A/N Hi all, sorry for the month late update. I had to step away due to health reason, my carpal tunnel came back with a vengeance it seems. I delayed the release of the chapter by a week hoping the ain would go away but it only got sever as the week went on. So I had to shut down writing, working on the story, etc for a week and a half to let my arm heal. So it wasn't until recently I was able to finish writing up the chapter. Its a little shorter from last time. I hope you all enjoy.

CHAPTER 47

A new day had arrived for the infamous Phantom Thieves gang. Plans to pack and head back to the Amamiya Ranch house were underway for everyone. Everyone but three people. Just on the edge of the camp sat a couple on a log and an older woman who was pacing in front of the two furiously. Ren worried if she continued this pacing, she would dig a hole in the ground 3 feet deep.

As promised, Ren and Makoto agreed to talk to Sae first thing in the morning. The elder Amamiya was still banged up from the prior days but conscious. His lover next to him held onto his hand and hadn't let go, it was comforting at least, calming to his nerves if only for a little.

Sae had stopped walking as the first question she wanted to ask popped in her head, "How long has this 'thing' between you been going on?"

"Officially? A few weeks, but I cared about Makoto even before then. She's important to me," he told Sae truthfully. Ren wasn't going to back down.

"And he's just as important to me, even though his life will have danger following, I'm prepared."

Sae looks to the sky and sighs. They were dead serious about this, she half hoped this was merely excitement running its course before reason took over again. "Amamiya, you once spouted about doing the right thing, wouldn't the right thing be to let her go. To keep a civilian away from all this?"

".…I've wanted to," he admitted, "So many times in my head. Whether this be some unknown hideout of impenetrable walls just so my problems don't become her problems. But by association it no longer matters what I will do, she's already tied up in all of this. It frightens me to wonder what would happen if my enemies know how close Makoto means to me," Ren pauses to gather his thoughts, "I….we both knew the risks, the dangers associated with this lively hood, but we agreed together anyhow. Maybe deep down, Makoto and I tried to avoid 'this' from happening. But love is a fickle thing Miss Nijima."

Sae was on a losing end, she didn't want to admit her younger sister was getting older and finding her way. Fearful of losing her like they did their Father. And as much in her heart she wants to hate Ren and lock him up like the others, she has seen the true face he presents every day. Unlike the ruthless takes written in the papers.

"Sis….I've made my decision on this, I know this isn't what you wanted for me but it's what I want for myself. The days at school felt like I was drifting through life, but here with the Thieves, with Ren, it's so much easier to breathe now. I know the risk I'm taken and it's no different than Father walking into risk every day."

Kneeling down in front of Makoto, Sae took her younger sister's hands in hers, "Is this what you truly want Makoto?"

"I love him, and I'm going to stay by his side to see this through," Makoto firmly stated.

Inhaling deeply she stood back up and sighed again. "Fine, but on one condition." Sae grabs Ren's jacket and pulls him up with surprising strength, "If you ever lay your hands on my sister in any harmful way and I find out, I'm not afraid to castrate you. Are we clear?"

"Crystal," Ren swallowed his reply.

"And you Makoto…."

"Uh yes?"

"You…..you better not be expecting anytime soon."

"SIS! I'm not pregnant!"

"She's not with child, she and I haven't even—I mean I would like to but—"

Sae immediately glared into Ren's soul.

"Ren has been the utmost gentlemen in our relationship. It's probably me you should worry about." Makoto's comment still didn't stop Sae from trying to burn holes in his skull.

"You know, I think I hear Morgana calling for me, I uh, I'm gonna check it out." The Phantom Thief leader hobbled away back to the center of camp. He really didn't want to know how many times he could cheat death.

The journey back had an uncomfortable atmosphere depending on where one rode in line. Ren and his brother took point most of the trip, Ren slouching a little on Arsene whenever he hopped up. The swelling in his eye reduces to a bruise discoloration. The gauze around the gunshot wound had been cleaned and re-bandaged, his ribs still sore as ever.

Behind the brothers were Akechi and Yusuke sharing light conversation. They were the buffer between Makoto and Sae, the elder Nijima sitting behind the younger sister. Ren could still feel the uncomfortable tension from her. Haru and Takemi rode in the Doctor's carriage while the rearguard was covered by the blonde lovers.

