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Chapter Text

''Wait!''

''He did nothing wrong! Please!'' 

''You have to believe her! I'm innocent!''

His words fell on deaf ears, and as he'd shoved into the carriage, he eyed the man that got him in his current situation. A Noble man, with a face Ren will never forget..

The carriage rolls away as the woman begs for him to be released. It too fell upon deaf ears. Ren was in trouble, mostly for a crime, of assault, he didn't even commit.

His family did welcome the noble to their home, and soon in just a few hours, Ren was being driven off for the assault of his guest.

What was he going to do? He wasn't sure.

He did know one thing.

He will get back at the man. How?

He'd prove his innocence once he's able to get the solid evidence he needs. But first.. Where was he going?

The carriage rolled into town. Ren didn't bother looking out at the villagers, whom he could tell where whispering about his situation. He sighed, and looked around the empty carriage. Any second now, he'd arrive at his destination. Some.. fancy cafe at the edge of town.

Ren looked out the window finally, and was taken slightly aback at the sight of such a glorious land. The houses and building were far better than were he lived previously. Even if it would be for a little bit of time, he shouldn't have to worry all to much. Hmm?

The carriage stops, and the door opens, ''C'mon.''

Ren steps out, and looks at where he stopped. Oh, he was at the cafe. It was smaller that he expected. Maybe he shouldn't expect so much from having lived such a luxurious life a few months prior. Ren looked at the guards, then nodded as he walked off. Better to be polite, right?

The door opens, and Ren looks around the small room. The smell of a sweets and coffee filled the air. Ren was slightly entranced, but was unsure where the owner was. Ren turned his head, and looked up at an older man as he stepped down some stairs by the back of the shop. ''Ah, You made it. Never expected a noble to have to be a guest in my shop..''

Ren silently nodded, before he spoke up, ''I'm Ren. Ren Amamiya. House of-''

''The Phantoms, I know you. Your family is well liked here, despite that you live in another country.'' The man said, ''I'm Sojiro, Sakura Sojiro.'' Sojiro walked over to Ren, and shook his hand. ''Make yourself at home. It's not much, but don't expect anything fancy, My lord.''

Ren nodded, and walked up the stairs. The attic, second floor, or whatever he'll call it, wasn't to shabby. In fact, it almost actually felt like home. Ren did live in a messy room back at home, so he didn't really expect much at all. Ren walked towards the bed, ''Hmm, better than maybe being on the floor..'' Ren said, sitting the bed. ''Maybe a clean of the sheets, a few more lights, and I could really call this home..''

After a bit of unpacking his things, which were just a few clothes, Ren walked down stairs. There, he saw someone sitting at one of the booths. A girl. Ren's brow raise and he slowly walked down the stairs, hoping to walk past her without startling her, since Sojiro did leave for some business a while ago.

''Oh, Hello.'' Ren stopped when the girl spoke up. ''H-Hello, Ma'am.'' The lady stood up, and walked next to him, ''Oh, You must be Ren house of the Phantoms.'' Ren nodded, and stepped back, ''I am.. You must know why, right?'' The lady shook her head, ''Not really, Are you on vacation?''

Ren huffed, so his probation wasn't probably known by everyone here, as far as he could tell. A Noble in a semi-foreign land wouldn't be too strange, since you know, politics and all that. Ren couldn't dare say why, so maybe a quick lie wouldn't be bad.. Right?

''Sort of, I'm just getting away from family business for now.. Despite everything else going on.'' The lady nodded, ''Oh how rude of me. I'm Ann, Ann Takamaki. House of the Panthers.'' Oh, no wonder she looked sort of familiar. ''Ah, well hello Ann, what brings you to uhm.. LeBlanc?''

''I'm just trying to just really get some air.. from my guard.'' Guard? Does she have a personal knight? The door opens, and a new face shows, ''Lady Ann, are you almost done?'' Ren and Ann look at the door, seeing the man. ''A-Ah, almost Kamoshida.''

Ren looked back at Ann, and then Kamoshida. ''He's your knight?''

Ann nodded, hesitantly. Ren noticed the look of worry in her eye.

''I'll be out in just a moment!'' Ann called out. Kamoshida nodded, and then exits the cafe. Ann raised her head, looking over Ren's shoulder, ''I'm sorry about that.''

''You're completely fine, just.. do you not like him? He seems pretty fine to me.'' Ren said, looking back at the door. Ann didn't respond at first, ''He's.. 'Fine'.'' She said in quotations, ''Anyways, I must get going, I'll see you later.'' Ren watched as Ann left, the door opening, and then closing as she exits the building. Ren felt something bunr his stomach at first, but the door suddenly swung open, and another face steps into the cafe, ''Was Ann here?!''

Ren's eyes widen as the guy steps into the cafe. He was wearing some knight attire, so he was probably a knight too, ''Y-Yes, but she just left with.. uhh.. Kamoshida.''

''Damn it!'' The guy says, before he stomps his foot. Thank god that it was just them too in the cafe at the moment, ''Why do you ask?''

