Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Feeling the rumble of the train slow, Ren peeks open his eyes, gazing out the nearby window. This was his stop, his head keeping his gaze toward the ground as he fought through the flow of people, having to push through the incoming people to exit. Pulling up a detailed navigation application on his phone and inputs the given address from a clipping of paper he had been holding onto throughout the ride. He had been walking on autopilot until he reached a less busy part of the station, leaning on a nearby pole until the directions on his phone had finished loading.

Walking into the back alley, he occasionally catches his reflections of himself in the puddles of recent rain staring back at him with golden- almost glowing eyes. He didn’t pay it too much mind because he was tired from the trip to his new living arrangements for the next year. Finally reaching the gate with the nameplate that read Sakura , ringing the bell only once and quietly waiting in front of the home.

Waiting for an answer.

Feeling the coldness of the mist.

Watching those gold eyes. 

His reflection in the windows of the building.

Until his thoughts were disturbed by a delivery man walking by. 

“If you're looking for Sakura, he runs a cafe nearby.” Then the man continues walking away, minding his own business. The man had already disappeared before Ren could thank him. Ren slowly made his way through more back alleys of Yongen-Jaya before coming across the lone cafe, Leblanc. He could already smell the spice of curry and the aroma of coffee just standing before the door.

The man behind the bar counter seemed cold, that seemed understandable because of how empty the cafe was despite it being a rather prime time for any place that were to serve such comforting foods. When Ren enquired about where a Sojiro Sakura was, and finding out that he was him, his cold demeanour was understood in even more light; taking in someone with a criminal record as Ren- even if he did the ‘right’ thing in that moment, but whether it was right it not; he was still in this situation nevertheless.

Being shoo-ed to the upper floor of the cafe- revealed to be the attic that hadn’t been used in a while to say the least, Ren had just stood there at the top of the stairs for several minutes just looking around the room before him. On occasion he’d lock eyes with his reflection in the window directly across from him while glancing around the room, and perhaps by sheer curiosity, he had the urge to wave at it. Awkwardly pulling his hand up, he waves toward his golden-eyed self in the window. It stares back with a curious gaze in its eyes and a smile upon its face before waving back, a little too delayed for comfort. Ren doesn’t know what to do with this information- should he be scared? Has he gone insane? 

Not knowing what to do, he averted his gaze with the reflection to focus on his dusty room. Sneaking back downstairs to grab the cleaning supplies in the nearby bathroom before beginning to clean up his attic, albeit quite slowly at first for he was quite overwhelmed with the sheer size of this room; it was quite bigger than the one in his hometown anyway. Hours had passed and before he knew it the sun had set. Sojiro had closed up for the night and went to go check in on Ren who was quite absorbed in his mind while wiping the dust away on the workbench.

“Oh you’re cleaning?” Sojiro stated, his tone made it seem like a question. Ren quickly turned around because of how sudden he heard Sojiro, even hiding the dusty cloth behind his back from his habits at home. 

“Uh- yeah!” He quickly sputters out. “I-it was quite dusty and so I thought I should clean a bit before heading to sleep...” He quietly trails off, watching the reflective surface of the water in the bucket nod and smile at him.

“Well, be sure to be up early tomorrow.” He begins to descend the stairs. “We’re heading to Shujin highschool.” His tone was still cold but perhaps it seemed less frigid than during the afternoon? That reflection just shrugged at him, it (he?) wasn’t even trying to imitate Ren’s actions anymore it seems.

Placing the cleaning equipment back where he’d found it, he collapses onto his mattress. Turning onto his back, he locks eyes once again with the reflection, this time on the television’s dark screen. 

“Are you just gonna watch me?” He spoke to his golden-eyed counterpart. It smiled for a second then shrugged. Ren sighed as his eyes became heavy. When he opened them shortly after, it seemed he was in an entirely new room. Met with the new environment in all its azure glory, at least the singer and the pianist calmed his nerves- even if it was only slightly. 

“Hey! Inmate!” He flinched at suddenly hearing something of a child yell at him. Glancing down he was certainly in prison clothes suited for such a title as an ‘inmate’. Looking over at where the words came from, his view was met with three beings; he wouldn’t call them human necessarily, especially the one with a long nose who was seated and patiently waiting for him. Concerned with the thoughts of insanity or this merely being a random dream his tired mind had concocted, he only partially listened to the drivel he heard from the long nosed man who introduced himself as Igor- though the twins before him didn’t seemingly appreciate his absentmindedness on the matter. This Igor mentioned something about fate and how something, something metaverse. Ren didn’t think much of it past ‘huh, this is a weird dream.’ And he couldn’t wait to actually go to sleep when he was finally dismissed.

— Morning, April 10th —

Sojiro’s curry is the best!   :00 I get it every day?!

I'm hearing random voices out of nowhere now I guess too... 

Ren got ready, trying his best to ignore the awkward gaze of his reflection that has been watching him since yesterday. His reflection seemed quite amused when they locked eyes with one another, so Ren’s been only keeping it (him?) in his peripheral vision. 

When he arrived onto the main floor and cafe portion of Leblanc, Sojiro was waiting behind the bar with a fairly large portion of curry waiting in front of him. 

“What’s with that look?” Sojiro asks, his gaze is rather piercing. Ren quickly goes to sit and eat. The first few bites were absolutely enchanting. 

“This is the best thing I’ve had in my life!” Ren proclaims, which is likely accurate and not just mere exaggeration. Ren catches a grin from Sojiro as he swiftly finishes the food.

The radio fills the stiff silence on the busy traffic-filled road. The news mentioned another accident with the subway trains derailing; too often have they been occurring for a mere accidental incident. Staring out the window he once again sees his playful reflection appearing like it (he?) were listening in closely, as if it could hear the radio within the car. Upon seeing the school in the distance from the car, Ren gets this sudden sense of foreboding, he successfully keeps his outward appearance in a neutral expression while suppressing the feeling in his mind. 

He feels the car shift to a halt before watching Sojiro open the door, signaling to himself to also begin exiting. The teacher seemed nice at least, was his initial thought that calmed his nerves ever so slightly. The principal gave him the same words that everyone for the past week or so had said to him at least twice over; “any slip-up and you’re gone.” A simple threat it was, but that was to be expected from his circumstances. 

Thou shouldn’t learn such things as normal.

Ren’s arm flinched at the sudden loud voice seemingly booming in his head. Carefully looking around, it seems the three adults in the room hadn’t noticed any such noise despite how loud it was. Then looking past the principal’s shoulder, he noticed that same reflection cheekily grinning back at Ren.

Did mine own voice surprise thou?  It places a hand over its mouth as if it’s politely giggling.

I-! Yeah. Who are you?  

Ren tried to reply back with his thoughts but his question was left unanswered. Snapping back to his surroundings as the teacher is handing his ID to him. He caught a glimpse of a suspicious advert but paid not much more mind to it as she quickly re-pocketed the brightly coloured paper. Sooner than later, they were back on the road with seemingly double the traffic than on their way to the school. Annoyed, Sojiro turns to Ren.

“You’re taking the subway starting tomorrow.” 

“Mn.” He nodded his head in agreement. It’s not like he’s in any position to ask for anything different, he was already indebted to him because he was allowed to live in his cafe’s attic, he wouldn’t ask for more even if he could. Feeling that the conversation within the vehicle had ended, he begins to stare off into the passing buildings. He made a short glance at his reflection in the passenger-side mirror, silver eyes stared back; his reflection was normal. A blink, and it once again has gold eyes that stared back at him. Maybe he was still tired from the excitement of a big city? Hopefully it was just that and nothing more. As soon as they make it back to Leblanc, Ren immediately dashes upstairs to his bed. Watching that damn reflection until his eyes can’t bear to be open any longer. 

— Early Morning, April 11th —

First day of school

And the Metaverse?

Waking up to the alarm on his phone- Ren wouldn’t trust himself to rise naturally at such an early morning- he finds a curious application that had suddenly appeared on his phone. 

“I don’t recall having downloaded an app like this?” He mumbles to himself. Turning off his phone he catches another glimpse of that golden eyed reflection. “Is this your doing?” He asked. The reflection cocks its head to the side before shaking it in disagreement. 

Thou should be leaving soon, no?

Ah! Right. It’s still early but the subway scheduling might be off because of the recent incidents. Running out the door after a (perhaps too quickly) consumed breakfast, he makes it to his proper stop within the station. He looks over the route he has to take, of which that same curious app chews at his focus- Ren doesn’t click into it because he worries that it might be some sort of malware or virus that was suddenly imported onto his phone or something. He suppresses his curiosity of that app while boarding the train. Instead he stares off, thinking about how much of a drag school’s gonna be for the next year, filled with those same cold glares he’s gotten for his false record.

Arriving at Shibuya, he needed to find a Ginza Line. Walking around the station, his only passage to Ginza here is in maintenance… just his luck. Still walking around the station, he’s beginning to question whether or not he’s lost before finally finding the stairs to the upper floor and then longer than he’d be willing to admit, just finding the mere sign for Ginza line that wasn’t locked behind the janitorial staff. 

“Finally…” he sighed in relief. Though something seemed off. There wasn’t any movement he was sensing even though the paths were packed full of people mere moments prior. Looking around, a mass of blue flames caught his eye. Caught off guard he quickly looked around, no one was moving- like time had stopped around him. Then he had looked into the reflection of his phone’s screen, silver eyes staring back. His own proper reflection, and not that of whoever or whatever had been tormenting him the last couple days.

I don’t want any part of this. He thinks to himself and promptly turns away from the blue flames.

He’s almost arrived at his school. Though it is very unfortunate that it had begun to rain, likely thanks to his non-luck. 

Quite the track record it has today. He muses. 

Temporarily shielding himself from the rain, he stops in front of a nearby shop with an overhanging roof. He hadn’t realized he stood next to another person until someone in a vehicle pulled over in front of him, they even offered him a ride. Caught off guard, he briefly answered with a simple refusal- the rain was likely going to let up soon anyway.

Watching that man roll up his windows, Ren was quickly face-to-face with that golden-gazed reflection. Whose head was tilted to the side, almost questioning his decision. Ren paid it (him?) no mind. Watching the car go on ahead, a boy with blonde hair runs up to him, with quite the bit of curses spilling from his mouth. All of these curses seemingly directed to a Kamoshida person, a sudden sharp pain tinges his head.

He follows the boy in blonde, because they happen to be in the same year of the same school but also because he seemed to know the area much more well than Ren did. Winding through a plethora of back alleys; in one of them, Ren caught a glimpse of an unnatural red from a puddle- or he thinks he did upon turning towards it but saw nothing out of place before dashing to catch up to that blonde, of which he should probably learn that guy’s name. 

Finally able to catch up to him, it appears that both of them stand before a- in the blond’s terms, “badass effin castle.” 

“Did we take a wrong turn?” Ren asks, mostly because he’s completely new to the area and cities are big and full of new (and odd) things. 

“Uh no? The sign says Shujin right there.” The blond points to the sign at the entrance. “Man this must be a school-wide prank or something?” 

“Oh okay. Weird design they went with.” The blond laughs at that response. “I guess we go in?” 

“For real?” 

“Yeah…” Ren pauses, looking at those doors, then back at the other guy. “By the way, what was your name again?” He asks quite apologetically. 

Thou art hopeless… The voice jokingly commented in his head.

Shush you! Ren replied back in his head.

“Dude. I told you while it was raining.” 

“I know…” 

“The name’s Ryuji Sakamoto.” 

“Okay Sakamoto,” Ren tested out the name, “let’s do this.” And with that, side by side they enter the front doors of the castle.

…And then very quickly into a shared cell of their own. Then having a few moments to process their current situation, panic ensues. 

“Holy shit! This is real. Dude!” Sakamoto is freaking out. Ren is also freaking out, but he begins racking his brain for solutions, feeling the wall for perhaps a secret exit or- something! Sakamoto also begins looking around the room for hints or ideas; ways to escape their cell- his eyes appear to stop on the chains on the left side wall. Another panicked curse left his mouth. 

Ren watches both a panicked Sakamoto, and the guards on the other side of those bars walking around. Some of them seem to be hurrying along while others appear to be stationed just outside the cell. Having no other options, he eventually walks up to the jail cell bars and tries to communicate with one of the nearby stationed guards.

“Uhm…” Ren starts, pulling the attention of one of the guards. “Why are we here?” 

“Because our King -” Ren couldn’t tell if the exaggeration was because of enthusiasm or disdain, “- said to ‘capture any annoying little disturbances.’” 

“Oh? And who’s the king of this castle?” Ren asks. 

“I am.” The sudden different voice made Ren step back a couple times. 

“Kamoshida?!” Sakamoto looks shocked, his eyes bulging for a second before anger sets into his features. 

“Our king.” The nearby guards bow in Kamoshida’s presence. 

“Oh this is such bullshit!” Sakamoto spat. Kamoshida pulls up his left arm from beneath his robes, slowly putting two fingers together before the sound of a snap rings out. One guard promptly opens the door while two pull out their spears upon entering the already small room. 

A spear at each of their throats, Kamoshida(?) begins laughing at their predicament. Then he pulls a sword out of nowhere. Maybe there stood a guard where Ren couldn’t see? But that didn’t matter- their lives were at risk at the moment because Ren could tell that these spears and that sword spelt danger for their heads. 

Art thou ready to fight for the truth?

Ren was desperate. Finding that voice among the crowd of thoughts within his head. 

Please! He asked. What do I need to do!?

‘I am thou’

I am thou?

With conviction.

I am thou!

Thou art I. 

Thou art I!

And with those words, a bright blue flame and a sharp pain stabs at his head. His hands felt up his face, feeling something solid that wasn’t there before.

A mask?

Take off thy mask and call mine name.

Clawing around the accessory he finds the upper pointed edge. Pulling upon it and what felt like ripping the skin off his face- it hurt like hell but it also felt a little pleasant.

“Arsene!”

It felt like his actions were second nature when the battle came- or maybe that was the rush of adrenaline talking, but he was crushing these enemies with the help of this Arsene fellow. As soon as the battle ended, he swiped the keys up and pulled a still shocked Sakamoto out of the cell, locking Kamoshida there instead. 

When the shock of it all had run through its course, they had been casually walking around the many corridors of the place.

“Dude. That was, Amazing!” Sakamoto smiled widely, “how’d you do that?”

“I- I don’t know?” Ren pulled his arm to feel around for his mask. It still sat on his face so he only tapped it twice. “I think it had something to do with this?” 

“Yeah dude, your clothes changed and everything.” 

“Eh? They did?” Ren gave Sakamoto a confused look.

“Nevermind.” Sakamoto shakes his head “We should find a way out.”

“Mn.” Ren agreed.

They began to slow down, likely from exhaustion setting in. Ren was trying his best not to show such exhaustion both in his expression and his gait but he could certainly feel that their pair was slowing down quite a bit. 

It’s because thou hath awakened to a Persona.

The voice- Arsene’s voice was quieter this time- as if he was whispering. Perhaps, Ren surmised, he was also tired from today.

A Persona? Is that what you are?

Correct.

But I believe thou art tired out too much for the proper explanation.

You’d be ri-

“Ren?” Sakamoto asks. Snapping Ren back to the present.

“Sakamoto?” 

“Dude, I think this is a dead end.” 

“Mn. I guess so.” Ren looks around, though something in the corner of his eye catches his attention. A small black cat-like creature behind those same silver bars that they’d been locked behind in the last hour. “Actually…” he trails off, walking towards the dark furball. Sakamoto follows closely behind him.

“Is- is that a cat?” Sakamoto asks.

“I am not a cat!” He angrily mews. “Wait! You guys aren’t guards here?! Can you let me out?” He demands, smacking its paws on the bars. The bars barely reverberate from those hits. 

“Do you know how to leave?” Ren asks the not-cat. 

“Of course! Let me out and I’ll show you.” 

“Dude, there’s no way we can trust it. It might run off on us.” Sakamoto points out. But Ren was already fishing around his pockets for the keys that they made way with back in their own cell. Then he remembers that they threw the keys into the lake in a hurry. 

Fine. He huffs in his mind. 

Pulling out a small hair clip from the back of his head- his hair in that area puffed a bit back. “Watch for enemies.” He simply tells Sakamoto. 

“Are you going to pick that lock??” Ren couldn’t tell if he was confused or amazed. 

“Oooh, a proper phantom thief are you?” The cat-but-not-really said. 

“I’m going to try.” He says as he leans into the lock, listening in for a comforting click as the door becomes able to be opened. “There.” He swings the door open widely for the not-cat. Still bent down though, he reaches to pet the ‘cat’, which surprisingly accepts it- only for Ren though, as when Sakamoto tried, the walking furball immediately backed away. 

Making conversation while the not-cat lead them towards the exit, Ren begins to ask simple questions.

“So, do you have a name?” Being one of the only questions that the not-cat would answer as many of his other questions returned with only silence.

“It’s Morgana.” He replied, seemingly in an irritated tone. 

So hostile…

Thou, too, would be if thou had been trapped here for a long time.

I- Fair enough. He inwardly shrugged.

“So you guys will be a part of my plan, right?” Morgana says out of the silence. It seems they’ve walked into a safer room than that of those winding corridors.

“Eh? What plan-” Ren starts.

“We never agreed to that!” Sakamoto interrupts. 

“Huh? But I went through all the trouble of showing you the exit…” 

“We! Let you out of the cage.” Sakamoto complained. 

“Yeah? I could've just told you the way to the exit.” Morgana argued back. Ren could practically see the sparks flying from these two. 

“Okay, okay.” Ren pats the head of Morgana and the shoulder of Sakamoto to intervene in their fight. “At this rate we’ll be late for school so we should get going soon.” He tugs at Sakamoto’s arm. Removing the vent cover, he turns back to a displeased Morgana, “we’ll be back soon.” He waved goodbye to the not-cat, then entered the vent system to the outside, returning to their normal world. 

– Afternoon, April 11th –

“Welcome back to the real world.” A mechanical voice rang out from Ren’s phone.

“What even was that?” Sakamoto asked. They looked back in the direction of the school, which happened to be back to normal by now- no longer in the shape of a castle. Ren shrugged in response. Pulling out his phone, he must’ve pocket-clicked on that app because it was open on the screen when he looked at the device.

There’s no way. He dismissed it as he went to check the time. 

“Oh.” Ren just stared at the digital clock on his phone.

“What?” Sakamoto asked, his gaze filled with concern.

“We’re really late for class…” Ren shows him the time. 

“Oh sh-” they both dash towards the entrance of the school. Unfortunately for them, two people- assumedly school staff- had been seemingly waiting for their arrival.

Just. 

My. 

Luck.

Ren could sense Arsene’s muted laugh at such the thought and, in a way, it was sort of comforting.

Keeping his gaze towards the ground, he quickly walks past the two adults. Stepping past the ‘infamous’ Kamoshida, Ren could hear him mutter something under his breath but couldn’t tell what. 

Walking into the faculty office, he immediately apologises for being extremely late on his first day of school. It seemed she didn’t believe him but still let it slide as she showed him the way to his assigned classroom just as the bell rang for the next class to begin. As he stood at the front of the class, he could feel the stares and hear the gossip of the entire classroom- each with some mixture of animosity and fear. After introducing himself to the class he saunters over to his assigned seat. Its placement by the window was a nice change to his previous school- or perhaps it was merely luck that the seat was open by chance.

When the last bell of the day had sounded, Ren had waited for the crowd by the doors to disperse a bit before he also left the room. He was casually walking around the school, trying his best not to overhear the wild theories of gossip that his ‘fellow’ classmates had concocted, while also trying to find his way.

Art thou lost?

No I’m not.

Ren finally happens upon the school map.

See? There’s a map right here.

He snaps a picture of the map with his phone, to reference for later of course.

Entering the library, his sheer existence seemed to have affected the already quiet atmosphere to become deafening as the students lingering by the entrance cleared the way for him. The hostile glare from behind the desk was very much apparent, for when Ren asked to borrow a book he was shot down immediately. 

Thy presence seems unwelcomed.

I know that! Ren snaps.

Thou art not alone in this endeavour.

Mn. 

Ren exits the school, changing the subject of conversation.

I don’t have enough money to pick up a book from a store…

I’ll just go home then.

A plan it is, then.

– Evening, April 11th –

Entering the cafe in the late evening, the bell seems to be the only thing that sounds in the whole building. Then the realization that he’s going to be scolded sets in. 

“So.” Sojiro starts, his disappointment is immeasurable but Ren at least can’t sense anger from him. “The school called.” Ren’s gaze faltered, guilty as both sides knew. “Why were you so late on your first day?” 

“I… got lost…” Ren admitted, it was true- albeit partially. Sojiro sighed heavily. 

Thine excuse is difficult to believe.

Look. 

The city is very big, okay?

It’s very easy to get lost. 

“Here.” Sojiro places what seems to be a notebook down on the table. “I’m supposed to be watching your every move but I can’t be bothered with that. So write down everything in this notebook.” Ren accepts the book, grabbing one of the pencils in his bag he begins to fill things out from the previous few days, not leaving out a single detail- nor the metaverse for that matter.

When Ren finishes recounting all the events, he realizes that Sojiro left like an hour or so ago. Turning off the lights and heading to bed… or at least sitting on the bed. Gazing outside the window until his eyes focused on the reflection that stared back. He just froze.

Petit voleur? Arsene tilted his head to the side in the window’s reflection.

I see you aren’t trying to look like me anymore.

Oh.

The fire on his face..? Dimmed a bit.

Would thou prefer it if I looked more like thee?

Oh uhm… no I prefer you like this.

I was just surprised, that was all.

To that response, Arsene’s flames burned brighter in the reflection.

Art thou not tired?

Mm…

Not tired enough to sleep.

Can you explain the whole thing with personas and stuff?

I’m afraid that I’m not quite as knowledgeable as thee thinks on a subject such as that.

Then would you mind telling me what you know of?

Thou hast essentially called me, subconsciously so, from the sea of souls some time ago.

Oh? How long?

I’m afraid I cannot answer that. I hadn’t been able to see through thine eyes until recently.

Around when thou began to take note of thy reflection.

Ren puts his hand up to the window, not quite touching the glass but the sentiment was there. Arsene returned such action as he put his claw around the same spot as Ren did his hand.

That is rather recent. 

Perhaps around a couple weeks ago?

Okay, so then what’s with the whole magical things in this metaverse?

Art thou willing to brave such a place again tomorrow?

Perhaps.

Ren removes his hand from the window, reaching for his phone to check the time.

It’s getting late. 

‘Night Arsene.

Sleep well mon voleur.

— Early Morning, April 12th —

Learning more about the metaverse… from a cat?

This morning was rushed, as was it becoming the normal for school mornings. Ren gets ready for the day as fast as he can while Arsene keeps him on schedule and out the door quickly. They made it on the train in time, able to squeeze into the people-container of a vehicle just before the doors closed him in. 

Okay. Note to self, wake up earlier. He sighs, as he’s being pushed against the wall of the train by the masses.

Noted.

Thanks, Arsene. Ren laughs inwardly.

Eventually being able to exit the train, he heard a familiar voice catch up to him. 

“Yo! Ren-ren!” Ren felt a very forceful pat around his shoulder. 

“Ren-ren?” He turns around, seeing Sakamoto— or would it be better to refer to him as Ryuji now— next to him. 

“Yeah. I’ve decided that’s your nickname now.” He laughs, “pretty good huh?” 

“Sure is.” Ren cracks a smile at him.

“Hey so,” Ryuji quickly glances around them, “what was with yesterday? You remember right?” 

“The stuff with the castle?” 

“Yeah!” He seemingly perks up even more. “Since then my reflection has been looking weird.”

“Eh?!” Ren stops in his tracks. “What do you mean by that?” 

Think Ryuji will awaken a persona? Ren pokes at Arsene.

Likely.

I sense the presence of one nearby.

“Like my reflection has these weird- but cool- yellow eyes now.” He paused. “I think yours did yesterday too.” 

“Oh…” Ren manages an awkward laugh. “That’s odd.” 

“Anyway, can we go back into that castle?” Ryuji said full of excitement. 

“Uhm, if we find out why it happened first, then sure?”

“Sweet!”

— After School, April 12th —

Before meeting up with Ryuji, Ren makes another attempt at borrowing a book at the library. Upon entering the room he can feel even more glares than last time. He awkwardly shuffles over to a student behind the main librarian desk. 

“Can I borrow this book?” Ren quietly asks, placing the book on the table. She gives a quick glance over the book, then goes back to glaring at him.

“Fine. Be sure to return it eventually.” She replies irritatedly while pushing the book back towards him. 

“Thanks!” He bowed his head slightly before placing the book in his bag and quickly exiting the room. Those looks were really suffocating after all. 

What was the book thou has obtained? Arsene suddenly spoke up. 

It’s about you.

Arsène Lupin, Gentlemen Thief.

Interested in reading, are you?

Perhaps a bit.

Kindly, don’t spoil it for me then.

A sudden laugh escapes Ren as he is walking down the stairs. He got a couple odd looks from nearby students but nothing beyond that. 

“Ryuji!” He waves from the doors of the school, seeing the blonde sitting on the school’s stairs waiting for him. 

“Ren-ren, what took you so long?” 

“Nothing much, just went to get a book from the library.”

“Well c’mon! Let’s go!” Ryuji began pulling Ren around the nearby backstreets, walking back to the school each time. Furthering Ryuji’s confusion as to why it isn’t working by the 8th time they’ve arrived back at a normal looking school. By some miracle, not even an hour has passed since they’ve begun walking around at random. Though, when Ren was about to place his phone back in his pocket, Ryuji swiped it from his hand.

“Didn’t it make this weird claim last time? Something about coming back to the real world?” 

“Uh. maybe?” Ren tries to reach for his phone back but Ryuji keeps pushing his hand away while flipping through this and that.

“Dude, what’s with this weird app.” Ryuji shows him that same curious application that appeared one night on his phone, detailed with a creepy red eye as the logo. 

“Dunno. It just appeared one day.” Ren shrugged. “Can I have my phone back now?” 

“Weird.” Ryuji clicks into the app. “Oh- this is it.”

“... is it?” 

“Yeah it has a history function and Kamoshida’s in it.” He clicks on the name as he said that. Right before their eyes, the school morphed into that castle they saw yesterday. Looking back at Ryuji, his hand pointing back at Ren.

“Ren-ren. Your clothes changed.” 

“Oh.” He puts one arm out, with a bit of dramatic flair of course, “the gloves are pretty nice. Good leather.” He also sees the cat-shaped being in the distance. The pair walks towards the area that was yesterday’s makeshift exit, over to Morgana.

“You guys are back?” Morgana seemed surprised.

“Told you we’d be back.” Ren said.

“We’re not here for you.” Ryuji immediately argues with the not-cat.

“We’re not here to pick a fight with Morgana either.” Ren scolds Ryuji. “You said you recognized some of the people here, remember?” 

“Yeah! Okay let’s go!”

Morgana ended up following them, begrudgingly of course. Merely to show Ren the ropes of the metaverse he claimed was his reason. After hiding in the safe room for a short while, and after Ryuji showing them that model gun—

Of which it seemed thou was quite impressed with it’s quality.

Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?

That was great detail on such a small gun. A shame that it’s Ryuji’s.

Then Ryuji passed him the model gun. When Morgana mentioned that it could in fact function in the metaverse, Ren immediately perked up. After that excitement died down a bit; waiting in this glitchy room was a bit boring after all, Ren taps a couple times to his mask.

What doth thou need?

Can you just come out for a moment?

Something’s been bothering me.

Of course.

Arsene materialized; casually sitting on one of the desks that was pushed aside, his wings folded so he didn’t take up too much space.

“Ren-ren? Why did you summon your persona?” Ryuji quickly asked.

“Yeah, it’s safe here after all.” Morgana looked at Arsene, then back at Ren in confusion.

“It’s not about danger.” Ren says, walking to the side of Arsene, looking closely in the details of his wings. His eyes catching on a loose feather so clearly out of place. “Can you extend your wings please?” He did so, flinching at the feeling of Ren’s hand there. It only took a moment of Ren carefully tugging at the feather- being sure that he wasn’t hurting his partner- before the fairly large feather was in his hands. 

“… Y’know what, I’m not even gonna comment on that.” Ryuji says as he’s watching this unfold. Morgana too, was silent.

“Was that all?” Arsene looks over to Ren. Who was looking confusedly at the large feather. 

“Why does it also have the curse affinity?” Ren asks, examining the feather. “It’s a feather. How.” Arsene begins laughing, enveloping Ren with his wings. “It does an abnormal amount of damage for it being a feather!” Arsene moves closer to Ren, taking the feather from his hands.

“Watch.”

He changes the hold on the feather with his claws, delicately holding it like a dart. Then throwing it against the opposite wall of the room. Upon impact, it sticks cleanly out on the wall. Ren- silently amazed- looks at the feather-dart, then at Arsene. Morgana and Ryuji are both at a loss for words at the scene that has been unfolding before them.

Eventually Morgana gains back his composure, making a sound against the table to gather everyone’s attention once more. 

“The guards left a while ago. We should get going.” Morgana points to the door. 

“Oh! Right.” Ren’s mask re-materializes onto his face again.

…

Having each of the members of the sports teams that were under Kamoshida’s ‘control’ in the makeshift torture chamber memorized, the group run towards the exits of the palace. Only to be caught by that damned Kamoshida. 

“Arsene!”

“Zorro!”

“Blondie! Get out of here. You can’t fight.” Morgana yells toward Ryuji, barely holding off a line of shadows.

“Run!” Ren tells him, shielding him from another hit. 

He doesn’t, he just picks up a few frayed feathers from the ground. Carefully aiming for his target. He pushes those feathers ahead. Aimed for Kamoshida’s head. They would’ve hit the target, that is if he didn’t catch it first. “Shit!” 

