EBWY: Neku Day 4
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 this is a fan interpretation of a potential continuation of the original story.
And obviously spoilers from the original material.
—
Neku: Day 4
I awoke in a cold sweat; lunging upright. I was on the sidewalk near the subway.
Cars drove by, with people walking past, as if life was just as plain as the day before.
My heart stopped. I immediately stood up and looked around me. Where was Rikka?
I turn towards a nearby mom and pop cafe. Inside by a window seat was Rikka. Blankly starring at a glass of water.
Then my phone vibrated. A reminder?
I checked my phone to find that I'd gotten the mission text 10 minutes ago.
It read: "Question everything, 120 minutes, fail and face extinction."
Neku: *What the-? Forget it. I'm tired of asking...*
I ran inside after her. There was an all to familiar decal notifying that players were visible in the shop.
The inside reminded me of the ramen don... It was homely, and smelled of a fresh meal.
Regardless. I didn't care. I hastily walked towards the table where Rikka sat.
Neku: Rikka...
She was silent.
I lowered my head. My entire body trembling from fear, anger, and sadness.
I clenched my fist, pounding it on the table.
Neku: RIKKA!
Rikka flinched, but didn't move aside from that. She continued to be mesmerized by her glass of water. Which glimmered in the morning sun that shone through the window.
I sighed, and sat down across from her.
My eyes widened when I saw Rikka's eyes. They where lifeless. Empty. It seemed to reflect her very being.
But- before I got too deep in thought, I heard a voice from behind.
?: Your- Neku, right?
I let out a sigh.
Neku: Just turn around now if you're looking for a fight.
?: Actually, I think I can help you...
I was officially intrigued.
I turned around in my seat to get a better look.
This was a woman with dark toned skin, a black tank top with equally black overcoat and fedora. I, honestly couldn't pin down what exact style she was going for. My best analogy is cowboy meets punk. Although, for as punk as she seemed, she wore a warm, welcoming smile as she approached.
She stood at the end of our booth.
?: Are you two having trouble?
I glanced back at Rikka, who was still just as stoic as before.
Neku: You could say that.
?: Well- since you have as much time as you need, let me get you all something.
She walked over to the counter and placed an order, and returned with some mugs of coffee.
?: Would either of you like sugar?
I eye the coffee sceptically.
Neku: I'm- good, thanks.
?: Oh, well. Ok then.
Neku: But you can start with who you are if you don't mind.
The woman placed fedora on the table, revealing, her curly jet black hair. She took sip of her coffee, and proceeded to briefly choke on it from how hot it was.
?: Ow- excuse me-
She pulled over a chair.
?: So, you want to know who I am-?
Neku: Wait- no, hold on. I think I have a solid guess.
She reclined, intrigued by my cocky nature.
?: Do you now?
Neku: Your Shinjukus guardian aren't you?
A cheeky grin appeared on her face, clearly flattered.
?: My my. So you do. Well- almost. I'm reffered to as the "senior" guardian. Basically, that means that I'm about to retire.
Neku: Guardians retire?
?: Well- if we can find a replacement.
She picks a coffee grind from her teeth and flicks it away. Her voice soured suddenly.
?: Thats why I've been "almost retired" for, what? Coming on five years now?
Neku: Jeez.
?: You're telling me.
The woman reach her hand over the table to me ready for a handshake.
?: The name's Sunako Katou. Although, most people just call me Sun. You can call me that if you want, I don't mind.
Sun continued to drink her coffee as I pondered how strange it was that guardians can retire.
Sunako: So, who's the fine lady?
I looked back over at Rikka, who was still staring blankly at a glass of water.
Neku: She's- I mean, I think she's-
Sun is slowly nodding along with me stumbling through my words.
Neku: I think she's traumatized. Or- something like that. I haven't seen anything like this before.
Sun, in a pensive position and mutters to herself.
Sunako: I see...
Sunako: Well, lets start from the beginning shall we?
I briefly explained our current situation, the previous day, Rikka and her nearly constant nervous stuttering, as well as the how we've been fighting the noise.
For the most part, Sun looked like she had a grasp on the situation, until I mentioned the bit about the noise.
Sunako: I'm sorry- rewind for a sec- you don't need to split into planes to fight the noise?
Neku: Nope, but the reapers seem to think it's our fault. They think we're "Rule breakers" or whatever.
Suns face turned from confusion to concern.
Sunako: Well, that's disturbing. There has been an increased number of "cheaters" this time around... Thank you for the notice, I'll let the appropriate people know.
She stands up, preparing to leave.
Neku: Hey- what about my partner?
Sunako: Hrm? Ah yes-
She turns to me a places a hand on my shoulder.
