Hello! I'm BACK FOR MOOR
Thank you, all you lovely reviews!
DangerousFox; Yep, they are a dangerous duo. Also RIP Shido. We'll be rip - ing Yaldy this chapter! :D
Breaking-Benjamin-rules; It's gonna take a while before Makoto's found. Hold yer horses until then! Also thanks for that, I know I just kinda suck at battles XD
Anon; I'm sorry not sorry about that dangle. Making people cuss at me for my poorly (greatly?) timed cliffies is my thing ;P
Aeon Nova; Thanks! Also lol to forgetting where the errors are. I'll try to continue to improve, as always :D Thank you for reading, and hope you stick around!
Of Gods and Demons
Caroline and Justine are strong.
But he will not yield.
He could see hesitation in their eyes, see that glimmer of hope dancing within those pools of bright gold like the sun that would burn the darkness away. Raoul hums, content, as he pulls the magnificently-crafted curtain over their eyes and fools them into thinking that he's disappeared. Ren keeps a keen eye on Igor, who's standing there, watching with a grin that is less noticeable and a frown that's slowly forming on his usually smug face.
He ducks out of the way of a Diamond Dust, and briefly changes Raoul into Jack Frost as another ice-clad projectile reaches him. Jack Frost simply absorbs it, before he shifts Raoul back into the forefront of his mind, and calls forth the strings of curses and darkness that clash into the Twin Wardens, stopping them in their tracks, but refrains himself from putting in too much power.
Don't hurt them. They are your allies. We will make them see the truth, Raoul says from within him as the Thief-King summons a thin, elegant cane from nothingness, and unsheathing from the cane a long blade that looks like it belongs in the museum, and not the battlefield. When Ren nods, he explains further. Don't worry about Igor. Help is on the way.
He isn't given the time to think on it as Raoul pulls him out of the way, the scorching inferno burning just where he was a moment prior. He growls, shooting a few bullets at the large tomes in their hands, stopping them from calling out more Personas. When he lands, he sees that they have already stopped trying to kill him, and are both thinking, hesitating.
"I believe I ordered his execution," Igor commands, his arms crossed.
There is a beat of silence, before Justine speaks up. "…Something speaks to me in my mind. We are… Wardens, who see through the rehabilitation of prisoners… our true duty is not to kill."
At that, a small, gentle voice he's heard times and times again rings in his ears, and he looks up, to see Raoul nodding at him, for him to listen.
Help… Please, help.
"How can I help?" He says to the darkness and the Shadows, to the owner of the disembodied voice, who is asking for help. He is the rebel, the Trickster, the Wild Card… to revolt against the injustice is his beck and call. And this – this is what he knows that he must do.
Our desire is for you to complete your rehabilitation.
He looks up at Justine and Caroline, whose eyes are following the glowing blue butterfly, much like his. He then knows what he has to do – they are no executioners, and the term wardens are not right, either. They are more; they are the one who would help him through this path, he knows this much. And when Justine and Caroline look at him, he knows what they want him to do.
"We will not forsake humanity!" She declares, for the both of them. And that is when a glimpse of a small human-like being to flash into their minds. And Ren doesn't need to have anything else spelled out to him to know what this means—
They were once one, torn apart and separated by a malevolent power, Raoul says, confirming his suspicion, and he whirls around to face Igor, whose visage is no longer that of a calm, composed prison master, but of a malignant being that doesn't belong in this place. Raoul then brandishes his blade. I will not let him stop you, Trickster! Make them whole again, you must!
He nods and reaches for the Twins. And when they look at him, he says resolutely. "I'll help you. Trust me."
"We will."
He hurriedly places their necks onto the waiting platform of the gallows, and turns in time to see Igor already sending Raoul into the far corner, his hand dancing with vile light. Ren hisses as he tries to activate the gallows as Igor says slowly. "It seems I will have to execute you myself, Trickster."
"Fuck you!" He snaps, as that hand reaches for him—
Only for trails of black and sarcophagi to crash and stand between him and Igor.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Joker!" Thanatos calls, brandishing his black-clad blade, forcing Igor to back away. Ren then turns to Raoul, who gets up and joins Death in standing between him and that vile thing.