Where are all of these shadows coming from??

I thought we cleared out the damn hallways well.

That won’t matter, thou should pay attention to the battle-!

Arsene- agh!

Far too many guards crowd on this field, they were far outnumbered- far outmatched. The feeling of cold metal against his throat and warm blood dripping down the side of his shoulder was a foreign feeling, and one he hoped to never get used to. The phantom pain that was attached to Arsene- looking over at his partner, a blade straight through his leg. He didn’t bleed himself, but Ren couldn’t stand well on that same leg. He snatched a glance at Morgana and Zorro, their situations weren’t ideal either. Calling back Arsene, he tries to reposition himself, he was able to at least worm his way out of spear-point- at least, for a short while. As he was backing up, he simply lost his balance. And that was that. The battle seemed hopeless- a for sure loss. The only person left standing was their only noncombatant, who also appeared in pain.

That is a different type of pain thou art seeing.

He’s awakening to a persona.

Sweet! 

Just in time huh.

Ren waits for when Ryuji has ripped off his mask.

“Get ‘em Ryuji!” Ren cheers loudly despite his predicament.

“Captain Kidd!”

Ren watches Ryuji take out the remaining shadows like it was a cakewalk. His persona even sniped the one who held Ren down this whole time. He himself couldn’t get up though, far too beat up for that at the moment.

A bat huh?

It’s not the fanciest but it is very Ryuji.

Blunt damage hurts like hell so it is effective.

I’m not going to ask where thou would know about such things.

…

Let's just say it’s a home thing for now.

I'd rather not say more.

He too also collapses, adrenaline having run its course. Morgana eventually comes over to them, casting media for their injuries. Pulling each other up, they go to leave the palace for the night. 

— Evening, April 12th —

Walking into the quiet cafe once again, it was only Sojiro in the room. He put down the weekly crossword to give a look at Ren, who had been thoroughly ruffed up from the metaverse experience earlier today. 

“Are you getting involved in fights?” He accused Ren.

“Nothing of the sort.” He replies, “I just wanted to pet a local stray, that was all.” Some of the cuts did indeed look like the claws of a cat. Sojiro sighed.

“The first aid is somewhere in the lower cupboards.” Then he goes to leave for the night.

Thou should calm thine heartbeat.

Arsene looked at him worriedly in the distorted reflections of the pots and pans.

You don’t realize how stressful it is to lie to someone’s face, no?

Especially if he were to find out.

Bandaging areas of his arms and upper chest, he feels a heavy weight on his shoulders. It was unexpected but comforting, as he looked back in the reflection of the cooking equipment.

Arsene?

I cannot hug thee at the moment. He pauses, looking away from Ren momentarily.

I would hope that this could suffice for now.

Arsene.

Where’s this coming from?

Arsene goes silent. He no longer feels that extra weight on his body. Ren looks back at the reflection.

It’s normal, with silver eyes.

Arsene??

He didn’t get an answer for the rest of the night.

— After School, April 28th —

They had been slowly making their way through the, very literal, palace. And today was the one and only day they had to steal the cursed desires of the king’s heart. In time, they had picked up another party member; of which happened to be the same girl that he didn’t realize he had stood next to shortly before meeting Ryuji, and given each other code names for inside the metaverse- Ren had absolutely embarrassed himself in picking Ann’s thief name of course- She was Panther, Ryuji was Skull, Morgana was Mona, and he was Joker.

These ‘Velvet room’ people kept nagging him to fuse his personas. Ren especially wasn’t willing to give up his partner for a “stronger persona”. 

“No! Never!” He said when one of the twins merely suggested such atrocity. “Arsene is mine!” He said, quickly turning his back on the room. Though, thinking back, that being- Igor’s smile seemed eerily a little too wide for such a situation. At least, since then Arsene had become in a better mood than in some of the previous weeks.

Sitting within the final safe room before the treasure, they top up their health and stamina with whatever drinks and other items they brought. The corridor before the treasure room was far too suspiciously clear to not take note of.

This feels like a trap.

I agree with thee.

It most certainly does.

But their group begins to carry the oversized crown of a treasure anyway. Regretting their decision almost immediately as the crown gets knocked away from their hands. 

“Now who do you think owns that?” A voice they dreaded to hear at such a moment. 

“Damn it! Kamoshida no one likes you!” Ann cursed. But he didn’t answer back- at least not immediately. His body morphing into something much larger, and certainly much more grotesque. 

“Well… that appearance is rather fitting.” Ryuji stated. Everyone nodded in agreement. 

“You know what time it is.” Ren sighed, tapping his mask.

“Arsene!”

“Zorro!”

“Captain Kidd!”

“Carmen!”

Despite it only being one enemy, he gave the four of them no time to rest in dodging each and every attack he threw back. With quite the annoying accuracy and attention on Ren. Dodging a knife swing one moment, then a few volleyballs the next; his stamina wasn’t holding up as much as he would’ve preferred. 

Arsene.

I have an idea.

Aim at that chalice at his feet.

Soon, an Eiha emerged from beneath the chalice. Damaging that golden sheen and cracking it at the edge of its base. 

“Hey! Don’t touch that!” Kamoshida yelled, swatting his knife at Arsene. Ren quickly pulls out his gun and fires a few shots at it in turn. The others also pitch in in their attacks, and eventually the chalice shatters into many pieces. “You!” He screeches. He goes to stand up, snapping his fingers a few times. “Where’s my damn volleyball? MISHIMA!” A boy from the edge of the room joins the battlefield, passing him the ball before making himself scarce.

Feeling the upcoming attack, all personas were called back as they rematerialized as masks upon their faces. Everyone in a defensive stance as they wait for him to aim and fire.

It was a devastating blow. Ann and Morgana were quickly patching up the damages when Kamoshida had gone back into the stance of waiting for another volleyball. They’ve exhausted most of their items by now, dwindled to the odd drink, bun, or bandage. Another person ran in from the edge of the battlefield, it was Shiho, who began handing Kamoshida ammo for his attacks.

“Aim for Shiho! She’ll be fine outside of the metaverse!” Ren calls to the rest of the group as they prepare to defend against the oncoming killshot. Moments after guarding against the ball, Eihas and Garus, Agis and Zios flashed upon the battle. It didn’t take long for Shiho to be taken down, after all, it seemed that she was weak to all elements. 

Dodging here and there, Morgana notices something.

“Hey Joker!” He calls out, running up to him. He gives a glance at the left-side balcony. which happened to be close to where Kamoshida’s crown lay. Joker catches that glance and nods. 

“Go.” He commands. 

“Make sure to distract him well.” Morgana tells him before quickly disappearing from view.

“Joker-!” 

Ren!-

Ren turns back towards the fight. A moment too late as the golden sheen of Kamoshida’s knife strikes him in the shoulder and then moves to strike again. Arsene couldn’t help with his heavy sense of urgency as he quickly rematerialized to move Ren away. Unfortunately the persona wasn’t fast enough for such split second movements.

The feeling of warm blood dripping down his forehead was foreign. Pain was seemingly dulled for what the injury was, but so was all his senses; his teammates calling his name in worry sounded rather distant, his balance swaying forward but his arms unable to catch himself as he collided with the ground. He felt his blood pool around him.

I failed.

Was his last thought closing his eyes. 

Hearing the distant serenade of the Velvet room, the voice of that long nosed being forced into his mind.

“It seems that fate has run its course.

How unfair that such things were to befall you.

But we are kinder than fate.

Therefore we have given you another chance.

At life. 

At fate.

It is yours to fight.”

—

Feeling the rumble of the train, his eyes snap open. Seeing the emptiness of the room, the lone passenger to the city. He quickly lifts his hand to feel for blood on his head.

He keeps feeling around.

No red colour.

No iron scent. 

No blood dripping.

Just cold sweat.

I… I swear I just died. 

His head is a mess, thoughts flitting by as he slowly processes what had just happened.

Mon petit voleur. Thou did.

Chapter Text

Feeling the rumble of the train, his eyes snap open. Seeing the emptiness of the room, the lone passenger to the city. He quickly lifts his hand to feel for blood on his head.

He keeps feeling around. No red colour. No iron scent. No blood dripping. Just cold sweat.

I… I swear I just died. 

His head is a mess, thoughts flitting by as he slowly processes what had just happened.

Mon petit voleur. Thou did.

The persona pushes feelings of comfort and safety onto Ren.

Ah- Arsene? You’re still here! 

A small thankful tear falls from Ren’s left eye, closest to the window. He quickly wipes it away when he notices it fall onto the screen of his phone. 

It’s the 9th of April?

He eyes the display of his phone in suspicion. In his other hand lies a strip of paper with an address scrawled upon it.

No wait, this certainly happened before. Today’s the day I started living in Leblanc’s attic.

Thou art sure?

Quite. It’s been a month, but the train ride was long and so stressful that I'd remember it any day.

The train had slowed to a stop, Ren shuffling through the mass of people to exit the train. Dragging himself to a more deserted part of the station, he slowly begins to collect his thoughts together. 

If time had gone back a month…

How are you still here?

Why do I still have things from the supposedly upcoming month?

Should I still have memories of a ‘previous life’?

Why did it only repeat this month?

Mon Cher.

Arsene?

Calm thy breathing.

Thou art hyperventilating.

Ren carefully breathes in, and slowly releases that breath. Once, twice, then a few more times.

Thanks.

But of course mon petit voleur.

Well…

What do we do now?

Proceed as normal, or try to alter things here and there?

Perhaps thou should keep in mind how to not lead the situation into thy demise.

…

That too.

They make their way to Leblanc, hesitating at the door.

Go on.

Ren feels Arsene’s comforting weight enveloping his chest.

I am here for thee.

Their interaction went just about the exact same as last time. Sojiro’s piercing gaze was just as cold as Ren’s smile was awkward. Then being shoo-ed to that same dusty attic a second time, at least this time he was able to do it more quickly than last time before Sojiro would check up on him in the evening. Sojiro gave him that same rundown for tomorrow and then left for the night.

Ren sat on his bed in the late evening of the night, the lights were still on as his belongings were sprawled on the ground. He looked at those items; an old student ID, an orange notebook, a few extra drinks, random materials that he’d obtained from the metaverse, among other things. 

This… actually happened before.

Indeed it has. A pause, Arsene looking solemnly at Ren. Mon Cher. Art thou prepared?

…

No…

His reply was that of a whisper. He could feel the carefully attempted embrace of Arsene. Ren turned back over to Arsene’s presence in the window seeing the look on his face; small thin flames where his mouth and eyes are, then Ren saw the ‘mouth’ crack into a small smile. He smiles back.

You’ll help me, Right?

But of course, Mon Cher.

I must ask, Ren looks away from the window, shimmying off of the bed to pick up the various items and placing them back into the bag. You keep throwing around french words, what does it mean? Mon Cher.

…

Ren turned around to see Arsene’s flames had grown, white-coloured fires around his face with new smaller reddish flames cracking around where his cheeks would be.

Arsene?

Wait you-

Really?

He could feel the embarrassment radiating off of Arsene.

Thou should sleep.

It’s getting late.

Wait! You can’t just drop that on me and leave-

A blink, and his reflection returns to normal as silver eyes stare back at him.

Arsene…

He sighed internally. Picking up his phone, he went to search what “mon cher” meant. His cheeks flared when he read the translation. 

He really did.

A comforting thought if he’s honest. They’re in the same situation and well he’s much more caring than anyone he’s met before Tokyo… well maybe like a couple other people fit that thought. Laying back in bed, he just waits for sleep to overtake him. He can still feel Arsene’s presence, just smaller at the moment, perhaps that was his version of rest?

And then the thought popped into his head of a small Arsene curling up in blankets was a very comforting thought, letting his mind wander as he closed his eyes.

— Early morning, April 11th —

Castle-Palace round 2!

Gotta get my team back first though.

Yesterday had proceeded as normal, except for one thing. He recalls the call of the velvet room, that had happened in the previous life- as he’s now referring to it- didn’t happen this time. He just filed it away in his mind because: it’s a place between dreams and reality, he must know of it already.

Despite having done this for about a month, he’s still rushing out the door in a hurry to catch the train. Arsene being his savior as he gets directions in real time. Only able to stop and collect his breathing when he’s fully in the train. Unfortunately not able to get the seat again, he gazes out the window, and focuses on the outline of his persona.

What am I, a personal navigator? Arsene huffs. His arms are crossed as he makes what Ren can only assume was a pouting face.

You’re my personal navigator. Ren smirked at him- trying, and succeeding, to hold down his laugh.

He heard Arsene sigh. What am I to do with thou?

His flames crackle into a smile before looking at the train stopping.

Ren quickly begins moving to exit the station.

Oh right, it’s gonna be raining…

A bit hesitant, but he needs to do this to re-meet Ryuji. Taking the same path he did on that first day, the rain doesn’t take long to pour on him.

… I don’t like the rain.

I assumed as much.

Oh that reminds me,

On the topic of essentially recreating the situations of the past life, how are we gonna do me awakening you again?

Arsene was rendered speechless for a moment.

Because like, we are going to do that, right?

With a flair of dramatics of course.

A required essence of a phantom thief. He states, grinning at Ren in the water’s reflection.

Right, of course.

He stands there waiting, knowing that Ann is standing beside him but not trying to make an effort to interact with her.

Art thou not speaking to Panther yet?

Merely trying to replicate the circumstances.

If that were true, thou would still be wandering the streets.

Hey! How rude.

It’s true~

He says playfully. Ren pouts at him.

The reflection was soon disturbed as Kamoshida had driven up to the curb, a replica of the events played before him. Ann enters the vehicle begrudgingly, and Kamoshida offers him a ride. Ren quickly declines, after all, this was still the ‘canon’ events- and he was technically killed by his hand and that’s far too awkward to sit through. 

I’m so going to try to crush him during the required volleyball game.

Arsene laughs.

I shall help thou out when the time comes.

Physically? 

Or moral support?

Thou shall see.

After all, there’s something I want to test out.

You can’t just leave me in the clutches of curiosity like this! Ren complains. Arsene just does a ghostly pat on his shoulder.

School thine expression.

Skull is here soon.

As if on cue, Ryuji appears behind him. He’s once again spilling curses about Kamoshida- which now knowing what he did, the curses spewed are one hundred percent justified. After their quick introductions, they begin to head to the school. Though, Ryuji seemed to notice something and just froze.

“Sakamoto?” Ren asks.

“Dude, what’s up with your reflection?”

“Huh?” Ren looks at Arsene.

Do you think he can see you already?

Arsene shrugs.

“DUDE! It- it just moved separate from you!”

That answers that I guess…

Means you have to put up with looking like me for now.

Wait- that means Ann could also see you and just decided not to say anything.

Ren looks towards his reflection, now actually looking like him- minus the golden eyes- he turns back to Ryuji.

“A trick of the light?” he asks

“No- I was sure that it wasn’t human.” Ryuji says, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

“You must be tired.” Ren laughs, “well it is the first day of school so that is understandable.”

“But- it still has yellow eyes!”

Note to self, I should probably invest in yellow contacts.

Oh?

Merely to avoid such an interaction like this one.

Ryuji sighs, “well whatever, we should get going.”

“Right.” Ren nods, sneakily pulling out his phone to confirm that they were in the metaverse by now, to which they weren’t- a good thing he went to check as he quickly pressed the button.

Wait… there’s an oversight in our plan.

Thou realized something?

The clothes.

The moment we go over there, my clothes will change to phantom thief attire.

Arsene goes silent. Then, a chill goes up his spine.

Arsene? Have you thought of something?

His question goes unanswered. A little worried, he was, as they strayed closer to the castle with each step. Upon hearing Ryuji’s “woah, that's a badass effin castle.” He knew they'd arrived. 

Being shoved into the cell, he merely played unconscious but, damn those shadows pack a punch. This time he was waiting for Ryuji to wake up, precious time to be able to consult with Arsene, who had been oddly quiet this whole time.

Arsene? He doesn’t feel his presence in his mind.

I am here.

Just busy, wait until the ‘awakening’.

Ren released an unknowingly held breath of relief. He then notices the faint blue outline around him. That must be what has kept his clothes from changing so far. He merely paced around the room until Ryuji woke up. To which he begins panicking- understandable, Ren lets Ryuji panic while he goes bother the guards again. After a lot of verbally pushing the guard (sorry not sorry pixie), Kamoshida enters the scene. He and the guards enter the cell with spears at Ren and Ryuji’s throats.

Art thou ready?

Been waiting.

It’s showtime!

The blue light that had been surrounding him had lessened around his face, a mask quickly coming into view. Ren smirks, placing his hand on one side of the mask, before pulling it off and throwing it into the air. 

“Arsene!”

Just behind him, Arsene materialized with wings enveloping Ren, stretching it out, he threw the guard at Ren’s neck to the wall- just shy of colliding with Kamoshida. The blue outline has faded completely by now, Ren begins ominously pulling his gloves down his hand as he takes echoey steps towards a Kamoshida who’s frozen in place from shock- or perhaps it was Ren’s sheer audacity, not that it mattered of course.

“G-guards!” Kamoshida sputters as he backs away from Ren. Three appear behind him but are easily clawed in half by Arsene. 

“My, stealing the spotlight much?” Ren looks up at Arsene.

“Thou merely wasn’t dramatic enough.” 

“Okay okay~” Ren laughed. Then pulled a blade from his pocket, a small knife without a handle and threw it through the mask of the shadow that held Ryuji. On hit, the shadow dispersed into dust and melded into the floor.

I must thank whoever gave Ryuji this throwing knife last time, he mused.

Grabbing the keys with one hand and Ryuji’s arm in the other, they go to lock Kamoshida in the cell and once again chuck it into the flowing river because that dramatic flair was far too tempting to deny. Ryuji had been singing his praises when he finally snapped out of the shock, but Ren was more worried about his partner at the moment to really listen.

Hey Arsene.

How’re you holding up?

Arsene gives a fairly unintelligible mumble of a response.

Tired? 

Ren smiles, knowing he won’t really get much of a reply, he continues anyway.

Thanks for your hard work this morning. I think we pulled it off.

He pauses, looking around for Morgana’s cell.

Rest for now, I’ll call upon you in the evening then.

Finally locating the cell, it seems they were ahead of schedule because guards weren’t here last time and also the drawbridge was lowered still.

There goes my plan to stay relatively close with ‘canon’. He inwardly sighed.

Not wanting to bother Arsene’s… rest? He just uses his dagger to deal with the shadows this time around. After dispatching the enemies, he casually walks up to Morgana’s cell. The not-cat demands to let him out, and again he pulls out a hairpin to pick the lock. 

— Evening, April 11th —

Everything had, mostly, gone to plan. At least, nothing too different happened this time from last. Sojiro also gave him a notebook before leaving for the night. He’s relayed everything that had happened separate from the previous life in the new book, and also has decidedly numbered the books so as to not confuse them now.

Oh. We’re back.

How long was I resting?

Ren looks at the time on his phone, and Arsene changes his position in the window’s reflection to also see the time.

It’s been several hours.

He turns back to Arsene who’s stretching his wings in the dark reflection. The flames of his eyes were still burning slowly.

Did thou get chewed out by Hierophant again?

Yeah… 

At least it was less so this time, we took a few shortcuts in the metaverse at least. 

What was that about playing close to ‘canon’- as thou had called it.

…

Shush you!

We merely ran into some… unforeseen circumstances.

Arsene laughed as Ren pouted momentarily. Sprawling out onto the mattress and staring back at Arsene in the reflection, he begins to let his mind wander over the events of last April. 

Tomorrow Ryuji should awaken to his persona- Captain Kidd was it?

That would be correct, yes.

After the metaverse I should really ask him about that weapons shop that he apparently goes to.

Thou should indeed.

There are a few other confidants thou should consult.

Most obvious one being Death.

I… He pauses the thought. I kinda don’t want to ingest the mystery blue? Liquid again…

Mon cher, thou must.

We need her assistance in the battles to come.

It’s also so expensive… Ren complains.

Tomorrow, if thou do not talk to Death, I will for you.

Wha? And how do you intend to do that?

Thou shall see. He crosses his arms.

Killing me here…

So cryptic you are.

He doesn’t receive an answer, just a smug look from the persona. Fine. Have it your way.

Test whatever you have planned. If it’s the same way you’re helping me crush Kamoshida’s volleyball record, then it’s fine.

Ren turns over, rolling himself further into the blanket.

'Night Arsene.

Good night mon petit voleur.

— After School, April 12th —

Art thou meeting with Death?

You are being very pushy about that.

I literally just exited the school…

It is important to have healing for battles. To be adequately prepared.

I am quite aware of that, thank you! Ren dips those words thick with sarcasm.

You’re welcome, mon cher~ Arsene grinned at him.

But, ‘tis a shame, the metaverse has been tiring me out… Ren grins back.

I see.

Thou has decided thy choice.

Silence, then a chill erupting around his spine and back. Ren waits to see what Arsene will do.

Then, Ren’s body begins to move without his input.

WHAT. Great alarm pulsates through his body. Arsene!! How did you-

I warned thee.

‘Tomorrow, if thou do not talk to Death, I will for you.’

Arsene… Ren grumbled, only able to watch through his eyes. He does catch a glimpse of his reflection in the windows of a few shops; it’s still Ren’s face, but now he himself had those golden eyes. Good to know the telling signs of a persona’s control over another. 

Thou will still have to talk to Death.

I am merely bringing thou to the destination.

Ren didn’t reply back.

After downing a questionable solution of a liquid, he did finally convince doctor Tae Takemi to help him in his ‘studying’ endeavours. Stumbling back through the door of Leblanc, Arsene had to take over control to be sure that Sojiro wouldn’t suspect anything off. He threw the both of them onto the bed before finally relinquishing control of his body. Ren ended up immediately passing out for the night, he didn’t know when the lights and such were turned off for the evening- not that it mattered, just that he was a little curious.

— After School, April 13th —

“By the way,” Ren nudges Ryuji’s arm, “you haven’t told me where you acquired that model gun.” 

“Oh yeah! I totally forgot about showing you that!” he begins to move from a casual walk, to something of a sprint. “It’s in Shibuya and the train is leaving soon!” It was only thanks to Arsene’s help that Ren was able to keep pace with Ryuji, with him taking control of Ren’s body- with permission, as they agreed that morning. They made it onto the train with a couple minutes to spare.

“So where in Shibuya is it?”

“You’ll see, Ren-ren~” Ryuji smiles.

Arriving at their destination, Ryuji pulls him to this alley-like area off to the side of the shopping district.

“Untouchables?” Ren reads the sign above the door. 

“Yeah, I’m somewhat of a regular here.” Ryuji brags, but upon entering the store all his confidence evaporates when he glances at the man behind the counter.

“A regular, he says.” Ren pokes fun at him before beginning to look around at all of the goods.

Walking around, Ren’s eyes were shining as he inspected all of the model weapons- not limiting himself to their seemingly staple guns. Arsene found his thief’s actions quite amusing as he watched the whole ordeal with front-row seats.

Before losing thyself among the weapons, do keep in mind the price. Arsene gently reminded him.

Boo… Ren grumbles.

Though, a ny proper Phantom Thief should know their tools well.

Ren quietly hums. The quality with these daggers can rival that of my hometown’s Metal Works’ ones.

Oh? Thy hometown have a shop such as this?

Yeah! 

It was one of my favourite places to go to after school.

I would proclaim myself a weapons enthusiast.

Thou art quite like, un enfant dans une confiserie, here.

Arsene told him playfully; Ren, despite being confused about that sentence in french, could imagine the wide smile of the flames upon his mask.

From the image Ren created in his mind, he could hear Arsene’s laughter roar in his head as he went to return to the shopkeeper. Detailing his opinions and feel of the models; seemingly surprising the keeper with his knowledge, he gets offered a special selection of model guns among other items. He obviously takes up that offer, even buying a few models- to the despair of both his and Ryuji’s savings.

Ren ended the day, joyful about his newly acquired weapons. So much as to that he’d look between Arsene and the bag, back and forth and back and forth on the train ride home. A smile never leaving his face for the remainder of that evening.

— After School, April 16th —

Enacting a sense of vengeance on the court!

Both human and persona can sense the nervousness bouncing between each other. Though, Ren was more seething in vengeance from the last life’s today’s happened events. Where he’d tried his hardest on the court but was sent to the nurse’s office due to ‘Kamoshida’s accidental spiking him in the face’, that statement was such bull that Ann, who hadn’t joined them yet, could most certainly see through that lie.

Who even said that it was fair to have the volleyball team, plus Kamoshida, against some random involuntary students.

Ren complained, Arsene was agreeing with him. They were sitting at the side of the gymnasium at the moment, Ren was waiting for his name to be inevitably called up to the court.

“-- and for the last person,” Kamoshida himself pointed at the sidelines, “you there… Ren Amamiya?”

“Damn, that’s unlucky… good luck Ren-ren!” Ryuji gave a pitying nod.

Arsene, are you ready?

Plenty.

Alright, It’s showtime!

—

In short, while his teammates were absolutely useless- such a pain that is with team sports- he was still able to somewhat keep up with the game, of course thanks to Arsene. The game itself he totally lost by a landslide, but that was to be expected, after all, they were against the school volleyball team- because that’s fair obviously.

Feeling Arsene’s phantom wing brush up and down his back, in an attempt to soothe his exasperation, he slowly sits himself back up on the bed. 

I’ll just get my vengeance in the palace then. Ren mutters inwardly.

Thou should lie back down.

A mere half hour has elapsed since the impact.

Yes, and I’m upset that it even happened… again.

Who decided that it was okay for volleyballs to pack such a punch?

Ren laid back down, as per Arsene’s instruction, and watched that door in the corner of the room to see if anyone interesting were to show up for the rest of the day.

I’m actually quite surprised that my glasses didn’t break.

They may not actually function, but there’s still glass lenses in them.

Thou agrees that he’d hit you harder this time?

Absolutely. 

I think the damn Killshot was lighter than that.

Hearing knocking at the door, he ends the thought-conversation with Arsene.

“Ren-ren, we’re coming in.” he could hear Ryuji’s muffled voice beyond the wall. Ryuji enters the room with two bags, presumably his and Ren’s, and a ‘cat’ on his shoulder. He tries to go sit up to greet them, but the pain emanating from his wound, and Arsene’s input stop him from doing so.

Thou needs rest. He states, unbudging.

“How are you doing?” Ryuji asked in a concerned tone.

“Arsene’s not letting me sit up, if that gives you an idea.” Ren lamented his pride, shot down by Kamoshida three times by now.

“That sounds… rough.” Morana states. That was new, last time it was just Ryuji who showed up.

“Quite.” Ren looks at the cat-shaped being, “so how did you two run into each other?” he asked. 

“Well I was grabbing a drink from the vending machine and Monamona saw me.”

“It’s MORGANA! And typically I see you two together, so I got curious why blondie over here was alone.”

“So… uh, is it me you wanna see this time, or just consult with Arsene?”

“Dude? We aren’t in the metaverse.”

“There art workarounds.” Arsene said with Ren’s mouth.

“Holy shi- Ren-ren?”

“That was Arsene.” Ren states. “Watch the eyes and you’ll be able to tell.” Ren blinks, his eyes turn to a gold shade once again. 

“A message to Kidd, the human body is quite limiting. I can’t say I enjoy being ‘human shaped’, 4/10 don’t entirely recommend it.”

Ouch, okay.

I see how it is.

What can I say to thou?

It’s mine true feelings on such a subject.

Wait until I can partially possess you, see who gives the scathing reviews then. Ren comments.

You are much too fragile- in the physical sense.

But I see it cannot be helped.

“He’s heard ya loud and clear, Arsene.” Ryuji slowly replies back, a bit of aftershock, likely. “Anyway, Renren-” Ren’s eyes turn back to silver “-since school is about to end, do you need help getting back? ‘Cause Kamoshida doesn’t pull his punches and I’m worried about you.”

“I… might-”

Thou should accept it.

Take the offered help.

“If you’re willing to,” he replied quietly.

— Evening, April 16th —

Ryuji, and Morgana, more or less just followed Ren back to Leblanc. Ryuji then split off from the group after checking his phone. Morgana hides himself in Ren’s bag as Ren enters Leblanc. He places his bag down beside the stairs before collapsing into his bed. He could see Arsene in the window’s reflection, Zorro in the television’s reflection, and Morgana on the couch across the room.

Thou should rest.

I’m aware.

But I've been resting for most of the afternoon anyway.

You are being very pushy right now… He complained.

For good reason, clearly.

Do thy parents not care for thou? Or dost thou not care about thyself. Arsene huffed.

Ren… was stunned silent. He didn’t know what to respond with.

No… They didn’t … Was all he could muster.

Arsene could feel the bundle of negativity wrap itself around Ren a bit.

Oh-

I must apologize for my outburst.

I hadn’t known about thou’s familial situation.

Ren turned over, shutting both his mind and the world out for the rest of the evening.

— After School, May 1st —

Thou art cutting it a little close, no?

Weren’t you the one who said to ‘be prepared’? His tone was quite irritated.

Yes, but thy deadline is tomorrow.

Things had been a little awkward between them since their fight on the evening of the 16th. Their team could sense it, but they didn’t want to pry much in the past weeks. Arsene had become merely an observer when it came to anything outside of the metaverse, for Ren seemingly didn’t care to listen to him when he gave his input.

The calling card had been sent this morning, and they were topping up their stats in the familiar safe room before the treasure room.

“Okay, Joker.” Ann tapped his shoulder.

“We can tell you fought with him.” Morgana started.

“You guys should make up with each other.” Ryuji finished. Ren was silent. His mask shattered across his face, and Arsene leaned against the opposing wall to him. 

