I did nothing but run to try to shake off the police.
How long have I even been running for…?
En route, I come to a stop and check my surroundings. I don't hear any footsteps after us. Did I shake them off?
"Ha, ha… Haaah…" I lean against a nearby wall, taking rough, heavy breaths. I'm completely out of air after running at full speed.
As I catch my breath, I hear something.
I look and see a man walking in front of me. He's grunting and making odd noises, probably completely wasted.
"Is he drunk?" I question. I felt my chest sink right at that moment. "!"
"Aoba!"
This feeling…
I've been having it all the time lately.
Rhyme…!?
"Rhyme again… What the hell!?" I groaned. "And this place…" Everything around here looks distorted "It gives off a really bad feeling… Some weird feeling like you're in someone's house while they're there or something."
"Aoba, watch out." Ren said standing beside.
"Yeah." I nod. I looked in front of me to see who our opponent was and became a bit shock "He's the drunk from before. Which means, he's the one who brought me here…?"
And before I could react the drunk man launch an attack .
"Whoa!" I have to act quick! "Uh… Ren, defense!"
Our DURABILITY only took minor damage, that's a relief. But this is no time to be playing around, we need to end this quickly. With that thought in mind I gave Ren and order of attack.
The drunk man DURABILITY took more damage than ours.
"Looks like it all worked out…" I murmur "Anyway, wasn't that a little too easy?"
"Aoba, instructions."
"Next…"
"!"
"Ren!" I don't know how it happen but Ren took some damage.
But how? I didn't see the man give an attack.
"…I'm fine." Ren said, but I saw some sparking around him.
"Sorry, I wasn't paying enough attention." I apologize "Let's finish it in one blow and get out of here."
"Understood."
Ren went in with another stronger attack making the DURABILITY of the drunk man to hit zero.
.
.
"…Ha." I return to reality, free from Rhyme. And I'm now laying on a heap of trash in some alley…great…
"Shit… What the hell." I groaned. During that Rhyme match… Usui wasn't there.
Was it another Drive-By?
Why do I keep getting pulled into this shit…?
When I try to get up, and wipe the trash off of me, a sharp headache hits me. "Ouch!" The pain stabs at me just as needles would, but it quickly fades away.
Ren is crouched at my feet. He did take some hits in Rhyme…
"Hey, Ren. Are you okay?"
He's shutting down…
As I move to pick him up, Ren opens his eyes a little bit. "…Aoba."
"Are you all right? Didn't you take some damage?" I hurriedly asked him in worry.
"…" Ren silently stares at me. "…I feel a little off, but there doesn't seem to be any significant problem."
"We should make sure later, just in case." I put Ren into my bag, uneasy, and suddenly my Coil rings. "Hm? Someone sent me something?"
"It's a game application."
"Again!? And does it have to be right now!?"
"It looks like it's the automatic installation type."
"Eh…!?" I looked at my Coil in shock as the game started and began to play. The blue knight goes into a cave and walks around the maze going down one of the staircase. He walks around the room to get to the red chest that held a key. A side screen came up showing that my Coil is downloading something. I look back at the game to see the knight walking back up the stairs and walks to another set of stairs. The knight walks down the hallway to a big door and uses the key to enter the room. The knight walks to the center of the room where a blue orb sat, coming in contact with it screen turn white and an invitation pops up.
It's an invitation to Platinum Jail.
"An invitation… Can we get into Platinum Jail with this?"
"I think so."
The game still made no sense. I thought closing out of the mail.
…No, wait a second.
That transmission that came when Granny was Kidnapped… It definitely had Granny's character being taken away to that dump.
"No way…" I murmur putting a hand under my chin "They can't possibly be linked, can they? Ren, what do you think?"
"There's not enough evidence to suggest the probability."
"Right. But… if they are linked-"
A cave, a treasure chest, a key, and a large door. Do they have some sort of meaning…?
Ring
My Coil started to ring again.
This time it's a message from Haga-san.
Haga-san
Secret path to Plt. Jail
I was supposed to escort you, but there has been a change of plans. Please proceed onto D-86 in the North District. We will meet there.
