(All music has been removed, I might add it to fight scenes if someone thinks that's a good idea. It only took forever, but I did say I would edit didn't I? By the way somebody wish me Happy Birthday. It's the 18th, that's my birthday ^^.)

If you see a little error hiding in the bushes, pm me.

Week 2 Day 2: Why live?

Neku walked with Hanekoma, "Do you think it's wise to meet the Conductor?"

Hanekoma gave a half grin. Neku must have been nervous, "This was your idea, phones."

That wasn't the point at all, "I suppose the better question would be… Do you think Joshua will do something stupid?"

Hanekoma had to think, "Depends what you mean by stupid. Joshua is never stupid. Joshua is desperate and running out of time… I don't know what he'll do."

The best they could do is see what he was planning. Joshua was always unnaturally clever, even by standards of Composers. What Hanekoma knew was that Joshua needed someone to take his place as Composer.

The original idea being Neku, but Weiss recently got promoted to Joshua's backup plan. In order to control Weiss, Joshua needed leverage and that's where Nanami came in. How he intended to use said leverage was another thing entirely. Hanekoma had no intention of finding out, "There's Minamimoto."

The ragged Conductor was still wearing a suit and still looking like a mugger. Yes that's right. A mugger in a suit. How he pulled it off probably could be explained in math terms. Most likely how he explained his current situation in math terms, "Here's the numbers you requested. I did the math, it's possible."

Joshua stood nearby and looked over the seal Hanekoma was fiddling with recently. "Well… it'll have to do. I'll need to test it on a small scale. If it's too much to handle we'll just have to go with my original idea. Time is an illusion, but an illusion that's rapidly fading."

Joshua handed the paper back after memorizing the contents. Sho nodded his head toward Neku, "What about him? Is he a part of your final solution?"

Joshua turned to see Neku and he grinned like the devil. This wasn't the normal Joshua. This was Joshua when he was pretending to be a villain. Maybe he wasn't pretending anymore. If he threw away Hanekoma what else didn't matter? Joshua was going in the wrong direction and talking sense into him might not work.

Hanekoma tried to prevent a scene, "Hey kiddo, I brought some help. Didn't come here to fight."

Joshua reminded him, "Oh you know me, I abhor bloodshed. I'm glad you brought Neku, it's nice to see my old friends in one place. So… Neku have you given any thought to taking my job?"

Hanekoma held up a hand to prevent Neku from saying an inventive and/or insulting response. "Joshua, if you leave Nanami out of this I'll help you again. But when you start hurting people… that's when you've crossed the line."

Joshua had a witty retort, "And who drew the line? I neither drew this line of morality nor respect it. Those who draw lines in the sand are crushed by those who don't. As for my plan, I'll assure you that things will get worse if you stand in my way. Let's go back to being friends, I promise I'll be far nicer if you hand the girl over."

Hanekoma was confident that wasn't true, "Think about it, chief. You're standing against your old friends. The only one standing in your way is your own ego. There's a part of you that needs to be stopped."

Joshua looked at Neku, "Let me put it to you this way… you're both standing in my way. You say I've crossed the line but you're the ones who drew it. If Neku but agreed to become Composer… then all your troubles would soon go away. My ego isn't the one that needs to be regulated, Neku... give up your senseless pride and become Composer. I need your power to purge this city."

Neku pointed out the risk, "I know how it is. If I'm Composer I'll be destroyed with the city. My friends wouldn't listen if I told them to leave me… they care too much to just leave the city with me in it. I'm not shackling myself to a sinking ship, just so you can have me and my friends here to fight. You're just trying to save yourself. You're not going down with your ship… you're trying to make someone else captain."

Joshua sighed, "You know… I'm not the only one trying to save myself. But saving this city is my charge as Composer. I have ways of forcing you to become Composer. Well actually... I do need you to agree. You can't make an unwilling person Composer, but I can make an unwilling person willing."

Neku made it clear, "I'm leaving this city after I help Hanekoma. I have no intention of helping risk the whole world to save one place. Shibuya won't die with the location. The spirit of Shibuya spreads far beyond this country. We'll find another place to exist and expand our horizons from there. I'm not going to infect the entire world with noise or even risk it. The Noise need to be quarantined and destroyed."

Joshua had a different belief, "Neku if we defeat the Noise… and we can. Why let your home be destroyed in the first place? People will die, most people won't get out. We should save Shibuya from the Noise, not let them hand it to them on a platter."

Neku didn't care, "I can't risk myself… not now."

Joshua knew why, "Oh yes… you married Shiki. Honestly you could have done better than her. If you played your cards right I'd bet you could get hitched to a Composer… not necessarily me."

Neku had a mental image of stabbing Joshua in the neck with a sharpened toothbrush. It distracted him long enough for him to get hit by a piece of junk which fell from the sky.

Joshua did that?

Joshua hit more buttons on his phone which caused more junk to fall from the sky. It was his psyche before he became Composer, his phone. Whenever he pressed a button he could hit the enemy with objects that appeared out of nowhere and flung/ dropped themselves on his target. When Hanekoma turned his head to Neku, Sho appeared and gave him a strong punch in the chest sending him flying back.

Joshua turned his back, "Hanekoma… next time you approach an enemy. Make sure you bring backup." Joshua stepped back as Kotori and Okami jumped from building tops to engage Neku.

Okami and Kotori were both waiting in secret for a moment to assist their Conductor. "Out of the way, bitch! This pup is mine!"

Kotori didn't listen she began with a heel drop using the speed of falling off a building to give her kick strength. She looked like she REALLY didn't want to be there. Neku rolled out of the way and got to his feet to dodge Okami slashing at him with claws. He would have got a hit off on Neku but there was a black barrier that got in the way. Neku was a master at psyches and he proved it when he unleashed a wall of black fire at the both of them, "When six darklit planets align…" He shot black metal shots as well knocking back Okami, "They release unspeakable power."

Neku looked at Joshua who had no intention of fighting. He sat there smug as the devil, "Sho… end this quickly. You've been charging up your new ultimate attack haven't you? Hit him with the level I flare and try not to get yourself killed. Finding Conductors isn't as easy as it used to be."

Hanekoma was surprised to be caught off guard like this, but he wouldn't be hit by the same move twice. Sho attempted to hit him again and the Conductor was met with a powerful noise fist. Hanekoma transformed his body into the shape of a Noise. He began to rapidly attack Sho from different directions. The Conductor managed to block or dodge every attack, but found himself unable to hit Hanekoma. All openings were closed. Hanekoma might not look like much of a brawler, but he knew how to keep his stance and he knew how to put as much effort as he wished into attacks.

His ultimate attack was being charged up through that entire conversation. Sho did not calculate Kotori and Okami assisting him, but then he didn't expect Neku to be there either. This worked out fine. Just a little longer.

Sho let out a cry and transformed his legs into his noise form. Two legs of a black lion the grinning Conductor shot backwards and his speed soon matched Hanekoma's. Minamimoto transformed his arms next allowing him to effectively hit Hanekoma with one good shot. Minamimoto's legs changed back to normal the moment his arms became Taboo. Apparently in his off time he learned to shapeshift parts of his body into a Noise form at will.

He was almost ready to use his ultimate attack, he just had to buy a little more time. To his surprise he was hit from behind, not by Neku but another noise. "You… you have two noise forms? Out at once?"

Hanekoma did indeed. One noise was power and the other was trickery. Both two sides of a coin and both two sides of his soul. "It's the anima of the Soul. You'll recognize my main form is actually yours but highly modified. My second is a modified form of Tigress Cantus." The tigress form rushed past him knocking him in the direction of Hanekoma. This gave Hanekoma time to strike. Sho met Hanekoma's noise fist and the impact said that his physical power was far beyond the Conductor. He was knocked back and it was becoming increasingly obvious he couldn't beat Hanekoma in a fair fight.