“Mon petit voleur, please.” 

“It’s been a long time since the issue, you guys need to make up. Now.” Morgana pushed. Zorro nodded with him.

“You guys…” Ren grumbled. “You don’t understand.”

Arsene shifted over, trying to place himself closer to his human. A wing was hovering around Ren, he wasn’t sure whether or not to brush it along him or to wrap him in it. Ren looked over at Arsene, the first time since that evening. Many thoughts flitted through his head, some that Arsene could catch the ends of, but he patiently waited for Ren to form his words.

I understand that you were caring about my wellbeing. He leans into Arsene’s wing.

I apologize for overstepping.

Doth thou forgive me?

Mmm… He thinks for a moment. With one condition.

He could feel Arsene straighten his back with interest.

Can we do this more often? The feather wrapping- I mean.

How selfish thou art~

But, of course.

With that matter dealt with, he comfortably leans further into his persona; to further the confusion of the group, why else? 

“That was oddly quick?” Ann said by her spot at the table.

“Great!” Carmen clapped. “Let’s go steal the treasure from that grime of a man.”

“Are we even sure they have properly made up though?” Ryuji asks. 

“I’m quite sure, they wouldn’t even look at each other before.” Morgana chimes in.

“About time!” Kidd complained

“Finally, I won’t be forced to be an emotions consultant for Arsene.” Zorro sighs in relief.

“A what?” Ann and Carmen laugh at Ryuji’s dumbfoundedness. 

“Did Kidd not tell you?” Carmen said between giggles. “While you guys were doing this and that, Arsene was asking us how to make up with Joker.”

You did, did you?

Arsene didn’t reply, though the flames that burned brighter from his face to the tips of his horns was a telling sign of embarrassment. Ren peacefully combed through Arsene’s feathers with his hand, collecting the stray feathers that had fallen at the same time as he listened to the other thieves gossip about them. Waiting for their discussion to end, Ren did a dramatic clap of his hands, pushing himself off the table in the corner of the room.

“Okay~ let’s actually do what we came here to do.”

“Yeah!” The rest of the thieves followed behind him, each of their masks rematerializing.

Knowing what to expect this time, the fight was rather easy this time. While there may have been a few close calls, he knew to at least not send Morgana out on the secret orders, but instead send Ryuji. With having kicked the crown off of Kamoshida’s head, all he could do was wallow in despair as the fight had ended. To the group’s surprise- and Ren’s disappointment, Ann had spared him. With the treasure in their hands and the palace collapsing behind them, it was a job well done all-in-all. 

Tomorrow we shall see if it works.

The change of heart? It should.

— Morning, May 6th —

The change of heart did in fact work, thankfully. They also got their celebratory meal at a fancy buffet and officially established their group as The Phantom… Thieves- look, coming up with a name on the spot is hard. At least their personas got a kick out of the simplicity of the name, much to Ren’s embarrassment. They also had unlocked what Morgana called Mementos, only entering such a place once though. Also he left Morgana with Ann for the time being, mostly because she seemed like she needed more emotional support with regards to Shiho, Ann will likely drop him off at Leblanc the moment he is more of a nuisance than helpful.

Today, they were just on their way to a shopping area that Ann had occasionally mentioned about, though upon boarding the subway it was eerily empty despite being a perfectly normal Friday morning. There were maybe ten other people that boarded the train with him, each taking equally spaced out seats among the sides of the cabin. As the train closed its doors and had begun moving to its set destination, Ren had the sense that something was going to go wrong but didn’t know when. But, at this point there was nothing he could do about it- after all, this wasn’t the metaverse and he doesn’t know how to control the train.

Ann said that the ride was long but worth it.

Maybe I’m worrying for nothing?

So, Arsene.

Mon cher?

What music do you wanna listen to? I can’t decide.

Thou knows my answer.

Classical? 

French classical.

He hums in contentment.

Oh~kay~

He puts on his headphones, playing the music in the background quiet enough to not accidentally drown out Arsene.

Any reason that it has to be french beyond the fact that your origin is french literature?

He doesn’t get an answer, for Arsene seems to be wholly absorbed in listening to the music. Not having anything else to do, he updates the notebook for his current life. 

Half an hour passes by and the music suddenly cuts, to Arsene’s disappointment.

Where did the music go! He whined.

Sorry, guess my phone didn’t charge last night.

I swore I plugged it in though…

Ren looks over to the reflection in the window, Arsene’s wings seemingly droopy. 

Mon cher, it’s quite dull waiting without music.

Ren laughs, Arsene appears to go sit cross legged in the window, sitting closer to his human in the process. 

Then everyone in the subway feels an unnatural jolt, panic and alarm quickly follow. Ren tries to hold onto his seat to keep him steady but all passengers had been suddenly thrown around in the soon-to-become train derailment incident. Further feelings of panic, fear, and worry emanate through him, though these feelings were quite obviously from Arsene.

The ground was shaking violently.

Everything seemed to spin for several moments.

The chaos was loud, a dizzying amount.

His vision was quickly blurring around his surroundings.

The faintest scent of blood was detectable,

Though…

Whose was it?

The other passengers around him?

Or his?

“-en!”

He could hear a faint voice in the distance.

A voice that he was quite familiar with.

Or so he could spare to think so, really.

A soothing crimson filled his vision.

A comforting warmth coming from above.

“--n Ch-r!”

“-tay w--h -e!”

Then everything goes dark.

.

..

…

— ??? May 6th? —

An unknown amount of time had passed. He couldn’t move, nor could he breathe easily, as pain clouded his chest. Encased around him, he knew this red leather fabric well.

“Arsene?” he asked out loud in a pained voice.

“Thou art awake!” Ren could feel the hold on him loosened just a bit.

“What happened?”

“I cannot be sure of what exactly has occurred.”

“I have merely waited for thou to regain consciousness.”

“Thanks.”

Arsene slowly unfurled his wings that had been wrapped around both of them tightly. Arsene had made sure that his claws didn’t cut into Ren, revealing that his sleeves instead took on the tight grip, very clear claw marks lay upon the tatters of the fabric.

“Do be aware of where you step.” he said, still holding Ren with his legs. 

Ren doesn’t ask how, but sees that they are slightly levitating from the ground. Turning around to face his surroundings, the train appears to have been flipped onto its side, deep scarlet red blood coated the walls, bodies of the few passengers that also had rode the train with him are also in the ground. Some were less desecrated than others.

“I-” 

Ren’s hands were shaking more as he looked closer at the state of the corpses around them. Arsene slowly lowered him to a patch of ground that wasn’t steeped in blood, to which Ren immediately fell forwards. Arsene quickly catches him before he makes impact with the floor, holding him up until he regains his balance on the ground.

“There should be an emergency exit.” he glances around quickly, trying his best not to look at the bloodshed in his peripherals. Arsene also helps look, though it seems that they managed to be lucky, a window atop the room appears to be openable. Arsene floats up to that emergency exit, prying it open with his claws and having a look through the window.

“We art lucky that the tunnel hasn't collapsed.”

“Mn.” Ren gestures to be picked up. To which Arsene does, as they slowly levitate upwards to the exit. He only lets go when they’re properly back on solid ground. Walking around to the front of the subway, Ren catches a glimpse of the conductor; the body had been slumped over but he could still make out the black ink-like substance that seemed to flow from it. He had the sudden urge to retch.

“Thou should look ahead.”

Arsene carefully rubbed his back, hoping to subside such a feeling.

“Thanks, but,”

He paused, feeling the short-lived adrenaline disappear, and the sway of each step setting in.

“I, don’t think, I can keep on, much more.” He leans on Arsene for support, his breathing was quite heavy.

“Then we’ll take a break.” Arsene said, carefully leading him to the wall of the tunnel.

He slowly sat Ren against the wall, seating himself next to him. He also took the bag that Ren had been carrying the whole time, carefully fishing out his phone.

“It’s still out…” He sighed. “I wish I could be more useful…”

“Don’t, say that…”

“You saved me today. That’s quite useful.”

“If I had Zio, we could call for help.”

“If I could have Dia, you wouldn’t be in pain.”

“What good is a curse in this scenario?” 

“To protect me, like you have.”

Arsene sighs as Ren smiles brightly at him. “Thou art too good to me.”

He looks back at Ren, his human with pale skin and a slight shiver.

“Though, thou need to be better to thyself.”

He removes his jacket and puts it on Ren, it more drapes over the human though for it is a few sizes too large. 

Scooping the boy up, they begin to make their way to the end of the tunnel to the station. Unfortunately he had to dematerialize upon seeing the station, he still supported Ren until a security officer noticed him. He told him the whole situation that happened, and apparently a whole 3 hours had elapsed.

Thou should catch a cab.

I don’t think I’ll have enough money for that.

Thou hast plenty, do not worry.

That’s also part of the thieves fund, you know!

I can’t just haphazardly spend it.

What would thy thieves say if thou had stranded thyself, merely because thou didn’t want to use that fund to get home?

I…

I can’t argue with that.

Getting dropped off at Yongen’s station by a kind cab driver, Ren slowly walked back to Leblanc for the evening. Somehow on the way, they had crossed paths with Ryuji.

“Woah Ren-ren! What happened to you?!”

“Hell. I’ll tell ya about it later.” He continues on, leaving a confused Ryuji in his wake. Ren certainly had a time when recollecting the events of today into that notebook, Arsene gave him only a few details of what happened while he was unconscious.

It hast been quite the day. Thou should rest.

It’s a little early for the evening, no?

Arsene materialized behind him, carefully picking him up and placing him onto the bed.

“Sleep.” He said, turning off the lights.

By the time Arsene had gone back to stand beside Ren, he was already half asleep. The persona disappeared from the room in a dim blue light.

Sleep well mon cher.

You too.

Chapter Text

— After School, May 9th —

Delving into Mementos to actually do something for the Phan-site.

At the hideout, of which is temporarily being the school roof, they had been chatting about this and that, about thieves' business, the Phan-site, success of Kamoshida, the next target- among other things.

“So, Ren-ren.” Ryuji started, “you never explained what happened to you 3 days ago.”

“Oh?” Ann and Morgana make an intrigued sound. A deep sigh emerged from Ren, though that could’ve also been from Arsene.

“Do any of you keep up with the news?” He asks as a preliminary question. Saddeningly, they shook their heads. Ren could feel Arsene’s disappointment. “Well, did you hear that there was a train derailment three days ago?”

“You don’t mean-” Ann interrupted.

“Yep. I was in it when it happened.”

“Dude! Are you okay?!” Ren could feel Ryuji’s eyes jumping all over him.

“... mostly?” He made it sound like a question. “Well one good thing came out of it.” he said leaning back on the desk.

“Arsene?!” Morgana jumped.

“Thou art correct.”

“Though, petit voleur, I am surprised that thou never told Hierophant.”

“Heiroph-” Ann began to ask.

“Sojiro Sakura.” Ren finished. “Y’know, the guy who let me stay in the attic of his cafe.”

“How is Arsene here?? We aren’t in the Metaverse.” Ryuji questions.

“How do you think I, first of all survived May 6th, second of all, am not in the hospital?”

“Fair point.” Ryuji conceded. “ Are you okay though??”

“Well seeing bloodied corpses is something new.” Ren casually mentions. The rest of the thieves were rendered speechless.

“You WHAT.” Ann eventually spoke. “Isn’t that like, traumatizing?” She asks.

“I guess?” He shrugs. “So anyway, Mementos today?”

“I do not think thou’s changing of the subject will go well with the others.” Arsene leaned in.

“He’s right Ren!” Morgana chimes in.

“Do you need the therapy cat now Ren?” Ann adds.

“I thought you needed him for Shiho?- eh, nevermind.” He clicks the nav. “Come now, it shouldn’t take long.”

“Right. There’s only one request today.” Morgana-bus said. It hadn’t taken long for them to reach the destination. Though, perhaps they were just a bit under prepared; with all the heavy hits they were taking from the Obariyon. 

They finished the fight in decent condition, their SP reserves were a little low for comfort in Ren’s opinion. Upon leaving the room to the rest of the floor of Aiyatabus, it seemed that only Ren and Arsene felt the looming presence of… something? They weren’t sure of what.

Thou needs to get going.

Arsene?

You feel it too?

Yes.

Thou needs to leave.

NOW.

Ren could feel Arsene’s agitation double every second that goes by.

“Joker?” Morgana asks.

“You went all quiet suddenly.” Ann finished.

“I- I’m not sure, Arsene says we need to leave- like now.” Ren stammers out. Then, they all heard the crisp echo of chains being dragged across the ground. Clink , clink , clink . The sound seemed far off, at least at the moment it did but it sounded like the entity was coming closer with each step.

“What the hell was that?!” Ryuji yells. 

“The Reaper.” Morgana states with a voice somewhere between pained and worried.

We mustn’t face it head on.

Oh I assumed that much considering, it’s y’know,

The damn REAPER.

They could feel the tracks on the ground shift about as they hurry to the stairs that go upwards, walls seemingly twisting and turning. Mementos was trying to alter its shape with them in it, a constantly changing maze with the goal to find the exit with death itself chasing you was not something that Ren had expected, nor hoped, to deal with, ever. 

The station was in sight, everyone sighed a breath of relief- though, it was one too soon. The reaper entity seemed to be waiting in front of those doors.

I don’t think we get the choice on whether or not to face it.

He inwardly heaved a sigh.

Do not do what thou art scheming.

We WILL NOT win.

I know that!

But there’s also no way around it!

“The goal is to find a way around it.” Ren tells his thieves. 

“We have no fighting chance against it.” Arsene spoke, materializing in the seat behind Ren.

“This is suicide!” Morgana catches onto what Ren had been planning.

“Panther! Batton pass.” Ren commands.

“Thou art doing it…” Arsene sighs before dematerializing shortly after.

“As your leader, I have to protect you guys.” Ren states before jumping out the door, towards the reaper. “I’ll distract it.”

“Joker!” Ryuji yells from the window. 

“Don’t die on us!” Ann finished. Ren gave a knowing nod before turning his attention to the reaper.

Being in the mere presence of such an entity was difficult. It felt like he was drowning from the atmosphere, and his hand that held his dagger wouldn’t settle. Arsene materialized beside him, ready for the hopeless battle.

His evasion carried for the five minutes that the others needed to escape Mementos, though he could see Ryuji just watching him the whole time- seemingly relaying the events to Ann at the same time. As the fight progressed he was getting sloppier with his dodges, feeling exhaustion slowly setting in, each Agidyne, Ziodyne, and Garudyne were getting harder to dodge than the last. The field of the battle had also been changing its shape behind Ren at the same time, sometimes he could have a long hall behind him, and other times there’d be nothing but a wall to his back. 

A sudden coldness could be felt within the air, Arsene quickly pushed him out of the way- taking the hit for him. Ren could feel icicles begin to form on the tip of his right hand, it became difficult to grip his dagger. He spared a quick glance to his partner, encased in a layer of ice. Ren could feel that same ice creep up his arm, still mostly dodging the reaper's attacks. He couldn’t bend his arm anymore- a cast of ice had spread around it, the ice began spreading around his side and back. 

Feeling the cold reach his leg, he knew this was it- at least his sacrifice wasn’t in vain for the others. His legs locking in place from the freeze, he felt himself fall forward but he couldn’t move to catch himself. Resigning himself to this fate, he closed his eyes, waiting for the freeze climbing his neck, the Reaper itself, or the whole of Mementos to take him down.

Something swiftly dealt the final blow- not that it mattered much, as the long nosed man once again did his disappointed speech.

“It would appear that fate has, once more, run its course.

How unfair that such things were to befall you.

But we are kinder than fate.

Therefore we have given you another chance.

At life. 

At fate.

It is yours to fight.”

—

Feeling the vibrations of the train, he jolts awake. Sitting up in his seat he turns over the phone to read the date.

April 09 20XX

It read.

They both sighed. Arsene materialized beside him in the empty cabin. A rare opportunity in public that he’d most certainly take, after all, these days he doesn’t know when someone could possibly become a confidant with an arcana.

“Sorry for being reckless…” Ren started, leaning into Arsene’s shoulder.

“I apologise for not being able to protect thou.”

“I hope they made it out safely at least.” Ren mumbled.

“I am sure they did.”

Ren pulls out the second life’s notebook, to detail May 9th’s happenings. Waiting for the train to stop at their destination.

“Well look at thou~”

“A feather dipped in ink?”

“One of yours.”

He smiled.

“Is a vehicle such as this stable enough?”

“You’d be surprised, but yeah it is.” he finishes writing about that encounter with the Reaper, putting the notebook and feather-pen back in his bag.

“So, Arsene.”

“Mon cher?”

“Do we need to do a repeat of May 6th?”

“Likely not.”

“Good. I rather not go through that again.”

“Agreed.”

— Evening, May 8th —

Mostly the exact same events happened as the last two times. Well, with a few exceptions. Ren successfully avoided the “what’s up with your reflection?” Talk with Ryuji because of the yellow eye contacts he’d obtained in the previous life- though he, unfortunately, absolutely hated having them on. He also didn’t get scolded too badly in the evening by Sojiro because he made record time on the first day of Kamoshida’s palace. Though, on the 16th of April, Ren still got hit by that gym teacher’s volleyball, a sore spot in his pride now that it’s happened all three times. 

This time he dealt with Kamoshida’s shadow on the 21st of April, having extra time for this and that for the remaining days. It seemed that despite inducing a change of heart that happened earlier before the deadline, its effects only go through on that day that it’s due to go wrong (ie, get expelled).

On May 6th, Ren did not go out that day- merely to avoid being in another derailment. Instead, Ren helped Sojiro around the cafe and also partially learnt how to brew some coffee. He doesn’t know what absolute magic Sojiro does, but the coffee he makes has something in it that energizes him much more than other coffee he’s had before.

It also seems that at one point during his meeting with the phantom thieves aficionado site admin, Mishima caught a glimpse of Arsene. Because now he’s even more nervous and uneasy when approaching Ren.

That might just be because thou art the leader of the phantom thieves.

And holder of the Moon looks up to thou.

Perhaps, but I’ve seen him pay more attention to himself through reflective surfaces.

Meh whatever…

Should we do Mementos tomorrow?

Considering what happened last time…

Perhaps if thou hadn’t lingered, then a ‘last time’ wouldn’t have happened.

Look. 

I’ve never driven a car before, so it's hard to get used to it immediately.

Would thou rather I drive?

Yes.

But I don’t think Morgana would appreciate your knife-heels.

Partial control over thy body?

Wait… 

Is that even possible??

Likely?

He pauses, looking over at the spread of papers on the work desk.

That does remind me though.

Thou hast exams soon, no?

…

Mayhaps…

Ren puts down the third notebook, casting his gaze over at the workbench.  

It’ll go fine~

It’s not like I’ve answered anything incorrectly in class.

Arsene audibly sighed, the glow of fire dimming slightly.

I worry for thou.

Don’t be~!

Okay, I’ll be at the bath for a bit~

Then I shall remind thou when to get out.

Because it seems that thou can lose track of time rather easily.

I can keep track!

Last time thou claimed as such, thy life was claimed by the reaper.

…

And the time before that, I helped you return to Leblanc!

Did you?

Yes.

Thou cannot keep track of time.

—

Ren, in fact, stayed in longer than Arsene warned. 

I told thou so…

Look,

It’s nice and warm and comfy…

Ren sat on the floor in front of the bed where Arsene sat above him carefully toweling his hair dry. Arsene’s wings were holding Ren in place as he dried him.

I fear how thou hast lived the past 17 years without me.

I was fine~

Thou sure thou were?

“ Yes…” Ren mumbled. He yawned moments later. 

It’s getting late.

Perhaps I should finish drying your hair.

What have you been doing if not drying-

He feels a sudden warmth at his shoulder. There was an occasional flame touching his skin, though it didn’t hurt unlike a normal fire.

Mmm that feels nice…

Ren leans in closer to Arsene. Though, he leans in too quickly and they bonk heads.

Okay- that did not.

Art thou unharmed?

Mine mask is solid and not unlike metal.

Ye- I’m fine!

Arsene straightens his back, getting up and stepping around Ren. He then shortly disappears downstairs. When Ren shuffles around in an attempt to get up, Arsene pings him a message in his mind.

Do not move, thou art dizzier than I thought.

I shall only be a moment more.

Mere seconds later, Ren can see the top of his tophat rearing the edge of the stairs. Arsene shortly arrives at the top of the stairs, carefully holding a small clear glass of water in his claws. Ren clumsily reaches upwards towards the glass but, Arsene doesn’t let go of the cup until he placed it on the floor between the both of them. Ren took a sip of it, a weird sensation filled his mouth.

What did you do to the water?

What is thou implying?

I haven’t done anything to the drink.

It tastes weird.

Impossible.

He crosses his arms.

I filled it the same way Hierophant does.

Hm… maybe I haven’t had water since coming to Tokyo.

The thought dawned on him, the only drinks he’s had since coming here was coffee and vending machine energy drinks.

Country water hits differently.

Ren pulls out his phone, placing the emptied cup beside him. Looking at the time it was already well beyond 12am.

Thou can keep track of time, no?

Arsene grinned.

…

Shush you.

He places the phone back into his pocket.

Thou should sleep.

He pauses, his gaze drifting to the scattered school papers strewn on the desk.

Thou should also consider studying with thy thieves.

But Memen-

Thou art studying tomorrow.

Yes?

Arsene…

Arsene sighs at him.

If neither Skull nor Panther is willing, then we shall go into Mementos.

Can thou agree on that?

Yeah. 

— Evening, May 10th —

Both days his thieves asked to study with him, then in the evening Arsene would have him study even more because Ren, Ann, and Ryuji weren’t as productive as he’d hoped. Arsene was casually sitting on the bed, half reading that lupin book, half listening to the information that Ren was trying to memorize. Though, minutes later he hears a crash at the desk.

“Mon cher?” He asked, putting his book down. “Art thou alright?”

“ Arsene…” he cried. “You’re making me feel like I’m going to fail!”

“Then thou should study more.”

“It is thy fault for pushing it off for later.”

“I’m gonna call for backup.” Ren picks up his phone, and Arsene catches the time when it turns on.

“I do not believe any of your friends would be up at 12:05 in the evening.”

“I- I realize that.” he mumbles.

Then I’ll just go to bed.

I thought thou had said that thou was going to fail the exams not two minutes earlier?

…

Fine.

One more hour.

While he may have said that, he collapsed asleep at the desk maybe 10 minutes after. Placing the novel back into Ren’s bag and turning off the lights, Arsene goes to carry Ren to his bed.

“Thou must know that I was not forcing you to stay up further.” He gently whispered to Ren.

He, understandably so, got no answer from the human sleeping in his arms.

— Early Morning, May 11th —

Waiting for the train, Ren stood in an empty space behind the swarm of people. He was tired with the occasional sway of balance. 

After the test today, I’m going back to sleep.

That is for the best.

He pauses, looking concerned at Ren through the dark reflection of his phone

Thou art swaying.

Do I have permission to support thou?

Permission granted.

Feeling the control of his spine down to his legs be taken over by Arsene, his sleepy sway had halted.

“Yo.” he heard someone call from a distance towards him. Ryuji appeared behind him. “Dude I could not sleep at all last night…” he then has a deep look at Ren.

“Morning…” Ren mumbles to him.

“Ren-ren… er.. Arsene? Uhm…? You guys look awful.” He seemed conflicted on what to call the Ren with heterochromatic silver and gold eyes.

“Thou art seeing both of us.” Arsene spoke.

Ann and Morgana joined the group soon later.

“You’ll never believe how pushy this cat is.” Ann yawned.

“Oh, I think we know.” Ren sighed.

“Great! You can have him back.” She pulls Morgana out of her back and pushes him in Ren’s bag.

I should probably be bringing a bigger bag.

Do remind me after exam week.

Noted.

Thanks, Arsene.

Feeling the cat shuffle around in his small bag, he pokes his head out of the zipper.

“When did you get so many books? They’re all hardcover too!” He complained.

“I didn’t account for Ann to hand you back so soon, so there’s not a cat-sized space in the bag anymore.” Ren whispered to him before zipping the bag closed again. Each thief shortly boarded the train, silently reciting facts they needed to memorize for their test that day.

— Evening, May 11th —

The crash after the test that day was so incredibly dull without the physical presence of Arsene. Though if he were to appear, surely Morgana would freak- or perhaps Sojiro would notice.

Both art scenarios that thou would not like to explain, no?

Yeah… 

But I miss you…

Thou surely knows.

Ren feels Arsene’s phantom wing brush against his back as he lay further into the blankets.

I am always with you.

I know. 

But I also miss your physical presence.

You’re so comfy and warm~

How selfish thou art!

He scoffs. 

Ren smiles brightly at him.

“Ren!” Morgana snaps. Claws digging deep into Ren’s thigh.

“Morgana! That hurts.” Ren tries to pry off his paws, but to no avail does it work.

“Well clearly this is the only way for you to turn your attention away from your persona.” Morgana’s claws dig deeper out of irritation. “So what I was trying to tell you was…” and Morgana proceeded to rant and complain about how despite forming The Phantom Thieves, they’ve done nothing. The only loose lead they have is a name of Madarame they heard from a different guy in Mementos. He also, on occasion, made snide remarks toward Arsene and Ren’s general relationship- of which both could hear loud and clear. Arsene was quite displeased- was an understatement to say the least, though Ren sat quietly and listened to the not-cat- mostly waiting for him to finish so he could bandage the newly bleeding wound.

This feline just drones on!

Arsene’s annoyance was quite infectious.

I don’t know how thou puts up with him.

Why do you think I dumped him onto Ann?

I truly was hoping that she’d keep him for a little longer…

“Are you even listening?!” Morgana hissed.

“Art we allowed to not!?” 

Arsene snapped at the cat through Ren’s body, golden eyes almost adopting a glistening copper hue through his anger. He even threw Morgana off the bed before handing control back to Ren. He quickly grabbed a small personal first-aid kit on the shelf beside the bed, bandaging the cat scratches. Looking into the nearby reflective surfaces, it seems that even Zorro didn’t help Morgana’s case as he was looking away from the whole situation entirely.

Thanks Arsene… though I don’t think this will be good for the group.

If thou weren’t taking action, I must.

Why did he even choose us to stay with?

Well, he’s still a team member…

And he still needs to work with getting along with others.

He certainly does.

Ren laughs, to Morgana’s annoyance. Though, it seems that Zorro took control and is holding him back- to both his and Arsene’s amusement Zorro seemed to place Morgana in a box by the television for the night.

How gentlemen-ly of him.

Arsene watches that box for a little longer before turning his attention back to Ren.

Art thou terribly hurt from that feline?

The scratches sting a bit still…

It’ll be fine!

Arsene sighs.

I’ll need to talk to Zorro to keep Morgana in check.

Tomorrow perhaps, during your exams.

Tell me how well it goes then.

Ren yawns.

’Night Arsene. 

Sleep well mon cher.

— Morning, May 15th —

“Man, I totally failed…” Ryuji said despairingly. “How about you guys?”

“I think it went okay.” Ann replied. “What about you, Ren?”

“It probably went fine?” Ren scratched the back of his neck nervously.

Not a lot of confidence, no?

It might’ve gone better if the whole thing with Morgana didn’t happen.

Zorro finally replied.

Oh? What he’d say?

He’ll try, though Morgana gets much for even him sometimes.

Fair, honestly.

Ren suddenly gets this odd gut feeling. He quickly glances around the busy underground mall. There were more people walking by than normal, but nothing too out of the ordinary.

“Ren-ren?” Ryuji asks, quieting his earlier conversation with Ann.

“Is something up?” Ann asks, also beginning to look around worriedly.

“I-it’s nothing. Just felt like someone was watching us.” Ren replied.

They still are.

Arsene gives a quick glance behind them.

Thanks for the heads up.

Ren nods at Arsene in his phone’s reflection.

“Let’s get going.”

“Right…” 

A tall boy with blue hair seems to be following thy group.

Just him?

No one else.

I also sense another persona nearby.

But not quite awakened.

So, a new thief then?

Perhaps. 

— Evening, May 15th —

How kind of him to give thou and thy group tickets to a museum of the arts.

Yeah I know!

It’ll be my first time.

Thou art quite excited.

He laughs.

We didn’t have one in my hometown.

And even then, aren’t they supposed to be expensive?

So getting to see one for free is especially amazing.

His excitement soon turned into nervousness.

Hey um Arsene…

What is it mon cher?

Can you direct me on how I should seem in a museum?

I don’t know the etiquette.

How amusing, thou art asking a phantom thief this?

I shall try my best.

Thanks. 

Arsene was going to comment on how their next target also happened to be hosting such event but Ren was far too happy that he rather not change his mood at the moment.

— After School, May 16th —

Walking around the exhibits, Ren was wholly absorbed in each painting- though something didn’t add up; they all were good but, doesn’t such skill take time? Some even had completely opposing styles as Arsene caught. There was no way that these were all made by the same Ichiryusai Madarame, something was up. Upon walking back to the main square, he saw the man himself being interviewed, it also seemed that somewhere along the way that he lost Ryuji in the crowds. Though the only thing he could gleam was that his space of both living and work is something of a “shack”, something quite casual for a man of his stature of society. Then someone called out to the rest of the crowd that he was here, and the rest of the open space was quickly filled by people pushing to see that Madarame. It’s quite a surprise that he didn’t lose or damage his stuff in such chaos, but that was likely because Arsene helped him escape the ocean of people.

“So this is where you are.” Ren finally spots Ryuji and Morgana out by the subway station. “Quite far from the event, no?”

“It got boring quickly.” Ryuji shrugged. “Did you get anything from it, Ren-ren?”