"Took you a while, Death," Raoul states, seemingly amused (even though him being sent into the wall after declaring don't worry is also kind of funny on its own) (I did not get sent into the wall, Trickster) (Sure, sure, liar). "But, as expected of Death itself… even the Mementos cannot erase you, it seems."
"Death is indestructible," Thanatos says with a low growl as he stands straight up, the coffin-wings on his back spreading wide, shielding him. "Do what you must, Joker."
He needs no more incentive than that as he activates the gallows. And instead of blood, the Wardens dissolves into storms of butterflies, and from the shimmering light comes a long-haired, kind looking child who holds a single tome that reeks of more power than the Twins combined. And when she stands before him, she smiles and says with that voice he's heard hundreds, thousands of times before.
"I am Lavenza. I was torn apart by the malevolent will, and took the form of those twins."
"Figure as much," Ren says, turning to Igor once more. "I daresay he's not really your master, is he?"
"He is not," She confirms, and opens the tome, the pages flipping through, ice and fire seeping out of the papers. "Thank you for helping me, Trickster. Then… you who'd swindled my master's name – your lies will no longer work on us."
Igor laughs, and the two Personas back away as spouts of vile lights engulf him. He rises up, and his voice is now that of the Grail – the Grail is Igor.
"…Rather than the Holy Grail… I suppose it would be more accurate to say that I am a god that responds to the desires, and hold dominion over man. Whether the world lives or dies… are but sports to me. I had hoped that seeing righteous thieves vanquishing evil would spur mankind to change, but I was wrong."
"Nonsense," Thanatos says, swinging his blade once, letting the moldable dark dances and cuts off the tendrils of vile light that threatens the hall of the Velvet Room. "We are the same, you and I. You rigged this game of yours, I can tell it even with my power reduced to this."
The Grail laughs again. "That matters little. Now that I have my answers, that man seeks nothing but ruins, then that is what I shall grant them. And if you so choose freedom and death over my control, over order, then so be it."
And with that, the Grail disappears.
When they look behind them, there is another light, and from it comes—
"…Is this some kind of joke?"
Ren says as he sees Igor, again, who's stirring up from sleeping on his desk and his velvet-covered chair. He turns to see Raoul shrugging at him before disappearing back into his mask, while Thanatos looks at Igor silently for a while before reverting back to his human form, his sapphire blue eyes gentle and hopeful, no longer hostile. Ren's finger twitches over the old scar on his thigh.
Luckily enough, Lavenza steps in and explains. "…He is the rightful master of this Velvet Room, the true aid on your Journey."
Ren just looks at him, dubious. But the man's voice is soothing, his posture betraying nothing but kindness and gentle curiosity, something he's never seen from that thing before. This Igor then bows his head slightly. "It has been a while since I last stepped foot into this place. Welcome to the Velvet Room. My name is Igor."
"So… the real one?" He asks, making Thanatos laughs a little as he walks over to Ren's side.
"Yes. I've met him before, so I remember how he feels like," He hums, a hand on his chest, like always, before he says with a sad, sad smile. "…It has been a while, Igor-san."
"Indeed, it has, Mochizuki Ryoji-san," Igor says, slightly taken aback, Ren thinks. After a short pause, he then adds. "…But it should not have been possible. The Fate—"
"—This is not by Fate's hands," Thanatos says with a slight frown. "I will tell you more, but… not right now, not until I find him, find Makoto. Where is he?"
There is a deafening silence, in which none of them move. And then, Igor waves his hand slightly. "…I will find Elizabeth. If there is someone who'd know, it'd be her. My connection to Makoto-san is… hampered."
Much like what Thanatos had said before. Ren scowls slightly, but says nothing. Thanatos then voices what Ren is thinking. "…Someone did something to him. Is doing something to him. Whoever they are, they must know about Personas, to be able to twist my connection to him like this."
"I apologize for my inability to assist you, Death," Igor says with a small bow.
Thanatos lifts up a hand and smiles sadly. "You're doing your best, you've no need to apologize. But… before we get to anything… all of his friends are here, right? Since I got booted to this place, same as he was."
"Indeed," Lavenza says. "They are most certainly confined in this place, a place that exists between dreams and reality, mind and matter. And since you've deepened your bonds with them, I am certain you can release them, Trickster."
