1Chapter 5 - Heaven Sent
(The scene opens on several medieval knight like shadows kneeling before Ruler standing before them as it's leader adorned with gold armour stands at the head within what appears to be an open clearing filled with sunlight, a large spring and greenery everywhere. The Golden Shadow then kneels before Ruler.)
Golden Shadow (kneeling): Your majesty, we've been unable to locate the intruders. It appears they had help aiding in their escape. I cannot apologise enough for our failings!
Ruler: Help? Then, that would mean…
(Ruler thinks to herself for a moment trying to remember the one part of herself, at this the Golden Shadow looks up and she catches herself.)
Ruler: Oh, Captain. Eden is a sanctuary where all wondering souls can embrace peace. Those who seek to protect it, please, there is no need to kneel here.
(The Captain looks up to Ruler, taken by her humble response)
Golden Shadow: Truly? You are most kind, your Majesty!
(The other shadows seen this stand then bow before Ruler.)
Ruler: It's only natural for a Ruler to look out for those under her protection. However, I must ask for the sake of Eden what do you know of these Phantom Thieves?
Golden Shadow: Hm, The Phantom Thieves of Hearts?
(Ruler nods as the Golden shadow pauses before responding.)
Golden Shadow: Hmph, they're infidels whom have the audacity to lay their hands on many a God…
Ruler: I see, then in that case such sacrilege must b-
Golden Shadow: However, there are many within the Sea of Souls that consider them heroes.
Ruler (surprised): Huh?
Golden Shadow: The Phantom Thieves are considered champions of the weak, outcasts of society, an ideal of sorts, due to their will to fight for others and grant them freedom.
Ruler (says in a slightly gentler tone): Freedom?
(Ruler takes a moment to pause and think to herself before remembering Jokers devilish smirk in their prior battle. At the thought Ruler gently smiles to herself.)
Ruler: Honestly, such a trouble-maker…
Golden Shadow: Your…majesty?
(Ruler then catches herself and turns before regaining her composure.)
Ruler: Hm, perhaps I was a tad harsh in my treatment of them. However, if they are conspiring with others to disrupt the sanctity of this place then they cannot be ignored. Double the search perimeter to the forest beyond even Eden's boarders, and men… please be careful.
Golden Shadow and Silver Shadows: Yes, Your Majesty!
—
(Meanwhile back within the cavern Ren, Maria, Sophia, Morgana & Akechi discussing the plan to change Rinne's heart as Rio watches their conversation in curiosity.)
Morgana: Okay, so we know what we want to do. The real question is, how do we do it?
Akechi: Indeed, it's all well and good to want to change her heart but this place is quite different from palaces or jails, I doubt there's any treasure laying about to make it a simple task.
Rio (starry eyed): Treasure!?
(Ren smiles at Rio's excitement at the prospect of treasure but this immediately sparks an idea in him. Remembering the blazer from the closed forest and Rinne's reaction to it, he pulls it out.)
Ren: Right! This world may not be a Palace or a Jail but because of Eden it's still shaped by Rinne's heart but more importantly her memories. She may have buried those memories, but they still exist within this world.
(Ren notes the Blazer as well as Rio and Maria's presence.)
Ren: It seems to me if we can get Rinne to remember what it is she loves, then she'd be able to accept those memories. The best part is, right now she doesn't seem too interested in anything beyond the boundary of her Paradise, so if there's anything to be found within the closed forest we should be able to explore unhindered.
Sophia: Nice plan, Joker!
Maria (curious): Joker?
Morgana (openly responds): Yeah! We always use code names when we operate in the Metaverse. Because it's a world made up of someones cognition, you can never tell what effect using your real name would have.
Rio: That's so cool!
Maria (smiles): I see! It's no wonder you've all made such a name for yourselves within your world.
Akechi: Indeed, it's something we've witnessed first hand in this world already.
Morgana (catching on): Oh, that's right! In that case we should probably come up with code names for these 2.
(Morgana gestures towards Rio and Maria the former who's eyes are sparkling and the later seems fully invested in the idea.)
Ren: Right! If Rinne is this disconnected from her heart. There's no telling what impact saying their names would have in this place.
(Ren turns to the two.)
Ren: So, what do you say Maria, Rio? Fancy joining the Phantom Thieves?
Maria Rio (nod assertively): Mm-hm!
Morgana: Sweet, 2 new apprentices! Now all we need is their code names. What's your take Joker?
(Ren turns to Maria whom he gazes at for a moment forcing her face to turn a light shade of pink.)
Ren: Well, with that name and that White overcoat, how about… Saint?
(Maria smiles at the name, remembering the night Shido had given her, her own name after the patron Saint Maria.)
Maria: It's perfect!
Sophia: That's so cool, Rio's next right? Got anything for her Joker.
