EBWY: Joshua Day 0 AN/disclaimer: the following features an experimental writing style attempting to keep the manga-esque dialogue of the original game but also use descriptive paragraphs of traditional writing. It's also not affiliated in any way with Square-Enix, and is a fan interpretation of a potential continuation of the original story.
And obviously spoilers from the original material.

—

Joshua was walking down the streets of Shibuya.
Today was special. He was intending on meeting with an old friend. Well, Joshua had considered him a friend. Whether or not it was the case he didn't know. Honestly, he didn't care. He was ready to meet him again.
It had nearly been a year since he'd last seen him. Joshua took a long needed rest after the, incident.
Back in the "Shibuya River," before Joshua had left to the RG, Hanekoma stopped him.

Hanekoma: You sure he's going to want to see you?
Joshua: Listen, I've waited for nearly a year to see him. And a little hesitation, even on his part, that won't stop me.
Hanekoma: But, if you recall, you caused much mental turmoil for him.
Joshua: ...
Joshua: A... mistake, on my part. One that I toyed with, yes, but won't be trying again. Or at least, any time soon.
Hanekoma: Whatever you say... Boss.
Joshua: Now, if you excuse me. I've got a date.

Joshua wasn't certain how this would end up. But one thing was clear. No harsh first impressions. That would wreck him.
Joshua continued past 10-4. It was lively today. So many different folk wondering to and fro. The weather was nice. A little warm, but breezy.

Joshua: *If i'm right, he should be at the crossing.*

Joshua was almost there, when his phone rang.

Joshua: ...?

A call? Who would- no, who COULD call him? The caller id was unknown. With hesitation, Joshua answered.

Joshua: Hello? Who is this?

A distorted voice replied.

?: Your friend is at the crossing. You, Composer, are standing in front of 10-4. Let it be known; We've much to discuss.
Joshua: Who is this?
?: Hmph, wouldn't you like to know?

The mysterious caller hung up. Joshua felt, strange. It was a feeling he'd not experienced since. Long ago. One word. "FEAR." Not just being scarred, no, pure fear of the unknown. But there was another part of him that felt an adrenaline rush.
Needless to say, Joshua was different. He wasn't human, per say. He was The Composer. The Composer that governed the Reapers Game in Shubuya. A purgatory for those who've died and wish to fight for their lives.
None the less, Joshua continued towards the crossing. This time at a faster pace.
Once he reached the Scramble crossing he immediately spotted him. Crossing the street in front of him. Joshua decided to meet him at the end of the street.
Once Joshua waited, and finally he walked past him, he didn't seem to pay attention. Joshua merely rolled his eyes, not entirely sure what to expect.

Joshua: *Typical...*

Joshua turned to him, deciding to begin playing it up a bit.

Joshua: Why, hello, Neku.

Neku, Sacuraba. Joshua's old partner. His old friend was right in front of him. After almost a year too.

Neku: ...How... How the hell...
Joshua: Hee Hee, what an apt response. I expected nothing less from you, Neku.
Neku: Shut up! How the hell- no, WHY THE HELL ARE YOU HERE?!
Joshua: *Well this is going nowhere fast..*
Joshua: ... Why don't we discuss this over a bowl of ramen?
Neku: ...
Joshua: *I swear I never get tired of his responses.*
Joshua: But to put it in short: I've... been thinking recently, and honestly... Wanted to speak with you.
Neku: ...
Joshua: So Neku? What do you say?
Neku: In short: you an idiot. Why should I listen to anything you have to say?
Joshua: Again, apt response! Can we go for three? Neku: ...
Neku: Alright... But on one condition.
Joshua: Oh? And what might that be?
Neku: We go to the Ramen Don.
Joshua: Well. That was my plan! Great minds think alike eh?
Neku: *grumble*

And so they were off, two teenage kids wondering into some ramen shop.
When they approached the shop we were greeted by the friendly shop owner/cook Ken Doi.
Joshua and Neku had a small history with the restaurant and its owner. Doi was surprised to see Joshua. Presumably due to the fact he's been MIA since the game.
The doors closed behind them.

Doi: Irasshai! Welcome!

Before anyone could get a word in. Someone crashed through the doors. Joshua turned around and time seemed to slow. A man was pointing a gun a Joshua.

?: Die...

Joshua knew that voice, he was suddenly stricken with pure terror. He was the one who called him.
*Bang,* *Bang,* *Bang,*
Joshua, with two bullets passing through his chest, fell backwards. Everything became fuzzy. He tried to see the man clearly but he was losing consciousness fast. Before he knew it. He fell to the ground with a loud thud.

Joshua awoke in a cold sweat. Chest searing with pain. Gripping his chest he began surveying his surroundings, he appeared to be in an alley.
Out of he corner of his eye. Joshua spotted someone lying at the end of the alley.
Joshua ran towards the person. His vision still blurred. It was a girl. She was a blonde and wore an orange top, she also wore a black beanie.

Joshua: Wha-? Im-impossible...

Joshua had turned her over to reveal an older Rhyme from what he remembered.

Joshua: Well then.

Joshua stood and starred at her for a moment.

Joshua: This just keeps getting more and more interesting...

Prologue- Rudimentary kindness