Closing the sliding door behind her. A girl with sakura-colored hair grabs a chair resting in the corner of the room before placing it in front of a cell. Covering herself in a white sheet blanket, she sat down before eyeing the man resting on a hard mattress bed behind the steel bar. Finding that the man is still unconscious after she 'accidentally' knock him out with the sheath of her blade. She began to wonder who is this guy really is.

From the search she made, he seems to be somewhere near his twenties, he has raven shaded hair, gray pupils from what she remembers, he wears a stylish attire of black tailcoat and crimson gloves. She also confiscated some weapons underneath his coat like a knife, pistol gun, and a strange device she found somewhere on his sleeve.

She hasn't noticed his face before, she knows and recognizes each person living in the village due to her job. However, she has no remembrance of him except for today. But regardless, he'll be facing some allegations like possession of weapons, possible ringmaster of the thieving incident today, and a suspicion of being an Oni.

While there is still no solid shreds of evidence aside from the weapons she retrieves. Okita Souji, won't let any Oni harms the innocent people of this village, it's her duty as one of the Shinsengumi. Only time will tell if he's going to become convict and punished, the result of his blood examination shall be the proof she needed to show to the vice commander once he and the rest return from their mission.

Okita is confident in what she sensed from him. After the thieves separated from each other, she chases the other one, but when the thief got cornered it became extremely hostile and threaten to harm all bystanders if she didn't leave him alone. Her only option is to act swiftly and mercilessly by plunging her blade into the monster's heart. Knowing the other thief is on the run, she immediately leaves the area to catch up to him.

To her shock, she saw that thief in his monstrous form running in trepidation from this raven-haired man who's currently behind the bar. She felt a weak scent of evil spirit coming from him, it was quick and unnoticeable like it was all just produced in her imagination. However, Okita knows that Onis are devious creatures, even though she wasn't sure about it, she made her move to seize him.

Though it wasn't an arrest since she just straight up went to assault him. Well, she still ended up accomplishing her goal, so that is a daishouri for her! Since she has an excuse from the complaints of her superior.

"Hmm?" She heard the soft voice coming from the young man. Then she saw his body begun to shift, trying to find comfy on the hard mattress. A couple of seconds later, the young man pulled himself up to sit on the bed. There is still a sign of drowsiness on him, but their eyes soon meet each other, however, this time there is a steel metal standing between them.

Both of them are surprised but for different reasons. Okita is stunned from seeing the man's awake, on the other hand, Ren could not believe he wakes up inside a small confined room. While this isn't the first time that happened to him and he isn't a stranger about prison, this is still somewhat a rude awakening and not very pleasant for him.

He wonders how much time has passed since he passed out, Scáthach would not be happy about this. Massaging his forehead, he felt a mild ache on his head, there seems no bruise or lump. He noted to himself that he should be more careful next time. Letting out a sigh, Ren looks around his room and recognize some bundle of usable objects, like a sink, toilet, a small barred window, and a bed. Examining the window above him, It seems he's not in an underground, the ray coming from the sun through the window tells it.

However, the color of the ray is already ember, it seems the sun is about to set. "I'm probably sleeping for about three hours." He whispered under his breath, the night is about to fall and he should return to the queen. Digging on his coat pockets, he notices that his equipment is missing even his grappling hook device isn't on his sleeve anymore. He then felt a mild pain on left his hand, something akin to getting cut.

Removing the crimson glove on his left hand, he saw a line of a small cut on his palm. The cut is fresh, but the remaining trail of blood is dry, It seems he got this while he's still unconscious and his suspicion is someone purposely draws a sample of his blood. Looking at the girl with sakura-colored hair, he remembers that she called him an Oni. Perhaps she's the one behind this cut.

"Are you okay? You seem shaking over there." He said before pointing his finger to her shivering body. Examining the girl, he saw the chair she used is dropping droplet of water to the ground, then the white sheet blanket she covered herself with is quite soaked. Did she not change cloth before guarding him?

Okita startled after hearing him talking, but didn't let that fazes her and keep her calm composure. "Don't mind it, Oni." She called him out, while she manages to stay composed, her body is failing her miserably. Her jaws are trembling while her body is shivering from top to bottom, the many layers on drench cloth on her are like cotton made from ice.

But its too late for her to change, the prisoner is awake, she needs to make sure he'll stay here when the vice commander returns.