"I'll get to that right away," He says. "Crow's probably pretty pissed right now."
"He is, I can confirm," Thanatos chuckles. "I caught glimpses of him while rushing here. I wasn't sure, since Crow's the only one I saw, but they're alright, I think. And Crow is yelling profanities at me to help him out, but I… well, I was coming to help you."
"I'll talk him out of his murderous streaks," Ren huffs before looking to Igor and Lavenza, who are both smiling gently at him. "I'll bring my friends here."
"I'll wait, then," Thanatos says. When Ren shoots him a curious look, he adds. "I… have something I need to ask Igor. You go ahead. I don't think you're going to use that much time anyways."
"Alright," Ren hums. "Then, see you all in a bit."
"Yes," Lavenza smiles. "I'll be seeing you later, Trickster."
Everything's convoluted as all hell.
Morgana is born from this place, and all those tales about a god that would force order upon mankind, to stop them from ever thinking for themselves. The Holy Grail… is a god—
—And that Mochizuki Ryoji, too, is one such entity.
But, from Igor's words, Mochizuki Ryoji is a part of a whole, a being given humanity by Yuuki, which makes him a person, separating him and his sense of self from a Goddess called Nyx. He knows not what that deity represents, but a wild guess (not so much as a wild guess but a suspicion he's had since first they met) would be death, since Mochizuki calls himself Death and Thanatos, Death incarnate.
He will not pry for more, not even after he kicks Yaldabaoth's ass into oblivion, because this is not what he should be doing. Thanatos had saved them, and is still helping them despite the worry and the fear for his light that ail him so. Ren will leave the man to set his own pace; he believes that Thanatos will tell him the whole story in time, and even if he does not, he wouldn't have blamed him.
After a whole lot of walking later, they find themselves at the sprawls created from chaos manifested, tendrils of black and spines spiraling upwards into the sky, where the Grail – where the damn god resides. Before Ren takes one step further, Thanatos coughs lightly, drawing everyone's attentions.
"Before we do this," He says quietly, looking up at the sky, his eyes forlorn. "…I want to apologize, for not telling you what I really am. For not telling you that I, too, was born – and is a part – of a god."
"Hey, chill, dude," Skull says with a grin. "Not that you can spill something so important to us after we've only just met. You're a cool guy. I don't care what you really are, man."
"What he said," Panther laughs. "You're a really nice guy, and pleasant to be around, too."
Ren smiles a little, relieved that their thoughts align with his. He then pats Thanatos' back lightly. "Don't worry about it, Than! Let's go kick this god's ass, then we'll find your friend."
"…Yes," He nods. "Let's."
The climb up the spires is eerily quiet, and Ren could feel a chill crawling up his spine. Thanatos notes the absence of Shadows, which irks him, too. Raoul isn't saying anything, but he's giddy, to put it lightly. His jitters only grow, and it must've shown, because Crow slaps his back hard, once.
"Ow!?"
"Calm down, Joker," He says quietly, his eyes looking forward, at the gateway to face the god. When Ren turns to look him in the eyes, he only smiles. "You'll be fine. I'm right behind you."
It takes him a moment, but that notion alone sends his heart into the sky, and he smiles back. "Thanks."
When they reach the very peak, they are faced by four Shadows, disguising themselves as angels who would punish the wicked, just like ones often mentioned in the bibles and the old books. Ren clicks his tongue; the representation that Yaldabaoth is a benevolent god through the use of angels are irksome not to mention that they've got no time left to lose, if they're going to destroy a god. The real world will merge with the Mementos soon – any delay, and they might fail—
"Don't worry," Thanatos suddenly says as he steps in between the Thieves and the angels. When Ren gives him a wide-eye look, the boy smiles as veils of darkness surround him. "I've got your back. Go take the world, guys – I'll see you when it's done."
There is no time nor room for hesitation, and Ren thinks he'd know better than anyone, that a weakened god is still a god. If Death is going to watch their backs, then nothing would be able to follow them.
So he nods, and calls to everyone. "Let's go, people! We have the world to steal!"
(It is such a trivial thing, a tiny gesture, but it serves as a guide for the Thieves, who would rebel against the distorted mass.