“I think that Madarame is one in the same with our next target.” he glances over at Arsene through the window’s reflection, then his eyes change to that golden hue.

“The artworks were quite different from one another, too different to be mere coincidence.” Arsene nonchalantly leans against the railing behind them. “This is quite clearly a case of plagiarism, taking another’s works and claiming it as thine own.”

“Thanks for the explanation, ‘Sene.” It seemed that the gears were turning in Ryuji’s head as he absorbed what Arsene had told them.

“‘Sene?” Arsene asked with a confused look. Ren was uncontrollably giggling in their shared mind.

“Okay, the nickname is still in the works.” Ryuji sighed, “I’ve made one for Ren-ren awhile ago, so I’ve been thinking about giving you one too but, nothing’s sticking.”

—

“ There you guys are! ” Ann pouted at the group. “Leaving me there like that, neither of you know how to treat a lady.” she crossed her arms, but not before slapping the back of Ren and Ryuji’s heads. To which Ren (still in Arsene's control) dodged at least. “Oh sorry Arsene.” She apologized, upon seeing his eyes, as she took her spot on the edge of the line.

“No need,” he replied, “after all, you didn’t hit me.” Arsene then quickly summarized the information they gleaned from their experience.

“That’s unforgivable! No wonder Kitagawa seemed upset!”

“Does he still want you to model?” Ren asks.

“Yeah, he gave me the location of his house and everything.”

“Hm. Perhaps we should visit.” Arsene replies.

“How about tomorrow then?” Morgana asks.

“Tomorrow?!” Ann gasped in shock. “That’s way too soon!” She sighed, accepting that fate, soon each person had gone their separate way for the night.

— Evening, May 17th —

Well that didn’t go too well…

That was to be expected.

Was it?

Ren sighed, collapsing onto the bed. It seemed Morgana had already gone to sleep in his box in the corner of the room. Arsene shortly materialized beside him, Ren shuffled over to give him room to sit on the bed.

Also…

Ren falls against his persona.

You’ve been awfully chatty to the others these past couple days.

Art thou jealous?

Arsene teased.

No…

It’s just unusual is all.

Arsene had begun to untangle Ren’s hair with his claw.

I am thou, thou art I-

Perhaps thou need to casually chat more with thy friends?

I guess…

Ren hums, his mind shuffling through a deck of various topics that could seem mildly interesting to people. Though, Ren seemingly became more frustrated every time he’d repeat some of the ideas.

Calm thyself.

It was merely a thought.

I know…

It’s just-

I don’t…

Arsene wraps his arms around Ren, pulling his human in for a hug.

I am here for thou.

Do not worry.

And I shall stay with you.

Forever?

Indeed mon cher, forever. 

— Evening, May 21st —

They truly did this palace quickly, as well as obtaining a new member of their team.  

Yusuke is… eccentric to say the least, though it’s good that he got his whole ordeal sorted. 

Ren easily fell into his bed, being quite tired out from the trial and error of that battle with Madarame’s shadow. Arsene silently laid himself beside Ren, smaller in size than usual. 

“Arsene?” he asks.

Mn?

“You seem…” smaller than usual.

Thou art tired.

Being small helps thy mind, no?

A bit.

Thanks.

Ren pulls the blanket to drape over Arsene too. He quite soon fell asleep in the bed, though not before purposely rolling over to embrace the little persona.

— After School, June 18th —

The student council president, Makoto Niijima, had been on their case about ‘suspicious behaviour’, then due to Ryuji’s oversight, they got outed as the phantom thieves. She also had been very obviously following Ren since that day, hell- even a week prior to such a date.

Looking around the alleyway, it seemed that Niijima had stopped following them for now. He exited Untouchables with a brand new set of gear in his bag. Despite being well into midday, the shopping street seemed far too empty.

This feels all too familiar.

Thou mean the derailment incident of May 6th?

Yeah.

It feels a little eerie, like something is going to happen.

Walking around the suspiciously empty streets, he and Arsene keep an eye on their surroundings. In an attempt to act normal, he would occasionally stop in front of a viewing window, though still whispering to Arsene on what to do; until he caught a flash of metal in his peripherals. 

The fear of death overtook him. After all, he’s never died outside of the metaverse before. His walk turned into a run, then soon a full sprint when he saw the armed being still following him. 

  -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

-̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

 -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”What do I do? -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

 -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ” Where  do I go?

Help .

  -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ” -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

 -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ” Help  me,  Arsene !

His thoughts were a jumbled mess. Such things are difficult to decode under the pressure of life or death. Running through various backstreets and alleyways, Ren eventually crosses with the least convenient thing at this particular moment. 

The wall of a dead end.

  -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

I’m going to die. -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

 -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”Of course -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”, now of all times. -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

 -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ” -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”I’m gonna die. -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

I will die.

die. -̨̯͓͍̞͍ͧͮ̏͂ͬ̓͊͛ͦͨ́-̶̡̰͚̺̳͍͔̯̙̝͖̞̣͓͖ͤͯ̋͌ͮ̎ͮ̂̇ͦ͆̇ͦͅ-̛̞̠͈̼͉̟ͣ͗̂̌̅͋ͬ̐͗͐͒̈́͊ͧͩ̾̄͐-͗̄̈̇̍̊̇ͯ̎͐̀̓͐̽͒͗̈́҉̵̶̖͎͕̫͚̰͎͖̹͇̜͖͇͈͞͞ͅ-̴̢̻̲̙̖̻̺̙ͭͪ͌͆ͬͮ́͟͠-̴̷̨̥̥̖̗̣̥̦̼̩̭̺̺̭̦̔͑͑̑̒ͯ̾͂̔̐͑̽̍̇͛ͤ͆-̓̐̆͋ͤ̊̐͒̈́͂ͦ҉̣̺͎̯̟͙̞ͅ-̡̨̣̣̥̬̬̹̰͓̞̯̮͚̞̥͐̂̀͊ͥ͑̋̏̊̉̅ͤͮ̈ͥ̐͢͝ͅ-̷̾̍̆ͯͭ̔ͭ͑̅̇͑͐̽͒ͨ͠͝͠͏̦̝̰̼̳͖̣̪̳̤̖͇͉͔̤ͅͅ”

His eyes glow a bright yellow, Arsene took over control from his despairing partner. Throwing down their bag, hoping that the hooded figure would take the bait. The being still approached them, a silver shining knife pointed to their neck, crazed eyes and a sick smile plastered across the figure’s face. 

I cannot let it end like this!

Or at least, Arsene had hoped to do- something!

But,

Their legs wouldn’t move.

They could only hopelessly lean against that cold metallic wall as death had cornered them. The sharp edge of the knife inched closer to their body, and all they could do was watch it unfold. The being plunged the knife into their body, a warm liquid began spilling from their hip. Soundless tears fell from Ren’s face, pain blooming throughout their body. 

It hurt. 

Death hurts. 

Fate hurts. 

Fear had paralyzed his body, his words, his mind. 

He couldn’t think straight, see clearly, or feel his hands- his legs; the air was suffocating. 

His vision of that killer, blurring into an even blue. 

Unable to feel being stabbed through, he knew he died once again.

The voice of that long nosed man once again echoed through his mind.

“It would appear that fate has run its course once again.

How unfair that such things were to befall you.

But we are kinder than fate.

Therefore we have given you another chance.

At life. 

At fate.

It is yours to fight.”

—

The rumble of that familiar train had awoken him once more. To confirm such things, Ren quickly pulled his phone out to read the date.

April 09 20XX

It read.

“So,” he sighed, “once again.” His body was still shaken from that encounter. While he knew the remnants of the stabbing wouldn’t carry over, he still patted around his body for any blood, cuts, or wounds. Breathing a sigh of relief when he for sure didn’t feel any blood he turned to the window behind him. “Arsene?” He watches the reflection of his persona materialize beside him on the train.

“I’m sorry…” He whispers.

“No, I should be.” Ren pulls the small(er) shaken Arsene in for an embrace. Tears began to flow down his cheeks as he rested his head on Arsene’s tophat. “We shouldn’t- we should’ve stayed home at least.”

“It is not thy fault.” He curls his claws around Ren’s arms.

“I couldn’t-” Arsene choked on his words. “-Protect thou.”

Well…

Ren pulls one of his arms away from Arsene to wipe his tears.

“It’s okay.” his voice was still a bit shaky from his sobs.

You have another chance.

Right?

Of course, mon cher.

The flames in his eyes seemed to have grown, two-fold. He was still about the size of a six year old child, Ren couldn’t help but squeeze him a bit in his embrace. 

We still have an hour to kill before the train reaches its destination.

He leans further into Arsene.

What shall we do?

Thou should note what had occurred that day firstly.

Ren sighed, rueing those memories of June 18th. He still pulled out the notebook of the third life, writing in detail of his demise. He wished he could’ve seen more of his assailant but they really had nothing to go off of. Finishing his recollection of that end, he threw the book back into his bag before quite forcefully leaning into the window behind him. The coldness of the glass doing wonders for his headache, though the vibrations were annoying him to a point.

How long?

Hm?

Until the train stops where we leave.

Ren pushes himself over to open the bag but Arsene picks up his phone.

We still have forty five minutes.

Thou should rest.

That end was far too much for thou to merely push to the side.

Mn.

Wake me up when it’s five minutes before then.

Of course, dear.

—

Waiting for time to pass, Arsene mostly busied himself with watching the view outside the window. He couldn’t dematerialize because his human had decided to rest against him, and he didn’t want to accidentally wake Ren. Feeling the rise and fall of his chest as he slept, Arsene wasn’t as terribly worried about him as during the incidents, though on occasion he could feel Ren hitch his breathing. Nightmares likely. He truly didn’t want to invade Ren’s only private corner of their shared mind but, if it had been affecting him like this then, perhaps it’d be better if he did. He still decided against it when he checked the time remaining, ten minutes until the train stops- five until he wakes Ren. He ceased his worrying when he felt Ren finally lax his hold on him.

“Mon cher.” Arsene shuffles around to face Ren, in an attempt to wake him. “It is time.”

He got no response back from Ren. Only tightly knit brows and a strained expression, but he was still asleep.

“Ren.” he spoke a tad more forcefully. “Wake up.” He shakes his shoulders.

“I’m up, I’m up.” Ren whines.

“Did thou sleep well?” Arsene asks.

“Not at all…” While Arsene was expecting a response along those lines, it still didn’t feel great to hear from the one he cared for most dearly.

“Well,” Arsene sighed, out of worry for his human. “We should hurry to Leblanc when the train arrives at its stop.”

“Mn.” Ren nods his head. Arsene hops off the seat when they feel the sway of the train slowing its movement, before dematerializing back into Ren’s reflection.

— Evening, April 9th —

Walking up those same wooden stairs, but being met by a very empty and dusty room once more is now feeling a bit odd everytime he survives longer than the last attempt. Carefully hauling that bucket of soapy water up to the attic, he saw his little red persona carrying one of his boxes and putting it onto a shelf off to the side.

Oh you’re helping me for once?

Not worried that Sojiro will catch you?

Thou art in no condition to clean alone.

Thou can feel thy headache, no?

Thou shouldn’t need to worry about Hierophant.

Okay, be sure not to get seen by him.

Thanks for the help.

Of course, mon cher.

Cleaning the large room was going faster than Ren had anticipated. He even finished his half of the room which also included the bed, so he laid upon it while watching Arsene finish the workbench in the corner. His headache was at a constant rate and wouldn’t dare to back down in its intensity.

Just a bit more

He told himself, holding on until Sojiro would leave the cafe.

What a small box.

Ren turned his gaze back to Arsene, he was holding a smallish black box with a lock on it.

It’s locked? I am curious what thou keeps in here.

Don’t open it- please.

Ren quickly hops off the bed and snatches the box from Arsene’s claws.

Oh~

Thou art embarrassed of its contents?

Arsene…

Just don’t.

Please?

Ren places the box on the very top shelf of the desk. Arsene continues giving him a curious look as he shifts between looking at Ren then at the box and back to Ren.

Don’t give me that look.

It’s nothing scandalous, okay?

He soon hears someone walking up the stairs to the attic. Arsene quickly dematerialized, taking his place watching through the reflection of the television. Sojiro appeared at the top of the stairs, whistled and admired the cleanliness of what was that old dusty attic. Then he talked to him about the usual ‘be good for the next year’ et cetera et cetera.

Did he always talk for this long?

Every. Time.

It gets quite dull quickly.

I just want to sleep…

He waited patiently for Sojiro to finish and leave for the night. Quickly turning around and falling onto his bed upon hearing the door close on its own.

I hope I can just sleep off this dumb headache.

It’s been bugging me since the train.

I don’t think I have any casual painkillers… unfortunate.

Arsene rematerialized in his small child-sized form to do the simple things like turning off the lights and putting away the cleaning supplies. Quietly floating back up the stairs, he sees that Ren is still struggling to fall asleep. 

Thou art in too much pain?

Ren didn’t reply- or rather, he couldn’t. Instead Ren had accidentally let leak some of the pain of the headache to Arsene, who immediately crashed to the ground at the sudden intense pain. He recovered quickly from his fall, he went to go find one small item in Ren’s bag; the aid charm, and pinning it to his coat. He quietly took his place lying between Ren and the wall, casting Dia to alleviate the pain between both of them. 

Do you think you’ll be able to out-heal this pain?

If it eventually dies down then, likely so, yes.

—

Maybe an hour passes and 50 or so Dias casted before Ren was able to fall asleep with some discomfort. It seemed that even the dreamscape happened to have something against him this time, as something of a nightmare plagued his dream so much that Arsene could sense parts of it. Now he most certainly shouldn’t let it continue, he stated his resolve before quietly sneaking into Ren’s private corner of the shared headspace.

It appeared that scenes of the incidents of May 6th and June 18th had melded into one, catching glimpses of his human running through a seemingly never ending maze of twists and turns, and red splotches of blood staining some of the floors and walls with corpses littered about. Following the- assumed cognitive- Ren through the maze, upon hitting a dead end with the figure; of which had a recognizable shape now, that of the Reaper of Mementos, the view around them turned pitch black. 

Then the scene swiftly changed into a small room with a general layout of a dining room and kitchen. Arsene assumed this to be part of his old home, vaguely remembering such a layout when he first became able to see through Ren’s eyes. A youth version of Ren had been quietly sitting at the table; his father across from him head deep in the newspaper, and the mother in the kitchen stirring a small pot. It seemed that Ms Amamiya finished her cooking as she dished out only two bowls of food. Arsene found that quite odd, there were quite clearly three of them in the room, but there wasn’t even any left in the pot either. When Ren’s mother sat at the table, she and her husband were the ones to receive food. Ren never got a bowl, just a single slice of bread that his mother handed him. They seemed to talk about something together- their mouths moved at least, no sound escaped it though- before it broke into a full blown argument and his father throwing that now bunched up newspaper at his own child. ‘This is awful’ was the only thought that Arsene could conjure while spectating.

The area around them once again changed, now it was a stage in what appeared to be the gymnasium. There were signs dotted about mentioning a ‘crossdressing competition’, ‘how fun’ Arsene thought, then he saw a girl(?) with long and curly black hair and a dress walk out on stage- that was unmistakably Ren on that stage. He truly wanted to run up to him and compliment him on the design of such an outfit, but he needed to stay hidden- after all, this was a stealth mission from the beginning. The scene slightly shifts rooms, it seems he was now just in a hallway. Ren was still crossdressed, but now cornered between spectators and instigators pulling and slicing at his outfit. To escape his predicament, he understandably shoved one of the instigators off of him, dashing into the nearby bathroom. 

The scene switches back to his home, seemingly into his old room now. Arsene was shocked at how bare it was. It had been reduced to a bed, an open hole to the hallway, a desk with one drawer, and a window; those were the most prominent features of the room, everything else was bare white walls and a pale yellow wooden floor. Ren had been watching with fear in his eyes as his mother pulled that dress out of his pillow’s casing. 

“It must be from that damn Tatsumi.” Was what Arsene could understand from her incessant complaints. She then pulled out a small trash bin- somehow made of solid stone- and a single match stick. Arsene could guess what atrocity this was going to be. She lit the match ablaze and tossed the outfit into the bin, dropping the flame into it after. A small fire erupted from the bin, a Ren, maybe a year younger than present day forced to watch such a thing with tears forming in his eyes. 

Arsene couldn’t bear to watch more of Ren’s past. He exited Ren’s private corner, trying to sneak past him in their shared headspace.

So you saw…

Ren crossed his arms, waiting for Arsene to fully exit his corner of his thoughts. A mix of fear, stress, and I’m-sorry statued throughout Arsene’s body.

I deeply apologize!

I was-

Because-

It was worrying-

Please don’t-

I’m sorry-!

Calm down.

I’m not mad-

Well…

I am, but,

Calmly explain yourself.

Ren snapped his fingers as a couple stools materialized into existence in their shared space.

I’m sorry!

I was worried because you didn’t sleep well on the train.

I could see it was because of nightmares and…

You happened to be experiencing them again so I…

He paused, giving a glance at that corner.

I’m sorry about your past.

And um, I’m sorry about invading your private corner…

Ren watched him fidget and shakily give out his explanation, if he were human, he’d be in tears at this point. He even dropped the ‘thou’s he so enjoys using in his speech. The flames upon his mask were quite dimmed to merely a small wisp of red.

How much did you see?

A simple question really, but Arsene seemed to fidget more when he was asked it.

Uhm it started with the incidents of May 6th and June 18th.

Then it moved to your parents.

Then to the school.

Then back at your parents.

What did they do?

The first time, they had dinner.

The second, your mother burned your clothes.

I-

The realization of what that piece of clothing was dawned on him.

… you don’t mind the crossdressing?

Should I?

I thought it was well made.

Ren’s cheeks flared a bright red at such a compliment of his skills.

Thanks…

Ren stood from his seat, walking towards Arsene. He goes to wrap his arms around his persona, resting his head on Arsene’s shoulder. A bit of light returns to his mask. Arsene pulls Ren closer into a hug.

It’s okay.

Thou homelife is awful.

I’m sorry…

Stop apologizing.

He sighs.

It’s already happened.

Just… I’ll tell you myself when I’m ready.

So don’t go snooping by yourself.

Of course.

and…

I’m sorry-

Stop.

I forgive you.

Please stop apologizing.

Sor-

Arsene.

…

Thanks.

He said quietly, leaning into Arsene before falling peacefully asleep for the remaining portion of the evening.

— After School, May 31st —

Operation Maidwatch? Interesting choice of name.

Nothing terribly out of place happened to date, they’ve obtained Fox, once again, without issue- though when he stayed over at Leblanc while finding somewhere to stay (after Morgana claimed that he could,) he did find out about Arsene’s materializing into the real world. Ren doesn’t think he’s told anyone yet, nor does he think that Goemon has figured out (or wants to for that matter) how to do it. What came out of it was that Yusuke would ask them to pose for drawing reference more often than he’d hoped.

Today, Ryuji asked him to meet at the vending machines. Although he was sorta avoiding saying the reason why, on text especially.

I don’t recall this happening last time.

Neither do I, what could Skull want today?

It can’t be just running, he wouldn’t be nearly this secretive.

…Now I’m getting worried.

”Ren-ren!” Ryuji waved at him, patting the spot on the bench next to him. “Oh? Mishima too?”

”Eh?” Ren turned around, and Mishima was there a little distance away. “Oh hi.”

The moon too?

This is most certainly new.

Yeah, can’t say I’ve seen Yuuki follow me before.

He followed thou without noticing.

Who's to say that thou just hasn’t noticed?

It sounds like you’ve seen him.

He’s not that stealthy.

“So, it’s-” Ryuji gives a quick glance around them, “-about this.” He pulls out a brightly coloured advert from his bag. Detailing about maid services, just the typical things. Ren looks back to the other two, they were exchanging looks-

They’re gonna do it…

And they’re going to rope me into it probably…

“Ren-ren~” Ryuji elbows him. “C’mon join us, please?”

“Yeah! Maids man!” Mishima agreed.

Thou shall have to answer them.

They won’t easily back down.

We’re gonna get caught so easily.

Ren cupped his face with his hands.

“One condition.” Ren glances at Mishima, then at Ryuji. “I’m disguising myself. Neither of you get to judge.”

“Oh? Ren-ren? Why?” 

“I get the feeling that this operation is going to flop so hard.”

“It’ll go fine! I’m sure of it.” Mishima says, and then they agreed to try it that night.

Thou said that thou art disguising?

How so?

Making myself not recognisable, how else?

Easiest way is turning into a girl.

Oh? 

I told them not to judge so it’ll be fine.

Up in Leblanc’s attic, Ren pulls out one of the boxes from the shelf by the stairs.

Wouldn’t Hierophant question thou if thou were to leave like that.

Simply, we leave via the window.

How reckless thou art…

He sighed, quietly waiting for Ren to change.

Hey Arsene?

Mn?

What is it, ma petite voleuse?

Oh- you changed your fancy french?

Well, can you help with my hair?

Since you so enjoy brushing through it with your claws.

Of course, tell me when thou art ready.

— Evening, May 31st —

“Sorry I’m a little late!” Ren opened the door, apologizing in the most feminine voice he could muster.

“Woah! Ren-ren is that you?!” 

“Surprised? Good. Then this disguise works.” Ren crosses his arms- a bit of an imitation of Ann, and a bit from Arsene. “Is Mishima here yet?”

“Yeah. Dude’s just mentally preparing himself in the bathroom.”

“I get the sense thou art also mentally preparing thyself.” Arsene spoke through Ren. “Kidd is at least enjoying watching the preparations from what I can tell.”

“Is he!?” Ryuji immediately pulls open the curtains to the glass door to the balcony, both see that Kidd was watching with great interest and some cognitive popcorn. Ren was somewhere between sighing and laughing at such a situation. Ryuji quickly closes the blinds when he sees Mishima begin to open the door.

“Okay! Now that we’re all here, time to begin.” Ryuji pulls out the advertisement again, handing it to Ren. “call ‘em Ren-ren!”

“Eh? Why me?”

“Because you were the last one to show up.”

“But you guys were the ones who even wanted to do it?” Ren sighed, seeing the other two staring with pleading eyes. “Fine.” he takes the paper, dialing the number into his phone. Shortly after they heard a knock at the door, a maid had arrived not 10 minutes after calling.

“Wow, they work fast.” Ren whispered to the others. He then goes to let the maid in. Though, when he turned back, it seemed the other two chickened out.

Traitors. 

Thou would too, if thou could.

I didn’t even want to do this in the first place!

The maid easily found out their identity when she overheard Mishima and Ryuji whisper loudly to each other on the balcony outside. She had a little trouble puzzling out Ren’s identity until Ryuji told her who he was. They soon went home in defeat, though Ren at least had the excitement of climbing back up through the window. 

Still can’t believe that our homeroom teacher works part time as a maid.

Though the price is a bit hefty, so it must pay well.

Kindly don’t consider doing such a job, please.

For my sanity and thine.

I won’t!

Closest would probably be a maid cafe.

He teased.

…

Mon cher.

No. Please.

The persona begged.

Ren merely laughed. Collapsing onto his bed after getting out of his outfit and hiding it away back into that box. Holding Arsene close to his chest- sorta like hugging a plushie, while he went to sleep.

— Afternoon, June 11th —

Damnit Ryuji. Why do you do this to me…

Today, the whole group invited themselves to Leblanc, rather unannounced if Ren had to say something about it. He only just learned of such an event when Morgana had awoken him in the morning.

“Jokerrr! Wake up! The others are already here!”

“Huh? What others??” Ren could feel Arsene dematerialize beneath the sheets. “Did you guys plan something without me again?” Ren grumbled. Ann and Ryuji quite enjoyed doing such a thing this time around it seemed. 

“Get a move on then!” Morgana mewed at him before promptly leaving the attic to join the others downstairs.

You know what.

Because Yusuke already knows, why don’t you just stay materialized?

If that is what thou wishes.

Arsene materialized on the couch, still in his smaller height.

Ren heads down half of the stairs, waved to his friends, then ran back up to take his seat beside Arsene. He had quickly set up a fold-up table and chairs around as each thief took their spots. It seemed his friends had planned for hot pot, what with the ingredients they’ve brought. 

“So why is Arsene here- or more, how is he here?” Morgana asks.

“He’s so small!” Ann goes to pick him up but Ren stops her. 

“Ren-ren you’re so secretive…” Ryuji whines.

“I’ve known about that for some time.” Yusuke had already pulled out his sketchbook by now, sitting across from Ren and Arsene, drawing them. 

Consuming their dinner, Ann had fallen asleep on the bed, so the guys were left to talk about this and that. Ryuji had been looking around the attic room, his gaze falling on a small black box placed high up on a shelf.

“Ren-ren, what’s in there?” he pointed towards the box.

“Oh just… things.” That was all Ren was willing to admit.

“I am quite curious too, thou had refused to say anything about it when I asked.” Arsene pointed out.

“And? It’s my box.” Ren poked him. “There’s nothing special in it.”

“You seem weirdly defensive about that box.” Morgana adds fuel to the conversation about the box.

“Don’t worry Ren-ren, I won’t judge if you have… things, in there.” Ryuji gives him a knowing look.

“There’s nothing like THAT in there!” Ren immediately realizes what Ryuji is insinuating.

“But there is a lock on it?” Yusuke notices.

“Yes? Because it’s my things?”

“Just one peak won’t hurt.” Morgana was already beside the box on the shelf when he spoke.

“Don’t touch my box.” Ren warned him.

“Too late~” Morgana swats the box off the shelf, for Ryuji to catch it.

“Jokes on you, he can’t lockpick.” 

“But I shall.” Arsene appears beside Ryuji, holding the box.

“Arsene please. Don’t-” they all hear the box open with an echoing click. “Arsene! How could you betray me like this.”

“Mere curiosity.” Was all he said.

Ryuji snatched the now open box from Arsene’s claws, looking quickly at its contents then glancing back at Ren with disappointment in his eyes.

“Sewing supplies? That was it?”

“I told you.” Ren held his face in embarrassment. “I said there was nothing special in it.”

“Thou art radiating with embarrassment though?”

“Just, shut up.”

“Ohhh no wonder you crossdressed that one time.” Ryuji connected dots that were certainly not needed to be connected.

“You WHAT.” Morgana laughed.

“Yeah! Check out this photo.” Ryuji pulled out his phone.

“You took a photo?!” Ren’s execution of embarrassment was a long one. “Delete it please…”

“What’s this about a photo?” Ann asked groggily.

“Have a look Ann.” He tossed her his phone.

“Ryuji please-” Ren was seriously regretting his choice on May 31st.

“I thought I did quite well on thy hair.” Arsene was also looking at the picture.

“You did Arsene, you did.” Ann seemed surprised. “Have you thought about modelling, Ren?”

“Nah, seems like too much of a hassle.” He sighed heavily. “It was merely a side-hobby I started In secret last year.”

“It’s a wonderful skill thou has.”

“Thanks, Arsene…”

Still not gonna forget about your betrayal.

There. There.

So that’s how thou knew how to mend clothes, I must thank thou for repairing my jacket after the May 6th incident.

Hmph.

“And there goes them talking privately again.” Morgana complains.

“Wow, it’s late!” Ann glances out the window, then to her phone. “I should get going.”

“A shame. I spent all my money on ingredients for tonight.” Yusuke looks at the others.

“Are you asking for train money?” Ryuji asks him.

“If you could.”

“Just stay the night.” Ren tells him. “There’s a bath house nearby, how about we go there.”

“Oooh, yeah!”

— Evening, June 11th —

“Sweet it’s empty for once!” Ren cheered.

“So, about Ann.” Ryuji begins.

“What about her?” Ren asks.

“Like what do you think about her?”

“She’s a good thief.” Arsene spoke through Ren.

“I meant your opinion of her as a girl.”

“Mmm… good teammate.” Ren replied.

“Ran-ren…”

“New nickname?”

“Something like that.”

“Ran?” Ren looked puzzled. “Did you just combine our names?”

“Maybe I did.” Ryuji splashed water at him. “Still working on something that sounds right. I don’t know whether to call the you with partial Arsene control just Ren-ren or not.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Ren sighed. 

Thou art getting dizzy again.

I’ll be fine.

It’s not even that warm in here!

“It’s quite warm in here now.” Yusuke points out.

“Not really.” Ryuji replies. “You getting overheated?”

“If you are, you can just head back to Leblanc.”

Thou should get out.

Just a bit longer!

I don’t want to be the first one out.

If thou doesn’t leave now, thou will not be capable of doing so by thyself.

I’ll be the judge of that.

They then debated what the best ramen was for all of one and a half hours before they began to think about exiting the water. Their fight was heated about such a topic before Arsene appearing before them completely silenced their debate.

“Arsene?” Ryuji asked.

“Could you just-” Ren gestures at him to decrease his size.

“My apologies.” Arsene shortly disappears then reappears in a smaller size. “Thou art getting far too overheated.” He picks up a nearby folded towel.

“I’m still okay!” Ren protested.

“Thy thieves should also be departing soon, it’s become late into the evening.” Arsene glanced at Ryuji. “The last trains will be departing soon, Skull.”

“Oh shi-” Ryuji scrambles to exit the bath quickly. Yusuke exits with Ryuji, when they pass Arsene, it was just Ren left in the water.

“Thou art no longer the first to leave. Come on out now.”

Five more minutes.

“Absolutely not.” 

He patiently waits for Ren, for two minutes, seeing that he wasn’t making any sort of move, he leaves the room. When he arrived once more, it was with Yusuke following behind him. 

“ Ren !”

Arsene quickly dashes to his human. Of whom is lying partially unconscious with only his head out of the water. On closer inspection, it seemed that he had just fallen asleep.