"I'm not an Oni, and my name is Ren Amamiya." He replied casually without any sign of being offended. Although he does have an Oni type persona with him, there are also different beings residing in his soul, it's unfair to call one of them. He rather stays and be known as a Human.

Quietly activating his senses, he watches the girl's action. She seems a servant like him, the outline he's seeing to her is red, meaning she a powerful one. Tapping deeper, he can hear their faint voices shouting the girls' names to him.

"I'm not sure about that, but for the sake of courtesy, I'm Okita Souji. Captain of the first unit of Shinsengumi." He heard her proud declaration. His personas confirmed her identity to him. Although he's puzzled about knowing it, he saw the picture of Okita Souji on a book that pictured her as a man, who knew that wasn't the truth, she's a girl all along.

Albeit to what she had said, he picked up something that piques his interest. Captain of the first unit of Shinsengumi, then his currently in the presence of the group they're looking for. It seems his luck isn't so bad after all. However, his behind bars while the captain is guarding him, his position isn't good and not the time to talk about their mission.

Using a persona to escape will only paint him bad to this captain, but maybe he can talk his way out? Feeling confident to himself, he decided to proceed with his plan. "I can assure you I'm not an Oni if you allowed me to explain myself." He said, making sure he voice it out toward the girl in a neutral voice. Seeing Okita paused for a brief moment before nodding her head and allowing him to talk, he gives her a smile of gratitude before continuing.

"Like you, I'm a servant of this world, the reason why you felt an 'Oni' presence in me is due to my ability to change my presence at will. It is a deceit to trick my enemy on thinking I'm one of them." Ren explained to the girl. Although, he's leaving the important part in vague, he isn't spouting lies to her. Truthfully, the reason he calls that persona is to trick that Oni in the first place. He just didn't expect someone will saw him doing it.

Okita observes the man, trying to read him when he speaks. He explained it calmly while looking to her eyes, there is no stutter and his words came out naturally. He doesn't look like he's lying, however, this man knows how to trick evil creatures like the Oni, who can say that he won't cloud her mind with his cunning words. She won't be convinced until she has the result on her hand.

"I've listened to your explanation, but I won't take it as face value." She stated in a way that the man would not find any chance to complain. The two of them stayed quiet, only the busty noise from the village coming through the window can be heard. Though Okita can feel her eyelids getting heavier, maybe it was due to the cold from her soaked clothes or looming boredom from waiting makes her sleepy.

As she felt her eyes close, a sound of a thud coming behind the door wakes her up. Okita saw a woman with long purple-haired, crimson eyes, and wearing a violet-colored kimono standing on the doorway from where she entered to get in this room. "Found you." She heard from the woman firm and frigid voice while staring at the imprisoned raven-haired man.

Seeing the woman pointed her finger toward him. Okita immediately stands to her feet and about to draw her blade, but the sound of her finger-snapping turns her attention toward the puff of smoke that appeared on his cell. When the smoke faded, instead of seeing Ren Amamiya, he was replaced with a grey-furred mouse that is strangely wearing a mask. Unsure of what is happening, the mouse runs toward the unknown woman before resting on her shoulder after she picks it up.

"Imprisonment isn't my punishment for you." Okita heard from the woman said in seriousness at the mouse on her shoulder. She doesn't know how to woman get inside here, even when the vice commander is gone with the rest of the squad, those who remain to guard their base are all from the first unit, there is no way she gets inside easily without her notice. But then again, this woman is radiating with overwhelming aura, she's powerful, too powerful for her to fight alone.

Yet, she won't let the inmate escape. Not until he proves free from his charges. Drawing her blade out, the captain of the first unit bravely faces the mysterious woman. "I don't know who you are, but if you are helping the prisoner to escape, then I will lot let you go freely," Okita said while staring dagger at the woman, though fighting her in this compressed room isn't ideal for her, and her chances of winning are slim, she just needs to stall her until the vice commander and his squad return.

"Captain!" She heard the rushing voice of the guards appeared behind the woman. Feeling relief that she has her squad behind her back, but that feeling changed and turned to worry for them as they are going against this powerful individual.

"Your cornered, don't move!" One of the members yelled before slowly approaching the woman to apprehend her, but when his hand touches the woman's shoulder, he got immediately pulled by her before she pushed him toward the steel bar that knocks him out. Everyone then unsheathed their weapon and threatened the woman with it.

