HEY EVERYONE. THIS IS KINGNIKEN WITH CHAPTER 2 OF LARCENY.

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Ren took a few moments to consider everything he had learnt so far.

"Not to be rude Philemon-sama but you're absolutely sure this can be done? Stealing his status as a god?"

Philemon nodded.

"There stands a law, older than several of the gods themselves.A precept that has allowed 'lesser beings' to challenge the god that stands over their world for their status...Of course they must meet certain requirements among other formalities but I assure you Trickster. You do qualify."

That was all Ren needed to hear.

"I'm in."

Igor spoke up.

"Are you sure about this Trickster? You've not spent much time thinking about this."

Ren grit his teeth.

"If I can save them...if I can help our world then I'd through live this accursed life a million times. I cannot allow things to end this."

Philemon smiled

"Your resolve is truly astonishing, Trickster. Are you convinced Igor?"

Igor sighed.

"I can clearly see that he has no plan of backing down from this. I wish you great success, Trickster."

Philemon clapped his hands happily.

"Now that we have things settled. I suppose I can invite our guest of honour to finally make his appearance."

Ren scratched his cheek.

"Guest of honour?"

Philemon smiled.

"Of course. He only wished to make an appearance once you agreed to challenge Yaldaboath. Gentlemen, may I introduce to you the new King of the Empyrean. The Great One."

The room exploded into a flurry of bright colours and white light. Ren, Igor and even Philemon had to shield their eyes for a few seconds as it slowly dyed out.

Ren blinked a few times as eyes regained focus. Seated across from him was a new occupant to the Velvet Lounge.

Long flowing, almost glowing blue hair. A black suit that seemed to be the mix of magic and technology. Piercing golden eyes that conveyed not only great power but compassion as well.

"My apologies for the light show. I'm still getting used to all of the power that the throne has granted to me."

Ren was a bit surprised.

"This guy sounds like a high schooler."

The blue haired being put a hand to his chin in contemplation.

"Well to be fair. I was in my third year of high school when my world was attacked by demons. Do you think that I should sound a lot more mature and gruff now that I'm sitting on the throne?"

Ren's eyes widened.

"H-h-h-how did you-?"

The new Great One studied Ren for a moment before sighing.

"I accidentally read a human's mind again, Didn't I? I'm sorry...it just happens."

Philemon smiled.

"No need to beat yourself up Great One. You're still learning and getting used to a lot of things."

"Thanks Philemon. Abdiel has been working me non-stop recently. Always commenting on how quickly the former Lord of the Empyrean took control of things."

"She may be rough at times but I assure you that she only has your best interest at heart."

The Lord of the Empyrean sagged his shoulders sheepishly.

"Yeah I know...Oh right!"

Suddenly the blue haired god had his focus directed back to Ren.

"Ren Amamiya! You have chosen to challenge Yaldaboath's right to membership, correct?"

"His right to membership?"

Philemon explained.

"His right to be seen as a god and sit on the council."

Ren nodded.

"Yes, Great One-sama."

The blue haired man suddenly donned a serious expression.

"How selfish. You wish to put your world in such great danger just to exact a fleeting moment of revenge ?"

Ren leaned forward, looking the Great One in the eyes.

"I would be lying if I said I didn't want revenge. I'll enjoy defeating Yaldaboath. I'll watch with satisfaction as I steal his most cherished possession as he had stolen from me...but this is bigger than me and him. He must answer for what he did to my friends and to my world. No other god should ever take advantage of our suffering ever again...if the only way to do that is to become a god myself. Then so be it."

The Great One responded.

"Defeating Yaldaboath is not guaranteed despite your previous victories. You're willing to die for your world?"

Ren closed his eyes.

"Dying is easy, Living for them is what almost destroyed me."

Silence.

The Great One smiled.

"You Wild Cards certainly never disappoint. I approve your request, Trickster."

The Lord of the Empyrean turned to Philemon.

"Have the rules been explained?"

Philemon shook his head.

"I was hoping Your Excellency would do the honours."

"I see."

The Great One turned his attention back to Ren.

"Listen closely Ren-san. There are guidelines that must be followed if you wish to follow this challenge to its completion. Breaking any of these rules will result in an immediate disqualification. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Firstly, You should not tell anyone in your next life about this challenge or the full truth about Yaldaboath's rigged game until I have declared its end."

"Secondly, you must participate in Yaldaboath's rigged game to its completion but it does not mean that you can't make changes among the way. The obstacles you have conquered must be conquered again."

