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 6
Amongst all the things to wake up to, Rikka's face extremely close to my own was the last thing I expected.
Neku: AH!
Rikka: Wha-?
Rikka drowsily awoke. Meanwhile, I had stumbled backwards into the middle of the road. A car suddenly drove into- er- through me, as if I wasn't even there.
Neku: Arg-!
I stagger to my feet, trying to shrug the feeling of mild pain that I'm not even sure was real.
Neku: Gah- DAMMNIT!
I dash back to the sidewalk by Rikka, who is starring in amazement.
Rikka: W-w-wow...
I was leaning on the closest building I could reach. Then I remembered yesterday.
Neku: Grah...
I lay on the sidewalk, frustrated with life. Rikka looks towards me.
Rikka: Yeah, s-so... What the hell?
Neku: I-... I don't know anymore...
Rikka scratched the back of her head.
Rikka: S-so we can fight the noise out in the open, and we have a crazed reaper with our names in his head.
Neku: Like I said. But even with the reaper that has a hard on for a snake, we still only have two days left. We're almost out of this hell hole...
Rikka crossed her arms pensively in thought.
I leaned on the building. We both were silent for a moment...
Our phones ring.
Neku: ah-!
I flinch upright. Rikka and I then pull out our phones.
The daily instructions of death wrote: "Reap the player trespassers at No. 3, 90 minutes, fail and face extinction."
I stand and begin to walk in circles on the sidewalk.
Rikka: R-r-reap?
Neku: Player trespassers?
Rikka: R-REAP!?
Neku: No. 3?
Rikka: Neku, do they mean they want us to kill?!
I hesitate. Unsure if I wanted to only make an assumed situation worse.
Neku: That's... What it sounds like...
Rikka: Oh m-my god...
Neku: What they're asking, IF that's what their asking... It's far too aggressive for the reapers game.
Neku: At least, they never force players to kill other players.
Rikka: S-s-so w-w-what d-do we d-do?
Rikka breathing was uneasy. I turn to her and reach out.
Neku: Er- Rikka, hey- Calm down, It could just be weird word play for noise-
Rikka: C-calm? C-CALM?! WHAT THE HELL NEKU? WE'RE BEING ASKED TO KILL AND YOU W-WANT M-M-ME TO B-BE C-C-C-C-
Rikka grasped at her chest, began breathing sporadically and fell to her side.
I flinch.
Neku: Son of a- RIKKA!
I ran to her side and made her face me. She was appearing to have a panic attack, and a heavy one at that... I pulled Rikka to the side of the building I was leaning on and propped her back to it. I placed my hand on her shoulder.
Neku: Rikka, listen, slow your breathing. It's obviously going to be difficult- But you have to try!
Rikka jerked a nod. I return the nod. With one last heavy gasp, she breathed in a smaller breath, in an attempt to regain control of her nerves.
Gradually, Rikka began to slow her breathing to a normal pace. She sighed heavily.
Rikka: Th-th-thanks...
I pat Rikka on the head and sigh myself.
Neku: No problem.
I sat back down next to her against the building.
Neku: So- ah- If you don't mind; do you have a speech impediment?
Rikka: H-how could you t-tell? Heh.
Rikka: Believe it o-or not... This is normal f-f-for me.
I nod. Gesturing her to continue.
Rikka: I'm- honestly not sure what it is... But it's been constant though m-m-most of my life. But b-b-because my mother or father weren't around t-too often-
Rikka loses her train of thought, like she was lost in a memory.
She nods to herself. Then perked up, seeming a bit annoyed.
Rikka: I-it's always w-w-worse when I'm nervous or s-s-stressed.
Rikka: You s-should see me before I take a test. I'm a j-jittering, stammering mess...
Neku: That sounds... Unpleasant.
Rikka lowered her head slightly, and mumbled.
Rikka: Imagine h-having your sister k-kill herself, then see how screwed up your anxiety gets...
The mere idea made me shutter... I couldn't personally imagine going through that.
It seemed that Rikkas venting calmed her down a little. I stand, reaching my hand down to her.
Neku: Ready?
Rikka nodded and grabbed my hand. I pulled her up.
I glance at my phone.
Neku: So: there's more than one government building here?
Rikka: O-oh yeah. Dozens of them.
I began to look for any similar buildings to No. 1.