However Sho started laughing shortly after the hit.

This unnerved Hanekoma, "There's nothing to laugh about here, Sho."

The Conductor went to full human form and began rattling off numbers, "3.-"

Hanekoma was in trouble.

"1, 4, 5! 9!-" Sho rattled off more and more numbers light began to build around him as he spoke. This attack could possibly kill a Composer if it actually hit. Although he never did find a way to hit Joshua. Sho was going to use it on Hanekoma. Hanekoma had to stop him from using the attack, but he getting blown back by the massive force of the attack merely charging.

Neku turned his head to see a flash of light and he recognized the attack all too well, "No! Dammit! No!" He shut his eyes a moment as the flash was too bright for him to handle. It was unthinkable, Sho was preparing that attack during the whole conversation. The blast went straight for Hanekoma.

Neku turned to look at Joshua who seemed to be frowning at the sight. "You son of a bitch! You just killed your oldest friend!"

Joshua didn't look at Neku he just squinted at that the light, "Neku… Hanekoma didn't get hit by the attack…"

Neku turned around to see that Sho stood silent as a new opponent arrived, Charon.

Hanekoma seemed just as surprised as everyone else did. When did Charon stand between Sho and Hanekoma?

"You destroyed one of my fallen noise with that attack… Pity." He must have summoned a powerful noise to take the hit for Hanekoma. Who the hell was this? And why was he acting like Sho posed absolutely NO threat.

Sho didn't know whether to attack this visitor or retreat. His power was immense, more so than even his. "Composer, by order of the angels… Call off your reapers. Attacking a living human is against the rules."

His gloved hand pointed at Neku, "He is not a part of your game."

Joshua paused a moment, "I didn't expect to see you here."

Charon didn't take that as an answer, "Allow me to explain the situation. If you make one more move… I am within my full right to erase you here and now… as well your reapers. My powers can only be used against law breakers such as yourself. If even one more attack goes off… I will slaughter all of you. Attacking a player off of mission time and using reapers to engage a living human… is an offense worthy of my intervention. Stand down or be erased."

Joshua could see his power, he was a worthy opponent. In terms of raw strength he was up there with a Composer, maybe even more than a Composer. His powers were determined by what rules were being broken and who broke them. Joshua may have a chance to erase him, but with Hanekoma and Neku present, it proved to be impossible. Okami and Kotori turned to Joshua unsure of what to do. Joshua paused a moment and held his hand up, "We're leaving. Sho I'll speak with you later on this matter."

Okami wouldn't have it, "We should settle this now! We should kill them-" Before another word came out Okami was struck by a palm strike from Charon. The attack left a black seal on his back which effectively paralyzed him. "A verbal threat was issued, appropriate action was taken."

Charon took off his red shades and tucked them in his suit jacket. His eyes were red and slit like a beast. His expression showed no pity or empathy. Okami couldn't move and he didn't know why. "What did you do?"

Joshua shrugged, "Young miss, pick up your coworker. We're leaving." Joshua didn't figure Charon would show up quite that quickly. The angels caught on much faster than usual.

Kotori nodded and threw Okami over her shoulder. "Sorry Neku, we'll have to meet again some other time. Charon is right though, we shouldn't be fighting." Neku didn't notice her or her words.

Neku got up as if he were going to go after them and a barrier came up between him and the other reapers. Hanekoma told Neku, "Phones, stop. Charon can't take sides he only stops rule breaking."

Neku argued, "They attacked us!" Which was true, had Neku been able to think straight he might have been thankful this happened. But he didn't feel like he could think straight.

Charon's presence made Neku feel ill somehow. His aura was worse than any noise, "And you… a living human joined with a player, you used your psyches in the underground from the UG. Let the week run its course. As for you former Producer… You know what will happen at the end of this week."

Hanekoma nodded, "Yeah I know… Thanks for the backup."

Charon left with slow strides, "I look forward to the day you are rid of this city. I pray you restored to your former glory." The demon vanished after those words. Neku had to get to tell Shiki what happened.

Joshua didn't say what he was planning, but it looked like he was willing to use a Lvl I flare on Hanekoma just to get the job done. Joshua was nuts.

XXXXX

"So what's your real name anyway?" Weiss was curious enough.

Thanatos ended the conversation topic like a bad joke, "What's yours?"

Weiss thought about that question, "You don't think Weiss is my name? Why not?"

Thanatos pointed out everything he noticed about Weiss, "Weiss isn't a name... it's more like an alias. You're not normal, you're like me. You're after something or you're hunting something. To that end people like us make up names, just so we can hide our true nature from ourselves or others."

Weiss was interested, "Hide our true nature? And what nature might that be?"

Thanatos went on, "Self destruction. Any human's true nature is self destruction. I found this truer the longer I lived. Humans seek their own destruction and as do I."

Weiss found this interesting, part of it was true. "So all humans seek death do they? Natural instinct dictates that humans want to survive. No human wants to die."

Thanatos seemed mad at his next choice words, "Then I'm not human."

Weiss shrugged, "You're in this game, you're a player. That's sign enough that you're as human as I am."

Thanatos chuckled at that. Something about that comment seemed funny.

Weiss asked him, "Something I said amused you? Why?"

Thanatos didn't care to answer, "I'm not a player… this game doesn't apply to me."

Before another word the phone beeped and Weiss' own phone vibrated. It was time for the mission and it came early morning. "Seems there's a tin pin tournament today… at Darklit…"

It was clear enough what the mission meant thanks to the convenient sign that was posted not far from them. There was an advertisement posted in an alley way. It was a place for old posters to be replaced by new ones. The newest one was the tin pin tournament for the diamond pin. Supposedly the tin pin champion was coming and the president of Darklit would be saying a few words to the players. It seemed the puzzle wasn't the mission's riddle, the puzzle was how to actually complete the mission. Weiss thought a moment on how best to address the situation. He needed to move his partner, "I still owe you food don't I?... How's ramen sound?"

Below the darklit sun, a diamond moon shines. Reach for the moon and face all who stand between you and victory. The diamond moon is your prize, but do not touch it. Touching the treasure means. You have six hours.–The Reapers

They weren't far from the tournament in Molco. Darklit of course spent considerable time to ensure the fans kept interested. Neku sadly played no part in it, he got off of tin pin and claimed that he hated the game. The thing was, that didn't stop his company from milking the product for all the money it was worth. Despite Neku hating the game, he himself was actually the direct owner of the game. Unfortunately he never did manage to destroy the game, there were three things stopping him. The first thing that stopped him from stopping tin pin development was the money. His company kept making money off it, so why stop? The second thing stopping him was that he was busy with other things and other projects to busy himself with tin pin. The third thing stopping him was the most powerful, Shiki wouldn't allow it. She herself didn't play but she thought of all the children who did and how much fun they had. After she made Neku swear not to cancel tin pin, Neku found his hands tied. Tin pin was going to stay in development. But at the very least he didn't have to sully his hands with the game. Or so he thought… He apparently had to speak a few words to the fans today. One could imagine his dread.

Weiss found it easy to get Thanatos to follow him, but getting him to talk was another thing entirely. "So… how do people seek out self destruction?"

Thanatos didn't answer he just kept walking.