“Mon cher…” Arsene sighed a breath of relief.

They immediately returned to Leblanc, Sojiro had already closed up for the night by now. Yusuke had carried Ren to the attic while Arsene locked up the cafe, carrying a couple glasses of water when he headed upstairs. In the attic, he was greeted by Yusuke, Morgana, Goemon, Zorro and a still unconscious Ren. 

“What happened??” Morgana glanced at Arsene before returning his attention to Ren.

“Mon petit voleur was being stubborn about leaving the bath house ‘early’.” Arsene placed one cup on the shelf beside the bed and handed the other to Yusuke. “Do not worry too badly Mona, mon voleur est endort.”

“That’s good.” Zorro pats his cat on the head, then dematerialized soon after.

“A man of few words that Zorro is…” Goemon took his seat beside Yusuke.

“How long since thou hast known to materialize in the real world?” Arsene asks.

“Having watched you do it so very often, it didn’t take long to find out.” Goemon turned to watch his human sketch the others in the room.

“What kind words, being able to follow from demonstration.”

“Though, your dramatics are far too flashy.”

“Comme impoli! Dramatics are important as a phantom thief.”

“Are you two fighting?” Yusuke asks, his pencil stopped moving.

“Of course not.” Goemon assures him.

“Friendly banter, we guarantee.” Arsene adds, then turns back to Goemon. “But, shouldn’t he consider sleeping at such an hour in the evening?”

“Artistic motivation is often in this form. Painting until the early hours of the morning, sometimes over the whole night until the sun rises.”

“That sounds… exhausting.”

“It truly is, especially when he has classes the same morning.”

They watch as Yusuke places his stuff back into his bag, then moving to lie down in the spare mattress. Arsene and Goemon exchange a nod before Goemon dematerializes for the evening. Arsene quickly turns the lights off before he too dematerialized back into Ren’s headspace. 

—

In the black void of their shared mind, Arsene began searching for Ren. He eventually came across his human staring off into the darkness.

Ren?

Mon cher! There thou art!

Oh- Arsene!

I’ve been worried about thou!

Don’t scare me like that again!!

I’m sorry!

I was fine moments before I collapsed. Truly!

Just when I lost the ability to move I got really scared that I died…

Especially when I couldn’t hear you…

As long as thou art okay, that is all that matters.

Arsene hugs him tightly.

— After School, June 25th —

They had only recently gained another person to the team, Makoto Niijima, codename Queen. She was basically Ren’s second in command, strategist, and/or acting leader if he needed to temporarily separate from the main group. To which running through this palace was so very annoying, especially with the security cameras. Quite often would the ends of his coattails be caught on the security feed. So many times did he consider just rendering the cameras useless by putting a bullet through them. Most often when he’d split off with the group was when a group of shadows were hot on their tails, he’d grab their attention and separate with the others- having Makoto lead them forward was a great help to their progress through the palace.

They were struggling to continue, agreeing as a group that they’d find the next safe room and stop there for the day.

“I swear there’s only one safe room in the whole damn palace.” Ryuji grumbled.

“We should head back to that one then, right Joker?” Makoto asked. Ren didn’t reply, his steps were wobbly and he mostly relied on Arsene to keep his balance. Instead, Morgana pulled out the map.

“That safe room is still a bit far from where we are, but that might be our best bet.” He replied.

“Not again…” he listened closely through the echo in the corridor. “They’re back with reinforcements again.”

“Stay safe Joker.” The group goes on ahead. Makoto stays back a bit longer, “if you haven’t caught up with us in five minutes, we’ll come look for you.”

“Heard loud and clear, lead my thieves well would you Queen?”

“Are you sure you don’t need someone to stay back with you? Maybe a healer?”

“Go on, Queen. It’ll be difficult to play decoy if they find the others, no?”

It’d be smart to heed her words and proceed with more caution than what thou art doing.

It’ll be fine, we’ve survived to this point.

This new gear is also serving us well.

A good thing considering how pricey it is.

But that is besides the point.

We should bring a healer next time.

“There they are!” they could hear a shadow call out from the edge of the hallway.

Ready Arsene?

Of course.

“ Arsene !”

Many groups of shadows began pouring into the battlefield, each with four or five shadows in tow. The time limit Makoto had set for him was almost up, but he didn’t think he’d be able to last the full five minutes plus whatever travel time it’d take for his thieves to show up to help him. Some of them, with their immunity to curse and resistance to physical were especially annoying to defeat, and being surrounded by black sludge and sharp claws was certainly not helping.

Ren felt a sharp pain of unknown origin against his back.

Arsene?!

Are you okay??

There’s too many! 

We need to retreat.

I can’t find any-

He barely dodges a swipe made by an ascended feline.

-openings

Ren-

Behind thou!

Ar-

“Joker!! Backup has arrived!” Ryuji calls out among the sea of shadows. One of those shadows laughs at them.

“Your leader is a hostage now.” 

The battle fiend held Ren up high above the crowd of other shadows.

“Back down Ry-Skull.” Makoto orders him, “I wish to negotiate with you.” She carefully walks up to the shadow with Ren at bat-point. The shadow eyes her and the others before voicing their demands.

“40, 675 yen.”

Makoto begins shuffling through the bag. She comes up short, turning to the others who also shake their heads. She turns back to the shadow. “Ask for something else. We don’t have enough.”

“Tch! Fine.” It silently thought for a moment. “A large portion of all your hit points.”

“We all agree, if you give our leader back.” A large glow appears around them, their faces in agony for moments. “Give our Joker back.”

“One more thing.”

“What. Is. It.”

“Give me two ‘Soma’s.”

Makoto sighs, “we cannot meet your demands.” The shadow grins.

“A shame.”

The bat swings down towards Ren. He could see Arsene’s flash of red before everything went dark. Hearing the song of the velvet room he knew he died again. Then Igor’s voice echoed through his head once again.

“It would appear that fate has run its course once again.

How unfair that such things were to befall you.

But we are kinder than fate.

Therefore we have given you anothe r chance.

At life. 

At fate.

It is yours to fight.”

—

The rumble of the train stirs him awake. Arsene quietly sat beside him.

I’m sorry.

I couldn’t protect thou.

It’s not your fault.

… It’s mine.

You were right, I wasn’t careful enough.

He sighed, leaning against his persona.

Attempt 5, now? 

It would seem so.

It was silent in the train, checking his phone. They had an hour until it would arrive. Ren pulls out the notebook of the 4th life, noting down his demise.

These notebooks are stacking up…

I need a bigger bag…

We need to get stronger.

Firstly we need to get thy thieves back again.

That too.

They waited in silence, only speaking again when they were off the train.

Dammit I wish there was some sort of checkpoint function to this!

April 9th this, April 9th that… I’m so sick of beating Kamoshida’s shadow again and again.

But thou must, to stay alive, no?

Yes but I can still complain!

That night in the attic, he did the most minimal cleaning before falling asleep in the bed. Arsene instead dusted around to make the space still habitable for his human.

— Morning, June 9th —

An encounter with the Detective Prince.

Once more, everything proceeded the same, there was still a bit of time before Makoto would ask them to find Kaneshiro. Though this time for the social studies field trip, he chose to join Ann. Mostly because it was the only one he hadn’t been to yet that seemed vaguely interesting to him. Sitting up upon the stage with the lights and camera on, was a boy with light brown hair- the so famed detective prince of the current decade.

I think I liked Naoto Shirogane better to be honest.

This is thine first encounter with him?

I know.

He just seems… really fake?

I don’t know how to put it into words…

Almost like it’s a mask-

Arsene.

What is it mon cher?

Do you sense any personas nearby?

Minus Carmen, Zorro, and Kidd of course.

Arsene’s presence went silent for several moments, but Ren waited patiently for his reply.

Faintly.

I sense two nearby.

Oh?

One is fully awakened.

The other seems dormant.

How odd…

Someone capable of being a phantom thief is here.

I can’t quite seem to sense in what direction either.

They’ve hidden their presence quite well among the crowd.

Arsene pauses.

Thou might want to listen in now, they art speaking about us.

They were indeed speaking about The Phantom Thieves. Even asked Ren of his opinion of them, and in his totally completely unbiased opinion about his group- he flat out disagreed with that detective prince. The Goro Akechi himself seemed quite surprised too. So much so that after the show he even came down to greet Ren before shortly leaving to another recording room.

Another Arcana holder…

Which means he’s at least another confidant.

I feel as if he also has the ability to carry a persona.

Is it one of the two you sensed earlier?

It’s difficult to tell.

They encountered Akechi again during lunch, overhearing their conversation about pancakes or something- Ren wasn’t really listening to the group, just tired from the day already. Heading back to Leblanc Coffee, he just crashed into his bed.

— After School, June 18th —

Walking around the aisles of weapons in untouchables, it’s been far too long since he’d topped up their thieving gear. At least now he had money to buy some more from his part-time jobs he’d signed up for in the previous month.

Mon cher.

Ren didn’t acknowledge him.

Ren.

Listen to me.

What is it Arsene?

What day is it today?

Ren was in deep thought for a moment before pulling his phone out to check the calendar

June 18th…

Oh no.

Wh- now you mention it???

It also happened to slip mine mind.

Arsene!

He cried.

Ren still bought the improved gear, though he was racking his mind for a plan to get out of the incoming situation.

Mementos.

We’ll escape through Mementos.

He shouldn’t be able to follow us there.

How dost thou plan to call for help once reaching the metaverse?

We’ll just wait for that attacker to leave.

As simple as that.

Now prepared with a plan, he leaves Untouchables with something of a stride of confidence. Well… until he actually exited the store. He hurriedly walked to central Shibuya, hearing the secondary footsteps of someone following closely behind them. 

He didn’t dare look back.

Seeing the reflection of sharpened metal in his glasses.

This was happening once again.

A sharp pain shot up his right leg. Feeling warm liquid flowing from the wound on his calf. It became difficult to continue moving.

Did they throw their knife??

Keep moving.

We can worry about that if we are still alive today.

Right-

He feels around his pockets for his phone, holding it tightly as he runs towards the station. He clicks the button to begin transporting himself to Mementos. His vision blurring as red enveloped the area around them, a sharp pain up his back as his clothes stuck to new cuts upon his spine. Arsene quickly materialized to catch his fall, lightly laying him down onto the ground.

It hurts…

Focus.

Mon cher, please.

Hold on for a moment longer.

Arsene leaves to rummage through the bag. Pulling out that same small pin when he had struggled with the headache a while back. He begins casting Dia on his human, hurried and concerned; staying by his side.

I don’t think this round was meant to be…

Stay awake.

Ren, we can get through this.

Please!

You can tell.

We’re running out of SP.

And I’ll think of something when we do-

Just please stay awake!

Ren didn’t reply for several minutes.

It’s okay. 

He smiled at his persona, a tear threatening to fall from his eyes.

There’ll be another attempt.

Ren closes his eyes. His breathing slowed…

Then, it stopped.

—

The blue of the Velvet room was easier on the eyes compared to Mementos’ red. The song of the room comforting him. Listening to Igor’s speech, waiting to be transferred back to that train.

“It would appear that fate has run its course once again.

How unfair that such things were to befall you.

But we are kinder than fate.

Therefore we have given you another chance.

At life. 

At fate .

It is yours to fight.”

—

He slowly opened his eyes once more. They were back on that train, one hour away from tokyo. Around his chest and over his shoulder, Arsene was wrapped around him.

Don’t scare me like that.

Small embers flowed from his mask down Ren’s back.

Are you crying..?

Ren massages Arsene’s back.

I’m okay. 

See?

Arsene continued to quietly sob into Ren’s shoulder. Ren continued comforting his persona.

Chapter Text

Maybe we should take this time slower?

Mn.

Please.

Arsene felt reluctant to remove himself from his human. Ren, sensing such feelings, told him there was a way to achieve such things- especially because the others don’t remember each past life.

Although~

I likely won’t be able to do it during school.

Plus you have to stay absolutely still when any of the confidants are around.

That’s fine.

Arsene disappeared for a few seconds before reappearing in his smaller plushie size, contentedly sitting on Ren’s lap.

“I get the feeling you enjoy this plane of existence more than your own…” 

Dost thou not also enjoy my presence?

Well I never claimed such.

Ren flicks Arsene’s hat to the side, before immediately fixing its position.

Ren.

What was that for..?

Ah-

Nothing?

Now he felt a bit bad for pushing at his tophat. His persona looks back at him, doubt filling his looks upon hearing such a reply.

Sorry.

Thou art not actually sorry.

He flicks his wing, a small gust of wind swats Ren in the face.

Vengeance.

— Evening, April 9th —

Entering Leblanc Coffee for the ‘first time’, Sojiro still shoo-ed him upstairs to that same dusty attic again- but he also seemed to have noticed the Arsene in Ren’s arms despite not saying anything about it. 

Okay, maybe you can physically accompany me to school.

Art thou sure?

Yeah. 

You’re better emotional support than Morgana any day.

They cleaned and tidied around the room until nightfall. Hearing Sojiro begin to ascend the stairs, Arsene took his spot on the bed sort of leaning against the wall. Sojiro gave his same talk about what was happening over the next year, what was planned for tomorrow yada yada… after he finished the usual speech, he then looked over at Arsene.

“What is that?” Sojiro asks. Ren glances at the statue-still Arsene.

“A plushie.” He smiled. Sojiro was silent for several moments. Then he leaves the cafe for the night.

Mission success?

Indeed.

Thou also seems to adore calling me a plushie.

I’m curious, what else should I have said?

Arsene was in deep thought for a few seconds, then he shook his head.

Nothing else comes to mind.

Thou art quite lucky that he never asked where thou had obtained the ‘plushie’.

I’ll think of an excuse when I need to~

Thou art too reckless.

I know that…

Ren curled around his persona for the night, peacefully falling asleep with the warmth of his mask.

— Early Morning, April 11th —

He’s not gonna question how, but the teacher, ms. Kawakami- holder of the Temperance arcana, did in fact allow him the ability to bring Arsene openly to classes. 

Hopefully being late today won’t make her change her mind…

If we art quick, that shouldn’t be a problem no?

Well that’s assuming we’re quick.

Impatiently waiting for Ann to leave and Ryuji to arrive, he tries to somewhat plan out some sort of way to survive the impending doom within the next couple months. 

Think we should train more in Mementos?

Ren asks, shielding Arsene from the storm of rainfall.

Perhaps.

But thou should stay within the easier levels if so.

Thou should perhaps work on thyself physically too.

I know Morgana brought up a chair to use for training…

I’m not quite sure how he anticipated me to use it though.

Thou should be able to figure something out.

Also thou should ask to run with Skull more.

Sounds like you have a whole workout plan ready…

Ren sighs despairingly.

If it means thou shall live then thou must deal with such.

Don’t imply that you also don’t need training then.

Of course.

Ryuji eventually arrived- it may have been on time for normal, but Ren truly wanted to hurry, he was getting so sick of seeing Kamoshida’s palace and shadows having to repeat it again and again. Ryuji glanced at Arsene, gave a look at Ren, then stared at Arsene.

”This is Arsene.” Ren introduces him.

”Cool!” Ryuji goes to reach for him but Ren keeps him out of reach. Ryuji pulls his hand back, “sorry dude…” he still looked at Arsene, “just one pat?”

”No.” Ren continues forward, entering the metaverse with a click of his phone. “Well c’mon Sakamoto, we’ll be late at this rate.” He said with something of a sly grin upon his face.

When they arrived at the castle, Arsene had dematerialized to focus on hiding Ren’s outfit from the not-yet awakened Skull. Waiting in their holding cell, Ren was standing around with his Thief outfit on display.

Arsene?

He asked, finally noticing his red gloves on his hands.

I worry.

He replied quietly in their mind.

This isn’t too straining on thou?

I’m okay.

I wouldn’t have suggested such an idea if I couldn’t take it.

Plus, would it not count as training in a way.

Arsene was speechless.

Thou should work on thy self preservation.

I would rather not be the reason for your passing… again.

Arsene please understand-

I don’t blame you for the last death.

Ren slowly brushes his hand on the edge of his mask…

I should’ve kept track for that day specifically.

He glances over at Ryuji, the blonde shifting about on that uncomfortable metallic bench.

it seems our time to chat has been cut short, about two minutes shorter in fact.

Arsene quieted down in his head, resuming his concentration on the blue-ish aura around his human. Ren quietly stood in his spot in the room, awaiting the time of the ‘awakening’.

“Good afternoon.” Ren wore a tired smile with his greeting. 

“Dude what- where are we?!” Ryuji panics. 

“Still in the castle. Seems like some holding cells.” Ren glances out the cells, seeing that same pixie pacing just outside the cell. To which he begins bothering it until Kamoshida arrives on scene. 

Locking the cell behind the three of them- Arsene seemingly the most energized of the group, they continue to save Morgana from his cell. Ryuji seems… afraid? Of Arsene, or maybe he’s still shocked from the whole ‘awakening’ dramatics. 

“Ren.” Arsene spoke.

“Mn? Arsene.” Ren glanced at his persona. “What is it?”

“Art thou having trouble?”

“Must you ask?” Ren straightens the slight slouch of his posture. “I’m fine.” 

“Dude…” Ryuji repositions himself to have Ren between him and the… demon. “What- is it asking about you? Like it cares?” He still appears in shock. 

“Of course.” Arsene smiled towards Ryuji. “Why would I not care about mon amour?”

“Arsene…” Ren’s cheeks flared a red close to the shade of his gloves. He quickened his pace further, nearly running towards where the not-cat was being held.

Art thou flustered?

Ren could practically feel the devilish smile upon his flaming mask.

Wouldn’t you know.

Was the only choice he would reply with- being unable to think of a comeback so quickly. He swiftly pulls a hairpin from the back of his head, listening for the click of the lock to free the current healer of the Phantom Thieves. Then they swiftly exit the metaverse, leaving a mostly confused cat behind them as they return to the real world. 

— Morning, April 11th —

“It’s only the beginning of the second block.” He whistles in surprise to himself. 

“Thou had made quick work this time.” Arsene nodded with him, settling back into his arms. 

“Welp, cya later Sakamoto.” Ren waved at him as he ran towards the school. 

“Uh, yeah- wait HEY!” Ryuji ran after him.

introducing himself to the class, Ann and Mishima seem to take interest in his Arsene as they both can especially feel their gazes of curiosity. Taking his seat behind Ann, he places Arsene on his desk on the side closer to the window. Partially listening to the teacher but mostly waiting for the bell to ring, he finds his gaze wandering towards his mini persona. 

It's so annoying listening through the same lessons over again.

He complains. 

By that reasoning, I expect thou to be top of the class this time.

I’ll try, I’ll try.

No guarantees though. 

He watches Arsene to attempt to hold in a yawn.

Oh?

I thought you were full of energy in the Metaverse?

It was filled with more excitement than this.

Now actually having to sit through it, I must say it is quite a bore. 

There, there.

It should pick up a bit during lunch, though no hopes for the two subjects after it.

Moments after, he heard the bell sound over the intercoms of the school. Waiting a few moments for the initial crowd to disperse he goes to leave the class until the teacher pokes his shoulder.

Temperance seems to want something from thou.

I just want my free time…

he inwardly grumbled. 

“Ms. Kawakami, what do you need?” Ren asks in the most awfully polite tone he could muster in his sleepy state. 

“You’re… plush?” She points at Arsene. “I swore I saw it move on its own.”

Ren was silent, she’s sharper than I thought. Was what was going through his mind.

“Are you sleep deprived?” He cocked his head to the side, still talking in his polite-like tone. “He had done no such thing.” He smiled.

“Well nevermind then.” She sighed, “you’re free to go now.” 

Perhaps you’re not as sneaky as you thought you were.

Ren laughed.

Mon cher, mon amour, j’adore thou so dearly.

Arsene shook his head.

But, it’s quite obvious that there is no spot more open than on thy desk.

Mhm~ I know.

But that should be no problem for the Great Phantom Thief Arsène Lupin~

Ren replied playfully.

— Evening, April 11th —

I regret asking to accompany thou in the physical sense.

All those stares are sickening, even if it’s merely from thy thieves and confidants.

Eh??

Where’s this coming from?

You seemed so happy on the way there, wiggling around in my arms.

Merely feeding off of thine energy.

Okay~ fine.

I won’t force you to walk with me.

I, also, do not understand how thou can stand the glares from thy fellow students.

You just get used to it eventually I guess…

Thou also appears more tired than usual.

Art thou sure that I am not putting unreasonable strain on thy mind?

Of course. 

I don’t know what I’d do without you, after all.

Ren replied, gliding his hand through Arsene’s feathers.. 

“I’m mostly tired of living the same month.” He mumbled. “Bringing you along was a welcome change to the last several attempts…”

I shall always be with thou, don’t forget that.

Mn.

Ren pulled Arsene closer, falling asleep from the comfortable warmth from his persona’s flame.

— Early Morning, April 12th —

Hast thou not slept well last night?

It was okay-

Ren caught himself drifting to sleep a couple of times on the first train to Shibuya. 

Do be careful in the palace then.

I will, I will.

“Ren-ren!” Ryuji called behind him, catching up with him. “Oh is Arsene not with you today?”

“No, he’s here.” Ren looked down, where Arsene quickly materialized in his arms, then back at Ryuji. “See?” 

“I would’ve thought he’d stick around.” Ryuji watched him disappear with a blue flicker of the light. “Seeing how full of smiles you were yesterday.” 

“Oh, Was I?”

Thou were.

Ren laughs, “ah I haven’t noticed then.” Watching the empty tracks for the oncoming train to arrive. “So, back into the castle after school?”

“Yeah!” Ryuji perked up. “You do remember it!” 

— After School, April 12th —

“Let’s not waste time then.” Ren pulled out his phone, clicking into that mysterious app, the Meta-Nav as his thieves had nicknamed it in previous lives. 

Phasing into the metaverse, they saw Morgana more-or-less pacing in front of that vent that they had exited from yesterday, things still proceeding normally. It appeared though, that Zorro had told him something as his ears quickly perked up before Morgana turned around to face Ren and Ryuji. They approached the not-cat, Ren waving towards him as Arsene materialized beside his human. 

Their group had pushed through the halls of shadows much quicker than the previous lives- so much so that Morgana had gotten a bit suspicious that he’d been through this before. Quietly sitting in the safe room, Morgana begins to question Ren and, by extension, Arsene.

“You two seem to know the workings of the metaverse well.” The not-cat started. “It’s almost as if you’ve been through this many times before.”

“Of course not!” 

“What makes ye say that?”

“You guys don’t seem to need my direction.” 

“Ah- maybe that’s because you’re such a great demonstrator..?”

Thou sounds unsure.

Well- would demonstrator be the right word?

Ghh… nevermind that.

We nearly got found out by the cat. 

It’s hard to fake being new, okay?

At least that compliment seemed to get Morgana off of his suspicions for now. Ryuji hands him another copy of that same gun, Ren with his Arsene-taught sleight of hand replaces it with a slightly more improved version of the same appearance. 

Eventually thou will be found out if you slightly alter things like this.

I’ll take my chances now where it’s less dangerous, thanks.

“C’mon you two.” Ryuji calls to them, “the ca- Morgana said the guards are gone now.”

“Coming!” Ren calls back, Arsene follows right behind him. 

—

“ Arsene !”

It was around the time that Captain Kidd should call out to Ryuji, sometime soon; Ren hoped so at least. 

Everytime, these shadows hit harder I swear-

Thou should focus on battle-

I’m aware!

Throwing knives and curses here, slashing with claws and his dagger there- they hadn’t even put a dent on the numbers of the army they were up against. Eventually, a thought occurred to him; Ryuji only obtains Kidd when both Ren and Morgana are down. 

Arsene

I have a risky idea.

Mon voleur, thou always have risky ideas.

What is it?

Ren tanks a couple scratches with his arms, relaying the plan to his persona. 

That plan is…

Horrendous!

He claws through a couple more shadows. 

I will never accept any plan that would require thou to get hurt.

I understand.

Ren sighed, continuing to fight with his remaining stamina. As the fight progressed, it seemed that the hoards of shadows focused their energy more towards fighting Arsene. Aiming at his wings and legs specifically, Ren could feel the accumulated scratches and bruises on his persona transformed into the phantom pain-full feeling on his own body- being one in the same had its drawbacks after all.

“Arsene!” he hissed through the pain. “Retreat.” His mask soon appeared back onto his face, but not before casting a Maeiha on the shadows surrounding him. Managing to keep himself standing, he holds his position on the battlefield, but the shadows don’t back down. Their numbers haven’t dwindled even slightly. Morgana had been pinned to the ground for a good while, the shadows were mostly ignoring him, all focusing their energy towards Ren. 

Thou cannot continue like this.

Let me help.

We’re still stalling for Ryuji.

Ren pulling at his mask, the shadows vicious in their attacks. Arsene pushed the enemies back, quickly casting a multitude of wide hitting curse attacks.

Slow down!

I can’t keep up.

His breathing became ragged rather quickly since releasing Arsene into the fight again. The boy crashed to the ground, his persona dashing over to protect him. The only combatant still standing now was Arsene, though now that Ren was down he was beginning to struggle too. 

I can’t move-

Arsene what’s going on?

Chariot is soon to awaken his persona.

The other shadows haven’t noticed yet.

The fight is still ongoing-

Be safe then- I can feel the pain too.

The clashing of weapons was loud, the crackle of electricity in the air even more so. Then the chaos becomes quiet. Had the fight ended so quickly? If that were the case, Ren logicked out, that was far too quickly with all those shadows that were still kicking prior to him collapsing.

Mon amour, quell thy worrying.

Chariot hast won.

Good. 

Inwardly, he released a held breath, outwardly, he was unconscious- still being carried within his persona’s arms. 

Mon cher…

Thy thieves worry for thou.

Tell them that I’m… alive at least,

We need to leave the castle.

Has Morgana attempted Dia at all?

Unfortunately not.

Magician has no stamina to spare for healing.

A sign that we should leave, like now.

Regroup at the front of the castle. 

Ren could feel the slight breeze generated by Arsene’s movement, then feel him suddenly stop.

Is something the matter?

How dost thou suppose that I carry thy body through a vent?

Uh…

Ren was silent.

Guess we’re waiting here?

It’s not quite safe though.

Look,

I still can’t quite control my body, so- what more can we do?

Perhaps I could?

May I?

I trust you. Go ahead.

Ren feels the cold flat ground against his back, then his eyes peek open. 

“Ren-Ren! You’re awake!” Ryuji circled around him, examining him for more injuries.

“Apologies,” he slightly lowered his head to Ryuji “mon voleur cannot control his own body, he has allowed me to take over temporarily.” He turns to the vent, their infiltration point as well as their exit. 

“Arsene, you should go first.” Morgana urges him, “you are technically carrying an injured person.”

“Right,” he hops onto the bookshelf in front of the vent. “Magician, follow first. Chariot bring up the rear, thou art our only well fighter at this moment.” 

“Dude, go now! The guards are coming.” Ryuji glances quickly into the hallway.

The reddish purple sky was never more inviting until now. Arsene sat their body against the wall, still rather out of sight of the main entrance, before severing his control of Ren’s body.

How art thou?

Ren felt the comforting warmth of Arsene’s mask by his cheek. Finally opening his eyes with some difficulty. 

Alive.

We have a couple energy drinks in the bag.

Give it to Morgana, that should give him enough stamina to heal everyone.

He watches Arsene pull three small cans from their bag, waiting for the other two thieves to catch up to them. 

Oh, one for Ryuji?

He is the reason thou art alive on this day.

“There you are.” Ryuji’s legs seemed to give out across from them. “So, how is Ren-ren?”

“Merely, alive.” Arsene passes Ryuji a drink, and the other two to Morgana.

Morgana seemingly got the memo, casting Dia on each person. It relieved the deeper cuts and some of the bruises that still had emanated pain. His face relaxed a bit upon feeling the healing effects.

“Alright-” Ren stood up with the support of his persona, “- we should probably head home.” He clicked the MetaNav to leave for the day.

— Evening, April 12th —

Entering Leblanc Coffee, the cafe appeared to be empty. Odd, there are always a couple of stragglers by this time. Sojiro glanced at Ren, then immediately looked at the notebook on the counter.

“Have you been getting into fights?” His tone was as frigid as ever.

“Of course not,” Ren grinned, “there was just a feisty little stray I happened upon on my way back, I merely wanted to pat its head.” 

“Sure…” he sighed, passing the notebook to Ren before turning to start leaving for the evening, “note everything that happens in your life- I can’t be bothered to watch you that closely, I have a cafe to run.” Ren nods, accepting that notebook once more.

The door closed behind him, a jingle of the bell signifying as such. Ren continued to note down things until maybe a couple minutes had passed since Sojiro had left, standing from that stool he began to stumble upstairs- Arsene had materialized behind him to carry his things up those same wooden stairs to the attic. Ren laid down for only moments until he noticed that some of the scrapes were still bleeding. He motioned for Arsene to hand him the bag.

“Sit up.” Arsene asked instead.

“I can apply bandages myself. Give me the bag.”

“Let me, you need to rest for tonight.” Arsene sighs seeing that Ren won’t willingly let him. “The way you apply bandages is incorrect.”

“And you tell me now?” Ren awkwardly laughs. “Fine you can apply the bandages, just give me your coat after.” 

“Of course, mon cher.” He hums in enjoyment.

When Arsene finished, Ren pushed himself off the bed, grabbing the small locked box on top of the work bench’s shelf. He sat at the desk, holding his hand out to receive his persona’s red jacket. 

“Arsene?” He turned around, the persona just stood behind him watching him. “I need your coat. To mend.” 

“Thou had obtained it without my knowledge last time.” 

