Chapter I: Meet Kamoshida

Note: There is blood and swearing in this chapter. Reader discretion is advised!

Later on that night

Velvet Room

A shout awoke Ren. "Inmate! Stand at attention!" He then jumped out of his bed and tried to run. He suddenly managed to trip and fall. He turned around to see what it was that tripped him. "Grr! What the f…"

That's when he saw the ball and chain hooked around his ankles.

"What the…"

He then managed to get to his feet and grappled at the bars.

Two girls about elementary school age with platinum blond hair and yellow eyes stared at him.

The one to his left nodded. "Inmate! Stand at attention for our master!"

The other girl turned to him as well. "Indeed. Your life depends on it!"

He stared at both of them. "Who are you…" He looked around his cell and noticed the bed. "What is this place?"

Igor grinned as he put his hands together. The old man smiled at him deviously. "Greetings, Trickster. My name is Igor. I'm glad to make your acquaintance finally."

Ren just stared at the man as he sat at his desk.

He narrowed his eyes at him,. "You! What is the meaning of all this? Why am I stuck in this…" He looked all around him again. "...cell? What the hell is this place?"

The old man laughed. "This…dear Trickster is your cognitive home…your personal Palace. Fate desires for you to fall into ruin."

The old man gestured to all around him, "Hence why you see me as a warden and are locked in a jail cell." He then gestured to Justine and Caroline. 'These two are your wardens. I'll introduce you to them later."

Ren then stared up at the ceiling. A loud bell went off. The man with a crooked nose smiled at Ren, saying gravely, "Ah. It's time for you to go."

Ren blinked, "Now, wait just a damn minute. I have a lot of questions. You will answer…" Suddenly, the entire room went dark as Igor, Justine, and Caroline disappeared.

"Hey! Hey! I'm not done talking!"

Suddenly, a door behind him opened, bringing in light. He was then forced through it.

The following morning- Leblanc

Ren woke up the following day with a slight headache. As he walked down the steps,

Sojiro stopped him with a hand. "Hold on a minute there."

Ren turned to him with a fierce glare. "What?" Sojiro closed his eyes and sighed, "Just..give me a second will you?" He then rubbed the back of his neck and sighed, "I'm sorry for the frosty reception yesterday. I shouldn't have been so rough on you. It can't be easy dealing with having a criminal record." He then gestured to the glass of water and the plate of curry. "Peace offering? As your guardian…I do have to feed you."

Ren eyed the food and then eyed Sojiro. I am pretty hungry. He turned to Sojiro again and nodded. "I suppose so."

Sojiro just nodded, his face turned into a mischievous grin, "Well…Glad to hear it. Hurry up and eat then. I'll have customers soon."

Ren just nodded with a hint of a smile. "You got it."

As he walked out the door…Sojiro stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "Wait…take this with you."

The older man then handed Ren a black umbrella.

Ren then blinked, "I…"

Sojiro just chuckled, "Just take it."

Ren just nodded.

Sojiro smiled, "Oh, flip the sign from CLOSED to OPEN for me, will you?"

Ren gave him a slow nod. "You got it."

Sojiro smirked and touched his shoulder, "Thanks kid."

Yongen-Jaya to Aoyama-Itchome Station

Ren spotted a commotion as he stood on the train, waiting to get to Aoyama-Ichome Station.

An elderly woman in baggy clothes spoke urgently with a young red-haired girl, her hair in a long red ponytail. The girl looked to be around his age…if a year younger. She had the same school uniform on that he did and red eyes that seemed to put him in a bit of a trance. He forced himself to look away from her.

\The old lady spoke with a low croak, "Excuse me, young lady. Can I have your seat? My knees are killing me."

The young redhead smiled at the gray-haired woman and nodded, speaking in a chirpy tone, "Why, of course, miss! I'd be honored to give you my seat!"

The old lady nodded with a smile, "Thank you."

The girl then stood up and stepped to the side.

Unfortunately for both of them…A busy-looking businessman quickly claimed the seat. He folded his books across his chest and sat down.

The red-haired girl seemed confused as she frowned, "Um. Excuse me. Sir? That seat was meant for the nice lady."

The man turned his gaze to her, ignored her, and closed his eyes, drooping his chin to his chest. Soon…he was snoring.

For a while…no one knew what to do.

The red-haired girl gasped as she put a hand to her mouth. "Oh my!"

Ren sighed and looked away from the two of them. Ignore them, Ren. It's none of your business. He then glanced once more at the girl and sighed. His face turned red. Something in his heart called for him to assist her in her plight. The same instinct that convinced him to stop that drunk man from assaulting that woman. He grit his teeth as he shook his head Fuck. Damn it all to hell. I can't ignore her. Fuck me. He then put his hands in his pockets and walked over, "Excuse me."

The red-haired girl met his eyes with a surprised look in her widened eyes. Her cheeks flushed red. Wow. He's so charming, pleasant and handsome. Who is he? "Yes?"

Again, he met her eyes, sighed, and spoke calmly: "Do you need me to wake this gentleman up?" He gestured to the old woman: "You were going to give this lady your seat, correct?"

The redhead nodded a bit too fast as her face turned red. "Um…yes. That is correct." Who is this handsome gentleman, and why is he offering to help me? She nervously cleared her throat, darting her eyes away, "But he also looks tired. I don't want to wake him."

