(8PM Night Time, Yongen Jaya Theatre. Ren Amamiya sits in a theatre packed with movie goers watching a drama-documentary named "The Phantom Thieves of Justice" written by Yukio Mishima. Ren sits in the middle-row with a bag perched on his lap with his accomplice Morgana hiding in his bag while also watching the movie. Mishima is sat in the front row. The movie concludes with a testimonial from all those saved by the Phantom Thieves citing the line "The Phantom Thieves are Just". The credits begin to roll and light begins to fill the cinema along with a loud applause from the audience)
Morgana (from within the bag): Now that's what what I call a reception worthy of a Phantom Thief. Really, I can't believe the others missed this.
Ren: Yeah, it was really good. It's still hard to believe how many people still believe in the Phantom Thieves.
(Ren snickers at Morgana's response and stands up. As the cinema goers begin to leave, Ren catches sight of Mishima talking to what appears to be a Magazine columnist in the front-row. Not wanting to interrupt Ren prepares to leave in hopes of grabbing food however, Morgana peering poking his head out of Ren's bag catches a glimpse of someone in the back row looking straight at him
Morgana: Oh, it looks like someone has an admirer.
Ren: Huh?
(Ren lightly turns his head around to see where Morgana was looking. There he see's a young girl with bright white hair, soft red eyes, wearing a black outfit with an orange bow looking straight at him. For a moment the two stare at each other before Joker not wanting to make the girl uncomfortable dons a polite smile and lightly waves to the girl. The girl for a moment seems shocked as if not expecting the response, however a moment later she breaks a smile and shyly waves back.)
(Mishima having done talking with the magazine columnist catches sight of Ren and walks towards him.)
Mishima: Hey, I know it's getting late but what do you say we grab that buffet I mention-…
(Mishima suddenly realises Ren isn't looking in his direction and casts his gaze to the shy girl in the back row)
Mishima: Oh! That's…
(Mishima catches himself for a second as if recognising the girl but not expecting to have seen her at the movie)
Mishima (to Ren): Would you like me to introduce you?
(Ren looks at Mishima for a second as if confused by the question)
Mishima (confidently): She's the one who helped bring all this together, I figure it's only right you get to meet the Director.
(Ren's eyes widen in shock for a moment realising that this young girl, clearly no older than Futaba was the one behind such an elaborate film. Catching himself after a moment Ren assertively nods at Mishima)
Mishima (Nods): Alright then! Just one thing though, she can be a little shy. So if she doesn't talk much, try not to take it too personally.
(Ren chuckles for a moment, remembering Futaba once saying "the best protagonists are the silent type" before nodding in response to Mishima. At this Mishima heads towards the girl before the two exchange words just out of earshot, after a moment the girl nods and heads towards Joker with Mishima, all the while Morgana slinks back into the bag)
Mishima (to Hikari): Hikari, I'd like you to meet a very close friend of mine from Shujin. This is Ren Amamiya. Ren, this is Hikari.
Ren (smiles reassuringly at Hikari): Hi Hikari-San, it's really nice to meet you.
Hikari (stares at ren for a moment before nodding in response): Uhhh… H-hi, nice to meet you too…Amamiya-San.
(The two share an intense pause as if they recognise each other but are unable to place exactly where, after a moment of awkwardness Mishima tries to alleviate the atmosphere)
Mishima: Hey guys, what do you say to some dinner? I'm sure Ren would love to hear about how this all came together.
(Hikari still shy, nods and Ren also nods in response)
—
(The scene cuts to the Wilton Buffet where Anne and Ryuji once sat with Joker when they founded the Phantom Thieves. Ren sits on the middle of the couch while Hikari is sat in one of the chairs adjacent with Mishima sat in the chair opposite Ren)
Mishima: So, Ren what did you think of the film.
Ren: Honestly… I think it was pretty amazing. I didn't think you'd be able to find so many people who'd be willing to talk about the Phantom Thieves, let alone in such a positive way.
Mishima (smiles): Actually that was all Hikari.
(Ren's eyes widen for a moment as he looks at the girl who's face turns bright red)
Mishima: When she saw my script, she called me and wanted to know as much as I did about the Phantom Thieves.
Ren (to Hikari): I see, are you a fan of the Phantom Thieves, Hikari?
Hikari (pauses for a moment before responding): I… believe in the Phantom Thieves. At first I didn't believe the stories of them changing hearts, of saving people until I-…well I experienced it myself. When I saw Mishima-kun's script, all those the Phantom Thieves had saved I wanted to do the same and try to help people believe in their ability to change their own hearts.
