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.

—

Above all else, I was hoping that when I awoke, I would be ready. But when I opened mt eyes, I was at the scramble crossing in Shibuya.

I stood up quickly, and began turning all around to try and grasp what was happening. People occasionally turned and gave me looks like I was a loon. Suddenly, a man bumped into me.

Man: Oh, sorry. Good morning.

He tipped his hat towards me and continued his commute.

I stood agast at what was happening. Was I- alive?

Before I could get my bearings I heard a beep come from across the walk. Next thing I knew, I was alone, with cars driving towards me.

Neku: Oh shi-

I broke into a sprint towards the closest sidewalk as cars began to wizz by me. Completely ignoring me as if I was roadkill.

As the adrenaline was pumping through me from the sprint, everything started to clear up.

Maybe Rhyme made it back?

I could see Shiki again!

I can apologies to Beat!

I could...

Maybe, get that bowl of ramen with Joshua. Never say never, right?

The sidewalk was literally right in front of me, I could almost reach out the nearby sign.

But then I was hit.

Hard.

I was sent flying across the road, slamming on the concrete. It felt as if every bone in my body was shattered. I let out a gasp for what little air I could muster.

A saw a number of figures approach me. Each becoming more clear as they got closer.

Rhyme stood over me.

Rhyme: You left me.

Rikka and Shiki joined her.

Rikka: You pushed me too hard.

Shiki: You let everyone down.

Beat appear besides Shiki.

Beat: You let my sis die? With her whole life ahead of her? You're worse than me. At least I cared enough to try and save her!

Suddenly, everything dissolved as the last figure approached. I slowly stood.

Joshua raised a gun to me.

Joshua: Let's face it, the you only ever a pawn.

*BANG*

...

Neku Week 2:

Day 1:

...

I awoke in a cold sweat. The hot sun beaming down on me.

I stood up. As it turned out, I was in front of No. 1.

My mind was still moving a thousand miles an hour from what I assumed was a dream. Or was it? Everything was fuzzy at that moment. Given that I had just been thrown into the reapers game for the fifth time in my life. Needless to say, I was frustrated.

I looked up at the ominous building as the water trickled down in the giant water fountain.

I figured I was in the courtyard.

I surveyed the nearby area. It was quiet. Almost too quiet. It seemed like the crowds were avoiding the building for one reason or another.

I pulled out my phone expecting, well, something. But instead all I was met with was a wallpaper, and a time: 8:05. Damn, did we always wake up this early? I put my phone away and let out a sigh.

For as quiet as the place was, it was all so oddly serene. With the occasional gust of wind with the therapeutic sounds of the fountain.

I sat down cross-legged, getting conformable to think.

Now let's see: I need to play the game again right? That's where I was right? Then, what was my entry fee again?

In previous games, the entry fee was either something we valued most, or some BS intervention on the higher ups part to rig the game.

Odds are, Joshua was still lingering around. So was Rhyme by extension. Rikka was probably with Sun. Meanwhile Shiki-

Neku: DAMMIT!

I slammed my fist against the pavement, promptly bruising it.

I had almost forgotten about Shiki. She was apparently my entry fee for week one. She'll probably give me a solid scolding for this happening again. Even though truthfully, it wasn't my fault. Right? I couldn't have prevented this... Right? Definitely not coming to Shinjuku... But- had I been more aggressive during the previous game...

I realized I was essentially wishing Rikka was here instead of me. Which wasn't fair one way or the other. Then again- she did come here by her own choice... What if she-?

I smacked the side of my head, realizing I was letting the stress get to me.

Eventually a question began repeating in my head: What was my entry fee this time?

...

An hour later and still nothing from my phone... I was getting impatient. At this rate I ended up deciding to nap for a bit to calm myself. So I reclined, pulled my headphones on and tried to drift off...

…

…

Then a foot planted on my chest.

Neku: Oof-

I opened my eyes to a silhouette of a figure hiding in front of the sun.

?: What- the hell- are you doing here?

I kick the figure away, rolling backwards, and awkwardly standing straight. In front of me I saw a recoiling Jess. She looked the exact same as last time we met.

Neku: What are *you* doing here?

Jess let out a cough and gasp for air. She steadied herself, taking in a deep breath.

Jess: I wasn't anywhere close to winning the last game in case you didn't know. So... Yeah. I thought you and miss slutty won.

I grimaced at that comment.

Neku: Watch it! But yes- she did win. It's just...

I recalled that Rikka was supposedly now Sunako's replacement.

Neku: It's a bit more complicated now...

Jess raised an eyebrow at me.

Jess: Boy- complicated is my middle name.

Jess then got unconfortably close. It was almost like she was trying to- seduce me? For lack of a better word? I pushed her away again. She hissed at me.

Jess: What's your problem?!

Neku: I don't have time for you. I've got things to do.

I began walking away. To where? Literally anywhere but there.

Jess: Like what?

Neku: Like none of your damn business is what!