Ren just sighed and bow, "I see then. I'll defer the situation to your judgment and leave you two be. My apologies for intruding."

The redhead gasped as she put a hand over her mouth. Her heart skipped a beat. Wait! Please don't leave! You weren't interrupting me! I've never met someone so mysterious, handsome, and yet so kind. In fact…I'd rather enjoy talking with you! You are being genuine with me. You're not like those sycophants and assholes at Shujin. You see the real me. She then put a hand on his chest.

He then blinked at her. She smiled desperately, "Please…don't go. I'm sorry for being rude. I just didn't expect you to intervene like that. Please stay for a moment."

He blinked at her, confused, "Oh…okay then."

She then smiled, "Thank you. Please give me a moment."

She then eyed the old woman, "I'm sorry. I didn't expect this to happen." The old woman smiled at her and shook her head, putting a wrinkled hand on her shoulder, "It's all right, dear. Thank you for your kind offer."

The redhead smiled faintly back at her and bowed respectfully, "Of course."

Sometime later

Ren eyed the redhead coldly as they sat on the train, "What do you mean you want to know more about me?"

The redhead smiled brightly at him. It almost made him want to drop his guard. The key word was almost. \

She giggled as she turned red again. His blunt nature is endearing…and mysterious. Here goes. She smiled, "I mean just what I mean. I have a good feeling about you. You're honest, good-hearted, mysterious, and…" She smirked, "If I may be so bold… cute. It isn't every day I get that feeling from a guy.

Ren blinked. Getting hit on by a girl was not one of his expectations today, and he grew suspicious. "You wouldn't say that if you knew who I was. I have a criminal record." Now…she is going to run. Come now. A pretty girl like her wouldn't be caught dead with a delinquent like me. Get real.

She then took a hand over his and smiled sweetly, "I don't know. I kind of like bad boys. They're so mysterious. You never know what you'll get with them."

Ren again blinked. She then leaned in further until their faces were inches apart. She then pouted. Ren found her charms impossible to resist. "Come on. Please. I'll let you know I'm not the typical honor student type. I have some edge to me. Lay it on me. What did you get arrested for? Ren nodded, "Okay. I'll tell you, but don't tell me I didn't warn you." He then sighed, "I got charged with assault. I tried to stop a drunken man from assaulting a woman. He convinced her to pin the blame on me. He had power and used it to get me expelled from the high school in my hometown." He sighed as he rubbed the back of his head, "Long story short…I was forced to move in with a…family friend and…I'm technically on probation. If I get into trouble…not only will I be expelled from Shujin…but also go to prison."

He then shrugged, "That's about the gist of it.

She then placed a hand on the Shujin emblem on his blazer. Her voice was comforting to his ears. "That's horrible. You got arrested and charged with assault because you attempted to stop a rape. Despicable." She sighed, "It is sad what powerful men do to those below them."

Ren felt his heartbeat quicken as the color rushed to his face. "I suppose…I agree. He closed his eyes. "As for my name…I'm Ren…Ren Amamiya. I'm a second-year at Shujin Academy. A transfer."

The redhead then caressed his face with a hand. "Ren Amamiya. That's such a professional name. I like it."

He said nothing and closed his eyes. She smiled, "You go to Shujin Academy as well, right? I see you wearing the blazer."

Ren blinked as his eyes narrowed, "That's right. What's it to you?"

She laughed. She then put a hand on his knee. "I go there too, silly. I'm an honor student at Shujin Academy. My name is Kasumi Yoshizawa. I'm a first-year."

He blinked at her again, "You're…a first-year…and an honor student? That's hard to believe. Most honor students wouldn't associate with people like me. They tend to thumb their noses at what they call the "plebian types."

Kasumi laughed again as she smiled, "She then patted his knee. "I think you'll find I'm the exception." She smiled, "So…you're a second year, and I'm a first year. That technically means you are my senpai…How interesting." She then giggled, "I think we're going to get along just fine Ren." She smiled.

He smiled back. He didn't know why.

Aoyama-Itchome Station, Tokyo, Japan

The train came to a stop.

A female voice called over the intercom.

Now at Aoyama-Itchome Station. Please exit the train in an orderly manner.

Kasumi frowned as she looked at her phone, "Oh goodness. It seems our time together has come to a dreadful end." She sighed, "Such is life."

Ren blinked and nodded, "Time flies when you're having fun." She smiled at him, "Indeed." She then outstretched a hand, "Your phone, please?"

He blinked but handed her his phone. "What are you planning on doing exactly?"

Kasumi laughed, "Wow. You don't get hit on much, do you?" She chuckled as her fingers tapped away, "Never mind that. I'm inputting my number in your phone. That way, we can stay in touch. I'd…like to get to know you better, is all. I admit that I like you, but we should probably get to know each other better before I commit to anything."

Ren crossed his arms at her, "I'm sorry. Does "criminal record" not ring a bell to you?"

She laughed, "You know you should be a comedian. You are quite witty." She sighed, taking his hands into hers, "Come on, Ren. I know this is kind of out of the blue, but aren't you lonely? She gently grabbed his arm, saying, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a friend for once?"

Ren then closed his eyes with a sigh. He had to admit he was lonely. Even if he thought this girl was out of her mind for wanting to associate with him…he knew he didn't have a lot of options concerning potential friends." He then sighed as he ran a hand against his face, sighing exasperatedly, "Fine."

