It was indeed strange how things in his life turned upside down so fast. All what he could recall is how he was a 2nd year student in highschool, who was very unfortunate as he got wrapped up in quite the tangle that could have cost him years of his life, or worse. But now...look at him, a masked vigilante fighting actual Shadows beyond the lens of his world, to tear down the fakers and rebuild what was one corrupted by them in society.
It was indeed at that moment Ren Amamiya knew: Life Will Change no matter what....
Although the raven haired boy knew this could have been avoidable if he had not intervened to save that woman who was getting harassed by the same man who haunted him in his dreams and wake, Masayoshi Shido, his heart and conscience would have likely tortured him for the rest of his life if he witnessed such an awful crime happen and deliberately ignored it. He couldn't just pass by..and of course it did come with a hefty price. His life, freedom and reputation all got threatened at once although he and everyone else knew he was innocent. But alas, Society didn't care for what was veiled. As long as it saw something, it was the only truth it could accept, no matter how twisted and wrong it was. So, before he knew it, he was under probation, shunned by mother society and seen as nothing but...
A criminal...
It felt like he had hit rock bottom with that one, trapped in a prison. No....a small stiffening cage while he was a bird that got its wings shed, the feathers being brutally and painfully plucked out while the others mock it and force it to sing lies to make it "redeemable" in their eyes. How disgusting.
Thankfully, things have turned out for the better. He can still remember the day he met a certain blonde boy who was also an outcast like him in this dark world. Then he was followed by a familiar tuxedo looking cat creature who introduced them to knowledge beyond their reach, and a world far from one's usual reality. Soon, many others, boys and girls alike...those who have been once shunned, cast aside or just seen as a waste of space, found finally where they belong. Not as dull members of their so called "mother society". No no no...as something dare more... rebellious.
It was then the bright beginning of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts—those who steal the distorted, twisted desires of corrupt people. These hearts, turned to stone by sheer cruelty, sadism, selfishness and irresponsibility...would immediately mellow out the moment the Phantom Thieves put a stop to their vile schemes, exposing their crimes to the public...changing them for the better and making sure they take responsibility for their misdeeds no matter the cost. Of course, the Phantom Thieves didn't always have their brightest moments as ups and downs were common in such hard tasks to fix long term damage caused in their community. But for Ren? It was worth every drop of blood, sweat and tears he and his friends have shed during such gruesome trials, for the sake of what they believed in. Although things were even more tense with..Maruki ,Kasumi or rather..Sumire...and..Akechi, he was glad the pain and misery were put behind them. Although, Ren deep down wished he could have helped Sumire to soothe her broken heart earlier than this..or that he could have understood Maruki more and tried to convince him things didn't always have a happy ending rather soon..or save Akechi from his inner demons, and give him a chance to finally feel like he belongs with the Phantom Thieves and that he can have a chance to be happy in life while being their trusty friend. Despite all that, what's done is done...and what mattered now is that the world was saved from Yaldabaoth. The God who once controlled the minds of Japan through the sinister crimson-painted dimension Mementos, bending their wills to him or either spelling their doom no matter the outcome was between the showdown that the Phantom Thieves endured against the Antisocial Force and Maruki's beautiful but delusional "reality".
But now, the hardest part has come. And it was..saying Goodbye.
With his name cleared from the false accusations that befell him after the victim confessed what really happened between her and Shido, and since the Metaverse has disintegrated into ashes, there was no need for him to stay...he had to go back to his hometown, where his family awaited him.
But he didn't want to leave...
Things seemed to move fast forward as Ren found himself in front of the train station, bag behind his back which kept his feline (but not really according to him) friend Morgana and his suitcase with him as he adjusted his big pitch black glasses. He turned behind him to see such sweet familiar faces, but in a setting quite bitter as his departure. He just hoped this moment won't end in tears.
"Ah man, do ya really have to go??" His blonde friend Ryuji questioned, a sad and disappointed expression was on his face."It's gonna suck here without ya! Going to Shujin ain't gonna be the same with you bro."
