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.
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Neku: Day 2
You know- if someone had told me that if one day, I'd be looking at the Shinjuku sky and be learning to hate it, I might have believed them...
I was leaning against the entrance to one of the nearby clothing stores next to the Shinjuku subway station. Jess had decided her clothes were too tattered. Which, she wasn't wrong I guess...
As I waited outside, simply flicking my player pin in the air with the satisfying click and ring of my fingernail against aluminum, my focus shifted in and out of the thoughts of people around me. Tourists wondering where to look next, or commuters complaining about the tourists. It wasn't anything new to me. In fact, Shibuya was maybe just as bad.
Eventually the door rang and Jess exited with a few bags of clothing.
Neku: What? You got new shoes too?
Jess narrowed her eyes and kicked her flip flops off her feet and into my face.
Neku: Hey- Ok! Ok! Sorry-!
By the time I had lowered my arms and opened my eyes Jess was already stipping down.
Neku: Eh- Jeez Jess...
I turned around and paced.
Jess: What? Never seen a girl naked?
Neku: Well- I mean... For one that's none of your business, and I figured you'd appreciate me not looking.
Jess shrugged.
Jess: I mean, if we weren't dead and invisible to literally everyone but each other maybe? But yeah, no. I really don't care.
I scratch my head. She was so something else wasn't she?
Neku: Erm- Well, why's that?
I could hear Jess pause as she was pulling a flannel over shirt over her arms. She sighed.
Jess: If you want me to get pretentious, I don't think nudity is really as risqué as most make it out to be. It's humans in our natural form right? Now, um- what humans tend to do while naked... Yeah, that probably gives validity to having clothes in public. I'm not gonna be embarrassed by it, but other will. So...
Jess shugged.
Jess: Eh?
Jess: It helps that I look great in clothes, if I'm allowed to be full of myself.
Neku: Well- ah- I'll stick to not seeing anyone naked, thanks.
Jess shrugged.
Jess: Suit yourself. I'll warn you next time hows about that?
Neku: "Next time"? S-Sure...
With the clicking of boots, Jess began walking towards me.
Jess: Done.
She patted me on the shoulder as she passed, reminding me just how much taller she was than me. With that, our phones buzzed.
Neku: Pefect timing...
"Meet in fellowship, your fellow players en mass, 90 mins"
Neku: The hell?
Jess: "En mass"? Does that mean all together? Or just find a lot of players?
Had I seen other players so far? I couldn't remember. The closest thing were those... Figures... But they were clearly not players, but rather some mutated- things... I told myself to try and tell Sunako about them next time we met.
Neku: Either way, we should be mindful of those... Things...
Jess: Oh yeah, the mutants?
Neku: Excuse me?
Jess: They're definitely humanoid. Just gross looking. Deadly too.
Neku: Right... So then we need to be mindful of those- mutants. Question is, where can we find other players?
Jess: Good question. Generally in a series of games, they keep the same group, maybe add a few more players if they're running thin. So, if I was a player... I'd probably stay around the station, especially if I don't know where I am.
Neku: So, just- linger around?
Jess: Yep. Keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, we can act as tourists!
Neku: We only have ninety minutes. I don't think we should dawdle.
Jess: I'm not dawdling. I'm just- thinking outside the box.
I narrowed my eyes as Jess began walking off.
This was going to be a long ass week.
...
I followed Jess as she wondered down the street. The narrowed alley filled with shops and people opened up into the largest road I had seen so far. There was a sky walk overhead, guiding people around the station. Car wizzed by with many stopping and going with frequent honks, trying to articulate their frustration however they can.
Jess found a nearby bench and sat down. I stopped and cocked my head, staring at her. What was she playing at?
Neku: Um. Hey-?
Jess: Just sit down.
She patted the seat next to her. Slowly, I approached and sat next to her.
Jess: Before we go any further, I want to ask you a few questions.
Neku: Are you being serious? We don't have time-!
Jess: First off: where are you from?
Neku: Why are we doing this no-?
Jess: Just answer the damn question, Sakuraba.
I raised an eyebrow.