Ryoji cannot say that he's surprised, to see their leader so resolute and steadfast in his ideals. He reminds him of Makoto, like a splitting image of his light, even if their personalities are in the opposite directions.
He thinks… even if their promised aid to find Makoto fails (something he hopes doesn't come true), he'd still choose to remain friends with them all the same.
These people are those Makoto had fought to protect, after all. And seeing these people reminds him just how beautiful life truly is.
"To live, is to bond, huh…"
Makoto often spoke of that, before his death. His life was never his alone, he said, and that it belonged to everyone he's ever formed a bond with. To live, is to bond, to connect. His life was shaped by the people (The SEES) that he's met, and in turn, he gave it to them, willingly, without falter.
Ryoji knows, deep down, that Amamiya is the same.
"Go out there and take back your freedom, Amamiya," He hums, smiling lightly, as his eyes trail after the fluttering cloak of the Heart-Taker. "I'll be rooting for you, and I'll watch your back, right here."
He is Death, and now…
…Now, he chooses to let these people live their lives of their own free will.
The freedom to choose one's own path — that's what you had always insisted, had you not, Makoto?)
If a god wishes to shepherd you, what will you do?
"We fight."
Ren knows that the mass might've wished for this, deep inside their hearts. He knows he does, too, sometimes, for things to just… be easy, for him to live thoughtlessly, so he wouldn't have to suffer. It is such a little thing – a glimpse of his darker selves, of his Shadow – and that of the others. But it is because this tiny thing that a god was born from, and said god is here, right before his eyes.
A god, formed from the will to submit themselves to fate without putting up a fight. Ren knows he used to be like that, that his friends here used to be like that. Even Crow (Goro), too. But he also knows that, in the end, they'd still choose to fight for their freedom. And the mass – if they're humans, then they still have potential to grow, to fight.
To live is to be free, to be able to choose your own path. Without freedom, what would life be? It would end as mere servitude for a god that cares little for their well-being, for their happiness. And they would drone endlessly, toil for no end, for an eternity or more.
There are many definitions as what living truly means, Raoul hums while Ren stares up into the towering armor-clad god, wingspan cowering the sky like the blight, the hovering halo spinning endlessly. That person, that Savior, that Yuuki Makoto… he often spoke, prior to his grim fate, that to live is to bond, to connect. To live, is to give a part of you to the others. To live, is to feel both joy and suffering, both happiness and regrets.
I agree with that, too, Ren thinks, calling forth Norn, the Weaver of Fate. The gale pushes Loki forward, as the trickster god leaps to plunge its blade into the steel-shell of Yaldabaoth. Crow gives him a brief nod, and he responds with a raised thumb.
But that is not all, is it?
Of course not, He thinks, teeth bared into a grin as he calls for another – Lucifer, this time. Six wings, taking flight into the holy tome and crashing into it, before the Morning Star falls onto the tainted tome, sending it spiraling down into the sea of clouds. What is life, without freedom? I will let neither god nor man guide my path. I will carve the road forward with my own two hands.
Even when they're felled, even when this damn god mocks them, he refuses to let his – their – fates be dictated by some power just because. He will change the Fate, even if it kills him. That is what he, what the Thieves, are. To live, is to be free, to revolt against something that seems so absolute, so undefeatable, so undeniable.
And his hope for humans is proven right when the hopeless calls turn into cheers, for them to keep fighting against this madness that is the god born from mankind's fickle malicious wills.
I've heard you loud and clear, Trickster. And for this god, only one thing will take it down. My power – as the Spirit of Freedom, is yours. Now break the chains, and call forth my name, once more!
"Satanael!"
He shatters the chains, and Raoul laughs, blue flame engulfing the King of Thieves whole. After a moment of silence, the cloud thickens, and descending from the heaven is the devil himself. When Satanael reaches where they are, he could hear the commanding, but soothing, voice echoing through his very soul, dancing along the wisps of the white cloud and booming past the void beyond time.
I am Thou, Thou art I. To live, is to be free of any shackles, and to be able to forge thy own path. I am the Freedom-Seeker, the Rebel, the Punisher of the Wicked. I am Satanael, the Spirit of Rebellion. I was born from thee, and I shall walk by thy side, through whichever path thee chooseth.
