Requiem of the Trickster

By FeaganofLegends

Chapter I: Meet Kamoshida

Part III: The Investigation Plan

A week later

School Entrance, Shujin Academy, Tokyo, Japan

Ren yawned loudly as he walked down the stairs.

Sojiro chuckled as the lit cigarette jumbled around in his mouth. "Morning."

Ren blinked at him, "Morning."

Sojiro gestured to the steaming hot plate of curry and the glass of water on the counter. "Come on. Eat up before my customers come."

Ren just bowed, "Thank you, Boss."

As Ren closed the door. He heard a small giggle. He turned to his left and spotted Kasumi smirking at him.

"So this is where you live."

Ren eyed her for a moment as he flipped the sign to CLOSED. "You know, if the genders were reversed…I'd be charged with stalking."

That earned a laugh from her. She smirked and tilted her head, "Oh, come on. Don't act like you don't enjoy the attention. A pretty girl following you around all the time….most guys would kill for that. " She snickered, "Plus, like I've said before…You are fascinating to me, Ren." She grabbed his arm and pouted, "Please walk me to school, Ren. I'd…feel so much safer if you were around to protect me. You know how dangerous it is for a pretty girl like me to wander the streets alone. I can't watch your back if we don't walk to the station together."

Ren eyed her for a minute and rolled his eyes, "Fine. Just don't fall behind, alright?"

Kasumi giggled as her cheeks flushed red. Blunt yet very polite. We shall see. She rested her head on his shoulder. "Yay! Let's go Amamiya-senpai!"

Gasps could be heard as the students eyed Ren and Kasumi walking together.

Kasumi was still clinging to Ren's arm.

Ren could hear the whispers around. Is that Amamiya-kun with Yoshizawa-san? What is she doing with him? Don't tell me she's associating herself with that violent criminal! Uncool! She gets all her special privileges and a handsome boyfriend to walk her around! How lame!

Kasumi paid them no mind.

Ren just rolled his eyes. Ah. Whatever….Like, I give a shit about what they think. Kasumi then stopped and took Ren's hands into hers. She smiled up at him and hugged him. "Thanks for walking with me, Ren. I appreciate all you do for me. You're a good friend."

Ren blinked at her and shrugged. He then hugged her back. "Eh. Being in your company isn't so bad. You have this unmistakable aura of sweetness about you. It's a welcome relief."

Kasumi giggled, "I'm glad."

Ren blinked.

Suddenly…Ryuji blinked, "No way! No fucking way!"

Ren caught his eyes with the blonde and inwardly groaned and facepalmed. Oh great. Way to be inconspicuous, Ryuji. What part of secret friends did you not understand the first time? Now…Sadayo is going to be on my ass.

Ryuji stopped to catch his breath as Ren eyed him waringly, "Yes, Ryuji?"

Ryuji growled and pointed a finger at the dark-haired teen. "You asshole! You didn't tell me you were dating Kasumi Yoshizawa! Way to break the bro code!"

Ren facepalmed. He could hear murmurs around him. And now people are going to talk! Smooth Ryuji! Real smooth!

Kasumi's reaction, in contrast, was far more light-hearted. She laughed and eyed Ryuji, "I'm afraid you've got it mixed up, Sakamoto-kun. Amamiya-senpai and I…aren't dating. He's just being a gentleman and walking me to school. We happen to live close to one another. We're good friends…nothing more." She then turned to Ren and smiled, "Right, Amamiya-senpai?"

Ren gave her a nod as he sighed in relief, "Right."

Kasumi then bowed to both Ren and Ryuji. "I'll be seeing you two. My classes are downstairs."

Ren flashed a peace sign at her. "See you, Kasumi. Let me know if you need a hand with anything." She smirked and quickly glanced back at him, "You too, Amamiya-senpai. Let me know if you are interested in my offer. I'd love to help with your exercise routine sometime."

This got a round of gasps from the crowd.

Ren nodded and crossed his arms. "We shall see." He then walked towards Classroom 2-D, ignoring the murmurs and stares he was getting.

Ryuji then scowled after him, "Hey! We aren't done talking! What's going on, man?"

Ren ignored the blonde idiot, choosing to continue walking.