''That guy is an eef'ing creep! Did Ann look uncomfortable when he was around?'' Ren nodded, and stepped back, ''But is that your concern?''

''I work as a knight for the house or Panthers, so yes.'' The guy said, he took a seat at one of the tables, and huffed. ''Sorry I freaked out, I just hate that guy with a passion.'' Ren slowly walked to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder, ''Would you like some snacks to calm down?'' The guy nodded, and Ren walked away to get some food.

-

''So, about you?'' Ren asked, placing his drink down, ''Who must you be, Mr. I barge into random places looking for women?'' The guy sighed, and leaned back in his chair, ''Sakamoto. Ryuji Sakamoto.''

Ren nodded, ''Well, Ryuji, is there a reason you barged in here looking for Ann?''

Ryuji rubbed his temples, and then his eyes, ''Kamoshida, her 'Personal knight' is a eff'ing creep, as I already said, and he wants to marry her. She's only 16!'' Ren's eyes widen a bit, and he crossed his legs, ''Do.. Do you have a plan to stop him? This sounds serious.''

Ryuji nodded, ''I just need to gather evidence of the shit he's done, and get him busted!'' Ren looked skeptical. Ryuji huffed, ''Not like you know. You're on probation here, so shit around here is foreign to you.''

Oh, okay so that's person number two who know about his situation, ''Yeah.. but if you need help, I'd be happy.'' Ryuji nodded, and stood up. ''Yeah.. Thanks.''

He walked towards the door, and left without another word. Oh hey wait! He didn't pay.. ''Sojiro's going to kill me..''

Today was sunny, for the most part. Ren walked around town, seeing the small shops and what they had to offer. Despite the new change of location, Ren was adjusting pretty well. It's only been a day since he's arrived, but things shouldn't be terrible.

Ren turned his head at the sound of something, and looked down an alleyway. It was secluded between a book shop and another cafe. Ren slipped into the alleyway, hoping to go undetected. The darkness of the alleyway made it hard to really see anything, but Ren made it through well enough.

The further Ren walked, the louder the sound became. Ren jogged closer to a corner, and saw a bit of a shocking sight, a girl holding onto a cat, while being cornered by two knights. Oh shit. ''Please, it's just a cat!''

The girl cowered into the corner more, the cat hissing at the knights. ''Well how is she's Ann's lady in waiting?'' One mocked, kicking the girl. Ren's fist clenched, his eyes narrowing. He wants to step in, but who knows what's to happen..

Screw it.

The knights kept laughing, stepping on the girl and the cat's tail. Ren stepped around the corner, and called out, ''Hey! What do you think You're doing!'' The knights turn to see Ren, and just laugh even more, ''OH! The criminal wants to be a hero?''

Ren walks towards them, shoving them away from the girl, ''You okay?'' He held his hand out, with the girl taking it, ''I can deal with them, you get out of here.'' The girl nods, and books it out of the alleyway when ren stopped one of the knights from grabbing her. ''So Punk, you want to be a hero, hmm?''

Ren glared at them, ''I didn't ask for the criminal charge.''

''To bad. If someone said you did the crime, you have to pay the time.''

With that, the knight swung his fist, and collided with Ren's face.

''It was him! Here!'' Ann nearly stumbled as Shiho guided her to the alleyway, with the cat in her arm. The duo step to where Ren was, but gasp seeing what happened to him. Ren looked up, holding his face, which was covered in blood, ''A-Ann! Hello..''

Ann rushed to Ren's side, then looked at Shiho, ''We're going back to my place, he needs to be cared.'' Shiho nodded, and helped Ann guide Ren out of the alleyway, and towards the street.

This was not how Ren wanted to start day two in his new home.

Ren sighed, holding the cloth to his face, ''Careful now.'' A maid says, before she took the cloth, and started placing ointments on the bruises. Ann and Shiho sat to the side, with the cat resting in Ann's lap, ''What happened, if I may ask?''

Shiho shrugged, I was just petting that cat, when some knights came around, and started picking on me. I tried to loose them in the alleyway, but they found me and then that nice guy cae around and helped me.'' Ann nodded, and stood up. She walked towards Ren, and sat on the bed with him, ''Thank you.. for saving Shiho.''

Ren looked at her, and slowly nodded, ''Is she a friend?''

''My lady in waiting, and yes, best friend.'' Ren nodded again, ''Well, You're welcome, Ann, Shiho.'' Shiho smiled, with the cat now sitting on her lap now. The cat meowed, and jumped off Shiho's lap, now hoping onto Ren's. ''Hey there. Happy I saved you?'' Ren joked.

The cat looked at him, and with even all the bizarre things Ren had seen before, he swore the cat nodded, like he was agreeing. ''Huh..''

''If you'd like, I can walk you home.'' Ann said, standing up. Ren looked up at her, ''Ahh, I'm fie. But thank you, Mi'Lady.'' Ann laughed, ''Of course.''

Ren stepped out of the doorway, and started walking down the street. Some time has past, and based on how the sky looked a bit, it was the afternoon. Ren sighed, and started walking down the street.