Neku: Shibuya. Not too far from here. But even still, I'm not all that familiar with Shinjuku.
Jess nodded.
Jess: Right. Makes sense. Next question: what's you're entry fee?
I froze. I knew my entry fee from last week... But was never clear on what- or if they took anything for this week or not.
Neku: I dunno. Not yet anyway.
Jess: Last week?
Neku: They took- someome important to me.
Jess turned to me.
Jess: Like- that girl at the diner? Is she their prisoner?
Neku: What-? No-!
Jess: Then you're gay for that guy-?
I lept out of my seat.
Neku: The hell-? NO-!
I stopped myself. My initial reaction was- maybe a little too strong. But generally, I didn't know what to think of Joshua... I'm, mostly sure it wasn't positive through.
Neku: Well- it's not him.
Jess nodded.
Jess: But, you know- There's no shame in liking a guy you know.
Neku: I mean- I know that.
I shoved my hands in my pocket and averted my gaze. Sort of an awkward conversation to have with someone I barely know.
Jess: In fact, if that chick from the diner isn't yours... Well, I hope you wouldn't mind me taking her.
Jess expressed a slightly sheepish grin. I crossed my arms, annoyed with her choice of words.
Neku: She isn't an object. But that's not up to me anyway.
Jess shrugged.
Jess: Clearly you have no game. But eh- can't win 'em all. In fact, I'm disappointed to hear you're taken...
Unbelievable.
Neku: I get it. You're cool because you're bisexual.
Jess: Ah! So you do know what that is!
Neku: Wha-? Why does that matter?
Jess stood, a smirk running across her face.
Jess: It doesn't. Come on, let's continue the hunt.
She smacked me on the back and continued down the road. I simply rolled my eyes and followed. I'm pretty sure most bisexuals weren't... Unsettling, in their sexuality. Unfortunately, Jess was the exception.
We quickly found ourselves back in the crowded narrow streets in the markets. Jess hopped on an idle bus to get a view of the place.
Neku: You're going to get yourself killed you know!
Jess turned and flashed me a thumbs up. I simply sigh and climbed after her.
As I gained my footing on the hood, the bus started moving.
Neku: Guh-!
I flailed and fell forward onto the windshield as it began to make its way down the street. Thankfully, Jess grabbed my arm and jerked me up with her.
Jess: You're a clutz aren't you?
Neku: ...Thanks for the save...
Neku: What are you looking for exactly?
Jess: Right now? Probably just noise. Hopefully some battling other players.
Neku: A little morbid, but it's a start.
A sneer crept across Jess' face.
Jess: My friend, morbid is my middle name.
Neku: But- I thought it was complicated?
Jess ignored me. I wasn't buying her act. She had been intimidating during the first week, but that was because I was out of my element. Now? Let's just say I was much more comfortable. Relatively speaking of course, and I can see through BS when I see it.
As we continued down the road on our little bus ride, I grew weary. We hadn't seen anything yet. Not even noise. In fact, the noise in general were sparse so far.
Neku: If only there was a way to bring the players to us... Maybe if we used a psych to stand out. Like a beacon?
A lightbulb went off in Jess' head. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a pin. With a smirk, she glanced and me.
Jess: Miiight want to cover your ears...
Neku: What? Why would I need to-
Jess: HELLOOOO SHIIINJUUKUU!
My ears immediately were errupted. Giant speakers appeared next to Jess, who was suddenly was belting into a microphone.
Jess: IM GOING TO NEED ALL PLAYERS OF THE REAPERS GAME TO MEET AT THE PLAZA IN FRONT OF THE STATION A. S. A. P!
With that, the speakers dissappeared. It felt as if everything had went quiet. Then I realized it was just my ringing ears.
Jess tried to talk to me, but I was busy smacking my ears for any for of feeling...
Suddenly, Jess grabbed my arm and pulled my off the bus with her. She gracefully rolled into a sprint, while I crashed face first into the concrete.
I tried shouting at her, but, yet again, I couldn't hear anything. I stumbled to get up and follow her, turning back to see another inky figure, a mutant. A small crowd of noise followed. My guess was Jess thought it was better to book it.
