Chapter Text
“Ren~, we missed you!”
"Merry Christmas!"
The leader of the Phantom Thieves chuckled as he braced himself for the full force of his little sister figure’s tackle, with Morgana complaining as he nearly got knocked off. He noticed with surprise that Zenkichi was also present.
"Akane isn't with you?" Ren asks.
"She was invited by her friends at school to go on a trip, so she stayed in Kyoto." While Zenkichi was disappointed that he wasn't able to spend this year's Christmas with his daughter, especially now that they have reconciled months ago, he was still glad that she finally moved out of her shell and got herself some friends her age.
That's why she stayed behind, because it was her first time going on a trip with only friends and not family, so she didn't want to turn their invitation down. From his experiences with this ragtag group of teenagers in front of him, Zenkichi was observant enough to be reassured that Akane's new friends were indeed genuine and not bullies.
Ren smiled. Akane and Futaba were similar, as they closed themselves off from people and stayed in their room most of the time (though, Akane wasn't a shut-in). He was glad both of these girls were able to finally enjoy their school lives.
"Sooo... any gifts for me?" Futaba mischievously asks.
Ren rolled his eyes, already used to Futaba acting like a spoiled kid. It was endearing to watch. He lifted up his shopping bags in response and was glad his parents gave him a lot of allowance to spend for his friend's gifts.
He turned his attention to the rest of the enthusiastic thieves as well as Sojiro to give them his souvenirs.
The party went by quickly.
Everyone got each other gifts. For a few hours, they were just eating, laughing, teasing and drinking (in Zenkichi and Sojiro's case). Ren and Morgana often missed moments like these during their stay at his hometown. He didn't spoke with almost anyone at school due to how fast they turned against him last year, with only a few students believing his innocence. At least, his parents and the few friends he had were there by his side to defend him, like they tried to do before his probation.
"Hey, Dad. Someone's at the door." Futaba said, looking up from her laptop that showed the security camera of the first floor.
Sojiro sighed, scratching his head, "Wasn't 'Closed' not enough of a message?"
As the owner went down to check who it was, the teenagers (and one cat and adult) began chattering among themselves. Makoto scolded Ryuji for nearly failing the recent exams (again), Ann helped a new girl get used to her new job as a model, Haru's preparations for opening up her cafe business is nearing completion, Futaba teased Yusuke for being so amazed by the cheap, yet high quality art products from online shopping and Sumire was practicing for an upcoming competition that will be held next month. It was gathering that was no different from their usual hangouts last year, but it was something Ren will never trade for anything else in the world.
"Hey, Ren!" Sojiro's voice calls out from below, "You got a visitor!"
Ren blinked as he stood up, wondering who it was. He hasn't told any of his Confidants that he was back yet and he knew Sojiro was sharp enough to kick out any individuals that seemed suspicious.
When the phantom thief leader went down the stairs, he was greeted with a surprising but also familiar sight.
Sitting in front of the counter was a young girl that looked close to Futaba's age, but her elegant posture and appearance held none of the teenage vibe that the infamous heart stealing group usually had.
Ren smiled, happy to see her, "Lavenza!"
Lavenza returned his warm smile and stood up before doing a curtsy in greeting.
"It is a great pleasure to see you again, Trickster. I have come bearing news."
Ren tensed. In all honesty, he should have expected that peace would never last long, especially with how eventful the last two years have been.
The petite attendant shook her head, already reading his thoughts, "Don't worry. No concerning events relating to gods have happen, at least not yet. Instead, I've come to you with information that may possibly be beneficial to you in the near future."
"Really?" Well, that wasn't what he expected.
Lavenza giggled, "Think of as my Christmas gift to you. It would also be better if everyone of your comrades to learn about this as well."
"So let me get this straight, you wish to give us information to acquire potential allies to protect us from being under the constant scrutiny of the government?" Makoto asks the blue-dressed girl.
Lavenza nodded.
The group couldn't help but feel hesitant. Of course, they trust Zenkichi (and perhaps, his boss Kaburagi as well to an extent) as he proved that not all of the workers of the government are the same as the Conspiracy. But they still don't trust them as a whole, especially when there are still corrupt politicians at the top.
"I understand how you feel. Given your previous experiences with them." Lavenza said, "However, just like with the Apostle here, there are those with geniune altruistic intentions. I am simply giving you the information about the identities of these individuals as well as the reasons why you can trust them. Perhaps, you may also consider other potential connections, even if they're not entirely just."
"Apostle?" Ann asks.
"She means Zenkichi." Ren replied, to the policeman's confusion.
"What do you mean by that last part, by the way?"
"You will know soon. Besides, it is better if you see their stories for yourself to form your own opinions."
"What are your thoughts, Senpai?" Sumire asks.
Ren seemed to be deep in thought before nodding, "In my opinion, I think we should accept her offer."
"Seriously, dude?" Ryuji asks. Zenkichi was one thing, but that was because they were initially forced to work together before the policeman officially joined their group. There were a few exceptions as well, such as Sojiro. However, most of the time, they wouldn't even bother talking with anyone associated with the government.
Makoto nodded in agreement with Ren, "It's exactly because of the fact that we're constantly against the government that it would be beneficial for us to have more allies associated with them."
"And since Miss Lavenza here will be giving us information, it would allow us to judge whether they can truly be trusted." Yusuke commented.
"Well, it's up to you kids." Sojiro said, "Make sure you keep the information to yourself, especially you blonde punk."
Lavenza nodded.
"I suppose it's decided, then?" At the nods, Lavenza snapped her fingers.
And everything went black.
When Ren opened his eyes again, he was once again surprised by a familiar velvet sight.
"This is..."
"A cinema?" Haru yawned as she opened her eyes.
Ren widened his eyes. This wasn't just any cinema. He looked towards Lavenza who is standing at the front, she gave him a smile and mouthed...
'It is a replica.'
"Ah..." Ren kept what he knew to himself, as he was the only one who fully remembered what happened to the original version of this cinema.
"Wait, why the hell am I here too?" The old man groaned.
"Sojiro!" Futaba cheered.
"As a former member of the government, I believe it is better for you to be present as well." Lavenza explained.
"Wait, if this is a cinema, are we going to be watching the information?" Futaba asks, to which Lavenza responded with a nod.
"Would you fools quiet down? And I thought cinemas were supposed to be quiet."
"Hey, guys!"
Nearly everyone froze and they all turned to two individuals that were already sitting on the seats. Sophia was waving happily at them while the other person just clicked his tongue.
"Akechi!?"