At least the breeze was cool.

A meow alerts Ren, and he turns around to see the cat was following him, ''Huh?'' The cat walked over, rubbing his head on Ren's leg. ''Okay, Hey buddy.'' The cat looked at him with blue eyes, eye that could entrance anyone. ''Want to.. walk home with me?''

The cat started walking forward, giving an indirect 'yes' as an answer. ''Will Sojiro even let me keep a cat?''

''You're back- Oh? You have a cat?'' Ren stepped into the cafe, with the cat now sitting on his shoulder, ''Y-Yeah.. I guess? I saved him, and girl that's friends with Lady Ann from some knights-- before you ask why my face is busted up.''

Sojiro nodded, ''Just make sure to take care of those cuts, there are medicine in the cabinet that sits above the edge of your bed.'' Ren thanks Sojiro, before he walked up the stairs. The cat leaped down and followed Ren up the stairs.

Once at the top of the stairs, Ren sat on the bed, with the cat following him. ''Exhausted hmm?''

Ren nodded, and rolled on his side, ''Long day, and I'm still questioning what Ryuji might be-'' Ren sits up, and looks at the cat, ''Did you just...''

The cat blinked, ''Yep. I can talk.''

Ren's widen eyes slowly return to normal, ''H-How?'' The cat made a motion of titling his head, ''No clue, but I just can..'' Ren nodded slowly, and scooted closer to the cat, ''Do.. You have a name?''

''Call me Morgana!'' the cat chirped. Ren smiled, and pet the cat's head, ''Well, Hope yo don't mind a criminal being your roommate.'' Morgana titled his head, ''Criminal? A noble like you?''

''Its a long story, if you want to hear.''

''I mean, sure. I literally am a Cat, so I don't have much to do.''

''Okay, let's start.. back three months ago..''

Chapter Text

Ann stood to the side of the courtyard, Shiho at her side. The knights dueled it out with them all knocking one after another, down. Ann wasn't really paying attention. Instead, mostly just watching Kamoshida at the far end of the field. He too, was watching the knights. It was impressive, in Ann's eyes, that someone like Kamoshida, with no noble or Royal blood managed to become the head knight.

It wasn't too shocking however, Ann knew exactly why he wanted to work for her house. He was in love with her, and wants to marry her.

Ann's 17th birthday was several months away, meaning the time to look for a husband was still available, if her parents allowed her to find one herself. It did feel strange to Ann however, that she was expected to find a husband so soon.

She wasn't mostly looking for a husband, just to secure her family finances, or just because they are a noble or prince. She was just mostly hoping it be someone, who saw her as just herself, and less as the lady everyone knows and adores.

A swords clatters in front of Ann, and the lady watches as a rookie knight falls to the cobble ground below. The dueling stop, with the knights seeing the rookie on the floor. Ann gasps slightly, and walks forward to help him up-- ''Ah, No need Lady Ann, I can deal with him.''

Kamoshida roughly grabs the rookie, and forces him to his feet. Ann steps back and nods, ''Yes sire.''

Shiho walks to Ann's side, and brings her back to the side of the court, as the dueling continues forth. Ann looked at the rookie as he was now squared against Kamoshida himself. Ann's eyes widen, seeing that Kamoshida was going rather rough on the kid. The rookie, Mishima as he's called, is barely able to catch up, and only spares himself a nasty blow when he blocks Kamoshida's blade with his own. Ann and Shiho look on in amazement as Mishima pushed Kamoshida away, but not knocking him down.

Some of the knights cheer, other rush to Mishima and pat is back in congratulations. Kamoshida stood up straight, but didn't usher a word as he walked past Mishima, bumping his shoulder intentily as he left the courtyard.

''That was amazing Mishima!'' Shiho cheers, rushing to Mishima's side, eyes wide with glee. Mishima turned to the lady in waiting, smiling with a faint blush, ''Ah- It was nothing.. really.''

''Not many people can duel Kamoshida and win dude!'' Ryuji said, slapping Mishima on the back, making the rookie jolt a bit. ''Ah- Seriously?''

''He is our strongest knight, so of course, this is big.'' Ann said, finally walking to the group. She was smiling, feeling rather glad someone new like Mishima was able to fight Kamoshida, and win. ''Oh, I guess it was something.'' Mishima laughed, rubbing his neck.

''You are all free for a break.'' Ann said, dismissing the knights. The knights spread out, placing weapons and armor away, while Ryuji brought Mishima to a bench near the entrance of the courtyard, ''That was eff'ing Awesome! I need you to teach me how to do that!''

''W-What? Aren't you a higher ranking knight?!'' Mishima back up, looking confused at Ryuji, ''Well yeah! But My ass has been beaten by Kamoshida one to many times, and I want someone to help!'' Mishima pondered, maybe it wouldn't be bad, but him? Being a mentor to someone who clearly has more experience than he does? Hmm..

''I'll consider it, maybe give me a week.''

