawa.” She always adds two packets of sugar for him, no cream. She’s been like this for months. He hates that he’s beginning to get used to her kindness. Making friends here is a futile task— but he still gives a curt “thank you” despite himself.

Rather than asking about his current condition or his previous night, Yoshizawa directs the conversation to today’s debriefing. Yesterday afternoon, the entire Criminal Affairs Bureau received an email giving them the short description of “New technology being introduced to our daily lives.”

The last thing Goro Akechi wanted was to add unnecessary technology into his already difficult job. Between counseling victims, interviewing witnesses, delivering tragic news to family members, and gathering evidence at crime scenes, he hardly has time to waste on implementing some “groundbreaking new software” to supposedly make his life easier. It’s always been just more steps to prevent him from getting results.

“Rumor has it that the department is getting something big,” she spoke, a hint of excitement in her voice. “There’s been a buzz in the air all morning!”

Oh, something big. Probably not a new software, then. His ideas began to shift as he probed, “Any ideas on what it could be?”

“Not a clue!” Yoshizawa smiled, setting her cup on the desk. “Some people have said it could be drones, some said new computers. I’ve also heard it could be new motorcycles for traffic officers!”

Goro’s mind automatically went to androids, the human-like robots that have been cropping up for the last four years all over Japan. At first, they started as uncanny models attempting to mimic speech using generative artificial intelligence, acting like walking search engines. Now, the androids are made with much more advanced technology and are trained on human speech and movement patterns, making them much more human-like. These things sweat, cry, emote— hell, they can even eat now! Because of this, we’ve moved on to having these robots as live-in housemaids, caregivers, and employees to undesirable jobs, like fast food workers and sanitary positions. Some even use them as “companions”— both sensual and emotional. But could these things even truly consent to anything like that?

He found the whole concept of these human-like unhumans a Pandora’s Box waiting to be ripped open.

But there’s no way these things were now advanced enough to help in police work, right?

Just as Goro began to turn over the concept in his mind, the police commissioner entered the room from the administrative office. He carried with him a sense of finality and poise that made the detective uncomfortable. It was like the man had the ability to see through people’s facades, right down to their cores.

He sat up straighter as the projector whirred to life. Then, the commissioner cleared his throat and began:

“Good morning, officers. Thank you for meeting with us this morning. Today, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is taking steps toward the future. Today, we are developing a united front— one of technology and humanity.” The commissioner flicked through the slideshow casted behind him with the remote in his hand. The logo Goro dreaded appeared center screen: Yokubō Industries. “Today, we welcome our newest partnership, Yokubō Industries and the TMPD!”

The auditorium filled with congratulatory clapping. Figures. Goro took a sip from his cup, a quiet protest of the praise this partnership was generating.

Filing in from the administrative office came several androids, some with feminine shapes and some with masculine shapes, taking the appearance of people in their mid-to-late 20s. Despite marching in tandem, they looked just like… well, people. Even with the distance from Goro’s seat to the podium, each android in the line up had its own distinct face, hair, eyes… Some wore glasses, some had larger biceps, some were taller than others…

Though each was in the same issued uniform, they were distinctly unique. Nothing like this was available on the Japanese general market yet. Typically when purchasing androids, there are four masculine models to choose from, and Goro assumed the same for the feminine models. Here in front of him, though, were fifteen original androids that he had never seen before.

He stifled the grimace on his face by nursing his coffee. Just what could these things do?

The elated commissioner continued his presentation with a wide grin painted across his face:

“I know we’re all very excited for this partnership! But, of course, we are all curious about what these machines can do!”

The androids stood at attention, hands behind their back, motionless. The commissioner continued through his presentation as Goro half-listened. He had trouble taking his eyes off the line of androids and categorizing his own emotions. Jealousy? Fear? Annoyance?

He gathered that the bots could do many things the Forensic Science Division would be called in to do, like fingerprint and blood analysis. The androids have access to all criminal records in Japanese databases, so a simple facial scan could identify criminals and victims alike. Not to mention adept computation speeds, physical prowess, and counseling skills.

Goro’s jaw tensed. Why are police officers even needed at this fucking point? Just send the bots in and let them take care of all our problems.
He cautiously glanced at Yoshizawa to gauge her thoughts. The stars in her eyes and her mouth pulling up at the corners told him everything he needed to know. Of course she would be facinated with the androids— she comes from a place of wealth. She probably grew up with the things in her childhood home, for Christ’s sake.