Sunako: I think she wandered in here and just sort of zoned out of the world for a bit. I don't know what caused it, but she definitely has some inner turmoil brewing. Reach out to her. After all, you two need to talk fornthis mission after all.
I recalled the mission: "Question everything." So it's referring to our partners?
Neku: One last question.
Sunako: Please be quick.
Neku: I'm using cards instead of pins this time around? What's up with that?
Sun scratch her head, trying to think of how best to word the oncoming explanation.
Sunako: To put it simply: cards are for veteran players, while pins are for newcomers. The cards are meant to be a handicap, to vets and they normally get killed off early in the week because of it. Both are forms of psychs, but the cards are much more difficult to master.
My mind goes back to when I was referred to as a "Psych genius".
Neku: So- nothing to worry about then.
Sun smirked.
Sunako: I guess so.
Neku: Well, thanks for the help.
Sunako: It's nothing! Just remember me if it turns out you can't make it out! Maybe take my place?
Neku: Eh, I have plenty to live for, sorry. But if I find anyone who might fit the bill, I'll send 'em your way.
Sun lets put a sigh and smile.
Sunako: Well, thanks anyway.
Sun grabbed fadora and began to walk to the exit, but seemed to remember something and turned around briefly.
Sunako: Dammit- I almost forgot.
Sunako: If you ever happen to find the noise symbol inside a building, take a photo of it.
Neku: I'm sorry?
Sunako: You'll be rewarded with a one use psych that'll likely be used to make your job easier.
Neku: Huh. Thanks.
She smiles, waves, and exits the cafe, and I pull Rikka out as well into a nearby alleyway. I let her set down against the wall. I check my hand for the time... 68 minutes. I clench my fist and bare my teeth in frustration. I punch the concrete wall.
Neku: WOULD YOU WAKE UP?!
A single tear fell from Rikka's face. Still, she was silent.
My frustration was nie at its peak. I grabbed hold of Rikka.
Neku: WILL YOU LISTEN TO ME FOR ONCE YOU BI-!
I was aptly slapped. I looked back at Rikka. All but to see her face flushed with emotion. Tears poured from her eyes.
She raised her head to reveal her face. Now full of anger.
Rikka: H-h-how DARE YOU!
Rikka the slapped me again, then again, and again.
After the fifth slap I grabbed her hand.
Neku: Enough!
Both of us backed away from each other. Silence.
Rikka was leaned against a building, sitting on the ground. She was sobbing.
I sat next to her.
Neku: Rikka, just- What's wrong.
Rikka: ...
Neku: Listen- I probably know better than anyone the risk of keeping emotions bottled up. I want to help, but I can't if you don't let me in. Let me know what's wrong.
Rikka stare was mezmorizing, and she was starring at the ground. Something about her composure was disjointed, like she was clearly unstable and could fall over at any moment, break down, and scream. It was almost like watching a jenga tower slowly loose its balance. But in this case, I wasn't going to just stand and watch.
Neku: Rikka, please-
She turned to me, eyes red from the sobbing, with a glare that could peirce straight through anyone.
Rikka: Oh, aside from n-nearly falling to my d-death. All but to lose c-consciousness the second before we crash to our d-death- Gee. I dunno!
Her sarcastic tone wasn't appreciated.
Neku: That, wasn't exactly what I was referring to...
Rikka: Th-then, what are you referring to? Exactly?
Neku: Your fear of- Well, heights.
She turned away.
Rikka: Oh, please. Don't t-tell me your not afraid of heights?
Nelu: I'm sure everyone is, at least a little. But yesterday you showed that it affected you in a much deeper way than I could have imagined.
Rikka lowered her head. The tears beginning to stream again. I was clearly hitting a sensitive spot. Then it donned on me.
Neku: Rikka. Does your fear of heights have to do with your death?
Rikka: ...
She was silent.
Rikka: N-n-not, m-mine... Not really.
Rikka: Neku. S-Something I haven't mentioned yet, is that I'm not an only child.
Neku: *We've both failed to disclose a lot*
Rikka: I'm the middle child of three. My eldest sister, M-Maya, and my young brother, Koto.
Neku: I see...
Rikka: Well. My sister, she was in university. She was damn good.
Neku: What was she?
Rikka: She was almost a Physician...
Rikka: S-she had- Issues. Issues that s-stacked onto o-one another. A-and before any of us could realize, s-s-she was in a deep depression.
I stayed silent...
Rikka: Eventually. She, apparently, couldn't live with herself anymore.
Neku: She- she jumped...?
Rikka nodded softly. Head still lowered. She shuttered.
Rikka: I w-was t-there... W-when s-s-s-she-
She caught her breath, clutching the side of her head in frustration.