''Deal.'' Ryuji shook Mishima's hand, and stood up, ''I'll see you later!'' Mishima nodded, and stood up.

-

Ann and Shiho stepped back inside the Manor, he door closing behind them from some butlers. Ann parted Shiho, and walked up to her room. The elegant stairs almost made Ann feel small in such a large building.

It wasn't the worse thing, that was surely Kamoshida, and the fear of loosing her friends. Ann hadn't been too fond of such a lavish life. Don't get her wrong, she dpes like it, as it does have it's Ups. But it also has it's down. Heavy burdens, dark expectations, politics, and more. Ann had only wished she had more freedom. Wishing there was something.. Anything she could do to fight against the life she lives, without giving it away that she's doing so.

Entering her room, Ann closed the door and walked to her closet. Large it was, filled with shimmering clothes and shoes it was adorned with glamor. Ann sighed, and started looking for a more casual outfit. Maybe a simple town dress, somethin that was better than a large red frilly dress. Ann walked further into her closet, an then looked at a box, sitting atop a shelf over her mother's old wedding dress.

Ann grabbed the box, and along grabbing some simple clothes in black flats and a white, trimmed with gold and red sundress with black sleeves, Ann left the closet. Walking to her bed, and sitting the shoes and Dress down, Ann opened the box. There, sat a mask-- no.. Multiple masks. She took the mask sitting atop the others out. A red cat like mask, that shined in the light from the chandelier above.

Ann placed the box on the bed from her lap, and examined the mask. The ears, the cat motif, something made her feel.. safe.. holding the mask. A knock on the door alerted Ann, and she quickly shoved the box under her bed, with her placing the mask under her pillow as the door opened. Kamoshida stepped into room, ''Ah, Lady Ann?''

Ann turned around, her heart racing hearing Kamoshida's voice, ''Ah, I'm just fixing my room up.. I'm heading out to town.'' Ann waved her hand, smiling awkwardly. Kamoshida walked into the room, closing the door, ''Well, would you like me to escort yo-''

"No!''

The room falls silent when Ann spoke up, ''Oh- Uh.. No Thank you! I'm fine on my own!''

''But if you get attacked? Robbed?'' Kamoshida asked, as Ann ran to her closet, taking the shoes and dress with her. ''I'll be fine!'' She says, as she closed the closet doors. Kamoshida stood around, some what shocked by Ann's outburst.

After a few minuets, Ann stepped out of her closet, with her shoes and dress on, with a sun hat as well. The fit felt more comfortable, no big laces, no corsets, no tight shoes. Ann huffed, and walked to the door, ''You may be excused, Kamoshida!'' Ann waved, and left the room, leaving Kamoshida alone.

The knight stood up, and nodded, but something caught his eye. He looked down at Ann's bed, and kneeled down, seeing something push the sheets up off the floor. Pulling the item out from under the bed, was the masks in the box. Kamoshida raised a brow, then noticed Ann's pillow wasn't flat on the mattress. He pulled the pillow up, and there was the cat mask.

''Hmmm..''

Ann strolled down the town, looking at the bring sky above. It was a clear day, thank god so. Ann was hoping for a free moment alone, with no worries or stress about her duties. Maybe she could've brought Shiho with her, but Shiho had some stuff in the Manor to attend to. And Ann wasn't willing to drag her away from a job she clearly loved.

The breeze whipped around, and Ann laughed as her dress traced her leg, slightly tickling her, The town wasn't very busy today, so she could perhaps just slip into a shop without being recognized. And so she does.

Slipping into a fabric shop, Ann looks at all the stunning designs and patterns lacing the fabrics. They did look like they would cost a hefty price though. A lady in the shop walks up to Ann, ''Oh, Lady Takamaki! What brings you to my shop?''

Ann turns to the lady, and smiles,  ''Ah, I'm just looking around.'' The lady nodded her head, bowing a bit, ''If you need anything, I'll be at the back.''

Ann waved as the shopkeeper walked away. The door opens, the bell rings, and Ann looks on as Ren and Ryuji step into the shop, ''Ann! There you are!'' Ann's brow raise as Ryuji rushes to her side, gabbing her shoulders, ''It's urgent!''

''Wh-What's happening?'' Last time Ann saw Ryuji look like this was a few months ago when one of the Butlers tried killing her father. ''I-It's Shiho! Kamoshida- H-He tried forcing himself on her!''

Ann's eyes widen, and Ren steps aside to see Shiho rush to her. ''Ann!'' Shiho was sobbing, and she was also bleeding, beatings bruises appearing in her face. ''Shiho! Oh my god..'' Ann caught Shiho as she stumbled towards her, her face painted in absolute worry. ''This was Kamoshida?''

Shiho fell silent, her eyes widening, then shutting as she sobbed. Ryuji stepped back, ''I saw him. He tried it in the kitchen.'' Ann looked at the knight, then at Ren, ''But.. what is he doing here?'' Ren shrugged, ''Ryuji said he needed someone to help prove his claim and yet..''