After the commissioner fielded questions, Goro left for an “early lunch” at Crossroads, not even bothering to socialize with Yoshizawa. He dismissed her with a “Heading out, back in an hour.” before grabbing his coat and shuffling out of the building.

~~~

Akechi wouldn't say he was a particularly bad driver, just a bit reckless. He would claim that it was a byproduct of being on the police force-- he could get away with higher speeds because people respected the badge that weighed down his front breast pocket. Not that anyone could tell he was even on the police force.

The commission had given him a stealth motorcycle for his position. The bike could utilize lights, sirens, radio communications-- it even had a screen to utilize navigation equipment. He used none of his authority on his trip to Crossroads. He was off duty, after all.

Instead, he looked like a teenaged dickhead-- reckless, wild, and cutting through traffic with the loud rev of the engine.

This was one of the few places he could truly feel free, though. He could leave behind the shackles of his lineage, his tragic past, his recent failures. He could just drive. He liked the feeling of slicing through the wind. The detective loved to tuck his body into his bike, picking up speed and diving through traffic.

Crossroads was a located in an alley saturated in darkness, but the building itself fizzed with pink neon. The venue was tucked in the back of the building, hidden behind the entrance of an izakaya. The bar, by all official accounts, was not open yet, but Goro Akechi had helped the owner with a case of theft half a year ago and she can’t bring herself to turn the young man away when he knocks.

Akechi finally made his way to the bar, tucking his bike into the alleyway, right under the stairwell, and carrying his helmet inside. He pressed open the red door, and the scent of cigarette smoke filled his lungs. He already felt relaxed. Lala was there, as he knew she would be. He resigned himself to take a long lunch. God knows he needed it.

~~~

Typically, Goro would consider himself a “good citizen,” keeping his nightly habits in check with the rising of the sun. But today was different. He reasoned with himself, claiming he could make an exception for the invasiveness of his “father’s” company and for his heated emotions. He tapped the spherical ice with his thumb, watching it sink into his gin fizz for a moment, then float back to the top.

“Thank you, again, Lala. Today has been rough,” Goro vents.

“Honey, it’s only 11. The sun hasn’t even reached its peak,” She’s polishing her glasses from behind the counter, watching him with a raised brow. “What could be troubling you this early?”

Contextualizing the situation in his mind before explaining himself makes Goro feel childish. He walked out of the station without any explanation to his supervisor. He really shouldn’t be drinking this early, but—

“Big changes at work. The department is taking on androids now,” He bobs the ice again and sighs. “They’re practically walking supercomputers able to do the work of three different divisions.”

“Oh, that doesn’t seem so bad! I mean, the new age androids are pretty social!” Lala’s lipstick smile stretches across her face. “Won’t it be nice to delegate some of your work to someone else?”

“Something not someone, Lala.”

“Don’t be like that. You sound so closed-minded.” She laughs and fans her hand toward him. “Try to look at this as a positive. Change is something you can’t avoid. You always come in here feeling drained, honey. You could use a break.”

“I can’t take a break when these androids are like perfect angels executing mine and six of my collegues jobs—“ He cuts himself off by finishing the drink and sitting his glass on the counter with finality.

Then the entry bell to the bar rings.

Lala glances to the door, “Oh, I’m sorry, honey, but we’re closed.”

“I realize this, Miss. I apologize for the intrusion. My name is Akira. I’m the android sent by Yokubō Industries.”

Goro whips his head around at that, his eyes finding one of those dreaded androids from the station in that stupid little uniform.

“I am looking for Inspector Akechi.” He grins, obviously scanning Goro’s face and retrieving his profile from the police database. “It seems that I have found you. We have a case assigned to us. I'm here to retrieve and debrief you."

Goro turns away, tucking his face into his glass, playing with the sphere of ice again.

“I’m on lunch. Leave me alone.”

The android steps into his space, inserting itself into the detective’s shadow and looming over his shoulder to peek at the counter. “This looks like a sparse lunch, Inspector. There’s no protein or carbohydrates. You’ll be hungry if you only drink something.”

Then, Goro catches something in the reflection of his glass. The LED circle on the android’s temple flashes from blue to yellow before it steps back.

“Wait a moment… Are you drinking on the job, Inspector Akechi?”