I saw about five other buildings of similar size.
Neku: *Damn, how are we going to find No. 3 out of six buildings?*
Rikka: H-hey N-Neku?
Neku: Sup?
Rikka: I think N-No. 3 is east of No. 1, and northeast of the station. I-if memory s-s-serves correctly.
Neku: Oh. Well that saves a lot of hassle.
Rikka: What I'm here f-for!
Neku: Let's go!
We both run east towards the station. Once we reached it we turned northeast.
Upon reaching what I assumed was No. 3. It was mostly similar to No. 1, the exception being the enormous, inky reaper logo smeared across the building. On top was, who else, Copperhead herself, Mitaka. Her legs hanging off the side of the building looking intently down at us and I presumed the rest of the players.
Rikka pulled on my arm.
Rikka: L-let's go.
I nod.
We walked inside the building.
Inside was as one would expect for a building with the adjective "government". It was an open room. A front desk was stationed across from us, beside the only visible emergency exit. The walls were plastered with an almost muddy yellow, with seats lining them.
We stepped forward. Aside from the secretary at the desk, we were the only ones there.
Rikka leaned towards me, her voice lowered.
Rikka: It's p-pretty ominous in h-here...
Neku: Yeah...
We wondered to the front desk. I place a hand on the desk.
Neku: We're players here to remove your "trespassers."
The secretary observed both of us. She nods, and grabbed her desk phone, and dialed some number.
Secretary: Yes. Yeah, they're here.
She listened for a second more, then hung up. She tilts her head behind her to the doorway directly to her right, our left.
We dashed through and began climbing the stairway, Rikka whimpered quietly before stepping up the stairs.
After roughly six flights, we heard sounds from the hallway on the floor we just entered.
We both stop dead in our tracks. We each leaned to one side of the entryway to the hallway. Slowly we peered around the corner.
We saw nothing. But the sounds coming from down the hall were loud as hell.
Neku: *What the-?*
Next thing I knew, Joshua and Rhyme stumble out into the hallway, Rhyme leading in front.
Beads of sweat actually dotted Joshua's face. He flicked his hand. A horizontal pillar beamed out the hallway from where they came.
I blink. Rikka starring at me expectantly. I gesture to wait, and observe.
Rhyme stumbled forward, but catches herself.
Rhyme: DAMMIT YOSHIYA!
Joshua: How many times do I have to say- JOSHUA!
Joshua: Just- for the sake of my sanity PLEASE just call me Joshua.
An mischievous grin smears Rhymes face.
Rhyme: You realize that you're just giving more incentive to not call you Joshua... Right?
She elbowed a clearly frustrated Joshua.
I couldn't help but grin.
Joshua: I- Wha-?
Joshua had clearly been trying to multitask. He turned back quickly, arm thrown towards whatever was coming around the corner.
A reaper rounded be corner and met a face full of demon pillar. He dissolved instantly.
Joshua turned to Rhyme while walking past her, visibly annoyed.
Joshua: Such sass, Bito.
The two walk towards our doorway. I glance at Rikka and nod.
Neku: JOSHUA!
Joshua leapt back next to Rhyme, hand sweeping hair from his face.
Joshua: Neku.
Neku: Er-
Neku: I mean- Yoshiya.
Joshua's face turned beat red. Whether it was his anger or him actually blushing, I wasn't in the mood to care.
Joshua: Listen here, you dick-
Joshua: All I wanted was nice lunch with an old friend, whom. I, perhaps, might have left things with in a rather premature manner.
Joshua: Furthermore: I even suck up the partnership of Mrs. Ass-umption here. Only, and I repeat, only to reunite with said old friend.
My glare only intensified.
Neku: Yeah right. Like I'm supposed to buy that?
Neku: I'm here because of you!
Rhyme eyed Rikka, and mumbled.
Rhyme: What's with Neku getting paired with lookers?
Rikka: I-I BEG YOUR P-PARDON?!
Neku: I bet you're the intruders here. Having just killed that reaper.
Joshua scratches his head.
Joshua: Guilty is charged. But what was that about me killing you?
Neku: Wha-? You're kidding right?
Joshua: My dear Neku: that is the single most idiotic thing you could possibly suggest.
I cock my head slightly. Clearly he was trying to screw with me. Right?
Joshua chuckled.