Others might think that they've cornered the woman, but for Okita who sees differently than the others, they are the ones cornered by her. Them being inside this narrow room, they just made themselves easier for the woman to take them all at once. This doesn't look good, but if it needed, she will risk her life just for everyone to escape. Raising her blade in pointing directly toward the woman, she prepared her noble phantasm just in case.

Scáthach stared at the girl with sakura-colored hair, judging from her weapon, this girl is a Saber-class servant. She senses no abnormality or divinity on her, meaning she's just a human type of heroic spirit. However, the way she holds her blade, made her curious about the girl's mastery of that weapon. Its a shame, she wanted to fight every servant she meets including her, but it won't do any good on their mission, not now at least.

Not wanting to hurt the Shinsengumi, Scáthach pondered on how to defuse the situation, but her body shifted when she saw a mountainous shadow at the doorway. A man with long black wavy hair, raven-colored pupil, and a scowl look on his face. He hangs a coat on his shoulder, and wore a vest with crimson stripe, underneath his vest is white wear off polo shirt and a crimson gloves on his hands. He has knee-high boots and tight looking jeans. He also has a gun holster on his waist, that carries an old rifle and a long blade.

"Commander!" Okita exclaimed after seeing the humongous vice commander. She felt herself holding her breath when the man looks at her with that scowl looking eyes. Still, she's relieved to him back, perhaps with his help, the demon general of Shinsengumi, they have a chance against-

"Report." Was all they heard from the man's heavy voice. However, his statement is directed toward the captain of the first unit, Okita Souji. The girl lowered her weapon a little as she expresses her discomfort about the situation. Just how she's going to report all of this to him, not only someone easily gets inside their base, but the inmate she caught isn't here anymore, instead, he was replaced by a mouse wearing a mask.

Taking a deep breath, she looks at her superior before opening her mouth. "Well." From there on, Okita tells everything that happened from the thieving incident up till now. Just where is that result she's waiting for!

Little did everyone know, the man that Ren's staring for a while now, the one that Scáthach knocked out is the one that has the result of the examination on his hand.

No conflict happened between the two parties. In the end, they all settled in a much comfortable room to talk. Staring at the piece of paper on his hand. The vice commander of the Shinsengumi, Hijikata Toshizou, silently read what on the paper. After his eyes reach the bottom part and finish reading all stated in it, he took the cup place on the of his table before taking the green tea that is prepared for him.

Feeling the warm liquid run on his throat and reach his stomach. He felt his exhaustion after their long journey to the west is fading away. If only he could take his rest afterward so completely rest his body, but there is this problem that needed to be discussed.

Looking at the woman named Scáthach and the little grey-furred mouse named Ren Amamiya. These two cause trouble for a newcomer on the town, the former sneak into their base without authorization but also tried to help an inmate to escape and knock out one of their members, she'll be facing some serious charges. Meanwhile, the latter according to the cases that Okita filed, has possession of weapons, possible mastermind on the thieving incident happened today, and suspicion of being an Oni. Only one is proven though, and since he's just new to the village, it will only be treated as a minor one.

"Miss Scáthach, I'm sure you are aware of what you have done," He said at the woman across the table who silently nodded to him. "Thus to uphold these charges, you'll need to serve community service for a week." The vice commander continued. Normally, the punishment will be imprisonment, however, this woman is different. She a servant, a powerful one, putting her in jail will not serve any purpose as she can just easily break herself out and there is nothing they could do.

"Though you will not be going to clean the street like what community service commonly is. You see, the village will have a celebration this week, it's to thank us and commemorate their freedom from the clan of Oni that is living in their place before we drive them out." He stated and his mind went back to that time when they arrive at this village. Everyone is a slave of their fear, this place is almost deserted from the lack of people walking outside. And the reason behind it is the Oni.

The Shinsengumi following his lead cast out the evil creature living in the villager land. It was a tough battle and the Oni didn't give up easily, but eventually, they won. And after months of them protecting the area, the village started to recover from trauma and everyone live their life without fear of these creatures. They don't really need to thank them, but they insist on doing it, telling them that it will also become the day of their liberation from fear and the Oni that ruled this land before.