"You and I," He says, pointing his gun at the god. Satanael mimics him, the long barrel facing against the visage of madness, of control. "We are one and the same."
He pulls the trigger, and Sinful Shell pierces through Yaldaboath like it is nothing.
And with that, he shatters the dregs of mankind's malevolent will, freeing them from the grip of despair, from the control they do not wish for.
And now… they're free.
The world has returned to its normal state.
And he is surprised, to put it very, very lightly, to see Morgana in Mochizuki's arms, since they all saw him poof'ed out of existence just a minute ago.
"Monaaaaa!" Futaba practically bawls as she scoops Morgana out of Death's hold, the latter as amused as he is startled, and the not-cat is squirming as he's hugged tight. "I-I thought you—Wahhhhh!"
Ren smiles as the others swarm the not-cat, he himself hanging back a little. He would greet Morgana and expresses his happiness to the not-cat in private later. When he hears a small chuckle, he turns to see Mochizuki looking on at the scene fondly. "It's great to see a happy ending like this."
"It sure is," Ren hums, foot carefully nudging Goro, who's left out of the whole thing. Ren turns to the detective and smiles warmly at him. "I'm glad we got a happy ending."
Goro blinks, a little taken aback. Ren catches a glimpse of a smile, but he isn't too sure, since Goro just turns away from him with a low hum.
"…You know, my and Makoto's story… it's not a happy one," Mochizuki says quietly, his hand places above his heart, like he always does. Ren turns to the boy, eyebrows shooting up minutely, the celebrations and the tears of joy of the others reduced into a buzz in the background. "I'll tell you in full when we are done resting and celebrating, but… Makoto ended up dead because of me."
It takes Ren's brain a solid minute to actually comprehend that, and then everything makes sense. But, at the same time, everything also makes no sense. "…If he's dead, then how—"
"We're… well, he is forced into a contract with a god, who gave him back his life," Mochizuki says, his eyes forlorn, pained, and angered at something Ren assumes to be said god that had made this contract with Yuuki. He turns to look at Ren fully, to give him a rueful look. "Everything is my fault. But, at the same time… I'm glad he's given another chance to live."
A god, huh…
As much as it pains me to say, Raoul hums from the back of his mind, and he perks his head slightly upward, as if to hear the voice better. Such power is necessary for his return. He sacrificed his body and his soul to stop the inevitable end of mankind, after all. While I am… glad, even, that it worked, I am also mortified to know that the contract was forced upon him, without his consent.
"…All the more reason for us to find him as soon as we can, then," Ren says quietly. "I'll—"
"You have all the rights to celebrate your victory first, Amamiya," Mochizuki says, laughing lightly. His sapphire blue eyes then glance upward into the sky, and he reaches up, grasping a tiny flake of snow into his palm, humming minutely as it melts into nothing. "But after that, it would be best if you'd continue the investigation."
"About that," Goro says suddenly, pulling out his phone and tapping on a few images. "I've found out something – a name, I think. Those scientists Shido talked about? They're probably the ones appointed to research about Metaverse and Personas, in particular. And most of them hailed from a certain place."
"What place?" Mochizuki asks, tilting his head slightly.
Goro turns the phone to them, and it's the photo of one of the scientists, he thinks – profile, previous workplace, specialty.
Then, Mochizuki gasps. "…Kirijou Group…?"
"You know about them, then?" Goro says, pulling his device back. "Multinational trading company, under the current heiress of the Kirijou Group—"
"—Kirijou Mitsuru," Mochizuki says suddenly, making Ren and Goro turn to him. There are many things swarming in those pair of sapphire; the most forefront of all is shock, then followed by recognition and fear and a streak of anger. He then takes in a deep breath before continuing. "…Do they work for her?"
He knows that person, Ren thinks, brows furrowing slightly, arms crossed. He must have known her, and quite personally, too. He turns to Goro, who has come to the same conclusion as he is. There is a pregnant pause before Goro breaks it with a shake of his head. "No. After a little digging, I found out that they were called a splinter cell for a reason. They all went against the Group – or rather, Kirijou Mitsuru's – codes of conduct, so they were ordered to stop. That's when they quitted and went to work indirectly under Shido. They are from the Kirijou Group, not with them."
Indirectly is what strikes Ren as odd, but he doesn't say anything when he sees that Mochizuki seems to think the same, only for something else to cross his mind.