Jess sneered at me. I returned the gesture. With that, I turned around and decided to make my way to the cafe where Rikka and I had met Sun for the first time, hoping that I might run across either of them.

But a noise appeared directly in front of me, however. It wasn't just any normal noise too. It was lifeless. Like it was just a floating corpse, begging even more questions.

I took a step back, Jess took a stance next to me.

The noise began to move towards us unnaturally, like it was being pulled along. It spun around like a razer blade and flew towards us. We ducked to either side. A laughter echoed around us.

Neku: What now-?!

The noise dropped to the ground. While in between the two of us, a figure appeared. He donned a large hooded tie die overcoat. He wasn't the tallest, but he made the mass up in muscle.

?: You two need to learn to calm down. This isn't how my first day on the job is supposed to go.

Neku: Who the hell are you?

He flinched, startled by comments.

?: Very aggressive too. How rude.

He patted himself down.

?: Anyway, I'm only here to give players a heads up. Shinjukus reapers game is now under new management!

He posed charasmatically.

?: And I intend on not breaking any rules, or letting rule breakers go scott free...

Neku: What does that mean?

Jess: It means he's not going to be breaking rules. He literally just said.

The figure pointed at Jess.

?: Exactly! Mitaka, for all of her perks, broke a handfull of rules without clear explanation, but that's internal matters. You only need to know that I won't be so reckless. So then- best of luck!

With a snap he exploded into a haze of static. Jess and I left to simply look at each other.

Jess blinked.

Jess: So... Was he high or...?

I stood up and pulled out my phone, anticipating that frustratingly familiar tone.

Jess: What are you-?

Neku: Just shut up.

Jess rolled her eyes and began pacing.

Sure enough, my phone rang. I flipped it opened, revealing the day's mission: "Seek your soul, and reach a safe place, 30 min".

I starred wide eyed at the sudden change in format before the jolt hit me. The timer appeared on my hand.

Neku: Dammit! We don't have much time... Do you know if pacts are still important?

Jess simply shrugged.

Jess: If the planes are still busted I can't imagine why.

Neku: Ok then let's skip that for now. Do you know where a "safe place" would be?

Jess raised an eyebrow.

Jess: 'dunno. Does Sunako have a place?

Neku: Don't know. Never found out. But I was going to check somewhere just in case.

Jess: You just love to live on the edge don't you?

Neku: Honestly? I'm not normally given much of a choice.

I finally started towards the cafe with Jess following. As we ran through the streets, I noticed figures quickly appearing and dissapearing. I assumed they were noise. Then one of them decked me in the face from an alley next to us.

I was sent flying across the ground and rolled into the side of a nearby building.

Jess flung her knee around and straight into the figures gut, causing it to recoil. She clasped both of her hands together and smashed them into the side of the figures face, sending it flying as well.

Jess: God- that was gross.

As I stumbled to my feet I noticed Jess' hands and leg dripping a black inky substance.

Neku: Later- right now, let's go!

I glance at my hand: 16:41... 16:40...

Jess and I rounded at least a dozen corners before the path branched.

Jess: These alleyway are a maze I swear...

Rikka and I the previous week took the longer, more obvious route. But Jess was right. These alleyways were almost designed to get lost in, especially if you're in a hurry.

The two branching paths were suspect, to put it lightly. With the branch on the left being tighter and dimly lit, while the path on the right almost glowed in comparison as it opened up.

Jess: Let's go left!

Jess darted off towards the left.

Neku: Why?

Jess: Because good adveterurers always go left!

I paused as her voice faded away. I glanced at the other path, there could have been more of those... Things from before. Especially in an environment like that path. I shook my head.

Neku: Your funeral.

I started on the right path.

The path widened as I found myself by a road. I looked either way, no indication of life, regardless of the now brightened environment. I try and head towards the general direction of where we were headed before.

I continue along the path for a few minutes with nothing of note happening. Eventually I had broken into a sprint. Time was running out. I didn't have time for this.

Suddenly, I heard what I thought was the all to familiar sound of static. I assumed it was noise.

I... Wasn't too far off.

What seemed like a player at first, decided to tackle me from behind, slamming me onto the asphalt. I tried to roll them off of me, turning and kicking into their chest. They landed on all fours, with a strange aura appearing around their head. Suddenly, a streak of flames appeared in front of me. I shuffle backwards.

Rolling backwards, I stand and check for a card in my pocket. I pull out a boomerang card? After a brief moment, it clicked. I threw it at an angle towards the figure, knocking it in the head. The aura fades immediately, as does the fire. The card flies back to my hand as the figure ran towards me almost like a dog.

They lept into the air and thrusted out their arms. I rolled to the side and grabbed a shockwave card from my pocket and tried to swipe at the figues side. It makes purchase, and pushed it away.

As we both collapse onto the ground we slowly steady ourselves back to our feet and and stand off. This thing was fast, I needed to cover a large enough area at once to be sure I get it...

