Chapter Text
The world is not as it should be.
It is filled with distortion and "ruin” can no longer be avoided.
Those who oppose fate and desire change…
From time to time, they were referred to as Tricksters.
You are the Trickster…
Now is the time to rise against the abyss of distortion.
~Take Your Time~
A helicopter flies over the cityscape, before a large casino came into view and we move into the neon lit building. Inside the casino, the patrons all looked nervous as some sort of alarm was blaring over the speaker system. Meanwhile, a dark figure moves above them.
“There’s someone here.” One of the patrons says just as men in dark suits and sunglasses walk in and start looking around. The dark figure on the other hand, jumps from elevated platform to platform until landing on a hanging light and his full form was revealed to the crowd below.
It was a young man with short, wavy, raven black hair, dressed in a black ankle-length tailcoat, a high-necked waistcoat with gold accents, cinched black pants, brown-black winklepickers boots with taller heels and a pair of red gloves. Over his dark grey colored eyes is a white, birdlike domino mask with black designs around the eyes reminiscent of full eyeliner and sharp lashes.
“Hey, up there!” Someone exclaims while pointing up to the mysterious boy.
“He’s here. Move in immediately!” One of the men in suit and sunglasses says into a communicator on his wrist, then he and his comrades try to maneuver through the panicking crowd. The boy in the black coat smiles and hops over to another fixture hanging from the ceiling.
“Good. Now get running!” A boyish voice says through his own communicator.
“This is our only chance!” A boy’s voice follows.
“Just stay calm! Your exit is clear and you can get away!” Another boy’s voice speaks next and advices.
“We’ll make sure to retrieve the briefcase on our end.” A woman’s voice then says.
“…suspects…not…confirmed… …hold…your…positions…” A garbled voice says over the transmission. Not one that he recognizes.
“Huh? What was that?” Asks another male voice.
“I’m not sure. I’ll try and locate the signal.” The second boy’s voice speaks again.
“Don’t worry about us. Just concentrate on getting away.” The boyish voice says.
“Meet you there then.” The boy in the dark trench coat says and starts stopping from fixture to fixture.
“But I have to say, showing yourself above that crowd earlier was an excellent move. Nice work as always, Joker.” The boyish voice compliments him, Joker.
“I bet Adam couldn’t pull it off.” A slightly snarky voice remarks.
“Oh, very funny, Shadow!” An annoyed voice follows.
“Come on, no fighting you two.” A soft female voice intervenes.
“There he is!” An agent exclaims, having spotted Joker, as two more join him.
“Just run! Get out of there! Before more come!” The second boy’s voice exclaims. Joker then turns and starts jumping again, heading for a balcony.
“Okay, the enemy’s focus is on him. Looks like the rest of us can slip away.” The boyish voice says.
“Does everyone remember where we’re meeting up?” An older sounding boy asks.
“Don’t worry, I can guide everyone there.” The second boy reassures, just as Joker hops onto the balcony and starts running for the stairs, but suddenly two of the agents appear at the top. They suddenly contort and changed into strange beings still in their suits but now wore metallic masks over their black faces and yellow eyes. Another drops down behind Joker as he turns around, and smirks.
“All right then,” He says and jumps into the air, then comes down and lands on the third masked creature. “Show me your true form!” He says as he proceeds to literally rip the mask off the being’s face then jumps off. The creature then melts away and reforms as a different being with an ox-like head.
“Comparing power levels… No threat at all. You can take them easily, Joker.” The guiding voice reports.
“Persona!” Joker then exclaims as his mask disappears and a dark figure forms behind him. “Go down!” He commands and the dark creature sends an energy blast at the ox-headed creature, knocking it down. Another attack and it was destroyed for good. Joker smiles at his handiwork as he recalls the dark figure.
“Good. You defeated them with ease!” The boyish voice praises.
