EBWY: Neku Day 5
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 5
I staggered up to my feet, scratching my head. I checked the time. "7:00 AM"
Neku: Damn...
I saw Rikka next to me, except, she wasn't "sleeping" in the traditional sense. More of like a zombie if anything. It was unsettling.
The whole town seemed like a wasteland. I sat back down, put my headphones on, and let myself get lost in my thoughts.
What the hell has been happening exactly? Joshua, Rhyme, Rikka. Those two creeps Jess and... Shourin was it? They were the most unsettling.
Then the whole fighting noise without planes. This was simultaneously good and very bad. It meant that Rikka and I could coordinate properly, but also that the reapers had a thin grasp on the rules of their own game. The past two days have the most horrifying, stressful days in a long time. So overall. Not a fun week.
I sat there, listening to déjà-vu on repeat. Before I knew it, Rikka stumbled awake.
I pulled off my headphones, stood up, and crossed my arms.
Neku: About time.
Rikka shook her head. She scratched her head and looked around her.
Rikka: It's rather quiet today isn't it?
Neku: Heh. Sure, but imagine there being people, but they spout crazy, cultish phrases when you try to talk to them.
Rikka: Erm. Is this taken from personal experience?
Neku: You have no damn clue.
With that, we stood in silence. Unsure of what to make of the situation. Speaking of déjà-vu, I was experiencing a ton of it.
Back when Shiki and I were in the reapers game in Shibuya, we were both unsure of each other. But with Rikka, it was familiar, but also different. I couldn't put my finger on it, but simultaneously: I felt as if I could trust Rikka with my life. At the same time I felt she threatened my very existence.
Rikka: O-oh!
Rikka pulled out a handful of cards, much like my own, but each one featured a different symbol. Whether it be a cross of previous symbols, or a completely new symbol.
Rikka: I keep forgetting to give you these, or it's always a bad time...
Rikka handed me the cards.
Rikka: Some of the noise d-dropped them whenever we fought.
Neku: It's a similar case with pins.
Rikka: Really? I've yet to find any pins...
Neku: You mean aside from the starter pins?
Rikka: Yeah...
Rikka tugged on her scarf that was concealed under her tank top, revealing the pins she'd been using up to this point.
Rikka: Say, Neku?
Neku: Hrm?
Rikka: Do we have to fight other players?
Neku: ...
Neku: Not if you don't want to...
Rikka: Like you with that kid you're chasing..?
Neku: Yeah... Er- maybe...
I was definitely unsure of what I was supposed to do when I found Joshua. Why is he in the reapers game? And why is Rhyme with him?
Our phones buzzed, rushing me away from my thoughts.
Neku: Hey-
Rikka: Fun...
We both opened out phones: "Cleanse the tunes by the isles. 90 minutes; fail and face extinction."
Neku: *"Tunes" ? "Isle"? What could possibly be the connection between these two?*
With a high pitched squeal, a pain surged through my arm. Rikka experienced it as well.
Rikka: Timer... So, where t-to from here...
Neku: Well...
Rikka appeared in deep thought. One arm across her torso, the other leaning on her crossed arm. Her feet shifted with an unusual anticipation, her energy built until she hopped into the air.
Rikka: I GOT IT!
I was taken aback for a moment by the sudden outburst of energy.
Neku: By all means...
Rikka coughed and readjusted herself.
Rikka: Well, when I was... Alive... My family and I ate at this fancy restaurant. And when I s-say fancy, I don't mean it lightly.
Neku: o-ok?
Neku: ...And?
Rikka: Well, I bring it up because we're close by.
Neku: Um- Do you want breakfast?
Rikka: Yes! Well... No. Not there, but we should be able to "cleanse our palette." There, s-so to speak...
Neku: Alright then. To the- ah...?
Rikka: Trinity isle!
Neku: *Right next to Hawaii...*
Sarcasm aside. I begrudgingly followed Rikka towards the "Trinity Isle." As corny as it sounded.
We approached the building when we stopped.
Neku: Hey, why did we stop? Aren't we going in?
Rikka: Y-yeah. It's just- a wave of nostalgia hit me. I haven't been here since b-before...
Neku: Yeah, right... So, er- do we just walk in? Or will we need a reservation to even enter?