Goro laughs loudly, then turns to face the android, “So you’re a supercomputer, but you can’t answer that question on your own?”

Akira’s face falters for a moment and the LED circle briefly shines red before returning to blue.

The inspector can’t help but smirk. If this was Yokubō Industries' best and brightest, then his job is more than secured.

Lala clicks her tongue, “Leave the boy alone. He seems pretty fresh to the world— and here you are, picking on him!” She looks to the android. “I’m sorry, baby. Seems to me that Mr. Akechi has forgotten his manners.”

Goro’s eyes are fixated on the android in front of him. The robot has black, messy hair that cushions its face like a mink. There are gentle moles peppered on its face. One on its nose, another on its cheek. One just above the collar of its uniform on the right side of its neck. The thing even has the audacity to wear glasses! It clearly doesn’t need them. Fucking supercomputer.

“No, Lala. Let it figure this out.” Goro stands and faces the android with a wide grin. It’s just a few centimeters shorter than him and if that doesn’t make him feel like the king of the world, his next challenge would.

“I’m assuming this bot has arrived to drag me back to the station— tell me that we’re “partners” or some absurd bullshit. If it can’t solve a simple question like this, it will be useless in the field. So come on, Akira—“ His tone drips with self-rightousness. “Solve the question: have I been drinking on the job?”

And, dammit, if the thing doesn’t purse its lips like it’s thinking! The glowing sensor on its head flashes yellow—

then the bot takes two fingers and shoves them between Goro’s wide, wicked smile.

The inspector’s eyes flash wide as the two fingers pinch and rub on his tongue for barely a moment, then leave his mouth just as quick as they had entered. There is a line of saliva connecting its fingertips to Goro’s lips. The robot pulls back, snapping the line with the distance and placing the wet fingers into his own mouth.

The detective's eyes bulge and his mouth opens with a pop. He closes it promptly and adjusts his expression.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Goro can feel his face heat and his voice pitch higher than normal.

Lala snorts, then coughs to try to cover the sound.

The android smiles, making a deliberate motion of licking its fingers clean, “Nothing. I’ve just collected evidence for my first investigation.”

The disheveled looking android has the gall to step forward into Goro’s space again and lean toward his ear, “I’ve deduced that you were drinking. A gin fizz, wasn’t it? Gin, lemon juice, and club soda. It’s relatively inexpensive compared to the other menu options here.”

Goro’s lips part again in shock, attempting to form words. New emotions were formulating in his chest and he definitely didn’t have time to process them. The one that was bubbling to the top of his throat was annoyance and hatred.

The android rocks back and forth on its heels with a smile, not breaking eye contact. “So, how did I do, Inspector Akechi?”

“You piece of shit! If your hand comes anywhere near me again, I won’t hesitate to snap your wrist.” He stands now, his body fully facing the bot.

Akechi locks eyes with him again and the machine doesn't falter, a smirk spreading wide across its face.

"Apologies. I'll cover your tab, Inspector."

Chapter Text

After mild arguing about the bill, then another spat about who gets to drive to the scene, the two layer themselves on the squadron bike and zoom off.

Akira was, decidedly, an excellent driver. Even through the slight buzz of one drink as Akechi folds himself against the robot's back, he had to admit it.

The android weaves elegantly between stilled traffic, heading down busy lanes with ease. Red flashing lights alert drivers that the two were in action, even with this stealth bike. What a rule follower. Akechi knew he could run through this highway without giving away his police status, and he smiled at the prospect of, yet again, being better than this damn android.

The wind whips his face like a vine, thorny and cold. It's deep in November, after all. The smog was thick today in the part of the city they were navigating to, so he tries to keep his visor raised to see his surroundings. Goro attempts to use the robot's body as a windshield, tucking himself tighter against it. He finally gives up and lowers the visor of his helmet over his red face. The cold is too much.

Surprisingly and suddenly, the android's body begins to warm. The detective's hands nearly retract completely from Akira, but the robot is faster and replaces the hands around its waist.

"No, hold on, detective. Nothing's wrong. I just noticed your temperature dropping."

"I don't need you to heat me, robot," Akechi spits.
It does not go unnoticed by the detective-- that little ring of light on its temple flashes yellow, then back to blue.

