『Higurashi Daybreak Reborn』
{Ch.1 = Return of the Magatama}
What started as a club activity, ended as an all-out war.
Once, in a different Hinamizawa, a sacred treasure of the Furude Shrine was released.
The treasure came in two pieces; one red, one white. These were the magical magatama. If any one got their hands on them, total chaos would follow. Whoever held the red magatama would fall in love with whoever held the white one.
In that other Hinamizawa, the two magatama started a war between everyone in the town. Everybody wanted the two magical objects, and they did what they could to get the magatama.
These were the thoughts that were in my head when I saw what Rena had brought from the junkyard.
"I found these today while treasure hunting! Don't they look cute? Don't they?"
Rena speaks to us.
Everyone's eyes were focused on the two small objects she found. They were the very same magatama that ruined a past Hinamizawa. And now, they are back.
No one knows about the events of that world other than me and Hanyuu. Both of us knew that we had to retrieve the magatama at all costs.
"Can I have them?"
I ask Rena right away. However, I don't get the response I was wanting.
"But Rika... They're so cute! And you know how much I love cute things. I want to take them home with me!"
Keiichi's the next to talk.
"Well, there's two of them. Why don't you each take one?"
"I want both."
I answer him immediately. To my friends, it probably seems like I'm being mean. That's not the case. I'm just trying to prevent this Hinamizawa from coming to an end.
"I know! Why don't we turn this into a club activity?"
Mion, the club leader, speaks out.
The very thing I feared is happening. It will start as a normal club activity, but it will eventually grow fiercer and more intense, until all of Hinamizawa is caught up in a war that threatens life, love, and friendship.
"Great idea, sis!"
"That sounds like a good plan to me!"
Shion and Satoko agree to Mion's suggestion. That is all that's needed for this mess to begin. I can tell by the sound of their voices that they're excited, but that's only because they don't know what they're getting theirselves into.
"Okay! There's two magatama here. Let's split into pairs. We'll have a battle to see which pair will get to keep the magatama. How's that sound to everyone?"
Everyone except me agrees. I just stay silent.
Keiichi notices my reaction, and asks me about it.
"Rika-chan? Are you feeling okay?"
"Mi-. Don't worry. I'm fine. Nipah~!"
The truth is, I'm not fine. I'm worried about what we're getting ourselves into. I've seen the effects of the magatama before, and it's not good.
The six of us split into pairs. That makes three teams.
The three teams are Keiichi and Rena, Mion and Shion, and me and Satoko.
After the pairs are decided, the three teams separate.
The game will be a battle for the magatama. You can use any means necessary to defeat your opponents. You're out when you can no longer move. Whichever pair is still standing when the day is over wins the magatama. For a pair to be defeated, BOTH teammates must be incapable of moving. If the only one person is still standing at the end of the game, then that person's team wins, even if their teammate is already out.
These are the rules that Mion set up for the game.
Fortunately, it's still just a game. I have to get the magatama before this turns to war.
The three teams prepare for the battle...