Rikka: Oh son of a-!
Rikka stopped herself and kicked a nearby wall.
Rikka: Crap! I c-completely f-forgot!
Neku: Well, let's hope its empty then.
We entered the building, it was almost full.
A sort of pedestal for the host to sign people in was in the middle. Behind the host was a door, presumably to the kitchen. To each side of the host was an entryway to split sections for customers to eat.
Rikka whimpered in defeat.
Neku: Do you think we can get in?
Rikka: I. Freaking. Called it.
I starred at Rikka for a moment. Then began to whisper.
Neku: Ok. Your assumptions aside, how do we get in?
Rikka: Hrm... Ah!
Rikka: Back when w-we would be eating here, we would notice some people only come in to use the restroom.
Neku: Restroom- Rikka that's actually pretty good!
Rikka: I'm just surprised that you didn't think of it earlier.
Neku: ...
Neku: Is that a compliment?
Rikka shrugs nonchalantly. I merely let out a sigh.
I begin moving towards the small counter in-between the two sides. The man observes us with intrigue.
Neku: Excuse us sir. We need to use the restroom. Where would they be?
The man frowns.
Man: Only paying customers may use the restroom.
Neku: What? But-!
The man's face quickly turns into a glare.
I sigh.
Neku: Fine.
Rikka: That's the last time I c-come here with my family.
The man raises an eyebrow. Observing Rikka for a moment. Both of us had frozen, his stare was concerning.
The man's eyes widen.
Man: M-Miss Tamagawa! I had no idea! You normally are dressed up with your family- I deeply apologize. Please.
The man gestures down the left side.
Man: Please: go right ahead.
Rikka looked surprised. But nodded appreciatively.
Rikka: T-t-thanks...
We continued started into the left side.
It was an open room, tables spread throughout. Directly to the right of this sides entryway was a ramp that descents slightly downwards. A wooden sign wrote: Restrooms.
Neku: They even make the restrooms look nice...
Rikka: Let's j-just do what we came for and leave.
Neku: I'd say I'm way ahead of you, but I'm still processing even being in a building with this class of people.
We moved down the slope a little. I then scanned the room for any noise. Nothing. The grimace. But not before a nearby table begins to eye us. I duck, pulling Rikka with me.
Neku: This is a change of pace.
Rikka: How-?
Rikka: Oh! We're v-visible here...
Neku: Yeah.
Rikka: Wait. If they can see us, doesn't that meant they can see us fight the noise?
Neku: I mean, it'd help if we could find any noise...
Rikka: R-right...
I peeked out and took notice of a table off in the center of the room. It rlseated four younger people two male, two female. As well as an older man, who's glare was strong as he scanned the room, seemingly looking for someone. The younger folk were dresssed in an- interesting fashion. They looked straight out of a music video. Two of them were deep in a conversation, while the other two seemed like they could care less about being there, as they fiddled with their phones.
Rikka: Oh- that's "Cleanse Your Pallette"
I nearly fell over from how Rikka startled me. I regained my composure and retorted.
Neku: "Cleanse Your Pallette"?
Rikka: Yeah, they're a m-metal band. Once they hit the mainstream, they d-decided to make a statement on idol culture and it's destructive nature.
Neku: That's- actually pretty bold.
Rikka: They have their m-manager over there to thank for that.
I glanced at the gruff man starring around the room.
Neku: What's his deal then?
Rikka: I dunno. If only we could get a closer look.
I began to try to look all over the roon to maybe find some way over to the bands table. Then it hit me. I slowly turn to Rikka.
Neku: You- you like metal?
Rikka raised an eyebrow.
Rikka: Y-y-yes... Why? Is there s-something wrong with that?
Neku: N-no! I just- I mean- I didn't see you as the type-
Rikka: Oh? Then what exactly is my type then, Neku?
Neku: I- ah-
Rikka: I'll have you know, I have an appriciation for any music th-that allows for such explicit self expression. Metal just so happens to be one of the most expressive.
Neku: I- Whatever you say...
I returned my glance to the manager.
Rikka: Hey- Neku-
Neku: Look I wasn't trying to say you can't like metal, you can like whatever you-
Rikka: What?
Neku: ...
Rikka clearly stopped caring about the previous conversation.