Joshua: Heh. You're not putting two and two together I see. If you're dead, that must mean I must be dead as well.
Neku: Please- you can see the dead! You could easily blend in. You've done it before-!
Joshua, eyebrow raised, shows me his hand. A red timer counted down. My eyes grow wide.
Joshua: Why would I kill myself? Seriously. Far too messy.
I wince at the thought.
Rikka was trying to argue with Rhyme. Who is starring at Rikka blankly. She began walking towards me and Josh.
Next thing I knew, Rhyme was hugging me.
It surprised me how much she'd grown. She was still Beat's little sister, but she'd clearly been through a lot recently.
Rhyme: I've... Missed you.
I'm initially surprised. But I eventually embrace Rhyme's hug.
Neku: So have I-
I step back gripping Rhyme's shoulders.
Neku: Where have you been? Beat, Shiki, and I, have been worried sick!
Rhyme lowered her head. Joshua was messing with a strand of hair, glancing at me awkwardly as if I shouldn't have asked.
Silence filled the room for a moment.
Rikka: Er- N-n-not to intrude. B-but don't we have a mission?
I let go of Rhyme.
Neku: Y-yeah...
Joshua: I wasn't kidding.
Neku: Huh?
Joshua: We're the intruders.
Joshua spread his hands out a grin on his face.
I looked at Rhyme, then at Joshua, then back at Rhyme.
Neku: S-so...
Rikka: N-no...
Rhyme, with a half hearted smile, raised her hand for a hand shake.
Rhyme: Good luck!
Neku: But- we can't-
Rhyme: I can't think of another way...
Joshua: Hrm? What? Are you giving up Rhyme?
Rhyme: I can't fight my friends... So yes.
Joshua ponders. He stares at me and lifts his phone towards me.
Joshua: Then I will.
I brace myself.
Neku: W-what?!
Thoughts rushed through my head. Unsure of what to do. I glance at my palm.
"23:10"
I ease slightly.
Neku: Fine.
I raise a card towards Joshua.
Neku: You wanna fight?
Joshua narrowed his eyes.
Neku: I'll give you a fight.
Rikka steps back. Eyes widened.
Rikka: Y-you can't be serious!?
Rhyme: Honestly! Think of what you're doing! Just for one second! The reapers are on our asses-!
Joshua's expression was grim. He starred at me with an indescribable malice that flowed through his gaze into mine. He was mad, Joshua was truthfully, honestly- Mad? Hurt? Betrayed? I wasn't sure. I don't think I cared.
Neku: Well-?
As I spoke, Joshua darted forward, thrusting his arm. A demonic pillar shone from behind him and aimed straight towards my face. I rolled aside. I pulled out a card Rikka had given me. The card was a spiral of what appeared to be wind. Taking a blind shot in the dark. I threw the card to Joshua's right, arcing it. It quickly began to increase in speed, and revolve around Joshua. Tiny gusts of wind seemed to try and swipe at Joshua, a few hit him. Upon taking notice, Joshua, mildly bloodied, summoned a pillar around him to cut through the whirlwind. With the flick of the wrist, Joshua leaped from the pillar of light, summoned his phones antenna, and swung three times in succession. I sidestepped the first vertical strike, but the following two were lightning fast horizontal stikes that got once in the arm and the opposite side of my torso.
I girmanced from the pain, gripping my side.
Neku: Arg-!
Rikka: Neku!
Rhyme: Yoshiya! That's enough!
Joshua flinched. For a brief moment, I saw a spark in his eye. He flung his phone towards Rhyme. Tables, chairs, and vases, that lined the halls flew in her direction.
Rikka: Look out!
Rikka jumped into Rhyme, pushing both of them to the floor. The airborne furniture flew overhead.
Neku: What the hell?!
Joshua wasn't even responding. Again, his phone is aimed to me. This time, I lunge to the side, throwing the lightning card at Joshua. It sheared thought the air, with the force of the throw. But Joshua, ever the graceful prick, side stepped.
Neku: Listen to me for once will you-!
Before I knew it Joshua was running towards me. I pulled my three bullet cards and threw them one at a time. But Joshua weaved around them like they were nothing but a mild inconvenience. Once close enough, he flicked his phone through the air, the antenna slashed across my chest. It wasn't too deep. But it hurt like hell.