The Leader of the Phantom Thieves was feeling miserable as Ren hardly got to spend time with Makoto. He wasn't upset as the sisters hadn't seen each other in months, catching up was the main priority. Sae was clearly taking advantage of her sister's free time, if Makoto was with her, she wasn't off smooching with the outlaw.

For Sae, it still took some time to wrap her head around the ordeal. Everyone around him respected not feared him, they joked around like a family. It was everything opposite of what Sae was told.

"Alright, let us take a 15 everyone," Ren shouted out. He carefully came down from atop Arsene, graciously petting the faithful mare.

Akechi had pulled out a map to take a peek at their location. They've traveled for 2 days now and it took them a whole week on the first trip. But they also wanted to avoid the snowy pathways they took last.

"Any alternative routes, Mr. Navigator?" Ren had walked up next to him, his hand lightly propped against his stomach. His injured ribs were screaming from the jostling of horseback riding.

"Still looking, how are you holding up yourself?"

"Taking everything day by day. Doc wants me to rest but I don't want Loki and SIU trail to go cold. You think they're going to congregate soon?"

"It's a possibility. But you're going to need another hideout soon that's closer to work with. A place we can keep stock, weapons, food at a much closer distance. Any more allies or friends left you can ask for?" Akechi mentioned.

"None comes to mind at the moment. All the contacts I have left are further West or South….or dead. Might be something abandon we could find."

"Near a city? The best we find is a farm or a building already occupied by serial killers."

Ren had to think, Sojiro's place was too hot to go back to and he wasn't going to bother Kausmi anymore. Sadayo was too far out to, besides it's probably best he avoid any ex-lover's house. The last spot he had up his sleeve was the Ranch House which was still too far for the operations they were looking for. The elder Amamiya prefer to have a hideout within a day's travel of where they were looking for targets.

"I would ask if the others knew a place, but it's unlikely. Ryuji, Ann, and Yusuke were already occupied with other jobs to be hopping from place to place. What about you Akechi?"

"The only ones are old SIU thresholds, I don't recommend it as they still could be in rotational use."

"Once we retrieve everyone and our size may be of some concern."

"Stay off the main roads and it shouldn't be a problem. We'll continue this talk later Ren," Akechi spoke while he packed up the map.

The short break was over as they continue to put further distance between them and SIU. Patrols were becoming less frequent the further out from the population they trek. Releasing their collective breath when the wide familiar hills came into view.

It took about a week to get to the city and a little over a week to get back. Ren's wounds were still healing, aggravated constantly from the long horse rides, but he would make due on the short rest during the nights. The group collectively agreed to ban him from night duty, stating his current condition. The elder brother would admit he was surprised by the bold decision. A mutiny Rryuji joked once during their travels.

The Amamiya Ranch house was a sight for sore eyes, still standing strong. A fire was going in the front yard, Boss watching over it diligently. Mishima sat on one of the logs nearby writing something down when he noticed them.

"Everyone! They're back!" It was midday but just the former outlaw and informant were outside, the blistering winds keep the others indoors.

Ren jumped down from Arsene, preparing to hitch him up when the air was knocked out of him.

"You're back, you're really back, I was so scared."

"Futaba….please let go, ribs in pain," he tried to wheeze through his gritted teeth."

"Oops." she didn't immediately let go but loosen her grip earning her pats on the head.

"I'm fine Futaba, a little banged up but I'll live."

"Looks like you've seen better days kid," Boss said examining his protege from head to toe.

"You can say that again, but I'm lucky is all. If you'll excuse me, there's a doctor-ordered steam bath requesting me. Mishima, report to Morgana on anything new, I'll speak to you after."

Everyone else was unpacking as Ren took the hot water bath drew the hot water bath. Dr. Takemi gave him a small jar of this mixture to apply to the water. It was the same concoction Makoto used during her recovery, helping ease the muscles in the body. The fire put below help keep the bath warm, a contrast to outside weather.

Ren could see the toll his body has taken over the years, knicks and burn scars from near misses. Disfigured skin from knife slashes and now the recent addition of his gunshot wound, right over his heart. The earlier one this year was still new looking on his shoulder, it hadn't aged much from the fight with Medjed. The wound near his hip had faded slightly from his first mission years ago. His hands also weren't clean, they too sported torn-up scars from many fights of survival. Ren continues to survive by the skin of his teeth. But luck can't last forever, the only question is when does it end? A knock on the door woke him up from his thoughts.

"Ren, it's Makoto. I'm leaving some clean clothes by the door. It seems Shiho found an old trunk of your parent's clothes while we were gone. Morgana thinks your father's clothes should fit."