"Finally. The challenge is not complete until you've destroyed every fragment of Yaldaboath's being. Be aware that as a god he can fragment his being into smaller pieces but not an infinite amount."

"I understand."

"Good...I should also let you know the nature of the timeline that you're being placed in."

"Nature?"

The Great One sighed.

"Resetting a timeline is not difficult for someone of my power but Yaldaboath's sorcery ran deep...very deep, I had to carefully cleanse your world of his magic. That type of sanitization comes with a variety of...side effects, Ren-san."

"Side effects?"

"There may be a few differences here and there...whether they are minor or major will be left to be seen by your eyes."

"I see, and you said Yaldaboath's memories have been erased?"

"Yes, but that does not mean he is not a dangerous foe, Trickster. The gods can be rather cunning and deceptive."

"I won't lose to him again."

The Great One smiled.

"Yes, we will certainly be wishing for your success."

Philemon spoke up.

"Question for you Great One."

"Hmm?"

"The chronicles of the Universal Covenant suggests that a challenger may be given gifts by the gods who have chosen to sponsor him...correct?"

The Lord of the Empyrean lifted an eyebrow.

"You've read the chronicles?"

Philemon offered a small bow.

"I had a bit of time on my hand when the former Lord was murdered. The ancient tomes always fascinated me."

"I see...to answer your question, Yes. Each god is allowed to bestow a singular gift on a challenger that they have found to their liking."

"Good. I wish to bestow mine."

Philemon snapped his fingers before pointing at Ren. Several hushed words fell from the masked man's lips as he held his gaze and index finger focused on the Phantom Theif.

The Japanese youth chose to remain silent as Philemon spoke, slowly but surely Ren could feed like a warm cloth was being tied over his face. The moment of slight discomfort ended as the masked man completed his incantation.

"There. It's done."

"What's done?"

"I have given you what is known as 'Arcana sight'. Your eyes will reveal to you those who are your Social Link Confidants."

"But I already know my Confidants..."

"From the previous timeline. Arcana sight will allow you to see the Confidants that the different versions of you have encountered over the various timelines. Use this to your advantage."

"Ah. Thank You, Philemon-sama."

"You're welcome, Trickster."

Philemon smiled sneakily as he turned to the Lord of the Empyrean.

"Will you also be presenting your gift, Great One?"

The blue haired god looked flustered.

"I-i-i-i never said I was giving a gift."

"True but you spoke so proudly of Ren-san and your support for him in front of the other gods and you even came here personally to approve his request when you could have easily sent of the heavenly messengers. If you don't present him with some token of merit, surely the heavenly court will be left pondering your motives."

The Great One narrowed his eyes at Philemon before shaking his head.

"...Very well."

With a wave of his hand the Great One conjured a small purple mirror.

"When you arrive at your place of residence in Tokyo, you will find this mirror among your belongings. Every time you look into it you will be shown how many fragments of Yaldaboath remain to be destroyed."

Ren lowered his head in respect.

"Thank You. Great One-sama."

Philemon shrugged.

"Is that it? I expected something a little more impressive from you Great One."

The blue haired god smiled.

"We don't want to make it too easy for our Trickster, now do we?"

"I suppose not..."

Igor spoke up.

"I have a request of you Great One."

"Go on."

"The Trickster was left in my care and I had failed him numerous times, as part of my penance I also wish to give him a gift for his journey. I know I am not a member of the council but I humbly seek your permission."

The Great One rubbed his forehead.

"I'll allow it solely on the fact that you also suffered due to the council's shortcomings, Igor. Please, go ahead."

Igor smiled.

"You have my most profound gratitude, Great One."

Igor presented Ren with a dark blue key.

"This key leads to another room hidden within the reaches of space and time. It's a personal space where we have stored the funds you have earned from your previous life time. If you ever see the key glowing it means that a visitor from our realm has entered and wishes to speak with you."

Philemon smiled.

"Oh how thoughtful of you Igor! See Great One?! Now that's a flashy gift!"

The blue haired god merely rolled his eyes as Ren spoke.

"Thank you Igor...for everything."

Philemon spoke again.

"While we're at it, I wonder if any of the other gods wish to-"

The Great One interjected.

"No more gifts. You're all going to spoil him at this rate."

Philemon pouted.

"How boring. The other gods won't invite you to their celebratory feasts if you keep that attitude, Great One."