Rikka: I-I was on my way home from school. W-when I get a c-call. F-f-from M-Maya.
Rikka: She said: "What is life beyond a pile of miserable events. Which I face daily, and get nothing more than hell from it."
Rikka: I-I t-told her it w-was ok. T-that she could bounce back from t-this- slump... She l-laughed in some s-sarcastic manner. Telling me that I was only t-telling her what she wanted to hear... A-after that. She hung up on me.
Rikka: I-I r-ran to her apartment b-building. I got there just as s-s-she-
Rikka buried her face in her knees, shuttering and sobbing.
Rikka: E-e-even t-three years later. It's still p-painful.
I decided to try and change the subject before she got anymore emotional.
Neku: Rikka. How do you know so much about the Reapers Game?
Rikka: I-I-I..
She began to shake irritably, and began to take deep breaths.
Rikka: I- see things... L-like-
Neku: Like "I see dead people," see things?
She glanced at me quizzically.
Rikka: Y-yes... Ever since I was born, I-I've seen people wondering the t-town. People that no one else sees. I thought I was going c-crazy.
I was silent. Immediately my mind wondered to Joshua. Mr. Hanekoma said Josh supposedly saw players while he was clearly alive. It seemed to be a similar case if not he same with Rikka.
Rikka: S-so... I talked to them.
Neku: Who? The players?
Rikka: Who else? M-most understood me. Felt my p-pain. My loss.
Neku: Not to open anymore wounds. But how much loss have you had?
Rikka: My mother, and my sister. Both suicidal.
Neku: I'm- I'm sorry... I shouldn't have-
Rikka shook her head again in dismay, and finally turned her messy, tear filled face to me.
Rikka: What about you?
Neku: ...
Visions of that night flashed through my head. The day my relationship with Shiki went sour.
I was alone with Shiki. We were bith sitting on a bench in Dogenzaka, just talking. Then the conversation turned to Beat and Rhyme.
Shiki: I hope they find Rhyme...
At the time, I was skeptical as to why Rhyme disappeared. I never drew any sound conclusion.
Neku: She'll come home when she's ready.
Shiki: But- Neku. Aren't you worried.
Neku: Part of me yes. Another part says not to worry. Things will work themselves out.
Shiki stomped her foot in frustration, standing up from the bench.
For some reason I normally found her getting flustered both hilarious and adorable. She seemed like a child. Well, her actual appearance that is, her black under-shirt, with a green blouse, white skirt with lettings, and her neck-length, coal black hair and metal frame glasses.
Shiki: How- how could you be so heartless!?
Neku: Whoa! What-?
Shiki: So your telling me. That there isn't a point to worrying about Rhyme?
Neku: I never said-
Shiki: Why?! Rhyme ran away, disappeared, or worse is dead!
I shuttered at the thought of death. That normally meant the Reapers Game. Having Rhyme put back through that again? I grew nauseous at the thought.
Neku: She can't be dead...
Shiki stepped back, she seemed almost insulted.
Shiki: Beat's in unimaginable pain right now. Have you even talked to him?
Neku: The ass won't say a word about the subject.
Shiki: Neku!
Neku: What? It's true! He's been secluded into his own little world. He reminds me of myself... And that isn't a good thing. At all.
Shiki: Oh shut up. You're not that bad.
Neku: Says you. Before... The incident. I was, alone, and proud of it. Too grossed on my independence, wrapped up in my fantasies. I never actually thought to-
We were both silent.
Shiki scoffed.
Shiki: "The incident." You talk like it was traumatizing, yet you seem thankful you experienced the reapers game.
Neku: Hey. I met you guys. Didn't I?
Shiki: But was it worth it?
Neku: ...
Shiki's voice had turned sour.
That cut deep. Up till then. I thought me and Shiki were, special, I guess. And I still hope it's so. But clearly we have our own fair share of issues.
My mind rushed back to reality. Rikka still starring at me longingly for an answer.
Neku: Erm. Woman issues... But I guess that's putting it lightly.
Rikka let out a small chuckle. Which was refreshing to hear after the day so far.
Rikka: Well? Who's the lucky lass?
Neku: Her name is Shiki. We met in the reapers game too.
I realized how strange that was. My, er- "girlfriend" and I met in purgatory.
Rikka: I hope it works out.
Neku: Same...
We were silent. We both leaned against the building behind us. It felt nice. A cool breeze rushed through the alleyway. Nobody could see us. Just the two of us, catching our breaths, after a heavily emotional experience.
Then I realized something. I jerked forward.
Neku: Wha-?
Rikka: What?
Neku: Our- hands.