So I did.
I started to make use of my probably specral form? I pushed and phased through the crowd of tourists, making my way to the plaza and hopefully following Jess.
From the side, the mutant tried to body slam me. As it got close, I kicked off the ground and began to roll my back over it, where it slammed into the building beside me. Stumbling on the landing, I pull out a card and toss it backwards towards the noise. It began to spark, crackle, and grow heavy, as in a flash, it disappeared from my hand and struck a chain of noise behind me.
For my last trick, I eyed an empty car on the road, desperately trying to recall if I had a telechenesis card on me. I shuffle to find that it only had the whirlwind card.
Close enough.
I slid beside the car, tossing the card underneath, trying to angle it backwards towards the noise. I rolled from my slide, and picked up the pace, my breathing becoming heavy as i struggled to leave the area in time.
To my surprise, as I rounded the corner, I heard the sudden crash of the car slamming into the building beside it. So, in short- my aim was off.
I entered the plaza to see Jess waiting and starring at the horrifying sight. There were... People there? But not players. The same figures from before, now en mass, crowded around the fountain which acted as the center peice of the area surrounded by street lamps. On top of the fointain, seemingly trying to drink from it, was another, not entirely black figure. It seemed- somewhat coherent. Perched on the cobblestone construction with some sort of poise, with some ounce of intent. Whatever it was, it was actually collected. Unlike the mutants around it which simply swarmed mindlessly.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a few different groups of players appear and withdraw, seeing the spectacle in front of everyone.
Trying to keep as still and as quiet as possible, I whisper to Jess.
Neku: What brought them here?
Jess: They gotta be-
Jess caught herself, shaking her head.
Jess: I think there are still some. Other players safe nearby.
Neku: What do you say we leave? We can't take them all at once.
I couldn't see Jess' face. Only hear the sight and see the tightening of her fists. Sweat began beating down my face. The hot summer sun aside, I had a horrible feeling.
Jess turned to me with a face of determination.
Jess: I'll take 'em. You be sure those players steer clear. Ok?
I could only blink.
Neku: What-?
Jess charged the fountain screaming in anger. Suddenly she pulls out a revolver from her side.
Decideing not to waste the opportunity, I ran to the other groups of players.
Beside me as I ran, Jess had jumped for the leader, shooting a strange blueish energy from the gun and into the mutants, who dissolved after a few rounds.
Jess hopped, kicked a mutant to her side with one foot, and keeping up the momentum, kicked off the head of another in front of her. She proceeded to fan the hammer of her revolver and spray a swarm with bullets, she seemed to be avoiding the leader specifically for some reason.
I approached the players and tried to see if I recognized anyone... Unfortunately, no one I knew...
With a grimace I wipe the sweat off my forehead.
Neku: You all need to leave NOW!
A player stepped forward.
Player: Why should we trust you?
I pointed back at the swarm.
Neku: You want to trust them? Do they seem friendly enough?
Players glanced at one another, nodded, and began to backtrack. The player in front of me sneered.
Player: Fine. Are you coming with us?
I looked over my shoulder to Jess. She had locked fists with a mutant.
Neku: We might meet later. Right now, my partner needs me.
The player frowned, but nodded and ran to rejoin his group.
Jess proceeded to knee the mutant in the face, breaking tgeir lock. She twirled her revolver around and pumped full of blue... Bullets? Energy? I had no clue. But it was effective enough. She used the swarm as stepping stools to their leader, who was standing to face her.
It was big. Whatever *it* was. It held a much more uniform shape of a human compared to its almost liquid like counterparts. I think it was wearing clothes? While it definitely seemed human, it's form was still almost wavy. As a result, it didn't have any sharp edges. Everything rounded out somewhere point. The head was basically bald, it had no claws to speak of, just fingers without nails. I couldn't see it's feet, but I'd imagine I'd be a similar picture.
As Jess drew near, the leader grabbed a mutant, which began to flail and growl. It began to glow blue before turning into static and was shaped into a sheld like object, which was thrusted in front of Jess right as she approached.