Weiss surmised a guess, "Is it because people's desires are their own destruction? Those who live to please themselves only meet death. Or is it because death is unavoidable? Or maybe death is a part of living, neither good nor evil. It's a part of living, we humans view it as a horrible thing… but it isn't. Death must occur for new life to come. If there were no death there wouldn't really be living in the first place. Be it plants or animals, humans consume to live. Animals hunt one another, for new life to come, death must come."

Thanatos kept quiet and walked.

Weiss normally could get a reaction out of Nanami. This guy was different. He was a bit more of a mystery. This blue guy believed he wasn't a player, well he was. He had to be if he were in the game. Unless of course there was a piece of information missing, "What was your price? It's dangerous if I don't know."

Thanatos motioned ahead, "Darklit ramen, you said you'd buy me lunch right?" That was the condition on the first day to make him help. The idea wasn't entirely one a genius came up with, but it did work. Well one thing Weiss didn't seem to be short on funds.

Weiss led him into the store where he saw something or rather someone. Nanami? What was she doing here at Darklit entertainment? Was she staying with Neku? She was alive, but who was she partnered with? Why wasn't she at the mission yesterday?

Thanatos saw the expression of shock on Weiss' face, "You know that girl?"

Weiss nodded, "She was my partner." It took another moment before he took another step, "Order anything you want. Be sure not to eat too much. We can't have you getting sick now."

Thanatos stepped toward the cashier, "I'll just give you the bill when I'm done ordering. One meal right?"

After a nod Weiss set his sights on Nanami. As he approached she was looking down at the table, "I hope Neku's going to be ok."

Weiss interrupted, "I hope he's alright too, is he here?"

The girl's head turned so fast it looked like it should hurt, "Weiss?" Nanami's eyes scanned the area frantically looking for who his partner was, "What happened to you? Who's your partner?"

Shiki interrupted, "Umm… you might want to calm down a bit. You're making a scene."

Nanami did a quick apologetic bow, "Sorry, I'm just surprised. I should have expected I'd run into you eventually. Particularly since the mission."

Weiss nodded, "It makes sense I'd be here thanks to the mission. Did you read?"

Nanami looked at her phone and said, "I was thinking of asking Hanekoma about the mission." Weiss shook his head, "You didn't get it, then? It's the tin pin tournament today. I wondered if you might have come for that."

Thanatos raised an eyebrow, "Shiki Misaki… is that right?"

Shiki thought it strange that this young man knew her name, "Um… yes?"

He gave a quick nod, "You did some very good work. Is your bastard husband about?" He said bastard carelessly as if it meant nothing.

Shiki thought a moment before telling him, "How do you know about me and Neku?" She ignored the bastard comment for now.

Weiss explained a part of it, "It's not exactly a secret, anyone who knows anything about the underground has heard of Neku. But knowing her by appearance is a little strange."

Thanatos sat down at a nearby table, "When Neku gets here… I'd like a few words with him."

He handed Weiss the receipt and waited with his chin resting on his thumbs. Nanami was quick to change the subject, "Joshua is trying to use you."

Weiss chuckled, "I noticed before you did, I assure you. He probably needs a favor from me."

Shiki was a little unnerved, "So… you're the other one capable of becoming Composer?" Weiss went ahead and explained, "It takes a certain level of power and skill to become a Composer. Although many believe it's a simple act of killing the Composer, it's really more complicated. First of all the amount of power needed to kill a Composer is more than any normal human possesses. So Composers are often chosen or… elected. Although Composers usually don't give up their power willingly. Joshua needs someone who could theoretically kill him."

Thanatos took his Ramen and listened as well.

Weiss continued, "Neku is the best choice and I suppose I'd be the second best choice. We both have a wide array of psyches and both possess the knowledge of the Composer's true identity. Sho Minamimoto is another choice… However his beliefs about the city and world are dangerous. Joshua would not willingly allow him to be Composer. It has to be Neku."

Shiki asked, "What about you, couldn't you become Composer?"

Weiss rubbed his chin, "Yes… but he wanted to use Nanami as leverage. If he could have just asked me to become Composer… then he would. No, he wants me to do something. Something I wouldn't do by choice or at least something that he needs leverage for. For now, it's best I win this game. Or…"

Nanami was watching Thanatos the whole time, "Weiss… does he know you're an illegal player and all?"

Thanatos slurped some ramen and said, "Yup, don't care. You act like you know this guy, but you don't." Thantos had a way of always sounding right. Even if he was a little rude.

Weiss found that intriguing, "Whatever do you mean? Are you saying she doesn't know me?"

Nanami kind of knew what he meant, "Well… you're a little confusing sometimes…"

Thanatos finished drinking out of the bowl and responded, "I'm saying you're a mystery to me. I became your partner to see if you were capable of helping me. Now I'm hearing you're one of the handful of people who could be Composer? I'm willing to bet my life you're no ordinary player. What are you exactly?"

Shiki kind of wondered the same thing, someone who got Joshua's interest couldn't be ordinary. Weiss shook his head, "You're an astute one. Alright, I'll tell you what I can. I'm here on a very important mission, from a place with a very different game. I'm here to observe all factors of the city including the Underground. That's all I can say. As for you Thanatos, your price… what is it? As said before there are other powers around the world who have interest in what will happen here. It's no surprise someone would send someone over to have a look around."

Before Thanatos answered Neku and Hanekoma returned, both didn't seem to be involved in any sort of fight.

Shiki was the first to ask, "Are you alright?"

Neku tried to alleviate her worries with a quick kiss and a few words, "I'm fine. Babysitting Hanekoma is a easy task these days. He can take care of himself."

The man scratched the back of his head when he noted the two extras. "Oh Nanami, you found Weiss?"

Weiss smiled, "I found her by accident."

Nanami said, "Hanekoma saved me from Joshua. He made a pact with me so Joshua couldn't."

Hanekoma seemed to shut his eyes in shame as the eyes of Weiss lit up like fire, "What?..."

Thanatos noted the unusual irritation, no it was stronger than irritation, Weiss was genuinely angry.

Nanami had never seen him actually get mad before, "Umm... Weiss?"

"Hanekoma… you know what this means then?..."

Hanekoma shook his head and he said without regret, "I couldn't let Joshua-"

Weiss didn't care, "You dug your own grave! You know what's going to happen to you! Why did you do it?"

Weiss had yelled for the first time Nanami had ever seen.

Neku asked him, "What's going on…"

Weiss pointed at Hanekoma, "He's dead after this week. As soon as the day seven comes to an end… his life is forfeit. Charon will see to that…"

Neku's eyes widened and gave a fierce look at Hanekoma, "Is that true? Did you know that's what would happen if you made a pact with a player?"

Hanekoma didn't need to explain himself, "Look… death isn't the end. It's not the end of any of us. I've lived more than one lifetime… So has Joshua… It's people like us who have lived entirely too long. I suppose… I won't have to see Shibuya fall this way. I didn't have to see Nanami be used like a tool for Joshua's sake. When she made her choice, I made mine. I'll keep her safe and win this game. After you win the game, you live."

Weiss made a fist and turned his glare to the ceiling, "Living isn't enough… this city needs you! Without you everyone here is dead-"

Neku interrupted, "Hey… Leave the man alone. The city is dead anyway. Also… I may as well assume you're Weiss, right? Hanekoma doesn't need lip from anyone, least of all you. You're one of the reasons this happened. If I recall you're the one who got Nanami into this mess and so I consider you at fault too. It's your price that caused this chain of events. Don't be an idiot and blame Hanekoma for this."

Weiss turned and faced Neku, "If you chose to become Composer… if Nanami hadn't have died… if I hadn't have pacted with her… if Hanekoma hadn't chosen to protect her… none of this would have happened. The reason this happened was because this game is twisted."