The timer was green, and counting up. Did I mention it was also green? Rather than the red we were accustom to.
Rikka: Wait- w-w-what?!
Neku: *What now? Is this some trick?*
I checked the message again: "Question everything, 120 minutes, fail and face extinction"
Immediately I got another text.
"Trust your partner, they're your life, your salvation. Give in, let them understand you. Otherwise, extinction is imminent."
It suddenly, mostly, made sense.
Neku: We already finished. I think...
Rikka: How?
Neku: We pretty much dumped our life stories onto each other. Right?
Rikka: I-I guess?
Neku: "Question everything..." That must mean, question your partner.
Rikka: I don't s-see any relation to Shinjuku. Nor have I seen anything out of t-the ordinary today.
Neku: *This whole day is out of the ordinary...*
Neku: It seems like we've finished. But the timer...
Rikka: Maybe it's g-green for a reason...
Neku: Is-Is today a sort of throwaway mission?
Neku: *Something is very wrong about this. It feels far too sloppy to be intentional.*
A voice called out from the entryway to the alley.
?: Well done!
The two of us hopped up. Bracing for an attack.
The voice was a familiar reaper. His grin shone through his hood, which he promptly pulled back. Revealing his long silver hair and almost crazed bright green eyes.
?: Bakanuju, at your service!
I scoff.
Neku: The reaper from day one... What do you want?
Bakanuju: Just to see how you're fairing with today's mission. You seem to have it in the bag.
The reaper's smirk faded, almost as if he remembered something.
Bakanuju: Also, don't let us catch you breaking any more rulez.
The asshole emphasized the "z."
Neku: Breaking... "rulez"?
Bakanuju: You didn't fight the noise inside their respective planes.
I shook my head.
Neku: I didn't think it was a choice.
Neku: Besides, we already explained everything to Sunako.
He reaper grunted. He floated back and summoned some noise, a wolf and grizzly noise, to be exact.
Bakanuju: Defeat these noise then.
Neku: Will do...
I shared a glance with Rikka, she nodded.
The two of us ran forward.
I ran towards to wolf, as i approached, i kicked off the gound spiraling over the wolf, upon my descent, I let lose my spring loaded razor. It cut the dog up pretty bad, but i simply snarled at me once the flurry had stopped.
Crap.
The wolf charged at me, jaw agape ready to use me as his new chew toy. I tried to roll out of the way, but it cought my by the foot, next thing I knew, he was shaking me about like I was full of stuffing.
Shortly after, the noise let me loose, tossing me aside on the pavement. I could feel the asphalt burn on my arms. I grimaced, standing up and pulling a few bullet cards from my pocket, and waited.
The wolf circled around me slowly. Like it had some idea as to what I was plotting.
I flinched. The wolf flinched.
I stepped back. The wolf stepped forward.
Neku: *Dog's smarter than I gave it credit for...*
In the background i heard Rikka struggling with the grizzly. She was on its back, trying to pull cars, signs, whatever was available towards them with telekinesis.
I also caught the reaper snarling at us.
Neku: I swear I've no idea how we're doing this.
The reaper grunted. He floated back even farther and disappeared.
The wolf, now behind me, chose then to charge. Hearing the snarl from behind, I sidestepped, tossong my cards like 1-2-3. Each igniting in a fast, blue ball of fire, after letting them loose.
The wolf was erassed, howling from the pain as it disappeared.
I was about to catch my breath, then I remembered what Rikka was doing.
A car flew straight into the grizzlys chest throwing it back a fair ways, but it threw Rikka even further.
I darted over towards her as she was staggering to her feet.
Rikka: Th-this guy's tough...
Neku: Seems like it, you ok?
She gave herself a brief look over and nodded as she stood.
Rikka: Just a s-scratch.
With a throw like that, I highly doubted it. But before i could say anything else. Rikka flinched.
Rikka: Duck!
Rikka threw out her hand towards the charging beast and seemingly out of nowhere, a large chain extended alongside her arm. Seeing it approach, I hit the deck.
The chain cut through the already worn down grizzly easily. It disappeared with roar that was muffled by static.
Rikka: Are you alright?
Neku: Yeah.
Rikka: So... We are b-breaking the rules?
Neku: Thats what i don't get, yesterday, everything was normal, aside from those two creeps.
Rikka: Yeah, and they could fight without having to worry about the planes either right?
I nodded.
It was obvious that whatever was happening, the reapers didn't know about it either.
A similar situation occured in Shibuya with the higher ups loosing control. With a math fetishist, and his lackeys. Thankfully, Joshua and I put a stop to that.
I was about to say something. But I fell to the ground instead. Rikka followed. Both of us lost consciousness.
...
Day 4: Halfway point;