Neku: Never mind. What is it?
Rikka pointed at a strange symbol near the chandler on the ceiling. I had to squint to see it clearly. It was a noise symbol.
Rikka: Isn't th-that-?
Neku: Yeah, give me a sec.
I pulled out my phone and took a photo.
Neku: ...
Neku: Well? Shouldn't somethings happen?
Suddenly I got a text: "invisibility. Hide yourself from everyone and everything for a moment."
Neku: Score!
Rikka: How do we use it?
That, I didn't know for sure. I was pondering how I might activate the psych, then Rikka snagged my phone.
Rikka: L-let me try.
Rikka grabbed my shoulder and focused. Next thing I know, I cant see her anymore, and I'm being pulled along.
Rikka: Stay quiet, and follow my lead.
Neku: But I can't see-
I felt the grip on my hand tighten. That's when I noticed that I was also invisible.
Rikka: I'll g-guide you.
Rikka proceeded to lead me through the crowd of tables until we reached the band. We slid underneath with the long tablecloth masking us further. We began to hear the half of the band that was conversing.
Boy: So your saying that we don't need the money. Right?
Girl: Yeah. Especially if it's that guy who wants to buy us out.
Boy: I know, I feel the same. But Aika, they-
The girl, apparently named Aika, spoke in an even softer tone.
Aika: (Screw them Honoka, Jiro and Karen clearly don't care enough to be involved in this decision.)
I assumed they were talking about the other half of the band that was playing with their phones.
The manager chose this time to speak up.
Manager: Would you two shut it? He coming back.
Aika: I hope you know what your doing. I also hope you understand our wishes...
Manager: Kid, I'm your cheerleader in this game. I want nothing more than you to give the finger to these asshats. Trust me, I'm on your side. I just need to play this right so they don't plan some hostile takeover.
The table went quiet as another set of feet approached. As if on que, the other two put away their cellphones.
Man: Hello again, Masaya. I hope the meal has been pleasant.
Masaya: We didn't eat. I just want to know why you invited us here to begin with.
The man chuckles and we hear the crinkle of paper as he pulls something out and clears his throat.
Man: Ahem-
Man: Shiwa Records has taken notice in your little supergroup. We've come to make an offer.
We see the girl clench her fist from under the table.
Man: We an initial offer of ten mill-
Masaya: We're not interested.
The two cell phone enthusiasts began to mutter among each other.
Man: I'm, sorry?
Masaya: You hear me. Look, it's nothing against you or your label, it's just that we're more comfortable being independent. No need for censorship, or mandating how theses guys should or shouldn't act. It's just a personal preference.
The man is silent for a moment. But we could feel the tension increase from underneath the table.
Man: That- is exactly why you -should- sign on with us.
Masaya: Oh? Please explain.
Man: These kids, they clearly are letting the attention get to their heads. If you all do sign on with us, we can accommodate any and all feeedoms that you might desire
Aika: So long as we're your dolls to pamper an audience that doesn't knkw any better... Right?
The man sighs, clearly frustrated by their lack of cooperation.
Man: You should look at the bigger picture: imagine what you can accomplish with this kind of money in the long run-
Honoka: We're not doing too bad ourselves, thank you.
Aika: Besides, you're thinking of the long run, I garuntee we'll make next to nothing off of record sales, knowing how you all treat your artists.
Masaya: Now now, let's not chastise the man. Do you at least have a contract we can look over?
The man hesitantly hands a small stack of papers over to the bands manager, who begins flipping through.
I take this monent to ask Rikka a question.
Neku: (This is an awful lot of tension for a record signing.)
Rikka: (It's because labels like that guy's from have it out for successful independent artists.)
Neku: (I dunno, something still feels off. I can't put my finger on it though.)
Masaya tosses the paper back.
Masaya: Ok, yeah. That's a load of bull.
The mans tone soured.
Man: I'm- sorry? What did you expect? You band is being targeted by- god, who knows who. Parents? Activists? Fans of bands or celebrities they mock? The fees in security alone for concerts would be-
Masaya: I'll stop you right there. We're perfectly capable of financing our own small scale security crew. Plus we're smart about where we book. Play it right, and the owners offer their own security, free of charge. But I think I've heard-
Suddenly the other side of the table piped up.
