A/N: Just an interesting dynamic that floated into my head while playing strikers. Enjoy...

Prologue

(November 20) Daytime

Despite being put on standby, Sae couldn't help but feel flutters of excitement as she walked confidently to the interrogation room. Her elation was undeterred as she dispensed with the formalities and was given access to the imprisoned Phantom Thief.

Stepping to the metal door, Sae bit down on the urge to smile. Years of prosecuting taught her restraint and control. Finally, after all these months of sleepless nights and fruitless investigation, they had caught him. After all this, she would be able to catch a break. She didn't care that she hadn't been the one to actually 'catch' the leader of the Phantom Thieves. All that circulated her mind was that it would finally be over.

Makoto's smiling face came to mind. She'd finally get to take some real time off and spend some quality time with her sister. It had been so long.

Sae steadied her breath, and nodded to the guard.

The door slid open, the beaming bright lights of the hall penetrating the murky dark atmosphere within. She couldn't quite make out the figure from where she stood, but there was definitely a man waiting for her. This would be the last moment of mystery before she would uncover it all and bring justice back to Tokyo.

She took a step forward and the door slid shut behind her. The locks clicked into place and before regarding the subject of interrogation, a pleasant thought whispered something of comfort.

Once this is over, I'll have some good news to share with Ren.

Her eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room and she was ready to meet the infamous leader of the Phantom Thieves.

Hunched over, sitting listlessly, with labored breath… he looked up to meet her gaze. Onyx irises, peering through messy black hair, drove the very warmth from her bones. Stone cold stiff, she watched as the barest hints of a smile came to his lips.

"I hope this wasn't too much of a surprise for you, Sae."

The familiar words fell on the deafening realization that settled into her cognition. His youthful face was covered in bruises and a smeared patch of blood marred a split lip. The black and red Shujin uniform hung loosely on his shoulders, tattered and dirty. All she could come up with was a shaky single accusation.

"Ren?"

Sae's pulse surged in what felt like erratic spasms. She wanted to jolt forward; check him over and make sure he was okay. But she didn't. The very nature of their meeting stilled the instinct of her care.

She jerked the chair out stiffly and seated herself across from him. Her eyes wandered to the empty syringes littering the room. The bile and rage that swelled beneath her tongue simmered in comparison to the shock of his reveal.

Their positions continued to sink in, as did the context of their environment.

She sat across from his worn and battered frame. Her heart shriveled at the sight of him reflected in her weary crimson eyes. She spoke slowly.

"Ren… I… I can't believe it."

Obstruction of Justice, blackmail, defamation, possession of weapons, and worst of all… manslaughter. Reminding herself of the crimes the Phantom Thieves committed, she set aside her feelings and focused on the case at hand.

Sae cleared her throat, the harsh sound ringing in the enclosed space. It brought her a moment of clarity as he winced.

Under normal circumstances, her bold demeanor would strike first and begin with a detailed examination and account of the months leading up to his capture.

Instead… using far less biting words and wasted breath… she asked, unbiased, the only thing that mattered to both the case and her own heart.

"Ren Amamiya, how are you involved with the mental shutdown cases and change of heart epidemic?" Her heart hardened, "Tell me everything."

For a brief moment, a rebellious spark ignited beneath his hazy pupils and a gentle smile accompanied the flittering embers. From what she asked of him, he answered; and the interrogation began.

A/N: Thanks for reading and let me know your thoughts or criticisms if you have any. Expect an update soon. Farewell.

Edit: Date added, Changed from present to past tense / typos