After a while, Mochizuki sighs in relief at that, as if he's glad something doesn't happen. "…I see. Well, I know that Mitsuru-san is a good person at heart. Had she known that her people are deployed to conduct such diabolical experiments, she would've executed them all by now."
"You know her," Ren states simply, scratching lightly on his neck. "Personally."
"Yes," There is no reluctance in the way he replies, but there is a bit of discomfort, and his face scrunches up slightly. "…It's a long story. I suppose… I'll tell you once we're back at the café. Tomorrow, perhaps – then, we'll go from there."
"Sounds good to me," Goro says. "…We should call it a day. We're all tired as hell, after all."
"Yeah, we should," Ren hums. "I'm going to walk around a bit. See you at Leblanc?"
Mochizuki smiles. "See you there."
After everyone's left ("Let's go shopping, Makoto!" "Wait, Ann, I don't think—" "Aw, don't be such a spoil sports! Come on!"), he remains at the square, and…
"Why aren't you leaving?"
He asks Goro, who hangs back right beside him, his hands tugged inside his coat. Ren doesn't mind his company, though – he's actually glad Goro wants to stay, but at the same time, he's baffled. Goro is known for not being a team player, so him actively offering company is a bit strange to see. But Ren'll take it any day; he likes Goro here with him.
"And leave you to mope on your own?" Goro sneers, kicking his heel slightly. Ren gives out a dignified huff, and the man simply rolls his eyes at him before saying a bit quieter. "…Thought you'd like a friend by you. I know you've got a lot on your mind. Yaldabaoth, Mochizuki-san… and the case against Shido."
"I do," Ren confesses, nodding his head towards the less-crowded spot on the streets. Once they find themselves a nice pocket of quiet to stand and take in the sights of multi-colored lights adorning the buildings and the sky, Ren murmurs. "I'm worried about Mochizuki and his friend, in particular. It has been a month, and even if he's alive, we have no way to know what they're doing to him."
"Haste makes waste," Goro chides lightly, but his eyes are understanding. Ren just smiles; he knows that Goro is pretty inept, when it comes to… expressing his concerns, but he also knows that Goro does have a heart. When he hasn't said anything, the detective adds. "We'll have to listen to the whole story, and I believe Mochizuki-san will tell us everything, this time. After seeing him, and getting to know him a little, I think he's the kind of person who would spare nothing to save a friend."
"Yeah," Ren hums. "I know he's that kind of guy, alright. Much like you, but you're less sociable about it."
Goro doesn't reply right away, and Ren turns to see him thinking, his brows knotted. After a moment and a few misty-clouded breaths, he says quietly. "…That's what I've never understood about you, Ren. Something that irks me."
"What thing?"
"You. Trusting me, as if I have never done anything wrong," He says, pensive, his red eyes searching. "I don't understand you. Why are you forgiving me, after all that I've done? Hell, I would've killed you in a heartbeat, back then."
"You and I, we're the same," Ren says with a grin, knocking his knuckles against Goro's heart, and then his own. "Besides, I can see that you were conflicted about being an enemy, see that you too are feeling all the guilt in the world, even before we were fighting. I'm the kind of person who'd jump right in when I see a person in need of saving, you know."
Goro is looking at him like deer in the headlights, at a loss for words. Ren couldn't quite understand Goro himself – why would he be so skeptical about this? Since this is what friends would do for each other, he knows this much. He'd spare no efforts to help someone in need, a friend in need…
…Someone even more important than a friend, who needs his help.
Ren actually blinks at this little realization, and he unknowingly tilts his head to the side. He isn't quite sure why or how, but… yeah, he thinks Goro is much more important to him than just a friend. A few seconds later, he realizes that he enjoys Goro's company more than the rest of the Thieves, and that – and that he doesn't just like him as a friend, but might actually love him…?
Holy fucking shit!
He barks out a laughter into the air at that, startling the detective.
"What are you laughing at?" Goro says slowly, a small but noticeable grimace on his face.
Ren only smiles and shrugs at him. "Nothing. I just thought of something funny, is all."
"What thing?"