Kawakami smiled, "And the term is…" She looked around the room and pointed to Ann. "Takamaki-san."

Ann suddenly felt herself sweat as her stomach churled. She was indeed exceptional at language arts and proficient in English. Social studies and anything about it was one of her problem areas. So was mathematics and everything else. She bit her lip as her eyes darted around the room. She hadn't bothered to make friends at Shujin. Sans Shiho and Ren…she was all alone. Wait! Ren! He must be pretty smart! She then turned behind her and spoke in a low whisper only Ren could hear. "Hey…Ren."

He focused his gaze on her, confused. Ann felt herself blush a bit. There was something dark…and yet mysterious about Ren's eyes. Something hidden…something she wanted to uncover. Wow. He's handsome! I mean, look at those eyes! I wonder if maybe…" She then shook her head. No! No! Now isn't the time, Ann! Focus!" She gave Ren her most charming smile, "Do you know the answer? I'm…kind of clueless on this." She pouted and smiled desperately, "Pretty please with a cherry on top. I'd owe you big time."

Kawakami spoke this time, a bit harsher, "Takamaki-san! I need your answer!"

Ann then turned to Kawakami-sensei and smiled, "One minute, Kawakami-sensei!" She then gave Ren a look of desperation.

Ren sighed in exasperation. He'd found the pretty blonde to be a loyal friend, charming as all hell, and a part of him respected her for her tenacity…but at times…she did play into the dumb blonde stereotype. He then leaned in to whisper, "...It's femme-fatale. French for a deadly woman."

Her big blue eyes widened as she smiled brightly at him.

Ren admitted it made his heart skip a beat. Ann was very charming. You almost wanted to let all your walls down around her. He then took in a deep breath. Almost." She smirked as she turned to Kawakami, raising her hand, "Femme fatale Kawakami sensei. It's French for deadly woman."

Kawakami nodded, "Good job. You've been studying Takamaki-san."

Ann smiled and nodded. "Mhm."

Suddenly…the school bell chimed.

Everyone stood up and started leaving the classroom.

Ren packed up his things and stashed his book in his bag, slinging it across his back and putting his arms through the straps.

Ann then smirked as she reached out to grab his arm, "Hey, Ren. Thanks. I appreciate you sticking up for me there."

He turned to her.

She spotted a hint of a nervous smile before he returned to an impassive look. She frowned with sympathy in her eyes. It seems he guards his heart…just like me. That's a shame. He's a sweet guy on the inside. Granted, I can't blame him for being guarded. What with all those stupid rumors he has to deal with….He's probably just trying to protect himself from getting hurt. Don't worry, Ren. I'll show you that you can trust me. I can only hope that you'll let me in.

He then shrugged, "What? Are you talking about earlier? You're welcome…I guess."

She nodded with a bright smile that almost brought down his walls.

Damn her. Why does that smile of hers make me want to let her in? Does she have any idea who she's dealing with?

He looked away from her and walked off, throwing up a peace sign, "See you on the rooftop later?"

She nodded, her smile brightening again, "Yup. See you."

Library, Shujin Academy, Tokyo, Japan

Ren ignored the angry eyes his way and walked up to the counter—a pretty girl dressed in a Shujin uniform with a long brown ponytail bowed to him, "Good afternoon! Can I help you?" Ren nodded, "I'd like to get a book if possible."

The girl tilted her head at him and beamed, "Of course. Can I get your school I.D.?"

Ren nodded with little emotion and handed her his student I.D. Here we go.

She read it and gasped. "Oh, you're Ren Amamiya, the transfer student in Classroom 2-D."

Ren glared down at her as he crossed his arms, "That's right. You got a problem with that?"

The girl looked around with fear in her eyes.

Everyone was now staring at her and Ren. I better approve him and let it be at that. This is already awkward as it is. She then focused on Ren, wiped the sweat from her brow, and forced a smile. "N-No. Not at all. Y-You promise not to start trouble?"

Ren sighed and rolled his eyes, "Yes. I promise."

The girl smiled back at him, almost relieved, "Okay. What book do you want?"

Ren let out a sigh of relief. "Just give me something western-related."