She smiled, "Good. I've got your back." He just nodded. She smirked, leaned forward, kissed him, and smiled again. "Be seeing you, Ren. Promise me you'll call me?"

He blinked, "Uh..sure…I'll do that." She smirked and bowed, "Good. Bye for now."

Somewhere outside Shibuya Station

As Ren waited for traffic to stop.

Someone walked next to him. He turned, readjusted his classes, and blinked. From her body shape…he could tell he was looking at a girl.

As she pulled her white hood, he spotted two golden pigtails pop out of it. He then got a good look at her face. She was fair-skinned and had blue eyes and blonde hair. He admitted to himself. She was quite pretty.

Ren blinked and forced his eyes open.

She took notice of this and smiled at him, waving back.

He smiled nervously, waving back at her.

Suddenly, a car pulled up.

A rather handsome-looking man dressed in a white t-shirt and red and white track pants then peered his head out the window at the blonde.

The rain was pouring down.

"You two look like you are going to be late for school. Need a ride?" His eyes then focused on the blonde.

She smiled somewhat warily and then met Ren's eyes with a look of fear. She wanted to ask him for help but stopped herself, shaking her head. No. No one would believe me anyway. Everyone assumes I'm sleeping with this egotistical prick anyway. She then turned to the man and faked a smile, holding her bag in place, "Thank you, Mr. Kamoshida. I'd be honored."

Mr. Kamoshida then opened the door for her. "Then come on in Takamaki." She took in a deep sigh.

Here we go again. Just remember. It's for Shiho's sake. She then walked into the car.

Kamoshida then closed the door and turned to Ren. "How about you kid?"

Ren just eyed the man suspiciously. Something is off about that man. What teacher offers to drive students in their personal vehicle? This doesn't smell right to me. Before he could answer the man,

Kamoshida snickered at him and drove off in haste, leaving in a puff of smoke.

Ren caught one glance at the blonde girl before Kamoshida drove away.

She looked defeated and sullen, her eyes away from him. He blinked. She looks like she's in trouble. I..have to do something. Before he could finish the thought…he heard someone yelling at the top of their lungs. "Hey! Get back here!"

A short, spiky-haired blonde with dark brown eyes ran past him, trying to catch up to the speeding car. His efforts proved futile, however, as he was forced to stop. He bent over, breathing heavily with his hands over his knees. He then glared after the car. "Damn, bastard!" His gaze then focused on Ren, and he snarled, "What? What do you think you're looking at?"

Ren glared back, "Don't know just yet, but I know I'm looking at a dead man if you keep talking to me like that."

The blonde glared back, "Heh. Big talk for some nerd with glasses." He then threw a punch, but Ren caught it in his hand.

He then began squeezing it hard.

The blonde yelped in pain."Whoa! Okay! Okay! Take it easy! Take it easy!"

Ren nodded and let go of the hand. The blonde groaned as he rubbed his hand. "Damn. That's some grip."

Ren just began walking ahead. "Just get out of my way already! I can't be late!"

Ryuji then rushed to keep up with him. "Now, hold on a minute! I haven't seen you before! And yet…" He looked Ren up and down. "...You're wearing the Shujin Academy uniform. Are you in your first year or second year?"

Ren growled in irritation as they walked. "Second-year. I just transferred."

Ryuji nodded, "I see. I see. Sorry for trying to kick your ass there. My temper gets the best of me sometimes." He then growled, "Damn Kamoshida. I'll get him back someday."

Ren turned to him and nodded with narrowed eyes. "He seems sketchy. Not many teachers offer personal rides to students. That's a whole new brand of weird."

Ryuji nodded, "You don't know the half of it, man. There are rumors…that he's physically abusin' the volleyball team…and getting real personal with the girls, but there's no proof." The blonde just sighed, smiled, and offered a hand. "Sorry about earlier. How about a truce? The name's Ryuji. Ryuji Sakamoto."

Ren looked up and down, nodded, and shook his hand. "Ren. Ren Amamiya." Ryuji smirked, "Nice to meet you, Ren." He then patted Ren on the back and grinned. "Come on. We're late as it is already."

Ren just nodded and followed him.

As the two came upon the school, Ryuji gasped.

The school had transformed into a medieval castle. The sky had gone red, and torches lit the walls.

The two then stopped. Ryuji then blinked, "Is the school usually a castle?"

Ren pulled his glasses down and shook his head, "Not the ones I know."

Ryuji then looked around them. He then gasped when he saw the red sky. "Dude! Look at the sky!"

Ren looked up. "What…the hell?" Ren then sighed as he looked towards the entrance and he crossed his arms at him. "Well…let's find out." He then began walking towards the gate.

Ryuji scowled at him as he rushed to catch up to him. "Hey, wait up!"

As the two walked into the castle, Ren looked around.

The first floor was massive. It looked like a courtyard with red carpet all over the floor.

Ryuji blinked, "Wait. You're telling me that this shit is a castle?"

Ren just looked around with a surprised expression. "It seems so."

Ryuji then turned to him. "What happened to the school?"

Ren looked around. "I am not sure." A slender man in medieval armor marched to them, "Halt intruders!"

Ryuji turned and blinked at him. "Nice costume, dude. Badass."

