Twisted Phantoms

His quiet footsteps that made little to no sound were tapping the surface of the asphalt floor as he kept walking his way home. The stars on that night were beginning to illuminate the sky, and the rather narrow streets of his hometown have almost become devoid of crowds as the shroud of night veiled over Time, announcing human beings to prepare for their rest after a rather weary day. He knew he needed to return home fast, since he didn't want his parents asking him why he ended up late and lecturing him afterwards. As he quietly kept walking, he could have sworn he heard something...or rather...the distressed voice of someone shouting .

" Ow! P-Please, stop!"

He was confused, asking himself what sort of commotion was happening here in a place as quiet as his town. Like a curious yet cautious cat, he quietly approached the source of the troubled voice. Suddenly, he witnessed a woman who seemed to be bothered by a bald, drunk man with glasses, his grip on her wrist tight and bruising while she tried to free herself.

Woman:"No!"

Drunkard:"Don't give me that shit! Heh..You think you're worth causing me trouble, Huh?"

Woman:"I-I'll call the police!"

Drunkard"Heh, call them if you want! The police are my bitches. They're not gonna take you seriously..."

His eyes widened as things seemed to escalate. And judging by the words of that drunkard, he was going to do something really bad if no one stops him. Suddenly, the three of them could hear sirens blaring, an the hint of familiar crimson and sapphire colored light were seen in the distance...the police..they were coming.

"Someone called the cops, huh? Get in the car! Incompetent fools like you just need to shut their mouths and follow where I steer this country!" The drunkard sneered as he tried to shove the panicked woman into the black fancy car he had, making things even more complicated. And as Ren got closer, he felt the bald man's eyes on him, glaring him down as if he's some sort of worm as he talked in a rather venomous tone:

"What? Someone here? Hey this ain't a show. Get lost, kid. See? This is all because you're so damn slow! Get in the damn car!!!"

He kept trying to shove the woman inside the car while she pleaded for help as she tried to resist:" Please!! Help me! Help!"

Normally, anyone would have stayed away if they valued their life...

But, he couldn't just ignore it. Not when the life of someone else is at stake...

Everything seemed to happen so fast afterwards...

A slight tug, a sudden fall, crimson splatters of blood on the floor, the feel of him being dragged away and suddenly...finding himself as the sinner in all of this...

"DAMN BRAT! I'LL SUE!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ren!?! Ren wake up!!"

The frizzy haired boy let out a soft gasp the moment he heard the familiar voice of his cat-looking friend Morgana snap him out of the daze of that dream..or rather..that memory. He carefully put his pale and dainty hand on his forehead, trying to calm his nerves down from that certain incident and be able to process what happened. Deep down...he felt infuriated..a lot..

"I don't understand. I won against Shido. I cleared my name..so..why? Why can't I just let this all go and put it behind me? I'm...not supposed to be chained by anything right? I'm..Joker.. I have the rebellion to break the chains of captivity."

More thoughts swirled inside his head like the train he was still on, making him closer to the edge of-no...this wasn't him. He's not supposed to let such petty memories control him now. Ren made a promise to himself since that day: to never let anything bind him ever again. He had faced many worse terrors out there, physical and mental ones. Such dreams and memories weren't gonna get in his way, especially after all the endeavors he went through and the trials he faced. Shido was on jail now, along with all criminals he dealt with along with the rest of the Phantom Thieves. Yaldabaoth was gone for good, Maruki has stopped his delusional plan, Sumire was back to normal and Akechi...well..while he died, his sacrifice wasn't in vain. Every single danger he faced was erased from existence, and everyone's lives have been all saved from the calamity that could have not only wiped all of Japan, but the whole world.

"Ren? You've been way too quiet, way than normal honestly. Is.. everything ok?" The blue eyed cat asked with worry lacing his voice, placing his snow white paw softly on the bespectacled boy as a sign of concern, care and support. Ren smiled fondly at Morgana, appreciating his consideration as he gently patted his head while replying:" Hey I'm ok Mona. Don't sweat it. It's just...silly dreams. I'll be fine though."