"Thanks…I'll be out in a few." He could hear her footsteps move further away. The skin on his fingers was pruning, it was time to get up. Dying himself off with a towel, he props the door open to grab the clothes.

These were indeed his father's old clothes. The worn but sturdy jeans, a long sleeve cotton black shirt, and his father's grey winter coat reached his knees. Very toasty. Ren also notices Makoto left a pair of shoes, reddish-brown work boots that would do well in the cold. The older black shoes were wearing thin everything fit him perfectly to keep him warm especially the coat, it was thicker than his black duster jacket.

Walking outside with his new duds, he could see everyone milling about their business. The elder Amamiya was looking for the one person he brushed off earlier in the day. "Mishima, I'm ready for the debriefing now," he said, finding the informant chatting with Shiho.

"Oh, of course," promising to continue talks with the former working girl later, Mishima started to explain once again.

"Just like I told Morgana, the news is very thin, but I was able to get back in contact with Ohya via telegram. Post offices are hard to find out here."

"And?"

"From the contacts strewn about, sounds like there's a big gathering going on with very high profile people. Politicians, bank owners, newspaper giants. Everybody that's an anybody is going."

"You think this ties to Lion's Crest?"

"At first no, but there were some rumblings about the SIU Captain going and even Mr. Samuel himself if the underground news is to be believed. But another card was found, or should I say one was swiped. It's a less bloody card to work with for us."

"Excellent work as always Mishima. You really come a long way."

"I owe you my life Ren, helping you get back yours is the least I can do."

Ren motions the gang to gather around for a discussion of new information. "Mishima has brought to my attention another lead. One I think Akechi and Miss Nijima would be intended to note. There's a high-profile gathering planned and the SIU Captain is rumored to make an appearance."

"What is that old man up to now?" Akechi mostly muttered to himself.

"The informants also found another card with a Lion's Crest on it from a 'planned attendee."

"Could these cards be a membership or identification to this organization?" Makoto pondered this time.

"If that's the case then the body Ann and I found was a member of this group. They're also not afraid to depose whoever they see fit."

"We need to find out where it is and how to get in. Even more important when this gathering is to take place," Ren mentioned.

"It's gonna be in a place that's easily accessible to all high profile guests as to not inconvenience a long journey. I would anyhow." The former Detective was putting his mind to work, "We're looking for someplace large that can blend in easily with the public. High quality though to appears the guest's taste."

"Okumura had a mansion, maybe this asshole is using one as well."

"It would be foolish to use one's address for illegal business. Highly traceable if you know where to look." Akechi shot down Ryuji's suggestion.

The young Amamiya brother chimed in once more, "Would a hotel work? A place to stay, meetings in the ballroom under the cover of other business."

"Not a bad idea Mona, but we gotta keep thinking. I won't count out mansion, they could be jumping around between them."

"If some are politicians maybe the government building?" Haru through her piece in.

"No, it would just draw attention on them they don't want during suspicious activities." The Phantom Thief's leader felt like they snagged a roadblock with this discussion.

Makoto could see frustration setting in her partner's face, "Ren, I know it was a long time ago, but do you remember anything from that night. Maybe something that was said?"

He thinks back to that fateful night that he never forgot. Was there something missed, something overlooked, everything had happened so fast to him. Nothing was coming to mind. It felt as if his brain was stuck, blocking him from remembering all that happened.

"Everything's out of focus I'm afraid."

"The trauma to your head could be blocking memories." The group was shocked to hear Sae Nijima speak up. She had kept to the back merely observing the group's chatter.

"Trauma?"

"When something significant happens, particularly when something bad happens, the mind tries to protect itself." Everyone but Doc, Akechi, and Futaba were confused.

"Miss Nijima means emotional wound to the head. We all know what happens with physical wounds. But those of the head is different and more difficult to diagnose. I'm not a Doctor that studies the emotional aspects of healing but I've done my reading. Though if anyone went through what you did, everything would appear unstable. The report mentions the mind could remember what it forgot if a wire was tripped."

"Ren's gotta trip over a wire?"

"Not in the physical sense Ryuji. The Doctor means he needs to encounter something from that day. A smell, an image, even this Samuel himself. Imagine if you will the memory of your mother baking a pie. Now every time you smell a pie, you are reminded of the memories of your mother, how she sings when baking or she always wore a particular apron." The Detective explains.