The man glared at him. "He then drew his sword. "You are trespassing in the castle of King Kamoshida!"

Suddenly, three more walked out of the corridors.

Ryuji gasped as he looked around. "Woah! Okay! This just got serious!"

One of the soldiers rushed at him and punched him hard across the face.

Two more rushed in and grabbed him by the arms.

Ren shouted, "Ryuji!" Another guard punched Ren in the face.

Two more guards rushed in and grabbed him by the arms.

Prison Cell, Kamoshida's Castle, Metaverse

Ren woke up to Ryuji, who woke him up. "Hey! Get the hell up already!"

Ren blinked as he stared at him, "Ryuji?"

Ryuji scoffed as he leaned back, "Finally!" He then looked around, "Where the hell are we? Is this some kind of movie set?"

Ren then looked around, "I don't know." The sound of screams sent chills down their spines. Ryuji blinked as he grabbed the bars. "What the hell was that?"

Ren shot up and looked around.

Suddenly, the sound of metallic footsteps drew their attention. They spotted four soldiers in armor.

Ryuji gasped, "Wait! That's Kamoshida!" Ren turned to where he was looking.

There stood that same man he had seen in the car. The jawline, the perfectly matted hair, and the bulging muscles under his arms. He was wearing some sort of elaborate royal outfit adorned with golden medals.

Ren and Ryuji blinked as they walked back.

"Open the doors!"

Ren blinked.

Ryuji blinked, "Kamoshida! What the hell are you doing here?"

Kamoshida grinned, "I was going to say the same thing…Sakamoto!" He then walked into the cell. "I almost jumped out of my throne when the guards said they captured you! This has been a long time coming!"

Ryuji growled, "You bastard! Why do you have us here?"

Kamoshida grinned, "All trespassers are to be jailed until further notice." He then turned to the two guards to his left. "Secure that one!"

The two guards nodded to him and turned to Ren.

Ren glared as he put his fists up. "Come on then!" He then tried to kick one of the guards. The first grabbed him by the ankle and threw him against the wall.

They then secured him against the wall with their halberds.

Ryuji shouted, "Ren!"

Kamoshida grinned. He then turned to the two on his right. "Secure Sakamato! I'm going to do this personally!"

The two guards then grabbed Ryuji and pinned him against the wall.

He then grinned as he drew his sword. "Throw him down on his knees!"

The guards followed suit.

Ryuji gasped as he looked up at him, "Dammit! You can't do this! You're a teacher! This isn't right!"

Kamoshida grinned, "Heh. That's where you're wrong, kid! For too long…your delinquency and behavior have been unbecoming of a true Shujin student! You raised your hand against me! We don't have room for filth! It is time to take out the trash!" He then drew his sword and began sliding it across the ground. He then leaned in, grinning maliciously. "This…is my kingdom! And I can do whatever the hell I want!" He then drew his sword, preparing to kill Ryuji.

Watching all this go down, Ren felt something stir in his heart. A sinister voice spoke to him. "Tell me something, partner. Are you going to sit there and do nothing?"

What?

The voice growled again, "Your friend is about to die, and you are just standing there letting it happen? I can give you the power to fight back! Let me help you fight back like you did for that woman!"

Ren blinked as he looked around with his eyes. Anger rose within him, "I don't know who you are, but I don't have options! Please help me!" Suddenly, he felt something take over him. He howled in pain

I am thou…Thou art I…I am Arsene… the gentleman thief and your true heart. Together…we will bring justice to the innocent.

Suddenly, Ren's entire body burst into blue flames and exploded, blowing away the two guards holding him.

This drew both Kamoshida and Ryuji's attention to him.

Ryuji blinked. What the hell?

Kamoshida blinked, "What's going on?" Suddenly, Ren stood in a black ankle-length tailcoat, a high-necked waistcoat with gold accents, cinched black pants, brown-black winklepickers boots with taller heels, and white gloves. He began cackling like a madman. He smirked evilly at King Kamoshida and the guards as the blue flames all burned around him. His eyes were a sickly yellow color. "Heh. Sorry to keep you waiting."

King Kamoshida blinked, 'What the hell?" He then pointed at Ren. "Kill him!"

Ren grinned evilly, "Come then!" He outstretched his hand as a silver-bladed katana formed out of nowhere. It had kanji on the hilt. He drew it and pointed it at the knights, "Come on then." One rushed at him and missed. He then drew the katana and sliced the first one in half. He clashed blades with the second one.

Kamoshida gasped as he fell on his rear. "N-No way."

Ren then tripped the man and fell on his back. He then decapitated him. Kamoshida began trembling in his robes. "A-Ah!"

Ren then turned with a savage grin. "Hello, Kamoshida!" The man started crawling away from him, fear in his eyes. "Fuck this. I'm getting the hell out of here."

Ryuji kicked him in the face as he stood and turned around. He fell to the ground senseless. Ryuji spat on the ground. "Take that you piece of shit!" He then rolled his shoulders, "Whew. That was relieving."

Ryuji then turned to Ren and smirked, "I don't know what happened to you…but that shit was pretty badass man."

Ren closed his eyes as he calmed down. The yellow disappeared from his eyes as they turned gray again. He nodded, "That was….interesting."

Ryuji turned to Kamoshida and then back to Ren, "We should get outta here. No doubt more of those guys in armor will come for us."