He's hoping that malice would not try to retaliate and cause trouble for everyone. But if they did, then the Shinsengumi will greet them with weapons on their hands, entirely ending their existence for the good of these people. As the vice commander, his confidence that they could protect the village, but having someone as powerful as this woman will make those Oni afraid. Though she isn't a Shinsengumi, she has charges to face and penalty to take one way or another.

Scáthach won't deny it and she's guilty on the cases they put on her head. However, she cannot commit to the service the vice commander wanted. "Though I'm happy for the villager and grateful for not putting behind bars, but I have an important mission to attend off and I apologize for it." She said with an apologetic tone on her voice. Then the queen looks at the mouse on her shoulder staring at her with puzzlement on his tiny eyes.

"But if you allow it, my apprentice here can be my replacement. Not only he's a capable fighter, but he's also a skillful and talented individual. He is also passionate when it comes to helping others, you will not be disappointed with him. I assure you that since I'm his mentor."

Hijikata, Okita, and the Shinsengumi inside the room stared in disbelief on the mouse squeaking at the woman as if saying something to her. They didn't miss the small smile formed on Scáthach lips while listening to the mouse noises.

"So your apprentice can turn into a mouse?" said Hijikata while giving the mouse a stern look on his eyes.

"No, he can't. But I can turn him into one at will." casually replied the woman.

"I see."

"Why, do you have a problem with it?"

The vice commander shakes his head before answering. "No, I don't." He said before taking a drink of tea on his cup.

"Why not?" Okita murmured while giving her superior a look of disbelief. Although, he could be strange sometimes, and it is hard to tell if he's joking or not due to the scowling visage he always has. But his the vice commander, he also does well in that position, she trusts his decision making in both the battlefield or negotiating. Then again, she wonders why his the vice commander when there is no one assigned in the position for the 'head commander'.

Perhaps it's better to move into a much important topic. The Shinsengumi, in general, is a weird lawful group, she'll just gonna get yelled by him if she dares to ask.

Letting out a sigh escape her lips, Okita glance at the mouse on Scáthach's shoulder. He isn't an Oni, the result said it, he also not the ringmaster of the thieving incidents due to lack of proof, and since he's just a newcomer on the village, him possessing a weapon will just be treated as a warning and move on. He's free from the charges she filed.

However, she still has a rough time trusting him. Perhaps she just doesn't know much about him, but regardless, she won't have anything to say regarding the vice commander's decision. In fact, if he agrees then they will have eyes over this newcomer.

"I doubt that you won't tell us anything about this 'mission' of yours?" Hijikata utters before placing his cup on the top of the table.

"I can't. But I guarantee it won't cause any problem," replied Scáthach.

Nodding his head, the vice commander stands to his feet. "Very well, I agree with your condition. We're hoping to see your apprentice tomorrow early morning." He said before sticking out his hand toward Scáthach. They shake their hands in courtesy of agreement. "Though we have rules to follow, we're going to explain it to him tomorrow since he's going to become a temporary member of the Shinsengumi for a week. Make sure you came him wearing a proper outfit like a kimono and bring a sword with you, also be sure you're in a proper 'appearance'."

After saying that, the vice commander shifted his attention toward Okita who startled when she heard his voice. "If miss Scáthach about her apprentice is true, then I'm putting him on your unit Okita. Even though his temporary, make sure he's going to work. With that said, you all are free to leave." He said before making his way toward the sliding door and leave.

"I expect great performance on you, Ren. Don't disappoint me after all I've said to them, alright?" Scáthach said at the bewildered mouse on her shoulder. The two of them then leave the Shinsengumi base and head to the Inn they are staying for tonight. Although, she forgot to tell him that he's going to stay on that form for the whole night so they only going to pay for one person. Also, the owner of the inn has a pet cat, hopefully, he's going to sleep with one eye open.

On the other hand, Ren could not believe that he's going to work on the police side for a week. Though it doesn't sound bad, it's still unnerving for a gentleman thief like him to be on their side.

Grabbing the handle of the door, Akechi let himself inside and got greeted with white space that slowly becoming a small room similar to 'that' cafe. He felt a smile creeping on his face after revisiting this place, even though its an image made from his dream, the feeling is still nostalgic. He remembers the days when he spends most of his time here and enjoying the coffee the owner prepared for him.