"Hey it's not like he's gonna be gone forever Ryuji!" Ann, the beautiful and kind blue eyed girl interjected with a smile, trying to cheer up everyone, although her smile dropped faintly when she added."Although, he's right, Shujin Academy won't be the same without you nor Morgana here."
Ren couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart at such words coming from his first friends. He wished he can hug them right now, and never let go. But for the sake of everyone's emotions he steeled himself as he kept that same serene smile on his face while replying."Hey, it's ok. You won't see the last of me that's for sure. Besides, there's still the holidays and long summer vacations, not to mention the internet. We'll always be in touch, right Morgana?"
As the black haired teen eyed his tuxedo cat friend, the other didn't hesitate as he agreed with him."Indeed! There is no way I'm gonna forget you guys and just leave like this. Especially you Lady Ann! As much as I want to stay, I don't wanna burden Chief Sakura with my stay any longer, aaaand I'll be sure to keep an eye on Ren as well"
"Hahaha, very well then. I count on you Morgana! Please stay safe you two." Ann implored as her smile returned, feeling reassured by the cat's words.
"While it is indeed disheartening to watch such separation, it won't be a goodbye..but a bittersweet farewell." The blue haired artistic boy, Yusuke, spoke softly as he also had a calm smile on his face." I wish you both a safe travel, and that your days there would be painted in nothing but colors of joy and peace."
"Still extra as always huh Yusuke?" Ryuji commented with a soft chuckle for a moment at the antics of the rather unique artist until he added with a grin." But yeah like he said, hope you two feel happy there! But don't go forgettin' about us ya hear!? Always make sure to contact us whenever you can!"
"Relax Ryuji I'm sure they got the message." The girl with short brown hair, Makoto intervened with a giggle as she then spoke while looking at Ren."Don't worry about us ok? Just make sure you look out after yourselves."
"Yeah, we wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you two! But don't worry, just give me a call and I'll handle it myself if I have to!" Haru, the girl with the fluffy short hair replied confidently as she smiled innocently, making her friends sweatdrop a bit while Ren couldn't help but chuckle, understanding the implications behind her words.
"Haha, while I doubt something crazy like Shido would show up in my hometown anytime soon, I still appreciate it either way Haru. Thank you." Ren responded as he smiled gratefully at the other girl for her "offer", although he knew very well how...violent Haru can get when it comes to anyone messing with her or her friends.
However, he noticed that his smaller orange-haired friend, Futaba, along with her guardian and his caretaker Sojiro, were oddly quiet. It made him a bit concerned for a moment as he got close to them and asked with a hint of worry. "Futaba, Sakura-san? Are you two alright?"
Suddenly, his eyes widened as he felt Futaba squeeze him tightly with a hug, her small body latching onto his as she mumbled with a vulnerable tone." Do you..really have to go? I mean...I know you do but...it's...it's just not fair."
"Futaba..." He replied softly as he looked at her, then back at the elder man who sighed for a moment before he spoke." And here I thought I could convince her not to feel too sad about this. But what can I say? Kids have it hard with..attachments I guess. Then again... I'll be lying when I say that it will be bearable in Leblanc without you around. Just don't get into trouble next time you hear kid?"
Ren couldn't help but smile as Sojiro said that last part with a bit of a sternness, like the one you'd hear from a parent warning their child. After all, he knew that deep down..the other cares for him a lot, the same way Ren did as well. He then gently patted Futaba's head, silently reassuring her it would be ok, and that he'd see her again. The smaller haired girl couldn't help but blush a bit from the gesture, as few tears welled up in her eyes, but she tried to stay strong no less as she released the taller ravenette from her embrace to stop the wetness that threatened to escape her eyes. Then, as the two exchanged silent smiles to convey how they'd always be close no matter the distance, Ren noticed...a certain red haired girl in the distance, hesitant and not ready to approach the group. As he recognized, he got closer to her as he smiled while the others viewed the scene quietly. Sumire on the other hand, felt her heart beating a lot as she nervously twiddled with a loose hair strand until she was face to face with him.