Jiro: How much was it? The offer?
Man: Erm- ten million yen?
The table went quiet again.
Karen: Maybe we should talk this over in more detail before jumping to conclusions.
Honoka: Like hell we will! Didnt you just hear what Masaya explained-?
Jiro: The same guy that will get replaced if we say yes? Or course he's going to trash talk the other guy.
I glanced at Rikka with a look of caution, and realized we were visible again.
Neku: (its getting worse.)
Rikka: (Yeah, I notice it t-too.)
Neku: (Do you think-?)
Rikka pulled out her player pin.
Rikka: (Only one way to know for s-sure, right?)
As I was grabbing my pin, Rikka was already in a trance. I decided to wait. The table above me, however...
Honoka: Masaya has been with us from the beginning! You think he doesn't know what he's talking about?
Jiro: I never said that. I said he has obvious benefits for keeping us with him.
Aika: Same for this sleeze of a representative.
Man: Now hold on there-
Karen: You both need to take a backseat for a minute. We're a part of this band too, we have a right to at least be heard!
Man: Oh, I'm sorry, it seemed like you were both so busy on your phones- I didn't have the heart-
Other boy: Oh bullcrap!
I shook Rikka to hurry up.
Rikka: (Huh- wha?)
Neku: Anything?
Rikka: (Oh yeah at least a d-d-dozen. But, it was weird.)
Neku: (How so?)
Rikka: (It's like, they weren't exactly there yet. B-but, slowly becoming more clear?)
Neku: (The hell?)
Suddenly amongst the yelling above us, I began to hear familiar static ring in my ears.
Neku: Oh shi- MOVE!
I pushed Rikka out from under the table and threw myself out from underneath as well, just as a dozen noise crashed onto the table, collapsing it.
Then it got weird. The band, manager, and label rep all stood there arguing still, with an ominous energy eminating from them. They were like a noise power plant.
Neku: Rikka-
Rikka: I see it too.
Neku: Then how do we stop it?
I could see her take a few steps back out the corner of my eye.
Neku: Everything alright?
Rikka: I- yeah. I'm just-
She covered one of her ears.
Rikka: The yelling...
I looked back at the group of people, it was getting loud. Very loud in fact. Almost like they were all at the point of screaming.
I took a few steps forward and broke into a sprint, making a running leap over a frog noise.
I pulled out my blade card and backhanded the frog, sending into another nearby flaming frog.
Deciding now was a good a time as any to give one of these new cards a go, I grabbed a card that looked vaguely like a whip. Trying to pick up on the trend, I flicked it towards the wolf noise in front of me. A light shone from my card and a silve chain extended from the card and whipped the wolf across the face, staggering it momentarily. With the blade card in the other hand, I tried using the momentum from the previous attack, spinning around and going for a strike, erasing the wolf.
I take a second to regain my bearings. Before i knew it though, there were a swarm of frogs on either side.
Neku: Son of a-
Before I could finish my clearly relavent and intelligent thought, the noise charged. It was like two waves were about to crash into each other, and I was right in between.
I stumble into a sprint towards the ever growing argument in front of me.
I wasn't going to make it.
...
Or so I thought.
Rikka: Neku!
As I was freaking out, a table slams into my back, sending me flying ahead. I grab on and ready myself. Just as the noise were about to make a splash, i kick off the table, frogs flying all around me.
I pull my blade card back out and go to town on any frog noise headed my way as I continued to elevate. I kept tried to keep this up as I began my descent, but there wrent any noise around the group of arguing musicians.
I hit the ground, hard, trying to roll to mitigate any damage to my self. But it still hurt like hell.
I look back and grimace.
They're still coming.
Neku: Rikka!
I couldn't see her among the ever growing swarm of noise.
Where were they coming from?
Suddenly, what I could only describe as a ball of fire burst through the swarm and stopped in front of me.
Rikka stood gripping her headphones to stay on her head. She looked pissed.
She turned around and summoned a microphone on a stand.
I was very glad I had my own headphones on.
Rikka let out a scream that shattered any and all glass in the room, including the windows, it also took out a massive chunk of the swarm in front of us.
Rikka turned to me.
Rikka: Stop them!
I snapped back to reality.