''Ryuji, as yo sure this is true?'' Ann asked, eyes narrowing. ''Positive! Would I lie to you?!'' Ann huffed, and brought Shiho to Ren, ''Take her some place to take care of the wounds.'' Ren nodded, taking Shiho's hand and guiding her out of the shop.

But as the duo left, Ren and Shiho could hear Ann and Ryuji bickering. He was unsure what to so, but taking her someplace safe at the moment to patch her injuries up is what he said he'd do.

Morgana's tail swayed as he laid on Ren's lap. Shiho flinched a bit as ointment in placed on her cut by Sojiro. ''You said The head knight of The House of Panthers did this?'' Ren shrugged, ''Ryuji said so, but I wasn't there.'' Sojiro nodded slowly, ''Okay, well.. If he's telling the truth, maybe you could help him figuring this out.''

Ren's eyes darted to Shiho. He recalled what he said to Ryuji, saying if he needed help, just hit him Up. Well then.

''Yeah, I'll help.'' He said under his breath. Morgana looked up at him, titling his head. Ren smiled, petting Morgana. ''I see the cat is okay.'' Ren and Morgana look at Shiho, who had her eyes on the cat, ''Ah, yes. He followed me home, so I'm taking him in.'' Ren laughed, ''I named him Morgana.''

Shiho smiled, ''Awww, That's sweet.'' Ren nodded his head, and stood up. Sojiro stood up too, taking the medical supplies away to place them upstairs. ''You good?'' Ren held his hand out, with Shiho taking it. The girl nodded slowly, but she stumbled, falling into Ren's arms. ren gasped as he caught her before she fell. Ren looked at the knee she stumbled on, and his eyes widen, He knee was bruised all the way around. Morgana jumped off the chair, and walked next to Shiho, eyeing her injury.

'That bastard..' Ren though, bringing Shiho up. ''Here, I'll carry you back.'' He dipped his arm under Shiho's legs, and scooped her into his arms. Shiho gasped slightly as she was picked up. Morgana hoped onto the counter, then on Ren's shoulders.

''Ready to go?'' Shiho nodded, and Ren made his way to the door, opening it, and leaving.

Sojiro walked back down the stairs, but seeing Ren, Shiho and Morgana was gone, made him huff. ''What did that girl do to deserve that?''

Ann paced, and paced. Ryuji, Mishima, and few maids stood on their side of the room, awaiting Ren to arrive with Shiho. Ann stopped her pacing, and walked to the door. ''Ann, stop doing that. They aren't here yet-''

Ann opens the door, with Ren on the other side. Shiho was in his arms. Ann gasped seeing Shiho, and with the help of Mishima, took Shiho from Ren's arms and brought her to the bed. Ryuji jogged up to Ren, looking at Shiho the whole time. ''Her knee is bruised, front and back. That's why she was stumbling.''

Ryuji eyed Shiho's leg, and his brows furrowed, ''Shit.. not again.'' Ren looked at Ryuji as he said that, ''Again?''

''That's his signature move in hurting people. he messed my leg up a few months ago, if you couldn't tell I stumble a bit.'' Ren nodded, slowly looking at Ryuji's leg. ''Is.. is that enough evidence you need?''

Ryuji shook his head, ''No. I couldn't really convince I saw Kamoshida beat her lady in waiting.'' Ren huffed, nodding. Morgana jumped from Ren's shoulders to the floor next to Ryuji's leg. The knight looked at the cat, raising a brow, ''What the..''

There was a knock on the door, and all heads turn to see Kamosida, and Ann's father walk into the room. ''Oh My goodness! Shiho are you okay?'' Ann's father walked over to the bed, standing next to his daughter, with a worried expression on his face. Kamoshida eyed Ryuji, his eyes dark, ''I'm sorry Ryuji hit you Shiho.''

Ann's head turned to Kamoshida, ''What?''

''What?!'' Ryuji shouts, lookin too at the knight. Ren jumped a bit.

''I didn't do shit!! Yo-''

''I saw Ryuji dragging Shiho out of the kitchen, with all those nasty cuts.'' Kamoshid said, walking towards the bed. Ryuji's eyes widen, and he swears he can feel his blood boil. Ren's eyes widen a bit too. ''What else is there?'' Ann's father asked, looking a Kamoshida.

''I saw how he went for Shiho's leg to prevent her from running away.'' Shiho backed away a bit, hissing as she bent her injured leg. ''That-''

''I saw everything, Ryuji is the culprit.'' Kamoshida said, turning and pointing at Ryuji. Ryuji's mouth fell open, ''You bastard! I didn't do shit!'' Ryuji stepped foward, making some of the maids back away in fear. Kamoshida narrowed his eyes, ''That's what a culprit would say.''

Ryuji yelled, and charged at Kamoshida, pushing him to the ground. Ann and Shiho screamed, Ann's Father stumbled to the floor, while Ren watched in shock. It took Mihsima and three maid's pulling Ryuji off Kamoshida to stop the fight. Kamoshida sat up, holding his face, with blood pouring down his nose, ''Scumbag!'' Ryuji shouts, as more knights come into the room, and drag him away.