Ren just gave him a grave nod. "Lead the way, but lock up the cell. We can't have Kamoshida following us."

Ryuji half grinned at him, "Good idea."

The two then rushed out the door.

Ryuji then closed it and locked it with the key he found.

Teachers Lounge, Shujin Academy

Sadayo sighed as she rested her face on her chin. "It is almost lunchtime, and Amamiya-kun is still not here. Should I call the police?" She then shook her head. "No. That's too much trouble." She then rested his face in her hands. "What did I do to deserve this?"

Prison, Kamoshida's Castle, Metaverse

Ryuji scowled as he and Ren were running around the castle prison. "Damn! I can't find a way out anywhere!"

As they passed one cell, a voice called, "Hey, Frizzy Hair! Blondie!"

The two boys turned to see a tuxedo catlike creature with big blue eyes. He had a lemon-colored scarf around his neck and a leather utility belt around his waist with two bags attached.

Ryuji blinked, "Yo! Is that a freakin' cat?"

Ren turned to him and nodded coolly, "Seems likely."

The two boys then walked to the bars. The cat-like creature smiled at them, grinning, "Ah, finally! My rescue is here! You two don't look like Kamoshida's lackeys."

Ryuji blinked and shook his head, "Nah! I'm more of a detractor!"

Ren nodded, "Same here!"

The catlike creature smiled at them. "You two can get me out of here?"

Ryuji blinked in confusion, "Why would we do that? We barely know you as it is."

Suddenly, the sound of metallic footsteps rang down the hall.

The catlike creature stared down the hall towards where the halls were and the wall to his right. "Look… guards are coming! You two can sit here and get locked up again...or you can trust me. I know my way around this place! I can get you the hell out of here! It's your choice!"

Ryuji scoffed and glared at the cat. "Tch. We don't need your help. We'll just bust outta here the old-fashioned way. Kick ass and take names!" He grinned at Ren, putting a hand on his shoulder, "Right, Ren?"

Ren, however, shook his head in annoyance. Okay, it's official. This guy is an idiot. There are guards all over the damn place.

Ren then kneeled, meeting the catlike creature in the eyes. "Can you fight?"

The catlike creature smirked at him, "Oh yeah!"

Ryuji's eyes widened, "Ren…come on man. We don't even know who this is. "

Ren just turned to glare at him coldly, "You seriously are dense, Ryuji. I can't take all of these guys myself. Be serious here." He then kicked the lock off.

The catlike creature grinned at him, "You're a pretty smart guy. Thanks, Frizzy Hair."

Ren blinked at him and then looked away, "Not a problem. What's your name?"

The cat-like creature grinned, "Call me Morgana."

Ren just nodded, "Ren. Now, how do we get the hell out of here?"

The catlike creature grinned at him, "I thought you'd never ask. Follow me." He then rushed ahead of the two boys.

Ryuji blinked, "You sure about this man?"

Ren shot him a stern look, "What? You got a better idea."

Ryuji groaned and shook his head. "No." Ren then nodded, "Okay. Let's get a move-on." The boys then followed Morgana.

Main Hall, Kamoshida's Castle, Metaverse

As the boys and new finder snuck through the castle, several knights suddenly surrounded them. Ren cursed, "Shit! We're surrounded! Damn it!"

Kamoshida then came out with a girl who looked like the cute blonde Ren had spotted getting a ride from Kamoshida. She was clad in a pink kimono that gave away glimpses of her figure.

Ryuji blinked. "Kamoshida! Takamaki!"

Ren and Morgana then turned to where Ryuji was staring.

Ren blinked as his eyes widened. That girl…I remember her. I think her name was Takamaki. He then closed his eyes, trying to focus, and shook his head.

Morgana was transfixed on the blonde. His cheeks turned red. "Wow. What a meowvellus and beautiful girl! I'm in love!"

King Kamoshida then put an arm around the blonde, pulling her in.

She giggled and put her arms around his waist, leaning in.

Ryuji glared, "What the hell does all this mean, Kamoshida? A castle? A moat? Now Ann?"

King Kamosida half-smirked at him, "You don't get it, do you, Sakamoto? This school…Shujin Academy...Takamaki...they are all my property! I am the man! I am the king!"

King Kamoshida smirked, "But I guess a no good flunkie like you wouldn't understand. Losers like you don't get girls!"

Morgana then growled, "Well, time for some fun!" He then growled as he turned into a panther. He then roared and ran after one of the men, biting him hard in the shoulder. The man howled in pain as he clamped down on his neck.

Ren turned to Ryuji, his eyes a sickly yellow as his Persona overtook him, "Ryuji! Find some damn cover and get behind something! This is about to get ugly!"" He then rushed at a few men, drawing his katana in one swift motion. He cut three of them in half.

Ryuji watched around from a corner. Shit. I wish there were something I could do.

A sinister voice then spoke into his ear. It was rough and coarse…like that of an old pirate captain. "Aye. There is something you can do, kid. You want vengeance against Kamoshida, right?"

Ryuji then looked around. "Who the fuck are you, and how are you talking to me?"

The voice repeated itself rather gruffly, "Does it matter?"

Ryuji groaned as he fell to his knees. "Call me Captain Kidd. I'm your true rebel heart. I can help you help your friends. But you got to put some trust in me. I can give you the power you need to fight back!"