"Fine. Then I'm the one who's cold. Stay close."
Akira grips the hand clutch and leans forward on the bike, shifting the gear up with the foot shifter and they take off.

~~~

It was impossible to debrief on the ride over, so the two stand beside the parked bike while the android gives the detective the information.

Akechi is sure Akira is just reading from the case files in the database, but it is convenient, nonetheless. No need for paper or emails when you have a walking supercomputer. But then, the android adds in information unbeknownst to the case file, surely--

"Sakura is a well-known digital artist and animator online. Her handle and social media account are here." It pulls out the latest model cellphone from its pocket and taps a few buttons with one hand, handing it to Goro. "Take a look. We may be able to understand her better before our approach if we do our research."

"Huh. A supercomputer with a cell phone?"

The android's brows lower as if it were annoyed. "I am an officer. Not a computer."

"Hah! You say that as if you didn't just recite the entire case file to me."

Akechi blinks in disbelief as the android's face turns a pretty shade of pink and the indicator on its temple spins yellow-- can these new models show embarrassment? What the fuck?

"I did not read it to you... verbatim," it says quietly.

There's a sadness in its eyes that makes Akechi's stomach drop. He can't help but want to make things a little better-- curse his hero complex all to hell.

"You did a great job telling me the most important details. And I bet this wasn't in the file at all." Goro intentionally keeps his eyes on the cellphone as he speaks.

The detective scrolls quickly, but is able to deduce that Sakura makes fanart of the Phoenix Ranger Featherman series, occasionally uploading her art school pieces to her social media.

"This is very useful. Thank you... Akira."

Goro chastises himself for being too kind, but when he raises his head, Akira's smile is beaming. The detective's heart fills his throat, and he can feel his own face warm.

"You said my name, detective. Thank you."

"Yeah, yeah. Don't push it, bot."

Akira gives a closed mouth giggle and smiles. Akechi pushes past him gently and makes his way toward the crime scene. The android follows close behind.

There are a few officers posted up around the complex. There is caution tape pinned around the barricades separating the property, and two police officers talk to a short, slippered redhead. It is Sakura, and she's sobbing.

"Please, please let me go inside! Yusuke is still in there!"

The officers glance in their direction, wordlessly pleading for us to intervene. Akira makes the first move and approaches her.

"Excuse us, are you Miss Sakura?"

"Yes." Sakura nods and rubs her eyes, then finally looks to Akira. "Oh? An android?"

"Yes, Miss. My name is Akira. I'm an officer from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. This is my partner, Detective Akechi."

Akechi steps forward when he is introduced. "Miss Sakura, can you please tell us what happened here? You said that your android is still inside the building?"

"Yes, he is. His name is Yusuke... he's an older model-- an LM100. He's just a housekeeper android! He's harmless!!"

"Hm..." Akira looks at the building as his eyes flash bright blue. In his irises, components shift and rotate. He seemed to be focusing, so Akechi continues the conversation on his behalf.

"Can you explain the events in your own words?"

Sakura lets out a sigh. She glances down and to the left-- a sign showing that she feels regret for something. "Yusuke walked in on me… having a breakdown today. He talked me out of it and held me."

In the last sentence, Sakura's voice pitched up and she began crying again. Her "breakdown" was not listed on the mission debriefing.

The detective maintains his composure. "This "breakdown," you mentioned, Miss Sakura. Did you... try to hurt yourself?"

Her fingers grip herself, displacing the soft fat of her arms and leaving indents where she held. "... Yes."

"How did Yusuke react? Can you be specific?"

"He was... shocked. His LED went red and remained red-- I've never seen that before. He immediately defused the situation and... removed the rope from my bedroom."

Akechi looks at her with warm eyes. "I'm happy Yusuke was able to help you. I'm glad you're here."

"It was foolish of me to have even..." Sakura shakes her head. "The pressure in this industry... is too much sometimes."

The detective smiles weakly, recalling her social media presence. "You're rather popular online, though, Miss Sakura. Many illustrators get hired in the industry with a strong digital presence, particularly in fanart. You have a wonderful foundation. I quite enjoyed some of your Phoenix Ranger Featherman art. I especially love your art of Gray Pigeon. He's my favorite character, even though most of his story is locked behind playing Featherman Seeker. It's nice to see people appreciate amazing, underrated characters."

Sakura's eyes glimmer and a smile cracks her face. "Gray Pigeon is the best! Oh, I just hate that he was manipulated into hurting the Phoenix Rangers in that game-- it broke my heart! He's one of my favorites. And if he didn't have to save the world by teleporting off the planet--"

"He would have been the sixth Phoenix Ranger! But still, his sacrifice wasn't in vain. The Rangers still remember him." The detective interjects in excitement. Akechi knew he looked as eager as Sakura did in that moment, so he tries to calm himself. "Ahem... I apologize, Miss Sakura. Can you continue? What happened after Yusuke rescued you?"