Morgana:"Well if you say so. But remember, even if we're no longer Phantom Thieves, we're still friends! So don't hesitate in sharing me what's troubling you ...ok?"

Ren nodded in acknowledgement, silently thanking the tuxedo talking cat as he kept petting him, sighing softly as he looked over the window. It was almost..around 9 PM or so, as they likely were close to reaching his home soon. Normally, he would be happy and hopping with joy by knowing that soon, he'd be with his parents and back home, in his own room and such.

But why was he still uneasy about this?

Well, a question like this—at least to him—didn't seem that hard to answer. After all, he did face quite the unfortunate incident with his probation. He recalled that his father scolded him for intervening in what does not concern him, the same way Sojiro did the first time he came to Leblanc. His mother was quiet the whole time about this, not commenting about anything as she had an unreadable expression. Was it anger? Disappointment? He didn't know what it was and he wished he doesn't find out at all. Ren always knew he...was quite the rebellious kid, a Trickster who refused to be ailed by society's curse called conformism. One of the reasons why he ended up in that case, but he was grateful. After all, the dark eyed boy wouldn't have met such lovely friends and embarked on the quest of a lifetime if he had not ended up in probation. It was indeed quite the...strange yet sweet irony.

"Sooo..."Morgana's voice trailed off for a moment, making the frizzy haired teen pay attention to him."How are things like back there? In your home? And uh...your parents wouldn't mind me being around, right?"

Ren chuckled slightly as he tried to keep a light hearted demeanor on before explaining casually:" Well it's nothing big considering that it's near the countryside, although it doesn't mean some interesting things—like Shido showing up there when I first met him—don't happen. As for my parents, well... I'll try my best to convince them. So don't worry about it, ok Morgana?"

"Well that's reassuring, I think." Morgana commented, a bit uncertain but hoping for the best deep down. Last thing he needed was getting kicked out and being alone...not to mention being mistaken for a stray cat! No no it just won't do to him. Especially when he's definitely NOT a cat! Anyhow, out of sheer curiosity, the tuxedo cat asked while tilting his head a bit:" Say Ren, how are your parents like? I've noticed that...you didn't really mention them before back in Tokyo. I'm sure you miss them though, right?"

Ren felt his mouth being sewn shut at that instant, not sure how to answer such a question...or rather not ready to answer such a question.

Although things between him and his family were ...a bit decent, it wasn't really the best. The lawsuit only served to aggravate them and he wasn't certain if things would be back the way they were. Morgana seemed to notice Ren's sudden silence as he poked him with his paw while exclaiming:"Hey! Earth to Ren! Sheesh you've been really way too quiet."

The boy carefully adjusted his glasses as he sighed, still a bit conflicted if he could answer Morgana's question. Even so, he knew the other deserved to know a little bit about them, considering he's gonna live with them from now on.

"Well, It wasn't really bad. They're not bad...just...a bit strict. We don't always see to eye, especially with my constant uh... rebellious antics. But after the probation... it's been a bit more complicated." The teen answered while breathing in a soft sigh at the euphemism behind his words. He could recall on the other side of his room, before his transfer to Shujin and leaving to Tokyo, many things that...let him depart with a heavy heart.

The cries of his mother, woeing how she couldn't raise her child correctly. His father wondering what has gotten into his boy's mind that made him do something so reckless without paying attention to the consequences. One thing for certain...he knew he screwed up. Big time.

Morgana had a concerned frown for a moment, as he wanted to understand exactly what the other may have implied. However, he knew he may have touched a rather...sensitive topic with his question. So out of consideration, he remained quiet through the trip..

Some time later, he found himself now out of the train and walking through the halls of the station, suitcase being dragged behind him while his backpack had Morgana's head poking out like always. He actually told Sojiro not to tell his parents that he was coming back home, since he...kinda wanted to surprise them? He wanted to make it quite nice for them. Maybe they'd be happy to know his name was cleared, be proud of him for doing well in school...and making good friends too. It was such a nice thought in his head.