Ann's father help Kamoshida up, ''I'm so sorry. He's a mess.'' Kamoshida said, ''Hence why I had to fend myself last time this happened.'' Ann's father nodded his head. Ann moved towards Shiho on the bed, and started rubbing his knuckles.

''I'll deal with him accordingly so.'' Ann's father said, before Kamoshida held his hand up, ''I'm the head knight, I can deal with him for you. This was a mistake, and I can handle him.'' Kamoshida started walking away, before he glanced at Ren, ''You don't want him to be your friend. Trust me.'' Kamoshida stepped into the hall, and walking away.

Ren's eyes narrowed, and he kneeled down, ''I have a feeling There's more information that's not being given to us.'' Morgana nodded, ''Indeed. It would need to take a thief to steal that information and expose him, as We know Ryuji wasn't to blame.''

Ren's brow raise, ''Say that again.'' Morgana looked at him, ''It would take a thief-''

Ren stood up, and bowed, ''May I be excused, Lady Ann?'' Ann looked at Ren, and nodded slowly, ''Yes.'' Ren nodded once, picking up Morgana and leaving the room. ''What are you doing?''

''I have an idea for a plan. But first, I need to lay it out.''

Chapter Text

Ren leans back in the chair, hair falling back from his forehead, and looking up at the ceiling. Okay. He wants to have a plan, problem is.. What the hell was he going to do? Morgana would offer advice, but out of not wanting to expose he can talk, he keeps quiet.

Ren sighs, palming his eyes, both arms then falling to either side of his. The lights in the cafe were off, but he still left the bright lights of the sunny day outside. If he hadn't decided to plan his plan to help Ryuji take Kamoshida down today, he'd be exploring town.

Sojiro walked behind the counter, and eyed Ren. ''You okay Kid? You look drained.'' Ren moved his head, hair falling back into place, glasses not so much. Ren slowly nodded, ''Yeah. Question.''

''Shoot.''

''How would you.. hypothetically, take down the head knight of a noble house?'' Sojiro just stared at Ren, somewhat baffled, ''I beg your pardon?' Ren sat up straight, fixing his glasses, and leaned on the counter in front of him. ''I'm just curious.. like say.. This guy, not to name names, was being a creepy for a while, and you want to help a friend expose his wrong doings?''

Sojiro raised a brow, ''Are you willing to add more to your criminal record, Ren?'' The teen just shrugged. The door opens, and Kamoshida, along with Ann steps inside the cafe. ''Ahh, I hoped you be here. Miss Ann would like to speak to you.'' The Knight said. Ann jogged to Ren, and whispered if they have a safe place she can talk to him. Ren nodded, taking the noble woman's hand and guiding her upstairs.

Sojiro shrugged as Kamoshida raised a brow when the teens vanish.

On the second floor, Ann sits down on a musty bench, and Ren pulls a chair up. ''So, what would you like to talk about.'' Ann huffs, her voice shaking, and shoulders jagging as they rise and fall, ''It's Ryuji.''

Ren's brows raise, ''Oh?''

Ann sits up straight, crossing her legs under her dress. ''Since last week, and him attacking Kamoshida, he's beng told one more slip up will get him fired.. and arrested if he lashes at Kamoshida again.'' The room falls silent, Ren just stares blankly, before he looks away. ''He has to keep clean since this has happened before.. a third time will get him removed for good.''

''You mean when Kamoshida broke his leg?'' Ann nodded, ''He told you I presume?'' Ren nodded in return, ''When I brought Shiho back, but he didn't give me any details.''

Ann rubbed one of her arms, and looked down a bit, ''It's a bit of a nasty story, but Kamoshida and few other knights say Ryuji just.. 'Lunged' at him, and a fight broke out. Kamoshida ended up accidently breaking Ryuji's trying to get him off.''

Ren stayed silent. Why did Ann phrase Lunge and Accidently differently? Clearly, something wasn't adding up. ''I see. Ryuji said it was a few months ago, correct?'' Ann nodded, watching as Morgana climbed up the bench, and sat in her lap. ''It was a bit saddening, but Whatever the reason is, I hope it's a good one.''

''For Kamoshida breaking Ryuji's leg? Or for Ryuji lunging at Kamoshida?'' Ann looked a Ren, ''Ryuji luging at Kamoshida.. Why?''

''I just feel like, there was an unfair advantage not being displayed here.'' Ren said, crossing his arms and shrugging. ''No one lunges at someone without reason, and Kamoshida is- how old?''

Ann raised a brow, ''In his mid forties, at best.''

''Okay, Kamoshida is in his mid something forties, and Ryuji is our age. Something isn't adding Up.'' Ann pets Morgana as she listens, thinking slightly. ''Kamoshida HAD to have said or done something to trigger Ryuji lunging at him.'' Ren placed a hand on his chin, thinking more deeply about the situation he was being presented.