"Once things were more calm, he held me... kept me warm until I fell asleep. When I woke up in the middle of the evening, he was gone. I immediately called him in a panic and he did answer... but he struggled to communicate. I heard gurgling, like his Thirium 310 was pouring out of his throat. He needed help.

"I immediately called emergency services to his location. Professor Madarame's studio. I’ve been... too afraid to go in since I’ve arrived."

"This information helps us immensely, Miss Sakura," Akira says as his eyes shift back to their normal, deep color. "We will do all we can to recover and help Yusuke."

"Thank you, Akira." Sakura retreats back to the original two officers she was talking to.

Akira grips Akechi's shoulder, "I need to talk to you in private."

"Understood."

The men walk away from the scene and stand close to the barricade adorned with caution tape.

"Detective Akechi... we may be working with a deviant here."

The man rubs his chin with a gloved hand, then responds, "I had a feeling... what were you able to uncover with your scan?"

Akira's hand touches his temple and he closes his eyes. "Around 1:24 PM, Yusuke came through this area, crossed the road, and entered the building. We did a wireless interface and he shared his memory with me."

"Please continue."

"He then... ascended the stairs and spotted the professor working on his current personal piece. There was a flash in his vision, then things moved quickly. Yusuke then attacked Madarame with the rope that Miss Sakura tried to hurt herself with. He choked the older man until the point of almost knocking Madarame out.

"The older gentleman then took a pallet knife from his easel and lodged it into Yusuke's throat. That action freed Madarame from the android's grip and allowed him to stab Yusuke with two more pallet knives, one of them pinning the android to a wall. Madarame is currently threatening to kill Yusuke and Sakura both."

Akechi breathes in deeply. "So we have a hostage situation?"

"Yes, detective. We need to de-escalate the situation quickly or this could end up worse than it already has."

"Understood. Let's go, Akira."

The two walk to the police near the door of the complex. There are judgmental looks as the two are waved on, the scorn of allowing an android onto a high profile case like this palpable. Akechi glares back earnestly and pushes Akira ahead of him. Hopefully the android would miss the stares the officers gave.

The studio is more house-like than anticipated. There is a large kitchen and dining area on the ground floor. The space is open and, in the farthest part of the room, has large glass doors that led to an engawa. Beyond the wooden porch lies a fenced in garden. The sun pours in beyond the small, red trees and through the doors.

"The bedrooms are upstairs, Detective," says Akira. "The two of them are in the back room on the left side of the hall. They're locked in a stalemate away from the door and against the wall."

Akechi knows that he has to lead them both there, especially with Madarame's hostility to androids. He tells Akira that much and, with a frown, the android accepts the detective leading. Though, he assures Akechi that he will remain close by and out of sight.

As they make their way down the long, white walled hallway, the detective picks up on voices immediately. There is a gruff, masculine voice-- Madarame-- and a gurgling, fuzzy voice-- presumably, Yusuke.

"You hover over her like a parasite! You're limiting her growth and potential but she just adores you." Madarame's voice grates into the hall. "It's sickening. You're just a machine! You're incapable of love. Incapable of beauty. Of art!"

There was a gushing sound. A wet, spluttering sound.

Akira pauses them in the hall and squeezes Akechi's arm, then the detective turns to face him. The android looks anxious and panicked, and his LED burns yellow. Akira whispers, "He's moving the knife in his neck... we have to help him."

Akechi nods at his whisper and motions for the both of them to continue walking. They may be able to get some good information from this conversation.

Madarame continues, "She would be better off if you were dead, you know. I'm helping Sakura by killing you."

"Ma... dara... me..."

"She may even be too far gone... fully enraptured by the allure of fake men and fake people to be saved. I should free her, too. She wanted death, after all."

Both Akira and Akechi reach the door together just as a glitchy, wet scream sounds from the other side of it. Akechi could see the light of Akira's LED flash red against the painted door.

"No... no!" Yusuke pleads. His voice was so wet and desperate. Akechi's heart sinks.

"Maybe I can save her if she experiences a real man again... I can help her fall in love with the flesh of another... she is quite beautiful, isn't she?"

The detective's eyes widened. Madarame can't be serious, can he?

"Don't... touch... Futaba...!" Yusuke growls.

In the moment Akira, not Akechi, kicks open the door.

Chapter Text

God, this really wasn't how Akechi wanted this to go.

The room stills when the two of them push inside. Akira readies his taser as Madarame turns around. Akechi preps his revolver and aims it at Madarame.

The old professor is on his knees, leaning over the android's form. His hand grips at the pallet knife in Yusuke's throat, pulling slowly down. A dark thirium streak drips down the bot's skin. Yusuke's hair is askew, his LED shines a bright red, and he looks sickly. Each of his hands were pierced to the wall with knives like some sick crucifixion.

There isn't much time to take in the scene. There's arcs of blue and red on the walls and ceiling-- even on the canvas that Madarame must have been working on when Yusuke interrupted.

"Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department! Drop your weapon!"