Keep locked eyes on the figure, I pull out all of my cards. The shockwave psych, bullet psychs, lighning, whirlwind, and... Then there was that big blade. Probably best be described as a claymore. I pocket the rest and ready the card, waiting for the first signs of movement.

After a brief moment, we were both still idle. So, I decide to try and juke it out. I hop to the side, acting like I'm about to break into a run. The figure immediately charges. I catch myself and pull back swinging my card arm in the process. The card grew heavy and a bluish psychic blade expanded from the end. As the figure was about to try and leap for me, the claymore crashes into it, sending into the pavement with a crack.

I pause, unsure if it's dead. Then it decides to, what I can only describe as "fall apart" and sprawl out its inky remains on the ground. I recoil at the gross sight. It was, basically just a puddle of ink that quickly began to dry up.

I let out a deep sigh and check my hand: 4:25...

Neku: *shit*

I stumble back into my hurried sprint down the road.

...

Finally, after another series of twists and turns in the road I find myself in front of the cafe whwre I found Rikka unresponsive, its also where we met Sunako for the first time.

I hurriedly run inside. The first thing I see is Jess at a booth, sipping on a soda.

Jess: Sup.

She lifts her hand, the timer is still there.

Neku: No no nonono!

I grip my head. We had less than two minutes at this point. We were done, finished, doomed.

?: WOAH!

A familiar voice shouts from behind the counter.

A surprised and concerned Sunako runs towards us.

Sun: Neku! And- ah... You...

Jess: Oh please, we just need to know how to beat this stupid mission and we're on our way.

Neku: I messed up bad Sun.

Sun puts her hands up.

Sun: I think I already know. You two haven't made a pact yet have you?

I freeze. Jess slowly turns her gaze to me.

Jess: Well?

Neku: Alright! I accept!

After a flash, the timers are gone. I let put a gasp as I fall to my knees, clutching my chest.

Jess: Well done. *Partner*.

My head was spinning. So much for pacts nit being important...

?: N-neku?!

I riase my head to see Rikka in front of me. This time wearing an apron over her usual attire.

Neku: Rikka?! I- you-?

I pause. Finally taking note of the wardrobe change.

Neku: What's with the apron?

Rikka looked at herself and scratched her head.

Rikka: Well- I-I- ah...

Sunako offered her hand.

Sun: She's with me.

I accepted her hand. After pulling me up, she continued.

Sun: Due to... Unforseen circumstances... Rikka offered to become a guardian and to try and offer help to you and the other players.

Rikka: I also h-hoped that you would have been able to take my top spot and leave the game... B-B-But- um...

Neku: Yeah, that didn't happen.

I sneer. Recalling that prick who told us everything.

Rikka: S-sorry...

Neku: You have no reason to apologize. I appreciate the attempt. But, why? Why not take your second chance at life?

Rikka: I- I-

Rikka paused and composed herself.

Rikka: You told me I could help people. S-So I started with you.

I turned my gaze to the ground. I couldn't help but feel guilty. Yeah, I encouraged her to help people, but... Why me? What did do to deserve it? Did I deserve it?

I stood and noticed that even Rikka's expression had changed. Almost as if she was questioning what she had just said. Not that I blamed her.

Neku: Either way, even if you see it as a waste, I really do appreciate the gesture.

Rikka: R-right. Thanks...

Jess slapped my shoulder.

Jess: How heartwarming. But what's the game plan?

Neku: Game plan? We're just playing the reapers game. I'm not risking anything else.

A smirk appeared on Jess' face.

Jess: Oh? What have you risked so far?

I hesitated. She was giving me creepo vibes by the stare alone.

Neku: That's not important to you.

Rikka stepped forward.

Rikka: N-Neku-!

I tuned back to Rikka, who was wearing a frown.

Rikka: You n-need to trust your partner!

I blinked. Well, she was right. Using my own damn words too... I tried to convince myself that the hesitation was due to Jess being... Well- weird.

Neku: I mean...

Saved by the guardian, Sunako walked up.

Sun: Reguardless, it's smart you stay out of trouble. There's been a lot going on behind the scenes that-

She froze. Pondering her next words carefully. Eyeing up Jess.

Sun: That're too many strings of stories and experiences that I'm not going to sort through.

I stepped forward.

Neku: But Sun- what about Joshua? Rhyme?

Sunako's expression pained briefly. She avoided making eye contact as she responded.

Sun: Like I said...

Sun wondered back behind the counter and pointed to an empty booth.

Sun: You can fall asleep there. Noone takes the sun seat...

Jess wondered toward the booth. I began walking too, but Rikka grabbed my shoulder. She seemed like she was trying to focus hard on something.

Rikka: I need you to know, this w-week won't be the same. Don't let your guard d-down.

I nodded, patting her on the shoulder as I turned back around to sit across from Jess.

Following Sun's instructions, we sat down. Just as we were drifting off into unconsciousness...

Day 1: The Loop