Ren:" Hi..."
Sumire:" H-Hey, senpai..."
Ren:" I'm glad you came as well Sumire. Though...I wished I didn't have to leave so soon."
Sumire:" No no, it's..fine Amamiya-senpai. I understand, really."
She tried her best to smile genuinely, in order not to worry him. But deep down, Ren knew with or without her mask, she was still hurting..a lot. One in her position suffering from severe depression, losing their sibling and then having to pretend to be said sibling to the point they almost lose themselves would have likely lost it and given up their life. But...she didn't. And Ren indeed admired such a strength despite all that.
"Sumire...it's alright. No matter what happens, I'll always return here. I won't be gone forever that's for sure." The bespectacled boy reassured the crimson haired girl, patting her shoulder to provide as much comfort as he can.
Sumire on the other hand did feel her smile drop for a moment, but it returned as she knew deep down that the other was right when she answered."Um..yeah you're right. I...I hope to see you again Senpai. Take good care ok?"
She hesitated for a moment but she shyly hugged him the same way Futaba did, that sensation of bittersweetness still lingered between the two of them after what they've been through. Ren could almost feel the other tremble a bit, as if she was about to cry, which pained him a lot. So he gently patted her back to give her as much comfort as she needed. As the two let go, he could hear the announcer informed the train taking him home would leave soon.
"As much as I don't wanna ruin this moment between you all, but we gotta go Ren." Morgana informed the dark eyed teen with a slightly sad tone.
Ren on the other hand nodded as he looked at everyone, then the panel that displayed the number and destination of his train with its blaring LED lights, reminding him of what he had to do. He carefully walked while dragging his suitcase, but then...he turned around one last time to see everyone wave for him from afar.
Ryuji:" Be safe out there man! Seriously for real be ok and don't let any stupid adult bother ya there again ok?!"
Ann:" Goodbye you two! Have a safe trip!"
Yusuke:"I hope we can remain in touch soon."
Makoto:" Take care, Ren and Morgana."
Futaba:" Yeah! What Makoto said! And oh um... I'll make sure I'll be putting "being patient until Ren and Morgana return" on my To Do list so I expect lots of headpats cause that quest would be on hard difficulty ok?!"
Sojiro:" Heh, let's just hope that doesn't involve running away to see him. But yeah, look out for yourself and your little friend kid. We'll miss you..."
Haru:" I'll be looking for the day forward where we can meet again Ren-Kun! You too as well Morgana!"
Sumire:" Farewell...Senpai."
He smiled one last time as he waved at them and then, as he turned around, he walked forward to catch his train. Luckily it still hasn't left and he found his seat already waiting for him. Morgana was already tired as he yawned and stretched a bit, resting on Ren's lap as he slept soundly. The boy smiled gently as he tenderly rubbed his feline looking friend's back to ease his sleep more, while still contemplating on many things...that happened very fast. But for a moment, he felt something, or rather someone...a familiar presence who was also bidding him farewell..
A certain fallen Detective Prince...
He looked over the window for a moment, not seeing anything. Must have been his imagination. But...what was even more strange, is that..his reflection...it wasn't his current self, but the other..Joker. His eyes widened for a moment, thinking that his sight may have been troubled by something, but he was there...Joker was still there. But then again, it wasn't surprising, after all...
"I Am Thou. Thou Art I..."
Those same words, echoed inside his head like a familiar mantra. He knew deep down that even when the Metaverse is gone, even though the Phantom Thieves are no longer needed and that he won't be Joker again...that part of him would always follow. His rebellion...that once broke the chains of captivity, will always remain.
He took off his glasses, smiling quietly to himself,leaning his back onto his seat as he closed his eyes. For once, it felt nice to have a moment of peace.
"After all, it's nice to take off mask once in a while. And to let go..."
The ravenette thought quietly to himself as the train kept on moving to his destination. Little did he know, many things in this life...such as...twists, always awaited around the corner to strike.
And with a story ending, another shall be written as the quills never stops moving. Isn't that true O Dark Mirror on the wall?