“What? More of them?! Be careful!” The guide then warned, just as more agent-like beings manifest. They attack but Joker dodges out of the way and jumps up to the balcony above. “Joker, behind you! Go through that door!” The guiding voice instructs, directing the ravenette to a set of stairs, which he runs toward and then ascends into a room with pipes closed off with cages. “You should be able to get out that way. Now hurry!” The guide says next,
“Hey, you can still hear, Yours Truly right?!” The annoyed voice from before asks.
“He really insists on calling himself that?” The first male voice remarks.
“Come on, don’t start. We don’t have the time.” The mature male voice states.
“Anyways, no need to worry. I’m picking up everyone’s signal. I know where you all are. Just get going Joker!” The guide’s voice reassures then commands. “Hm? Wait a sec!” He suddenly exclaims. “What the heck? I’m getting a weird reading heading your way. Be alert! Now, run!” He reports and warns. Joker quickly gets running, exiting the room and goes down a set of stairs, finding more men in suits.
“Tch! We got away from a bunch of those guys in black, but there’re still loads of them…” The annoyed voice hisses as Joker carefully sneaks away from the agent and into a room with windows. He quickly ducks out of sight as another agent comes running by and stops in front of the window.
“Where’d they go!? Damn it! I can’t confirm the intruder’s location.” The agent says in frustration. Joker can’t help but smirk as he continues, quickly hiding in the shadows upon seeing another agent.
“…Hey, are you sure he came in this way?” The agent ahead asks while looking around. “Understood. I will continue the search!” He says and gets moving, right past his target. Joker then moves on, though finds another agent waiting. Using a grappling hook, he swings up onto the grate above and starts running.
“Joker—stop!” The guide’s voice says and he freezes in his tracks. “It’s an enemy--right near you!” He warns, just as a bunch of said enemies appear and surround him. “Shit! Even you can’t take on this many—Huh?! Joker! That strange reading from earlier is closing in on you too!” He says next and a shot rang out, hitting one of the enemies, killing it. Looking up, Joker sees a person approaching him.
It was a boy, short in stature with mauve colored hair styled in a bowl cut with an ahoge that appeared to be in the shape of a question mark and purple eyes. He was dressed in a midnight blue bodysuit underneath a navy blue tailed coat with a high collar and folded cuffs, plus a cyan blue color stylized alchemical symbol for Sulfur on the back and black combat boots with cyan blue soles, purple gloves and a violet/indigo masquerade-style mask decorated with rose gold colored patterns and border around the edge and both eyes.
“Looks like you could use a hand.” The mysterious masked boy says as he lowers his Silver Glock gun, its chamber still smoking. He then draws a falchion sword and aims it at the enemies surrounding Joker. “Let’s end this right now.” He says with confident conviction.
“Joker, that’s him! He’s the weird reading I’ve been picking up!” The guide’s voice exclaims over the communications. The enemies then charge at the mysterious boy, who doesn’t look afraid. He then proceeds to cut down the masked creatures before turning to face Joker.
“When I was lost, you helped me find my path again. So now, I’m going to help you.” He says as he walks over to the taller boy and the two turn to the remaining adversaries. “Now, let’s do this!” The boy exclaims as they face off against their opponents, which have turned into two bipedal leopards and a large red bird.
“The enemy readings have decreased? That’s…” The guiding voice says, confused.
“It’s okay. He’s a friendly.” Joker reassures the voice just as the red bird attacks, but the mysterious boy quickly dodges out of the way.
“It’s been sometime since we fought together like this. But this time, it’s my turn to come to your aid. Now, let’s win this!” The mauve haired boy exclaims.
“You got it, Enigma.” Joker says and turns to the enemies. “Persona!” He exclaims, summoning the dark figure from before and it attacks. The other boy, Enigma, then summons a figure of his own and has it attack, knocking down the enemies. The two then attack together, decimating the last of their adversaries.