The Lord of the Empyrean ignored Philemon's comment as he spoke.

"It is time Ren Amamiya, I'll be placing you within the timeline. Are you ready?"

Ren pocketed the key that Igor had given him.

"Yes...Thank you again for the gifts and this opportunity. I will not disappoint you."

Philemon smiled.

"I know you won't. Until another time, Trickster."

Igor smirked.

"Once I am re-freed from Yaldaboath's clutches I will do my best to serve you within the Velvet Room."

Ren nodded.

"I look forward to it."

The Great One stretched out his right hand. Several orbs of white and blue circled around his outstretched limb.

"May the winds of fortune guide thy vessel to safe harbour, Trickster. Goodbye."

There was a loud electrical pop and the room was once again filled with light, as it slowly ebbed away it was now obvious that the room only had two occupants left.

Philemon and the Great One took a moment to study each other. The masked man spoke first.

"You're quite the interesting being, Great One."

"Oh?"

"You...failed to mention to the Trickster that some of the changes to the timeline aren't side effects but of your own personal design."

The Great One smirked.

"Perhaps I did fail to mention that...what do you aim to accomplish Philemon? I see you're using every trick in the book to ensure the Trickster's victory."

"I've always detested Yaldaboath...and the Trickster is a good soul who has suffered much. Is that not enough?"

"Not for you."

"Even if I do have ulterior motives, why would I share them now?"

"You know I could just order youto do it."

"You could but we both know you're not that type of god. You're just as intrigued as to how this will play out as I am. Right?"

Th Great One remained silent.

"Susano-o was right. You may not be one of the most powerful gods, but you're certainly one of the most dangerous ones. I wonder whose side you're really on, Philemon."


4/9/20XX

Ren's eyes slowly opened.

He was on a train.

The announcer's declaration of Shibuya being the final stop played in the background as he observed his surroundings.

Everyone looked so...normal.

He quickly checked the date on his phone.

"April 9th...It wasn't a dream. I'm really back...Thank you everyone, I won't fail."

His inner monologue was interrupted by the conversation of two highschool girls standing close to him.

"What? A mental shutdown? Are you for real?"

"It's the truth!"

Ren's train of thought picked up again.

"The mental shutdowns... Akechi, I haven't forgotten about you brother. I'm saving you too. I need a plan though. If I'm not careful I'll make enemies quicker than allies."


Ren actually took the time to look around Shibuya as he walked towards the train station.

The first time he was here he had gotten so distracted following his navigation app that he didn't even notice half of the buildings here.

"Speaking of navigation apps..."

A quick glance at his phone confirmed his suspicions...

"The Meta-Nav."

The apps' crimson eye stared at him from his phone's screen. He was tempted to activate it to see what would happen but he chose against it.

A large rumble of thunder echoed overhead.

Ren narrowed his eyes as he looked up at the rapidly darkening sky.

"I could be wrong...but I don't remember it raining the day I came to Tokyo, well it is spring so there should be a few rainy days ahead."

His eyes took notice of a flickering sign for a nearby store. There were a few umbrellas on a display case.

"I don't think I packed one..."


Kasumi Yoshizawa shouted breathlessly as her younger sister Sumire charged ahead.

"Look where you're going! The light's red!"

Worry and fear clenched Kasumi's heart as she ran after her.

What had gotten into Sumire?

Her eyes widened. There was a truck coming down the road!

"Hey!"

Sumire didn't seem to be listening!

Just as Kasumi prepared to go full speed to save her sister, an arm shot out of the crowd at the last minute and grabbed Sumire's hand before she could rush into the oncoming traffic.

The Auburn haired girl breathed a heavy sigh of relief as she ran up to her sister and the person who had grabbed her hand.

"Sumire! Are you okay?"

Her younger sister blushed as she lowered her head out of shame embarrassment. Her response was so soft she could barely hear her.

"I'm fine."

A male voice spoke next.

"You should be more careful, the street lights change in this area pretty quickly."

Kasumi turned to the male. A black haired high-schooler wearing glasses offered a small smile as he let Sumire go.

"Forgive me if I grabbed you too roughly... It's a pity I wasn't able to catch your umbrella in time..."

That's when Kasumi noticed that Sumire was standing under the guy's umbrella.

Her younger sister's umbrella had still somehow ended up on the road. It's mangled remains was a rather somber reflection of what could have happened to Sumire.

The red haired girl squeaked in response.