Attached to the message is a map of the Old Resident District. There's a red mark made on the left side of the outer wall of Platinum Jail.
"…Okay, let's go."
"Yeah."
I follow the map, facing the direction of where we're going to meet up with Haga-san.
The marked area was at an entrance to an underground passageway a little off from the Norther District, with a broken barricade in it.
And Haga-san was there, ready to hand over a remodeled type of stun gun to me in order to protect myself. He told me that this underground passageway used to be how construction materials for Platinum Jail were transported.
Originally, Platinum Jail was planned to cover the entire island, and the Old Resident District built a passage way to transport materials over. But the plans were put to a halt and the passageway was abandoned.
Mostly everyone has forgotten about it, but it's a way into the gates of Platinum Jail.
I made my way through the barricade and went down a rotting staircase.
It was dark in the tunnel, and if felt like it went on forever. I silently climb up the staircase. When I reach the top, a sight like nothing I'd ever seen before opens up.
An enormous, white gate stands in front of my eyes.
So this… is Platinum Jail?
…Is it really okay to keep going?
…It might actually be a trap.
Still feeling the same anxiety, I step through the gate.
"Whoa!"
The gate opens and I'm greeted by a showy fanfare and the sound of fire crackers around me.
"Welcome to Japan's greatest, highest class facility of love, dreams, and comfort, Platinum Jail!"
A panda comes out from the side and greets me.
I think he's supposed to be cute, but I can't say I think he really is.
Behind him are five white doors.
"This is the upper paradise where only the chosen are let in! Please enjoy yourself as much as you can!"
"Right…" I murmur slowly.
The panda, not really concerned about me at all, goes over to a wall in a rhythmical way and presses a button.
"Now, which entrance will you take? Fun-Fun roulette, start!" The monitor above began to flash different places before coming to a stop. "Ohhh, your destination is Midnight Blue Coast! Now, this way please!" The panda stands in front of the middle door and bends his body to the side in a n amusing manner. "This is an area where the real Platinum Jail shines through! If you let go of some things… something might change, you know? Please, do go inside! Have a nice trip!"
The panda prompts me in high spirits, and I walk towards the door cautiously. I stop right at the door and talk to Ren, who has his head popping out of my bag.
"It's pretty likely that this is a trap, huh?"
"The probability is high."
"But we still have to go, don't we?"
"Make sure to show your ticket or invitation to the confirmation monitor on your way!"
"Invitation…"
I open up the invitation on my Coil and walk closer to the monitor.
"Platinum ID confirmed. Aoba-sama, welcome to Platinum Jail. All jurisdiction belongs to the Platinum ID holder. Please observe the detailed entry on the subject which is located on your invitation card. Have an enjoyable time."
Beyond the door was…
A wide, white, almost glass-like district.
Buildings line the streets with designs nothing like the ones of the Old Resident District. There are glittering stars in the night sky, another thing I've never been able to see.
All of Platinum Jail's weather is controlled, probably on a setting to keep it mainly nighttime.
I've heard that the concept was for it to be relaxing, made so people could party every day.
What I first saw in the sky was the tall building designated to be Platinum Jail's symbol.
"That's Oval Tower…"
I'd heard rumors about it, but this is my first time seeing it in person.
This is the world Toue produced…
With that though, everything here looks fake to me in an instant. No matter how beautiful it is, I hate this splintered off area without a hint of greenery.
This homogeneous, perfect, unreal place…
"…"
"Ren?"
I shift my head to the sound of weak breathing and see the unusual sight of Ren panting with his tongue hanging out.
"Are you okay?" I worriedly asked.
"Yeah. I used up a little too much energy, but it's not a problem of too much importance."
"But you look awful. So it was that Drive-By from before. I need to examine you somewhere… Oh yeah. The place we'll be staying is on the invitation, right?"
I open up the invitation on my Coil and check the attached map. There's a place with a flashing red point on it.
"I don't know if it's a hotel or something, but let's just go there. Ren, can you navigate?"
"I can do that much."
"I'm counting on you."
I followed Ren's navigation instructions and took the shortest route to our destination.