Enigma lands, then turns around to face forward and slashes his sword, cutting away to reveal a purple background with police tape border and footprints under a magnifying glass lens, with the words “Case Closed”, written in the back.
“This is the truth!” He exclaims as the enemies all disperse. “Looks like that’s the last of them for now.” He says afterwards.
“What…? Joker, who is this? You said he was a friend, but since when?” The voice of the guide can’t help but question.
“It’s a bit of a long story…” Joker replies, unsure about what else to say.
“Well, as long as you’re still alive I guess.” The guide says, resigned. “Wait—Oh, crap! Enemy backup is heading your way! You need to book it, now!” He alerts.
“I’ll hold them off. You get going. After all, you still got work to do as a phantom thief, right? Since I’m not an official member, I really don’t have any right to interfere. However, don’t forget our deal.” Enigma says and states, then takes off.
“Joker, you need to split! Like, right now! Still, I expect an explanation after all of this is over!” The guide urges and states, then Joker gets running. “Go up the stairs at the end of the path! Just a little more, and you’re out!” His guide instructs and he does just that.
He hears them as he passes by a computer lab like area, the head guy saying that they knew he wasn’t the only one and to kill them all. He heads up the stairs, the agents hot on his trail, until he bursts through a door and finds himself on a balcony over-looking a lounge/dining area.
“Something wrong? Your exit should be up ahead.” The guide asks him.
“Through there…?” Joker asks as he looks ahead to see a large window made of multi-colored stained glass panes.
“Nnh…! That’s just how it is. After that whole commotion, the bottom floor is now completely closed off. Think you can make it?” The guide’s voice replies. Joker merely smiles.
“Over there!” He hears and turns to see three agents with guns pointed at him.
“There’s nowhere to run!” One of the agents says as they slowly approach. Joker again smirks and proceeds to jump onto the balcony railing, then runs on it over to the multicolored window.
“See ya!” He says and jumps right through the stained glass out into the building, the crowd below scream in shock and fright.
“As big of a showoff as ever.” The guide’s voice says with a sigh.
“And people say I’m reckless.” The grown woman’s voice then comments. Joker twists in the air, then lands, rolling onto his feet. He then stands up, only for a bunch of lights to shine right at him.
“Enemies, here?! Wait, these readings… No way!” The guide says in shock.
“What’s wrong?” A female voice asks, worried.
“This is the cops!” Exclaims a middle-aged looking man with brown hair, a stubble on his chin, along with a bandage and a red pencil tucked behind his left ear. He wore a green trench coat, a beige shirt, a red tie, dark brown jean pants and black loafers, holding a megaphone.
“Wait a minute… that voice…” Says the woman.
“What happened?” The annoyed voice asks.
“An ambush!?” The boyish voice asks.
“Joker, what’s going on?” The mature boy’s voice asks.
“Joker!” The cheerful voice exclaims.
“Get him boys!” The man in the green trench coat says and the police move in.
Joker himself starts running, then jumps up and grabs a nearby ladder then climbs it, looking down at the police who couldn’t reach him. Only to freeze when he looks up upon reaching the top to find more of them with their guns pointed at him. One of the men then proceeds to hit him in the face with the butt of his gun, sending him flying down into the police’s hand.
“Suspect secure.” One of the men says, Joker lying face first on the ground with his hands held behind his back, the man in the trench coat approaching him.
“Gotta admit, didn’t expect it to be a kid.” He says, looking genuinely surprised.
“Neither did I,” Another man says as he approaches Joker, then kneels to him and grabs his hair, lifting his head slightly. “You have your teammate to thank for this. You, were sold out.” He says, mockingly, and Joker gasps, then grunts as the man lets go. “Cuff him.” The man says as he gets up and walks away.
“Hey, easy. I know he’s a criminal, but he’s still a minor.” The man in the green trench coat says as the other officers proceed to cuff the boy.