Neku stopped him, "All that happened. Tough luck, Hanekoma may die. What are you going to do about it? Not beat the game?"

Weiss looked down a moment, plotting up a storm. Weiss thought with his eyes shut. Everyone was quiet and Shiki tugged on Neku's shirt, "We need to go… remember?"

Neku looked at Shiki and nodded, "You're right. Hanekoma, if you need help. Give me a call. For now, keep safe."

Thanatos got up and walked outside.

Weiss stood silent looking at the floor as Hanekoma walked away. Nanami looked down and to the left as guilt washed over her. She felt responsible, but then there were a number of reasons this all happened. But she didn't want to the think that someone had willingly chose to die to help her.

Hanekoma Weiss and Nanami were left alone for a moment.

XXX

Thanatos walked up to Neku outside and told Neku. "You're Neku Sakuraba right?"

He got a good look at Thanatos. "I've seen you..."

Thanatos turned his body and punched Neku in the stomach, "You're one of the reasons I died. I know you don't feel guilt, so I thought you'd feel that."

Thanatos walked back to the Ramen store before anyone could react. Neku seemed to know that punch was coming. He stopped leaning over and said to Shiki, "Let's go."

Thanatos kept silent as he finally asked Weiss, "How long are you going to stand there?" Weiss still stood silent with his eyes at the floor.

Hanekoma patted him on the back as he held a cup of coffee, "Don't take it too hard."

When Hanekoma sat down Weiss turned and looked at Hanekoma. "Joshua needs to pay… I'll make sure he does."

Nanami grimaced, "What are you going to do?"

Weiss turned to Thanatos, "If you help me defeat the Composer… I'll give you whatever you want."

Hanekoma's eyes turned to Weiss and wondered what he planned, "Defeat the Composer? What purpose would that serve?"

Weiss smiled a smile worthy of Joshua's ego, Thanatos liked the look on his face, "You look completely insane… Count me in whatever you're planning."

If I become Composer I can undo the damage!"

Nanami didn't like where this was going, "You can't beat the Composer! You just can't! You'd be playing in his hands! He wants someone to become Composer…"

Hanekoma saw it now, "Joshua wants to transfer his power… you're just going to erase him completely. Whatever he has in mind doesn't involve him being erased."

Nanami shook her head, "No! What about the missions?"

Thanatos chuckled at the girl, "I'm guessing you want the other players to handle it?"

Weiss kept grinning, "There's no legal mission that could stop Hanekoma. We can leave it to him. If Joshua pulls anything too hectic he'll be erased by the angels. He can't break a single rule. Not one. He can't even graze them now."

Hanekoma sipped his coffee, "I'm getting a lot of credit here. But I guess you aren't asking if I want to go along… after all I intend to take care of all of the missions and that just helps you out by coincidence."

Nanami pointed out, "We've been wasting time, there's a mission."

Thanatos grinned, "The tin pin tournament… you have a plan?"

Hanekoma took a wild guess, "Basically… I figure we win the diamond pin in the coming tournament… but don't touch it… nah… Second place. We need a player to get second place."

Nanami looked at the mission mail, "Reach for it… but don't touch it… does it mean just to try to get it and lose?" It was definitely a possible interpretation.

Weiss and Thanatos got up, "I'm sorry, but… could you make an order for me?"

Hanekoma paused, "Order for you?"

Weiss nodded, "If you don't mind… I need some special pins ordered for later."

XXXX

"This is pretty good, Kariya." Uzuki found herself impressed yet again.

Kariya yawned and shook his head, "Well… the players will figure out the obvious parts… most of them are at the tournament. Odds are one of them figured it out."

Uzuki saw the brilliant part, "But to think that we actually managed to implement noise into all this."

Kariya nodded, "Yeah… but the noise won't erase them all, not today at least."

Uzuki leaned next to him, "We got all week to do that. I'm sure with your planning and my hard work, we'll be unstoppable."

Kariya twirled his lollipop and agreed, "We do make a good team. But there's some players who make a good team. I'll leave it to you to erase them all. Make sure those noise pins are placed perfectly. They go off on contact, right?"

Uzuki giggled, "You? Worried? Leave it all to me, the pins are set as instructed, everyone who loses a game will have to face the noise. I doubt we have any tin pin champions among the players."

Kariya had to take a wild guess, "Well… at least I know none of them have a history with the game… but we'll see… we'll see."

The Tin Pin champion Shuto Dan was here at the tournament. There wasn't anyone among the players who could beat him.

XXXX

Mokoto was a responsible manager, he had organized this tin pin tournament without a hitch. The music was lively, the crowds were amused, the players were enjoying their game and of course free prizes.

Everything was going great, until the hitch arrived, "Do I really have to be here?" The hitch being Neku Sakuraba, his boss.

Mokoto sighed as his chief opposition spoke. Neku may have arrived. But after arriving, he was busying himself trying to leave. Neku hated the game of tin pin and hated the fans even more. Despite this, he was the proud owner of the company who sponsored tin pin's development. What was worse is people thought he actually liked the game, in spite of the evidence. "Look it's THE Sakuraba! The genius who makes tin pin what it is!"

A fan said. Others shouted, "Sign my pins!"

"Sign my pins!"

"Sign my face!"

Neku silently walked away his thoughts carefully weaving together an escape plan. He had to get out of the hellhole.

Shiki had to ask, "Neku… I know that you didn't always feel this way about tin pin. What happened?"

Neku took the opportunity to vent, "Well… I never really liked tin pin… but owning it for a few years has taught me to hate it. The fans follow me in the streets, the players challenge me to games, the women request me to sign their breasts… One of those things doesn't bother me… but still."

Shiki was used to that sort of thing though. Luckily for her, Neku made it a habit to shoo away any fangirls. Now how he got fangirls was another thing entirely. It probably had to do with him having a number of male fans who girls fawned over. Basically he got popular over time because of things other people said about him.

The first one was the prince Eiji Oji, widely considered 'The most popular man on the face of the Earth.' Although the details vary some say 'most popular in the universe' others say 'most popular in all of time' and even more said, "Sign my breasts." The prince occasionally did so. Neku was accidentally approaching the prince's popularity. Half of this was thanks to tin pin. Neku hated people to begin with, but he still never could get over the thought of being chased by mobs of people.

Mokoto came to Neku with a smile on his face, but a frown in his heart, "Mr. Sakuraba! I'm glad you're here!" He wasn't. "I'm not." Neither was he. "Sir, I've hired two escorts from a private firm to keep you safe."

They were two security guards hired to drag him on stage, NOT keep him safe."Drag me up there and you're fired."

Unfortunately they were a private company security division, so firing them was impossible. They wore fake ID badges so Neku couldn't get his vengeance later.

Mokoto tried to explain, "Mr. Sakuraba, I've also prepared a few words you can say to the fans, they were promised you would speak here. You may need to act a little."

Neku would need to act the entire time. Neku would like nothing more than to confess his undying hatred for tin pin making him famous among the millions of idiot middle schoolers across the world. Neku needed to escape, "I think I'm becoming ill… I need a bathroom break…" It didn't work, two burly men kept dragging him to the stage. "I'll give you both 10,000 yen if you let me go…" They kept going, "Let me go or I'll buy out your company… then fire you!" He was getting closer and closer to the dreaded stage. He tried one final plea, "Someone shoot me!" He'd rather play the reapers game than do this.

It was too late, the crowd laughed as he got dragged to the podium. They must have thought it a joke. He stood up and looked at the crowd. He looked at the script before him, there was no way in hell he was reading it. He was going to put an end to all this. He was going to tell everyone what he thought, "I was forced to come up here."