''Ren, You might be thinking to deeply into this.'' Ann placed a hand on Ren's knee, a small slightly unreadable expression on her face. Ren looked at her, slightly taken aback. ''Ann-''

Kamoshida marched up the stairs, and eyed the teen. Ren looked at him, and swore something flickered in Kamoshida's eyes when he noticed Ann's hand on his knee. ''Time to go Ann, You father needs you.'' Ann stood up, Morgana leaped off her lap, and sat on the bench as she walked away. Ren and Morgana looked on as the duo walked down stairs.

Ren felt somethin was off, and walked after them, making his way downstairs. He stopped at the bottom step, seeing Ann already leaving the building. Kamoshida was still at the steps, and surprising Ren, he pulled him by the collar of his under shirt; glaring.

''I heard everything. If you think that there is anything you can do, think again.'' He lets' Ren go, and walks away; Bidding Sojiro Farwell as he left. Ren stands up straight as The knight and lady leaves. Something was clearly off. He needs to find Ryuji.

Ryuji knocks another dummy down, and groans in frustration. He chucks the sword to the ground, and hugs himself.

He was more angry than ever, and he just wished the universe did one of two thing. 1, Strike him down and end his misery, or 2. Send a sign he'll get the help he desperately needs. Ryuji turns around, ready to sulk else where, when he's face to face with Ren. Maybe this was option 2- or-

''AH!'' Ryuji shrieks, and almost falls over. Ren jumps a bit, just manages to stop Ryuji from falling over. ''At least it's someone I want to see.'' Ryuji says once back on his feet properly. Ren laughs a bit, then he sighs and his smile drops.

Ryuji's eyes widen, seeing ren's expression change rather... suddenly. Ren placed a hand on Ryuji's shoulder, looking at him in the eyes, expression very serious.

''What made you lunge at Kamoshida?''

Chapter Text

The window slowly creaks open. Three figures slip into the dark office. ''The records are around here somewhere.'' The girl says, as she carefully walks to the shelf on the right of the room. The two boys walk towards another shelf, while a cat plops onto the floor. The three continue to shuffle around, trying to keep the noise on the down lo to prevent waking anyone in the Manor up.

One of the boys turns around, seeing something poke out under some books on the desk. He walks over, and the cat paws at the papers as the boy lifts the books. A Document about works in the manor. Bingo. The other two walk up to his left and right, eyeing the documents in the boy's hand. ''You think this is the evidence.'' Skull looked at the others. ''I don't doubt it.'' Panther says, ''It looks like all we'd need. But We need to get out. As soon as possible.''

The trio make their way back to the window, with the cat jumping onto Joker's shoulders as they flee. The doors of the office open, with three guards and Kamoshida entering the room. The bellowing curtains and moved books catch their attention. ''Someone was in here.'' he says, picking the books up and looking towards the night sky. ''Search the building. We can't let anyone escape.''

''Yes sir!'' The knights say before the exit the room. Kamoshida looks towards the desk, and his eyes widen seeing the missing document. ''Well now..'' He scoff, turning on his heel before he exits the office as well. ''We'll find you.'' A promise and a threat. He closes the door behind him.

Ren opens his eyes, light beaming through the window. He slowly sits up, stretching his arms and making little effort to get out of his bed. Standing up, he spots Ryuji asleep on the bench nearby. He almost forgot Ryuji asked to stay the night. He rubbed his eyes, reaching for his glasses and put them on. 

What a bizarre dream he had. Breaking an entering an Office? One that might be in Ann's home no less. Him and two others had stolen what was a document of sorts, and Morgana was with them. And with such.. curious costumes. Nothing actual thieves or royals would wear. Like they were breaking traditional norms of Costumes for common thieves and people of some status.

There was a lot to question about the dream. Why was he breaking into The Takamaki Manor? Why did Kamoshida say that of what he said? Oh no bother, It was time to get up anyway.

Finally slipping into his clothes, Ren was ready to head down. He caught Ryuji getting up, and watched as he sat up slowly. ''Good morning.'' Ren said quickly before he went down stairs. Ryuji called out a quick ''Morning'' before Ren was at the first floor. To Ren's surprise, there a few customers in the shop already. He counted 7 people, which was more than yesterday or any day prior. He slowly slipped behind the counter seeing Sojiro dealing with some drinks. ''Hello.'' he said, making his way towards the snack-rack and grabbing a pastry.

''You slept in.'' Sojiro looked back at Ren. Ren looked back as he took a bite of the pastry, ''I did?'' He asked with a mouth full of pastry. Sojiro nodded, ''But It was only an Hour. You must've stayed up late. I didn't want to bother you.'' He turned back, calling up the name of the person and their drink. Ren quickly took another pastry while Sojiro's back was turned and walked back up the stairs.

Ryuji waved when Ren reached the attic. ''Hey!'' Ren walked over, tossing him the pastry. ''Here's breakfast.'' Ran walked towards the desk, taking a seat in the chair as Morgana jumped onto his lap. Ryuji took a bite of his food, then stood up. He walked towards Ren and looked at the papers on the desk, then at what Ren was writing. ''Woah? What the hell are you writing? Weird poetry?'' Ren's pen stopped and he looked Up. ''I felt like trying to replicate what I saw in My dream.''