She smiled slightly too brightly for his liking, "You got it." She handed him a book, and he took it from her.

He then forced himself to bow. "Thank you. Do you have a name? I don't want to be rude."

There was a round of sudden gasps as everyone stared at Ren.

He ignored them.

The girl blinked. He's respectful…and quite handsome. I…didn't expect that. Could it be he's not a bad guy after all? She smiled faintly, "It's Aiko. Aiko Hamasaki." She then offered him her hand, "P-Pleasure to meet you."

Another round of gasps was heard.

Ren turned to his left and saw a brunette staring at him with widened eyes.

She had her hand over her mouth. He's a respectable person. He bowed to her in respect. Is he really the delinquent Mr. Kamoshida says he is? She also had brown-red eyes and a bob cut with blunt bangs tied back in a French-braid-styled headband. She was also slightly shorter than Ann.

He closed his eyes and groaned, turning to Aiko. "Can I please get the book now?"

Aiko's face turned red before she stammered faintly, smiling, "Y-Yes, of course. Please do come again. M-Maybe we could talk shop sometime?"

Ren then glanced left and then right and eyed her again. He smirked. Ah. To hell with it. You might as well have fun with it. If I'm going to be a delinquent bad boy….Then I might as well act on the part. No point in being mopy all the damn time. He then chuckled and winked at the girl. "We'll see. I'll be seeing you, Aiko. Take care."

Everyone gasped as he walked away. He then tried walking out the entrance but was blocked by a student far taller and more prominent than him.

Ren put a hand on one of the backpack straps and smirked, "Look, man. Just get out of the way."

The boy stammered, but the words garbled, "You…don't…b-belong…here."

Ren rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed, "Okay. So we're playing this game." He then stared the trembling boy down, "Listen very carefully. I'm only going to say this once. Get out of my way. I'm in a good mood." His gray eyes turned cold as he balled his fists again, "Or you won't like what you get."

The tall student stiffened, shaking slightly, but didn't back down.

The brunette bit her lip. Her father had always taught her to stand up for what was right. To stand up for justice. She may not have known his name, but she knew of Ren Amamiya's reputation around Shujin. He was called many things…none of them good. She also knew that if he got in trouble again…It was back to prison for him.

He had at least proved to her that he was trying to change. She had to do something. She was student council president, and he was one of her constituents. She touched her heart, closed her eyes, and sighed, "I'm sorry, Sis. I know you'd probably want me to avoid guys like him." She shook her head, "But I can't sit by while my peers berate him. Dad wouldn't allow that." She breathed in and got in-between Ren and the tall boy, speaking in an authoritative tone, "That's enough, Kenji! One more word, and I'll talk to Principal Kobayakawa about this!"

The tall boy gasped as sweat fell from his brow, "Y-You wouldn't dare Makoto!"

Ren just blinked in confusion as his eyes narrowed in anger. What is she doing? She's risking a lot, sticking up for me. I'm not worth it.

Makoto glared back at Kenji, "Oh really? Go ahead! Try me, Kenji! Don't think I'm not aware of your spot on the basketball team! I could get you suspended!" She then stared them down, "That goes for all of you! Back off!"

All of them reeled away from her.

Seeing her message delivered…she turned to Ren, smiled warmly, grabbed him by the arm, and pulled him toward the library entrance. "Come Ren. Let's talk for a bit."

Student Council Room, Shujin Academy, Tokyo, Japan

Makoto pulled Ren towards the entrance of the Student Council Room.

Ren quickly pulled away, glaring at her. "Mind telling me what that was all about? I'll have you know I don't like being ordered around."

Makoto turned to him and smirked. Her face turned red a bit. Well…he's quite the rambunctious one. Handsome too. I suppose that's to be expected from a delinquent. He's not without his charms, though. She then turned to smile at Ren.

Ren instantly found her demeanor and smile charming as he looked away from her, his cheeks reddening. She seems to have a cold exterior, but she's kind. I get the feeling she gets misunderstood a lot. I can relate to that. "Easy there. I'm not your enemy. I just want to help." She then unlocked the door with a key and pushed it open. "If you would…"

Ren narrowed his eyes at her but nodded.