He began as a few chuckles went off.

"I hate this, I hate tin pin and by association I hate you the fans."

More chuckling and some laughter.

The crowd began to laugh even more as he spoke, "There is a special place in hell for me, it will be full of tin pin players and it'll look a lot like this place only with flames."

The crowd laughed even harder and Neku looked perplexed as he was promptly escorted off the stage. They STILL loved him.

They applauded.

"Ahhh!" Neku screamed, but before he could strangle someone he was dragged off the stage.

They thought he was joking. They thought it was a show. Among the crowd people laughed and applauded the short, but amusing 'speech'.

Hanekoma and Nanami both weakly clapped with the rest. She nervously said "I don't think… they knew he was being serious…" Nanami confessed and Hanekoma agreed.

"What's the plan for the mission? Are we going to win fair and square?" Nanami was just guessing. "You're good at tin pin right?" Nanami was now hoping.

Hanekoma had to shatter those hopes with a few words, "I've never played tin pin. I'll need to think of some sort of plan."

Nanami looked around, "What kind of plan? If you don't know the basics of tin pin… how can you expect to win?"

Hanekoma shook his head, "I do know more than basics… I can make pins. I know the rules to the game but… I can't play."

Nanami thought that was odd and started realizing where this was going. "You make pins do you? Then what's to say you can't beat this tournament."

Hanekoma motioned over to some nearby players, "They've got skill I don't have. If we play fair, we'll lose. So… I think our best choice of action is to-"

Their words were interrupted, "Cheat?" Behind them Joshua stood with a grin on his face.

Hanekoma turned slowly and responded, "I was going to say even the odds, but yes. Cheat."

Joshua admired the honesty. What surprised Nanami is that Hanekoma wasn't defensive at all.

"What are you doing here?" Nanami gave him a furious look.

Hanekoma held up a hand. "Easy girl. He's here to help."

Nanami didn't believe it, "Joshua is not here to help!"

Joshua shrugged, "Say what you want. Hanekoma, how did Weiss and Neku react?"

Hanekoma thought about it, "More or less… as you might predict. Neku is helping me this mission at least. Weiss may try to erase you…"

Joshua nodded at that and smirked. "Does he honestly believe he's capable of such a thing? Weiss isn't very bright is he? Well… either way I've rigged the pins of all the top contenders. The players should have an advantage to complete the mission. But… you should still try your best."

Nanami looked at them both and soon became upon a divine revelation, "You… You both… No, you can't. You and Hanekoma are both working together?"

Hanekoma sighed, "Well… in a way. But…"

Nanami yelled and drew attention from everyone around her, "What you're doing is evil! You're tried to use me! You tried to erase me!"

Joshua smirked, "If you think using people is evil, then yes. However I'm not trying to erase you and Hanekoma… well… not really. The reapers will genuinely try to erase you. But I'm not really interested in erasing anyone. But… Neku being in the city vital. I need him to stay in this city at least another week. I'll need his help in the end and I'm taking extreme measures to make sure he stays."

Nanami shook her head, "What about Weiss! He shouldn't be involved in this!"

Joshua was devious indeed. This was just an elaborate ploy?! A scheme to keep Neku in the city? Why?! Surely there was an easier way! What was this? "He very well should. I can't tell you everything… After all… it's better you think I'm doing all this just for selfish reasons."

Hanekoma chuckled, "You are doing this for selfish reasons. But I don't believe the end justifies the means. The means of keeping Neku in this city are too much, I dare not ask if you have a way of making him stay even longer. Also… I couldn't let you threaten Nanami's life. I had a feeling you might."

Joshua shrugged, "I told you I wasn't going to erase her. But you still made a pact with her... That was not part of the plan, but I suppose it's fine. I don't think it'll change anything."

Nanami watched Joshua vanish without thought to other people seeing him.

She asked Hanekoma, "Have you been lying to us?"

Hanekoma sighed, "No… Joshua really did send his reapers to destroy me. He nor I think them capable of erasing me. The threat is very real and this game is very real."

Nanami couldn't tell if Joshua was acting or not, "He may be trying to trick us and want us both erased."

Hanekoma explained, "Joshua may seem evil to you… but he's not going to try to erase us. I think in the end… you'll see that he's trying to save this city. He genuinely wants to save this city… but… I fear his methods. I too think this city need be saved. But… I can't trust Joshua… not this time."

Nanami had another feeling, "Honestly… I'm not sure if I can trust you either."

XXXX

"So how do you expect to beat the Composer? Just walk in and beat him with psyches?" Thanatos began to ask.

Weiss was in just the mood to explain, "Beat the Composer with psyches? Oh no… I intend to recruit some help. We're going to find Sho Minamimoto."

Thanatos recalled from memory, "Well… that's going to be a hell of a task. I know he's the Conductor, but what makes you think he'll help you. It's his job to guard the Composer."

Weiss found that amusing, "No one can guard the Composer. The Composer is too powerful to be defeated by normal means. Sho Minamimoto faced him once and learned that even with the power of Taboo he was no match for the Composer."

Thanatos rolled his eyes, "Were you there or something to see it?"

Weiss didn't answer that particular question, he moved on. "With the power of Taboo… the Conductor is capable of making noise that follow only his command. Not only this… they're stronger than most noise."

Thanatos found that interesting, "Just like my psych… I can put my own Soul power into a Noise."

Weiss had a feeling he'd have to ask how Thanatos fought. The truth was, he didn't have to ask. Thanatos was about to demonstrate on nearby Noise.

The noise were pretty standard and conveniently non-threatening. "Mink noise… these will do."

Weiss wondered, "Shall I just stand back?"

Thanatos didn't answer he began by summoning a blue bear noise. "As you'll notice… I'm using this bear noise right now. My psyches only work on noise. Noise are made of Negative Soul power. I can manipulate Negative Soul. I can even force my own Soul power into another person to deal damage or stun."

Weiss had to guess, "So you can control Noise as a player? Is there a limit on how much you can do this?"

The noise weren't going to wait. They attacked Thanatos by twirling in the manner of a cyclone. They each let loose a squeal and readied an attack to deal some damage.

Thanatos explained, "As I said my psych affects noise… my weapon are each of my hands, left and right. One is for controlling the other for distorting…" His hand slowly came out of his pocket revealing that he had a blue tattoo on both hands. His left hand was used to control whatever noise he chose before battle, his right hand was there for his own protection and damaging enemies. Before the noise managed an attack they were both stunned by a palm strike. He didn't need to stun them, but it was an effective demonstration. The second they were stunned Thanatos made a gesture with his left hand and the noise under his control reacted based on his hand movements. He controlled his Noise like a puppet master and a puppet. It swiped both noise while they were helpless.

"It's reaction time is better than normal noise… You made it stronger." Weiss had to comment. Normal bear noise moved slowly, this one was quick. Thanatos didn't need to explain. The noise he controlled was based on his own power, it's attributes reflected his own strength His psych was powerful, but limited to Noise. "Can you collect new noise?" Weiss wondered.

Thanatos could very well do that but, "I don't keep my pins if the week starts over. So… mostly I just use this one. I had no drive to collect any other recently. Anyway… finish the others, I have no need to put forth any more effort." Thanatos put both hands in his pockets and dismissed his noise. The minks let out another squeal thinking they both had a chance to hit him. Each of the mink only made it a short distance before being completely destroyed by a mix of plasma bolts and shockwaves.

Thanatos asked, "Seems you can use a lot of psyches. I stand humbled… But with the correct noise under my control, I would potentially be able to defeat you… or anyone." Thanatos was arrogant and strong, a trait many in the underground shared. "Where shall we find this Conductor?"