~Take Your Time~
“Guess the drug was too strong…” A man remarks while looking at a bound Joker, now dressed in some sort of school uniform. The boy appeared to be unconscious as he sat in a chair, hands cuffed together behind the back. “Wake him up.” The man orders and a bucket of water was dumped on the boy. He blearily opens his eyes and looks at his surroundings, including the men in suits.
“No dozing off.” The leader says. The boy didn’t seem to be paying attention to him, when he notices the cuffs and begins struggling to get them off. “You still don’t get it, do you?” The man says as he approaches the boy. “Give it up!” He exclaims and kicks the boy down, chair and all.
“Come on, cooperate. Or what, you want another shot?” The man says as he steps on the boy’s head, pressing ever slightly with the heel of his boot. The raven haired boy grits his teeth, then something catches his eye, the man following his line of sight.
“Huh? What about the camera? Are you thinking that it can be used as video evidence?” He asks he removes his foot then leans down and pulls the boy’s head up by his hair. The boy doesn’t reply, too delirious from the drug they ejected into him. “Didn’t you hear my question? Answer!” The man says as he lets go and the boy’s head drops painfully on the floor, then kicks him in the stomach.
“Nngh!” The poor boy exclaims, coughing and wheezing from the pain, while the man walks over to another suit and accepts a clipboard with a paper on it.
“Obstruction of justice, blackmail, defamation, possession of weapons…” The man reads aloud. “Manslaughter too? Talk about the works. To think that all of those crimes were led by a punk like this… And you seemed to be enjoying every second of it… Huh?” He says then looks back to the boy, who looks up at him confused.
“I was… enjoying it…? Everything’s hazy… I can’t remember…” He thought, cause whatever they gave him made his mind all screwed up. He could barely focus on his captors. Speaking of which, the leader shakes his head at him.
“…You should know your place.” He tells him and motions to the other two suits, who proceed to un-cuff the boy and sit him up on the floor. The boy struggles to stay up and rubs his sore wrists, as the leader approaches him again. “Sign here. It’s a confession under your name.” He instructs and explains, holding the clipboard out to the ravenette, who bats it away.
“I see…” The man says as he straightens up, then stomps on the boy’s right thigh. “I need your hand to sign this but… I don’t care if you end up losing a leg.” He says, applying pressure to his foot before stepping off and the boy clutches his aching thigh. The man then holds the clipboard out to him again.
“I understand…” The boy says wearily and takes the clipboard. The man in the suit then holds a pen out to him while leaning in uncomfortably close.
“Don’t expect to walk out of here in one piece. We’re going to make sure you understand… One must take full responsibility for their actions…” He tells the boy intensely. The boy then takes the pen and writes his name down on the paper.
Ren Amamiya
~Take Your Time~
“He’s down this way sir.” The man in the green trench coat says as he leads another man down the hall of the police station towards the interrogation room where Ren was. The new man appeared to be in his 20s, with ash-grey hair that had bangs that framed his sharp face and wore a wine-red suit with a black vest and white cravat, his silver eyes holding determination.
“Excuse me, but this area is off-limits.” A man in a suit says, stopping the two before they could enter the room, which had a security officer guarding it.
“Who do you think you are, pal?!” The man in the green trench coat suddenly exclaims, causing the suit to balk. “Do you know who this is!?” He then asks.
“Gumshoe,” The grey-haired man says and the other man backs down, he then steps forward. “Miles Edgeworth, from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. I require to speak with the suspect.” He introduces himself and states.
“Wait, you-you’re…?” The suit says in surprise. “Wait, the Prosecutor’s Office? What business do you have here?” He then asks.
“Just let me through. It’s urgent. I need to speak with the suspect.” Miles replies.
“I apologize, Mr. Edgeworth, but I’m afraid that this case is no longer under your jurisdiction. Besides—” The man in the suit replies and states.
“Was I asking for your permission?” The grey-haired man asks, eyes narrowed and arms crossed over his chest. His expression clearly displeased.