Moments later

Makoto returned to the room carrying a tray of two tea cups and a tea kettle. She tilted her head at Ren, smiling again. "Care for some tea? I keep a kettle here in case I get thirsty."

Ren crossed his arms at her, sighing, "I suppose. I'm not able to make tea at Leblanc." She clapped her hands together and smiled, "Wonderful. Who knew you had such sophisticated tastes? I was going to offer you a soda otherwise. I'm pleased by your choice." She then poured the two of them a cup. "Need sugar?"

Ren nodded.

She smirked, "One or two?"

He put up a peace sign indicating two fingers.

She smiled, "Two it is then." She put in two sugars and twirled them with a spoon.

Ren again found himself drawn to her gaze.

She then took hers and sipped it. "I prefer mine black. Cliche, I know." She smiled, "My apologies for grabbing you so suddenly, but I couldn't stand by while my peers berated you." She took his hands into hers as her face turned red, Okay. He's charming. I mean, come on. She sighed as she smiled flirtatiously at him. A bad boy with a heart of gold? Call me simple-minded, but I'm interested. "That…was very honorable of you to treat Aiko with such respect. I honestly didn't expect that. Word around the school is that you have quite a violent temper."

Ren crossed his arms and shrugged, "Despite what this school thinks…I'm not that bad a guy." He groaned, "I just…got put in an unfortunate situation."

Makoto smiled as she took a hand in his and squeezed, "Mind filling me in then? I am the president of the Student Council. I pride myself on being of assistance to my peers."

Ren raised an eyebrow and scoffed, crossing his arms again.

"How do I know you can be trusted? I'm already in deep because of Kamoshida spreading rumors about me and arriving late last week. I don't need the extra press." He sighed, "I've heard of you—the younger sister of Sae Nijima, a well-known prosecutor in the government. Model student. Adored by the faculty and…not so well-liked by the student body. People think you're a puppet. I know who you are…Makoto Nijima."

Makoto's eyes widened. Wow. I hadn't expected that. He's done his research on me. That's oddly flattering. He's quite the intelligent one. I took him for a simpleton at first. I was proven wrong. She squeezed Ren's hand again and smiled at him, "Well…color me impressed. I'm flattered you know of me." She sighed as she made a face, "Please don't pay attention to those stupid rumors. I'm still a student, just like you. I became the student council president to help my peers." She winked at him, "Besides, I could just look up your record and find out for myself. I'm very good at getting information out of people."

Ren blinked. It seemed he was finding himself gathering…friends of a sort. First Ryuji….then Ann…and now Makoto. He closed his eyes and shook his head. This is troublesome, but the more friends I have…, the better off I'll be. He sighed as he met Makoto's eyes, "You make a fair point. Here goes." He sighed, "It happened back in my hometown…I was walking home from school one day when I caught a drunken man trying to force a woman into his car. Long story short…I tried to intervene…I punched him. He had…influence. He even scared the woman into saying that I assaulted him first."

Makoto put a hand over her mouth. "That's terrible! What a grave miscarriage of justice!" He sighed as he shook his head. "I got falsely charged with assault and forced to move here. My family is back home, and I'm living with a family friend now."

Makoto nodded as she sipped her tea, "I see. And you say Kamoshida has told everyone in the school?"

He nodded, "Yup. According to Ryuji…he got a member of the volleyball team to spread my record to the whole school."

She nodded, "You're dealing with a lot. That is clear to me now." She then smiled, "Let me help you, Ren. I can't do much if you cause too much trouble, but as long as you're discreet about all you do…I can get information, cover for you with the principaI. I can even help you study for exams. Whatever you need."

Ren blinked, "I thought you were a model student."

Makoto flirtatiously batted her eyes at him, "And I thought you were just an inelegant delinquent, but it seems we're both not what the other expects." She then smirked and held out her hand, "Your number? Please?"

Ren blinked as he felt his face redden as he handed her the phone.

She smirked, "Thank you, Ren. I'll only be but a moment." She then started to input her number.

Ren blinked as his face went red. Who is this girl? Really?

She then handed him the phone back and took one of his hands in hers. "There. Promise me you'll call me sometime?"