XXXX

Neku couldn't figure it out, the more he hated them the more he heard, "We love you, Neku!"

The shouting idiots relentlessly followed him throughout the tournament. "Shiki… I'm going to pass out very soon… when I do… drag me out of here…" The crowds were getting to him.

Shiki sighed, "I think deep down you still hate people."

Neku countered, "I don't hate you. You got the ring to prove it!"

Shiki wasn't sure if Neku would ever like crowds, it was a problem due to his profession. He was still deep down as antisocial as ever. But he did learn to get along with a good number of people. This tin pin tournament might actually be good for him, "Please kill me!"

On second thought, the tin pin tournament might just be causing mental trauma. It looked as if Neku was going to pass out.

Shiki had to get him out after all, "Excuse us…" Shiki tried her best to pull Neku out of the crowd of people. But the problem with crowds of people is that they were hard to pull out of. In sight she saw Hanekoma working on some sort of a pin. "Is that Hanekoma?... Playing tin pin?"

Within an instance Neku seemed to pop out of his stupor, "What?"

Nanami asked, "So this pin… is like a super pin?" Nanami looked at it and found it's design odd. Do you think we'd be allowed to use this pin?"

Hanekoma wasn't sure, "We're gonna have to talk to phones about this…" Neku walked up behind him, "Now seems like a good time." Hanekoma didn't question providence for a second, "Since you're here. I need to tell you that I'll be cheating this entire time. We're going for the diamond pin and… Wow, I thought Nanami would suck more."

Nanami was actually doing extremely well at Tin Pin. A little too well actually. Nanami gave a weak little smile, "I had a boyfriend back in highschool who loved Tin Pin. He was probably the best person in our school."

Neku wondered, "So he taught you how to play."

Nanami let out a whimper, "No... he dumped me after I beat him three times in a row."

Hanekoma was impressed, "Oh..."

Nanami really messed that one up, "It was my first time playing too."

Both Hanekoma and Neku said, "Ouch."

Neku looked at the cheating pins Hanekoma made. "Well we can't leave anything to chance. Will those pins help?"

Hanekoma revealed a fairly simple looking pin. He examined it and noted that it had nothing special about it. "The weight and features of this one is… unimpressive."

Hanekoma smiled, "It looks exactly identical to a normal gatito pin… but… when your opponent looks at the pin." Neku and Shiki watched as Nanami tried a practice match with the pin. The opponent froze up and for some reason lost all focus on the game.

Neku guessed, "You put an imprint on the top of the pin?… clever. What's it do? Distort their thoughts?"

Hanekoma shrugged, "You have to use existing pins in this tournament, but this imprint should be undetectable… mostly."

Neku couldn't tell it apart from the any other pin, "Alright… you need me to rig the tournament?"

Hanekoma just had to say, "Make sure the champions play each other. Make sure all the players don't face anyone noteworthy if you can help it."

Shiki arrived with the roster and didn't see a problem at all, "That should be easy enough… want me to rig it now?"

Neku thought that was a good idea, "Yeah… you still have your player pin?"

Shiki showed it to him, "I'll use this to find players. I'll find as many as I can and position them accordingly"

Neku had a job to do, "I'll go ahead and rig the matches. It shouldn't be too hard considering I run this place. Anything else I can help you with?"

Hanekoma actually did have one more request, "Actually we could use one or two pins that you should have somewhere in stock." Hanekoma handed him a list of three pins, "If you could get those I think those should improve our chances as well." This mission was in the bag, no doubt it would go on without a hitch. Little did they realize that the reapers added a surprise or three.

XXXX

Sho Minamimoto walked across the crowded streets of Shibuya and he had a feeling there was one too many in the crowd, "Your presence here is subtracting from my arts and crafts time, Kotori."

The female reaper rolled through a mass of people to get closer to the Conductor. "Sir, with all due respect… this isn't a task you can do alone."

Sho didn't need to hear it from her, "I've checked my math, the formula is set. You need not be a part of my desired solution. I have carefully calculated every move."

Kotori wasn't convinced, "But surely if you had the help of other reapers… you could surely do the task before you with haste."

Sho had enough, "The Composer doesn't truly want that yoctogram of a girl removed. The Composer would be assisting me personally if it were about erasing Hanekoma. But… I have another assignment and there's no way to factor you into my equation."

The Conductor left the woman behind. She stood silent in thought, "So… he doesn't trust me… or anyone… How does one go about gaining trust."

XXXX

Weiss bent over on one knee curious and stirred. "Joshua met the Conductor here… the conductor sent two reapers against Neku and…"

Thanatos looked at the area, "There is no way you're able to tell any of this. The Underground doesn't exactly leave signs you can observe."

Weiss went on observing the area. "Sho had been charging up the lvl i flare… He attempted to use it on Hanekoma but failed… Charon summoned a fallen noise to prevent it. Joshua headed northward… and that's where the Conductor went as well. He wasn't using the real lvl I flare. He made a new technique that can focus it and end it before doing too much damage."

Thanatos scoffed, "Is that some special attack capable of erasing a Composer? You said something about it before."

Weiss nodded, "Yes… no doubt he wants to transfer his power without dying… Or worse… being erased. If he is erased, he will not decide the candidate. Joshua has caused too much suffering to decide something like that."

Thanatos surmised, "If this attack is in the possession of the Conductor… why did he not use it on the Composer. It seems like a simple task to me. Sho wanted his spot didn't he?"

Weiss thought of that, "From Neku's book… Sho used the flare on Joshua at Pork City… but Joshua used some sort of dimension rift to avoid it. Joshua more or less teleported to another place to avoid it. A place not even Joshua could escape from alone. The last time Hanekoma had to pick him up. This time… he won't be able to do that. He'll be removed from this dimension if he tried it again."

Thanatos found this whole thing ridiculous. "Killing the Composer may be nigh impossible. But still… there's something about you…"

Weiss found it interesting, "What do you have to lose?"

Thanatos shrugged, "I'll tell you in the morning. For now let's cover some ground, the tournament is going to end soon. What I want in return for your help I'll tell you another day."

Weiss guessed as much. "Alright… we'll track Sho Minamimoto. He is the one who knows the Composer's location among other things." From what he could see the Conductor moved quickly, quicker than they could track him. No doubt it would be a long while before they actually managed to find him.

XXXX

Nanami was not only winning, she looked like a champion in the process. Hanekoma spoke to Neku, "I'm surprised this is going so well."

Neku agreed, "Yeah, usually with people I know… something goes horribly wrong right about now."

Shiki and Hanekoma gave him a look of death. Shiki shut both eyes in annoyance as a scream went off a ways down, "You just jinxed it…"

Neku rolled his eyes, "I didn't jinx it… I made an accurate prediction. Let's see what happened."

Nanami had to focus on the game with no distractions. The person in front of her was a player as well, "Looks like you almost had me there.."

The other player agreed, "Yeah… I suck at this game now. I remembered being a lot better."

Nanami wished she could explain that she was actually cheating, but that would defeat the purpose of cheating. No one could know what she was doing. It was a shame though, leaving things to chance often led to random results. Random results often led to problems and she didn't like problems. Nanami would do what she had to do, take decisive victories where she could. "I win!"

The other player bowed in defeat, "You beat me bad, you're amazing at this game!" The boy said as he put down his entry pin. "I lost fair and square." Nanami felt a small, cold sweat droplet run down her face. "I wish I could give you a rematch but I have to go."

She said about to run off, but before she did. "Ahh!"