“Are you Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth?” A new voice says and everyone turns to see another man in a suit approach. “I just got off the phone with Director Von Karma. Hurry and get it over with. To be frank, you’re being an inconvenience.” The man states. Miles was about to talk back when his phone rings and he quickly answers it.
“I thought I ordered you to stand by.” Von Karma’s voice says, sounding annoyed.
“Didn’t you assign this case to me? Yet I’m not being allowed an interrogation!?” Miles states and questions, angrily.
“I’m calling because I knew you’d bring it up.” Manfred grumbles.
“Aren’t you the one who taught me to always see a case through? As such, I will not be convinced unless I confirm it for myself.” The grey-haired man states to his mentor, his conviction clear as day.
“…Good luck to you then. I won’t be expecting much though…” The director says, resigned and the call ends, Miles putting his phone away.
“Ah, Prosecutor. I forgot to mention something important. Your time will be cut short. We can’t permit you to talk with him for long.” The man in the suit says.
“What? What kind of nonsense is that?!” The one in the trench coat, Gumshoe, exclaims, sounding outraged.
“It’s for his own sake. His methods are unknown. After all, we don’t even know if it’s safe to simply meet and speak with him.” The suit states.
“…I understand.” Miles replies and turns to the interrogation room door.
“Wha—Sir!” Gumshoe exclaims, looking at the man in shock.
“Gumshoe, you are to wait outside. I’d like to do this alone.” The prosecutor says and enters the room, finding Ren, the suspect, sat at the table, face bruised and eyes unfocused. He sat in the chair on the opposite side. “So Gumshoe wasn’t joking. You really are just a kid… Regardless, you will be answering my questions truthfully. Don’t try to lie.” He says harshly, only for something to catch his eye.
“What the—? Urk! Those bastards…” He hisses in disgust, having noticed the empty syringe on the floor. He then turns back to the raven-haired boy, his expression softening slightly. “Hey, can you hear me? Do you—do you know what’s going on?” He asks but the boy doesn’t reply. “Can you at least tell me your name?” He asks.
“Ren… Ren, Amamiya…” The boy replies weakly.
“So you can speak.” Miles comments, then seems to think deeply. “Anyways, I am—” He says next as he prepares to introduce himself.
“Miles Edgeworth… Otherwise known as the Demon Prosecutor.” The ravenette cuts him off and says, eyes slightly narrowed.
“I see you know that much…” Edgeworth says, annoyed from being interrupted. “Look kid, I’m going to be honest, almost anything can happen here… And I can’t stop them.” He then admits. “That’s why I need you to answer me honestly with the absolute truth. I don’t have much time either. Tell me… What was your objective? Why did you cause such a major incident? At first, I thought it was just a prank, but soon… Though, at that point I couldn’t even assemble a case for prosecution. Mainly because I couldn’t figure out the method behind it.” He asks and recounts.
“Of course you couldn’t…” Ren says quietly.
“I guess that’s true. There’s no way I would ever be convinced of such a… ‘world’ just by reading the reports. At least you are coherent.” The prosecutor admits. “All right… When and where did you find out about that world? How is it even possible to steal someone’s heart? Or was it desire…? Now, tell me your recount of everything. I ask that you start from the very beginning.” He says next.
Ren doesn’t say anything, trying desperately to remember what the man was talking about. All those beatings and drugs that he received were making it hard for him to think straight, it was all a jumbled mess and he felt like darkness was closing in on him. Just then, he noticed a shimmer of light and looks up to see a shining butterfly flutter by him, a single light in the darkness.
“Here you are, held captive. Trapped in an unfair game of fate, the odds not in your favor and you are destined to lose. Yet, there is a still chance. You can turn this whole thing around with but a single move.” A mysterious voice, seemingly the butterfly’s, tells him. “The key to your victory in this game, lies within the bonds you have made in the past year. You remember, it all started that day…” As the voice fades, it starts coming back to him.