“You had been resting against me. Nothing seemed to stir you at that point, though with some difficulty, I stitched it back while you had worn it.” Ren explained. “I rather stitch it up by itself— do you realize how worried I would be if I were to accidentally prick you with the needle?” The persona eventually hands him the leather coat, taking his seat beside his human, watching him closely. He worked quickly, finishing the repairs in about ten minutes. “There, done.” He hands the coat back to Arsene.

“Thou should rest now.”

“Mn,” he gets up, turning the lights off, and laying on the mattress. “How long do you think we’ll last this time?”

“I hope that thou doesn’t pass.”

“A good hope.” Ren watched his persona sit beside him on the bed, emitting a small blue glow before dematerializing. He pulled the blanket over himself, readying himself for the next repeat of months. “It’s cold now.” He grumbles, he then felt a comforting weight on his back for the remainder of the evening. 

— After School, April 20th —

“This seems to be a bit hasty, no?” Arsene had a concerning look on his face.

“I want to get this done and over with now.” Ren sighed. “I believe we are prepared enough anyway.”

Arsene sighed, resting his mask on the crook of Ren’s neck. They were waiting for the others to arrive at their current hideout. They’ve already sent the calling card so it was too late to back out now. Arsene glanced over at the door. 

“What is it?” Ren also looked over there.

“It’s Queen.”

“Oh? Did she keep an eye on me this early?” Ren quickly flipped through some of his notes of the previous lives. “Not that I can tell.” 

“This is the first time.” He paused, “that we hast noticed her.”

“Hm, how odd.” Ren waved towards her, but it appeared that she had quickly left where she had been watching them. Ryuji, Ann, and Morgana joined up a few minutes later. 

“What’s with her ?” The not-cat complained.

“It’s the student council prez, she’s being nosy as always.” Ryuji answered.

“Thy thieves art late.” Arsene watched them saunter in.

“Sorry, Ms. Kawakami wanted me for something.” Ann apologized to him and Ren. 

“Ah, don’t worry about it.” Ren stood up, Arsene dematerialized in a dim blue light. “Let’s go steal the treasure.”

— Evening, April 20th —

The battle against Kamoshida’s shadow was a cakewalk now. The fight had finished faster than before, their team was strong- or at least Ren was. 

“What was next? Madarame?”

“That is still a little bit away.”

“I know, it’s just I'd rather be prepared.” Ren looked at the stack of notebooks in his bag, “If we live past Kaneshiro, then that’ll be all new things.” He paced around the room, Arsene quietly flipped through the current life’s notebook, checking if Ren missed something.

“And how exciting that shall be.” Arsene grinned.

“Quite so.” Ren picks up the notebooks of previous lives, comparing each of their differences, “it seems odd how each attempt has slight differences within, or maybe that’s because of me?”

“Likely, thou cannot act the same twice. Especially if thou know what is to happen.”

“Fair enough.” Ren placed all but one back into the bag. “What should we do about Akechi?” He suddenly asks.

“What about him?”

“We can assume he holds the power of persona, yes?”

“From what I could sense that day, there were two around him.”

“Then, could we consider him a friend, or a foe?” 

“If thou play thy cards right, then perhaps he shall become a great asset to thou and thy thieves.”

“Then the question remains, how should I get close to him?” 

“That I cannot help with.”

“Ghh… well we still have a while before June.” Ren puts that last notebook back into the bag. “We have just under a couple weeks to spare before Kamoshida apologizes, what should I do?”

“Interact with thy confidants.”

“Anyone specifically?”

“Death, Hierophant, and Chariot are the three that come to mind. They art available this remaining month.”

“Y’know, having to drink that mystery blue liquid for Takemi, I hope it isn’t having any extra effects over time.”

“Thou still needs to, her medicine is helpful.”

“I know Arsene, I know.” Ren looks at the forecast for tomorrow. “I don’t think Ryuji will want to run tomorrow, it’s going to rain.” Ren sighed. “Tomorrow appears to be Takemi and Sojiro.”

“So it does.” Arsene takes a peak at Ren’s phone, reading the time. “Thou should rest now, it is getting late.”

“Okay, ‘night Arsene”

— After School, May 20th —

Ren, Ann, Morgana, and Ryuji stopped by that particular posting board. Today was the day where the exam scores were to be shown. 

Congratulations, mon voleur, thou art top 10 of thy year.

See? I told you I could do it after enough repetition of the same month.

By now they had added Yusuke, code-name Fox, to their group. They were about halfway through Madarame’s museum-palace, and perhaps they would secure their route today if they could.

Art thou planning to send the calling card tomorrow too?

I suggest we should stock up on items before doing so.

We’ll probably be fine? I’ll check over his many resistances beforehand.

A ‘probably’ isn’t good enough.

Mon cher, this concerns thy life- do not forget.

I know!

But we cannot wait indefinitely.

Ren.

We still have time.

We have at least two weeks remaining.

We can take our time to prepare.

If we finish this quickly, we can prepare for the next-

Ren.

Listen to me.

Haste leads to mistakes.

Mistakes lead to demise.

We’ll see how obtaining the route goes-

Then I decide if we need items.

“Ren?” Ann asked out of concern. “You seem out of it.”

“Yeah,” Ryuji playfully punches Ren in the shoulder, “you should be happy you got top 10.”

“I am,” a smile flashes upon his face for moments, “but we have bigger things to worry about.”

“Arsene problems then?” Morgana suggests.

“Don’t word it like that!” Ren sighed, “it concerns PT things.” He glances around them, “let’s move to a quieter place, maybe the hideout.”

—

Yusuke joined up with them 15 minutes after they called such a meeting in the text chat- though it was less of an official meeting and more a hangout if anything. Their designated hideout at the moment was a little too busy for comfort, so they had been aimlessly walking around the park for a proper place to chat. Deciding to sit beneath a tree a bit away from the path, they informally called their meeting. The six of them sitting in a circle, with mini-Arsene in Ren’s lap. 

“So why aren’t we just going into the palace?” Morgana is the first to ask. 

“We have time, therefore why don’t we prepare to do so? Yusuke also asks.

“But we are capable of completing it within the next few days too.” Ren replies.

“Thou need more preparations.”

“Nah, I think we’re good on things.” Ryuji glances at Ren’s bag. “Didn’t you get more things the other day anyway?”

“See?” Ren pokes his persona, “we have stocked supplies recently.” 

“And I believe thy thieves had used those already.”

“We’ll likely only need more stamina items.” Ren sighs, “these things aren’t cheap y’know.”

“We can establish the route at least.” Ann added. “See if our items carry us through it.”

“Ye all art reckless.” Arsene grumbled.

— Evening, May 22nd —

See? Told you it’d go fine. 

Far too close for comfort.

Okay, I realize some of the team almost died-

But the point is they didn’t.

Prepare better.

Do not rush through this.

Sojiro allowed Ren to… mostly figure out how to make curry for the evening for himself. Being alone in the quiet cafe, Arsene materialized on one of the stools, closest to the minishelf of various books, flipping through a couple volumes. Ren was mindlessly stirring the pot of ingredients, letting his mind wander.

“Mon cher, pay attention.”

“Ah-” he quickly glanced back at the pot, then quickly turned off the heat. He grabs a spoon to taste it… “It’s… bad.” He muttered.

“That would be thy fault.”

“I- shush you.” 

Ren, despite the dish’s questionable qualities, gave himself a portion then packaged the rest into a small container. He more forced it down his own throat than enjoyed the food. 

“Slow down.” Arsene watched his human, a hand hovering just above his back. “Thou may choke at that rate.”

“Sorry,” Ren finished the plate, not a single grain of rice left behind. “Just a habit I guess.” He leaned back, knowing that Arsene’s hand would be supporting him. Waiting a few moments, he got up to clean his plate. Heading up to the attic soon after, he laid in his bed staring off into the distance once again. 

“He is soon.” Ren tiredly mumbled.

“Justice? Or does thou mean someone else?” Arsene seemingly perked up.

“Yes, I mean Akechi. It’s just- I don’t know how I should interact with him, a high and mighty celebrity.” 

“Rest, it will come naturally to thou.”

“Like hell it wou-”

“Mon amour, I believe in thou.” 

“…Thanks.” Ren watched the flames of Arsene’s mask flicker, “‘night.” he wasn’t able to hear Arsene’s answer as sleep overtook him immediately. 

— Morning, June 9th —

Ren sat within the audience of the TV-studio, watching the boy being interviewed very carefully. He looked for any semi reflective surfaces- a shame that personas can’t be seen through recordings as Ren had found out in a previous life. There were a couple shiny surfaces, but nothing that allowed Ren to see his face for yellow eyes. 

Are we sure he has them?

Ren asked Arsene but he didn’t respond. Ren patiently waited until after his face-to-face encounter with the detective prince, obtaining his arcana once again. They were now on their way to dome town, Arsene still hadn’t replied to Ren’s questions, and he was becoming worried now. 

“Ren-ren?” Ryuji pulled him to the side. “Something off?”

“Oh, uh- It’s nothing, I hope…” Ren snapped back to reality.

“I hope?” Ryuji asked.

“It’s just that…” he lowered his voice to a whisper “Arsene isn’t talking much right now- and that’s weird. You think you could get Kidd to talk to him?”

“Uh- I’ll try?” Ryuji gazes as his phone, his right eye flickers yellow for a few minutes. 

—

“Arsene.” The skeleton-pirate atop a floating ship approached him. He didn’t reply, staring off into the void- as if he were in a trance. “Ya boy’s worryin’ ‘bout you.” … still no answer from the phantom thief. He waved his arm in front of the other persona but, nothing- no movement, not even a flicker of flames to his horns. 

He took a quick look at his face-mask. The flames that made up his features were almost frozen in time; he was stuck in a look somewhere between shock, fear, and worry. Kidd relayed such information to Ryuji before he continued to watch Arsene. Soon later, Ren joins in the mental space.

“Arsene!” He cried, running to his persona’s side. He tripped- accidentally or not (Kidd couldn’t tell), holding his persona in an embrace. Arsene still didn’t snap out of it. Kidd slowly backed away to give the two leaders space, though he did see Ren’s tears flow down his face and onto Arsene’s jacket. 

Ren was resting on Ryuji’s shoulder as they sat at a secluded bench. Feeling tears, he then decided to reach out to Captain Kidd. 

What’s going on with Ren-ren?

The boy’s ‘ere. But leader ‘asn’t moved a bit.

He continued to watch from a distance, seeing the wings on Arsene suddenly jolt he was relieved.

Nah we’re good now. ‘Sene just woke.

For real! That’s good!

“W-why art thou here?” Arsene seemed shocked at the tear-eyed Ren in his arms.

“You weren’t answering and, I got worried, and Ryuji told me that you were frozen and-” Ren stammered out. Arsene looked up, seeing Kidd wave at him. “What happened? What did you see?” Ren continued, concerned for his Arsene.

“I shall tell thou when we return to Leblanc.” Arsene more deflated onto his human, “there are thoughts that I need to process.”

—

Ren pushed himself off of his best friend’s shoulder, tears drying on his cheeks. 

“Ren-ren! What happened?” Ryuji asked, passing him a small cloth from his bag.

“Everything’s fine now.” He accepted the cloth, wiping the remaining tears away. “Arsene’ll tell me what happened in the evening.” He checks his phone, finally noticing the stacks of unread messages from Ann. “Oh, we should probably join back up with her.” 

“For real? It's been like an hour.” 

After finding Ann and Morgana, they returned home for the night.

— Late Evening, June 9th —

Arsene sat in his usual spot on the stool of the cafe. He propped his head up with one of his arms, waiting for Ren to finish making his own cup before he began unloading what had happened during the day. Ren could feel Arsene flashing through many emotions rather quickly, words couldn’t describe such a feeling of melded fear, confusion, worry, relief, and anger; among other emotions. Ren at last took his seat beside his persona, Arsene turned to face him before beginning.

“There were indeed two personas.” He started. “I managed to find their shared mental space. Sneaking in there was a challenge, but not impossible.” His claws balled into fists. “The one in black and white stripes seemed to notice my presence not two minutes after entering. The one with a gold bow was still preoccupied with its training.” Arsene’s wings drooped to the floor, wincing a bit at the pain.

“You’re hurt?” Ren frowned, raising a hand to look through his wings- Arsene stopped him. 

“If thou hadn’t felt it, then thou shouldn’t worry about it.” Arsene enveloped Ren’s extended hand with his own. “Those two are much stronger than we art. We need to train.” He sighed, “the gold one eventually joined the striped one, staring at me with curiosity. At that point I tried to retreat, but these wings had held me back, that’s where they pulled.” Ren could feel the shudder through his persona. He put down his emptied cup, leaning off of his stool and reaching to embrace Arsene, to comfort him a bit. 

“Let’s take a rest day tomorrow- no phantom thief business, okay?” Ren felt Arsene’s feelings of relief and safety flicker through his mind. “Go head up, I’ll be with you in a moment.” Arsene nodded, pulling away. He stumbled up those stairs despite the fact that he really only levitates everywhere.

—

Walking up the stairs, he saw Arsene with that feathered pen writing in this life’s notebook. His arm shakily noting down the events. Ren quietly sat beside him, rubbing circles into his back until he finished. He closed the book with a snap and placed it back into the bag along with the pen before crashing onto the edge of the bed, still allowing Ren enough room to settle into his position to sleep for the remainder of the night. 

— Afternoon, June 11th —

He and his thieves were sitting around the hotpot that they had just finished eating, chatting about this and that. Arsene had joined them, seated around his Ren; he was tired from the encounter two days ago, but knew that Ren still wanted him included. 

“Where were you yesterday, Ren? I didn’t see you at all.” Ann asked. 

“Oh- um.” Ren could feel his persona tense up. “Just taking a rest day. I don’t really get the chance to look around Tokyo casually.” 

“Is he okay?” Morgana looks at Arsene, watching him tiredly rest his head on Ren’s shoulder. 

“I appreciate thy concern, Magician, but I am fine.” 

“Even with what happened a couple days ago?” Ryuji asks. Yusuke, Ann and Morgana made sounds of curiosity.

“Ryuji!” Ren scolded. 

“Do not mind Chariot.” Arsene sighed, “he doesn’t know what he means.”

“No, spill it~” Ann said playfully. 

“I am quite intrigued, do tell.” Yusuke looks up from his sketchbook. 

“Guys.” Ren warned. “Don’t force him.” 

“Mon amour, it is quite alright.” He turns to the others, “I do not feel quite ready to unload such a heavy discussion, considering this also is Emperor’s welcome party.” 

“Emperor?” Yusuke asks, a look of confusion adorned his face.

“Oh sorry, everyone here has Arcanas- like tarot cards,” Ren explained, “Morgana is Magician, Ryuji is Chariot, Ann is Lovers, you are Emperor, and I am the Fool. Some non-phantom thieves have them as well, like the local doctor here is Death, the Phan-site admin, Mishima, is Moon, and the boss downstairs is Hierophant.” 

“Ooh, I saw you and that Akechi-guy talking earlier, does he have one?” Morgana asks. Ren seemed hesitant to reply.

“He does, his is Justice.” 

“Justice? Bullshit.” Ryuji spat. 

“It’s not like I get to choose who has what. I just get them like that.” Ren quickly replied. 

“Ye may want to quiet down a bit, it seems Lovers has fallen asleep.”

“Oh she has.” Ren turns back to the group, “should we move her to the bed?” The group quietly agrees, Ren gently carries her over to the bed before rushing back to the couch, giving Arsene more room to spread his- still healing- wings. 

“Kidd is still a bit worried, y’know?” Ryuji quietly informs Ren. “And so am I, with all the things he’s told me.”

“Truly, Chariot, I am fine.” Arsene droops back onto Ren. “Thy worries are better spent on mon voleur.”

“Arsene!?” Ren gave him a look, “what have I done to merit worries from my team?” 

“Quite a bit of things.” Yusuke said.

“Yeah, if Madarame’s fight were to say anything.” Morgana joins. 

“I- okay…” Ren sighs.

— Evening, June 11th —

Ann had already left, and the guys (minus Morgana) were chilling in the bath house. Arsene was quietly watching over them, knowing what happened last time. 

“Arsene~ you should come in too.” Ren suggested, “it might help your wings.” 

“Art thou dizzy already? I’ve already told thou that I am not entering.”

“I’m still okay~!” 

“We’ve been over this, mon cher. You lose track of time rather easily, and when that happens, this does too.”

“Ren-ren, you should probably listen to him.” Ryuji put a hand on his shoulder.

“Chariot,” Arsene glanced at the time, “thou should get going too, the last trains would be arriving soon.” 

 “OH- yeah I gotta go, cya later guys!” Ryuji rushed out of the water. Watching the blond run past him, he turns back to the two thieves remaining in the bath.

“You two as well.”

“Nmm okay…” Ren grumbled. Yusuke followed beside Ren as they returned to Leblanc, a bit worried for him.

—

The three of them safely made it back to the cafe. Ren was being supported by Yusuke and Arsene once again- he didn’t collapse, but he was far too dizzy to walk by himself. Arsene laid Ren onto the bed before looking over to where Morgana and Yusuke were. Those two were crouching around a small stack of reddish orange notebooks. 

“I’ve been curious about these journals.” Yusuke inspects the cover of one of them. “Each detail ‘Life’ and then their respective number.” 

“Why would Joker have these?” Morgana has a look on Yusuke’s shoulder. “And so many at that! They’re all hardcover and look the exact same, minus the scribbled writing on the front.” This was quite unexpected, they hadn’t noticed the notebooks before. Arsene quickly reaches for the pile, grabbing at the one in Yusuke’s hand as well. 

“Give those back,” he warned. “They art Ren’s.”

“You two have been too secretive!” The not-cat hissed. “Go on Yusuke, open it!” 

“How empty it is,” the artist mused as he quickly flipped through the pages, “how wasteful of paper…” The one he was flipping through was only the first of the lives, leading up to and ending at Kamoshida’s shadow. All of the pages after that end were left blank, it was a motivator according to Ren, seeing how much he could’ve done if he lived longer- that’s what he told Arsene at the time. He was desperately grasping for the book as Yusuke flipped, slower now, through the pages. 

“Stop.” His tone was somewhere between a command and a plea. “ Please , stop.”

“ Arsene .” Goemon cautioned him, materializing at the side of the room.

One of Arsene’s claws was gripped tightly on the book, and the other was holding Yusuke’s arm. The room felt colder with Goemon’s sudden appearance, a shivering coolness reminding him of the second life’s passing. Yusuke loosens his grip on the book, seeming surprised that his persona materialized. Arsene releases his hold on the boy, carrying all the notebooks into the corner of the room just beside where Ren was asleep. 

“So very kind of thou to join us.” Arsene greeted Goemon with animosity as he watched his human stir and shiver from the cold.

“You had dared raise a hand against my artist.” Goemon stood beside Yusuke, examining his arm for any scratches left by Arsene’s claws. “It was only right for me to interfere.”

“Calm thyself, Goemon. I wouldn’t dare leave a mark on him.”

Goemon sighed a breath of relief when he confirmed that Yusuke was unharmed. The temperature seemed to warm a bit when he calmed down. Though, during the sudden cold, Ren had sleepily reached towards Arsene, lightly tugging on his horns to bring his flame-faced persona closer to warm his own. Unable to move because he was worried about waking his human, he rested his head against the edge of the mattress, bringing his hand up to move a tuft of hair away from Ren’s eye. He quietly sat there awake until Ren had stopped shivering from the evening cold. Then he dimmed his flames to rest for the night.

— Morning, June 12th —

Opening his eyes in the morning, his vision was greeted by Arsene’s blank mask. Ren panicked, quickly releasing his arms from around his persona.

“Ah- Arsene!” He quickly sat up. Watching the fire flicker into the shape of his tired eyes. “What happened last night? You seem upset.” Arsene stood up, handing Ren his false glasses.

“It’s about thy notebooks.” He places them back into Ren’s bag. “Magician and Emperor got curious last evening.”

“They what-!”

“Do not fret, mon cher, I took it away before they could get a better look.”

Ren sighed, noting that Yusuke’s things were gone already and Morgana wasn’t here. He turned back to his Arsene, smiling upon remembering it’s the weekend.

“What would you like to do today?”

“There are things you should prepare for-”

“No.” Ren places his hand on Arsene’s claw. “I’ve decided to use today for you. I can tell you haven’t been resting well since this life’s Akechi.”

“Very well,” Arsene’s wing brushes against Ren’s back. “A date it is.”

“Great!” Ren immediately replied…

Then he realized the words his persona said.

“WAIT WHat-”

Arsene grinned, “there’s a restaurant I saw advertising in the past, why not start there?”

— 

—

— After School, June 18th —

This time he remembered the incident that was going to happen today.

“Jokerrr! We need to get more information on this target!” Morgana complained. Ren stayed silent, Arsene did too. They were waiting for the train to Yongen to arrive.

“Quiet down will you?” Ren whispered to the cat in his bag, “today is a bad day.” 

“Today is the purfect day! It was empty in the shopping district, anyone who lingers there is probably our guy!” 

“ Magician .” Ren’s eyes flared a bright golden shade. “Not today.”

Thou art okay.

We have lived past this day once before.

Arsene stilled Ren’s trembling hands. Watching for the train to open its doors.

Come now, let us go home.

They went straight home, helping around the cafe for the rest of the day. Morgana still seemed rather upset as to why until the news had aired.

"Today there was a stabbing incident in Shibuya’s shopping district,

There was only one victim,

A man with a high standing in the political world–"

Ren shut out the rest of the reporting from his ears- that would’ve been him if he were to forget once again. He tried his best to focus on the orders of coffee, but his shaking hands weren't left unnoticed by either Morgana or Sojiro. Sojiro took notice of what was playing on the television at the moment, he placed a hand on Ren’s shoulder.

“We won’t get many more customers for the rest of the day, head upstairs kid.”

“Thanks…” Ren slightly lowered his head, heading upstairs to the attic. 

He sat on the couch after removing his apron. Arsene appeared beside him- to Morgana’s surprise, it wasn’t that late into the evening yet. Morgana sat in front of the two, waiting for Ren to center himself a bit more.

“So,” Morgana started, “how did you know?” 

“What do ye imply, Magician?” Arsene looks over to the cat while he still comforts his human.

“The incident in Shibuya- it’s like you knew what was going to happen!” he began pacing around, glancing at the notebooks, “don’t think those are lost on me either! You already knew how to do things in the Metaverse too!” 

“It was a hunch.” Ren mumbled quietly, “just a hunch.” He repeated leaning further into his persona, who wrapped his wings over his human like blankets. 

“There’s far too many coincidences!” Morgana argued. “Answer me Joker!” He demanded. 

“ Magician .” He glared at the not-cat. “My thief does not wish to speak with ye at this moment.”

“Bu-”

“ No. ” 

—

Once again, back into their shared mental space, Ren quietly sat amongst the dark void. Arsene soon joined him, quietly standing beside him. 

I see…

What dost thou see?

You manage to have a fight with Morgana every time.

Do I?

At least once a life. 

You two should learn to get along.

Hmph.

That’s his fault.

While that may be so, he’s still a key part of the thieves.

Healing was important, you said so yourself. 

So we mustn’t push away the healer.

Ren watched Arsene’s expression change, sensing that he likely won’t forgive Morgana a different thought occurs.

Arsene?

What is it mon cher?

Should we tell them?-

All of the thieves not just Morgana-

About our ‘immortality’ per say? 

It seems like they will find out themselves. 

Then so be it.

I don’t suppose thou know how thou would bring such a topic up.

I…

I’ll figure that out later.

— After School, June 25th —

Reminding himself what happened when they reached this point- the furthest they’ve ever reached in their attempts. Recalling the very few safe rooms of the palace, their strategy with Queen, the resulting negotiations with that hoard of shadows. He was waiting for his teammates to arrive, closing the book when he felt the gaze of another on him. Looking up he saw a glimpse of that crimson-eyed detective prince until he had disappeared in the crowd of people. He too felt the fear and anger radiate from his persona.

Arsene?

He glanced to the silver railing, the distorted reflection of his persona looked back, though he quickly averted his gaze to school his expression before looking back to his human.

I am fine.

Do not worry so much about me.

If you say so…

Ren turns his attention back to his surroundings, watching Ryuji arrive first.

“Yo.” Ren waves.

“Yo what’s bonkin’!” Ryuji greets back.

“Waiting for you guys to show up.”

“Oh- wait where’s Morgana? I thought he was staying with you this week.” Ryuji looks around.

“Ah… He and Arsene got into a bit of a fight and he stormed off.” Ren zips up his bag before Ryuji notices the notebooks. “So how’re you and Taisei doing?”

“I still call him Kidd, we’re doing great though!” He grins, watching his blank phone screen. 

“Good,” Ren looks around the busy hallway and begins to fidget with his hands. “Where are the others anyway, did Ann not come with you?”

“She told me she needed to go do modlin’ bis. Then she ran off.” 

“Oh. hm…” Ren glanced at the phantom thief group chat, “they should probably say something if they can’t show up.”

“Have patience, dear.”

“Hi Arsene.” Ryuji waved.

“Good afternoon, Chariot.”

“So, like, are you guys a thing?” Ryuji asks, “Kidd’s been curious too.”

“Quite the odd thing to ask immediately, Chariot.” Arsene crosses his arms, leaning partially against Ren and partially against the pillar.

“We-” Ren’s face goes red with embarrassment. “Are just really close!” 

What a bold-faced lie.

Especially in front of thy lover.

Look, I’m not mentally prepared enough to tell anyone yet.

“Oh,” Ryuji glances back and forth between Ren and Arsene. “Okay.”

The others arrived with varying degrees of soon-ness. When the last one, Yusuke, finally arrived, Ren clicked the Nav to enter the palace. The annoyances that the security camera kept catching him, their group was immensely slowed in their progress. He did not miss the winding halls, the security cameras, and the shadows that accompanied such things. Kaneshiro had done well in manifesting such a place, one without many resting spots. Ren and Arsene could sense the agitation of the shadows, an 80% alert rate, they most certainly shouldn’t pick a fight now, or the death of his whole group would be certain.

Ren could hear more footsteps from the shadows approaching from behind, the safe room- if memory served- was nearby. 

“Queen.” he called her over, relaying his plan of distracting the incoming shadows while everyone else finds the safe room. 

“Okay, be safe Joker.” She begins leading the group far ahead. Watching his thieves run off into the distance, Ren turns back to the group of shadows, Arsene appearing beside him. Their stances ready for a fight. 

—

Watching the last shadow disperse into black dust, Ren manages to keep himself standing. 

“Perhaps thou should consider raising thy confidant level with the moon.” Arsene huffed, the feathers on his wings were frayed and his jacket had seen several better days.

“I will… I’m just waiting for some more Phan-site requests so we can be more efficient.” Ren turned his back on the massacre of the battlefield, grabbing hold of his persona’s hand as they ran to catch up with the rest of the group. Seeing that distorted door ahead of him, both human and persona were relieved. 

They entered the room with something of a crash, Ren catching his breath as he leaned against the door. Ryuji helped him up as Makoto looked over him for injuries, healing a few worrying cuts and scrapes here and there. The two of them directed him over to an open seat, letting him rest a bit before figuring out what to do next. 

“Let’s leave the metaverse for today, we’ve made decent progress.” Ren suggests. “The shadow’s agitation should’ve also lowered by now, considering how much time we’ve stayed in here.” The other thieves agree, and prepare to set out once again.

— Evening, June 25th —

They made it out mostly safely, Ren took most of the damage if anything. Arsene supported the two of them as they wobbled home. Sojiro had already left for the evening by the time they showed up, Arsene materialized immediately upon entering the cafe. He caught Ren’s collapse, carrying him up to the attic.

Thou art hurting thyself more than thou needs to.

I deemed doing as such for the survival of the team. 

Ren, my love.

Please…

Thou needs to be more cautious then.

I don’t want unnecessary deaths among the group, that includes thou too.

Of course.

Now,

Arsene sighed, searching in his bag.

Where art thine bandages?

Ren stifles a laugh as he watches his Arsene take everything out of the main pocket while looking for the mini first aid kit.

Wrong pocket.

Oh.

Thou could’ve said something sooner.

He grabbed the small kit, slowly disinfecting and bandaging the wounds. Ren drifted between falling asleep in Arsene’s arms and staying awake from the stinging pain of the disinfectant. Though he still waited for Arsene to finish, the persona placed him onto the bed before leaving the room. He came back a few minutes later, Ren assumed that he was properly closing up the cafe so that Sojiro wouldn’t scold them. Then he began placing the items he had scattered earlier while looking for that medical pack back into the bag. Arsene glanced up at Ren when he finished tidying the room. 

“Thou need rest.” 

Ren could only see the warm light of his face, for he turned off the lights moments prior. Watching him light the room a bit with a dim blue, then disappearing from the room. 

— Noon, August 29th —

By this point, they’ve acquired a new thief- well a better navigator than Morgana at least, the girl whom they had changed her heart by request. And both Ren and Arsene wish to not have to deal with the whole pyramid again; there was a lot of faith put into that grappling hook that Ren had quickly put together the night prior to actually needing to use it. In the remainder of the summer break after she woke up, the thieves thought it their responsibility to have her get out more. 

Today was when Ryuji and Ann had voluntold that they were to go visit a beach, much to the misfortune of Ren and his persona. 

I am quite sick of getting sand in my feathers.

It’s supposed to be really warm today too…

They both grumbled at their respective problems.

They were waiting on the ladies upstairs to get their things prepared, overhearing various… things, to say the least. 

I am so very tempted to give you a spare skill card with Bufu on it.

Don’t worry about that,

Thou can use such things thyself.

… I can?

Wait really?!

I have so many Bufu cards, I can finally use them!