As we make our way to the place marked in red, there were buildings on every corner. It was an extravagant bunch of single houses lined up against each other. But there seemed to be ranks between them, as our house was a small two story building. They all looked the same on the outside, but the inside was kind of old-fashioned.
On the door was a plate with the name GLITTER written on it.
All of the buildings have plates with different names on them, so this must be this building's name.
There's a confirmations monitor by the door: I put my Coil up to it and the lock opens.
"Heh…"
I was a little astonished when I turned the doorknob and went in.
The inside is much more retro than I had imagined… All of the furniture looks classic. Almost all of it is wooden, a complete gap between here and the white world outside.
I see a staircase further in up to the second floor and go up it.
The first thing I see upon reaching the second floor is something that looks like a living room. To the side of it is a small bar counter. Next to it is a long hallway lined with doors, I check out one of the rooms.
The room is small and minimalistic with a refined feeling.
"Well then. I have to examine Ren." I sit down on the bed and take Ren out of bag.
I place him on my lap and open the control panel on my Coil.
With this, I can check for any sorts of abnormalities.
"Let's see." I mutter.
I look for any indications from the numerical data on the control panel screen.
…Hm.
There doesn't seem to be anything wrong based on these numbers.
"There doesn't seem to be any issues, but do you still feel weird?" I asked.
"Yes. I can't exactly explain it, but I feel uneasy." Ren said.
I narrowed my eyes looking back at the control panel "I wonder where it's coming from. I guess it's inside…"
Ren's breathing is back to normal compared to before. But I can't let him go just yet.
"Hmmm…" I push through his fluffy fur, searching all over his body. Ren shakes a little like it's ticklish. "Nothing wrong on the outside. Shit, I need to be more careful."
"But your speed in giving instructions has improved from before."
"I guess it's because I'd done Rhyme before. it doesn't feel real, but… Maybe my intuition came back, or something. But still, that field was strange. Maybe because it was a Drive-By, or maybe because it wasn't mainstream."
"…Aoba."
"Hm?"
"Please stop that."
"What is it? Is something wrong?"
I stop touching Ren and look at him. He licks his nose as if he wants to tell me something.
"No, it's…"
I tilt my head to the side confused "What's wrong? Why don't you just tell me?"
"I don't understand it too well, but… I have this unexplainable, peculiar feeling." Ren said making me frown a bit.
"I see…" I murmur "I guess I won't be able to understand unless I go all the way and open you up. Does it feel like it'll be difficult to bet by from day to day?"
"Not exactly."
"Then I guess we'll wait and see… If it ever feels like you can't take it anymore, you better say so right away."
"Understood."
I close the control panel, pick up Ren, and look into his eyes.
His moist, black eyes look back to me.
"…I'm sorry." I murmur.
"Why are you apologizing?" He asked.
"No, well. You're my important partner. I wasn't paying enough attention… And it was my responsibility to."
"It's not really your fault."
"I'm awful. Lately, I… Somehow I've come to dislike myself because of all this." I said.
"…"
"Just kidding." I smiled.
My mood sinking, I take Ren and place him to my forehead.
…And something pushes on my cheek.
It's Ren's paw. Rejecting me, Ren places both of his tiny paws on my forehead and gently pushes me away.
"What is it?"
"No…" Ren doesn't lower his paws.
What's wrong?
He's never done anything like this before.
I move the oddly acting Ren away from my face, his eyes looking into mine. …Really, what's going on?
"Is it because of the damage you received from Rhyme?" I asked.
"That may be the reason…"
"Really? But you're acting kinda strange, you know?"
"I just feel a little out of it, that's all. I'm all right." Ren gives me a vague response, trying to dodge the question. This is the first time he's ever tried to avoid talking about anything. "I'm sorry if I'm worrying you. Please don't think about it too much."
"Even if you say that…" I let out a sigh "You're acting weird. I think I'll look for a parts shop around here."
"You really don't need to worry that much."
"If you can't function any more after this, it'll be bad, won't it? We have to treat it like a disease. Okay?" I say that in a steadfast tone and ruffle Ren's fur. "Fluffly puppy!"
"Please don't play around."
"Haha, sorry, sorry!"
Even as I pretended to joke around, the shock still didn't fade.