"Well, I rather not go back to where it all started, not sure if I remember 'where' is."

"Which brings us back to the beginning. We keep going in circles."

"You know kids, I always say when life gets too stress to just sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee." Boss had broken up the meeting with some steam hot cups of joe for everyone, "Extra cups should be in the kitchen if someone wants to fetch."

"Thanks, Boss, appreciate this. We should adjourn for today, we'll think of something."

"And go easy on the drink, that's my last batch of the good stuff."

"Will do Boss!" the young Morgana says enjoying a whiff of good coffee. It was a much-needed break for all.

Ren was sitting on the downed logs when Makoto joined beside him with her own cup. He immediately looked left and right for Sae's glare at the back of his skull.

"Relax, she won't bother you."

"A man can have a healthy dose of caution." Makoto giggled at Ren's antics. She supped some more of Boss's coffee, even though it was later in the day. She took a look around the camp to see the others enjoying a brief moment of reprieve. Moments so few these days it seems.

"We're gonna have to leave this place once more for our last mission," Ren mentions.

"It will still be here when you get back."

"After all these years the end is in reach, he has no more walls to hide from me. I just need to find where he is." Makoto switches her cup to her right hand and grasps her lover's hand in her left, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

"Thanks…"

The night passed as sleep envelops the camp. Switching between guard duty, the watchful Thieves keep eyes on the horizon for trespassers. Continuing to have no success and solid planning the following two days, it was agreed by everyone to take the day off, avoiding any sorts of mental fatigue.

That particular morning Ren was getting a check-up by Dr. Takemi. The talented doctor was keeping tabs on the older Amamiya since his capture.

"The bullet wound is healing nicely, you may feel some stiffness still. The discoloration on your skin is gone too. How's your breathing?"

"A little tight, the ribs are still tender."

"Hmm, I say try not to over-exert yourself still, you're body is trying to heal, let it. I know how restless you can be my guinea pig."

"The current situation isn't helping my relaxation. But I'll try to avoid tensing up."

"It's not a clean bill of health but it's passable." Ren thanked her before climbing out of her carriage.

He wished he could go into town to stretch his legs, but his recent highly public escape would have everyone in a mile radius out for his head. No doubt the bounty would be generous.

Ren chewed on some dried meat as he relaxed outside keeping to himself. Since he himself couldn't ride to town, they had to send the much less suspicious Mishima. The man in question riding back on a borrowed horse. Mishima ran into town for minor supplies and to check the latest gossip.

"Welcome back, uneventful trip?"

"Not quite. I picked up the recent papers in town. I gotta say, news travels faster these days, Page 2." the information instructs.

Ren glances over the article before he calls over Akechi who was cleaning his gun nearby. "Listen to this:

The notorious gang leader of the Phantom Thieves was killed last Thursday during an escape attempt. Reports believe he was fatally wounded during the gunfight and died of his wounds later. The SIU is claiming credit for capturing the outlaw during his earlier attempts to rob the Leviathan Casino. No further reports of the identity of the Thief would-be saviors. The SIU Captain also made a statement regarding the planned capture of the remaining gang members."

"Perhaps we can use this to our advantage."

"Whats an advantage?" said the blond gunslinger walking by the trio.

"You're looking at a dead man walking. Reports are telling people I'm dead, officially. Since that's the case, it means we get some heat off our backs."

"So what's the plan then?"

"We still don't know," Ren sighs. He went back to the paper to see the other bits of news around the region when something caught his eye.

A picture in the Government news section, of a balding man with hair on his chin. Frames hanging on the bridge of his nose as he wore a fancy suit in the photo.

".…It's him…..that's." The elder Amamiya couldn't get words out.

"Who?" Akechi questioned. But all Ren could think of was that night, as if a fog was clearing up. The same face that was flush with alcohol, who threaten his life and sent men after him to keep the incident hushed. He probably gave the order to kill Okumura. All this time he found him.

"Masayoshi Shido."

"The politician? Word around town says he's a likely winner in the upcoming elections.

"Bullshit!"

"Relax Ryuji. Besides, I think we found our next destination. He's holding a town hall to speak to the public a little more than a week from now. It seems by the time this was published, we may have lost a day or two."

"You'll be cutting it close." Akechi reminds him.

"That's the Phantom Thieves for you. Mishima, please tell the others we're leaving and to start packing."

"You're not taking an advance party?"

"No, we stick together this time."

"Will do.