Though he has other reasons for hanging out in the cafe. There is one individual that piqued his curiosity as a person and a detective. Finding himself sitting on the cafe stool, he opened the briefcase he's carrying and place a board of chess on the table. Placing the pieces on top of it, he waited until the image of the man appeared behind the counter.

Seeing the confused look on his face, Akechi could not help himself but to snicker softly, moving the white piece pawn two tiles ahead, he gets his attention with his voice. "Nostalgic doesn't it? Well I do feel the same, but do not be alarmed, this is just a dream I've created." He said and with a snap of his finger, a cup of warm coffee appeared on the table.

"How about a game of chess? Its been a while since I played against you. Although, you haven't won against me yet." He said with a light condescending jab toward the raven-haired thief.

Ren let out a sigh after hearing that. He isn't offended about it since it's true when it comes to playing against Akechi, he always found himself asking for a rematch, either in billiards, arcades, darts, or chess, he always finds a way to beat him.

"So even in a dream, you will prove that I cannot beat you?" He replied casually. Strangely enough for him, his attitude toward him didn't change even with what he has done. Working with Kiara and dragging him and his friends on this world, he still thinks of him as a friend, his angry, yes, but perhaps its the atmosphere. They are inside cafe Leblanc after all.

"Hmm, I've never thought of it, but what you said is a great idea though." Akechi softly chuckles before taking a drink on his coffee. Placing the cap back on top, he looks at Ren with curiosity on his eyes. "Tell me, why are you the way you are?" He asks while trying to hide the sharpness on his voice. "After everything that happened to you, you didn't seek revenge or strive for something for yourself. Instead of helping yourself, you help others. You are far away for being a saint, but your heart even surrounded by evil lurking around, you still have kindness in you. Why is that, Ren Amamiya? How do you have the strength to not look back on those people that wronged you."

Ren didn't answer immediately as he looks at Akechi. Even though he hides it, he can feel his frustration towards him, but he also saw the sadness in his eyes while asking him that question. He takes his moment to think of an answer, remembering all the lesson he learned from his journey, he slowly opened his mouth while staring at the chessboard in front of him.

"You know…I realize something, life is similar to a game of chess, but we all are playing the role of a pawn. Once we move, our only way is to go forward and never we can go back." Ren said before moving one of the pawns. It then faces another piece that standing in the same column of tiles. "And sometimes, something will prevent us from moving forward." He pauses to watch Akechi use his turn, with a smile on his face, he uses another pawn to take the pieces blocking the last piece he used. "But we still find a way to overcome it, by the use of our own strength or help with another we will eventually find a way to move forward."

Seeing the pawn getting closer to the final tiles, Ren shows Akechi the genuine kind smile painted on his face. "and only by reaching the end of our journey we will find our true self." Though he didn't watch it closely, he saw Akechi's hand turned into a fist before proceeding to move one of his pieces.

"Checkmate. You lost." He heard from him, looking back at the board, Ren saw his king cornered and no way to move. He indeed lost to him and it was a quick match, but there is no hard feeling dwelling in him. He's not looking for another round, in fact, his satisfied with the result. He then felt his body getting pulled by an invincible force, yet he didn't resist and let himself drifted back to his own.

Now alone by himself, Akechi stared at the chessboard. "So that is your answer, huh?" he said and then pick up the black piece king with his two fingers. "We're like the two sides of a coin, always different from one another." Letting out a sigh of defeat, and drink the last drop of his coffee before standing back to his feet. "I still don't understand you, which why I'm going to despise you." He then digs his hand in his pocket to get the device that Kiara gives to him. "Until then, you better keep your principles. Because I'm going to break it one by one."

Author's Note: Hello! went of another short chapter this week, didn't expect to be bust for days, I apologize. Also, well the build up on this story is a bit slow, but I'll try to pick up the pace next chapter. I'm just deciding who to introduce next for this part. Regardless, I also wanted to address this story even though its quite similar to 'Another Link' (Although it is, since I'm using the plot that haven't make it on that story.) but to make it clear for readers and for myself as well. This story pretty much focus on 'saving' the enemy that will appear, while in Another Link is goes in 'Fighting' the enemy especially the divine godly spirit that will soon appear there.

Also the focus of the persona on Another Link are Demon, Angels, and Fallen. Although here I'm still thinking about it. What kind of personas you guys wanted to see here?

Well bye-bye and let us enjoy playing Persona 5 Royal soon!