Ryuji turned and saw that Morgana and Ren were being surrounded. He grunted. Anger and rage that had been building up from all the years of mistreatment from both Shujin Academy and Coach Kamoshida, combined with the guilt he felt at letting down his mother, came to boil inside him like a giant kettle. Unable to hold back his emotions, he growled, "Alright, Captain! You got yourself a deal! Let's see what you're made of!"

He then heard a sinister chuckle. "Very well!"

Ryuji then howled in pain as he was brought to his knees.

The others turned to and saw him.

Ren blinked, "Ryuji!"

This also got the attention of King Kamoshida. He gasped in shock, "What the hell?"

Ryuji just burst into blue flames. As he came out of them, he was dressed in a black jacket with elbow pads, matching vertebrae attached to his back, pants with knee pads, and a double-sided holster belt with ammo on each side. He also had a red ascot around his neck, combat boots, and yellow gloves with metal knuckle protectors. The outfit was finished off with a skull mask. Two cutlass swords appeared in his hand.

Ren nodded..

Morgana grinned. He found his Persona.

Ryuji then focused his anger on Kamoshida. He raised one sword at Kamoshida. "I'm coming for you, you piece of shit!" He then ran with the skill of an ex-runner and leaped at Kamoshida.

Kamoshida gasped in horror as he grabbed Ann and pulled her out of the way. He managed to trip himself and tumbled to the ground. He then turned to his guards. "H-Hey! What the hell are you imbeciles doing? Protect your king!"

The four guards rushed to Kamoshida's defense and surrounded him.

Ryuji tried to rush after them but suddenly collapsed to his knees, panting. "Damn it! I'm out of gas!"

Morgana turned to Ren as he transformed into his real form. "C'mon Frizzy Hair! Let's back up Blondie!"

The two then surrounded Ryuji.

Ren rested a hand on his back. "You alright?"

Ryuji just took a breath. "I'm good man. I'm just out of breath."

Ren nodded as he put his arm around his shoulder. "I've got you. Don't worry."

Morgana then looked around. To his relief, all of the guards had run off with Kamoshida. "Okay. Let's get the hell out of here! We've got a brief reprieve! Follow me!" He then rushed off.

Ren then followed with Ryuji, who leaning onto him.

Morgana then pushed open the doors.

Ryuji rushed in and looked around. He spotted another set of doors. He ran at them like a charged bull trying to bust through but only managed to injure his shoulder in the process. "Ow! Dammit!"

Morgana shook his head, sighing, "You are an idiot." He then pointed to the steps ahead. "Let's go up there.

The three of them came to an empty room.

Ryuji looked around, surprised, "Where the hell are we supposed to go?"

Morgana rolled his eyes as he pointed towards the open vent. "Up there Blondie! Look up!" Ryuji looked up at the open vent. "How the hell're we s'posed to get up there?"

Ren turned to him and shrugged. "Easy." He then stepped on one of the open steps and jumped up.

Morgana smirked up at him, "Nice Frizzy Hair. You catch on quick."

Ryuji just growled, "Whatever."

The three of them then jumped down from the opening.

Ryuji then looked around. They were now outside the castle. "Woah! We got out!"

Ren took a look around as well."That we did."

Morgana then turned to them with a smirk present on his face. "Well. Not bad, you two! You knuckleheads are pretty handy in a fight!"

Ren just nodded, "As are you, Morgana! We appreciate all the help!"

Ryuji grinned back at Morgana. "Right back at 'cha cat!"

Morgana narrowed his eyes, "I am not a cat! This is just my form here in the Metaverse!"

Ryuji then just shrugged, "Whatever." He then slapped Ren hard on the back, "C'mon Ren. We're late for class."

Morgana smirked, "You two go on ahead. We'll see each other down the road. I have big plans for you two." He then hopped back up the steps into the opening.

Ren blinked after the strange cat. "Who do you think that cat is Ryuji?"

Ryuji just scowled impatiently, "Who gives two shits? We're late for class! Come on already!" Ren turned to him and nodded, "Fair enough!"

The two then walked off.

The Real World

Ren and Ryuji suddenly found themselves back in the real world.

Ren could tell from the blue skies that they were back in the real world.

Ryuji let out a sigh of relief. "Whew. We're back." He looked around, "I…think."

Ren just nodded, "Yup. This is the real world, after all. Look at the skies."

Suddenly, two policemen on bicycles approached the two boys. "Hey, you two! Playing hooky again, are we?"

Ryuji turned towards them, and his expression soured immediately, "Oh great. It's the attendance officers. Damn, assholes. Don't they have anything else to do?"

The lead one bounded on them, his eyes on Ryuji and then Ren. He immediately noticed the outfits. "You two…are from Shujin Academy? Late to school, are we?"

Ryuji then began yelling out, "You don't understand, man! We were walking to the school and then…this large castle appeared out of nowhere! We barely escaped!"

Ren facepalmed as he groaned. What an idiot.! How the hell does he expect the police to believe that? I can hardly believe it happened myself!

The older man just narrowed his eyes. "So…not only were you two playing hooky…you're on drugs as well." He then began to write in his pad. "This'll be something to explain to the principal!"