For Ren to push my forehead away like that… I honestly never saw it coming. But I guess it's because something must be really wrong with him…
Is it really okay…?
Unable to shake the uneasiness from my heart, I put Ren in my bag and turn toward the entryway. I check outside and see people walking up and down the streets with smiles on their faces.
The sight of it was eerie, in a way.
I guess the management of the streets are well run. It's like a scripted display of a movie or drama act.
I think that this place is gorgeous, but the passerby's don't pay much attention to it.
Well, I'll go look for an open parts shop around here.
I open the map attachment and head towards the shopping mall. I pass by numbers of other stores and come to a shop at the one I'm looking for. In the display window are neatly groomed dog-type Allmates.
I bet I'll find parts here.
I guess I'll go inside.
I timidly open the door when I walk into the high-class type of shop.
"Amazing…"
The inside is wide and clean with not a single piece of trash on the floor. Allmates are lined up along the wall in glass cases, and quiet music is played throughout the store. Next to the Allmates are toys, accessories, and even clothes.
"Hey, Ren. Look at that." Ren sticks his head out of the bag. "Don't you think these Allmates are pretty and punctual compared to the ones back in the Old Resident District?"
"Surely. I can't deny that."
"Right?"
There are customers inside, all carefree, looking into cases with just nothing but pictures inside.
As I look around the shop, I go to ta section that has both custom parts and ones for maintenance. At just a glance, it doesn't seem like there are that many different parts here. It looks like there are only control panels and services for the new Allmate types, and I probably can't request anything.
"Hmm. None of this will work."
I think of asking an employee, but it's difficult enough to call out to another customer for me. I look around the store interior thinking of what to do, and a digital poster catches my eye.
'Platinum Jail Special Commemoration Event: Opening Soon!'
The date for it scrolled down in a large font. It's another two days until it opens. There aren't any specifics on the poster.
Platinum Jail Special Commemoration Event…
I wonder what's going on there.
I'm a little interested, so I go and ask the customer next to me.
"Uh, excuse me."
"Yes?"
"About that Platinum Jail Special Commemoration Event. Do you know what's going on there?"
"They haven't said yet. But it looks like that day's going to be a fun one. It's bound to be an absolutely fabulous event, you know? The usual parades are really like a dream!"
"Huh…"
"I wonder if Toue-san is going to show up? If he does, it'll be absolutely fantastic! He can do anything and everything flawlessly. He's soooo amazing!"
"…I see. Thank you."
I slightly bow my head and leave.
So not even the guests know what's going on at that event. But they did say that Toue may be there.
Even if he does show up, there's no way I could even get close to him. At the moment, I have no way of coming into contact with Toue.
Anything is fine. If I just find a clue, then I…
"Ren, let's check out that special event tomorrow." I talk to Ren. But he doesn't reply. "Ren?"
When I look into my bag, I see Ren staring at an Allmate sitting in a glass case.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
All of the Allmate's specifications are on a monitor seemingly very impressive.
"Wow… That's something." I utter amazed.
In the first place, I never had a deep interest in Allmates. But when I saw the latest model, I couldn't help but be astounded. My custom made Allmates aren't even a match for this latest model on its default settings. Made for diverse tasks, like basic ones and Rhyme of course. Things like analog maintenance aren't necessary for this one.
"Hah… They've gone far."
"Are you interested in it?" Ren asked.
"Aren't you the one interested? You've been staring at it."
"…"
"Well, it is pretty impressive. It looks really useful for anything I could ever think of doing." I said.
"…Do you want to try using it?"
"Eh?" Ren's odd question causes me to lance at him as his eyes continue to focus on the case. "I wasn't thinking about that at all. I have you."
"Isn't that only because you've never had the experience of a more efficient, newer model?"
"What're you talking about?"
"…"
Ren's saying weird things again.
I frown, trying to understand what he's getting at, and Ren squirms out of my bag and dashes away.
"Hey!"
Not listening to anything I say, Ren keeps running until he exits the shop.
What is he doing!?
"Ren!"
I chase after Ren out of the store, garnering the attention of the employees and customers around.
I run after the bundle of blue down a side street.