(Rio turns to Ren expectantly.)
Ren: Mmm, this ones a hard one. Well, she is her Mothers heart so… Ray… maybe.
(Ren immediately regrets saying the cliche name as Rio blows a raspberry at the notion.)
Morgana: C'mon, you're normally better with this kind of stuff right?
(Ren sighs taking a moment to pause, however it's Sophia who interrupts his musing.)
Sophia: How about, Hope? Rio represents her mother and fathers hope right?
(Rio smiles at Sophia, not only the name but her reason for choosing it.)
Ren (smiles): That's great Sophie! That's exactly what you guys represent to me. So what do you say Rio? You want to be your Mama's hope?
Rio (smiles at Ren): Mm-hm!
(Ren, Morgana and Sophia smile while Akechi leans on the rock behind him indifferent to the whole exchange.)
Morgana: Welcome to the Phantom Thieves, Saint & Hope!
Maria: Ah, it's nice to be on board! Uh…
(Ren, Akechi, Morgana, and Sophia all look to Maria)
Ren: Joker.
Morgana: Mona
Sophia: Sophie!
Akechi: Crow.
Maria: I look forward to working with you all, everyone!
(At this Rio takes a glimpse of Crows Detective Prince attire adorned with Red, and White and becomes curious)
Rio (curious): C-crow?
(Akechi turns to Rio cocking his head to the side as if he's about to say something snide however Morgana cuts him off.)
Morgana (catching on): R-right! Let's not worry about that too much right now. After all we've got a mission to complete, right Hope?
(Being excited by her new code name Rio smiles and nods her head enthusiastically.)
Akechi: Now that's over with, there's still the matter of Ruler to worry about. Based on what happened earlier and what Saint said, I really don't fancy our chances if she decides to come after us. Based on the fact she can re-write the world with Eden, I'm curious as to why she didn't simply banish us from existence.
Maria: That would be thanks to, Rio. Rio was born as a result of Rinne's sealed abilities which is why she shares a connection with Eden. As long as Rio permits your existence Rinne won't be able to erase you.
Akechi: Fair enough but even so, we're weakened in our current state and like it or not we will likely have to confront Ruler at some point.
Ren: True enough. Honestly, it'd be really helpful if we had access to the Blue Door right now.
(Maria and Rio's eyes widen at this.)
Maria: Wait a moment, did you just say blue door!?
(Ren is puzzled by Maria's reaction but responds.)
Ren: Yeah. Does that mean something to you?
(At this Maria turns to Rio and kneels before the girl whispers something in her ear. Accepting her words, Maria nods and then turns to Ren.)
Maria: Ren, there's something Rio would like to show you if that's okay?
(Ren curious nods.)
—
(Rio and Maria lead Ren and Morgana down a long passage way within the cavern.)
Morgana: I meant to ask Maria, what exactly is this place?
Maria (smiles): It's a part of Eden's underground root system. It used to have many roots stretching in different directions but as Ruler became more invested within her sanctuary, this place became abandoned. So we've been using it as a hideout since.
Morgana: That's pretty clever. Changing your hideout on the fly is something we do a lot too.
(Maria smiles at this but she reaches a narrow left turn within the complex at Rio's sight and as Ren and Morgana reach the turn they are stunned by the sight before them.)
Ren Morgana: Huh!? Is that?
(Standing before them a mere few feet away, is the sight of a very familiar looking blue door. Rio has her eyes firmly cast on the door whereas Maria has hers cast on Ren and Morgana who are struggling to take it in.)
Maria: Ah, so you can see it? Rio-Chan has always said there was a door here but I could never see it for myself. If you two can, maybe you know what it's for?
(Ren is surprised at Maria's revelation and immediately turns to Rio.)
Ren: Wait, Rio-Chan can see the Velvet Room?
Maria: Velvet Room?
Rio: Mm-hm, I'm not sure when it first appeared but I remember seeing a beautiful yellow butterfly that led me here. I feel like it's always been here.
(Both Ren and Morgana look at each other and raise an eyebrow.)
Morgana: A "yellow" butterfly? But that's not-
Ren: Wait, it's always been here? But you never tried to go inside Rio-Chan?
Maria: I don't think she could get inside as the door supposedly requires a special type of key.
(At this Ren's eyes widen as he fishes out a very peculiar blue-coloured key from around his neck and Rio's eyes widen at the sight of the key.)
Ren (to Morgana): You think this is?
Morgana: I have no idea. But there's one easy way to find out.
(Ren turns to Rio.)
Ren: Say Rio-Chan, what do you say we crack open this sucker and see what's inside?
(Rio smiles at the and nods her head vigorously. At this Ren then turns to Maria.)