Ren rubbed the bridge of his nose, sounding exasperated, "Just let me handle this, Ryuji. You're going to get us both expelled!" He then faced the officers and spoke calmly, bowing, "My apologies. My friend here is a bit of an imbecile. We…unfortunately, got on the wrong train. It took us forever to get to the Aoyama-Itchome district. We apologize for the trouble. I beg you, gentlemen. Please just let us be on our way." I hope that they buy that. Sojiro's probably going to be on my ass as it is. I don't need this right now.

The two officers gave one another a look and a nod.

The lead one then turned back to Ren and nodded coldly, "Okay then. Don't let us catch you around here again. Got it?"

Ren nodded, "Yes, sir." He then looked hard at Ryuji, "Come on, man. We're late."

Ryuji narrowed his eyes, "Hey man. What the fuck? You know what we saw! Back me up here!" Ren glared again and pulled him by the arm. "Come on already."

Ryuji glowered at him. The lead officer spoke again, "I'd strongly advise you to follow your friend's advice, kid. Get a move on!" Ryuji forced his shoulder from Ren's grip as he stormed off. "Whatever."

As the two boys finally made it to the school steps.

A rotund man with a brown suit stood at the top of them with a glare. "Ah. So you two finally show up after all."

Ryuji and Ren both eyed him and glared.

It was Principal Kobayakawa. The man's cold, beady eyes bore on them. "Amamiya-kun, I'm sorely disappointed in you. After our conversation yesterday, I thought you understood your…particular circumstances."

Ren sighed and bowed his head low. Kobayakawa-sensei…I can explain this. I got mixed up on the trains. There was a delay. It was out of my control."

Principal Kobayakawa crossed his arms, "Silence! I don't want to hear it! I've already asked Ms. Kawakami to contact your guardian! If there is one more absence like this, we will expel you! Am I clear?"

Ren's gray eyes narrowed as he balled a fist. You fucking prick. Of course you asked Kawakami-sensei to contact Sojiro. Great. Just fucking great. This can't get any worse. He then bowed as his face went blank. "Yes, sir."

Kobayakawa nodded, "Good. Now get to class, please. I'm sure Ms. Kawakami is tired of waiting."

Ren nodded and bowed again, "Yes, sir. Please excuse me."

He then began walking up.

Suguru Kamoshida walked out and said, "What's going on here, sir?"

Ryuji glared as he saw him. He then balled a fist. It's him! Kamoshida!

Suguru's eyes fell on Ren, and he smirked smugly at him. Good. Mishima has outdone himself. Kobayakawa thinks he's a punk. So do the rest of the teachers and students. Everyone is underneath my thumb. It's good to be the king!"

Ren caught the smirk and glared, saying nothing. So…judging from that smirk. Kamoshida must have told the principal about my record. Great. So it's not just Kawakami and the principal….it's this motherfucker as well. Great. Just great. Try to keep my head down and do my diligence as a student, and this is the shit I get! He scoffed under his breath. Whatever! Fuck him, and fuck all these people! I'm just going to do my time here and graduate! I still have one last shot at this! He then rubbed the bridge of his nose and turned to Ryuji, sighing, "For your sake and mine, Ryuji….please just leave me alone."

Ryuji gasped with widened eyes, "Hey! What the fuck is your problem? How was I s'posed to know all this shit was going to happen! I'm a victim in this, too!"

Ren ignored him and walked into the building.

Ryuji growled after him, "Hey, asshole! Don't walk away when I'm talking to you!" He rushed up to stop Ren by grabbing his blazer.

Ren shook him off, though, causing him to fall on his butt. His words were cold and emotionless. "I said leave me alone. Touch me again, and I will use force." He then walked into the building.

Kamoshida turned to Ren and smirked. That's it. Know your place, you no good punk. I'll run you out of here if it is the last thing I do. This is my castle, and I am the king. Everyone bows to me. He then turned to Ryuji with a cocky smirk, "Putting your hands on a student again, Sakamoto? It's such a shame. Well, at least it's better than hitting a teacher. Tell me…how's that leg of yours these days?"

Ryuji, fueled by his rage, got back up to his feet and pointed a finger threateningly at Kamoshida. "This ain't over, Kamoshida! Not for a long shot! I'll see you punished for what you've done!" He then stalked upstairs without a word.

Principal Kobayakawa shook his head sadly, "Shame about Sakamoto-kin. He was such a talented student once."

Kamoshida turned to him and smirked before faking a frown, "Indeed, sir." He then turned and smirked again at the retreating blonde, "Indeed."

Faculty Lounge, Shujin Academy

Ren sighed with irritation as he entered the Faculty Lounge. He had hoped to start things smoothly with Ms. Kawakami. The woman seemed to be going through a lot, too, and he didn't want to add to her already humongous plate. Unfortunately, the circumstances being what they were, it seemed the road to hell was indeed paved with good intentions.

Sadayo's eyes narrowed on him as soon as he walked in. "There you are." She rubbed her eyes briefly and sighed, "Amamiya-kun…Do you know how bad this looks on me? Isn't it bad enough that I have to deal with your criminal past? People have a nickname for me now y'know. They're calling me the "Delinquent Teacher. Even the other teachers are giving me shit about it." She then rested a hand against her face and sighed as she stared at her phone. "What's your excuse for showing up late?"