"No it's fine..."

"Here have mine. If you walk around in the rain, you'll get sick."

"Oh no I couldn't! What about you?"

The young man produced another umbrella out of his bag.

"I just bought two so I have a spare. Please, I'd feel better if you take it."

"Oh...ok."

With Sumire sporting a new umbrella, the bespectacled male turned to Kasumi.

"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure she was ok...are you two related?"

Kasumi bowed.

"Yes, thank you for saving my little sister."

The older Yoshizawa sister glanced at Sumire who immediately understood her sister's unspoken message and replicated her actions.

"Yes! Thank you Senpai!"

The male seemed confused.

"Senpai?"

Sumire nodded.

"Yes...aren't you a second year at Shujin?"

The male glanced down at his uniform before sighing.

"Uh yeah... I'm just a transfer student though. My first official day isn't until Monday to be honest."

Kasumi smiled.

"Oh we're transfers too! But we're first years."

The teenager nodded.

"I see, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Ren Amamiya."

Kasumi spoke first.

"Kasumi Yoshizawa."

Sumire followed suit.

"Sumire Yoshizawa."

Ren responded.

"Kasumi and Sumire. It was nice meeting you..."

Ren took a moment to move in a little closer so he could whisper.

"It's not really any of my business but it seems you ladies were having some kind of misunderstanding before Sumire-chan ran off. Take my word of advice, talk it out. We should treasure every moment we have with those we love."

Ren stepped away.

"Apologies if I'm wrong, I guess I was being a bit nosey. I'll see you ladies at school. Later."

Ren offered them one last smile as he walked away. Unbeknownst to him his Debonair charm and Angelic kindness had done quite the number on the twins and had left both girls blushing.

A few moments passed before Kasumi took Sumire's hand.

"Sumire?"

"Kasumi..."

"I'm sorry...it seems something's been bothering you and I haven't noticed. Wanna talk about it when we got home?"

Sumire smiled.

"Sure Sis."

Both girls walked away hand in hand, taking their first step to to a much stronger sisterhood.


Ren's mind was still on the twins as he turned the final corner that lead to Leblanc.

He had seen it the moment they had introduced themselves.

Cards.

Arcana cards unseen by everyone else floated over the heads of the twins. Sumire's glowed with a light blue but Kasumi's was golden.

He was not sure what the differing colours meant but in any case the cards indicated that he had befriended the girls in another lifetime. It would certainly be wise to make them his Confidants again.

The Wild Card took a deep breath as he stood before Leblanc.

"Let's go Ren. Now or never."

The place was just as how he remembered it. It took him a great amount of mental strength not to shed a few tears as he remembered the days he spent wiping down the booths or making coffee.

He smiled when he noticed Sojiro, sitting on one of the stools, doing one of those crosswords puzzles he never got around to finishing.

"And down is...the name of a shellfish used in pearl farming..."

"Oysters."

The coffee shop owner looked up in surprise more than anything else.

"Huh?"

"The answer is Oysters."

Sojiro looked down at the newspaper again.

"...Yeah. I think you're right. Not bad kid."

Sojiro took another moment to study Ren's appearance before the realisation crossed his mind.

"Oh...they said that was today huh?"


The elderly couple inside LeBlanc excused themselves shortly after. Leaving Sojiro and Ren alone.

The man groaned before speaking.

"So you're Ren?"

Ren bowed.

"That's right. I'm Ren Amamiya. Please take care of me."

"Uh-huh...I'm Sojiro Sakura, you'll be in my custody for the next year. I was wondering what kind of unruly kid would show up, but you're the one huh?"

"I won't be causing any trouble for you, I assure you."

"You better not or I'm handing you over to the police...Follow me."

Sojiro brought Ren up to LeBlanc's attic and the memories once again came flooding back. Ren held strong once again, promising himself that he'd spare his tears for a more private moment.

"This is your room, I'll at least give you some sheets for your bed...It looks like you want to say something."

"It's nice and big, I really appreciate this Sakura-san."

Sojiro lifted an eyebrow before responding.

"Well you're responsible for cleaning up the rest and everyone calls me Boss. That's what I prefer."

Ren nodded as Sojiro continued.

"I'll be locking up each night that I leave. You'll be here alone but cause any trouble and you're out!"

Ren nodded as he took off his jacket and hung it on a nearby nail.

"I understand, do you have any cleaning supplies? I wanna spruce the place up a bit."