Ryuji blinked, slowly nodded and Ren returned to writing. Several key components were ''Thieves, Morgana, Document, Kamoshida, Crime Solving?'' and lastly ''Masks.'' And the writing stopped once again, and instead, Ren started to sketch out what seemed to be mask designs. One that resembled a Skull, another a red cat mask, and lastly, a joker like mask; white outside, black pattern where the eyes were.

''What were you dreaming of?'' Ryuji only stared, baffled by the quality of the masks and the notes Ren was making. ''If i had a dream like that, I'd think it would be a sign of something.'' Ren didn't answer. He returned to sketching a few more masks. ''I kept.. seeing these people, these mask in my dreams since Last week.'' The pen's ink outlines a few more details on the masks, making them all stand apart from one another. Ryuji looked at the paper with awe. The detailing was something he's never seen in masks of anything before.

''And.. do you know who was under which mask?'' Ren shakes his head, but he taps on the one in the center of the drawings with the other end of the pen. ''All but this one, I don't know who was under what mask.'' Ryuji hums. ''I was under this mask.'' Ren follows up as he pulls out another paper. ''What are you gonna draw now?''

''The people-- The ones under the masks-- the outfits-'' Ren sighed, catching his breath. ''You know what I mean.'' Ryuji nodded slowly. He didn't get it.

Ren did have to admit, he didn't do too good with Human sketches. He wasn't an artist by any stretch of the imagination. He only drew down what he could recall from the dream. First was himself. The outfit wasn't to shabby, a long trench-coat and a grey waistcoat. Black ankle length pants with pointed black shoes-- ''Winklepickers?'' he asked himself about the shoe design but continued the sketch. The detail wasn't to much, but the fit reminded him of his formal attire he Wore back home.

Then came the other two. One with a more rebellious ''punk'' attire. Nothing anyone would wear unironically. Black tailcoat, red handkerchief on neck, belts, steel toed boots-- This person had an odd fashion choice for a thief. And lastly, the only woman of the group. Red Body suit, a cape on her shoulder, with red frills that acted like a dress train and a whip. And one small detail Ren remembered was her having pigtails. Like Ann.

It would feel weird, but he still added them and sat his pen down. Three fully body renditions of people playing thieves in his dreams. Ryuji slightly gasps, mouth agape as the he eyed each drawing. They weren't perfect, not on the level of any artist in this kingdom, but still impressive none the less. ''This is impressive!'' Ryuji said, pointing at the paper. Ren smiled a bit, ''I just had to do it. Something in me told me to do such.''

''You must've been having crazy dreams. I don't recall a single thing from my dreams.'' Ryuji said, rubbing his neck. Ren hummed slightly. ''Except.'' Ren looked up, ''Hm?''

''I saw something in My dream last night. A group of people. I can't recall for the life of me how many there were in my dream, but they were between 9 to 10. They all wore Something akin to your dream drawings.'' Ryuji pointed at the papers, ''And they all-- A few faces looked familiar. I saw Ann, I saw you--'' Ryui started to pace, ''And I think I saw Lady..Haru?''

Morgana got Up from Joker's lap and leapt onto the table. He sat down and eyed the papers. ''Incredible work. Seems like you have a talent'' Ren rolled his eyes, ''Yeah maybe I do. But I don't feel like becoming an artist.''

''Maybe you should.'' Morgana replied as he rubbed his paw behind his ear.

''Did that cat just talk?!'' The two look at Ryuji, who was pointing at Morgana with a stupid expression. Shock? Fear? The two couldn't tell. ''Yes! Yes I can.'' Morgana said. ''I'm Morgana, Ren's pet cat.'' Ryuji let out a sound akin to a squeak and a deflating item. He then shook his head, and exhaled, inhaled and clasped his hands together. Regaining his composure, Ryuji walked towards the desk, and looked at Morgana more thoroughly. ''So.. You have a talking cat. Strange.'' Ryuji said, lifting his hand, Morgan then walking under it for pets. ''I guess so.'' Ren said with a joking tone in his voice.

Ryuji retracted his hand after he was done petting Morgana and then fell quiet. He pondered something, ''I think these dreams might be telling us something.'' Ren titled his head, ''You think that too?''

''Positive.'' Ryuji replied.

''Shall we act upon them?'' Ren stood up, stacking the papers together and placing them in a pile on the desk. Morgana leapt off the desk and lands on the floor. ''Act? Act like what?'' Ren placed the pen next to the papers, the turned to Ryuji, ''Act like Thieves. The document in dreams was in Ann's family manor. We might need her help in this.'' Ryuji's mouth fell open, then it closed. ''I don't know, how will she react to this?''

''As far as I know, She may be on board.'' Ren placed a hand on Ryuji's shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze. Ryuji looked at Ren's hand, then his eyes. He smiled and nodded. ''Good idea. Meet their in 40?''

''Meet there in 40.''

''Then it's settled.''