Ren: Maria, I'm sorry to say this but since you can't see the door I'm not sure you'd be able to enter it. I realise this is a lot to ask but would you mind if I and Rio checked it out? I promise we'll only be there for a-
(Maria cuts Ren off smiling warmly at him and Morgana.)
Maria: You do not need to apologise. If you and Rio can see it, it must be something important. I won't be going anywhere.
Ren: Thank you Maria! We'll be one moment, I promise!
(At this Ren and Morgana nod at each other with Rio at their side, insert the key inside the door and twist resulting in a gentle click as the door opens and all 3 are bathed in a bright white light.)
—
(As the next scene cuts in all 3 are briefly still blinded by the light as a familiar voice greets them.)
Jovial Voice: Hello everyone!
(As the light subsides the scene exposes a familiar room of almost entirely blue, however much as it has in the past the Velvet Room has taken on a new form. The room now consists of a baptismal font at it's centre with several gated vaults in the background. Standing on a stepladder over the baptismal font is a familiar girl with yellow-eyes and white hair about Rio's size wearing all blue robes and a small blue hat while wielding a staff very remnant to that of an archbishop)
Lavenza: Welcome to the Velvet Sanctum!
(Rio's eyes light up at the utterly bizarre sight of all blue before her while Ren and Morgana are taken by both the rooms appearance and that of Lavenza herself.)
Morgana: L-lady Lavenza!?
Lavenza (smiles warmly): It has been quite a while, Trickster!
(At this, the entire scenario hits Ren all at once and he unexpectedly bursts into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Up until this point Ren hadn't realised how much he had missed Lavenza's uncanny antics or that of the Velvet Room itself. Rio seeing Ren's sincere reaction can't help but giggle as well and while Morgana is stunned by the reaction of the 2, Lavenza smiles on knowing it'd been so long since her beloved Trickster laughed like this.)
Morgana (bewildered): H-hey R-ren?
Ren (wiping a tear from his eye): I-I'm sorry. You're absolutely right it's been a while. For what it's worth Lavenza, you look absolutely adorable in that.
(Lavenza politely smiles and bows her head accepting Ren's compliment. Rio too smiles at Lavenza's polite demeanour.)
Morgana (to Ren): Right, let's remember why we're here?
(Morgana then turns his attention to Lavenza.)
Morgana: Lady Lavenza, this is Rio Sonogami.
Lavenza (smiling): It is nice to meet you Rio Sonogami.
(At this Rio smiles warmly at Lavenza but is too shy to say anything. Prompting Lavenza to turn her attention to Ren.)
Lavenza: My Trickster, it seems you've found yet another capable of defying the norms of this universe.
(At this Ren and Morgana look at each other and then at Lavenza.)
Morgana: Wait, are you referring to Rio?
Lavenza: Indeed! Rio Sonogami is the product of a miraculous set of circumstances that would otherwise be impossible within this universe. Within her lays the potential to alter fate much as you do, Trickster.
(Rio then appears to be stunned but captivated by the conversation before her.)
Ren (wide-eyed): Wait, when you say "potential" do you mean?
Lavenza: Not at all, Trickster. I simply mean your uniting with this girl under these set of anomalous circumstances may well have a dramatic effect on her future, as well as your own.
(Ren is at first intrigued by exactly what it is Lavenza is suggesting only to then remember that the Velvet Room Attendants don't possess the ability to see the future, and even if they could the future can always be changed.)
Ren: Right, speaking of these circumstances? Could you fill us in on that?
Lavenza: Please, ask away. I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability. There maybe some speculation but I should be a good source of information.
(Ren smiles, then looks at Rio who is curious and then to Morgana whom nods in response).
Ren: Alright, so. Why can Rio see the blue door? She said it's always existed within this world but she couldn't enter it until we entered the key.
Lavenza: That my Trickster, is likely a result of your connection with the entity known as Rinne Sonogami.
Ren (eyes wide): …Connection? I've only met her once and even then that was as "Ruler". How is it possible we'd have any sort of connection?
Lavenza (smiles confidently): Remember Trickster, the Velvet Room exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. Things such as time and space have little meaning within the subconscious sea.
(Ren is taken aback at this, though it would explain the feeling he had upon seeing her in his dream. Ren turns to Rio whom appears not to be surprised in the slightest by the revelation. Seeing this, Ren then turns back to Lavenza.)
Ren: Alright, I can buy that, but if that's true, why couldn't she enter?
Lavenza: Well Trickster, those whom you've accepted within your heart normally would be able to manifest within this place. However, in a realm created by the cognition of Rinne Sonogami, whom has not permitted the existence of Rio within the inner walls of her heart it would be no small wonder she would not be able to enter the Velvet Room through that entrance. However, as you've unlocked the door from that side Rio should be free to enter as long as you permit it.