"And I really wanna save my plant. Don't worry baby, Daddy's on his way! I'm gonna buy those nutrients you really like!"

"Yeah they're all in that corner..."

Sojiro watched with interest as Ren started looking through his luggage.

The kid seemed like a man on a mission.

"I got the gist of your situation...You protected a woman from a man that was forcing himself on her, he got injured and sued you, am I right?"

Ren made sure to respond to that.

"Her blouse was ripped up and he was forcing her into his car. I thought he was gonna kidnap her. What was I supposed to do? Walk away?"

"Call the police. Kids like you shouldn't get into matters between adults."

"Someone did call the police. That's why I was arrested."

"Well you did injure the man."

"Never touched him."

"What? But-"

Ren turned back to Sojiro, a deadly sharpness in his eyes.

"I didn't touch him. He fell over and injured his own drunk ass."

"Didn't that woman say otherwise?"

"She was afraid of him. The police seemed a bit intimidated by him too. He's either rich, well-connected or dangerous. Probably all three."

Sojiro took a moment to consider the situation.

"...well even if that's the case you have a criminal record now and got expelled from high school. The courts ordered you to be transferred out here. You have to serve a whole year of probation without any problems and only then it will be lifted."

"I'm sure it'll pass by quickly."

"Hmph. Just don't cause any problems or they'll be sending you to Juvie."

Ren smirked.

"I won't, I don't think their rooms are nice and spacey as this one."

Sojiro scoffed.

"Don't get smart with me... We're going to Shujin tomorrow."

"That's the school I'm transferring to, right?"

"Yeah. You should be grateful, they aren't many places willing to accept you in your situation."

Ren finally found a plain black shirt and some cargo pants.

"Believe me when I say I'm very grateful. Is it ok if I take a moment to change? We can continue our conversation if you'd like. You could even give me a hand while you're up here."

Sojiro scoffed as he descended the stairs.

"In your dreams, smartass."


Sojiro blinked in surprise when he saw the attic again.

The place was really clean. Like really really clean.

Ren seemed to be whispering excitedly to the potted plant in the corner of the room for some reason.

"What kind of psycho did I end up with?"

"Well it's no five star hotel but this place doesn't look half bad."

Ren got up and smiled.

"Thanks."

"Anyways, I'm locking up. You should go to bed, you're probably tired and we have an early morning tomorrow."

Ren smirked.

"Awww I knew you cared, Boss."

Sojiro scoffed.

"Don't be stupid. Just know I won't be the one taking care of you if you get sick by staying up too late."

"Of course Boss. Good night."

Sojiro sighed.

"Good Night."


Sumire Yoshizawa settled into a bed with a happy sigh.

It felt unbelievably good to open her heart to her sister about what had been bothering her.

The girls had spend most of the evening talking about it and had even discussed some aspects of it with their parents as well.

Not everything could be fixed in one day but the red haired beauty couldn't help but think that things were finally taking a turn for better.

But that wasn't the only reason Sumire was in such a good mood...her eyes glanced over to the brand new umbrella in the corner of her room.

"Senpai...he seemed like such a sweet person. I hope we get to see each other a lot at school."

PING!

Sumire took up her phone. It was a text from her sister...

K: Hey Sumi. You ok?

Sumire looked at the wall that seperated her from her older sister's room it was a little thin so more than likely Kasumi could hear that she was still awake.

S: Hey. I'm better. I'm sorry i didn't say anything b4

K: Hey, no sweat. I'll always have your back!

S: Thanks.

K: Sooooo...I was wondering?

S: Hm?

K: That Ren guy was really cute, right ? He's at least a 8.

Sumire blushed heavily.

S: We should go to bed Kas! We have to to go to Shujin tomorrow with Dad.

K:Awwwww Sumiiiiii dont be like that...

A few minutes passed before Sumire surrendered.

S: Didnt you see his smile? He's a solid 9.

K: That's my girl!!!

Both Yoshizawa girls giggled out loud. Another feminine voice echoed through the house.

"Go to bed girls! You can talk to each other tomorrow!"

Both girls blushed and responded in unison.

"Yes Mom."

Both girls sent each other a final good night text as they went to bed.

Neither Kasumi nor Sumire would notice the red glowing eye that mysteriously appeared in their list of apps.


THAT WAS CHAPTER 2 OF LARCENY.

THIS WAS FROM YOUR BOY KINGNIKEN

PEACE OUT.