Neku: D-dammit...
Everybody was silent as I fell to my knees. Rikka looked horrified. Rhyme was yelling a Josh, who was on one knee, panting.
A flash from the opposite end of the room blinded everybody briefly. Who else to stand in front of me but Copperhead herself, Mitaka. She stood clapping, with a smirk.
Mitaka: Well, isn't this a predicament.
I glared at the GM. As did Joshua, sweat beading down his face while gritting his teeth. More real emotion, he was full of surprises today.
Mitaka: Now what am I to do with you two?
I tried to stumble to my feet.
Neku: The hell did you sa-?
I was met with a sharp slap to the face, knocking me down. Mitaka turned to me.
Mitaka: Watch your tone!
Mitaka: As I was saying: the two of you fought with psychs, outside your zones? Tch, hardly appropriate.
I struggled to my feet.
Neku: P-please-
Neku: I could take you the old fashioned way if I knew how to fix it.
On the other side of the room, Joshua appeared to have an epiphany. He wretched, coughing up a little bit of blood. Before standing, wiping his chin.
Joshua: So: that's it.
Joshua flicked a few strands of hair that had fallen to his face. He looked at me, completely serious.
Joshua: Neku, Mis Copperhead seems to have a connection with the oddities surrounding this game.
He turned to Mitaka, smirking with certainty.
Joshua: Isn't that right? Copperhead?
Mitaka stood in consideration, her eyes narrowing.
Mitaka: Do go on...
Joshua: Certainly-
In a flash, Mitaka appeared in front of Joshua, giving him a swift kick to the face. He collapsed to the floor.
Rikka had edged to my side, checking my wounds.
Things only got worse, as per usual. A reapers appeared next to Mitaka. It was Bakanuju, in all of his asinine glory.
Bakanuju: Fantastic Copperhead! May I... Dispose of these pests.
Mitaka: Hrmph. Not yet, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, I must protest.
Bakanuju: Wha-? But-!
Mitaka: What did I just say?
Another reaper appeared behind Mitaka. This time, it was a blonde haired woman.
?: Heh, go on brother- do it.
On the other side of the room, I could hear Joshua let out a loud groan.
Bakanuju: Er- I- But-!
Bakanuju seemed to spaz out of proportion for a moment. But he then charged at me and Rikka.
Rikka, now visibly angry, jumped in front of me. Rather than using a psych, or something viable. She proceeded to punch the reaper square in the face. A loud pop was heard from Bakanuju's face.
Rikka: THAT'S FOR FRAMING US- REAPER BASTARD!
Rikka gripped her now sore right wrist. Meanwhile the reaper was grasping his face, covering his probably now broken nose.
Before the he could complain, the reaper was suddenly impailed by a hand. It was Mitaka's.
I should note, that when I say impailed, I'm not talking about grabbing the heart and pull it out sort of gross deal. Much like noise, it was almost like a portal of static coming from his chest. That doesn't make it any less painful mind you.
Mitaka: What. Did. I. Say?
The reaper fell to his knees. Then on his already broken nose and faded away.
Everybody merely starred wide eyed for a moment. The exceptions being Mitaka who was unamused, and the apparently. sister reaper, who stood with an unnervingly wide grin.
Mitaka: That was far too much to show to players.
She chuckled to herself.
Mitaka: Then again none of you are anywhere near normal.
Mitaka: Consider this a freebie, since we had some- internal issues. But. I fully expect you two-
She eyed Rikka and I.
Mitaka: To face me tomorrow.
Mitaka: Two trouble makers like yourselves must be delt with appropriately.
I stood up, leaning on Rikka as support.
Neku: If you really want to fight us- why not now?
Mitaka: I could- but that wasn't the goal of todays mission.
Rhyme, who was helping Joshua up, chimed in.
Rhyme: Then what's this about a "freebie"?
The sister turned and hissed.
?: Don't speak unless spoken to!
In an almost comical fashion, Rhyme drops Joshua, pulling out a card and holding up against the reaper.
Rhyme: You wanna try me? Go ahead. I already have nothing to live for.
Joshua: Urg- you idiot- don't-
Mitaka: I'm tired of antagonizing these players. Goodnight.
Mitaka snapper her fingers, and we suddenly all collapsed to the floor.
Day 6: Hateful Feelings