Ren just blinked as he turned red again, "S-Sure." He then bowed, "Thank you for the tea, M-Makoto."

She giggled as she turned red. He's cute. One can only wonder. She bowed back, "No. I believe I should be the one thanking you, Ren. Thank you for the company. It's lonely drinking tea alone." She then sighed as she grabbed his arm, squeezing it. "I've got to get home, but I'll see you around, alright? Promise me you won't be a stranger?"

Ren nodded, trying to maintain his composure and forcing a smile. "You can count on it." She smiled brightly. "Alright. Come on. I'll lock up."

Rooftop, Shujin Academy, Tokyo, Japan

As Ren got to the rooftop, he saw Ann and Ryuji glaring at him.

Ann glared as she stormed up to him, cupping his face. He turned red. "There you are, Ren! Do you have any idea how worried I was? I overheard that some of the third-years tried to fight you! I was worried you got hurt!"

Ren then put his hands on hers and smirked, "You worry too much, Ann. I'm fine. Granted…I wanted to beat the crap out of those punks, but the student council president backed me up."

Ann blinked, her blue eyes going wide, "No way."

Ryuji blinked as he walked over, "Shit! Are you serious, man? You're talking about Makoto Nijima, right?"

Ren smirked at the blonde, "Yup. She's not too bad if you get to know her."

Ann narrowed her eyes. He was with another girl! Why? Aren't I enough for him? She then huffed as she turned away from him, turning red. Oh, whatever. It's not like we're a couple or anything. It's stupid of me to get worked up over some boy.

Ren looked down at her, worried, "You okay there, Ann?"

Ann turned to him and shook her head, "Y-Yeah. I'm fine. J- Just a bit jittery. Can we get started now?"

Ren gave her a nod, "Sure."

Rooftop, Shujin Academy, Tokyo, Japan

Ren nodded, "So…Ryuji and I will try to talk to the boys' volleyball team to see what we can get from them." He then smiled at Ann. "And you'll talk to the girls, right?"

Ann gave him a determined nod. "Yes. I'll also see if I can enlist Shiho's help. She's one of the star players and my best friend."

Ren nodded as he looked at the three of them. "Are you guys still with me on this? You two will be put in quite the spotlight once we start this. Once we start this…we aren't turning back!"

Ryuji turned to the tall boy and glared, "Kamoshida's why the track team ain't around anymore! This is personal!"

Ann also nodded, "And I'm being pressured to sleep with the bastard just to keep Shiho on the team! He's physically abusing my best friend! Believe me, Ren! I'm ready for this! Let's bring this bastard down!"

Ren nodded to both of them, "We're going to need codenames. We can't be heard giving each other's names." He tapped his chin, "I also want to be the leader of our group. Do you have any objections?"

Ann gave him a smirk as she eyed him. "Well, I'd trust you over this idiot. You tend to keep a cooler head."

Ryuji just crossed his arms with a growl, "Ah. Yeah. I can't be bothered to deal with all that leadership shit. Lead on." He grinned, "I want to be called Skull."

Ann met his gaze and rolled her eyes, "Typical. You are hard-headed."

Ryuji growled at her, "Shut up!"

She smirked back at him. She momentarily tapped her chin, "I…want to be called Panther. It's sleek, sexy and empowering. Like those femme fatales, I adore so much."

Ren nodded at her, "Sounds good to me."

Ryuji gave her a nod, "Me too."

Ren tapped his chin, "Hmm…I can't seem to think of anything.

Ann turned to him and smirked, "How about Joker?"

He turned to her, "Okay. But why Joker?"

She smiled, "Well, you're unpredictable, a jack of all trades, and it is hard to figure out sometimes."

Ryuji grinned, "Yeah, I can kinda see that now. It suits you, man."

Ren turned to Ann and Ryuji, nodding, "So be it. Joker, it is then." He then looked out and saw the sunset was approaching. We should get back home now."

The two of them nodded.

Ryuji smirked, "Let's walk home together! It isn't safe for Ann to walk home alone anyway!" Ren nodded, "I agree!"

Ann smiled at the two boys as she hugged them both. "Aww! Are you two going to walk me home? What gentlemen!"

The three then walked home.

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