To my total dismay, Jess, bare fisted, punched the shield-like object. It reverberated the impact into ripples across the shield, as the figure pulled away and decked Jess in the face. Sending her back to me.
I skid to a halt gaging where she was going to land. Unfortunately, she was flying so fast she collided into me immediately after.
I groan as I push her off.
Neku: Hey- you alive?
Jess spits up blood coated saliva before turning to me. Revealing her probably broke nose.
Jess: Nothing I can't fix...
Jess stood, cocked her gun, and took aim. I follow suit pulling a few cards from my pocket.
Neku: Your insane. You know that right?
Jess sneered, keeping eye contact with whatever she was aiming at. I noticed her eyes had the red hue to them. Exactly like when Rikka and I first met her and Shourin...
Jess: Just stay back.
I frown, readying a claymore card, seeing the impending onslaught of mutants.
I recall that we still hadn't completed our mission. I hastily checked the timer. 18 minutes.
Neku: Damn. Let's hurry this up.
Jess: Then shut up and fight.
I run in front of her towards the mutants. As Jess steps around trying to get a good shot. Their leader was still wielding the shield close. But it was cracked. A few well placed shots might shatter the thing. It was all they had left, but she had to be quick once it broke.
I skid across the ground as I began to swing the claymore card, with a psychic blade appearing from it, sweeping a wave of mutants away. I pocket the now used up card to let it recharge and ready my lightning card. I catch a nearby street lamp and swipe my card towards it and hoped for the best. If I aimed this right...
*DING*
With that, my card reflected. Sheering across in front of me, destroying another wave of mutants into a haze of static.
*DING*
Miraculously, it bounced again towards to back, catching the leader by surprise. It turns its shield to my bolt, which was still ricocheting on other lamp posts.
Jess: Gotcha bitch-
*BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
With three well aimed shots to the head, the leader dissolved into static. The mutants around me froze. Before suddenly attacking each other or running off.
I started to back away slowly. I wanted nothing to do with that mess. Unfortunately a few stragglers took notice of me and tried to get the jump. I broke into a sprint back towards Jess, swiping them away with my shockwave card.
Neku: Any idea what's happening?
Jess pondered for a moment, but shrugged.
Jess: No idea.
By the time I turned around, most of the mutants were gone. I stood for a monent, panting desperately. Jess watched as the remaining mutants scurried away.
Suddenly, our phones rang. I pull out my phone, it was a- phone call? I looked over at Jess who also had a phone call. I answer.
Neku: Uh- hello?
There was no response for almost 30 seconds, then the voice of the GM began to speak:
?: Due to unfortunate circumstances, the remaining players shall given an automatic clear condition on todays mission. But be vigalent. Things will only get more difficult.
With a click, it was back to static. I closed my phone and checked my hand. The timer was just- stuck. Wasn't counting down, but still there. I smirked, the reapers must have screwed up big time.
I glanced over at Jess. Who wore a grim expression.
Neku: You're thinking about the "remaining" part right?
Jess: That must mean those mutants killed a lot of players. Maybe because of me...
I rubbed the back of my head.
Neku: Hey- it's fine. We had no way of knowing.
Jess turned away and began walking towards the fountain. I followed.
She muttered to herself.
Jess: I wish I was that ignorant.
I double checked to see if any players were still around. No one. We were all alone.
Neku: Do- do you know what those mutants are?
Jess turned her head slightly, avoiding turning around. Before saying anything, she pulled out a soda can and chugged it, using a restoration psych. I heard the crack of her realigning nose once she finished the can. She flinched, inhaling sharply.
Jess: I have... An inkling, let's say.
Neku: Well- do you wanna share?
She turned to me, deep in thought.
Jess: I'm gonna go with- no.
Neku: You realize people are dying right? Why waste our time when we can maybe put our minds together and stop these mutants?!
Jess: Because I need to test you, Neku.
That could only mean bad things coming from her.
Neku: And just what does that mean?
Jess: I don't trust you entirely. Well get there, I'm sure. You're showing a lot of potential... But, there are somethings I need to be sure of.
Were we talking trust? Or a job interview?
Before I could interject, tiredness overcame. Taking us to sleep.
Day 2: Missing