"Wouldn't you like to know, pancake-boy?" Ren teases, nudging his rib slightly with his elbow. When Goro throws him an annoyed look, his grin widens with mischief. "It's not something you'd be interested in, and no, it's not about how all your plans fell apart because you slipped when Morgana mentioned something about a pancake shop, either."
Goro groans. "Ugh, I hate you, Ren. Wish I could just blow your head off right now."
"You've already done that, dude," Ren laughs. He then stops when Goro looks away, all the frowns at the anger seeping out of him like snow melting away in the sunlight. He turns a little to face Goro and carefully touches his shoulder. "…Hey, you know, I don't really blame you for it. I mean, I am still kinda salty, but what's done is done. I'm still here, so I don't really care about the past."
"…You should," Goro mumbles. "…If I had succeeded, you wouldn't be here, and… Shido would've already killed me, and the people will really fall into the hands of the wicked."
"There, see?" Ren says, patting his chest with the back of his hand, making Goro look up at him. "You said the people will fall into the hands of the wicked, not I will not get my revenge. Your heart has always been in the right place. I've always known that."
There is a heartbeat of nothing, and then Goro shakes his head, but he's smiling slightly. Genuine, with no ulterior motive. A sigh, and he murmurs. "…You're incredibly trusting and unbelievably steadfast, Ren. I… I'm sorry, for everything."
"I know," He laughs.
They spend some quiet minutes there, standing together, a finger breadth's worth of space between them. Ren knows he enjoys this, and if the serene look on Goro's face and his relaxed shoulders are anything to go by, he thinks… Goro is appreciating the company, too.
After a moment, Ren notices a familiar figure walking towards him. He looks down, and Goro does the same. Niijima Sae pauses in her track, and after a moment of silence, she smiles, strained. "…It is strange, to see the savior of the world and his should-be arch nemesis enjoying Christmas Eve together."
"Hey, don't call him that," Ren says, slinging his arm over Goro's shoulders to make a point. He hears some splutters and an indignant hiss, but he ignores it. When he sees her expression, however, he slides his arm off the boy's frame. "…It's about Shido's case, isn't it?"
"…Yes," She says, looking up at the night sky. "We can, of course, press charges of all the things he had confessed. The problem comes—"
"—With how to prove him guilty," Ren finishes. Goro, as always, has come to the same conclusion as he did. And Ren doesn't need superior deduction skills to know what will have to come next. He steps forward as he places a firm hand on Goro's chest, stopping him from moving. "…I'll testify."
Niijima eyes Goro at this, frowning. "But he's—"
"Please," Ren emphasizes, his hand pressing harder against the boy that's still trying to force his way forward. "Let me."
"Ren!" Goro protests, but Ren turns to stop him with a look he only wears as Joker – do not stop me, he words silently.
"…You already know what would happen, don't you?" The older Niijima says with a sad smile. When Ren nods, she closes her eyes and sighs. "…I'm sorry. And thank you, Amamiya. But… you can turn yourself in after tomorrow. You should spend your time with your friends first."
"Yeah, I'll do that," He says, and eyes Goro with his best glare, stopping the detective (the culprit) (the Thief and a friend) even for a second longer. "Tomorrow night. I'll have to wrap something up, first. I can't afford to leave loose ends."
"Very well," She says, and then surprises him with a deep, deep bow. "…I'm sorry I'm asking this of you, Amamiya. And… thank you."
"Ren!" Goro hisses, grabbing the scruff of his shirt and whirling him to face the man, leaving Niijima in stunned silence at the usually calm detective's sudden outburst. "What the hell!? Why would you—"
"I have my reasons," Ren forces out. "Please."
Ren couldn't say that he does this for two reasons.
One is obvious; they need to take Shido down. And between Ren and Goro, one would work just as well as the other. But Goro is a part of the team, now, and that means he's also Ren's responsibility. He wants to give Goro a chance to redeem himself. If he turns himself in, he'd be sentenced to jail time, there is no doubt about it. And between that, and Ren simply spending at most two or three years in Juvenile prison and a few more years of jail, at best, he'd choose the latter.
And the other… is because he couldn't let Goro – the person he loves – do that.
His heart just won't allow it.
I'll tell you, the romance ain't the main part of the story YET, so expect long ass pining from RenRen who is as oblivious as he is resourceful lol.
See you later!