Ren looks at the picture of main ingrained in his mind, a name other than Mr. Samuel. A few more wrinkles were added to his face but he mostly remains unchanged from 5 years ago. Finally, the chess pieces were aligning in Ren's favor once more.

Elsewhere~

An elegant office space held little to no decoration in its space. Everything was laid neatly in its place on the desk. A man in his mid-40's sat behind his desk reading a recent issue of the sun from the window glinted on his smooth hairless head as he reads the headline written in bold.

"PHANTOM THIEF LEADER KILLED IN SHOOTOUT!"

It was news he was pleased to hear given the collapse of everything else around him. Now it was time to focus on the other loose ends. Three knocks rap on the door signaling a visitor.

"Come in," placing the paper down, he sees the man he hired for his dirty work, the burn scars on his face giving it away.

"Morning, I believe you read the latest news?"

"I have Loki, job well done. I just wish it was done sooner. Blasted rat destroyed half my empire. I'm needing to move things around now that my subordinates are gone. I trust this will be done with discretion?"

"Of course Sir, you are after all the best-suited candidate we have given your scandal-less record of course."

"Then keep it that way, I cannot have any more loose ends tied to me. There are a few more in this city that needs to be dealt with. Is that clear Loki?"

"It shall be done," Loki confirms leaving just as he came. He already knew who Shido wanted out, one day they'll all be out until it's just him. But Loki has his own plans to see through. It would be easy to track down the remaining targets on his list. The man thinks him trustworthy after all.

The Government building wasn't very far from the SIU HQ, just on the other side of the city half-line. The Casino was up and running at full capacity again.

Walking through the front door, he wasn't given a glance by the door guard who greeted everyone coming in. When Loki got closer to the top floor, he remains discreet avoiding any and all suspicions on him. The only thing in his hand was a bottle of brandy finely mix from Shido's favorite liquor maker.

Reaching the designated door, he knocks three times, a signal amongst them.

"Come n whoever it is," the old stuffy voice shouted.

Walking in, he greets the SIU Captain. "Captain, I'm sure you've read the good news by now," Loki grunted out in a raspy voice.

"Of course, to think that outlaw bastard thought he could get away from us. Smooth sailing for Mr. Samuel now that the thorn in our side is gone."

"He is please with the work, he sent over his personal bottle of Brandy for your contributions. I thought we might celebrate our victory," he said presenting the bottle.

"I like the way he thinks," the old Captain crackles. Loki goes for the hidden cups the Captain keeps behind a stack of books.

"Any word on our deserters Captain, it would be a shame to cut up Miss Nijima's face," the scarred man questioned while handling the glasses and pouring the liquor.

"Hmm, poor Sae Nijima, kidnapped and murdered by the notorious thieves. After all, she was a rising star amongst our division, she will be missed the papers will say. Her fellow allies left behind will seek the remaining members to avenge her honor. It practically writes itself." The Captain accepts his glass after seeing Loki take a drink from his, he wouldn't put it past the assassin to spike the liquor."Did Mr. Samuel give you any further assignments?"

"Yes, I will be tracking them down tonight, I'm sure you can understand his concerns."

"Perfectly," the old man takes a few more gulps before setting the glass down, "And our former Detective?"

"He will get his day with me, that I can promise."

"I see, such a shame. He was one of the —urgh!" The SIU Captain dropped over the glass of Brandy heaving and coughing at the sudden pain in his lungs.

"You alright there captain, you seem to be having trouble breathing?" Loki smirks.

"Why….you….HOW!"

"I knew you wouldn't drink if you saw I didn't. But I don't need to poison the whole bottle when I just need to lace the cup."

"You….Shido…..I've been LOYAL! Damn you…Shido" the Captain draws his last breath as blood trickles out of his mouth where he lays dead on his desk. Loki in no rush finishes the rest of his own drink.

"Nothing personal." Closing the door behind him, no one would be alerted to the SIU Captain's demise for hours, even then many would think the elderly man died from a heart attack. Never to discover the truth that a traitor was among them.

A/N SIU Captain is out of the picture. Loki continuing to do murderous things. Also yes, Ren is now wearing his winter outfit from Semester 3 in P5 Royal which should be more comfortable to wear. Its also so fun writing Sae being mad at Ren but Makoto has his back. XD Once again sorry for the delayed chapter, I'm hoping to start back on track again. This is sorta a filler chapter but things are picking very quickly.

Feel free to review, stay safe.