(Ren taken aback stares at Hikari, this shy girl and her assertiveness in her belief of the Phantom Thieves)
Ren: Experienced it, yourself? You mean…
Hikari (catching herself for a second): Oh, I don't know how they do it. But I do know that there was a point I was… lost… I felt like I didn't belong but when I heard about the Phantom Thieves who steal hearts… I believed.
(Ren, taken aback by Hikari's declaration sees the steadfast look in her eye as if pleading with him to believe what she's saying)
Hikari: W-what about you Amamiya-Kun? … Do you believe in the Phantom Thieves?
Ren (smiles reassuringly at the young girl): I do. And I'm sure they'd be proud to know what they fight for means so much to people like you Hikari. Also, you can call me Ren.
Hikari (timidly smiles): Thank you, Ren . I can't tell you how much it means to hear that.
(Ren warmly smiles at Hikari causing her cheeks to go Red as another awkward but nice moment washes over them)
Mishima: Hikari, Do you remember when I said I had a friend who helped me stand up and look forward to helping inspire people?
(Hikari looks at Mishima who pauses before glancing over at Ren putting two and two together to figure out Ren, was the friend Mishima was referring to)
Hikari: Oh!… You're very lucky to have a friend like that Mishima-Kun. I always wished I could have a friend like that, one who really understood me.
(Ren for a moment has a look of concern which catches Hikari's eye before she looks up and gives a sincere smile back in response)
Hikari: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so serious. I used to be in a dark place but thanks to my love for movies, I've made loads of new friends like Mishima-kun.
(Ren smiles looking at Hikari as Mishima blushes at the remark from the incredibly sweet remark from Hikari)
Ren (nods towards Hikari): Well… you can have one more if you like.
Hikari (blushes): Ah… thank you, Ren. I'd like that very much.
Mishima: Alright, now what do you say we get our food!
(Mishima's phone buzzes, as Mishima takes the call his face quickly turns sour before the call ends and he turns back to his friends)
Mishima: Uh, sorry guys, I've got to cut this one short.
(Hikari looks up somewhat sad, Ren looks surprised)
Mishima (reassuringly): But don't worry, I've already booked the table for the night. You guys can order whatever you want!
(Ren's eyes widen for a second before he puts on a mischievous smile and looks back towards Hikari)
Ren: Whaddya say Hikari? You up for some fine dining?
Hikari (giggles lightly once more): Yes!
Mishima: Okay guys, I'll leave it to you. Ren, could I ask you to watch over Hikari until her father arrives?
(Ren nods assertively, however Hikari while still being timid somewhat looks defiantly at Mishima)
Hikari: …I'll be fine, Dad said he'd pick me up around 10:30.
Mishima: Right! Sorry again guys, I hope you have fun.
(Mishima leaves as Ren smiles at Hikari and the two head towards the buffet)
Ren: So what are you going to have Hikari?
(Hikari takes a long pause as if considering every conceivable option on the menu, while she's doing this Ren looks on smiling unsure as to why, but feeling as if he has known Hikari for a very long time)
Hikari: I… want to try… everything.
(Ren laughs as Morgana rustles around in the bag)
Hikari (smiles and looks up at Ren): What about you, Ren?
(Ren pauses to take a second to think as he feels a sudden yank come from within his bag which, clearly reflecting Morgana's not so subtle random demand for fish an act which Hikari instantly notices)
Ren (sighs): Ugh, right.
(Hikari raises an eyebrow confused at Ren's response)
Ren: Hikari… could I let you in on a little secret?
(Hikari confused nods her head)
Ren: I may have bought an uninvited guest…
(Ren indicates towards his bag which is slightly open allowing Hikari to peer through to see the curious blue-eyes of Morgana staring back at her)
Hikari: Is this…?
Ren (with an intense look in his eye): This is… Morgana, now whatever you do. We can't let the cat out of the bag okay?
(Hikari pauses for a second confused not understanding the remark before realising Ren's joke and bursting into a small fit of giggles. Realising it too Morgana rolls his eyes at the cringe worthy pun)
Ren: If anyone asks, he's a toy.
(Hikari nods positively as the two head towards the buffet and add an avalanche of food to their plate, the scene cuts as we see an adorable Hikari plate empty look almost embarrassed about having such an enjoyable time with Ren, all the meanwhile Ren is in awe of Hikari's passionate demeanour when talking about movies.)
(As their conversation continues, time passes and more people filter and leave the cinema until only Ren and Hikari remain. The Cafe's employee's have left but as Mishima booked the Theatre until Midnight they're allowed to stay in the cafe until Hikari's father returns to pick her up after which the employee's would lock up)
Ren: I've got to say, Hikari. I really am amazed, to see someone take such a deft hand and creating movies with so much passion. I guess I wasn't expecting it from someone so young
Hikari (giggles once more while slightly blushing): Thank you, Ren.