Neku: R-right. On it!
I turned back to the group. They were essentially a ball of static at this point, and they were growing tendons instead more noise.
I get a crazy idea.
I run up to the orb and throw the spring blade trap, letting it start to rev up. I kick off the ground and as I'm right on top of the orb I throw the lightning card, letting start to charge and spark. Finally, as I slide down the orb, with its static biting away at me, i kick off the orb and pull out all three bullet cards in one hand and the blade card in the other. I throw the bullets, but before they launch, I give them a good smack with my blade, making them glow a concerning bluish color.
All at once, everything went off. The spring blades, the lightning, and the bullets. All of which exploded in a glorious light of fire and blue energy. As well as the horrible shriek of static that followed.
Everyone doubled over from the static, including the band and managers. I hit the ground with a loud very audible thud, Rikka turns towards us all gripping both side of her heeadphones, and all the noise behind us dissapates.
After a moment the static goes away. Leaving an eery silence in the room, whichwas emptied during the fight. Although, we saw a few stragglers that were injured during the encounter.
I slowly stumble to my feet, as i see Rikka pushing through the no longer screaming people rushing towards me.
Rikka: Oh god-
Rikka: N-Neku-? Are y-you OK?
I groan as I regain my balance. My head was throbbing from the impact and everything looked blurry and sounded like pins poking at my eardrums.
Neku: I've- been better-
I keel over again, my headache forcing me to double over.
While I'm on the floor, barely able to hear, I do see the group of musicians check themselves and each other. The producer walks off after a word or two and a bow. The four young adult musicians proceeded to hug it out. They even pull in their manager, who, while hesitant, accepts the embrace.
I check my hand since I've nothing better to do on the floor. Gone. Mission accomplished. I guess.
I notice as my hearing slowly returns to me, Rikka is trying to chat my ear off.
Rikka: -th-then I saw you fall and I know that w-w-was a big fall, especially when I heard you hit the floor-!
She gasped for a second, letting out a deep breath not long after.
Rikka: I was- worried...
Neku: Not gonna lie- so was I.
I sit up, half smiling, still clutching my head.
By the entrance of the room, we see the resturant owner with a look of fury, as well as Jess and Shourin pushing him aside.
Rikka: Is that-?
Neku: Oh god-
I decide to save myself the trouble and just fall back over.
Rikka narrowed her eyes at me, then turned to the approaching duo.
Rikka: H-Hey! Have you all been doing well?
Shourin raises his revolver at Rikka. Causing me to jolt back up.
Rikka raises her hands.
Rikka: Of c-course...
Neku: Hey! What's the big idea?!
Jess: We have questions. We -hope- you have answers.
Both of their demeanors were tense. For both our sakes, I complied.
Neku: What do you want?
Jess: A bunch of reapers got the jump on us earlier today, saying we "Broke the rules."
Rikka: Y-You mean "RuleZ"?
Jess: Shut it.
Neku: Get in line. Your all not the only ones who are being wrongfully acused of whatever by the reapers.
Jess raised an eyebrow.
Jess: I see...
Shourin: How can we trust them for sure? That reaper did mention tgem by name.
Neku: What?
Rikka: A reaper knowing p-players by name... That's new.
Jess: Hence our suspension.
Jess leans on Rikka, whose still holding her hands up, and pulls out her player pin. But something was off about it. It was... Inverted?
Jess: Listen: I want to trust you both. But I'm just having a hard time finding a reason to do so.
Neku: Trust is a two wat street right? Let's start with putting the gun down.
Jess sighed and gestured to Shourin, who lowered his weapon. Immediately Rikka moves closer to me, knocking Jess off balance.
Jess: Rude.
Rikka: Bitch.
Jess: Feelings mutual I see.
Jess scratched her head as an awkward silence befell the room.
Neku: So- what about that reaper? You know his name?
Jess: It was- It was... Um.
Shourin: Baka- something.
Jess: A befitting name for him, honestly.
Rikka and I shared a glance.
Neku: Bakanuju...
Suddenly, we all began to fall over. Most of us realizing what was happening. Jess even let out a remark as she fell.
Jess: OH SOn of a-...
We his the ground with a thud. My head was going to feel like hell in the morning.
Day 5: Uncertain Boundries