Ren thought for a brief moment. Well, gee, Kawakami-sensei! It's not like I wanted to end up in some asshole's castle. All I wanted was to go to school. He shook his head in disbelief at her. Not that you'd believe any of that. Who would? He sighed as his face turned hard, replying sarcastically, "Wow…I'm touched by the fact that you care so much for your delinquent student, Kawakami-sensei. Hell…I'm surprised you care at all." He then crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side, "Shujin Academy is meant to be an elite school, right? What a joke! Do you know what I saw on the way here? A first-year getting the shit kicked out of him by some fat third-year with a huge ego complex." He growled under his breath, "I was late because I stepped in to help."

Sadayo turned to meet his gaze with a widened look.

That part was genuine.

Ren did catch a first-year with bandages on his face getting harassed and physically assaulted by some third-year punk. The boy had run off before he could check on him.

Sadayo blinked as she shook her head. A bit of guilt entered her heart. She knew the school was corrupt in many ways and turned a blind eye to many of it. She tried not to let it affect her, but it did. She wiped away the tears from her eyes. "I…understand your reasoning but…."

Ren glared, "But nothing! Students get bullied and beaten every day, and yet…I'm the problem! This school has some fucked up priorities!" He then shook his head as he groaned. He scoffed, "You know what? Call Sojiro! I don't give a shit at this point! I'm…just…done! He then began to walk off.

Sadayo felt her heart break into pieces. She thought back to how she had failed Taiki.

He had also had a checkered past, and she had inspired him to reach for the moon. And then…she abandoned him. She'd never forgiven herself for that. Hell…that was why she was moonlighting as a maid at night. The Takases demanded money…and unless she wanted to lose her job and reputation…she had to do what she needed to do." She then stood up. She knew what she needed to do. Resolve filled her.

Ren was her second chance at redemption. She didn't know if she believed in a god, but something sent this troubled youth her way. She had left Taiki behind. She couldn't…She wouldn't do the same thing to Ren. She'd do whatever it took to ensure he didn't give up on himself. She then took in a long sigh and stood up. To hell with the consequences. I don't give a damn if Kobayakawa fires me or tries to tell me to abandon this kid. I won't do it. She sighed as she met his eyes, calling out desperately, "Ren…wait. Don't leave. Please just hear me out."

Ren turned to her with a suspicious look in his eyes. "What?" She sighed as she closed her eyes. "Please just…close the door and sit with me momentarily. Please."

Ren let out an exasperated sigh as he crossed his arms. "Fine." He then closed the door. She smiled with a relieved look on her face. "Thank you, Ren." She pulled out her phone and waved it at him. She then put it on the table. "See…I'm putting my phone on the table. I'm not going to call Sojiro."

Ren narrowed his eyes. "Why? What's your angle here?"

She smirked at him and put her hands up, "No angle, Ren. Call it offering an olive branch." She then sighed, "A long time ago…I had a student like you. He had a record. He worked multiple jobs to support his family. I started to tutor him after school to help him improve his grades. He started doing well." She shook his head, "But he wasn't well-liked by the school administration. The principal gave me an ultimatum. Either I lose my job, or I stop tutoring him."

Ren nodded intently, not saying a word, "I see." She sighed as she rested a hand against her face as sobs escaped her lips. "I was weak—a coward. I caved in. He ended up dying in a car accident." She shook her head, "Because of that…I'm forced to work in a maid service at night. just to ensure his foster guardians don't blow the whistle on what I've done."

Ren blinked. A maid service! She's a call girl! That is unexpected!

Sadayo turned her head towards him, smiling desperately, "See…you aren't the only one with skeletons in their closet. I've made mistakes, too."

Ren nodded and said regretfully, "I'm sorry to hear that. What does this have to do with me, though? Why would you tell me this?"

She smiled at him and grabbed his arm. "Because I want to prove that you can trust me with anything. You know my darkest secret now. She tilted her head at him, smiling, "Now you have two choices…You can walk out of here and tell the principal about this. You will get expeled, and I lose my job and reputation. We both lose everything." She sighed with a smile, "Or you can stay right here in this room and listen to the offer I have for you."

He blinked, "Which is?"

She then smirked, "Let me do what I can for you. I know you don't have many friends here. I can help quell the rumors, help tutor you when you need extra help, give you a heads up on what's on the exams, and throw a little something on your grades."

He blinked, "Doesn't that push the boundaries a bit? You're not exactly being impartial here. People will look at me strangely if they see I'm getting special treatment."

She laughed, "Well….we'll just have to keep this arrangement of ours under wraps then, won't we?" She winked at him and smiled, "I'll even allow you to call me Sadayo privately. We'll be friends and help keep an eye on each other. I'll watch your back. You watch mine." She then offered a hand, "Deal?"

Ren crossed his arms. It would be nice to have friends in high places…for once. He nodded as she shook her hand. "You've got yourself a deal."

She smirked, "Good. Just remember to call me Kawakami-sensei when we're in public." She then smirked, "It would be bad if the school found out I was having personal calls with a student, so…" She took a piece of paper and wrote down a number. She then passed it over to him. "My "secret" number. Call me if you need housework, tutoring, secret information, or someone to talk to. I want to do everything I can for you."

He took the paper and pocketed it. "Got it. Thanks…Sadayo."

She smiled, "You are welcome, Ren." She then stood up, "Now come on. Let's get you back to class.

Sorry for the long wait! More coming soon! Read and Review!