Akechi holds a firm gaze with the man as he yells and Madarame stands slowly, his hand still on the knife in the android's neck. The painter's eyes roll to Akira, standing confidently beside the detective.

"Ah... another bot. How interesting."

The two officers hold their weapons steady and Akechi repeats, "Let go of the weapon!"

"Don't worry, the one pinned against the wall here doesn't have much time left at all. That blue blood is draining out of him fast. A shame that Sakura won't be able to say her goodbyes..." Madarame turns to Yusuke slowly and grins with his teeth. "Means I'll have to comfort her when you're gone, you pest."

"Curse... you..." Yusuke spits weakly.

"Silence, imbecile." Madarame drags the knife up the android's neck swiftly, bumping into his jaw and causing Yusuke to screech, then shut down. He tugs the knife out of his flesh, dripping with thirium, then looks at Akira.

"You monster!" Akira yells, and Akechi can see his LED shining red in his peripheral.

"Is it monstrous to destroy an object? Their lives have no value, after all." Madarame steps forward toward Akira. "Your life has no value."

Akechi's voice feels dry. He's getting too close. "Drop the weapon or I'll be forced to fire!"

Madarame's attention is fully on Akira now, as if he can't see or hear the other officer. He spins the knife between his nimble fingers. "Aren't you just made to protect your partner? You're disposable. You die, they'll replace you. Your memories, your data. It's all worthless. They won't preserve any of you."

Akira holds the taser steady in front of him. "Stay back, or I'll take you down!"

"Sure, sure. But... I have an experiment to conduct." His thin lips creep into a smile. "Let's see what you do when his life is threatened. Think fast."

It happened so quickly. A blink and it would be impossible to see.

Madarame flung the knife expertly toward Akechi's throat.

It never reaches there, though, because Akira blocks the blade with his body. The pallet knife lodges into the fleshy front of his own neck and his body drops into a heap on the floor.

"Akira!" Akechi looks briefly at his partner, but holds his gun steady. He fires at Madarame's knee, knocking him to the floor in a whining state.

"Move and I'll truly end you." Akechi grabs his partner's taser and fires at him for much longer than necessary, knocking him unconscious.

Akechi immediately drops to his partner, cradling his face in his hands. What was this dumb bot thinking? It was just a knife. Akechi is sure he would have been fine. Does this android truly not value its own life?

Akira's eyes are closed and the LED on his head has dimmed. He looks so peaceful-- like he's sleeping. The detective's blood runs cold.

"Can you hear me? Akira, I'm here for you."

"Akechi..." The android speaks weakly. "He's right. They won't preserve my memories."

Akira touches a few spots on his own head, dismissing his flesh to show his white, internal robotic structure. Goro hates to admit it, but it does scare him for a moment. Robots with their internal components revealed remind him of the... doctors that operated on his mother and failed to save her.

"You're okay, Detective. I know it's scary at first." Akira coughs out a laugh, then smiles. "I need you to save Yusuke for Sakura. She needs him. He needs her. But only you can do this."

Goro swallows. "What do you mean, Akira?"

"What I'm asking you to do will probably destroy me, but they'll issue another robot to you. You'll be fine." The white face of his form is smiling and Goro's heart sinks to his belly. What a selfless man...

"But... it won't be you." The detective's mouth feels dry as he continues. "I was beginning to enjoy our partnership. And... your memories, Akira."

"I have an idea for that, too. Just help me get to Yusuke before it's too late."

"Understood."

The detective moved Akira against the wall beside Yusuke. The other android's form was quiet. Akechi pulled out the pallet knives from the android's hands.

"What do we need to do to save him?" Akechi watches his android slowly. Only parts of his face reveal the white shell beneath. The detective assumes it's because of his own initial reaction to his full white face. Akira's trying to be careful not to scare him.

"He needs to drink my thirium. When we remove the knife from my neck, it will pour out rather fast." Akira continues, telling Goro that the model that Yusuke is cannot be replaced because it's running on older parts. He talks about the transfer of thirium and its healing capabilities, and what will happen to Akira's body if too much thirium leaves his body.

Now it's all up to Akechi.

Akechi presses Yusuke's face and the android turns to his hand. "Yusuke... we are officers. We want to help you. Are you able to move?"

Yusuke nods.

"Akira, my partner, says you need his thirium. I'm going to pull out the blade and place his neck on your lips. Do you think you can drink?"

He nods again.

Akechi positions Yusuke up to drink, and Akira lowers himself to his lips. "Are you ready for me to remove it, Akira?"

"Yes. Thank you for doing this." As Akechi places his fist around the pallet knife, Akira places his own hand on his.

"You can do this, Goro. I believe in you. I trust you." Akira moves his hand and places it on the detective's lap.

Akechi swallows as his own emotions build up. His eyes tear up, then he pulls the knife out of Akira's neck. He tilts Yusuke's head up and open, then witnesses the weaker android's throat bob quickly as he swallows down Akira's blood. He keeps Akira's kneeling body steady as the process continues.

Akira is making soft sounds of pain as Yusuke locks his mouth around the wound. Akira's hand falls to Goro's lap and squeezes methodically. The weaker android sucks down the thirium eagerly and Akechi can see the LED on his temple begin to light up again.