Ren: But do mind if I ask, what is it that makes you believe in the Phantom Thieves so much.
(Hikari pauses for a second thinking carefully on her words before responding)
Hikari: W-well… I'm not sure how to explain it but… I think it's because I feel like I really know them…
(Ren raises an eyebrow curious as to what she means)
Ren: How so?
Hikari: Well… do you remember how I said I was in a dark place? I had dreams where I was… trapped, trapped within my own doubts and fears but the more I fought against it, the more alone I felt. But then… something changed.
(Hikari looks directly at Ren pleadingly as if not expecting him to believe a single word she's saying, Ren looks back at Hikari with his utmost attention and respect)
Hikari (closes her eyes and takes a breath for a moment before opening them): I read about the Phantom Thieves of Hearts and how they saved people from their own hearts, and that's when I felt I wasn't alone anymore, and… and it wasn't just in reality, but in my dreams. I met them in my dreams and… they fought for me, they never gave up on me and they saved me.
(Ren's eyes widen behind his glasses as he looks at a desperately unsure Hikari)
Ren: Do you remember them?
(Hikari's eyes widen, caught off-guard by both the question as well as being taken seriously by the stranger she had only met less than 3 hours ago)
Hikari: …Huh?…
(Ren takes a pause before looking at Hikari with a reassuring yet serious tone)
Ren: Hikari, I believe you. When you get to know as many people as I have, you can generally tell the difference between when someone is just… telling a story and when someone has been has been well and truly affected by something. When I look at you, I see someone who managed to find their way through the worst darkness and not only survive it but still hold on to the resolve what makes you want to help others. That's why I believe you… that's why I believe you fought through your darkness with people who cared about you.
(Hikari stares at Ren, stunned by his unwavering belief in her words as well as his refusal to judge her in ways that most others would for saying such things)
Hikari (slightly tears up): I-… Thank you.
(Ren worried about having upset Hikari places a hand on her shoulder and looks at her with a reassuring smile)
Ren: Don't mention it for a second, Hikari.
Hikari (wipes her tear away before nodding): You asked… if I remember them?
(Ren nods allowing her to continue)
Hikari (looks down at the ground before looking back up at Ren): I don't, not entirely.
(Hikari takes a pause before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath before responding
Hikari: But… I remember their faces, and when I saw you earlier Amamiya-kun… I felt something so familiar. A face, A feeling, a name… Joker.
(Ren's eyes widen with shock as he looks at Hikari who meets his gaze with an intense almost pleading gaze of her own as if scanning to see if her own beliefs were true. However, before Ren can respond he feels a motion from his bag as Morgana pops his head through in surprise at Hikari's remark)
Morgana: Joker!?
Hikari (eyes widen with shock of her own staring at Morgana): Huh!?…
Ren: Huh, Morgana?
(Ren casts his eyes back to Hikari who's eyes are firmly fixed on Morgana who is staring right back scanning the girl for any sense of recognition)
Morgana (trying to keep his voice low to not panic Hikari more than she has been): Wait, can… you understand me?
(Ren stares at Morgana and then back at Hikari who pauses for a moment clearly still in shock before she manages to slightly recollect some of her nerves and nod in response)
Morgana: How is that even possible?
(Ren looks at Hikari easily being able to tell the young girl is scared, not wanting to provoke that fear any further Ren looks re-assuringly at Hikari trying while clearly trying to gather his own thoughts)
Ren (warmly): Hikari, I know this must be a lot to take in and I'm not entirely sure what's going on myself but… I am a Phantom Thief, I'm Joker and I do believe you when you say you know me but more than anything, I want you to know you can trust me so maybe we can figure out… what's going on.
(Ren looks pleadingly into Hikari's eyes, while Hikari after a moments pause closes her own eyes for a moment as if to gather her thoughts before opening them again and staring right at Morgana)
Hikari: You're… Mona?
(Morgana's eyes widen in shock as Ren looks back to Morgana and then straight back to Hikari)
Morgana: Wha?
Hikari (closes her eyes once more then opens them again): I knew it. All this time, I thought it was a dream but there was a small part of me that knew it felt so real. I know when I woke up, I wanted to see you all again… so, I could thank you for saving me.
(Ren, stunned at this point leans back into his chair looking at an unwavering Hikari)
Ren (as if talking to himself): It was real…
(Ren turns towards Morgana as if hoping for an explanation)
Morgana: It must be, that's the only way she could recognise my voice but I don't remember anything like that.