The player vanished into the Underground to face off against noise. Nanami's eyes widened as she pulled out her notebook to help the poor guy. She lashed as best she could before seeing the boy barely survive. She didn't get it, "How can noise get us in here? We're not outside... Where are they?" Then it dawned on her. To get into the game each player had an entry pin. That entry pin released noise upon a player losing. Living people would be unaffected, but players would vanish after losing.

"This… is… not… good." Hanekoma said.

The player made it out alive, but Nanami had to ask Hanekoma about this. The reapers put noise in the pins. There was no telling how many players could be caught off guard. "Every time I win someone is in danger." She won quickly, but she had to tell everyone. Before she could her phone vibrated.

PS: If you lose a tin pin match, you face the noise. Good luck. The Reapers

Kariya grinned as his plan was working. Just about every player entered the tin pin matches. "Think we're gonna get a lot of players like this."

Uzuki let out a squeal of glee, "So… Many… POINTS!" It was going to be a huge success on their end. Some players had even split up from their partners. Most players were completely helpless against the Noise. Not only this, the tournament ranking system would make players play several matches. Eventually the majority of them would lose a match. Out of that majority, how many of them could fight the noise alone? Kariya was impressed with himself, the mission was fair, but tricky.

"Honestly… I'm surprised this worked this well… I thought less players would take the bait."

Uzuki corrected him, "They have to take the bait, it's their mission. They're gonna try to get the diamond pin and they're gonna face noise in the process."

Kariya elaborated, "Usually… it's in poor taste to separate players from their partners forcefully… but if they willingly leave their partner… what blame do I have for fighting noise alone?"

Uzuki answered that for him, "None! You're better than Okami! You were made for this!"

The orange haired reaper shrugged and twirled his lollipop, "Well… This won't get all of them… but yeah… I think I am trying to beat Okami. He works too hard… I prefer to let players erase themselves."

Uzuki felt great, "With my hard work and your brains… the players won't stand a chance!"

Usually there weren't any catches or mishaps in the first two missions. Okami's erasure rate was higher than just about any reaper you could name. Kariya already seemed to be topping in terms of that, but of course when he was doing well nobody cared. The Conductor had a special assignment, Okami was out of commission, Kotori was busy spying on the Conductor and the Composer was going to excessive lengths to make sure that he be killed in the fashion he desired. Kariya didn't see the point in playing fair this week. This was a lazy way to get the job done. Just his style.

Uzuki was happy. This wasn't exactly the boost her carrier needed, but then again, "The matches are progressing perfectly. Do you think we'll manage to get most of the players?"

Kariya looked at his phone and thought about it, "We're at about 40% of the players. Although I doubt we'll get too many more today. The more you erase, the harder it is to erase them… so… I think we might get a little under 40%... Probably that."

Uzuki thought that got too little. "Wouldn't this get most of them?" Kariya shook his head, "Players are more clever than they used to be. And they've got experienced players helping them. So expect some setbacks."

Nanami had won herself yet another match. Luckily it wasn't a player. The moment she won she ran to the side of some other players she knew. When one lost she did her best to help them defeat the noise and she wasn't the only one catching on. Every player at this point was helping every other player. Sometimes three or more fought the same noise. Under desperation people organize and just about every player was watching every other player.

Hanekoma had a slightly different way of passing the time. He was busy examining the diamond pin, "There's something strange about this…" He never actually touched it, but he noticed something odd. Like every entry pin for the tournament, there was something up about that pin they gave the winner. "Uh oh… they didn't." They did. Hanekoma checked again, "That's a hell of a noise…" It really was. "The reapers put an extremely powerful noise in the diamond pin… If anyone touches it…" If anyone touched it they would probably face a swift erasure. On the plus side they knew it was coming.

Nanami and the other players were getting by the mission easy enough. It was only a matter of time before the tournament was over. There was only one problem, one contestant was beating everyone without a hitch. At first she didn't recognize him, but then a poster of him made it all too clear who it was, "Tin Pin champion of the world… It's Shooter!"

"He's the leader of the Tin Pin gods!"

"He's mastered all elements of the game, he'll win for sure."

He was here today and he was probably going to win. This didn't bother her, except that every player he beat had to face noise and he managed to erase a few players already. Much to her chagrin, she checked the listings and apparently she was playing him next, "Uh oh…" What made things worse is that Hanekoma and most other players weren't nearby. Nanami stopped to think, what was the likely hood of her winning? "Whoa! You're a first timer! You're doing great for a freshy!" Said the approaching champion.

She thought she'd have more time before he played her. "You're done already?"

Shooter beat his last opponent in under a minute, "Yeah! A lot of people are off their game today, but not me! My tin pin launcher had a bug earlier, but luckily I keep a spare!" A spare? Those things were like 20,000 yen! Who keeps spares?!

Joshua claimed to have sabotaged the notable tin pin players, but it sounded like the boy before her used a spare to avoid this. "You're number two right now! Whoa! For a first timer you must be good! I'll play you soon!" T

here was little doubt in Nanami's mind, "I'm doomed."

The time had passed pretty fast at first. Nanami had been playing by herself mostly and she had to guess that Hanekoma was busy with something. In reality he just had no idea where she was. He at that moment was asking around if anyone saw her. Hanekoma paused to see that Nanami was facing against the tin pin champion. "Oh… boy… this isn't good. Oh… On second thought… if she gets second place she won't have to fight against a powerful noise." This worked out fine after all, all she had to do was lose and Nanami was going to lose.

Hanekoma had given her pins which he imprinted to make other players play worse, but on someone as spirited as Shooter, it would fail entirely. The guy didn't look very smart, but in terms of spirit, anyone could tell he had an exceptional amount of it. It was that exceptional spirit which would make him immune to Hanekoma's pin. Nanami was going to have to fight some Noise. Luckily if things turned sour he could help her and a gut instinct said things would turn sour. It didn't matter though, as long as the diamond pin didn't touch a player they'd be home free. She'd be facing him in the finals one way or another.

Shooter dropped his pin and shouted, "SLAM! ON!" The crowd cheered for him. He tightened his headband and they just went wild. This guy belongs in a Shonen manga.

Nanami rolled her eyes and dropped her pin. To no one's surprise Shooter knocked her first pin off and only had five to go. She dropped a second pin and Shooter knocked that pin off before she could even move it. It was abundantly clear she was going to lose. The girl asked a question, "Can I just forfeit?"

The judge responded, "Yes…"

Sadly, no one heard the judge over Shooter shouting, "No! Never quit!"

He knocked yet another pin off. Nanami blinked a few times as she dropped another pin, "I think the judge said I could leave…"

Shooter denied this, "Slammed!"

He knocked yet another pin off. Nanami folded both arms and wanted to walk away. "Listen up! You may think you've lost… but you haven't yet! You're losing because you're not feeling the passion for the game. You may have pins and strategy, but without spirit… you'll never succeed at anything."

For some reason this awed the crowd and for an even stranger reason, Nanami. The girl turned around with fire in her eyes and steam rising from her head, "You want spirit? I've been thrown around for 1 week and two days doing stuff I don't wanna do! I have no idea who may friends are, I have no idea what I stand for and I don't need YOU telling ME what I need to succeed!" She knocked his pin out of the ring to leave the audience baffled.

It was a real match shortly after, "Whoa! You got fire in your eyes! So this is your true power! SLAM ON!"

Nanami got even more irritated, "Power? This is tin pin! It's all about how well you can knock pins out of the ring!" Nanami and Shooter's pins collided a few times.