"How much does Yusuke need to be okay?"

"Little... more...." Akira says weakly. "He's... almost there."

Akechi watches Yusuke's hands as the wounds begin to close.

"Amazing..."

Yusuke shoves away from Akira in a brisk motion, panting. It's over, then.

Immediately, Akechi pulls Akira into his arms. His eyes flutter and his sensor dims. The detective brings his hand to his face and Akira's cheek follows him.

"Are you okay? Will you make it through the blood loss?"

Akira nods and smiles. "It will take a long time to recover. I'll need to get back to my storage pod at the station soon."

Akira tears his gaze from Akechi's eyes and looks to Yusuke.

The detective asks what the android could not, "How are you feeling?"

"Better." Yusuke speaks slowly and clearly. "Perfect, almost. I'm worried for Futaba. I... don't think I'll be able to see her for a while. I'll be arrested, if I'm lucky. If I'm unlucky, destroyed."

Goro looks away from him to the android barely hanging on in his arms.

"I'm sorry, Yusuke."

Akechi presses Akira's hair out of his face and watches the skin covering his internal white chassis move and reappear in different spots.

"We could... let him escape." Akechi says in a quiet voice.

Akira's eyes open slightly.

"I've worked on enough cases. They'll destroy you, Yusuke. You're a safety problem. But... if we let you run away, you're on your own."

Akira's hand grips his arm. "Akechi... we..."

"I know, I know. We could run through the correct motions of advocating for him to be released. But there's not guarantee it will work. And Sakura needs him."

Yusuke says, "But Futaba won't be able to see me if I'm on the run..."

Goro didn't consider that. He must not be thinking clearly. How can Yusuke support Sakura if he can't communicate with her? The room stays silent, save for the detective's breathing and his partner's own mechanical buzzing. Akira must be in quite a state...

Akira speaks gently, "Surrender yourself, Yusuke. With Sakura... seeing you alright will put her mind at ease."

Yusuke nods. "I understand. For her, I would do anything."

Akira's dark eyes twinkle before hiding behind his eyelids again. When he opens them again, his eyes lock on Akechi.

"They will review my footage... I got too angry and... busted into the room without permission. They may destroy me anyway." Akira's hand slips in between Akechi's to guide him. The android leads Akechi's fingers to disable the skin on his face, then press a button on the side of his face, right below where his cheekbone would be.

The white mold of his forehead releases and lifts above his forehead, showing the innermost wires, circuit boards, and storage components, all lightly coated in thirium.

"Avoid my optical component, but grab the small drive above my left eyebrow."

"I... see it." Akechi hovers his hand above the port.

"Akechi, hold onto this. Make sure no one destroys it. I need this personality and memory to better communicate with you... to remember our struggles and learn from our mistakes. Give it to your next android assignment."

"Will I see you again?"

Akira smiles and looks up to Akechi, plagued with teary eyes. "With that component, you will."

"This isn't goodbye, I swear it." Tears fall onto Akira's white interior.

"I know." The android places his hand around his partner's wrist with a smile. "I'll be waiting."

Akechi grits his teeth and pulls the card out of the port. Akira's eyes lose their shine and he falls rigid in the detective's arms. He immediately boots back up, sits up, and pushes away from the detective. His LED remains a constant blue.

"My name is Akira. I'm the android sent by Yokubō Industries."

"Hello, Akira," He continues through tears and sniffles. "I am Goro Akechi, a detective of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. We are partners."

"Understood." The android looked around the room slowly. "Can you debrief me on what's happened here?"

Akechi explained the situation calmly. Akira seemed to ignore the tears in his eyes.

"Let's take this deviant and the man down to the bottom floor. I'll take care of the body of the older man. Can you cuff and walk the deviant down the stairs?"

"I can," Akechi answered shortly, and shoved the Akira's component into the breast pocket of his blazer.

As Akira lifted Madarame onto his shoulder and carried him out of the room, Yusuke grabbed Akechi's hand.

"Detective... please, take my personality component out. Give it to Futuba. I don't want to forget her. Please, help me."

"I..." Goro stutters and takes a step back, but Yusuke follows.

"Detective, please. You're my last resort. I want to make sure she's okay." His eyes glance to the doorway Akira just walked out of. "Just like how your partner android wants to keep you safe, too."

Akechi locks eyes with the android's deep irises. A dark emotion settled in the pit of Goro's stomach. There was such panic, such fear in Yusuke's eyes.
"Okay. Stay still."

His delicate fingertips trace the forehead of the android and dissolve the artificial skin. The plate lifts, and the investigator tugs the chip out in one swift motion.

The rebooting again, the rigid motions as Yusuke moves to stand.

"Hello. I am an LM100 model. Are you my owner?"

"No, my name is Goro Akechi. I am a detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. You have been involved in a case and are a suspect. I have to take you in for questioning. Please turn so I can cuff you.

"Your name is Yusuke. Your owner, Futaba Sakura, is on the bottom floor. She's very concerned about you."

The android turns and tucks his hands behind his back."Ah... Futaba. Yes."

Akechi locks the cuffs into place and leads the man down the stairs.