Ren: How is that possible?
Hikari (smiling, in contrast to Ren's shellshocked): To think you were all so close. I didn't think I'd get the chance to say thank you!
(Ren seeing Hikari's heartwarming reaction to having seemingly been reunited with her saviour, decides to cast his own thoughts aside and smile reassuringly back at her)
Ren: If there's one thing I can say Hikari. I might not know much but if that smile is anything to go by, then it was absolutely worth it.
(Hikari giggles for a second before blushing shyly, prompting Ren to chuckle)
Hikari: And I-uh, I promise I won't tell anyone about you… or the others.
(Morgana relaxes a little responding to both Ren and Hikari's relaxed demeanour)
Morgana: Glad to see you're so quick to understand, I think Ryuji revealed our secret about 6-7 times within the first 4 months.
(Ren chuckles and Hikari giggles in response after which Hikari's face shifts as if struck by a realisation)
Hikari (wide-eyed): Ryuji-kun? That's right! I'm beginning to remember… Futaba-chan, Ann-chan, Yusuke-kun, Akechi-Kun, Shiomi-San.
(At this, Ren and Mona look each other with Ren quirking his eye-brow)
Ren: Akechi? Wait, if she remembers Akechi then could this have been in Maruki's reality.
Morgana: It's possible but we remembered everything that took place within his reality, also… Shiomi-San?
(Ren looks at Morgana and then at Hikari quizzically before answering)
Ren: Hikari, I'm sorry, I don't remember anyone by that name.
(Hikari's eyes widen as if shocked)
Hikari: You don't remember…Kotone?
Ren (thinks to himself): Kotone…
(At this point Ren is hit by a strange feeling, the name ringing a bell in his mind causes him to scour his memories to see if he can remember anything. As he does so, every memory he draws is a blank but even so the feeling lingers as if it's something just beyond his sight. After a moment of getting nothing Ren lowers his head slightly)
Ren: I'm sorry…
Hikari (looks at Ren as if pleading with him to remember) : I thought if anyone would remember her it would've been you, Ren.
Ren (raises his head slightly): What do you mean?
Hikari: I mean, she was a Phantom Thief as well. She was alone just like me but she never gave up because you and the others accepted her as she was. She gave me the courage to keep fighting too.
Ren: …And the others? There was more than just us?
Hikari: Oh- that's right! I'm sorry, I can't remember everyone clearly but there were so many. They… they had a school uniform, too! Shiomi-san had a Red Armband on hers so did a bunch of the others!
Ren: Red armband?
(Before Ren can inquire any further Hikari's phone rings as she receives a call from her father who is waiting for her just outside)
Hikari: I'm sorry, that was Dad.
Ren (smiles kindly towards): Don't apologise for a second. Hikari. I'm so glad we got to meet you.
Hikari (cheeks glowing red): Thank you, Ren! Will you please thank the other Thieves for me too?
Ren (reassuringly smiles back): That's a promise!
Hikari (her eyes staring pleadingly at Ren and Morgana): And the others too?
(Ren stares at Hikari for a moment seeing the determination and belief in her eyes. Without so much as saying a word smirks at the girl and nods before pressing his glasses against his eyes. At which point Hikari's father walks into the Theatre to pick-up his daughter)
Hikari (cheers): Dad!
Hikari's Father: There's my girl! Oh-uh… who's this?
Ren: Oh, I'm sorry! I'm Ren Amamiya. I hope you don't mind but after watching Hikari's movie we got to talking and we decided to keep each other company until you arrived.
Hikari's Father (smiles right back) : Oh, thank you! How was the movie?
Ren: It was amazing. You've got a real star in the making.
(Hikari shyly blushes as she hides behind her fathers leg)
Hikari's father: Looks like you've gained a fan. Shall we get going?
(Hikari Nods)
Ren: I hope we can see each other again Hikari. You guys have a good night!
(Hikari nods happily as she and her father leave the Theatre leaving Ren and Morgana alone. The two prepare to head towards the exit and start walking home)
Morgana (after a long silence): So, what do you think?
Ren (takes in a breath): I wasn't lying. I believe her completely but…
Morgana: It's a lot to take in.
Ren: You've got that right.
(Saving someone within their dreams, losing all their memories if not for what he'd experienced before Ren could scarcely believe what he had heard tonight. However, the what lingered in Ren's thoughts more than anything that night was the idea of another teammate, another friend someone who stood by him and the others fought through… whatever it was. To Ren, the idea of forgetting someone so close to him left him with the same feeling as when he had learned of Akechi's fate)
Ren (internally): Kotone Shiomi…
To be continued…