He hears Arsene laugh.

Truly, it wouldn’t be right if we continued to take advantage of Emperor’s affinity.

Goemon won’t allow it.

—

They finally found a clear spot to place their things, getting lucky with umbrellas already being there. Ren sat himself beneath that shade, claiming that spot first before the others could. Arsene, in his smaller size, silently materialized on his lap. Ryuji invited him to go girlfriend searching around the beach but Ren declined, after all, he had Arsene.

Watching his group split off in whichever directions, he prepares the stack of Bufu cards that he had accumulated over time.

So,

He starts.

This is the longest we’ve survived now.

Certainly.

Let’s hope it stays that way, no?

Well of course,

I hope I’ll live through this.

He picks up one of the cards.

So, how exactly am I supposed to use one of these?

Visualize it?

Apologies, this comes rather naturally.

I know.

Okay, let’s see…

The card seemingly flashes for a moment or two. A small white light enveloping his hand and a cool breeze can be felt between the human and persona. He also felt the warm fuzz of something brush up against his back. Quickly straightening his spine, he turns to look at what he just felt. 

“Ah, Morgana?!” The cat had taken refuge in his shaded side of the towel, avoiding both the sun and sand of the beach. “I thought you were with the others?” 

“Doing what? Dying from the heat?” He complained, “because having black fur is purfect for that.”

“What was about that declaration to protect Ann?” Ren quipped. “Not feeling up to it anymore?” 

“Very funny Joker…”

“Oh,” he looks over, hearing the voices of the girls nearby, “here they come.”

Ann, Makoto, and Futaba took their spot among the remaining shaded areas, crashing from the heat more or less. 

“It’s so hot…” Futaba whined. “I want my AC back.” 

“I feel bad for you three.” Ann looks over at Ren, Arsene, and Morgana, “with all your dark colours.” 

“My, how piteous…” Arsene replied, glancing at the bag again.

“Okay okay,” Ren grabs another card, this time detailing Mabufu. The card flashes for a moment before shattering into shards of blue. Then soon after, a large wave of a cool breeze washes over the six of them. “Better?”

“Quite.”

“Did- Did you just use magic outside of the Metaverse?” Makoto asks. 

“Just some spare spell cards.” He passes a Bufu card over to Makoto to inspect. “Arsene taught me how to do it not 30 minutes ago.” 

“Ren.” Futaba perked up. “Do it again, I’m dying~” 

“Futaba… I only have so many cards.” He paused, counting through the remaining amount, “and even less so are AOE.” 

“Nooo!” Futaba cried, “this heat will kill me…” 

“Though,” a grin creeps onto his lips, “Yusuke is always cold, with his affinity being ice and all.” 

“Way to throw thy teammate under the metaphorical bus.” Arsene hummed.

“Ah,” he turns to Futaba, “don’t tell him that I said that though.” He glances at his persona before gazing back at the ocean, “Goemon might kill him if he knew.” 

“Oh?” Ann entered the conversation, “is there infighting between you two?”

“Thou shan’t worry, it’s nothing like that.” Arsene pulled himself to stand, also partially drooping from the heat. “Just we’ve been rather all over him to stay cool, and Goemon isn’t taking too kindly to that.”

“Yeah, you guys are lucky to get air conditioning, it barely reaches the attic in the cafe.” Ren tells them. Ann and Futaba’s eyes raise at Arsene’s words.

“He still shows up, even if it’s warm and there’s no meeting?” Ann wondered out loud.

“Ooh~ we thinking the same thing?” Futaba smiled like a gremlin.

“Perish the thought!”

“It’s not like that!!” Ren defends. “He just shows up for art references- and food.” 

“Drawing, in this heat?” Her tone turned suspicious.

“I know what you’re thinking Ann, no, it isn’t nude!”

“What.” Makoto was confused.

“Ah- don’t worry about it!” Ann turned to her.

The day continued on, Ryuji and Yusuke joined back with the group. Futaba really wanted Yusuke’s lobsters for some reason but Ren wasn’t going to question it. Soon it was sundown and they properly accepted Futaba into their group of thieves. Ren was quite spent, they even used most of their extra Bufu/Mabufu cards throughout the day, and casting outside of the Metaverse was both new and tiring. When they arrived back, he immediately went into his attic to collapse onto his bed.

— Evening, September 7th —

Thou art sharing a room with Moon?

Yeah, it’s less awkward that way.

Plus I can get more Mementos requests faster.

Today marked the first day of the school trip in Hawaii. It was rather late into the night when everyone had arrived into the hotel, so all the teachers paired them off and shoo-ed them to any vacant room. Mishima had left the room moments prior to grab more things in the nearby convenience store. Arsene found his spot on their bed, watching his human hide his bag in an inconspicuous place.

Click. The door unlocked, and Mishima had returned from the store. 

“Oh,” he glanced at Arsene. “I saw him earlier too.”

“This is Arsene.” Ren informed him. Mishima nodded, then looked back at the persona.

“Phantom thief things?” He asked. “I’ve seen him in your reflections before too.”

“Ah- I guess that might complicate things…” Ren turns back to Mishima, “as admin of the Phan-site, can you take this information in secrecy?”

“Yes of course!” He brings a fist to his chest to show his resolve to keep such information to himself.

“Great!” He snapped his fingers, Arsene stood up and stretched from having to sit throughout the whole day.

“Good evening Moon.” He bows. “I am Arsene, companion, partner, and fellow phantom thief to Ren.”

“Oh! Like Arsène Lupin, right?” Mishima asks.

“Correct.” He raises his head.

“Also Moon?” His tone went from curious to excited within seconds, “is that like a code name?!”

“Ah, um… it isn’t really a code name, it’s the Arcana you hold- like tarot cards.” Ren corrected him.

“This,” he finally moves away from the entrance of their hotel room, “is a lot to learn.” He placed the bag of items on his side of the room, beside his laptop. Ren saw a concerning amount of energy drinks in the bag as well.

“Pulling an all nighter?” He asks.

“Yeah.” He opens up his computer, pulling up the website. “Being the admin of the Phan-site never stops.”

“We appreciate thy service for the thieves, but do take care of thyself once in a while, no?”

“I’m always happy to help you guys!” 

“And we appreciate you Yuuki, good night.” Ren pulls the covers over himself, still leaving a spot for Arsene to join him.

“Wait Yuu- ah.” Arsene watched Mishima’s cheeks go a bit pink. “He used my given name!” They both could hear his excited whisper accompanied by the pause in key clicking.

— Afternoon, September 10th —

Ren finally sneaked away from Ryuji and Mishima, with their whole “we’re on a beach, where the hoes at” kinda game. He and Arsene were quite done with the sand and heat of it anyway, walking back to their room kitted with cold air and comfortable places. They also happened across a small bookstore, showcasing a couple large titles; most notably Sherlock Holmes, to which Ren jokingly pointed out to Arsene. 

How dare thou.  

Arsene leaned in really close to Ren’s face.

To merely suggest picking up the book of mine rival, how dare thou.

Okay! It was a joke!

Arsene backed off a bit, still sitting upon his shoulder. Sparing Ren of the overheating, both emotionally and literally, as his face was quite clearly several shades more red than the moments prior. He quickened his pace, making it back to their hotel within the hour.

—

Closing the door behind himself, he glanced at where Arsene was. He no longer sat upon his shoulder, but instead took place on their bed- at his normal size too. 

“Arsene?” Ren asked, putting his bag off to the side for now- since it would only be just the two of them until the evening. “Don’t tell me you’re still jealous about the book.” 

“Hah. Of course not, mon cher.” He swiftly moves behind Ren, their faces warm and in close proximity. “Thou had given me just the expression I had hoped.”

“Lupin~ what are you scheming?” Ren could see the flames of his mask flicker in his peripherals. Feeling the arms of his persona wrap around him, Ren let him scoop him up and be softly placed onto his lap. Ren leaned into his chest, feeling the warmth from his face above, and the coldness of the metallic details of his outfit. Listening to the shared- and therefore matching- heartbeat between the two of them, thumping at a faster rate than normal.

“Empty thy thoughts a bit, would thou?”

“Huh?” Ren looked up to face his persona.

“Since exiting the plane, thy mind has been full of things that don’t matter. Thy confidants are an ocean away, he is an ocean away.” Ren could feel Arsene’s grip tighten just a bit. “Why dost thou think of thy Justice confidant so often? It is quite upsetting, thou surely knows.”

“I- I guess Akechi has just been on my mind… I just feel he’s figured us out already.” Ren sighs against Arsene’s body, “his smile is too knowing, you know?”

“Empty. Thy. Thoughts.”

“Uh- I’ll try?” He closed his eyes, slowly breathing in and out, focusing on the room and his persona. Eventually Arsene leaned down, resting his head on Ren's own.

“Thank you, mon amour.” His dark feathers pooled around their bodies as he rested his wings onto the bed. “It was getting far too chaotic within thy headspace.”

“Oh, sorry.” Ren leaned back in, his hands wandered to play with his partner’s feathers. 

— Evening, September 10th —

A couple hours had passed since he returned, he was getting quite a bit sleepy now, but it was still well into the afternoon- perhaps sundown. He was in fact so tired that he didn’t hear the click of the door being unlocked.

“REN?!” a familiar voice seemed to freak out at the entrance.

“Ryuji? You guys are back already?” He glances at the door, then remembers what position he’s in with Arsene, and immediately scrambles to get up. “Ahahaha… sorry about that.” he awkwardly laughs. Mishima seemed to have left already, leaving Ryuji in the doorway.

“Why art thou here?” Arsene asks first, still a bit irritated about the interruption.

“Got booted out of my room. Too awkward in there since my roomie brought his girl over. Imma be chilling in here for the night ‘kay?” Ryuji eyed suspiciously at his fellow thieves across the room, “are you sure you two aren’t a thing?” 

“Would ye reject it if we were?”

Ren’s face turned bright red during such a conversation. “Can we not talk about this, please?” His cheeks were warm as he covered his face with his hands in embarrassment. 

“Nah I wouldn’t mind. It would explain why ya haven’t joined me in finding girls.”

“Okay- yes, we’re partners. End of conversation PLEASE.” Ren gave up.

“There~ see that wasn’t so hard.” Arsene joked at Ren.

“That was plenty difficult…” Ren whined as he crashed against Arsene’s shoulder. Ryuji had sat himself down on the couch, hiding Ren’s bag further into the corner as he’d heard from Yusuke how Arsene got if anyone tried to peek at the pile of notebooks. 

Ren could hear the not-so-occasional buzzing of Ryuji’s phone. “Popular today, are you?” He glanced at Ryuji’s phone.

“Hah, I wish. Just Futaba askin’ how ya doing.”

“She literally has full access to my phone.”

“That is quite unfortunate…” Arsene curled a wing around Ren.

“Very.” Ren emphasized.

Though, there’s been worse…

Homelife?

Unfortunately, yes.

Several minutes later, they hear someone knock at the door a few times. Ren got up to see who was there. Then opened the door to let her in.

“Ann, why are you here too?” he asked.

“The girl I was rooming with wasn’t in the room, so I’m locked out of it for the whole night now.”

“Can’t thou ask for a new card?” Arsene reasoned.

“It’s probably too late now.” She sighed, walking past Ren to sit on their bed. Arsene got up to stand beside his human. “So I heard you two are a thing now, congrats.” she clapped.

“RYUJI!” Ren glared at him. 

“Aw c’mon, this is big news about the leaders of the Phantom Thieves, how could I not share with the group?”

“Ye all have a text-chat without us?”

“Uhm- yeah, I think Futaba made it on a whim.” Ann replied.

“Okay.” Ren sighed. “Of course she did…” he soon changed the subject, “so there’ll be four of us in this room for tonight.” 

“Mishima’s weak, let him keep his bed.” Ryuji said unapologetically. 

“Rock-paper-scissors for the bed, then the couch? Loser gets floor.” Ann proposed.

“Fine.” The others agreed.

In the end, it was decided as so: Ann won first and got the bed, Ren lost- required to sleep on the floor, therefore Ryuji got the couch.

“Curse my damned luck.” Ren muttered.

“There, there.” Arsene comforted.

“‘Night everyone.” He tiredly mumbled to the others in the room. Laying against his persona until he properly fell into slumber…

— Early Morning, September 11th —

When he awoke that morning, he was greeted with the sight of Arsene’s blank mask and the feeling of his jacket strewn over his body.

‘Morning Arsene

The persona’s mask flickered to life, a bit bright this early in the morning. To which he dimmed his flames seeing Ren’s squinted eyes. He glanced around the room, the three of them are still well asleep. He went to the main lobby after doing the basic morning necessities, carefully grabbing his items as he left the room quietly. 

The sun hadn’t quite fully risen yet, the sky was still a deep purple. Ren did his daily check of the news, Phantom Thieves Aficionado Site, and other media reports in Japan. Something catching his eye. 

“Oh.” He clicked into the website, “ oh… oh no. ”

What is it, my dear?

It seems someone is pushing blame onto our group.

The principal, Kobayakawa, seems to have passed from… something… last night.

And that something I highly doubt was merely a traffic incident.

Mental shutdown?

Likely. 

He scrolls onto the picture of the body that was seemingly taken in secret, memories of May 6th resurfacing in his mind upon seeing the ink-like spill from the eyes and mouth.

Most definitely, actually.

About an hour passed since Ren had entered the lobby, Makoto seemed to notice him as she tiredly placed her things beside him.

“Morning.” She greets. 

“Hi Makoto.” Ren waves.

“Good morning, Priestess.” Arsene greets, sitting upon Ren’s shoulder. 

“Seen the news yet?” Ren asks.

“No? Ren, It’s like six in the morning.” Makoto complains, “I’m surprised you’re even awake.” 

“It concerns both the PT and the school.” Ren shows her the article. “We’re being framed now, Makoto.” 

She snatches the phone from Ren’s hand, scrolling through the article twice over. “You’re kidding me.” She said in disbelief. “They even made a fake card.”

“Unfortunately so.” Ren waits for her to hand him back the phone, copying the link into the phantom thieves group chat. Both their phones pinged a minute later. 

PT group chat

— 06:48 —  

 

Oracle

What.

Lmao this is-

 

Joker

Yeah…

Saw it like an hour ago.

 

Oracle

Mona’s not happy about it.

 

Queen

I’m certainly not either

Who would frame us?

 

Joker

Lots of people?

At least through Akechi’s group it makes many.

 

Oracle

Mona’s saying Black mask probably did it.

 

Queen

That seems a bit too coincidental, considering they also created a fake calling card too.

I feel as if they’d need more than one person to create this situation.

 

Skull 

Jeez what’s with all the notifications this early in the morning?

OH SHIT.

 

Panther

What happened??

OH!

 

Joker

Morning you two.

Had a good sleep in my hotel room?

 

Skull

That has nothing to do with this!

But shit for real we getting framed?

 

Queen

What else could it mean? 

Our school principal died and they found a calling card that has the same symbol of our group.

 

Joker

When we arrive back in Tokyo, let’s call a meeting.

 

Several people are typing…

 

Ren turned off his phone, placing it back into his pocket. More students are showing up now that it’s closer to a normal morning time. Makoto soon does the same when she too realizes just how busy the room got. 

— Late Night, September 11th —

“Okay,” Ren starts, “are we sure we should have it over call?”

“Yeah, we got back pretty late.” Ann replies.

“We could just have the meeting after school tomorrow.” Ren yawned.

“That might work better for miss student council prez.” 

“I can very clearly hear you, Ryuji.”

“That would be preferable for my artist too.”

“Oh, Goemon.” Arsene seemed surprised. “Didn’t think you’d be materialized as often as I.”

“Someone needs to take care of him, but nevermind that, we shall pick this up tomorrow.”

“Alright, Leblanc Coffee Attic after school tomorrow.” Ren waited for all their tired confirmations before hanging up.

Ren sighed heavily, placing his phone onto the shelf beside the bed, he just quietly sat on the bed. 

“Not even allowed one week, huh.” He mumbled.

“Hm?” Arsene joined beside him.

“I’m just tired.”

“Then rest, my love, rest.”

“But it isn’t that simple.” Arsene turned to face him, Ren leaned into his chest. “I want a break. Without the thief things.”

“We’ll surely get that break soon, dear.”

“It’s always ‘soon’.” He whined, “we’ve been doing this for over a year, about 13, maybe even 14 months since the first time.”

“We’ll never know truly what’s in store for us, Ren, thou know that.” Arsene cards his claws through Ren’s hair. “But to reach a break, thou need to live long enough to do so.”

“I know, I’ve been trying.”

“Then thou should rest, thou shall need the strength for the future, no?”

“Okay…” he mumbled, feeling his eyelids become too heavy to keep open for the remainder of the night.

— Morning, September 12 —

“Wow, Ren, this is the worst I’ve seen those eyebags be.” Ann commented upon seeing him pass by her seat. 

“How kind of you.” Ren replied sarcastically. He gazes out the window, watching the entryway of the school. “So many officers.” he mumbled.

Thou should lay low then.

These aren’t good conditions for thou, my love.

Neither as a thief nor one on probation.

I- 

His hand trembled as it held the pencil against his papers.

Mn. 

My dear,

Let me help with that.

Please. 

Ann watched as Ren’s eyes changed to a dull gold. The shaking of his hand had stilled, his eyes continued in their colour change until it was a light gold hue. “Is Ren okay?” She asked.

“Nervous and tired.” Arsene spoke, “let him rest, perhaps we should call off the meet up.”

“I’ll ask the others.” she pulled up her phone, sending the message before re-pocketing it as the bell had rang.

—

Ren and Ann had been called down to the office, it seemed that a handful of officers were interviewing each student. Arsene stayed in control throughout the interrogation, letting Ren answer in their mind before he answered the cops. Ren was a nervous wreck in their shared space, pacing about in the void of their mind afraid of what might happen with one wrong word. Arsene managed to stay calm despite his partner’s fears, soon allowed out of the room when the cops got sufficient answers to their questions. He waited for lunch to begin, his pace quick as he ran to the rooftop. He sat them down onto the desk before relinquishing control of his body.

Arsene embraced his human quietly, letting him cry out his sobs in peace. He didn’t point out the others that were watching behind the door, their worries could be addressed later. The feelings of fear and concern still emanated from his human, Arsene tried the best he could to soothe his partner. 

When Ren had pulled away from their embrace, tears still flowing down his cheeks, Arsene quietly sat beside him, occasionally wiping his tears with a spare handkerchief. Some of the other thieves (and Moon) had joined them on the rooftop. Ren accepted their concerns with small thanks.

They did call off the thief meeting until tomorrow.

— Evening, October 4th —

Ren diligently sat at his desk, working on a project that was soon due. Arsene was getting a bit worried about him again, the void in their mind being filled with various concerns of his confidants as well as the palace of Empress' father.

“Ren?”

“Mn?” Ren turned around to face his persona.

“Thy thoughts are getting chaotic in number once again.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“I’m sure thou shall be fine. Things shall turn out fine.”

Ren turned back around, re-centering his mind, reducing the strain of other stressors for both he and Arsene. Placing aside thoughts of the needs of the other members, going to Mementos soon, obtaining enough money to begin Fortune’s confidant again, refreshing their gear and supplies, studying for the upcoming exams, the whole black mask ordeal, if Haru did give Okumura the calling card—

“Ren.” 

“…”

“Thy thoughts are spiraling again.”

He placed down his pen, “I need a break.” He mumbled, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses. 

“Then take one, do rest for the night too. Thy thieves have noticed thine tiredness too.”

“I will.” He paused, glancing at the time. “In a bit.”

Arsene quietly watched him finish the last details of his project, seeing him push the papers aside to pull out some materials they’d obtained from Mementos. Tinkering with some items here and there, he turned over to Arsene. “Think these are usable now?” He asked.

”Hm…” Arsene loomed over his shoulder, looking at the details in the metal. “Improvements to thine grapple?” 

“Yeah I made the last version in a hurry, I thought I should improve it before it breaks down during use.” A scenario popped into their mind, one during Hermit’s palace, where the grapple would snap. “Though you would catch me, right?” Ren adds the image of Arsene flying over to catch him within the chaos. 

“Of course, my love.” He swept his wing over his human, “but if we could avoid a scenario like this, I would prefer as such.”

“I know~” 

He glanced at his phone again, seeing it light up with a notification. Haru had given her father the calling card, and had texted them confirmation of such.

— Evening, October 11th —

They were back home from their ‘celebration turned bad’ so to speak. Okumura had undergone a mental shutdown in real time, broadcasted across all of Japan, if not world wide with consideration of his job. 

“The phantom thieves don’t kill.” He sobbed into his partner’s shoulder, “what went so wrong this time?”

“I…”

I don’t know.

There’s too much to worry about now-

Now that Akechi has caught us too- we were careless to enter the palace in such an open area. 

He could very well blackmail us!

Mon cher.

Justice hasn’t done anything yet.

We art wasting time worrying about something out of our control.

But!

Wait for him to contact us- I’m sure he would before he takes more drastic measures.

—

And he certainly did contact them later, all of them during their quick meeting at the school festival. Forcing his way onto their team to change the heart of Sae Niijima, Akechi’s colleague and Makoto’s sister. They were to depart into her palace soon.

— After School, October 29th —

Today was that day to have a first look around Sae’s palace, this time they opted to enter in a hopefully inconspicuous alley, though Akechi was a bit of a standout among their group considering his status as a celebrity and his recognizability among the public.

After properly entering, Akechi- codename Crow, seemed surprised by our modus operandi; specifically about the calling card. Also Ren found his codename a bit odd, considering his outfit is white with a red mask. 

Sae’s shadow caught their group quite early, though knowing her sister, that was to be expected. She left a few shadows to fight before leaving through the elevator. Akechi then stepped up, saying something about ‘proving his strength’ to the thieves.

“ Robinhood! ” 

Arsene froze upon seeing the persona. It was the one with the golden bow from that morning of June 9th.

Arsene-

He’ll suspect something if you just stand there!

My apologies.

They decided to leave the palace after the battle, and planned to return the next day.

Or at least, as far as the other phantom thieves knew. They now would leave the metaverse a few at a time, delayed by a couple minutes. Then it was just Ren and Akechi, which also included Arsene, Robinhood, and perhaps that mysterious striped one too.

“Go on, Crow.” Ren gestured towards his phone. “I’ll be the last to leave, as leader.”

“Just a minute Joker.” His smile was a bit too friendly, nervousness spiked through Ren and Arsene both. “Oh I don’t mean to be a danger.” Akechi hesitated as Arsene appeared behind Ren, placing protective claws on his human’s shoulders.

“What dost thou need, Crow. ” Arsene’s animosity was quite clear.

“I don’t need anything,” he laughed, “though my- ah, persona you called it? Does.”

“Oh? Robinhood.” Ren glanced over at Arsene.

Do you feel up to it?

This would happen eventually seeing that he’s now on the team.

“Go on.” Arsene released his human, now crossing his arms.

Robinhood sat across from Arsene, Ren stood beside his persona, watching Akechi more than focusing on conversation. 

“Could we talk in private?” Robinhood looks over at Ren. “Go to Goro! I wanna talk to him.”

“Oh…” Ren gave a look at Arsene, Arsene nodded. “Well alright then.”

—

Ren made his way over to Akechi, watching his eyes closely as he approached him.

“What?” Akechi glared at Ren before correcting back to that over-friendly demeanour. “My apologies, what do you need?”

“Do you… perhaps hold another?” Ren asks, watching his eyes slightly flicker between red and gold.

“What.” He looked dumbfounded. “What makes you say that?” 

“Oh! Uhm-” Ren points at his eyes. “You appeared to be communicating with a persona.” 

“Nonsense.” Akechi waved him off, “I only have Robinhood after all.” 

“Oh, sorry.” Ren then glanced over at his glowing sword. “If you had only awakened to one within the month, how are you so strong?” 

“Are you implying that I’m stronger than you?” He laughed- a more authentic sounding one this time. 

“Evenly matched.” Ren settled on. Arsene’s words on June 9th are still a clear warning of his strength. 

“Shall we properly decide that? A spar to determine one’s strength shall do.” 

“Maybe later,” Ren yawned, “aren’t you a bit tired from exploring your first palace?” 

“Aren’t you, with the way you lead-” Akechi stopped himself.

“Keep going.” Ren frowned, “what is wrong with the way I lead my thieves?” 

“Apologies, I misspoke.” 

“Okay,” He sighed. “If you don’t want to tell me, it’s your loss.”

“You’re far too open.” 

“So I’ve been told before,” Ren smiled at him, “oh. It seems the others are wrapping up their conversation too.”

—

Arsene watched Ren walk away from him, leaving just him and Robinhood to converse with each other. 

“So, what did you want just me for?” Arsene asked, turning his attention back to the one in front of him. He didn’t answer immediately, gazing curiously at Arsene, and his wings too.

“I wanted to apologize about that day.”

“That day?”

“You know the one, Loki gave you a bit of a scare.”

“Oh. June 9th?”

“Mhm!”

“Loki? Would that be the striped one?”

“Yeah, he gets a bit scary for me too… though Goro seems to favour him more than me.”

“Hm. Thanks for the information?”

“Ah- I may have spoken too much…”

“As long as the other two don’t find out, thou shall be fine, no?” Arsene watches as Robinhood goes silent again, once again watching him or deciding his next words.

“Arsene?”

“What do you need.”

“Can I?” He glances at his wings. “You don’t have to let me, it’s just Loki got a feel and I wanted to too…”

“Absolutely not.” Arsene takes a step away from Robinhood. “I only let my Fool touch my feathers.”

“Boo…” Robinhood grumbled.

“Although,” Arsene smirked, “perhaps my ‘no’ would waver if you were to offer more information.”

“I- I shouldn’t…”

“Just a simple question answered then?”

“Okay!”

“When did Akechi truly enter the metaverse for the first time?”

“Uhm…” Robinhood considers his question for several moments. “Maybe around March or April? It was a while ago when Loki showed up, I was only able to watch them fight together.” He paused, slightly bowing his head for a moment. “Sorry, I really shouldn’t say more or I might die.”

“That is plenty enough information,” Arsene extends the end of his right wing towards Robinhood. “Here, though don’t pull, please.”

The sensation was… awful. Robinhood knew no restraint, Ren was at least careful to not accidentally bend feathers, he is not. “That-s enough.” Arsene warned, feeling his hands graze over a particularly sensitive spot. Arsene soon retracted his wing, pulling it away from his grasp. Robinhood whined. “Be more gentle then, if there ever is a next time.”

We’re done here.

He told Ren, seeing their humans’ conversation slow as well.

—

They watched Akechi finally disappear from the metaverse. They had to argue why he should leave first and not leave him here. 

“So how was your chat?” Ren looked over to his Arsene.

“Both awful and informative.” He went to drape himself over his Ren. “What about thine?”

“Less productive than yours it seems.” He sighed. “Akechi- er Crow, we are still in the metaverse- seems to decline having a second persona.”

“Hm interesting, Robinhood quite readily confirmed he had as such for a while.”

“Oh?” Ren seemed intrigued. “How did you obtain such vital information?”

“I would rather not speak more on the how of it.” Arsene dematerialized, Ren’s mask reappearing on his face.

Let us head home, we shall continue the discussion there.

— After School, November 19th —

Today was the day that they would steal the treasure. Akechi imposed the day they did it as the final day possible. They had quickly made their way to the main room, Sae Niijima’s shadow was waiting for them. The battlefield lay atop a revolving wheel- fitting for a casino inspired palace, where mostly everything was decided through luck.

And luck was certainly not on their side. The fight was tough, everyone was hanging on by a thread of their life. Then their Oracle senses many upon many entities coming their way just as the fight finishes. They were considering what to do until Ren spoke up.

“Let me handle it, you all should leave.”

This is reckless

I know, but it’ll keep the team from getting caught at least.

Arsene sighed, knowing he’ll be stubborn about this sacrifice.

Very well, be careful then.

His friends gave their goodbyes as they each left the room, Ren grabbed hold of the case and began to run towards a different exit. He also purposely caught the attention of some of the guards to be sure that his friends were guaranteed safety. Exiting through the stained glass window- Arsene helping him avoid the shards of glass, it seems they were waiting for him. He was surrounded, attempting to escape was futile. He pushed to the ground; one gun to his back, the other to his head, as they cuffed his hands and knocked him out.

— ??? November 20th? —

Ren awoke to a vigorous splash of cold bucket water to his face. Dull pain shot through his entire body. He glanced around the room, three guards glaring at him. One even had their fists covered in blood- his blood, he surmised. They also felt to be deep underground, this interrogation room with plain dark grey walls, ground, and ceiling- or maybe it was just poorly lit.

Ren!

Thou art alive!

He sounded a bit relieved, though his worry wouldn’t be quelled in this room with these guards.

Somehow. 

The ‘main’ guard upsettingly walked up to him, muttering something- not that Ren could care to listen in. Then he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. Arsene bounced between anger, worry, and fear of death in their mind.

Arsene.

He inwardly smiled, a small thing to muster at a time like this.

Distract me a bit from the pain, would you?

Ren…

Of course, mon amour.

Ren was forced to sign many confessions, half of them he’s pretty sure are made up- more things to force blame onto him, he assumes anyway. The guards were not forgiving in the isolation this room gave from the outside world, doing whatever they so wished to him. He perhaps would’ve accepted death by the beginning of the abuse if it weren’t for Arsene’s comforting presence. His persona eased the pain a bit, only slightly, but that was more than enough for Ren.

Eventually, one guard left. Returning within five or so minutes with a couple small syringe vials in hand. The main guard took one and forced it through Ren’s skin, he could feel the cold liquid disperse through his veins. Then the second one too found its contents into Ren’s body. 

Arsene?

