[ when he was a Phantom Thief, those in power used others to further their agendas. at that time, Ren's goal had always been to raise those others up, to break free of those chains that had they had been bound in. part of that experience had been letting people exert their autonomy in their own ways, and relinquishing control.

the fear needed to be voiced before it was rooted out. ]

It hasn't.

[ he says evenly, his brows pinching in the center. no, they had been used by everyone: Johann, whoever brought them here, the government, and now Riverstone. he wants to hear Lance out, but he wants to be heard, too. it's rare that he feels this way. ]

But we're already in danger. We always have been. If we're going to help each other, and those of us that want to help this world, we have to stand up. The right time might never come, but being afraid makes us powerless.

[ there's a pause. ]

I'm telling you this because I believe you could do a lot of good. I want you to know that.