(Ren looks at Morgana, then at Rio whom is still staring at Lavenza with an adorable focus.)
Ren: Absolutely, Rio goes on the VIP list!
(Lavenza smiles at the remark.)
Lavenza: Of course my Trickster, what else would you like to know?
Ren: Rio said she was led to the Blue Door by a yellow butterfly, any idea what that's about?
(At this, Lavenza's eyes widen slightly but then smiles very warmly at Rio who is keenly focused at this point and hanging onto every single word.)
Lavenza: That simply means Rio Sonogami is a very special child. Trickster, please watch over her with care as while she may have potential, whether or not it becomes realised will entirely depend on the trial before you.
(Hearing this Ren is more curious and is tempted to ask more questions but one look at Morgana who shakes his head is all he needs to step away from that idea. Ren then looks at Rio who has a serious focus and smiles at her which causes her eyes to brighten.)
Ren: I'll protect Rio with my life.
Morgana: Yeah, we won't let you down!
Lavenza (smiling): Now there's the Trickster I know so well.
(Ren then remembers something important, something he had meant to ask a long time ago, during the days he and his friends fought for their reality against Maruki. Ren places his hand in his pocket and fishes out the Blue Star which immediately catches Lavenza's attention.)
Ren: A while back, we were given this star by a boy named Jose but he never actually told us what it was, or how it worked. When we were called to this world that Star glowed blue and it did it again when Ruler attacked us. I don't suppose you'd be able to fill us in on it would you?
(Lavenza looks at the star for a moment then takes a brief pause before responding.)
Lavenza: My Trickster, it would be inaccurate to say the artefact given to you by the Vegabond is a "Star". I believe it would be more accurate to refer to it as a "Beacon" of sorts as it draws on the light and willpower within the users heart. This maybe the reason Rio was able to call on your help from across the subconscious sea.
Ren (nods): Right, Thank you Lavenza! As always you've been a star yourself.
(Lavenza blushes at this remark.)
Lavenza: Of course, for my Trickster I am always happy to provide. As such I will be more than happy to provide the services you're familiar with albeit in a different form due to this worlds influence.
Rio (curious): Ren, what does she mean by "services"?
(At this Ren is struck by a sense of nervousness, less so at Rio emphasising the word "services" and more so at the notion of a young girl potentially witnessing Hanging, Electrocuting and Beheading persona's)
Ren: U-um, well Rio-Chan-
(Lavenza then still beaming cuts Ren off.)
Lavenza: As violence is not permitted within this place, we offer confession, purification and cremation as a means to create new skill cards, augment the strength of and create new Persona's.
Morgana: That's good, we should take advantage of it while we can but for now we should probably get back to the others. Thank you so much Lady Lavenza.
Lavenza (nods): Of course! Morgana I leave him in your care. My Trickster, please be aware that Rulers heart is currently in a delicate state and whether or not you will be able to overcome your ordeal, will all depend on whether she is capable of overcoming her own. I will watch over you always, Trickster.
(Ren smiles at Lavenza affirmatively before turning with Morgana and Rio and exiting the Velvet Room and appearing once more back in the cavern to a very confused and surprised Maria.)
Maria (concerned): You three, are you okay?
Rio (smiling): Mm-hm! We went to a Blue Church and met a Blue Priestess and she offered us all kinds of services.
Maria (confused): Huh? but you didn't go anywhere. You just sort of zoned out for a few seconds.
(Maria then squints her eyes while casting a suspicious glare at Ren.)
Maria: Wait… what do you mean "services"? Ren, I trust you haven't been a bad influence by taking Rio to illegitimate establishments?
Ren (sweats nervously): It, it's a church, Maria-Chan!
(Maria's face then goes slightly pink at Ren referring to her as Chan.)
Ren (in his head): Though admittedly that bad influence part might not be far off.
(At this Maria cocks her head slightly staring at Ren who gathers his bearings.)
Ren: R-right! In any case, I think it's time to take this plan to action.
Maria (smiles defiantly): You mean…
Ren: It's showtime!
—
Writers Notes
Writing this one was a lot of fun as it not only allowed me to sow a lot of seeds with the upcoming story, but seeing the Velvet Room change to reflect the themes of the story always feels right to me. As stated in the previous chapter, Rio is going to play a huge role in this story, and assuming I finish it within it's aftermath. Of course, we've set up code names for Maria and Rio as well which will be relevant later.
One thing I do think is important to distinguish though is the difference between Ruler and Rinne within this story. Currently Ruler has buried Rinne, Shido's "childhood friend" so deeply within her memory that she can scarcely remember what it felt like to be human and feel those small special things that moved her heart. Thus when a new challenger shows up with a serious game-face it makes an impression.