Hanekoma's eyes crossed, "Well… suddenly she's good at this game…" Nanami slowly but surely knocked out another of Shooter's pins. He had plenty more, "I'll not be beaten by you! My will to win exceeds the desire to live!"

Shooter tried to be dramatic, but Neku killed it. "Nanami… hurry up and lose… I'll die from an aneurism if this continues."

Shooter turned his head completely drawing his attention away from the game, "Whoa! The tin pin prez! May I shake your hand?" Little did he notice Nanami knocked one of his pins out of the ring. "Oh! No more distractions! Now you face Shuto Dan! Tin pin champion of the world!"

From that moment forward he completely and utterly destroyed Nanami's short winning streak. Nanami stopped trying very hard after Neku, she more or less wanted to lose.

Shooter won with a decisive victory and leap in the air. Be it his personal aura or just that Neku was having a seizure, Neku saw Shooter with flashing lights behind him like one might see in a children's show. Shiki promptly caught Neku before he hit the floor, "Are you alright?"

Neku couldn't respond due to the foam in his mouth. He saw a bright array of colors. If he could he would have blamed it all on a tin pin overload. Neku hated that game more than any fan could love the game. It was time for Shooter to collect his prize. Nanami felt a little relieved that she wouldn't have to touch the diamond pin. As she checked her hand the mission was clear. "Whew… mission complete."

Hanekoma exhaled a breath of relaxation, "Alright… now all we need to do now is just leave and call it a day. You made it, Nanami."

She smiled weakly and wanted to apologize, "I'm sorry for earlier. It was really great you helped out today… and the day before. Whatever Joshua's doing... I know I can trust you."

Hanekoma didn't need an apology, "Well Joshua and I go way back, but… we don't see eye to eye on this. He wants to save Shibuya in his own way… but it's not my way. The world ends with you, don't forget that. It's your own decisions and your own choices that make your world what it is."

Nanami smiled, "Yeah, you're right. I'm glad we were able to work together."

Now as Hanekoma and Nanami made it outside they both were surprised to see Shooter waiting for them, "Whoa! That was a fun match! As a memento to our battle I want you to hold to embrace the symbol of our battle!"

He held in his hand the diamond pin and he managed to force it into her hand. Nanami and Hanekoma stood stunned for a moment as a gigantic noise appeared. "I want you to keep it! You embraced the Tin Pin spirit and teaching someone to love Tin Pin is better than any trophy!" He smiled and didn't seem to notice that she started panicking. Not from the fact he just did something super cool, but because he couldn't see the GIANT ASS Noise she saw.

Shooter made a shooting gesture with his hands as a trademark and left all cool like.

Upon his leaving Hanekoma and Nanami had to fight what may have been the largest porcupine noise ever seen.

Hanekoma sighed, "I'll take care of it."

Oh well, it's not like it could beat Hanekoma anyway...

XXXX

The day was over and the sunset was gorgeous. It was a perfect view from the building top that Kariya chose. The mission ended much to Uzuki's discontent. "No way… we could have got a lot more players than that. I wanted to see the big noise fight."

Kariya sighed, "Yeah… it's a shame a player didn't touch it, but then… I did give the warning."

Uzuki shook her head, "I guess the mission still went pretty well, we got five more days after all. I mean… we still got plenty of time to deal with the other players."

Kariya agreed and sat calmly on a chair. He let his lollipop gradually melt in his mouth as he said, "This is the life, getting points… and being lazy while doing it." He leaned his head back to see Kotori staring down at him with both arms crossed. Most people would have jolted, but Kariya just let out a defeated sigh, "Oh? Back already?"

Kotori rolled on her skates to the edge of building, stopping narrowly. She leaned her body over the edge with both hands behind her back as she observed what was happening below. "It seems that noise was summoned after all…"

Uzuki's head spun, "Wait, what? What kind of idiot would touch it after the mission?"

Kotori blinked a few times as her eyes narrowed. She saw in full force what she was up against. The noise was strong, yet powerless. Hanekoma's true form was beyond human power. He defeated it without effort and not only did he defeat it, there was no sign of a struggle at all. He wasn't tired nor did a speck of dirt land on his shirt. Kotori turned to ask a favor, "Kariya… I need your help. If you're willing I'd like to make a change to tomorrow's mission. There might be a way to turn his power to our advantage."

XXXX

Okami growled in pain, "This beaten dog… still has… teeth."

He was hit with a powerful seal. Charon's attack really left a number on him. "That power… those eyes.. the scent of blood. That man was a killer. No… not a man… What was he?..."

Okami was perplexed as his reaper power slowly returned to him. Whatever had hit him had knocked him out and sealed his power for the last hour. "This pain… will make me strong. I'll not let it be dulled, I'll let it be a reminder… that there are men who hunt wolves. There are no pacts between men and wolves. This man has the eyes of a beast which I long for. This man has power I seek, I must learn how he gained his strength. I must become stronger, strong enough to destroy the Composer and one day this city! Let it all become hell!"

The Reaper ran sniffing at the ground. He tracked new prey, "I'll find you… Charon.

Okami had been following the demon for some time. Okami could smell the air he was close enough. "Where are you? Come out! I'll sniff you out! I'll find you…"

Charon's voice echoed, "And when you find me, what will you do?"

Okami turned around unable to see him, "When I find you… I'll learn the truth! I'll taste true power!"

Charon appeared as Okami turned his head, "When you find me? You'll learn the truth? Is it truth that gives power? What mad delusion do you face, Reaper?"

Okami fell to one knee, "Tell me… how to become strong… tell me how to defeat the Composer…"

Charon didn't have time for this, "You are nothing, move along." As he said the words 'move along', a powerful imprint capable of breaking all will entered Okami's mind. It was strong indeed, what memories of Charon he had began their mass exodus. But still he stood, the imprint did not make him leave, "Tell me… how to become strong."

No human should have been able to resist that imprint. It was angel made and borderline mind control. Yet...

For better or worse Charon's interest was rekindled, "You wish to destroy this city?... Yet with or without you the Composer will die and the Noise will destroy this city. They do not require your aid to evoke destruction."

Okami didn't care, "I want my revenge… I want to hurt Joshua… I want this city to die… Give me the tools to end salvation!"

Charon gave thought to this madman's plea. After a moment he reached for his phone and lightly tapped the buttons on his phone. The reply was instantaneous. He got a text message back from his boss. With a flash of the screen Charon's glasses reflected the reply, Tell him what he wants to know.The demon neatly placed the phone in his suit jacket and asked one more thing, "Are you prepared to make a deal with the devil?"

- End Day 2

(Author's notes: I'm sorry this one took longer and yes as usual... I intend to edit it later. But please don't hesitate to comment. Every time I see a comment I do about 2k+ words not long after I see it. Comments keep me going and thank you all for reading.

[Yes that Author's note is old, but it's still true.]

The unedited chapters were when I was fairly new to fanfiction and didn't know a lot of grammar or cultural rules that go with it. Even so, I find some fondness reading the old chapters. They desperately needed work.

Well this day was funny I hope. I did the basic editing to make it flow with the rest of the story. I intend to do future chapters in the coming days. So if you don't want to read the mangled up mess that is in fact the next chapter... just wait a little while. I'll get to it. The story gets better and better over time. I have many readers who can attest that the story can get you emotionally involved.

As said before I will probably be working on a new fanfiction. Maybe a Naruto story when everyone is grown up and the Kages are starting to go missing. Or Gurren Lagann where Lord Genome didn't take over the world? Either of those sound better?

If you have any further thoughts please don't hesitate to comment. PM me any errors you see and I will do my very best to fix them. I'm sure there's stuff I missed. 0er0 out.)