You quieted down suddenly.

Hey- Arsene?!

There was no sign of a reply.

It must be this liquid.

Turning his attention away from Arsene’s sudden disappearance, he noticed that the three guards had left the room. Then, someone else entered, someone more recognizable. Sae Niijima sat across from him, glancing around the room, then looking back at him. She sighed, placing a fairly full file of papers and evidence of his phantom thievery. She asked him to recount the events since Kamoshida’s case, he gave rather vague details- more vague than he would prefer, but it seems that those ‘truth serum’ drugs as they called it had kicked in.

When he finally recounted all of the main events to her, painfully so. She got up to leave.

“Wait.” Ren called out to her, “the phone.” a silver phone on the interrogation desk that was his.

“There’s no need. I have little time to verify the joke of an account you spoke to me in the past hour.” She left the room in a hurry. The door was held open by a different officer from before. Giving a final glare at him before forcefully shutting the door as Sae passed the man.

Five or so minutes elapse until his final visitor emerges from the door. It was Goro Akechi, accompanied by that guard. Ren watched as Akechi shot and killed the officer right in front of him. “You surely have pieced it all together by now, I must thank you for giving me an opportunity like this one.” He turned to face Ren.

“Case closed” 

He grinned, unnervingly wide as he cocked that gun to Ren’s head.

“This is where your justice ends.”

He could feel the sharp pain of the bullet through his head. Feel the blood dripping down his forehead and down the sides of his face. There was no way he could live through this, he acknowledged. He fell forward against the table, his vision blurring into that even blue of the velvet room once again.

It would appear fate-

“Shut up!” Ren hissed, annoyed about many things from moments prior.

Very well…

Igor snapped his fingers, Ren’s vision went dark again. Then he felt the vibration of the train around him. Opening his eyes, he was once again the lone passenger of the train. He cupped his face with his hands.

The plan failed…

Did I fail it?

…

Arsene?

He looked around, at every surface that would reflect his form. Only a human with silver eyes stared back.

Chapter Text

No…

Arsene!

Please say something!

The train was uncomfortably empty, without the voice in his head- his beloved persona. To live this existence without him; the mere thought of it felt rather isolating. He shuffled around his pockets for his phone, to do something to take his mind off of how empty it was.

An hour and thirty minutes until the train arrives…

That’s more than usual, no?

He paused.

Oh wait. Right…

Arsene was absent. He would’ve confirmed Ren’s thinking if he was here. Ren decided to recall all that he could of the remainder of Sae Niijima’s palace and all the things that happened in the interrogation room leading up to his death. The notebook seemed two-thirds full this time, he lived long enough to use more than the first 15 or so pages at least. Finishing writing the finale of his previous attempt, he places the notebook back into his bag. 

Now he fidgets with his hands, bouncing his leg, staring off into the distance, glancing at the dark screen of his phone to see if perhaps he was watching again. Those silver eyes now saddened him, feeling alone once again. He began watching the time, 

86 minutes until the train arrives in Yongen… 

85 minutes… 

still 85 minutes. 

What had his existence turned into- waiting for a sign that his beloved still could sense him, waiting for him to reply to Ren’s pleas. 

He needed something to take his mind off of such a thought. Fishing around his bag for a book, he pulls one out; The Great Thief . Must he have pulled this one out, or did fate want to put him down more? He had been holding onto that book since his first death, it wasn’t like he could return it. He just stared at the book, at the details in the cover.

Eventually he snapped out of his trance, feeling the tears at the corner of his eyes threaten to fall down his cheeks. “Oh.” He mumbled, placing the book aside to wipe his sorrows with his sleeves. His vision was still fairly blurred as he went to check the time again. 73 minutes until they- no, he had arrived. 

He shakily heaved a sigh, reaching once again into the bag. This time pulling out a small handmade plush. This was a plush he had sewn together behind everyone’s back; a soft and squishy plushie, one detailing all of Arsene without all the sharp edges that he always had to avoid when he would go to embrace his persona. 

He never had shown this to people, or even his other self, while he had made it- though he must eventually thank Tatsumi for teaching him how to sew and stitch, likely when he regrettably returns to Inaba- or perhaps it was more proper to say, if he lives long enough to see that day. Ren was sure that if Arsene had seen him with it, he would get quite jealous and lift him into an embrace, pushing his flaming mask into the crook of his neck and whining about how he was neglecting his love- in a joking manner of course, they both knew that. 

“You never did show me how to throw your feather like a dart, not beyond that first time in the palace.” He murmured, his brain had been wandering to the past. The playful and silly moments with his persona surfaced his memories, he wished that Arsene was here to reminisce with him, then the more saddened and serious memories showed into his mind again, times that looking back, he wished that he’d apologized earlier and others in which he hoped to never hold such a strong grudge for the better of the week.

He sighed silently, watching the time. Waiting to enter Leblanc, doing something more than reminding how he’s alone again. He squeezed that plush against his chest, hoping that it would manifest into the real being that he had held so dear to his heart.

—

—

Arsene stood quietly in the fogged darkness of the heart. He was, by force, a spectator for and of his beloved. His voice became hoarse from attempting to contact his Ren so very many times. It seemed that ‘Truth Serum's effect had something similar to a forget debuff, something that the two of them never had to face in their time in the Metaverse. 

He tried to decode Ren's thoughts in their shared mind. He felt shackled as this watcher over his soulmate once more. Watching Ren gazing at the book, it hurt. Watching Ren holding that plush of him against his chest, it hurt more. 

The cotton copy… when did he make it? Arsene wondered. I thought I watched him quite closely. He watched Ren glance at the clock on his phone, 65 minutes until they arrived at Yongen. Arsene hoped that the serum’s effects would end before the day did, for he too felt quite isolated without the shared connection between him and his partner.

—

The time was an hour before arrival. Ren watched the minute turn before his mind was bombarded by countless messages from his partner.

-Ren!

Can thou hear me?

Has it worn off?

Tell me so-

Arsene!

Yes I can hear you!

He put aside the little plush of Arsene, tears of relief streaming down his face. He glanced around to see where his persona would appear on the train, but, this time he didn’t.

Arsene? Are you not materializing?

…

I apologize, I do not think I’m well enough for that.

I’ve been using my strength and energy for a while to contact thou.

Oh…

Okay, I’ll come to you when I get to Leblanc.

— Late Night, April 9th —

Ren placed his things in their proper spot once Sojiro had given him his speech again, which would make it the seventh time he’s heard it now. Waiting in bed, he let sleep overtake him, joining his Arsene in the void of their shared mind. It didn’t take long for Ren to find him. He was lying on the ground, propping his head up with his arms, his wings draping over him. Ren was careful to not accidentally step on any dark feathers as he navigated to the front of his persona.

“I’m here~”

Ren sat across from Arsene, watching the flames on his mask dimly dance across his face.

“I’m glad.” Arsene quietly replied, slowly extending his hand to hold Ren’s.

They sat there like that, replenishing their time from when they were forced apart. Arsene eventually regained enough strength to sit up, against his Ren at least.

“Perhaps we should sleep for the night.” Ren suggests, “you need to be ready for the 11th, so tomorrow is just a rest day for you.”

“Rest well, mon amour.”

“You too.”

— Early Morning, April 11th —

Ren waited for Ryuji while the rain began to stop. He was doing a last minute check-in with Arsene before he heard the voice of the blonde.

“REN-REN!” He called.

Oh? This is most definitely new.

Chariot is already calling thou by thy nickname?

Yeah, this is supposedly the first time we’d meet.

“What happened?” Ren asked.

“Wh- how are you so calm??” Ryuji was already panicking. “How is it April again? Why is Kamoshida back??”

“Wait- you remember?!” Ren was surprised, Arsene too. This was a first. “Okay. Uhm. What happened on your side in November?”

“We escaped just fine thanks to you. But uh, did something go wrong? Futaba went radio silent and Makoto suddenly messaged us in the night that Sae didn’t return with you.”

“Yeah… I couldn’t convince her, and kinda… got shot by Akechi.”

“O-oh…” Ryuji felt bad for asking.

“Well, because you remember; I can tell you now.” Ren glanced at Arsene in the puddle’s reflection. “You know the many notebooks I carry, right?”

“Yeah?” Ryuji nodded.

“Well so, each of those are details of a ‘previous life’ before dying.” Ren clarified, seeing Ryuji’s understandable confusion, “this isn’t the first time I’ve been through this before, Ryuji.” they watched the gears in his head figure out what Ren told him. “I’ll explain more later, then. We still need to save Morgana today.”

“Right…” 

“Oh by the way,” Ren’s eyes changed gold, “Kidd, thou may need to learn how to disguise thy human.”

“What.” Ryuji stared blankly at Ren- rather it was Arsene now.

—

They soon arrived at the castle-palace, Arsene and Captain Kidd materialized as they stood near-ish to the front doors. It was fifteen minutes before Ryuji’s thief outfit was properly disguised, they also temporarily combined their mental spaces to serve as communication for now.

They sat in their cell, Ryuji’s aura was wavering a bit at the moment

Okay, we can rest for… about 8-10 minutes. Ren voiced in their communications.

Yes, do take breaks when thou can, Chariots, it was like this when we started too. Arsene added.

Dude, this is INSANE!

Ryuji’s thief outfit was now back on display, Ren also displayed his too.

“So,” Ren started, “I’m sure you have questions.”

“Many. So many questions.”

“Okay, uhm, some things are…” he thinks for a moment, recalling each life glancing at the notebooks, “firstly, this is the seventh life, your recollection would be my sixth. That was the longest we’ve lasted, before then, the longest we had lasted was around the end of June.”

“...”

“Uh, Skull?” Ren waves a hand in front of his face, “you good?”

“I- I dunno what to say, this is insane.”

Oh that reminds me, Arsene started, we don’t have to bother with tomorrow now that Chariot already has his.

“Oh good!” Ren turns back to Ryuji, “so when Kamoshida comes in here, you need to ‘awaken’-” he puts that word in air quotes. “- Kidd again.”

“I- what.” he’s confused again.

“Do you remember how I ‘awakened’ Arsene? Do something like that- but more your style of course- figure something out then, we’ve run out of time now.”

I must say, thy way with explanations has declined. Arsene jokes.

Okay- this is hard to explain. Ren replied, “I’ll hand you the books after school tomorrow on the rooftop.”

They swiftly locked Kamoshida in that jail, walking away with a steady pace towards Morgana’s cell.

“So now, you mustn’t tell anyone about that previous life, think of it like forbidden knowledge, we know what will happen for the next seven or so months, but shouldn’t inform anyone else of such things otherwise it’ll probably change.”

“For real? And you’ve known for a long time?”

“Well, three months compared to seven…” they were now approaching that familiar drawbridge. “Alright quiet down now, Morgana is close- likely within earshot now.”

“Still picking the lock?”

“The locks are bad enough that I just need a hair pin, I think Futaba and beyond I actually needed the real thing.”

“I could help with that, surely thou know?”

“I know, Arsene, I know.”

They obtained the not-cat, and the day went on as normal. Though, the cat was surprised upon seeing two persona users; more so than previous attempts.

— Evening, April 11th —

They returned to Leblanc Coffee a bit later than usual. Sojiro was shuffling things around in the fridge, and it sounded like he was restocking some ingredients. Ren also noticed the notebook left on the counter too.

“You’re lucky I haven’t left yet…” Sojiro grumbled, “see that notebook? Journal your life there.” Ren nodded, taking the notebook upstairs to the attic.

He sat at the workbench, noting down everything of the past few days; all the changes and the fact that Ryuji remembers being the big thing. Arsene listened for the ring of the bell and lock of the door before he materialized beside Ren, recounting his side of November 20th and the first 30 or so minutes of April 9th. One more book to carry around now, he placed it into his bag.

“You said it was similar to the forget debuff? The drugs they put in me.” Ren asked.

“I’m quite sure, it had effects similar to what Carmen and Zorro described.”

Ren begins searching his bag for something, pulling out a small white pearl. “Would this work then?”

“The item we obtained from monsieur Nakanohara?” Ren holds it up for Arsene to inspect. “If it is merely a ‘forget debuff’, then perhaps it shall.”

“Do try to remind me to equip it before November 19th then.”

“Ren, mon amour,” he sighed, “we have half a year and then some, write it down if thou hope to remember for then.”

Ren’s flipping through the now fully updated notebook of the 6th life, skimming over the passages.

“So, what’s required now, since the new changes?”

”Perhaps we should include Chariot in this conversation.”

“Tomorrow then.” 

“…”

Ren leaned against Arsene. He reaches up with his arms, wrapping them around Arsene’s lower back, beneath his wings. “I’m glad you’re still with me.” He mumbles quietly into Arsene’s chest.

“As am I.” Arsene pulls his human closer, his claws delicately holding his Ren in place of their embrace.

They embraced for a good while, eventually Arsene felt Ren’s arms go loose around him. Looking down, it seems that Ren had fallen asleep against him. 

“Sleep well,” he whispered, “let’s hope to live longer this time too.”

— After School, April 12th  —

Finding a spare chair on the rooftop, he begins waiting for Ryuji. Arsene soon later materialized, standing beside him. After eight more minutes of waiting later, Ryuji pushed through the door.

“kept us waiting?” Ren jokes, placing the stack of notebooks onto one of the spare desks.

“Yeah, yeah.” He sighed, flipping through the first few books. “Shit you actually kept track of everything.” 

“Yeah…” Ren awkwardly laughs. He watches Ryuji slow down, reading the final passage of each notebook; silently closing the book then moving onto the next. He also noticed the change in handwriting with Arsene’s passages, reading through June 9th of the sixth life and May 6th of the second life especially.

When he finished reading, he deeply breathed in, held it, then released it. His eyes glistened with tears ready to be released. “That’s so horrible to go through!” He pulls both Ren and Arsene into a hug, releasing them after a few moments. 

“Something still seems odd,” Ren starts, “we’ve been through this now six times, why only now does someone else remember?” 

“Oh yeah. That is weird.” Ryuji nods.

“I believe it has something to do with Kidd.” Arsene suggests.

“Whaddya mean cuz of me?” Kidd now appears beside Ryuji.

“Recall that thy form had changed sometime during the last life.”

“Oh? Like the mythological trickster things that the butterfly mentioned?” Ren wondered out loud. “So because of our ‘blood vow’ we’re now in this together.”

“Wait- this is new information dude,” Ryuji sighed, “I don’t get it anymore…”

“Basically, are you ready to repeat the same months again and again until we figure out what is the cause?”

“Uh sure?”

“Great!” Ren pulls out his phone, checking the time. “Okay, well should we head into the palace today?”

“Mon cher, there is no need. Magician already knows of Chariot’s persona.”

“Yeah but he doesn’t know that we will return again this time.”

Ren is now pacing back and forth, thinking of what to do now. Arsene now took his seat, unresponsive as he’s also figuring out what to do. Ryuji and Kidd are in their usual spot, trying to understand all the information that was just shoved into their head. 

“Everything is so confusing now that something so different has happened!” Ren ruffles through his hair while scratching his head. “What do we do now that won’t have too much of a change on the future?!” He paces faster, practically running in circles as his mind is racking for ideas, or some semblance of a pre-laid path to follow…

.

..

…

“-en?”

The voice was quiet, ignored by him as more thoughts filled the void.

“Ren-!”

a bit louder this time, but still drowned out by his thoughts.

“Boy.”

“Hey-”

a couple different voices, louder this time; but Ren shook his head, figuring out plans, plans of plans, and what if they were to go wrong. A tinge of unusual warmth and pain he feels in his head, manageable but annoying; he continues trying to figure out what to do, what won’t affect the future, both the soon and the later.

“Ren-ren!” Ryuji extends his arm, reaching to grab his hand. “I- I don’t understand what’s going on anymore but, maybe you should take it slow.”

He didn’t reply, his mind was occupied; elsewhere. Only snapping back to reality when he ran into someone, one with the red leather fabric, the one he loves. 

“Arsene?” He glanced up, seeing the pained expression of his persona.

“Steady thy thoughts.” His voice was strained. “Thy mind. Is spiraling.”

“A-ah…” He glances around, breathing in and out slowly. “Can- can we continue this tomorrow?” He directed the question to Ryuji.

“Ye-yeah.” He starts leaving, stopping at the door, “Uhm get home safe?” He waves back at Ren and Arsene before descending the stairs beyond the door.

— Evening, April 12th —

Ren was lying down in the void of his mind, somewhere between calming himself and distracting his thoughts. Arsene took over control of their body at this moment, quickly and safely bringing him home before he would inevitably spiral again. Every so often, Arsene would remind him to breathe, to calm him down again. 

Arsene had rushed past Sojiro as he returned to Leblanc, running upstairs until he collided with the bed. Relinquishing control of Ren, he materialized, sitting beside his human. He seemed to have a bit of a shiver, Arsene wrapped him well into the nearby blankets, then adjusted himself so one of his wings could act as another one. 

Thanks… 

Ren rotated himself to face Arsene… or he tried to, he was still on his back despite his attempts.

Of course my love.

Do rest for now, we can tackle creating a plan later, preferably when thou is less feverish.

I wish I could do more for thou…

But it’s too early in the day to find things that could help, plus Hierophant doesn’t trust thou enough to go out in the evenings.

Itch shmall,

‘M fine-

Thou art not ‘fine’, thou can barely think replies properly.

Rest.

Arsene turned away, checking through his bag for anything like cold medicine or pain relievers that weren’t as strong as the things that they would use in the metaverse. Unfortunately he didn’t come across any such item. Thinking of what he could possibly do next, he catches the end of one of Ren’s thoughts.

–… with me?

Hm?

What dost thou need?

Rest, with me?

If it shall help, then of course.

Arsene settled onto the bed between Ren and the wall. Draping one wing over Ren and awkwardly slipping the other into the crack between the mattress and the wall, leaning as close as he could to Ren while still being sure that his sharp horns wouldn’t accidentally hit him.

Better?

He hears Ren make a small sound of confirmation, easing his own worries.

 Half an hour passes before he’s completely sure that Ren has fallen into a deep enough sleep. He carefully gets up, being sure not to disturb the boy, and delicately pulls out several sheets of extra lined paper and the pen with his feather attached. He also pulls out the cotton copy of him, placing it beside Ren as a double for now; of course it didn’t have the same size nor the same warmth as he himself, but it shall do for now.

He takes a seat at the workbench, writing in the various loose leaf sheets, detailing possible plans and scenarios in their future if they were to go through such things. He also keeps a check of Ren’s phone, watching the screen light up with Ryuji’s messages of concern. Although, unfortunately Ren’s phone has difficulty recognizing his clawed touch as fingerprints or else he’d respond to those texts.

“...Arsene…” Ren mumbled in his sleep.

He froze, then he quietly placed the papers into this life’s notebook. He sneaks back beside his human, looking to be sure that he was still asleep. Ascertaining that fact, he releases a silent held breath of relief. Returning back to the bench, curiosity fills him thinking about what Ren would be dreaming to call his name during his rest… though he learnt of the consequences for prying in Ren’s private corner some time ago. I shouldn’t, I’ll just ask him when he wakes up. He told himself in his own private corner of their mind. He tries his best to quickly finish up the papers before Ren awakes.

He does indeed finish, placing the small stack of papers into the book, not before binding them with an extra paperclip that they had for some reason- Arsene doesn’t know when he had found a small box of them- and placing it on the next page, where tomorrow’s passage would go. Quietly approaching the bed, he swiftly takes the plush of him out of Ren’s grip and places it back into the bag. He then threads himself into Ren’s arms, to rest for the remainder of the evening.

— Early Morning, April 13th —

Ren awoke before Arsene did, a first in a while. He carefully slid out of his persona’s grip, letting him rest more. He saw the orange notebook on the desk, and the feathered pen beside it. That pen was Arsene’s favourite since he put it together, perhaps because it used his feather, but he won’t seem to even touch the other pens or pencils that Ren has in his bag. He flips to the next page, to start the section of today, then he sees the papers that were held together by a paperclip. These papers were of Arsene’s handwriting, Ren could tell from a glance, he gazed back at his persona still deep in his rest on the bed. He must’ve put this together during the night. He smiled at the thought, then began reading through the papers.

Arsene’s mask flared alive. He immediately noticed that Ren was no longer in his grasp. He sat up, stretching his wings- being sure to avoid hitting things like the walls or the shelf. Turning around, he saw Ren reading the plans that he put together last night, smiling at the little notes he had also left in them. He quietly got up, sneaking behind Ren, seeing that he’s on the final page, near the end based on the position of his hands and the angle of his head.

“What art thine verdict?” He asks when he’s sure that Ren finished reading the page.

“Oh!” Ren flinched at the sudden voice, “you’re awake.”

“So I am.” Arsene reaches to feel Ren’s face, cooler to the touch now and no longer could he sense pain emanating there. “Thou've seemed to recover from thy fever.” He released his human from his hold. 

“Uhm…” He thinks for a moment, “let’s head into the palace, we don’t know what happened to Morgana yesterday because that’s usually when Ryuji awakens Kidd, but we weren’t there so Morgana could’ve done something else.” 

“Thou may want to quell Chariot’s worries now rather than later too.”

“Oh, jeez he messaged us a lot last night.” Ren places his phone back into his pocket despite the messages going unanswered. “We’ll see him today at school anyway, it’ll be fine.” 

—

They saw the blonde at the station, running up to him to wait together for the train that was a bit behind schedule because of the derailment cases. 

“Morning Ryuji.” He greets. 

“Ren-ren! Are you okay?! You seemed off yesterday, sick maybe?” 

“Now, now, Chariot.” Arsene pulls Ryuji’s hands off of Ren, “he just had a little fever.”

“Not like you made it out to be ‘little’.” Ren muttered. 

“Would that be thy thanks?” Arsene leaned towards his face.

“Yeah, yeah, thanks…” Ren pushes his horns away from his head. 

“Okay lovebirds… what’s the plan for today?” Ryuji asks, bringing the topic back. That immediately shut the other two up. Ren’s cheeks were slowly going redder by the moment, Arsene’s flames became warmer and lighter in colour. 

“I- uh- Palace. After school.” Ren stammered out. 

“Meet in the metaverse.”

”Sweet.” Ryuji walks past them, boarding the train, “see ya there.” 

— After School, April 13th —

Ren and Arsene phased into the Metaverse, glancing around for their pirate teammate(s) or Morgana and Zorro.

“Hm, maybe we should’ve checked if he was already in here or not.” Ren paces around the entrance of the vent. It was quite silent outside of the castle walls.

“Shall we check outside it then?” Arsene asks.

“Perhaps not, we might just miss each other.” Ren sits down just beside the vent entrance, just in case Morgana appears from it. It didn’t take long for him to see Ryuji phasing into this realm. He watches Ryuji glance around until he spotted Ren.

“Well, that’s two of us, now where’s Morgana?” Ren goes to stand up.

“Hopefully not in another cell.” Ryuji glances around.

“Tch! Have some faith.” A third, quite familiar voice scoffs.

“Oh. Morgana?” Ren looks around, spotting the not-cat’s head poking out from their infiltration entrance, incredibly injured. “What happened- er, how does it look in there?” He rephrased his question.

“Busy, too busy for an infiltration.” He jumps out of the hole, easily landing on his feet. “Especially too busy for newbies like you.” Zorro appears beside him, seemingly casting Dia before dematerializing again. “So why did you come back?”

“Oh just to give a message to you.” Ren starts.

“Wanna join the team?” Ryuji informs the not-cat.

“We shall be stealing his desires a week from now.”

“Are you dumb?! You don’t even have an infiltration route!”

“Yeah? Well this isn’t-” Ren slaps Ryuji across the face before he could finish that sentence.

“We’ll prepare until the 18th, obtaining the full route that day and sending the calling card on the 19th before stealing the treasure on the 20th.” Ren turns back to Morgana, “a sound enough plan for you?”

“Fine!” He grins, “but just to be sure that rookies like you don’t die here.”

“Great. We shall be back in two days.” After all, we still need to get Ann into the team again.

Their healer nodded, confirming the plan in his mind. The others left for the remainder of the day- despite not really actually doing anything in the metaverse.

“Ren-ren?” Ryuji looked up from his phone. “Why would we wait until the 20th? Why can’t we do it earlier?”

“Uhm… there are things that have to happen I guess…?”

“But we could save Suzui from having to-”

“Ryuji.” He glances around before continuing. “That could have drastic effects, if we were to stray far from what is to happen.”

“We can save MORE people though?”

“... we shouldn’t.” Ren’s mind wandered to his exchange with Igor after he got shot by Akechi, that was a change that he should not have instigated, and perhaps the half hour after was because of that- not the bleedthrough of the serum’s effects, because injuries had never transferred beyond the death. 

Thou implies that it was from the Master of the Velvet room?

Would my reasoning be otherwise incorrect?

“Hey dude?” Ryuji waves a hand in front of Ren’s face.

Ren shakes his head, “we still shouldn’t stray too far.”

“Are you okay?” He glances at Ren’s reflection from the metallic details in the alleyway. “Both of you.”

“I’m fine.” Ren looks towards the school building, “we should probably leave before someone says something.” 

“Well,” He quickly weighs his funds in his bag, “come with me for some ramen then- my treat.”

“Oh, where?”

“New place.”

“I thought we'd gotten through all the areas previously.”

Ryuji laughed, “Just one place we missed. Just one.”

—

“Oooh~ a private room. Splurging are you?” Ren seemed a bit surprised.

“You need a change, Kidd told me.” 

Ryuji took his seat closest to the door, Ren opposite of him closest to the wall. Arsene and Captain Kidd materialized beside them, taking their respective spots beside their humans. 

“Kidd, if you could.” Ryuji glances over to the door.

“Righty-o.”

He locked the door with a click. Ryuji sighed, turning back his attention to the two others across from them. “Okay, you two have more problems you should probably unload now.”

“Ya this is becomin’ a real issue now.” Kidd backed up.

“We’re fine, honestly.” 

“‘Fine’ isn’t how I would describe thou…”

“At least try to back me up, Arsene…” Ren grumbled, sipping at his water. 

“Though, this is a touch… forceful.” Arsene admits.

“Geez, I just want to help a bit.” Ryuji scratches at the back of his neck. 

“Okay, therapist.” Ren quipped. 

“I’m not-” he sighs, “I guess I might as well be at this moment.” 

“Okay, shoot, what do you think is wrong?”

“Me thinks that’s not ‘ow this works…”

“It won’t matter whether this is typical or not, thou shall need to tell someone other than I at some point.”

“Ghh… Arsene please…” Ren turns to face Ryuji again, “the main thing is all the differences that happened this time, alright?” He feels Arsene’s claw wrap around his own; finally noticing the shaking of his fingertips as this talk progressed. “I don’t know if you can recall the very beginning of the previous attempt but, it certainly didn’t happen like this, and-”

“That is not much of a welcome change to us.” Arsene finished. “Apologies Chariots, but this is much too similar to an interrogation in my Fool’s eyes.”

“Oh shit, sorry man.” Ryuji immediately apologizes. Kidd gets up to unlock the door too. “Uh… let’s order?” 

“Uh, yeah.” Ren’s nervous tremors seemed to have slowed at least in Arsene’s hand.

They ate in an awkward silence that had enveloped the room, Ryuji quickly slipping away after their meal to pay. Ren quietly passed him, heading back for the night. 

He felt his phone rumble upon entering Leblanc, only deciding to check the messages when he sat upon his bed up in the attic.

Skull / Captain Kidd

Status: Online

— 21:04 —

 

Skull

Hey uhm, sorry about earlier

I really didn’t mean to make it seem like that…

I-

I just felt like there was more troubling you, and knowing you, you won’t admit it.

 

Joker

It’s okay…

Just follow my lead in the plan.

 

Joker (Arsene)

> there was more troubling you, and knowing you, you won’t admit it.

My Fool is like that, though he seems to have more issues opening up as we go on.

 

Skull

I’ll try not to pry then, I don’t want to make the leader uncomfortable.

 

Joker (Arsene)

Hm. 

A plan it is.

My Fool is asleep, thou should consider doing so at this time too.

 

Skull

Dude, Arsene-

This is so early!

 

Joker (Arsene)

Consider. 

Arsene placed Ren’s phone aside upon sending that final message. Careful not to move too much to accidentally wake his human who was fast asleep on his lap. His claws made it a pain to use Ren’s phone, taking about two or three minutes to type out a message. These claws were long and sharp, annoying at times but, he was, and is supposed to be able to protect his Ren, though most of the ways they’ve died was testament to his ability to protect him. Feeling the calm breathing of his human in the darkness, he’s a bit relieved that he hasn’t developed more nightmares from the previous life. After Lust, it should be returned to relative normality. He hoped as such at least.

— After School, May 18th —

Today they were going into Madarame’s palace again. They were progressing faster than normal too, after stopping Morgana from springing the trap. Their pace was still steady enough to not burn anyone out of their stamina, taking quick breaks at every safe room. 

Soon, they arrived at the ‘obstacle’ as Morgana had called it previously, the locked door with the copies of Saiyuri. This was going as usual, or at least it was until they heard the quickened footsteps of a shadow behind them.

“Were we followed?!” Ren turns around, brandishing his dagger. 

“Surrounded?!” Morgana glanced around.

“There’s so many!” Ann yelped. “Joker! What’s the plan!!”

“Thin their numbers until you can find an exit. We’ll recuperate tomorrow at the hideout.”

Ann managed to retreat first, then Morgana. It was just Ren and Ryuji, Arsene and Kidd fighting for their lives. 

“Joker, there’s too many!” Ryuji’s breathing was uneven, electricity crackled violently around him, “Find another way to escape.”

“Skull,” Ren takes out a small light, dragging the attention of the shadows that were on Ryuji. “Go-”