Before he knew it, Ren found himself right in front of his house. Honestly, just seeing it gave him a pang of nostalgia, nervousness and a bit of unease in his heart which was...so abnormal for him.

"Remember, you're home. It's gonna be ok... there's no better place than home after all, right?"

He kept reminding himself, while Morgana made an "oooh!" Of awe as he was innocently impressed with the new environment around him, which made the child giggle a bit before knocking the door (after few moments of hesitation)

Suddenly, the door opened. And it only revealed a familiar woman with features similar to his..his mother. The woman's eyes widened, not believing that the person who was now in front of her was none other than her child.

Mrs Amamiya:" R-Ren?...is...is that really you?"

Ren:" Um.. hey mom... I'm home."

He made a sheepish smile at that moment, feeling happy but still a bit nervous about such encounter. Suddenly—before he knew it—his mother envolped him in a tight embrace, not letting him go at all. Silence only stayed the two of them, symbolizing unspoken words. Reluctantly, his own arms wrapped around her as well, adapting to the familiar maternal warmth he hadn't felt in quite a long while.

"Awww, this is so sweet! I'm so gonna cry if you two keep this up!"Morgana commented on the scene with emotion and happiness in his voice. Of course Ren could only understand him as what he said sounded like meowing only to his mother as she heard it.

Mrs Amamiya:" Huh? Ren is...that a cat?"

Ren:" Oh um...yeah that's Morgana. He's my best friend. I hope you don't mind me keeping him around. Can you talk to dad to convince him to stay?"

Mrs Amamiya:"...."

His smile dropped the moment he noticed the oddly ominous silence of the older woman, making that feeling of unease return to him again. He tried his best not to think of the worst as he asked:"Mom? Is everything ok? Is..dad around here somewhere?"

Silence still lingered between the two for a moment, tensing even more...until... suddenly...his eyes became wide open as plates the moment he heard his mother's words ring inside his head. Shattering news crushed that smile he once had, and felt for a moment...

A part of him just died...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There he was... running, running..still running. Where to exactly? He doesn't know..nor cares. To Hell with it. To Hell with everything. He should have known it was all in vain. No matter what he was still the same Rebel who would never be desired here in this world.

"But isn't this what you wanted? The Will of Rebellion? To break thy chains of captivity? You desired to be outcast from this world from the very beginning, so why having second thoughts now?"

"Ren!!! Stop!!! Please!! It's not worth it!" Morgana shouted in utter panic and worry as he kept following his black through the woods that weren't far from the town, since it was a rather small one. Luckily his dark vision did make tailing the other easier considering it was late at night.

Through the thick ocean of trees and the sting of breeze...he didn't stop...no...he couldn't stop at all. How could he after what he has heard?

Ms Amamiya:" Ren...your father...he...he was killed...after you left...he wanted to actually settle the score with that man who sued you. I tried to stop him but...*sniff*...I...I couldn't."

It was his fault...

His fault...

IT WAS HIS FAULT! HOW COULD HE LET HIMSELF CAUSE SUCH A CATASTROPHE!!? HE'S THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OF IT BUT HIS FATHER PAID THE PRICE BECAUSE OF IT!!

"REN PLEASE STOP!"

Ren let out a sharp gasp as he was snapped back to reality thanks to Morgana's yelling, stopping his tracks as his tried to stabilize his heartbeat as the loud thumping made his chest tighten with an unfamiliar sensation, one that was strong and...painful.

He found himself collapsing to his knees as he still let out a series of pants due to the dryness in his throat and the scorching fire of tightness in his limbs' muscles. He looked up at the night sky, and couldn't help but let a giggle escape him...a bitter one, making Morgana feel a pang of sympathy and sadness for his friend. So he got closer and stayed with him the whole time, not uttering a word as he didn't want to worsen things, simply being a silent presence for comfort as he stayed by Ren's side.

Oh how much Ren wanted to cry right now. Strangely enough, he couldn't do it...he.. couldn't shed any tear. He was too broken to even do the most basic thing a human does. Utterly pathetic.