~~~

The rest of the evening proceeds as expected.

Yusuke is taken to headquarters for questioning and Akira is also returned there to retrieve data. After giving Sakura Yusuke's personality chip, Akechi follows them to headquarters.

On the motorcycle ride there, he has the doomed thought that the scientists may retrieve what Akechi said about telling Yusuke to run, but his trust in his partner is high. He's sure his companion wiped that from his memory.

He arrives at headquarters and goes immediately to the new science and research area designated for Yokubō. He asks the men and women in white coats where his partner is. One interrupts their research to tell him that they are extracting data and it could be a few hours. The detective then asks if Akira will be okay and another scientist pipes up with a laugh saying that "the bot would be fine after a full memory wipe."

Akechi can wait. This is the man that saved his life, after all. The detective isn't quite sure he's processed that yet.

Once the prodding is done, Akira is wheeled to the recently installed pod area in the building. Akechi watches as scientists of Yokubō stand Akira's lifeless form up in the pod, then push large plugs into the base of his neck. The pod is closed, then fills with thirium. The robot becomes suspended in the liquid, and it reminds Akechi of some cheap sci-fi film where aliens are harvested and kept in tubes.
The scientists leave Akira once he is floating. Akechi stays and approaches the device. He puts his hand against the glass, and the thirium makes the whole machine feel so cold.

Part of him hoped for Akira's hand to join his on the glass like in a cheesy romance film, but Akira remains lifeless. He really is losing his mind now.

The investigator sits beside the pod and leans against it. He puts his briefcase in front of his chest and wraps his arms around it. Within the first hour, he is fast asleep against the glass.