And apparently, it wasn't his lucky day as it was about to rain soon due to the clouds becoming gradually thicker and the atmosphere becoming colder. Marvelous! What he exactly needed right now!

"Ren, I think it's gonna rain soon. We should go back..." Morgana stated with an uncomfortable expression, not wanting to have his fur drenched.

"...Yeah...sorry let's just...go." Ren mumbled softly, his voice still a bit hoarse from the lump in his throat as he forced himself to stand up and adjust his glasses. However, he realized that they'd likely not make it home soon, not when it was close to rain and it was quite late at night. Up head, as he turned around, he could see a...small abandoned shack not too far from them both. It seemed it could work as a shelter..for now.

"Hey Morgana, change of plans." The black haired boy stated "We'll stay in that shack until the weather's all better. We can't go home like this."

"Huh? But Ren–EEK!" The feline squealed as a few raindrops reached his back, presenting him from protesting any further as he complied with a stammering voice." O-Ok...it may not be such a bad idea."

Luckily for them, the door didn't seem locked as they got inside. The place was rather old and dusty, apparently abandoned for a long time. The walls were corroded badly, their once pristine white color withered and now filled with dark grime. The doors seemed pretty loose and on the point of falling apart. As for the furniture...well...it was seriously damaged: chairs broken, rug torn to pieces...It was unsettling but it's not like he had any other choice.

Morgana:"I.. don't really like this."

Ren:"No one would.. but it's either that or we sleep outside."

Morgana just sighed in defeat as he followed Ren who was trying to at least find a mattress in this foresaken shack. It wasn't really that big and it had no other floors so they did find themselves easily inside a room that seemed like a bedroom. Nothing was too special about it, just even more damaged furniture. However , there seemed to be a good mattress. Not the best, but still a decent one.

"Good, here's one." Ren thought to himself as he was about to pick it up. But a dim glimmer seemed reflected in his glasses, and as he turned around, his eyes witnessed a mirror. Unlike everything else...it seemed perfectly fine.

"Huh, strange how this mirror seems in perfect condition" Mona commented as he also focused his gaze on it, while tilting his head as Ren got closer to it.

Normally, he would expect seeing his own reflection like any other mirror would show. That's how they usually work, right?

Except...this one didn't. Its surface didn't show anything at all.

Ren felt his breath hitch for a moment as he backed away slightly, feeling a sudden unease. Morgana on the other hand didn't seem to like this either as his blue eyes widened.

"Uh, that's... odd." The cat stated, not enjoying this in the slightest."Let's just, ignore this and go to-"

But he was interrupted the moment a sudden pristine glow came from the mirror, making the two even more on edge. Suddenly, golden words seemed to show up, emitting a glimmer in the darkness. Still bewildered but slightly curious, Ren adjusted his glasses as he read the words.

"O mirror mirror on the wall. Illuminated by the sun and blessed by the moon. Thou shall open the gates of one's soul. The heart of those blinded by sacrifice for ones in dismay, joy stolen in this injust and cruel play...shall have..their happily ever after.'

These words only increased the confusion he felt. But before he could say anything else, he gasped in shock at the brightness coming from the mirror's surface increased, almost blinding him and his feline companion.

Ren:" Gah! What..what the hell..?"

Morgana:"MEOW! My eyes!! That hurt so bad!"

And suddenly, before they could say anything else, Ren gasped as he felt a strange force pulling him into the mirror, and what was even more terrifying is that a crystallized clawed hand grabbed his wrist as it pulled.

"H-Hey!!" The teen exclaimed in panic as he tried as to resist the strange but dreadful hand. Just what was that?! A Shadow perhaps?! But the Metaverse was gone right? Shadows shouldn't exist here.

"Ren!" Morgana called for his friend in panic as he tried to leap in for action to save him. However, he wasn't lucky either as he got grabbed by another hand.

"Hey let go of me you fiend!!!" The tuxedo cat shouted in rage as he tried to scratch it with his claws. But it was futile for them both...

There was no point to escape as both of their screams were silenced by them being swallowed by the mirror's surface that moved like ripples in water...leaving no trace of them both.